Ask Hands of the Heretic Part I.

[Roman Antilles]

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DROMUND KAAS, IMPERIAL ENVOY HEADQUARTERS, LOCAL TIME: 1534

In order to rise in power, sometimes you have to take initiatives on your own. As would be expected from an aspiring Sith Champion, Roman was nothing short of ambitious and his ruthless tenacity would soon come on display. Through several weeks of preparation, he had located the origins of a powerful artifact deep in the canyons of Vjun. What began initially as simply rumors was now the basis of a personal expedition he would venture on, one that if successful would guarantee a significant bolstering of his power base. To make such preparations feasible however, he had to enlist the aid of another; this individual the Sith had never met but through whispers had heard of his resourcefulness and willingness to aid in Sith Directives.

Roman arrived on Dromund Kaas early in the afternoon, taking his private Shuttle to the Imperial Forces buildings, several of them spanned the length of the city; a reminder of Imperial Might. Clad in his ebony armor, the champion reflected a fear inspiring sight, stark contrast to the dull medium ranged by hordes of soldiers in identical military uniforms. A singular Sith easily stood out, especially one that was as imposing as him. Moving towards the Envoy HQ, Roman sauntered through several doors until reaching elevator shafts. The penthouse floor was intriguing...rich gardens, loud waterfalls, and several short skirted clad secretaries posed a welcoming sight.

Passing through automated doors, Roman finally approached in a darkened corridor which spanned open into a rectangularly spaced office. Eyes flickered with crimson as dark force energies radiated from the Champion. Voice seemed growling and automated, almost without emotion as it spoke.

"Officer Branthom is expecting my arrival...."

@Morse

 

[Armaj Branthom]

The Quartering of the Envoys was not exactly like other portions of the base. It was more like an executive class lounge at a spaceport than it was a wing of a military base. That was due in no small part to their status. Most envoys operated as the lower end of the wealthy elite in Imperial Society. They had official status and typically came from wealth and power. They were not force users however, and they were not trained in the art of warfare.

In some ways it was just a nice place to fall for those that could not achieve a higher status either by birth or ability. They did certainly have their uses to the Empire, but maintain that image of power and standing they were allocated an exceptionally luxurious locale on what was otherwise a dreary military facility. All of their offices were exceptional, and the resources at their command were not much to scoff at either.

Armaj was expecting a visitor today. One that had seemed to take an interest in either his work or his alternative study in the form of archeology. He did not suspect that this would be an attempt to assassinate him, and if it was, he was certainly unprepared for it in every possible way.

An Imperial Trooper had been posted outside, only to give Armaj warning of the arrival, which he did just before being spoken to.

The door opened and Armaj stood at the center of the room to greet the guest.

"Champion Antilles." Armaj spoke with a bow at the waste, both arms presented at his side. "Welcome to the Hall of Envoys. I hope that your journey here was uneventful."

@Faded

 

[Roman Antilles]

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Roman nodded in return to the demonstration of respect by the Officer, the Sith moving towards what appeared to be the large window panes across the walls as he stared down from the penthouse view. Dromund Kaas city was beautiful and busy; from their point of view, you could see thousands of citizens scouring on the streets below unaware of anything outside their artificial bubble. He studied them for a few long moments before responding to Armaj' question. "Yes, the luxury cruiser was a much needed and appreciated touch..." He said, before shifting attention back to the man.

"I'll keep the debriefing simple, Officer Branthom..." Roman said, removing a datapad from his cloaks and setting it on the center conference table. He navigated through some files before enlarging one on the projector screen before them. It was a singular planet with what appeared as a few highlighted map markings. "Vjun. Previously Sith but currently under Free Trade Alliance... I care little for the planet and its asset, rather only one artifact which is rumored to be located there... "

"My mages back on Korriban dug through the relic archives and located similar magical signatures, they all trace to this region where the previous Castle systems use to be.. Can you locate it for me?"

@Morse

 

[Armaj Branthom]

The opportunity to hunt down an object was incredibly enticing for Armaj. He had a primary duty in life which was to serve the Empire. That was beyond dispute. His station made it such that the duty was to act as envoy on diplomatic missions and to spread the more noble truths about the Sith. This alternative form of his study had also had its many uses to various of his masters, but none had come directly to him.

In a way Armaj wondered how this Champion had discovered his talent. Perhaps someone gave him away? Perhaps his logs were being watched? Either way he was where he was now.

"There are many ancient things on Vjun, Champion." Armaj replied. "Time doesn't hide mysteries so well as it leaves them in plain sight and hopes people forget about them until it can cover them with a layer of dust."

Armaj stepped away and towards the map. He looked at it closely and recognized the architecture. "Your castle system is ancient indeed. But anything that exists can be found, Champion." Armaj paused to look back at the man. "But what is it that you would have me find?"

@Faded

 

[Roman Antilles]

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Roman folded his arms across his chest and listened for a brief moment, taking in a deep breath as he formulated his thoughts before speaking. "Hundreds of Sith have forgotten about this mystery over the last several thousand years. This artifact is rumored to have been created during the times of Mandalorian Rebellion from our original Ancestors.." He said, moving over to the projector screen and fiddling with the datapad some more.

After a few minutes, he launched a second series of images on the large screen, these superimposed on the map to provide more accurate coordinate tracking. "Have your scouts dig up nearby information surrounding this location. Terrain, resistance, native, force users, and perhaps even other Sith that have ventured into this region." He said, standing by the windows again to set glances at the citizens on the city grounds below them. "This is sensitive information Officer, I trust you will keep this confidential. We are hunting an ancient Sith artifact bestowed with immeasurable power, power which I seek to strength our Empire. As my abilities grow, so will our conquests in the galaxy."

He turned to look at the Agent, "I will require your absolute discretion on this assignment..."

@Morse

 

[Armaj Branthom]

"Discretion is ever key when uncovering the secrets of the past, Champion." Armaj replied with a nod. There was little chance that he was going to tell anyone of what their mission was. The sheer fact was that any benefit that was to be gained for the Sith would have some small addition to his own wealth and status. That was in part why he had committed to such a fancy as uncovering artifacts. While Armaj himself did not have the ability to use the force or even sense its presence, he knew well of its power having seen it first hand, and he recognized the value of these objects to his masters.

He turned and looked at the map that was before them and considered it. "I can send those that serve me forward to get a proper understanding of the area and give a full and proper report." Armaj started. "I would ask, Champion. In the trust of that discretion between us. Is the intention of find this item to expand your own power, or that of the Empre?"

It was an honest question, and a very valid one for the Sith. Many were only out for themselves, but helping themselves meant that there was little benefit for anyone outside of their circle. Armaj would be happy to be a part of that circle however. Ironically things that helped the Empire as a whole had very limited benefit to Armaj himself.

@Faded

 

[Roman Antilles]

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Roman nodded at the man's statement, in agreement with his deployment of agents to inquire about the terrain and geographical resistance which was crucial to their upcoming mission. "Very well, I will look forward to that report, Officer." He said, moving closer to the datapad and holoprojector that was on the screen. As Armaj asked the second question, Roman simply turned to glare at him for a few seconds, perhaps trying to place the Imperial agent at a bit unease before chuckling darkly.

"My own." He said calmly, he was unafraid of the consequences of his ambition, after all, only the greatest of Sith were those who relentlessly tried to climb the power ladder. "Tell me Lord Branthom, what is it that you seek? Certainly, I am not the first Champion to approach you with assignments in the past. Why do you enjoy to aid us? Is it because you hope one of us will climb to the rank of Dark Lord and thus, elevate your status as well?" Roman asked bluntly. It was a fair question after all, he never truly understood Imperial Agents and their dedication for the Empire. Either they must have cherished the opportunities given or have true faith in that the Empire is the best globalization weapon for this Universe.

Secretly, the Sith hoped that Branthom was just as greedy to climb as he was. After all, as long as Roman maintained a leverage against other Sith Warriors, he supposed that he too would hold Branthom's loyalty.

@Morse

 

[Armaj Branthom]

The long pause made by the champion gave Armaj a feeling of dread. There was no great way to tell what a true sith was thinking. He held all the power of the galaxy in his finger tips and with no real way of knowing what would happen next Armaj was left wondering if he'd over reached.

To his delight the Champion was precisely as he had been pegged. A climber of the highest order that had no intention of stopping. That was as useful to Armaj as he was to the Champion.

"As envoy I serve many masters. The diplomatic corps, the empress, all sith, the empire. But few have thought to ask me for assistance in excavations."

He considered how to respond to the thought of elevation in status. "The greater governance of the Empire is above my station, Champion. I am merely an instrument that would prefer to be properly utilized, and not left to collect dust."

@Faded

 

[Roman Antilles]

.

Roman nodded lightly as the officer spoke, gaining an understanding into his psyche, his motivations, and above else, his allegiance. So far though, he hadn't said anything which he didn't already know or predict. If the man possessed skills, and everything Roman had heard so far said he did, then by all means, his strengths should be utilized to their advantage. The armored sith moved away and turned its attention back onto the holoprojector.

"Well, I'm glad you feel that way Lord Branthom. After all, we wouldn't want to waste your talents behind some desk..." He said, chuckling. "I plan to bring two regiments of Imperial Assault Corps, along with your Envoy defensive forces. Once you have prepared the report for me, we can adjust the particular logistics..." Roman spoke, pointing onto the diagram now. "For now though, I think we should set up a clearing at this location, allowing myself and a small forces to enter into the Temple itself. Considering its dark and vile energies, I wouldn't be surprised if there are some hidden surprises for us.."

Roman smirked, glancing towards the officer. "Do you agree, Lord Branthom?"[/abox]

@Morse

 

[Armaj Branthom]

This Champion of darkness was certainly planning something very long term. Armaj could sense it in the way that he carried himself. It was likely a perfect pairing for Armaj himself. Though Armaj did not have any great plan for his future, he had a particular direction. That direction was up. He would do what was needed to get to the status that would allow him to best serve the Empire.

He had no particular disagreement on any point. Bringing that many troopers would certainly be an interesting and intimidating sight, but that would also bring him to wonder why so many Troopers were needed. Troopers served their purpose well and their training and armor were the best in the galaxy. Throwing them at an excavation mostly served to brutalize locals and as laborers. It would suit, but why was it necessary?

"It is all perfectly palatable to me, Champion." Armaj said. "I can begin preparations immediately and gather all needed intelligence for this expedition. I don't think your talent is best suited to waiting after all." Armaj also smiled as he spoke, knowing that by virtue of having the title of Champion he was known for action.

@Faded

 

[Roman Antilles]

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Roman nodded as the agent seemed to also be in agreement with his plans. "Good, I will meet you on Vjun in three days. I have some domestic affairs to attend to before our departure." He said, moving towards the datapad and removing the files from the Holoprojector. It wasn't that he didnt trust Armaj' discretion, but in this line, he couldn't afford any other Sith finding their hands on what he was attempting to recover. "I trust you will prep the men for what their duties will entail on this assignment. My Corvette will accompany your Imperial Transport as we head towards our destination spot."

Roman's armored form said before heading for the exit. "Think of this as your opportunity to serve the Empire and perhaps gain some excitement as well." He spoke, tilting his head just halfway backwards to look at the Officer. "See you soon Lord Branthom..." Before exiting...

/end thread

@Morse