[center][b]Aboard the Dagda – Departing Vjun[/b][/center] --- After Gra'tua had departed once more, Azazel could be found pacing the corridor outside the conference room. People would pass and look at her curiously before quickly scuttling off as she glared. After a time, concern began to grow, primarily concerning her blocking access along a central corridor due to the risk of fatal injury. In response, the crew of The Dagda managed to convince Tannus to not only relieve himself from the wheel of the vessel but to also try to figure out what she was doing. Cautiously, Tannus approaches her before clearing his throat. As Azazel looks up, he raises his hands, “Not to intrude, but what has you a fit?” Azazel shrugs her shoulders, but at Tannus' expression indicating he was not believing it, she sighs. “I cannot decide if I ought contact Andrea or not. There appears to be a lot that has been unsaid. I am not quite ready to have to end any alliance with her. It would hardly be fruitful... Not at this time. Yet, I have reason again not to trust her. I always have, I suppose. Yet, I was beginning to think... Perhaps...” Tannus gives her an incredulous raise of a brow, “Uh-huh. [i]The alliance[/i]. That is what you are worried about... Look, just go call her. We've got a little time before we rendezvous with Grian.” At that, Azazel flashes her disciple a pitiful look, her uncertainty on full display, “But what if it is nothing good?” Tannus grunts and grasps her shoulders, leading her through the doors to a communications module. “Just do it. You're a Sith. You're our teacher. Our leader. You are Sith'ari. You've taken on far fiercer things than this without a hint of doubt or fear, why begin now?” His voicebox crackles before he adds, “Besides, talk of the ship, I hear you and Andrea have a habit of making up quite thoroughly... And loudly.” He waggles his eyebrows suggestively. Azazel flushes and glares before punching his shoulder, “You are not supposed to know that...” She bites her lip and looks at the console that was almost taunting her. It was perhaps the most terrifying thing she had ever seen in her life at this very moment... And yet. She sighs and reaches out shakily, fingertips hovering over the keys. With a roll of his eyes, Tannus brushes aside her hand and keys in the code to reach Andrea. “I will leave you to this,” he says, ready to leave. Azazel reaches out to stop him before he raises a hand up, “No, no. You will be fine. I am certain of this. Just be the Lady we know. Enough of this meek creature masquerading as you.” With that, he goes through the doors and closes it, leaving a very wide-eyed and quivering Azazel waiting expectantly for Andrea to answer. Reneva frowned when one of the crew got her attention, indicating a intercepted transmission meant for Andrea, seeing who it was she sighed and rolled her eyes. Why was the mistress gone during times like these, she answered it and stood at attention, watching the form of Darth Azazel take shape. She bowed curtly, "Lady Azazel, I am captain Reneva, apologies but mistress Andrea had to leave Korriban shortly after your own departure. Can I be of assistance?" As the connection was made, she tenses up, waiting for that terrible and alluring woman to appear before her... Until someone else appears. Her lips purses and brows knit into a look of indignation before she crosses her arms, “I do not care who you are or are not. All I need know from [i]you[/i] is how I can contact Andrea.” In the back of her mind, she tries to come up with reasons Andrea would not be on Korriban. She was always on Korriban! She narrowed her eyes but stifled her comment she was about to make. "My apologies, she apparently had pressing matters to attend personally. I could give you her contact details but I do not know if I am supposed to, after all I would not want to anger the one I serve if she needed radio silence." “You will. Or you will be the one to explain to Andrea the consequences of my not talking to her,” she snarls, gripping the edge of the console tightly. “I am not in the mood for some lackey of hers to be denying me.” She blinked and took a involuntary step back, "I... well I suppose my lady would want to talk to you at any time. Allow me to... patch you through to her right away, my apologies." She quickly closed the feed and contacted her mistress, informing her what was going on. Andrea chuckled, "I see, well Reneva your loyalty is noted but indeed, best not to piss off Azazel in the future, I will talk to her." After a moment Andrea spoke up. "Azazel? It's me, everything well you left so suddenly, was surprised especially after you saying you wished to spend time with me... though as you may have guessed not soon after you left I received news that needed me to be off Korriban as well." Azazel takes a deep breath to try to collect herself. Reigning in her anger was being... particularly difficult at the time. After a moment she shakes her head, “Perhaps... Gra'tua had contacted me. All the same, I suppose. Xen got back with me about some... problems... But...” She looks at Andrea, uncertainty beginning to appear once more. As her eyes begin to water, she blinks it back and finds herself struggling to continue talking. Perhaps it was lucky that the holographic feed was offline. She froze a moment at the sound of Gra'tua's name, stiffening before she relaxed, there was no holographic transmitter on this ship so Azazel could not see her. "I see, but... what?" She shuffles, trying to work past that bothersome block to her voice. It seemed as if a millennium was passing by before she finds her voice again. “Hakkri talked to him first... He told Gra'tua about us. We met up, to talk... He... Talked of some things, though.” Her voice begins to crack, “Do you have any... anything... you would... would like to share with me?” She widened her eyes and was stunned, a flicker of a thought that she had the foresight to send away the others so she could take this call in private because she did not want them to see her right now. "I... that depends, what did the illustrious Gra'tua tell you? It must have been something... interesting, I guess, some fairy tale no doubt." “It was, perhaps... It was about two young sith...” she murmurs, staring at the empty screen hollowly. “And their child.” She leans closer to the console, touching her head to it, mouth only inches from the audio receiver. “Have you heard that one?...” She was quiet for some time and then let out a sigh. "I might have... experienced that one. But perhaps, whatever version you may have heard... maybe those two young sith were, somewhat too young and each made stupid mistakes that one might regret years later." “Why did you try to take Kyr'am from him?” she barely manages to whisper. She bites her lip to fight back any noise as her eyes begin to glisten with tears, “And why.... Did you never tell me any of this?” Damn that bastard of a Gra'tua, she thought, gritting her teeth as lightning played along her fingertips before she took a deep breath and willed herself to calm down. "Is that what he told you? From what I recall he tried to kill me and took my daughter from me... and have you told me everything from your past? Some things people do not like to remember." Her fist slams against the metal and she fails to even wince at the pain that lances up her arm, “WHAT SHOULD I TELL YOU, ANDREA?! THAT I GREW UP ON SOME FAILING GAS MINING PLANET?! THAT I WAS DYING IN MY CHILDHOOD BEFORE SULLIVAN FOUND ME?! That I spent years with no one, but that old woman?... That she looked at me like a daughter... Died... in front of me and I could not... not..” she chokes back a sob and starts to weakly slump against the panel. “Or... maybe... that you were my first?...” She buries her face in her hands, wiping her eyes and cheeks before quietly adding, “This... This is entirely different from anything I had to tell... Both of you, for a year... Kept that from me... And you... You...” She whimpers, “You tried to kill him first... You tried to take her first...” She was shocked and flinched away from the terminal before collecting herself. "Azazel..." She said, trying to sound soothing. "You are upset, that is understandable with what you have heard... but please this is not the best time to talk about this... maybe we can talk, in person soon... I can't break this off... as much as I want to right now." Nothing but silence and quiet sniffles meet Andrea for a time as Azazel attempts to collect herself. Rage begins to flood through her... At Andrea, for talking so much of trust and yet always holding so much from her. And all the while leaving her in an emotional whirlwind... At Gra'tua, for all this time telling her half-truths and yet being so indescribably perfect, as a leader, as a riduur, as a potential father. But never truly holding her heart... And at herself, for being made the fool and letting herself come across as some weak and lost child. Taking a staggering breath, she stares ahead at nothing. “Do whatever you want, Andrea...” A bitter laugh escapes her lips, “You wanted me to make a decision... Said that I was going to have to... I am... starting to see the truth in that.” She closes her eyes, trying to recompose and prepare herself for what she needed to say. It was like she could not breathe and that her world was spinning. “You make me a wreck... And I cannot keep allowing that... I can't keep playing these games with you...” "I am going to kill Gra'tua..." Came out as a whisper, she was not even sure she had said it out loud. As she looked at the bulkhead as if not seeing it, stunned by what she was hearing. She furrows her brow, unable to hear what Andrea just said, if it was anything at all. She hesitates for a moment, unsure if the other Sith would speak up or say anything. Part of her hopes for something, anything, for something to stop her before she finds her lips moving without her accord, “I don't really see us talking after this... But... Good bye, Andrea...” she kills the connection. Still staring at the console she whispers to nothing at all, “I love you...” Azazel's voice breaks her out of her stunned silence and she reached forward, as if she was about to reach out for Azazel's cheek but then realized that she was not really there... and that she had just terminated the call. A sob escaped her... and then a scream of pure rage and grief as she felt the hull shudder at her rage and she just curled up, sobbing. --- [center][b]Convergence: The Dagda and Abberancy – Approximate location of Togoria[/b][/center] --- Azazel slinks about her ship, hand lightly gripping railing to support herself as she wanders aimlessly. Her wristlink chimes off at her in an endless shriek. She ignores it. Before long, she finds herself crossing before the door of the torture rooms. A soft sniffling whimper comes from the open door. She blinks and looks up, curious at the noise and who could be making it. She hesitates and stops at the door, listening to the sobbing from inside that seemed to be reflecting how she was feeling. She closes her eyes, rocking on her feet as she listens. After a time, it begins to dawn on her who the source was. It only made sense. “Hakkri?” she croaks out, throat raw and voice strained. A frightful whimper echoes out to meet her. It was if Azazel's stomach was twisting in knots as she quickly walks through and looks down at the table. Hakkri lets out a frightened yip and strains weakly against the restraints on his limbs and across his mid-section. As if for the first time, Azazel seems to notice the damage she had inflicted. Across his chest in winding script of innumerable people, the same words wind and twist, 'I will obey the Dark Lady – I will not act against her wishes” Horrified, she reaches out and traces over the text, following the raw, healing flesh from his abdomen, across his chest and up along an arm. The swollen flesh was hot under her touch and concern knits over her face as she surveys the rest of him. Razor thin lines weaved out over the areas that were barren of her scarlet scripture, a web only to plot out the future lines. Through his opposite shoulder, a blade was jammed deep. A resting place for the blade as she had taken a break. Other such wounds were evidenced on his body in areas less vital, wherever she had been forced to break. Tears begin to blur her vision as she whimpers, “Hold still, Hakkri...” A dry, cracked version barely reminiscent of Hakkri's voice meets her, “No... Don't.... Please... No... More...” Azazel looks at him in shock before biting her lip. Her hand gently cups his cheek as her other hand reaches for the blade. She grips the handle of the blade and tries to be reassuring before ripping out. A shriek of pain leaves Hakkri as Azazel sobs out shaking apologies. The blade clatters to the floor and she wraps her arms about him, shaking and trying to comfort him. Her wristlink resumes chiming off before a low series beeps as the screen lights up, her position shining clear. “Hakkri...” she whines. The Zygerian simply gasps and tries to ignore the pain of her weight on his injuries. Quickly, she shifts and starts to undo the straps. As she releases the last of the restraints, she moves aside to pick up a towel and a discarded set of robes. She presses the towel to his shoulder to staunch the blood as she fights back tears, “I should not have done this to you... I never meant... I... I...” Hakkri lets out a strained chuckle, an arm loosely draping about her frame. “You... are a fucking mad woman...” His face blanches and he lays back with another series of whimpers. Azazel could see his grasp on the world fading for a moment. She draws Hakkri tightly into her arms and kisses his brow, “Hakkri... Shh... I'll take care of you... It'll be alright...” She looks over her shoulder at the door, “SOMEBODY GET THE MEDICS!” Xen clomps up to the door, eyes adjusting. In each hand he holds a container. One his gear pack, the other a safety locked capsule of considerable size. His gaze shifts across Azazel to the ragged form in her embrace. “Oh Xen, thank the gods of Sith... I need you to help him. Now.” Xen hesitates, setting the capsule against the door frame as he steps closer cautiously, “What happened? Who did this to him?” His gaze flickers over to the knife and he finds himself stiffening, accusingly focusing on Azazel once more. “My Lady... Are you alright? What did he do to you?” Azazel's eyes widen at the stare, “I... He did not do anything. Stop hesitating, help him.” Xen gives her an uncertain look before nodding and moving closer. He gestures for Azazel to lay him down. As she does, he spies the full extent of the damage and the blood that had begun soaking into Azazel's robes. A soft curse in Kubaz leaves him at the horror, “You should talk to me, Lady... About what I have missed.” He settles his pack onto a nearby metal table, knocking off the torture instruments as he begins to rummage for his medic's kit. Azazel frowns and draws back, moving back to a chair nearby and slumping into it. “It has been... A great deal. Since I sent you off.” Xen levels her gaze on her as he investigates the damage, hands hovering over the open kit as he determines what he would need. Settling upon needing to fight the growing infection first, he grabs a syringe and vial. Carefully he measures it out as he talks, “Start with where it starts. Move on from there. I am always at your service.” Hakkri laughs bitterly, “Korriban...” Xen fixes a shocked look upon Hakkri, “Was it Andrea?” The Sith woman hesitates, hand moving to her mouth and nervously she finds herself biting on her nails. “N-no... Yes.... Sort of...” Xen furrows his brow, placing a hand down on Hakkri's shaking form to steady him as he applies the injection, “You aren't making any sense...” He furrows his brow, seeing Hakkri's state, “Where is Aggros?” At the mention of that name, Hakkri looses a heartbroken wail and falls into a fit of body-wracking sobs, ripping the syringe right from Xen's hand. Xen grunts, “Son of a Bantha... Hakkri, stop!” With that, he jerks out the syringe and uses it as he picks a new vial... a sedative... He begins to measure the new syrum, trying to calculate the appropriate dose for Hakkri. “Azazel. Get it together.” Azazel looks at him with wide eyes at him dropping the titles. She swallows and nods, “We were on Korriban... For the Sith tomb I found in Khaelesh's holocrons. We were right, thinking it was a trap laid out by him for me... The bastard...” She takes a deep breath, “I found a holocron, though... But...” She watches with morbid intrigue as Xen injects Hakkri again. The Zygerian whimpers at the icy fire as it floods into him. Xen fixes her with a stern gaze. Azazel fidgets and sighs, “We were in a tomb, and Andrea almost died. I stopped it... But.. Later, we ran into... Terentatek. Several of them. Hakkri was staying back, he... He single-handedly killed one. The other two... Tannus and I managed to kill them... But not before... Before one got Aggros... and he died... I couldn't help. He was gone before I could get to him.” She sighs and rubs her face, “The tomb was a trap. Hakkri... did not react well. I reacted worse. I did not think. I triggered the tap. The spirit of the tomb tried to drain me... Andrea stopped it. Still... What happened...” She shuffles her feet, watching as Xen begins to disinfect the wounds and cover them with patches. Hakkri was glaring at her groggily, his eyes fluttering as he fights to remain conscious. “Andrea and I fought. Things... were alright then. But then Gra'tua called. And Hakkri answered. He let the skifflin out of the sack. Gra'tua found out... I was.. Angry. Before I even... Met with him... I took it out on Hakkri... But he was just angry, about Aggros... Rightly so...” She reaches out and lightly grasps Hakkri's limp hand, his eyes were finally closed, though fidgeting in the sedative induced catatonic state. Xen sighs, “What about Gra'tua?” Azazel looks to Xen, “He is fine... He knows about... Well.” Xen looks warily at her belly and nods knowingly. “Andrea knows too. But, Gra'tua told me.. About Kyr'am. About him and Andrea...” Xen narrows his eyes, beginning to place Bacta patches and binding the injuries. “What about them?” Azazel looks sideways, “That they were lovers. And Kyr'am was their daughter... That Andrea tried to take Kyr'am away and kill Gra'tua.” Xen cuts the bandages to size and adheses it to itself, he gives her a look to continue. When no words come, he moves closer, taking the Lady's hands in his blood and chemical soaked ones, “Tell me what happened and what I need to do.” Azazel sighs, squeezing his hand lightly, “Gra'tua and I are well. However, when I talked to Andrea... She... She still would not tell me things. Still would not, just be honest... I... Ended... it...” Xen's face transitions... from shock, to confusion, to disgust, and finally to approval. “You knew you needed to. She was holding you back, Azazel.” Hakkri snorts through his nose weakly, “You gave up love?” The Dark Lady looks at Hakkri, cheeks streaked with tears, eyes red and puffy. She shoves past Xen and moves to Hakkri's side, snarling. Inches from his face she snaps, “What do you mean...” It was too late, even breath spills from Hakkri, and his face was a smooth, peaceful mask of slumber. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!” she cries, shaking him lightly. “Love?! She drove me mad! She gave me doubts. I am not well about her! She leaves me sick and wounded. If you call that love, it is a curse!” Xen looks at Azazel and Hakkri with anger flickering across his face as he utters a snort. “Pfah. Love... That was simply lust, Azazel. It was a secondary, inconsequential emotion. Let it go. It is far better.” He draws Azazel away from Hakkri. “I will see that the medics take care of him. For now, though... Let us see to other matters.” Azazel shudders and looks at Xen, “How can you be so cold?” she murmurs. Xen stifles and narrows his eyes upon Azazel. “I am not. I simply am tired of these distractions that only appear to bring you personal pain. This Zygerian. That Sith harlot. Even that ridiculous Mando who thinks himself to be the next Mandalore. They are nothing but distractions keeping you from your destiny.” He closes his eyes and rests back against the wall. “I am not cold, mistress. I am simply looking out for you, your well-being, and the promises of a reformed galaxy. So, excuse me if I have no sympathy for the Zygerian who reportedly attempted to attack you... Or the whore who was bound to kill you sooner or later. I barely tolerate the warrior given he has kindly provided you an heir to your legacy.” He rubs the side of his head and it was almost as if a screen flickered on the back of his eyelids. The integrated HUD was less irritating than before... Azazel looks at the Kubaz, mouth agape, “What have I turned you into...” Xen flinches in irritation, looking through the feed, “You have not turned me into anything. I simply aspired to be what all those under your reign ought to. Anything less is an insult. If they truly wish to follow you, assist you, and be even a footnote in your story to come... They would do as I have. For you, Dark Lady.” Azazel frowns and keeps her hand clenched about Hakkri's. “I am not sure that is what I ever wanted.” Xen sneers, “No, but it is what you need.” She quivers for a moment, frightened, for the first time, at the dedication of her operative. They stayed there in silence, despite Xen's urging her to other matters. It was not until the medics arrived that Azazel would leave Hakkri's side. Tannus made reports that they were going to stop in Togoria's orbit and refuel. Perhaps it would be a good chance to pick up on information or simply enjoy what the station had to offer. – Azazel sits upon a grassy plateau with her head bowed, deep in meditation within the hydroponics bay of the Dagda. The simulated environment was pleasant and the plants grew high in every direction. Save for the crew dedicated to tending to the bay, it was almost always empty. After a moment she begins to hum, a low tune along to a lullaby. She waits like this, arms resting lazily on her knees as she tries to calm her mind. It was proving to be difficult, like a snarled mess of fury, fear, sadness and more. That was what she ought to embody, but she could not bear to allow it to continue. She had to reign it in and control it. She needed to mold it into a deadly weapon to focus upon those that she deemed fit, not allow it to bubble over in her every action. She wavers in her peaceful melody, one that she could never forget but could not remember where she had heard it. She stops and opens her eyes as she hears a the rustle of foliage nearby. Azazel furrows her brow before relaxing again as if she had not heard. The rustle comes again, followed by soft approaching footfalls. Azazel reaches out with the force and lazily tries to determine who it was. A sharp inhalation comes from the young woman as she backpedals, “N-no! Don't do that! It feels so very strange...” The Dark Lady crooks her head to the side, a small smile spreading before she ceases. A sigh of relief leaves Kitt as she stands there, staring up at Azazel with confusion... And that was all she did. “I never imagined a Sith trying to meditate. Or in a place like this, either.” Azazel shrugs slightly, “It is... Quiet, and reminds me of worlds I have been.” “Theodis used to always still in the meditation chambers... She was not particularly fond of plants. I think it was more this one weed Ba'alkyri planted as a joke. It would make her lose her senses for a time and she would act no better than the younger of the creche,” Kitt says with a small laugh as she remembers. “What does this place remind you of?” Azazel hesitates, “Honoghr, in particular. I enjoyed it there. Some call the people primitive, but their sense of tradition was uplifting. There are other places... So many, I can hardly name. Yet none so relaxing to be as with the Noghri. Simplicity can be a blessing at times.” She lays back into soft grass and turns her gaze upon the young woman who her disciples had taken with them in hopes of training. “Come, join me.” Kitt stands her ground, not coming any closer, “Are you sure?... Xen always scolds me not to approach you. Many of your followers advise to leave you be as well. I do not believe I should.” She bows her head. It seemed she was quite firm in a belief she was not worthy of approaching the Dark Lady. Azazel scoffs, “Ignore them. Some of the elder members in my following have come up with some very strange ideas. If I do not wish someone near me, I will tell them as much. I, however, do enjoy the company of those I am supposed to trust.” The Echani purses her lips, “And you trust me?” “Why should I not? You have long since stopped your rebellious strikes against me and mine. And you did not flee from the tomb when you had many a chance. In fact, you assisted against the tukata. And you even came, for me, when the Tarentatek attacked those of you in waiting.” She closes her eyes and shrugs, “You have not left my services. You train with the others. You even seem to attempt to please those positioned above you. I am not concerned.” Kitt crosses her arms and narrows her eyes, “I could have hurt you just moments ago. There is no one watching. You did not know I was here at first. You aren't even armed.” Azazel lets a small smile flicker over her lips, “Perhaps... Yet you didn't. I would call it Jedi stupidity, yet if that was the case, you would have attacked me for being Sith. No, perhaps you feel loyal to me? I wonder why that is...” The girl tenses before sighing, “You gave me the gift of sight. Before, Theo was unsure I could ever do much of anything. Yes, I may be Echani, but without my sight I could do little. And unlike the Arcona, I did not have other means of seeing the world. I was... A washout of the creche. Children far younger than me showed more promise in every way. And when they tried to train me in the Echani ways of fighting... I could not learn. Yet, within days, you saw that I could see, that I could learn... You would see me with purpose while I would only be just a useless cripple otherwise.” Azazel hums a few bars of the lullaby, “You do not paint a pretty picture of your old master. Were the other Jedi just as bad?” Kitt hesitates before shrugging, moving closer, “No, I do not think... Well, maybe. I heard talk of two of them always arguing. And Ba'alkyri did not exactly like them. They could talk all day and reach no decision for action, she'd snap. She... She was angry for awhile there. Maybe that is why she left Theo's charge for so long. If she had been there... I don't think I'd be here. Or that...” Azazel looks up at the Echani now, “That I would have brought the Jedi to her end?” The girl freezes and looks at Azazel with wide eyes, “Yes—I mean... I mean... No. You... They might both be dead then. I never experienced the power of the other Jedi... But... What I have seen of Andrea... Gra'tua... Or, by the stars, you. I don't think Theo or Ba'alkyri, or even all of Theo's students together... They wouldn't stand a chance, I think...” Azazel rolls her eyes, “You all had a poor teacher. The Cathar was barely an apprentice herself. Jedi or not, she was a humiliation to force users everywhere.” “She tried, though... And she gave us all a home.” Azazel falls silent for a time. “She did not care well enough.” “And you do?!” “Yes.” “And what of Hakkri? What of your men you have silenced yourself? I hear the stories... I saw what fate met Aggros,” Kitt snaps. “They choose to follow me. There are many who I could care less about. Many are hard to think of as more than simple pawns, but because they allow themselves to be so. They no longer think for themselves. I may lead them, but I am not the one who tells them to behave so,” Azazel murmurs. “But Hakkri...” “Is my apprentice, and I hold him highly. He was fully explained to what it meant to be held as he was. And yet he betrayed my trust. And even declared he wished me dead. There are... Consequences, to crossing one such as myself.” “And you call that caring?” “In a way, it is... If he cannot follow my instruction, then I cannot protect him. I can only plan for so much and if I must worry about him double-crossing me... Or if he goes out on his own because he cannot trust me, there is nothing I can do. I am sorry for what befell Aggros. I was careless then. I let greed and anger guide me... But how Hakkri reacted, it was a risk to him and everyone who follows me. I cannot have doubt in the ranks or many more will die and for no reason.” Kitt pauses for a moment before moving forward and sitting beside Azazel. “You're a strange lady with strange thoughts.” “But I care for my apprentices and closest followers as if they were of my blood,” she closes her eyes, enjoying the artificial sunlight filtering through the canopy above. Kitt falls silent in thought, “That is why you killed Theodis?” Azazel grows quiet, “If the Jedi did not wish to see the Sith dead, what concern is it to me what they do or who they are? As it stands, they see themselves as our sworn enemy. Your Theodis and her 'padawan' attacked my followers. Lydavis. Rei'Ki. Tannus... They harmed Tannus greatly, to the point he needed cybernetic parts to remain alive. Someone had to answer and pay the price. And yet, the blood debt is still not fulfilled.” Kitt shivers at the thought before growing confused. She sits in thought for a moment before nudging Azazel's shoulder, “And what about me?... Would you... If I...” Azazel looks at the offending hand to touch her, a small glare before her expression relaxes. “Yes, you are of mine. Any action against you would be more severe than that against myself and there would be hell to pay.” Kitt appears shocked for a moment, scooting closer and beginning to lay down beside Azazel, “Why?” Azazel has to stop for a moment in thought. “I took you in, I saw you stronger, and I made you whole. Why would I not be offended by any harm to befall you?” The Echani fall silent before moving close enough to rest her head against Azazel's shoulder, “What about Andrea?” Azazel stiffens between the question and contact, “She can take care of herself.” “That's not what I asked,” Kitt says, words quiet with drowsiness. “It does not matter anymore,” Azazel hisses. Kitt sidles a little closer, curling against Azazel's side, “You two?...” “I think I have things to attend to,” the Sith mutters, beginning to rise, letting the Echani fall to the ground. Kitt frowns, pushing herself back up to sitting and looking up at Azazel, “Wait, I—” Azazel pauses, looking down at Kitt, gaze hard. “What?” Kitt fidgets under her glare but asks quietly, “After you are done, could... Could we... Train?” Azazel nods simply and turns to leave. Kitt sits there on the grass, watching until Azazel disappeared through the flora. The Echani feels a warmth on her cheek as she eventually lays back down, staring at the spot Azazel had occupied. “Until then...” – The Dark Lady huffs and leans back into the chair of her throne room. The medics were keeping her up to date on Hakkri and it seemed like he would be fine with a little rest. It appeared most of the damage was superficial and he would be better in no time at all. However, now she was left waiting for her disciples and Xen. They had to discuss the latest events and she would be deciding where they would go from there. Rei'Ki and Lydavis are the first to arrive. They always seemed to be with each other and usually hand-in-hand. Azazel gives them an irate look at the public display of affection. They both let go in embarrassment and take their seats at the table. Rei'Ki had one arm wrapped about a containment pod long and oblong in shape. Azazel arches a brow and the Dathomiri sets it down. “Weapons from someone the Mecrossa Order set us after...” Azazel nods slowly before leaning in, “Where is your lightsaber?” Rei'Ki coughs, “A small furry man filched it. I tried to find him, but we were in a rush and things were... chaotic. He got away in the confusion.” Azazel sighs and draws the container to herself with the force and opens it up. Inside was Zarra's gun and vibroblade. “You have my permission to look at my collection and take up a single one of the lightsabers. Avoid Solomon's. That one is off limit... Has anyone tampered with these?” “I was the only one to handle them physically, I believe. That was when I picked them up after my scuffle with the woman. I thought I might allow her flee and that we would follow her. I would have seen we learn more that way and perhaps acquire artifacts she supposedly stole to sell. However, I suppose I overestimated Xen's capabilities as he lost her when I went after the thieving Bimm.” Azazel nods slowly, “I think Xen has taken too much upon himself in my absence. It is affecting his performance... Regardless, a few moments of silence while I try to read these...” As Azazel touches the weapons, closing her eyes to try and focus on gaining any images or insights and freezes as images flowed, too many to keep track and she can only glimpse a few. Zarra killing someone by stabbing the person through the heart. Her running through corridors as if hunted down and chased. Her hand on her holster as she talks to a holographic representation of someone wearing noble clothes, a sigh of relief at something the man says and as Azazel tries to focus on the noble the images falter and fade away. She gasps and let's go, raising her eyes to look at the two. Just then, Ilo, Tannus and Xen come in. Tannus and Ilo were sharing insights, Ilo with the command of ships and Tannus with the piloting of them. It encouraged them both to better understand their roles and how they could work together in order to improve naval combat performance. Xen stops, seeing Azazel already with the weapons out. He shoots a glare at the couple at the table and clenches his fists as he moves to take a seat closest to Azazel. Only to have Tannus tug it away with the force. “Afraid not, Grian. Ibeth still has claims to that seat. He will arrive soon, actually. He was coming back from the Aberrancy after briefing them on the new routines.” Xen releases a stream of curses to which Azazel clears her throat, “He is the most senior officer in my service, Xen. That still stands.” Xen silences and moves a little further away as Tannus and Ilo move to seats on either side of Rei'Ki and Lydavis. “Has anyone seen Kitt?” Xen leans forward curiously, “Why?” “I am going to begin her training as a combat specialist. She will be, subsequently, elevated to the status of a Junior Officer and, upon completion of her training and with a live mission performance review, she will be elevated to Officer status. So until, from here forward, I will have her in our meetings... Speaking of, though, the latest word on Hakkri?” Ibeth knocks on the doorframe and walks in, “Status stable, medics have issued his release on the condition he takes it easy. They're a little worried about some of the deep wounds, but he will be here.” Xen bristles and stamps his fist upon the table, “Are you just allowing anyone into these meetings now? I understand your senior trainees, and even Ibeth and Ilo given their command of your fleet. But those two weaklings?! Why don't we just hold these meetings in the barracks so everyone can come, hmm?” Azazel slashes her hand through the air, “Enough, Xen. These outbursts are becoming tiring. My operations have grown far too much for just a small number to handle.” Ibeth walks over and takes the seat beside Azazel with a smug grin. “You are, by far, one of my most esteemed officers. Yet, you are beginning to grow far too arrogant. Remember, when you first joined me, you were nothing more than a two-bit slicer and eaves-dropper.” Xen glowers and flops back into his chair. Ibeth leans back, resting arms behind his head as he looks to Ilo, “Been a little while since we last spoke. How is the Aberrancy running?” Ilo rests her hands on the table, “Running at 10% above last quarter's checks. The crew has improved efficiency by 60% in regular tasks and procedures while all troops have passed physicals and exceeded combat expectations. The rest of the fleet?” Ibeth looks surprised before chuckling, “Doing well, really. All green across the board and that leaky faucet on floor 2 is finally fixed. As far as the Tapani Defense, they've fallen into their role well. I'd see them with their own independent admiral, but at the moment, yourself and I are the only ones available. I would fast-track someone to the position as soon as someone suitable to the position presents themselves.” He rubs his eyes before standing and going to the drink dispenser. After a moment, he comes back with a steaming glass of... Something Azazel would prefer not to identify. “Enough business, though, how is everyone?” Hakkri weakly mumbles from the door, “Apparently in one piece, but I'm having my doubts.” Kitt offers him support, holding him up. “Remind me not to go blabbing next time...” His eyes flicker over to Azazel uncertainly and she fidgets when seeing the fear in his eyes. “I'm out of commission until they can assure I can hold myself up. So I guess that means vacation time. Anyone heading towards a resort world? Nice sandy beaches, no giant monsters trying to eat you, cute young men with amazing bodies?” Ilo chuckles, “If you find the place, tell me. I'll take my leave of absence with you.” Hakkri offers a wry smile as Kitt helps him into a chair. Azazel watches the two quietly before shrugging, “Some of us will be heading back to the Tapani sector. There is too much shady business going on there for my liking. The rest... Well, I would have you exploring Togoria for any possible recruits... In specific, I want to know if there are any of those... Gifted, upon the surface. Scout out the womens' cities first before heading out to the tribal men. Even if there are no potential force-users, the men, I hear, are known for their strength and capabilities in battle...” She looks about the table. “I am looking for volunteers for each mission. Those up for the Togoria run?” Xen nods, Tannus leans forward with a wink. Lydavis hesitates for a moment before raising her hand. Ibeth coughs to show his interest. Azazel looks upon them, lips pursing, “No, Xen, I will need you for the Mecrossa... Are there any in particular who feel they must come with me to deal with the Order?” Rei'Ki raises waves a couple fingers at Azazel as Kitt nods meekly. She scans out the group before looking at her wristlink, reordering the groups. “Hmm... Ilo and Hakkri, you are those left... Hakkri, I would have you come with me... Ilo, Togoria. Perhaps Ibeth can give you a quick rundown and help your command structure, seeing how Xen has done little to improve that situation.” Ilo nods and runs a hand along her tendrils. With that, Azazel stands, “Dismissed... Kitt, come along.” The Echani woman looses a small squeak and jumps from her seat, banging her knee into the table. She hardly lets it slow her as she hops awkwardly after Azazel until it finishes smarting. “Why, uhm, did you want me with you?” Kitt inquires. “You wished to train.” She looks back at the Echani, “Or did I hear you wrong?” Kitt swallows, suddenly frightful, “Oh. Yes. I did say... Right... But... Uhm..” She holds up her hands, “How? I can't...” Azazel smiles slightly, “I had a thought about that. I have not tracked anything down for it yet, but for now, I will use a training blade... And you... Well, we will see how well you can use armoured gloves...” Kitt blinks in confusion, “What are you talking about?” “You are Echani, and you are talented with your ability in hand-to-hand combat. I would see you develop that... And I think, given time, you may be capable of fighting a lightsaber wielding combatant with naught but your hands.” Kitt looks at her with disbelief, “Have I done something to make you wish I had no arms? Is this how you got Tannus?” Azazel laughs, shaking her head, “No, no. Just trust me on this one.” – Kitt looks at her hands covered in electric-proofed tape with padding along her palms, wrists and forearms, “Are you sure this will work?” Azazel thinks about, “Well,if it doesn't, we'll soon find out.” She swings the training sabre experimentally and mutters about it being too light. Kitt flexes her hands and takes a combat stance, “Fine, come on.” Azazel pauses for a moment as she thinks before lunging forward. Almost as soon as Azazel moves, Kitt somersaults out of the way, landing lightly on her feet before darting forward to land a punch. Azazel leaps back, landing awkwardly for a moment before finding her footing. “I almost forgot you were sensitive,” Azazel murmurs. Kitt shrugs, and gestures towards Azazel's leg, “I thought that was better?” Azazel shrugs, “Still a little tender.” “Maybe you should have actually kept off of it... We can stop now, if you'd like.” The Sith shakes her head and darts forward, arcing the sabre upwards. The Echani puts her hands down and blocks the attack before Azazel draws back and goes in for another strike. An arm is raised and stops the weapon in its tracks and pushes away, sliding in and striking with an open palm at Azazel's torso. Azazel coughs and stumbles back, wincing slightly at the enhanced strength attack. “Not bad... Armour would probably stop it... Maybe when we get you those gloves, have something the can penetrate through... or crush it..” She raises a hand, rubbing a hand over the area of impact, it was likely to bruise. “Again.” Kitt swallows and raises her hands defensively before darting in this time. They continue in like this, Azazel offering corrections anytime her weapon made a connection with flesh. Their stops began to grow fewer and further between. Finally, Kitt moves in, getting the hand of darting between blocking the blade, at least while Azazel was holding back. She knocked aside the weapon roughly and readied to throw her fist in for a gut punch. Azazel's eyes widen and suddenly she releases the blade, dropping her weapon and drawing in the force, only to throw Kitt away with a violent wave. Kitt goes flying, landing upon the floor with enough force to bounce off and continue rolling. Azazel pants and wraps her arms about herself protectively, “That's enough...” Kitt blinks and looks at Azazel, confused, “I thought I was doing well...” Azazel nods slightly, “Yes, quite... I think, though... I would have you sparring with others from now one...” Kitt frowns, pushing herself up to her feet, “I want to train with you, though...” Azazel slowly begins to relax, “Ilo and Rei'ki are each as strong as me with a single lightsabre. And Lydavis with two. Hakkri and Tannus each can practice with you with alternative styles given their different weapons... I would even have you train against alternative weapon styles... I however... do not think I can continue training like this.” Kitt begins to walk forward, “Why not?” “I... Have my reasons,” she flips off the training weapon and throws it aside, “I will arrange sparring partners for you, don't worry...” Azazel begins to turn and go, and Kitt runs up beside her and wraps her arms around Azazel tight. “Was I too rough? I could be gentler... We could do no contact... Or am I not good enough? I'll practice everyday, I'll get better... Please, keep training me...” Kitt whimpers, not letting go. Azazel remains motionless, “I cannot. I will supervise, though.” Kitt nods against her back, burying her face against her. Azazel sighs, “A shame you are not better suited to force training... I imagine you might excel beyond the others...” Kitt remains silent for a time, her smile hidden at such a comment. “Come along, little one... Let us have the medics see to those burns. They don't look so bad, but just to be on the side of caution.” Kitt gradually loosens her arms before nodding in agreement, "Alright... Thank you."