Almalthia

Tython, ATC 6 Month 5: Events After A Visit From A Darksider

Tython



The original homeworld of the Jedi Order, Tython is a planet rich in the Force, steeped in mystery. Particularly powerful disturbances in the Force can cause the ground to rock with earthquakes, or the sky to be ravaged with Force storms. It is a planet with jaw droppingly tall mountains, deep oceans, lush forests, endless plains and harsh deserts. The world has existed for ages, still ripe for discovery and adventure. Once a populated planet with old cities, it's only inhabitants now are the Jedi Order, and the wildlife which teems the world. Native fauna of all shape and sizes call the planet home, some hostile. With Coruscant still in ruin, Tython is home for the Jedi, a place to explore, learn, grow and truly embrace the light side of the Force. Though intense danger lurks around the world for the unprepared.

Tython Jedi Temple

The headquarters of the Jedi Order, this Temple is now the heart of the Jedi, it is where the bulk of the Order resides. It is nestled next to a small mountain range, built where an ancient temple used to be. Two large open air hangar bays sit in front of the Temple while the forest filled landscape around the building serves as a training ground for many young Jedi. Powerful anti air cannons have been strategically placed in front of the Temple, pointed towards the sky. To the northwest on a ridge sits the Master’s Retreat, a complex for the Jedi Masters to rest and discuss all things pertaining to the Order.

The inside of the temple is expansive, the long halls dotted with wooden statues of past Jedi. Inside the main hall sits the Eye of Zallow, named in honor of the fallen Jedi Master. Throughout the temple numerous lecture halls, study halls, dormitories, dining facilities and training rooms can be found.

The Rift

An area usually off limits to only the most experienced Knights and Masters. Far away from any settlement upon the planet's surface, and exceedingly difficult to navigate to, the Rift is just that: a massive jagged opening in the surface of Tython that stretches hundreds of feet down. Most Jedi carefully make their way down. Some Jedi leap down, hoping the next rock outcropping doesn't crumble beneath them as they land. The temperature is hot and uncomfortable, only getting worse the further down a Jedi goes.

The bottom of the Rift is the true reason for it's off limits status. The further one goes down into the Rift, the stronger the presence of the Dark Side, until the very bottom of the Rift which welcomes those who have reached the bottom of the dangerous scar in the surface of Tython with acid pits, massive pools of quicksand, and volcanic vents that continuously spew dangerously hot steam or actual magma. At the very bottom is a seemingly endless pit from which emerge some of the strangest and most violent beasts the Jedi Order has ever discovered in the galaxy.

The first two Padawans that attempted to make the Rift a part of their Jedi Knight trials were taken out by Jedi Healers on speeders. As of now the area is unavailable for further Jedi Knight trials, although it remains an option for Jedi Master trials with approval directly from the Grand Master.

The Chasm

Located six hundred kilometers east of the Rift lies another canyon. Where the Rift is darker and reddish stone, the mountains around the canyon called the Chasm are pale white and are said to hum with the Force itself. Unlike the Rift traveling down into the Chasm remains strictly prohibited at this time. The Chasm actively interferes with a Jedi's sense of the Force, and some Jedi believe is a natural maelstrom of the Force itself with howling Force storms a constant of the Chasm. Suspended above the Chasm remains the ancient Je'daii temple Anil Kesh.

It was within the dusty interiors of Anil Kesh that the modern Jedi Order learned of the dangers represented by both the Chasm and the Rift, while also learning about the potential study opportunity within the Force mysteries of both. While Anil Kesh was the technological center of the Je'daii Order so far it remains little more than a historical and archaeological study site. Despite the misgivings of many Jedi Consulars none other than Grand Master Satele Shan cleaned out an apartment for use in the northern leg of Anil Kesh, marking the first Jedi occupant an old Je'daii temple.

Many more Jedi followed their Grand Master. To date Anil Kesh remains the most populated non-teaching site on Tython for the Jedi.

Anil Kesh

An ancient Je'daii structure that mostly survived the generations between Je'daii and the returning Jedi. As it remains the only surviving Je'daii temple that the Jedi have discovered it's restoration became an immediate priority. Jedi engineers and builders quickly went to work with the Engineering Corps, making the structure as close to it's original status as possible. Though technology allowed for an improvement in the storm shielding of the structure, it was decided that the threshold between the Force storms and those within were perhaps not an accident, and thus plans to apply additional protection from the Force storms has been delayed.

Perched high above the Chasm between three massive curved arms was a squat, armored cupola. The arms holding it aloft curve over its summit with such strength that the violent Force storms which rage constantly within the massive crevasse of the Chasm does not affect its structural integrity. Within each leg was a honeycomb of apartments for Journeyers and Masters alike. This system of construction allowed for the legs to support the weight of the building and withstand the adverse effects of the environment.

The central structure housed laboratories, libraries, study rooms, gymnasiums, hangars and other facilities. The Jedi Order that first breached into Anil Kesh were the first to step foot into the facility since the last Je'daii were forced to evacuate generations before. Anil Kesh remains restricted to those Jedi with business within the ancient temple, including those studying the mysterious Tho Yor that slowly orbits Anil Kesh.

Chamber of Speech

A hidden Je'daii vault located somewhere deep within the mountains of the Tython Ridge mountain chain, the very mountain chain that the Rift, Chasm, and Anil Kesh can be found. Jedi archaeologists theorize that the Chamber of Speech dates back to the early period of the Je'daii Order, a proto-Holocron that was contained to a single cave system before the technology to make a Holocron that could fit into a hand was discovered and adapted by the Je'daii. The Chamber comes complete with it's own Gatekeeper like most Holocrons.

The Chamber's location remains a secret within the Jedi Order. A small team led by Jedi Master and noted historian Gnost-Dural works to decipher the knowledge within the Chamber and unlock more and more of the knowledge of the Je'daii. Their efforts have been a huge benefit to those Jedi working to preserve and learn more about Anil Kesh, and some within Master Gnost-Dural's team believe the two sites share some kind of connection.

Not only is the Chamber of Speech off limits, it's very location is a secret within the Order limited to the High Council and Master Gnost-Dural's team. The site's existence and functionality prove that the Je'daii were much more than sword waving Force users naive in the conflicts between the Light and Dark sides of the Force.

Silent Desert

The largest desert on Tython, and one of the most unique locales on a planet full of them. There are many mysteries to the Silent Desert but the biggest is what exactly causes the surface level of the Silent Desert to nullify sound? Whatever it is has been present long enough for the local wildlife to have adapted to it, every scavenger or hunter in the desert specializing in sight or scent or the Force itself to process it's surroundings and find whatever needed for survival. Another mystery of the Silent Desert are the sandstone sculptures that emerge from the shifting sands at night. Every morning the very sandy landscape of the Silent Desert changes significantly from the evening before, it's theorized in part to the statues and their nocturnal movements. Whether sentient or some component of an ancient society the statues will without fail slip into the sands if approached too closely.

The caves, canyons, and mesas which split the region were the only sanctuaries of sound in the vast wastes of silence. There is a large network of underground caverns where sound can pervade normally and conditions allowed for a much cooler climate than that above the surface. The network of caves is victim to the shifting sands, as many ancient Je'daii gatehouses remain preserved under the sands. The path past their gates almost all caved in by sand, the way forward cut off and lost for good. The Jedi Order under Satele Shan continues to attempt excavations, but the work is slow at best.

A small outpost has been setup in the caves within an ancient Je'daii barracks so that Jedi Seers and telepaths can see what benefit they can find from the desert's famed silence.

Masters Retreat

The aptly named escape for senior Jedi from the Initiates and Padawans that occupy the Jedi Temple, a necessity due to the new temple being smaller than it's predecessor on Coruscant. Located a short shuttle ride from the Jedi Temple suspended over the edge of a small and rocky mountain. The base of the complex consisted of several offices and two spacious landing pads, generally accommodating airspeeder traffic from the Jedi Temple or Kalikori village in the Tythonian Gnarls. The upper levels were housed within a large, squat cupola which made up the bulk of the facility.

Masters Retreat is the rare place Republic and even some civilian personnel can be found on Tython, the landing area is home to a makeshift market just outside the landing area customs, security, administrative, and maintenance offices. The other group of offices on the other side of the market has been given over to the Republic and some corporate partners, marking the only non-Jedi or Kalikori presence on the planet. A fact likely to remain given the Jedi Council's decision to not allow any other settlements or groups onto Tython.

There are defenses built into the Retreat, though details on them remain highly guarded and continue to be expanded on.

Any Jedi Knights or Jedi Masters requiring space on the Retreat must make a formal request through the Quartermasters Office. All restricted or sensitive material must not be left in private chambers unattended. All Initiate or Padawan visitors to the Retreat must be approved by the Grand Master's Office prior to traveling, unapproved arrivals will be escorted back to the Jedi Temple by Jedi Guardians.

The landing level remains active day or night, with Jedi cruisers and fighters and speeders coming and going at all hours. It is manned by security and landing operations staff at all times.

Bestiary

Filled with a vibrant ecosystem of exotic and beautiful wildlife, Tython is nevertheless a dangerous planet for the unprepared. Members are expected to treat the wildlife and planet as a whole with respect, though Jedi should be prepared to defend themselves from some of the carnivorous and more aggressive species. Some of the most dangerous are listed below:

Horranth - Vicious reptilian pack hunters mostly commonly found in the mountainous regions of Tython. They are four legged creatures with horns across their back, making them a resistant foe. Their birth rate is extremely high, where there's one there are bound to be more.

Manka Cat - Found in multiple regions across the planet, these four legged felines are a vicious carnivores that been known to attack in packs in order to bring much larger prey. Their teeth and claws are razor sharp, and are commonly used as ingredients in medicine. It is possible to domesticate them, though strongly not recommended.

Uxibeast - Massive horned herbivores covered in thick hair and horns. Uxibeast are known to be ill tempered and aggressive when approached. They roam the open pastures of Tython, traveling in large herds. The sharp spines on their back serve as a natural defense against predators, leaving a full grown Uxibeast with few natural predators.

Guid - Large hair covered primates found in the mountains across Tython, Guid are herbivores but can be quite aggressive when approached. They walk with shorter hind legs and on the knuckles of their massive, powerful arms.

Wingmaw - Found roosting in the mountains of Tython, these winged flying reptilians often prey scavenge from already dead carrion. They are more a pest than a predator to any Jedi. With a meter long wingspan and an aversion to dark places. Though their sharp tooth filled jaws can leave a nasty scar if properly enraged.

Hook Hawk - Carnivorous birds found in the thick forests of Tython, Hook Hawks drew in and hypnotized their prey with song. Once exposed to their hypnotic song for long enough, the unlucky prey would find themselves paralyzed. Before being descended upon them with sharp talons and beak. They are intelligent hunters who move in packs.

Silik Lizard - Rare reptiles found in the deserts of Tython, they absorb energy from the sands of the desert. Despite this they are known to attack mammals and feed upon their spinal fluid. They are known to let out silent screams before launching at their prey.

Saarl - Commonly known as Rift Worms, they are perhaps the most frightening creatures on the planet. They are massive worms, with gaping maws filled with a seemingly endless amount of teeth. They are notably force sensitive, legends speaking of a Rift Worm which once conjured force lightning while a force storm battered Tython’s surface.

Tythonian Raptor - A blue-skinned reptilian beast, the raptor stood over well over twice the average height of a Human female. Standing on its two hind legs, the raptor had three talons on each foot as well as on its two short arms. Its spine was ridged with short spikes which started at the crown of the head and traced the spine back all the way to the terminus of the raptor's tail. The raptor had a long snout and a mouth filled with a single row of sharp, pointed teeth. The skin of the raptor appeared to crackle with a blue, ambient Force energy.

Extras

Click here for doc file with extras

[Approved] Cora Alcyon Jedi Knight Healer

How long do you usually write?
Several paragraphs
Do you enjoy writing collaborative posts for things like conversations, combat, etc.? Yes
Is grammar and depth of writing important to you? Yes
Are there any writing subjects you particularly enjoy exploring? None
Is there anything you really dislike and want to avoid like the plague? None
Is there something you are uncomfortable with happening to your character? No
Do you have any short-term or long-term goals with this character? Heal the wounded. Long term rank of Master.

Jedi Temple Public Records

Name: Cora Alcyon
Species: Human
Homeworld: Hapes
Age: 35
Gender: Female
Rank: Jedi Knight Healer
Master: None at Present

Jedi Temple Internal Records

_{Detailed appearance. Imagery insufficient.}

Cora

Cora stands about 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall in bare feet which if she can get away with it she is barefoot. She is the definition of gamine and could easily pass for a boy. Her height and small frame often gets her mixed up with Padawans. She has no freckles, but has pale skin that has no blemishes on it. Her hair is a medium light auburn and cut in a shoulder length bob. Her eyes are a clear silver with a very light touch of blue. She normally wears white or ivory when she needs to be recognised as a Healer. If she is out she tries to blend in with a variety of outfits. Her favorites are the ones that she can pass off as a boy in, albeit a pretty boy.

_{Report on natural ability with the Force, as well as all known Force Techniques and the skill levels.}

Healer Cora’s list of Force Techniques is rather extensive and in her years in the Order she has focused on things that support her most impressive ability. Healing.
Master

• Healing (Innate)

Expert

• Revitalize (Innate)
• Sense (Innate)
• Force Empathy (Innate)
• Mind Trick (Innate)
• Stealth (Trained)

Intermediate

• Comprehend Speech (Trained)
• Force Speed (Trained)
• Force Throw (Trained)
• Force Jump (Trained)
• Telekinesis (Trained)
• Telekinetic Defense (Trained)
• Telepathy (Trained)
• Telepathic Defense (Trained)
• Precognition (Trained)
• Detoxify Poison (Trained)
• Breath Control (Trained)
• Force Stasis (Trained)
• Tutaminis (Advanced) (Trained)

_{Simplified report on other known skills and estimated levels, including lightsaber training.}

• Form I: Shii-Cho Basic (Trained)
• Form III: Soresu Expert (Innate)
• Form Zero
• Sum Djem

_{Report on known non Force skills and combat experience, training.}

Master

• Anatomy (Innate)
• Biology (Innate)
• Herbalism (innate)
• Medicine (innate)
• Psychology (Innate)
• Xenoanatomy (Innate)
• Xenology (Innate)

Expert

• Charm (Trained)
• Deception (Trained)
• Diplomacy (Trained)
• Meditation (Trained)
• Negotiation (Trained)
• Persuasion (Trained)
• Strategy (Trained)
• Tactics (Trained)

Intermediate

• Driving Planetary (Trained)
• Droid Repair (Trained)
• Economics (Trained)
• Riding (Trained)
• Navigation (Trained)
• Survival (Trained)
• Jedi Code (Trained)
• History of the Republic (Trained)
• Investigation (Trained)
• Unarmed Combat (Trained)

_{Names and pertinent details for all political and social associates. Including allies, enemies, rivals, underlings, apprentices and more.}

I have detailed some notes on the following names but since I have not directly been in contact with the following persons in many years due to self exile that I have only recently broken.
Social

• Satele Shan “Grandmaster of the Jedi Order. She is a woman to aspire to.”
• Gaul Toben (deceased) “Gaul was a good friend that I knew for many years. We passed the Knight Trials together. I was very young at the age of twenty. He was an older Padawan due to his putting off the trials to focus on Force Vision.”
• Aren Bec “A great friend that I met at the Arkania Praxeum at a very young age. We are best friends and have kept in contact for years."
• Merrian “Knight Merrian I have known for many years. She has not had it easy but her latest Padawan seems to have helped.”
• Mara Loaughden “My former Master. She taught me all she could and confident that I would grow to be my own person."
• Dominik Rothul “Master of the Jedi Order on the Council. A good friend to have and very wise."
• Kyla Vondin “Battlemaster of the Jedi Order on the Council. Excellent Forms and very calm."
• Jaslyn Dayne “It has been a long time since I have seen Jaslyn. Such a pretty human child but so burdened so early. Amazingly she was able to help Merrian in her time of need after the Sacking.”
• Bryethe Farlance “Ah the bright shining star that the Grandmaster took too.”

Padawans

• Zhâlu Jenal “I have recently taken on Zhâlu as his defection to the Jedi spoke to me. His training however impressive has not given him the basics of the fully centered part of himself that he has found upon multiple occasions. We are working on his emotional state and reaching his full potential.”
• Bryn Dok “I remember meeting Bryn when he was, twelve I believe. He was a bright boy full of questions. I have only recently come across some information that may prove to pan out.”
• Pyter Kylhn (deceased) “Ah Pyter. My first Padawan. He was twelve and we were on assignment. He was killed ten years ago. A small skirmish that was as if a small brushstroke on a canvas that no one remembers in the broad swath of paint that is the War. I told his family personally. That was hard.”

Political

• Amar Senator O’Keemi T’Sombe “Wonderful Amaran woman fighting for people who’s lives are impacted by being relocated.”

Allies

• Hopp Arroyo “Best pilot from Hapes that I’ve ever seen. Able to navigate the system while asleep. No really. I swear.”
• Jaxor Falconer “Brilliant Botanist that I’ve been trying to recruit for years and of course he’s a Zelosian.”
• Daemora Ette “A Bothan merchant that is as shrewd as she is fluffy.”

Rivals

• Erol Athzaria ”Doctor in Coruscant that was instantly jealous of my mastery in the healing arts.”
• Remmy Swift “Twisted surgeon that I had to turn down a position after I looked into him. Very sick individual.”
• Alluria Bendal “For some reason this Coruscanti Twi’lek thinks I was after the same man she was. I honestly don't remember this man and I only barely remember her.”

Staff

• Athaka Quorr “Security would be an issue if not for Athaka. She makes Kel Dor proud with her single minded focus.”
• Lavidean Farlander “Brilliant surgeon that I found in my travels and took back with me to flesh out the staff. The fact that she is a Nautolan pleases me to no end. She is a credit to her race.”
• Obri Drii “Chadra Fan that is brilliant at organization and computers. Let’s not to mention that when he walked in he got the file system in tip top shape. Couldn’t function on an administrational level if he wasn’t here.”

_{Personality analysis of candidate. List and description of known and suspected flaws, obligations, vices and weaknesses.}

Personality

Personality

Cora has a very even unfailingly strong grounded personality. She radiates authenticity, concern and altruism, unafraid to stand up and speak when she feels something needs to be said. She finds it natural and easy to communicate with others, especially in person, and her Force Techniques and traits help her to reach every mind, be it through facts and logic or raw emotion. Cora can easily see people’s motivations and seemingly disconnected events, and are able to bring these ideas together and communicate them as a common goal with an eloquence that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

The interest Cora has in others is genuine, almost to a fault – when she believes in someone, she can become too involved in the other person’s problems, place too much trust in them. Luckily, this trust tends to be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as her altruism and authenticity inspire those they care about to become better themselves. But if she isn’t careful, she can overextend her optimism, sometimes pushing others further than they’re ready or willing to go.

Cora is vulnerable to another snare as well: she has a tremendous capacity for reflecting on and analyzing her own feelings, but if she gets too caught up in another person’s plight, she can develop a sort of emotional hypochondria, seeing other people’s problems in herself, trying to fix something in herself that isn’t wrong. If she gets to a point where she is held back by limitations someone else is experiencing, it can hinder Cora’s ability to see past the dilemma and be of any help at all. When this happens, it’s important for her to pull back and use that self-reflection to distinguish between what she really feels, and what is a separate issue that needs to be looked at from another perspective.

Obligations, Flaws & Weaknesses

Obligations, Flaws & Weaknesses

• Cora is known to heal indiscriminately. Republic, Jedi, Sith, Imperial, Pirates, slaves, free. It doesn’t matter to her who adopts what creed to her. The wounded are just that, the wounded.
• Cora is known to have gone into self exile after her first Padawan was killed during a battle about ten years ago. Her self exile was interrupted after two years and is explained in fuller detail in a recording that was unearthed recently. This recording has been made available in the latter part of this report.
• Cora has the obligation of searching out a Padawan of a close friend of hers Gaul Toben Jedi Knight Sage. He had contacted her and told her that he was dying on his mission and that his Padawan Bryn Dok was going to survive and that she needed to find him and to consider it a dying request. Again this is explained better in the latter part of this report.
• Cora has the potential to be manipulative on an impressive scale. With who she knows and the fact that with her skill set she can rather quickly ingratiate herself in situations and if given the chance would be able to sway sides.
• Cora does play political games and detests them. However, she realizes that even though she is good at them she doesn’t always push this front on others.

_{Owned equipment of note.}

Equipment

• Cora is in possession of a Defender Corvette class starship.
• Cora has a facility that she uses on Manaan for her to practice healing. She heals only the worst cases but oversees the facility and runs a dedicated staff of surgeons and specialists.
• Cora has an extensive collection of books on medicine, surgery, psychology, herbology and anatomy of nearly every species.

Biographical Records

_{Personal biography, as detailed by the candidate for use in Jedi archives. Acquired shortly after last achievement of note.}

A throat is cleared as a chair is pulled out and pushed back slowly. A very soft soothing voice comes over the recording. The vowels are very open and round. The consonants are strong and distinct.

“These have never been easy for me to work with and I don’t particularly enjoy putting personal entries in a data log, holovideo, or even writing them down. Material for training purposes is much more useful. For purposes of this being found in the plethora of information that I record this should be turned into the Jedi Council after being played for two parties.

Those two parties are as follows. Healer Mara, my former master. For her to understand why I have done what I did and to come to terms with it. And Aren is a friend who will wish to know what is going on.”

The voice is brisk and accompanied by a sigh that is sharp and heavy but short lived.

"I have recently unbent in my self imposed exile, or what seemed like self imposed exile. I took on another Padawan, a Sith Pureblood, Zhâlu Jenal. His courage spoke to me. He has attempted the Knight Trials twice now and has been unable to complete them fully. His temper seems to be the issue. He is willing to learn so that is a plus. His interest in healing is also a point in his favor. Though I find it quite funny that he is almost five years older than myself. So far the Master Padawan relationship has not suffered for it."

A short pause here and something can be heard pouring.

"I was contacted by Gaul Toben before his death stating that he was not going to make it back but that his Padawan Bryn Dok would survive. He asked me to find Bryn and bring him back. I have yet to fully track Bryn’s movements but I get closer all the time.

Pyter’s death hit me hard. I was a young Knight at the time, twenty five years old, almost fresh out of trials and he was placed with me due to the need for more Jedi. We were still at war at that point and I was happy to have someone to pass my knowledge on to.

If this truce can be called more than just a laying down of weapons still within reach. Pyter was twelve and had such potential that his death was what I deemed to be a huge loss for The Order. Then again all losses we suffered were significant. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and to this day I still wonder if I made the wrong call in sending him to get some additional medical supplies that were needed.”

A long pause and the soft clink of a glass can be heard.

“The supply convoy that he stopped at was hit. There were no survivors. I felt the bond fizzle out and knew that he was gone. I was able to pull myself together and heal those I could. I found his family after the incident and informed them. It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do but I wouldn’t have left it to anyone else.”

A short pause where the soft scrape of presumably the glass is heard pushed across the table or surface that it rests on. A soft throat clearing is heard.

“My Knight Trials were swift as many were while we were at war. My former Master Mara had me working triage on a battlefield which took all of my concentration to keep people alive. So passed the Trial of Skill after many lives were saved due to my timely intervention.

Ironically the Trial of Courage and Insight were the easiest for me. I displayed the courage to heal the Trooper that we came across that could have very well killed us. I also left him unconscious and tied up so that he couldn’t get away or sneak up on us. A blaster in the back is sometimes harder to anticipate and easier to overlook. Plus it’ll kill you just as fast as a lightsaber.

The Trials of Flesh and Spirit were much harder for me. Particularly the Spirit Trial. But one must learn to recognise that you have done what you can for someone and that sometimes healing only brings more pain.

I spent most of my formative years at H’Ratth Academy. Honed my skills and rose to Padawan status there. I was a foundling that was collected from a derelict ship outside the Hapes system. My parents were found dead and identified as Hapian merchants that were attacked by Pirates and I was told to hide. I was three and remember much of what happened.

To boil it down the Pirates saw an oppuortunity and took it. My parents hid me and once the fighting was over I wandered out of my hiding place. There was a man in blue and brown robes that took me to The Order. He handed me over saying that he believed that since he could tell that I was strong with the Force and should be trained in it.

And there you have it…”

[Approved] Zhâlu Jenal

Approval 2. Good to go.

[Korriban, 6 ATC 5] Trial by Sith

Tishombra Ferro

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Tishombra

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Location:

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Interaction: Mara

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Mentions: Dash @Fallenreaper; Corinth @Apollosarcher; Haiki @Espada Emi; Talik @JessieTargaryen & Mahree @Bea

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Smirking Tishombra titled her head and looked over at Corinth and raised an eyebrow. She waved to him and headed into the tomb. She wanted that central room so that she could push them onward and break them up. She knew they would cluster. Especially Mahree and Dash. That had to stop. Darth Embrus would not allow it and Tishombra was loath to have the girl put trust in someone who did not seem like they would last long. She checked the room to the left after opening the door and found Overseer Cessair, in her mind Mara. "Really couldn't you pick a better room? Well this works well enough. I need to let Mahree in here and get her to get the baton from you anyway. Dashara will want to keep Mahree from any punishment she can. Besides separation will allow me to convince Mahree that Dashara is using her. Which she is. I just have to break Mahree to do it. Besides even if Mahree does win your little game she'll end up hating Dashara. Oh and that little zabrak... is he yours? Did you mess with him already or is that other students deciding he is prey?"

Tishombra tilted her head and smiled at Mara knowing that Mara would have no problem with what she was going to do...

[Approved] Major Coryn Tynblade

Approved. You have 1 approval.

[Korriban, 6 ATC 5] Trial by Sith

Tishombra Ferro

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Tishombra

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Location:

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Interaction: Open

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Mentions: Mara; Dash @Fallenreaper; Corinth @Apollosarcher; Haiki @Espada Emi; Aria; Atria @vFear & Mahree @Bea

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Tishombra smirked as Aria stormed off. Looking over at Dash. I have learned so much about you my dear. You shall learn quickly that you should only trust yourself and your Master.

Tishombra's thoughts turned quickly and inevitably to just yesterday...

Yesterday

Tishombra tossed her blood red hair over her shoulder her ponytail flicking back and forth as she strode down the hall to the sparring room. She was on a mission to see Kilian Haryss. He was Dashara Horizon’s mentor. He was the new Combat Overseer. This is bound to be entertaining.

She’d worn a white leather sleeveless one piece catsuit. It clung like a second skin and it didn’t matter that the neckline was halfway up her neck it was practically indecent. Her soft steps didn’t echo down the hall as she moved silently. Her hips swayed invitingly making the sabers at her hips keep time like a metronome. Her lightsabers were at the small of her back in a fitted belt.

If Kilian was not out tending to his charge, Dash, or training his apprentices, he could almost always be found in his office. The man secluded himself most of the time due to his past and previous profession. He didn’t often work with others, and so lately he found peace sitting at his desk, going over the research he had gathered on his newest student.

Datapads lay strewn across his glass desk, along with holoprojectors which displayed an image of Dash, along with other images of locations of interest and walls of text. Head down, eyes scanning a draft of notes written by his hand, he was deep in focus as thoughts moved through his head.

Tishombra sauntered into the office. She saw a blonde man sitting at a desk that would have made Mara set the room on fire and use the ashes to fertilize some exotic plant she had. She smirked and tilted her head. He looked too young to be an Overseer.

Tishombra grinned it might just be an Apprentice that was looking up something for the Overseer. She cleared her throat and smiled flirtatiously. “Hello there.” Her gold eyes simmered with interest as she tilted her head her hip cocked slightly.

His head did not move, allowing his eyes to keep scanning the draft and comparing it to notes on either side of his desk. Papers shifted under his hands as he moves the notes around, looking for a different draft while the holo projectors shifted to a different wall of text.

“How can I help you?” came a quiet, gruff few words from his mouth, his eyes still not budging from his work.

Tishombra smirked. He was an Apprentice of few words… how droll. And rather trite. Tishombra walked around the desk with a sensual lethal grace she stopped in front of him. “I’m looking for Killian Haryss.”

A deep breath in, followed by a long, drawn out sigh, before Kilian finally looked up to Tishombra.

“You’ve found him.” He muttered, shooting her a hard stare before looking back down to his notes. “How can I help you?” he reiterated, eyes continuing to scan the papers and holograms in front of him.

Tishombra felt a slide of something familiar as she met his eyes. Dark gray blue eyes stirred something within her. She pushed the thought away. “You? You look like you’re still wet behind the ears.” She shrugs. “Fine. You’ve been assigned a… less than eager student Dashara Horizon. I’m interested in her, but she needs to be isolated from her companion that was captured with her. I was hoping that you could tell me how she is with you since you are... her keeper and the Combat Overseer.”

“She’s reluctant,” he began, turning in his seat to glance back to the holograms in front of him. One hand raised up and directed on of them to a recording. It was only about twenty seconds long, but it showed a highlight of the sparring match between Dash and the other acolyte in the pit.

“Reluctant, but submissive. She has certain triggers that force her to shut down and listen. One, of course, that girl, Mahree. The other is physical contact.”

Tishombra dropped all pretense of flirting. “What do you mean by physical contact?” A deep twist in her gut made her look at him closer the feeling of familiarity increasing.

One eyebrow raised at her question, as he thought he had been clear. Many things were in play, however, so he shifted a couple papers before speaking again.

“I can pull at her chin with two fingers, and she freezes, begs me to stop. Her sense of fear is immeasurable when she cannot stop what I do. She also doesn't like being controlled, stasis has proven a good teacher when her temper gets the better of her.” He explained. Kilian stood from his desk then, taking a couple papers in his hand as he stood. The man brushed past Tishombra, paying no mind as he moved to the farthest wall in the room, which was only six or seven feet from his desk. Tapping on the wall, small doors appeared; a very minimalized yet effective filing system built into the shape of the wall.

After depositing the papers in a drawer, the man returned to his desk, brushing past Tish again as he gracefully sat down, his dirty blonde hair shifting about his shoulders as he moved.

The way he explained it took on a new meaning. Two fingers on a chin, her chin. The sense of helplessness and panic setting in. Calm dark gray blue eyes. Calmness washing over her. Recognition flickered over Tishombra’s face just as he brushed past her.

She knew the way this man moved intimately. Shaken she just managed to bury the feelings and wipe them from her countenance. She had a name to put to a face that she had buried in her psyche so that she didn’t relive those memories. One set of memories were alright to relive, but to uncover those you had to dig to get there. Best to pack it all away.

Kilian Haryss. The only one in a long list of people she would remember in the depths of her nightmares that would be the savior in those night terrors. She hadn’t needed to call up his face for a long while to keep the monsters at bay.

“Stasis. I shall remember that. But I believe I have a way that will assist you in breaking that bond between Dashara and Mahree.”

Kilian’s brows furrowed for a moment, but it wasn’t at her words. He sensed something, a feeling, perhaps? A tinge of terror that lasted only a moment. Moments later, his frown remained as his mind processed what she had said.

“Their bond is my leverage.” He said bluntly, thumbing through a datapad on his desk, bringing up a smaller wall of text that he had transferred earlier.

“Dashara’s care for Mahree allows me near full control over what the older one will do. I pit her against an acolyte in the sparring pit, against a major disadvantage and with Mais-Ede’s life on the line. Dashara found a way to break one of the wooden poles in half, making a weapon more suitable to her, thus winning the fight.” Kilian paused for a moment before flipping through more images on the holoprojector.

“She refused to give me an answer after the fight, so I threatened the younger one. Dashara conceded and answered me. Their bond is important right now. Without it, I have very little leverage.”

Tishombra smile turned flirtatious at Kilian. “Oh my plan Kilian will not interfere on your end. By the time I’m done with Mais-Ede she will hate Dashara. Tomorrow they are being run through the Tombs. Mara has asked that I return the favor that I owe her. I have a hallucinogen that I intend to use on Mais-Ede and will twist her mind to hate Dashara. So by all means continue to use the connection. It will make it that much sweeter when Dashara realizes that Mais-Ede no longer cares.”

She caressed the hilt of her sabers. She had leaned against the desk effectively boxing him in. There was barely enough room on this side. He’d have to go all the way around on the other side. Tishombra wanted to see if he had to get up if he’d walk all the way around or if he’d actually crowd her.

Picking up a datapad from his desk, his eyes scanned over it before it’s screen went black. He glanced up at Tishombra for a moment, noting her proximity to him, his head leaning ever so slightly away from her as his eyes looked back over his notes.

“Can you do me a favor?” He began, his hand raising up the datapad to her level, not allowing her time to fully answer before he spoke again, “Bring this to my apprentices. Combatives room, level three-bravo.”

The man kept the datapad held up to where she could easily grab it, his eyes returning to the papers scattered around his desk, his free hand moving to shuffle the sheets around, looking for other pages and drafts.

Tishombra smirked. “A favor? What do I receive in return?” She knew that he didn’t mean it like that. As just something to do for someone. She had still automatically reached out to take the data pad before she pulled back her hand and caressed her cheek.

One brow raised as he glanced sideways up at Tishombra. He watched her for a moment before his eyes returned to his work again.

"In return, next time you need a datapad brought somewhere, I'll deliver it for you." He replied bluntly, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice.

Tishombra smirked her anger stretching inside her like a cat in a patch of sun. Fine. But if your Apprentice isn't up to snuff then Mara will be tending wounds… She held out her hand for the datapad smirking.

Handing it over to her, Kilian said nothing further, his focus pushing deeper into his work and research almost immediately.

Tishombra rose and walked to the door. She turned to the right her scar on display in her profile. "You know Kilian you should show up tomorrow and see if Dashara makes it out first. Or if she comes back at all. Oh and aloof suits you." She spoke with an air of familiarity as if she knew him. She waited for him to look up smiling shyly at him with a touch of innocence.

Kilian however didn’t return any form of look. He waved a dismissive hand towards Tishombra, his eyes scanning the pages and his thoughts processing his drafts.
“Mhm.” He said briefly before all focus moved back into his work.

Tishombra laughed softly and strode away to deliver the datapad. Getting to the Combative rooms she looked for this Apprentice. Looking bored she watched what was going on.

In a far corner of the room, past dueling pairs and solo training Acolytes were two younger Sith. Both wore similar robes to Kilian, somewhat distinguishing them against the other Apprentices who resided within the Academy. Both were busy sparring against each other in hand to hand combat. Boots and gloves off, they threw punches and kicks at each other, one seeming to get an upper hand on their opponent before the other would come in and overwhelm the first.

TIshombra approached the two who seemed to stand out. A redhead with a mass of freckles and a dark haired boy. They looked like they were barely out of the Academy and as Tishombra cleared her throat to get their attention she held out the datapad. “Your master sends his regards. You don’t seem so threatening. I see little kittens I don’t see the frightening Apprentices that should be. You there girl can you hold a sword?”

A frown hit the freckled girl's face as Tishombra sauntered up to them, throwing out insults like they were candy. The darker haired apprentice stepped up and took the datapad from Tish whilst the girl eyed her down.

A smirk could be seen on her face as she crossed her arms over her chest, "I dunno, do Bogwings fly?" She retorted sarcastically.

Tishombra grinned maliciously. “Excellent.” Tishombra drew the sword at her right hip steel hissing as she tossed it to the girl. Tishombra had used the sabers just the other day and had about taken off Apprentice Amogeva Garr’s arm. Darth Embrus had stopped her just shy of really any permanent damage. Amogeva had been stupid enough to think that Tishombra wouldn’t kill her with little to no provocation.

Tishombra had been robbed of that death and she grew anticy to spill blood again. Not to mention that Kilian had ignored her and she needed to lash out at something. This girl would do nicely. She drew the rapier at her left hip and fell on the girl with a quick strike that was easily blocked by the girl. She smirked. “Looks like you might not have been lying.” She gave ground and circled the girl.

The girl, Meva, held the rapier defensively in front of herself after Tish moved back to give some ground. The male, Traevam, leaned against a nearby wall, watching as the fight began. The datapad held in his arms, he was more interested in watching his friend and the other apprentice spar.

Meva took careful, strategic steps towards Tishombra. She did not push the offensive, she would not at this moment. This female who challenged her had the upper hand judging by the rapiers she provided for the duel. She wanted to wait, to let Tishombra make the next few moves so that she could judge her fighting style and adapt in order to stand a better chance in their duel.

Tishombra’s focus was narrowed to a fine point as the anticipation of victory hovered just around her. The girl waited on her. Good. She has some training. But not enough.

Tishombra advanced just enough that they went back and forth both attacking and blocking in the most basic of a dance. Her muscles soon warmed up and Tishombra decided that she’d had enough time petting the kitten.

Tishombra started a vicious beat attack backing the girl up. The feint that she added at the end allowed little time to dodge the girl would have to block.

Going from their simple dance to a sudden barrage of strikes caught the younger apprentice off guard. She brought the rapier up to block Tishombra’s vicious strikes, forcing her to back up to avoid being caught. Meva made sure she wasn’t backing up into a wall, that would’ve meant game over. Tish’s last feint made Meva brace herself as she held the rapier firm in a defensive stance.

Tishombra performed an extension on the opposite arm of the feint nicking the Meva and drawing blood. Tishombra’s face that had been previously blank turned into a vicious smirk as she saw the blood. “You should watch that side, kitten. It will weaken faster, kitten.” She said kitten with a gravity that brought to mind weakness and newborns. The vicious grin wide as she circled Meva unsettlingly.

Meva felt the nick and saw the resulting blood trickle. It was a small wound but she got the idea that Tishombra was just playing with her. She looked at Tishombra’s grin and decided that was the case. Taking up a better defense position she allowed Tishombra to circle her. As unsettling as it was she kept her face calm.

Tishombra was going to have fun smashing that facade of calm on Meva’s face. As Tishombra attacked Meva and was parried. Tishombra’s vicious counterparry knocked away Meva’s blade and the lunge that pierced her shoulder made the girl flinch and hiss softly. Tishombra stepped in and jerked the girl’s wrist high over head. Tish was rewarded with a sound of pain.

“Tishombra Ferro of House Ferro right here on Korriban. I have killed an Apprentices much better than you kitten. Taken my own brother’s arm only because I was stopped by my former master Lord Rahl from killing him. Watched the life die out from the eyes of countless Jedi. So kitten be afraid. Be very afraid. Call Kilian. Drop your blade before then and I’ll kill you.” Tishombra purred in her ear.

The younger girl had held a facade for the entire fight, up to this moment. She wasn’t easily intimidated, but she also hadn’t fought many apprentices who showed such ferocity and love for the fight. The apprentice and master bond she held with Kilian was brushed, unwillingly, as that blade pierced her shoulder. Eyes shut tight as she tried to fight Tish’s taunts.

“I’m not... afraid.” She muttered, eyes opening again as she looked Tishombra.

Tishombra laughed evilly. “Kitten has some courage with the caution. Wrong move little one. Never taunt the better fighter unless you know you can beat them. I guess Kilian hasn’t taught you that. You can’t beat me.”

Tishombra threw the girl across the room with a hard push using the Force. She watched the girl tumble and keep the rapier in her grip. “Finally you do something right kitten. Come on show me what you think you can do. I’ll show you how wrong you are.”

Standing by, the male apprentice, Traevam, wanted to intervene. The older apprentice was obviously far more skilled and dangerous than both of them. He didn’t interfere, however, because of what Kilian had taught. It was dishonorable to interfere in a duel that was not his. By the next moment, the male apprentice realized he had no need to interfere, Kilian would do it for him.

The entire room stopped, some of the acolytes watching the duel, but others' eyes' on the door.

“What is the meaning of this.” Came a low, dangerous tone as Kilian Haryss entered the room. Acolytes and apprentices alike moved quickly out of his path as he quickly started towards Tishombra and his apprentices. His eyes were dangerous, dark, reflecting the rage he felt within.

“I told you to deliver a datapad, not spar with one of my apprentices.” He growled, stopping just a couple feet before Tishombra. His eyes glanced to the male apprentice, then his head nodded towards the female, indicating for Traevam to help his counterpart recover from where she was.

Tishombra looked over at Kilian. Good the girl did her job. Tishombra looked at Kilian and saw the rage and felt a moment of sadness that so briefly flickered through her eyes that it could be easily imagined.

Tishombra raised an eyebrow. "Ah Kilian. You never said that I couldn’t. Now that I have your attention would you like to continue the conversation from your office? That is if you actually recall it.” She called a rag over and wiped down her blade then sheathed it. She brushed past him to collect the other rapier that Meva had let go of.

Helping Meva up, Traevam took her towards the doorway, knowing full well that Kilian wanted her to be checked at the infirmary, no words needed to be said. The older man stood, arms crossed, watching Tishombra wipe his apprentice’s blood off of her blade. The mans figure tensed at the action, a deep breath released from his nostrils as his eyes moved from the blade to Tishombra again.

“You attack one of my apprentices just to gain my attention? Do you not understand why I’m busy? Why I can’t cater to your every whim?”

Tishombra barked out a humorless laugh. “Why Kilian surely you don’t think this is just my whim do you?” She turned back around sheathing her other sword not needing to wipe it off. “Don’t be a fool Kilian. There is always someone higher up. I’m not some spoilt child or naive ingenue that is panting for your attention but I don't like being ignored either. What I have to do is just as important as what you’re doing. Do not assume that you’re the only one of importance!”

Her temper was showing now and her eyes flashed with it. Their gold color at odds with her human appearance. Her blood red hair, gold eye sharply defined features set her apart from humans as different as her pale human skin tone and lack of spurs set her apart from the Pureblood Sith.

Anger flashed in her eyes as she advanced on Kilian, getting angrier by the moment. “A few minutes of your time is so little to ask Kilian! It’s not like it hasn’t been asked before.”

By now, most of the acolytes had left the combatives room, just those few remaining to watch the unfolding feud. The older man was silent as Tishombra advanced on him, attempting to rein in his anger which was slowly starting to seep out from the facade he held so often. One hand shot out suddenly, grasping Tishombra’s neck tightly as his body moved. He pushed her into the closest wall, closing what little space was left so that his face was merely an inch from hers.
“You claim not to be spoiled yet here you are, causing a scene because I didn’t respond to your trivial and shortsighted comments in my office!” He growled, his hand clenched tightly and holding firm while his eyes shot daggers into Tishombra’s gaze.

Tishombra reached out with breath control so that she was not clawing at her neck by the time he was finished with his statement. But what concerned her was not the instant revulsion that usually came with a male force users hands on her. Rather the opposite. The arousal was instant and powerful. With her attention on control there was no time to cover it and then she decided not to. Let him deal with it.

She was bold. She remembered the young girl she’d been the last time they met. But she remembered someone who took a night that was supposed to be full of horror and made it precious. He left an imprint of himself on her whether he knew it or not. Afterall your first is never forgettable.

Watching the woman in his grasp, he could sense the Force around her. Was it breath control? It almost didn’t matter to Kilian, as he would’ve stood there and held her until he felt she understood the line she had crossed. His grip lessened momentarily, his fingers brushing her neck and feeling the smooth skin of a… scar? Moving his fingers, Kilian’s eyes moved to look at her neck, his head shifting ever so slightly as the shape of a scar caught his eye. The man paused, his eyes taking in the scar that seemed to continue further down her body, before those eyes returned to hers. Her reaction, it wasn’t fear, but something completely opposite. Staring into her eyes, Kilian suddenly released the woman, taking a step back from her and watching her for a moment.

A deep breath was exhaled through his nostrils as his thoughts raced. That facade returned quickly though, eyes focusing and posture shifting.

“Next time you want to duel with one of my apprentices, you will come to me first. Is that understood?”

Tishombra tilted her head and smiled sinfully. “Your Apprentices are not up to my level. Consider this a one and only time. I desire a challenge. I think I just found one. Do you have a moment of time that I may reserve?”

Kilian was quiet, watching Tishombra, judging her words carefully.

“Tomorrow. After the Tombs.” He muttered, shooting the woman a glare before he turned quickly and strode out of the room without another word.

Tishombra smirked and watched him walk away. Well that was interesting…

...

Tishombra smirked and walked over to the three kittens. "Well, well, look what we have here.Kittens the lot of you. Soft. Cute. Weak. Only those that really have issues at the Academy come here. So something is wrong with you. This will fix it.I will fix it for you. Now I have supplies on me but I want you to know that I won't be just giving them away you have to earn them."

Tishombra tossed her hair and indicated the sand seeming to get worse. "For now let us enjoy this fine day on Korriban."

[Deep Core to Korriban, 6 ATC 4] The Sith and the Soldier

Tishombra felt him fall asleep and wondered if their continued relationship was too much for him. He seemed too stubborn to say so. So she'd have to slow the pace down. How she'd manage that when she was just as eager for him as he for her she had no clue.

She paused. This was something she wanted to continue by any means necessary. She didn't want to let this go, let him go.

A few hours later Tishombra woke up and attempted to gently disentangle herself from Drey while not waking him up. She rose and removed all of her clothing that they neglected to fully do. She stretched turning toward the bed fully, not just in profile anymore and saw him watching her with a pleased smirk.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "That's a very cocky look Corporal." She attempted not to smile at him. Her eyes failing to hide the mirth and her lips twitching ever so slightly.

"I'm within the privacy these quarters provide, so I think I am allowed it." The voice was teasing and full of self pride at the glow he created within her.

Drey pulled onto his stomach to admire the view. He didn't appear ready to leave the bed or feed his primal wants. At least, not yet.

"It sounds like you're enjoying the company. I feel you've decided to at least see where this goes or did I read too deeply into your comments earlier?"

Tishombra shouldn't have been surprised. He wasn't stupid and the reason he was still alive was that he was observant. Very observant. One could almost attribute it to the Force. His records had indicated he wasn't a Force User but that didn't mean things didn't work out in his favor or a particular skill wasn't heightened by it. Those little things weren't part of the test.

"No you weren't mistaken." She stated carefully. Her doubts and insecurities rose up inside her as she attempted to wrestle them back down. No use in borrowing trouble. If there wasn't a reason for it...yet. She knew he'd follow along with what she wanted. But they both wagered some big things.

Drey`s eyes narrowed as he sat upright. The sheet wrapped about his hips and provided the modesty he needed.

"I feel there's a but…"

Tishombra stepped closer then reached out and ran her fingers through his hair. "More like a wish." She smiled sadly at her thoughts. Thoughts that would likely get her killed, or worse.

Drey`s gut stirred, but he ignored it. He would handle the challenges as they came and worrying about them now seemed pointless. He inhaled and kept his smile on. His hand reached up and gently placed his hand on hers threading through his hair, trapping it in place a moment longer.

"It is interesting. The noises you make while you're pleased. However, you spoke one language I have never heard before. If I didn't know better, I would've guessed you were cursing me out."

Tishombra laughed softly at his change in subject. "All of the House of Ferro speak the language of our fore bearers. Or at least that's what I was told growing up whenever my mother or father, who rarely did, came to see me. So I learned. It is commonly used by my family. And those noises are purely a you reaction."

He gently began to pull her closer, hoping to get her onto the bed. "I guess I'll just have to get use to it, won't I?"

She hummed to his comment as he pulled her closer and she straddled him. "I'm wearing you out Drey. If you want anything left by the time we get to Korriban then slowing down is an option. I'm not the only one allowed to call the shots."

"My mind says to slow, but my body doesn't want to. I guessed I missed the intimacy more than I thought I did." He rolled his tongue against his cheek.

"I'm content in the sex department for a while, but what about you?" Drey carefully observed her reaction while her weight settled on him.

"Oh I want all you can give me there because it just keeps getting better. I'm new to the intimacy but I'm enjoying it." Tishombra curled an arm around his shoulders as she sat in his lap. "I just know that it has to be different out there than in here, and I'm not keen on that idea but I'd not risk your life."

She needed him to understand that. If she had to break it down further for him she would, but she doubted it.

"I'm not exactly ignorant to the world of the Sith. I have more knowledge than you might think. I've worked alongside two of them for about six years and I am still alive." Drey stated firmly, his hands rubbing her thighs.

"To be frank, I didn't expect this to go farther than a one night stand. Most Sith only sleep with a guy like me because they think I can't fight back and can be killed without notice. Expendable."

"I'm not them. I wasn't kidding when I said the soldier was the backbone of the Empire. I know that. Besides there are more of you than us. All of us at some point are expendable to someone."

Tishombra lowered her lashes. "After your performances you thought you could shake lose of me? Not gonna happen Corporal." She said squirming under his hands with delight.

"Well, I'll make a note of that." His head leaned into hers, loving how she began to squirm from his touch.

For a moment, he savored the silence and affection. He broke it to finally address the challenge ahead of them.

"From what you've mentioned, do you have a plan? Cause I doubt me casually entering your quarters every night will go unnoticed by other Sith. At least, while we are assigned in the same area."

Tishombra nodded. "Believe it or not I have a normal apartment in Korriban and don't live near other Apprentices. Most of them stay in the compound. I am fortunate enough that I can have my own retreat. I picked a complex that had no one that was Sith in the area picked. And besides my lack of rank let's makes me practically normal. Oh and looking human helps."

"Hmmm, it does. I heard Pureblood anatomy is hard to work with for a human so for that, I'm thankful." Drey nearly growled in pleasure.

"However, you realize I'll eventually return to my post or be enlisted in other missions. I can't promise if I'll be able to return to Korriban any time soon. Can you survive without me?" His voice held mirth and a teasing quality.

Tishombra tapped her lips drawing his attention as she looped her legs around his waist scooting closer to rest her forehead against his. "So if I said no I couldn't survive …?" She teased back even though it fell a little flat since she was serious.

Drey sighed, dramatically and exaggerated to show his playfulness. "Sadly, if I must so should you. You're a big, strong sith after all."

Tishombra threw her head back and laughed. Her hair slid down his legs like a silk curtain as she tossed her head back. "Yes the big, strong Sith that was seduced by a Corporal. Because that is not how you look at this at all, right?"

"Hey, if I go over the line, you can force plop my ass on the sofa. Not many women can say that." He pointed out.

Tishombra shook her head. "I crossed a line when we first met that I promised myself long ago that I wouldn't do. If I'm in this relationship then we should be equals. Which means if you can't do it neither can I. So unless you want to open that discussion it would be telling you that your sweet, sweet ass is on the couch. And don't expect to be alone there long Corporal."

Drey bursted out laughing, his ribs jiggled and his face crinkled by the mirth. After his ribs started to hurt, the sound began to die down. It was clear he loved knowing the fact she gave him.

She shook her head. "Back around to that wish again…" She muttered.

“I learned wishes are just what-ifs. Fun to want, but the present and now should never be forgotten. You make do with what you have.”

Tishombra nodded. "Point made. And either you're getting used to me being naked or I really am losing my touch. Either is really depressing. But since you're not interested you can always ask about the Force or other interests Corporal." She trailed her nails up and down his back lightly in random patterns and gave him a quick kiss biting his bottom lip then soothing it with her tongue. She grinned flashing dimples and pulled back knowing she was teasing him.

“That or I haven’t been this satisfied in a long time. Besides, weren’t you the one that suggested we slow down?” Drey’s fingers squeezed her thighs when her nails scratched his back.

His muscles tensed and left tingling from the roughness. He could his arousal budding again, but he pushed it down a bit. Inwardly he debated if he should risk bring exhausted when he reported for duty or not. Her temptation didn’t make the decision easy.

Tishombra stood up slowly and pulled him up gently directing him into the shower. She pulled him along behind her so he got an eye infection. "I just wanted to know that I hadn't lost my touch."

“If you had, it wouldn’t have been that much fun.” Drey followed her up, as his eyes couldn’t help but look. No matter how many times he saw her in her purest form, he couldn’t shake the heat that swept through him. He let her pull him along to the shower easily. They both needed to… clean up.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Tishombra panted and rolled into him snuggling as her heartbeat tried to slow. "I'm gonna wind up either always naked, which I'm sure most wouldn't mind but I have a feeling you would outside a private room; or chained to your bed."

A lighthearted chuckle erupted from his throat. “I like the last option. You wiggle less.”

The merriment in Drey’s voice was clear and undeniable. His arm wrapped about her as held her close, but the moment would be short lived eventually. Time never stopped. For now, he would enjoy it. He pulled the covers over them in order to chase away the chill.

“I’m just glad you had a good time. Now that I know what you like, it’s going to be easy to please you.”

"You say that like you're so sure of yourself." She chuckled pleasantly. "I created a monster."

“I was a monster way before you came along. I just like toying with my prey.” Drey retorted, pulling her closer to him.

She laughed with feeling and reached out to cover her mouth. She'd never laughed like that. She raised an eyebrow. "Well that was unexpected."

“You act like you’ve never had fun. Related to your past?” His voice was gentle, but curious. He had no intention to rip answers from her if she didn’t want to give them.

Tishombra propped herself up on her elbow thinking ignoring the covers that shifted. "Yes I'd say that has a good chunk of the reasoning. The last time I recall having as much fun, or close to it, was fencing and saber classes. And they're not a close second. I most certainly can tell you that the past five years have been hell with no end in sight. And that's mild. Thankfully that wasn't true."

Drey listened, but didn’t react with much shock. He seemed to expect this. His eyes looked at her with admiration and contentment. A finger brushed away a stray strand from her eyes.

“I didn’t notice before, but your eyes are gorgeous.”

Tishombra leaned down and kissed him. She pulled back her eyes dancing with pleasure. "Only Sith thing about me. Other than that I look like my mother's mother. Everyone else looks more like my father's side. Especially the twins."

Drey enjoyed the scent and texture of her lips the moment they hit his. Any tension that had risen to his body fell away. “How about I get dressed, get us some food, and we can talk. If this is going to be a regular thing, I feel at a disadvantage with you having looked over my service record.”

"I knew there was a smart man under all that muscle." Tishombra grinned. "I'm famished and I always get this way when it’s found out I rigged the game."

Drey give a wicked smile. Mischief light up in his eyes as he considered his options. “You know… it wouldn’t take much to punish you.”

Tishombra laughed and shivered at his mischievous look. "Oh really? But I've been such a good girl." She egged him on. Daring him without so much as saying the words. She blinked innocently.

“You’re just such a terrib-” Drey’s words were interrupted by the growl of his stomach. Immediately he dropped his head on to the mattress and let out a husky laugh.

“I think my stomach has other ideas. So we’ll need to postpone this for later.”

With a gesture, he pulled the sheet from his waist and stood up to retrieve his clothes. Slipping each article on one by one until he became presentable once more. Straightening his tunic, he flashed her one last smile before departing out the door for the mess hall.

Tishombra might as well get dressed and she was famished. She got up and dressed in a pair of black leather shorts and a black leather v neck vest. Foregoing footwear she padded around and straightened up.

It took half an hour, but soon the door hissed open again. He juggled the food in either hand as he somehow managed to press the button.

Tishombra looked up to see Drey enter. She didn't realize how truly hungry she was till she smelled food. Her stomach rumbled and she blushed prettily. "Well well. Corporal you're a brave soul. Come to the web to see if the spider is home?" She mock whispered. "I'm the spider."

She rose and walked over to him smirking as she watched him watching her. The shorts were daringly short and she had put her hair in pigtails. She looked really young.

“No wonder you never starve. Anyone caught in your web would consider themselves lucky to be on the menu.”

He sat down the meal on the metal table. It ranged from meat to vegetables, an obvious betrayal he didn’t know exactly what she liked. As she moved toward him, he hopped to her seat and pulled out the chair. His hand gestured for her to take a seat first.

She sat down at the place he indicated. Smirking she tilted her head and blinked at him innocently again. "Why I'm sure I don't know what you mean Corporal."

The man leaned over, his head drawn closer to her ear. “If you’re a bad girl, I’ll make sure to bend you over my knee.”

Drey straightened up once more as he sat in his own seat, facing her from across the table. His smile turned into a sly one. He kept his easy-going voice while he addressed the ‘innocent’ comment.

“I’m sure you don’t. Someone as pretty and innocent as yourself has no interest in luring handsome men for her personal entertainment. Or teasing him just to see him squirm.” He knew she would catch the last part being about himself. His hand cut a piece of steak and popped it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully.

Tishombra chewed thoughtfully. "Define bad." She knew she was pushing the line but she was having too much fun.

The temptation of flipping food at her and providing an example popped into his mind. He resisted, being smarter than he acted some times. Instead, he swallowed his latest bite and commented in a faked chiding manner.

“Now if you can’t figure that out, your parents didn’t teach you very well.”

"Ah getting caught. I ask because some people have different definitions. I just want all the rules lined out." She pouted cutely.

[Deep Core to Korriban, 6 ATC 4] The Sith and the Soldier

Drey’s kind posture went from relaxation to stiff the moment the deafening sound ripped into him. His hands clamp down on the sides of his head to block it. A fruitless effort he quickly realized as he yelled in pain. Scrunched up eyes stared at her before his knees started to give out from under him. The downward fall didn’t last. In moments the force shoved him back, knocking him off his feet and sent him backwards. His arms curled to protect his head from blunt force impact.

When Drey flew back, Tishombra reached out. He stopped millimeters from the wall. She fought against her own power as the scream died. She relaxed infinitesimally and breathed a sigh of relief let him go to fall to the floor. He flopped down into a stunned heap while she staggered to her feet. She threw back her shoulders and faced the door as it opened.

A trooper looked at Drey’s disheveled figure then at her. “Something just rippled through this section of the ship. Just checking on you Apprentice Ferro.”

Tishombra gave the trooper a blank face. “I am fine Sergeant Kiel. My thanks.”

Sergeant Kiel nodded and inclined his head as did Tishombra. He turned and left the door, closing as he left.

Tishombra fell to her knees as the door shut. “Lock the door on your way out Drey. Please? And I’m sorry again.” She laughed full of self mockery. She swayed on her knees and fell over on her left side. Her eyes fluttered shut a tear running down her cheek and across her lips.

Drey groaned. Pain nailed deeply into his head as he began to rose upright, his hand held his head. Standing completely up caused his balance to crumble and brought him to his knee. His left arm shot out to keep him from face planting into the ground. Silently, he cursed his stupidity. In a wobbly success, he managed to stand on his own two feet. Drey cast a look in Tishomba’s direction before he managed a nod. Through he couldn’t hear the words through the ringing, he could guess. He snagged up his cracked datapad along the way to the door. A slight limp, but nothing more.

She looked exhausted as if she hadn’t slept for days. Bags under her eyes that looked like bruises they were so dark. Her skin was ash pale as if she was carved from white marble. Her lightning scar stood out like blood against snow. Her hair pooled around her like a river of blood lit by firelight.

In her weakest moment, Drey mused how human she looked. So many parallel familiarities to one other individual he knew. Someone who struggled with random powers and the inability to control it. He paused mid-exiting. He turned to look at her, his face no longer angry or upset.

“Talk with me later.” Drey kept it short, his hearing struggling to return properly. Without wasting much more time, he set the door to lock and wobbled slightly on his march out. He vanished into the crowd of uniform personnel shortly after.

… … …

Tishombra woke with a headache. A splitting massive headache. "You just had to make things complicated, didn't you?" She pushed up from the floor groaning. Getting to her feet she headed to the shower. After the shower she dressed. This time the black. The sleeveless shirt tapered down in the front and back leaving her sides bare. Her pants hung low on her hips.

She reviewed the personal records of her room from last night. She shook her head as she caught Drey's parting words. Talk. She was not going to enjoy this. Especially if he decided that he was going to put the incident in a report.

She tied her hair away from her face and high on the back of her head. Her bone structure was much more prominent than with her hair down. Curiosity drew her to researching where Drey was quartered. Taking a deep breath she decided that she might as well face the music.

Drey laid face down in his bunk. A cramped little space where he curled up and slept off the effects of the force scream. Already, his headache had subsided and began to lift upright. His legs slide over the edge as they found ground. After the vertigo faded, he began to stand upright. His balance tilted to the left causing him to jerk his arm out in order to catch himself. Some lingering effects still remained even with the hour or so rest he managed to sneak in between shifts.

Tishombra buzzed the com at the door. Maybe he wasn’t in? She hadn’t checked. That foreign feeling twisting her up inside. She fiddled with her belts hanging over her hips checking her sabers. She’d left the lightsabers stored and locked up. She huffed and stopped fidgeting waiting with a blank look. Well as blank as she could manage. The look didn’t quite reach her eyes.

What she couldn’t see was that she was worried. Impatient and worried.

“Enter, it’s open. Soldier bunks don’t have locks…” Drey said.

Tishombra opened the door and walked in. Seeing him swaying while standing she winced slightly. It was almost imperceptible. Almost. She swallowed and looked away. Giving him the grace to steady himself. Weakness was not tolerated lightly in the Sith but one didn’t normally look away and not comment or take advantage of it. She watched him out of the corner of her eye.

Drey in a careful and slower than normal matter. Somehow, he forced himself to remain steady on the route to the nearby sink. He turned the knob and splashed some recycled water into his face. The chemical sting managed to clear his mind enough to no longer feel sick when he moved. After gripping the nearby towel, he patted his face dry and turned to face her.

“All right, permission to speak bluntly and honestly.” He wanted her reaction to ensure she wasn’t going to blast him into a nearby wall.

Tishombra’s head turned toward Drey. “I’d like to think that you’d be willing to speak that way with me always. But yes you have it from this moment on with no fear of repercussions. You have my word.” She moved in and closed the door.

“I’ve been around enough to understand one thing: I’m disposable. In an assault or crowd, I’m no different than anyone standing next to or in front of me. The only reason I stand out is the fact that I haven’t died yet.”

A moment passed before he finished patting down his face. He hung the towel on the sink edge as he walked toward her. He stopped just outside her personal space before he spoke.

“Most importantly, never take on my wife’s face again. I never want to replace her, but I do want to move on. What you desire isn’t going to be taken from me,” Drey hoped his subtle hint became clear, but he didn’t intend to provoke or threaten the Sith. He took another breath before he continued his words.

“Finally, this venture is going to be whatever you want. If it changes, simply tell me and we’ll go our separate ways. No pain, no strings, or anything to hinder our working relationship should happen.”

Tishombra blinked. "That's all?" She blurted out before catching the surprise and swallowing it. She was suspicious of such an open ended relationship. What he said had floored her. She looked away to compose herself.

“Yes. Truthfully, you would’ve gotten more of a pleasant reaction with a one night stand than that.” Drey boldly commented.

Tishombra glanced back at Drey. "One night would not have been enough. And now I'm at a disadvantage. I… didn't mean…" She shook her head. "I'm not good at… this."

“I’m going to be on Korriban for a few weeks. What about dinner? Public or private, the decision is up to you.” Drey taking the lead in this, an offer which he felt was reasonable. Sometimes it made a woman feel comfortable to have her options limited while still able to reject or offer something up in exchange. His arms crossed over his chest and waited for her answer.

Tishombra raised an eyebrow. "You're sure about this? It's not too late to be smart and say you want nothing to do with a dangerous woman, Drey." She liked his name. Short and to the point. Surprisingly he hadn't asked for hers yet.

“I’ve done a lot of dangerous things in my years of service. One day I will not survive one of these missions.” Drey then shrugged, his arms still folded. He let a smile break across his serious expression. “At least this one, I might die having some fun.”

"You can't be serious. I offended you then almost killed you purely by accident. Neither my intention and yet you're still interested." Tishombra tilted her head and put her hands on her hips.

“If you prefer I wasn’t…” Drey stated then turned on heel and began to slowly walk back to his bunk.

Tishombra raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that. I just said… you're loving this aren't you?" She grinned at his retreating form.

“After working underneath a Darth, you have no idea. This is actually rather fun.” Drey chuckled before leaning against his bunk, now facing her direction. His arms still crossed over his chest.

“So, which is it? Are you interested to see where this goes or leave it in the past?”

"Definitely interested. I just don't know why you'd be. I don't want you to think you don't have the option to walk away…” She seemed lost in thought, as if far away.

“Truthfully, I’m curious. I’m not a force sensitive, but the idea of it is interesting. Especially in the less explained areas.” He let the words linger a moment and continued.

“As long as you respect me and keep to the boundaries, this will work. Otherwise, I’ll seek company elsewhere. Simple as that. Is that a deal?” Drey extended his hand as he waited for her reaction.

Tishombra came back to reality with a shudder and looked back at Drey smirking, eyes still a bit haunted.

“You realize, if I step out of line… you can throw me across the room? I’m the one taking the biggest risk. I can’t fight back should you choose not to stick to our deal.”

“Trust me I am aware of that risk level. More than you realize. After all the analogy works when a Master takes on an Apprentice.” Tishombra’s color drains from her face the far away look back in her eyes. “The risk level is synonymous.”

“The choice is yours. I made mine. Though I will admit, I wonder if you’re able to handle this.” Drey sighed, unsure if he should step forward or stay against the bunk.

Tishombra’s eyes flashed and she tipped her chin up squaring her shoulders. “I can handle more than you think. I’m no shrinking violet.” She held out her hand. “You have a deal Corporal. Unless you regret your decision already?” The now familiar smirk was back. The cocky arrogance she threw back at him with the questioning challenge to see if he’d rise to the occasion.

Drey raised an eyebrow, but shrugged off a response. Part of him wondered what he got himself into. He sighed then reached and shook the hand.

“I think my actions speak louder than my words. Just keep in mind, you’re still leading this relationship. I still need an answer and your name.”

“My name is Tishombra Ferro. You’re not making this easy you know. I’m not clear on the full meaning of boundaries in a romantic relationship... That is what we’re talking about is it not? I can see you fully enjoying my lack of experience in this situation.”

“There’s only one way to learn. Experience it, mess up and learn. Then repeat. It’s pretty simple, but the emotions can be crazy. However, I’m not fragile.” Drey stated with a smirk returning to his lips.

“Good to know. But in answer to your question. I’d like to see where this goes. Since I’ve already messed up. How formal is this dinner you were talking about earlier?” Tishombra looks serious since this might actually be serious.

“I say the same atmosphere as when we first met. The one before you tried to fool me. A relaxed, casual setting. Sound good to you?”

“That sounds fine. I guess I don’t have to give you heart failure by dressing up.” She indicates her outfit. “This is pretty normal, a little on the formal side.”

“I usually prefer to get out of my uniform for off duty.” Drey stated as he pushed off the bunk, considering if he should shoo her out. He really needed a shower after a long day.

“So, what time is good for you? I’m considering washing up before we’re forced to go through routine checks.”

“I have all the time in the world. Eventually I’ll have to report but that will likely be in person and I’m free for a while. Did you need me to leave?” She indicated the door behind her.

Drey studied her. His face hard to read as he considered an answer. The lust and loneliness encouraged a flirting answer, giving her a choice to explore her options. A deep inhale then exhale quelled the primal desires. Giving into them wouldn’t help the situation and her reaction earlier brought him to question the wisdom of this deal. Having already pushed his luck far too much today, he took the safer road.

“While I don’t mind being watched, I do share these quarters with others. Your presence might make them think we did something to upset you.” Drey smirk, feeling his answer was acceptable.

Tishomba nodded. “That is a valid statement. My quarters? Or…?” Her gaze traveled over him slowly. She lingered over the span of his hips, the with of his chest and danced over his shoulders. She finally raised her eyes to his and arched an eyebrow. “Don’t think I didn’t hear the invitation Corporal.”

“It was always there.” Drey chuckled, not mentioning she messed it up originally. He paused to think and consider it.

“Where do you feel safest?”

Tilting her head her eyes blinked questioningly. “Shouldn’t that be my question to you, as you keep pointing out? I’m the big bad Sith after all. Makes me sound like I’m going to eat you alive.” She bit her lip to keep the laugh in.

“You can, but doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy it. However, I know I do know the Sith world a bit better than most troopers. I’m assigned to serve underneath a Darth so I get the best and worst side of the world. I also know you work better when you’re comfortable.” He pointed out.

Tishombra arched an eyebrow suggestively as he stated that he would enjoy being eaten alive. She got very serious at the mention of him serving under a Darth. “A Darth?” She tensed a fraction. “Really, what Darth Corporal?” Her tone a touch more formal.

If he was serving under a Darth that had issues with Embrus then he could be a plant. I can’t let Embrus down. I’m not expendable per say but still that would cause issues. I don’t need issues.

“Nyiss. It’s in my records if you kept looking. Reassigned after Lord Sish was killed, any additional reports are in my records. If you look close, I’m not high on the ranking system.” Drey knew that look and the reaction. He held his breath waiting for this thing to stop in its tracks.

“Yes we established last night that I was remiss in skimming your records. I shall take your word for it, though. I have heard of her.” Tishombra relaxed visibly. “My quarters then.” She backed up right into the wall. She slid her hand behind her slowly trying to not make it obvious she was paying more attention to him than her surroundings. She fumbled for the button.

“Need me to help with that?” Drey asked, noticing her struggle.

“Help with what Corporal?” She managed to just pull off the innocent look, maybe.

“The button, you seem oddly distracted. I can’t imagine why.” He chuckled, walking over to her. “Maybe I should escort you to your quarters before taking a shower.”

Drey didn’t deny he almost suggested taking a shower in her quarters, but he didn’t want to push his luck again.

“You couldn’t be more wrong about being distracted Corporal. But if you feel that an escort is needed I would never deny you the pleasure.” Tishombra stated smoothly not missing a beat she smiled sweetly.

“I don’t think you would enjoy the smell of me after work.” Drey teased, letting himself invade her personal space briefly. His hand pressed the button then slowly pulled back.

Tishombra removed her hand from behind her back as he invaded her personal space and lightly brushed over his hip and across the small of his back to rest lightly in the middle of his back. She looked at him from beneath her lashes. “It’s called breathe control if you’re that worried about offending me Drey. And yes I have that.” She lightly ran her nails up and down his spine. She dragged out his name as if tasting it and finding it to her liking.

Drey smirked and turned into her direction. So many things to say, but the place was terrible. He decided to say fuck it and go for the fun. His head leaned in to whisper into Tish’s ear, the words barely audible.

Tishombra turned her head and laid her lips against his ear. “Why I do believe I’ll make that bet Drey.”

Tishombra blew gently into his ear and caught the lobe in her teeth gently for only a moment. “Willing to make a wager?” Her lips formed the words softly and against his ear.

“First, we need to make it back to your quarters. Unless you want to give the crew a show…” Drey snickered as he gestured for her to leave first, the door still open.

Tishombra lightly ran her nails across his back from spine to hip letting her hand fall. She lightly bumped against him to turn in the limited amount of space to get fully out the door. She looked back over her shoulder and flashed him her eyes. They were full of promise and desire their gold color sparkling like a miniature sun. “Keep up Corporal.”

She walked out hips swaying as she lead them back down the path that she had started last night. Before she had erred in judgement. Pride goeth before a fall. She threw a look back over her shoulder to see if he was following closely enough.

Drey never missed a step as he followed in her wake. A few curious heads turned into their direction, subtle disbelief and concern at his brazen action. It was obvious to those who could put together the only reason a Sith would take a trooper back to their private room. He ignored their wary glances with a faked innocent smile.

Tishombra opened the door and ushered Drey in following him in, closing and setting the lock. She turned toward Drey and smiled wickedly. “Now about that bet…”

... ... ... ... ... ...

Drey glanced at the monitor. The digits blinked the current time and caused him to silently curse. Carefully he began detangle himself without waking her. He mumbled something about wishing he could stay longer as he began to grab his uniform pieces. With skilled practice in hasty dressing, Drey pulled on his boxer, pants and finally his shirt. He carefully sat on the bed's edge while he slipped on his boots.

His hand reached for the lock before the hairs on the back of his neck rose up. Casually he glanced over his shoulder to spot Tishombra, rolled over and looking at him.

“Sorry, I tried not to wake you.” Came the simple apology.

Tishombra grinned and stretched. The sheet slipped but she held it to her. "I'd let it go but you have somewhere to be. I understand. You could use my shower."

“If I had time, I would. I feel like we would get going and never get out.” Drey smiled, his eyes hungrily followed her shape through the sheet. He bit his lip then shook from his greed.

“I’ll take a rain check. I also like to keep the score 3 to 1.” He amused, the number in his favor.

Tishombra stood the sheet barely covering her hourglass figure accentuating it more than hiding it. “Well then I guess I’ll just have to catch up Corporal. When do you get off duty?” She glided closer and he caught a flash of leg, another of hip, torso. She held the sheet barely with one hand.

She reached out and kissed the back of his neck. Her hands coming round his waist and she leaned her head on him nuzzling his shoulder. “I’ll be here waiting with something for you to eat. If you like.”

A heavy stir in his blood created discomfort. If urgency hadn’t been a priority than Drey might’ve said fuck it and have another round with her.

“I work in another twelve hours, then I get about ten hours to myself. I should be eating dinner and sleeping during that time, but... “ His hint was obvious.

Tishombra decided that he was going to get a little something to hold him over. She ran her tongue along his neck and nipped him. She whispered in his ear then licked it and let him go turning and walking to the bathroom giving him a view as she walked away to the bathroom leaving the sheet at his feet. She turned back her hair pulled over one shoulder and ran a hand up her side lifting it in a wave when it was chest level.

Drey groaned over his neediness. He couldn’t stop himself from watching her leave as his body stepped back, making the view last longer. A sigh escaped his lips before he forced himself to look away. He began to move toward the door and pressed the button.

“I’m going to get even.” He spoke loudly before he exited.

He heard laughter. Pure and musical sexy laughter before the door shut after him.

[Deep Core, 6 ATC 4] Mission: Harvest Moon

Collab Part 1 With Heat and Fallenreaper

Location Jedi Ship

Drey’s breath became shallow now. His legs burned from the endless flat out run, but he couldn’t stop now. A blaster rifle cradled under his arm ready to aim. He rushed past the corridors as his wide eyes glanced down to the darkened ends. Faint outlines of shuffling and limping shapes distinguished themselves in the shadows. Their existence evidence of something inhuman at work. The thought drove him to bolt faster. 

In the distance, screams of mercs fell to the onslaught. Blood, fresh and old, smeared across the metal. Tale tell markings about struggle and failure to survive. Wet, smacking sounds echoed through the tight confines. More screams as the undead number increased from moments ago. Whatever darkness had been released, Drey didn’t want to experience it first hand. 

His mind focused on retracing his steps back to the extraction point. As he drew closer, he spotted his mask. Drey slowed long enough to bend down and scooped it up. He slipped it on to protect his face when something shambled around the corner ahead. His feet came to a stop and his arms jerked up, locking on the target. A sick feeling fell over the trooper when he got a good look at the thing before him. 

A thin Sith male stood before him rocking in place. Dark, bloody and tattered robes hung off the slack frame as it turned to face Drey. A ragged hole where the nose should’ve been, murky yellow eyes, and torn holes in the cheeks deformed the facial features beyond identification. Dark curly hair plastered onto the paste white forehead. A stain of fresh blood painted across the forehead down to the neck.      

 An inhuman scream erupted from bloodied teeth as it lunged for him. 

Drey’s finger tightened and three blasts shot into the creature’s head. Hissing globs of coagulated blood, bone and hair splattered across the wall then floor. The corpse fell backwards becoming still once more. Drey held his breath when he heard the sound. Numerous footsteps began to approach his direction. Most of them coming from the extraction location. 

“Fuck me…” Drey cussed.    

---

With cautious yet confident footsteps Zes walked down the corridor, wordless movements as he took in the horrifying sounds that echoed through the war torn vessel. In each hand he clenched the handles of his lightsabers, his helmet hanging from his belt as he walked alongside the beautiful redheaded Sith who’d become his inadvertent partner in escaping the ship. He shifted to step over a trio of bodies, thankful that they were truly dead on the floor. The undead lurked in this forsaken Republic ship, the simple extraction mission having turned into something much more surreal. 

“Do you hear that?” He asked Tishombra as he lifted a hand to indicate they both stop in motion. The distinct sound of blasterfire bounced off the walls down a ways from them, but it was accompanied by the unnerving rumbles of reanimated footsteps. 

“The extraction is that way. So it seems we have to go towards that chaos,” Zes added, brows sinking as he’d rather avoid running into anymore of the undead monstrosities now haunting the hallways. “Try not to let them bite that pretty little face up. It’d be a tragedy to ruin that.” 

The flirtatious Sith turned and winked at Tishombra, then ignited both his weapons. The crimson red blades shot out with the telltale shimmer of lightsabers. The Force was still so cloudy, he could not make sense of anything. Even as someone who dwelled in the dark side of the Force he still felt chills go down his spine as he tried to make sense of everything. Still, the ever confident falleen was not frightened or at least did not allow himself to feel any fear. He’d wager he was the best swordsman on the ship, some Force filled zombies weren’t a threat to him.  

Tishombra tilted her head smirking. “Do you see any scars, save for the proof of the fact that I was blessed with the caress of Force Lightning? No. Trust me no one touches me without my permission.” She watched him turn on his lightsabers.

Tishombra followed suit and flicked on her sabers. She grinned as the need to dance with death claimed her. She took more risks when she fought. Pushed harder. She loved it and was addicted to it. 

Turning the corner she saw a mob advancing. It was moving toward the new extraction point. There were people that were not Jedi that were reanimated. Enemy was enemy at this point. The only distinguishing factor was the purple Sorcery. Tishombra was glad she had worn the red leather. Not waiting for Zes she waded in.

Each strike blending into another. The melodies of the sounds of death. The strikes a rapid tattoo of sabers moving through armor or bone depending on the strike. Spin. Two down. Step. One more eviscerated as she moved toward the other side more worried about getting to the other side than how many went down.

The motions became repetitive and like clockwork.She was covered in blood from the times that she was unable to help it. She looked much more like a Sith Pureblood when in the heat of battle. Her smile a chillingly empty one that didn't match the heat in her eyes. The searing gaze checked on Zes a couple of time. Their eyes locked and she knew that they were likely thinking the same thing. If one or the other went down then they’d have a real opponent on their hands. Back to the fight she had just reached the otherside of the mass of bodies.

Through the hazy of emergency lights, Drey caught the faint purple glow. The contrast outlined them perfectly in the darkness. About thirty or so shambling corpses began to crowd toward the corridor’s entrance. Some wield blue, green or red lightsabers. Others downed allies. 

Drey’s weapon jerked up sending five bolts into the advancing mass. Three corpses crumbled, but only one stayed down. He began to make a tactical retreat. His foot stepped back as his blaster kept firing. Steady, precise shots tested what kept them down. 

Gradually his wild shooting began to follow a pattern. More head and chest shot with a few leg shots for anything shambling quicker than others. The corridor flicked with flashes of bright red light and distorted his shadow. He glanced backwards when he spotted two figures darting for his location. Their lightsabers revealing their Sith origins  and causing him to tense again. 

Zes followed Tishombra as the mob appeared before them. He lashed out and began carving anyone that lunged at him, together both the deadly Sith left behind a trail of broken, destroyed corpses. The falleen bounced through the hallway, not letting his feet stop as he swung and stabbed at his undead foes. Limbs and other dismembered body parts littered the floor, some of the undead monstrosities crawled pathetically around the corridor, those with arms reaching to grab the two darting Sith. Blood curdling screams echoed through the hall, as they did throughout the battle-torn vessel. 

As they broke through the horde, Zes took notice of another figure. A Sith aligned mercenary moving away from the encroaching mobs of dark side fueled zombies. A soldier that was actually alive and fighting for their life, he thought most of them had fallen in the chaos. He hollered out to the soldier, screaming loudly as he attempted to yell over the screams of the undead.

“Are you the last one alive? We need to get the hell off this ship.” He hollered, as he paused in stride having found a moment of peace. At the very least the soldier could act as a quality distraction.

[Korriban, 6 ATC 5] Trial by Sith

Collab with Fallen Part 1

Location: Mara`s classroom Time: 2 days ago

Mara gripped a small plant in her grip, trimming off the dead leaves and letting them fall to the soil. After wrapping up the first one, she picked up the debris and disposited them into the compost. It appeared healthier than before as she checked for infestation. Her lips made a hard line when she spotted a small insect scrambling about. A hand reached out before she jerked off the vermin from her precious project then crushed it in her palm. She dropped off the small corpse into the compost with the rest of the leaves. 

Tishombra opened the door silently and saw Mara hovering over one of the plants. She was taken back six years to this very room and how young she was. How naive. Shaking her head she knocked on the wall as she entered alerting Mara to her presence. 

“Mara?” Her voice was soft since there were plants in here that ‘liked’ loud noises. She’d seen what happened when you triggered that defense mechanism. It wasn’t pretty.

The Overseer paused then set her shears down. Her hand gestured for Tishombra to take a seat as she wrapped up. 

Tishombra took a seat and raised an eyebrow waiting for an explanation.

“You recall that favor you requested of me while you were a student? The one I never requested a return for?” Mara asked. Her figure finally turned to the now Sith apprentice, her hips leaned against the counter her plants sat on. Her hands crossed over in her front where they rested on her thighs in an authoritative fashion. 

Tishombra tilted her head. “I don’t see why not but you are being vague. I really don’t have anything to do after today. What were you thinking?”

“Good.” Mara stated as she considered her next statement. 

“Overseer Genbit and I have decided to test two of the newly acquired students. We’re using a pre-raided tomb donated to the academy for it. It is best to expose them to the Sith expectations early. They need to get an understanding about why lessons are critical.” Mara inhaled indicating she had finished. Her dark brown eyes studied Tishombra’s reactions to see her thought process to it. 

Tishombra nodded sagely. “So I take it fresh meat that needs to be broken in? But not entirely broken?” Tishombra raises an eyebrow. “Do you have a report on them by chance? Or are we starting from the ground up?” 

She was sure Mara was working with intel gathered from the captor and that sort of information could prove useful in more ways than one. 

“Overseer Haryss and Genbit, for a favor each, allowed me to make a copy of both students’ data.” She casually went to her desk as she retrieved her datapad, pulling up the information and then offering it to Tishombra.

“Yes, exactly. Both are resisting the training, but have potential. One attempted to escape and I was forced to mend the aftermath.” Mara didn’t go into additional details instead she watched the Apprentice read the document.

Tishombra read the document and nodding she looked up at Mara. “I want to separate those two. They both need to learn they are individuals and behave accordingly. This one...” She indicated Dashara Horizon. “She will be the one to be the one to go farther. The other shuts down too quickly. Though if she is used to influence Dashara then Dashara will be turned much easier from what it seems. I reserve my full judgement for later.”

“Attempts have been made to keep them separated, but somehow Horizon still managed to check in on her friend without direct contact.” Mara emphasized the word with disgust, but moved on. 

“Right now, Overseer Genbit has put a shock collar on Mis-Ede. It’s been useful in keeping the hybrid from escaping, but I haven’t seen much progress beyond that. I’m waiting for the day the controller goes missing…”  

Tishombra thought for a moment. "Horizon has had dealings with the Exchange? And has a bounty? Did we look into this? Seems like a tool we could use to crack her open. And idea who posted the bounty?" 

Tishombra had a feeling that she wasn't going to like what she was going to hear. Nar Shadda. Exchange. That screamed abuse. Abuse that Dashara pushed through to be fairly sane in spite of the experience. Reminded Tishombra of herself. 

“Inquisitor Tonaal stated she showed obvious fear when he mentioned them.” Mara’s expression showed no pity toward the statement. Her mask held firm to hide her inner thoughts. 

Tishombra smirked one side of her mouth slightly up higher than the other. "Do you have a data pad Mara?"