Grand Inquisitor Zariel
The First Order
Make no mistake, war is coming. With all its glory... and all its horror.
Posts: 110
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Grand Inquisitor Zariel on Apr 14, 2020 18:45:28 GMT -8
This building served as the primary training, meeting, and living area for all of Inquisitor Zariel's Darkside ilk. The lower levels were dedicated to meeting rooms and large training arenas as well as several private meditation areas and living quarters for live-in staff and lesser Darkside users. The middle level was the armory, or the primary one. Their many weapons ranging from blasters and lightsabers to even E-Web turrets and light vehicles were housed and repaired. This area of the tower also held the hanger bay for shuttles and defense fighters. The top few levels housed the control center for the tower, be it the automated security systems all the way to air traffic control. But also it is were the Fallen Four and other elite members of the inquisition called home. Zariel also had an office here, where official business involving her half of the Diarchy could be conducted.Other areas that are not detailed or open to public knowledge include a small foundry that keeps the armory well supplied and could in a pinch outfit a small army, also Zariel's vault. Where artifacts of value are kept, not deemed valuable enough to be at her personal residence, but still valuable. The locations of the power and shield generators were also resticted knowledge that was protected in a verity of ways. One example were that multiple routs could access these locations, but cycled randomly as to which rout staff had clearance for, which was delivered to those with clearance at the start of each shift in encrypted messages.
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 19, 2020 21:17:50 GMT -8
As the TIE/C Cyclone transitioned down into the atmosphere over the capital of Mondder, Silas' attention was drawn to the newly constructed district and the massive towering Cathedral of the Inquisition. The building struck up towards the sky like a blade. Although he did not know Zariel overly intimately, the Cathedral spoke of her rather plainly in its design: every bit as dangerous as the woman herself.
He maintained the Cyclone's approach path toward the Cathedral, still every bit as prepared as he was in orbit for some surprise attack. Though at this point he would be hard pressed to avoid any trap. Especially considering he was almost certain he was willingly walking into one right now. But there was much wisdom spoken on the matter of willingly triggering a trap and managing to come out of it alive. He just hoped he had the acumen to be able to navigate this particular trap as he brought the Cyclone into the indicated hangar bay within the building and set the craft down upon the hangar bay floor.
The hatched popped open, and Silas performed a Force assisted leap out of the cockpit and landed upon the ground just in front of his ship. He took a moment to adjust his robes and straighten them a little before making sure his hood was pulled up. His gaze scanning the hangar bay for Jolin Raynor as he waited there. Usually he might have just headed off in search of Zariel himself, but given she had made the threat against his life quite clear, he waited
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Grand Inquisitor Zariel
The First Order
Make no mistake, war is coming. With all its glory... and all its horror.
Posts: 110
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Grand Inquisitor Zariel on Apr 19, 2020 21:30:00 GMT -8
The eldest of Zariel's fallen Jedi minions was waiting quite patiently in his long red robes. He noted the vigor and enthusiasm the man known as Silas Darkstar had used to exit his ship. Withdrawing a hand, momentarily, from the sleeves of his robes, he motioned to the crew of mechanics who waited near by. They hurried over and began to see to the general maintenance of the new ship. As that was underway, Jolin approached and greeted the man with a bow.
Jolin Raynor, at your service, Prophet Darkstar. It is an honor to finally meet you. Motioning with one hand again, before it retreated back within his sleeves, the old man lead the way out of the hanger. I have read many reports with your name attached to them. Remarkable. But you must excuse me, I am the Inquisitions chief historian, I can be quite nosy when it comes to such things. As the pair wait for the lift he continues. Given your sects parting... relationship with Emperor Palpatine, I'm surprised to see you walk so brazenly into the Dragon's den, as it were. You must have no where else to turn, hm?
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 19, 2020 22:06:39 GMT -8
Silas shifted his gaze ever so slightly toward the ground crews as they moved in to begin attending to his ship. Nothing within the Force gave him reason to be wary of their work as he turned back toward the approaching figure. Silas offered a bow in return as the stranger introduced himself as Jolin, before he fell in alongside the man as Jolin lead the way across the hangar bay It is a pleasure to meet you Historian Raynor... I'm sure I do not need to tell you that such reports should always be considered with a critical eye... I have found my own role sometimes over exaggerated in some of them, and underplayed entirely in others... As they came to a stop at the lift, he kept his attention upon the display for a moment as Jolin made his remarks. The Prophet turned toward the Historian then, meeting the older man's gaze It is certainly true there are fewer and fewer places to hide these days, what with the expanding borders of the First Order and the Corellian Coalition... But it is not desperation that has drawn me here. No... It is destiny that has brought me back to Lady Zariel. Admittedly it is not on the best of terms, that I will not deny. But sometimes fate does not always deal us the perfect hand...
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Grand Inquisitor Zariel
The First Order
Make no mistake, war is coming. With all its glory... and all its horror.
Posts: 110
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Grand Inquisitor Zariel on Apr 19, 2020 22:26:46 GMT -8
The eyes of this elderly man were uncharacteristically kind. And his voice like that of a wise grandfather. A far flung comparison to his leader. But their was still an air of power about him. He was old, and had delved into the histories of the Darkside and Lightside. Such things certainly made him powerful. How powerful? Only he and Zariel knew that. But a small smile crossed his lips at the other man's mention of destiny. He continued speaking as the pair stepped into the lift.
Oh yes, I am quite familiar. What I thought was my darkest hour, when Zariel's star destroyer darkened the sky, turned out to be the turning point. She found me. Hiding in a literal hole in the ground. She saw something in me, something she brought out of me, at first against my will, but soon she made me see how foolish it had been to follow the fallen and corrupted Jedi Order. And now look where we are. Our own little corner of the Galaxy, to rule over. But I'm sure you didn't come all this way to talk to me. The lift shuttered to a halt. You came to speak to her. The doors slid open into Zariel's office.
This room alone could have given the building it's name. A high, vaulted ceiling, that was almost too dark and to see. Gargoyles and different statues lined the wall. The floor was a mosaic artfully depicting Operation Knightfall. The turbo lift had come up in the middle of the room, and facing it's door was Zariel's desk, or more like the bench from a courtroom, from which she could pass judgement on those brought before her. And before the bench was a stand, for the accused await the verdict. Flanking the doors to the lift were the other members of the Fallen Four. Each had their lightsaber hilts in hand, yet they had not been activated yet. Jolin freed his hands from his sleeves, revealing he had had his hand on his own saber the whole time.
I believe you should approach the stand, before we are forced to drag you there. I hope destiny is on your side today, Prophet.
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 19, 2020 23:17:08 GMT -8
Silas silently followed the man into the lift and listened to Jolin's story. Zariel had definitely been busy since the fall of the Empire, recruiting new followers and building her power. Something made more apparent as the doors to the lift slid open and revealed the office and the three other Fallen that stood lining the way from the lift to the stand. Many might have been daunted by this display, and lesser people might have tried to flee. But Silas had come to face Zariel and he had no intention of coming this far only to balk at this display. He turned toward Jolin as the man revealed his own saber Force will not be necessary Historian... He turned back toward the bench and stepped out of the lift, walking calmly between the Fallen and stepped up to the stand. It was a truly beautiful looking room, and he would not be overly opposed to dying here today if that is what came to pass. He placed his hands upon the railing before him and looked to the bench. Thus the trap had now been sprung. All he needed to do now, was ensure he came out the other side Inquisitor Zariel...
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Grand Inquisitor Zariel
The First Order
Make no mistake, war is coming. With all its glory... and all its horror.
Posts: 110
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Grand Inquisitor Zariel on Apr 19, 2020 23:26:44 GMT -8
Zariel made no move as the man approached her. The Fallen followed behind him and stood at his back, sabers still out, but at ease. The ice cold, and almost dead, stare of the inquisitor followed every move of Silas. He stood before her, alone and with little hope of escaping alive if he wished to resist. Finally Zariel leaned forward and held up a hand to silence Silas as he began to speak. Looking past him, she spoke in her deadpan and emotionless voice to one of her subordinates.
Dark Jedi Teane, state the crimes of the defendant.
The woman in green robes spoke. Treason and Dereliction of Duty, Lady Inquisitor.
Serious crimes. Zariel said, shifting her gaze back to Darkstar. So may this Inquisition begin. How do you plea, Prophet Silas Darkstar?
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 19, 2020 23:47:39 GMT -8
He might have looked at her quizzically as she raised her hand, but instead his features took on a more neutral expression. He knew exactly what was going on here. He'd seen Zariel at work plenty of times before to know this was going to get uncomfortable. Something confirmed moments later as Zariel asked her subordinate to state his accused crimes. Treason and Dereliction of Duty. Quite serious crimes indeed. But if she sought to see him cower in fear, then he was regretful that he was going to disappoint her. He did not budge nor remove his attention from her I appreciate you asking, but you and I both know I plead Not Guilty to either accusation.
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Grand Inquisitor Zariel
The First Order
Make no mistake, war is coming. With all its glory... and all its horror.
Posts: 110
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Grand Inquisitor Zariel on Apr 19, 2020 23:59:19 GMT -8
Zariel's mouth twitched ever so slightly towards a smile. Good, this would be fun after all. But this moment passed quickly. She had a job to do.
So, then you deny that you, and the other Prophets of the Darkside, abandoned our Master? Thus leaving him weakened at his moment of triumph? You deny that your wretched little order played no part in his down fall? That by your absence, you left a no weakness in our Master's defense? Or that when he returned again, few of you joined him? I would like to hear what you have to say to this.
Though Zariel maintained her calm and neutral outward composure, the shift in the Force as she listed off the individual 'crimes' was unmistakable. Her anger boiled just bellow the calm surface. She stared at the man she would have once called friend. But now he was on that side of the stand, and was, as far as she was concerned, an enemy of the Empire.
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 20, 2020 1:42:20 GMT -8
And like that, it began. Zariel was well and truly in fine form as she listed off the 'crimes' that she accused the Prophets off, and by extension, him personally Are you sure you really want to hear what I have to say, or would you rather we give up these pretenses and just cut to the part where you execute me for the crimes of others? He let that statement hang in the air for a moment, the boiling anger just beneath the surface noticeable in the Force Kadann warned our Master of the defeat at Endor, that balance would be restored. I looked into the Force myself, and every pathway I followed lead to the death of our Master. Yet despite our warnings, which had proven correct, he grew enraged and cast myself and the Prophets out, preferring to trust and believe in his own visions... My absence did not leave him weakened. The Emperor was as strong as he ever was, with or without me or the other Prophets in his presence. Vader, your Order's founder, betrayed the Emperor and sided with the Jedi, Luke Skywalker... This is where things were about to get a lot more uncomfortable. While Silas was not particularly fond of making his own situation worse, it was difficult to approach such accusations without acknowledging certain facts As a Prophet, my task and training was to see into the Force and coerce others into intelligence gathering and carrying out missions... I was no expert with the blade. But, Lady Inquisitor, you and your kind were. So I must wonder, where were you and the other Inquisitors when our Master was in peril? Your order combined could have brought down Vader and seen to the shield generators safety. Something a mere seer such as myself could not... Even you cannot believe I would have been strong enough to face Vader alone... He took a breath, his addressing of the accusations was not yet done. And he intended to take each point on As to our Masters rebirth... did you manage to join him before he was once more killed? Lord Cronal made a mockery of the Prophets with his... Church of the Dark Side... He trod on everything it meant to be a Prophet, and yet had the gall to call me a traitor. Even after our Masters defeat happened as I and others predicted and warned... I suspect you would have been cautious about returning if one of your own kind had made a mockery of the Inquisitorius... But if you must know, I wanted to return, to try and right what had happened. But I knew if I tried to dissuade him from something because I had seen his defeat, he would send me away again... The future is not set in stone and can be changed, but our Master was not known for listening to stories about his own potential defeat... I am a seer, Zariel, whereas you are a warrior.... I can only observe the future, but you can change it... He suspected that his words had done little to quell the anger within her. If anything, he had no doubt stoked the flames I came to serve you Zariel, not retread the failings of the other past which cannot be changed... I could have met with Deputy Director Torkan, or High Moff Torkan as I understand he is calling himself now. He would have welcomed me with open arms. Yet I sought you out, because I saw something... Because I saw what you could do and what you could become...
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Grand Inquisitor Zariel
The First Order
Make no mistake, war is coming. With all its glory... and all its horror.
Posts: 110
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Grand Inquisitor Zariel on Apr 20, 2020 4:36:07 GMT -8
Zariel listened to Silas' retorts to the crimes she had laid out before him. And just like a philosopher he returned fire in kind. All the while, the Darkness and anger surrounding the Inquisitor continued to grow. It seemed that even the light coming in through the high windows began to dim. Otherwise she did not move or interrupt him until he was finished. But once he had said his piece she sighed.
Prophet, you are correct. Palpatine was overconfident in his final days, both times. But our place is not to desert his side, it is to stand by him, for he made us who we are. And I would have died at his side, had I not been assigned away from Death Squadron. Taskforce Hellfire had other business that the Emperor needed done. And you are not so much a fool as to think that what was left of us at the time could have stood against Vader. He was a host unto himself. And his fall to the Light was somehow missed by your 'clairvoyant' organization. He was the greatest of us. Perhaps it was arrogant of us to assume that Vader could handle the protection of the Emperor on his own. But, I followed my orders and waited for a signal that never came. She stood and began to descend from her raised position. This inquiry is not to decide if you are guilty or not. For you most certainly are, as are all of us for failing our Master. But, it is for me to see if you would turn and hide again. She reached the stand and on the opposite side looked into the Prophets eyes, reading every part of him, body, mind, and soul. She sought any deception, any hesitation. I will not tolerate fair weather friends. If you join me, that's it. You are part of my new order of Darksiders. And I will make sure your death, or the death of any traitor, is as long and painful as I can manage. She leans in closer, still reading him as she had trained all her life to do. Swear your oath now, and join me. Or I will allow you one chance, for the sake of our past, to leave unharmed. What say you, Silas?
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 20, 2020 5:56:17 GMT -8
The growing anger and darkness did not daunt Silas. He had been raised in it his entire life. It merely acted as a signal of what was to come next. Or at least, so he thought until she left out a sigh and spoke. Her response was damning and not without its own truth. Palpatine had made them both what they were and in repayment they should have stood by his side to the end. But at the same time, the both of them being dead would have achieved nothing. There was a much greater end game to play, and while Palpatine may have created them and been their Master once, he was but a part of this much greater plan.
His gaze followed Zariel as she stood up and descended down from her raised position. Even as she proclaimed his own guilt and that of all those that failed Palpatine, he did not speak, allowing her to finish this time as she drew closer and stood opposite him. His dull yellow gaze meeting her cold blue stare as she read him. A skill he knew she was quite proficient at. He leaned forward slightly, closing the distance but not enough to cause any of the four behind him to ignite their blades and stab him. Even though he was unarmed, he had no doubt that any false move would be interpreted as hostile. Besides, as Zariel's protege's, he doubted they had any qualms with striking down an unarmed opponent from behind. Even so, his focus was upon Zariel as she moved in that bit closer. Silas resisted the urge to lean closer. There was a dangerous allure to Zariel that he had felt for years. She was as deadly as she was beautiful. It was a hard to resist combination Knowing your track record, I do not doubt your threat... It would also be an incredible waste of both our times if I came all this way to be interrogated by you and then just leave. I began this path a long time ago Zariel, I have no intention of deviating from it now... I swear my loyalty and allegiance to you, Lady Zariel, from this day to my last.
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Grand Inquisitor Zariel
The First Order
Make no mistake, war is coming. With all its glory... and all its horror.
Posts: 110
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Grand Inquisitor Zariel on Apr 20, 2020 17:59:59 GMT -8
She detected no deceit in the man standing before her. Zariel did note restraint on the male's part. She was aware of why, it had been something she had picked up on in their previous missions together. The inquisitor reached up with one hand and grabbed the man's face by the chin, a little harder than anything he would have been hoping for. Keeping eye contact, she let out another sigh.
Your loyalty is accepted and will be rewarded. She let go of his face, almost in a push. Turning and coming around to the other side of the stand, she continued. You will shed the title Prophet. My stomach turns every time I am reminded of your defunct order. You shall now take the title Eye of the Inquisition. I wish for you to take charge of my intelligence gathering sect. A fleet will also be made available to you, though it will answer to one of my other underlings. Now, you are just in time to join me at an important meeting with the Moff. Come with me.
She lad the way out of the office. The two younger members of the Fallen Four stayed behind to guard the room, but Joiln and Vara accompanied the pair down the lift and to a different level of the hanger, where the Mephistopheles was docked.
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 20, 2020 20:05:22 GMT -8
A sly smirk crossed his lips as Zariel grasped his chin with a less than comfortable grip. While he certainly felt some degree of pain, he masked any physical show of it as she stated his loyalty was accepted. His smirk disappeared as she let go of his face and pushed him back a little. A sense of relief washing over him as his gambit seemed to have paid off and his life would continue on past this moment. Silas turned around then, following Zariel as she moved around the stand. He stepped off the stand and gave a bow from the waist and straightened back up As you wish Lady Inquisitor, I shall be honoured to take on the title of Eye of the Inquisition and take charge of your intelligence gathering sect. I am sure I can find a few more eyes quite easily to help in this task... Lead the way My Lady... He followed close behind Zariel as she led the way to the lift and down to the hangar, boarding the Mephistopheles soon after her. For as long as it had been since he had last seen Zariel, It had been just as long since he had last encountered Torkan. Today was seeming to be filled with a number of interesting reunions he thought to himself as he took a seat aboard the shuttle
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Jan Rogo
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 19
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Jan Rogo on Apr 23, 2020 6:26:26 GMT -8
A nervous cascade of chirping filled Rogo's ear.
"Hey, stop, don't be like that"
"Bibop bo bo biiiiiiiiip bop"
"Yeah, yeah, I also would love to be elsewhere... ya know?"
The five-legged droid hovered around, cursing his own luck.
"Don't complain, I can easily replace a limb if you lose it, but I don't think he'll hack you"
"Boooop bip bit buuuu uuu uuu"
*sigh*
"Yes, don't you remind that, please, now hush"
"Bip bop"
The droid perched himself on Rogo's back, his photoreceptor peering from behind his shoulder. The door slid open, revealing a wide chamber. The young man knelt before a cloak figure, standing with his back to the door.
"Master Darkstar, what's thy bidding?"
Knee on the hard cold floor, head down, a knot in the chest. His new superior was said to be as frightening as he was misterious.
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 23, 2020 22:15:58 GMT -8
A few days had passed since Silas had arrived to Etti IV and been appointed as the Eye of the Inquisition by Zariel. He was still in the midst of organizing his new residence and settling into his new role when Rogo entered his office. His days had been filled with meetings, recruiting agents, and building an information network across the Diarchy territory. The last item of which was already yielding results. A case had come up in Mondder City which the local authorities were pretty sure was well beyond their realm to handle. Silas turned around from his desk to face the kneeling Inquisitor Inquisitor Rogo... Welcome to my office... It seems I have a case for you from the local police. A string of murders has cropped up across Mondder and the police believe they found lightsaber marks from fighting at the latest site... I'd like you to go and investigate this claim and, if it proves true, check in on the other murders. If we have a rogue force user on the loose, I'd like this handled quickly...
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Jan Rogo
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 19
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Jan Rogo on Apr 24, 2020 0:15:54 GMT -8
"Lightsaber marks?"
"Beeep bop"
Nio chirped an interjection from behind his shoulder.
"Hush"
The young man scratched his chin before replying.
"I will investigate the crime scene, my lord, and get into the case as soon as possible"
That was an alarming report, they would have to keep tabs on any activities and suspects that happened to occur or be around the area. If there was more of one murder provoked, tentatively, by a Force user it would force them both, Nio and Rogo, to review the endless files produced by the Mondder police the last months.
"If there is someone trying to evade our vigilance he or she will be processed"
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 24, 2020 0:57:11 GMT -8
Silas produced a couple of flimsi film photos from the crime scenes and handed them to Rogo for his review That is the claim the police make, should be a simple enough task for you to corroborate the evidence... He pulled his datapad from within his cloak then and entered in a few commands, before several messages were sent out Bring them in for questioning if possible, but... If you need to, eliminate the threat. which ever is the easiest option... And if you need any assistance from me or the police, you have only to ask. I have informed the Police Captains to provide any and all resources they have. That will be all...
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Jan Rogo
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 19
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Jan Rogo on Apr 24, 2020 1:08:07 GMT -8
Rogo held them and looked at them for a moment.
"Indeed, these look like lightsaber marks. But they look very raw and unfocused, like made in a frenzy"
Troubling.
"I will do as instructed, master. I will try not to bother you, sire"
Nio complained. Something about being bisected.
"I can handle it. Will send reports to your office as soon as there is any development"
Thanks to whoever decided to add a thick pad on the knees, else his would be numb by then.
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 25, 2020 0:30:11 GMT -8
He smiled from beneath his hood as Rogo examined the photos and commented on the lightsaber marks They are quite ragged, which is why I do not suspect this is just a Jedi. Only those unable to contain their power leave such vicious marks... So I reiterate my offer, do not be afraid to ask for help Inquisitor. I look forward to your reports... Silas motioned to the door then I have the utmost faith in you... If you fail, then you will not be my problem to deal with... Good Hunting Inquisitor Rogo
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