Private My Kind Of Party

[Darth Malevolum]

Location: Cantonica


Cantonica, it wasn't a world that she was familiar with, but whatever this proposition that had been aired towards her, Malevolum found that she couldn't resist. The offer to strike back at jedi, to take vengeance upon them, it was more than she could bare. "My Lord, we will be reaching the site within the next ten minutes." Malevolum turned her attention away from the window of the shuttle, her gaze falling upon the form of the pilot that she could make out from doorway. She flexed her fingers, the elongated nails of her suit tapping against the thin outer skin of her suit, letting the metallic clanging ring through the passenger bay.

She could feel the tension in the pilots mind wounding up like a spring, the unease morphing into concern, and warping into a low rumblings of fear. It was so simple, yet interesting to her, how easy it was to bend people like that. Fear was inside all beings, even the most stoic, one merely needed to proper touch to pull it out of them. Lessons from her life had taught her that years ago, perhaps if she knew such secrets then, things might have been different. She banished that train of thought before it could go any further, knowing that in it laid a pain that garnered her no strength. She rose to her feet, saber clattering against her metal outer skin, as she marched up to the door way, peering through it and gazing at the world that was swiftly approaching them. The pilot glanced over his shoulder, the fear in his mind elevating to a point that might impair his abilities. Malevolum merely rose up her left hand, not bothering to pay him any mind, and made a rotation with her index finger pointed up. The message was clear, pay attention to your station, and everything would be fine; there was no good for pointless cowardice here and now. The man seemed to understand what she was saying, as he did just that. While the fear was still there, his line of thought remained intact. She remained in the doorway as they began to settle down at the meeting site, it seemed to be a compound of some sort, the nature of which Malevolum could only assume it was a military outpost of some sort. The pilot glanced back to her, knowing what needed to be said, even if it was quite obvious; he never got the chance. The Darth had already turned her back to him, moving to the rear of the vessel, as with a mere wave of her hand she brought the walkway down and emerged from the ship, ready to meet with the welcome committee that awaited her. Hopefully this wouldn't be a waste of her energies.

Vaulkhar

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar stood in silence, his gaze locked on the imperial soldiers marching in the yard below. His elevated position granted him a full view of the landing pads situated on the eastern end of the encampment. This latest assignment given to him was one of boredom. With the defense of Mandalore behind the Sith Empire, many preparations were being made to contest the Network and their various allies dotting the stars. Simple military management was often led to the more military-minded of his family. Joycelyn or Constantinus were far more adept at maintaining an effective fighting force than the inquisitor and assassin. It left a rage burning hot within him. One no amount of slaughter or training had driven out of him, so, the emperor's bastard was left to find other means of entertainment. Most Sith would amuse themselves with the common man or woman that made up their empire, perhaps in issuing some impossible task, only to kill them upon failure. There was nothing to gain from such, other than an outpost worth of ire. It left him looking off-planet.

A name had recently risen through his web of intelligence. A Lord of the Sith Brotherhood, one that presented Vaulkhar with potential gain. Those who had yet found their place within the empire were a possible ally, pawn, or enemy of the fallen Jedi. He couldn't care less about the simple-minded politics that echoed from the Dark Council's chambers. There was far more to the galaxy than serving the near-sighted and narrow-minded.

This Darth Malevolum carried the reputation one would expect of her ilk, meaning he had quite the work cut out for him in regards to turning her will and strength to his machinations.

"My Lord," a soft voice sounded from behind Vaulkhar, interrupting Vaulkhar's thoughts.

"What?" Vaulkhar did not turn to face the latest officer assigned to him. She, much like the rest of them, would soon request a transfer from the spite filled man.

"Darth Malevolum will be arriving shortly," she tapped away at a holopad held in one hand. "Would you like me to send someone to collect her?"

"No," Vaulkhar turned and leveled his malign gaze on the woman. "I will do it myself. Prepare the dining hall for our arrival, I will be providing her a meal as we discuss matters of import," without looking back, Vaulkhar strode out the room and down the hall. The soldiers on the base had long since given up at offering the dark Jedi any signs of respect. It was clear he couldn't care less about the showings of devotion or law. Some found the break-in decorum freeing, others found it disturbing. Warnings were issued to the lower ranking soldiers, but after the first officer's public flaying at Vaulkhar's hands; none of the lot bothered again.

The memory stayed with the bastard up until the ramp lowered, revealing the Sith as she descended.

"Greetings, Darth Malevolum."

Darth Malevolum​

 

[Darth Malevolum]

To her surprise, she found a fellow dark lord waiting in attendance for her. Malevolum looked upon him, her eyes scanning his form, as she wasn't sure what to make of him initially. His face looked wrong, there was a deformity to it, or something rather wicked had occurred to the man. It wasn't unsettling, but rather curious as to what ailment had befallen him. She could only assume it was from an infusion of dark side energy, but she was sure to find out during their conversations as time would go on. At least he seemed mentally coherent, she knew far too many people who were not so fortunate in that area.

She continued her walk out of the shuttle, stopping before him as she gave a curt nod. "I hadn't expected you to welcome me. Consider me flattered." She spoke plainly, as her gaze moved past the dark jedi who had come to greet her, as she was inspecting the facility that he seemed to be heading. "I just want to clarify my reason for being here. Truth be told, your offer seems too good to be true." Her gaze fell back onto him, as she folded her hands behind her back, prepared to follow him wherever he wished to lead her. "Please, Lord Vaulkhar, lead on." She motioned, unsure as to what he had planned.

Vaulkhar

 

[Vaulkhar]

There was no noticeable response to the woman's curious gaze. Vaulkhar maintained a stoic visage, his posture straight, and shoulders squared. His very being radiated a powerful dark side aura, revealing not only his strength in the force but some strange form of corruption that seeped into his existence. It was a jarring sight, given most of the modern Sith maintained an air of caution in displaying their capabilities to the galaxy. Either the fallen Jedi didn't care or was sending a message to those he met. Even though his demeanor was as frigid as winter on Hoth, he returned her nod with one of his own before turning on a heel to move back towards the rest of the base.

"I have sent men to collect my guests before, it never ends well," Vaulkhar spoke with an even tone, his voice seeming to rumble up deep from within his chest. "After a certain point, you grow tired of sending innocent men and women home in a body bag due to a particularly malign Sith's amusement," his words lacked empathy or emotion, potentially leaving one to believe he couldn't be bothered with such tasks. It added to his overall demeanor of intense boredom and a clear desire to get off the sandy planet. This point was further pushed as a pair of officers stopped to salute both Sith. Vaulkhar strode past without offering either of them a glance. Many of the grunts just marched right around both of them, taking zero notice of either of their passing. It was not until they reached a large tower, located in the center of the encampment, did he speak again.

"I have read your file, Malevolum. You don't strike me as anything particularly special. Just another errant Sith trying to make their name in the empire," his words were not framed to upset the woman, as it appeared he was just feeding her the fact he collected. "However, I would like to change that."

They approached the towering structure at an even-footed pace, neither too fast or too slow. The door to the structure was shut, though it slid open as they neared. Without slowing, Vaulkhar led the woman inside and turned down the left corridor. A lift awaited them at the end, its doors wide open as if expecting them. As the two entered, a soldier within tapped at the terminal and shied away from his fellow passengers. With only a faint shift, the lift began to ascend higher in the tower. Vaulkhar eyed the man trapped with the two near-deific entities before clearing his throat.

"Soldier," Vaulkhar's call to attention was a curt one.

"Yes sir!" the man immediately leaped to attention, a hand rising to salute the fallen Jedi.

"There is no need to be afraid. I understand the reputation surrounding our kind, but you are a man of the empire. Your work is leagues more important than our own," Vaulkhar's words of encouragement sounded off, given the deadpan delivery. Fortunately for the grunt, the lift slid to a stop. The bastard dismissed him with a wave of his hand. The soldier raced out and the lift closed behind him once more, carrying them the remainder of the way to Vaulkhar's suite.

"This will be where we discuss why I've called you to my temporary home," Vaulkhar continued moving, unphased by the elegant decorum covering every surface and wall of the entry. Servants, both living and artificial, maintained the living space. "I have provided a meal for you if you hunger. If not, we can retire elsewhere," he spoke as they entered into a lavish dining room. A crystalline chandelier hung over the table, each crystal giving off vibrant lighting. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be made entirely of kyber crystals.

"The choice is yours."

Darth Malevolum​

 

[Darth Malevolum]

It seemed his previous guests had the misfortune of a lack of self control. That was rather irritating truth be told, too many of their sort seemed to lack that fine quality. Killing subordinates was such a futile show of force, unless it was needed to establish discipline; though from what Vaulkhar was telling her, it seemed to be an abuse of power. "That's rather regrettable to hear. They should save the blood lust for those who deserve it." Her tone remained emotionless, She followed the man, catching the frantic movements of the officers who saluted as the pair proceeded on. He seemed to fall silent for the time being, as the pair would continue on in silence for a time, as Malevolum had nothing to say to this stranger in her company.

When he finally did speak, his words were rather coy. She felt a small tidbit of annoyance at being told that she was nothing special. It was partly true however, so she quickly withdrew from being angered by his words. It was true, she had not lead any campaigns, uncovered any artifacts, nor destroyed any noticeable jedi. Her head turned ever so slightly to fixate on him, listening to his words as he now had her full attention. "It does seem that I have much to prove before I can establish myself among my peers. I relish the challenge before me." Her tone continued to remain stoic, though her eyes did not leave the man. Moving further into the facility, some poor bastard was trapped in the elevator with the pair. Malevolum paid him no mind, her eyes still lingering upon Vaulkhar. The man's fear was palpable, and understandable, being among two dark lords was equal to a death sentence. It sounded like fake sincerity, and whether Vaulkhar meant the words he spoke, Malevolum would not know; nor did she particularly care. She was rather glad to see that the man was allowed to go free however, after all, what good came from such senseless violence?

Vaulkhar had seemed to prepare a feast for her, which she found rather curious. She finally broke her gaze from the man, as it fell upon the banquet set before them. She mused the idea of a feast, and decided to partake in such a thing; after all, it would be rude to put all his work to waste. "A meal would suit me fine. Thank you for your generosity." She looked back to him, as she took her seat at the table, brief memories of a past life trickled into the back of her mind. She used to attend lavish parties like this, or rather Alana had. Her eyes scanned the table once again, as she was rather curious at the display. It would be obvious to Vaulkhar that the Darth was amused in spite of her best efforts to conceal it, though Malevolum was still interested in what the man had to say. "So, this ploy you have, what is it's nature?" She asked, her gaze pulling away from the table, and towards that of her host. They had better get down to business before the patience of her host was strained.

Vaulkhar

 

[Vaulkhar]

"Very well."

Vaulkhar waved a hand in the direction of the table, both chairs slid back in response. He moved to the chair furthest from the entrance, across from the only other seat, and lowered himself into it. Two humans entered from a side room and approached the table. Together, they prepared several plates for Malevolum and her host. Various drinks, ranging from teas and juices to alcoholic choices, were also set beside them. The meal looked well prepared, with steaming vegetables, platters of fruit, fresh bread, and cooked meats of all kind still stretched between them even after the plating came to an end. It was a meal fit for one of their station, yet even that seemed lost on the host.

"Your curiosity is telling, Lady Malevolum," the title was archaic, reaching back to Vaulkhar's upbringing on Panatha. "That is not the right question to ask, given the circumstances you unknowingly refer to," it was cryptic, likely bothersome for the more action-minded Sith, but ultimately true. "In this case, I aim to claim the seat of High Inquisitor among the Saaraishash," the organization utilized to keep watch on the empire's Sith and the galaxy's Jedi had stood dormant for a long time. There had been numerous opportunities for its ranks to strike out and bring glory to the empire. Yet, nothing came of it or its members in recent history. It was ripe for the taking, or so Vaulkhar believed. "To take a seat at its head, I must deal with Djorn Bline. He has allowed our order to weaken and fade into obscurity."

Noticeably, Vaulkhar's eyes had never left the womans own. He reached for neither food or drink, intent on maintaining his vigil.

"You find the opportunity to kill Jedi 'too good to be true' by your own words. Help me attain my goal and I can guarantee you the success you crave. No more will you stand in the shadow of the more boisterous in our Brotherhood. You will instead stand over them," Vaulkhar leaned forward, his armored body noiseless, even as he leaned forward. His elbows rested on the table, his chin on the back of his hand. "And to top it all off there will be no shortage of Jedi to kill."

Darth Malevolum​

 

[Darth Malevolum]

Taking her respective seat, the Darth held off on taking part in feasting for the time being. The array of food that was laid out held her attention for only a moment, as she returned her attention to her host as he spoke. It seemed she had skirted perhaps a tad too close in sounding demanding. She'd have to watch herself, last thing she wanted to do was burn bridges with potential allies. Her eyes fell upon Vaulkhar once more, as he affirmed that she knew not what she spoke of. "Apologies Lord Vaulkhar, please, continue." She spoke with the same emotionless tone she held before. It seemed she would serve as his assistant in a ploy for the man to claim a title, which didn't bother her, if anything it was to be expected. There seemed to be one person in particular that he wished to have killed, something that Malevolum only hoped would be expanded upon in the conversation to come.

She paused and detached the metallic plate around her jaw, separating the device from it's place along her jawline, as the pale and damaged tissue underneath was exposed for the Dark Jedi to see. "I see." She remarked, only requesting a glass of water to sate her thirst for the time being. "I only ask if you intend for me to be an arrow in your quiver, or shall I be a warrior you seek to call upon when a task needs done? I have no issue assisting you in completing your goal if it serves my purpose, but I will not be used as some simple tool. Though, I'm sure you didn't call me here to request myself be a servant to your whims." She remarked, setting her 'jaw' on her lap, as she collected her share of steamed vegetables and one of the meat roasts that was laid out before her. "If you seek assistance in destroying this 'Djorn Bline' then consider my aid to be granted. I trust that your words are not a ploy to try and exploit my desire to ascend the ranks of the order. I desire acclaim, that is true, but I am not desperate enough to sell my dignity to another for table scraps." Malevolum set to start eating, awaiting what her host would say at the choice words she had selected in her retort. She had no issue rendering aid to the man, but she did not want to become his unwitting pawn in some unseen game of Dejarik.

Vaulkhar

 

[Vaulkhar]

"There is no need to apologize, Lady Malevolum," Vaulkhar waved a hand to dismiss her concern. He watched her detach the metal plating with a perked brow, seemingly interested in the ruined tissue beneath. "The task may vary," he said as his attention flickered back to her gaze. "However, I gain nothing from making an enemy of you. In fact, I'm likely to lose far more than you'd even realize," his hand reached for a glass of tea. He lifted it to his lips and took a sip before setting it down a tad closer. He also helped himself to an amalgamation food. There appeared to be no rhyme or reason to what he collected, nor did he pay the plate much attention after setting it down. The bastard's attention once more belonged to his guest.

"Many within our empire have plots and ploys to spare. I am one such individual," Vaulkhar's hand motioned to himself with a lazy flick of the wrist. "That is what the Sith is. We all strive to be stronger than those adjacent, to break the chains that bind us, and be free. How can you be free knowing there are others around you who do not have your best interest at heart?" his eyes were locked on the woman's, the violet glow of his gaze piercing in their focus. "You cannot. To stop this problem, the Dark Lord and his confidants decided to establish a new rule. The Rule of Law," the title came out in a hiss, dripping like poison from his tongue. "It has not brought peace. Instead, it has only bred weakness. The Dark Council rule on high as our forces are beaten back in the galaxy. Kintan is just the most recent of many such examples."

The assault on Kintan was a guaranteed success; on paper. The Sith Empire descended on a heavily outnumbered defense force, only to retreat due to tactical misstep. Their supply lines choked off, no suitable point to hold defensively, and the failed attempt at keeping the Silver Jedi Order locked planetside lost them the day. It was a blameless tragedy to the council, but to others in the empire? It only fell on the shoulders of those who led the assault.

"I believe something must be done," Vaulkhar leaned back in his chair, the tension leaving his body. "We must rebuild this empire from the ground up. The Saaraishash would make an excellent first step."

Darth Malevolum​

 

[Darth Malevolum]

So far, so good. She felt his eyes linger for a moment as her jaw plate was detached. Despite what many believed, the damage was not as excessive as her armor would suggest. The skin was certainly damaged to some extent, but it was more unsettling rather than disturbing, still, she paid him no mind, setting about eating as the man continued to speak. What he was saying didn't irk her, nor did it give her the inclination to distrust the man across from her.
It seemed they both were wishing to avoid stepping on one another's toes. The talk soon took an unexpected turn, as Vaulkhar went on to give criticism to the Dark Council and it's members.

She was a tad surprised at the man's words, to so openly berate the members of the council? It wasn't a surprise, but it was quite interesting to be sure. She held her tongue, knowing that her attempt to defend the law might risk an argument between the two. Malevolum believed in law, in order, in using a firm hand to shape out the life that lived under it. Still, if she could have her way, working with Vaulkhar might be just the way to go about it. "What you speak of is insurrection against the council themselves. A plot that could very well lead to the fracture of what order we have fought hard to maintain." Malevolum stopped her feast, looking into the violet voids that were her hosts eye sockets. Despite what he spoke of, she wished to agree. Sometimes things grew old and weak, and for that reason needed to be rebuilt. "But, I do seek to remove corruption from the ranks, and strike order into the lawless. This goal could be met with cooperation." Malevolum's eyes narrowed at Vaulkhar, wondering if they could continue this relationship, or if it would end in tragedy like so many 'Sith Alliances' before it. Malevolum had no such plots, no such ploys, rather she had a goal and a desire to see it fulfilled; it was to be her work for her lover, a final monument to everything she and Ines had believed. Her gaze relaxed, as she returned to eating. "What moves need to be made? I entrust you have laid out the details for such a plan many months ahead of time?"

Vaulkhar

 

[Vaulkhar]

"What purpose does order hold if the empire is not strong enough to protect itself?" Vaulkhar posed the question with a perked brow. "The Empire is no longer in its golden age, Lady Malevolum. Inferior forces have defeated our armies time and time again. The Emperor hides behind his allies and seeks the means of immortality to prolong his life. He hears the wolves as they prepare to descend upon him. So, I'll ask a simple question. When this empire goes up in flames, do you intend to burn alongside it?" he took another sip of the tea, his eyes never leaving the woman. "You needn't answer now, consider it food- " his hand motioned to the plethora of plates before each of them, "for thought," his earlier passion seemingly died away as he stood and began pacing behind his chair.

After several passes behind his seat, he paused beside it and rested his gauntleted hand on the back. "It is not corruption we should seek to cut away. This is the Sith Brotherhood; there will always be corruption. It is the weak that must be expelled if you truly wish to maintain this illusion of strength and order the council clings too," Vaulkhar paused and stroked his chin for a moment, seemingly in thought. "The saaraishash is step one. The order of inquisitors and seekers alike are meant to maintain a vigil on the others within the empire. The fact its leader has done nothing with the order has kept it from its sole function. While I would very much like to wring Djorn Bline's neck, I do not believe killing him is necessary. It would prove far easier to show his superiors how useless he is and replace him," he stated, almost matter of factly.

"My plan is a simple one; serve the empire in exterminating the Jedi who defy its will. Already, the Jedi move against our order and are preparing to stand before us. If we can stop them in that, it would be a blow against them," his lips pulled back into a dark grin. "And a means of proving Djorn's ineptitude."

Darth Malevolum​

 

[Darth Malevolum]

Now things were becoming a tad less okay for Malevolum. She thought this might be a ploy at rooting out corruption in the empire, but now she felt like she was being treated to the hints of an assassination attempt. Thankfully, she was kept from having to answer such a question, but she knew her answer well enough. At other times, the pun might have brought a smirk from her features, but now, she felt like she was being threatened. Join me, or burn when the Empire topples over. That sort of thing brought on anarchy, something Malevolum was not nor would ever be in favor of; though she didn't think this was Vaulkhar's intention, which was why she was still seated. She ate her meal rather conservatively now, watching from the corner of her eye as the man paced about. "For some reason the weak seem to be the very citizens that are needed to maintain the Empire." She countered, curious what Vaulkhar was to say about that. She assumed he was speaking of weak lords who were unfit to rule, but it could have been anyone. "Unless you speak of those too weak to behold their titles. In which case, I agree wholeheartedly." Strength was not an illusion, a display of strength perhaps, but power in and of itself was quite real. Though she doubted her new friend was talking about physical power, he spoke of more presence, a pure power within the force itself.

Still, the plan he suggested was simple enough; destroy a man's reputation until he was cast out. It seemed that Malevolum would be assisting in creating a new branch of order within the Empire, if this went as planned that is. "Very well, we cut down the jedi, make this Djorn man look to be a fool, then what? I assume we do not seek to play our hand upon the pazzak table holding the winning hand?" Truth be told, 'Alana' had been a terrible card player, and Malevolum had left that old habit behind when she accepted her new life; surely the metaphor wouldn't be lost on her fellow dark lord. "This sounds good and all, but I have the feeling you-" Malevolum stopped herself, realizing her Dantooine accent was slipping out; last thing she needed was Vaulkhar hearing her country accent. "There are sure to be complications that will arrive, surely?" She asked, now done with her meal, as she pushed it off to the side. She took a moment to reattach her jaw back into it's proper place, as she awaited the answer to her question.

Vaulkhar

 

[Vaulkhar]

There would always be complications. No plan survives the first contact with the enemy, as recent history had proven recently for the Sith. What answer could he provide that would assuage her curiosity? Probably the truth, but what was there to gain? It was clear the Sith before he had ambitions. Ambitions he could help become a reality? An alliance, a deal, a partnership; the word used mattered not. What truly mattered was whether or not there was a gain to be had and power to attain beside the Lady of the dark side. It all left Vaulkhar annoyed to think about. He hated the stupid game played by the Sith, but it was necessary to consolidate one's strength.

"I am sure there will be complications, yes, but this an opportunity for both of us. If the empire refuses to replace him, you will see the corruption I speak of," he returned to his seat, his earlier grin fading away. "If someone else steps forward, they can be dealt with in a variety of ways. We cannot plan for every possibility, only what should be expected and a tad beyond that," Vaulkhar lifted a slice of bread and slathered it with a thin layer of butter. He took a bite and swallowed, though he had to fight back the urge to growl. No longer did he taste as a man would. No, his resurrection had seen to that. So much had changed, himself included.

"I've answered many of your questions, Lady Malevolum. As a host, I believe it is only fair to oblige your curiosity. However," the fallen Jedi lifted a glass of wine to his lips, swirling it a tad before taking a sip. "I am interested in learning about my latest associate. For starters, I wish to hear how you received those scars," the glass clinked against the table as he set it down.

Vaulkhar was an epicanthix. The art of war and all that fell beneath it was very much a beautiful thing to his people. Scars spoke of a will to survive, experience spoke of a will to learn, and trophies spoke of a will to win.

Darth Malevolum​