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[Vayna Akhara]

((OOC : Discussion here))

Sith Academy, Korriban​

The dark spaceship settled onto its landing pad, the engines' whine dying away and falling silent as the cloud of dust subsided. A long, drawn-out pause, the gangplank descended silently from the underbelly of the black ship, and a figure strode down, black cloak swirling behind her, runesword on her hip, hood covering her face, followed by another figure, pale-skinned and cloaked, bearing a lightsaber. Two huge droids followed her out and began patrolling the area around the ship; it was obvious that no-one would be able to approach without being detected, and most likely fired upon. It was an effective deterrent.

The cloaked figure strode through the landing area followed by the male, without a glance at the guards or other Sith, and they made no attempt to interfere with her; though she might keep her emotions and feelings under control, they could feel the dark power that swirled around her, and knew it would be dangerous to gainsay her. The Lords and Masters she nodded to as an equal, the rest she ignored. She was here for a reason, and had no time for distractions.

She was here to recruit others for a mission.

When she had been here last, she had encountered a young Acolyte who named himself Anima, a young man who seemed to have similar interests to her own, though as yet unguided and half-formed, Still, he had promise; the ruthlessness and intellectual curiosity he demonstrated were the sign of a promising young Sith. But one would not be enough; two, or preferably three to accompany her on this mission would be preferable; it would make the collection of suitable specimens easier.

Reaching the main Academy building, and acknowledging the salutes of the door guards, she strode inside, the male close behind, and stopped in the main chamber, looking around her for suitable candidates to approach.

 

[Zach]

Ruthric Segra roamed the halls of the Sith academy on Korriban, contemplating which steps to next take in his progression through the Sith ranks. He'd recently been considered by the Sith Council, determining her was fit to be a Sith Marauder. Shortly after, he'd applied for a position in the Imperial military and been approved. All in all, he was quite pleased with himself. Deciding to specialize as a Sith Assassin, he'd been meaning to learn how to cloak his presence to others, along with hiding his physical appearance. Practicing on cloaking his Force signature, he realized that in a way, it was close to suppressing his own energy, blanketing his mind to those around him that could sense in the Force. From what Ruthric had learned from the archives, it would mask his alignment in the Force, and with enough skill and concentration, mask his Force sensitivity or his presence altogether.

After walking around the corridors for some time, he came to his usual meditation chamber. It had been this chamber when Ruthric had his first connection to the Force. In deep thought as an acolyte, he'd been trying to sense out and locate anything that popped out to him. Sensing the presence of two acolytes that turned into good friends, he sensed out again, hopeful that he would be led in the right direction.

Closing his eyes and meditating, he felt out with the Force, feeling the presences and life signatures around him. Throughout the academy he could sense newly arrived acolytes training, honing their skills. Few acolytes that had previously been peers still remained, as the others had either died off from weakness or progressed with him. He recalled his first meeting with Sogar, after he'd just recently arrived on Korriban. Since then, they'd become allies, in a way.

As Ruthric felt out with the Force, he felt a tugging sensation from the main chamber of the academy. He sensed the presence of another Sith agent, one that seemed nearly as powerful as he, if not more. Ruthric focused on this obvious sign in the Force, gauging how the vision seemed to him. It almost felt like she was looking for others, in need of the assistance of others to complete her task. What she had in mind was a mystery, but perhaps there was a reason he detected a Sith Master just as she wanted to find others. The Force does work in mysterious ways, as he'd heard.

Focusing n concealing his presence in the Force merely for practice, he began to carefully focus on fading himself into the background. Attempting to make himself insignificant, blending in with his surroundings. Coming up on the main chamber where he felt the Sith, he felt a familiar sensation, one that reminded him of Sogar. Perhaps he would be involved in this as well.

Coming through the door, he didn't so much focus on hiding his physical appearance by mending the light around him, nor with mental illusions, but just his presence. If anything, he might appear as a fresh acolyte, and insignificant in the eyes of the Sith Master. If she could detect Ruthric's concealed connection to the Force, then perhaps she would prove to be more powerful than he thought.

 

[Insanity]

Six was in the main temple that acted as the Korriban sprawl's center, mostly not by choice. He had picked up on a debate amongst three other acolytes, discussing the finer points of Juyo against Niman. He had simply interjected to say that Vaapad could turn Juyo against the user, and thus he became the fourth party to the debate. He rarely spoke, only listened and poked holes in the theories as need arose. By the time he had come to his senses, he was standing in the central temple, near what he recognized as the archive access. He didn't remember walking this far.

It didn't really concern him though, pulling a datapad from a small pack he carried his tools in. He had a second containing other supplies, as well as a small collection of droid parts. He wasn't one to ignore the advice of a Master, even one he'd only met once. He wasn't a fool, nor weak, nor was he the strongest. He was smart and adaptive, no more and no less. As far as others were concerned, he was just an eccentric who provided other acolytes and marauders with information they might seek. It was why he was ignored and left to his own studies, dissecting and logging his experiments and data.

He also managed to keep himself alive whenever he was challenged, usually by newer hopefuls and acolytes who wished to be rid of him. Again, it was no concern of his. And for now, he walked, retracing his steps as he logged new data and categorized some. To most, he was Anima, the scholar who would become nothing more. To himself, he was Six, an acolyte with ambition and hidden drive. Not even the once-met presence of Sanayana broke him from his work until he was in the same chamber, only a few steps from being outside. He stopped, watching.

 

[Black Noise]

Sogar hummed as he walked, he had sensed the arrival of someone very powerful on Korriban, and he intended to see who it would be. He spun his lightsaber in the air, using the force and not touching it. Sogar didn't really have anything to do at the moment, and he was quite bored. Maybe this person had a mission or something that he could do, someone he could fight.

He enjoyed fighting, and other than his slowly diminishing hatred for the Alliance, it was the only thing he lived for. He only strived for the position of Marauder so that his list of available opponents would expand. He couldn't care less for the actual rank, he didn't become stronger by simply becoming a Marauder, after all.

He came through the door, sensing a familiar presence not far away. At first he thought it to be Yuon, but the presence wasn't eminating enough pain to be Yuon. Deciding it to be most likely be Ruthric, he smiled, the thought of his old training partner coming to mind, maybe he would get a chance to fight him!

 

[Vayna Akhara]

There were many Force signatures that swirled around her, Acolytes and Marauders all jostling for position within the hierarchy of the Sith. But few of them appealed to her; too hasty, too quick to anger.If she took those with her on her mission, she would probably end up having to fight, and thus kill, them, which was not the point of the exercise. She didn't want Sith genes to work with - not yet, anyway. That might come later...

She felt the focus of a fairly powerful presence as it approach, though cloaking itself in shadows of the mind, seeming insignificant; one would have to be sensitive indeed to see that the approaching person was not, as they seemed, an insignificant Acolyte, barely trained in the Force, but someone more powerful than that, perhaps a Sorcerer, or maybe a Marauder or Assassin.. Another Force presence she sensed, one familiar this time - the Acolyte she'd met once before, Anima. She briefly wondered how he'd been getting on with his studies in anatomy and dissection.

She turned her attention back to the approaching Assassin, or Marauder - she was fairly sure now he was not a Sorcerer, his Force-signature felt wrong for that. "A worthy attempt, but still lacking in subtlety. You need to practise more, away from the Academy I think, experience different worlds and their background Force essences. I may be able to provide that - unless you have other, more urgent business to attend to," she said softly, as was her wont.

 

[Zach]

Ruthric sensed the reaching of the Sith Master's mind, sensing his presence, despite his efforts to hide it. She was right though, as he hadn't had much practice. Only recently learning to mask his presence in the Force, he grimaced to himself that he'd tried it on a superior without practicing outside the academy first. Composing himself, he dropped the illusion around him and approached the Sith. "Your senses are keen. Keen enough to recognize I haven't had much practice, at least," he said with a small smile. "Ruthric Segra, Sith Marauder," he said, inclining his head. Chuckling at the sarcastic approach of 'better things to do', he responded, "To be invited by a Sith Master is a great privilege. I would be honored to accompany you and practice my skills," he said modestly. Knowing all too well the Sith way of ambition and competition, he would not come on too strong or aggressive. to invite such hostility, especially from a superior, would be foolish and reckless.

Turning to face the other presences that he sensed, Ruthric picked out Sogar in the crowd, along with another acolyte that seemed vaguely significant. It seemed those who he had a destined future with seemed to emanate their presence to him. Ruthric had come to this conclusion long ago, after his first vision of Sogar. Smiling and inclining his head, he greeted the Iktotchi, noting that he too had sensed his presence.

 

[Insanity]

Sifting through lessons of protocol and respect, he gave in to an internal debate. He had met the Master before, so to try slipping away would seem insulting, disrespectful. His respect and self-awareness dismissed such an action. He also suspected that Master Sanayana had come here for more than just to see the lessers on Korriban. She wasn't too different than him, he felt. She was driven by her sciences, just as he was driven by his own. Sliding the datapad back into his pack, he adjusted the cloak he wore over the repurposed military-cut worksuit he wore. Just another souvenir of his time questioning and making subtle demands of the Imperial garrison.

Making his way past what others had gathered or passed on their way to meet or study, he stopped to Sanayana's left and bowed deeply, keeping his gaze on her face and upper neck to show that respect as well as self-worth. "Master Sanayana, your presence surprised me here. I offer my respects to you." He turned his gaze to Ruthric, eyeing him distantly in assessment, and then the shape standing just behind the Master.

 

[Black Noise]

Sogar entered the room, barely catching a few words from the others when Ruthric nodded his head to him, smiling, he approached the Sith Mistress and bowed to one knee.
"I would be most honored, Mistress, if you would consider me for a mission, I am eager to serve."
He couldn't help but smile, the Mistress might now accept him, but that didn't matter, the very prospect of him getting a mission was enough to excite him.

 

[Xysis]

A feint red and yellow hue omitted from the eyes beneath the cloak of the hooded figure. The head turned as it eyed up the individuals speaking to his master. The individual in the cloak remained silent yet vigil, waiting for the right time to speak.


(OCC) Sorry for the short post.

 

[Zach]

Ruthric raised an eyebrow to Sogar's blunt approach, but perhaps it would pay off for him. Ruthric had always believed that stealth and tactics was the key to everything, including non-combat situations. Turning back to the Sith Master, he decided to speak up. "I would recommend this Iktotchi. I've had training experience with him, and he is surely more capable than any of these idiots," he said, casually waving his hand in the direction of a group of lowly acolytes. In comparison to the other acolytes, they were weak, small. To himself and Sogar, they were nothing.

Turning to face the hooded figure behind Sanayana, Ruthric sensed out with the Force, trying to determine who or what lay beneath the shadow of the raised hood. In some way, he detected humanity, but somehow different; almost altered, in a way. Sensing his connection with the Force, Ruthric didn't care to continue his probing, cautious as not to instigate an hostility this early on.

 

[Insanity]

Anima looked at the Iktotchi for a moment, just as he had Ruthric, subtly trying to measure their power and identify them. He wasn't concerned with them, though. No, his attention turned back to the figure that had trailed behind Sanayana. He began to reach out again, measuring for power and answers. What came back was confusing. "Master Sanayana, I'm curious as to who you've brought with you. Or rather, what you've brought with you. As far as trying to sense things, the feelings and idea I get back are... conflicted."

 

[Vayna Akhara]

A cold, calculating smile crossed her blue lips as she regarded the more experienced, more powerful figure who'd tried to approach her as a simple Acolyte, this Marauder Ruthric. "Good, Ruthric Segra. I am going ... hunting, for more material for my studies. Perhaps ironically, mush of the most interesting genetic material lies within Alliance space, so it is there I shall be travelling. I am sure that there you will have many opportunities to practise both your stealth, and your fighting skills." The smile grew a little; of one fact she was absolutely certain, the Marauder would have plenty of opportunities to hone his skills.

A strong arm is always useful, as one never knows what may be thrown in your path. Besides, there are ... samples I wish to obtain that may well call for skilled and experienced hunters and warriors. Yes, this one will do well, I think.

She felt the Force signature of the Acolyte, Anima, as he came closer; yes, she'd been expecting him to find her, out of all the Acolytes he seemed the closest in nature to herself. She nodded acknowledgement of his greeting as she felt him reach out through the Force to the silent companion behind her. She smiled slightly; it seemed her creation was proving of interest to those close to it.

The second Acolyte, kneeling in supplication, an Iktotchi, certainly seemed to be a better prospect for the future than most of the weak-willed, mewling, pathetic idiots that passed for Acolytes nowadays. I would be ashamed to be as weak as these cretins! Their Force-power is weak, they lack the drive to succeed regardless of the opposition of others or irrelevant 'moral' scruples, they fail to train themselves thoroughly and comprehensively. They are refuse, trash; perhaps I shall take a few with me for further study on my dissection table, they may as well be of some use to the Sith Order. She had, after all dissected children on her table from the age of eight, and experimented on her own parents; she had no time for those too cowardly to do what they had to do to follow their passions.

Acolyte Anima's words brought a slight laugh to her lips. "This, Acolyte? This is one of my creations, a product of genetic manipulation and Sith alchemy. Many of those who use alchemical skills create massive beasts, near-mindless engines of destruction; I, however, choose to follow a more subtle path. This one can, if suitably cloaked and shrouded, pass for any normal mortal - until he strikes! You are no mindless monster, my creation! Introduce yourself to these fellow Sith!" She waved a hand to the silent figure that accompanied her.

 

[Xysis]

The figures pale arms rose to pull back the cloak on his hood revealing the black claws on his hands. As the cloak's hood hood slid back, it revealed the image it was concealing. The pale, alabaster white skin lay beneath the thick black hair. The long van **** surrounded his black lips, which at this point revealed a sick twisted smile containing razor teeth.

"My dear, inquisitive Sith, you may address me as Shadzrill, and only as that." He spoke in a low, eerie tone. He bowed his head forward slightly, but never let his gaze stray from his audience. He stood straight as he took a step closer to his master. His yellow and red iris focusing on the figures and awaiting the next move, but suspecting an arrogant and naive move from one of the Sith that stood before him.

 

[Black Noise]

Sogar stood up, highly interesting in master Sanayana's creation. He took a step forward and examined the man slightly closer. He knew his praise might mean nothing to Sanayana, but he stated his mind anyway.
"Amazing, to actually create force sensitive life. I thought that no current Sith could complete such a feat."
Getting back to the subject, he added.
"I wish to know when the mission will begin, as I am quite, eager, to field test Maelstrom."

 

[Insanity]

Anima let his mind go blank, intent on the creation. He stepped forward, moving in front of it to peer at the face properly. The eyes seemed hypnotic with the colors and the skin was disconcerting, almost like a corpse or a pure absence of actual color. He was utterly intrigued. The fact that it talked was even more surprising. "Master Sanayana, I'm intrigued. So humanoid yet stronger, more complex. Alchemy created and yet it doesn't seem like any creation other acolytes speak of having seen...." He stepped back and pulled out the datapad he had held before, inputing his observations of the construct. Then he stopped. "I would like to accompany you on your... outing, Master. With your permission?" He bowed deeply towards Sanayana.

 

[Vayna Akhara]

Sanayana smiled slightly at the comments she was receiving; after all, which artist doesn't like to receive praise for their works? It had taken many attempts to achieve what she'd achieved with Shadzrill, but she had finally achieved a breakthrough that would open whole new vistas for her researches - the ability to impart life into inanimate objects. She'd already become a master at melding genetic material from multiple species, or attaching new organs into a body, or affixing metal parts to an organism. But now, being able to create life, that was a true advance in her alchemical skills.

"If the three of you wish to accompany me, then that is all the assistance I require. I will be departing in half an hour, from Docking Bay Seventeen. Collect what you wish to bring and be there before departure."

She surveyed the rest of the Acolytes with a critical eye; perhaps she would take a few additional test subjects with her ...

 

[Zach]

Ruthric listened carefully to the others as they spoke, taking in the information and processing it carefully. This Sith seemed a little... obsessed with dissections. Although her words didn't exactly portray danger to him, Ruthric still felt a sensation of fascination in Sanayana's intent. She seemed to analyze everything as a test subject, dissecting it and sensing it with the power of the Force before cutting into it directly.

Watching as the clone revealed himself, Ruthric cocked an eyebrow. He'd known of Force-sensitive clones in the past, but had never seen one. As well as galactic technology had advanced, there were only a few successful cases, all highly capable. It seemed solid and strong enough in the Force, but something about it still seemed different. Perhaps the clone would not perform as badly as he expected, but for Sanayana's sake, he hoped it proved itself in the field as a capable warrior.

hearing the Sith Master's instructions in order to accompany her, Ruthric closed his eyes and inclined his head in acknowledgement. Looking down to hip-level, he reached over and pet Curator, his befriended Hssiss. Surprisingly, the beast had shown a decent amount of intelligence and capabilities in the Force. As they were already semi-sentient creatures, along with bonding a friendship through the Force with Animal Friendship, the creature had proven itself to be able to hide and conceal its presence from others.

Quickly taking leave from the assorted group of Sith, Ruthric swiftly returned to his quarters and gathered his belongings, including his basic weaponry. Slinging a grenade belt over his shoulder and sliding it to his waist, Ruthric snagged a few other accessories from the drawers beside his cot. Once retrieving his equipment, he made his way to Docking Bay Seventeen, hoping to arrive before any of the recruited acolytes.

 

[Vayna Akhara]

Sanayana stood a little while longer, gazing at the little clumps of Acolytes sparring and arguing with each other under the eyes of their instructors. She could tell without spending time studying them that there were those amongst the Acolytes who would never be anything more than that, never obtain the power that was the key to higher ranks and greater abilities than they currently possessed. They were doomed to fail, and most likely die. There were rejects in every batch, but it seemed that this time there were more who were too weak to succeed.

Perhaps the growing power of the Order has brought here all those who have ambition, regardless of their power or strength of will. They flock here seeking benefit to themselves without ever reckoning the danger, without having the courage or willpower to seize what is within reach, held back by 'moral codes' or some similar contemptible weakness of the spirit. Still, they may yet prove useful to one of higher rank than they ...

She stalked through the Acolytes with an air of contempt that sent them scurrying from her path, and approached one of the instructors, a fellow Master of the Order.

"Master Quillarran".

"Master Sanayana. I'm somewhat surprised to see you here; are you looking for an apprentice? I doubt you'll find one here."

The shorter woman smiled at that; she'd expected to hear such news from him, and indeed was hoping to hear it. "No, not an apprentice. You seem unimpressed by the standard of the new recruits."

The Master shook his head in disgust. "Pah! Pathetic! Weak! Fools! I could take my saber to half of the idiots here without weakening the quality of the Acolytes training here!"

She stepped a little closer, so that her words wouldn't carry to anyone else. "So you could let me have four or five Acolytes to take with me, then? Ones who would not be missed?"

The Master turned and stared at her, a cruel smile appearing on his lips, as he leant closer. "Fresh material for your studies, hmm? Oh, I'm sure I can find a few worthy of culling. Where do you want them sent?"

"Docking Bay Seventeen; we'll take control of them when they arrive ...." It would be a first test of those who would accompany her - could they subdue the weaker Acolytes without damaging them too much. She would see.

 

[Insanity]

Six contemplated the instructions on where to go to accompany the alchemist. He had nothing else to bring with him other than what he already had on his person. The Turbulent was already locked tight and the turret had KOS protocols engaged. There would be no issues as far as that was concerned. He stared a few moments more at the creation of Sith Alchemy, noting all he could before wandering outside the temple. He made his notes and directed his walk towards the docking bays, mind settling back to his own projects. What he considered of benefit was that he would, possibly, learn more techniques for keeping subjects alive during dissection and study. Possibly a further demonstration of what Alchemy could produce.

His second name was apt, in one regard: Anima was the life and essence of a living being. Six had devoted his studies to learning about individuals' lives and essences. Altering them... that would prove to be something of considerable use. Altering the way something worked, thought, and lived. Those would be his cause, beyond simple understanding. Emotions, now... that was something he'd have to learn about as well.

 

[Black Noise]

Sogar had no real belongings other than what he carried in his pack, so there was nothing stopping him from heading straight to docking bay Seventeen. He arrived there within minutes and sat down by the boarding ramp to the ship. He began twirrling his lightsaber in his hands, a bad habit he had gotten into recently. He began wondering why he was a Sith, he had originally joinedvwith the intention of simply fighting Jedi and the Republic for revenge. But his brother was long dead, and he had no purpose outside of simply fighting others.

Not that he was complaining, fighting others was something he loved, and until that no longer satisfied him, he'd stay with the Sith, and keep his mouth shut tight.