Ask The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

[Roman Kallo]

Even before the door came down, Xylan surprised Roman again. Not just with his lack of concern, but with his familiarity. The Senator put a hand on his arm, and not to shove him around but to reassure Roman it would all be ok. He kept it there even as Zanah made her entrance, telling her what a good job the squire had done.

”Clever?” He repeated, processing it and giving Xylan a dubious look. Did the guy really think Roman’s escape had been clever? “If you say so” he said finally. He actually thought Xylan might be serious, which was the most unsettling thing of all.

Roman turned back to reality, listening to Zanah’s plan. As much as he wanted to track down and punish Primus, he knew getting back to the ship was the right plan. They were too few and too outnumbered.

—————

The back streets of Telos were, well, not exactly the best. Roman kept close to Xylan, not daring to challenge Zanah for the lead or the rear. The Morellian had proven she had the skills to place herself wherever she wanted.

Roman had been overjoyed to find his saber and armor on a rack outside the room, but while he had his saber back at his hilt he’d had to leave the armor behind. It would slow him down and make his stand out a mile off, no use when they were trying to stay under the radar. It was a huge wrench, but he would earn another set.

”If we just keep our heads down, these alleys should take us most do the way to the spaceport” he said quietly over the Senator’s shoulder. He glanced back over his own, worried Primus’ goons would find them even though they were doing their best to stay hidden. “We shouldn’t have to run like this” he fumed, now they were in the open air “you shouldn’t. You’re an Imperial Senator. Tell me we will make him pay later?”.

They hurried by street stalls and closely packed shop frontages, trying not to so much as make eye contact with a seller.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

Their walk through the streets of Telos was the strangest experience that he ever had. First because he was forced to throw away most of his rich clothes, since they would attract too much attention. Now he was wearing his shoes, pants and a thin white sleeveless undershirt that allowed others to see his body. At least the Tionese was able to hide his rings in his pockets.

The second thing that made it strange was the fact that Xylan was able to see poverty first hand. He had seen poor people during his visit at the refugee camp of Entralla, but it was different. It was a controlled environment, with the Imperial workers trying to maintain things with a pleasant appearance.

In these streets, the Senator was able to see poverty without any make up. He saw beggars, abandoned children, sellers desperate for money and several other individuals that he always ignored or thought were the most insignificant type of people. Xylan wasn’t only seeing it, he could also smell it. He wondered if Centares also had people living this way.

Everything on this street was terrible.

He always thought that these people were levers to make him move in the Imperial hierarchy, but now seeing their suffering so clearly made Xylan think that no sentient being deserved to live in such low conditions. Obviously, he was still ambitious, but he would have a bit more consideration for the poor.

His thoughts were disturbed by Roman’s voice. Xylan turned to look at Squire, remembering how the young man had come out from a street like this one. The Senator felt even more sympathy and respect for him, only someone really strong would have been able to survive and carve his way out of a place like this one.

“It’s fine. The important thing is that we are alive.” he said, placing a hand on Roman's shoulder. When the Squire asked about making Primus pay, Xylan’s comforting smile became a devious one. “Of course we are going to make him pay. I’ll not allow him to get out without making him regret having messed with us. This will be justice.”

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

The narrow lanes near the spaceport itself were the worst of all. Shadowy figures hung around in doorways and squatted in the nooks and crannies around the port. Roman had been a dealer himself at one time, of Slick in his case, and he knew what they looked like. These guys were all waiting for contacts coming into town no doubt. So stupid. So pathetic.

Roman had to smile though when Xylan promised revenge. "Justice, perfect" he replied, biting his lip. He particularly liked the devious way the Senator smiled at the thought. That was new, and a lot more believable than the benevolent image. "Don't let me miss that sir".

Of course, they had to escape first. Reaching the edge of the square outside the port, they finally saw evidence that Primus had not given up the chase.

A small group of soldiers stood in front of the spaceport entrance, surveying the scene with their weapons at rest. Roman was surprised there were not more, but maybe the Governor could not risk drawing public attention. Kidnapping a senator crossed several lines he was sure, and maybe not all the Telosians would support it.

"They're waiting for us" the squire surmised. "I'm not sure we can take them, as much as I want to" he cracked his knuckles "we should try and get them to move, or get around them somehow?".

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

”Oh my friend, I’ll never do it without you. After all, he kidnapped us together.” Xylan said, while placing his arm around the Squire’s shoulder. This way they would look like friends. He didn’t want the people around them to hear what they were talking about. “It would only be fair if the two of us brought Primus down.” he whispered to Roman, before giving another devious smile.

Before reaching the spaceport, they passed through a square. Like the streets from early, they were also full of poor people begging or selling drugs and the same terrible smell was there. While he could be developing a bit of consideration for their situation, he still hated being surrounded by this filth. He wanted a long bath.

After this fiasco, Xylan would go to a spa in Zeltros and he would invite Roman to go with him.

When they arrived at the spaceport, some of Primus’ men were waiting for them at the entrance. “We should make them move. A distraction would be good.” Xylan looked at Zanah, who looked back at him. With a nod, the Morellian walked toward some speeders that were parked nearby. Discreetly, the woman was able to force the driver’s door open, one of her many talents, and started it at full speed.

The vehicle accelerated and came crashing against another one that was at the other side of the street, causing an explosion. The guards immediately rushed to see what was happening. “See, our distraction.” Xylan said to Roman, before pulling the Squire to follow him to the spaceport. In a flash, Zanah was already coming after them.

Without the guards, the three would be able to enter the spaceport without problems and walk toward the hangar. “The ship is still here!” Xylan said, happy for the shuttle still being in the place that he left it. Suddenly, two guards rushed to block their path. Before they could turn back, other two blocked the door.

Then, Primus entered the hangar. “Finally I caught the rats!” he said, before laughing like the villain of some cheap movie. “Now you aren’t going to escape. I’ll call the great Sith Order to collect you two. With it, my loyalty to them will be secured and we are going to bring down this Empire of traitors and…” he continued talking about his final plan, but two knives lodging themselves at the head of the two guards next to him silenced him. “Wait, what?” he asked, but Zanah was already slamming him on the floor.

Her fast movements left the guards that were blocking their path to the ship confused, leaving them open for Roman’s attack. “Kill them with your lightsaber, I have a plan.” Xylan said, before rushing to take cover.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman didn’t know how to react when Xylan called him friend. Were they friends? They had started the day as a Senator and squire, a massive gap between them in class and station. But he guessed they had been through a lot together in a short time. Maybe they were. Maybe they could be.

The squire dared to reach up and squeeze Xylan’s shoulder in return. He really did hope they would have chance to exact revenge together one day.

Their odds were certainly looking up, as Zanah’s distraction unfolded and they had chance to slip inside to Xylan‘s ship. Roman was just starting to hope, when Primus and his men got the jump on them. Zanah moved again quick as a flash, but there were still two men to take down.

They were fighting for their freedom and Roman was only too happy to do as Xylan suggested, He yanked his saber hilt from his belt and ignited the orange blade, leaping forward with more grace than his armor would normally have allowed. The squire landed between the two soldiers, striking right and then left with a few simple steps. The men were too busy turning in surprise to avoid the blows and both collapsed to the floor, their uniforms slashed with red.

”Next assignment sir?” he asked almost jokingly, smiling in Xylan’s direction. Cutting down his enemies made Roman feel powerful, even cocky, and adrenaline pounded in his veins. He glanced back across to Zanah, who has the squealing Primus pinned down on the floor. “The way is clear” Roman shouted “we taking that jerk with us?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

Xylan hid behind a crater while Roman dealt with the guards. It was the first time that he saw an Imperial Knight fight and he was impressed. The Squire’s movements were powerful and precise, with a twist of elegance. Perhaps the Knights weren’t an overgloried group after all, if they could do something like that daily.

With some fast moves, the guards laid dead on the floor of the spaceport. “Good job!” the Politician said, while slowly approaching the Squire. He wanted to be sure that they were dead. Xylan used his shoe to poke them, turning the bodies around to see the marks that the lightsaber left on them. “Perfect!” he muttered, satisfied with what Roman had done.

The Tionese turned to look at Primus, still immobilized by Zanah, then turned back to Roman. “No, we are not going to take him back with us. Unfortunately, the Governor died after the Sith tried to kidnap him and an Imperial Senator. The first because of old Telosian secrets, the second for ransom against the Empire.” he said as if it really had happened, few would think that he was lying. A diabolical smile appeared at his lips, while he comtemplated the man's fate. The old fool’s face became pale.

“I only escaped because my bodyguard tracked us to the spaceport before the Sith could escape with us, and the courageous Squire that came with me engaged them in a fight. They fled like cowards, but not before killing four of the governor guards.” he gestured to the corpses. “We’ll transmit this story to the locals, while also sending a distress signal to the Empire. The people will think that the Sith attacked and Primus’ supporters will chicken out after learning that their leader is dead and that Imperial forces are coming.”

This would be perfect. The actions of the ‘Sith’ against him and Telos would justify an Imperial occupation of Telos, Primus would pay for what he did while still helping them secure the planet.

“I’ll report what really happened to the ISB and they’ll seek the traitors, and crush them.” then, he turned to Roman, his diabolical smile had been replaced by a weak one. He approached the Squire, placing a hand to his shoulder. “I’m not sure if the ISB will allow you to receive a promotion for fighting the Sith, since they’ll know that it didn’t happen. However, I’ll still commend your actions in saving me in front of the Knights.” he turned to look at Primus, before tilting his head.

“I’ll add that the governor was beaten and tortured, but as a strong individual, he didn’t break. In the end the Sith killed him while we were rescued.” Xylan approached the politician, before punching him on the face with all his strength. Blood flowed from Primus’ nose, showing that it was broken. “Do you want to proceed from here? I need to send the messages. Remember to leave lightsaber marks very visible.” the Tionese started to walk to his ship, before turning back to Roman. “In these two, too. We need to hide the knife marks.” he said, while pointing to the man that Zanah killed.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman cocked an eyebrow in slight confusion as Xylan began, then his eyes widened as he realised just what the Senator was saying. Fuck, this guy was way more devious than Roman had imagined.

He could follow it, yes, and if he could so could others. Few common people really knew went on among the higher ups in the galaxy. They believed what they read on the holonet and heard in the street. The words printed and spoken would be the words Xylan gave them. Roman actually let out a little gasp. The truth would be what his new friend made it; what a power for someone so young to wield.

Xylan had called him clever, but Roman saw now the Senator would know. He was way craftier than he looked, and right now he looked pretty damn good. He turned his back on the bodies and told Primus how it was as if this was all just a part of his own plan. He seemed totally in control.

"They certainly weren't Sith no" Roman replied, glancing at the bodies of the ill-fated guards. He would have had a much harder time against Sith. "But thank you. I don't know what to say". He should never have allowed them to be captured in the first place. The fact he was coming out of this with a good word from a Senator was amazing.

It made Roman smile to watch Xylan break Primus' nose. The politician was not scared of getting his hands dirty it seemed, and the squire was only more impressed. "Yes sir" he answered with relish "leave him to me".

He stepped up close to Primus and channeled the Dark Side into a tight grip around his neck, lifting him to his knees as he struggled for breath. Igniting his saber with his free hand, he plunged the orange blade into Primus' right breast, deliberately missing any vital organs. The Governor gargled in pain.

"Butchered by a street dog" Roman hissed, leaning closer "that must hurt even more than this". He let the Force grip fade, needing both hands to slowly drive his blade horizontally across the man's chest, carving through the sternum and eventually piercing the heart. It would be an excruciating way to die and Primus' face contorted in agony before the life finally flashed from his eyes.

There would be no doubt he had died from a lightsaber and Roman was careful to leave similar wounds on the others, concealing Zanah's knife cuts.

It was as Xylan said. This was the work of the Sith and Roman Kallo was a hero.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

"Thank you, Roman. This plan wouldn't be possible without you." Xylan smiled at the Squire, before turning to walk inside the ship. The fact that the other man had accepted to help him in making up this story left the Tionese impressed. He always thought that the Imperial Knights were self righteous individuals that thought of themselves so high that they would never accept participating in a ruse like this one. It seemed that he was wrong.

Or it was only Roman’s way. If it was the case, then this Squire should be the one teaching the future Imperial Knights. This wasn’t a bad idea.

Once inside the ship, Xylan sat in the pilot chair and sent a distress message to the Empire, which would be redirected to the ISB. On it, the Politician told them the truth about what happened, what he was going to do to facilitate an Imperial occupation and to request support. A positive answer came shortly after the message was transmitted. With that secured, he would start the second part of the plan.

He slapped his own face hard, leaving a red mark. The Politician also disheveled his hair, giving the appearance that he had been running. Xylan activated the communication system and transmitted it to all Telosian channels. "Here is Imperial Senator Xylan Shrialla. I and Governor Primus were captured by the Sith during diplomatic talks." he said, his voice full of panic.

The Tionese would tell everything that he had explained to Roman early, but this time he said with fear, even trembling while talking. He cried when talking about Primus' death, praising his courage. He also praised the fallen guards, but above all Xylan praised the Squire's actions, calling him a great hero. He also told that the Empire was coming to catch any Sith that were hiding on the planet.

After finishing it, Xylan took a deep breath and waited for an answer from the Telosian government. It came shortly after the message was sent, with Urdin asking for them to meet with him at the Gubernatorial building. Obviously, the Tionese said that the Twi’lek should come to the spaceport. In the end, the aide agreed.

When he left the ship, Xylan saw that Roman had already finished with Primus. The Tionese approached the corpse of the old man, inspecting it. Rather than feeling bad for how he was cruelly killed, the Senator smiled at the Squire's work. "Good job. He died like an old animal, well deserved for what he said to us."

He turned to look at Roman. "The Empire is coming to help us, while the Telosians already know the truth. Remember, the truth is what we want them to believe." after everything that happened today, Xylan felt that he could show his political ideas to the other man. "Now we need to prepare, Urdin will be soon here to discuss Telos' future."

"And their future is at our hands."

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman stood by the ship‘s ramp, trying to tidy himself up a little with fresh water and the first aid kit. He had only suffered bruises and scrapes in the escape, but there were cauterised blood splatters on his clothes and body and he still lacked for his armour. He cleaned himself up as best he could, not quite sure why it mattered to him but doing it all the same.

A part of him risked feeling guilty about the Governor‘s murder. Primus had planned to have them both killed, but arguably he should have been arrested and tried. He may well have been executed for his scheming, but Knights were not entitled to dole out summary judgment.

But it had felt good. Right. Primus had been a swine, one who had wronged them, insulted them and consigned them to death or worse. He had deserved it. When Xyuan agreed, it pushed all remaining doubt from Roman’s mind. “Yeah” the squire replied solemnly “he was nothing. Couldn’t even defend himself”.

In the relative quiet of the hangar, Roman took in the Senator’s own escapee outfit for the first time, noticing he could actually see the guy’s body through the thin fabric undershirt. Xylan was certainly in shape, especially for a Senator.

“Do you want me to grab you some new clothes from the ship, sir?” he asked, mindful dignitaries were coming. He was not going to go rooting in Xylan’s cabin without permission. “Or do you need to stay as you are to play the part?”. He tried his own devious smile.

It was a short while before the dead Governor‘s aide, Urdin, pulled into the port with what looked like a small delegation.

”Will Primus not have deputies, or other men who want to take his place?“ he asked Xylan quietly. “How will you make them all submit?”. Imperial forces were apparently coming, but they were not here just yet and Roman had taken in enough of basic political theory at the Academy to know the death of a leader was a dangerous time.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

Xylan nodded at Roman's answer. "Yes, he was an old fool that thought that we were defenseless and weak, but in the end he was the weak." Primus was the example of a corrupt politician that wanted to gather wealthness, but was too short minded to properly do it. The Tionese have seen many of these individuals failing, even before becoming a Senator. He had learned with their failure that to triumph in his desires, he needed to be ambitious and cunning, always prepared for any set back.

When Roman mentioned picking new clothes for him, Xylan turned to look at the Squire with an appraising expression in his face. The devious smile at the other man's lips made him look even more attractive. "I could really use some clothes. Since I already transmitted the message to the locals, staying this way isn’t necessary anymore." he said, before turning to walk inside the vessel. "I like to choose my own clothes, but you are welcome to follow me. I would like to show you the ship." he said, before smiling invitingly at him.

If Roman followed him, Xylan would guide the Squire toward his room. They were inside the Tionese's luxurious space yacht and only ship that he used to travel, unless Imperial protocol ordered otherwise. He would show and explain to the other man the parts of the ship through where they passed, leaving it clear that the Force user could have something like that in the future.The Senator wanted to discuss the future in another point, away from Telos

Then they arrived at the Senator's quarters, a large finely decorated room with a king size bed and a large wardrobe.

He would open it before retrieving clothes for him and Roman. Xylan offered them to the Squire, curious to see how the other man would look dressed in something so expensive. “I thought that you would want to change it, while we don’t pick your armor back.” he smiled at the man, while offering an outfit for him.

He would first remove his shirt, revealing his bare chest to Roman. "Do you mind changing in the bathroom?” Xylan said, moving his head to the door in his room. If the Squire went here, he would see another luxurious part of the ship. It even had a bath tube, large enough for more than one person.

Once they finished changing, the two would need to leave the ship. Zanah had warned Xylan that Urdin had arrived and they would need to be there for their arrival. The Tionese felt better now that he was wearing his new outfit, having left all reminders of his crawling through dirty streets away.

Xylan smiled with Roman’s question, the Squire was very clever to point out this detail. “By taking our own candidate and giving them Imperial support. This is where Urdin fits.” the Twi’lek was a perfect candidate to govern Telos during this transition. “Besides, the population thinks that Primus and I were victims of the Sith. If anyone tried to go against the Empire, the population would think that they are supporters of the Sith. The reason why I released the message to the public was to win them over.”

After saying it, Xylan turned to welcome Urdin and his delegation. All of them seemed to be very nervous. "Welcome, friends! I think that we need to discuss your union with the Empire, since my conversation with Primus ended tragically at the hand of the Sith." the Senator said calmly, making it look like as if the events were real.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

The squire wondered at first if he had overstepped, offering to fetch clothes for Xylan, but the senator just seemed to want to pick them out himself. Roman did not feel he could turn down a tour of the ship - he did not get to travel on such fine craft - and the layout could arguably be relevant to his close protection duties.

Roman soon learned the ship was in fact a yacht and had more rooms than most buildings he had stayed in. He had always known the galaxy's rich and powerful lived it up, but seeing it up close was something else.

Xylan's room itself seemed real big for one person and as soon as Roman saw the vast wardrobe he realised how little he knew. He had assumed the senator would have only limited spare clothes, but now he saw there was room for dozens of outfits for all occasions. There was no way he could have easily picked the right thing and brought it out.

He protested initially at the offer of some for himself, partly not to appear vain and partly because he had never worn anything like them before. This was all really unfamiliar territory. But Xylan was insistent, even half undressing himself in front of the squire. Roman's eyes lingered on his new friend's toned torso, before he headed through into the bathroom. It was all quite surreal.

The squire changed into the strange new clothes, sleek and perfectly cut. He had not worn anything so soft in a long time, if ever. The low cut tee showed off the slight V of his chest and runic tattoos peeked from the neckline. Roman was not generally self conscious, but this was pushing it. Especially in front of a Senator.

He tried to pull himself together. They were just clothes. Roman steeled himself out of the ship and to Xylan’s side, keeping his anxieties completely to himself. He was forgetting his place.

”I guess leaders really do fear the people” he answered, as Urdin drew up. “The weak ones anyway”. He could see that Xylan had planted a seed with the Telosian public now. Any dissent from their leaders did indeed risk looking like sympathy for the Sith. Urdin would have to fall in line.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

Perfection. Xylan thought, after seeing how amazing Roman looked wearing his clothes. The fine outfit of an aristocrat contrasted perfectly with the Squire’s tattooed chest, giving his appearance a mix of nobility and rebellion. It was the contrast between what the young man was in the moment and what he could be in the future. The Tionese didn't mind admiring this gorgeous sight for some time.

Unfortunately, he needed to deal with Urdin at the moment. It was obvious that the Twi’lek had understood the gravity of the situation that he was in. If he did anything against Xylan and the Empire, the people would think that he supported the Sith. It wasn’t only that, he also risked a conflict when the Imperial forces arrived. The aide didn’t seem the brave type that would want to gather the Telosians in some type of resistance. No, Xylan was sure that he was the type of person that only wanted to save his neck.

“Well, I can’t talk about Telos joining the Empire. We don’t have a governor anymore.” Urdin said nervously, trying to avoid being responsible for this point. Xylan smiled condescending, thinking that it was hilarious that the Twi’lek didn’t understand that he wasn’t asking for it. Politeness ended when he was kidnapped, he was ordering that this union would happen.

“My friend, you were the Governor’s aide. With his death, you are going to succeed him.” it wasn’t a question, it was an affirmation. The Twi’lek’s face became pale. “This way, you are going to guide Telos during this period of transition. Of course, you’ll be helped by Imperial officers and myself. With the Sith running around, you need help to protect the citizens.” Xylan’s friendly voice hid his delight in watching how Urdin and the members of his retinue made concerned faces, but ended accepting the situation.

“Good, now we can sign the treaty.” Xylan snapped his fingers and Zanah immediately passed a datapad to him. “With it, Telos will be part of the Empire and the Sith threat will be crushed.” he smiled at the Twi’lek, before passing the device to him. “You only need to sign, Governor Urdin.” the Tionese felt elated when the aide did it. It was so good when things went the way that he wanted.

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman stood statuesque next to Xylan as the negotiations unfolded, straining to stay still not just out of deference but to avoid any scrutiny of his attire. The fine clothes still felt weird, if comfy, and he felt as if the dignitaries would know they were too good for him. It was all he could do to puff up his chest and try to look formidable.

Xylan handled it perfectly of course, At least, that was how it came across. The Twilek listened to what he had to say and even sounded nervous at times. Roman actually relaxed slightly; the Telosians certainly did not seem capable of mounting further threat.

Roman raised an eyebrow as Urdin signed, realising what it meant, arguably for both of them. Telos was joining the Empire, and he had played a small part in making it happen. He glanced again at Xylan; the Senator almost seemed too competent and capable for his own good.

”Very well done” Roman dared, as the Telosians broke away to confer about next steps. “I’ve never seen a world conquered with diplomacy, rather than steel”. He could scarcely believe how much had changed, and yet how unchanged the starport square was. “It’s just as satisfying, in its own way”.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

After the document was signed, Urdin and his assistants rushed out of the spaceport. The Imperial forces would soon arrive and they had many things to do before it happened. Xylan watched with satisfaction as they scurried away, like a group of rats. This mission ended better than he had thought.

“Thank you!” he said, before turning to look at Roman. For some reason, Xylan felt happy for the Squire having praised his efforts. “But our success was also due to your help.” the Politician smiled at the young man. “The Imperial Knight will know what you did today, I’ll tell them myself.”

With their mission finished, the two would need to part ways. Xylan would need to stay around with Zanah until the Imperial officers arrived and Roman would need to return to Raxus. “After all that happened today, we could use some rest.” the Tionese would say, with it sounding half as a joke and half as true.

If the Squire decides to believe that was a joke on the Senator’s part, he would have a surprise.

“I hope that we work together again, someday.” Xylan smiled, while waving the Squire goodbye. Once he was alone with Zanah, the Senator turned to look at her. “Contact the Knights in Raxus, I’ll tell them how much Roman helped in securing Telos.” the Morellian would nod, before retrieving her datapad.

While she did it, the Senator would watch the Squire walking away. Roman had impressed him in many ways and Xylan believed that the other man had much potential, besides being a good company. He would want to see the other again as soon as possible.

@Alhon

/End thread