Spite Station- the Maw

[Nokrt]

The operators response was not unexpected. The Sith Lord had not been in known space for some time, and thus his loyalty, where he had been, how he knew where to go to find the Sith, all reasonable questions with reasonable answers the Chiss knew and was prepared to give to whomever escorted him to the Dark Lord of the Sith. Yet, while he was given clearance codes, he was not given any information regarding piloting through the Maw and how to prevent himself from being killed here. No tractor beam, no astrogation charts. Nokrt would have to rely on the skill he once carried as a Pilot and Grand Admiral for the Galactic Empire in their prime some years ago.

 

He recalled some of the more glorious battles he participated in, wiping out wave after wave of Republic fighters as he relished in the glory of battle. His mind was calm now though compared to the emotion driven maniac he once was, and perhaps the compilation of skill and fortitude would be enough to get him through the cluster of dealdy black holes that plagued this area.

 

He throttled forward into the gauntlet of black holes, knowing that his use of intellect would not be enough to know where the pull of the Maw was, the Chiss breathed in deep and called upon the Force to guide him, commanding the Force about him, he could feel it ebb and flow through the space about him, and where the Force was also being lost to the pull of the Maw. He could sense where the pull of these space Charibdis' were, and steered his ship within them moving the throttle up and down to boost through portions of the maw where the pull would slowly take him in if he had slowed down, and slowing down before beng sucked head on into another black hole.

 

After an hour of death defying flight, the Chiss made it to a clearing where a clearly visible space station was seen floating perfectly between the death ridden Maw. The Chiss Sith Lord was in awe at the station itself, as it was truly an accomplishment of enginerring. He would have to praise the Dark Lord for this feat.

 

The old shuttle landed in the open hangar bay that he could see available and the Chiss landed softly, opening up the ramp to the shuttle, and walking down, awaiting his retrieval by the Sith Masters he was told would be bringing him before the Dark Lord.

[Emily]

She didn't move for the longest time, but remained kneeling on the cold stone floor, her eyes closed and her hands on her knees. To a droid, she would appear almost asleep. But to those with the Force, there would be no doubt.

 

Emily sat there in the dim light of the room, and opened herself further to the Force than she had ever dared to before. It was a massive vortex, even more powerful than the pull of the black holes surrounding the station. It pulled her further and further, tempting her and testing her resolve. It was intoxicating, and it caused her blood to burn within her.

 

She finally reached a threshold. One inch closer, and she feared she would lose her sanity. And that is the real crux of it, isn't it? she thought. I've always been taught that Sith have no fear. That they control their fear and harness it. But Sith also control the Force and shape it to their own desires. That is an impossible dichotomy. I want to control more and more of the Force, but it is my fear that prevents me from doing so. Fear of the Force itself, and what it could do to me. The moment I lose control, I will be swept away by it and lose myself completely. That is something I will not allow. No matter what. Even if it costs me power.

 

That was what she believed in her heart of hearts, but the conflict inside her still remained. She comforted herself, however, with the thought that the more she learned, the more control she was able to maintain and the deeper into the Force she could delve. I'll just have to remain vigilant not to exceed my abilities.

 

She gritted her teeth and forged her iron will into a tool. The Force would submit to her, and she would be the one who remained in control. She knew she was playing with fire, but it was so intoxicating that she couldn't resist. So she would do everything she could to protect herself from it's deadliness.

 

Her attention was drawn to the forge. With a few motions, she ignited it. Leaving it to heat up, she assembled a casing for her lightsaber from the parts available. It was elegant and had the benefit of being made to fit her hand. The Force guided her, filling in her lack of knowledge. Then, when the moment was right, she grabbed a sack of raw elements and tossed them into the furnace. With the power of her determination and will, she used the Force to bring the atoms together in the heat of the fire. She bonded them together at a molecular level, slowly creating, lattice by lattice, a flawless gem.

 

It was grueling work, but she refused to walk away defeated. She poured herself into that gem, and it reflected it's maker in it's very formation. It formed and compressed and grew, and Emily's focus never wavered.

 

While the gem baked, she found that changes were happening in her too. She was able to look objectively at her life for the first time. It was a hard one, and one full of turmoil and loss. Every time she had allowed herself to grow close to someone--her parents, Andon, Quietus, even Nishant--she had ended up broken and alone, feeling abandoned at the mercy of cruel fate. It was as if the Force didn't wish her to be happy, but that it constantly worked against her. Perhaps that is my destiny; to be constantly alone, bitter and powerful, cruel because life has made me cruel. It wasn't what she wanted for herself, but in that objective state, she could accept the possibility. If that was meant to be, then it would.

 

But her rebelliousness reared up again at that thought. I do not accept that I have no say in what my destiny is. I will choose to be whomever I want to be. I do not conform to molds or stereotypes, and I never want to. Maybe that means I will be forever alone, always an outsider among the Sith, always a source of suspicion among the Jedi, and a source of confusion and fear to those whom I meet. Neither the Sith nor the Jedi are right in their philosophy. Neither has all the answers. No, the Force is more than they see. And that is what I choose my destiny to be--someone who bridges the gap, who belongs to neither and both orders, a seeker of truth as to the true nature of the Force.

 

Her vigil continued deep into the recesses of the night.

[Hou-Jo Poleb]

The Fallen One finished reviewing the clash between acolytes. Nothing definite, but he sensed that potential lie with the wampa-man. Though he lost track of where the being had gone following the scuffle. His head turned to make 'eye contact' with a droid. "Fetch me a scotch. On the rocks."

 

He pulled up a dossier of registered Sith aboard Spite Station. Some were of the 'Warrior Caste'. Some were not.

 

He reached his hand out and pulled the glass of Scotch from the droid. It had only just readied the drink, but he would not wait for the return trip. He put the glass up to his lips, savoring the smell of the drink briefly before taking a sip. He pressed his thumb on the tablet he was holding. "Give me access to the PA."

 

The device scanned his thumbprint. <Requesting Credentials... Access to system-wide Public Address system granted to Darth Cadivus, also known as CLASSIFIED... You may now begin broadcast, my Lord.//>>

 

"May I please have your attention. This is Lord Cadivus. At this time I would like all members of the Warrior class to meet me in the hangar bay to discuss our plan of action. If you are currently performing deeds for our Master Furion, you are excused. If not, your immediate presence is required. I look forward to meeting you all."

 

He lifted his thumb from the tablet. <Transmission ended... Logging you out, Lord Cadivus...//>

 

He laid the tablet down where he found it and made his way to the hangar, taking another small sip of his drink a few steps into his stride.

 

[Emily]

Eventually, Emily felt a shift in the Force signifying that the crystal was complete. Using the Force, she pulled it out of the furnace. The gem shone, light reflecting off it's many-faceted surface, casting shimmering blood-red flecks along the walls. It was beautiful, and Emily could feel the potential power it held.

 

With reverence, she slipped the gem into the casing she had made and sealed the lightsaber up. The last step was the most crucial--she had to bathe it in the Force, or it would fail to work, or even blow up in her face. As she did so, she sensed the miniscule changes being made in the weapon...and in herself. She could no longer waffle about, dithering. She was a Sith Lord now, and with that came prestige, power, responsibility, and an image that others would expect her to uphold. By declaring herself Sith, she was binding herself to the Order. And she was no longer beholden to anyone. She was her own master.

 

As the final adjustments were made, she heard a voice whisper in her mind from the Force itself. It spoke a name, a name that suited her perfectly, for it referred to an ancient goddess of chaos, both inner and outer. A smile broke her lips. Rising to her feet, she flourished the handle and then ignited the crimson blade. It sprang to life with a beautiful *snap-hiss*. "I am Darth Eris," she said.

 

She stood there for a moment. Then, taking a deep breath, she shut off the blade, plunging her back into semi-darkness. Hooking it on her belt across from her mother's saber, she headed back to her room. She had lost all track of time while she was in the forge, but her body was exhausted and hungry.

 

When she got back, Roe'gall was snuffling impatiently. "Sorry for leaving you so long, boy," she said. She reached up and scratched his cheek affectionately. Grabbing a bland nutri-bar, she flopped back on her bed. After stuffing the bar into her mouth, she allowed herself to fall into a deep sleep, Roe'gall watching protectively over her by the side of the bed.

[darth shadowlord]

“So this is what the brotherhood has come too?”

 

"Indeed it is, it has sank this low while our enemies grow their numbers and hold what was once ours. Meanwhile we sit here feasting and playing doing little to regain what was ours." Draken frowned as he looked over the crowd that was gathered in the throne room. It irritated him greatly to see the state of affairs of the order in such a way.

[Darth Furion]

((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?

[Raia Montar]

"Hello Raia," his soft greeting meeting her ears finally, and somehow she had the feeling that her own thoughts and actions hadn't gone unmonitored, at least to some degree. It was an unsettling thought, especially since it meant that this male seemed to be the one setting the game board. She silently watched him as he answered her question, her own eyes flicking to follow his gaze as it moved about the room.

 

"I suppose you can say these are the sources of my power. 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."

 

There was a momentary pause in which she swore she could hear her own heart's thundering beat echoing before he fixed his piercing golden eyes back on her. "And you? Was there there something I can do for you, apprentice?"

 

The word hit her like a blow to the gut. She'd been her mother's apprentice and now could never see her again. Homesickness battled with the fear in her heart, but her will struggled to suppress both and keep her from running from the room like a scared child. "I-I don't know," she finally managed, thinking that was probably the last thing that he would want to hear. "I just know I can't go back anymore. My whole life was planned for me - I was supposed to become a healer like my mother and hers before her. Now I don't know. Healers don't kill. I didn't die like I was supposed to...."

 

She took a deep breath, not sure why she'd come here to tell him that, and she seriously doubted that he'd even care. Something had compelled her to provide him the information, despite the fact that she felt like she'd just handed him a part of herself that she hadn't wanted to share.

 

Why am I even here? I should have just gone back to Qaela. Though, what could even she have done? The sisters only follow her because she is stronger than they are, out of fear. Am I here because this male seems far stronger than Qaela?

 

Curiously the inner thought seemed to calm her somewhat, not that either of the two of them could take away what she'd done. "You never formally introduced yourself to us on the ship, Julio Furion..." She looked down as a small smile turned the corners of her lips up, just a fraction of an inch. "You have a lot of names - Julio, Dark Lord, Father, milord, daddy, Furion - what is it that I'm supposed to call you?"

 

A brief flash of Qaela's discussion about the Sith males and their easily offended egos spun through her thoughts, but for some reason she didn't see that the man in front of her fell into the same category as the ones that the elder Dathomiri had described. Her instincts told her that this male and Rose were different from the barbaric blood-lusted braggarts that Qaela had made the Sith out to be. The fact that the man before her enjoyed learning new things easily separated them from that narrow descriptions. The males that she knew only learned what was required of them and had little desire to go beyond themselves.

 

She finally began to relax just a little.

[Nokrt]

Nokrt did not even ponder to disobey. His new body and long absence into the unknown of death had shown him quite a bit more paitence than he allowed himself in the past, and he did not know the new Dark Lord of the Sith or how his regime ran, no reason to not make himself welcome to someone who had allowed him to live and set foot here in the first place. The Chiss followed the Sith who were sent to retrieve him out of the hangar bay, leaving the old ship behind, slightly glad to be rid of it.

 

In the walk the Sith Lord noticed extensive amounts of men and women, robed who stood statuesque along the corridors Nokrt ventured down. He pondered momentarily of their purpose, if it was training or were they simply waiting to be activated and strike the Sith Lord down should he pose himself a traitor to the order? Nokrt decided it didn't matter either way, he would not be a traitor to the Dark Lord and should they be training then so be it.

 

He heard the call of the red robed Sith bringing him forward into a doorway and Nokttin'okr'tihnt entered dutifully. The room was a bright white, which may be too much for other beings, but was only slightly agitating to the Chiss, who grew up on Csilla, an ice covered planet which is almost always white and bright. Still, this room seemed unnaturally bright, even by comparison to Csilla, or even his short stay on Hoth, it started to grate on him how bright it seemed to increase, and he wanted out of this room as soon as he could.

 

"Why don't you have a seat? Depending on your cooperation, this will not take long."

 

Nokrt bowed in agreement and took a seat he was gestured to, and saw that the other Sith did the same, making this feel cordial, rather than an interrogation, which was obviously what it was. The Chiss Sith Lord was not surprised and would cooperate as he, again, had no intentions of being a turncoat to the Order.

 

"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?"

 

Nokrt didn't pause for long as he listened to the interrogators questions and formulated the responses. "To be honest, I was deceased. The Emperor at the time had a grudge against me and decided to send me on a suicide run which I, as an honor bound man, went on to certain death. Needless to say the Emperor accomplished his goal and I was parted from the living world until I was cloned on my homeworld of Csilla. This would explain my long absence as I didn't have a clone on ready backup, they had to start work from the ground up. It was they who took these months of growing me back to full strength into searching for the Order so that I would have clear direction on where to go should I awake. I don't know how they did it, but given Chiss have been used as Imperial spies in the past, amongst other notable roles, I could assume they tailed some of your people to this general area, as all I had was this location loaded in my astorgation computer aboard the elderly shuttle now sitting in the Hangar Bay."

 

The Chiss paused after answering all thw questions posed to him, but then continued.

 

"As I understand it from my communications with the station before boarding, this place is meant to be a well kept secret, so if you are to kill them off to make sure there are no loose ends, could I humbly ask to give them honorable deaths, by accident or something. After all they did for me and bringing me back to the world of the living, I owe it to them to ask at least that much, though if you can't and prefer to send out Apprentices to blast their eyes out to submerge them in the Dark Side properly, I fully understand.

[Darth Furion]

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]

The Chiss understood why his requests would recieve no answer, it was, again in these interrogation like situations, to be expected. Voicing his desires was all he could do, no bartering could be done here.

 

"I have the exact location of each of those men and women who revived me should you desire them as well so you need not search for them." Nokrt interjected before the Interrogator began his second bit of questioning.

 

"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 had to pause again as such details were not as 'as if it were yesterday' as some people would believe some memories to be. He had to think for a moment about who he was in contact with aside Emperor Deton.

 

"When I was last alive," he began calmly, "I was reinstated into the service of the Galactic Empire. As a former Grand Admiral, the Empire seemed to want to have use of me, and Emperor Deton was the only man whom I was in contact with, within the Empire itself. Yet I still had my allegiance to the Sith Order as well, a young Sith named Julo Wartide was in contact with me about a plan to overthrow the Emperor as well, though the Emperor himself seemed to be aware and, again, sent me on my suicide mission. In the past I have been in contact with others of the order, Draken Shadowlord, Alora are notables in that list that I can recall at the forefront of my mind."

[Karys Narat iv-Adas]

((5 posts should do it. ))

 

As no answer was forthcoming the kiffar was about to leave when his day suddenly took a turn for the worse. The world’s old gods sure had a odd sense of humor it seemed, as imprisoned as they were in the ageless rift of the force. As he was about to depart Lucifer heard Tobias call to him and initially took no action, despite the fact of how he hated the man. Moments he found this to be a mistake as his spine seemed to tingle and senses peaked in a sort of 'danger sense' indicating only one thing. Attack.

 

Invariably the Sith Lord was inclined to dive sideways to the left as a result. Shoving whoever happened to be in the way into the path of the chair he ignited his double edged sabre and locked eyes with his adversary. He cast a eerily sadistic smile as he spoke with both eyes looked at the young apprentice who thought it wise to attack a Sith Lord in such a provocative manner. It seemed he never learnt.

 

''Tobias. Why am I not surprised it was you. Yet what warrant's this provocative gesture, are you so desperate for blood, to die that you wish to attack me twice. Make no mistake, I will not underestimate you twice brother. ''

 

There was one thought upon the man's mind. Vengeance.

 

Who is this man who thinks himself an equal. He is nothing. Yet he has the gall to strike me twice, no he will suffer.

 

Remembering his last bout with this man, Lucifer looked for his beast. He needed to even the odds. There he was, sitting but no doubt was there for a reason. But that was the least of his worries. Soon finely toned and honed senses from years of fighting countless adversaries of the Sith Lord came to the fore. The kiffar would prove his superiority over this apprentice. Determined be stronger, to grow stronger. He would release the full fury of his rage upon the boy and pet.Lucifer's heart was beating fast, adrenaline was pulsing in his veins, rage in his heart and mind. The dark inside bled out in a aura of malice. He put his mind upon the force and reached out. Like a spider reaching for it's prey he spread his fingertips latched at the currents that connected to Tobias.

 

There he is.

 

He calmed himself, letting the dark rage consume and broil within. And pulled the insolent boy upwards before throwing him across the ballroom. Fool. Who was he to attack Lucifer, nothing. Let him suffer, let him wish he were dead. No he would not kill him, Furion had decreed no sith would kill another despite his wish. However he would bring insurmountable pain and agony. Yes it would be a fitting revenge. A tooth for a tooth.Tobias had left his mark and so would Lucifer try to leave his.

 

Charging like a rhino, time slowed. Every movement of everyone around became just specs of dust in time to the kiffar as he moved the force to speed up his progress. Both sabres were ready, the darkside consumed them as it did their master. A voice whispered in his mind from the Force. It spoke his name, it referred to the ancient chaos that all possessed, both inner and outer. Yes he knew of it...he had been there. None could know more of the dark than one who had faced death and returned. A smile broke upon his lips. Rising he flourished the handle of the right side of his sabre and then ignited the crimson blade.

 

Yes Tobias would know fear. He would know Rage. But most of all he would know Pain. Suffering. Humiliation. Yes that was the objective.

 

((1))

[Raia Montar]

"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." Raia wasn't sure how she felt about that, but his next words gave her pause before she could fully explore how that had made her feel.

 

"I am truly sorry at these turn of events," he continued, his apology seeming to be genuine, but there was an emotion there she couldn't quite place. "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..."

 

Her eyes narrowed and locked with his, her pupils dilated in shock and anger at the betrayal of the information. How had he known? What magic had he learned this through?

 

She'd said nothing to him other than her name, yet he knew how she'd come to be with the Nightsisters. Confusion and fear returned as he continued this time in impossibly perfect Dathomiri, "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."

 

What was going on? Where had he learned her clan's dialect? A cold chill washed over her as she realized that there was a very strong possibly that he'd been gathering the information directly from her own mind. She mentally started trying to push him back out, even though she hadn't felt him there to begin with, acting on her own instincts. A feeling of violation overwhelmed her and she willed him out as best she could, trying to remember what spells she'd been taught that covered mind shielding. Her limited repertoire flashed through her mind and she found she had no real defense. It didn't stop her from trying anyway.

 

Regardless of how he got the information, it didn't make his words any less true. She crossed in front of the high-backed chair that she'd been standing behind as the reality of her situation sunk in even further. As she sank into it's impossibly cushy seat, her mind raced to process what this new reality would mean for her going forward.

 

"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."

 

"So I'm to stay with you then?" her voice was quiet, and an odd tone of acceptance creeping in. As much as she now felt like shrinking back in despair, she knew that she was going to have to suck it up and deal with what was happening to her. She did want to blame the man before her for her current path, but she knew it was unfair to lay everything totally at his feet. "You say that predators have to kill to eat, but you and I both know that the ones killed this night weren't for the purpose of sustenance," the young girl had completely reverted to using Dathomiri, not caring whether or not he could keep up with her as her basic wasn't good enough for her to verbalize everything.

 

Then it struck her, "That's the price that she mentioned," she said quietly. "The need to choose how far you are willing to go to live, to make a choice and take control. It was the same way Rose chose her path and you set that woman before her?" A slow anger began to boil within her as she continued to struggle to understand.

 

"The same way you forced Rose to kill when as her Champion you should have been the one to fight. No You cannot be called her Champion - it was your job to fight. No Champion is supposed to stand aside for combat to the death, not even if his mistress had ordered it." As dangerous as it might have been, Raia didn't do anything to hide the accusatory tone from her voice. She said she was your daughter, but you clearly are not her mother. Rose spoke of love, but I know you are not her mate either. She said that being your daughter made you weak, but daughters are strength. What is it that connects you two?"

[Tobias Vos]

It seemed Lucifer knew he was coming, even though he had hidden himself. Odd. He would have to work on that technique later. Tobias spun the saber in his hand. "This isn't personal this time. This is a trial to decide who gets to be a Sith Lord. I will either take it, or you beat me and keep your title." Tobias said with a hidden rage. "We both have progressed, so let's play." A chuckle slipped from Vos's lips. Then, with that, he found himself launched into the air. Concentrating- he used the Force to help him into a duck and roll. A momentary dizzy spell as he got up effected Vos, but he collected himself quickly. He turned to face Lucifer, igniting a lightsaber in his hand.

 

 

The lit lightsaber swung in his hand, setting a blood thirsty mood throughout the room. Stepping back to brace for Lucfier, he planted his feet firmly and held a high guard with one hand, with the other her built the Force up in his fist. Just a regular Force Push- no need for Kinitite just yet. That would be kept for later. He still had to keep some tricks up his sleeve for when Lucifer brought about his own tricks.

 

 

Exhaling, his rage broke. The two combatants lightsabers connected and a loud kinetic sound echoed through the room. Lucifers' attack was brutal and fast, but Tobias held his own. Blocking and deflection the incoming blows was increasingly more distracting, he even let one slip by- a high thrust from Lucfier. Vos could feel the heat off the lightsaber as it shot past his face- and cut off a piece of his ear. Blood had finally been spilt- his own. Deflecting the blade, he spun back and out of the way for a moment. Finally it was on! He tasted his own blood- and smelt his own burnt hair. His heart raced, eyes widened, and even more adrenaline pushed into his veins. It was time to go back on the offensive- Tobias let loose the Force that had been connecting in his hand. There was no need to give Lucifer any room for a break. It was finally his time to become a Lord. Jumping back, the Force Push launched straight at Lucifer's feet, to knock him over. The same mantra held in his mind. "Do not kill."

 

With his newly free hand, he gripped a table with the Force and threw it at Lucifer. The stainless steel monstrosity shot across the room straight for Lucifer. Quickly, he summoned the Force and started to unleash wave after wave onto Lucifer. They were both luck there was no dust in this station yet, otherwise there would have been a mini-tornado.

 

((2))

[Rezjal-el]

The re-introduction to eating for pleasure as opposed to pure necessity hit the young man in ways he was hardly used to. The flavors, the textures, the sheer opulence of it all. The once mound of various foods upon his plate disappeared into his maw at speeds that would make even the most corpulent of hutts proud. There were several times in which he let his near-feral nature get the best of him, elongated canines ripping into meat and bread as though they were fresh kills.

 

Granted, Vaegir wasn’t trying very hard to conceal his heritage, though it was only when his fangs showed that any non-human traits were made distinct. The others around him seemed to pay him mind. A few may have giggled at the beastial display, though should the firrerreo’s gaze meet there’s, the laughter was quickly stopped.

 

“Bleh….” Vaegir let out a relieved gasp, leaning back in his seat. His stomach was full for the first time in years. The contrast to the day before was not lost upon him. For two years he had spent his time with what felt like a perpetually empty belly, and it could be days between meals. Here, food lay in abundance and he didn’t have to kill anything in the process of acquiring it.

 

A minute or so passed with him sitting back and simply taking in his surroundings again. The odd chatter of fellow neophytes and apprentices met his ears, though he picked out nothing of any real significance. A life of hunting and constant activity had taken its toll on his ability to sit still, well… that and the creepy-uncle shoulder pat he received from Sheog made him anxious for something to do, so he could remain seated for only so long. Without a word he slipped to his feet and onto the open floor.

 

The gold-ringed hues of his eyes scanned the room, looking for a distraction. It was then that he noticed the familiar black-skinned form of the Twi’lek reemerging from the depths of Furion’s chambers. Paying little attention to personal space he proceeded to march his way right up to her.

 

“So… now that we’re going to be associates of sorts… perhaps you should grace me with your name?” he greeted her, letting his features take on a charming smile.

[Karys Narat iv-Adas]

“Yes we have both progressed but you will not find me easy prey. If it was Furion who provoked this then so be it. If this is a test for us, you will not find me a willing subject. I earned my title by right and blood, you will not take it from me. Who are you but a boy to steal my right. ”

 

He turned his head to the side as he watched what Tobias might do. Expressions were worth a thousand words.The two combatants locked but neither gave any ground.

 

For a brief moment, Lucifer jumped back via the force to avoid the energy the other kiffar had aimed at his feet. He could swear Tobias looked like a curious child with a look of mischief spreading across his pale face; his white mouth now forming a wicked smile as if he were contemplating doing something naughty. Although his emotion gave him away, Lucifer only had to look into those eyes, to know if he was in the presence of a powerful creature or not.

 

Anger filled the Sith Lord's heart.

 

Who does he think he is. He thinks he can steal my right. He burns me, and now thinks to steal me right. No he shall pay!

 

Tobias had his tricks but so to did Lucifer have his. As the second wave was about to begin Lucifer unleashed his own wave of energy in the form of a repulse. A kinetic wave of raw energy drawn from the force. Concentrating he violently pushed outwards, creating the rapidly-expanding kinetic ripples in space. Nearby objects flew away at high velocity in every direction, anyone caught in the blast was simply collateral damage. The true target was Tobias and his pet. Now the young kiffar's 'push' had been sent back at it's master with a extra 'gift' courtesy of the Sith Lord. With any luck it was powerful enough that it would disintegrate his enemy and the surrounding objects caught in the blast or leave him and his pet wounded as metal and wood were made into razor sharp projectiles. Either option would suffice.

 

Following up with this the kiffar Lord, sprinted towards Tobias. The right end of his sabre was flourished as he pounced like a lion towards his prey or a wolf as the force sent him forwards like a rocket propelled grenade. Yes, Lucifer was a wolf he had always been a wolf. He was the alpha male, Tobias was nothing, a upstart wanting to prove his worth. Furion would know he was mistaken in thinking Lucifer weak his enemy lay battered upon the bloody floor.

 

((2))

[Ary the Grey]

The party was boring, the majority of the SIth assembled pathetically weak. Ares understood it was really a formality, and formalities weren't his thing. The new Dark Lord had asserted his power, and the dutiful servant had followed the orders of his master, as had the rest of the Order. But now, Ares was bored. The one half interesting thing about all of it were two lesser Sith bursting out into a fight, and though it might have been amusing to watch, it was really nothing more than undisciplined pups gnawing at bones. Real warriors would understand that war, destruction, and chaos tasted much sweeter when inflicted upon innocents than upon brothers-in-arms. There would always be a Jedi to inflict pain on, and even if their presence wasn't immediatly apparent, it was far too easy to draw them out of the woodworks by committing atrocities on those they were sworn to protect.

 

Ares downed the remainder of his drink, and made his way back down to the hangar, recruiting an experienced pilot to fly out with him, slaving the shuttle to the other pilot's ship to ensure a safe exit from the Maw. After reaching the minimum safe distance from the gravity wells, Ares took back manual control, allowing the other ship to return to the station. The Sith Master hit the hyperdrive controls, launching the shuttle into the stars.

[Tobias Vos]

(Sooba isn't in the room...yet.)

 

"Well then, we shall see. If this is an issue you should take up with the Dark Lord, then do so afterwards."

 

Tobias spun the saber in his hand. Taking a breath he was glad he just went through some of that training. Just to get ready for game time. Both locked eyes and examined each other. Both were Kiffar in the ranks of the Sith, it was funny how they were always at odds. Interesting anyways, it was time to get back to business. The Force moved in mysterious ways- Lucifer had launched an attack full of kinetic energy. It effected everything in it's path. Thinking fast, he clipped his saber to his belt, and concentrated. Kinitite collected in his hands. Then with a boost of anger and rage he unleashed it.

 

Both waves clashed and connected for a moment, Then a loud BOOM was heard. Echoing throughout the room, there was a tingling feeling in the room. The hairs on Tobias's arm stood up. The ball of energy exploded, the lights flickered and a few small items launched into the air. Bigger items moved across the room.

 

Then Lucifer charged again. Doesn't this guy ever give up with the straight on attack?

 

Reaching to his belt, he grabbed the extra saber he had swiped from the armory. Activating the double lightsaber, he was prepared for Lucifer's charge. Once again, the two connected sabers with a loud SNAP. Deflecting the incoming blows, Tobias started to circle Lucifer, slowly. With a small bit of the Force, he reached out and untied the infamous smoke bomb that fell to the floor. Detonating on impact, Toibas disengaged Lucifer by deactivating his saber and jumping back into the smoke.

 

Reaching out, he grabbed all sorts of furniture and flung it with the Force into the smoke. Gritting his teeth, rage burned and fueled his desire to inflict severe bodily harm unto Lucifer. Tobias was determined to win.

 

(3)

[Karys Narat iv-Adas]

A careless mistake. That was all it would take for one of the two combatants to fail, Lucifer was not one to fail when he could help it.

 

Acolytes, slaves and various members of the lower castes of the sith who were to foolish or too slow to move were sent hurtling through the air or impaled. Painful, excruciating death as various objects became dangerous weapons was all that awaited them...it was a beautiful sight. The darkside incarnate as the two sith seemed to be toying with each other, as if playing a game of chess. The pieces were being moved into position.

 

As the two waves of opposite kinetic energy clashed it barely touched Lucifer as they connected. Having been at the center of the mass and partly it's creator he was spared the full impact. Yet even stranger was how Tobias had managed to survive the carnage when he was at it's edge. It seemed the two shared a common link in their ability to endure such destruction.

 

After another clash of sabres and it seemed as if Tobias had given up when all became clear as his intent was made known. He thinks me stupid, his scent I can follow anywhere. I'll show him who to fear.

 

While the smoke may have obscured a normal man's vision, Lucifer was no ordinary man. The robotic eye belonging to the Sith Lord switched to thermal vision and through the smoke he could see many faces and outlines. However one stuck out the most. There you are. You think you can blind me, you are mistaken. Sensing the danger the kiffar leaped above the smoke and incoming projectiles, above was where the air was clear. It was here that he twisted into a mid-air somersault before landing a few meters behind Tobias position.

 

Foolish move now you pay for your folly.

 

Without hesitation, Lucifer began his work. His art of destruction. Today he would create another masterpiece and Tobias would be his canvas. With the subtle movements of a spider the Sith Lord began to alter the air currents around his opponent, turning and twisting the smoke and objects up and around Tobias into a maelstrom. This swirling vortex soon lifted the boy into the air, spinning him around as debris was sent with him. It was designed to leave those caught up in the tornado like affect incapable of moving out of it as they were bombarded by projectiles inside of it that would either cut or lacerate skin to ribbons. This was why so many called it the 'Whirlwind'. It would allow the Lucifer his chance to attack. But he would need to be quick and quick, he was.

 

Anger, Rage and Vengeance. These were the things upon Lucifer's mind. He wanted blood and by the god's he would get it. As Tobias was left to contend with the vortex, Lucifer began his follow up as 3 distinct copies of the Sith Lord now encompassed around the apprentice ' dopplegangers', it was up to him to decide which was real or not.

 

All 3 ran different directions yet there was no presence of the Lucifer in the force suggesting a combination of Illusion and Quey'tek which would make it nearly impossible to find the right one. Now all would rely on guess work. It would be a impressive display really to those who had little knowledge of the force.

 

And yet Lucifer waited for his moment to strike. Timing was everything.

 

Now the game begins. Come find me if you can.

 

((3))

[Darth Furion]

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.

[Nokrt]

The dull and emotionless words that echoed from the man's mouth were not organic. They lacked finesse or any sort of tone. Like a corporate banker, or a sabacc player. It was unnatural, which Nokrt could appreciate, given his initial training in the Krath, and how perverting the natural led to better creatures, stronger, and most of all, subservient to the Order. The Chiss could not help but wonder how this deadpan man was accomplished if the Krath arts were involved, and looked forward to training in them again soon.

 

After hearing the request of the interrogator, the Sith Lord did not hesitate to reach into his robes and try to grab his weapons for the Sith Interrogator, however, there were none there. He was unarmed, no weapons were available to him and he simply placed his hands on the table in front of them, for the interrogator to see.

 

"Unfortunately, to my shame, it appears I am unarmed, aside the Force Powers that I had trained myself in. Unless you have ysalimiri to ensure one-hundred percent protection from me, you have no weapon to fear from me. As such, I am ready and willing to meet the Dark Lord if you have someone able to escort me to him."

[Raia Montar]

Raia hung her head at the rebuke, knowing that as much as desperately wanted to, no longer could she cling closely to what was familiar. The concept that things were so different here from her own home continued to be beaten over her head, so much so that she was finally willing to yield. The old ways had to be locked away for now, until she could incorporate them into what she was becoming, if they could be of any use at all.

 

"So Father is the other half of us then?" she murmured, wondering at the concept of an upbringing at the hands of a male parent, or even with two. "It must be confusing to be under the guidance of two parents." For the moment she lay that topic aside, having used it to help her step back for a moment while she sorted through conflicting emotions, traditions, and ideas as they clashed within her. It would still take some time, but she knew if she was open enough, there was much that she could learn from being out in the greater galaxy. Even more desperately than she wanted to return to the safety of Dathomir, she wanted to learn what the galaxy could possibly hold for her beyond the narrow role she'd been relegated to performing for the rest of her life among her clan.

 

Rose had said that she'd studied too much to remain ignorant of what it would mean to follow in her father's footsteps, so much so that she'd killed to declare her own freedom from him. Was that how she could gain her own freedom? Through very knowledge that surrounded her in this room? She stared at her hands for a few moments before responding.

 

"I choose knowledge then. I'm getting tired of fumbling about in the dark like a baby. You tell me there is a wider world out there, just like I always craved. I know I can never go back to who I was, even if you were to return me to Dathomir this instant." For a moment the image of her clan's village flashed in her mind, and she wondered for the first time in her life how much in common the males of her clan had with the man sitting across the desk. While her master had been given the choice to protect Rose or to allow her to grow, her own father hadn't. All choices and decisions regarding a daughter were for the mother and her alone to decide. Did it cause the males the same pain that Rose had mentioned Furion feeling about her own choice?

 

"There is a pain to freedom, Rose feels it, I'm feeling it, as I know you are too. I want to grow, and to gain enough to go my own way. Pain is a fact of life, we are born from it." A flash of memory of what she'd experienced back in the medical bay triggered the final sentiment.

[Keenava Dira]

Lallu was exasperated. The vacuum of emotional potency that rest within her, weighed heavily on her fatigued mind. Her black skin was paler than normal and her head was beaded with sweat. Her slinky red dress had enough tears in the fabric to make it racier than normal, but Lallu didn’t care. She had the biggest smile on her face and it didn’t leave for several minutes. She could feel the moments last longer and longer. Her heartbeat was slowly climbing and the hesitation outside Furion’s office seemed an eternity. She was lost in a miasma of passion and was caught within the remains of an emotional explosive.

 

The Twi’lek was pushed up against the cold wall on the side of the banquet hall nearest to the dark lord’s library and she was halfway between sitting completely on the ground and standing. The cold temperature of the metal washed through her with little effort and chills ran down her spine, sending crescendos of sensation to crash against the remnants of feeling that were lost in her mind.

 

There was no more doubt…

 

• There was no more confusion…

Her feelings were genuine…

• And they were palpable.

Echoes of misery seemed so far gone that her life seemed to fade away. Memories, that stood out so dark and cold against the bright beating heart of her passion, were broken away. Finally Lallu stood, without a shell of doubt to mask her. The façade she had worn for years to cover age old scars was shed. Lallu could scarcely believe the freedom that rushed through her. It was so warm and welcoming that it almost brought a tear to her eyes.

 

• I will push on. No matter what comes.
  

Just when Lallu’s thoughts were beginning to even out and her body was beginning to settle, a familiar face approached her. The man she met on Dagobah and the one she saw coming out of Furion’s room before her, approached her with what seemed like a winning smile. Lallu couldn’t really tell if the smile was genuine, but considering the overabundance of euphoria that shone in her ruby red eyes, she echoed his expression and stood up to greet him.

 

“Alright… That is a fair request." Lallu said, her crimson eyes looking deep into his purple ones. "My name is Lallunia Kallemi, or Lallu for short.” Lallu stretched her hand out toward his. “What is your name?”

Edited May 23, 2012 by Guest

[Tobias Vos]

Enough. Anger boiled in Tobias's veins. This was a Space Station with the entire Sith Order on it. Was Lucifer TRYING to rip it apart? His attacks were forcing the station to creek and swoon. This was no longer a duel, Lucifer was out of control.Tobias had heard of a Force Technique where one could 'push' the Force out around him and form a safe barrier. With clenched fists, he summoned the Force and tried to maintain a barrier. It was his first time even trying such a thing, but with the glass, dead Sith bodies from Lucifer's charge, and other miscellaneous things, he blocked some of it. Tiny cuts appeared on Tobias's exposed forarms. Some of his clothes started to even rip and tear from the debris that was coming through, most of the larger objects bounced away.

 

 

Tobias looked directly at the Lucifer, but then looked left and looked at him again... A doppleganger attack. It was going to be interesting for the next few minutes. He needed to stop Lucifer. With even more purpose, he found four Lucifer's around him. But they were just standing there. What were they up to? What were they waiting on? The wind was going strong still, and Tobias was trying is best to keep up this "Barrier," and figure out which Lucifer was which.

 

Clipping the double lightsaber to the back of his belt next to the single, he spread his legs as if bracing for something. Gritting his teeth certain visions passed by him- Adenna, Sooba, Torin, Sandy, passion. His fist clenched, he summoned a wave a Kinitite. It gathered in his palms and around his arms.

 

"Lucifer, you have violated the Dark Lord's mandate. Killing your fellow Sith? Even if you get through me, you will have to deal with Furion." Tobias's eyes went white with the emotions that ran though his body. And that is a very big IF. He thought quickly. How was he maintaining a Whirlwind, plus an illusion, and masking his signature?! Had Slicer lied to him when he taught him how to ghost? Could he use the Force with a hidden signature?

 

Kinitite had reached a critical level. With a glorious roar, Tobias slammed his fists into the ground. A wave of Kinitite shot out across the floor. Lucifer had killed off most of the on-lookers earlier, so Sith Collateral Damage would be minimal. The wave would be enough to knock the copies off their feet, and quit running. Maybe even get rid of this whirlwind.

 

After the Kinitite and igniting the one end of the double lightsaber, Tobias reached out to summon his pet...

 

((4))

[Darth Furion]

((Delete: Double Post))

Edited May 26, 2012 by Guest

[Darth Furion]

"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.

[Nokrt]

Nokrt stood up fromt he table and made a short bow toward the monotonous interrogator, who then stood up himself and led the Sith Lord through a passageway filled iwth outhers in the same style of robes as himself. Had Nokrt not focused his mind upon the interrogator who led him, he may have surely lost which one he was amongst the small throng which surrounded him as they passed in the various hallways which he was being led. The escort was silent and obedient, perfect servants to the Sith Order, clearly the Order had changed from the Chiss's last close involvement, and it seemed for the better.

 

They passed through a large open room and the Sith Lord saw no familiar faces. How long had he been gone? How did he not recognize the faces around him. It was a lonliness the Sith Lord had not expected in a place filled with people. Strange as it may sound, the Sith Lord was beginning to hate his lone wolf aspect of his career in the galaxy thus far. Perhaps once he spoke to the Dark Lord he would be allowed take on an apprentice.

 

Soon, they had arrived at a doorway, which the interrogator leaned against and had somehow made open. The Chiss did not know, and he did not see or feel in the Force how it was accomplished, perhaps the mechanism used an older rite to enter, he would make a mental note and figure it out later.

 

 

The Sith Lord was beckoned to go through the dark hole in the corridor, he was uncertain of what he could find there, perhaps a creature of dark origins lived within and he was being punished by facing it alone, or being devoured by it. Or perhaps the new Dark Lord simply preferred the seclusion. Either way, Nokrt was not hopeful of his situation, the ball was outside his court so to speak. He walked through the doorway, not knowing what to expect.

 

Once he had stepped into the doorway, followed closely by the red-robed interrogator, Nokrt saw a few new face in front of him, yet the one that caught him, was an old one. Sitting down was a man he had known from a long time before. Julio Wartide, the Sith Lord who Nokrt had met at the Sith Temple on Coruscant. The man looked nearly the same, slightly aged, older, but the same. The Chiss wondered if he should approach him and greet him as an old aquaintance, but the thought was removed from his mind.

 

"Have a seat. I will be with you in a moment." commanded Julio toward Nokrt as he entered the room, and it was then that Nokrt understood, Julio had grown leaps and bound from where he was in the past. He was the Dark Lord of the Sith.

 

Still trying to wrap his mind on how far he had lagged behind those in the order, and how long he was truly gone, the Chiss did as instructed, avoiding conflict in desire to be part of the Order fully once more, and proving himself to the galaxy beyond the conditions that made him a Sith Lord. Taking a seat in the provided seating in front of Julio, Nokrt focused on what he desired out of his re-joining with the Sith Order. He wanted to master the Force, the Krath arts, and beyond, and closing his mind to the bloodthirst of his past would be the only means of accomplishing this.

 

"What exactly are you offering me, Lord Nokttin'okr'tihnt?" came the calm voice of the Dark Lord, and the Chiss was surprised to hear the name pronounced as if it were done in Chenuah by another Chiss. This Dark Lord was remarkably well versed, and Nokrt respected this. The Chiss had no trinkets to give the Dark Lord, and it was likely someone in that seat of power would never be persuaded of one's loyalty by providing a gift, no, the Dark Lord would require loyal Lords and Masters to serve his will, and do with as he needed, and it was something Nokrt could readily give.

 

"I am offering you myself, mi'lord", said Nokttin'okr'tihnt cordially to the Dark Lord, "everything I have, everything I do, I can do on your command. I will be your most loyal servant, and prove myself the greatest asset to your strength."

[Darth Furion]

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.

[Nokrt]

What was preached by the Dark Lord were true, and he could see why Julio had become the Dark Lord, why the red robed men were so subservient. His vision for the Sith was grand, and Nokrt respected him for it. Nokrt was prepared to become a member of this new Sith Order, under Julio's command. If his former brother had come so far, there isn't anyone else he could trust to lead the Sith to new heights, even himself.

 

"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."

 

The words were powerful, Julio had given the Chiss permission, should he ever grow strong enough, to destroy him, and all he asked for was servitude from the Stih Lord until he was ready to do so. It was a grand promise, and the Chiss was enthused to hear it. He immediately rose from his seat and knelt into a bow to the Dark Lord.

 

"I swear to you, my better, Julio Wartide, Dark Lord of the Sith, my servitude and respect. I swear to come when beckoned, kill when ordered, and fight in your name until such a time that I can make the demand for your title and win it from you."

[Karys Narat iv-Adas]

All four of the Lucifer's simply laughed at Tobias simultaneously, almost mocking the younger sith as the illusions moved in while he re-positioned the real him behind Tobias position. There was no indicator as such as to where the original voice originated from or where the real 'Lucifer' was located. He knew perfectly well what he was doing as the kiffar unleashed his kinetite upon the doppelgangers and had positioned them and himself according to the likely outcomes he had seen form in his head. It was all distraction and diversionary tactics, a means to an end. The attack was one of many such expected actions the Sith Lord anticipated would come of Tobias. He had learnt from his last mistake.

 

''You think he cares for the death of a few acolytes. I think not, he cares for nothing but himself and his own goals. If they were to stupid or to weak to remove themselves from my wrath then they deserved their fates. Just as much as you deserve yours. As for the mandate I have done nothing of the such however I would be willing to make you the exception. ''

 

Were all the words that came as the whirlwind subsided as the kinetite wave struck at the floor vibrating along and making many of the intricately detailed tiles lift up into a pile at the opposite side of the room along with a fair share of the floor directly in front of Tobias. The doppelgangers faded in kind when struck. Lucifer called to the darkside like a owner calling out to a pet.

 

It called back to him, begged him to take a taste of that raw natural power, that elusive something most of this wretched galaxy just didn’t have. A Jedi just knew how to manipulate the world around them;Sith were made of emotion in it's truest, most natural form, and so were the epitome of the galaxies true face. At least that was what the Sith Lord believed and this was the Sith would win this war. And why he would win this duel.

 

He kept to the corners of the room, doing an old trick he’d learned in his apprenticeship days to make himself fade into the background. It was invisibility, yet it was unobtrusive in how Lucifer approached. He was silent as his footsteps steadily made pace towards the apprentice, the light bending around his form leaving nothing but empty space where he should be. He wore his standard armor of silver colored, overlapping plate. Constructed from both Cortosis Ore & Mandalorian Iron it was potent protection and served well in defending the kiffar from any who would dare attempt to defy him. His black hair was laying back in a low curve around the base of his neck. Lucifer let the force flow out behind him and around him as he strode toward Tobias to within stabbing distance, his intent clear and his rage intense as a dying star. For in the death of all life did the Sith Lord thrive, this was his element. Here he was a god, trapped in a mortal shell but a god none the less. At least he thought it.

 

All he needed now was menacing background music. Something dark and brooding. Lucifer dropped his mask at the last possible moment and moved his right arm aiming at Tobias exposed back from the best possible position he could gain as to allow for a single clean shot...maybe more depending how this went. He inhaled deeply, not bothering to mask his enjoyment of Tobias unique scent, of the thrill of the hunt. It excited him, and like a hunter stalking a prized deer he would not relent, not now. The Sith Lord could feel movement, something was approaching and fast. Summerising the situation Lucifer narrowed it down to one option, the beast was coming but he still had time on his side. Most likely it was coming to aid his master however that mut would this time meet it's fate, Never again would the kiffar play the fool with the beast, not this time.

 

Reacting with a inhumane speed, Lucifer struck. Striking at Tobias aiming for his back, the Sith Lord proceeded to follow through with bringing his ignited sabre to clash with Tobias hoping to give him a new scar as he like a titan unleashing it's wrath unleashed his vengeance upon the boy as the full fury of the darkside came to the fore.

 

The Sith Lord replayed an old lightsabre tenet in his mind as he unleashed a flurry of blows using his dominant hand hopefully catching Tobias off guard with the initial surprise strike.

 

"Every feint, every dodge, every block is a trap to the unwary."

 

He was not willing to let Tobias win. Not today. No matter the cost he would ensure the apprentice failed his task. He remembered the teachings of both the darkside, of Vaapad. Vaapad was more than a fighting style, It was a state of mind, a path that lead through the penumbra of the dark side. The excitement and passion of the battle colored Lucifer's actions as he accepted the fury of his opponent, transforming him into one half of a superconducting loop, with the other half being the power of darkness inherent in Tobias.The very essence of Vaapad itself as Tobias own inner darkness was used against him. Using a one-handed high guard with the blade held horizontally above his head and pointed to the side, Lucifer had his body half-twisted, with the off-hand swept across and down. A traditional Vaapad opening stance as he acted out his maneuver. Ferociously attacking with the technique of Vornskr's Ferocity he used the familiar malignant grace and attacks that appeared to be unconnected as he kept coming. The motions were seemingly unpolished but each served a purpose as they came like dozens of blades attacking from every angle attempting to intercept each movement and redirect it or outright stop it as the rage within was barely contained. It allowed each movement to flow into each other with liquid precision, creating the constant near-invisible weave of energy associated with the stance.

 

It would be only a matter of time before Tobias would break under such a barrage.

 

((4))

[Darth Furion]

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.

Edited May 31, 2012 by Guest