Private The Old and the Young

[Akhuul Sautra]

Tag: Darth Malum of House Marr
Location: Alvaria, Sith Space in the Outer Rim
Equipment: In Bio
Objective: Establish ties with hopefully rational Sith

My reintroduction to the Sith has so far been an interesting experience. From encountering zealous cultists seeking nothing but carnage and loot, to those who claim to protect my people's heritage, and now to the greater network of it all. In my travels through the shadows, one name has been mentioned frequently. While in the vicinity of the world of my birth, Korriban, the name of Carnifex and Kaine Zambrano is mentioned with much fervor, yet the name of Malum seems to be present across the Sith of today from what I have heard, as limited as that might be. I have even heard it more than the Emperor, Empyreon. It was time I made myself known in higher circles. The masses will still wait though.

Those of the Kainite were busy indulging their desires in their pleasure palaces while warring with some Imperial remnant I cared little for. Another upstart from the Tion sector, and that was something I cared little for. However, there was more to this current realm of the Sith. Across the galaxy, lied the heart of this new order. I watched it grow, and, to be truthful, I am astonished it has grown so much and lasted so long.

Out of hyperspace, the slow exodus was completed. Sautra Vokh appeared like a shark in the depths. Its eerie, crimson red glow made it stand out from being seen as a lost shadow, or the ghost of a moon. The course was made to lurk on the edges of the system Alvaria was found in. The paths taken were circumventory, to avoid detection by many of the modern Sith's forces. The fact war with the Core Worlds was on the horizon for the Sith, mattered little though. This, Darth Malum still would have time to witness a living ghost story. From this perch away from the eyes of the system, a small encrypted message would be sent to the planet's authorities.

It was in the Ancient Sith language. In truth, not because of security purposes, but because I refused to speak the moronic sounding Galactic Basic. "I have heard your name spoken often around the worlds of my people. I seek Darth Mallum from the void. I will await him on the outermost moon of this system. I can afford patience." With that sent, I boarded a ziggurat shuttle from Sautra Vokh's hangars. Quietly, it careened through the void from the outermost edges of this system to the most distant moon of the most distant Ice Giant world in the system. It was a barren rock coated in ice. the lack of atmosphere made no difference to me and my soldiers. Our heavy frames kept us from any lack of gravity, and a lack of lungs made air obsolete. I would have the ship cloaked while waiting. I knew better than to fully trust one of the most powerful Sith of the age. Lastly, it would be in a cave where I would patiently wait for the arrival of the younger Lord.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum stood with his hands behind his back simply staring at what the screens connected to the system scanners were picking up.

Of course, the first issue was that none in the room could truly figure out what exactly they were seeing. All they knew for certain as the ranking member of the scanning station had informed him was that approximately an hour ago, a large entity, likely a ship of some kind had entered the system, but seemingly...

It was not as if it could not be scanned.

It was not even that it could not be seen.

It was that...

Well, it was impossible to say what it was.

The scans could show that there was a structure out there, but that was about it.

While probes revealed in the shimmering darkness of blackened space... a spherical... something.

It had been his theory that it might have been the Malsheem, but disregarding the fact that Malum certainly would have noticed the movement of the Malsheem outside of the Old Sith Worlds, especially towards the Sith core, what the scans had noted, and what the probes had confirmed, was whatever this spheroid was, it was no matter how large, still much smaller than the Malsheem, by more than half if their calculations were correct.

Which still placed it as a truly colossal vessel.

"Your Imperial Majesty," One of the helmsmen on board began, to the silent sigh of Malum, he had become more accustomed to the title which he bore upon this world secretly, yet, still sometimes... usually really... despite how much it rose feeling in his chest, it was still an alien sensation, "The craft remains on the edge of the system, and we are having trouble keeping it in our sensors, whatever is interfering with our sensors is very potent indeed," Malum surmised as much, mutely nodding his head at the man.

Growing uncomfortable at how... he seemed to almost rise as red eyes trailed over him, his eyes shining in...

Worship?

The Antonists were growing in power down upon his world... yet, they remained as ever one of his key allies in continued rule.

As for the spheroid vessel... Malum could only wonder for what insidious purpose it was attempting to escape sensor notice, there could truly be any reason... yet the fact it had not yet closed the distance was at least some small comfort, it was all which had kept his fleet at bay, around Alvaria's orbit, rather than out to hunt.

Alas, he could not maintain such patience forever.

"Your Imperial Majesty, intercepted transmission from the vessel towards Alvaria."

Malum's eyes snapped to the man, "Patch it through." He ordered, with no small amount of hunger in his voice.

...

Ur-Kittat.

There were a rare few who spoke that tongue, and due to the amulet that strung around his neck, which was beginning to warm up, Malum was counted among that number.

The message was...

Unexciting for the ancient language in which it was spoken, but it was intriguing enough. Gazing, it seemed from the moon he mentioned, there would be quite a gap between it and the sphere... as much a deal in good faith as could be made in the circumstances.

"Prepare the Guard, and have the Alvaria and Ragathor on standby, we will meet this mysterious stranger," Malum ordered, as his words were transmitted, reliable ships, but certainly not threatening to the invisible behemoth, his show of good faith, "And transmit the following to the craft," He allowed a pause, a click alerting him to the fact he was being recorded, "Nu zhelosa tu kia nuyak home, kad zhol kash su anas azinimas anas nu proclaim nu valia tolerate nie violence stai.". Satisfied, his cloak billowed in his wake, as he was well on his way.

His blood was pumping, curiosity filling his soul.

---

Malum could sense his presence upon the barren icy moon that made up part of his inheritance upon Alvaria.

On one hand stood a complement of his Tsis'Kaar masked and ready, and on the other a squad of his Guard helmeted and prepared, the transport from the Alvaria had made its way down to the world.

As Malum trudged himself to a cave, where he knew his query waited.

Questions awaiting by his lip.

Akhuul Sautra

 

[Akhuul Sautra]

Tag: Darth Malum of House Marr
Location: Fringe Moon, Alvaria System
Equipment: In Bio

Soon, the prospect of my journey arrived. A reply was given, and relayed to me from Sautra Vokh. This Darth Malum was coming. His reply conveyed a strength only a host could produce. It also gladdened me that it came in my people's old tongue. It was always good to know I was dealing with a Lord who was properly cultured. Indeed, I was in his home. Sitting in the freezing shadows of this cavern, I would have smirked if I had lips knowing I managed to arrive without announcement. There was no ability to reject my presence here with the actions I took. It was rather impish of a thought, yet there was an element of pride within my digital psyche on such a feet.

I had a retinue of guards with me in the cave. Primarily, there were Soldiers, though I left those by the shuttle while I spent some energy to keep it all cloaked. In the cave, however, were Officers. Their staves were ready if the worst came to be inside here. However, if all went to plan, such violence would not be necessary. My chassis and eyes glowed in the back of the cave. Those of my guards served like incredibly dim torches within this deep chamber. The Host arrived to the such a sight.

"Greetings.", I began in the ancient tongue, "Darth Malum, I presume? If so, I have heard much out of what little I have listened to with what has transpired among the Sith in this age." I would stride smoothly to the side, just on the edge of the utter blackness of shadows and the soft glow created by my retinue in this chamber. The dark metal of my frame nearly blended with the dark, while the crimson red of my eyes were the most pronounced. While a bit disappointing, it would be interesting if such a simple move would strike fear into my host. Truthfully, all I was doing here thus far was a test to see what I should expect from Darth Malum.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Marching forward, Malum knew there had to be a transport or shuttle somewhere out there on the moon, yet as the scanners of the Ragathor and Alvaria hovered overhead confirmed, there was seemingly no evidence of such craft. There were multiple theories for such an occurence, yet, all of them spoke of an immense capability coming from this individual he was soon to meet.

The one who held the advantage thus far, he seemed to know of Malum, while Malum knew barely anything, all apart from what he could see and assume, and the latter was hardly the intelligence that he would have liked. Even the meeting point, theoretically to Malum's advantage, in it being his moon, was still held to his disadvantage by the fact this mysterious stranger had felt comfortable enough in choosing it.

Malum knew much could go wrong here, and if it did, then it would be a firing match, and though confident his fleet could win, especially with the Mors Vistra at his back... it was hardly a challenge he wished to face, so close to his home.

Malum narrowed his eyes, as from the perimeter of the cave's darkness, a voice called out, a voice of an ancient tongue rarely spoken, translated quickly through his mind, as his amulet rose warmly in his chest. Through the shadows, there stood a figure, and behind him, though difficult to see, stood many more, torches standing vigil over the moonlight.

And at their head, a great heaving hulk, taller than Malum, bathed in orange light, that seemed almost the fires of a furnace.

An unnatural sight.

It was enough for Malum to call a halt, simple hand signals, as both the masked Tsis'Kaar and helmed Guard, all simultaneously, silently, ceased, as the last of his words drifted over the air, despite his appearance, his intentions... seemed apt.

"Nu sua smalsus kam tu zinot girdim, kad nu manyta tu also zinot nun sso zo disadvantage, nu sua Urvaz Malum, xaz, kad tu aras?"

His curiosity was certainly piqued.

Akhuul Sautra

 

[Akhuul Sautra]

Tag: Darth Malum of House Marr
Location: Cave on a Fringe Moon, Alvaria System
Equipment: In Bio

The cold darkness of this moon on the fringe of his system became merely a temperature calculated in the machinery that served as my brain. Light was useless with artificial eyes. The man who I intruded stood in front of me where I emerged from the shadows. He was not alone. Smart boy., I would think to myself as other streams of consciousness ebbed and flowed with the ceaseless calculations made in my digital mind. All that entered were seen clearly.

I would emerge from the inky black showing this proclaimed leader of the Sith my form in full. The regal adornments, the imposing height, the dark metal that caged the vestiges of my soul, and an expressionless face that had more in common with a death mask. He would respond in my people's tongue. Very good. It was the man I sought. Perfection.

"What I have heard is what fearful curs infesting the tombs of Korriban have whispered. A few bites of knowledge from those you likely would consider servants of your rivals. Those Kainites do love preserving my people's history, yet their sycophantic worship of this Darth Carnifex leaves them exchanging the chains they broke for shackles anew." Once again, primarily out of pride, I kept to speaking the old tongue of my people. "Your name has come to mention when talk of the Dark Council emerges in my research. I decided to cross the galaxy to see the man who spurred a reputation among the feeble masses." The coldness of my delivery left it ambiguous if this was me giving respectful accolades or subtly insulting this surprisingly young looking leader of the present day Sith.

Then came his other question. Who was I, indeed? I am a Sith who spent more time skulking in the shadows then instilling fear and dominating. I am a Sith who doubts the success of the Empire he leads. Yet, after tapping into more public levels of current information concerning the Sith during the journey to this side of the galaxy, this young Lord appears to appreciate the history of my people he claims to inherit. "I am one who has outlived all rivals. I am one who has watched those who inherit my people's legacy create Empires that rise and fall. I am one who seeks to ensure the Sith continue in this galaxy with proper culture. I am one who was there in the times of the first Dark Lords. I am among the first to achieve true immortality. I am one who's name has been expunged from most records, where even more of those records were destroyed over the millennia. The name, Darth Cryptis, shall do."

It was time to see how this young Lord who sits at a seat of such high power would take this.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

For all the replica mask of his great ancestor could protect him from the lack of oxygen the moon held, it could not protect him from the utter cold that had his skin freezing, and his hairs standing straight and at attention, yet even as he fought off shivers. His focus was entirely enraptured by the... creature? That emerged out of the darkened entrance of the cave before him. He...? It...? Was as much alien as his first impression had indicated.

He was alive, that much Malum could tell, sentient and real, as the Force exuded out his very presence and aura, yet... from the look of him, he was so much more droid than man. While, even beyond that... he seemed a very specific type of droid, ancient, and filled with gravitas, even beyond the colours with glowed along its carapace.

It was his words, spoken in the Ur-Kittat, a long-dead language, that only a few among their creed remembered, and even for Malum, as his amulet grew warm in his chest, he had an aid in order to learn it. Yet, listening to the beautiful language of his ancestors... he could not help but... be unsure of what exactly to say.

That he was from Korriban was unsurprising, at lent credence to the claim that he was among the eldest of their Order, and so far, it seemed that the man... the thing... far from approved of Darth Caedes' and Kaine's rule, that was an intriguing enough proposition, and as a firm ground for succour as any. Still, that required trusting this... thing, at this word, which was something Malum was far from sure he could.

All the while, the mention of him, was enough to warrant a raised eyebrow, even if the Sith Lord in front of him could hardly see that. That the so-called feeble masses were speaking of him, was... odd, especially those of Kainite space. Yet, whether it was true or not, and though he hardly imagined his reputation had transcended so far, this Sith was now here.

And it would be his decision on how to respond.

"Tu flatter nun, alas, nu sua unsure kait nu gal determine ar nu fit such reputation, ar nu sua neamoni iv kam zhol kash." Malum answered confidently, any hesitation masked by the amulet's assistance in pressing him ever forward, for a language that Malum more read than spoke, it was altogether necessary.

Yet, whatever his words were... they were entirely drowned out in Malum's mind at the answer which fell out of the droid's... mouth? Immediately Malum tensed, as those of his party followed suit, it was certainly an answer, one which Malum was immediately wishing to distrust. Lofty titles, lofty achievements, yet coincidentally, all having been expunged.

Malum had never even heard the name Darth Cryptis.

Yet here was. Another, that had lived for far longer than he had deserved, yet... one that had not attempted to rule using his immense life's longevity, that at least bought him at least a little consideration.

Malum nodded his head in respect, whether he believed or not, he was not one to be underestimated or offended, "Tu vik'dyt nun su tu'iea akiva, urvaz Cryptis, ar zhol kash vel than curiosity which brings tu kia nuyak hal, than, nu tariam buti vel than willing kia feikti." And if such could be used to sway him on side... well, Malum certainly would not complain, if even a hint of his longevity could be believed, that would make him a veritable treasure trove.

And what he commanded was certainly real... if only Malum could bring him on side...

Akhuul Sautra
Mentioned: Darth Caedes Darth Carnifex

 

[Akhuul Sautra]

Tag: Darth Malum of House Marr
Location: Cave on a Fringe Moon, Alvaria System
Equipment: In Bio

Sensation of curiosity and apprehension came from my host at first. A curious reaction. Perhaps I had overestimated the hubris found in the Sith of this age? From observations, it seemed to be that the Sith of this time were more focused on growing their own cults of personality than instilling much fear. Perhaps that was just the showiness that came from those who dwelt near my ancient home-world. If so, perhaps the self-proclaimed heirs of my people have some hope after all.

Sith'ari. A preposterous claim. That was my gripe with those Sith of the Kainite. They worship a man as a god. Changing their shackles for others. They do hold reverence for my people's legacy, yet their worship of their leader is what births my malice. A glow in my chassis intensified slightly as those thoughts festered in my digitized mind. For a moment, my eyes and chest lit the chamber almost completely before simmering back to the soft glow.

New calculations would be made. New knowledge to take in. The young yet powerful Lord's skill with my people's tongue was most pleasing. It confirmed one theory made from my beginning research. He cared for history. Had I still possessed lips, they would have been smiling most devilishly.

To be truthful, there were not many feeble masses, and they only spoke of the Dark Council as a body. They were too busy worshipping their man-god to regard any other Lords. Scanning the information networks carried across the galaxy was where I absorbed all that I could find that was possible to be found without delving too invasively. This young Lord obscured himself well. Yet, there was still information to be found. Yet, all was scarce and surface level. Yet the name "Marr" piqued interest. That was where much research was done.

It was then, after his maneuver in speech, my turn came.
"I will say, I call it reputation. I am impressed by your secrecy. All I could find about you was that you existed. Your name. Your status as a Lord of the Dark Council. Your youth, and theories of what power you might have. The name of your House was what gave more to my research. I made sure to have my Scribes catalogue your lineage for preservation and research purposes."

"Curiosity", was the word young Malum would use to assume the reason of my arrival. Curiosity was only the beginning. True, I now stood in the presence of the young Sith Lord himself. True, I have my opportunity to learn more for my archives. Yet, a meeting of two Sith Lords would not be complete without politics and posturing. This was a young man who wielded much in terms of political power, and is believed to wield much power in the force as well. For my return to the affairs of the Sith. He was either going to be a great ally, or a terrible rival. Perhaps he would be both over the course of time. I certainly had the longevity to see such times pass.

"I seek to learn more about you, young Darth Malum of House Marr. I have spent the millennia recording the history of what came after the Sith of my time. When I would skim recent events recorded by my Scribes, your name has shown often when influential parties were mentioned. I wish to see how true recent history has been presented."
As I spoke, a clawed metal finger stretched towards the young Lord while I had my head tilt. Then, I would have my arm out to the side with my clawed hand opened.
"You also seem to pose an opportunity for my interests."
I would then straighten my head, all the while the glow from my ocular receivers burned like hot coals and what could be interpreted as my gaze bore down on the young Lord.