Ask Naboo Everything is Permitted

[Talak Rand]

Talak had picked a location outside of the main cities of Naboo to meet with Lilith. It was quite a peaceful world and the flowing of the river was relaxing. The mist of the raging waterfall nearby carried over the grass, and Talak could feel it against his face.

He had been sitting here for hours in meditation and he still had yet to decide how he felt about what was unfolding around him. His own actions had helped shape it, and he was a hunted man from outside the Sith Eternal. The problem was that if the Eternal got wind of some of the things he'd done, he would be hunted from within as well.

Then there was Lilith. Killing a nobleman - at least on the surface - was not something he was particularly happy about. Doing it with a Jedi and ensuring the Jedi was arrested for it was at least a step in the right direction. But he needed to hear directly from the source what had happened.

His presence in the Force had been quashed as he waited, but he was acutely aware of everything going on around him and could feel Lilith approaching. He was one with the nature of this world, and wouldn't move as she drew closer.

 

[Lilith Vye]

Being summoned by Talak was not unexpected. She was fine with it... but she didn't want to tell him all the details. Did he even need to know them all? He had coached her to strike out on her own, which was exactly what she did. It just got... messy.

She approached him, only being able to locate the man by sight as he had hidden his presence in the Force. When she came to a stop behind him, she decided to just begin to explain rather than wait for him to say anything. "I'm guessing you've called me because of the holonews," she started, "I heard wind of Nando Moor's plans—a man I mingled with while I still worked for the syndicates."

Lilith decided to look around at the environment for a second, though after Endor she really couldn't enjoy nature to it's fullest. After a moment she continued, "I planned to interfere with his plans by stopping the assassination of that noblewoman, and double it up by going in posing as a Jedi. I'd have to break Naboo's laws to do what I wanted so... I'm sure you follow the logic."

This was when she shuffled a bit, knowing that he'd be able to sense the emotions that came with her next words, "But during it I encountered a Jedi Master..." she trailed off. She really had no idea if he'd care that she had mixed feelings about the encounter. And the fact that he'd care or not didn't disturb her that much, she just didn't want anyone to know that she had those thoughts in the first place.

@Phoenix

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak could sense her anxiety as she approached. He wondered what the source of it was, and eventually found the answer as she reached her comments about the Jedi. That piqued his interest almost more than her justification for why she'd done what she did.

Even Talak hadn't had the chance to talk to many Jedi - albeit probably still more than most Sith - and he found them quite curious, if a bit annoying at times as well.

And what'd you think of the Jedi Master? he asked. He was curious about the killings as well, but she was still finding her place in the galaxy. She was exploring what it meant to be a Force user, and now she'd had the chance to meet someone who was what she had pretended to be.

Did you learn anything interesting? he asked as he rose and turned to look at her. The question was as much about herself as it was about the Jedi. @Dread

 

[Lilith Vye]

Of course the first thing he had to ask about was the Jedi. "I learned that he was a stupid idiot," she answered while crossing her arms and looking away from Talak. Obviously she was aware that "stupid" and "idiot" meant the same thing, but she didn't have to be logical while she was being defensive.

"When we first encountered each other, I didn't attack and neither did he. I let him follow me because I knew exactly how it'd look on tape," she said, mumbling another idiot under her breath.

It was then that she realized how tense her body had gotten, that she hadn't taken a breath since he asked about the Jedi. She breathed in deeply and tried to relax her body somewhat before continuing, "He helped me at first, which is why he's in trouble now."

Her eyes shifted to her master for second then away again, in a brief moment to gauge his reaction. She was about to leave out a lot of detail, which she hoped he didn't catch onto. "In the end we did fight. I managed to wound him pretty badly and knock him into some guards before escaping."

@Phoenix

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak actually snickered at her evaluation of the Jedi. It wasn't what he had expected to hear, but it was telling in its own way. It told him not only about what she'd thought of him, but how he'd portrayed himself. And perhaps something about the Jedi Order as a whole. He had yet to be astoundingly impressed by them...

You're practically radiating tension in the Force, he said after she finished her explanation of what happened. He didn't want to outright call her a liar, since he didn't know that was the case, but there was something she was hiding. Or perhaps she just thought he was going to lash out and try to kill her. It wasn't an imprudent concern even if it was relatively unfounded.

So what are you so afraid I'm going to find out? he asked, cocking an eyebrow. His demeanor seemed more relaxed than some of their previous encounters, and he moved over to sit on a boulder. She was an interesting case that he had yet to figure out. He couldn't pin down exactly what it was that she wanted because it didn't seem like she knew. Control seemed like it might be the most apt evaluation for the moment. @Dread

 

[Lilith Vye]

It shouldn't have took her by surprise when he bluntly asked what she was hiding. That didn't mean she'd give him any real details still. He'd have to force those out of her, because she didn't see the need for him to have them. However, she knew better than not to tell him enough that he got some understanding of her problem.

She didn't follow him, though she did look over and noticed he seemed more relaxed than usual. That was odd, even if she wasn't hiding something. Either way, she admitted, "Just meeting him made me think that... maybe there are some actually good people out there." She bit her bottom lip, unsure still even while saying it, and mumbled after, "It's probably limited to people as stupid as that Jedi, though."

It was then that a message buzzed over her comm, from the channel she knew was limited to The Eternal only. "Bring me Sector Ranger Trys Aran. Alive," the voice hissed.

This was Lilith's excuse to end the conversation she didn't want to have. "Should I follow those orders now, master...?" she asked. She was aware she probably should just follow the orders, since this man was the leader of the Sith Eternal. Still, she held Talak—her master—far above some man she'd never met. If Talak wanted her elsewhere, that's where she'd go.

@Phoenix

 

[Talak Rand]

Was she being snippy? It seemed like it, though Talak couldn't quite tell. Whatever was going on, it hadn't put her in the best of moods, and though he was curious he didn't press the topic for the moment.

Some good people, he repeated thoughtfully after her. And if you could be smart and good, would you want to be? he asked almost rhetorically. Before she could answer both of their comlinks buzzed at the same time and Talak triggered the ear piece.

It took him a moment to reconcile what he was hearing. The voice of the Eternal was immediately recognizable and represented one half of Talak's life. The name Trys Aran was another half of his life that should not have been crossing over. His gut flipped, and he couldn't manage to suppress the spike of primal emotion in the Force at hearing this. His eyes went wide, and it wasn't until Lilith said something about orders that he realized that it wasn't a message that had been sent to just him which would have implied that the Eternal knew. He wasn't sure if that would have been better or worse, because this meant that everyone in the Sith Eternal would be going after Trys.

It was all he could do not to furiously start typing out a message to Trys to warn her, but at this particular moment that would have been too suspicious. He also realized that he needed an explanation as to why he had such a visceral reaction. And he needed to be alone, and...

His mind was going a thousand miles per hour, but he forced himself into the here and now with a deep breath.

Fine, go do it, he said. At this point, it was unlikely she would want to leave because of curiosity, but it was always possible.

This changes everything, he said, trying to explain away his reaction. If we start hunting Rangers, we're going to be at war with the FWA soon, he said. It still may have been a disproportionate response even if Talak had believed that, but since no one in the Sith knew about his... relationship with Trys, it would be nigh impossible to pinpoint the real reason. @Dread

 

[Lilith Vye]

Well, that reaction was unexpected to say the least. He went from calmer than she'd ever seen him to looking like someone drained the blood out of him. Lilith blinked, and tipped her head slightly when he said something about a war. "Uh... aren't we like...already at war with the entire galaxy pretty much? You know, the whole wipe out entire civilizations thing."

That was when she stepped forward more towards him. She was curious, but hesitated slightly because she did learn not to push as much as she use to. Still, she was willing to test the waters since she had a sneaking suspicion she could get more training out of this. "...Is there something wrong?"

It took a second, but it occurred to her that him acting funny after receiving an order to capture someone hinted at him having some sort of interest in keeping either the woman or someone in the rangers, in the path of her, alive. That was an assumption but really one of the more obvious ones. It could also be that he was working on some other project and didn't want this order, but would he react this much to being told to change his priorities?

"If there is I think I proved myself time and time again, master. Proved I'm capable of aiding you," she started, pressing a little bit more because the two were pretty identical when it came to admitting well... anything. "Even if that means someone is in the cross-hairs of this order, I could protect them until it's over. I get I'm suppose to listen to The Eternal, but he doesn't train me and I trust him even less than I do you."

@Phoenix

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak was a man who saw danger all around him. Everywhere he looked and everything he looked at was a question of how it could be used against him. It would probably have been an exhausting way to live for most, but it was simply Talak's life.

She had, of course, sensed that something was wrong, and he was caught off guard by her reaction. It wasn't often that someone extended an actual human interaction to him, and her commitment to him even above the Eternal was surprising and appreciated. But this was a burden he wouldn't or couldn't place on her right now.

Despite the panic that he was now starting to shove aside, he rose as she moved toward him and smiled.

I appreciate that, Lilith, he said, looking into her eyes almost as if he were seeing her for the first time. There was an earnestness in her eyes, and he couldn't help but think he hadn't earned this loyalty. Look at what he had done to her: starting out mind tricking her, dragging her into a murderous cult, torturing her, introducing her to the dark side... no, he most certainly didn't deserve it, and he felt a pang of guilt that she put her trust in him at all. Especially when it was possible that that trust would get her killed.

You don't owe me anything, he told her, a hint of sadness in his voice. It was probably the most human she had ever seen him. Something had changed since the last time they'd seen each other, and Talak thought it was probably for the better.

Why would you stick your neck out for me, even if I asked you? After everything I've done to you? he asked. It was unusual to find such loyalty among followers of the dark side. He realized only after he asked the question that there was probably a part of him that wanted to believe he wasn't like his old master. That her loyalty wasn't motivated by fear. That he hadn't turned her into a monster as he had been transformed.

 

[Lilith Vye]

The look in her masters eyes forced her to look away. It was too overwhelming to see it; someone looking at her like a real, genuine human being instead of something lesser, like a nuisance. And he was right, she didn't owe him. She... didn't feel that she did, nor did she feel enamored by him. He had tortured her and that would never leave her.

But it was something else. Had he become... a father figure to her? Most fathers were tough but they guided with a stability hard to find in the galaxy outside of family. Family—something Lilith didn't have. Talak had been tough, but he hadn't... he hadn't abandoned her yet, even after she disappointed and angered him. Maybe she was just a loyal person when enough of that distrust was swept away? It could be both, it could be neither, but she knew this was the path the Force called her to take.

Even if opening up to someone meant that they could completely destroy her. Something she could never admit, not just because of it being a weakness but because it was wrong to put that on anyone.

It took her some time in silence to give him an answer, "Because you have given me a reason to live, master. Something beyond just surviving. Growth. Progress. Someone I can..." possibly trust, she thought but couldn't say.

Lilith went to her knee in front of him, lowering her head and fought back her emotions to clear her head. "I know my explanation is probably not enough, but master..." she started as she began to calm. "I pledge my loyalty to you, from now until my last day in this galaxy." Lilith paused to back up with certainty in her eyes. "Please. Let me help you with this, whatever it may be."

@Phoenix

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak... was a bit unsure how to take this. He wasn't used to having anyone be so honest with him, and he found it difficult to overcome his natural suspicions, but he didn't sense that she was lying. He sensed conflict within her, but was that any different than him? He was a person rent in his soul, and he didn't do a great job of hiding it. He knew that he was glad that regardless of what he'd done, he hadn't completely turned into the man he hated.

When she dropped to bow in front of him, he smiled slightly. It wasn't the sadistic, reveling smile of someone who enjoyed others bowing before them but the smile of someone who appreciated the sincerity of someone in a world where no one could be trusted.

Somehow, he didn't feel like he deserved to have her bow to him even if she was pledging her loyalty to him. He wouldn't forget this any time soon and he crouched down in front of her so their eyes were on the same level.

I believe you, he said, trying to pick the right words. This was not a situation he had found himself in before and not something he had even considered how to handle. The issue with Trys was something... he needed to handle on his own.

And thank you, he said. Were Sith allowed to say thank you? He was pretty sure that traditional Sith would have said no, but they were the Sith Eternal, and Talak could do whatever he wanted.

I have plans for the Sith Eternal, and I'll need your help for them before the end, he said. If he were to shift the focus of the Sith Eternal, he would certainly need people he could rely on. She had already proven herself to be that.

This issue is something I need to look into first, but I may need your help with it before the end, he said. It was an honest statement. It wasn't something he was ready to share yet, but the fact that he had acknowledged something was bothering him stretched far beyond what he did for anyone else.

His heart still felt like it was going to explode from the anxiety of what he knew was coming in, and he stood up and looked back toward the waterfall.

The Sith Eternal - or maybe I should say the Legions - have lost their goals. I want to refocus our efforts on what we're supposed to be. Purging corruption through pointed means, not wanton destruction, he said. It wasn't clear if this was the issue that had been bothering him or if it was unrelated, but either way it was an area he didn't discuss widely because of the dangers involved in it. Just uttering this was dangerous, but this was something he would almost certainly need her help with. He wanted to reform the Sith Eternal from the inside, and that would be no small task... in large part because it may well involve having to kill the Eternal itself. That seemed all the more relevant now that the Eternal had chosen to target Trys, though he didn't say this. @Dread

 

[Lilith Vye]

For the fist time in a very long time, Lilith smiled an honest smile. There was no hint of Dark Side corruption behind it, only the belief that someone trusted her words. Being trusted—even if it was only an inkling of it— felt better than she thought it would. She also felt somewhat foolish for believing that she'd never build some sort of connection to another human being. Even if in the end he did betray or abandon her... perhaps it was worth these fleeting moments?

Regardless, she'd grasp onto these moments during her darkest hours. The darkness, the near maddening pain of her memories, they were all still there but she felt above them in the moment.

He mentioned refocusing the Sith Eternal, and that the issue he was facing was something he had to look into for himself first. She respected that—his space—and found herself more and more curious about this refocusing. "I will be ready whenever you need me, for whatever you need me. In the meantime I plan to keep hindering the Jedi. I realize that at some point I wont be able to keep using the same old trick, so I will be moving onto new things."

"But master, if I may ask, have you thought on exactly how you want to refocus the Sith?"she asked, rising from her kneel, having finished and fully committed to her pledge.

As she looked at the beauty of the scenery, as always, her memories of Endor flooded back and then something struck her. "Has it anything to do with that history lesson on Endor? The Galactic Empire?" It was the first thing to come to mind. Lilith knew that she might be reaching pretty far with it, but she did see this as a possibility. If the Sith Eternal could wipe out planets, could they not instead focus on recruiting swaths of men instead, to impose law and snuff out corruption? Perhaps there was some way in the Dark Side to create an army, if that wasn't a possibly?

@Phoenix

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak could tell she was interested in what he was saying about the Sith Eternal, and he was glad. The more he carefully put out his feelers, the more he discovered other likeminded individuals who were interested in following a similar path. There were still some psychos in the Sith Eternal, but there were also many people who actually wanted to do good.

He nodded as she said that she would continue to interfere with the Jedi. He wasn't sure where they were going to fit into this whole issue, but until he knew, they couldn't be allowed to start hunting the Sith Eternal.

How would he refocus the Sith Eternal? That was the big question that needed answering. His face twisted up a bit in thought as he tried to figure out how exactly it would all work.

Centering our attacks around the crime and killing the corrupt politicians instead of entire societies, he said initially, turning toward her and cocking an eyebrow. He could tell there was something on her mind if she brought up Endor and he wondered what it was.

Did you have a… revelation after Endor? he asked. This was her opportunity to suggest an alternative while Talak was still trying to determine the direction he wanted to take the new Sith Eternal. @Dread

 

[Lilith Vye]

"I know a Galactic Empire is likely impossible to rise within our lifespans, master, but Empires come in many sizes and always make an impact," she said, referring to ones that only exist on a single planet, even some that exist in only part of that planet. "If we can wipe out entire civilizations, could we not instead refocus on creating one? One that delivers and rewards swift justice, instead of protects criminals through rule heavy or corrupt systems," she added, genuinely unsure but hopeful.

"One that, once stable enough, grows beyond a single planet and brings that justice to others, through war yes or clandestine means to purge corrupt leadership and replace it with our own," she continued, unsure what Talak would think but she believed this possible future—this long term goal—was worth the effort.

"And..." she paused and hesitated somewhat, shuffling her feet. Lilith knew it was about to sound like she didn't like her masters first idea. That wasn't the case, and so in the end she hoped he'd figure that out and continued, "...and I believe a permanent, legal presence on a planet beats taking out random pockets of corruption. Some other corrupt group or person could just step in and replace it once we leave." There was also the fact that these planets "justice systems" could and likely would end up wanting to punish the Sith for snuffing out slavers and others equally as worse, just because it wasn't done the way they deemed "correct".

She shifted somewhat while in thought. "Even our darkest brethren could fit into this Empire, as they could extract information from the corrupt, or hunt them down with pleasure. And maybe... maybe if we actually get the men and support, taking out corrupt leadership in an already established Empire is a real option to start..." she mumbled, tapping her bottom lip with her index finger. Maybe it still sounded like too much of a feat. She was mostly talking to herself at this point anyway, but spoke aloud to see if Talak had thoughts of his own.

@Phoenix

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak frowned and turned to look out at the flowing water. It had potential, but it was no small feat to accomplish. He already knew what planet would be the most likely target because he had some sort of connection there as it was. A Guardian who was trying to make a safe bastion for the Sith Eternal. Perhaps it could serve as a test world.

Maybe... he said, continuing to think. He had no delusions though: he was a far better hunter than a ruler, but perhaps that was just an indication that he needed to evolve as well. Just because he wasn't good at something didn't mean the galaxy should have to suffer. Adaptability would determine their success regardless.

Convincing worlds that we're not the villains could prove difficult, he said. There was already a great deal of fear associated with his other persona, but perhaps it wasn't too late to clear that up. His mind returned to Trys and that same fear crept over him. If the Sith Eternal were truly coming for her, that move up the timetable on his entire operation, and playing with a timetable like that was... dangerous.

And bringing a revolution in the Sith Eternal might require a purging, he said. The words hung in the air for a moment. It was something he didn't understand why he hadn't noticed before. The Sith Eternal had become part of the issue. That was why he kicked and railed against the others. They had become the very thing they sought to destroy. The proposal he had just made, however, was radical... even by his standards.

We're going to need to recruit as many people as we can, he said, pulling out his comlink and typing a message to Trys (@Sreeya) as he spoke. My people are coming for you. All of them. I'll come to see you. Get your son and stay away from anywhere familiar until I get there. You are in huge danger, don't ignore this, it read. He knew how stubborn she could be, and he hoped against hope that she would heed his warning.

I think there are enough likeminded people in the Order to still save it, he said, or at least he hoped. The Guardians might be more difficult to convince, but their beliefs could easily benefit the new Sith as well. The Legionnaires... at least in theory should agree with him, but the corruption of the Eternal had deep roots. @Dread

 

[Lilith Vye]

Lilith listened to his thoughts, concerns and what they needed to do. She sensed something she couldn't quite put a finger on when he mentioned purging, so she spoke, "Master, when you recruited me into the Sith Eternal, you partly did so because I said I never hesitate to kill, right?" she asked, her face stoic mentioning it.

"It's likely I still wouldn't if it wasn't for your warnings, your guidance. I believe if other Sith look up at you as a leader, and later as their Emperor, they will also learn to hesitate too," she added, walking up to stand beside him. "So at the start, I agree there will be a... culling, but perhaps not as great as you think? No doubt, if the majority see us at the winning side they will fall in line from fear at first. Something I think we should allow even for our darkest of brethren, because down the road they may start to change their views as they watch you lead them."

She chewed on her bottom lip for a second in thought. "If this is something you really want to pursue, I'll change my priorities to recruitment, but how do you think we should go about it? One by one, or do you think there's a faster way?" she asked, looking over to her master now. "Possibly summon pockets of Sith, cull out the ones that don't agree and keep the rest?" The idea she threw out was somewhat vague and bloody... possibly flawed in a way she couldn't see, but Talak was here to let her know if it was.

@Phoenix

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak hoped she was right that there was enough people that would rally to this cause. Only time would tell, but he had a habit of planning for the worst... or at least he tried to. It often didn't work out so well, but now he was digressing in his own thoughts.

He was already considering ways to purge those who didn't ally with him, and it would be bloody. Playing enemy against enemy rather than his own followers against the remnant. He took a deep breath to pull him from his own thoughts.

We'll need a handful of... loyalists first, he said. He didn't know what else to call them for the moment. People who would fight for the revolution. Revolutionaries, he said instead.

Once we have a base to work with, we can start moving to larger groups before we appeal to the entire Order, he said. It would allow them to confront those who would stand against them, but from a position of strength for these smaller purges.

He nodded decisively. Yes, that would be the best route.

I'll start recruiting as well. I've a thought to recruit the new leader of the Knights of Ren, he said. We'll spread the word person to person at fist and then a larger calling, he said. He hoped it would be fast enough if he needed to move against the Eternal sooner rather than later. @Dread

 

[Lilith Vye]

She watched him, unconsciously nodding after he did in agreement. It was a solid plan, and reinforced her trust in his decision making. The word revolutionaries suited her. It felt right because she felt an Empire was a much, much better path.

"The leader of the Knights of Ren would be very valuable," she thought out loud. In truth she could see herself as a Ren, but she'd already taken on so many aliases.

"While solving that murder on The Eternal's home world I met some other Sith, one even helped me. I'll start there," she said, though quickly added, "Er... I don't mean preaching treason on the home world, of course, but seeking out the people I met there." At least the ones that weren't totally insane.

"One last thing before I go. What name will you start this revolution under?" Depending on what he picked, she'd follow suit. Though she wondered if he knew that she knew about The Arcanist persona? There was no reason she wouldn't due to the information all pointing to him. It was the reason she choose The Rain as her newest alias. Thinking about it, she wasn't completely sure he'd approve of it and it was already done... so she'd leave that little detail out for now.

@Phoenix

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak nodded as she said that she had people in mind. That was good, and he just assumed she didn't mean she was going to publicly spread the word. She didn't seem that dumb, and if she was... well then it would have been a mistake to bring her into this at all.

The Arcanist, he said without hesitation. It was the name under which most of the Sith Eternal - and the rest of the galaxy - was coming to know him. Only a handful of people really knew Talak, but everyone would know the Arcanist. Given she had been there for the activities for which the Arcanist had taken credit, he would have been disappointed if she didn't know it was him.

We'll keep in touch, he said. Be careful out there, and may the Force be with you, he said before heading into the Nomad. He had so many things he needed to do, but first stop Coruscant.

//Thread @Dread