Ask [Mirial] Soft Spoken Promises

[Darth Draugr]

Mirial, Independent Space, 1947 Hours

Arriving to the formal reception being held on the planet filled with the elected officials of the planet, was none other than the Dathomiri Zabrak, Draugr. The Sith Master was here to persuade the officials on how much the Sith could benefit the planet. Joining the Empire would bring many upbringings to the cold planet, as well as make the planet much more powerful. All Draugr needed to do was articulate and bring the interest of the Empire to the planets leaders.

Dressed in appropriate attire Draugr would walk through the room and find a cocktail to sip on and to look much more relaxed. Bring a bit of an ease to his presence for the Mirial natives. He was accompanied by another Sith, one he hadn't worked with before so hopefully they were competent in the arts of persuasion. There would be no need for violence, though strong suggestions would be accepted anytime in the Empire's eyes. The Zabrak would turn to his accomplice and speak,

"Let us begin our mission. There that one."

Draugr spoke softly as he pointed nonchalantly with his glass towards a heavy set man of green skin with black hair. He was dressed in a common suit with a yellow tie. The man looked to be in his late forties and accompanied by a young woman at his side.

"His name is Umberwald Tontunulli. He is one of the leaders on this planet. He aspires to become the Prime Minister here on Mirial. His following is strong on this planet as he promises many great things to them should he win the upcoming election. We persuade him to pledge allegiance to us as well a few others in the running the Sith would be able to secure the planet peacefully."

Master Draugr would then take a sip of his cocktail and then clear his throat lightly. A quick fix of the tie and then a nod to his companion. The Dathomiri was ready to begin and would await confirmation that his counterpart was ready as well.

@Forsythe Crowholde​

 

[Luwalhati]

They have been told that the event would be one of elegance and extravagance, so they dressed as best and appropriately as they could. Not too gaudy to fish for attention for themselves (they hated being stared at), and not too shabby so as to embarrass the acclaimed Sith Master they were to accompany nor feel out of place in a such a luxurious display of a Mirialan party.

Dressed in the simplest yet presentable suit and tie they could find from their wardrobe, Luwalhati stuck close to Master Draugr while maintaining a respectful distance. Amber eyes scanned the crowd, filing away one face after another while weighing said face's value that would benefit the Empire.

They did not want to think of failure when it came to missions such as this, diplomatic or not. They didn't want to have that thought manifest into reality.

Subtly, Luwalhati watched as the Sith Master spoke and pointed towards their target. If Lu had done those very same actions, their former Master would have had their hide for being so obvious. They simply filed away the Zabrak's actions and fell in step beside him as the pair approached the target. Casting aside their bashful nature for the sake of their current mission, Lu opted to open the discussion with a polite greeting and an introduction or two.

"Your Grace, Umberwald Tontunulli, it is our utmost pleasure to be in your presence today," Luwalhati addressed the Mirialan. The greeting itself was outdated, proof of an old-fashioned teaching, but it seemed that the title was not lost on Tontunulli. "This is Master Draugr, renowned Sith Master and champion of the Empire. I am Acolyte Luwalhati."

The Mirialan raised an eyebrow at the half-bow offered by the pink-haired man (woman?) then returned Lu's half-bow with a cocky incline of his head. "Please, refrain from addressing me as such! I am not a king!" the man advised, though the young Acolyte could hear the hint of arrogance in his tone. It was a sound prevalent to people when their egos were being stroked.

As Lu raised their head, Tontunulli unlatched himself from his lady companion and turned to face Draugr. With a quick word the woman sashayed off to where cocktails were being served. The Mirialan seemed to appraise the Zabraki Sith Master, now completely ignoring the presence of the Acolyte before him.

"Greetings, Master Draugr. How is the Empire holding out these past few days? I heard your Empress has retired and set up a replacement?"

The question was asked in the most nonchalant, I-just-want-to-confirm-things fashion. And yet purple eyes that stared back at the Sith Master's were sharp and painted with a mix of curiosity, pride, arrogance, and a sliver of derision.

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

As the two would make their way over to Umberwald, it seemed the young Acolyte was excited to get things rolling by greeting themselves first to the man. A little too humbled though, the man hasn't made it to office yet. The election would be coming soon to determine if he would or not. Draugr would disregard it though as he wanted the mission to succeed. It seemed the Mirialan man didn't mind the greeting and show of respect.

After dismissing the Acolyte, and pretending to be a humble man when in reality his ego was being lifted to cloud nine, the green skinned man would acknowledge the presence of Draugr. A name among the Sith well known in the galaxy. No surprise he knew who the Zabrak was from the stories and reportings.

"Good evening Tontunulli. The Empire is thriving as always, and yes Empress Andruil stepped down. We rally behind our new Empress but that is not what I came to speak about."

Draugr would take a sip then nod to Umberwald,

"We came to speak with you about aligning with the Sith Empire. A big commitment to make of course but we have many reasons why Mirial would thrive under the alliance with the Empire. The security we can provide, the wealth we can bring, the power we can give to you. Might even have a personal cruiser to throw in the deal just for you."

The red Zabrak would smirk and tilt his head slightly forward and to the left. Showing a sign of interest and adding some flair to his persuasion.

"What say you Umberwald?"

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Luwalhati]

Lu played the arrogant Mirialan's game and opted first to listen to Master Draugr's and Tontunulli's exchange. A part of them hoped that it would make for great entertainment, but they immediately shot the thought down. It wouldn't be fun if Tontunulli shot down the offer because he somehow miraculously read Lu's thoughts even if he wasn't Force-sensitive. They blinked docilely, amber gaze locked on the Mirialan's face as he spoke to Master Draugr.

Like they had done earlier, the Zabraki Sith Master was quick to get down to business by laying down the benefits Mirial would receive if it allied itself with the Empire. Lu noticed a brief gleam of greed flashing in Tontunulli's eyes when Master Draugr hinted at the power the Empire could give the Mirialan.

"Those are tempting offers, Master Draugr. Very tempting, indeed," replied Tontunulli, smiling broadly as if humbled by the Sith Master's words. "But see, the decision does not fall on one man– certainly not me! And I won't be able to convince my fellow officials! Well, unless..."

Lu fought the urge to roll their eyes at the dramatics the Mirialan was pulling off, more so when it caught nearby fellow Mirialans' attention. The Acolyte knew that they would've been turned off by the fakeness of it all if they weren't neck deep in their support for Tontunulli. Words of support immediately showered the man himself, and Lu was left carrying the burden of being stared at and talked to by unwanted people, some of the Mirialans also showing support for the Empire and shaking both the Acolyte's and Sith Master's hands before going back to their own shallow conversations.

"But see, Master Draugr," Tontunulli continued after a fake tear or two as response his people's support, "this is why I am currently running for the office of Prime Minister. There are some of my people whose minds were still not made up towards the prosperity the Empire brings. And there are a few whose minds were twisted by the Jedi's lies. My aim as the Prime Minister is to unite Mirial under a single banner – one that would lead it to growth; to success."

Here, the Mirialan lowered his voice so only Lu and Master Draugr could hear: "But I will not be able to do that if I don't win the Prime Minister's seat."

Tontunulli's tone of voice, though the volume was quite low, was openly suggestive. Lu allowed themself to raise an eyebrow before schooling their expression into a neutral state.

Gesturing politely and respectfully at the Sith Master, then at themself, the Acolyte replied with a, "You are certain that Master Draugr and I can do something about it."

Tontunulli, acknowledging the Acolyte's presence once more, gave each Sith a somewhat genuine humble tilt of his head.

"I'm surprised that you didn't even say that as a question, young Acolyte. But only if you representatives of the Empire are up for it – after all, it is my planet that will be under your banner if you succeed."

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

As Tontunulli began his rant that was primarily just build up for the favor of doing away with his competition, or even getting them to rally behind the Sith, it was obvious he was hoping for the Sith to ensure his spot as the Prime Minister of Mirial. Draugr would accept this, and surely so would Lu. The mission had come now with a side quest. Rid the election of those opposed to the Empire.

"Well Tontunulli. I shall see what I can do. Surely you'll hold up your end of the deal."

Draugr would look at him with a smirk and just think to himself 'If you value your life that is..' As an assurance would come Draugr would nod once to show he was leaving the conversation. It was now time to manipulate the others into siding with the Empire, dropping from the election, or killing them. As Draugr looked around the room, there would be hidden Sith operatives to keep an eye on the members of the political party here. Making eye contact with one he would give the signal of stirring the toothpick in his drink. Once the signal was received the operative would fix his tie and begin to make his way to the drink stand as another would begin to make a loud and clear toast.

"May I have your attention please! Thank you for coming! I am so glad to see everyone here tonight. As you all know-"

As the distraction kept speaking, the one making his way to the drinks would begin fixing a number of glasses for each of the men and women in running against Tontunulli. With a few drops of a slow acting poison, he would begin to stir the once clear drinks, now red in color for it to look like a lovely wine. As he finished and lifted the tray he would make his stops to the running officials that were Tontunulli's competition and begin to serve them the drinks.

Draugr wanted to be sure he had a plan before coming here, and he was glad he did. Because now he gets to enjoy a night of classy music, and bringing another Planet into Sith control without even using any force. This way looked better as anyone can have assassinated these officials, and Tontunulli joining the Sith would look like a way to ensure safety. The plan was genius.

"Lu.. what do you think of Tontunulli? Think he'll serve the Empire well?"

His eyes would remain on the toast that was finishing and as well as looking at the other officials to make sure they were drinking their new drinks. Courtesy of the Empire.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Luwalhati]

Luwalhati fought yet another urge to roll their eyes at the audacity Tontunulli displayed. They would have walked out on the man, slightly disgusted with they way he thought he could hide behind the two Sith's capabilities in securing his spot as Mirial's PM, but the Acolyte knew that they should simply play the politician's game. Master Draugr seemed to at least accept the side quest now thrust upon them. Lu didn't personally know the Zabraki Sith Master yet, but the way he spoke to Tontunulli promised that he would not suffer fools lightly.

"Only if you hold yours, Master Sith," replied Tontunulli magnanimously, and this time Lu looked away so they could actually roll their eyes. The Mirialan continued to be an insufferable fool, and the Acolyte felt all the more the desire to walk out, or maybe even pull down the older gentleman a peg or two. If only Draugr and them weren't here on a mission...

Luwalhati was not a very confrontational person, but there was something about Tontunulli's pomp that irked them.

With their attention away from the politician who now turned to leave the two Sith to join the toast, a server caught Lu's attention and how he subtly glanced over to where the pair were. They could almost swear that he had seen the man before – a Sith operative, maybe? – but Lu couldn't specifically put a name to the man's face. The Acolyte looked up at the Sith Master when he asked them a question about Tontunulli's usefulness. Had Master Draugr foreseen and expected that the Mirialan would ask a favor from the two Sith to ensure the latter's victorious political career?

Master Draugr certainly knows what he's doing, Lu though to themself, even blushing a bit self-consciously when they realized that the higher-ranking Sith asked a lowly Acolyte such as themself's opinion regarding their mission. Lu fiddled with his sleeves, hyper aware that the Zabraki Sith Master might be expecting a reasonable answer.

"I think he would, Master," Lu began, voice soft yet steady as they watched Tontunulli and the others raise their glasses for a toast. Amber eyes flickered to some running in opposition of Tontunulli, even more so the drinks they were now downing. "But only if he doesn't aim to serve himself rather than the Empire. He makes it obvious that he only thinks of the benefits he'll receive from us. Selfish, greedy individuals do not serve a higher master but themselves."

The Acolyte's gaze returned to Draugr, calculating and shrewd. "We'll make him win the election, but I'm afraid we'll have to replace him with someone who's more loyal to the Empire sooner rather than later, Master Draugr."

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Standing by the Acolyte, he listened to what the young one had to say. It was interesting. They gave a very analytical observation to the situation at hand. It was eye opening for any other Sith undoubtedly. Draugr knew what he was doing, and was merely asking to see where the mind of the Acolyte was at. After realizing the Acolyte was on the same page, Draugr just smiled and took a drink.

"I'm glad you understand what I am putting into play."

As he stood speaking with the Acolyte he watched as one by one each official had been taking drinks. They were all drinking with smiles on their faces unknowing that they would be dead by morning. It was disgusting, but thankfully the man operating this job just absolutely doesn't care. The man behind this operation thrived on the deaths of his enemies. Should someone not bend their knee to the Empire, then they will rest in peace.

Just as he was enjoying the ones indulging in the poison, he had to come to terms with finding a new individual who can replace Tontunulli when needed. This would be a later on type of thing of course but it would be best to get the job done when needed. Tontunulli had been speaking with his campaign manager as well as the others who looked to support him. It was likely this election would be done right. And in favor of the Sith as it happened the next day.. when only Tontunulli would be alive to run.

"I believe it is time to let the new Imperial subject know of his soon to be accomplishment. Would you like to do the honors?"

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Luwalhati]

"My thanks, Master," the Acolyte replied to the Sith Master a little bashfully, trying their best to maintain composure. Lu wasn't much used with receiving praises, let alone having their observations acknowledged. It was not as if they haven't received good remarks from their late Master, so it wouldn't be too difficult to pinpoint the origins of the young Acolyte's trait.

Slavery never did anyone good, after all. At least not when it came to Luwalhati.

The lull in the pair of Sith's conversation gave Lu time to ponder on the Zabraki Sith Master beside them. The Acolyte was never one to gossip, only ever wanting to rely on facts rather than hearsays. The man beside them had achieved many feats that ensured his ascent within the Sith rankings, but he was also not without failures. Lu had heard and confirmed that one of the Sith Master's students was executed on the count of treason. Darth Draugr was a persistent individual, however, and seemed like the kind of man to never let his failures get the better of him. Despite not knowing him personally (yet), the Acolyte felt it prudent to let the man know how honored they were in working alongside him.

The Sith Master spoke before they could open their mouth.

Lu was being given the honor of telling Tontunulli of his achievement? The Acolyte wanted to politely decline, wanted to tell the Sith Master that the honor was his alone. Instead they gave Master Draugr a respectful bow, secretly afraid that they might insult the Sith Master if they declined.

"As you wish, my Lord."

Offering the Zabraki Sith a shy but deferential smile, Lu rose to their full height and made a beeline for the Empire's new Imperial subject. They found Tontunulli shaking hands with those running against him and wishing them good luck. A two-faced snake. The Acolyte swiped a glass of wine from a passing waiter then raised it to the Mirialan for a toast. They then took one of Tontunulli's arms in theirs and led him towards the dance floor where a few of the party goers were dancing.

"I believe it is in your best interest to polish your speech for tonorrow, Prime Minister," Lu began in a quiet voice, loud enough only for the politician to hear. "You're in luck. My Lord Draugr has planned ahead of your... request."

Tontunulli raised an intrigued eyebrow, a sly smile disguised as polite confusion crossing his face. The Acolyte fought the urge to cringe as one of the politician's hands settled on their hip.

"Oh, how so?"

Lu briefly explained what Lord Draugr had planned, as short and succinct as they could. The Acolyte couldn't stand the Mirialan's subtle arrogance, but they soldiered on for the sake of the mission. Even if Tontunulli was already sold on the Sith's pitch, there was no harm in further securing it – and even planning on ways to dispose of the politician should he exhaust his usefulness for the Empire.

"As such, you will be the last one standing," they finished, the dance and the music coming to a close. "Be prepared for the suspicions that will surely come your way. And make sure to spearhead the investigations regarding your opponents' sudden deaths in order to earn the sympathy of the masses. On the bright side, I am prepared to help alleviate any misgivings about your aid in these... assassinations."

The Acolyte courteously extricated themself from Tontunulli's hold and drank from the glass of wine they were holding. It was no ordinary glass nor wine...

With a small bow, Lu began their march to return to Master Draugr's side. The Acolyte passed by the same waiter they took their glass of wine from, their shoulders brushing. The waiter apologized, and Lu felt something being discreetly deposited in their pants' pocket – it felt like a small vial, most probably the antidote to the poison Draugr's men had put in the wine meant for Tontunulli's political opponents.

Who would've thought...?

Once they returned to where the Sith Master was waiting, the Acolyte offered the Zabrak an apologetic tilt of their head.

"I'm sorry for improvising, Master Draugr," muttered Lu. "I drank from the poisoned wine, if only to remove suspicion from Tontunulli – more so the Empire's delegates to this gathering – and for the people to blame someone else. This election will be on the news, and news of one of the Sith delegates being poisoned alongside Tontunulli's opponents will surely create gossip against those whose sympathies lay with the Jedi or the Resistance."

It was a gamble Lu, uncharacteristic it might be of them, took. They had no idea how Master Draugr might react – would he agree to it or would he punish the Acolyte for their insolence? But they were doing it for the Empire, while at the same time painting their enemies in a bad light. Lu only hoped that their improvisation wouldn't earn them the Sith Master's ire.

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

As the Acolyte went and told Umberwald of his accomplishment, Draugr would enjoy a conversation with one of the patrons. Nothing particularly interesting, mostly of who they thought would win the election and if the Sith had a representative or not. Draugr would let them know Tontunulli was a good choice, and that the Sith had no ties to whomever won, moreso to be here talk with the likes of the winner of the election.

The Zabrak was not one for much small talk, but of course that was what was required of him for these social gatherings. Looking over he took notice of Lu's situation. They seemed to be handling it fairly well, and more importantly Tontunulli knew he would win. It was to his surprise that Lu stated he drank the poison. It was a good thing they had a failsafe being the antidote but of course now Tontunulli would need to work for his victory. Seeing as how he was the favorite to win anyway the planet seemed to be a sure fire Sith victory politically.

"Good work Acolyte Luwalhati. This political victory is as much yours as it is mine. But remember the true victor here is the Empire. You will have your reward in due time for your contributions. Keep doing the Empire good service and it will come."

Draugr took a look around and noticed the fools who drank the poison were having some minor side effects. Itchiness, and sweating. The Zabrak counted them all off and then looked to the Acolyte present.

"Seems the job is done. We will stay for one more drink and then leave. I'm proud of your work here."

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Luwalhati]

They expected to be reprimanded, of being promised a punishment that would befit their manner of taking things into their own hands. The Acolyte lowered their head, hands itching to be wrung against each other if only to try to lessen the growing worry they felt. It was their first mission with a Sith Master, and should their gamble about the poison and the assassinations be met with failure–

Good work, Acolyte Luwalhati.

I'm proud of your work here.

The corners of Lu's lips curved upwards in a humble smile. Amber gaze flickered to the Sith Master, pink beginning to dust their cheeks as the Acolyte stood a little prouder. They were not expecting to be praised for their boldness, let alone for a Sith Master, of all people, to express his pride of them. Draugr might not know it, but his positive words and encouragement only furthered Lu's resolve to serve the Empire. He also wouldn't realize just yet that he had earned him a fan in the form of the petite Acolyte.

"T-Thank you, Master Draugr. I look forward to working with you again."

And learning from the Zabraki Sith Master, too, but Lu was too bashful to skirt along those lines.

Sweat began to bead on the Acolyte's forehead, and their palms were starting to itch. Probably the beginning effects of the poison in their system, but Lu didn't mind and refrained from drinking the antidote yet. It fell on to them to make them being one of the supposed assassin's victims convincing, and besides they had taken the poison willingly in order to better serve the Empire.

How could any Sith delegate poison Tontunulli's opponents, then poison one of their own, after all.

"One more drink," they mirrored Master Draugr's words. With another deferential tilt of the head and an honest, open smile, Lu added, "Of course, my Lord."

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

It was a delight to know Luwalhati was ready for another drink. One that wasn't gonna make him sick as a dog in the morning. The Zabrak made his way to the beverages being served and inspected the glass to be sure he wasn't drinking his own poison. Then with a gentle smirk he would take a sip and look on as Umberwald made some bantha shit speech about how he was the best candidate for the job and that he would ensure the planet came to great wealth. The perfect Imperial puppet.

"Luwalhati, how have you been faring in your training and classes at the academy? I imagine an Acolyte with the intelligence to operate a mission like this and manipulate a politician so well, you do well."

It was small talk yes, but it was about something he was passionate about. The Empire has done so much for Draugr as well as him for the Empire. It was a beautiful relationship and made him a stronger warrior because of it. Hopefully it does the same for the young Acolyte as it was their destiny to become stronger and wiser. It is why they are trained and not kept merely as fodder.

As for the rest of the party the Zabrak just looked on, making sure each politician drank his poison and the others were completely unaware. Luckily things were running smoothly. The mission coming into fruition and succession. The Dathomiri took another drink and listened on as his conversation with the Acolyte continued. Once his drink was finished he would look to make his way out of the party and back en route to Taris to report their succession and inform the Empire of their new Governing official on Mirial.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Luwalhati]

Still feeling elated that their contribution and boldness were received well, the Acolyte dutifully fell in step beside Master Draugr as the Sith Master approached a table serving drinks. Lu accepted another glass of wine from where the Dathomirian took his own, this one not laden with poison this time. The Acolyte pulled out a handkerchief, dabbing away the sweat on their forehead. Their palms still itched, and as the poison coursed through their veins Lu made a show to look a little lethargic, earning themself a worried glance from some of the party goers.

With the Empire's pitch already greedily taken by Tontunulli, Lu finally got the chance to properly ignore the Mirialan. While politics never bored nor bothered them, the arrogant politician who was now magnanimously spouting off his political competence to his audience certainly elicited both feelings from the Acolyte. Lu shot Tontunulli one last look, sure that they won't be seeing the man again, before their gaze settled on Master Draugr.

"I have been recently inducted in the Academy, Master," they admitted truthfully. "But I have quickly caught up on my classes. I am keeping up with drills and training sessions, and while my late Master taught me well, I know that my skills in the blade are still lacking."

Draugr's praise did not go unnoticed, but as much as they felt pride on the Zabraki Sith Master's observation Lu found it prudent to be honest about their current capabilities. Arrogant pride would not get them anywhere, and acknowledging their weaknesses would make them a better Sith. That was what their former Master taught them, and even if the man was gone Lu would continue to live up to his teachings. Their actions, decisions and deeds would reflect upon the Empire.

With their Master gone, the Empire was now what they have left. Their Master had served it with loyalty, and so would Lu. And like their Master, their faith would always be on the Dark Side.

"I look forward to more advanced lessons and training. The more I learn, the more I can effectively serve the Empire."

The Acolyte took a sip of their wine, amber eyes gazing at the gathering before them. They had surprised themself by taking the initiative to dive into the mission today, and now they were back to being the quiet wallflower. The Sith Master beside them was the opposite – he was blunt and straightforward, knowing exactly what he wanted and how he would get what he needed. Had Lu been born confident they would have hopefully been the same. But the cards they were dealt with were very much different, and for now Lu would make do with what they have.

They scanned the crowd for any of Tontunulli's opponents, watching alongside Master Draugr. The antidote for the poison sat heavy in their pocket, but Lu reminded themself to be strong. There was a time and place for drinking the antidote, and now was neither. People would need to see that something seemed to have afflicted the Acolyte. With their size and build the early effects of the posion would manifest more quickly. Once more they wiped away the sweat beading on their brow.

Once the Sith Master finished his drink and prepared to leave, the Acolyte would slightly stagger after him, throwing the room full of two-faced snakes a final dismissive glance.

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Exiting the building, Draugr made sure to turn back and look to Luwalhati and check to see if they had been holding up well. With the math he had done, Lu had approximately thirty minutes. The Zabrak took a second to take a look around and make sure no one around has eyes set on them specifically. Then as he kept watch he would place his hand on their shoulder and speak,

"Take the antidote. We did it. It's time to get you back to Taris."

The Zabrak called for their ship to come land, and the crew came out and pulled Luwalhati on to the ship. Draugr looked back at the building and knew that Tontunulli would win this election for Prime Minister of Mirial. Now Mirial was a Sith planet and would provide their services to the Empire's needs. The Zabrak had a smile on his face as the mission would be safely completed. The Empire would be thoroughly pleased with the effective thinking of the Zabrak and young Acolyte.

"Lu, you did good. I see a bright future ahead of you. Keep it up."

A smirk would come from Draugr as the door to the shuttle shut behind him and he took a seat. The ship would begin to make it's way back to Sith soils and bring the Sith to safe grounds. Now Draugr would focus on what came next.

@Forsythe Crowholde