Kamino

[Exodus]

Following rather questioningly behind Darth Oblivion, the force of the weather conditions collided with Exodus' powerful build. He'd allow the space between the two to increase as he stopped in the midst of it all. The unruly waters were something of a symbol as he halted just to take a further glance. Passionate, luminous eyes pierced the depths of the ocean, gawking upon it as if he wished to own it.

 

The suspense was killing him, the crashing sounds of the restless waters against the structure, the echoes of boots marching upon eminent surfacing, beautiful. High up on the innovative canvas, Exodus stood like an unyielding pillar of dominance. Eyes gleaming to the backwards productivity of everyone's actions in general, how much was actually hidden to him?

 

Putting the thought aside, the march throughout the storm continued in silence, as two legends walked a single path.

[Exodus]

”œRemarkable.”

[Exodus]

Concentration and state of mind purely interested on the happenings remained absolutely focused. He spared no moment examining the punishment displayed upon the minion; rather, he invested his awareness to the foreign materials at hand. The whole process was quite unique, while the stench provoked Exodus' sense. His lips parted slightly in barely discernible excitement, he had done this before, Tethyn had no clue, but it was in an entirely different method.

 

Once again pride blind the Sith Lord from what Exodus' has endured throughout his times of trial and error. Dealing with spirits, manifesting them into weapons of destruction? Not something he had considered, but souls were something of his specialty. The deadened souls cried out in a frequent chime, the howls becoming nothing more than a chip on his shoulder at this point, after all, he was once deemed Nurgle's Reaper, an art he beckoned not to abuse, but an art he had used nonetheless.

 

The question left to dangle amongst the lifeless air as no response was met; Exodus knew full well that he couldn't help continue with or without an answer. His eagerness weighed now, not exactly content with merely observing and being cultured similar to these insignificant laborers lying about. Regardless, he revealed nothing, remaining expressionless save for the show of interest dignified within his powerful eyes.

[Exodus]

The appearance was more than suitable for the said Darth Oblivion, a mastermind of sorts. The completed effort was quite astonishing and noteworthy as he examined whatever available aspect was shown to him before it was engulf by a brooding robe. His mind still boggled more possibilities as he stood though, and a deep interest built within him inevitably. Ready to fulfill his full potential? The question struck him sooner than expected and so Exodus reacted accordingly.

 

”œFirst”¦”

[Exodus]

Swiftly receiving the bizarre request in open palms, Exodus' diverted his attention elsewhere. At first, he evaluated everything within the laboratory, realizing that all he needed would be here. The pause proved to be most introspective as he stood allowing the crazed eye embedded within the chain to tremble with certain paranoia. Noticing that he could progress appropriately, he continued. Exodus' tossed the chained-eye upon a bare surface-top, suddenly, at speed - moving towards an array of fastened jars. An interest peaked as he observed the substantial amount of subjects to disposal; everything from skins, solids, liquids, organics, and so forth were accessible.

 

He'd then reach into his own confines and reveal his lightsaber once more, but with differing intentions this time around. Another table which seized an additional slew of tools was apparent and was no sooner headed towards. His face remained expressionless but the excitement echoing within his bones did not falter one bit. One arm reached out towards a diminutive instrument, grasping it while scrutinizing its effectiveness. This particular device allowed him to unhinge the qualities of his custom lightsaber, disassembling it and carefully organizing the pieces by one another.

 

”œNext”¦”

[Exodus]

Vibrant, multihued distortions of luminosity shot out from the nebulous ring of alchemic symbolism. It was a brilliant display that the known Darth Oblivion would not privilege himself in seeing as he left to attend other matters. The surface of it all was eye-catching most definitely, but what was happening within the mind of Exodus was in a whole other diversity. It was an incomplete void of darkness, tunneling through catastrophic bends and crooks; it appeared as if dynamic chains of genetic material surfaced through the floor covering and intertwined, creating an enormous contraption of raw energy.

 

Explaining it to the fullest would be most unfathomable, but the reality of it was real. The urn itself began to tremble; beginning with a low rumble to an ecstatic spasm. The vast graveyard that was the galaxy itself, moaned with grievance, voiced through the vessel known as Exodus. His meditation allowed the two to interconnect and the cries of an immeasurable magnitude of souls were echoed. This world itself would be witness to the occurrence, as well as those who inhabited it ”“ but only those who didn't turn a blind eye.

 

Then”¦ Silence.

 

Just as it all had happened, it had stopped. Breaking free from the abstraction, Exodus' lifted his eyelids and exposed overly hued emeralds; Rapturous in its wake. The illumination within his eyes eventually faded to its more consistent exposure as he moved from his seated position and made way for the dormant urn. Lifting the lid caused a substantial amount of steam to exhaust into the filthy air. Allowing the container to clear, he'd place his hand above the urn and summon his creation to his palm.

 

The sophisticated lightsaber hilt had mutated”¦ literally. The design now held a most unordinary membrane swallowing its entire build as if it was skin itself. The hilt had immersed itself in a mysterious substance, still holding its snake-style shape but becoming a black, silver creased article of life; in the vein of breathing. The hilt became beneficially longer, and as it was suspended in the air before him with the power of the force, a phenomenon uncovered itself. In the exact core of the hilt, an eye opened for but a short-lived second, was it an illusion?

 

He'd reach out and grab the weapon with a judicious smile, gripping absolute excellence within his hands. Time stopped, sound ceased, motion became nonexistent and all attention was focused on this moment, centered on the weapon of desolation and anguish. In one stroke, two overwhelming eruptions of energy split out of each end; shredding the atmosphere beautifully, humming in pure sentient and shifting earthly air-pressures as if bending the room with its initial release.

 

”œPerfect”

[Exodus]

Deep, ill-omened auras sprung from every which angle of the newly created weapon of choice. A trance if you will was what Exodus was captured within. Eyes glazed over the organic construction of the hilt as he began to fathom its usefulness. At ones' first look, besides the macrobiotic outlook, it'd come across as any other ordinary Lightsaber. Truth be told, it inherited a rather state-of-the-art fundamental nature that was yet to be revealed.

 

His attention turned towards the voluble Darth Oblivion, he spoke of something that would represent a greater plane of existence; something so perverse in the darkness that it could only mean pure malevolence. Such an achievement would be an honor, and Exodus felt more than content to oblige with the design. But what exactly did this one want to construct? Despite the freedom of creation, this place still held unexplained happenings within every hall and every crevice of the structure ”“ especially since the sickening appearance of Draken was now noticeable. The mongrel that had fled from battle with his tail between his legs, no honor was present with that one, and quite surprisingly Exodus expected great things for him.

 

However the disappointment was buried and he could move onward, fulfilling what was necessary and learning much from this Tethyn as he had promised. Closing the distance between the two dark beings, Exodus looked down to his somewhat smaller colleague and smiled while extending a handshake. He had assumed the formality would match that of Oblivion's strange mannerisms; the most emotion Tethyn had seen by far.

 

”œI'd be honored”

[Exodus]

A medium of power, a channel of clout, the exactness of resolution was what he was be classified as. It was gratifying that this one had thought of Exodus as a pinnacle of intensity, not that he didn't deserve it, but the fact that his constant undervalued outlook tended to offend him did not help the issue.

 

Still, the task would be harder than it seemed and the amount of control would be found in no better person than Exodus himself. He was perfect for the situation, as concentration was a discipline to him. As suggested, the Sith Master would slowly lower himself onto the padded mat below him and once again plunge into a deep reverie.

 

True to form, the thought of the weapon crossed his mind. Countless souls, begging and pleading to be released from their incarcerated realm, weeping for the attention of those who could perhaps put them to a final rest; Exodus cracked a smile. It was that ruthlessness about him that forced hilarity in all of this, binding the feeble essences of those into a single contraption in order to reap further captives, such a devious instrument.

 

In the face of it all, Exodus descended further in his concentrative bearing, escaping the ever so boring reality and grasping something far more incomprehensible. The chains of surrealism bind themselves to his aggressive nature, it was almost as if it were a battle of control; mind over matter. This would be his turning point.

[Exodus]

”œThe eyes are the gateway to the soul, Imagination is the eye of the soul.”

[Exodus]

Sitting on the bare floor of his darkened laboratory, Exodus' meditated, reciting the Sith Code”¦

 

There is no fear, there is power.

There is no death, there is immortality.

There is no weakness, there is the Dark Side.

I am the Heart of Darkness.

I know no fear,

But rather I instill it in my enemies.

I am the destroyer of worlds.

I know the power of the Dark Side.

I am the fire of hate.

All the Universe bows before me.

I pledge myself to the Darkness.

For I have found true life,

In the death of the light.

 

He found solace in the words, though not peace.

 

For the Sith, there is no peace. Peace is weakness, the absence of power. I am the perfect Sith. I am power.

 

A tone sounded on the undersized comm unit positioned next to him in the darkness of the seem to be archaic room. Shifting without further ado to a kneeling position, Exodus answered the call, his heart thudding. Even though it was an audio-only connection, he bowed his head, eyes closed. A voice that he hadn't heard in quite awhile rose from the tiny speaker without introduction.

 

”œIt will be done.”

[Exodus]

The squirming vendetta was crushed without even a whisper released into the living world, just another insect beneath the foothold of men, no ”“ Gods. Their dying pleas were snuffed before shadows that once were deemed their own, but had soon betrayed everything they lived for. Black was replaced with blood. It was amusing that those around him had no trace or even a hint at that, of where such a prominent figure had dispersed too.

 

He was here, and then he was gone.

 

It was all they were left with, and in spite of that they ran with it. Brimming austerity burned within new riveting eyes, voiceless irritations quivered in a silent tone, and this tongue of creative description could barely fathom it all the same. Instead of returning from the depths of obscurity with new weapons, or new items of windfall destruction; he returned with perspective anew. It took only a short hiatus to realize when Exodus did truly fall, none would be there to even witness it, and this reality left him pivoted in the fiercest darkness feasible ”“ A loneliness bound to surmise paranoia.

 

Lately, a question of faith had risen within the preponderance of businesses, brotherhoods, friendships and servitudes, a question that would not remain smothered beneath pillows of ambition. Instead, at every turn, it reared its nasty head. This was never a new discovery though, this abandoned disposition ”“ rather, it was quite the contrary.

 

The entire crew basked in a similar silence, questioning nothing while becoming more akin to the phenomenal genius that commanded the ship. The constant echo of gentle movement pacing its way to and fro was the only sound to be heard as they descended upon Kamino. Of course, this majestic star destroyer was authorized to the tooth and already held in the highest regard among the Empire and thus their quick transaction ferried through.

 

--

 

”œAs would I”

[Exodus]

Dominique.

 

Perhaps she was overly embarrassed to be wedged in such a pitiable act, or perchance there was more in the wake of it all. She had left with not a word to spare, and that alone inclined the latter. Slowly, the dreaded and the moreover torn cloak descended to the floor as if losing its vivacious vibrancy altogether. A single finger rested upon an inconspicuous desk, tapping along in queue with the foreboding silence. This must've been strange to the fervent Oblivion, but indulgence was the least of worries coming from him, after all he was what they'd call ”“ A Krath.

 

”œI doubt butter would even melt in her mouth.”

[Exodus]

The surface cracked, the clouds parted and from the shadows came another. The craft was quick to land on a specific locale. He could feel her; he could manipulate the consciousness between them. There wasn't a force in the world that could separate their correlation. He could chase her scent to the rims of this universe if he so desired...

 

He was here at last; it had been quite some time. He took the second to capture the moment and breathed deep before he continued his slow pace towards her unquestionable presence. His mild expression still haunted his face but his mind rotted with the trivialities of the past and the present. The threadbare attire that was torn to shreds from his last stand still draped from his armature but lashed out as he strode with conviction. One could tell that he was depraved from a rest so deserved but he did not know how to cease until his objectives were met. A chain of whispers assaulted his earshot as well and became louder as he drew closer, even the color in his irises saturated to its peak as he conceded to the call of Transcendence who waited quite obviously, close at hand.

 

Exodus moved into a composed hotel accommodation situated in the Imperial urban, the Imperials of course gestured their deepest respects for the man who now walked among them and led him to where he preferred to be. Murmurs of his status were not far behind either, but he paid no attention to the swank. In next to no time, he found himself staring at the doorknob of a door that led to the one he sought; he knew that she was prepared and so he stood there””awaiting his invitation.

[Exodus]

His welcome came cold as he'd expected. There was soreness about it that he didn't bother to understand and instead he tossed the matter from his consideration. The exhaustion in his face did not alleviate for a second as the voice etched into his mind called him out with such indifference. It was then he noticed the soft silk that dressed her cold pale skin but his mind didn't let a drop slip. His powerful build moved inside with an unhurried interest to his environs, he allowed the door to close shut behind him with but a will of his mind and then the skin above his pupils slid shut. He breathed in hard and soaked up the exquisite aroma that filled the room. This intuitive and delicate scent was the one impression he would forever bear in mind with vivid reminiscence no matter what had become between them,

 

”œDominique.”

[Exodus]

• ”œWe fell. Lord Oblivion is now lost to us.”

[Exodus]

The words cursed his reflection; he understood them but at the same time, refused too. He was different than what she spoke, and he hid such secrets far beneath a realm in which none other could uncover. Those emotions, these emotions, each of them were weaknesses and strengths alike but given such a nature; Exodus chose to allow everyone else to take for granted the emotion that he subdued with a conspiracy of silence. However, as the utterance from her lips unraveled her current moral fiber””Exodus took in her unwritten theory as if it were true.

 

”œPerhaps,”

[Exodus]

And as his steps closed towards the woman, the tremor of rumination battered his bones. It would be the last time a woman would influence him to question his own beliefs, and the last time he would place his confidence that one other than him could dare confront the temptation of the dark side; it was pathetic how it ruled over each individual who served under this order and how effortlessly some could come to terms with that realization. It didn't matter on the other hand; it would make them all the more weaker if they instead chose to succumb rather than stick to a credence”” as the awareness of a belief, a faith, or a principle could strengthen a creature, a tribe and even an entire civilization. It was this enticement, an incessant empowerment that they would lack because of how tactlessly oblivious they were.

 

Exodus, for the time spent in this Order, he was almost convinced that there was not a drop of reason left to remain. The conduit of passion he once had was parched and emptied to the core. Exodus was ashamed at what this had become and instead remained quiet. He felt the presence of his hassled apprentice and could make a stab at the words to come from Dominique's mouth; she spoke and he listened. He wanted to express amusement but opted in another favor as it was neither the time nor the place to rouse the obvious sense of worth she embodied.

 

In lieu of those words, Exodus had no desire to address the statement; he carried forward with no expression to uniform his face. He turned the handle on the door, calmly of course, and let himself out. The tenacious sonar that was the Force impelled the somnolent warrior in a direction that would meet with Julio in no time flat. In fact, he could see him now”” not too far in the distance with a mind so inquired that Exodus had to wonder to himself; what drove this mortal to such lengths? He had to know.

[Exodus]

”œ”¦Fool. Azrael bows before me.”

[Exodus]

• Groundwork ”“

 

The rendezvous to Kamino held more importance than first noticed, there was one who had traveled and accompanied Exodus. His residence within the planet compelled him with a certain task while Exodus discovered the true depth to what was now the Former Empress. The servant was an excellent artist to mention the least, and was quick to uncover past developments that helped this planet prosper with wealth and influence. Graphic representations were his intentions and he had ascertained each piece of the puzzle because of how trivial the past was considered. It was a mission that required no real stress of effort but instead connections and a patience that would allow his studies to be complete. His few sunsets spent here was sufficient, but he remained to confirm that his information was perfect.

[Exodus]

• ”œ”¦You.”

[Exodus]

”œ”¦What a surprise. You know I don't like surprises.”

[Exodus]

”œOh of course...”

[Exodus]

The first of the bunch wasted no further time and exploded into the scene with anomalous speed. He was fast without a doubt and wasn't limited by the confines of the normal; a blur some would mention. His entire frame was clothed, and the rain barely had time to pat down his blackened wardrobe as he sped towards the Sith from behind. His footsteps, even in the puddles seemed quieted and his presence masked. None could discern his intention if it were possible because of the faceless mask he too wore, but it was obvious he meant harm.

 

A few steel projectiles hid inside the palm of the carrier, and with a twitch, were sent like bullets towards the idle man. The move was a test of his attention and whether or not he focused on his counterparts in front of him as he stood there motionless or if his awareness was in fact here. As soon as the projectiles whizzed towards its destination, the man drew two short blades made of an awkward metal material and prepared his next scheme.