A Shield For Your Sword

[Xornoth Sk'ar]

1100 local time
Lothal

It had been a hefty task thrust upon him but Warden Sk'ar had been hard at work bettering the planet of Lothal and by extension its prince's position upon it. With significant help from the disciples of Evandrus, today the fruits of their labour would finally be realized as the yet uncommissioned warship descended through the clouds of Lothal ceremoniously toward a large field clearing near the Prince's tower.

This carrier was not the prettiest nor was it the best armed, certainly not after the Will of the Empress took to the galaxy. This workhorse would allow the Empress to protect her fleets across the vastness of space and deploy escorts for her vast numbers of capital ships that were simply unable to hangar their own.

This vessel represented a significant opportunity for the Empire to both protect their own starships and destroy those of their enemies as the new Sith bombers aboard could lay waste to hostile ships well beyond the range that they could return fire.

Today the ship would land before the Prince of Lothal and the city population as a testament to his authority, and commitment to protecting them. This shield would go hand in hand with the Skyward Sword in protecting the Empire. This act would represent Xornoth's final pledge towards serving the Sith Lord which he hoped would forever cement their bond together.

Shortly afterward Xornoth would appear behind the group gathered around Evandrus as they admired the new ship from afar before slightly bowing his head before the lord. "My Lord and Prince, I have the pleasure of presenting to you the Tave Geras Arbitras if you see fit to retain the name."

Once accepted by the Prince for service, further productions could commence at his leisure.

@Nefieslab @Faster Than Light @MatureContentWarningx @Sreeya

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Sometimes things were better with pomp and circumstance.

Bringing the carrier back to Lothal and just having it fall under the control of the Judgement was just practical, boring and something he had considered, briefly, before changing his mind. Instead, he had been convinced that having it be a public thing, having the people line up in the streets to see it, have soldiers marching in a parade with fighters and bombers streaming overhead while tanks rolled down the thoroughfares to the sound of thunderous applause and excitement... was better.

He would have to agree.

The city was bustling as the populations of surrounding towns and fields came from miles away to take part in the parade and otherwise enjoy the time they had. Evandrus had declared that today was to be a planetary holiday for this year only and the people had gone crazy for it. They still chanted his name as the carrier came down to land, still releasing fighters and bombers to take part in the celebration.

Evandrus turned to Xornoth and his other disciples - those who had stood firmly by his side and helped to develop the Empire with this plot and others. He was dressed in his more ceremonial armour, the kind he had worn on Alderaan, so when he smiled it was clearly visible.

"Warden Xornoth Sk'ar..." he greeted the other Sith with a bright smile as he reached out to shake to clasp the other Sith's forearm in a warrior-like shake, "You have done Lothal, and the Empire, a great service. And made me proud. Soon it won't be long... before you ascend further than the rank of Master. You deserve it, my friend."

Stepping back, he would nod to both Spencer and Aria before moving to a podium to address the crowd as the carrier came in to land,

"People of Lothal... I give you, the Tave Geras Arbitras, first of it's class but by no means the last!" he declared to the happy crowds, turning slightly to gesture to his disciples, "Please! These are the people who have made this possible! Show them your appreciation, your adoration!"

And so they did.

@Faster Than Light @MatureContentWarningx @Xorism

 

[Xornoth Sk'ar]

The stunning size of the new warship was not lost on this Kaleesh as they all stood in admiration of it. Simple people led simple lives but a large warship was ample proof to the common man that his Prince was there protecting him, of course, the warship wouldn't just be staying over Lothal but they didn't need to know the details.

The crowds would cheer for the achievements of the Sith, but the real achievement was yet to come for this war machine.

"Thank you, my Lord. I have done all as you have asked me and it shall be my honor to serve the Empress in whatever capacity deemed fit."

Xornoth had heard rumors that Evandrus was preparing to name his first head warden although the criteria for the role was highly secretive, he hoped that he had done enough to secure his lord's favor for the position.

​

@Nefieslab

 

[Arthemise Xius]

Arthemise stood, hands clasped behind her back, eyes focused on the crowds. Her silver hair parted in two braids that fell to the middle of her back, her expression stoic. It had taken a lot of hard work to secure the carrier and even more work to load it in preparation for today’s celebrations; it all seemed a bit unnecessary, but that wasn’t her decision to make. Her only responsibilities were to follow orders, something she rather good at for how much she loathed the position, wishing she could be something more but not quite strong enough to take it.

Her attention moved to Evandrus as he took the podium to address the masses, his smile stretched wide. He enjoyed the adoration from what she could tell, his voice resonating in a confident fashion. Her own expression did not waver when he gestured to the three of them, eyes watching the carrier in silence as it prepared to land.

The engines roared, the ground rumbling beneath her feet as it came in to land. It was a spectacular ship, though perhaps not worthy of a parade. Regardless, she stood patiently and waited for Evandrus to finish his speech so that she may be dismissed.

 

[Darth Evandrus]

The speech was over.

The celebrations across Lothal would continue but their part to kick it all off was done.

Which meant that they could leave the public eye and begin to discuss how they were going to be using the carrier in the future and how it would fit in well with his other plans for Lothal. Stepping away from the podium, he gestures for his disciples to follow him and they begin to make their way back towards the palace. He waves away the guards so that it is just the group of Sith that are approaching the Prince's tower.

It is only they who saw the smile, the public facade, disappear.

"This is just the beginning."

Unlike before, this isn't meant to inspire the people with some kind of hope. This isn't to inspire them - it is to confirm for them what is expected of them.

"The enemies of our Empire shall learn to spot to profile of that ship as it's shadow casts them in darkness and they will know... they will know... that Judgement has come for them."

He ruffled Aria's hair affectionately and gave both Xornoth and Spencer firm pats on the shoulders as he looked them each in the eyes.

"Go." he bid them simply, "Prepare yourselves for the trials and campaigns to come."

/Exit Thread
@Faster Than Light @MatureContentWarningx @Xorism