Open Moraband Understanding among Equals

[Rakim Hsin]

Moraband
Night

The cold air bit into my exposed skin, the feeling of frustration and annoyance while small emotions in the wide spectrum I still use it to feed the growing fire in my soul. It was a simple thing constantly feeding the rage and power that grew within me. While some places it took some time to channel the darkness, on this world it felt natural. Almost too easy, from what I learned of the old lore of the Sith I can see why this planet was considered the heart of their once great empire. It was a world with the darkness felt the closest to me.

I had sent word to the other followers of the Sith Eternals. The fight had gone cold, almost like this night, and needed some more fuel which I would love to take credit for, there was many targets that had a lack of defenses. Fear and anger needed to spread if this order were to gain any sort of foothold. So worlds needed to be raided, dictators put into power with us pulling the strings, the heroes made to suffer and the commonfolks to turn their back on one another. To rule is to be looked to for salvation while also feared for their wrath. An right now the cultist I joined due to their potential and power they could give me seemed to be lacking direction or at least a will to strike out. If it is needed that I needed to lead the charge then so be it.

Right now he stood in a empty valley, with mountains to his left and right. It caused the wind to constantly blow kicking up the sand into my face with every strong breeze. My hood kept some of it out, and the wind did kick it up giving him a more otherworldly image. There was some children joy that came with me imagining causing some weak willed people bending the knee, thinking I was some sort of dark god. The idea danced around in my head causing a crooked grin to grow. Usually I didn't like to show to much emotions it was always better in company to hide your true cards, but among those that will come it is pointless to hide any emotions. The power in each of us allowed for some sensing of emotions in others and while the mental aspect of the Force were still new to me I knew the basics.

While I waited for my fellow brothers and sisters to come I allowed my thoughts to wonder on dark twisted futures that I planned to see come true.​

 

[Malleus]

As Malleus's ship descended upon the planet's surface the Sith made his way towards the ship's ramp, pulling over his hood over his head. Donning heavy armor, a signature neck guard and a rebreather mask the towering Zabrak Sith stood at over 7.2 feet and was indeed and imposing and frightening figure. With the hood covering most of his face, leaving only the neck guard, rebreather mask and his eyes uncovered even those not knowing his allegiance would be inclined to feel threatened by the terrifying presence. Malleus's ship landed next to another shuttle that was already on the surface of the planet, most likely belonging to the Sith who had called his brethren to this place. As the ship landed and the ramp descended Malleus took a slow walk down stepping on the surface of the planet, his cape swaying loosely on the strong winds.

He came to notice another hooded figure not far from him and the towering Zabrak made his way towards him
''Are you the one who summoned the Sith forces here ?'' he spoke, and even though his mask somewhat mechanized his speech interestingly he spoke in a quite elegant and regal manner, perhaps not what one would expect from his overall appearance alone.

@Richie B.

 

[Manuk Gagak]

Moraband. Known in the history books as Korriban. More than just another world: it was a symbol. A chill wind blew into her face as she disembarked, but it didn't bother her. After the stale air of the ship, any breeze felt good.

She felt a shiver go down her spine as her foot touched the planet’s surface. She’d read that this had once been a place of great power, though now only the merest shadows remained. But there was an undercurrent of malice here; she'd felt it as soon as her ship had entered the bleak planet’s atmosphere.

Many came to seek the secrets of the dead. Countless Force users had pillaged the planet and she was sure that nothing of value remained. But many Dark-siders persisted, believing the Force had secrets others would never understand. Hoping that thousands of others had missed something. Manuk was not so naïve.

Tales of the spirits of powerful Sith Masters lingering in tombs, ready to appear only to those who are worthy? The Sith apprentice saw them for what they were…tales. Yet she was here, drawn inexorably by something more than just a summons. But what, only time would tell.

@Six @Richie B.

 

[Rakim Hsin]

A few where started to show, not as many as he would have liked but it was still a start. Hopefully more will arrive for now though best to make something of this gathering then to let it go to waste. Had the numbers of his new crew fallen so few as to have such a pitiful showing or was the natural aspect of the philosophy that we followed made it difficult for cooperation in our ranks. Regardless a vision needed to be created alliances forged and a direction to lead us to something rather the silence that he had felt.

A large man with a re breather spoke, questioning why I had asked them to show. Which was what I expected for the most part, now that the question had been asked rather quickly I needed to make sure I responded with as much confidence as I could. Even despite the size difference I did not show any fear or concern for it, height was good for much but for one that has been in fights in tight quarters for much of my life knew that a large body just made you a nice target to shot at.

"Yes I did." I stared into the man's eyes for as long as I felt necessary before looking towards the other Sith, a young woman that seemed to be absorbing the history of the place.

Which made sense historically this should be as close to a holy site for many of those that saw the Sith as something to inspire to be. Even I could feel the grandeur of this place and I was very much a uncultured fool interested in only power.

"The reason is simple, I feel like the galaxy is getting to quiet. Our numbers seem to be more content with self improvement and ignoring the fact that our enemies make great strive in strengthening their position. Sure we have accomplished a few notable deeds so far, but what is our goal now? The drive to gain the power our spiritual ancestors had." I waved my hands to the valley, the world was soaked in the dark side, and in the wind you could almost feel the power that once was here.

A seat of authority and domination that caused from it unknown amount of terror and held so much power that even still many fear and are in awe of this planet. An I would see that those that arrive will know that I wish to recapture that glory and find a way to surpass even what they had created.

"We are known again, and our enemy won't stop till we are once again forgotten. I wish to share a plan, a vision of a way I see us once again regaining our momentum." My voice grew louder during the speech and my own desire for blood to be spilled could be felt through the Force, but once finished those dark emotions died down.

Now I waited to see their response and hope more shall arrive to hear. Perhaps even express their own desires and plans. Ambition was what had gotten the Sith name the fear and respect it has now. An once again it shall be the reason why we will win.

@Six @GABA

 

[Malleus]

The large Zabrak chuckled underneath his re breather mask, one could mistake his laugh to that of mockery but that wasn't the case as he'd soon explain. ''Ahh.. I yearn for like-minded individuals within our order. For far too long I've had to endure the foolishness of a certain few, the blind ignorance leading only to a destiny we once already suffered.''

''Stagnation will not lead us anywhere. I wholeheartedly agree with the notion you presented, even more so I am thrilled to see that there are others among us able to see the truth for what it is.''

He circled around the valley as he spoke, looking around the desolate wasteland and hills surrounding the trio then gazing over both Rakim and Manuk. ''I am Malleus.'' He revealed his name as a gesture of politeness hoping that would incite the two Sith to do the same.
''It is apparent that we agree on certain important things so far but what is to say about you ?'' he finished as he stared into the female Sith.

''Pardon my impoliteness... but I don't see any reason for us to continue unless we are all on the same page.'' the towering Zabrak Sith spoke calmly, perhaps a tad bit menacingly due to the mechanization of his voice thanks to the re breather mask but his eyes told a different story. While his speech and intentions were calm his eyes had a fiery maniacal intensity and it seemed that in Malleus's case this was an expression that he almost always donned on his face, conciously or not. Though the Sith tried to stay open minded and approachable as possible he did hold a degree of doubt, after all this is the first time he's seeing these two Sith or not treachery could be in place. Perhaps it's a trap by the other Sith trying to lure out and root out those sharing these discussed views, perhaps it was something else completely or perhaps the man summoning them there was being honest to the teeth. In any case he would proceed with a degree of caution especially since towards the woman that is yet to voice her opinion.

 

[Manuk Gagak]

There was something about the conversation that felt somewhat covert to Manuk. Not so much on what was said, but how it was said. She wondered if she’d accidentally joined a movement to overthrow the Sith – not that she would be pro or against such an act – as long as she understood and agreed with the ‘why.’

Which is why today – and indeed every day – she listened intently. She was a firm believer that you had only one mouth but two ears for a reason, and it was not for anatomical reasons. She learned not by talking but by absorbing information that others shared. Yes, datapads and old tomes held vast quantities of material – but it was both historic and static. It taught you nothing of the present.

She mused the thoughts shared before finally speaking.

“My name is Manuk and like most people I have opinions. Unlike many, I am prepared to share them openly. Not because I believe I am automatically right, but challenge can only improve my understanding.”

“Firstly, quiet is not necessarily a bad thing. Both Bane and Sidious remained under the radar, allowing the Jedi to become complacent. The time to be visible is when it will do the greatest good. And to what end? What is the Sith’s goal? Is it power? Is it the eradication of the Jedi?”

“So, I am open to hearing any plan and see how it aligns to my ideals, my aspirations.”

@Six @Richie B.

 

[Rakim Hsin]

I heard the man laugh and prepared for a rebuttal but from what I heard of the man it sounded like his ambition could be used against him pretty easily. I hoped to encouraged my brethren to action not charge headlong into challenging the leadership. I was too new and deeds to few for it to be taken seriously. Besides I wasn't interested in leading, sounds like to much work and not enough action. Which was what I came here for to see if action couldn't be spurred if perhaps my own smaller plans to aid the Sith could glamour support and lead to more Sith reaching out to one another to accomplish the ultimate goal freedom and power.

"Malleus, and Manuk I appreciate both you coming. I hope simply that this meeting would help encourage more of our fellows to work together for the strengthening of us all. While the Sith's goal is ultimately their own power, freedom and other concepts we wish to emulate. I speak mostly of how our reach after being revealed hasn't expanded all that much, even if we remained covert in our methods and approach we should be going out and making deals, destroying enemies and corrupting those to our side." Letting that hang in the air, I hoped to get them to think similar that while staying under the radar is acceptable but action should be taken preferably the ideas I had.

"In that end I have begun to take some measure of control over the chaotic pirates of the galaxy, turning their ships and crews to our side. While just one of the few things the Sith could be doing, I think if we are to remain ahead of our enemies, the Jedi and their pets the Sector Rangers. We need to make our own allies, to create fortresses and bases to plan and expand. The ultimate end goal of course is a place where the galaxy takes a better form where the strong reign and those that deserve power is allowed to obtain it." Though not the most elaborate of plans or inspiring of ideas I wished to show what my goals were and help encourage them to make their own desires known so we as part of a greater whole could work together to make it happen.

"But what of you two? My plan should be simply one or many that the Sith should enact, where we help each other to strengthen each other in the ultimate goal of making a greater Sith Order. I am sure you two have your own desires and means to obtain more power." I waited to see how they responded it wasn't so bold as what I imagine Malleus would have wanted but something that could be more suitable for both of them a idea of cooperation of our own individual desires that would make the whole greater then the sum of their parts.

@Six @Corbeau

 

[Malleus]

Listening to the man elaborate on his intentions and even reveal his plans Malleus understood Rakim's intentions fully. It seemed as though he didn't want to overstep any boundaries due to being relatively new to the order and that reflected well in both his words and plans. For what it was Malleus couldn't help but view the man with a certain dose of respect and understood Rakim's choices. He himself did have great ideas of grandure and ambitions one might even consider absurd at the time and level the current Zabrak was within the order. But nevertheless he never swayed from his dreams and goals one bit, with them only growing with each passing day.

However he knew how others could judge them and usually kept to himself. Seeing that what Rakim was proposing both short and long term was greatly beneficial to them all individually and the order as a whole he would gladly accept joining up with the man and any others that may come.

''There is truth in your words Rakim the Jedi already have their allies and naturally the only remaining factions we could pull towards our goals are the criminal organizations. But I see you've already figured out that much...''

The large Sith finally stopped circling around and spoke once again ''As for my plans.. let's say that the furthering of the order's goals and reach right now is the most beneficial thing for us all as our friend here had already pointed out.'' He said gesturing towards Rakim as his eyes glanced over the younger Manuk. ''Whatever it is that each of us individually wants to achieve, whether it was some personal gain or for the betterment of the order or something else all together... all of it will have to start from here.'' he said refferring to what Rakim suggested.

''Tell me.. about this group of pirates that you claimed to have turned to our cause.''


@Richie B. @Corbeau

 

[Manuk Gagak]

Working together was not precisely a Sith strength or weakness. From her research, Manuk had seen both approaches – but it invariably led to a single goal of domination. Context, it seemed, was vital in deciding the best tactic at any given time.

There was a strong view, at the birth of the Rule of Two, that working together did not strengthen but weakened the Sith. But that was then and now was now.

So, as ever, she listened – looking to gain the measure of both those present and more importantly, understand their aspirations. A single answer worked only if all were asking the same question. But if one sought power, whilst another freedom and another wealth, then it was entirely possible they would be driven by quite separate goals and one degree of separation now would lead to a chasm down the line.

“The key point for me,” she shared finally, “is to be sure we are willing to come out of the shadows. The more active we are, and the more are active, the harder it will be to hide our true identity. The Jedi do not precisely get good press at the moment. The fact the Sith are back and seeking power would only strengthen the Jedi cause and may even cast them in the role of saviours. A position they currently do not enjoy.”

“Personally, I do not seek power, or rather possibly not as you imagine. I seek to master the Force, to learn all there is to learn and then – and only then – shall I be in a position to fully understand what to do with it. Money, titles and possessions hold no interest for me.”

“My only concern, however, is in the concept of us having allies or worse, having to rely on criminals. Using them to our own ends I am comfortable with, but they do our bidding – never the other way around.” She spoke softly but with authority and her eyes burned with the undoubted passion that coursed through her veins.

@Six @Richie B.

 

[Rakim Hsin]

What a wondrous group I found myself with, both on an intellectual level and personal one. One saw power was coming from the source of the darkness within us, another on a level closer to mine knew allies were what would give us the control of others we seek. An both could be great assets for my own plans. So far one seeks to express interest in their own individual power another a more physical one. Which both could be done so long as they did not cause a stagnation of the other. No great tyrant did it with their own martial or mystical power alone. But no good tyrant can be truly in charge if they didn't have power over those that they ruled. Both were necessary, and both would be what they will have to use if the Jedi could be kept from destroying us of their old hatred for us.

"I have no power over any pirates yet, that is something that I work on now. What I seek though are allies to speed up the process of domination and control. Money and titles should interest us little what we need is the power that no amount of sorcery or armies can get. The power to make a blade of the fear we cause to use it to bend the will of others. But to do this we need both the power of the Dark side and of armies that will carry out our will to the stars beyond." At the end I turned to wave my arms open looking straight into the darkness that was the sky, where the light of dozens of stars could be seen.

The struggle for the galaxy's heart was something that could not escape us, it was what made us into what we were. A force for power, a force to return a simple truth to the galaxy, that those with the will and drive, conviction and strength to rule shall if they reach for it. No longer allowing weak pathetic creatures speak of politics or peace that was never seen by the common man. These lies were what limited so many out there in the galaxy that it felt almost like a duty to destroy it.

"If you two will indulge a simple man's dreams, I think though we are all unique, all trying to achieve of own version of power that we work together. If for nothing else so that we can keep each other from being destroyed by a united force of the weak and their champions. I think there is much we can do with each others help. Starting with bringing elements of the galaxy that would provide a quick though chaotic power to us. The lost secrets of the ancients and the cruel and evil forces of the galaxy that hide from the Jedi and their allies. I am sure this is agreeable." The yellow of my eyes grew bright of naked hunger of power and the darkness of my soul, I held nothing back in their hearts they could feel me in the Force striving to grab more and more.

I had no hope of them agreeing but if by some miracle they did, work can be done. Much work but work that would begin to spread and grew. As more allies are made, and deals struck, but my eyes grew more dim as my emotions began to be brought back into control. But the predatory smile never left.

 

[Shorkattatha]

Shortly after the arrival of others, another figure emerged, landing in a heavily armed gunship. He certainly took his time departing, but before long the massive figure of an albino wookiee in a simple red, belted tunic made itself quite obviously known down the landing ramp. Out and about he tended to keep to his armor to avoid becoming too well known by certain elements, but amongst the Sith his appearance required no secrecy. Besides, it's not like they could miss him walking around. The only true covering adorning him was the mouth-concealing translation mask that allowed him to communicate in the languages of lesser species.

He loped smoothly toward the group of others, crimson eyes sweeping casually across them. Two humans and a zabrak, it seemed, were what comprised of the group. More little meat creatures with fiery ambition seeking to advance their cause. Only the zabrak was in any way notable as a result of sheer size, at least without knowing anything about them. Shor expected little agreement that wasn't superficial, but he did not much care. The wookiee hunter did what he wanted and was beholden to few. Perhaps one of them would come up with something interesting. He listened to what they had to say, though he didn't bother introducing himself or otherwise speaking up. They could ask if they cared to know.

If one thing was made clear to Shor amidst the speech of the other three Sith, it was that they liked to talk. There was certainly a lot of it happening between them, talk of plans and schemes and desires and so on. Shor seethed quietly as he usually did, mostly listening, until the little female made a comment regarding Sith secrecy. A distorted baritone rumbled out from his translator mask as he spoke, the growling tones of the wookiee tongue silenced beneath the metal device.

"The Sith are known. Some were captured. A prison was attacked. The Eternal announced us. Only our identities are hidden." He made his correction and returned to stoic, simmering simmering silence to ponder their plans. Working with criminal elements was not a favorite of Shor's. Slavers, hutts, and trandoshans tended to be interacted with weapons first, and he had more than a few skins lining his ship. His only real ambition was that of the hunt, the tracking and killing of targets, and the waging of war and slaughter. Even at this moment, in a scene of relative calm and casual discourse, he seethed with hate and bloodlust beneath the surface. What schemes the little meat creatures waged with or on each other concerned him little beyond the death that would follow in the wake of such things.

In short, Shor's chief desires were to hunt and kill. Little else mattered, and there was not a single moment amongst fellow Sith in which that fact was made the least bit hidden. He had assisted other Sith in the past with a variety of tasks, from gathering parts to assaulting a Ranger station on Corellia, and it was a certainty he would end up aiding again in a similar capacity.

@Richie B. @Six @Corbeau

 

[Malleus]

It seemed that this little meeting was getting quite crowded as another Sith, an albino Wookie came halfway through Rakim's speech. This one seemed a lot more quiet, speaking only once and in a decisive concise manner, only sticking to the facts and avoiding any unnecessary speeches and theatrics. Perfectly fine, after all both Rakim, Manuk and Malleus were there to cover that other part.

''Very well then. We all seem to agree on a general idea from what I've heard here. The expansion of both power and reach is what needs to happen. I have no qualms over working with criminals and as long as they are not opposing our side they can most definately be a valuable asset. Many planets and societies are ruled and governed by the criminal underground syndicates and only a fool would be blind to their influence.'' He reinstated the facts that were brought up before at the same time showing understanding and approav for the words and suggestions of his peers .

''While that point stands however that should not be our only way of advancing the reach of the Sith. There are other places and nations that could prove.. useful.'' The large Zabrak said as he took a seat on one of the surrounding large rocks while the Moraband winds rustled his hood.

''Many planets and even star systems exist under a rule of the single government, but there's also a number of those who have large groups opposing the ideology and stands of the said governments and as such are mostly preoccupied with their own world's innerworkings deciding to stay independent. It is a fertile ground to act on for those who are blessed with insight and perception higher than those of ordinary beings. Such ground grants us opportunity to rustle it further, saw seeds of doubt and conflict between the sides and when the seeds eventually sprout into either a revolution or a civil war we would merely need to pick a side to side with and provide our 'great wisdom' and help in gaining dominance over their adversary thus when the chosen side comes out on top their world's allegiance and support of the Sith all but guaranteed.''

Malleus explained a potentially fruitful plan he had pondered over for quite some time now, once again proving to not be a stranger of to more intellectual and scheming side of things than what his appearance would suggest.

''If we band together now and spread out different yet precise tasks among us the end result could prove to be a massive culmination of beneficial outcomes for the Sith Order. Of course the notion I just suggested requires delicate work, precise manipulation and the ability to sway sides and invoke conflict in a much subtle and diplomatic manner than the usual approach. Picking the right person or people for that sort of thing is essential.'' The Sith emphasized

''Perhaps the child.. '' Said Malleus referring to a younger Manuk and though most of his lower face was covered with the neckguard and the re breather mask his eyes narrowed in such a way that one could almost certainly assume there was a smile on the Zabrak's grotesque face underneath the mask

@Richie B. @Mr. Teatime @Corbeau

 

[Manuk Gagak]

Manuk came with an open mind – but was finding it being closed for her as she found the conversation drifting in a direction she was not entirely comfortable with.

Despite her age – and maybe even because of it – she held no value in seniority due to stature or years. There were plenty of big, old stupid people in her limited experience. Rank she considered from time to time, if it were earned. Sith Lords of the Rule of Two tended to earn their title. So, she was in no way in awe of who she was with and simply listened to what they had to say. If she agreed with the proposal, she would support it. Otherwise, she would walk away.

And as she listened, she began to weigh up her companions. Who would want to lead and who would be prepared to follow? And who was capable of leading?

The more she heard, the less she was necessarily hearing that was common to her thoughts. For the majority of the galaxy, Jedi and Sith were still a myth. People were still gullible in this day and age, but that didn’t mean they believed everything they heard on the Holonews. The Jedi were aware of their presence, but the average galactic citizen was an entirely different matter – at least in Manuk’s eyes.

Maybe the reference to being a child tipped her over the edge, or maybe it was an excuse, but at the mention, she remained impassioned her face that of a season’s gambler as she stood, arms loosely folded, and she waited to hear what more was said before commenting.

@Six @Richie B. @Mr. Teatime

 

[Rakim Hsin]

So far seemed like I got several strong personalities here not all of which will be likely to play ball. But every crew had such problems and it was the mark of a good crew to be able to work past that to make a stronger whole. Out of all of them it looked like Manuk was becoming more disinterested. I will need to find a way to bring her interest back, especially now that Malleus has taunted at the least or straight up challenged her at worst right now.

Now I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of bloodshed here, it would only serve to weaken us all. Yet I would either have to separate myself from these two or get involved, both had ups and downs but I wasn't interested in that right now.

"We have all of our own strength and weaknesses. I feel Manuk here is far more interested in the mystical powers we call upon rather then the politics of flipping governments. Now Manuk I imagine this talk of politics to be boring for you, and I wish to simply help facilitate the forward progression of our order as a whole, what do you believe to be necessary for that?" I looked to the wookie who had explained that the talk of remaining hidden was pointless as the Jedi and the galaxy was already aware of us.

This should leave it to her to determine what her interests are, perhaps this would ease her into a deeper conversation over the methods to help push for Sith might and rule. But that left another out of the conversation the new albino Wookie. Though he spoke little I imagine he has his own desires, wants and I simply need to figure that out to learn how best to use it. For that was all what the Sith order really is ways to manipulate like minded individuals to assisting one another for a common goal, it went against the individualist mindset the Sith were famous for.

"An you my large friend, I feel a strong desire for destruction and death from you. Do you come here hoping to learn the next best target of your wrath or you have your own goals you wish to push forward?" I knew Malleus was at least good for further talks of conquest but the more Sith I could get to join the greater the likelihood that it could happen.

@Six @Corbeau @Mr. Teatime