Friends in High Places [Vornskr]

[Ludolf Vaas]

[member="Darth Vornskr"]

Agent Vaas' field grey Imperial uniform was pressed to perfection. Not a crease was to be found in it, as usual. Behind him, the plate glass window of the elevator showed the cityscape moving by.

His uniform was a visual relic of the old Sith Empire, the vestiges of which still lingered on within the One Sith. An aesthetic reminder that beneath the surface of the One Sith, it was the die-hard Imperial fanatics that kept the war machine churning. Ludolf Vaas had toiled away in One Sith Intelligence, contributing to the organization to the best of his ability with woefully few resources and manpower. Vaas had been trained to be an Agent in the old regime, when both resources and manpower were plentiful. Although the One Sith were growing more powerful by the day, the game was different now. Intelligence, despite the small number of talented Agents it held, was in a state of ebbing. The once esteemed organization no longer held the same level of prominence in the new regime.

Vaas had heard from the grapevine that there would be even more cuts headed for OSI from the Dark Council itself. Evidently, the organization was to be of secondary importance now both de jure and de facto, as the One Sith focused on its strengths, feeding its resources into things it already knew how to do well, as total war moved on. All well and good... except for Agents like Vaas. He was one of the best in OSI - he knew he was. His dossier up to this point had included everything from clandestine assassination to infiltration, all executed with perfect accuracy, and so he had never imagined himself on the chopping block. That is, until he had been personally summoned by Darth Vornskr. For the first time, he felt that his future was uncertain. There was the chance that he could be dismissed entirely. But of course, there was never such a thing as true dismissal from a Sith Intelligence agency. Minds privy to such secrets and sensitive information were never allowed to wantonly wander the galaxy. Dismissal thus meant one of two things - state-sanctioned relocation which effectively amounted to house arrest, or death.

Ludolf feared neither. Only the prospect of a career unfulfilled, his potential wasted.

He stepped off the elevator as it ceased its motion and the doors parted for him with a hiss. Before two great swinging doors stood two Blackblade Guards. Vaas approached them and stood before them.

"Tell your Master that Agent Vaas is here, as summoned."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The two guards only spared the newly arrived Intelligence Agent a momentary glance and nothing else, but after a few moments of agonizing silence the doors leading to Darth Vornskr's personal quarters in the Imperial Palace slowly creaked open revealing the spacious interior beyond. The two guards merely moved slightly to either side away from the entry-way, a silent indicator that Agent Vaas was permitted entry into the sanctum of their Lord. Inside he would find a large antechamber from which several smaller chambers that comprised of a living space, a kitchen, an entire wing devoted to combat training, and a refresher branched off in each cardinal direction. The Sith Lord who had summoned the Imperial Agent to his quarters would emerge from the training room clothed only in a pair of loose trousers bound at his waist by a sash of leather, his chest left exposed as his body was slick with perspiration from what one could assume was a rigorous training exercise.

The Sith Lord strode over to a dresser situated just outside of the training room doors, and removed a soft silken shirt and a dark zeyd-cloth robe, slipped them both on and turned to face his guest.

"Pardon my unorthodox entry, Agent. I prefer to do things my own way when in the confines of my sanctum."

He said with a deep, booming voice that practically commanded obedience without even directly saying so. A trait from his career as a high ranking intelligence officer from the early days of the Old Empire, to his reign as Sith Emperor in the twilight years of said Empire. His hair was the color of dark coal, a combination of his still youthful locks with the aging gray streaks that were beginning to appear more numerous every day. His eyes, piercing and observant, bore deeply into Vaas' soul.

What perhaps would be most striking is that both eyes were different colors.

Not naturally, of course. The left eye was very Human-like in it's appearance, and sported a gleaming emerald iris. The right, however; was wholly foreign to the Sith Lord's body, and it sported a vile lilac iris that squirmed every so slightly. He smiled at the agent, a smile that was unalarming in appearance, but was horribly forced as the Sith Lord attempted to replicate an emotion he had seen countless times before in the presence of normal individuals. However; do to the amount of scarring and mutilating his entire face had endured from countless conflicts across the galaxy, his smile only twisted those still present remnants of battle into a macabre visual that would most likely incite terror rather than comfort.

"I have heard much about you, Agent Vaas. An outstanding intelligence operative, perfect accuracy and efficiency in everything that you have done. You remind me of myself when I was younger, skillful, cunning, resourceful. However; you are not here to hear about me, I brought you here for another purpose."

He deliberately held off revealing that exact purpose for now first to gauge the man's reaction.

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

The Agent stepped forward into the expansive antechamber. Inquisitively, his eyes scanned his surroundings, absorbing the kitchen, training area, and all the accoutrements that Darth Vornskr was afforded as a prominent Sith Master. Ludolf had once served this man as his Emperor. It was strange to think that it wasn't so now; how very taxing it must be for a Sith Lord to assume a position of power less than to which he had been accustomed, Ludolf thought. But more importantly, his eyes scanned the walls and the ceiling. There was no apparent sign of hidden trap doors or compartments, nothing on the ceiling that could give way to secret assassins.

Ludolf slightly relaxed his position in the middle of Vornskr's antechamber. He calculated that if the Sith wanted him dead, there were far more efficient ways of going about it. Multiple Sith forces would be used to ensure maximum efficiency, and the deed would not take place in a Sith Lord's personal chambers. Vornskr seemed like someone who valued his carpets and tiles without blood stains, blaster bolts or lightsaber scarring. Therefore, Vaas concluded that he was here for a different reason. To what end, he could not yet predict.

"Of course, my Lord," He responded as the Sith Lord dressed himself, apparently emerging fresh from an exercise. He would not question the Darth in his own chambers, merely remain loyal and attentive.

He hated the uncertainty, however. His heightened intelligence continued to calculate all possible ends to this scenario, the nods of his implants working overtime... and yet no conclusion emerged statistically prominent. Vaas needed more information. It seemed that Vornskr was about to elaborate.

"Your words do me great honor, Darth Vornskr," he inclined his head slightly. It felt good to be noticed. "I am yours to command, my Lord."

[member="Darth Vornskr"]

 

[Darth Carnifex]

He could feel the officer's uneasiness when the Sith Lord was unwilling to immediately elaborate on exactly why he was brought down here, and while another Sith would take enjoyment at [member="Ludolf Vaas"]' expense, Vornskr was not exactly that type of individuals. Rather, he just likes to build up suspense and anticipation for the grand reveal, but perhaps he is being too theatrical in all of this. So, he instead moved forward with his plan, and regarded the officer with an analytical eye similar to one a superior officer would use upon those he was tasked to oversee and inspect. "Indeed? Well, I am glad to hear it, Agent Vaas. But I did not bring you hear to be reminded that I command you. I brought you here to give you the opportunity of a life-time, and to make use of your impressive repertoire that those fools in Imperial Intelligence have been so squandering so wastefully."

His words were calm and methodical, and not once did his voice rise above the deep bass that reverberated with power throughout the entire room. Finally, the moment of grand reveal was upon them, and Vornskr now directly referred to Agent Vaas with his words. "Agent Ludolf Vaas, I have brought you here to recruit you into the Blackblade Guard, where your talents will be put to better use on the field of battle than in some dwindling agency. Your intelligence skills, however; will not be forgotten or cast to the wayside, I have need for such an impressive soldier in my company. That is why I want you to become an Overlord in my army, and fight for not my name, but for the name of the Empire that we both serve. What say you, Ludolf?"

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

[member="Darth Vornskr"]

Ludolf's eyes followed the Sith Lord as he crossed about the room. A wave of satisfaction came over him as Vornskr spoke, knowing as he did that to be addressed by a Sith Lord in such a manner was a great honor and did not happen often. For the first time it felt that Vaas' abilities were finally being appreciated. He was no stranger to the Blackblade Guard either; it was Vornskr's personal paramilitary force. Computations churned in Ludolf's brain. Perhaps Vornskr was on the cusp of making a power play, as Sith were wont to do, and was looking to shore up his power base. Ludolf understood that by joining the Blackblade Guard, though lip service was given to the Empire, he would essentially be committing himself to Vornskr.

That was a gamble that Vaas felt good about.

"Admittedly I have been only briefly trained in military tactics," Ludolf responded, "But my genetic engineering has made it possible for me to accomplish a wide array of duties for the Empire. Such a position is within my abilities, and one I would accept gladly."

More information was required by Ludolf. "And what is our relationship to the rest of the Army? And what are my duties as an Overlord? I wish to endeavor to immediately serve to the best of my abilities, my Lord."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"You will no longer answer to the Imperial Army, but instead you will now answer to the High Overlord Anthmar of the Guard, who in turn answers to me." Vornskr produced a miniature holo-projector from his person and held it out before Vaas. The device lit up and produced a twelve inch holo-projection of the High Overlord in question, a tall and imposing Epicanthix warrior garbed in black plate armor wielding what appeared to be a Chimera SienarTech Blaster rifle in his hands and some sort of large vibro-weapon sheathed across his back. "The High Overlord is the best of my soldiers I have to offer, and I believe that you will have no difficulty working in tangent with him. His upbringing is not unlike your own in many ways." Vornskr shut down the holo-projector and returned it to where it came, and now moved on to answer Vaas' second question.

"As an Overlord you will be one of several high ranking individuals within the Blackblade Guard, who in turn answer to the High Overlord, and through him to me. Your responsibilities range from managing logistics and composition of various cells of the Guard assigned to your command, and during battle you will command and direct them against our foes. This will be the ultimate test of your abilities both on and off of the battlefield, Ludolf Vaas, and I know that you will perform such tasks perfectly. You were made for such greatness, and I will not see your potential squandered."

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

[member="Darth Vornskr"]

"Understood, my Lord." Ludolf bowed his head as his newest master finished speaking.

He had always known that the Blackblade Guard was exclusive from the Army, but preferred as much verbal confirmation from Kaine as possible. The more explicit the details were, the better he could do his job. And based upon his initial assessment, Vaas already saw a number of ways in which the Guard could improve. Their fortunes had waned as of late, but there was still an opportunity to rebuild and restructure.

"Ultimately, the Guard will need to be improved greatly as the coming months progress," Ludolf said. "If you don't mind my analysis, I will provide it to you. The Emperor grows feeble, and there is talk of discontent among the ranks. If any Sith Lord were to make a power play, I calculate that now is the time. Which means that for your own personal security and advantage, my Lord, the Guard must become a true force to be reckoned with once again."

Vaas shrugged. "Unfortunately, we have little time. But might I recommend a place to start, Lord Vornskr? I suggest using the old Sith Empire's racial code and purging the ranks of all the lower species. These sentients may be fit to inhabit the menial ranks of the Army, or some such... but as personal protection for you? I would not trust their loyalty."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"I would be mindful of your tongue when speaking of the Dark Lord, Overlord Vaas. Be what he may, he is still our Lord and Master, and I will not here such blaspheme in my company." He said in a voice that was cold and calm, but still gave off a dangerous tone of warning to the newest addition to the Blackblade Guard. However; what the young man rang true in Vornskr's ears, and he was quite aware that should something happen to the Dark Lord, there would be those that would think themselves worthy of the Dark Lord's title and throne. That is why Kaine was consolidating his own power in this moment, not necessarily to make his own move for the throne per say, but rather to ensure that the One Sith would not crumble under inferior leadership after the Dark Lord's departure. What truly mattered was the vision set forth by their Sith forefathers, by the ancient Darth Krayt, and those Sith who came before and after him.

"I have already instilled mine own racial code in the Guard, Overlord. However; I am interested to hear what you have to say." Indeed, Vornskr had limited the membership of the Blackblade Guard to only Humans and Near-Humans, himself being an Epicanthix, and had eliminated all Alien traces from within his own personal forces. He was a firm believer in the superiority of Humans and Near-Humans, but he held his own race in the highest regard, and had said that they were superior to all others. Such racial sentiment was law in his own kingdom in Fringe space, where Epicanthix were first class citizens, Humans and other Near-Humans were second class, and Aliens were not even considered sentient beings. Vornskr had visions to see the entire galaxy follow his creed one day, but until then he would have to tolerate the presence of such inferiors both in the Sith Empire and the Order of One.

That would all change eventually, and all would benefit.

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

[member="Darth Vornskr"]

"My apologies, my Lord," Vaas bowed his head reverently, "You misunderstand my meanings. I do not mean to provoke treason against our glorious Emperor. I only have concern for those who do."

If anyone were to make a play for the throne, then Lord Vornskr would necessarily have to worry about his own safety. He was a powerful Sith Lord, which could be both an advantage and a detriment. Ludolf was well aware of how Sith dealt with threats, including those presented by fellow Sith. And if Vornskr's safety was in concern, then it was Ludolf's duty to develop countermeasures for anyone who might fancy themselves the next Emperor.

Perhaps Vornskr himself already did. To that, Overlord Vaas would not object.

"The Guard must of course be composed primarily of human stock to ensure maximum loyalty and efficiency," Vaas continued. He anticipated that Darth Vornskr would agree with his sentiment. "I understand that there are various near-human species permitted to serve. I would evaluate them on a case-by-case basis. Which species may presently serve in the Guard?"

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Many near-human species currently serve in my Guard, but mine own species rank the most numerous among any other, Vaas."

He was, of course, referring to the Epicanthix. A warrior race from the deep Outer Rim that was well-known for their martial prowess, culture completely immersed in war and violence, and their complete genetic immunity to Force-assisted mind abilities of any kind. This made them especially hard to read and manipulate by Sith and Jedi alike, but those that served Vornskr do so because of loyalty to the sovereign ruler of the nation-state of the Epicanthix, and because they were viciously trained to follow Vornskr's every command to the letter. Such training allowed them to easily partake in many atrocities during Vornskr's reign as Sith Emperor of the Old Empire, including the genocide of several alien races, their subsequent enslavement, and the torching of their homeworlds into barren wastes. Although, Vaas didn't need to know all of the dirty details of his Guard right this moment, or even at all!

He should be content to be a part of such an infamous organization of Jedi and Mandalorian killers.

#Blackblade4Life

"Whom else besides those two would you deem fit to be a part of my Guard, Vaas?"

@[member="Ludolf Vaas"]