A Call to Assemble, Imperial Knights Only

[Konur Rus]

A Call to Assemble
-Soontir's Valley, Bastion - Boros Fortress-

It was shortly before dawn as the stars still glimmered under the knight and four blazing marks were rocketing from the Ravelin's destination. Three Nune-class transports and a single Crimson striped Predator inbound upon a small garden valley outside of the cityscape known as Soontir's Valley. Rich red stone and dirt hills passed from under the speeding ships that kicked off exhaust into vapor trails behind them under the cloak of darkness. Inside the predator the Master Knight Konur Rus piloted the lead charting out the navigational points into a small compute screen while speaking into his comm, "Knight-1, Knight-2, Knight-3 fall in and throw up you civilian comm jammers and suppress your engines. It is the Regent's command that we remain silent and not disturb the populace." Finishing his route on his navigational screen he fingers out the commands to transmit them to the three other shuttles. "Sending out directions, follow my lead." The Predator soon bows left dipping over and into a forested grove cloaking their presence piloting towards their mission marker.

"Sir, your direction says we are heading to Old Fort Boros." Knight-3 rang in over the comm channel causing Konur to eye his mission map and bark out a reply, "Correct, your question?" The response was delayed as the pilot and Imperial Knight seemed to be ordering out his intent. Most Knight's were not fond of asking questions but the young man piloting the third shuttle found their destination completely baffling. "The Fort has been sealed and phased out since before most of us were born. Everybody knows it is just an empty relic of Palpatine's empire. What need is there for us to be heading there?" Konur gave a small smirk answering only, "I have plans there that will effect us all, you will know more when we land." Most of the chatter following was simple navigational pinpoints as most of the Knights had no real idea why they were being called out at this time by Konur. Some felt a grave mistrust in the man while other's refused to question. For him, Konur felt both were needed as he had come to accept some of the burden of his infamy as a means to persevere.

It would be a half hour out the Knights would fly outside the many residential settlements in the valley arching their route towards a large walled area. Old Fort Boros as many would call it was large Military base and home to Sector Governor/Moff Aquila Boros built during the time of the Reborn Emperor as private stronghold to house the Moff's riches and the Empire's plans. It was built like a fortress with all aesthetic comforts of a Palace. However Boros would die shortly before Jagged would take the throne and erect his dynasty. As such its function as a military base didn't last past 50 A.B.Y. The Fel empire would strip the base for resources and materials and transfer them outwards in the Empire leaving Base to stand as a historical Relic of the Old Empire upon bastion. This wasn't an uncommon sight through much of Fel's time as Emperor. What was left in the Fort was surprisingly untouched due to legends surrounding the death of the megalomaniacal Moff and his ties to Palpatines Dark Side Adepts. It held some truth as a cult of Adepts used the remains of fort as a Temple in a distorted worship of their predecessors. Eventually the Fort would be revisited by the second Emperor and his Knights who laid waste to the Adepts and in the process much of the Fort.

Since then the Fort has stood empty and barred off from locals and with a few automated turrets and a large gate to keep out salvagers. Many of the outer walls are overgrown with vegetation and home to some local wildlife. It still waits as Imperial Property and inside something of a trove of secrets. As soon as the Knights came in view of the large structure their questions seemed rather daunting to pose. Even the empty shell of the Fortress Palace stood as a powerful overbearing Lord of the lands. No doubt an architecture taken from maddening mind of Cronal who many historians suspected was a close contact to Aquila. Large towers standing as cold obelisks with great walls that would make the curious shaky at the knees. 'This is it' Konur would think to himself with anticipation as he accessed the security communications of the automated defenses of the Fort granting their IFF codes clearance.

"Bring it about Knights we are here." He declared over the comm as the morning dawn began to break over them as their ships settled over the executive landing area of the building. When they settled the wild life about them scattered and a few Gizka that have made themselves natives to the surrounding area towards their nests outside the palatial Gardens hugging the Landing area and the walk ways leading to the entrance of the main base. The Knights would soon begin to file out of the shuttles as the hatch of Konur's Predator opened with a hydraulic hiss. "Holy Bantha Hell in a hand basket, someone forgot to cage their Gizka!" One of the younger Knights exclaimed as stepped into a fresh pile of Gizka fecal matter. His peers gave off a resounding chuckle as he tried scraping the waste from his boot. Looking about the Black Knight Konur Rus could see more than a few nests resting inside the numerous fountains in the distance that seemed overrun in disuse. "Gizka steaks anybody?" Another Knight joked having caught one of the creatures by its tail holding it up.

"Quit playing games we didn't come here for breakfast or observe the wildlife." Konur would bark like a disgruntled Kath hound as he took the lead on the path signalling all the Knights with a large wave. There was a some sixty or so men in tow but a small measure of the active Knights on Bastion. Many of them would give annoyed grumbles retaining their opinions in hushed internal dialogue. The path was quiet and in marching strides the men followed in uniform, though many of them on guard prepared for anything. Escaping the growth of the garden's they would make their way to a larger path leading to stairs that lead in themselves to great monolithic doors bound shut from a manual locking system. For more than forty years those doors have remained still untouched by living hands tightly held together by masterpiece lock work.

"Ok Rus what are you up to? This some damnable Fetching quest? We have been in the dark this whole time. Considering the rumors circulating about your involvement in orphaning of our Emperor to be, I don't believe you have the weight of our loyalty as you seem to think you have." A large Epicanthix Knight exclaimed out from the front of the crowd standing with his arms crossed upon a crimson chestplate. A good number of the Knights rallied behind the man giving out their cheers of approval. The few others stood silent awaiting Konur's actions. Konur himself had his back to the crowd staring down the large doors. Slowly he lifts up his arms his hands pressed out commonly like pneumatic visual aids. Arching back his arms the sounds of clicking stole everyones attention. The locking system of the door disengaged as Konur concentrated on the core of it. The final mark of the locking mechanism came with an echoing thunk to which Konur answered with a great waving push of Force that smacked against the towering structure. The push gave the door a slow cringing lurch. After a few seconds of slow motion the doors parted with a musty gasp pouring out dust and stale air out at the standing Knights.

Konur made a turn on his heals in time as the doors smacked against their stoppers giving off a quaking reverberation. His expression was like his eyes were frigid as Hoth. His gaze pierced through the Epicanthix who defiantly bore back into him. "Wessel I don't assume your loyalty, I assume your curiosity and your suspicion." His words ripped out like ballistic rounds. Marching forward he met the giant eye shoving him back with one finger digging into the mans chest snarling, "If you really believed half the defecation rolled past your lips you would have struck me dead as an action for the Emperor's greater good." Konur continued his push knocking Wessel back into the crowd slowly parting it as he continued his verbal assault, "Since you are not you are all talk and should get off the damn soapbox you overgrown lumberjack. Or do you forget we trained together? Hell I taught you how to wear your frakking armor." His eyes locked as he gave a menacing glare upwards before giving the stunned Epicanthix a swift and powerful shove that knocked him on straight on his ass.

Konurs gaze would give a clean sweep of the other Knights who watched onwards as he crowed out, "You can trust me or not, but use your heads. The number and power is in your mass. If there were any Sith you would sense their residual imprints. This place as been absent of sentient life for a good long time." The many of the men and women stood staring at him with a baffled absurdity and then he let out the pounding command smacking the silly out of them, "Either you sorry lot will grow a pair and see what I have plan, or stand there like a bunch of brainless tauntauns caught in the dead lights." Leaning over he picked the Epicanthix Knight Wessel back to his feet rolling his eyes as he turned to lead them all in past the doors. If the outside seemed daunting the great space of the main hall opening into the antechamber was ludicrous. Perhaps it was the fact that it was empty and stripped and all that was left was the architecture that they moved through. Konur would turn on his collar lights as they delved deeper through the main antechamber into the Grand Chamber. It was a large center piece room pass the lobby.

"Torris, Parson, and Lennux search out the power generator and get this room lit up stat." Rus commanded sending out a few of the more tech savvy Knights out on an errand. Meanwhile he stood before the crowd issuing them to come around. The suspicion was still high in the air and he definitely didn't make it rest easy. However rest was not his agenda as he had made a very large decision on part of the Knights themselves. "Since the inception of the Imperial Knights we have been the face of Emperor's loyal guard. We have been the symbol of the greatest service and sacrifice. We embody the force through our leader and exact his will to illuminate the darkest reaches of the Galaxy for a greater day." It was the beginning of a speech and none felt the desire to interrupt as Konur gently held his head low conforming his stance, "I know it should be Draco or Sinde saying these words, but they are not here. Thus I feel it falls upon me to say what we all know." His gaze rose to meet his peers with a very determined complexion, "Times are changing and our Emperor is but a child. Our purpose at moments seems within the turbulence lost, without a will to appease. We have never encountered such a predicament before and our mission as always was to assure we never had to."

Konur thoughts raced with monologue and options to decipher into speech but he came to the issue head on, "For some of you, you point the finger at me to blame.I will not stand and dodge fault. I failed the Emperor and his Daughter as their protector. But I did not betray nor have I ever sought to. Only a few of you know truth and trust me in my claims. As such I refuse to make the same mistake twice. The young Fel will be safeguarded and trusted in the care of our Regent. While I can not take position to insure the safety personally, this Order will stand as Guardians in my stead and I will serve you all for the Empire in the name of the Emperor." A sudden sound of motion would awaken within the room as the blast shields that enclosed around the skylight of the ceiling broke open as power surged back into the complex. A single beam of light pierced downwards to the center of the congregation. The beam would quickly grow larger and soon engulf the entirety of the room illuminating all in the dawns light.

Konur's eyes shifted about the brightened room. It was a carved glorious and despite the dust of great wonder and presence. A smile came to his face as he gave an announcement of great pleasure, "As such we are growing and cannot afford to be dependent solely on the Empire for our care. Though this fortress isn't much as of now potentially with some work and dedication it can service as a home to our Order. Make no mistake we will not leave the Imperial Palace, but are scope must be widened and we must enable ourselves to be stronger than before so that when the young Emperor comes of age he will have Knights worthy of leading." Moving around the spacious area the Master Knight stood before his people offering them something special.

He personally owed a few of his personal benefactors within the Imperial Military giving him clearance and the right to make a contractual sign of ownership on the property. It also surprised him the acting Regent agreed to the proposition of the Knights claim for the Fort. Konur assumed that it was a favorable means of separating the Knights from sharing public image with the Military. Konur's final statement would be the divider of the group as he gave a profound declaration, "It is also in absence of a director for the Knights that I have taken steps forward to represent us in face of the Regent and the Imperial Court as the Lord Protector. While I can understand many of you will not accept my state of Authority I will say if you cannot trust me trust something greater than myself. Not to come off like a Jedi, trust in the will of the Force, the will of our fallen Emperor."

[Konur Rus]

The Knights reception of this meeting and offer were of mixed expectations but none rejected the benefit of it. More were focused on Konur's declaration as their leader. His ability and record were not in question, but few were questioning his intent. Despite his honesty he would have to work like any man to gain the trust of those he would lead. The predicaments seemed to smooth over when the Knights set up a small conference area inside the Fort. Once they were able to set up the holo-comm and speak with the Regent everyone calmed down. To what terms Konur and the Regent were on was never made clear, as the man spoke broadly to the entire order. In this they were reaffirmed of their importance in this Empire. The man even made a compelling speech of how he trusted his safety and that of the young Emperor in their hands. Also stating that as long as they stand vigilant he shall bring the child up to be benevolent and worthy heir to the throne. It was ended with the inspiring promise of hope and a better day for the Empire and it's Knights.

That same day Boros was being flooded with Knights and Engineers who were mapping out the entire place. With the help of one of the Emperor's chief Architects on Bastion they plotted out the basic residences of the entire base. There was tireless work to be done as majority of the Knights were sent away on missions concerning the Regent and the Imperial Court. In that time Konur would stay in the Fort to direct the Knights and the directions of the bases setup. He even called in some favors of an Imperial Technological Surpervisor Feron Pragia who sectioned out an elite team of Engineers to set up the Imperial Knights holo-network. Skylar Hedwigen was one of these engineers who by her own skill was able to update and refit the security of the base. Though it was clear it would need more than a days hard work to establish the base as fully operational. The defense system was need of updates and replacements not to mention the Grid Network that houses the Analytical and Strategic calibrations for the entire system.

For what it was worth pooling in the aid from Military contacts this base would not be short of protection. A few Generals held an interest in Konur's plan's for the Fort and would supply him content while an old wealthy Serenno Noble and cousin of his former Master Janus would aid funding whatever ends he couldn't meet. Mathius Riofe was a man Konur met a few times through his Master Janus, Mathius was however a tad bit younger than his cousin. Indeed in age Konur and Mathius were only separated by four years with Konur being the younger. Despite the distance in their communication Mathius showed a firm respect for the Knight for not only the sake of his cousin, but his action in their liberation from the Sith. So Konur did what he could not to burden the Empire to pick up his slack and any contributors would be investing in a future. There would be a few more related inquiries but for the time he would do with what they had which was more surprising considering it was mainly Konur coordinating the whole operation.

______________________

1 Week Later, 7 Days
-Soontir's Valley, Bastion - Boros Fortress-
______________________

Transport ships moved in and out of the bases entire complex that was shaping up with brand new defenses marking the perimeters. They were finalizing the set up up the bases shielding today which marked the reason for the ships. Placing generators and replacing old scrap from more than a hundred years prior. However the foliage and overgrowth were kept on Konur's command. While the gardens were spruced and the fountains cleared most of the vine growths up the walls were kept for aesthetic. It was very quaint and gave the military base a very spiritual feeling. As for the Gizka's a few of the Knights had been meaning to find them homes. While others kept them as pets for reason's he couldn't understand but there were a few Knights who had a natural affinity for animals. Some to a point in which they could communicate in a language to which wild animals could understand.

The Knights involvement in the process of renovating Fort Boros surprised Konur as all seemed to make out of it what they would. Not one Knight that had passed the halls has left without leaving their mark in someway. The Force ebbed naturally here like a buried font and the more the Knights touched with the land energies revived a Force Nexus long since forgotten. The origin of the Nexus was muddled in its origins as it reacted to Light side of the force with great boon but a dark foreboding traced under it. This didn't bother most of the Knights capable of sensing it but those greatly sensitive to the flow of the force when focused it formed suspicion. It wouldn't surprise the new Lord Protector considering the history and legends of this Fortress. He had acquired a few documents stating Cronal's involvement with Aquila Boros and agreements to plans that were never specified in legal agreements. The sheer fact the second Emperor of the Fel Empire found a Dark Side cult lingering in its remain stated there was clearly more to the place than many let on.

The Garden paths that trailed around the entire compound were a sight for Konur who even in the Week spent here had yet to fully excavate. He had been given a report from a Knight that the Fort was fitted with Meditation Chamber. However the Knights had been unsuccessful in entering through either of the entrances to the large Recreation & Training section of the Fort. It seemed peculiar to Konur himself so he figured he would take look asking two fellow Knights to join him. Nora and Vash Ta'vas both of Echani lineage, each of who Konur had served under Konur and Thrass during the beginning of the war within the 9th Division Infiltration Force. They were proud Headhunters as they were called and among some of the bravest individual to cross his path. The team would constantly joke that all those two needed was a shard of aluminum and a few Sith explain the Artistic value of their heritage. Indeed they were loyal to him and knew beyond any doubt who he was. He worried though sometimes if their loyalty was more to him than the Emperor, but he considered as long as he followed the creed so would they..

"I wonder if there are any spooks in this place. I hear any place that has had a history with the Dark Side of the Force is bound to have a few." Vash commented as he brushed aside his short bangs casually. Nora eyed her brother with a crooked brow as if he had just said something crazy. "Really Vash? You need to stop reading all those Holonet Horror Stories." She would insist with some form of annoyance tinged on the echo of her voice in the empty spaces of the Garden. Vash meanwhile grinned nudging his sister lightly with a insinuating gesture, "So you don't want to duke it out with spirit of some deceased Dark Lord, perhaps the big Sithidoo himself Sidious, eh?" However the Gesture fell on death ears as Nora merely rolled his eyes. Konur stone face as always moved between them grasping their shoulders as they marched merely correcting Vash, "You do realize Palpatines spirit was dragged into Chaos right?" Vash didn't bother convinced as he simply retorted, "Didn't stop them kooky Disciples of Ragnos." Konur knew he wouldn't get through to Vash with common sense so he simply pushed forward in his deep black armor stating, "Either way I highly doubt it as you would be able to smell that stench through the Force like the rotting intestines of a Bantha baking in the sun. All we need to do is crack those doors open and see what is going on in there. Meditation chambers should be good for the squires."

[Aaron Kade]

He followed along only to not betray the Empire or hi fellow Knights. As well as a means to begin his plot to get to the bottom of the deaths of the Emperor and his daughter. Within one of the Nune-class Imperial shuttle he sat in one of the seats closest to the exit ramp. Though while sitting here he was leaned over, his face buried into his gloves hands. Eyes closed he grip his face slightly as a means to meditate, rather than carry on his hate for the Konur Rus, who still surprisingly held the title of Master Knight, until he spoke on his rage, which would ruin his investigation. Ignoring the others for the majority of the flight he found himself leaning back in his seat once their destination was in sight. "I wonder what the Master Knight is taking us all the way out here for, that fort has been abandoned for I don't know how long.." One Knight towards the cockpit said, which caught Aaron's attention, thus he gave a reply. "Do not call him Master Knight when in my presence...don't claim him to hold such a title he is clearly unfit to have!" Glaring at the Knight Aaron's fists began to clench and unclench repeatedly until their transport landed and his gaze went to the surrounding area once exiting said transport.

Leaving a gap between himself and the other Knights that were within his shuttle he continued on. To go along with this he ignored the following stupidity that other Knights offered when it appeared that Gizka ran the grounds here. He would stay quiet until Rus made it his apparent goal to intimidate the other Knights when he shoved one of the larger Knights, Wessel, to the ground, one that Aaron knew closely, at least sort of. Though after Rus helped Wessel back up and spoke once more, Aaron let the words fall on deaf ears. But, rather turned his attention to Wessel. Whispering into his ear a simple statement. "I swear on our Empire, that he will be brought to justice." After saying this he patted Wessel on the shoulder before following the pack, he wanted to take in the fort's apperance, he wanted to learn everything little thing about it, just in case Rus attempted to lead an assault against the Imperial Knights while they were all in one location, away from prying eyes.

Still ignoring everything Rus said, he continued looking about, though not giving away what he was doing. But, it was when Rus spoke on his rank up to Lord Protector that Aaron's jaw dropped in horror. How could they give Rus such a position? He had killed the Emperor and his daughter! The shocked expression turned to rage as his fists clenched, and when Rus was done speaking and the Knights began looking about, Aaron exited the fort, to calm himself.

---

It was within the next week that Aaron also made use of time, and worked along with the engineers and other Knights. Though he did this only to not miss out on any knowledge offered with the fort's enhancements. And when the shield generators arrive he came to a conclusion, Rus was planning to kill off all of the Imperial Knights in one sweep, and by adding defenses and such to the fort he offered himself a means to defend against any Imperial interference. Keeping this conclusion to himself though, he'd make sure Rus would not be able to have success. Making his way towards Rus he acted as if he was busy and rather listened in to conversations before finding himself following two Knights and Rus. He wasn't going to miss out on anything that Rus had planned.

[Konur Rus]

The three Knights made their paces unaware to their guest tracking them. A well intentioned man and a Knight at that. Perhaps one of the more vocal to accuse and desire Konur's incarceration. Unlike some his opinions were not wrapped within some secret agenda, it was a pure desire to see his Emperor's killer brought to justice. In this despite the Konur's own volatile reaction to persecution he did not blame the kid, but he would be mistaken if he would find Justice in making him pay. It wasn't even a principle of whether Konur did it or not, which he knew he didn't, it was the mere fact it was vengeance on the part of the Knight. If there was one thing his own Master taught him it was the shallow surface one walks when pursuing a vengeful will. One crack caused by ones emotion could schism and quake the mass.

"Vengeance it is a thing of attachment. Attachments are built from emotion. One emotional slip can echo consequences turning vengeance into rage. Rage is a thing of a weak mind, which leads to the Dark Side which will only serves to destroy. This destruction in turn fuels pride and self justification validating ones own actions, all the while they have yet to realize their fall. Vengeance is not Justice for it blinds the truth instead of revealing it."

He had a mental snapshot of most of what Master Janus taught him. Anytime he felt himself longing for wisdom he would turn to these memories which for the most part he had scripted into a datapad. These were valuable lessons that made him feel that though he was gone he was never lost. A thing that gave Konur hope for him and his good allies in the Force now. Thrass would likely be having a few laughs to see him now become one of the "Old Men" as they called them. But that is how it was. Time kept ticking and change was inevitable for anyone. Each day he learned something new about his past as it unraveled before his very eyes. It often frightened him. Not that he was changing as it was something he came to accept. It was the change in his perception that allowed him to understand his Father in greater detail. "The true Blood Traitor" He would curse in his thoughts as he couldn't bid himself to forgive the man for abandoning his people.

...Or was it for abandoning him?

Konur immediately banished that branch of thought feeling that childish frustration emerge when facing a fact he couldn't change. So he remained mainly oblivious of Aaron's intentions nor did he truly care. They were marching to the Recreation & Training building which was being a stubborn problem for the workers.

"Hey Kon - So I gotta ask why did you take the initiative? Nobody really expected you to be the one to follow Ganner. Especially after the ya know... Incident." Vash asked with an honest curiosity. His words were posed in very sharp points that pricked at the recesses of his mind. Incident, that was a nice way of putting the subject nobody wished to discuss in front of him. Though Konur guessed he was owed the explanation for it wasn't as if her decided to take head of the Knights for no reason. But how would put this? That he did it because he was the only one capable of understanding what it took. No that would be too conceited even if true. Perhaps it was because he had the blood of the Emperor on his hands and he owed it to his grandson. Yet again this was denied, far too much self pity. Maybe because he felt... no, no feelings wouldn't describe anything but a weakness. His feelings alone displayed nothing for his opinion did not stand as justification.

So what could he say to Vash or any Knight seeking an answer for his actions? It then hit him to say the only thing he knew these men could understand, "I did it out of responsibility, a promise." Konur didn't even bother staring his friend in the eye as they turned into what seemed to be a former hanging garden which was a wild maze of vines constructed like veins and strange flowers blossoming in the emerald twilight cast through their arches clinging to the overbearing structures above them. The sound of Gizka lightly croaked in the distance which started a chain reaction as a congress of them awoke sending off distant messages to one another. What they said nobody truly knew unless you could speak Gizka which in this case wasn't anyone within the group.

"What promise and to who?" Nora was quick to chime in boldly as always. Konur's eyes gently peered upwards at the breaks in the vine canopies. Small flocks of colorful birds scattered about crowing out at the visitors. There was a strange life to this relatively empty place. It could be felt in the force that it constructed it's own small community propagating itself. Small little wonders this place had as Nature took place and naturally gathered its children into a cradling womb. He would have to remind himself later to make a note of making sure this was not tore down. He rather enjoyed the view it gave, almost making the stone and metal foundation seem a natural part of its small world. But his mind came back within seconds of the question. His stride gained a hiccup in his thought though he was quick to resume. Only to reveal with gentle words, "It is a promise to the boy, the young Fel. A promise that all should share. To insure his safety, teach him to be wise, train him to be strong, and raise him to be Just. One day he will be Emperor and it makes me responsible to insure all who follow us will be stronger and just as noble when they follow him. It is his destiny and our honor. I wish to respect that." It was a serious type of answer, but the question itself held a breath of reality itself. He wouldn't stand and glorify himself when it wasn't the reality he was raised into. It was for the Emperor, always for the Emperor.

[Aaron Kade]

Continuing to follow the three Aaron took every little detail in. As well as the more taint he felt within the Force the further he followed the three. So, Konur knew where the Dark Side was radiating from this place? How peculiar this was considering that The Blood Traitor was guilty of murder and betraying the Empire, with this on Aaron's mind it only made his hate for the man, no the scum, grow even further, though still kept in check. Reaching what appeared to be an old garden area Aaron looked about a bit, why was this place so populated by animals? Why had no one cleared them all out yet? Breathing silently he listened in on what the three spoke about, with Rus' words causing Aaron's face to show disgust before showing himself. Walking towards the small group he kept his eyes on The Blood Traitor. "Such a bold statement Konur. You speak so highly of the Emperor, despite being accused of killing his closest family. But, perhaps, rather than feeling like you owe him a debt, maybe you are guilty of his family's deaths?" Stopping a few feet away from them he tilted his head to the side, hiding his true intentions beneath a smirk. Though to what avail would this be? Konur had most likely heard about the ruckus that happened outside the court room that day. Along with the Knights that possibly ran back to Konur and spoke on how Aaron felt. "If you would be so kind to proceed to where ever you are going. I find it as my responsibility to make sure your not doing anything secretively that could possibly cripple one of the Emperor's strongest tools." Straightening his posture he began giving off almost an aura of nobility and confidence.

[Konur Rus]

Aaron's thoughts pushed through mire of foliage pushing and analyzing finding suspicion where it didn't belong. Perhaps Konur was missing something as he could indeed feel the dark side silently at play in certain places of the Fort. Though it was nothing great and seemingly wore down wore down the proverbial nexus of the Force that healed the place. Much of the reason Konur felt it necessary to keep parts of the overgrowth and wild life. Not because it was only an imaginative site, but because it radiated the purity of the force. The Force was reclaiming a place tainted by those who had come before and expunging their lesser intentions. Perhaps the lingering darkness was because of the fact that nobody could find a sign of foliage inside the hold building. Barely any dust it seemed flash frozen to the way it was left. It could be though something more devious was at stake here. Which wasn't far from common with any relic of Palpatine's reign of the Galaxy. Though much like Bast castle on Vjun such things could be retaken. With ease? Mostly never but for those sensitive to the waves of the force it was "thing" of necessity.

Moments of silence followed his statement but the younger Knight Aaron Kade felt the need to make himself known. To which he displayed by inquisitively prodding at Konur in a not so subtle attempt at psychoanalysis. Nora & Vash were looking back with a sense of confusion but they understood when they saw the boy. Kade had made it famously known his despise and beliefs against Konur. A Purist from a wealthy family and perhaps much to similar to Konur who indeed was with wealth of his father's name. Though these days that name had little sway, but he retained his status refusing to forfeit his ground. Though Kade wasn't the first to holster the torch and pointy object treating him like some sort of monster.

However Konur couldn't be felt to show a retaliating thought to Kade. For he did hear the boys howls for Justice though he also heard pain. It wasn't just judgment it was a heart felt justification even if something of a false one. So he couldn't stand to mock the boys pain nor could he stand to sympathize with him. So as he brought his right hand to comb back his hair he didn't even bother to look at Aaron as he replied to the first statement, "Guilt is of no consequence when what i state stands true for all, even you. Should the fact be I was indeed of deep guilt of their deaths would it be for a true sadness or of my accused hand in the dealing? Either of these I do not linger upon since paranoia is not a thing befitting of our duty. Justice will come eventually, it always does, for that is the way of the Force." Settling his opinion forced the Echani to make a space between their walking arrow formation. To give Kade a space to walk with an beside them. Konur felt no fear or need to hide himself from the man as such he did not feel a need to disguise himself from prying eyes. "Let the light shine for I have no fear of it." He would think to himself with a strange form of conviction.

Konur never bothered to reply to second part of Kade's question vocally instead focusing on the surroundings as the Canopy broke away to a more open pathway. The green grass of the garden stretch following them was slightly overgrown, but it merely waved within the waves of light breeze. Centering his attention on Kade's thought not reading them but merely witnessing gears move grinding their intention at him. There was a hint of obsession that bothered Konur as it breathed like a stubborn hound at his neck. "Perhaps you should take time to focus on the world around you. You are distressed. The weight in your walk, the clench of your fist, the crook of your brow. I do not need the Force to see this." His determined voice broke through turning his observations onto the man. It was a small turn of the tables to perhaps lead the kid to see his own faults. Would this be considered misdirection? Well if he was lying yes but should he tell the truth it is what it is. "Perhaps you seek too much inwards to find your answers. If you really believe me to hide something, do not look to yourself to find the answer. Look to my surroundings and investigate those things that tie into my web. There is no such thing as a perfect crime, all things have a source." He finally followed gripping at his gauntlets straightening their placements of his dark armor. It was a color of many meanings and why he wore it he felt no need to explain. Though it did little to help his reputation.

[Aaron Kade]

Waiting for Konur to speak only gave Aaron an even more uneasy feeling about the fort, and gave Aaron the thought that perhaps he had caught Konur and these other Knights up in their scheme. But, when Konur's words began to flow outwards like a stream of sickly Bantha droppings. But, after a few moments of Konur clearly not intending on continuing forward Aaron could only raise a brow and place one hand in the other behind his back as he questioned Konur further. "So since I arrived you no longer wish to continue to your destination? Curious." Giving of a half laugh he began walking about the area. Dirty, ran by nature itself, how could this place prove to be a forth for the Imperial Knights? Not even the lowliest Imperial deserved to live in this place.

But, as he had told himself before, this fort was most likely the beginning stage of a plot to kill off the Imperial Knights. "And you call me distressed? Yet was it not you who put your hands on Wessel just a week ago? Was your guilt turning into rage when Wessel spoke upon what many accuse you of and many others know you are guilty of?" Smiling he stopped walking around in a circle and turned towards the female Echani. "You and your brother follow a Blood Traitor, which in hand makes the both of you the same as he, am I wrong? No. But, by all means, stay at his side like infants with their mother. After all, when the truth is brought to the light, I wouldn't want all of you traitors to be scattered about, but rather all in one...execution room."

Glancing towards the male Echani and then to Konur he began walking back to the location he was at prior to walking in circle. Which was several feet behind the group of three. "Continue on the path you were on before I interrupted your little chat." Aaron spoke with a tongue as sharp as a sword with arrogance, pride, and order in his tone.

This post has been edited by Aaron Kade on Jan 6 2011, 10:45 PM

[Konur Rus]

The departure from rational thought gave Konur a bit of a surprise as this individual leaped from hidden agenda to open accusation. Offense wrapped his face when as he went after the Echani. He saw who this kid was, one of those Radical snot nose children he couldn't stand growing up with. Aaron looked down his nose at them and their efforts. Adjusting their confusion and anger in a convenient place to blame. The COMPNOR would have no doubt found him extremely fit back in their day. So he twisted his nose let this brat carry on with his petulant diatribe. His calm was reaching it's point as he made his way after the young Knight with his back turned. Vash and Nora wanted to say something back, but when Konur made his motion they knew to stay quiet. Perhaps they would recount the Glee Anselm incident where Konur enacted an improvisational water-boarding technique on a few outspoken Knights who overly criticized the mission. The man was fair but you did not push his patience.

"I think we are being far too lenient with the younger generation. Sinde was right when he stated this era lost all priority." Konur grimaced contorting his right hand as if to gesture a grab. Giving a swiping pull in the air the fabric of Aaron's cape contorted by energies and yanked around the cowl using the hood like a handle to drag him off balance to the ground then towards Konur and the Echani. It was less of an attack and more of an authoritative command through the force. "If you were paying attention, Kade, I never gestured I was not going to continue towards the destination. Nor did I state you were unwelcome. I have nothing to hide from you or the inquisition on my tale." His voice was stern bearing down at Aaron. With a strong command of the force he clicked his fingers sending a push of the force from right under the Knight to pop him back to his feet. Giving a wave in the air he turned Kade around to face him.

Konur wasn't finished however as he was still reeling from the offense spoken by Kade. Knights may have been the honorable boy scouts of the Empire and the Emperors exonerated servants, but they were still above everything Imperials. No matter what spit and shine you put on them they were bold blooded Imperials. Accusations needed to be followed with force or deadly promise neither of which Kade had displayed. "Also if I hear you accuse any Knight without the necessary proof or conviction to sustain it I will have your head along with any other man that serves to compromise this Empire's security." The intent in his voice controlled without rage but a solemn promise. Quickly he would step to Kade's face invading his personal bubble giving a vocal opinion, "If you are convinced of my treachery I don't want you to hesitate. If you are letting the assassin masquerade before you and all you can do is wait for answers from a blue sky you don't even deserve to call yourself a knight." In the instance Konur retrieved his repeating hand blaster and pushed it into the boys hand lifting it up to aim straight between his eyes. Cold blue orbs centered like coiled vipers prepared to lunge.

"Make your choice boy if you bring me to Justice and you were wrong, the Emperors true killer will have won. The Galaxy would be none the wiser and you will have failed. Does this sooth your conscience?" The force in Konur's voice was not to intimidate but send a message of how serious Kade's open defiance was. To start crowing about traitorous men within the ranks would effectively divide what was left of the Knight's among themselves. This is something he nor those who came before him ever were willing to risk. It reminded him of the Military Instructors at Raithal they didn't take bantha defecation nor did they care about feelings. If you were going to claim someone to be a liar and a cheater the men expected you to step up and take force. You were not allowed to sit down and be comfortable. Justice must be served by the willing and the bold and if you did not stand by what you lived for you were not an Imperial what so ever. "Now if you have conviction pull the damn trigger, if not stand down and pay attention. We have better things to do than hunt shadows of conspiracy." Konur stood vigilant now unwavering in his fortitude embodying his roll as not just a Knight but their Protector.

[Aaron Kade]

"I think we are being far too lenient with the younger generation. Sinde was right when he stated this era lost all priority." Aaron's face bore disgust at this comment before he was overtaken by Konur and thrown to the ground, but quickly brought back to his feet through the Force before he could even react Despite this, during Konur's rush at him he had grabbed his lightsaber and had it ignited by time Konur use the Force to give him his standing position back, with his right hand gripped ever so tightly around his blade he continued to show disgust, his cloak on the floor. Listening to Konur he spat at the ground before taking a defensive position when Konur reached for something, a blaster? To which he surprisingly handed to Aaron and even steadied put the blaster's aim between his eyes. What was this? Shocked and angry he found himself almost pulling the trigger of the blaster. But, then he remembered two thing. One, Konur was a known practitioner of the Force technique Tutaminis, though perhaps not at Aaron's own level with the technique, most likely enough to avoid death from a single blaster shot.

Half laughing he gripped the blaster as tightly as he was with his lightsaber before speaking. "A man in your situation would love that, wouldn't you Konur? To have your guilt ended through a deserved death? But, what would this cause for me? Perhaps imprisonment for the crime of killing another Imperial, despite that Imperial being a known Blood Traitor...no, no, that would not happen now would it? You would survive the blaster shot by using the Force and then you would have me arrested for attempted murder, on you." Smirking he tossed the blaster towards his lightsaber, effectively severing the thing in two, a response to Konur's offer. "No, Konur I am afraid that I will have to wait until I have the evidence that some of our people ask for." It was then he began walking forward, leaving the three behind as he aimed to walk himself to the group's desired location. "Treis Sinde aye? An old fool who had too many faults to speak on. Yes, Sinde is the man to quote, if you are a fool, which in your case...ha" Spitting at the ground once more he glanced to Konur before continuing on.

This post has been edited by Aaron Kade on Jan 8 2011, 04:26 AM

[Konur Rus]

Master Rus took the boys slight and disrespect with a steady calm. It was disturbing that this boy, perhaps a man, would be so brazen to his superior. The destruction of his blaster did not bother him. However Konur saw the rejection and the defiance to stand by the Knight's creed. This child wasn't a Knight he was a lapdog for the court. The fact he didn't take the initiative was evidence of his slipping. Leading the Master to pose a questioning inner thought of the kids capability to act. Though the childish rant of theory exposed too much ludicrous banter to choke down the whole spoon full. So Konur shifted his position giving Aaron a very simple and incredulous look from behind.

"Then you stand as a coward. If Antares or Ganner truly believed as you do they wouldn't hesitate. Roan should he survived would have had my head. Here you stand with your convictions and call yourself a Knight when you refuse to act. You are just another confused child who does not truly understand the circumstances." Konur willfully scorned Aaron though not out of hate or grudging anger, but in the same way his Masters would him. Knights did not resist in the moment nor did they relent on a cause. They were Imperials and the Emperors trusted hands, the mere extension of his will. Antares did not relent against the Sith, nor did Treis, and neither would Konur. If this kid was going to play at his responsibility through the lens of the Courts he was in the wrong place. Though it seemed apparent that Aaron did not understand the courts much either, "Evidence? You really think the Courts are that hard pressed now to require evidence? Knight business is Knight business that is only relevant to the Regent and his trusted. I am sure there is enough disgust, violence, and hate aimed at me by the public you would be hailed as a hero. Or do you forget we do not fall under the Military Laws."

Scoffing once more Konur gave Aaron the third degree pushing forward his point, "We are authorized to kill the Emperor should he fall to the darkside, likewise should their be suspicion in our own ranks we are allowed to deal with it. We are not Jedi we do not prance about the issues, we deal with them." In a similar forward motion he followed letting his foot steps resound. But it was only grip onto Aaron's shoulder take control of his stride. Turning the man he lets his gloved hand point a finger right into the mans chest. "But you aren't holding back because of your precious evidence, no, somewhere in there you are unsure and for the moment you are peddling the guilt and blame for the unknown on to me."

His stare was darting at Aaron to pin him in his train of thought and catch his attention with a larger measure of command. "I would very much watch what you say about Master Sinde. That fool as you call him was of the Emperor's most trusted. To call him a fool is to spit directly at the memory of Roan Fel himself. That is blatant treachery and perhaps that is how the Sith win turning those impressionable half wits like yourself against your most respected comrades." Konur would give Aaron a moment for this point to stick in before giving his final swing in an attempt this childish bickering. Stepping back he removed his grip from Aaron's shoulder speaking with finality in his voice, "Some reason though i don't believe you will hear the points I am making. Instead I will let you search for your evidence. But with a warning as your superior and your Lord keep your mouth shut until you are ready to back up your words."

Vash and Nora remained silent only trailing slowly behind them. They weren't sure what to make of the situation. It was the first time one of their own was so flagrant and brazen with their accusations. It was a sore topic and they had no idea how to react as they stood by Konur. It was hard to fight people when they seemed to have already made up their minds. However they watched their friend with some curiosity as he fought Aaron down with each word. While it didn't show nor was it obvious to ones out of their circle, Konur was kicking back against the slander. He was taking control and that may not be the prettiest thing in the world to see. They merely hoped the pressure didn't get to him. However, Konur didn't keep his attention from them as he grouped Kade into the fold whether he liked it or not.

"Now we have work to do. The doors won't open to the recreation area and their is some rumors of noise coming from this area in the nights. We are to stick together as a team just in case this Fort has a few surprises we were not expecting. Hence stick to your training Knights, all of you will be accountable." Getting the final word in he made his motion to take the lead and refuse to argue the situation. It may have been a cheap tactic, but it was available to save much needed time. They were closer now to the entrance to the area that was likely barred up and heavily concealed. As they got closer they could feel a sense of unease come from the surrounding area which seemed to have less foliage and life gravitating to it. Instead it was sterile stone and metal. Every few minutes Konur to would look back on the group of Knights and give a silent signal after giving a clean sweep. For him to be honest he wasn't sure exactly what was hidden within the depths of this Fort since a good majority was left mystery.

[Aaron Kade]

Finding himself ignoring Konur's words he continued on, Konur's words just coming to his ears as faint pounding noises, as if someone was bantering behind a two way mirror. Letting his left gloved hand run across a lifeless wall he quick pulled it back, he could feel the taint the Dark Side held here. As such he glanced over his shoulder towards Konur and the others before turning forwards once more. But, it was soon after this that Konur made it apparent that he wanted to lead the party, leaving Aaron as a close second. Shaking his head he slowed his pace, to let the Echani take the middle while he took the rear. He wanted to keep his eyes on all of them, as well as have a good look at things. And the further they went on the more of the taint he could feel. "For the sake of the Force, the Dark Side here is heavier than I first recognized..." Deciding this meant that something of the Dark Side still resided here he slowed his step even further. It was then he saw a large door of sorts coming into view, it was behind there that the core of this taint was radiating from, to which Aaron needed to meet face to face, to end it's existence.