A Toast to Legacy

[Lord Ajihad]

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Zeltros City, Zeltros​

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The night in Zeltros never truly was, so Ajihad had observed in his brief tenure there. Even after the sun went down, the wealthy planet was illuminated by the glowing lights of soaring yachts, beautiful buildings, and expensive nightclubs. The city almost reminded him of Nar Shadaa, except it was much nicer and the streets didn't carry the scent of human waste.​

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The Magnate of the Black Sun owned a massive multimillion dollar luxury pad high above the city below. It was decked-out with features like a gym, a sparring chamber, a bar, a rooftop LED swimming pool, an exotic underwater (literally)-themed master bedroom, a theatre, a hidden armory, and a beautiful living room to boot. It was one of his several pieces of real estate across the galaxy, perhaps his favorite. It certainly was the most comfortable.​

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Spoiler

Spoiler

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He sat cross-legged in the complex's secret meditation chamber. In front of him hovered the Mask of Darth Revan, an artifact worth far more than all of his real estate combined. It was something he often used to help him meditate, to channel his inner Sith. He had won it during a brutal and violent fight to the death involving a plethora of Sith and fortune-seekers alike. It was one of his most prized possessions.​

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He would be interrupted by a radio bleep from one of his security guards. "He's here, sir."​

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"Take him to the living room, I'll be down in just a moment."​

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[member="Krest"]​

 

[Darth Ferus]

A big house huh? So [member="Lord Ajihad"] had given himself a better life. Bigger even. Part of him wondered where the Assassin had gotten all of his money to afford all this, but that same part also knew why. Unlike Krest, who had chosen to save his wealth, Ajihad had chosen to live a life of luxury. Who could blame him? As the Zabrak was escorted into the main room, he couldn't help but marvel at the sleek design. He did appreciate the fancier things in life, but he didn't have time to waste doing what his old apprentice had.

Calmly he sat down on the rather soft sofa, placing one leg atop his knee and letting his arms hang off the back of the couch. Oh yes, this was comfortable. But comfort often lead to weakness. Of course, War hadn't come alone. [member="Darth Abyss"] had also been asked to join, and he waited for both the Black and the Night Brother to accompany him.

 

[Darth Abyss]

Many would probably be impressed by the house in which [member="Lord Ajihad"] had invited [member="Krest"], the red assassin, the aspect of war, but Abyss had seen and lived his own amount of luxury in his few years rising in the underworld. While he kept his own money safe and ready for when the time was right for the most part, luxury was everywhere when you became close friends with the queen of Nar shaddaa, the leader of the black tie syndicate. Crime paid well, at least if one possessed the skill and intelligence needed to overpower or outsmart his rivals, while forging alliances with those worthy of one.

Ferox had bot yet informed him about the meaning of this meeting, but Abyss felt the shift of power slowly coming from the horizon. Whatever they would discuss today, he was sure that it would've an impact on the future course of the galaxy. Other than his fellow member of the assassin council, Abyss proceeded to stand simply in the room, instead of taking place. Ferox had been the one to invite him, not the host, and in times and places like this he often called upon a level of extrem, fake politeness, to reduce the chance of conflict to zero.

 

[Lord Ajihad]

[member="Krest"] l [member="Darth Abyss"]​

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A figure would appear at the top of the stairs to the second floor as the pair waited in the living room. It was a dark-skinned man, a few inches over six feet tall. His eyes were strange, the color of deep gold which made him seem more than a bit unnatural. He was dressed in a loose-fitting linen t-shirt despite the cold weather outside, as well as a similar pair of khaki linen pants. He wore no shoes or socks, giving him a rather simplistic look for someone living in such an extravagant home. It was one of the few times one would see the Demon's Fist not wearing his signature combat armor.​

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He would offer a wide grin to his guests below, his bright white teeth shining in contrast to his black skin. "Welcome to my abode. Lord Abyss, feel free to take a seat." His voice carried an accent one could not quite place. It sounded somewhat tribal with a touch of the tropics. Spira, maybe? Perhaps Haruun Kal? His unique accent often help add to his mysterious reputation, especially in the eyes of those outside of his fellow Sith. It was something he could certainly appreciate considering he was an assassin.​

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He made his way down to living room, quickly stopping to bow at his shrine to Sargon before continuing on. He walked to the far end of the living room where a large wall met the massive bay window. There was a sizable bar there, stacked with a variety of different drinks from all corners of the galaxy. It had everything from Juma Juice to Sullustan Gin, as well as a large stash of exotic teas and coffees.​

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"Could I get you gentlemen anything to drink?"​

 

[Lord Ajihad]

Double post​

 

[Darth Ferus]

"I'm fine myself. But, perhaps my apprentice would enjoy something." With a wave of his hand the Zabrak would motion for [member="Orion Darkstar"] to enter the room. His apprentice, and shadow, always close by. A smile formed on the lips of the red man as his new apprentice would react to meeting [member="Lord Ajihad"] , his old apprentice. He did enjoy watching interactions between the new and old. But that wasn't why he was here.

"Now that everyone is present, I suppose it's time we get down to business, hmm?"

[member="Darth Abyss"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

The house was luxurious, that much was certain. The idea that someone wasted perfectly good credits on materialistic things annoyed him. The credits could have been used in a variety of different ways, funding for sith academies, biology studies, creatures to experiment on, the whole nine. Instead he was presented with a rather impressive sized building all to accommodate the success of one man, [member="Lord Ajihad"].

Orion knew of the man, but didn't have the slightest idea of who he really was. Already, Orion didn't care much for the high pad he now stood on. The servants waved him in, as he stepped down onto the white glistening floor. It was nice, it couldn't be denied. What caught Orion's eye was the balcony, the bright city lights below creating the real beauty of such a location. Fixated on the display of lights, Orion smiled.

"I'm fine myself. But, perhaps my apprentice would enjoy something."

Orion snapped back into the realm of reality, the city below imprinted in his mind. He turned to look at the three lords before him, an honor all on its own. Walking forward, he stopped at the edge of the nicely made couch. Standing to the side of where Ferox sat, Orion shifted his glance to the sith descending from the steps.

"If it's not too much trouble, anything with ice." Orion said, his long black hair being quaffed backwards by his hand. His pale face showed a slender bone structure, young and reminding everyone of his Zelosian roots. His black outfit stuck out like a sore thumb in the bright home of Lord Ajihad. From his black pants to his tank top, all black. His master told him to dress casual and light. So, he obeyed.

His green eyes shifted from the host to another guest, [member="Darth Abyss"]. Orion didn't know anything about either of them.

This should be interesting...

[member="Krest"]

 

[Darth Abyss]

On the cue of [member="Lord Ajihad"], Abyss descended down on a set on the opposite side of [member="Krest"], leaning back and relaxing on the rather comfortable sofa. Now for drinks. Alcohol was easily the one luxury he enjoyed to much, the only one that he allowed himself even in the darkness and simplicity of his bunker.

"Corellian Whisky, mixed with a finger-width of cold water, if possible I mean."

His eyes wandered on [member="Orion Darkstar"], the man Ferox had introduced as his apprentice. He hadn't been aware that the aspect of war was training a new one right now, but it wasn't surprising that the other member of the council had his own secrets. Yet he was eager to know why the sith lord had brought the acolyte with him. It looked like he was gathering allies around him, and since the meeting had been announced he had felt the lingering shadow of change in the back of his mind.

"I agree with Lord Ferox. Let me hear why I have been called here today."

In the edges of his view he observed the others, but he his main focus was on the drink he awaited. He often despised luxury, but in a house like this there certainly had to be a very expensive, very delicious bottle of whisky, especially compared to the dirt that most bars on Nar Shaddaa served.

 

[Lord Ajihad]

Ajihad raised an eyebrow at Ferox. Last he knew, his former master was quite the fan of tea. He was probably just trying to be polite. As he slid behind the bar, he would fill a nice little ceramic cup full of hot water. Searching for a moment, he would delicately place a small bag of Jeru tea in the water. It was a less common drink, yet something he thought the man would like to try.​

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Corellian whiskey, a stellar choice for both an occasional drinker and a raging alcoholic alike. Ajihad selected a bottle of 22-year Corellian whiskey filling the glass with the speed of an experienced bartender. As requested, he added just a touch of cool water make the drink a little less potent.​

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The new arrival just seemed thirsty more than anything. Selecting a bottle of of clear liquid and neon pink syrup, he would grab a chilled glass from the fridge and mix them together with a flourish. A chemical reaction would form between the two substances, causing them to turn a lighter blue color. He held his hand over the glass, using the force to drain the thermal energy from surface and create a thin layer of ice crystals floating on the top. It was a sort of fruity drink from the core worlds, a Chandrilan Blue '439.​

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The Demon's Fist himself would reach for a dark bottle under the counter. It glowed green even through the clouded glass, like some sort of deadly radioactive waste unfit for human consumption. It was Dathomiri Blackroot, an invigorating drink he had come to his appreciate from his time as a Nightbrother. He'd add in a splash of Shesharilian vodka to give the drink a bit of a kick.​

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Loading up a small tray with the drinks, he would walk over to the lounge and place the tray in the center of what was both a coffee table and a luminescent fish tank. He grabbed his own cocktail and sat down in a nearby leather armchair. He took a sip of the strange liquid, closing his eyes as he felt the warm sensation creep through his body. He would then return his gaze towards his comrades, who seemed to think he was the one responsible for this meeting.​

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"It was Lord Ferox, not I, that called this gathering today." He would then turn to face the Red assassin directly. "So, why is it you are here?"​

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[member="Darth Abyss"] l [member="Orion Darkstar"] l [member="Krest"]​

 

[Darth Ferus]

Tea. The Zabrak couldn't help but chuckle as his own drink was presented. [member="Lord Ajihad"] , always doing what he could to please. The red man reached out to the cup and cradled the hot ceramic, simply enjoying the heat. It was too hot to drink after all. "Aye, I did call for this meeting." His blue gaze traveled from the host to [member="Darth Abyss"] , then to [member="Orion Darkstar"] . "Since I became a Sith there was one thing I never bothered to do. Create a powerbase. Now, in this day and age, I find myself needing one. For too long the face of the Sith has been monsters and beasts. To change this, I need you all, and more, to become my powerbase. Two of you, I trust. Lord Abyss, I know your thirst to change and take control. Think of this as an opportunity." There was a respectful bow to Famine before Krest took a sip of his tea. Sweet, calming. Just what he would expect of tea.

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Orion watched [member="Lord Ajihad"] mix the drinks and swiftly at that. He had no idea that certain sith took their time to learn bar tending in their free time. It was quite a talent, Orion had to admit, but he wouldn't. As soon as he saw the hue of the blue appear in the glass he smiled.​

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Chandrilan Blue '439.​

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It was a popular drink, sweet in its tender roots of Lorrd's Gapanga fruit extract. While it wasn't a popular drink, many enjoyed the cold layer that floated to the top. Orion watched carefully as the Sith Lord conjured a frosty ring at the top. Cryomancy, another talent that had escaped him. In time, Orion may be able to reach such lengths, but until then he would have to heed the ways of his master. Excited to try the well-prepared drink he approached the bar. He grabbed the slender bottom of the expensive glass and observed the blue substance that rested inside. Lifting his glass its creator he grinned, a nice cold drink was all he wanted.​

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"Since I became a Sith there was one thing I never bothered to do. Create a powerbase. Now, in this day and age, I find myself needing one. For too long the face of the Sith has been monsters and beasts. To change this, I need you all, and more, to become my powerbase. Two of you, I trust. Lord Abyss, I know your thirst to change and take control. Think of this as an opportunity."​

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Orion listened as he tipped the azure liquid upward and into the back of his mouth. The taste was soothing. His taste buds were zapped by the sudden mixture of other rinds forming throughout the concoction. Orion could taste them all, Grapefruit juice, Jogan peels, Corellian apple, and one distinct flavor that surprised him.​

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Uj'alayi. It was a sweet spiced syrup, neon pink and gave the drink a delicious kick.​

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After taking in the flavors he looked to his master, Darth Ferox. With drink in hand he walked back to his side and stood in silence. He was intrigued by his master’s words. Something big was on the horizon. Something...​

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Legendary.​

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[member="Darth Abyss"] | [member="Krest"]

 

[Darth Abyss]

Abyss took a long sip from his whysik, after observing thr light falling through the slightly brown liquid for a moment Exactly like he had guessed it didn't came out of some random bottle of cheap booze, something he noticed from the soft, warm taste of the drink. After he was finished he continued to hold the now half empty glass in his hand, his eyes seemingly focused on it and not on [member="Krest"] who had just told them why they were here today.

"Lord Ferox, you should know by now that my loyalty belongs to myself alone."

He chuckled slightly and downed the rest of the drink. It was his way of enjoying it, even if it meant wasting such an expensive substance.

"But you also know that I am not above playing a role for the right reason."

Slowly he placed the empty glass back on the table, and relaxed back on the sofa again. He wasn't some warrior, his greatest talent was to read people with or without the help of the force. And reading this interaction and coming to a conclusion based on it wasn't that hard for someone who already understood the red assassin.

"Further you know that I make an effort to understand my allies as much as I understand my enemies. You had no powerbase because you never needed on. That means something is about to change or already has, something big that has risen on horizon. Tell me, "thy lord" what is your bidding?"

The sarcasm in his last words was clear, yet not meant as an insult. He would happily get involved in a good scheme or two, but Ferox should never forget that the aspect of famine would never truly bow to him, besides in the rather unlikely case that the red would rise and claim the title of dark lord.

[member="Orion Darkstar"] [member="Lord Ajihad"]

 

[Lord Ajihad]

Though he didn't let it show, this Abyss character rather impressed him. The Demon's Fist had never met the man before, though he was well-aware of his status as the Black Assassin. Personally, he had never understood why some newcomer was given a seat on the council. Ajihad had been one of the first of their order, and the most he had ever gotten to show for it was an apprenticeship under the former White Assassin. However, he could not deny it took someone rather ballsy to stand up to War, much less mock him. It'd be interesting to see how this meeting went.​

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In his own merit, the former Shadow of Conquest had to agree with Famine. Ajihad was a full-fledged Sith Lord, not a mere asset in some other darksider's arsenal. He was an equal, not a resource.​

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"I must agree with Lord Abyss on this matter. I am no pawn to be moved about on a chessboard. I am no longer your apprentice, that much has changed long ago. You know that you may call upon me in your hour of need, but you would do well to remember that I shall always possess my own will."​

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The assassin listened intently as the Black Assassin continued to speak. He made a good point. Ferox had had many years to build a foundation of power for himself, personally something Ajihad had immediately started upon being anointed a Knight. But why now?​

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[member="Krest"] l [member="Orion Darkstar"] l [member="Darth Abyss"]​