Private Unofficial Alliances

[Darth Tennacus]

​

Location: Ilum, Western Ice Shelf
Equipment: Wandering Pilgrim, 77-B
Mentions: Darth Petrichor



"77, you have any readings?"

The droid strained to answer. "Negative, sir. The clandestine approach to this meeting, as well as the chosen location for destination, may stand to reason for my lack of success. If I could scan them so easily, would you really wish to continue with this?"

Tennacus breathed heavily over the commlink. "Sometimes I wonder how wonder how easy it would be to leave you stranded out there."

"I could calculate the percentage of survival, if you like?"

". . . Just inform me of if you receive any transmissions."

Tennacus disconnected the commlink.

The Galaxy was a large place - that much was a given. Within it, one might find all manners of personalities, individuals and treasures, if they knew where to look. Maybe it would take a week - maybe a month. For Tennacus, it was the latter. There were only few beings within the Galaxy that could get him what he wanted, but even then acquired tastes were never guaranteed. One would thing in a Galaxy of such abundance that getting what you wanted came as a simple trip; and yet, too many times had people be crossed, ratted or simply wasted in both time and resources. With such an advanced Galaxy came such an advanced process of transaction: credits, valuables - paper trails. All the things a Sith could do without. He'd gone from one rim of the Galaxy to the next, exchanging information and items where he could, simply in return for other answers. He'd pay for a lead to a lead, which went on for more time than some would have the patience for. Thankfully, the Sith was a patient man. Eventually, such patience had paid off.

Mos Eisly gave him the answer he was looking for. A Chiss informative, well-connected in the underground network, who could provide the Sith what he wanted. It came at a price the Sith was almost not willing to pay, but the connections this individual had would eventually deliver the Sith to where he wanted - or, at least, what he wanted to him. He was looking for a certain someone. Someone who had given a certain speech, in a certain place and time, that had caught the attention of Darth Tennacus. At the time, it was neither appropriate or safe to speak out to this individual as he desired, for it would potentially damage affiliations, and dare he say their lives. Yes, even in a Galaxy so broad and expansive, there were eyes and ears everywhere. Someone somewhere would benefit from discovering such communications. In regards to a Sith, this would only serve themselves. As much as they were told to embody their emotions, greed was an aspect Darth Tennacus most detested.

So, there he was, at last provided information he had paid so handsomely for. It was not information he could do anything with, however. More like an acknowledgement that they could pass Tennacus's message forward, and hope that a reply would be given. For a week, Tennacus had been told to wait at Mos Eisly until the contact got back to him. When they did, they asked him for a time and place, and Tennacus provided the western ice shelf of Illum. Cold, barren and far from the most prying eyes would think to look, it served a place most satisfactory for a clandestine individual such as Tennacus.

77-B had been dispatched the wander the ice shelf, gliding over the merciless terrain via a repulsorlift whilst the droid's master sat comfortable within the Phantom vessel, its invisibility cloak shielding it from any visual perception. The coordinates had already been exchanged by this estranged contact, so now the Sith Lord was destined to wait patiently. It had long interested him to finally meet this individual in a place where they could exchange details within appropriate environments. His branch of contacts scarcely exceeded anything beyond the underbelly of most civilisations, but this was a partnership he was hoping to heavily invest in.

 

[Darth Petrichor]

Years had been spent maintaining the secrecy of the Petrite Order. Countless resources spent, and lives lost, all in the name of protecting the teachings of Petrichor. Despite these efforts, there were always channels that remained open to those with enough determination. Though few and far between, there were those that would find their way into his field of view. Recently, one such individual had come to the forefront of his attention.

Petrichor had received a mysterious message from one of his Excerpts, detailing an encounter with a Chiss on Tatooine. The Excerpt had mentioned that this Chiss contact had encountered a stranger looking for information. Intrigued by the stranger's dedication, Petrichor had agreed to the meeting. Leaving his guards behind, he set forth to Ilum alone, save for the company of his two tuk'ata, Sutta and Taral.

The Acheron touched down on the frozen lands of llum, melting pieces of snow and turning ice to steam. Petrichor could sense the presence of Darth Tennacus nearby as he exited the craft, his tuk'ata following close behind. They could sense the man as well, and instinctually felt on edge. Though connected to the Dark Side, their loyalty was to Petrichor, and they would be willing to do anything to protect him. He took a moment to see to their anxiety.

"Patience, my friends. Your faithfulness is always welcome, but we are not in danger here."

His hands ran across the back of their heads, their demeanor becoming less aggressive as he looked ahead.

"Should the need for you arise, you will know. For now, calmness is what is needed."

With Sutta and Taral finally calmed, they began their approach to the source of the stranger's Force signature. Petrichor knew not what the stranger desired, but hoped that this chance encounter could prove to be somehow useful to his Order. Perhaps... he would even find an ally.​

 

[Darth Tennacus]

​

77-B came to an abrupt halt over the ice. Its scanners attuned themselves to a sudden signal source, with its optical lenses focusing on a craft coming into their vicinity. The droid needed not to tell Tennacus of the arrival; the change in the Force was more than enough. But what the Sith could not see within the comfort of his own ship, the Viper Droid could. It saw a man, accompanied by two Tuk'ata. Whilst the droid saw no immediate threat, it alerted its master of the extra company, anyway.

"Master Tennacus, it appears--"

"I know," The Sith interrupted. After he had felt the tide change in the Force, he motioned towards a holopad which displayed the exterior cameras. It seemed almost irrelevant for the droid to be out there, given the technological benefit in the Sith's possession; but 77-B had other roles to play. For now, the droid lingered in the distance, its repulsorlift maintaining its steady presence over a small rising hill towards the North, where its optical lenses watched from afar. Just to be precautious, it had its blaster at the ready, and a wireless communication with the durasteel barring within the cargo bay, serving to keep a particular species of entities within its confines. Whatever they were, the Dark Side moved through them quite exceptionally - almost as if they were conjured up from its very nature.

If this contact was someone with such attuned senses into the Dark Side of the Force, maybe he would sense it.

After Tennacus saw the individual approaching, he commanded the Wandering Pilgrim to deactivate its invisibility cloak, revealing the sleek, black Phantom mounted along the ice. The Sith Lord fixed his respirator over his mouth, pressurising it until his breaths exuded with emphasis to his exhales through the vents. Once it had been sorted, he buttoned his long, grey coat over his shoulders, straightening the high-rising collar before he activated the exterior ramp to descend out onto the ice. One might shy away from such unforgiving climates, but Darth Tennacus revelled in such chilling environments. The Sith descended the ramp, eventually stepping onto the icy shelf. Despite the appearance of the two beasts within his contact's service, Tennacus maintained a relaxed demeanour, only staring in a moment of silence before deciding to say anything. Between two Sith, it was expected that they would attempt to suss each other out. Stretch out their feelings into the Force, and perhaps feel for anything which stirred discontent. Thankfully, Darth Tennacus had no ill intentions regarding this meeting. If he did, he certainly wouldn't risk it in such a merciless environment.

". . . Thank you for coming," Tennacus started, his monotonous voice escaping clearly through the vents of his respirator. "I would apologise for the climate of our meeting, but I believe you already understand our need to remain incognitos. As much as the Force relates us, there are those out there who will find reason to declare us conspirators."

There was no need to announce names; he trusted the fellow Sith knew who he was referring to.

Tennacus turned his gaze towards one of the Tuk'ata, then to the next. After a moment, he stepped aside, gesturing towards the ramp of the vessel. "Please, come inside. You and your. . . associates must be cold. If you head straight towards the resident's wing, you will find comfort and refreshments I'm sure you can all revel in. And then we may begin."

 

[Darth Petrichor]

Petrichor continued pressing forward through the snow and ice, following the Force signature of the stranger. Eventually, he found himself stopped in his tracks, sensing that the presence was close. The reveal of the ship didn't come as a surprise, though Petrichor found the cloaking system to be quite efficient. As one who appreciated function as much as form, he could appreciate such efficiency.

As the Sith revealed himself, Petrichor took a moment to feel him out. He didn't consider it to be intrusive, as it was safe to assume that the stranger was doing the same. It was the way of the Sith; to attempt to read your opponents, and even more so, your allies. As Petrichor listened to the man's words, he could sense something else moving through the Force. Unsure of what it was, Petrichor maintained his calm stance, opting to not move any further.

"The location is quite acceptable. The need for discretion is something I am quite familiar with."

He was curious as to who Darth Tennacus may be referring to, though he could certainly guess. There were few Sith that survived the great Schism, and even fewer that continued to hold sway over the galaxy.

"I am honored by your invitation. I must ask, however, of your strange cargo. I mean no offense, of course, but one can't be too careful."

He took a couple of calm steps forward, maintaining his ever-calm demeanor as he did so.

"You must understand, one such as myself has many enemies, even within our own circles."

A short pause...

"Perhaps, the most within our own circles."

Sutta and Taral remained at his side, maintaining their always cautious state. He ran his hands along the back of their heads once again, assuring them that they were safe.

"As I'm sure you're aware, friends such as these are careful creatures. They won't act unless I am in danger, but at times, they do need reassurance. If I were to understand what you are holding on your ship, it will be easier keep their minds at ease."

Whether the fellow Sith would tell the whole truth was yet to be seen, but either way, it was a necessary step to trust.​

 

[Darth Tennacus]

​

Under other circumstances, Tennacus may have expressed some manner of empathy to the questionable trust of such a circle, but their acquaintance had only just commenced, with an already surfacing level of caution. Tennacus's decision had not been affected by it; it was understandable as much as it was expected. In a way, the Sith hoped that his fellow kin in the Force would have recognised it, for it would mean the source of such concentrated Dark Side potential was strengthening in its character.

"A gift," Tennacus simply replied. There was a pause before he continued. "A gesture of sincerity towards out alliance. Perhaps you may find no use of it, but my Apprentice certainly finds their nature. . . interesting."

Tennacus reached out to the Force, serving to signal the source of such dark mystery. A glow slowly crept over the ramp, but it presented itself a shadow teeming with Dark Side energy. Its primary shape emerged, floating alongside the Sith's form. Whatever it was, it was immensely black, swallowing great abundances of light reflecting off the snow. It drank in the light as much as it did the Dark Side, and bore no features in its shaped sphere other than darkness. Black wisps drifted like flares from its body.

"It is difficult to communicate with, but Derriphans present such obstacles outside of a vessel. But of what I could take from it, I have come to understand it finds reason to remain loyal to the Sith. Better the Sith you know. If you would take it, I believe it may benefit you in whatever personal endeavours you seek for it to carry out."

 

[Darth Petrichor]

Petrichor eyed the strange entity, examining it as best as he could without getting too close. He had heard tales of such creatures, though he had never seen one in person. A strange being, to be sure, but its potential was not lost on the Dark Heretic. Many opportunities lurked within the shroud of the Dark Side, and Petrichor wouldn't turn down such a unique opportunity.

"My thanks, Lord Tennacus. I am sure that I will find your gift most useful."

He sent a telepathic command to the entity, ordering it back to the Acheron. It appeared that Darth Tennacus spoke true, as the entity began making its way toward the ship. Petrichor turned his attention back to his new companion.

"I must admit that I bring no gift, other than knowledge. Perhaps you will find some use within that knowledge."

Petrichor lowered his guard, albeit slightly, as he started for the ship with Sutta and Taral close behind. If this Sith was willing to part with the Derriphan, then perhaps his words rang true after all. Though Petrichor would remain cautious, he was willing to hear the man out.

"Let us continue this out of the cold then, Lord Tennacus. I am curious as to why you requested this meeting. You speak of alliances, but as we both know, alliances always require give and take. Perhaps we can find what that entails for us."​

 

[Darth Tennacus]

​

"Your fundamental knowledge would be treasure enough," Tennacus answered as the Sith made his way on board the craft. The ramp retracted behind them, sealing out the merciless cold of the planet, of which 77-B would suffer longer. It would make its own way back to the ship when it was ready.

The two Sith passed through the cargo bay, where two Loth wolves were sitting idle behind a cage fashioned of durasteel barring. While the two were not hostile, they were kept behind the material, nonetheless. They were young and growing, but there was one among them who required caution, for it was not as appearances suggested. The Dark Side shrouded it immensely.

Much like that Derriphan.

"Yes," Tennacus said. The two motioned down one of the corridors. "It is true I have not yet expressed my reasoning for an alliance. As much as I am determined to ensure we can establish and maintain a partnership, I did not wish to relay my reasons to third parties that passed between us. Even among the Sith there are those who would find reason to consider our meeting. . . questionable."

They soon arrived within the residency lounge. The furniture was draped in red fabrics, with deep cushions to settle contently in. The decal was not above and beyond, but it had a pleasantness to the eyes. No obnoxious colours screaming in the face. A bottle of unopened brandy sat on one of the lower tables, where a sofa sat opposite two opposing singular cushioned chairs. Two glasses sat alongside the bottle. Tennacus made a light gesture to seat as he had done.

"I was cautious to ensure this meeting would remain untraceable," Tennacus started as he poured them both a drink. Ironically, he kept his mask on. His glass had a straw. "I know of what people think. Conspiring, they would say, and perhaps dare to believe we consort with the enemy. There are not a lot of people I trust in this Galaxy." Tennacus lifted the drink, pushing the straw through one of the vents. The contents of the glass lowered before he set it back down. "But there are fewer who speak their mind - like yourself. I believe you and I share similar opinions about the way things are. From what I have been told, you are quite the historian, are you not?"

 

[Darth Petrichor]

"Fundamentals, you say? I must admit, such a request feels strange, coming from someone so clearly attuned to the Dark Side. You must inform me of the blanks that I may fill."

He took careful note of the wolves within the ship, taking a moment to eye them up and down as they passed. Petrichor had known of the Loth wolves, but he had never seen them in such a state. Despite their natural state of being, these young wolves gave off a much stronger aura steeped within the darkness. Petrichor opted to not mention it right away, instead leaving Darth Tennacus to speak.

Eventually, they made their way to the residency lounge, which provided all of the comforts one would hope for such talks. Petrichor calmly took his seat across from Tennacus as Sutta and Taral followed suit. With a slight pat on the cushion, Petrichor signaled for the two Tuk'ata to join him, and they quickly found their own spots among the cushions.

"Forgive me if I am presumptuous, but you must understand, Sutta and Taral are my closest friends and confidants, and are in many ways, my equal."

It was a comment that dodged the mention of the greater forces within the Sith, though not out of disrespect. Petrichor knew that they would have to be careful about which names they dropped, remote meeting or not. At the moment of drinks being poured, Petrichor reflected on the idea of trust, eyeing his lack of straw from behind his own mask.

"There are not many I trust in this galaxy as well, Lord Tennacus. I find that words of loyalty, particularly among our ilk, are about as steadfast as a wayward wind."

He felt that the man was still testing him, in his own way, and though Petrichor would usually remain the stoic mystery, he opted for maintaining a more open nature. His hand reached for his mask, pulling it away, and revealing his elderly Umbaran features. It had been quite some years since he ha shown his face to a fellow Sith. Even those within his own academy had seen it only on the rarest of occasions. Nevertheless, he would do this, if for no other reason, than to hopefully gain an ally.

He took a small sip from the cup before he spoke.

"I can appreciate a man that understands discretion, and even more so one that has an ear for philosophy. You know... there are many that want me dead. If I may be so bold, I would count your Lord among them."

It wasn't meant as an insult, but Petrichor could not be sure how it would be received. It was no secret that the Maw had been the victor in the Great Sith Schism, and Petrichor's own informants had done well in keeping him up to date. Should this individual's words ring true, their reply would tell all.​

 

[Darth Tennacus]

​

Despite the hinted accusation against him, Tennacus remained unchanged in his demeanour. Even when the Tuk'ata followed suit in joining the cushions, he considered only mentally in thought that it might have been a display of territorial subtleness. That was one of the fundamental flaws of the Sith: trust. The lineage have Bane may have secured their seat over an Empire so very long ago, but it had systematically crippled the strengths recognised in cooperation over self value.

The Sith Lord stirred his glass quietly, staring down towards the waves of liquid rising up towards the rim. "It is true that we have an unfortunate history of mistrust, betrayal and disloyalty. I consider it an unfortunate, yet necessary system that served in a time that has long and truly passed. No matter what manner of ideology and opinion we observe it, the truth of the matter is such betrayal and treachery brought us to this day. You and I, sitting here so cautiously, wondering if the person opposite us is serving to the benefit of only themselves."

There was a pause as Tennacus rose his eyes to look directly towards Petrichor over him. The suspense of uncertainty drew out the Dark Side within him, as if expectant on some manner of attack that would lead to the two Sith drawing lightsabers and desecrating that room. It was like a foulness in the air, slowly growing.

And just like that, it suddenly perished.

"But I am not out to belittle you. Wisdom and power fall hand in hand, like the joining of rogue moons to estranged planets: the two serve to benefit one another." Tennacus pushed the straw between the vents and took a sip of his drink. "It does not need to be said again we are both cautious on what we talk about. To assure you of my sincerity, I am willing to provide you full access to a facility only myself and another know about." The Sith paused to clear his glass and pour another. "My initial interest in you comes from a speech you gave to a certain someone who shall not be named. I'm open enough to tell you that our beliefs are the same, and that perhaps you and I forming an alliance can serve to help to favour the benefit ourselves."

Tennacus set his hand into his pocket, retrieving a holopad which he slid across the table. In contained sequences of DNA, fundamental to his ongoing research. "I understand that you are a person who knows where to find things. I'm a person who wishes to find things. I like to believe that you are also a person of certain tastes, choosing to withhold certain things not out of greed, but necessity. Sometimes it is better to reserve knowledge to those who deserve it. Sometimes it is better to maintain power over those who yearn for it. If you were willing to ally yourself alongside me, I believe your extensive knowledge and my research could bring about a greatness that only ourselves can stake claim to. It may be comforting to know that there are certain things I could probably not accomplish so easily without your input. History is often forgotten amongst the Sith who choose to live only in the moment, rather than realising the importance of what got them there." Tennacus paused for a moment, staring intensely into the luminosity of the holopad, with all its colourful strands and charts. "We are a dying breed, you and I. I fear if we do not commit ourselves to an honest path for the Sith, the likes of you and I will cease to exist. I hope my Apprentice comes to such a point of power; so far, he is doing well."