Dark Wings, Dark Words

[Darth Pyrrhus]

The Wyyrlok Class Star Destroyer dropped out of hyperspace above its target destination. Panatha. It travelled alone this time, leaving the rest of the fleet back at its temporary base of operations. Here the large ship would drift in the planet’s orbit, while its owner conducted his business. Indeed, it had been a long time since he had set his foot on Panatha. This seemed an appropriate time as any to pay the impressive planet a visit. The two Sith Lords had much to discuss.

Darth Pyrrhus was carried planetside in the S81 Omicron Shuttle, piloted not by the Togruta Lord himself, but one of his faithful Nautolan. Even away from the oceanic home world they served him. Their time under One Sith rule had been fruitful, but they knew well enough that it was their lord and ruler, Pyrrhus they had to thank for their prosperity. Loyalty came easy after that. The arrival of both Star Destroyer and Pyrrhus had of course been announced as was appropriate, and as such the Panathan defense fleet needed not act on any concerns. This was far from an invasion or any attack. Such an act seemed unthinkable against the man who had pulled him away from the path of a primitive hunter, and showed him what it meant to be Sith. Pyrrhus had not forgotten.

The transport ship would set down at the designated area. No doubt the Butcher King would meet him in his palace, or perhaps he had specified some other preferable destination. In any case, out stepped the tall, broad-shouldered Sith Lord that the once slender and savage-like Togruta had grown into. How time had changed him. Time, and exposure to the Dark Side. While commonly associated with corruption of deteriorating effect, Pyrrhus had always felt like it was an energy that had both refined and cultivated him into a much noble beast. As always seemed to be the case, he was dressed in the dark tunics and undertunics of the Sith, with black robes ontop. With determination in his stride, he set out to meet with his former Dark Council colleague, [member="Darth Carnifex"].

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The tall looming spire of Vain Hollow stretched high into the horizon, a monstrous edifice dedicated to power, cruelty and the Dark Side of the Force. The land around the citadel had been worn away by darkness, leaving only glossy black stone and fetid bogs behind where there had once been lush jungle many centuries earlier.

Nothing lived there, nothing grew there.

There was only the shadow of the great spire and the beasts who lived within.

A multitude of landing pads and hanger ingresses dotted the spite, each one allowing access to one particular section of the massive fortress with the highest being reserved for members of the ruling family and their esteemed guests. It was lucky for [member="Darth Pyrrhus"] that he was considered as such and had been given clearance to land on the Arch-King's personal platform. An Imperial shuttle was already resting on the pad, but there was plenty of room for Pyrrhus to squeeze his own vessel onto the pad alongside it.

And at the far end of the pad stood the Dark Lord himself, Darth Carnifex, resplendent in red and gold robes. He was the only other being waiting to receive the other Sith Lord, so well did he hold Pyrrhus in high esteem, and as the Togrutan descended the ramp he moved quickly to meet him. "Ah, Tanek, it has been too long my apprentice. Too long!" He moved to grasp Pyrrhus' hand like they had done in the past, a sign of brotherly camaraderie born between teacher and student.

 

[Darth Pyrrhus]

Vain Hollow. It had been a while since he had been free to admire the structure. In a strange, twisted way, it felt like coming home. It wasn't his home of course, and would never be. However [member="Darth Carnifex"] certainly made him feel like it. Should he need it, he imagined he'd be able to use it as a safe-haven. Even though naturally he made his own moves to ensure he had his own safety nets in place, Vain Hollow's gates seemed open to him, perhaps born out of something typically unSith-like; trust. Perhaps it was misplaced, perhaps it was foolish, but Pyrrhus did not see it that way. Mentor, ally, friend, master. There were few who truly could claim to be any of those things to him, certainly none who could hold the same combination as Kaine did.

Walking across the landing pad to greet Kaine, it would seem nothing had changed. The welcome on the Arch-King's personal platform was one reserved for few, and Pyrrhus took that as a sign to indicate that he had done nothing to fall in the other Lord's esteem. The Togruta discovered that even his steps increased in haste slightly as he went to greet his old master. "Kaine" he said, flashing those sharp teeth in a welcoming grin that those unfamiliar with his species might misinterpret for something more hostile. There were few beings in the galaxy who still knew him as Tanek. Unsurprisingly, Kaine would find Pyrrhus eager to return the grasp of his hand. "Too long indeed, my master"

"I heard the First Order have been on the rise in this region. I'm pleased to see they have not interfered much with your rule here. They are probably aware they would meet much resistance if they tried." Too much, probably. The Panathan Empire was not one to be trifled with. As the handshake reached its natural end, Pyrrhus remained unmoving. It was likely that they would take this inside, but that was for his host to decide, of course. He wasn't one to tell a man what to do in his own home. Or, well, he was. But not Kaine.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

He nodded gruffly, "The Order has been kind to me and my people, and many among us can sympathize with their cause."

There would always be reservations to the idea of a powerful Sith Lord having mostly free reign within the fiefdom that he had carved out, especially from those who feared the Force as if it were something not of this galaxy. A foolish ignorant mindset. The Force permeated the universe, binding every living thing together in a vast matrix of energy. Carnifex was one of those gifted from birth to commune with the Force on an indescribably intimate level, able to channel its power to work wonders upon the material plane. It was by that right of birth that he, and his fellow Sith, believed themselves destined to rule the galaxy with the power of the Dark Side.

One day that belief would become reality.

"With the fall of the One Sith the Alliance has been allowed to impose their ignorance on the galaxy unchecked, and that is something that neither myself nor the Supreme Leader can tolerate any longer." He put mocking emphasis on the title of the Order's exalted leader, his disdain stemming from the futility of blinding one's self to serve a single man; something that he had willingly participated in before the veil had been lifted.

With newfound clarity came a new name, a new purpose... He had cast off the shackles of Vornskr and embraced the totality of Carnifex.

"Progress has been slow, but we have finally struck a victory at Kaeshana: ruined homeworld of the Eldorai. The Alliance overestimated their capability and has bared their throat to us, we will soon move in to tear it out." He gestured for [member="Darth Pyrrhus"] to follow him inside the spire, the entryway leading to a grand corridor lined with grotesque gothic statues of humanoid figures wielding large swords, their faces contorted in agonizing wails of both hate and pain. The Dark Lord's steps were slow and methodical, he was in no hurry to get anywhere and rather cherished the time to speak with his apprentice at length with his thoughts and opinions on current galactic events.

"But I fear these Imperials fancy pomp and circumstance more than they do in the art of waging war against their enemies, already the elite plan a magnificent gala to commemorate the declaration of war against the Alliance and of our victory at Kaeshana. A pointless gesture, if you ask me."

 

[Darth Pyrrhus]

Pyrrhus didn't have many thoughts on the First Order. They operated away from what had been, and to some extent still was his zone of control. While empires rose and fell, the personal contacts he had established along the way still held firm. Most of them at any rate. There were always those who required reminders to know their duties. In fact he would soon set out to visit one such planet that found itself in sore need of being reminded of his power, and their promise. But the First Order had settled in a completely different corner of the galaxy than, and so their agendas had never clashed. Perhaps they never would have, and instead an accord would have been struck, as had been the case between them and [member="Darth Carnifex"].

"Good. The Alliance should not be permitted a long rest to celebrate their victory. Make them suffer while they struggle to defend that which they have conquered. They overreach their limit." There was not much bitterness in his tone, even when referencing the conquests made by the Alliance on former One Sith soil. Again, the territories had not been his personal ones and he did not blame the fall on himself, but the organisation as a whole. As such, the Sith Lord removed himself from any trace of guilt. He was still undefeated. That being said, the Alliance was without a doubt the enemy. And no enemy so insolent should be permitted peace and prosperity after the damage they had caused. Now it was they who fought for their existence. If anything, the First Order had made a good first impression upon him through this accomplishment alone. Yet they were still obscure to him, and he knew little about them.

"Congratulations on Kaeshana." Pyrrhus said with a respectful nod of the head, as he fell in step along with Carnifex and walked with him into the spire. Pyrrhus seemed to mirror Carnifex's thoughts, as he too did not seem eager to make the trip short. The two would be permitted to enjoy a good walk&talk. "I agree. They have them on the run. They should capitalise and grab as many of the neighbouring worlds as they can before the Alliance can regroup. Those resources would come in handy. Now they make the same mistake the Alliance made when they thought the war was over when Coruscant fell." there is no end to conflict. Celebrations is time wasted on illusions. When they rose in frequency, so did the general level of stagnation. "An empire too busy congratulating themselves on small advances instead of securing their victory is not worthy of the title to begin with." They were but a brick waiting to fall. But to the Sith, every brick was one who could be made to serve a purpose before its end.

"Who is their Supreme Leader anyway? Have you met with him?" he asked, once the pair had begun traversing through the dark and creatively decorated halls.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

They approached the opposite length of the hall, and at its end was an antechamber whose walls were lined with murals depicting cowed humanoids kneeling before harsh angular illustrations of Sith Lords. A single door remained barred to the two Sith Lords, a pair of Crownguard standing at attention at its sides.

"His name is Sieger Ren. He's a Dark Force user, but he is no Sith."

At an unseen command the Crownguard unlocked and opened the door, bidding the two entrance to the larger reception chamber beyond. It was a grand sanctum brimming with works of art collected from all corners of the galaxy, fantastic tapestries draped from the ceiling while first or second edition paintings lined every wall. Somber music poured from music box elevated on a small pedestal near a grouping of plush chairs, couches and ottomans.

Kaine gestured to the seating arrangement, insisting that Tanek make himself comfortable in his master's home. "These Knights of Ren follow the word of the Supreme Leader like it was divine edict, willfully blinding themselves from ambition and individuality. It does not sit right with me, Tanek."

[member="Darth Pyrrhus"]​

 

[Darth Pyrrhus]

Sieger Ren. He committed the name to memory. A Dark Force user, but no Sith. Dark Jedi. The affiliation filled with disgusts. Beings within reach of enlightenment but who instead had chosen worldly pleasures and satisfaction, curbing their own potential accordingly. Naturally, this was not true for all but many. It was always an association one would have to prove oneself in spite of, an extra obstacle on the path to recognition. Sieger Ren seemed to have an ambition, a plan not far from that of a Sith. Yet he was not one of them. And if he was not with them…

Darth Pyrrhus moved into the chamber as the Crownguard let their doors open for the duo. “So he is like their Dark Lord” he said in thought, as he replied to Kaine’s gesture with a faint smile and a nod. The Togruta took a seat, indeed making himself comfortable. This place was filled with memories. Once he would have been more likely to kneel beside Kaine’s chair, now he sat in one of his own. Such was the progression of all Sith. “Yet” he picked up the thread from before once more. “Without the wisdom and foresight of the Sith. I wonder if their place in the galaxy will be short-lived. And these Knights of Ren, no more than slaves and servants given a weapon, existing within a hive mind?” It was almost as much a statement as a question. He had not interacted with them personally, but from what he was being told this was the picture that painted itself in his mind.

“I am inclined to agree.” Pyrrhus said in a nod, as Kaine voiced his discomfort towards their ways. It was, they could both agree, heresy. “But for now their agenda aligns with our interests, it seem. Let them destroy our enemies. When they’re no longer beneficial, well… We have a way of dealing with those whose usefulness is spent.” there was little more that needed to be said that wasn’t communicated through the subtle smirk sent Kaine’s way. His confidence in the superiority of the Sith was a thing never fading. There were weak Sith to be sure, although one could argue if weakness did not disqualify one from the association, but ultimately it was an ideology that stood above them all. At least in Pyrrhus’ own mind. He was far from objective on the matter, even less so as he had grown into adulthood and started moving beyond.

“And slavery? Do they keep slaves?” Pyrrhus asked, a little out of the blue as a thought came to mind. Himself in control of the Karazak Slavers Cooperation, their space was a grand option for profit. Credits was something that interested the Togruta very little, but its value as investments into increased influence was something far more appealing. Money had its used, but money for its own sake was a wasted effort.

[member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"No, they do not." replied Kaine with barely contained disgust.

"They do not think the same way we do, Tanek, they do not believe in the right of a superior being to make the weak his property." At his command emerged many delightfully dressed servants, both male and female, holding plates of food and drink. Everything was welcome for [member="Darth Pyrrhus"] to partake of, for he was Kaine's most honored guest and afforded a place of equality right beside this realm's absolute master.

Kaine took a single goblet of wine for himself while simultaneously biting into a sun-apple from distant Gelda, a satisfying crunch ringing out through the music-laced air followed by a quick sip. "I plan to meet with Sieger in the coming weeks, hopefully I can convince him to allow my people to continue our traditions more openly in the Reach. Hopefully he can see the benefits of such an arrangement."

 

[Darth Pyrrhus]

Disappointing. That someone so clearly dark and maliciously inclined would take pause at something like slavery was beyond him. There was benefit to have, both from the workload they could manage without the concern or wage or agreeable work hours. No union leaders knocking on your door. And there was an abundance of credits to be made for everyone. Everyone except the slaves, of course. But who cared about the slaves. Nonsense.

Indeed, [member="Darth Carnifex"] seemed to hit on the head when he said that they do not think and the same way they did. There was potential, but it sadly seemed both wasted and lost. At the very least, Pyrrhus found himself in far more agreeable company presently. There was no arguing that.

For now he let the food offered rest on a plate in front of him, but a glass was welcome accepted from a tall woman. Fine quality wine, no doubt. He raised his glass to his host and friend, and took a sip of his own. The servants were forgotten and he returned his attention to the man before him.

"Really? That is interesting." Pyrrhus said as he leaned forwards slightly in his seat, an elbow giving him support on the chair's arm. "I hope your visit bears fruit. And that you learn much." should it ever come to blows, the better informed they were, well, the better their chances would be.

"And what of you? Surely you could benefit from a reliable source of slaves." he did not doubt the Butcher King's ability to collect slaves of his own. He likely did whenever he found it necessary. But why not ease up the process by offering up his resources, with a friendly family discount of course. "As I'm sure you know, I manage a slave company of repute. How about I have my people meet your people and hash out agreeable terms?" it was clear in both tone and body-language that this was not a sleek salesman trying to pitch his idea and reap unreasonable benefits. He did not wish to talk of price and bargain. Kaine could afford to pay the standard price, he did not question that, but he would not have it. Kaine was probably the only to ever enjoy the generous discounts and open access Pyrrhus had in mind, and probably the only one who ever would. He owed the man a great deal. It was simply a thought that seemed mutually beneficial, and he sought to do away with the formalities and have it ratified. He trusted Kaine, as he imagined he trusted him. He had no qualms whatsoever to have the slaves of his company contribute to the greatness of the Panathan Reach.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Slaves and war are the trade of all Sith, Tanek."

Slavery had long existed within the Reach since the Four Hundred Year Darkness, it was a practice that dated back untold centuries but had been periodically curtailed by galactic governments who deluded themselves into thinking that no one being could own the life of another. It was disappointing that the First Order did not share his viewpoint, but he had already expressed his displeasure earlier so there was no need to revisit it. Instead the Dark Lord leaned forward with interest as [member="Darth Pyrrhus"] spoke about his reputable slavery racket for he had heard mention of his apprentice's business ventures before but had never truly paid them much thought as his mind had been preoccupied with more pressing ventures.

Now? He was all ears.

"The Graug of Fornow oversee the slaves of my domain, and recent battles have left with me quite a surplus. All sorts of species, you see. Most of them Alliance, some of them pirates and other undesirables. I'm sure you could find some use for these weaklings."

 

[Darth Pyrrhus]

[member="Darth Carnifex"]​

​

“Not all would agree. Then again, not all are truly Sith.” Perhaps seen as a harsh judgement by some, but to him it seemed only fair. Kaine was one of the few, if not the only, who was held in council with Pyrrhus’ inner thoughts. No doubt they had similar concerns for certain individuals in their order, but for now they all served a purpose. The purge and refinement could come at a later date.

Pyrrhus listened with interest as Kaine told of his slave reserves. KSC frequently raided and captured their own, but such was no way to maintain a galaxy encompassing business. They’d get too much heat if that was their only source of meat. Trading and passing merchandise with coin was just as valid of an approach. If Kaine would ever find himself in need, the KSC would happily sell. Although it would seem Kaine had no problem finding forced labour of his own. It came as no surprise.

“Very interesting. I’m sure we can find use for any you wish to part with. There’s a market for even the weakest. Many a scientist only require the subjects have the basic anatomy of their species to qualify for their experiments. There’s a buyer out there for any kind of slave, if you have the patience to look.” This particular part of business was something he gladly left in the hands of his associates. Pyrrhus did not aspire to become a businessman. He merely oversaw the projects and made sure it was prosperous. From there he simply reaped the benefits. “I’d be happy to take some of those off your hand.” With compensation, of course, but he felt that went without saying.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"I would appreciate that dearly, Tanek. Before the First Order moved in I didn't have to worry much about how many slaves I had or what kind of conditions I kept them in, but these Imperials seem dead set on maintaining some sort of public image." The Sith Lord snorted derisively, "As if the opinions of the chattel actually mean anything."

The Dark Lord took his last bite of the sun-apple, disposing of its core on the nearby tray that held his drink. He then proceeding to drink from the golden goblet, downing its contents before setting it back down with a satisfied sigh. One of the servants, a lean and supple Chiss male wearing nothing more than a translucent loincloth and jeweled bangles on his wrists and ankles, moved in to relieve the Sith Lord of his tray while another, a female Theelin wearing similarly sparse clothing, replaced it with more food and drink.

"It is the natural order of the strong to rule the weak, but sometimes I fear that they forget that fact. I try to remind them often but not many of them are prone to listening to a Sith, they tend to believe themselves better than the Sith. Their hubris is aggravating at times."

[member="Darth Pyrrhus"]​

 

[Darth Pyrrhus]

[member="Darth Carnifex"]​

Pyrrhus nodded in understanding. It would seem they had an agreement. Though the pair had been working together for as long as Pyrrhus could remember, now officially the Reach and KSC were as well. Great stuff. With a shrug, Pyrrhus added “Suppose there’s something to be said for maintaining public image.” although he quickly added “Though it is unwise to lose track of who bows to who. Our people knows, and remembers that.”

The Togruta glanced over at the Chiss who dregged into the room with them, reduced to little more than a servant in chains. He seemed familiar, as if he had seen him before or knew the man. But there was little familiarity to be found in the gaze of the blue man who on top of it all averted his gaze. No matter. The Theelin did more to catch the Sith Lord’s interest, although in this very moment he seemed more concerned with tasting the food and drink that Kaine had generously provided them with.

At the notion that they were better than the Sith, Pyrrhus could do nothing but scoff and chuckle. “Hubris indeed. They risk flying too close to the flame that made them. It would burn them to a crisp.” He paused, thinking on it a little while the wine swirled around in his mouth. “We will have to wait and see then. Whether they will be useful cult to harass our enemies with, or a heresy in need of being stamped out.” The Ren getting any kind of superiority complex would do nobody any good.