Dark Secrets

[Jairus Starvald]

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The Black Library​

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Chiloon Rift​

The assault on the Black Library was put on hold with the discovery of the Time Foundry at the apex of the Chiloon Rift.

But priorities changed and with the fate of the Foundry uncertain the Empire had once more committed to breaking the hold of the Light over the ancient, secretive structure. The outside warrens were still occupied by Inquisition forces, keeping an eye on things and ensuring that a breach remained into the inners of the Library. This time there was no Lord Fa nor Caecus to regulate the progress into the Library, it fell upon others to take their place and lead the charge.

Among them was one Vulgrim Blackwell.

He wasn't Saaraishash.

Neither was he Sith.

But Vulgrim was Saarai's and that was where the story ended for anyone curious. The Maelibus was large, looming, instead of his usual groomed attire was rough armor that accentuated the danger radiating from the demon. At least, he would have, if it wasn't for the fact that a little (relatively) mouse was sitting on his shoulder. It perched from the armor and looked down on the world as Vulgrim marched out of his ship.

More ships were docking with the additional docking bays they had managed to crack open and secure during the wait.

They were filled with personnel, droids, Inquisitors, Sith, all aligned with the Empire, all aligned to remove the taint of the Lightside and bring it back into the fold proper. "I don't know why he asked me to do this." The demon mumbled, but even meant as a whisper it had the volume of a mountain slide raging down the slope. "This bay is packed with people, as are the others, must be at least one High Inquisitor available."

But for some reason Lord Fa had wanted him to guide this thing along. Maybe it was because of his strength and endurance, maybe the strange Thirriken wanted to involve him further into the business of the Sith. Vulgrim didn't know, didn't really care either- their Lord asked him to do this and so do this he would. That was the very least that he owed to the Thirriken Sith Lord.

He looked around- many faces, only a few known to him.

Aliens, humans, red skins, blue skins, Vulgrim even spied a green-skinned woman, but somehow lost track of her in the crowd.

"Alright, they are waiting on us, let's see who showed up to help us conquer this damn place."

[member="Jacob Crawford"] | [member="Darth Filiae"] | [member="Venthis Zambrano"] | [member="Emile Kaiden"] | [member="Tabigarashu Madara"] | [member="Eldaah Aderyn"] | [member="Helix Syndicate"]​

 

[Yaadri Osi-Yyn]

The Black Library,
Chiloon Rift.

This place had plenty of history. Not only recordings of history in data, but actual history. The lightside of the force overwhelmed The Black Library. Over time of the filth known as the Jedi have swarmed the location, their presence had made its way into the cracks and fine details of the library, riddling it with the light. Though it was unusual.

The Nexus wasn't like a usual one. It felt different.

Venthis felt it's power as he made his way towards the hangar bay, landing in his usual fighter. The lid opening, revealing the young Inquisitor. He would make his way down from the ship as it landed onto its back. His black cloak dragging across the floor.

In the corner of his eye, he caught the tall creature. The golden scaled Maelibus. One who towered over all else. He made his way over to the man, unsure of his identity. Though Venthis was intrigued by the sight of him.

Approaching him, with little hesitation. "Hello, who are you?" He spoke clearly.

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[member="Vulgrim Blackwell"] | [member="Jacob Crawford"] | [member="Darth Filiae"] | [member="Emile Kaiden"] | [member="Tabigarashu Madara"] | [member="Eldaah Aderyn"] | [member="Helix Syndicate"]​

 

[Vereshin]

The secrets of the Universe brought the travels of a wayward scholar to forbidden places barely traversed by the common man. An expedition of Sith was called to investigate the legendary Black Library and Vereshin begrudgingly accepted their offer. Hands in pockets, he strode down the corridor of the transport towards the hangar bay to meet his fellow Sith. He wore one of his usual black coats over boots which laced up the back, the laces pulled tightly over his tiny legs and closed the space of the material. The entrance opened to reveal the hangar bay and he met the face of a familiar, Venthis, who assisted him in his experiments on occasion.

Vereshin only offered a sly smile and a nod of acknowledgement to Venthis before turning his attention towards the large, demonic creature who lead the expedition. Repressing a gulp, the appearance of the creature intimidated him very slightly and he felt his shoulders rise as he took a breath. Unease rose within the back of his neck as the Light nexus affected the deep corruption in his body. Though dangerous to those who used to the dark side, Vereshin failed to repress his insatiable curiosity and determined to study the anomaly, in effort to properly calculate it's required destruction.

"Hello Venthis, and m'lord?" He addressed the aspiring Acolyte, pausing as he thought about how to address the large alien commanding the group. He pulled a hand from his pocket and lightly brushed back his hair in a habitual nuance of unease. "My name is Vereshin, sir, I am a sorcerer of the Sith." As he spoke, his attention drifted from the face of the man to the viewport. A vast beacon of light sprawled across the stars and invited his curious view. While Vereshin utilized the Dark Side heavily in his experiments, the mechanics of the light piqued just as much fascination and he moved towards the window to glance further through the glass.

"The library is truly located within a Light Side nexus, that's fascinating." He mused ahead of his two comrades, partially speaking to them and partially thinking out loud. Slipping a hand into his coat pocket, he procured a notebook and pen and began to scribble formula, estimating the properties of the Light Side nexus and comparing it to a mass of Dark Side energy. Whether or not the light or dark side possessed greater force than either was a question Vereshin mused on regularly.

[member="Venthis Zambrano"], [member="Vulgrim Blackwell"]

 

[Darth Carnifex]

A harrowing click-clack echoed throughout the hangar as the onyx mechano-chair inlaid with shining gold marched obediently towards the Maelibus and the Sith who had assembled besides him, only stopping when it at last came within a meter and a half of the hulking daemon. The machine seemed to regard [member="Vulgrim Blackwell"] for a moment before the holoprojector built into the 'seat' flicked to life and projected an azure translucent image of the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Carnifex. The image was roughly 3/4ths the size of the actual Epicanthix Sith Lord, but it was enough to tower over both nearby [member="Vereshin"] and [member="Venthis Zambrano"].

The Dark Lord crossed both of his arms across his chest, "Vulgrim Blackwell, I presume? Lord Saarai told me that he'd appointed you to lead this grand undertaking." The Thirriken Sith Lord had been the one to inform Carnifex about the Library's existence, and thus naturally had been the one that he had appointed to secure it for the Empire. Complications elsewhere in the Rift had forced the Empire to momentarily pull back from the Library, but Saarai wasn't one to let such a prize slip through his talons.

"He's told me that you are the best for this particular job, and Lord Saarai is not one to embellish so I will hold you to meet my expectations." The mechano-chair then began to move, still projecting the Dark Lord's real-time image, beyond the Maelibus and towards the entrance proper. "Come then, let us see what there is to be found."

 

[Tabigarashu Madara]

And Hirou?

​Hirou was just happy to be there.

The little nezumi perched comfortably on their cousin [member="Vulgrim Blackwell"]'s shoulder, watching everything with inquisitive dark eyes. It was a shame Vulgrim wasn't wearing his hat, Hirou thought to themselves- they liked riding on that hat better than on a shoulder. It was more secure, a little pocket in the fabric perfect for the 13 cm high rodent to hunker down in.

But shoulder was still better than the floor or clinging to pant legs. It had taken some getting used to, being up this high all the time. But when going amongst the Too-Bigs, it was a necessary thing.

Hirou, like Vulgrim, wasn't a sith. But Tai Fa was family, just like Vulgrim, a Tabigarashu by adoption! And the Tabigarashu's stuck together. After all, he'd saved Hirou, offered the entire clan a new home. What were little favours for family, here and there? It was possible that someone very small, unaffected by the nexus itself, would be necessary for exploring the library.

And Hirou loved to explore.

The nezumi's tail flicked back and forth, little ears swiveling this way and that, listening to Vulgrim for a moment with one while the other took in all of the new and interesting noises from different directions. All these people! So many too-bigs! And all of them dressed in black.

In truth, Hirou didn't specifically understand the distinction of 'sith' that all of these people apparently fell under. As far as the tinker was concerned, 'sith' must mean 'those who dress in black and glare a lot.' But then, Tai Fa was a sith and he did neither of those things. And Vulgrim wasn't a sith and did.

Hirou scratched their head, back foot catching behind an ear.

Hmmm. Maybe rethink the definition of sith? Oh, it didn't really matter.

Hirou looked on with interest as various people approached their cousin, perfectly content to watch, swinging tiny feet from the edge of Vulgrim's armored shoulder.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Venthis Zambrano"] | [member="Vereshin"]​

 

[Jacob Crawford]

Jacob's previous experiences with the Library's Nexus had been particularly...enlightening.

A Light Nexus.

It had been the first time he had ever encountered one, and it had hit harder than he could've anticipated. Although, it probably didn't help that he'd been in the presence of a dark nexus for periods of time these days.

At some point after the Sith Empire's initial entry into the Black Library, Jacob had returned to his home on Maena to meditate. His attempts to do so on the ship before had proved to be inadequate in relation to what the nexus had done to his mental defences. But being able to return to the Asylum, and remain up in the spire for hours on end had been a freeing experience.

Expunge what tiny fragments the Light had tried to place. Loosen the chains of madness that had been tightened in the process.

Jacob had stepped off his ship and onto the hangar with a more clearer mind, better defended from lessons learned during the previous visit. But he was walking into this knowing and reminded they had hardly gotten far into the Black Library last time. The effects of the nexus was going to get more potent the further they delved.

But it didn't diminish his desire to know and learn. To seek out what knowledge was hidden, and most importantly to see the damned Light Nexus torn apart.

He walked up to the group that had steadily grown, giving a small greeting to the two Sith he was familiar with.

"Vereshin, Venthis." He gave them each a nod, then turned to survey who else had decided to join up. Jacob immediately took note of the hologram of Darth Carnifex, giving their Dark Lord a slight bow of the head before catching sight of the largest of the two unknowns.

Jacob looked up and up until he finally saw the face of the towering Vulgrim. Previously, the Lord Inquisitor had informed his Saaraishah that he wouldn't be accompanying them on the return trip, and as such had delegated someone else; an asset outside of the Empire to guide the mission. It seemed this person, demon or whatever he was, was the person. And if Saarai had picked him, then it meant he could be trusted.

Then he finally caught sight of the other, smaller one. Jacob blinked several times, wondering for a moment if he was seeing things. But it became apparent, that yes, there was indeed a mouse perched atop the shoulder of Vulgrim.

Where does the Lord Inquisitor even find these people?

[member="Vulgrim Blackwell"] | [member="Venthis Zambrano"] | [member="Vereshin"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Tabigarashu Madara"]​

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

Her Master had been... more than annoyed that exploration of the Black Library had been put aside for the crisis at the Time Foundry. She was sure that an important piece of the puzzle she was attempting to solve was hidden in the pool of knowledge the Jedi had created here. So when a second expedition was being launched to resume their work for the first, Eldaah had been dispatched by her Master to once again help claim the ancient library for the Sith.

She would say no words to group clustered around Lord Saarai's agent and the hologram of the Dark Lord. Garbed in her usual attire, face blocked from view by the visor, she would stay aloof from the others as she had done before.

'Find the puzzle piece,' her Master's voice whispered into her mind, an ever present presence as always. She would once again be watching and listening, using her apprentice as an extension of herself in a way. The Light side nexus once again was tugging at her, annoyingly so.

[member="Jacob Crawford"] [member="Tabigarashu Madara"] [member="Darth Carnifex"] @Vereshin @Venthis Zambrano [member="Vulgrim Blackwell"]

 

[Ignatius]

I felt almost sick to my stomach as I walked behind this group of various people. The Dark Lord himself showed up. While not in person, he was here in spirit with the walking throne he had. There was even one of my own "kind" there. Well, kind of. More so I was a half-breed of the rather larger looking demon. Another thing I noticed was the wide usage of Lightsabers and other weaponry. So much technology that I have never seen, nor liked. A good pair of daggers was all that I needed for me. While I did carry my witchblade, It was currently held in a little wrap at the small of my back.

The Library was lightsided. And it made me feel sick. Being so close to the dark side, and being one who used the very unnatural side of the force in my everyday life, The light was something else entirely. Hell, even standing outside in the day time made it difficult for me and I would become red as a lobster in a few minutes. I wanted to just back out of this and let the others go in and do this, but the idea of taking this light, and twisting it back into the shadows, and then repossessing the knowledge that was stored here was too good to pass up.

While everyone else seemed all cheery and ready to shake hands and dance in a circle, I was far as I could be away from everyone else. Not a fan of being just one of the others. I always liked manipulating the strings and tugging on them to my desires. This time though, I couldn't even fight it due to the Dark Lord being here, and all of the people here were rather keen and strong within their minds. And I doubted that my own kind would agree with me, let alone take the lead from him. Even if he wasn't so sure about taking the lead himself. Muttering to myself,

"Always the formalities."

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"], [member="Jacob Crawford"], [member="Tabigarashu Madara"], [member="Tabigarashu Madara"], [member="Darth Carnifex"], [member="Vereshin"], [member="Venthis Zambrano"], [member="Vulgrim Blackwell"],​

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Following silently behind the mechano-chair that bore the Dark Lord's holo-projection, Calina surveyed the group through the flickering blue of [member="Darth Carnifex"]'s form. Clad in a black fitted jumpsuit, the seams and hems decorated with golden silk thread, her light hanging from a belt, she looked every bit the part of one of the Dark Lord's apprentices. Now all she had to do was prove to him that she was worthy of such a position and what better way to test her than to make her his hand for the assault of a lightside nexus. How else could he test her resolve in the dark side?

Ice blue eyes glittered with excitement, for no matter how challenging this mission might be for hr, the rewards at the end of it were wondrous. The Black Library held many secrets waiting to be exposed, knowledge beyond her wildest dreams an opportunity to quench her thirst for a greater understanding of all things. While others exchanged pleasantries, her gaze shifted form them to the Library at their backs, desire burning within her.

As the group began to move forward , she shifted to the Carnifex's right, every step closer towards the library's entrance making her skin crawl. A nagging sensation lingered at the back of her ind, urging her to turn back, but Calina was not a fool, she'd been warned of the effects the nexus would have and she'd had her mind played with enough to recognise truth from lies. Whatever discomfort she felt, she did not show, eagerness glittered in her eyes.

[member="Naamah"] [member="Eldaah Aderyn"] [member="Tabigarashu Madara"] [member="Jacob Crawford"] [member="Vereshin"] [member="Vulgrim Blackwell"] [member="Venthis Zambrano"]