CHAPTER 3
The Sith ship flew down upon the red, dusty home of the Sith - Korriban. Although the Empire's capital resided on Dromund Kaas, it was this dry planet that was the true home of the Sith. Once there was nothing there apart from the Republic patrol ships that guarded it and the occasional archaeology trip, but now a grand academy stood proudly amongst the rocks and deserts. Built into the walls of stone, its shape was almost like that of a pyramid and was considered by even the most cynical of Lords to be a handsome sight during sunrise, or sunset. Carletta thought so too as she peered out of the ship's cockpit window, Darth Lasc at her side.
They flew low over the enormous turret guns that protected the temple. With a swift halt, the ship gently landed in the vast courtyard that lay in front of the mighty temple. Lasc led Carletta down the boarding ramp and off towards the entrance's many stairs. Taking in the surroundings, Carletta felt a dark, cruel presence that practically emanated from the academy itself. A feeling so strong, she felt its shuddering power before they even breached Korriban's atmosphere. It wasn't just through feeling that the Dark Side could be sensed. Out in the courtyard Carletta saw students lifting rocks as their instructors shot lightning straight into them, others duelled brutally, while some merely discussed with each other, staring at the grand statues of the great Lords before their time.
'Take a good long look.' said Lasc. 'All you see is what you'll be doing soon. Unless you die beforehand.' He let out a small, low, but very wicked chuckle which even Carletta couldn't help but be unnerved by as she observed a duel suddenly end on her left, with a student cutting his opponent cleanly in half. The walk was long, but the climb up the steps was possibly longer. Once atop at the temple's entrance, Carletta felt her knees tired and desired a chance to sit, but she was wise enough not show her ache. A weakness as small as this was good enough reason to a Sith in killing them. She looked ahead when Lasc came to a halt, motioning her to do the same. A robed woman came striding imperiously towards them, bearing a cruel and merciless energy. The woman soon stopped in front of them. She looked a dangerous character. Though wrinkled and silver haired, her eyes still burned a fire whole and great. Her skin was a pale red, leading Carletta to assume she had some Sith Pureblood ancestry.
'This is Darth Peligrous, Headmistress of the academy.' Lasc announced, gesturing a hand to her. Carletta met her penetrating gaze and bowed.
'I'm honoured to have your acquaintance.' she said. Peligrous only looked at her with judging eyes.
'I'm sure you are.' she said wearing an almost curious expression before regarding Lasc. 'Thank you for finding me a promising new student Lasc. That'll be all.' With a small bow, Lasc whisked himself away, marking a final glance at Carletta.
'You're name would be Carletta?' said Peligrous suddenly.
'Yes my Lord.' said Carletta, composing herself for the unexpected ahead. Peligrous eyed her suspiciously.
'So, are you prepared to accept our ways of the Force? To go push your inner boundaries?'
'It's why I came my Lord.' said Carletta solemnly. She'd convinced herself to learn any grisly methods, but convincing the Headmistress was something entirely different.
'Very good.' said Peligrous, sounding half convinced. 'I see potential in you Carletta. Whether or not this potential can be unlocked is to be discovered, but I'm confident you will prove to be an interesting student nonetheless.'
'I can't assure I'll live up to your standards, but I can promise you that I'll try my very best in at least staying alive.' They both held each other's gaze for only a moment when Peligrous chuckled malevolently.
'Just the sort of mind set I look for.' she said with a hunger in her eyes as she lay a withered hand on Carleta's shoulder. 'Come, let's see what your limits are and how far we can push them.' A slow nod was Carletta's only answer as Peligrous guided her into the temple to which she steeled herself and ejected all fear. Here she would have to think only cold and cynical, a hard challenge, but she knew that the ends would justify the means.