Journey to the Darkest Heart

[Mauda]

High Orbit above Coruscant ​

Aboard The Irrlicht​

​

Knowledge is Power.

Knowledge is Power.

Knowledge is Power.

And what angered me now, was the realisation that I lacked power.

Stood on the bridge of the Irrlicht, I watched the distant Coruscant turn and.. exist. Of course, sprawled across the surface of that insignificant speck was a criminal Empire I had come to create. A criminal Empire that served to provide me with Resources. Nothing else. And yet this still disappointed me. Crime was such a pitfall of being. Yes, it provided me a medium through which I could practice my use of the Dark side. But that incessant disappointment etched away at me always.

My hands, clasped behind my back, began to grip each other tighter. Look at me. My presence in the Force was like a fly on the shoulder of a giant. I was nothing. Nothing compared to those that came before me. The Ancient Sith Lords were that Giant upon whom I had no comparison. I was not a Sith. My hatred for all things encompassed both pitiful factions whom endlessly squabbled for dominion over the Galaxy. But it was undeniable that the Sith Lords of millennia past were barely men, but gods. Gods under whom all living things did well to serve. And I was not that. And that, was what disappointed and angered me.

And so, I set out on a journey that would set me well on my way to achieving such power. In doing so I enlisted the aid of two men. One I knew quite well, and I was eager to meet him again. [member="Ronak"] fought beside me more than once, and those occasions saw him prove to be more than valuable to my endeavours.

Another was [member="Valad Yar"]. I'd put out an advertisement quite recently, simply requesting the aid of any experienced in Archaeology. This somewhat intriguing man had responded quickly and upon a brief background check, I assumed he would be perfect for the mission.

Both had been provided co-ordinates to Transport Dock Alpha. I had provided them both with transport up to the Irrlicht aboard a pair of light freighters. Beyond that, we would be taking my personal craft to our intended destinations.

An Ironscale Trandoshan approached behind me and notified me of the imminent arrival of both individuals;

"Theyyy comeee"

I wasn't partial to the Lizards, but I had to put up with them. Without turning, I continued to watch Coruscant from the bridge window.

"Good. Provide them both an Escort once they arrive. Bring them to the door of the bridge. Our meeting will be without any security presence."

With that, the Ironscale lumbered away, his machinery producing a metal ambience to the otherwise still room.

​

​

 

[Thom Naudir]

Valad Yar disliked the Core. So many people, so many things. He was a man who preferred simpler things, quieter things. A world far removed from large scale urbanization, and the peace and tranquility of nature. There, would could truly connect with themselves, and feel all aspects of the Force. Though, certain emotions were far easier to come across in the Core than others, and so sometimes, trips were necessary. This was one such trip. He had received a job offer, someone needing an archaeologist. It had been years since he had considered himself such, but he could still call on his training in that field. The prospect of what this job might entail also intrigued Valad Yar, and could further his own goals. Perhaps, he might even find allies for his future goals. But the matter at hand took precedence.

Valad Yar brought his small vessel into Transport Dock Alpha, the planned approach and docking coordinates put into his vessel. He sat back in the pilots chair of the small freighter, watching as his ship was secured to the station. Only once the vibrations of the action had stopped did Valad Yar rise from the chair, moving towards the airlock of the vessel. It slowly slid open to reveal waiting Trandoshians on the other side, their predatory eyes sizing Valad Yar up as he stepped off his ship, approaching them. He didn't look up and make eye contact, instead remaining perfectly silent as he stared ahead. The Trandoshians looked at each other, confused for a moment, before turning and leading Valad Yar towards the meeting point.

As he walked through the station, Valad Yar opened himself up to the Dark Side of the Force, the dark emotions of all those on the station flowing through him. He felt stronger, fresher as he momentarily closed his eyes at the onrushing feelings. He captured some of them, trapping them within himself, harnessing them and slaving them to his own will. He had become quite an expert at such things. Emotions were a powerful tool for those that knew how to use them, and an even more powerful resource for those that knew how to harness them for other purposes.

This trip was already turning out to be a profitable venture.

[member="Orex Mauda"]

 

[Ronak]

Arriving on Coruscant for the second time was an improvement to Ronak's first time on the planet. Seeing the transport dock again where he had first met [member="Orex Mauda"] and realizing the change it had undergone, the wolfman found himself quite impressed with the accomplishment. Orex had called for a scout for an expedition and the Shistavanen was ready to comply driven by his own curiosity as much as loyalty to a man he respected after more than one fight they had survived together.

The homeworld of the Sith was not quite the place he would feel comfortable at, but knowledge could not be gained without risk. So he had come and was brought to the main vessel Irrlicht where two Trandoshans awaited his arrival. Taking in their scent, he recognized the hunters immediately - proud, loyal, valuing strength and the thrill of the hunt, not much unlike his own people. After taking in each other, the trandoshans a he acknowledged their likeness with a bow of greeting and respect. Then, they turned and led him through the corridors of the ship to meet the man he had come to see again.

Feeling inside him, Ronak recognised the presence of not just Orex dark aura, but another one's as well - this one less raging and more controlled. This would become and interesting trip.


[member="Orex Mauda"]
[member="Valad Yar"]

 

[Mauda]

Once I felt the presence of both men, I turned from my position at the window and had them both brought in. I walked to meet them half way between the door and the window and extended my hand first to [member="Ronak"]

With a smile and somewhat less anger, I greeted my friend

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Ronak! You'll be happy to know this isn't a conflict. Though I can't guarantee there won't be any action"

I offered a sense of humour at that, trying my best to be somewhat friendly. After that, I shook my charcoal hand with whom I originally had thought was simply an archaeologist. But now in contact with him, that was not the case. I could feel his immense presence in the force and honestly, I was surprised. But there was something else there. Something I was awfully curious to divulge.

"Valad Yar. We don't know eachother but I can assure you, what lies ahead of us will be an undertaking of great importance. I sense you're a man of knowledge, and there will be much granted."

I nodded my head to the present Trandoshans and they proceeded to leave the bridge. We were alone.

"Now then. I can speak freely. This project will consist of two parts. The first, easier than the second I assume. First, we go to Korriban. We are going to Korriban to find the Holocron of Darth Nihilus."

I looked at both of them, but my gaze lingered mostly on Valad.

"Nihilus was .. well fundamentally he was a Dark Lord of the Sith. But in my opinion, one of the greatest. I've been studying the Ancient Sith extensively and quite frankly, the knowledge they possess is something I strive to gain. This endeavour is one focused on my personal benefit but that doesn't mean you two will not gain, or be of great importance to me."

I took a breath, crossed my arms infront of me and concluded my debrief.

"We go to Korriban, find Nihilus' Holocron. We will retrieve this and I will keep it for study. After that, I pay both of you for your services, and we move onto the last part of this project. We will look for and ideally, find Nihilus's mask. His mask is a tremendously important but extremely dangerous Artifact. Again, if we find it, I will keep it for study and you two will be compensated greatly. But inkeeping with my certain philosophy, if there is knowledge found that can be shared among us, I will make certain we benefit equally from such a find. Let us not fight like Sith or be secretive like Jedi."

With that. He allowed the information to be absorbed and awaits any questions questions or statements.

[member="Valad Yar"]

 

[Thom Naudir]

Valad took the hand of [member="Orex Mauda"], shaking it briefly before stepping back, nodding briefly to [member="Ronak"] as he settled in to listen to their host speak. Valad Yar noted Orex's added interest in him, though he ignored it. The individuals presence in the Force he had detected the moment he had stepped on the station, though he had noted with some regret and disgust it was not pure. It was not fully light or fully dark, but a harsh grey, a presence in the Force that should not exist. Since his ascension he had noted with troubling regularity the sheer number of such individuals across the galaxy in his travels. It was worrying that the ways of the Force had become so muddled, so confused over the years. It was something he would have to look into at another time.

The subject of the mission at hand was intriguing. Darth Nihilus was indeed a powerful Sith Lord for his time, though flawed. He was forever driven to consume individuals with strong connections to the Force, draining and killing them in the process. Such a thing made him predictable, and exploitable. His downfall had not been a surprise when Valad Yar looked into the ancient histories, though he had to admit, he had come very close to wiping out the Jedi. The acquiring of his holocron and relics held no specific interest to Valad Yar, but another aspect of the quest did. They would be travelling to Korriban, home of the Sith Academy. One of Exar Kun's own disciples had constructed that Academy, and the potential to find more knowledge of the Sith Lord there was almost all consuming to Valad Yar.

"This expedition, it will be dangerous. Korriban is deep inside the...Sith Empire's territory. I do not fear them, but they could cause trouble for us if they so decide. Not to mention the dangers we will face once we get to the world. What will be our solution to such things, quite, or loud. Furthermore, it would be a waste for us to go to Korriban, and not visit the Sith Academy there. The relics we could find there would be...incalculable." Valad Yar kept his tone level, quite, and controlled as he spoke, though he couldn't help the brief moment of anger to escape him when he spoke of the Sith Empire. His gloved hands were folded behind him as he spoke, relaxed, but close to the Lightsaber that waited at his hip. A relaxed pose, though one ready to move at a moments notice.

He turned to look at the other member of the team, curious to see what he would have to say.

 

[Ronak]

When shaking [member="Orex Mauda"] 's hand, Ronak bared his wolfish teeth to a smile though people who did not know him could not take it apart from baring the wolfman's teeth in anger. "I'm always willing to support a friend - you are a pack member for me." The conflict he would not mind, he had run into enough of that kind in the past months travelling the galaxy to have improved on handling himself.

Curiously, he eyed [member="Valad Yar"] taking his scent in as well as his strong imprint in the force. His posture, his scent, his whole being spoke of a strength and self-assurance that surpassed many people he had met. Listening to the plan, he kept an eye on both men and their feelings and reactions. Orex was driven not by anger, but lust for knowledge - a sentiment the wolfman shared with him - and power - a sentiment he seemed to share with the other man. His sympathies for the SIth were limited as best, but his curiosity was still unlimited. Sharing knowledge acquired was worth more to Ronak than actual payment. Nodding to show his consent, he growled his brief answer: "Sharing instead of unnecessarily fighting among each other is absolutely what I support. The strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack they say among my people. Fighting among each other only harms and weakens all of us." His eyes lay on the other two to try to guess their sentiments.

When Valad Yar spoke up with his own suggestion, he pricked his ears in interest. Looking for further knowledge in the old Sith academy to find whatever might be there seemed more realisitic to result in some finding than looking for something very specific on a world long uninhabited. On the other hand, being so unspecific you might dig up anything, even unknown dangers without a clear goal in mind or knowing where and when to stop digging. "Do you have anything specific in mind or know the area so that we do not dig around randomly?", the Shistavanen growled questioningly, not meant aggressively but cautiously.

 

[Mauda]

I had studied the Sith Academy and was well aware of the potential trove of knowledge it was. Being the most prestigious Sith institute in the Galaxy, it was sure to contain a wealth of training resources and Sith Histories. Not only that, but besides training Sith Lords, the academy occupied itself heavily with excavating the nearby tombs in The Valley of the Dark Lords. Yes there was knowledge, and lots of it. But too much to concern ourselves with. But a visit to the academy would be valuable nonetheless.

"A valuable suggestion Valad. A visit to the academy would be an extremely valuable diversion. But we can't occupy ourselves too heavily in that area. The academic region is a massive concentration of history and knowledge, too much to be effectively exploited in a single day. Our focus must remain on Nihilus. Nevertheless, we will pay it a visit and see what we can find. In regards to the Sith Empire, this is a covert operation. Although I am currently working towards solidifying a relationship politically, I'm not quite with them in that sense. If we run into trouble, simply eliminate it."

Hoping this answered [member="Valad Yar"] 's question, I turned to face [member="Ronak"] ;

"I agree. What you've said is in essence the core of my ideology. Unity will always best a single-minded lust for power. The Light has consistently been superior in their dominion over the Galaxy simply because they do not rampantly kill rivals and isolate knowledge like the great Empires of the Sith. But I won't bore you with my political leanings. To answer your question, yes, I have an idea. His holocron of course resides on Korriban and has been visited by, as far as I know, one Sith Lord. Darth Krayt. Other than that, the location of the Holocron is relatively unknown. But his movements were much more public due to his Imperial Status. I have managed to trace his journeys on Korriban to a Temple complex near the equator. Hopefully it will be a simple matter of sifting through these temples until we find his holocron. I trust I've answered any lingering thoughts. If so, we shall make our way to the hangar and depart for Korriban. Gather whatever supplies or equipment you may need."

With that, I paced past the pair and made my way to the Hangar and to my personal craft.

As I boarded, I felt a wave of anger overcome me. I almost stumbled as I walked the ramp, having to grip a rail so as not to fall to my knees. The anger was accompanied by blinding flashes of a desolate world. Scenes of temple corridors and screaming lifeforms filled my senses. I knew this was Korriban and I knew this was one way the planet beckoned to me. I was looking forward to this venture.

 

[Thom Naudir]

Valad Yar paused for a brief second before nodding his head, turning to follow after [member="Orex Mauda"] as he departed from the room. He would have preferred to travel in his own craft, but he supposed it would be more convenient for them all to travel together. It would also draw less attention to them, a single craft entering the system rather than a small convoy of vessels. Valad Yar had no interest in dealing with the Sith Empire just yet, and so secrecy would be best, despite what others felt. Sometimes, the shadows were where true power resided.

As he approached the ship, Valad Yar sensed a sudden burst of Force energy, his eyes darting up to see Orex stumble on the ramp, gripping the rail tightly. A frown crossed Valad Yar's face as he continued up the ramp himself, moving to take a position within the vessel. Not many people who had a connection to the Force could handle the sudden burst that Valad Yar had felt. This Orex was stronger than he originally thought, though whether he would prove to be a promising individual and potential ally was yet to be seen. So many others in the past had intrigued Valad Yar as well, only for them to fall into conformity, and bend down to those that bastardized the ways of the Sith for their own ends. He could only hope the situation would be different this time.

Once on the ship, Valad Yar approached [member="Ronak"], curious to meet the individual. He dipped his head in greeting as he approached, before taking a seat nearby. "So, how is it that you know our host." All information was helpful, and knowing the past of these two could help Valad Yar understand their present, and where they might be going. He was a good judge of character.

 

[Ronak]

Using one's opportunities was more than reasonable and only a stupid or fanatic person would skip a chance to gain an advantage. However, wasting ressources in a wild-goose chase was even more stupid. The words of [member="Orex Mauda"] about cooperation reassured Ronak. Going to a Sith world was not exactly his favourite location to be, but knowing he would not have to go there with permanent distrust of those around him, calmed his nerves.

When they stepped towards the speeder he yowled briefly, feeling on a smidget of the anger passing through Orex' mind. Fighting wihin his own mind to keep his focus, he could only watch as Orex struggled to get back to his feet. Shivering, he fought longer to regain his own control and already started to regret the decision. When was the last time that his curiosity had not led him into trouble?

Even after months of travelling and working on space ships Ronak still did not feel as comfortable on the as he felt on the surface of a planet, where he could breath fresh air and not mechanically filtered one filled with the smells of machines, oil, plastic and other synthetic parts.

"So, how is it that you know our host?", he heard [member="Valad Yar"] ask him. Slightly astounded, Ronak turned around. It was quite unusual for the wolfman that people approached him and asked him questions instead of labelling him as a fighting beast. "We met on Coruscant before, here on this very dock, before Orex turned it into his own", Ronak growled in response. "We both had troubles with the previous owners and united in fighting against them. Saving each other's hide united us for a common goal. We all have common goal now and I hope to make it through the challenges together with both of you." I his words lay no malice but seriousness - loyalty was a quality held in high esteem by the speaker.

 

[Thom Naudir]

Valad Yar nodded his head briefly, taking in the words of [member="Ronak"] as he looked around the ship. These two did seem to have a bond, he had noticed it and felt it the moment he had entered the room for the initial meeting. A connection forged in combat was one of the strongest bonds someone could have, trusting your life into another's hands so that you could both survive. It was a novel concept, though Valad Yar did not put stock in such things himself. In this galaxy, you had to trust yourself above all others, and the moment you let your guard down, the galaxy would tear you apart. Trying to find an ally he could trust entirely would be dangerous on his part, and he did not feel the need to do so at this time. However, he would not deny the strength it gave others.

"How do you feel about this journey? The item we intend to find is...interesting, though I find the location of our destination far more so. I have never personally visited Korriban myself, but even I know that world is not to be taken lightly." As he spoke, Valad Yar leaned against the side of the vessel, folding his arms across his chest and assuming a relaxed position. He was truly excited to go to Korriban in all honesty. The potential gain he could find would be immensely helpful. He would support the expedition to the end, but that would not stop him from pursuing his own objectives while he was there.

 

[Ronak]

"How do you feel about this journey?" This was a question nagging Ronak from the very beginning, when he had agreed to support [member="Orex Mauda"] on his quest of personal importance. Personally, he held little sympathies for the Sith, but was no Jedi or light sider either - both sides were extreme and often fanatic in their views. To him, light and dark were extremes with many shades of grey in between. A forest held many a shadow which would never exist without the light shining on the tree casting the shadow. Never having been properly introduced to the ways of the force, he had no particular philosophy to follow except for the principles he had been brought up with as a survivalist and hunter in a pack. The way of unnecessary cruelty and malice he had observed in many Sith turned him off - yet some who claimed the light side for themselves behaved barely any better. Learning, knowledge, staing his curiosity supported him, even though loyalty was his primary froce driving him on this endeavour. Learning the actual principles of the Sith, not polluted by how a few individuals interpreted them - that was something he was truly interested in. Only then could he judge their basic philosophy independent of individuals' behaviour.

So, what should he tell the stranger? "I am foremost here to support Orex. For myself, I want to learn about the true, maybe more original ways of the Sith before the rule of two", he started hesitantly, but became more assured the longer he spoke. Looking up to meet [member="Valad Yar"] 's eye, the wolfman continued: "You mentioned an academy. So once they had cooperated, as any reasonable being should, instead of turning against each other and trying to fight for themselves alone. Many who claim their philosophy now have little of that original thought - or contaminate it with their selfishness", his voice turned into a snarl, his pack mentality was strong and he despised treason and putting individual greed above the needs of the pack. "Only when learning that original way can I fairly judge whether I would wish to follow this path or not."

 

[Thom Naudir]

Valad Yar smiled at the mention of the Sith Academy, memories that weren't his own trying to overwhelm his mind, though he kept them in check. He looked up at [member="Ronak"] briefly before continuing, considering his own words carefully. "The Sith these days are...disappointing, to say the least. I cannot fully support what it is that they have become, even though I consider myself a Sith as well. However, I follow the teachings of Exar Kun, an ancient Dark Lord of the Sith who was once a Jedi. He saw the hypocrisy in the methods of the Jedi, their failing, their weakness, and sought out the true path. He found his answer and become the first Sith the galaxy had seen in many hundreds of years. He forged a new unity for the Dark Side of the Force, and nearly brought about the destruction of the Jedi and the Republic in those days." Pausing briefly, Valad Yar smiled to himself before continuing.

"His actions, his legacy would be the beginning for all else to come. Darth Revan, Darth Nihilus, even Darth Carnifex of today, all owe what they are to Exar Kun and his original Brotherhood of the Sith. One of his original followers is the one who built the Sith Academy. As a follower of him myself, I am most eager to see if there are any remnants of his teachings there. If you are curious about the true ways of the Sith, I would suggest looking into Exar Kun himself. If you have questions, I will be more than willing to answer them." Finished, Valad Yar leaned his head back against the wall of the ship, closing his eyes briefly as he fought to control the memories that were flooding his mind at his story. What he did not tell his companion was the full truth of his ties to Exar Kun. He did not mention that the spirit of Exar Kun himself had passed his knowledge, power, and memories onto Valad Yar on Yavin Four. That would be a tale for another time if this expedition went well.

 

[Ronak]

[member="Valad Yar"] seemed quite knowledgable and much less driven by fury anger and madness than most Sith Ronak had met before. Finally, he had found someone to asnswer his questions without butchering or maiming people in the process or for sheer purpose of demonstration. "All I have ever seen from the Sith' abilities are ways to torture or kill. To kill for survival I understand, but to kill for joy I do not and I do not consider it natural. No beast I know enjoys another's suffering", he growled in disgust at the pure thought.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself down again, the Shistavanen continued more calmly: "I am sorry. I have never heard of the teachings of Exar Kun or any Darth whoever. Until a few months ago, I had no idea that I shared a connection with the force and not left my home planet. I never looked for any of those mystic abilities or teachings either, but now I have to find a way in this galaxy, my own way. But to choose reasonably, I want to learn first." Briefly, he bared his teeth in a sneer at the irony. Most people outside his home did not take a wolfman for the pensive type. "So, can you summarise those teachings for me? What do they comprise?"


[member="Orex Mauda"]

 

[Mauda]

I settled into my seat at the helm and prepared the engines. Flicking switches and pressing buttons, I called back to my partners;

"Make yourselves at home. The trip to the Horuset system isn't too long"

With that, The Burnt Hand departed the Irrlicht. Soon after leaving the hidden station's immediate vicinity, I initiated the trip into Hyperpsace, heading towards Korriban, Horuset.

I sat, gazing into the tunnel of warped light. I could feel Korriban and all it's energy. It seared itself into my mind, generating relentless images of desert and ancient tombs. Every so often, the voices of long dead Pure-Sith reverberated in my ears. Calling out to the Force, trying to understand. I explored these voices in my mind. Feeling their anger and connecting it to my own. As if I drew from them, light years across the galaxy. I entered a meditative state, journeying through sense and feeling.

All I needed was knowledge. Knowledge would inevitably lead to power, and power, to the fruition of my plans. But there was no reward without effort and, sat at the helm, deep in thought, I knew there would be great effort ahead of me. I didn't know fully what to expect on this venture. We were going deep into Sith space and I was sure we would be faced with opposition. But my desire for knowledge was greater than the boundaries I could expect. Feeling Korriban and all its energy, I fed on that desire. And knew that anything that stood inbetween me, and the acquisition of powerful knowledge, would be destroyed.

I slowly came out of my thoughts when the conversation between [member="Ronak"] and [member="Valad Yar"] started to become a lot more interesting. I slowly stood from my seat at the helm and walked over to the pair. On my way over I heard Valad mention he considered himself a Sith. I had known he was more than a simple Architect but a Sith. That came as somewhat of a surprise. But there was that other feeling. There was a chatter in my ears when I was near him. One of ancient speech and tremendous intellect.

I joined the pair but said nothing. Simply stood beside them both and listened intently on the conversation. Ronak was a in a state of Limbo. He was aware of his Force affinity but remained in decisive purgatory as to what path he would take. To me, I was confident he would fall to the darkness. He had made friends with a Darksider, myself, very early on. And now he was traveling to the Darkest Heart in the galaxy. The birthplace of Power through Anger. There was no predicting what we would find other than what we intended to. The Dark Side was an enigma that made itself known through manipulation and infection. I didn't want to interject, but I was very sure Ronak would find himself on Korriban.

 

[Thom Naudir]

Valad Yar rose from where he sat, moving to take an open position before [member="Ronak"] and reaching for the lightsaber at his hip. He put it to the side as he brought himself up to his full height and regarded the wolf warrior for a moment, thousands of thoughts flying through his mind as he considered his next words carefully. "Exar Kun was a Jedi many thousands of years ago, as I said. During that time the Jedi Order, much as they do today, cloaked themselves in half truths. They claimed to be peace keepers, but they were often the leaders of the Republic armies. They claimed to be scholars, and yet they destroyed knowledge if it did not fall under what they accepted as truth. They were weak, cowardly, and foolish, hiding from what they could not understand. Exar Kun left them to seek true knowledge and understanding of the ways of the Force, in all its aspects. It brought him to Yavin Four, a small moon rich in the history of the ancient Sith. There he came to learn the truth, and the Sith, the true Sith were reborn under him." Valad began to pace as he continued to speak, folding his hands behind him. He decided to dive directly into a point that Ronak had brought up.

"There is far more to being a Sith than to simply know how to kill, how to maim, and how to inflict agony in others. These are mere tools, assets to be used at the right time, but they should not encompass all that a Sith is. Anyone who allows those simple things to dominate who they are, to be all that they can, are no true Sith. They are beasts, mere savages who claim to be something far beyond their hopes and dreams. True Sith understand power must be used accordingly, and only when necessary. They must know when to use diplomacy, when to build and create, and when necessary, to destroy. Knowledge is the building blocks of a true Sith, the foundation from which they must establish themselves. Knowledge of the Force in all its aspects, knowledge of when to and when not to use force to achieve your objectives. Knowledge of how to use the power of the Sith. The modern Sith lack this knowledge, seeing only violence as their solution to a problem. A true Sith is a warrior and a scholar. A teacher and a killer. Only when one understands the importance of Knowledge and Power can they claim to be truly Sith." Pausing in his pacing, Valad Yar lifted a gloved hand to his head, rubbing his temple briefly as he turned to Ronak once again.

"My apologies, I let myself get carried away. Have I answered some of your questions?" As he spoke, he noticed [member="Orex Mauda"] had approached, and he dipped his head to him in greeting.

 

[Ronak]

Yellow eyes briefly moved to [member="Orex Mauda"] , as he stepped to the pair, but kept himself in the background. Yet he listened at least as intently as Ronak to the explanation by [member="Valad Yar"] . Excluding any side or part the knowledge made one vulnerable to the thing missed out. To him it seemed that both sides seemed to leave out or miss certain aspects they simply did not wish to see.

"Anyone who allows those simple things to dominate who they are, to be all that they can, are no true Sith." Those word made Ronak prick his ears and focus on Valad Yar more intently. True enough, this was what he despised in many of the Sith he had met. "Knowledge of the Force in all its aspects, knowledge of when to and when not to use force to achieve your objectives", sounded much like the philosophy he could identify with.

"Have I answered some of your questions?", the man finally stopped in his explanations. Pensively Ronak nodded. "Yes, you have. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I will think about what you have told me."

Focussing on [member="Orex Mauda"] again, he yelped: "Can we help in any way? Or should I better prepare mentally for what is ahead?"

 

[Mauda]

My hatred encompassed all things. As yet, I had not come across anything that has ever deserved my appreciation. But more and more I have been thinking that perhaps it would be better to make the effort to expel this hatred. After all, my mentor had advised to always approach all people as potential allies rather than enemies. I could understand the logic, but Hatred never left me.

"Both have their downfalls. The Jedi as [member="Valad Yar"] very correctly pointed out, shroud themselves in half-truths and relative secrecy. But they care. And they have never hesitated to distribute knowledge. This has allowed them to maintain their dominion over the Galaxy for thousands of Years. The Sith have tried, failed and rebounded in a constant cycle. Why? Arrogance. They're power resides in the upper echelons and they will never hesitate to kill whatever they deem as remotely threatening. This simply does not reside well with the people. All beings crave knowledge and purpose. To have both stripped from them inevitably leads to disobedience, as we have seen with the countless rebellions."

My eyes rested on Valad. The Sith.

"But I am no Grey. The Sith are admittedly superior. They know what true strength is. They are not afraid of power, unlike the Jedi. What I'm saying is; There will always be this relentless squabble unless the Sith undergo yet another reform. A successful one. Or, both Jedi and Sith are simply exterminated, and the Galaxy is ruled by a Force that strikes a perfect balance between raw power and altruism."

I turned my head to face Ronak and clasped my hands behind my back.

"We are going to the origin of Darkness. I see your position in the Force and with that in mind, I have only one thing to say. Open your mind and embrace what Power you find yourself surrounded by on Korriban. Rarely will you ever be presented this opportunity, do not waste it."

A brief alarm sounded, signalling our imminent approach to Orbit around Korriban.

"Any opposition to our journey must be eliminated. We cannot fail."

[member="Ronak"]
[member="Valad Yar"]

 

[Thom Naudir]

Valad Yar nodded his head briefly as [member="Orex Mauda"] spoke, agreeing with him to a point. To a point, conflict was simply inherent in the methodology of the Sith. Even when a policy was made that outlawed the practice of fighting among the Sith, it simply lead to that organization, the Brotherhood of Darkness being wiped out by another Sith, and leading to the creation the Rule of Two. Conflict had to be controlled among Sith, but it could not be stopped. Such a thing was simply not possible given the Dark Side of the Force. However, he made several good points on the flaws of the current Sith, all flaws he himself had noted. As the alarm sounded through the vessel, Valad Yar extended his hand and his lightsaber shot back to his hand, which he swiftly clipped to his belt as he moved back into the vessel.

He began to gather the few supplies he had brought with him for this trip. Once it was all done, he reached up and tied a small black cloth around his face, covering everything from his nose down, while he put a pair of glasses, the lenses adjusting to the light of the vessel. The moment he stepped off the transport they would adjust to the blaring sun of Korriban. He could simply use the Force to protect himself from the hostile environment, but it would be a waste of effort. It wouldn't be much of an issue either way, but he preferred to have some precautions in place rather than nothing. As he walked back towards the front of the transport, he nodded briefly to [member="Ronak"] as he leaned against the wall once more, preparing himself for the time ahead.

 

[Ronak]

Ronak nodded at [member="Orex Mauda"]'s words. There was a deep truth to it. How could a pack survive, if the elders were never challenged by the young growing in strength, if the strong did not take the lead to guarantee the survival of the whole group. Fights were necessary to determine such strength, but killing each other in such a fight was a waste. Every individual was needed and none could learn, if they died in such a fight for the upper position in the hierarchy. As long as a hierarchy was respected, the pack could then operate as a union in crucial situation.

"I will keep my mind open and free from prejudice", Ronak responded to both [member="Orex Mauda"] and [member="Valad Yar"]. "Then I will see on which path the force will lead me." Keeping his mind open did not mean, he wished to betray his priniciples.

The wolfman's ear twitched, as the alarm sounded. The time had finally arrived to take his first steps on a path which would shape his fate and path in the galaxy. Watching the preparations of his companions, he only put on goggles for protecting his eyes in strong sunlight. But covering his nose was unthinkable as he would be bereft of one of his most important senses in an environment where every tiny bit of an advantage could mean the difference between life and death.

Focussing and concentrating on his inner strength he tried to collect his thoughts and emotions before they would eave the vessel to step onto the world. A whispering a voices came to his attention as he did so, some consumed with anger, some filled with pure dark, some speaking of power and knowledge. This promised to be an interesting experience.

 

[Mauda]

The boarding ramp hissed and lowered, and I made my way down onto the surface of Korriban. I could feel it, and hear it. That intense energy emanating from the very dirt itself. The cold climate was countered by the warmth provided by the raw darkness flowing through me. I was in my element.

"Payments please"

I looked down from my wondering gaze and met the eyes of a dock guard. Lightly armoured and equally armed. I quickly considered simply removing him from my sight but made a better judgement in the interest of our expedition.

"Ah yes. Of course"

I handed him a collection of credits that seemed to satisfy. With that, I pressed forward. As interesting as the Academy was, I did not intend to waste any time and wanted this visit concluded efficiently and quickly. Making our way through the main building we observed a variety of lifeforms. Certainly a change from the Sith's xenophobic past. Perhaps they were becoming lenient.

Such thoughts were dispelled when moving past a group of Students, headed by a single teacher. Clad in black the man was tall but young. His face conveyed arrogance and cockiness. He presented a question to his group, likely a small test before taking them further, towards the Academy.

"Let us imagine you have an apprentice. You have taught him well yet one day he argues your advice and disobeys an order in favour of a much more.. Jedi approach. What do you do?"

The students thought intently for a moment or two until one at the front spoke up with confidence;

"Send him into exile and renounce his position as Apprentice!"

The Teacher let out a sigh and closed his eyes in exasperation. He then began to choke the gravely-mistaken student.

"And create for yourself a new adversary? Allow a disobedient student whom you have taught much of what you know to simply live on in the Galaxy? And you assume he won't exact his revenge on your dismissal of him? Foolish."

With that, the student was choked to death and dropped to the floor in front of his peers. I decided to continue moving but my thoughts of Sith Leniency were quickly dispelled. They persisted in their aggressive methodology and I was quite proud to have that reassured. We moved onward toward the the back of the facility and exited through a main door. I was reintroduced to the combination of cold and warm, provided by the Climate and the Force in equal quantities.

The Academy had certainly changed. Defense was a renewed interest since the beginning of the War as I observed several Turbolaser batteries scattered along the mountanous background that the Academy was built into. Hopefully, this did not mean the Academy was of particularly strict access otherwise we would have a troubling obstruction to deal with.

[member="Ronak"]
[member="Valad Yar"]