Ask Meeting of the Minds

[Iymril]

Korriban l Death Enabled​

Iymril had received summons from Master Caerllion, the filthy Anfynn leech. It made them sick that a member of such a degenerate and deficient race had climbed so high within the Order. They wanted to hollow the Anfynn’s mind and see how he would act as a mere corpse puppet but they wouldn’t. The hierarchy of the Sith worked two ways, it protected Master Caerllion from random attacks but Iymril’s position as Professor also offered them a measure of protection as well.

So long as they remained respectful of the Sith Master’s title and position that is.

So Iymril would mind their manners. The slight of having been the tool used to murder the Anfynn’s former apprentice would have to be enough. For now at least. Iymril had been in the midst of research into alchemical flesh warping and reshaping when Caerllion had requested them. That meant there wasn’t time to change from their protective laboratory clothing and into something more suitable. The thick apron sat on top of a heavy white plastic jumpsuit with black rubber boots and gloves on as well. Their pristine white hair had been pulled into a single bun and sweat glistened on their forehead.

Iymril reached the empty teaching hall where they were supposed to meet. they steadily removed their gloves and placed them on a desk before taking a seat to wait for the Master. Why they needed to speak was beyond them, but Iymril preferred being slightly early whenever they could, this would be no different.

When Caerllion arrived they’d be greeted by the Sephi’s icy voice and completely stoic visage.

“Master Caerllion, a pleasure as always.” Iymril lied as they gave a bow of their head in respect to the Anfynn’s title and office. “How can I be of service?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

While he walked through the Academy of Korriban, Caerllion admired the decoration of the corridors. Azar really did a great job when rebuilding this place, leaving it a hundred times better than that one in Umbara. Not only things were more visually appealing than that dark tomb in the Ghost Nebula. There he could see the sun, which was the greatest win for him.

Unfortunately, his visit to the Academy wasn’t with the purpose of watching the sun dance over the sky. The Annfyn needed to talk with Iymril regarding Kyssiara’s future. Trodai’s apprentice had been spending time on their classes and even went on missions with the Sephi, who seemed to have interests in her. The simple thought that he was going to talk with that worm made Caerllion's stomach turn.

During his years in the Sith Order, Caerllion had to swallow his prejudice many times, especially when Vahliri became Tempest, the Dark Lady of Sith. He still hasn't forgotten how that filthy half-breed forced him to kneel. And for what? She let the Order stall for years, ignoring anyone that reached her with ideas, then completely disappeared. If he had to bet, the Annfyn would say that she was worshiping a life-sized statue of Altair in a secret dungeon below her fortress in Thule, remembering their days together in the Sith Empire.

He really hoped that Azar would move against her soon, and Caerllion would help in any way that he could. This situation had become vexing to the Sith. If it wasn’t for Arcanos, they would be leaderless.

When he reached the meeting place, a teaching hall, Iymril was already here. To look at the vermin was like staring at a piece of cheap stone, cold and without any appeal that not even the best sculptors of the Galaxy would be able to turn it into something pleasant. However, Caerllion was very aware of the viper that was in front of him. Trodai’s assassination was still fresh on his mind.

“I say the same, Champion Iymril.” he said with a cold voice that rivaled that of them, not feeling in the mood to give even a fake friendly smile at the worm. However, it was good to see the Sephi bowing to him. “We need to talk about one of your students, Acolyte Kyssiara. She was Trodai’s apprentice, who, as you must know, had been my apprentice. With his demise, I would like to know how she is doing in your classes. Do you have problems with her?” given that you was responsible for killing her master in such a filthy and unecessary way, he wanted to add, but said nothing.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

If they had been any other race, Iymril would have likely flashed an expression of intrigue. Their interest would have been plainly written on their face. But they were Sephi. Anything they felt was drowned out by genetic predisposition and decades of trained facial neutrality. Even their ears remained fixed in an at ease position.

“Acolyte Kyssiara Serket performs admirably in my classes and on missions.” Iymril reported evenly. “Aside from her one indiscretion aboard the Wildcard, she remains respectful to those in stations above her.” Their reminder of the Wildcard was intentional. Iymril hadn’t forgotten the way Caerllion had chuckled at Kyssiara’s disrespect towards her late master. It was meant to be a dagger veiled in the guise of a simple factual report. “She has a keen intellect, she is observant, and exercises excellent emotional control. She is a testament to her master’s teachings.”

Sure it was an indirect compliment to Caerllion’s own teachings but Iymril didn’t really care. They had held no ill-will towards Champion Trodai, even when they induced an overdose, it wasn’t personal. They had been commissioned by Trael, they had believed it was an act on Arcanos’ orders, and they’d come clean once the deception was confessed.

“It is a shame that Trael Osso overstepped and took his life.” They stated suddenly, their ears dipped slightly. “If I had known the orders weren’t given by the Dark Lord, I’d have acted differently.” That was at least true, they wouldn’t have killed the Pureblood.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

There was no surprise regarding Iymril's lack of facial expressions. Caerllion already expected that the Sephi would show the same sensibility of a piece of wet paper, which was none. He still wondered how his own species could have originated from a group that could live showing that same neutral face every moment. It was so boring.

It was time for Caerllion to remain neutral when Iymril mentioned the events of the Wildcard. He noticed the little stab toward himself, regarding the way that he had chuckled at Kyssiara’s comment toward Trodai. He lived in a royal court, having learned to identify this type of thing since he was very young. “Good to hear that. Beyond that little incident, she did well in the Wildcard. She remained with the group for most of the time, when she could have fallen down due to miscalculations.” the last part was a reminder of the fact that the Sephi had been knocked out due to his failure in trying to use the station’s system, a task that was obviously beyond their talents. His arrogance here could have blown them all.

The worst, and most hilarious in his opinion, was the fact that Iymril was dragged back to the ship like an Acolyte in their first mission, needing to stay here with the woman that they had attacked. Does Caerllion expect that these words would bring a reaction out of the Sephi? No, but it was good to show that he could also hide daggers in his words if necessary.

Caerllion wondered if Iymril was aware that their praises to Kyssiara also meant that they were praising the Annfyn. After all, he was the one that taught her Master. “She had a good Master and your classes are helping, I have no doubt of it.” he could deeply dislike the Sephi, but they were a competent professor.

Then Iymril changed the conversation to the events of that party. Trael, the Traitor. Caerllion couldn’t even think about that man without feeling the desire of burning the human’s eyes in their sockets. He still couldn’t believe how he easily had betrayed Azar’s love. The Annfyn hoped that he would be suffering in the dungeons.

However, he wondered why Iymril brought it out so suddenly. Was it a test to see his emotions? To see how he would react with the Sephi proclaiming Azar as Dark Lord openly again? Caerllion had done it during the party too, when he helped arrest Trael. The way that the Champion’s ears dipped was also very suspicious.

“Trael violated the trust of Lord Arcanos and paid the price for it.” Iymril only escaped due to having been clever than the human. However, Caerllion was going to watch them more closely. After all, who could believe in a traitor that betrays another traitor? Their words had little impact in his opinion.

“This bring us to the point at hand, who will become Kyssiara’s master. Given the circunstances, I would have expected Trael to become it. However, I don’t know when or if he’ll leave the prision.” Caerllion hoped that the man would do something useful and end his life down there. Azar would suffer more, but at least the constant sight of the human could be even more painful. “I want to honor the memory of my ex-apprentice, but I heard that you have interest on her training, too. Am I right?”

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril didn’t reply to Caer’s needle, nothing was communicated in their ears or through micro-expression. The insult rolled off of them, the Sephi understood the difference between a personal failing and undermining. Only one of them had been guilty of degrading the authority of another. Iymril could at least stand on the fact they hadn’t tolerated it and reacted appropriately.

The conversation moved forward without too much incident. The pair might carry a deep seated dislike for one another, but Iym was glad the Anfynn was at least intelligent enough to recognize that Trael wasn’t getting out of the dungeon anytime soon. They listened in perfect silence as Caer presented the reason for their meeting. The Sephi considered what he had to say and constructed a carefully worded response.

“I believe we need to make a case before Darth Arcanos to ensure Trael’s treacherous lessons aren’t spread to the next generation. His views should die with him and him alone.” They began. “Naturally, this extends to Kyssiara as well.” The first topic to be addressed showed where Iymril’s focus truly lay, with the Acolytes and the future generations of Sith. “As for who should teach her? She might know you better than I but her hatred for me is a powerful wellspring to draw from.” They pointed out. “Utilizing that hate and teaching her how to channel it properly will lead to her becoming a powerful Sith.” Iymril continued. “By keeping her in my tutelage we can keep her steeped in that spite until she can tap into it as if it were second nature.” They paused there for a moment. “But you are the Sith Master, these things matter little, you can just lay claim to her if you desired it.” Iymril pointed out, they were right too. “Of course, Darth Arcanos could simply veto that as well and pass her along to the Traitor.” They surmised.

“I believe our first step needs to be to dissuade him of that action and ensure the girl’s future.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

With the exception of these initial barbs exchanged between them, the conversation continued cordially between them. This was a surprise, because all the interactions between a Sephi and an Annfyn that Caerllion had heard about ended up in very passive-aggressive discussions, sometimes even in outright violent scenes. On his part, he was very satisfied with this peaceful solution.

Between the time that he finished saying his intentions for this meeting and Iymril opening their mouth to answer, Caerllion could perfectly see the gears spinning inside their head. The Sephi was measuring exactly what he was going to say, what words should be said. How could Annfyn see it? Well, he had practice in doing it.

“I agree.” Caerllion said, regarding Trael. “His treason shouldn’t be allowed to spread to the Acolytes, it’ll be toxic for our Order. A petition to Lord Arcanos must be done, perhaps even investigate if he didn’t spread it to others already.” he wondered how Azar would receive that, given that the man was one of his partners and feelings like that could take some time to disappear. They necessarily didn’t need to ask for his execution, being sentenced to live isolated in prison would suffice. However, cells and chains could be broken, making the human escape.

In the end, however, Azar was the only one with the right to decide it. They could only show him their concerns.

Caerllion thought about what Iymril said about Kyssiara, before voicing his opinion. “Yes, her hatred should be cultivated. With the correct training, she has potential to become a great Sith.” obviously, she would need to learn how to control it. The last thing that the Order needed was a ball of rage running through the Galaxy and burning resources. “She needs to learn to turn her rage into a cannon to aim at the right targets.”

“Usually, the assassin of a Master would be perfect for that. Trael would be the ideal target for her hatred and by training her, he would need to always be careful. This would be a good punishment. However, his presence around her can be dangerous. That human seems to be very persuasive and could convince her of his traitorous ways.” he had convinced Iymril of killing Trael and lied to Azar for a long time, because Caerllion refused to believe that he even loved the Pureblood at some point.

Only a madman betrays who they love, especially someone like the King.

“Yes, we need to talk with Lord Arcanos about it. Giving Kyssiara to Trael to train as his punishment can be a risk for the Order.” who could say, he had agreed two times with a Sephi. “Anyway, does she show any trouble in her classes? Perhaps a topic where she struggles more?”

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril listened silently to the Anfynn. The more the two agreed upon, the more annoyed they felt. And as the conversation became more focused, Iymril had a realization, for them it wasn’t about Kyssiara at all. This was about their students and the future of the Sith for them. Kyssiara was one Acolyte but what if Trael got his hooks into two or three? What impact could they have? Could that damaged be reversed before it spread like a cancer?

Iym wasn’t willing to take the risk.

“Trael doesn’t need an apprentice at all.” They replied bluntly. “Kyssiara or no, he is too much of a liability to the Order.” Iymril continued. “One Acolyte won’t threaten the whole of the Order, but his continued teachings could corrupt future generations. In my opinion, he should be stricken from history entirely.” They explained. “That is my opinion and my concern.”

With that Iymril would fall silent and back into pensiveness. Their ruby eyes flicked subtly back and forth as they contemplated.

“Kyssiara should go to you.” Iym said finally. “Your history with her master will enable lessons on too strong of attachments and their dangers. Something you can teach her given the proximity to the both of them.” They continued, this wasn’t backhanded, simply factual. “She will still have classes and field lessons with me, I can help shape and guide her hate within my classroom. That is my duty as a Professor after all.”

“As for her class scores, I only teach courses related to the Arcane.” Iymril told the Anfynn. “I can confidently tell you that she has interest in the sorcerous arts, beyond that?” They shrugged very lightly. “You’d have to speak to her Lightsaber instructors and evaluate yourself.”

“Are there any other concerns?” Iymril asked cooly. “I have some work that I must return and attend to.” They explained. “Subtle alterations to alchemical formulae require my full attention, lest I turn the blood of a subject into acid without the proper mutations to support it being in place.” While their face was placid, Iymril’s ears lightly twitched with amusement.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion studied Iymril sudden reaction. Even if it’s expressionless face, there was some passion in what the Sephi was saying. They really cared for the future of the Order and how Trael could corrupt an entire generation of Acolytes. Perhaps it would be the closest thing to feelings that the Annfyn would see coming from them so explicitly.

“It’s a very valid concern.” Caerllion nodded, once again impressed that he was agreeing with a Sephi. It was starting to make him annoyed, as if his own body wanted to find an excuse to start a dispute with the Champion. “Then, I’ll talk with Kyssiara, after making some arrangements.” he still needed to talk with Azar, to see if he would allow him to teach her. After all, the Pureblood could still try to give her to Trael as apprentice

He could only hope that the Dark Lord would see the logic in Iymril’s concerns.

“I’ll talk with them.” the Annfyn said, feeling relieved with the fact that the Sephi also wanted to leave as fast as possible. However, the mention of Iymril’s experiments had sparked his attention. “Interesting. I wonder how the cells are degraded when the replacement occurs. Without any doubt these modifications must alter the DNA too. Perhaps even by replacing nitrogen bases of the HOX genes.” he would love the opportunity of giving a look in some samples. “Well, I’ll not maintain you away from your experiments.”

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril slowly blinked once as Caerllion made an observation about their predicament. Iym was an arcanist, they understood some base level science but they weren’t a scientist themself. The insight Caer provided was something they wouldn’t have likely easily concluded on their own. Iymril gave a slow, hesitant nod.

“That was something…I hadn’t considered.” Iymril replied cautiously. “I’ve been making subtle alterations to the formulae to alter the salivary glands of my subjects.” They explained. “The goal being to alter the saliva into a highly caustic acid that activates when directly exposed to traces of carbon dioxide, found when the subject spits.” Iym continued. “The substance to acid aspect is correct, just the where and what it should be is not.” They explained. “But I will take your observation into account and make a few more changes.” Iymril gave a small nod, their next words made them want to vomit.

“Thank you, Master Caerllion.”

With that, Iymril would silently slide the heavy rubber gloves back over their hands. They would give the Sith Master another respectful bow of their head and then exit the room to continue their experimentations. The entire way back, they felt like they needed to take a long shower with bleach and steel wool. Had they actually thanked an Anfynn?

/exitthread
@LouJoVi