Disclaimer: I do not own SWTOR. Bioware does.

AN: Thank you all so much for your reviews and ideas. I have always had the goal in mind to make it as original as possible but still remain true to the story line. Hopefully I have succeeded so far. Anyway chapter 7 awaits your eyes. Enjoy.

Chapter 7

Balmorra. A war torn planet between rebels, the Empire and a contingent of Republic forces. What a hell hole. It was once an independent corporate and manufacturing world. Until we came and took it from the Republic. The planets citizens hate us, but who cares. The leaders of the war on this planet wanted me to help, but its a waste of my talents. Sure it sounded fun; murder people here, burn down settlements there, but my work was too important. Besides if it was still going on when I got the power of Tulak Hord...I could always come back and show off.

I was sitting in the pilot seat of the Fury, my head resting in my hands as I stared out at the planets surface, just having finished with the call from a Lieutenant Darvill, who had asked for my help. Kory was in my lap, snuggled into my chest. I smiled and played with her hair with my free had as I thought about this artifact, where it was and how to get it.

Suddenly a chiming sound came by the holoterminal by the galaxy map. I answered it and Zash appeared on holo. I sat up straighter, getting a better hold on Kory. Zash smiled at our positions. "Did I...interrupt anything?" She asked with a chuckle..

"Had you called a couple hours ago Zash...then yes." I chuckled at her smirk. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

"I had just gotten word that you arrived on Balmorra, by a Lieutenant Darvill. Let's just say he didn't say good things about you." I laughed at that. "I hope you're ready to work...and have some fun." I grinned at her words. Definitely. Sex was awesome, but killing was always something I enjoyed. "Now, I do have a good idea on where the artifact is but..." She trailed off.

"What is it?"

"It's not pleasant, dear."

I shrugged. "So far this whole Tulak Hord artifact hunting hasn't allowed for the best of situations. I don't expect anything to be easy...mama." Zash beamed at being called mama and I made a mental note to call her that more often. She was beautiful with a smile. "So whats the problem?"

"Tulak Hord hid his artifact in a vault on Balmorra, one that was later converted by the Balmorrans into a toxic waste storage facility." I didn't like where this was going. "But the vault was hit badly in the last war. It's now a crater, filled with toxic waste. Your artifact is at the bottom." Damn it. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but toxic waste? Shit. Zash my grimace. "I'm sorry Kuro...I really am. Maybe there is a way around it?"

I shook my head. "It's ok Zash. I'll figure something out. I know there is a way to get it."

"Let me help you. Try getting into contact with Major Bessiker, an Imperial resources officer in Sobrik. Bessiker knows the planet, and may even have a few good ideas." She was so caring, giving me good options.

"I'll find him."

"As you know, the Empire has its hands full with a violent Balmorran uprising. Officially, they're a grassroots militia. Secretly, they have the Republic's full backing." I narrowed my eyes at that.

"Isn't that in violation of the treaty?"

"Normally yes, but we have reason to believe that the Republic Council doesn't know about their operations here. In any case. I've informed Major Bessiker of the Republic's involvement, so he will be better equipped to assist you. No doubt the Republic's hounds will get in your way."

"Then I will relish beating them to a bloody smear on the Balmorran earth."

"My my. You certainly are dark, little one. I expected nothing less of you." She chuckled at my brazen display of power. "The war, however, is secondary to the artifact. Retrieve the artifact, and try to be discreet. We don't want the entire Sith Order chasing our prize, now do we?"

"Not at all. This is just for us, master."

She sighed. "Kuro what did I say?" She reprimanded.

I smiled sheepishly. "Sorry mama...old habits I guess."

She smiled and shook her head. "Be careful Kuro. I want you take care of Kory and return to me alive...promise me."

"I promise. Nothing...well nothing life threatening will happen to us."

"That's all I ask. I'll talk to you later, dear." I said my goodbyes and we ended our conversation. Well...time to get to work. I stood up abruptly to leave, Kory yelped as she fell to the floor and I grinned.

"What was that for?" She pouted angrily at me. I chuckled and pulled her to her feet.

"Trying to keep you on your toes, Kory." I answered, then informed her of the recent developments. "Zash just called. She knows where the artifact is, but there are complications."

"What kind?" She asked as she rubbed her head, pout still in place. Such a cutie.

"It's at the bottom of a toxic filled facility."

"Wonderful." She groused.

"Yep. So, we need to find a Major Bessiker. He may be able to help us. You want to come?" I asked her. I figured she should have the choice now that we had a place to rest our head at any time.

"Of course I'm coming."

I smirked slid up to her, wrapping my arms around her petite frame and purred into her ear. "Like you did a few hours ago?" Her face instantly went red and she growled at me. "Mmm, keep doing that and I may postpone our work."

"Oh fuck you, Kuro."

"Sure, only if you're there with me."

She threw her hands up into the air in defeat and stomped passed me. "You're such a jerk!" She shouted over her shoulder. I snickered and followed, after I set the the course for the Sobrik spaceport.

"Can't take a little teasing?" I asked her, smug.

"A little yes. But not your teasing." She pouted.

I laughed again and pecked her cheek with a kiss. "You know I only tease because I love you."

"Yeah yeah." She rolled her eyes. As the door opened to the hanger the Fury landed in. I followed her as she took the lead, I shrugged and let her do as she pleased. We were equals after all and besides I didn't want to talk to any idiots right now, the Empire was full of them. She asked around for Major Bessiker and eventually we found ourselves outside the building he was reported in. We walked inside and found the man hunched over a table with another man at the side of it. "Major Bessiker?" Kory called out.

The man turned and noticed us. "Who's this? A Sith? It's a real pleasure. I have a son on Korriban, you know." I smirked at the annoyed look on Kory's face. Neither us wanted to be reminded of our training days on Korriban.

She turned to me and said. "No wonder you're in charge, just once sentence and I want to bash my brains in. It's right up your alley isn't it? Considering your dumb and all." She smirked at me.

I scoffed. "Well excuse me I'm not as smart as you, you little genius." She laughed as I stepped forward. "Look there's something of great value in one of the hazard vaults...the one that was blown open. I heard you could help, the sooner the better, major."

"An alien Sith? How rare."

I growled. "Now damn it! I tire of you pathetic Empire worms. You just won't shut up and get down to business! It makes you look stupid, now out with it!" I snarled.

He swallowed thickly and immediately began to think. "Let's see...a blown open vault. Captain Ilun, do we still have those pumps?"

The captain answered him. "Sir, if this is the vault I think it is, it won't be that easy. The fumes alone have put men in the medical center." Great it was that strong? Now what?

"I don't care about that! I need to get to the bottom of that pit!" I growled.

"Yes, of course. We need some way to make this pit less deadly. Tell me, Captain, is there nothing that can survive toxic waste?"

"Well...nothing grows there sir, but there are the Colicoids." He supplied.

"Colicoids! What do those bugs want with toxic waste?" I rolled my eyes at his dramatics.

"Food, sir. Our surveillance satellites have recorded them feeding on the toxic waste. We suspect they've been designed to eat it." I suddenly had an idea. If I could somehow get that ability, not the eating, but the natural immunity to the toxic waste, then I could get through it and get that artifact.

"That may work Captain. How do I...become a Colicoid?"

"Sir!" Ilun sounded so shocked that I just had to snicker.

"No Captain. She's right. To get to the bottom of that pit, she'll need to become like the Colicoids. There must be a way for you to take on the Colicoids' resistance, so you can enter that vault." Idiot, he made it sound like it was his idea. "Captain, where were these creatures created?" He asked the Captain.

"Well...I can't say for sure, but...there's a research lab not far from here that was overrun with Colicoids as soon as the Balmorrans abandoned it. But the Colicoids are vicious creatures, just one of them tore apart a whole squad." Really? What the hell are training these soldiers for? They're useless!

"You call yourself an army? Pathetic." I told both men. I was disappointed with the Empire's military so far. No wonder they bowed to the Sith so much, we were the only ones who got anything done.

"I'm sorry, my lord. We just don't have the numbers to deal with these things. But if you can get into that lab, we'll get you into that toxic pit." Of course. I had to do all the work, weak...just plain weak and worthless!

"Sir, even if we find out what causes this resistance, we don't have-" The Major cut him off before he finished that line of thought.

"We'll worry about that later. Right now our Sith friend has to get into that lab and find out what the Balmorrans did to those creatures." He said.

I glared at him, my eyes blazing. "Don't presume to be my friend, Major." I sneered his title. "So far I am unimpressed with you and your soldiers. You're all weak. Know this, if my mission weren't so important that I needed your help. You would be joining your soldiers on the front lines. Cowards." I spun on my heel and strode out of the room before I heard or saw their reaction.

Once outside Kory leaned over to me and whispered. "Are you sure this is a good idea? What if there are side effects? What if...what if it doesn't work. You could die Kuro!" I smirked at her obvious worry over me. It was endearing to be sure.

"Don't worry so much Kory. It'll be fine." She sighed but didn't say anything more. We returned to the ship and lifted off into the atmosphere. I used the ships scanners to locate the building I needed. I found it quickly and steered the ship to hover over it. "Stay here ok? I'll be back." I told Kory as the ramp dropped, the ship staying in the air.

"Wait! What are you doing?" She called out, I didn't wait though. I jumped out of the ship and plummeted to the ground, cackling with glee as the wind whipped my lekku and clothes around. I was coming down fast and at the last second I used the force to slow my decent. I landed lightly on my feet at the entrance to the building. I entered and was almost immediately attacked by Colicoids, they were easily dispatched however. I drew my lightsaber and cut down the first group that attacked. I ventured further inside, noting nests of some sort, only to have them explode and I was swarmed by the vile things once again.

I fought them off for what felt like hours before they finally stopped coming. Damn they were tough. Now I felt a little bad about snapping at the Major...a little, they were still easy. If one took out a squad then what did that make me? I just destroyed a hives worth. Useless.

I approached the only available terminal and searched through the records. Once I copied everything of importance onto my holocom I quickly left before any more showed up. Outside the ship was still hovering so I once again used the force and jumped the thirty or so feet into the air and landed on the Fury's ramp. "Don't ever do that again!" Kory yelled as soon as I was back on board.

I just grinned and walked past her to the holoterminal to sift through the records. Then I came across something interesting. The passage explained how they experimented on the Colicoids to make them immune to toxic waste and to...eat it. Effectively cleaning it up. A chemical mutagen they used looked like it could be of some use. Perfect just what I was looking for. "Kory, fly us back to Sobrik. I want to go over this some more."

She sighed. "Fine, but please, please don't be so reckless next time? You scared me to death." She said softly.

I smiled apologetically. "Sorry Kory, I'll be careful." Kory left to the cockpit as I read through the records. We landed in the spaceport hanger and once more made our way to Major Bessiker, assuming he was in the same place.

He was on a holocall with someone, a superior by the sounds of things. "Major, if we don't get those supply vehicles...!"

"My men are working on it, Colonel, but until that shipment of plasteel I requested three months ago comes in-" He was cut off by the Colonel.

"I don't care! Tear it off the walls if you have to!" He shouted. Hmm I liked this man, I watched the whole thing with a smirk. Finally they disconnected and I spoke.

"Are you quite finished? It's not wise to keep a Sith waiting." I glared for added effect.

He stuttered over his words. "Y-yes, my lord. Did you manage to find anything out at the lab? Captain Ilun and I have been doing our own research, but we haven't discovered much." Of course not.

"I expected as much. For your information I have, though it was rather disgusting to get to. Damn Colicoids." I copied over the information I found to his holocom.

He read over it quickly, then. "Captain, have a look at this. I can't make heads or tails of it."

Kory whispered into my here. "He runs the place here? What an idiot. Even you figured it all out." I rolled my eyes with a smile.

"Love you too." I whispered back." She grinned. She was right though, he was an idiot.

"Hmm. This confirms our suspicions. The Colicoids were being mutated to clean up the waste, and it looks like the chemical mutagen they were using could theoretically work..." He explained.

The Major threw his arms up childishly and exclaimed happily. "Well that's it! That's our solution right? We just replicate this chemical mutagen!" I sighed loudly. It just wasn't that simple. What a pea-brained Major.

Captain Ilun looked at him like he was stupid. "Um, sir, there's a problem...Our chief scientist defected to the Republic a few months back. We can't being to replicate, let alone test, the serum without him."

"Then we need to un-defect him then...don't we?" I said, my voice laced with deadly intent.

The Major laughed. "Un-defect indeed. You...you certainly have a way with words, my lord." I rolled my eyes and looked expectantly at the Captain, he had a better head on his shoulders.

He saw the look I was giving him and gave me the information I needed. "The scientist's name is Iannos Tyrek, and he's still on Balmorra in a Republic research base out near the toxic lakes." I nodded.

"All right, my lord. It looks like you have your new objective. You find this scientist; you subdue him. My men will bring him back, and we'll get you your chance to swim in toxic waste." He said, a little too happily.

"Excuse me?" I hissed.

"Um...I..."

"You expect me to take a whole camp of rebels and Republic troops on my own, and then you show up after the danger is over?" I asked, my voice shook with rage. "No Major. Your men will be coming with me. Tell them to report to Hanger SI-17. Now."

"Y-y-yes, my lord. Right away." I turned to leave, he stopped me however to give me some useless information. "Do hurry back, m-my lord. I just got word that my son has passed his trials on Korriban and is on his way to Balmorra. I-i want you to meet him."

I growled and spun around, lifting my hand into the air at the level of his neck. The force lifted him into the air and pulled him to me. I was face to face with this bumbling idiot. "You think I care about your pathetic son? My work is too important for the likes of some stupid boy who just finished his trials, Major! Listen closely. I. Do. Not. Care! All I care about is getting this artifact and getting off this fucking planet!" I threw him away from me and he collided with the wall, with a grunt of pain. "Your men, Major! Now!"

I didn't give him a chance to say or do anything else, I quickly strode out of the building. People got out of my way rather quickly, seeing the anger written all of my face. Not even Kory said anything. When we reached my ship, a squad of soldiers in black Empire armor were standing in a line on either side of the ramp, there were eight in total. More than enough to take down this camp and steal back Iannos Tyrek. One soldier broke from the line and stood in front of me and saluted. "My lord, Sergeant Drael reporting."

"Very good Drael, you arrived faster than I expected." I narrowed my eyes at the squad of soldiers. They certainly showed initiative. "I hope you have more sense than your Major, because I will not tolerate stupidity."

"Of course, my lord. My soldiers are at your disposal, just command us and we will do as you wish. And...May I speak...off the record?" He asked.

"I'm no soldier Sergeant, so speak freely anytime you wish." I turned to Kory then. "Kory, get these men situated. If they give you any trouble feel free to...motivate them." Kory nodded and did as I was told, her voice rang out to the other soldiers, commanding them aboard. "Speak Sergeant." I folded my arms and waited.

"My lord, I am...excited to be working with you. Major Bessiker is a fool and not worthy of his position. He asks too many questions to his superiors, doesn't give enough information to his troops and...well he's a kiss ass." I snickered.

"Yes, he is. I trust you will work with me and not second guess my decisions."

"Not at all, I follow your orders to the letter. As of now, I and my soldiers are yours to command."

"Good, follow me." I boarded my ship and walked over to the holoterminal. I punched in a few keys and a map of pulled up. "Where is Tyrek?" I asked the Sergeant. I watched him scan over the map and in seconds her pointed out the small camp directly south west of Sobrik in the Markaran Plains.

"Here. This was the last known location of Iannos Tyrek." I smiled. Straight to the point, no bullshit in between. I liked this man.

"Very good Sergeant." I looked at Kory, who was a few feet away watching, and nodded. She nodded back and went to the cockpit to fly the ship. After our wonderful sex just hours earlier, Kory had told me more about herself, one such thing was she knew how to fly a starfighters. "Prepare your men, we will be there within minutes with the power of the Fury."

"Yes, my lord." He saluted once more and gathered his troops together to form up a plan. I left them at it and went around the corner to speak with Kory.

"Feeling better?" She asked as I stepped over to her.

"Yeah. I hate stupid people." She giggled and patted her lap, which I happily sunk into, curling my body around hers. "I don't have time to deal with it. Always prattling on about this or about that...Zash is expecting a lot from us...I don't want...I can't let her down."

"And we won't. Your an amazing leader and you inspire fear and loyalty in many. You're doing fine. Now come on, we got rebels to kill."

"Don't have to tell me twice" Killing was something I always enjoyed doing. I climbed off her lap and walked back into the main room. Sergeant Drael and his men were gathered together, going over their weapons with practiced ease. "Get ready, boys. Your going in hard." I noticed some of the men grinning to each other, obviously thinking of some sexual innuendo. Not that I could blame them, I think like that a lot too. "Follow me." They got to their feet and followed me to the exit door. It hissed open and the air whipped into my face, blowing my clothes around my body. Below the ship was the camp that held Iannos Tyrek, the resistance forces were pointing up and bringing their blasters up to shoot at us. "And by going in hard, I mean your going to jump." I grinned evilly at them, I surprised to see them grin just as darkly as me. Seems I met a great bunch of soldiers. "From this height you'll surely die, however. So I'm going in first with Kory, and I ask you to trust us. Do you all trust me?"

"Of course, my lord!" They all chorused and saluted me. Hmm...I had an idea, but it could wait.

"Good. See you all in hell." They laughed as I snaked an arm round Kory's waist and jumped. She wasn't expecting that and screamed bloody murder as we swiftly fell towards the ground. I laughed with glee.. Manipulating the force just enough to slam into the ground creating a shockwave that knocked several of the rebels off their feet, and causing little to no harm to us. I'm sure I would be sore later though. "Kory get that barrier of yours up now babe."

"You are such an asshole!" She scolded me loudly as she did her thing. It came up just in time as the blaster lasers dissipated against it. I looked up when I saw laser blasts coming from my ship, most likely from the ramp of my ship. I waved them down and without hesitation they all jumped, going two at a time. Seconds before they landed I used the force to slow their descent, they all landed safely and spread out, firing in retaliation. Brave, well trained and reckless. I loved them already.

I started shooting lightning bolts from my hands, backing the enemy away from out position, cackling madly as the rebels fell with each hit. Kory for her part used her barrier to cast individual protective bubbles around the soldiers. "That's it men, push them back! Do not fail our Lord Kuro!" I grinned, approving of Drael's command, though I wasn't a Lord yet. Yes my idea was becoming more and more enticing. "My lord, we will hold them back while you retrieve Tyrek. What do you think?" He called out to me as he shot yet another rebel dead in the chest.

"Of course, Drael. You and your boys are just fantastic! I can safely say that you will be moving up in the galaxy." I replied. I turned to the tent behind us and could see several people inside. One of them was Tyrek. I just had to look for a man with red hair and a full beard.

"Thank you, my lord. Good luck." He returned to his men.

I came up to Kory and told her stay with the boys. They would need a Sith to back them up. She nodded her head as she jumped into the fray, her lightsaber a red blur. That's my girl. I went up to the tent and stepped inside. One man stood in the back, I could tell he was Tyrek. The other four rushed me. I drew my saber and slew one of them with a simple swing and carried that momentum into a spin, bringing my leg out and kicked the second man away from me, knocking into the other two. I shot lightning into my saber, then swung it. The lightning arc jumped from the blade and struck the three tangled men and jumped from each of them several times before finally dying, just like the first. "Iannos Tyrek I presume?"

He sighed. "I should have known Bessiker wouldn't let me go without a fight." He looked me up and down and added. "Though sending a Sith seems like a bit of overkill. Are you here to kill me, or are you going to torture me first?"

I grinned. "Thanks for the idea." I shot small jolt of lightning at him, enough to cause pain but not kill him. He screamed in agony and sunk to his knees. Finally it ended and he gasped for breathe. "You really are as stupid as the rest of these people on this planet. For future reference, don't give a Sith ideas."

"No! No, listen...listen please. I won't be scared into returning. I risked my life to come here. Being...being an Imperial scientist...it's a fate worse than death."

"I can think of worse." I grinned and advanced on him. "Like having you watch as I make a necklace from your entrails." He grimaced but didn't relent.

"I won't go back to that place! You don't know what it's like!"

"Oh that's where you're wrong. You see I used to be a slave, abused, hated, mocked. I do know whats it like to not be appreciated. The difference between you and me is that I embraced who I was, you just ran like a coward. Now, you will come back with me."

"No I won't! We're not expected to be men! We're machines, slaving day in and day out. No intellectual freedom, no creativity..." He paused. "I'm tired of building killing machines. I want to do some good for the galaxy. I...I can't go back there."

I shrugged and lifted my hand again. "You will go Tyrek...one way or another." I shocked him again, this time increases the power, still not enough to kill him.

"No...ngh! You'll have to...to kill me...I'll never return to the Empire...willingly! Aaargh!"

"Poor baby...does that hurt?" I asked in an overly sweet voice. "Too bad. Lucky for you...I know just when to stop." I spat. I shocked him for the third time. Using just enough power to knock him out cold. It wouldn't do to kill him when I needed his intellect. He screamed once more before falling to the ground, unconscious. I scoffed. "Weak minded fool."

The sounds of blaster fire had stopped outside and I turned around to look. It seems that all the boys survived, and thank the Emperor Kory did too. "My lord, we are ready to depart." He said to me. Then he addressed his men. "Detain the scientist. We're leaving."

"Yes sir!" Two soldiers said and gathered the unconscious worm and carried him away, roughly.

"Careful!" I shouted after them. "I don't want him dead or harmed!"

"Yes, my lord!" They called back and were more gentle with him. I nodded in approval. It was official, I was going to keep these guys. Besides, what good is a ship without a little security detail? I noticed my ship landing in an open field a few feet away. Sergeant Drael followed me as I boarded. Once we were all on board it took off and headed for Sobrik spaceport.

Tyrek was set into the medical bay and laid on one of the beds. Once I knew he was well taken care of I sat in one of the chairs in the main room of the Fury. Kory sat at my side and laid her head on my shoulder. "Well that was fun." I supplied.

"Very." She closed her eyes and began to doze.

Before I could get comfortable however my ships holoterminal chimed. I groaned and switched it on by using the force. Major Bessiker came on. I growled. "What do you want now, Major!" I hissed.

"Ah...Y-y-yes. I'm so very sorry to interrupt you. I'm sure you very..."

"Out with it!" Snapped. Kory didn't even budge.

"Yes...yes alright. I'm...I'm calling to ask for your help. I know, I know I haven't been very...accommodating to you but...please hear me out." He begged.

"There is only one thing I want Major and that is the mutagen. Everything else is secondary. Now what is it?" I snarled. He never learned.

"It..it's my son..."

"I told you don't care about your son!"

Suddenly his demeanor changed and he became aggressive and angry. "I know what you said Sith. My..my son is in trouble. He went to look for some holocron and now I have a distress signal coming from him. I will NOT give you your serum until you save my son." He demanded. The gall. He demanded and ordered ME. A Sith, to do something for him?

My next words were so laced with seething hatred and deadly calm.. "You are out of line Major. How dare you order me around like a common soldier. Your son is a failure and a waste of my time. You will give me that mutagen when it is finished...and when I get back, Major. You. Will. Be. Punished."

He didn't seem phased at all. "I have pull in important circles, and my brother is a high-ranking Sith. You'll listen if you know what's good for you." Threats now? That was the last straw. "All this time you've been running around, We've been fighting a war! I've been more than happy to help, but not at the cost of my son's life!"

"Nobody, but my master gives me orders Major." I hissed.

"Then you won't get your mutagen." He said, smugly. Then proceeded to tell me where his son was located. Then hung up immediately. I snarled and jumped to my feet. I was glad Kory moved before then, in my rage I tended to harm anything nearby. I stormed into the cockpit and jumped into the pilot seat. I set the coordinates for Bessiker son's location. The ship quickly changed direction and shot off. I got to my feet and stormed to the exit hatch and opened it.

"Stay here." I ordered every one on the ship. I was furious, livid, angry, and volatile. No one objected, sensing my mood. The hatch opened and the ramp dropped. We were over a gorge that had multiple levels and walkways. I found the one I needed and launched myself out of the ship. I slammed down hard on the catwalk, blasting several rebels off the catwalk. They screamed the entire way down until they a resounding crushing sound filled the gorge. I pulled my hood up and drew my lightsaber. The shadows of my cowl illuminated by the red glow of my eyes as my anger rose to new heights. With the power of the force I shot into the man made cave, slicing several rebels apart that were guarding the entrance.

It was a massacre. Rebel after rebel tried to stop me, but I deflected their weapons fires and shot them back into their ranks. I sliced open bodies, shocked droids and living beings alike. Further and further into the lair I went, killing everyone and everything in my path. Smears of blood cased the walls, screams echoed around the halls, intimidating others I haven't reached yet. Finally I came upon the holding cells. In one of them was Bessiker's son. He was garbed in Sith robes of gray. Black haired and brown eyes. And the personality of an insect. "You...you're the one the old man sent? He must have gotten my distress signal." I just glared at him with so much hate. Either he couldn't see it, or he was overconfident. "I guess he's good for something then." Seems he doesn't like his father. Good he won't miss him. "He kept talking about some Sith he was working with. He didn't mention you were filthy alien." He sneered.

My eye twitched in anger. "And he didn't mention your sniveling little child, an insufferable fool." I almost didn't recognize my voice. It was so dark and filled with hate and rage. This he heard and he actually paled a bit before he snapped out of it.

"Watch your tongue, scum." He reminded me of Harkun, and just for that I wanted to kill him. "Now get me out of here!"

I chuckled darkly. "I don't think your in any position to make demands...boy." I paced slowly in front of his cell. "Give me one good reason why I should? I...hate, no, I loathe your father, and when I meet him next, he is going to die. Gathering from what I know of him and the experience I have had with you already. I see no reason to release you."

He glared back at me and crossed his arms in defiance. "My master is powerful, scum. I'm sure you've heard of him, Lord Esdras." I haven't heard of him, and if he was still a Lord than my master was stronger. "He won't be happy if I don't come back alive. My master sent me here for a holocron the Republic dug up someplace or other. I got what I came for, now all I have to do is get off this rock."

"Your master is still a lord? Pathetic. If we are basing our own power on our masters then mine is more powerful." I mocked him and mimicked his voice perfectly, tone, range and all. "I'm sure you've heard of her, Darth Zash." He gulped and paled further. So he has heard of her. Good. "Now...where. Is. The Holocron?" I asked, teeth clenched in anger.

"S-safely in my robes, bitch. The holocron's a map. It's supposed to point to a powerful weapon of the dark side that's hidden here on Balmorra. The weapon's mine if I find it, now that your here to free me." It sounded more like a question at the end.

I giggled, then chuckled, then full out laughed in his face. He growled at me. "Actually...the weapon's mine. So thank you for telling all about this, lovely toy."

"If you plan on taking it, you're going to have to fight me first!" He limbered up and taunted me by curling a finger in a 'bring it on' motion. I smirked and blew the console to open his seal. Immediately I was flying through the air. I righted myself and landed nimbly on my feet and held up my saber.

"Is that all you got?" I taunted. He growled and charged me and I blocked his attack. We spent, for what felt like hours, bashing our sabers against each other. He was good I'll give him that, but my rage and fury was stronger. I ducked his next blow and swept his feet from under him. He grunted when he hit the ground and stabbed down, only for him to roll to the side. He jumped to his feet and I forced pushed him. He slammed into the wall and I used that moment to hurl a lightning bolt at him. It struck him in the chest and he screamed in pain. I channeled the lightning into him grinning with glee as the light of the bolts lit up my face. I chuckled as he begged for me to stop. I did stop only to throw my saber into his chest, effectively pinning him to the wall.

"Ngh...damn it..." I sauntered forward, swaying my hips. He got beat by a woman, an alien woman.

"Who's the scum now, boy?" I mocked him.

"Go..." He coughed up blood for a second. "...to hell, bitch."

"Already there dear boy. Now die...and when you see your father. Tell him I said hello." I smiled. I pulled my hand back arching my fingers into claws and rammed it into his skull, bashing it in. Blood, brain matter, and broken bone covered my hand and I sighed at the wonderful feeling. "Weakling...just like your father." I searched his robes and found the holocron and activated it, copying all the data to my holocom. Once done I crushed the thing in my fist and threw away the pieces.

I felt better now that I had my own bit of fun. Oh, I hadn't forgotten about Bessiker. He won't be happy about me killing his son. But I didn't care, I didn't plan on letting him live long enough to mourn. I returned to the surface and trekked a little ways away from the gorge. I found the weapon easily, inactive but usable and hailed my ship. I jumped up and onto the ramp, sauntering in after I closed the hatch. "Are you alright?" Kory greeted me. She looked upset.

I smirked. "I'm perfect. Now can you please get us back to Sobrik. I have a Major to kill." She smiled and nodded scampering off to do as she was told. I smacked her ass as she went past me. She yelped but kept going. I looked at my non-gory hand, which had slapped her backside. I loved the feeling her cheeks in my hand.

We made it back to Sobrik without incident and I ordered everyone, save 2V-R8, to follow me. I have to admit I was quite a sight with eight Imperial troopers flanking me, weapons in hand looking for threats, two of which holding Tyrek steady as they marched him after me. Khem flanked my left and Kory on my right. We stormed into Bessiker's building to confront him. Bessiker was there and he spotted us. "Stay back, Sith." I kept moving forward. "I said stay back and don't lay a hand on me!"

"Do not order me around, Major! I am your superior here!" I growled.

"I don't care. We had an agent in that outpost, he reported everything! You killed him! I told you you wouldn't get your mutagen if you didn't help and...and you killed him!"

"He wouldn't be dead had you just obeyed me." I stepped closer. "It's your fault he died. Besides, I have Tyrek and he will make it for me. You had nothing over my head, Major."

He laughed, in hysterics. "You're nothing but a cold-blooded murderer! You enjoyed killing him, didn't you? Didn't you?" He snarled.

A slow grin curved on my lips and I noticed him shiver at the sight. "Yes Major. I did. I enjoyed bashing his skull in." I lifted my gore covered hand as proof. "Hmm, some of his brain is still there." I flicked it and the gore struck his face. I smirked at the wide eyed look on his face.

"You're sick! Sick!" He moaned in despair. "Please just tell me...why? Why did you have to kill him? The controls were right there. You could have freed him. Why?"

"Because you thought you could order me, Major. You thought you were in control. I killed him to show you that you are not. I have authority here. Your Sergeant knows this better than you do."

"He didn't deserve this! I trusted you with his life! He was a good boy!"

"He was Sith! Born a Sith, lived a Sith, died a Sith. Sith fight amongst each other everyday, Major! If he didn't die by me, he would have died by someone else. He wasn't a good boy either."

"You monster. I'll kill you. I'll kill you!" He went for his blaster and I raised my hand in a clenched fist. Then opened it. It was a hand motion that I have seen the Imperial Military use to signal to fire. I trusted Drael and his men and they didn't disappoint. Immediately they fired a volley into the Major, effectively killing him. He died before he even hit the ground.

"By the way, Major." I said to his corpse. "Your men are coming with me. Willingly I might add. Say hello to the boy for me." I turned to Tyrek then. "Get to work Iannos. I have very little patience right now."

He sighed. "Yes, my lord." Bessiker's men...no my men, had informed him of his duty to make the mutagen. He got to work immediately.

As he worked Drael came up to me. "My lord, thank you."

"For?" I quirked a brow in confusion.

"For allowing us to work for you. To be honest we have heard of you from various sources. You're the apprentice of Darth Zash, a powerful Sith, and any soldier with the right state of mind would kill to work under you."

"Good. You are still in command of your men, but remember. I command all of you." I laid down the line and if they didn't like it they could go. They did serve me well after all.

"Understood, my lord. We will never let you down. We are yours to command as I said before." They all saluted me and I grinned. This was glorious. "Orders?" He said after a few minutes of silence.

"Yes, go back to the ship. Get acquainted with the foundation. There are crew quarter for you and your men. Unfortunately for you, Khem will be sharing that room with you." I waved my hand to the big red monster standing by the door with his arms crossed. "Don't worry. He won't eat you...unless you give him reason to." I teased with a grin.

Drael chuckled. "Don't worry, my lord. We have no such plans. We will do as you ask." They bowed as one and swept out of the room. I liked those boys, I wonder if this is how Zash feels. They already seem like children to me. Well dangerous children to be more accurate.

"Khem. Are you hungry?" I asked the big guy after a few minutes of silence. I gestured to the Major's corpse, it was an eyesore.

"Very." He growled back. He came over to the body and picked it up, throwing it onto the table.

"Eat up, my friend. You deserve it." I said. He looked at me for a moment and nodded. The sounds of crunching bones and squishy liquids and flesh was music to my ears. Though disgusting at the same time. I chuckled and advanced on Tyrek, Kory at my side as always. "How's it coming Tyrek."

"It's only been a few minutes...my lord. It will take some time. Might I suggest heading to the Cantina, or your ship to rest?"

"Nice try Iannos. I'm not leaving until it's finished." He sighed and got back to work. I went to sit in a chair by the table, marveling at how Khem fed. I stayed a few feet away though, I didn't want to get blood on my robes. Kory, without warning, slipped onto my lap and cuddled with me.

We sat there for hours. Khem had long since finished his meal and disposed of the remains. Drael came back at one point. Posting four men to guard the doors, and still we waited. "How much longer doc." Kory whined, annoyed.

"Almost done. Just a few more minutes." She sighed and drummed her fingers on the table. I chuckled at her cuteness. She wanted to get off this planet more than I did. We still had one more step, however.

"It's done." I abruptly stood and stalked over to Tyrek. I snatched the syringe he was holding and looked at it. The liquid inside was green in color, it looked really...disgusting.

"And you're sure it will work?" I glared at him, making sure he knew that if it didn't and in my last few hours of life I would kill him than haunt his ghost. I know that didn't make sense but it did to me damn it.

"It will work. Make sure you take it WHEN you get there, it won't last long so you need to be quick." He paused and seemed to by considering something. "Is that all you need of me. Will you allow me to return?"

"No. You have fulfilled your purpose." I drew my lightsaber then and grinned at him. I was impressed when he didn't even flinch away. He only sighed and nodded, accepting his fate.

"I see. Then kill me, I do not want to live in the clutches of the Empire."

"With pleasure." I thrust my saber into his gut. He grunted in pain, but then his face calmed and he seemed to be at peace as he died. "We're done here. Drael, Kory!" I commanded. They gave their attention. "Drael, do you know the location of the toxic facility?"

"Yes, my lord. I can pin point the location once we return to the ship." He stood to his full height, hands clasped behind his back as he stood at attention. I liked this trooper.

"Good, Kory." She came closer to me and pressed her body against mine. I smirked and snaked an arm around her waist. "I want you to fly the ship there, and be ready to get me out." I lifted the vial. "There is only enough for one." She frowned.

"I don't like not being there for you, Kuro." I rubbed her back in comfort.

"But you will be there for me. If you don't pilot the ship...I could die down there, if you don't get me out in time." She frowned again. Then I noticed her eyes harden, showing resolve. "Good girl. Come on. Let's go." Khem followed us silently. It was time to get what we came for.

Vault 305.

Republic ships, three of them. Well, luckily for us they were on standby. I was standing on the ramp of my ship, holding onto one of the rods, staring at the ships. Glaring really. "Alright Kory. I'm going. Cloak and get out of here, I'll call you in later." I said to the air. No one was with me, but I had spoken through a headset that Drael had supplied me with. They were better than a holocom in my opinion. Sure the holocom allowed me to see who I was talking to, but right now I didn't need that.

"Yes Kuro." I heard her sigh over our communication link. I smiled endearingly. She was so cute when she was worried. "Please be safe...I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Did I ever tell you you worry to much? I'll be fine." I took a deep breathe then jumped off the ramp. I think this is my new favorite way to travel. When you know you won't die from a high fall, sky diving becomes that much more fun. I landed lightly on my feet, thanks to my power in the force.

I approached the hole that lead to the artifact, and groaned. Well, here goes nothing. I injected myself with the altered mutagen. I felt no difference, that was discouraging because I had no way of knowing if it would work or not. Other than to jump right in, I die if it doesn't work I guess. I jumped down the hole, falling several feet to a pool of green toxic ooze at the bottom. I landing in it softly and held my breathe. Nothing. No pain, no acidic melting. Nothing. I guess that meant it worked. I let out the breathe I was holding and ventured forward. The only way to go was through a cave of some sort. I spent several minutes of walking and killing Colicoids that infested these caverns and one big one that seemed to enjoy shitting multiple Colicoids at a time to come kill me.

Then I came upon a slab of rock. A floating round rock sat in the middle between to claw like arches. This was it, the artifact. I thought about what I needed to do. Then I remembered the ancient holocron text back in the Tomb of Marka Ragnos. I shot lightning at the the pyramid. Maybe that would work...or more specifiably, meditate. I took in a deep breathe, then released to calm myself. I closed my eyes and clasped my hands together and meditated on the dark side of the force. Nothing happened at first. Then suddenly the rock crackled. Two pillars rose from either side of the flat slab, lightning crackling between then. I felt myself floating into the air. Lightning shot from my eyes and hands into the pillars. There was no pain and after a minute of this a square object, it looked like a holocron, morphed between the claws. Without hesitation I grabbed it and stuffed into a pack I brought along.

I was about to turn around and retrace my steps When the ground shook, throwing me to the floor. "Shit. Kory what happened?" I could feel that that wasn't a natural earthquake. The quakes blocked my path with falling rocks, blocking my way out. Shit! If I didn't get out soon I would be crushed falling rocks, or die from the toxic when the mutagen wears off.

"The republic ships! Their firing on us." She said over the headset.

"What? I thought I told you to get out of there!" I scolded her harshly.

"Ngh! Sorry Kuro, I just couldn't. I can't just leave you in a toxic filled facility, alone with republic troops surrounding it. Not get out of there!"

"Damn it Kory!" I decided to save a oral tongue lashing for later...yummy, now there's a thought. No! Enough! Focus! I dashed down another corridor, killing several more Colicoids along the way. I entered another area of the facility and looked up. There was also a hole here, I could get out this way. I noticed an elevator coming down, having recognized a humanoid in the area. I shielded my eyes with my arm when suddenly another blast blew sparks and flame in my face. I quickly boarded the elevator as it rode up. It seems my luck was on a downward spiral today, because the elevator cut out about halfway up. I cursed again and looked around for another way out. I then noticed that the catwalks that spiraled up were within reach. I decided to go for it and jumped for the closest one.

I ran. I ran as fast as I could. I needed to get out of here. I needed to get this artifact back to Zash. I needed to get back to Kory. She was my best friend and I couldn't imagine a life...or death without her. I had to live, if only for her sake. So I ran. The adrenaline pumping through my veins urging me on.

Several Colicoids were lingering on the catwalks and attacked me when I came within range. I didn't have time for them, so I pushed them away with the force I ran past. If I killed them then fine if not...whatever. I was long gone already anyway. Finally I reached the top and jumped out. I would have loved to say that I barely escaped death from a fiery explosion but that wasn't the case. The facility just caved in. Anti-climactic.

As if sensing me the turrets of the closest Republic vessel swerved in my direction...and fired. "Fuck me..." I groaned. I ran and jumped out of the way, catapulting myself with the force to dodge the massive blaster. The ground behind me exploded in fire, and chunks of rock flying everywhere. "Kory! I'm out! Come get me now!" I shouted over the com-link. I kept running and dodging blasters from not only the ships but now Republic troops. "Son of a bitch!" I screamed in fury. I ran towards the nearby cliff's edge, of course that was the direction of the entire Republic landing zone, but it was my only chance to get out. As I ran, I channeled lightning in my hands. Once it was at a decent charge I unleashed the pent up energy into a nearby trooper. The scream of pain, then death was glorious. The lightning, still infused with a lot of power jumped to the nearest person that wasn't me. Another trooper fell, then another and another. This repeated ten more times, but still they kept coming.

I silently thank the Emperor when I saw my ship. "Kory!"

"Come on Kuro! You're almost there!" The Fury was getting larger and larger. I could clearly see my boys on the ramp, firing their blaster rifles at the republic forces. The Fury itself was firing at the turrets on the ship, effectively blowing the turrets apart. Everything was going to hell and fast. So with one final burst of speed I launched myself towards the ship's ramp. My eyes widened as I realized I wasn't going to make it, I had miscalculated the jump...and it was a very long drop. Suddenly a hand grabbed my forearm as I reached for the ramp's edge in a futile attempt. I snapped my head upward and I saw Khem crouched down holding to my hand with a death grip.

"Khem..."

"Get moving, little Sith." He growled. I chuckled and with his help I hauled myself up and over the ramp, to safety. Khem, my boys and I backed up as the ramp shut, then I heard Drael yell from inside the ship.

"She's on-board Kory, Punch it!" The ship lurched and I pressed myself against Khem to steady myself. Surprisingly he wrapped his massive arm around my shoulders to keep me steady. What's gotten into him? After the sudden movement, and thanking Khem for saving my life. It was weird that he did, he didn't fail to point out that he wanted me dead and soon 'escape his enslavement'. Oh well I wasn't going to look a...gift Khem in the mouth? I rolled my eyes at my stupid brain and hurried further inside the ship to get to Kory. I found her sitting in the pilot seat, two of the Imperial troopers in the other two seats assisting her.

"Kory?" She looked at me, but remained seated. "You. Are. Amazing." She laughed.

"Well duh. I'm glad you're alright Kuro. Although we still have a problem." She pointed to the galaxy map, at least what used to be the galaxy map. Now it showed the surrounding area and red dots, most likely enemy locations. "They way I see it we got two options: Kick their asses or...run like hell." I grinned. Kicking their goody-goody asses seemed like fun but, I've had enough of near death experiences today.

"I know this is going to sound bizarre coming from me but forget them. Set our destination for Sobrik. The Republic wouldn't dare openly attack unless they wanted to start an early war. I patted the pack on my waist, I was glad it was still with me. "We got what we came for."

"Roger that." She giggled at her military jargon. I rolled my eyes. I kissed the top of her head and retreated to my room. I disabled the headset and set it down on the bedside table. Collapsing onto the bed I let out a pent up sigh. Before I could get comfortable, however my holocom chimed. Aggravated I answered it.

"Who is this?" I snapped. I surprised to see Captain Ilun on holo. What did he want?

"Sith." He flinched and tried again. "I mean, my lord...I mean..." He sighed. "Major Ilun here, sir." Major huh? Let's hope he does a better job than Bessiker...the fool.

"This is starting to annoy me...Major. Will I never be rid of you fools?" I snarled.

He swallowed thickly. "Uh, right, well I'll be quick then, my lord. Yes, um, as the new resources officer here on Balmorra, I just wanted to apologize for the behavior of the late Major Bessiker." I raised an eyebrow at that. He wasn't the one who needed to apologize. Though the one who did was dead so I guess this was acceptable. "His son's mission was not a military matter, and the major had no right to demand your valuable time in that way." He finished his apology. I smirked at the man. He was certainly better than the late Major.

"Indeed. I couldn't agree more, Major." I replied, calm.

"I just hope you remember my role in helping you find what you were after." I chuckled so that was his angle. He wanted something.

"Were you hoping for a reward? You got your promotion, I don't know what else you want from me."

"Not at all, my lord. I apologize if it came out that way. I just meant that I hope you remember that I helped you and that you would consider asking for my services once more should the need arise. You'll always be welcome on Balmorra, my lord." He stood at attention, hands clasped behind his back as he smiled at me.

I chuckled. "I will be sure to remember that...Major Ilun. I do hope you remember that a Sith is welcome wherever she goes."

He nodded, still smiling and polite. "Absolutely, my lord. No question of it. It was a pleasure to serve you. Good luck in your future endeavors." He nodded and disconnected the transmission. I laughed quietly to myself. What an ordeal Balmorra was. Still, I had one more thing to do before I could rest. I had to contact Zash. So with a sigh I stood up and exited my room to stand in front of the interstellar holoterminal. Pressing a few buttons allowed Zash to come on holo, once she answered of course. "Kuro? How wonderful to see you again, my dear one."

"Good to see you too Zash. I've found the artifact and we are safely aboard the Fury." I informed my mother figure.

"Fantastic news, I've traced..." She trailed off and I noticed she was looking at something behind me. I turned to look and saw Drael and a few of his men playing a card game on the nearby table. "Who..."

I laughed with mirth. "Drael!" He snapped to attention, quickly standing to his feet, his soldiers following suit. "Say hello to Darth Zash, my master."

"My lord." He came closer and bowed. "What an honor it is to speak with you."

"Indeed." Zash muttered. "Kuro, who are they?" She asked me.

"My soldiers." I smirked at the dumbfounded look on her face. I quickly explained everything that had transpired on Balmorra. Bessiker's "help" Major Ilun's assistance, the fight to kidnap Tyrek, my "liberation" of Bessiker's son, his death and my acquiring of Drael and his squad. Then finally my adrenaline pumping smash and grab of the artifact.

"Oh dear, that is quite an experience." She smiled at me. "Well Sergeant, I must thank you for keeping my short-tempered apprentice safe." I huffed, crossing my arms petulantly. She laughed at my reaction. "In any case, Kuro, I thank you for informing me of the recent developments. The next artifact is on Nar Shaddaa. I'm still trying to find the other two, I will keep looking while you are planet-side."

"Yes, master." She rolled her eyes and looked at me with a fond smile. "I'll speak to you later."

"Kuro..." I looked up again and into her eyes. She was frowning.

"Yeah?" I asked, concerned.

"Be safe, and don't do something so stupid and reckless again." She said, her tone firm, yet caring. I nodded with a smile which she returned, then we both signed off. Well, Nar Shaddaa...get ready. Kuro Kali'ka comes. I chuckled to myself and swept from the room, once more retreating to my quarters for a bit of shut eye.

AN: Oh yes, Kuro and Kory have Centurion PVP robes. I like that look the most as far as SI goes, just replace the head slot as a cowl/cloak type thing. I think you can find a pic of the armor on the SWTOR main website. Other than that I really got nothing to say at this point, hope you all enjoyed it and see you all in chapter eight.