Ask Serenno Ivory Tower

[Darth Stolas]

While Serenno was technically bound to the Sith, Morgan rather believed the prior arrangement had been bungled to a degree he couldn't sit still over. Between that and the remnants of the cult that no doubt were still hidden in the foulest corners of the planet he now believed it was time to make something of a move of his own. Not to mention the ancient and historical estate with a certain symbol and proper prior ownership on the well known noble's planet. As fortune would have it there was a certain Sith from this place who had recently taken over his noble family's estate, which left Morgan with more local intelligence and support than his network alone.

The forces under his command had a wide reach in Sith space but they weren't always the ones to get things done. Sometimes the Drast needed to do it himself.

He'd announced his intention to visit Artorigas well in advance, with a date and time, and an airspeeder flew him to Castle Wessex. The Councilor would be lead through the doors, dressed in fine robes meant to guard against the snowy cold. In the castle's foyer he would wait patiently, or be lead wherever it was Artorigas intended to meet with his guests. Morgan wasn't feeling terribly picky about it.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

The galaxy spun in strange circles, little over half a year ago he was nothing but a unknown Sith Acolyte with only a simple grasp of The Force, no house, no real power. And now he sat within this Great Hall, upon the dais his father once sat upon welcoming one of the strongest and most influential Sith into his home. The thought could only bring a smile to Artorigas' face.

For once the Noble had risen early, his manservant making sure he was washed, clean and fed with little to no alcohol ingested before the Sith Councillors arrival just after noon. Sat upon the dais nursing a glass of fresh fruit juice he waited for the signal, one of his many servants opening the side doors to the hall to make him aware that Darth Stolas was here. "Show him in." He replied before standing to greet his guest.

Stolas would be lead into the Great Hall, the same room where the celebration to make his accession to the rank of Marauder had taken place. Gone were the tables, chairs, music, cocktails, champagne and all other manner of intoxicating items, it was back to his formal glory. A long red carpet went down the middle of the flagged marble surface, the walls alight with glittering sun through the stained glass windows. Weapons, armour, tapestries and paintings hung from the wall. There were a few items scattered along the floor, Stolas would notice the armour Xeno had stupidly worn back in place after its deep clean as well as other collectables the Wessex family had gathered.

Atop the dais sat two chairs, both of equal height and grandeur, normally in his home among other nobles Artorigas would take a different seat one to set him above the others. But Stolas' advanced rank within the Sith gave him the right to sit equally within his household. "Greetings Lord Stolas, it is a pleasure to see you again. Please take a seat. Would you like a refreshment?"

After the man resolved the question of his thirst, Artorigas would take a seat after the Dark Lord. Showing deference to Stolas as befitting his title once seated he would raise his glass to the man before taking a sip. "So Mi' Lord what brings you to my humble castle?"

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

Morgan's ever-present attendant removed the outer-most layer of robe as he entered the castle's main hall, golden eyes looking around the room. It had a different air without the music and crowds of people but he could still appreciate the old Serenno architecture just the same. Dark boots carried the Firrerreo across red carpeting and his gaze idly wandered to the variety of decorative art pieces and martial equipment. All said, he approved.

"Lord Wessex," he greeted simply on the dais and sat himself in the offered chair. "Tea, I think." His attendant wordlessly placed a datapad on the table before him. Artorigas asked his question and Morgan did not immediately answer, instead activating the pad and swiping it over to a particular page.

"Some matters of interest," the Sith Lord began. "I trust you're familiar with the Great Houses? There is one I have decided to look into." The datapad turned seemingly of its own accord to face Artorigas. Its screen showed the front of a grand and vast estate that had been on Serenno, like many others, for a very long time. This one in particular was for a long while the personal palace and home of the Drast family and a symbol of their long history on Serenno.

"They have something that does not belong to them. There is an opening for mutual gain in their current political position, as well."

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas pulled the cuffs of his court dress, pulling the jacket into position before taking a seat next to the Dark Councillor. At the request of tea, he gave one of the nearby servants a look which signalled that he should be getting on with it before turning back to the Datapad before him. "If I may?" He asked pointing at the Datapad, after awaiting the Dark Lords acceptance he picked up the device and gave the picture a look over.

"House Malvern, if I am correct. The current Count of Serenno calls this is summer home. He prefers his estate up near the pole, Malvern's have always preferred the colder climate." Artorigas replied in a calm voice. "Though he would be a fool to leave such a prize without much attention, it has fallen into some disrepair as I am aware. Though nothing a few credits would not fix in little to no time."

Artorigas placed the Datapad back down just as the tea for Stolas arrived, the servant offered to pour it for the Dark Lord. "I assume that this palace rightfully belongs to you then Lord Stolas. It is a fine residence in deed and it would be delightful to have a neighbour such as you upon the planet. Though I doubt House Malvern will let it go willingly, I would suggest full removal of the house from play. It does not have to be murder, banishment, bankruptcy, slander and scandal all of these can effectively remove a House from the game. Which would of course leave the title of Count of Serenno up for appointment."

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

A small motion of the hand indicated the other man was free to handle the datapad. Morgan's gaze still looked over the different details of the castle while Artorigas elaborated on House Malverne. When their preference for a different estate was mentioned golden eyes narrowed in irritation while an expression of bemusement settled on the rest of his face. They had this place in their hands and chose not to use it? It seemed strange to him.

Morgan looked away from the collected things on the wall to Artorgas instead as the tea arrived, a languid gesture accepting the servant's offer to pour. He waited for the sound to stop before he responded.

"It isn't meant to be in their hands," Morgan said, a polite little smile on his face. "House Malvern also holds the position of Count?" That could potentially make things more interesting in any kind of direction, both for the Sith and the Great House itself. Certainly the Firrerreo didn't intend to let them sit on their 'summer home' for much longer.

"What land and business ownership are they known for?" Nobles were nobles not just for their name, but more materially for their investments. Malvern must have something they could work with.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

He took the final mouth fall of his own drink, motioning for the servant to have a replacement sent up before turning to the Sith Councillor. He lent back in his chair, is mind having to troll through each of the houses, what they did, who they did it with and why. "Malvern, they primary investment is tourism, they own a few parks upon the planet as well as casinos in orbit of both Serenno and a few off world planets. Secondary I would say housing though they have quiet a diversified portfolio, they don't own much physical land. It is more assets and buildings."

It was plain, it was boring, but that was the Malvern's, then it clicked. "I believe they have been moving most of there assets out of Sith controlled space and into Free World Alliance planets. Something about there son not being accepted into the Sith Academy?"

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

Morgan sipped his tea with a languid and lazy energy at odds with the upright and proper way he sat. Tourism on Serenno was notably profitable for both house and government because of its beauty, and casinos were universally a money maker. The councilor's face expressed some small interest in the concept, humming to himself for a moment.

"It's always something personal," he commented dryly. "They want influence in Sith matters. Can't get it without a Sith." The main reasons for rejection were attitude or potential related, but even mild talents could be brought into an academy somewhere. They must have been going for something prestigious. "Belladine. Find out who their son is, with records." His attendant bowed at 45 degrees and moved off without a word.

"A solution may involve him. If control can be established, even their movement of assets to Free World space can be to our advantage." Even if it sounded much like the noble's version of a tantrum. Did they not already have influence as a Count? "I do believe we have one potential opening."

Goldens looked around the castle for a few seconds with polite interest before fixing Artorigas with his intense and focused eyes. "Is House Wessex looking to expand their holdings?"

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas had resources but he doubt they could even compare to the Sith Councillor, even if he asked his own people to look into disgraced Malvern, he was sure Belladine would beat his people ninety percent of the time. "The Sith's return and there arrival within Serennian space has upturned much of the House Politics. Where money and favours were once the greatest currency in the game, now ties to the Sith have become the premium currency." The House of Wessex was considerable lucky in that manner, it was comical to think about the last two Serennian parties held by his family, the last one held by his father, barley attended by more than half a dozen houses not tied by marriage to the old man. Then the one held a few days before the Sith party where a member of every house on Serenno made themselves available. All because of the blade at his side and power in his chest.

He smiled to himself as he thought about it, though in his contemplation he missed part of Stolas' comments about the Malvern's. When he mentioned about expansion Artorigas could only smile a twinkle appearing his eye. "Is Korriban hot?" He replied with a sarcastic smirk. "Every house looks to expand there power and influence and Wessex is the same, the only difference is that I do not desire just Serenno but much more, as you are well aware." He finished referencing there conversation at the party a few days ago.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

The nobleman's assessment of the political economy on Serenno meshed well with the reports his agents had given on the situation. Sith simply had forms of power ordinary people didn't and that made their positive attention valuable on its own. Especially with how well the most powerful Sith tended to treat their friends, allies, and those who were useful. Stolas in particular had a simple policy he'd always followed and it often worked well for him.

Treat allies well and enemies harshly. Those you love like kings, those you hate with unmatched cruelty. Fear, awe, and respect were powerful tools. The Firrerreo's brow rose with amusement at the other man's tone but he didn't look offended.

"Serenno must be further secured," Stolas began, leaning slightly forward. "Don't squeeze too tightly." It was, after all, a planet under the Sith Lord's influence. On the other hand, a foreign house becoming Count was troublesome and Morgan had no intention of marrying into an existing one to claim it. Even the thought was vile, his lip curling.

"Malvern holds many things. I worry the burden is too much for me alone. Might you lend a hand or two?"

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas nodded in agreement to the Sith Councillor's assessment a smile on his face as he finished off his second drink. If Serenno could be further secured by his own hands, not only would this increase his power and influence among the planets elite but also the Sith proper. Plus it always good to have a Sith Councillor as a friend.

"My lands and people are at your disposal Mi' Lord. Anything you require House Wessex is at your service." He said giving the man a seated bow. "We can leave at a moments notice. I know exactly where the winter house of Malvern is I can fly us there in the 'Wyvern' a dozen battle droids in tow." Artorigas finished with a toothy smile. Some of the servants around him had overheard what was said and began already making preparations encase the Sith Councillor took up his offer.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

Stolas appeared pleased by the nobleman's assent. This arrangement should benefit them both in the end and Artorigas was eager enough to render assistance. So long as things moved to plan- they rarely did entirely, but still- Morgan hoped to acquire the ancestral Drast palace before too long.

"We'll leave after my attendant returns." Which didn't take all too long. The more prestigious Sith academies kept excellent records and 'Malvern' as a surname was uncommon to put it lightly. Belladine stepped up to the table and handed Morgan a datapad with the information he'd asked for. His brows rose up slowly, then one above the other.

"'Eager, average talent, poorly suited to training.' Unfortunate assessment," he commented aloud with a soft sigh. Morgan slid his chair back and stood, idly straightening his tunic with his left hand. "But vague." A pensive pause. "Does the name 'Mercia' mean anything to you?" It was the surname of the assessor in question and sounded vaguely Serennian to Morgan. He didn't think it was a great house but there were many noble families on this planet.

He tutted. "Might as well bring the droids. Prefer not to use them for this." Crashing in and killing a bunch of people didn't seem necessary at this stage but having them on standby wasn't bad. "Show me to your ship?"

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

The attendant was fast, Belladine was a good and loyal servant something that Artorigas was fond of and for some reason increased his opinion of the Sith Councillor before him. To have one so loyal and so astute gave great measure of the person they served. Artorigas' jaw stiffened and his hand gripped slightly tighter around the arm of the chair as Stolas read out the name. It took him a moment to compose himself before speaking. "Ahh Mercia, well they are an interesting bunch indeed. If you look out the front door of Castle Wessex they reside about four valleys in that direction."

He stood as Lord Stolas appeared that it was now the time for them to leave so they shall. As they made there way to the shuttle he elaborated on the situation with the Mercians. "Their family rose around the same time as my own and we have been in a rather bitter dispute ever since." They stepped through the main doors of the castle and turned towards the landing pads, the 'Wyvern' had already spun up and was ready to go. "Worse of all, my uncle had to sell some land to them to pay for my fathers stupid ideas. Please after you." He said as he held out his arm for the Sith Councillor to go first.

The inside of the 'Wyvern' was a seat of luxury, the place had been Artorigas' home for the better part of two years and it had been set out accordingly, the seating area in the middle of the ship had a large five seater corner sofa looking at a large holo-screen. To the aft was a small kitchenette with a rather large wine fridge. "Anything to drink whilst we travel it will take some time to get there?" He asked.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

Oho, now this was interesting. Mercia and Wessex had a feud going on? Morgan knew that noble families often had disputes ranging from cold wars to petty disputes but stumbling on something like this was better than he'd hoped. And a Mercia family member had been the cause for another family's rejection from a prominent Sith academy. This was getting very interesting indeed.

"This is more involved than it seems," the Firrerreon commented aloud. He didn't have further commentary on the Wessex family but it sounded to be in better hands than it had been before. Morgan stepped out onto the landing pad.

He paused for a moment when he saw the ship, then continued on walking as if that hadn't happened. Black boots carried him up the ramp to the interior. Golden eyes took a little while to look around at the different features and decorations- longer than was necessary, truth be told.

It looked so different from what he was used to and why that bothered him he didn't really know. After a few seconds he stepped fully inside and sat down a little stiffly on the couch, folding his hands neatly in his lap. "No," was all he said, then blinked. "Thank you." Morgan looked somewhat uncomfortable in stark contrast to his earlier self.

"What's life as a Serenno noble like?" His tone was almost breezy, like he was half distracted by his own thoughts when he asked the question.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Although the Councillor chose not to have a drink, Artorigas could not resist the perfectly stocked wine fridge, pulling a bottle of white wine from Ithor from the bottom shelf. "It is a relatively pleasant life." He began as he corked the bottle and began pouring himself out a glass. "Serennian nobility runs more like a business than old time nobility, serfdom was outlawed centuries ago, so everyone who is on my land is a free person and can leave when they please. The squabbles between houses cane be entertaining to say the least, though that maybe because I have spent most of my life watching them never really being part of them. Though that has now changed."

Since his Ascendancy he had quickly become engulfed in the politics of the world, the squabbles and the disputes. "It often reminds me of the Sith in a way. Always out to get one up on there brethren." He added with a smile before taking the glass with him towards the cockpit. The Wyvern was fitted with a specific wine glass holder next to the pilot seat and he placed the chilled glass there whilst he began the last checks before taking off. "Have you had much personal dealing with nobility yourself Mi'lord?"

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

Morgan tried to get himself comfortable while the other man was speaking but couldn't quite manage it. Certainly the ship was nice. Well furnished, well decorated, so on. But in the back of his head it just felt a little off. All the same he ended up half sitting and half lounging on one side of the couch while Artorigas went to the cockpit. Still close enough for conversation so the Firrerreo didn't bother moving.

"There's always something one wants enough to turn on others," he commented mildly. It was the way of life in the galaxy, not just the Sith. "Too much time with nobles, I think." His family line were somewhat strange for nobles at least in the ideal image of Morgan's teacher. It varied from person to person but the line was meant to be more than just something where wealth and prestige were passed down for all time.

It was not always the most successful endeavour, unfortunately. "Too many are worthless." His philosophies, by design, didn't always line up with noble values of petty politics. "I wonder if Malvern even knows what property they're sitting on."

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

He had not expected that kind of answer, the Stolas he had spent time with seemed to fit perfectly into the Noble pastures and Artorigas would assume Stolas would have loved that world. Apparently that was not entirely the case, though he could not argue that most of his own kind were worthless. "I doubt it, I am sure once long ago it was a matter of pride for them. But now its probably just another house within there domain." Artorigas called back from the cockpit.

The ship lifted free from the landing pad and with a small press of the accelerator they began to move off, a slight pull back on the controls taking them into a shallow climb as they moved out of the Wessex's lands and into the vast countryside that made up most of Serenno. "It shouldn't take too long to reach our destination. Do you intend for the palace to become your permeant residence?" As he continued to pilot the ship over the forests and valleys he paid close attention to keep his throat quenched with the wine to his side. He hoped the Sith Lord would not mind him drink driving, a single glass would not get him anywhere near intoxicated so the Councillor honestly had nothing to worry about.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

Morgan grimaced at the other man's agreement. The Drast palace had once been the home of the greatest dynasty in the galaxy. He was unpleasantly reminded of Emryc's words to his family regarding just how far they'd fallen in the time since in response to the sheer pride and arrogance presented by Morgan's mother. Everything the half-Sephi said had been true even if Morgan hadn't, in truth, enjoyed hearing it.

But of course he hadn't spoken up at the time or talked about it. Since when did he avoid thing that way?

Now thoroughly annoyed he wished he'd asked for a drink. "Base of operations," he replied far more tersely than he'd intended. Details about what the Firrerreo considered his home really weren't the nobleman's business and so he didn't elaborate on that whatsoever.

"But a residence, yes," Morgan added after a second with far less irritability bleeding into his tone. He didn't even sleep in the Drommund Kaas palace if he could reasonably avoid it. It made him uncomfortable.

"I hope you know that I'm far more likely to survive a crash than you are." Now his tone was almost playful and a little dry. He could smell the open wine. At least they weren't going far.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

The tone in Stolas' voice gave Artorigas the opinion that he was irritated by something, had he said something, or was it his flying? He was a pretty good pilot if he didn't say so himself. "Well we can be neighbours then, though please don't have the music on to loud at night." He replied with a little chuckle.

The transport banked to one side skirting around a small mountain range which would separate the part of the continent that his own lands lay in with those that would soon belong to the Firerro behind him. At his comment about surviving a crash, Artorigas looked down at the glass of wine next to him and smiled, taking up the glass and taking another long swig of the alcoholic drink. "Do not worry Mi'Lord, I have had much more to drink and piloted in much worse conditions of this. There is no threat to yourself whilst you are in my capable..."

Before he could finish what he was saying the transport lurched to one side, as another ship flew extremely close to the ship. "Fore be damned, stupid noble drivers!" Artorigas shouted, more annoyed at his spilled wine than the fact they almost had a head on collision.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

"If you can hear music of out that estate, I'm sure I'll have gone deaf," he quipped wryly back, lips curling upwards. Not that Art could see his expression. Morgan tried not to think too much about an unknown alcohol-friendly person flying a ship he was in. Sure he could potentially survive a crash but it wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

Artorigas' meagre assurances didn't do much but pull an irate tut from the Firrerreo. It turned into a brief growl as the ship sharply moved around ship, sliding over on the couch and nearly falling over. Goldens glared toward the cockpit, any sudden maneuver in something larger than a starfighter making him starkly uncomfortable. Mostly because he was terrible at flying them.

While an infamous fighter pilot, Morgan could basically only handle A-to-B flying for larger and less maneuverable craft. Turns out the training doesn't convert over so well.

"I'm going to need a drink by the time we land," he grumbled, settling back straight on the couch, hands on thighs. So uncomfortable. Luckily it wouldn't take too long to actually arrive to where they were headed. After landing he stood, straightening his clothes a little, and headed immediately toward the exit. This model of craft was already distracting without a wine-o flying it.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

The rest of the flight towards the Malvern summer estate, was relatively quiet in comparison to the early portion. Although Artorigas kept the star ship at a slightly higher altitude to keep away from the more 'rowdy' traffic, this meant Stolas' was unable to see the rolling hills and beautiful vistas of his soon to be new home, instead he was greeted with white puffy clouds out of the viewports.

As they came close to the estate proper a small flashing light appeared upon the console. "Approaching craft, identify yourself and your intent. You are encroaching on the lands of The Count of Serenno." Artorigas smiled before flicking the switch up and replying, knowing what was about to go through the minds of the men on the other end of the speaker. "This is Artorigas Wessex, myself and Dark Councillor Darth Stolas. Is Generra home?"

There was a long pause before they got a reply, but Artorigas did not slow his descent towards the estate. They would not dare try and resit the pair, Artorigas himself could probably get onto any estate he liked with his new ties to the Sith. The fact a Sith Councillor was also aboard made it a guarantee. "Lord Malvern was just about to depart. However he would be happy to welcome Darth Stolas and yourself. Please land at pad one."

Artorigas did not reply and just headed towards the landing pad, the ship came to a smooth landing and Artorigas downed the last of his wine as he removed himself from the seat and moved back towards the councillor. "Shall we?"

@Mr. Teatime