"That belongs in a museum!" (By request only)

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

- "So do you!"​

+ The Last Crusade +​

​

A moon. Located in the southeastern Inner rim, but far from any known trade routes and hyper lanes, the plantoid had been untouched for millenia, the entire system did not had any visitors for a very long time, except for one. A single individual was occasionally returning to this remote place.

The moon itself had a cold climate, was entirely covered in dark and deep coniferous woodland. The trees are often clad in white, the freezing temperatures of the night dying the world in a frosty theme, only to turn into tears when the sun rises, melting the frost and little snow which fell.
The trees itself were quite large, some reached several hundred meters high, some did dwell on the ground between their larger kin, having darker needles and never reaching the height of the ancient ones next to them.
The planet was inhabited by some bird species, a few mammal kinds and that´s about it. Nothing of noteworthy importance. Though a very uncommon part of the bird´s biology on this world: They don´t sing. Nothing makes a sound, ever. Except for the trees which bow in the winds, but you rarely can hear them on the ground which is mainly covered in fern.

It was time again. For the better part of the last eight years, Ecthelion had studied several different books, manuscripts and datapads about power conduction. To simply acquire knowledge was not the issue, the possibility to learn it by practice was and so he worked, usually anonymously for several energy producing company´s in the Core systems. It wasn´t his favourite work so far, actually it was quite difficult for him. His own physical … condition made it difficult for him to be in direct contact with certain energy relays, magnetic units and whatsoever.
Thankfully he managed to get a bunch of decent droids with mechanical and technical programming and capabilities to support him.

Loading his freighter with the required parts and supplies, Aiglos was expecting to be gone for about two years, he proceeded to finalise his planning. He was kinda joyful about the prospect about returning to this place. It was a connection to the past like no other and that made him equally comfortable and calm.

When finishing the loading of everything necessary, he moved inside the freighter and towards the cockpit. He has never been a good pilot, but this was a bulky freighter and not a starfighter. He managed to get off the planet and jump into hyperspace, manually plotting the course. After doing so his gaze shortly fixed on the co-pilot droid. He was thinking how he had to desintegrate this one when returning. Nobody shall ever find this place and he would die to defend it´s secrets.

And it´s relic. His relic.

[member="Darth Tacitus"]​

Out-Of-Character Information

Spoiler

If you want to participate in this thread, please send me a personal request first and directly state a valid reason why and how you could or should be involved. No fleets, no armies are allowed, only small groups, if that much.
This serves as a possible faction introduction for Ecthelion. We decided to make it open by request, if someone would come up with an interesting idea, though please be reasonable and logical about it and discuss it first.

Thank you.

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

Once, a long time before Palpatine's rise and fall, long before his Galactic Empire and the Republic which preceded it crumbled into dust, another Empire had risen to prominence. It spread itself out from a single world, crushing all opposition in its path and bringing the entire galaxy under its rule. It was not long after the age of Revan and Malak, that the age of Valkorion was born in the crucible of war and ended in blood. Valkorion's Empire thus faded from the memory of the galaxy and remained forgotten. Until now.

Thousands of years past. The Galactic Civil War came and went, followed by the Yuuzhan Vong War, followed by the Gulag Plague. Now, the galaxy was in the Age of Chaos. Through steel, grit and fire, nations rose and fell, some proving more resilient than others, which collapsed in on themselves or were shattered by the combined might of their foes.

Another still, lay in the shadows. Watching, waiting, hidden behind the walls of the Confederacy that it was a part of, sharpening its steel and seeking to uncover the secrets of the past. On the icy world of Nelvaan, the memory of Valkorion was undergoing a rapid awakening. A new ruler had risen to claim his mantle and once more raise the flag of the Eternal Empire. His name was Tacitus and he avidly sought anything and everything related to Valkorion's realm, in an effort to reclaim his legacy.

So, his search eventually led him to a derelict station, which provided a database containing a few sets of coordinates. Nothing else, besides that, so each location had to be investigated one by one. Most revealed nothing, whatever secrets they held having long since crumbled to dust. A few were more promising, but required further research and others were, for now, off-limits.

So it was that another world's turn had come. It was yet another set of unassuming numbers and letters that led the battlecruiser Invictus, personal flagship of this new Emperor, to this nameless icy world. A small expedition consisting of four Styx-class dropships departed from its belly, containing the Emperor himself, a contingent of ten Wolfguards and several scientists. The world below appeared uninhabited, so there was no need for a large deployment so long as the massive warship lay in orbit. They hit the atmosphere hard, burning red streaks across the sky as they descended to the surface. Their diamond formation, efficient, their entry vector equally so. These were a people who did not waste time with useless things.

"[[Alpha Wolf, this is OPCOM,]]" called the comms officer aboard the ship above, speaking in High Nelvaanian, the language of his Empire. "[[We have detected a large metallic object south-by-south west of your current vector,]]"

Aboard the lead dropship, the Emperor flashed a brief smile of satisfaction. "[[Roger that, OPCOM,]]" he replied, attention shifting to his pilot. "[[Change vector, south-by-south west. OPCOM is transmitting coordinates now,]]" the Sith Lord ordered and the formation swerved, heading towards its new destination like a pack of kath hounds closing in on their prey.

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

A release of blue and white lightning silently causing a small explosion in real space was the only announcement the freighter gave. In his cockpit Aiglos was steering his bulky ship to the other side of the system, the moon was located far away from the major hyperlance which moved through this system, without knowledge of anyone actually. The Zakuulan was always unhappy with the travelling times the ships of this time offered. They were slow. Very slow. It was exhausting to travel in this galaxy, not only because of the speed, but because most systems did not belong to each other. Small warlord, enclaves and freeholds are claiming little systems as an obstacle of calm journeys. The large nation´s weren´t much better. Either totally mad because of a narrow point of view or they so self-righteous and hypocritical that they were elevated above dirt and failure.

He was passing the system, tons of cargo with him, supplies and spare parts, manuals and books - so much stuff to unload and to do. Maybe he needed more than two years? He didn´t care. Hunger and thirst were minor annoyances to his body and he had survived times far longer than that without any of it. It was a serious project and elementary step to the completion of his goal. In eight centuries he had visited the moon roughly thirty times. Every time with new knowledge, new skills and yet it was never enough. At the beginning he needed more time to learn, more connections to realise, but it got better. And it never was like he was under pressure.

As soon as the end of his journey came into sensor range as he had made his way around the sun, the alarms started to ring. Surprised by this turn of events, he was shutting it off and taking a look at his sensors. A ship anchored above the moon. Someone was here. His sensors were crap, so the unknown visitors would have spotted him long before he did. Cursing, he proceeded till he came close enough for his optics to catch the actual size and picture of what was waiting for him.

A dreadnought, a damn battlecruiser. He was leaning back in his pilot seat and considering his options. He couldn´t run and obviously, he couldn´t fight either.

"This is Valyus of the Spire Federation, identify! You are in private terrain of a sacred place. We repeat, identify, unknown battlecruiser, now! We demand to open talks and that you remove, if any, ships and personnel from within the atmosphere of this moon immediatly!"
Except for improvising and saving time until he found a better idea or could set a foot on that ship, Aiglos had no better plan.

[member="Darth Tacitus"]​

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

A few long seconds passed before a reply would come, the ship's commanders likely considering their options. Nevertheless, a response did come and it was brief and efficient. An accented male voice hailed the freighter in basic. "Attention, Valyus of the Spire Federation. This is the Invictus. This system is now under the temporary jurisdiction of the Eternal Empire and its military forces," the mysterious voice proclaimed. "Two fighters have been dispatched to escort you and are en-route to your position. Maintain current heading and velocity until in range of our tractor beams. Your request for an audience has been granted."

The message cut abruptly as two I-3A Lance Fighters exited from the massive warship's hangar, the gleaming white triangular strike craft racing towards the freighter in perfect formation, a casual demonstration of their level of discipline and training. The Invictus was a veteran of numerous battles and its crew were amongst the best and brightest officers Nelvaan could offer, second only to those on the Midnight Exigent, the battlecruiser's larger cousin.

-------​

This new development had indeed required a reevaluation of the Emperor's plans. Notified of the arrival of someone that claimed the planet to be sacred ground only added credence to the hope that there was, indeed, something of value to be recovered here. As such, he had immediately ordered his shuttles to turn around. "[[Roger that, OPCOM. Do not let the freighter escape your grasp. I want this Valyus brought before me as soon as he is onboard,]]" he instructed. "[[I will handle this matter personally.]]"

So far, none of the coordinates investigated held anything more than ruins or rusted wreckage, too far decayed to be of any use, delaying Tacitus' plans by over a year. Nevertheless, the Eternal Emperor was a patient man, one who understood that important things must not be rushed. Now, it seemed his diligence was beginning to pay off.

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

Ecthelion looked silently at the com for a moment. The Eternal Empire? He felt anger and confusion arising in him, but the confusion was soon gone and the pure anger was left.
These damn pretenders. He has heard about many Empire´s rise and fall, many realms with fancy titles and silly names. Nobody ever dared to adopt the name of the Eternal Empire. If it wouldn´t have been for his experience of aeons and his trained self-control, he would have most likely shouted into the com and been blown to pieces while cursing these abominable liars. But he remained silent and focused to clear his voice of anger.

"We confirm your request and approach the Invictus."

He was steering the freighter towards the much larger ship, a few moments later the two fighters appeared and took position at his flanks. He was right now happy that the windows of the cockpit were blackened and that nobody could take a glance at who is flying. He turned the autopilot on and disappeared into the room behind the cockpit. The droids he brought with him were waiting here. Taking a datacron which had always stored in a pocket, he inserted it into the first one and then gave it to the droid. It was a system and memory cleaner, setting the droid back to production standard with the memory of being sold to Valyus of the Spire Federation. Nothing else. He cursed, now loudly, about losing the progress he could have made with these droids. He then ordered the first cleaned one to insert it into the other droids and bring it back to him afterwards.

Headign back into the cockpit he saw the battlecruiser growing larger and larger, the tractor beam would be in range soon and make his ship stick to it like bad smell. Ecthelion was leaning back in his seat and would let the co-pilot droid do the rest of the flight. Looking at the ship, the Zakuulan was wondering who he would meet on this ship.

And how far he would get if talks went into the abyss.

[member="Darth Tacitus"]​

 

[Rath Exigo]

​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

It would not be long before the battlecruiser's tractor beams seized the freighter in their grip, pulling it towards the hangar like a massive beast reeling in its prey. All the while, the two fighters maintained position on either side of the vessel and slightly behind, ready to blast it to pieces if the situation called for it.

The first thing Valyus would see upon setting foot within the massive battlecruiser, would be the sheer number of personnel, shuttles and fighters present. Seventeen full squadrons of strike craft were being tended to by a veritable army of mechanics and flight deck engineers. Painted on signs, or displayed by holographic projectors, words written in strange symbols seemed to indicate what things were, or perhaps which berth held which squadron. Aside from unit markings, these were the only decorations to be found within the cavernous hangar. Yet, Valyus would not be given much time to admire the sights.

A full squad of Ultranauts awaited the guest, as was standard procedure aboard the military vessels of the Eternal Empire. Veteran troops, battle-hardened and amongst the most disciplined in the galaxy's history. Yet these were not the only members of the welcoming committee. Four masked, white-robed figures would take position to the sides of the freighter's landing ramp, forming a square. Beneath hoods and flowing capes, they wore armor made of interlocking white plates who's design bore clear Zakuulan influences. The only patch of color were the lightsaber hilts which hung from their belts. These were unique to each individual.

At their center, hands clasped behind his back, stood a towering wolf-like alien, dressed in the same attire as the others, yet clearly in charge. "I am Rath Exigo, Lord Commander of the Wardens" the creature would address Valyus in a clear, perfect Basic. "You will ask me no questions. You shall speak only if and when spoken to. You shall follow us and you shall not deviate from the path," the alien would speak, delivering his instructions in the short, precise manner in which everything else seemed to be done aboard this ship. "We shall take you to the Emperor."

Valyus would be escorted through a winding maze of corridors and turbolifts designed to confuse and hinder boarding parties and intruders. At the end of this trek, lay a large office, framed by crystalline shelves upon which rested thousands upon thousands of books, real paper books. A single mahogany desk stood facing the door, a high-backed chair behind it. Beyond the desk, was nothing but a massive Transparisteel viewport looking out on the empty void beyond. Murals cast in silver adorned what little space remained on the walls, depicting scenes of wolves hunting their prey, or battles fought across several worlds by soldiers of the nation to whom this ship belonged to.

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

The droid performed the landing well and got the datacron afterwards. This situation was too dire to risk anything. A sudden and short timed flow of sadness moved through Aiglos, thanks to the thought he just had. The situation may be dire and dangerous, but still ... who would care after he dies. Who would bother? There was nobody left. No soul would ever learn about his life, about his service, about his watch over information which are older as all living realms.

He pushed his thoughts away and moved to the quarters of his ship. He was wearing a simple work attire, nothing fancy. He quickly dressed himself in a robe and made sure to seal the quarters. As cautious as he was, his personal weapon and armour were not here. He did not need them when travelling here. Though he grabbed one of the lightsabers he built himself and attached it to the back of his belt, horizontally clipped to it, the weapon was visible for everyone.

Once he left his ship he found himself between a squad of soldiers, heavily armed and armored and with a strange red, white and black badge on their equipment. Definitely no Skytroopers. Though his attention was catched by the other five individuals, they were clad in cloaks and armor which seemed like a cheap copy of his own sets of armor. Approaching the five special lads, he gave them a deep nod, with his open hand over his heart.

Aiglos was about to start speaking, when the wolf howled. His expression remained untouched while being adressed like a prisoner. The wolf presented himself like some sort of superior, not only to the attending personnel, but to Aiglos was well. He was for sure some form of battle proven warrior and a fearsome leader, but he had no doubt that his neck would equally quick break.
The Zakuulan was considering if he should start a conversation and right away tense up the situation ...

"My name is Valyus. I will follow you, but I insist not to be treated by you like a prisoner, Lord Commander Exigo, then we will have no issues at all."

He was then silently following the wolf-man into the inner of the warship. The idea to counter boarding was well done, but Aiglos thought to himself that it wouldn´t matter much if there was a single hangar. Brilliantly stupid. Or was it stupidly brilliant? It doesn´t matter. He was not focusing on anything but the path from the hangar towards wherever they leaded him.

The office was fascinating. For sure their Emperor resided here. Hopefully he didn´t call himself Eternal Emperor, otherwise it would take a lot of control to maintain this masquerade. Yet he had no idea yet how to maneuvre out of this situation and get these people away from his moon, as they held the power, the possibilities. Suddenly an emergency plan started to form in Aiglos mind ...

[member="Darth Tacitus"] | [member="Rath Exigo"]​

​

Attire (without helmet, without armour parts except for the top one (which is textile as well) and everything in black)​

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

Soundtrack: The Dragon of Zakuul​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

A single man stood beside the desk, his back turned to the arrivals, facing the viewport. A longsword of some kind hung from his belt, accompanied by four lightsabers. His attire was a crisp white uniform accompanied by knee-high leather boots, though this was hidden from view by the heavy-looking leather cloak which hung over the man's frame, the pelt of some animal draped across the shoulders. Silver hair framed a weathered face and gold-tinted eyes that were slitted, like a cat's. His hands, which were clasped behind his back, ended in long, black talons that could rip a man apart.

Around him, the Darkside rippled, hanging like an ever-present cloud that was unlike the raging storm that typical Sith stirred up within the Force. His power was vast and dark, but focused, disciplined to a point that could teach many Jedi Masters a thing or two about self-control. There was none of the primordial fire typically associated with the Darkside, only a cold and patient strength that was as subtle and precise as the wind.

The man's head half-turned, regarding his guest with eyes that held an ancient, timeless quality to them, as if they saw beyond the galaxy's veil and into the mysteries beyond. As if having taken his measure of his guest, the man's eyes now turned again to regard the empty void beyond and the silent twinkling of the stars.

"Tell me, stranger," he asked, his voice distant and pensive. "When you look out into the stars, what do you see?"

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

Ecthelion was looking at the man or thing. He was never sure if Sith or equivalents are worthy of being called ordinary man. From all the enemies he fought in his life, the Sith were the most abominable. They only looked on strength, believing their approach was empowering and mighty, giving them the edge. But they lacked focus, clear vision and discipline, which proved to be their undoing. Several times.

Now here and today, encountering an Eternal Empire over the planet which was once used by the real one, a Darksider stood in front of him. Most likely the Emperor the wolf had announced. Aiglos was mustering the man from top to toe with his artificial eyes. He did not need to use the Force to sense the aura of this person. He was strong, mighty and without all doubt, unspeakable Dark.

The question surprised him though. It was a harsh contrast to the militarisation shown so far. The cruel Lord Commander, the large warship and his appearance. But the office with its knowledge and obvious thirst for it and this philosophical question ... Aiglos didn´t know what the purpose behind this was.

"I see chaos. The absence of order and stability, caused by the unstable reign of narrow-minded do-gooders and abominable darklings." There was no sense to go for lies, Aiglos was not good at it and this one would sense it right away. But he was no play-thing of these militarists. "And you?"

[member="Darth Tacitus"]​

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

The man listened to the stranger's words and slowly nodded. "I see a disease, growing at the heart of this galaxy," the Emperor spoke, his voice distant, as if he was not all there, his mind wandering amongst the very stars he gazed upon. "Like a cancer, it spreads slowly, subtly, until the very roots that all things stand on, are rotten to the core."

"I am a very patient man, stranger," the Emperor spoke, his voice suddenly serious and businesslike. "I abhor senseless violence and gratuitous cruelty, preferring more civilized solutions," he said, the beginnings of a warning lingering in his words. "But I do not like having my time wasted, as I have too little of it to spend on the pursuit of useless things."

He knew, of course, that there was no Spire Federation. His people had ran the name through the Empire's vast database and the search had come up empty. The presence of this stranger in this system, of all places, a system who's coordinates featured on a very special list, was too big a coincidence.

"I came here in pursuit of something that belonged to my predecessor, a man known by the name Valkorion, amongst others, who's work I intend to complete," he said, turning to face his guest, his posture commanding, his voice dripping with authority as if he had been born to it. "And here you are, speaking on behalf of a nation that does not exist, proclaiming this world to be sacred ground."

"You know what I think?" Tacitus asked. "I think you know exactly what it is that I came here for and where it is located. Am I correct, Valyus of the Spire Federation?"

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

Aiglos stood with the legs as broad as his shoulder and his hands folded at long arms. He was patiently listening to what this overlord had to say. The words which filled the room appeared to be as well trained and studied as the special soldiers who escorted the Zakuulan here. But when the darksider mentioned the most Benevolent Emperor, his reaction was notably visible. He moved his head like he didn´t hear it correctly, before falling back into his pose.

"You are mentioning a name you have not the slightest idea of. You want to continue His work? Then tell me, what was His work. But beforehand, introduce yourself and then I may be inclined to continue this conversation on a niveau of mutual respect and return the favour."

Ecthelion had realised that his farce had crumbled and wouldn´t serve him anymore. The old Exarch was going for a more direct and true way, but still being careful about the real intentions of these people.

[member="Darth Tacitus"]​

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

Ah. And there it was. The confirmation the Sith Lord was looking for. It was there, in the stranger's reaction and it most certainly did not escape the Emperor's attention. He nodded pensively as he considered a response. "I am Tacitus," he said. "Ruler of the Eternal Throne of Nelvaan, rightful sovereign of Zakuul by virtue of that which I uphold. I seek to restore balance to the galaxy, to rid it of the plagues of stagnation and complacency, to return the Eternal Empire to its rightful place and to destroy that which poses a threat to all things living."

"Out of the ashes, I will forge a nation and an army like no other, one that will span the eons and persist until the end of time. I will reclaim that which has been lost."

He now had no doubt that this planet would lead him one step closer towards claiming the ultimate prise: the Eternal Fleet, lost to time and the technology of its construction. And with it, he would finally achieve what he had set out to do, what now seemed like a lifetime ago.

He spoke with a powerful conviction that held within a hint of warning. "And now, we stand at a crossroads and you have a choice to make. Choose your side wisely, Valyus of the Spire Federation, for those who aid the Eternal Empire shall be rewarded, while those who stand in its path, shall feel the righteous fury of its steel."

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

Listening to the introduction, Aiglos had to use all his willpower not to shout at this person. Claiming the throne of Zakuul because of virtue ... yet the words reminded him of his early days at the training facility. This man was speaking with a certain conviction and appeared to believe in what he said, a bit too much fury instead of calculation though. He reminded him of the Prince. He who ordered the death of so many of his brothers and sisters.

"My name is Ecthelion Aiglos. You shall not judge me here and now, claimant, you have neither the right nor the comprehension to render a judgement on me. Especially not if the words you speak are true and honest."

He was bold, daring with his words. The Zakuulan sensed the Dark side in this individual and he wouldn´t simply bow to someone claiming a title and realm which he never saw, never felt, never fought for. He sensed the spark of a possible new future, but kept the flame very low. This hope was forfeit the moment this individual continued his approach like a mindless conquerer.

Aiglos was considering to tell him who he was, where he came from and what he was. This extremist would see it either as a challenge or blessing and the old Exarch was holding certain expectations to someone who claimed all this and had the nearly impossible chance to meet someone from the time and realm Tacitus claimed to serve.

"I was an Exarch of the Knights of Zakuul. I lived, bleed and fought for what you claim to inherit. I served and spoke to the One you say you are following. And yes, I know what is on this moon, in this system, because I brought it here."

[member="Darth Tacitus"]​

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

Once more, the Emperor nodded, his expression pensive, distant, as he dissected what he had just learned. He had hoped and come to believe that there was indeed something of value on this moon. He expected he would find a shipwreck, a ruined outpost, maybe even a section of a Star Fortress, but a living Exarch of Zakuul...

"You misunderstand, Exarch Aiglos of the Knights of Zakuul," the Sith Lord spoke, his voice steady, though distant, as if part of his mind was racing somewhere else, calculating, working towards the solution to some equation which only he knew. "It is not I who shall judge you. Nor is it my intention to do so," he said. Once more, he would choose honesty.

"It is this galaxy that will judge us all. And it is a broken thing, its judgement skewed," Tacitus spoke, a hint of warning in his voice, the kind that prophesied some impending catastrophe, as if to underline the gravity of his words. "When you stepped into this office, I asked you what you see out there simply because I was curious to see what kind of man I am dealing with."

"Your answer spoke of chaos, of the absence of order, of the unstable reign of hypocritical Jedi and the destructive, pointless hedonism of most Sith. These are things Valkorion saw, things I see as well. And like my predecessor, I too have sought to learn what causes them. I have looked past the veil and gazed at what lies beyond," he spoke his mind in solemn tone, with solemn words.

"Throughout history, there have been a few who have pierced the veil and seen the truth. Valkorion was one of them. And like those who came before him, he too sought to end this threat and has been murdered because of it. I now fight the same enemy he fought and it is a threat who's power is subtle, yet omnipresent. Its patience, long, its intellect, beyond comprehension."

"I hold no illusion about the things I do. I have spilled the blood of billions and razed entire worlds to the ground. I did these things not out of anger, lust for power, or because they please me, for they do not. But one must set aside personal feelings and other such childish things and let his hand be guided by duty, not emotion. And thus, in my pursuit to win this war, I will do many more such fearsome acts. Not because I wish to, but because not doing them, will lead to even greater tragedy," Tacitus spoke, not with the conviction of righteous fury, but with the conviction of responsibility and the great burdens it came with.

Suddenly, the Emperor turned to face his guest, his eyes hard, yet tired, the man's soul having steeled itself to see his quest through, to the end. Even if it cost him his life, as it had already cost him everything else. "I imagine you are not too thrilled to see another claim the mantle of the one to whom you swore allegiance. I will not hold it against you if you simply choose to turn around and leave. Yet, we must set aside such childish things as preference, and do, instead, what is necessary. And there must always be an Eternal Empire, for without it, this galaxy would shatter and burn."

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

Ethelion Aiglos was silently listening to the self-proclaimed new Eternal Empire called Tacitus. It was an interesting little speech. It was convincing and it sounded passionate. The man was cold, cold as ice, but that was the Benevolent Emperor as well. The Zakuulan wouldn´t dare to compare the two with each other, but he couldn´t resist to compare this one with the Prince. They had many similarities, but Arcann was more ego and more passion driven. Tacitus seemed far more determined and cool-headed, but equally aggressive and calculating.

"What is your course of action then?"

The Exarch didn´t know anything about this Eternal Empire. He didn´t know where they are from. Though most concerningly, he never heard of them before. It was a strangely worrying thought. Either they have risen only a short time ago or their domain was far in a far away corner or the worst, this Eternal Empire was nothing but a little, unimportant player, overestimating itself, upgrading itself beyond reason.

"Tell me about your realm. About the Eternal Empire."

[member="Darth Tacitus"]​

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

Tacitus nodded, considering an answer. "We are not a very large nation," he began his explanation. "We simply do not have the number of people for that, not yet. And so, we seclude ourselves on the fortressworld of Nelvaan, a once primitive world which we are building up into a bastion of civilization, much like Emperor Valkorion built Zakuul up from nothing."

"I will not lie to you, Exarch Aiglos, we do not have many friends in the galaxy. The Great Enemy has seen to that, just like it arranged my predecessor's murder at the hands of the Outlander," he said the last name with disgust. "And so, we have sought allies, in the form of the Confederacy. Through them, we extend our influence silently, pushing and prodding the galaxy with care. True power is subtle, like the wind, yet also indomitable. Like the wind, given enough time we will erode the foundations upon which the Great Enemy stands."

"Though we should not be discounted just because we are confined to a single planet. Valkorion's Empire was as well, for much of its history, as he built the greatest army the galaxy has ever seen in seclusion, away from the prying eyes of those who would stop him."

Hand reaching for his desk, he tapped a few buttons, causing a hologram to appear in the air. It was an image of a fleet, no, an armada. A massive, powerful armada and at its center, a spearhead-shaped behemoth ten kilometers long. The Invictus was not the Empire's most powerful warship. That Super Star Destroyer was.

"This is Sword Armada. Quite possibly the galaxy's single most powerful naval battlegroup. Our battlegroup. All the while, our Wardens of the Shroud are slowly and subtly spreading our influence across the galaxy. We were responsible for the rise of the Ancient Eye. We prevented the Ancient Eye from allying with the Sith Empire and instead pushed for its subsequent alliance with the Confederacy of Independent Systems," the Emperor spoke, describing some of his Empire's accomplishments. "We were there when the Confederacy invaded Tatooine and we were there during the invasion of Copero, just like we were present at Coruscant's fall, extracting material and personnel that is vital to our cause, just like we extracted the contents of the Library of Lorrd, right from under the noses of the Sith."

"And this is only the beginning, what we have achieved in the brief ten years of our nation's existence. We will break the Great Enemy who has manipulated the galaxy into the disordered, chaotic mess it is today. We will fulfill Emperor Valkorion's dream of an ordered galaxy, where the weak are no longer coddled, but taught to raise themselves up, to make themselves strong. One where service to the greater good is more important than the senseless pursuit of hedonistic pleasure and false moral satisfaction. A galaxy defined by honor and merit, where the Force serves man, not the other way around."

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

Ecthelion´s mood had changed from caution to curiosity and while focusing on the little introduction Tacitus gave, it changed again ... to something completely different. Something he hadn´t felt for millenia - ambition. He always had an absolute sense for duty, discipline and achievement for the greater good of the Eternal Empire of Zakuul and its most Benevolent Emperor and now some of this fire seems to have awaken again. Different but he felt that this opportunity shouldn´t be passed unconsidered. The hope was about to form phrase itself further to a more ... destined place, but he was shutting it down by concentrating on what was before him.

"How can you hold a considerable fleet like that with a small and minor population and realm of influence?" Aiglos had his eyebrow raised, looking at the man. He evaluated the answer on his own, but there was more to it.

"Also, Tacitus, holding one of the greatest fleets currently deployable and speaking of subtle movements and intrigues appears to be irritating. You seem not to hesitate to achieve your goals by force, why then playing in silence and shadow, rather reaching out with one hand while the other is a clenched fist?" There was no way the Zakuulan would call him Emperor right now, the absence of addressing the Benevolent Eternal Emperor of Zakuul with his correct title and then speaking of Him as an equal, was still annoying and Ecthelion wouldn´t acknowledge this pretentiousness.

[member="Darth Tacitus"]​

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

Tacitus listened to the man's questions, occasionally nodding as he drew conclusions and formulated answers. He could read the Zakuulan's ambition in his eyes, for one such as him it was easy to see. "We have an arrangement with the Confederacy," he answered the first question. "They supply us the funds to maintain the fleet, in return we fight by their side. We share many common foes, so this arrangement works well for everyone involved. Our interests align, so we work together towards a common goal."

Aiglos' second question was even more interesting, referring to the counterintuitive way that the Eternal Empire conducted its policy. "True power is subtle, yet indomitable," he said. "The Great Enemy we face, understands that. If we were to act openly and on our own, it would turn the entire galaxy against us. As powerful as we are, we can not stand against that. Not yet, anyway. And such a conflict might only further its agenda, at the detriment of ours, even if we were to withstand this onslaught," Tacitus explained, once more referring to a Great Enemy which he described as an 'it', not 'he', 'she', or 'they'.

"To understand why we act cautiously, subtly, you must first put a few things into perspective. Emperor Valkorion was the greatest ruler this galaxy has ever seen. Of all the people who sought to do what we are now also attempting, he was the one who came the closest to accomplishing it. And how close he came, only a few more steps and the galaxy would be a different place. And yet, in the end, the Great Enemy still defeated him."

"So we bide our time. We learn the lessons he left us, so we do not forge ahead blindly. We move our pieces on the Dejarik board until everything is in place. We gather our strength until we are ready and dig at the foundations of the Enemy's walls, slowly, so as not to give it the opportunity to stab us in the heart."

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

The Zakuulan stood and listened to the explanations of Tacitus. It made sense, to a degree. The galaxy once rallied to overthrow the Eternal Throne and would do it again, even if there was no throne right now. Yet. Yet? How could he tell. His mind was ahead of him. Ecthelion was focusing on the presence and on the man in front of him again.

Considering the responses he got, he moved the topic further. "You speak of the Great Enemy. Of those you undermine, you influence, you prepare to battle and defeat. What is it, who is it? The greatest good, the worthiest goal is justice. Those who oppose it, those who oppose law, power and merit are the ones to be put to the blade. Do you agree with this?"

He pauses a moment before he continues. "You seek knowledge, power and tools here. You can find all of it, here in this system. But it is mine, by the right of heritage and sight. I am the last survivor of those who were raised, trained and who lived next to the Benevolent Emperor. One who actually spoke to him. I will not yield myself and the burden I bear without actual knowledge and awareness of what to. You, master of this new Eternal Empire, can choose. Acquire knowledge, new power and mighty tools, or waste time only finding the latter."

Acknowledging Ecthelion Aiglos as who he was, what he was and what he had to offer, was a daring step towards this new emperor. The pretender didn´t seem like ego driven, not of mindless cruelty and neither one sticking to tradition. And yet he was claiming to follow the footsteps of the most Benevolent Emperor and had now the opportunity to work with someone who held not only experience and knowledge, but also power. Though, unproven. Aiglos was wondering what would weigh more heavily now. Opportunism or the proclaimed meritocracy?

[member="Darth Tacitus"]​

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

​

Attn: [member="Ecthelion Aiglos"]​

​

• CNS Invictus
  Special Database Coordinates XM3-A817Z94-M9A378

The Emperor's eyes shifted to the inscription carved above the transparisteel viewport behind his desk, in silvery High Nelvaanian script. "Unity through strength. And justice without mercy," he explained. "Those are the cornerstones of the Eternal Empire. The law must be impartial. Its reach must be limitless and its judgement, absolute. Those who violate it, must suffer punishment and must be made an example of, so that others may, in turn, be deterred from giving in to weakness and impulse."

"It is only through the harsh, iron fist of justice that order is maintained. Where justice reigns supreme, civilization prospers. In its absence, vile anarchy rears its ugly head. The law must be upheld by all, prince and pauper, otherwise chaos dismantles the very fabric that holds society together."

"Power, knowledge, technology, all of these things are but tools to be used in the service of justice and justice must be dispensed without hesitation, without exception. Justice is the highest virtue of an ordered society and its aspects, of loyalty, discipline and obedience, are what keeps us sentient beings above the animals crawling in the dirt beneath our feet."

"It is in the name of justice that we combat the Great Enemy. It is through justice that a better galaxy will be made, one free of weakness, of self-indulgence, of the vile rot of chaos and hypocrisy," the Sith Lord spoke, his voice cold and calculated. "All civilized beings yearn for the firm embrace of justice."

"And it is through its opposites, that the Great Enemy seeks to undermine us all," said Tacitus, his voice drifting away. "You ask much, Exarch Aiglos. You seek to learn secrets that are carefully guarded and for good reason. Justice demands that I tell you the truth of its nature, yet justice also demands that this secret must be kept in the hands of those who can be entrusted with the responsibility of keeping it. The Wardens of the Shroud are the only ones entrusted with this knowledge, for it is a dangerous thing."

"If I am to entrust you with this knowledge, then you must show that you can be entrusted with it even though you demonstrated loyalty in your service to the great Emperor Valkorion. For justice demands that all submit to the same rules, regardless of who or what they are. Will you take that step and join the Wardens of the Shroud? Will you accept the responsibility that comes with secret knowledge and the power that it holds?" the Emperor asked, white-robed Wardens stepping into the office and taking position on either side of the chamber, at some invisible signal from their lord. Their posture, solemn, hands clasped behind their backs as they silently stood witness.

"If so, then kneel. For the first and last time in your life, kneel," the Emperor commanded, his voice firm as he spoke the first words of the Rite of Initiation.