Vindication

[Laran Katern]

The Fallen Angel streaked through the depts of space, it's engines working hard to bring their passenger to his location. The vessel was coming desperately close to the borders TSO space. It wouldn't be long now.

Inside the ship, Laran sat at the helm, a drink in hand, letting the autopilot do the work. An alarm suddenly went off, telling him that he had just crossed the border. Laran set his drink down and took the controls, maneuvering the ship with the same expertise that had won him so much acclaim back at the Sith Empire when he used to fly their fighters.

Now I guess I'll see if the price I paid that splicer was worth it.

He pressed onwards towards his goal. He expected that it wouldn't be long before he was either hailed, or met with some resistance. No matter though, he would be ready. He had been ready all his life, and recent events had only made him realize how misplaced his faith and beliefs were. That was about to change. He was ready for that now. The only question was, were they ready for him?

[Live Wire]

*Live Wire was pulling a shift in the traffic control center when the unidentified ship came into range. There were no ships scheduled to be in their space at the time and it was not readilly identifying itself. She barked orders to the lieutenant next to her.*

I want that ships information now.

*turning on the com system she hailed the ship.* Unidentified vessel state your name and purpose. You are in restricted space and will be shot down if you dont comply.

*she doublechecked to make sure the shield was up and put their fighters on standby*

[Laran Katern]

The speaker came to life, the voice from the command center coming across crystal clear. Laran chose to ignore it for a moment longer, pressing onwards at the same breakneak speed. His decision to ignore the voice was clearly driven by his arrogance.

The ship flew deeper and deeper into TSO space. Finally Laran decided he would return communications with the traffic controller.

"This is the Fallen Angel. I would rather not discuss my personal agenda. Shoot me down? You're welcome to try."

Not wanting to provoke any further, Laran kept his shields and weapons powered down, but throttled additional power to the engines. He may just need it.

After a moments thought, Laran reconsidreed. He was in their space after all, and he would need their permission to land so that he could make his request. Apologizing to them though was not an option, nor was discussing his plan over radiowaves.

"I request permission to land"

[Live Wire]

*Live Wire was sitting there amused at the arrogant stupidity of the pilot. If he didn't want to cooperate it was his problem. He could smash into the planetary shield grid and it would be like a fly on a winshield. It wasn't her problem.

She heared the pilot request permission to land and she shook her head. Guess he wisened up a little. She called up what info she had on the ship before granting permission.*

Open a hole in the shields and let him through. Send a group of fighters to escort our visitor and make sure he doesnt cause any problems. Keep a weapons lock on the ship and if he tries anything shoot him down.

*Her assitant nodded and quickly made good on the orders. She reopened the channel to the ship*

A group of fighters is on an intercept course. Don't do anything stupid or you'll be shot down. By now your sensors have picked up our planetary defenses so dont take my words as an idle threat. TSO out.

*she closed the channel and sighed. Another day another annoying person.*

Have a small group of troops meet me at the docking platform.

[Laran Katern]

The thought of the threat did not sit well with Laran. No, in fact he loathed it when people underestimated him. No matter, he would show her. Not today though, today he would have to put his feelings aside. He had more important things to do.

A few moments after he shut off the com. system, a squadron of fighters came out, surrounding him, taking up positions on his flanks. He turned to look at them,scoffing at the thought that they thought they could stop him if the need arose. A feeling of contempt towards them began to form in his head, at the simple thought of the fighters.

Not now....we'll show them later. More pressing issues. Calm yourself...

The Fallen Angel stayed in perfect formation with the fighters, flying arrogantly, until it had breached the planetary shield. The fighters guided him through the atmosphere until finally structures were visible. They herded him over to the appropriate landing bay, where the Fallen Angel set down gently in the hangar.

Inside the ship, Laran sat in his chair still, looking out the view port at the small garrison that awaited him. Using the force, he called belt his lightsaber and a few of his knives that he had brought with him. He clipped his lightsaber to his belt, while the knives were neatly concealed in his sleeves. This was after all a Sith headquarters, and as a result, certain precautions had to be taken.Finally when he was comfortable, he rose out of his chair, and disembarked, ready to meet the group that awaited him.

IN the midst of the group stood a woman, one that didn't look happy to be there at this present moment. Laran took the opportunity to address her.

"Is this all really necessary?"

[Live Wire]

*Live Wire stepped into view her cloak blowing in the slight breeze that always seemed to be present around the docking bays. One eyebrow raised in amusement at the attitude of the man in front of her. His attitude disturbed her and he seemed quite cocky for one who was on someone elses turf. The arrogance annoyed her to say the least. Her voice held no emotion as she adressed him.*

You tell me? You haven't been very forthcoming with information.

I am Lordess Live Wire Sith Mistress of TSO. Why are you here?

[Laran Katern]

Impatient faces all stared at the Sith Knight, who only returned their gazes with a cocky sneer. He crossed his arms over his chest, his whole posture reeking of arrogance. The look on his face told all. He was simply better then the lot of them.

"There is a reason for that Lordess Live Wire"

The emphasis was clearly upon the lordess, the sarcasm dripping from it. Respect was definitely on Laran's agenda today.

"The reason so simple, that you may comprehend it. The reason simply being that it is none of your concern. I shall address the proper party myself."

Unfolding his arms, he continued to look up at the group, then focused solely the Sith Lordess. He smiled warmly at her. Or at least so the smile would've been had it been sincere.

"I am looking for one far more powerful then yourself. So if you could find it in your time to direct me to Lord Vader, I'll be more then happy to present myself to him, and more specifically, my request."

[Live Wire]

*This guy really needed to work on his manners when addressing a council member.*

Well right now I'm here. And if you want to get any further you had beter start showing some respect.

*telepathically she sent a message to her assistant to fetch the lord vader*

Is this request of a personal nature?

[Darth Vader Returns]

:: The double doors hissed open, and the Dark Lord entered ::

You have summoned my presence?

[Laran Katern]

The emergence of the new figure so quickly had caught Laran off guard. Immediately he fell to one knee, bowing before the powerful presence which was now in the room. He no longer paid any mind to anyone else in the room.

" Yes Master, I have. I come to you with a request. One that differs slightly from the norm. May I present it to youself"

This was a figure that commanded respect, and with such, Laran was prepared to give it to him. He remained on one knee, his head bowed, the thought of looking at him not even coming across his mind.

[videl1999]

From the shadows, Videl watched quietly with the hood of her cloak covering most of her face.

(What's with this one? He's acting very strangely. And what does he want with Lord Vader?)

She thought as she continued to watch while her pets sat on either side of her as they always did.

[Laran Katern]

Another presence flickered through his mind, but he paid it no attention. There was only one person that needed his attention right now, and it was the one person who would decide if his visit here had been a waste or not.

Keeping his head low, not looking at the Sith Master, Laran chose to speak once more, a little more confidance in his voice this time.

"I come here Lord Vader, with a request. A request for myself to become your pupil. I wish to further my knowledge of the Sith and to use that knowledge to extract my revenge upon my enemies in true Sith like fashion and not the fashion used by so many these days. "

He spoke with more conviction this time, and hatred for his enemies dripping from his voice.

"I wish to become powerful"

[videl1999]

It was then that one of Videl's eyebrows rose, she knew this one.

(Laran? what's he doing here?)

She thought, he had been a part of her former alligence TSE but she had only spoken with him once. Still she remained quiet to see what Lord Vader had to say about the matter, there was always time to talk to Laran later if need be.