To train the future (Jen'ari only)

[Darth Rowe]

LOCATION
Classified Planet, Sacred Temple

[member="Nyx Tempest"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

Darth Rowe sat in her office watching the rain pelt down and lightning crack the night sky through the window. She had her hair up with two black hair sticks sticking out, with more hair flowing down her over her shoulders, a black corset, black baggy BDU pants bloused into combat boots, with a see through black scarf around her neck that flowed down over her left arm.

Darth Rowe had sent for her new apprentices, Nyx Tempest and Jack Anderson, Rowe has only seen and heard of Jack before, but never heard of Nyx. Only time would tell if they would be destined for greatness. Rowe figured it was time to go down to the grand hall to meet the new apprentices. Rowe stood up from her chair, walked around her black wooden desk and walked through her darkened office with red lighting that was filled with Sith statues, bookshelves with books and scrolls. Rowe walked out the door and walked down a dark halfway, black walls with red carpet and red lights along the wall. She reached the Turbo lift and pressed the button.

Rowe entered the lift when it arrived and took it to the Sacred Temple's grand hall. Upon arriving she looked down the massive hall lined with statues, each statue was modelled after each Dark Lord of the Jen'ari Empire. She was on a loft above the the hall directly above a statue of Darth Vyrassu. The grand staircase to the left and to the right. Rowe didn't like being made to wait, but that's what she had to do.

​

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

Nyx had received the message only moments before she was expected to be at the sacred temple, from her room in the sith academy she was already dressed, she had not left her typical combat gear except to bathe since she set foot on the planet, it consisted of a black chest plate lined with a kevlar like material, this was good to absorb some blunt force damage as well as blaster fire, the one thing it wasnt very good at, was taking saber damage. From that breast plate she wore pants of lighter weight more flexible material with some of the kevlar like material weaved in, this allows her to exploit her flexibility. On her small feet she wears what some may call Jazz shoes, these very thin very light shoes were built for speed and stealth, nothing else.

As she received the message she pulled her hood over her white hair and took off like a shot. She raced out of the academy without a thought, she made no sound as her feet beat against the ground. She raced the good distance though the rain chilled her to the bone she didn't slow down, not even for an instant. As she arrived in the grand hall she would slow her pace before arriving in front of her master, she would then stoop low taking a knee before saying "master"

[member="Darth Rowe"]

 

[Jack Anderson]

Jack at this point had some expectations of Darth Rowe, it was no secret that Jack has a bad track record with masters, three of them in about eighteen months, Jack was very unorthodox when it came to how he behaved as a Sith, training Jack was a dirty job, but someone had to do it as long as he was a member of the Jen’ari. Jack had started wandering his way over when he received his summons, he was dressed how he normally was, most of a suit of Aegis Armour, way too many weapons, his cheep face warmer with the half skull printed on it pulled down so that he could stick a cigar in his mouth. As opposed to his fellow student, Jack’s passage was known to anyone nearby, he armour plates hit weapons, boots clunked on the floor, and the cigar small all broadcasted his position, of course he wasn’t trying to hide, the hunter knew every trick in the book forwards and backwards before he was even an adult.

Jack pushed open the door to the grand hall with his boot and stepped in, snubbing his cigar on the shoulder plate of his armour. He saw that he has been beat here and the competitive side of Jack was disappointed that he was the second and not the first, Jack approached Darth Rowe and gave her a nod rather than a bow. “Master.”

[member="Darth Rowe"] [member="Nyx Tempest"]

 

[Darth Rowe]

LOCATION
Classified Planet, Sacred Temple

[member="Nyx Tempest"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

Rowe acknowledged Nyx kneeling then noticed Jack kick open the grand hall door. Once Jack arrived he only nodded to her, this agitated her. Rowe pointed at Jack and let out a violent blast of force lightning on Jack, so powerful that even if he did block it with a lightsaber it would still fry his hands and course through his body. She spoke to him in a low cold tone as she blasted him with lightning.

You will have respect for this Temple and not kick open the door, and you will kneel before me or you will die.

​

 

[Jack Anderson]

The energy shields and Jack’s armour held out for a handful of seconds, they were made to take a vehicle grade weapons blast after all, but the extended pressure caused them to collapse, the capacitor need to cycle before the could recharge however and he soon down himself taking the full force of the lightning. To his credit Jack could take a lot of punishment, and he held out long enough that anyone else would have found themselves as fertilizer for whatever planets that would grow in Darth Rowe’s garden. Jack fell hard onto a knee after putting up with all he could and with a bitter taste in his mouth, though whether it was charred flesh or defeat was debatable, at least he wasn’t dead though.

“Fine.” He muttered under his breath. “Master.”

[member="Darth Rowe"] [member="Nyx Tempest"]

 

[Darth Rowe]

LOCATION
Classified Planet, Sacred Temple

[member="Nyx Tempest"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

Rowe stopped the lightning cracking an evil smile seeing him kneeling. Good boy, now something about me, I am Darth Rowe, I am the Empire's Rage, I'm in charge of the entire imperial Military, I'm also one of the Emperor's hands, cross me and you'll feel my wrath as Jack here just did. I do not tolerate weakness or failure, now grant it Apprentices are made to serve their masters and do various missions and errands for them, but that is not something I'm big on.

Rowe looked down to both of them attempting to use the force to see whats on their minds. rise, both of you, I have two lessons for you right this moment. First, learn to never trust others, but instead, learn to trust their motives or what makes them do what they do. Through understanding and careful analysis of your victims you can begin to see what they want and from there you can use that knowledge to twist and turn them to do what you want.

Rowe begin pacing in front of them

Second, is to know the sith code, to understand it. Like such, Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
The Jedi would have you believe that peace is a desirable goal. That peace of the spirit is the way the force is mastered. That a lack of conflict betters man. We, however, know better.

It is our passion and our desire that fuels the Force. It is conflict that improves the lot of civilization and the single being both. Conflict forces one to better one’s self. It forces change, growth, adaptation, evolution, or even death. These are not our laws, but the universe’s. Without conflict, you have only stagnation.

Through passion, I gain strength.
What fuels your power with the Force but your passion? The stronger darker emotions, anger, hatred, fear. These passions empower us. The Force gives us all power, even the Jedi, but it is our passion that gives us the strength they lack. It is our goal to be stronger, to achieve our potential and not rest upon our laurels. We are the seekers, not the shepherds.

Through strength, I gain power.
The stronger you become in the Force, the more power you will achieve, but always must you fight for your power. Without strife, your victory has no meaning. Without strife, you do not advance. Without strife, there is only stagnation.

Through power, I gain victory.
How many victories can you imagine? Peaceful victory? Victory by sacrifice? A truce? An achievement? Unless your victory is achieved by demonstrating that your power is superior, it is only an illusion that is temporary at best. We seek more.

Through victory, my chains are broken.
This has been argued over, and often. The chains represent our restrictions, those placed upon us and those placed upon ourselves. Ultimately, the goal of any Sith is to free ourselves of such restrictions. In a way, it is that we may do whatever we wish, but there is more to it than that. One who has freed themselves of restrictions has reached perfection, perfect strength, perfect power, perfect destiny. That is our ideal. Perfection is a goal rather than a state of being. The jedi would argue that, no doubt.

The Force shall free me.
The Force is our servant and our master. Our teacher and companion. A weapon and a tool. Know it, and any would know the universe. Master it, and you master the universe. Strive for perfection and the Force shall reward you.

Rowe stops pacing and looks to the two. Any questions?



​

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

Nyx looked behind her, the moment she laid eyes on the other acolyte she didn't like him at all, he seemed cocky and one to showboat whereas Nyx was one to not flaunt what she had or could do, she would the rise as instructed, she didnt dare to look her master in the eyes as an equal, instead she would instead keep her eyes just below her masters on her cheekbones. She listened intensively as her master went through all of the lessons for today, she thought them over as quickly as her master spoke them, when questioned she simply shook her head, she only spoke if she absolutely needed to

[member="Darth Rowe"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

 

[Jack Anderson]

Jack listened to his Master's speach, ugh, he could already tell he was going to hate calling her that, but he listened none the less because if he didn't he was never going to learn if he didn't, so he tool a sip of the been he had put in place of water he had put in his armour's fluid reserve though the handily supplied tube for mid combat hydration. Jack knew never to trust anyone, he already expected that one of the two of them would not be leaving the apprenticeship with a head on their shoulders and a heart beating in their chest, two apprentices enter one leaves, it sounded like something a Sith like Darth Rowe would do.

Now came the interesting part of the lesson, Darth Rowe's interpretation of the code, everyone had their own, Jack's was fluid, but it was always interesting to hear someone new's opinions on it, Jack was more than the simple brute he let on to be, even though sometimes that would be a perfect description of him, unlike his co-apprentice Jack maintained eye contact once he was up off the floor and still oozed his cocky confidence, and was asked for questions he spoke up with his negative answer. "No questions here ma'am"

[member="Nyx Tempest"] [member="Darth Rowe"]

 

[Darth Rowe]

LOCATION
Classified Planet, Sacred Temple

[member="Nyx Tempest"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

Rowe nodded to the two. Follow me Rowe would lead them into a Dark 3 floor library with ominous red glowing lights all over flooding the place in a red glow, the shelves were filled with books and scrolls. Rowe sat down in a chair and waved to them to sit on the other chairs. Your next lesson is the 48 Laws of power, I'll only give them to you in short periods so you can learn them. Number 1 Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please or impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite – inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power. Number 2 never put too much trust into friends, learn how to use enemies
Be wary of friends - they will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical. But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove. In fact you have more to fear from friends than from enemies. If you have no enemies, find a way to make them. Number 3 Conceal your intentions,
Keep people off balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind your actions. Without a clue as to what you are up to, they cannot prepare a defense. Guide them far enough down the wrong path, envelop them in enough smoke, and by the time they realize your intentions, it will be too late.

Any questions?

Rowe crosses her legs and sits back relaxing.




​

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

Nyx would follow her master a comfortable 3-4 steps behind her, she would admire the craftsmanship that every corner of this building exuded, she had never seen anything like it, her eyes moved easily between the busts of the different sith lords, she aspired to one day join them on the wall, leaving her mark, as they walked her hands hung loose at her side, however she was always ready for a fight.

As they reached the turbolift and stepped on it was a shock to her that something this perfect could have so much space. She was in awe as they reached the 3rd floor. As her master once more began her speal Nyx once more listened intensely, though she knew most things that they were talking about it would be disrespectful for her to make a comment of that nature. Once more when asked if any questions were had she would simply shake her head

[member="Darth Rowe"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

 

[Darth Rowe]

LOCATION
Classified Planet, Sacred Temple

[member="Nyx Tempest"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

Rowe nodded to the two.

Now the rest of the laws go as follows

Always say less than necessary, So much depends on reputation guard it with your life! Court attention at all cost. Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit! Make other people come to you use bait if necessary! Win through your actions, never through argument . Infection avoid the unhappy and unlucky. Learn to keep people dependent on you. Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim. When asking for help, appeal to people's self-interest, never to their mercy or gratitude. Pose as a friend, work as a spy. Crush your enemy totally. Use absence to increase respect and honor. Keep others in suspended terror cultivate an air of unpredictability! Do not build fortresses to protect yourself isolation is dangerous! Know who you are dealing with do not offend the wrong person. Do not commit to anyone.

Rowe stops to see the Apprentice's are paying attention then continues.

Play a sucker to catch a sucker seem dumber than your mark. Use the surrender tactic transform weakness into power! Concentrate your forces. Play the perfect courtier. Re-create your life! Keep your hands clean. Play on people's need to believe to create a cultlike following. Enter action with boldness. Plan all the way to the end. Make your accomplishments seem effortless. Control the options get others to play with the cards you deal. Play to people's fantasies. Discover each employee's thumbscrew! Be royal in your own fashion act like a king or queen to be treated like one! Master the art of timing. Disdain things you cannot have ignoring them is the best revenge! Create compelling spectacles. Think as you like but behave like others. Stir up waters to catch fish. Despise the free lunch. Avoid stepping into a great man's shoes. Strike the shephere and the sheep will scatter. Work on the hearts and minds of others! Disarm and infuriate with the "mirror effect". Preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once! Never appear too perfect! --- Only gods and the dead can seem perfect with impunity! Do not go past the mark you aimed for --- in victory, learn when to stop! Assume formlessness!

That's the 48 laws of power, any questions? 




​

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

Nyx would listen once more, she was totally over taken by the information, it was very close to the way she had lived her life thus far, she lived by most of these rules all of her life, because of this she closed her eyes and listened, she did this very often as a way of familiarizing herself with her surroundings. She paid attention through the whole lesson and at the end she would shake her head once more. She had no questions

[member="Darth Rowe"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

 

[Jack Anderson]

Jack followed and listened the laws, they all seemed pretty reasonable, and many of them were lessons Jack had learned, or watched others learn the hard way, though there was one he disagreed on, concentrating forces, it was a stupid idea to put all of your eggs on one basket, hedging bets and keeping a strategic reserve was the better route to guarantee success.

Jack spoke up. “Master I gotta a couple a questions. Who the kark thought that concentration forces, or act like royalty all the time, or write fourth eight laws, only to make the last ‘un to not follow a strict pattern.”

That last one, was a complete hypocrisy compared to how the rest of the laws read do this, don’t do that, only to follow up with telling him to stay formless, it completely invalidated the entire point.

[member="Nyx Tempest"] [member="Darth Rowe"]

 

[Darth Rowe]

LOCATION
Classified Planet, Sacred Temple

[member="Nyx Tempest"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

Darth Rowe listened to Jack's question with interest. To remain formless means to take a shape, by having a visible plan, you open yourself to attack. Instead of taking a form for your enemy to grasp, keep yourself adaptable and on the move.

Accept the fact that nothing is certain and no law is fixed! The best way to protect yourself is to be as fluid and formless as water. Never bet on stability or lasting order. Everything changes! Understand now?






​

 

[Eli-Mae Forrest]

Nyx cracked a smile at the very simple yet quite understandable question, she was laughing internally, her smile faded the millisecond after it appeared, she was ready to move forward with the training, she had no more to say on the matter

[member="Darth Rowe"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

 

[Darth Rowe]

LOCATION
Classified Planet, Sacred Temple

[member="Nyx Tempest"]
[member="Jack Anderson"]

Darth Rowe turned her direction to Nyx. I want you to travel to Ilum, or any other system with crystals, begin work on your lightsaber, you'll find all the parts you need in the workshop in the Sith Academy. When you return I'll begin instructing you on lightsaber combat, and remember, I Do not tolerate weakness. Now, you're dismissed. As for you Jack, I want to watch your skills with your lightsaber, let's go to the training facility over at the academy.

Rowe stood up and begin walking towards the exit of the library.


​

 

[Jack Anderson]

Having being given orders by his new, ugh, master, Jack started to follow Darth Rowe out of the library, there was enough books in there to keep Jack learning for years on end, but Jack preference was to learn via experience rather than reading about what someone else did. So a test of martial prowess like this that he was being given was much more up his alley, he wasn’t sure what Darth Rowe’s skills with a lightsaber looked like but he had to assume that they weren’t lacking, if she was going to make him face her Jack was going to be in for a challenge, fortunately he loved a good challenge.

[member="Nyx Tempest"] [member="Darth Rowe"]

 

[Darth Rowe]

Rowe and [member="Jack Anderson"] had finally reached the Sith academy after a long walk through the massive metropolitan Akvase City. The rain wasn't kind to them either for the walk. Once inside Rowe felt her hair sobbing wet dripping. She tending to ignore it as that's the way life was on Jena'tes. Rowe took Jack into the Dojo where 2 Shadow Guards stood. Rowe walked into the room and then stopped and turned to Jack. I will be testing your skills aghast these two. These are the Emperor's elite shadow guards. 100% under his control by mind domination. They are extremely trained in various types of combat including lightsaber combat, they are highly trained in the darkside of the force and will shred you if you're not careful. You may begin. Rowe walks into a side room with a window, closes the door and watches through a window as the Shadow Guards remove their cloaks showing Phrik armor. They both get into combat stance with their Saber pikes ready.


​

 

[Jack Anderson]

"Yeah sure, I'll kill 'em both, no problem, just watch me master." Jack said with his usually cocky confidence.

Since Rowe said that she wanted to see Jack to use his lightsabers, assess his skills with them, so he didn't use them, not to start, Jack wanted stripping away most of his gear to lighten up his load, keeping only his armour, his tonfa sabers, and his civilian slug thrower hunting rifle? It seemed like an odd choice to keep, especially since he looked to be favouring it over his lightsabers, he knew that combat wasn't going to revolve around his lightsabers in the future, so he was going to try and avoid them. He took a melee style foot work and affixed a bayonet that appeared to be made of phrik, but took aim with the rifle anyway, rather quickly thanks to his training in the force, and fired a shot at the head of one of the shadowguards before rushing forward, looking to stab at the unprotected thigh of the other shadowguard, ready to make them bleed out on the mat.

[member="Darth Rowe"]

 

[Darth Rowe]

The one shadow guard took the bullet to the helmet but it only cracked the helmet not affecting him. The other blocked the phrik blade from [member="Jack Anderson"] with his saber Pike. The other then charged at Jack with his saber Pike to cut Jack in the back. If Jack were to Dodge the attack, the other would be ready to blast Jack with force lightning.


​