Private Curiosity Lies

[Liin Terallo]

Out of all the places to dine on Bastion; I enjoy this rooftop terrace the most. It stands at the top of a large skyscraper; domed in part to keep the patrons comfortable in case of foul weather. Tall potted plants dot the establishment, giving some of the tables a semblance of privacy. In many ways it reminded me of the domed cities of New Cov. The absense of my world's freedom still weighs heavily on me. Yet I have had to push that all aside in pursuit of something greater. And who knows? Perhaps that path will lead to my world's freedom.

Tonight I dine alone. It is late and there is hardly another soul around. I enjoy the quiet and the solitude; more so than most people would. Outside of the dome some traffic is seen, yet nothing out of the ordinary. At least not from what I can see.

My table sits not in the middle, but out by one of the dome's edges. There I can enjoy the view while I eat. A plate of meat and vegetables had just been place before me. And so too has a tall glass of wine. While I eat my gaze drifts to everyone down below. However I am mindful too of the reflection in the transparasteel glass should anyone approach. I am not expecting any visitors at this late hour, yet it is not uncommon for staff to check in from time to time. Especially when a patron is eating by themselves.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion had been spending a fair amount of time recently on the world of Bastion, at the heart of the Diarchy. He found himself being amused at how much he actually seemed to to enjoy the Diarchy these days, especially based on how it started. So, here he was, wandering the streets as he had been doing the last few nights, trying to find places to... take interest in. He was not in his usual black, tattered robes, but in an all black, semi-casual suit, which made his pale skin and white hair stand out more than usual. As he passed a skyscraper, he suddenly felt something off. Not his kind of "off", a different kind of "off".

He made his way through the building, following this odd presence. He then arrived at the top of the building, entering the doors to find himself under a large dome. He spot a woman from across the room, enjoying a meal and some wine. Nexion smirked as he felt himself become intrigued as to the conditions surrounding this woman. He made his way over to her, before taking a seat opposite her as if he weren't intruding on her private meal.

"Sorry I'm late, work was murder. What's on the menu tonight?"

His voice was casual and his words were nonsensical. Neither of them knew the other, yet Nexion cared not. He felt great potential in this woman to be a great source of entertainment for him, and so, he would indulge.

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I had lost myself in a train of thought. A news report had gone out recently, which had given me even more reason to hide myself from the public. Yet thankfully the reporter seemed to be at a loss as to my exact location. There was even a hint in there that had suggested that I had died. Now whether that was on purpose or not, I cannot ascertain. I was just running through the various possibilities when -

A stranger had seated himself at my table. I could not help but stare at him for a moment, given that he had addressed me as though we were acquaintances and that he was merely behind schedule. "Excuse me?" I set down my utensils on either side of my plate and stared at the man. His choice of wording was rather puzzling, yet I pretended to not take note of it. "I do believe that you have joined the wrong table. This is a planned dinner for one. Now would you be so kind as to find your proper table so that I may continue to enjoy my evening meal?"

I can only hope that he is not someone looking for some blind date. How terribly embarrassing for him if he was! With a fancy restaurant such as this; the very idea of such an idea is not an uncommon one.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion browsed the menu as the lady spoke, slouching back against his chair as opposed to the woman's more refined posture, seeming to hardly register her words. After spotting something on the menu, he called for the waiter, turning back to the lady as he waits for them. He places the menu on the table before leaning on his hand to address his "dinner date".

"Hmm, no I think I got the right person. I have a... sixth sense for these kinds of things. So, here I am. But, it's rude to discuss these things on an empty stomach, so I'll wait for-"

The waiter then arrives at the table.

"Ah, that. I'll have a Honey Hive spear with some Port in a Storm to drink, thank you."

He sent the waiter on his way before again addressing the lady, who's probably still questioning what he's doing.

"I usually have some of these things ported in so I can enjoy them. Now, you're probably wondering who I am, so please, feel free to ask."

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I could not help but stare as this man had the gall to just invite himself to my table. Never in my life had a stranger just been so bold. The thought had crossed my mind that perhaps he was selling something. But then his mention about having a sixth sense altered that thought.

He is a Force Wizard. I had not attempted to use any of my synthetic abilities in a few days; and yet he had somehow been drawn here. Unless of course he recognized me from the holo-news or on the underground holo-net. Either way his confidence and mannerisms were a stark contrast to my own. And I found that to be a bit unsettling.

"All right; I will ask. Who are you?"

Whether or not I will call on my security depends on the answer that he gives. For now it seems that it is best for me to give him as little information; both verbally and non-verbally as possible.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion leaned closer towards her, his smile twisting into a grin that made it clear he relished in introducing himself to others. He spoke normally, but his eyes glowed vibrantly green for a single moment before dulling down.

"I am Darth Nexion, necromancer, and member of the High Council of the DIarchy. And I have developed quite the interest in you, after sensing an... interesting presence from you."

It was at that moment when the waiter returns with Nexion's order. After dismissing him, Nexion began to dig into his meal with surprising politeness after his previous posture. After taking a bite, he then turned his attention back to his "companion".

"This would now be the part where you introduce yourself. Manners seem like they are held in high regard for yourself, no?"

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

His eyes seemed to go brighter as he spoke, which only cemented for me that he is indeed a Force Wizard. Even the title that he had given revealed as much. The fact that he claims to be a necromancer gives me reason to believe that he is one of the Darker ones.

Is he really a member of the High Council? I have barely heard of them. Nor do I even know who can count themselves as members.

But the fact that he can sense me is a bit concerning. Perhaps with each use of my abilities; that presence that I give only grows and does not appear to dissipate over time as I had at first assumed. Such a fact will need to be written down later.

The man began to eat. And so I picked up my own utensils. Seeing as how he was here to stay; I decided to just placate him for now.

"I am Dr. Liin Terallo. My presence is nothing that you need to be concerned about, I assure you. I have it all under control. Consider it as just a small anomoly that is merely fleeting." I took a small bite of my steak that I had sliced earlier, knowing fully well that what I told him was partly a lie. I did not have it all entirely under control; but I am working on it.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion smirked as he took a sip of his drink, he knew this woman would be a brilliant source of entertainment for him. He cut his food as he continued the conversation.

"Whether or not you can control whatever it is you have is not something that I'm concerned about. On the contrary, it makes you even more intriguing. No, what I'm more interested in what it is that makes your presence so... different."

He took a bite of his food, but didn't break eye contact. He wanted to know more about this situation, so he could truly confirm that it'd be worth his time.

"It's not quite natural, so my first thought was some kind of cybernetic enhancement, but then I thought nothing mechanical feels this way. So, I suspected maybe a biotechnical reason, but even so, that just didn't feel right."

He took another bite of his food, his posture and voice both calm, but his eyes gave away the enjoyment he was having of breaking things down.

"So, I wondered on my way up what this could possibly be, for it to feel familiar enough for me to know it's different. So, naturally I was left with one option: You did something with the force, something most would think you shouldn't have. Or, you did something in relation to the force, right?"

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I could not help but slow down my movements while he spoke. Every cut of my knife was precise, and every piece was near identical in size and shape. All of that was a subconscious reaction carried by my own thoughts while he appeared to be conducting research on me as though I was his test subject.

He did not break eye contact, and neither did I. Instead I chose to keep as much of a poker face as possible. Years of training in political and corporate circles have taught me to keep everything close to my chest. Most especially the fact that I had tested my own synthetic serum on myself.

The man was guessing. I took a long sip of my wine; all the while keeping my posture straight, but not stiff. And as he posed his questions, I gave myself a moment or two of silence while I formulated an answer before I responded. "What I did and whether or not it was something that I should have done only depends on one's point of view. However it more than likely is only temporary; so you need not concern yourself over it." I had to deflect the topic and steer the conversation to a different direction. Afterall this is a public space. "Now however did you take an interest in necromancy, Mister Nexion?"

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion held his gaze for a minute, taking in the woman's words. He ate another bite of his food before answering once more.

"Very well, I'll accept your answer for the time being, but don't think that you've convinced me of anything. As for your curiosity about my own work, yes, I like to think I'm somewhat of a... necromancy connoisseur. I have devoted a fair amount of my life to necromancy, and feel I have reached a grand level. A level on which I decided to start seeking out ways to entertain myself before continuing to see how far I can take it."

He finished his glass of wine, signalling the waiter for a refill.

"If you're curious about my work, please ask. I have no concerns about sharing my progress, unlike some in present company."

The waiter filled his glass up and he took another sip as he awaited his new friend's reply.

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Whether Mister Nexion accepts my answer or not; that is just how it is going to be. This is a public space and I have learned early on in my research of just how much people from various walks of life crave that research either for their own greed or to destroy it. I fear that I may be destoryed by it in the end. Either by someone's hand or perhaps these abilities will tear my body apart. But does that mean that it is not worth the risk? No. Every great scientific advancement carries with it a certain amount of risk with it.

I listen to him quietly and politely while I continue my meal. I take notice of his digs into my aloofness on the subject of my research; yet I pretend otherwise. He is but a stranger. Both his words and opinions do not cut me.

I am curious about his work. However I do not believe that my curiosity is the same as others might have. For I have not encountered such a practice before. Nor do I believe tgat I have come across a person that such an act was performed upon them.

"Has everyone that you brought back wished to be made alive again? Or do they instead try to reverse it soon afterwards?"

I know that I would not wish to be brought back to life. There is no unfinished business for me to worry about. The Galaxy will always be chaotic regardless of anything that I do or do not do. My research is not being conducted for anyone but myself. I am not some hero or do-gooder out there to make an impact. I gave that up after New Cov was taken. For I learned even before then that my voice fell upon deaf ears in every political and corporate circle, despite the high status that I had during those times. But I was not a Force Wizard like they all were. So I was beneath them just as the waiters here can be viewed as being beneath those that they serve. There would be no consequence to my passing. Knowing that had freed me up to testing my own research on myself.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion's grin lessened into more of a sincere smile, as if he's very grateful that someone is asking about his own research and study. He took a sip of his wine before answer her question.

"For the most part, necromancy is simply the act of resurrecting the body, there is no mind that comes with it. However, in a few instances where I perform a more extensive ritual, I am capable of bringing a soul back from the dead, back in their body. Though, so far, I've only had the opportunity to use it once. Though, I can assure you, he has no qualms about returning to life."

He spoke proudly, proud of his achievements in the field he was so passionate about. While it's true he values entertainment above almost anything else, any progress he makes on perfecting necromancy is always his favourite thing to do.

"Anymore questions, my lady?"

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

He ressurects primarily only the bodies? That indeed brings about another question that comes to my mind. Yet I allow him to finish his response first. It is good to know that it is not necessarily a habit for others to just bring someone back to life on a whim, or as a punishment. I remember reading as a child about Palpatine centuries ago. He used to kill and bring back scientists and engineers as torture and punishment; in a bid to force them to continue to work for him. I shudder to think if something like that were to happen to me.

If my bounty was claimed; is that to be my fate by the Black Sun? I certainly hope that they do not have any necromancers working for them.

I picked up my glass of wine and took a sip from it. Mister Nexion opened the floor for me to indulge in my curiosity a little more. And so I do.

"So the bodies that you bring back; are they more like zombies in a state of decay? Or is their flesh fully revitalized?"

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

"Ah, a fair question. Under normal circumstances, they resurrect with their body in whatever state that is in. That could be fresh, with the skin still present, just before rot. Or, they could be hanging by nothing but their bones. Whatever state the body is in, that is the state it returns as, though resurrection does not halt the rot and decay, and their physical body, mostly the flesh, deteriorates at a more accelerated rate."

Nexion took another bite of his food and a sip of his wine.

"However, when resurrected with the soul, the body remains as it was, but the decay halts. I have yet to determine if it is simply slowed compared to other undead, if it progresses as normal, or if the body becomes immune to rot and decay."

Nexion was glad that the one opposite him was indulging herself with the knowledge. She may be secretive about her own work, but the fact she was following her curiosity was a good sign he could still use things to his advantage.

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I finish up my meal while Mister Nexion speaks. Some might not have the stomache to eat while listening to tales of bodies rotting. But I am a scientist. And with being around Mr. Usher and the specimens that he has left me; I had learned to be comfortable in the company of what some would call grotesque.

I wiped at the corners of my mouth with one of the cloth napkins before proceeding to have another sip of my wine to wash down that final bite. Once that was swallowed, I responded with; "I can imagine that at times those resurrected come with a horrid smell. But I suppose that like a lot of morticians; one gets rather used to the foul odor." Mister Nexion is far from a mortician. I know that much. His status appears to be much higher. That is if he is to be believed.

"What use does the High Council have in Necromancy? Or are you on their High Council for other skills instead?"

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion finished his own meal as Ms Terallo asked more questions. He was pleased that she was not shaken by anything he was saying, it made her all the more fitting candidate for him to use as a source of entertainment. He was already enjoying himself with their back and forth as it was.

"Oh, my dear. I am a founding member of the Diarchy. I was there when all of this-"

He gestured around the entire area, but it was clear he meant the planet; the entire Diarchy as a whole.

"Was but a single ship with those two brothers pitching to me their goals. When Reign first came to me, he was pitifully weak for someone wanting to build an empire. We sparred and I came out the victor. I told him that I was still interested in witnessing his plan, if only to see it collapse. I am pleased to say I am glad I was proven wrong. For a while now, I have simply acted as another member of the Diarchy High Council. Though I am pleased to say that the Diarchs have made great use of my abilities since I joined."

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

My eyebrows rose in surprise as Mister Nexion revealed that he was a founding member; not of the High Council, but of the Diarchy itself. I relaxed my look of surprise as he continued on. He revealed the fact that him and Reign had a confrontation. I am not entirely surprised about that. Yet the revelation of the different outcomes for both the spar and the Diarchy as a whole did surprise me. And it gave me another glimpse of the political outlook of the Galaxy as a whole. Something upon which I have always been an outsider looking in.

I finished my wine and signalled the waiter to refill my glass. Despite the unplanned company; I find myself being able to relax a little more than I would usually do so in public.

"I was one of the first to invest funds into the Diarchy. I was leading New Cov at the time and admired Lord Reign's ambition. I am pleased that the investment paid off." My wine was refilled and so I had another sip of it; keeping my posture perfectly poised and straight. That investment allowed me to remain here with free room and board to continue my work in relative safety.

"Is it true that the Imperials seek to invade this corner of the Galaxy?" If that were to happen; then I know that I will need to run again. Afterall I cannot allow my research to fall into their hands.

Tag: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion took a sip of his own wine once more, interested in the fact that this woman invested in the Diarchy. Maybe she was the reason Reign and Rellik could propose to him his own lab and funding whne they cam to him that time ago. That, however, was of no current concern.

"Well, I've been out on personal business for a while, so I'm not sure entirely, but Rellik did inform me it would be inevitable, yes. Though, I'm not worried. No matter the outcome, I am sure it will all be a brilliant spectacle for me to witness."

Nexion leaned in closer, placing his glass on the table.

"I can sense that you're more invested in the potential Imperial attack than simple scepticism... care to explain why you seem somewhat distressed about it? You're good at masking your emotions, but I'm still good at reading them."

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Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Listening to him speak about a possible invasion; it gives me reason to suspect just where his loyalties would lay. Would it matter to him at all just so long as he was provided entertainment? Would he turn against the Diarchy for the promise of such entertainment?

Right now I am not certain that I would want to know the answer. For hopefully I would be safely far away from it all.

My gaze flickered from my wine glass to his eyes immediately once he requested to know of my feelings in regards to an Imperial invasion. I had thought that I was hiding my emotions well; yet Mister Nexion seems to still pick up on it.

So I gave him an ansser that was a bit deflective. "Well one look at me, Mister Nexion and you can clearly see that I am no soldier, warrior or hero. I have never been in battle, nor do I wish to be. If I have the opportunity to avoid it, then I will." A simple enough answer that I can only hope satisfies his curiosity.

Tag: Darth Nexion