Blood Pact [First Order, open to Sith]

[Ludolf Vaas]

[OOC: This thread is open to all Sith who wish to join the First Order. If I didn't tag you, you can still join!]
[member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] [member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Darth Praetorias"] [member="Nabrina Vao"] [member="Darth Banshee"]

Ludolf lifted a simple glass of water to his lips and placed it back down on the finely polished wood trim of the conference table aboard the Consul-class frigate Frontrunner. The water was a personal choice; if he wanted, he could have chosen from any assortment of drinks, as there was a fully stocked bar right behind him. Perhaps he would indulge in some Corellian brandy later once the guests had departed, he thought as he sat back on the well-cushioned high backed leather chair at the table. So this was what it was like to be [member="Natasi Fortan"]. Not bad.

​

For her part, Natasi was probably well used to the luxuries of the Frontrunner after having designed it and used it for years, but the ample amenities were still something of a novelty for Field Marshal Vaas. Both the Grand Moff and the Field Marshal, as two of the First Order's highest ranking members in the government and military respectively, would be hosting a gathering of dispossessed Sith Lords today aboard the Frontrunner, after the One Sith had crumbled to dust. The invitation had been sent to Sith Lords across the galaxy who formerly called the One Sith home, that the First Order was willing to entertain an audience with them.

It was somewhat ironic, Ludolf thought, considering at one time both he and Natasi were refugees from the One Sith themselves, and as such would have officially qualified as turncoats at one point in time. But it was remarkable what the passage of time could do to mend old frailties between leaders. The government they went on to create, the First Order, had always been hospitable to the One Sith, and although Ludolf had to deal with a bounty from the One Sith that had cost him one of his hands, that unfortunate business seemed well and truly behind them. Bygones were bygones, as was said - and the simple fact of the matter was that the One Sith was no longer here, and the First Order was. With the dissolution of the One Sith also went any outstanding warrants against Natasi and Ludolf for leaving, so many years ago. And the galaxy had changed. There were new enemies to face; enemies that would require the combined strength of the Sith and the First Order to fight effectively.

The hydraulic doors to the conference room slid open gracefully, with barely a sound, and in stepped a service droid.

"Pardon me, some of the guests have arrived."

"Good," Ludolf said. "Send them in."

 

[Nabrina Vao]

Demeaning as it was, the Twi'lek knew better than to protest or lash out. If anything, the First Order had been nothing but hospitable since she arrived, and besides the Knights of Ren, the administrators themselves for the most part appeared to leave her alone, granting her more than enough elbow room to do as she pleased and pursue her own devices - a dangerous liberty to grant to a Sith, but it reflected well of the myriad different vested interests the faction's political regime had in Force-sensitive abilities. If anything, it was both charming, and to the more perceptive, extremely cunning.

Nabrina was the first to walk in, opting not to say anything more. She reckoned she had a pretty good idea what this was all about - if not a pep talk, definitely a subtle gesture to remind the power-hungry Darksiders who was boss. She'd learned to see past puerile gestures and posturing, but that did little to comfort her in knowing she was in no place to negotiate. Besides, the First Order was a more than decent employer, she told herself as she stood still at ceremony before the Field Marshal, who in most respects was actually quite an agreeable despot - like her, she perceived him to be someone who craved for the return of order, security and prosperity from the core worlds to the border worlds of Wild Space. A noble and impossible ideal for sure, but with the ardent flame of the First Order's zeal and belief in their own cause, let alone that of the Supreme Leader, one could never really be sure. It was an exciting time to be alive.

Characteristic as ever, Nabrina's disdainful look remained affixed across her face - a seemingly permanent fixture that displayed her disposition by default. Her jet black Sith tattoos were hard to look at, even without considering her crimson-red skin, whose hue seemed so blood-like and curdling it almost offended the squeamish. Yet, they were no sharp replies from her, no spiteful remarks or any grudging lashing out. In her black robes, her hands remained hanging down by her sides - her stance was in no way aggressive, nor did she seemed threatened herself. Fear, terror, these things were for another day.

A small nod -a gesture of acknowledgement and about as good a salute one could expect from a Sith- from the Twi'lek, and she finally spoke. "Field Marshal. What's this about?"

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Jamic]

Jamic waited by the doorway whilst the Twi'lek walked in, he wanted to remain as silent as possible throughout this entire conversation. Walking in after she had spoke he decided to stand closer to her than to the officers. This whole thing was a bit of a mess, Jamic was not a struggling Sith from the large group that had been falling. He was independent. This would be the first time the thought of joining a large faction ever went through his mind and yet Jamic chose it as the best decision.

He waited for either somebody else to walk in or for a response to the Twi'lek's question, either or would suit him just fine.

[member="Ludolf Vaas"] [member="Nabrina Vao"]

 

[Elensa Jari]

[member="Ludolf Vaas"], [member="Nabrina Vao"], [member="Jamic"]

The invitation she had received had come as a surprise - both since it had managed to track her down to her home, in a place few would have thought to find a Sith, and because it had addressed her by name - but the fact that it had found her had led Elensa to believe it difficult to refuse. And why would I? Scant few opportunities come your way when you were once part of an organisation bent on submission of all worlds within their reach? True, few knew of that prior allegiance, but it remained a dark cloud over her head, something she always had to wary of, lest it suddenly offer a deluge.

Her small beaten shuttle had arrived at the planetary co-ordinates that the message had offered as a rendezvous point, to be met by an armed vessel of a larger size that had sent appropriate docking co-ordinates. Not large enough to house her ship, they had insisted that she hook up to a docking hatch on the left side and leave her vessel behind. Fine by me. Can barely make hyperspace. It had been a poor choice of shuttle to steal when leaving the One Sith behind, but it was better that than to remain with the others, marooned on a world from which she would have little opportunity to escape. Better to cut your losses, and put your dignity aside, she remembered thinking coldly. Better that than death.

The First Order had sprung up as the One Sith had crumbled, replacing the Sith with what Elensa had always imagined that the Sith should be: a powerful centrist government bent on maintaining order, and through that order, peace within their territories. It was something the Sith had never truly achieved - not really, as much as they often imagined they had. Too hell bent on killing Jedi, she thought reflectively. It was a weakness in them: a hatred they could not quell, and that single-minded goal had twisted so many of them until they were not men at all: less than men, they were but creatures bent towards mindless rage.

Though that's a suitable enough definition for a man that has not been properly trained.

Once aboard, she was directed by troops in gleaming white armour towards a large stateroom that now stood before her. Several others were already within, themselves brought forth from among the Sith ranks, if she was any judge of character. First, the Twi'lek, red skin marked with dark tattoos of jagged edge and sharp relief that curvled around her Lekku; second, a being dressed in black and red, perhaps imagining himself fashionable, though men always had such absurd notions of fashion. Finally, there was a third: an older male, dressed impeccably in a sharp uniform, sitting down while the others in the room stood. The one that summoned us here, no doubt.

Elensa herself had dressed as she often did: long black skirts concealing the heeled boots that covered her feet, flowing around her with each step. A soft sash encircled her waist, bereft of pouches or weapons, unadorned but for delicate stitching around the edges. A fitted bodice wrapped around her upper body, though her head and shoulders were similarly covered by a semi-transparent black veil that served to obscure her features somewhat, in typical fashion of the Hapan Consortium. She wasn't one of those Sith that insisted on wearing those ridiculous homespun robes in the name of tradition. You cannot promote one's independence and yet insist upon such absurd attire.

Her deep blues continued scanning the room, the young woman unable to announce her presence, but nor caring to do so, even if she had the capability. Doubtful that any in here would understand the flicker of her fingers that remained her sole method of communicating, since few enough were versed in Galactic Sign Language, so she would simply remain still, and wait.

They would not have brought us here without cause, she mused. Either they want our aid, or they want us dead. Perhaps both. It wouldn't have been the first time.

 

[Iskander Deus Tenebris]

Iskander walked through the halls in no rush. His confident gait portrayed how highly he thought of himself. Even his golden mask showed his self deification. His movements were filled with an excited energy however. This was perfect. The First Order couldn't have risen at a better time. The Sith ouroboros finally devoured itself. The power vacuum left behind was just perfect for anyone wanting to build a power base. The rising star of the First Order was quickly filling that vacuum. So it was only rational that they can grow together. They all have a common ancestor - The galactic empire. The Sith afterwords admired Palpatine and his regime. The First Order was also built on the same ideals - Order and strength. It was all for the supreme leader. They'd find Iskander to be quite a willing ally. As long as it is beneficial of course. No empire lasts forever.

Entering the meeting room Iskander quickly appraised the uniformed man sitting at the table. Iskander refused to form an opinion just yet. Looking around the room Iskander gave his peers brief looks before taking a seat at the table wordlessly. His mask modified his voice to sound blank and uncaring. "Can we get to business or can I expect a few more?" This question was targeted at the man in uniform. He clearly orchestrated all of this and so he was the target of Iskanders attention.

Iskander stared at the other Sith. They had no way of knowing that it was a look of fascination. He never really came into contact with other Sith. If at all. This meeting was not just for personal gain. It'd be very satisfying seeing other members of the Sith. Well. The Order now.
[member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Jamic"] [member="Nabrina Vao"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Darth Abyss]

Darth Abyss had no desire to join the ranks of the first order, yet he was not one to decline a invitation like this. To survive a sith had to have allies or at least had to know its enemies. And where could he learn more about his enemies than in a friendly meeting, one under the mantle of refuge and alliance?

From what he had gathered he knew that not many that lived in first order space would recognize him for who he was, and he hoped that this was also the case for the higher ranking officials of the organisation. The last Knight of the One Sith had done many things since the One Sith empire had began to struggle and stumble. The ideologies and values of the two factiona differed greatly, so he was sure that many members of the faction would disapprove the measures he deemed necessary in the final days of his empire. Abyss never saw order as something that could be achieved, and even less as something to actively work for. The natural state of the galaxy was chaos, and whatever someone would do, sooner or later it always returned to this state.

Walking inside the room, shrouded in the only robe he possessed, old and ragged from the battles he fought in, his feet left no sound as they touched the ground, neither his cybernetic nor his organic one. His eyes wandered over the other "sith" that followed the invention. From their presence and behaviour he figured them beneath him, acolytes and imposer that where no threat to him.

Wordless he stood in the room, his mask hiding the everything but the lower half of his face. His mouth stayed stoic and emotionless, as the sith Knight waited patiently for the meeting to begin.

[member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] [member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Jamic"] [member="Nabrina Vao"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

[member="Nabrina Vao"] [member="Jamic"] [member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] [member="Darth Abyss"]

As the Sith in attendance came pouring into the room, Ludolf stood.

"Welcome," He said to all of them, as he stood at the end of the long conference room table. "I am Field Marshal Ludolf Vaas. Please, have a seat. Help yourself to a refreshment," He motioned to the assortment of fruits, beverages and breads laid out at the center of the table, his tone belying little warmth, though that was to be expected of such military figures.

Vaas took a seat as the others did. He could see that the red Twi'lek and the other dark-clad figure, Iskander, were raring to get down to business. Ludolf in fact had dossiers on each and every person in this room. Some of them were relatively blank, as little information was known, but he was at least able to gather intel on their general identities, thanks to the tireless work of the First Order Security Bureau. Vaas had concerns about a potential loose cannon or two among the bunch, but this meeting would hopefully resolve that. Ludolf leaned back comfortably in his high-backed chair, his gaze studying each of the Sith in the room.

"First allow me to express my condolences at the loss of the One Sith," He began. "The First Order has always sought amicable relationships with the One Sith, and its dissolution deprived us of an ally."

"And that is why you are here. The Sith and the First Order are fellow travelers bound to the same ideals. Our enemies may change their veneer, but in the end they're still the same as they ever were." Vaas shrugged. "The Republic one day, the Galactic Alliance the next. You all know as well as I that their intention is never peace, only war. So the First Order is willing to accept Sith into our space, where you may continue to practice your religion unheeded - in exchange for swearing loyalty to Supreme Leader Sieger Ren, and fighting against our enemies."

 

[Darth Abyss]

Abyss remained wordless, motionless, listing to any word the field marshal had to say. His expression stayed unchanged until the man was finished. He had not yet taken place on one of the chairs, instead he slowly began to walk up and down, like a predator waiting for the right time to strike.

"Peace is a lie."

He spat the words out, a hint of anger brooding under his calm and stoic tone. He stopped in his motion, turning to the first order official that had opened up the meeting.

"You say our empires share the same values, yet the one sith believed in chaos, not in order. You say we can follow our path, yet you want us to waste our loyalty to a man to afraid to claim the title darth."

His hands moved to his head, one removing the hood, the other taking of the mask, revealing his face to those around. Most of the time he removed his mask it was a gesture of respect, but now it was only so all could see the disgust in his expression.

"Through victory, my chains will be broken
The force shall free me."

He was reciting the code, not for the Field marshal but for the sith gathered here. It was meant as a reminder of the path they all gave their live for, a reminder of what it meant to be sith.

"You want us to wear the shackles of your empire, to bound ourselves to the chains of loyalty and order. I did not come here to make enemies, but your offer is an insult to our code, our order and our believes. If you want the sith to follow your command, you need to rethink your approach. We are not your beloved knights of ren, we have been here long before, and will be here long after your empire has crumbled into dust."

[member="Ludolf Vaas"] [member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] [member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Jamic"] [member="Nabrina Vao"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

"And yet," Ludolf responded to [member="Darth Abyss"], in between casually pouring himself a cup of stimcaf on the table, "The First Order stands strong, while the One Sith is dead. Felled by the very same chaotic individualism that has destroyed Sith Empires of the past, time and time again. Your fancy for chaos doesn't seem to be working out for you."

Vaas knew the Sith Code well, after having served under the Sith for much of his life. There was nothing in the Code that prevented loyalty to a cause, but Ludolf was not about to entertain a debate with someone who was clearly not interested in cooperating with the First Order. That much was clear, after he had just insulted the Supreme Leader and rudely continued to pace about the room. Engaging this man any further would be a waste of time. Darth Abyss seemed only to be here to cause trouble, contrary to his claims.

Ludolf sipped his stimcaf calmly while pressing a button on the underside of the desk. Of course he had a contingency plan, should any of the Sith decide to be uncooperative enough to the point of violence. The doors to the conference room opened, revealing a squad of Stormtroopers which entered the room. If need be, Ludolf had some Knights on standby as well.

"Men, please see to it that Lord Abyss is escorted safely back to his shuttle."

The Stormtroopers surrounded Abyss and one motioned to the door. "Time to go, sir."

 

[Nabrina Vao]

Nabrina remained silent, only listening as the Darth resisted and the Field Marshal verbally riposted, opting to stand still and not even turn her head as the Stormtroopers came in to take the former away. Her gaze remained fixed on the latter; one could feel the rage and the hate behind those yellow eyes - the corrupting, liberating power of the Dark Side. In her mind, she could only internally shake her head and sigh.

Vipers recoil before they strike, Darth. This, I am sure, you know. If we all die a dog's death her without achieving power, or whatever it is we crave, our lives will have been pointless. I will pray to the Darkness for your soul. You are right however, the Sith will endure as it always has, but not the empire. That cancerous tumor would die, and she would see to it - the Sith would live on, but only through the purest of its proponents: Only through me.

But first, I must gain strength. I must attain power.

"Field Marshal Vaas", Vao began, "I take it then that you'll be needing some sort of pact on our part." Her voice remained as flat and disdainful as ever. "I believe I like you, Field Marshal. To rally thugs in duraplast to your cause in one thing, but to grant Sith liberties while under your wing? Your bravery is commendable."

[member="Ludolf Vaas"] [member="Darth Abyss"] [member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] [member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Jamic"]

 

[Iskander Deus Tenebris]

It was sad to say Iskander wasn't impressed with his peers' behavior. One of the main beliefs of the Sith was the right of the strong to rule. The One Sith failed and the First Order is on the rise. It seemed obvious to Iskander that despite the difference in ideological beliefs the First Order has won the right to be on top. Iskander turned to [member="Darth Abyss"] and began to speak in his robotic voice. "You recite the Sith code. Ironically you seem to be chained to the very thing that is supposed to free you. Power is the right of the strong to wield. Clearly the First Order has won that right." Iskander turned to [member="Ludolf Vaas"] "I would like to hear what would be expected of us. Loyalty of course. But what exactly would that loyalty entail. Also how would that loyalty benefit us? If we wanted I'm sure we could fade into the background like we've done countless times before. Why should we remain with you?" Iskander turned away from the Marshal and stared at the Stormtroopers. Their discipline was to be commended of course. They didn't even seem to be fazed by the fact that they were opposing a Sith. For the First Order to have such loyalty from their men is amazing. Or is it the Marshal they are loyal to. After all many a direct leader has commanded more respect from his men than his superiors. Darth Vader and Thrawn were good examples. Unfortunately multiple Jedi were good examples of this as well. Iskander continued to admire the Stormtroopers military precision as he spoke "I am glad to see that you're willing to accept the Sith. But something a little more ... substantial may be required." At this Iskanders gaze finally returned to the Marshal.
[member="Nabrina Vao"] [member="Elensa Jari"]

 

[Elensa Jari]

[member="Ludolf Vaas"], [member="Nabrina Vao"], [member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"], [member="Darth Abyss"], [member="Jamic"]

And there's the durasteel fist behind the velvet glove, Elensa thought, observing as the doors to the room slid open to reveal armoured men with their weapons to hand. Of course the First Order would take precautions: a Sith would only fail to do so because they tended to be walking arsenals by themselves, so the concept of reinforcements was fairly unnecessary. But it was that same strength, and the volatility of such, that made these precautions not only intelligent but essential. Especially in light of the moment.

The young woman took a seat at the large conference table, gathering her skirts as she did so, in order to prevent them from being trapped beneath her as she sat. Of course she would contribute little to the gathering, but it was interesting to observe it nonetheless: the bravado of two different powers, even though one had fractured into many. The First Order felt it held the cards, with the One Sith having gone, but to assume that the Sith were therefore no longer a force to be reckoned with was a mistake, as one of the Sith within the room seemed intent on teaching them.

It's a mistake to imagine that the First Order could put a leash on you in the way that you imagine, she thought, her deep-blue eyes observing Abyss with a mild disgust, though this was no doubt not helped by the impetuousity of his gender, lashing out before the meeting had begun to bear fruit. Volatile, impetuous, far too quick to judge, she reflected, wondering if patience on the part of the Sith might not have served him better. And now he will walk away holding a grudge, and perhaps act against the First Order's interests, and become an enemy. The Field Marshal might have done better to kill him now and be done with it.

The other two in the room were correct, though: there would need to be conditions placed upon their loyalty. The two groups held fairly similar goals, in truth: the belief that order and discipline was essential to the galaxy, and that this could only be established if imposed on those below by those that were on top. We simply differ on the question of who it is that is on top, Elensa thought idly, observing the proceedings as the troopers entered the room to flank Abyss. So many of us see ourselves atop that vaunted pyramid, while the First Order does not. She did not feel that made their goals incompatible, however. As was always the case, the Sith would have to adapt.

After all, do our teachings not say that adaptation is survival? Strength comes not from the ability to wield sheer brute force, but from the ability to be flexible one moment and to stand firm the next.

She tapped her hand sharply against the table, feeling the carefully polished surface smooth beneath her fingers, then gestured first towards the Twi'lek, and then towards the tall young Human that had entered and sat but a few moments ago, then to offer his own words about the need for something of substance in exchange for their loyalty. The Hapan's hand lowered and she nodded her head towards the Field Marshal, giving a weak indication that she agreed with the other two.

The First Order held the highest hand in this card game. In theory, she agreed with their purpose and even the proposition of an alliance. But only a fool would enter into a bargain that was one-sided. With the First Order promising to allow them to practice their religion unhindered (a gross miscomprehension on their part, she felt), they were offering the Sith that which they already had. To win the allegiance of those who might serve the First Order above their allegiance to the fallen One Sith...there would need to be something more.

 

[Nabrina Vao]

The crimson red-skinned Twi'lek was quick to pick up on the Hapan's subtle gesture, and slowly walked towards the near-human - almost standing beside her at less than a full arm's reach away. Nabrina felt she could trust another female in properly assessing the complexity of the situation, and thus the compromises that had to be made - for now at least, and for how long was another matter. The fact of the matter was they were on the First Order's turf, and for now they were truly outgunned and out of options. It'd be folly to deceive ourselves and feign strength were there is none, Nabrina contemplated as her eyes quickly shifted to the Hapan, studying the near-human and trying to size her up as to be able to understand where she'd be coming from, and then turning back to face the Field Marshal. It was a complex Pazaak game of sorts, where the current round left her with a permanently handicapped deck. They'd lost either way, the Twi'lek figured, but what was negotiable was the collateral. Her hands stayed low and crossed at the forearms, disappearing under her black robes as she stood straight; was not sitting down just yet.

Field Marshal Vaas was an interesting man, and the way he played his cards suggested he knew more than just a thing or two about strategy. He'd come to this Pazaak game knowing his deck held superior cards from the first flip to the last - it had all been worked out beforehand. Ultimately Nabrina knew, as her eyes took a quick glance at the exquisitely polished and varnished table before them, that Vaas didn't even have to negotiate to begin with - the moment he'd start to feel like he was being done one over, he could just as easily withdraw from the game, and leave with the credits, proverbially speaking - so even the way in which the negotiations were bargained over would have to be considered. It was a tight squeeze for sure, but nothing too impossible for an order notorious for its shrewd cunning and its guile. The Knights of Ren were impressive without a doubt, but the Sith were an entirely different matter - with the Supreme Leader or otherwise.

"Field Marshal", Nabrina began again, "My Hapan colleague and I trust that you're of the stock and wisdom to know that no one Sith can speak for all of us, and while every one of our Order is unique, there are some things that need a little.. ironing out." She quickly glanced over at [member="Elensa Jari"] before continuing, "I won't question your grace or your position of superiority here Field Marshal, but when you say that you'll grant us the allowance to continue our own practice, are there limiting stipulations on that?"

She had to be sure she completely understood the opening offer, even before proceeding to bargain further.

[member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"] [member="Darth Abyss"] [member="Jamic"]

 

[Iskander Deus Tenebris]

Iskander turned to the two women in the room. They were drastically different than [member="Darth Abyss"]. They seemed to be far better at adapting and seem to be taking the Marshals offer seriously. But they were also a threat. The Hapan didn't give any useful tells which made her an unknown factor. Unpredictability is dangerous. The Twi'lek seemed shrewd and perceptive. That fact that they also seemed to be backing each other made Iskander cautious.

Iskander made a decision. "The inability to evolve has caused many empires and regimes to fall over the eons. The One Sith was like a serpent devouring its own tail. They were self destructive and thus returned to dust. You all know this of course. What I must add is that the Sith code is a very old and very vague tenet. Because of that I am willing to set it aside. After all if we Sith refuse to change then our lucky streak of survival will one day run out."

Iskander leaned forward with his hands clasped in front of him. "I am a pragmatist Marshal. I refuse to let the antiquated beliefs of the One Sith hold me back. I will give you what loyalty I can give. All I ask for in return is the right to rise in rank. I have no need for money or luxuries and because of that I cannot be bought by the enemy. I'd never betray the Supreme Leader because that'd spark the same pattern of self destructiveness that drove the One Sith to its knees. Power is the religion of the Sith Marshal. Not sacred texts and ancient words fervently repeated by old men." Without looking away Iskander gestured to the side.

"​You've just seen the result of fanaticism. It is a weakness to be exploited. The point is that Religious freedom while agreeable is not sufficient enough to gain the loyalty of Sith." Iskander then turned to the other Sith in the room and remained silent.

[member="Nabrina Vao"] [member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"] [member="Jamic"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

[member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] [member="Nabrina Vao"] [member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Jamic"]

There had been much discussion in the room, and Vaas felt like it was finally his turn to iron out some of the questions. He took another sip of his stimcaf and leaned forward, crossing his fingers on the table. The concerns emanating from the Sith were essentially the same.

"Ultimately, my Lords," Ludolf shrugged, leveling his eyes at them, "The Sith will need protection from the onslaught of the Alliance and their ilk. The First Order can provide that. We share the same enemies, which theoretically should give us enough of an impetus to work together - as it did when the One Sith were still a relevant force in the galaxy."

Having experienced the unscrupulousness of the Galactic Alliance on more than one occasion, Ludolf knew that they would sink to no ends to quash the life out of everyone in this room given the chance, despite the ideals they postulated. The First Order had never known peace since it began, and likely never would. War had been brought to them when they had not asked for it - they simply evolved to face it.

"Secondly, for some time now the Knights of Ren have been collecting and storing what ancient Sith and Imperial artifacts they can find. Pieces of our shared history. If you wish you may aid them in this pursuit as this is a shared culture which belongs to both of us. As well as this, it will be agreeable to us that a Sith Temple may be built on one of our planets, a space set aside for you to train yourselves and your Apprentices and continue your traditions. As for what the First Order asks in return - we ask simply that you pledge loyalty to Supreme Leader Sieger Ren. The orthodoxy of the Sith stresses the respect of power, and Sieger Ren is potentially the strongest Dark force of our galaxy at this time. This means that you are to respect the Supreme Leader as you would a Dark Lord, and you are to accept the First Order's laws as the law of the land. And when called upon, you must fight our enemies alongside us as auxiliaries in our military campaigns."

 

[Nabrina Vao]

Nabrina couldn't deny - with an offer like that on the table, the prospects were looking good. Access to any of the holocrons the Knights of Ren had and their own separate temple besides the Rennite temple on Virgillia? For a moment, it seemed too good to be true. She'd heard stories of the mysterious Sieger Ren too, despite his reputation for forever eluding proper inquiry. And yet, something seemed off: there had to be a catch. She briefly turned to [member="Elensa Jari"] by her side, giving her a look that suggested she wasn't buying it, or suspecting there had to be more. What [member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] had said was true - it took more than something as paltry as religious liberty to earn the loyalty of the Sith (if their loyalty could be attained at all, or if it was worth anything), but the prospecting of giving them what was essentially a free hand, as if the One Sith could just carry on but under the First Order's flag? Something was up.

As she turned back to the Field Marshal, she made an effort to maintain her calm composure, despite the odd mix of serenity and disdain that seemed to grace every expression on her - from her face, to her speech, to her body language. It was odd, seeing a Sith attempting to be so tactile and agreeable, but Machiavellianism, as the Field Marshal himself would surely know, had its uses - all the more so for the essentially Fascist First Order, and the cunning, manipulative and deceptive Sith.

"You've studied our code, Vaas, of that there is no question. Suppose the Sith do accept this offer and rally to the First Order under these conditions, but how are you going to deal with the stragglers?"

Admittedly, she was poking - she wanted to see and test her next prospective employer if he was worth his weight in Korriban salt.

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Elensa Jari]

[member="Nabrina Vao"], [member="Ludolf Vaas"], [member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"]

As the Twi'lek spoke for both of them, Elensa came rather close to an expression of surprise, but kept it under wraps, concealed both beneath the translucent veil that covered her face, and with what Humans often termed a 'sabacc face', revealing little of the emotions seething beneath the surface. Part of her was irked that a woman of that caliber would presume to know her thoughts - particularly given that Elensa had done little to express any of them - but she wasn't wrong. Perhaps that was the part that was most galling of all.

That the Field Marshal felt that the Sith needed the protection of the First Order was amusing to say the least: true, when they controlled planets and ordered fleets of ships, it had been a simple thing for the GA and the other factions of the galaxy to find a target to fire against. But with the One Sith gone, their fleets disbanded, their armies under the control of others...now they were but a vague target, one that could easily disappear and re-emerge when they so chose, as they had done so many times in the past.

Perhaps he sought to speak to their individual fears: that sense that, separated from a collective force, they might be hunted one-by-one, picked off without back-up or support, their only chance of safety being that of hiding in the shadows, which was no way to truly live. Understandable that he should think so, of course - undoubtedly many do worry about that. She did not, of course, but then very few knew of her Sith nature, and the face she often presented to the Galaxy remained that of a Hapan noblewoman, outside and above those petty squabbles that so often drew others into them. But the call of the Force can hardly be denied.

He offered them more than this, though: sovereignty over a Temple they could construct and use to continue training, to store their knowledge and practice their traditions. That was something they could ill afford to ignore, especially with so many of the ancient Temples having been taken over by Jedi and their ilk. To work within the ranks of the First Order offered no tangible loss that the young woman could discern: with the sole loss of the possibility of ascension to the top of the pyramid, and for most Sith, that had never been an option anyway. And a foolish distraction for many, ultimately.

Reaching out with sudden motion, the young woman forced her hand outwards towards the Twi'lek, moving to wrap her slender pale fingers around the other woman's arm, feeling the soft fabric of the woman's robes beneath her fingers, and corded muscle beneath those. She stretched out with her mind, using that physical contact to enable her to convey her thoughts to the other individual, in the way she had inadvertantly learned from Sage, projecting images into the other woman's mind.

She saw the same thoughts flash in front of her eyes as she pushed them outwards, sharing them with the Twi'lek. Images of Sith trying to interfere with the First Order and being shot down; of fellow Sith engaging their own in combat, one black-robed figure striking down another with bursts of lightning or the slash of a lightsaber; Sith vessels being shot down by massive triangular capital vessels, burst of green and red energy lancing between them to burn down the Sith ships into nothing more than empty, burning hulls.

The Hapan released her grip on the other woman, her hand lowering to her side. She felt she'd made her point: those that stood against the First Order would die, much as it had been during the times of the One Sith. The greater good had to be protected against those malcontents and lesser beings that would stand in the way, and seek their own glory above the goals of the group. Undoubtedly the Field Marshal had that in mind: the way he was addressing them now made it clear that their recruitment was along the lines of 'join us or stay out of our way'. There could be no third option: anything more than this was death for them all.

 

[Iskander Deus Tenebris]

Iskander listened silently to the Marshal. A temple certainly was beneficial. It will be a great source of knowledge on the Dark Side. Iskander leaned back however in contemplation. It seemed the ability to move up in rank was not allowed for Sith. The temple will be a good investment in the short term. But once the Sith have learned all they could what then? How will the Order deal with power hungry masters of the dark side with no way to move up? Eventually the First Order will have too many powerful adversaries to handle properly and their enemies could take advantage of their inner turmoil. Iskander can only foresee two solutions to the issue. The Sith will find unofficial ways to gain influence and be satisfied that way. Or the First Order will have to allow them to move up. But that causes yet another problem. A Sith is unquestioningly loyal until the moment he is not. The stability of the Order will be called into question.

Iskander sighed mentally at his inner monologue and leaned forward. "I agree with your terms Marshal. I have only one more question. Can I help myself to any of the drinks? Or are those being saved for a more civil group?" He didn't normally drink. It was a slippery slope into weakness and vulnerability. But this was the dawn of a new age to quote a cliche. Might as well go into it with a drink. Iskander put his arms to the side and silently waited for the Marshals reply.

[member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Nabrina Vao"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"] [member="Jamic"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

"Stragglers will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis," Vaas answered [member="Nabrina Vao"]. He remained stone-faced and complacent in his chair at the head of the conference table. "We are more concerned with vetting prospective Sith to see that they ideologically conform to the First Order. We believe in rule by strength, but we are not in the business of power-hungry individualism. Our aims are for the greater advancement of our society and our people. Any Sith who wishes to join us must respect that. If you do, then you will go far in the First Order."

Ludolf knew that the Sith would have to earn their position of trust here at the First Order, especially with the Knights of Ren. Unfortunately, through no fault of anyone in this room, the Sith had acquired a reputation in past decades that made many wary of trusting them. Rampant selfishness had wreaked havoc within the ranks of the Sith for far too long. In their quest for ultimate power they had become undisciplined. It would be up to the men and women in this room to repair that image of their cult if they were to be fully accepted in the First Order. If they proved themselves loyal and useful, then that would go a long way.

Ludolf allowed himself a smile at [member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] comment. "Help yourself," He said, gesturing to the bar. That was what the bottles were there for.

Then, he stood up from his seat, and unfurled a long, black-and-red First Order banner from underneath the table. Laying it across the conference table, the stark image of the First Order Sun emblazoned crisply on the banner, surrounded by a bright, eye-catching blood red became the instant focal point of the room.

"This will be an informal ceremony, but what is said here aboard this ship today will echo through all eternity," The Field Marshal said. "If you wish to pledge your allegiance to the Supreme Leader, then place your hand upon our symbol. The First Order will receive your pledge of loyalty, a pledge not taken lightly, for you will be honor-bound to live by our laws and uphold our ideals, and you will go where we go, and fight our enemies wherever they are."

[member="Elensa Jari"]