Private A Knight's Vow

[Arthus Karn]

A Knight's Vow
Weapon: Link
Armor: Link
Ship: Karn's Resolve
Tags: Aron Thress Isabelle Falco

The shadow of the Karn's Resolve fell over the small moon located near Onderon. The ship was currently running silent to avoid unwanted attention from local authorities and any possible nearby Alliance patrols. They would not be here long either way.

Arthus had his hands clasped behind his back, between his armor and cloak, as he gazed out through the glasteel windows of the Star Destroyer. He silently observed Onderon as he awaited word that his shuttle was prepared for flight. The uniformed Imperial officers and crewman went about their duties on the bridge, occasionally glancing at their Imperial Knight attache. Though Arthus was in command of the ship, he left most of its day-to-day operations to his second-in-command; Captain Callus.

As a young Ensign came up to announce word of what he had been waiting for, the Imperial Lord-Commander turned on his heel and briskly walked off the bridge. The turbolift down to the dorsal hangar took a few minutes as Arthus boarded the shuttle, departing the Star Destroyer for a small ruin on the planet, secluded and hidden from the general populace within the wilds.

As the shuttle touched down, Arthus exited the shuttle and strutted down the ramp as his protection detail stayed by the shuttle. They were silent observers and mainly here to keep any unlikely visitors away from the small gathering. Arthus himself had sent invitations to two potential recruits he had eyed for entry into the newly reestablished Imperial Knight Order.

Finding a small ruin of a pillar, Arthus quickly dusted it off as he swept his cloak behind him as he took a seat. He ran a gloved and armored hand through his black curls as he patiently awaited their arrival.
​

​

 

[Aron Thress]

Change Your Destiny.
Tags: @Arthus Kane | Isabelle Falco


Generally speaking…
Aron didn’t typically answer summons from random Imperial channels.
…Generally speaking.

But there was some part of him, some childish part, that felt pride in being asked for by name by the Lord Commander of the Imperial Knights. For Aron it was a win/win. Either it was a trap and the Lord Commander saw Aron as a worthy enough challenge to personally see to dispatching him. OR it was a genuine summons to meet, get the measure of the young man.

Either way the curiosity was too much to withstand, so now here Aron was gently landing his small fighter just outside the ruins, taking a quick moment to observe the positioning of the Lord Commander’s shuttle and noticing the protection detail holding back next to it. Maybe it wasn’t a trap after all.

Satisfied, Aron landed his fighter in a small clearing on the other side of the ruin. Taking a deep breath, preparing himself for the off chance this was a trap, he opened the canopy of his craft and hopped out, his red and golden tunic trailing behind him as he passed collapsed pillars and shambling gateways to meet his contact.

“Lord Commander Arthus Kane?” Aron asked, taking care to include the man’s title. He studied the surroundings, his crimson eyes observing every detail, looking for any sign of danger before returning them to Arthus and crossing his arms anxiously.

“I’m uh, I’m Aron. But I’m…sure you…knew…that,” he said, losing confidence with each word. “If you’re here to kill me,” he started again after clearing his throat, “...Well I’d be eager to find out ‘why’. Secondly, I’d hope we’d just start,” He tapped his foot nervously as he spoke, “But uh, I hope you’re not. But I’d be honored. But I still hope you’re not,” he squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, sighing to himself, before reopening his eyes. “Sorry. This is just…very…very out of the norm for me. I guess I don’t know what to expect. So uh…what can I do for you?”

 

[Isabelle Falco]

Tag: Arthus Karn Aron Thress

From the west on a beaten path through the jungle with engine's roars was a Starhawk Speeder. The rider wore a tannish cloak that concealed her true identity though the former grab was flapping due to the strong wind. Closer and closer the rider drew to the destination till seeing the forsaken structure more clearly and the shuttle with troops.

They bore Imperial trappings and in posture as well, the rider noted. She sensed no deceit from them, which gave her great relief. So this wasn't a trap after all, thank the force. Parking the bike around the collapsed stone piles that had been the northern wall, the rider finally got off her transportation to the left side. Without hesitation the cloaked figure marched forward the pillar. Destiny was only yards away..

"Long have I waited for this day." Isabelle of Falco whispered to no one in particular. Her voice was laced with determination and a hint of eagerness.

Seeing the host sitting on the fallen pillar and a second stranger with him, Lady Falco raised an eyebrow. Rather curious in her opinion. In all honesty when the Imperial exile had received the invitation she was initially suspicious but this Lord Commander had given proof of who he is. Of course Isabelle had only recently been traveling the stars alone and yet Lord Karn learned of her already.

Then again she had drawn attention by openly intervening in a gang war on Denon, in Imperial Knight armor and silver saber. Isabelle shook her head, while she had helped end the skirmish by capturing the two gang leaders, she nearly got herself killed multiple times and made plenty of mistakes that left her in a bacta tank for two days. Not to mention most people there were not thrilled when they found out what she is. The Confederation must be pretty efficient to find out about the incident in the midst of a chaotic galaxy. Now she's here for all places.

Isabelle heard the tail end of Aron's words as she finally reached them. Only then did the scion of House Falco remove her cloak, revealing her allegiance in armor. Without missing a beat the young force wielder bent one knee with her head bowed in respect toward Karn.

"Greetings Milord."

 

[Arthus Karn]

A Knight's Vow
Weapon: Link
Armor: Link
Ship: Karn's Resolve
Tags: Aron Thress Isabelle Falco

Arthus looked up as the small fighter made its landing somewhere behind the ruins. He could detect a force user within and was pleasantly surprised the young man decided to show up. He wasn't sure if he would have dared answer a random Imperial communique but was glad he did. Having something to offer those worthy, or who appeared worthy, was what Arthus currently had up his sleeve.

He needed Knights. More importantly, he needed folks worthy of the damn title. He could always recruit every random person with a trace of force sensitivity as the Jedi and Sith do and hope to iron them out into a worthy member of his Ordus...but that was not the Imperial Knight way.

To be an Imperial Knight is to join a militant family of a small but elite force. Sworn to defend its ideals and the Imperial throne before serving the Force itself. For the Force was a tool but one used to combat corruption and false idols. To keep order and justice while serving with dignity and honor.

Not many made the cut. Just how it was meant to be.

As the young man approached, Arthus glanced upwards as his bright blue eyes settled on Aron. As he spoke and lost his confidence the more he did so, Arthus quietly observed him. His gaze burning through the young mans defenses as if he was reading his very soul. Picking apart every fiber of his being both physical and spiritual to gleam what he was and what he could be.

Finally, Arthus spoke in a gruff voice. One both experienced yet still young for his position.

"Do you often thank those with a wish to kill you, boy?" Arthus' voice echoed around the ruins. "Adapting to the unexpected is a skill worth learning, young Aron. It is a pleasure to meet you as well."

The Lord-Commanders strong jawline broke into a simple smile, one offering friendliness to offset his harsh words. Hoping to put the Padawan at ease as he placed his greatsaber back at his belt before he stood above both the newcomers. Arthus glanced to his side as the woman kneeled and spoke her greetings. This one was the icing on the cake when he had sent out his offers. A rogue Knight operating on her own, so young, yet willing to still follow her teachings to defend others. Simply because she could and should.

"Rise, Knight Falco. Your name has earned you that right." Arthus approached the woman as he looked down and as his eyes gave an approving warmness to her own. "Your actions on Denon are the only trial I needed to see of you."

Once he had assured the young Knight had approval and validation for her actions against those scum, he turned and stood between them both. His crimson cloak moving slightly in the calm wind.

"I invited you both here to embark on a cause in which I champion. The Order of Imperial Knights are reforming in the Outer Rim. I am looking for worthy defenders of the light to test themselves in hopefully joining me and being worthy of the armor and saber we wield." Arthus spoke with conviction and not a single once of deceit nor doubt within his voice. He fully believed what he said and had no time for anything but direct honesty. "We're not Jedi. While we utilize the Light we leave the interference in governments to them. We serve our tenets and creed as we do leaders worthy of our protection and loyalty."

The tall commander paced as he continued his little speech, galvanizing himself with burning passion as he did so.

"Make no mistake, we Knights choose who we follow. Who we serve. Who we protect. Who we vanquish. We find causes worthy of our blades and leaders just enough to command us. For unlike the current Jedi or corrupted Sith, we have the freedom of choice. You're never forced to serve, admonished for doing what you thought was best nor for interpreting our tenets as you will, so long as the Creed is followed."

"If any of that freedom, honor, justice or integrity speaks to you then I would gladly have you. I also hide nothing, so please, speak your minds freely."

Arthus clasped his hands behind his back as he looked between the two young potentials. He has spoken his share, now he was eager to see how sharp their minds or how their personalities might display within this conversation.
​

 

[Aron Thress]

Change Your Destiny.
Tags: @Arthus Kane | Isabelle Falco

"Do you often thank those with a wish to kill you, boy?"

“Not….not typically, no, But this wouldn't have been...typical.” Aron responded honestly. Looking across a battlefield and engaging someone was one thing. Being summoned by name to a fight would have been something else entirely, but Aron kept his reasoning to himself.

He remained on guard as a second figure approached and watched with interest as she knelt down before him. It helped lend credence to this being a legitimate endeavor, as it was much too elaborate a set up for a trap. Aron finally relaxed and tilted his head in curiosity. He listened intently to Lord Commander Kane’s pitch and as the Knight spoke, Aron found himself nodding along. He had enjoyed his time with the Jedi, and felt he had done good within the group. But he always felt…out of place, too locked down. The Sith never appealed to him either, slaves to their own desires and pursuit of power.

The passion the Commander put behind every word was incredibly convincing to Aron.

“Well…” he said finally after a moment of quiet contemplation, “I’m eager to hear more. I like how this sounds.”

Fighting for honor? Justice? Helping bring stability to the planets beyond the Alliance’s borders and being able to do so without the restrictions, all while continuing to serve the Light?

“The freedom to choose…” he repeated, smiling. Aron’s crimson eyes flickered back and forth to the woman, Falco, and Kane.

“Yeah I’d…I’m interested, absolutely. I’d want to hear more about this Creed of yours?”

 

[Isabelle Falco]

Tag: Arthus Karn Aron Thress

Isabelle's eyes opened wide down at the floor when the Lord Commander Karn acknowledged her as knight. It's one thing to be given this title by her family who were only exiles on a far distant world but to be validated by the new leader of their restored order gave her a great sense of relief. Admittedly she had believed the latter would've required further tests from her and she would've gladly done so but she wasn't complaining, not at all. For the briefest of moments her lips formed a smile once it all sunk in. Falco rose to her feet as commanded and nodded in honest gratitude.

Trying to maintain an air of professionalism as possible she kept a neutral expression while listening to Karn's purpose for this summons. The more he spoke, the more amazed Isabelle became. This was more than she had hoped for. The freedom to choose. A part of her wondered if this was a just dream but no it is really happening.

The Fel Empire had failed but the duty of the Imperial Knights lives on.

Subsequently Aron spoke first in reply. He clearly had not been raised in the Imperial way but he is willing to embrace it now and that was enough for Falco. Clearing her throat Isabelle answered.

"Milord I have yearned for such a purpose as long as I could remember. You have my gratitude for this honor. As long as you stay true to the creed my saber is yours, Lord Commander."

The newly confirmed knight meant every word of it. Quickly Falco added a question.

"Who are the leaders we serve now?"

 

[Arthus Karn]

A Knight's Vow
Weapon: Link
Armor: Link
Ship: Karn's Resolve
Tags: Aron Thress Isabelle Falco

Arthus studied the young Jedi, eyes boring into the young man and glimpsing his honesty behind his words. He needed to ensure those he chose harbored no ill will to himself, his Order nor his Confederation. To invite deceit, after that trial and so soon into their ventures infancy.

He needed to be sure. Absolutely so.

After the young man finished speaking, his steel eyes settling on the former and soon to be reinstated Knight. She definitely showed promise, so long as she hasn't lost any of her virtues and skill. Her decisions and actions on Denon hopefully not proving to be a rare thing.

He was not disappointed in either of their words.

Arthus reached for his hip, right hand grasping the large hilt of a lightsaber hanging from his utility belt. Withdrawing it, he held it before the both of them with both of his hands. As the greatsaber was a two handed weapon, easily requiring the use of both of its users hands to wield effectively.

"Not many know of this blade. Ever since the rule of the Fel Empire, this greatsaber has served in the hands of every leader of the Imperial Knights, past, present and hopefully future. Outside of it's large size and heavy, durable material...it serves as a badge of office as much as its keeper." Arthus spoke as his eyes gazed down at the weapon, fondly remembering his quest to claim it. "It will only activate for those of the Light, free of corruption and taint. For any with an inkling of the Dark side would find it a useless trinket. This..." Arthus raised the weapon a little higher. "Is my vow to you and every Knight I intend to lead. It is my confirmation to do right by you, myself and the people we swear to serve. It represents the values of our Order."

The greatsabers aura was definitely felt by any with a inkling of power in the Force, emanating like a torch within a dark room. Proudly holding back the shadows and displaying its aura of purity. Arthus hung it back on his belt as he walked between the two, eyes meeting their own as he spoke.

"Loyalty. Honor. Moderation. Duty."

The Lord Commander stopped his pacing and turned once more, hands clasped behind his back.

"That is our Creed. Our promise. To ourselves and our leaders. We serve because we must. Though those we serve must also be worthy of our loyalty. They must show to use they deserve our honor and duty. For if they do not...we find someone who does."

At those words, Arthus faintly smiled as he recalled his journey to find a Empress worth ruling their newly founded alliance.

"Currently, we're building an alliance of like minded Imperials in the far Outer Rim. The Confederation, we're calling it. Though I will not tell you more on the matter. I prefer you to observe and form your own opinions. Unlike the Jedi or Sith, as your future leader, I do not dictate dogma nor philosophy to you. I only require your loyalty and duty if you decide to provide it."

The veteran commander looked between them both, eager to discover their wants and their decisions. Though he would not be disappointed if they required more answers. Speaking on what it was to be an Imperial Knight, his passion, might as well be a hobby to him.

"The rest is your path to tread."

​

 

[Aron Thress]

Change Your Destiny
Tags: @Arthus Kane | Isabelle Falco

The Imperials. Aron clicked his tongue. Imperials attacked Onderon not too long ago and butchered the people. But those were Darksiders. He looked at the Commander, and at the lightsaber he held.

He felt the energy of it, the promise of it. It enticed him.

“I…I want to know more. I want to go see this confederation of yours with my own eyes,” he said, finally. “I want to trust you. I want to trust in this thing you’re doing, I just need to see it with my own eyes before I make any decisions.” Aron nodded.

He thought about the good he could do if he joined this new Empire. If it promised to be in service to the people, his presence would be infinitely more useful there then as another Jedi in the Order. Perhaps he could help keep them on their path. It was worth the risk.

He also looked over at the other, this other knight Isabelle Falco . He was thankful she was here, even if she was once a servant of this order anyway, it made him feel a bit more secure in the truthfulness of everything.