[IC] Holo-Diary - Rhysand Sovern Sekker

[Rhysand Sekker]

Part I: The Sith Acolyte

Entry I: The Horuset Powerbase

The figure appeared in the shimmering blue and white of a holoprojection, his hands clasped across his chest in an ‘at-ease’ position. Clad in the familiar black Acolyte robes, the figure fixes his vibrant eyes on the viewer. Long, cartilaginous bone spurs extend from his chin, and his expression is stoic, lips thinned into a disapproving line. He shifted his shoulders back, taking a moment to consider what he was about to say.

“Holo-diary of Rhysand Sovern Sekker, Sith Acolyte. Entry one.” The young man stopped, looked away from the viewer as if listening for something, and then looked back. He cleared his throat and began speaking again.

“Today, I have been transferred from the Dromund Kaas Sith Academy to the Acolyte program of the Horuset Powerbase. Overseer Garotha said to me before I left that she hoped it would swallow me whole. I am not sure what she expects to happen. My cousin and Lord Patriarch is here. By his side is where I belong.

“When I stepped off the shuttle, I was welcomed by my cousin and Patriarch, Sith Zevasa, cousin to the former Darth Sekker. He had a woman with him, who I now know as Apprentice Zartilda Varrixon and a human Acolyte whose name I do not know. Sith Zevasa held my tour, and I was shown around the Horuset Estate. Where I arrived is the shuttle pad and an Imperial encampment that is forbidden for Acolytes, both on the lower grounds that are open to me day and night. At the estate, there are two checkpoints, which check for contraband, with cells to the left for detainment."

The Acolyte’s impassive figure moved as he tilted his head slightly to the right. “The tour itself is not worth discussing at length. It was informative, but not essential for this diary. During the tour, I heard several names to which I have no faces to add. They are Sith Tutki, who has something to do with the room between the Archives and the Training Room; one Korditis, who I expect is a brute, judging by the name alone; and a Lord Kalkoran—Trakaton Horuset—who is the husband to the Dark Lord and as Her Hand. I was also told of his family, a Zarkang and a Yallanda Kalkoran, who both serve as my ‘peers’—” Rhysand’s lips drop into a scowl. “—and as Acolytes here. I hope that they know that a fancy name does not important make.”

Rhysand briefly looked away from the recorder and sighed. “There was an incident in the Archives when I was brought there by Sith Zevasa. If I break the rules, they will be enforced by him—but I can tell that’s not what he meant to say. Personal observations aside, I have been told that I am not to go into the briefing room or past the last door on the right in the Grand Hall. It also seems that Sith Zevasa considers this Varrixon woman family. She is keen, that one, which would be an issue if she was not ‘family’. But it’s not her expectations I need to live up to, or her eyes I need to ensure watch me. No, that is Evelyn Ghûl, Sith Apprentice to Sith Zevasa. I don’t know what to think about her. But I will do my duty."

Rhysand angled his head back and looked at the ceiling while he thought, letting out a deep breath. “What else… Ah, I watched a pair of fights today after entering the Training Room: Acolyte Harr, a bald human, against my Patriarch, though it was not a fight and more a punishment. The boy had been defiant during the previous Trial and bragged about defying my Patriarch. Pathetic and wretched behaviour, but what else can you expect from a full Human?” He exhaled sharply. “Never mind. Sith Sarias entered, and spoke with an Overseer, apparently seeking one or two Apprentices. I hope that won’t be me, though Sith Sarias does have a certain presence about her. No, I have already made my choice.

“After the fight between Harr and Kromus, I spoke with the latter. A fascinating figure, a useful asset, and one who I don’t doubt will go far. He invited me to a Pureblood Alliance that has formed on the order of the Dark Lord Herself. Led by Kromus and Yallanda Kalkoran—again, that Acolyte I’ve not met—it also contains Acolyte Illodraen, and is designed specifically to prevent alien successes in the Trials. I’ve joined that, as Kromus and Illodraen seem stable allies, and Sith Zevasa considers it an alliance with the ‘right people’, he said later. Before Kromus and I spoke, however, we entered the medbay. I don’t like them, but that’s for another time. There, in the kolto tank, was a person. Scarred, damaged, I don’t know how to describe it. When I asked, Illodraen described him as a traitor.”

The Acolyte shrugged, adjusted how he stood and took a moment to collect his thoughts. His lips thinned into a disapproving line, and his eyes flicked offscreen for a moment again. His posture, however, remained perfect. As if he could remain standing for hours on end.

“When we left the cantina, where we met, Kromus and I nearly ran into an emerging conflict between Sith Vipion and Sith Arvanis. I went to speak with Sith Zevasa, and inform him of the occurrences that had taken place, but we were interrupted by yelling from Sith Vipion and Sith Arvanis: a personal matter. I’ll need to look into what happened. Syllel appeared again. Sith Zevasa will be ‘dealing with you [syllel] later’. I’ll need to ask her about that. When we did speak, Sith Zevasa seemed pleased at my words. He advised me about Syllel and the Pureblood alliance: I’m not to become subservient to Kromus or the Kalkoran Acolytes. But to play a sycophant sometimes is the best choice. For now, that is what Kromus needs. A confidante. And that is what I shall make myself.

“Late in the evening, I watched a close-quarters-combat fight between Charsette, a Miraluka,” His scowl grew. “And a human female. In the past tense, the human kept going on about ‘he’ and ‘him’. I suspect she might have gone through trauma or lost someone important to her through the alien’s actions. It’ll require looking into.”

Rhysand offers a sharp nod and with that, the holorecording fades.

[Rhysand Sekker]

Entry II: Shii-Cho and Sith Sarias

Again, the black-robed figure of Acolyte Rhysand appeared in the cyan-white hues of a holorecording. The Acolyte was standing in a nondescript room, hands clasped in the small of his back and head fractionally angled back. A self-satisfied grin pulled at his lips.

“Today was productive. My days are already settling into a steady rhythm that is comfortable enough, I suppose. While the day began with breakfast—or what can be called ‘breakfast’, anyway, I’m already growing tired of that synth food they feed us—it did not truly begin until I came into the Upper Courtyard and found Sith Zevasa doing some kind of training with Amleth and some of the other Acolytes. He was bouncing Amleth off some kind of purple wedge, possibly a Barrier of some kind. Anyhow, upon my arrival, I was told to tackle my cousin—so I tried, as did the rest, which was then critiqued by Sith Zevasa. Once I tried to tackle him, Sith Zevasa told me that ‘stubbornness is a poor substitute for skill’, which is valuable advice. The other advice he offered was detail-oriented and analytical: a trait I need to cultivate myself.

"The Zabrak Acolyte tried to counter him strength-for-strength, without giving thought to his further abilities, which is as can be expected for their kind. Amleth attacked him without seeing the big picture; though he came surprisingly close. And I… I overextended. A retreat would have served better, but stubbornness got the better of me. It’ll get me killed at some point, I’m sure of it. Persistence is a failure of its own: a valuable lesson to learn so early on. In particular, Sith Zevasa said: “In conflict, as in life, dominance is vital. Seek to control the flow of battle, rather than merely throwing yourself at it, and your opponent will walk themselves to defeat."

Rhys adjusted his stance, pushing his shoulders back as he tilted his head to the right, like a corvid finding a particularly fascinating piece of metal. The grin widened even more if possible.

“The next thing happened in the evening, at the Shii-Cho lesson held by Apprentice Daxze Trihza. She summoned all us Acolytes to the Training Room of the Estate and then held a… Boring lecture on the stances and guards of Shii-Cho. She favours that bitch Syllel too much. Far more than she should, even using her as an ‘example’ to the rest. By Mekhath, I see now why Kromus wants to be rid of the aliens so much. But, the Guards and Opening Stances.”

Rhysand stepped to the side and took a training foil offscreen, assuming a low stance. His feet were set shoulder-width apart, his left foot set forward, the right set backwards. The foil itself was held in both hands, pommel near the navel, pointed upwards and to the right at 45 degrees to protect the chest, arms, and head.

“Low Cross!” His blade slipped down to waist height and was pointed down at 30 degrees. The standard grip remained as the blade came to its new position, settled to defend the lower chest and legs.

“Mid Cross!” The blade moved up, settling at chest height, as the blade pivoted up to 30 degrees from the horizontal, though it remained slightly tipped downwards, to defend the chest and upper legs.

“High Cross!” Rhysand called out again, and the blade came up higher before it settled into a standard grip at head height at a 30-degree angle from the horizontal axis, still tipped downwards to defend the head and chest.

“Hasso! Reverse Hasso!” The blade came down, now pointed up vertically parallel to the body to defend the torso and head. Then, Rhysand raised his hands to shoulder height and horizontally slammed downward to rest parallel to the body, now to protect the chest and legs.

Again, Rhysand called out: “Stance one!” He stepped forwards, the pommel lowered to the navel, with the blade pointed at 45 degrees to the right as he faintly extended his arms. Then he twisted again: [i]“Stance Two!” His pommel flicked up to chest height, the blade pointed up at 45 degrees from the horizontal axis to defend the arms, chest, and head. Rhys then stepped back, deactivated the foil and returned it to where it came from. He turned back to the viewer, a confident grin never wavering. “Apprentice Trihza then ordered us to pair up and practice combinations, which I’m glad happened. I faced Acolyte Venesdaii Sutta’Qo, who is… Pitiful. At least in blade-combat.”

Again, Rhys took the blade, assuming a basic defensive Shii-Cho stance, dominant foot back. Then, he stepped forwards and unleashed a flurry of blows on an imaginary opponent. The blade danced in his hands, stabbing up then down and across the imaginary foes’ legs before it snapped up and passed across an invisible neck. “Shiak Zone 1! Sai Tok Zone 4! Mou Kai Zone 5 & 6! Sai Cha Zone 1!” He called out in the steady staccato of a drill sergeant, performing each attack in sequence and concert with the others, each following up the last like notes in a melody or steps in a dance. Eventually, after the decapitating strike, Rhysand lowered his blade.

“He went down in a single combination. I think that earned me the attention of Apprentice Trihza and Sith Sarias, the Sith Alchemist, who summoned me and Acolyte Vaera to the Archives and gave us a task: pick two creatures from the Bestiary, one for offence, one for defence. Present your choices, and explain your reasoning. At first, Vaera and I got along. We picked Vurai, a Nexu, for offence due to the Nexu’s position as the apex predator, infrared vision, and speed. For defence, we picked Agrias, an Akk Dog, due to its previous use as a shield, and that it has an armoured hide, small eyes, and an especially armoured head. Resembles a tank. Sith Sarias asked why we did not pick Anarchus, a fire-breathing toad, for offence, which I explained that due to its personality of wanton aggression, it was unsuitable. If an asset is a danger to both its allies as well as its foes, it can’t be relied upon to function. Then she asked why the Akk Dog, rather than a Yozusk. This was explained by Acolyte Vaera, who then tried to claim that she had done more of the work and thus deserved the reward. In the end, Sith Sarias gave us three days to come up with a question, any question, to ask her. A valuable reward for a half-hour’s work,” He shrugged. “She should know my ambitions don’t lie with her, I suppose.”

“The next day, I sparred with Apprentice Trihza. I suspect I earned her attention by bringing Venasdaii to his knees. Through it, I learned that she is an aggressive fighter, mostly suited to Form IV or Form Vb, Djem So, though she engaged me in Form VI, Niman, indicating she knows all except Form II. She claimed to have earned my ire through cheating—but there is no such thing as cheating in combat. There is only victory and defeat, no matter the cost or road to get there.”

With that, the holo faded from view, though the self-confident, arrogant smirk from Rhysand Sekker remained a moment longer.

[Rhysand Sekker]

Entry II: Shii-Cho and Sith Sarias

Again, the black-robed figure of Acolyte Rhysand appeared in the cyan-white hues of a holorecording. The Acolyte was standing in a nondescript room, hands clasped in the small of his back and head fractionally angled back. A self-satisfied grin pulled at his lips.

“Today was productive. My days are already settling into a steady rhythm that is comfortable enough, I suppose. While the day began with breakfast—or what can be called ‘breakfast’, anyway, I’m already growing tired of that synth food they feed us—it did not truly begin until I came into the Upper Courtyard and found Sith Zevasa doing some kind of training with Amleth and some of the other Acolytes. He was bouncing Amleth off some kind of purple wedge, possibly a Barrier of some kind. Anyhow, upon my arrival, I was told to tackle my cousin—so I tried, as did the rest, which was then critiqued by Sith Zevasa. Once I tried to tackle him, Sith Zevasa told me that ‘stubbornness is a poor substitute for skill’, which is valuable advice. The other advice he offered was detail-oriented and analytical: a trait I need to cultivate myself.

"The Zabrak Acolyte tried to counter him strength-for-strength, without giving thought to his further abilities, which is as can be expected for their kind. Amleth attacked him without seeing the big picture; though he came surprisingly close. And I… I overextended. A retreat would have served better, but stubbornness got the better of me. It’ll get me killed at some point, I’m sure of it. Persistence is a failure of its own: a valuable lesson to learn so early on. In particular, Sith Zevasa said: “In conflict, as in life, dominance is vital. Seek to control the flow of battle, rather than merely throwing yourself at it, and your opponent will walk themselves to defeat."

Rhys adjusted his stance, pushing his shoulders back as he tilted his head to the right, like a corvid finding a particularly fascinating piece of metal. The grin widened even more if possible.

“The next thing happened in the evening, at the Shii-Cho lesson held by Apprentice Daxze Trihza. She summoned all us Acolytes to the Training Room of the Estate and then held a… Boring lecture on the stances and guards of Shii-Cho. She favours that bitch Syllel too much. Far more than she should, even using her as an ‘example’ to the rest. By Mekhath, I see now why Kromus wants to be rid of the aliens so much. But, the Guards and Opening Stances.”

Rhysand stepped to the side and took a training foil offscreen, assuming a low stance. His feet were set shoulder-width apart, his left foot set forward, the right set backwards. The foil itself was held in both hands, pommel near the navel, pointed upwards and to the right at 45 degrees to protect the chest, arms, and head.

“Low Cross!” His blade slipped down to waist height and was pointed down at 30 degrees. The standard grip remained as the blade came to its new position, settled to defend the lower chest and legs.

“Mid Cross!” The blade moved up, settling at chest height, as the blade pivoted up to 30 degrees from the horizontal, though it remained slightly tipped downwards, to defend the chest and upper legs.

“High Cross!” Rhysand called out again, and the blade came up higher before it settled into a standard grip at head height at a 30-degree angle from the horizontal axis, still tipped downwards to defend the head and chest.

“Hasso! Reverse Hasso!” The blade came down, now pointed up vertically parallel to the body to defend the torso and head. Then, Rhysand raised his hands to shoulder height and horizontally slammed downward to rest parallel to the body, now to protect the chest and legs.

Again, Rhysand called out: “Stance one!” He stepped forwards, the pommel lowered to the navel, with the blade pointed at 45 degrees to the right as he faintly extended his arms. Then he twisted again: “Stance Two!” His pommel flicked up to chest height, the blade pointed up at 45 degrees from the horizontal axis to defend the arms, chest, and head. Rhys then stepped back, deactivated the foil and returned it to where it came from. He turned back to the viewer, a confident grin never wavering. “Apprentice Trihza then ordered us to pair up and practice combinations, which I’m glad happened. I faced Acolyte Venesdaii Sutta’Qo, who is… Pitiful. At least in blade combat.”

Again, Rhys took the blade, assuming a basic defensive Shii-Cho stance, dominant foot back. Then, he stepped forwards and unleashed a flurry of blows on an imaginary opponent. The blade danced in his hands, stabbing up then down and across the imaginary foes’ legs before it snapped up and passed across an invisible neck. “Shiak Zone 1! Sai Tok Zone 4! Mou Kai Zone 5 & 6! Sai Cha Zone 1!” He called out in the steady staccato of a drill sergeant, performing each attack in sequence and concert with the others, each following up the last like notes in a melody or steps in a dance. Eventually, after the decapitating strike, Rhysand lowered his blade.

“He went down in a single combination. I think that earned me the attention of Apprentice Trihza and Sith Sarias, the Sith Alchemist, who summoned me and Acolyte Vaera to the Archives and gave us a task: pick two creatures from the Bestiary, one for offence, one for defence. Present your choices, and explain your reasoning. At first, Vaera and I got along. We picked Vurai, a Nexu, for offence due to the Nexu’s position as the apex predator, infrared vision, and speed. For defence, we picked Agrias, an Akk Dog, due to its previous use as a shield, and that it has an armoured hide, small eyes, and an especially armoured head. Resembles a tank. Sith Sarias asked why we did not pick Anarchus, a fire-breathing toad, for offence, which I explained that due to its personality of wanton aggression, it was unsuitable. If an asset is a danger to both its allies as well as its foes, it can’t be relied upon to function. Then she asked why the Akk Dog, rather than a Yozusk. This was explained by Acolyte Vaera, who then tried to claim that she had done more of the work and thus deserved the reward. In the end, Sith Sarias gave us three days to come up with a question, any question, to ask her. A valuable reward for a half-hour’s work,” He shrugged. “She should know my ambitions don’t lie with her, I suppose.”

“The next day, I sparred with Apprentice Trihza. I suspect I earned her attention by bringing Venasdaii to his knees. Through it, I learned that she is an aggressive fighter, mostly suited to Form IV or Form Vb, Djem So, though she engaged me in Form VI, Niman, indicating she knows all except Form II. She claimed to have earned my ire through cheating—but there is no such thing as cheating in combat. There is only victory and defeat, no matter the cost or road to get there.”

With that, the holo faded from view, though the self-confident, arrogant smirk from Rhysand Sekker remained a moment longer.

[Rhysand Sekker]

Entry III: Darth Horuset

Rhysand appeared again in the cyan-white tints of a holoprojection, his hands clasped in the small of his back and posture impeccable, even under the ill-fitting Acolyte Robes. The Acolyte canted his head to the right for a moment as if he was considering something, then righted it and began, a faint grin playing along his lips.

“Darth Horuset. Sith Master to Sith Zevasa and leader of the Horuset Powerbase. I have been fortunate enough to see Her in person: I saw her spar two Apprentices, a hulking brute named a ‘Traitor’ by Illodraen when I first saw him; and the female Neophyte with one hand. They don’t matter. Only She matters. Darth Horuset is perhaps the greatest Sith I have been able to be in the presence of. Perhaps even greater than the late Darth Sekker.” The grin widened. “She is graceful and authoritative; powerful and wise. She is precisely what a Sith should be, which has only confirmed my desire to serve Her directly.

“I could go on and on about Her for hours on end. But that would be unnecessary. Know this: I will serve Her if that is the last thing I do. Following the duel She had with the Neophyte and the Brute, I spoke with Sith Zevasa. The… Details,” The Pureblood’s lips twisted into a thin line. “I don’t remember much. He… He inspected me physically and through the Force, commented that ‘Boldness is notable in and of itself’ about informing Her of my desires.

“The next day, we were brought to a slave camp on Sernpidal as a part of an ‘outing’ organised by Apprentice Dutrosu, the masked Assistant-Logistician. He explained the part slaves have to play in the Imperial economy, which for me did not reveal much information, but it did reveal an interesting angle through which to… Convert Syllel. Everyone has a place; even slaves; even Acolytes; even Sith. It wasn’t too interesting, were it not for a single incident. An Acolyte named Ikora called me a Seq’kar.” Rhysand’s tone shifted downwards, and his figure and expression tightened. “I don’t care for the other Acolytes. But that bitch should learn her place. So I beat her until Apprentice Dutrosu intervened. It should teach her to stay out of my way if nothing else.

“Apprentice Dutrosu, as Assistant-Logistician, is the head of the powerbase’s logistical efforts. It’s his work that enables us to fight the war: a warrior studies battle, but a strategist studies logistics. He seems good at it. A bit obtuse, but efficient. He serves Sith Leive, the Provisional Envoy of Resurgence, and Lord Kalkoran, the Hand of Horuset. Both are involved in Logistics to varying degrees. Invaluable work that involves working with the lowest of the low, the slaves. Despicable.”

Rhysand offered a sharp nod at this, and the holorecording faded.

[Rhysand Sekker]

Entry IV: Trials and Ascensions

Stepping into view, the hologram shifted to reveal Acolyte Rhysand, as ever standing with his hands clasped in the small of his back, the hilt of his training foil visible over his right shoulder.

“The Trials have come. One before I arrived, the second I couldn’t attend, but the third and fourth I have lived through. The day before the third Trial, my first, we received a lesson from Sith Zevasa on Strength, Individualism, and Alliances. No doubt meant to discourage allegiances between the Acolytes: they are common enough to be annoying.” Rhysand grinned and briefly looked away from the camera as if checking if he was alone still.

“Strength. According to the Sith Code, Strength is Passion—thought and ambition—given drive and direction. It is what allows one to push higher and fulfil ambitions and goals. But I am not here to wax philosophically about the Sith Code. No, the Strength my cousin was referring to, is that of the individual. Best described as ‘prominence’ or ‘reputation’. The weak, those without a reputation to protect them, or without the willingness to do what must be done, will always flock to the strong: those with reputation or prominence or a willingness to act. And to act in their interests, to waste your strength on others, is foolish. To waste your resources on the ambitions of others is foolish. To spend your time on saving others when it isn’t in your interest is foolish.

“Individualism. Sith Zevasa began by asking the Acolytes what the first step towards the Dark Side was. I don’t remember who said what, but the answers were: selfishness, Individualism, and Anger. Selfishness in prioritising your goals above all others; Individualism in recognising them; Anger in being a base, perhaps the base emotion.

Rhysand rolled his shoulders, exhaling forcefully as he continued speaking. He stepped back and began pacing, his shoulders back and back straight, chin fractionally angled backwards as if in imitation of someone. Though it can be said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

“The truth lies between them all. Yes, the Dark Side requires one to be selfish. Yes, this requires an understanding of our emotions. Yes, this requires recognising our goals. But we Sith shouldn’t be slaves to our emotions, because this stops us from thinking clearly. TO FEEL IS TO UNDERSTAND!” Rhysand bellowed suddenly, his deep voice cutting through the air like a blast of thunder in a clear sky. “To feel is to understand, and through understanding our emotions, we master the Dark Side.

“Alliances. They create conflict and drive advancement when goals collide, but to unite against a single, stronger foe admits that you are too weak to stand against them alone. Of course, the single obvious example of this not being the case is the Empire. But even the Empire is not exempt: the strong dominate the weak and so are we all a part of the hierarchy of the Empire. And the strength of the whole is derived from the individuals within it, not from the unity of purpose.

“When dismantling an alliance or fighting a group of enemies or an army, divide and conquer. The Jedi are an example: they are trained to rely on each other, Master and Padawan, or paired Jedi Knights. A Sith must be as capable alone as when fighting in a group. Without individual strength, a single Sith will fall. And to defeat a group of enemies, particularly Jedi, employ Defeat In Detail. Defeat them one by one, be it when fighting armies or fighting Jedi, the same principle applies.

“Beyond the obvious flaws of an alliance, there are several other problems. Risks. Weaknesses. Through the alliance, the self relies on others. It stagnates. It withers. It falls. Through the alliance, the self is fooled into thinking one is safe. The illusion of safety provides an opening for the ambitious and the bold: the illusion of safety leaves one open to attacks from within the alliance. And once the common goal has been achieved, the normal status quo will reassert itself. It will tear itself apart in a fight for dominance.”

Rhysand paused for a moment and reached up to fix an out-of-place hair. His sharp copper-gold eyes settled on the viewer, a cold determination glinting in them.

“The next day, we were summoned to the Great Hall by Overseer Tse’kira, the Matriarch. Under the stained glass Horuset Sun, she detailed our assignment: each of us was given a bronze token—for an Acolyte—and we were told to get as many tokens as possible. Apprentices, Sith, and Lords held a silver token, and a single golden token was held by the Apprentice to Darth Horuset, which earned an instant success. They all spread out through the Estate.

“I’ll admit, I don’t remember much from the Trial. I took a substance from one of the Apprentices—don’t think I even got a token for it—and that made things… Hazy. I need to be more careful with that in future. Regardless, I ended with four tokens, which was one too few to earn success. Yallanda gained the golden token—it seems the Dark Lord seeks only leaders in Her Apprentices—and Zarkang earned success for jointly killing Acolyte Harr; Kromus used his dominating position over Krassus to claim his tokens and earn the success that way. Pathetic, really.

“The next Trial went much better. Taking place a week after the last, it consisted only of me, Emlar, Ashtâ, Alandria, and one of the new Acolytes, Agran. Before this, House Sekker received a threat from Lord Saltaeon: if Ashtâ Saltaeon perished during the Trial, so would we all.

“We were dispatched to kill a Jedi. So, during the Trial, I established my dominance as a leader, as I knew that without leadership, we would fail. Jedi are dangerous foes, even if this one was tragic. To earn success, we were to bring back ‘pieces’ of the Jedi. So, when the Jedi died, I snipped off his braid unopposed while Alandria and Ashtâ fought over the lightsaber. Pathetic. Regardless, I was satisfied with my performance. Leader. Exemplary. Bonebreaker. Beyond the Success, I’m sure that it got attention. I think that’s exactly what they wanted to see. Leadership on the battlefield.

“In the aftermath, I was summoned by Sith Zevasa, the Patriarch. He asked about my performance during the Trial and according to him I ‘embodied the values of House Sekker: discipline, authority, strength, and victory’. High praise from one so high. That is the standard I hold myself to.” Rhys grinned, a sense of self-satisfaction and pride coming over him, his hands clasped in the small of his back.

“Several Ascensions and announcements occurred in the following days, and some had occurred before. Apprentice Valzino announced his claim to the title of Assistant-Raider and went uncontested. Apprentice Rhave Vipion switched from the Assistant-Marauder to the Assistant-Sorcerer with the grace of the Dark Lord, and Sith Vipion reorganised the branches under her command. She claimed the Sith Preserver, the Sith Sorcerer, and the Sith Claviger in addition to her own; a change the Dark Lord Herself commented on: ‘That is until I appoint a new Envoy, Sith Vipion. Do not presume that this will be forever. Enjoy the fruits of your initiative, for now.’ This was followed a few days following the Trial by an unsuccessful attempt by Sith Zevasa to claim dominion over the Sith Harbinger, something She reversed.

“Regarding Ascensions: Krassus made a fuss about his qualities and was taken on sometime later by Lord Saltaeon. Vaera was taken on by Sith Sarias, and following the Trial, Ashtâ made a similar announcement to Krassus’. She was taken on by Lord Iezkon, and Emlar was taken on by Sith Hazlem alongside Neophyte Cuvao, the Assistant Raider. Illodraen was taken on by Sith Zevasa. And Krômus, finally, was taken on by Sith Arvanis.

“I know my goal. I do not need to beg for it. I will attain it. I will become a Sith Apprentice—the Sith Apprentice—of Darth Horuset.”

The image of Rhysand Sekker vanished.

[Rhysand Sekker]

Entry V: Lessons and Flirting

Rhysand appeared in the sharp contrasts of a holo display, outlined in the familiar blues and whites that indicated low quality. He leaned against a wall in this recording, with his hands crossed over his chest. However, next to him against the wall is a long vibroblade. A new addition to his arsenal. He grinned slightly at the camera, sharp eyes locked on the viewer as he began speaking.

“I’ve received several lessons and exercises these past few days. The first was a training exercise with Neophyte Roi, Apprentice Yallanda, and a Private Mantya. Apprentice Roi is casual, as always, a trait I both admire and dislike. It hides her intelligence, which is a worthwhile enough strategy, but she is incredibly obvious at the same time. It’s impressive.

“She gave me and Private Mantya some pointers in hand-to-hand combat, which will come in useful in future. Apprentice Yallanda showed up and said that she didn’t ‘plan to get close to anyone with a rifle’, which is what the lesson was based in. Most people don’t plan to get close to someone with a rifle. But like most things, it’s usually too late when you think that.

“On a more positive note, Apprentice Yallanda is capable of fogging the mind like Apprentice Syllel. I really need to learn defences against this; it’s frustrating. I spoke with her a day later, and it turns out she has an interest in droids. Hand with a wrench. She also claims to find stupid people boring, so the fact that our conversations have been… Fun?” Rhys looks almost uncertain. “Is probably a good sign. I think she flirted with me. I don’t know. It’s confusing me.

“Anyway, I asked the Patriarch for tutelage in mental defence. But the Matriarch responded, and said that she’d give me not only that but a second form and tutelage in Force Speed and Jump as well. She picked Ataru, which I -thought- was a stupid idea, but it’s actually useful. She did task me with acquiring a blade and armour, which I did. A blade I’ve acquired from Apprentice Vipion, the Assistant-Blademaster, and the armour I’m still working on. Either Lord Kalkoran or Saltaeon will do. I’ve already got work from Lord Iezkon, and I don’t want to strain that relationship. She seems useful.

“The Matriarch also asked about my ambitions. I stated them out loud to her for the first time: to become the Apprentice of Darth Horuset and to become the Sith Arbitrator as an enforcer of Her will. Apparently, I will be given a stealth field generator when I ascend to help in this.

“A few days later, I received my first lesson from the Matriarch. She is an authoritative teacher, but a wise one. Force Speed. It is the ability to speed up physically and mentally, though at the cost of stamina and the possibility of exhaustion. It will prove useful. Following this lesson, I was summoned by the Matriarch again, for a lesson in Form VI: Ataru. It is based on three movements coupled with the three axes of the body: the Jung Su-Ma, a spin, the Ton Su-Ma, a flip, and the En Su-Ma, a cartwheel. Even without the ability to jump great heights, grounded Ataru will prove potent. She said the following on Ataru:

Rhys looks away and then begins reciting something as if he has memorised it a thousand times over.

“It is the single most physically-demanding, spatial awareness-craving, and precision-dependent form you can practise. Whilst other forms may rival the demands of it separately, there is none other that exacts the combination thereof. In addition, it is applicable with a singular saber, staff, pike, or while utilising Jar’Kai. You are free to specialise as you see fit. Yet, initially, you will hone the body, reflexively alter direction, twist and turn through rotations without pre-planned thought weaving strikes and kicks as you do so. The blade is but one component, and unless you can manoeuvre yourself, utilising Augmentation, Speed, and bodily control, the blade will be useless.

"Unlike the other forms, static, linear, sweeping brute force and domination - Ataru is unique. It is a fighting style adhering to the path of least resistance, encapsulating one's foe in a circularity, threatening multiple objectives simultaneously through angular 360-degree probing of an adversary's guard. There is aggression, yes, constant pressure and control of the flow of battle - but this is utilised as a means to force over-extensions and windows of opportunity… Subverting the expectations of the opponent. "Predictability is the enemy. You must master your own body in ways you didn't know were possible: rotations in and through any angle, from any position, maintaining perfect aerial control and while coiling yourself around an enemy strike, thrust out and take their throat. Fist, foot, knee. The unexpected strike of any angle is permissible to create a window to exploit. Combat should be approached with the intent of killing, without flair, without hubris - death is the objective to be achieved with the least amount of energy expended as possible, in the shortest time achievable."

And with that, Rhysand grinned at the camera one final time, his stance one of smug satisfaction, but also of humble ambition. Ever higher, it seemed to proclaim. Never wavering, never relenting. He faded.

[Rhysand Sekker]

Entry VI: Family Matters

This time, Rhysand was seated cross-legged on the floor. The scene around him is chaos: behind him lies a corpse, and then another, in front of a partially-bent cell door. Yet, he seemed almost serene, his vibroblade laid across his lap as he slowly took a cloth over its edge. Meditatively, almost. He looked up from his work and his face told another story entirely. His sharp copper-gold eyes coloured a pale, eerie blue by the holographic display, are set in his face like diamonds, hard among sharp lines twisted by anger.

“The Matriarch is gone.” His voice is heavy with what seems to be a mixture of sorrow and clear-cut wrath. “I arrived here an hour ago, summoned by the Patriarch. It seems Apprentice Tse’kira, the Matriarch, gave up her life in exchange for that of her daughter, Sorzus Amanda Sekker. She was taken by an individual named ‘Lord Krodh’. Sith Zevasa and I are now the last remaining members of House Sekker actually capable of anything. Cousin Juhya is a Qel-Sekker: always lesser, and Amanda is a child."

Methodically, Rhysand continued cleaning his blade. “I won’t dwell on this. It is fuel to carry on; even if I understand the Patriarch’s rage. These,” He nodded to the corpses behind him, “Were his doing. A waste of resources, but I will not argue. Sometimes, anger must be let out. The apartments themselves are chaos. The upper floor is damaged: the figurines in the stairway are broken; a table has been shattered; windows are missing; and Force Lightning marks the walls.” The keening of the blade pierced the holorecording as Rhysand pulled the cloth across. [i]“I met Amanda. A baby. Is that the future of our House? I doubt it.

“Yesterday, I met an Acolyte Orgitas Dran. A soldier. He’s a brute of a man. He’ll do fine. Especially if he knows where his place is: under the yoke of the strong. The day before, I watched Lord Saltaeon in action. The Sith Warrior, she summoned for tests to join the Warrior Program. I am an Acolyte, but I went. She is a direct fighter; a user of Djem So, her strikes are meant to kill in a single move. I suppose I could find it beautiful. Even if Darth Horuset is my Master, Lord Saltaeon is one to watch.

“I also spoke with Sith Sarias, and asked her about punishment,” Rhysand raised the blade and inspected its edge. Humming approvingly, he lowered it and continued, reciting something. “It depends on the individual, Acolyte Rhysand, and the lesson being taught. The most common example is if it is a swift, direct punishment that has to be dealt where a simple application of pain and a reminder shall function. If it is a lesson I am conducting and someone is being unruly or if someone is interrupting it, the lesson may have to be more specific to ensure the message of not disrupting my work, is not only remembered but also sends the message for those surrounding it. Personally, one factor I consider before any punishment is given: is this person worth my time?"

“A few days later, we were summoned for a lesson in ‘Xeno-Anatomy’ by the Assistant-Blademaster, Apprentice Vipion, who explained some basic information regarding alien biology and how this will help. It was interrupted by Sith Kelsa, who pointed out the obvious: anyone dies if they are killed. Everyone bleeds if they are injured.

“The lesson itself was not the point, but rather who was in attendance. Sith Kelsa, and the Dark Lord Herself. Sith Kelsa seems an intelligent man, smart, and calculating. And the Dark Lord…” The Acolyte went quiet, a contemplative look passing over his countenance. “Her Presence is like a rolling cloud of darkness, like a wave of oppressive nausea. It is terrifying and beautiful to behold. When She departed, I rose and seized the opportunity.” Rhysand recites again: “For my standards, the Trials do not weed out enough ‘candidates’, boy. Convince one of my Apprentices you are worth speaking to, and I might consider it. Off with you.”

At that, Rhysand’s sharp features shifted ever so faintly into a subtle smirk. He continued cleaning his blade for a few moments longer before the holodisplay faded.

[Rhysand Sekker]

Part II: The Sith Apprentice

Entry I: The Anx Minor Campaign

A Pureblood dressed in black armour with two durasteel shoulder pads on either side of a chest plate stepped into the light of the holorecording as it activated. A simple lightsaber rested on his hip, the hilt attached to his belt. Clasping his hands in the small of his back and looking at the camera, Rhysand Sovern Sekker gave a sharp nod and began speaking, his deep voice slow and steady.

“I have ascended. The Apprentice to Sith Andnoa, Rhave Vipion, the Sith Sorcerer. Not the Master I initially wanted, but… The Master I needed,” Rhysand’s lips thinned into a narrow, twisted line. “The Dark Lord turned me down. I spoke with Her on Th’Asidra, when… No. I need to go back.

“Some months ago, we were deployed to Anx Minor, a Republic planet close to the Northern Territories of the Empire, to guard the resource extraction of the Imperial Terrestrial Exploitation Corporation—ITEC. The Empire desperately needed resources, and Anx Minor was our ticket to do so. When we arrived at Anx Minor, accompanied by the fleet of the Axiom Powerbase and the cargo fleets of ITEC swelling the Horuset Armada, we landed at a small town named Mosila, which was swiftly conquered and claimed for the powerbase.

“It went on to be our main headquarters on the planet during the campaign, and from there we pushed ahead against the Republic onslaught while ITEC mined the planet dry. The campaign proceeded better than expected: while the Powerbase faced opposition and was at one point pushed back to Mosila alone, we resumed offensive operations and pushed the Republic back in turn, guaranteeing Imperial success.”

Rhysand shifts his gaze as he turns his head, casting one side in shadow as he grins wickedly. His eyes narrow in a strange sense of satisfaction. “My role in this was less… Militaristic, but prominent. I was a part of the Donsotiâ Sûnitsa, the Cultural Police, an organisation formed on Anx Minor by Sith Zevasa. We were charged with enforcing order among the civilian population… Until they were deemed too troublesome and unnecessary for military operations. They were disposed of. Simple numbers, simple maths. Nothing more than that.” Rhysand speaks as if he is trying to convince himself of this fact more than anything else.

“The one thing I did not achieve during the Campaign was an Ascension to Apprenticeship under the Dark Lord. I spoke with Her on Th’Asidra while on the way to Anx Minor, and She informed me that she did not have time for another Apprentice, though my efforts were noted. I was turned down,” Rhysand says, bitterly, as a scowl darkens his face. “But I found another. An Apprentice to Lord Saltaeon during the campaign, Apprentice Rhave Vipion was the Assistant-Sorcerer of the Powerbase. He approached me between military operations, and throughout several meetings and interactions, announced his intent to train me and become my Master upon his Ascension. And so it happened: following our triumphant return to the Horuset Estate after the campaign, he was created as Sith Andnoa, Sith Sorcerer of the Horuset Powerbase and I became his Apprentice.

“During the briefing, more happened, however. I attended the debrief, as did most of the Powerbase.” Rhysand gathers his thoughts and makes a wide gesture before he begins quoting the Dark Lord: “Anx Minor had all the potential to be a Corellia. Tainted by political upheaval, rivals with their own agenda and corporate greed over military experience. The day I learned of the orders from the Dark Council, I invited my Conservancy here and told them as much. I told them of the risks, the dangers, how the odds were against us. How forces conspired to remove us from the board! How wielders of cloak and dagger would see our burning flame of Tradition and the true ways of the Sith extinguished! How the Republic was ready for us and eager to get their revenge for our actions on Dubrillion! Yet we stand here today. Victorious by ALL METRICS!”

Rhysand grinned. It is a wicked, sinister thing, and he returned his hands to the small of his back, returning to the typical ‘at ease’ stance. “In reward for their actions on Anx Minor, several changes were wrought. Sith Vipion, Matriarch of House Vipion, and Sith Sarias were created as Lords Vipion and Sarias; Apprentices Rhave Vipion and Madros Dutrosu were elevated to Household Sith: Sith Andnoa, who became my Master, and Sith Dutrosu.

“Since then, I have trained and grown, I have attended meetings with my Master, and made a lightsaber,” Rhysand takes the hilt from his hip and ignites it, holding it in front of his face. The blade hums as it is ignited, the deep crimson blade of energy coloured a bright blue-white in the holorecording. He moves it off to the side in a mock salute before extinguishing it and returning it to his hip. “I… Discovered something while creating it. I’ll likely dedicate a separate entry to that. It’s… Yes. I’ve begun learning the second aspect of Form V, Djem So, as a main form, to replace Form IV: Ataru. It didn’t fit me, and I’m only now focusing on what does. Similarly, I’ve decided on a focus: combat-focused Mentalism. It provides the direction I didn’t have before, and I will embrace it in its entirety, as long as it benefits how I fight. Telekinesis is too broad: the mind is analytical and focused, something I pride myself on. Beyond this, I’ll be combat-ready when I apply to join the Warrior Programme, something I intend to do at some point. Need to train first and advance more. We’ll see.”

With a brief, hollow-looking smirk, Rhysand makes a quick gesture, and the holorecording ends, his figure disappearing with it as the projection disappears.