Ask Dusk Dismantled

[Darth Caelestis]

It had been a few days since they had journeyed to Exegol, just Artorigas and his Apprentice Malou. That fateful venture had lead to death and glory, for many monstrous creatures fell that day both the hand of the Sith Noble and his Acoylte. But in the end the glory, the crowning achievement for both him and all his goals and desires was the planet of Exegol was not only under the control of the Sith, but more specifically himself. Artorigas was planning to visit the Sith capitol of Korriban shortly to solidify his control over the planet and place within their hierarchy. First though he had some other business to attend to on the planet.

After leaving Malou to keep an eye on the Citadel, Artorigas had returned on his new TIE/vn with the 'Wyvern' in tow, the eighty security droids he had in storage on Serenno within its hold. They had secured themselves a good landing point near the entrance they had originally used, a few supply crates along with batteries and generators around the Transport had given it a slightly defensible outlook. It had been harder inside, though it appeared that many of the creatures had evacuated the Citadel a number of the more rabid ones still remained. As such they had only secured up to the laboratory/computer room. Only himself and Malou could venture further inside without the definite loss man/droid power. They had lost six already trying to push further forward.

So he had set up in the laboratory his eyes in the computer console Malou had found and began working his way through near limitless entries on everything from Sith History to Alchemy.

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

It had been an eventful few days. Her first day here had been spent battling beasts until she fell to her knees in exhaustion. Since then, she had done much of the same, working to secure at least a portion of the Citadel. If she were being completely honest, the worst part of it was how distant she was from comfort. Malou couldn't dream of voicing her complaints though; this was quite literally one of the coolest things she'd taken apart in.

"I wish I could read it," Malou would comment nonchalantly as she approached her master from elsewhere in the laboratory. "Have you found anything interesting?" She was pretty sure he'd mentioned that it was in the language of the Sith. Once she was back on Serenno, she would have to see if she could find any holobooks on it.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"I am sure we can work something out. I have a partial translation of Ur-Kittat to Basic back on Serenno." He said as he continued to look through the logs. It was written himself with the help of Lord Andros and the Writings Artorigas had found back on Dromund Kaas. "And we have those new Datapads which can process brail, so shouldn't be to hard to plug them in here." The system itself was archaic in comparison to what most of the galaxy worked on now days. But Artorigas was sure with some work and investment he could update the system for a more modern Sith world.

"Well, funny enough I keep going back to the entry you found first. Andeddu, she was a Sith Lord from a few millennia ago. A combat beast from what I can see, reminds me of someone else I know." He said with a cheesy smile, gone was the serious nature of there last visit. He was to tired to be strict Artorigas, light-hearted and easy-going Artorigas was much easier. "Apparently she was one of the Sith Lords, Darth Sidious was interested in during his exile here, he even went as far to collect her old armour. Sound interesting?"

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Datapads which could process brail... it would certainly be nice to not have to expend as much effort to read digital screens, but she was more interested in learning Ur-Kittat. Knowledge is power, or so they say. She was a personal fan of learning whatever she could. The library at her home had probably seen her face more times than anyone else in that estate.

"Andeddu?" The same was unfamiliar to her, but interesting. "Yes, absolutely." If they were going on another scavenger hunt, she was all for it. "What all do we know about her? Was he interested just in the armor?"

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"There is only a small bit of information on the women here, born upon Korriban she rose to the rank of Sith Lord through combat and her skill with a blade, she defeated five other Sith Lords during her time. Becoming the blade of the Dark Lord of the time period. She seemed to meet her end after a combined effort by both Jedi and Sith. Though why they joined forces isn't recorded here. Sounds like an interesting women." He finished with a smile before pushing back the chair to give himself some room. Turning to another screen and input panel he flicked a few switches, pushed a few buttons and rough map of the Citadel appeared.

"Darth Sidious kept most of his 'treasures' here within a vault." He began pointing to a small section of the Citadel near the amphitheatre. "Hopefully its still there. Though its beyond the droids, you ready to put a few more notches in your belt?" He said in jest.

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

It seemed this long-dead Sith Lord was quite the interesting woman. Malou listened intently as Artorgias explained what the system had on her without much of an expression on her face. She defeated five other Sith Lords? No wonder she rose to her rank so quickly. Malou could not even imagine how powerful someone like her would appear on the battlefield. How much of that was innate power, and how much came from her training? She got the Sith and the Jedi on her ass? Holy shit.

"Sounds like an adventure," she would reply humorously. She focused her attention on the area he pointed towards, trying to recall if her initial sweeps of the Citadel had gone near that point. She couldn't remember, but she knew there way there. "I believe this is one of the last strongholds of those creatures. Should be fun."

She was eager to see what this armor looked like as well as to see what other things lie hidden in that vault.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Pushing back from the console Artorigas stood up and turned to face his Apprentice. "Shall we then?" It was a rhetorical statement as the Sith Noble quickly made his way over to his gear bag kept near the entrance. Comfort was one of the last things to be accomplished on Exegol, so they had been living off of the 'Wyvern' and taking day bags into the Citadel to work. He grabbed a few light sticks, as some of the Citadel seemed to have no effective lighting as well as a little snack and a long-range comm.

Biting into a piece of dried meat he turned to face Malou, giving her a nod before making his way towards the Amphitheatre. The reach of the safe zone was only a about twenty meters beyond the laboratory, four of his security droids stood watch looking out into darkness beyond. A pair of charges were implanted into the wall above them. If all four droids were destroyed the charges were primed to go off blocking the access way and giving the rest of them time to react. Artorigas passed the four unmoving droids and started into the darkness. "I forgot to ask, did you enjoy the party before we left?"

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Malou followed her master wordlessly. She had nothing to grab as she had kept all of her stuff on her. It was easier for her that way, and in general, she preferred to travel light. Her lightsabers were clipped to her belt as was a small pack she could stuff dried meat or medicines into. That was all she really needed.

"It was..." The party. It seemed like it had happened so much longer ago than it really had. Maybe it was because she'd turned sixteen between then and now, or maybe it was because of the intensity of the work she'd done since they'd arrived on Exegol. She hadn't really thought all that much about it, but Malou had come to several conclusions during and since that night. She would continue to train until no one could impose tyranny over her, like Raze did with Xeno. Like Jackson, there would always exist people who exist passively and don't take fate into their own hands; she refused to be like them. There were many in the Sith who did not care at all for the wishes of the Eternal; they had their own loyalties and agendas. "...interesting."

She would talk as they walked. "I met an acolyte just a bit older than me. He asked me to help him 'embrace the Sith.' I told him no." Though she normally maintained a neutral look, a bit of it slipped into distaste. "I will never understand why some do not actively pursue what they want for themselves, and why some let themselves fall into things they don't want." They passed the droids at this point, so Malou moved her hand to rest on the hilt of her lightsaber, just in case. She remained quiet for a bit longer while they walked, then spoke up again. "The party was enjoyable, though."

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"Many people have been conditioned to not strive forward and to accept there place in the galaxy. That the lot they have been born with is the only lot they will ever receive. Other have been conditioned to expect everything handed to them, so when they are handed something which does not have there best interests at heart they will still take it, hold it close and move forward." Artorigas began as they walked through the corridors of the Citadel. "Never be angry at these people, pity them for they have not had the chance to realise there full potential. Just think, what would you have been if you stayed under the yoke of your father? Would you be the same as this other Acolyte? Hoping to embrace your heritage?"

Artorigas was unlike many of his comrades in that he wanted both himself and his apprentice to use there minds more than there brawn or will to win fights and conversations like this would only help both of them broaden there thinking. Yes the power of The Force was an ally but he wanted to use it as a last resort, better to have someone willing join you, or help you than force them as that would always breed the best results. "If that Acolyte was your apprentice how would you train him? What would you focus on? How would you have him naturally embrace the Sith?"

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

She had been hoping her master might affirm her feelings in the matter, but he did not. His points made sense though, so she thought for a minute about it. He was right. She knew plenty of people who had been conditioned to accept their place, and those who took whatever they could no matter what it was. But on the other hand, she had chosen not to stay under the "yoke of her father." One way or another she would have found a way. It would have probably taken her a bit longer, but once she had decided she would no longer be passive there was nothing else she could see of her future.

But if Jackson was someone under her guidance? "I would..." Malou trailed off as she tried to craft a reply. She had no idea what she should do. "...I don't know. I don't know how to make someone want something they don't want."

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"Isn't him asking for help confirming to you that he does want it? Just that he does not know how to go about it." Artorigas could see the amphitheatre at the end of the corridor ahead of them. The Citadel had a weird glow about it, everything was black, grey or some other dark colour but for some reason you could always see in this evil redoubt. "If you go to a backwater planet, they have never seen a Starship before, never left the planet. But they want to fly, want to leave the planet, do you punish them for not knowing how to fly it? Or do you show them how it works?"

"For us to grow in power and influence we need to expand those underneath us, and what better way than to teach? For giving knowledge is one of the easiest things someone can do, but one of the hardest things to repay?" The corridor ended and the amphitheatre came into full view, there wasn't a beast in sight. Perhaps they were wary of the two death bringers in the midst, the bodies from there fight before had been removed, Artorigas assumed to become food for the vicious creatures that called the Citadel a home. He gazed over at the half destroyed throne, he would need to get that sorted before to long.

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Maybe he's right... or maybe I'm just not doing a good enough job explaining it. It was a lot harder to put into words how Jackson had spoken to her. How he'd told her he didn't think he would survive the Sith. How he'd been brought in, not against his will, but definitely not of his own accord. But, regardless of this specific situation, she agreed with him. A tower needs support beams to hold itself up. His point made sense to her, but she still couldn't see it applied to Jackson.

"I understand." Malou surveyed the amphitheatre, searching for any beasts. She too, saw none. There was a bit of minor damage here and there and a bit of natural wear, but the bulk of what needed repaired was the throne. Malou wondered, for a moment, what it would look like restored to its full glory. She couldn't wait to see it restored to its former magnificence.

Malou began to head towards their destination, moving quickly through the throne room.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Although Malou said she understood, he could tell there was more on his apprentice's mind, though he would not pry. Philosophy was something that cannot be forced, it must be discussed, the young women had opened up to him on a number of occasions in the past so he did not doubt that if she had any concerns she would bring them up. "The vault is in the passage ways behind the throne." He said, though it was more of him stating a fact than having conversation with Malou.

He led the pair past the half destroyed throne, blood was still present upon the ground from their earlier fight though it had become dry a stain upon the grey/black stone flooring. Once they passed the throne the room seemed to darken, whatever mythical lighting the Citadel used seemed to lessen as they made there way to a small exit on the rear wall.

As they neared the wall he could feel eyes upon him, it was just like before. Looking up he could not see anything within the empty seats but he knew, or felt something was there. "We are being watched again. Be careful." Artorigas said as he stepped out of the amphitheatre and into corridors beyond.

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Behind the throne... Her gaze wandered there, peeking into the corridors as they grew closer. She could see the beasts hiding in the shadows beyond them. They would have to be careful. While they had dealt with many of them, those who opted to hide away were perhaps the smartest of the corrupted creatures. She stayed a few steps behind Artorgias and kept at least one hand ready to unclip her lightsaber at any moment. If they were being watched, it meant the creatures might be planning something.

"There are three just ahead, hiding in the walls." Malou unclipped her lightsaber, but kept it close to her leg. She spoke quietly. "Ten meters away. I think they wish to ambush us."

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"It seems even though they are vicious they have little smarts." He said with a smile looking back at his apprentice. "I mean how many ambushed us before and did little but tire us out?" Yes he was being cocky but he had a right to be, only The Force knows the exact amount of these creatures the pair slayed the first time they entered the Citadel, though he was more than confident it was greater than three.

Although Artorigas power within The Force was growing at a remarkable rate even by his own standards the natural talent of Malou to see through The Force gave her the edge in these matters. Although with her guidance he was able to find the creatures in the dark. "I will leave the one on the left to you." He said before pulling The Force inside him, it took a moment as this was perhaps the biggest application of this technique he had ever tried. Raising his hand a maelstrom of fire erupted forth, the darkness was immediately illuminated showing the three creatures hidden upon the seats above. There was a moment of fear within there eyes before two of them were caught in the flames. Cries of anguish and pain erupted from the pair cut quickly short as the flames would burn their mouths, their throats and their lungs silencing them for all time.

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Malou watched as fire erupted from her master's palm. In Malou's mind's eye, it was a dense and opaque flash of the Force which sprawled out towards the beasts. Knowing how fire appeared with her eyes, it was a strange sight. She did not spend much time curious on the matter though.

The acolyte reached out with one hand and yanked the third left toward her. In one movement she threw the empty hand back and swung forward with the saber hand, igniting it just as the creature was close enough and severing it through the abdomen. The force of the swing threw the remaining pieces to the side, avoiding her and Artorgias.

"I did not know the Force could produce fire like that," she commented as she continued forward. There were more beasts ahead, but they were far enough down that they would not hear her voice when she spoke. Malou could not imagine that it would be useful in close quarters combat, as it seemed to take a moment to appear and using it risked burning yourself and those around you. It seemed she had a lot to learn about the usage of the Force, still.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

The fire slowly dissipated, darkness collapsing in on the pair as the flames slowly faded out. The smell of burnt flesh filled the air, as Artorigas had forgone the armour he could smell it. His nose contorted in discomfort as he turned to face his apprentice. "The Force can do much that neither yourself or me can fully comprehend. That is what I hope to learn from this place." He said waving his hands around at the edge of the amphitheatre before walking into the corridor beyond.

Though there doubtlessly many opponents ahead, Artorigas was not afraid and even though his hand was upon his saber he was not tense. "Would you like to learn? Or is there something else you would prefer to study?"

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Truth be told, Malou would prefer to learn to defend against such an attack rather than learn how to use it, but she would not be averse to learning how. Knowledge was power, after all.

"It would be interesting to learn how, yes." Malou disabled her saber and continued down the dimly lit path as she spoke. Though she continued to be able to see just fine, the tunnel would grow dimmer and dimmer as they continued, but the light never completely disappeared. More beasts lay ahead down the tunnel, just within Artorgias' view she guessed. They were huddled together and did not seem the notice the approaching pair. Behind them was a door that Malou could see was covered in markings and runes. It did not appear to be a vault door of sorts, as it was similar to many of the other doors found around the Citadel. Once they dispatched of the beasts, she would be able to get close enough to see what was behind it.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"Well when perhaps I return from Korriban I can teach you." Artorigas said whilst eyeing up the small gathering before what he suspected was a more secure area of the citadel. He could feel energy dark and evil coming from the door itself, it seemed that Darth Sidious was not one for allowing his followers to poke their heads around his personal belongings. "Perhaps the old Darth's personal space lies beyond?" He said more to himself than the apprentice next to him, but he would not begrudge her a response.

The five creatures ahead of them seemed to be gathered around something on the floor, as they got closer the sound of gnashing teeth, crunching bone and ripping flesh gave the Sith Noble a good idea of what was happening. They were eating one of their own. A wave of disgust rolled through him, but it quickly fell away, not because he was cold hearted or dead to feeling, but more that he had expected as much from the beasts. Artorigas began pulling The Force within him again, concentrating its power within his palm, taking a step to move in front of his apprentice he let out another wave of fire towards the five feasting beasts. The confines of the corridor allowed the flames to swirl into a tight spiral before crashing into their pray. As he heard the creatures scream and the smell of burnt flesh reached his nose he spoke quietly to himself. "We are the Fire."

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Korriban... Malou had not yet visited the hot wasteland of a planet, nor did she intend to. She was sure that one day she might find herself there as it was a Sith stronghold, but she much preferred the cold to the heat. Did he mention something about going to Korriban before? She couldn't recall off the top of her head, but there was no time for her to ponder further. Her master sent forth another blast of flame, melting the skin and bones of the cannibalistic creatures further down the hall. The acolyte pinched her nose as the smell of burnt flesh wafted her way. Yuck.

"We are the Fire." Those were the words of House Wessex, were they not? Wait with watchful eyes. The words of House D'Amaris were much less... inspiring. Not exactly the battle cry of the Wessexes.

Malou stood and watched the fire consume the bodies of the corrupted creatures until their screams died to silence. The fire kept going, eating away at their charred bodies. The smell grew even stronger, and after a moment Malou could take it no longer. The acolyte held her palm to the air and squeezed her fingers into a fist. What did fire need to burn? Oxygen. Using the Force, Malou quenched the fire, wringing every drop of air from the space just around their bodies until the flame was forced to dissipate. For the moment afterwards, she looked a tad surprised. She had not exactly expected that to work.

"Perhaps," she finally responded. She moved forward towards the door, casting the charred bodies aside with the Force as she approached it. There were no buttons, levers, or keypads to suggest a way to open it. Instead, there was a circular design on the door. It consisted of a small circle within a larger circle, encased by one more, even larger circle. There were various symbols etched onto the circular pattern.

"Are these the same letters as from the console?"

@Braden Drake