Raiders of the Lost Valley (Empire/Sith)
Jul 20, 2018 13:53:15 GMT -5
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Post by Asenath Parnell on Jul 20, 2018 13:53:15 GMT -5
Ruusan had seen its share of blood, enough to drown its very core, and yet it continued to claim more lives still. The recent victory over the Sith had plucked a dangerous thorn from the Empire’s side, bolstering the galactic superpower’s morale and delivering severe blow to those who still doubted the reborn Empire’s strength and willingness to restore itself to its former glory and beyond. Nevertheless, not every Sith was ready to flee to Dromund Kaas with their tail tucked between their legs. Imperial forces and archaeologists on the planet had recently been harassed by Sith forces, drastically slowing the Empire’s progress at excavating the area. Aware of the world’s importance and lusting for the immense power slumbering within the Valley of the Jedi, the Emperor had sent a group of deadly individuals to assist his white legions in exterminating any and all remaining Sith.
Asenath Parnell, High Inquisitor and butcher of Endor, swayed gently as the shuttle rocked back and forth while piercing Ruusan’s azure skies. Having a reputation for preferring efficient, resolute solutions and always delivering results, she could not afford to fail in her task; failure would undoubtedly sully said reputation and undermine the Emperor’s decision to increase her authority and responsibilities by granting her the prestigious title of High Inquisitor.
Personal glory meant everything to Asenath.
Without it she was just a Force sensitive freak like those she hunted. It wasn’t just about her either; her family name was at stake. The Parnells had been a synonym for courage and strength for many generations, dating back to the golden age of the Old Republic. Continuing that legacy was paramount, just as giving her father the worthy heir he had always wanted. She supposed she had been doing well enough in that regard despite her gender and cursed blood.
Her withering gaze glowered at each and every man seated about, having them know failure was not an option. Perhaps it wasn’t needed – everything about the woman inspired fear of authority and demanded respect, obedience. Standing straight-backed despite having every right and opportunity to sit down, the fair-haired beast proudly displayed her crisp Inquisitorius uniform. Darker than night, the combination of armourweave and spacers leather offered toughness and unparalleled flexibility, protecting her entire body sans the face. Atop her flaxen hair sat an Ewok head that had been turned into a horrifying piece of headwear, its beady eyes eternally fierce and full of tar fire. The hat connected to the Inquisitor’s furry mantle draped around her shoulders, made from Ewok pelts to proclaim her the architect of Endor’s incineration.
Copying the woman’s every move, a small arsenal dangled on her belt. A cross-shaped lightsaber as dark as its owner’s heart was expected from a Force user of her calibre, though she also carried three exceptionally deadly grenades and a reliable DH-17. Serving as both memento of her past and efficient weapon, a meter long force pike rested on her back.
“We begin the hunt today!” she announced, her loud voice booming with strength and such a commanding overtone it rivalled the Emperor, “For too long have the Sith thought themselves the pinnacle of evolution. Because these weaklings share a misconception; that they are stronger than anyone else. But that belief is unfounded– their order is ancient, senile, and their glorious past is nothing but a memory.”
A vicious snarl bared her teeth.
“Today we’ll taste their fear, we’ll drink their blood and we’ll see despair in their eyes – for we are stronger! We have wrestled Ruusan from their grasp once, we will do it again. If we need to kill every single one of these vermin to make it clear, then we kill them and that's that.”
Asenath never liked taking only half measures.
“Remember. No prisoners, no mercy. As predators, you shall roam the shadows and leave no enemy safe,” she raised a clenched fist, “Our enemy shall drown in their own blood – and ours if necessary. We’re here make a statement – nobody can oppose the New Order and our Emperor’s will.”
Falling silent, the Inquisitor focused on cultivating the anger festering within her furnace heart.
Red dust rose up as the shuttle touched the ground. Hissing open, the boarding ramp unleashed those tasked with making an example out of every Sith still on the planet. Charcoal black boots stalked down the ramp, making Asenath the first to disembark. This represented her second visit to Ruusan, though definitely not the last. The Inquisitorius had a great deal of interest in the Valley. She had often wondered if its power could be tapped by the Empire. Alas, with Sith repeatedly interrupting any and all studies regarding the mystical Valley of the Jedi, there was no point fretting about it.
Endless canyons dotted the surface, splitting the desert world apart. It wasn’t hard to imagine numerous caves and crannies for the Sith garbage to hide within. The Empire knew that as well – sentries could be seen in the distance, occupying ridges and terraced ledges. Outposts, barracks, landing pads and lifts, everything helped in taming the land and allowed for extended periods of assignment. For such a short period of time, the Empire had established a solid foothold on the planet, permitting a steady transport of both supplies and manpower. Even AT-STs guarded about, grinding the rocks into dust beneath their metal feet.
Nevertheless, it was still easy to fall victim to guerrilla tactics.
A humble assembly of officers stood at attention, giving the arrivals a simultaneous salute as the last enforcer of the regime left the shuttle’s bowels. Asenath offered a crisp salute of her own, giving them a hard stare before letting her hand fall down.
Everyone swiftly turned their head and looked away, eager to escape the blond crusader’s gleaming eyes. Hatred, fear and envy ran rampant among their hearts. She understood why – the Force whispered it in her mind.
Hatred; meticulously cultivated by the Empire’s anti-Force user ideology, indiscriminately despising anyone capable of wielding the fantastical Force.
Fear; for the very same power once wielded by the Jedi was now in hands of equally mythical individuals with seemingly limitless authority.
And finally, envy; because she controlled the magic to move objects with a thought and her recent promotion had officially declared her one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy.
For ordinary men and women clad in plasteel, Inquisitors represented legendary figures from hushed rumours and urban myths. Most would never see one in their entire career, grateful for it.
“Ma’am, allow me to welcome you on Ruusan. We hope you…”
She held up a hand to cut the welcome short.
“You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. Give us a summary of the situation.”
Snatching a projector and materializing a ghostly blue hologram of the area, the officers went over what was already known, lamenting the terrain’s instability and the fact orbital bombardment was out of the question lest they risked burying the sacred site forever. None knew what the Sith wanted – be it revenge or something hidden within the maze-like tunnels and chambers of the Valley. While the Empire reigned supreme on top levels, there was no way to fit the walkers into the tight, confined passages below. Judging by a particularly oversized lift leading deep down the canyon and an AT-AT parked at the very bottom, someone had tried to do just that, achieving nothing else than securing the main entrance to the Valley on this side.
Anyone to leave would be blasted to smithereens, anyone to venture forth would fall victim to Sith. Like rats, they had resisted all attempts at liquidation so far, be it poisonous gases or overwhelming numbers. Asenath was beginning to understand the challenge – and welcomed it.
