The Power & Principle of War (Adron Malvern)

[WolfMortum]

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Raider Class Assault Cruiser​

Herios Sector, Orbit of Excarga​

Galactic Empire Space​

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The Galactic Empire, well known across the Galaxy for it's vast history of Imperial leadership over countless worlds going so far back as to the fall of the Old Republic and the Empire's first rise to power through the benevolence of Emperor Palpatine and Dark Lord, Sidious. Today, the Sith Empire and the Galactic Empire were two individual bodies of politics residing upon opposite sides of the Galactic Map, the Empire that had been reborn from it's remnant status through the actions and testament of one [member="Tanomas Graf"] had become a known factor within Veiere's life thanks to his former position and residence over the Commenor Systems Alliance alongside his wife, [member="Lady Kay"].

Today however was not a day for the Alliance of Commenor but of outsider pursuits, having resigned his position of King and now established himself further south of the Empire's territories within the Instrop Sector, on the Planet of Rannon far out of the political spotlight and very isolated from the rest of Society today. Over the years Veiere had accumulated a great deal of wealth between his former place within the Dominion and leadership over Ession, albeit brief yet not alone as his marriage to Kay Arenais had too found him wearing a King's Crown and aiding her in the growth to power that was now the Systems Alliance. In the quiet of his days, working beyond the awareness of their government, Veiere had set into motion the construction of the The Dark Jedi Temple, nestled into the great mountain Ardos of Rannon, the great new structure designed and completed by locals of the planet in order to capitalize on secrecy until he felt comfortable the Galaxy was ready for their recognition.

Due to their proximity to the Empire's territory, Veiere had felt it only right to seek contact with the former Emporer himself, unaware that Tanomas had sought to step away from the face of the Empire in favor for a quieter life himself, Veiere had instead been offered a face to face with one [member="Adron Malvern"], representative of the Empire and a man whom so he had been told, could offer Veiere Arenais the acceptance of terms and answer to the support that he would come seeking for their future alongside one another.

The Raider Class Assault Cruiser exited Hyperspace with a sudden emergence that quaked an audible pop due to it's great mass. Dwarfed by many other Vessels of the Empire yet newly constructed and one of the many new Cruisers under the Dark Jedi Order's command, Veiere Arenais stood upon the bridge watching as the crew and captain brought her adrift and sent word fourth to the Empire of their arrival, following the appropriate conduct and not entering into range of the planet without the proper authorization of their hopeful new friends.

 

[Adron Malvern]

Adron had been sure he had fallen out of favor with the Emperor and the Moff Council. Having been traversing the treacherous reaches of Wild Space in place of performing his Imperial tasks was surely something they had all held in contempt. Yet it was the youngest member of the Moff council who was chosen to represent the Empire in this diplomatic matter. In many ways this was a punishment in its own manner, for Diplomacy was Adron’s least favored duty. Adron’s fleet had taken up a position in orbit above Excarga. Three Imperial II-class Star Destroyers lingered above the planet, in a silent stasis.

These star cruisers had remained unmoving until the arrival of their awaited guest. The moment the Raider-Class cruiser fell from hyperspace, a transmission would be sent from the lead Star Destroyer.
A feminine voice, came over the transmission, demanding the proper clearance codes which had already been delivered to Veiere upon acceptance of a meeting. “Unidentified vessel, This is Admiral Yahla of the Imperial Navy, you have entered restricted Space, transmit your authorization codes now. Any attempt to activate your Hyperdrive or weapons systems will result in your destruction. You have two minutes.” The voice belonged to Admiral Catherine Yahla. Commander of the Bothawui Naval Force, her thick Imperial accent made her seem more like a droid than an actual person.

Aboard “The White Nova,” Adron’s personal flagship, he listened as his Fleet Admiral made her expectations of the vessel clear. The fireheaded Deck Officer was a sight to behold. Standing only a few inches over five feet in height one would think she would be a clerk or perhaps an administrator, certainly not the Admiral of an Imperial fleet. However, underestimating the woman had been the death of many men. She was a capable tactician and brilliant Commander in her own right.

With his arms clasped tightly behind his back, Adron’s eyes gazed out of the viewport, resting on the Cruiser that had just exited hyperspace. If the intelligence Adron had received was correct, the man aboard had a decent bit in common with the High Moff. He too, had once ruled from Session in place of Cedric Greyson, as well as command the Force with no small degree of talent. Even here, Adron could feel the eerie shift the man input info The Force. It was certainly nothing to be tested, let alone ignored. Yet, the High Moff was composed, relaxed, expressing a peaceful, while albeit somber, exterior. The Dark Side of the Force that had once been a active tidal wave flooding over him, was now a calm stream, steadily falling in his control.

Once the Carrier had submitted the proper clearance codes, admiral Yahla would turn to the High Moff, her stance mirroring his own. “The Ship has transferred over the proper codes, sir.” She reported, crossing the deck with a graceful stride, having no true place aboard a military vessel. Adron’s eyes remain locked on the ship, causing the Admiral to trace the gaze to it’s target. “Does something alert you, sir?” She asked, yet met no response to her question, instead Adron allowed another moment to pass as he drank in the emotions and feelings radiating from the twisting nether that was the Force. Inside his mind he could sense no hostile intent or planned trickery.

“Admiral, order the Cruiser to begin docking procedures. Once our guest has arrived, have him escorted to the Officer’s briefing room.” The High Moff turned from the deck, making his way to the briefing room himself. He was very much interested to see what kind of man he was preparing to deal with, and if he was as exceptional as the stories claimed.

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

As was most often the case with the Galactic Empire, the sight of The White Nova's interior was a clean example of Imperial Steel and high standard of excellence among their Navy. With the Raider Class Cruiser being settled adrift nearby, Veiere had taken a Lambda class shuttle over to enter one of the ventral Hangars in which he was being expected; there awaiting him was an Imperial escort, armed to ensure that he would not step out of line or come with the intention of harboring any descent to those whom had taken him in and accepted his request for visitation.

Following in his every step, the black cloak that fell around his equally dark robes brushing against the polished floor, his form easily distinguishable against the white armor of his Stormtrooper company. From them Veiere read no hostility but an adherence to duty and the pride they took in serving aboard the vessel. [member="Adron Malvern"] seemed to run a tight ship, his crew and security personnel seeming to walk the corridors as if in unison of one another, the officers that passed them, despite where they were expected or otherwise required in their pursuits, moved with a respectable formality to their posture and watchful gaze upon their new guest. All of this serving Veiere as a reminder to the Empire's desire and ability to keep Order within their corner of the galaxy, to maintain control so to not allow chaos to flood their worlds as so many others had been affected by this new era of Galactic Warfare.

As of today, the Raider-Class vessel upon the Nova's starboard side was the only within the fleet soon to be under the influence of the new Dark Jedi Order. Starting off with Veiere himself and few others in a position to inspire dominance and leadership over the common masses, the engineering and typical crew that had been requisitioned, hired and employed to service and maintain the vessel in loyalty to the new Rannon Temple; they were all still within their early days and it would take some time yet before Veiere's vision would come into it's own. For this, he required certain allegiances or at the very least, reliable contacts within governments such as the Empire...

Reaching the room for their expected conference and meeting, the trooper escort moved to the side, two upon the left and right of the entry-way in order to stand guard should anything befall their superior and ranking High-Moff during his interaction with the former Jedi. Being encouraged to enter, Veiere Arenais stepped on inside, his arms held across his front, both hands buried beneath the loose sleeves of his robe, a light grasp upon either wrist. He had allowed his Lightsabers to be removed of his person for the time being as a show of faith and respect to the Empire for agreeing to this meeting, he held a firm control upon the Force, yet it's presence was diminished within his expectation for an amicable discussion with Graf's chosen representative.

"High-Moff Malvern, I presume" Veiere announced his arrival with a question as to his host, having been given the name upon his initial landing within the Nova's Hangar bay; still he was curious and uncertain what to make of the individual, hoping that by the standard of business that Tanomas had presented him in the past, that this meeting would follow in a civil manner; "My name is Veiere Arenais. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me...".

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]To many, Adron appeared nothing more than a boy in a man’s place. The youngest officer to ever sit on the Moff council, his age had often been a thing to cause others to underestimate him. He was very eager to see if this would be the case with this man. Upon arriving at the briefing room, the Stormtroopers who had escorted the man stiffened, shifting to attention as he passed them to enter the room. Once inside he tapped the panel on the side of the door, causing it to close behind him. “I know of you, Master Veiere.” He said, gesturing to a seat at the table. “Please, have a seat.” He offered, before making his way to a seat across from the one he had just mentioned. His voice was swift and militant, though not edging towards disrespectful, it was firm and decisive. “As you have been told, I am High-Moff Malvern, Moff of the Bothawui sector, and Lord-Captain of his Majesty’s Imperial Guard.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Water?” He offered, grabbing the container of water that sat in front of him. As he poured a small glass for himself, and one for the Jedi Master if he would accept, his blue eyes maintained a fixed position at Veiere. “Now. I hear you are a man of reason and civility, so I trust we will be able to keep thing’s respectful.” He assured the man, before clearing his throat and deciding to take the lead in the situation. “Also…it is my understanding that you are not representing Commenor. A planet you are named King of.” Adron stated, obviously well informed of his meeting’s background. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Taking all of this into consideration…” A moment of pause ensued before his tone allowed a bit of confusion. “What is it you are here for? Why does the King of Commenor seek from the Empire, that he cannot gain on his own planet?” He would ask, taking a moment to peer over the man searchingly, before finally taking a sip of his own glass of water. He would have used The Force as a means to uncover the truth of the man’s mind, but it would have been a breach of their civility agreement, and likely not to work In any capacity. The Force radiated from this man like heat from a fire. His physical presence was not impressive nor commanding, yet his shape in the Force was an imposing factor. [/SIZE]

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Adron Malvern"] knew of Veiere's past affiliations and former place of authority within the Commenor Systems Alliance, though it seemed he was not yet up to date with Veiere's current status; not surprising given Commenor's typical indoor policy with regards to government workings. "King, no longer..." Veiere dipped his head in a bow of greeting and soon moved to take his seat as invited by the High-Moff, his left hand rising in silent and polite decline of the offered drink though he appreciated it all the same; "While my marriage to the High Queen, [member="Lady Kay"] remains strong, I've taken it upon myself to move away from the Systems Alliance in pursuit of offering support to significant allies whom have agreed to support my new organization and Order" Veiere elaborated, though in truth he had no support as of yet, the expectation and hope was that it would come shortly and if all were to go well then perhaps the Galactic Empire would agree to associate with the Dark Jedi Order. "We are, after all going to be near to the Empire's territories. Just off to the East of the Arkanis Sector, the Instrop Sector of which is further south of your own holds a planet known as Rannon. It's fairly isolated and not commonly known about which has made it the perfect hideaway for what is soon to become the Dark Jedi Order...".

"I've been aware of the Empire's confrontation with the Galactic Alliance and the Silver Jedi, I also have contacts within the First Order that I intend to meet with in the near future for likely reasons. Given that I'm to be relatively close to the Empire's space, I think it would be in both of our interests that we agree to support one another. Should your worlds come under attack, and I have the numbers and ability to support the Empire in it's defense, I would gladly do so..." Veiere leaned forward to place his hands atop the table, lacing his fingers as he looked to gauge Adron's reaction. No doubt the High-Moff would need to relay Veiere's wish to his superiors for further council and final decision making. "Currently I'm searching for recruits...-Force Practitioners of a likely mind and set of ideals as my own. This Galaxy has been engulfed in war and mayhem; the power that resides within us ought to be put to the cause that we can bring these people to justice for their oppression against society as we know it".

 

[Adron Malvern]

​The news that Veiere was no longer the King of Commenor was both new and surprising. As the man divulged the information, Adron set his elbows on the table, clasping his hands together in front of his lips as he spoke. "So, you have given up the title of King." He said, pausing for a moment in consideration. As Veiere spoke, Adron took the information in, sitting silently so he could truly drink in all of the information. After speaking of the Dark Jedi order, Adron was forced to scoff a bit at the words, however he quickly recovered himself. "Excuse me. I apologize, but to hear of such a thing it is....not expected." He said, before adjusting the collar to his uniform. "I was born a Jedi, my father was the Jedi Lord of Serenno. The Jedi way is a proud and foolish endeavor. My father served Serenno for countless years, giving every bit of himself for the people, as did my mother. For their troubles they were betrayed and executed by the very Count's they had made rich." He said, chuckling softly at the memory of his families death.

​It was not a humorous thing in reality, in fact it was something the High-Moff held in spite and vengeance. "I loved my father and mother. But if they were alive today....I would hunt them down and kill them." He said, his eyes locking on Veiere intently. "Because that is what I do, Master Veiere. I hunt down the enemies of the Empire, I cut off their heads, and I shatter their lightsabers. In the hopes that never again....will the Jedi of old gain power in this galaxy."

​After a moment of pause, Adron stood from his seat, beginning to pace the room a bit as he spoke. "The Jedi way is an abomination that embraces chaos and anarchy. Holding shallow principle over rigid law. I will never allow them to threaten the Empire." He explained to the man, finally bringing his point to a climax. "So I need to know your Dark Jedi Order will not be the foolish, prideful, abomination that the Silver Jedi order was."

​As Veiere began to speak of the Galactic Alliance and the Silver Jedi, Adron's opinion of the man was reinforced a bit more. He seemed to be of a relatively similar mind of the High-Moff himself. "...And in return we would support you in kind." Adron said, finishing Veiere's perhaps unfinished statement. As Veiere continued to speak, Adron passed him a skeptical, yet accepting look. From there it was silence, a silence he maintained for some time as Adron stood, staring at the man.

​"I will take all of this into consideration. However it is the Moff Council that will ultimately decided the fate of our relationship."

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere nodded slowly as he listened to [member="Adron Malvern"] blatant bias towards the Jedi of the Galaxy today, the man whom sat before the High-Moff knowing better than anyone the ideals and perceptions that were the Jedi Order and thus though he owned his hypocrisy today for moving to rise against them in equal disagreement, he held the advantage of knowing well his likely enemy to come in the future days of the Galactic War. "I understand your position rather well, High-Moff Malvern..." Veiere replied, seeking to reassure the man and discourage some of the intensity behind his exclamation, that the two could continue their meeting amicably; "I'm not sure if you're aware of it or not but I myself was once part of the Jedi Order and established the Jedi Enclave of Deneba where I resided for a time as Grand Master".

Veiere would let this admission settle, though not long enough for Adron to respond without first hearing the Dark Jedi's perception of the Jedi Order in the light of today. "The Order is a disorganized catastrophe. They seek to kill everything that differs with their alignment in the force giving no chance to peoples whom do not follow in their perceptions of life within our Galaxy. They claim that there's is the path of righteousness and reason and yet they initiate and encourage warfare through the invasion of other nations and governing powers such as yours for example. The Jedi were never meant to have such a place in politics for the corruption that it would bring and that very fallacy we see in the Silver Jedi Order today. I have associations with the Silvers, some few that I respect yet their Order has fallen far from grace and I can no longer support the error in their ways..."; bold and biased himself, as a Jedi he sought and was taught never to judge others nor the lives they chose to live by, yet today he was a Jedi no longer and for these very reasons he had turned his back on their Order and their Jedi Code, all of which was built upon a lie that sparked the first great civil war between Force Users so many generations ago.

"There is little doubt in my mind that when the time comes that the Dark Jedi Order will be revealed to the Galaxy, they will seek to strike at us first chance they get upon the basis alone that we harbor and practice the Dark Side of the Force..." Veiere concluded, having seen their arrogance and overzealous, violent nature towards those that opposed their apparent pursuit of Order. "They, alongside the Galactic Alliance will one day move to stand against us and when that day comes, it will be my allies that I will stand beside in war...-Perhaps, should your council of superiors approve of my request, I may one day find myself standing upon one of your planets, a force to be reckoned with and the wall between your enemy and the innocent that look to your care and security for safe and prosperous living".

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]The fact that Veiere has served as a Jedi Grand Master was not news to Adron, though it was something he had already decided not to hold against the man. When the Moff council had informed him of Veiere’s former aspirations Adron wished to set the stage for a trap, killing the man who wished to further the influence of the Jedi in the galaxy. However it was something that was not necessary. Veiere had already showed that he was a man of practicality and decency. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I've heard the tales of your Order, Master Veiere. However I was assured you were more agreeable to someone truly lost to the dogmatic and blind views of the Jedi. So far you have proven you are their superior.” Adron admitted, placing a hand on the table as Veiere began to speak once again. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]His words were… Convincing. So much so that Adron took a moment to stare at the wall. He contemplated the uses Veiere and his order could contribute to the Empire. However he was also unconvinced that they could not become a threat in their own right. Finally he had made his decision, taking the cup of water back into his hands as he spoke to the Dark Jedi Master. “I will encourage the Council to seek an alliance with your order. Of course the final decision is theirs but I am sure they will come to the same conclusion I have.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“My men will provide you with contact information. I am very interested in seeing the progress of the Dark Jedi Order.” He said, offering Veiere a polite incline of the head as he concluded their meeting. [/SIZE]

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

"Despite my past associations, I have always sought to approach others upon a mutual playing field, so to speak" Veiere responded, dipping his head briefly in appreciation once more for the High-Moffs complimenting him on his character; "It's not my belief that following the Dark Side of the Force makes you a bad person. As a Jedi, I associated with other Dark Side Practitioners, especially with my former government dealing with all sorts of amicable friendships, I'm sure you can understand. I've never judged people for their alignment in the Force, only their integrity of Character".

With [member="Adron Malvern"]'s conclusion being one of positive stance towards their prospective alliance, Veiere smiled and offered a second slower nod, listening further to his words a moment. "An Empire as large and widely recognized as yours cannot be known for making such decisions on the fly, I understand the need for a consensus. If it would please your Council, I will relay the co-ordinates to our temple forward to you, that they might send a representative or more to come and see the Temple for themselves. It had turned out to be quite impressive, I must admit". He had of course organized and watched over the planning and construction of the Dark Temple throughout the past year; managing to do so without to large a notice from Government officials nor his families growing concern. They had of course noticed his moods, his mind slowly becoming conflicted and delving into a depression; yet his secret remained isolated until it's establishment was complete and he had the need to begin recruiting others for this new course of action.

"I hope that some day we might be able to discuss your fleet" He spoke, slowly standing from the table as it appeared to him that Adron was wrapping up the meeting. Rightly so as their business for the time being required the approval of his superiors. "I would very much like to organize some sort of a trade one of these days, our services for the schematics to some of your larger ships. I'm afraid ours is sorely lacking in comparison..." He chuckled softly, extending a hand in offer and farewell to Adron before he would begin to take his leave.