00 - Passion

[Darth Evandrus]

The hologram burst into life and Darth Evandrus, the High Judge, stared at his assembled allies as they began their mission. He flashed them a quick smile before it was down to business - his face almost uncharacteristically serious as he stood before them in his casual clothes,

"The Temple needs to be built atop the ruins of the Jedi Temple but to do that we need to remove what's left - and by 'we', I mean the locals. Contact the local workers in the refugee camps below and arrange for them to provide unskilled labour. "

He frowned,

"Do not take "no" for an answer."

The hologram shut itself off.

@Raydo @Esther Nyx @Laskt

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

His face remained like a stone as the High Judge gave them their task. They had all been briefed beforehand, but he listened anyway. The holoimage faded and Zazai turned to face his platoon sergeant. It was no large force, but forty soldiers and the Sith would be more than enough for the task of reminding the locals who their allegiance belonged to now."Prepare your men. We will be heading down into the refugee camp shortly." he spoke in a commanding tone to the Sergeant. The young soldier quickly set about his task.

He turned to face the other two. "We must do this thing with little, or preferably no casualties to the villagers." he spoke, thinking out loud the more villagers they had to work, the quicker it would get done.

He knew Jenova, he knew her extremely well. They were the same, they broke things, broke people. This would not be that type of mission. Perhaps it was a test of their ability to be more than just mindless killers. He hadn't met the third of their party yet, but he must at least be somewhat capable, or maybe they were just testing him as well.

He had been the slave, now it was time to be the taskmaster. He spun, replacing the hood over his head. "Lets go." he stated as he started to walk, the soldiers under his command beginning move into position behind him.

 

[Jenova Savas]

High Judge Evandrus; it was a name Jenova was fast becoming familiar with. And with good reason, considering her newly acquired role under his administration. Finally, the hybrid felt she was making progress. Slow, agonising progress, but progress none the less. All good things came with time. And the Empire wasn't one to award idleness; in order to gain notoriety, one had to shed blood for their dark brethren (be it their own, or another's). Zazai was a prime example of that. The Sith was an admirable leader, something which Jenova noted immediately upon their first encounter. Time amongst the Empire's ranks had done little to dull his abilities. If anything, his fangs were sharper than ever, and she relished that about him.

Still, now was not the time to lose one's head. This mission was not one vying for violence (although it could be a last resort). Instead, persuasion and suggestion were recommended. Neither were the hybrid's strong suit; she had made this clear to superiors as well. Unsympathetically, they had rightly told her to adapt. She was a Sith after all, not a mindless beast incapable of rational thought. A true user of the dark side could dominant the weaker wills of others without even raising the volume of their voice. That was true control, true mastery. Instead of simply forces others to bend to her will, Jenova wants the locals to succumb to their predilections. Admittedly, it was the best way to secure long term stability, the ultimate goal for any Empire.

Eager to move out, Jenova waved aside Zazai's concerns, her humour as evident as her grin, "Oh, you know how much I love a challenge,"

Whilst wandering alongside the Sith, Jenova began reaching out through the force. No to so much invest the villagers minds, or maliciously influence them, but rather so she could come to know them. These were refugees. Misplaced sentients without security. The Empire could offer them that, so long as they were willing to comply. The swarm of emotions lingering here was all too familiar to the hybrid: there was loss, hopelessness, fear and confusion. These people were desperate for guidance. And Jenova planned to capitalise on that.
"We should arrange a meeting with the camps' chosen leaders. Figureheads are far easier to talk to than masses of people..." It was a friendly suggestion, a starting point for their strenuous task.

​

@Laskt

 

[Denys Astley]

Denys strode slightly behind and to the left of the two sith, his weapons holstered and armed. It had been a few weeks since he signed on to the Foreign Legion and already they had stolen his heart. The pay was good, the perks were better, and the missions were quite fulfilling, well, except the grunt work. The last aspect was what he suspected landed him on this mudball, covered with the ruins of the ever so confident Jedi he had been dispatched along with a few other former bounty hunters to assist the Sith in securing the area for their new temple, and so far it seemed to be coming along….slowly.


He wasn’t thrilled with the amount of insectoid life on this planet, nor the conditions the common soldier were forced to occupy. Denys would be happy when the Sith finally got the stupid temple assembled so he could get back to making credits, living his lifestyle. For now, though, he shouldered his rifle, beat a tattoo on his blaster holster, and kept walking.
@Esther Nyx @Raydo

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

"Which is what worries me.." Zazai replied to the green-skinned woman as they continued to the edge of the village. "The leaders should be expecting us." he said pointing to a large building set off to the side of the camp. "Perhaps with your abundant charm, you should meet with the leaders, and I will gather and meet with the people." he said.

Hopefully, they could bring both on board easily enough or leverage one group against the other should it come to it. The Bounty Hunter who had been tasked with accompanying them finally arrive behind them with the last of his soldiers. "Hunter." he stated, seeing now rank insignia on his uniform. "You may either accompany me to speak with the townspeople or Judge Savas to speak with to camp leaders." he said turning to address his men. He didn't mind much either way which the Hunter chose.

"Sergeant. Begin fanning out and gathering the camp at the center." he said point to a large open square. "...be gentle." he added. His platoon of soldiers was growing more skilled, more controlled by the day. The sergeant turned to relay the orders to the rest of the men and they were soon spreading out.

Giving Jenova one final glance, he strode into the center of town.

 

[Jenova Savas]

With a final nod towards Zazai, Jenova broke away and deviated her path towards the camp's largest main structure. Only briefly did she acknowledge the bounty hunter's presence. She cared not whom he chose to accompany, just so along as he didn't get in the way of things. Hopefully these negotiations would wouldn't last very long. If the refugees were desperate -and smart- enough, they would know the infinite benefits the Empire could provide. Convincing the designated leaders would ensure that vital step. After all, these were members of their own communities, chosen for the role for some reason or another. Jenova only hoped, for their sake, they could be reasonable.

Perhaps it was wise of Zazai to suggest Jenova for this task. The hulking red Sith could be quite intimidating, regardless of his intent. At least with Jenova she was less...forthcoming, in regards to such impressions. She cared no visible weapons on her -not that she needed them-, and though she was of staggering height, she was still a female. Most humanoid sentients had an instinctual docility towards that particular gender. Jenova would play on it, to the best she could tolerate.

Once admitted into the building, the hybrid cast her gaze across the small gathering of representatives. They were a pathetic bunch to behold, their ragged, weary souls beaten down by life's uncompromising adversities. They seems almost relieved to see Jenova, a strange notion for the green skinned lady to experience.

A matronly woman numbly raised from her seat, extending a feebly greeting to Jenova with what little strength her body could muster. "We are so pleased you have come. We have offerings. Please, take."

They were meagre offerings at best. Bread that was beginning to grow stale, fruit that was none too ripe, and water that was just barely drinkable. Partial to luxury, Jenova would have refused, had it been anyone else offering. Yet she too knew of hardship, she knew how much the refugees had suffered to procure even this smallest of nourishment. And they were offering it to Jenova, perhaps in the hoping of courting favour. Perhaps this assignment would be simplistic. They seemed almost desperate to offer their accomplice. So, Jenova stomached the basic donation, nibbling and sipping with some consideration. She then moved to share it, in and amongst the rest of the leaders as a show of good faith. She was not here to represent a devouring conquer, she was here as a hopeful emissary; whilst the Empire couldn't immediately cure the refugees of the plight, they could certainly improve it for the time being. But the refugees must repay such kindness in the form of tribute. Labour would more than suffice.

"Your people's suffering has not gone unnoticed. The Empire wish to aid you," Jenova let the excited mutters of the leaders rise for a moment, then she spoke again, "We do not ask for much. But a small token of thanks really..."

​

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

The people began to congregate in the square at the center of the camp. Most didn't offer to resist the small group of soldiers, but there was no outright opposition to them. Zazai could sense the fear in them, even if it was misplaced, Zazai could understand. The Sith had attacked the world, but they had no qualms with these people. They only sought to rid the planet of the actual oppressors, the Jedi.

He gave it a few more minutes as the last of people were escorted the square. Many of them looked tired, hungry. The camp had been thrown up quickly after the Sith had moved in. They would fix that problem today, and would likely win whoever held their support that way.

"I thank you all for gathering. Many of you think we have come to further oppress you, or enslave you but I can assure you that is the furthest thing from the truth." he said his voice low, but not menacing. "Empress Andraste wishes to do the opposite. To free your people, empower you to do more, to become more." he said taking a step forward. "I was born a slave, me and my whole clan. It was the Empress who freed me, like she has done with so many others across the Galaxy, and now she will do the same for you." he offered.

"The Jedi have been pushed from this world. We offer the chance for resources and advancement they had never thought the offer you and all that we ask in return is that you assist us with our building project. All those who work shall be paid and be provided with food." he said as he paused, gauging the crowd's response.

 

[Jenova Savas]

From within the confines of the camp's main structure, Jenova could hear the slight commotion outside. No doubt Zazai was rallying the rest of the camp's inhabitants; this may prove to be their simplest mission yet. Despite their current situation, and the fact it was the Sith who technically forced them into it, the refugees were oddly compliant. Perhaps it was their instinctual drive to survive, perhaps even pragmatic rationality, but for now it seemed like the Ossus' people recognised whom would best aid them during these difficult trials.

Still, there was need of some coercion.

One of the men, weary in face, spoke out, if not hesitantly."This token of thanks...what exactly does the Empire require from us? We are nothing more than lowly refugees, we have no assets. No resources."

"But you have your communities. There is strength within your numbers." From her pocket, Jenova retrieved a holo disk; it projected the now desolated ruins of the Jedi temple. No doubt the location was a familiar place to the people gathered about her. Some looked on the image impassively, others with silent remorse. Indeed, the destruction of the temple was the ultimate blow, the proverbial end the Jedi hubris of existence on Ossus. "In exchange for rations, shelter and aid, the Empire requires labour. The removal of the past will ensure a period of rebirth, a new dawn of age for this planet. You can help in this task."

The leaders muttered and spoke amongst themselves and Jenova allowed them to do. Coming in a conquering Sith would only achieve so much. This wasn't going to a short, aggressive occupation. With any luck this planet would flourish into a permanent territory, but only if they had the hearts and minds of the people. Understandably, some had their reservations. They remember the heroic feats of the Jedi, as well as their roles in the galaxy. It was one thing for the Sith to wage their war, bringing it to Ossus. Now they were asking the people to help in the Order's cleansing. Still, Jenova was patient. Letting them air their concerns would also allow her to know what exactly she needed to offer in order to win them over completely.

"What if the Jedi return and reclaim Ossus? We fear retribution; we will no doubt be punished for this sacrilege."

"You needn't worry over such things," Jenova said with a dismissive wave of her hand, "Because the Jedi are a dying breed. A dwindling fossil of the past. Their time is coming to a close, and in their recession, the Empire has risen. We can offer you security, so long as you have something to offer in return."

@Zazai Ta'Resh @Denys Astley

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

The people were not fully convinced. Zazai could feel the unease and fear of the crowd. Many had likely witnessed the attack or at least knew someone who had. It would have left an impression, and there was not much Zazai could do about that. This fact was likely not helped by the fact that Zazai with his armor and hulking size looked more conqueror than a liberator.

He suppressed his annoyance at the group's hesitance. One man stood forward, visibly angry with his fist clenched. "We don't want anything to do with your war!" he said, a small amount of spit flying from his mouth. The troops that accompanied Zazai tensed as they picked up on the crowd's unease, their hands moving to the weapons.

Zazai took another step forward, raising a hand to his soldiers motioning for them to stand down. He looked to the man for a moment, before he reached up and undid the clasp on his armored chest plate. He repeated the action again on his other shoulder and the armor fell away to the ground.

He addressed the man's concern but still spoke to the whole crowd. "I understand your concern. We have no interest in further involvement than simple labor in exchange for assistance." he said looking at the man. "We could have brought labor in, for cheaper, or even free if the Empress had any desire for slavery. She does not. Instead, she wishess to partner with you." he continued to explain. "Don't toss aside an opportunity to build a better life for you and your children." he said gesturing to a little one standing at the front of the crowd. "The work will be completed with or without your help, but we would like to see you benefit from this as well."

 

[Jenova Savas]

The selected leaders murmured amongst themselves, pondering once more over Jenova's words. She tried to be patient, unwilling to quash this delicate diplomacy. The leaders would ultimately comply, the hybrid was almost certain of it. They would be fools to turn down such a lucrative prospect; food, shelter, unlimited aid. Besides, these representatives ultimately had to decide what was best for the people. Left as their were, they would surely perish, if through starvation then surely by disease and sickness. The camp was rife with ailment. Such was the aftermath of war. Jenova had seen it time and time again. Survivors of battles were left broken; families ripped apart, innocence afflicted with suffering, all whilst sustenance dwindled.

Yes, the leaders would surely offer their support. Perhaps not out of genuine compliance, but out of necessity. For now, that would have to do. Eventually, the people would feel the truth; their lives, whilst momentarily disrupted, would be better off under Imperial rule. Jenova was there simply to simply aid them in that realisation.

Finally, after a moment of trepidation, the leaders relented, pledging themselves to the Empire.

It was with great satisfaction that Jenova ventured back out, heading towards Zazai's location and listening to his impowered speech. She stayed back, leaning casually against one of the makeshift shelters. She dare not interrupt, not when the Sith was weaving his vocal magic. Despite his brutish tenacity on the field, Zazai proved to be quite the orator. The indecision in the crowd was starting to wane, with many coming to the desired conclusion.

When the Sith happened to note Jenova's presence, she gave a nod in confirmation. Soon the leaders themselves would come into view, delegating their thoughts and opinions to the people. It should be enough to sway the final naysayers. Ultimately, self preservation would win the day; it was every sentient beings' instinct to survive, to latch on to whatever opportunity presented itself. The Sith Empire was offering that opportunity, for a price, one which the refugees were finally willing to agree her. Subtly, Jenova applauded Zazai's speech, waiting for the Sith to disembark from his improvised stage. It was time to leave. No doubt, sooner or later, they would be needed else where.

They were anointed judges of the Empire; their work was never done.

​

@Zazai Ta'Resh

 

[Zazai Ta'Resh]

He notice Jenova at the edge of the clearing. He nodded in acknowledgment before turning his attention back to the crowd. He could feel their defiance, but underneath that was fear and with that came a drive to whatever they needed to survive.

Slowly but surely the crowd was won over, especially given the leaders lending their support after Jenova had convinced them. Everyone was in agreement that they would help the Sith build their temple. Zazai would see to it personally that the promised supplies were delivered to the camp.

He stepped down as the crowd began to disperse and made his way over to Jenova. "Well done." he said grinning at the green-skinned Sith. "You may notify Lord Evandrus that our mission was successful." he said as they turned to leave. His soldiers would stand by until it was clear the camp's people would not change their mind. They could view it as occupation or protection, it made little difference to Zazi as long as they received the results required of them.

And like that, they were off to wherever the next assignment took them.

END THREAD