The Right of Succession

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Gratos was a lush world, despite its morbid reputation. For hundreds of years, it had been the apex of Dark Side power in the known galaxy. Now, it was little more than a dusty conquered world. The Graug lived like animals, and their former slaves competed for the scraps. The small Republic garrison stationed here left the population alone. They were to put down any Graug uprisings, though anything beyond that was utterly ignored. It was too much work policing the brutes.

The four great clans of the Graug were spread around the planet's neighboring worlds. The strongest clan, the Imperials, owned the homeworld. This clan had produced Krag, and Graxin as his heir. Graxin bore the name of Grax, the great Graug warlord who sired Darth Vulcanus, and was more than happy to use that to his advantage. Word of his success had spread through Gratos, and those Graug that had survived were quick to meet him.


The Mephirium cut through the dense skies of Gratos and came down to land at the edge of the old Imperial Palace. Rain had begun to split the sky, and a legion of the surviving Graug had come down from the palace steps to greet the visitors. Glycons stood at the edge of the crowd, grumbling unintelligible words in Graug speak.

Graxin was dressed in the usual ebony leathers of the order, and awaited his Padawan next to the ship's exit. He reached down to make sure his lightsabers hung in the right places, and leaned back against the ship bulkhead. "These are the Imperials, Kaigann. I have a the right to succession with them. We will need them to help save the Graug race." He paused for a moment. "I've called one other to help us in our little quest."


[member="Kaigann Fossk"]

 

[DARKCOM]

Gazing outward at the lush landscape of Gratos had puzzled the padawan, he had heard horror stories of all sorts centering around the world and expected something more like Korriban. The planet actually was quite a sight. The rumors so far were far off yet he had not been on the planet yet to witness anything, he had to admit his own ignorance when it came to the subject. Kaigann had no formal knowledge on the Graug aside from records of their conflict with the Republic not long ago, he knew of their ferocity from rumors and 'horrors' but these were simply legends spread from the lips of ignorant Coruscantis.

The Mephirium soared through the sky toward a large palace-like structure which he assumed to be the capital of the Graug. Rain drops fell upon the glass windshield as the clouds unloaded upon the landscape below, the Graug gathered before the palace steps alongside titanic creatures among the edge of the crowd. Kaigann was slightly unnerved by the sight of the beasts, had his master really grown up here? Landing forth, Graxin led the way out of the vessel followed by Kaigann who kept a conscious eye on the crowd as he paid attention to his master.

"I see, they look anxious. I admit I was not expecting Gratos to be as such or the Graug to be so... calm. Will there be any to contest your claim to the throne?" Kaigann looked forward at his master, "Oh? Who did you call upon?"


[member="Graxin Rade"]

 

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Graxin showed no sign of fear or intimidation as they exited the vessel. Doing so would be seen as a sign of weakness by those Graug present, and welcome challenge. That was far from anything Graxin wanted out of this trip. He slowed his pace to allow his Padawan to take in the sights and sounds. The archway leading into the palace was massive, flanked by large stone pillars of long dead Graug lords. The Graug-Mother had once ruled from his place, though Vulcanus had usurped the throne soon after his birth.

"It's not calm. It's fear. They're araid of us. Something we'll have to teach them not to feel." Graxin muttered quietly. He shoved his hands into his pockets, and began the long ascent up the steps. The Graug honor guard stood at the doors to greet them, and turned about to open the massive gateway as they drew closer. "Careful not to make any sudden movements. You might scare them--as much fun as a crying Graug might be, I'd prefer to avoid an incident."

He paused just before they crossed the main doors, and turned toward his Padawan. He paid little heed to the Graug within earshot. "One of my sisters. She can help us stabilize the world--I'd remind you to be mindful of women, by the way. She's about your age and...I speak from experience Kai, they can easily pull us from the right path."


[member="Kaigann Fossk"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

She had heard of what her brother had done out of anger and revenge. Anastasia could understand such behavior as she still had times felt that way. The Graug had stolen her childhood, parents, brothers from her and it pained her still. Ana couldn't understand why her brother wanted to save the rest of the race. They didn't deserve to be saved in her eyes. She decided to put those feelings aside to help her brother. Who knew, he may just as well change her mind.

As her shuttled touched down beside the one she knew to be her big brother's Ana took a deep breath as all the memories of old came flooding back to her. The way they had treated her was unforgivable and thinking back to those things now brought tears to her eyes. Fighting back the tears she took another deep breath as she exited the ship. If there was one thing Anastasia had learned as a slave it was to never show fear.

The Graug were well aware that she was Graxin's sister and as such left her alone mostly though she could hear them whispering to each other. Ignoring them she made her way inside the temple were she was to meet her brother. It was always good to see him.

"Hello,"she smiled trying to keep a cheerful disposition when for her this really was hell. After hugging her brother she turned to the young man next to him before turning back to her Graxin. "Your Padawan?"


[member="Kaigann Fossk"] [member="Graxin Rade"]

 

[DARKCOM]

Ascending the stone steps of the old Imperial Palace, Kaigann flanked slightly behind his master as he climbed toward the entrance to the palace. He kept his composure following Graxin's lead, he felt the eyes of the Graug around him as he studied the sights. Tall statues of long dead Graug stood before them flanking them on each side, a wondrous stone archway led to the palace where he witnessed standing before the entrance was specially attired Graug he assumed to be the palace guard. They slowly opened the doorway for Graxin as the duo approached, his master slowed his step to a near halt before crossing the doorway.

Kaigann listened as his master revealed the person he had called on, his sister no less. His cheeks went rose red with his signature sly smile coming shortly after, "I'll try to stay mindful of that master... I mean. I'll make sure to stick to my Jedi morals." He jested a bit to ease the air around the Imperial Palace, entering inside the palace he turned to glance at the appearance of a lone woman coming to greet them, coming to greet Graxin. Meeting her brother in arms it appeared his master's sister had arrived sooner than expected.

The apprentice reached his hand outward with a friendly smile to greet the sister of his master, "Yes ma'am. Kaigann Fossk, a pleasure."


[member="Graxin Rade"]
[member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

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The Knight went rigid as she wrapped her arms around him. He would have chided the girl--the Graug likely saw it as a sign of weakness--but managed to stop himself. He was a Jedi and a brother before he was the Graug Warchief. The latter was not a title he intended to keep either. He was no ruler. It was simply a means to an end, to help the Republic get its foot in the door. He returned the short embrace, giving his younger sibling a tight squeeze. "Aye, Kaigann is mine. He's a fine young man."

He allowed the younger woman to escape his grasp, and cast a momentary smile his Padawan's way. The Graug around them gave no visible reaction, though Traxin knew they were puzzled. He could read it from their silence. "Kaigann, this is Anastasia...now, let us get underway."

Without missing a beat, Graxin strode forward. The Graug filled out behind him as he strode through the massive archway. The grand hall was enormous and decorated in the typical brutal Graug decor, lots of spikes and obsidian statues. A single massive throne jutted up from a mound of steps at the end of the hall. Two Graug stood near it, one being Shlurk, Graxin's loyal ally, and the other Tertry'kal. Tetry'kal was one of Darth Vulcanus's most staunch loyalists, and now ran the palace.

While Shlurk was adorned in leathers similar to Graxin's in design, Tertry'kal wore thick slab armor. His skin was a charcoal black complexion, and his beady yellow eyes appraised the humans as they approached.

"The illustrious young Warchief come to deliver us from defeat." Tetry'kal rumbled. "It is good that Krag trained you. It is good you have taken his place. Many of the Imperial Clan share my sentiments...I grow weary of the war. I am old, and I wish to see our people thrive. If that means we must play the Republic's games, then so be it."

He paused for a moment. "Who do you bring with you, little Grax'thor?"

Graxin paused mid-step, and motioned toward his companions. "Kaigann, my Padawan, and Anastasia...one who I sincerely hope will join our order."

Tetry'kal's eyes narrowed. He stared at the Padawan for a long moment, bright eyes boring into the boy, and shifted his gaze over to Anastasia. "Our people will not accept the Jedi, Grax'thor. You have quite a bit of work ahead of you...little girl, you belonged to the Priests, did you not? I recall you, though the memories are...fleeting."

[member="Kaigann Fossk"] [member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

Ana knew hugging her brother probably wasn't the best idea but she didn't care what others thought of her. She wasn't going to be stone cold especially towards her brother. Family was important and she was going to hug him every chance that she got whether he liked it or not.

"It's nice to meet you, Kaigann." She half smiled at him. The sooner they began the sooner she could get off of this rock. She didn't like being back here at all but while she was here Ana would not act appropriately.

Ana couldn't understand why her brother wanted to help them out. Sure he was their war chief now but that didn't mean he had to claim the title or do this. He truly was a good person and hoped maybe one day she could forgive.

"Yes," she stated as she stared back at Tetry'kal. The fact that he remembered her didn't phase her. She couldn't let them see her squirm. "long ago but now I belong to no one."


[member="Kaigann Fossk"] [member="Graxin Rade"]

 

[DARKCOM]

Pleasantries didn't last long, proceeding onward Graxin led the party through the massive archway with the Graug following closely behind. The inside of the old Imperial Palace was massive, adorned with multiple obsidian statues and various spiky decor, the general feeling inside was that of brutality and war. It was obvious this civilization had once thrived on war and it's architecture was tribute to that very nature, but if Graxin succeeded it would be a symbol of something else. Hope.

Approaching the throne atop of a small flight of steps, the party halted in front of two Graug of distinguishing features. One was enrobed in similar leathers to Graxin, he keeping quiet while the other greeted the wayward chief in slab armor. Kaigann listened as the two conversed with introductions to who Kaigann was and a reminder of Graxin's sister. Overhearing that the Graug would not accept the Jedi, Kaigann fought the urge to ask why remembering his place and reason why they distrusted his order. Despite this, he had a deep desire to change their views, with a burning fire to earn their respect and show that not all Jedi were the same he reacted. He spoke out.

"Not all Jedi are the same. If I can't have your people's respect, I'll earn it." A bold challenge, one he might regret later, yet in the face of a Graug who had seen far far more combat and fighting than the padawan had even heard of he still looked the Graug in the eyes as he issued his challenge. Moving his gaze toward Graxin he bowed his head noting how he stepped out of his place.


[member="Graxin Rade"]
[member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

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Graxin remained silent through the little episode. Ana was a grown woman, she could answer for herself. Kaigann had a way of stepping out of line, and Graxin met it with a short stare. It wasn't outright disapproval, simply a warning to be wary of what he said around the Graug. While Graxin and his kin were safe, Kaigann was not of Rade blood. The Graug would not hesitate to set his head on a pike for dishonorable words.

"My sister has escaped her bonds through her own prowess. She's a strong woman." He paused for a moment, motioning toward his Padawan. "Kaigann has potential, and he's been a good student as of yet."

Tetry'kal looked over Graxin's companions with appraising eyes. Then, suddenly, he rumbled with low, guttural laughter. "I see, I see! They have the fire in them, as do you! This is good. Very good." The elderly Graug paused a moment, and gestured toward the end of the hall. Three large figures were marching through the archway. Each carried a long durasteel pike, and wore slate armor much like Tetry'kal's. "The majority of the clan has accepted this change of leadership. A few, those to be exact, have challenged it. You will need to win the hearts and minds of the people--this is a good place to start."

Graxin lofted a brow, and nodded. He turned about on his heel, lowering his voice so that his Padawan and sister were the only ones to hear. "I have a hunch they'll challenge us with a trial by combat. It won't be to the death, but they are formidable. Try not to trip or anything--it'll be bad for your health."

The Knight snickered, and folded his arms over his chest. The larger of the three strode forward, his deep set black eyes aflame with righteous fury. "You hold the name of the great Grax, and have slain our lord in combat, but we do not approve of your plans! The Graug are warriors, the galaxy belongs to us. We will not allow this perversion of our traditions to continue." He bellowed. He was met with cheers from a small portion of the honor guard, though the rest remained stoically silent. "I, Kantu'sul of the Imperial Clan, challenge you and your warriors for lordship over the clan! You will fall on bent knee before the might of the Graug!" He drove his pike into the ground. "Do you accept?!"

Graxin knew of Kantu'sul. He knew that this Graug as a lesser warrior; good with speeches but lacking with actual martial skill. He was confident he could easily win alone, and perhaps even against his lackeys. With the assistance of either of his companions, victory was assured either way. "I accept."

[member="Kaigann Fossk"] [member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

Lofting an eye brow at her brother she wondered if he had forgotten she was a trained fighter, a Mandalorian. Trial by combats were not a rare thing where she came from and the idea of now now was lovely. Ana would love to tear these things to pieces. It may even be considered to be good therapy. "One can only hope,"she said softly.

Ana would considered to be matching or perhaps ever a better fighter than her brother. She certainly had no plans to fight him for any throne but it would be an interesting and perhaps a better match than what lie ahead of them.

"Bring it, show me what you got." She grinned tilting her head slightly. Anastasia had been preparing for something like this ever since Azrael rescued her and now she got to stab some Graug. She had wanted to before but Az had told her no and just to follow him. This was payback for every touch, every time she was used as a lab rat. These three goons had no idea what they had just gotten themselves into.

She assumed that each would take one on but if not she would happily take them all down without breaking a nail.


[member="Kaigann Fossk"] [member="Graxin Rade"]

 

[DARKCOM]

The low rumbling laughter of the elder Graug brought a small smile to Kaigann's face, the moment of silence had worried him but overall he believed he could very well earn the respect of the Graug. The elder seemed to admire the fire in Graxin and his companions despite Kaigann's outburst, he would do well to listen to his master from this point forward that much was evident from his master's short glance towards the young apprentice.

It would seem that the Imperial Clan indeed was ready to accept Graxin's claim to leadership, however there were few it would seem that desired to challenge him for the right to rule. Three challengers stepped forth from the shadows, the largest of the three sallied forth to challenge Graxin himself for the right to rule. It would seem the trio would engage this Kantu'sul and his companions, Kaigann readied himself in response to the challenge.

"I accept."

With those two words the duel was set, he planned to make Graxin proud in this duel and aid his master in taking control of the Graug once and for all over the coming times ahead. He slowly moved his right hand towards his right hip in the moment the duel commenced he would have his blue lightsaber handy.


[member="Graxin Rade"]
[member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

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The Graug parted in a large semi-circle around the great throne. The three challengers remained where they stood their lips pulled back in savage snarls. Kantu'sul stepped forward, and pointed his weapon forward. "Your kind will be expunged from our history, and your children slaves to our superiority. The Graug shall never fall!" He roared. With that, he charged.

Graxin's golden blade ignited the moment the Graug came upon him. His pike thrust forward, only to be batted away by a short sweep of the Jedi's weapon. Kantu'sul thrust, swung wide, stabbed, all were parried by Graxin as the Jedi adopted the form of Soresu. The pike would come close, only to be knocked aside by his single lightsaber. "The Graug will be uplifted from a petty existence." Graxin stated calmly as he stepped forward, jabbing at the Graug's right as he switched to Niman: catching the warrior off guard. "The Republic will welcome them with open arms."

Off to the side, Tetry'kal rumbled with laughter. Kantu'sul--an inferior opponent to many when it came to the art of swordplay-- was tiring. Graxin was keeping him away with relative ease, giving little effort to redirect the Graug's clumsy thrusts.

The two smaller Graug stepped forward to assist their leaders. Pikes raised to carve through [member="Kaigann Fossk"] and behead [member="Anastasia Rade"] if the two gave them the chance.

 

[Anastasia Rade]

Anastasia never thought about having children of her own but if she decided to down the line there was no way they would be anyone's slave. She could feel herself getting angry over it but took a deep breath.

She had been taught that revenge wouldn't get her anything. It wouldn't change what happened or take away her pain. There was apart of her which wished Az was here to remind her of such. It was hard with all Graug staring at her as the memories can begun to flood back.

Siding stepping one of the leaders minions she reached to grab his pike. He was swinging it quite inappropriately. It was obvious they didn't know how to use what had been given to them. Ana twisted hoping to relieve him of his weapon.

[member="Kaigann Fossk"][member="Graxin Rade"]

 

[DARKCOM]

It was only mere moments before the leader of the challenging party sprung into action against Graxin, the fight broke out into an inspiring duel showcasing his master's clearly superior skillset in comparison to the lesser Graug warrior. Tetry'kal, the elder Graug had begun to showcase his amusement for the duel as he watched from the sidelines. Kaigann followed his master's movement in an attempt to memorize his movements, his skill in Soresu... wait was that Niman? Astounding, he had only seen data chips on the formation and how it is used, seeing it in action was impressive to say the least.

It wasn't long before Anastasia was assaulted by one of the challenger's companions, followed shortly by another attacking Kaigann. Springing into action it would seem a fire had started in her mind, Kaigann quickly activated his lightsaber in response the approaching Graug. His opponent rose his pike to run the apprentice through, a voice came to mind reminding him of his training on Ossus with Graxin.

'Allow the Force to guide your blade. Keep it close, tight movements.'

Pivoting his body out of the way of the incoming pike the apprentice closed his eyes briefly opening himself to the Force like he had done on Ossus. Gripping both hands onto his saber the padawan quickly moved to meet the next strike with his own weapon in an attempt to use the momentum of the brute against him.


[member="Graxin Rade"]
[member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

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The Graug Graxin faced lost his ground quickly. Kantu'sul grew desperate, unable to meet the well honed strikes of Graxin's disciplined blade. Despite himself, the golden lightsaber cut through the mid-point of the Graug's pike. The durasteel parted with a sharp hiss, and the usurper breathed a surprised gasp as a wall of invisible energy slammed into his chest and sent him tumbling back. Cursing, Kantu'sul leaned up to charge once more, only to be held in place by Graxin's steady hand.

The Knight turned to help Anastasia, only to see that his sister had held her own. The pike was wrenched from her opponent's grasp without much effort. The Graug's expression twisted into one of outrage--until he caught sight of his leader helpless on the ground. Weaponless and demoralized, the fighter fell to his knees and surrendered.

The monster attacking Kaigann, however, had a bit of skill behind him. He twisted and turned in odd patterns to confuse the Padawan. The fight lasted longer than the others, this Graug knowing how to control his great strength with restraint. Still, his baser instincts eventually took over. The majority of Graug had a great hate for long drawn out duels, and would often discard their weapons to strangle a foe. That was the case now as Kaigann parried one of his strikes.

Snarling, the Graug lunged, only to stop halfway as his black eyes focused on Kaigann's blade, then on his defeated allies. Grumbling a silent curse, the Graug fell to his knees.

"As expected." Tetry'kal boomed, clapping his hands together. "The Jedi have proven their worth here!" He roared for all his comrades to hear. He turned to the trio, and lowered his voice. "Now, what will you do with them?"

Graxin lofted a brow, and allowed his grip on Kantu'sul to slacken. The Graug drew in a deep breath and scurried away wordlessly toward the great doors. "A Jedi does not kill an unarmed opponent. Our weapons are tools, not toys for slaughter. Calm yourselves, and let your better judgement outweigh your emotions." The Knight instructed to both his sister, and his Padawan.

[member="Kaigann Fossk"] [member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[DARKCOM]

Kaigann's training with Graxin paid off, despite being a padawan and novice in the arts of swordplay he had managed to stall the duel and parry the attacks of the Graug before him. Confusion had set in as the padawan attempted to see through the strategy of the warrior in an effort to gain an advantage, it was only near the end that the brute came forward with fire in his eyes and his hands ready to strangle the apprentice. Frustration had set in as the duel had prolonged beyond the intended desire of his opponent, his opponent angered only backed off when he realized that his allies were defeated.

A sigh of relief came over Kaigann as the Graug fell to his knees, he did not know how the battle would have ended if it continued in the way it had. The prolonged stalemate had only proven that Kaigann had much to learn if he was to be of any help defeating any of the other Graug who challenged them, ones that were not 'lesser' in that degree. Graxin had warned him of the dangers but had shown faith in his apprentice, something he sincerely appreciated and would do well to prove well placed.

Listening to the words of his master the apprentice quickly deactivated his lightsaber followed by a abrupt hiss as the blade receded. "I understand master."


[member="Graxin Rade"]
[member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

It had been far too easy to pull that weapon out of his hand. The fact that anyone considered this to be a fight was laughable at best. This was child's play and these things were not warriors in the slightest. Ana wouldn't say as such though nor would she argue about the whole Republic thing. She was not part of the Republic nor a Jedi, she was a Mandalorian. There was a difference.

The young woman barely listened as her brother began to give some lesson to his Padawan. It certainly wasn't for her as she knew how to fight. Azrael had taught her to fight with honor and that meant never striking down someone that was defenseless.

She would have stated what she wanted to see happen but this was not her rodeo so she would keep it shut. Ana could have helped tweak fighting skills but she doubted that was what her brother wished. Instead she looked to him to see what he wanted to do with his people.


[member="Kaigann Fossk"]
[member="Graxin Rade"]

 

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Tetry'kal lumbered forth with careful steps. He motioned for those Graug the trio had defeated to disperse. The creatures complied, each bowing their heads low. Tetry'kal stopped in front of Graxin, and bowed deeply. "The Imperial Clan stands with the Republic." He rumbled. Then, he threw his fist upward. Those Graug nearby did much the same. "And with Warchief Grax'thul!"

The Graug broke into a thunderous roar. Their feet slammed against hte obsidian floors. Their massive hands clapped together in a momentous racket that shook the base of the entire building. Only after a few long minutes did it finally stop, and then, Tetry'kal lowered his head. "What would you have use do, Warchief?"

Graxin doused his blade, and slipped it back into his robes. He cast a wary look to both his Padawan and sister, and shouted at the top of his lungs. "We move toward the plateaus. There, the Pirate Clan has made a claim. We will cast them out, and bring aid to those refugees nearby. Show mercy, do not take what is not yours, be the first of our great race to return to the old ways. We will restore order!"

The cheering was a bit weaker this time, but it came about nonetheless. Some Graug were, at the least, receptive to the cause. They filed out one by one for their fliers. Tetry'kal bowed his head, and Shlurk quickly followed after him. Graxin turned toward Anastasia. "Guard the palace. Bring what allies you can. We will need them."

Then, he whirled on his Padawan. "We will win over the pirates and bring what aid we can. The day is not yet done." Then, without waiting for a goodbye, Graxin broke into a brisk pace toward his personal shuttle. The Graug would not wait.

[member="Anastasia Rade"] [member="Kaigann Fossk"]

 

[DARKCOM]

The apprentice watched in awe as the elder Graug rallied the Graug under Graxin's banner after his master swiftly dealt with the challenge to his rightful claim to succession. Kaigann was constantly taking mental notes on the Graug and their tendencies, at least the Imperial Clan thus far. His master was the new rightful heir to the throne of Gratos, now with the Imperial Clan behind them they could truly begin their mighty task of reuniting and civilizing the Graug.

The roar of the Graug around him inspired the padawan, he imagined what it was going to be like seeing a Graug in the Senate, how intimidating it would be to those spoiled politicians. He turned his attention to his master as he spoke on their next task, the Pirate Clan, they would push the Pirate Clan out and help refugees in the process, excellent. Kaigann slowly slid his lightsaber back into his robe before striding towards his master, listening to his master's plan for what was next he followed behind as Graxin moved on without a moment's hesitation.

Following alongside his master the apprentice grinned in awe as the Graug moved to confront the Pirate Clan in the plateaus. "Will the Pirate Clan submit to your claim with reason or combat as well? Or will they require other methods?"


[member="Graxin Rade"]
[member="Anastasia Rade"]