In The Shroud Transport to Unknown Location 35 ABY

From where he meditated aboard their shuttle, Aedile Tra’an Reith was having trouble focusing on mounting the will of his comrades for what was sure to be a difficult and dangerous task. It helped that he had brought some of his very best, and some of those who needed to learn by Trial of Fire. His attention kept being yanked to the very last thing he had done before leaving Kapsina, and how unsettled it left him.

Three Days Prior Dark Tower, Kapsina Grand Throne Room – Middle of the Night

The typical crimson cloak told the Shi’ido who it was that had him woken and summoned by the only other member of the House Summit in the middle of the night with no warning. With bowed shoulders and hands clasped behind his back, the current Quaestor let loose a mighty sigh. “I never wanted it to be like this Tra’an. To think, this great place I came to raise high, humbled in less than a year by the loss of two heads of power. Kal would be furious, if he were still around.” Still facing the throne, the voice bounced off of the iron chair, and seemed to be absorbed into it at the same time, almost as if it was acknowledging its current inhabitant.

“You know that I am due off world with Strike Team Alpha in the morning, don’t you?” The rather stark and bitter tone reflected how deeply the rift lay between them, and how much irritation at Jaek’s ways the Aedile harbored. “I’d appreciate it if you got to the point.” Leaning against the doors behind them, Unus Domus kept his mouth shut and looked on in mild contempt. It was not enough for them to do this every day, they had to drag him here in the middle of the night to watch. There was no doubt that this was going to be worth another round of drinks in the cantina from that pretty red head who seemed so interested in the leadership.

“I can’t do this job. I was supposed to train under Kal for years, not be given his job in a matter of months.” Both Unus and Tra’an started at this, enough that the alien took a step back, and the human banged his head into the wall. With a grimace, the Roll Master managed to focus long enough to hear what was said next. “I’m stepping down. The Grand Master has agreed to find my replacement.”

Eyes narrowing and hands clenched, it took considerable strength of will for the green-eyed being not to lash out at his former boss. “Well, if nothing else, you’re at least telling me about it as it happens and not leaving me to find out about it from Unus when he’s completely wasted on that Correlian Ale.” Jaek turned around, and showed them both for the first time just how tired he was. The Aedile’s anger vanished in an instant, having seen it before, and knowing just how much that burden of leadership weighed. If it was truly that troublesome to Jaek, perhaps Tra’an had been wrong all along…

What happened next snapped the reminiscent shapeshifter back to the conversation at hand, as the Aralias extended his hand. “If nothing else, I have come to believe that you can do this. I will gladly serve you, and through you the House. I place myself at your service, for the Ascension of Plagueis.” With a nod, and for the first time since they had been placed into power together, a smile, they shook hands. “I look forward to your efforts Jaek. You’ve many talents. Kal chose you for a reason. If only he’d had more time, this could have been something special.” With a firm shake, they moved aside, bowed, and Jaek left. There was an understanding that had passed between them that he would need time to rest, and then would return as he had before. As the door closed, Unus said something for the first time that evening. “So we’ve lost another one have we?” With a shake of the head, he ended up pinned against the wall a moment later.

“We’ve lost nothing, and gained something back. I like Jaek when I’m not arguing about the best way to do things. He has power, passion, drive, and vision. He just wasn’t ready for what Kal left him. I however, have no such qualms, compunctions, or concerns. Even if it’s just for a while, I’m leading this House, and My stamp will be upon it before I leave. Think upon that, before you go thinking about losses.” With a nod, he was released to slump to the floor, as the tall man walked over to contemplate the Throne that had been empty for only a scant minute, and determined that it was not to be used just yet. There miles to go before he could sleep now, miles to go indeed.

“Wake them early, and have them meet me at the shuttle ramp. We leave now. I want this errand done and over with before our replacement leader gets here. I intend to have as much power as I can, so that if he or she proves to be unsuitable, they’ll end like Kal did, mysteriously and without a trace.” Unus stood up, a new respect showing in his eyes, and a hunger as well. If it could happen to this person, why shouldn’t it happen to him? In a scant few months perhaps he could be on that throne. Only time would tell. As it was, Unus did as he was bid, and the cycle continued.

In The Shroud Transport to Unknown Location Present

A shout woke him from trance-induced memory as the pilot called to him. “Sir, we’ve a clear sighting on the beacon, but we’re not alone. I’ve got beacons responding with IFF’s as House Scholae Palatinae and Sun Mandyne Systems. And Sire, this is a ship, not just some beacon, where do we dock?” Moving quickly to the cockpit, Tra’an took in the situation and cursed creatively in several languages for a moment.

Tiberius Di Cloud looked in and took a moment to analyze the ship. “This is an Old Sith Empire ship, so the docking ring should be, there!” He pointed and the pilot made for the slot, one of several around the entire ship. A smile spread across the Obelisk’s face, if ever so brief.

“Good job Admiral. I’m glad you could come along. Get everyone prepared, it’s going to be an interesting trip. If Revan is here, then this just changed the game again.” As the crew checked again, what they had already checked a thousand times, a stray thought crossed the mind of the Aedile, “Xenmordin, why are you here? Didn’t we agree to share this without you endangering your own people?”

-=+=-

Welcome to the Second Aedile Report.

First,

Let me apologize for its tardiness, but I was hoping to have news to announce to the House as a whole, which has not yet developed. I have rumors that one of our old friends may be returning to join us, though until it is confirmed, I can’t actually say anything.

Secondly,

As you can see from the fictions, we have several developments taking place.

•Jaek Aralias, a good friend, and valued member, was forced to step down from the position of Quaestor due to real life issues. He’s a valued member of this house, and has agreed to continue supporting us after taking a brief break. I wish him luck in that endeavor and look forward to having him back. Despite the in character writing, everything between he and I is copasetic, and I value his advice and his level head. Give him your support and wish him a speedy return.

•Directly related to the previous Item, Muz had opened apps for the job, and they are now OPEN. For about 22 hours, anyhow. If you think you can do it, I encourage you to apply. Once Muz closes apps, and he and Halc decide, we’ll know who will become the next Quaestor.

•Unus has stepped down as BTL, and chosen Kal to replace him. Kal has chosen Imichua and Tiberius as Flight Leaders, to help manage the growing Primus Pilus Battleteam as we continue to receive new members.

Next,

•I extend a warm welcome to our newest members: Rallen, Thorshan, Pendle, and Razdan! We look forward to helping you along the path to Darkness and your Ascendancy throughout the DJB!

Last,

•Activity! I cannot stress the importance of this! While I‘ll leave the listing of awards, promotions, exams passed and such to Unus, I’d like to give props to two members who have done really well at this.

•Imichua and Zuser! Both have passed SA courses recently, and remained active on IRC. One of the easiest ways to show that you are here, interested, and active, is to show up on IRC in #Plagueis! Come join us! We have cookies!

To that end, we also have running COMPETITIONS! Alas for those of you not paying attention to the emails you get, or on IRC, Shards of a Lingering Darkness is FULL! We even managed to fit in our waitlisters!

The other competitions are:

http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/competition.php?id=5682

Six days left to write a fiction about The Force, and the future it shows you. Are you Grand Master? Are you His Right Hand? Or are you dead? Thrill us with your entry and earn a crescent!

http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/competition.php?id=5683

Not so good with words? You have six days to do the same thing, with a picture! A caption is requested, but not required. Quality of Image will determine the victors. That said, Gold Novae have been awarded to images created in MS Paint! Don’t Hesitate! Make It Now!

http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/competition.php?id=5691

Make a portrait of a member of HP! This could be a Mug Shot, or something far grander like you’d find over a Grand Staircase. Let loose your imagination and talent, and immortalize a Plagueian! Quality of Image and accuracy to character description determines the winner.

Now, for you gamers out there, here are a few from our favorite Fist!

http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/competition.php?id=5675

Team Game. Teams of 2, Earn Clusters of Fire. Sound Easy? Prove it with your haul of Fire!

http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/competition.php?id=5672

Republic Commando. Go big or go home! Most wins in a month takes top prize!

http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/competition.php?id=5674

Still savvy with Battlefront 2? Prove it! Most CTF wins takes it all!

http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/competition.php?id=5673

Got those Mad Halo Skills? Reach CTF seeks to prove otherwise! Most wins takes it all!

http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/competition.php?id=5671

Not a PC Gamer? Here’s another console fun time! Any Call of Duty title. Standard Matchmaking for consoles, first to five wins gets the match. Most matches wins!

For you writers, here’s your chance to earn some praise from that Master of Fiction, Vodo the Voice!

http://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/dbjedi/competition.php?id=5677

Rescue your Master, and do it creatively by making a new ship out of old pieces. 2+ pages of TNR 12point font single space. Enjoy!

-=+=-

Guys and Gals, this House has history. We can honor it or let it pass. I ask you to step up to the plate and prove that Plagueis is The House of Ascendancy by being active, and by showing the rest of the DJB that we’ve got what it takes to make them shake in fear in the Great Jedi War. Keep tabs on these reports, because soon enough, it will be here, and you want to be ready! It’s our time Plagueis.

For Kal, Jaek and those who came before!

OP Tra'an Reith (Obelisk)/AED/Plagueis [ACC: CL:1] SC / AC / DC-SP / BN-BL / Cr-3A-1S-6E-5T-1Q / CF / CI-RC / DSS-BL / LS-AuL / SoL / S:-4Rm-8P-5U-4B-1De-3Ret

{SA: DML}

Adapt. Ascend. Avail!