Sharing knowledge

[Bubák]

Dantooine, one of many jewels in the New Sith Imperium. Once in hands of the scummy Jedi Order, the planet was now in firm control of the glorious Empire, and it could be literally seen. If Avreet was not mistaken, the planet also hid a cave of crystals for lightsabers. That certainly did not make the situation easier for the Jedi and their rebellion! Despite all of these things though, Avreet had no intention of discovering endless wonders of the Empire or getting a new lightsaber crystal. The young Crusader simply wanted to visit an old friend. When the Togruta invited him to her new residence, he knew he had to oblige, just for the opportunity to learn more about the Dark Side if for nothing else. Avreet really wanted to see his former Master again, as she also mentioned something about having an offer for him. Since most communications could be heard by a third party for greater security, the Sith Witch did not share more information that necessary.

Your Grave cut through snow white clouds as it almost silently flew towards Grima's new home. Avreet knew the Togruta now had a small palace, so it was no surprise when he saw the silhouette in the sea of green grass. The building looked to be in a good shape, and the Mon Cal would not have expected otherwise. Moving his ship down, making it descend upon a landing platform, he felt as it was slowing down until it stopped moving as it hit the platform. After pressing a button on his left, the ship went silent. Getting up and taking on his heavy cloak, which hanged on the wall, he exited the ship, only to be immediately greeted by a servant girl. "Welcome, mister Zatarus. Lady Volitu is expecting you. Please, follow me, I'll show you to your room," said the servant and led Avreet to his temporary quarters. The palace did not look like it belonged to a Sith, having many flowers around and generally having a positive vibe, even the servants they have met along the way seemed happy. The Mon Calamari had not expected the Sith Master to live in such a luxory, but after asking the servant, he was told the Sith Witch was taking good care of those who served her.

Not wanting to keep his former Master waiting, he dropped his armor on the bed in his room and immediately followed the servant again, now going to finally meet the reason he was there. Something was telling him he wouldn't be leaving today. Whether the Togruta wanted to test him in some way, or perhaps just share knowledge, he would not fail and use this visit to gain as much as possible in terms of knowledge and power. The two strolled past another servant, who also greeted Avreet by his name, Master Volitu must have given them clear instructions, as they entered a room that was much darker than the others, not just the walls were made of some sort of very resistant material, which indicated this also served as a training room, the place was filled with the Dark Side. The Togruta stood there, awaiting her former apprentice. "Lady Volitu, Mr Zatarus is here." The servant informed before being dismissed by the Togruta, leaving the two Sith alone.

"It is good to see you again, Grima," smiled the amphibious Sith, "This palace is truly admirable! Everything is clean, perfect, you have servants,.... I could spend a whole day of wandering through your new home and enjoying such pleasure as is your company. While we'll no doubt get to that, reflecting on old times during dinner, I am sure you have invited me for different reasons." The Mon Cal's face turned serious again, having little to no idea what was expected of him.

 

[Negative Blessing]

Sith Master Volitu sat in the centre of her garden, legs crossed, and deep in a meditation trance. All around she felt cold and dark sensations of the Dark Side and when she expanded her mind outwards, she could feel the presences of her guards and servants hurrying along to make the final preparations for her guest's arrival. Turning her attention away from those that served her, she blended her mind with the other Sith that was on her way to one of the spaceports to deal with a problem that grew into seriousness. Having been contacted by one of the members of the Council of Merchants, Grima assured the situation would be dealt with and then sent her Hand of Chaos to problem solve the situation. From leaving her mind, Grima began to touch the minds of the primal animals that lived out on the plains that surrounded her palace. She enjoyed feeling their primal instincts of survival and at times, when predator stalked prey, she went along for the ride in the mind of the predator. The thrill of the hunt fascinated her.

Feeling one of her servants moving toward her cautiously, Grima slipped out of her trance and opened her eyes. "What is it," the Sith Witch said to the young girl. The girl notified Grima that her guest's ship was making his final descent now. Grima gave the instructions to the girl, rose to her feet, and moved in doors. There was much she and her former Apprentice, Crusader Avreet Zatarus needed to discuss today. She knew the effects of space travel acted on the bodies of every species and she wanted her former Apprentice to be well rested before their meeting took place.

Grima, standing and waiting in the training room, could feel the presence of her friend and old Apprentice roaming through the halls of her palace. Soon his presence was growing stronger and she knew he was close. The doors to the training room spread apart and in stepped Avreet Zatarus. After her servant made the introductions, she dismissed her servant and gave her orders that they were not to be disturbed.

"I cannot abide filth in any form...be it in my palace or in the Order itself. So it is far easier to have my palace cleansed than it is to cleanse the filth from the Order. I find Dantooine to hold many great pleasures and sights....and since I've been here, I have been very intertwined in the politics here. I have recently been appointed as a member of the Council of Merchants, though I sell no wares I am more of what you would call an advisor of sorts. But follow me Avreet, a great feast has been prepared for us and there we will discuss why you have been summoned here."

 

[Bubák]

Avreet couldn’t help but chuckle when his former Master mentioned cleansing filth from the Sith Order. Truly, doing such thing would be hard if not outright impossible. There was definitely nothing that could be done about it right now, so instead of worrying about that, he followed Master Volitu. After many hours in the hyperspace, he found himself very hungry, so he welcomed her offer. While following her, he thought about her membership in the Council of Merchants, wondering what her actual job in there was. Knowing Grima, she surely had some sort of plan that involved them, and the merchants most certainly used her rank of Sith Master as a leverage. What sort of person, except for Sith or Imperial officers, would dare to go against a Sith Master in the New Sith Imperium?

Reaching the dining room, the two sat by the table, opposite of each other. The sweet smell of roast beef reached Avreet’s nose, making him turn his right eye towards the door leading to the kitchen. How long has it been since he last tasted something like a good piece of meat? Too long if he remembered correctly. During the war, his family had meat once per week, though the benefits of being family members of a Sith changed that, greatly increasing their living standards. After the war, everyone could enjoy the finest dishes the Empire had to offer every day. "Grima, tell me something about the Council of Merchants. How are they beneficial to you? I imagine you are very useful to them, given your position in the Order. Of course, I know you wouldn’t be helping them if they offered nothing in return," said the Crusader and sipped water from his glass, as he has never been a fan of alcohol, preferring not to drink it at all if possible.

The Sith Master was not given even a second to explain as servants started pouring into the room, bringing food on large plates. Avreet found himself liking this kind of luxury. After placing what he wanted on his plate, particularly the roast beef, be began eating, still listening to the Sith Master. "It’s really good," appreciated Avreet the food, "I see you spared no expense. Or is it one of the benefits of being in the Council of Merchants?" His fork sunk into the flesh on the plate, and after he cut a piece with the knife, it was free to travel into his mouth. As expected, the meat was juicy and well spiced, stimulating his sense of taste. The Mon Cal savoured it, enjoying the rare moment of peace and quiet, spending it with good food and good friend.

 

[Negative Blessing]

The dining hall was one of the most beautiful rooms in her palace, next to her meditation chamber. The walls were covered with pictures of former Sith Lords long dead and gone and shelves had been constructed on some of the walls and sitting upon them where ancient artifacts the Sith Master collected throughout her journeys. Yes, she prided herself on her dining room. Taking a seat, she looked across at Avreet but chosen to remain silent as she watched him look at the door leading into the kitchen area, and smiled.

The servants brought several dishes and plates of food out, laying them on the massive oak table and when all was completed and the meal ready to commence, Grima spoke. "The Council of Merchants are a combination of farmers and entrepreneurs in the business of selling and trading and buying wares. When I first arrived here on Dantooine they were being plagued by some thuggish raiders. These raiders were demanding compensation in return of leaving them alone. Those who paid were extorted for more money every week and those that did not pay...were eliminated. When word got out to the merchants and farmers that a Sith had now taken residence on the planet, they sought me out. At first I was unsure if I wanted to get involved but after meditating on it, I felt it my duty not only to defend the citizens of Dantooine but since this was to become my home, I felt inclined to defend my residence. So I hunted these raiders down and killed them."

Filling her plate with various vegetables in various colours and filling her chalice with a green and brown fluid, she continued. "After I had disposed of these raiders, the farmers and merchants thanked me for assisting them. It was at this time I came up with the idea that they form some sort of council to aide themselves and to work to better Dantooine. I had no desire to join their cause for my cause and purpose was to enhance my powers and conduct more research into Sith Alchemy. Soon, I found myself becoming there unofficial advisor and when Ghenna, the Hand of Chaos, moved here to my palace; we began to weed out the problems that arose to threaten our life her on Dantooine. The Council of Merchants elected me to the council and after some talks, we came to an arrangement. I would council them in all affairs while Ghenna would eliminate any and all threats. In return, the Council members funded the repairs and remodeling of my palace and they paid me tribute; not like some warlord but as an advisor. Our mutual alliance has become quite profitable over the years."

Taking a bite from a round green vegetable and washing it down with a sip from her chalice, she looked back at Avreet and said,"The girl who once knew as Yr'il Ber'ong is no more...she is now called Ghenna. More importantly, she serves me...she is loyal to me and only me. I constructed a series of tests for her in which she passed. Upon her completion I bestowed the title of Hand of Chaos on her. She is my personal problem solver and in return, I am helping her grow more powerful in the Force whilst corrupting her more and more with the Dark Side. Of course dear Avreet, I have not forgotten about you. Where chaos thrives....so does order breed. They are two halves of a whole. In other words Avreet, I have summoned you here with a proposition in mind. Swear your allegiance to me and me alone and I will turn you into a very powerful Sith...so powerful that one day you can achieve your goal of killing the one we shall not name. Align yourself with me, and you will become my Hand of Order; only if you pass the tests as well. What say you dear Avreet? Interested?"

 

[Bubák]

While listening to the Sith Master's story, Avreet drank more water from his glass, finally understanding where all the riches came from. The Mon Calamari could say he would have done the same, protecting the people living on the planet from the raiders coming to take their hard earned money and murdering those who refused. Actually, Grima did the best thing she could have, earning the people's respect by solving this particular problem, giving them blood of the raiders. What surprised him was that it was Master Volitu who came up with an idea of forming the Council of Merchants, giving the people a common goal of bettering Dantooine. Avreet liked Grima's idea, he liked it a lot.

Shoving another piece of meat into his large mouth, the Mon Cal noticed Grima mentioning someone called Ghenna a few times. Was that a new apprentice? Avreet had never heard that name before, wondering where did Master Volitu get her own assassin. Sith Acolytes did many things for their teachers, but this one sounded different, too experienced and efficient to be a mere Acolyte. Even her title, Hand of Chaos sounded like something given to extraordinary individuals. Avreet was just about to take another bite when he heard a familiar name, stopping his moves and leaving him with his mouth open for a few seconds. Yr'il was no more, now she was called Ghenna? Master Volitu's problem solver? The Mon Calamari had not seen his old friend Yr'il for many years, but he certainly had not expected to change that much. Who would have guessed the white haired woman would choose to serve a Sith Master who had trained her just a few times? It brought benefits to both sides though, increasing Master Volitu's influence in exchange for more power. Being trained by the Sith Witch, Avreet knew that all too well.

Now, Master Volitu offered it to him again, and again, it was an offer Avreet could not refuse. The proposion of being able to kill the leader one day was just a cherry on the top. "Master Volitu, I have already sworn my allegiance to you a long time ago, I will take your tests and become your Hand of Order. As long as your tests can be completed, I will do anything to do so. You remember what I said to you in that tomb? I will do anything to prove myself. I have done so before, I shall do it again. With your help, I will grow more powerful, with my help..., you will do whatever you need me for." Avreet fell silent for a while, thinking about Yr'il. Why did she change her name?

"It may be a foolishness of a young Crusader, but I have a feeling that the Dark Side has that wonderful ability not only to destroy, but also to twist, change anything at the core mercilessly and once and for all. Is that what happened to Yr'il?" asked the amphibious Sith, his large orange eyes slowly darting over the paintings of the ancient Sith Lords.

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima twirled the half full chalice in her hand as she listened to Avreet speak. His words contained such wisdom and knowledge and to Grima, he was her true pride and joy. She also felt more than just satisfaction in knowing that he would align himself with her, once again, to purge not only Dantooine but the entire galaxy of the corruption and wickedness that has been plaguing it for a very, very long time. The Witch knew about Avreet's views against the Order and how it was decaying rather than surviving for it was one she shared, in spite of winning the war. Some had called Avreet a traitor for his beliefs. Some had called for his immediate removal from the Order. And still some believed he should be killed for he was not a Sith, well not the Sith they wanted him to be, and that he brought disgrace upon the Order. As these thoughts passed her mind, other memories rose to take its spot. Memories of death. Grima and Ghenna had hunted down some of these who spoke ill of Avreet and they no longer lived to spread their filthy words to others.

When the Crusader finished, Grima took a sip from her chalice then said, "Your loyalty has never been in question. You have shown me more than once where you and I stand. Though I once believed that no Sith should ever have....friends...you have changed that. You are more than a friend to me dear Avreet, you are like a little brother to me. These tests, or more like tasks for you, are nothing like I designed for Ghenna, the one no longer called Yr'il Ber'ong. As you speak of Ghenna allow me to speak on her behalf. The Dark Side is known to twist...corrupt...and manipulate us be it through physical appearance or mentally and if one allows their emotions or their cravings go unchecked; it will destroy them. In the case of Ghenna, her need for revenge against the Jedi and with so much killing done by her hand in the war turned her into something different, yet powerful. She began to allow her emotions to own her, to control her and that is dangerous for any Sith. A Sith is always continuing to fall further into the Dark Side but if one falls and learns nothing in the process....then they are a threat to us with only one judgement to pass; death. I have redeemed her."

Leaning back in her chair now, she orders the servants to remove the empty dishes. With the dishes removed and the two Sith are yet alone once more, Grima continues. "Tomorrow you will go on your first task. you will go to the spaceport that is just over the northern hills and there you will meet a human female named Krig Heliox. She is a member of the Council of Merchants and a very important player in the Council. She is in the process of negotiating a new contract with some....smugglers....and wishes to have a Sith presence during the transactions. I know that we Sith are more important than that but she believes these smugglers may have a Dark Jedi with them and she fears without the presence of a Sith, they will alter the contract in their favour. Make sure that does not happen."

Grima rises to her feet and begins to leave the hall when she stops and says, "Also, kill the Dark Jedi discreetly. Dark Jedi are nothing more than an abomination in the eyes of the Sith and they deserve nothing less than death." With that, Grima leaves the hall.

 

[Bubák]

Avreet heard Grima's words, not interrupting as he focused on finishing his meal. His surprised look was more than enough to make the Witch know he listened to her, particularly when she expressed her feelings so openly. Many Sith would never do that, as having friends was seen as a weakness... but here, a Sith Master just called him a friend, a little brother. The young Crusader certainly did not see the Togruta as his big sister, more like a mother figure of sorts. It was her who gave him proper training, who gave him power, who punished him if he did something wrong and who protected him from the Sith who wanted to kill him for his views, like a strict mother protecting her child. Looking back, the Crusader clearly saw Master Volitu saved him from certain death at hands of more bloodthirsty Sith. Even now, if something happened to the powerful Master, the Mon Calamari was almost certain those corrupt in the Order would find a way to have him executed. The Empire's effectivity when it came to eliminating traitors appealed to him, but the image of the corrupted ones accusing loyal Sith and Imperials in order to get rid of them - not so much. Avreet owed the Sith Witch everything, so he'd do his best to complete her task. As always.

Taking one last bite and washing it down his throat as he gulped the rest of the water in his glass, he put the cutlery on the plate. "I will go to my room and prepare for the task ahead. Tomorrow, the Dark Jedi will become one with the Void. Good evening, Grima." The Mon Calamari said in the most polite tone he could and got up from his chair. Turning on his heels, he headed out of the dining hall, retreating to his quarters. No servants needed to show him the way, as he remembered it. Upon entering, he noticed someone had placed pyjamas on his bed. Not used to this treatment, he stared at it for a while before sighing and kneeling on the floor, opening his mind to the Force. It felt very refreshing, as if the Dark Side itself washed his body, caressing his skin and whispering sweet words into his ear as a lover. The Mon Calamari knew not to let it fool him though, the Dark Side wanted another slave, so he did not listen to it's promises. Yr'il had lost herself in the Dark Side, the Crusader became a tool instead of keeping the Dark Side on a short leash. Although Master Volitu redeemed her, Avreet would not do the same mistake as the white haired girl.

Sadness found it's way into his mind, making him remember Yr'il as a promising Acolyte. They trained Force lightning together, they shared many views, now they even shared a teacher, yet their paths were so very different. Maybe it was Avreet's personal code, maybe it was Grima's good influence, but he had never surrendered to the temptations that had claimed so many others. Including Yr'il...Ghenna. Would this Ghenna even remember him? She was Yr'il, and yet was not. His mind slowly accepted the Acolyte he once knew was no more, just fragments of her old self in her place. A single tear rolled from his left eye over his cheek. "Goodbye, old friend." The Crusader whispered, then finished the meditation and went to sleep, wearing what servant prepared for him. His sleep was peaceful, without dreams.

After waking up and gathering all he thought could be of some use on this particular task, he left the Sith Master's palace. It was still early morning, he had plenty of time, so he went to the destination on foot. The surroundings were picturesque, white fog rolling over the green hills in the distance, his long black cloak touching the tips of wet grass, which rustled under his boots as he walked through the fields. Who might think he was careless would be wrong though, Avreet hid his Force signature and opened up his mind to feel any incoming danger. Nothing turned wrong though, so his eyes were free to enjoy the view.

It did not take long until he finally came to the spaceport. Not many beings chose to get up this early in the morning, but that only made his search for Krig Heliox easier. Not many would get up early only to stand in the middle of a landing pad alone. The middle aged woman with tanned skin noticed him too, looking over his clothes, judging his intentions as he walked closer. "Krig Heliox?" asked the Mon Cal in a slightly raspy voice typical for his species, though with a rather strong hint of Imperial accent. The woman nodded, "That's me. You must be the Sith Lady Volitu talked about." "Yes," simply answered the Sith Crusader. "Good. We'll wait for the smugglers to show up. Normally, I'd handle this myself, but it seems they have a powerful enforcer now. One that uses the same magic as your Order."

Avreet calmly looked into the woman's brown eyes. "Isn't it illegal?" The question made her frown in confusion. "Dealing with smugglers. Isn't it illegal?" the amphibious Sith repeated his question. "It is, obviously. Certain kinds of tools made out of the Imperial space are simply better than the ones you can get here, much better. No, not weapons or drugs. Our deals hurt no one, but help the farmers on this planet produce more products of higher quality, make more money and feed their families. Everyone's happy." The woman raised her hands in defense. Avreet looked away from her, staring somewhere distant before his gaze shifted back to the female. "Hmm. I see. I hope you know what you're doing though."

Thunder-like roar deafened them both as the smuggler ship appeared on the horizon, coming closer. Krig covered her ears, Avreet turned to face the ship. When the noise was finally silenced together with the engines, a long ramp extended from the back of the freighter, making a way for two figures to come down to the platform, followed by three men carrying large sacks. The first two stood in front of the Sith and the merchant, while the three behind them set down the sacks and returned to the ship, getting another three large sacks. "Fertilizer," Krig whispered towards Avreet, who watched the whole scene with a neutral expression on his face. The Mon Calamari took particular interest in a man dressed in dark robes who stood behind the other smuggler, staring right back at the Sith.

"It is all here. 40 sacks full of fertilizer." The leader said, looking into the woman's eyes. The merchant glanced back and waved her hand, signalling a group of people, humans and aliens alike, to come closer and take a look if the smuggler's words were true. After opening all sacks and inspecting their contects, the man's claim was confirmed. "50 000 Credits!" said the leader with a smirk on his face, making Krig frown. "We have agreed upon a price of 35 000." The tanned woman said, which caused the leader to shoot his companion an important look. The man in robes drew his robe aside, showing a silver cylinder. "Are you sure?" asked the smuggler, smiling.

Avreet stepped closer, going past Krig and moved his own cloak away, revealing the twin curved lightsaber hilts attached to his belt. "Yes." The smuggler's victorious smirk faded away, he looked at the Dark Jedi, who shook his head. "Ah," sighed the smuggler, "Of course, of course." After being paid, Krig took Avreet aside, smiling, "Tell Lady Volitu the deal went good. Thank you, Sith." Bowing, Avreet turned to go. Most of the smugglers went to a local pub to get wasted before flying away, all except one man. Avreet felt the Dark Jedi's gaze, so he tried to disappear in the fog looming the streets. For a moment, it looked like the Dark Jedi had lost him, only to appear a few moments later, finding his prey again. The Mon Cal turned back to the spaceport, making a circle to avoid a direct confrontation with the man.

He came upon a repair shop situated on one of the landing pads, with one broken ship covered by a large white canvas and several speeders. Avreet had nowhere to run, so he ignited his lightsabers, prepared for a duel, standing on the edge of the landing pad. The Dark Jedi arrived a few moments later. Seeing his prey, he ignited the weapon, blue plasma beam springing to life as he lunged at the Mon Cal. To his surprise, he went right through him, as if his opponent was nothing but air. Falling head first towards his death,he did not even have time to scream.

Avreet let the illusion disappear as he rose from his hiding position behind one of the speeders, walking to the edge and looking at the broken body of the Dark Jedi. Sighing, he turned around and made his way back to Grima's palace. The Dark Mistress already awaited him. "Master Volitu, I did as you asked," he reported, "The deal went good and the Dark Jedi died in an accident. Those landing pads are wet this early, one can easily slip." His expression remained neutral.

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima sat cross-legged on a bench in her garden gazing into the flowers as a couple of her servants attended to the care of some of the plant life. She felt the familiar presence of Avreet nearby and awaited for him to deliver good news to her. When he arrived, he told her the task was completed that the contract negotiations had been in favour of the Council and that this Dark Jedi had died is some sort of accident. She did not care how this blasphemer died but that he met with his death. "I would not expect anything but success from you. You have gotten your first taste of what the Council of Merchants are trying to achieve."

Reaching next to her she picked up a data pad and through the Force, mentally moved it to Avreet. "Inside the data pad you will find all that you need in connection to your next test Avreet. In this test, failure is not acceptable. As you will notice when you read it, it deals with the crystal caves here on Dantooine and we need to preserve those caves at all costs."

Reaching into her pocket she produced a vial with a green and yellow liquid inside. "This vial contains a nasty little treat...when this fluid, a toxin I created by using the blood of a Burra fish from Dathomir and the Dark Side, is injected into a person it will literally and quite painfully eat away at their internal organs until they either die in pain or die of lack of organs. This toxin is a product of Sith Alchemy and I call this little cocktail Mesinis Kristumas Mesinis. You will be required to use this in order to accomplish your next task. You must leave immediately and upon your return, then you may rest."

 

[Bubák]

Reaching out and grabbing the datapad into his hands, Avreet briefly glanced over the screen before telekinetically taking the small vial from Master Volitu, carefully placing it onto his belt. His eyes went back to reading while he made his way out of the palace. Before even walking through the main entrance, he had finished reading the task and studying a small map on the screen. The Mon Cal acted with haste, he had no time to lose, attaching the datapad to his belt as well and running through the plains of Dantooine. The sun finally started poking through the clouds, the mist that used to lazily roll over the knolls disappeared. Gust of wind removed the black hood from Avreet’s head as he sprinted through the beautiful landscape, his unnatural speed being a result of cybernetically enhanced muscles and Force speed. To anyone who might have caught a glimpse of the Sith, the Mon Calamari would have appeared as a blur, a rocket flying through the fields.

A certain company called Hajzl Industries, based on this planet, had apparently found a loophole in the law protecting the crystal caves on Dantooine. They intended to turn lightsaber crystals into business, selling the precious gems and making plenty of credits. The Force knew it would mean a chance for the Jedi to get their hands on what they so desperately needed. Not to mention all the smugglers suddenly appearing all over the Empire trying to get the crystals out of the Imperial space. Luckily for the Sith, all the company leaders were going to celebrate their success in a residence belonging to one of them. Killing them directly meant pointing a finger at the Sith, so they needed a scapegoat. Luckily, one of the less influential members of the company, named Red’Shirt, excused himself from coming to the party, making himself a perfect man to take all the blame. If all the other members died, he’d inherit Hajzl Industries. Avreet’s mission was to poison everyone at the party and plant the vial into Red’Shirt’s mansion. Although the Mon Cal did not like the nature of the poison due to seeing it’s effects as too cruel, he had promised to do anything Master Volitu asked of him.

A small building shaped similiarly to Master Volitu’s palace appeared on the horizon, making the young Sith slow his pace and crouch in the tall grass, his cybernetic eye zooming his vision on the building. It appeared they have taken every precaution, armed guards guarding all entrances along with snipers on the roof and several lone men patrolling around. Bending light around him, the Mon Calamari literally disappeared. Someone still might be able to see his movements through the grass, which worried his a bit, making him choose the risky route and hope this building had a similar layout to Grima’s home. Drawing the Force from his surroundings and moving the energy into his legs, he rapidly soared high into the sky and flew towards the roof. The landing impact got muffled by Avreet’s ability to bend sound waves, making the thud silent and not alerting any of the guards of his presence.

Moving behind their backs, the young Sith soon found an entrance to the building’s interior. Getting in, he sighed in relief; it truly looked familiar to Master Volitu’s house, so the Crusader moved to where he thought the kitchen was. Slipping through the guards and guests alike, unnoticed thanks to Force cloak, he found the place he wanted soon. To his surprise, the meal was the same as the one he ate with Master Volitu yesterday. The Togruta surely knew about it and deliberately chose to serve the same meal, to greet Avreet and show him that even the best food eaten with friends could be deadly. Before one of the servants showed up, the Mon Calamari walked into a kitchen and looked at the meal, inhaling the smell of good roast beef before spilling the content of the vial onto it. The poison was going to take some time before killing the company leaders, allowing all of them to take a few bites and also letting the amphibious Sith escape more easily. Going back through the same way he came from was not a problem. Avreet’s conscience was not entirely clear, hoping no one except the ones supposed to die tasted the roast beef, but there was little he could do. He tried not to think of the horrific nature of deaths he was about to cause.

The datapad came back to life as his webbed hand took it and one of the claws tapped the screen. Studying the map, this time looking at the location of Red’Shirt’s home, he memorized it and took off again. Several minutes later, he stood near his destination, throwing the vial containing the remnants of the poison into the ventilation system. It’d remain hidden there, or at least until the security forces found it. Free to go back to Master Volitu, Avreet did not rush anywhere, enjoying the walk.

One of the female servants opened the door for him, leading the Mon Cal to the Sith Master. "It is done, Grima." Avreet said without even letting the servant talk first and present them to the Dark Mistress.

 

[Negative Blessing]

Even before Avreet had returned to her palace, Grima had been contacted by one of the Council of Merchants spies and reported to the Sith Master that all the leaders of the company were now in fact dead. A small and sinister smile appeared on the face of the Torguta Witch as she heard the good news. Shutting down the communication device, she sat in silence as she waited for the arrival of Avreet. Grima knew that such a mission would play at his morality strings but she knew that he was well versed in how at times things such as this needed to be done.

"You have done well again Avreet," Grima said in response to the Mon Cal's words. So far he had passed two of the tests and the third one would truly play on his heart. Rising from her chair she motioned for Avreet to walk with her and they did so in complete silence. After a few minutes of walking Grima broke the silence.

"Your last task is this....a ship belonging to Vyn Mopi is two weeks late from returning from their delivery run. For the past two weeks Miss Mopi and her associates have been trying to make contact with the ship's pilot and two crewmen and all attempts have proven in failure. Miss Mopi normally would not care about one of her ships but its the pilot and the two crewmen she is concerned about. The pilot is her husband and the two crewmen are her sons. The planet they were known to be is in turmoil right now....several citizens have been openly challenging the occupation of their planet by the Empire. Though the pilot and the two boys are not officially associated with the Empire, they still may be in danger. You are to go there and discover the fate of Miss Mopi's husband and children. If they live...you must bring them home. If they are dead...then she will get some closure at least."

Grima stops walking abruptly touching Avreet's shoulder. "I know where your loyalties lie Avreet...and I know what atrocities your people have suffered under the rule of the Empire. So it pains me to send you to Mon Calamari for this mission but this mission is not about the pilot and his sons. No, its about you doing a self reflection and to see if your path truly lies with the Sith....no, if your path truly lies with me."

 

[Bubák]

It seemed like a typical rescue mission, not giving him a hint of how Grima wanted to test him. It was after she revealed the name of the planet that Avreet realized she wanted to test his loyalty. His race or his Master? He had made his choice a long time ago. Avreet may be a Mon Calamari, but he is also an Imperial, raised and trained by the powerful Sith Master standing in front of him and touching his shoulder. "I’ll bring them all back, whether they are alive or dead," Avreet nodded after the Togruta Sith Master finished giving him the task. The prospect of going to the new homeworld of his race did not bother him in the slightest; in fact, the Mon Calamari was glad he would not stand out among others of his species. While seeing a Mon Cal in the Imperial space was a rarity, he’d easily get lost among so many Mon Cals on Manaan. The biggest problem would be getting there unnoticed, but he had already met someone who could solve this little issue. His mind drifted to the morning of this very day and his meeting with Krig Heliox. The woman had many contacts, including smugglers. Instead of smuggling goods, they should be able to smuggle a person…

Before he embarked on the journey, he needed to change his appearance. Green eye lens, coupled with his cybernetic eye changing to the same color along with waterproof paint on his head markings and he became a whole new Mon Cal. His attire also undid a drastic change, becoming somewhat normal and civilian clothing instead of his typical dark Sith robes. With the twin lightsabers hiding in pockets, he looked like a tourist. While it was obvious he had not came from Manaan, his look no longer screamed his allegiance out loud for everyone to see. Unfortunately, Avreet did not have any of his forged identichips with him, meaning he had to avoid being checked by security.

About half an hour later, Avreet meditated in a small ship piloted by smugglers. Their services were not cheap, so he hoped they were as capable as they claimed to be. If not, he could always kill them and take his credits back. Slowing his breath down, his eyes closed, Avreet finally had time to let his body relax. His mind soon drifted into deep meditation, resting, the Force giving him energy for the task ahead. It was really refreshing to allow time pass by, not caring about the world around. He could almost feel his Master’s presence touching his, showing him the way and calming him down, but that must have been coming from the lightsaber crystal she gave him so many years ago. If his service as her Hand repaid his debt to her at least partially, he’d be happy. Such a good and kind woman as Master Volitu deserved nothing less. The meditation ultimately made him completely unaware of his surroundings, though the Force would let him know if anything bad was about to happen.

His meditation got interrupted when one of the smugglers tapped on his shoulder. "We’re here." Avreet breathed out and rose from his kneeling position, "Excellent. It is good to be back home." Avreet smirked, playing his role, as the smuggler led him out of the ship. The door opened and Avreet inhaled the scent of sea. The Mon Calamari did not waste time and immediately approached a Selkath who came to collect the docking fee. "I am looking for a business associate of mine. Human with two sons, making a delivery. Where are they?" asked the Mon Calamari, trying to suppress the Imperial accent.

"Many humans come and go." The Selkath answered, trying to get past the Sith, only to get his arm grabbed by Avreet’s webbed hand. "They came from the Empire. That must be unusual, and I am sure you have noticed it as well. Tell me everything you know, or I report you as an Imperial supporter." Avreet sneered. The Selkath visibly shook, "Ah, you are some sort of agent working for one of the rebel groups? Eh, um, oh, I have called the security forces when I noticed where they came from. That’s all I know, now let me do my job!"

Looking for any security officer around, the Mon Calamari Sith moved from the spaceport. The city was so clean and looked peaceful, but the young Imperial knew it was full of rebel dogs and a nice purge would be very beneficial for it. He remembered this place a bit, and he definitely knew where the security station was as he tried to seize it during the Siege of Manaan. It stood on the plaza, proud and just, not knowing of the corruption within. Avreet confidently walked in, striding straight to the reception desk where a Quarren security officer sat, cautiously watching the incoming Mon Calamari. "I need to talk with officer Deshet. I have a very urgent message for him." The Quarren pressed a button on his comlink and called the person Avreet wanted.

An older Mon Calamari soon appeared, so Avreet took him to the side. "Where are the three Imperials, officer?" whispered the younger amphibian. Deshet gave Avreet an angry look with his large brown eyes, "How do you know about them?" The Sith placed his webbed hand on the security officer’s shoulder, "Deshet, my friend, I know they have been arrested by the security forces and I also know you wielded a gun against your own people during the Siege of Manaan. So tell me where they are. I am pretty sure you treat them as spies. What if you joined them?" Avreet raised his voice.

"They’ll be transported to a rebel base for interrogation and execution. Landing pad number eight. You should hurry, they’ll be leaving in a few minutes." Immediately after hearing this, Avreet ran out of the building, heading back to the spaceport. The three Imperials were being loaded into a small transport ship by a Mon Calamari guard. The young Sith slowed down and walked up to the guard. "The prisoners are to be released immediately. There was a mistake, they are not Imperials," stated Avreet. The guard suspiciously stared at him with his right eye. "What is your code?"

"007," answered the Crusader, not taken back by the question. "That is a nice number, but we have four digit codes. I, for example, have 1234." This information surprised the Sith, his eyes widely opening and staring at the guard. "Since when?!" he asked, scratching his head and looking around with his left eye. "Since..." Before finishing, the guard received a punch into stomach followed by a kick into head. Avreet quickly entered the ship’s cockpit and took off, flying away before someone found out what happened. Fortunately for him, the ship was already authorized to leave. The only stop was in the Imperial space when the security ship got boarded by an Imperial patrol. After he identified himself and the troopers confirmed it, they took Avreet and the Imperial civilians to the nearest civilized planet. From there, Avreet took a transport back to Dantooine.

A few days have passed since he took the test. It was late night on Dantooine, so instead of servants, Avreet received a welcome from two armed guards upon entering the palace belonging to Grima Volitu. They knew him though, so he was free to go straight to the powerful Sith Witch. "Master, it is done. All of them are safe, on their way to Miss Mopi."

 

[Negative Blessing]

"You have done well and Miss Mopi has extended her thanks from me to you for bringing back her family safely," Grima said with a dark smile on her face. "As I knew that you would....you have completed the three tests and have earned your spot at my side. From this day forward, you will be known as the Hand of Order."

Grima beckoned for two servants to join the two Sith and when they arrived she ordered them to prepare quarters for Avreet. When they left the Sith, Grima said, "Like Ghenna, the Hand of Chaos, you will live here at my palace. You are free to use the facilities here as if they were your own. You may bring your Apprentices here to train them in the palace's training chambers and use the plains and small jungles here on Dantooine to teach them whatever you feel they need to learn. Also, when the time is right you may use the crystal caves to obtain crystals for your Apprentice's lightsabers. But for you, the caves are always open. Now go and rest my friend...for Ghenna will be returning shortly and you two will be leaving on a mission of grave importance."