Private The Taurannik Theorem

[Sofiel]

"I never said I would help the Maw. I'm here to help the Sith, as per her deal. But I am very eager to see the Maw fall. It's not my fault she didn't think through her deal." There was an unnatural venom to her otherwise level tone. One that was quickly brushed aside as she lowered her arms to her sides. Looked around the area again before finding a seat to just sit down and relax on. Shifting owner of the body was more draining than she'd ever admit.

"My power is limited here. How much, I am unsure. In my realm, though, my power is absolute. Such is our nature. Enter our domain, and we control everything." Perhaps she shouldn't be so open, but ultimately he wasn't a threat. Not to her, not in her realm.

The lack of danger would make anyone arrogant.

"I have seen misery. Torture, despair. Annihilation and death. This galaxy is broken, eating itself. Ignoring the rot it lets manifest under the guise of free will." For once, her yellow eyes seemed alive as her smile spread across her face.

"I'm here to save you mortals from yourselves."

Darth Temerant

 

[Darth Temerant]

TAGS: Sofiel
​

"Well, that makes two of us," he grunted to her comments on the Maw. Or was it the latter on the tragedies that assaulted the galaxy? Both? Both was good.

He let the upper half of his helmet retreat on itself once more, setting half his face free, the other still trapped behind a rebreather. Whatever surprise her words had invoked -and they had invoked some- he didn't let it show."

"I cannot say I disagree. But you're a devil," the man remarked as he took a seat opposite to her. "The word doesn't exactly have connotations that might lead one to regard you as a saviour. If anything, anyone would be inclined to suspect the contrary," he noted.

He had, however, expressed concerned over other such entities being contacted. It was something to take note of. Maybe these beings competed for territory. Or maybe she found it genuinely troubling.

As always, those pale eyes studied her. That practiced calm, that subjugated body language. The slight inflexions in her tone. There was emotion of some kind. That, at least, was something he understood. Something he could work with. Even if he did not think they might be the most positive. Then again, he was Sith: positive emotion wasn't exactly their specialty.

"I have a million questions," he admitted. "But let us start with the big ones. How, exactly, do you intend to save us?" he asked then. "You said so yourself. You're unsure of the limits of your power here. And believe me, there are some immensely powerful beings amongst us. You would be surprised what some of us mortals can achieve," he let her know. "And how do you figure I fit in all this?" he queried then. "There hasn't been any reports of a devil living amongst us. So you've either been concealing your nature until now, which would be the smart thing to do, or you've been covering your tracks," he mused. He'd have to look up possible homicides in the area. "Or maybe you've revealed it and no one has taken you seriously. One way or another, you seem to think I'm of some utility to your plans," he concluded.

 

[Sofiel]

"I do not like the Maw, but the Sith, I can see their goals. I know your beliefs, or at least the basics. Control. Control the common people. Give them a galaxy free of strife by controlling everything for them."

She paused for a moment. Then tilted her head.

"You have power, but not arrogance. And you're not tainted. Do I need another reason? Or do you think you're not worthy?"

Darth Temerant

 

[Darth Temerant]

TAGS: Sofiel
​

Temerant quirked a brow at that.

"It's a little more complicated than that," he noted. "People need guidance. If you let them loose absent any kind of control they will just do what they always do," he remarked. "The Order's vision for the future is a noble one," he conceded... Even if a part of him did not much enjoy how they kept the poor in the slums, offering but the illusion of progress.

"What do you mean, I'm not tainted?" he asked then. "Do you mean I am not corrupted by the Bogan?" he queried then, leaning back into the chair. "Yes, well, I am not an idiot, who lets himself be puppeted by the Will of the Force. Though there's plenty of that going around," he admitted. "I don't see how my thoughts on my worth have anything to do with it, though. I only really care what I think of myself. Whatever metrics a being such as yourself judges worth by, I do not believe them applicable to me," he let her know. "And if you think I can be manipulated into furthering your goals you're going to be sorely disappointed. If I agree to allow you to continue loose amongst my people... Well. There are going to be a lot of caveats. Checks and balances," he informed her, not bothering to conceal the fact.

"What about you?" he asked then, tilting his head. "Do you think these are things you actually want? Or do you think they're simply in your nature?" he asked. It was an important question, even if a seemingly innocent one. "Are there other things you want? Things you have learned to want during your time here? Or perhaps that your vessel craves?" he continued.

 

[Sofiel]

"The Sith's goals are a good basis. But it is not enough. Control them. All of them. Equal and safe." That's what mattered. Everyone safe. No more planets being destroyed. No more creations like her. Just perfect, utter control.

It'd be a beautiful galaxy.

"I have no other goals. Mortals are the ones who need to have more. They give life to their short span of existence. I am, like my siblings, eternal and immortal."

Darth Temerant

 

[Darth Temerant]

TAGS: Sofiel
​

"...Maybe in essence," the man mused. "But your vessel is not. And you'll need to secure new ones as Voran begins to decay. Or if she meets an untimely demise. Which frankly, is likely. Sith don't exactly lead safe lifestyles," the man mused. "Your goal is something that would require very long term planning. And facing some incredibly dangerous people who will likely not take too kindly to your tyrannical outlook," he noted. "Some because they will never accept such a thing as absolute over. Some because they'll want to be in charge in your stead..." he made a rolling gesture with his hand. "You see my point, hrm? It's not a very realistic goal. Too many variables and obstacles. And others have tried, before. Darth Sidious, for example. He came close to something like that with his Empire. It controlled almost every facet of the galaxy. People weren't happy about it. There was a rebellion. I'm sure you can figure out the rest," he mused. "In fairness, I don't think he cared much about equality. Or safety. It's a strangely noble goal for a creature of the Nether," he pointed.

The man let out a gruff exhale. He wasn't sure what to make out of all this. It was hard to separate what might be true from manipulation from the even-faced woman... demon... Sofiel.

What a weird fething life.

"Here's what we're going to do," he decided then. "If you are to have any kind of success in your goals, you're going to need guidance. Someone who teaches you about our ways and how to navigate our society. How to behave like a Sith. Or at the very least, like a person. Because quite frankly, you're not doing so hot in that department," he informed her bluntly. "You're also going to need someone who can provide you a measure of cover and protection, as well as help you climb up the ranks. I am well-suited to these tasks," he concluded.

"On the other hand, if I agree to do these things for you... You are going to have to deal with the utmost scrutiny from me, as well as accept following my orders and my teachings. I shall be in control of this dynamic. Always," he suggested. It was a test of sorts, in many ways, slowly prodding to see how this creature who wished for absolute order dealt with the notion of authority other than her own. "If I tell you you must study something, you will study it. If I tell you you must do something, you shall do it. If I tell you to jump, you ask how high," he summarized the essence of what he was proposing. "You say time isn't an issue to you, so I'm sure a mortal lifetime under my tutelage and authority shall be of no consequence. Not to mention I'm pretty likely to die young," he admitted. "And if not, you'll just have to spend a little under a century under my supervision, unless I find some way to unnaturally extend my life. Which seems to be all the rage these days," he seemed to joke - even if there was an underlying current of truth behind the notion.

In truth, Temerant wasn't overly fond of messing with the natural order of things. For some reason, a part of him felt... compelled to respect such things. But the scary devil lady didn't need to know that. In fact, it was probably healthier for him if she wasn't aware of his aversion to such things, or the fact her unnatural possession of a body didn't sit too well with him.

"I will also spend a small measure of time with Voran now and then. I think I should like to re-educate her. Bring her over to our side. That would make things easier for all involved, hrm?" he suggested.

 

[Sofiel]

"You want to give me orders?"

Sofiel tilted her head to the side, curious at first. Then a delightful looking smile took over her expression. She'd listened, focused on what he was saying. Patiently awaiting a chance for herself to speak. He was right. People who didn't know better thought control was terrible. Ignorance was what made people feel like they need freedom.

"I will follow your lead, then. And you are welcome to speak with Voran as often as you like. She will, in time, simply fade. So don't go getting too attached. This is the deal she made. .. Oh I suppose that means I'm going to have to start searching for a new vessel, just in case."

She hummed in thought, reaching up to rub her chin. Then shrugged, nonchalantly.

"No hurry, though."

Darth Temerant

 

[Darth Temerant]

TAGS: Sofiel
​

"There's a stark difference between wanting something and having to do it," Temerant pointed out. "If I make you my responsibility, then it is up to me to ensure you stay in line and become... a productive member of society," he posed, the outlandishness of his proposal not escaping him. "We will definitely have to work on your bedside manners. That kind of talk is exactly what concerns me," he let her know then. "But fret not over my emotional engagement. I do not do attachments."

He stood up from his seat then, pacing slightly. "I will draft a more specific contract between us overnight," he informed her then. "Until then, you may rest, though I strongly recommend you dwell on the case we are working on. From now on, you are officially in consideration as a member of the Inquisition. As per the specifics of our deal, you shall become my Apprentice both in the eyes of the Sith as well as practically. But do not congratulate yourself over the fact. I will push both you and your vessel to extremes you did not think possible," he noted. "Perhaps in your realm you are unmatched in terms of power, but in this reality you must train and adapt to fulfill your potential. I shall suffer no embarassments. I shall suffer no failure. I expect nothing but the best from you and shall punish failure to meet said expectations. You may be immortal, but by the time I am through with you, you will have acquired a newfound understanding and respect for the challenges posed by mortality," he concluded.

"And one last thing," he added after a slight pause. "You will do everything in your power to preserve the integrity of your vessels. I expect all, if any subsequent ones to fall under my domain, and will not take kindly to anything that proves detrimental to our agreement. Your eyes shift in a noticeable manner when you are in possession of a vessel and you have a rather... recognizable personality. Your true identity must remain a secret to all and it won't take much for others to figure out who and what you truly are if you begin jumping hosts. Do we have an understanding?" he asked at last.

 

[Sofiel]

"Keep what I am a secret? Very well. It can be our little secret, then."

Keeping the integrity of the vessel, though? She already had plans to do such a thing, given how difficult it was to obtain one. But to her, it was like any other material possession. The books in her apartment, the clothing she wore, the holopad she was learning to use. If they broke, if they fell apart, it'd be annoying to get a new one, but she could and very much would. It almost felt like he was challenging her to care more.

Fascinating.

"I look forward to what you will teach me of you mortals, then, Knight Inquisitor. Show me everything."

Darth Temerant

 

[Darth Temerant]

TAGS: Sofiel
​

Temerant canted his head at that particular request, considering it. "I do not think I can show you everything," the man noted. "At least not without a better understanding of the constraints your vessel puts upon you," he noted. It was an interesting philosophical, if not moral matter. Sofiel seemed to be under the impression that she had some manner of control, even authority over over herself and her environment, but in Temerant's experience, nothing was ever that simple. He had already caught glimpses of minor reactions that were entirely human, despite the apparent disconnect between herself and regular folk.

"There are many things you must experience firsthand, or seek out yourself. Your vessel is going to have a lot of needs and her body is going to interact with the world in ways you may not entirely conceive. Her brain, for example, will release certain chemicals depending on the context. Some are designed to make you feel good. Some not so much. These are primitive biological mechanisms geared towards ensuring our survival and success as a species. I do not know how they will affect you, but they will definitely affect her, so these are things that you will have to learn about and keep in mind. They can also be altered by things such as substance consumption, pheromones and other external factors. Not to mention other peculiarities. She is a young, attractive female. You're going to have to deal with certain biological quirks, and then there's the matter of how you will affect others. There are some who will wish to befriend you or take a disliking to you, whilst others will regard you as a prospective mate," he pointed out. "I can only wonder if you will feel these things too," he suggested, though based on a preliminary analysis of her more primal responses, he already suspected that would be the case.

There was something almost methodical about how he spoke about these matterss, nevertheless. He seemed entirely focused on the scientific aspects, without placing much care or emphasis on the underlying emotional value people placed on such things. There was a whirling sound then, followed by that of an exhaust as his mask decompressed, retreating into his suit's neckline in a display of careful engineering design. His nose wrinkled then as he sniffed the air, frown never leaving his features as he studied her. It was perhaps strange, to see his face in full: he had made it rather clear that it was not something he enjoyed. His rebreather had concealed a very strong jawline, his lips full despite being pressed into a line. The scar that had only been partially visible then dove deeper into his right cheek, and had a smaller twin that joined it at the base, perhaps suggesting a claw had made it. There was a smaller one beneath the bridge of his nose, showing it had been split open at some point in life, their decoloration suggesting these were old wounds.

It did not seem like he smiled much, one way or another.

"Your biological markers seem normal," the man concluded at last. "You are to all appreciable effects, human. I shall be a poor teacher in some of these regards. I value discipline and self-control. I do not indulge in our species' tendency to form emotional attachments nor do I share their cravings for companionship. I grew bereft of such notions a long time ago. I can give you the basic tools you will need to learn how to navigate such things, but ultimately, there is no substitute for experience in that regard. And they are a fundamental part of what mortals value in others as much as themselves. Some would go as far as to say they are the essence of who we are as a people."

 

[Sofiel]

"I am not that naive. I understand how this body works, it's functions. Likely better than you do, from an outsiders perspective. Why the brain functions the way the brain does is an easy thing to understand. The quirks, the emotions this vessel feels on it's own, they will fade over time. The longer I am here, the more this vessel will be me, and not the cultist who summoned me here. So long as she doesn't try to break our deal, anyway."

Given her blind devotion, Sofiel doubted that would be an issue. It's part of the reason she made the deal to begin with, despite her own loathing of the cult that had created her. Still, she wasn't annoyed or upset. The same passive smile stayed.

"But it will be interesting to understand from a first person point of view. Deals will be easier to make when I know more of your values, as you said."

Darth Temerant

 

[Darth Temerant]

TAGS: Sofiel
​

Temerant let out a gruff exhale of amusement. "Hrn. Then you are doomed to fail in your goals," he concluded.

She had revealed another key point of information, one he would have to remember in the future. If she was not lying, time in this reality erased the vessel's functions and brought more of her to the forefront. A worrisome, if controllable variable.

"You say you are not naïve, yet you only consider your perspective. You do not seem to fully understand just how incredibly out of touch you seem to me. And understanding something is not the same as having control over it," he remarked. "Judging by our conversations so far, you seem to regard yourself as a higher form of life. You keep going on about your power and immortality, so in all likelihood, to you I'm little more than a gnat. A useful gnat, who you tolerate because I can help groom you, but at the end of the day inconsequential. But here is the thing," he squatted next to her, meeting her ornery, aureate eyes with his own cold orbs. "So long as you remain dismissive of these matters, so long as you believe they are ultimately irrelevant, you will remain blindsided by them. Even my droid can pick up on your lack of... substance," he noted. "This is a weakness. You may not be able to see it now. But you will learn," he sentenced.

He stood back up again. "I am going to take my leave now," he remarked as his rebreather shot back up to his features, then his helmet. "Tomorrow, we shall continue with our investigation after our deal is formalized. I shall begin planning your regime training too. Is there anything else you would like to address?"

 

[Sofiel]

"I don't like talking to you."

Fine parting words, by her standard. Delivered, as ever, with the same calm smile and cold gaze. He was far more clever than she'd given him initial credit for. The more they spoke, the more annoyed she'd got, and the more he ended up learning. Even if he was wrong, her desire to prove as much was her own flaw. Was that just her, or perhaps her vessel?

No, just her.

"I will be ready tomorrow."