Heavy gilded doors swung open, revealing the inner sanctum of a long forgotten temple. Flickering sconces dotted the stairwell that lead down into the abyssal heart of Judecca. Few people had ever even made their way to this spot, and even for a hardened warrior, the air brought a chill. Step by step, the Obelisk crept down the uneven stone stairs, careful to keep his footing in the puddles of amorphous cave slime and lime rich water. The tunnel seemed to go on forever, descending deep into the solid bedrock which supported the ruined temple above it. Secrets lay in this place, ancient and violent secrets. The Obelisk knew this; he could feel it in his old bones.

After what seemed like days, the tight winding stairway opened up into an unwelcoming hall. The walls were bare, bearing only the natural marks left in the igneous rock from which it was carved. A dozen or so pillars rose from the ground, hopelessly preventing the miles of earth above it from crushing the Exarch. His hand slipped to his blaster, he could feel the presence of power and evil in this place.

His mission was to investigate this place; The command came from the Emperor himself. Over the years the Obelisk had fought tirelessly for the Empire, he was one of the few whose loyalty was never questioned. On many occasions, Dante remained silent when he’d been passed over for merit and reward. He was growing tired of that feeling, tired of the lack of recognition and tired of the Emperor’s broken promises. This would undoubtedly be his last mission for The Usurper; times had changed.

He stepped forward, admiring the simplicity of the pillars and lamps that lit the cavernous hall. His palms sweated as his fingers wrapped tightly around the pistol’s grip. The hall was warm, excessively so; warmed by the currents of thermal energy, wafting up from the Planet’s core. He felt uneasy; Who wouldn’t?

Another step forward and the plot unraveled. Seven figures, hooded and obscured from identification appeared from behind the giant stone pillars. His trigger finger squeezed, releasing a few stray bolts from the clumsy weapon. At the center of the ghostly formation, the bolts diffused into a puff of white smoke. The weapon was pulled from his hand, crumpled into a mass of twisted metal and electronics. Dante fumbled, he reached for his lightsaber; their power was immense.

A familiar voice spoke to him. “Who is it that dares seek the Secrets of Judecca?”

The Exarch stepped forward, proudly proclaiming himself. “I, Angelo Dante.”

The voice stepped forward, pulling back his hood to reveal his face. The heavy woolen cloak fell to the ground, revealing the full battle attire of Emperor. His lightsaber clicked to life, crackling and hissing in the moist air of the Cavern. Dante knew it would come to this eventually; one can never remain friends with a Sith forever. He knew better than to fight the group outright. Though cunning and guile were never typical attributes of the Obelisk Order, Angelo Dante possessed plenty of both. In calm stride, the Exarch raised his weapon; it too snapped to life.

The friends stared each other down, while the remaining 6 phantom-like bodies encircled the wary Exarch. Thran leapt into action, thrusting his saber towards his loyal friend. In turn they went around the Circle, taking their turns at the Obelisk; Two Masters and an array of Equites. Dante stood tall; he knew they were toying with him. After some time, the pale and slender face of the Emperor returned to the center of the Circle.

He held up his hand, and the others backed off. He spoke, as his lightsaber went dormant.

“Angelo Dante…You have, through years of service, and rite of combat, proven yourself capable and willing to protect our beloved Clan to the greatest of your ability. You have proven yourself not only to me, but to the assembled family.” Spoke the Emperor, as the others peeled back their hoods.

“Congratulations, Brother. Together, we vow to protect the secrets of the Empire and to advance all of her endeavors.” The Bakuran said.

Each Palpatine stepped forward to welcome their new brother; shaking hands and exchanging hugs. Behind the smiles, a silent concern swept through the ranks of the royal family. They would watch their newest Son closely.

“Welcome, then, Son of Palpatine. I proclaim you Angelo Dante-Palpatine, a defender of the Empire!” The Emperor proclaimed, accompanied by beguiled applause. He placed his arm around Dante and smiled.

The Obelisk looked at his old friend and laughed “About time…”

~~~~~~~~*~

Congratulations to Angelo Dante-Palpatine, who has just earned the Clan Honorific title. Dante, you have, for years, preserved and upheld the integrity of the Clan. Congrats again.

Drinks are on Dante.

-Thran Occasus, Consul of Clan Scholae Palatinae, Son of Palpatine