Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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Sons of Darkness

Sitting at a table in his personal quarters aboard the Widow-class frigate, Xis ate his dinner. On the plate before him a nerf steak cooked to perfection, as he cut into the thick slab of meat Xis allowed himself a small sense of enjoyment as the smell of grilled meat filled his nostrils. Few enjoyed the finer things in life more than Xis, and even less could live without it. One could be at the top one day and at the next end up on the lowest rung clinging on for dear life. Much like the One Sith had, a group of self-proclaimed powerful beings that were now crumbling in upon themselves. The same could be said of the Black Sun, they had been a constant for millennia climbing up the food chain and a few years ago had been powerful before dropping harder than an exhausted bantha. Now they were nothing, that was the meaning of this trip. There would be no way for one to track him as he'd made three random jumps before leaving his planet of Falleen and then another 3 jumps before coming to Panatha. Such precautions were always necessary for one such as himself.

Xis was back and with him so to would the Black Sun return. The Falleen had spent many years out in the Unknown Regions unable to come back to the organization that needed him most. Back to the only thing he could truly say he loved. He would revive the festering corpse of the Black Sun or die trying, but first he needed allies, and who better than those who had suffered a similar fate? Holding out his hand palm up Xis motioned for the young human serving him. The boy could’ve been no more than twenty, freckles littered his pale skin and his green eyes were filled with a wonder Xis had saw in many beings. “I assume you read up and did your research on this Black Empire.” Xis said taking his first bite of the Nerf steak. The taste was exquisite and caused his taste buds to tingle. “So tell me about them.” Xis said motioning for the young boy to sit.

“Y-Yes Lord Xis!” The young boy said stumbling over his words, he had been so caught off guard he hadn’t noticed Xis’ offer to sit. No matter let him stand. “The Black Empire from my gatherings and contacts seems to be a political power that is separate from the One Sith, though is comprised of many from them. Panatha used to be an ally of the one Sith but the Galactic Alliance were able to cut off all trade routes leaving them all but helpless. Now it seems that they’re gathering power to strike out, there’s even mention of them attacking One Sith territory.”

There were obviously facts missing, and Xis knew all the information already. He was simply testing his servant? Aid? Weren’t all those beneath him just servants? “You didn’t tell me who was the Emperor. It is an Empire, of course it would have a leader.”

Freezing the boy’s eyes widened. He had heard the rumors of what happened to those that had failed Xis. The Falleen tolerated much, failure wasn’t one of them. “I am sorry my Lord, my contacts didn-“ He fell silent eyes bulging as an invisible hand seized around his throat.

“Were you about to lie to me? Say that your contacts didn’t mention who was leading them.” Without waiting for an answer Xis began lifting the boy in the air with his telekinetic might. “I know they did because I also discussed similar matters with them.”

“Then why did you ask me?!” The boy gasped out face turning bloodshine crystal.

“It was a test, and you failed.” With a thought Xis finished the boy, a sharp snap filled the air and the boys’ corpse dropped to the floor. Appetite now ruined the Falleen rose activating his com link. “Please send janitorial by my personal chambers, seems I made a mess.” Stepping over the body the Falleen made his way out the room and to the hanger, they’d be approaching Panatha any minute and he couldn’t wait to meet this Emperor.



An hour later Xis was on his way down to the planet standing in a Graul-class dropship. He was the only one, no guards accompanied him nor soldiers. He planned on walking into the heart of the Black Empire showing no fear, no joy, nothing. Public display of emotions was beneath a Falleen. He had contacted the Black Empire a standard week earlier to set up this meeting he only hoped that they’d offer him a warm welcome. Considering they were Sith, Xis came expecting the worst.

[member="Darth Carnifex"]
 
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Canthar, Capital City of Panatha

The clouds parted before [member="Xis"]' craft to reveal a vibrant jungle world, a plethora of green and blues as far as the eye could possibly see. Dotted among those thick tree canopies were towering spires of beige marble and reflective golden domes, and as the Falleen's ship neared the coastline the man-made structures became more frequent and clumped together until, at last, the wondrous capital city came into full view nestled along the mountainous coast. The city of Canthar had stood strong for over three thousand years, named for the ancient Epicanthix King who united the belligerent tribal communities into a singular kingdom through marriage, diplomacy, and outright conquest. In reverence the ancestors of that man's ambitions named the city he took for his seat of government after him, and in time the original name was lost to the annuls of history.

Even now the city retained many of the architecture and layout designed by its ancient architects, but a keen eye could detect the interwoven modernization that pervaded nearly every district of the capital save for perhaps the pentarchy of pyramidal temples that dominated the very center of the city. Long standing tradition kept the center of the city free of modern influence, and it served as the grand religious center for the entire population. Even now from the skies one could see hundreds, perhaps thousands, of devoted faithful milling about the ziggurat's terraced slopes as they hearkened to the voices of the ordained priests who shouted the gospels of the Gods in the Epicant tongue.

At the farthest end of the city was the Royal Palace which once served as the personal home and seat of power of the ancient Kings, but had long since been turned into an administrative center as the royal power moved away from the capital and to the massive iron citadel that scraped the darkened sky in the eastern Iron Mountains. The old palace still served an important function to the planet's government, and now it would serve as the backdrop for Xis' meeting with the God-King of the Epicanthix.

A single landing pad had been built into the palace's western wall, and a small contingent of soldiers stood in formation on the bridge connecting the pad to the main structure. A joint system of vocal communication and pulsating lights directed Xis' ship to land, where the commander of the small guard force stood to await the Falleen's arrival. Once the alien had departed his ship, he would be confronted with the armored man who informed him; "The God-King waits to receive you in the atrium, we've been assigned to escort you." Not much else was said by the guard, there wasn't anything else to be explained, and without another word he curtly turned one-hundred and eighty degrees and marched at the head of the miniature procession leading Xis beyond the vaulted entry way and through the labyrinthine halls of the old palace.

Up and up they would travel, going up several flights of stairs before reaching a mechanical lift that would transport Xis the rest of the way up. The guards, however; would remain behind. This was to be a personal meeting between two individuals, and the God-King was confident enough in his own strength that the guards would be doubly unnecessary for the meeting and would only serve to unnecessarily cause tension between the two parties.

The atrium itself was a magnificent chamber, the entire ceiling made of gilded glass arranged to display ancient battles that originated from clay tablets uncovered from long lost ruins. Those very same tablets were kept secure behind an impervious wall of transparisteel alongside many other artifacts pertaining to Epicanthix culture. At the center of the room stood the God-King himself, bathed in rich crimson silk with a circlet of black steel and square-cut rubies perched atop his brow. He turned at the sound of the lift doors opening, and a thin smile parted his lips. "I've been waiting for you, Mister Samun. I assume you already know who I am, but formality dictates that I tell you that my name is Kaine Zambrano, God-King of the Epicanthix, and Dark Lord of the Sith. I am so pleased that you could come all this way to Panatha to meet with me, there are not many others who would go this far out for someone like me."
 
Looking out the viewport as the shuttle dipped through the sky Xis almost found his breath stripped away. Falleen often toted their own homeworld as the pinnacle of culture and civilization, but what he saw below would challenge any Falleen’s beliefs. Canthar was indeed a city that one wished to live in off appearances alone, the waters of the coast were so clean that they reflected a large portion of the city. The domed architecture was symmetrical and near perfect. The way it had been built blending in with the forestry a work of art. One tired of seeing the common ecumenopolis that most planets found themselves becoming. It had become the standard instead of the exception, cities like Canthar were becoming a dime in a dozen. Taking note Xis would be sure to check how much an it would cost to purchase a vacation home here.

Upon landing and being faced with the guards Xis simply examined them, efficient. If they were xenophobic they didn’t voice their opinions… Good, the guards under Carnifex’s employ were up to snuff for Xis. Many didn’t speak outright about their dislike for alien species, but those in power usually did without fear or restraint. Reaching out with the force though it was only a whisper Xis searched for any monitoring devices that would be watching and recording him. His skills in mechu-deru allowed Xis to find them and instead of seeing the Falleen being led by the guards there would be a blank area in the video feeds. It was best for no one to know that he was here, just in case there were spies in the God-King’s employ. Xis doubted it but one could never be too careful in his line of business. One word of this to the Galactic Alliance and heads would roll. Xis’ wouldn’t be one of them.

They certainly don’t know the meaning of using speeders in here do they? Xis wondered as the wandered throughout the palace and up numerous flights of stairs. While not tired it was an inconvenience that most civilized places had dealt with, maybe it was to allow the visitor to get a better lay of the palace and observe its wonders, or perhaps the owners loved displaying their wealth. Wasn’t that a common thing among the Sith? Finally, Xis thought as they reached a lift but the guards stayed behind, quite peculiar. Offering them a nod of respect Xis rode the lift up to what would either be a battle to the death or a civilized meeting. One never knew with the Sith.

Door sliding open Xis was welcomed by the God-King. The common question was “What was a king to a God?” But what did one say when the other was a god and king? Aw yes Kaine Zambrano, no many wouldn’t come across the stretches of the galaxy to meet the Sith Lord. Especially if they knew his history, this Sith had done some of the most despicable things in galactic history and here Xis stood across from him. Fear was not known to this Falleen, he instead showed a mutual respect. Offering a smile, he respectfully inclined his head. “It is a pleasure to meet you Mister Zambrano, your reputation precedes you. I contacted you so it was only right that I am the one to take the journey, but worth the wait it was. Quite the diamond in the rough you have here. I am simply glad you saw fit to meet me. May I take a seat?”

[member="Darth Carnifex"]
 
The God-King gestured for [member="Xis"] to proceed, and allowed the Falleen to take his seat before replying. "Many are surprised at the lack of global modernization on Panatha, we do not possess the towering skyscrapers of Panatha or even true metropolises like Anaxes, but what we do have in abundance is spirit of will and a culture that has endured hundreds of years of foreign occupation. Not even Palpatine's Empire could destroy our way of life." A Z2 Servant Droid, previously hidden in the background of the atrium, now floated on out into the light carrying a tray stacked with ornate goblets and two full bottles of dark colored wine.

The droid first toddled over to Xis, and extended him a goblet with one of its many servo-arms while also inquiring: -Alderaanian or Mandalorian wine, milord?- The Z2 would respond to whatever choice Xis took, pouring him a goblet of the chosen wine or moving away if Xis decline the offer of drink and moving back to the God-King. Without even asking Kaine the same question he poised to Xis, the servant poured him a full goblet of the bitter Mandalorian wine. The God-King had received many casks of the drink from his family members who happened to serve in the Mandalorian Crusaders at the other end of the galaxy, his greatest benefactor being his son-in-law [member="Isley Verd"].

Kaine wrapped his fingers around the filled goblet, and threw back a gulp greedily. Alcohol didn't have the same effect on him as it did other, many decades of drinking and Dark Side immersion had strengthened his tolerance to mind-addling substances. He could drink a dozen bottles of the bitter wine and not even feel a buzz, and any destructive effects it may have on his body was negated by the cancerous Dark Side pestilence that festered in ever fiber of his being.

"So..." He finally asked after a moment or two, "What exactly does the Black Sun want with me and my people?"
 
Moving to take the seat Xis sat down his long ponytail draping over the back of the chair. It was often considered rude to have your elbows on the table in many cultures so instead Xis sat them on his legs fingers steepled the freshly manicured nails shining as bright as his shimmer silk robes. “I find that the modernization that overtakes many of the worlds these days is unneeded. They give up what makes them unique in hopes of pleasing the masses. This city is perfect the way it is.” He didn’t know about the sentiment of even Palpatine being unable to break the Epicanthix. Xis knew his fair share about the ancient times and those who led during those times. Palpatine had killed thousands if not millions for simply displeasing them. Would Panatha truly survive if one like himself returned?

Xis had felt the presence of the droid the same as a regular force user would feel the presence of sentients. Such was the effects of delving into the true depths of Mech-deru, while not his only ability it was one of Xis’ specialties. Simply laying his eyes on the droid it was as though every function of it was laid bare before him. A quick once over showed it had not been programmed for battle or carried weapons so Xis allowed it to approach. “Alderaanian if you would.” Both alcohols were known for being either bitter or tart. Maybe it was the personal taste of Zambrano, or perhaps it had been a test? Either way Xis made his choice and accepted the goblet taking a small sip before setting it down.

“No you misunderstand my friend, it’s not what I want from you or your people but what I can do for you.” It was time to make his pitch and Xis was in full form sitting up straight now. There were few beings in the galaxy he met taller than himself but the patriarch of the Zambrano family was one of them. “I know what the Galactic Alliance did to you and your people in service of what they call the greater good. They separated you from the main trade routes of the galaxy, you’ve been cut off from the supplies you need. Eventually your economy will suffer and so will your people. I come to offer my services in reestablishing your planets connection to the rest of the galaxy. Bring you once more into the galactic fold so you can receive the supplies and trade can resume for Panantha.”

[member="Darth Carnifex"]
 
The God-King's brow knit together in thought, his mind mulling over the Falleen's offer while his eyes never wavered from [member="Xis"]' own. He swirled his drink around in his chalice before he took a sip, and finally responded: "Do not assume I am unfamiliar with the Black Sun, Mister Samun. You reestablish trade networks with the Pacanth Reach and further your own financial gains at the same time, correct? No one does anything in the galaxy unless there is an ulterior motive, even the Jedi are guilty of this. They impose their protection on worlds to get a leg up on their political and theocratic enemies, all while strengthening their hegemony on the ignorant."

He gave off a small chuckle, took another drink, and continued to talk. "Do not mistake my words for a slight against you, Mister Samun, the Black Sun is a notorious criminal organization which I had worked with extensively in the past before relations broke down." Alas, the Black Sun of old ultimately fell prey to the rising star, the Red Ravens, and had been abandoned by its former allies in favor of something stronger, more stable. That had in itself been a folly after the Red Ravens imploded under their own ineptitude, with some coaxing from yours truly after he directly meddled in the affairs of the Raven leadership several times, going so far as to enslave one of its leaders. But since then there had been no powerful syndicate to replace it, at least none that ever caught the Dark Lord's attention.

But now with the Black Sun on the upswing it was high time to make alliances, forge pacts, with the once defunct organization. His budding Empire needed some criminal muscle to ensure that their supplies needed to improve their martial might wouldn't get confiscated by rampant Alliance brigands. "You scratch my back and I scratch yours, correct?"
 
“You wound me. While those who once controlled the Black Sun were focused solely on filling their coffers I am different. I consider myself above them in a way, I plan on playing the long game. No, I would even over to reopen the tradelines for fifty percent less than you were paying before.” The deal was a good one and as they said never looked a gifted bantha in the mouth. Many of the Black Sun understood greed, none better than Xis but if all you saw were the credits you could make in the short run than you were overlooking all that awaited you in the future. This deal wasn’t truly beneficial to the Black Sun credit wise but would be in many others.

Reaching down and taking a sip from his goblet Xis let what he said hang in the air for a few seconds. He wanted the patriarch of the Zambrano’s to think that the Falleen was either insane or planning something. “What I want is for you to continue as you are, continue building your empire. Gathering your strength, your following. Then attack the Galactic Alliance, keep their attention on yourselves. Crush them beneath your boots. That’s all I want and since I’m sure your goal was to do just that you will be losing nothing in this deal.”

Swirling the liquid in the goblet Xis looked away from Carnifex and instead at the liquid. “The war between Jedi and Sith have gone on for millennia, with you rising as a bigger threat they’ll obviously come after your empire leaving me and mines to continue on as we please.”

[member="Darth Carnifex"]
 
"Ah, I see now" replied the Dark Lord, "We'll be a lightning rod to deflect the Alliance's attention away from your dubious activities? No doubt they hardly think of the Black Sun as a credible threat anyways, for how could a bunch of amoral criminals compare to the wickedness that the Sith embody?" A little chuckle followed. The Alliance were fanatics, no doubt, and their leadership would quickly become obsessed with his defiance against the Light, and soon they would send more of their blinded soldiers to put an end to him. He wondered how many they would send to die? A couple thousand? A couple hundred thousand? A million or two? He'd long witnessed their zealotry first hand, it bordered on outright insanity sometimes, and with the inevitable collapse of both the Republic and the One Sith Empire they would look towards him.

But, he would not stand alone. He had his soldiers, his Sith, and yonder the First Order. He would not go down easily, and many of their lackeys would die laying siege to Panatha if it ultimately came to that. The God-King didn't doubt the loathing the Alliance felt for him and his people, but even still he was not comfortable being manipulated, even if it was minimal (practically non-existent), so a deep frown came to crease his patrician features.

"Consort with me, Mister Samun, and you too are roped into the coming conflict. The Alliance are lunatics, they'll eradicate anything associated with the Dark Side of the Force, and many among their ranks wouldn't bat an eye at the destruction and murder of a couple of criminals."

[member="Xis"]
 
“I knew you’d understand, the Galactic alliance and their jedi are blinded by not only their ambitions of trying to expand their influence. But also by their dedication to fighting the darkside. It is what blinds them to the enemies at their backs. The ones they can’t see or comprehend… By the time they do realize whats happening it will be all but too late. You and your people will easily present the biggest threat to them simply off not conforming to their pitiful beliefs of the light.” Raising his glass in salute Xis tilted it back taking a generous sip. All the speaking had him more than a bit parched, shame alcohol did nothing but make it worse in the long run.

Xis could’ve lied about his intentions for the Black Empire. He could’ve come offering to reestablish trade routes at a fee rivaling what it was before. But why would he do that when faced with the potential of the Black Empire eventually figuring out his real goals. If the Falleen had come under the pretense of establishing trade routes only for monetary funding it would be completely overlooking the element of using the Black Empire as a distraction. Something the Sith would figure out on their own and not be pleased with. No… It was always beneficial to lay out the entire offer when faced with a Sith.

The God-kings statements were true in a general sense. Once the truth came out the Black Sun would draw the ire of the galactic alliance. “You are right my friend but there is always one constant. The Black Sun has fallen before and it will always rise again. I do not care whether they come for us or not but when they do… We’ll be ready to meet them in battle. We’re not all that defenseless. So do we have an accord?”

[member="Darth Carnifex"]
 

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