Call of Shadows (Kära)

[Marcus Faust]

Bastion. It had to be karking Bastion. A week prior to this day Marcus Faust had received a message, one of eerie tidings, with an unknown sender. This drew him to the world recently subjugated by the Emperor's daughter, Thyrian Ashborn's master/queen, @[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]. Something in the back of his mind told him that this had something to do with her, after all one rarely went to Bastion just because, and it wasn't an ideal meeting spot, unless you wanted to stay off the radar. And from what he knew, Kära liked being off the radar.

After clearance to land was received, Marcus rose from his chair of command and turned to his XO. "You have the ship commander, ensure it remains functional." He ordered, turning on his heel and exiting before the man could utter a word. The assassin had once again changed his look, using robes to cover over the life support apparatus and concealing his face with a hood, black cloth, and a mask he had forged, and after it had broken partially, he let it remain in that condition, liking the way it looked.

As he reached the hanger, he stepped into one of the S90 MAATs alone and sat down in silence awaiting his arrival on the planet at a predetermined location. When he reached said area he would exit his transport, and watch as his transport lifted off, leaving him alone in the dark Bastion night. Or so it seemed.

 

[Lief]

Ah, Bastion. A world with so much unharnessed potential, but not for much longer. The Knight had plans for this planet, why else would she have spent time with its subjugation, setting up a nice chain of command to keep it ordered and even constructed her first Alchemical forge with the assistance of one Daxton Bane? But for now this had to be put on the sideline, Kara had visitors. Stepping through the dimly lit halls of the Imperial Palace she made her way down through the lower levels until she reached a small, cosy reception room off to one side. "Prepare for one guest; male" she instructed a passing servant, who hastened off to inform the others. A room would be drafted up, covers turned down in preparation for the evening, a simple yet hearty meal prepared, and any other requirements for Lord Faust seen to prior to his arrival.

While Kara sorted out the reception room, having one of the fires lit, ensuring there was both hot and cold drinks prepared for his arrival, but purposely avoiding liquor and alcohol of any form in the equation, a welcoming party had been dispatched. This consisted of four honour guards, all ready to guide him back to the Palace itself, not that it was a sight easily missed; it towered above the rest of the buildings, although truth be told Kara had no love for the building. Still it had its uses, such as on a day like this. "Lord Faust" the Captain of the Guard, distinguishable by the purple patch on his upper left arm, greeted the Sith Knight with an inclination of his head. "If you would come with us, Lady Vi'dreya is waiting." And with that they led him away towards the Palace, provided Marcus agreed to join them.

Back inside everything was ready, and as such Kara quickly changed into her formal attire, such reserved only for meetings such as this, as she usually hated anything overly superfluous, and made her way to the grand entrance in order to greet him when he arrived. Now all she had to do was wait.

@[member="Marcus Faust"]

 

[Marcus Faust]

@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

Marcus simply nodded to the head guard, smiling under the wrappings as his suspicions were confirmed by the man. Kära was the orchestrator of the meeting. Strolling into the manor behind the guards in utter silence, it was almost scary, but the guards held firm. Entering the building he refused the offered drinks, and simply sat down before the young woman who'd invited him here.

Pulling out a chair and lowering himself, a quick look around and at the Emperor's daughter suggested this was likely meant to be more formal. "I apologize for being so...underdressed, my injuries sustained from one of your father's associates in the coup make dressing formally difficult." He stated in his mechanized voice. It was largely a friendly gesture, the woman hasn't brought Marcus here for his good looks, she'd done it because he was very good at making people go away discreetly. At least that was his hunch.

 

[Lief]

Marcus was led through the courtyard towards the Imperial Palace, at the doors of which Kara was stood waiting. Together they entered in silence, as she led him across into the reception room which had been heated to an agreeable temperature, where drinks had been laid out in preparation. She noted that he failed to drink, but by the end of the evening he might think otherwise, as such the beverages remained. When Marcus was finally sat and settled, with Kara stood before the fireplace, she heard him speak.

"No need to apologise, dear," she asserted immediately, understanding well the difficulties of finding clothes to fit an injured or similarly unorthodox individual, after all she'd had to put up with seeking attire for the likes of the Ashborn for a decade now. "Besides, you had no notion of why you were brought here; the lack of insight meant you did not know how to appear." With a small shrug of her shoulders she showed that she thought it to be a minute deal, and instead settled her hands together at her back, clasped in a thoughtful manner. "Tell me, Marcus, when you look at the Galaxy how do you find it to be?"

@[member="Marcus Faust"]

 

[Marcus Faust]

The assassin would nod in response to Kära at first, listening to her question and giving it some thought. The universe was chaotic and violent. Little groups of Dark Jedi seeking vengeance for their expulsion from the order could break into a boy's home and butcher his family because of what his father had done. Any galaxy that allowed this was not fit to exist in as it was.

"It is brutal and chaotic, in need of order and stability, something that can only be achieved by the sword." He stated, the fires of rage and pain behind the mechanized voice followed by a metallic exhale. He was curious now, it was obvious the girl had a plan, but what it was eluded him for now at least.

The dark figure looked directly into the eyes of @[member="Kära Vi'dreya"], the black slits for his eyes seemed empty, unless one looked close enough and saw the sickly yellow eyes which lay behind it, desperate to hear a solution to the problems which plagued the galaxy.

 

[Lief]

Raising a hand up to her chin the young woman pondered, her icy eyes never once leaving those of Marcus'. For a moment she pierced directly into the pits of his soul, or so it may seem, yet it did not last too long. Whether or not his words matched his actions, his true intent, Kara could not say, but that would be a waiting game. She did not bother to check his mind for falsity, she could tell he believed what he said, but there was always another layer to peoples actions and intentions, hidden ones they themselves did not know until they reared their heads.

"Order and Stability..." she mused aloud, with a very subtle smile. "The aims of the True Sith; to bring the Galaxy to Order, through any means necessary." Nodding her head just once she stepped forth towards Marcus, and tilted her head to the left. "But do you have what it takes to challenge the Galaxy at large, the ideals which have been falsely laid out and allowed to grow and corrupt? To challenge even the Sith themselves?" Of course, Kara did not mean she would revolt or turn against the Faction she had been so loyally devoted to for so long, and still would until the end of days. But even Marcus would be able to see where the Sith were falling short, and it meant that even they had to be reformed, if only minutely.

@[member="Marcus Faust"]

 

[Marcus Faust]

"Yes, yes I do." Marcus replied in an instant, hesitation not noticeable in any form. The Sith had clear cut goals, to bring order at any cost, and he'd cut down anyone who stood in the way of peace and order. That included the plethora of Sith that wanted nothing more than to watch the universe become enveloped in eternal chaos. He would kill the likes of them with pleasure, he would probably laugh like a giddy child as he butchered Shinju into numerous pieces, savoring every one of her twisted screams. He, like @[member="Kära Vi'dreya"], would not betray his Empire, but instead would serve it better than any other could. He would become the surgeon that would remove the cancers.

 

[Lief]

There was no hesitation from this one, but these were merely words, and words were wind. She would find out one way or another how true to such words he was, but for now she had heard enough. "Your journey has been a long one" she stated after a minute or so of silence. "There has been a chamber prepared for you, fitted with anything you might require" with a gesture of her hand she prepared to show him there, as any good host would. Truth be told she needed the evening to think about what had been said, despite there having been so little voiced. Stepping towards the door which led to the Palace hall, she added; "Tomorrow we shall speak again, unless there is anything of pressing importance this evening. Then, you shall see." Leading him up the large staircase she wondered truly his part to play in all of this, but the wheels had been set in motion, and she would follow it through for now at least.

@[member="Marcus Faust"]

 

[Marcus Faust]

Marcus would only nod, following @[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] through the palace to the chamber she had set up for him. Without a word he entered the chambers, once again nodded respectfully, and closed the door. Now for the harder part of things. Pulling off the robes which draped over his burned and battered body. Then, reaching up with both of his hands, he removed the mask, setting it on the bedside table before him. His yellowed eyes scanned the room as he pulled back the blankets and slid into the bed, perhaps for once to get a proper nights rest.

Suddenly there was a metallic clink which caused him to turn around rapidly, only to see it was his own prosthetic leg, the one lost in the coup. Sighing he lay down and readied himself for the next day as he fell into a deep slumber.

 

[Lief]

Morning came without incident, and with it came the scent of a wholesome breakfast making its way up through the Imperial Palace. Downstairs a table had been set for two, and in the chamber itself Kära stood fussing over the smaller details. She had been up since before dawn, as she always was, overseeing conduct on Bastion and ensuring that nothing was amiss.


Finally she dispatched a servant to rouse Marcus in the most civil manner possible while the portions of food was settled down upon the table, piping hot and ready to cool. Kära was nothing if not a courteous host, she had vowed to never sacrifice regality and professionalism during her ascent to power and at times like these it showed. Rather than her thick, dark robes she had dressed herself once again in a fine dress, as she had the night before, befitting of a meeting such as this.


Taking a seat at the head of the table, she awaited the appearance of her guest. While the food was served she decided the pair could talk of trivial matters before retiring to the soundproofed board room to discuss more tender matters.

@[member="Marcus Faust"]

 

[Marcus Faust]

Strolling down the stairs post shower, Faust walked down the vast halls into the dining area where his host awaited. Unlike the night before, he was without his mask, or wrappings, his face was completely exposed. If she and him were to work together, he supposed she should know what he looked like. His skin was pale and his eyes had yellowed with the corruption of the dark side, and numerous small scars lined his face, the most distinct was the burn that crossed over his face, miss gaping it slightly. On the plus side, he did still have his short cut black hair.

"Good morning, Miss Vi'dreya." He said politely, taking his seat, and almost instantly taking a bite of the food. Unlike the night prior, the assassin was hungry, his night terrors typically worked up quite a sweat in his sleep, which left him tired. He looked on her curiously, for what purpose had she summoned him truly?

@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

 

[Lief]

Kara reclined back in her seat when he sat across from her and settled her hands to either side of the chair. “Good day to thee, Faust.” Her fingers steepled at her chin as she examined him and his appearance. It seemed that he was prepared to play ball, which made things much easier. “I trust you slept well?” She inquired while he delved into the food. It was of a simple yet high standard, hearty food intended to keep up energy levels and last through to the next meal, including if one were to do a lot of physical exertion.

She waited for a moment, before deciding it was time to get down to business. “I seek your services, both as an Assassin and a Sith Knight. I seek to set order back to this Galaxy, a process which cannot come about by the actions of one individual alone.” She quirked a brow and waited to try and gauge his reaction to what she was asking of him, for there was definitely a question posed within.

@[member="Marcus Faust"]

 

[Marcus Faust]

He'd nodded in response to what she said first, conning to eat as he lied about having slept well. Marcus hadn't had a decent night's sleep in a decade. What came next forced him to stop eating, he simply swallowed what was in his mouth and looked at @[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] with an equally emotionless face, it was as if she had just described the perfect job to him. This is what he was destined for, or so he'd hoped for so long. Order had to be brought to the galaxy in order for anyone to survive the coming onslaught. "I am eager to help in anyway I can milady." He replied, a small smirk forming tugging at his scarred, pale skin. This was what he had been waiting for his entire career as a Sith, and he'd do whatever was necessary to help.

 

[Lief]

@[member="Marcus Faust"]

She leant back with a small nod of her head, before gesturing to the meal laid out before them. “Enjoy the food, stay as long as you require. He will see to your needs” she said, gesturing to a young boy who was stationed at the side. “Be ready when I call upon you, Faust; do not think to double cross me.” With one last glance in the direction of the Sith she rose and made her way toward the exit, preparing to depart from the premises. She had things to attend to, especially now she had one extra body upon her list.


[I’m ending this here on my part, feel free to do a reply]