Faction A Perfect Circle

[Lirka Ka]

Lirka turned her head back and forth a few times, and the sigh of disappointment was thankfully masked by her helm. That blazing inferno of patriotism had sadly died under the relentless storm of having to listen to the sort of stupidity that made Lirka wish she was deaf: Gods above had she just wished it had been a message, an edict, something less...loud. And with a rarely found embarrassment she took her seat once again, awkwardly resting her blade across her legs: at least, tried to make it rest the best that it's moronically long size allowed. Had she been a different woman, the helmet likely would've come off so she could rub her head and get rid of this growing headache.

But alas, appearances needed to be maintained. So she suffered in silence, but allowed one little chink within the violent and awful "persona" she maintained: silently, trying to let loose her voice nearly unaltered to Aerarii Tithe , it was time for Lirka to be at least the tiniest bit humble.

"I apologize for my previous doubts of your ability in the wake of defeat, come to Fortress Imperious when you have time: I shall give you a reward for not making me want to remove my ears."

Her opinions on the rest of the matters here were already known, it was nothing short of black-heart brutality. But now? Now she would rather just bow her head and follow the plan, some things in this Galaxy, and this seemed to have become one of them: political bickering without smashing heads was a torture worse than anything she could create.

 

[Lark]

Lark didn't remember much from his time within an orphanage of Myrkr, but he vaguely remembered a mock discussion the proprietor of the place organized between the children. The purpose was probably to foster social skills and show how differences in opinions could be maturely discussed amongst a large gathering of vastly different individuals. A fine idea, until one of the orphans called another child "ugly and stinky" for having a contradictory belief.

This was what that felt like.

The fact that Lark was one of the most emotionally stable people in current attendance should have genuinely concerned everyone present, despite his relatively unknown status within the Empire. Sure, most of the time he was capable of composing himself, and molding his persona in whatever manner best fit the current situation. But he had found that adaptation to be more difficult recently, his shifting mindsets were growing more and more dangerous and unstable. Once he mastered those changing tides within his mind, only then could he begin to unlock his true potential. Only then would the monster inside of him grow stronger.

Another tirade from the boisterous legionnaire broke his thoughts, and Lark was grateful for it. It allowed him to heard the words of Ellie Mors and those who spoke afterwards. For a moment it seemed as though rational discussion would finally be established. And then someone would say something stupid. Insults were thrown and then the subjected spent time defending themselves that could have been spent working towards a solution. If it were up to him, all those who served only to distract and taunt would have been thrown out and disgraced, ranks be damned. But then, who would that leave?

"Darth Alekto's premonition seems to not echo within you all. Unify or die. Such simple, yet powerful words. I mean really, she's not asking for much more than cooperation. Now then, Grand Moff Lowe has asked a question. One that, with proper discussion, could prove of substantial benefit to the Empire. How do we deal with threats from multiple fronts? I was led to believe that among our rank there should be some who can shed experience and insight on this matter. Those individuals should invite themselves to speak on the issue. Right now, unity within the Empire is needed. And to those who only seek to insult, demean, and distract from this pivotal moment in the Empire's history, I politely ask that you keep your voice down."

There was no malice or edge to his words, they were as soft and gentle as a spring breeze. Lark fell silent as he perched himself atop the headrest of his chair, curious as to what would be said next. The truth was, there was some part of him that loved all this politicking, all the drama. It was exciting, after all. But there was a greater purpose to it all, a purpose that he felt was being missed.

Lirka Ka Aerarii Tithe AMCO Taeli Raaf Fiolette Raaf Hont Atellies Darth Prazutis Thaelius Madelyn Lowe Cara Dorniarn Kurayami Bloodborn Amur Onrai Kaalia Pavanos Grand Moff Aut-X Adriana Fortemps Vaylin Lord Venari Lavria Xedrim Ardana Vorco Darth Voracitos and any others I missed!

 

[Vaylin]

Vaylin quietly drummed her fingers along the arm of her chair, watching and listening to everything that was being said. Which at that point were just the constant bickering and trading snide remarks. The Zabrak supposed it was for the better, air the grievances here and now, for better or worse.

Her interest was piqued again when Madelyn Lowe spoke up once more, looking to steer the conversation into a more proactive discussion.

And then Hont Atellies opened his mouth again and Vaylin bit down the audible sigh that had threatened to slip from her lips. Figuring the conversation was going to devolve into throwing scolding remarks at one another again, Vaylin looked for something; or someone to occupy her time.

Her attention fell back to Adriana Fortemps , who was trying her best to not look like she didn't want to be still seated. Whether that was because of the current conversation, or the fact she had literally just had a bombshell dropped in her lap courtesy of Taeli's earlier actions. Vaylin's immediate thought was to shift over and appear by the Echani's side. But she hesitated...

Ever since Vaylin had returned from the Netherworld, and the way in which she had done so, there had been an 'edge' in the conversations between them. As far and few as they've been during Vaylin's recovery. She had always known about Jorryn's distaste for the more magical/mystical side of the Valkyries, but it hadn't been until then that Vaylin understood that it was a much more of a rooted issue. Her time spent in whatever invention AMCO had her in help with the healing process had given the Zabrak plenty of time to think and reflect.

Powerful as she had become, there were still spots here and there where Vaylin was particular dense, especially within the circle of personal social norms.

So instead, she focused on the Force and reached out towards Jorryn. Gently brushing against her side to grab her attention. She waited until then, before mutely signalling her intent before finally disappearing from her seat. The only real indication that Vaylin hadn't just up and left the gathering, was the fact Gondul didn't budge an inch from her place. Nor did she need to, as fortunately for Vaylin she wasn't seated too far away from her girlfriend, so the Blood Angel didn't need to move any closer.

Vaylin appeared just by Jorryn's side

"Hey..." She gave the Echani a small smile, speaking just quietly enough for her to hear. "Congratulations on the promotion, it looks like you'll have a lot more paperwork on your desk starting today. But hey, at least now you'll have some official underlings to move some of that workload." It was an attempt to lighten the mood between them, but it didn't even work for Vaylin. "I'm sorry about Gondul, it's...the only means I can even be here right now." She watched closely for Jorryn's reaction. Those words had been the same thing she had said during one of Jorryn's visits earlier in recovery. Vaylin had thought up an idea for them to talk, without needing the Echani having to physically come and see her every time. But again, it was a moment of denseness on Vaylin's part not recognizing immediately that she had suggested appearing essentially like a ghost to the woman who had not too long ago thought she might've died.

Not one of Vaylin's finest moments, and she was hoping it wasn't too late.

"Look, once I've got back on my feet and you're more acquainted with your role as Lord Inquisitor we should talk, yeah?"

Ellie Mors | Onrai | Ardana Vorco | Grand Moff Aut-X | Aerarii Tithe | Amur | Thaelius | Taeli Raaf | Fiolette Raaf | Darth Prazutis | Cara Dorniarn | Kurayami Bloodborn | Kaalia Pavanos | Lord Venari | Darth Voracitos | Lirka Ka | Aerarii Tithe | Lark

 

[Hont Atellies]

Hont was sick of the meeting, with no way to get his point across he was ready to lay his killing blow. He was standing, the remains of his chair laid beneath him. He grabbed a layer a showed it to everyone. With everyone else silent he walked to the centre of the centre ile and began to speak.

“A soldier dared to speak openly, this would of been his punishment, a group failed to co-operate with the leading figures, this is there punishment, an empire refuses to listen to its military and bureaucracy, this will be it’s punishment. Nearly single one of you Sith in this room, notably excepted is AMCO , haven’t shown anything, brought up anything of note, or have actively been a detriment to this conversation. You have to go, sorry, but until you can prove your worth, you will not be the privileged brats that you are right now, and like how I noted AMCO , those are the Sith who deserve there roles. Those of us in the military, like Thaelius , Those of us in the bureaucracy, like Grand Moff Aut-X and Aerarii Tithe have already proven there worth and have actively contributed to our empire, yet they are shunned away from the power they need and deserve to increase the efforts in the betterment of our Empire. Yet you call them worthless and pathetic. Maybe you should live up to my legions creed, a creed that all in my legion swear too and remember off by heart, soldier, speak the creed.”

Hont’s cold words met with the young lady in her armour, chosen by Hont to be one of the guards he would provide for security, she was responsible for the capture of there sector on Huk, she moved up to the centre of the room and spoke.

“I chose to serve, I was not forced to,
I chose to listen, I was not forced to,
I chose to fight, I was not forced to,

I fight for my empire, not for my interests,
I fight for peace and justice, not for war and injustice,
I fight to protect those below, not for those above,

Those who prove themselves in combat, are those I serve,
Those who prove themselves in justice, are those that I heed,
Those who care for me, are those that I shall now care for in return,

Unity above honour,
Honour above glory,
Glory above strength,
And Empire above all.”

The soldier walked back to where she guarded and Hont went up to speak again.

“Remember that, and we win, remember that, and you shall have the strength of 1000 warriors, remember that, and our Empire lives, failure to live by this creed will lead into stagnation, hedonism, and fall. For so many have forgotten there roots, but we will not.”

“Into the subject of fighting this war, focus on one side and a scorched earth campaign on the others. We win this through blood, sweat and tears, and that why I am about to make an absolutely bold claim. I request a promotion to Executor, effective, now. I will not settle until this empire spans the galaxy, for the greater good, we will fight with blood, sweat, and Tears.”

“This is why I fight, so that other may have the greatest lives possible, I fight so that others won’t have to go through the horrors of war, and if my death is what it takes, than so be it.”

“And to answer you question ( Ellie Mors ) Yes, I wouldn’t trust a Sith if I haven’t seen them fight firsthand, just like the standards I put up for my soldiers.“

“Empire above all.”

 

[Adriana Fortemps]

It was truly getting almost difficult to not get up and remove Hont Atellies from the equation, insults towards particular members of the Sith Order, including herself, made nails begin to have a violent meeting with the chair below her. His speaking of their order clearing showing his own ignorance towards the finer aspects of Empire. The military tended to have simpler minds, after all, it was why they could be controlled like they were. False pretenses of power fuelling loyalty and sacrifice, but this prefect was trying to ruin that balance.

It was also irritating that Lord AMCO managed to get a pass. How'd he manage that? A lesser person might confuse this emotion for jealousy, but Jorryn was just irritated that he was permitted freedom from this trade. A trade that the now Lord Inquisitor would rather enjoy ending, through violent means particularly.

Most notably though, were the responses from the bureaucratic representatives. Particularly the Grand Moffs Aerarii Tithe , Madelyn Lowe and, to a lesser extent, Grand Moff Aut-X. Despite his mildly concerning droid army. Their words, while not supporting the current Sith-favoured standard, they rose points against the more fanatical viewpoints being presented. Ideologies that threatened the stability of the Empire during their current state being addressed as what they are. Borderline treason.

Strangely, Jorryn even found herself agreeing with points raised. Grand Moff Tithe's criticism of Sith gaining power and then going into seclusion as a way of retaining said power through cowardice was a tried and true method, one that should not be rewarded.

"Rae, dear." A look upwards to the girl flanking her, the personal escort of the now Lord Inquisitor diligently standing fast besides her master. "Please do remind me to set up meetings with our Grand Moffs." A nod to Rae Cooke confirming that she had meant only the ones present. "Even the droid one, if he hasn't started an uprising yet." A droid army as led by droids would certainly need inspection, lest Jorryn had an uprising along with her promotion.

The floating spectre of her girlfriend brought forth a vortex of emotion, the familiar face bringing some comfort despite the rest of her current state. Knowing that she would soon be back to normal, thanks to the efforts of Lord Vandiir, was enough to allow herself some modicum of comfort in the presence of the more ghostly form.

"Hi..." The small smile was returned, a bit awkward but Jorryn attempted her best. It wasn't often someone was caught in a predicament like this. "I've already started to collect a couple of my own." A nod towards Rae as the empty-hearted attempt for humour between the pair continued. "I understand Vay, don't worry about it." The smile faded, though the words rang sincerely. Jorryn was happy that Vaylin could be here, but the method of which...

Jorryn didn't look over to Gondul, it's presence and appearance both making her uncomfortable. Instead just looking in her girlfriend's eyes, a sorrowful smile on her lips.

"Yeah..."

 

[Ardana Vorco]

Benûwia Antares / Darth Xanesh / Ireria Antares
Sith sorcerer, alchemist, historian​

Location: Metalorn
Equipment: Red blade lightsaber (Benûwia) | Red blade lightsaber (Ireria) | Multispectrum disguise suite
Tag(s): Everyone

Xanesh remained silent, watching with dignity. It wasn't visible on her face for a moment what turned his mind and there were quite a few of them. Between the tempers she seemed the perfect embodiment of serenity. Someone who was perfectly patient and excellently able to control her emotions. Amused that those present were biting each other, but with that, they really won’t get anywhere. And now the future of the Sith Empire was at stake. She still believed that some were quite competent, but others still could not see the forest from the tree.

Arrogance, self-polishing, perhaps a hotbed of corruption as well. In her time, if one had in mind not the Empire but personal interest, he was even liquidated from the Dark Council. The Empire must always be first, not only in the past, but now, not necessarily only the Emperor, but the whole Empire. And who was unable to comprehend this, and his/her self-interest was more important, had to fall out of line. The interest of the Empire required this. And yes, Unity or die. Listening to the others it all made sense, which these three words were about.

How many did not understand what this was about? How many later wanted to get out of it for their own interests? She had a feeling that all this would be revealed very soon and the Inquisition will have a great deal of work to do in the near future. Children, most barely lived for a few years or a few decades. There can be any great lords, mistresses, most of them did not understand the point. She would have preferred to tear off the head of the soldier who was still talking nonsense. He should have just opened his eyes to the striker, if he had ever been there at all. Pathetic, she thoughts.

Nevertheless, she continued to watch the conversion with interest. She was still wondering where this whole circle would go, but in the meantime, the most important thing at the moment was:

Unity or die.​

​

 

[Rae]

//: Adriana Fortemps //: Vaylin //: ​

Standing quietly, the Legionnaire turned bodyguard or attendant, depending on who you asked, soaked in the room. The firestorm of attacks and verbal commands echoed in the ruins they sat in. Rae didn't know many of the attendants; most were too high on the ladder that their names were only used to strike fear into the recruits' hearts. Deep down, there were some she did know, some that she had faced in combat or her comrades had. Eyes fell on Taeli Raaf, the woman was an interesting figure, one full of secrets - just like her. ​

​

Each face etched into the Trooper's mind, filing away their images with a blink of the eye. This was the sort of meeting she didn't expect to be a part of, the upper echelon of the Empire was here, all of them in one place. It was interesting, but to watch them bicker, it was a reminder that things weren't perfect in the ultimate powerhouse the Sith Empire stood for. It concerned the woman, but before she could dive into her own thoughts, she felt the swirl of emotions that had grown in her employer. ​

​

Glancing at the woman sitting next to her, she watched her expressions shifted from when she had become the Lord Inquisitor to this moment. The black umbrella opened, attempting to hide the woman from whatever was bothering her. It was curious, but Rae could understand the odd comfort of the shade the umbrella provided her charge. ​

​

"Understood, Congratulations on Lord Inquisitor - you deserve it." Rae paused and then offered the Echani a small smile, to hopefully quell the uncomfortable feeling that poured off of Jorryn. ​

​

A hand also moved to comfort her shoulder, but it stopped seeing the specter appear near the woman. A head nod towards the ghost showed the respect the woman deserved, but nothing more was said. Rae didn't move, though she probably should have. The conversation was meant to be private. Doing her best to seem aloof, Rae looked away, allowing the pair to have their private conversation. Although she knew her place was below both the woman, the mixture of sudden comfort, and the shift into being uncomfortable was concerning. Despite the desire to allow Vaylin and Jorryn to have their time, Rae moved closer and placed her hand on the Lord Inquisitor's shoulder once they were finished talking. ​

​

A small squeeze offering comfort to the woman was the best that Rae could do at this moment. There was much more she could do, but it would only cause concern and, in the end, create an undesired situation for the Lord Inquisitor. ​

​

Sighing softly, Rae struggled to keep her mind focused on what she was ultimately here to do. Everything that was overflowing from Jorryn was distracting, and she felt the need to finally fully step in. The umbrella over Jorryn blocked the harmful rays of the light that threatened to blemish her porcelain skin. With a soft smile, the Corellian offered her hand towards the Echani. "If you wish to leave, you just have to say the word, my Lady."​

 

[Onrai]

Vanessa sat and watched as continued threats and insults of various forms were passed between the groups. There was Hont Atellies and Thaelius engaging with Fiolette Raaf. Madelyn Lowe attempted to get things back on track, but as it stood any concept of cohesion regarding the future processes the Sith would be proceeding along seemed to have for the most part broken down thanks to internecine issues. Frustrated that little was moving forward, she went ahead and voiced what she was sure some individuals the group were thinking.

“If any of you are going to keep the insults and threats going, then please, just go ahead and kill each other. I did not come from the corners of the Empire just to watch childish bickering by those that would make the actions of Krag look like those of the Celestials. A resolution is going to be made here, one way or the other, and regardless of whether or not I disagree with it, finality is preferable to flux.” She doubted more than a quarter of the room would even remember who Krag was - the last of the Emperors of the last generation of Sith, who led that Empire into damnation at the hands of the Galactic Alliance.

It was time for solid and immutable decisions to be laid down that the words of none could alter.

 

[Lark]

Lark was not a military mind, but as he studied the hologram that Madelyn Lowe projected he couldn't help but ponder on strategies. He tuned out all of the yelling and needless banter, he had said what he could in an attempt to diffuse it. He didn't arrive at this gathering to play peacekeeper, he was there to see how the Empire would shape itself after suffering brutal defeat. Would the Sith bounce back and triumph, or would they balk and suffer complete, total ruination? It was to soon to tell, but he refused to stand around throwing a pitiful tantrum when legitimate work was to be done. Let those who cared little for the Empire continue their tirade. Those who could look past personal grievances and grudges and truly wished to make beneficial change would just have to ignore the rest.

"I'll be the first to admit I'm not the most well-versed in militaristic strategies," he said in response the the Moff's inquiry. He hoped that, even if his statements were wrong, they would at least invite more discussion. "I see many important dominions in the space between the New Imperial Order and the Jedi. Mandalore, Dathomir, Dantooine, just to name a few. And the NIO isn't terribly far from Bastion either." He took a moment to collect his thoughts, hopefully he could get his point across. "I suppose what I'm trying to say is this. The threat of encirclement from the NIO and the Jedi seems high. If we are unable to push them back now, they will completely cut off parts of the Empire from the rest. After that, the isolated sectors will be easy pickings, we won't be able to reinforce them. Supply and transport routes will be devastated. I fear that if we are unable to repel either front's advances, parts of the Empire will be left stranded."

"Once again, the solutions I put forth come from someone with little experience guiding troops or allocating resources, and I speak for no branch of the Empire. We have resources now, they have not yet been cut off. If we can securely defend and reinforce vulnerable sectors and force opposing factions to retreat, perhaps we may breath a little easier. Alternatively, if we're feeling bold enough, we could launch a counterattack, and cut off one faction before they become an even more potent threat. Of course, the consequences of defeat in such a situation would be dire."

He hoped that his own discourse would be the start of something greater, even if the strategy discussions were contained to a more focused group. They needed a plan now. Empires had fallen due to mistakes much less serious than the ones the Sith had made.

"The time for action is now. Before it's to late."

Ellie Mors Lirka Ka AMCO Taeli Raaf Fiolette Raaf Hont Atellies Darth Prazutis Thaelius Cara Dorniarn Kurayami Bloodborn Amur Onrai Kaalia Pavanos Grand Moff Aut-X Adriana Fortemps Vaylin Lord Venari Lavria Xedrim Ardana Vorco Darth Voracitos Rae Cooke and any others I missed!

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Lips twitched in amusement as she muttered in an undertone only for Fiolette Raaf to hear, "You, my lovely troublemaker, are enjoying yourself a little too much. And you brought Bloodborn here?" The later was added with a hint of distaste, a dislike her wife knew all too well Taeli held towards the man, often than not, was attached to the wild escapades of Fio.

For just a moment, purple eyes would flicker up and to the right, looking into the shadows. She couldn't see it, but she knew it was there. She offered a wink to Darth Prazutis , the Shadow Hand that was always watching. She completely missed the exchange from Thaelius , but she did refocus her attention as Madelyn Lowe spoke and offered a reprimand that went over the head of Hont Atellies . Settled as she was on her wife, her mood had improved and promised to do so even more so after the meeting, but the man was quickly becoming a lightning rod for the irritation in the room.

"It would seem to me, by rushing up the Braxant Run, the New Imperial Order have extended themselves, creating a salient within our borders around Muunlinst, Mygeeto, and Scipio," she said. "No doubt they hoped to cripple our economic power base here in the western parts of the Empire, and if had not been for the foresight in evacuating most of our material and civilians there, they would have succeeded more so than they have. However, this push also bypassed at least two major naval bases that now are on the flank of the enemy push. Collapsing on the point of penetration would cut them off, encircle them, and leave them to wither on the vine.

"As for the Silver Jedi, they seem quite content to once again stay within their own space again, although my sources say they are much more preoccupied with the Bryn'adul threat brewing. That leaves the Alliance, and there are ways to deal with the GA that don't involve sending legions and fleets out to attack them. Quieter ways that would nonetheless fully occupy their time and resources."

Ellie Mors Lirka Ka AMCO Cara Dorniarn Amur Onrai Kaalia Pavanos Grand Moff Aut-X Adriana Fortemps Vaylin Lord Venari Lavria Xedrim Ardana Vorco Darth Voracitos