Aequitas strode though the docking bay like he owned it, frowing at dirt, scowling at aliens and tutting at commoners. At last he reached his sleek Naboo Yacht, the Posiedon. It was his favorite ship by far, and the most luxorious you'd ever sit in. His office was tidy, comfortable and elegant, even the many bedrooms on board were. Aequitas was extremely rich, and he loved to show it.
As he reached the ship, the walkway lowered and three of Aequitas' man-servants walked out and bowed. "My lord Aequitas", one said, "everything is ready for take-off." Aequitas looked at him in disdain, he was a Muun. "Not everything..whatever your name is. I am waiting for my apprentice."
Aequitas tapped his foot. He hated tardiness, but then again, Aequitas was always early.
Djinn
Djinn quietly made his way to the ship, a dazzlingly shiny metallic ship, almost as if he were infiltrating the entire loading dock, making his way from place to place, as if jumping from shadow to shadow. He finally found his place beside his master, with a simple bow of respect, Djinn looked to Aequitas.
"My master, I am here. Forgive my tardiness." Djinn said in a smooth, quiet voice.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas glanced at Djinn before walking up the runway. "Your cabin will be shown to you. I will be in my office. Try not to disturb me. You can stand in the cockpit, if you wish and talk to the...pilots. I hope they speak Basic, blasted things. I hate it when they don't. Luckily, I'm always skilled in at least one language they know." He walked into the ship and turned to the right. He walked down a large hall to a door with a high security clearance lock. He turned to see Djinn walking onto the ship.
"Djinn. Your chambers are there", he motioned to a door, "I do hope you know why we are going to Coruscant." He smirked slightly as an answer to his own question popped into his head. To get you hair cut. Aequitas composed himself once more before sighing. "I forgot to tell the pilots where we are going. And if they don't know the co-ordinates for Coruscant, I'll kill them."
Djinn
"Sir." Djinn said quietly, and unemotionally, as if focused on something else. A queer grin found shape on his face as he turned slowly, moving towards the doorway specified to be his own room. He placed his hand on a small pad near the door, a scanner of some sort to grant him access, as it hummed to life and screeched open, Djinn began walking into it, he paused, for a moment, before entering, and turned his head to face Aequitas.
"And no, it's not to cut my hair." He said with a smug grin and a chuckle as he entered his room, taking a seat on the cot laid out before him.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas growled. The bugger had read his thoughts. Aequitas had his guard down, he didn't think he'd dare. He stopped Djinn in his tracks with the Force. "How dare you. Who the hell do you think you are reading the thoughts of a Sith Lord and Order Head. You are a lowly apprentice, boy." Aequitas drew his lightsaber and cut of the hair of his apprentice from his shoulders down.
He released Djinn from his hold. "You do that again and you will learn the true 'shocks' of being a Sith. Now I ask you again, you insolent pup, do you know why we are going to Coruscant?"
Djinn
"With all due respect, sir." Djinn began, silently laughing a bit as he took a dagger to even out his hair, leaving it shaggy, just barely past his ears now, "If I'm so lowly of a Sith, then how could I read your thoughts without even trying to? Do I understand you're frustrated because I proved you to be just as weak as the next Sith? Yes, I do." he finished cutting the remains of his hair and put the knife away. With a stern look to him, Djinn stood up to Aequitas, barely matching him in height.
"We're here to collect information, I'm assuming. To do what the Mages do, yes?" Djinn said in a quiet demeanor, still looking at his master as if his pride hadn't been touched in the least.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas smiled. "One more word and I will ensure you do not breath again. I do not have my thoughts blocked on my own personal ship. I employ non-force sensitives. I like to relax. But your thoughts I can crack like a 1,000 year old vase. And do you know what I know about you, worm? I know that you are afraid. You are afraid you have gotten in over your head. Your only way to show your strengths is by forcing attention on yourself."
He walked out of the room. "No. You haven't harmed my pride. I know I'm not weak. If you want to succeed you wil shut it."
Aequita sighed as he used the force to throw Djinn against the wall. He smiled as he heard the clunk of his head against the wall. "And now to work", he said aloud, lokcing the apprentice's door behind him.
A few hours later, the ship touched down in the Mages HQ on Coruscant. Aequitas opened the door to Djinn's chambers. "And how are we?"
Djinn
Djinn simply smiled as he lay on the ground, wall to his back. "If you say so, he muttered to himself, but still audibly, as the door shut behind his master. He pulled back what was left of his hair from his face, sneering a bit as he rubbed a bit of dust from his shoulder and raised himself to his feet.
Djinn, who was sitting on his cot, awaiting his master, stood up and at attention moments before his door shot open and his master entered. "Just dandy." he said with bravado, as if all that had happened didn't matter in the least.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas smiled weakly before waving his hand over the apprentice. He knew that Djinn had a slight headache, so he removed that problem. "Now", he said before standing to one side holding one arm out in the direction of the hall, "let's get going. I have a long day ahead of me, as do you." Aequitas swept back his hair before walking out of the chambers, his thoughts guarded extremely well. It'd take a Dark Lord to break through them. I hope his arrogance will lessen. The High Mage will not allow such a person into the Order, he thought. As he stepped into the hallway, the Muun man-servant appeared. "My Lord, I have your fur outer robe". Aequitas took it without a word of gratitude.
He turned to see Djinn emerge from the room. "Hungry, Djinn?"
Djinn
Djinn nodded, slowly following his master outside. He had figured it'd be a bit chilled, and brought with him his special set of armor, adorned with the finest pelts of hunted snow wolfs; darkened armor with fur of the purest white. While he was in isolation in his chambers, he chopped off the remainder of his hair, leaving it short and naturally spikey.
As Djinn emerged from the ship, looking like a completely reborn person, of fierce nature, he looked to his Aequitas, "Just a bit." he said plainly, noticeably more humble in tone than he'd usually be.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas smiled. "Normally I'd say good. Hunger is good for a sith. However, I haven't eaten in 8 days and I am not facing Coruscant with no food." He looked at Djinn. "You look younger like that. Short hair is good. Very good. Yes."
He stepped off the ship. "This, Djinn, is the Headquarters of Exploration. If you become a Mage, which you will if you tone down the arrogance, this is where you'll be stationed. I know you'll be an Explorer. You have that...air about you." Aequitas sighed. He hated Coruscant. It was his home planet but it reminded him of his past. It was one if the ironys about Aequitas. He hated his own past, but was the Empire's High Historian. Similarly, he was an avid politican and diplomat, fluent in every major language, but disliked those who were not Human.
"Now Djinn, today we are going to asess Coruscant. Please tell me what I mean by 'asess'", he said simply.
Djinn
Djinn smiled a bit with his simple bow of respect, nothing to fancy, nor too submissive, he allowed his master to know he was at attention, loyal, and to a degree, under his control, but at the same time tried to get the message across that he was another human being, not just a puppet. Rising back up to his usual firm standing position, showing perfect poise, Djinn seemed relaxed as he gave his full attention to Aequitas.
"I can only assume it means we'll be figuring out some sort of percentage in terms of who we can determine loyal to our Empire. Finding areas and things we can use to our advantage?" Djinn retorted in a low tone, seemingly a typical manly voice, deep and scarred.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas grimaced. "In a way, yes and no. It is not our job to determine who is loyal to the Empire. That is the job of the Inquisition. Although, I have doubts of their leader's sanity and loyalty myself". He looked around and greeted the various Mages that were scurrying about. As one ran past, Aequitas grabbed her arm and pulled her close. "Dyla, just the person I was looking for. Send for my car." He let her go and watched as she scuttled off. He looked at Djinn. "She's the temporary Human Resources Manager. The last one died from a horrible accident. He ran into some 'lighting'", he said with a grin.
He walked briskly through the complex, occasionaly stopping to speak to various Mages as he did. He stopped at the front desk and muttered his gratitude as the receptionist handed him a checkboard. "So Djinn, what do you think of this place?"
Djinn
"Very nice, my Master." Djinn said in a quiet tone, humility obvious in his voice as he tried to make himself more approachable and kind to Aequitas. His former flare and cruelty, one could call it, had dialed itself down just a tad, for his interest in joining the Mages far exceeded his drive for power, he'd settle for respect, rather than fear, trust, instead of loyalty.
Djinn leaned up against the front desk that was still before the two, showing himself to be relaxed in the new environment.
Djinn
((Bump?))
Lord Aequitas
((You could have PMd me. >_> I told you I was studying. You shouldn't bump unless it's been a few days and if you noticed, I haven't replied to the other RPs I'm involved in, so it's not just you.))
Djinn
((I'm aware. I'm impatient. And I'm fairly sure a 'Bump" can be used in any situation. Unless it's done differently on this site.))
Lord Aequitas
((It hasn't even been 24 hours since your last post before the bump. I have a life, I'm still in school, I had to come out to family members - I've been busy.))
Djinn
((My mistake, I won't bother you again. But if this is always going to be the case, I'd like to get this training done with as quickly as possible so I can actually get things done with my time instead of waiting on everyone else since I'm such a lowly rank.))
Lord Aequitas
((Bothering everyone else will ensure you stay at that rank. I have to spend 7 days training you. I'm spreading it out.))
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas gave his thanks to the receptionist. "However, if you become an Explorer, you will be in the field most of the time." He looked at the list. "I know Coruscant is going to get full marks, but I still have to do this. Why is this Djinn?"
Aequitas began walking, motioning for Djinn to catch up.
Djinn
"Standard protocol?" Djinn said somewhat humbly, looking to his master for a brief moment before walking at a brisk pace to keep time with Aequitas down the hallway. "Just to make sure everything is right?" he added, taking place at his master's side as they walked, almost at the same pace and stride.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas smiled. "Exactly, my apprentice. Go forbid there to be something paranormal brewing in Coruscant and the Mages not find it." He continued walking until they reached outside. A chauffer was waiting for them. "Then again, Coruscant being eaten from the inside mightn't be as bad as it sounds", he added with a smirk.
When they entered the car, Aequitas thrust the clipboard at his apprentice. "Where should we go first?"
Djinn
"Well.." Djinn began, flipping through pages of paper on the clipboard frantically, not being so familiar with the planet, ".. Corruption usually stems out from some sort of Diplomatic or noble position. Higher powers and such, so I'd assume we should start in the council chambers? meet with the elder ranking officials?"
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas looked at Djinn with a confused look. "My dear boy, corruption? We don't investigate corruption. What gave you that idea?"
Aequitas began to play with his ring of office again.
Djinn
"Well on a planet like this.. what more could we be looking for, my Master?" Djinn asked with a touch of innocence in his voice, genuinely not knowing the full extent of the answer.
Lord Aequitas
He smiled. "We'll be looking at resources, both natural and man-made. That and cultual, force-related and historical factors."
He looked back at Djinn. "So, where do you think we will start?"
Djinn
"I'm unsure." Djinn said, growing slightly irritated with the fact that his master would not simply tell him, forcing Djinn to look like a momentary fool before his master.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas rolled his eyes as he sensed the apprentice's thoughts. So powerful was Aequitas, that Djinn didn't even know. "My dear apprentice, I'm letting you choose. Like I said before, I expect leadership."
He motioned to the clip-board. "Pick anywhere, we'll go there first."
Djinn
"Then I'd assume simply heading into town would be the best idea? Get a sample of both." Djinn said, almost in a questioning tone, as he looked to the clipboard.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas laughed. Then the car stopped. Aequitas motioned for Djinn to get out. As he did, Serratus, the High Mage slipped in the other door. The doors closed and the car sped off.
"Now that's done, Serratus, we'll need to split up. I'll take Militarial and Political uses, and you can take flora, fauna and civilisation. We'll discuss the rest later."
High Mage Serratus
"Very well m'lord. I think it would be best if you were dropped off first, seeing as I will no doubt be going rather deep into the Undercity."
In anticipation of the trip, Serratus was armed to the tooth, a flame carbine was linked to a pair of rather large fuel tanks on his back, a bandolier of Vrakolian spin-blades ran from his shoulder to his hip and in his hands he clutched a pair of giant, cleaver-like beskad. His hands themselves were adorned with a pair of crushgaunts and his rancor-tooth lightsaber hung from his belt.
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas nodded. "Good luck and for the love of Shadow, stop antagonising the low-lifes." He smiled as the car pulled to a halt outside the Church of the Dark Side Chapter.
"I haven't been here in a while", he chuckled. "I'll make my own way back to the HQ. I'll see you there"
With that, Aequitas stepped out of the car and walked off, becoming invisible in the crowd.
High Mage Serratus
Serratus shouted at the driver.
"You. Take me to the lowest level of the Undercity that you won't soil yourself from entering. Now."
Lord Aequitas
Aequitas smiled as a car pulled up outside the Church’s Coruscant Chapter. He had just finished viewing it and was now ready to go to one of the main military barracks in the Empire. He himself had been stationed there while a Quartermaster in the Navy. He hoped to visit each Order while on Coruscant and then some other important buildings like towers, palaces and government offices.
He knew that many organisations moved to Kuat when Shadow set it up as capital but Coruscant was still very important. The Military had a strong presence here, the Mages kept their Headquarters of Exploration here, the Inquisitors kept Offices here and the Royal Guard also had troops stationed here too.
He had no doubt to what categorisation the planet would get but custom dictated he still visit the planet anyway; he had no problem doing this of course, but would have preferred if someone else did it.
The Grand Mage often met with the other Order Heads and the Emperor himself too as well as going to Naboo every week. Although the Moff Council had been dissolved, the Naboo still regarded Aequitas as their representative in the Empire and he was proud to speak for them too.
This train of thought carried him through the tour of the, quite large, Military complex as he ticked boxes and passed comments every now and again.
High Mage Serratus
Serratus stepped out of the cab. Here among the lowest parts of the Coruscanti Undercity was the only place on the planet he would be able to find any living flora or fauna. However, in these dark depths, the strangest of creatures existed, explaining his present heavy armament. The ancient streets seemed deserted as he started walking and his terrified driver disappeared upwards. Apparently the triple in price wasn't worth staying. Serratus sighed. This wasn't good.
Lord Aequitas
The glorious sun was sinking beneath the pinpricks that were the towers of Coruscant when Aequitas finally left the Royal Guards complex. He had just finished a tour with the Sergeant-at-Arms of the complex. He was growing weary of the visit as Coruscant was quite large and everything was spread over the the great solid sphere that was the planet.
He decided to visit the largest Sith structure in existence – the Imperial Palace. It was not far from here, a few minutes at most in a speeder. It was a magnificent palace, rich in history. Aequitas himself as an Order Head had an office there. He pulled out his comlink and spoke quickly, yet quietly, into it. A few moments later, a speeder descended from the dusty sky above where a never-ending stream of speeders manoeuvred their way through the course which was the Coruscant transport system.
High Mage Serratus
Serratus began walking. Standing like a sitting duck wasn't going to help. Dim, dying lights flickered here and there but Serratus found himself relying almost entirely on the Force for navigation. Sensing movement nearby, he sheathed his beskad and drew the more powerful flamethrower. Apparently this movement alerted the nearby lifeform and as it started rapidly approaching Serratus, he fired off the flamethrower. Whatever the thing was, it was completely incinerated and fell to the ground screaming in pain. Serratus heard more movement, the sounds of many feet headed his way. This wasn't good.
Lord Aequitas
Unfortunately, as soon as the Grand Mage stepped inside the Palace, the secretary he had there rushed up with a lot of paperwork for him. He groaned. "My dear, I am on official Order business and-", he started however, his Cerean secretary was having none of it. "Yes, Order business and this is business for your Order", she snapped.
Aequitas, grinning slightly, took the paperwork into his office and left it on his desk. Then, leavingby a side door started chuckling as he made his way to his ext destination, putting ticks and comments on his clipboard as he went.
High Mage Serratus
Serratus started walking through the abandoned streets. He slid his knives into their scabbards, they wouldn't be much use now. He drew his flamethrower and used the Force to probe his surroundings. Despite this, his sense of perception was faltering and Serratus stumbled forward, causing a bit of noise. Suddenly he heard the sounds of claws scrambling across the floor. It stopped for a couple of seconds then restarted, even more frantically. Serratus felt the creature coming towards him in the dark and blasted it with his flamethrower. The creature erupted into violent red flame and started roaring and howling in pain. Serratus heard many more claws scratching against the ground.
