Darth Furion

The answer was, again, expected but what could you do? A follower was a follower. Never the less, Julio was glad the conversation had gone so smoothly for Raia's sake. The longer he could avoid growing too ferocious in her presence the longer he could keep up the guise of fatherly educator. Well, my dear. What did you... He cut himself off seconds before the real interruption would come. Barreling through his office doors slithered the hutt, rambling on about something to do with change and needing something to do. At ease, brother. I have a guest. He said with his hands held up, as if in a passive mood to placate the rambling, almost confused and borderline aggressive Hutt. Though, under all that, let loose from those gilded cages was a bestial hunger that almost taunted Sheog to overstep just a little further. Staring the hulking slug down, Julio yet held on to his gracious smile. Raia, do be a dear and find Lallu and Veagir. Tell them it is time you studied our code. I will call for you later to see what you have learned. He waited for the girl to pardon herself before dropping his hands to clasp together at his waist. His ever ready position so counter intuitive to every other starting stance in organized aggression. Julio's eyes still fervently blazed as he began to speak. You feel stagnant is what you feel... He spat with disgust. This need for change, this need for action is the dark side whispering in your skull reminders of just how lazy and fat you have become. He started to pace side to side across the width of the office, just in front of his desk as his eyes never left Sheog. So what? I suppose you come to me now for direction, purpose? Just like all the rest of them. Pathetic. And I had thought so highly of you, my brother. My Master of the Krath. His footsteps were slow, careful and precise, like he was stalking something, but his eyes only sought to devour the very sight of this massive thing. I will grant your wish. I will give you the change you are looking for. But this mercy will not be free.

Words. He said incredulously, all the while still holding on to that glowing smile. Let us see what your actions say. As he rose from his seat, the Dark Lord's hands fell autonomously behind him, clasping together in his passive way. Yet without motion, without the telltale sign of intent or concentration Nokrt's throat became very tight, making breathing labored but somewhat attainable. Remind me, what good is a dead Sith? The tone in his voice made it clear the question was rhetorical but he still held pause for answer as he circled around the desk. You can forget about serving the Order because frankly, I am the Order. They all exist to serve me and through me grow themselves, so they in turn help themselves by helping me. You help neither me, nor yourself by presenting yourself weaponless. Forget about Jedi, even amidst your own kind you know full well you are in danger. Walking around without so much as a lightsaber is a declaration of weakness, no? So, I think it would be best if you brandished something before going anywhere else. The squeeze became tighter and now it was impossible to breath. It felt as if any moment Nokrt's throat may collapse in on itself and snuff him out once again. Leaning down toward the young Sith's ear, Julio began to whisper. I honestly do not care if you live or die, but I will not throw away potential resources without reason. So long as you prove useful, you stay alive, but I would like to see some effort on your part to make that a little easier for me. Before rising, Julio's hands unclasped and produced a small punch dagger. The handle was polished granite, and the blade some dulled black hue of folded durasteel. This is the last free thing you will ever get from me. The Dark Lord took the Sith's right hand and placed the weapon softly in his palm before releasing his hold on the Chiss' throat, then promptly turned to head back toward his desk chair. His muscles didn't tense in anticipated retaliation, nor did his mind betray any hint of doubt in his decision to arm the man he had just accosted. You will want to find Yue in the prison block. You two will be working together on your studies in alchemy until the time is right. Then I will have other work for you. If there is nothing else, you are dismissed.

At this, Julio's genuine, remarkable smile spread across his face like it suited him, the face of a man who got what he wanted. This Lord knew his place well, offering one and all to the Dark Lord without hesitation. But therein lay another problem. Yes...I expect as much. Julio mused, brilliant eyes devouring the sight of the freshly risen Sith Lord. But there is a problem with that. One you share with many of your brothers and sisters, no doubt. You are willing to give your all to the Dark Lord of the Sith, but I do not give a shit about your hierarchical posturing. Julio leaned back in his chair, pulling from his desk drawer a pack of spice sticks. With but a toss one sailed its way to his lips, inexplicably lit already. If I wanted that I would have conquered the Empire before its fall and commanded armies. What I want from you, my little blue underling, is to swear allegiance to me. The sickly sweat smell of the stick filled the poorly ventilated study began to waft across the desk toward his guests, and in little time it would begin to consume the tight little room. The thick, heavy smoke, even as hot as it was, never seemed to drift more than five or six feet high before lingering. You can swear to Dark Lords until this galaxy collapses in on itself. No, what I want is for you to fundamentally understand that it is I and none other than holds your reins. That you carry out my orders like they are from the mouth of Darkness itself and know that if you do not suffering will be the only future you have left. You will do this until the day you are strong enough to stand before as an individual and strike me down to take my place. Until that day, everything you have I will give you. Everything you want will be mine to give. All you have to do is prove to me you want it. Is that understood.

"That will not be necessary." He sighed out as he stood up from the table, parting a hand autonomously to wave Norkt toward the door. "My Master's safety is not the one in question." He added, adding some ominous hint without the spite or malice behind it to carry the thought further than one of doubt. Once outside the room, the red one took the lead, swiftly flanked by his familiar horde of acolytes. His footing was sure and unhindered as they wove through the halls and turbolifts, not once slowing in misdirection or ill conceived intent. Where the red one strode, others parted ways. Of course the party would stop and step aside as Sith of rank passed them, but all others fell away like leaves to the divine wind. Once through the ballroom's threshold the red one still did not slow, even with the uneasy glances from around the room. Lords and Masters alike caught note of the escorted Sith in their midst and couldn't help but wonder who he was or what the Dark Lord had planned for him. The dark side was within this Sith, that was without question, but he had been gone for so long from the galaxy few may remember his face, let alone his name. Those that would didn't have time to question as the group sailed by them, straight up the curved staircase to the solid stone panel behind the throne. At the top of the stairs all but the red one stopped as if some invisible barrier or insurmountable commandment stilled stride dead. Closing his eyes, the red one took but a moment's pause to concentrate as he waved his hand past the massive stone. Somewhere deep within the wall stone ground in response as locks and braces slid away and the wall gave way to narrow passage. "After you, mi'lord." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tender teenage heart hardened before his very eyes, and yet this one act that would have at any other time delighted the Dark Lord seemed to go completely remiss. Instead of his wolfish grin embracing another in a long line of hard decisions Raia saw Julio tilt his head to the side slightly in a bemused sort of stare. What was it? How had she.... Never mind it for now. He chided as he caught himself reeling from the passing vision. It was for another time, after he dealt with the waking one. You know nothing of my pain, little girl. He snapped bitterly, still taken aback. Fighting to keep the sneer off his face he hurried to follow up, hedging any perceived slight before the witch got too wise. Even my daughter does not know of my true suffering, not yet. But you both will in your own time, and I must say I am most interested in how you handle it. Will you see it for the transitory thing it is, or will you crush under a galaxy's weight? He stared at her, but distantly as if he were lost in thought, trying to see something far below the surface. After a moment he softly chuckled to himself and blinked back into focus. Worry not. I gain nothing watching you flounder with more than you can handle. Everything I do, everything I teach you will be at a level you can attain, even if your limited concept of self excellence casts shadows of doubt over you. Remember that, and I mean really accept that and you will be able to push yourself far beyond anything you ever thought attainable. Stopping suddenly, Julio's eyes flicked over her to the wooden door behind her. He waved his hand at the door to alleviate the stone locks barring his next guest in synchronization with the wave of the red one to feed the perception that those acolytes clad in red had more power than could be seen. An idle illusion, in sooth, but one that could make or break any fool. Forgive me, my dear, but I have another guest. Please do sit quietly while we chat, but keep your eyes and ears keen to the conversation. There will be a test afterward. As the red one opened the wooden door and led Nokrt into the study Julio's eyes seemed to somehow grow impossibly brighter, locked on Nokrt the moment he passed the threshold. Instantly he was furious at the complete breach in security and protocol but it did not show on his face. Only in his eyes did his passion burn so clearly. Have a seat. I will be with you in a moment. His words were calm, distant, and now Basic again rather than the Dathomiri tongue the two of them had grown accustomed to these past few moments. Even as the red one moved to take knee next to the desk and offered up his hand Julio did not once look away from Nokrt. Placing his right hand on the extended one of the acolyte's, Julio felt a rush of information jump through him like a bolt of lightning. Freely given and easily taken, the information regarding Nokrt's previous questioning and all the recorded intel they had on him clicked into his mind. With only a curt nod from the Dark Lord the acolyte took his leave, closing the doors behind him. Time ticked away. One minute, maybe two and not a word was spoken. But then with a heavy sigh Julio leaned forward in his chair, intertwining his hands to keep them from fidgeting, or from reaching for the nearest weapon it was hard to tell. What exactly are you offering me, Lord Nokttin'okr'tihnt? The name was pronounced flawlessly, as if he had said it a thousand times before.

((Delete: Double Post))

At first it was a soft touch. Slipping into such a young, displaced mind was the easy part. And then once inside, he could begin to see how her mind turned abstract emotion into thought, and so on into language patterns. The words tumbling around in her confused skull were themselves odd and indistinct for the Dark Lord, but as Raia first began to speak out loud in the basic tongue the cipher almost seemed to click into place. When he first began to use her language it was not a matter of truly speaking the words, but rather running his own thoughts and basic words through her very own language center, tricking the mind into thinking he was speaking Dathomiri with the precise flow of a native. He could read it on her face, just how awe struck and taken aback her home tongue made him appear. Like some fiendish trickster out of tales told around the fire that could take one's words from their very lips and whisper hellish secrets none were meant to hear. Yet beyond that sang the truth of the message behind the words, and how exactly they placed her in the how and why of it all. With this contemplation dedicated thought on translation was lost to her and she fell into her natural language, no longer hiding that part of herself from him in a moment of passion fueled self righteousness. Now the floodgates were dropped, and here alone, safely away from the surrounding threats the Nightsisters had placed on him on Dathomir, he was able to devote some attention toward studying the language itself. She flared on as if they were back where she was from, in the traditions she was raised in. Where exactly do you think you are, Raia? He continued on in Dathomiri without pause or consideration, like he had always known her words. You are not in the woods any longer. Here in the rest of the galaxy men and women are treated as equals. The word was sour just to speak, knowing the concept of equality itself to be nothing more than one of the great lies, yet he let it fall from his lips like any other and continued on without pause. It is not my job to protect her any longer, much to my chagrin. For years I protected my daughter from this path, and did every futile thing I could to give her a happy life. But because I love her and want her to be her own great and beautiful self, I gave her the choice. It was her choice to come into this life, just as it was your choice. Neither of you had to stand with the other hopefuls if you did not want to, but you did. It was your choice to join us that led to the death of that man. Be it ambition or self preservation you are here because you chose to be. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Those Sith will be questioned to verify your story. For now, everything in our records checks out with your story, though that much can be taken from interrogation. Biometric scans have you as disease and agent free and show you do in fact have a recently cloned body, so you have that much. For now I'll give you a pass, but I must ask you relinquish your weapons for the time being and report to the Dark Lord where he will finish this examination himself. If he says you are who you say you are, your weapons will be given back to you and you will be reinstated into the Sith Order. Will you comply?" A droid could have read that much from a script, the red one sounded so mechanical. He could have been conversing with a wall for as much emotion he conveyed in his words.

If I were going to usher you off to any other Sith to be taught I would say Dark Lord, but seeing as how I expect to keep you with my personal apprentices I think Master will do just fine. He said with the same kind smile, not at all hinting any pride in the matter. It was simply the way of things as they were for now. If she didn't work out, then she'd be moved elsewhere. While she held promise, enough that Julio wanted to keep a personal eye on her, she had not yet fulfilled that potential. I am truly sorry at these turn of events. I am sure you would rather be at home with your family, safely learning their ways with the people and places you are familiar with. But you must understand that you only feel that way because of what has happened here. Had you never come with us, or rather had you never left those woods... He paused at this, knowing her eyes would grow wide and her mouth fall agape at the information he so readily used yet had never deserved. You would still feel those feelings you did back then, no? Those feelings of displacement, the need to explore beyond what you were allowed into bigger and newer things. You left your family because you wanted more, did you not? That is what lead you to the Nightsisters. That is what lead you to my shuttle. What lead you to kill a man in self preservation, and what has lead you to knock on my door just now. He paused, giving her mind to slowly wind back from the reeling it must be doing. The suddenness of this information, this harsh reality being forced upon her. It may be all too much, especially for one teetering on the edge as she was, but it was part of the all too necessary steps she needed to take to push past this sense of confusion and misdirection. Much like many others who he took on he would need to take her by the hand and show her the reality before her, and all the miserable choices that meant. You are exactly where your path has lead you, little one. Exactly where the Force has guided you to be. You did not die because it was not your time to die, it was his. But you should not feel bad about taking his life. His life was necessary so that yours may thrive. Even in nature, predators have to kill to eat, right? If anyone is to blame, blame me for forcing him into your path. ````````````````` "I'm sorry, that isn't for me to decide." The red one said callously as he scribbled notes down. After a moment, he looked up again and continued on. "Do not worry about them, we already have people on it. Tell me of the time when you were alive. Who were the people in charge, the events of the time, and your personal contacts? We need to contact them to verify parts of your story."

((Nokrt, you seem to be countering yourself in your posts. First saying you were within tractor beam range, then criticizing me for not giving you directions through the Maw. Not only is this an ill placed snap at me for whatever reason, but poor role playing. Breaking through the lines of security is one thing we've worked through, don't displace your own details on top of that.)) As he landed, Nokrt was prominently met by a cadre of acolytes headed by one set apart by red robes rather than the others' drab black ones. He stood directly opposed to the landing ramp as the dozen or so acolytes flanked the pathway. "Lord Sith, please follow me." Was all that was uttered before the company turned on their heels and proceeded out the thick hangar doors and down the hall. The walk was quiet, even in the vacant minds of all the acolytes. It would seem odd, to any paying attention, that they all seemed so empty, so hollow in emotion or conscious thought. Like the were the walking dead, while bodily function yet thrummed them alive. Who were these men and women, what had the Dark Lord done to them to scar them so? A curious mind could take time to find the answer, but time was not something this Sith was given. "In here, if you will." Beckoned the red acolyte as a door slid open. As they walked in, Nokrt would notice that the rest of the accompanying acolytes stayed outside the room while only he and the one in red went in. More importantly was the room itself, where a bleak whiteness adorned everything. The walls, the two chairs, and the sole table that furnished it. And the light seemed to be of some ambient nature, originating from no one source or location. It seemed to strain the eyes and set one's teeth on edge, but the red one didn't seem to notice. "Why don't you have a seat? Depending on your cooperation, this will not take long." Taking his own advice the acolyte sat in the far chair, leaving the newly arrived Sith to sit uneasily with his back to the door. "Now, to get started I'd like to ask you a few questions. Our records show that it has been quite some time since you've come into the Order proper. Where have you been all this time? Who have you been in contact with? And, who was it that hinted that you should come to the Maw of all places to find us?" He was curt and to the point, but no hint of judgement lingered on his lips. He could have been taking an opinion survey on kitchenware for the ten thousandth time from the tone in his voice. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Words spoken, words obeyed. Without question Tobias seemed to take in the new opportunity to advance and ran with it. Almost literally as he fled from Julio's study without dismissal. As the door slid shut he couldn't help but sneer at the tail wagging fool. Such a golden chance and he would no doubt sully it with his over eagerness. No planning, no style, just an uncouth lust to follow orders and prove his worth. Cadivus would have great use for him to be sure. Resting back down at his desk, there would be just a few short moments before the next one would file in. The Dark Lord could already feel her thoughts lingering toward him, frightened to tread too far without any certainty. There was something about this one, though, that showed promise. A naive innocence that made for the softest of clay. She had the hunger, yes, but it was like that of a drunk that had forgotten how to drink, or a spice fiend too long from the stick. She didn't know what she wanted, or why, but knew that she wanted it desperately. In a way she was not unlike many others who chose to walk the higher path, be it of the light or dark, whereas she sought purpose, or a place in this new, grand galaxy she was just getting to know. While he waited he read over field reports of his spies already in the field. Old underlings that had served him and his master before him long before dreams of seizing the mantle of Dark Lord had ever visited him. Things were progressing well, as expected. With the recent defeat of the Sith, the Jedi had stopped taking such a progressive act at snuffing them out throughout the galaxy. Where Julio's men worked were thought to be nothing more than natural occurrences of men's inner darkness rather than the focused, seething intent that cultivated darkness bore. Vice seemed to be expanding galaxy wide, but in a subtler way than had been seen in the past couple decades. As the door creaked open his eyes slid languidly from the reports toward the petite witch, who's aforementioned fears and hesitations seemed to blink away at the sight of so many books and scrolls and datapads that lined his study's walls. "What are they"? She whispered in reverence, thinking back to the single book she had ever witnessed in her life. A book of holy writ, and one of only two widely known planet wide. It seemed she was not accustomed to the spread of knowledge in such a fashion, as her culture passed traditions down orally. When her eyes broke free from the mesmerizing sight and caught his own, she shied and couldn't help but stare. For a moment he stared right back, openly pleased at her curiosity. Yes, this one was special indeed. Hello, Raia. He said softly, his wide, wolfish grin out of place below his careful eyes. I suppose you can say these are the sources of my power. He said passively as he finally broke the stare to look amidst his lengthy collection. All the great minds of the past that I admire, their works are here. Much of it is quite rare, one of a kind, but there are a few collections of general knowledge that I study to keep my wordly wit as sharp. Physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, agriculture, just about anything I can get my hands on really. I simply adore learning new things. His eyes had circled the room with each subject, noting their location among the masses. And you? Julio sounded curious now, returning his gaze to her. Was there there something I can do for you, apprentice?

Not a sound was made as Tobias rattled on. No squeaking of a moving chair, no sighs or enticed exasperation. Julio simply sat there, listening, watching, reading the novice Sith before him as exploits were painted in short, concise sentences. As daunting of a task as it may have been for the young Sithling, the way he described it made it seem all too droll. This, and that, and then onto this. Like he was reading off of a list. There were so many colorful things he excluded that would doubtlessly be of more use than the brevity. After a moment of consideration, the Dark Lord rose from his desk and walked around to stand before Tobias, his hands clasped behind his back and his eyes lost focus as thoughts fell elsewhere. No, there had to be more to this story. Much, much more. After all, how could he count on this knave to understand what information was vital to share and what wasn't? Sure, this 'Dahar' Jedi might be intrigued by the Dark Side, but to what extent? What drove his curiosity? Without pretext Julio's hands flew free from their clasp to hold Tobias's head like a vice. In the next heartbeat every moment of Tobias's time with the Jedi, from when he began his mission to when he was extracted flashed before his eyes. Every minute detail, every word spoken and their inflections, everything his subconscious devoured while his awareness filed it away as trivial. It was as if reliving the time, yet all at once instantaneously. The process hurt, as far more neurons fired away at the speed of lightning in the dense matter of Tobias' skull. Julio let go and let the apprentice's body slump to the floor, letting himself process what he had just taken from the poor boy. Most interesting. Julio just barely whispered. His eyes were closed, yet the lids fluttering rapidly like he was dreaming. Now he was revisiting the experiences, quickly, though his mind and discipline yielded him much greater aptitude at handling such a barrage of information so he did not suffer as Tobias now did. Still on the floor and groggy, the next thing Tobias' eye focused on were Julio's own golden pair, not six inches from his own. You think that makes you a Lord, boy? Why should I award failure of this caliber? You were there, you had your hands around their throats and what did you do with it? Nothing. You tell me they are sending cargo to Haruun Kal. Great, but what does that do me? We hit them there, and they will just move elsewhere. We can not send spies, certainly not of your skill set, else they would be discovered. We do not have the numbers to do what you suggest, and send you back in? You do not know the first thing about covers do you? Once extracted, there is no going back in. The first step you make through Jedi doors will be toward the interrogation room. You have had greater opportunity than most of my spies, and done less than half than what even the untrained ones can give me. As he rose, he grabbed Tobias by the collar and drug him up as well to stand on his own two feet, crippling migraine be damned. You want to prove you are a Lord, then take the title from another I find to be just as pathetic as you. At this, Julio's temper abated to a sneer. I believe you know him. Lucifer. Defeat him, but do not kill him. Take him down and his Lordship is yours. Fail, and I doubt any master will want to take you on as their apprentice ever again. Understood? ((This will be a Lord Trial for both Tobias and Lucifer. I'll be judging the duel, winner gains/keeps the title of Lord. Loser remains/gets knocked down to apprentice and has to revisit some lessons. The format is up to you, 3 or 5 posts, setup or no. Only difference between you two now is Tobias knows the fight is on, while Lucifer actually holds the rank of Lord. Good luck.)) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After much deliberation, the officers made a decision. They weren't going to blow the supposed Sith out of orbit, and scans proved their were no explosives or bio=chemical agents on board, so their only other option was to let him on board. "Alright, Lord Nor....Mi'lord. You may board, but you will be met by two Sith Masters in the hangar. Report to the Dark Lord immediately."

It all happened in such a daze. He knew her intent, knew that she would be coming toward him, knew even that she would kiss him. But he couldn't move to stop it. He hesitated, two opposing ideas fighting for action or inaction in his head between denial and acceptance. He didn't shy away, but he didn't embrace her either. At least at first he didn't. She felt so forceful, so sure of herself and these emotions she felt that she felt them freely and without regard, even toward him whom they stemmed from. It was the confidence he had for so long found lacking in the girl that had removed her from thought, and now present seemed to consume every thought in his head. As she seemed to blossom he found his hands wrapping around her waist, holding her in just as tightly as she pulled him. It was so odd, so curious, yet so full of bliss the other two seemed to melt away. Lallu poured herself out to him, flowing freely and unashamed of the passion in her heart. This was what he had felt back when he thought he would never see her again, when he thought it to be his last free moments alive. This was true passion. This was the unadulterated power of the Sith. This was exactly what he had been missing for far too long. Years now he had worked so hard to maintain control, to lock himself away to hide any vulnerabilities. Now it didn't matter. To hell with vulnerabilities, this was true freedom, no matter the cost. And though the kiss held for quite a while, it seemed as if it were over as quickly as it started. The waves subsided, the dizzying feeling in his head seemed to clarify as normal thought began to fall back into place, and all felt so quiet. Tears had begun to fall down her face, but he felt no sadness in her, only relief and exaltation. Tears of joy, it seemed. The oddity came back to him, and he wanted to wipe away those tears marring such a unique moment. What exactly was that just now? Was that....no, it couldn't be. A man like him couldn't truly love anymore, could he? Hadn't he gone too far now to take anyone with him? Suddenly embarrassed, Lallu spun on her heels and headed for the door, pausing for just a moment to look back and smile at him. That smile covered a body full of scars like they had never happened, like that moment of shared happiness had wiped away years of suffering. He liked that smile, and wanted to see her wear it more often. Just knowing he could make anyone feel that way warmed him, but not as much as what she said before parting. "No matter what happens..." And she left it hanging, but it didn't seem like anything else needed to be said. She would feel that way about Julio no matter what happened, unconditionally and completely, as she always had. The wooden door shut softly and the Dark Lord found himself just standing there, speechlessly staring at the door. Suddenly he became aware of his breathing, slow but still heavy, and his heart was thundering in his chest and drumming rhythmically in his ears. The physical reactions alone were enough to surprise him, given how rigorously he had trained to control the very things, but it was the fact that these details escaped him for the longest time that surprised him the most. How mighty passion truly was. Julio didn't get the time to digest the happening before yet another Sith came to his door seeking words. The rasping at the door was enough to click something into place deep in his head, and in a moment the last few minutes were compartmentalized in the blink of an eye, filed away to be sorted later. His breathing rapidly returned to normal, his heart slow and steady. Come in Tobias. I've been waiting for you.

"What are those?" Asked one communications officer to another. "Old codes from previous Sith organizations. At least the files we have from back then seem to fit the pattern." "I wonder how it found its way here? Very few know of our presence, the Master made sure of that..." "Of course. Contact the Dark Lord while we inquire." The officer only offered a nod to his superior before heading out, though questions still hung in the air. The only beings that knew of the location of Spite Station were presently here, and none had left since arriving. No communications had gone out, no word from the Master saying others would be on their way. If this were a security breach it would be met with swiftly, but nothing could be done without orders unless the ship took some sort of offensive action. Long range communication jammers hummed alive to seal the leak until orders were given. ::Unidentified shuttle. You've arrived at a classified location unexpectedly utilizing expired codes. Who are you, and why shouldn't we blow you away where you sit?:: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At once Rose got quiet, all joy sinking from her eyes into the pit of her stomach. "You really don't get it, do you?" The question soured her tongue, the answer already plain as day on Raia's troubled face. Of course she didn't understand, she had just walked out of the woods and into the fire, without so much as an orientation as to what she was getting herself into. Hell, she didn't really understand the galaxy as a whole, let alone the mechanics behind the Sith. Everything was new to this young witch, and rapidly coming at her from every direction. Rose couldn't help but feel bad for the girl, but knew there was very little she could do to ease this transition. "I can't help you. No one can anymore." The words were heavy, undoubtedly for both of them. "You know that mark we received at the coronation? The tattoo that burns in your chest? That is the symbol for one in the old Sith tongue. Its my Father's reminder to us all that we are all individuals above all else. The Order, our family and friends, they weigh far less now than our individual selves." Sorrow fell on her face as she spoke, for the first time saying out loud the very matter that had made her heart ache these past few days. For all intents and purposes she was now her father's daughter in name only. Since she had taken the steps to become Sith herself, she had made the conscious decision to distance herself from Julio by acknowledging that she was an individual. Until then she had always been simply his daughter, under his protection and strength. Anything she ever wanted, anything she ever aspired to be was utterly and completely eclipsed by him because she had not the strength to carry out her own will. Nothing but his little girl. Rose stared into those grey eyes that mirrored her own so keenly it cut her, and she wanted nothing more than to run away to her room and hide. Hide from the truth and desolation of it all. But she knew this to be weak, something the little girl would do. Not what a Sith would do. "My father..." She began after a moment, lost in thought and feeling. "Didn't want me to become a Sith. Not really, anyway. Though he believes with the entirety of his being that the path of the Sith is the only true way to freedom, he didn't want me to suffer as he has. He wanted to keep me tucked away, safe from the rest of the galaxy and oblivious to the truth. He wanted a life of ignorance for me, so that I may not know the pain of freedom." Why was she saying all of this, any of this to a stranger? The question buzzed in her mind, but she ignored it, the first few soft words uttered like trickling of water through a breach in the dam. Once it was broken, there was no holding it back, and her heart yearned to pour itself out to anyone, to express these mournful feelings deep inside that few would understand. But Raia would, at least Rose felt she would. It didn't matter anymore, she just needed to let it go, say it out loud so it couldn't be denied anymore. So her mind could acknowledge the decision and move on instead of lingering in the past. As she spoke on her words grew quicker, for so long already articulated in her head but no where to go. "Of course this caused him all sorts of discomfort. You see, I was his only weakness. The daughter he dared to love. On one hand he wanted to keep me safe, yet on the other he wanted to see me thrive, to grow with the truth in hand as a strong soul just as he was. And I could see how much it pained him to keep me. How much effort he spent to protect me. That's why I decided to join the Sith. So I wouldn't be a weakness to him anymore. Well that, and I had been studying far too long to be ignorant anymore." Her hands fiddled with the corner of the sheet on Raia's bed, nervous and excitable as more and more came out. "You see...being a Sith isn't really about being powerful or strong or about doing whatever you want whenever you want. That's what a lot of people sign up for, but that is really only the base of the mountain. Its higher than that. Its about discovering yourself, growing beyond where you stand now into a person greater than before. I was tired of just being 'Julio's daughter', a weak little girl that had to hide behind daddy's coat when the cops came knocking. I don't want to be afraid. I don't want to be unsure. I don't want to be weak. I want to stand on my own two feet, in front of anyone in this galaxy and say 'My name is Rose Furion and you will not stand in my way.' She stood up, a small glimmer of light in her wetting eyes. "I wish I could help you Raia. Really, I do. But everything from here on out will be catering to our growth and self discovery. Anything I do to help you will only make me stronger and you weaker. The best way for me to help would be to let you do it on your own." It hurt to say, knowing full well that the sentiment was exactly what lay in her father's heart as well. He would never be there to help her, not if he wanted to truly be of any help. Any suffering, any hardship she would be to experience in the future will either make her stronger, or kill her, and that is something not even the Dark Lord can stop. The pain was too much, she needed to go somewhere, anywhere and get some air. The thought stirred in her a pang of anger for a brief second as she realized there would be no place to get 'fresh air' on the space station. Yet she turned to leave anyway, hesitating at the door. "But I want to be friends. As much so as any two Sith can be. If you want, that is?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Lallu came into the study Julio could already feel the hesitation saturating her. It stifled the room, left the mind begging for a question to be spoken simply so that it could be answered. Yet as the seconds ticked on his own thoughts drifted back to their last substantial interaction, and slowly began to realize how very real it had been. No doubt as to what it was Lallu was hesitant about now. To her Julio stood as many things, either symbolically or realistically it was hard to tell. Did she see him as a pseudo replacement for some figure in her life past, or was what he stood as now something utterly new and completely lacking from anything before? Certainly her attachment to him was something powerful and substantial, yet to him it seemed somewhat baseless. She knew little of him in truth, and their time spent together had been few and far between. How much of the 'Julio' in her mind was built on observation, and how much was pieced together to suit a much needed role in her life? "What did it mean?" For a moment Julio was quiet. Oddly enough the question struck him as a true quandary. He had always tried to figure out how she saw him, and the very why of it, yet had never delved into the depths of her mind to pry the answers out himself. Not once had he thought to infringe upon her privacy to take whatever he wanted from her fragile mind. She was like a wounded animal, offering little but promising much, if tended to properly. Beyond that he saw no purpose in the intricacies of her mind. It was a mind of suffering, that was all. But now the lens was reversed. She was asking him how he felt about her, and truly he had never thought about it before. Until this very moment she was another apprentice to be used as needed to accomplish the end results. But that wasn't entirely true now was it? There was something in Lallunia Kallemi that he admired. Something in her unabashed adoration of him that was difficult to ignore. Whatever feelings she had for him, they were strong, albeit perhaps misguided and ignorant. In return he felt something for her as well, but where did it come from? Why did he have any feelings toward her at all? It didn't make sense. It all seemed so...unnecessary. At the same time, however, something felt wrong in simply pushing this aside. He couldn't just ignore a feeling and cast it off as trivial. These feelings were what comprised him, what made him into the individual he was. Perhaps it was this new charge as Dark Lord, one who stood to exemplify all that was Sith, that made him begin to question his emotions and exactly how he dealt with them, but now that the thoughts were in his mind, they were ones that could not be ignored any further. What did it mean to you? An easy hedge, but one he hoped would transition the conversation more toward her. It was easier to discuss and understand the thoughts and emotions of others. Easier to dissect another being down to their components rather than break apart one's self to see the truth. This was something he would certainly have to explore on his own, but at another time when he was alone and there were no expecting eyes skewering him to his seat.

And do tell your Sister she may come in as you leave. No use sulking in that dark hallway when she could have had a seat in here with us. He said with a smile, knowing Lallu would be not far on the other side of the door listening. And you'll be moving your quarters to the servant quarters adjacent to my own. Part of the perk of being the Dark Lord's apprentice was having a prime location to slit his throat in the middle of the night. Not something immediately thought of as one of the bonuses of the job, but something slowly seen as an asset when the inevitable time for change arrived. Though, one could consider it going both ways, as you were also in a position to be keenly observed by your supposed prey. Aside all that, however, the serving quarters for the Dark Lord's staff were just as elegant as his own, though much the size of a studio apartment on Coruscant. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For a moment Rose could only blink in confusion before bursting into uncontrollable laughter. And not a sarcastic laughter, but genuine, happy laughter rising to the rafters and spreading down the halls. The blonde girl doubled over in stitches, having to find support on Raia's bed to keep herself from falling to the ground. Perhaps it wasn't as funny to everyone else as it was to her, but after everything that had happened that day, with all the sudden changes in her reality the question just seemed so humorous. "I...." She gasped out between giggles as hilarity waned and waxed every time she caught Raia's confused expression. "I'm sorry...but that..." It took her a couple minutes to calm down and be able to speak in a cohesive sentence. "Never mind. An idiom for another time."

She smiled brightly, everything seemingly clicking into place at once. "Oh, that's right. You don't know about much..." Rose giggled as she helped Raia back into bed. "Well, anything, do you? This is all like learning to walk again, huh?" She pulled the covers back and began reattaching the leads. The whining monitors came one by one back into sync with Raia's body, and the long tones fell into several rhythmic beeps and chimes. "Bacta is...well, I guess you could call it a salve of sorts, though its uses go far beyond topical application." She began reciting as if from a text book, studied over and over again. "Its a fluid compound of a few chemicals that promote rapid cell regeneration. The potency can be varied, depending on balancing out the ratios of the components. The doctors injected some strong stuff into your lungs and rib, once they reset it. Then used some lesser patches on your skin to seal the wounds. All in all, you should be fit as a fiddle and on your feet by the morning, like nothing ever happened!" She pulled the covers over Raia and poured her a glass of water by the bedside table. "All of these things hooked up to you do different things. These watch your vital signs, like your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels in your blood, and pain intensity. The tubes going into you are the bacta feeds. See how they run up to these little bags? That's the bacta."

For the entire duration of the procedure, Rose never moved. She only sat there, sobbing silently, waiting. That was why, half an hour later, when Raia came bursting through her room door shouting her name, with a cascade of warning tones and buzzes screaming at her from the room came blaring out after her, Rose jumped to her feet frantic. But as soon as Raia spun about, Rose was there, confused and happy all at once. "Raia!" She leaped at the girl, throwing her arms around her neck in an unquestioning embrace as she was flooded with relief. There was never any real doubt in her mind the girl would be alright, but just seeing her seemed to wash away all the bad thoughts that had been plaguing her for the past half hour. As quick as she jumped in for the hug, she sprang back out, realizing instantly what had just happened, or something of the sort. "What are you doing?! You should be in bed, resting! Your wounds aren't healed just yet, the bacta takes a little bit of time."

Panic thrummed into her heartbeats as she rushed over to the collapsing witch. Her breathing was ragged, garbled. So much was happening so quickly, but the young girl didn't freeze. Inaction was death, stillness would befall nothingness. Rather than give into the confusion and uncertainty of the situation, Rose screamed out at the top of her lungs as she had always been trained for triage. "Code blue!" echoed down the hallway in her shrill, childlike voice and within seconds a team was rushing down the hallway with a crash cart and a gurney. "Her heart is still beating, left lung having trouble. Get a tube in and drain it while we..." The voices were lost in the static, so many machines chiming on and rushed voices colliding together as Rose hurried alongside the stretcher, clutching Raia's hand with all her might, not daring to let go. She couldn't take this, not now. It didn't matter who this girl was, or how they had barely known each other for more than a couple days, and distantly at that. Rose couldn't take death again so soon, no matter who's it was. All the years her father was away she had spent them studying the lessons he left her, but she threw in first aid when she could in case he ever showed up wounded. It was a loving daughter's pipe dreams, to be sure, but she always wanted to be useful. Now, when for whatever reason it really mattered to her, Rose found herself helpless, idly standing aside while everything she feared in that moment came to pass. At some point she became pushed out of the way as one of the acolyte-staff pulled her aside to free up room for the others. "I'm sorry, young Master, but you must let them work." Rose struggled a little, wanting so badly to give into that rising anger and break this fool for holding her back, yet knew it to be rash. After but a moment, she instead fell to the floor just on the other side of the wall where a team was frantically working to save an apprentice. Just above her was a window where she could watch them if she wanted, but all of that was thrown away as Rose simply hugged her knees and began to cry. For Raia, for the woman who's blood yet stained her clothes, but mostly for herself, not really understanding why.

At first the little girl didn't hear the witch call out, blood drunk and in a daze from her first ever kill. In the back of her mind she expected some technicians to come out and pick up the body like all the practice androids before, only to see them again the next day, patches where the blows form the day before had struck true. All of the lessons from her father, target areas on the body, autonomic reactions, bone density diagrams, all of it had seemed so mechanical until this very moment as the pool of blood just seemed to spread further and further out from them. "Herbs, medicine - for healing - where are they stored?" Cold eyes cut at Raia to the bone, threatening to sheer away flesh at a glance. A heart beat and ferocity softened in recognition. Rose came to her senses slowly as she blinked, at first looking around quickly, the back to Raia's pained face. It took her a moment to realize she was still holding the sword, and somehow the that fury driven moment of panic it had flipped about and found its way mere centimeters from Raia's inner thigh. Instantly ashamed she dropped the sword in a clatter and stood up quickly. "Oh, Raia! I'm so so sorry! I..." The threat was lost as Raia came more into focus now, and the pain she carried became more obvious. "Let's go get you patched up, huh?" She said in a hurried voice, wanting nothing more than to get away from everything, get away from the body, the crowd, just get away. She took the witch by the arm and pulled it over her neck to support the weight of the damaged ankle and together the pair hobbled as swiftly as they could out of the ballroom to the turbolift that lead to the medbay. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Most excellent. Julio said, beaming. As amusing as Rez's internal thought process was, now was not the time to tease the boy anymore. Everything was happening much too quickly for him to get any humor for the moment. You will be by my side at nearly all times. I believe you clever enough to learn from observation much better than those who require more direct instruction. I want you to observe everything, take it all in. My actions, the words I choose, who I talk to and how. I could tell just from my exchange with the Nightsister you are more than keen at picking up new information simply by listening. That, and the observations he was making in his mind were sharp, indeed. But for now, you need to take some time for yourself. Rest, eat, read, do as you like until I summon you again. I want you to really think on this decision, what it will mean. What changes will and may occur, and how you think you will handle them. Leaning forward in his chair, Julio ripped his apprentice's knife free of the desk in a quick jerk and slid it across the smooth, unladen surface toward him. No one should give you any trouble here unless you cause it. As the Dark Lord's apprentice, you'll be given a wide berth, but do not mistake my kindness for friendship. I will do as I see fit to make you stronger, no matter how terrifying, painful, or degenerate that may be. Always remember that everything I do has purpose, whether I say it openly or lie to you. I can teach you, force you to experience new and trying things, and will always test you, but I can not give you understanding. That comes from within. Any questions, apprentice?

Please... He sighed sarcastically, like an inside joke had been told between old friends. That classic smile spread again, though his eyes shone with an unnatural luminescence in the dimly lit study. As if you needed anymore motive. The Dark Lord shifted his weight ever so slightly on instinct, wanting so badly to strike at the boy for ever considering murder, but stilled his hand to the purpose. This is not a request to euthanize me, boy. I do not want to die anymore than you do. I do, however, want to see someone, anyone grow strong enough to provide me with a proper struggle to where my life is legitimately on the line. You see, I'm at a point in my...career....that I am constantly forced to escalate the threats against me to continue growing. Ascending to the standing of Dark Lord has keenly placed me in the target zone for every other member of the Order with any real strength and the backbone to challenge me. As you saw in the ballroom, none yet stand to oppose me. So while I use my position to cultivate my brothers and sisters to a position where they may one day offer me that struggle, I have to also turn my attention outward at the galaxy. I need to escalate things even further and draw more enemies against me. Someone who will stand up against me. Our brothers and sisters have the luxury of choosing when they think themselves ready, but we will not give our enemies that chance. We will force their hand through a war of misdirection and subterfuge so they cannot sit idly by and simply wait for us to strike at them. I will use the Sith as bait for my enemy, lashing out at what they hold dear and precious until they follow the breadcrumbs back to me. Perhaps then will I see my challenge realized. Then I will either fail and die the final death, or I will complete my transcendence and break my final chain. Turning to return to his seat, just the mention of any long term plan drew out another cascade of splintered visions, causing him to take pause at the corner of his desk faced away from the boy while the moment passed. Eyelids fluttered and his lips moved wordlessly as he held himself up with support from the desk. Fleeting as the incidences were these days, they still struck him without warning. When he regained himself only half a minute had passed, but it was enough of an awkward pause to give notice. As he continued toward his desk Julio didn't look up at Vaegir, his mind still lost in thought to the new series of images fresh in his mind. It wasn't until he sat down and breathing became regular again that he remembered where he was and what he was doing. Your part in all of this? I want to personally train you. Not simply about the Force or the Dark Side, but about freedom and self realization. I want you to realize that the very same will to live that you discovered on Dagobah extends far beyond anything you have ever conceived. I want to show you the galaxy for what it truly is. But in exchange I demand everything you are now. I could use anyone for the tasks that I would assign you, but I feel the experiences they offer would benefit your growth greater than any other. I salvaged you so that I may cultivate you, but if you're a seed that does not wish to grow you have the option of returning to the mundane soil of infertility. Give yourself over to me completely, let yourself become an extension of my very will so that I may help you break those first few chains that tie you to everything you think to be truth. Accept and truly internalize my lessons, and one day you may grow strong enough to be completely free. But you have to decide, here and now. Likely the boy had resigned himself over to the will of Julio already, though not by his own means. Thus far he had simply been surviving, doing only what was necessary to maintain the reward he had fought so hard for back on Dagobah. Coming to this station, kneeling along with everyone else, accepting the brand of an Order not his own. These were all simply what had to be done to continue on living. Now, however, Julio was giving him the freedom to choose. Perhaps the very last freedom he would have for a long, long time. So what is it going to be, Rezjal-el? Return to the dead ground, or thrive in struggle?

Mindful of all that went on within his station, the Dark Lord didn't waver as the knife was drawn. Even at this short distance it would never find fleshly purchase if he didn't want it to. The boy's ire was no where near strong enough to conflict with the will of such a Sith Master, but of course he didn't know that. He had no real understanding as the the vast scope of awareness one achieved when devoting their life utterly to a single idea. Even Lallu, breathing softly waiting for her turn on the other side of the wooden door could not escape him. One soul, a thousand, they were all taken in and let go as simply as breathing. My intent? The words were soft and curious, as if the weight of the question pulled him in several directions at once, and the answer swayed in their own gravitas. My intent lies transfixed upon my own fate, as it should with everyone else in this verse. However, I assume you to mean your specific place in the matter. How am I to use my power over you to my own ends, yes? He paused for a moment looking down at the ground in thought. As he passed by the damaged chair he pulled out Vaegir's knife with little effort and began playing with it in his hand. Flipping it about, twirling it between his fingers, seemingly oblivious of the razor sharp edge like it was a child's toy. I honestly don't care about any of my other brothers and sisters. I don't need any of you. I don't need this mantle as your Dark Lord. My personal struggle and growth does not have to come at the hands of my aspiring kin. Yet if there is one thing I hate more than anything else, it is the Order that I belong to behaving as absolute fools and carrying their sins on to me. It really messes with my individuality in a way, trying to carry on the ideas of what it truly means to be Sith, yet having my kin shit all over that moniker. Stopping a few feet from Vaegir the Sith stopped playing with the knife, holding it by the blade toward the young apprentice. The offer was nothing grand, just returning to him what was his. As if the boy hadn't just threatened murder. But really that is my ego talking. What does it matter if I am called Sith or not? I yet walk the path. I will yet transcend beyond my fate and stand above the Force itself as a venerable god. So, again, what use could I have of you? As Vaegir outstretched his hand to retrieve his knife the dim light in the room flashed brightly against the blade as it flourished again in the Dark Lord's hand. Handle in hand Julio drove the blade to the hilt through a four inch slab of stone that was his desk in a single downward stab, not once looking away from Vaegir's face. I want from you nothing less than I want from any other who walk the Path of the Sith. I want you to kill me. Truth sang from those gilded eyes as they bore into the boy's own, reflecting within the terrible beast lying just below the surface.

He was six years old again, back to a time when he was not unlike the boy before him. The first true dark feelings, the lack of understanding, the directionless fear that was ever present in every day life. He could see it in Vaegir's pensive, detached stare as he searched his mind for articulation, meaning beyond sensation. But that isn't all you learned, is it boy? He said knowingly, his grin fading to a reluctance that was not often visible in the man that walked the righteous path. You learned how small you really were. How insignificant the world made you feel. How your value, your true value seemed to only come from within through a desire to live. Julio searched Vaegir's face and felt only pity. These first steps, more than any other, were the hardest. Most who chose to join the Sith did so out of a desire for power or purpose, but he wasn't giving this one those ideas. They were but for children who didn't understand the things the two of them now did, or at least Vaegir would soon begin to. Unlike many of the others, Julio would show this one the true path, one far greater than mortal needs for power or egotistical justification. I did not just dump you on Dagobah and forget about you, Vaegir. And though I say I would not have cared if you died, which is true I would not have, do not think that I sent you there to die. I do not do anything without reason. If I did not think you would survive, I would have given you that training you think you needed. Yet, despite that here you stand. Alive not because I gambled with your life and won, but because you wanted to survive. You think anyone could have done what you did? Hardly. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred they curl up in a tight little ball and wait for death after a while, and after that the one percent tend to die off because their stubbornness simply was not enough. You have done something amazing, profound even, as sad as I am to admit it. You stood as but a boy who was given everything and had it ripped away from you. And when I found you on that derelict ship up in flames, even then you yet held so much potential. Inquisitive, clever, self disciplined, willful. I saw all of this not moments after you woke from cryogenic sleep. But that was not enough to walk this path. There was so much more growing you needed to do before you understood how this life really works. I could have kept you by my side these past two years, but I could not have taught you what Dagobah did. Those were hard earned experiences gained through no other means but by simply living them. I know. He stood up and made his way around the desk, turning his back toward Vaegir to search through a bookcase on the opposite side of the study, though not particularly looking for any one thing. He wasn't about to spill his own sob story of Kashyyyk and how Vaegir's two years paled in comparison. How he felt just as isolated and lonely surrounded by people not of his kind. How he was abandoned, used, beaten, and forced to fight for his life constantly for thirteen long years. Now was not a time to reach out and empathize. Perhaps in time the stories would be of use, but now they would likely be seen only as lies told for the sake of persuasion. Truth was the only thing that could speak to the quivering beast in the young Firrerreo. You could live a happy life, away from this place, away from the Sith and myself. Unlike most of the broken souls that find their way to me, you are still functional in society. You can find a snug little place to fit into. A home, a wife and children of your own, a job working a third of your day away to the gains of someone else. Live, breath, and die. All anyone ever asks for. But do not lie to yourself and think that it will be any different than Dagobah. You are alone, you will be used by those with power over you, you will be betrayed, and you will spend every day of your life watching out for those who seek to take everything away. Everything you do will be toward preserving what is yours, and it will never, ever be enough. I have shown you but a taste of darkness, something which you will never let yourself forget.

No, not at all. There was something amusing about this one, even in his seething fury. The smile, no not growing in anticipating for any rash action his answers would illicit in any sane being, but didn't wane either. What training did you expect? How to forage? How to track? How hunt, and stay silent? How to hide? All of these things you now know, and you learned them why? Not because I taught you, but because you needed to learn them to survive. Tell me, do you think toughening up was the only reason I sent you there? Was survival the only thing you learned?

His golden eyes were left on watching Qaela leave while Vaegir spoke, curious as to why she seemed so reluctant to join him yet seemed flagrant in her caddy offer for shared physical warmth. It wasn't as if he was without baser instincts, but such thoughts had long been discarded in Julio's mind as trivial and unnecessary. Gratification on any physical level always seemed to transient, too 'in the moment' to have any lasting benefit. As the last of her swaying hips fell away to the closed door, he looked up at the young Firrerreo with a quizzical look that held that same satisfied smile as always. The Dark Lord could feel the malicious intent on the cusp of every thought, on each note of Vaegir's bitten tongue. Not entirely unjustified, though the cause of it really mattered little to Furion. Of course the boy would be mad. He had his freedom taken away for two years through lies and deceit, yet those two years were but payment for the much needed hardening that molded the young man that stood before him. As angry as he was, Vaegir simply didn't see the forest for the trees. Curious. Two years and you have not given any real thought as to the why of it. How useful did you think a half frozen daddy's boy was to me? You needed to learn a few things. Things that people spend a lot longer to learn than I asked of you.

So you would like an escort? If you like, I can send you with a small cadre of my acolytes. However, I would be remiss if I ignored your reluctance in going yourself. Something is.... He closed his eyes for a moment, as if to recall something. Waiting for you? Or perhaps you anticipate a less than warm welcome? Either way, as I promised I would see to this matter personally if you'd prefer. I have need to speak with the criminals anyway. Picking up your children would not displace me too dearly. And as you know, I do have a way with little ones. He smiled warmly at her, pushing aside his unease in light of her much more pleasing tone. The passive aggressive remarks still littered her thoughts, but as much could not be avoided with this one. Her disapproval of the Sith and her concepts of their ways were just visible pangs of the wounds. Julio couldn't help but feel somewhat satisfied with himself, taking the moment to understand this potential ally rather than simply giving in and cutting her down for ego-manifested insolence. The disbelief wasn't entirely on her, but created in his own expectations of others. If he simply let her be, rather than set in his mind what he expected of her she became a much more transparent creature.

((Mod approved)) Question posed, yet time for pondering and reply fell short. This esteemed liaison between the Jedi order and the government broke composure in a fit if snickers, slowly rolling into a maddened laughter. Sinking to his knees, the man's eyes grew wide as if seeing something utterly horrifying, yet continued laughing uncontrollably all the same. Panic was clear in his face, yet eerily set off by some humor not even he was privy to. He looked around the council, desperate to call for help but unable to find pause for the words, wanting so badly for someone, anyone to come to his aide. Yet none would. Any that took step near him caused him to retch backwards as if they themselves were the cause of his suffering. Hands outstretched, he begged, pleaded for salvation. After what felt like minutes of this bizarre sensation the laughter cut out and the man sunk even lower to the floor, head held low. It seemed that the fit of insanity passed. Then the true horror began. Reaching toward his belt he ripped free an ornate dagger scrawled with unfamiliar symbols. The very same token the Jedi had given him in the ruins of the fallen Sith temple. At the time it seemed so mundane, a pretty trinket to hang on the wall and show off at parties. Yet in one quick pull that pretty thing slashed open the man's neck from ear to ear, the wrist in but another. Panic had driven this man's heart to pounding, and now pressured one quick spurt of blood from each wretched gash before flowing rapidly down his chest and hand to the floor below. ::You were so close. So very close....:: The familiar voice of Julio Furion crept freely and distinctly from the man's slit throat between the choaking gurgles, easily identifiable to those who knew it. The body hardly moved, twitching softly hunched over. ::But you just let me go. You just let the Dark Lord of the Sith walk out after confessing his crimes. Fools. Poor, blind fools.:: In a flash the man was on his feet, staring at the council with brilliant golden eyes. With a quick fling of his arm one final defiant beat of his heart spit out what little blood was left in him, spattering the Jedi present in lines of crimson. ::This is your one and only warning. Stand down or stand up. Those caught in between will receive no mercy.:: And the body collapsed to the floor with that unforgiving thud of dead flesh upon metal.

I believe your only naivete lies in realizing my full potential, miss. He said rather venomously, biting his cud to refrain from spewing out any further impassioned snap back. A part of him wanted to leap across the table a snatch her by the throat, while another couldn't blame her for her reserved nature. She had no reason to believe in him and had full right to mistrust the Sith. But that further played to what he hated so much about being part of an order at all. No one saw Julio, they saw a Sith. One of many with a long history of ignorant violence and misguided aggression. Something he wanted to change, and that not quickly enough. To be honest, I do not know why I reached out with open arms toward your kind. At the moment your future is clouded with uncertainty. I cannot say where your path will lead you, or how it crosses my own, but I do know they will cross. Of that I have no doubt. As always he held himself in check, unwilling to let himself go for even an instant. He stuck to what he knew, or rather what he felt to be true to the very core of his being. The way. He eyed her up and down once, appraising the woman that stood before him. Even now, despite all his promises and actions taken she was wracked with fear and despair. She fought against it despite herself, showing only independence and distrust, unwillingness to believe in anything or anyone without unquestionable proof. She wanted something that he couldn't give her in this instant. No sign of commitment would truly persuade her. She simply needed time for wounds to heal. I will instruct my kind on softer methods myself. You translate the ways of the world outside Dathomir to your clan. You and I shall show our kind the errors of the old ways. When the changes we need in the other have been made, we'll meet again. In the mean time I will search for your children and send you what force sensitive girls I can spare. Agreeable?

You speak of old Sith ways, Madame. Do not think for a moment you know mine Preached to like a child, of his own people none the less. If there was one thing he could say about this woman, it was that she had a boldness to her. Yes, the Sith you knew performed galactic surgery with efficacy of spoons. The Sith you knew had the guile of a jack-hammer. Now they act as I act,, much in the ways you claim your sisters to act. So let us agree that both of us have a level head about us and forget the past. You offer me assassins. What use are feral women on the worlds where my potential targets lie? How can you expect them do get about, or even function in cultures outside your own? You saw how they treated me simply because I was a man. Which, in all fairness, I understand is your way. But to send them off world, in the light of the full galaxy? I don't quite see that working. You were a special case, given time to adapt to the reality you were thrust upon by your mother, no? Indeed, its the trait that I find quite admirable in you. That...adaptability. But do you think your Clanswomen are as capable? As open to necessary change as you are?