HNN: 23 Questions With Emperor Vrael

[Jacob Tagger]

@Narsi sorry about the delay.
THIS THREAD IS NOT PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE. It will be used for the basis of a report that will follow.

Holo News Network Presents:

A 23 Questions Interview with Emperor Vrael​

Jacob walked up the grand steps of the Sith Academy on Korriban, holocam hovering beside him and he wondered just how it had all come to this. He had once been a serious Journalist, now he was doing fluff interviews with famous people for the network. It was all just so...sad. Though at the same time he was oddly exited. This was a rare event. A brief glance into the mystical world of the Sith.

Step by step he climbed the stairs. He could see the Emperor and even more weirdly he could feel his presence. It was heavy, weighing him down but he would not be daunted. He felt certain that to show weakness around these people would mean certain death. So he wore his reporter's face. A mask that showed nothing, gave nothing away and he hoped that his thoughts were quiet.

At the top of the grand stairs the holocam started recording and Jacob bowed, then extended his hand towards the Emperor. Perhaps not the most formal of greetings, but this was not to be a formal interview.

"Your Excellency," he began with a smile, "it is a very great privilege that you have allowed us, and in turn, the galaxy a momentary glimpse into your world."

Jacob turned slightly, at an angle to the Emperor and took in the imposing grandeur of the Academy and the odd, desolate world that was Korriban. "Many people, myself included, have wondered what is daily life on Korriban like?"

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael sighed ever so slightly as he watched the reporter's arrival, just barely keeping a frown off his face. He still couldn't believe he'd actually agreed to this colossal waste of his time. There was actual work to be done, reports to go over, orders to issue, problems to fix. Instead he was doing an interview for a news network, something someone much less important than him could've handled. Unfortunately, Vrael's first instinct to refuse had been offset by his advisors who had all strongly urged to him reconsider. Such an interview would give him a chance to win the galaxy over, they'd said, and a chance to maybe strike a PR blow against his enemies.

So here he was, gritting his teeth against this foolishness and doing his best to present a welcoming face. If he was doing this, and regrettably he was, then it was going to be done well. He took the reporters hand and gave it a firm shake, finally forcing a slight smile onto his face as he responded. "It is my pleasure Mr. Tagger, the press is a vital part of our galaxy after all and we are all too happy to show our support. " Releasing the hand, he too turned to take in the view, almost smirking at what he saw. Orderly groups of students, red stone cleaned to a fault, rows of vehicles and ships that gave an aura of bustling activity. Everything arranged to his and the PR teams orders, just as it should be.

He put on a show of thinking about the next question, as if he hadn't already rehearsed all conceivable questions dozens of times. "Personally, I feel that's an odd question to ask Mr. Tagger." Vrael gestured to the area around him with one hand, motioned towards the people seen moving about. "Daily life here is just like anywhere. Even if our world is a bit...less fertile than other worlds, people still have jobs, people still browse markets for produce, and the brave men and women of the military still safeguard us from potential threats to the populace. Our academies, though perhaps different than other institutions, are still full of eager students diligently pursuing a fine education. Really, we just have a few extra awnings to protect us from the sun and more foodstuff imports."

He turned slightly, beckoning for the reporter to follow him deeper into the academy. "Come, I'll show you as such." Vrael headed for a hall that would lead towards the training rooms, looking back to make sure the reporter followed. A single pulse of power stretched ahead of him, an invisible ripple in the force, a signal to those who waited ahead. It was time, be ready.

@Lucid

 

[Jacob Tagger]

As they walked and talked, the holocam floated along. Jacob had disabled some of the stability functions on the thing so that there would be a slight bob to the recording. It added a certain quality to the recording that would subtly underscore how casual the meeting was meant to be, though both Jacob and Vrael knew just how staged it actually was.

If the outside of the Academy was impressive, the interior was staggering. There were statues and carvings everywhere, Sith walked confidently about and somewhere there was the sound of children. That was unexpected, Jacob wondered vaguely if the Empire's propaganda department had engineered that.

"It's so odd to think of life as a Sith in the context of a normal person," Jacob said lightly. To the rest of the world the Sith are a mystery. Especially now when there has been a split that few understand."

As they walked further, Jacob began to feel uneasy though he couldn't say why. There was something about this place that called to something within him and that something tentatively answered. He put the thought and strange sensation out of his mind and ran through the list of questions the producers had given him. He hated the thought of asking such fluff. There was a real opportunity here that he couldn't help but take. It was as though the Academy was heightening every predatory journalistic instinct he had.

"You mentioned education," he said, going off script. "What does the education of a young Sith entail? Does the education and study of the Force lead the way to the violence and mercilessness that we so often hear about?"

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael offered up a smile to the reporters first comment, alongside a few soothing words. "Well that is why we are here today isn't it? To perhaps clear up some of those of those questions the galaxy might have? That is my hope at least." They continued walking, so far everything going according to plan thankfully. There were more than a few wild Sith in the temple who could easily disrupt the ordered illusion, just by accident even. He led the way steadily towards one of the larger training rooms, gradually moving into more private corridors. Ah, there was the door ahead, if they weren't ready inside of it...

Vrael gave the reporter a quick glance as they walked, studying the man's presence in the force. He seemed uneasy, which was to be expected under these circumstances. It seemed more than that somehow though, almost like the man was reacting to the temples taint of the dark side. Vrael blinked his eyes and looked back ahead, shoving a sudden thought from his mind for the moment. It was too faint to tell at the moment, and his focus was needed elsewhere. The man's next question for instance, which considerably more pointed then he'd expected, and they'd finally reached the training room. He placed a hand on it to push the door open, pausing as he looked back to give his answer.

"This is an academy as much as a temple Mr. Tagger, and of course we ensure students are taught their numbers, languages, and histories like any teaching institution. Now, I will not dey that some force sensitives have had negative impacts upon the galaxy, some even showing those very traits you just mentioned. However, that is exactly why our temple exists and why we must train force sensitive individuals. " Vrael finally shoved the door open, revealing the room interior. What greeted him, was over a dozen young Sith engrossed in advanced lightsaber training. It was a species diverse group of students, paired off in an orderly spaced fashion as they engaged in mock battles with wooden sticks. There even higher ranked Sith giving instruction among them, a few glancing up at them and then immediately directing their gazes away. Off in the corner was another cluster of students sitting on the floor, apparently deep in meditation.

"You see," Vrael said, genuinely smiling this time at the perfect display. "We offer discipline and training so that the future generations of Sith can resist such nasty impulses, and direct their powers themselves. The force is not some heavenly altruistic entity after all, it corrupts and tempts the untrained mind in mysterious ways. Here, we teach our pupils to resist those temptations and apply themselves for the good of the Empire and its people."
@Lucid

 

[Jacob Tagger]

Here it was so much worse. He didn't know why, he didn't understand what was happening. Jacob struggled to retain what little composure he had left. He wanted to ask a question about the purpose of meditation in Sith study, something innocuous, but the strange force within him roared to the surface and took hold. In that instant clarity was given him and he remembered forbidden stories, legends he had heard in hushed whispers as a child.

For a very brief second his eyes turned yellow.

"Resist those impulses and help the people? Jacob snarled, his eyes locked on Vrael. "Legend has it those were the tenants of the Jedi and that the Sith were nothing but destruction and hate. Has so much changed over the centuries that you are now a benevolent group? I don't think so. Every day our news room is flooded with stories of oppression and callous murder by the hands of the people you say are supposed to resist such urges. Again that is a direct conflict. Are you lying to the galaxy, your Excellency?"

The strange surge that had poured through Jacob vanished as quickly as it had come. It left him trembling and appalled, he looked away quickly. What had he just asked? It had been utterly inappropriate and downright rude. Who was he to accuse the leader of an Empire, let alone one who could kill him with a simple thought.

Hands trembling, he reached over, turned the holocam off and deleted the last couple minutes of footage. Thankfully, this was not a live broadcast. Face ashen, he looked back to Emperor Vrael and began to stammer an apology.

"Your Excellency, I am so, so sorry. I have no idea what just happened. I don't know what just came over me. Perhaps this interview would best be conducted with someone else."

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

He sensed something suddenly, a strange stirring in the force. A violent unfocused stirring, separate from the calmer more focused presences of the nearby Sith. Vrael looked about the room, searching for the seemly unruly acolyte who was losing themselves within the force, nothing. It was coming from close by too, very close by, right...next to him. Vrael turned to look at the reporter, just in time to catch the flash of yellow in the man's eyes, come and gone so fast he wasn't sure it had existed. The man's resounding tirade however, did not pass by so easily, and Vrael caught every word of it loud and clear.

For a moment,he just stared, blinking in slight shock over what had just occurred. He watched the reporter come down from his...high and compose himself, suddenly a trembling mess that was obviously absorbing his own recent actions. That had been...unexpected to say the least, and not just the angry rant. Was this man, this simple news reporter, attuned with the force to some degree? He had to be, why else would the temples innate taint had caused such an affect? The man certainly hadn't lost control on purpose, that much was for certain. Of course, the nearby stirrings in the force by the literal room full of Sith probably hadn't helped.

Vrael composed himself quickly, a soft frown etched on his features as he cast a glance at the room of trainees, seeing several looking his way with shocked expressions. He gave them a quick glare and closed the door on the room, leaving them alone in the corridor as the reporter finished apologizing. He had to think on how to respond, as he had decidedly NOT rehearsed an answer to that particular question. His first inclination was towards violence of course, the man had disrespected him, in front of his own men no less. Vrael forced those temptations away, that was not an option sadly. This whole farce had been about helping boost the Empires image, and killing a reporter would do just the opposite. Oh yes, he could already see the headlines, Empire Butchers Innocent for Asking Questions, no not on his watch.

So rather than reach for the lightsaber, the Emperor merely forced a smile and nodded reassuringly to the man. "Oh its quite all right Mr Tagger, apology accepted. This temple is strong in the force, and it can often have strange effects on those new to its depths. I apologize for perhaps not including a warning during our earlier correspondence. And I see no reason to stop the interview not over a few harsh words. Come, let us continue...though do try to contain yourself for the rest of the tour." Vrael turned to lead the way down the hall, smile disappearing beneath a scowl as soon as he'd looked away. Yes, this was the proper response, anything else would just reflect badly upon him.

At least though, he'd avoided answering that last question. Would the reporter even notice, when so engrossed in fear and relief?
@Lucid

 

[Jacob Tagger]

"Ok screw the interview, we both know that all of this is carefully manufactured and you're probably as bad as everyone says," it was perhaps not the most tactful way to address the Dark Lord of the Sith but Jacob was all out of tact or even caring what he said. Ever since he had landed on Korriban he had had bad feeling about the place and everything he had worried about came true. It had been one of those times, where he lost control and everything went to hell. At least nothing started moving of its own accord.

"I honestly don't care," he continued. "I'll come up with something that doesn't make you look horrible. People will think I was probably coerced but they'll never prove it...just tell me what the hell is going on with me."

Jacob sagged against the wall of the corridor and ran a hand through his hair, the movement prompted a lamp fixture to rocket off the wall and crash inelegantly beside the Emperor. Jacob winced. It as happening again. Though he knew the Emperor had dodged his question, an act revealing in and of itself, Jacob couldn't bring himself to care. All his life he'd dealt with moments like this, though never as bad. Occasionally he'd move a hand and a pillow would fall off the sofa or he'd dodge out of the way of soemthing like he knew it was going to happen.

He had always attributed it to coincidence or luck, dreading that it might be something more. However here on Korriban where everything was so much worse, he knew it had to be true...he had a knack for the Force. The very thing his parents had lied about and changed their names to vanish from the eyes of the Empire when he was only four. He had only fragmented memories of that time but his mother had told him a little of it before she passed.

He didn't want to think about that now. He wanted to get a grip on himself; for someone usually held rigidly in control, having such wild swings of temper was exhausting and scary.

@Narsi, lezgo!

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael stopped short at the reporters words, frowning deeply as he went over their meaning. This...this was most certainly not part of the meeting, and the reporter was testing his luck now. He turned, not bothering to hide his frown this time as he gave the reporter the full benefit of his glare. So they were dispensing with the niceties were they? Vrael slowly retraced his steps back down the hall, until he stood just in front of the man, still glaring severely. "Mr Tagger, I have-" He started to say, only to be interrupted by the reporter as he continued on. Vrael's frown became a scowl, interruptions now, the man was just asking to die!

Jacob's words however, served to temper that anger, at least partially. As did the lamp, the sudden action causing Vrael to pause briefly and watch the fixture crash to the ground. He contemplated the man silently for a moment, considering the paths that existed before him. Theoretically he had everything to gain here, a for sure favorable review would be excellent. He could just shelve this entire farce and spend his day more meaningfully, and stop having to worry about the potential loose cannons that were his Sith in this little show. A few harmless answers might be considered an acceptable trade for that. With a silent sigh, Vrael came to a decision, loosening his aggressive stance and folding his arms over his chest as he beheld the reporter tiredly.

"Mr Tagger...I believe you already know just what is going on with you, " He stated bluntly, making no effort to hide the condescension in in his tone. "Your recent actions may show you lack some measure of intelligence, but even children can connect dots, as I'm sure you've done." He let that sink in before continuing, nodding towards the downed lamp. "But if I must point out the obvious then I shall. You, Mr. Tagger, are what is deemed a force sensitive, a person born with a natural attunement to the force. A quite strong one too I'm reckoning, judging by your display here today. Your untrained sensitivity is likely reacting with the powerful nexus within this planet and temple, causing your....outbursts." His frown vanished as he finished, a slight look of knowing coming over his face. "That's what happens when ones power isn't focused and controlled, it runs rampant. You're like a burning ember that has suddenly found itself tossed into a field of tall dry grass."

@Lucid

 

[Jacob Tagger]

They really had done away with the niceties, which was just fine for Jacob. He needed answers and needed them quickly, having to do a political dance around every question was an unbearable thought.

He met Vrael's eyes evenly, breathing slowly and letting his mind go blank as he had been taught as a boy. Usually it helped but at this moment it didn't really do much. He wondered what in the world to ask. Sure, he was Force-sensitive, that much had been obvious to him for a while though he had tried with all his might to ignore it. He hated anything that could tie him to the Sith, but it seemed like life wasn't that simple. Here he was, having a melt down in front of the Emperor of the Old Empire and that very same person was the only one he could turn to for help.

He hated himself right then. His parents, he thought, had stood for something more...why else would they have gone to such lengths to hide their child and remake their lives? Still though, it didn't seem as though he had many options. With a grudging sigh he began to speak.

"OK fine," he said, "I had my suspicions about all that...I mean you can only convince yourself of coincidence only so many times when you get angry and things start to float." He shrugged noncommittally, everyone had their way of coping. "So my question is, how do I get a handle on myself? This can't happen again...don't take this the wrong way but I feel more than a little bit lucky that I was working with you. Otherwise I'd probably be dead, so thanks for that."

Jacob meant it. Emperor Vrael seemed like a sensible and calculating fellow, for all he was a Sith and they were, by nature given to violent outbursts. He wondered if the man would help him or simply turn him away. He had no reason to, unless he though giving Jacob the basis of Force use would give him a taste for more. Surely the Old Empire could do worse than trying to flip an enemy journalist for their own purposes.

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael chuckled briefly at the man's words, at the insinuation of his fate were another Sith standing before him. There was truth in that statement for sure, maybe even more so than the reporter knew. Vrael prided himself on his control and focus. However, it had more to do with the reporters actual standing and occupation than anything else. Faced with a situation like this, Vrael would HOPE that most of his Sith would make the correct strategic choice. A hope he had more than a few doubts about.

He merely shrugged in response as he spoke, "Well, I did not reach the rank I hold now by acting foolishly and giving in to my lesser impulses. You wont be able to give me that favorable review for instance, if you die here. Now, on how you...control yourself. I believe you already know the answer to that as well." Vrael paused to look the man squarely in the eye, eyebrow raised in an impatient display. "You need training, like any Sith, like any skill or ability. And with time, you will have a...handle on yourself, as you put it."

Vrael then indicated the temple around them with an open hand. "Luckily, we seem to be in an opportune place for such a thing. The MOST opportune place actually. Would you perhaps be interested in our services? I'm sure something could be arranged, in exchange for your continued services as a reporter..." Vrael was already seeing the potential here, warming up to the idea. A reporter on their side could potentially be invaluable, it could go far beyond one mere beneficial story. They just needed to get the claws of the dark side into the man first.
@Lucid

 

[Jacob Tagger]

Jacob grinned at the Emperor when he explained that he had had to be reasonable in order to lead. It hinted subtly at many darker things about his Empire and his Sith. It was almost frightening to think about. He had escaped death enough today than to risk pushing the Emperor any further. Jacob looked down and inspected his nails, thinking. They made an interesting offer and he could play it just enough to get what he wanted while giving them the bare minimum in return. There were complications, however.

"I think we can come to an arrangement here," he said slowly. "However, I cannot vanish. What did you have in mind?" Jacob thought for a second before adding. "Also there is the matter of my publications. It would be very suspicious and dangerous if I suddenly became a massive supporter of your Empire. However of late, I have not reported much on your actions at all. I could perhaps continue to focus my attentions on the Imperial Republica and turn a blind eye in your direction."

It was beyond unethical, but it was better than becoming a puppet of some jumped up Sith. More than anything though, Jacob knew that he needed to get a grip on himself before something like what had happened today happened live on the air. He wondered just how dangerous it would be to learn about the Force here. He felt as though he was betraying all his parents had stood for, even in secrecy. He decided then that he could learn and they could teach, but he would be his own judge of just how he conducted himself.

"If that is agreeable to you?"

@Narsi

 

[Darth Vrael]

Vrael raised an eyebrow and hesitated at the answer he received. He had been hoping for a more slightly more beneficial arrangement admittedly. One where the virtues of the Old Empire were loudly proclaimed to the galaxy. The man made good points however, such a thing would be impossible, from the start at least. Still, a blind eye would be useful as well. There were more than a few operations incoming that might benefit from such a thing. And besides, with the dark side everything was possible. Perhaps the reporter would be comfortable with a more active role once he was immersed in its power.

As for the man's other concern, well that was easily addressed of course. Its not as if Sith were confined to just this one plane after all. Vrael put on a show of thinking about it though, it wouldn't do to give an improper impression of the man's position. After giving it an reasonable amount of time, he looked up and nodded. "Yes, that would be an acceptable agreement. Although of course it may not always be so simple. Now, there would be no need for disappearance. We have worlds on the border after all, and Sith on the. A suitable lesson plan could be concocted that allows you to come and go as to facilitate your schedule. That said, it will NOT be easy, and you will be given no special treatment in regards to the actual training."

Vrael looked severely then, turning up his chin and looking down his nose at the man. "I trust you would have no problems with that arrangement Mr Tagger, and that we have a deal?" Hopefully that would be enough to wrap this little deal up. He was getting antsy from standing in one place for so long and doing one thing. It just didn't agree with him.

@Lucid

 

[Jacob Tagger]

Jacob felt like he was being played. The Dark Lord's theatrical silence and big show of pondering the proposal spoke to many dangerous things that could unfold. However, there wasn't really another option...he'd just have to keep his wits about him and remember why he was doing this. He'd have to be careful, slide in some sort of commentary that was in line with his published beliefs and values. That would be the tricky part. He was fairly certain that any and all of Vrael's lenience was expended and his life wouldn't be spared again if he ran afoul of his Empire.

"You have a deal," he said smoothly. "I don't expect any special treatment though I reiterate that I am not allying myself with your Empire, I simply can't. That said, I am ready."

He gazed into the darkness of the passage beyond Vrael's shoulder; the Force moved in him, the darkness was both a warning and a prophecy.

@Narsi

//Thread