Meeting with a Fish... (Darth Veles)

[Edric Vanyan]

@[member="Darth Veles"]

Arthur smiled, crossing his hands behind him as he looked at the stars and thought for a moment, the man said he must sacrifice something to become a Sith. "Are those the only things you want then, Resources and war aid? I will not give up any claim i have and i offer the Sith a refuge in exchange for my training, as well as the resources that i can spare through trade and as for men and weapons those i can provide should your Sith masters come agree in a more mutual balance of teaching. And it is you that i offered this, not your masters, if you accept i will choose to take your mantle as my teacher, and i will accept your teachings, but my control of my world will remain mine and i will still attempt the expansion of my empire Avreet." He paused and thought for a moment before nodding. "Very well, in exchange for your tutorship and council if you accept, i will provide your Sith masters my support and resources through trade with them, they will always have the largest number of exported materials as well as my aid when they need it, but i will not sacrifice my empire. Furthermore, if there are any sith still in need of a place like you, then i offer it here and lastly, but i will conclude with this, my home is a refuge for all force users, Jedi included, so do not think that any group will be barred from helping my empire if they have something worth offering."

 

[Darth Veles]

"Hmm," the Mon Cal stroked his barbel as he thought about the offer for a while. "And what about something that could be very beneficial to your planet, Emperor?" asked Avreet, "A Sith Temple, an academy for your Force sensitives. It'd produce strong, capable warriors, sorcerers, assassins. They'd learn how to properly control the Force and use it as their tool without fear of being corrupted by its power. They'd be taught loyalty, honor, while the instructors purge their xenophoby and make them ready to deal with aliens. Not only that, they would learn about the galaxy, its history and various species. That'd make your people much more open to the galaxy and accelerate their growth, your Empire's growth."

Avreet proposed his idea, no longer stroking his barbel, "It'd also be a place for Sith to stay, so you won't have to deal with where to place them. That reminds me, where will I be staying and are there any services I can expect? I'd prefer not to stay in some cheap hole..." With a completely serious looking face, the Mon Cal Sith watched the Emperor to think the idea.

@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

Arthur smiled at the idea, Allowing the sith to keep a Temple on this planet would not only strengthen his people but improve relations with those he could not afford to insult, the only problem would be the chance of indoctrination. "Your Sith Temple will be built it is a excellent idea i have but one thing to ask, any sith that come to my home, they will swear service to my Empire in its conquests and if it is attacked, is that understandable. Dont take this as me saying that they owe me undying loyalty like your Sith Emperors asked for, and died for, but i dont need you or your fellow Sith taking up space and using my home as a haven if you will not aid me." Arthur began to pace for a few moments before smiling again and turning his head to the Mon Calamari. "As for your quarters, you will be in my Palace until your temple is finished, then you shall have the main chambers of the Temple, constructed to your exact specifications." @[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

"I am afraid that won't be possible, Emperor," muttered the Mon Calamari, "They cannot swear their allegiance to you if you're not one of them or more powerful than them. Our philosophy does not allow it. Do not worry about them defending the Empire though. You'll soon notice your space becoming safer thanks to the apprentices going on missions and removing threats like pirates and smugglers. Those are always great for practice," Avreet giggled, remembering himself hunting pirates with his Master and friends during the training. "I am sure they will use every opportunity to destroy your enemies...as a way to practice their combat skills. The Sith Temple will become the safest place in the whole Empire, trust me."

Thinking about the place to live, the amphibious Sith had gotten another idea how to improve the Temple's surroundings by a little bit, and overall make the city feel cleaner. "I am sure there are many poor people on your planet. Those who don't have work and thus can hardly afford a place to live. Building a Temple will give those people many opportunities to provide for their families, and some could become servants in the Temple. They will have a place to live...and your reputation as a benevolent Emperor will increase."

@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

Arthur Nodded upon hearing the suggestion, he had already thought of such as he hated droid labor, cheap did not always mean it was better. No this would be built and maintained by his people as it would be a place of new power for them. "You and i thought of the same thing my friend, come, i have an idea for where to place your temple, itll feel quite at home and provide you with an expanse large enough that you will never need worry about some Jedi trespassing." There was an old island that Arthur was thinking of off the coast and as such he strode towards the space port, it served as an airport too and had originally done so in the first place, so the fact that the repulsor planes still were housed there was plenty reason to head there. "Question Avreet, who is this master you spoke of several times, is he like you and will he be coming after you?"

@[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

The Mon Cal nodded and followed the Emperor, clasping his hands behind his back as he paced behind the man. Both of the amphibian's bulbous eyes swiveled around, inspecting their surroundings. This planet looked like a good place for a Sith Academy. The harsh winter would only make the people stronger, quicker to adapt. Such was a way of the Sith, constant adaptation. Some thought it would be best to reintroduce the traditions of the first Sith Empire from long time ago, but Avreet thought it was hardly necessary or good. The right eye of the Mon Cal gazed upon the man when the question was asked, making him think of his old Master. "You can say she is like me...she's the one who trained me, made me what I am after all. A very nice and kind lady and a great teacher." Just speaking of her made Avreet remember the Togruta, her power matched only by her beauty. Hopefully they will meet again soon.

"Tell me about your people, Emperor. What do they hope to achieve in the galaxy? How do they work? What are your goals, dreams?" Avreet asked in his slightly raspy voice, trying to get more information about the population. Anything that would help him to understand how this Empire worked, really.

As the two men walked towards the spaceport, Avreet could not help but notice most of the tech seemed rather outdated by the galaxy standards. The mysterious ally of the Emperor would rather bring a massive fleet of advanced ships if this Empire was to expand and pose as one of the major powers in the galaxy. Given the current state of things, everyone could get a piece of cake if they had enough resources to do so. It'd be interesting to watch this Empire fight for its place in the galaxy.


@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

"My people... hmm... Well three months ago two thirds of them were all slaves so there's that. But in truth we are mostly warriors by trade due to our history, always fighting and improving ourselves, we have to for food too, the thick forests mean that traversing on foot is necessary. The reason we don't just cut down the forest to make them vehicle capable is the fact that they are a spiritual place as well as a home for the two other sentient creatures on the planet. I'm sure you will see them around, though they are canine and avian like in nature." Her looked inside one of the old repulsor planes and put his hand to the door before closing his eyes, a few moments later the door unlocked and Arthur smiled before pulling up the hatch and stepping inside it, opening the door on the opposite side from within and waiting for the Mon Calamari to get in before starting it up and continuing on.
"As for what they hope to achieve, there are a galaxy worth of challenges and new threats and enemies, and we want to be able to fight them to see who's stronger. I'm really interested in perhaps one day doing battle with these Mandalorians i read about, riding drones into battle from atop them, exposed to the air and dressed in full armor. They sound like a challenge worthy of our skill, as do these Echani i've read about." He paused for a moment and looked at Avreet, smiling. "You already know my goal, create an empire that Rival the others of the galaxy and that will mark its place in the pages of history, an Empire that will defeat its enemies that are weaker, and fall to those that are stronger in the end. The thrill of it all, the opportunity to bring order and the chance to test our skill against that of the other species, that is our dream and goal."

 

[Darth Veles]

Slaves? Avreet did not expect that. So many drastic changes and such a short time ago, too. The Mon Cal regretted not finding out about this planet earlier, he would have freed the slaves and started his own Empire. No such luck though, at least it seemed the new government did not rely on slaves and cooperated with the outsiders. The Mon Cal tried to imagine what exactly happened if those people the Emperor claimed to be warriors had gotten enslaved. Probably for the similar reason that they refused to cut down the forest. Believing all religions to be nonsense, Avreet would not have hesitated to burt it down, not caring for the species living there. Minorities could not have such a large impact on the majority, unless, of course, the species native to the forest was the majority. Avreet doubted that though.

The Sith followed the man into a piece of some old technology, his large amber eyes goggling around and scanning everything, and took off his hood as no snow could fall into his eyes inside. “Fighting just to see who is stronger? Just for a challenge? Don’t you think there is enough of violence in the galaxy already? Why not focus on humanitarian missions? Then your Empire will be the greatest of all, respected by everyone… Obviously, you will need a large army to defend yourselves from the invaders. Besides, attacking someone will result in you being branded an aggressor and you will have the Republic and their Jedi puppets – or is it the other way around? – knocking on your borders.” The amphibious alien said and glared around, not seeing anyone except the Emperor.

“By the way, just by a brief look around, I do not see your bodyguard. If he’s not cloaked and hiding around, you should fire him. Letting the most important man of the Empire be alone with a complete stranger? What if I were an assassin sent by one of your enemies to remove you?” Avreet asked and chuckled a bit, finding it quite a humorous that whoever protected the Emperor was so careless to allow the ruler go on his own. Not like any sort of guard would have stopped Avreet from killing Arthur if he decided to do so, but it was still a glaring security flaw that could be exploited.

@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

"You assume that i am defenseless?" He smiled and moved his robes aside slightly, a slugthrower pistol, saber, and short blade all in the robe or at his side. "No no no, plus do not worry about my life, i am more than capable and to kill me at this point will only lead in your own death, i made sure to pick the model that did not come with any form of personal propulsion system and held a detonator in its engine." Arthur looked to the area below them as he fly the almost ancient plane going by Galactic standards.

"As for the need for Humanitarian projects began with the removal of slavery and will continue far past that, because my people are a nation of warriors does not mean we are not one that can commit to such things. No you see, things far from that, but conquest will be the very catalyst for initial expansion and that is what will be done. I am sorry if it sounds overly aggressive but i cannot change who we are as a people to the point where we do not relish in the challenge of battle. It has been out life for thousands of years, as had slavery. Doing so much as ending slavery already has the nobles infuriated, but to deny my people as a whole the chance to improve themselves and earn glory and honor. No that cannot be changed." Arthur smiled and looked at the man. "Besides, i thought you sith liked battle." @[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

"Do not insult my intelligence, Emperor." The Mon Calamari hissed and glared at the man with his right eye, "You may be more than capable by your people's standards, but you won't stand a chance against a trained Force user, be it Sith or Jedi. That is why you want me to train you, to make you powerful. As for the plane," Avreet's face expression softened as he talked calmly, without unnecessary emotion controlling his tone, "Your bluffing needs more work, Emperor. You're simply afraid, fearing for your life in presence of someone vastly more powerful than yourself. You would have never stepped into a plane with a detonator in its engine just to kill whoever travels with you. That is just stupid, Emperor of the Iferetes Empire. What if your opponent is not afraid of death? What if the person you think you're speaking to is just an illusion while the real Sith sabotaged the plane?" Avreet leaned back and closed his eyes, opening his mind to the Force for a while. The planet and its people radiated so much anger, most likely because its people were slaves a few months back. "I suppose we will need to work on your ability to lie in a believable way too."

"We Sith fight because we either must, or because we want to liberate other civilizations and offer them our guidance," explained the Mon Cal Sith, opening his amber eyes again, "Besides, wars are excellent in terms of developing new technologies. When you need to be more advanced than your enemy and you need it as quickly as possible, scientists usually work harder. This is why we believe battle is a way of progress, Emperor. It makes your people stronger. So as a whole, we appreciate battle, but as individuals, it really depends. I do not like pointless bloodshed." Avreet stated, staring in front of himself. He was eager to see the area destined to host the Sith Academy, where weaklings would be transformed into strong, capable Sith eager to deliver order back to the chaos.

@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

Funny part was, he wasnt lying about the detonator, though that much didnt need to be said again, instead he would turn his head forward and not speak until finally something came in view. To their right would be the Palace, right on the waterside and above the rest of the city on a hill, his ancestor really did like to look over everyone after all. But that was not what Arthur would point to, no he aimed his hand at a area with a small platform and a bridge out to it in the middle of the water. "Why not there? I mean no offense but with you racial background im sure you can find the ample ability to construct your temple there, or i have another place if this is not a suitable place for your Temple." Arthur looked at the Mon Calamari as he set the plane in a hover where they moved little. @[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

Looking at the place the man pointed, Avreet did not see much except plenty of water. Water, water, water. This might have been a great place for Mon Calamari builders, but Avreet was a Sith, not an architect or a builder, not to mention he has been raised on a different planet than Dac, the homeworld of his species. He felt as an Imperial anyway, not as a member of his species. The Mon Calamari glared at the place for a few seconds before turning to the Emperor. "I may be amphibious, but that is a very rare trait among the Sith. No, this won't do at all. I need something that is accessible to all species, as the Sith Order is made of all races that can be Force sensitive. Please, show me the other place, Emperor..." The young Sith Knight said and offered the place one last glance before swiveling his eyes to glare somewhere into the distance, trying to see as much as possible. "Do you have planetary shields? Just wondering..."

@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

"Well not yet...ive been trying to keep my people as safe as possible but such things are becoming difficult with the lack of outsiders to help update my people and our defenses. MEanwhile though, we will just have to fight them on our terms and then hope for the best, im looking to buy older models of ships, cheaper and faster to acquire than some new top of the line ship..." He was frowning now, he wished he had been able to do more by this point but the simple fact was that he could not acquire everything at once, it would take him many more months to make his people as they would be destined to be. The second site was not as close to the palace but wasnt that far off, though in the process they passed over the forest towards one of the mountains, until Arthur brought the plane down into a clearing. "Come, the final leg of the way to the second site will have to be done on foot through the forest." @[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

His left eye glanced at the Emperor as Avreet listened to the man, noting the lack of planetary defenses. Without shields, the planet presented an easy target for pretty much anyone, ranging from larger group of pirates to full blown military invasions. Arthur obviously held his people in high regard, but what would the warriors do if giant battleships incinerated the entire planet with orbital bombardment? Same with buying older ships, really. While cheaper and faster to get, one could not hope to do miracles in outdated technology…like this plane, for example. The machine would have never gotten past the Empire’s strict security protocols, detonator in an engine or not.

It did not come as a surprise the plane would not take them to their destination. Avreet simply sighed softly and looked at the vast forest through the dirty window. Dozens of species lived in the forest, at least two of them sentient, reminding the Mon Calamari of Kashyyk. He had fought on the planet during one of the Sith Empire’s campaigns, bringing back some unpleasant memories. “Those species you have mentioned…how civilized and technologically advanced are they? Couldn’t you integrate them into your society?” asked the Mon Calamari, his eye questioningly glaring at the Emperor, “Your enemies might use the cultural differences and turn them against you.”


@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

Arthur laughed at the suggestion of the Hirion or Nocturn turning against them, but the Mon Calamari deserved an answer. "The Hirion and Noturn are older than my own people, existing here for the last hundred thousand years Avreet, they would protect their home with a zeal i hope my people could match. The Nocturn have always been close to the nobles and scholars of my race, me included there is nothing to fear from them. And the Matriarch has a close relation with the Hirion, plus hunting Hirion is no longer legal so im sure they are happy for that fact. Oh, and if you want to know what a Hirion looks like, you will find out soon. Where we are going is in close proximity with their homes." @[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

The man's overconfidence would be his downfall, sooner or later. “If you say so…,” the Mon Calamari Sith said and relaxed in his seat until the plane landed in a suitable place. It occurred to him that building anything in the area would be hard, especially since they did not want to damage the forest. Transporting materials to the designated destination might prove to be impossible, unless they built a large landing pad near the construction site. This Empire desperately needed new technology to pose any sort of threat to the other civilizations, as they wouldn't be able to do anything of significance with their current level of technological progress. That was most likely because the civilization desperately needed a drastic change, as change makes things better or worse. A strong wave of revolution that swept through the whole Empire and made it stronger and smarter. Many people would be hurt, but that was a small price for progress.

Once the plane touched the ground and stopped moving, the Mon Cal rose from the seat and made his way out of the ancient piece of technology. Surrounded by forests, his eyes scanned the surroundings, and he turned back at the Emperor once the man left the plane as well. “Lead the way.” Avreet ordered, hoping to see the place soon to decide his next actions. "Are there any patrols in the forest? It might be dangerous due to the wild animals roaming the woods."

@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

"Human Patrols, no." Arthur kept walking, every once in a while glancing off into the brush for several moments as if watching something that did not exist. The Path he took was a uphill climb towards a nearby mountain, flanked by trees, bushes, wildflowers, and continuous sounds of distant animals. "I have a Question for you, what is it you truly think about my chances and what is it you think about me and my people. Im sure youve had the opportunity many times over to analyze me and my words, as well as what youve seen of my people and civilization. You have a wide knowledge of the other species of the galaxy personally too, which do you think pose the most threat, as well as which group poses the most threat to my people and nation. And lastly, who is it that is a steadfast ally in a time of chaos?" @[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

Avreet briefly glanced around, scanning the surrounding forest with his big eyes. After the Emperor's words and his look towards the bushes, the Sith reached out through the Force, which confirmed his suspicions. They were being watched, eyes fixed on them and following their movements. The Mon Cal could feel them, hiding in the thick vegetation like predators waiting for their prey, yet they did not know what kind of powers possessed one of the persons they followed. The young Sith Knight could feel them all through the Force, along with many small life forms of animals and insects. More likely than not, they had not faced a Sith before, a true Sith who commanded the Force at will. Avreet, on the other hand, was always ready for anything.

The way soon turned upwards, as if it led to the sky. Stopping, the Sith turned around and enjoyed the view he could see over the trees for a while, glaring at the snowy landscape. The sight of the mountains was quite beautiful, especially when combined with freezing sky in the back. The Emperor then spoke and broke the moment for Avreet. Without saying a word, the amphibious Sith turned around and continued walking, his pace fast and steady to catch up to Arthur. “The galaxy is a large place. A vast number of factions hope to control it, factions that have been here much longer than your Empire. Engaging in any sort of conflict would be downright foolish. Before embracing the idea of becoming a major player, the Empire needs to become more advanced, just as your people have to go through a radical change. They were slaves not too long ago, after all…”

“The biggest threat? Definitely the Jedi and their Republic. They do not like Empires if you know what I mean… and they feel they have right to impose their beliefs and ways of life everywhere. They’ll strap your people of their identity, remove you as the ruler and establish a puppet government. As for an ally, you are the Emperor, the one who knows your people’s needs, aren’t you?” The Mon Calamari asked, not even looking at the man he spoke to.

@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

Arthur thought carefully on the words as he walked uphill, his feet landing on the ground and pushing off as they stired loose earth and dust in his wake. His eyes traced the edge of the hill which brought them to an expanse of clear ground, leading to what looked to be a cave in the distance as he stood there. "I have another question if I might ask, why did you come here and not go to your own people, or even hide out with another sect of Sith. Im sure there are Enclaves of Sith that fill the galaxy, so why did you choose this place and not the refuges of your leaders?" Arthur looked on the site as he stood there, there was plenty of room for a landing pad or two, and the cave itself was actually one of the many networks of caves that dot the landscape, only this one didn't connect to them. @[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

Eyeing the entrance to the cave, the Mon Calamari shrugged at the question. "Hiding among Imperials on former Imperial planets would have been too obvious and only caused suffering to those who willing to help a Sith, as my people are still actively persecuted by the Republic. Your planet is out of the Republic's reach and they won't dare to start another war. Hopefully. The work will have to be done discreetly to avoid drawing any outside attention." Avreet explained the situation, he did not want to endanger innocents to save his own skin, and continued looking at the mountain and cave that led into it. He expected something different, but this would ultimately do just as well, if not better than a normal Sith Temple. A large underground complex for the Sith not only to train new apprentices, but also a place to retreat to. Given it lied in the sacred forest, it would not be easy to find if masked properly. Many would surely notice the construction itself, but only authorized personnel could see what the mountain hid inside. A good story, like building a new mine, should be enough to dissuade curious visitors. "If this is the place, I take it." The Sith turned to the Emperor, his orange eyes wide open and staring right into the man's silver eyes.

@[member="Arthur David Hardrada"]