The Hour of Reckoning

[Varyn Rask]

The instant Varyn had stepped off of his ship, he was greeted by the blistering heat of the Korriban sun. Despite having been here before, it was no more pleasant this time than last. In fact, it was almost worse than he remembered.

After the heat - well, technically before, but why quibble - he noticed the guards that had come out to meet him. A dozen well-armed and armored guards lined the way, and though none of them directly pointed their blasters at Varyn, he noted how none of them were aimed too far away. The officer approached the Sith and demanded that he relinquish his weapons, and Varyn did so immediately. His sword had been left behind on the ship, and his saber went to the officer's hand.

Don't lose it, he said. He hated giving up his saber, but he couldn't be expected to meet Darth Vrael with weapons in hand.

They made their way inside, and the cool air hit him at once. It was a welcome respite from the beads of sweat that had already begun to form on his face just from the short period of time he was exposed to the elements. The physical temperature was accompanied by another chill that was far more subtle. It was the cold nagging of the Dark Side, and it was unmistakable. This place was a raging ocean of power held back only by the smallest dike. With only a little pressure, Varyn knew that it could easily flood those who sought it, and he wondered if - like a raging river - it was enough to crush and drown those who went after it.

Despite having been to Korriban before, Varyn had never actually been inside the temple, and he marveled at the extraordinary architecture. Massive pillars and chiseled hallways ran through the stone it had been carved from. Varyn did his best to make note of the way they had gone, but after turn number eleven, he realized it was going to be too much. They'd headed far too deep into the bowels of the temple where he would meet the leader of the Old Empire.

The Crusader was more nervous than he would have admitted. If this meeting didn't go well, he was sure he would be executed summarily, and that would be the end of his story. In some ways, this was the closest he had ever come to death, even with his many times in combat.

Eventually, they arrived at the chamber, and Varyn was told to wait outside as the officer - a Commander if Varyn wasn't mistaken - made his way inside, no doubt to inform the Emperor of his "guests" arrival. @Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

So he had a visitor apparently, or a trespasser who had surrendered going by the guards exact words. Vrael sat up straight to eye the guard for a few seconds, then looked back down to his desk dryly. There were still literal stacks of paperwork, multiple datapads brimming with notifications and incoming messages. It would take at least another hour or so before he'd gone through it all. He had no time for this, not with Hutta imploding, the Empire expanding, and him having to keep it all running smoothly. Unlike some leaders in the past, Vrael never really got the chance to sit idly upon a grand old throne. Good thing too, that stupid rock hewn chair brought out some old aches.

Sighing silently, Vrael came to a decision, sitting back in his chair and nodding to the guard. "Alright, I'll see him in here, hurry it up." The man nodded and departed, but not before placing a lightsaber hilt before him on the desk. Vrael picked it up after a moments observation, almost relieved when he felt the whisper of darkness within the blade. Since that earlier encounter he half-flinched every time he touched a lightsaber, expecting a Jedi around every corner. So, the trespasser was a Sith then, and presumably not of the Old Empire if he was trespassing. Vrael's eyes widened as a possible realization set in about what could this be, and he smiled.

When the door opened next the paperwork had been forgotten, he had eyes only for the new arrival. This was exactly the kind of event he'd tried to initiate with his victory message. The man came in, escorted by the two guards, and Vrael actually recognized him. The mask, it was unmistakable, especially after he'd re-watched that particular address several times over now. Oh, he was quite glad that he'd accepted this meeting now. Standing, Vrael reached across to offer a handshake to the man, smiling thinly though he kept the man's lightsaber in his grasp for the moment. "Crusader Varyn Rask, I was quite a fan of your recent broadcast. Very...inspiring work. I assume you've come here to live up to your words?"

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Rask]

Varyn made his way inside the throne room as the guard stepped back out. He could sense impatience inside, and immediately realized that wasn't likely the best way to go about starting this meeting. As the doors slid open for him, it quickly became apparent just why the Emperor was so impatient. Stacks of papers, datapads, supply readouts, and dozens of other things required to run an Empire were strewn about the room. Of course it was, running an Empire was no small task, and Vrael had been doing it in large part on his own. It was one of the reasons that Varyn had come in.

To his slight relief, the hint of impatience seemed to die away as soon as the Dark Lord saw him. He was expecting the man to want him to drop to his knee - and he was actually going to do so - before he extended his hand.

Varyn couldn't lie, he was caught just a bit off-guard. I have, Emperor, he said with a nod, gripping the man's hand firmly and shaking it. He had rehearsed this conversation in his head a few times - oh, and out loud as well - but none of them really played out like this.

I hope people'll listen, he said. The galaxy was on course for the Old Empire to absorb the Imperial Republica, it was only a matter of how long it would take and how many resources were going to be lost in the process. Every day they held out allowed the Mandalorians, rebels, and Jedi to grow in power. They needed to be yanked out by the roots as soon as possible.

After your victory over the Drast woman, it became clear that the Imperial Republica would fall. I hope that I can bring about that fall more swiftly if you'll have me. As I have no doubt you know, time is of the essence, he said. He was ready to join the Old Empire, but he had plans of his own. He had already shown by the broadcast that he had no interest in being completely in the shadows. He wanted to help lead the Old Empire to victory.

After a face to face with both the rebels and the Jedi, the threat became all too real to me, he said. He wasn't sure if Vrael knew that he'd been one of the people who fought the Jedi that Tasha brought back, but that made Varyn one of the only Sith alive who had faced down a Jedi in 500 years. @Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael smiled genuinely now as he retracted his hand, already loving what he heard. Yes, this was indeed the exact attitude he had hoped to invoke in the Imperial Republica. This had been the most notable confirmation though, only acolytes and other minor Sith taking the chance to defect so far. Most either didn't wish to follow or simply afraid of the consequences. Vrael shrugged briefly as he motioned for the man to sit, retaking his seat himself. "They should listen, choose the correct path as you've done. With luck, your example will inspire others. " The words were firm and matter of fact, like his beliefs on this matter. He really did have troubles understanding the incomprehensible Imperial Republica position.

He agreed with the other Sith's next words as well, very aware of situation. Time was most certainly of the essence, each moment their enemies grew stronger. The number of Jedi was growing as well, the existence of young Arda pointing to their efforts at training more. They couldn't possibly produce enough Jedi to match the numbers the Sith had accrued over the long years, it just wasn't possible. But they didn't need to, not if they had a rebellion and the Mandalorians behind them. Alone they were each insignificant, but together they could prove a quite a nuisance. "You've no need to remind me, " he said, a frown forcing over his smile as he imagined an army of Jedi descending upon him. "I desire nothing more than to turn all available forces to the task of extermination. As such I've several plans in the works to hasten annexation. I will be sure to have you informed on them at a later date, your past allegiances could prove helpful, though as much as you new allegiances. "

"However," He stated, folding his hand before him on the desk. "I was unaware that you had met this threat personally, face to face as you put it." He hadn't been told of that little detail, though he had been rather focused on the Jedi whilst in the moment. He would need to do a more thorough review later for the specifics. "I have only met a younger Jedi, a Padawan if I'm remembering the terminology correctly. Tell me, as a Crusader, what was your opinion of what you faced? Did they live up to the tales? Were they a challenge for someone of your ability?"

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Rask]

Varyn didn't want to overestimate his worth, but this conversation seemed to be going even better than he had expected. He knew arrogance could be a deadly weakness, so he was conservative in getting himself too excited, but there was a hope here. There was a hope for a unified Empire that could actually stand against the threats that had begun to spring up in the galaxy.

He was glad to hear that Darth Vrael already had plans for annexation. Sometimes on the other side of the war, it was difficult to grasp the plans and readiness of your enemy, but that alone would likely make Varyn a valuable asset to the Old Empire: he knew what the Imperial Republica were really like, and it was why he had left. He mentioned that Varyn would be briefed on them later and he nodded.

I look forward to it. I intend to use all my skills and resources to bring this war to a swift conclusion, he promised. Its prolongation wasn't good for anyone except perhaps the rebellious groups that had sprouted in the galaxy, but certainly not for the "citizens" they pretended to protect.

The conversation turned to the Jedi, and Varyn paused. He let the thought linger in his mind for a moment as he recalled what had happened on Nar Shaddaa. It was clear that for that moment he was lightyears away in thought about what he had experienced. There were three of them, but only two Jedi. The Padawan and the Master... or so Varyn assumed. Of course Vrael would want an accurate assessment, so he did his best not to simply spew rhetoric.

They weren't what I expected, he finally settled on, turning his gaze from the corner of the room while he'd been thinking and back to the Emperor.

There were two of them: the one we captured, and the other who fled. I think the other was the Master, but she... he looked for the right word to describe it. Cowardice? Fear? No, neither of those worked well. Finally he shook his head slightly. ...she abandoned her apprentice after only a minor wound. Even when she left I could sense the darkness latch onto her, and I helped expand it, he explained. The natural seed of darkness had been watered and cultivated far faster than was natural, and that was thanks to Varyn.

I hope the seeds may result in her eventually turning, he said. He still wanted to track the woman down and find her, seeing if he could further cause the darkness to grow until she betrayed her allies, but such thoughts were still far from fruition, and not likely worth mentioning now. @Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael pondered the given response carefully in a moment of silence, turning the thought over in his head. Perhaps the new Jedi of this time weren't much of a threat. They were presumably the descendants of a few lucky remnants after all. It could hardly be expected that all Jedi teachings had survived the long years of exile. Still, could they be turned, or rather should they be? His ancestors, Kravos and Andraste had been Jedi before they'd seen sense. But it wasn't a sure thing, and not something entirely necessary either. The Sith were flourishing, relatively speaking, and it mightn't not be worth the effort to turn someone when so many loyal dark siders already existed.

Still, there was nothing wrong with being hopeful and for the moment that was all that could be said on the matter. Finally, he looked back to the other Sith and nodded. "I see, well I'm glad that to hear they may not live up to the tales. Fleeing at a minor wound indeed. Now as to the conversion, particularly of the one you fought....Well I wont stop you." Vrael looked severely at the crusader then, to make sure his point got across. "But I don't want to hear about how some other Sith lost their lives or some asset loss due to such efforts. If you want to try then you may, but exercise good judgement. We have plenty of loyal adherents to the Dark Side and no need to risk everything on a seed possibly sprouting."

"Now," he stated, looking back down to his crowded desk. "I believe that concludes our business for this moment, except of course for this." He would finally lift the lightsaber and hand it back over the desk to the man. His stern look would remain, a glare almost as he gave some parting words. "No doubt your surprised as to the ease of this interview. Its attributed to several things, namely your recent broadcast, your willing defection, and the Jedi threat. In any other situation this wouldn't be so simple or clear cut. I will allow you to keep your ranking as one of us, in recognition of your efforts today and potential. But DO NOT make me regret it."
@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Rask]

Varyn could sense the controlled anger inside the Emperor, and it was... well, it was a warning. It was the rage inside many Sith, particularly the most powerful and deadly of the Sith. Varyn knew that he was playing with fire, and corrupting the Jedi would only be pouring gasoline on it. It was unwise, but perhaps worth it. If he could develop a spy within the Jedi when they were still only sprouting... but the risks were great.

I understand, he said with a grave nod. Perhaps simply eliminating the woman if he found her was the better option. Or maybe he'd never actually manage to find her again. It was all an exercise that he could find out later.

As Vrael said their business was concluded, Varyn's stomach leapt. He knew that the Dark Lord and Emperor of the Old Empire was not one to be trifled with or have his time wasted, but Varyn likely wouldn't get another opportunity. He was pushing his luck, he knew it, but he'd come this far and he couldn't back down now.

He rose to leave but paused.

If you'll indulge me for a moment longer, Emperor, he said, waiting for some indication to speak before he did again. It gave him the slightest moment to decide precisely how to frame this argument.

You're quite gracious for allowing me to keep my rank, and even my life, he said, acknowledging the obvious fact that he could very easily be killed even right now as he made his request.

I want to end this war as quickly as possible, and I believe I can do so quickly with the proper means, he said. He'd already shown that despite his comparative low rank and lack of prestige, he had a surprising reach. He'd sent broadcasts that influenced millions, captured important galactic figures, and he had further plans, but not the means.

I'd like you to make me one of your Darths, he said. Put me on a probation period, and if I don't get results then execute me, he said, and the pitch was made. He was banking everything on this, but the fact was, if he didn't impress in the probation period, he'd be dead anyway. Plus there were dozens of Darths in the Old Empire, so it wasn't like Varyn was asking for a spot on the Council... not yet.

And so they stood there tensely, and he waited to find out whether or not this was going to result in him being killed here and now. Who dares wins, and the Sith was no place for the timid. It was for those who took charge. Winners find ways to win, he heard his old master's voice. @Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael was...honestly a little speechless as he processed the request. When he'd been asked to wait he'd anticipated some minor issue, some question in regards to the Old Empire protocols or something. A promotion to a lord however, the possibility hadn't even crossed his mind. It was beyond daring for this situation, someone pushing their luck after it had already been pushed. And yet Vrael didn't any righteous anger brewing within. Instead he found himself actually considering the request sincerely.

Mostly it had to do with the man's dressing up of the idea. Supposedly it was to facilitate some plans to help end the war, for the good of the Empire. Did Vrael believe it? Maybe, Varyn had the guts to back his claim by laying his life on the line. He'd only asked for it in a probationary measure even, not the actions of a typical power hungry fool. Vrael sat back in his chair to contemplate the Crusader with an appraising gaze, weighing it over. He took nearly half a minute to do so, this wasn't a small thing to give.

Eventually he came to a decision, nodding slowly with an almost amused smirk. "Very well, I'll allow it. You will be granted the temporary rank of Darth for the time being. However, you are not permitted to choose a title yet, and I expect to be kept updated on your plans. I'll also hold you to your words here today, should you not live up to them." It was another risk he was taking, there was no way to tell how the Empire might take it. But Vrael wasn't in the game of pleasing others, he was in it for results. And if the man got the results he promised, then he deserved the rank anyway.

Allowing the other Sith a moment to absorb the answer, Vrael would then turn back to his work. It was an obvious dismissal, one that would be final in this instance. The time for words had ended, and now it was time for action.

 

[Varyn Rask]

The air was incredibly tense. Varyn was acutely aware of every gesture, movement, and action the Dark Lord made, but they were few. It was only the two of them standing there without any sound or movement, but Varyn stood still as a statue. The seconds ticked by extremely slowly before the Emperor finally spoke again.

And it was surprisingly good news. Varyn silently let out a breath he didn't know he was holding as he nodded again. That could have gone exponentially worse than it had, but all things considered, he was quite happy with the outcome.

Of course, Emperor, he said. He would expect nothing less than the danger and threat of being killed if he failed. It was just another day as Sith. Thank you, he said before retrieving his saber and heading out. It was clear that he was busy and had more work to be done, but now he had a bit less: one more thing off of his plate for the moment, and one more person to get the jobs done.

//Thread @Narsi