The Evil Beneath The Sands Has Risen (TAE & Allies)

[Mythos]

He smiled at that, groom roared loud and proud as he was ready to ride hard against the stone and sand towards their destination. "Precaution is overrated." A kick to his steed send Groom into a dash and soon enough the speeder would follow. One would think a beast as large as Groom would be slow but the claws he sported and the lean muscle of his frame allowed him not only to sprint powerfully and fast but also scale up and down sheer cliffs and walls of the city. Mythos needed to hang on to the leathery hide of his neck for dear life as they descended the drop and leaped to the spire then springing to action through the sand dunes directly into what seemed to be the middle of no where... An Illusion of course.

Shielded by massive dampeners was the sections of the city reserved for high officials and military gear, straight through that road was the way to the palace of Mythos, their destination. Mythos wanted to save time but he also wanted to scan the area for traffic so he tilted groom to the rooftops around the city then darted down through the main market places. The speeder carrying Mrs. Swail was behind, needing to be slow for a speeder to not overtake Mythos and Groom but to Mythos this was riding training. One large leap over two building very much apart made him narrow his eyes. Would he make the jump?

Groom could do it. The beast knew how to make that jump and he unleashed his full feral primal strength into crossing the gap from edge to edge landing on the very ledge of the next spire with his claws. Now they could see it.

The Palace.

It would have to do for now, Mythos took this building as his temporary lodgings before he could erect his actual base of power, now being built as they rode to it. As they approached the grassy lands of the garden outside Mythos slowed down his ride and began to ride side by side the automated speeder of Mrs. Swail, an air of confidence and nobility around him even as he rode a feral monster as transportation. He gave her a hand signal, his finger swirling in the air as to say they would go around. As they entered guards and machinery surrounded them, more than just auto turrets this place was layered with infantry, sniper nests, walkers and force knows what else to protect it's Emperor.

The garden was a reflection of Mythos personality, grand and exaggerated. It sported plants and different shades of green that came from every corner of the galaxy. This is where he would start his tour. In the center of the garden was an oasis. There is no need for an oasis in a lush green paradise such as the garden but Mythos thought it perfect. It was here he stepped off his beast, unsaddled him and gave him a telepathic command to be free. Groom then lunged into the greeness of the garden and was gone. Once his friend was gone and the galaxy was doing business he could his attention to the padawan that even after being shackled and arrested maneged to express an aura of nobility, beauty and discipline.

She was the Key, he was certain of it.

"Welcome to my garden" He said, taking his boots off and sitting beside the oasis to have a drink of water.

[member="Stephanie Swail"]​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

The city opened up before them as Stephanie settled back in the speeder and enjoyed the ride.

The wind cut through her short hair, tugging only a few loose strands from her fringe. You could never beat the feeling of fresh air rushing over you, even so on such a relaxing journey - Stephanie sat up a little, opening her eyes as she found they were shut.

This could be one, big trap.

This Ancient Eye could simply be a Dark Side splinter cell, looking to infiltrate or expand or work their way into the Core. Since Stephanie didn’t trust the Commenor Queen, it made sense she would be here to support the Dark Side forces, providing them with who knows what in return to keep their system from danger. A right royal pay-off.

Her fingers drummed the side of the speeder as it followed the mighty mount across the city. Regardless of how she felt and her wariness, she couldn’t deny that the size and architecture of Angramar was majestic to say the least.

She watched the mount near vanish after a large jump to beat the speeder to their destination; the God-King’s palace. And what a palace. It made the Jedi Temples look obsolete and even gave the Silver Rest a run for its credits. Old meets new. Golds, oranges and crimsons and pyramids, orbs, obelisks all standing proud and lining the perimeter of the palace. Mythos appeared besider the speeder the close they got to the palace and they ventured forth, and Stephanie could see the royal set-up for herself; that of a God-King indeed.

As the speeder stopped, Stephanie sidled over and stepped out, down onto the cool marble floor that led to the rear garden. It was a small continent contained at the rear, and it was alive with the Force, she could feel all of the nature around them both. Colours wherever she looked, a fresh oasis in the centre, and fruits growing on trees. She walked around the oasis as he welcomed her.

"You don’t do things small, do you Lord Mythos. This is a wonderful place."

She peered over to him and ran her hands over a colourful purple and yellow flower.

"Forgive my asking, but I have a question. What is the standing of Commenor with the Ancient Eye?"

There would be room to expand if the God-King needed her to.

[member="Mythos"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay looked to the image of the Star Destroyer before her. Oh yes, she knew it well, having dropped out of hyperspace while on her way to a diplomatic meeting, only to be caught up into it's tractor beam and then held hostage on board. That was an experience that she wouldn't forget, but one that she certainly learned from.

She sipped her tea as she listened to [member="Kainan Wolfe"] 's proposal. So it was ships that he required, was it? And not exactly the small kind either. The funding that he could provide for them wasn't a high price, but it was well enough for a trading partner.

And then [member="Lord Harris"] arrived, introducing himself and his list of titles. Like Kainan, she too got to her feet and offered a hand to the man to shake. "Good to meet you. The offer for Star Destroyers is quite generous. Do you have anything else to add, Lord Harris?" For all she knew, he could have just wanted to speak with Kainan.

 

[null3]

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[null3]

"Ahh. I don't believe I've heard of the valiant class star destroyer," Harris paused and looked at wills who now shifted in the corner, revealing himself. "But we do have a wide variety of venator class carriors."

Wills looked at Harris and then moved in with a projection to reveal the ships.

"Hello, I'm Commander Jonathan Wills, And the Lord Admiral and his science department have developed many unorthodoxed designs that have saved my skin in the past. This is his prized possesion."

After a moment, Harris motioned at wills, the projection faded, and wills pulled away.

"As you have just seen, my ships are a bit bigger, and we have a lot of them. But not once have I heard of the valiant class. If you'd please explain, it would be most appreciated."

Harris grabbed the teapot, pure some into a glass and took a drink. He placed the cup back on the table.

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Kainan Wolfe"]

 

[Mythos]

The water was crystal clear and the day was not too hard with the sun. This was a place where Mythos came to meditate on the force, not just the dark side of the force but the force and it's status in general. In life, in death and in balance. Water dripped from his hands as he drank, the ripples of their droplets falling on the green oasis like stars, so crystal and clear were they. He heard her voice but did not look up from the pool before his bare feet, he felt the force now strong in this place like no other. The trees, the sands, the water and the natural violence of predators... also darkness...

She asked a question and he smiled. Of course, why would he ever think that it would not be business? Of all the wonders, of all the texts and hieroglyphs and culture and history the only thing that mattered above all else was politics. He sighed. "Straight to businesses Miss Swail? It's no secret that Lady Kay and I are friends since the days I ruled over Atrisia" He began, raising from the pool and bringing his yellow eyes to bare upon hers. He made note thinking that she would look better with longer hair, not that short hair did not look good, it's just that he preferred longer hair.

He paused and glanced over his palace and for a second and remembered the palace of Atrisia and how it used to be. A place of peace, where pregnant women brought their children to be blessed, there the poor and downtrodden came for employment, where warriors trained in every step, where lovers came to sit by the Emperor's garden and where the pride of every Atrisian was celebrated in glorious nationalism. "I used to be no different than any other sith, arrogant, oppressive and controlling. A Tyrant, A caricature of a villain as portrayed by the jedi all across the galaxy, especially the Galactic Alliance."

His words seemed fleeting as regret washed over him, memories of pain and sorrow that [member="Lady Kay"] herself understood. "Then i met Kay, she looked at me not a god or a king but as a man and taught me that to rule is much more than just to have power. To win land and to win kingdoms is like having one hundred flying birds that you call your own." He turned to look at her, his eyes on her but an old wisdom and sorrow in them instead of the intense charismatic power they usually had. "If you have bird in your hand you have a bird but if you have one hundred birds in the sky, you have none" He smiled and turned his gaze back to his palace. "As such is people, you have the city but not their hearts and mind, not their love, not their trust then you have them flying and they will leave you. Kay taught me the necesity of not ruling through fear and oppression but by wining and earning the hearts and mind of the people. She is the reason although i am a sith, i use the darkside of the force to crush and destroy my enemies in close combat... I am a Good King... to not be would not bring power, to not be a good king only invites the wrath of your worst enemy. The people you are responsible for."

He laughed to himself, remembering fun facts and memories of Kay and him in Atrisia, his bad cooking, his smoking, her intense desire to free slaves. The fact that they met while he took off his shirt in a courtroom to make a point. The strange coincidence that he wound up half naked half the times they met even though she was to this day the only female in the galaxy to deny his romantic advances. He turned back to the padawan in his company and gave a condescending smile. "So to answer your question Miss Swail, Commenor and the Ancient Eye have good relations because It's King and Queen have a friendship that has endured years and has made a petulant manchild into an emperor beloved by his people"​

[member="Stephanie Swail"]​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

As the God-King talked, Stephanie turned and walked around to the oasis and sat across from him, watching him talk and noting his expressions, his physical movement, his general aura. There was no dishonesty, no aggression, no desire to speak down to her. He was honest and to the point, and she appreciated it.

Of course, being so inquisitive wasn't a good thing so she knew when to not poke around. She nodded slowly.

"I see, that makes sense. Of course the Silver Jedi wouldn't try to intervene with your dealings, I just..." she shrugged, "... I guess like you in someway I want the best for those who have decided to stand under our name. The old myth of peace, harmony. At one time it was so close, but now it seems so far away. Friends become enemies, allies turn against you, that old chestnut. Call me foolish, but I hope one day we can all find it again."

Stephanie leant over, pushing back her brown robe and rolling up her sleeve, trailing her fingers in the water and watching the lazy ripples.

"Lord Mythos, I think it's refreshing to see what you have done here, and I hope you manage to stay away from the talons of the Sith. Not the Sith who I know respect others in pursuit of their goals, but the ones who don't. If you didn't, I know I wouldn't be sat here now. That gives me hope itself. I am sure you are a good king to your people, and I hope you stay that was and don't fall to the path so others can with so much power at their fingertips."

Her fingers dropped some water down to the oasis and she looked up at him, wiping her hand.

"I don't speak for the Silver Jedi, but I know if our paths cross, we would welcome you as allies in a quest to preserve what we hold dear from being taken away. That is something I think we both would share a mutual goal for. Besides, if someone came to take all this away from me, I'd launch an army to get them out!"

She chuckled a little.

[member="Mythos"]

 

[Mythos]

When she smoke it was as if the ripples of the water stilled, so rare was the light in this place that the very nature around them responded in kind. Mythos was in mastery of everything around him, he had carved every blade of grass in this place to his liking. A leaf did not fall in this garden without his wishes for it to do so and as such when the nature around him rejoiced he was able to notice. That gave him something close to joy, joy that he could not feel or be familiar with, not since the fall of his first life. He let his muscles relax, the veins of his body to retreat back as much as possible, every rippling muscle and body part to be what could be a measure of peace with the pain that the runes on his body allowed. Pain was something he lived with every single day and every waking moment but now the light granted him a measure of peace and rest, something so rare he had to remind himself that it was temporary and fleeting. He laughed with her but there was a somber tone to his voice... because what she said in jest he would have to do eventually.

The galaxy was going to come for him and when it did he would not just unleash his armies but every single ounce of devotion and power to kill them all and show the galaxy that they would not be trifled with. "It is regrettable that you do not speak for the silvers, I would very much like to let us stand in declared alliance and understanding besides, i have heard that the silver jedi sports a considerable and impressive assortment of archaeologists. I could use them, I need souls that love to uncover what history has forgotten." Saying that reminded him tahat this was not where their tour would end, it was barely even starting.

From the trail that lead to the palace a platform of durasteel and thrusters came for them, it was time to enter the palace itself. "Peace is not a Myth Miss Swail Peace is a lie, but harmony is balance and there must always be balance... any Sith or Jedi who disturbs the balance invites their own doom... where darkness lies light must come to meet it and it will come to meet it. In order to preserve power one must maintain the balance and never seek to turn it in favor of oneself, the moment you do, be you jedi or be you sith you will fall" He smiled and gave her a knowing look as the speeder approached and parked beside the pool of crystalline water.

"But you already knew this am i right? You have read history and have seen the nasty habit that it has of repeating itself. Every fall of jedi and sith has come because of their desire to tip balance towards the light or the darkness and the one doing the deed is always the one that falls."

Above them now flew the ace squadron of the neo blades, red and gold streaks flying at incredible speed. Mythos was envious of those that flew in the cockpit of a fighter, he was a pilot in Naboo before he set out into the galaxy and ever since then he had wished to be behind a cockpit once again... alas he was always called to duty as the god of the infantry. 'Mythos made the sky blue because he loves the infantry'.

"You said you wanted to know about the Ancieny Eye. The story is thousands of years old and it has a direct hand in why I did not stay dead in Atrisia" he said, climbing on to the platform and extending his hand to raise the padawan behind him. "Now is the part you see the history of Ankhypt, Ahnkarabis and the Ancient Eye. I hope history does not bore you"
[member="Stephanie Swail"]


​

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

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Attn: [member="Mythos"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Lord Harris"]​

​

• City of Westender
  Capital of the Shrouded Republic, Winter

Wolfe listened to Admiral Harris' words, waiting for the man to finish before explaining. "The Valiant-class Star Destroyer is a small, highly versatile warship designed primarily for long range combat against other capital ships. It is outfitted with long-range torpedo launchers and hypervelocity cannons capable of engaging targets at a distance," he spoke in a clear and precise manner that made it clear he knew what he was talking about.

"It is outfitted with an advanced suite of communications arrays which enable it to defeat most common types of jamming devices, though this is a standard feature on most of our warships," he said, referring of course to the Admonitor-class light cruisers and Ardan II-class flak frigates, the latter of which were still in development and would eventually replace the refurbished Arquitens-class frigates that the Shrouded navy currently employed.

"It is an effective vessel. The Dark Star, my flagship, is a Valiant-class Star Destroyer, although it features several systems that will not be present on the mass-produced variant, such as the composite beam laser," he said. "I am not surprised that you are not familiar with the Valiant-class, Admiral, this vessel was not employed by the Dominion navy. It is something that my company designed after the battle of Krayiss II. Impressive for its size, but merely a stepping stone on the road towards much bigger vessels."

Now turning back to his trade offer, he brought up the specifics. "I understand that there may be diplomatic concerns involved if Commenor were to build warships of this size for another nation. Therefore, I will keep the initial order small, so as to not cause issues with your neighbors. Three Valiants. I can also offer a bonus of ten million credits per individual warship, if they are delivered quickly and without mechanical problems."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay studied the holo-images, listening to [member="Lord Harris"] , Wills and [member="Kainan Wolfe"] . It had seemed that the former was also here to procure vessels. But not from her. And that was just fine.

She sipped her tea, raising a brow as Kainan attempted to bribe her, believing that she'd have the gall to sabatage any of the vessels coming out of her shipyards. Just what kinds of people was he used to dealing with?

"We are in the habit of doing good business and take pride in everything that we produce. There is no need to pay more just to ensure that the ships are mechanically sound. But you are right in that it could pose a bit of a political issue. I'll deal with that when the time comes. That is if it ever comes. So we'll start off with three at 70 million credits. If you are satisfied with them, then we can look into constructing more."

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

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Attn: [member="Mythos"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Lord Harris"]​

​

• City of Westender
  Capital of the Shrouded Republic, Winter

Wolfe's face lit up with an expression of understanding. "You misunderstand, my lady," he spoke softly. "I am not paying extra to insure that the ships are mechanically sound and I am well aware of the quality workmanship of Commenori shipyards," he explained, leaning forward.

"I am paying extra to insure that our order is given priority," he said. "We need those vessels delivered as swiftly as possible and the bonus is to entice your shipyards to work overtime, in order to finish construction sooner."

Pressing a button on his datapad, he caused the hologram to change, displaying another Star Destroyer design, of a new and unfamiliar design, with an interesting weapon placement that suggested improved firing arcs. "This is the Adjudicator-class Star Destroyer. At one thousand, seven hundred meters long, it is much bigger than the Valiant-class and it is intended to serve in the role of main ship of the line. This class of ship is still in development, but I am willing to share it with Commenor, if you agree to help us by co-funding the development process. What I propose, is the construction of two prototypes, one for the Ancient Eye and the other for Commenor."

 

[null3]

"This is the Adjudicator-class Star Destroyer. At one thousand, seven hundred meters long, it is much bigger than the Valiant-class and it is intended to serve in the role of main ship of the line. This class of ship is still in development, but I am willing to share it with Commenor, if you agree to help us by co-funding the development process. What I propose, is the construction of two prototypes, one for the Ancient Eye and the other for Commenor."

Harris' face lit up at the idea of a possible experimental warship in his fleet, he looked at [member="Kainan Wolfe"] and smiled.

"How would one aquire one of these battleships? I would be intrested in a field test."

Harris tried to hide hi's smirk, but couldn't. He was excited about the Idea of a massive addition to his fleet, and he was going to try to get one if at all possible. He shifted in his seat and looked at Kainan, waiting for a response.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Oops. Here she had thought that [member="Kainan Wolfe"] was trying to be shrewed, yet he wasn't. Her past experience with him and being held hostage wasn't exactly a pleasant experience, so her trust in him was not as high as it could be. He was being nice, but she knew that there was a purpose behind it, and that was to acquire large starships.

"Forgive me for my misunderstanding. I will see to it that your order is pushed through. Actually, we have recently acquired another shipyard so you can be rest assured that your ships will arrive in a timely manner. You can even have yourself or a representative like [member="Lord Harris"] here to drop by and check on their construction."

The change in holo to the Adjuticator class caused her to lean forward to observe it more closely as she was given some of the specs. With [member="Veiere Arenais"] wanting them to further increase their fleets and military to protect themselves, this was something that she couldn't turn down. "It's very impressive. And would be a serious undertaking." She chewed the inside of her cheek before sitting back in her chair, offering a moment's pause as she mulled it over. "I believe that we could help finance this. As you say there would be two of them, one for each, are you proposing that we split the funding 50/50?"

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

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Attn: [member="Mythos"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Lord Harris"]​

​

• City of Westender
  Capital of the Shrouded Republic, Winter

The Overlord nodded. "Yes, splitting development costs down the middle, would be beneficial to both our nations," he said to her, responding to her inquiry. "As both of our nations are in need of new warships, this would certainly help expedite the development."

As during their previous encounter, Wolfe was nothing but a gracious and polite host, yet beneath all that politeness, hid a fierce, powerful intensity and a keen, devious intellect which always planned ahead and plotted some kind of agenda. It was clear that whatever he was building here, Wolfe's plans extended far beyond this moon, or even the mere act of conquest. Kainan Wolfe was a very dangerous man.

Finishing his tea in a single gulp, Wolfe stood and graciously extended a hand to her. "We are in agreement, then?" he asked. "In that case, I would like to graciously thank you for this trade deal," he said to the woman, his tone and expression polite. "Is there anything else you would like to discuss? Or, perhaps you would prefer a tour of the city?"

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay got to her feet once [member="Kainan Wolfe"] did, reaching out to shake his hand. "We are in agreement, yes. I'll have a contract written up and send you the draft to look over." More than likely there'll be some edits and back and forths done before the deal was finalized.

And now the meeting seemed to be over. Or was it? There was a glint in his eyes, a certain look that made the little hairs on the back of her neck go up. More or less it was a warning, her instincts telling her to be cautious. She would love to just head on home to the safety of her own territory, but curiosity soon won over. "A tour would be lovely. It would be a fitting end, given that [member="Mythos"] has requested that I be escorted all the way home." The man had already berated her for bringing no more than The Free Lady with her. Now it was just a question of who wpuld be taking her home. The tour would give ample time for ships and their crews to get prepared for the journey.

Kay kept Kainan's coat on. She needed it to hide the signs of growing tension in her body.

[member="Lord Harris"]