Hatebreed: Wake Up [completed]

[Vega Van-Derveld]

When a crime is committed, those affected are left in shock. To attempt to create any sort of rational conclusion whilst in a period of grief or mourning would be impossible – the human psyche becomes far too traumatized. Images that remain in the victims mind are of the person slain in the crime, or of the destroyed property. Not of the minute speck of blood on the carpet that would be barely visible even to the most vigilant person. That is why we hire detectives, to pick up on these tiny pieces of evidence. If we did not, we wouldn’t notice possible leads until a long time into the future, when for some reason our subconscious piques our curiosity into delving into past crimes.

Months ago, a Sith Knight had fallen in the Empire’s own recruitment chamber at the hands of her former lover’s son. The darksider, Athena Lady Darknss, was a friend to many, and especially to Vega. The Sith Lord himself had previously lost his wife to death, and had fixed his attention on Athena in an attempt to compensate for his losses elsewhere – in the faint hope that he could rekindle some form of love. Sadly, again, death takes the one he desires.

But now the grief has gone, the remembrance all but ended, and the search begun.

Word has reached the Sith Empire of a clone going by the alias ‘The Lady Athena’, and said information reached the hallowed grounds of the planet Helios swiftly. From the confines of his attic, where the Lupine had curbed himself, Vega had probed into Athena’s past life and heritage. Putting side by side information he came to some rather interesting conclusion, though one struck as the most curious. The darkling had been related to an Imperial – an admiral at that. This in itself was not what he found remarkable; more so the darker part of the admiral’s life was what concerned him. The man, who went by the name of ‘Millard’ dabbled deeply in the dark arts.

What with his distancing himself from the Empire, there would be no harm in extending his leave to pay the man a visit. A minute or two’s searching through data files proved useful enough to dig up the planet name, and even the city, which the admiral was most frequently seen – Bin Prime, Balmorra.

The ISD Hyperion came into orbit of the sphere, as two crafts – the TIE Phantom Praetor Fenix and TIE Phantom Ren Mauzo – disembarked from the main holding bay. The small transports approached the outer band of the planet, nearing the security checkpoints at a quick pace. Even from the skies, it was clear to Vega that the planet was as technologically literate as Coruscant.

A brief moment of silence, before the Sith spoke into the commlink, directing the frequency at the protection outposts:

“This is the TIE Phantom Praetor Fenix requesting passage into Balmorra and the city of Bin Prime. One passenger on board, Lord Vega Van-Derveld, personal guest of the Admiral Taylor Millard…”

This said, he paused, and awaited some response.

[Taylor Millard]

"A personal guest you say?" the brown haired man raised an eyebrow as he watched the Star Destroyer Hyperion release its passenger then hover in space like a hawk.

"I have not personally met a Vega Van Derveld," Grand Admiral Taylor Millard's blue eyes narrowed as he ran his memory back, attempting to remember if he knew a Van Derveld.

It was then he remembered, the day he visited The Sith Empire, to reclaim Athena's bone's for burial on Balmorra. The blond haired man casting one of the more intense gazes on Millard as he tried to get the body of his cousin.

"Sir?" his apprentice, Quellin, asked as he stood next to Millard.

"Let him land," Millard finally said, "I want you to go and meet this Van Derveld and bring him here. I will see what he wants. Go now."

Bowing, Quellin left then hurried to the landing pad where the TIE Phantom was just beginning to land.

"Mister Van Derveld, I presume?" Quellin asked as the blond haired man exitted the fighter, "You are to come with me, please."

[Vega Van-Derveld]

The Fenix landed and Captain, Roga Troin, set the security system into action once the Sith Lord had departed the cockpit, out into the open air. The Lupine stepped down from his craft to the greeting of a man calling his name. Naturally, on instinct, his subconscious tried to recall the face, and after failing to do so read the man for Force strength; around Knight it seemed.

“Excellent,” Vega murmured as he drew his coat closely around him. The winds created from the landing craft kicked up hard against his back, whipping the previously folded hood against the back of his head.

As he followed his guide, he cast a glance around, both physically and mentally. Teeming with life, this place was, of a humanoid and mech variety. It was apparent also from the noise in the area that walkers were patrolling the borders around – a heavily guarded complex. Walking with the apprentice, he began to approach what appeared to be a military compound. On entering the building it was obvious that security here was just as tight as it had been outside, and clearances had to be passed repeatedly before their final destination drew within reach.

After sometime, they reached a door which slid aside with a soft hiss, and the man bowed deeply – he was in the presence of his superior, his Master, and thus, they had arrived.

[Taylor Millard]

"Thank you Mister Vos, you may leave now," Millard nodded to Quellin, then watched him leave. His apprentice would go and watch from the gallery, taking notes on the meeting.

"I am curious why you said, 'Personal Guest' Mister Van Derveld. I did not invite you. In fact, the only reason you are here is that I remember you from when I got my cousin's remains from Munto Cordu."

Millard kept his seat, "So tell me, why are you here?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

His eyes traveled with ‘Vos’ as he departed, before sliding back quickly to Taylor.

“Please, call me Vega.”

A thin unconvincing smile crept its way over the face of the darksider, allowing for two pin-point fangs to pry their way over the man’s lower lip.

“As to why I am here, you yourself have just stated one reason for my presence – your connections with a dear departed friend of mine. However, as you may well have sensed this is not the single driving force behind my arrival.”

There was a pause, during which Vega looked towards the colonnade that Quellin had left into.

“Though that is of no real consequence. I am interested, for now, primarily in your relations with the late Athena.”

[Taylor Millard]

"I had a feeling you were not here for tea and cakes," Millard took a drink from his espresso cup as he listened to Vega's question.

"Lady Athena was my cousin. It is customary on Balmorra to bury the remains on planet. I will be buried here, my brother is buried here, my mother is buried here, as is my father.

"Athena deserved burial next to her family. Which she was. Why do you ask?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“My concern lies purely with the fact of your illusive factoring in Athena’s life,” he replied, “Not once did I hear her mention you.”

Whilst he spoke, he absently smoothed his coat into place before slipping his palms within the deep pockets on the sides. Inside, he thumbed the material idly.

“I take it that being her cousin you are a blood relative, and was wondering hence whether you knew anything of the man that took her life?”

[Taylor Millard]

"No I have not learned anything from that. My information though, says the one who killed her died as well. And since she died in The Sith Empire's chambers, I believe it should be handled there."

Millard motioned for Vega to take a seat, "We had only recently learned of our blood relations. Her mother was my father's sister. Before any more investigation could be done, Athena died.

"Did the Sith Empire handle Athena's death properly?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“Interesting.”

He took the seat with a gracious nod, folding his arms over his chest.

“As to her funeral rest assured it was dealt with accordingly, with the deepest of reverence.”

He smirked somewhat.

“… You’ll have to pardon my ignorance, Millard, only I don’t know any more about you than that you are an Admiral. Are you at liberty to enlighten me further or could my knowing information on you jeopardize security?” he said with a subtlest hint of sarcasm.

[Taylor Millard]

Alas, young ones tend not to show respect. Although Lok has been much more respectful than this lad Millard smiled inwardly at the thought of the smuggler Loklorien s'Ilancy.

"I was born on Balmorra, joined the Empire at a young age and have served it for practically all of my life. That is all you need to know. That is all there is to know."

He raised a questioning eyebrow, "And what of you? You come here, without any provocation or advance informent and you expect me to treat you with respect? I know nothing of you, why should I not have you removed from this planet at this instant?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“I don’t know, why shouldn’t you? And you must of course know I have asked nothing of you but simple questions, you were not obliged to answer them, yet you did.”

Vega replied, gesturing one arm outwards, the smile reforming.

“I assume from this that we share a mutual curiosity towards each other. Since you have shared your side of the story, have mine – the location of my birth does not matter, and though I joined an Empire too it was not one and the same with that you speak of. Of course, I refer to the Sith Empire, under which I have served for the past 3 years.”

[Taylor Millard]

"Yes, I believed the both of us learned each others affilitation when I visitd Munto Cordu," Millard closed his hands together, "Have you enjoyed your time with The SIth Empire? And may I offer you something to drink?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“As with many things in life, my interest in the goals and pursuits of the Empire has become thin, my loyalty to my Mistress remains the only hold on me there. Though, I admit, in the past I would have never considered for a single moment departure, my devotion has been overly fanatic…”

A pause in the speech, “A Jack Daniels to drink, if you have one, thanks.”

“… It is an impressive place to the new, but to the traveled it is far less extraordinary.”

[Taylor Millard]

Millard walked from his chair, opening a cabinent. He turned shortly with a glass full of a brown liquid.

"There you are," he then resumed your seat, "So you are now here. Do you wish to join The Galactic Empire or one of its splinters? I can direct you to one if you wish. Or are you here for another reason?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

Vega took a sip of the drink, momentarily savoring the flavor.

“I have no fascination with the Galatic Empire. Imperials and their politics are not something that can keep my attention for long,” he said, then adding, “No offense intended, of course.”

“What I seek in life I doubt you could provide.”

[Taylor Millard]

"None taken," Millard nodded, "So you are looking for more? What then? What drives you, Mister Van Derveld?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“I desire control. I suppose in this fashion we are alike, we both aim for the highest part in our profession, striving to take control of the reigns. You will know that to do so you must step over comrades and such,” Vega swirled the drink slowly around in the glass.

“Hardly team spirit, but then who needs the team when you can end up being the one in charge, right?”

[Taylor Millard]

Millard's eyes narrowed. Team play was something he had always strived for.

"Yet, if one works as a team...they group as a whole can succeed as well. I believe I have answered all of your questions. You are dismissed, you may keep the glass with you."

As Vega began walking out, Millard added, "There is a hotel in town called 'The Flaming Spider'. It is a bit late, and you may wish to stay there for the evening. Dismissed."

[Vega Van-Derveld]

Obviously a nerve had been struck. At this, Vega smiled. He rose to his feet and gave a curt bow.

“A pleasure meeting you, Millard, I’m sure,” he said as he turned his back on the Admiral.

Pacing out back the way he’d come, he finished off the last of the drink in one quick draught. As he walked through the corridors, retracing his steps and passing Quellin on the way, he grinned somewhat. There was another name to add to his list of people who it was entertaining to irate.

Outside it was raining and though not heavily, Vega became eager to get to the inn Taylor had mentioned. It was far too late in the evening to depart, and to try and cross the galaxies of an evening would have been far too time consuming – traffic was bloody murder. Thus, treading the paths of the city of Bin Prime, the Sith finally came across ‘The Flaming Spider’. From the outside it appeared nothing special, though it would no doubt cater satisfactorily for Vega’s needs.

He reserved a room – one night, no breakfast in the morning, with a 6am wake up call – and was escorted to a small third floor box that the bellboy labeled as a ‘luxurious suit’. It had a bed. And nothing else. A smirk came over Vega as he dropped down into the cot, shaking his head. He pulled out a communications pad:

“Captain Darlun,” he spoke, addressing the man at the helm of the Hyperion, “Inform anyone who tries to contact me that my location is unknown. I intend to spend sometime here… to sample the local flavors.”

He laughed at his own sadistic humor as he cut the link off, lying his head back against the pillow, a fanged grin on his face.

[Taylor Millard]

Millard's eyes narrowed as Vega left. The Sith indeed was powerful, but the lust for personal power might be his undoing.

Perhaps it was time to see just how powerful Vega Van Derveld was...

"Quellin, get my gear. I shall return later."

[Maester Wargrave]

Wargrave slipped through the shadows of Balmorra, his blue eyes on his target. His apprentice was not with him, this job was for him and him alone.

The Dark Jedi leaped towards the top of a building, casting a gaze over the city of Bin Prime. He loved the town and was quite happy with the leadership provided by its governor.

His black cloak cast a deeper shadow as the Black Hand member perched upon the roof. His target was close now, currently basking in the pleasures of the only escort service willing to visit Bin Prime.

Kiterix made it illegal for such houses to be in Bin Prime. But that never stopped anyone from trying, he smirked, keeping his disgust low.

He dove towards the window, stopping just outside, hearing the sounds from within. Pausing one last time, Wargrave entered the room of Vega Van Derveld.

"I apologize, was I interupting something important?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

A look of giddy excitement turned to annoyance as Vega’s eyes turned from the troop of three before him to the cloaked figure at the window. Flicking down to the pane of the frame, he saw the muddied footprint on the metalwork.

“Not interrupting, but it isn’t everyday I get a mysterious stranger sweeping in through my window,”

The women who’d been ‘tending’ to Vega were pushed away as the Sith pushed his forearm against them, knocking them backwards. They squealed a bit, causing a quiet chuckle, briefly humoring the Lupine before he turned back to the cloaked one. Stood, shirtless, he folded his arms over his chest and looked down his nose at the man.

“So then my enigmatic guest, I will give you 10 seconds to explain yourself before I tear your arms off and beat you to death with them!”

[Maester Wargrave]

"Yes, well. We shall see how successful you are," Wargrave smirked.

"You came to Bin Prime for a reason, and I assume it was more than just to sample Madame Hartley and her women," the Dark Jedi nodded, and the girls left.

"Why are you here?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“Oh I don’t know, I thought they were rather pleasant,” he murmured as he watched the three leave in a flurry of feathers and fur.

“I don’t suppose you have to be a genius to realize I’m here for more than them though,” Vega picked up the black shirt on the bed to his left and tugged it on quickly.

“I’m looking for people to help me with this problem I have, doesn’t look like I will find them here though, not a very hospitable lot” he added with a shrug.

[Maester Wargrave]

"Perhaps you are asking the wrong people," Wargrave replied, taking a seat on the chair in the room, "You want something other than what you have. You seek...power. Why?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“That’s a rather stupid question,” he said with a smug smirk.

“I am already a powerhouse of abilities but this is much more I can learn to strengthen myself. In due time I would have the power to bring everyone in every corner of the galaxy to my own way of thinking – and if they would not submit, well then my power would be the death of them.”

[Maester Wargrave]

"Is it a stupid question?" Wargrave's eyes gleamed, "Perhaps it is you who is not thinking. There is always a reason to seek power. Whether it be for personal gain, political reasons, or lust.

"You wish for death and destruction of those who disagree with you. Why not convert them? If you are as poweful as you say, could you not force them to think like you do?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“Some are so weak of mind that they cannot comprehend what I tell them, and infact do not deserve to even follow me,”

He replied with a snort.

[Maester Wargrave]

"Then tell me, what is it you wish to comprehend? You say you want power, I say, 'Why?' The weak at mind are normally the most corruptable. Why have you not turned them towards your ideals and wants?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“As I said previously stated, some are not even worthy of having the knowledge.”

There was a pause, in which the Sith Lord folded his arms over his chest and look skeptically towards the man.

“I know not your name, stranger, yet you demand such information of me.”

[Maester Wargrave]

"Forgive me, stranger," Wargrave said a half smile on his face, "I am getting forgetful in my 'old age'."

The Dark Jedi stuck a black-gloved hand out.

"Maester Wargrave. And you are?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

He took a firm grasp out the out-stretched hand and shook it.

“Maester Wargrave, you say?”

He smirked, a little amused.

“Lord Van-Derveld,” Vega then replied regally.

[Maester Wargrave]

"Yes Maester," Wargrave smirked, "You pronounce it Mai-stur. Just do you do not forget it."

The Dark Jedi let go of Vega's hand, then smiled.

"Now that introductions are out of the way. Shall we order something to drink?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“Drink?”

He rose one eyebrow, then shrugged.

“Sure. Perhaps you can tell me what you are a ‘Maester’ of then, eh?”

[Maester Wargrave]

"Maester is not a title, it is a name," Wargrave conintued, "If you wish to speak to my mother about it, I'm certain she could explain it better than I."

Wargrave picked up a comm, ordering wine for the both of them, "Now, if you wish to know what I master at...I am a Dark Jedi. And I sense you have Force Powers as well.

"I am informed you have left your position in the Sith Empire. Why? They are indeed powerful. Why have you left?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

He grinned a bit at the fact that man was named Maester – it seemed more like a form or Master, a title of some kind to him that a forename. The look on his face shifted to more of distaste than pleasure.

“My interest in that particular organization has dwindled. I am ever loyal to my Master, but the cause of the Sith Empire is not one I wish to aid.”

[Maester Wargrave]

"I see, no Maester is a name, even if it sounds like a title. Then you wish to join another organization? If so, what kind?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“Something smaller perhaps, more concentrated, not full of would-be’s and weaklings,” Vega dropped back down onto the bed, sitting against the edge as he looked up at the armoured Wargrave.

[Maester Wargrave]

"There are several out there. The Sith Order is one which is known for its power."

Wargrave paused, "But there's something else in you. Do you wish to retain the name...Sith?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“I couldn’t care less what designation I retain. It will not affect me or what I strive for, in the end,” he said with a slight shrug of his shoulders.

[Maester Wargrave]

"What of your anger? Does it control your every move and action? Or can you control it, using it to fuel your power? Does it consume you or not?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“If it consumed and controlled me, would I not have already lashed out at you for intruding on me?”

[Maester Wargrave]

"Your point is taken Mister Van Derveld. I now leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening."

Wargrave began his exit back out the window, then he paused.

"By the way, tomorrow go to the 'Harkan Dral Depot'. It is a refueling station on the outskirts of Bin Prime. You will be met there. You have until 1300 hours to accomplish this. If you are not there, then you would have forfeited your opportunity."

He smirked, as he crawled out, "Your women will see to you now."

Then he was gone.

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“Oh wonderful…”

Vega slid downwards in the cot, closing his eyes. A few curious murmurs could be heard as the door to the room creaked open a little bit. Van-Derveld smirked and the thought of exactly what would happen at the depot in the morning brushed over his mind for a split second before he lapsed into a hazy submission, aided by the glass of wine on the side table...
…
The sound of movement. One eye flickered open as he looked up to see the retreating three girls, a big bundle of something valuable in their hands. Vega groaned a bit, and they scurried away. He heaved himself upwards and lifted the small chrono on the side cabinet. It read off 0700.

“Hrm.”

He shifted about a bit and pulled himself to his feet – it was going to be a long day.

[Maester Wargrave]

Wargrave was waiting in the distance, his face shaded from the sun by his cloak. It was unnaturally warm this time of season for Balmorra. Although the summer was in full swing, the temperature did not rise over 90 on most days. By the Dark Jedi's account, it was allready 92.

Heat comes and heat goes, he reminded himself as he waited.

The Sith, Vega Van Derveld, would arrive soon. Then Wargrave would see how ready he was indeed. He hid himself behind the Depot's sign and waited.

It was 1250 hours.

[Vega Van-Derveld]

The Hyperion and Ren Mauzo had been ordered to leave at 0900 hours. The Captains, though reluctant, did not question the Lord’s motives for fear of loosing their lives. Instead, they headed back to his home at a fast pace. The Praetor Fenix, on the other hand, was in the capable vigil of one of the planets mechanics, who was upgrading the engine or tweaking with a something-or-other – Vega was not well educated on mechanics, and preferred smashing a wrench into something to fix it.

Outside, when the time had reached 1023, Vega stood with a bag strapped onto his back. It was a small hold all and had a strap which ran diagonally across his chest. He, unlike some others, was wearing very little. The heat was sweltering, much like it used to be on Helios, so he was accustomed to it and did not seem at all bothered by the high rising heat.

The Depot was in sight by 1246, and the long walk would soon pay off. Hopefully. In the end, Vega didn’t know what was coming, though he didn’t doubt for a second that he’d be able to handle whatever it was.

“Alright then,” he murmured to himself as he stepped up to the center of the depot, at exactly 1254.

[Maester Wargrave]

Out of the dust a stooped man come forward. He twitched as he walked, his wrinkled face showing signs of age. He wore black and looked as if one of the many technological wonders Balmorra had to offer him, had not sat on him as a child.

The man appeared to walk past Vega, then stopped, as if sensing something.

"So who'er yoo, and why're yoo on my propertee?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

Still staring forward, Vega raised one hand in the air. He gestured it in a small arc as he spoke:

“My business is my own. You are far too tired to deal with me.”

[Maester Wargrave]

"Am I?" The man cackled as he spoke, "Perhaps yoo do not know as much as yoo think yoo do.

"Yoo're here to meet someone," his white and brown eyes stared at Vega, "Well yoo're early. Why're yoo earlee?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

His brow furrowed somewhat as he turned to look to the old man.

“Better to be early than late, is it not?”

[Maester Wargrave]

"Perhaps...but what sort of air does it show if yoo are earlee and the person yoo are to meet is not here? Hmm?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

Vega looked around and squinted somewhat, trying to pick out any other life forms to see if Wargrave was infact here. Noting none, he looked reluctantly back down to the man.

“I have no idea, and admittedly my opinion is of no consequence at this point. I am here now, so let whatever ‘air’ people want to see about me will be seen. Perhaps my guide will tell me what he thinks of it when he arrives.”

[Maester Wargrave]

"Perhaps he allready has," the old man spoke, "Come...we will talk in the shade. My old aged, body cannot take this heat much longer."

He took two steps, heading towards the shade of the Depot.

"Are yoo coming, Vega Van Derveld?"

[Vega Van-Derveld]

“… Certainly.”

He followed slowly as they walked towards the darkened cooler areas, all the while keeping his eyes on the back of the man’s head. This was far too simple, there had to be some sort of underlying subterfuge going on beneath the wizened figure before him.

[Maester Wargrave]

As they walked into the cooler shade, the stooped man disappeared into thin air. No flash of smoke or anything, the man simply disappeared.

Vega was left standing there. It was 1300 hours.

"Ah I see you have arrived," a familiar voice came from the doorway, "And on time as well. Congratulations Mister Van Derveld."

There, in the doorway, was Maester Wargrave, his black cloak fluttering in the wind.

"So, now that you are here...let's say we see how good of a saber fighter you are.

"Come outside please."

[Vega Van-Derveld]

His roamed slowly about for the elderly fellow – clean gone. Vega groaned a bit under his breath and began walking after Maester as he lead on, how confusing. No doubt it would be all worthwhile in the end, some wonderful piece of wisdom would be his.

“A duel?”

Seraphim lifted, without him moving his hand, to raise into his palm – hidden behind his back.

[Maester Wargrave]

Wargrave paused...

"No, no I have a better idea. Meet me at these coordinates in 4 days. It is then we will see how talented you are."

He tossed a data pad to Vega.

"Guard those with your life, Mister Van Derveld. I'm sure you can figure them out. Good day."

[Vega Van-Derveld]

He shoved the datapad quickly into his pocket with one hand before approaching Wargrave still.

“What is the meaning of all this secrecy?”

Vega paused.

“… I don’t imagine you will answer that. No matter.”

He turned away and nodded to himself.

“Until we meet again, then.”

[Maester Wargrave]

"Mister Van Derveld, I wish you luck on your endeavor of finding what you are looking for."

Wargrave continued his walking, then disappeared as the dust picked up again.