Private Of Scriptures And Blades

[Imperius Indomitus]

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Teckla Tane

Imperius was here for the pursuit of knowledge. Not embedded in books, scrolls, datapads or inscriptions anywhere, but what was in the air, the ground, the rock. Memories that predated the telling of time and place, memories that would outlast most if not all realms of mortals. The Force allowed transcendent experiences of past, presence and future and it was in these halls that much had happened. From a genocide caused by a supernova, to the renewal of a war that engulfed an already torn Galaxy. It was one of his predecessors, one of those he originally opposed but came to understand and admire for the clarity of vision that walked in these halls. Yet it would have to wait.

The Vehemence was landed outside, some walking minutes away to hide it from prying eyes. He had walked here, his heavy steps leaving a trail in the red sands, making it easy to follow him if anyone would want to. Not that he cared. He was ready for it. His armor, his lightsaber and his sword were proof of his devotion and readiness to embrace combat and engage it if necessary. Despite his rather dark aura, it was calm, the presence muted and overshadowed by a being of solemn and unyielding purpose.

Following the Imperial Forum on Zakuul, the Lord Imperator of the Empire Reborn had to make moves. Moves that would somewhat go against his nature, but a realm requires the sacrifice of the few for the many to prosper. He was Sith. He identified as such and followed the Code of the Sith. For many who he saw as natural allies, that made him an enemy. An enemy rooted in corruption, betrayal and self-indulgence of the past. Bane, Sidious, Krayt and all the petty ones that came after, have not only offended but destroyed the Imperial cause again and again through their ways. It was an abyss of distrust that had to be bridged and overcome. A herculean effort.

The Quasesitorum was one of the groups that he needed to reach out to. Neutral Force users that were born from the Empire of the Lost. He had wandered their ways for generations, opposing Sith and Jedi dogma - he still opposes it, in favor of enlightened, realistic and pragmatic view of the Galaxy and non-religious view of the Force. He knew it would be a challenge, but it was one that had to be done.

 

[Teckla Tane]

Location: Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Equipment: See Bio
Entourage: N/A
Tags: Imperius Indomitus
Dialogue Key: ”Galactic Basic” | <<Telepathic Communication>>

The Imperial Summit on Zakuul was interesting if nothing else. Teckla had remained mostly silent, to see what the rising tide of order in the galaxy looked like. To decide where her support should be sent. The quick fall of the Empire of Kilran at the hands of the Fifth Wing infiltrators had created far too much chaos for Teckla’s liking.

Crusaders of the Empire of the Lost had been vanquished by this Fifth Wing, some had left of their own accord holding more loyalty to the Empire than to Teckla. Those that remained needed to be molded into something new. That transformation was taking place now on Zigoola at Camp Tenebria.

Obscurers have spread out in the galaxy looking for new Allie’s and recruits. The Procurement Division has coalesced on Rudrig. Everyone had their direction. Now Teckla had new information. But she needed to let it all sink in. Who would she immediately act on the behalf of? who would she allow to grow organically? And who was not worthy of her support and needed to be eliminated from the cloud of Imperial Order?

In order to think she would need peace. Her willpower would allow her to avoid complete distraction on Zigoola, but in order to make quick clear decisions she would need to go someplace else. A place of Jedi heritage. With the fall of the Empire, the ISA struggling to pick up the pieces. Ossus was a natural choice to do some proper thinking.

Teckla preferred to use no subterfuge in such missions. Her shuttle landed at the former Jedi Enclave and she walked directly into the library. The knowledge that this place once held was legendary. What was left? That was not Teckla’s current preoccupation. In the middle of the library she sat cross-legged and thought about where the machinations of the galaxy demanded her attention be placed.

It was not long into her meditation that a powerful presence interrupted her concentration. A presence she had felt at the gathering. Had she been followed? For what purpose? ”You have come a long way. What is it that you seek from me?”

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Teckla Tane

The Force worked in curious ways. He hated that thought, the Warden of the Shroud in him was appalled by the mere notion of not having the right to the own destiny. It was superstitious and stupid to assume that it was the Force that brought him here and not his own actions and decisions. Coincidence was far easier to believe than some backwater notion of fate. And yet, was it coincidence?

Imperius had barely appeared and been present on Zakuul, it was his home he had offered, but it was not his voice that was necessary to be heard. Anti-Sith and anti-Dark side sentiment was running rampant among the Imperial remnants, their ideals convoluted by a glorified past of victory over a decadent Sith Empire and a foul taste from recent betrayals and schemes that lesser Sith conducted to grab an ounce of power from gullible rulers. He was not interested in their tales and narratives of defiance and neutrality. It was a hypocrisy that drove a wedge between the Imperials and the relentless ambitions of true imperials to want to rule which were not so different from that of the Sith.

But it was necessary to forge pacts. To make those understand that it was not him and his Ascendant Order that was those Sith that had no mind for unity, purpose and order. They were his core principles, the foundation upon which he sought to build an Empire to destroy the Alliance and annihilate the petty Sith Order, from where to bring the Diarchy to its knees and eradicate every notion of weakness from the surface of the Galaxy.

So he went to Ossus. To see the Grandmaster of the Imperial Crusaders and Overseer of the Quasesitorum, one remnant to fight chaos and disorder by using the Force as a tool. Precisely like the Knights of Zakuul and Wardens, it was his past and he had fought this way for centuries. The Dark side was simply the natural ally of those that saw the end justifying the means and that is the side he chose.

"The Empire is dead and in its place came bickering children, each attempting to grasp for a handful of power and carve their own realm. Hiding behind ideology and dogma to distance themselves from a united purpose and collective strength."

His footsteps echoed through the empty library, the black plate of his sabatons clanking as he made calm steps that brought him closer to the woman. His armor was dark, a golden trim on it with rich details and engravings depicting various insignia all derived from a sword and lightning design. A red tabard was most covering his legs, almost touching the floor and extending upwards to end in a hood that covered the helmet he was wearing which bright red lenses were staring from its shadows. His voice was calm, foreboding and deep.

"The Imperial cause was never about the differences that defined us, but the similarities and mutual enemies we saw. I seek to find those that are willing to align with true unity, that are clear of mind and defined in purpose."

Unusual for the Dark Lord, he had neither his alchmised blade nor his heirloom lightsaber on him. Instead on each side of his hip hung a lightsaber hilt that was not exactly unfamiliar to him, but quite unusual to carry. A statement he tried to make, passively, giving way to his Imperial origins instead of the Sith one.

 

[Teckla Tane]

Location: Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Equipment: See Bio
Entourage: N/A
Tags: Imperius Indomitus
Dialogue Key: "Galactic Basic" | <<Telepathic Communication>>

Focus was broken. Peace was gone. This new visitor would require her attention. His intentions would not be completely revealed through his words. Teckla opened her eyes and rose to her feet. She was armed with her lightsaber, but she was not expecting to defend herself so she wore robes rather than her armor which was aboard her shuttle.

As she took in the physical form of her fellow knowledge seeker, she was taken back by his stature. In the Force size was not supposed to matter. At least that was the Jedi view of things. Teckla knew that the Force was more powerful than muscle and bone. That through the Force she could overcome a physical disadvantage easily. Still. Avoiding intimidation at the hands of this being was near impossible. She would be able to keep that feeling to herself however and maintained her outward calm as she listened to the man.

"I hope that you do not think that my strength is dependent upon a particular Empire. Kilran was an ally I thought would result in order coming to the galaxy. Now that he has left the living realm and his dynasty seems to have come to an end the job of the Quasesitorum remains the same and my powers are focused on that goal of order." It was most likely an unnecessary show of bravado, but Teckla was not willing to be seen as weak because the horse she had chosen to back had fallen.

Mention of the "Imperial cause" and unity was a bit of a shock. Teckla could tell this man wielded great power most Imperials wanted followers more than allies. This could be some sort of trick. "I seek order, not Imperialism. That an empire may be best suited to bring this order to the galaxy is obviously good logic. I don't strive for unity though. Coexistence of Imperial powers is fine. Order on seven different terms throughout the galaxy will fit my needs perfectly. Each will require the power to hold their own portion. It seems you might command that sort of power. Am I right in this?"

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Teckla Tane

"Ah. An important distinction. Order - not imperialism." He mused, every word weighed, his voice almost smooth like velvet, if it had not that primordial, knowing undertone to it. She was leading Force users which came from an Empire, but did not consider themselves an Imperial Remnant. Curious. Enlightened almost, but also impractical and unrealistic. The Jedi tried to impose order, peace and stability without being political and yet they were nothing but a blunt instrument of corruption and decadence, blind to the own decay.

"We all come from somewhere and go somewhere else. We lend our strength to a realm and it may empower us in certain ways, but it does not create a dependency. And yet it is an Empire that will reign supreme nevertheless, steered by vision and strength. Enforcing and embracing order." His words were as much fact as if he told her the stone is dark and cold, the sand red and the sun hot. "What strength does your Qasesitorum hold? What means does it have to bring that vision of order to reality? Whom does it serve? You? The desperate and poor? The defiant and courageous?"

His words were a mixture of genuine questions asked to satisfy curiosity and of a challenge to her standing, strength and purpose. He did not deal in offensive, insulting or these mannerism of petty pride. For him, the Galaxy was forged in fire and it neither place nor time for self-importance. She was determined and convicted, therefore it was his hope that she could answer in words or actions - either was fine by him.

 

[Teckla Tane]

Location: Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Equipment: See Bio
Entourage: N/A
Tags: Imperius Indomitus
Dialogue Key: "Galactic Basic" | <<Telepathic Communication>>

Teckla wondered whether this individual actually considered Order and Imperial a distinction. The tone of his voice was very leading, which made Teckla cautious. His next statement seemed to cast doubt on the existence of order without an Empire. Teckla had always thought this to be the case so his statement did not shock her.

"Many Empires have made that claim. Many have failed. I do not disagree with the concept of one being controlling all of the galaxy being the greatest prospect for total order. In fact I hoped to be that Empress," Teckla responded in good nature.

Her mood tensed when Imperius questioned her own power. "I will admit we are in a time of transition. Obscurers are spread throughout the galaxy however ready to act on the behalf of order. Soldiers have been thinned by the traitors to the Empire. Some have deserted having more loyalty to the Velran than to the cause. Those that remain are going through extensive training to be called upon when needed. I control a small fleet. Most of what I have to offer however is leadership and wisdom. We serve the best interest of the galactic community. We make no promise to please everyone in all facets of life. But we will make the whole better."

She gave a bit of a hum as she stiffened her stance. "If you wish to try my personal prowess I would be more than happy to answer the challenge."

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Teckla Tane

Ambition always lead people to choose their own path. He certainly had done so more than once and it would always be the guiding beacon, staying to true to one's own goals. Her to become Empress seemed quite unlikely in this old library, here on a world that was once part of an Empire that appeared as Lost as its founders.

"To make the whole better, to accomplish your goals and visions, especially with the means chosen, it will not do to follow the path of peaceful transition and sturdy arguments carefully orated. You are entering a field that is filled with those that rather see another idea die than accept its presence. Darkness and defeat make way for superstition and stubbornness, for ignorance."

"And in these times, strength is the only thing that stands between your dream and its destruction. I am here to see if your dream is worth supporting. For that, I need to know if you are worthy yourself."

His hand moved to his belt and drew one of the lightsabers, a white blade igniting. The weapon moved to his face and to the side, a duelists salute and intention made action. Imperius valued doing over thinking and seeing what Tane could do, was now the dice that would be cast.

 

[Teckla Tane]

Location: Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Equipment: See Bio
Entourage: N/A
Tags: Imperius Indomitus
Dialogue Key: "Galactic Basic" | <<Telepathic Communication>>

Teckla felt the doubt in Imperius when she had mentioned being Empress. An amused cackle escaped her lips, but she got her mirth under control quickly. Being Empress was no longer a goal she specifically aspired to. Though she was confident that Empress of the galaxy was a role she could handle if the responsibility fell to her.

"Order begets peace. Peace does not beget order. The fall of the Kilran Empire was a setback that has put my organization in a difficult position. However, I call my subordinates who are going through training soldiers. Peace is not how I intend to bring order to the galaxy," Teckla responded in a mix of mocking and sincerity.

"I intend to be the tipping point for the correct views. The blade to the throat of the lesser idea. From the shadow the Quasesitorum will guide the galaxy."

The challenge came and Teckla was all business. The ignited lightsaber was answered by her own all but leaping into her hand. "Odd. Are you testing to see if you want my support? I don't recall asking for yours," Teckla questioned as Imperius offered a salute. Teckla returned merely a nod as her lightsaber sprang to life and Teckla lunged forward with an overhead strike.

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Teckla Tane

"Pride is poison to an aspiring leader." He simply shrugs off her remark.

Imperius observed her assault, his hand staying his blade, it only awakened when her strike was coming towards his chest, the area that the height difference would make an overhead strike target. The white blade moved, its trace barely an aftertaste on the retina, his natural speed and flawlessly crafted armor assisting in the swift counter to her attack.

His lightsaber parried the blade, aiming to slightly redirect it while he took half a step back and to the side, the feet precisely placed. Imperius aimed to let her momentum carry her, while his weapon moved to a swift, one-handed slash aiming for her the biceps of her weapon arm.

 

[Teckla Tane]

Location: Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Equipment: See Bio
Entourage: N/A
Tags: Imperius Indomitus
Dialogue Key: "Galactic Basic" | <<Telepathic Communication>>

The comment about pride was a bit odd. If pride was a hindrance to leadership it had not shown as such for Teckla. Pride in her abilities pushed her through the patriarchal domain of Pukaani. She made herself into the preeminent general on the foundation of her pride. Now she was the absentee head of state with stewards holding power as she expanded her reach.

Time for talk had ended however, Imperius had issued his challenge and Teckla had accepted. Her dueling prowess was still based on practice not real world application. The last time she had gone head to head with another Force-user, she had played it patiently thinking the Jedi would do the same. That was a mistake. That Jedi had Teckla out armed and out experienced and Teckla had taken a great loss because of those facts. Teckla had Mastered techniques, but not how to apply them. Without an army at her back combat was a work in progress.

Teckla hoped that this challenge was not to the death. She did not know what Imperius was capable of, but physically he seemed Teckla's superior. The initial attack was not truly expected to land true. Even as Imperius allowed the strike to get closer, Teckla could feel the coming parry. Finally his white blade sprang to life and deflected Teckla's attack.

There was no way for her to stop her momentum, but Teckla knew better than to leave her flank open to an opponent. Instead of standing tall and correcting her stance, Teckla rolled into her momentum. As she did so Imperius' weapon passed over her and she came back to her feet several feet from Imperius with her guard raised. "You want to come at me now? Or giving me another shot?

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Teckla Tane

Imperius did not believe in respite or considered talking a viable tactic during combat. Dun Möch had its uses against lesser skilled opponents, inexperienced ones or those that suffered from immense pride, but it was not something he usually required to make a fight go the way he intended. Just as he did not talk, he also did not pause or hesitate.

His large presence followed her roll, a step carrying him towards her, keeping his blade in range. The white weapon humming unrhythmically as it was meant to, its origins shrouded, its purpose abstract. It snapped forward, feinting a swift stab to her shoulder that was meant to draw her attention while his off-hand send a jolt of white lightning towards her, not powerful enough to cause lasting harm, but certainly to cause pain.

 

[Teckla Tane]

Location: Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Equipment: See Bio
Entourage: N/A
Tags: Imperius Indomitus
Dialogue Key: "Galactic Basic" | <<Telepathic Communication>>

The roll had not gained her nearly as much space or time as Teckla had hoped. That being the case she was rather glad that her verbal jab, an attempt at Dun Möch did not anger her opponent. It was probably a foolish strategy anyways. Imperius was obviously a controlled, experienced fighter. However, Teckla was still getting used to dueling a larger foe with equal or better skills. It was done out of habit. In sparring with lesser duelists it was a viable tactic to get her opponent off balance.

In the here and now it did nothing and she knew it. Clenching her jaw she prepared for the next attack she knew would come. A stab to her shoulder she thought was a bit pedantic for her opponent, but it was not something she could merely ignore. As she moved her blade to quickly intercept the white weapon she thought was the threat to her well-being she felt a warning in the Force.

There was nothing she could do to avoid the Lightning. She had lightly trained in the skill. It was impressive. But she had not contemplated its use in conjunction with lightsaber skills. As arcs of Force electricity tickled through her robes and across the surface of her skin, penetrating into her muscles, Teckla gave out a short terrified yelp. This was immediately followed by an angry growl. Her actions were so foolish. And letting her opponent hear weakness… She needed to answer with strength. But she was a veteran warrior. She knew better to strike on pure anger. She used her connection to the Force to power through the chaos of pain and anger. She gritted her teeth and pressed forward. She attempted a controlled two-handed sideways strike aimed at Imperius' hip on the side that had unleashed the lightning.

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

W A R M A S T E R
INDOMITUS LEGION
Through war, we bring order.
Through strength, we bring unity.

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Teckla Tane

​

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall

He saw and felt her pain, he did not maintain the stream of lightning for long as to not injure her. He understood how excruciating it could be, how devastating to focus and physical strength, having felt it and derivatives for many times. His mission was not to show her his strength, nor to make her kneel and subdue, that would be the least helpful. A test of arms, a challenge, a measuring was what they required and engaged in. Thats when she surprised him, even before he let the time for the coup de grace pass, she attacked again.

It caught Imperius somewhat off-guard, her willpower and determination were impressive even if her technique lacked. But it was the strength to carry on that could decide between victory and defeat. And despite her agony, she attacked. There was not enough time for him to bring his saber there nor to successfully evade. If there was no way out, he could only move further in.

Imperius made a step into her attack, dramatically shortening the distance between herself and him, almost looking like he would engage in a dance with her now. His off-hand came forward with his lower arm intending to block her arms so that the strike could not go as far as it needed to hit its mark. His massive stature, reinforced muscles and the aid of his power armor should offer him, even if it pained, the chance to block her swing from going all the way.

 

[Teckla Tane]

Location: Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Equipment: See Bio
Entourage: N/A
Tags: Imperius Indomitus
Dialogue Key: "Galactic Basic" | <<Telepathic Communication>>

Teckla sensed a rise in emotion from Imperius. She could not tell if it was surprise, determination or something else. But she surmised that he had expected the lightning attack to buy him more time. Teckla didn't think he really needed more time. This flared her anger and tested her focus.

Control had always been easy for Teckla to maintain. Leading armies one had to see the whole field, even if one did not care about each asset in a battle they had to consider what its loss would mean in the bigger picture. In a one-on-one duel however, Teckla's emotions found their way to the forefront. Her oldMaster would say that was a good thing. To use them. Teckla was not so certain.

As she struggled a bit with focus, the realization that her opponent was not going to be able to block her attack hit Teckla. She was about to lessen the force behind her strike, the goal this encounter was not to kill or maim each other after all, when she felt as much as saw Imperius move towards her. His arm moved and struck Teckla's, forcing her strike low. Imperius' chest was now blocking Teckla's view. Her blade was now at best aimed for Imperius' plated thigh and she would be left open to his net attack from his weapon if she merely followed through. Instead, Teckla shuffled a step and a half away from Imperius' blade and released her own with one hand. The weapon would continue on its trajectory, with Teckla's intent for it to be in a defensive position whether it struck his leg or not. With her now free arm she pushed with all her might, both physical and with the Force, against what ended up being Imperius' upper arm. Her intent was to give herself some room, but not to run away. Not yet. Though she could already tell Imperius had much more to teach her than she him. And she was very glad that his intentions were not to end her life.

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

W A R M A S T E R
LORD INDOMITUS
Through war, we bring order.
Through strength, we bring unity.

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Teckla Tane

​

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall

He felt the strain as her blade grazed the armor on his thigh - not enough to cut through, but more than enough to remind him that Teckla was no novice to be toyed with. The weight behind her blow was considerable, and the instinctive use of the Force to shove him back showed not just reflex, but adaptation. She was fighting smarter now, no longer trying to match power for power, but buying herself space, control, options.

The impact of her push struck his upper arm like a hammer of pressure. He yielded to it just enough to avoid resistance, shifting his weight fluidly, allowing the Force to carry him half a step back instead of resisting it outright. His saber came low in a defensive arc, not to strike, but to catch her own weapon should she try to redirect or recover it too hastily.

Then he stilled.

His white blade remained lit but unmoving. His stance was open now, no longer pressing the attack — instead reevaluating. "You are stronger than you realize," he said, voice calm but edged with the faint reverberation of latent power. "Your instincts are hindered by emotions. Temper them with discipline, temper them with Iron."

He did not berate her, nor mock. This was the kind of challenge he offered — not to crush, but to forge.

Imperius challenged her to continue.

 

[Teckla Tane]

Location: Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Equipment: See Bio
Entourage: N/A
Tags: Imperius Indomitus
Dialogue Key: "Galactic Basic" | <<Telepathic Communication>>

Teckla struck a minor blow, though she had no intention of doing permanent damage to her opponent, the success brought a smile to her lips. The success of her push was even more satisfying. It gave her room to breathe and plot out her next move. She took a step back and decided it was Imperius' turn to strike.

Her blade raised to a defensive position, which she held even as the attack did not immediately come. Imperius also took to defense. This was a challenge at the least, maybe a lesson. Teckla would have laughed at such a thing were armies involved in this "conflict". But in single combat between two Masters Teckla was a novice with much to learn. And her attachment to a form that required strength and power was not exactly working in her favor.

"Yes and no," Teckla responded to his words as she slowly moved her red blade back and forth in front of her face, remaining patient. "My strengths have been focused. Patience and control is easier on a vast battlefield. It is easy to take single combat personally."

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

W A R M A S T E R
LORD INDOMITUS
Through war, we bring order.
Through strength, we bring unity.

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Teckla Tane

​

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall

He inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement, the white glow of his blade casting pale reflections across his darkened armor. The scent of ozone still lingered faintly from the earlier burst of lightning, dissipating now as the moment steadied.

"Battlefield command demands vision. But vision can blur the edge required in close combat," he said, stepping slowly to the side, beginning a slow circle, his eyes never leaving her. "A commander guides others. A duelist stands alone. There is no formation to rely on, no flanking maneuver, no reserve to call upon. Only your judgment and your will."

His voice was not unkind, it was instructive, measured. This was not derision; this was instruction through trial.

"You fight with strength, Teckla. But your form relies on certainty: initiative, momentum, overwhelming force. You press, and expect them to yield. But I do not yield."

Without warning, he struck.

A sudden blur of movement, a low, arcing slash toward her lead leg, timed and angled not to maim but to test her guard, force her weight to shift. At the same instant, his foot shifted subtly, pivoting his stance, prepared to chain the strike into a rising diagonal cut or a disengage, depending on her reaction. Not overwhelming force, but perfect, flowing economy. A probe. A test.

He did not speak further. The lesson continued in motion.

 

[Teckla Tane]

Location: Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall
Equipment: See Bio
Entourage: N/A
Tags: Imperius Indomitus
Dialogue Key: "Galactic Basic" | <<Telepathic Communication>>

Teckla listened to her opponent's words carefully. She hadn't guessed at what his intentions were until this point in the encounter. If he was looking for a seasoned apprentice as Sidious had found Dooku during the Clone Wars, he would be disappointed. Teckla was no one's apprentice any longer.

Teckla made small subtle steps preventing herself from being circled like prey. Her eyes met with Imperius as she heard his words. He pointed out the difference between warfare that she excelled at and the battle they were currently engaged in. It made sense.

So too did it make sense that she was approaching a battle against a Force peer with a substantial physical advantage in the wrong way. Teckla needed to learn to be flexible. Something that would take a bit of time to perfect, but it could start now.

When Imperius announced he would not yield, Teckla sensed an attack coming. She readied herself and prepared to move with his attack. The speed and force of the strike had Teckla give another step as her blade moved to intercept. As the upward cut followed Teckla twirled in the opposite direction. After eluding his blade she lashed out with a single handed arc towards Imperius' head. Her hand closed tightly around the hilt of her saber expecting his blade to be able to meet hers. "And if I also don't yield? We rule the galaxy side by side? That dream isn't in me any longer. And rarely works out well. So. Does one of us need to die here?

 

[Imperius Indomitus]

W A R M A S T E R
LORD INDOMITUS
Through war, we bring order.
Through strength, we bring unity.

Prologue: The Iron Protocols
From Iron Comes Strength

Teckla Tane

​

Ossus | Ancient Jedi Library | Main Hall

Her words struck harder than her blade.

As Teckla's saber arced toward his head, Imperius turned with her motion, letting the energy flow past rather than fighting it directly. His blade swept up in a crescent, parrying hers with elegant precision. The sabers clashed with a resounding hiss, the Force rippling faintly from the contact — but Imperius didn't press forward. Instead, he shifted, sidestepping with a fluid economy of motion that left no wasted effort.

He pivoted on his back foot and disengaged with a flick of his wrist, spinning her blade away in a controlled redirection. His stance was calm and composed, grounded yet light, like a coiled spring that refused to snap — not out of fear, but because it had no need to.

Then he stepped back. Not hastily. Not in retreat. Deliberately.

His saber lowered to a neutral guard, the humming blade casting a faint silver glow against his obsidian armor. His off-hand opened slightly at his side, a subtle gesture of peace, even amid the ongoing duel.

He tilted his head, just enough to study her with something just shy of confusion. The helmet's narrow visor couldn't quite conceal the faint silver gleam of his eyes behind it — sharp, aware, but tempered.

A breath passed. And then he spoke.

"No," he said, with an unsettling stillness. "This is not a battle to the death."

The words were not defensive. They carried no need to convince — only the truth, spoken plainly.

"I do not test you to subjugate you. I do not seek an apprentice, or a throne to share. And I certainly do not seek your death, Teckla."

His voice was calm, the edges of his tone sanded smooth by control. Yet there was weight in it — not in volume, but in certainty. He stood tall, unmoving, the faint wind from the ruined arena ruffling the edge of his cloak, now still behind him like a banner at rest.

"I wanted to see the measure of you — not your title, not your legend. You. In adversity. When no one else stands at your side."

He raised his saber slightly again, not in offense, but with the bearing of a knight saluting an equal. There was no mockery in it. Only precision. Ceremony. Respect.

"That is the crucible in which strength is truly forged."

He took another step forward — slow, grounded, neither aggressive nor hesitant. The way a mountain might move, if mountains could walk.

"You adapt. You listen. You strike with anger, but hold it back. That is potential. That is rare."

He inclined his head by the smallest measure — enough to acknowledge her progress without diminishing it.

"I do not need your allegiance. But I would know your resolve. Neither do you seek my approval or leadership, but my proficiency to highlight your own flaws."