A Remembrance (Ask)

[Professor Mors]

***Birgis System, Dalonbian Sector, Grid Coordinates M-3***

"Senny!", an older woman's voice shrieked, "Get down here!". "What?", a young woman called in response, "I'm working!". "Well quit your working", the elder sassed back, "Some men are here and there're fixin' to buy!". Doren made note of a slight, muffled squeal followed by the energetic pattering of feet, as the artist in question soon came bounding down the stairs of a rustic gallery. She was a humanoid of modest height, standing no more than centimeter shorter than the Captain, sporting capricious hazel eyes and locks of dark, wine red hair. "Here she is Mister Vassyl", the older woman cooed, "Our resident protégée". "Arsenia Valconn", the aspiring artist quipped, extending a friendly hand to her would-be customer, "What I can help you with this afternoon?".

"Doren Vassyl, charmed", the Captain offered back politely, gingerly obliging his new acquaintance with a handshake, "I wonder if you could tell me more about those moof-hide canvas paintings, over there". Vassyl pointed off to a set of landscape sitting near the far wall. "Ah, I see you've got an eye for detail Mister Vassyl", Arsenia chirped contentedly, "I modeled the styling after-". "Fon Dar Wai", Doren interrupted, a small smirk sprouting on his face. "Why yes", the artist answered back, a measure of surprise mixed into her smile, "You know your art Mister Vassyl". "Hardly", the Captain continued, "I was just lucky enough to indulge a survey course back at the academy. And, unlike my colleagues, I endeavored to pay attention to what was taught".

Stepping closer to a seaside piece, Doren brought a gloved hand to his chin, and began to scan the work for any imperfections, "Dar Wai was a true genius with a brush: capable of leveling his paints to a perfect flatness with each piece he produced". "Exactly!", Arsenia affirmed, her excitement overflowing, "He was a one-of-a-kind artist". "And Jedi", Vassyl added with a neutral tone, "Isn't that right, Inquisitor Caesar?". The young painter suddenly tensed at the utterance of those words, and her eyes flashed over to the Captain's companion: a tall, imposing gentlemen adorned with light burgundy robes. "It as you say, Sir", Brutus commented back, turning to face the their pair's query.

"Historians speculate that the Dar Wai achieved his consistency by applying his paints with the aid of the Force", Vassyl carried on, running his pinky finger across the even texture of the coastal landscape, "I take it you've done the same Miss Valconn, or perhaps I should say, Miss Tremayne?". The older woman looked at both men in a panic, whilst Arsenia's visage darkened, "That name means nothing to me". "Oh?", Doren interjected, "I'm sorry to hear that, your father was a-". "My father was a killer", the young lady spat back, "A murderer, a liar, and far from a parent". "True enough", Vassyl conceded, "Though his circumstances, his institution was as guilty of that as he was. For that I am sorry".

"I bet you are", the lady Tremayne countered, an ounce of venom dripping from her words, much to horror of her gray-haired patron, "So what now? Are you expecting me to follow in the family business?". "I am", the Captain responded bluntly. "And if I refuse?", Arsenia pressed, lines of concern finally appearing on her face. "Then you may remain here", Doren dryly continued, "And attempt to keep this gallery afloat, all the while shouldering the sins of your father". That did it. Smacking her fist into a synthesized wooden pillar, Tremayne pounced, "You think spilling more blood will change anything? You're one to talk!". Doren own grin returned en masse, though much lighter in appearance now as opposed to before, "I would ask you take up the torch not to kill, Miss Tremayne, but to serve and defend".

"Your military interests", Arsenia scoffed, unconvinced. "The Imperial people", Vassyl argued in contempt, "Civilians, innocence, and those that exist outside of military spheres". "And I'm expected to believe that?", the artist ribbed once more. "Of course: though you aren't obliged to believe me from the get-go", Doren explained, "The galaxy is a bigger place than you realize. I can make it more transparent, more reasonable, if you're willing to take that chance". Arsenia remained silent, and seemed to be wrestling with the proposition that lay before her. "You possess great potential Miss Valconn", Doren casually deferred to her chosen name, "Join us, and show the galaxy that your father's occupation needn't be stained by a violent and dispassionate history".


***Imperial Star Destroyer Reverent, in orbit over Prakith, 72 hours later***

"I must admit Captain", Arsenia mused, "Birgis looked much more inviting from this distance". "I can appreciate an artist's sensibilities", Doren chuckled, "Fear not Miss Valconn, I'll see to it an agreeable green space is put in place for your rec hours". "Free training hours aren't recreation enough?" a silvery voice weighed in from afar, "I don't recall any signing bonus on my end". "You were a much more willing volunteer by comparison", Doren chortled, turning to address the newcomer. Arsenia followed soon, and locked her gaze on a fair-skinned gentlemen with jet black hair and piercing yellow eyes. "Arsenia Valconn", Vassyl began, "Allow me to introduce Zask Pasiq: one of your new peers".

[Professor Mors]

***Citadel Inquisitorius, three kilometers north of Prak City***

Doren pinched his chin between two fingers. The arc of his gloved hand almost perfectly matched the curl of a smile forming on his lips. The program had come far indeed. Plasma crackled and hissed as the blades of two master duelists met on the training floor. On one end was High Inquisitor Tiphen Grendam, a former GI from the 212th Infantry Division: a grizzled war vet, Grendam had delighted in discovering his untapped potential, and held the division in particularly high esteem. His opponent was lithe and nimble Sefla Yprene, an equally-qualified combatant, formerly of the Navy's Second Interior Fleet. While she proved to be Tiphen's senior by some years, Yprene's lethality was by no means blunted by age, and was as vicious in her assault as her opponent.

After skirmishing back and forth, the confrontation reached a fevered pitch, and in an instant, both warriors held the other within an inch of a killing blow. It was a stalemate, and one that only served to elevate the status of both as active agents of the Empire. Vassyl, for his part, wasted no time in providing soft applause for the superior display. High Inquisitor Caesar was similarly taken, and afforded his comrades an approving nod. "Wonderful, simply wonderful", Doren continued, bringing his hands to rest, "Now, I think it's high time we run our newest recruit through the gauntlet: wouldn't you agree M'lady? Gentlemen?". "That will be a sight to see", Grendam purred, evoking a bored sigh from his feminine counterpart.

Soon after, the trio of High Inquisitors joined the Captain above the fighting pit, and watched below as their three lesser companions took the field. The newly-anointed Inquisitor Valconn looked understandably sheepish, whilst the ever-intrepid Zask tried to conceal his excitement at the prospect of live practice. The last of the journeyman inquisitors was much more still, almost statue-like. Indeed, only his scalloped irises darted about, evaluating his surroundings and whatever secrets they might hold. Dojhai Rahmma was shorter than Srrors'tok his age, yet his feline features were no less intimidating. Like the rest of his comrades, he grasped a stun-saber in both sets of claws, keenly aware to any potential attack.

Standing up, Doren announced, "Inquisitors, welcome to your first exhibition training: allow me to present your opponent". Looking over at Brutus, Vassyl gave him the go-ahead gesture, and the titanic human left over the safety railing, and landed on the battleground with a prominent thud. Standing up without any visible injuries, the High Inquisitor eyed his targets, and invited them to come forward with a single retracted finger. "All three of us at once huh?", Inquisitor Pasiq cooed, noting that Brutus had not taken any weapons of his own, "Nice". "Fearrr not Mistress", Dojhai growled over at Arsenia, "I shall defend you". The Srrors'tok's father had held a life debt with the late Inquisitor Tremayne, and failing to repay it, the son had inherited his oath, and attached himself to the famed Jedi-hunter's daughter. To Rahmma's greater confusion, this had provoked much irritation in the artist-turned-inquisitor, who now only rolled her eyes in spite of his comment. After fuming a few moments more, the three then refocused on the High Inquisitor, and broke off into in a synchronized sprint.

[Neive Undant]

It was rare for Prazutis to enter the citadel, mainly a mix of his force training and his own work kept him busy. Besides the occasional training of troopers on spintir to combat force sensitives, he never really trained with others in his ranks. However, after he was invited to the citadel during their combat amongst themselves, he decided to hell with his loner self. Perhaps it would be good to see how others like him fought, give him reference on both friend and foe fighting techniques.
So, as he walked to the railing above the floor where the 4 stood, he grasped his lightsaber in his hand. He looked over he dials, turning the blade intensity low so he could effectively use it without bringing injury upon any allies who may come in contact with the blade. He watched the 4, thinking to himself as he clipped his hilt onto his belt loop once more, letting them have at each other rather than deciding to step in. Though, knowing the inquisitorious, he may have a battle before he leaves today.
He looked over, not far from him was another high inquisitor, standing beside an official in a green uniform. Peculiar, he thought to himself. He supposed these two would be the ones conducting this bout. He was never the social type, he thought to himself as he walked towards the pair, but he did want to at least put his name into the minds of those higher ranked than himself. Attention from command was always a good thing, as long as it was the right kind...

[Professor Mors]

Doren was pleased with Prazutis' sudden arrival, but only afforded him a friendly nod before turning his attention back to the melee. Brutus was easily making his fellows work for even slightest edge in battle. Dojhai and Zask were running themselves ragged, attempting to land a blow through speed purchased by strength. Arsenia did not fare much better, though Vassyl was charmed with her more analytical approach. Relying more heavily on instinct and precision, the artist-turned inquisitor's lunges came much closer to the mark, and would have assuredly struck true on a lesser opponent. A wicked smile flashed behind Doren's gloved hand. He had done well to court the woman for the unit, and he maintained the belief that she would prove an even greater asset in time.

In a climactic moment worthy of the previous duel, the three inquisitors synchronized for one final push, coming at Brutus from three sides. In an instant, their stun batons soared into the empty air, and collided into one another with a terrific flash. The High Inquisitor, for his part, had foreseen this maneuver, and vaulted over the fur-covered torso of Rahmma. Upon landing, Brutus pinched his fingers together, and pinned his attackers' weapons in place with the Force. The initiates, realizing too late what had occurred, groaned in anguish as they were forced to the floor by their renegade hilts. Vassyl and the High Inquisitors rose in recognition, and the Captain indulged the combatants with another round of polite applause.

"We shall take a recess before any further training", the Captain doted, "Well done Inquisitors". Brutus provided a cordial bow, whilst Arsenia, Dojhai, and Zask offered practiced salutes to their onlookers. The four then turned, and exited back out the arena access hatch. High Inquisitor Grendam, in the interim, elected to take a snack break, while Yprene saw fit to look over the hourly intelligence logs. For now, only Doren and the lone figure standing off to the side remained. It appeared an introduction was in order. Walking over to the enrobed Zabrak, the young Jaeman offered a firm salute, and began, "Inquisitor Prazutis, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance in person: I am Captain Doren Vassyl".

Though the wayward inquisitor might not recognize the Captain's visage at first glance, his name would undoubtedly strike a chord with the now-loyalist Force user. While Vassyl had not been awarded the military directorate of Inquisitorius at large, he was still a key figure in its founding, as well as the primary author of the organization's charter. While Doren had been intensely skeptical of bringing one Neive Undant into the Empire's fold, the reformed man that stood before him now had done well to earn his stripes. Despite his unorthodox origins, if he continued to serve in his current capacity, the Captain would not hesitate to further stimulate Prazutis' career. "You've been away from home for some time Inquisitor: do tell, how fared your recent mission in the Outer Rim?".

[Neive Undant]

Prazutis looked over the arena as the 4 duelists faced off, observing the tactics of each individually before seeing the 3 opponents slammed to the ground by the fourth, nodding his head. It was good to see his allies were so skilled, he thought to himself... though he needed to improve his own skills to keep up with these allies of his.
As he stood beside the captain, hearing the name, it rang a bell. He was an important figure for the inquisitorious, Prazutis knew, but when he first joined the imperial ranks... he was the one who really allowed Prazutis to join their ranks in the first place.
"Captain Vassyl... it is a privilege to meet with you face to face." He looked at the man and returned the salute as the 4 exited the arena, listening to his words after.
"I had to file a fairly large report after the actions on Junction. No civilian casualties, one Jedi casualty, but a Jedi and a youngling had escaped." He thought to himself as he looked back at the arena.
"However, observing the fighting style of the jedi, how their defensive tactics cracked under pressure, I could tell the Jedi that was killed was but a knight... He was sloppy in his form, made mistakes." He thought about the last swing, the man going on the offensive against him. It was strange, he thought...

"Ultimately, it brought a thought to mind. Many of the traditions of the sith, which are looked down upon here in the inquisitorious, are empowering for force users, as long as they are taken in moderation."
He thought to himself for a moment before he spoke again.
"The dark, the light... both are needed to retain order, that is what I've been taught in the empire. But just as we teach both offensive and defensive lightsaber tactics, we should look into the traditions of both the Jedi and the sith." He took one more moment before he continued.
"One in particular comes to mind for me, personally... my lightsaber crystal came from the caverns of the Jedi temple on ilum that we currently have scouts looking into. But there is no bond in the force between me and my lightsaber, as there should be with any force user."
He narrowed his eyes, looking at the captain once more.
"Which is why I would like to ask to undertake a personal mission. To defeat a Jedi Master and take his lightsaber crystal... and make it bleed."
It was something that had not been done with recognition by the Empire since the days of Vader when he had killed Jedi Master Infil'a and took his lightsaber to Mustafar. Since then, the inquisitors had various methods of obtaining their Kyber crystals and bleeding them, but from what Prazutis had heard, none of them had done this...

[Professor Mors]

Doren raised a pensive fist over his lips, and listened to the details Prazutis' mission. He remained further silent as the inquisitor made a personal- perhaps even brazen request, the likes of which demanded the Captain's deeper meditations. Vassyl stood in thought for some time, content to let Prazutis wait until such a time the young officer could provide a comprehensive, appropriate response. Straightening up, Doren brought his down and nestled it in the crook of his elbow, and began, "It goes without saying, Jedi religion is illegal for both social and psychological reasons. Likewise, after the failed coup and initial resurgence of the Sith, the Church of the Dark Side and all affiliate groups cannot be suffered to continue".

The Captain paused once more. A sliver of nostalgia and melancholia shone in recesses of his gaze, and he continued, "When the Grand Inquisitor and I first walked these halls together, we reached an understanding that the artifacts and texts of such religious groups would not come into within this organization: this is a secular military unit Inquisitor, and I intend to keep it that way". A flicker of anger dominated Doren's complexion for a brief instant, before his features softened into their neutral posture once more. "That said", Vassyl countered, "We can hardly afford to overlook powerful techniques upon discovery, nor would I pass up the chance to deprive our enemies of their own tools". A friendly smiled curled around Vassyl's face once more, "If you can procure such a crystal, sanctioning one experiment should not prove difficult".

[Neive Undant]

Prazutis kept himself patient for the captain to think, understanding that the inquisitorious was not the Jedi or sith. They didn’t have traditions, they didn’t have culture... they had orders. That was all.
However, hearing the captain’s response, Prazutis was glad for once. It would be more than a challenge to obtain a crystal from a Jedi, especially a master, but knowing that it would be possible for him to do it at all gave him some reprieve. One step down, now for the hard part, he thought.
“Your approval is appreciated. It will be quite a feat for me to do, but I will eventually accomplish the task.” He spoke, looking back to the arena.
“How has the newer inquisitors fared here? Although I’m not here often, i’d still like to see how far their training has come.” Prazutis said, looking back to the captain as he crossed his arms.

[Professor Mors]

"As it ought to be", Doren affirmed with a nod, "Nonetheless, the Jedi are one opponent we cannot afford to ignore, at least not within our borders". Vassyl thought back to his brief yet introspective with the Verpine Jedi known simply as Buggie. Though all but incorrigible in their beliefs, the Jedi were not so unreasonable as their political overlords, and while much of their dogma was toxic to the New Order, the individuals that composed their coalition were intriguing if nothing else. Returning to the present moment once more, the Captain moved to address the Inquisitor's other inquiries, "As far as the Oversight Committee and the High Inquisitors are concerned, Mister Grendam and Lady Yprene have continued to exceed High Inquisitor Caesar's expectations".

Indeed, the elder duo of the Inquisitorius, despite having been discovered a cycle prior to Prazutis, had shown consistent growth in their Force aptitude during their initial training. Had they come from more influential or political positioned families, Vassyl might have had cause for concern regarding personal loyalty. Much to his sustained delight, such feelings remained unfounded, or at least, were not so potent as to warrant detection from Brutus, or the ISB. "In regards to your fellow Inquisitors", Doren carried on, "Mister Pasiq and Mister Rahmma show much improvement with their combat senses and prowess with a blade". Vassyl smiled a sinister smile, and concluded, "But I am particularly struck with the work of Miss Valconn. I don't know if you've already been informed, but her father was the late High Inquisitor Tremayne: needless to say, a talent for psychic warfare and telekinetic proficiency does indeed run in the family".

[Neive Undant]

Prazutis nodded as he listened to the updates on his allies.
“Glad to hear they improve. Although my combat has come more from battles, the area near the Gordian reach is such a... rambunctious place... that such combat I engage in provides decent training in itself.”
He thought back to the Jedi he had sliced into near celanon, and the one that had met his end with Prazutis’ blade and was currently in the process of body preservation on Utopia... though Prazutis didn’t reveal to anyone why, as of yet.
“Though, I have put aside time to train my abilities in the force. Hearing that Valconn is showing talent with Telekinetics is very promising... it’s one of my proficiencies as well.” he thought to himself.
“Although I most likely wouldn’t be able to again if I tried, I think my greatest accomplishment in the empire was pulling that ship away from the city on Spintir...” he spoke, thinking about the other inquisitors.
“What about the others? Any proficiencies stand out among them?”

[Professor Mors]

Vassyl grip tightened further over his chin as he contemplated Prazutis' continued inquiries. After a shorter pause than before, the Captain detailed once more, "Inquisitor Rahmma's natural instincts have only improved since his induction into the program. Genetically, he is all but predisposed to stalking and hunting would-prey, and whilst working to strengthen his own mental proficiencies, his speed, agility, and sense of awareness have proportionally increased in turn". Doren himseld had the pleasure, on a number of occasions, of observing the golden Srrors'tok seemingly vanish into thin air, only to tear a practice droid to ribbons with artful ease. While Dojhai's employment might have originated from an ancestral misfortune, Vassyl hoped the position would feel like a natural progression in time.

"Meanwhile", the Captain added, his brief introspection now passed, "Inquisitor Pasiq has displayed a measure of promise in the field of precognition. Though he has yet to obtain specific bearings on future events, his extrasensory capabilities, with more practice, may prove of great interest to Her Majesty". Vassyl was certain that Prazutis, not unlike Doren, was aware of the awesome potential such foresight possessed. Despite the risks and ambiguity of techniques regarding things yet to pass, a properly-timed prediction could mean the very difference between victory and defeat. "In his case as well", the Captain moved to conclude, "I am tempted to claim this proficiency is born of Mister Pasiq's own Dathomiri heritage: the Grand Inquistor was also quite gifted in that area after all".