Ask Ratta-taking Control

[Karys]

Panatha, the last time Karys had been here he was just an Acolyte learning at the feet of Azar. Looking back, the concerns of yesterday seemed so small. His biggest concern back then was pining away for Azar and trying to force him to remember their affections, their love for one another. Now? Karys wasn’t sure about anything other than the Order and his station within it.

His Kaggath on Thule had been a disaster. While he won, he couldn’t finish off the now disgraced Cyutadakyr. He’d shown weakness in front of the Order and that stained his reputation, all for the sake of a worthless child. The only way to remove that stain was to prove himself again and again. And to kill Cyutadakyr.

The realities of today drew him back from his memories. Karys was no longer an apprentice who served a master. Instead, he’d returned to Panatha as a Sith with his own Apprentice a young man who eagerly watched to learn from his examples and his mistakes. Karys’ golden gaze fell down from beneath the hood of his cloak to the Wrean. Vossari was no friend but he wasn’t merely an asset either. The young man had proven twice now that he was a reliable student and ally, he was a valuable part of Karys’ powerbase. Something he guarded jealously.

“When I was last here, I was an Acolyte like you and I claimed this world with Azar.” Karys said, breaking the silence between them. “It was meant to act as a launching point to take the sector as a whole and ignite conflicts in surrounding systems.” He explained, as they walked towards the governor’s office. “You will watch the way I conduct myself, you will obey my every command, and you will see what it means to be Sith.” Karys continued. “Do you understand Apprentice?” He asked.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari had stayed by his Champion's side in the aftermath of the Kaggath. They were left speechless in the aftermath, and took to dulling their mind with constant marcan smoke to avoid reflecting thoughtfully on the situation. A conflict so minor had lost the Sith Order a master. Karys, too, had been shamed. Vossari did not know the full scope of the situation, but when the other Sith faded from the display and when Azar left, they were certain there was a problem. The day felt like a complicated success - they felt some remorse for Karys, who had no reason to protect Vossari. They felt some fear for themself - now, the eyes of the Order were truly upon them. And, truthfully, they felt some joy at watching Cyutadakr go from condescending to losing everything in mere moments. It was all to Darth Tempest's design. Vossari felt like a cog in her wheel. Such was the power of the Dark Lord.

It still felt odd for one who was his peer, who was the same age as him, to be his champion. But Karys had proven his loyalty to Vossari. Voss wouldn't forsake that. Not yet. "I understand." He couldn't imagine where Karys and Azar stood today, and he dare not ask. His mind was abound with curiosity, though. Was returning here meant to rekindle something between Karys and Azar? Was he retreading here just to have a pleasant memory of him and his lover?

"Launch attacks? Against who, Endor?" They had been the bane of a previous Empire. Vossari was curious about why here, but even more than that, how. The Sith ruled indirectly, when possible, these days. It was worthwhile to keep the target on their back small until they were ready yet again to coil around the galaxy. "How did you and Azar take this world?"

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys remained silent as Vossari asked his questions. His golden eyes examined his apprentice and the curiosity they held. Their thirst for knowledge pleased Karys. He was no longer as intimidated by his apprentice’s growth. This was due to his acquisition of Cyutadakyr’s powerbase, through it his knowledge of the Dark Side had deepened.

“Good, apprentice.” He replied at Vossari’s confirmation.

There was some hesitancy at his next questions though. Particularly how he and Azar had taken this world. That question took him back to the simplest of times once again. Karys pushed those bittersweet memories to the side, things were different now. The only use those thoughts had now were to fuel his connection to the Dark Side while meditating, nothing more.

“Azar and I stoked the ego and ambitions of a short sighted woman.” Karys replied. “Before we arrived this world had been forced into discordant harmony. Three clans ruled their people. One controlled their banking and economy. Another controlled their infrastructure and labor. Then the final controlled the agriculture and farmlands.” Karys explained. “By poisoning the grounds and storehouses of their largest farms we collapsed the agricultural clan overnight. Then Governor Azaka attacked the infrastructure clan and collapsed it.” Karys continued. “She did this thinking the support she would get from Zygerrian labor would be easily taken. She was wrong.” Karys said as he glanced down at Vossari. “She is little more than a rebellious puppet now, the Sith Champion we left to watch over affairs here will be waiting for us when we arrive. He will have a suggestion for who to replace her with.” Karys stated plainly.

Karys would continue to walk through the streets of Panatha’s capital. The system was still recovering from the swift and brutal war but Zygerrian labor and off world grain had worked wonders for that effort. Karys would come to a halt in the street before speaking again.

“After our meeting has concluded here we will make for Rattatak.” Karys told his apprentice. “You will learn how to stoke those same flames Vossari.” He explained. “You will learn to take worlds without needing to draw your lightsaber. This is what it means to be Sith.” He said with a nod.

“Oh and Vossari, we will need to speak of Thule once back on the ship…” Karys’ eyes hardened when he brought this up. “…and your lack of respect in regards to our hierarchy.”

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari continued through the city square, eyes sweeping across the wounded world. Surviving a civil war was one thing. Going from a terrible civil war, directly into a brutal dictatorship was another. The planet was awash with hopelessness. Hopelessness from the survivors, from the Zygerrian slaves. Vossari drank it in, but would not be drowned in it. Their suffering was his gain.

"Time to cut the strings, then." A puppet was a tool for control. But tools could always be made and remade. The instrument of their rule here was irrelevant - the only thing that mattered was shoring up Karys' iron fist on the world. To that end, Vossari saw the true competition as the Champion who had been the steward of this planet. Shoring up Karys's hold against rivals felt particularly important now.

"I understand, Karys, but..." A devious glint took to their eyes. "You proved yourself on Thule. And, you proved your rule. Let the others chatter - anyone who wishes to challenge you, now, is certainly thinking twice. If Cyu - Nevizkas's fate was to be a worthless rat, then so it was. Punish me if you will. But, the Dark Lord crowned you with her favor twice on that day. I...understand it was painful." Beyond the physical pain, Vossari dare not question the emotional toll fighting the mother of his child felt. Let alone, Azar leaving. "But don't undermine your own win. You are my champion, and I answer to your authority." And the authority of his master, and the authority of their collective ruler, the Dark Lord. Still, that was only a few authorities. "And I'll stop putting us at risk needlessly."

Karys had likely saved Vossari's life along with his own that they. Voss realized their fates were permanently tied together, in their bond as Master and Apprentice. No longer could the acolyte act as a fifth column against their joint interests. They'd have to work together. But victory still tasted so sweet. Injured, yes. Haggard, perhaps. But none could question Karys's triumph. Vossari knew it was overstepping to say this much, but if he was going to be punished anyways, might as well get it out the way.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys was impressed by Vossari's willingness to throw aside the governor. His apprentice was correct, it had long been time to cast Azaka to the side and replace her with someone more subservient. He had suggested Champion Kesyk, a Cathar warrior be the one to remain as the Steward of Pantha. The Cathar was supposed to have sent him a detailed report on his suggestions for Azaka's replacement, no such report had come in yet. This was a cause for alarm but not concern, at least not quite yet.

The towering Pureblood was drawn from his thoughts once again by his Apprentice. This time however, the Wrean showed another skill that Karys' was glad to see him fostering. Manipulative duplicity. While Karys didn't allow the pride to manifest on his face or in his presence, he still felt it radiate within him. If Vossari continued to foster that skill, he would go far within the Sith. Being able to bend others to your will through the power of speech alone was an asset few understood and even fewer employed.

"Apprentice, understanding who to respect and why is just as important to your survival within the Order as anything else I will teach you. If I had not moved to protect you, the Nevizkas could have wrung your neck and there would have been nothing you could do about it." Karys explained. "I did not have to respect her rank because she could not do that to me." He continued. "You must learn to respect the power these being wield, even if they do not have the favor of our Dark Lord." Karys eyes narrowed as he said this. "Stand straight and look at me apprentice."

The moment Vossari did so, Karys would back hand him. The blow contained a portion of his weight and strength but not all of it. He had to punish his apprentice but also had to recognize his involvement in the fight. Karys would give him a moment to recover before speaking again.

"If you had stood idly by, it would have been lightning." Karys told him. "But you proved your loyalty and your value to me." He continued. "And so this punishment was vastly lessened. See to it that the lesson must not be taught again or it will be a harsher cost."

With that Karys would continue towards the government building. He would pause to extend his senses to determine what laid beyond for them. He wouldn't speak to his apprentice about what he sensed, instead he wanted to see how keen Vossari's senses were.

"We might be walking into an ambush apprentice, extend your senses and tell me what you feel."

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

It stung to be hit, but Voss had made a breakthrough. He had influenced Karys. He could feel it. Voss would continue with the momentum; this moment would be his springboard into eternal glory. Vossari reached out, straining to feel something. The jungle was teeming with life, and with so much disease and despair in the air, it was hard for him to isolate.

They closed their eye to breathe, and it struck them. A vision, perhaps. A sense of danger - a warning shouted in Ur-Kittat - rippled out through the force. Whether from the future, past, or present Vossari could not decipher. But he knew it was directed at him, there, as they began to stride towards destiny. "I sense...unease. I know something is ahead."

He didn't need to know enemy's full strength or even their position to be effective, because right now, they held the edge. "You might be walking into an ambush." They pointed at themself. "I've never been here. No one knows I exist. Proposal, Karys: We counter-ambush. Ambush the ambusher." He could faintly sense an unease through the Force, a definite premonition of something yet to go wrong. But both the ambusher and the future were too weak to read fully in the Force. "I can be your birds-eye view. You go in, alone. I figure out just who or what is watching you."

A surprise attack would only work once, so it had to be now. If Vossari could get something more clear on their enemies. He tut-tutted before thinking too far ahead. Surely Karys was simply holding something back. "Unless there's something I should know?"


@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys watched his apprentice as they closed their eyes to focus on the Force. He payed attention to Vossari drawing on the emotions around him to fuel their connection. Good. His willingness and ability to pull from the emotions of others to bolster themself was a sign of growth.

When Vossari finally open their eyes and made his report, Karys’ suspicions were confirmed. If the champion he’d left behind as a steward hadn’t gotten back to him and Vossari’s premonition was accurate, the Sith was likely dead. This could present a whole host of other issues. Karys was making a decision based on the information at hand, choosing a course of action when Vossari spoke again.

He was impressed by his apprentice again. A small smile tugged at his lips, the first sign of true approval he’d given Vossari. It faded heartbeats later and Karys returned his gaze to the building just down the street. He scrutinized it, looking for secondary entry points and trying to remember the layout from years ago. It was a futile effort. He looked back to Vossari and gave them a nod of approval.

“The Epicanthnx are resistant to the Force.” Karys explained to his apprentice. “You’ll find any powers you throw at them to be muted.” He continued. “Use blaster or blade to defeat them Vossari.” He instructed. “You will scale the building and enter through the top level. I will draw the attention of the ambush.” Karys began. “You will be my weapon to reach Azaka in this. She will not expect you and you will kill her.” He continued. “Be warned, she is a warrior within her own rights, do not fight her honorably. Kill her while she is distracted or her guard is down.” Karys explained. “Now go apprentice, and serve me well.”

Karys wouldn’t waste more time with speaking. It would be up to Vossari to navigate and remain undetected. He wouldn’t give them further instructions, this was a test of his apprentice’s skill and cunning. He would pass it or they would likely both die.

As Karys grew closer to the building, he drew out Sadowbane from its sheathe on his back. He could feel the suffering, the anguish, the death, and the reveling within. The sound of a single blaster shot punctuated the doors sliding open. Karys’ found his golden gaze drinking in the gore before him. The Cathar champion hadn’t gone down quietly. They had killed more than a handful of their assailants and injured several others. But it hadn’t mattered, the shot fired had been into the head of the wounded Sith.

The guards turned around and their eyes went wide. Their blasters raised and Karys went to work.

Vossari would hear the sound of men and women screaming, the echoes of blaster fire, the crackle of lightning. They’d know their Master had already began his diversion, he was pushing up, and it was working. It would be up to the apprentice to take down Azaka herself.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari flared his nostrils as he exhaled, excitedly. A chance to prove his worth. His chaos often felt so unfocused, so mundane. The time to hone his wrath onto a specific target was a blessing he had not expected. The sounds of chaos erupted around them as they approached the targeted building. The screams, blaster fire, and crackle of lightning signaled Karys' diversion in full swing. Vossari's senses heightened, and they moved with calculated precision, eyes scanning for the optimal entry point to scale the structure. Eventually, Vossari reached the top of a spire. The HUD from his environmental suit scanned in on the ground, watching Karys fight, as Vossari continued his ascent.

Silent as a wraith, Vossari ascended the building, keeping to the shadows and avoiding detection. As they reached the top level, the tension in the air was palpable. With a quiet breath, Vossari readied themselves for the confrontation with Azaka, the anticipation of the impending battle coursing through their veins. A balcony sat ahead, as Vossari clung to the ledge of the governor's mansion. The wind whipped his poncho atop his environmental suit, but Voss was unbothered by the movement of the wind.

His focus was entirely upon Governor Azaka Shan. She stood, nervously, on the other side of the balcony - flanked by two members of her guard. She sipped from a goblet of rose wine, hands shaking as she watched the carnage beneath. Radio chatter buzzed at her side - as her guard, her carefully planned ambush, fell one-by-one. And all she could do was watch.

Vossari knew the feeling. He had once been like her - weak, afraid of the inevitable. Each step here had been one burdened by fear: Fear of Karys, fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of love. Each step propelled Vossari forward.

In a fluid motion, Vossari leapt onto the balcony, alight by the gleaming moon in the distance. He withdrew his vibroblade and caught the first guard by surprise, with a quick slash across their unguarded throat. The second withdrew a blaster pistol, pulling the governor away from the fight as he fired upon Vossari. Vossari deflected both shots back to the guard, and flung his blade into their chest.

That left the governor. His crimson lightsaber ignited as he stepped towards Azaka. Beneath his helm, he grinned as he took another pawn in the great game. Her death would be one more of many on his path to glory. No hesitation. She pulled the vibroblade from her guardsman's chest and lunged forwards, to strike at Vossari's chest. Beskar vambraces defected the strike, leaving her ribs open. There was no time for mercy. Vossari would offer her only the taste of red plasma. His blade arced down, hissing like a viper that had just caught his prey.

It was almost too simple. Vossari sliced his lightsaber across her neck and took her head in his hands. Vossari reached out with his mind so sense Karys and simply sent the image of what he was looking at: Azaka's pained face, separate from its body. The job was done.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys had carved his way through to a stair case. Behind him lay a trail of the dead and dying, the venom of Sadowbane’s edge culling those who had survived his assault. From somewhere above him, Karys heard shouts of alarm, the crack of blaster fire, the yelps of the damned, and the ignition of a lightsaber.

A cruel smile touched Karys’ lips before Vossari even reached out to him. She was dead, Karys had felt it. And Vossari had once again proven his worth to Karys.

Karys was in no rush to make it up the stairs, he had to ensure none of her supporters had survived first. It was a process that took him over half an hour to accomplish but he did tie up every loose end he encountered. When Karys walked into Azaka’s office, it was with Sadowbane still in hand. His expression rested neutrally as he took in the site of Vossari’s kill and then a pleased smirk touched his lips.

“You have done well apprentice.” Karys told them. “With Azaka’s death we can put in a more malleable leader.” He explained. “However the Epicanthnx are a stubborn and prideful race, this will not be the last time a leader must be culled.” Karys continued icily. “But that is a problem for a different day, for now you must learn to recognize potential.” Karys told his apprentice.

Karys gestured for Vossari to follow him. He would lead them back to the body of the fallen Cathar Sith. Karys used his foot to roughly flip the brained corpse over. A pair of vibroclaws still hummed of the Sith’s hands, despite being cold dead. Karys ignored them and searched the corpse until he found the dead Sith’s phone.

“This is all we need to make our decision.” Karys explained before turning the phone to scan the Cathar’s face.

A pleasant chime echoed from the device, indicating it had unlocked. Karys would select an application, scroll for a few seconds, sit down in a blasted out chair, and motion for Vossari to join him. Karys would show Vossari the detailed list of different potential candidates their dead colleague had selected. He would explain the clan structures and dynamics, then he would begin the process of eliminating candidates based on the profiles the Cathar has made on each individual. They’d come to a final three for Vossari to pick from and Karys would show him the profiles.

Each was from a different clan. The first was from the infrastructure clan, she was an older woman. She was wisened, an experienced veteran of clan wars, and proud of her clan heritage. She could lead the Epicanthnx in war and ensure their systems and supply lines were strong. But a wisened leader could also be a difficult one, a stubborn one, a dangerous one.

Next was a younger man from the Banking Clans. He was of no relationship to Azaka, in fact his family had largely been ousted from the clan by her. He was a young idealist that dreamed of leading his people to greatness. Idealist often were easy to manipulate given the right circumstances. However, the pitfalls of youth could lead to unpredictability, something that could bite the Sith.

The final option was a middle aged man from the farming clans. He had experience in tending the land, he knew how to distribute labour, and he knew how to rally his people around him. He was a rebuilder, a reconstructionist, he was a potential beacon of hope. But he was no warrior, born ill, the only reason he was allowed to live was because he was the child of a clan head. A chronically ill leader, especially on Panatha would require more resources to protect. Something that could be expensive and an unworthy investment.

Karys’ golden gaze burned into Vossari before he gave a single command.

“Choose and explain your choice, apprentice.”

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari thought. There was really no incorrect answer, as long as one had a strategy. Vossari pondered and thought through the options out loud.

"The infrastructure clan's representative is a powerful veteran. A tribalist. We could use her tribal loyalties against the others, make her entire tribe our puppets and have them rule the world..." He thought of a brutal civil war to put her clan atop the others, to give her a taste of power and make her dependent on the Sith for that power. There were tradeoffs, though. "She's stubborn, though. Independent. Sovereign. She would grow tired of a Sith leash." Surely, the Sith could put down another rebellion if necessary. But a policy of constant, pitched warfare against the planet's inhabitants would only breed resentment towards them.

The next candidate. "The banker. A sensible choice. His family is powerful, and we could use them as a staging ground into a broader operation in interstellar finance." Yet, Vossari's instinct was the same as Karys's. His ideas could prove dangerous. "Perhaps he is malleable. Or, perhaps, his family has another suitable heir in case some horrible accident befell this one." A powerful banker without a moral conscience would be an excellent ally for the Sith.

The final choice, the sickly leader of the farmers. His asset was fairly obvious. "He will be completely reliant upon us for his rule. We would be the hammer itself against his enemies." It was a positive and a negative. Sure, the farmer would need the Sith backing to arm and defend his troops and interests, but that could be a costly drain of time and resources that would expose Karys to unnecessary risk on the frontlines.

Vossari didn't love any of these options. All of them left Karys in the same position, with an autonomous puppet that could again rebel against him. It wasn't worth it to rule through a disloyal underling, anymore. "Maybe it's all three. Hear me out: I set them against each other. Arm each side. Hire mercenaries for each of them. 'Advise' each one of them. Turn them against one another." The wounds from the civil war were fresh. Re-ignited tensions would break the spirit of the people, making them pliable.

It could be slower, but there was a more significant payoff at the end. "Then, you appear. The "Great Uniter." You're...some old, lost clan. Or a mercenary, or investor, from off-world. Or..." They snapped their fingers. "You're a long-lost ally of Panatha. You end the civil war. You unite them. You sit at the head of their council. The leaders will trust you, come to you for advice. The people will worship you as a peace bringer." To Vossari, this was a significant possibility. Creating genuine loyalty, trust, and worship from the Epicanthrix would build an unyielding army, all in service of Karys's aims. They would trust him, and his rule would be genuine. The masses of the warrior people, under the hold of the Sith, and loving it...now that was powerful.

But, he would heed whatever Karys called for next.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys had viewed Vossari as a stupid punk kid when they had initially been paired. He’d thought him nothing more than a tool to be shaped into a weapon. He’d thought they would be another faceless Sith used as fodder. But Vossari had consistently defied his expectations and surpassed them, here was no different.

Karys listened as Vossari reviewed each candidate and explained the positives and negatives behind each choice. Karys listened in cold silence, he wouldn’t allow Vossari to know if he approved or not. Then came the unexpected, Vossari’s idea for a council unified by them.

Karys blinked once in surprise and then recomposed himself.

Karys nodded once in reply. It was the only confirmation that Vossari would receive. This was another test, one that would be passed or failed by the end result.

“You will begin work on unifying these clans.” Karys ordered. “But you cannot be seen wielding that.” Karys continued, his eyes shifting down to the hilt of Vossari’s lightsaber. “Azaka’s wound was the blade of a lightsaber. It will draw too much attention.” He explained. “I have an alternative for you apprentice, and you’ve earned it.” Karys stated as he stood and the motioned for Vossari to follow him from the charnel house they’d created.

Karys would lead them back to his ship, their home. He’d order Vossari to wait in his room as Karys returned to his own. There he would unlock a heavy chest and pull out a long wrapped object. He’d carry it carefully to Vossari’s room and present it to him.

“This weapon belonged to the Sith Master you helped defeat.” Karys explained. “I inherited it after defeating her in the Kaggath.” He continued. “Now I give it to you, apprentice.” Karys stated as he pulled the white cloth from the blade.

“Behold, your own Sith Warblade.” He stated calmly.

The crimson blade glittered with unholy and unnatural energies. Karys held it out horizontally for Vossari to take by the hilt. His gaze was unflinching as he waited for Vossari to take the weapon. Once they had, Karys would speak again.

“Use it well as you serve me and afterwards.”

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

A warblade of his own. Not just any warblade, but the one Karys had pried from Cyu. He imagined this was how magpies felt, assembling a hoard of stolen goods. Or, perhaps, how a conqueror felt. Taking something that they wanted, regardless of who stood in their way. Its unholy energy would be a perfect companion for Vossari's own - Vossari was no saint, and the Sith were not the heroes of this little tale. Yet, fear gripped him until he grabbed the blade.

It slid perfectly into place. Vossari was loathe to leave his lightsaber. It was a rare trinket, symbolic of the Sith authority. This seemed far more significant, though, than the standard lightsaber. It was a spoil of war. Vossari wanted more.

He looked up at Karys. He tried to keep his cool, steely gaze. His defiant, fuck-the-world attitude is what had protected him for so long. He had worn that facade since he was a boy - but now, as a Sith Acolyte in full, it was even more useful. His flippant, extreme behavior may have bristled people, but keeping them away was his armor. When he and Karys had spoken, first, at that party on Nar Shadda, he was wearing that armor. He wore it until he broke down in tears, all alone, on the floors of Umbara. He wore it now, still, as he considered himself truly friendless.

But now, this was a sign of how their relationship as Master and Apprentice had grown. It was the Rule of Two in action - they sharpened each other, helped one another expand beyond the possibilities of a single Sith. Most importantly, Karys had showed Vossari respect along this journey. Karys could have easily let Cyu choke him, as many others would have. But, instead, Vossari realized something that day - Karys was capable of calculated risks, same as Vossari himself. Perhaps it was his instinct to instigate, but the day on Thule had proven an instructive point to the Sith: The trio of them were under Tempest's eye for a very good reason. Others had best get used to the feeling. So, he had risked an insult, and Karys risked his life, to prove this point. In the end, Karys would soon be master, while the fate of the other combatant was left for hushed whispers in empty halls. History had absolved.

Tears welled into the corners of Vossari's eyes, beneath his helmet. He hoped Karys wouldn't see. But then, he opened his mouth to quip. "Your mo-" He broke down in tears instead. Unprocessed hatred, resentment, hope, and care welled up through Vossari. Upon sheathing the sword, he leapt onto Karys for an ambush of a hug, as his tears continued to flow. "I...I thought you hated me. Like all the others..." He took a big, sad sniffle. "I won't let you down, Karys. We're a team. For life." There were no guarantees that either of them would survive through the end of this mission. There were no guarantees that their interests would stay the same. But when they worked together, it was like a well-oiled machine. They brought out one another's sadistic edge, their ruthlessness, their calculated acts of cunning. Looks were deceiving, it seemed. Karys looked like a massive barbarian, one who could be mistaken as little more than a hired sword. At first glance, Vossari was far more trouble than he seemed worth. But beneath these shallow exteriors lay men whose hearts had both been hurt, whose hearts had been mended by their golden-eyed lover.

Karys as husband, of course. Perhaps that was much of their difficulty, early on? Competition over Azar? Of course, Azar loved the attention, and they loved to give it to him. But it was only now that Vossari realized they shared more than their tender love for Azar. Karys and Vossari shared no such tenderness between them, true. But together, they were two fangs of a venomous serpent. When they worked together, their prey fell swiftly. They had both suffered the trauma of life among the Sith, which had no room for naivety. Each interaction was planned, each step measured, each stroke thought through. Vossari realized that Karys, like himself, was always in battle. He was always strategizing. Vossari could respect that.

He had been shaped by many teachers, throughout his journey as an acolyte. He would use his teachers' skills for this excursion. "Give me a few weeks. I'll contact you when I'm ready." He went away from the battlements on a speeder bike, hurtling across the Panathan expanse.

He approached the war camp of the infrastructure clan and withdrew his new blade. His fingers tensed on the hilt of it, as he thought back to days spent Param's teahouse, practicing the Echani martial arts. Her quick, precise, and flowing style lived on in him, if not her sense of interpersonal ethics. Soldiers sleeping in torch-lit, leather hide tents. For the soldiers, he would show them battle. He would show them the grace of the Echani Martial Arts melded with the power of a wroth Sith. He was a blur, as his blade pierced through soldiers armed and unarmed alike. In a matter of moments, the war camp was dead. Vossari dropped to the ground, panting, as he licked his wounds. Vossari was not a perfect frontline warrior, but Param's teachings had served him. His body remained hardened from her physical training. Before he made his escape, he set the scene. Tents were set on fire, supplies taken. It would look as if a neighboring clan had raided them. And for this warlike people, all they needed was the perception of enmity to start a war. He knew the head of the Infrastructure Clan, paranoid and violent, would take the bait.

Next came the farmers. Vossari would use Karys's might and tactical insight to guide him. The farmers controlled the food, of course; without an army, they were easy pickings. If they were armed, though, they would control the most significant resource of Panatha - the land itself. Vossari remembered how Karys had punished Param - by devastating her garden, her precious plants. Perhaps it was time this world tasted hunger, too. Like a phantom in the night, Vossari appeared. Crops did not go up in flames - that would be too obvious. They slowly withered, as harvests shrank. People in the markets became desperate for new foodstuffs; some resorted to eating pets. The feeble head of the farming clan lost what little trust he had built.

Finally, the banking clan. Here, Azar's brilliant acts of cunning and deception came to mind. To this one, he appeared as a friend. Vossari played the part of the off-world investor; though, after a thoroughly pleasant meeting, Vossari was invited back. Again and again. The bankers respected his fresh perspective as an offworlder - his willingness to tell it to them straight. What they failed to realize was, Vossari was no investor. No credits ever appeared. He convinced them to spend. Take risky deals on the premise of a future payout. They gambled the hard-earned money of their customers on Vossari's schemes. Their loss was his gain - he'd be able to afford a nice little vacation after this scam was done. By the time they realized it was all a con game, Vossari was gone. And, in his place, the rabble had gathered - demanding the resignation of the Banking Clan's head by the guillotine.

When all was said and done, weeks had turned to months. Vossari grew tired of this world, of its problems, of dealing with these people. Yet, he would see the mission through. As chaos unfolded in the streets and across the clans of Panatha, it became clear that Karys's time to strike was nigh. The people were ready for a change.

"The heads of the clans have called for a meeting. You need only attend." Whatever story Karys told, however he conquered them, it mattered little. Soon, this world would finally see the truth. This galaxy had true masters, who lurked now in the shadows and beneath the carnage of war. A new generation of Sith was on the rise, though. One with ambitions big enough to swallow the galaxy. Panatha was little more than a stepping stone on the road to this great glory.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys tensed when Vossari went to likely speak ill of his mothers. He was prepared to strike his apprentice for his insolent tongue, something he’d already been warned about. But the words died in Vossari’s throat and instead something unexpected happened. Vossari wept.

That alone wasn’t what caught Karys off guard, Vossari also hugged him. Karys tensed at that physical contact, one that should have crossed a line. One that would have crossed a line in any other circumstance and with any other acolyte. But Vossari’s words caused the icy stoic mask to slip. Karys gently wrapped one of his arms around Vossari and held the back of their head to his chest. He let Vossari cry there, he didn’t speak, he didn’t reassure, he just let that wellspring of emotion flow freely.

Had Karys hated Vossari? Yes, once. But things had changed between them now. Fate had brought them together and forced them to put their differences aside. It had made Karys realize there was more to this loud mouthed young man than met the eye. Vossari was more than a weapon, he was more than a rebel, he was a Sith and Karys was proud of him.

Karys sighed before speaking, his words weren’t the icy tones that Vossari was likely used to. “Vossari, I do not hate you. Not anymore.” Karys stated calmly. “You and I share very little in common but I have grown to see you for who you are.” He continued. “You are becoming a cunning Sith, a ruthless killer, and a man who stands steadfast in their beliefs.” Karys whispered. “You are my Apprentice, my first Apprentice and you are more than worthy of my lessons.” He continued. “I am proud of the Sith you’re becoming.”

With those words, Karys would pat his Apprentice twice on their back. It was a sign that the masks had to be placed back on, their roles had to be slipped back into. Vossari was the apprentice and instrument of Karys’ will in this endeavor, they couldn’t fail.

“I will return in two weeks time. Be prepared for my arrival.” Karys stated, ensuring the crunch was on Vossari. “If you aren’t, this tender moment will be overshadowed by the suffering I will bring to you.” Karys stated icily. “Do not force me to do that Apprentice. Do not fail me.”

And then, Karys would leave Vossari to his work on the world.

——————

Within the time frame, Karys would receive a transmission from Vossari. It let him know that everything was ready for him. Karys would arrive not in the business fineries he’d met Azaka with, but in the robes of the Sith.

Golden eyes would burn into the gathered council when he entered the room. Karys looked at each of them, each capable of great things for their people, each with different wants and needs. All of which could be met.

“Five years ago I met with your deceased governor.” Karys stated bluntly. “She brought ruin to your people and shattered your way of life…” He continued. “…all for power she could never maintain.” Karys explained. “I liberated you from her grip and by my will you were all brought here today.” Karys felt a smirk touch his lips. “The three of you bicker and fight when a greater foe exists, greater conquests exist.” Karys explained. “This council has the capability of leading the Epicanthnx to greater glories and I can show you the way.” Karys gestured with his hand as he spoke and an image of Rattatak appeared.

“Submit to my guidance and know prosperity. Know strength and taste victory.”

When Karys emerged from the Council meeting it was having secured Panatha’s loyalties. This would now be the springboard for the next phase of Karys’ plan to take Rattatak. A plan he could now share his with apprentice at their ship.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari was just a face in the crowd when the meeting ended. When peace was announced, this crowd broke out into jubilation, cheers, and cries. Confetti rained, Panathans danced in the streets, and music played. The foundations for a new regime had been set. Vossari partook in the party, for a time; he saw their celebration as his victory, too. He basked in the joy of a scheme well-handled.

Eventually, he reached Karys's ship, bottle of champagne in hand. It had been opened, as Vossari poured the wine freely down his gullet. A think smirk lay on his lips as he looked at Karys. "On to the next one, then."

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys watched as Vossari swaggered back onto their ship. A small smirk tugged at the edges of his mouth. He’d allow the celebration, Vossari had earned the right to relish in this victory. Karys would pour himself a glass of Bloodwine and sat on a stool near his kitchen and gazed at his apprentice.

“Remember this feeling Vossari.” He instructed. “Always hunger for victory and relish in every single triumph.” He continued. “Passion brings Strength.” Karys sipped from his glass and stood to his feet. “Strength brings power.” Karys walked slowly and evenly towards Vossari. “Power brings victory.” He offered Vossari the glass. “And victory breaks chains.” Karys’ golden eyes stared expectantly down at Vossari

“Only the Force shall free you.”

It was a personal adaptation of their Order’s Code. One they both lived and would likely die by. Vossari was in the cusp of true freedom. He was nearly ready to be Sith.

Karys waited to see what Vossari would do. How perfectly he’d recreated that night on Nar Shadda in that moment. Would Vossari react differently? Karys was curious.

How bold was Vossari?

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari couldn't help but chuckle at the setup. From bloodied wine glasses in a drunken brawl, to celebratory drinks after a mission well done. It was undeniable - the two of them were a powerful team. Secretly, Vossari feared what would come next, when he no longer had Karys's protection. The step into the unknown was the most frightening part - would Vossari be able to live up to the expectations their Beskar gauntlets implied? Or would he become like so many other Champions and flounder into a sea of mediocrity before his inevitable execution?

He put those thoughts to the side, as he once again stared up at Karys as he swirled around his glass of wine. A moment later, he lifted his glass to clink with Karys's. "I didn't understand how the two of us could be paired together, at first." He admitted. Their tenure as teacher and student began with outright, mutual hostility. Now, Vossari understood better why him and Karys worked so well together. He understood Karys better. "You're a better risk-taker than most of the Sith I've met, you know?" Karys was nothing if not incredibly bold. Even when he was chilly, ice-cold, he was bold. Vossari understood that sensation, but deeper than that, he respected it. Karys's steely gaze hid a calculated approach to challenges, and a winner-takes-all mentality to battle. Karys risked his life, constantly, and for his valor, he was rewarded.

"Cheers to another success. We'll have to bust out the bubbly after Rattatak falls." This was a moment worth celebrating, but honestly, Vossari was tired after this mission and eager to take a nap. After downing the glass of wine, Vossari drowsily wandered to his room aboard Karys's ship and rested.

_____________________________________________________________
​

Some time passed before they had reunited. The Epicanthrix had time to rest, rearm, and prepare themselves for battle under Karys's flag. Vossari became a champion, finally graduating from the holds of the Academy with Karys's tutelage. Today would mark their first mission together since.

The plan was simple - another two-man operation. Karys had a veritable armada of murder droids to sell to the bloodthirsty Rattatakans. They would weaken themselves with war, and Karys and his soldiers would move into the world to secure it. Vossari spent some time scouting ahead to find the clans of Rattatak. If they were anything like the Panathans, their lack of unity would be a powerful weapon that the two of them could exploit.

Vossari, now, posed as an intergalactic arms dealer, with an arsenal to sell to the highest bidder. While Karys prepared his soldiers for war, Vossari traveled from clan-to-clan, selling droids to the unwitting Rattataki to bring to war. Eventually, Vossari called for a meeting, in-person, to discuss their future plans for military invasion. He chose a fitting site - the Gladiator's Arena, where, using the profits from the droid sales, he was afforded a VIP lounge for the two of them to watch warriors cleave bone from body.

Another glass of bloodwine awaited Karys.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys listened to his apprentice with the same cold stoicism that had come to define him. As Vossari spoke Karys realized that this young man was probably the only person aside from Azar that truly understood him. Vossari had transformed from a hated rival to a valued ally and likely the closest thing Karys had to a friend left in the Galaxy.

“I expected you to be a weapon that I wielded until you refused to kill for me anymore.” Karys admitted. “But that isn’t the case Vossari.” He stated in that same chilled voice. “You have learned from my example, you will teach your own apprentice similar lessons to the ones I’ve given you one day.” He told him. “They will look to you as an example, as their teacher, and as their master…” Karys’ voice trailed off. “…and you will forge them into powerful Sith.” He gave Vossari a nod of approval.

“You are the next generation of Sith. You and your own apprentice will bring ruin to our enemies.”

Karys saw the exhaustion in Vossari’s face. He wouldn’t take any more of the young man’s time, he needed Vossari to be rested. He needed him to be alert and prepared to play his role in the downfall of Rattatak.

——————

Karys’ part of this plan was to lead the Epicanthrix warriors to break what remained of the Rattataki warlords. If Vossari had accomplished his duty, Karys wouldn’t have an issue breaking them. There was a moment of hesitation in Karys though, a nagging thought in the back of his mind.

What if Vossari used this as his moment to betray him?

Perhaps it was just the talons of Paranoia? Perhaps it was a moment of projection onto his apprentice? Regardless, Karys had defined himself as bold yes, but also as a Sith that could and would betray those close to him. Vossari was his student, had he picked up that trait as well?

Only time would tell.

Karys touched down on Rattatak and made his way to where his apprentice had requested to meet with him. A box lounge at the largest gladiatorial arena on the planet. Karys’ cold gaze watched as two warriors hacked each other apart, unphased.

“Even their past times highlight their weaknesses.” Karys stated plainly. Perhaps once he would have found entertainment in this. That part of him had faded along with other pieces. All sold off in the pursuit of power.

His gaze would turn and fall to Vossari and then to the twin goblets of Bloodwine that sat between them. A premature celebration? Karys’ lips instinctively pulled into a small smirk. His apprentice was assured of their victory, good. Karys took his seat beside Vossari.

“I take it the droids were sold to the lesser warlords?” Karys asked. “You will push them towards waging war against the ruling clans of this world.” He instructed. “You will inspire them with empty promises of freedom for their nomadic clans. It won’t be hard to convince them to wage a civil war.” Karys explained as he plucked the glass that has been prepared for him. “Their victory will lay the foundations for their subjugation.” Karys took a sip from the glass.

Karys placed a bracelet on the table between them. It was ornate, gems of various colors glittered on the band. Three of the beads held singular letters and those were P, G, and C. The first letters of the individuals they had brought destruction to, together.

“This bracelet is more than a gift Vossari. It holds a kill switch that will impact all of the droids we’ve sold to the Rattataki.” Karys stated simply. “It will only activate when you touch the letters of those individuals we broke together in order.” Karys explained. “G for Gemini, P for Param, and C for Cyutadakyr.” He stated plainly. “You will do this when the battle begins and all of the droids you sold to the Rattataki will deactivate.” His gaze remained focused on Vossari’s own. “And they will be helpless before us.”

Karys gently scooted the gemstone bracelet towards his apprentice. It didn’t need to be said the levels of uncharacteristic trust he was putting into Vossari in that moment. This was his final test. Karys’ life would sit in Vossari’s hands, in the most literal of senses.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari took the . He chuckled mirthlessly as he thought about Gemini, Param, and Cyutadakr - three Sith who had made the mistake of challenging them. "A little on-the-nose, but I appreciate the gesture." He took the gauntlet and saluted Karys as he took the control panel. He took out a datapad, and a holographic screen popped up. It was a map of Rattatak, with flashing lights indicating the droid control units that were under the control of Karys's bracelet. Vossari pressed them instantly - GPC - with a hunger and a bloodlust borne of seeing the mission through. He had spent months on these missions altogether, and while it had been a learning experience, he was most excited about finally seeing the plan through.

The soft, blue lights changed to red as the Droid Rebellion began. Beneath their feet, the excited yelps of the games' attendees turned to screams as the guardian droids began to fire indiscriminately, cutting a swathe of blood and blaster fire into the prominent noblemen of the planet. Unfortunately, the pair of them, too, were in the VIP section; gunfire blew through their box, and Vossari ducked down to avoid it with a permanent grin borne of mischief. He spoke to Karys as shattered glass and bloodied cries accompanied them.

"It's started. Now, it's your time to finish it."

It was time to end this and seal the conquest of Rattatak once and for all.

@Apollyon