The Grysks, Yiv the Benevolent soon realized, liked to wear hooded cloaks. He could still see the outlines of their grotesque features, though; the fabric of their tunics made transpicuous beneath the precision of his crystallized retinas.
Of course, if he himself were as ugly as these creatures, he would probably choose to wear a hooded cloak as well.
But he wasn't. No need to thank the gods; they had simply endowed him with the beauty his essence was deserving of.
Yiv, along with his brother general, Putaxin the Wise, stood before the cloaked beings now, on the Grysk battle dreadnought Staunch-heart, his own Nikardun flagship, the Deathless hovering just beyond the viewports.
The name of this Grysk dreadnought, Yiv thought, was as ugly as its interior, and almost as hideous as the creatures manning its helm. The ship had a certain reptiloid feel about it that no doubt reflected the home worlds or preferred planets of the beings that engineered it.
The curtains and drapery cascading from the corners matched the three thrones in the center, resembling sheets of copper scales riddled with oxidation. Large reptilian predators that had been hunted down and killed, their hides made into drapery for this expansive battle dreadnought?
But the technology seemed advanced, and Yiv silently wondered if it did not surpass that of the Nikardun's.
A large box sat just beyond the thrones. Yiv had eyed the box suspiciously at first; a thick black covering obscuring what was held within, even from his enhanced eyesight. But there was no reason to expect any offensive from these ugly Grysk beings.
Because what wasn't ugly was the promise of devotion they were attempting to entreat upon him now.
He glanced at his brother general; clueless as usual. If it weren't for Putaxin the Wise making an elite bodyguard and executioner, he may have disowned him long ago, for he certainly was not graced with the gorgeous features and brilliant mind that assaulted Yiv from every galactic plane and vector.
Turning to face the Grysk's apparent mouthpiece, Jixtus, once more, he noted he sat upon the smallest of the three thrones. Still, he wondered if that smaller one was truly even his. This Grysk could simply be a messenger, sitting on the throne to make an impression, then get his ugly ass off. Yiv thought of implementing a similar tactic, perhaps sending a decoy in his place, if it weren't for the fact the Grysks had agreed to his demand to poise his Deathless dreadnought with cannons at the ready, should the Grysk decide to renege upon their promise of peaceful negotiations.
But all had gone smoothly, and now Yiv wanted to know why he should care.
"It is apparent by the words you speak, Jixtus of the Grysks," Yiv's voice boomed across the throne room, "That you already know of the power, might, and prestige of the Nikardun Destiny. We have conquered many nations within the Chaos surrounding the Chiss Ascendency, and these subjugated worlds will carve a clear path to the ultimate destruction of the Chiss. I could simply go about my endeavors alone, taking the spoils I inherit from their destruction for my own name and honor. Tell me, why should the Nikardun want to ally with you?"
Jixtus smiled, refusing to allow the Nikardun before him to see any hint of the contempt he felt in his soul for their species. Another set of aliens, just like the Chiss, who thought the mere appearance of their pretty forms and faces owed them devotion and exultation. Such arrogance and pride. But those were weaknesses he could exploit later, and would indeed do so; when the time was right. Right now, he needed to play nice, and exude the perfect paragon of respectful lower species, yet worthy potential ally.
"We have seen your illustrious powers and ability to subjugate and dominate," Jixtus began. He snapped his spindly fingers, and one of his warriors activated a holo-screen, tiny red dots marking the Nikardun's conquered regions. "And it is a feat worthy of praise that you have conquered so many."
Yiv inclined his head in acknowledgement. Even though there were several nations that he'd soon gain complete dominion over that weren't displayed on the Grysk's map yet.
"But allow us to show you our progress as well." The star map lit up with a smattering of green dots upon a nod from Jixtus.
Huh. More than a smattering. A slew. Yiv's eyes narrowed as he gazed up at the holo-screen. "The nations and regions you have conquered, I assume?"
"Yes," Jixtus replied, ensuring his tone remained humbled yet cultured. "As you can see, aligning our joint subjugated nations will create a dominion so expansive, it will give us the power to conquer the Chiss Ascendency… and another Empire as well." He motioned to the same warrior, who activated another holo-screen. It lit up with several branching trails of white lines expanding outward across the cosmos, the many additional red and green dots following various trails along them.
Yiv analyzed the data before him, taking a moment to calculate. The red dots marking the Nikardun's path along the white vectors shone brightly upon his face, and the layer of mirrored crystals behind his irises sparkled, reflecting twinkling beams of light that glittered across the throne room.
Impressive. Most impressive. He turned to his brother and began speaking in the language of the Nikardun.
Jixtus watched and waited. He knew the information impressed, and the Nikardun were now feigning that a discussion was evidently still in order. Very well. He could wait.
After not long at all, Yiv the Benevolent turned towards Jixtus. "The information you show is acceptable indeed. I will need time to confer with my league of chiefs and generals, but if what you say is true, I see no reason that an alliance between the Nikardun and the Grysk could not prove beneficial for the Nikardun."
Jixtus gave a putrid smile.
Yiv refrained from grimacing at the sight.
Despicable creatures, these Grysks. They were tall, broad, and built, but that's where any semblance of positive physical traits could be extracted. However, they seemed intelligent, and their map of conquered nations left a quiver of covetous longing in Yiv's stomach, for it was indeed expansive, and many nations he hadn't had the power to yet conquer were included in the Grysk's green dots of acquired nations.
"Very good," Jixtus said, in that smooth, civilized voice so contrasting with his gnarled face. "The alliance will indeed be beneficial for both our great nations. But as an additional gesture of our good faith, we offer you this gift as well."
With a wave of his leathery hand, he ushered his warriors, and Yiv watched as they strode to the covered box in the corner. Yiv rested his palm on the butt of his blaster, just in case.
The wheels upon the bottom of the box squeaked and creaked as the Grysk warriors hauled it to the middle of the throne room. They slowed to a halt, and Jixtus rose to approach it. With another extravagant gesture, he gripped the curtain and pulled, revealing the contents of the box to Yiv.
The box, Yiv realized, was really a large cage, and there was a trembling being restrained inside, down upon his knees. He wore a black uniform; sullied, so marred with grit and ravagement that Yiv could not see which nation it represented. A gunnysack of the same thick black material covered his face, but Yiv could see that he was male, and humanoid at least. They had restrained his trembling thighs with large clamps affixed to the bars of the cage, ensuring he remained immobile, and in a penitent posture. They had lashed his hands behind his back and affixed clamps upon his forearms as well.
Yiv's eyes narrowed further, glistening with contempt at these uncultured cockroaches of a species. The Nikardun did not amuse themselves, nor did they require traipsing around with grotesque objects to lavish upon them their due praise. Why would the Grysks expect he would want a dirty slave?
Two Grysk warriors unlocked the cage and reached inward for the man, releasing the clamps upon his thighs and forearms. The man flinched and recoiled, but the Grysks extracted him from the cage, hauling him to his feet and wrenching him out. He stumbled on quaking legs, his bloodied feet tripping as the Grysks led him by the forearms. They threw him to the floor several yards from Yiv's feet, and the being slumped sideways, halfway collapsing, his chest juttering in pain.
"We hope you see no distaste in our offering once you see who it is underneath the face covering."
Yiv stared, repulsed at the display but also feeling a growing anticipation as the Grysk removed the gunnysack, revealing the being's face.
And then Yiv's jaw dropped open.
The Chiss blinked at the sudden twinkles of light that shone in his eyes, his body quivering chaotically. He bit down on the leather strap set deep within his mouth. His glowing red eyes crackled, like embers of a dying fire.
Yiv stared in shock at the man kneeling before him. He had no facial hair; perhaps the Chiss did not grow any… for the silken black tresses on his head had grown out from the styling he'd once held, showing how long he'd been in the Grysks clutches; months, perhaps a year.
It had been that long since Yiv had last heard from the man.
His body showed signs of incarceration and torture; riddled with gashes and bruises, his already somewhat lanky frame made more prominent by his apparent muscle and weight loss, but the face underneath all that grime and grit was one that made a smile curl across Yiv's face. He gazed into the being's eyes, then chuckled. Then he began to laugh. The sound ricocheted across the chamber, and the Grysks smiled as well, their mottled yellow teeth gleaming as they looked back and forth between each another.
Jixtus felt one of his screwed-in teeth loosening, and he slithered his tongue out in order to wedge the tooth back up. He smiled again.
Yiv was bought, sold, and paid for with this final icing on the crumpet.
"It cannot be," Yiv whisper-hissed, his growing elation difficult to contain. "Senior Captain Thrawn." He looked up at Jixtus with a mix of astonishment and, dare he say it, respect. He refocused on the Chiss once more. "A worthy gift indeed. I am pleased."
"It pleases us that you are pleased, esteemed General of the Destiny."
Yiv approached Thrawn, extending a hand towards his face. Thrawn recoiled, but Yiv pushed in, running the ends of his fingertips along Thrawn's marred cheek, then his bruised jawline, the delicate bones beneath his quivering temple.
"Thrawn," Yiv cooed. The sensory receptor pores within his fingers buzzed like they were colliding alongside an electrostatic field as he touched the fragile protrusion of muscle and cartilage bobbing up and down within Thrawn's neck, little purls of perspiration soaking into his fingertips as he pressed them to his quivering cobalt flesh. Thrawn's eyes appeared hazed and somewhat dimmed, but he seemed coherent beneath the layers of pain and exhaustion. Yiv knew he recognized him completely. Despite his fatigue, that defiant little eye squint said it all.
Yiv emitted a soft chuckle. The way Thrawn was holding his body at such a torqued angle right now, as if he was attempting to create as much space as possible between the two of them, was priceless. His taut little stomach quivering beneath his uniform tunic.
His Ascendency uniform tunic. So tarnished. So tainted.
Yiv felt a curling rope of pleasure lacing deep within his two claspers. He crouched down near Thrawn's face, caressing his cheek. "Are you scared, my little rabbit?" he whispered in euphoric bliss, trailing his thumb across Thrawn's lip. A tiny droplet of blood seeped out from the cracked split there, and he looked down at the droplet, now on the tip of his finger.
Thrawn's scent wafted upward, entering his nostrils, and the film-like membranes of his eyes shuttered to black. Some beings smelled acrid when their alarm pheromones emitted stress and fright, but not Thrawn; he smelled like a candied citrus peel right now.
Yiv swallowed and blinked, forcing himself to refocus, realizing that the symbionts upon his shoulders were wriggling like mad.
"We meet again, Captain Thrawn," he said, rising from his crouch and stupor, his thunderous voice bellowing across the throne room. He raised his hand in a prominent gesture. "And in such a groundbreaking event as this. Is it not indeed providence that binds our paths together once more; the Nikardun Destiny and the Grysk Hegemony, and the Chiss who seals their formidable alliance against his own people? Haha!"
Thrawn seemed to make his best attempt to glare up at him, his red eyes blinking, his thighs quivering; but it was clear he was close to collapse. His uniform had grown slack from his malnutrition, but Yiv could still see the taut pull of his chest muscles as he tensed and convulsed underneath. Yiv smiled, his symbionts wriggling. He soothed them with a pet and they calmed. He began walking around Thrawn, inspecting his new endowment, speaking to Jixtus once more. "How ever did you procure him?"
"We Grysks have our ways."
"I see." Yiv snorted. No matter; let the Grysks keep their secret. The important thing here was that Thrawn was his. He smiled perfunctorily back at Jixtus, then continued his inspection.
"This new alliance would allow us to no longer need to wait until we defeat the Chiss Ascendency before expanding our conquests into the Unknown Regions; an area of space we belayed traversing until now, under the belief that we needed to defeat the Chiss first."
"Uh huh," Yiv said as earnestly as possible, focusing on the little pulsing bleat that bubbled within Thrawn's throat. There were many dark crimson stains soaked within his uniform tunic, only splotches of it wet now, as if his blood had pooled and dried repeatedly over various torture sessions. There was a large circular stain on the middle of his back.
Yiv's eyes honed in on Thrawn's hands. "What happened here?" he demanded, pointing to the bloody bandages that wrapped around Thrawn's palms. They were dripping onto the rusty-colored floor, creating two crimson puddles near Thrawn's feet.
"We had to encourage his cooperation frequently," Jixtus replied semi-vaguely. "He may have other injuries that require tending, but we agreed it would be most deferent if we allowed you to determine what you wanted to do with them. This could be a way our two cultures differ, you see. The Grysk take pride in the torture and degradation of our captured enemies, and inflict as much pain and suffering upon them as we can. Yet it seems perhaps the Nikardun prefer to offer… benevolence, instead." Jixtus controlled the urge to look snidely at his fellow warriors at his flanks.
If it wasn't for the information they could no doubt glean by utilizing these Nikardun egotistical blow sharks in their path to total intergalactic domination, he knew the warriors at his sides would enjoy gutting their bellies open just as much as he would, and then watch in satisfaction as their entrails spilled in offering upon Staunch-heart's thirsty hull. Nevertheless, allowing the Nikardun to assist them in their endeavors was unfortunately more necessary than all of that.
"Perhaps," Yiv replied, his voice smooth as buttered caviar, his inky irises never narrowing as he stared at Jixtus cordially. That could be why the Grysk chose not to treat Thrawn's wounds. Or maybe the Grysk beat and tortured Thrawn, then left his wounds without treatment so they could rub it in his face that they had been the ones to find and break the first Chiss.
"Brother," Yiv uttered, "Gather my new gift. It is time to return to our dreadnought."
Putaxin bowed. "Yes, my Liege." He staggered forward, his nostrils flaring, a menacing grin erupting across his face as he lurched toward a recoiling Thrawn.
Jixtus raised a sharply pointed fingernail. "Not so fast."
Yiv gave the Grysk a glare.
Jixtus smiled. "We still need to supply you with the tools necessary to ensure his continued cooperation."
Walking back to his new gift, Yiv placed his hand on Thrawn's scalp, gripping it within his palm, sliding his finger in methodical little swirls through his hair.
Thrawn blinked rapidly. He closed his eyes tight, trembling.
"I can ensure his cooperation with my own methods," Yiv said. "We Nikardun also have our ways." And they didn't require getting any blood on his hands, either... not unless he wanted it there. He was no savage; unlike these beings, whose skin looked like the backside of a wild boar hide.
"We know you are highly capable of that," Jixtus said, his tone dripping with feigned humility. "But allow us to show you the device we have created that we will use as we infiltrate the Chiss Ascendency. It is still in its experimental phases, but already we have had enormous success with certain species." He pressed his palm to a pad within the throne, and a hatchway at the far end of the hall hissed open.
A sleek, black orb whirred into view, then hummed through the air, making its way across the throne room. Yiv felt Thrawn trembling with increased intensity beneath his hand. His breathing became ragged as the device got closer and closer, little frightened huffs bursting from his beautiful throat. It was the humming sound from the machine; Thrawn was petrified of it.
"That's far enough," Yiv ordered, holding up his free hand to the droid-like orb. Jixtus complied, halting the machine. Yiv caressed Thrawn's nape. "There, there, my darling," he murmured.
Thrawn closed his eyes, a choked noise escaping around the gag.
"We have been experimenting on this Chiss here," Jixtus explained, "We believe you might find it useful to continue utilizing the machine on him."
Yiv looked the device over, wiping the moisture from Thrawn's face, his heart leaping at the thought that it could even be tears on his fingertips right now. He coaxed Thrawn's head flush against his thigh, stroking his head, petting him slowly. The tubes and actuators extending from the droid seemed like a lot of maintenance, but no doubt he could find a capable technician who could operate and decipher the technology behind it. "What does it do?"
"We call it the Synapse Modulator. It deems the participant more… pliant to the desires of his master. You can also attach various serums and tinctures of your choosing, as the device is multi-purpose." Jixtus gave a small bow. "You are his Master now, Yiv the Benevolent. We hope you see this as a gesture of our good will, and our ability to pull our weight in this alliance."
"Have you used this machine before to subjugate nations?"
"We have experimented on several species, and the results are quite telling, all of which we will share with you, so that you may use our technological advancements to aid you in your conquests. We've seen median success with Thrawn, but we believe there are others among the Chiss who are not as inscrutable as this one. As we continue to infiltrate the Ascendency in subtle ways, we shall no doubt find more uses for this technology, as well as more Chiss participants to experiment with."
"And with time and data, hone the technology to the anatomical specifications of the Chiss brain and body," Yiv replied, his respect growing more so as he began to understand the Grysk's ultimate plan for the Chiss. And the Grysks would share their technology with the Nikardun. He gazed back at Jixtus. "I'm assuming that you'll want us to use this technology on the nations we conquer as well?"
"We are only ready to provide you with the technology on an individual level," Jixtus said meekly, motioning to Thrawn. "The rest of the technology is still too… experimental." No need to let Yiv know all the plans for their 'alliance' right now, especially considering in the end, Yiv's blood would flow just like all the Nikardun. "It may aid you in expelling any secrets about the Ascendency still hidden within this one." He motioned to Thrawn. "As I said previously, we've seen only mild success with him."
"I thought you said median success?"
"That's right." Jixtus smiled. "But the synapse modulator can be used on others as well; governors, military officials… friends. As you conquer your nations, we can analyze their tactics, and bring more nations into our joint control and command… if you provide us with all the intelligence data you gather."
With careful cerebration, Yiv regained his composure, the symbionts on his shoulders settling down again as well. Thrawn was his. To do with as he saw fit. His own personal servant - no - his own personal slave.
"Perhaps we should discuss a joint plan of expansion," Yiv stated, letting his hand trail inside Thrawn's uniform tunic collar, gliding his fingers along Thrawn's delicious clavicle. He planted his hand within the heated crevasse of Thrawn's under arm, feeling his feverishly throbbing heartbeat, the little thatch of hairs tickling against his sensory receptors. He squeezed the side of Thrawn's pectoral, letting a finger trail downward to feel the ridge of his trembling nipple. "Our next campaign endeavor was further entrenchment over the Chaos," Yiv said airily. "Since I assume that is the Grysk's next stratagem as well, perhaps reviewing your tactical proposal would be worth sparing a moment for." Yiv tore his eyes away from Thrawn to look up at Jixtus. Ugh. From beauty to the beast.
"I agree," Jixtus said. "Here is our proposed plan." With a data-pad like device, Jixtus activated the central holo-table, and an in-depth schematic hovered into view.
Yiv analyzed the data. He folded a fist to his hip. "So you plan for the Nikardun to be the first to expand into the border edges of the adjacent galaxy, I see."
"If the Nikardun see the plan to their liking. Our figures show you can make many inroads here." Jixtus pointed to the Southwest region of the galaxy bordering the outer realms of the Chaos. "There is little to no military presence there; some call it 'Wild Space.' And if we can conquer these planets by persuasion, the trickle affect will cascade inward; more planets will follow and bow to Nikardun rulership. The Nikardun would be the best nation to make these inroads."
Yiv resisted the urge to chortle. Of course, the Nikardun would be better at conquering a nation by persuasion; it was apparent by the Grysk's hollowed little holes for snouts alone that they would have a hard time persuading much of any nation to join them, except for perhaps the insectoid varieties. Fine with Yiv; he was more than happy to leave beings like that to these ghastly creatures to deal with. They could throw an ugly party for each other or something.
Thrawn, on the other hand… it was no wonder the Grysks made little progress with Thrawn. He needed a firm hand, but an affectionate one as well. He reached for Thrawn again, pulling him closer as Thrawn did the same recoiling maneuver. Yiv chuckled at his little protests. Thrawn was so coy. He just needed someone to encourage him, to coax him into understanding; not force him into submission and expect him to cooperate. He patted Thrawn's head. Thrawn also enjoyed artwork and the finer things of the galaxy; something these creatures obviously lacked. It was obvious Thrawn would be much happier with him, where he could thrive in a safe environment.
And Thrawn would cooperate completely, out of total love and abject devotion to his new master.
"Tell me, what is that larger planet there?" Yiv said, pointing to the orb set in the middle of an emptier region, a lovely sunset orange hue, with speckles of green and blue peppering its surface.
"Intelligence from our scouts says its name is Lysatra." Jixtus pointed to the map. "But you must first conquer these worlds along this path first. They are remote and not heavily occupied, so you should have no trouble, and creating bases for our fleets to use along the way will carve a path of dominion over the hyperspace route leading inward into that galaxy." Jixtus adjusted his tooth again. He would need to screw it in tighter after this meeting.
For a moment Yiv's mind wandered, wondering what all the Grysks had done to Thrawn. A vein of jealousy and a harsh, jagged current of suspicious rage boiled within his gut at the thought; they better not have touched Thrawn with their vile repulsive hands.
"Very well," Yiv said. "All the better for both our nations. I propose we adjourn, so that I may tend to my new gift, and ruminate on the data you have supplied me with just now."
"We bid thee farewell then, esteemed and honored guests." Jixtus bowed again. "We await your final decision on an alliance."
"No," Yiv boomed, pausing a moment for emphasis. "Not guests." He gazed at the beings near the thrones and saw Jixtus' eyes flit ever so slightly.
He wrapped a hand to Thrawn's throat, his palm resting on his jugular, unable to keep away from the tender bits of cartilage, and the vibrating tremors escaping Thrawn's quivering lips. Depleted little noises; so tender, so broken. He smoothed his finger inward along the gag, his claspers throbbing as Thrawn's saliva pooled upon his fingers, then spilled out of his mouth, dribbling to wet his hand.
Thrawn choked as Yiv pushed his finger deeper into his mouth. He swallowed hard around the finger, his red eyes hazed and flickering.
"Allies," Yiv said, giving a slight bow while still staring at Jixtus. His brother, Putaxin, hastened to do the same.