First Reply The Variance of Two Paths

[Canm-Bulnu Bi]

Wild Space - Planet of Auratera - Acablas Complex​

The amber clouds of Auratera parted, revealing a world that had long been forgotten as the shuttle approached. In the cockpit, Canm monitored the scanners for any signs of life though received nothing but the outline of the nearby temples dedicated to both Sith and Jedi. The landing pad creaked beneath the weight of the craft as it finally touched down on the rugged limestone plateau.

As the ramp descended, a humid, metallic scent poured in, filled with the odor of wet stone and ozone. Below was the Acablas Complex a blend of architecture and nature. Sun-bleached Jedi stonework rested atop the stark foundations of ancient Sith empires, creating a complex of temples that filled the valley. In the center, Aca's Funnel could be seen, a deep hollow leading into the planet's core.

The Force here exerted a powerful pull on him as Bi descended the path, his boots echoing against duracrete slabs that were already beginning to crack under the pressure of the vergence. As he entered the mouth of the Funnel, the light of the sun was replaced by the faint glow of the cave walls.

He reached the stone walkway encircling the central pool, where the clear water revealed the white gleam of ancient skeletons and discarded artifacts resting on the silt below. As he stepped onto the platform, the air felt thick, resisting his movement, but he pressed his boots into the center of the stone and reached out.

Despite the overwhelming presence of the Light Side of the Force on this planet, he managed, with an expression of hatred, to conjure the Force around him, verifying the raw power potentially at his disposal should he manage to unlock its secrets.

 

[Aurelian Sigismund]

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Wild Space | Auratera | Aca's Funnel

The Force. The Force was vile, hedonistic, sadistic and treacherous. The balance which was so faithfully served by the Jedi was nothing other than the propellant for millennia of warfare, decay and slaughter. It was the core problem every living being had, the archenemy that nobody saw and many even believed to be a salvation, either in form of power to protect or power to exploit. It was terror.

Aurelian had not been on Auratera and his recent research had brought him here, followed by a squad of Heralds of Zildrog that were here to aid his aspirations. To defeat his enemy, one has to know the enemy. And there were very few places where the volatility of this cosmic oppressor was as strong as here, in this vergence.

The Heralds were researching, their skill in Farsight and Force sense was remarkable and they were all over the Acablas Complex to find access, clues, visions and whatever else they could drain from this diabolic mystic energy field.

He was deep in the funnel when someone else entered, neither was he warned nor did he notice until the person delved into the Force. The environment was outright oppressive to his senses, to his instincts. It got under his skin and he despised it, but he was the only among his group to be able to go so deep alone. Now he moved up though, his armoured figure calmly climbing the circular ramp until he could lay eyes on the figure that stood there.

Aurelian's helmeted visage looked at Canm-Bulnu Bi . "You are merely adding fuel to the fire."

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[Canm-Bulnu Bi]

Wild Space - Planet of Auratera - Acablas Complex​

"You are merely adding fuel to the fire."

Canm remained silent as his boots pressed against the wet stone. He followed the curve of the walkway around the central pool, increasing the distance between them with each careful step. He had sensed Aurelian Sigismund long before he saw him. The man's presence was neither Jedi nor Sith, but something more refined.

Canm had not come here to debate philosophy. His goal was to seize the power of the vergence for himself. Still, understanding an opponent was often as valuable as defeating one. His right hand hovered loosely near the hilt of his lightsaber. He measured the distance between them and studied the rigid posture of the stranger's armor.

In this place, any confrontation would be difficult. The man carried himself with the confidence of a seasoned warrior, and Canm intended to treat him accordingly. "The flame will grow regardless of the fuel supplied. Jedi or Sith, it matters little." His voice rumbled low as he came to a stop beside the pool. Settling into a balanced stance, he allowed his eyes to focus on the dark visor of the helmet.