For Glory's Sake: War

[Jenova Savas]

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Lothal Capital
En route to the Palace
Theme ​

Never before had the green skinned amazon set foot on the grassy planet of Lothal; she never needed to prior to this momentous occasion. Admittedly, Judge Savas wasn’t quite sure what to expect; Lothal was a prosperous utopia, none could deny that. Under the Empire’s control, the terrestrial world had thrived, its assets steadily growing with the passage of time. It was not often Jenova ventured to such locations; battlefields and warzones were her primary territory, not lush, vibrant palaces. She felt somewhat out of sorts, given her ethereal appearance. She was a staggering height, for a female at least. More often than not, she towered over others. Coupled with her exotic colorations, it was no surprise she garnered a few curious glances. Yet the hybrid had learnt to ignore such trivial things; her focus as solely reserved for the task at hand. She couldn’t afford minor distraction, easily not now as she was moment away from landing within the internal compounds of the palace.

Today, Jenova had been granted an audience with the Prince of the Lothal; Lord Evandrus. Yet, amongst the Sith Empire, he was commonly known by a different title. The High Judge.

As of yet, the amazon had only been able to recognise her superior from occasional holograms. These exposures were no more than a couple of moments, and why wouldn’t they be, given their nature and purpose. As a judge, Jenova fell exclusively within Lord Evandrus’ command, with many of her missions organised in accordance to his will. Thus far, she had been successful in each endeavour; traitors had been snuffed out, whilst other -more militaristic- threats had been squashed without mercy. Still, Jenova was…unsatisfied. More needed to be done. Much more.

She only hoped the Sith Lord would agree as well. From what little she had heard, many considered Lord Evandrus a…visionary. Surely, he would see the merit of her scheme.

An entourage greeted Jenova upon an arrival. A humble attendant and his droid; no sooner had they proceeded on did the emissary start rattling off rules and expectations, certain customs that needed to be respected. Silently, the hybrid groaned, having never been one for formality. She simply needed permission to proceed on ahead with her plans. Understandably, the High Judge wished to know more before brazenly gifting his seal of approval; this was to be expected after all, seeing as Jenova was proposing something completely ludicrous. She was plotting full, planetary conquest, the likes of which had never been done so before this era. Just thinking about it made the amazon grin, all whilst her blood temperately simmered.

One could argue this was Jenova’s ultimate purpose. At least, that’s how the hybrid saw it as such. From her own perspective, she had been born and bred for one purpose and one purpose alone; to wage war. Glorious, merciless war. She would topple monarchies and claim entire planets, all in the name of the Empire. Truthfully speaking, Jenova worshipped the very concept of war; she wished to utterly embody its concept, in all abstract forms. War bred conflict, and from that conflict came adversity and challenge. These obstacles were instrumental to one’s evolution. Without it, a sentient was doomed to a stunted existence. Jenova could this of no worse fate. She would not be like the proceeding masses before; she would not fade in obscurity, going quietly into the final night. She wished to instil a legacy, one that would last generations. The female was pragmatic to know she was but a cog in an ever-turning machine; with any luck, her descendants would ensure her dream thrived.

Who knew, maybe one day she could have a palace of her own. Though she quickly dismissed such thoughts. Though elegant and beguiling, the palace was no place for someone like her.


Had Jenova been able to spare herself some time, she might have marvelled the palace’s impressive architecture. It was angelic by design, utterly enchanting to behold. Who would have thought an urchin such as herself would have risen this far; she was a spurned by product of an illicit coupling. Her birth was marred with disappointment, as was most of her childhood. Soon, that disappointment morphed into a dire competition to survive. Despite her youth, Jenova was forced to fight, forced to battle other, more intimidating, opponents. All for the entertainment of others. She remembered it all too well. The jeering of the crowds, the dying wails of the fallen; eventually, she had grown so accustomed to it, truly growing up to know no different. Within those pits, the hybrid learnt numerous valuable lessons, ones which often utilised in her duties. She had been moulded by her environment, forged into a champion. Now she campaigned for the Empire, waging war on any foolish enough to challenge its righteous proceedings.

The attendant dismissed themselves, instructing Jenova to follow the droid from that point onwards. The palace was momentous. Her Miraluka heritage gifted her with force sight, a most astute capability; whilst physically ‘blind’ Jenova could envision the space around her all too well. She could perceive walls and pillars (of which there were many) and even distinguish layouts metres ahead of her. With enough focus, the range could be extended.

The sight also allowed Jenova degree of awareness; whilst not able to fully sense the additional surveillance droid, the amazon could certainty acknowledge its presence. It was hovering in the shadows, high above from one of the pillars. No doubt it was an observation droid, one which beamed its recordings directly to the palace’s security system. Jenova spared the machine but a momentarily, her head cantering upwards towards its hidden location. Whoever was on the receiving end of the transmission would have a clear angle as the warrior’s vibrant features. Still, she soon resumed her journey. Whilst some might have cringed under the droid’s scrutiny, Jenova was entirely used to it; the fighting pits often used such recording method. Why not, after all? How else could one get such fantastic footage of slaughter?

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@Nefieslab

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Evandrus was waiting for Jenova and he wasn't waiting alone - Prince Elix was once again in attendance for a rather important meeting. The young man had taken a bit of a shine to the throne room of Lothal it seemed. Admittedly, Evandrus probably only spent half as much time in this room as he did because Elix liked it so much. So much so that this was the only room in the entire palace, on the entire planet even, that Elix would consent to the lessons that he had started for the Prince.

One thing he had heard a lot over the years was that music was important for young, developing, minds... and that learning an instrument as such a young age often led to greater intelligence and creavity. It was likely that Elix would need both in his future as a member of the Sith royal family as it were.

In the end, Elix had selected the instrument he wanted to play and Evandrus had dedicated more than a bit of time to making sure that he actually learned the instrument before Elix. The Valachord was a rather easy instrument to use but it was, he was discovering, something of a trial to master. Thankfully, he didn't really need to be a master of the instrument to teach Elix to the stage where he would then require a dedicated tutor.

"Alright, you remember how the chords go? Show me the chords Elix."

Elix nodded eagerly and his little hand spread itself out in the shape of a chord. It was a chord so Evandrus nodded and Elix went through more chords, getting them all right before he made a chord that didn't exist.

"What's that chord Elix?"

The little kid just laughed and played the chord, making the instrument make an incredibly terrible noise that couldn't rightly be called a note. He groaned a little bit as Elix laughed,

"It's the Elix Chord!"

By the Force he hoped Elix was the only one to have made that chord... as Jenova approached, Evandrus raised an eyebrow but let Elix introduce them. Which he did, by running up to the Sith and gaping at her.

"You're green!"

Well... he wasn't wrong he supposed.

 

[Jenova Savas]

Jenova diligently followed the service droid's trail, her anticipation growing with each encroaching step. The outcome of this meeting could very well determine the fruition of her endeavours; she had spent a considerable amount of time plotting this coup; she had studied all the possible variables and simulated the outcomes. It would have been foolish not to have done otherwise given the scope of her intent. This wasn't a mere power play or was it mindless ambition; it was part of a strategic vanguard, one of many the hybrid hoped to inspire.

The tones of the throne made an resounding echo, signalling entry; there was no turning back now, not when the service droid made its overtly loud declaration, "Announcing the arrival of Judge Jenova Savas." And with that, it left, preprogramed to do so without the need for instructions.

But there was no one here, or rather, there was no one waiting on the throne, as one might have expected.

The amazon stepped cautiously closer, her force sight scanning the entirety of the throne room. Yet her ears caught something she did not immediately recognise. An instrument of some sorts, the likes of which she had never heard before. Chords were being played, strings being struck by numerous hammers, enough so that a vibrating note rang out. It fixated Jenova, for but a moment, under a rather unpleasant example was wrought. She visibly cringed, not quite expecting the harsh chord. But the noise confirmed her suspicions. Someone was here. Two, from the sound of it. Musicians, perhaps? Lothal was a cultural capital. Perhaps the prince enjoyed a melodic ambiance.

Deciding to step closer, more to inspect the instrument more than anything else, Jenova only caught part of the conversation. Elix? Why did that name sound familiar? She rattled her brain, trying to recall the evasive source. For now it escaped her.

Just as the hybrid was about to make an enquiry as to the location of the prince, the child approached her, rather boldly. Jenova cantered her brow at him, seemingly taken if not by his bluntness then by his very presence there in the throne room. Truthfully, she didn't have much experience with children. Still, she was decent enough to acknowledge the child's comment, her expression humorously deadpan. "So I have been told..."

Now she was able to gauge him more clearly; she noted the surprisingly lack of fear within his aura. Most who looked upon Jenova were immediately intimidated, if not by her hulking height then by her beguiling features. The young child exhibited none of these inhabitations, prompting a small smile from the amazon. Truly, younglings were fearless.

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Evandrus was rather amused by Elix's reaction to Jenova - he wasn't wrong. The woman was green, very green, and she was rather tall even to him. To a person Elix's size? Well then she would be absolutely towering now wouldn't she? He shook his head a little bit and stepped away from the instrument,

"Elix, come back to me please matey." he told the young man as he tilted his head to the side slightly and wandered up closer to Jenova, "Leave Judge Savas alone, buddy. She's probably here on some big and important business."

Elix shrugged his shoulders a little bit and tugged at Evandrus' waist. Looking down at the young Prince, the Sith Lord sighed a little bit at the way Elix reached up. He chuckled a little bit,

"Excuse me a moment Judge Savas..."

Picking up the young Prince, Elix laughed happily as Evandrus set up atop his shoulders, holding his legs to keep him secure in place as Elix just grinned, now slightly taller than Jenova.

"I'm taller now green lady!"

Evandrus chuckled a little bit as he moved over to the throne, ascending the short flight of steps there to place a hand on one of the sides of the throne. Turning back to Jenova, he smiled,

"So! What brings you here today, hmm?"

@Esther Nyx

 

[Jenova Savas]

Jenova watched the pair for subtle interest; the two were exceptionally fond of each other, that much was clear. It made the amazon pause for a moment, evidently reminded of how stark her own parental relationship had been so jaded and empty. Jenova's mother was nothing more than a Miraluka courtesan, one who had eventually fallen miserably out of favour. Her lover prior (Jenova's biological father) was a Falleen; a cold hearted one at that. Whilst many couples rejoiced at the prospect of offspring, the two reviled the revelation, finding their hybrid infant sorely lacking. Ever since, the child was forcibly reminded of this shared disappointment, if not by the disgruntled rantings of the Miraluka then by the heckling of the fighting pits' spectators.

Shaking her thoughts free of such memories, Jenova turned her immediate attention elsewhere. Where was the High Judge ??How much longer would he make her wait? Was it some sort of test? She couldn't be sure. Despite the growing frequency of transmissions, Jenova had yet to actually meet with the Sith Lord in person. That in it self proposed a dilemma for the her; Jenova relied heavily on her force sight, so much so that it allowed her certain insight into those within her company. Through the force, the hybrid could garner intimate information, such as emotions and personal characteristics. From this, she could make judgements and assessments. Unfortunately, holo-transmissions offered none of this.

Essentially, Jenova was entering this meeting blind. Both literally and figuratively.

So when the mysterious man ascended towards the throne, the green skinned Sith moved to chastise him. "You can't sit..." She trailed off, stiffening somewhat. With a slight feeling of dread, Jenova finally made the connection.

"Lord Evandrus!" She dropped to one knee, bowing her head expectedly.

Jenova was never one for formality or ceremony. Still, she knew when to offer her respects; before her was Darth Evandrus: Prince of Lothal, High Judge to the Empire and reigning member of the Sith Council. He was her superior, in more ways than one. Very quickly, he could dismiss her best laid plans, or simpler still, dismiss Jenova all together. Perhaps even to a fatal degree.

"My Lord, I've come to you regarding a proposal..." She remained kneeling, waiting to be relieved of the position. For now, she quickly sought to convince the High Judge of her plans; without his permission, this great endeavour would forever remain fruitless. "There is a planet, one I believe would greatly aid us in fortifying Imperial territories. I could take it, quite easily, in the name of the Empire."

The amazon spoke with conviction. She only hoped the Prince would hear her out long enough to agree as well.

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[Darth Evandrus]

Evandrus was amused.

It seemed that his Judge didn't recognise him when he wasn't issuing commands via holocall. That, it had to be said, amused him to no end. The idea that he was really so different to what they expected was something that he found some enjoyment in - though doubtlessly, Elix had something to do with it. He doubted that any of his Judges really thought of what he was like when he was busy entertaining his son after all.

Most of them probably didn't think he thought of Elix as his son after all.

"Creggy! She says you can't sit!" Elix looked surprised and a little scandalised before deciding something, "Then I sit!"

Evandrus rolled his eyes in amusement and picked Elix up before setting the young Prince down in the throne himself, leaning against the side of the throne to address Jenova instead of sitting himself. Let Elix have his fun. Hearing her speak, Evandrus' face tightened as the smile dropped from it and he became all business.

"Stand."

It wasn't a request.

He looked at the woman in front of him for a long moment, the silence stretching as even Elix seemed to realise that now was a time for him to be quiet... though he did fidget a little bit. Evandrus looked Jenova in the eyes for a long moment before finally speaking.

"Interesting proposal." he admitted at length, "Now explain to me what planet it is and why you should be the one to take it. And, if you can, tell me what resources I would need to commit to your efforts."

He narrowed his eyes slightly.

"And I shall consider it."

@Esther Nyx

 

[Jenova Savas]

Relieved he had allowed her to stand, Jenova quickly rose to her feet. She had a limited window of opportunity in order to present her proposal. She was but a lowly Knight after all, she trying to make her name known to the wider Empire. She doubted the High Judge knew much of her personal exploits., even if she did fall under his influence He was a prince, a Sith lord. Truth be told, she was surprised he summoned her, to meet in person no less.

With a portable holoprojector, Jenova displayed her intended target for viewing. Admittedly, it didn't look like the most enticing planet; most of its surface was covered grasslands and forest. To any other observer, it appeared as common and mediocre as any other terrestrial world. But the green skinned hybrid looked at the hologram as if it were an idol, an unspoken treasure yet to be discovered. All she had to do was convince Evandrus of its importance.

"Velmor. Third terrestrial planet in the Velm system in the Mid Rim; near Myrkr, Obroa-skai and Aquaris." She waited a moment, knowing the Sith Lord to fully grasp the basic information. "Despite its close proximity to other worlds, it largely isolated from outer influences; in terms of colonisation, it is fairly basic. But, after much deliberation, I have concluded that this world is key to fortifying our borders in the Mid Rim"

Jenova spoke with utter confidence, there was little doubt within her. For days, if not weeks, she had been plotting and assessing; scouring the Empire's borders, evaluating its current fortification and territories. As it stands, the Sith's hold in the Mid Rim was tentative -at best-. A well orchestrated counter strike (from any one of their numerous enemies) could revoke their entire progress; the men, the resources, all the time and effort spent on securing those planets...lost. To one like Jenova, such losses were unthinkable. Unacceptable. She would not have such resources wasted, not when the apparent answer lay right in front of them. She pressed on, keen for Lord Evandrus to see the logic in her thinking.

The galactic map expanded, display several other planets coming into view. Some of them were Sith affiliated, others most certainly not. "This planet will also provides us with a strategic gateway, should we wish to expand those borders at a later date." A couple of planets highlighted themselves, signifying Jenova had indeed thought that far ahead. But even ambition had its limits. She'd focus on Velmor… for now, at least.

Truth be told, these were bold statements to make, considering the amazon's lowly position as a judge. Some with more traditionalist mindsets would argue it was not her place to consider such imperial matters; she was a Sith warrior, her role was one of conflict and battle. Nothing more. Still, never one to be cowed, Jenova endeavoured to have her voice heard, especially if it would contribute to the security and longevity of the Sith Empire.

As Evandrus hadn't dismissed her yet, Jenova pressed on, her next statement possibly cementing her fate - either she'd gain the High Judge's interest or court his derision, "I require no resources. Save one. I ask that my fellow judge, Zazai Ta'Resh, join me in this endeavour. Together, we shall take the planet Velmor, without spilling a single drop of Imperial blood."

Some would think her arrogance knew no bounds, others might even think her mad. But their was a keenness in her gaze, an certainty that failed to be challenged. "There is discord amongst the planet; native species clashing with the reigning settlers. The relationship between the monarchy and military is turbulent, at best...All of this shall undoubtedly lead to civil war. A war which the Sith shall capitalise on." Shutting off the hologram, Jenova turned her focus back to the standing Sith Lord. She couldn't read his aura, a most unsettling prospect.

Nevertheless, she continued, undaunted. "Gaining the favour of the natives will pressure the overstretched military, fostering more seeds of discord, especially with the frivolous monarchy. Their world will come undone. And the Empire shall lay claim to it all...With your preeminence, that is, my Lord."

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[Darth Evandrus]

Evandrus was glad that she had come prepared.

Even something as small as appearing with a holoprojector was great. It meant that she had done some actual research into the whole thing and that was better than half of the people who came to him with demands these days. It was something for Elix to watch as well and the young prince seemed to appreciate it.

The kid was being oddly patient it had to be said. Maybe he was finally learning to read a room?

Yeah...

Yeah he doubted that was it.

He looked at the planet for a long moment before his gaze returned to her. Evandrus did not recognise the planet - which was not a great start. Raising an eyebrow, he smirked a little bit.

"A planet surrounded by unimportant planets, without a built up colony, is key to our fortifications?" His eyes narrowed slightly, showing his patience was wavering, even though his smile never changed, "I know it is customary to open presentations with a joke but please Jenova... tell me you have better than this."

He was being a little bit harsh... and he really didn't care.

He was allowed to be harsh and picky when it came to these things. He was, after all, the High Judge and she was asking him to judge, to assess, her plan. Expanding the borders was always good though - always something that had some appeal to it.

When she continued however, Evandrus raised an eyebrow.

"No assistance save your lover?" He asked for clarification with a single raised eyebrow, "You talk a big game, Jenova. I do hope this shan't turn into a lover's trip but I'll trust you to keep yourself on track if I were to agree."

He frowned,

"I approve of using their own internal strife against them - it works well - but I do wonder... why?" He looked at her with eyes flashing yellow, "Why are you intent to do this alone, Jenova, and why do you think that is admirable? I want more than warriors - I want leaders, I want my Judges - my Wardens - to be capable of leading entire campaigns, not just winning a series of battles. So explain how this showcases you being able to do that."

It, again, wasn't a request.

@Esther Nyx

 

[Jenova Savas]

Jenova did not balk under Lord Evandrus' criticisms. Truth be told, she expected it, even welcomed it to a certain extent. It reaffirmed her belief that her superior, the Empire's High Judge, was not a blind man open to simple suggestion. He was astute, especially when it came to the finer details. She respected that; often those in authority grew lax and careless over time, their minds no longer keen to the tactics of power and conflict. They'd much rather lead such scheming and strategy to their lesser. But that in it self was a dangerous prospect. It allowed detachment and therefore unaccountability. It seems Lord Evandrus favoured neither of these concepts, instead choosing to immerse himself the thick of it, planning and all. It was a rare quality. No one wonder Jenova still had trouble reading him.

So, to put the High Judge at ease, Jenova moved to expand her explanation. "A most valid point, my lord. Allow me to elaborate; the planet Velmor is key due to its unassuming existence. There are three reasons for taking Velmor; reasons that I ultimately based my assessment on." Once more, the hybrid opened the hologram console, illustrating numerous aerial shots of small settlements, including the major city. These were generic images but they supported her statements, "The taking of an underdeveloped world will not draw any avid attention. Velmor's isolation from other planets will also ensure our forces won't be challenged by external factors. Moreover the lack of an extensive colony will ensure our Empire a fresh investment; a near blank canvas in which we can begin a new. Whilst there is a military force present on the planet, it is infantile, currently at odds with its own monarchy and rebel natives. Rather than annihilate it, we can absorb it. That way, animosity towards our forces would be significantly low."

Again and again, over and over, Jenova had swarmed over prospects and scenarios. She had studied snippets and reports, configured ever plausibility, gathered whatever information she could get her hands on, just so she could convince Evandrus of this mission validity. She could almost envision the future conquests and war they wage and Velmor was centre to that dream. She only hoped she could convince her lord of that.

Yet at his next statement, Jenova showed no initial shock. Evidently, Evandrus was more than aware of her relationship with Zazai. But why should she be so surprised? He was the head of Judgement, a reigning Sith council member. Of course he should know some degree of his subordinates' personal affair. Not that the relationship was much of a secret. The amazon had nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of. Zazai was a prolific warrior, a respectable crusader for the Empire's cause. Dare she feel a swell of pride, knowing the two shared an intimate bond. Indeed, they were fervent lovers; amorous and passionate. Their fires had be stoked on the battle fields, when they were but young knights in service to the Sith. Still, she could understand the High Judge's reservations. So, she endeavoured to affirm her decorum.

"Both Judge Ta'Resh and I have experience interacting with native tribes; we understand both the mechanisms and culture." Zazai came from the pureblood Sith race himself, a people submerged in traditional and custom. Jenova, from living amongst the fighting pits, had an array of knowledge, especially when it came to warrior species. Whilst not extensive, it certainly was varied. And often, there were surprisingly similarities across interspecies norms. She would go on to continue, "Together, we have served faithfully in fields of combat and diplomacy. Without sounding arrogant, my lord, I can think of no one more suited to this task, no one I trust more than him."

Jenova wasn't entirely sure would the High Judge would look upon their relationship. Some Sith could cruel and twisted, distaining attachment as much as any Jedi, viewing it as a weakness one could readily exploit. But if any looked at Zazai with an intent to of finding fragility, they'd only prove themselves a fool. Despite their avid differences, the two seemed to compliment each other. They fed each other's power, pushed one another to new, unfathomable heights. Admittedly, the amazon thought of the world of her lover and nothing would besmirch that.

But it was the High Judge's final question that gave Jenova reason to pause. She knew the answer, or rather the essence of it, but still she struggled to put it into words. Indeed, she had lead others into battle, but that had been in another lifetime, when goals and objectives were but narrow in size. She had been at the front of an insurgency, one that grew into a full blown rebel. Surely, her thinking was the same as it was back then; she'd need to weigh the prize against the cost, and see if it was truly worth the price.
"A good leader should not expend resources wastefully, not if the mission can be achieved effectively by other means. A good judge, a warden even, leads to serve their people, not simply throw around their power and men because they have the ability to do so. It would be wiser to save those resources for other, more taxing campaigns. Velmor will become a base for those future campaigns...Should my Lord will it." ​

Feeling she had said enough, she yet again yielded to Evandrus, waiting for the prince's benevolent judgement.

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Evandrus idly played with Elix's hair with the Force, causing the young lord to giggle happily at the sensation. He hummed as he enjoyed playing with his son while, at the same time, having his attention focused on Jenova. It was a little known perk that becoming this powerful in the Force meant that you were able to multi-task with peerless ability. Leaning back slowly as she explained her reasoning for why Velmor, he nodded once.

"Interesting." he admitted with a tilt of his head, "Most people do not seek out worlds for their potential - they seek out worlds for their immediate value. Both have their place but the fact that you chose a planet with potential rather than an already fixed value? I approve."

She seemed a little surprised by his knowledge and then... not at all surprised. Likely she had realised that he had been keeping a close eye on her and the other members of the Judgement. They were his responsibility and his subordinates. They were his to look after and his to discipline and the best way to ensure he could do that?

To know them.

"Take care that your trust and faith in him does not blind you to his imperfections." he cautioned her simply, "You are a commander, Judge Savas. A commander needs to realise that their soldiers are not perfect and account for it. I do hope you do not have rose-tinted spectacles on for this young warrior."

It would be a failure that would harm her more than anyone else if she led Zazai to his death after all. He listened to her as she explained her philosophy about command and why that meant she was going to be taking the planet, functionally, alone.

"A good leader... knows when throwing lives at a problem is not the way." he agreed with a small frown, "When you lead men and women into combat, you take responsibility for them all. Be they one warrior or one thousand. Take this opportunity to learn the value of the lives of your charges with the locals you command."

He waved a hand,

"And go, with my blessing, to take this planet." he declared with narrowed eyes, "And when you return? We shall discuss your future within the Judgement."

@Esther Nyx