Malvagio

The conscious void that engulfed the area jerked as the Bishop fell. It was not so much the beast being forced from his body, as the hand that made it dance being slapped. Both Malvagio and the Bishop, great beings in their time, had long been expired. Their mere shells were played up to this point, now finally brought to an end. The foreign power would have allowed no other outcome, as the labor behind the show now resided its concentration on the audience it had gathered. It was time to collect. Nhastaa was throne to the side of the grounds, his body deeply ridden by the Bishop's final attack. As his brain lost awareness with its senses, a short manipulation took place. The Nothing touched his fading awareness, coxing it into a calm stupor. In the short dream, Nhastaa found himself with the light, all the elements of his eventful but ultimately trivial life congregating into a final moment's piece. The power caressed his will, subtly suggesting it until it was finally at rest, and shined with radiance difficult to attain for even a Jedi. Then, just as it was content with all things, it was torn apart like tissue paper. Only the dust of what decorated the core of his soul remained, the rest consumed by the grounds, joining with its will. Its power growing, the influence that raged about them threw forth allusion to suit its ends. Nurgle was easily directed to an apparition of the Nhagathul, assuming immediately that she commanded the corpse of the fallen Sith from within his body. Of course it would make sense for her to generate nearby after its power was shaken from the Bishop, though Nhagathul's true source still lay within the board Malvagio had carried, resting untouched in the center of the ground. Tzeentch was more difficult to fool, his mind being that of a great schemer. Yet, even in their ability, they were young in the universe, and the enemy they sought to battle was one who had survived countless ages. In the great chaos of the events, even subtle suggestions of location were easy to impound. John found himself addressed by Nurgle's insults, followed by the coming of his scythe. Just as well, Tzeentch concentration bent into a flare of palpable energy, thrown at the allusion apparition standing in the place of John. To them, at the moment of action, John seemed the source of their hate. To John, the two warriors had attacked him without warning or cause.

The stone floor was shattered and the artifacts broken. Even the living force of the grounds had receded, save for that bound within the Sith and Jedi. Still, something stirred, a consciousness that did not sleep, nor find itself bound to the powers they all knew in their being. It was foreign in every nature. The withdrawl of the force left it quite unaffected. Rather, it seemed to be empowered by the lack of its presence. There was a pause in the air as the Jedi's neck snapped. Like a puppet, his body tumbled lifelessly to the ground. For that brief moment, all seemed calm. As the Bishop raised his fingertips to blast waves of lightning at the focused Jedi, a heavy weight set in within them. It appeared that Nothing, Nothing itself, was shifting in the area around them, stabbing through the fallen body of the Jedi. To those blind to the force, the air stood still. However, seeing the wookie's soul torn from his limp flesh would be difficult for any of the congregated to miss. As it was helplessly pulled into the sky above them, the bonds that held it together were cast aside like leaves, and every part of his spirit that made it unique was equally shed. The sad reminisce of the fallen soul descended to the ground, as the pure essence of his existence gathered with the Nothing, and once again all seemed dormant.

A slow change began to fill the area. It was at first a subtle change, overlooked by the sudden activity and preparation. However, now it seemed the place was truly alive, and even the air about them seemed a sentient breath. Lightning struck against the wind, and the place was prepared.

Vexilla regis prodeunt Inferni.

As the amulet passed over to Malvagio, no gesture was issued in return to Ahriman. It was not a sign of disrespect, but the two had no purpose for such a gesture. Malvagio's eyes observed those around him. The Jedi came to the ground, awakening but still very confused as to where they were. It must have been something like a horrible nightmare to them, one that would only get worse. With the amulet clenched in his left hand, and the board in the other, Malvagio began to speak. ”œThe Dark Lord and I have been met with some trouble since our undertaking. Ironically, this trouble has come only from the hands of Sith. We do not blame you, but now is the time to explain what it is that is transpiring.”

Having near lost all contact with the Sith leaders, Rocketblaze oddly recieves one of the handful of transmissions sent to the Sith spread out in the universe. The message was not a unique one, more like a holonet broadcast than a comm, though much more encrypted. ---Begin Comm--- Masters and most important members of the Sith order. As foreseen, things are quickly falling into place. The mining of Arbra went completely as expected and the next phase of the Dark Lord Bishop's plan is to be set into motion. For this, your presence is requested on Mimban. The ritual will begin shortly and he assures you all you will not wish to miss this. ---End Comm---

In the middle of the duel, John recieves one of the handful of transmissions sent out to the Sith spread out in the universe. The message was not a unique one, more like a holonet broadcast than a comm, though much more encrypted. ---Begin Comm--- Masters and most important members of the Sith order. As foreseen, things are quickly falling into place. The mining of Arbra went completely as expected and the next phase of the Dark Lord Bishop's plan is to be set into motion. For this, your presence is requested on Mimban. The ritual will begin shortly and he assures you all you will not wish to miss this. ---End Comm---

Raynuk recieves one of the handful of transmissions sent to the Sith spread out in the universe. The message was not a unique one, more like a holonet broadcast than a comm, though much more encrypted. The beep of the comm cut through the moment between master and apprentice rather jarringly and unexpectedly. ---Begin Comm--- Masters and most important members of the Sith order. As foreseen, things are quickly falling into place. The mining of Arbra went completely as expected and the next phase of the Dark Lord Bishop's plan is to be set into motion. For this, your presence is requested on Mimban. The ritual will begin shortly and he assures you all you will not wish to miss this. ---End Comm---

Tarrian and Kaylynn both recieve one of the handful of transmissions sent out to the Sith spread out in the universe. The message was not a unique one, more like a holonet broadcast than a comm, though much more encrypted. ---Begin Comm--- Masters and most important members of the Sith order. As foreseen, things are quickly falling into place. The mining of Arbra went completely as expected and the next phase of the Dark Lord Bishop's plan is to be set into motion. For this, your presence is requested on Mimban. The ritual will begin shortly and he assures you all you will not wish to miss this. ---End Comm---

Before landing, Malvagio sent several communications to Sith throughout the universe. It was a delicate moment in their plans, and it could not be allowed to fall apart. The ritual grounds were dull and useless to the Sith on Mimban, being of far older occupancy than they. Forgotten things had happened here, both to the Jedi and Sith alike. Now, as the fires danced around them against the sheet of night, the preparations began. Withdrawing one of the crystals mined from Arbra, Malvagio approached the center of stone circle. Shards of damaged ground from times before littered the once perfect surface, though this was trivial. The structure itself meant nothing, being simply broken ground and discolored rock from the spilt blood of old. Here, however, here was important. Here was the first marker, one of many to follow. Dropping to his knee, Malvagio jammed the crystal into the earth, which seemed to consume it. From an untrained eye, it appeared to simply vanish, but those force attuned would know it had simply spread its field of influence, and now the area resonated with its power. Anyone approaching the planet with the slightest of force awareness would be swamped by the sensation emanating from the ritual ground. Malvagio withdrew the board, made of a dark wood and old steel. Unfolding it, he set it in the middle, staring into the blank center. What he did is difficult to describe, almost obsessive-compulsive gestures, as if balancing the air around him with subtle motions and murmurs. Just as fast as he had begun, he arose once again, closing the board, and returned to the side of Bishop. Together, they awaited their cargo and their guests.

--- Comm. To Captain Phillep: This is Malvagio, talker for the Dark Lord of the Sith. If the Empire so wishes, they can return to pick up their equipment on Arbra. We are almost finished with it. Though I realize you have other matters to attend to, we have become concerned that the rebels know of our location. An accomplice was kind enough to inform us that he logged our plans for activity on Arbra on the Byss computers. Though this is only a short-term problem, it is an immediate one. If you would, the Bishop would appreciate temporary support in defending the planet from rebel forces. This could be done in escort to re-attaining your equipment. We shall be leaving, as well, once you have collected it. I apologize for the rather sudden request, but please respond with haste. --- End Comm.

--- Comm. To Raynuk: Yes, the Bishop would like to thank you on your admirable job of preparation on Arbra. However, he is curious what exactly you accomplished. As for your personal disappointment in hearing my voice in place of the Bishop's, outgrow it or silence it. I am the Bishop's voice. Never a word shall I say that is not in his agreement. Consider me as you would any of his vital limbs. If you wish for the Dark Lord himself to address you, the request will be met by deaf ears. If you wish to insult me again, please do so under the knowledge that you are insulting a portion of the Dark Lord. Oh, and please try to think less. You will not come to the right conclusion. --- End Comm.

--- Comm. To Raynuk, heavy encryption: This is the Talker for the Dark Lord Bishop. There is no need to worry about the rebels on Byss. There would be nothing for them to find in the computers about Arbra, as our intent to mine this planet was not made clear to any before our arrival. We are quite safe on Arbra from any unwanted visitors. If you are still concerned, you are invited to join us. --- End Comm.

--- Comm. To Raynuk, heavy encryption: This is the Talker for the Dark Lord Bishop. If the rebels are upon Byss with a fleet at their backs, than an attempt to recapture it, especially without the aid of the Imperials, would be a failing venture. Even if we did manage to recapture the planet, the rebels and Jedi now know of its location. This is unacceptable for a Sith academy. You and your wards will not attempt to retake it, and we will establish a new one elsewhere. --- End Comm.

--- Comm. To Kase, heavy encryption: This is the Talker for the Dark Lord Bishop. The Imperials have requested a teacher to create a division of Force powered troopers. The Bishop has selected you to fulfill this task. You will proceed to the Imperials as soon as your immediate agendas can be put safely aside. As you know, the Sith only allow one apprentice to a master. As this is a special circumstance, the only restraint we put on you is this: You must intentionally refrain from allowing them develop fully. Educate them enough to be a threat against Jedi, opposed to simply cannon fodder. That is all. Please make haste to put your affairs in order, and then proceed to the Imperials for instructions. ---End Comm.

"Thank you Master Tarrian. We look forward to your presence as well as that of your pupils'." Malvagio smiled graciously for a moment before straightening his face and then turning away. Bishop turned as well and the two took the same steps they had entered by to the planet's surface and boarded the black ship which had brought them there. Assuming the same positions as before, the craft lifted off with its new destination allready programmed into the hyperdrive which activated a short while later.

Malvagio seemed to be waiting for Bishop to finish when he began his sentence right where the Dark Lord left off. "It is also home to some very special crystals buried deep in the planet's crust. A race of miniture people live their, the 'guardians' of these crystals if you will. They will be easy to break and will provide your pupils with an excellent opportunity to test more than their physical skills of corruption." He had been turning to face Tarrian, and stopped now, looking directly at her. "It is the Bishop's wishes that you gather the apprentices and instructors of this school, and take them to Abra. There we will begin the construction of a temple and the arduous task of mining the dark side crystals. The initiates will learn a valuable lesson in getting what they want through 'diplomacy' as they bend the native races to the will of the Sith, as well as their sense of place in the order they wish to join."

"Hello again, Tarrian. The academy looks marvelous. Surely, great things will come from the students here." The smile Malvagio produced faded as quickly as before while he turned his head to admire the setting. His gaze found her again and he shifted into a more comfortable stance. The board clasped in his right hand rubbed lightly against his clothes and found another resting place at his side. "If you don't mind, how are the students getting along? How many have you allready aquired?"

A vessel of darkness dropped out of hyperspeed over the Sith Academy. The Dark Lord of all Sith stood behind the pilot, and his confrere guided the craft's controls. The black cloaked ship decended to the reborn planet's tranquil surface, a surface storming in dark side energies underneath its placid surface. Yet none seemed so dark and sinister as the pair onboard the approaching ship. However, they were not darker in the way a candle light is darker than a flashlight. At best description, they were differant. Malvagio set the ship down outside the underground complex where the two stood to embark into the inner grounds of the academy.

When Gene's comm beeped in reply, it was again someone other than Bishop who spoke. "The remaining slaves must be shipped to Abra, where they will further serve the Sith. If all is in order on Endor, you may accompany them there, where you will wait for us to arrive."

Gene's comm beeped rather suddenly with an incoming message, though it was not Bishop who answered him. "I can only trust, since you did not come to me for the instructions, that through some sort of divine divination, you and your partner managed to know exactly what we wanted constructed exactly where it was suppossed to be built in exactly the right demensions. Because if it is not constructed precisely as detailed, it is worthless. Therefor, I am forwarding you the proper building instructions now." The comm beeped again to signify it had recieved the data and was waiting to be uploaded somewhere. "Ensure that your temple exactly matches these blueprints. Anything outside of these instructions is unnecessary and will constitute a failure on your behalf. One focusing chamber. One ceremonial chamber directly underneath it. Make sure it is done." The comm cut off rather suddenly, and Gene was left alone with himself, the jungle, and one crazed ewok.

Malvagio took the communicator clasped in Bishop's metallic, outstreched hand. The steel flesh was cold and unwelcoming. Though it had no right to be any other way, he had designed it as such. He lifted the device to his mouth and responded to Gene's communication.

Malvagio's eyes loosely fell onto Searcy. He observed silently for a moment, and then spoke to him. "If you request another task, then track down the Sith Alchemist Tzeentch. Invite him to come speak with the Bishop and myself." In a dull motion, his gaze shifted from Searcy to Impede, who waited for his turn with Bishop's attention. "What is it?"

"I have been met with an abundance of disgust since my appearance with the Bishop." The talker continued where Bishop left off, seamlessly matching his words to the last. "However, I know that none of you can say who I am or where I have come from. To be met with such ignorance from beings of your skill is... disheartening. Many of you are lost in your own personal ego. Though you phase reality to your will, many of you have not outgrown an inferiority complex derived from having more skilled beings other than yourself. It has so sickeningly engrossed you, that when the opportunity comes to flaunt your powers, you do so in the most dramatic display possible. It could be compared to... a teenager kicking a puppy, to show his strength and wickedness. You pride yourself in manipulation of a dream you cannot will yourself to awaken from. This is the tragedy, that your ability to use the force is not in correlation with your ability to use your brain." He took a step forward as well, now standing alongside the Bishop. He looked at no one in particular, his eyes resting lazily in their hollow. "So it may not be inquired hereafter, I am Malvagio. I am the voice for the Bishop, and should be treated as such. Nothing of my will is not that of the Bishop, and never a word shall I say that is not in his agreement. Consider me as you would any of his vital limbs." The talker shifted slightly, another remnant of social gesture. "Though you are flawed beings, it is not something to shame. Only the ignorance to assume that you have any power at all renders you truly small. Yet, The Bishop has returned with hope. I have aided him while he has been gone, and for that time he has foreseen many events, and the task that lies ahead. Here, now, in this room of the broken throne, shall we begin the rebirth of the Sith to their true glory. Though this has been said before, with ego, with ignorance, and with exaggeration, by many a would-be-savior... I tell you now, without ego, without ignorance, and without exaggeration... that what we shall set into motion will change the face of the galaxy forever."

Things were proceeding rapidly, but the talker did not seem fazed. Already, Impede had returned, alerting the Sith to join them within the halls of the broken throne. The Bishop stood with his back to the gates, and Malvagio beside him. The talker was perhaps the only non force-user to have ever set foot within the hall of the dark lord. Yet, there he stood, the only other figure not bowing to another. As they waited for the Sith to congregate, Malvagio withdrew the board. His footsteps echoed as he approached the former location of the throne, crackling on split pieces of wood and broken stone. There, he came to the ground, setting the board upon the rock. He unfolded it, looking into the blank wood inside, staring intently. As he did, his fingers found another item within his robe, something much more common. It was a text pad, one with many things held within its memory. Lost in meditation, Malvagio's hands began to conclude what the text contained.