Arrival at the Temple (Meira)

[Dean]

The stars shone down and up on her in an attempt to bring light to the darkness that was just recently created in her heart. This feeble attempt was as useless as the same attempt of the stars to bring light in the endless depths of the galaxy. Aarati smiled at the moment she thought of this poetic sentence just after pulling the handle that made her ship jump out of hyperspace. She had finally arrived at her destination. Korriban looked like it was barren, she wondered if that was an effect of sith that rumored the said planet for ages, or that this place was without hope either way. It didn’t matter. Even with her low sensing skills she could feel dark energy pulsing from this planet and she got a sudden burst of energy and the feeling that nothing could go wrong.

The planet that was this strong with the force, and yet dead proved that the Jedi also had been wrong. They said that the force pulsated through every alive thing in the galaxy; this planet however, was dead. The force pushed through every object it could find and that was the essence of it. How could one understand the living if one didn’t understand the dead?

In the atmosphere she felt nothing but excitement about coming to this place and maybe finding things that would make her more powerful. Almost at the same moment she felt something weird, there was life on this planet. Her sensing skills enchanted by the power of this planet could feel them. She couldn’t tell how much or where, she could only say that there was some life or maybe a lot. She didn’t know exactly. She saw the planet filling her window and was able to now see the landscape a little bit. She moved closer and closer while slowly slowing down so she could check out where she should be. She decided to use the force to gather this information. She took a moment to slide into the deep wells of the force and followed her senses to where the darkest power was gathered. She changed her course slightly and headed there.

After a little while the ship finally touched down gently on the solid rock ground of the planet and she opened the doors so she could get out. In front of her was a huge building where the powers she felt were most concentrated in contrary to the Jedi temple, this power was dark, and she associated it with another temple. This meant that there may be dark jedi or even sith around. With a little thought she brought her lightsaber to her hand, ready to switch it on any moment if she was threatened by a force sensitive or a beast.

[Meira]

The comings and goings of beings on Korriban were not accident. Not a ship entered the system without the powers that be knowing about it. There were few places on Korriban to go, an outpost or trading town here or there, little else. People who came to Korriban had a reason, and likely had to do quite a bit of searching to even find the wayward planet. But once they'd arrived, they were watched carefully. The Sith, though growing stronger every day, couldn't afford to be surprised.

So it was no real surprise that this one ship arrived at Korriban. It was also not a surprise when it was discovered that the being piloting the ship was force sensitive. Many were flocking to the alluring call of the dark side now. The temple was swelling with those who hoped to feed off the power, carve their own place into its being, and climb among the ranks.

As was usual, Darth Renata was informed that a force sensitive being had entered the system and was soon to land. Renata didn't meet each new arrival personally every time one showed up, but this one was fortunate in that Renata was not overwhelmingly busy at the time. Her apprentices were away doing their work for her and for the Sith, and so Renata deemed it feasible to greet this newcomer personally.

Renata exited the temple, followed by her guard. They were not necessary of course, not physically. Renata was more than capable of protecting herself. But their presence served a more important purpose than mere protection. They were like medals to a soldier, or money to a businessman. They symbolized her status, her power. They were useful little trinkets.

The fiery haired Sith arrived at the landing area not long after the being emerged. Human, older than herself... Her senses were sent out, curling around the woman like invisible smoke. She could feel a light. No, that wasn't accurate. She could feel the sensation of a light that had faded away, or blinked out. It was something Renata herself could relate to. This woman had once been a Jedi, Renata would bet her life on it. A thin smile peeled its way across her lips as she approached. Renata loved nothing more than to see others turn away from the Jedi, as she had. It was easy to recruit those who'd never been under the Jedi's oppressive thumb. To watch those who'd once bowed to them stand and reject them, well, it fed the self-righteousness inside of her. Almost like a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Do you come looking for a fight? Renata asked, eying the lightsaber the newly arrived woman now held in her hand. Her own two blades remained at her sides. They'd be called of course, if needed. Perhaps Renata would have some fun with this woman, test her skills. But for now, perhaps, introductions were more appropriate. What is your name?

[Dean]

Aarati came stood there with her lightsaber in her hand, it wasn’t ignited yet, but that was not really necessary, the red haired woman who was approaching her showed no sign of having the desire to attack her while she had just landed. She could feel that the woman was force sensitive, and the guards behind her..Well maybe they were force sensitive but that was nothing compared to the power of the woman who was leading them. She could feel the aura of the woman as if she could touch it with her bare hands.

It was a strong feeling, but the woman wasn’t much stronger then herself in the force. It was close though but it wouldn’t differ much. Aarati wondered, would this be one of the higher ups of whatever this place was, or would she be a ‘’knight’’ as she translated it in her mind. She decided on letting the topic rest for a while until she was in the position to learn more about the woman.

With her feeble sense skills she reached out a little bit more and could feel that the aura of this woman was pitch black, not just tainted like hers, but really black. This could get interesting. The red haired woman said something on which Aarati could only raise her eyebrow. ’’I came here to look for sith artifacts not knowing that there was some sort of temple being built here. ‘’ She looked at the huge building behind her. It couldn’t be here for that long since she never heard of it in her jedi order years, and she had been in the position where she would have heard these kinds of things.

’’My name is Aarati Irwagbon, ex jedi master. I came here to become a sith, with or without help.’’

[Deleted]

Koeing had finally gotten the information he needed. The location of the temple erected to train the Sith, smiling with a sadistic grin he stood on the bridge of the small transport ship. Kayn by his side as he watched the monitors of the approaching world Korriban, Kayn let out a low growl but Koeing ignored the beast his mind was on the Sith. Wearing his dress clothes as he put it, a black cloth shirt that had a sheen to it and black pants with his boots. His hair is let down his two toned red and black hair seemed to shimmer in the light thrown off by the ships bridge. The pilot had scanned the surface and was able to detect another recently landed ship and this caught Koeing's attention, someone trying to join the ranks of the Sith as well? He would have to investigate that. Nodding to the pilot Koeing had him set a course directly for the spot that other ship had landed.

Within a relatively short time the ship had descended upon Korriban, only a short distance away from the other ship that had landed recently. Koeing made an effort to examine the ship before exiting his, he threw out his feelers and began searching for those sensitive in the force. The Dark aura of this planet was intoxicating, he nearly lost himself to the lure but remained in control, the pilot opened the side doors and Koeing made for them. Stepping outside onto the dark and sandy world Koeing brought with him the clothes on his back, his dual sabers and Kayn the large and intimidating Liger. Using his sense skill, which isn't all that great he felt out the two dark presences that seemed loom in the air for right now.

As he strode up to them, the sand would crunch under his boot, he held his posture in a confident and proud manner. Koeing had no reason to hide nor shy away from what he is, a proud and sadistic man. Lifting his right hand his fingers would brush through his two toned hair pushing it up behind his ears so it did not obstruct his view of the two women. On one hand he had overheard the Sith hopeful state she's an Ex Jedi Master, on the other a striking and gorgeous woman stood before them. Her angled features and dark lure was nearly enough to send Koeing over the edge, with a dark grin his attention shifted to the Ex Jedi.

"An Ex Jedi Master, how quaint. I can tell, you havn't been down this path for long i doubt you even understand what it is to use the Darkside." He said in a deep velveteen voice then his striking green eyes shifted to the Sith before them. "You on the other hand are gorgeous, something to be reckoned with. Your allure and power are intoxicating what i would give to be alone with you." Shifting his weight to take a step forward he eyes the woman then thinks better of getting closer before he had a chance to judge her reactions. "My name is Koeing Turion, Dark Jedi Master. At your service dark one, i aim to please as long as it brings the destruction of the Jedi."

His head lowered in a mock bow but he refused to take his eyes off of her, not only were her striking features mesmerizing but he couldn't trust either of these women, and doubted he ever would. Koeing was not here for trust but for power and to rain destruction on the Jedi. If he had to betray everyone he met to rip the Jedi to shreds, he would.

[Meira]

I doubt you would have found any artifacts. Scavengers have picked the tombs of our honored predecessors clean.

The snarl of disdain was evident in Renata's voice as she spat out the words. It was a disgrace how the hollowed tombs had been plundered. But such was life. And that couldn't be changed overnight.

Luckily for you, you've found something much better, Aarati Irwagbon. My name is Darth Renata, Dark Lady of the Sith. You may put away your weapon. You have found your help.

It was around this time that another ship came in to land. Well how fortunate. Renata had not diverted her attention away fully until the newly arrived man approached. Again, it was easy to tell a force sensitive being here with the dark power of the planet enhancing her already keen senses. The man chose to speak, interrupting. Not entirely unexpected. He carried himself with arrogance. Oh, how common a trait that was among the new arrivals. His words continued the projected image of this Koeing. Like so many others before him, he made assumptions, entered as if he already belonged. Well, Renata was sure that he would soon see how his persona was a credit-a-dozen within the temple walls.

She studies both new arrivals now. The woman, Aarati, something in her piqued Renata's curiosity. Perhaps it was a shared past within the Jedi order. Indeed Renata knew she was drawn to such beings. And this woman, to have ascended to master rank within the Jedi... to leave now. Well, that surely came with an interesting story. As far as Koeing was concerned, in her mind, unless he proved some other strong traits within himself, Renata would take no more interest in him than she might take in a bit of dust on the toe of her boot.

You speak, Koeing, as if you understand what it means to use the Dark Side of the Force. Her thin smile was sarcastic. I can assure you, you know far less than you realize. But this is exactly why you both have come. Korriban has called to you and you have come. In search of answers, in search of power, or both... you have come. I speak for my master, the Dark Overlord, when I ask, what exactly would you offer in return?

[Dean]

The lady told her that the tombs had been scavenged by grave robbers with no use for the power they may have contained and her eyes narrowed with a little bit of fury. The woman in front of her seemed to share her feelings about this regarding her voice. ’’Did the Sith lords of old forget to lock their tombs?’’ She couldn’t help but wonder how some lousy scavengers could beat the powers of a Sith lord, even a dead Sith lord would be too much for them.

Aarati had felt the presence coming up but didn’t pay much attention to it; she also had felt the animal next to the guy, something she far less liked. Pets were overrated and dull in her vision, but hey..Who was she anyways? The man introduced himself after mocking her in his arrogance; he talked about her like just some Jedi. She still held her weapon which might prove convenient. She smirked as she refrained from looking at him while addressing his incompetence.

’’Your arrogance blinds you brat. No matter your power you are blind. Arrogance is a path of the dark side, and not the strongest one at that. Try not to be killed by a teenager before I get the pleasure will you?’’ While saying this she gazed constantly at Renata. She had claimed to be a Sith lady. This was dangerous if you did it in the wrong group of people. She then also started to slightly mock the person that she had not yet looked at, she could feel him quite well, but a look wasn’t yet in order. ’’I hoped you would say that you would be my help, its great to know that there is some order around that still makes sense, although you speak of an overlord? I can’t feel him, he might be well hidden but a deity like that should emit a powerfull surge, not?’’ She couldn’t help but wonder about that.

’’And if he is actually curious what I have to offer, it would be my lightsaber in the chest of his enemies. And I think he should know that that’s a reasonable offer.’’

[Deleted]

He listened to the dark lady state the tombs had been stripped clean and he shrugged. "The Sith Lords of old may have been strong, but i doubt that they will accomplish what this generation shall. The full destruction of the Jedi. I am honored to be in the presence of this dark lady, i doubt any dark lord of old would be able to command my respect as she already does."

Listening to the mocking comments left him with half a grin across his lips and a fire burning deep in his eyes. Shifting his weight now in an aggressive manner the sand beneath his boots crunch as his right hand touched the hilt of Caeling softly. His grin disappeared being replaced by a serious expression. "You mistake confidence for arrogance. There is quite a difference. I know my skill does not exceed everyone, that would be arrogance. I however do not care what anyone else's skill is, if they get in my way they will incur my rage."

Taking a breath to steady the rage now burning in his eyes he nodded to Renata to show respect despite her lack of it. "I do not speak as if i know the entire expanse of the Dark Side. I simply stated that she is quite new at this and should watch her tongue in front of those more skilled then her." His eyes shifted to the Ex Jedi and he shook his head.

Returning his gaze to Renata he smiled, though his smiles are always twisted, expressing sadistic tendencies. Kayn at his side let a low growl roll up from deep in his chest then pawed forward slowly, the beasts eyes locked on the Ex Jedi. "What could i offer the Overlord. I offer him my rage, my revenge and my desire. I offer my knowledge and skill at battle strategy, my sabers are but a fraction of my talent and all of it will be devoted to his will to destroy the republic."

[Meira]

Renata let the two new arrivals have their moment of back and forth. She did not allow the frustration to show on her face. Though she was intrigued by the woman, the man proved to be exactly what she had assumed he would. He WAS arrogant. And he WAS ignorant. Each word he spoke betrayed his blindness. His contradictions made Renata want to slap him across the face, but she doubted that would do anything to shake his brain back to logic. Some people were simply lost.

What a strutting peacock you are, Koeing. Renata said, an amused smile playing across her face. Not here even an hour and you've already decided that you're better than another. Oh, to have your insight... we might all be gods. Her last words came out deadpan. Renata nearly yawned from the boredom.

Do not make the mistake, dear child, to assume that our enemy is weak. The Jedi would not have survived so long, and against such powerful enemies were they weak. No, the Jedi are strong, very strong. But they can only progress so far. This woman you insult is not weak in the slightest. I barely know her and I can tell you this because she has walked the path of a strong people, but her wisdom has led her to seek beyond what even they can imagine. It would do well for you to close your mouth and open your mind. Renata gestured towards the Temple with her hand. There is your goal. Run along and find yourself someone to measure your lightsaber against.

Renata turned away from the man, bowing her head slightly towards Aarati. She was right, they'd both been right actually. Their services were acceptable. Their behavior on the other hand, well... time would tell. Renata stepped forward towards the woman, motioning for her to walk a while beside her.

Aarati, I am curious, did you know a man named Gordon Blackwing during your time with the Jedi?

((Aarati, I hope you'll humor me with this Blackwing thing. I'll PM you details. And Koeing, please don't take offense. Renata has her own mind... I sometimes feel like I need to put disclaimers with my posts. The views and opinions of Renata do not reflect those of Meira the admin... lol))

[Dean]

Aarati felt anger burning up inside her and put it away next to the anger that she already had, this arrogant fool dared to shut her up, she should be treated with the respect she deserved, nothing more and nothing less. Her rage came into a cycle fueling rage with her own rage, repeating the things that he had said in her hair head. The oven in her heart started to burn as the force in her started to boil. She could do something to him, the easiest thing would be to let it all blow away in a repulse that would crack the earth beneath their feet, but she had no intention of hurting the lady of the Sith.

With one part of her still fuelling her anger she turned away from the guy and his pet animal and looked at the lady of the Sith. She had talked to the both of them, telling the guy that he should walk to the temple to meet his destiny there. She gestured for Aarati to follow her and she turned in the same way as Renata but after taking one step she stopped and addressed Koeing without looking at him.

’’Never assume pretender, seeing the dark does not make you able to use it, learning to use the light is the hardest path you can walk, something people say I failed at. I on the other hand say that one can know both sides without learning just one, hush and run on before I will make sure you learn neither.’’ her mouth twitched up as she did one last thing to piss him off. She gave a mediocre force push in his direction while she was walking next to Renata.

She blinked in her direction as she asked him something about a certain master of her that was presumably dead and she racked her brains for the name. A light came up as she remembered him. ’’Yes, he was killed by a dark Jedi we think, could also have been a Sith, but we had no knowledge of Sith at the time, so in the archives he was killed by a dark Jedi.’’

[Deleted]

He stood there while Renata decided to scold him you could say, when she was done with her tirade and misunderstanding what he had said Koeing shrugged and smiled his twisted smile at her. "You seem to lack the intelligence to comprehend my meaning, i was referring to you, not myself as the being she should watch her tongue around." Shaking he head he began to move away from them, it was then he heard Arati begin to speak and her words ignited the rage within him once more, this time it was harder to control. A rush of heat spread through his body as he stared at her his face devoid of emotion, she mentioned walking the light being the hardest path, this did make him laugh, however it was a sick laugh one of disgust.

"I walked the path of light for many years, i was healer within the Jedi order. I know what it is to walk the path of the devoted Jedi, the council sit upon their throne believing they can dictate others lives without consequence. They took from me which mattered most and i shall take from them their lives." Suppressing his anger to only smoldering ashes Koeing turned and went on his way toward the Temple that was pointed out to him. Kayn with a low growl followed just behind him, though the beasts eyes were locked on the woman who had just caused his master anger and pain. If the beast could smile it would have, it's thoughts were of making a meal out of this woman and showing Koeing how little she meant.

He didn't wait for their answer nor cared for it, neither one had earned his respect, power does not mean respect, it just means you have power. Shaking his head in disgust he approached the steps to the temple then climbed them slowly, his boots making impressions in the dust on the stone. Finishing his short climb Koeing made his way into the temple and disappeared from sight, he left them with something to think of he thought, or maybe they would dismiss him as most did. He however made a promise to himself within the recesses of his mind that no one would speak to him the way Renata had just now, ever. If Renata tried to do so again then he would silence her or die trying, she would not get away with it again. Growling to himself he strode through the halls his face devoid of emotion except for hatred.