Out of the Maze

[Laira Darkhold]

Rishi

The humid air of the jungle world hung around them, droplets of water running down camouflage armor and dripping to the ground. Occasionally distorted comlink conversation would buzz between the handful of troopers, but for the most part the small group was silent as they watched the simple negotiations. Eight Death Troopers, two black robed figures, and a regal looking Camaasi stood to one side while the avian Rishii elders stood to the other. Villagers had flocked around the meeting area, staring from the treetops and cliffs around them, the occasional squawk emanating from the onlookers.

The Camaasi began with a slight bow, the elder's cocking their heads slightly in curiosity. "I stand before you to bring a message from the Master, that I might bestow upon you his kindness and benevolence." The elder Rishii remained silent apart from a subtle rustling of their feathers. One of the robed figures stood immediately behind the Camaasi, guarding him while the other wandered about, as if he was barely paying attention to the proceedings. "I, Kotus Tik'kla, offer you and your village the opportunity to join the Imperial Revenant, so that we might serve one another and prosper under the guidance of the Dark Master's wisdom. All that is required of you is that you work to benefit the Revenant just as it works to benefit you."

Kotus was a useful tool, for one he was excellent at dealing with outsiders and reaching peaceful resolutions where necessary. For second he was a believer, unwavering and unyielding in his loyalty. Decades of time spent at the Master's side rendered him as faithful as ever, a true believer in the cause the Dark Master had laid out. Orthus mentally noted to reward Kotus assuming he succeeded when they returned, while he himself stalked through the village, regarding the villagers who watched the negotiations. Most of them gave him a wide berth, blissfully unaware that the figure striding through their village was the eponymous Dark Master. Some of the warriors stood tall and in his way as he walked, trying to show they would not be intimidated. Orthus was happy to allow them that pride, each time he would bow and back away a step or so before continuing around them. Humiliating and subjugating a populace had its uses, but not when the goal was to use this village as a watchtower and its people to protect the facility that would be installed in the nearby mountain. If they were forced to bend, broken and had their warrior spirit shattered how would they ward off other tribes or curious settlers?

Behind the Sith Lord the Elder's mimicked the words Kotus had spoken last, as they were oft to do. Rishii mimicked sounds they heard, it was not conformation. It took a moment for all three elders to chirp the last sentence individually before the chieftain could make his own request. "What does Revenant need?" The other two chirped the words again in a lower tone before relenting.

"Only that you protect our people while they are here, that you allow no harm to come to them, and you tell no one else of our arrangement." Once again, the three mimicked the last phrase.

"And for us, medicine?" The chieftain asked quietly, silencing the other elders.

"And food, water purifying systems, weapons if you desire. Your nest shall never suffer another drought, famine, or invasion, so long as you serve alongside us." Kotus smiled benevolently, warmly and comforting. They didn't need to know this was their only option, that those who refused to serve could be made to slave instead.

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

Rishi, a world unknown to her. She watched with curiosity as water formed on her skin produced almost by the air itself, "this world will provide for us. It will be a great addition to our empire." She stepped off the small transport in her natural form with 4 members of the Mau and three of her personal trained guards. She inhaled even the air smelled different.

This is so unlike Ankhypt there were not endless seas of fawn colored sand reaching out to the horizon under an unforgiving sun. No this world was more like the Oasis singular in purpose to provide, this world would provide.

She had been told there was life here quite different from Ankhypt, "Let us go and see this new life" She was familiar with cathar, anubians, and humans but here she heard they lived like wild birds. She liked birds, they had their purpose and they looked good in cages.

The scout returned out of breath he dropped to his knees before Bastet, "My lady there is a village that way." Her opalescent eyes looked to the direction he pointed, "Very good...get up." She nodded and he moved out of her way as another handed him a drink.

Her little group followed the path towards the village. Bastet took in the sites commiyting all of it to memory she wondered would they be frightened of her? Should she change? No...let them see their god for who she was.

[member="Darth Orthus"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

The Elders clicked back and forth in their language, chirping as they discussed the offer Kotus made. To them it was beneficial, but they were wary of outsiders. Not long ago the Galactic Empire had ruled this world and likely had not been kind to the Rishii that wouldn't serve them or slave alongside them, but the Empire had never been known for its soft touch. Orthus had faith in his servant's abilities, even if for the most part it felt as if the Rishii were undecided and leaning towards remaining independent.

Orthus knelt as he inspected a totem the avian species had erected, letting his eyes inspect the colors, the textures they had used, even the symbolism they were attempting to convey. The pureblood he was wearing had better eyesight than his own form, but even still they seemed to wash out and fade, dull and grey to his eyes. He wasn't colorblind, but he had no appreciation for art. He made a note to ask Kotus if they were any good.

"Revenant not rule?" The chieftain asked, his voice creaking as he pried Kotus for specifics.

"We entrust the Master with the burden of rulership because he is best fitted for the responsibility. He reigns because he bears the greatest burden and has the greatest aptitude to do so." Kotus smiled, his snout curling up in a gentle grin. Caamasi had a way of soothing those around them, they were made for such negotiations. "However, you will remain in charge of your nest, he see's not the need to disrupt your way of life in order to serve one another. I doubt our people will spend much time mingling, but the members of the Revenant are expected to respect one another. I must caution you though, if you refuse our offer, a different nest will accept it."

The elders went back to discussing the matter, they were the first and only choice Orthus had to defend and keep secret his listening post on Rishii. If they would not accept, than they would have to be eradicated so one that would could move into their territory. Kotus knew that, one of the reasons the Caamasi had suggested bringing two sets of moisturizers, one that would provide clean water and another that would poison the tribe. Shrewd in hindsight, though Orthus had been disinterested at the time Kotus had planned the deception.

The Dark Master stood from his inspection as he felt a slight ripple, a twinge in the Force. Someone was approaching, a non-native making their way to the village. <Kotus, we have interlopers. Continue with your mission, I will handle them.> In his mind, Orthus felt the Caamasi affirm his command as the Pureblood made his way to intercept the group, standing calmly in their path, dark floor length robe brushing against the foliage. Mud and dirt stained the very bottom of the black robe. The body of the Purebood a little taller than his own, standing passively as he awaited the interruption. A few Rishii watched him curiously, keeping track of the dark robed figure that had surveyed their encampment.

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

The ground beneath her feet was solid unshifting unlike the desert sands that moved with the slightest of breezes across the surface. So odd to walk upon another world really to take in the sounds, the smells, and sensations. Her connection to the life force of Ankhypt came quite naturally having known it since her birth but the life force of this place shifted in ways she didn't understand yet.

She could feel the sensations of life, she could hear them well but she was uncertain of her other gifts. Before exiting her transport she took a moment to make sure she could still shift. It came easily that ability did not depend upon Ankhypt it was associated with her species, her genetics.

Then something moved a sensation caressed her senses she looked ahead along the path. Someone was coming. Someone of some power. She motioned for everyone to stop while she moved forward. They would come when called.

Many would see this as a fool move but her curiosity about others pushed her to go alone. She was after all stronger than her guards. Least she believed it to be so.

Surefooted she moved along keeping her head held high whoever this was she would meet them as the proud therian she was.

[member="Darth Orthus"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Orthus stood waiting in the path, the undergrowth of the humid jungle cleared away by the rishii nest for ease of use, little more than a domesticated game trail. The chirping of birds quieted but did not subside as the beings made their way through the jungle, creatures still moved about, giving them a wide berth, but it was far from a quiet rainforest.

The redskin of the pureblood pulled back into a smile as the woman approached, Orthus found it was easier to emulate emotions and inflections when one also emulated the physical attributes associated with them even if they could not be seen. The mask the Sith wore covered his face and hid his eyes, but it clearly marked him as a Sith or Dark Sider, Jedi very rarely felt the desire to cover their faces.

The pureblood's eyes looked over the woman softly, his aura mild and calm. "Hello little one. What brings you into the wood?" Orthus's voice grated from the mask, the delivery akin to an old man speaking to a lost child, a twinge of compassion in his tone. The Dark Master often preferred to adopt a more compassionate persona when possible for first contact with others, finding it put the off guard and made his true intentions more difficult to determine. "Are you lost?"

Behind him in the village the Elders finally finished debating amongst one another, "We join." The chieftain answered, reluctance in his voice as he did so. The Rishii was wary and uneasy, but it was obvious he felt he had little other choices. His nest was suffering from a recent outbreak of disease, nothing lethal but it had reduced the number of hunters to supply them, which in turn caused others to go hungry, and the issue was spiraling in his nest.

Kotus smiled and stepped forward, bowing to the Rishii chief, "Excellent, excellent. Let me be the first to welcome you to the Imperial Revenant Chief Thwarah. Tomorrow our people will arrive with your medicine and supplies, and a surveyor for our installation. Only together can we lift one another up."

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

A creature in a mask how interesting what exactly did the mask mean? Was he abhorrent to look upon? She tilted her head listening to the tone, he sounded like a parent looking at a child. But she was not a child she was a God at first she felt her anger boiling up being talked to in such a manner.

She would live to see his bones become dust. An inferior creature for certain but yet there was something about his presence perhaps something that was worth her time to stop and converse. She smiled thinking let's play a game.

"Yes Sir, I've lost my way I've been looking for someone to help me get home. Can you help me?" She moved a few more steps wanting to make sure she got a good look at him. Then she noticed everything around them gone silent. Their voices having sent the local fauna into hiding from the unknown.

She folded her hands like a good girl would while she played at being innocent. She would learn what she could from him while it was in her interests to do so.

[member="Darth Orthus"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

The Pureblood tilted his head, noting how she moved and how she spoke. How she forced herself under control. Useful, "Well little one, that depends." He moved towards the woman, his eyes and senses studied her quietly and calmly. Half of understanding someone was learning about them, and the best lies were most often based on reality. During his long life he had fulfilled many roles in life, including that of a confidant for others who sought his counsel.

His presence carefully cascaded over the girl, his mind trying to register the thoughts at the surface of her will, to carefully ease into her mind through the seams of her thoughts. Everything about his senses screamed that she was a potential threat, hardly the innocent lost girl but he was more willing to take risks while using a Pureblood as a Voice. "It seems to me you have lost your way indeed, but hardly in the physical sense." Again he smiled warmly underneath the dark metallic mask. The jungle quieted and the Rishii watching the pair watched the exchange closely with bright eyes.

"You're looking for what, purpose? Strength? Wisdom? Certainly you are lost if you thought you would find it in these jungles, yet found it you did. What do they call you little one?"

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

He was shrewd she could sense it feel it. He was a predator she recognized that feeling but there was something else going on.

She felt as if someone was trying to bump her mind. She had never experienced someone trying to access her thoughts she wouldn't know at the moment how to prevent them from doing so. But then if he had such a gift what did that say about him?

She had encountered another creature once who possesses such powers he had been cruel and ruthless. He thought all he did was for the betterment of others when in truth it was only for himself. She recognized this quickly if he had not been on her home world she likely would not have cared. But. He had been.

Was this one the same as he? She stared at the mask boring holes through the eyes. There were other eyes upon them. Listening. Waiting.

She stopped smiling. She sought none of what he mentioned. She had Strength, and a purpose, and wisdom came with time least that's what the Mau taught.
"I am Mereet" It was not a lie. "Who and what are you?"

[member="Darth Orthus"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Oh little one, lost indeed." He mused, his voice remaining kind. Orthus had spent the majority of his life in the shadow of the Dark Lord of the One Sith, he knew the mindset of destiny and pride. He knew it well, for the very same called to him and he found it difficult to keep rooted, to remember that it was a lie the powerful convinced themselves of just before they fell.

"I am that I am." A turn of phrase, its meaning old and not known to all. Hardly an answer, but the Dark Master was known for being cryptic and mysterious in his mannerism. "If you do not seek me, why do you think you have found me in these jungles? Every hero finds a guide, just as a champion is presented to every king when the kingdom is in need." But which was which, who was the guide and the hero, which the king or the champion. Orthus was wary about revealing too much to a young girl, if she struck him down it would be painful, but his spirit would recover in his own body, and she would be none the wiser of who she had met or the extent of his presence.

With a flick of his wrist the plant life around him withdrew from his presence, blades of grass shrivelling, beautiful flowers wilting away. A torn soul, sundered time and time again, polluted by dark magics and blasphemous to nature, pulsed in a tiny flash so that she might feel him, if only for an instant. In that moment the jungle grew dim and everything went silent as every insect, every creature, every beast hid from the presence. Now she would know what he was, enough at least.

"Tell me little one, what is it you seek?"

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

She watched as each plant slowly turned brown and died. Oh joy she thought someone else who knows how to kill. So very easy to kill especially plants. That which nourishes the body and provides for them should not be killed but cultivated. To kill it just to prove some point was waste.

She looked about almost un-phased by it. So she thought he is like the other, death to prove a point and for what. She took a deep breath what did he want some declaration of purpose, intent? It wasn't' like they were standing here exchanges recipes for chaos and disaster.

An interesting point though that they should both be here at this same time. As if preordained. Was it possible that the life force that permeated all things was guiding her to meet those who would help her along the way?

Behind her somewhere her escorts were beginning to grow concerned she should have come back or signaled by now. Concerned for Bastet they moved forward stopping at the edge of all that had died. Their gaze fell upon their Goddess as she stood with the stranger.

"It is possible you were put in my path for a reason. What that reason is has not been revealed to me." She felt she would be the first to know such a thing.

Would it hurt to tell him? It shouldn't and if he did do something that displeased her she would see to his end. So she decided to grace him with an answer.

"My destiny"


[member="Darth Orthus"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Destiny is a curious thing, little one. Often those who seek it misinterpret it as their own, when in reality they are merely foot notes in another's." The pureblood mused, his warm smile never leaving his face. "But I do not see that in you." He flicked his wrist again to call back the vegetation and plant growth, revitalizing the jungle around him just as he had scoured it a moment before. Life was about duality, it had to be. Beginning and End, some focused too much on one or the other, they never found balance.

"I can help you, help you decipher the mysteries of past, present, and future." Slowly the grass began to grow once again and the flowers returning to their former vibrancy. It was taking longer, but they were returning. "But if you want me to guide you to your destiny you must trust me, trust in me and all that I am." His voice dipped low, almost a whisper as he spoke to make her have to pay attention to him in order to hear.

"And I must trust you to reveal the path laid out at your feet. Be warned, it is not an easy thing to earn." With arms still open he approached her, with her arms reach, a sign to show trust, to present himself before her so that she might act within her nature to a being disarmed and nonthreatening. Her guards approached, his influence spreading towards them so that he might glean from them their intentions and the surface of their thoughts as well as he own.

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

[member="Darth Orthus"]

"I do not believe that I was born to be a footnote." No she believed she was destined for much greater but whether it would come to pass that remained to be seen. It would depend upn her ambition and her ability to win over hearts and minds. So far this new adventure into the galaxy had created some confusion but the Mau kept her to the path and reminded her of the teachings of Ahmonet.

Then he agreed good she thought and nodded acceptance of his remark. "Mysteries, what mysteries do you speak of?" What thoughts did he have what is it he thought he knew. Then she saw life from dead.

The dead cannot be brought back once dead it was sacrilege to do so. The dead were never the same once they had crossed the threshold into the next world.

He threw that word trust around pretty freely, "Why should I trust a stranger?" Why should she trust someone she just met? She was not born yesterday.

"What are you suggesting?" Was he thinking to be one of her teachers? What would he know of Ankhypt? of Therians? of...life in the desert. She studied the mask..

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Orthus stood still, waiting. She was of an analytical mind, waiting, considering before acting. That was good, he could relate. If there was any risk to him he was always cautious and calculating before acting, gathering information before making moves. Life was like a game of dejarik in many ways, but instead of playing against one, you played against the universe.

"All relationships, even those between leader and follower," He motioned to the guards behind her, "Are built on trust. Tell me, how many of their names do you know? How many of their children's names? Birthdays? Their hopes and aspirations? Few I'd suspect, so how can you claim to truly know them, yet you trust them to guard your life." Many times Kotus claimed that the Dark Master knew every single follower he had within the Imperial Revenant, that was far from reality. Orthus was simply adept at subtly reading minds and would glean that information from them as they approached to give the illusion he knew them and was omniscient. A useful illusion indeed. "If you can trust them, you can start to trust someone the Force has placed in your path to guide you."

"How could I know what mysteries there are to be revealed unless you let me in," The Sith emphasized the last words by pounding the woman's mind with them, a deep telepathic rumble in a grating metallic voice, <Let me in.> spoken with an authoritative tone.

<Let. Me. In.>

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

She had more questions than he had answers. Any other creature might have stepped back at this moment but she stood her ground firmly.
She internally cringed as he got closer.

How many names did she know??? Why would she need to know that? They are servants in her service not....friends...not that she had any of those. He did have a point though she trusted them because she had been taught to believe they were invested in her future it was not in their best interests to have harm come to her.

They in turn had also been raised to believe that she was a God, the living link between this life and the next. They were duty bound to protect her. But what if...

Each was an individual but she put her faith into their training that they would not betray her and that they would perform their duties.

She hated that he had a point.

Internally she groaned.

When she finally heard him speaking to her mind she lifted her chin still feeling defiant. Never before had anyone spoke to her thusly. He was not of the Mau so how was he to be a teacher? Or anyone that knew anything? Her brow furrowed as her eyes narrowed.

I know this game it is one that even the Mau do not know about She felt her teeth clench hard then she took a breath and relaxed, a game. That's what this was. I do not share with faceless creatures in masks

[member="Darth Orthus"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Orthus stood waiting for her, listening to her thoughts as she attempted to communicate with him. This Voice, the Sith Pureblood had called himself Graxus, whose face was not his own. What was the loss of allowing her to know only what needed to be known? And yet he was found of this Voice, more so than the other. His fingers flinched and his hand moved up to the mask to remove it, pulling away the metal that covered the red skin. The flesh beneath was merely a mask that his spirit wore, a suit possessed by the Keeper of Secrets, but it would start the bond of trust.

Red skin wrinkled and with his warm and welcoming smile, the face of a middle aged Sith Pureblood with slightly elongated facial tentacles. "Are you appeased with your guide? They call me Darth Graxus, and what is it they call you?"

In the village behind Orthus, Kotus finished with the niceties and formalities of the agreement with the Rishii Nest of the Thwarah Nest, its kneeling in acceptance of the Camaasi's decrees to them. "You're loyalty will be rewarded greatly. In the spirit of fellowship, the Revenant welcomes you into its arms with a gift." Kotus motioned for several of the Death Troopers to bring out the moisture collector they had brought with them. "This is a water purifcation system. Two of my guards will remain in your nest and teach your people how to operate it while I return to my ship. Tomorrow we will return so that you can show us where to build our listening post. Again, welcome Chief Thwarah." Kotus bowed at the waist respectfully, always the humble servant.

"Thank Revenant. New age ahead for Nest." The chieftain and the elders bowed likewise, mimicking the Camaasi's movement precisely. The avians squawked and chirpped in response, happy to be gifted with the water purifier.

Kotus rose with a smile and turned to walk back to the ship. "Tytus, the Master has been gone a while. Check on him please." The Dark robed man walking beside the Camaasi nodded, "By your command." Kotus didn't stop to look back, he and his guard simply boarded the shuttle to await orders to leave, a small crew handling the transfer of systems. "You did get the right one?"

"Of course, Governor."

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

Was she pleased with her guide? She wasn't quite sure he WAS her guide yet. He was old or appeared old. She knew she must be wise in her choices. She had been taught from a young age that all decisions were made that furthered her goals.

She was new to this part of the universe. Those with her did not know the customs or ways of those that now surrounded them.

So. Perhaps she was willing to concede that she needed a guide.

"I am not displeased. Hopefully your knowledge is equal to your elderly appearance." Was he a wise guide or pretender of some type only time and exposure would tell.
So now what did he expect?

She nodded her head.

[member="Darth Orthus"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Everyone wear's masks, always. Flesh was just a different type of mask. Orthus smiled, "For now that will be enough, little one." He would need to take his time before she would be of any use, very defiant and strong willed. Behind him another black robed figure stalked from the jungle, regarding the situation.

Tytus was merely a member of the Order, a lowly servant of the Dark Master, but he had the appearance of presence. Dark robes and hood, sword sheathed across his back. He didn't say anything but his body language clearly indicated he was concerned about the Sith Pureblood and knew he was a subordinate in their relationship. "Ah, Tytus, your communicator." The Sith said, holding his hand out so the new arrival could place a device into his hand.

"I'll be remaining. Leave." The dark robed figure nodded, turning to leave immediately. "Mereet," the Sith said the word as he turned back to face her, "We should tour the area. I believe the Rishii of this nest should be willing to provide us with a scout." He smiled. There was a little work to be done and for now he felt like making progress with the young girl.

Tytus returned to the shuttle only moment's later. "The Master has elected to remain. He has my communicator." The Caamasi nodded. "He mentioned he would be scouting the area. Likely he will do the surveying for us."

"Ping the communicator with the details of what we need. Let's return to the ship."

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

[member="Darth Orthus"]​

​

"Darth Graxus, what does the title Darth mean?" It was a foreign title to her others around her had carried or tried to carry the title of god. She saw through them easily enough but this one was subtle his purpose not quite revealed.

And she was still learning how to tap the powers of the living force here. All would take time.

"A tour" She looked back to her own group she could dismiss them they were questioning everything with their eyes. She was trained she could take on one old teacher. She raised a finger and walked to them, "Go back to the ship. I will communicate if I need you."

A couple of brows went up, "it will be fine." She didn't say I don't think his purpose is currently to kill me. He wants something. She just didn't know what.

She walked back towards Graxus, "Then let us tour and see this world that weeps all the time."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"There are several theories on its origins and its meanings, but in practice it means I represent a position of wisdom and authority, earned and not inherited." It was a title the Order of Sith Lords had used as a prefix for their chosen names for millennia, ages and ages it had been passed down through the Sith Orders.

He held his hand up and waved, calling to one of the Rishii that stood by watching them. With some reluctance, a brown feathered avian swooped from the low branch he had claimed and landed near the pair. "We would like to survey the mountain, would you mind leading us through the rainforest?" He said, redonning the mask he had worn to cover his face.

The rishii regarded the both skeptically, unsure of the pair. The girl and the dark robed man, both were mysterious outsiders. It chirped back, mimicking his voice as it did, "Leading us through the Rainforest." It agreed, hopping a little as it spoke, bobbing its head.

"Thank you." Orthus turned his head back to the girl, "You never answered me, Mereet, what do They call you?"

[member="Bastet"]

 

[Bestat]

"I understand this concept. I was born into a title but I must work to gain the next one." Even though they called her Goddess it did not make her Ruler. A goddess should be higher than a ruler but a Goddess had influence over a few while a ruler over many.

A creature flew down there were none on her world that could fly in such a manner. The feeling of flight she could only imagine the freedom that came from that to soar over the deserts to see far as the eye could see. For a brief moment she envied the Rishi. But only for a moment.

"My given name is Mereet." She looked down, "What they call me depends on what they want. Most call me Goddess, others Bastet." They called her Goddess most of the time only the teachers and priests called her Bastet.

She was eager to walk the mountain paths and explore.

She had to admit she had no one that she could speak with on equal terms. Was it possible to speak to Graxus and not have him betray her?

"Why are you on this world Graxus?"