Mechis III

[Darth Furion]

It says here you're a solider of the Rebel-Alliance now. Why did you join them instead of the Empire? If you held interest in both the dark and light side but held no firm stance on either, why is it the Alliance called out to you in place of the Empire? Also, you have two close friends. A...Skye Organa, known Jedi, and Alora Darkknell, known Sith. Skye, a well known Jedi healer, often putting her life in danger to aid another. Alora, charged with countless acts of murder against your Alliance. How can you even be around one while remaining friends with the other? Do your morals clash so badly? Have you gone to such lengths as to create separate persona for each of them?

 

His train of thought broke as his stomach growled. He broke eye contact and moved toward the sandwich, quickly unwrapping it and taking his first bite.

 

Hm...Delicious corned beef. But I find you have to get the right kind of mustard. Not the yellow kind, but the brown, with the little seeds. And just the right amount. Too much irritates the corners of my mouth.

 

Julio looked up from his meal, noticing the hunger on her face.

 

Oh, would you like half? I know you haven't been fed since you got here, and that's been over three days.

 

He picked up the sandwich half and walked around the table, holding the sandwich in front of her. The restraint cuff holding her bionic arm in place vanished back into the chair.

[SithAcolyte]

It was a try difficult question. Was she really such a walking contradiction? It was true. Alora was her friend, even though she should be the enemy. A small pat of her still had feelings for Alora. As for Skye, Darla loed being around Skye so much because her dear friend had saved her soul, taught her to heal herself as well as others. Now she was alone. Her past beingbrought up and thrown in her face. At least Juilo hadn't mentioned Kakuto.

 

"I... I can't control what my friends do. Although I have used the darkside... and sometimes do still, I joined the Alliance because wnated to fight for freedom. Help those who can't help themselves. I've spent so long looking out only for myself and my friends, Sith and Jedi, that I needed a focus outside of myself. But I've never seperated myself, just learnt to control...myself."

 

Darla was trying to explain to herself as much as she was to Julio. It was a half truth. A while ago there had been the Black Dragon. An animalistic persona that took over Darla and let her give in to her darker emotions. It was a part of her physche that had risen to the surface during her Sith training. Darla had thought that she had taken it into herself, absorbed it. But everytime she suppressed a violent urge, she wa pushing that part of herself further back...

 

That's why she had left the Jedi. She could never be one of them.

 

Darla's thoughts were broken by Julio as he began to bite into the sandwhich. Vividly describing it's flavours as he bit into it. Darla's stomach tightened, her body begging for real sustanence. Before she knew what was happening Julio was by her side, sandwhich in hand and her arm was free.

 

Gingerly she took the offering from is hand.

 

"Thank you."

 

Tears threatened to fall down her cheeks. She had never been so happy to see food in her whole life. She fought them back, refusing to let Julio see her break. Taking a lare bite from the sandwhich Darla wondered if there was a catch.

[Darth Furion]

But your friend Alora is your foil. She kills those you fight to protect. How can you be friends with someone who fights against everything you've devoted your life to? How would your Jedi friend Skye feel if she knew you were so close to a sadistic murderer?

 

Julio moved back to his seat, giving the thought time to make it's way through her head.

 

But let's put that aside for now. Let's talk about Kakuto Ryu.

[SithAcolyte]

Darla flinched at the mere mention of his name. Of course they would know about her and Ryu. It was hardly a secret. She had put her life on the line as well as her standing with the Jedi so many times to save the man she loved and loathed. She hated him for what he did and hated herself for what he did to her. Love burned deep wthin her for him. A love so strong it made all sense of reason disappear.

 

He was evil and malicious, murderous beyond comprehension. The man had destroyed whole worlds on a whim. But when Darla held his broken body in her arms and took him far from harms way, she felt like she could save the whole Galaxy. If she could have such compassion for a monster like Ryu, then she could heal anyone, save anyone, even herself.

 

That was Skye's gift to her. But Kakuto Ryu was her curse, her downfall, the one thing that pulled her back into her darkest moments and filled her with despair and rage.

 

Despite her love for him, she couldn't save him. As far as Darla was concerned, she was a failure.

 

How could she communicate these feelings? How could she explain this to Julio? What would it mean if she did?

 

He had no compassion for Darla.

 

Swallowing her last mouthful Darla asked. "What's there to talk about?"

 

She felt truly defeated.

[Darth Furion]

Tell me about him. This love between you, doesn't it bother you? Why would you be in love with such a man? Even during you're tutelage as a Jedi, passion burned in you're heart for him. Even now, when I spoke his name, I could feel beautiful bouquet of feelings sprouting from you. This man has delivered you loss, pain, and shame, and yet you still pine for him. The Sith inside you is trying to burn it's way out, to shout your love and pain to the heavens and damn them for all they've done, while the Jedi in you holds you back, weighting down you're soul with the black morass of guilt. What's real, Ms. Sar? What's the truth behind it all?

[SithAcolyte]

"Love... Love isn't part of the Sith. Love saves people, it binds them together. Pulls them through the darkness. Love heals. All the Sith know how to do is destroy. I love Kakuto Ryu, because I saw the man behind the Sith Lord. I thought that maybe my love for him could turn him away from the darkness. It almost did. His love for me is the only reason I'm still alive."

 

"Yes... I do feel guilty. I have to live wth all the terrible things I've done. But my guilt doesn't weigh me down. It pushes me forward. Stops me from looking back."

 

Darla voiced rose slightly.

 

"What do you want from me? You want me to snap? You want me to break?"

 

The spark of Darla's blossoming rage, invited the darkness into her. It was hard for her to fight, she was afraid that it would take over her. But there was little she could do to center herself.

 

She wondered what her chances were of escaping.

[Darth Furion]

Another surge of pain spread through Darla. Julio's voice was barely a whisper, crawling through her skull. He held out the pain a little longer than previously, the suddenly stopped, a tingling sensation now spreading through her body.

 

What did I say about trying to escape?

 

He stood up from his chair, moving to the front of the table. He leaned against the table, arms folded across his chest. He showed no signs of panic at the thought of her escaping. In her weakened condition he was more than capable of restraining her. And thirty well armed, prepared men outside the room was nothing to scoff at.

 

You're wrong you know. Love is very much part of a Sith's life. I love my daughter. I love my friends. I love the way the snow falls on Ilum. If love wasn't something a Sith capable of, then why did Kakuto avoid killing you? If indeed all a Sith knows how to do is destroy, why are you still here?

 

He bent low to look her in the eye for a brief moment, trying to show her his conviction in this matter. When he was satisfied, he lifted himself from the table and began puting the contents of the desk back in his briefcase.

 

Yes, I want you to break. I want you to fall so completely to the dark side hope of salvation is but a dim star in the blackened sky of your existence. Not like you had before. What Tarrian did to you was trivial to what I am prepared to do to satisfy my superiors. You will fall, and you will not walk out that door a moment before!

 

As he finished filling his briefcase, he looked up at her.

 

You know, about that sandwich, Ms. Sar...it's a funny thing about toxins. I've always felt that if you eat a little poison every day, you'll get used to it.

 

The briefcase snapped shut. Julio lifted his coat off the back of his chair, sliding his arms in the sleeves before throwing the coat onto his shoulders.

 

It desensitizes you until you can swallow large amounts of it with no diificulty whatsoever. I've always thought that was a metaphor. I could just never decide what for. The contents of the sandwich wont kill you. As I said, they want you alive for now. But the toxins will begin having their desired effects in just a few minutes.

 

He started toward the door, briefcase in hand. As he approached the door he paused, turning back to Darla a final time before leaving her in utter darkness strapped to the chair.

 

I'll be back when they've had a chance to clean up the place.

[SithAcolyte]

Once again she was alone in the dark. Was that all she had left to look forward to, darkness? Julio's words ran through her mind as she began to feel the toxins running through her body. She quickly focused her mind on what was happening to her. This was one thing that she could control. As a healer Darla knew how to manipulate, organs and even cells within her body. Darla had expelled Sith poison from Armiena's body before, it was simple enough task in principle.

 

The toxins had made her feel feverish and she flet ready to vomit. Darla fought the feeling back then drew the force to her, focusing as hard as she could on locating the foreign cells within her body. With great effort she forced them out through the pores of her skin. She was soon drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. Her skin tingled. Darla was beyond exhaustion. What would normally have been a simple task and been a great exertion.

 

But for a few moments Darla was in control. I was a small victory, but just enough to ground her. Just enough to make her stop thinking about Kakuto Ryu.

 

She focused simply on breathing, blocking everything else out. No matter how hrd she tried to stop thinking about what Julio had said, there was a little voice in the back of her head saying...

 

...Maybe he's right...

[Darth Furion]

Several hours later Julio returned. Soft yellow light poured into the room as the door opened.

 

Good morning.

 

He walked straight to the desk, setting the brief case on the table. He took his time setting up the desk just the way he liked it, then took off his coat, slinging it over the back of his chair.

 

How are we feeling? Poisons all flushed out? Well, let's see. He walked over to her, squatting low to look at her lowered head.

 

Yes, it must have been a rough night. I'm sorry I had to do that. Part of the process. We have to break you physically before we can get to your mind.

 

Repeatedly using the phrase "we" instead of "I" would ensure Darla that she was not just facing Julio, but an entire group of people, all of whom she doesn't know anything about. What lies beyond the door outside could be anything to her.

 

Personally, I find it distasteful and crude. But, they don't listen to me. Well, actually, they do listen to me. They listen to both of us. My superiors monitor all of the interrogation rooms randomly throughout the day. If they don't see any progress in you joining us then...well, I can't be held responsible for the consequences.

 

He turned to the table, snapping the case open. The sound of falling water reached Darla's ears as he poured a small glass of water. He turned back to her, handing her the water.

 

You're dehydrated, which is not surprising considering you just sweat out enough poison to put a human to bed for weeks. This will help. You need to build your salts back up, restore your body's fluids.

 

He held the plastic glass out at arms length. The look of mistrust was spelled out on Darla's face.

 

Ms. Sar, I've told you the truth from the beginning. Now I'm telling you this is safe. Like I said, we need you alive.

[SithAcolyte]

The night had been the roughest yet. Strapped to the chair it had been almost impossible for Darla to sleep. She had passed out from exhaustion, but had woken many time throughout the night because of the great discomfort she was in. Every muscle in her body ached from being forced to remain in a sitting position.

 

When Julio entered the room, Darla was truly mess. Her face was gaunt and thin, her cheeks hollow from starvation. Her hair was damp from grease and sweat, hanging in limp strings over her face. Dark circles outlined her eyes. Darla looked as bad as she felt.

 

She listened to everything Julio said, somewhat happy to see him. Anything was better than being alone in the dark.

 

As he offered her the water she looked him in the eye.

 

"Why? Why do want me alive? What possible use could I be to you?"

[Darth Furion]

Me? I have no personal stock in your fate. It's my superiors that desire you with us. You see, a while back someone high up in command decided that brutally slaughtering each other was getting us no where in the war against the Jedi. What we hope to achieve here is weakening the Jedi while bolstering our own strength. We chose you because you have history with the Sith order. Don't flatter yourself into thinking you're the only one I've had to...persuade.

 

The door opened again. A sobbing rodian man was escorted into the room by two soldiers, set in Julio's chair. The man offered up no resistance. He only sat, his cries showing his exhaustion and dismay.

 

Tell her what you told us yesterday.

 

The man turned to Darla, trying to form words between the sobs.

 

"I was...one of the ones who persuaded the...Rebel Alliance...into assaulting Imperial forces. My government threatened...to withdraw support if they did not...do as we wished. Ms. Sar was of no direct involvement in the plan."

 

Not only do we absolve you of any crimes the Empire may wish to hold against you, but we discredit the Alliance at the same time. Waist not, want not.

[SithAcolyte]

"So you want me to join your unholy army in your crusade against the Jedi?" There was a a little of the old Darla in her as she spoke, but she was still weak beyond words.

 

"The Jedi may be hypocrites, some of them at least. But as a whole they are a great force for good. You guys just take what you want and don't care who you have to crush under your heel to do so. I could never be one of you. I happen to give a s#!t about the rest of the Galaxy."

 

Darla's eyes kept darting towars the weeping Rodian.

 

"As for the Rebellion... They may not be fighting the good fight quite in the way that I thought they were. I'm through with them too. But I'm still not joining you. I made a vow to leave the Sith behind. Some of my friends may be amongst your number, but I'm no ones puppet..."

 

"Just get this over with, you may as well kill me."

 

Her stament ws a little bold. But if it was time for her to die, so be it. It seemed that there was no escape for her.

[Darth Furion]

Julio only nodded, as if acknowledging something he had assumed.

 

Take him to room seventeen then.

 

The soldiers forced the rodian out of the chair.

 

"No.....No, no, no, no, no, no, no,......NOOOOO!"

 

The door slammed shut, it's harsh bang giving finality to the subject.

 

I think you misunderstand the Sith. We do not wish to destroy the entire galaxy. If we did that, who would we stand beneath us? No, what we desire is freedom. Yes, we will do whatever means necessary to achieve our freedom.

 

A muffled scream was heard from far off as a soft buzzing sound forced itself onto their ears. The lights flickered a little, then back to normal, the screaming stopped.

 

Try to listen to what I'm offering you. A place in the galaxy. As a soldier, you will always be in a position where it's kill or be killed. With us, you can fight for something. You're freedom. We'll train you, make you stronger. You will be able to overcome you're doubts and guilt. The pain of you're past will melt away to the powerful being you will become.

 

He put his jacket back on and packed his briefcase up. Julio pressed one of many buttons on the small console. Suddenly the loud speakers in the room boomed alive.

• Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
  Through passion, I gain strength.
  Through strength, I gain power.
  Through power, I gain victory.
  Through victory, my chains are broken.
  The force shall set me free.

Over and over the code would loop, loud enough to not be ignored, but not loud enough to be physically painful. As the door opened, he turned to Darla one final time for the evening.

 

I'll see you tomarrow.

[ObliviousKnight]

And then the Sith known as Julz received a message at a decidedly convenient moment.

 

 

_________________________________________________________

 

 

Julz””

 

As far as I remember, I haven't even used the word ”œdear”

[SithAcolyte]

Darla wept for many hours after Julio left her. It wasn't because of the Rodian's death. Although his death seemed senseless, Darla was numb to it. She wept for herself.

 

First hot, wet tears flooded her cheeks punctuated by anguished screams. After awhile the the became gentle sobs, her river of tears nothing but a trickle. Darla wanted so desperately to be free. Just to be out of her prison and away from the torment of her past. Julio wouldn't set her free that easily. If Darla wanted to die she would have to do somthing drastic. Even if she tried to escape as violently as she could muster, there was still the chance that they would incapacitate her and not kill her.

 

But th ore she thought about the prospect, Darla realise that as brave as she might try to be about it, she wasn't ready to die again.

 

As she wept the Sith mantra played over and over. Quiet, but loud enough for her to hear. The more heared it, the more it sounded right. Darla was a being of pure emotion. Her emotions fuelled her, gave her strength. She had tried to deny them but she couldn't. Was her place truly amongst the Sith?

 

The little voice in the back of Darla mind spoke over the Sith code, repeating it's own mantra that echoed through Darla's brain.

 

He's right... He's right... He's right...

[Darth Furion]

Again the darkness was pushed back by the light bounding into the room, always the immanent prophet of Julio's arrival. He followed the familiar patter, placing his coat on the chair and unloading the contents of his briefcase onto the desk. After he was set up for the day's session, he pushed the button on his console corresponding with the repeating mantra. Abruptly the loop stopped, replaced by looming silence.

 

Good evening.

 

He looked up from the desk to see Darla, her face showing nothing but exhaustion. Without missing a beat he went right into the common practice.

 

You know, you're starting to run out of time. My patience may be vast, but that of my superiors is not. If they don't start to see positive results soon then...then I can't be held responsible for the consequences.

 

For the first time in their whole time together, Julio began to show signs concern. His face was less rigid than before, his eyes softer. He stood from his desk, moving to Darla's side as he crouched low.

 

Why are you doing this to yourself? Are you suicidal or something? Do you consider yourself a martyr or something? You think by standing against me until the very end you can in some small way hold one final victory? Let me tell you now, Ms. Sar, your death will mean nothing. It will go unheard of, uncared for, and we will move on. The Jedi and Alliance have only offered you a life of servitude. You're constantly bound by the lives of others. With us, you can grow, become who you want to be. But you must make the choice from your own volition. If you do not wish to follow us with the burning passion of you're heart, then you are no good to us. That's why we need you completely broken. To break away misconception and self doubt to show you for who you really are in your heart of hearts.

 

The door reopened. Three soldiers emerged from the light, carrying with them a small workbench and transportable furnace. Though small, the furnace was capable of intense heat, and the workbench was stocked with the most up to date tools. The soldiers set their contents in the far corner and left, not a word spoken. Julio stood and moved back to the table, rummaging through his briefcase.

 

I'm sure you remember this. Unlike the Jedi who collect their crystals, we Sith create ours through fire and determination. In meditation, we bend our passions to our will, using it to carve our crystals from the finest materials. This...is my gift to you.

 

He pulled out a small box from the briefcase. Inside was everything necessary to build a lightsaber, and enough spare parts to customize it. The only thing missing were the crystals, and even then the furnace and raw materials were supplied.

 

Use your hatred, your sorrow, your pain, and create a lightsaber. That's all we ask. Prove to us that the fire that once burned in you long ago has been rekindled, and you will be allowed to simply...walk free. Until that time, our sessions will have to continue as scheduled, though you have very few of those left.

 

He stood up, replacing his jacket and repacking his briefcase, save for Darla's package.

 

I will be back in three days. If you do not have a lightsaber in hand by then, I will kill you.

 

He turned and left the room, the large metal door closing behind him.

[SithAcolyte]

As Julio left the restraints around Darla retracted. She was free for the first time in days. As she scrambled for the chair ecstatic at the small freedom, she collapsed onto the ground. For some time she lay there pants, her body stretched out. Through tears she began to chuckle softly.

 

It all seemed so simple now.

 

All she had to do was build the Sith saber and then she would be free. If Julio didn't let her go when she was finished, she'd use the saber against him. She would carve a bloody path to freedom or die trying.

 

All illusions of control over her darker self had evapourated like morning mist. Why should she stand in line and do as she was told? Nobody appreciated her, she just a loose cannon. Starlisk had sent her into a trap and made no effort to rescue her. Perhaps it was fate. Perhaps she had ended up exactly where she was supposed to be.

 

Darla had been given a second chance to free herself of the cage she had built herself. She could be wild and free. Powerful, a force of nature. No moe self sacrifice and denial...

 

Julio was right.

 

But if he had lied her about letting her free, she would unleash all she had against him.

 

That thought fuelled Darla, gave her strength once more. She picked herself up off ground. Her anger and desire filled her limbs with power and flushed away her weakness. With practised ease Darla open to case that had been left or her and began constructing her new lightsaber. That casing the components were the easy part, afterall she had been many lightsabers over the years.

 

Darla spent the evening focused on constructing the hilt of her lightsaber. When she was happy with her work she lay down next to the furnace. She enjoyed it's warmth as she slept. Her mind was filled with dark dreams.

 

An older Darla, even more mutilated, one eye covered with a patch chuckled down at her. She fought her dark manifestation of herself, but could not defeat her. The two of them it seemed were evenly matched. When Darla awoke she had the faintest memory of the dream and it soon faded away before she could grasp it.

 

She wondered where she was and soon remembered her predicament. During her sleep Darla had calmed down significantly and now she found herself wondering if she was doing the right thing. The idea of building a lightsaber and using it against her captor was appealing. But what he had been telling the truth. Would she walk out of the room with him as his ally, his friend?

 

Darla's stomach tightened into knots. She felt sick, but there was nothing left in her stomach.

 

Are you ready to do this? Loose control? Let your emotions take over...?

 

The lightsaber was complete, except for the crystal. Darla had two more days. If the saber wasn't ready by then, Julio would be back, possibly to kill her. If she did finish the saber, would there be any turning back? Even if she could use to kill Julio, she had no idea where she was or how to escape. Not to mention the guards.

 

Too many horrible memories had been brought up. Now that she was free she could forget the discomfort, even put her hunger aside. But all things that she been forced to confront. The horrible truth about Alora and Kakuto Ryu and Darla's true nature.

 

Whatever happened, sh no longer had any place amongst the Jedi or the Rebellion. But she didn't want to fight them either.

 

Darla sat crossed legged in front of the furnace as she tried to figure out what to do next.

[Darth Furion]

Through the monitors he watched, detached, unconnected. She had seemed to be perfectly willing to build the lightsaber, but now that the truly defining part has arisen, she was deep in thought considering her options.

 

"Lord. Do you think she can go through with it?" The captain had finished his rounds and had the time to join Julio in the monitoring room.

 

No. The word fell from his mouth with no emotion in it. It simply was. Julio hadn't looked up from his monitor to acknowledge the captain. Darla was much more important at the moment.

 

"Why not?"

 

To fall is a terrible thing. Few are able to cope with the atrocities their mind constructs in the decent. Doubts and questions. Not only has she been a Sith before, but she's fallen from them, too, and became a warrior of life for a while. Bounding back and forth with one's morals like that can have a powerful effect on one's personality. Constantly torn between one reality and another.

 

"And why do you not think she'll fall this time?"

 

Because she's been through this before. When she left the Sith to join the Jedi, she wanted to, certainly, just as we've made her want to now. But back then, she couldn't completely let go of her past. A part of the dark side lingered with her. That's why I do not believe she'll fall this time. Oh, yes, she may very well build the lightsaber, and at that very well. But there will still be something there. A small spark the Jedi put in her. She will hold on to that for quite some time.

 

"So...what if she creates the lightsaber, but the spark is still there."

 

Then she is not truly fallen, and I will kill her as instructed.

 

The captain could only nod in quiet contemplation. The Sith seemed so cruel. If she was willing to create the lightsaber using the dark side, surely he could work on her a little further to extinguish that small glimmer of light side. What the captain failed to understand is that 'small glimmer of light' could be enough for any man to stand against a month's worth of torture. It was an idea, and people were always willing to die for ideas. Julio watched her for only a few more moments, then left to head toward his own room. He too had had very little sleep over the past few days, opting to study her personally instead of leaving it to the others. They would surely miss something.

 

"Daddy!" The second he opened the door, Rose was in a full sprint towards him. He bent low to grab her under the arms, using her momentum to pick her up and swing her in the air. He caught her mid flight, pulling her in his arms.

 

Hey sweety. How've you been.

 

"Lonely. The soldiers won't play with me."

 

Oh, I'm sorry sweety. But don't worry. We'll be out of here soon.

 

"Promise?!"

 

Yes.

 

Rose's jovial behavior was contagious, a smile now breaking through Julio's stern features.

 

Okay, sweetie. Why don't you go grab yourself something to eat? I've got some business to catch up on.

 

"Kay." She lept from his hold, catching herself from what would have been a potentially painful fall with phenomenal grace, running out the room and down the long hall to the cafeteria.

 

He raised his hand, a darkness rising in him to bend to his will. The door slammed shut and locked. He walked around the room, lighting the sticks of incense he had set up before. Julio sat kneeling in deep meditation, his left hand holding his lightsaber across his lap, his right moving the rosary intertwined between his fingers with very subtle movements. At first, all seemed like a normal meditation, the scene constant. But soon an unnatural wind came up in the sealed room, the smoke from the incense swirling to the questionable torrent. It was very slow and steady. A fool would consider it peaceful.

 

Slowly his mind spread outward, his dark shadow bringing with it a covert malice. Weaving through the countless personnel in the building, he found himself in Darla's cell. The steady tide of self doubt and fear flowed to and fro about the room, lingering with his own malice for a brief second before being utterly consumed. Julio stretched closer to the woman, sending whisper through his scattered mind.

 

Forget these feelings....They are the Jedi's tools to keep you in place....they are your chains, Darla....just....let go.

 

Julio followed the flow of emotion to it's very core, now lingering in the bounds of Darla's mind. She would not feel him there, his tread soft, his movement slow and deliberate. Soon memories were unlocked, both good and bad. Together they remembered them, and together they felt the pain and sorrow.

 

....Use it....use it....Tear down the wall the Jedi have forced upon you and let it all flow readily. Feed on them, let them draw the dark side to you. You can do this Darla....I believe in you.

[SithAcolyte]

Just let go? Was it really that simple? Darla knew that it could be if she let it be. But that seemed to be her biggest problem, letting go. She was so afraid of what would happen. Afraid of what she would see beyond the veil of the senses, in the darkness, in herself.

 

She wasn't sure if the words she heard were coming from Julio, they had his taint, or if they were merely from her own mind. As cold and calm as he seemed a strange bond had formed between them in Darla's mind. The words were his...

 

....Use it....use it....Tear down the wall the Jedi have forced upon you and let it all flow readily. Feed on them, let them draw the dark side to you. You can do this Darla....I believe in you.

 

Although his movements through her mind were faint she knew that he would hear her thoughts.

 

You spoke to me of a daughter and your love for her. What would you do if she were me? What would you do if someone had taken her from you? Starved her and forced her to face her own demons. Broken her spirit and her body. Manipulated her... Would you do this to her?

 

Darla didn't know what saying these things would achieve. Julio had only briefly mentioned his daughter, but in that moment Darla had seen that spark of humanity in him. She knew what love could do. She knew that his love for her would turn him away from the Sith if it meant saving her.

 

It wasn't something that she could have an active hand in, but it was something she could make him think about. Put the spark of doubt in his mind.

 

Is she to become a Sith one day? Is this her fate too? Torment, misery and self-destruction? I'm going to let go now. I know your watching, I know you can feel this. Think about her as a spiral downwards... Would you want this for her?

 

With that final thought Darla let go.

 

From somewhere deep with-in her a torrent of memories rushed to the surface of her mind. Good, bad, blissful, painful. As Darla relived every feeling she thought about the Jedi. They would have her numb to all of this. They would have her repress all of this. How could she be asked to do that? Deny her own emotions, her own feelings? What was the point of living if you couldn't feel alive.

 

The air around Darla began to circle around her as dark energy gathered. As she opened her eyes to look at the furnace there was no longer any color in them, nor any white. Her eyes were black orbs of dark power.

 

She felt the anguish of her father dying, of missing him and longing for

him.

 

She felt the hatred for her mother who blamed her father for his own death, she also felt sorrow knowing she would never see her mother again.

 

She felt anger at the military who had punished her for stepping out of line.

 

She felt love, her first love, Zane a rouge Jedi who had taught her to believe in herself.

 

She felt despair and grief finding Zane's mutilated corpse and knowing that she was too late to save him.

 

She felt her anger, the first time it had risen up and manifested itself through the force.

 

She felt strength and then shame, a Jedi didn't use her anger to destroy.

 

Darla felt death and rebirth.

 

Suddenly her memories rushed up faster than she could comprehend. filling her mind with images. She saw Skye Organa as she stood bey her side and watched her fiend give birth. Next Darla saw herself slashing through a mob of civilians who tried to beat her down. Limbs flew left and right, severed by Darla's blade.

 

She saw her kiss with Fynn.

 

She saw herself destroying the mind of a diseased sea creature, killing it with the force.

 

She saw her kiss with Alora.

 

She saw herself plunging her lightsaber into the face of one of Trowa Barton's Arachnid creatures.

 

She saw herself holding Kakuto Ryu's broken body tenderly in her arms.

 

She saw herself jabbing a shard of broken steel deep into his gut, trying her best to kill him.

 

She watched herself fly away from Shy-Ree knowing that she could no longer save her. Knowing that it wasn't her place to stop someone else from choosing their own path, even if it led them to darkness.

 

She watched herself wave goodbye to Darex.

 

She watched Nivana walk away.

 

Finally she saw Kakuto Ryu sever her arm at the elbow. she watch her forearm fall away from her in a crescendo of blood.

 

With all of these raw feelings, Darla had grown strong. Her sorrow, pain and love opening being up to the raw elemental power of the darkside.

 

Darla knew what to do. With all the energy she had gathered she focused intently on the heat of the furnace. Focusing the energy all on one spot she began to build up intense pressure. The furnace became infinitely hotter than it had been before and within that heat a crystal began to form. Maintaining her focus Darla pushed the forming cells to grow. After some time she had a perfect crimson jewel.

 

Formed from her pain, her anguish, her love and her joy. Formed from the very essence of her being.

 

All Darla had to do now was wait for the crystal to cool and then she could complete her lightsaber.

[Darth Furion]

Silence betrayed the scene. What appeared as a calm session of meditation had quickly turned into something far more beautiful. Rigid, he sat, sharing every memory with Darla, at her side the whole ride. Emotions flowed from both of them as vivid and brilliant as the stars themselves. He could feel it all. Every scar, every joy, all rushed through him as if life itself touched him. After some time, the swarming of passion steadied, the crystal calming in the cool air of the prison cell. When Julio felt himself composed, he answered Darla.

 

I will never need to worry about my daughter's safety. She is growing to be a strong young woman. Even at her young age she's proven to be a skilled student in the force. Yes, her fate is one of pain and anguish, but she will over come it, stronger than ever.

 

He left his meditation, the sudden urge to see his daughter striking him. As he walked down the hall he relived the experience of Darla's life. How it was filled with such passion and confussion. It was so beautiful...

 

Thank you for showing me your past. I'm getting something to eat. The cafeteria has poor cuisine, but what can you expect from a military base? Do you want me to pick you up anything while I'm there?

[SithAcolyte]

Darla's gamble had paid off. Julio was human underneath his cool facade. By playing on his humanity and opening herself up to him she had let him truly see her. Knowing her that, having shared her feelings, would hopefully make it that much harder for him to kill her.

 

But does it really have to come to that?

 

He knew what was inside her now, there was no hiding from him. He would know if she was trying to fool him. He would no if she was planning an escape.

 

In her heart of hearts Darla hoped that she had proven herself to him. That she would be set free. But there would always be that glimmer of hope through all of her despair. That glimmer of light. Could he let her free knowing that? Knowing that even though she had fallen, she wasn't truly broken.

 

Your daughter is lucky to have you... I would like something to eat please.

 

When Julio returned with food, Darla knew her time would be up. She would either have to join him and the Sith or she would die. Darla didn't want to put up a fight, but she wasn't ready to join the Sith either.

 

After all that she had seen and been through, despite all the horrible memories, Darla couldn't help but focus on the good ones. They were the things that kept her going that guided her onwards. To give them up would be to give up herself.

 

Perhaps Julio would understand.

 

Perhaps he wouldn't.

[Darth Furion]

Julio walked in the prison cell with a small box in hand.

 

Surprise, Kung Pow for lunch.

 

He set the box on the table, moving his attention to the lightsaber. Smooth darkness unveiled itself as he probed the crystals, his very soul inspecting their flow. It was a work of art, crimson down to the very core. He was nearly satisfied until he came across the anomaly. A small, perfect white glimmer at the center of the crystals. It was doubtful anyone would have noticed it unless they looked upon the crystals with the same scrutiny Julio had. With a heavy sigh he sat the lightsaber back down.

 

I'm sorry I failed you.

 

The words lingered in the air for a second, their gravity weighing down both their hearts. He looked deep into her eyes, his own sadness easily read in his own. His long, slender fingers reached into one of his coat's larger pockets, revealing the bleached bone colored mask. With a calm precision he put it on, his presence in the force vanishing the second it was secure.

 

There was no way around it now. She was not broken, and there was no time to attempt to further help her. In the coming years she would experience far more pain and suffering in her quest for self awareness, possibly at his own hand. If she could not find it in her heart to join the Order, then it would be a mercy if he helped her avoid all that future suffering by ending it all now.

 

His concern for her was genuine, despite his nature as a Sith. She, unlike many Sith, understood the importance of some of the brighter emotions. This was his first attempt at being a shepard to those who were lost, and he had failed her. Despair was the only thing to be felt in the room. Would he fail to save the others as well? Was his hopes of redeming the forsaken all in vain? All he could do now was wonder.

 

His passions released themselves in a vulgar expression, sending one forceful wave throughout the room. All the rooms contents, Darla included, were thrown away from him against the metal wall. His lightsaber snapped alive in his hand as he looked down upon Darla.

 

This is your last chance. Do you understand that this is your very last chance?

 

His words were slow and deliberate, strewn with his remorse and pain or having failed in his attempt to set her free.

 

((3 post modded duel? Your up first. I've just given us room between ourselves to start off. Let's break our new mod in, shall we? Aryian can mod, unless you have objections of course.))

[SithAcolyte]

((OOC: Sounds good to me, let's rock! ))

 

Darla was happy to see Julio when he entered the room and even happy to see the food in his hand. Through all the pain a suffering she now felt closer to him in a strange way.

 

Before she had a chance to register what was happening, Julio had hidden his face behind a haunting mask. She knew what this meant. He was no longer a father or a friend. Now he was simply a Sith Lord.

 

She felt a small twang of sorrow from him as he unleashed his powers on her. Darla got the feeling that he didn't want to have to do what was about to be done.

 

Everything suddenly snapped into place for Darla. He was the enemy. She could reason with him. If she wanted to stay alive she would have to fight him. Darla hit the wall with loud thud and crumpled to the floor.

 

"Last chance for what?" Darla snarled up at her attacker.

 

Before Julio had a chance to respond Darla gave him the pleasure of a swift kick to the groin accompanied milliseconds later by a swift and powerful force push aimed right at his gut. Julio was knocked across the room. Darla could only hope that she'd hurt him enough to buy herself some time.

 

He could tell. He could tell that she wasn't truly broken. He could tell that she had thoughts of escape. He could tell that she would never become a Sith.

 

And just when Darla was beginning to like him.

 

She wasted no time scrambling to her feet and grabbing hold of her lightsaber hilt. It pained her how close she had been to completing it. Her back screamed out in pain from where she had hit the wall but she ignored it, fought it back. This was her one chance.

 

Darla called out to the force grasping one of the fallen crystals and pulling it to her hand. As soon as she grasped it she was inserting in into her lightsaber hilt.

 

Please work, please work!!!

 

Everything waited on the next moment. If her new lightsaber didn't work Darla was screwed. Sure she could fight without a lightsaber, but if she couldn't parry Julio's blows she would be sliced to pieces in seconds.

 

To Darla's amazement and joy her lightsaber came to life.

 

As the blade cast a crimson glow across her face, she turned ready to face her opponent.

 

((1))

Edited March 11, 2008 by Guest

[Darth Furion]

Part of him was glad to see she was willing to accept the confrontation. At least he had helped her in some small regard. As her leg snapped forward, he dropped his gauntleted right arm, catching her foot just before doing it's damage. As Julio readied his lightsaber to come down in it's devious design, a crude force pushed him back to the other side of the room. In perfect stillness he stood, watching in disgust as his lost sheep struggled frantically to ready her weapon. The second joy entered her heart and the lightsaber came alive, the single string of lights in the room shattered, his touch too much for the fragile glass. Now Darla was completely blind to his presence, save for the dark crimson glow of his saber. Even still his darkness bound forth from his mortal coil, consuming even the light of his blade. The room grew colder with each passing breath, life ticking away.

 

As Darla's eyes scoured the void, Julio let his corruption extend through the small cell, leaching it's way through Darla. With the faintest touch, Julio swam through the memories they were both so accustomed to, resurrecting the voices of those she was closest to.

• You are the last thing holding me to my accursed humanity, and for this, too, do I both Adore and Despise you.
   
  
  • • • • Come over here and give me a kiss.

 

Darla, you have to make yourself happy. I don't want to see you sad.

• • • • • • • How could you love that monster more than me?

 

Hidden from her gaze, Julio began walking toward Darla along the right wall. The sinister mummers continued to reign loud in her mind, reopening all the old wounds, reminding her of her past weaknesses. As the madness rolled on, Julio found himself mere feet to Darla, just to her left. His hands were clasped before him as he watched, the utter turmoil reliving itself over and over in her head. His left hand grabbed the small loop on his right wrist. With one final exhale he swung, his crushgaunt cutting through the blackness toward the tormented woman.

 

((1))

[SithAcolyte]

Voices raced through Darla's mind as she tired to focus. Julio had killed the lights and was cloaking his presence in the force. Try as he might Darla could make no sense of him.

 

She reeled in the darkness, swinging her lightsaber wildly hoping that it might cast its light upon Julio's form.

 

Her head began to ring from the voices inside as she tried to block them out. Then one voice caught her attention. Skye. Skye had been Darla's friend through thick and thin. Through dark times and in light, her friendship had never faltered. She had never judged Darla, only supported her.

 

The other voices tormented her. But not Skye's. Skye reminded her to stay strong. Where ever her friend was, Darla knew that she would welcome her when next their paths crossed.

 

As Darla tried to hang onto the sound of Skye's voice, Julio struck. Warning bells went off in Darla's mind, her danger sense telling her that was about to get hit. Through all the noises in her she barely realised what the force was trying to tell her.

 

It was too late for Darla to dodge so all she could do was roll with blow.

 

Julio connecting his gauntlet-ed fist with a crushing impact against her side. Darla rolled across the floor, half from the force of the blow, half trying to escape it. As she spun across the floor a spattering of blood erupted from her mouth. Coming to and ungraceful halt, Darla was pretty sure that some of her ribs had been broken by the blow.

 

There was no time to deal with that now. Instead Darla decided to use the pain to her advantage. She was on her feet, her body becoming a lightening rod for the force, for the darkside. Through her pain she gathered the darkside to her, through her torment she drew strength. Pain and anguish boiled inside her and Darla let the darkside take her over, let it fill her.

 

"Get. Out. Of."

 

With each word her anger swelled.

 

With each word the dark energy inside grew stronger.

 

"MY."

 

She was ready to erupt.

 

"HEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 

Her voice was a siren song of hatred. Her sonic scream more powerful than anything she had mustered before. The ground shook, the air spiralled with frightful kinetic energy. Every loose object in the room tumbled in a Storm of vicious debris. Darla's throat begun to burn, blood trickled from her ears at the deafening wave of sound that erupted with her.

 

She couldn't see Julio, but that didn't mean she couldn't hurt him. There was a small chance that he could have evaded her assault, but even then he was likely to have torn his eardrums just from hearing it.

 

It was a shot in the dark.

 

But it was one hell of a shot.

 

((2))

[Darth Furion]

Julio could feel his blow connect, bone shattering beneath the unwavering power of the crushgaunt. As he stepped forward to prepare for his next blow, Darla muttered something through the darkness. At first, it was barely audible, but with the rising torrent in the room it was soon evident what she was so pissed about.

 

"Of...MY...HEAD!"

 

Behind her scream was the full brunt of her fury, every ounce of it poured into a malice toward Julio. His body slammed against the cool durasteel walls, objects around the room following suit with little protest. When the shock of the sonic blast wavered, his body was released from the force holding him against the wall, slumping to the floor.

 

You want screams...I'll give you screams.

 

Still slumped on the floor, Julio unwrapped the rosary around his wrist. Even in the utter darkness he could almost see the bone white beads. His body ached, his ears rang, and he got the distinct impression the room was spinning. A quiet groan escaped him as he lifted himself off the floor, his back surging with dull, pulsing pain. Slowly he bent his neck side to side, a series of sickening cracks resounding through the room, not that either of them could hear them very well. Pain and anger fused in a singularity, it's call pulling the darkness ever closer to him.

 

With a soft toss, the rosary was sent in air, it's flight sending it right by Darla's head. With the lightest touch, Julio's shadow stretched forth to caress the beaded mockery of divinity. The moment the force embraced the trinket, horrifying screams of countless departed coerced themselves onto the combatants' plane. As men, women, and children alike shrieked in absolute agony in Darla's ear, Julio rushed forward. He stepped to her right, his left hand catching her right by the wrist. Julio ushered her left hand out of the way, his gauntleted hand grabbing her by the face. In one vicious lunge, his body lurched forward, pushing Darla's unprotected head toward the durasteel wall behind her.

 

((2))

Edited October 14, 2008 by Guest

[SithAcolyte]

Darla stood breathing heavily as she stood in the darkness waiting for Julio's next move. Her ears rang with a dull ache and she hoped that Julio's head hurt as much as hers did. She couldn't tell what damage Julio had taken. But she soon discovered that he hadn't taken enough.

 

Something flew past her head and suddenly she was surrounded by screams. Overflowing with pain and torment, even through her damaged ears the sounds of screaming children were unmistakable.

 

They're not real! They're not really here! It's just me and him.

 

Darla tried to focus, but the sounds had distracted her enough. Enough for Julio to make his attack. Suddenly through the darkness she could feel his body next to hers. His left wrist grabbing her right hand and his right clutching her head tightly. Her lightsaber had fallen away in the melee...

 

Before she had a chance to react Darla could feel her skull smashing into the durasteel wall. She felt wetness and warmth as blood trickled down her face. Her scalp had been split open. Another blow like that and her skull would surely fracture.

 

She screamed out in pain and in that instant she activated the plasma emitters in the fingertips of her mechanical limb. Julio felt the white hot plasma eat into his own hand. But Darla didn't stop there. She forced more plasma from her fingers and with the aid of the force guided it towards Julio' face.

 

Although his presence was masked in the force, being this close to her she could physically feel where he was. She was going to make the most of that. Plasma coated his masked face. She wasn't sure if it would eat through the material so she sent burning globs of it to trace the masks edges eagerly searching for his real flesh.

 

With his body face and hand burning, Darla made the most of his pain and distraction. A force enhanced yank from her already powerful mechanical limb, had it free from his grip. In what was almost an embrace, his good hand still clutching her face, she pulled her right arm back and treated him to a swift, powerful blow.

 

Her alchemicaly treating limb was almost unbreakable. The all of her strength, burning with with rage, she smashed her metal fit into her opponents face. But she didn't stop she pulled her arm back for blow after blow.

 

"Is this what you wanted, you bastard?!"

 

If the plasma hadn't damaged his face, then her fist sure as hell would. She screamed and hit him over and over as he held her back as best he could could his good hand. His hand had become slick from her blood. With a final solid blow, he lost his grip on her and tumbled backwards.

 

Darla reached out with the force. Calling her new lightsaber to her left hand she stood ready to see if he got back up. Ready for the next attack. Ready for blood. Her hair was slick with her own blood and plastered to her face. Every part of her sang with pain. Every cell of her being tingled, dark energy flowing freely through her.

 

Through her broken bones, the blood and the pain, Darla had never felt more alive.

 

((3))

 

((OOC: Ok, that's my lot. Good luck! And may the best man/woman win! ))

[Darth Furion]

Blood flowed readily as Darla's head brutally collided with the thick wall, the metal gauntlet pushing her skull to it's limit. Julio started to bring his knee up for another crippling blow, paused only when the burning fluid dripped from her mechanical fingers to the same hand he was holding the arm with. He instantly let go of his prey, flicking his hand toward the ground in an attempt to get the plasma off. As he staggered back, more of the glowing orange substance defied gravity's hold and slithered toward his face. He lunged himself backward in a dire attempt to escape the burning substance, his mask remaining in place adrift in air. The plasma coated the phrik mask, turning it's bone white exterior bright orange. With a surge of pain and disdain the heated mask flew toward Darla, harmlessly gliding past her head to collide with the wall behind.

 

A hint of surprise and despair broke it's way past Julio's conviction as Darla's lifeless limb struck out, his battle awareness failing him through the burning pain. His head swung violently with the follow through of her swing, casting him back several paces as he fought so defiantly just to retain his footing. He wasn't sure, but he had the distinct impression his jaw was fractured.

 

"Is this what you wanted, you bastard?!"

 

Blow after blow, the woman drove on, her hatred expressing itself as best it could. Julio stood in a fencing stance, his right arm the lead. All his focus was now aimed at protecting himself from the furious barrage. The cringing sound of unbreakable metals colliding broke through their ringing ears as Julio moved to block and parry her bionic arm with his crushgaunt. The whole time he spent defending, he could think of only how proud he was of her, finally letting herself go and becoming the woman she truly was.

 

Yes my dear. This is exactly what I wanted.

 

He kept his anger in check despite the pain, using it solely to keep himself alert to her attacks. For a time he waited, watching her swings carefully for an opening. His ears still rang and the pain in his jaw was starting to make his vision blurred. If they kept this up, he would surely black out soon. The only option was to end this quickly. When one of her swings came wide from the left, he moved in. He ducked low instead of blocking as she would have expected, the swing flying harmlessly overhead. When he stood back up her right arm was fully extended to her left, his right. He stepped closer, pinning the arm between their bodies as his right hand reached back and cradled the back of her head. In one fluid lunge his left arm shot forward, his lightsaber now in his burnt and bloodied hand.

 

((3. It was fun, we should do it again sometime.))

[Ary the Grey]

Okay. I had to give this a good read. Twice. Both of you wrote pretty good posts, and it was hard to come to a initial conclusion, but upon rereading it, I must give it to Furion. Here's why: Darla, you had some very good attacks, very ingenuitive of you. You took damage well and rolled with stuff, a bit better than Furion, who tended to take damage, but not to let it influence his actions as much. It was there, but not really. However, given the situation and the natural advantage Furion held, this also is believable, despite the damage you did to him. You tried to play his game, in his house, and he naturally held a large edge over you. Furion, your posts were well written and echoed evil very well...exactly what I look for when I know I'm reading a good evil character. Darla had to undergo tremendous strain on her character when put in such an emotional state, especially given the torture beforehand, which I had to read as well to find the background. She should suffer some effects of giving into the dark side, but I don't believe she is beyond redemption. Whatever the decided outcome Furion comes to, Darla, your character should probably behave accordingly, only acting as Jedi when she seeks true penance (And doubtful she'll be turned away, considering).

 

All in all, it was a fantastic read. Thanks for making my night an enjoyable one. Furion, you are the winner, you have the killpost if you so wish.

[Darth Furion]

Time stood still as the pair held each other in their grim embrace. Their eyes were locked on to one another's, sight no longer clouded by the thick carnal realm, their souls bared themselves whole. Grey danced with crimson to the mortal requiem, both temporarily caught in constant animation. As the two furies waltzed the grey began to falter, the rhythm at a loss to it's senses.

 

Shh. Don't move. You're in shock now. In a moment, you'll begin to feel light-headed, then drowsy. Don't resist, it's so gentle, like slipping into a warm bath. I regret it came to this, Darla, but every game must have it's end.

 

The lightsaber had entered her stomach, just below the right ribs, the hilt now flush with her skin. For a moment she just stood with him, will refusing reality till the very last moment. Slowly her knees betrayed her, her body slowly descending to the floor with Julio's guidance. Darla began breathing heavily, struggling to hold on to her battered shell as long as she could. The breathing slowed then stopped, her burning passion calmed by death's insidious caress. His hand glided over her face, hiding her lifeless blue eyes from the world, small bloody streaks sealing the door shut.

 

As he stood, Julio searched his pocket, protruding a small spherical object. He pushed the small button at the top and set the tiny sphere on Darla's chest. He took a couple steady steps backwards to put himself from the body. The timer on the small sphere expired, letting the two small incendiary jets on either side to shoot liquid fire across her body. Julio just stood still, watching the empty husk decay under the flames command. The PA speakers came alive, cutting the eerie silence.

 

"Uh...sir? Is everything alright?"

 

Why do you ask? He spoke through the force, now more confident his jaw was fractured.

 

"Well, uh, we lost visual on the room when the lights blew, and soon there after the audio overloaded. We have no idea what's going on in there. We tried to send men in, but the door is locked shut. It'll take us some time to get you out."

 

I'll be out in a few moments.

 

"Sir, the whole base reeks of burning flesh. What's going on in there?"

 

I'll be out in a few moments Captain. Over and out.

 

"Uh...Yes, sir....over."

 

As the flame died down, Julio stepped closer, crouching low to Darla's charred corpse. His golden eyes traveled the length of her body several times, taking in the scene. Death still lingered, he could feel it. It was like the undercurrent of undercurrents, traveling deeper than the most ancient of forces. It was universal, it was truth. His gauntleted arm glided along the bodies left ribs, stopping just before the chest met the shoulders, the ungodly metal protecting him from the fire. With a quick thrust the ribs separated. His hand felt around for a moment, finding the heart. A harsh pluck and the strings tying the muscle in place broke. Julio studied the organ as he turned and twisted it in the fire's light. The heart was where a person's passion was supposed to lie. Though in the beginning she tried to deny it, Darla was a being of passion, showing her true face in those final moments. He was saddened it had to end in her demise. Darla was a soul trapped within the mind, her misleaded conscious chaining her to the morals of society.

 

Julio moved his hand over the body, flame licking the heart and crushgaunt alike. The muscle sizzled under the heat. Even past death, the heart fought against the flame's threat of consumption. He kept his hand still until the heart finally caught fire, then pulling away to see it alight on it's own. His soul stretched forth, attempting to dance one last time. No matter how he moved, the flame refused to follow. All of the repressed anger from the previous struggle surfaced, adding to his soul's dance. Even still the flame refused to cooperate, dancing only to the beat of it's own drum. Now his hatred rose. Instead of dancing with the flame, his corruption focused on the flame itself, slowly choking the life out of the flame. The flame soon died but he persisted, hell bent on eliminating even the remnant heat. The heart grew cold and hard, smooth ice forming over the charred surface. His mechanical glove squeezed it tight, shattering the rigid muscle into uncountable pieces.

 

He stood and moved to the door, a quick jerk breaking the small metal pin holding the door in place. The walk to his room was long an uneventful. The captain was right, the smell of burning flesh had escaped the small room, a haunting protest to the wickedness that had occurred. The few soldiers he passed in the hall had quickly lowered their heads as they met. It wasn't out of respect they bowed, but fear. Perhaps even a little shame. Whatever the reason, it mattered little to him. Not a single man in this base could stand against him. Even combined they would fall like lambs to the slaughter if the thought merely crossed their minds. He paused as he passed the next group of soldiers who in return also stopped.

 

Get me three hundred milliliters of bacta and a temporary jaw brace.

 

"Yes sir!"

 

The soldiers jogged away, quick to fulfil the Sith's command. He continued on until he reached his room.

 

"Daddy!"

 

We're leaving.

 

"Daddy are you...are you okay?" Rose' eyes grew wide as she spotted his burnt hand and blood stained clothes.

 

I'm alright sweetie. My mouth just hurts right now. Come, let's go get you some ice cream.

 

"...Okay..." Though she was six, she wasn't completely blind. She knew he was in pain, and lots of it.

 

After receiving the medical supplies they left the mechanical planet. When the hyperspace course was plotted he was allowed a moment of relaxation. Sitting alone in the cockpit, he reached into his pocket. Darla's crystals glimmered in the light, their small, pure white flaws at the cores shining out above the rest. With a heavy sigh he replaced the crystals in his pocket, leaning back in his chair to get some much needed sleep.