Salvation

[Phil]

Coruscant was dying, that much was clear to LFN-452 as he raced across a roof top, desperate for escape like he had never been before. He was picking up various communications, but the one from the Chief of State Nathanaeu Bastele sent out to what he assumed to any open communication hub. The message was clear, the Sith had won, the Jedi and Alliance had lost, and Coruscant was going to be annihilated. He was already hurting from his last fight, one that had cost him his left eye and now from a sudden lack of energy. The Sith were up to something here, and it was clear that they weren't just going to destroy Coruscant via bombardment. Tapping into other stations that were not dead on the communications hub, reports of people suffering from what he was currently having was going around, followed by collapse and death. The Rodian Assassin had other plans.

He was dead if he stayed here, and soon began to race across the roof tops to find himself a ship or someone who would be willing to give the Rodian armored head to toe in dark Alsakan armor. If it was alliance, he could throw a ruse so he was given safe passage, and if it was Sith... then he would have to improvise. As much as he was an Imperial Supporter, this seemed extreme for them to wipe out a whole planet. He could only hope he would find a ship, or someone that was leaving this planet, otherwise he would become a part of the long, never ending list of casualties that would rival the destruction of Alderaan so long ago.

 

[Dmitri]

In a public square near the Galactic Congress Hall, which flames whispered of Sith dominance at the structure. Indeed, the Sith had conquered the capital and the Galactic Alliance survivors who had fought there had fled. Already teams were excavating the archives before Andraste's ritual was complete. It was being loaded into Administrator as Geist Weiss and Barrel Nidhogg supervised the evacuation of that area. Stormtroopers were fleeing battlefields to escape the deadly force that would be unleashed upon the planet soon.

Geist wasn't too pleased with the operation at the Congress Hall, but at least it was salvageable. Nidhogg failed to reach Bastele in time to assassinate him and subsequently the Chief of State had escaped, though not before Geist had injured him severely with a grenade to the face. The message that heralded across the planet indicated grievous wounds that if not treated soon would consume Bastele's life. Thankfully, the appropriation of the archives had succeeded. And he had learned that Darth Vereor had slain Jedi Grandmaster Sigur Vainkainen; or more accurately, felt it in the Force.

However, at current time he could feel the beginning of Andraste's ritual. It was beginning slightly before schedule. It would take some time before the devastating effects befell the planet, but he had no intention of staying. The imperial and Sith forces were being ferried off the planet. While not a priority, Geist had advising civilians to come along too. The devastation of Coruscant would be the final strike of the coup de grace but that didn't mean he couldn't try to save as many lives as possible. The Sith were powerful, and by saving some, it would demonstrate the Sith were also merciful, hopefully lessening the possibility of uprising. Still, passengers would be checked. Jedi hiding as civilians in the ships would be imprisoned and questioned, along with being given the opportunity to join the Sith; less willing Jedi could have their minds changed, literally.

Only a handful of Stormtroopers had yet to board. Only Nidhogg and Geist were the only Sith not yet flying away in the area. Geist let out one last shout: "Anyone still in the area, please come here. We are taking civilians off planet to a safe zone. This area is not safe. If you do not leave now, the New Sith Imperium is not responsible for the consequences! Please be advised to evacuate. We have room for some more people to come with us!"

 

[Phil]

Continuing to race towards any sort of hope, LFN used his jets to propel himself over a gap of buildings and onto the other side, landing a bit rough as he staggered to the floor. The effects were still happening, and it was both his will and The Voice that was preventing him from laying down for a rest as he once more forced himself to his feet and continued onwards. When the bizarre weather started to form lightning storms, he double timed it off of the roof as he heard a shout from below, something about others being evacuated. It wasn't just the lightning storms that forced him off fully, it was the light show happening at the now clear Jedi Temple in a distance that got him moving. Buildings were destroyed in it's path that allowed him a clear view of it from afar and the massive Star Destroyer above it, and he only imagined it was going to do something to everyone and everything on the surface.

As he had leaped off the building, he glided downward with his jets guiding him towards where he could see some shuttles and people being evacuated. The amount of people there, he figured it best to not draw his blades or firearms unless he had to. In his current condition, it'd be suicide and if not the people down there, it'd be Coruscant that would end him. Closing in to the surface, LFN landed hard in a crouched position, the armored suit connecting to the platform the ships rested on as he slowly rose to his feet. The glowing yellow visor on his helmet, the left side of it damaged and flickering there with a hole going through it would no doubt get a few looks and suspicions to him, but he needed to escape this world, even if it meant doing the unthinkable.

 

[Dmitri]

A couple civilians abandoned their hiding spots and rushed to the ships in response to Geist's call. The illusionist could understand why. It was a woman dragging a small child, maybe a toddler or so. The little girl was coughing hoarsely, no doubt due to the effects of Andraste's ritual. Geist knelt down to be eye level with the girl. He had morphed his illusion to form a face of a kind-eyed young man. With a wave of his hand, he enveloped her with warmth from the Force. It would shield her from the effects momentary, and would feel like relief.

"It's going to be alright, we're going to get you to safety," Geist said. Standing up, he faced the mother, please board the ship. My men will show you where you and your daughter can sit. Please hurry. We can't wait long."

The mother looked clueless to say. After a moment, she let out a burst of thanks. "Th-Thank you, oh thank you thank you thank you." It wasn't a mystery why it was so hard for her. Her home was being ravaged and she subsequently required help from the people who ruined her peaceful life. But a life could be rebuilt if still burning. He would get them home.

As the mother and child entered the shuttle, Geist sensed someone approaching. Nidhogg apparently did too, as he commanded two nearby Stormtroopers, "Ready arms!"

Nidhogg interpreted the approach as hostile. Indeed, the stranger flying towards them was armored. However, he sensed no hostilities. No, it was survival that rang through the man's head. Geist ordered the men to lower their weapons. The stranger landed, and it was evident that he had gone through hell to arrive here. But Geist wasn't about to let the man go to literal hell, when he could be saved.

"Get on board," Geist commanded of the newcomer, not even taking the time to inquire about the man's situation, or questioning his attire, when it could be that he was an enemy. Even if he was, it was no time to fight. They needed to get out of here now. They would determine the man's threat later. Geist motioned for the armored man to follow him. Rather than guide him to the main cabin, where the civilians and some Imperium forces were seated, but instead shepherded him to a side cabin, the one reserved for the alchemist himself. It was originally designated to him on the belief he would be leaving the solar system aboard the ship, but he had since made other arrangements to leave on Mother Ruusan, which the shuttle was headed for.

When they were seated, Geist asked, "Are you injured?" The man did seem like he'd taken some damage, but it was only with an examination would he be able to tell if the armor took the brute of it. While it seemed like Geist was being vulnerable to the stranger, it was no mistake that coincidentally his free arm was rested on his lightsaber strapped to his side. It would only take a moment to ignite and strike down the man, whoever he was.

Geist was uncertain if the man was trained in the Force. Aura emitted by the man didn't suggest as such, but that didn't mean he couldn't be hiding it. After all, Geist was a master of such techniques. If he inspected the man through the Force, he likely would detect signs of the Force being masked. However, to try to establish trust, Geist decided to hold off temporarily, to try to create a bond before Force or mental infiltration, which the man may notice and wall off, making things more difficult. Part of his inquiry was to try to get the man to take off his helmet, which would allow Geist to read his facial expressions more easily, along with any tells; granted though he was ready to apply first-aid if required.

As the ship took off, Geist allowed himself to be partly distracted in order to spread his aura across the ship. It would feel like a warm blanket engrossing everyone, warding off some of the effects of the ritual. Thankfully, the ritual wasn't full-blown yet, so it was possible to keep the harm to a minimum. He was glad he was able to get some people off the planet, though lamented all the others who would perish under Andraste's wrath. Divine judgment was not merciful.

 

[Phil]

LFN went along with who he assumed was in charge and did all he instructed, going past the civilians and imperial troops. As he felt the ship taking off, his stamina and strength did not feel as weakened no doubt from parting from the now doomed world. When asked a question on his current state, LFN responded honestly. He chose not to hide anything from this man, almost as if he was comfortable around him. His armored hands rose towards his head, slow enough for the man to not feel threatened, and started to detach the top portion of his helmet. The yellow glow died as the rodian's face was shown, the lowest portion of his helmet where the translator module was, remained near his snout just in case this man did not understand rodese. His head seemed to of had particles of soot and his own blood, namely around a makeshift patch around his left eye where some of his own blood remained around it.

"We are all injured from this war, friend, but I will live. I thank you for saving me, though I am surprised you took a stranger such as myself."

It was clear to him, and many others, that the Sith attacked and now they were rescuing others. Maybe Imperial Loyalists like himself? Perhaps it was to ensure loyalty from them, instill fear into their minds with Coruscant remaining a warning to all.

 

[Dmitri]

The man took off his helmet to reveal a Rodian. The voice had seemed a bit robotic and the translator explained that. Geist was not as familiar with Rodian facial expressions, making facial reading more difficult. The Force would need to be deployed, though he decided not to be too invasive; benefit of doubt, for now. The creature had some wounds, but survivable. Mostly it was filth that plagued his skin.

Geist reached into a plasteel box and took out a rag. It was designated for polishing. However, as he had not used it for its intended purpose, combined with some warm water, it would serve as a wash cloth. He handed the damp cloth to the Rodian.

"War has the effect," said Geist. "It rarely benefits people. Generally a small group spark it for their own interests, and everyone pays. The Jedi started this war, which only comes to show that they hold prejudices and discrimination just like any normal individuals. And they wonder why people claim they're cultists rather than guardians? In a way, no party is unresponsible. The Sith have changed over time, striving for stability, but the Jedi threatened that. They awoke the sleeping lion. Who knows what the galaxy would be like right now had they not falsely accused the Sith of the terrorist attack on the Will of the Force.

"The reason I saved you, and as many people as I could was because the galaxy shouldn't pay for the sins of others. The Jedi started this war. In fact, the war would never have brewed this badly had the Jedi not forced the Galactic Alliance to fight its battles. And to protect its own people, the New Sith Imperium fought to stop the Galactic Alliance's assault. While indeed it was a bit excessive, the New Sith Imperium sought only to stop this war at its source. Now, the Jedi have scattered. Its bulldog, the Galactic Alliance, will no longer be able to hurt anyone ever again. The war is essentially over. As such, I do not feel more life needs to be sacrificed. The act that is about to befall Coruscant shall serve as a reminder that the Sith's wrath is terrible, but the Order that shall follow will demonstrate how good the Sith are too. As the saying goes, it is darkest before the dawn. The Sith aren't perfect, but with unity can discrimination end, wars needless, stability reigning, and Order... norm." Taking a water bottle from the small cooler and handing it to the Rodian, Geist said, "That's why I saved you, a stranger. Because it is the fear of strangers and the unfamiliar that led to this war. Strangers shall become neighbors. Destiny is never clear, but if we only look to the past as the Jedi do, we shall never be able to prosper in the future. The past only shows pain and mistakes. Only by using that past and looking to the future can we obtain Order. Only then will we have our future."

 

[Phil]

"I have heard of these before."

LFN spoke after taking the time to absorb all he had heard from this man, wiping his face and fixing his dehydration he had going since his battle at the space port. This was sounding familiar to him, from the words of a man who spoke good will about the Sith, or what they had been before this. It was what started him on a broken path years ago: First the armor, then The Voice, then the journey, and possibly it has led him here.

"The Alliance had chosen the wrong side and suffered for it. The Jedi, and those who remain loyal to them, may never change their ways. Order can come in many forms, yet the Jedi remain loyal to their view and no one else."

It was clear to him, and it was no coincidence that he had landed a spot on this shuttle with the Sith instead of another. Was it fate? The Force? LFN was not capable of using such magic, yet he had witnessed and trained himself against it.

"You need people who will help you. In my journeys, I have come across other Sith before. Ruthless as they were, they are efficient and proved themselves better then the Jedi and the Alliance have."

Felling now this man had his life in his hand, yet a trustworthy hand, LFN looked him right in the face with his remaining eye. The one he met on his journey had set him upon this path to help those who would bring the galaxy into unity.

"My name has been forgotten in time, but you may call me LFN-452. I am an assassin, and I think I may be able to help you against your enemies."

 

[Dmitri]

Either the man was down-to-earth, or he was a very experienced liar. Geist doubted the man was with Intelligence though. GAIA was defunct, and spies generally didn't wear as fancy of armor. But that was the norm, not categorically. As the man spoke, Geist slightly sensed around the man's mind. Without even needing to mentally attack, Geist could sense the man had wards to resist such maneuvers. As such, he decided to avoid digging deeper, signalling the Rodian to a mental invasion. Investigation would be determined later, when everyone was not desperate to evacuate the doomed planet.

"Ruthless and efficient indeed," Geist agreed. "Sometimes to the point to a fault, but manageable, and controllable. The Sith have learned from the past and have evolved. Ironically, the Jedi claim the Sith are the same as always and resistant to change yet it is the Jedi themselves that resist to change. They claim pacificism, yet make others fight their violence. If it is your desire to help, then you shall be not thwarted. You say you do not need a name? Then make a name for yourself. Show how the people who desire this galaxy aren't the Jedi who sit in their thrones claiming to be messiahs of a deity-like Will of the Force, but the people who live in the galaxy. The Jedi are too preoccupied with becoming one with the Force. Then let us, you and I, send them on their way, and end the damage they're causing on their journey."

 

[Phil]

LFN had almost lost focus of what his savior had said when he thought he heard The Voice. It was not coming from his helmet though, almost as if he had heard it from the back of his head. He was not sure what He was saying to him, but he quickly pushed him into the back of his mind and silenced him from this as he turned his focus once more to the man infront of him, remembering what he said.

"Will it work? Even with others, there are always some Jedi that survive. Those survivors then go to enthrall others into their ranks and their order is then rebuilt. We bust be efficient and leave no stone unturned, least another... Coruscant happen in the future."

LFN was more curious on what the man would say in response. He knew the moment he stepped in this ship, belonging to Imperials, his new life would start. And he never once thought of turning away from it.

 

[Dmitri]

Geist gave an honest shrug. "Despite what the Jedi preach, the future is never clear. Who knows if it is possible. However, if we only rely on the Force for guidance, nothing will happen. We must forge our own future, even if it means we must remove the Jedi from the equation permanently. The Jedi are too focused on the past, and bind others. We must break these chains." Geist stretched out a hand. "What do you say? Would you like to help us break the chains of the past and bring forth the dawn of a new age?"

 

[Phil]

Geist would first get his answer when LFN's lightly armored hand was raised and grasped his. This was his new purpose now, and he would not sway from it.

"Yes. I will help The Empire forge the way for the new future. At no charge."