Prophet Crozeus had only ever been to Mon Calamari once, and that time he had been stowed away in the cargo hold of a rickety shuttle. Now, as he navigated the lanes of space traffic, it gave him time to realize the true beauty of the ocean-covered world.
His snubfighter, the Masar's Revenge proved an excellent vehicle for zooming along the busy lanes. Suddenly, he recieved a transmission from the air traffic control center, and activated the hologram emitter to reveal a tiny blue Quarren. Crozeus didn't say anything, he simply waved the small insignia he held, recognising him as a Moff. The Quarren, who had been about to speak, bowed his head.
"Forgive my intrusion, sir." He growled, and the hologram shut off.
Crozeus smiled and carried on, so that the planet now filled up his view. As he accelerated towards it, he noticed the massive construction yards, many with incomplete Star Destroyers docked on them. They were the very reason he had come here.
It took a fair amount of time to use his Hallowing ability in the Force to locate Grand Inquisitor Prognie. When he finally did, he instantly set down outside his office and proceeded inside. The guards, clearly aware of his arrival, probably since he had left Kuat, motioned him indoors. No efforts were made to remove the young Prophet of his weapons, and Crozeus knew that they knew he was no match for the heir apparent.
Crozeus reached the door to the Moff's office, and knocked three times.
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie had been sitting in his office on Mon Calamari dealing with the various problems and issues of the fish heads, while annoying at heart they were valuable allies and the best ship makers in the galaxy. There was a small beeping noise on his desk indicating he was being called. Pressing the familiar button he spoke, "Yes?" Prognie's voice was generally cold when he was working and he was being disturbed.
"My Lord, there is a ship registered to Moff Crozeus in our air space, should we allow him passage?" The Mon Calamari were no friends to violence but understood what was important in keeping their planet and themselves safe.
"Interesting, I have not scheduled any meetings with this Moff but allow him passage here but tail him all the same. I don't need him sticking his nose in anywhere." Prognie received acknowledgement of his order and the Calamari's voice disappeared and the console turned off. Prognie did not favor visits from the Moff Council, all were incompetent or foolish and some were both. He hated dealing with their trivial matters, their greedy needs, and their proposals. When the Moff finally arrived at his building Prognie was instantly notified, the guards were told to allow him passage as any respected Moff would be given. When Crozeus reached Prognie's office door Prognie simply waved the doors open and motioned for the Moff to enter.
"Welcome Moff Crozeus, it is the first time I've seen you in this area, how can I help you?" Prognie hid his contempt with his best diplomatic face and the force. He had fooled many powerful Sith, he didn't need to strain himself on this one.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus smiled slightly. "Thank you for your... hospitality, milord," he said, moving forward to take a seat. He paused for a second, but sensing the impatience of the Grand Inquisitor he came straight out with it.
"I have come with a request, one that must not leave this room. The shipyards of Mon Calamari are vital to the plan. I need a cruiser to be built, to exact specifications."
Crozeus breathed deeply before continuing.
"The cruiser is to be built according to Mon Calamari designs, rather than Kuat Drive Yards."
Preferring to hear a response than continue with his plan, Crozeus regarded the blind Dark Lord evenly, not giving anything away in his voice, or his emotions.
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
How original thought Prognie as he sat quietly pondering the request to himself trying to pretend he was mildly interested. "Moff Crozeus, if I could make a star destroyer for every time such a request was made I'd have my own personal fleet larger than the Empire's. Why should have the Mon Calamari make you a ship, of great design, for your own personal needs? There's no benefit in such a request for the Empire, it also sends a possible ship for the Empire into the hands of one man."
Prognie had received a diplomatic ship from the Mon Calamari but it was a gift of their own accord and he humbly accepted it as their offering to their new ruler.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus sighed.
"It isn't a Star Destroyer I am after. A cruiser much like the ones used by the Rebels during Palptine's reign. The reason, quite simply, is because if granted they would have free reign in how it was constructed. All I ask is that they follow the basic specifications I have with me."
Crozeus held up a datapad. There was no point in showing it to the blind Dark Lord, obviously.
"I would fund it completely myself. You would barely even need to know of its' existance."
A thought occured to the Prophet then. "I could have gone to a shipmaster, with a forged decree from the Supreme Commander. But I thought you would like having one up on Lord Marix, in knowing you could produce a ship without him knowing. You never know when you might need to," he added slyly.
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie leaned forward from his chair and whispered to the Prophet, "Dear Moff, the Supreme Commander does not run the production lines of the Mon Calamari. Controlling them would mean disaster, they have run efficiently for years on their own and I won't have the Supreme Commander come stomping his feet on their door." sitting back he scoffed at the datapad, "Unless you're going to read i to me Moff Crozeus, showing me data on a screen won't do you any good."
"What is this ship for?" Prognie asked curiously.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus narrowed his eyes, an expression he was allowed the luxury of when with the blind Dark Lord. "Lord Prognie, I would only tell you that were I to know that it was in construction."
The ship would be of vital importance to the Empire, but Crozeus knew that the other officials wouldn't see it that way. His communications with Lady Ducki of Fondor with similar requests proved that.
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie let out a laugh, "I hope you have not negotiated on the Church's behalf before Moff Crozeus as your attempt to give my okay for more information does not gain you any foothold here. Unless I have information regarding the use of this ship, its purpose for yourself, and how it will benefit those involved then I do not think I can see myself approving your request."
Prognie was no fool to negotiation, he would not have this Moff try to underhand him on anything. He hadn't gotten this far by being a fool, Mon Calamari was too precious to Prognie so any mistakes could cost him.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus smiled as well. "Ah, but milord, I am not here to negotiate on behalf of the Church."
He stretched a little bit, and then realised he had nothing to lose. "The ship is for my use. Of course, it will represent me for the Church, but it is primarily for my own agenda, of which a Star Destroyer is not what I need. It's first use, well, that will be for the tracking and elimination of a group of people."
Crozeus watched carefully, hoping to see something that may turn the Grand Inquisitor in his favour.
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
"I said before Moff Crozeus, not now." Prognie responded to the arrogant man's attempt to find flaw in Prognie's words. Pondering what he said regarding its uses he found the vague idea misleading. "You want to eliminate a group of people, what group? Why do you want to eliminate them? You cannot be vague here Moff Crozeus, that leaves too much room for error on my part."
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus nodded in acceptance of the heir's words. "Well, as Grand Inquisitor I am sure you are aware of a group of Grey Jedi known as the Crimson Blades. I have devoted a lot of my resources, including tens of thousands of credits, to the tracking of them. I now know where they are, their number and their defences. Those defences are why I need the ship, as well as transportation."
Crozeus breathed in again. He felt ill, but there was a sense of thrill in his gut that could only have come from breaking the rules once. At first he had been nervous, but he saw how far the very figure opposite him had become and decided to go through with it. Prognie had to have done some things that were frowned upon in his rise to power.
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie rubbed his chin with his right hand, a group he had never heard of existing beneath his nose. He didnt like being informed of new groups, especially ones that were seen as some threat. He liked to either have them under his foot or two feet in front of him where he could see them.
"What is this Crimson Blade? And what have they done to you that you are so eager to eliminate them? There is no record of them from my understanding and I generally like to keep a very up-to-date list of groups such as these."
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus smiled. It appeared the Grand Inquisitor wasn't as inquisitive as he once thought. He noticed that the mention of them agitated the Dark Lord slightly, so Crozeus was quick to reassure him.
"Don't worry, they pose no threat to us. They were once Jedi who focused too heavily on the blade. Their devotion to combat caused them to slip away from the light, yet they saw no reason to turn back, seeing as they could now freely use the Dark Side as well.
After the Jedi fell, they slipped into animosity, hiding on Kashyyyk. Many were sent across the galaxy to monitor goings on in the world. They are no big favourites of the Sith, but they are smart enough not to challenge us, and they have not tried anything to damage us, such as terrorism."
Crozeus sighed and leaned forward. "As for what they have done to me, well, they are who caused me to forget my name, where I come from, who I am. They brainwashed my best friend. And frankly, I want to see them all dead."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie showed no sign of his growing interest for this group, anyone who didn't like the Sith was a possible pawn for the future. Noting the name of the group in his head he pondered his new options. "So you would like me to help you in your personal vendetta then?" Prognie asked bluntly, by approving the creation of such a ship he would be written down in history as the one who also helped the ambitious Moff.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus smiled. It was good that he had dispatched the petty diplomacy and political games that Crozeus hated so.
"Well, I would like the ship builders of the planet to do so. It just so happens that you happen to govern the planet."
He looked at Prognie. "I have forseen greater things to come for you, milord. If you approve this, you will have a friend inside the Church, always."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
"By approving the ship I am also naming myself as an accomplice to your goal Moff Crozeus, you must understand that this is a path I must thread lightly." The second comment is what sparked an alarm in Prognie, he was putting in a lot of effort to insure that no one was able to see him in their visions. There was an obvious slip on his part, this Prophet was either attempting to use his position as a way to tell Prognie he was seeing what wasn't there as a way to convince him he had a higher purpose or the man was possibly seeing more than he should.
"I am interested in knowing more about this Crimson Blade, any hasty moves could cost us and by eliminating them we're eliminating a possible threat which is good or eliminating a future ally which is bad. Every action we make Moff Crozeus, whether we except the truth or not, has the possibility to greatly affect our futures. As a Prophet I assume you have seen this, the different paths that cross when gazing into the future, the possibility of change at any given moment if one slight catalyst does something different. There is caution that must be used, even when dealing with personal vendetta's, there are many ways to quench that thirst even if it's not the original plan you had."
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus shook his head.
"Nonsense. No one even has to know you were a part of this, should anyone enquire."
The Prophet thought about Prognie's words. "I have seen the future, Lord Prognie. I have seen glimpses of your future. Yet, you are always a shadow in my mind, so I can only assume it is you.
Of course I would take the necessary precautions. I have been planning this for so long, I know my plan will not fail. I have forseen it."
Crozeus hesitated before revealing something he hadn't even told Lord Praxeum.
"I have seen the death of this Empire, milord. It won't happen, at least not as soon, if they are removed. As well as personally, it will have a positive effect on the Empire."
Prognie opened his mouth to speak, but Crozeus cut him off.
"I know this, because when I envisioned the death of the Empire, a crimson blade hovered over the lifeless eyes of Shadow."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie wasn't shocked by Crozeus' vision, there were visions of peoples deaths all the time but most were never to come due to the nature of the Church. "I don't think a group of grey Jedi without purpose or goal will be able to amount any worth while strike against the Emperor. There are few in this galaxy who one could say are immortal, the Emperor has out lasted his friends and enemies, he does not sit where he is at today because of some group's weak dream."
Crozeus was possibly a man of loyalty, a possible pawn as well that could be thrown into the field. Prognie liked the idea and the possibility, "I am thinking about your request though and while giving you a ship is perhaps a tactless move there is perhaps some good that can come out of it for the Empire. But I do not like the idea of providing you a ship that could be a potential problem to its image in the future either. To be associated with such a disaster could be the end of the Mon Calamari's free reign on ship building. I'd like more information if you could provide it Moff Crozeus, and do not attempt to leave out details." Prognie would rip the information out from Crozeus' brain if he had to, there were few sith who were not lords that could potentially resist the mind of a dark lord muchless one who has worked hard to make it an exceptional gift of his.
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie wasn't shocked by Crozeus' vision, there were visions of peoples deaths all the time but most were never to come due to the nature of the Church. "I don't think a group of grey Jedi without purpose or goal will be able to amount any worth while strike against the Emperor. There are few in this galaxy who one could say are immortal, the Emperor has out lasted his friends and enemies, he does not sit where he is at today because of some group's weak dream."
Crozeus was possibly a man of loyalty, a possible pawn as well that could be thrown into the field. Prognie liked the idea and the possibility, "I am thinking about your request though and while giving you a ship is perhaps a tactless move there is perhaps some good that can come out of it for the Empire. But I do not like the idea of providing you a ship that could be a potential problem to its image in the future either. To be associated with such a disaster could be the end of the Mon Calamari's free reign on ship building. I'd like more information if you could provide it Moff Crozeus, and do not attempt to leave out details." Prognie would rip the information out from Crozeus' brain if he had to, there were few sith who were not lords that could potentially resist the mind of a dark lord muchless one who has worked hard to make it an exceptional gift of his.
High Prophet Crozeus
((Double-post))
Crozeus nodded in acceptance, it was fair what he was asking, and he wouldn't rise to bait of the Church. If Prognie didn't accept how important a role the Church played in the security of the Empire, then he never would.
"I wish for my cruiser to be designed in the style of the old Mon Calamari battle ships in the time of the Rebel Alliance. Apart from a personal like of the design, this is so I can avoid being instantly recognised as an Imperial when I go somewhere.
The builders, therefore, must follow the same designs that made the old cruisers capable of defeating an Imperial Star Destroyer - such as the internal shield generator that was impossible to hit. I also wish for them to add turbolaser batteries to the underneath, so if necessary I can bombard small areas.
I have the minimal specifications I would like with me, if you would show me one to give them to, but know that the shipbuilders can do whatever they like with it, as long as they follow the basic level I require. My budget at the moment for the project stands at one point two million credits."
Crozeus had never told anyone where he accumulated his vast amount of monetary wealth, and he hoped he didn't have to.
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
"You won't need anything that can take on a Star Destroyer Moff Crozeus, your request does not warrant that. Grey jedi shouldn't be using anything of that size, if they were they would have amounted some strike on something useful." Prognie was no idiot, if Crozeus was going to burn their planet then he could do it without the use of a more powerful ship than necesary.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus smiled and shook his head, a useless gesture, but an involuntary one. "I'm not planning to face any, just those designs. And I'm not planning on ripping the planet apart, there is a Church chapter there and I'm sure Lord Praxeum wouldn't be happy if I were to destroy it. Knowing from experience, Jedi, be they Grey or not, hold many surprises and I wish to be thorougly prepared."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Returning the Moff's egotistical smile Prognie retorted, "If you are not expecting Star Destroyers then there is no reason for you to need a ship powerful enough to take one on. If you will not raze this planet, then you do not need a ship that could pull it off. Giving you such power would be leaving you in a position to do as you wish plus the men to man that ship is not cheap and even you do not have the capability to fund it forever."
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus was enjoying the banter with the Grand Inquisitor, when he came to Mon Calamari he was expecting something quite different.
"You would be surprised, Lord Prognie, at just what I am capable of. Of course, when my mission, and several others I have been set are complete I will turn the craft over to the Military. It may well happen that the Church will fund the crew.
And besides, I wasn't requesting one powerful enough to take on a Destroyer, just the design of the ones that could. Chances are they have a capital ship of at least Victory-class proportions, and the speed of Mon Calamari cruisers would enable me to bomabrd it from above."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie made a waving gesture, dismissing Crozeus' idea that a star destroyer could fall into these men's hand. "What would they do with a star destroyer they could not man? The amount of people for such a ship, even on skeletal crew is more than they undoubtedly have in their order."
Becoming weary of the man's attempts to try to become underhanded Prognie displayed his annoyance clearly. "What is the real excuse for this ship Moff Crozeus, you have brought to my attention the existence of a possible Order but have no actual proof to back it. You have no idea what sort of defenses they are using and if they are indeed on a planet where the Church has a chapter, then how would they manage to hide a star destroyer? Your logic is not adding up and I do not find myself amused."
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus frowned. It appeared the Grand Inquisitor was becoming less and less familiar with his idea.
"Dark Lord Prognie, you know full well that these Grey Jedi have the ability to brainwash others. They most likely have a ship with a crew bent to their will with the Force.
The Shadowlands remain largely unexplored. It would not be difficult at all to have a cruiser hidden there. The world is far bigger than Kuat and you know what we have there. Of course, this is speculation. But, that is the real reason. It can serve as a powerful enough ship that doesn't represent the Empire like a Destroyer. It allows us an element of subterfuge, which I am sure you are familiar with. And it will allow myself, most likely the next High Prophet, and my best friend, one of the greatest duelists we have, to serve the Empire further."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
(( I apologize Crozeus, I had not realized that I forgot to respond. ))
"Moff Crozeus, you have stated that your Church has a chapter on the planet they are located on. If they were to indeed have a ship, would it not be possible for you, using Church resources, to find out how much of a threat they are?"
There was no hint of amusement in Prognie's voice, he was liking the idea less and less and would possibly handle the situation alone if he deemed these Grey Jedi worth the effort.
"I am curious to know what else you are holding back about this group." Prognie would have stared at Crozeus but it wouldn't have held the same effect as if he had been able to use a piercing gaze.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus sighed. The denial in Prognie's voice was apparent. "The Church, unlike the other Orders, does not have a fleet. But I have been using what resources I can to find out about them. From what I know so far, they have about 200 on Kashyyyk, and 50 stationed elsewhere in the galaxy. I could list planets, if you wish.
However, they have not been preparing anything offensive. The only shipments to them have been food and other essentials. No weapons. From what I understand, they simply sit there, corrupting away at the other parts of the galaxy."
((Don't worry ))
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
"Then how come instead of enlisting the aid of a Dark Lord you are attempting to lead your own vendetta? This seems easily handled by a quick swift decisive action instead of a half thought out plan that ends with you in ruins." While annoyed with Crozeus he didn't show it but he was also interested in learning more about this group, he wanted to learn more about them before wiping them out completely.
High Prophet Crozeus
"Because, Lord Prognie, if I went mewling to a Dark Lord every time I came across something that needs doing I would never get anywhere." The corner of Crozeus' mouth twitched. "I can tell you are interested in the Crimson Blades. If you want, you can come with us. Then, I am enlisting the help of a Dark Lord."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
"I am only interested in knowing how such an insurgent group even grew legs under my watch. If you wish to enlist me Moff Crozeus, then you will need to present to me hard data that is worth more than your word. I am the Grand Inquisitor, as such I don't simply do things based on a hunch."
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus smirked. "If that is what you are interested in, perhaps you could ask their leader." He flipped open his datapad, the information already there. "An ex-Jedi Master named Kwai Jin-Shii. Exactly two hundred and eleven personnel on the base at Kashyyyk, which is approximately three hundred and eighty kilometres south from the Church Chapter. Forty eight personnel implanted in different positions across the galaxy, the most important planets being Coruscant, until a short while ago, Corulag, Byss, Bastion, Hypori and Duro."
He looked up. "I have more, if you wish."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
"I'd like copy of your information Moff Crozeus, as well as the data to back up what is being said. I can tell you a earful of things of the Empire and all, some, or none of it could be true without the proper information to prove it." Prognie needed hard facts, when he could verify that the information was correct he would consider helping the man.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus nodded with a flashed grin. "Certainly." He slotted a datacard into his datapad and set it to copy. Moments later it was done. He drew it out and put it on Prognie's desk. "I converted it to audio as well, for your benefit. It holds everything I know about them. Names, locations, biographies... all kinds of information."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
"You understand that I will have to have my departments analyze this information for its validility?" He held the chip in his fingers, if this man was lying to him well then he'd suffer the consequences of that but if he was right then Prognie might have something to gain from it all in the end.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus smiled and waved a breezt hand. "Of course, of course. You will find it is completely valid, or at least it was three hours ago when it was last updated." He sat back on his chair as Prognie sent the chip off to be analyzed. "Now, my ship."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie smiled, "Your ship is of the least of my concerns until your information is verified. You must understand precaution is necessary in these instances, I don't want to be undermined by a Moff when my job is to never be caught off guard by another."
"You are welcome to stay for a while but the verifying will take a couple days up to a week possibly if people run into problems. Simple matters are never so simple in my line of work."
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus groaned inwardly. Anger nabbed at him, feral, but he swallowed it down and nodded. "Unfortunately, Lord Prognie, I have business on Naboo I must attend to. Contact me when you are prepared and I will join you." He stood up and brushed his tunic down.
"Now if there was nothing else?"
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie shook his head, "You are fine to leave." Pondering this ship that the Moff wanted Prognie held up a hand quickly, "Though, if you could also leave behind your specifications for the ship you would like that gives me time to review them personally."
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus turned. "Of course, milord." He produced the datacard and placed it on Prognie's desk. If not through site the blind Lord could find it with the Force. He looked back and walked out of the office, a cold shudder flicking through his body. The man was truly evil, even if he was doing good for the Empire it was maybe not for the current Emperor. Still, it was not Crozeus' place to meddle, so he cleared such thoughts from his mind. If they were true, they would be revealed to him in the Force, just like everything else was.
Aside from that, Prognie could be a very powerful ally, even if he couldn't ever be trusted.
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