Breaking of Chains

[Gaja]

Deep in space,
On an independent prison ship.​

The screams continued to echo through the halls.
He'd grown used to them a while ago...

The force field of his cell keeping him contained kept on humming,
He'd recently grown used to it.

It had been some time...

A familiar presence, almost like a scent registered in his mind as he sat in the middle of his cell. It was an odd thing to admit but he'd grown used to the screams of other people faster than the annoying humming of the force field. He wasn't sure but it was probably different for most other people.

Opening his eyes two blue orbs seemed to pierce the darkness around him as he sought out where this whisper, this scent was coming from. It wasn't like he was truly trapped here, and couldn't escape, it was more than he didn't know where to go...​

Spoiler: Da Prizon

Inside this metal fortress he resided. The former Battle Master of the New Jedi Order, Corellian Guhoo Armstrong. That was the name that he was given at birth, and the name under which he gained all his accolades. The once Jedi Councilor didn't rely on that name here though, here he really didn't speak much. In fact it was difficult to relate to the name Guhoo Armstrong any longer, because he felt like he wasn't quite the same person anymore.

He questioned his place in the Jedi Order a while ago, and feeling lost the man set out to once again find his way. He didn't believe in the teachings of the Jedi any longer, not like he used to. Well it was safe to say that the blond haired man never truly followed them fully. He always had his own ideas...

So as he sat there the man felt a presence approach, a fellow force user, while his cell mate did some sort of training to retain his sanity, although if you ask Guhoo he was never that sane to begin with. And so the blond haired, bearded man closed his eyes once again and remained where he was. Waiting... and learning...

 

[Logan]

The solid durasteel, circular elevator pad he stood on groaned loudly, its only way to protest having to lift the immense girth of the man who stood silently atop it. In fact, that was the only sound Vecna could hear inside this cylindrical tube of dim lights that seemed to extend endlessly upward. He had been here before, many years and infinite updates before, back when this floating prison had been nothing more than a complex filled with not more than a couple dozen criminals. Now it was a sprawling labyrinth, housing every manner of murderer, thief, and poor soul who'd been forced into its confines for true crime or not. This time, though, Vecna was here for far different reasons than he'd been last time. Instead of bringing in more bodies, the great Kushari was looking to liberate a few from their prison and take them back into Sith space. There were many sentient's in the galaxy unaware of their ability to tap into the force, usually chalking up the random times it manifested as incredible good luck or just a happy coincidence. Vecna was on a mission to find a few of these untapped resources and recondition them as proper soldiers for the Sith Imperium. That was the plan, anyway, there was still a solid chance Vecna would find no one suitable here at all.

The elevator finally reaching its apex, the doors in front of him sliding open silently, Vecna stepped off the lift and was met instantly by two brutish looking Gammorean's holding stun pikes. The two crossed their weapons as Vecna approached them, forming an X that blocked his path into the endless rows of energy-cells.

"Kitty must show paper to pass." The massive piggy on the right snorted loudly. "Or you can pay us one thousand credits!" The slightly skinner one on the left chimed in.

Raising a hand without breaking stride, Vecna called upon the force as he attempted to manipulate the simple minds of the two piglets. "Neither of those things will be necessary. You will let me pass." Both of the Gammorean's eyes glazed over as they pulled their weapons back and allowed Vecna passage through into the prison proper, both of them repeating the command he had given them. "Much appreciated."

Vecna moved past them and onto a long catwalk that ran along the length of the prison ship, energy-cells lining both sides all the way down. He let the tendrils of the Force slither off him, searching for anyone in this forlorn place that had even a spark of Force sensitivity. Vecna's initial scan reciprocated nothing, but as he continued walking down the way, he felt the faintest echo of something resonating from one of the cells in particular. Slowing his stride as he approached it, Vecna peered inside to spy a solitary man, bearded and sitting, eyes closed in quiet contemplation. It appeared that he was the lone soul of silence in this screaming madhouse, and there was something strange about him. Vecna could feel it, or at least he thought he could, not quite sure what it was but positive that this man was far more than the simple prisoner he appeared to be. Hands folding neatly behind his back, Vecna stared into the prison cell with a curt smile.

"You don't belong here, do you?" An odd question to begin a conversation with, especially with a stranger, but Vecna considered it the most apt one he could ask here. "You are not the same as the rest of the trash filling these cells, of that I am sure." Kholvar paused for a moment, eyes narrowing. "Do you have a name?"

 

[Gaja]

Inside his mind he stood, all around him darkness. It didn't bother him anymore, rather he learned to live with it and accept it for what it was. It was reality...​

It was an odd thing to admit, but even here in this wretched place in space one could learn something. Even from criminals one could learn about life and human nature. And one could also learn that no one is truly as terrible as they seemed in our minds. Fantasy and reality were not equal, most of the time at least... And as the heavy steps announced a new arrival the Corellian man felt something resembling joy.

It didn't show, not on his face at the very least, but through the force it did. A little, as he allowed a bit of his presence to escape and manifest through the force. It was an impulse of the human, seeking the companionship of one of his own, one who spoke his language and who understood him, and someone whom he in turn understood. For force users, universally, faced some quite unique challenges exclusive to them. In a way they were a species of their own, except they had no one race to label them. They simply existed in various shapes and forms...

It was curious that Guhoo never really looked at it that way, actually he never studied the force or its users outside his own studies. And his own studies were only a fraction of the force in general... But it still had to be said that the man was far from a novice, rather he saw himself as having much further to go.

Perfection was unattainable.​

That was his motto, no matter how much he struggled and pursued it, he would never truly reach it. Perfection in battle, perfection in life or in anything was perhaps the rarest thing out there. It was such an intangible and subjective concept that Guhoo had trouble putting it in to words...

He wouldn't have the time to even try it seemed as a deep voice, now mere feet away from him, called out to him. And like from a deep slumber the giant awoke and settled his deep blue eyes on the majestic creature that stood outside his prison. White fur and similarly blue eyes stared back at him from a frame that could only be described as imposing. A Kushari... In his usually deep voice the human answered, his voice void of any emotions that would describe his tone. He simply answered, though through the force the white furred Kushari would feel confidence and loneliness. "I belong, no where, really." The man wished the hulking feline no harm, that much seemed obvious however there was a presence from the man. An aura, lurking behind the bearded face... The feline was right in his assumption. Guhoo was not just another one of the inmates... The momentary feeling on tension, possible tension, passed like the summer wind as the blond haired human sighted.

"Yes, everyone has a name. I am Guhoo, and you?" Tilting his head, ever so slightly, to the side the human curiously studied the imposing creature that stood on the other side of the force field. What a curious blend of power, intelligence and presence in the force...

 

[Logan]

As Guhoo spoke Vecna made an effort to study him intently, trying to find any hint of insight into the mysterious entity that lay just out of reach behind shimmering energy walls. There was a purposeful starkness in his responses that barred Vecna from gleaning anything more than Guhoo was putting forth, everything but the subtle influences in the force the man seemed to be perpetrating. Vecna more than felt the fleeting tension that filled the air between them that dissipated almost as quickly as it came on, like it was blown in on a soft summer breeze and just as quickly whisked away. The Kushari meant this man no harm or ill will and despite the lack of words exchanged between the two Vecna found himself somewhat enamored with the prospect of this stranger. It was obvious at this point that Guhoo had some training with the force, or was at least self-aware enough of his abilities to train himself to the point of at least competency. The rapidity of the success of his trip was somewhat surprising, but then again very little seemed to surprise Vecna these days. He'd learned, during his time with the Sith, that sometimes - sometimes - the Force had it's own hand to play in the events of mortals, and this might just have been one of those times.

"You can call me Vecna." He said simply, the name rolling off his tongue with a level of naturality that was almost frightening. It may have been a carefully crafted alias but one would never be able to guess that from the ease in which Vecna fell into the roll of a Sith, almost like it was his destiny to achieve from his conception. A funny idea to consider given his upbringing with the Zeison Sha and their contempt for both Jedi and Sith alike, maybe this was one of those times the invisible hand of the force had guided him. Vecna didn't like to think that, of course, the idea that he wasn't master over the entirety of his own fate was something he was still struggling with. Control was something a creature like Vecna reveled in, sought after, attempted to achieve in every endeavor he undertook. Random chance and a belief in fate was what got people killed, but it's also what got people through the mediocrity and vileness of their own lives. A belief that somewhere, something was out there - watching over them, assisting them whenever possible and ultimately, tugging invisible marionette strings to guide them to their own individual destinies. It was comforting in failure to think that, Vecna assumed. A little thing in the back of your head telling you that whatever hardship you were enduring was all part of a mystery plan crafted by the universe, that no matter what it too shall pass. It was ignorance, surely, but ignorance was comforting.

"You're here because you want to be, aren't you?" It was a question but Vecna's tone made it come across as more of a statement of simple fact, as if the idea was simply rhetorical. There was more to this Guhoo than met eye, something inside of Vecna was never more sure of anything in his life - and he was going to do his best to figure out what lay below the surface of false serenity that Guhoo exuded, to break the still waters and see just how deep they ran.

 

[Gaja]

Their exchanges were brief but insightful. The creature was imposing, but respectful, obviously force sensitive but stable. Whether he was a Sith or Jedi Guhoo didn't know, or maybe one of those Bogan Jedi? He was a bit tired of those labels to be honest, rather he looked at the individual in front of him. A curious individual... Much like the feline, the human meant no harm as he smiled gently at the statement Vecna made, the sharp fangs of the Kushari flashing as he spoke. What a fantastic race, Guhoo mussed. Quite scary too. "More or less. I guess you could say the force brought me here, it's as good of a place as any, I guess, at least until I know my next destination."

Looking to his left there were two beds, and Guhoo wondered whether or not he should invite the hulking feline inside. He had the pleasure of meeting a few Kushari during the time of the war over a decade ago, and his opinion of the species couldn't be higher. Brilliant genetics and so much potential, both physically and mentally. They were an intelligent species, perhaps a bit secluded but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing in the galaxy today. Fantastic soldiers too, some of the best he'd ever seen. Actually a Kushari had been part of the Jedi Council during Guhoo's time as a padawan. Master Fuyu... "Either way it's nice to meet you Vecna, I'd invite you in but I'm not sure the bed could handle your frame." Further inside the cell Guhoo's Gammorean "friend" was quietly observing them, he knew that there was something wrong with the human and wanted no part in it. He wielded "magic" and "sorcery"...

But realizing that maybe Vecna was tired from his journey Guhoo felt like it was up to Vecna to decide. "But if you want to, come in." And just like that the force field that separated the two vanished, as if Guhoo's voice alone told it too. That was obviously not the case, and there was a malfunction with the electronics... probably. Or maybe Guhoo just came and went as he pleased around here, and couldn't be contained by mere switched and electro circuits? In the case that Vecna decided that he wanted to join the man Guhoo would simply stand up to greet the much taller Kushari, but oddly enough he seemed quite comfortable despite the difference in their physical size. If the Kushari however declined it was alright, and the man would stand up all the same and stretch out a bit. He had been sitting for some time there... maybe 10 hours...

 

[Logan]

"Yes, a roof is always a welcome pleasure to the perpetual wanderer. Though I think you'll find that a final destination will always elude you when you don't really care where you're going." To Vecna, there was no life without purpose. Purpose gave a being definition, it gave them a path to follow even if everything around them was going to absolute shit. It was one of the biggest things that separated men from beasts, man strives for much, much more than just eating and shitting. "Do you lack purpose, or has yours simply been lost?"

Vecna doubted this enigmatic character was nothing more than a simple forcer, unaware or even more unlikely uninterested in his own abilities. There was something hidden when it came to Guhoo, like he was purposefully pointing Vecna down a misleading path when it came to his own prowess. The man allowed himself to be confined in this prison, but why? Couldn't a simple exile as a free-man serve the same purpose? Perhaps it was less for the confinement and more for the atonement, an idea that made the entire situation exponentially more curious. As the shimmering force-field between them faded away seemingly at Guhoo's request, Vecna felt that same curiosity grip his mind and pull him inside to more closely converse, and inspect, this stoic warrior.

Without much more than a lock of eyes and a nod of his head towards the door, Vecna used the force to "convince" Guhoo's piggy cell-mate that his presence would be better served elsewhere. Porky complied without much more than a short and sweet grunt, shuffling out of the cell and standing just far enough outside the cell and down the walkway that he wouldn't be able to hear or see the two that he left behind. He preferred to continue standing rather than sitting on the floor or, gods forbid, on the stinking pile that the Gammorrean called his bunk. Remaining silent, Vecna stood with his hands behind his back eying Guhoo like he was tried to read past the stoniness of his demeanor; his massive form towering easily over the impressive size of the human.

 

[Gaja]

Pushing himself up to his feet Guhoo had to briefly adjust to the sensation of standing due to the fact that he'd been sitting in that same position for the better part of the day. It wasn't like he was wobbly or anything but it was certainly an interesting feeling to get. But instead of focusing on that the man much rather focused on his new friend and turning towards him tilted his head from right to left. The stoic demeanor gave way to a joyful smile and a nod as the reply to Vecna's earlier question followed.

"Well said my friend. I guess you could say that I've lost my purpose, in a way. Or maybe I've simply learned to strive to bigger things. You see I'm not sure where, if anywhere, I belong. And if that concept should even apply to people like us. I was part of the war, I've seen the battle between the Jedi and Sith and much more... I've..." raising his hand slightly Guhoo looked at it and away from the massive feline for a moment. "fought some of the most dangerous warriors in the galaxy and beaten them.... And despite all that I've lost things too. Now I wish to grow from it. Grow past the Jedi and the Sith and their limiting views..." Being the self-critical man that he was Guhoo stopped himself there and smiled.

"I realize saying that in this environment may sound a bit weird. But that is what I want to dedicate myself to. I've come to accept everything about my life... and myself. I've always known that I wasn't like the other Jedi around me, and I've denied myself to study the dark arts openly, because of certain people..." Looking back at Vecna after he revealed a bit about himself Guhoo wondered if this being was ready to hear such things, or if he too was limited by the notion that all Sith and Jedi must hate each other...

Guhoo didn't deny the fact that conflict brought with it progress. But rather then blindly hating one another simply for the reason where they studied the force they should grow past it... Rather than cutting down Darths Guhoo was more interested in the force itself. He was interested in further growing, rather than just perfecting his craft he wanted to learn and grow. He wasn't necessarily looking for power, but he knew that where he wanted to go power would be needed...

 

[Logan]

At first glance you'd never suspect a keen intellect to hide behind Vecna's monstrous frame, you'd think him more apt to the "smash things ask questions later" methodology, but the distinct opposite was true. The most important trait for any hunter to possess. at least as far as Vecna was concerned, was the ability to not only study your prey and learn its ins and outs, but to be able to outwit them on both an intellectual and instinctual level - to be their superior in every possible facet, able to exploit their every weakness and make them know that know matter how fast they were, how strong they were, or how deadly they thought they were: there is always someone better. And Vecna, Kholvar fucking Varaxes, was the pinnacle of this Darwinian pyramid of evolutionary domination. A child of entropy, destined to sew discord into calm seas simply because that is what he did. Vecna was the plague, a violent supernova - a veritable beast of judgment who's allegiance could not be bought and who's motivations could not be deciphered. There was darkness at the end of everything, for everyone, and Vecna was the one who snuffed out the candles.

It was that intellect hidden behind the bestial visage that came through for Vecna now, as Guhoo spoke, and allowed him to read between the human's cryptic phrasing and half-truth telling. Guhoo was a Jedi, or at least he used to be, and as a Sith that should have been enough for Vecna to kill the dog outright - it was an absolute. To Vecna, though, the universe did not work in absolutes, and for him to do so would be to go against the very nature of his purpose. As Guhoo finished speaking, he only confirmed what Vecna had already surmised. "The Jedi's most redeeming quality is also their biggest folley, they seek to quell chaos and make the universe a peaceful place. It is a noble path to walk, one supposes, but in the end it will always prove inevitably fruitless. The universe and every living thing inside of it seeks chaos even if they aren't aware of it. Sentient life, mankind in particular, is always seeking for grander things, there is always something better one step higher on the ladder. Vecna paused for a moment, deciding to reach into his breast pocket and take out a silver case containing a couple thick cigars. He always thought better whilst having a smoke. Offering one to Guhoo while he lit the one he'd jammed in his mouth, Vecna began to speak again. "The Sith are the same, but in the opposite way. To them, there is nothing more vile than a Jedi and therefore, all Jedi must be purged. What would they be left with, then, when they are all gone? With no common enemy left they'd all turn on each other like rabid dogs who'd ran out of food. I've spent enough time with them to know this for a fact, and I've spent enough time hunting Jedi to know what I know about them to be fact, too. There's never been a true war that wasn't fought between two sets of people who were certain they were in the right. The really dangerous people believe they are doing whatever they are doing solely and only because it is without question the right thing to do. And that is what makes them dangerous." Another pause, smoke fuming from Vecna's nose and mouth like exhaust coming from a factory silo. His massive lungs could take in enough of the stuff to choke a lesser being to death. "You must move past right and wrong, Sith and Jedi, and just do. All your questions can be answered with the force, if that is what you want. But once you learn your answers, you can never unlearn them. You must always remember that, Guhoo."

 

[Gaja]

Extending his hand the human faced the towering Goliath, taking a cigar for himself, his face stern once again as he failed to produce a traditional lighter. Instead the man listened to the feline speak and in a weird way wished to smile from listening to the furry's short rant. Putting the cigar in to his mouth Guhoo simply put his index finger close to it and from it a small fire was born, through the force the man manipulated the elements, raising the temperature in front of his finger to the point of it becoming an ember that gave life to his cigar. Momentarily focused on inhaling Guhoo held the smoke inside his body, the fire on his finger vanishing as suddenly as it appeared, as the sensation of smoking registered with his body. Synapses firing and with them the human smirked as the Kushari waxed poetically about the life of force users...

"Hmmm, maybe I've indeed lost my way. Maybe I've fallen asleep here, in this dungeon and needed awakening. I've not felt the desire to grow, not like this, in a long time. I've always longer for perfection, yet with the Jedi all they wanted me to do was teach and sit on their council... I could feel it dulling my senses. Yes, I was a Jedi Master during my time with the Jedi... not a very Jedi-like in behavior but when the results are good no one seems to care. Does that mean you and I are enemies now, Vecna? It'd be a shame if that were the case, because I think I would enjoy traveling with you... and fighting alongside you." It wasn't just the words that brought this about them, it was everything. The force, their aura's meshed together in a way that went past Sith and Jedi. When he looked at Vecna, Guhoo didn't see an enemy, he saw someone whom he'd like to fight alongside with...

The Kushari was someone who walked a similar path to him, and the human respected that kind of person regardless of the time he'd known them. "Thank you for this by the way." It was odd, the air around Guhoo seemed to change. It was a subtle change however, odd in way in that he seemed more present than before. The air around him, his aura or will, call it what you'd like, to Vecna it would seem like the human was powering up in way. Yet what it was was the blond haired human returning to the galaxy from a dark place. Pushing the darkness away he was still in chains, in a way, but the monstrous potential was there. The former Battle Master was back...

 

[Logan]

"It takes much more than a former title of Jedi to become my enemy, Guhoo. I am much too old to be so brash as to call for blood for every past misgiving." Vecna would, forever and always, be a ruthless, merciless and bloodthirsty murder machine. As he had grown up, though, he found himself far and away from the mindless killer that he used to be. The unfortunate souls that found themselves harvested by his hand all served some sort of purpose, even if it were not but to fill the smallest hole with cobble on a single step on his stairway to greater meaning. "I can tell you with honesty that my list of enemies is almost always empty, most people that garner enough ire to earn their name upon it don't tend to live much long after."

Vecna couldn't help but let his eyes widen in surprise at Guhoo's mention of being an actual Jedi Master, but after the initial shock of that revelation wore off it was replaced by a calm knowing, as if somehow Vecna had instinctively gathered that Guhoo was far beyond a normal forcer in scope. It was in the way he manipulated the Force around him with such ease, as if the enigmatic entity that fueled them both somehow altered itself to his whims. It waxed and waned according to the Jedi Master's will, enveloped everyone in the tiny cell in the sheer winds of a harsh aura or caressed them with a warmth of security - whatever Guhoo was trying, or trying to feel, at the time. It really was kind of amazing, if Vecna was being truthful with himself. The most powerful force user he'd ever spent an extended period of time around was Vica, and even her prowess wasn't enough for him to truly take a moment and awe. Vecna did not fear her, not even the slightest, and if the time ever came where the Zeltron had spent all of her usefulness he would have no qualms about erasing her from the manifest of history.

"While I would be both thrilled and somewhat honored to have you travel with me there are a few things that you would need to consider before we discuss this any further." Vecna said firmly, taking long drags from his cigar as he took a moment's pause to gather the correct verbiage before h proceeded. "The most obvious being, of course, that if you join me I must be able to trust you. I may carry the title of Crusader in the Sith but that does not mean that I believe in their inane doctrines or follow their any of their self-destructive philosophies and practices. If we are to engage in battle as partners I need to believe that you will watch may back and that the same goes for you believing that from me. Your time with the Jedi has probably taught you some preconceptions about Sith and while the ideas you have in your head are probably true about your average peon I can assure you that it is not a mold that I fit into." Vecna paused again, taking what was left of his cigar out of his mouth. Concentrating on it's tip, he manipulated the force around the flame to cut it off from the oxygen in the air - effectively putting it out. He flicked the butt out of the open cell-door in a high arc, it soaring up and over the far side of the cat-walk and down into the abyss. "The more important thing, though, is that if you're going to go anywhere with me you too will have to sign your name in blood with the Imperium. You can use a fake name if that is what you desire, your true identity can remain as my personal knowledge only. If you choose to embrace the Imperium as your true self I will respect that decision as well, though I can tell you that holding hands with Lucifer is never that enlightening."

Vecna had a bad habit sometimes, speaking in ciphers and metaphors and expecting people to completely understand what he was talking about despite the subjectivity that came along with such superfluous things. He was confident, though, that Guhoo would be able to pierce the veil and understand the message he was trying to convey. Putting one's self completely out in the open wasn't usually the best idea, and the most successful hunters are the ones that are always holding something back - keeping that ace up their sleeve and only revealing their entire hand when it was absolutely necessary. There was something to be respected in absolute honesty though, it just wasn't Vecna's wheelhouse. "So what do you say, Guhoo? Are you willing to let the Force guide you, and take your first step as a free man in the name of the Sith Imperium? Or would you rather continue to waste your self here, toiling without a destination and doomed to die in undeserved anonymity?"

 

[Gaja]

There was a bit of a difference, Guhoo noticed, in the way the two smoked their cigars. The hulking Kushari exhaled smoke like a chimney in the middle of winter, to put it mildly. In reality it was more like a factory while the human standing across from him seemed to take long but measured drags, savoring the feeling as he could hardly remember the last time he smoked a cigar in such fine company, or alone for that matter. It was true, good things tasted even better in good company, whether they were cigars, alcohol or food.

Listening to the being who towered over him share the truth about his enemies and views on life Guhoo offered a respectful nod, accepting it as a fact. Vecna was not the type to boast empty claims, after all he could tell quite easily that the Kushari was a capable individual, so he really had no reservations about believing him about how he had very few alive enemies. On the other hand he also saw it as a healthy warning, that if you betrayed his trust you would find his actions quite singular, and violent. The former Battle Master had no problems with that, believing that if such a time were to come he wouldn't mind putting his life on the line and battling someone as formidable as the Kushari. There was no ego in it, it was just his confidence from having faced various being over the years, whether they were in war, the Jedi training rooms or just during adventures. Jedi Dark and Light, Mandalorians, monsters and many others were on that list of being who tested Guhoo and his unblemished body was testament to how most of those battles ended...

Sadly for all his victories in battle his "side" lost the war, but if everything happened for a reason the man wouldn't have found himself here at this moment, talking to the towering Goliath. He was not a frail being by any stretch of the imagination, muscular and gruff, but standing face to face with Vecna there was an obvious size discrepancy. But the white furred feline was far from a mindless brute, ever sharp with his words Guhoo couldn't begin to share how impressed he was that the force sent such a person to this place. Truly a promising and worth companion and opponent to anyone.

Finishing his cigar before Guhoo, Vecna tossed it out of the cell in almost spectacular fashion in that few beings possessed the strength to quite do it like that. It wasn't that he was terribly impressed, Guhoo was acutely aware of how strong Kushari could be, but this served as a nice reminder. To the human, Vecna's species represented the very top of the evolutionary tree, if one took out the force out of the equation. Phenomenal genetics, instincts, strength and athleticism but most of all an intellect that could hang with any other known species in the known galaxy. They weren't slouches when it came to the force either, and history confirmed that statement, as a member of Vecna's species occupied the position of Battle Master within the Jedi Order two generations before Guhoo.

Having perished in the bombing of the Coruscanti temple the Kushari was only a name and an image to Guhoo, who never had the chance to meet him in person, unlike the two Battle Masters who came next. Both of them Guhoo trained under at different points in time and after their deaths he inherited the "curse" of the title of Battle Master. It seemed however that the "curse", as it was described at that point in time by some Jedi, didn't quite work on Guhoo like it did with the previous two men who perished rather quickly after their ascension. Looking back at it, the former General and Supreme Commander of the Alliance armed forces cherished the experience, for it made him strong and tested him like few things in life.

But that was a different time, a different life. Now here he was ready to dedicate himself once again to growth, he wished to outgrow himself and once again see and learn about the galaxy. He listened closely to the being standing in front of him, looking in to his eyes with a wise and honest stare. Extending his hand the human offered to shake the Kushari's hand, a tradition among the people of Corellia, where he was originally from. He had no worries about Vecna crushing his hand, after all he wasn't a weakling either. "The let's leave this place behind and see where the force takes us. How does one earn your trust though? I feel that fighting this poor lot." Meaning the prisoners. "would hardly be considered a challenge, or worth anything really. I'm not sure how much, if at all, my word means in your eyes but if there is a time when we can do battle together you will not have to worry about one side of the battle field. That... " raising his hand, Guhoo formed a fist and placed it, with a bit of a thud, on his chest. "... I swear on my pride as a warrior and swordsman."

He didn't look outside the cell, always looking at the taller Kushari as he spoke. Whether that was good enough or not. Whether he wanted to see what Guhoo was capable of right now, the former Jedi had no problems with it. As far as him joining the Imperium went Guhoo had no problems with it, he sought bigger things and the road to them would lead him to the Imperium. He held few grudges against them, but he was not a foolish man. He would have to use a disguise of some kind if he were to spend time with the Sith Order, after all he had killed a considerable amount of their members himself so he had his doubts that all of them would be as welcoming, understanding and open minded like Vecna was....

 

[Logan]

In the time between Vecna asking his questions and Guhoo answering them, the Kushari took advantage of the contemplative moments and took true stock of the man before him. Outside of the obvious, Vecna was still relatively surprised at how much he had in common with the former Jedi Master. Their frames were both impressive for their species, sure, but Vecna could see that Guhoo was more aged than he. Despite the detriment something as insignificant as age could beset, the man looked like he was carved from wood. It wasn't without imperfection, though. There were scars there, numerous enough to make counting them pointless. Vecna had his fair share too, but on unfurred skin they wove a tapestry of battles won and lost that Vecna's body kept hidden. Besides the one on his eye, of course. Vecna had gotten his revenge for that one though, no doubt about that.

Despite his deep internal contemplating, and the quietly patient look of almost boredom on his face, Vecna didn't miss a beat when Guhoo extended his hand. But instead of simply grasping the ex-Jedi's hand with his own, Vecna gripped Guhoo around the wrist and forearm. It was an old Zeison Sha traditional greeting; one of respect and honor. It was meant to show that, whether literal or metaphorically, you weren't hiding anything up your sleeve. In essence, that you were someone to be trusted and wouldn't stab you in the back.

"I would have to agree with you there," Vecna said with a small shrug of his shoulders. "it's very doubtful there's anyone or anything in this prison that could pose a realistic contest for either of us, let alone both of us." Letting out a soft chuckle, Vecna shook his head. "No, I think it would be best to head back into Sith space. There's always some sort of dangerous business that they need tended too, I'm sure we can find something for you to test yourself against." Vecna started to turn away from Guhoo, beginning to walk towards the cell's exit. "And as far as my trust goes, your word carries weight ex-Master Guhoo. It will be enough, for now."

 

[Gaja]

Vice like grips sealed the deal and joined two paths. Ice blue eyes looked outside, both of theirs, as they left the cell behind. With a serious look on his face Good offered a reply. "Maybe we could seek out some sort of monster to slay, I think that'd be more fitting. After all Hoth, Tattooine and Coruscant don't lack in giant beasts." Neither do Dathomir, Korriban, Ziost or a lot of other worlds. Leaving the cell behind, as well as his old self Guhoo stretched his hands out while he walked alongside the massive feline, who from this day on would probably serve as his dark side master.

After all, he would need to join the Sith Order, meaning that he would once again be a rookie, an Acolyte this time though. Knowing that he was far from the age of your usual rookie forcer Guhoo smirked, as he thought that this would be an interesting time. But another thing he realized was an obvious one, he would need a new name, or an alias. "If you have the time, feel free to pick something for us. Something taller then you, if possible, just so it's at least a challenge. It'd be good if it were something we could later barbecue. I could really go for some pork right now." Hearing that a familiar figure, Guhoo's former cell mate made a run for the cell, locking himself inside, far away from Guhoo and magicks.

"Hehe, he wish.... Anyway I'm going to need an Alias for when I'm in Imperial space, and anywhere really. The name Guhoo Armstrong draws too much attention.... There is one name I find interesting and fitting. Relampago Stark..." It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and the formation of a deadly team... Beasts and predators of the galaxy, beware.