Chaos is a Ladder (many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again)

[Rahn Haaku]

Name: Ankhypt
Region: Outer Rim
System: Osiris System

[SIZE=9pt]"ETA TC-14?"[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"We will be exiting hyperspace in 20 seconds Master." Replied a robotic voice.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Rahn Haaku stood on his ship’s small observation deck, his hands gripping the guard rail. Intensely. He had taken a healthy dose of anti-anxiety drugs, yet his fear still crept into his conscious mind, turning his stomach and making his heart beat fast. He had hoped that the flashing starl ines would soothe him. Orange eyes tried to track the stars as they flashed across the viewport and he sighed heavily before frowning and pushing himself away from the view. This was his most ambitious and dangerous mission he had ever undertaken. In secret and without counsel Rahn had taken his personal ship, falsified transponder codes and headed into Sith space to parlay with a Sith of royal blood whom Rahn had never met, and only new by reputation. His sources had suggested that of the Sith, this one seemed the most moderate and approachable and the Nemoidian sincerely hoped that was true.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Excellent." He said coldly as he walked past the silver-plated protocol droid, placing his hands behind his back before walking continued briskly to the turbolift.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]It opened before he even attempted to detach his hands and he gave a curt nod of approval at the efficiency and reliability of his ship. It was his personal pride and joy and it had taken a great personal sacrifice to paint over its beautiful iridescent green hull. Before stepping in he commanded the ship’s AI. "Take us to the bridge."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]__________________________________________________[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"We'll be exiting hyperspace in 3...2...1... Real-space. Power up sublight thrusters." The ship’s captain, Quayle Argyus, was a stoic and respected naval officer and his voice carried across the bridge. It was not a particularly loud or threatening voice; however, it was one that commanded respect through his years of experience.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Several consoles to his right a crewer, a human, in charge of engine power regulation, responded crisply."Sublight drives engaged, pilots now have full control over the ship. Engineering reporting in at 100% capacity."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Captain Argyus did not reply. His hands flashed over the lighted buttons on his command console. He enjoyed having the bridge dark, there was something he, and he hoped others, found beautiful in the flashing console lights and the streaks of stars when they were in hyperspace. His red eyes reflected the blip of light that represented his vessel on the navigation board.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]In front of his command chair and slightly lower, pressed almost against the forward viewscreens where the ship's pilots. They were a pair of Corellians, former smugglers, hired on by Rahn for their skill at somehow making their consular transport faster and more maneuverable than a racing sloop. The two former smugglers fit in well with the crew, they liked their work and were happy as long as they could fly and drink Tarisian Ale. Their experienced hands were placed lightly on the sensitive controls and with perfect synchronization they twisted their wrists slightly, sending the vessel banking to the left and more squarely toward the yellow ball of a planet that was quickly approaching.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]__________________________________________________[/SIZE]


[SIZE=9pt]The turbolift door at the rear of the bridge opened and two members of the Neimoidian Gunnery Batallion who were standing at each side straightened their backs and gripped their rifles tighter. If not for their gloved hands they would probably have been getting white knuckles clenching their rifles so hard. There was obviously palpable tension as the mission’s weight hung over the ship’s occupants. Rahn had endeavored to include only his most trusted allies and servants. He was forced to trust each sentient aboard with his life. They could easily[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]TC-14 emerged first followed by Rahn. The soft footfalls of his designers shoes could be heard over the now silent bridge. Heads turned to see who had arrived and upon seeing who it was, they quickly returned to staring at their consoles. Rahn smiled uneasily as he approached Captain Argyus who had risen and offered Rahn his hand. The two shook hands quickly. "Captain." He said simply in greeting.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Argyus replied quickly and concisely as was his way, not extolling nor exaggerating. "We are approaching the planet now and will pass by their first orbital installation in a matter of seconds. The Sith or their planetary security force will contact us momentarily seeing as we are disregarding landing at their orbiting stations. We are making full speed towards the planet surface and the Black Pyramid."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The Consular Class c70 Retrofit raced past other merchant vessels. Tt's powerful engines, sleek design and excellent controls allowed it to dodge other ships and race past the space stations. As if on cue a priority transmission burst through the comm channel....[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The gruff and powerful voice of an Anubian Male boomed over the bridge's speakers. "Mother of Invention, this is Ankhgpt Orbital Control, I need you to modify your approach vector to one of our stations immediately."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The Corellian pilots looked at one another and smiled before pressing the reply prompt. Smugglers never missed a chance to buzz traffic controllers... "Negative on the modify Ankypt Traffic Cops. We have a priority clearance and VIPs aboard. Requesting Clearance to proceed to the planet's surface."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"What?" Said the Anubian in disbelief. "NO! Clearance Denied Mother of Invention! This planet does not allow planetary landings without clearing customs at one of our stations. Throttle down and modify trajectory to dock at the nearest station, there is no other choice." [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Not our call Ankhypt Traffic Cops, VIP is here by invitation of Sith Lord Mythos.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]As the conversation continued to drag on, Rahn unclasped his hands and with his right hand reached down to activate Argyus’ commlink, sending a transmission to Orbital Control. His pilots had had their fun, there was no reason to antagonize their hosts. “Ankypt Orbital Control, this is The Nemoidian. I respectfully request your assistance in waiving the proper procedure and allowing us an immediate landing upon the planet, our mission is rather critical to myself and your master."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]There was a long pause before a response. "We apologize sir. You have been cleared for landing on the planet surface at the Black Pyramid. Orbital Control out."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Rahn visibly relaxed and let out a held breath and then began to walk back towards the turbolift. "Pilots, take us down." The turbolift doors closed with a resounding thud.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The sleek starship shuddered as it passed into the atmosphere and then disappeared beneath the clouds...[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The Consular Class Cruiser cut through the desert winds with ease. As it approached the Black Pyramid the ship decelerated and flew a lazy loop around the point before being grabbed by the pyramid’s tractor beams and guided to a landing bay.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]____________________________________________________[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]With a loud hiss of released steam and hydraulic pressure the boarding ramp descended. Rahn walked slowly down the ramp, taking a moment to scan the hangar and the welcome party. Rahn was followed by his protocol droid and a cadre of Neimoidian Gunnery Battalion troops and a large neimoidian brute who was armed with a formidable looking mace. Rahn was dressed in an elegant silk robe of red and gold.[/SIZE]

[member="Mythos"]
[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Mythos]

This was the place where Mythos came back from the dead. This was Vaotehim, the Pyramid of darkness, where no light came and where the people of Ankhypt came to honor their dead for the afterlife. Mythos came here in secret several times a month to train specifically in the art of Anubian close quarter combat and magic. He excepted a visitor but visitors never cut into his training routines as every hour was in it'self a chance to hone his skills for the war to come.

A transmission would be heard in the Consular Class Cruiser coming directly from the Black Pyramid.

"Welcome Rahn Haaku. I have been expecting you. Please dock in your left, my right. My warriors will be there to escort you shortly. The Black Pyramid is your home for today"

To the naked eye the structure looked like nothing more than a ruin with a trail of pilgrims and travelers heading in and out of it. Four obelisks, lit with crystals shining with light stood at the end of every corner of the pyramid and an almost ominous dark cloud hung over it. Mythos was inside the Pyramid but several stories underground in a chamber designed by himself to train his combat skills. He was at this time surrounded by several Anubian soldiers wielding spear like weapons that could also hold a single ranged sonic blast. Mythos wielded his personal lightsabers, songsteel pieces clipped together to make a saber/staff. This time the Anubians charged in waves of two and Mythos blocked the upper cut attack of one of them while force pushing the one opposite of him to create space. The ring in the bottom pyramid was simply a drawn circle of white chalk in black stone. The Anubian soldiers who fought him used the very same staff-like weapons they used in combat, no modifications, they held deadly sonic blasts.

When the Anubians held the weapons leveled to him was when the call came from the surface signaling that the visitor was here and that training time was over with the sound of a loud bestial roar... Monsters roamed here too.

His armor was bland with leather instead of metals, his only weapon the lightsabers in his hand and the boots he worse clanked of the floor with an audible steel of the toe. Fast paced using the style of juyo Mythos let loose a fury of cmbos that sent his opponent down then on a dime turned to face the one opposite him and launched a deadly saber throw. Two sonic blasts launched overhead as he dashed, a dip in his knees saw them fly over him without tampering with his combo routine. Unprepared the Anubian launched back, recoiling and throwing his weapon up in defense only to lose his hand but not his life, lucky compared to his counterpart who was now sliced Anubian flesh. The sweat beat upon Mythos' brow as if sunlight itself cooked his head as the battle ended, two defeated opponents ending the gauntlet match he had just put himself through. Now a shower would be in order and seeing as the underground river Oasis was seconds away that is where he would go for now then the main Hall where he would meet his guest.

As Mythos stepped through the shower and into the Main Hall his guest would be brought in to the throne hall, two stories underground and lit entirely by fires in this place of black stone. If one had any affinity to the force one would feel the oppression of the dark side of the force here perhaps more heavy than any other place in the galaxy. His armor was black durasteel as it helped to do what he was here to do... Be an Oracle and see the future.

Upon the throne he smiled through the darkness and gave the order to light the great brazen fire. When lit the chamber would be completely illuminated as the fire in the center of the room sent the smoke straight up... fed by the corpses Mythos had killed today, the ones lucky enough to walk away with just a single hand or something similar surrounded the fire, staring through blackened H.U.D. visors at the guests. Like unmoving sentinels only their head shifted to constantly stare at the guests as they walked, staves in hand.

[member="Rahn Haaku"] [member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Rahn Haaku]

Rahn and his entourage were led deeper into the pyramid. It was fortunate that Rahn and his guards were neimoidian and were used to dark, cold, almost claustrophobic hallways. Rahn shuddered to think what other sentients would be experiencing on the descent to the Sith Lord's throne room. Despite his anti-anxiety drugs, it was all the neimoidian could do to remain composed and take full steps as dark shadows flickered against black stone creating monster in the mind's eye. Perhaps those touched by the force or of a more ethical disposition would be paralyzed by the aura that radiated stronger with each step forward.

Rahn could see an orange glow coming from up ahead and as they approached what he assumed was the throne room, he began to smell something strange... It was not until he entered the throne room and saw the brazier and its burning/melting contents that he attributed the stench to burning flesh. In the maelstrom of Rahn's mind a single thought ran out as he beheld the room; That you could always rely on the Sith for the dramatic. His eyes lingered on the charring corpses for a moment more before he turned his attention to the Sith Lord, lounging on his throne.

Rahn had never met the Sith when he had affiliations with the Commenor Systems Alliance. Rahn had only been a junior diplomatic officer at the time. However he had spent considerable resources accruing what knowledge and records existed of the man. Rahn believed he had painted a somewhat accurate picture of the man and had grown confident enough to subtlety extend quiet lines of communication. He had successfully teased a face-to-face meeting, perhaps the most important one of Rahn's career. If he failed he could be killed for treason or worse. But if he succeeded... The thoughts of wealth and fame, the base desires of the Neimoidian species, overpowered his fear and he straightened his back and stepped confidently forward.

He stopped an appropriate distance from the Throne and bowed to the waist, conveying respect and gratitude. Rahn's Neimoidian guards bowed as they eyed the Anubian warriors uneasily. "Lord Mythos. Thank you for extending an invitation to your world." Rahn gestured to the great brazen fire that illuminated the throne room. "Your fire burns bright my lord. My proposal will not give you reason to add more bodies to the pyre, I assure you." He said with as sincere a smile as he could muster.

In earlier secret and encoded communications, Rahn claimed that despite the rising tensions on the border between CSA and Sith space, he could ensure a peaceful compromise that would save Sith resources and give them a tremendous boon. It was an offer that was at very least interesting enough to garner a personal invitation to stand before [member="Mythos"]' throne.




[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Mythos]

"Do not let your surroundings fool you Master Rahn" Mythos said, his voice bouncing with the echo of the pyramid. He stood from the throne, almost shooting up with the energy and boomed a smile to his guest returning the one given. "I would not be an ally of Commenor, one for many years, if I sent Kay's friends to a horrible death every time they put forth a bad idea that paused by training regiment". Mythos walked forward down the steps with his arms extended, the fear this Nemodian projected was like a snack for him, feeding his power in the darkside of the force as refreshing as drinking cool crystal water. Mythos placed himself between the brazen fire and his guest, flanked by his Anubian guards to both shoulders and tilted his head. The shadows and flame of the room combined with the blackened stone made it very hard to see for one with an untrained eye, Mythos would look like nothing more than a figure shrouded in darkness and flame, a shadow which the dark side of the force made dance upon the wall like a sick, demented caricature of life... something evil could only imitate but not create. His arms slumped down, silence already grating on his nerves, the theatrics already boring him. Mythos brought one hand up, focusing the energy of the dark side of the force into an ability called Alter Environment. Using the knowledge of this ability and pyrokinesis Mythos snapped his fingers and the room could now be seen entirely as the torches that lined the walls and ceiling, hundreds of them, lit one by one, illuminating everything into an ancient castle like glow.

It was now the Nemodian could see how he was dressed and Mythos could see his guest clearly as well. He had heard of the greed of this ones race yet baffled was this Lord of Darkness to say the least as to the reason of this visit. "I am Lord Mythos, warrior of the Sith Empire, Magnus of the Sith, extension of the Will of [member="Darth Carnifex"] and King of Atrisia. You know me as friend to [member="Lady Kay"] and former head of royal security of the Commenor Palace and Senate." Mythos spoke with a smile on his face and the demeanor of a coworker, not a Sith Lord, he had learned to speak like the being he was speaking to, it made manipulation a lot easier.

"I however confess myself ignorant as to yourself or the reason to your visit" He said, smile widening and pace quickening around the fire to get to arm's length of his guest, shoulder to shoulder. "I am aware of the war going on, the blockade. Yet you must understand." He smiled, arms open wide at his waist, placing one on the Nemodians hip as gesture to walk with Mythos into the well lit tunnels of the Pyramid. "There is little I ca do, to my knowledge, to help Commenor. Yet I have been... away, for a while. I might have missed something that an aware and astute minister like yourself would know about"

[member="Rahn Haaku"]​

 

[Rahn Haaku]

Rahn blinked to clear his eyes as the room's sconces burst into flame. Rahn and the Sith spent a brief moment studying one another, garnering first impressions. The Neimoidian supposed he was lucky that he had not been vivisected by now, but as the Sith had mentioned, he had some lingering respect for Lady Kay. She continued to surprise him. There were few humans who could earn a Neimoidian's respect and she was one of them. While she wasted time and resources preserving a standard of morality, Rahn could not help but admit that despite taking the harder path she had managed to guide an entire galactic government for two decades.

However, Rahn feared that with the fall of the Galactic Alliance, Commenor would inevitably become a target. These fears were only excacerbated by the blockade. A victory in war seemed unlikely if the Sith were committed to it, and even if the Systems Alliance could hold their own, Rahn had never suffered through the indignities of war and certainly wasn't excited at the prospect.

"I would not dare to ask you to act against your Sith brethren, Lord [member="Mythos"]. Though you are right that I did come here seeking relief from the blockade and an alliance that could dispel the specter of war between your empire and Lady Kay's government. As you say an astute Minister may have identified a third path for us, a path that doesn't end in a bloody stalemate or my subjugation..." Rahn paused, searching the Sith Lord for a reaction. Not seeing anything particularly unnerving, he continued. "I propose a marriage alliance between yourself a Lord and scion of noble blood, and [member="Lady Kay"], who as you know remains unmarried. This will bring the Commenor Systems Alliance under your influence, the marriage alliance shall ensure peaceful relations, and you will not have to waste resources in a war of conquest if you are on the throne, my Lord."