Heir To The Empire

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The Chimaera was an angry old beast.

The Star Destroyer hovered above this system's star like a resting giant. Even docile, she thrummed with power. Mephirium let his eyes drift shut as he listened to the rhythmic rumble of her primary reactors, and the sounds of orderly flight checks from the bridge. Those aboard this vessel owed him their complete loyalty; some came for his lineage, others his service. All were capable.

Mephirium observed the ancient vessel's crags and crevices with an amused eye. She carried more history than almost any other vessel in the galaxy, and she was his -- a nascent gift from the late [member="Darth Arcis"]. Mephirium made a point to thank the long-dead Sith Lord for his service when he had time to commune with the Great Ocean.

For now, there were other matters to attend to.

He drew his cowl up further over his features; the light of the distant sun only managed to illuminate the area beneath his nose. He turned as he felt the object of his attentions approach, his lips pressing into a thin smile.

"Cousin," he greeted. "I'm pleased to see you well."

[member="Darson Rade"]

 

[Darth Arkanus]

He knew it wasn't everyday he got a personal invitation to a Star destroyer, especially one as old as the Chimaera as he boarded the Ancient ship he glanced around looking at it. He had studied this type of ship in his studies and knew it's capabilities and powers well. It would have been a grand ship in it's prime, but she could still fight like the rest of them, that he could not deny.

As he padded through the ship an occasional glance at him as his tall demeanor and long strides brought him through the ship with ease. as he boarded the lift to the bridge he took a deep breath. It was unusual to be called to a ship, but even weirder to be invited to a old beauty like this one. He hit the button and waited as the lift went up.

His boots padded down the bridge until he stood directly behind the man as he turned around. Right as he went to greet the man he heard him talk, Cousin. The word echoed through his head as he thought about it. No, it couldn't be, Uncles son who ruined the family because of his ability in the force. But, could he blame the man? He had the same power as well, yet not as strong, he could use it to sense the force, which he could with this man.

"As well to you. I assume the reason you called me here is not for a family reunion?"


[member="Cyril Grayson"]

 

[Placeholder 04]

Mephirium snorted a laugh.

"Ah, but that is where you are wrong. All I have done has been for family. Is it wrong for me to seek out those who still yet live?" He asked, quirked a brow as he looked over his shoulder at the figure. His arms folded behind the small of his back, and he reached out within the ethereal realm. He touched against the man's psyche, assessing his capabilities and all that he was in mere moments. then it was over, and Mephirium decided to himself that he was satisfied.

"I am Darth Mephirium. Some call me Chirikyat, others Dark Lord, and others Grayson. You are family. Officially, you shall call me emperor. Unofficially, you may call me Cyril if you like. It is my given name." He bowed his head somewhat, as if to bridge the gap between the two men. "But, you are correct. There are certain matters I can only trust to family."

He paused. "No doubt you've heard what befell my father? That he died speaking out against the Sith? How ironic that his own son become one of those beings he so loathed. Regardless, I am continuing his work." Another pause. "What is it you value, cousin."

[member="Darson Rade"]

 

[Darth Arkanus]

He did not find it amusing looking back at the man.

"What I value? I value what my father taught me, the Empire that our family, that was the only thing I have from him since my mother took me away. For years I've studied the Empire we served, their ships, their ideals and their beliefs. I've looked at our history and I want to continue it. I've seen just by what you have here that we might want the same thing. To continue what your father and my father was a part of."

He looked at the back of the man. Raising his brow slightly, he knew that the answer was most likely right. He could tell by the people, the ship, and his demeanor and feel about it. Also, inviting him, his long lost cousin. Why else would he invite him? To get together and go clubbing? Not a man like that, everything he did he had a purpose. He knew this well and he wanted his cousin to explain the reason why he was there.

[member="Cyril Grayson"]

 

[Placeholder 04]

Mephirium studied his kin with narrowed eyes. It was the fool who trusted one solely on blood. He'd long since learned that lesson observing families such as the Zambranos, Solos, and others. Even still, it was the gateway into something greater. Blood was a tie that could not be broken, no matter what one did or wished. Darson shared his vision, more or less, and if he didn't Mephirium would find out. He watched the man through the eyes of the Great Ocean as he spoke of old empires and forgotten traditions. For Darson's sake, he did not seem to be lying. Satisfied with the answer, Mephirium waved a hand and turned bodily toward his blood.

"We do desire the same thing," Mephirium mused, "But you must be tested. It is a fool who believes merit comes from blood alone," he smiled, "However, I've every confidence that you will rise to the challenge, in one way or another."

He gestured toward the comm-officer. "Begin the jump." He looked to Darson. "I would advise you brace yourself, cousin."

Moments later, the lights of hyperspace were flooding the viewport. A few hours would pass before the vessel came out of hyperspace over Rakata Prime.

[member="Darson Rade"]

 

[Darth Arkanus]

He listened to his cousin about a test. Test? What Kind of Test? A Test of the Mind? Or a Test of the body? He raised his brow as he looked at his cousin and before he could get a word out his cousin by their jump. Where to?

He walked off the bridge and walked down to a room and sat on the bed looking down. This is going to be a long day. He opened his book and began writing into his book about personal notes and started sketching. He sketch roughly but it seemed decent enough before putting it away. He got up and looked into the mirror. A tall man with strong dark blue eyes looking back into his. His back straight and his shoulders back. He didn't have to much muscle on him but he didn't have a body of a twig. He Pulled on his uniform to straighten his uniform before walking back to the bridge.


Coming back onto the lift he sighed as he pushed the button coming back up. He saw that they were out of jump when he waked back up to his cousin and stood slightly behind him. "I'm here just in time, I hope so at least. Am I allowed to know what I am supposed to be doing, or is this a thing to discuss in private?"

[member="Cyril Grayson"]

 

[Kruel Zing]

For centuries Empires have risen and fell, civilizations brought low, planets destroyed. Yet throughout that I have remained, I have survived. Eyes opening for the first time in over three hundred years Kruel dismissed the thoughts, there was a disturbance in the force. He hadn’t felt something like this since the death of that foolish one Sith ruler that had only caused a slight disturbance in his slumber. Yet now it was on his doorstep, there was no way to avoid it. The presence was among him. Immediately upon opening his eyes Kruel took in his surroundings. The room was dimly lit and on each side of the stasis chamber stood three sith their heads bowed low before their savior. The one they had come to know as a god. This god was Darth Ambroscus, the savior of the sith.

Sitting up Kruel blinked his bloodshine eyes taking in the descendants of the Sith he had rescued and trained to become far more than they had once been. His upper body laid bare his large muscles rippling as he flexed. Multiple pops echoed off the walls as his joints popped releasing centuries of built up tension. “Finally… The one I have awaited has come.” He said his breath harsh from years without feeding. The edges of his vision swam with darkness threatening to engulf him less he feed soon. Looking over to an individual to the right Kruel opened his large mouth the many rows of teeth showing themselves. Leaning forward in a quick movement to fast for any of those in the chamber to react to it snapped shut over the skull of an unsuspecting Sith. There was a sharp crunch as the mans skull was crushed from the massive strength of Kruel’s jaw. Mouth moving the Dashade enjoyed his meal before spitting out a mouthful of skull fragments a sadistic smile upon his face.

The fear this act had caused flowed off the Sith surrounding Kruel and he further fed on it. He breathed it in feeling his strength in the force revive itself. Sighing the Dashade felt oddly satisfied. Finally he stepped from the stasis pod his bottom also being completely bare. Embarrassed by seeing their lord naked the Sith turned their head while one held out clothes for him to dawn. Standing at 7’5 Kruel was the tallest individual in the room easily able to crush any of the Sith. “Thank you my child. You all may leave, tell the chefs to prepare dinner… We will be having some guests soon. I will go give them a proper greeting.” Without questioning his orders the sith retreated leaving the corpse of their ally behind.

While tales of Kruel’s actions had been told for millennia many still found themselves terrified by it. No matter it still served Kruel along with giving an odd sense of enjoyment. Donning a set of black robes and pants he exited the room his cloak billowing in his wake. Each step was long and powerful easily taking him to the entrance of a Sith Temple that had been constructed centuries ago.

[member="Darson Rade"] [member="Cyril Grayson"]

 

[Placeholder 04]

He had been noticed.

Mephirium's lips curled into a pleased little smile. The figure he felt within the Great Ocean was more akin to a tidal wave than a simple whirlpool. It disturbed the natural flow of things so greatly that all within its reach found themselves sucked into its gaping maw. Yes, this would do. Pleased with the turn of events, Mephirium withdrew from the realm of the ethereal. He would need to be grounded in reality for now.

Rakata Prime turned in slow orbit beneath him. He stared down at the world -- one of many that he would hope to claim in the coming times. It was beautiful, in a way. The bright blue oceans broken up by brief brown smudges that represented land reminded Mephirium of an old model-globe, though the debris field that orbited it was far less pleasing to the eyes.

With a shrug, he turned to his cousin. "A test of your will. You will come face to face with what many would call a god. Should you falter, it will be your end."

His explanation given, Mephirium gestured toward one of the deck officers. The man offered a crisp nod in response. "Our shuttle awaits. We will go alone -- I would advise you to bring a blaster."

With that, Mephirium strode down the deck toward the hanger bay. Rakata Prime awaited.

[member="Kruel Zing"], [member="Darson Rade"]

 

[Darth Arkanus]

As he looked down at the planet he sighed soft. He definitely could feel the dark side emanating from the planet, Even from this far above the planet.

"Good thing I carry one on me, and I think you have a lot more in planned for me then what you are telling me, but I guess I don't have a choice, and this comes to a matter of blood now. If you can trust someone of you blood, if someone of your blood is worthy of what you are creating, and I have to be the in the chess board of your plans for our family loyalty."

He sighed as he followed his cousin, his boots hitting the floor as the eyes of the crew fell on him and his cousin again. But, this time he didn't get much of the staring, this time it more of the focus on his cousin and then landing on him as a after thought. Making it down to the shuttle he loaded onto the shuttle sitting in the shuttle with him looking at his cousin.

[member="Cyril Grayson"]

 

[Kruel Zing]

Walking through the halls of the Sith academy Kruel was welcomed to the site of an entirely new generation of Sith that ran about the temple. Children played amongst themselves but as the giant approached they fled to hide behind their parents. They had yet to be indoctrinated into the Sith and put through the rigorous training that broke many. Eventually they would be taught to revere the Sith and the rituals of old. To preserve the Sith and pass it on to the next just as their ancestors had. Kneeling near one of the children Kruel smelled the air. The child smelled of berries, obviously freshly from bathing. As he lifted a heavy hand the child instinctively flinched back while his mother stood her ground the fear obvious in her eyes and even more so in the force. The children were practically shaking and the mother feared for the life of her child. Kruel could even feel the ounce of anger rise inside her threatening to attack the Dashade though it would’ve been pointless. Patting the child on the head and ruffling his hair Kruel showed that a portion of the gentle giant remained and could rise to the occasion when he so wished. While fear was a great way to rule, it was not the best option in all circumstances. “Don’t worry my child, go on with your friends. Go play enjoy your life while you’re young… One day this kingdom could possibly be yours.”

Rising once again to his full height Darth Ambroscus laid his eyes on the woman before him. If he so commanded she would prostrate herself before him and even be bedded. Kruel could have anything he wanted but the fear she emitted now was sweet. “Do not fear me, I only come to wish greetings to my people. Spread the word I have awoken, tell everyone there shall be a festival tonight.” Just like that the fear shrunk away turning to relief.

“Yes my lord!” The woman said bowing and motioning for the children to follow her. They couldn’t escape Darth Ambroscus’ presence fast enough. The small smile fading Keuel once again started to the door of the Sith academy on each side stood two Sith Lords meant to protect the entrance to the Temple. Kneeling before their majesty the doors slid open unbidden.

The Sith temple wasn’t like any regular one. No the temple itself was as large as many bigger cities in the galaxy. A tower reached high into the sky where the Sith were housed and all throughout it there were districts where the civilians operated as they would on any other world. They were protected by the walls of this temple and had known it as their home. It was all they knew besides what was taught to them. The first breeze of the morning came through causing Kruel’s cloak to lift up and flap but he stood there still as a statue looking up to the sky waiting for his visitors. “This day couldn’t have come any sooner.”

[member="Darson Rade"] [member="Cyril Grayson"]

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Having already arrived at the shuttle Bartic was taking this time to conduct business, mostly attempting to cover his track after stealing the 'Celestial Knight'. Someone on board had tried to get a message off back to Heofon Industries although the man was stopped and killed. However fragments did get out and that was concerning, if they found out this early it could ruin everything. But that would have to wait as the man he was here to meet would be at the shuttle soon and it would be poor etiquette to have his nose in a datapad. However or once since leaving Bartic finaly had a chance to catch his breath, but in his expriance this meant that he should double his mental alertness. Even more so now that the others should be entering shtuttle any second now.

[member="Cyril Grayson"]
[member="Darson Rade"]
[member="Barkt Melan"]

 

[Placeholder 04]

Mephirium swept into the shuttle like a deathly specter. His gaze passed over the occupants -- the first Captain of the 501st, Loken, the second Captain, Decius, and the man whose presence the Sith Lord had personally requested. The two Stormtroopers snapped off quick salutes, but Mephirium simply waved them off.

"No need for that," he promised, lowering down onto a seat just across from [member="Bartic Myth'rand"]. He stepped his fingers, and nodded toward [member="Darson Rade"], then the seat directly next to him. "I am pleased so see you responded to my call," he said in greeting. "This is Darson Rade. Get to know him well. The two of you will be working together closely."

He paused as the shuttle began to lift off. "No doubt you have heard from my people what I am. Call me what you wish, but I must test you before I allow you into the fold." Mephirium said no more as the vessel darted down to the world below. It came to settle upon one of the upper landing platforms after a particularly short, but rocky trip.

The stormtroopers were the first to stand. They spoke to one another through private comms, and came to stand at either end of the shuttle's doors just outside.

"Rade, Mister Myth'rand," Mephirium rose from his seat. "It is time for your test."

[member="Kruel Zing"]

 

[Darth Arkanus]

As he sat down he looked over at [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] nodding to him looking down at the shuttle floor thinking about what possibly they could be doing on that dark planet.

As they rode down he heard his cousin talk to Bartic about the test. So he wouldn't be alone, but he would be with someone who I'm supposed to be working with for the foreseeable future. What could Cyril have in store for us? A fight? A puzzle? Or something else, something that will really test them. He wiped the thought out of his mind as they landed and he looked at his cousin as he spoke.

"What is the test? Or are you still going to keep a secret? What kind of test is it? A test of will can require the use of the mind body and spirit. But I don't suspect the two of us using our bodies, so our mind and spirit?"

[member="Cyril Grayson"] | [member="Kruel Zing"]

 

[Kruel Zing]

Stepping onto a transportation pod akin to what was commonly used in senate meeting Kruel was carried up past the lower platforms of the city and up to the higher levels as he saw the shuttle break the planet’s atmosphere. One of the boons that came with the planet Rakata Prime was that there was an incredible darkside aura that permeated on it akin if not stronger than what could be found on other planets such as Korriban and Drommund Kass. It speaks magnitudes about the type of power the ancient beings that lived on the planet had once held. Kruel had even met a few of them and while they were incredibly inbred on the verge of extinction some semblance of their power remained. However, settling near them would’ve been folly play.


With a hiss the transportation pod docked with the landing bay and Kruel stepped before the doors. There were no guards with him, no soldiers to meet those who disembarked. Just the massive figure himself who waited for them. His red eyes took in the ship and its make. He hadn’t seen many of what the galaxy would call up to date ships but this one was sleek with curves that the vessels from his time had lacked. “Too ostentatious.” Kruel mumbled. With a hiss the doors before him opened and the Sith was able to peer into its innards seeing six individuals. Only one of them truly stood out in the force to Kruel and that was the one he wanted to see. Yet the other two individuals at his side seemed like mundane beings. What place did they have here? Why had they been brought to this planet, certainly not to battle?


Being the gracious host that he was Kruel spoke first greeting his guests. “Welcome to the planet Lehon or better known as Rakata Prime. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Especially another Sith.” Looking over to the other Sith, Kruel offered a small smirk. “I know what you did boy, I felt it from across the galaxy as that self-pretentious Dark Lord died. I must congratulate you on doing something that I did not have the time to accomplish. However why do you all come?” When the question was asked Kruel’s eyes narrowed on both the admirals at each side of the Sith. The amount of force potential in each was incredibly low but they could still serve as an adequate appetizer.

[member="Darson Rade"] [member="Cyril Grayson"]

 

[Placeholder 04]

Dull laughter emanated from within Mephirium's cowl. To be referred to as something so young should have been demeaning, but Mephirium only found amusement within it. He turned either way to exchange glances with his would-be-compatriots, and met the Sith Lord's eyes. "It was a long time coming. If I had not done it, someone else would have."

Part of him doubted that answer. The Dark Lord had ruled the galaxy for nye on twenty years, and he had conquered the vast majority of the galactic core in that process. He felt, given the penchants of Sith, that another would have risen against lord. Even still, another part, the part that retained his old ethics and values, doubted that.

"Regardless, he is dead, and his title is mine by right. All who have challenged me for it have been destroyed." He explained further, gesturing to the two men at either side of him. "I have come to test my new warriors, and to meet you, old one. It is time you left this tomb that you call a city and rose to prominence again."

It had been the result of an accident that Mephirium knew of this place. A simple notation in an old journal had mentioned it, but Mephirium had long since learned even the barest tidbits of information could bear fruit.

"But we will speak of that later," Mephirium smiled, "For now, we've great things to speak of. Introduce yourselves men, and show the proper respect befitting of a Sith Lord."

[member="Kruel Zing"], [member="Darson Rade"], [member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

So there's another, this will make things difficult. Keeping his disdain of the force to himself and with his usual look of focus and concentration in his face he begins to introduce himself, "My name is, as I'm sure you already know, Bartic Myth'rand. I captain the assault cruiser 'Celestial Knight', both me and my crew are formerly of, shall I say, less than noble beginnings.

At this point Bartic clenches his right hand into a fist, and holds it over his heart before continuing, slightly more impassioned now he continues, his calculating demaenor slipping ever so slightly. "Many of us cut our teeth on the warships and convoys moving into the areas formerly owned by the empire. We have came to swear alligence to the new emperor to return the old stability many of us knew when we were young."

Any hint of excitement that may have entered his voice is swept away. "I must apologise but I have not heard of you before." He motioned to the Dashade in front of him.


[member="Darth Mephirium"]
[member="Kruel Zing"]
[member="Darson Rade"]

 

[Darth Arkanus]

Looking up at the other Sith lord he did not let his appearance change as he looked at his large stature and size compared to his. He was a tall man but his muscles weren't built to an extent as some of the soldiers and Sith he'd met. He raised his face towards the man and settled on looking at his mouth, not to look into his eyes but to give the man a feeling if he was so.

"My pleasure to meet you." He said with a bow. "I may not have as much achievement of my friend over here, but my name is Darson Rade, from the Rade family of Imperial Officers from the Empire, Nephew of Grand Moff Rade. But, to be frank I don't think family achievements mean much to someone as wise and powerful as yourself."

His demeanor did not change as he spoke with the man keeping a expressionless face as he talked with the man, he stood there with his arms behind his back holding the other in place as he stood upright. He didn't want to give a wrong sense of excitement or give a outward expression that neither of the Lords did not want. He looked up at the Sith lord as he spoke, but did not look into his eyes, because he knew what he would find there. Flames, and eternal darkness is what held in the eyes of that man.

[member="Bartic Myth'rand"]
[member="Darth Mephirium"]
[member="Kruel Zing"]

 

[Kruel Zing]

Stroking his large chin Kruel looked at the Sith and his allies as they spoke. Taking in every part of their appearance, their stances, their facial expressions. While on a totally different level he sensed them out through the force. Consume essence while at lower tiers could easily feel out negative emotions in others, Kruel had taken it to the level of being able to sense out the entire spectrum. It was a perversion of the atypical Consume Essence used by the base Sith and taking to its literal plateau. Unlike telepathy where he’d have to enter the mind of others to know their emotions, consume essence allowed Kruel to read them through the currents of the force.

“You’re right, just as all other Self-proclaimed emperors rise they will always fall. Sadow, Vitiate, Palpatine, Krayt. They were all the same, as long as you do not follow down their destructive paths since you technically have the Dark Lord title due to killing the last I will give you the benefit of the doubt.” Turning now to the Admirals, Kruel glanced them over. “Not much of warriors looking at them, but their minds may be their true weapons. We shall see, I have the perfect test in mind.”

Even Kruel had to admit the respect that the Sith Lord before him demanded of his followers was admirable. It was something they had in common but those beneath Kruel he saw as children more so than contemporaries. The first to introduce himself was the fellow named Bartic, sensing the slight disdain along the currents of the force Kruel decided to ignore it. The man seemed prideful, almost to a fault. The contrast between Bartic and Darson couldn’t have been more pronounced if they had tried. Bartic was prideful before loyalty, possibly even craving more power than he already possessed. Darson was loyal and had the tongue befitting a politician, he knew what to say to appeal to others and used flattery as a weapon.

“You have quite the pair here, The Loyalist, and The Challenger. I’ve met many like these two over my years but it is a pleasure to make your acquaintances anyways. I am Kruel Zing, or better known as Darth Ambroscus. You haven’t heard of me because I was around before your forefathers were even a thought in their ancestors’ minds… Boy.”

“Now come if it is a test you wish it is one you shall receive.” Making room on the transport pod Kruel awaited for his guests to join him. “I am sure you will find it quite… Enlightening.”

[member="Darson Rade"] [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] [member="Darth Mephirium"]

 

[Placeholder 04]

Mephirium had far ascended such base vices as intimidation. He met Ambroscus' analysis of his cohorts with unveiled amusement, a hint of a laugh escaping him in the form of a quiet sigh. Kruel was right, of course. The two men sat on either sides of the spectrum. Darson would be his rock; a loyalist through and through. Bartic would rise to challenge Darson for his place one day, and the competition would only serve to better Mephirium's cause. The two were both invaluable to his designs.

"Interesting, aren't they?" He asked of Kruel. He cast Bartic a knowing grin, all too aware of the man's disdain for his kind. Mephirium understood it well enough. The Jedi and the Sith were the cause for many of the galaxy's woes. Whether they caused such things directly or indirectly did not matter, only that they had happened. With his voice lowered, he spoke in Bartic's direction.

"We will rebuild what we have lost, but you must trust me. Otherwise, there can be no place for you in the new order, my friend." The words were as much a warning as a promise of future ascension of position. If Bartic proved himself, he would rise to his proverbial zenith. If he failed, then another would take his place. Such was the requirements necessary of those who would keep the galaxy's people safe.

Pleased, Mephirium turned to followed Kruel. He matched the Dashade's stride despite their height difference, and mumbled something up into the elder Sith Lord's ear. It was followed by a chuckle, and then Mephirium resumed his normal gait.

"It is time you left this prison, Kruel," Mephirium intoned. "Your place is in the stars, and at my side. This throne you have built is impressive, but it pales in comparison to what we might create."

[member="Kruel Zing"], [member="Darson Rade"], [member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Bartic frowned at the communicator on the back of his wrist while the others were talking, two other conspirators has been found on board ship, they both awaited his presence in the brig, and wait they would. He has some sort of test ahead of him, despite hearing it would be a test of mind the holdout blaster in his ankle holster was reassuring, after all it paid to be prepared for anything.

"This test my lords, what does it entail?" Bartic asked while stepping onto the transport pod.

He hated calling anyone his superior simply because they were born there, but Bartic would grit and bear it as they could easily end him and he was not a foolish man.

Bartic tapped a button on the underside of his wrist, and like that, one of the two men in the brig would be taking a long walk out of a short airlock.

[member="Darth Mephirium"]
[member="Kruel Zing"]
[member="Darson Rade"]