hadriel_logs | Intro Log: Eat Your Veggies

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Intro Log: Eat Your Veggies

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for January
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: January 10th-16th
Warnings: Luscious greenery and confused newbies

As has become tradition within the good (well, okay) city of Hadriel, new arrivals will awake on the floor of the half-destroyed colosseum. Confused and disoriented, you may be wondering where you are and what you're doing there. Don't worry! Someone will probably tell you sooner or later, as long as you get out of the colosseum alive.

Oh, right. About that. Along with the poor, innocent, vulnerable new arrivals are a number of other new friends! Well, maybe less 'friends' than 'horrifying monsters', but are you really going to be picky? Wandering the arena are Shambling Mounds. These creatures are large, unattractive piles of vaguely humanoid-shaped vegetation. They hit hard, they can take a lot of damage, and if you're really unlucky they might manage to engulf you with their weird plant bodies. If that happens, you'd better try to get free fast - otherwise they'll just walk off with you stuck inside and kill you later at their leisure.

The Door appears to have cast a wide net for 'plant monsters', and while Shambling Mounds are the only ones that can actually hurt you, it's managed to pull in a number of smaller, less dangerous carnivorous plants. Some of them are even kind of cute! So if you were looking for a pet venus flytrap or a new pitcher plant, you're in luck. Scattered around the colosseum are carnivorous potted plants, just waiting to find a new home.

Make a new plant friend, or get eaten by one, or run screaming! Whatever you choose to do, once you find your way out of the colosseum there's plenty of other distractions. Feel free to go explore the rest of the city! Find a house, a new monster, a project to help with, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers January 10th-16th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► All characters arrive with phones that have network communication and the newbie guide installed.
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You don't know who the gods are, or what their individual powers are. One can raise the dead, another can create illusions. I am still learning about the others.

[Anakin's lack of confusion at the mention of the Empire told him a great deal so he took a chance.]

I have no doubt of your power, Lord Vader, but I suggest that we take the time to properly assess the situation and use that power in the most effective manner. [He pointed out but he could tell his usual tactics of dealing with Kylo Ren weren't going to work here.

He had to be careful but at the same time, he really didn't want Anakin to go rushing off and making things worse. ]

I have no intention of remaining here indefinitely either but plans take time.

So I should thank them and grovel? [His eyes flash a pale yellow-gold and his lips curl into a snarl.] I am confident I can overcome them. I planned on overcoming death anyway. They have given me an excellent reason to master the skill early.

[Why should he be confused by his own Empire? Silly Hux.]

How do you know that name? I haven't made it public. [But he will. His hand clenches and he paces, expending some energy.] I was in the middle of something important.

I can't leave it half done.

[He senses a climax - a shift for good...or ill. It is frustrating beyond belief to be here instead.]

How long?

Edited 2017-01-12 08:54 (UTC)

For me, it's been just over 50 years since the Emperor established the Empire. You're rather well known by that time.

[He's not sure how much he wants to tell Vader of later events, he may just leave that to Kylo. While he had no intention of walking on eggshells, if Tarkin didn't he wouldn't either, he was still cautious of Vader and his power.]

I am General Hux, commander of the star destroyer Finalizer and Starkiller Base. I am essentially Tarkin's successor.

[But, in his view, much more accomplished than Tarkin could ever have hoped for. He kept to a simple telling of the facts, though, they spoke for themselves.]

It depends on how quickly I'm able to gather crucial information and formulate a plan that will allow us to return. We lack resources here so it's necessary to be careful. But we shouldn't take so openly out here, I'm sure you have many questions.

The Emperor? [Isn't that...him?] The gods can overcome time if that's true.

[Interesting. He focuses on Hux, not sensing any lie behind his words. The man should fear even a slight fib in his presence.]

Wilhuff Tarkin? [He isn't on the friendliest of terms with the man, but Palpatine will better that once Anakin loses the last shred of his sanity.] Does that make you proud?

[Play carefully, Hux. Tarkin had been the Prosecutor in Ahsoka's trial.]

...I do. [He is more certain than ever that they should rely on his power. But he is...curious. Under his anger.] Where would be safer?

A lot has changed in 50 years, Lord Vader. [He gestured for Vader to follow him.]

I have private quarters. There will be someone who will most likely meet us there, I am sure he will be anxious to meet you as it is.

[He wondered how Vader would take to meeting his grandson. He decided that he really didn't want to be the one who told him about how Kylo Ren talked to his helmet. There was no way to not make that awkward.]

The Emperor, along with you and Wilhuff Tarkin, shaped the galaxy like no one else had before.

How much? [The words are sharp. He doesn't like vague statements. Drawing his hood close around his features, he strides after Hux, senses attuned to all around them.]

Someone...? I am growing weary of your half-finished statements, General.

[It is even more awkward that he doesn't know of the helmet yet.]

...Palpatine? [He...?] What of Padmé?

As I said, it's best to wait to into greater detail until we're inside. I just thought I would warn you before a strange Force user suddenly came barreling in.

[He clasped his hands behind his back, confident that if anything did approach them that Anakin would be more than capable of taking care of it.

He was quiet at the mention of Padme Amidala. Palpatine had covered up a great deal about her death- the official record was that she had died in childbirth along with the child. Now, of course, everyone knew that wasn't the case, that she had actually given birth to twins before her death.

As they climbed the steps of the tower, he turned to look at Anakin sharply.]

I'll answer your questions the best I am able to. However, there will be no Force choking just because you don't like the answer or I don't have one. I'm the best resource available to you here and I will do what I can to provide answers.

[It was the truth- Kylo Ren's knowledge of the Empire was rather limited compared to Hux's. He had gone over a great deal of the Imperial records that were available to him, including Palpatine's and Tarkin's. He doubted Kylo had the same patience for such research.]

[Exhaling in frustration, he grits his teeth.] If he comes barreling in, I might kill him anyway. [Just out of habit. He fights to keep his silence, eyes blazing from the effort. His heart is cold at Hux's silence about Padmé.

Something bad happens. Something... He'll fix it. Of course he will. Maybe that's why he came here in the first place. Anakin takes the steps two at a time, meeting the other man's gaze unflinchingly when Hux turns.]

...are you giving me orders? [Surely not?] So you think you are more valuable to me alive than dead.

On that, we can agree. However, if you value your health, I would suggest you tell me the truth directly and not worry yourself about how I might or might not react. I do not like wasting energy or time.

[When Anakin mentioned killing Kylo Ren it took all his willpower not to laugh. He could just imagine it but he got his emotions under control as they stepped into the apartment. He closed the door behind him, taking a moment to take off his coat and fold it neatly over a chair.]

As I said, it's been a long 50 years but I'll start with your question about Senator Amidala.

[He had to be careful in how he phrased things. He had to go by what was in the Imperial record and his own knowledge, he was sure there was more to it than what was on file but he wouldn't speculate.

He gestured for Anakin to sit as he sat on one of the chairs, this was going to be a long talk]

The official Imperial record indicates that she died in childbirth just two days before Palpatine established the Empire. However, it turns out that the record had been falsified, most likely by Palpatine himself.

[He paused for a moment, thoughtful.]

I don't know if he also covered up the real cause of her death as well, I didn't have access to that information, but decades later it was discovered that the children she carried actually survived. A boy and girl- Luke and Leia.

[Here he stopped, letting Anakin have a moment to process things. He knew it was a lot to dump on him but it was best it was out in the open. He would meet Kylo Ren soon enough anyway.]

[Following him inside, Anakin throws himself into the offered chair, eyes never leaving Hux's figure. While he doesn't fear the man, he is...tense in his presence. He has knowledge he has wanted to know since he set his feet on his current path.]

Go ahead. [His blood runs cold and the room seems to spin. Dead. Dead still? The very walls of the room begin to shake, objects falling noisily to the floor. Anakin's breath is quick and pained.]

Why would he - ? [Not that it matters. Padmé...is dead. Gone. Shakily, he rises from the chair and moves away from Hux lest he rip the man to shreds accidentally. His power is so strong now and it's...like an untamed beast.] No! She -

She will be fine. I will bring her back. That's why the records were falsified. She's alive, but I keep her safe and away from all of her enemies.

[Yes his mind soothes, that must be it. The shaking diminishes and he breathes easier.]

...twins? [His heart leaps and he turns to look at the General, expression softening.] Were they with me?

[Hux didn't argue with Anakin. He was fairly certain that Padme remained dead but he would let Kylo Ren tackle that subject. He didn't flinch as things started to shake, Kylo Ren had done far worse around him already and Anakin needed him for information.]

The Imperial records have no mention of either of them. No one, not even the Emperor, knew they survived except a few. They were hidden- Leia was raised on Alderaan with the Organas and Luke grew up on Tatooine.

She became a senator on behalf of Alderaan until the Senate was dissolved and Luke- well I don't know what he did before Yavin.

[What Kylo Ren had done around Hux could not compare to what Anakin Skywalker - Darth Vader - could do to Hux. He could keep him alive while he did it too. Death is an escape, after all, and not everyone deserves their freedom if they haven't told all that they know.]

...Tatooine. [The last place he would want his child living.] Hidden by who?

[He has a very good idea who would have the gall to hide his own children from him and he sure as hell knows he wouldn't have chosen Tatooine.]

Obi-Wan. [His smile holds no affection; only bitter betrayal.] He would do that to me and all because I rejected him!

[His head is throbbing and he regains his seat, curling forward over his knees.]

Leia takes after Padmé, so Luke must take after me. Obi-Wan won't be able to stop that!

[Before Hux could answer that he honestly didn't know, Anakin answered the question.

He didn't know a lot about Obi-Wan Kenobi aside that he was Kylo Ren's original namesake. He knew that Kenobi was one of the lone survivors of the Purge and the Inquisitors until he was killed just before the Battle of Yavin on the Death Star.

He couldn't tell Anakin what Luke and Leia were really like, that was something he would also have to leave to Kylo. He remained silent, only watching Anakin with caution.]

[He cannot stay lost in his thoughts forever - no matter how nauseous they make him. Hux's silence is merely an affirmation to him and he runs a hand over his hair distractedly.]

Do you support the Emperor? [Deep down he realizes that if Padmé perishes that might very well be why he isn't the Emperor. Without her, he would lose his resolve to fight for the highest position.]

[With anyone else the answer would have been an automatic yes. It wasn't wise to hesitate on that question in the First Order, the Emperor was still so highly revered to the point of worship even among high command.

However, he was sure that Anakin would be able to sense a lie and Hux had never been one for mindless devotion.]

I support the Empire.

[Despite his opinions on Palpatine, Hux was fiercely loyal for what the Empire had been. Stability, order, peace. He would see those traditions and ideals re-established once more throughout the galaxy.]

[The Empire isn't what he imagined for himself or for... For her. But if it brings peace...

No, Anakin will never say that makes it worthwhile. Padmé is worth more than the whole galaxy to him and...

Obi-Wan was once family to him too.]

There is no better way to unite the galaxy. Democracy doesn't work and if Palpatine... [His Master.] establishes peace then...

That was the goal all along.

I agree. Palpatine did what no one else could do at the time in uniting the galaxy at a time when the Republic was collapsing in on itself.

And there was peace, rebuilding from the destruction of the Clone Wars.

[At least for a time.]

There will never be another corrupt Republic again.

Do you honestly think he did that on his own? [It rankles him that Palpatine may get all the credit.] He didn't see to the death of the Empire's enemies.

[He didn't risk everything for a dream.]

Why? If it can be done once, it can be done again. You should never let down your guard.

Edited (I can read.) 2017-01-13 10:25 (UTC)

No, he didn't. Palpatine was....one of a kind and I have no doubt he was a powerful Sith Lord but he had his limits. And like everyone, he made mistakes along the way.

[A small smile appeared on Hux's lips at Anakin's last question. There was nothing warm about it.]

I personally destroyed the last attempt at establishing a new Republic. Trust me, it's gone.

[And it had been a wonderful moment.]

He is powerful, but not as powerful as I am. [A fact Palpatine knows well - thus why he had to break Anakin into being the perfect servant.]

You are naive, General. As long as there are those who stand against you, there is the possibility of a Republic. They all need to be eliminated.

I eliminated every last one of them [And he crossed that line that no one else in the galaxy was willing to.]

The New Republic Senate, their fleet, their resources, and their leaders were completely destroyed. No one survived, I'm very certain of that.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Intro Log: Eat Your Veggies

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