The Return of the Sith

[Darth Sythis]

Darth Sythis had never vanished from the galaxy as some fools may assume. No, he simply was in hiding, planning for the next steps in overthrowing the New Republic and finally completing the purge of all the Jedi that survived from the massacre he organized on Yavin.

The Dark Lord of the Stih was residing on the planet of Vjun inside Bast Castle, the former personal fortress of Darth Vader. Unknown to the New Republic, who had the castle under their vigilance after Kyle Katarn's victory, Lord Sythis had wiped out all who guarded the fortress with help from the Noghri commandos who attacked the Jedi temple prior.

No transmissions were sent out. No help was summoned.

No one in the New Republic knew that Bast Castle was now under the ownership of the Duke of Serenno. And even if they did, Sythis had the perfect subterfuge as royalty. If a hint of suspicion aroused, he could purchase the planet outright and be done with anyone prying into his affairs by declaring it his private sanctuary.

So the question, what of the Jedi and the New Republic?

Their fire was dying in the galaxy; of that there was no doubt. For more than seven years after Luke Skywalker had established his Jedi academy they had been the self-appointed paladins of the New Republic, but since the attack on Yavin IV, that was now slowly coming to an end. And the pathetic fools, blinded by their own hypocrisy, could not see the truth of this. It was right and fitting that this be so, just as it was right and fitting that the instrument of their downfall be the Sith.

The only difference worthy of note was this: The Jedi saw the Force as an end in itself; the Sith knew that it was a means to an end.

And that end was power.

As one of the few remaining Sith Masters remaining in existance that he was aware, Darth Sythis had never lost the will to crave power again, even after the failures that have resulted on Ithor and Naboo. It was true that he was operating covertly toward that end, but he was doing so out of neccessity, not sophistry. After the victory of Naboo, the New Republic would most likely trace the Neimoidian's fleet back to Geonosis and attempt to ransack his castle, only for them to find it decimated. He had ordered the Geonosians to destroy it once he had left Naboo. Until that glorious day that sees the final fall of the Jedi and the ascendancy of their ancient enemies, the Sith, all traces leading to him must be erased like footprints upon the sands of Tatooine during a sandstorm.

And that day was fast approaching once again. After weeks of replanning and collusion, it was now almost here. Lord Sythis was confident that he would see its culmination in his lifetime, despite the intrusions of the Jedi on Ithor and the New Republic on Naboo. There would come a day in the not too distant future when he would stand, triumphant, over the last Jedi's body, when he would have Yavin IV wiped out for good, when he would take his rightful place as ruler of the galaxy-- once Leia Organa Solo and her brother, Luke Skywalker, were out of the picture.

He would avenge the deaths of his apprentices, Ludovic the Learned and Callista Skywalker. Now, only one apprentice remained, Darth Sivan, and the Dark Lord assumed she was carrying out her assignment to assassinate the senator of Naboo after Black Sun's failure in doing so. It must be successful as no loose ends, no matter how inconsequential, could be permitted. After this, the ones responsible for his failure on Naboo would be found and dealt with.

He anticipated hearing from his apprentice shortly. The stakes were high, very high, but he had every confidence that Sivan would perform the task with her customary ruthless efficiency. All would continue as planned, and the Sith would rise again.

Soon.

Lord Sythis approached a massive window and peered out. Bast Castle loomed high before the stretch of green landscape, its turrents and battlements thrusting upward at the night sky. An imposing stone fortress, the castle was built atop a rocky crag overlooking the forest below. The light of myriad glowlamps shone through the castle's lancet windows, making the stronghold appear to glow from within. Crimson pennants, the colors of the House of Serenno, streamed above the watchtowers where a mixture of Trade Federation super battle droids and organic sentinels overlooked the fortress. Legions of battle droids were purchased by the Duke, and sent to Vjun before his depature from Geonosis as backup. Unlike Emperor Palpatine, Lord Sythis was aware of failure, and thus provided a suitable backup plan in case unexpected results occured. For the future was always in motion, just as the Force.

And again he pondered upon his plans and failures. He looked back upon the brief alliance with the Imperial warlord on Ithor-- quickly severed-- because of Dodonna's arrogance. He thought of the alliance with the Neimoidians on Geonosis, the assignments he gave to Ludovic and Callista on Naboo and their failures, resulting in their deaths. And now, Naboo was falling into the hands of the New Republic as his latest intel had shown Viceroy Nomm Gunray had perished in battle.

Minor setbacks, but these events would still take to his advantage. The senator of Naboo will die, despite the delay in executing him, and it will give him the foothold he needs to take his place, given that the King of Naboo, Tymen, appoints him-- which he will still do. His new acquisition will make sure of that.

Lord Sythis still anticipated his coming, as long as Black Sun kept their word this time and acquired him. The five-hundred-thousand bounty would make sure of this. In time, he will become his new apprentice and help him to ascend to become the new Chief of State. A new empire would then bloom, replacing the old, and wash away all remnants of Palpatine and Vader's stains once and for all.

Very soon.

Onythis wasn´t pleased. As he made his way through the rocky floor of the forest, he once again tried to remember the last time he had been here. It had been quite long ago, and for all he could recall, there weren´t any forests around back then. Vjun´s surface had appeared gray from space, and it had served him and his master with no better view from closer range. And now, he was surrounded by large trees, fungi and moss creeping around the massive feet of his steed, covering up the clouded skies above. The atmosphere was damp, vital odors drifting from trunks and leaves. Not a very fitting scenery for a planet which was one of the greatest concentrations of Dark Side energy in the galaxy. Onythis grinned ironically.

His black appearance seemed to have a lethal impact on the plant life around him, as if the Force wanted to return the planet to its former state of existence: shelter for the Dark Lords, with little to no vegetation. Small green weeds cracked under the boma´s paws, the green beast slowly lumbering forth. Onythis´s smile widened, yet it still could not be seen through the mask he was wearing. It was skull-like, and the only part of his appearance that wasn´t colored in dark and darker tones of shadows. Instead, it´s old yellowish look gave Onythis an eerie ferocity, as if it was the island of death in the sea of the Dark Side.

Finally...

Half of his heart jumped in excitement. The other half was as lifeless as ever. From here, the Sith could finally view the castle in its full glory. There was life here, of that there was no doubt. The lamp glow that came from inside the building and manned watchtowers orated with crimson fabrics left nothing to imagination. Not only that, there was a disturbance Onythis could feel from here. Only slight. If one was not in tune with the Dark Side, it was easily missed. Perhaps it was cloaked, but the Sith couldn´t tell for sure.

He had planned to travel to Korriban if he didn´t find what he was after, but now that he had found the dark castle manned by a Dark Lord, the Sith was relieved that there was no need to. Korriban was a dangerous place, even for a Sith. Red deserts under the vengeful eyes of dead Sith Lords... Shivering Onythis forced the thought out of his mind. He was nearing a curved path that went uphill, to the gate of the stronghold, the Sith suspected.

With uncanny grace he leaped off his steed. Once he turned around to look into the boma´s dull eyes, Onythis almost laughed at the weakness of its mind. The Force - if used properly - could easily break through such beasts´ mental barriers and take complete control. It wore them out to the edge of sanity, though, and there was still a slight chance that this place still wasn´t what he was looking for. Though that was doubtful.

Taking some steps backward, his black robes swiveling around him as if touched by stormy winds, Onythis released his grip on the beast. For a moment, the tetrapidal green giant stared at him, then it quickly turned and darted into the forest. It wouldn´t survive long, as Onythis had fed it nothing more than it had needed to complete this journey, but the Sith´s thoughts were already turned to the epitome of architecture he was walking toward.

I wonder if this truly is the Dark Lord of the Sith...

Of course, Sith were now scattered and few in number, especially the more powerful ones. One of those he had met on another planet in the Middle Rim. A woman, with a bleached-like skin and hair as black as a raven, handling her blade with inhuman efficiency. A dance of death which he had narrowly survived. He did not know her name, but those were not important as long as you had knowledge of someone´s strength, or so Onythis reasoned.

And the woman had been at least equal, and most probably more powerful than him.

That memory haunted Onythis. He had thought all Sith except for himself and some foolish pretenders long dead. And now he had met his match. And now he was searching for the master of that match. After all, though every Sith desired power, every Sith also had a mentor to learn the ways of the Dark Side from. As soon as he was done with the female Sith, who had undoubtedly survived and was probably already long away on another assignment, he had scanned multiple planets for Dark Side activity.

And now he had reached the Master, or that was what Onythis expected, in the Moddell system. On Vjun. Was it luck? No, his mind quickly responded. That was some of the things the Sith shared with those blasted Jedi: luck was inexistent. There was only the Force.

He approached the door in confident pace. As he looked up to the battlements, the gaping black holes in his mask which allowed him clear eyesight cast glances over the gate. Sturdy, probably forged from an expensive amalgamation of the most durable materials. An eye came out to greet him, shooting out and halting right before his nose. If Onythis had been completely human, he would´ve backed away for sure. But he wasn´t. He was between life and death, sustained only by the Force.

That revelation had shown him the true power of the Force as a tool, not as a dangerous, caged animal like the ignorant Jedi Order viewed it. It was not to be approached with caution, one had to grip it firmly and force it to do one´s bidding if the energies were to be used to their maximum potential.

¨Go to your master, and show him that someone worthy of his attention has finally arrived,¨ Onythis spoke with certainty, the upper half of his body in the camera. His voice resounded with a dry hiss, as if he was grunting slightly through his words. In a token of respect, he ignited his lightsaber and brought its haft in front of his mask, until both of its halves were divided symmetrically by the cold, metal cylinder. A shaft of red energy was pointed toward the evergrey skies of Vjun. After a second or five, he dropped his hand to his side, the energy gone.

Let´s see if a more potent chapter of the Sith is about to unfold...

[Darth Sythis]

Massive and dark, its stonework ill-fitting in places and as alien as the race that had built it, Bast Castle squatted uneasily upon the rocky crag. Still, with the outstretch of dense forest in the distance, Lord Vader could allow that the natives had at least found some good scenery to build his castle on. It had been a good place for a Sith Lord to move into, and Lord Sythis happily fulfilled this role after the Dark Lord's demise.

But it was neither the scenery, nor the events on Naboo, nor even the Jedi that held the Dark Lord's thoughts as he stood on the castle terrace and gazed down into the rows of newly purchased battle droids being inspected by his Noghri commandos. It was, instead, the strange flicker he'd just felt in the Force.

He'd felt it before, this flicker. Or at least he thought he had. Threads to the past were always so hard to follow, so easily lost in the mists and the hurryings of the present. Even of his own past he had only glimpses of memory, scenes as if from a history record. He rather thought he remembered someone trying to explain the reasons to him once, but the explanation was long gone in the darkness of the past.

It didn't matter anyway. Memory wasn't important; concentration wasn't important; his own past wasn't important. He could call upon the dark side of the Force when he wanted to, and that was what was important. As long as he could do that, no one could ever challenge him, or take away what he had built.

Darth Sythis looked around the terrace. Yes. This wasn't the home and world he'd chosen to mold and command as his own. This wasn't Serenno. This was Vjun, where he was waiting for.... someone?

He stroked his fingers through his long silver hair, forcing himself to concentrate. His senses felt another was coming here. It was not Darth Sivan his servant, but another. A warrior in the dark arts.

He smiled. Who he sensed felt familiar. But even as he tried to remember in his mind, the details skittered away like straws in the wind. It had been too long ago.

The Dark Lord's fingers slipped away from his long hair, to the curved lightsaber hilt dangling on the clip of his belt. Squeezing the handle against his palm, he fought against the mists of the past, trying to see beyond them. Yes. Yes, he was not mistaken. These same flickers had come at times before in the past few seasons. Had come, had stayed for a time, and then once again had gone dormant. Like someone who had learned how to utilize the Force for a time, but then somehow forgotten.

He didn't understand it. But it felt no threat to him, and so it wasn't important.

For a moment he stood there on the terrace of his home, the long silver hair caressing gently against his face as he breathed, his mind reaching out through the Force to track along the road from Bant Castle to the cluster of trees at the base of the rocky crag. It was hard to concentrate-- so very hard-- but with a perverse grimness he ignored the fatigue-driven pain and kept at it. There... no... there. A presence on a beast of burden, laboring over one of the steeper sections of the roadway.

The dark figure had dismounted and sent away the beast. He was now approaching the doorway. One of his Sith Eyes was dispatched to meet this new guest.

Moments later, the message was relayed in the Dark Lord's quarters.

Darth Sythis smiled tightly as he responded to the messenger. "By all means, let him enter and provide him with what he needs. I will be there shortly to meet him."

The tingle of expectation grew stronger, resonated throughout Onythis's battered body as the massive gate was opened for him, the metalwork retracting into the walls with a sharp, hissing sound. A dark figure stood in front of him, and at first the Sith could not say whether he was being welcomed by a man or a machine. The hall was well-lit, but the clouding haze of the Dark Side could be felt even through the walls of this stronghold, sapping courage from the weak, taking away the will to do what has to be done.

Suiting...

As he cast his sight upwards, towards the ceiling, his eye was caught by more crimson fabrics. Either the Dark Lord had a strong affinity with the color of blood, or he had a good sense of atmosphere, for while Onythis was being led down these hallways, not once did the eerie feeling of being observed and threatened disappear. Soon, they reached a far more habitable area on the second floor, as now the walls were polished and nostalgically interwoven with shards of color. Deep bloodred.

"These are the guest quarters." Onythis almost ignited his lightsaber when he heard the low voice, grumbling. Not human, but since its host was hooded and dressed in black - much like himself - the Sith could not tell of which species it was. Confidently Onythis stepped into the room. It appeared quite comfortable to him, not overwhelming in luxury or something, but straight in its approach of guests: a temporary shelter, until the castle's owner could deal with them.

The hooded servant left him in silence, only the clunking sound of the automatic doors of Onythis's new quarters following in his wake. In a reflex he checked if they were locked. It wouldn't stop him, but it would teach him more about the new Dark Lord's way with potential new servants... or threats. As like every Sith, Onythis desired power over all, and this was merely another way to achieve it. No single Sith would be satisfied if the Jedi took complete control over the universe, and for once it would take unity - a strange word, foreign, Onythis thought - to restore their power. The Sith was quite sure that any Dark Lord would view the situation in a similar fashion.

And the restoral would take a while, this he also knew. He would have to be in servitude all that time, and though he had gotten used to it in his younger years, Onythis did not cherish the thought of creeping through dust and mud at his new master's bidding. The power of emotion had drenched him enough for him to know that he would counter derogatory tasks with fiery violence. And a dispute between two Dark Siders was the last thing the Sith could use right now.

I wonder if the new Lord thinks of it the same way...

He closed his eyes, but of course it was invisible to outsiders, who only saw the unholy mask and the blackness behind it. While he sank into a mediational trance, a final thought crossed his mind. How long would it be before he would meet the mighty owner of this... grand castle.

[Darth Sythis]

The hooded servant stormed up the stone steps and through the heavy durosteel doors. A pair of Noghri commandos, waiting at the door, watched the dark figure in suspicion, but it brushed past them, intent on getting the word to the one who mattered, the Dark Lord himself. Darth Sythis merely waited for him as he stood patiently in the center of the room.

The library was as impressive as the castle's exterior. Priceless tapestries and oil paintings hung upon lustrous wood-paneled walls. Stone tiles stretched across the floor to where the sweeping main stairway rose majestically toward the upper levels of the castle. An immense cystal chandelier glittered above the room, welcoming the cowled figure.

Brushing aside a hanging tapestry, the figure stepped briskly into the center of the room and kneeled before his master, his hood hanging low.

"My master, he is waiting for you in his quarters as you have ordered." The hood was pulled back, revealing another Noghri in his presence as he looked to his Lord.

"Good, my servant," he smiled tightly. "Now to see who this visitor is. I feel the dark side of the Force very strong in this one. We shall see why he is here." His eyes widened in anticipation as split trails of long white hair cascaded over his face.

He gestured with his thin hand to the hooded figure to rise. His voice rasped. "Take me to him, Krav."

"Yes, my master."

Lighted candelabras were mounted along the wall and hanging from the ceiling, shining down on crimson-colored rugs as Krav escorted the Sith Master. Ornamental glowlamps with opaque black shades rested upon end tables as they journeyed toward the guest wing of the stone castle. Heavy curtains of deepest crimson were draped over the windows, keeping out any prying eyes whose owners might have made it past the gates outside.

The Dark Lord's face hardened. He had little patience with visitors who drop in without notice. Although a possible ally to be sure, this one may have his own agenda to present and was probably more interested in his or her own gain for power than in the never-ending battle against the hated Jedi.

No matter! Darth Sythis thought. He would find out this one's purpose on being here. His eyes scanned the heavy doors that loomed in front of him as his cowled servant tapped the console and released the locks. With the slightest gesture of his hand, the double doors opened revealing a dark figure meditating in the middle of the room.

A bitter smile reached his lips. Indeed, another who walks the path of the dark side. I must know this one. Perhaps this will not be a waste of my time after all...

The Dark Lord of the Sith stepped through the doorway and into his guest's chambers, burying his hands inside his dark robes. He stopped and posed menacingly before the masked figure inside the sumptuous private suite, which had once belonged to Vader himself. The room was lavishly furnished in showy pieces of superlative quality and design.

Piercing eyes looked upon his new arrival, liking what he saw. A new ally?! Perhaps?

"Welcome to Bast Castle," he rasped in a low tone. "I am Malkav Sythis, Duke of Serreno, and owner of this place."

An eyebrow rose. "And who am I speaking to? And what purpose have you arrived here?"

[Koto Chanell]

Getting up from his seat, arms and legs extended, Koto took a long stretch as he headed toward the back of the shuttle. The black metal skinned shuttle made its way through the skies of the planet, into the horizon which was filled with grey clouds. Soon the vision was blurred because of the rain outside. A smell was with the rain that the pilot commented on. “Don’t worry its just acid raid, we’ll be fine pilot continue on coarse” Koto said to reassure the pilot of the situation before he reached the door. The back of the cockpits door slid open as Koto flipped his black hood over his head partially covering his face advanced toward the back. He saw Jaden kneeling down checking there equipment as she turned toward Koto. Koto looked at her letting out a smile as he folded his arms and leaned on the side of a ship.

She was in many ways more powerful Koto. Koto squeezed his arm tighter which still had little pain from his duel with her the day before when she threw him with a force he had never felt from the training level up through the glass viewing level above the room against a stone wall. This is nothing to discuss right now he thought to himself. Koto knew something was bothering Jaden, but couldn't sense what it was. For a moment he was speechless, as he opened his mouth but nothing came out.

"I'm fine Koto, trust me, have you looked over the briefing about this Duke, he seems to be quite the figure, money, power?" Jaden then stood up as she adjusted the jetpack around her and adjusted strap. "I wonder why he would need are help you know people in power always have unofficial aide. Hurry up and get ready, were gonna be jumping soon" Jaden said with a smile on her face. Although she had said that, she wasn't reassured with her own words.

She had heard about this planet in the history files on home. It was one of the most powerful planets with darkside energy in the galaxy. Jaden felt the cold, dark energies since they had gotten near the planet. Jaden didn't understand why but she was calmed by this in an irregular aura. She believed that with all this dark energy, it would difficult for anyone to sense whom or where they are. For all there host knew is that two individuals were on the ship. She had been pondering there plans of actions once they were the planet during the trip.

Obviously it was a trap, Jaden though about the circumstances of how they had received the message. This Duke seemed too powerful and had too many friends who would support him if there was a situation which he would need that type of service. Ever since act of treason by Vader against the Empire, The New Order has been trying to negotiate peaceful ends, but always ended up in bloodshed. The death of Palpatine was a major blow to the stability of the galaxy. Without Palpatine directing, the Empire began to crumble and soon the fighting had turned into individual verses individual. She was thankful for the Commander Hicks who first introduced her to the Pupil Program. Which had led her up to this point.

It was her plan to jump safely from the ship along while Koto went to another location and jumped there while the pilot and the other trooper would play there roles before they arrived. A pupil’s life is worth the risk of others she thought as she opened the door to reveal a grey ray of sunlight as she walked down the ramp holding on to the a strap at the end of the ramp. She turned around to see Koto with once arm tucked in between his chest and arm as the other signaled a so long motion. Outside of the ship, she could see what looked like brushes of green below her, soon these secluded green land masses turned into a full forest and in the middle of it was a Castle. Jaden felt something was in play in this place, why would the Duke want to meet us at that castle, on this planet, to discuss our services? She pondered this as she swung the strap of a the Tenloss Disruptor rifle up her arm till it was at her chest flipped her hood over her head and prepared to jump.

Koto saw Jaden jump out of the ship when it was seemed about ten minutes away walking distance. Jaden told Koto earlier that they weren’t going to go to the coordinates by plane, for it would be a simple way to eliminate the two pupils. They instead choose to separate and meet up at the castle unnoticed to the Duke. Koto finished putting on his jetpack and securing it just before they were above the castle.

The other hooded individual, whom was also dressed in dark robes along with the pilot; for the plan, watched as the pupil walked down the ramp securing another Tenloss Disruptor rifle that was on the ship over his arm. The ship flew right over the castle which gave Koto the opportunity to jump to the highest tower and land on the roof. Slinging his rifle, he took a deep breath relaxing himself, hearing the strength of the wind hit against his over robe as he leaned forward of the back of the ship, and began to fall toward the castle. Turning from the ship to the ground far away he could barely see or hear anything as his hood blocked half of his vision and would hit his ears. As he cut through the air, he saw that there was something grey near the caste, but didn’t know what it was. He looked to the horizon for a moment, a dark cloud which didn’t seem to permit the sun shine though it. Then a brief ray of hope hit Koto’s eyes as he turned back to see the castle. The sounds of the storm that they had went in provided Koto protection against anyone from hearing the jetpack. He pulled his body into a straight bullet type form with arms straight down, and legs straight down. Picking up speed, he began to use the jetpack to slow down his speed descending toward the castle. With three burst left of his jetpack he was 25 meters above and let off a little bunch of short burst until he was able to land on the top of the castle.

He quickly tired to sense if anyone was in the room below him, nothing. He grabbed his lightsaber from his side and began cutting an area in the stone to which he could jump down. Extending his hand in front of him he began to lift the top and placed it next to him. Jumping down inside the room noticing that he had burned the bottom of his long over robe from the jetpack…

Jaden made her way through the forest to where they were told to land the ship. Jaden was careful as she made through the forest avoiding animals along with two patrols. Jaden made it to the landing area, through the scope of the rifle she saw the pilot and the other hooded individual walk down the ramp and head toward the castle. She followed them up till they had reached the door. Where they were waiting for passage to enter the castle…

[Darth Sythis]

As the last hint of sunlight disappeared from the sky by the obscuring dark cloud, the guest of Darth Sythis introduced himself as Lord Onythis. He was another wielder of the dark side of the Force who was seduced by the darkness that the castle was permeated with, caused by the one who lived within these walls.

"Indeed, Lord Onythis, it is a pleasure to find an ally who believe the time is now for the death of the Jedi," Sythis concluded, observing the pale mask that covered Onythis's face.

It was then Darth Sythis twitched in revulsion before congealing into a grave and rigid expression. When he spoke again, his voice was hard and unbending as steel. "I sense presences approaching my castle. It appears that more company is expected. Unfortunate they believe they will succeed." His hand brushed near the curved hilt of his lightsaber. "I sense one of them arriving upon my castle's roof."

Onythis peered above, concentrating on the presences outside. "Do you need assistance, Lord Sythis? I can prove my worth to you."

"No need," Sythis glared to his ally. "Remain here in your quarters and enjoy my hospitality. I will see to this matter personally." Turning his back on Onythis, he marched steadfastly toward the arched stone doorway. The other guards stepped aside to let him pass, then filed out behind him. The Sith Lord's black cape rustled like cobwebs as he travelled through the corridor, leaving his guest behind to meditate in his chambers. The heavy door slammed shut, trapping him inside.

Lord Sythis turned to one of his guards who marched beside him. "Gather up the Noghri and have them find our uninvited guests. I want them alive. Only kill them if they see no choice."

"Yes, my master," the hooded servant whispered and quickly broke away into another corridor.

In the meantime, tired from his journey, Lord Onythis lay prostrate upon the floor and began to meditate on the eddies and currents of the Force.

[Koto Chanell]

Koto slowly made his way down the stairwell into a large room with two other entrances as filled with maroon drapes covering most of the windows. Koto continued making his way through this unfamiliar castle, passing room to room, passing artifacts and observing his surroundings. He passed a large hall wall with sun shining through the large glass windows, "the storm had cleared" he whispered to himself. While contimplationg his next move Koto heard a collection of footsteps coming from the opposite direction. His senses grew as he sence not just one guard, but a group of them and that they were looking for something, or someone.

Koto dashed back into the previous room lightsaber at hand, against the back wall out of sight of the group whom seemed to be walking towards him. Looking at the surroundings a collection of artifacts, Koto looked up to see the outline of the door. He took a moment to re-focus himself as he lept on top of the outline fo the door waiting for his unexpected group. "If they want me, there going to have to wait a little more" Koto thought to himself with a smirk on his face clutching his lightsaber as he let the darkness of this place take over his body, as he sensed them getting closer...

Jaden had moved from her position closer to the entrance. She waited for the right moment to sneak past the perimeter security, timing the way on which she moved so precise. She had disposed of a patrol of two creatures she believed to be called Noghri who were walking toward the back door with weapons in their hands. Following the path she made it to the door, where her two distractions waited. Grabbing her lightsaber she carved a circle into the thick door and soon she saw the other two.

"You two must be on your guard as you pass through the castle doors." The two motioned as the continued to walk past Jaden. Taking a breath for a moment Jaden sensed a power that was dormant in this place, but was now clear as day. The force was concentrated inside that castle. "Two!" She said in surprise as she focused on the beings. The force was indeed very strong on both of them. 'Perhaps we might not have to kill them after all, perhaps they will be useful to us' Jaden pondered as she continued to walk toward the castle covering the other two from a far. Jaden looked at the exterior of the castle, a collection of sharp rocks and crators, but all Jaden saw was another oportunity. Looking back the two she motioned for them to try and open the door. With recieving nods Jaden bent down letting the force be absorbed in her leg muscles and jumped up grabbing a ledge as she begain to climb the side of the castle.

Once she reached the wall of the castle she sensed to see it there were any more patrols that would surprise her, nothing. Jaden firmly grabbed the hilt of her saber and began to carve another hole. Soon she was inside the castle. She focused in on the source of power she felt and began to walk towards the figure letting the force guided her...

[Darth Sythis]

"It seems we indeed do have company..." his wry remark elicited a smile from his lips. "I sense two of them, my servant. And one is taking lives. I can feel their passings." He demurely averted his eyes from the foyer of the castle toward the upper stairwells. Both were approaching from seperate directions to entrap him in the middle. Good planning...

Not surprisingly, their unexpected arrival generated much commotion. A hubbub of excited voices filled the foyer with the servants of his castle. Lord Sythis looked up to see numerous beings staring down at him from atop the stairs and landing. More faces peered from the adjacent salon and antechambers. Humans and aliens, many of them attired for servitude, gazed at the Duke of Serenno with frank curiousity while chattering enthusiastically among themselves.

"Silence!" he growled. "Go back to your duties! This is of no concern or reason to panic!" he insisted in anger. "We merely have guests who do not know the entrance." A hush fell over the servants as Lord Sythis eyed a pair of them. "Prepare chambers for our guests. I sense they may be staying."

The servants upon the stairs parted to make way for the Sith as he ascended up to directly confront one of his unexpected visitors. At last the double-doors hissed open, and Darth Sythis entered the corridor of the next level of the castle. His Noghri snapped to attention. "Find the other intruder!" he ordered them, heading for the arched doorway at the opposite end of the corridor. "I will deal with this one, myself." The small group filed away quickly from his sight and began to resume their search for the other.

Stepping into another chamber of the castle, Lord Sythis found the bodies of his guards scattered across the floor. Some of the corpses were severed at the head; others had limbs severed at their joints, then put to death. The Dark Lord noticed this was done by the blade of a lightsaber. His suspicions were confirmed: whoever did this was proficient in the Force, although they were not Jedi. It was not the Jedi way to slaughter other beings for pleasure.

Perhaps then, another had come to challenge him? Or was this one simply doing this to impress him, so he or she can be recruited to be his servant? Indeed, the only answer was to confront this adversary. Lord Sythis was unable to conceal a look of petulant disappointment. Such a waste of training on these creatures only to be cut down by someone who wishes to attract my attention.

He stormed out of the chamber toward another corridor as a tendril of his awareness in the Force caught the intruder approaching him. He's an ambitious one, Sythis noted quietly, with aspirations quite beyond his present station. Quite committed to his cause...

Stepping deeper into the corridor and finding several passageways ahead, Lord Sythis found the intruder poised at the opposite end. He was clad in a dark cowl and was masked.

The Dark Lord's eyes alert and penetrating, stared out to the newcomer. Strength and authority radiated from his commanding presence. The Sith Master looked deceptively youthful, appearing as a clean-shaven older man with a cascade of long silver hair, but there was no mistaking the wisdom in his dark eyes or the unquestioned authority in his stride. A black spidersilk cape, embroidered with red trim, draped his regal frame as he marched toward him. A silver pendant, bearing ancient Sith runes that was culled from the ruins of Korriban, rested on his chest. Amazement transfigured his stern features as he spotted his unwelcome visitor.

"I see you have found other means to enter my castle other than the front door?" his sardonic voice pierced the air. He turned his forbidding gaze to the lightsaber clutched in the intruder's hand. "And I see you have come to either prove your skills or relieve me of my existance."

The Sith placed a thin hand over his heart in a mocking gesture. "By all means, do what you must, but be assured that you or your companion will not live if you seek to kill me," Lord Sythis confirmed. "But I do offer you and her to join me at my side."

Sythis examined the cloaked figure through narrowed eyes and extended his arms. "Come. I will only offer this once."

[Koto Chanell]

Koto looked at this man for a moment keeping his blade at his side he began to walk back and forth staring at the figure. Koto could only feel the dark aura of the force around him, so powerful, so focused he would be a good partner to have when times are difficult. He paused in place for a moment then de-ignited his saber that he had recently used with ease against the security. He clipped the saber onto his side, he debated if he should remove his mask, but quickly dismissed it as he stared at the man though his eyes.

Walking forward towards the man, one of the guards corpse had fallen out of the wall, whom moments earlier had Koto forced pushed him into the wall making a crater in it. “Duke of Serenno I presume. Its funny how this use to be a property of Lord Vader just a couple years ago, now it belongs to another individual of power.” Koto stated being cautious as he proceeded “I understand now why you had contacted us, you are engulfed in the dark side I can feel it. It is a shame, your security could be better, these creatures match the id of the creatures who attacked the Jedi temple on Yavin4 no? Word spreads quick to the Empire from our spies on Yavin4. If this is true then, I am sure if I was on Yavin4, then there wouldn’t have been any onslaught. But I thank you on your invitation.”

Now in front of him Koto, bowed as a sign of respect at the Duke. “I accept your invitation, but I am ready to get to the matter at hand, what is it you want, an business man killed, a organization corrupted, information about something? Like many men I am a man of action, so I implore that we get down to business.”

Koto then tried to sense where Jaden was in hopes of having a back up plan incase this Duke wasn't whom he proclamed him to be. Koto knew that he wouldn't be able to win against the Duke if he confronted him alone. But he abandoned this thought lets see what this guy has to offer...

[Jaden Chanell]

Jaden made her way though the castle avoiding the collections of guards on the lower levels. The lower levels had lower security while the higher levels made it more and more difficult to get pass without being noticed. Jaden had been forced to affect a couple of creatures minds in order to avoid detection. For one collection of guards Jaden had affected one weak mind and set them against the others around them. The creature managed to kill two of its own before getting killed itself. Jaden used that’s opportunity to pass by while all of them were in disillusion about what had happened moments before. Jaden took a moment as she tried to re-focus on the figure whom she was focused on before. She began to close her eyes.

“Don’t move Jedi” In that moment it took her to refocus on the figure she had been detected. Cursing at herself as she opened her eyes to see six creatures around her. Focusing on the one whom called her a Jedi noticing no blaster weapons on any of them, she began smiling as she looked at the creature slowly raising her hands in back of her head. As the guards got closer to detain her Jaden spoke “You all should know, I hate being called a Jedi!“ A dark yellowish blade erupted as Jaden jumped toward one kicking there head into the nearby wall as the saber was imbedded through an eye socket of another. Jaden jerked the saber out of the head as she took a long swipe backwards. A loud roar of pain came out two as Jaden back flipped over the two. Jaden taking advantage of the shock the last two had she rolled forward stabbing one of the guards in the chest letting one look at the one who had called her Jedi moments prior.

“Now what did you call me?” Jaden said mocking as she saw the creature struggle to allow words come out of its mouth. Jaden now waiting for an answer had swiped through the creatures chest. Jaden let out a laugh “Nothing because I don’t exist!” She paused for a moment, “laughing at the circumstances Jaden? That’s not you, this place is changing you be careful” she spoke to herself before proceeding.

De-igniting her saber she decided to hide it from vision and placed it in her sleeve. She walked up two more flights of stairs towards the figure whom she had been focused on. She stood there for a moment as she heard Koto mock this figure. Koto you fool she said to herself as she heard him. “I accept your invitation, but I am ready to get to the matter at hand, what is it you want, an business man killed, a organization corrupted, information about something? Like many men I am a man of action, so I implore that we get down to business.”

Jaden walked from her location out into the open. “Koto please stop with the badgering of the,” she paused for a moment “the Duke of Serenno!” Jaden was surprised as she began to walk toward the two figure. “Yes Lord Serenno lets get down to business shall we?”…

[Darth Sythis]

Lord Sythis looked up into the aristocratic features of the woman, whose signature in the Force revealed her to be saturated in the dark side as this one who stood before him. She stood next to Koto, her hand near the hilt of her lightsaber. She was donned in dark attire and nearly matched the same outfit as her companion. The Dark Lord of the Sith assumed they were partners. No matter, they will both be put to good use as this Koto offered their services.

"Welcome-- my lady," Lord Sythis introduced himself. The Duke met the other man's eyes through his mask. Some of his servants gathered around the confrontation, finding a focus for their curiosity. They looked at the two dark Jedi, who had arrived unexpectedly.

"Very well," the Dark Lord consented, "we will get down to matters. I must commend that you know much about my activities and my name. A shame that I am hearing rumours that my plan for the Jedi did not pan out to its completion. You will help me to confirm this."

He gestured to the corridor behind him. "Come. We will talk." Lord Sythis led the slow procession down the hallway and turned once to glare at Koto, carrying himself with pride. "We will see if your services will be of good use to our cause." Koto and Jaden moved with outward confidence, but Sythis sensed trepidation, an uncertainty in them. The Dark Lord decided this might be a good time to talk about his motives.

"You must have learned something about the order of Jedi Knights that Skywalker has established," he began. "For several years they served the New Republic as their guardians and keepers of order. This new Jedi Order must be dealt with for good in order for the New Republic to be vunerable. That is why I've summoned you. I've learned of your activities on Almania and found your skills worth using." He paused. "I want you both to venture to Yavin IV and learn of the Jedi. Did any survive the attack? If so, how many are left and how vunerable are they? I need to know this information before I can amass my servants to finish the task that was left incomplete."

Lord Sythis then paused in his step and stared at both with dark, unfathomable eyes. "You are not to engage the Jedi unless necessary. The Sith are not to reveal themselves to the galaxy at this time. The rumours of our return can abound, but nothing must be confirmed. Let the Jedi and the New Republic ponder them for the time being."

He stopped in front of the wide opening to the dining chamber. "Now, you both must be famished from your travels. I have arranged food and quarters for the both of you before you depart for your assignment." He hand gestured inside. "Come. Sit. We will dine together and discuss if you have any questions before you leave."

The Dark Lord entered the chambers as they observed lumas glowing from hanging lamps, casting flickering shadows on the rich tapestries adorning the walls. A roaring fire blazed within the hearth, dispelling any chill from Vjun's outside. Colored tiles, bearing the Serenno coat of arms, decorated the floor. His servants stood at attention at the rear of the dining chamber, facing their guests...

[Jaden Chanell]

After the meeting and dinner with the Duke, which Jaden turned down. Jaden made her way to her quarters with Koto. The duke had given them more information on there mission and also let them view the layout of the temple on Yavin 4. During dinner Jaden didn't notice any characteristic really unsettling about the Duke so didn't really find any reason not to trust them. Jaden was shocked that the Duke was a sith. She had read information about the sith but only as much as what was left by Palpatine and Vader, which wasn't much. Jaden had choose to stay out of the battles between the Jedi and the Sith because to her they were both like cults.

The jedi were peaceful individuals who principals were based onlaw and order, but were often known to go against there principals inorder for the greater good of the republic. The sith were power driven fueling the drive for ever being, more. Which would be a better partner one who will change when the pressure folds on you, or with people who are truthful about there desires? Jaden understood the value of love and means for stability, but also understood the need for peace by force as Palpatine showed.

Instead of going to bed like Koto choose to do, Jaden decided to meditate about this in her new surroundings. Sitting on a mat, she slowly closed her eyes streetching out to every thing around her through the force, listening t the whispers of this place, she realized that she was being consumed by the darksinde power of this planet as Jaden went into a trance. She could see images of pain and power as clear as water brought by the darkside, instead of repelling it, she embraced it. By the time she had awoken from this meditation it was dawn. She got up feeling some how rejuvinated, went into the washing room got cleaned up then she placed on her long black dress. When she walked out of the room she had seen Koto dressed in a lightbrown jedi robe leaning against the wall before the door. "You trying to switch sides?" Jaden said in a mocking tone. "Compliments from the Duke, its not bad little heavy, but not bad, he sent it over this morning. THe Duke is up bright and early and request us in the dinning hall again. You ready?" Jaden waited for a moment then responded "Yeah, always up for a mission though a little disappointment we can't have any fun with the Jedi". Jaden let out a evil grin as she walked out the room closely followed by Koto. Passing the numerious corridores the sun beamed threw the windows stretching across the floor as they headed to meet the Duke before leaving for Yavin 4...

[Darth Sythis]

The hooded servant of Darth Sythis observed the two figures enter the dining chamber from his post behind his Master. Clad in dark robes and a jeweled pendant gleaming on his chest, he stood at attention at the Dark Lord's shoulder as he waited for the servers to deliver yet another fine repast for Sythis's enjoyment.

"Koto and Jaden are here, my Master," he informed him, heading for the arched doorway at the opposite end of the chamber. "I will leave you to your meeting, while I go to prepare Lord Onythis's departure."

Sythis dismissed him with a wave of his hand, then diverted his attention to them. "Enter, Koto and Jaden, join me before you depart for the Jedi academy." He gazed at them, and a smile softened his fearsome visage. "Ah, Koto, I see that you approve of my gift. Indeed, it fits you. Even I would mistake you for one of them," his raspy voice croaked from the end of the table.

"I have ordered Darth Onythis offworld on an errand, so he will depart from this place soon to do my bidding," the Dark Lord informed ominously. "As for both of you," his hardened gaze drifted to each face, "I will expect a report on the Jedi when you arrive. I want to know names and the number of survivors who still are at the academy. As well, the number of Knights and Masters who are there. It will then give us an idea on who the Sith are dealing with."

"Mind the Jedi as they are quite observant," Sythis instructed severely. "They will also be suspicious of new arrivals such as yourself, especially if you are not known by them. I hope you have a good story to tell them, Koto, as they will ask questions."

"Yes, Master Sythis," he said.

The Dark Lord's face settled into a fearsome scowl as he addressed Jaden. "And you, Jaden, I sense your impatience to engage the Jedi. Do not let that be your undoing on this mission. Only confront them if no choice is left, as we must not let them know the Sith have returned in numbers."

"What if we find others who wish to join us?" Jaden fixed her gaze on Lord Sythis as she stood quietly next to Koto.

"Then bring them here so they can be trained in the ways of the Force," the Dark Lord hissed in a low tone; bony fists clentched atop the arms of his chair. "Anyone that can be brought to the dark side will be welcomed to serve at my side and be trained as my apprentice."

Darth Sythis then lifted his cup. "Now if there is no other questions, join me then leave for your assignment. Your ship is waiting for you at the northern platform."

[Koto Chanell]

Koto nodded as he turned to look at his wife concentrating on her expression and thoughts. He turned and headed towards the door where the guard was waiting. He halted noticing that Jaden hadn't left the table.

"When we are done of this, I am curious to what the sith have to offer for our services. Our organization puts a huge emphasis on our secrecy. I have heard that the sith take on only one apprentice. It seems that there is another lord, curious I am to your plan. I hope that you will have answers when Koto and I return."

Koto's eyes got widened as he was shocked of Jaden's boldness against a sithlord. But she did have some relevance to her question. "Lets go" Koto said before turning back to the door motioning for Jaden to follow. Jaden turned towards Koto and headed toward the northern platform. Koto grabbed both sides of the hood and hung them over his head casting a shadow over his face. He then reached on his side. "Have the ship ready for departure" Koto requested as he spoke into the comlink. After a few moments he heard a confirmation.

The doors slid open as the two continued to walk toward the platform. Koto looked toward Jaden "So what’s the plan?"

"I had a thought, we are travelers from one of the planets on the outer rim. As you know the Jedi were almost extinct by Lord Vader. Some were rumored to escape. Later on they have been emerging slowly. I suggest that we show ourselves as pupils of one of the padawan of the masters whom had escaped, hence our raw talent. It is important that we hide our sabers from view. Now Dash, do you have any questions?"

Koto waited for a moment as he looked into Jaden's eyes, her plans were always proof. Koto had admired her ability and knowledge about whatever she was presented. "Well, Sarah, if there are any discursions we think of we'll discuss them while in space."

The two continued to walk out onto the ship where the other two from before were waiting the two walked up the ramp and shortly after the doors closed. Within moments the space ship's engines roared alive as the ship began to ascend off the ground as Koto and Jaden were on there way to Yavin 4.

[Darth Sivan]

Stars glittered like silver in the cold night sky, but the moon was nowhere to be seen.

A perfect night with no acidic rain for once, Sivan thought, peering up from her controls through the canopy of the Scythe, her named Sith Infiltrator. The old and revamped starcraft crouched over the barren, desert plains and over towering rock formations as it coursed its way toward Bast Castle. Low-hanging fog swirled around the forest that laid ahead, planted by Serenno's engineers to provide some landscaping for the barren wasteland that was Vjun. Shield generators loomed nearby, which powered the shielding to protect the acid rain from killing the greenery.

"Well, Sivan?" a voice demanded from behind. "Have we finally arrived?"

Corran looked up toward the aristocratic pale features of Darth Sivan, the apprentice of Lord Sythis, as she turned to face him. The Corellian pilot was still Force-cuffed with his hands behind his back.

"Almost, my pet," she assured him. "I don't think you're in that much of a rush, are you?"

He didn't reply and returned his gaze to the floor. His keen senses in the Force searched the night, quickly detecting a complete darkness within it, until the energy field of the Force cuffs stifled his senses once more. Frustrated, he directed his eyes toward the canopy. The mist obscured his vision, but he could dimly glimpse the enclosed guard stations flanking the gates of the castle as the Infiltrator soared over them, then made a pass toward one of the lower landing platforms.

The Scythe rotated slowly over the platform as its landing appendages extended, then softly touched down with its solar wings drawing inward.

In truth, Sivan was grateful to be relieved of her lithesome burden; she had travelled for an extended amount of time through hyperspace, sticking to the hyperoute while skirting any nearby planets. They had encountered no resistance or querys from any New Republic checkpoints. Soon she would deliver Corran Antilles to her master to do what he pleased. If he refused to coorperate, what happened to him was of little account to her.

"It is time," Sivan smirked. She tilted her head toward the boarding ramp that lowered before her as Corran rose to his feet, continuing to keep his distance. "The Duke of Serenno awaits us."

Corran shrugged as he stepped by her and exited the Scythe into the chilly air of Vjun with Sivan's grip firmly upon his arm. His eyes widened in astonishment as he peered at the massive structure that was once Lord Vader's dwelling. Two Noghri, armed with stokhli sticks, emerged from their stations guarding the entrance to the castle and approached the pair as they reached the foot of the ramp. The Corellian began to shift within his cuffs angrily.

One of the steely-eyed Noghri took aim at Corran, until his comrade reached out and forced the point of the stick toward the ground. "Hold, Kriv!" the second death commando barked. "It is Mistress Sivan, the servant of our Lord!"

Sivan stepped forward while Corran lingered behind, not wanting to provoke the first guard into a rash attempt to subdue him. The dark-haired woman eyed the guard, her expression cold as ice. "Tell my Master I have arrived with what he seeks!" she sneered at him. "Be quick about it!"

"Yes. Of course, Mistress!" he replied with a butchered accent. The hunchbacked alien vanished into the castle to relay the news. Sivan nodded to Corran to proceed inside through the gates.

Majestic columns and pointed arches adorned its brooding facade as they crossed into the courtyard. A circular fountain, installed by orders of the Duke, was situated across the way from the castle's front entrance. A bewildered retainer opened the large double doors, and Sivan entered the foyer beyond with Corran at her side. With a swooping bow, the hooded servant invited the Sith into her master's dwelling.

"Summon Lord Sythis at once-- and someone fetch my prize some refreshment as he had a long journey," she ordered. The Sith grasped the Force cuffs upon Corran's wrists and deactivated them, freeing Corran from restricting his use of the Force, but not freeing his hands physically.

Within moments, a dark shadow appeared from the corridors and emerged into the foyer's light. Both Sivan and Corran looked toward the figure of a older man with long, flaxen hair.

Darth Sythis, the Dark Lord of the Sith, wore an elegant synthsilk cloak draped over his frame. Cold yellow eyes, like blazing suns, peered intensely from the murky hollows of his sockets. His pale face held a cool, imperious expression as he stepped into the middle of the room and observed his new guest.

Sivan immediately dropped to her knees beside Corran, reminding him to do the same. Corran remained standing as his mind became a whirl, his future suddenly cast into uncertainty.

"Welcome, Corran Antilles," the voice of the Dark Lord rasped, "to Bast Castle, your new home." His gaze drifted down to the cuffs secured on his wrists. The Sith Master raised a finger and the cuffs unbinded before him, then clattered to the floor.

"You no longer need those..."

[Corran Antilles]

Corran felt the invisible tentacles of the Dark Side as Darth Sythis tried to penetrate the blockade he had built as protection around his mind. Intuitive Corran strengthened the barrier, pushing back the efforts of the Sith Lord to read his thoughts. Sythis winced slightly like somebody who had touched the flame of a candle by accident. “I see you are strong. Good, very good.” The Lord smirked, watching Corran with an air of patronage. The only sign of emotion the Corellian allowed himself was the rubbing of his wrists to bring back the blood circulation into his hands. His eyes returned the stare of the older man in front of him. Sythis was about Corran’s own size, but it was impossible to say how old he was exactly. His eyes showed a much older man than his physical appearance.

The Dark Lord of the Sith turned to Sivan, who was still kneeling next to Corran. “Rise, my apprentice.” Sythis addressed her and the woman got up with a smooth motion. “My Master,” she said, her eyes still lowered. “These are his weapons.” She unclipped them from her belt, reaching the double-sided lightsaber as well as the single-bladed, the inheritance of Corran’s grandfather, to Sythis. With interest the Lord of Serenno inspected the weapons. With a brush of his thumb he ignited the double-sided one, the light of the red blades reflected by his white hair. “Impressive. It is a while since I have seen something like that. I have heard that you handle it skillfully. You are well-trained by your former Master. But you are no Sith Lord yet. I’ll finish your training.” For the first time since he had set foot on the planet Corran spoke. “I don’t think so. I am my own Master.” Sythis chuckled. “Brave words, young man. Brave, but not wise.” He continued the check of the saber. “Nice work indeed. Even when the hilt is a little plain for my taste. But I guess, a warrior nowadays does not care for design.” After he shut off the two blades, the Sith started the inspection of the second weapon. “But this one. Single-bladed, but nevertheless a formidable saber. “ The green blade came alive, changing the light of the scenery, giving Sythis and Sivan’s pale faces an unhealthy, almost demonic look. “This is an older weapon. I can feel his history.” Sythis closed his eyes as he tried to get knowledge about the saber. As he opened them again, he looked at the hilt. “An old design. Corellian. Pre-Clone Wars. It must have been the weapon of your Grandfather. I forgot almost the sentimentalism of the Corellian Jedi, giving their lightsabers to their descendants. After breaking the Jedi code with having a family. “ Sythis’ eyes searched for a hint of anger or another reaction, but Corran remained calm. The Sith Lord continued with another bait. “Your Grandfather was a good warrior, so was your Grandmother. They did well in combining their DNA and producing their daughter. Sadly the lovely Maeve did fall for your Father instead for another Force-user. Otherwise there would have been an even more powerful offspring than you. But well, I’ll not complain, you are good raw material to build a Sith. Soon you’ll embrace the Dark Side again.” Corran suppressed his anger, holding a bored-looking facade. “The Dark Side? I’ve been there. It’s overestimated.”

Sythis’ laughter echoed from the walls. “A stubborn one, you brought me, Sivan.” As the female Sith spoke, Corran sensed her boiling anger. “Soon he’ll call you Master too.” Corran turned to her. “You wish, Witch.” Sythis rose an eye-brow. “So less respect towards a lady? I see we will have to teach you manners too.” Corran narrowed his eyes. His masquerade crumbled away as his own frustration and rage about the situation, he brought himself in, conquered his control. “I have fine manners. When it’s appropriate. Not for your hunting vornskr.” Sivan growled by his words, her hand reaching for her saber. But a gesture of her Master stopped her. “That would be waste, my apprentice. He’ll show you the respect you deserve soon enough.” His yellow cold eyes sized up the Corellian in front of him, who answered rigidly: “It is my decision, who I respect or not.” An evil smirk played around the Sith Lord’s lips. “Oh, it is?”

Suddenly Corran was hit by a discharge of energy. All the nerves in his body screamed of pain as the force lightning of Sythis stroke him. Corran cried out as he did fall down on his hands and knees, the agony was too much to stay on his feet. As the lightning subsided, Corran managed it to pull himself up. Panting he tried to control his breathing again. His eyes wandered from Sivan’s face who showed an evil satisfied smile to Sythis who looked at him like an scientist would at a laboratory animal. But then the voice of the Sith Lord growled: “I didn’t allow you to stand up. Down to your knees again!” Another wave of Force lightning blew against Corran. This time as twice as hard as before.

As Corran woke up on the plank-bed of a cell, he had no idea how much time had gone nor how long he had stand against the attack. The only thing he knew was the pain signals he was receiving. Every nerve and fibre of his body were on fire. Shivering Corran closed his eyes, concentrating on the Force to increase the healing, to subside the aching.

[Darth Sivan]

Thunder boomed outside, and acid rain slashed the protected windows, as Lord Sythis and his apprentice argued within his castle. The two Sith were at each other's throats, figuratively if not literally.

"Completely unacceptable!" the Dark Lord of the Sith railed indignantly, stalking back and forth across the handmade carpet. His furious gestures sliced the air. As usual, he was dressed in elegance, down to his black cloak. "You dare to think he will coorperate if we just simply let him go and wander about the premises to gain trust? A Force user like him set loose into my castle!"

Sivan did not back down. Unlike her Master, she neither paced nor waved her arms as she spoke, remaining as still and composed as she was brought up. "As far as I'm concerned, Corran can be easily controlled within these walls. Do you think he would join us if we treat him like an animal, locked up in a dark, cold cell?"

Darth Sythis shot her a poisonous look; he didn't like his actions being questioned by a student of his. Growling in anger, he stomped over to the window and peered out into the stormy night. Sivan glimpsed a bright gibbous moon peeking out from behind the churning thunderclouds. Vjun's moon had finally shown its face.

"Master," she said, lowering her voice. Her tight-fitting leathers were now clean and crisp under the interior lighting; there finally had been time for her to change into new attire. "I don't want to argue. I just need you to understand Corran won't succumb to us if we treat him maliciously. Let me attempt to lure him to the dark side."

He spun around to confront her, his sickly yellow eyes smoldering with suspicion. "So, now it's Corran," he mocked her in an accusing tone.

Sivan repressed an impatient sigh. The last thing she needed right now was her Master's tone. "Master Sythis, would you just hear me out?" She took a deep breath before trying to enlighten him once more. "There's something--"

He cut her off abruptly. "It's beyond me why you're interested in him." He dismissed her observation with an airy wave of his hand. "He is merely a pawn for our future plans in eliminating the Jedi once and for all. There is no need for any attachment to him. He is a tool, nothing more, and my ways should not be questioned!"

I don't understand, Sivan thought, her brain struggling to process why her Master did not wish to pursue such an avenue. If she could seduce him to the dark side, it would spare such trouble to turn him by force. Unless he plans to replace me with him?

Fortunately, he mistook her baffled expression for something entirely different. "Wait," he rasped dramatically, like a prosecutor playing to a jury. "You're attracted to him. Admit it."

"Now, there's a ridiculous theory!" she retorted, although somewhat less forcefully than she had intended. Her words rang oddly false even to her own ears.

Lord Sythis seized on the hint of indecision in her voice. Sneering, he surged toward her, her face flushed with frustration and resentment. "Is it?" he demanded, as trails of long white hair cascaded over his aged face.

A flash of lightning outside was followed by a booming thunderclap that rattled the transparasteel in the window panes.

Sivan stormed off and exited her Master's chamber.

Left alone in Corran's cell, which was cold, damp, and poorly lit, Sivan considered the unconscious man collasped upon the plank-bed. He really was quite handsome, if not quite the adornment that Djaevor was.

Bored, she cuddled beside him, enjoying the warmth of his body against her cool leathers. She playfully tickled his neck, running a teasing nail along his ear, and twirled his tousled brown hair around her pale fingers. All the while, she tried not to think about the arguement that just happened with her master. It was all horribly unfair if what she thought was true. Corran would get all of her Master's attention and training, and she would be cast aside.

Amusing herself with her boy toy gave Sivan some small bit of revenge. Perhaps she could seduce him and train him herself? Both could soon return and eliminate her master, then she could ascend as Dark Lord of the Sith. She inspected Corran's face, only to notice some discoloration from the bursted blood vessels from her master's blast of Force lightning. My poor pet, she thought, yellow eyes widening at the damage.

Corran's eyes suddenly snapped awake, and screamed into her face. "Don't touch me!" His face twisted into a visage of pure anger and thrusted his palm out, sending her across the cell with a Force thrust. The Sith slammed into the far wall and slumped onto the floor. Footsteps echoed down the corridors as the doors hissed open, revealing a dark shadow at its entrance.

"I see you have yet to learn your lesson," a rasped voice called out from outside the cell. "Now you've earned my wrath." An outstretched hand sent tendrils of Force lightning into his body as the Dark Lord punished the balancer again. Corran collapsed to the floor again and screamed in pain.

No! Sivan thought anxiously, rising to her feet as she came to her Master's side. I can't let him kill Corran! she despaired.

"Master!" she pleaded. "Let him go."

Seconds passed and Lord Sythis clentched his fist, then eyed her darkly. "Be thankful Sivan has an interest in you, Corran." He smiled wickedly. "Next time, I will not be so forgiving."

He left the entrance of the cell and called out to his apprentice as he paced down the corridor. "Come!" Sivan hesitated for a second then left with her master as the cell doors sealed again, leaving Corran in the dark and in pain.

[Corran Antilles]

"Next time, I will not be so forgiving." The words of the Sith Lord echoed in Corran’s mind, combining with the pain that was racing through his body. Next time? If Corran would have been strong enough, he would have laughed about that. He wouldn’t survive a next time. First he had tried to absorb the energy Sythis had fired against him, but he had been no match for a fully trained Sith Lord. Corran did regret now that he had been too stubborn almost to finish one of his force training. But the Corellian had been too headstrong for both, his Jedi and his Sith Master, so he had searched for his own path. And now this was how his way in understanding the Force ended. On the floor of a dark and cold cell, barely alive. Maybe that’s what I deserve. Corran thought weakly, his mind drifting away as he gave into the unconsciousness. His breath became more shallow, his pulse slower. Maybe this is...

“Corran?” Somebody touched his cheek gently. “Corran?” He smiled, feeling peaceful. He knew that voice. “Love, wake up.” Corran needed all of his remaining strength almost to open his eyes slightly. “Molly.” His voice was more a hoarse whisper. “I’m with you again. Finally.” So the torturing of the Sith Lord hadn’t been senseless at all. Reunited with his love, his soulmate. Death, the afterlife or however it was called wouldn’t be that bad as long as he was with her. Corran smiled again, his eyes closing anew. “Damn, Corran, don’t leave!” Her voice sounded vigorously, forcing him to open his eyes wide. It was Molly kneeling in front of him on the floor of his cell. But not the Molly he had loved and lived with for over three years nor the pale version he remembered from the hospital. This was a blue flickering appearance, almost slightly transparent. Slowly Corran reached out with one hand, trying to touch her, but it was like the attempt to catch some fog. He realised, that her touch hadn’t been physically but only in the Force.

The pain about his loss added to the real one he was feeling. “I can’t.” Corran murmured. “Let me... we will be together again.” “No!” her voice was firm. “It is not your time yet.” There was hurt in Corran’s eyes as he opened them again. “I bring only misfortune to the ones I love... there is no reason for me... to stay.” He felt her touch through the Force again, but another voice answered in his head. “Only when you believe in that, my boy.” Confused Corran focused on the source of the words and spotted a male person, around his own age, next to her, also a ghostly phantom. When I’m not dying, I’m loosing my mind obviously Corran thought. The man chuckled. “I see, you start to use your brain again. That’s good. The first step to heal your body.” Corran recognised that he had a Corellian accent too. The men’s clothes were a kind of simple tunic, pre-Clone war in style, with his tousled hair he seemed not like the pictures of old Jedi Corran had seen, more like a spacer. But Corran remembered that Master Skywalker had told him that Corellian Jedi had been different to the rest of the order. He was sure that he hadn’t seen that man before, so he couldn’t explain why he felt a strange, but strong connection, when he looked at that face. The man smiled, his blue eyes seemed so familiar. “I see that you got the looks more from the Antilles side. Well, I guess, the Force is a big enough heritage from ours.”

Still weak from the attack of the Sith Corran gathered all of his energy to sit up. He regretted it immediately as a sharp ache shot through his forehead, blurring his vision. “Easy, kid. We’ll still need you in one piece” The man said, some worry in his tone. “Gladly you are stronger than I have been back then.” Corran narrowed his eyes. “Than you back then? Who are you?” He knew the answer already, but he wanted to hear it from the other man. As if it would make it more real. The man ran a hand through his hair. A gesture Corran used too, when he had to tell something difficult and wasn’t sure how to start. It was Molly who took charge of the situation. “Meet Raemon Tharen, your mother’s father.” Corran nodded slowly. “But...but how? How did you meet?” It had to be a hallucination. It was too strange. Raemon smiled about his confusion. “No, you are not going crazy. It’s the lightsaber. My old one. I used it, you used it, than gave it to Molly. A lightsaber is more than a simple weapon, it is like a part of the Jedi who wields it. A connection in the Force, like a bonding between the persons who used it. That’s how I found Molly and together we found you now.”

“But why?” Corran wasn’t able to concentrate anymore, slowly he sank back to the floor, yielding to the pain that was still running through him. “Why...?” his voice became weaker as his body and mind started to dim away again. “Don’t give up, love.” Molly’s voice sounded firm into his ear. “You have to stay strong to fight the Sith.” Desperate Corran looked at her. “I can’t. I failed already. You have to help me!” Raemon shook his head. “We can’t. We can talk to you, tell advice. But we belong to another world. In this fight you have to concentrate on the living. Concentrate on them.” There was a sound at the door and as suddenly as they had appeared the two ghosts vanished. Corran’s head hit the ground again. His eyes closed he saw the vision of another person: A woman with green eyes and honey brown hair. A woman who had fought for him on Korriban. “Jade. Help me.” He murmured.

“He’s awake.” A rough voice said. “Awake is a too big word. But he’s not dead. Strong for a human.” Some hands grabbed Corran, turning him onto his back. “Stay still.” One of the alien guards told him. “The Mistress told to give this to you.” Corran felt the cold of a stimshot against his neck, then the heat as the drug went through his veins, awakening him. Gasping he looked from one Noghri to the other, a plan forming in his brain suddenly.

“Bring me to Lord Sythis. I need to talk to our Master.”

[Darth Sivan]

Led out of the dark cell, carried by two hunchback Noghri guards clad in ceremonial armor, Corran was getting sicker by the moment from the stimshot applied to his neck. His forehead felt as if it were on fire, and his whole body throbbed unbearably. A cold, sweaty film glued his dirty shirt to his skin. His mouth felt as dry as the Dune Sea.

He wanted to think that the two guards were taking him to a medical ward in the castle to attend to his condition, but that didn't seem too likely; he hadn't gotten the impression that the Noghri were overly concerned with his welfare. He wondered if they were really taking him to Lord Sythis, by his request. Maybe they decided to take him to be tortured instead? It was possible, but he figured that at this point, he was entitled to be a little paranoid.

A drop of blood splattered on the polished stone floor of the castle's corridor, and he raised a weary hand to his upper lip. His fingers came away red and sticky.

Now his nose was bleeding.

Corran rose his head upward, watching morosely as the brightly lighted lumas illuminated the stone corridors which led to a turbolift ahead. His defeated gaze drifted upward to the levels above. At last he was finally leaving the dark dungeons of this place.

A figure clad in black leathers crossed their path and gestured to the guards to stop. The presence of Darth Sivan provoked an immediate response. Corran's eyes narrowed to tiny slits. His heart pounded so loudly that his ears were filled with what sounded like the turbulence of a Tatooine sandstorm. His stomach felt as if it were being turned inside out. He concentrated hard to keep his anger from boiling over. It is what the Sith wanted, after all.

He extracted a tortured hiss from his cracked and bleeding lips. "What the frell do you want, witch?" He coughed violently.

The two guards traded a look before glancing to their anguished prisoner. Concern flickered over their surly faces, as if they were afraid Corran was going to vomit on the floor.

Standing in front of them, Sivan looked at her prisoner. Her elegant face held a cold, inscrutable expression. The soft lighting glistened in her lustrous black hair. Her sickly yellowed eyes locked briefly with Corran's before she turned back toward the turbolift ahead.

"It's not what I want, Corran," she whispered coyly, "it's what you want with my master. Why do you wish to meet him?"

"Why do you wish to know?" he retorted, in a voice not nearly so dry and raspy as before.

"I'm curious what you are up to, my pet," she turned back, leaning closer. "You finally wish to join us?" Corran thought he heard a hint of sympathy in Sivan's voice.

Corran's anger swelled again, but didn't answer. He refrained from letting it show in his face, so he only attempted a half-smile.

"Not going to answer me?" she cooed impatiently at Corran. "Maybe I'll find the answers myself." She fanned out her fingers in an attempt to probe his mind.

He supressed a tidal wave of primal rage and abandon by summoning the Force to calm himself. The threat of having his mind raped by that Sith was not an option. All he cared about now was breaking free from the suffocating confines of this castle. He could smell the anxiety of the two guards as they felt the tension in the air. Corran decided the best way to prevent it was to play along with the vixen.

"And what fun will that be, dear Sivan?" he wearily casted a wry grin. "I would think you like someone with a little mystery inside?"

Sivan leaned forward and smiled wickedly. "Quite charming, my pet. Maybe I'll spare you this once." Corran's mental barriers quickly shielded her from his thoughts as he manipulated the Force to counter any attempt at a probe. In his state of weakness, he knew he could not stand up to her attempts for long and hoped his charm would work on the woman.

Sivan withdrew her fingers and placed both hands on her hips. "If it wasn't for my master's interest in you, I would take you as mine," she declared. "You are strong in the Force for me to use and train. Maybe even overthrow him."

Corran smiled at her weakly. "We can see about that after I see your master."

She sighed audibly. "Take him away," Sivan finally whispered, gesturing with her hand to the lift. "Let my master find out what he wants. I will follow."

The guards said nothing as they hauled Corran to the turbolifts, merely grunting in exertion as they each held onto their prisoner by one arm. Sivan followed them behind and supervised, caressing the lightsaber on her hip.

As they exited into the higher levels of the castle toward the Sith Lord's domain, Corran dimly glimpsed, out of the corners of his eyes, other brutish figures going about their business in this stygian castle. Other Noghri residents, their eyes and teeth gleaming vibrantly in the shadows, prowled through the corridors, sometimes gnawing on disturbingly human-looking bones. They continued to escort him through a maze of dark corridors until they reached a pair of large double doors that extended from floor to ceiling. The heavy doors of the Dark Lord's chambers opened and the entourage marched inside, with Sivan now taking the lead.

Corran was dumped unceremoniously onto the cold stone floor in front of the Sith Master, who merely rose an eyebrow behind the trails of flaxen hair over his face. He turned to see Sivan kneel to him, flanked by the Noghri guards. Lord Sythis appeared enraged to find Corran present, in defiance to his instructions.

"What's the meaning of this, Sivan?" he sneered. "I did not request his presence. He is to remain in his cell as I commanded."

"He wishes to see you, Master," she replied in obeisance. "I do not know why."

Scowling, the Dark Lord of the Sith approached the balancer. Impatience smoldered in Sythis's eyes.

"Well?" he snapped. "Speak!"