Ascension

[Gunner Stahl]

.

IBAFAR

BLACK HAND BASE​

Life was funny sometimes, it never goes as predicted and when everything seems to be the darkest and hope nearly lost, you frequently can see the most clearly. Such was the tale of Gunner Stahl; once a promising officer who was punished and shamed for his blunder in one of the Empire's critical foreign operations. He'd be lying if he said he didn't think of succumbing to the despair, of abandoning the faction all together, and exacting revenge for those that wronged him. Though, if he had done so, a small part of him reminded that it was a cowardice way out. Afterall, how could he live with himself if he didn't truly believe that it was the Empire out of any other allegiance that promised the best peace and prosperity in the galaxy.

It was that conviction that had guided him through this process, to reclaim all that was rightfully his. Destiny didn't give many chances, but he would seize this opportunity that was placed before him. Re-commissioned as an officer, he advanced through the isolated halls of the Black Hand base, clad in that shadowguard armor as he once wore it proudly. He didn't care much to be in Camila Shan's regimen, despite how talented the young Sith Master was. No, there was still something missing, and there was only one person that could rectify this. Above all else, the Shadowguard wanted only one to be his superior, and this was his testimony to see if she would accept.

And so, he arrived in the Wraith's quarters, doors sliding open as his armored figure appeared inside. Gloved hands slowly removed the helmet so that she could see the newly anointed face of her previous asset. Once blonde hair now streaked with rays of platinum while a face of innocence shed itself for a darker, carnal promise. A playful smile encompassed his lips, "I hope you aren't too surprised to see me..."

@Dread

 

[The Eternal (Vex)]

Vex raised an eyebrow at Gunner's entrance, not that he'd be able to see since her mask was covering her face. However, she remained quiet even as he spoke. Pushing herself up to a straight posture, the Wraith walked out from behind her desk to stand in front of him.

She had kept up with his work and progression, though told no one of course. It impressed her that he kept going and did not give into despair after his punishment. It showed that he was actually not a coward, just a man who made a big mistake. Though mistakes were rarely tolerated in the Empire, Vex believed it was a good idea to let this one slide with just the punishment. All of this, of course, she also kept to herself. Just because she found herself somewhat impressed with the man did not mean she trusted him, not yet, maybe never. Trusting was dangerous as a Sith, let alone as a member of the Black hand.

Finally, after a long pause, she spoke up, "Lieutenant." Vex had been informed of his rank up, though she did not know why he came here after. "What have you come here for?" It was curious to her, very curious. She did not sense anger, malice or despair in him. In fact, he seemed unusually calm which certainly added to her curiosity.

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

He continued the playful smile on his face, nodding before her as she came to stand in front of him. "You look like you've been keeping yourself well." The playful demeanor continued, as he lit a cigarette and moved past her towards the windows in her office. He stood there for a few moments, taking his own pause to respond to her question as he slowly turned his attention back upon the Wraith. "I'm afraid that you can't get rid of me too easily. My time with Master Shan was interesting and she is quite the talented nightbringer. But you are the one who recruited me, trained me, and made me into who I am today. I want a position back in your unit, to operate with impunity with only you as my direct supervisor."

He sank a deep draw from the cigarette before speaking again, "I've missed your leadership." The answer was true and unusual, and though it was strange considering the punishment was dealt by her, it seemed that the Imperial held the Wraith to a certain standard that was reinforced perhaps not only by professional courtesy but also by a familiar bond. It was as if he always found himself close to the Wraith, and her departure from his career was perhaps harder to deal with than the actual dismissal and demotion he was dealt.

@Dread

 

[The Eternal (Vex)]

Gunner's answer did nothing to lower her crimson eyebrow—not that it was bad. How would he know if she was keeping herself well? She was completely covered. It was somewhat funny though so she appreciated that part.

Moving past her, he took out a cigarette nonchalantly then finally went on to explain himself. It did surprise her. A lot. Not only was he comfortable near her, but he wanted back under her command. Perhaps... perhaps he could help her with something. It would involve risk—for both of them. Bigger for her than him. But when did anything they do not involve risk? He was clearly a fighter and loyal to boot.

Why not? she thought. "Perhaps," the wraith began, stepping towards the man again. "If you help me with something and succeed in it, I will take you back under my command." Without warning, she reached up and slipped off her helmet. Freeing her braided crimson hair, revealing her identity to the man who she punished but had come back to her.

Vex slipped the helmet under her arm quietly, grabbing a datapad from her pocket with her free hand. Proffering it to the man, she allowed a faint smile to tug at her cheeks. It was exciting. If he succeeded, she'd be relieved for a number of reasons and revealing her identity to him would pay off. "Read over this and make it your number one priority."

 

[Gunner Stahl]

.

Surprise was an understatement to say the least, his armored form merely frozen in space as it glanced upon the crimson haired beauty for several seconds in silence and without any facial response. However, instead of anguish or hatred, it seemed that almost a playful yet sadistic smile crept over his lips. "You know, all this time, for some reason I always knew it was you..." He stated; the wraith had recruited him and master Vex had only been accompanying him for a short duration, most notably their last mission together. However, her presence had always resonated a deeper bond, perhaps striking an intuition in his gut that had already revealed the true identity of the Wraith even before Vex had decided to show herself to him.

Lofting a brow, he took the datapad from her hand and glanced down at the contents. Scanning it over, eyes slowly shifted back towards her. "As you wish..." He stated coldly, putting the cigarette away along with uploading the mission brief from her datapad to his own before handing it back to her. "It comes with a price however, I want my original command and ability to operate independently, as a Shadowguard, to be reinstated..."

It was a hard bargain, but not something which he hadn't earned. Afterall, if she wished him to operate in top secret, she would have to give him a little bit more wiggle room than he currently held.

@Dread

 

[The Eternal (Vex)]

Did he know? Perhaps. Either way, it didn't matter now. Now he really did know. Not that it was an advantage, but it opened gates that she wanted open Gates that lead down many paths.

When he offered the pad back and made his requests, Vex simply nodded as she answered, "If you're successful, you'll have your original command back." She put the datapad into her pocket and walked to her desk. "I'll see to it and I'll consider further rewards depending on your performance from here on out."

Sliding her helmet back on, she sat down at her desk. Once she got comfortable her yellow eyes found their way back to Gunner. He was a curious man, certainly built to be imperial. That was certain. After a brief pause lost in thought she waved her hand in the air. "You're dismissed."

/end thread