Chapter 3 – Anxieties

The Republic base was by no means large, at least from what she could see from beyond the fortress-like walls. Oddly enough, it reminded her of the walls that separated Kaas City from the dangerous Dromund jungles – high walls made from duracrete and topped by large auto-turrets. The main entrance was blocked by a massive door, guarded by a pair of Republic guards and Jedi Knights. Beyond the walls, she could make out the top of a large comms dish and what she knew to be the carrier that ferried supplies from Onderon.

Upon nearing the entry, she saw the guards tense, first looking to her with unveiled hate before turning a curious eye to her Jedi escorts. Lightsabers were active and blasters were raised, but before any more could be done, Urik stepped forwards, "Peace. We've come to an agreement. As long as we do not open hostilities, the Sith has promised not harm us." Despite the words, he sounded quite disgusted with himself.

The guards did not look pleased with the news and she could sense that some would rather open fire and kill the threat before daring to accept the white flag. And so, while they let her and her companion pass unabated, one of the Jedi ordered the other to keep watch while she activated her lightsaber and followed them in. It was unnerving to the Pinkette, who's hand itched to grasp her own lightsaber if only to feel it's comforting presence against her hand. This feeling only amplified as the two Dark Siders were lead down through the base as the glares of onlooking Republic and Jedi men bore into their backs.

Eventually, they arrived at the largest building, aside from the starship, in the outpost: the command centre. Here, Louise managed to gather another two Jedi who were older and far more imposing than the others following her inside. Now numbered at five Jedi guards, the petite Sith had no idea whether to feel flattered that they thought she saw so dangerous or terrified and angry that she might be walking to her death. Fortunately, she did not run into any more Jedi upon entry, though this still left her with a few Republic guards and five Jedi.

Overall, if she was forced to fight her way out, it did not look hopeful to her. Even for Khem, if the aggression she could sense said anything.

The command centre was built like a fortress. Much like the outer walls, it was ready to defend against a siege – from what, she did not know, though some of the animals on Dxun could act as living siege weapons. One could even mistake it for a Sith-made construction with how pragmatic it was, the only parts that would have said differently were the Jedi and Republic heraldry. A small group of Republic officers were discussing the data on a nearby terminal, but upon noticing the two Dark Siders, they turned to hush whispers, which she suspected was because of paranoia against the Sith. We wouldn't want the Sith to know about digging, would we? Louise thought sarcastically. On the other side of the room was a holotable projected a scale model of the Temple, including the tunnels they have so far discovered.

Two doors sat opposite the entry, and it was through these doors that Louise was escorted. Inside, she was immediately bombarded with sheer 'Jedi-ness' of everything. It was like the essence of the Jedi was squeezed into the very walls. The duracrete was a creamier in colour than the pragmatic grey of the rest of the base and she could see designs either painted or etched into stone. If she were to guess the purpose of the room, as her probes had never stepped foot inside, she would say it was the main base of operations for the Jedi. A wide table sat against the right wall of the room holding a terminal and twelve separate holoprojectors which she assumed to be dedicated projectors to communicate with the Jedi High Council. Though this was only second upon seeing the Jedi Master meditating on a mat.

The Jedi looked like any other Jedi – from the back, at least – but his presence in the Force was… potent. Like a bright white light that purged the innate Darkness of Dxun which tried in vain to creep into the room. Even her own Darkness felt threatened by the Light. It was a mesmerising sight if terrifying to behold.

"Master, we found this Sith snooping around the Temple," Urik spoke up, his snideness downplayed in place of a deep respect.

The Jedi, presumably Master Korr, sighed and rose from the mat before turning to face them. He was younger than she expected from a Jedi Master, his forest green eyes showing youth hidden behind his greying beard. If she were to guess, he would be in his late twenties and early thirties. As she took in his features, his own eyes racked across hers, scrutinizing her with a glare. "You have pink hair," he noted with a gruff huff.

At this point, Louise was feeling aggravation and anxiety with everything that was going on around her. And while she knew that she should not, she could not help but lash out with sarcasm. Her eyes widening as an exaggerated gasp left her lips, she grabbed a lock of hair, staring at it with mock surprise. "I do!?" she cried, "I never knew! It's not like I had this since I was born. Thank you, O Grand Master Obvious."

Luckily, the Jedi did not seem displeased with her reaction and instead seemed mildly amused, though the other Jedi were another story. "A Sith with a sense of humour. Is the galaxy ending?" he remarked dryly.

Taking this reply as a go-ahead, Louise said, "I'll have you know that we Sith have cultivated wonderful comedians."

Korr shook his head, a slight smirk tugging at his lips before looking to the Jedi whose lightsaber was still active. "You may put them away." After a tentative pause, the Jedi did so. With that done, he turned back to Louise, "What were you doing at the Temple?"

"Waiting, mostly."

"For?" Korr pressed.

"For you lot to finish digging up the Temple."

He sighed, "What is your goal here?"

Louise sighed in turn, "You know of the Spheres of Influence in the Empire?"

"What does this have does to with anything?" A Jedi snapped, one of the younger ones, a female Togruta. Her hand was on her lightsaber and she looked ready to strike should things go sour – something Louise though the alien looked quite eager for.

With only a look, Urik managed to turn the eager and aggressive Jedi into a toughly chastised one. Once done, he turned back to an expectant Louise. "The Spheres of Influences are the twelve domains of politics and power within the Empire," he answered, though she heard a hint of impatience within his voice.

Nodding, Louise continued, "Good. I am part of the Sphere of Ancient Secrets. It's my job to recover and protect Sith secrets and artefacts. This is a Sith Temple. My job here is requisition. Peaceful requisition."

"You'd really think we'd willingly let you take Sith artefacts?" Urik asked.

Louise turned to face the Jedi, smiling icily. "Of course not, you Jedi would much rather annihilate every single last hint of our culture," she hissed, causing most in the room to tense.

"Calm yourself, Sith," Korr said tiredly, "Urik, please take Nola to the bunks and meditate. Once we are done here, we will discuss your behaviour."

"But-!"

"No 'buts'. Now, if anyone else feels like they cannot control their tongue, please follow them."

"Yes, Master," both Urik and Nola sighed, turning to leave, but not before trying to kill Louise with a glare. Eventually, they were only two less overtly hostile Jedi in the room, which left only three, two of which still glared at Louise and the other two – Quorian and Korr – looked slightly ashamed of their fellow Jedi.

Turning back to Louise, Korr said, "Unfortunately, even if we allowed you to take the artefact from the Temple, it would be a difficult task considering that we haven't excavated much of it. By our estimations, we've only uncovered fifteen percent of the Temple."

The Sith considered his words. From what she had seen, the Jedi seemed to be bumbling around the Temple like children in a zoo; fearful of the Dark Side and ignorant of Sith architecture. Unless they wish to be finished by the end of the month, they would have someone who had experience and knowledge in dealing with Sith Temples with them. Briefly, an idea passed her mind, but it was so… unsavoury that she almost disposed of it entirely.

Sadly, it seemed that it was the only realistic way of both endearing them to her – therefore giving them a reason to give her what they want, aside from the kindness that was rumoured to hide within their hearts – and leading to a quicker end to this expedition. With a resigned sigh, she said, "I could help."

Their response was not… enthusiastic, to say the least. "I, uh… what?" Was Korr's none-too-tact reply.

Looking around, Louise saw that the sentiment was held by most everyone in the room, including Khem Val. Blinking, she thought. Is it that hard to think that I might want to help? "I said, I could help."

"Er, sorry. It's just not something I would expect," Korr said, looking somewhat apologetic.

Huffing, Louise explained, "Well, our goals are entwined, are they not? You get the needed assistance with the Temple and I get the artefacts. Then, we both leave happy and never speak of this again."

"I must apologise again, then," Korr replied after a short pause, "But I cannot accept, at least until I learn more of the situation. No matter how noble your goals sound, you are still here illegally. Even considering the Treaty's obvious bias." Obviously noticing Louise straighten up at the news, he amended, "You needn't worry about being imprisoned, as I sense you have no hostile intent… should no harm befall you."

Still not relaxing, Louise said, "If you have any questions, ask away."

Nodding, Korr quickly became serious, looking directly into Louise's eyes unflinchingly, "A Knight and his Padawan disappeared earlier. Do you know anything about this?"

Despite facing against creatures which have terrified weaker men and standing up to a Lord of the Sith in single combat, Louise still felt quite intimidated by the hardened look in the Jedi's eye. This was no mere Jedi, but a veteran of the Great Galactic War, one who had ended the lives of many Sith, "No," she replied truthfully, "I have only seen Jedi from afar, preferring to keep a low profile than anything else. Sir Dorjis and Urik are the only Jedi I met before being escorted here."

He considered her words for a time, measuring her up against what was said. But soon, his hardened stare became content, "I sense that you are truthful, but if you had no part in this and only came here for peaceful reasons, then why sneak here?"

For this, Louise could give a good reason, aside from 'my master told me so,' and so she did. "Simple. Out of all the Jedi, you excluded, I have only met one who did not think me a monster upon meeting them," she answered, inclining her head to Quorian, the one Jedi who had not glared at her once inside the building. A frosty reunion, but he seemed to have warmed after she proved herself not a monster created by the Sith education system.

"He was kind of drugged at the time," one of the nameless Knights mentioned, though whether it was to help or not, nobody would ever know.

"Orin… that does not help our case," sighed Korr, "And who are these other Jedi?"

"Well, Sir Dorjis was the first. He built up this big narrative of the Jedi, defending them whenever we talked, but that was entirely destroyed upon me meeting your Grand Master over holo who, while cordial, was quite condescending now that I think about it." It was amusing to the Pinkette, to see their scandalised reactions. "Then there was a green… or was she red? Anyway, there was a Twi'lek who thought me a monster who deserved death because I am a Sith. And now I have Urik, who I can at least understand attacking me upon sight. Then we have the Jedi here, who have attempted to kill me with their glares.

"Me sneaking here was me thinking it would be better to not get attacked whether verbally or physically by people who hate me on principle."

"Point."

"So, am I trustworthy enough to help?" Louise asked, hiding her hopeful tone, "Or do you want me to perform some menial task such as kill fifteen cannocks and collect their eyes stalks for proof."

"Ah… no, no, nothing so strenuous," the Jedi Master replied, "I will just need some time to meditate on this. For now, you will stay here – you'll be given a place to rest and access to the mess for food."

Louise perked up at once, causing the two unnamed Jedi to tense, "Food?"

"…Yes?"

"Oh, thank the Force!"

After being let out, Dorjis took Louise around the base, trying to show her around the base, but she had memorised the maps produced by her probes extensively and knew what was where. With this in mind, Dorjis was forced to follow her instead.

The mess hall, of course, was her first stop. It was quite a surprise to everyone who was eating – though not as much as she thought – as A sith was probably not something the Republic would expect to eagerly wait in line for food. The cook, who was too surprised to do or say much about her, handed her a plate of food mutely, eyeing her strangely.

She ignored him in favour of looking around the mess for a table, only to hold back a laugh upon turning back around when she saw the cook's eyes practically bulge out of his eyes as Khem waited patiently for his own food. They picked out a lightly occupied table before sitting down for dinner. Dorjis soon joined them, but Louise did not pay him any mind and dug into her meal with gusto. The pink haired Sith did not really know what she was currently devouring with holy reverence, but she cared not as the flavour practically exploded onto her taste buds. However, the pleasure of eating something that was not synthetic paste was apparently strange or something as nearly every single pair of eyes in the room was locked onto her.

"Are you quite alright, Louise?" Quorian asked, red-faced and worried.

Louise managed to pry herself from her nearly demolished meal and replied, "Food is good."

"Well, I wouldn't say that," he said, looking down at his food.

It was quite true that the meal did not look as appetizing as she had on Dromund Kaas or Tristain, but at the moment, taste was everything and she told him as much. "Well, you haven't been living off synthetic paste for the last… what week or two?" With that, she shoved another forkful of… whatever it was into her mouth.

Eyebrows jumping to his hairline, the Jedi Knight asked completely surprised and slightly disgusted, "Why would you do that to yourself?"

Louise shrugged, finishing off her mouthful before speaking. "My kind master forgot to stock my ship with foodstuffs upon buying. Apparently, weaponry and recon gear is more important than good food."

"Your master gave you a ship?"

"Well, yeah. Don't the Jedi do that for you?" Louise asked, slightly confused by his own confused question.

"Most masters would have a Republic ship that would ferry them and their padawans around," he replied.

Humming, Louise said, "Well, Sith are basically the nobility of the Empire, I guess we just get better pay rates than the Jedi."

"You get paid?"

"Well, not me, per se," Louise began to explain, "I can do one-off jobs for people, like blow up some drills or clear out tombs filled with critters. My master is the main holder for the Sith related credits."

"I suppose you would," Sir Dorjis said, his tone laced with the barest hint of childish jealousy, "Jedi don't really have material possession. We live, eat and sleep at the Temple and only own their clothes and lightsabers. We only get money for missions, but it always goes to the highest-ranking member."

"Magic. Sexless. Space. Monks," Louise remarked slowly.

"Compared to the Sith, pretty much." He shrugged, smiling lightly. "But what does that make you lot?"

After a moment's thought, Louise ventured, "Magic, passionate, space, aristocrats?"

"'Passionate' is not a word most would use."

Louise scoffed, "Obviously they have not heard our code. 'There is only Passion' is the second line of the entire thing, and the word is used twice."

"True." After that, they fell into a silence as they continued to eat their meal. However, this silence was only temporary as the Jedi Knight spoke up once more, "I got your message."

"My message?" Louise inquired.

"The one you gave to Grand Master Shan," he explained.

"Ah, yes. Sorry, I've had a lot on my mind since then."

"Oh, do tell."

"It's not that interesting," said Louise dismissively. I mean, what am I to say? I assassinated my masters rival and killed a slave?

"I would think otherwise," Quorian said, a melancholic passing over his face, "Especially because of what I heard after you told Master Shan about the message."

Louise, knowing what he was referring to, stilled, becoming defensive, "That was not my fault. The Jedi would not compromise."

"Why don't you tell me your version."

"Simple," Louise began, "I was unceremoniously told to take part in an operation, took command of a transport and left to go capture an Imperial defector."

"The General was an Imperial?"

"Yes, yes he was. He was planning on giving up Imperial secrets. Anyway…" Louise went on to describe the events of what happened on both the Black Talon and Brentaal Star. However, she kept several details out because, no matter how friendly their relationship was, he was still a Jedi and therefore any important details given would brand her a traitor.

Once finished, Quorian sat in silent thought. He was not looking at her, but down at his dinner, and for a second she grew worried. But eventually, the silence ended, "If you had been any other Sith, I would have had a hard time believing you. But, while our time has been short, I can tell that you speak the truth."

Louise considered what she was going to say, before deciding on asking, "What did your Grand Master say?"

"Not much, but a general overview of what happened. Though, your last-ditched attempt at diplomacy did not come up. But from what you say, they couldn't have known," Sir Dorjis answered with a grimace before becoming distracted. "Well, let's get away from this dreary topic. Tell me, who, exactly, is Khem?"

The aforementioned Dashade looked up from his dinner which he had been methodically eating. He considered Quorian for a moment before saying, "I am Khem Val, former servant of Tulak Hord, devourer of the rebels at Yn and Chabosh. Now I am the Shadow Killer to Louise, heir apparent of Aloysius, apprentice of Darth Zash and Slayer of Darth Skotia."

Of course, Quorian could not understand a word spoken. After a few seconds of quick blinking, he turned to Louise, "Okay, I only understood 'Khem,' 'Louise,' 'Darth Zash,' and 'Darth Skotia'. I mean, good job on being apprenticed to a Darth… I think, but I have no idea what he said."

"Would you like to hear a translation?"

"That would be best."

"He introduced himself," she explained, "'I am Khem Val, former servant of Tulak Hord, devourer of the rebels at Yn and Chabosh. Now I am the servant to Louise, heir apparent of House Kallig, apprentice of Darth Zash and Slayer of Darth Skotia.'"

After a few more seconds of blinking, he said, "Wait, wait, let me get this straight. First, I recognise the name Tulak Hord, but he's supposed to be long since dead. Second, 'heir apparent of House Kallig'? and finally, 'Slayer of Darth Skotia'?"

For some reason, his questioning caused Louise to feel suddenly bashful, so when she answered, she did so awkwardly. "I.. well, Khem was put in stasis for a few thousand years, and I may have recently found out that I am the descendant of a powerful Sith Lord, who happened to have lived around the same time as Tulak Hord. As for the entire slayer business… I may or may not have killed a Sith Lord a few weeks ago."

This time it was him that acted awkwardly. "Well… I am just going to ignore the first two, but congrats, I think, and instead focus on the Darth part."

"It was self-defence. I would have never wanted to kill him had he not wanted me and my master dead. I don't care for politics," She said dismissively.

"Okay then… so how did you meet Khem?"

Louise shrugged. "I met him during my final trial at the Academy. He tried to kill me but I bested him and now he serves me. Honour binds and all that."

"Ah… he tried to kill you!?"

"He was hungry," came Louise's nonchalant reply.

"And you're just okay with this?" Dorjis asked, sounding increasingly confounded by Louise's casual tone.

"Yes… well, no. I wasn't at the time, but now its… eh" It was hard to put into words and it was not like he had attempted to kill her once more. He had probably saved her life at that, with the entire fight with Skotia. He was her companion, if only grumpy, and she would not hold it against him.

"The Sith are weird," he replied with a shake of his head.

"Coming from a Jedi," Louise smirked, "So, what happened after Balek freed you?"

"Balek, Balek…" he repeated, trying to remember the name, "He was the Acolyte who broke me out, wasn't he?"

"Yep, It was a trial, unfortunately."

"At least the Sith didn't succeed with their plans. Again, thank you for that."

"It was quite the accident, I assure you," Louise replied, not really wanting to have the fact that she may have abetted in treason get ousted.

"Well, thank you anyway," he said earnestly, "So, what happened to this Balek?"

Louise grimaced, thinking back to Harkun and the smugness in his eyes as he told her of the Twins fate. "He and his brother died."

"…You two were close?" Dorjis asked.

"He was a friend," Louise replied, feeling a wave of melancholy wash over her, "I am just glad I wasn't the one who had to see them die, or kill them. So… uh… what happened?"

"Well, not much really," he explained, "I was taken back to Tython where the Mind Healers. They healed me up and sent me on my way. Really, the only reason I am here is because the Jedi are a bit strained, even ten years after the Sacking, and I had experience with the Dark Side."

"Understandable." Once again, they dissolved into silence, but it was one that did not disappear. They ate their food and soon it was time to turn in. They took their dishes to the cook, then left the mess before heading off to where she would be sleeping.

However, it seemed the universe wished for her day to last longer than it had already. As she was escorted to her bed they were stopped by someone she would much rather never speak to again: Urik, along with Nola who flanked him. "Quorian, we need to talk."

"About, Urik?" Quorian asked tiredly, already wary of the Zabrak's annoyed expression.

"About the Sith," the Knight said, flicking her head towards the Dark Siders.

Of course. She thought, huffing. "I'm right here!"

"Shut up," Nola growled before calming herself down and turning to Quorian, "You should keep away from her."

"She's dangerous," added Urik.

Sighing, Dorjis replied, "Stop, please."

"No, you're my friend!" he hissed, "I was worried sick when you were taken by the Sith, and now this one shows up and you're immediately best buds with her."

"She helped me, Urik," Quorian replied, crossing his arms, "She's the only reason why I'm here!"

"She's a Sith!" the Zabrak pressed, "DO you not remember what happened during the Sacking of Coruscant! They razed the Jedi Temple and destroyed everything! They killed everyone in the Temple, my master included!"

"I know."

"Really?" he asked, "Because it seems you're forgetting about everything the Sith have done to us. I mean, we were practically extinct three-hundred years ago, and now your best buddies with one."

"And?" Louise snapped, "Yes, we sacked Coruscant and razed your precious Temple. Yes, a splinter cell of the Sith nearly wiped out the Jedi. But I honestly don't see the issue." The reactions of the Jedi were varied, but shared various similarities: Urik and Nola both looked positively livid, only holding onto their tempers because of their training, whereas Dorjis just looked shocked, hurt and even angry.

"See, she's just like every other Sith! You can't trust her," Nola hissed.

"No, I mean, why bring it up?" Louise asked, trying really hard to keep herself calm, "You mention all the bad things we Sith have committed against you, but what you seem to forget is that your precious Republic and Order are not innocent victims."

"The Jedi are peacekeepers," Dorjis said, though she could see it in his eyes that he was unsure.

"Oh, yes, the Jedi are such peacekeepers," Louise growled, "I mean, annihilating the Legions of Lettow just because they wanted to learn more of the Force was such a peaceful move!"

"Don't bring the Legions into this, to this day, we still don't know who shot first," Nola spat.

"No, but does that mean they all had to die?" Louise asked, her voice rising dangerously, "You killed them all, followed them back to their planet and killed them all. Oh, but that isn't even the worst of the Jedi and Republic's crimes. I mean, who could forget the Sith Holocaust, where the Jedi and Republic committed genocide against the Sith. Men, women and children butchered by your soldiers and blasted off the planet by Republic cruisers. And after that? After your Order and the Republic 'pushed the Sith Empire into the dark of the galaxy?' You formed the Jedi Covenant and Shadows, and aren't they a can of worms to open!"

"You don't know what you're talking about," Urik snapped.

"Don't I?" she continued, "The Sith absolutely adore it when Jedi are caught out for their hypocrisy, and we tend to hoard this information like a dragon its gold."

"Louise, enough. Let's go," Quorian said in a tone that brooks no argument, not that she wanted to.

"Fine," she said, storming off in the general direction that they had been going before stopping and waiting for Dorjis to catch up.

During this time, Khem decided to voice his thoughts on their current predicament. "Why did you have to get caught, pink Sith? These Jedi give me a headache."

Louise sighed slipping seamlessly into the Sith tongue, "Believe me, Khem. Nobody regrets this more than I."

"We should just eat them."

Snorting at the dark humour, Louise asked, "If I ate a Zabrak, would it be considered cannibalism?"

"No."

"Interesting…"

Their banter, however, could not continue as Dorjis soon arrived, having reassured his friends that he was not being turned to the Dark Side and said his goodbyes. "What are you two discussing?"

"Cannibalism," Louise answered casually.

Misstepping and almost tripping over, Quorian gave Louise a questioning look, one she replied unflinchingly to. Blanching, he said awkwardly, "I don't want to know."

It's for the best. Louise thought with a shrug. With Quorian as her guide, she and Khem eventually arrived at their bed, though he had never let them leave his sights during the entire thing, amusingly enough. He left, without too much fuss, letting the Dark Siders get ready for rest, but Louise chose not to. Despite her little Joke with Khem, she still had Zabrak on the brain, and not in the way Lyira got on her mind.

He was a threat, that much was obvious. He could kill her and nobody would kick up much of a fuss, aside from Quorian, perhaps. She was in enemy territory and she would act like it. So, the Dark Siders decided to take turns keeping watch. Of course, her watch was first as it would allow her to get some rest before starting the next day. But had she realised how boring and uneventful it was, she would have taken the second watch. It was putting her time on her ship to the test.

With this in mind, she decided to do something about it. Reaching out with the Force, Louise tried to summon her ancestor. Unlike before, he did not come at once, but eventually, he did arrive with news and questions. But before she could answer him, she wanted to hear the news first. With a sigh, he told her. "Two Sith apprentices have been visiting the Dark Temple. They trespassed into my sanctum."

Louise rose an eyebrow. Was this it? Just telling me his home was violated? "Did you kill them?"

"I was planning on doing so, but they mentioned their master." Louise knew he was purposely not getting to the point because she would not answer his questions first.

She ignored this, of course, and asked, "Is this master of any importance?"

"Yes, her name is Darth Zash." Immediately, her interest increased tenfold. Darth Zash, her master, with two other apprentices. It was like ice cold water down her back. She could feel Kallig smirking under his mask. "I suspect their goal was to confirm whether or not I was gone. Fortunately, they believe that you have vanquished me in some form."

Quickly, shock turned to anger as her mind spun in speculation for these new apprentices. Great, just what I need. Rivals… Unfortunately, Aloysius did not have anything else of note; Zash had not made an appearance herself and he was unable to simply spy on her because she was not blood-related, nor did she own anything he had a deep connection with. Nevertheless, Louise decided to put that aside for now and told her ancestor of where she was and what happened.

Sufficed to say, he was disappointed but had wisdom to share. "I would tread carefully around the Jedi, blood of my blood. You're the only one I have left and I do not wish to lose my family because they pushed you too far. As for Knight Quorian… you seem to be dealing with them well enough, but I would try not to alienate them. Despite their allegiances, they could make great allies. Just do not put your trust in them."

Despite finding Aloysius' implications that she would lose her temper annoying, she knew he spoke the truth. Already, she had showcased a short fuse when dealing with Jedi hypocrisy, and she was sure that the Jedi who did not like her would attempt something just to prove their point. Accepting the wisdom in his words, she asked if he could teach her anything else, to which he asked if he could have one more question answered. "What became of our family after Teralyn?" He spoke tentatively as if worried about the answer.

Louise scoffed internally. Why should you learn about the family you ripped me from? And so she answered as such, "Nothing. What can you teach me?"

Kallig sighed, but still taught Louise what he could. She could not, for obvious reasons, learn anything flashy or large, and stuck with illusion work and performing small feats of Sorcery. The most interesting thing she learned was the creation of fiery draconic serpents which swam through the air according to her will, biting and snapping at each other.

It was a beautiful sight, but her joy quickly evaporated as she was interrupted – Kallig had left halfway through as he felt his form weakening. And so, Louise faced a small team of irate, tired and suspicious Jedi led by Korr. It was a tense conversation as she tried to explain to the Jedi that, no, she was not doing anything malign. Once they finally believed her, she was told to 'keep it down' before they went on their way. It was an odd conversation and one she would not want to share with anyone. Thank the Force Khem was asleep.

After that, she returned to the monotonous boredom of keeping watch. Luckily, her time was nearly over and so she did not have to wait long before she could wake Khem up and get some rest.

Soon day broke and the tired Sith was taken by two stoic Republic troops to the command centre. Here, she found Korr once again meditating. When he finished his meditation, he stood up, greeted Louise then instantly commented on her tiredness. "You didn't spend the entire night practising, did you?"

"First, I stopped that after you showed up," Louise replied, trying to rub the tiredness from her face, "Second, I only practised because I was keeping watch."

"Keeping watch?" Korr asked.

"I was worried I'd wake up with a lightsaber in my back."

The scandalised expression on the two Jedi's face would have made Louise laugh if she felt like it would have made her laugh had she not felt like death. "We would never!" Korr cried.

"Would have fooled me. I felt safer walking around Dromund Kaas with Darth Skotia looming over me than here," Louise replied.

"You do not trust us to keep our word?" The Jedi Master actually sounded hurt by this, though it also sounded as if he expected something.

"As I said yesterday," Louise continued, "You and Quorian are the only ones who have not instantly thought me a monster. Plus, would anyone get some sleep with people like Urik and Nola hanging around?"

"While some Jedi may have reservations about working with a Sith, I respect Guest Rights, no matter how archaic the tradition is," said Korr as if he were educating a particularly troublesome student.

Louise's eyebrow rose. Guest Rights was not something she thought she would have heard of again. It was a pleasant surprise, but not something that made her feel safer. "We have Guest Rights on my homeworld, but that did not stop many from killing their enemies."

"And yet, we did not come and execute you last night," Master Korr replied, "We may have gone to restrain you, had you been doing anything malicious, but that was really your fault."

Point. Louise thought, schooling her features away from an embarrassed pout and into a glare. "Just because you didn't do it on the first night doesn't mean you won't do it later."

Korr sighed, "Let us move away from this and back to business." Despite her annoyance growing with the change of subject, Louise acquiesced and let the Jedi Master continue, "Last night, I sent word to the Jedi Council to discuss what we shall do with you. And after a long discussion with many thinking that it would be best to imprison you or just execute you silently." The atmosphere quickly became tense and serious. Louise could feel her hands grasp nothingness, wishing dearly that she would not have to use it. "But we finally came to a decision. You will be allowed to help us as long as you show your worth and cooperate."

Letting go of a breath she did not know she was holding, Louise bowed her head respectfully, "Thank you, Master Jedi."' For not killing me,' went unsaid. "I will, however, not let myself be insulted or threatened by anyone here."

If Korr was surprised by the respect, he hid it well and focused on the more important part of what she said. "I have spoken with the other Jedi about this. As long as you do not cause issue, you will be treated as a guest. But I digress, aside from manpower, what could you bring to this expedition?"

"Firsthand experience," Louise answered, "I've stepped foot inside the Dark Temple on Dromund Kaas and have learned of what to expect from Sith buildings. And, from what I've observed, the Jedi are fearful of the Temple. Even from here, I can feel its influence, spreading its tendrils deep into the jungle."

"What you speak of is true, though some of us may be too prideful to admit," he said wearily, "A good portion of our men here have not dared to step foot inside, preferring other jobs and those that do enter have reported strange happenings."

"Your mistake was to dig here." Louise said, all tiredness and anxiety giving way to seriousness, "Sith Temples are dangerous to everyone, including the Sith who build them. They are usually built upon a nexus of Dark Side energies which can have unnatural effects on anything near it. The Dark Temple on Dromund Kaas, for example, has the spirits of long-dead Sith Lords who haunt the halls.

"But the biggest issue with this Temple that I can see, is that it has been buried for centuries. Any number of traps could be sitting and waiting for us to trip them. We could be attacked by any number of this. From possession to insanity-inducing visions, to massive creatures that wish to eat us. I have experience in these matters, especially as they are pretty much the norm for Acolytes. This is what I offer."

Master Korr nodded thoughtfully, "Your expertise in these matters would be beneficial. However, you will stay by my side at all times while we navigate the Temple."

"So, you're my babysitter?" Louise asked.

"If you choose to act like one, then that is exactly how I will act," Korr said with a smirk.

Great…

AN: Apologies for the month-long hiatus. Uni and Dragon Age Origins and II happened. Nevertheless, things have been interesting elsewhere, such as Fan Art of certain events that happened in the previous story, Chapter 19. Come over on Spacebattles and take a look! All you have to do is go to the Spacebattles Forum homepage and add /posts/39528430/ to the end of the weblink.