Ask False Idols

[Veles]

Ord Radama, Kreg Temple
1716 local time

"...saddened by the news of Chancellor Emil Ro's assassination. The spokesman of Coruscanti Security Forces extended the department's deep and heartfelt regret at letting such a thing happen, citing a lack of oversight and a low budget but acknowledging that there is no real excuse."

He turned briefly to gaze at the screen playing a news broadcast about the Galaxy's most striking breaking news, corners of his mouth tugging into an amused smirk. Veles would not let himself agree that he was smug about the death of the Senate's man in charge, but he also could not force himself to feel bad about it. While the circumstances of the assassination were largely unknown to him, he did not particularly care how it was achieved--though he could admire a successful killing, especially when the ramifications are so harsh. Unrest in the Core was good for the Empire, of course, so the only way to take the news was as an unforeseen but pleasant gift from whoever the politicians in the rotunda had managed to upset.

His head had not been completely in the sand for the past few weeks, although it may seem so to outside observers. Veles had grown to value and appreciate seclusion since his ascension to Sith Lord, and reveled in the opportunity to hone his craft in the blissful silence of a remote world. Before, it had been Dathomir. Now, it had been a capital ship that he could access freely because no Imperial was going to say no to a Sith Lord unless they supposed they could hold their ground if push came to shove. With Veles, it was hard to tell, and his presence seemed to instill a sense of unease in many non-Force sensitives.

Like all good things, his impromptu "vacation" had to come to an end. Not because he was called to action or because anyone had told him it has to, but because he knew there were things to do. Like wiping out chapters of obscure cults. Though the mission did not specifically call for the use of force in dealing with the heretics, he knew there was no way they would lay down their arms and agree to peacefully relinquish their claim on the territory they had spent their entire lives on. He did not particularly care. Bloodshed was a chance to properly experience the power he amassed.

He was the highest ranking Sith on this mission, and he knew it would not be difficult for him to take charge. Veles did not foresee much resistance from the other two joining him regardless. Ranking did not particularly matter within the Sith and it is what he's always liked most about the Empire. So long as his power was undisputable, he had the respect, admiration, and envy of those around him. Veles' presence was stifling and dreadful within the Force, with even non-Force sensitives feeling the sense of despair in the pit of their very being.

Hood pulled over his head, armor underneath his cloak, the sorcerer stopped as the path converged, heading down into a thin, claustrophobic alleyway between two nondescript buildings. It would be hard to miss, if not for the overbearing shadow hanging over the area like a thunderstorm cloud. His steps were silent and his movements fluid as he headed down the alley and stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. Looking around, he could see his companions making their way over as well. As they arrived, he greeted them both with a nod.

"Shall we honor them with the chance to peacefully surrender?"

@Altaris @Tulos

 

[Sah'ra Ryun]

Things in the galaxy were shifting, as they so often did. As one chapter of history closes, another opens to change the trajectory of tales spun by those who breathe the air of today. Heroes give their life in battle while their enemies find triumph, or perhaps an unforeseen event casts the future into doubt. It was never clear what would happen to throw the lives of everyone into disarray, the only certainty being that one day it would happen.

Sah’ra had often found herself to be… unbothered by galactic affairs. Much of her time was either spent on Dromund Kaas studying ancient tombs and recordings in her condo or in the palace of Adumar to perform as the ‘Queen’s Advisor’. The times had been erratic but they remained consistent. Neither side of the disputes in the galaxy had seemed to claim superiority over the others, constantly biting back and forth amongst themselves in even throws that led them nowhere. Glory and pride existed for those who wished to find it in times such as these, but it was the moments of unrest that chose the truly great individuals to rise. If nothing else but for curiosity, the Champion knew she could not simply sit idly by and watch from a distance to see who would set themselves apart in the days to come. No, she wanted to observe the contenders first hand, observe their ascension personally.

Ord Radama offered her an opportunity to meet one of the more elusive Sith Lords of the Empire. The tales of Veles told her of a man who rose quickly and then he had suddenly vanished from the galactic story for some time, only to re-emerge stronger than ever. Dying to know if there was something he had found in his seclusion, or if he had tapped into a side of himself he had only just discovered, Sah’ra wanted the opportunity to learn his truths. Thus, she quickly left the safety of her own home and departed to the world.

Walking through the streets of Ord Radama to the designated meeting place between Veles and those who offered him their aid, Sah’ra spotted strands of white hair peeking from behind a dark hood of a man as he moved to enter the building. As he acknowledged her approach, Sah’ra offered him a deep bow in return before lowering the hood of her own.

”Lord Veles,” Sah’ra said softly enough that it could not be overheard by those passing by in the street then proceeded to answer his question. There was no point in delaying, after all. ”Given the opportunity, I always prefer to negotiate with my enemy before cutting their throats. Sometimes the greatest knowledge people possess can only be offered while still living. I will, of course, follow your lead, Lord,” Careful to be respectful in tone and body language, Sah’ra glanced the Lord over carefully. Delightfully terrifying in both body and legends, she was eager to see if the stories were indeed true.

@vamp @Altaris​

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Amongst the densely populated streets of Ord Ramada, Jaikus was no more than another figure in the crowd. The Axxilan weaved his way between people of various different species, carving a path towards their designated meeting place. Despite the nonchalant way he moved, there was a clear purpose to the way he moved - just as there was a clear purpose for the Axxilan to be on the planet in the first place.

It wasn’t the first time Jaikus found himself on Ord Ramada - nor the first time he had dealt with the cults that called its surface home. It felt like nearly a lifetime ago that he and Lord Stolas had been gunned down and stranded on the planet. That little expedition hadn’t ended with the eradication of the cultists, and now seemed as good a time as ever to rectify the issue.

Jaikus was adorned in his standard armor - donning the dark ensemble of armorweave and wraith-like mask, lightsaber clipped to his hip. There was a heavy cloak and accompanied hood that had been pulled over the top, further shrouding the Axxilan as to not draw the attention of passersby.

It didn’t take him long to make his way towards the rendezvous point. They had been given a general location of where to meet, and there was a clear presence within the Dark Side that confirmed his allies were who he thought they were. Spotting the two of them already positioned by the door, Jaikus made his way over.

“Lord Veles,” He said, voice scrambled and mechanized. The Axxilan than turned his attention to Sah’ra. “My lady.” While he’d only met the Sith Lord in passing, Jaikus clearly remembered Sah’ra from their joint mission to Sluis Van.

He kept his arms folded against his back, turning to face the wooden door ahead of them. “In my experience, cultists are not easily dissuaded from their views, typically.” There was no lack of skeptism in his voice. Religious zealots didn’t usually lay down and roll over without a fight. “But yes. They may be more useful to us alive, if possible.”

@vamp @Tulos

 

[Veles]

Veles nodded and greeted both as they arrived, having to very stealthily stifle a chuckle when he considered just how much Jaikus stood out. If need be, anyone looking for a Sith would be able to pick him out in a crowd from a mile away. Then again, he was not one to talk. He looked like a demon.

He knocked on the door, a specific bang that he knew was the code to enter. The door swung open and he stepped into the dark, grim hallway ahead. His companions behind him, he followed the cultist that had opened the door for them.

"The council has been looking forward to this," he declared as they headed down the hallway and into the bowels of the building. Slowly, the area grew larger and larger until they were in a cavernous chamber with 5 chairs arranged in a semi circle, elevated and filled. The 5 councilors, who were dressed in the same robes, peered down at the group of Sith, some murmuring amongst themselves.

As the three reached the middle of the chamber and came to a stop, the chatter cut instantly. Every eye in the room set on them, Veles stood tall, his head held high.

"Lord Veles, welcome," finally declared one of them after a few seconds of silence. They did not let on much emotion based on looks, but he could read every single one of them. There was a reason for his presence here today.

"Thank you. I come here today for an answer to the offer I communicated to you earlier this week." His voice echoed in the chamber, the acoustics incredible.

"We are aware of why you are here," replied a Twi'lek man.

"We've considered your offer and have come to a resolution. The answer is no."

He stood in what he was pretending to be stunned silence as the Councilors said exactly what he knew they would say. Veles' eyes flickered into a brighter orange, and he chuckled.

"I would reconsider if I were you, Councilor."

"We would not," boomed a Chandrilan.

"Oh, I would," he shot back and for a moment, confusion flickered over the Chandrilan's face. Then he slammed his fist down on his chair.

"We have been here for generations and will be here for even more to come. If you wish to see us bow down to an Empire that will fail in a few years and be forgotten while our movement remains alive for millennia, feel free to do your best to remove us." His voice dripped with venom, and he finished with a sardonic smile.

"Is that a challenge, Councilor?"

@Altaris @Tulos

 

[Sah'ra Ryun]

”Cultists may not be of the mind to sway their views but they could still be a sharp tool, all the same,” Sah’ra replied with a smile after bowing her head in Jaikus’ direction. It had been some time since their last and only encounter but even behind the mask and voice scrambler he was still a strong presence all the same. ”It’s delightful to see you again, Jaikus,”

As the trio of Sith arrived before the council members of the Followers of Kregg, Sah’ra knew it best to let the Sith Lord take point. He had been the one dispatched originally, the one who had reached out to the councillors beforehand and the one they would prefer to directly deal with. Yet as the short discussion took place, things did not look promising. Much as was to be expected, the cultists were stubborn and unwilling to see the benefits of being absorbed into the greater Empire. The fires that burned in Lord Veles were truly impossible to ignore, his intent to gut those before him clear in the amber of his eyes.

Interrupting could come at a cost as she was unfamiliar with much of how Veles operated. Many Sith would see it as a disrespect, a vast overstep and blatant undermining of their authority whereas others would see the opposite. The only way she would truly know is if she took that step and as Veles snapped back at their challenge, she did.

”I urge you to reconsider, councillors. Bloodshed does neither peoples any benefit,” Sah’ra called upward to the five seated individuals which in turn warranted a venomous glare from each.

”And just who might you be?” hissed the Twi’lek man, baring razor sharp teeth in her direction.

”My apologies, councillors. I am Lady Sah’ra Ryun, Champion of the Sith Empire and Chief Advisor of the Queen of Adumar. I’ve come with hopes that we can resolve this situation to everyone’s liking and avoid any potential conflict,”

”There is no room for negotiation!” the councillor snapped back, slamming his fist into the podium before him. ”Allowing your Empire control of Ord Radama is sacrilege not only to our people but our Lord! You would have us erase our very identity solely to fight your war! We are not pawns of your Empress and to even suggest such a thing is an insult!”

”Touchy group, aren’t they?” Sah’ra whispered to her partners as she clasped one hand around her wrist at her waist. ”Surely there is some sort of assurance we could offer? Lord Kregg was once a Sith Lord, after all. He was just as much one of our people as you are one of his. You must see that aligning yourselves with the Sith could only be beneficial for you and your people,”

Even if negotiating didn’t work, Sah’ra stood at the ready for violence to erupt. One way or another they would see the outcome they desired, the only variable being how many bodies hit the floor before then.

@Altaris @vamp​

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

“Agreed,” Jaikus said after a moment, turning to glance at Sah’rah. He kept his arms folded against the small of his back, dipping his head ever-so-slightly in recognition of the fellow Champion. Even if the two of them had only limited encounters in the past, their interactions had been nothing but exceedingly pleasant and the woman had developed a respectable reputation amongst the Empire. “We ought to exhaust all diplomatic options before resorting to.. Culling the ranks. If the current councilor’s are unreceptive to negotiation?” He shrugged ever-so-slightly. “Perhaps their successors will be.”

“What a pleasure to see you once again, Sah’rah.” Jaikus said, smiling behind the wraith-like visage of his mask. His smooth voice was distorted and scrambled beyond recognition, and yet the polite tone and dignified manners were clear even then.”

“After you, My Lord.” Jaikus lifted a hand towards the door, following close behind and to the left of Veles as the trio of Sith entered the inner sanctum of the cultists. Like Sah’rah, the Axxilan allowed Veles to take the lead in negotiations - silent as a crypt as his citrine gaze flicked between the Sith Lord and one of the councillor's, listening to the back-and-forth exchange. His eyes proceeded to shift to Sah’rah when she finally broke her own silence, and the words between her and the other cult leader weren’t any more encouraging.

It was hardly surprising to see that the group was unreceptive to their demands, even if Jaikus had hoped it would be otherwise. Violence seemed to be an inevitability if the current trend continued, and though he didn’t reach for it, Jaikus kept his hands close to the lightsaber hilt on his hip - hidden behind the zeyd-cloth cloak that draped his frame.

A few moments passed before Jaikus finally added his voice to the group. “We have no desire to remove you, Councilor. Your organization has existed on Ord Ramada for generations, and it benefits neither party to change that fact.”

“And who are you–”

“But you are correct on one front,” Jaikus cut in curtly, his voice raising in volume momentarily to silence the councilor, causing the man to grit his teeth and ball his fists in frustration. The Axxilan continued after but a moment, never shifting his posture or breaking composure. “There is no room for negotiation - because this is not a negotiation. You have an ultimatum, Councilor.”

“Align yourselves with the Empire. Swear your allegiance to Empress Andruil, one true leader of the Sith, just as you did Lord Kregg before her - and you will be granted all the benefits and privileges of doing so.”

“You will be allowed to continue to operate and maintain influence on Ord Ramada under the Empire. You will have the resources of our government at your disposal, to the benefit of your organization and all your people. Ord Ramada will thrive and prosper as it hasn’t for decades.”

He drummed his fingers together, glancing between those gathered. “Or you may refuse, and will bear the consequences of doing so. Refuse, and not a single person on this council will leave this room alive. And we will continue this lovely conversation with your successors.” He said coldly, his head tilting ever-so-slightly as he regarded those before him.

“I encourage you to consider your options carefully.”

@vamp @Tulos

 

[Veles]

The issue was that the cultists, with their heads in the sand collectively, had no idea what the Empire was. They had no idea who backed the three Sith, or what their powers looked like. They thought they were just negotiating with a random government, not one of the largest in the Galaxy.

There was a silence after Jaikus finished talking. The councilors murmured among themselves, and then ultimately sat back in their seats and stared at them. "No."

Veles looked at them all one by one. "How unfortunate."

And then all hell broke loose. Veles had been gathering the Force to himself and managed to let loose a push like a tidal wave toward one of the podiums, taking out one of the councilors, but the rest jumped down and he could feel them preparing an attack. They weren't very powerful with the Force, but it was 4 of them that they were going up against, and they would definitely be a nuisance.

A few guards strode into the room from behind, spears clutched tightly in their hands, lunging toward the two Champions. Veles was focusing on the councilors, though, because they were likely to be the strongest out of the entire cult. He ignited his lightsaber and charged toward them. Though they may have been prepared for a battle of wits through the Force, they were not armed and had no defense as the Sith Lord approached, lightsaber lashing out and decapitating the Twi'lek at the shoulders.

He whirled around and impaled the Chandrilan directly in the chest, blood spurting from his mouth and onto his robes. The councilor collapsed unceremoniously, and the Sith Lord began to move toward the last two councilors before the voice of one of them cut through the chaos.

"Wait! Stop! We change our minds!" he cried out, hands raised in front of him in defense. Veles stopped for a second, but only to twist his wrist for a better grip of the lightsaber, then cleaved the councilor diagonally from shoulder to hip. Once you disrespect the Empire, there is no changing your mind.

@Altaris @Tulos

 

[Sah'ra Ryun]

Sah’ra quickly realized that their attempts were going nowhere and while she retained the slightest glimmer of hope this seated council would change their views, it was inevitable that blood would be spilled. Jaikus spoke well, as he was becoming renowned within the Sith for, but even his silver tongue was incapable of swaying stone. As violence finally erupted within the council chambers, Sah’ra was already on the move.

Spinning to the guards as they began to file in, razor sharp spears in hand, the Sith woman stood at the ready with the palms of both hands turned towards them. One man made his move and begun to rush towards her position with his weapon poised for her midsection but the Force flowed through her like a wild river. Her reaction time enhanced well beyond that of any normal being, Sah’ra was able to twist her torso and allow the blade to drift past. As this happened, her left forearm slipped under the shaft of the weapon before raising up and pressing the cool steel tightly against the top of her elbow before her left hand continued to grip the pole closer to the guard’s own grip.

With the weapon locked in her grasp, her right hand raised and coiled the Force around the head of the guard and with a downward motion of her arm, his head followed suit. A stomach churning snap could be heard as his neck snapped before his body fell to the floor.

Still holding the spear in her left hand, Sah’ra proceeded to spin the weapon so the bladed edge was now pointed towards the second approaching guard. By now he was too close for her to engage him with the weapon but with her free right hand a kinetic wave of energy was unleashed, throwing him from his feet and back into the wall. Quickly the spear would exchange hands and be drawn back as he recovered, only for the blade to sink into his abdomen as Sah’ra released it with a precise throw.

”Do all your negotiations end this way, Lord?” Sah’ra teased as she kept a watchful eye for any more approaching guards. ”You have such a soft disposition, I can’t imagine it being the case,”

@vamp @Altaris​

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

“No.”

The answer from the Councilor’s was unanimous, and Jaikus couldn’t help but exhale sharply through his nostrils in response - that bit of tension and disappointment audible to those around him. The Axxilan knew this would be the likely outcome long before he even arrived, but that didn’t mean he didn’t hold out hope that a diplomatic solution could be achieved.

Nevertheless, there was little time to dwell upon that fact now. The Axxilan watched as violence erupted within the chambers, with Veles targeting the Councilor’s themselves and Sah’ra turning to face the armed men who filed in behind them. The Axxilan rapid spun on his heel to face the same direction, the hilt of his lightsaber pulled into his grasp and hissing to life with the crackle-hiss of crimson plasma.

Without a word, Jaikus sprang forward - dashing towards the incoming guardsman. The Force built around his body and flowed through the Axxilan limbs, enabling him to close the distance between himself and the two guardsman with alarming speed. As soon as he was within reach, Jaikus carved his saber in a downward arc - cleaving the blade of crimson plasma through one of the men’s legs before he could angle his spear downward to defend himself. There was an anguished cry of pain as the guardsman buckled forward, though it was promptly silenced by Jaikus’ saber angling upwards and slicing horizontally across the bottom half of his jaw.

Just as the first guardsman’s body hit the ground, Jaikus turned his attention to the second. Enraged at seeing his comrade struck down, the man barreled towards the Axxilan - spear lowered to pierce the Sith’s torso and impale him upon its sharpened tip glinting against the lighting of the council chambers.

Without a moment of hesitation, Jaikus reached out with the Force - coiling his grasp around the weapon meant to pierce through his stomach. He tightened his grip around its metallic tip before abruptly clenching his fist and rotating his wrist - shattering the tip of the spear from the rest of the haft. While still suspending the separated tip of the spear through the Force, Jaikus angled it backwards and sent it back towards the charging guardsman - slicing through the air before embedding itself just below the man’s helmet - piercing deep into his throat. The guardsman could only grasp helplessly at the metal sticking out of his neck as he slumped forward, dropping the haft of his spear as he collapsed to the ground.

With the last of the guards dealt with, Jaikus’ attention rapidly snapped back ahead - citrine eyes fixating onto the last remaining Councilor that Veles hadn’t dealt with quite yet. Without a moment of hesitation, the Axxilan reached out his open palm towards the Councilor - invisible tendrils of Force Energy snaking forward to coil tightly around the man’s torso in a vice grip. Jaikus lifted his hand higher, lifting the Councilor into the air and several inches off the ground. There was a sickening crunch as he began to close his open hand into a fist, closing the Force around the man’s ribs, shattering ribs and causing sharp fragments of bone to pierce onto the vital organs beneath.

Just as his hands began to close into a fist, Jaikus abruptly flicked his hand to the left - sending the Councilor to crash violently against the adjacent wall of the council chambers. His head made harsh impact before the rest of body, leaving a bloodied mark against the wall before slumping down into a lifeless mass on the floor.

Jaikus grimaced beneath the mask he wore, glancing out of the corner of his eye toward Sah’ra. “Well, so much for the diplomatic route.”

@vamp @Tulos