Return to the Fray

[Darth Victress]

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KAAS CITY, DROMUND KAAS​

When she took command of the Sphere of Military offense, she realized that affairs would be numerous but it seemed that the previous councilors had left many strings untied which required her constant attention. Her campaign to significantly expand the imperial regime was under way and she wished to recruit talented as well as ambitious young Sith warriors to the forefront of upcoming conflicts.

The requests for meetings were significant and it was only conceivable that she could dedicate so much finite time to address those that wished an audience. After all, she was one of the most powerful Sith in the Galaxy, Varyn Rask couldn't do everything on his own, and a sizable component of her most recent promotion dealt with her ability to effectively deal with issues at hand. And so, an audience was requested from an acolyte who seemingly was not actively serviced. There were reports from the infirmary regarding battle wounds and injuries; would it be worth her time? Perhaps, though a brief review of his performance reports did speak of his potential.

Good, she thought to herself, an eager soldier would likely always benefit the Empire, provided they were forged properly into valuable weapons and not liabilities.

And so, the large meeting room was vacant, ceiling high windows adorned the southern wall and permitted views into the landscape of bustling Kaas City, made even more magnifying by the falling sun and rising dusk. The Dark Councilor stood in the middle of the room, glancing over what appeared as several planetary systems on an enlarged holoprojector screen. As expected, she was covered in her customary Black Hades armor, rendering the Darth, a fear inspiring sight.

@Insalius

 

[Rowan Harlow]

It had become very apparent that shortly after his surgery to have his artificial eye installed that he wasn't quite ready for duty. The Kaggath had gone badly, his rival Jacob had died soon after, most of his friends and confidants had been killed or disappeared, and with the upheaval that the Empire had gone through at the time he felt he had to lay low. It was a good time to recover, spending the intermediary time practicing and getting used to his new prosthetic and making sure his body and mind were fit to continue the rolls they would be needed to fill. So much happened during that time spent on Alderaan that Rowan was afraid he would be swept away before he could return to the fold. Luckily, he had a chance, now.

Before he walked into the meeting room he peered at himself in a reflective surface. He wore his standard white outfit with feathered cap and comfortable shoes. He carried his cane around as had become his custom, using it to seem like he was perhaps more injured than people thought he was. His red hair was well-kept, bang trained to fall over his cybernetic eye while not obscuring his vision. He recorded these kinds of important meetings, just in case it were useful, and as of yet he had not reached the end of his eye's battery. It had been a reward for his good service just before the Republica had lost it's second ruler, the event showing how tumultuous the times were.

When it was his turn to enter, he would move to the place he was ordered or advised to and kneel down, as he knew what his place was. He could feel the Force growing inside him from all his trials and tribulations, feeling like he was almost done turning the key to unlocking some secret to more power. He wasn't quite there yet, though, so until then he would play his part. "Acolyte Rowan Harlow, reporting for duty. I apologize it took so long to recover from my wounds, but I did not spend the time idly. I should be as capable now as I was then. I am ready to serve." The woman, a Darth, did seem rather intimidating in her armor, so he made sure to keep his emotions and appearance sufficiently cowed. He didn't want to start off his new tour of duty on the wrong foot.

@Faded Truth

 

[Darth Victress]

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The dark councilor kept her attention on the holoprojector in front of them as the acolyte made his entrance known. She did not turn to greet him but it was well known that she had acknowledged his presence. "No need to apologize Acolyte, I cannot be expecting injured soldiers to combat our enemies..." She replied. It was candid and stern, but also seemingly understanding. After all, if he was to perform successfully for the Empire, he needed to function at full capability. Slowly moving away from the projector, she turned to face him and for a moment observed his mannerisms and his sense of fashion. It was an odd sight actually, as most Sith preferred the affinity of darkness, yet this dark sider preferred to adorn himself in colors contrasting much of their ideologies.

After a few seconds of silence, "I am glad that you are ready for deployment" She said, slowly advancing towards him. "Tell me Acolyte, what are your thoughts on the numerous planets that no longer swear fealty to our Emperor?" It was a rather straight forward question. Many knew that numerous planets had left the Empire given the debacle of the civil war and the military campaign to reclaim the Empire's lost territory would likely be a slow and possibly tedious ordeal. Nevertheless, it would likely build the foundation on what the new Councilor of Military Offense wished to focus on.

@Insalius

 

[Rowan Harlow]

Rowan knew a thing or two about appearances, willing to alter his look as much as he could if it meant an edge in his mission. It wasn't what was on the outside that was important in the long run but what was in his heart. Only the Empire could bring order and stability, as it had for his planet, and only the Empire's power could achieve his dream. For that reason he was willing to walk through a sea of blood and commit horrendous acts to further his goals and that of the Empire. As to the question that was posed, the answer was simple. He wasn't going to change his opinions now, after all.

"They are fools or weaklings, to either leave the Empire willingly or become taken by the enemy." He had no remorse for them or their people, he only cared about their strategic value. "They have shown a great lack of foresight by leaving the protective umbrella that is our Empire. While it is an easy thing to say to punish them for their insolence, the answer is not always that simple. Each planet is different, with resources and uses that vary from system to system. If they do not want to be with us willingly, then they should be taken back to have their strategic value added to the Empire. I'm not adverse to getting my hands a little bloody if it is for the greater good of the Empire."

@Faded Truth

 

[Darth Victress]

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The dark councilor listened to him speak for several moments, internally agreeing with the sentiment that the acolyte poised. It was true, nothing else but foolishness could be said about the planets and their officials who had chosen to leave the security of Imperial might in exchange for their beloved autonomy. She would chuckle darkly as their independence was swept away by Mandalorian war machine, or even worse, the wrath of their new Emperor.

It would be difficult for Rowan to decipher the lord's emotions and facial expressions, albeit as the duraplast helm hid her visage. Though as he spoke of getting his hands dirty, it brought even a more accepting smile on her lips. She finally spoke after he was finished, "Bloody diplomacy has often times been my favorite. I am glad you share a similar sentiment Acolyte, with these aspirations, I predict your return to imperial servitude shall be an easy transition." She said, slowly moving to the Holoprojector and flicking some buttons as different imaging came on the holographic screen.

Reaching forward to touch the screen, she highlighted several positions with red dots, namely the locations of the combat zones that were ongoing on Hoth at the current time. She wasn't overly critical of Crusader Drast's operation though it was imperative that as the leader of the military offense, she should analyze and scrutinize their past performances so that future endeavors would be more fruitful. "Seems the terrorist scum decided to show up in greater than anticipated numbers to defend their bases. Our soldiers, both Sith and Agents will likely need to have more advanced armaments in our future campaigns. Tell me, Acolyte Harlow, what are your feelings on these terrorist scum? Is slaying them within your capacity?"

@Insalius

 

[Rowan Harlow]

Rowan considered the question, going into his mind for a few moments. He recalled his first taste of actual combat, alongside his slain friend Eddard Thul-Drast. It had been at a private venue for his graduating class from the academy. It had been a ruse, meant to test what Eddard had felt as a weakening generation of recruits due to the growing decadence. Rowan had slain his enemies and used tactics and leadership to rally his fellows despite his low station, saving a majority of them. When he'd taken that first life, he didn't even blink. He had taken so many more from there, over the time in between.

He'd tried to be a covert operative with a public face that could get him into places he otherwise never could. He'd tried to be a reporter, in the process of deposing the head of a media company to take over. Controlling the media could give him great power, able to more efficiently do his duty to the then Imperial Republica. He'd used diplomacy, he'd slain idiots, he'd killed a dragon, even. He'd made friends like Soarise, whom now he didn't even know if she still lived or had died. Then his eye was taken and he went to ground, probably at the best time he could have. Now he was alive, ready to fight, and he bore no ill will to anyone from the Old Empire. His targets had always been Mandalorians and these new Rebels. And the Jedi were returning...That thought made his blood boil. They smelled weakness and were coming to depose the Empire and replace it with their own regime. There wasn't anything different between them, besides their need to cause chaos. Only the Empire could achieve true order.

The Harlow looked at the map, considering the current status of the galaxy. So many places that had once been under Imperial control had left, meaning they were fighting a war on so many different fronts. That was dangerous, as even with the Empire's resources and power they were not infinite. They would have to formulate efficient and effective plans and tactics to regain the valuable systems they had lost, then make sure they kept those planets as they moved on and on. He had started to generate a few plans of his own, yet until he was ready to start his actual missions he hadn't brought any of them up. It wouldn't do for any of his ideas to either be stolen or ridiculed prematurely. Besides, he wanted access to information networks again so he didn't use wrong information to develop a plan. That was a sure way to lose everything.

The moments of thought ended, the young man looking at the Darth in the eye. "If they're stupid enough to raise arms against us, then they die. I've slain plenty of people in my previous capacity for the Imperial Republica. I've intimidated innocents for my plans, slain any number of wildlife for getting in my way. If you have a target, point me at them. I'll come up with a plan to end them and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible. I want to try and show my family's dedication to military strategy and combat tactics can produce good soldiers even in this current day. There's nothing I won't do to accomplish my missions." He hoped his words would be good enough for his superior. It was all the truth, of course.

@Faded Truth

 

[Darth Victress]

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Arianna didn't know much of Rowan's past, her review of her records was relatively thorough but given the multitude of other things grasping her attention she couldn't really do much more than just a careful skim of his past. When he spoke though, she nodded and inherently absorbed what he said. His eyes met her cold gaze towards the end and she had to agree with him on the content of their conversation. The Empire had been considerably generous to those enlisted within its vassals, had provided them security, prosperity, and the privilege of being raised as imperial citizens. Yet the squabbling monarchy had managed to disilusion their confidence; it was a pity really, for Varyn Rask was the Unifier and Darth Victress one of his executors.

If the worlds would not submit by choice, they would make them yield by force. Rowan felt similarly...Good. The Darth knew that now this would be an acolyte would would likely carry out their dark will or fall trying if it ever came to that. Dark tendrils of force were capable of sensing deception to an extent but she could feel nothing as it appeared the acolyte was genuine in his conviction. "Good. Then it is time for us begin your transition into the new Imperial Regime.." She said, moving towards the Holoprojector as she switched screens and displayed the famed planet known as Tattooine. "The desert world has a multitude of resources for us including serving a pivotal location in the far outer rim. Claiming it would be beneficial. I was prepared to assault with the power of our fleet but it seems that the rebel scum have abandoned the territory and made it easy for plucking. There are still locals supportive of the terrorist agenda. Tell me Acolyte, if I gave you the resources and military reinforcements, how would you go about securing this planet for us?"

@Insalius

 

[Rowan Harlow]

The Alderaanian looked over the information about Tatooine, a planet he'd never have considered going after during his time with the Republica. The fact that the rebels had abandoned the planet meant it was of no use to them anymore, but that didn't mean it's usefulness was gone for everyone. In essence, Tatooine wasn't any different from most other planets in terms of power structures. All he had to do was think back on the typical steps one would take for planetary takeover. As he pored over the information a few ideas came to him, though he was sure to prepare his thoughts to be coherent and not sound like a pup fresh from the academy.

"First, it would be important to identify the power players on the planet, whether they be legitimate government or criminal elements. Then you identify what problems they face, from environmental to more human in nature. It is inefficient to take over a planet by completely replacing every official and government worker with our people, so you focus on those with most power. If they seem amenable to the Empire, work with them to attain their trust. If not, kill and replace them with someone who is. This includes the military of the planet as well. Thankfully most soldiers are loyal to their leaders, so focus on them. You handle and issues they might have to gain the trust of the people, so when it comes time to annex them not only are we seen in a positive light but we have people suited to the planet and positions, as well as being well trained, to keep the peace as we move on to our next targets. At least, that's how I'd prefer to take a planet. It's efficient and gives a stronger base than just pure conquest."

@Faded Truth

 

[Darth Victress]

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The dark councilor kept her gaze upon the planetary images though it was evident that her attention was made available to the acolyte as he spoke. She would have to agree with most of what he said; the wisdom that Rowan displayed was impressive, considering his beginning rank but she could see that he would have promise if harnessed properly. He was already prepared beyond what many had shown coming out of the academy and that bode well for her, having an experienced acolyte to take the mantle of some of her numerous operations certainly alleviated some of the doubts that would be cast when running these campaigns. Both Hoth and Axxila had seemingly been difficult, largely due to unexpected resistance and had the Emperor not chose to utilize the power of the Imperial Fleet on Hoth, that planet would have likely been lost as well.

She pondered for a few long moments, silence creeping into the room as she slowly turned to face the other Sith. She personally preferred her methodology to consist of more bloody measures but she was willing to allow Rowan an opportunity to utilize his own preferences. She had been wanting Tatooine to fall under the Imperial banner for quite some time, even prepared to have swept Rebel defenses with her fleet and legions. However, as the Rebels abandoned it, she knew that whichever local infrastructure was left would likely be weak and unprepared for their assault. "Your methods are acceptable. I will give you the necessary resources to claim victory. Our strike shall be fast and blinding, leaving little room for our enemies to mount a reasonable defense."

@Insalius

 

[Rowan Harlow]

Rowan bowed low, again showing his deference to his superior's position. He was raised a soldier and acted as such. He knew that for now it was his place to be used as a tool, though one day he might even be as powerful as this woman was. "Your will shall be done. I'll keep you updated on my progress. If all goes according to plan, this should be a fairly quick campaign." When he was allowed to leave, if Darth Victress had finished with him, he would give one last bow before leaving and continuing his plans. It was good starting to get back into the groove of things.

@Faded Truth

 

[Darth Victress]

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The dark councilor nodded towards the acolyte as he agreed to her sentiment and command. She watched him prepare to leave and a few moments passed before she lifted her hand. "One more thing.." She said, moving over closer towards him. "Your affinity to the dark side..it remains strong but yet untapped. Accompany me for a task, in the valley of Dark Lords." She stated, walking past him slightly and exiting from the chambers herself. Her body language indicated that she wished him to follow and walk with her as they conversed.

"An uprising, from an apparent cultist leader. The task is dangerous but necessary..." She said. It was as much of a test as a command, as she knew that Rowan had not seen combat in quite some time and she would be intrigued to see his willingness to participate. Was he going to hesitate or did he possess the blood thirsty intuition that was often times required for ambitious Sith.

@Insalius