Concerning the Future

[Kyber Krystal]

After weeks of constant activity, from strange rituals on Yavin IV to dealing with rogue Force Sensitives threatening the security of the Empire, Jax was finally ready for some down time. Though really, downtime to Jax had always meant training in private. Even when he was a boy growing up among the Mandalorians, whenever he found time to be by himself, he would always train. He wanted to be better than the others, he wanted to push himself to be the greatest warrior there was. Ever since he was exiled from the Mandalorians and he joined with the Sith, this desire had only been heightened. The competitive nature and raw passion of the Sith created the greatest warriors, far outstripping any Mandalorian. Jax knew that this is what was needed for Sith Supremacy in the Galaxy, and so he trained. As often as possible.

However, despite his desire for some downtime, Jax would not receive anything of the sort. Jax was sitting on an Imperial Shuttle taking him back to Korriban. Although he hoped to return to Korriban and hopefully train a bit more at the Academy, he received a message on his holocommunicator that would take him away from that goal. It was a strange summons, nothing to indicate who it was. However, Jax knew that his frequency was heavily encrypted and meant to be accessed only by those in the Imperial hierarchy. Jax had made modifications to each of his own devices. Growing up with House Ordo did well to teach one technological prowess. And so, Jax knew if anyone held his frequency, it could very well be an important summons. The message held nothing except a set of coordinates, indicating a spaceport on the planet Zygerria. Along with two simple words:

COME IMMEDIATELY

Jax was nothing if not curious. He wanted to find out who sent him this message and for what purpose. And so quickly, he ordered the Pilot of his shuttle to change course before the jump to hyperspace. He gave the pilot the coordinates he had been sent. When asked for what purpose their location had been changed, Jax simply uttered "Imperial Business, do not question." Before sitting down once more. The pilot, an Imperial Private, did not wish to anger or question the authority of a Sith Marauder, and complied without further protest. Without delay the jump to Hyperspace occurred.

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The flight to Zygerria was rather uneventful, but Jax's mind was plagued with the implications of such a message. Usually any communications he received were missions or orders from Imperial High Command, clearly explaining what the message intended and why he was the one receiving it. This was the way he liked it. He despised needless banter and enjoyed getting his information and orders in a short, concise manner. But this message was vague, almost needlessly vague. It was provocative, in the sense that Jax could not stop thinking about it, but it was also confusing. Jax wanted his questions answered as soon as possible.

Without delay, following the coordinates, Jax instructed his pilot exactly where to set down. As they landed, Jax readied himself and his gear. His load out was simple, a lightsaber and his armour, along with his holocommunicator. Despite his love for technology and training with Mandalorian weapons, Jax favoured the simple appearance of a Sith Warrior. He wanted to display to all who saw him exactly who he pledge allegiance to. Jax looked around where he had landed, noticing that it seemed to be just outside a small slaving compound. He had heard this world was a huge figure in the slave trade, but had never seen it upclose. Jax thought little of slaves, that they were merely beings who did not want freedom enough to escape from their bonds. Through power and victory, ones chains were broken, and if they desired no power, then they deserved their fate in chains.

Of note, Jax saw nothing... Until he felt a foreboding presence. He sensed a large Force presence approaching. An epicentre of Dark power... Jax turned his head towards where he sensed the presence was.

@Apollyon

 

[Apollyon]

Theme Song​

[beebox3=400px]"Jax Merrik" Darth Ruin mused internally.

A Mandalorian who had come to understand a singular truth in the Galaxy, that the Sith were unstoppable, and that the Dark Side was the only pathway to true power. This man had cast aside the notion of "Honor" and "Duty" to gain strength and power, he was proving himself a valuable warrior in the Sith Lord's eyes. However, Darth Ruin hadn't summoned this sithling into his presence to merely succor him in with honeyed words. No, Darth Ruin saw value in the man's heritage, he saw potential in the man to weather the coming storm; he just needed...guidance.

Unlike other Sith, Darth Ruin didn't shrink away from the Darkness, nor it's taint, he didn't shroud himself in darkened robes, nor hide his face with a mask or drawn hood.
Instead, Darth Ruin's almost transparent pale skin, his bloodshot crimson eyes, and his decaying teeth were all on display for every being to see. This was the price he had paid for power, his body now matched the corruption of his left arm, and despite his disgust at his own appearance, he didn't hide it away. Instead, the Sith Lord held an aura of pride around him, more intense then it had ever been in the past; those around him would feel the urge to seize whatever their hearts desired, all the while feeling the cold sensation of dread whispering in the backs of their minds.

This was Darth Ruin.

Pride. Lust. Greed. Fear.

This is what oozed from the very core of his being and this is what Jax Merrik felt before turning his gaze to the golden clad figure of the Fallen Jedi turned Sith Lord. Darth Ruin's guards would go before the Sith Lord to ensure that his guest held no surprises, no bombs, no hidden weapons, nothing another Sith would have planted in an attempted to assassinate him as Ruin approached. The Sith Lord wouldn't allow his guest to be disarmed, instead, he wanted the young man to feel armed when standing before him, he wanted him to feel powerless despite this.

Ruin approached the man and raised his head slightly, his gaze falling downward on the man. His corrupted claw and golden gauntlet rested on the contrasting lightsaber hilts, calmly yet cautiously. Ruin's voice would echo out but not physically, instead the Sith Lord would speak telepathically with the Warrior before him, the mental voice whispering seductively in Jax's head.

"Do you know who I am?" It hissed in a serpentine manner.​

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[Kyber Krystal]

"Do you know who I am?"

A voice crept into the back of Jax's mind, uninvited and certainly unexpected. The sound was nearly velvety, soft and inviting. Full of promise and full of opportunity. At the same time, the voice was dreadful. It just contained a hint of something that made one distrustful. Jax initially was turning slowly, but upon hearing the voice encroach on his mind, he sprang into action. His lightsaber was summoned to his hand and it instantly ignited, but the second he saw the source of the voice, the source of the presence... He froze.

He stood, stoic, as he looked upon an extremely forbidding figure. His skin was transparent, almost reflective. His eyes were a deep red, totally highlighted by their bloodshot appearance. Their natural appearance were the same colour as Jax's cybernetic, artificial eye. Something Jax considered fascinating. Though Jax didn't intend for it to happen, he couldn't help but look this figure up and down. Jax felt short of breath almost. Not only was this man something to behold, he exuded an intoxicating presence. Jax felt his heart race as the man approached. He nearly felt as if he could do anything, he felt... more pride. It was incredibly fascinating. Almost in reverence, Jax lowered his lightsaber and disengaged the blade. His gaze shifted to the two nameless guards this man kept with him, who were seemingly inspecting him for any other weapons. Aside from his lightsaber which was clearly in view.

Jax knew who he was. Jax knew this was the man who sent the summons. It couldn't be anyone else. "You are Darth Ruin..." He said simply... Darth. The title itself was intoxicating to Jax. The power, the status, the fear that was evoked by simply uttering the word. The Sith Lords in the Empire were far and few in-between. They were the truly powerful, the true leaders of the Empire. Lords of the Dark Council, Second only to the Emperor himself in power and ability. Jax knew little about Darth Ruin. He knew that he fought for his title against another Darth and emerged victorious. However, that was about it. The Darths of the Empire were mysterious and awe-inspiring, but not many truly knew much about them. Jax himself had always felt quite powerful and in control, but in the presence of the Darth his own authority felt... lesser.

Jax had to wonder what he had done or what happened that he warranted the attention of this Sith Lord. Never mind that, but to be personally summoned by said Sith Lord. As the Sith Lord approached, Jax held his ground. Although he was fascinated and filled with awe, Jax would not appear lesser than he was. He would present himself well in front of the Sith Lord. For nearly the first time in his life, Jax bowed toward Darth Ruin, showing the respect he was due. He hadn't bowed to anyone before. "My Lord..." Jax spoke as he inclined his body just the right amount. He wanted to convey respect, but not act as if he was yet another snivelling minion. That being said, he did not rise until he was bade.

"My Lord, if I may... Why have you summoned me here today?" Jax inquired toward the Sith Lord. It was the only thing he could think to say at the moment, the only thing that came to his mind. Amidst everything else that was going on, everything else he was feeling. For the first time in years, Jax did not know what to say or do.

@Apollyon

 

[Apollyon]

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Jax Merrik uttered Ruin's name before giving him a bow. The bow was not subservient, instead it was a sign of respect while allowing Jax Merrik to keep his pride and dignity; but it was still a bow. While Jax maintained his bow, Darth Ruin allowed the deeply seated pleasure to creep across his countenance, the devil smiled. The expression was as fleeting as Ruin allowed Jax's bow to be and as it faded from his visage Darth Ruin extended his right and motioned up with his fingers.

The motion would be within Jax's line of sight and it was a non-verbal cue for the man to stand up straight. With that, Ruin's hand would return to rest on the hilt of his lightsaber. He hadn't flinched when the warrior had ignited his weapon, it was a natural response to someone experiencing telepathy for the first time. Jax had also chosen to wisely deactivate his weapon when he recognized the source of the whisper in his mind, which momentarily cleared the man of Ruin's suspicious nature.

"Do not speak aloud." Ruin snapped through their telepathic link. "You have no idea how many prying eyes could be laying upon us presently." He continued, his hissing whisper slowly losing the irritation it once held. "Extend your senses and mind Jax Merrik, speak through it and I will hear." Ruin explained, utilizing this moment to teach the younger Sith.

Telepathy was an important baseline for mental based Force control, one of Darth Ruin's specialties. This small morsel of knowledge was a gift from Darth Ruin to a potential pupil, something Ruin utilized to draw Jax Merrik in. Darth Ruin would simply gaze downward at Jax until the assigned task was accomplished, only once the man had begun to understand how to bridge a telepathic link would Ruin continue their conversation.​

[/beebox3]

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Jax took notice of Darth Ruin's short gesture with his right fingers, and rose at his command. Jax took notice of the manner in which he gestured. It was slow, deliberate and one could say lazy. It was a deliberate display of power. No words, nothing except a small, powerful gesture. As Jax rose to his full height, he looked Darth Ruin in the eyes for the first time. He would not falter or look away, but the man was quite imposing up close. He literally exuded power, a true vessel of the Dark Side's potency. Jax was a bit fearful to be in his presence, but it was also exhilarating.

Jax fought to contain a flinch as Darth Ruin snapped at him through their telepathic link, berating him for speaking outloud. This link, being spoken to like this, was not something Jax was used to in the slightest. Darth Ruin's voice echoed around his mind, disrupting his own ability to think as the Darth essentially occupied his mind. Ruin's voice had lost most of the irritation that had previously caused Jax to react so hastily with his lightsaber, but retained the seductive, velvety softness it had previously held. It match the intoxicating aura that Ruin exuded. It was compelling, Jax realized. He realized for a brief second he wanted nothing more than to obey the Darth's commands. Though he managed to shake this compulsion off, Jax couldn't help but wonder about the Darth's powers. If this was but the surface...

Jax concentrated as best he could, focusing on the telepathic link that Ruin had forged between their minds. Despite Jax having no active participation in its formation, the link was incredibly strong. Something that was a bit disconcerting, considering how easy Ruin had accessed Jax's mind. He focused on this link, extending his senses to the world around him. There was nothing else to focus on. There was no wind, no visible wildlife, no one except Ruin's guards in the vicinity, who had not moved since they inspected Jax for weapons. It was Jax and the Sith Lord, that was it.

"Ye- s... My Lo- Lord." Jax attempted at first. It was only half formed, to Ruin it would sound like interference on a com network... Jax somehow knew this, that his connection was only half formed. He took a deep breath and tried again. He focused only on Darth Ruin, with everything he had. "Yes, my Lord" Jax said obediently through their link. He had been successful. "Why have you summoned me before you today... and how do you know my name?" He repeated his question from before. He needed to know.

@Apollyon

 

[Apollyon]

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Pleasure rippled through Ruin's signature as Jax accomplished the task that Darth Ruin had demanded from him. An accomplished smirk appeared across the corrupted face of the Sith Lord as he gazed upon the man. Telepathy was one of the first steps towards obtaining mastery over the minds of others, it was a powerful and versatile tool.

Darth Ruin listened to Jax's questions as they echoed within his mind. The two questions were linked together, he knew Jax Merrik's name thanks to Korriban admission documentation, it existed for most Acolytes and Marauders. The reason he had summoned the younger man to his side was simple, he had possibly been raised Mandalorian.

"When you were admitted to the Korriban Academy, your name and all records found on you were filed there." Ruin cooed. "As for why I summoned you, it is a two part request." He continued. "Firstly, in my studies of Mandalorian clans, I have noticed the name Merrik a handful of times." Ruin explained. "Any relation?" He asked.

Darth Ruin would pause and allow the young man a moment to formulate a response to his logic and singular question. Jax's heritage didn't disturb the Sith Lord, everyone had a history before coming into the embrace of the Dark Side. Even Darth Ruin himself had served as a Jedi for nearly one hundred years before having his eyes opened to the harsh realities of the Galaxy. In Ruin's eyes, it wasn't an individual's past that defined them but the choices they made moving forward that mattered.

"Secondly, I need a thorn in my side removed." Ruin stated. "I do not hide my business affairs here on Zygerria, I am a businessman and slavery is my trade." Darth Ruin explained. "However, as of late I have had...misguided individuals liberating my properties." He continued, his voice taking on a more irritated tone. "I need these individuals found, their mistakes made clear to them, and their heads brought back to me." Ruin explained. "I'd do it myself but I cannot allow these miscreants to become martyrs by my direct involvement in the matter."​

[/beebox3]

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Jax stood still as Darth Ruin addressed him, focusing on their telepathic link, so that he might hear all he had to say. It wasn't often that any Marauder earned the attention of a Sith Lord, and Jax did not want to disappoint. He was eager to hear the answers to his questions, and Ruin's responses were at the forefront of his mind.

Merrik... His clan name... A name that was used on any official documentation throughout the Empire because he possessed no other name to replace it, but still made the young man's tempers flare. His last name was the only link to his clan he had left, since his painful exile from his clan. Whenever he heard the name, he couldn't help but lose his temper if only for a brief moment. Hearing the name was a snap response, like hearing a twig snap behind you or listening to the sound of a lightsaber igniting. It was a reflex. "I was indeed raised Mandalorian, my Lord. Clan Merrik, of the Mandalorian House Ordo." Jax answered honestly and simply, again using telepathy to the best of his ability. It seemed Darth Ruin was forming a foundation of trust with the young Marauder... as trusting as a Sith could be, at any rate. Ruin had not danced around Jax's questions, but answered honestly. He would reciprocate. Besides, he would gain little from lying to a Sith Lord. "I was betrayed and exiled from my clan at a young age. Betrayed by my brother and... maimed by my father..." Jax gestured to the cybernetic implant that took the place of his left eye. "I pledged myself to the Sith and gave myself to the Dark Side shortly after... I've dedicated myself to aiding the Empire's efforts against the Dominion ever since..." Anger flared across Jax's Force Signature as he answered the question. No doubt, if Ruin had studied the Mandalorian clans, it would be for the purpose of gaining insight into the enemy. If Ruin wanted to seek out and crush the Mandalorian Dominion, Jax would more than happily help.

Then came his request, the true reason for Ruin's summons. Personally, Jax saw no reason that any one of Ruin's minions could take care of such a task. But Jax saw the potential for something else. Perhaps Ruin was asking him to do this to test his skills, to see if Jax possessed any modicum of talent. To see if the recently christened Marauder could be of any use to the Darth. Despite this individual's misguided feelings towards the slaves, anyone who intentionally interfered in the business of a Sith Lord deserved whatever fate they incurred. "I understand. I will do as you ask, my Lord. These individuals will be shown the error of their ways." Jax did not feel the need to question Darth Ruin's intentions or ask anything else. A Sith Lord had asked him to assist in a task, and he would not fail.

"Would you prefer that your justice be carried out quietly, or... more painfully?" Jax smiled a sinister smile.

@Apollyon