Deliver the Message

[Vinny]

Above Eadu
Aboard Darth Cain's Flagship, Pontifex
Bridge

Darth Cain lounged in the command chair of the Empyreal-Class star ship. The bridge was dead quiet, only a skeleton crew manned the vessel itself. With limited life support enabled for those on board. The ship itself had been carefully coated with stealth paint. To the galaxy beyond it seemed like nothing more than a bulge in the sea of stars. To scanners it would appear only as a tiny blip, maybe a derelict yacht. Priests of numerous ranks milled about the ship, using the force to sustain them. Manning the vessel was a test and an exercise in the crew's connection to the Dark Side. For Cain, the ship was as good as being on maximum power.

He rose to his feet, walking quietly to the edge of the bridge. The plasteel wall between him and the vacuum of space was as cold as ice when he ran his fingers down it's surface. He released a silent call in the force, touching the mind of the Priestess whom would come with him personally on this assignment. Alexia Morr, the woman who styled herself as the 'Red Witch' had proven herself to him back on Tund. Now she had been chosen for a more pertinent test. While the other priests left the Pontifex on stealth vessels to perform their own missions on the rainy world, Alexia would join Cain in a more direct address of the planetary leadership.

Their task was quite simple, go down to the world below and inform them of the coming of the Sith Empire. They would be given two options. Kneel or Die.

The blast doors leading onto the near-empty bridge hissed behind him. He could feel Alexia's presence as she approached him from behind. He did not turn to look at her, but instead contented himself with appreciating the dark blue world beneath them. "I trust you have found our journey comfortable, Priestess?" He asked, lowering his arms and crossing them behind his back. "It is far dryer up here than it will be down there." He gave a small chuckle and turned. His face was as handsome as ever, thin with light stubble, brown hair falling long over his shoulders. His smile was playful and lopsided. His eyes were cold though, cold and hard, with the malice of someone willing to go to any length to complete his task.

"What is our duty on this world, Priestess?"

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

Alexia Morr radiated the Darkside. She sat in the middle of plain grey room aboard the Priesthood’s flagship. The Pontifex was maned by a skeletal crew and running on limited life support. Her fervent faith in the Darkside sustained her. She did not need rest, did not need recycled air, all she needed was her unwavering faith. The Darkness provided. She had used her time aboard the ship to push her mind and body. The limited life support made even the shortest training difficult. She relished the challenge. Her body had groaned and begged for relief, it made her stronger. It made her a better tool of the dark.

Each day, she had mediated. She had thrown herself wide to the Darkside. She listened carefully as her true master spoke to her. Spread the word, cull the heretics, extinguish the Light. She faithfully obeyed. She gladly volunteered to bring the only true faith to Eadu. The Empire was expanding across the galaxy, it was her solemn duty follow with the grace of the Darkside. Eadu would be given a choice. Accept the path of the Darkness or burn. There were no second chances, no half-truths. You gave in to the will of the Darkside or you would be culled.

Alexia was broken from her mediation by the touch of Lord Cain. It was time. The Priesthood would go forth as a dark swarm. They would bring the word of unyielding dark, Eadu would submit. The priests were the voice of the Empire, the voice of the Darkside. The people of Eadu would hear them speak. She did not join her brothers and sisters as they departed for the planet’s surface. She had a greater responsibility, a greater purpose. She had been chosen by Lord Cain to accompany him to address Eadu’s leadership. The governor would be given the same choice as his people. Serve or die.

She relished the chance to work alongside the Priesthood’s leader. She would take any opportunity to prove to Lord Cain her devotion to the Darkside. He had immense knowledge of arcane arts long forgotten. She desperately desired his knowledge. Her studies were only a shadow of what the Darkness could accomplish. She knew Lord Cain was the key to unlocking the lost arts. Slowing rising from her mediation, Alexia quickly walked through the halls of the Pontifex. She wore her ornate robes, designed for this occasion. When she arrived on the bridge, she approached Lord Cain, and dropped to one knee. She kept her eyes on durasteel floor.

“The Darkside has sustained me my lord, my faith has kept be free of discomfort.” She knew Eadu was frequently consumed with torrential downpours. Physical discomfort would not deter her. “Eadu is without faith. They are adrift in the galaxy. We are to give them a choice my lord, to accept the embrace of the Darkside or be extinguished.”

She kept still as she waited for her Lord’s reply. She knew they would be leaving soon to spread the word of the dark.

@Vinny

 

[Vinny]

Cain smirked at his own reflection as she spoke. Her presence was so full of devotion and passionate Zeal that it was almost intoxicating. She had a way about her that reminded him of himself when he had first begun to understand the secrets he was delving into. Now she served him. Her faith would be rewarded, in time, so long as she held it. There would be trials ahead, he knew, and she would be tested to the depths of her soul. He turned to look down at her and spread his arms, his hands palm up. "Good. You know your duty. Now come with me, priestess, and we will enlighten the dimmed minds of this storm blanketed world." He said, his eyes bright with mischief. It was well known that he had a reputation of portraying himself as a fool and a playboy. Yet it was moments like this where he could embrace the man he was meant to be.

He strode past her, his arms behind his back and his cloak billowing in his wake. He did not wait for her to rise and follow him, she should know better than to make him wait. He made his way toward the rear of the bridge and strode out into the main corridor. One priest stood at either side of the door, their faces masked in bones and black cloth. They bowed to their pontiff, and he inclined his head to them. "High Priest Koro is in charge while I am away, be sure to inform him." Cain said to the guards who immediately dismissed themselves to deliver the message.

Cain continued his path down to the main hangar of the ship, where his own vessel, a sleek black-tinted Naboo-class vessel was waiting. The shining metal hull reflected even the stars themselves, making for an excellent optical disguise. The boarding ramp dropped and he strode into it, several priests were milling about inside, preparing the interior. They all dropped to their knees as Cain approached and he waved at them to rise. He had no time for such things at the moment. He moved for the cockpit before finally turning to speak to Alexia.

"You will be my co-pilot." He said with a playful grin.

 

[Valen Pelora]

Alexia inwardly beamed at the praise from Lord Cain. She was not an emotional creature, she prided herself on her control. She struggled mightily to maintain her composure near the leader of their Priesthood. Lord Cain’s aura wrapped itself around her, feeding her thirst for knowledge. It spoke to the deepest recess of her soul. A small shiver crawled up her spine as the Sith Lord walked past. She tried to maintain her calm but his presence was difficult to keep at bay.

She quickly stood and followed Lord Cain through the ship. She took a deep breath of the Darkside. Her faith lent her strength as they moved through the ship. She used the walk to center herself. Her loyalty was to the dark, her devotion was unwavering. She fed her anxiety into the darkness, it was consumed.

Priests and Priestess of all ranks supplicated as they walked through the ship. She knew their reverence was for Lord Cain, but she enjoyed the displays. The Priests recognized true servitude in their master. She wondered how many of them gave every inch of their soul to the Darkside. There were pretenders even among the Priests. In time, their falsehood would be revealed and they would join the heretics in oblivion. The Priesthood was not a stepping stone for raising in rank, it was a vessel to understanding the Darkness they served.

Her boots rang on the durasteel as they approach a beautiful Naboo-class ship. She briefly admired the vessel as they boarded. More priests bowed and scrapped for Lord Cain. Her heart raced when he commanded her to join him in the cock-pit. A small frown turned her ruby red lips. Control yourself. Alexia gave a small nod.

“Yes, my lord.” She followed the Sith Lord into the cockpit and strapped herself into the co-pilot’s seat. She placed her hands on the yoke.

“Governor Gomar Shukat is a hard man, my lord. He will not submit easily, if at all.” Eadu would fall far more easily if their governor opened the gates. Governor Shukat would need to be convinced or dominated. Killing him would only incite the people of Eadu.

@Vinny

 

[Vinny]

Cain toggled the autopilot on the navicomputer, it was fun and all to fly on his own but there were days when a little bit of assistance from the on board computers went a long way. The ship, known as Occam's Razor throttled up, rising off it's struts aboard the Pontifex. It swivled on it's axis and slipped out of the capital ship. Cain eased forward on the throttle and began the descent onto the rainy world. He glanced only once at Alexia-he didn't need to-her presence in the force was intense. She knew how much was riding on her future with the priesthood. There was a curiously strong amount of devotion in her for an initiate who had not gone through the normal conditioning.

"You have met him already?" Cain asked with a twinkle of amusement in his tone. "Well that is good. Perhaps you should do the introductions then, Priestess Morr."

The ship broke atmosphere without event despite Cain's teasing. In the distance the twinkling lights of the regional space port came into view. Cain adjusted his trajectory just as the ship was hailed. He tabbed a switch that began broadcasting false transponder codes. Cain pursed his lips and cleared his throat, winking once at Alexia before opening the channel.

"This is Bomul City Traffic Control hailing the ship identifying as 'Brandy Neat'." The slightly amused sounding voice of the traffic officer said over the speakers. Cain surpressed a chuckle and spoke; drawing out the full depth of his native corellian accent.

"Bawmul Traeffik Control this eeus Brandy Neat requessin permissin to land." He said, bearing his teeth at the microphone.

"We didn't pick you up on approach, what is your cargo?" The traffic controler responded hesitantly.

"Sorry 'bout tha," Cain began "Transponder's a bit iffy on this beaut, she's a user, been tryina figger out all the tricks the 'ol owner put in'er. Ah'll letcha 'ave a lookit if 'ye like. Juss visitin family." Cain offered graciously. There was a pause and Cain could swear he heard laughter. Good.

"This is Bomul City Control, you've been cleared for landing. Platform 4412" The man laughed into the comm. Cain rolled his eyes and glanced again at Alexia.

"Golly! Thank'n ye kindly. Platform 4412." Cain repeated and cut the line. "Imbecile." Cain drawled, and altered his approach vector, heading straight for the city.

 

[Valen Pelora]

Alexia struggled to read Lord Cain. His aura felt ancient, a vast pool of darkness spilling out into the cosmos. The jovial charming attitude he displayed was paradoxical. She could not reconcile the harbinger of the Darkside with the man sitting next to her. It left her uneasy. She knew Lord Cain was a master of the mind. She suspected he saw the galaxy differently; in a way she could not comprehend. Yet. Her ‘father’ had taught her nothing was an accident. The Darkside had a plan for all.

As a child she had detested her beauty, she had thought it meant the Darkness had not marked her. She had come to understand her attractive qualities were a gift. The Dark had given her a tool few understood. She had honed her smile, her laugh, her touch, into a weapon as deadly as any Lightsaber. She did not worry over Lord Cain’s ‘teasing.’ When the Force wounds were veiled the Sith Lord was a handsome young man. Two could play his game. Alexia returned Lord Cain’s wink with a sly smile.

She watched as the spaceport lit their path in the distance. The sky was dark, rain heralded their arrival. A flash of lighting cracked the sky. She covered her lips to hide the natural smile that appeared after hearing the bogus call sign. Subtly was often lost on the Sith, she deeply appreciated a more unique approach. Alexia paid close attention as her lord communicated with the traffic control tower. A thick Corellian accent poured from Priesthood’s leader. She strained to understand the garbled speech. It had been years since she had heard a deep Corellian drawl.

In short order, they had been assigned a landing platform and the sleek ship was veering toward Bomul City. The kindly, unthreatening Corellian was gone. Replaced by the Darksides most loyal instrument. She admired Lord Cain’s work. The Darkside demanded the servants use all of their abilities, not just tools of war. She motioned at her lithe body, covered in a simple black robe.

“If we are to continue the ruse, I will need to change.” The security force was foolish, but even the most incompetent force would recognize the black robes and silver hilt. The governor would be unlikely to treat with the Sith if the body counted started to rise. “With your permission, my lord, I will prepare for landing.” She ran a hand through her shoulder length hair.

@Vinny

 

[Vinny]

Darth Cain's hands danced over the controls as they came in closer to Bomul City. It would be several minutes before they came into a landing route at the speed they were going. He leaned back in his seat in time to catch Alexia motion at her body. He had not been blind to the sly smile with which she responded to his wink either. She treated her body as a weapon then, a tool. His lip curled as he leaned back in his chair, running his fingers along the arms of the chair and letting out a low breath, looking disinterested in her display. She would have to do better than that to draw his attention though. She was starting from behind, after all. Her actions on Tund had drawn his ire and he still had not completely given her absolution over that.

"By all means, dearie. Do make it quick." Cain said.

Even so, he thought as he tilted his head to look in one of the mirrors that framed the front facing viewport (he liked being able to know what was happening behind him). She had a very nice backside.

Dismissing the thought with a wave of his hand he engaged the autopilot. Rising to his feet he straightened his cloak. He would have to change as well, and the priests would have to conceal themselves on the ship. It would not be difficult for them-but this mission required a measured level of subtlety. Even so, changing out of his priestly robes would also serve to lessen the impact of the message they were delivering. He shook his head, no, this would require something more than just a disguise. He drew on the power of the dark side, letting it wash over him until the illusion was complete. His body was concealed in the trappings of a young Corellian man, athletic britches and a slumped belt around his waist. His shirt was pulled loose with the top few buttons left open to reveal his chest.

Admiring the illusion's handiwork in a mirror he turned back to the priests.

"Conceal yourselves for now, my friends." He said and they quickly obeyed. The autopilot beeped once, informing him that the ship would be going into it's landing pattern. He didn't bother glancing out the main viewport and instead waited for his student to arrive.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

Alexia slowly stood, offering Lord Cain a small nod. She had failed to intrigue the Sith Lord, she was use to easier prey. The High Priest was in far greater control of his mind than the average man. She enjoyed a challenge. She would just have to work harder. Her hips swayed as she made her way towards the back of the ship. That was sure to draw some attention.

The Priestess found a small corner of the ship to change. She always brought a change of clothes, the Darkside favored the prepared. Quickly stripping off the plain black robes she donned more suitable attire. The devote servant of the Darkside had been replaced with a nondescript human woman. She would have fit in nicely on any populated world.

Alexia wore brown boots, tan pants, and a red blouse. She concealed her Lightsaber in her sleeve, before quickly tussling her hair. Without a second thought she popped two buttons on the blouse. The Governor would be tested in more ways than one. Lord Cain may have deflected her charms, but she doubted the Governor possessed the same fortitude. A self-satisfied smiled spread across her face. She let the feeling linger for a moment before feeding her emotion to the Darkside. Her vanity was a sin. A particularly insidious weakness she had never managed to banish. Pride in her appearance began to creep into her mind again. She frowned.

The ship shook with the recognizable signs of imminent landing. It was time. Donning a full smile Alexia moved through the ship. Her boots rang on the durasteel as she approached Lord Cain. The Priests had hidden themselves well, not a trace to be seen. She bowed, deeply.

“My lord.” She straitened as she felt the ship settle on landing struts. Her heart began to beat faster, she had been waiting for a chance like this all her life. To spread the Darkside throughout the galaxy, to preach the faith. She had waited years to free the galaxy from the chains of the Light. A shiver of anticipation ran up her spine, she was ready.

@Vinny

 

[Vinny]

Cain regarded her for a moment, his face impassive. He turned his gaze back on the lowering ramp. A pair of security droids flanked the supervisor. Cain shot the man a smile and strode down the ramp, extending an awkward hand. The man took it and after a brief exchange of pleasantries and a gentle nudge with the force they were well on their way. The Sith Pontiff regarded their surroundings with passive indifference. He had been willing to uphold the veneer of the imbecile up until a certain point, but his patience was waning. Something about this world set him on edge, perhaps it was the Kyber mines. He could not be sure. Perhaps it was a memory of one of his victims-that was more likely.

Cain glanced at Alexia.

"We will be nearing the Government Building soon." He said in a quiet voice, glancing at another pair of pedestrians. "Be on guard for interference."

Ever since that day on Christophsis he had been wary of approaching government buildings with diplomatic missives. The fact was, though, that he needed to get over that unease. He was still rankled by the loss of a priest over something so minuscule. At least the world would pay for it in time. He ran his fingers through his hair and adjusted his illusory shirt. "And Alexia?" He paused. "Don't disappoint me today."

 

[Valen Pelora]

Alexia frowned as she was unable to catch the Sith Lord’s attention. She was unaccustomed to going unnoticed. She knew she was beautiful, it irked her when she was ignored. She swallowed her annoyance to focus on the task ahead. She had a rare opportunity, she would not waste it. The dock supervisor caught her eye as he shook Lord Cain’s hand. She blushed, smiled, and winked. The supervisor’s neck flushed. She felt a gentle nudge in the Force, and the supervisor was welcoming them to the city.

She adopted a touristic grin as they meandered through streets. She nodded her understanding as Lord Cain instructed her to be on guard. She kept her Force signature pulled close, but her eyes scanned the streets. A passerby might think she was admiring the ‘architecture,’ she was looking for scouts. Any sign their true nature had been uncovered. She saw, and sensed, nothing. The Priestess and Sith Lord sauntered untouched through the city. A genuine smile spread across her face, if only the people knew what walked among them. They would know soon enough.

Alexia saw the government buildings drawing closer. They were a short walk from the hub of the city. In mere minuets, the pair would be walking with the planet’s political elite. She paused when Lord Cain spoke her name. Internally, she winced. She could feel Ashlyn, even now, separated by star systems. Her life was forever intertwined with the girl. The day she had been bound to the younger Sith, was the day she had learned the true depth of Lord Cain. She was his servant, and she desperately wanted to regain his favor. She would do whatever it took to climb to his right side. She would be the perfect supplicant, a shining example.

“Never again, my lord.” She meant every word. They were nearly at the political center.

@Vinny

 

[Vinny]

Alexia carried herself well enough for one who was not in her dark masters good graces. He could sense the force bond that he had cursed her with. The punishment had been more than sufficient to make it abundantly clear what he expected of the two of them. Perfection. He had heard little of what the young Ashlyn had done-but Alexia continued to grow. That meant enough to him. If one grew then so did the other. He drew inward, musing over how many powerful Sith Priests he could create if he employed this tactic more directly. Perhaps he could even pair a priest off with a templar? He stroked his chin-it was a thought.

The central government building of this hemisphere towered over the other squat structures surrounding it. Utterly unimpressive compared to the majesty of other worlds-the harsh weather of Eadu had been difficult to fight in the course of constructing the four to five story structure. Cain strode up to the gates and the guards stepped away from him without a word. He continued his steady march. Passing through the courtyard and into the main building itself. The second security check point was far more secure than the first. He noted the very specific sensor array above the door. Droid controlled then. The droid brain that operated the security system would be impossible to rebuff with the force at range.

At least not without drawing too much attention.

He turned to look at Alexia, giving her a wry smile.

"Retrieve security passes for us or disable the security system." He said, and found himself a comfortable place to sit near the door. As long as he did not enter-none would bother him.

 

[Valen Pelora]

Alexia followed Lord Cain through the first security checkpoint. Eadu’s seat of power was less than impressive. The harsh climate of the planet did not lend itself to beautiful architecture. Soaring skyscrapers and beautiful bridges were for a world without constant violent storms. The ease of the first checkpoint quickly disappeared. Alexia and Lord Cain faced a fully automated security system. It was possible to manipulate the system in the Force, but only if you were inches away. Unsurprisingly, Lord Cain sent her to deal with the situation. With a sly smile, she popped another button on her blouse, and bowed deeply.

“As you wish, my lord.”

She quickly turned around and marched down one of the hallways leading away from the checkpoint. She knew exactly what they needed, and how to get it. The longer they could avoid detection the better. If she disabled the security system there was a chance it would be discovered. Security passes would allow them to waltz right through. Her smile widened as she thought of the unsuspecting fools. They had no idea what was in their midst. Alexia wandered the halls, a lost look on her face. She didn’t have to wait long before two security approached her. Men, perfect and just what she wanted.

“Miss, this is a restricted area. How did you get past the gate?”

She smiled dumbly, her eyes fluttering. “Oh my, I have just gotten so turned around.” She ran a hand through her hair. She caught one of the officers staring. She smiled, winked, and watched him turn red. “This is my first time on Eadu, I’m here with my brother. We’re merchants.” The officers continued to stare at her. She turned the act up to a ten. “Oh- oh, this is so embarrassing. He suggested I see the city and I have just gotten so lost. I dropped my datapad and that was it.” He looked at both officers, batting her eye lashes. “Please, can you help me?”

“Of course, miss. Come with us.” The officers came and flanked her on either side. Her smiled darkened. In a heartbeat, her Lightsaber was in her hand, slashing through the left officers stomach. She felt him die instantly. The second officer barely had time to think and she was whipping around and severing his spine. That quickly and it was over. She quickly looked around and spotted a door slightly down the hallway. She skipped down to the door and peaked inside. An empty conference room would do nicely. Wrapping the Force around the bodies, she lifted them to her, and into the room. She snatched the two security badges before shutting the door. Please with herself she returned to Lord Cain. She presented the badges.

“As requested, my Lord.” She was ready for the next leg of their excursion.

@Vinny

 

[Vinny]

Cain had an expression of impatience on his face as she approached. He rose to his feet. His eyes flashed as he took the security badge from her hand and coiled the lanyard around his finger. He turned, showing his back to her for a moment before speaking patiently. He was not angry, per se, simply trying to understand what her thoughts were. Certainly the Sith were the type to extinguish potential threats efficiently. That was certain. Yet they had not come with the intention to destroy the Enemies of the Sith. They had come to bring warning.

"Are you an Assassin of the Order or are you a Priestess of Tund?" Cain asked her, thumbing the badge. "Consider this. While you have done well to bring me what I asked, you have risked the possibility of our prey's surrender. Killing their own, outside of war, can-and will-inflame their passions and their willingness to resist. Is that what you want, student?"

He flashed the badge.

"Let us hope that your victims remain hidden until the message is delivered and our warning given." Cain said, and passed through the doors.

It did not take long for them to arrive at the doors of the Regional Governor's office. Two guards stood at either side, their blaster rifles trained on those approaching. Cain threw off his illusion and raised a hand. "I come in peace, denizens of Eadu. Only as long as you stay your weapons. The Dark Side of the Force is with me. I wish to speak with your leader and bring him a message from the Empire." The Dark Prophet said, not bothering to hide his contempt for the two guards. They paused, one going pale as the words sunk in. One turned and reached for the door controls. The other shifted back a few feet and kept his weapon at the ready.

The door hissed open, and Cain began to stride forward.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

Alexia frowned, her triumph quickly deflated. She had not fully considered the repercussions of her actions. She did not enjoy killing, but understood the necessity of death. She had thought this was one of those times. Her rush to please Lord Cain was clouding her judgement. The Priestess needed to focus, she could not risk becoming distracted. She wanted to claw her way back into the Sith Lord’s good graces. Her eagerness was putting that in jeopardy. She breathed deeply of the Darkside to calm her nerves. The familiar embrace of Darkness greeted Alexia. Her thoughts spun as they glided through the government building.

She was learning much from Lord Cain. The sad truth was she had very little experience in the wider galaxy. Her faith was strong. He devotion unmatched. Her desire for knowledge, unending. Yet, her ‘father’ had kept her away from the galaxy. After his death, she had thrown herself into study. The galaxy was largely foreign. She was not ignorant, but rather inexperienced. That needed to change. This was the first step.

Lord Cain finally revealed himself as they arrived outside the Governor’s chambers. A beautiful genuine smile spread across her face. This is what she had been waiting for. She pulled her Lightsaber from her sleeve and clipped it to her belt. She was still dress as the sultry merchant, but the Lightsaber would make her allegiance clear. Alexia dutifully followed Lord Cain into the next room. This was why they had come. The Governor would bend to the Darkness, or be consumed.

@Vinny

 

[Vinny]

Cain ignored her pouting. If she wanted to become his apprentice, if she wanted to overcome her peers and her own self-imposed setbacks, she would adapt. It was the dawning of a new era of the Sith, and new heights of power and authority were rife for the taking. The Sith Ranks swelled with each passing week, each day another student bowed their head and took an oath of Zealotry, dedicating themselves to the Empire and using that dedication to fuel their passions-instead of wanton self interest. None of this new generation of Sith would dare betray their betters without truly believing that is what is good for the Empire. Cain gritted his teeth, his master plan was almost at fruition.

"<There will be no infighting to destroy us this time, Jedi.>" He whispered to himself in the ancient Sith tongue.

He strode past the two flagging guards and gave one of them a sidelong look that reminded him he had been asked to stay his weapon. The Guard blinked and lowered the implement just as Cain strode past.

The room was decorated in such a way that screamed loudly of what manner of man the governor was. That was a man of refined and cool headed taste. A rational creature who cared little for pomp and garishness. The Governor turned from his window, his face pale and sweaty, but his eyes sharp and his shoulders squared. Fear, but dignity in it. Cain gave a slow smile and turned to Alexia, six red lights glowing horrifically from beneath his hood.

"This, Alexia, is respect. Look upon it." He urged his student before turning his gaze on the Governor. The governor stepped forward, bold, Cain did not move.

"Speak your peace, and begone." The Governor insisted. Off to the side a Protocol droid stood. It's photoreceptors flashed nervously in the presence of the Sith Pontiff and his student. Cain looked the droid over for a moment before glancing at the Governor.

"In three days time, there will be a sign in the skies of your world. A dark cloud will loom over your capital. You should be prepared to surrender by that time." Cain hissed, his voice sounded like a bloody knife being scraped across ice. He raised his chin so that his horror visage could be seen by the man. The Governor stumbled but righted himself, swallowing and keeping his chin up and his shoulders straight, anything to not lose his pride. "Should you and your world fail to surrender to me, the Empire shall send it's legions to your world. None of this worlds leadership will survive. Landmarks will be annihilated. Culture wiped away for eternity. All because of pride." Cain said and his torn face and needle like teeth twisted into a smile.

"Meet with your peers. Discuss your options, and make your choice. Integration or Annihilation."

 

[Valen Pelora]

Alexia was not easily impressed. She considered most unfaithful to be a blight upon the galaxy. She had never respected a commoner. Those who could not feel the sweet embrace of the Darkside were left to wander the galaxy blind. They served a purpose but they could never serve the purpose. The Governor was soaked in fear but he put on a brave face. He was not Force sensitive and he did not serve the Darkness. Yet, he stood tall in the face of death. It was admirable. It was impressive. The Governor could be a useful tool if he submitted. It would be a waste to lose a man of such conviction. Alexia’s eyes were drawn to Lord Cain as he bade her to look upon the Governor. Her Lord commanded the room through force of will. She envied the easy command. She prayed one day she would attain such heights.

She had rarely left Sith space, she was still learning how to interact with the faithless. How to encourage the spread of the faith. She drank in every single word Lord Cain professed. She watched his body language, how the men in the room responded. She studied how and when he revealed his true form. She paid close attention to the effect Lord Cain in his full glory had on the room. It was an impressive command of the atmosphere. She felt a subtle shift in the Force. The call of the Darkness. The Governor would submit. Eadu was not protected by the Republic and the Jedi were spread thin. The Governor was a pragmatic man, he knew what he had to do. She kept her joy carefully concealed. Her face a blank mask of determination as she surveyed the room. He met the Governor’s eyes. Her voice was silky smooth.

“Think well, Governor.” She knew they would have their answer soon.
@Vinny

 

[Vinny]

The governor shook visibly, despite the set of his jaw and the hardness of his eyes. He swallowed and gave a sharp nod. Cain felt it from him, the understanding of his situation. There was nothing more to be said-then. With a hiss he turned on his heel, his hood falling down further over his head to conceal his face from the laymen on either side of the door. The horror made manifest was not something their minds could comprehend without buckling under the weight of madness. The governor had proven himself strong enough to peer into his eyes and not be shattered. That was good, a strong man like him would be wise enough to protect his culture rather than have it annihilated.

Cain slid his hands into his robes, his face slowly returning to that of the handsome Corellian. He took a right and kept walking down the hall, throwing the hood back.

"It seems that your little miscalculation was not noticed. Your sin is forgiven, for the moment. It is up to the residents of Eadu to decide their fate now." He drawled, his lips quirking into a smile.

"Continue to hold your head high, Alexia. I have not given up on you yet."

Before long they were back on the transport. Cain at the controls once more and stars stretching into lines. In just a few days, Eadu would be in the shadow of his sorcery, and the world would either bend-or be destroyed.

End​