Heir To The Empire

[Darth Arkanus]

He sighed uncertain of joining the two Sith lords and the other admiral on the ship. This test was definitely going to be challenging, he could see this just by the way his cousin was. He knew that whatever they had in store for him would be hard to overcome and he would have to apply his full focus on his morals and his duty to get through it.

He reluctantly got on the ship with the three men and looked around making sure he still had his blaster on his side as the two sith conversed in front of him and the Bartic glancing over at the man slightly. The thoughts running through his mind of what it could be, a jungle full of monsters, a impossible puzzle where the answer was nothing, what, what could possibly await the two men and what did they have in store for them. He frowned even more then usual as he thought about this his eyes fixed on a point as he ran through the possible scenarios in his head.

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

 

[Kruel Zing]

“Rebuild what we have lost? There has not been a single day in millennia where I haven’t wished to hear those words. Many have come and proclaimed the same thing demanding my allegiance, my children, my trust… How are you any different from them? While you may not have taken the Sith title out of some grandiose ideals of ruling over the galaxy many have. Those same individuals failed to hold on to their power for any significant amount of time and were known for backstabbing their allies. Are you saying that you’ll be different? That you can create an environment in which Sith can trust each other?” Voice rising slightly Kruel shook his head. “Bah! Such a thing is foolhardy, a Sith’s ambition will always have them turn on another eventually… But there are ways to fix such things and limit those who prove to be over ambitious.”

Pressing a button built into the pod they were carried through the sky over the city. Down below they could see other pods similar to the one they stood in zipping back and forth. “As for me standing by your side... I can do it under one condition. I do as I please when I please. If you question my loyalties or goals then you will lose me.” Tapping his head with a finger Kruel smiled. He was far from the unintelligent brute many thought him as. Having been brought up by the jedi ensured that. Hours upon hours had been spent in their great library on Ossus constantly learning and absorbing more knowledge. This knowledge allowed Kruel to temper the darker side of himself that had come along with joining himself with the darkside.


Looking over to Bartic and then to Darson, Kruel offered them a smile. “Oh this will be a test that will test your integrity not only as warriors but also your loyalty to the empire itself. Many have failed it but I have high hopes for you two. If you fail I will leave it up to your master what punishment you face but personally I’d have you two be my- I mean join me for dinner.” The slip of the tongue had been purposeful but they wouldn’t be able to tell due to Kruel turning away to hide the grin only Cyril could see.

Carrying them to the center of the large temple city the pod flew to the upper levels where it docked. The smell of spice and alcohol would hit the occupants the moment they landed, a slow sensual music played and outside stood three women dressed quite liberally. Two were of the twi’lek species and one a Zeltron. Their bodies were curved in all the right places to catch a males attention and get the blood flowing. It was as though models from the holonet had sprung to life before them. Rushing to Kruel they bowed laying their arms on his heavily muscled body. “How may we serve you Lord Ambroscus?”

“You will not be serving me today. These two will be your patients for today.” Stepping aside Kruel pointed at the two officers. “You will do your best to seduce these men and if they fall to temptation you will immediately report to me.”

“Yes my Lord.” Reaching out the concubines grabbed hold of the officers guiding them off to the private chambers in which Kruel would sometimes host his healing sessions. The room was bathed in a violet glow a large bed in the center of the room large enough to fit twenty people a sofa in the corner which they would be forced to sit upon.

“Now how about we have a drink?” Kruel asked Cyril bellowing with laughter.

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

 

[Placeholder 04]

"I work out of noble intentions. You may be old, Kruel, but I am as wise as you have years," Mephirium explained. "I have no inhibitions about what I do. My wife and our children were taken because of disorganization. Their deaths are the responsibility of the flagging Republic, and the war that brought it to its knees. I conquered the Dark Lord, do not think I will hesitate to conquer you as well." The words were an obvious threat, but they were delivered through a respectful smile. "Regardless, I have not come to you for mindless obedience. Acknowledge me as Emperor and the Dark Lord, and you will prosper alongside me. We will build an eternal empire, and your counsel will be most desired in times to come. I require loyalty, but I know that I will not need to question it of you."

He paused, "When the galaxy is ours, I will be satisfied. There are other galaxies to explore -- other threats to deal with. We cannot afford to be so wrapped up in internal affairs. I will grant you the autonomy you need to do what is necessary, but you will answer to the throne if you are called upon." Mephirium continued. He wanted Ambroscus, but he did not need him. He respected the elder Sith for his accomplishments, but he would not bend. He wished Ambroscus to sit atop the council if at all possible, for the Dashade's wisdom and skill would prove to be invaluable, but if he did not bow, then none would.

Regardless, bowing would not be needed. Mephirium had all intent to keep a loose leash on his closest constituents, and he had an inkling that Ambroscus would not be the one to try and unseat him. For that very reason, he said, "You will be the first of them, my great warriors. You ask why I am different, and so I will tell you. It is because I have seen what lurks in the great beyond; the demons that watch us from the ethereal realm and the destruction they promise. I only seek to protect this galaxy and the people within it. I ascended to the mantle because I must perform the ultimate service -- the power that comes with it is necessary to perform that service, and any who deny my station cannot be allowed to live, for they stand in the way of unity."

His words spoken, he nodded at the Dashade. With a thin, amused little grin, he turned upon the two admirals. He took two steps back and watched as the woman reached out to drag them away, audibly laughing as they did so.

"I would love to take you up on that, my friend."

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

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Bartic had made his way into the private room with one of the Twi'lek woman at his heels, the sound of her footwear distractedly loud, even over the music. He would need his mind sharp tonight, for Bartic had not had the embrace of a lover for some time now and she was quite pleasing to the eye. Perhaps he could turn the tables and get all three to work on [member="Darson Rade"], but first he needed something to take the edge off pheromones poring off the Zeltron.

Bartic breifly considered stunning himself before remembering that even at full power a stun blast would only keep him out for a short time, a good last resort however if things get too dificult, although a laser blast to the leg would put him in a bacta tank for at least a few hours, or a few days in a clinic.


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

 

[Darth Arkanus]

He laughed as the two ladies took him away from [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] and into another room. One was Zeltron, one was Twi'lek, they laid him on the bed and started moving their hands over his body as he lay there and watched them not making a move as they did so. They got very close rubbing their whole bodies against him as he sat himself up and watched the two women. They were trying their best to seduce him but he had a whole in their plan.

His mind flashed to his old life, his one and true companion growing up was his childhood friend, Anna, she grew up next door and they did everything together. She knew of his ambition of being a fleet commander and disapproved but never spoke of it, she made sure to keep her mouth shut but would listen to what he had to say when she got on her tangents. She would play games with him and they would run around the streets well after dark until their parents called them home. Getting into their teenage years she started hanging out with other guys and dated other people hut always confided her problems with Darson who only gave her the honest answers, no matter his feelings for her. Right after they graduated school she had gone out with her boyfriend and was killed in a robbery, when Darson heard he locked himself away for three days, without food, or water. He came out skin and bones and ate with his mother in silence, he would never love again...

His mind coming back to the two women still attempting to seduce him he smell her hair and feel the summer breeze against his skin as he kept the image of her face with her red air complimenting it in his head. He wouldn't succumb to anyone other then one true of heart, that was the only thing he ever looked for, or he ever wanted.

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

 

[Kruel Zing]

Nodding his head for Cyril to follow Kruel led him into the club. Upon entering they’d walk through a large cloud of smoke as people smoked to their hearts content. Music played and on the dance floor numerous women and men danced completely ignoring the fact that they were on a planet long forgotten by many. That they lived beneath a Sith Lord, they just wanted to enjoy what bit of life they had. Leaving this planet would indeed allow Kruel’s children to be able to truly partake in what the galaxy had to offer. Possibly the only reason why he would side with Cyril in the long run. There was nothing more important to Kruel than the well-being of his children. The throne meant nothing, the rest of the galaxy meant nothing as long as they were able to live on and prosper. Even the Sith’s own life was forfeit.

Upon noticing their Lord in the bar the music instantly stopped and people dropped down into low bows. “No my children, rise. Continue to partake in your festivities. Enjoy what life has given you for tomorrow will bring a new day.” While they did rise from their bows they made a path for Kruel and Cyril to walk through up to the personal chambers in which Kruel would often allow himself to relax. A large window looked down onto the dance floor where Kruel’s followers began to dance once again. “You see this is more than about a throne. This is more than about power or fear of death. I will help you for them. So, they can see a brighter day, so they can aid in bringing about a new age. One which the galaxy has never before seen.”

“I do not fear death Cyril, nor do I fear you. I have spent eons searching both the netherworld and Beyond Shadows. I know what lays in wake, the demons that prowl through chaos waiting to tear us limb for limb. Things that have the power to destroy the galaxy. There is always some threat to the galaxy and always some Sith who thinks they can unite it. If you think you can do it I wish you the best of luck and you have my support. But I shall never bow. I will show respect before the others so you can appear strong but nothing more. This is an agreement for the betterment of the galaxy. Not for either of us, as even if you attempted to strike me down I would become more powerful than you could even imagine.”

Sitting in a large chair made specifically to fit his enormous size, Kruel motioned to the lush sofa for Cyril. With a whistle, he summoned the barkeep up the stairs who carried a bottle of wine produced by the followers of Kruel. From the bottle faint traces of copper could be smelt. The liquor was incredibly tart but as it poured out the smell of copper became more pronounced. The liquid was so thick it might as well have been blood. “Do not worry, drinking this will not harm you.” Kruel said lifting one of the goblets to his lips and taking a gingerly sip.

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

 

[Placeholder 04]

Kruel was testing him, that much Mephirium could tell. If he thought that Mephirium would be intimidated, then he would be sorely mistaken. Then again, the younger Sith doubted Kruel meant such things. He felt that he now had some semblance of an understanding about what Kruel valued, and knowing that much was enough. With a smile, he brought his own goblet up to his lips. The taste was exotic, something far removed from the synthetic brews of the core worlds.

After a few moments of testing tastes, Mephirium decided that he liked it. "We are colleagues, you and I," he said, "And we do not need to have any form of conflict, I think. I came here as much for you as to test my men. You are the only man suited to be my Wrath, Kruel. My will made manifest. I do not believe I can trust any other to be my personal representative."

The words were partly a lie. [member="Darth Kentarch"] could have fulfilled the role, though the man was not the hammer that Kruel was. He was held to a similarly high standard, but of a different make. Kentarch was a master of whispers, and he heard all that went on in the galaxy. He was not the type to go busting down doors in name of the empire, however.

"You have vision," he said between sips, "I can respect that. I have the greatest distaste for those of our kind that engage in stupidity for the sake of it. They waste their potential. Those who let the force rule them are as much slaves as any other. We must twist the ethereal to our own needs, not the other way around."

He paused, lowering his glass to look at the two navy men. "Are you boys doing alright?" He called, a hint of a chuckle to his words.


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

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

The Twi'lek woman continued to work her magic, or at least attempted to, the lack of pheromones from the Zeltron was very helpful but it still wasn't enough, the tent in is underclothes were a testament to that.

Attempting to distract himself he pulls out his datapad and begins to read a report from his first mate, the abstract of being that there have been two attempts to send communication and report the theft to the home offices, the first attempt got garbed fragments out, the sole conspirator was shot and killed. Two others were discovered attempting to slice through the communication block but were captured before succeeding, one was publicly air locked to dissuade any further attempts. This currently appears to be successful and no further attempts have been made.

Back in reality the Twi'lek was acting some sort of feline, constantly getting in the way while he was trying to work. With a sigh Baric pulled out his holdout, subtly flicked it to stun, held it to his head, and shot himself. The last thing he heard before the darkness took him was her screaming and running to the door.

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

 

[Darth Arkanus]

He had three girls on him all trying to work on him as he stared blankly past them thinking about his lost love, they started getting closer, one on his lap while the other two caressed his arms as he sat there still ignoring them. Nothing happened within him as he sat there, his mind not shifting to them and only focused on his lost love and his determination to pass this test from them. He knew that his cousin had high hopes for him and he wouldn't let such a minuscule test get him over. Not to wrong, these women are beautiful and would be great lovers, but he had more important things and very different ideals on the women he wanted to be with.

His mind filtering through his time with his lost love since he could remember, the beginning with her and him hand in hand running around their town on Naboo, to them at the school dance her head on his chest as they slow danced the night away, and finally the image flashing through his head, the image of her dead, a blaster bolt through the heart, just like he was in that moment, his heart killed. Then just managing to peirce his senses he heard his cousin call to him.

"I'm fine cousin... just thinking."

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

 

[Kruel Zing]

So, this Sith Lord did not fear taking steps into what others would be considered taboo. It was impressive, not many would’ve been brave enough to drink such a liquor upon realization it had been forged with the blood of forceful beings. The liquid still hummed with power for Kruel as he drank from the goblet letting the energy merge with his own and feeding him. Sitting back in the chair and resting his back against the soft fabric of the chair Kruel closed his eyes. One would’ve thought the dashade had fallen asleep but instead he was envisioning what Cyril had said. The offer had been made and now the ball was in Kruel’s court. He could easily deny Cyril today just for the other Sith to one day return and reap vengeance upon Kruel and his followers or else for the first time in millennia Kruel could take a gamble on another Sith. What would you have done Ulic? Kruel thought imagining his idol and friend standing next to him.

With the deliberation done Kruel lowered his head. “I doubt I am the only one capable of filling the position, I’ve heard tales of other Sith who call themselves god out there in the galaxy. Think their acts of terror are anything more than childsplay. However I will take your offer, if it means bringing together this galaxy and ensuring the future of my children then there is no feasible reason to deny you of what you wish. A toast my friend as this may be the last minutes of true rest we ever get. When we rise the entire galaxy will set upon us like a calo pup in heat. They will stop at nothing till we are either beaten back into the shadows or dead.”

Soon after the Sith finished speaking one of the escorts he had sent to entice the soldiers returned her eyes wide a look of fear in her eyes. The twi’leks green skin was three shades paler. “My L…L… My Lord!” She screamed with a bow tears pouring from her eyes. “The one you sent me to entice shot himself.”

“Well kark it all you must inspire real dedication in your forces for him to shoot himself. Worry not he’s not dead my dear we would’ve sensed it. I think that concludes the test don’t you Cyril? They’ve both proven their dedication… One taking it to a whole other extreme. Can’t wait to see what they can do. My dear go get the others and tell them to dress the one who stunned himself and to send the men on up. Oh for the stunned one inject him with something for me and wake him up.”

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

 

[Placeholder 04]

Amborscus spoke the truth. For the first time in years, Cyril Grayson felt a pang of regret in his withered heart. For all that he had once been, for all he had once done, he was now the perpetrator of terror. What would his mother have thought? His sisters? They would have disowned him, he knew. They'd always been soft women, believing they could save the galaxy with a healing touch and gentle words. Cyril had thought that way as well, once. Then Balmoraa had happened.

He thought of [member="Cyrene Grayson"]. Her beautiful smile and her bright blue eyes. The odd twang of her voice, and the promises she had told him. He thought of the two children they had made together. [member="Caida Grayson"], his heart, and [member="Cedric Grayson"], his soul. They had both been so very young; so pure. Caida had loved him like no other being ever had, for he was her father, her protector and progenitor. Cedirc had looked up to him as if he were a hero of old, fighting the good fight against the evil Sith Empire to protect his family.

He never found Cyrene or Caida. He suspected the two women were annihilated in the initial bombardment, as all he'd found of them were charred clothing. Cedric's body was still intact. He was naught but a small smoking form at the base of their old home. Cyril had taken the six year old boy in his arms, and wept for days. He had not left the ruin of their home until his body became enfeebled and death came to take him.

It was then, in that moment of despair, that he had understood.

There was no dark, nor was there a light. The force was nonexistent. All gods were false, and that terrible death was the consequence for his idealism. There was only the ethereal; the eternal nothingness of the Great Ocean and the changing of ways. There were no gods, but he would become akin to a god if it allowed him the control he had so long been denied.

"Those who call themselves gods are slaves," he said, his voice hollow with apathy. "If they are gods, then I am a god-killer, for I have slain dozens of them. There is no room for arrogance or idealism at my side. I am the only one whom can save this galaxy. Some may call that arrogance, but I bear that burden as a great pain. That is why I am not like the others, Ambroscus, and why I sought you out. I need you to help me save it. You are like me; you understand this pain. I do not do this for myself, but as my last act of service to the galaxy."

He paused, his resolve unerring as he spoke of his great burden. A heavy sigh fell from his lips, and he set down the cup. "You pass, Darson," He called, "Help them bring Bartic in here so that we may speak."

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

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Bartic was barely aware of his surroundings when he felt himself being lifted off the floor. A needle entered his arm, his heart rate picked back up, and his senses started to come back to him. When came to he was on a chair in the same room he 'passed out' in, there was man there with a small first aid bag putting a needle in a bio-hazard bag.

As Bartic stood up and brushed off his uniform the man spoke up, "[member="Darth Mephirium"] wants to speak with you in the other room"

"Thank you" Bartic said as he straightened his shirt and began to make his way.

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

 

[Darth Arkanus]

He nodded as he heard Grayson from the other room, he stood up and nodded to the ladies holding their arms politely bringing them back to their lord then walking back down the stairs to check on Bartic. He sighed as he saw him getting up from him stunning himself and helped him up. He looked the man over softly, He stunned himself? Really? he shook his head, such a dumb move to do that but I guess his determination wasn't strong enough.

"Come on Bartic, it's time to go and get our assessment from our Lord to see if he was pleased with our test results... or angry."

He began walking with the man back up to the dining room bowing as he entered to Darth Mephirium and standing there holding his arms behind his back at straight attention with his shoulders back looking towards his lord as he stood there.

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

 

[Kruel Zing]

“I said it once during this conversation and I’ll say it again Cyril. Many have claimed to be able to unite the galaxy, that they are the only ones to do it but let me say this. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. It is a known fact of life, you may be able to unite the galaxy. Perhaps you’ll achieve where others have failed in bringing about peace but how long before that power starts to get to you? Even now you threatened me with vague threats. They do not intimidate me and if you hadn’t come with a proposition that pleased me I would’ve continued on living my existence out. What will you do when others come along but you cannot appease them? Fullfill those threats? At that point you’ve let your power corrupt you. There will never be a place for one leader for too long, always best to keep things in motion. I surmise that’s probably why our Sith ancestors constantly laid siege to one another.”

Looking into his goblet and giving it a stir. “You have my allegiance for as long as need be to accomplish this goal.” Kruel said nothing of where he’d go once it was reached if it ever was but from the tone it was obvious the tenure would be permanent. It was a sad fact of life that Kruel was dying, not many knew it nor could sense it through the force due to the sheer amount of power he drew in from his many followers but it had begun to show its effects. First starting with small shakes once in a blue moon to now his increased feeding habits to sustain himself.

With the others entering the room Kruel raised a goblet to the officers. “You both have passed and my new friend here is pleased. It will be a pleasure working alongside all of you.” Draining the goblet Kruel rose from his chair. "Enjoy the amenities, I will prepare my followers to embark from this world.” Without any other words Kruel turned and left they’d be able to find their way back to their vessel and Kruel could always be contacted whenever they needed him. But before they took the galaxy there was much work to do.

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

 

[Placeholder 04]

Mephirium was not the sort to be lectured. He both listened to Ambroscus, and stored the words in the back of his head for later. He had his own dogma to follow, of course, but it would do not good to outright ignore the Dashade -- even if the elder creature irritated him. He did not give the man any form of verbal response; the quirking of his brow was all that was required.

When the men returned form their stupor, Mephirium met them with a nod. "You've done well, the both of you," he spoke, "Now, it is time we returned to the fleet. We've much to do and little time to do it in. You pass." He spoke with a smile, his words full of praise. When he rose from his chair, he drew his cowl up over his face and gestured to the lot of them.

"Shall we?"

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