Ask Choose Your Pain

Alyse Ti'Varnus

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Topher
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
333
Reaction score
264
lightning-strike-in-clouds.jpg

Ellora, such a tumultuous planet. Nestled in the depths of the unknown regions of sector space, a world that throughout the annuls of time had once been a seat of an Ancient Jedi Temple, later laid waste to, by the Sith. A sequence of events that seemed to repeat itself over the centuries and millennia as if it were as normal a sequence as the changing of the seasons. Now however, the world had been ravaged by time, centuries of an everlasting storm eroding away any pockets of civilisation, leaving it much of a barren husk on the outside as what could be seen on the likes of Korriban and Mustafar.

The planet had long since reverted back to its dark, desolate state, ridden with continuous lighting storms, that would blacken the skies with its thick clouds, the only light to touch the planet's surface, being the bright flashes of arching electricity that thunderously cascaded along the cloud line. The Air was thick with the corruption of the darkside, the local fauna and flora twisted into predatory and poisonous states. For those who aimlessly found themselves making planet fall, they would feel as if all hope was lost - Such a fitting place to bring a Jedi.

Pacing along the flag stone flooring slabs, the Sith Lord, Darth Ceryx purposefully made her way into the anti chamber where she was due to brief two Sith that she had selected for a particular task that she had in mind. A Jedi, master no less had been captured through the paid off efforts of a band of mercenary thugs, whilst initially there was two Jedi, a Master and a Padawan. The lack of resources and the ineptitude of the mercenaries to keep the Jedi sufficiently sedated, had resulted in the Padawan escaping. With any chance of recovery of the missing Padawan being cut short due to the hinderance of a Turncoat within the Order's ranks, wasting their time long enough to allow for security Forces to drop out of hyperspace and assault the Mercenary's outpost.

Still not to count victories short, a captured Jedi is nothing to scoff at, especially one that interestingly enough had already given indication to the Sith Lord that she was susceptible to the Darkside - Rather than simply ending the Jedi, the opportunity of turning the Zeltron Jedi to the Darkside would prove to be more beneficial. Contained within the depths of the stone structure, the Zeltron was left shackled in a dark lightless chamber, with only the sound of dripping water, the distant rumbles of thunder and the ever draining presence of the Darkside for company.

Prior to leaving the Jedi to become accustomed to her new surroundings, the Sith Lord had poured through the Jedi's essence, finding a rich vein of sorrow, regret and a rooted sense of failure. Something that whilst initially would have piqued her interest at first, it would almost be a surprise if the Jedi had not been holding onto such emotions, after all if the various reports were anything to go by, given the recent events and failures of Jedi Order that attacked the Sith outpost on Sullust, whilst leaving the Jedi Temple world of Ajan Kloss unguarded and open to attack - ideal elements to work from to break the Jedi's grip on the Light and allow her to see the truth of the Force.

Stepping into the anti chamber, Darth Ceryx nodded to the Sith she had gathered, Darth Malica and Morgan. Two of the Sith ranks that would be ideally suited to help draw and bring to the surface the deeply rooted seeds of the Darkside that the Jedi Master had tried ever so hard to suppress. "Thank you both for indulging my request" Ceryx spoke out, as she lowered her hood to reveal her features. "We have here an opportunity to open the eyes of a Jedi Master to the truth of the Force, something that I know from experience she harbours deep within her. I Have requested your assistance here to help our Jedi Guest here to realise" Ceryx continued, as she looked in turn to each of the two Sith. "Each of us here, have our own specialities, and each in turn we shall draw out Nykoria Tallis' true potential. However it would go without saying, we seek only to break her fledgling grasp to the Lightside, not her body and mind"

"Only once she has let go to the failures of the Jedi teachings, then she can be made anew and a powerful asset to the restoring the natural order of the Galaxy"

@Catbert, @Dread @Mr. Teatime
 
Last edited:

Nykoria Tallis

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Catbert
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
467
Reaction score
436
Kori didn't open her eyes. Not since she had been forced to choose between surrender and the lives of corporate executives. Ever since the stun bolts had knocked her out cold, darkness was all she saw. But then its nature changed. First, there was the cold touch on her wrists and ankles. Then the dripping of water. Distant strikes of thunder. The moist revolting stench, the rough old rags covering her body, the cuffs, no light... And the disembodied cold that could give Sullust a run for its credits.

It felt as if the air of this place was hard to inhale. Kori even thought she heard screams of pain and mad whispers. Or were they real at all? Nykoria tried to reach out with the Force, but found nothing else. Only the fading memories of her failures at Ontotho, Ryloth, Sullust... And something else. Perhaps it was the world itself. What place was it even? Korriban? No, it didn't have rains... Probably... "That is irrelevant. Close your eyes. Relax. Let go of it all. Your body may be bound to one place and time, but your essence is not." Back on Ajan Kloss, it was her old Master whose words she'd hear in her head. But now the voice was Kori's alone.

Alas, the technique didn't yield much. With everything taken from her, lightsabers included, Nykoria was alone on the world which she didn't even know. Still, falling back on Jedi teachings brought a shred of confidence, even in a dark place like that. Time for some rational thought. She was in the hands of the Sith. Had to be. From Kori's limited knowledge and experience, it didn't promise anything good. Torture? Maybe. Having all the knowledge ripped out of her mind? It'd be foolish to pass that up. Death? What else should she expect from the Sith after their gruesome murder of Padawans and Council members on Ajan Kloss? "Death, yet the Force."

Well, as someone once said, a Jedi life was sacrifice. Something that Kori was no doubt about to experience. There was only one thing she could hope to do. She closed her eyes again, took a deep breath and tried to meditate. Shield the knowledge she had, even with her life if need be. And grasp at the few straws of Light that nothing could take away. Not even that wretched world.

@Dread @Mr. Teatime @Topher
 
Last edited:

Darth Stolas

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Imperial Council

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Mr. Teatime
Joined
Dec 19, 2020
Messages
921
Reaction score
567
Morgan had arrived to the storm-shaken planet by means of his modified U-wing, a pair of TIE Elder starfighters landing alongside and several black-armoured soldiers stepping out of the vessel along with him. Their presence brought a strange mix of both pride and irritation. The young Sith would have preferred to come on his own, but he wasn't here representing only himself. He was here on behalf of the Eclipse, the request of Darth Ceryx to Morgan having been passed through the secretive group's hands as well.

He wore his personal Black Ops armour, dark surcoat edges lifting slightly as black leather boots stepped across ancient stone and into the building to wait for the arrival of the woman in charge of this particular operation. Morgan observed the old building from behind his helmet's thin visor, idly taking in the little details while a single soldier lounged against a pillar nearby. It felt like something a soldier boy would perhaps be interested in, if only for its historic value.

The helmet lazily turned forward as Ceryx herself eventually moved into the room, the soldier next to him snapping sharp into attention and saluting her arrival. Whether or not she was military, respect was owed to those who bore the title of Darth and the soldier knew better than to ignore her.

Ceryx seemed to have much to say, though it was at least informative and to the point instead of some long-winded speech about hatred. Morgan nodded when she finished, the crisp, professional tone of his voice deepened and distorted by his helmet's modulator.


"Everyone breaks eventually, ma'am. It's only a matter of time and patience," he replied, offering a short and old-fashioned bow from the waist. He was sure some amongst the Sith might be surprised if they knew the face behind the helmet, but he was no stranger to torture and interrogation.

"I have some ideas."


@Topher @Catbert
 

Alyse Ti'Varnus

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Topher
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
333
Reaction score
264
Nodding in acknowledgement to the masked Form of Morgan "As do I" Ceryx offered with a light grin curling at the edge of her lips. As she reflected on the Sith's words, before her attention shifted towards Malicia, well the holographic form of her that was standing beside them. "We will carry out our initial attempts to break the Jedi Master, and proceed as per our plans upon it's conclusion" the Sith Lord spoke, more addressing the Sith Council member, before pausing slightly as a tentative expression crossed her features. "Though whilst the initial Holonet reports carried little of our involvement, there is a possible threat" Ceryx advised, as she rolled her head to the side slightly. "A Vahl Marauder by the Name of Gale, had turned against myself and Wolfgang, he had been dealt with as far as practicable, however whilst his body was broken, his death was not confirmed. Would recommend that word of his treason be known" The blonde Sith advised, waiting for Malicia's silent reaction before closing the channel and snuffing out the holographic form of the Sith Lord.

Once the channel had been terminated the blonde Sith, turned her attention towards the nearby console, removing a small data chip from a pocketed fold within her robes, and proceeding to slot the chip into the console. Her fingers manipulating the keys and screen inputs to cycle through the various soundbites that had been compiled by Ceryx on her journey here, a few moments of silence passed, before the tannoy system within the clandestine structure echoed out with a mixture of a high pitched sound of alternating frequencies, intended to hamper and disrupt any attempts for the Jedi to concentrate or even meditate, that continued on an unending loop, only to be periodically interrupted with various sound bites from the latest Holonet Broadcasts.



Emryc's Speech Sound Bites: "The Outer Rim and other neutral systems are subjected to whatever whims and wishes the Jedi or anyone else has. The Free World Alliance has taken no action to curb the actions of the Jedi and has instead decided to forget that they operate by no rules. They have forgotten what these people are capable of and how they will play the role of judge, jury and executioner. And let me ask you, where did that leave them? Their Ranger Chief in the hospital, countless of his rangers dead, buildings destroyed, lives disrupted. The Jedi have led their enemies directly into the worlds of their allies"

Bakon Mal's Speech Sound Bites: "Dear galaxy, dear free world alliance and independent worlds, I am chief executive Bakon Mal, and I broadcast this to deliver a warning: do not fall for the Jedi lie.. the Jedi claim they're peacekeepers. Yet they launched an attack on Sullustian soil, committing an act of war, claiming the lives of dozens of Sullustians. Soldiers, a maintenance crew and a pregnant visiting dignitary lost their lives during the attack"

JJ Johnson Tabloid report: I was just out here, awhile ago telling you all about the Jedi and their child abductions! And some Jedi, Hera Albion, had the gall to go to a Corellian newsroom to spout more of her Jedi propaganda and lies! Well, I got news for you, Miss Albion! The galaxy knows! Coruscant knows! Your outreach on Corellia is likely viewed as a counterbalance to all the evil you lot do! And unlike you, I have proof, real claims! And you Jedi are truly making me sick! So let's first see the lies in question!

Crix's testimony Sound bite (modified): "I was there on Sullust and I... crawled through some vents until I got in ..... I found... found my... M-my mom. ..*Static*... alone and... and I... I got her out but I... .. *Static*..... the Jedi. I let her down and they got her and... I'm sorry I... I... I can't say anymore, please."

Emryc's Response Sound bite: “I’m disgusted that instead of getting a child the help he needs, the Jedi would drag him out, parade him around and have him be their spokesperson to justify their presence and involvement in everything they shouldn’t be involved in....Tell me, if Trys Aran had a say, would she have allowed her son to go on Holo to break down and crumble on it? To show his face? To reveal who he was so it endangers him for life? ......But who did that without a single thought? Oh right, the very group that barges in and encroaches on every single problem that is not theirs to handle.

Bakon Mal's Speech Sound Bites: Do not trust the Jedi. Their actions at Sullust prove they cannot be trusted. And know that all the Jedi that attacked Sullust are criminals. The Sullustian government will pay greatly for their captures



Once the audio files were heard echoing within the deepest reaches of the buried stone structure, the Sith lord turned her attention back to Morgan. "Whilst our guest is brought up to speed with the latest Galactic concensus of the Jedi" Ceryx spoke as she stepped away from the console, her arms folding across her chest before turning mid pace to face the man directly. "Whilst we let our Jedi friend take stock of how the Galaxy views her Order, let us discuss on the way to the lower levels how best to further weaken her resolve and devotions to the lies of the Jedi" The Sith lord spoke before gesturing towards the door, stopping only to pick up and place her helmet back on, obscuring her features behind the grim visage. "I trust it goes without saying to leave your weapons here" she added before stepping through the threshold of the doorway, knowing that although the Jedi was contained and shackled within her cell, bringing anything that could be used as a weapon would be reckless.
 

Nykoria Tallis

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Catbert
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
467
Reaction score
436
Whoever captured Nykoria, they sure were taking their sweet time. Long enough to let the Zeltron try and clear her mind from the medication she had been subdued with. She was still a little groggy; but it made no difference, as the restraints prevented Kori from walking. Hopefully, her mind and livers would make sure that she wouldn't see double or triple when the time would come.

Then the high-pitched sound kicked in, even making the Jedi Master chuckle. "Really, is that your best?" She was expecting lightning, strangulation, poisons, serums, lightsaber cuts... But a sound? Distracting as it was, the Zeltron had learned to meditate in far worse conditions—while experiencing the emotions and passions of all the people surrounding her. Compared to that, the alternating pitch was nothing. Even the audio clips could be ignored, just like the annoying noise. Breaking a Jedi like that could take a while...

But Jedi or no Jedi, one couldn't deceive the body forever. Eventually, the beeping would stop, and Kori would finally feel the liberating feather-lightness in the head. Distracted from her meditation, and finally hearing what her captors wanted her to hear. Nykoria didn't bother with "not listening"; she believed her convictions strong enough to stand against whatever propaganda the Sith threw at her.

Or perhaps it was because the Zeltron had nothing else to do... Or biding her time. But if the Sith had a camera, they'd get a pretty good idea of how their prisoner was reacting to this or that recording:

The first clip and the thoughts in it didn't leave too much of an impression. If anything, it evoked a smirk that only faded for one moment in the middle, to return again at the end. The second clip started off similarly, but Nykoria's expression got more serious towards its second half. The third clip though... It would only make the Jedi Master scoff with a wide grin.

It was the fourth clip that made Kori's restraints clank, as she tried to adjust her head and hear the recording better. Even though the Zeltron had seen no kid on Sullust, the voice and emotions in it sounded genuine. The voice from the fifth recording also sounded familiar, and this time Nykoria didn't smirk at all. She'd listen to it in its entirety, until the final bit would make her shake her head with a skeptical expression on her face.​

And with that, Kori was left to the high-pitched sounds and occasional audio clips again. She'd close her eyes, but the restraints would prevent her from covering the ears. For the time being, the Jedi Master was left in her current state: chained to cold slab by wrists and ankles; half-lying and half-standing; trying to ward off the annoying beeping with various degrees of success.

@Mr. Teatime @Topher
 

Darth Stolas

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Imperial Council

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Mr. Teatime
Joined
Dec 19, 2020
Messages
921
Reaction score
567
Morgan wordlessly handed his lightsabers off to a guard, who stored them in a small container. A Sith didn't need a lightsaber to be dangerous, and they were a Jedi weapon besides. Sith only used to them to mock the Jedi, a failed Emperor had once said, and it was a sentiment the young Sith agreed with.

He followed behind Ceryx, hands placed neatly behind his back and taking slower, longer steps to keep to the same pace.


"I have some ideas. Everyone has weaknesses, ma'am." There was an angle or five to find, a crack in the armour, leverage to be applied somehow or other. No matter how enlightened, detached, or above the common people a Jedi thought themselves to be, they were still only human in the end. So to speak. "But especially Jedi."

The young Sith pulled his datapad off his belt, perusing something on it in a businesslike fashion. He brought up relevant data related to his current task before speaking again.

"For instance, did you know the name 'Tallis' shows up in public records related to C-Sec on Coruscant? She had a younger Jedi with her as well."

In this situation the two Sith controlled the flow of information. Nykoria received little they did not provide, which was something she'd be cautious of if she wasn't an idiot, but that too could be leveraged. Everything they said was lie, every question a trick. Nothing could be verified, which would eventually sow doubt and dismay and reveal the cracks.

All that mattered was how and where force was applied.


@Catbert @Topher
 

Alyse Ti'Varnus

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Topher
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
333
Reaction score
264
The Sith's lips pursed in thought as she listened to Morgan, her eyes closing as she started to consciously alter the flow of the Force around her, drawing upon the Dark side and bringing it within her - preparing herself for the coming encounter with the Jedi Master, whilst the use of Force was perhaps lower on her priorities at this moment, she would not enter the chamber unprepared. "Very well, when we get to the Jedi's Cell, I would like for you to take the lead, continue to push on the records that you have dug up" Ceryx spoke, as she approached the top of the last stair case that would lead them down to the facilities holding Cell.

As the two Sith came to the base of the stair case, the tannoy systems fell silent, cutting the cycling loop of disruptive noise and the various holonet broad casts. The cold air that hung within the damp cell seemed to dissipate as if rushing out from under the cell door - yet it left no warmth, just nothingness as if temperature had became a null element all of a sudden. Leaving Kori surrounded with nothing but darkness and the faint sound of foot steps echoing through the ancient halls, that progressively grew louder as the two Sith approached.

Raising a hand the Sith lord motioned to signal which cell was the one that the Jedi was kept within, before with a slight flick of her hand the dormant braziers ignited and burst into life, bathing the dark corridor in a flickering amber hue. "So I understand, the latest reports regarding the incident surrounding Ms Vasser's rescue" Ceryx spoke as she purposefully came to a stop a few meters away from the cell door. Turning her attention and gaze to the specialist Sith beside her. "The Fondor Defence Force has since questioned the Togruta Padawan, who has been unable to explain the corpse found within the Hanger, mutilated by Lightsaber wounds and the disappearance of the Yaught, the remaining captives and of course the Jedi Master" the Sith lord continued, before stepping closer to the control panel and keying in the access codes. "Well it would certainly look suspicious regardless, perhaps that would explain why C-Sec have put out warrants for Master Tallis' arrest" the Sith Lord concluded, as she finished the last of sequence of codes into the console - before stepping away and waiting for the time delay on the door to take effect before it slid open.

"Hopefully the Jedi would handle their latest failing with more tact than they had done with that traumatised child debacle" The helmeted Sith lord spoke to Morgan, as the door's mechanisms started to grind into life and the door started to slide open. Turning her attention away from the Sith beside her, Ceryx's masked features turned to regard the bound Jedi Mater. "Evening Master Tallis, I Trust you are comfortable. We have much to talk about" the Sith lord spoke out, addressing the Jedi Master through her helmets audial distortion.
 

Nykoria Tallis

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Catbert
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
467
Reaction score
436
The endless beeping was causing a mild headache. Even the broadcasts inbetween no longer helped—they didn't last long enough to offer reprieve from the dull pain. Than, and Nykoria had memorized all those prerecorded speeches memorized by then. Somehow, the more mundane problems distracted the Jedi from the Dark Side aura of the place. All that mattered was that annoying sound and figuring out a way to block it off. It now took Nykoria a conscious effort to retain a semblance of peace and control.

Still she'd find her hands and legs tugging at the restraints from time to time, checking how strong they were; perhaps even weakening them. It was unlikely that they would break; but doing something was better than nothing. And then the noises stopped. For good. Relieved, Nykoria closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Somehow, the room around her felt emptier now... As if it suddenly lost a dimension that had been there all along. The steps echoed throughout the halls; and since Kori heard the steps, she also heard the discussion going on outside.

Most things she overheard were expected; some left the Zeltron wondering as to what happened exactly; and one thing was a surprise. But Nykoria's expression didn't show it. She remained as she were: wearing old rags; half-lying on a slab, to which her wrists and ankles were firmly secured for the moment. Her captors had granted her a couple moments of peace, and the Jedi Master would make that count. Before the Sith would step into the room, she'd have locked that mild headache away from her body and discarded it.

As the light from outside entered the room, Kori could finally see her captors. Credit where credit was due: they had a sense of style. Black armorweave, capes, masks, metallic armor plates? It was on the edgy side, of course. But what would one expect from a Sith? Definitely not the greeting Kori got. "Oh, so it is evening? Sorry, hard to see without a window," the Zeltron smirked in response to a seemingly-polite introduction; she wouldn't recognize the distorted voice, but the armor's curves gave away a woman. "I'm fine, thanks for asking. The bed is a little cold, and the speakers are broken. They keep repeating the same thing, and have that nasty beeping in stand-by mode."

A scoff followed after the last remark, as the Zeltron's expression returned to a more serious one, appropriate for a typical Jedi Master: "Though I don't think that's what you wanted to talk about."

@Mr. Teatime @Topher
 
Last edited:

Darth Stolas

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Imperial Council

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Mr. Teatime
Joined
Dec 19, 2020
Messages
921
Reaction score
567
The young Sith was always ready to wield the Force if he had the mask on, fury burning just beneath the surface. He was in work mode, acting as a Sith and not as a spy or just plain Morgan, which meant he was ready to fight more or less at a moment's notice.

Ceryx began to speak outside the prisoner's door and thus informed Morgan what game they were playing. He listened to what she said, masked face entirely unreadable and body very still. There was no need to reply to most of the information she was planting, only to build on and leverage it for what came next.


"Doubtful," was all he said before the door fully opened and the two dark garbed figures stepped inside. Morgan stepped at Ceryx's side, head tilted slightly to regard the prisoner, sharp eyes taking in every little detail. Her words came next, and they too were analyzed, turned over, dissected in silence. This was how he played his games, picking apart everything to get to what he wanted. He didn't expect a challenge so far.

"Oh dear, you and your Order really aren't doing well." He stepped slightly to Nykoria's left, helmet facing her directly, though without a clear visor it was impossible to tell where exactly he was looking. "Lost a temple to incompetence and indolence. An arrogant attack on Sullust, easily repelled. The hubris and hypocrisy to wield a vulnerable young man as a political weapon." He paused a moment, looking briefly over toward the speakers where the news had been played from, as if considering something behind his helmet.

"Or perhaps it was simply the will of the Force, hm?" The dark red visor refocused on Nykoria's face, silent for a second or two further. "You know all about the price and failures of Jedi self-righteousness don't you, Ms. Tallis?" he said at last, helmet pointed toward the Zeltron's scarred face, voice cool and calm through the modulator.

"Blown up, captured by thugs, left for dead, criminalized? I'm sure your parents are very proud."


@Topher @Catbert
 

Nykoria Tallis

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Catbert
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
467
Reaction score
436
Until then, the Zeltron paid no mind to her vis-a-vis' silent escort. But when they did take the floor after Ceryx's question, the brown eyes and the purple face trailed the other stranger's mask and visor. They Sith may have concealed their faces and voices, but they didn't bother with emotions: calm and cold malice and burning fury respectively. Both amplified by the wretched planet they were on; and yet completely foreign to a Jedi, unless diluted. Kori's smirk diminished into a sad smile, as she contemplated something.

Yet the Zeltron also listened to everything that the stranger had to say. Yesterday's news and troubles, more of the same... Both had been harsh blows to the Jedi and Nykoria back in the day. Had Kori encountered those responsible for Ajan Kloss a month or two ago, she didn't know what she would've done. But hearing the tragedies of the past mentioned by a Sith there and then? The Jedi Master's lips pursed a little, but that was all that the stranger could evoke.

Then there was some troubling development that Nykoria had just found out about. She listened to that part attentively, followed nice series of punches directed at the Jedi and Kori in particular. A series that indicated that the Sith knew more than they were letting on: her name and the explosion at the Coruscant Sector Ranger HQ for starters. "You sure have done your homework."

A non-sarcastic, almost conceding scoff was followed by an attempt at shrugging—which didn't work out quite nicely, given Kori's outstretched and restrained hands. "Perhaps it was the will of the Force," the Zeltron replied, with a little less gravity than one would expect from a stereotypical Jedi Master from history books. The remark about the parents though? It was a hit or miss. What did they know about her parents anyway?

As for the whole "criminalized" thing... She knew Oren Zapan had been a prisoner too once. Sometimes things happened, and even the innocent could end up in jail. For better or worse, that was just the way the world was. So Kori's reply continued in the same tone: "Maybe they are. I haven't had a chance to ask. On the bright side, I don't have to hide my face." Two could play that game—well, three in that particular case—and Nykoria wouldn't need to see their faces to sense their emotions. Unless the two mask-bearers restrained them... like a Jedi would.

@Topher @Mr. Teatime
 

Alyse Ti'Varnus

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Topher
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
333
Reaction score
264
She had remained quiet during the proceedings since her initial exchange with the Jedi master upon her entry in to the cell, electing not to rise to any of the Jedi's attempts of sarcasm. Her attention shifted along with the back and forth between Kori and Morgan, as the latter put on and continued the routine of laying out the flaws of the Jedi and pinning the current climate on the Order's inability to move beyond their own arrogance and hubris, with the Jedi of course resigning to the default stance that it was purely the will of the Force.

Where the Jedi still this naïve to believe that everything could be explained, even dismissed as being the Force's Will. The Sith lord's eyes narrowing as she studied the Jedi master, watching every twitch of her features, reading every tone with great interest. Her lips eventually pursing at the closing counter comment being given by the Jedi about not having to hide her face, it was a poignant comment, but the Sith Lord would presume that it was down to the Jedi being so blind to what was going on around them that they had yet to connect the dots - history it seemed had an ironic way of repeating itself.

"If only you knew" Ceryx's modulated voice would ring out, as her tinted gaze turned away from the Jedi, to look over Morgan briefly, raising a hand to gesture that she would continue with the dialogue for the time being. Turning her masked gaze back towards the Jedi, the Sith Lord took a step closer towards the bound Jedi. "Change can be Evil, but in order for the Galaxy to grow and learn from it's failures, it requires those hidden in the shadow to see that the necessary work is done" the female Sith lord spoke as she looked towards the shackled Zeltron. "The Jedi would seek to preserve the status quo in order to hold onto their ideals of peace, and when that is wrenched from their grasp, they claim it to be the will of the Force" she continued, her tone without any sense of emotion, only the clear statement of fact.

"Holding onto the ideals about maintaining the status quo and peace, defies the true nature of the Galaxy around us. The Galaxy is driven by evolution, even on primal worlds, predators would hunt the prey, the prey would adapt and in time learn to defend themselves. Removing that allows the galaxy to grow stagnant and fall into decay. The Force is not something who's will has to be blindly followed, it is a tool that serves us, a tool that drives change and helps the galaxy evolve" Ceryx resumed, leaving only but a short space to prevent the Jedi getting any words out, in an attempt to counter the initial statement over the Jedi Order.

"We accept being as faceless as the natural order, but are the Jedi, are you all so willing to be the face of allowing the worlds around you to rot, so long as it maintains peace?"
 

Nykoria Tallis

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Catbert
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
467
Reaction score
436
Skepticism filled the air... Or Kori thought it did. The masked woman—now clearly the senior of the two, as evidenced by her commanding gesture—decided to pick up the conversation where her accomplice left it. All that Nykoria could do was listen; even if she wanted to say something, the Sith wouldn't let the Jedi slip in a word inbetween, But perhaps it was for the best; Kori had retained her peace for the moment; it was the time for knowledge.

So far, the Zeltron didn't seem too impressed. She was speaking of something abstract, like rot and change. And most importantly, "those hiding in the shadows to see the necessary work done". The predator analogy didn't fall on deaf ears either. So, after contemplating the Sith's question, the Zeltron finally had an answer.

"No," Nykoria replied plainly, shaking her head. "The Jedi aren't out there to breed stagnation or ignore problems." From there, the Master would go backwards, seeking to unravel the ideas presented to her. "Nor do we follow the Force blindly. It is but an ally that lends us strength and helps us achieve our goals." It was a rather utilitarian view on the Force for a Jedi Master, bordering on what the Sith had just said. Being an empath since birth, the Zeltron forgot about one important thing about the Force: it granted Jedi their uncanny insight into the problems people faced.

"The goal isn't about peace or status quo," Kori's inquisitive eyes were laser-focused on the visor of the Sith's helmet. "It's about making someone feel better, one person at a time. Because that's worth doing." Kori realized how naive that explanation sounded, and how easily it could be twisted against her. But for the moment, she couldn't word it better, so she continued with a sad smile.

"You fancy yourselves as predators, huh? A poor analogy. Many predators don't kill for fun or higher calling. They only kill because they need meat to survive. Remove that factor, and there's be no need to hunt. Everyone's life becomes less stressful. But that doesn't stop evolution; just changes the parameters it's based on. In the wilderness, you need to be strong, fast, and smart. In society, other qualities come into play."

Nykoria stopped her monologue and attempted to shrug. The dry feeling had built up in her mouth; the Zeltron realized how much she just wanted a drink. She wouldn't let it on, closing her eyes for a moment and attempting to distance herself from that discomfort.
 

Alyse Ti'Varnus

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Topher
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
333
Reaction score
264
A light chortle escaped from the Sith Lord's lips, the vocabulator of her helmet making it sound more of an indignant snort. She had poured over the Jedi texts enough to have formed her own opinion that the ideals of the self proclaimed protectors of the Galaxy were narrow minded, hearing the words spill from the bound Jedi master was enough to confirm that belief. The Galaxy would be better off without predators, everyone's lives would become less stressful, the Goal of a Jedi was to make someone feel better, one person at a time - such lofty goals for the self righteous, picking up one person up from the mire and leaving the rest to suffer.

The Jedi were no better than a passing good Samaritan, and offered little more to the Galaxy beyond that.

"And Why would you wish such a thing, to elevate one person above those that surrounds them. Giving something that is not earned only makes those you have helped a target. Seeing that person be elevated would draw the ire of others who suffer. Your act of kindness will only result in the fact that your actions will wrought more pain" The Sith lord countered, as she tilted her head to the side inquisitively, her eyes narrowing behind the tinted lenses of her helmet's visor to study the Jedi's reaction. No doubt the Jedi would attempt to counter her argument, proclaiming something along the lines of the Greater good, or Kindness begets kindness or some other form of sentimental drivel.

"When you choose to feed a man, you may alleviate their suffering for just a day, but in doing so you set them onto the path of reliance. You give the man the need to survive, he will get find the drive and will to embrace the desire, to learn and fend for himself" Ceryx continued after a brief pause, her hands falling to her side. "Like it or not, predators are needed. The Sith are needed, you may see yourselves as protectors and champions for the suffering. But your hubris denies the Galaxy the desire and will to fend for themselves. It is never the Jedi that brings peace to the Galaxy, the reliance on the Jedi only prolongs it's suffering. It was not Skywalker that singlehandedly brought the Empire to it's knees, it was the combined desire and will of the entire Rebellion, Nor was it the Jedi that once saved the ancient Galaxy from Sith rule, it was the Mandalorians who brought the Ancient Sith to their knees"

The Sith lord leant down, so to look the Zeltron more directly in the eye, so to speak. "What has the Jedi order achieved as of late? Where has all your deliberating got you so far? False promises to protect and guard the New Republic and the Free World alliance, how can you protect them when your own temple has been razed to the ground. Convincing the Galaxy to rely on the aid of the Jedi has only set them back. Only now the denizens of this Galaxy have started to Reject the self righteous interference of the Jedi. And it will be the actions of these people who reject your arrogance, embracing their own instinct to survive that shall bring peace to the Galaxy"
 

Nykoria Tallis

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Catbert
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
467
Reaction score
436
Nykoria listened to what the Sith had to say on elevating one person above the other. Although skeptical, Kori didn't disregard it outright. The words resonated with one of her memories. The Eternal had proclaimed in its broadcast that the Jedi had made the Rangers the target by allying with them. That would serve as a good example of the Sith's point. The corner of the Zeltron's lip twitched at the thought...

But what if the Jedi hadn't been out there? Would the Sith have stopped what they were doing? Probably not. So the Zeltron wouldn't really take the blame for her "acts of kindness". The "giving a man food" example was an old one as well. The usual solution was "teach the man to fish"; the masked Sith seemed to be going for "disregard the man, and he might find the strength in him". It sure looked like how the universe meant it to be, at least with non-sentients and their evolution.

The Sith also had a point about the Galaxy being saved from the Sith oppression by people other than Jedi. The Resistance. The Rebel Alliance. The Mandalorians. The corners of the Zeltron's lips went up in a conceding smile, as she attempted to shrug. With her hands restrained, it still wasn't quite convenient. "You're right," she mumbled, raising her gaze to meet the Sith's visor. "The Jedi alone won't be able to protect the Galaxy or even the Free Worlds. Not from everything at least."

The Master's thoughts ran back to Ryloth, where the Jedi took an active part in defense from the Sith onslaught. Yet in the end, it was the local resistance who managed to fend off the Star Destroyer. There was also Nar Shaddaa, where Nara Allam and Izel Thral—together with some others—averted a bioweapon outbreak. But for every Ryloth, there was Sullust. For every Nar Shaddaa, there was Ajan Kloss. The Zeltron lowered her gaze again, glancing at the other Sith in the room briefly. "All we can do is try, and do what we feel is right." A sad smile crawled on the Zeltron's lips: "Not much different from what you claim to be doing, eh?"

Kori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Somehow, it was all starting to make perfect sense. Councillor Oren Zapan used to speak about the mission of the Jedi Order and its desired effect for the galaxy at large. The Sith she was talking to now was doing the same. The implications were... amusing, sad, and existential at the same time.

"You're wrong about one thing though," Nykoria opened her eyes again, looking at the stranger more confident than ever. "The Sith are needed no more and no less than the Jedi. One group wouldn't exist without the other. You can name them differently, give them a different code, have them adhere to whatever side of the Force... But in the end, they're just a more poignant manifestation of the same galaxy."

Nykoria tried to gulp, but her mouth had dried up. She simply nodded, considering everything that she had just said: "In the end, it all comes down to what you learn in the galaxy, and what difference you seek to make."
 

Alyse Ti'Varnus

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Topher
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
333
Reaction score
264
A laugh resonated through the vocabulator of her helmet, as the Jedi countered her argument with the statement that the Sith were no more needed by the Galaxy as the Jedi were. It seemed that for once finally at least for one fleeting moment the Jedi had expressed a statement that she agreed with - to a degree. Regardless of creed, or unnatural powers that they possessed, Jedi and Sith were no different to the denizens of the wider galaxy. There will always be those who have opposing opinions to the other, and those clashes of differences would either be expressed through words or by force of military might, the only thing that Force Users resembled in this instance was that they were the embodiment of the destructive forces that a small army can wrought, condensed into a singular form.

"And there lies the problem" Ceryx commented simply as her masked visage met the Jedi's gaze, concealing a wry smirk that was forming on the edge of her lips, in reaction to the air of confidence that was building in the Jedi Master, whom had faltered and wavered sporadically during their interactions so far, it was refreshing to see that this Jedi had more of a conviction beyond the teachings and simplistic platitudes of the Jedi code. "A culture's teachings, more importantly the nature of its denizens find their definition through conflict. They either find themselves… or find themselves lacking. Too long has the Galaxy truly remained unchallenged. It is a stagnant beast that struggles for breath and has done for countless centuries." The Sith lord continued, before pausing slightly to crouch down so that she was at eye level with the Jedi Master.

"The Jedi Order has historically been at the heart of what sustained the Galaxy's sickness, much as we Sith have been the ones to inflict it's wounds" Ceryx continued once she had crouched down, and meeting the Jedi Master's direct line of sight. "Whilst the wounds sting the galaxy, the scars shape it for the better. The Jedi may believe that we only seek to inflict suffering and harm to innocents, but that is because you do not truly understand what lies in the darkness" the Sith lord added, before pausing to observe the dry desperate gulps of the parched Jedi. Holding her hand out to the side, the masked Lord manipulated the thick and oppressive air that hung around them, channelling the Force and extracting the moisture out of it, forming a shot glass sized orb of water that hung mid air in front of the Jedi's face, close enough for the Jedi to consume should she so choose.

If the Jedi chose to regard the offer of water with suspicion and clearly reject the opportunity to satiate her thirst then the orb would fall onto the stone floor with a light splash. "Unfortunately it does not come down to what we learn in the Galaxy, it is what she learn of and beyond the Galaxy. Sadly you Jedi see us as being the terror that threatens the Galaxy, but you are limited in your perception and blinded by your own light" The Sith lord spoke before she rose up to her full height, once again. "The difference we seek is to strengthen and prepare all worlds for what is to come, there are greater threats hidden deep within the darkness that threatens not only us but the Force" Ceryx added, before proceeding to fold her arms across her chest. "The Question is whether you are willing to accept that?" she questioned, her tone despite the modulation ringing out with an air of gravity to her words.
 

Nykoria Tallis

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Catbert
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
467
Reaction score
436
Even though Kori couldn't see the woman behind the helmet, the Sith's genuine laugh didn't elude her attention. So far, things were going... surprisingly better than what she had expected. Sure, the restraints still made her arms ache; thirst and cold evoked occasional snark. But strangely, the very fact that she couldn't do anything about the predicament offered the Jedi Master some solace. Or maybe it was the fact that the Sith she faced wasn't a mindless bloodthirsty brute.

If anything, the masked woman's further speech only solidified Kori's conviction about her. Speeches about destiny, higher causes, and chosen ones were so Oren. The only time when the conversation interrupted was when the water condensed from thin air in front of the Zeltron's purple face. Manipulating something like that telekinatically was like second nature to the Jedi Master. Slowly and carefully, the little light that remained even on Ellora—along with Nykoria's own—wrapped around the bubble, tugging it towards the Zeltron's mouth and holding it in place. From there on, it was a matter of drinking it in, like through a straw. With the bubble gone, the Zeltron would reply with a tentative "Thanks." Of course, the suspicion was there; but in the end, for better or worse, Zeltron trust (or gullibility) prevailed.

In the meantime, the Sith asked her a question. Oh, there was so much the Jedi Master could say on that! She tilted her head, a calm and defiant confidence in her words: "If what you're saying is true, it makes no difference whether I accept it or not. The Sith still do their own thing while the Jedi do theirs." The mention of Sith and Jedi of old still revealed the masked woman's bias. But that was to be expected. Nykoria had just the words for that occasion.

"But even if there is a bigger threat, you're clearly going wrong about it," the smirk on her face grew more confident as she continued. "I don't remember the Eternal saying anything about preparing the galaxy. It actually could've scored him some points. Hopefully, since the woman had listened to what Kori had to say, she'd give her a chance to finish: "I do remember the 'submit or die' thing though, like during the old Empire. The people who could rival the Sith and protect the galaxy from those threats being murdered instead of hardened. And infighting in the wake of bigger threats is also counter-productive."

By the Force was Kori glad that she had taken that water. But even that speech meant that she had to catch her breath for a moment. Should she get the chance, she'd also add: "So far, most Sith from the history books were more about ruling the Galaxy than anything else. Harm and suffering are just a byproduct of their desires."
 

Alyse Ti'Varnus

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Topher
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
333
Reaction score
264
Silently the masked Sith lord listened with crossed arms as she allowed the Jedi Master to air her piece, her eyes narrowing as she listened to the Zeltron quote the Dark Lord's words and sentiment as a means to bolster the Counter argument that the Sith were going about things the wrong way, to prevent the Galaxy from falling into a greater darkness. Her teeth gritting at the narrow mindedness of the Jedi Master, twisting the earlier comments about the people who would likely become the ones to ultimately stand up against the Sith being murdered, and allowing for infighting to continue within the Galaxy to be counter productive to the preparing the Galaxy for the bigger threats that resided in the shadows, beyond the atypical etheric wars that are waged between Force users either in the name of the Darkside or in the name of the Lightside.

She could not help but allow her body to flood with infuriation at the Jedi Master, not because of her continued attempts to counter every single comment, but as a result of what had been said and implied, with regards to how the wider Sith aligned with the Submit or Die mantra. Whilst the Sith lord held a seated distaste for the senseless killing for the sake of killing, she could not in present company show that her views ran counter to that of the Dark Lord, to openly say anything against the Eternal is unwise, and likely to prove to be a terminal error. Even though it was part and part of the course that each of the Sith have their own little schemes and machinations for power, it was just the means of self preservation that they were never openly aired among the Sith Ranks - a vaulted ambition is so easily cut down.

The room seemed to react and resonate with the growing anger that had started to swell within the Sith Lord, her hands falling to the side and balling up into fists and then opening up for a moment. "Enough" The Sith Lord snapped, her modulator doing little to mask the abrupt finality to her tone of voice. "Do not speak to me of the ways of the Sith. A Jedi Master has no conception of what it means to be Sith" Ceryx continued, her words unwavering with the stern anger that she was presenting before those within the room. Little after the words had passed her lips, the room resonated with the sharp crackling of Electricity as Force Lightning was unleashed from the Sith Lord's hand, and directed solely onto the chained and bound Jedi the arching blue light strobing within the dimly lit chamber. The currents of manifested electricity would pour into the Jedi Master until her consciousness started to black out from the searing pain that ran throughout her body.

Only when the Jedi's near unconscious body slumped onto the floor would the lightning cease, and the Sith Lord would step back from the chamber, stepping past Morgan and approaching the waiting guard outside of the Jedi's cell. "Drug her and prep her for transport. Have the Jedi shipped to the Governor on Bakura, and inform the Governor should she allow for the Jedi to escape her care, then her precious world will be reduced to a burning husk"

// Ending Thread
 

Nykoria Tallis

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Catbert
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
467
Reaction score
436
She was getting under the Sith's skin. Even the mask could't find the emotions building up inside her. The woman couldn't counter Kori's points, as evidenced by "You're incapable of understanding" card. Either that, or there really was an unclosable chasm between certain people. Were some people truly too indoctrinated and beyond saving? Every encounter with the Sith kept spurring Nykoria towards the positive answer. She could consider the verbal exchange a victory, but was still at the mercy of her captors. Kori could've just agreed with the Sith and spare herself the pain... But she had made a choice.

There was no time for another retort to rub it in. Besides the anger in the Sith, Kori sensed something else... The malignant energies building up, just like on Ontotho and Sullust. Instinctively, her hands rushed to block the torrent of energy... Only to be stopped by restraints and make the chains give off the clunking sound.

The torrents hit the purple body. For a second, nothing happened, apart from a painful grunt. The energy touched the body, but didn't remain there, dissipating in the air. In a last-ditch attempt, the Zeltron attempted to deflect the lightning with her entire body, much like a Jedi could do with his or her hands. However, that required immense concentration and strength. There and there, on a world shrouded by darkness and after being drugged, Kori possessed neither.

Another second in, and the Zeltron was screaming at the top of her lungs. Her body writhed on the slab, but was still restrained, making defense or dodging impossible. Kori did hear a mention of Bakura, but that was all she managed to figure out before the universe faded to black...

// End thread
 
Top