Peace Through Power

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Dravis Rosilla"]


Months had passed, perhaps almost half a standard year, since Dravis had met the Queen. But that was the last time he heard her voice for some time. Things had been unsteady and the Hive had to deal with the troubles that came with what they were preparing for. The biggest problem? Their chains. Dravis' comms had been chirping the whole time, but Joost had no time to wait. Obviously if Dravis took a moment to himself instead of answering, it was important, so Joost would understand. Joost ended up leaving a recorded holo message, one that Dravis wouldn't find too pleasing, nor convenient. Upon opening the comm message, it chirped in the emergency frequency, signalling that one - this was publicly sent to Dravis without encryption. Two - Joost doesn't use an emergency frequency unless his Queen was in danger. And three - Joost can usually handle things, so this meant things were hitting the fan.

"Dravis! We have no time, I have no time to explain." Joost spoke in Galactic Standard. It was not known Joost could also speak it, but perhaps he always could, since he could understand it, holding the language below him. But for Dravis to use a translator for a recorded message during an incident they don't have time to waste, well... this was critical. "The local droid factory has began an assault. We do not know if it is the Trade Federation or not, but we have not heard anythi-" An explosion suddenly lit up the hologram. Joost was inside the hives, deep underground. "Maybe even just a rogue element, or a an Automated Factory gone haywire, we don't know." Joost sighed, looking at the Geonosians rushing behind him. "We were preparing to leave Geonosis, but perhaps we gathered too many Geonosians and their Queens. We may have upset the Trade Federation, but there's been no official communication. We could go ahead and guess this was done in a rogue fashion, unofficial, off the books, to try and keep us here. The Third Regiment is holding them back as we evacuate, Second Regiment is all but lost... We were not prepared, Dravis. The Queen is in danger, they are in the Hives. We ... I beseech you to help us... The new ship is re-"​

The hologram cut off, but not before an explosion could be heard - the sound continued for half a second after the transmission cut out - The hologram became distorted, as if something happened to the communications antenna or tower. Joost was also not using any portable communicator, but the full display terminal within the hive, for a stronger transmission.

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Tanomas Graf"]


<"Joost,"> The Queen spoke up from behind him <"how are my children fighting?"> She asked, facing him with a tired face. <"My Queen, we are fighting as hard as we possibly can. I think we-"> | <Do not patronize me, Joost. They are in the Hive, I know. Did your transmission get through to our Sith friend?"> <"Well, I think the comms went down, probably from that explosion. Did you, by chance, get into contact with that First Order Admiral you once had contact with?"> <"Sadly, we have been out of contact since we gave our Sith friend his first mission. Do you think he found out about him? Do you think he didn't like that, Joost? Bah, it doesn't matter. I tried. I tried sending him at least two... one that we were about to leave the planet, so transmission codes wouldn't be the same, and the second that we were under heavy attack."> They both stood there, pondering on what to do next. The Queen didn't know much of anything, waiting for Joost to figure something out... but they were alone, again, it seemed. <"Joost, how many of the Monarchs survived out of the atmosphere?">

<"We only launched two, my Queen. They were under fire, but thankfully we got the Queens and Geonosians aboard. The others, well, the Hives are cut off from us due to the droids. We have reports there are droids heading to other Hives, as well."> Gisela sighed, deciding to make a hard decision. <"Joost, my Archduke. Listen. Call on the other Hives, see if they will help us. They were ... sword to that command droid, but maybe they will help us. And... turn on the short range transmitter, maybe we can call on help from some ships nearby. Can you contact our fleet?"> <"No, my Queen. Part of them are out scouting suitable planets, as you requested, and the rest are waiting on call if Dravis ever requested aid. Even if we could reach them, the factory has powerful defenses, it would take all of our Frigates.">

<"Joost, I want you to take the Command Staff. No, shhhh, it's okay. We were saving it for the new Hive, but you need to get out if we lose the Hive. Tell the Elites to push forward and hold the droids off. If they get harder, I need you to leave."> <"My Queen... The Elites are our last resor-"> <"They are our only choice left, Joost. You need to rule the new Hive correctly, back to our traditional ways, in case something happens."> <"Gisela, it is because of you, I am this way. If I was not influenced by you, I would have sided with the Techno Union just as the others did. I know that only the Traditional ways keep our species alive and happy. Without you, not only will the Hive die, but they will wither."> <:If this is our fate, Joost, it is our fate. Now, don't fail me. Go, lead the charge, be with my children just as you always have.">

Joost nodded and walked over to Gisela, placing his insectoid hand on her frontage and took a moment to breathe, before reaching down and taking the Command Staff. WHile it is not the original, it is of the sacred tradition of Geonosis. There was always a leader of the Geonosians to secure their place out of the darkness. <"This is a great honor you have given me, my Queen. But, no matter what you order of me, I will not leave you alone to die by those droids. I'll retreat what is left of the Second Regiment to you, they would fight and die happily by your side. If this is the last time we see each other, thank you, my Queen."> Gisela smiled as Joost turned to quickly run out of the Queen's cave, hurrying to the exit of the Hive to give out the new orders.

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

"Sir?"

"Sir?"

An expensive cloak, layered over a meditation chair, stirred slowly. It began to rise, contorting and conforming into the shape of a man, the head large and round. The room was spartan, with only red fluorescent lights and grooved walls decorating the area of meditation. That, and a deep, biting cold.

A gust of opaque condensation ejected from the hood of the cloak, dispersing into the air. The figure took another breath, enjoying the silence, before turning and facing the B1 battle droid that had addressed him.

"What is it?"

"Sir, a message from Joost. Shall we patch it to you?"

The figure paused, then chuckled heartily to itself. "Go ahead." The cloak spun as the figure turned toward the wall, a screen lowering from the ceiling.

"Let's see what the Queen wants, shall we?"

- TWO HOURS LATER -​

​

Two hours.

It took two hours for Dravis' army to coalesce. Quite speedy, all considering.

One of the perks of using his own droid army, and a horde of Geonosians eager to protect their hive.

A full fighting force of 1,000 Geonosian Warriors would crash into the flank of the coming droid armies, accompanied by four thousand fully-operational B1's, all painted with Dravis' banner; A red crescent moon, over red waters. Surely a paultry force compared to the multitudes of droids sent against Gisela, but they would be enough to distract the army for a while.

A while would be all he needed.

Either Joost or Gisela would pick up a holotransmission coming from the battle. When received, a war would present itself to the viewer.

Dravis was in the midst of battle, dodging and weaving blaster bolts, shock-whip lashing out dangerously. A droid entered the holo, and was quickly dispatched by the cord, shocking it out of existence. A hint of a smile showed on the Bith's face as he bowed, quickly rising again to Force-push another droid away.

"I apologise for the delay, but I have joined the battle. I'm buying us time to talk. So..." Drav grunted as he kicked a rustbucket's head backwards.

"Let's talk. What is it you want of me?"

- [member="Gisela the Righteous"] -

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Dravis Rosilla"]


Joost picked up on the nearby transmission as he watched friendly ships fly above and droids popping in to aid the fight, then... he saw them... the First Guard. He smiled, with that awkward geonosian jaw. He pushed forward and rallied the remaining Geonosians, ordering the Geonosian Elites to take thr front. Towards Dravis position, a squad of Geonosians in fancy armor and Lightlazz Lightfoils joined his side, deflecting bolts as best they could. They were roughed up and some had taken shots, but a Geonosian was not down until it was dead. One of the First Guard under Dravis' command got Dravis attention, alerting him to Joost running up behind to catch up.

"Joost! You've arrived! Listen, we don't have time to talk, the Queens fleet was put on standby to make sure if you ever needed help she would make it so you know she hadn't forgotten you. They are waiting a few systems away, but we can't reach them. We need you to send out the message to the fleet! That factory has defenses and it keeps churning out droids. I'll stay here and push them back with the new armies, but I need you to go inside the Hive! The Second Regiment is in pieces and they are her last line of defense, she told me to leave without her if we couldn't stop the droids! Talk later, first we fight!" Joost yelled at Dravis, not in a disrespectful way, but Dravis understood the consequences. Joost pointed at the Hive Spire. Some parts had fallen off of the spire from B2 rockets, and Geonosians laid outside one of the entrances. "The main hall is collapsed, you'll have to go through the gallery and jump into the pit, Gisela's room is in the room next to the bottom of the pit! Hurry!" Joost wasn't well enough for assaults, but he did what he could as he aimed forward with a Sonic Blaster, never having picked one up before and firing it towards the Droids.

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

Dravis had finished tearing another mindless droid to shreds with his whip before Joost caught up to him. He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, but skipped his formalities, as he quickly dodged a bolt of energy. "Ah, there you are."

Dravis listened to Joost over the sound of battle, ordering his droids to create a perimeter so the two leaders could talk in relative peace.

"Go into the Hive, to Gisela's throne room, and contact the fleet. It will be done." Dravis let a dissatisfied wave of his hand dismantle another rustbucket, and turned, making sure to flare his cape behind him for dramatic effect.

Dravis was nothing if not flashy, after all.

With Dravis' enhanced speed, it didn't take long to arrive at the Hive. He entered into the gallery quickly, moving through columns and corridors, until he made it to a large pit. He eyed the drop suspiciously.

"Leap of faith indeed."

He flipped into the hole, cloak rippling behind him, and was quickly enveloped in darkness.

To the Queen.

- [member="Gisela the Righteous"] -

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Dravis Rosilla"]

Geonosian chatter could be heard just in the next room, but as soon as Dravis landed, he excited a bunch of droids... they were this close into the Hive... but before the droids could fire on the staggered Dravis, several Geonosian Warrior Caste flew in from the darkness and latched onto the droids, physically tearing them apart like wild animals. It was the Second Regiment, or what was left of them. They weren't a full fledged army anymore, but they had resorted to commando-like tactics. Once it had quieted down a little, it sounded like another squad of droids were coming, but the Second Regiment got Dravis' attention and pointed towards the Queens chamber, rushing him as they stayed behind. When Dravis entered, he'd still find nightvision goggles on the wall in front of the Queen.

Outside Joost had made a line of defense as he ordered the Geonosians to dig trenches, this gave them all firing positions with little exposure to incoming fire. But the longer they had to wait, the more likely they would be over run again. They needed the fleet to take down that factory. They would have used the comms inside but the comms antenna was destroyed, so Dravis would have to use his own comms. Joost received a large reinforcement, which he was so happy for, but he couldn't produce armies like that factory. He ordered the Elite Geonosians to the landing area for the transports and make sure they were defending.

For Dravis, the Queen inside had sustained at least one or two hits. The Second Regiment was down to maybe thirty Geonosians from a thousand.... they were battered and exhausted, and doing their absolute best to keep her safe until the bitter end. Dravis would see a dozen or more Geonosion bodies in front of the Queen and at the entrance to the chambers. One of the Second Regiment squacked loudly towards the Queen to let her know Dravis was here and was coming in, signaling a bit of her happiness.

"D...Dravis? Have you returned?" she called out weakly, "I can't be... believe I doubted you..."

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

"I have arrived, my Queen. Although, perhaps today is not the best for pleasantries."

Despite the situation, he still kept some form of humor.

Dravis scanned the area, seeing the fallen warriors around him, and hearing the marching of coming droids. Dravis quickly pressed his earpiece, and contacted his base. "If you would please contact the Geonosian Fleet, tell them Gisela is under attack, that would be wonderful."

The Bith heard some affirmation, and switched off his comms. He turned his attention back to the Queen, and bowed. "Of course I came. You know where my loyalties lie. Now, Joost mentioned you wished to speak with me? If it is important enough to discuss in the middle of a siege, it must be something indeed."

Despite his velvety veneer, Dravis felt a twinge of annoyance. He would think the queen would be focusing on escape; what good was she to the Hive, and to him, dead? But he didn't raise his concerns. He didn't need to. He was sure his questions would be answered in time.

Sadly, time was a limited resource at the moment.

- [member="Gisela the Righteous"] -

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Dravis Rosilla"]


Gisela disagreed, at least for the moment. "No, no Dravis... My doubts have been wiped, and things are clear for me now. I will speak to you once we are on the escape ship, but we will be leaving immediately. Dravis, please, follow one of my children through the rear entrance and make sure it is clear for us. It will take us a moment to move me. I am... the largest Queen on Geonosis." Similar to huts, the larger the queen, the increasingly less likely it was to move them or be moved, because of their weight and muscle strength which was all but nearly gone.

The final leader of the Second Regiment lead Dravis as they stayed close to the Queen, walking through the rear entrance. It was a very long hallway, but the only way out for the Queen. "Dravis... have you seen the Elite Warriors? As long as things go smoothly, we will be holding a presentation of them for you on Koboth, our new home. They have trained well, but I think they may be ready to go under your personal command. And... how have you been? It has been some time since we have seen you."

The idle chit chat continued until they reached a wall... the Second Regiment leader called a couple Geonosians over and they started crumbling the wall in specific sections until it fell away and opened up outside. They had been walking for almost an hour in darkness, but now there was sunlight. Just as they came out, the fleet had arrived and was engaging the Factory. The transports, along with Joost and the Elites, were just around the corner outside.

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

"Escape sounds lovely, my Queen."

Drav's fears were answered swiftly.

The Bith let himself get led by the leader of the guard into an escape ship. He spoke calmly with Gisela, returning her pleasantries easily enough. "Koboth... Yes. I would like to see these warriors in action, I haven't had the pleasure yet. But I have high hopes for them. I'd hope all of my hard work has been put to good use."

"And I have been well. I've been running in circles where credits flow like water. I'm sure to be a great help to the hive fiscally, should that ever be a concern..." The idle chatter continued until they made it to the outside.

Dravis looked up, happy to see the fleet had arrived, and engaged the enemy. They may actually survive today. Dravis walked slowly, in seemingly no rush, to Joost and the transports.

"Let's get out of here. This battle is beginning to get on my nerves."

- [member="Gisela the Righteous"] -

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Dravis Rosilla"]


With Dravis' entrance into the fight, everyone (important) survived and were able to get on board the transports. Gisela urged Dravis to accompany them, as there was much to discuss. The Matriarch-class vessel was all Geonosian, it looked exactly like the Hives they had been nestled in all their years. The only difference, really, was the size of the Hive and that it was lit up inside - yes, Dravis could see, no longer an issue for him to feel around in the darkness. For Gisela, she wore a thick blindfold to protect her very sensitive eyes. After they boarded the ship, and the Geonosians helped Gisela to her seating place - every Geonosian Queen placed on the Matriarch-class had their own royal room, like a throne room, but specifically made for the size of Geonosian Queens - Gisela took a moment to rest, urging Dravis to sit in a very luxurious and comfortable chair, almost like a small throne. It was nothing compared to the throne she had planned for him, for his special ship that she had planned. But that was a gift kept quiet... at least for a little while...

Joost soon boarded, with the rest of the Second and Third Regiment, along with the Geonosian Elites. The fleet was finishing the battle as they escaped in safety. The Droid factory was all but demolished. Some Geonosians had chosen to stay, still siding with Gisela even though she left - they knew it was for the Prime Queens safety. Joost sat beside Gisela in a chair befitting an Arch Duke, and the Elites kneeled before Dravis.


"Dravis, there's quite a few things to discuss. I need a very large favor of you, I wish to inform you of something, and also... I need you to explain some things. I will not dare implicate you, so I wish to hear your story, about what you have been doing, and why. You've been seen interacting with those who may conspire against me. My Geonosians keep no secrets from me, and it seems you make dealings with the very Nemoidian who planned my downfall and servitude. I trust you are doing what is best for the Hive as I give you every countless thing you ask for, a position as high as Duke in my Hive, and even permission of any and all ships or other things my Company may create. So I trust you will say something that will make me happy, yes?"

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

The seat Dravis found himself in was one of the most comfortable he had ever experienced, and that was saying quite a bit. Perhaps it was the fact that the Elite Geonosians were kneeling before him. Perhaps it was the fact that he knew a gift was coming for him from the queen.

The Bith lounged, one leg over the other, lidless eyes observing the area. This was the first time Drav had seen the Geonosian Queen with his own eyes, and he had to say he was impressed. Physical beauty meant little to the Sith. Her imposing figure alone was pure art.

Despite his fondness for Gisela, he wasn't unprepared for her question. He prepped his answer, tapping a finger on his chin.

"Well, obviously, I did not mean to keep this secret from you. The Neimodian and I are in the same organization, although in recent times, it has waned. I fear the leadership may have taken their credits and left. I was negotiating a deal for Droid factories, completely loyal to us." Dravis grinned, his folded mouth coming together in what could be mistaken as a grimace of pain. "I had to keep your involvement out of it, for obvious reasons, but I did manage to create a few factories in a myriad of secret locations, that I must keep secret, from even you, my queen." His voice was apologetic, his tone dropping.

"Anyways, I did deploy a large portion of these droids to ensure our escape. They are not Geonosians, mind you, but I realize that your forces are sadly limited, and having an unlimited amount of cannon fodder without endangering the lives of my best warriors in a battle would be... beneficial."

"As much as I admire your forces, Gisela, I must also look for other strategies to further our goals. I have made connections, connections that will undoubtedly make us both stronger in the end."

He was asking her to trust him and his judgement.

In most cases, trusting a Sith was a very bad idea.

- [member="Gisela the Righteous"] -

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Dravis Rosilla"]


Gisela took a deep breath as she leaned back, smiling. Poor Dravis, not able to see the potential of Geonosians. Hivemind? Yes, in the way they follow their queen without fault, but they have intelligence and act on their own. Everyday, Gisela births multiple Geonosian eggs a day. These eggs have been long secured on the transport ships, long before the time to leave was ever scheduled. Some young Geonosian drones scurried across the floor, perhaps surprising Dravis. "Dravis, my dear, sweet, despicable Sith. Perhaps I should judge you by how little power you have." She leaned forward, looking at him, "You are not a master, are you? If you were, you wouldn't need me as much as you do. Now, I am sorry, I do not wish to call you desperate, I only wish for you to see that we are both the same. Maybe, desperate for each, both need each other, and we both need to trust each other."

Joost ignored the conversation, lighting up a hooka he pulled from the side of his chair to unrattle the nerves from the fight. The fleet was handling things, and those who were important we off the planet.

"You see Dravis, each one of these transports we are on... they not only hold Queens, but they hold their armies. They hold millions of young Geonosians, waiting to hatch and become warriors. The power of one Geonosian Queen can take a township, even of Republic-standards, in a week. Whether you choose to fight head on, or utilize the Geonosian tactics. Now, Dravis... let me explain what we are doing. You are in rank just below my Archduke, which makes you equal to a Duke. If anything were to happen to Joost, you would take his place, but as for now, you get to command my armies. The other Queens are reluctant, but I can sway them, eventually. Koboth... will be our new home. All of it, will be our new home. Once we arrive, I will require you to slaughter an entire town of the local Koboks. I have no time to wait and the Koboks are ruthless defenders that keep nothing but their home. Once our many Hives and armies have grown, I will dispatch you, with as much firepower and manpower as I can, and I want you to capture, raid, or sack Geonosis as much as you can. You will declare that Amnyther Hive is the Highest Queen of Geonosis, and with Joost, with the Command Staff - if anyone refuses - you kill them. You kill them all. If for any reason you can not take over Geonosis, you take anything of value that you can, or sack townships and hives, leave them in rubble."

Gisela calmed herself. The past had made her angry and fierce, those who betrayed her, she vowed never to let it happen again. She was once a peaceful Queen that wanted to reunite her children, out of the clutches of the Confederacy, or Separatists, but that was a time long gone. "You will do what I have requested, Dravis. This is the only time I will threaten to take what I have given you. Now, for the favor."

Gisela braced herself, even with what she had to ask next, Dravis was still skilled better than most of her compatriots, the Elites only being able to hold him off, but surely she would be killed before they could stop him. "You must listen, and listen close, Dravis. For this gift I do not bestow on anyone. I never have, nor would, ever. But you are special. And you must understand, coherently listen to what I have to say, so that you do not misinterpret it."

"Your personal vessel, is nearly completed. We have had a few drawbacks, due to our trade supporters and trading lines cut, but I assure you, it will be yours, and I am doing my best to make sure you love it. Joost has personally went through its designs and even assisted some days in constructing it. But in order for me to give you this... spectacle of Geonosian technology, you have to make a promise to me. An undying, powerful promise, one that you will never, ever go back on. You can't. You carry it to your grave... and beyond. In order for us to work together, we must both, both of us, have obedience and trust. If one of us do something, no matter what it is, we can trust that the other is doing it to better the both of us. Undying Loyalty, Dravis. From both of us. That means, there will be no secrets, no matter what they are. We will always be open about our intentions. But, I require your loyal service, Dravis. While I expect you to go off and do your own ventures, I need to know, no matter what, if I call on you, you will do it, because you'll know in the end it benefits us both. Which means... you swear your undying servitude, to me, your Rightful Queen. If you do this, not only will I grant you as many ships or armies as you desire, but.... I will grant you.... your own Geonosian Queen. Personally, aboard your ship. Just as ready to fight as you, and breed armies, without end. What do you say, Dravis Rosilla?"​

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

Power.

And the nerve was struck.

Dravis' face remained calm, but a sudden flare of white-hot anger seethed in his soul. The scorching wind in his psyche blazed away his other thoughts, trapping him into an angry mood. His face remained unchanging, but the cinders in his eyes flared,as if the coals were fanned by Gisela's remarks.

Threats from allies. He expected, even prepared for this, from the Geonosians months ago, but he had thought his position within their ranks had been cemented. He had thought their trust had been gained. He had miscalculated his hand.

Dravis listened, his alien face remaining unchanged, finger still perched under his chin, to Gisela's request. She requested his loyalty? Undying, even. At least that meant she still believed he had honor. And maybe that was true. Dravis was still figuring that out.

A moment of deliberation, of heavy thinking. Then, he spoke, his voice relenting. "I... understand the terms and conditions." The finger left his chin, and he sat up a bit straighter. "And I understand the implications behind them. A mutual trust between us is necessary for our continued collusion."

Dravis didn't stand, or salute, or bow, or any of his usual flowery mannerisms. His voice was measured, mute, and serious. No hint of honey or silver-tongue. "I trust you, my Queen, and my service is yours. There you go."

For but a moment, the sharp, diplomatic psychopath receded, leaving behind a tired, submissive husk. One could only guess this was Dravis Rosilla, before he discovered his potential. Before he was Sith. And just like that, the Dark Side returned, flaring with a vengeance.

"Do we head for Kobok now? If so, I will waist no time in marshaling the troops." Dravis had regained his sardonic smile, his arrogant posture. "My tactics will prove superior, no worries. If you commanded it of me, I would raze the entire planet." Dravis inclined his head, and stood, awaiting to be dismissed.

Gisela had unlocked another side of her Dark agent.

- [member="Gisela the Righteous"] -

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Dravis Rosilla"]


Gisela smiled, but she wasn't ecstatic, at her Knights response. She was almost sad. She was pleased that he pledged his servitude, but he obviously was very against it, and was very upset. If anything Gisela felt that maybe Dravis thought he was betrayed, or lied to. It was time to break the secrets. If Dravis held secrets dear, it was his choice when to speak them, but Gisela trusted Dravis like no other Geonosian. "Joost, please, give us some privacy, would you?" Gisela ignored Dravis response and request for a moment. Just that simple question, and Joost knew exactly what to do. Ignoring any infantile drones scrambling among the floor, Joost evacuated any other Geonosians in the room except for those nursing and attending to the Drones, before he also left.

"Dravis.... please approach me..." The Geonosian Elites were left, knelt in front of Dravis chair until told otherwise. "I am going to break my secrets to you, I need you to hear them. They are not to be heard by other Geonosians. Especially other Queens. You are Sith, the most distrusted thing ever by Geonosians. Your kind killed our highest Queen, killed our rightful ruler, decimated our armies, and nearly forced our kind into permanent extinction. But you are not like those Sith, or at least, my hopes are that you are not. You were not the individuals that did any of those things. I admit, when I first heard of you from Joost, I told him to go ahead and accept you, to make you one of my pawns in vengeance. But you've grown to be more of a pawn. I go so far as... let my guard down with you, to call you a friend. But as a Queen. As ...The... Queen, of all Geonosians, of an entire planet, of all other Geonosian Queens, I must assert my rule. My rule can not be questioned or ignored. In the public eye, you are my servant, my agent, my Knight in shining armor. But that is to only keep order. If I ever ask you to kneel, it's so we both keep control over every army we ever gain. I take no pleasure in forcing an equal to bow. But the moment you show disloyalty, a hive doubts my rule. Joost leads the political and military life for me outside of the Hive, but I consider you an equal far better, one that serves on the ground level, in the thick of it all. Joost handles things in meetings or over the holonet, you may do the dirty work, but you get things done, and those things are perfect."

Gisela took a breath, upset for the way she had made her friend feel, finally getting enough energy to speak again. All this fighting and war and civil chaos has weakened her. "I am giving the second regiment to your command. They were the first offensive war regiment ever assigned. This fight has made them stronger. We will refill what ranks we can, but know you gain a veteran force. I am also handing over regiments four and five to any cause you have. Later, once our forces have grown, you will gain more of my people to command. Over time, after you have command of the Young Queen, she will amass as many armies as you wish. Now, if you don't wish to speak to me, I will understand. Say what you wish. But, yes... We are heading for Kobok. The Elites will accompany you, so you can train them for combat in the style you wish. They are your Knights. Knights of Dravis. But they do not know how to fight like you. They have sworn obedience, they don't second guess your orders. The fight on Kobok, you will lead them, and they will get used to your battle skills. You may leave whenever you wish. And I am sorry."

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

Dravis approached the seat of the Queen, a bit of jaunt in his step. He had re-accumulated his haughty atmosphere, and was displaying it to the best of his abilities. Whatever nerve was struck, whatever weakness was given, it was only a temporary hiccup in the being's personality.

He listened to Gisela, trying to hide his glee as his ego was elevated. She considered him her equal, perhaps even a friend, which was appreciated, if not unexpected. She gave him a mission, gave him an army, and only asked for his trust, and his transparency, in return.

He was happy to oblige.

Perhaps he had some honor after all.

"You worry too much, Gisela," the Bith said, letting his eyes travel over the kneeling forms of his Knights. They were green when it came to combat, but then again, so was he. They would have to learn together. "I will continue my subservient attitude. It is what I do best, after all." Perhaps there was a hint of dismay in his words. "But between us, I do respect you, perhaps more than your people think. You've given me the benefit of the doubt, catapulted me into the greater world... It was because of your backing that I hold as much weight as I do. It was because of you that I have taken up my ways."

"I will admit, I came to you seeking only an army. I'm sure you suspected this." A strange amount of honesty tinted his words. "But I have come to view you, and your people, as so much more. There is power, vulnerability, intrigue, position, wealth... All that I could ever ask for."

"Yet, I am still Sith." Dravis signaled with his hand, commanding the Geonosians to stand. "I will never be satisfied. Until I have the galaxy at my fingertips." The Dark Side flared inside the Sith, intense, feral. "And I would like to take you there with me."

"Now, I must be off." Dravis turned on his heel, preparing to leave, before looking over his shoulder with a smirk. "I'll have a list of secrets prepared and sent to you within the week. Goodbye, my Queen." Before leaving, he threw one final comment out.

"I've got troops to prepare, cities to ravage, that sort of thing."

- [member="Gisela the Righteous"] -