Ask A Corrupted Heart

[Ryujin Izanagi]

It was perhaps depressing or disappointing to many in the Empire that the Sith had as many threats from the inside than the outside, but it was a matter of fact and one that Ryujin had been trained for five years to both understand and to destroy. Thunder cracked through the cloudy sky of Dromund Kaas, the planet was in a constant state of misery, dark, dreary and full of rain and negativity. Ryujin wondered why this was still the Empire’s capital now that a hundred better planets had been taken. But it was not his place to question the Empress' decisions, only everyone else's.

The Sith Inquisitor stood near the top of a building overlooking the Imperial College on Dromund Kaas, if they were to find their mutineering admirals it would be around here. Ryujin wore the thinned version of his Inquisitor Armour underneath a heavy black cloak. The bright red colour of the armour was great when you wanted to get things done and people stood in your way. But it was also a warning for any who doubted the Empress that judgement was coming and he did not want to warn off the Admirals just yet.

A bright red helmet was also a give away, so instead the Inquisitor had changed his appearance so as to not be noticeable to any who had met Ryujin before. His hair had been dyed bright blonde, extensions had been put in allowing him to tie it into a high plait, the Dragon tattoo that was usually arm’s length only had part of it placed on today. The red tail wrapping around his neck, an assortment of jewellery hung from his ears, eyebrows and nose.

Pulling out a Holo from inside the cloak he checked the time, his accomplice on this mission was about to be late unless he turned up soon…

@LouJoVi

 

[Lazarus Dantes]

As the Sith empire had grown so too had the number of enemies that she had. Sure there were the enemies that everyone suspected the Jedi, the Free World Alliance. But there were also plenty of internal enemies as well. Sith had a natural hunger for power, and many Sith would do whatever it took to get that power. Even if it meant betraying o their own people. That is what Lazarus was here to do he had been tasked with assisting the Inquisition in rooting out and destroying the internal enemies of the Sith.

The sky way dark. Rain was pouring from above. Lazarus face was illuminated every now and then by the lightening that was hurled from the sky. Deafening peels of thunder followed the bright flashes of light. Lazarus was clad in all black, a color of attire that was popular among those of the Sith. He wore a black, hooded cloak. The hood hung over his face. Only the tip of his nose was exposed. Beads of rain rolled down his outer garment, protecting him from getting wet.

Lazarus made his way to the top of the building, the specified rendezvous location where he was to meet the inquisitor. Entering through the front doors of the nondescripts building Lazarus headed for the elevators for a short ride to the upper floors. The elevator dinged and the doors opened up. Lazarus stepped out and began to approach a shadowy figure. His footsteps echoed in large empty room. In an otherwise dark room there was a dim glow coming from the figure who was checking the time. “Inquisitor?” Lazarus asked, noting that he arrived right on time.

@Braden @LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Dromund Kaas, the throne world of the Sith Empire. All the times that he visited this planet, Senin always thought that it was full of misery. Of course, there was the aura of pure Dark side, that reminded him of how many powerful Sith had already lived there. However, it was still an ugly place, with the constant rain and cloudy weather. It wasn’t a place for someone to visit as a tourist.

However, he wasn’t there to have a fun tour, Senin had a job to do in Dromund Kaas. There were rumors that some Imperial Admirals were conspiring against the Empress. The Acolyte was tasked to work with an Inquisitor and a Champion to investigate if the rumors were true and to deal with these possible traitors.

Traitors, it seemed that the Empire was becoming full of them these days. He shouldn’t be surprised, they were the Sith after all. Killing each other to climb on the hierarchy of power was normal for them, but it was still scary to think about that. He couldn’t trust no one, not even possible friends.

Senin arrived at the place where they had agreed to meet in, the top of a building next to the Imperial College on Dromund Kaas. When he left the elevator, the G’weneen noticed that the other two Sith were already there. “Hello. I hope that I didn’t arrive late.” the last thing that he wanted was to have the Inquisitor complaining about him being lazy for this mission.

@Braden @logn2665

 

[Ryujin Izanagi]

The rain continued to hammer down on the roof above their heads, a light rumble filling the void of silence between them. The champion was the first to arrive, he gave the dark clothed man a look up and down, studying him watching the way he talked, moved, he looked for confidence and weakness in the Sith. He took his findings and placed them in the vault of his mind; a small report would be featured on the Inquisitor database for Lazarus Dantes. Hopefully for the Sith it could never have to be expanded upon in the future.

Just as finished analysing the Champion the Acolyte arrived, once again the Inquisitor's mind went into overdrive as he studied the young man as he approached. By the time the red headed man had reached him his analysis was over. Looking down at his holo he smiled. “You have made it just on time.” He replied holding up the holo for 19:59:32.

Placing it away within the cloak, making sure that both men saw his Inquisitorius armour beneath, he turned to face the window and the Imperial Academy below. “It is expected that six of the Admirals teaching here have turned away from the Empress. Three are hardline supporters of Darth Caelestis, the others are tagalongs. The promise of power in the new regime pulling them along.” He paused for a moment. “One of these three men is our way into the plot. Admiral Radak is probably our easiest bet. Youngest with the most to gain and lose in this whole deal. His son is an Acolyte serving in Avillion, the rest of his family live here in Kaas City.”

Turning to face the two Sith who had been assigned to this investigation/cull/execution he looked them both in the eye. They would be threatening and potentially harming a family so they better both have their big boy pants on today. “I think we should have a little meeting with Admiral Radak.” It was a rhetorical question and he really hoped neither answered. “The address has been sent to both of your holo’s, I will follow at a distance. My presence here is a blessing and a curse. I will see you there.”

@LouJoVi @logn2665

 

[Lazarus Dantes]

There was silence between the two Sith. Lazarus could feel the eyes of the Inquisitor on him, examining him, sizing him up. There was a flash of lightening outside followed by the low rumble of thunder. It felt like an eternity standing there with Susanoo in silence, not a word between the pair. In reality it couldn’t have been more than a minute or two. Suddenly the silence was broken by the voice of the acolyte who had just entered the room.

As the Inquisitor put away his holo Lazarus caught a glimpse of the Inquisitor’s armor that was concealed beneath his cloak. It seemed that this flash of armor was almost intentional, like Susanoo wanted to remind the Champion and the Acolyte who he was. This was Lazarus’ first interaction with an Inquisitor from the Imperial Security Bureau, but he had heard rumors about the clandestine branch. He knew that when an Inquisitor got involved it wasn’t going to be a good day for someone. Luckily Lazarus wasn’t on the receiving end of the inquisition today.

The Inquisitor turned his back to the other two Sith as he gave them a briefing. The rain streaked down the large picture window in front of him as he listened to the details of the mission. Susanoo turned to face them. Lazarus locked eyes with him as the next step in their mission was explained. Lazarus nodded in acknowledgement, understanding that they were to go to the indicated address.

As he made his way back to the elevator he couldn’t help but feel like this was some kind of test. Once the elevator doors closed he pulled out his holo and looked at the address. The doors of the elevator opened. Lazarus put his holo away and began to exit the building. He pushed a button on a fob in his pocket to summon his airspeeder. He waited under the overhang of the building for the acolyte that was also assigned to this mission. “We can take my vehicle if you would like.” He said to the young Sith. He made his way to the speeder and got in. It was up to the acolyte if he wanted to join Lazarus. Either way the black airspeeder was off, heading for the home of Admiral Radak.

Upon arrival Lazarus parked his speeder a good distance from the home so as not to rouse suspicion and to allow for a stealthier approach.

@Braden @LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

While he walked toward the two Sith, Senin noticed that the Inquisitor was with his eyes fixated on him. The Acolyte knew that he was being analyzed, probably the Inquisitor was trying to see how a threat he could be. The G’weneen would not be surprised if the man already had some plan to deal with him and the Champion if the two turn out to be a liability on this mission.

He noticed the armor beneath the Inquisitor’s cloak after the man placed his datapad there. Senin was certain that it was a warning for him and the Champion. The man in front of them was an Inquisitor and they needed to be careful or were going to be his next targets. After hearing stories about what they can do, the Acolyte didn’t want to have one of them as his enemy.

The Acolyte paid close attention to the Inquisitor’s explanation of what they were going to do. Then he looked at the Imperial Academy, while wondering if these admirals were suicidal. What chance a bunch of military men had against the Empress? Not even the Sith Lords of the Council were able to save themselves. Would be merciful if they kill these traitors before the Empress decides to do it by herself. At least they would have a quick death.

When the Inquisitor mentioned that one of the traitors was the father of an Acolyte, Senin wondered if they would need to kill him too. He would not be surprised if it happened, after Jade’s execution, the G’weneen understood how people like him were disposable.

After the briefing ended the Inquisitor walked away, leaving the two Sith alone. “Can be.” Senin said, after the Champion offered him a ride. He would follow the man toward the speeder. Would not take much time for them to arrive at the Admiral’s house. Now the mission really begins.

@Braden @logn2665

 

[Ryujin Izanagi]

Ryujin waited behind, lightning flashing behind him as the pair of Sith made their way from the meeting point back down the ground floor far below. About thirty seconds after they departed something in the darkness to his right shifted. “You give them too much lead Susanoo.” A voice spoke from the darkness, Ryujin smiled and turned towards the fully armoured and masked figure that stepped forward into the dull light of the evening. “We are too few to handle everything ourselves. We must use these Sith to police their own.” He replied, advancing towards his fellow Inquisitor.

“If you have doubts over my ability you can speak to the Lord Inquisitor, I am sure he will listen.” The man scoffed at Ryujin’s reply, they both knew that even if he spoke to the Inquisitor he wouldn’t do much, only note it down in his own ‘files’. “Be careful Susanoo if this little rebellion gets out, your head will be served to the Empress instead.” Ryujin smirked at the man in reply before turning to head out of the room.

By the time he reached the ground floor the two Sith were long gone. Reaching into his robe he pressed a button on his Holo which summoned his own speeder car, stepping inside he called out the address to the computer which quickly plotted a route to the location. “Take the longer route.” He said as the speeder pulled off from the ground.

@LouJoVi @logn2665

 

[Lazarus Dantes]

The speeder set down and all the lights went off. It was nearly pitch black inside the speeder where the two Sith sat. The residence of Admiral Radak could be seen about 50 meters in front of them it was more of a mansion than a house. Something befitting a high ranking official within the Sith military. The building was lit up both inside and outside. There was a low wall that surrounded the perimeter of the property that appeared to be more decorative than anything. There were two guards stationed at the openings in the wall where individuals would pass through to access the rest of the property.

Lazarus pulled out his holo and placed it on the center console of the speeder. A map of the mansion popped up and occupied the space between Lazarus and Senin. “I believe that these are the two most likely places that we will find the Admiral.” Lazarus said indicating the Study on the first floor and the master bedroom located on the second. “We don’t want to cause too much of a commotion.” Lazarus continued. “Our story is that we here on urgent business from the Empress and need to speak with the Admiral." He paused for a moment "And remember, we want to take him alive” Lazarus looked up from the holo towards his young acolyte companion. “Any questions?”

@Braden @LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

When the speeder arrived at the Admiral’s house, its lights were turned off. The place where it had stopped allowed the two Sith to watch who was entering and leaving the place. Senin noticed that Radak’s house looked more like a mansion, but it was still smaller than the one that the Ravelo had in Lay Pa-Sidian.

While he watched the house, Senin thought that being at this speeder with the Champion looked as if they were part of some policial holomovie, where the characters need to wait to ambush the criminal. In his opinion this situation was ironic. While the Admiral was a traitor, the two Sith weren’t saints like the heroes of these movies.

He turned his attention to the Champion’s holo, which was showing a map of the Admiral’s mansion. It was relatively large, with several places that Radak could use to hide or to prepare an ambush against them. Senin wasn’t a fool, he believed that the Admiral would already expect that someone was going to visit him due to his traitorous activities.

“I don’t think that it was going to be easy. We should be prepared for the case of the Admiral having expected our visit.” Senin said to the Champion, while still analyzing the map in front of him. “There are also some places that he can use to hide. If it happens, we will need to split to search around the house. Do you think that Radak could have settled traps for us?” even if what he said was crazy, the Acolyte believed that someone trying to betray the Empress needed to be prepared for anything.

@Braden @logn2665

 

[Ryujin Izanagi]

The speeder flew through the cold evening air of Dromund Kaas, lightning as always split the sky. It was starting to get a little tedious, so Ryujin dimmed the screen of the speeder so the flashing light was less evident as the autopilot took him through downtown Kaas City. The traffic was slowly easing up as he moved towards the more well to do residential district just past the commercial paradise that was Downtown Kaas.

He spotted another speeder stop before the target location, he assumed it was Lazarus and Senin and kept his distance. Forcing his autopilot to circle the block a few times before coming to a spot towards the rear of the mansion. It was less guarded here, but a high wall kept riff raff and petty criminals from escaping.

Ryujin checked his lightsaber as well as a few other tools he might need to get the man to talk. He then opened the window of the speeder and closed his eyes letting his senses within The Force flow out, like roots of a tree he spread them out across the rear side of the mansion, if anything happened he would feel it.

@LouJoVi @logn2665

 

[Lazarus Dantes]

There was a second of silence between the two Sith in which the pitter patter of the rain could be heard as it hit the windshield of the speeder. Perhaps the Acolyte was right. Maybe Lazarus was a little too confident in his plan. Lazarus thought that they had the element of surprise, but maybe he was wrong. Maybe it was better to play it safe on this on. After all they were working with the Inquisition. If they failed this mission they could be next on the list for execution.

“You have a point.” The champion said as he looked back at the house for a moment. He turned his attention back to the map between them. He studied it for a moment. “This room here,” he indicated a small room just off the main entrance, “it should control the security system. Cameras, traps, anything like that. That should be our first target.” He paused for a moment in thought. “If we’re lucky, there will be a lock down protocol that will seal off the house and trap the Admiral inside with us.”

Lazarus looked back at the Admiral’s mansion. He pointed at the two guards at the main entrance to the grounds. “We’ll work together to take those two out quietly. One of them should have a key that will give us access to the house. Once we have the key I’ll go around back and cause a distraction while you enter the house and get to the security room. Once you’re in the security room disable the cameras and any traps that you can. I’ll meet you in there and then we’ll look for the Admiral.”

The Champion pulled the hood of his black cloak up over his head. “Here, take this.” He reach across the speeder with a commlink in his hand. “This way we can communicate with each other.” He placed a hand on the handle of the door to the speeder. “If there are no further questions we should get going.” He pushed open the door to the speeder.

@Braden @LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

After he finished talking, the silence fell over the speeder. Senin looked at the Champion and noticed how the man was deep in thought. It seems that he didn’t think about the possibility of the Admiral having made a trap for them. Before starting this mission they needed to think in all the details. With the Inquisition involved, they couldn’t fail or the two would be the next going to die.

Then, the silence was broken by Champion voicing his agreement. Now they were studying the map of the mansion, trying to identify places that could help them deal with the possibility of an ambush. Senin paid close attention to the explanation of the other man about the room that controls the security of this place.

“We also need to be careful with the possibility of the Admiral having some secret bunker or panic room.” he doubted that this type of room would appear on a map like this one. Probably only Radak knows where it could be. “However, if we lock him there, it would be easier for us to find him.” after all, they could use the Force to find the guy.

Senin nodded while the Champion explained what they were going to do after they left the speeder. Looking at the two guards that they would need to take down, he noticed how they seemed to not be expecting the arrival of the Sith. Even then, the Acolyte wouldn’t lower his guard.

With their plan established, Senin would pick the commlink that the Champion offered to him. “No more questions. Let’s do it at once.” he said, while leaving the speeder. He wanted to finish this traitor and get out of this planet and its infernal rain.

@Braden @logn2665

 

[Ryujin Izanagi]

The Sith had yet to make their move, they were probably trying to talk out a strategy in the car. Ryujin hoped that one their strategy worked and two all the time it took they were not being watched and the Admiral escaping. At least he would not be escaping via the back entrance. Rolling back up the window the Inquisitor then exited the speeder car and moved towards the back wall.

He could sense a guard moving along the inside of it, patrolling the edge of the grand mansion. Either Admiral Radak was paranoid that their plot would leak out or just had a lot of money to spunk on guards inside the Imperial Capital. Ryujin waited on the outside of the wall, his hand pressed against the cold wet concrete. The Force was flowing inside him, crashing in like a waterfall.

Closing his eyes he waited for the guard to step past him on the other side. As his body crossed his palm Ryujin released the built up Force Energy, a concentrated blast of Force Lightning ripped through the concrete striking the side of the guard eliminating him in less than a second. Removing his hand from the wall there was only a small hole about the size of his thumb through the wall. With that done he was able to easily scale the wall and slip into the gardens of the Mansion.

@logn2665 @LouJoVi

 

[Lazarus Dantes]

Lazarus nodded in response to his young acolyte companion’s remark about the panic room or bunker. “Of course.” He pushed open the door of the speeder and stepped onto the wet pavement. The hood of his black cloak pulled up over his head and face to conceal his identity and also to keep himself dry.

The door of the speeder closed and he began walking towards the main gate that would allow them entrance to the property where the mansion was. They were about half way to the gate.“I’ll take the one on the left, you get the one on the right.” Lazarus said to Senin in a tone that only his fellow Sith would be able to hear. “Good evening gentlemen.” Lazarus addressed the guards when the duo was about 10 meters away. The guards looked up at Lazarus and then at each other with puzzled looks on their faces. With a flick of the wrist Lazarus used the force to blow out all the lights that illuminated the immediate area about the main gate.

Once it was dark Lazarus used a burst of force speed to dash behind the guard on the left. There was a flash of lightening as the Sith snapped the neck of the guard. As his young accomplice finished off the second guard Lazarus began patting down his victim looking for a key to the house. “There you are.” He said in a whisper to himself as his fingers felt the key in the guard’s front right pocket. He offered it to Senin, not knowing if the acolyte had found a key on the guard that he dispatched.

So far everything was going according to plan. Lazarus looked at Senin. “I’ll see you inside. Watch out for any guards that might be in the house.” With that he was off to cause a distraction. Keeping to the shadows Lazarus made his way close to the house where he would use a force jump to land himself on top of the mansion.

Once on top of the mansion Lazarus found a guard that he used force choke on and crushed the man’s windpipe. The Sith stealthily made his way to the back of the building where, from his vantage point, he could see more guards below. Off to the left, on the ground below Lazarus saw a well maintained garden. “Perfect!” He whispered to himself. Reaching out with the force he caused a spark that ignited the foliage. Continuing to use the force he intensified the flame. It wasn’t long until there were several guards running around in panic. Several appeared from other posts trying to extinguish the flames. Hopefully this was distraction enough to allow Senin entrance to the mansion without much problem.

@Braden @LouJoVi

 

[Senin Ravelo]

With their plan settled, Senin followed the Champion out of the speeder. The rain continued to fall, leaving their clothes drenched. The Acolyte wanted to finish this mission as fast as possible, so he could get dry and return to G’wenee. At least there would not have this torrent of water falling from the sky.

Senin nodded to the Champion, while they approached the mansion. The Acolyte watched the guards while the two Sith walked toward them. They don’t seem capable of dealing with the Sith, but the G’weneen would still be careful. The Admiral could have prepared a trap for them.

Before leaving the speeder, the Acolyte had covered his head with the hood of his coat. This mission required secretivity, so he was going to maintain his identity hidden. It was also an attempt to protect himself from the rain, but without much success.

Once they were close to the guards, Senin heard the Champion greet them. In a flash, one of them was already dead on the floor, with his neck snapped. The other tried to pull a blaster, but before he could do it, the Acolyte had used the Force to immobilize and choke him. Slowly, the guard would suffocate until his lifeless body joined his colleague on the floor.

Senin nodded at the Champion, before the other man went to make a distraction. Once he was away, the Acolyte approached the wall and used the Force to jump to the other side. Then, he moved to hide between some bushes, where he could watch what was happening at the house. There was some guard at the front door. He hoped that the distraction would happen soon, because he wasn’t in the mood to stay hours hiding behind bushes. At least by now the rain had stopped.

At some point, he saw smoke rising from behind the house. When they noticed it, the guards ran away, probably going to see what was happening. The distraction had worked and now Senin left the bushes. He ran toward the door, fearing that the guards could return at any moment. Once he was inside, the Acolyte went to continue this mission.

@Braden @logn2665