Et resurgemus

[Poe]

"Darth Sarcophago," the young deck officer called, halting me in my steps.

Recently I started going by my Darth name, after going through a transformation shedding the rotting skin of the person I was. Piece by piece I ripped and tore the characteristics flaws that I discovered where still keeping me chained to the laws of restriction. I thought walking the path of an Inquisitor was my calling, but in doing so I turned my back on my true nature. I was bred for killing. I was bred for conflict. I was bred an apex predator. All these beaten and whipped and carved into both my body and psyche from those brutal masters in the pits of Nal Hutta. But I found a new life among the Sith, but it was here that I grew weak and lost my way.

Slowly, over time, I cut away the things that made me and embraced a new concept under the Sith. But this only proved to weaken who I was. Rooting out injustices and hunting down enemies of the Empire seemed like an ideal lot in life, and though I was well versed in my duties, it simply wasn't me. I found speaking to suspects and potential threats grew tiresome, when in reality I just wanted to eliminate them without being subjugated to their pleas and cries for mercy.

Finally, in the end, I had to walk away from everyone and everything; slipping away into the shadows to discover myself. I was not the Sith I thought I was; I became a paper doll folded over many times, with each fold something lost. Alone, cold, and starving I listened intently to the voice of the Dark Side as it conjured up visions of my past; showing me that I was not impure of heart to boast the claims of who I was. I, to my horror, was weak. But the dreams and memories I was forced to witness about myself changed all that. I was created to be a monster but I became less of the sum I was born to be. Though my time alone and through the sights the Dark Side revealed to me changed that. I was, as they say, reborn!

I left the confines of my dark sanctuary, descending down upon the small settlement like a wave of war riding the beast of murder. I slaughtered the entire village, eating as I murdered, and crucified the children and women alive; carving my name into their pure and innocent flesh. I watched, with glee in my eyes, as the crucified slowly died from hunger and thirst, as the sun above cooked the flesh on their bones. Their deaths, perfectly constructed, awoken the monster inside me that I had chained mercilessly; denying it's right to live. To further fuel the monster's return, I slaughtered the next village and the next village; turning the region into my own personal garden of death; where I trimmed and primed to flow with beauty. Then I returned home.

"You have news I assume," I asked the young man.

 

[Poe]

Clearing his throat as he shuffled his feet, I could see the uneasiness in his body language as he replied, "Yes ma'am. The scouts returned and the Admiral along with the navigation officer have been mulling over the results. The Admiral requests your presence on the bridge."

Entering the bridge, I noticed the Admiral took the liberty to dismiss any low ranked crew; leaving only the most trustworthy officers to gather around to discuss what we were planning. Since my return, I felt a growing need to spread my blackened wings; to take a planet to rule for my own, without the interference of my Sith family. I would always remain with the Sith Empire, but I craved more; and I was unsure if they could actually promise me what I want delivered. So I gave into my ambitions, seeking to forge my own destiny.

"I believe we have found what you're looking for," Admiral Beth said when she saw me enter the bridge. "From these initial reports, we can begin phase II." I looked at the intel, studying the reports brought back. It was as Admiral Beth said, the planet was barely charted on the galactic maps and there appeared to be limited resistance to our proposed goal; for the exception of one particular species. "These scattered outposts will not be a hindrance, but this warrior-like species on the other hand might. We need to gather more intelligence on them, and maybe we can bring them under our rule."

"I agree. I'll order an exploration scout team to move ahead with their main objective being this species." Nodding my head, I replied, "No. I'll take the Dread Knights and I'll personally look into this species. You, Admiral Beth, will move the Mystic Veil and the fleet to blockade the planet. Have the engineers and surveyors begin scanning the planet for feasible construction sites. Have them focus on the oceans."

 

[Poe]

With my back firmly up against the wall, I watched as the Dread Knights trained for the upcoming mission. Outside of me, nobody knew what the Dread Knights looked like, and if somebody did lay eyes upon them their meager minds would rip. I was always fascinated how they survived my creativity, despite everything I done to them physically; but they were loyal to me. My sweet abominated lap dogs.

Clapping my hands in approval I said, "I do not say this often, but I'm proud of each and everyone of you." Those who could smile through wretched and scarred faces did so, whilst the others simply nodded. Pulling myself off the wall I ordered them to heel and in unison they dropped to one knee, with bowing heads. My sweet, loyal abominated lap dogs. "For your loyalty and your dedication I brought you a gift." The doors to the training room opened and blind folded children where ushered in by maintenance droids. I began to smirk when I saw the looks of hunger dance across their faces, some even salivated to the point that it cascaded down their haunting faces.

"We will be leaving for the target planet. Our mission is to learn about a certain species the locals refer to as demons. We do not believe in such folklore, but none-the-less we shall see for ourselves. Enjoy your meal and I'll see you in the docking bay in four hours." As the doors began to close behind me, I heard the screams of the children as my Dread Knights fell upon them.

 

[Poe]

The first three outposts we visited, the only information we could gather about the Az'al Mo'or was that they were to be avoided. One salvager told me that a tribe out past a cluster of hills were targeting travelers more frequently of late. Still, this didn't help me much. It wasn't until we reached the fourth outpost that I learned about these so called 'demons'.

"I've been here for almost thirty years," the grizzly old bartender said cleaning a mug, "and those tribes were warring with each other then. In fact, I believe they have been warring each other since they climbed out of the hole they were born in." A species that craved war seemed to open possibilities. "I've been told they detest outsiders, is there any friendly tribes," I asked out of curiosity. The bartender raised his bushy eyebrows, pondering my question.

"Very few. There is one tribe west of here that trades and deals with outsiders, but only on their terms. In fact, I believe they are one of the more stronger tribes. It's funny though, they hate outsiders so much yet they go to great lengths to conquer one another. If I didn't know any better, I would wager my cantina that they are trying to unify themselves. If that happens, this planet will crumble."