What becomes of failure?

[RVFVS]

What becomes of failure? (Chapter 1)

Kaan's theme
​

Alone in the blackness of space, the planet-city of Hosnian Prime sits. On that planet, overlooking the most affluent part of said planet-city lies a ruined estate. The name of the previous occupiers of the estate has been wiped from the records of Hosnian Prime and, officially, it is now occupied by low level swoop gangs and thugs. Curiously, however, Imperial troops have never deigned to remove them. That is because a much more sinister figure makes the ruined estate it's home. A figure that has been searching for many years for a single person. This figure had almost given up hope of finding this single person...until now...

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Commander Jan Mok marched down the hallways of the ruined estate. The Commander grimaced as he turned the corner and stared down the long corridor toward the observatory. He paused for a moment, gathered his breath and continued toward his ill desired destination. Mok had never loved the Sith, nor how they seemed to butcher the Imperial hierarchy. However, he knew that without them there would be no Empire, for that, at least, he had them to thank. Nonetheless, he had met many Sith in his time but none quite like the stories he had heard about this Sith. He unnerved even the stoniest of men and being placed under his command had become something of a punishment for Imperial personnel. What Mok had done or who he had offended he did not know but even in such a situation he would make the best of it.

The corridor seemed to stretch on forever and the closer he got the more uncomfortable the Commander felt. Truth be told he had considered sending one of his subordinates to see the Sith but had Mok done so he was sure it wouldn't have ended well for him. He had been assigned to this Sith less than three months ago, and had yet to physically meet the man, but he had heard the rumors of what had happened to his predecessor when he failed to serve efficiently. Suffice to say the rumors were not good.

Upon reaching the large observatory doors two guards stood at attention and Mok casually waved them to ease, "I have been summoned to see him." The men nodded and pushed the large doors open for the Commander.

​

Despite the estate being a ruin, it had a priceless view of the main downtown sector of Hosnian Prime. Unfortunately, however, Mok had little time to enjoy the view. On all sides were Imperial troops and private navigational staff at work in some way or another, some conversing, others minding their own business. Galaxy maps with triangulation and various faces with large Xs through them littered the room. However, despite all the movement and work occurring there was no sound. No sound but that piercing hiss from the figure on the balcony of the run down estate.

The figure had it's back turned to Mok, it's deep black cape seemingly representing the heart of the...thing...with which the Commander was about to speak with. The figure's breathing was disconcerting, sounding more like a heat sink releasing pressure than an actual flesh and blood breath.

It was as though it's lungs were passages to the depths of hell itself.

Commander Mok was now directly behind the figure and he struggled to find the words to instead producing a stuttering mumble. He had not long to mumble, however.

"Commander, you have news," the voice was deep and monotoned, metallic and crackly, obviously the work of a modulator. However, despite that it carried a certain personality to it, an entitled authority. Maybe the figure had been a core worlder in a previous life, Mok mused.

"Yes, sire." Once again Mok paused unsure how to continue.

"And? I am known for many things Commander and patience is not one of them." The figure spoke matter of factly, it's back still turned.

"Sire, we have heard back from agents in the outer rim regarding the name you wished followed up on. Solimar?" Mok awaited some kind of acknowledgement, when none came he continued, "There has been a lead."

The figure made a sound that could have been amusement, "Is that so? Tell me of this lead Commander."

"In Hutt space our agents report of a bounty placed on the head of a local gangster. He was part of a small gang on Nar Shaddaa called the Tower Gangers...some play on the large variety of towers in..."

"The name, Commander!" The voice shook with anger as it droned out from the figure.

"My apologies, sire...I...the name is...it's Kaul Solimar."

The figure turned violently, obviously shaken by the words that Commander Mok had just said.

​

"How sure are you of this?" The figure was a terrifying sight to behold, clad in red and black armour, he seemed to stare through the hapless Commander.

"I am sure, sire. We have followed the lead up several times Kaul Solimar has an illegal bounty on his head by way of Slogda the Hutt, the overboss of these...Tower Gangers. He is wanted dead or alive" Mok spoke with a modicum of disgust, he had never been fond of the Hutts and their ilk.

The figure seemed to consider for several moments, placing his arms behind his back and looking once more out on the city he spoke with authority, "Wire the credits wanted for the bounty to the Hutt immediately and then reissue the bounty galaxy wide."

Mok nodded as the figure spoke, "Dead or alive, the..." Mok flew toward the figure his neck ending up in the figure's outstretched hand. Mok was then lifted off the ground, the Commander struggling for breath.

The figure brought his face close to the Commander's, so close he could feel the air rushing out of the respiration system within the figure's helmet, "You will bring him to me alive. If you fail...well," The figure dropped Mok, who gasped for breath, "I suggest you ask you predecessor what becomes of failure." The figure turned his back to Mok, once more staring out over the planet-city, "Leave me and fetch my apprentice immediately. Tell her I have need of her."

Commander Mok waited for but a moment, ensuring the figure was finished with him, before turning and leaving the room. As he left he heard one of the guards out front grunt in anger and hand something to his fellow adjacent to him. Curious, Mok turned to face the guard, "What was that trooper?"

"I..uh...sorry, sir. It was a credit chip."

The other soldier chuckled and also spoke, "We had a bet, sir."

Mok narrowed his eyes, "What were the terms?"

"Well the last time an officer entered that room to give a report he was brought out in a body bag. So the bet...was on your life, Commander."

@Sarah

​

 

[Sarah]

Sangilak (Ulva, which is what she always prefers) disliked Hosnian Prime, preferring instead the quiet, cold world of Korriban, where she had been trained. At least being assigned to this master wasn't so bad, he was known as being mean and torturing or killing those who failed him, but she had not failed him yet, so she knew mostly of his patience. After a bit of exploring, Ulva was meditating, focusing her powers of the force, and taking her sabers, and putting them back together, when she heard footsteps far away, she put the rest of her focus into putting them together before the footsteps were outside of her room. She used the force to open the door, signalling she was ready for someone to come in, and that she knew someone was coming.


When commander Mok came to summon the apprentice, he was still shaken by his previous encounter with Kaan. "Your master is waiting for you in the observatory" he said, betraying no fear of her, nor did his demeanor waiver from the seemingly cold and calculating look of an imperial commander

"Doesn't he know that won't do him any good? Surely he knows I can feel his pathetic fear?" Ulva thought to herself, wondering if she should try to scare him to. No, she was only an apprentice, she could get in trouble for that. Maybe. "I'll be there right away." She said, immediantly breaking her concentration on meditation, and running to the observatory, slowing to a fast walk as she got closer. "He'l want me to look professional, but still, I don't want to keep him waiting" As she approached the guards, she showed them her sabers, proving she was who she obviously was. after coming inside, she approached her masters side, bowing in respect "You have a task for me, master?" She asked, although the commander did not tell her, she could easily enough infer this, usually he didn't send the commander unless it was important.

 

[RVFVS]

"You have kept me waiting, my apprentice." Kaan spoke between his respirator's menacing breaths. Kaan turned from the balcony and waved the various Imperial soldiers and navigational aids away, "Leave us." Equipment was turned off and papers shuffled but after a short time everyone but Kaan and Ulva were gone from the observatory. "I have a mission for you, my young apprentice," his deep voice crackled through his mask, "You are to locate an individual of great importance for me." Kaan was, despite his own claims, quite a patient Sith. Indeed, he had spent half his life waiting and the other half searching. Now, however, for the first time, the first steps were almost ready to be taken toward ultimate victory. This made Kaan excited, a feeling he had not felt since his youth.

The Sith came directly in front of Ulva and looked down at her, his mask not betraying the slightest hint of emotion or feelings. Kaan examined his apprentice, he had not yet used her and, despite the fact this mission would most likely be the only one she ever embarked on, he was eager to see how she performed. Under his helmet Kaan smiled and wondered if this would-be Sith knew the man she sought would, in fact, replace her. "Kaul Solimar...do you know the name?"

 

[Sarah]

Ulva thought for a moment, looking through as much of her rather short memory as she could, finding nothing "No, master, I do not. Solimar sounds familiar, but I cannot place it" She thought more on this, but failed to remember the senator's name. "Where would you have me start my search, and when I find him, what would you have me do with him?"

 

[RVFVS]

"You will begin your search on Nal Hutta. Find the Hutt known as Slogda, I purchased the bounty on this Solimar's head off of the Hutt not long ago. Interrogate the slug and find out all you can about him, his past dealings and his whereabouts. From there you will find Solimar and bring him to me." Kaan paused for a moment and, using the force, choked Ulva. Not hard but enough that she struggled with her breath, "If you harm a single hair on that boys head..." The grip became tighter and Kaan's voice shook as he used his anger to harness the Dark Side, "There will be no place in the galaxy you can hide from me." Satisfied he had made his point Kaan released Ulva, "Do I make myself clear? You are to protect him if necessary but not harm him. He is more valuable than you know."

 

[Sarah]

Ulva, gasping for breath, hissed out the words before even catching her breath "Y-yes, master. You have my word not to hurt Kaul." She rubbed her throat a bit as she rose, already beginning to walk away "I'll find him as quickly as I can, and bring him to you." This was one of the first times Kaan had hurt her. She was angry at first, but then realized that this must be a very important mission. She prepared her ship and immediantly flew off to Nal Hutta, thinking of all the ways she could interrogate a Hutt "I could take his food away, I'm sure he would talk soon then" she laughed at her joke and continued making her way.

 

[RVFVS]

After Ulva had left Kaan returned to the balcony and crossed his arms. There was so much to do and his plans were so behind. No matter, this was the first steps in a much more grand plan. For a long time Kaan had played the good subject, a simple Sith who seeks little more than to pursue his mindless little goals. He was, in some circles, viewed as a Republic sympathizer, as too weak to make any plays for power. But these so called Sith did not understand power. Power gained quick is power lost quick. Power is like puddy, you must play with it, work with it, shape it over and over again until...like a fine piece of art it becomes true what the intent was all along. Kaan despised the Republic. The truth was, however, that Kaan also despised the Empire. Sure, the bureaucracy, the hierarchy, the military and the politics were all well and good for the ants that called themselves Imperials but not for the true Sith. With Kaul by his side Kaan could ensure that that the Sith would become the most powerful force in the universe.

The door to the observatory opened as Kaan thought and a human voice spoke, "Sire, the bounty has been reposted."

"Good, Commander. Very good." A moment later Commander Mok turned and left, the door quietly shutting behind him.

All was going according to plan.

OOC: End Thread

 

[Sarah]

Landing at the shipyard near the palace, Ulva noticed there were no guards. Strange for it being so near Slogda's palace, but oh well, would make it easier for her. Approaching the palace's main entrance, she noticed the bodies all around, and heard a fight nearby. Ulva was not known for her smarts, but with this many bodies, she decided to find another way in. She made her way through the ventilation systems, waiting until the group three had left "How could three people do this much damage? And to a Hutt, no less?" Ulva thought as she cut her way out of the vents. With the guards dead, she didn't have to worry too much, so she calmly walked down the halls that would take her to Slogda's throne room, smiling as she saw more bodies. Good, this would be easier than she initially thought.

 

[RVFVS]

Slogda glanced at the dark looking figure and croaked, "What do you want?"

 

[Sarah]

Ulva sneered, this should be easy enough, no guards, even in the slug's throne room. Just his physician here for the moment. "I want information, Slogda. Where is Kaul Solimar? My master bought his bounty not long ago, a bounty you put out on him, so speak, or I'll give your physician a lot more work to do."

 

[RVFVS]

Slogda sneered but desired no more pain and so submitted to the Sith apprentice, "He has gone to Dantooine he..." Slogda paused but then continued, "He says that he is with the Jedi."

 

[Sarah]

"And why couldn't you have stopped him, you incapable slime!" Ulva snarled, then, remembering she had more important things to do, Ulva left the palace, and after preparing her ship for a trip to Dantooine, contacted her master through the communications systems on-board the ship "Master, I have tracked Kaul to Dantooine, Slogda says he's with the Jedi, but I don't know how much of that we can believe, either way I am prepared to go to Dantooine and search the area for him. On your orders, master."