Well, it took me this long, but I've finally got a new chapter of this story for all of you! I hope you guys enjoy it! Also, I have a new poll up on my profile that I'd like you all to go and vote on. The details are at the end of the chapter. But with all that out of the way, let's get this show on the road!
*I don't own Invader Zim or Star Wars: The Old Republic!*
Interrogations and Twi'leks!
Zim's POV.
As I traversed through the maze of catacombs that make up the tomb of Ajunta Pall I took the time to bloody my new war blade. Fortunately for me there were still plenty of K'lor'slugs in this tomb along with grave robbers for me to cut down without a moment's hesitation. And I intend to do just that. Now don't get me wrong, I'm definitely trying to be better than I was before and I'm not exactly your traditional Sith acolyte(and not simply because I'm an Irken.), but these filthy creatures and vile robbers dare to desecrate the tomb of the first ever Sith Lord as though it is their right! I shall teach them what happens to tomb looters and vermin the HARD WAY!
Eventually I did find my way to the tomb exit, though I am covered from antennae to toe in blood and guts from my kills. Still, it's better for everyone that those K'lor'slugs and looters are dead. Well… almost everyone. I hissed and had to shield my eyes as they adjusted to the light of the sun. I never realized how detrimental being in the dark for so long can be to someone's sight, what with my lab back on Earth having had sufficient lighting that moving into outdoor light didn't bother me. But now I have a little more respect for those who are stuck working desk jobs and are unable to get out much.
Okay, my first order of business is to find Sergeant Rikel and deliver the stolen artifacts to him. Goodness knows these things will need to be studied before they are returned to their proper place in the tomb. I asked a few nearby soldiers where the Sergeant was and they pointed me towards a small market of sorts where some acolytes and rookie soldiers were buying and selling goods. I quickly jogged over to the man who I realized was the Sergeant due to the design of his armor, and addressed him
"I have taken care of your problem with the looters in the tomb." I said as I handed him the artifacts.
"Ah, then I'll assume my men are dead." Rikel said in a slight regretful tone, likely for his fallen soldiers. "Even so you've done us a great service. Their loss is your gain, I suppose."
"Thank you very much, Sergeant. I am most grateful." I said as I bowed my head in respect.
"Yes sir." he replied simply.
With my task complete I started walking up the ramp to the academy of the Sith. It was a true marvel of Imperial architecture, but a little unnerving. I could feel what it was like in there. Many a Sith who feel as though they're cold as ice with no soul. As I ascended the ramp and made my way to the entrance of the academy, I found myself halted by a Sith Pureblood woman. Like most members of her species her skin was a deep crimson red, and she had bone growths growing downwards from her cheekbones and eye ridges. Her curly hair was a deeper shade of red, and she also had brighter red eyes. She was wearing dark red and white Sith Warrior armor and had a Lightsaber clipped to her belt. Her skintight outfit did nothing to hide her womanly curves.
Now in the past, when I still thought that I was an invader, I would have been repulsed by a being such as her. But now that I can think much clearer after my dilemma with the Tallest trying to kill me I gotta admit that this woman is, how the Hyoomans would say… smokin' hot! Though I prefer to use less vulgar terms such as pretty or beautiful.
But I'll keep my opinions to myself, lest I incur her wrath.
"Acolyte, I am Assistant Overseer Loun and I come with a message. Overseer Tremel can teach you the ways of the Sith but not all of the skills. For that, there are specialists in the academy. Overseer Tremel wishes you to meet them and learn what you can." she said.
I took a minute to think about her words before nodding in approval at these actions. It certainly won't hurt to broaden my horizons in terms of fighting abilities.
"Makes sense to me." I said with a shrug of my shoulders.
"An acolyte who thinks. Good. There is hope for you and pleasure awaiting your instructors." Loun said with a pleased look on her face. "You will find the best trainers in the Academy's archives. You are expected there shortly."
I gave a nod before bowing to the Assistant Overseer and proceeding on my way. As I walked down the main entrance I found a pair of Honor Guards actually kneeling as I passed by. I must say it was quite the refreshing feeling to have somebody respect you instead of always looking down on you. I quickly asked one of them for directions to Overseer Tremel's office and they, to my surprise, politely pointed me in the right direction. Thanking the guard I continued on my way whilst taking note of the rather large obelisk in the center of the room.
But as I made my way down the hall to Tremels office I found myself being halted by a pair of acolytes. They both wore similar uniforms, being gray and red Sith Warrior Apprentice Armor, but they both looked totally different. One had a build similar to Tremel and had red hair shaved into cornrows, and a scar across the bridge of his nose. The other was a hulking wall of muscle, bald with a brown tattoo on his head, and a small beard has his facial hair.
"Hey there, acolyte. Hold on a moment. Let me get a look at you." said the shorter of the two. "Hmm. So you're Overseer Tremel's secret weapon, huh? Impressive, to be sure. Never thought I'd ever see an Irken of all aliens among the Sith, that's for sure. Afraid the old man waited too long to make his move, though."
I simply narrowed my eyes at this guy. It hasn't even been five minutes since we've met and already he makes me want to rip his throat out with my teeth! He didn't seem to notice my growing irritation and simply continued on with his tangent.
"I'm Vemrin, and unlike you I've fought and bled for everything I have. I demand respect." he said with a slight growl.
Pushing down my anger and swallowing my pride, I decided to try and diffuse the situation before things escalated to bloodshed.
"This is a big place, Vemrin. There's more than enough room for both of us." I said while holding up my hands in a placating manner.
"I'm glad to hear you say that. There's plenty of room for you behind me." Vemrin said in a slight condescending manner. "If Overseer Tremel had made his move a year ago, when I first arrived, you might have had a chance. But now - too little, too late."
"This is ridiculous, Vemrin. Let's just kill him and hide the body." said the larger man.
I raised a nonexistent eyebrow at what he'd said. This cements the fact that he's like those stereotypical jocks that I heard about back on Earth. The big oaf is all muscle and no brains. Dumb as a sack of hammers.
"We're not on Balmorra anymore, Dolgis. There are rules. Traditions. We'll leave the shortcuts to overseer Tremel and his last pathetic hope here." Vemrin said to his lackey.
I simply scoffed and said "You're not very good with people, are you?"
"You're not funny. Just pathetic. And you've been warned." Vemrin said as he brushed off the quip. "Coming, Dolgis?"
"Be right there, Vemrin." Dolgis said.
While Vemrin went on ahead to whatever it was he should have been doing, Dolgis got up in my face and tried to intimidate me. Which is not working as much as he must think it is.
"Listen to me, you useless priss. Acolytes aren't allowed to murder each other. But accidents happen. It isn't murder without witnesses. No more warnings. Vemrin's the alpha monster here. You go after Vemrin, you die."
Having said his piece, the lumbering brute known as Dolgis started walking to catch up with Vemrin. As he walked away I took a moment to wipe the spit off of my face from when he was speaking right in my face. Whoever's teaching that guy really oughta teach him to say it, not spray it. But anyway, it's best not to dwell on that. Onward to Tremel's office!
Lucky for me, as I kept walking, I found that it was literally right around the corner. And upon arrival I saw the overseer speaking with a young woman with a set of three scars on her face. It seems like she shares many physical traits with Tremel. Could they be related?
"Good, you've returned. You seem to be in one piece." Tremel said upon noticing me. "Tell me, how do you like your new blade?"
"Take a look. I've already bloodied it." I said as I gestured to the weapon.
"What are you doing, father? I only just got my warblade, and I've been here six months." the young woman asked incredulously.
"I have my reasons, Eskella. And you will not breathe a word of this to anyone. Do you hear?" Tremel said with a hint of warning in his voice.
The girl seemed to know better than to argue with the overseer any further, and was quick to back down.
"Yes. Yes, father." she said in resignation.
"Zim, this is Eskella, my daughter. She's one of the advanced students here. On her way to becoming Sith. If she minds herself." Tremel said.
I gave Eskella a nod of greeting. It looks like he was right about her sharing blood relation with Tremel. Still, he can tell from her body language that she's anything but happy with the situation. If anything, she's furious. But I could see in her eyes that she's also surprised about an Irken of all aliens joining the Empire. Let alone training to become Sith.
Something tells me that that's going to be a recurring thing.
"I'll keep quiet about your new charge, father. But I won't be there if whatever you're planning blows up in your face." growled Eskella.
And without another word, she stomped out of her father's office. It seems like she's got a lot of bottled up emotions in regards to her father. Tremel should really sit Eskella down and have a heart to heart with her.
"Don't mind her. She's just sore that I'm keeping secrets. She growls, but she's loyal." Tremel said. "Now, I thought I heard Vemrin's voice in the adjacent chamber before you arrived. Did he make his move so soon?"
"He just introduced himself to me." I said with a shrug.
Tremel assumed a sort of thinking pose as he put a hand to his chin. Clearly, he was expecting something like this, but not quite this soon.
"If he didn't attack, he must not fully comprehend the threat you represent. Good, good. Still, I'd hoped we'd have more time. Vemrin's not the type to sniff around too long before trying to take a bite." Tremel said.
"Do you mind if I ask why you seem to be so against Vemrin? What did he ever do to you?" I asked.
"It is not simply about what he's done to me, acolyte. It's about what his mere presence does to the Sith as a whole." Tremel said as he answered my question.
Once again I raised a nonexistent eyebrow at this rather vague answer, so Tremel proceeded to explain what he meant in further detail.
"You see, in a drive for sheer numbers, the criteria for academy admittance has been relaxed. Now anyone with Force sensitivity is allowed entrance. Vemrin is mixed blood. The invisible rot that eats away at the foundation of the Empire. He must not be allowed to advance."
This explanation made a certain sense to me, as the Empire was founded upon certain families that have great strength in the Force, but it also made me curious and somewhat doubtful of my own place in the Sith. After all, I only recently discovered my own Force sensitivity when the Tallest destroyed my base and Gir, thus leading to those Sith finding me and offering me a place in the Empire. Which I accepted without a moment's hesitation. As a result I don't even know how pure my bloodline is or if it started with me.
"Don't worry. Though it has diluted over several generations, yours remains one of the last pure bloodlines that retains strength in the Force." Tremel said as he must have sensed my doubts. "Unfortunately, Vemrin's caught the eye of Darth Baras, one of the most influential Sith Lords. He's being groomed to be Baras's new apprentice. As Darth Baras's apprentice, the power at Vemrin's fingertips will be considerable. He could change the Sith for the worse."
These words made me harden my resolve quickly. I already don't like Vemrin as he reminds me too much of the arrogant Tallest who dared attempt to end my life, and while I have no physical scars the mental and emotional ones are most prominent. So I'll do everything in my power to stop Vemrin from becoming the apprentice of this Darth Baras.
"I won't let you down!" I declared to Tremel.
"Something in my gut tells me that you won't, acolyte. You must proceed to your next trial immediately. I want you to interrogate three prisoners in the academy jails and decide their fates. Consider each criminal's story carefully. The decisions you make will be scrutinized, so let your passions guide your judgements." Tremel instructed.
"Of course. I will handle it." I said with a nod.
"Go to the academy prison. Speak to head jailer Knash and report to me when you've passed judgement on the prisoners." Tremel said as he provided further instructions.
Nodding in understanding, I walked out of Tremel's office and started on my way to the academy jails. Of course, I did have to ask one of the guards for directions again, but whatever. Upon entering the jails I overheard the last of a conversation between a balding man, who I assumed to be head jailer Knash, and a blue skinned Rutian Twi'lek woman in a jail cell.
Third Person POV.
"One more chirp from you, little bird, and you'll regret it." Knash threatened.
"Chirp. Chirp, chirp." quipped the Twi'lek woman.
But it seems as though Knash was able to make good on his promise to make her regret that. He took out the control for the Twi'lek's shock collar and pressed a button. The result was several volts of electricity being sent through her system. It wasn't lethal, but it was definitely more than enough to cause her body to spasm and make her cry out from the pain.
"Ow! Jerk. If you don't like that, just say so. I can do other animals, too. Dire-Cat, Frog-Dog, Kowakian Monkey-Lizard, you name it." she said once the shocks had stopped.
"Can you do a Varactyl?" Zim asked in amusement.
The Twi'lek smiled and performed the most accurate Varactyl impersonation that the Irken has ever heard. With a hearty laugh, Zim gave the Twi'lek a round of applause for her performance as he was more than impressed by her skills. If he's being honest it felt so good to laugh and not have to do so in a way that makes you sound like an insane murderer.
"Bravo! Bravissimo! Encore!" cheered Zim as he clapped his hands.
"Thank you, thank you! I'll be here all week!" the Twi'lek said in a joking manner.
The head jailer simply scoffed and crossed his arms as Zim stopped clapping.
"At least you find her entertaining. She ain't been nothing but a big headache for me. Anyways, I'm jailer Knash. I run these cells and slave pits. You're the acolyte Tremel sent for the test, right? The Sith Academy's first Irken student? Hrmph. He thinks highly of you." Knash said.
While Zim was deeply touched that his teacher had faith in his abilities, unlike the Tallest back when he was trying to conquer the Earth, he wasn't about to get distracted. He has a trial to finish, and an apprenticeship to earn. And he intends to do just that.
"Then I shall repay his faith by sticking to my mission." he said simply.
"You should know this situation is highly unusual. Normally, an acolyte goes offworld for the interrogation. Overseer Tremel had these three shipped in for you." Knash explained as he gestured to three different prison cells. "He thinks you're the next coming of Exar Kun. But you ought to know, Tremel ain't the only one paying attention to you. Now, these three prisoners have been transferred here for your inspection. You gotta interrogate them as needed, and then decide their fate. The convicted are usually executed or given a trial by combat to see if they're worthy. Whatever you decide, you will be the one to carry out the sentence."
"As it should be." Zim.
"Hrmph. Fine, let's get started. This one on the left-"
"You freaks aren't getting anything new out of me. Just do whatever you're gonna do." the first prisoner growled as she interrupted Knash.
She's a human woman who looks to be in her mid to late twenties. Her face is covered in bruises and spots of dried blood, clear proof that she has been interrogated much more harshly before Zim arrived. But the young Irken wasn't backing down, and tried to reason with her.
"You can talk to me, or one of the Inquisitors. And trust me, I have a much sunnier disposition." Zim said with a not so hidden threat.
But the prisoner just scoffed at him.
"Get lost. I've been through this routine. I already know all your Inquisitors by name."
"Impudent to the last." sighed Knash. "As I was saying, she was sent to kill an imperial spy in the Yavin system. Throughout her torture, she maintained that she was hired anonymously."
"Get it through your damn head - I didn't know he was imperial, and I don't know who hired me." the prisoner all but shouted.
"So, you're telling me you're not a Republic assassin?" asked Zim.
"I'm not political. I work for whoever pays." she said with a growl.
"The point is, she doesn't deny the charge. So, now you must decide - execution or trial by combat. Which do you choose?" Knash asked.
He was fully prepared for this Irken to either kill the prisoner with his own two hands, or offer her a warblade so that she might fight for her life. But he certainly wasn't expecting the words that soon left Zim's mouth.
"Neither, actually. She could prove useful. Send her to Imperial Intelligence."
"Wait, you're… you're giving me a job?" the prisoner asked, clearly as surprised as Knash, or even more so.
"The Empire will require assassins. People who can slip past enemy lines, blend in among the people, and take down our enemies from the inside. You will undergo training to become an Imperial operative and will receive compensation for your services. And with enough hard work you may be given an opportunity to rise up in the ranks." Zim told the woman.
"Huh, you spared her. Interesting." Knash said as he stroked his beard in thought. "And having her sent to Imperial Intelligence to join our army as an assassin. Gotta admit, I never woulda thought of that."
He quickly waved over two agents to escort the woman to Imperial Intelligence where she will begin her new life. Seems like Zim has a good head on his shoulders when it comes to passing judgement. He escorted the young Irken to the next cell to continue the trial. Inside the second cell was a man who was wearing Sith Warrior armor, albeit much more beatup than it should be. He's a much older gentleman who has some visible cybernetic enhancements in his face. These show that he turned himself at least into a partial cyborg.
"Please, I am a fellow Sith, judge me with an open mind and grant me trial by combat. I beg you." the man begged.
"And who are you supposed to be?" Zim asked, crossing his arms.
"This here sack of shit is Devotek. Once a valued Sith champion, until he botched an important mission and caused a thousand imperial deaths and the deaths of hundreds of Sith. Now look at him." Knash explained.
"I served faithfully for twenty-four years, then one mistake and they threw me away. Now I have been left here to rot." Devotek said in self-pity. "Please, let me feel the weight of a weapon once more."
Sim merely narrowed his eyes, which looked a little intimidating due to their bulbous appearance and almost red coloration. He can sense that fire in Devotek's heart. The one that burns with strength and passion like a true Sith Warrior. But it was slowly dying out as Devotek continues to wallow in self-pity. His choice is a clear one.
"You don't deserve a trial by combat. And death would be a mercy." said Zim. "No, I think I'll leave you in here to stew in your anger. Maybe someday those flames that made you such an important warrior will reignite themselves."
"Damn you! DAMN YOU!" roared Devotek as he rattled the bars of his cell.
Needless to say, Knash was quite impressed. He chuckled a little when the reality of what the Irken said finally sunk in.
"Hrmph. And I thought death was the ultimate low. You keep surprising me, kid." Knash said.
"I'll take that as a compliment." quipped Zim. "And who knows? Maybe with enough time nurturing his anger and hate he will reawaken his inner warrior's flame like I said."
"Hrmph. Well this last prisoner's a bit of a puzzle. He's called Brehg, and he's a jittery little wretch, suspected of supplying forged documents for Republic agents. Strangely enough, he maintains his innocence despite being severely tortured." Knash explained.
In the final cell is an alien that is clearly male, and is a member of a species known as the Neimoidians. He has hands that have two fingers and one thumb, grey skin, and red eyes with horizontal pupils like those of a frog or a goat. And he certainly was quite the jittery one, shaking like a leaf out of fear. An obvious sign that he's been severely tortured.
"That's because innocent I am. Believe me you gotta - I had nothing to do with forging no papers. Set up. I was set up!" Brehg said in his native language.
Zim understood him perfectly as he took the time to learn every known language in the galaxy before his inhibitor PAK was destroyed. He put his hands on his hips as he gave the Neimoidian a questioning look.
"Are you trying to tell me you've led a clean life? That you've never once committed any sort of crime that would warrant this kind of treatment?" Zim asked.
"Well, that I never said. Did some time, I did, in a Republic jail for forgery, so I was the perfect candidate to implicate in this." Brehg admitted. "But straight I've been since getting out, I swear!"
The head jailer hummed and stroked his beard in thought.
"Hrmph. He's never wavered from that line, and the evidence is circumstantial. I suppose it's actually possible he didn't do it." Knash begrudgingly admitted.
"You say there's evidence?" Zim inquired.
"Yes. But like I said, it's circumstantial at best." Knash replied.
Hearing a confirmation that the evidence is all circumstantial, he made his choice on what to do with Brehg. Besides, he has a great idea about what to do with this guy. Something that would actually benefit the Empire in this war, and give the Imperial Agents an edge when going on infiltration missions.
"Then let him go. Like the first prisoner, have him sent to Imperial Intelligence where we can use his skills for our benefit. Instead of forging papers for the Republic, he can start forging them for our own spies." Zim said to Knash before asking Brehg "You do remember how to do that, right? Forging papers, I mean?"
"Oh, yes! Yes, remember that I do! Do as you ask, I will, just please no more torture!" Brehg begged.
"Huh. Never would have thought to do that either." commented Knash.
Brehg was all too happy to follow the two guards who began to escort him out of the jails and to the landing pad where he would board a shuttle to leave Korriban behind. Possibly for good. Especially since he too will be joining Imperial Intelligence where his talents will be of use.
"Hrmph. Well, that's that. You're an interesting one, Kid. I can see why people are keeping tabs on you. Head to the dormitories to get some rest for the night, then head back to Overseer Tremel in the morning, see what he thinks of your choices." Knash instructed.
Zim nodded and started on his way out of the jails when he stopped in front of the cell containing the Twi'lek from earlier.
"Hey, thanks for the warm welcome earlier." Zim said.
"No problem. I'm just glad to finally meet someone who can take a joke. It's pretty depressing in a cell like this one." she replied.
Now that he wasn't focused on something else, Zim finally got a good look at this Twi'lek. She had flawless blue skin that looked smooth and soft to the touch with dark blue stripes along the length of her lekku and a single curving stripe on each cheek. Zim could see that she had a perfect, womanly figure underneath her tight clothing, but it was her eyes that really captured Zim's attention. They were the most stunning shade of purple his eyes had ever seen. Giving what he hoped was a friendly smile he introduced himself to her.
"My name is Zim. Former Irken of the Irken Empire. Might I know the name of the lovely Twi'lek before me?"
To his surprise and relief she just laughed at what he just said, which he didn't blame her for as it did sound a little corny.
"Quite the charmer, ain't ya? I'm Vette. Hopefully we'll see each other again sometime soon."
"Yes, and hopefully under better circumstances." Zim said with a nod.
With that, Zim finally walked out of the jails. He noticed that he still had time before evening meal and bed, so he decided to meet up with the specialized trainers of the Academy like Assistant Overseer Loun instructed him to do earlier.
***To Be Continued…***
New Poll Question: Which of these stories do you want me to continue to focus on right now?
SWTOR: The Irken Inquisitor(Invader Zim/SWTOR crossover. It's a work in progress)
DekuTwo, the Psychic Hero(My Hero Academia/Pokemon crossover)
The Avatar's Dragon Rider(Legend of Korra/How To Train Your Dragon crossover)
The Emperor's Wrath of ZIM!(Invader Zim/SWTOR crossover)
Digimon Frontier: Kuvira's Darkness Redeemed(Legend of Korra/Digimon crossover)