ephorizingstars

[ephorizingstars]

ooc //

I have a lot of Onslaught feelings and most of them boil down to: Why can’t people leave Viv alone??

[ephorizingstars]

Dromund Kaas, Darth Thanaton’s Sith Sanctum.

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

Change the Empire from the inside? What exactly was that supposed to mean? What sort of change would a Sith even want, and just who was this Sith to have the power to make changes?

It was tempting to stay and ask questions, but lingering wasn’t wise. They needed to get out of Imperial territory and back to the war council, the rest of the team was waiting for them and she could already tell her companions were anxious to get out of there.

Liana nodded to herself, and took a few steps away. “Perhaps we will, Sith.”

“Liana,” Tharan prompted.

“I’m coming.” She turned to hurry after him, waving to Nadia. The ship shuddered warningly around them.

Vivianna had just begun taking strides to where she assumed the exit would be when a voice came through over her communications device. “With all due respect, you’re heading the wrong way.” The historian’s voice was it’s usual nasally and hesitant tone, making the Dark Lord pause. “What do you mean?” “The escape pods you’re heading to have already been deployed by those who surrendered or fled upon your arrival to the station. You’ll have to catch a lift with the Jedi.” Letting out a noise of frustration, the woman turned heel, dark robes billowing around her as she gestured to Ashara and Xalek to follow. Her pace increased as she moved to catch up with the Jedi. “Plan B - We’re catching a ride with you.” Her voice offered no room for argument as she gazed at the Jedi, falling into silent contemplation.

Enemy of my Enemy

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

Genesis smirked faintly at her comment, that he’d take her to him regardless of her opinion on the matter; that was probably true, though how quickly was an entirely different matter.  It helped that she intended to cooperate, at least. Hopefully that would be a continued theme… it would, after all, serve them both best. And she seemed to realize that.

(Then again, Vivianna was a high ranking politician; she knew these games, probably right up with Reeve and well over his head.)

“Reeve is indeed his name, Reeve Tuesti,” Genesis said. “His title of choice is “Commissioner” though I’m sure that’s not the only one he truly holds these days. I think, honestly, he’d be happier as chief engineer and let someone else manage the politics. But he has a terrible habit of putting his sense of responsibility ahead of little things like happiness.”

Good in a leader, he supposed, but it was going to burn him out one day if he wasn’t careful. But that was a morbid musing for another day.

“He’s one of the two people I would want to look at your shuttle, and he’s the best way to get to the other person,” Genesis explained. “Even without the politics, he’ll be needed for that.”

Lifting a hand, it curled and was placed under her chin as she considered his words. “Ah. A bleeding heart.” Those were easy enough to deal with. The ones who never wanted their positions but did it for the good of the people. So many of those were with the Republic. All you had to do was show them an ounce of compassion for someone other than yourself. It always worked. The only downside was she was a foreign entity. That complicated things. “Then we have a plan at least.” She heaved a sigh, allowing the wheels in her head to stop spinning for a few moments.”Until then I suppose you’ll be keeping an eye on me?” He’d already said as much before, she knew. Viv very much doubted he’d be willing to leave her to her own devices while she remained here. AS protector it was the smart thing to do.

“I’m concerned our technology will be beyond what your engineers can comprehend. They’re rather complex systems that filter power from systems beyond what I’ve seen here.”

[ephorizingstars]

So what you’re saying is that the Dark Council had a really entertaining meeting that day, huh

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

“I’ll hold you to that promise,” Genesis warned. He found he didn’t want to fight her; she was interesting, and indeed quite charming. And there really wasn’t enough of that in his life right now. Beyond that, better to make an ally than an enemy, right?

He arched a brow at her sudden invasion of his personal space, but allowed it for the moment. “Reeve runs the World Regenesis Organization, which took ShinRa’s place more or less. They only intended to be a volunteer organization focused on cleaning things up and restoring some kind of order but people are looking to them to fill the vacuum as the resident government.

“For that reason alone, or if you’re interested in alliances, you’d want to speak with him. But he’s also part of a combination you’ll need to get your ship working again,” Genesis explained. Not that Cid probably couldn’t all on his own, but he did not intend to work with Cid without Reeve for a buffer.

Saying nothing initially, she merely smirked at him. At least, for now, she was telling the truth. Generally, honesty wasn’t something she strived to achieve as a member of the Sith Empire. Something as moral as that wasn’t a high priority to many, let alone Darth Imperious. Kinder than most she stood above the others, leaning far more towards the lightside than her faction cared for. Vivianna simply valued pragmaticism...and this was not a difficult thing he asked for.

“I have a feeling you’ll be taking me to speak to him whether I care to or not. However, if he’s the man I need to meet in order for us to both get what we want...I won’t resist.” There was no way that this Reeve character was anywhere near Genesis’ strength. Yet, he held some amount of power. “I assume Reeve is not his title and is instead his name as odd as it is. What is his position? Councilor? Chancellor?”

Was he elected by the people or did he seize control himself? Questions plagued themselves in her mind, the woman already strategizing how she would best butter him up. “My shuttle is the topmost priority. This planet is...far more primitive than I care for.”

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

“Touche. Perhaps we’ll retrieve some of that later on. Depending on how things go, that is. There are those who would be… intrigued by you.”

An understatement for many: Cid would be fascinated and might even be genuinely delighted, if reasonably wary. Reeve warier, but also terribly curious. Strife and Valentine… well. Perhaps not so delighted about an alien female originally with plans of conquest landing on their planet. But he’d have won, with the power of the Lifestream behind him, and they could give him a run for his money. One person wasn’t anything to fear.

“I’d ask you to ask Zack if he remembers Reeve, but he may not have been high ranked enough soon enough. Former executive in the company, and one of the few genuinely good men in its workings,” he said, smiling faintly. “I have no idea how the man survived.”

"True. I am very intriguing. Even to my peers, I'm a bit of an oddity." That was a bit of an understatement. The only person who'd had a similar background was Thanaton and he'd royally screwed himself with his behavior. Looking back, she understood why he'd immediately come after her. He'd assumed she'd be Zash's puppet. Unfortunately, Zash had failed, and she'd proven to be a legitimate enemy all on her own.

"If it makes you feel any better, I promise I'll be nice. No murder, mayhem, or anything of the like. Just me being my charming self." Mostly because he wouldn't like it if she wasn't. Too much trouble to get into another fight with him again. At least until Zack was bound to her. Though, the idea of fighting Genesis wasn't particularly appealing...Especially when she assumed there were other planetary defenses likely just as dangerous. It was better to be loved than feared in this scenario.

Falling silent for a moment, she looked off to the side, eyes landing on the ghost leaning casually against the wall. The dark haired male paused for a moment, a finger under his chin. "Yeah, the name sounds familiar. It's been a while though. One of the higher-ups at ShinRa, right?" A moment later, Genesis seemed to answer him and Zack nodded his head.

"More or less. He knows of him. Doesn't remember any specifics. It wasn't important at the time." Vivianna relayed, before shifting closer to the redhead and propping her chin on his shoulder. The bored cat-like expression was back. "Who is Reeve? Why bring him up? Is he someone of importance for me to meet?"

[ephorizingstars]

I regret to inform you I’m #genesis & vivianna trash.

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

“I never said what kind of behavior,” Genesis murmured. He felt Chaos lingering, curious, and resigned himself to his presence at least a little while longer. At least he was letting him handle it. Chaos’ tact was a bit of a roulette experience dependent entirely on his mood. ‘Curious’ was not necessarily a good starting point.

He didn’t remark on her joining him - he’d have beckoned her to, if she hadn’t. He handed her the atlas first, since he knew the notebook would occupy them far longer. “This is a modern atlas that a friend of mine put together. I thought you might appreciate getting an overview of Gaea. Or, in the least, the Southern Continent. A ‘you are here’ reference. And perhaps a ‘you were there’ reference. Unless of course you were able to do some sort of scan from your ship?”

He had no idea if it was possible to scan a whole world from that distance. Sure, Cid could scan things as he went over them, but that was an entirely different level.

"Mmhm," Vivianna hummed, a sly smirk appearing on her features for a moment. Still, she figured Genesis would mostly behave himself. There was no reason for them to behave otherwise, as much as she would have liked to misbehave. Alas, the woman would settle for this happily. Having a better understanding of her surroundings was only a good thing. It was a little boring for the sith's taste and what she was used to...but there was no harm in a little vacation from the melodrama of her homeworld. If one could even call it her homeworld.

Taking the book, her eyes scanned it's continents, recognizing it as a map instantly. The woman was grateful to have more of an overall look at the planet. It was fairly small in the grand scheme of things. At least compared to something like Balmorra or one of the other planets occupied by the Empire. The sith naturally preferred their environments to be a bit more rugged and harsh. Mostly out of necessity. There was always less Jedi involved the less hospitable a planet was involved.

"I do, thank you." At the question though, she gave a nod. "I did run a scan. However, said results are currently aboard my ship and not here with me. So it's not like it did me any good." Nor were the results transferred anywhere. There had been no reason to as she had yet to find anything worthy of bragging or gloating about. The rest of the sith hierarchy didn't really care much about a planet unless it had some sort of military advantage. She wasn't sure Gaea did.

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

Genesis left when dismissed - amused by the gesture, admittedly; he wasn’t used to someone with more airs than himself - only coming back to leave her a heavier blue robe that looked like it might not drag too terribly on the floor and a set of clean socks. There was nothing to be done for slippers or any delicates, unfortunately. They’d have to go shopping soon.

For now, he took the time to down part of an ether to be sure his energy was where he wanted it to be, retrieved an atlas and a thick notebook from his study, and headed back to the living room. He got as far as opening the notebook when a familiar pressure brushed against his mind, Chaos wanting attention - if anything, a surprise it hadn’t happened sooner.

Rather than wait for interrogation, Genesis shared memory of the conversations so far, the bits he’d pieced together from it, and let Chaos make what he would of it all. He didn’t feel hostile, at this point. Curious, certainly. Intrigued, most definitely. It likely wouldn’t come down to a fight, unless she initiated, and Genesis doubted she would. She’d seemed honest in her assertion that she’s rather take knowledge than conquest, and that was fine with him.

He was still somewhat distracted by Chaos when she returned, his eyes gone from a SOLDIER’s mako blues to having a ring of Crimson WEAPON’s red around the edges, bleeding into a violet in the middle. He arched a brow at mention of Zack, smirking faintly. “Is that so? I’ll endeavor to behave myself, then.”

"I have a hard time believing that," she quipped before further entering the room. The socks at least protected and kept her feet warm in the hollowed out cave. The robe would do until they could go shopping, even if she felt a tad silly in it. That fact didn't stop her from walking around as if she owned the place, with an air of confidence that only could come from nobility or pure arrogance. She wasn't one to let her guard drop, especially now.

That being said...The woman was back to being bored without anything to entertain her. Sauntering over, she joined him on the couch, settling in next to him like a house cat. "What's that?" She asked, nodding to indicate the books he'd retrieved in her absence. They'd caught her attention immediately as they were new objects on the scene. Definitely not anything he'd been holding before.

Another thing that had caught her attention was the change in his eyes. Zack supplied that answer though with a cheeky, 'Some WEAPON thing. I don't know. It's not important or all that interesting'. The ghost oddly seemed to know what he was talking about, so the woman let the matter go for the time being. Mostly because her eyes did weird things when she performed the binding ritual. They glowed with power from the dark side.

[ephorizingstars]

Sometimes it doesn’t matter how hard you try,                                                                           fate simply has other ideas.  

[ephorizingstars]

Oh Ashara

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

“You wouldn’t be the first to have some sort of physical status display,” Genesis said. Even uniforms with different colors or symbols were the same principle. “I’d agree about pants, but then I’ve never tried to fight in anything else. Nor would I want to, for that matter.”

He couldn’t help a little amusement at her offhand comment about breaking things. It sounded like she was quite used to servants… that could be a problem, but he largely suspected his things would be sturdy enough that it would be fine. “Don’t worry about it, if something breaks I’ll either fix it myself or call someone out here. It’s made to handle the enhanced, though. I’m sure it’ll survive you if you forget what I show you.”

He gestured for her to follow, leading the way further into the caverns and the larger chamber that served as his training room, before taking a right to the bathroom. It was fairly large, but mostly taken up by the enormous shower. “Here. There’s towels in that cabinet over there. Take a peek around and see if you need to know how to work anything.”

"One thing you'll learn about the Empire, if anything, is how strictly regimented we are. Uniforms are probably amongst the most notable." The uniforms of various officers within their government tended to be from a rather muted color palette. It was only the Sith lords and members of the dark council that tended to veer towards more lavish and dramatic fashions. Vivianna enjoyed them as well, though she ultimately would always prefer utility. That being said...she wasn't against working some symbolism into her attire.

"Luckily for the both of us I'm a quick learner." The woman was up to any task that was set before her. Even with something as mundane as simple chores. She might fail spectacularly a few times, but she'd pick up the skills sooner or later. Following him, he led her to the bathroom she'd be using. Glancing around, she gave a nod, shifting out of her boots. Once barefoot, she padded forward to give the shower a brief investigation. It looked fairly standard.

"I think I'll be fine. It's similar enough to ours back home that I should be able to manage it." Slowly, she peeled off her gloves and set them aside with her shoes, glancing at Genesis. Lazily, she gave him a shooing motion with her hands. "For now, I no longer require your assistance. I'll find you when I'm done." His power was something she could easily sense. He'd have to go quite the distance to avoid being detected by her.

Once he'd left, she stripped down, moving to settle in the shower. When she got in, she sensed a familiar presence and smirked. "Hello, again Zack." She wasn't too bothered by the disturbance. He was a ghost and around her age. It wasn't anything he hadn't seen before. When she was done, she changed into the clothes that had been provided for her and ventured out to find her host.

With the shower, she had taken her hair down from its previous elaborate bun, the golden locks wetly hanging to her mid-back. It was rare for anyone to see her hair down as the hairstyle had become her natural 'look' over the years. Not to mention it kept the hair out of the way of both herself and her enemies grasp.

“By the way, Zack’s returned to lingering around. In case you have any dark secrets you desire to keep to yourself.”

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

“I wasn’t clear on your preferences,” Genesis said. “Pants and a shirt will be even easier to locate, I’m sure. Something, later. For now I’ll fetch you a robe and I can see about washing your things, if you like. Or walking you through how to use it yourself.”

She was lucky he’d actually taken the time to acquire laundry equipment. It would have been easy not to bother with it, for one person.

He hummed at her question, inclining his head. “There’s a spare comb, a couple toothbrushes, and probably viable toothpaste available in the cabinet in the bathroom. Not exactly many options, but it’s a start.”

They’d see what she needed when it was clear how long she’d be staying with him.

"Both. Robes tend to be a status symbol. I have no idea why. Only Marr skips them." Vivianna couldn't even begin to explain the odd intricacies of the Empire's culture. Marr never took off his suit though. There was a rumor that the sight of him alone had driven a man crazy. Viv was...casually not going to investigate that rumor. "Pants are just more battle friendly." They allowed for easier movement...Which was important for her fighting style.

"Either works. I don't promise I won't break anything accidentally. Back home, we have droids do everything for us. It's convenient." No robots lurking around that she could see though. This planet was pretty lacking in terms of technology compared to Dromund Kaas. Not that it was surprising. It was essentially in the middle of nowhere.

"Good. I don't sleep with it up like this," the woman gestured to the intricate hairstyle she wore. She might skip on it for a few days as she had no one to help her with it. If she didn't too anything too haphazard, her hair would be fine. A bit long, almost reaching her waist sure, but it'd be fine. It was just hair...even if a vanity symbol for her.

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

Genesis didn’t bother explain his reasoning, it was enough to have it respected. The thought of waiting for Zack made him arch a brow though. Sure, the former SOLDIER had been attractive, but that was all. There was no draw at this point, and he wasn’t sure it was wise to entertain that with a ghost.

He eyed her robes thoughtfully, nodding. “We’ll likely get you a dress or two, as the next best thing. Should it seem you’ll be stuck here long term we can look into something tailored to your tastes.”

He made a quiet, understanding sound when she clarified, nodding. “I’ll give you access to the shower. The guest room and guest bathroom are on opposite sides of the training room, unfortunately, but it’s quite spacious. I think you’ll find it suitable to your needs.”

"I can wear pants too," Vivianna pointed out, nose wrinkling slightly at the mention of a dress. That sounded so...fancy and unsuited towards fighting. Not that she anticipated doing much of that while she was here. No doubt Genesis would keep her on a tight leash. Not that she blamed him. She was still a stranger, even if he found her enticing. At least she could add new things to her wardrobe when they eventually went shopping. For now, whatever he had would have to do.

"I'm sure it will." Not that she was going to do much. Likely do a bit of pacing, meditating, look around the place, and then later converse with Zack whenever he came back. She figured if she called out for him he'd likely hear and return. She'd do it when she was alone so they could talk and converse properly without being overheard.

“Do you have a brush I can borrow?”

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

Genesis finished up with the dishes, a flash of fire drying his hands before he turned back to face her. When he did, he wasn’t shy about being appreciative, a tiny smile quirking his lips. “The body is willing, certainly. You’re a lovely woman. But I don’t know you, and that’s not an intimacy I’m going to just throw out there.”

Nor was it a vulnerability he was going to just throw out there, but that would remain unsaid.

He crossed his arms, thoughtful. “A robe would be easiest, given I already have it. Or you can wade around in my clothes, cinched with a belt or a sash. Or we can go to Mideel. It’s just a blink away, if you could stand to teleport again.”

The last question got a pause, and he tilted his head. “I think we’re mixing terms up. What’s a refresher?”

"How boring. Still, if you'd prefer to wait until after Zack and I are bound, be my guest." He was an odd one, that was for sure. What was the point of becoming emotionally attached when she'd just be leaving anyway? She didn't quite follow his logic with all of this, but it wasn't up to her. Dropping the matter entirely, her arms crossed over her chest, before gesturing down her body as an indicator to her robes.

"That is what I'm wearing after all. I'll change into one of your robes and tomorrow we can go to Mideel." She wasn't looking forward to teleporting again, but she needed clothes. Pants and a top at the very least...More underclothes. She scowled at the thought and shook her head. Clothing was so odd and unnecessary at times.

"Bathroom. Shower. Bath?" Her face scrunched up at the slang she was forced to use to express herself. Hopefully, those terms would be familiar here. "Where you clean yourself. It's been a long day and I'm sure I'm filthy."

[ephorizingstars]

multifandommuseroulette‌:

“I’m certainly not saying there aren’t those that crave power. There’s always those that crave power. But I think it’s less sweepingly common here, at least as far as that kind of power,” Genesis said. He eyed the dishes a moment and then belatedly removed his gloves, tucking them into an inner pocket before shrugging off his coat. He barely looked to toss it over the back of the stool he’d been sitting at. Irony of ironies, today he’d worn something near identical to his old SOLDIER uniform. It was bittersweet.

Also long sleeved, and he’d rather not get it wet.

Bare armed now, he set about washing the dishes, leaving them sitting in the drying rack as he considered her very good points.

“I happen to have a guest room, so you’ve lucked out there,” he said, giving her a brief, amused look. “As for clothes… well, I suppose we’re going to either put you in one of my robes, or take a trip into Mideel and buy you things. Do you have a preference?”

Vivianna offered Genesis a shrug. She couldn't really comment on anything on this planet. She wasn't from here and was far from familiar with the comings and goings of the people on it. All she knew was where she had come from. With any hope, she'd be getting back to it eventually. For now though, she figured she could keep herself entertained long enough to get her shuttle repaired.

"Don't be coy. I know you want to. It won't hurt you to admit. I won't overstay my welcome." Still, the woman wasn't going to beg either. She was too prideful for that. At his solutions, her nose wrinkled before giving another shrug. "I have no preference. Whatever's easiest." She would just hope that they had something presentable and befitting her station. Though, she supposed that was probably too much to ask for.

“Do you have a refresher?” She was in the mood for a nice hot shower or bath right about now. Or a massage, but she probably wouldn’t be getting that anytime soon.