Measuring the Dark

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael looked up as his shuttle landed, the vessel shuddering about him for a brief moment. Sighing lightly, he pulled himself to his feet, briefly straightening a few armor pieces. The two Massassi beside him also rose, both of them stepping back to make room as the ramp lowered. Vrael stepped up to fill that gap, looking out onto the world as he exited the ship. Red sand and stone, a powerful underlying pull of the dark side, Korriban. It was always a welcome sight after leaving for a time, even if was only an inspection of the other Old Empire Worlds. It was where he belonged.

Vrael stepped forward briskly, each stride carefully measured for maximum efficiency. As much as he might've liked to spend a few moments reminiscing, he had a schedule to keep. And the Emperor of the Sith would NOT be late for an engagement. His companions flanked him during the walk, physical deterrents against the foolish minority that might be tempted to try something. Vrael had resisted their presence at first, HE was the ultimate deterrent after all, and they could be better used elsewhere. Now though? He had to admit their presence had grown on him a little, they were dependable and had proved their value many times over.

He made quick progress through the temple, his rank and trademark scowl deflecting any potential obstacles. Before long they were descending into the deeper levels, nearing their target. The training areas, the areas where young Sith were grown and taught. It was the very basis of the Empire's power, a very important place, and he was here to make sure it was functioning correctly. Not that he was going to be doing so alone, in his experience multiple points of view were needed. So, an acolyte was supposed to be meeting him here for that very purpose. His objective was in sight now, a training room where a collection of brand new acolytes awaited.

Vrael stopped for a moment to wave away the two Massassi, giving them free reign for the hour. He wouldn't need them anytime soon. Teaching....he hadn't attempted it in quite some time. Hopefully they wouldn't need it though, hopefully they were all excellent examples of why they were the TRUE Sith. Of course there was that other issue as well, the thought of which made Vrael scowl harder and clench one armored fist. He would solve that, today if nothing else. Now where was that acolyte?


@Faster Than Light

 

[Thesyia]

As the Massassi would round the corner they were heading out of, a pale-blue skinned Sephi would then emerge. Thesyia was brought here to be with the Dark Lord of the Sith of all people to tend to some acylotes who are in training. War is upon the galaxy, and the Old Empire needs it's acolytes as ready as they will ever be. The highborn Sephi is an acolyte herself, but at heart she is a prodigy and shall assist Darth Vrael with his endeavor here. This arrangement also benefits Thesyia, as she will will get a closer glimpse at the Dark Lord. Perhaps she will learn more about him, perhaps his strengths. No Dark Lord worth his salt would show weakness. But still, anything she can pick up can be useful. Maybe this mundane work will be worth it.

Thesyia has been to Korriban in the past before. The call of the planet is strong, and the place radiates the Dark Side. The Sephi would then walk towards the Dark Lord, with a hint of a smirk on her face and her glowing yellow eyes relaxed. She is wearing one of her fancy white dresses and has a lightsaber on her person. Once she got with-in talking distance of Darth Vrael, Thesyia would then bow and nod her head slightly standing up. "Greetings, Lord Vrael." she said to the Dark Lord. Thesyia's slight smirk changed to a stoic blank expression, appearing bored. Once the pleasantries are exchanged, it will be time to move on with the matter at hand. The Dark Lord doesn't seem like the person to dilly-dally.

 

[Darth Vrael]

A flash of color, along with the whisper of the force, drew his attention and Vrael turned his head. He found a shapely blue skinned alien, a Sephi, approaching him. Others might've taken the chance to steal a lewd look or two, perhaps three if they had his unquestionable authority as well. Vrael merely met her yellow gaze with a level stare, patiently waiting for her to close the gap. He met her greeting with a slight nod before speaking with a dry tone. "Hmmph, You are Thesyia correct? Its good to see those in the lower ranks still have some sense in their heads. Your species will be most helpful in this matter. " He meant that wholeheartedly, the girl's inhumanity would go a long way to erasing any inner fears these younglings might hold about their species. A Sephi alongside the Sith Emperor, there was no better way to endorse the belief that power and strength came first, not race.

Striding to the door, he opened it and went right in, not checking to make sure Thesyia was following. Inside, he found a group of almost twenty people awaiting him, who all hurriedly tried snapping to attention once they'd realized his identity. It was pure chaos for a few moments, everyone trying to assemble into some semblance of order with no clear leader to sort out things. Vrael just stood there silently, taking in the scene with a measured frown. They were Sith, creatures of ambition and power, he didn't expect dutiful perfection in mere organizational matters like this. That said however, they were still warriors of his empire and right now they were disappointing him. Thankfully they managed to sort themselves out soon after, a somewhat ragged line forming in front of him, which Vrael eyed balefully. It was probably the best he was going to get.

After a moment Vrael started forward, carefully moving down the line of acolytes, scanning each one as he positioned himself at the front of the room. Anxiety and fear, the room was rife with it, as he'd expected, but there was also something more. There was also a sense of awe in the group before him, the scent of ambition as they looked upon him, at what he represented. The barest hint of a smile graced Vrael's aged face before vanishing just as quickly, there was hope for this group yet. He spoke finally, calling out so that his voice filled the room. "You all know who I am without a doubt, what you are probably wondering however is...Why am I here?" There were a few murmurs and nods, quickly silenced when Vrael looked at them before continuing. "I am here to ensure that the acolytes of the Sith Empire are as impressive as I say they are. Me and my assistant over there, Acolyte Thesyia." He nodded towards the blue Sephi, watching carefully as their focus temporarily shifted away from him. The moment it did, he started yelling, "NOW FIND A PARTNER AND BEGIN SPARRING! SHOW US YOUR LIGHTSABER ABILITES!" Boom, instant chaos once again.
@Faster Than Light

 

[Thesyia]

The highborn Sephi's dull expression turned to a smile with the compliment her species will be helpful in this endeavor. It's no secret that the Dark Lord advocates Rule of the Strong over Rule of Blood. Personally, Thesyia - although she knows that the Drasts were powerful force users - doesn't see why the most powerful seat in the galaxy should be passed to other short-lived humans. Rule of the Strong makes perfect sense, the strongest one should be ruler instead of the luckiest. Thesyia, although she may not be the most powerful Sith out there, but she still has plenty of time to perfect her craft.

Thesyia followed the Dark Lord as he went through the door, keeping pace of course. Once they went in, there were other acylotes in there. They were quick to react to Darth Vrael's presence and be standing at attention, the mantle of the Dark Lord itself commands this level of power over these mere acolytes. As Vrael spoke, Thesyia was flanking him, and had her right hand on her hip, having a blank expression as she listened and looked on at the students, watching as they were taking in the speech. Theysia looked towards Lord Vrael as she was mentioned and nodded at. When the Dark Lord ordered them to show them their lightsaber skills, the chaos was there again, the acylotes pulled out their lightsabers and went off to find a partner. There were an equal amount of them, so they should each have a partner and the noble born Sephi can just watch and assess with her keen yellow eyes.

Until one acylote walked up in front of her, with a lightsaber in hand and declared he wanted to spar with her. "Find some else" the Sephi wanted. But the other acylote ignited his red lightsaber, it was humming in training mode. It looks like that the Sephi isn't getting out of this one. The acylote then charged at her, aiming to strike, not giving any reprieve, hungry to prove himself. The Sephi can spot a flaw in his stance and readies her right hand on top of her lightsaber. Once he gets far enough and commits to a sweeping horizontal slash, the Sephi ducks down and goes for for a low left-to-right slash as her lightsaber bursts to life in training mode. The trainee's attack missed and had his own legs numb and fell down, falling on the ground face first after being struck by Thesyia's lightsaber. Very humiliating for a Sith. Although the Sephi wasn't that good with a lightsaber, being more of a sorceress, just couldn't help it. When the other acylote fell to the ground, this caught attention from some of the other acylotes who were in the middle of sparing.

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

They were surprisingly quick to get organized this time, probably because this was more in line with their actual training. Heck, many of them had probably already had sparing partners picked out from the past. Either way, it was more than a little gratifying to see, though even Vrael didn't predict what came next. One of them...had come up and challenged his Sephi companion rather than someone else in the room. It was easy to see why, HE was here, and this was an attempt to curry favor or impress him. Vrael just shook his head and stepped back, crossing his arms to watch the coming engagement, as did half the room. Technically it was within the rules, they WERE both acolytes after all. Still, he knew what outcome he was hoping for, the one that wouldn't derail his entire purpose for coming here.

Thankfully, he nothing to fear whatsoever, as the Sephi toppled him in one swift move. It was obvious in retrospect, after watching the other acolytes foolish approach, but it was still perfect. With a loud CLAP of his armored hands, Vrael stepped forward, speaking out in a tone that brooked instant attention. "You were all watching, or at least partly watching, and you all saw the end result here. Now who can tell me what his mistake was?" No one stepped forward, not that it surprised him. Sure they had a chance to try and impress him...but there was also an chance to embarrasses themselves in the Emperors presence. No one wanted to be that person. Vrael just shook his head, he would have to give the answer himself. "He was overconfident, and overeager to prove himself. He didn't think on how...he only though of what, and that is a common mistake." He directed a strong glare around at the other Acolytes. "Never forget to think, to plan, no matter how fiercely the force bubbles through your veins. Because success doesn't come merely because you want it."

"Now, you two" He pointed at another group, a male and female Sith Purblood pair and then at Thesyia. "One of you attack her, show us you can do better. The other, come over here with me. The rest of you keep sparing!" The two he'd indicated looked at each other for a long moment, communicating desperately with their eyes. Then slowly the man turned to walk towards Vrael, wariness permeating his very being and the other took a stance in front of Thesyia. Vrael let the male quiver for a moment in front of him, and then pulled his blaster out and solemnly dropped it to the ground. He nodded at it and spoke a single sentence to the Acolyte. "Lift it, now, show me your connection with the dark side."

@Faster Than Light

 

[Thesyia]

The highborn Sephi smirked as she bested the first acolyte with ease. He was a human, a young male human at no less. One way over his head. The Sephi kept smirking until the Dark Lord explained what had went wrong with the acylote. He was right though, he was overeager and didn't put much thought in an attack. If this had been a real battlefield the acylote would find himself missing limbs or even dead all together. The acolyte better take this lesson to heart, or he will perish when the true tests come ahead. A valuable lesson for for everyone. The Sephi thought to herself that that of all the other acolytes, she might be older than all of them combined. Sephi tend to be quite wise when they lived for centuries.

Now, the Sephi finds herself fitted against a female Sith Pureblood. This one's expressions and feelings don't read as the other acolyte did. The female pureblood has a stern expression and has her lightsaber firmly gripped as she would ignite her blade in training mode as well. The Pureblood would come at the blue-skinned Sephi, with a slash coming at Thesyia's upper right side to her chest and downwards. Thesyia wouldn't be able to dodge it, she would have to put her lightsaber up to block it and push against it. Thesyia went in for a slash of her own, sweeping low, but the Pureblood manage to bring her blade down in time to smack it to counter it. After that, the Sephi smiled and didn't launch any other attacks, she had a ready stance with her lightsasber, before relaxing her stance alother. "Not bad. Not bad... You did better than the last acylote. Well done" the highborn Sephi softly spoke and she would then have a light chuckle. The pureblood showed he can do better, an improvement, and managed to not get hit herself. Not bad The female pureblood was ready for battle still. Sephi would frown as she would look in the Dark Lord's direction, getting a glance of what he is doing real quick.

 

[Darth Vrael]

The male pureblood had initially smirked at his task, though he'd managed to hide it fairly well actually. Vrael couldn't blame him for that either, lift a blaster? Yes it was an easy thing to do, on the outside at least, but it wasn't going to be that simple. The Acolyte extended a hand and Vrael felt the force twist and tremble about them. The blaster quivered and shook on the sandy floor and then...stopped moving. The acolyte frowned and pushed harder, grimacing now as sweat drops sprung to life. It was only then that the blaster started to move from the floor, slowly levitating into the air as if it had a bag of bricks attached to one end. The pureblood finally looked up to Vrael, gritting his teeth to hold the blaster up, and almost lost his concentration at what he saw.

Vrael had his own hand extended, an almost smile on his face and meeting the Purebloods gaze evenly. With a small shake of his head he released his own hold on the force and the blaster almost shot up to the ceiling before the acolyte caught up and brought it down. Vrael observed him for a moment, noting the slight heaving of the acolytes chest. Then he slowly reached out to take the blaster and returned it to his belt before speaking. "Well done, you have a decent grasp of the force and how to apply it. That said, remember to observe your surroundings at all times. You didn't even realize what I was doing until you had half exhausted yourself. Back to the others now." The man nodded and stepped back to the group of acolytes, still breathing heavily.

Vrael turned aside just in time to catch the Sephi's words to her own opponent, nodding in satisfaction at what he heard. He stepped forward, motioning for the female to return to the ranks and then spoke softly towards the Sephi. "Now, walk among them as they spar, point out any mistakes and flaws. And keep an eye out for...dissatisfaction at my presence." Vrael turned to do just that, walking into the midst of the swinging training sabers with his head on a swivel. Half their job was done here, they'd imparted several important lessons on this young group that would spread throughout the temple if only as gossip. Now though, they just had to finish the other half, preferably in a way that wouldn't diminish morale.
@Faster Than Light

 

[Thesyia]

Now that the pureblood the highborn Sephi was doing a little spar with had rejoined the ranks with the other acolytes, Thesyia was then tasked with to walk among them and point out anything done that could use some work. Then the Sephi was given a reminder of the other reason the two were here. It's not like someone like Thesyia needs a reminder, but she would nod to acknowledge what was asked of her.

The other acylotes would be doing their thing. A lot of them had their training lightsabers up swinging in various directions. It's like glowsticks being waved at a music concert or a laser light show. The aspiring Queen would be walking veering towards the sides of the area. Not close enough where she'd be hit by stray lightsaber strings. She would observe with her keen glowing yellow eyes as she would take some steps. She would then reach out with the Force, trying to feel through the force the various emotions circulating through the area. Every Sith acylote here have their own reasons for being Sith, they were forced into it, they wanted power. etc. Feeling through the force does no good though. However not long after, Thesyia would spot a glance of an acolyte in the very rear that was glaring at the Dark Lord. As soon as Thesyia's eyes caught on him, the other acolyte's eyes turned back on his sparing opponent where they should have been, and his sparing partner taking advantage as they practice.

"Hmmmmm."she hummed quietly to herself as she considered her options, before slowly walking her way over towards there, still off to the sides as she approaches. An odd glare and a scowl is hardly evidence of this disassociation, but maybe it would be worth following it up on. Maybe. If nothing else she can chastise him for taking his eyes off his opponent.

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

His walk amongst the younger Sith was quite gratifying. For the most part they were all competent duelists and he only needed to point out a few more subtle errors as he strode among them. They all seemed strong with the force as well, the dark side singing in the air as he walked. He stopped several times to prod the usage of the force from a few of them, nodding happily when they were able to meet his expectations. He hadn't even suffered any close calls yet, practically an impossibility within this forest of red blades. Of course, he was also very focused on something else as he walked, searching for those little signs in the people. Someone unhappy with him and his choices..they would be unable to hide all their reaction to him being in their proximity. It would be slight, maybe only an angry look, but it would be there.

Right on cue, Vrael caught a whiff of dissension in the air, a sense of unhappiness nearby. Flicking his gaze about suddenly, Vrael was just quick enough to catch the culprit, a hastily averted gaze looking away from him. Vrael just looked at him for a moment, deciding on whether or not it was the real deal. Seeing Thesyia head over decided it for him, this was probably the individual, or she had seen something at least. Mimicking her steps, Vrael slowly closed the distance towards the acolyte. He stopped a few pairs away however, turning his focus on the sparing pair in front of him. This way, he could allow the Sephi to make an evaluation, while also presenting himself as a more visible and harder to ignore target of any ire or anger. Or so he imagined it, perhaps the acolyte Thesyia approached was not the culprit they were looking for.

He'd chosen a good pair to observe as well. One was a Ithorian with some very glaring flaws in his lightsaber stance. Vrael went about pointing those flaws out right away, all the while observing the Sephi's interaction from the corner of his eye. He wouldn't be able to linger here forever though, the acolyte he was instructing was proving to be a quick study, responding perfectly to his instruction. A poster child for why he did these kind of events really.

@Faster Than Light

 

[Thesyia]

Thesyia then in the middle of the suspected acylote, the one he was training with to the sides who was an Aqualish. The highborn Sephi held her head high as she looked upon the lesser beings with her radiant glowing yellow eyes. The acolytes finished clashing lightsabers and stopped as the Sephi lady inspected them. The white-haired Sephi still had a a blank expression on her face, not really impressed. She would then level her head towards the two. "Hmmmm, decent form you two." commenting on their saber work. "You, why don't you take a break." she turned to the Aqualish acylote and suggested.

The Aqualish deactivated his lightsaber before awkwardy walking off to the sides. Thesyia would then turn towards the human acylote. He is being hard to read through the force. The little glimpse she had earlier was her only indication of what her and the Dark Lord are searching for, but that could be anything. The human had a cautious look on his face. "You seem like you are doing fine. Come. The Dark Lord would be interested in seeing you." the Sephi would then smile as she offered, gesturing with her arm towards the Dark Lord, where Vrael can see it. The human knew that refusing this invitation to have a nice with the ruler of the Old Sith Empire would draw more suspicion on him, so relucantly nodded his head and was escorted Thesyia to have a little personal audience with Vrael. Outwardly, it doesn't appear that the Thesyia and Vrael have any ulterior motives. The rest of the acylotes are still doing their various spars and practices.

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

As expected, the Sephi acolyte continued onwards to the sparring par while he held back. Vrael watched from the corner of his eye as he continued instruction. Not that he was actually instructing anymore, the pair in front of him had long fixed their minor errors. Now it was more a matter of staring them down and making them nervous, daring them to ask why he hadn't moved on yet. Vrael could almost feel a tinge of amusement, at watching the younger Sith squirm, but only almost. This was all pure business after all, and only lesser men allowed their lesser desires to drive them.

For a moment or two nothing happened besides simple observation and he waited for Thesyia to make a decision. She had seemed to have seen more than he had, and so he would allow her to make the call. Evidently she was convinced, because the Acolyte soon stepped forward and spoke. At her word, one of them, the Aqualish, stepped away off to the side. She then gestured for the other to follow, towards him. Finally Vrael nodded farewell to the pair he'd been harassing, and stepped away from the crowd more off to himself. He didn't need any of the others overhearing this, but it was a fine line between drawing attention and privacy.

Vrael paid careful attention as the two approached, applying the full power of his gaze on the human. He could see the obvious caution in the acolytes approach, normal in those that approached him. But it seemed like it was more than that almost, something beyond mere wariness. Ah well, he would find the truth of the matter soon enough, with a little prodding. Nodding to the Sephi, he turned to the human, again letting him squirm under his glare. After a moment, he stepped forward, and put a gauntleted hand on the younger Sith's shoulder as he spoke. "Calm yourself, we merely wish to inquire about the nature of the training, from a lower perspective." The Acolyte seemed to relax a bit upon hearing this, and that's when Vrael struck. Honeyed words, rough on his tongue, came forth, tinged with the force, Vrael's attempt to lure the truth into the open.

"Now, how do you feel about the Empire, about the war and our stake in it? And how do you feel about me, your Emperor, and my leadership?"
@Faster Than Light

 

[Thesyia]

With no smile on her face, Thessia held her head high as she crossed arms waiting for how the acylote would respond. The human was hit with the full power of the Dark Lord's glare. He was squirming, he knew his thoughts weren't safe and the pressure was on him from all sides. There were some duels who were sparing who were taking slowing down while watching at who the Emperor was conversing with, while making half-hearted efforts at sparing and more-so paying attention to the unlucky acylote who appears to be on the chopping block. This might turn in to a literal chopping block if Vrael sees fit to add an actual lightsaber into the equation.

"Th...th... The Old Empire is the True Empire. You are the True Emperor, m.. my Lord. We will crush our enemies underneath our heel. The galaxy will be ours." the acylote's tone was nervous, too nervous for comfort. Thesyia said nothing as she looked at the weakling with contempt, before looking at the Dark Lord, wondering what his reaction is.

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael raised an eyebrow at the response he received, looking for any sign of deceit. He found none, no obvious ones at least. But the boy was nervous, very much so. To Vrael's practiced ears, he didn't truly believe in what he was saying, or didn't seem to at least. It was possible the acolyte was just being this way due to whom he spoke to. Did Vrael believe it? He wasn't sure, but it was something he had to acknowledge at least. Vrael stepped back and moment and stroked his chin, as he pondered. He noticed a few others watching, and shot them a look that scared them back to work. Well, he would give it one more try at least, as the final decider.

"Relax," he told the boy, the power of the force almost dripping from his mouth. "You can tell us anything, we only want to help. Tell us, what do you really think of everything? Surely that cant be all?" He was laying it on a bit thickly, that was for sure. But he needed to be sure, and overwhelming compulsion was the best way. For an instant there was no answer, and the acolyte was obviously struggling with something. But then his face seemed to clear, and he spoke smoothly and with confidence. "Its just as I said sir, you are Emperor of the True Sith, and I am fully devoted to the cause. We will crush the false Sith and rebels alike!"

Vrael met his gaze and hesitated, almost surprised at the seamless line. He couldn't detect even a hint of a lie, if it was a lie at all. Huh, perhaps they had been wrong? After a moment of meeting a perfectly earnest gaze, Vrael motioned for the kid to return to his group. "Keep up the good work," he said, the acolyte nodding as he returned to his partner. Vrael watched him go, frowned, and turned to the Sephi. "Come, were done here, lets go." He hadn't seen anyone else and he was no fully convinced. It was time to move on.
@Faster Than Light