Whispers of the Dark

[Darth Prazutis]

Canthar, Panatha

Rays of sunlight broke through an array of fading misty clouds hanging ominous over the city of Canthar, capital city of the Panathan Empire and its official seat of government. Clouds from a recent rainstorm slowly faded away bringing heat to the humidity of the jungle planet. The city's skyline was dotted with rising pyramids, smooth and articulate domes, and spires that rose daringly into the sky. High on these towering structures large banners hung visible all across the city bearing the cerulean phoenix that once served as the rallying symbol of the God-Kings supporters in the planets violent civil war, ultimately with the Zambrano family rising victorious.

Canthar was bristling with activity as epicanthix and aliens alike mingled especially in the packed marketplaces. For years the people of Panatha saw an unprecedented economic boom since the return of Kaine Zambrano and his family. The tall warrior people filled the lines of these stands seeing what the off-world denizens brought. But to all the city guard were an ever present remainder to keep on your best behavior. These enforcers of the God-Kings peace wore black breastplates with golden cloaks toting tall vibro-pikes, blaster pistols on their hips and a variety of other weaponry. Those who behaved were left alone, but those who stepped out of line were given harsh warnings to dissuade their disruptive behavior.

One didn't need to look far to find a harsh warning against breaking the law than to look at the decaying corpses strung up, many crucified and left there as a clear remainder of what the price of breaking the peace ultimately was, if one kept pushing. But such symbols and outbreaks of violence were common on Panatha, for its people were warriors steeped in thousands of years of tradition, a culture with a heavy focus on violence. These sights of blood and death on the native born had almost no effect, but the same couldn't be said of outsiders.

The largest structure in the entire city was the Hasi' Sulemi, a massive pyramid situated in the center of this city which served both as the administrative center for the empire, and as a place of worship. All across the city were various churches to those who adhered to the old faith worshiping any one of the pantheon of gods. But the religious center in this massive structure was devoted to none other than Kaine Zambrano I, the God-King of all Epicanthix. It was here the people gathered in masses to worship a man often described by many names. To some he was the righteous god of law, and vengeance for the violent retribution he brought down against those who harmed his people.

To others he was the god of bloody slaughter whose dark power the masses clawed at begging for their god to bring them a taste. Alongside the many statues, murals and symbols of Kaine one could see another god these people worshiped with the same fervent zeal: Braxus Zambrano I the God-Prince of all Epicanthix. The first and only individual that their patron God-King declared as his holy heir to all positions, all powers. By their gods will the fervent followers who easily dominated a majority of the epicanthix population immortalized him often depicted as the the lesser god of war, civilization, and deception under Kaine.

While traffic in and around the legislative levels of the structure was normally busy it was stemmed for the arrival of [member="Valessia Brentioch"], Ambassador of the First Order. As was custom here a landing pad was saved for her ships arrival by order of the God-Prince himself. Just outside remained a gathering of wealthy aristocrats dressed in a variety of gaudy colored robes easily flaunting their wealth in trinkets. In a formal meeting such as this there were strict guidelines that were required to be followed, and in these guidelines it was highly informal for one of the godly monarchs to treat with guests immediately after landing.

Once her ship made landfall immediately the gathering of aristocrats would ask them to leave any and all weapons behind but if they chose to wear armor it was allowed. Assurances were made that this wasn't because they weren't trusted but with the removal of these weapons it would greatly decrease the desire of violence within the halls of the pyramid. These terms would equally be followed on both sides and once agreed upon, Valessia would be let through a set of large doors into a particularly massive chamber lined with columns, gargantuan window panes holding articulate designs of gold metal bars sat just behind these columns and the structure situated just right so the sunlight blazed in to illuminate the massive conference table that was in comparison relatively plain but outfitted with comfortable chairs, and a throne at the head of the table, along with an massive state-of-the-art holographic display table familiar to a war table.

The guards who stood in this massive chamber were unlike any city guard, soldier or peace keeper seen on the streets of Canthar. These men wore elegant, but equally intimidating suits of gold trimmed plate armor. The plate was an interlace of many smaller parts, lobstered in places a lesser blacksmith might never bother to consider formed closer to the body, seamlessly riveted to place and polished to a high sheen so that it might serve as a mirror. These crownguard wore cloaks bearing the cerulean phoenix of House Zambrano on their backs, while a gold and red surcoat bore the symbol of the Panathan Empire on their chests.

The elite members of the Crownguard, personal guard of the Zambrano Royal Family stood like statues spread throughout the chamber carrying large force pikes in utter silence, each member carrying a lightsaber on his hip and at least one blaster visible on their side. A less intimidating sight was the good sized cadre of formally dressed servants who brought in a myriad of drinks ready to provide nearly any beverage and food the attendants would desired. It was only when Valessia settled in that the meeting would truly be under way.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

FIV Viceroy, Consul-class
En Route to Canthar, Panatha

Ambassador Valessia Brentioch sat in her office aboard the Viceroy. Something that came with the job she was told, no longer would she rely on the navy for a cabin or two. The Viceroy like the Frontrunner would serve her in diplomatic functions just as her sister ship had served the Grand Moff. They were now merely an hour or so out from Panatha, one of the First Order's newest acquisitions from their recent dominion of the Endor Sector. She was already reading the planet's most recent history, after having read a brief about the capital city Canthar. She enjoyed the task to be honest, reading such colorful history. Brentaal IV's own history is what drew Valessia to want to explore other worlds, and as she read about the Zambrano's it caused her to think of the families on Brentaal. The Curovao's who run the planet from the Chamber, the O'Keefe who are second to the Curovao's and the third seat - well, the third seat was always questionable.

Her family sat in the Upper House, and were among the top percent families there, Brentaal IV so driven by consumerism, marketing, and money. Anything to make a credit, but Panatha - Panatha was different. Here there was no Republic, there was no Empire it was simply Panatha along the Outer Rim. She turned the page in her file and continued to read. Reading on the God-King. God-King, she thought to herself, wondering just how full of themselves could they be. Sure, Curovao's were pretty full of themselves, many of the current generation ensured their power. Weakness much like on Panatha was not tolerated, although the definition of weakness perhaps differed. Or perhaps not as she continued to read.

"We'll be exiting hyperspace soon Ambassador, the God-Prince, Braxus Zambrano I will great us."

"Thank you, Ensign Günther." Valessia says to the officer who had been working with her ever since Ryoone. Rising from her seat she gathered her files and put them into her briefcase. The sounds of papers and tablets could be heard as she pulled her briefcase up. "Is the shuttle ready?"

"Of course, just follow me." Günther led the Ambassador out of her cabin, and down the widened corridors of the Consul. Given her purpose and function, this ship was given the luxury of wider corridors. Brighter lights, and even larger rooms having been aboard a large warship, Valessia noted the differences. She often missed the narrow confines of the Ciena Ree. Her heels clicked and clacked along the durasteel of the ship as she followed after the Ensign.

Canthar, Panatha

The shuttle dispatched from the Viceroy, and Valessia looked out the window. She took in the views of the planet and began to make her notes. Her report on the planet would begin here, as she was sure the Grand Moff would want a thorough report. The capital city was breathtaking and she enjoyed the view. A tough and rugged folk were those that lived here, and she could appreciate that. She noted Hasi' Sulemi, it like Cormond's Museum of Art punctured the skyline. Even if the Museum was just that, the actual trade hall itself was carefully laid out in sections culminating toward what all wanted to achieve, greatness.

Still, there was one thing that differed Brentaal IV from Panatha. Panatha was about as the sight of crucifixes, warriors steeped in thousand of years of tradition. Violence was frowned upon on Brentaal IV, and thus was done discreetly or made to be seen as something deserving. Controlling the media meant you controlled the minds, and controlling the economy meant you controlled their pockets. A plutocratic oligarchy paraded itself as a democracy but was anything but democratic. If you did not have money, you would remain peniless no matter how hard you worked to change your station. The rules and the game always changed, and it always changed to keep those of Valessia's class, in power.

Not to say that Valessia had never seen, done or heard of violence on Brentaal IV...

Canthar came into view now, the heat of the jungle city could be felt along the windows of the shuttle. It didn't really bother Valessia, not too much anyway. Ryoone was a planet of volcanic ash, Yalara is a desert - and thusly heat was becoming a much-welcomed friend. A landing pad had been reserved for her, or rather for the shuttle. Valessia would disembark her shuttle, but would not do so alone. She came with her contingent of private guards, guards dressed to mirror old galactic stormtroopers, but with chrome armour. Four of these guards along with a pair of Chiss dressed in First Order uniforms also disembarked.

She held her hand to stay the trooper's hands. Motioning for her Chiss guards to hand over their weapons, she sent the other four guards back to the shuttle. She was then led from the landing pad and down the monstrosity of a hall. It was as large as it was elaborate and luxurious or at least what some would call luxurious. Large window panes brought Panatha's natural light into the hall, the architecture here was articulate and rivalled anything that Brentaal IV could produce. Although she had no doubt that the First Order could not only rival this but perhaps best it, but then - this, this was beyond First Order tastes.

Valessia eyed the holographic table and thought instantly of Major Rolf Amsel. She wondered just how much he might appreciate it, or any of their military commanders really. Her Chiss guards eyed the Crownguards and kept close to the Ambassador as she with her hands behind her back paced the room, looking at everything in great detail. She wore a red blazer, black dress pants and heels. Her hair was down, it was getting long and she still wondered if she should cut it. The thoughts that lingered on her mind were mundane, as she waited for the God-Prince. God-Prince. She wondered what Sumiko would think of him, Sumiko. Valessia tried not to think of her and decided perhaps to turn her attention back toward the table. At least while she waited, anyway.

@Darth Prazutis

 

[Darth Prazutis]

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For this meeting the Dark Lord chose to wear his ornate robes of zeyd-cloth complete with an armor-weave underarmor, complete with leather portions. Most of these elaborate robes were black with red trim with the exception of the dark brown leather portions. First impressions were important after all and for this meeting he wore a full ensemble of gold trinkets and baubles including the Zambrano signet ring on his hand. Most of the jewelry was exquisite and war inspired. But one piece in a dull gold necklace stuck out a dark purple crystal, to those without the force it was an rare and exquisite piece but to those gifted with the force, it was a powerful dark side artifact swirling with its black power. It was almost poetic how he wore the piece now after witnessing the death of [member="Mythos"] on Atrisia. The same man who gave him the powerful piece during their meeting practically a lifetime ago.

But now Mythos was dead. The rebellions that broke out all across the Pacanth Reach were swiftly crushed starting with the extermination of the great houses of Bunduki. The aristocracy of Bunduki had been a thorn in the side of House Zambrano for a long time, never content with the rule of their monarchs. But the rebellious elements were now extinguished their lands, titles and positions replaced by the most loyal of his soldiers. Prazutis grinned while he reminisced of the slaughter on Fornow, and how swiftly the deaths of the rebel leaders restored order. Finally he wore the elaborate crown that signified his position as God-Prince of all Epicanthix and set out to the meeting. If [member="Valessia Brentioch"] requested anything the servants would happily set a plate of food and drink at her position on the table.

Otherwise she would notice they began to set a plate in front of the large throne filled with a variety of succulent meats and vegetables. A glass of the licorice flavored Absinthe was prepared and placed down. Since his introduction to the beverage it had quickly proved to be addictive becoming his favorite beverage of choice. The doors of the chamber swung open then and the massive nearly seven foot tall giant strode into the room. "Ambassador welcome to Panatha. I am Braxus Zambrano, Crown Prince of the Pacanth Reach." He said as he approached the woman who clearly seemed to be in charge. The two chiss officials in uniform behind her seemed more like bodyguards than assistants, but it didn't matter to him. There was no threat or a threat of violence here from his new allies.

"Please have a seat. It is customary here on Panatha to treat with guests especially ones as yourself over a feast." Prazutis said sitting when Valessia did so.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

The God-Prince would meet with her soon enough, her thoughts wandered as she waited for him. The Chiss men who guarded her watched the Crownguard carefully. They noted potential routes of escape, ways to get the Ambassador to cover if something were to occur. Neither one of them enjoyed being here, feeling the eyes of the Pacanth on them made them uneasy. Valessia turned to face the table just as servants prepared it she knew that Braxus Zambrano I's arrival would be imminent. She had read over a brief regarding Bunduki and Zambrano, and again she was reminded all too much of Brentaal IV. At least here, they were honest about it - about the way things worked, power - keeping power, vying for more of it. Brentaal IV was a land of secrets and sabotage. The brunette placed one hand into the other massaging it really, her hands were starting to ache more. Long days in an office, long days trying to do just one more thing for the First Order.

Servants of the God-Prince approached the Ambassador, asking if she wished for anything to drink. She decided on a glass of the house favourite, after all, she wished not to be rude, and it was always nice to learn about other cultures. One of the best ways to learn about culture was to dine, drink and eat with those who lived it. She watched her guards with a cautious eye whispering for them to be still just as she was shown to her seat at the large, eloquent table. Filled with food that could feed- well it could certainly feed a lot of people she noted. Not that the First Order or Brentaal IV longed for meals, no - but some of its citizens perhaps did.

A pleasant smile greeted those who poured the Absinthe, just as the large chamber doors swung open and in strode the man himself. "A pleasure to meet you, Ambassador Valessia Brentioch, Scion of House Brentioch." The two Chiss men relaxed their stance as they walked toward the ornate windows both stood with their hands in front of them their eyes remained on the Ambassador.

"Thank you," she says with gratitude as she takes her seat, "I am honoured to be here Prince Zambrano, Pacanth is a beautiful world." If Valessia was being honest, it looked better than Brentaal IV. It felt more like a natural beauty, rather than the manufactured one Brentaal IV seemed to enjoy. She would follow his lead when it came to the customs here, this was not Riflor, Ryoone or even Tel'Erra, no this was Pacanth and by this point it had earned more than enough respect.

@Darth Prazutis

 

[Darth Prazutis]

The God-Prince visibly looked similar to the other epicanthix she might've seen on the way in with the exception of typically being larger than them. He was highly muscular with chiseled facial features and black hair covering his head and facial hair. The only exception being unlike anyone else she saw he had a pair of piercing sulfuric yellow eyes, the mans gaze was so strong through these it felt like he could cut glass through his powerful stare. Hardly anyone actually knew of his combined anzati and epicanthix heritage, perhaps only one or two at most who were closest to him. The gifts they gave him were bountiful enhanced strength, agility and reflexes, an innate form of mesmerizing telepathy, and a unique form of life sense that allowed him to feel the very life essence of those around him. The life of a force sensitive was significantly different than those who weren't gifted, and those especially strong in the force stood out even more. [member="Valessia Brentioch"] he could feel through these senses alone without accessing the force of her innate potential.

"We are honored to have representatives of the First Order with us here. The Panathan Empire looks forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the order for years to come. We owe you our gratitude for your aid in quelling the insurrections of Fornow and Bunduki, without it we fear the catastrophe brought on by the ssi-ruuk would've been far harder to handle." Braxus said. There was a clever usage of wordcraft woven in all part of the game of politics. In reality he believed they would still have been able to handle the situation without them, but it was vital to keep their new allies happy, and to solidify a strong relationship through the meeting. Both he and Kaine believed the First Order was crucial to Panatha's future. He took a sip from the absinthe before speaking once more. "Why thank you. I imagine the abundant presence of nature is different from what you're used to seeing, Ambassador?" Braxus replied. He imagined she was used to spending more time on city worlds where beauty was found in what was created by man rather than what nature provided. The woman's role as an Ambassador didn't exactly give her room for getting out much either.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Different? Yeah, this world was different - an abundance of nature not necessarily being that key difference. Although it was, significant she gives him a small smile, "yes," there's a pause her lips thin out, "you could say that." Between Dosuun and Brentaal IV, "although the First Order still has its share of untamed worlds, myself personally..." Chewing on the inside of her lips, "your world's splendour is magnificent." Her thoughts went out to the life she had led and how it brought her up to this point. She then acknowledged his gratitude, "and we thank you, together - our forces were able to drive out the Ssi-Ruuk." The scales as she referred to them as had laid sieged to the First Order's capital for a long two-week span, nearly three. Something she did not want to live through again, Valessia nursed the absinthe and allowed it to burn all the way down, at least then she knew she could still feel something. What was there to discuss now she wondered? She normally had it easy here, moving into a traditional conversation was normally something of ease for her. Then again, most people she spoke with were not God-Princes. Not that she necessarily believed that fully, no, but she wasn't here to argue that with him. "Going back to the topic of nature, it's - it's good to see a world's natural beauty, Brentaal IV manufactures most of its beauty. Seeing something organically, something that has taken the time to grow on its own and has transformed into more than it was. That's- that is what a lot of the galaxy sorely lacks." It was so easy to create things, and so much harder to simply let them grow on their own.

[member="Darth Prazutis"]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCYHliCq3Zc[/media]​

 

[Darth Prazutis]

​"Panatha owes the First Order a debt of gratitude Ambassador. The ssi-ruuk's invasion brought to light two hidden insurrections that long stirred beneath the surface. Your assistance allowed us to cut out the infectious stain." ​Braxus said. Even after the reptilian raiders were tossed out of the system the blood still flowed. The Slave Revolt of Fornow and the Coup of Bunduki were two daring movements that stirred beneath the surface for many years. Both planets and the insurrectionist movements were thorough files held by royal intelligence. Through the efforts of these aliens every rebellious noble house of Bunduki was utterly purged and replaced, and every single slave labor camp that held rebellious elements were purged. The old nobility should have been purged a long time ago truthfully, there were still stubborn elements who did not and were not willing to cow down to the ruling Zambranos. For a dozen generations since their exile these houses enjoyed unprecedented levels of power and prestige, they were lords amidst the chaos. No longer did they wear these crowns and no longer could they call themselves kings. Those who raised a hand were destroyed entirely and the distinguished soldiers, officers, and agents who helped upheave them would take these age old houses place of dominance.

​"The art of respecting nature and blending in industry is one the Epicanthix have mastered with our direction ​Panatha has stood the test of time. As for nature? Nature isn't the only thing lacking in the galaxy.."

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Ornate was the word that kept coming to mind, Valessia could feel that everything here was chosen for a reason. Even if it was decorative, it meant something, and that intrigued her. The natural lighting flooded in around the room and for a moment she wondered if she's ever truly seen something like it. Avalonia, she thought. Avalonia the Grand Moff's prize, her office overlooked a busy street and she enjoyed it. Where she watched people going to and fro, going about their lives and knowing that she had some impact on how they lived it. Her attention turned toward the God-Prince. He was an ever-imposing figure, dwarfing most around him including the Ambassador's own Chiss bodyguards. Her ears hear something as he speaks, he mentions that nature isn't the only thing lacking. "The Galaxy lacks many things, but I believe those of us who inhabit it contribute. Making up for what it lacks, giving it what it needs, or doesn't - it has a way of accepting what it wants." Philosophy was never her strong suit and so she focused her attention on her meal.

Specks, mere flakes of dust could be seen in the natural light and it gave the entire room a wonderful feeling. Authentic, she supposed but that wasn't the word Valessia was looking for. For a brief moment, she could hear the Grand Moff, Natasi Fortan. The Brentaalan charmer has nothing to say? No clever word? Followed by a particular facial expression and so she mentions something a bit under her breath. "Or in my case, directing." Rather the lack thereof, she'd been wandering aimlessly for a few months now. Working as an Industrialist, an Ambassador and whatever other hat the Grand Moff needed her to put on. Her thoughts strayed to Sumiko Tanaka and their heated tenure together, the Sith Lady has since been on her own missions leaving Valessia to her own devices. Although, Sumiko had pointed out that for her entire life she'd been at someone else's beck and call. Part of that made Valessia sick to her stomach, the other half of it accepted it as fact. This was how things worked and there was no point going around it, and yet - and yet there was something else. Someone else, the woman with the bravado, the woman who dared to call those outside of First Order space, poor unfortunate souls. She wanted that woman back. "I lived most of my life accepting things for fact, and the other half not so much."

Memories of Brentaal IV's underworld flooded into her mind, slug and blaster in hand. No fear of eliminating those who needed to be eliminated. Sleeping in whatever ramshackle hole she could find. The nature of duality - at some point, something was going to have to give. She couldn't play out the two sides of herself for too much longer.

[member="Darth Prazutis"]