A Discussion of Past and Future

[Darth Morrow]

Iridonia
Surface Palace
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Harsh light poured through the floor to ceiling windows of the Iridonia palace, a servant moving to pull the curtains with a long chain that curled over itself making a quiet jingle through the silent room. The newly constructed palace rested at the heart of a settlement on the arid planets surface, a far less grand version of what lay beneath; while the security of the rocks center brought comfort, it left some wanting for more. It destroyed the chance for many jobs, and more importantly, expansion. Since the return of their beloved ruler, the planets expansion progressed at a rapid pace, new buildings popping up every few days and more visitors from across the galaxy moved to its slow growing economy. The blackrose guard was redeployed into action, minding the populace and watching with close eye. Those who talked of rebellion and coup were hunted down and dealt with swiftly as they had before Morrow's departure.

That same benevolent ruler sat upon the throne in the main chamber of the palace, eyes cast upon an adviser listing the crimes of a traitor before her. One leg crossed over the other, her chin resting on a hand; crimson eyes locked in predatory disinterest. It never mattered the treachery they committed, their fate was always the same, though as always she let the captor stew in fear, or hatred it if were. Either they were sent to a correction center to better their loyalty to the empire, or they were sent to the slave camps if they were beyond her efforts; though, some never even made it that far.

"Send this one to the beasts, his acts were not against just me but against the empire as a whole. I would say make his death slow, but he's not even deserving of that attention."

Two of her guard stepped forward, grabbing the man by the arms and began to drag him away. Few panicked words escaped him as he likely begged for mercy, though in truth she hadn't cared to listen any longer. Instead her attention had shifted to her adviser once more.

"My Lady, I was just informed The Emperor is on his way for an important matter."

Darth Carnifex

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Spoiler

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The dark-winged vessel emerged from the turbulence of hyperspace over the arid world of Iridonia, swooping down through the blackened void towards the distant and dusty plains of the Zabraki homeworld. Its passage through the upper atmosphere went undeterred, the clearance codes it had transmitted to the regional authorities bypassed every level of authorization they could comprehend. This was no mere dignitary or wealth trader, this was the holiest sovereign of the Dark Side of the Force, the Dark Lord and Emperor of the inexorable Sith Empire. There were few planets outside the purviews of the Empire that would deny him access, for fear of the reprisal that would ensue or for admiration for the power he unequivocally wielded and the strength of his influence across the wider galaxy.​

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Fortuitously, Iridonia had become something of a Sith protectorate in the months since its nobility had been usurped by those close to the Emperor. Though not officially part of the Empire, it nonetheless was considered well within their sphere of influence. Banners of the Imperial Crest hung from the highest parapets, snapping in the wind as the Emperor's shuttle zoomed overhead towards the imposing Royal Palace. The shuttle's silhouette cast a dark shadow over the land as it passed, the herald of death and destruction for many worlds who had rebuffed the Sith's overtures of submission to their will. ​

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That shadowy presence was now upon the Palace, encircling the tallest spire for a single rotation before swooping down to begin landing on the Palace's expansive landing platform. The wings angled back as the landing gear extended from the bottom of the craft, cushioning the impact as it settled upon the durasteel deck. Hydraulic steam hissed from jets on either side of the boarding ramp as it descended, shrouding the pad in a blanket of dark gray fog and almost completely obscuring the boarding ramp. Down the Emperor emerged, shadowed by two of his crimson-clad Crownguard, his muscular yet scarred body swaddled in impressive Sith robes of onyx and sapphire blue. On his hip was a single lightsaber, its blade inert yet hungering for the merest morsel of bloodshed.​

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Emperor Carnifex approached whatever functionaries were sent out to greet him, and spoke only a simple command; "Take me to her."​

Darth Morrow ​

 

[Darth Morrow]

"Of course he is on his way. Perhaps he heard of my departure." The ghostly woman rolled her eyes and leaned back in the throne once more, a hand cast to her forehead in a moment of silence as it ran over her eyes and back to the arm rest beside her. The crimson curtains were drawn to further darken the chamber and leave little light pouring through, only enough so that those in the room could barely be identified.

Showing herself out the adviser made way to greet the Dark Lord, a short brunette woman with hair pulled back into a bun, a few wisps of hair dangling in front of her alabaster face. With the landing of the transport before her she made to kneel, awaiting the departure from the shuttle. With the Emperor before her the conversation was ever brief as she could imagine.

"My Lord, welcome to Iridonia. Lady Morrow is expecting you in the palace." Brown eyes glanced up to the harsh stare above her, and at his word she turned on heel and began making way to the palace, its silhouette piercing the red and orange skyline as the sun had begun to set.

As the two entered gargantuan doors opened at their presence, black rose guard bowing in the Emperors passing. Inside Morrow could be seen sitting on the throne her molten eyes burning through the darkness.

"Leave us." With the command the door closed behind them, the servants and guard about the room skittering off to whatever other posts they could find. Leaning forward, her eyes rested on her husband across the chamber.

"So, lets talk."

Darth Carnifex

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Emperor grumbled an acknowledgment to the adviser as she met him on the landing platform, striding ahead with bold purposeful steps into the Palace interior. Both Crownguard followed in his shadow, breaking off at the entrance to the throne room and taking up guard positions on either side of the doorway. Carnifex strode to the center of the room, eyes fixated on the woman seated upon the throne of Iridonia as the rest of the company in the room were dismissed and quickly fled. ​

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He walked up, footfalls heavy on the exquisite stone floor.​

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He reached out for Morrow... and gently took hold of her hand as he bent down and kissed her knuckles. A wry smile spread across his scarred features, "Back on Iridonia, my love? I hadn't suspected you'd tire of the Imperial power-center this quickly, was Bastion far too claustrophobic for your liking?"​

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Darth Morrow ​