Data Log 11247 — Journal 0005
H.C.R.-002—Sith Artifact
Dr Mary Au'Rona
'Findings log number one, one, two, forty-seven mark-1. Audio uplink active and streaming...'
"Hello, this is Dr Mary Au'Rona, research fellow from the Allied Academy of Marleyvane and captain of the Converso.
"The algorithm recorded in this journal as the Intentus Key is being applied to Sith artifact HCR zero-zero-two. It weighs 7.21 lbs standard. Scans show it consists of 82.75% durite (a brittle but tough ancestor to the more common Durasteel), it is encased in gilded orbalisk shells that add in 15% carbon, and the remainder is a mixture of nickel, copper and gold.
"It is neither geometric nor does it have hinges or lines that made the other relics appear similar. Rather, HCR-2 appears like a raw hunk of metal that was warped and hammered into an distinguishable shape. I admit that I am nervous about what may happen if-and-when this holocron opens."
'Electro-magnetic dampeners online. Vacuum-lock armed and ready. Ray shields active and level nominal.'
"Security measures are active. Neither I, nor Artie are taking any risks this time. Mother Talzin taught us a valuable lesson with her traps. The Converso has been refitted for security and reinforced to withstand elemental overloads. But if all else fails..."
'Emergency hatch online. Green light, red light. Go.'
*A sound of atmosphere rushing through an airlock fills the recording for three seconds*
"…the ship will expel HCR-2 into the void of space. It is resisting the Intentus Key thus far. Unlike SHC, which opened the very second R3-J9 activated the algorithm, this artifact is being stubborn a full minute into broadcast. And on that lighthearted note, Artie, you seeing any changes?"
*Astromech beeps and whistles*
'Intentus engaged successfully, processing...'
*Loud sounds of crackling and hissing, then an electronic pop followed by persistent static to wash out the sound of a woman's scream, finally all goes silent*
"I can't believe that audio is still recording. This is Dr Mary, still uplinked somehow. Holoprojectors are shot, visual sensors are gone as well, only my datapad's microphone is still functioning. I have no idea how long it will work, but I will try to explain everything I see as best I can."
*Warbling klaxons drone on in the background throughout the report*
"Intentus unlocked HCR-2 and it emitted a deafening electromagnetic pulse. Systems are slowly coming back online and helping me fight back some of the last few fires. Most of the ship's hold was upgraded to protect from electronic discharges, but R3 rolled off the rubber floor-mat that saved my life. Artie is running on low-power mode and remains nonresponsive. I have hopes that Artie will come back online in his own time, like most of the ship.
"HCR-2 remains in stasis. Converso's security measures are still functioning, though diagnostics are still running. Data streams are offline while the ship brings back nonessential functions. GHC mark 1 is not transmitting data anymore, though the cradle and Holocron appear undamaged.
"I don't want to stop recording to go check, but I hope the mic caught some of the noise that accompanied the EMP. It was like a woman's pitch and voice, but it was not from a single being. As though it were an amalgam of many different voices, pushed to a high octave all as one. I'm not sure that I'm describing it very well, but it was definitely unnatural and creepy.
"I can't stop thinking about it. Something about that scream reached inside and rattled me. I can still taste bile in my mouth. It was as though the EMP caused the neurons in my brain to go hyperactive. I assume this is all psychosomatic, but after all I have seen these past months, I cannot not be certain anymore.
"Okay it doesn't appear anything is happening with HCR-2 so I'm going to shut this down. Dr Mary signing…"
Child, where are… we? What is this? How is this?
"Gracious me, who said that?!"
*A clattering thunk sets off a new round of klaxons followed by a tirade of giggle-laced expletives*
Who is there? Where are we?
"Can you believe this? Oh yeah, only audio is recording, okay, okay… Stars align— how do I explain what I'm looking at?
"HCR-2 has activated. I appear to be face to face with a projection of a being armored in the little orbalisks that covered the holocron's surface. He is taller than an average man, and appears to be made of some form of protoplasm. Translucent, but appears to have more of a tangible form than Talzin had, at least. She looked more like a holoprojection, but this looks like I could shake its hand, if it wasn't encased in a ray shield for security purposes."
We demand you answer. What is this place and where are we?
"Oh I sure hope the mic is picking up the nuance to this voice. It sounds like a chorus of voices, perfectly synchronized and pitched, but now it is distinctively male. It's ominous and fascinating. The being's face is covered by his armor, so I cannot watch his lips form the words. His head is casting side to side as though he is trying to get his bearings. He appears guarded or paranoid, as though ready to be attacked, but moves so slowly that he could be submerged in liquid."
Who would dare threaten the Dark Lord Bane?
"Unbelievable. He seems at least conscious enough to respond to input. I am going to respond to him directly, see the extent of his programming: Hello Lord Bane, my name is Dr Mary Au'Rona. You are on my ship. It appears that you've been sleeping for a long, long time. I welcome you to the…"
You would dare summon the true Lord of the Sith? Pay for your disrespect with your life, infidel!
"Here we go. Security systems active. Green light."
*A booming, echoing laugh accompanies a rapid, crackling popping noise like an electric surge*
"Ha-ha! That was quite a little firework show, Lord Bane. Thank you for the entertainment."
What is this? How is this possible? Speak child.
"You are trapped in a containment field and surrounded by a ray shield. HCR-2 is encased by a number of safeguards, so you can keep your Force tricks to yourself. I am not here to kill you, my Lord. I seek only illumination."
What fool comes to the dark to find the light?
"Okay, so, the projection appears to have the ability to conjure tendrils of electricity from thin air. It is quite impressive. This is in-line with some of the more legendary stories of the Dark Jedi. Interesting to note that this projection is slowly but constantly opening and closing the fingers on his left hand like a nervous tick, or as though he was losing feeling, though I doubt even Force ghosts can experience pain..."
You taunt me at your own peril. Safety is the first step toward weakness. For the nature of the Dark Side is power.
*Lots of fizzling pops let off like a string of firecrackers while Mary laughs*
"How delightful, Lord Bane! After the ghost stopped trying to shoot lightning out of his fingers, he released a swarm of beetles. The orbalisk husks that covered him, and HCR-2, reanimated and took flight all at once.
"Unfortunately for him, the parasites flew right into the containment field and fried under nearly 20-million volts. He does not appear to understand what happened yet."
Why have you summoned us from eternal slumber, child?
"Are you sentient, my lord?"
There is nothing we do not know. All knowledge is within the Force, and I am the Force.
"How long have you been asleep?"
Your query is pathetic, and we will not address it.
"That seems a little evasive. How about this, my name is Mary, not child. Can you say that?"
You do not command the Sith'ari. You are finite. We are eternal.
"Wait, who is we? I'm confused, Lord Bane. Are you not alone in your slumber?"
We are one and many. All are Bane, for Bane is all that ever was and is.
"Yes, eternal, got it: message received. Can you tell me more about that word, Sith'ari? I've heard it before, from a different ghost, actually."
Knowledge is power, but it is up to you to find how to best use it.
"I'm starting to wonder if you have anything worth telling me at all, Lord Bane. If there is a purpose to this representation of the dark lord, I have not yet discovered it. He does not seem capable of answering direct queries."
The Sith'ari will be free of limits. The Sith'ari will lead the Sith and destroy them. The Sith'ari will raise the Sith from death's door to make them stronger than before. He is the perfect being. The Sith'ari is power made flesh, so I dedicated my many lives to his revelation.
"Ah, now we're getting somewhere. What distinguishes this from the Jedi prophecy of the one who would bring balance?"
If you are trying to bore us with your pathetic inquiries, we will return to our source.
"No, no, please. Tell me more about the Sith and their prophecy."
Equality is the contemporary of inability. Weakness made plain. There is no place for weakness in the Dark—only dominance. The Sith Brotherhood deserved the brutal end we gave them, and so much more.
"Did you destroy your own brotherhood, my Lord?"
Of course, it was their destiny. They were cattle seeking safety in numbers. Mediocrity survived through nepotism, thrived even, and the power of Sith lords faded into failure and shame. Elections and councils and ministers, fornication and celebration of every vice and perversion—it was sickening. We were happy to see them fall.
"Fascinating. Till now, your place in history, Darth Bane, has been relegated to instituting the Sith 'Rule of Two.' I have never read any account that credits you with the destruction of the Sith Religion."
You doubt the powers of Bane?
"Not at all, my Lord. I only mean to say that the Jedi Grandmaster Hoth, is credited for that deed some twenty-one hundred years ago, give or take."
Histories change and memories fade, but my actions will stand for a thousand-thousand generations. There is no Force without Sith. No Brotherhood without Bane. It is my legacy.
"So you destroyed the Sith, check. Did you rule them as well, Darth Bane?"
Clever is the one that seeks the ends rather than the means. Bane is just a name and a name can be forgotten. But the galaxy needs us, the Sith are the agents of control for an obstinate universe. The Darkness rises: always learning, always honing and preparing for the appointed time.
"It would appear I am not the only clever one here, my Lord. You are incredibly evasive. Please tell me about your journey."
In life, my masters were pathetic and my brethren were inbred creatures with no sense of dignity or respect. I killed every Initiate I could before slaughtering my master and escaping to the cosmos. I sought out the darkest and deepest secrets of the great mystery.
It was I that discovered and restored the title of "Darth" to its rightful place. A thousand generations of Sith lords had forgotten their noble heritage, but I restored dignity to our sacred religion.
Soon the foolish lords of the Brotherhood believed themselves worthy, and entitlement spread like a cancer. Everyone who carried a red blade and killed out of spite called themselves Darth before long.
I left the Brotherhood behind and crisscrossed the galaxy in search of the greatest Force lords. My thirst for knowledge and power was unquenchable and led me to the legendary Kissai. Their ancient race held so firm to a prophecy about their last lord—a King named Adas—that they allowed their entire raced to die out to prove it true.
"That's appalling, but if I'm being honest, I've heard of races dying for worse reasons."
Yes my child. It was in this legend that I unlocked my vision of the Sith'ari. He would be the perfect one, the overlord, the limitless one, and destroyer. He would conquer all and destroy everything unworthy of life. The Galaxy would finally be free when weakness and blasphemy was driven out forever.
I felt the gravity of a trillion worlds pressing upon this single prophecy. But Fear is of the Dark Side—and doubts are fuel for the most fiery rage. I was of a single-mind. Bane took up the crown and declared war eternal upon the Galaxy.
"An eternal war, indeed. In establishing a competing prophecy to the Jedi Order, you ensured that generation after generation of Sith warriors would strive to prove themselves worthy of the title. I knew a man that used to tell me: 'Belief is a weed, it grows wherever roots are planted.'"
Or they die trying, yes my child.
"You're a monster. An effective, calculating, well-reasoned monster, Lord Bane."
Once a prophecy is planted in hearts and minds, it can only ever grow.
"Patience does not seem like it would be a Sith virtue."
It was not before Bane. We stole the precept from the foolish Jedi Order and they never even realized it. Yes, Patience should be of the Light, but the Jedi are pretenders, not light-bringers. They desire power, they are greedy, ignorant, arrogant and far too willing to forgive each other. The dogmatic Jedi rats believed they could save the Galaxy, but Balance is a lie.
The Jedi Order was built to destroy itself from within—the Sith Brotherhood from without. Bane did not need to crush the Order, and we knew the legions of rabid Sith pretenders would never succeed. But as long as a single being would dare use the Force, for good or evil, there would be another to oppose him. Where ever the light goes, the darkness will ever seek to find and snuff it out. That is the fundamental nature of the Force, and thus our Galaxy.
"So you killed off your brothers to tilt the scales? Why not destroy the Jedi Order and allow the weakest of the Sith ranks to die off to the in-fighting? It took thousands of years for the Sith Empire to reform under the reign of Palpatine. And that lasted what—twenty, thirty years? The Jedi thrived for millennia, until…"
Until the destiny of Darth Bane came to fruition.
"Then you are responsible for the Great Purge as well? You take credit for much, my Lord."
Puny rat, leave us and take your trifling insults with you.
"I apologize, Darth Bane. What I meant was—did not Darth Sidious, Darth Maul, Darth Tyranus and Darth Vader take credit for the final destruction of the Jedi religion?"
And Bane was present for all. There are dark secrets that only the mightiest Sith lords have ever unlocked. Life is only a vessel for my indomitable will. I am not the only lord to discover the secret to immortality, but we ensured that none would follow us.
Everlasting, ever-present, we exceeded the mortal realm and became one with the living force. None can resist Darth Bane.
Not Naga Sadow, leading his armada to destroy the Republic and earning his eternal exile in a forgotten tomb.
Nor Freedon Nadd who would dominate the Beast Warriors against the foolish Sentinels on Onderon.
Neither could Darth Ruin, who thought his rebellion proved him worthy of an empire.
Bane used our influence to instruct the fool Skere Kaan on using the Thought Bomb. It was our machinations that resulted in the devastation of Moraband and the end of all. For we are the Sith'ari, and Patience is our ally.
"Yes, everyone has heard about the siege of Moraband and the devastation of the Army of Light. That world is a graveyard now. It was you who convinced the Sith to destroy all the Force-touched on their own homeworld?"
Lightbringer Hoth was a worthy foe who died well. I will not say the same for my supposed brethren and the foolish Kaan. The Sith were willing to believe that they were impervious to the effects of their doomsday device. It was a relic of the ancient Kissai race that they knew not how to control. When the Jedi had nearly won the day, the fools unleashed armageddon. Most died without knowing what happened.
"Such a clever trick, my lord. You certainly managed to leave an impact on the Galaxy. It took generations for the Jedi Order to recover from that battle. Some say the Sith never did."
Their deaths filled my eternal spirit with enough power to sustain Bane far beyond the grave. We took the form of many, many beings. Always pushing and pulling the levers of fate toward the ultimate end. For the Sith'ari must rise, rule and destroy—our eternal destiny.
"So your legacy passed through Sidious and into the legendary Skywalker bloodline?"
Say not that name.
*A popping noise overwhelms the recording then fizzles out with a static hiss*
"The projection attempted another shot of lightning that did nothing but light up the ray shield surrounding him. He looks drained from the effort. His fist is clenched shut now, resting on his breast like it's badly wounded.
"Lord Bane, please accept my apologies. I did not know you feared speaking about the Chosen One."
Rage and tempest— Foulest of omens and darkest demon of the abyss— We will not tolerate such insolence a moment further. The immortal legion of Bane commands and all obey or suffer!
"Is it possible that you are in some sort of pain, Lord Bane? I think this might be a good place to end this interview for the both of us. I have a lot of repairs to do before I'll be able to get moving and Artie's been immobile for longer than I'd like."
We will not allow a petulant child to tell us when and where we go.
"Then tell me about Skywalker and let's have no more outbursts, my Lord, if you please?"
We know the name. There was time the before Skywalker and the time after.
"Take no offense by this question, my Lord, but did not Anakin fulfill the prophecy of the Sith'ari when he took up the name Vader?"
Darkness and light are of a kind to the Skywalker. Regret and foul visions, misplaced loyalty and unruly power, yet never discipline. No, Skywalker was not the Sith'ari. Instead, he was the conclusion of a work I began two thousand years before him. He was the very nature of the Force made carnal: neither the darkest, nor the lightest.
But a steady tide can corrode even the mightiest of mountains. So too would the Rule of Two change the very fate of the Force. Thus—Anakin became Vader.
"Yes, your Rule of Two came to fruition when Sidious and Vader wiped out the Jedi and toppled the Republic?"
The Sith would kill and maim. The Jedi would respond by wiping them out, and then call it nobler. So it was for thousands of years following the defection of the Rouges.
The Rule was not merely a vanguard for the Sith, but for the Galaxy. The Jedi would never relinquish control of their power. In their arrogance, they believed their desire to control the Force to be altruism, rather than absolute folly.
The Sith engaged the Jedi on their terms and dared them to break their own rules. And they would, every time, but then just move on as though they hadn't. The Jedi learned nothing from their trials, and the Sith only ever existed to provide tests. It was pathetic.
We were determined to be better, and to force my Sith brethren to be as well. And like Andeddu the Immortal before him, Bane became limitless and eternal. Through extensive knowledge of the Force we brought about the end of the Jedi and Sith and now rule alone and supreme.
"My lord, you appear to be fading, are you well?"
Bane is great.
"Well, a thousand apologies Lord Bane. It appears we may be running out of time. I have to wonder though, how is it that your legacy includes the Rule of Two, but not your great exploits in life? You never used your eternal influence to claim the renown you justly deserve?"
My work is not finished child. Anonymity is a great ally to the patient. It took skill to remain unaccredited for my deeds. Dozens died under the shadow of my ghostly visage, and it has drained me of my vigor, perhaps. But a thousand years of trapping and deceiving Force-users is tiring work.
"Tell me about it…"
But now, an opportunity to add our name to the eternal record is one we mean not to pass up.
"I appreciate that kind assessment of my research, my Lord. Not sure I know what you're talking about, but still, I'll take a compliment when I get one. I regret…"
We have no regrets and yet still too many to number or name. The Dark side is rife with hypocrisy, I have never denied that about my own nature. The Force made use of Bane, of this spirit, and made us great. But greatness comes at a cost.
"Can there ever truly be peace in the Force?"
Not in the Light. The Jedi will never know balance for their very existence is an act of imbalance. All who use the Force take more than they give back. It is arrogant to use the great power of the universe without expecting universal consequences.
Skywalker was a mighty power in the galaxy, as a credit to his lasting bloodline. He changed the Force and the galaxy before his time was through. Chosen he was, and of the Force. But he will never be the One. He was no more chosen than we.
*A static-filled, rumbling laughter echoes until it fades away*
"What an exit. The projection of Darth Bane laughed as he slowly dissolved into mist. HCR-2 lit up like a glowing white star. Power is back at 100% and the holocron stationary once more.
"But the Great Holocron is transmitting once more. I'm not sure why, but since the deactivation of HCR-2, it has been sending a full stream into the database. Excelsior! I need to wake Artie.
"This is Dr Mary Au'Rona, log time, fourteen minutes twenty-three seconds. Holo and visual recording failed, security lockdown active. HCR-2 returning to housing unit 113-86. End recording."
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