Speak to Evil

[Narsi]

​

Kessel...it was as disappointing as he'd been told, nothing but dirt, mines, and suffering. Well, it DID have a landing pad and a few mechanic shops too, which was why he was here after all, the ONLY reason actually. Normally Gorman wouldn't be stepping a foot on a place like this unless it was to blow it or someone up. He'd been heading back from a mission with some comrades when they'd discovered a minor hitch in their thrusters and as such had made a pit stop for cheap repairs, really cheap repairs.

Of course the repairs were going to take a few hours, and so here he was, walking down the street in search of entertainment, or food and drink at least. There had to be one somewhere right? Surely there had to be somewhere were the non-slaves and slavers got food that wasn't absolute crap. Sure enough, Gorman soon found himself staring at a slightly less rundown building with a very worn path leading up to it, and a bright yellow sign reading "Mine Munchies," charming. Gorman sighed, checking for the reassuring weight of his weapons before heading in, maybe he'd at least get to shoot a slaver or something, that would probably make the whole day worthwhile.

Shoving the door open and stepping in, Gorman was immediately conscious of all the eyes that immediately turned to him. He understood it sure, a fully armored Mandalorian warrior helmet and all? Almost seven feet tall? He'd be more surprised if he didn't turn any heads. He didn't care either, even alone, with the room as crowded as it was, nothing here would have the guts to pick a fight with him. Disregarding its occupants, the room itself was actually pretty nice. Clean, reasonably hi-tech, with shiny metal surfaces everywhere and a few bouncer droids in view. He even saw a few scantily clad Twi'leks wandering around.

Shrugging at the weird imbalance between inside and out, Gorman started working his way through the room, searching about for a spare table.
@Insalius

 

[Insalius]

Kurtis usually didn't like visiting bars or drinking in general, only comfortable with the feeling of being buzzed and beyond when he was in a place he truly felt safe. What he would not do, though, was let his officers and crewmen go and drink without someone they trusted having their back. His Star Destroyer was still fairly damaged from the recent battle at Ziost, where he had slain the Jedi Grandmaster Valen Pelora over the skies of New Adastra, and this was a needed stop on the way to repair. His Commander's uniform and insignia definitely drew the gaze of others, though a stern glare usually quieted most of the patrons into minding their own business. While some thought him some sort of celebrity, he had instead merely been doing his duty.

With a glass of a light alcohol, just enough to enjoy the flavor yet not strong enough to affect his mind or judgement, the Shistavanen found a table to sit at in order to watch his men carouse at the bar. They deserved the rest as much as anyone did, their performance in the battle crucial to their victory. His own family was long gone, making his crew the closest thing to kinship that he had barring the boyfriend he had recently managed to find. He thought of getting a souvenir from the planet for the Sith Initiate, though he wondered if there were anything here that the other man would find interesting. Perhaps a rock of some sort, or a book on the history of the mining of Kessel. He loved to learn, leaving the Commander to ponder as he kept an eye on the safety of his crew. @Narsi

 

[Narsi]

Gorman had just spotted a suitable table and was on his way over when his attention was drawn to a somewhat large group at the bar. He only shot them a quick glance, a casual flick of the eyes under his helmet, but that was more than enough to recognize the uniform of the Sith Empire. He froze, a sudden stiff pillar of Mandalorian armor and weapons, casting his gaze about the room for more threats as his hand involuntarily went to his blaster. With a supreme burst of will he pulled his hand away and started moving again, trying to pretend his shock away. Even if those at the counter would be able to recognize him, he was still encased in armor, and he was on a neutral planet no less. It was very unlikely that they were there for him or even knew he was, it had been years after all, and a few grunts wouldn't remember his Sith days. Heck Gorman would be surprised if anyone could recognize him at this point, what with the deaths he'd heard about, of both Sith and SBZ, even Argus had vanished.

With that thought in mind, and a slightly less frantic heart, Gorman turned away from the bar, heading for a seat in the back. There he would be able to keep his head down and monitor the situation, just in case, and hopefully leave without a confrontation. However, as he walked, and his eyes landed on a table nearby, that sentiment vanished without a trace. Sitting at the table was a Shistavanen, one he recognized from a recent news holo-net news source about the attack on Ziost. Stopping once more, Gorman closely inspected the wolf, noting the uniform and insignia, mentally comparing him to the pictures he'd seen before coming to a conclusion, it was indeed Kurtis DuValle. For the briefest moment, as he remembered the content of that particular news item, Gorman's hand drifted to his weapon again. The Jedi Grandmaster, dead, slain by the being in front of him, and while Gorman hadn't known the man, he was more than happy to be furious on the Jedi's behalf.

He stilled his hand once more however, gritting his teeth against the murderous impulse as he decided on another course of action instead. Striding forward, Gorman pulled up a chair and plopped himself down at the same table as the Commander, roughly signaling to the waitress as he fixed his helmeted gaze on the commander. He was careful to be ready for any danger however, from the one in front of him of those around him, ready to draw his weapons as he spoke. "Would you happen to be Commander Kurtis Duvalle?"


@Insalius

 

[Insalius]

When the Mandalorian sat, it took all of Kurtis' skill to not jump away and draw his pistol. If the man had wanted him dead, he wouldn't have sat down at his table. Still, the Commander was now on guard as he looked over the new guest to his table and was ready to move at a second's notice if needed. The man had come in peace, at least it seemed that way, and it would be downright disrespectful to be anything but courteous until such time that he was threatened or otherwise put in danger. He had admired the combat abilities of the Mandalorians, even if he didn't believe in their style of governance, and perhaps this would be a unique opportunity to talk to one.

"Indeed, I am he. Commander Kurtis DuValle of the Imperial Legion, at your service." He nodded his head respectfully, even though he knew many in his rank would not have done so. He held himself at a higher standard. "May I have your name, good sir? And would you like a drink? I'll pay, if you like." A customary offer, one made to try to lower the tensions that were starting to raise around them. Some of his still sober officers were looking his way, yet hadn't done anything to interfere. They trusted their Captain and would stay away unless they saw a request for help, then they'd give their lives for the man who would give his for theirs. Hopefully it would never have to go that far, though.

 

[Narsi]

Ah, there was that murderous urge again, baiting him once again at the confirmation of the man's identity. Gorman shoved it down ruthlessly, he wasn't going to do this that way, not right now at least. Instead, he only gave the wolf a friendly nod in return, thankful that things had started out so well. "I'd very much appreciate a drink right now, thank you very much, As for my name."

Gorman straightened up in his chair and removed his helmet, revealing his blue face and hair as he ran his free hand through it to lessen is messiness. Carefully he placed the helmet down on the floor beside him, blinking a bit at the sudden bright light as he responded to the Shistavanen. "I'm called Gorman, currently of Clan Fett at the moment, and I appreciate you being so willing to....stay calm."

Taking a moment to collect himself and let the waiter bring him a drink, Gorman carefully eyed the Commander, fully looking at him now that he had the chance. Composure, dignity, honor? Gorman liked what he saw, a good sign for what he had in mind. "So," he started, clearing his throat, "I imagine your wondering why I made such a rude entry into your life.....Well to start with, do you know who I am, or used to be rather?"
@Insalius

 

[Insalius]

Kurtis motioned to the barkeep to bring a drink over for his new companion, the man just as on edge as his crew were. When Gorman gave his name, the Commander had a slight pause. He knew the name and the prowess behind it. Many of his peers viewed the man as a traitor for what he had done, abandoning the Empire at it's foundation to join the Mandalorians. He had always thought there was more to the story, though, and perhaps now would be a good time to ask. First, though, they had to get through the small talk and introductions. "Indeed. You are Gorman, former Commander in the Band of Ziost. Your leadership and skill was crucial in the formation of the Empire and I learned of your tactics and history in the Academy. I have great respect for you and your strategies are the basis of some of my own."

Taking a sip from his own drink, he thought a bit about his previous words. "Of all places in the galaxy, the only true neutral ground is an establishment like this. I knew there was a chance I would run into someone not of my government here, but I came nonetheless with the intent of unwinding a bit, not causing trouble. I would likewise like to thank you for not acting on your own urge to possibly harm or kill me as well. I seem to have gained some notoriety as of late, though at the time I didn't have any knowledge of who I was facing. I was merely doing my duty of defending Ziost and it wasn't until after his ship was sunk that I found out that the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order was on it. It would not have changed my actions, however, as at that point we were mere opponents on the field of battle. Played out differently, I would have been the one to fall that day."

 

[Narsi]

Gorman face palmed mentally at the admirals initial response, only resisting the urge to frown by taking a hefty swig of his drink. He'd suspected as much, but to actively hear of the positive effect he'd had on the empire? And that his strategies had possibly aided in the death of the grandmaster? Just more sins to make up for, if he even could that is. He forced it from his mind though, using it instead as fuel for the actions he would take today, or try to at least. Taking another sip, more moderate this time, Gorman shrugged in response to Kurtis's admittance about the Ziost battle. "Notoriety is often unavoidable, even if we were only doing our duty. Its something I've had to deal with quite a lot in my time with Mandalorians." Gorman winced a bit, remembering back to recent events and Clan Fett's resulting anger. Thank the force they'd never found out any specifics of that incident, he'd probably still be brawling if they had.

Speaking of brawling, Gorman couldn't help but notice a few interested glances being tossed his way, from some rough looking individuals no less. Apparently they might've heard his name, and apparently there was still a bounty on his head, either that or they wanted to mug him, which seemed unlikely. Sighing slightly, Gorman marked them down for watching and got down to business while he still could. "Well, I appreciate the kind words Admiral, and I definitely appreciate that I can get right into meat of why I'm at your table. This may be a bit of a private question, maybe one I don't have the right to ask so soon after meeting....but, Kurtis, why are you with the Sith?"

@Insalius

 

[Insalius]

Kurtis took a pause, giving the question the weight it deserved. He idly tapped on the commlink he had on the table, still obviously off, as a kind of habit for when he was thinking. There could be any number of ways to answer the question, some that were more appropriate than the other. Given the straightforward way that Gorman had asked him, he determined that the best way answer would be as truthfully as possible. It wouldn't look good to be deceptive now, especially with the weaponry that the other man was carrying on his person. His mind had already calculated possible moves for combat, strategies ranging from taking the man down to escaping quickly. Hopefully it wouldn't have to get there.

"I was born in the Republic, on a space station used to refuel and repair anything form recreational ships to military vessels. We had a leader on the station, kept everyone together and happy which made life comfortable. Then the fall of the Republic began and said leader was recalled, only to die in battle. The station fell to chaos, old prejudices came to light and before I knew it my parents were murdered with my own body cut up and lying in a pool of their cooling blood. I survived, I hunted, and they all died at my hand. When the Empire came, I let them come right in and they saw something in me, let me attend one of their military academies."

He looked over at his men, most currently enjoying their drinks and laughing with each other. One seemed to blearily look around the room before returning to his friends, a glass in one hand and something small in the other as he cracked a joke. The others laughed before they turned back to the bar, seemingly oblivious to what their leader was doing. "I realized that the Republic was flawed. They lacked the ability to bring the order needed to keep such tragedies from happening, even if they were falling to another entity. It was in the Empire that I saw the ability to attain that order. The Sith and Jedi are so tied into their mutual hatred and ancient rivalry to amount to any sustaining presence, and with how I've seen the Jedi act I don't see much difference from the Sith in the first place. Only perhaps that they try to justify their actions as being of a 'righteous' cause."

He thought again about his answer, wondering if he should mention the other main reason he stayed with the Empire. After a few minutes of thought he decided to say it, as he had already said so much already in the minutes he had taken to explain. "I also have someone I care deeply for among the Sith. An Initiate, someone that takes away the loneliness that I've felt since my parents were killed. Yes, I've killed innocent people in the pursuit of my duty. Yes, I've earned the enmity of countless people in the galaxy. I take responsibility for every life I've taken and I know exactly how many I've slain in my career. It weighs on my heart, and thanks to him, life is bearable. I still have a duty to fulfill, a debt that I have only just begun to repay. A life, a future, beyond being a savage creature like how those traitors on that station thought I was. And...That's basically it. Either you're satisfied or you want to kill me now." He looked at Gorman, awaiting his response. His ear twitched as he kept tabs on the surroundings. Hopefully their conversation would continue. He would be prepared in case it wouldn't.

 

[Narsi]

Gorman chuckled at the wolf's last sentences, although the giggles died off fairly quickly as he realized that the irony of the situation would likely be lost on his companion. Sighing, he raised his hands up and placed them on the table in front of him, regret lacing his expression as he idly clenched and unclenched his hands. For a moment, Gorman just stared at his hands, one real, one fake, the other man's explanation reverberating through him. Suddenly, now he felt like a hypocrite, a realization that soured his drink, and weakened his resolve.

Gritting his teeth, he started in on his own explanation, both for his earlier laugh, and as a response to Kurtis's answer. "Well, your right, I do want to kill you...but that's been a constant since I got here, simple fact. Its not really something against you either, not personal I mean, because I've been in your shoes, and my reasoning wasn't any better." Gorman scowled, forcibly reliving his own career for the moment, clenching his fists shut one last time and leaving them that way. "My father was exiled from our homeworld, and I was with him. To make a long story short, the Band took us in after my father showed them his.....abilities. He was an honorable man my father, values the Band shared back then, and values he passes on to me. That's my grand reason for why I was with the Sith, even when they went bad and sent me out to burn worlds and kill innocents. Sure, I disapproved of the Republic, but I did the things I did because I'd sworn to, because I held onto abstract qualities like duty and loyalty."

Gorman paused, appraising the admiral's response as he finished his drink, trying to wash away the sourness. Again, he chuckled, though it had a grim tone to it this time. "Pretty funny huh, here I am questioning and threatening you on your choices when mine were even worse. As for why I left, or how rather, the Sith became the empire, and on that day they renounced their old organizations, the Band included. Should be pretty obvious how I decided to interpret that." Gormans attentions were drawn to the side suddenly, taking notice of the sudden departure of one of the ingrates he'd noticed earlier. The rest remained in their seats, pretending like they were paying any attention to him. His scowl grew more pronounced, and he retrieved his helmet, slamming it back down on his head before returning his hands to the tabletop. After all this time, he WAS NOT going out by random thug potshot.

"I'm going to be rude again Kurtis, and I apologize for that, but it seems were running out time. I came over here specifically to try and convince you to leave the Sith, and I'm going to at least try before I lose the chance. You cite the Republic's incompetence and your lover for your main reasons, well here are the facts. The Republic is gone....I helped with that little gem, and the Sith are going to follow. All of the other big players have united against them, and the results are already showing, apparently even a Korriban attack is in the works. I'm sure you can imagine the effect that'll have on your initiate, if she even survives. Take my advice, and get out while you can, take him with you. With your skills and.....reputation, you could likely secure safe work with...just...about....."

Gorman broke off as his attention was drawn to the holo-net up on the wall and the story that was playing. An issue at the prison site on Coruscant.......
@Insalius

 

[Insalius]

As Gorman trailed off, a few of Kurtis' crew came from behind the Commander, a pouting look on their faces. "Boss, we just got called back to the ship. 'Parently they need us to leave soon, something about the Civil War. Sucks when leave is cut short." They pulled the Commander up, one putting more credits than what was needed on the table to pay for their drinks. "Sorry, Mr. Mandalorian, but we gotta take your friend back to work. You stay frosty, now." With a drunken smile and wave, they moved behind Kurtis to push him towards the door. They seemed almost in a rush, though perhaps they were just clumsy for being inebriated. Though, the way their faces changed when not in view of the other man showed that they hadn't had nearly as much to drink and were instead on as high of alert as Kurtis was. It wasn't until they were all safely outside and down the road that they dropped their guise, more soldiers from his ship appearing from down the way dressed for potential combat.

"Sorry for breaking up your meeting, sir, but it wasn't hard to see that man wanted to kill you. The Emperor DID call for you, though, and it wouldn't be good for us if you died here in a bar in the middle of nowhere. Let's return to the ship, sir." Flanked on all sides by soldiers and crew, now fully armed and armored, they made their way back to the Star Destroyer to leave. One didn't just ignore a request to meet with the Emperor, especially when you had a Jedi prisoner on board your ship bound for him. Once he was back in his quarters, the ship preparing to leave, Kurtis began to create a message for Gorman. It was rude how he had just left, even if it was due to his crew's intervention, and even if the man was an enemy he deserved better courtesy than that. It took a moment for the Commander to know where to start, though once he began it was easy to complete.

"Dear Gorman,

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your warning about the Empire. You are correct, it is easy to see the writing on the wall about our upcoming fate. The splintering of our forces, the assault on Korriban, and my bombing of Coruscant, all actions that will galvanize our enemies to focus on us in our moment of weakness. However, I cannot in good faith leave them to fade into the darkness of night. If we are to lose, then we will leave a mark on history so that our lesson and ideology will be remembered throughout time. I have things I need to protect, things I can only find in the Empire, and they're important enough to me to give my life to protect them. There is no leaving for me, whichever side wins this fight, Jedi or Mandalorian, both want my head. I know you wanted it yourself. If you are to claim it, then it will be on the field of battle, not in a bar on Kessel. If that is to be my fate, then I will meet it gladly. But I will not make it easy. Until we meet again.

Sincerely,

Kurtis DuValle, Commander, Imperial Legion"

It would take time for it to arrive to Gorman, as receiving communications from one's sworn enemy would be seen as suspicious in the very least by their side. Still, he would get it eventually, sent through the appropriate channels. For now, though, the Emperor himself needed Kurtis in attendance. It would be foolish to deny him or delay him, especially since his judgement for all the friendly lives hadn't been set yet. There was a good chance Gorman would never get the chance to take his head if Malon did, though again if that were his fate he would accept it. His death was not in his hands to choose, yet as long as he lived he would give his all to the Empire.

/exit thread