Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
|
Post by Silas Darkstar on Jan 12, 2024 21:40:58 GMT -8
"Most people, regardless of their species, just want to belong, to feel special..."
He offered up a sincere smile as he looked up to the waitress
"Black will be fine for me as well. May Umbra's blessing be with you..."
The waitress stole a glimpse over toward the priest as she noted their drink choices down
Yeah, what ever...
As she strode off to deliver their order to the barista, Silas returned his focus back to his guest
It would be incorrect to say such a show is not for them. It is, after all, meant to keep their focus elsewhere. While their focus is upon the left hand, the right hand is over here doing the important work...
He raised both of his hands up above the table, his left hand contorting into different signs and shapes, whilst his right hand was busy palming a coin on display for the other man to see
What brings you to our lovely shores in these... trying times? I hear it is a dangerous galaxy out there. The Empresses own Uncle raises a banner of Rebellion to claim the Throne for himself, and the failed Successor seems intent upon trying to hold onto the reins of power. It must be a difficult balancing act, trying to face and deal with two foes...
|
|
Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 423
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
|
Post by Nem Yin on Jan 16, 2024 18:12:19 GMT -8
"Oh, I don't know." Nem's usage of galactic basic was dressed heavily with a Coruscanti accent, but not of the upper echelons in the ivory towers, but the dialect far more common among the overcrowded streets of the Underworld. He slowly shrugged his shoulders in an exaggerated fashion, a coy smile playing on the lips of his false face. "You can never have too many enemies. The more you have, the better chance they'll get in each others way. It's allies I'd be more concerned about. Everyone has their own agenda. They all want something, and if they want it badly enough, they'll do what they have to in order to take it. Maybe that's what happened with Baltasar." He spoke of the Empress' uncle, the Arch Traitor, by name. "He wanted something and tried to take it. The Empress' declaration could be construed as the same thing, at least from her brother's point of view. Me personally, I'm not one for politics."
The membranous layer over his mqaaq'it meant Nem's vision could be focused elsewhere from where his 'eyes' appeared to be looking, but in this instance the real set were focused the same as the false pair, directly into those of the man across from him.
"I'm Nem. Nothing fancy, just plain old Nem. I consider myself someone who is well informed on galactic affairs, though lately I have a lot more questions than answers. Take this Civil War for instance. A few of the details don't add up."
|
|
Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
|
Post by Silas Darkstar on Jan 17, 2024 13:22:14 GMT -8
Politics can be a messy arena filled with deceit and lies. Everyone involved, as you rightly pointed out, have their own agenda and thing that they want whilst also having things they do not want others to have. It is why those democracies so often fail: compromise rarely leaves everyone happy.
The waitress returned, delivering their caf before leaving again without comment. Silas smiled across at his companion, taking a sip of his drink as Nem introduced himself and explained who he was. He closed his eyes, savouring the taste of his caf with the saucer held in one hand and the cup held in the other
A curious thing indeed, is it not? The smallest and most seemingly inconsequential actions all boiling up into this raging inferno... In truth, it's not too shocking. Many an Imperial have made clear their disdain for the Knights of Ren for years, decades even... So, Nem, what questions are you left with that yet remain unanswered?
|
|
Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 423
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
|
Post by Nem Yin on Jan 18, 2024 7:52:35 GMT -8
"For starters, doesn't it all seem too convenient?" He reached out with his right hand, picking up his own cup of caf with two fingers and a thumb on the handle, bringing it to his face but stopping just shy of his lips. "The former Emperor, Nicademus Delvardus, didn't strike me as a man to leave a lot of loose ends. We're talking about a person who kept together numerous factions with rival agendas under the banner of the First Order for years without issue. Someone with that sort of political expertise would have contingencies in place, plans to prevent dissent from fomenting and conflict from taking place within the ranks. Yet the second he was dead, before the meat on his bones began to rot, the insurrection on Coruscant took place. The Emperor knew he was dying, that his reign was coming to a close and someone else would have to take over. He chose Octavian for a reason, and I don't think it was simple nepotism. A man like that knows all the pieces he has in play, their loyalties and wants, the best way to keep them all in line. He wouldn't have chosen his son if he wasn't up for the job." Nem eyed the cup in his hands suspiciously as wisps of steam rose off the dark brown liquid. "Despite that, rebellion occurred almost right away."
Finally he took a sip of the stifling hot liquid, savouring the bitter notes and the burn as that first swallow slid down his throat, spreading warmth across his stomach and stirring his senses as the caffeine kicked in. He put the cup back down on the table.
"That tells me something; this wasn't an inevitability waiting to happen. The civil war was planned, instigated, and executed by an external force. It's the only thing that makes sense. I just don't know who, or why."
|
|
Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
|
Post by Silas Darkstar on Jan 23, 2024 13:49:35 GMT -8
He kept his cup and saucer held aloft, sipping his drink all the while as Nem puzzled out his questions. It was an interesting line of thinking to be certain. Silas had certainly put in quite the effort and resources to overcome some of these safeguards or subvert them entirely by aiming for those whom others considered unworthy. The Cabal upon Coruscant was a perfect example of that subversion. Certainly many an officer had complained about feeling tilted when they were passed over for promotion, but sometimes it was those whom said nothing aloud in public, that you should always watch the closest. He opened his eyes then and stared across at Nem
Many wars, especially civil wars, always seem convenient. Things that go unseen for years prior, can all blow up together with the right trigger...
He took another sip of his caf. There was no rush for either of them at this moment. Events were unfolding whether either one of them liked it or not
Nicademus chose the boy as his successor many years ago, believing that he could raise and train the boy to lead his Empire onwards. But perhaps it was a different time back then when that choice was made? Or perhaps Nicademus believed that his ability to manage so many rival agendas was something one could pass on... I've found that some people aren't necessarily motivated by an ideal but rather a person. Someone that embodies those ideals is a much easier thing to look upon and support. It seems callous to say, I'm sure, but some people have loyalties that are skin deep. Once that skin has been removed... well... then you have nothing to anchor to. New growth is possible, but... How do you know the measure of someone untested? Yes, I suspect that was a large part of the former Emperor's appeal. But perhaps that was his one blindspot. We all have them: faults in ourselves that we cannot see, no matter how much some motivational speaker might wish to proclaim otherwise...
He took another sip and set the saucer and cup down upon the table, taking a moment to ponder over some of the points Nem had brought up
Certainly a man like that would have made preparations, perhaps even set agendas with his own spymaster to prepare for eventualities... A curious thought does occur. Perhaps it was not a peaceful transfer and continuation that Octavian was prepared for? Perhaps it was for this very war that he was instead prepared for? An interesting hypothesis to be certain. But it's equally likely that he may have miscalculated his choice. After all, the rivalry between the Imperial Knights and the Knights of Ren is well known. Replacing the missing Empress with an Imperial Knight certainly appeased many an Imperial, but could not have been an easy injury for the Ren to live down. But then, to announce that his successor would come from those same ranks? Now that must have added insult... As for a man like Baltasar? Well, Octavian is still practically a child by comparison. The Grand Marshal turned Emperor spent years living in his brothers shadow, fighting his brothers wars, and now he is being told that the spawn of a Knight of Ren that was raised as an Imperial Knight is to take the Throne? Yes, certainly grudges that Nicademus could have shouldered and kept at bay, given he built the very Empire now being fought over...
Despite himself, Silas found that there were certainly eventualities that he had not previously considered thanks to this conversation. Things that he would investigate later on. The future he had set in motion had been one hard worked for to be the most likely eventuality. But even still, that did not mean that a stray timeline could not intercept them and throw everything wildly off course
But supposing you are right: that Octavian had been prepared properly to maintain the status quo that Nicademus had built, I do not think it precludes the possibility that this was not an inevitability. After all, preparing your successor and putting in place contingencies implies that certain outcomes were strongly believed to be eventualities, no? You don't prepare soldiers for conditions in which you don't expect them to have to fight. The same could be said of this civil war: you don't prepare your successor to maintain the peace between various internal factions if you do not believe them capable of turning against one another. But the timing... Certainly that does raise suspicions, doesn't it? But what external force could have the resources and capability of instigating a civil war? There don't appear to be any obvious threats of sufficient power... Well... Except perhaps the Yuuzhan Vong, it has been their playbook before to infiltrate governments to destabilise them. The Sith are another possibility, their recent demise under so many different guises could have merely been theatre to distract everyone else from their true hidden strength... Or perhaps the threat is not quite so external after all?
He picked up his cup and saucer once more to take some sips to quench his parched tongue
What if the truth is that the threat was someone internal to the Empire? but then you face the same questions, who and why? Culling the weak of strength and faith are always favoured motives... But is that pedestrian reasoning all there is? or, like much so far, is it merely the wrapping with which one has clothed themselves?
|
|
Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 423
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
|
Post by Nem Yin on Jan 24, 2024 18:05:31 GMT -8
Hand reaching for his caf cup resting on the table, the Intendant paused at the mention of the Yuuzhan Vong, a fraction of a second at most but it happened none-the-less. He finished the motion, picking up the ceramic mug between two fingers and bringing it to his false set of lips, like so many other infidels that occupied the café, slurping down the boiling beverage with apparent relish. Others of his species might have balked at that, that a leader of their people might actually enjoy something so foreign from their usual diet that was harvested and produced by mechanical abominations. Not Nem though. He'd lived among these people a long time, learned their ways, embraced their culture. He could appreciate a strong cup of caf, even if its production was unsavory. Smacking his lips, he placed the cup back on the table and folded his hands together, unusually long fingers interlaced.It amused him to think there were those in the greater galaxy that still considered his people a threat. In so many ways that fear worked against what he was trying to build for the Yuuzhan Vong, a prosperous future, but to tell you the truth he didn't mind it one bit. Fear was ever a tool in the playbook of Domain Yin. Fear he could use. Let the the infidels think the zealous barbarians at the gate still had the numbers to be a danger in the dark of the void, even if the reality was sorrowfully the opposite. It gave him options and bought him time."I admit, Octavian leaves something to be desired. His reign thus far, if you can call it that, has been less than ideal. The pieces of the Empire he was supposed to hold together have slipped through his fingers like grains of sand into a salacc pit of failed ambition. Baltasar would have perhaps been the safer choice, the better statesman by far and amicable alternative over a candidate from one of the rival camps within the ranks. Of all of them though, it has been the princess...sorry." He chuckled. "The Empress, I mean. I'm still getting used to that. It is Fiora who has impressed me the most. Her swift dispatch of Baltasar's forces at Raltiir, the following declaration of her claim to the throne and ambush of Octavian's forces. Masterfully done, the sort of bold move her brother has lacked thus far. If you're not the predator, then you're the prey, and she refused to allow that to happen to her. While inevitably it proved to be an overplay of her hand, there was no predicting the number of allies Octavian managed to pool together to rout her. He dug deep, asking much of those oath sworn to his service. I expect it will cost him."Of that, he was most certain. "I think you may be on to something, perhaps this was internal. I can't see the Yuuzhan Vong as the culprits. They prospered under Niacedmus' reign, while this war has done nothing but cost them. I heard they were asked to abandon the colonies they had been awarded by the previous Emperor, that the war effort has drained the resources required to hold that territory. A friend of mine who was at the battle of Raltiir..." He smirked coyly. "...on the side of our heroic Ren protectors, of course, said that the Yuuzhan Vong fleet suffered significant losses during the conflict. If I were them, I'd be considering my options right now. When they joined the Empire, the First Order was a fat rhonto waiting to be milked, but this bitter conflict has slimmed the beast. When all is said and done, what will be left? Rumours of rebels raiding FO facilities are abound, the Jedi are producing numerous war materials, and the Outer Rim grows increasingly quiet. The spice still flows, but no one seems to know who is supplying it. Attempts to contact Ryloth and Kessel are met with silence."Unlacing his fingers, he rapped his knuckles on the table, eyes seeming to stare out the window. "If it was internal, I don't think it was ever about deciding who sat on the throne. It seems more likely, given the outcome thus far, that this was about breaking free of the First Order's shackles. It's much easier to claim ones independence without the threat of a unified Empire to come dragging you back into the fold. The only one that comes to mind who might benefit the most by that result, I think, would be the Ren. It must chafe to be under the yoke of an Imperial Knight, given the rivalry you spoke of."
|
|
Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
|
Post by Silas Darkstar on Jan 28, 2024 20:58:34 GMT -8
He studied the man opposite him, with each of them doing their best to keep their movements as calculated as possible. In such circumstances small slips were inevitable, but what the reason behind those slips could be left a million questions and possibilities. Some, however, seemed far more likely than others. But given the innumerable amount, it was foolish to ponder too long about what they could or would end up being. He filed details away, adding them together to narrow down the paths to find the correct one. His smile was as ever present as always
No apologies are needed, these are terrible times in which it is difficult to properly keep track of all whom claim the title of Emperor or Empress, and just what exactly each one considers the others to be. Reacting too rashly to a small error can be the difference between a potential friend and a guaranteed future foe... But you are correct, Ralltiir was both a success and a failure wrapped into one. Certainly victory was helped by the faithful... Those whom have embraced The Obsidian Order and seen the truth of the Ren even as the Imperial Knights and many Imperials still cling to their lies...
He stopped himself before he went too far into proclamation mode. Even if much of what he taught was fabrications and lies, there were bits and pieces of the truth sprinkled about, grounding the beliefs to retain the faithful. But such was not needed here
The Yuuzhan Vong have certainly lost much of what they once had, that much is true. Certainly a long game could have been planned in which the few were sacrificed for the greater good of the many... But that is a very risky play and Ralltiir saw a lot more than a small few lost in battle. So it does seem doubtful they were the originators of this...
He took another careful and well placed sip
There are certainly a great many threats out there, threats the First Order once kept at bay by sheer size and mass alone. But you're right, more and more pockets of resistance grow together and rise up, ready to slaughter the once mighty beast that was the First Order and replace it as leader of the pack. It is an unfortunate inevitability that all things must follow the cycle of the Universe.... Entropy is our greatest enemy. Everything will rise up to its peak, before falling back into pieces...
Silas turned his focus out of the window and out toward the city, curious as to what might catch his companions focus. A great many landmarks were visible from the Caf Shop, such as the Palace and the Nox Cathedral. But there was also a prosperity and happiness the people had recently risen to from the grief of losing their former Monarchs. Plenty to see and stare at
Freedom... heh. Yes, despite all of our best efforts and no matter what side you choose, freedom is something we all strive for. Self-determination is the one struggle we all have in common... But you may be right, perhaps this was never about who would sit on the Throne, so much as a Throne. Or maybe a Throne was never part of the equation, merely a means to an end... You would be correct to surmise that the Ren would be the one group who most benefit from such a scenario based purely upon Octavian being an Imperial Knight alone. The Ren view the Imperials as too soft and weak, while the Imperials view the Ren as too rash and dangerous. An interesting conundrum... But if the Ren are the masterminds behind this, they have certainly willingly killed a number of their allies to get this far. Which, if true, makes them a dangerous opponent. But what freedom do they seek? Freedom just from the Imperial Knights? or freedom from an Empire they helped build? Certainly, there are those amongst the Ren that have a great disdain for the Empire that Nicademus built... None more-so than Harnan Ren himself. The man who rose up and became the Master of the Ren... The man whom was slighted by, but whom it turns out ended up slighting, the former Emperor. Did he know that Fiora was his daughter all along and orchestrated all of this? Is this all about breaking her free of Imperial servitude... of giving her freedom to choose the path upon which she walks...
He set his drink down, empty after his sipping, and turned to face his companion once more
Perhaps some of that is true. Perhaps Harnan Ren is secretly the greatest Rebel of all, plotting and planning the downfall of the First Order. Or maybe... hmmm... Maybe there exists something else that would motivate him. Entropy gets all things in the end, after all. Perhaps he has seen his own end within this civil war and with it, the last remnants of the old First Order. Purge the old, burn it away to allow something new and good to grow. Something stronger... better... forged in the crucible of conflict with all of the impurities burned away that would have dragged it down... The beast may be slimmer, but perhaps it is far more dangerous because of it...
|
|
Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 423
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
|
Post by Nem Yin on Feb 7, 2024 5:47:55 GMT -8
"Maybe." Nem reluctantly accedes, thrumming his long fingers against the side of his ceramic mug, staring into the steaming black depths contained within. "It is possible that what emerges from this chaos will be all the more dangerous for having run the gauntlet, but I wonder if what it gave up in turn wasn't actually more valuable. Whatever shape the First Order takes at the end of this tumultuous conflict, the damage done to its reputation is irreversible, throwing the entire galaxy out of whack. Slimmed down by these trials, its reach is more limited than ever, its projection of power clearly diminished. Think back on the original Galactic Empire, who ruled for decades not because of superior governance or military doctrine, but through the projection of its might and the fear it inspired in the galaxy. Irrevocably fractured, even if Octavian, Fiora, or Baltazar are able to put all the pieces back together, the cracks will still be there. The illusion of strength and control has been dispelled, replaced by a cruel and uncaring reality, one that will test the mettle of the First Order greater even than this civil war."He crossed his arms, ignoring his cooling cup now as he found the blend of boiled bean water flavourless. "As usual, it will be the common people who have the least amount of say who will be the ones to suffer the most. Whether intended or not, the slimming of this 'beast' creates a power vacuum in the galaxy, one that will eventually be filled. The galaxy's history has a habit of repeating itself. Some group will eventually see the opening created and seek to stake their claim, and I doubt very much it will be any better than the last. While I don't think it will be the Yuuzhan Vong..." He seemed to speak with some 'expertise' on that subject. "...when was the last time anyone has heard from the Sith? They've always been out there, lurking in the dark corners of the galaxy, biding their time. If I didn't already have my suspicions, I would have laid this civil war at their feet. Even if not responsible, they'll see that opening as surely as anyone else. Were that to happen, who would stop them, if not the First Order?"Not the Jedi as much as he wished, or the Mandalorians for that matter. One group lacked the boldness of action, the other the brains. In the past, Nem had tried to play the Jedi against the Sith, warning them and provoking them to action through schemes and indirect methods. It had proved futile and ultimately damaged their relationship at the time, which he had only been able to repair thanks to Mira and that damnable positive attitude of hers. Deception was out of the question, he learned from his mistakes, but perhaps they were too idealistic to be anything other than a shield when what the galaxy needed was a bulwark. A blade, however, was something he was all too familiar with. Domain Yin had long been the hidden coufee of the Supreme Overlord, serving Shimrra's whims and desires. Perhaps it was time to do the same for the First Order, but not at the behest of any one Emperor or Empress. This time they would serve themselves, make use of what flimsy Imperial resources remained, and strike where and when needed. That was a path he could abide by. It wouldn't be easy. He'd have to begin accruing favours just as he had during his intelligence gathering days."Eh, I suppose that's presumptuous. The war is not even over yet. Coruscant, that has to be next stage of this galactic play, but will it all end there?"
|
|
Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
|
Post by Silas Darkstar on Feb 13, 2024 15:00:40 GMT -8
One can never truly know the true and exact cost of what is lost, until all is over and done and the accounting begins...
There were certain variables and values which one could predict before hand and determine what costs they could and could not risk losing. But sometimes the most innocuous things did tend to come back later and prove more valuable than initially thought. But what ever those costs were to be, time would only tell
The First Order has been diminished for quite some time. A controversial opinion I'm sure, but the First Order has been running on a charade for far too long. Its strength was weakened years ago. Sometimes you need to break the veil of illusion for those at the top to see the harsh reality of their state. One can survive and live on the false narrative of control and power for so long before a threat arises willing to test those limits... or worse, a monarch believes their position secure and begins committing already taxed resources on ventures they cannot win... It is then that the common people will suffer more as retaliatory strikes burn entire worlds in the name of vengeance. Sometimes the cruelty of abandonment can be a blessing in disguise...
He paused a moment as the waitress came by and collected their cups before leaving again
The Sith have been rather quiet of late, with a number of transitions from one organisation to another... But you would be correct that they are bound to capitalise on this opening, assuming they have the strength to do so. And that remains the unknown mystery, doesn't it? Just how strong are they? Maybe such a revelation will force those that remain and the remnants of other groups to band together... Perhaps under a new Empire? Maybe under a new Alliance? The future is a vast place with many routes forward to follow...
The truth of the matter, was that Silas had not quite peered that far ahead to see what came next. He had been asked to focus upon the Civil War and that was where his focus would remain. As it stood, he got the impending feeling that his own fate was quickly approaching a nexus point from which he would not continue on afterwards. What fate had in store for the galaxy after that was not his concern
Coruscant will not be the end... But it is certainly the beginning of the actual end... Baltasar will fall upon Coruscant and his coup will be finished. But the seeds of doubt have already been planted within the Boy Emperor's mind, and Empress Fiora will defend her people. This all leads to one inescapable moment: the clash of Sister against Brother. Only one can win and decide the course of the First Order and the Galaxy...
|
|
Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 423
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
|
Post by Nem Yin on Feb 14, 2024 9:03:18 GMT -8
It was possible this mysterious man was right. What had initially drawn Nem to the First Order, upon returning to the galaxy after his failed effort to locate the lost seed world of Tur Yenagh, was the strength and scale the Empire seemed to project. The reality had been something else entirely. Nytherias Nuruodo of the Chiss Sword and Shield Dominion had tried to warn him, telling Nem at the time of their meeting to only trust himself and his own people. The Field Marshall had understand something at a quintessential level that the Executor had failed to grasp, perhaps due to his absence from galactic affairs for the last decade, or even his own naivety. The Grand Moff he had first met at Ilum, Jenia Kasalle, had cut such an imposing figure. Yet she was an exceptional specimen among an empire full of disappointments. When someone had the gall to threaten the First Order by targeting Byss, who was called to action to repel a potential attack? The Yuuzhan Vong. They had been rewarded for their assistance in that matter, but in hindsight, the Intendant wondered if even the reward was what it had seemed. The Emperor had given the Praetorite the planet of Shili, a world they had barely held in a region they had nothing more than a foothold on. Then when resources were strained, the First Order asked more of them, demanding they abandon the world they have been given so that they could support other worlds more important to the Imperial bureaucracy. In the end, it had taken very little straw to break the quednak's back.
But Nytherias had been mistaken in his own way. Nem's people couldn't be trusted either. From the Supreme Overlord to the more recent coup against the Praetorite by the Supreme Empress and every War Master in between, it was clear to the Executor that his species was equally stricken with avarice. Though they called him Yu'shaa, the privately atheist prophet had been a poor leader to his people, half of whom were still stuck in the past. The other half, possibly worse off, was soul sickened by the events that led them to this current state. Only Mira with her endless optimism had stood apart, and they were hardly on talking terms these days. So if the First Order was a lie and his own people were a disappointment, what did that leave for him, what was his purpose? Was it worth trying to navigate this galactic turmoil to save his people, when perhaps, they didn't deserve to be saved? For so long he had thought it his duty to guide and shape their destiny, from the very beginning until now, and every step seemed just as mired in mud as the last. The First Order and the Yuuzhan Vong, were either worth saving?
Nem's brooding thoughts were as dark as the stim-caf in his cup as he sat there across from Silas, simmering beneath his deceptive layer of second skin, writhing inwardly as his gut twisted and his mind felt so uncertain. It took the last of the words of the oddly informed man's across from him to help him navigate his reason for being embroiled in this conflict.
Father, Uncle, Brother, and Sister. This war had always been a family conflict at the heart of it. The rest of the galaxy suffered while the Delvardus line settled their bloody affairs. It was perhaps they, not the institution itself, that could not be trusted. What did the Empire represent across the galaxy, at least to those law abiding citizens? Justice. When this civil war began, that was the first thing that had gone out the window. This family affair could have been settled without a single drop of non-Delvardus line blood being shed. Where was the justice for the people of Coruscant as war erupted across the galactic core? Where was the justice for his own people who had shed their blood and had their land taken? As he thought on it, all those years back, that had been his reason for joining the First Order. Justice. These were the people that helped bring an end to the Sith Empire, the same one that had murdered hid domain mate Uzas, whose face Nem now wore beneath his masquer. Now justice was under assault and he was sitting here, talking to this stranger, when he had the ability to affect the outcome of this conflict. It was already too late to do anything about Coruscant, but what came after, that he could surely help decide. This wasn't about punishing traitors. They were all traitors in their own way to the common people who had been forgotten about. He would fight for them.
"And when that time comes, when brother and sister clash, who wins?" His right brow rose. "Octavian might be unworthy, and Fiora's cause may be noble, but the math doesn't lie. The Boy Emperor has the numbers, if not the wit to use them wisely, and the Ren stand alone. That fight is sure to be bloodier than Coruscant. Is there no way it can be avoided?"
|
|
Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
|
Post by Silas Darkstar on Feb 18, 2024 20:07:24 GMT -8
Silas sat quietly across from his drinking companion, sparing another glance toward the crowd as his double stood up and gave an impromptu public sermon. Who wins? That was the question on everybody's lips. Octavian or Fiora? The Imperial Knights or the Knights of Ren? Whoever won would decide the course of the Empire for years to come. Would one of the twins have to strike the other down and kill their sibling? would that merely lead to hurt feelings and revenge which would simmer within the victor's Empire until vengeance was gained? Would death be avoided, but banishment be necessitated? Would those that ended up losing be pacified? or was the Empire's dissolution being seeded within this Civil War? There were plenty of questions to ask about the future, but it so rarely gave up answers easily
Who wins is not so straight forward a question. Sure, in a pure game of numbers and setting it as a war of attrition, Octavian and his Imperial Knights seem to have the numbers. But perhaps it is not an all out assault, but rather a pure, honourable duel that will decide it all. Sister vs Brother in the arena of combat, with nothing but their armour and lightsabers and the years of combat skill they have each perfected. Now that... That is a fight which is not so easy to determine a victor. Their army sizes count for nothing, merely witnesses to the result of the fight that must be fought...
As he turned his focus back fully upon the man opposite him, Silas leaned forward, resting his elbows upon the table and steepling his fingers in front of his face
Time is a pertinacious thing. There are many paths forward down which one might travel or that alternate versions of themselves will choose to go. But they all lead to one nexus point... an event within the timeline which cannot be changed, cannot be stopped... One might delay it a few moments, maybe a few days, but it will happen. How the outcomes of this battles play out could be any number of ways, but they all lead to one eventuality: Fiora vs Octavian. But... perhaps if you had the ear of Octavian, you might convince him to surrender and give up this fight. I'd suggest the Empress, but as I've never seen you at her counsel it's safe to say you do not have her ear... But there is one person... One individual who might just convince Fiora to surrender and give up this fight without further bloodshed... But I fear she is beyond the ability to do so. Caught up with that nastiness on Coruscant, and I do not suspect she'll be escaping that to return to her beloved's side before this war is over... No... Failing that, you'd need another of her advisors to turn against this plan and the rest seem content. No, I'm afraid there is nothing to be done but let ourselves be carried along with the current of time...
|
|
Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 423
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
|
Post by Nem Yin on Feb 20, 2024 8:42:33 GMT -8
An event in time that couldn't be changed, only delayed. That sounded a lot like fate, a principle that Nem didn't subscribe to. It was too much of an absolute, which as this galaxy's sayings went, was something only a Sith dealt in. He'd dared the ire of Yun-Harla, the Trickster Goddess of his people, before and come out the better for it. Somewhere in the grey area between the impossible and the inevitable, that was where he operated at his best."I have his ear." He admitted of the Emperor Octavian, suddenly more keenly aware of his surroundings and the precarious position he was in admitting that, here on what was technically enemy soil from the side his people had publicly taken. His gaze remained unwavering. "But..." But would Octavian even listen? As First Prefect, the Intendant had the means to directly contact the 'boy who would be king' and make his case, yet where had that gotten him so far? He was beginning to suspect Nicademus had only raised tyrants obsessed with fratricide. "...I'm done placing my faith in anyone with the last name Delvardus to do the right thing." There it was. His disappointment in the Imperial crown spelled out empathically. Slowly, the Executor stood up from the table and leaned over it, placing his hands on the surface to support his upper body while he stared Silas dead in the eye. "If there is no stopping this, then tell me the name of the one person Fiora might listen to."Coruscant might be engulfed in the chaos of battle at the moment, but Nem had seen it invaded before, had been there even when his own people took it during the events of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion. Like that last time, he remained entrenched on the side of those invading its surface, or 'liberating it' as the other loyalists might say. If there truly existed someone who might bring a more peaceful end to this conflict, avoiding the further bloodshed of his own people, then they were worth tracking down even in the middle of a war zone."Surely it will make no difference..."
|
|
Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
|
Post by Silas Darkstar on Feb 23, 2024 1:46:08 GMT -8
Silas forced back the small smile he felt attempting to creep across his face as his companion let slip such an admission. Not that he was concerned, since if this individual had been here to spy upon the Ren forces, he would see them retreating their military forces back to Prakith. Something which would spare Empress Teta of the inevitable fight that was to come. However, if this man truly had the ear of Octavian, than perhaps this war could be won for Fiora without further bloodshed.
However, such hopes were dashed with the man's statement about being done placing faith in anyone with the name Delvardus. An admirable statement and belief to hold. Instead, Silas focused himself on remaining calm and collected even as the stranger rose up and lent over the table. Eagerness to learn the identity of Fiora's confidante clearly overwhelming an otherwise calm and controlled disposition.
Even without the intervention of anyone else, Silas had determined that her paramour would be safe. However... It did not necessarily hurt to have a little added extra insurance. It was true that what happened after the war was of little concern. But there were events before that end which could go entirely different directions were Fiora to learn of the death of her friend. Would it ensure victory? in most timelines he peered upon it did, and she became a Dark Empress to be feared. But in others... Regardless of the outcome, it was a cruel fate, even for him
Well... I wouldn't say it would make no difference. After all, her death would be rather counterproductive to all of our goals... So I will tell you, but in exchange you will keep her safe. After all, I am fairly confident Octavian will not let her go gallivanting off once he finds her on Coruscant... Her name is Jin Song, otherwise known as the Tribune Knight. I'm sure you've heard her name, the Empress was scant seen without her by her side...
He rose from his seat and offered a warm smile
If you find her, remember my terms. I am certain of her survival, but you are my insurance policy. Enjoy your stay here. For now I must take my leave...
Silas gave his drinking companion a bow before taking his leave of the table and heading back out through the kitchen, his distraction also bid the gathered crowd farewell and left through the front door
|
|
Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 423
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
|
Post by Nem Yin on Feb 24, 2024 7:47:39 GMT -8
The mysterious stranger's words made Nem recall a conversation from over a decade ago between himself and the Imperial Knight, Xeonon Solomon, that had resulted in the cursed mission to Korriban that saw his domain mate Uzas Yin murdered publicly in the streets of Dreshdae. Knight Calypso, the agent Xeonon has sent to ensure the missions success, had also given her life during that covert operation. Heh, it was almost funny to think that the well being of his own people was yet again tied to the fate of another knight. Well, he swore that this time, things wouldn't end so poorly. He would find this Jin Song, this Tribune Knight, and he would see to it personally.False eyes followed Silas as he left, leaving the Executor seated alone in the booth. Don't worry, friend... Thought the Intendant inwardly. ...if she was still alive, he would get her off of Coruscant and out from under Octavian's nose. If discovered by the loyalists, someone with such close ties to the Emperor's sister was likely to be taken captive and used for information or as a hostage. It's what Nem would have done in the Emperor's position. He crossed his arms, leaning back in the seat as he reflected on his current position. He couldn't allow that to happen. Of course, extracting her and keeping her presence a secret could easily be seen as treason if one of Octavian's agents found out about it. Nem would need to move with the silence and swiftness of a bissop on the prowl. While he still considered the Praetorite's current alignment to the loyalist forces the safest bet in this conflict, the Tribune Knight would serve as a trump card of his own, a way to ingratiate himself with Empress Fiora and buy his peoples way over to the Ren side of the conflict if it proved necessary to do so. His hope, however, was that he could convince her to speak to Octavian's sister into ending this war without further bloodshed, brokering a peace between the two remaining sides once Baltazar had been defeated at Coruscant. At least the Arch Traitor's demise seemed a forgone conclusion.Leaving a few credits on the table, Nem slipped out of the booth and exited the caf-house, stepping into the street outside where he blended in with the civilian foot traffic. An hour later he was back in the private hangar where his ship was parked. He thanked the owner who had turned a blind eye for a sizable exchange of credits by not slitting the man's throat. A loose end, the proprietor would only indict themselves if they reported the Intendant to the authorities at this point, so the danger was minimal in sparing his life. Scab, the Executor's chazrach manservant, hobbled into sight as the Yuuzhan Vond ascended the ramp of the Star Biscuit. He patted the loyal mute on his scaly head as he walked past the reptoid and entered the cockpit, sliding into the cognition throne and raising his arms, pulling down the membranous hood of the tall-yor from the ceiling. As hooks of bone pierced the flesh of his shoulders, his mind connected in symbiosis with the organic ship, operating the onboard villip-choir with a thought. He connected to the Miid Ro'ik warship serving as flagship of the Praetorite Fleet, known as the Carcharodon, where Nem's domain mate Alith was waiting alongside Prefect Ur Skell.{{ Alith. }} Hissed Nem as the ritually scarred visage of the youngest member of his domain appeared before his vision. {{ I need an update on Raltiir. }} {{ Nem! }} Barked Alith, visibly relieved to see the Executor alive. {{ Bless Yuuzhan. We were beginning to fear the worst. }} He banged a fist against his chitin clad chest to clear his throat, then delivered his report. {{ After the Ren left the field, the Grand Admiral's forces took the planet, then made the jump to Coruscant. We just left ourselves, though our destination is in the opposite direction. }}{{ What are you talking about? }} The Executor questioned, his dark purple eye sacks pulsing. {{ Where are you headed? }} His domain mate seemed to hesitate before responding, taking a moment to straighten their posture and muster their courage before explaining themselves to the Yu'shaa. {{ In lieu of recent events and the outcome of the battle, I thought it prudent to secure our borders. The fleet heads for Ilum. We will take this opportunity to strike while the loyalists are committed to attacking Coruscant. }}Yammka's thorny cock! This is what happens when he wasn't around to supervise. Nem shook his head. {{ You're what?! For the love of Yuuzhan, turn around, Alith. We can talk about your poor judgment at a later time, but for right now, I need the fleet to meet me at Coruscant. Things have changed. There is someone I need to find on the surface and I'll need our fleet to act as cover for this individuals extraction. We can't have our allies seeing what we're up to. }}{{ But I thought... }} But he was interrupted before he could finish. {{ You thought what? That while I'm trying to find an end to this conflict that you'd go an embroil us in another? You know what? Forget it. Put Ur on. }} Alith's image vanished and a moment later, the shimmersilk swathed vizier appeared in his place. {{ Nem, I can explain. }} {{ I'd rather you didn't. }} His growled with a curled lip. {{ You were supposed to talk him out of doing anything foolish. }} {{ I tried, but you Domain Yin intendants are as stubborn a umrach with a full belly. }} {{ Yeah, well, you can make it up to me by turning the fleet around. I'm relieving Alith of command. You're in charge now. Get what's left of our forces to Coruscant and do it quickly. I'm making my way there now. }}{{ Nem, we've barely recovered from the battle at Raltiir. I don't know what you expect, but we're in sorry shape for another engagement. }} {{ Leave the fighting to the Imperial loyalists. We've got our own interests on the surface. I just need cover for a ground operation so our allies don't see what we're up to. }} Ur's mqaaq'it brightened in curiosity. {{ And what are we doing? }} {{ With luck, rescuing the one person who might bring a swift end to this war. Nem out. }} The image of Ur Skell dissolved as Nem disconnected from the villip-choir and woke up the cloaked Sekotan vessel's dovin basal array, manipulating gravity to propel the living starship off the tarmac of the private bay and into the sky. Multi-segmented limbs chitinous legs retracted into the ship as it launched upwards, heaving out of the atmosphere and into the cold void of space.
|
|
Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
|
Post by Silas Darkstar on Mar 20, 2024 14:38:21 GMT -8
The Nox Cathedral Works had been underway for weeks in advance preparing the withdrawal from the Nox Cathedral. Data storage and monitoring operations had been pulled to an undisclosed offsite location where they would remain safe and out of reach to Octavians forces. Networks and computer equipment were pulled out and destroyed as each sector was shut down. Just like with the Lux Cathedral, the Obsidian Order was left as caretakers of the Nox Cathedral. There would be nothing left for the Imperial Knights to find should they go looking, but it would also be easy enough for those entrusted with the right knowledge to bring the site back up online for use.
Silas gave it one last look before boarding the shuttle and heading up to the Eye of Providence in orbit. From there, his forces would also head for Prakith to seek refuge. Much like this civil war, his own time was starting to draw to a close |
|
Jin Song
Member
Posts: 176 
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
Member is Online
|
Post by Jin Song on Apr 24, 2024 9:32:51 GMT -8
Continued from here.With a flash and lurch the Bleeding Orifice dropped out of hyperspace, a little worse for wear from the unorthodox rout carved to reach the Deep Core and avoid Ren blockades. But the trouble continued as the momentarily distracted Jin pulled hard on the yoke used to control the creature and pull up, just in time not to plow into an apartment complex. Instead, they clipped and removed an antenna from the roof of the abode. The Tribune Knight continued to fight the beast to a halt as they sharply rose again, before leveling out. Jin, unconcerned with the rocky exit, now only had one thing on her mind as she wheeled fully around to look at Nem, who she knew could very well be spinning another web, but doubtful with how casually he dropped the fact. Who?
|
|
Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 423
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
|
Post by Nem Yin on Apr 24, 2024 13:46:12 GMT -8
The Tribune Knight's reaction was momentarily overshadowed by the abrupt lurch and dive, spinning around the contents of his stomach and nearly sending the sloshing mixture up and out his throat as they narrowly avoided clipping the top of a building as Jin pulled them out of their dive, leveling out the personalized yorik-vec and his gut simultaneously. He would have commented on her piloting skills but before the words could materialize on his tongue, his coerced companion reinforced her first question with a follow up. Nem studied her face as he gauged her reaction, which from what he had learned about infidels over the years, appeared genuine. "She didn't tell you? Curious." He raised a hand to stroke the ridges of his chin. "Well, I hate to be the bearer of this news, especially given your displayed abhorrence towards Harnan, but better you hear it now I suppose. When the Princess declared herself Empress of the First Order and turned on the loyalists fleets Octavian sent to retake Ralltiir, she publicly disowned Nicademus, and declared herself Ren through and through." The Intendant shrugged nonchalantly. "I assumed she had already told you. That she didn't...it is interesting to say the least. Hang on, I'm sure I've got an audio recording from the battle log stored somewhere in here."Ordinarily this would be the point in time where Nem would take back control of the ship, but much to his surprise the salty Coruscanti under-dweller was handling the alien controls incredibly well. Or at least well enough for him to consider taking his ocular implants off what she was doing for long enough to approach an alcove on the wall with an in-shaped qahsa console, essentially the entirely organic Yuuzhan Vong equivalent of a computer. Swiping his finger across the blaze-bug illuminated screen, the Executor searched through the log until he located the file he was looking for. He double tapped its location on the touch screen and played back the recording of the intercepted transmission from the flagship of the Ren fleet, a Mandator V named the Thanatos, to the Grand Admiral Lucius Vasili. The sound was broadcast from a porous orifice next to the qahsa.It's ironic that a man who once swore loyalty to Palpatine when he served the Diarchy and then came begging at the First Order's door would call someone else Disgraceful. But then... I suppose you are the expert in such matters. As the survivor of a coup, Grand Admiral, I would have thought you would have learned not to shackle yourself to the will of dead men, but I suppose not... Keep yourself shackled to dead men, and you shall soon join them.* I hope you meet your death in battle Grand Admiral, for it would be an honourable death compared to what awaits you should you survive... Before you die, I will say that there was one thing you said that we are in agreement with: I am no Delvardus. But where you and I disagree on that matter, is that I never was...* Nor was Octavian. Nicademus merely bestowed his Family name upon us, thinking us his offspring. But we are, the both of us, Ren through and through. The only Delvardus' that currently live are Baltasar, Yvaine, and Remus. You fight for a Ren one way or another. I wonder, now, how strong you will remain to your so called convictions about the dead's choice of heir...
|
|
Jin Song
Member
Posts: 176
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
Member is Online
|
Post by Jin Song on Apr 27, 2024 6:21:04 GMT -8
Jin stood, dumb founded as she heard these words spoken by the one she loved. She was not one to put much stock into blood as what made family. After all, the man who raised her through her teenage years was a Kel Dor who she called uncle and had long before her parents died. But this was Fiora even disowning her perceived family. Jin didn't care if she was dating a princess or a pauper, all she wanted was Fiora. But this seemed so aggressive and spiteful, and she silently began to fear if other feelings Fiora had were changed too. Jin felt her fists had clenched as she had listened to the recording and Nem's follow up commentary. She let out a slow breath and unclenched her fists and jaw. There was no way to know how much had changed till she was back with Fi. Okay, point taken. I'll try to be more diplomatic with Harnan. I just- I just wish I knew how long she knew about this... Jin shook her head, not counting Nem as enough of a friend to further explore her now complex and knotted up feelings with, she motioned for Nem to take the controls again. We should find somewhere to land. There's a public park not too far from here... She pointed out through the view port a small break in the skyscrapers of the massive city. From there we can see who comes to greet us.
|
|
Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
|
Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 28, 2024 3:23:16 GMT -8
The organic vessels sudden and hazardous appearance from hyperspace within the planet's atmosphere, let alone so close to buildings, had certainly garnered attention despite the late hour. Police Speeders were hastily pulled together within the area to verify citizen reports of a strange object suddenly appearing out of seemingly thin air and having several near misses. Flashing lights coloured the night red and blue as police inspected and reported the vessels make and design. Something which triggered an alert off to the Eye of Providence which had still been sitting in orbit.
Soon enough information that had been solely flowing up to The Magisterium now had a similar but not quite the same flow of information coming down. The Police Speeders that had moments ago been pulling in a tighter formation as more backup arrived, were soon expanding their perimeter. The surrounding area was put into a lockdown in the time it took for Silas to make it to the comms station within his personal quarters and got a tight line channel beamed toward the ship. His gambit had paid off. If the Yuuzhan Vong had an organic counterpart to a holo projector, his hooded visage would appear upon it. Else-wise his voice would be the only thing making it through
Quite the entrance Nem. But I'm afraid the Empress is within another Castle... Whether you have good or ill tidings, I recommend you make for Prakith post-haste. Let them know Arch-Mage Darkstar sent you.
|
|
Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 423
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
|
Post by Nem Yin on Apr 28, 2024 4:38:59 GMT -8
"Looks like we've drawn a few eyes." Remarked the Intendant, which was putting it lightly given that they were surrounded by police speeders. The flesh sacks beneath his mqaaq'it puffed thoughtfully as he considered their options. Surrounding the yorik-vec was like cornering a bissop, it only served to make it more dangerous, but turning on the local authorities before they had fired the first shot might send the wrong message. His skeleton face formed a rictus grin as he felt the mounting tension of the moment. One hand hovered over the reflex control for the accelerator, his palm vibrating as he felt the sensory feedback from the dovin basals as they bent gravity, ready to hurl them skyward as Nem's ocular implants flitted back and forth across the view-membrane, studying what he could see of the city beyond the cordon of police speeders. "A hard fight to get clear of..." It sounded like something Xarl would have said, if he were still alive.Before he could decide on a course of action, the villip choir started chirping as the oggzil attachment that allowed it to interface with infidel communications frequencies picked up a transmission. Bio-circuits in the on-board qahsa converted electronic data into a translatable form, projecting the information in a three dimensional image of light produced from the choir. An image of the man Nem had met on his last visit to Empress Teta flickered in front of the villip. In way of reply, the Bleeding Orifice was only transmitting audio data.Quite the entrance Nem. But I'm afraid the Empress is within another Castle... Whether you have good or ill tidings, I recommend you make for Prakith post-haste. Let them know Arch-Mage Darkstar sent you.
|
|
