Yokonari activated the holoprojector after receiving a message that Darth Baras wanted to speak to her.
"Apprentice, my soldiers have informed that you have subdued Nomen Karr, but I've heard no more updates," Baras said. "What has transpired? Where is he?"
"I left him there to die, master," Yokonari said.
"I see," Baras said, dejectedly. "I had hoped to get my hands on him myself, but I supposed my imagination will have to suffice. Through the Force, I did feel some of his pain. It was a spectacular sensation!"
Baras turned his head to the newest member of Yokonari's crew. "And I see you have a new passenger. Jaesa Willsam, I presume."
Yokonari turned her attention to Jaesa. "This is my master, Darth Baras," She said, introducing the two.
"Greetings, my lord," Jaesa said, bowing slightly.
"I sense her devotion to you, apprentice," Baras said. "How ever did you manage that?"
"That's my little secret," Yokonari said, a slight grin on her face.
Baras chuckled. "Excellent! The perfect disciple," he said. "There is no denying that you are a master of the dark arts now."
Yokonari contained her excitement, only showing a small smile on her face as Baras continued.
"Only the most accomplished among us are named lords among Sith. You have more than earned the distinction," he said. "I hereby confer the title of Sith Lord upon you."
"You honor me," She said, bowing before Baras. I can take my final vows now.
"Through your exemplary service, you honor yourself," Baras said. "I award a considerable stipend to those who achieve such a rank in my service. Enjoy it."
Baras picked up a datapad, and transferred a sum of credits to Yokonari's account. "Now, celebrate as you see fit, and then report to me on Dromund Kaas. I have great plans for us." He then shut down the holoprojector, and left Yokonari and her crew alone.
"Wow, a Lord," Vette said. "I'm impressed."
"Congratulations, my Lord," Quinn said.
"You've both been a great help," Yokonari said, turning her attention to Quinn, glaring slightly at him.
"Service is its own reward," Quinn said, though his face showed he knew that Yokonari meant him less than Vette.
"Yeah, what he said," Vette added, not knowing of the wordless exchange between the two. "I've already prepared Jaesa's quarters. I'll go ahead and show her to them."
"Good thinking, Vette," Yokonari said.
"I'm here to help," Vette said cheerfully. "Come on Jaesa, let's get you set up."
"Whenever you need me, my lord, whatever your order, I'll be ready," Jaesa said.
"Don't kiss my ass, Jaesa," Yokonari said. "I have no use for sycophants."
"I apologize my lord," Jaesa said. "I'll go get settled in."
"Don't hesitate to make this ship your home," Yokonari added.
Jaesa bowed respectfully. "You are so very gracious, my lord."
When Vette and Jaesa exited the room, Quinn spoke up. "So, my Lord, you have the girl. A victory even Darth Baras failed to anticipate," he said. "Though I'm a bit perplexed. Your methods have been a bit…unorthodox."
"Like how I didn't kill you when I found out what you had done on Nar Shaddaa?" Yokonari snapped. "Don't push me, Quinn. Sith interests are complicated."
"I understand, my Lord," Quinn said, knowing what she meant. "I leave you to enjoy this achievement."
"See that you remain useful, Captain," Yokonari said. "Because I will not hesitate to punish you further if you displease me."
About an hour later, Yokonari had just finished sending an encrypted message to her White Knight contact, and headed to Jaesa's quarters to see how her apprentice was settling in.
"Master, I feel compelled to tell you that I feel uneasy fighting aside diehard Imperials," Jaesa said as Yokonari approached. "It seems like a foolish risk; we are always surrounded by the enemy."
"It is necessary, Jaesa," Yokonari said. "The Sith run the Empire, and they are slaves to the Dark Side. You must learn to hide your nature from Force blind Imperials as much as other Sith."
"But…what if we're discovered?" Jaesa stammered out. "What will we do?"
"I know of techniques that will allow us to keep ourselves from being discovered," Yokonari said. "I will teach you them once you are ready. Just remember not to discuss our greater plans unless you and I are in private."
"This work is so grim," Jaesa said. "And I must learn to play the role of the dark apprentice."
"I know the feeling," Yokonari said sympathetically. "To sit and watch as your peers and superiors do terrible things while you are forced to watch silently…"
Jaesa nodded. "I've always despised those who pretend to be what they are not," she said. "Now, it seems like I've joined their ranks."
"You must keep your sights on the goal, Jaesa," Yokonari said knowingly. "And be ready to do whatever it takes."
"I hear you master, and I will follow your lead," Jaesa said assuredly. "I'm going show you that you made the right decision in taking me on."
"See that you do, Jaesa, but remember that pride is as dangerous as anger," Yokonari said. "Keep your wits about you, and you will do fine."
