Private Kilonova [Meeting of the Revivalists]

[Darth Carnifex]

Silhouetted against the smog-blanketed sky, the Obsidian Spire rose like a jagged blade plunged deep into the ecumenopolis of Jutrand. In every way the dark mirror of the glittering world of Coruscant in the Core Worlds, Jutrand embodied the dark industrialism and harrowing brutalism that characterized the Sith Empire as a whole: condensed into a single world. Most looked upon the Spire with fear, hardly daring to spare more than a passing, nervous glance in it's direction. Fear, lancing through their body like an icy spear, sent their gaze tumbling in the opposite direction.

Few could stand to look at the Wolf's lair for long, and those that did wish that they had never done so. And on this day a dark miasma clung to the Spire, feeding the streets with a foreboding sense of dread and doom. For within the Spire's apex, a dark figure watched the bustling city-world below with cold derision. A being of incomprehensible power, darkness locked tight behind warding runes inked right into His very flesh. Golden halos suspended in an endless black sea turned to glance at the room behind Him, moreover, at the figures which stood just beyond the balcony's margins.

They had all come to this meeting, each one bringing with them the power and will to govern empires of their own; all united to one vision.

Srina Talon , the Silver Dragon -- Empress of the Sith.

Gerwald Lechner , the Dread Wolf -- Emperor's Wrath.

Taeli Raaf , the Lady of Secrets -- Mistress of Monsters.

And He, Darth Carnifex, the Butcher King -- Black Iron Tyrant.

Sweeping back into the room with a flourish of His black cloak, the servants paled and shrank away from His approach. Had they not belonged to Lord Lechner, the Dark Lord would have severed their heads from their shoulders for such cowardice. For now, let their own fear be their suffering. Taking His seat at the table, Carnifex's eyes swept from Srina, to Gerwald, and then finally to Taeli; drinking in their measure one at a time. Allies, acquaintances, perhaps even friends; as much weight as that carried amongst the Sith.

"Revivalists, this meeting shall come to order. Much has happened in the interim since our last conclave, the paradigm of the Empire is shifting. The threads of fate unspool favorably. The Holy Worlds are against brought into the fold, our holiest sanctuaries pacified. The Sepulchral have been decapitated, and I have taken leadership of the priesthood. The Second Legion under the auspices of the Dread Wolf is in ascendance, and the worlds of science and industry coalesce in the Lady of Secret's hands. Our hopes for the future continue to progress within acceptable parameters. The student's destiny is all but assured."

The Dark Lord settled further into His seat.

"What further news shall be of discussion, my brother and sisters."

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

TAG: Srina Talon | Darth Carnifex | Taeli Raaf

A missive in the night was never a good sign, and yet Gerwald Lechner, the Dread Wolf was curious as to why the Butcher King himself would reach out to him so directly. Their last meeting had proven to be an interesting one in which they found common ground and a common language. The former Lord Commander had learned why Kaine Zambrano was such a magnetic figure. His charisma drew in the curious, and his power demanded loyalty. He was as brutal as he was dynamic. Even the Wolf was drawn to him, though he was not foolish enough to get completely enamored with the twice emperor.

It seemed another meeting was in order, and this time Carnifex would be coming with guests. The Dread Wolf was uncertain about what Naedira Darcrath would think about the arrangements Gerwald had been making. She had expressed her concern that even those he trusted beyond a doubt had changed. They were dangerous. She had told him that Srina Talon was dangerous. Perhaps it was his hubris, but the Dread Wolf believed that he could reshape the Order from within. His ascension would make them better.

Perhaps his mate was right. The things which Srina had done to bring Naedira back from the Netherworld had been power which Gerwald had never seen. His years of gaining strength and ability had paled in comparison to what the Echani was capable of. She was still his mistress, a teacher that wanted to see the Dread Wolf reach his potential. The tests were different now. They were more challenging. What once seemed morally absolute was more ambiguous and nuanced. He hoped Naedira would join them, his stipulation had always been his business was always her business. If she wished to interrupt them, it would be welcomed.

The guests gathered in the Obsidian Spire. Gerwald would be nothing but an immaculate host. The tower’s banquet hall was reserved for him and his guests. He could feel the gaze of Darth Carnifex on him before he shifted it to the other guests. The Dread Wolf knew them all, some better than others. They deserved nothing but his best, the best his upbringing had to offer.

A full spread of meats, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and grains filled the table. They would have as much to drink as they wished. It would not be a meeting without the gluttonous array before them. Much of it was overcooked for what Gerwald preferred from himself, but he knew his guests likely did not enjoy the metallic taste of raw meat. Even in his human form, the Wolf preferred some sear to what he ate.

He eyed his guests as Carnifex spoke.

“The expansion into the worlds once held by the Rimward Trade League and the Confederacy of Independent Systems is moving forward as planned. We will finish what was started more than a year ago, and I will see us reach Stewjon by next. All that remains is the completion of the legion’s flagship.”

Taeli Raaf had already suggested the Wolf’s work was unnecessary provided hers worked. Together, however, their plans gave way to something larger, a grander scheme. In the end, what they did separately served a future which was not yet in their grasp.

Gerwald had hoped the news would please everyone in the room. If it did not, at least the food would not disappoint.

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: Obsidian Spire
Tag: Darth Carnifex | Gerwald Lechner | Taeli Raaf

______________________________________​

He called.

She answered.

That was the way of it, not out of any form of subservience, but out of mutual respect. She moved toward the table as Darth Carnifex came back into the room with long skirts pulling across a polished floor. Everything was pristine—But her expression was empty of all things. Her thoughts were guarded and her eyes were reflective, golden, but locked away. Her recent experiences with Echnos had left her with much to consider. Dark circles under her eyes. A touch of something primordial that had marked her…

…Where she had thought herself impenetrable. Impervious.

Her eyes swept over Gerwald Lechner with familiarity and her head inclined in greeting to her Wolf. His achievements were many, but she would always test him, as it was the only way to encourage growth. Eyes that were full of corruption switched to the Lady of Secrets. Taeli Raaf had been on the forefront of the Sith Order for longer than Srina had been using a lightsaber. She was her Empress by happenstance—Not by prowess.

That being said…The pale woman felt some measure of concern that only two-thirds of the Dark Council were present. Whether or not they represented a different ideal she knew that Malum of House Marr would have some sort of "feeling" about this venture and his absence. She knew the young man about as well as she knew her own children. It would not please him, being cut out, left to the side like unwanted vegetables on a full plate.

At the same time Srina knew…It likely could not be helped.

He had too much hatred toward the Butcher King and it would be almost impossible to find common ground unless it became an act of pretend. That didn't serve anyone.

Her affection for the boy…Did not come without cost.

"The Galatic Alliance hasn't responded in force since Sluis Van. Rather…They seem to have pulled back their efforts forcing our military to give chase. The devastation is mounting.", the Sith Empress began softly, waiting for the others to finish, before interjecting. Her back was straight and her plate empty. There was so much food that she could have confused the meeting with a feast. "My last contact informed me that both sides are scrambling over resources, hyperlanes, and any foothold that can be managed."

"In essence…We are in gridlock."

Her news was not as pleasing as what Gerwald Lechner and Darth Carnifex had to offer…But it was the unbiased truth. They were not winning easily in the long run against the Jedi. Echnos had been extremely difficult for the Sith Empress, but the endeavor had been successful. Victory was worthy any pain…But she had concerns over the efficacy of the troops on the front lines. Reports came in daily but…The picture they painted left room for improvement.

"…Where do we stand in terms of stability? Echnos? Have the Holy Worlds truly returned to the fold?"

Unity among Sith was a goal that she always pressed toward, mostly, because she had watched cracks in governing bodies tear down even the strongest nations. Srina did not want to see ambition and greed tear down the Order. Selfishness, arrogance. None of it had a place here. It was time for all to grow up and realize that their aspirations would cause irreparable harm to the very thing they vowed to see into the future. Her hand lifted, before settling on the table.

It was a tangled web. All of it.

Srina knew the value of communication and appreciated the opportunity to catch up…But she was hampered by the truth behind the Jutrand Academy. Her husband had informed her of his plans and her heart still felt a betrayal that stung deep. She was bound to her Maliphant, her Empyrean, but his desire for a replacement—For death…

At her hand.

Left her…Melancholy.

The students she had witnessed at both Korriban and Jutrand…Could not navigate this world.

No child could.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Seated at the table as she was, she was quietly observing the other three players within the hall. Her oldest ally, Darth Carnifex , watching from the balcony the world beyond, surveying it as a master would over his lands even if he didn't hold the title of Emperor. A woman she respected, Srina Talon , Empress of this new Empire and yet... detached in a way. Other concerns followed her in the currents around her, eyes trained by the Fallanassi seeing some great burden like a mantle on her shoulders yet unspoken to all. And then the Wolf, Gerwald Lechner , a man she was quickly coming to know as they both sat on the Dark Council and continued to circle each other, looking for whether they be ally or adversary. Their mutual presence at this meeting of the Revivalists, though, would further align them as allies.

Conspicuous in his absence was the third Dark Councilor, but it was unsurprising. He had not exactly endeared himself to either herself or Gerwald and he despised Carnifex; to join something even remotely a political faction with the Butcher King would never cross the young Marr's thoughts.

Listening to the others, she slowly swirled a spoon in her teacup, considering what had mentioned thus far. Reintegrating the Holy Worlds into the Empire had only truly been accomplished because of the hypergate connecting their territory, allowing the passage of forces to and from either side of the galaxy, but it had been taken as opportunity by both Carnifex and Empyrean to undermine the Sepulchral and for her oldest ally to seize control of them.

The continuing expansion to the west was good, solidifying the Second Legion under Gerwald's command and further cementing his reputation as a military leader. It would likely hasten the further creation of other legions and forces as their war machine began to take shape, something she was preparing to further enhance through her own efforts in the sciences and industry. Much of the equipment and ships their forces were relying upon had been in rotation for decades now, some of it even dating back to their last Empire. Modernization and enhancement were needed.

"We have begun seeing some movement of foreign investment into the regions of our territory we've opened for initial development," she replied. "Salacia Consolidate and Aina Holdings are setting up operations on Aquilaris Minor, and I've had some initial outreach from Arceneau Trade and Outer Rim Resources that I will be addressing in the near future. Others will likely find interest once we are past the fourth quarters of their fiscal years."

She had her own plans for expansion of her own companies in Sith space, but most of those would only begin to take shape come the new year, and she fully intended to reach out to others within the Corporate Interest Guild for further investment.

"The Sphere of Scientific Advancement is also planning to ramp up both our production and prototyping in the new year for both domestic and military equipment and ships, along with our more alchemical pursuits. The shipyards in the Anoat sector, Sluis Van, and Sullust will also be fully operational in that time frame to begin work on current and new models for the legions."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"A quagmire along the Rimma and Hydian works in our favor. The Sith Empire is built to withstand a meatgrinder, but is the Alliance? How much bloodshed can they stomach before their house of cards starts to teeter?" The Dark Lord steepled His hands, a holographic map of the region in question arising into the air. The two territories were clearly demarcated, with the recent conflicts highlighted for convenience. Statistics accompanied the conflicts, the tallies of the dead, wounded, and displaced listed alongside raw materials, factory outputs, and various other economic data prevalent to the war effort.

The planet of Echnos arose to fill their sight. "Echnos is only one piece, though one of considerable worth. Tensions are escalating under the purview of it's newest governor. My intelligence points to a potential flashpoint in the system, in where the Empire would have to intervene to safeguard our production quotas. The margin of error for their calculations is minimal, Lord Wrath, I fear your blade may be unsheathed if things progress."

Then, the world of Korriban; tomb-world of the ancient Sith. "The King of Korriban has been mollified for the moment, but his ambition must be monitored. Distance from the throneworld and the previous autonomy he enjoyed have made him bold, arrogant. For now, I advise caution. If need be, the King can be toppled and another raised in his place. I already have vetted a list of candidates for the Empress to approve." The map swept outwards, showing the rest of the Stygian Caldera. "The rest of the Holy Worlds are fully compliant in contrast, I've appointed bona fide loyalists as satraps of these worlds, they will do whatever we ask of them."

The Dark Lord gestured and the map focused on a series of neutral systems bordering the raging conflict. "War is a conflict of evolution. To survive, we must adapt and evolve. It is my suggestion that we should test our new weapons on neutral systems before we field them against our true enemies. There are no shortage of worlds that can serve as laboratories for such a task." The map then dissolved away into glittering particles of light. The Dark Lord had another motion He wished to present before the other Revivalist leaders.

"What is to be done with the Inquisition? The boy Marr has taken hold of it since his ill-conceived kaggath against Strosius. They were cut from the same cloth, born from the madness of Darth Ophidia. Any Inquisitorial body in the hands of such progeny is concerning."

Taeli Raaf | Srina Talon | Gerwald Lechner ​

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: This
WEAPONS: Ferrum Solus | Blodmåne | Strømafbryder
TAG: Srina Talon | Darth Carnifex | Taeli Raaf

Gerwald listened. It was his usual default when gathered in a group to discuss strategy and movement. Too often in his youth the Dread Wolf spoke hastily. His report had been given, though without the pertinent detail of what had been submitted in writing. Seswenna, Praesitlyn, Adras, Kidros, and soon Susevfi, were all worlds which the Second Legion had brought into the fold of the Sith Order. His war machine moved through the worlds with strength and might. His forces seemed to be unstoppable, though all in the room knew the truth. They were cutting their teeth before facing the Galactic Alliance.

Taeli Raaf impressed with her advancements in the areas of science and technology. It was her strong suit. In the way warfare was Gerwald’s strength, science belonged to the she-raven. Her eye for the economic development of the Order was a boon. She knew how to allocate the resources Gerwald captured, and while he had his own advisors, the Dread Wolf was working to see a united empire. The days where warlords fought amongst each other for control needed to end.

Darth Carnifex worked his schemes and machinations to ensure the Holy Worlds remained in alignment and loyalty. Gerwald appreciated the sacrifice to his ego it must have been to do so while Empyrean sat on the throne. Perhaps the Epicanthicx had reached the point where title and seat no longer mattered to him. If that were the case than it was only a small wound to stomach the idea that someone considered a rival controlled the Order.

Then there was Srina Talon . She was the reason they could all sit in the same room together without animosity. It was not because she lorded her power over them, but rather the influence of her friendship which often came at great personal sacrifice of her own. Gerwald knew of her generosity, and he knew the sting of her correction. She had saved his life, resulting in a life debt, but she had gained his loyalty long before then. Gerwald shared her vision.

“I hope to see the gridlock broken soon,” he nodded toward the Echani Empress. “A blockade is forming around Eiattu 6. It will push the Alliance into open conflict before they are ready. The plan requires patience, but it will succeed.”

It was a solution. There were others, but Gerwald was the one taking action against the external threats which lay at their door. It was his task, so he would see it done.

His eyes moved to Carnifex as he spoke of Echnos and the Holy Worlds once more. The planet seemed to stir in conversation more than it needed to, and that was a result of its governess. She was a novice in such matters, and continued to prove it. Gerwald had advised her to make the planet productive, but recent actions had drawn the attention of too many Sith. She had bitten the hand which fed her, and it nearly cost the Wolf the one thing he told the governor he needed from her.

For the moment, the Wolf remained quiet on the subject. He had nothing to add which would be of any great importance. Korriban was another matter entirely. Gerwald had recently visited the planet and conversed with a few who were under the influence of its King.

“Caedes has aspirations beyond Korriban. My recent visit to the tomb world was enlightening. His loyalists are many on the planet, but not beyond. Deposing him would require a decisive and permanent action to lessen the chance of open rebellion.”

Gerwald paused briefly.

“As for the Inquisition, they accomplished nothing, and did nothing, under Strosius. What they will be under Marr remains to be seen. I say we let it remain for now, and observe it. Should he weaponize it for his own gain in such a way that threatens this Order then I will do my duty. Regardless of whatever formal institution exists in this Empire, one fact remains.”

His eyes connected with Carnifex.

“I am the Inquisition.”

It was more a statement of fact than it was arrogance. Gerwald was the Emperor’s Wrath. His task was a simple one. Root out any threats to the Order external or internal, and eliminate them.

“I was eager at his age as well. He will grow into the mantle of what his acquisitions demand of him or he will not. For all our sakes we should hope that he does.”

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: Obsidian Spire
Tag: Darth Carnifex | Taeli Raaf | Gerwald Lechner

______________________________________​

Perhaps they ought to call her the Peacemaker.

It was an idle thought that rolled through her mind whilst the others gave their reports and assessments. It was ironic that it was often noted that she was the glue holding the Empire together when often she was quite close to tearing her hair out from the root while varying warring subgroups sought to undermine Eternalist Rule. She had never fallen in line with any political aspect of the Order but be default, as half of the imperial couple, she had no real choice in the matter.

But—It was clear. The Sith Order was primarily Eternalist by sheer virtue of needing a unified banner to rally behind, but that didn't mean Kainites and Tsis'kaar didn't also have a place. It simply wasn't argued about like it had in years prior because the division meant less and less when the enemy outside was far more volatile than the enemy within. "You might be surprised…"

"The Jedi have stronger stomachs than I recall. Blood is not the deterrent it once was, nor is the preservation of life. All Sith must die…By any means necessary."

Even the life of an innocent seemed to hold less sway. It had worked well enough on Echnos to keep them from shelling the dome to pieces, but even then, she had heard the blood-thirsty calls running through the masses. The phobis had connected her to the Force in a way that there was no coming back from. She had felt their hate, the drive, for vengeance. There had been so few lights shining among them that the phobis had rolled through them in waves. Mostly, unhindered.

Gold-hewn orbs lingered on Echnos, aware, of things that hadn't been mentioned. Her eyes flickered over the holographic image of the planet and the system to meet that of Darth Carnifex but she held her tongue. The scales were still moving, not exactly in their favor, but the Empress had a way of putting her finger on the scale in such a way that benefited the Empire as a whole—And more than that?

No one noticed.

"Your caution is noted on the subject of Korriban. Leave me with the list."

Her words were clipped in regards to the Holy Worlds for several reasons. The Sith Order was spread too thinly for Darth Empyrean to govern alone. That was the reason there was a Dark Council and varying Kings, Queens, Stewards, Governors, System Lords, and every other form of Sith leader possible involved in handling the day-to-day minutia of so many territories. There was a reason Darth Carnifex was trusted to see to the Holy Worlds. "I will meet with Darth Caedes in the future before making any assumptions. I would have prosperous stability continue for Korriban…Not rebellion, disunity."

All Sith were arrogant to some degree—It wasn't motive for deposition, nor, was it a crime. Were that the case the entirety of this room should have been thrown carelessly into the nearest blackhole. The Echani tended to trust her own instincts and eyes before falling victim to the interpretations of others, especially, when it came to Sith Lords. If she took things at face value…Carnifex, was a psychopath. Gerwald, a dog. Taeli, a mad scientist. Empyrean, a monster. Malum, a child. Kaila, a slave.

Srina knew differently. Extremely, differently.

Nothing was as it seemed other than the fact that ruling Sith were generally powerful. They were mostly men in a galaxy that with few exceptions, such as Hapes, catered toward their well-being and success. Most had an ego through no fault of their own—But for the simple reason that the universe validated their superiority. It wasn't always the case…But it came up far too often for her to ignore it. Rarely, did they want to accept that a small pale woman should be referred to with deference equal to their station, let alone, above it. With what she knew about the current King of Korriban, holo-net news, associates, events, and informational dockets from the Tsis'Kaar she was confident the eventual meeting would go well…But she had been wrong before.

She was not infallible—And would thus be prepared.

It didn't surprise her that Taeli Raaf had her fingers wrapped around a few investments, though, at the mention of weapons testing she found herself looking across the table quite expectantly. Her hands even laced while her head tilted to the side waiting to hear what fresh hell the Sith might have cooked up in her lab but was the information seemed to be limited to technological applications. Her lips quirked to the side, but her expression remained flat. "Do you not already have a world utilized for testing Lady Raaf? Do we require another?"

Srina shuddered to think what creatures might have been born of the primordial, rancid, radioactive mud that was left behind from some less than fruitful or extremely fruitful experimentation.

At the mention of the Inquisition the Empress grew pensive once more. Quiet, while the others spoke on the matter. It was something that had been hotly debated in many circles, especially, since the third Dark Councilor was young and burdened with many duties. The crown had remained silent since it had been an asset gained through kaggath—But, that was never going to be the end of it.

Everything with Sith was about who had power, who didn't, and who it could be taken from. Greed.

" Darth Malum of House Marr belongs to me. Not, the snake."

It was a simple statement but there was an edge to her tone that left no room for argument. The air would feel cold when her gaze landed on each of them with unflinching intensity—Though her expression had turned to stone. "You also are my wolf to call…", her words moved toward Gerwald Lechner without an ounce of pity, lest, he forget her in his declarations. "You cannot be Wrath and Inquisition. In truth…None of the Dark Councilors should hold the reins, lest, we have Councilors investigating themselves when the time comes."

And it would, come. No Sith kept their nose clean forever. No Sith was above scrutiny when the state of the Empire was on the line.

"But without a suitable solution I am of the mind that the Inquisition should be absorbed fully into the Tsis'Kaar so that there is no longer a division between the two. Repurpose the mess that Ophidia left to create the functioning body of a spy network, and an internal investigative branch. If Darth Malum himself should fall under suspicion, then we may call the Sepulchral to elect a proxy to handle the inquiry."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Darth Carnifex Srina Talon Gerwald Lechner​

She would regard the Empress with a smile at the question of if she had enough worlds to experiment on. The short answer was, of course, that there was always room for more worlds as testing sites for experiments and development. She didn't require the acquisition of any new worlds though as she preferred the modular system of research bases and facilities over outright control, except in a few specific circumstances like Valrar and Amaltanna. Worlds that she had spent decades developing into what they were.

"Not at present, but then I'm always on the lookout for specimens or unique environments, but full worlds dedicated to my work, no," she would reply to Srina. "I'm more interested in a more modular system of bases and facilities spread across many worlds rather than concentrated in just a few easily targetable places, building on the specialties of planets within our sphere of influence and partners that might be seeking such investment."

The discussion about the King of Korriban and their new Lord Inquisitor brought a small frown to her lips. Not so much in regard to Caedes as she saw someone she could do business with there in the Holy Worlds and his cadre of followers had seemed respectful of her. No, it was the Inquisition and Tsis'Karr that created the frown.

"The situation does merit closer observation at the very least," she would remark. "It seems that each and every destabilizing event that occurs in the Empire the past few years has had the Inquisition and the Tsis'Karr at their root, for good or ill. The Ouroboros Crisis, Strosius' attack on my family, the situation at Echnos, the infiltration of Ayra into our war planning council. The list could go on. Perhaps what we need, besides a shorter leash on their activities, is a counterpoint. A revitalized Ministry of Order to support and enhance our law enforcement efforts on worlds within the Empire while making us less reliant on either the Inquisition or Tsis'Karr to maintain order in our space."

She would turn her attention to Kaine.

"Perhaps Madelyn would be interested in helming such an effort considering her previous experience in the First Order and the last Empire?"