The Belly of the Beast

[Kit]

A small ship hung high above Mygeeto, threading it's way through the traffic of the system and heading towards the surface of the planet. The three men within had been quiet until now. Partly, Augustus expected, because he had kept their destination from them. He imagined that there would have been much more discussion, heated and angry, had they known what he intended. Had they known the risks that he was taking, for all of them.

The small ship touched down largely without incident, being a civilian ship, upon the Imperial world. Augustus remained as he had been, grey and crimson robes, worn, faded and torn with age and hard wear. He stepped off of the ship; his long term goal and plan was clear to him, but the fine details, his immediate actions, were as yet unknown to him.

Augustus knew what he had to do. He had to draw in a Sith.

He waited a moment for Beric and Nero to join him. He would want them at his side in the coming hours.




((OOC: Open to Sith, others ask. AND OOC HERE))

 

[Dmitri]

Nero had used his old entry password to get past security, though enough scrutiny would draw unpleasant suspicion. Instead, he hoped that Beric and Augustus would try not to cause too much attention. Then again, they were two elderly hot-headed prideful stubborn Jedi men.

It would not stay pleasant for long.

Augustus was the first to disembark. Nero finished turning off power before leaving the ship. Once Beric left, security would activate.

 

[Will]

Beric had hated the journey. He had missed his windowless bridge, controlling his ship through holoscreens. It was loud as well. He had gotten used to the tranquillity of solar sails. He wore armour under voluminous grey robes of roughspun fabric.

He had been meditating for days, seeking guidance from the force, a path to their goal.

It had been silent, giving him nothing. It had just been...there.

Beric walked down the ramp, feeling earth beneath his feet again.

''I think I prefer the feel of a ship under me, after all these months.'' He stated, tapping his foot on the ground. He had hunched slightly, holding a metal staff as if he couldn't stand properly.

''But, as a philosopher said, you can't always get what you want. Let's find a Sith.''

He shot a sidelong glance to Augustus. They would work together in this, to regain some dignity.

 

[Kit]

Augustus glanced around the spaceport, his attention on the surroundings rathe than his companions. His instincts and training leading him to assess the area before he engaged with any small talk. The mission always came first. Eventually, he was satisfied with what he saw, which was very little. But it was only a matter of time.

"Stay on your toes. We're not too deep, but this is Sith territory."

He couldn't help but think of how close he had come to this being home. How close he had come to falling forever.

 

[Dmitri]

Beric had not been pleasant company. Granted, the teenager had been cooped up with two old guys who practically creaked like antiques, but Beric was even more of a curmudgeon. Nothing seemed to please him. And now it was the noise.

"My apologies for not putting the engines that have us going going really fast on quiet mode," said Nero sarcastically.

Augustus warned them to be on their guard. "Indeed," agreed Nero. "My identification got us past some security, but not everyone is always happy with just what you give them." His comment was partially aimed at Beric, though mostly at imperial security.

 

[Kit]

Augustus shared a look with Nero, and smiled quickly. Beric had never been easy to get along with, and that was one thing that had certainly not improved over time. Nor during his self-imposed exile, or what had come before.

He couldn't help but smile at Nero's comment though, and he hoped that the younger man realised that Augustus did enjoy his company. And was glad that he was here. He honestly wasn't sure that he and Beric would have been alive without Nero here to ground him. He began to stride out of the spaceport, breezing past the workers and security alike, until he was in the city proper.

The quickest way to draw in a Sith as probably to cause a commotion, and draw as much attention as possible. Or he could just wait, and let the Sith sense the unfamiliar aura and come searching. He looked back at Nero and Beric.

"So, anyone have any thoughts on finding a Sith for us?"

 

[Will]

Beric shot a glare at Nero. ''Impudent little...'' He muttered under his breath. The way of the youths these days... He would never have talked back to an elder at the boy's age. The unceasing march of change, he supposed, sighing inwardly.

He stroked his chin, pondering methods. They could go covert, but that might waste too much time in stopping this monster. It would have to be obvious. Something to bring Sith to them in a hurry. Not a physical commotion...

perhaps...

''Why not simply let ourselves be seen?''

He looked at the quizzical expressions of his companions.

''We have rather distinctive auras, as a Jedi Grandmaster and a Battlemaster. I've been quelling mine, but if I let it slip, It will undoubtedly attract some attention.''

He straightened, letting his force aura return to normal, growing until it seemed to be an inferno in the darkness around them.

''This should work, neh?''

 

[Dmitri]

Nero pondered. Beric's idea had some merit.

"True, and hopefully it won't attract too much attention," said Nero.

Nero began to walk away from the two elderly men. "I'll try to keep my distance. That way I won't be associated with you. I still have my old identification, so I won't be suspected. Thus, if any trouble comes in, I can help if needed."

 

[Mr. Teatime]

A frozen ball of valuable crystal and metal, Mygeeto was absolutely dormant in terms of volcanic activity, having cooled long ago. That said, in economic terms, it's a giant ball of money. And Arcturus, as Commandant, was making sure all operations were running smoothly. With his heavily modified Horizon-class, he had arrived and begin the inspection. So far, everything seemed to be running smoothly. At his side the whole time was his trusty droid Dex, silent and imposing, but providing easy access to required information when necessary.

Arcturus was soon to leave, and was in fact heading back towards the hangars of the city, one of few on the surface. But then he sensed a small disturbance in the surrounding energy. A series of unfamiliar being with personal presences strong enough that he detected them without searching for them. They didn't quite seem to be Jedi, but they certainly weren't any Sith he knew about. And so, Arcturus decided to go and greet them. He made sure his pistol and lightsaber were both in place, alerted his personal security detail as to where he was going, and headed off with Dex right behind him.

He strode smoothly out a separate exit to the spaceport, past workers and security, until he seemed to be just a few feet behind the people in question. And just in time to hear, 'So, anyone have any thoughts on finding a Sith for us? Curious.

Making sure he stayed at least six feet away from the closest of them, Arcturus gave a small smile. "Is there someone in particular you are looking for?" His voice was relatively quiet, but had the unusual quality of somehow managing to carry regardless.

 

[Kit]

Augustus turned slowly, fighting every instinct to turn quickly and draw his blade. His warrior instincts were screaming danger, though the force itself was relatively quiet; if he was in true peril, he would know. So, he managed to keep his movements calm and precise. He hoped his companions would as well.

He took a moment before answering to take in the man before him. Shorter, but only just. His face was scarred and his hair marked by stripes of light upon darkness. He didn't scream Sith with his appearance, but to Augustus, who had dedicated a lifetime to hunting darksiders, it was enough. He had found what he was looking for.

Augustus ran a hand through his hair, as his grey eyes flitted over the man. He would do.

"No. Just someone who can take me to your order."

He considered saying more. Tipping his hand may prove useful, but it carried and inherent risk; one he was unwilling to take. Yet. So, instead, he waited for the man to speak. He was aware that there was a chance he would be recognized, a greater risk yet for Beric. He crossed his arms, and waited.

 

[Black Noise]

Mygeeto, a word almost synonymous with cold, and cold was something the blind Sith, Mira, hated. She hated this place almost as much as tattooine. She accompanied, or rather, 'followed' the being Arcturus throughout the planet. She wished to speak with him, but planned on waiting till he was ready to leave before engaging in conversation. Mira was not naive, she did not believe the man didn't sense her, rather, she was content with the knowledge that he simply ignored her.

As Arcturus strode towards the seperate exit of the spaceport, Mira planned to stop him, but rather stopped herself. There were three men, two that felt greatly powerful in the Force. Focusing greater on her 'sight' she could detect heir auras more clearly, though they were still partially hidden from her.

Striding up to stand beside Arcturus. Crooking her head, she questioned calmly after brushing aside her clear Saberstaff at her hilt.
"To his order? What order do you believe he belongs to? Why do you seek it?"
The first question was, frankly, rhetorical. Recognizing Arcturus as a Sith was no great fear to one who loved inside the Imperium. However, to those who lived in the Alliance, his face would rather be similar to that of a comman crusader or unknown soldier. If they knew not who he was, they likely were from 'the other side.'

 

[Dmitri]

Nero recognized the first person almost immediately. During Nero's time with the Sith while looking for Augustus, he had heard of the Anzat before him. There was rumors that with the latest change in government, he had been promoted. He saw another arrive, a woman whose eyes were hidden. However, he could feel her trying to glance at their auras through the Force. His Force Cloak hid his affiliation, a node in the clashing of Bogan and Ashla. The boy was uncertain if she was a Miraluka or just blind.

Nero decided to address the greater threat first. But the best way to do so was to address the lesser threat. "Because it's Arcturus Wolfgang, after all. He and Valenstein or something defeated Jedi on Tanaab and I heard he was in something else. I don't pay much attention to battles much, too busy training. Still," Nero turned his attention towards Arcturus, "I saw you on the Holonet. You thwarted an assassination attempt on the new emperor's life. Impressive." Nero had watched the news broadcast on the trip to Mygeeto. Hopefully these tidbits would help defuse the situation, though he knew it had only been a wave of distraction, not truly answering Mira Albion's question.

 

[Kit]

Augustus listened to Nero even as he took in the second figure. A woman, older than the man, but shorter and smaller. He couldn't help but think of her as appearing weak; something he imagined she used to her advantage well enough. It was, after all, clear that she was a warrior; armour clad and carrying a doubled bladed saber. The subtlest smile crossed his face as he saw it. A dangerous style, for both user and defender, unless both were well schooled in it.

"Please, it would be simple enough to see what you both are, even with just my eyes."

He didn't recognize either of these Sith, though he knew that was what they were. One did not have to know your enemies face to understand he was the enemy after all. And alongside Nero's words, their affiliation was beyond doubt.

"My reasons are my own. Know simply that had I wished it, you would already lie dead. It should suffice that you do not."

Augustus paused, arms still crossed. He was working on the assumption that they might know him. What if they did not? It shouldn't impact his plans too fiercely, but he could not rely upon that. As his master had constantly taught him, 'All is fluid. There is no certainty.' He couldn't rely upon his original plan forever. Plans never lasted long.

"You are Sith, both. This is certain."

 

[Black Noise]

The boy, he would make a fine politician, subtly pushing away Mira's real question by attempting to dostinguish himself as just another citizen of the Imperium. The blind woman knew better. Facing the old man who spoke to the two of them, she could not hide the small grin that tugged at her face. This man, he was interesting. Had anyone else made that threat, she would have challenged them in an instant. But this man, his power, although partially hidden, was greatly stronger than her own, and she had no doubts that he could carry out his claim, if he wished it.

Mira crossed her arms and began speaking.
"You puzzle me, sir Jedi. I know you were, at one point, among them, as was I. However, you were not among the Jedi the same time as I. You were never an Imperial Knight, as your walk is neither that of a pained being who has lost all their comrades nor that of a proud soldier with a deep hatred for the Sith. So you must have been, at one point, Jedi. But, still, you have not answered my question. You men have a reason to seek out the Sith, all fallen Jedi do, I did. What is your's?"

Like a hot lance, Mira cut past the hidings of flesh and to the deepest veins of questionable blood. She despised dancing around issues. Best to throw them out and deal with them immediately.

 

[Kit]

Augustus smiled as she spoke. He did not concern himself with whether or not she could see it. He had reached a point where he felt himself at an advantage. Conversation was sometimes like swordplay; there were parries and ripostes, attack and defence.

Though he doubted she realised, her attempt to put him on the defence had given him the opening that decades of training and warrior instincts recognised plainly as crucial.

"Whether I am or was Jedi is irrelevant. My presence here," he paused, and moved his head to indicate Beric, "Our presence here betrays our motive."

He remained practically static, arms crossed and brow furrowed slightly. Though he was in his sixties, he was still a formidable warrior. Often his age led to him being underestimated. One of the few perks.

"As I said, if wished, you would be dead. You are not. What more do you need to know? Our purpose is clearly not antagonistic. Your order is neither hidden nor running. The Jedi, the Alliance know where you are. So why would I be here, if not for violence?"

He smiled again, for a moment it almost seemed predatory.

"Answer that question, and you will not need my words."

 

[Mr. Teatime]

Arcturus looked... Pensive. Totally calm throughout the verbal sparring and not-so-subtle threats. Unlike his companion, he did not appear all that phased by the appearance of the 'Jedi'. Interested, perhaps, but not angry or even particularly hostile.

Once there was a pause in the verbal posturing, he smiled softly and spoke. "I have no interest in games. You say you want to be taken to our order. For what purpose?" He tone was cool and polite, his aura overall much calmer than most Sith. Although it was dark in nature like any Sith, but it resembled storm clouds more than wicked shadows. Almost peaceful, even. He made no threatening motions, though his gaze was sharp and hawk-like, hidden Sight observing them through the force.

"You may not be malevolent, but that does not necessarily mean you are benevolent, either." He folded his arms behind his back in a military fashion, sliding the fingers of his right hand against the cuff of his left.

 

[Will]

Beric had remained silent as Augustus became more belligerent. It was an ever present problem with his friend, stubborn as a bantha and twice as angry.

He interjected, his tone sharp. This verbal back and forth got them nowhere.

''Little one, we have expressed no wish to tell you our past. It would bore you any way. Suffice to say, we need to speak to some more powerful members of your order. I presume there is a temple here? This is a major power base for the Empire. We need to speak to your superiors.''

He put his hands into his robes, hiding them from the chill. In his age, the cold was getting more and more harsh on his tired bones.

 

[Mr. Teatime]

Arcturus rose an eyebrow, looking amused, as the quiet one finally spoke. "I have two superiors. One of them is the Emperor." He stopped for a moment to let that sink in. Then he smiled again. "I can get us a private office, if you would prefer that to speaking in the street." He indicated one of the larger buildings off in the distance, down the road, only a short distance away from the spaceport. It was the spaceport administrator's office, and would do for any talking that needed to be done.

 

[Will]

''Ah, the arrogance of the Sith. How I have missed it.'' Beric replied, unimpressed. The Sith were fond of bragging. Younger Sith would leap at any opportunity to do so, while more powerful individuals would state truths.

''Come along then, youngling. I haven't time to waste on idle chatter.'' Beric indicated the building. He was acting like a Grandmaster again, gruff, ordering rather than asking. Subconsciously, he had straightened again, spine as hard as durasteel. He looked down, though the difference in height was small, a habit borne of years of dealing with lesser individuals.

''I sincerely hope the superior you failed to mention is here. I think we need a meeting worthy of our station. Something more than a simple commandant.'' He began striding forward, throwing his staff to the Mirakula, hands knotted behind his back. His face was impassive, but he was enjoying himself. It was good to feel in control again. It felt right, ordering these people around. As if he had never left the order.

 

[Mr. Teatime]

"I'm surprised at the level of ignorance you have displayed. One would think a failed Grandmaster would know better." His tone was cool. "The Emperor, nor his Champion, will be present. The only reason I do not leave you with a government representative to speak to and resume my inspection is because I have a personal interest in why two ex-Jedi have taken the time to seek out a representative of the Empire in the first place."He gave a small, icy smile to Beric, his strides towards the office building long, graceful, and relaxed. Arcturus was under the impression this old Jedi had taken his initial politeness for weakness. A mistake. Arcturus simply was a courteous person, who did not consider the Jedi true 'enemies' like many Sith did. He treated everyone of all walks of life in a similar manner, as a true gentleman should, treating everyone by their individual merits, and their actions. This old exile had not made a good first impression. "With that in mind, I'm sure you will find a Darth can handle whatever it is you have come here to discuss." He stopped in front of the entrance to the office, Sight constantly on his Jedi guests, and pressed a button on the side to open the door. He then stepped inside to let the lady Master and his guests inside first. As a gentleman should.