Danny walked through the corridors of the Foundry, reading the files about what the station had to offer.
The first one was about what shipyard could produce. The first ship twice smaller than Phantom's. It was the dreadnought of the Harrower-class. This was the largest and best-armed ship currently in production by the Foundry.
The 'point' of the Harrower-class's wedge was split down the middle for a quarter to a third of the length of the ship, forming two prongs. Between those two prongs was one of the Harrower-class's hangar bays, with two hangar openings stacked on top of each other and protected by force fields. Two additional hangars were located on either side of the ship, between the ends of the forward prongs and two smaller "wings" that protruded from each side closer to the rear of the ship. A final hangar was located on the underbelly of the dreadnought.
Harrower-class dreadnoughts sported heavily-reinforced hull plating and four shield generators, and the ship featured turbolaser batteries, quad laser cannons, ion cannons, proton torpedos, and concussion missile launchers as its armaments. Most Harrower-class dreadnoughts had three primary thrusters surrounded by four smaller ones located at the rear of the ship.
Two of the ship's shield generators were located on the upper hull of each of those wings, and an early model of the Harrower-class that saw use during the first years of the Great Galactic War between the Empire and the Galactic Republic had a set of four turrets on both the top and bottom sides of both wings. On the later model that saw wider use, those turrets were moved forward to form two rows of four turrets on both the top and bottom of the ship, just above the forward hangar bay. A smaller wedge was located on both the top and bottom of the dreadnought towards the rear, and the vessel's command tower was positioned at the rear of the vessel atop that wedge: wing-like protrusions extended out from atop the upper wedge, and the rectangular command tower was built atop the junction of the 'wings.'
The Terminus-class was similar in appearance to the smaller Gage-class transport, but wielded far more firepower. Despite the similar features found onboard the two ships, the Terminus destroyer was built as a dedicated warship used for a number of tasks such as escort missions, search and destroy or transporting important Imperial figures. This ship class boasted an impressive array of weaponry making it a match for the Galactic Republic's Thranta-class corvettes that were used as the workhorse for the Republic Navy. These ships were also used for securing recently captured territories in order to not tie up Harrower-class dreadnoughts.
As was previously said, the Gage-class resembled the larger Terminus-class destroyer, but wielded fewer turbolaser batteries. The transport instead had more space for cargo and room for barracks in which to carry troops. Its bridge deck was also noted for its wide and spacious design. The transport sported the heavy armor of the Terminus-class to help protect its cargo. The armor was strong enough for the transport to viably engage in last-ditch ramming maneuvers.
Danny smiled at what he read. Those ships were perfect, he could see how the Empire almost defeated the Republic. If not for a few Jedi, who saved the day as always, the Emperor would have ruled the galaxy. If Phantom gets them, then he would win the civil war he had started. HK already started building the fleet and the droids to drive them. It will take a month to build enough.
Another question arose, however, how was he supposed to transport the entire armada through the hyperspace unnoticed? It was already hard to avoid the scanners with his dreadnought.
In his thoughts, discoveries and contemplations Phantom hadn't noticed an obstacle on his way. He suddenly stumbled upon something and fell forward with a yelp of surprise. But then Danny stopped in midair and landed on his feet. He looked back and the only thing he saw was one snarky droid.
"Statement: Watch where you are going, meatbag," HK said.
"I...wait," Danny narrowed his eyes. "You tripped me, didn't you?"
"Question: What makes you say that?"
"Because there is nothing else I could trip on," Danny deadpanned, crossing his hands.
"Negative: Your poor organic eyesight must be fooling you."
"My eyesight is much better than yours. And I see perfectly well that the ground is absolutely flat, yet I hit something and almost fell."
HK was silent. Danny sighed, rubbing his temples. "Don't you have anything better to do?"
"Explanation: The slugs are dead and with them my only entertainment. And since my Master has forbidden to kill you, that's all I can do now."
"You are quite blunt," Danny commented.
"Statement: That's how I was programmed to respond. Question: Where are you going?"
"Well, I've got a prisoner before coming here. She is on my ship and I intend to have a conversation with her."
"Giddy statement: Oh, interrogations? I love interrogations! Especially long ones, when the captives resist, and yet are screaming from pain when I rip out their..."
"Alright, stop that. You already made it too graphical."
"Mockery: What, your fleshy stomach can't stand it?"
"No, simply memories about the people I want to kill, nevermind," Danny mumbled, before going further.
Phantom didn't get why someone would need such a bloodthirsty droid. Sure, you can expect him to complete every extermination order, but he could once day misinterpret your commands and do something you will regret later.
For some reason Danny decided to practice non portal teleportation in that moment. He thought about the bridge of the ship and dissappeared in a cloud of smoke. Well, he did manage to teleport there. Everyone, besides the droids, jumped in surprise at his sudden appearance. Danny grinned, it will never get old. But Phantom felt weird, and he soon understood why.
"Sir!" The soldiers stood still. Danny nodded and their stances relaxed.
"Ensign," he called. She came closer to him. "The station won't attack, you can board it without worries."
"Understood. Uhm, sir, what happened to your hand?"
Danny quirked an eyebrow, before looking at his arms. On his left hand a pointing finger got...separated from the rest of his body. Danny shrugged, it was painless anyway.
"Don't worry, it will grow in a few days. Proceed with boarding for now."
Phantom turned around and walked out of the bridge. Using the familiar corridors, Danny first visited his room, before going to the prison ring. When he approached the needed cell, Komand was doing such an entertaining thing as staring at the metal walls. Not like she had anything to do anyway. Danny shifted on his legs awkwardly, before knocking on the wall slightly. Komand turned her head and looked at him. She didn't show it, but she was wary of him, Danny felt as such.
He smiled slightly. "Hey there."
She didn't respond. Phantom let out a sigh, as his lips formed a thin line. Not from annoyance or exasperation, but because he didn't know where to start and he hadn't planned the conversation beforehand. Thankfully, he got the topic for conversation when he heard her stomach grumble.
"Food wasn't brought yet?" Danny asked.
Komand shook her head. "For a few days," she said.
Phantom's look became confused. He remembered giving an order, he will look into it later. Inwardly taking a deep cautious breath, Danny opened the door and stepped inside. Now he wasn't the only one confused here.
"Well, it's good I brought some," Danny smiled nervously, showing a bowl with fruits and rubbing the back of his neck. "I...well...I wanted to apologize for my behavior before. I'm sorry for that."
Komand looked at him weirdly. "I tried to kill you and yet you are the one asking for forgiveness?" She asked in bewilderment.
"You simply couldn't kill me," Phantom argued and Komand's look turned into glare. "I'm not saying you are weak. You just didn't know my race's anatomy and that your attempts to choke me were pointless. Look," sighing, he sat nearby on a metal bed. "I may be a lot of things, but I'm not someone who enjoys seeing people suffer. Mostly. You are not one of the few who tortured me in the past, so I don't have anything against you. I just have...mental problems, and I'm really sorry that you are the one who had to see me like that."
Komand looked like she wanted to say something, but instead she took some apple-like purple fruit and bit on it.
"You are a weird one," she commented after that. "Do you know that?"
"If only I got a nickel every time I heard that," Danny smirked, glad to turn to something more positive.
Ignoring his comment about unknown currency, Komand looked up from the floor and on him. "You want me to say this, don't you?" She deadpanned.
Danny grinned toothily. "That will be appreciated."
"Fine, you are forgiven," Komand rolled her eyes, biting on the fruit again.
A silence settled after that. Neither knew how to continue the conversation, and honestly, Komand was too busy with eating, and Danny didn't want to interrupt her, she obviously was hungry. Finally, once she finished, Komand leaned against the wall and sighed.
"How did you do that?" she asked.
"Did what?" Danny raised a confused eyebrow.
"When we fought, you made that green shield and sword, you also shot blaster bolts from your hands. How did you do that?"
Phantom smirked. "Ah, that's what you mean. I already told you, didn't I? I'm afraid that that is what only my kind can do, as for HOW we can do that, well, we manipulate energy around and inside of us to do such things. But, both you and I can use the Force and I know more than any 'sorcerer' ever will. I'm actually curious about what you were taught and what you can do."
"You already saw lighting and moving objects. That's basically all."
Phantom snorted. "Seriously? That's all?"
"And what's wrong with that?" She crossed her hands.
"Because, my dear, that's basics even Sith acolytes can do. Actually, even they were taught more."
"And what exactly?"
Danny smirked inwardly, standing up on his feet. He caught her interest. "Well, starting from the simple mind trick. Wave your hand and weak minded people will do your bidding. Will suppression is a more advanced form of mind trick. Few can resist it. That's what every Force user, no matter how weak they are, can do. But you are not one of them, Komand. The Force is strong with you, and you can go much further than in services to this rotten empire."
"Are...are you offering me to betray everyone I know?"
"Depends on who you will go against. Who exactly are that 'everyone'? Your teachers who don't let you discover your potential? Or maybe fellow sorcerers? You didn't seem to bother with that oaf's death."
"Hodor was annoying. Couldn't even build a normal sentence."
"So you are loyal to them. Admirable. But, one simple question - are they? They hadn't even attempted to communicate with you, and I would know, we are overhearing all the transmissions. How can that be considered a loyalty? I am warning you against repeating my mistake. I used to protect people, I was loyal to the populace of my city, too, foolishly believing that the feeling was mutual. It wasn't. And to where it led? To the vivisection table. Even if your end might be different, the fact remains. Do not help people who look at you upside down, because you will never receive any gratitude for what you do. I'm helping the poor slaves because they don't do that. They don't have anyone else to go to, because their masters treat them like dirt. I can rely on them and I trust them. Because despite my power to destroy armies, I treat them as equals, making the trust mutual."
Komand rubbed her hands uncomfortably. Because Danny was right, but the fact that he was speaking the truth didn't make it easier. On the contrary, it made things even more complicated.
"I...I just can't go against my family!" She exclaimed exasperated, standing up as well. "We served the empire for generations! And you are offering me to just fight them?!"
Danny's expression remained calm as he put his hands behind his back. He hid his curiosity under this mask. "So that's what all of this about? I see..."
"No, you don't see! Stop pretending to know everything!" She shouted into his face. "You don't know me!"
"You are right," he said, actually surprising her, "I don't know you, but that's why I ask. I never said I know everything. Knowing everything is the same thing as knowing nothing. This rule has only one exception, and I'm not him."
"UGH!" Komand exclaimed.
'Why should he be so unbearably righteous?!' She yelled mentally.
She sat back on the bed with a thud, glaring at her captor, whose expression was unreadable. Danny sighed, moving a chair using the Force and sat in front of her.
"I understand this, Komand," he said quietly. "I understand that your family is very important to you. And I don't think I will be able to feel the same way towards mine, now when my sister is gone, and my friend and love of my life killed by my parents in a crossfire. I hate my parents. One day I will return home and finish what I failed to do last time. But they are only two people. I am not going to make you kill or in any way harm your relatives, I'm not a Sith. Just join us, I will teach you what I can, and then you will be free to do whatever you want."
Komand didn't respond and looked away again. Sighing, Danny got on his feet and started to walk out of the cell.
"W-wait!" Komand suddenly called, and Phantom stopped in a doorway, turning around and leaning against the wall. "Are you being serious about what you said?"
"Yes, I am."
"Then I don't have any choice but to join you," she said a bit bitterly.
"There is always a choice. It's just not always obvious," Danny smiled. "We will start your trainings when everyone is sleeping, so no one will freak out. When we are not training, read this."
Phantom took out the datapad and handed it to his newly proclaimed apprentice. It consisted a copy of one of the books he found back on Tython. It was essential for her education. Yes, he himself was but a learner, but compared to Komand, who barely was on a level of Padawan, he was a Master. Thanks to the knowledge Bogan and Ashla put into his mind. Danny wasn't the one to lose his chance, so he better start as soon as possible, or he will lose this golden opportunity. And yes, he translated the entire book for her. He really needed a hobby.
-Later-
When no one was looking, it wasn't hard to pick a proper place for trainings, especially on a few miles long ship. It was mostly empty on the inside, though, and served the purpose of space for more weapons on the outside. Danny picked that huge room under the command bridge. It looked like the damage caused by his Ghostly wail was repaired. Phantom led Komand there, avoiding the rebels who wanted some water in the middle of the 'night'.
Meditation was probably the most boring part of the training. Seriously, all you do is sitting on one place without a permission to marvel the beautiful landscapes, or in the current situation - walls surrounding you. And when you aren't the most patient one, like in Komand's case, it can turn into a few hours of boredom.
"Uh, I don't see how this should help me," she muttered.
They had been like that for who knows how long.
Danny, who was sitting in front of her, opened his eyes and looked at his apprentice, smiling. "The Force isn't a physical object you can take and put on shelf. It's an energy, and you must have a way to grasp it. That's what meditation is for. You won't be able to use the Force properly if you don't have a way to interact with it. You have a connection, all you need is to open up to it. Try again and remember, both sides must be present inside of you..."
"And don't let one overweight another," Komand rolled her eyes. "You said that hundred times before."
"And I'll say it again if needed," Danny said seriously. "The Dark Side has a strong influence. The Je'daii don't ward it away, but they don't embrace it either. We must be cautious, because we are exposed to it as no one else, since we are using it and all," he waved his hand slowly and shrugged. His childishness will remain with him even when he will turn thousand years old.
"Try again, we are in no hurry," Phantom smiled again.
"Alright," Komand said not so enthusiastically.
She closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh.
Danny meanwhile observed her curiously. Yes, she may be impatient, but he wasn't the one to tell her that. He himself wasn't the best example. He meditated because he didn't have anything better to do in his free time. But he wasn't worried. The Dark Side seemed so powerful because it is granted almost by a snap of the fingers, while it is a long way to achieve the same amount of power while following the Light. Yet, there is the fact that he was the only one who could teach her anything.
Suddenly he felt something and it made him smile wider.
"Good job, keep it up," Phantom encouraged quietly.
Komand sighed deeply again, shifting slightly on her place. She felt weird, it was nothing like she was being taught before. It was like something pummeled through her like a powerful stream. Komand opened her eyes and gasped.
"What happened?" She asked in bewilderment.
"Just as I suspected," Danny mumbled, tapping on his chin. "Tell me, haven't you gone through some 'trials' or 'rituals'?"
"We drank some liquid during initiation. No one told us what is this thing."
"Hm, it seems like this liquid somehow kept your potential at bay. This 'barrier' was weakened by me and a simple meditation was enough to break it. The question is, why you drank that stuff. Another confirmation of my theory, don't you think so?"
Suddenly Danny grinned evilly. "Now let's get to the bigger fun."