The Temple's archives were almost destroyed in just a few hours, the Jedi nor the Republic wouldn't have guessed that Imperials would risk such a manuver. The Imperial flagship was destroyed, reduced to nothing but wreck, the survivors were now held captive and SIS agents are doing the interogations.
Captain Hoft couldn't tell any other reasons than that a Sith Lord ordered them to bombard Tython but the details were still not clear. Why would a Sith Lord attack a planet with just one ship, what reason was there to destroy all this knowledge, and where was she now?
The Jedi quickly ordered every available knight home along with the consulars, most of the temple was still in ruins but at least not destroyed like the one on Couscant. The Council was speechless at the act of the Sith and they were sure to retaliate sooner or later.
As soon as Mehile's ship met up with the 137th battalion his comunicator turned on and recalled him back to Tython. He was struck by the news and could feel that a tragedy happened to his loved one; he ordered to enter hyperscape immediately. He wasn't ready for what met him on the ground, the training grounds totally destroyed, the quarters of the order in ruins and the burnt bodies of both civilians and Jedi alike. He hoped and deep inside he prayed for Ariana to be safe and waited for her to walk out from the crowd of Jedi who tried to tend the wounded. His hope was short lived however.
- Master Mehile. – Freya a twi'lek Jedi knight spoke to him. He knew he and Ariana could trust her with their relationship since she was her Padawan until she completed her training a year ago. She showed promising from the start and now she was just like her master. – Master, I…
- What happened here? Where is Ariana? – He asked and tried to hold back his emotions.
Freya only remained silent and avoided his gaze, she didn't have the heart to tell him since it hurts her as much as him.
- Freya… what happened to her? – He asked again but in a desperate voice.
- Master I'm… Master Haylen was…
- She died protecting the archives. – An old womans voice came from behind Mehile. – She did what she had to do. – Grand Master Shan walked closer.
The great Sathele Shan aged ever since that operation that striked the Emperor down, but her skill were still remarkable and her attitude towards the Code was unbroken even if it made her sound mean in some cases.
Mehile's eyes widened, he didn't want to believe what Master Shan just said. Ariana… was dead, no he ignored with every cell in his body. It couldn't be, she was one of the best the Republic and the Jedi had, she couldn't just fall to a Sith Lord unless… no a Darth would never risk an operation like this without a reason, any reason.
- Don't give into grief Jedi Master, it doesn't worth it. – Master Shan spoked to Mehile.
- Master… - Freya tried to respond but Mehile cut her off.
- It doesn't worth it? It… doesn't… worth… IT! – Mehile was furious and frowned hards at the Grand Master. – The Temple is in ruins, our Order's knowledge is destroyed and many gave their lives without a reason! You dare to say that me being upset doesn't worth this then what does? A maniac came her and killed hundreds or thousands and what we are doing is…
- ENOUGH Master Jedi! – Master Shan quieted him down. – Indeed what happened is nothing we can't ignore… the Empire will pay for it along with the Sith… I only meant Master Haylen's death and your connection with her. For that I am disappointed in you Master Jedi, breaking a key element of our Code is a crime for that you will answer to the Council.
- Grand Master… look around… Tython is in ruins but all you care about is to punish Master Mehile for nothing.
- The events on Tyhton are exactly the reason why I want Master Mehile to face the Council. The dark side has moved and won't go down easily. For us to prevail and restore peace we must maintain order in the Republic and within our Order, no excuse. – She turned to Mehile. – I'm expecting you soon, Master Jedi.
Syndell's shuttle exited the hyperlane at Dromund Kaas the heart of the Empire; Victoria curiously examined the planet from the cockpits window. She heard stories about the Seat of the Empire but never in her life had she expected to visit it.
- Dromun Kaas, you would be surprised how much this place reminds me of Nar Shaddaa. – Victoria said forgetting who she was with.
Syndell looked at him stoically; she got emberassed by her gaze.
- I… I meant that it looks lively and… all. – She blushed and looked away.
- Don't be afraid to express your opinion, I don't mind you are free to do anything. – Syndell responded with a smile.
- Where to now… umm… My lady? – She tried to address her properly.
- You are about to meet the Dark Council, younge one and you can call me by my first name. – She prepared the shuttle to land in the spaceport.
The weather was clear on Dromund Kaas and the authorities avoided Syndell and her new "follower" upon exiting. The route to Kaas City was flawless and both of them were now at the Council's gate, from the corner hooded figures approached them. Victoria got alerted and wanted to draw her weapon but she realized she didn't have any since she lost it while Tython was bombed.
- The memebers are here as requested, however some of them were not very pleased upon the call. – The pureblood said.
- Good. – Syndell said as she walked pass them.
- She can't enter. – The one pureblood on the right stated as she pointed at Victoria.
- She comes where ever I go. – She coldly answered the pureblood. – Come, want to witness something grate? – She turned to Victoria who nodded and smile excitedly. This was already so exciting for her.
They entered the great chamber of the Dark Council where the new members awaited; their presence was heavy with anger and impatiente. They turned as Syndell and Victoria approached the centre.
- What is this? A woman and a brat? – A blonde very pale skinned young man approached her. He snikered at her then turned around and expanded his arms. – See my brothers and sisters, a joke.
- I should watch my tongue if I were you. – Syndell frowned at him. – Or it would be better if I cut it out for you.
- You are not intimidating woman. Where is Thorvus? If you ask nicely maybe I will forgive you.
She activated her lightsaber and cut his right arm off, the Council member screamed and fell to the floor grabbing the burned stump where his arm was before.
- Thorvus is dead, I killed him and I will gladly kill you as well and anyone who wants to mock me! – She said as a deep dark red aura started to flow around her. – I called the Dark Council together to discuss our Empire's future and you will listen.
The Siths sat down but they still looked stoic and natural to the circumtances.
- Good, as you may know the Republic is pushing our forces back and with time they will reach the Seat of the Empire. Even Makeb is still under siege and will fall in time; we could only sustain the fall to not happen because our army was powered by the infamous Isotope-5 energy source.
At look at you all, forty years passed but I'm sure the old council members are truning in their graves for such idiots to posses their seats. One of them frowned hard and anger emited from his presence, his eyes glowed red under his hood.
- Not to mention that our Emperor is dead and will not come back no matter how much we hope for it.
- Are you saying that we are doomed? – A muffled female voice asked, the visors of her mask glowed with light blue lights making the slit shaped visors ghostly.
- If we won't change, yes. – Syndell answered straight forward.
- Then should we surrender to the Jedi then? – A male sith stood up. – Submit to the Republic?
- No… since we have our redemption right here. – She pulled two "holocrons" out. – While I was persumed dead I found this. – She held white one that eaxctly looked the same as the one she aquiered on Tython.
- A holocron? – Said the hooded figure. – How can a holocron save our Empire?
- This is no ordinary holocron. This is far from what we know of holocrons, this may look like a holocron but what it contains is beyond our imaginations. – She held the one she got from Tython up. – This is its second part; these two together will uncover great opportunities for us and as well power.
With that she used her power on both of them, the two relics floated and sparkled as they come closer. The chamber shaked and the air around them startet to cool down, an unkown presence started to fill the entire Council. The Siths were restless and all of them looked shocked and looked around as the room started to fade and strange gliphs covered the walls and floor.
The two relics finaly connected and lightnings erupted from them as they became one and then a blow shocked the center, in just a blink the whole group feelt like they were in deep space. The pillars, walls even the statues ceased to exist. From the darknes small lights started to light up the scenery.
- What… where are we!? – A female twi'lek almost panicked.
- Syndell, you owe us an explanation. – Another male sith demanded.
- Are these stars? – The same woman with the mask asked and tried to touch one of the small glowing orbs but failed since it went through her hand.
- Galaxies, entire and complete galaxies. – Syndell said confidetly. – This is similar to our standard startmaps but it is much more complicated. Also this relic tells us a story, more like a legend.
- You must be kidding. – The same man spated at her who she cut his arm off. – How can a legend aid us?
- It can aid us in many ways. – The hooded figure said. – Trust me, I know they can. But these writtings are strange, I can't decrypt them, it seems that Syndell has founded a strange relic indeed, I persume it is exo-archology or is it tech?
- It is both, this language is long forgotten, they tell us about a faction of force users who managed to forge an Empire that streched across entire galaxies. Their technology was far more advanced than the Infinite Empire's or our own. What we see now is a map of their nation at its peek, and there is more to it. According to these markings there are more fractions of these maps all around the known and unknown universe.
- And where is the power you were talking about? – An elder looking woman stepped out. – You said something about power and more importantly how can we obtain it?
Victoria's eyes widened, she was already shocked by the sudden change of the room but there she was in life. The very woman who she was really keen to meet, Jease Willsaam.
Her dark robes swayed as she walked towards the center where Syndell stood, she got old after all those years but her eyes still glowed with the same passion for the Dark side as before. The dark bags under her eyes told she was restless for weeks or even for months, she was pass the period of melancholy and rage when she grieved for her husband. The servants were afraid to enter her chambers since she either sliced or crushed the victim dead upon entering. Her dark hair got grey a bit and a few wrinkles were under her eyes as well.
- What I have here is just a map. – Syndell said as she gazed into the older woman's eyes. – This doesn't contain power unless we find one that contains it.
- Then you are just wasting the Council's time. The map is useless, the Empire is crumbling and you say we take upon this!? – She hissed while pointing at the exo-relic.
- Yes, I do actually. – Syndell smiled back in confidence. – We haven't lost yet, we still have the manpower to strike back at the Republic and fortifie our current borders. My master Darth Synestus carried his ambiton all the way through to plan a strategy to turn the tides.
- Wait, wait, wait… you mean your former master know about this but haven't told a word to us until now? – A mirialan female sith questioned Syndell in disbelief.
- Your predesessors wouldn't have believed him if he would… you all may think that this is impossible but… aren't we Sith are famous about commiting the impossible? – Her eyes turned to red again like on Tython. – This ancient empire left its legacy behind for us to take it; this is destined for us to take it. I can promise on my life that there is still a chance for victory.
The Council wasn't convinced, all of them thought she got mad or just mocked them. But the sound of conquest and glory did sound promising for some of them but reality was reality.
- Such ambition. – A half oraganic and mechanic voice said. The entire starmap of galaxies disappeared and the chamber room was now back. The relic fell to the ground and light smoke covered its surface. Syndell picked it up expecting to be hot but it was freezing cold even she wore glowes that endured the minuses to the max.
- Those eyes of yours are not familiar somehow… you didn't tell us everything. – The voice said again and a pureblood floated in on his throne. The only living thing on the Sith was his eyes and some of his temple, the rest of his body was either replaced with mechanic impants and servos including his organs too. He wore a breather and it was clear he had to breathe heavily to get air even though he had enchanced lungs for the job.
- You got power… young Sith, care to share the information about… it? – He questioned and he motioned with his boney old hands.
- Vowrawn. – Syndell and Jaeas said in union.
- I see you are doing well. – The hooded figure nodded at the old Sith.
- Not as well as I was in the old days… show your face, your bloodline is noble to the Sith and the Empire… Nox. – Vowrawn addresed the young man.
As asked he pulled the hood off revealing not a human but a male togruta light orange skin and white, blue head tails.
- Forgive me for shyness… but I know that there are people here who still oppose non-human Council members. – He turned to the blond pale skinned man whose arm Syndell cut off.
He gritted his teeth and was furious, he knew he was not human but he still couldn't and will never accept the fact that the Dark Council got tainted with aliens.
- Am I right, Darth Heylix? – Nox asked.
Darth Heylix didn't answer since he had a more serious matter to attend to, he concentrated all his force power to stop the bleeding and heal his arm as much as he could.
- You youngsters… know nothing about leading this Empire… no matter the way Syndell put it… the true master are turning in their graves. I survived battles and age until now and I am… disappointed to see what have the Council was reduced to. – He took a heavy breath and coughed. – You all lack passion and ambition that made us strong… you rather deal with pety deals than working… to aid our Order. – Then he turned to Syndell. – You my dear on the other hand… showed me and all of us a great… opportunity but, the question still stands… how?
- With joint effort… that is why I came here… I wish to take the lead as Emperess. – She got to the point.
The hall went silent; all the Darths held their breath back and looked at Syndell with either anger or disbelief. Jaesa frowne at her but she lightened up after sencing she meant what she said and was willing to carry it through with force if it needs.
- You… witch; you dare to name yourself ruler while you are not even a Darth? – Heylix yelled in anger.
- I can just finish you all… Vowrawn was right. I do have power beyond a sith but it was not from a device like that I showed you. I was trained to use it and now I'm the only one who can practice it.
- What can you… do with it? – Vowrawn asked.
- Anything… I can see my victims mind, with a single glance I can exile his or her conciousness into an illusion I created, it is like the real thing but there I prevail no matter what. I can let them suffer for the rest of their lives or I can sink my nails into their mind and rip information out without any delay. I can manipulate and even convince the person to murder its family and loved one with just a wink.
- It is menatal then, yes. – Nox pointed out. – Interesting but still… I'm not convinced. A power like yours can be easily cheated on way or another.
- There is no escape once you got hit by it. – Syndell laughed a bit. – On Tython I face a Jedi knight while I uncovered the relic. She was a good fight but I didn't want to waste my time so I used it on her. The foolish woman didn't even realized what hit her once I ended her life, she fought desperatly and in the end she felt she defeated me but I proved her wrong.
Nox sat back and nodded in convinience, he got interested in this relic thing after all.
- Impressive… then how do we proceed… you Majesty.
- You can't be… - Heylix protested but got cut off.
- Quite you fool. – Jaesa held her lightsaber at his throat. – You have a better plan?
Heylix frowned in anger and settled back into his seat.
- First we gather our forces and attack the Foundry to ensure that the Sith conquest will succed we will need a steady supply of troops, then after taking the Foundry the remaining forces will split appart into two armies, the first will march to Makeb and crush the sieging fleet, and the second group will travel to Voss and wipe the Republic out from the planet. If the voss protest… I don't care, end their miserable life. It is time for us to take the offensive and show the Jedi and the Republic that our Empire has not fallen! We will rise from the ashes and all this will be ours for the taking. – She held up the exo-relic and announced with great joy.
The Council who was skepticall at first got excited again, not because of the speech but the excitement of battle and war. A new age will soon dawn for the Empire, no one have expected that the Sith will rise to such heights from the ashes like, a phoenix. The era of great conquest and glory have started in Sith history once again.
Mehile exited the Council's chamber and walked down the half ruined stairs, Freya waited for him at the bottom and lookied worried once the Jedi master stopped before her.
- Master? – She asked in concern.
- I'am glad that it was me not Ariana who got scholded. – He said with a sad tone. – Her memory is already disgraced enough… I took the blame for everything.
- What will happen now, master?
- The investigations will go on, both the order and the SIS are trying to put the pieces together but they haven't found anything. Whatever that sith wanted or did it doesn't make any sense.
- I am so sorry for your loss, Master Mehile. – Freya tried to comfort him.
- Don't be Freya, things have already gone worst. – He sighted. – The masters told me that among the fallen was my padawan as well.
Freya gasped in shock. – Master…
- It seemed he was killed when he wanted to escape the Temple while it was bombed. However there were no signs of fighting could be found in his body. His mind was crushed in an instant, that is strange, no one posseses such power. Even the Jedi mind crush only immobilizes the target but it wouldn't kill him immediately. – Mehile frowned while he thinked.
- This sith whoever he or she was is strong in the Force.
- I know… while investigating I felt an inhuman malice and rage. The darkness was so powerfull that it left a faint afterglow in the ruins. – Freya told him as she folded her amrs.
- Did you really?
- Yes, I never felt so much rage in one's inprint. Our suspect is strong and wields a strong corrupting force.
- But such corruption sure takes on the wielder, which could make our work easy. The survivors from the imperial ship talked about a woman. The Captain however couldn't give any facial description.
- How come?
- I don't know, it was like his mind was wiped. The crew told he was the only member on the ship who met the sith face to face. The rest of the ship only remembers her attire which is no help at all I'm afraid.
- That is a lot of people, you don't say this sith mindwiped all those people around her?
- It is a possibility but still, we do not have any knowledge on this kind of power. Even forcepersuation requires the user to stand close face to face. But the survivors told that she was moving to the shuttle that carried her here so she didn't have the time to do that.
- The thought of a sith possesing forcepersuation is unsettling but this… - Freya trembled a little, unlike her master she wasn't as brave as Ariana was. In times of need she gathered to confidence to fight valiantly but most of the time she was quiet and shy around people. She passes her test but only because she had luck on her side that time and her master trusted her very much.
- Do not let fear and despair controll you Freya. We will get to the bottom of this and will pass judgement on this witch whoever she is. – Mehile announced to her while looking serious.
The Dark Council's chamber empried quickly, Syndell remained and shared her plans with Vowrawn and Jaesa who were listening her in quiet. Victoria tried to remain close to her but she was scared of the looks of the pureblood. She stood back and watched Jaesa's expressions all the time, they were stoic and cold. She expected her to be more fierc and "alive" but what could possibly she expect from a widow who still mourned her husband and plots against the Jedi like her all the time. Wait, the thought hit her like a blaster bolt in the head, she was not a Jedi anymore, she wasn't from the start because she was a Padawan but… she can't be a Jedi in the future.
She felt lost now, during her early life on the moon, Nar Shaddaa she got involved with gangsters and thiefs. She had to steal for a living and because of that she was a pariah in the eyes of the authorities and regular people. When her master found her in the slums she hoped he would show her a place where she can be accepted and be happy. In the Temple, on Tython she also felt lonely, the other children had a family they could go back to if they would fail but she didn't have anywhere to turn to. She tried to act friendly and be a child but the Code and the others somehow forbade it, her emotions were not needed and she was told that all the time. She acted cold for that and in result the other grew distant to her, some of them started to pick on her but she was only told to endure. She hated both places, but now she realized that it wasn't the people around her who caused pain. It was her that wanted to be loved and didn't want to be alone that she did everything to achive that, but failed.
Syndell on the other hand was the first person who asked what she wanted, sure her master also offered a choice but that was different. She knew that she knews her for a short amount of time but she felt comfortable around her. When she smiled at her she felt her heart warmed and thawned from the icy grasp of loneliness. When they hugged she felt the love she was robbed from since her birth, the love that only a parent could give to his or her child.
Syndell finished consulting with the two dark lords and walked to Victoria, who was still in her thoughts.
- Come, we are leaving. – She told her tenderly.
She looked up to her and was confused.
- What is the matter Victoria?
- You want me to come… with you? – She asked innocently.
- Of course, why would you ask such a silly question? – She smiled again warmly at her.
- I don't know… true I asked that I could come with you but… but I didn't think I would be staying with you. – She looked away a bit ashamed.
- Why? Is there a problem with you staying with me? – Syndell kneeled down and cuped her right cheek tenderly.
Victoria blushed at the guesture. – No… I-I just don't want to be a bother. – She stammered out.
- You aren't bothering to me. – She smiled. – I actually find your company very freshing and I am happy to have you.
Victoria could believe the words she heard; this woman was too kind to her. The first person who was kind to her in her whole life.
- I also promised… that you won't be alone anymore. – Syndell gave her a reassuring hug then stood up. – Now come, I'll show you our estate.
- Our estate? – Victoria asked in surprise.
- Yes, our home. It is almost night time, time to get washed up and prepare for bed, we'll have a busy day ahead for us. – She stood up and carefully grabed her hand. Victoria followed Syndell as she lead her out from the chamber and out to the halls.
Home, a word that did not have any meaning to her until now, she now had a home where she can be safe. A home where she can be herself, a place where she was needed and loved… she was loved, well she thought she is. She couldn't help but sniffled silently and let her tears out, she still tried to hold back to make her crying as modest and quiet as possible but she couldn't. Syndell stopped and turned around finding Victoria crying, she questioned her with a worried tone.
- Are you well? Tell me if you have a problem, let me help you with it. – She asked Victoria.
- N-No… t-there is no problem, I-I'm just… just. – She wanted to say it so badly but her conciousness held it back.
- Yes? Tell me, Victoria.
- Does this mean we are a family? – She blurred out at once. She gave up, this feeling the love and the warmness, the thought of home and safety was overwhelming for her heart. Until now all these were just words without any other feeling or meaning.
- We are. – Syndell kneeled down close to her face that their foreheads touched, and then she whispered with motherly love. – We are a family now, my dear.
That left Victoria speechless and she gave in to the emotions to hug her family which was now this woman kneeling before her.
Syndell was overjoyed when she asked this question, this child here accepted her as her mother. She dreamnt of becoming one, to carry her own infant unde her heart and also to be embraced by the man she loved dearly. As a little girl she fantasized about knights and heroes, and in some of those stories she was the beautifull damsel in disstress to be save dby the charming knight. All those were childish dreams now; she gave up love when she became a slave for the Hutt's. That was until she was saved by Darth Synestus saved her from slavery, which is one of the reasons she changed her name to match his in a way. He brought back hope to her of a family and love, he even tolerated her dreams and gone far by introducing a few young men to her to help her to accomplish it. They were promising candidates and all of them were enchanted by her, she matured a lot by that time but she still hasn't blossomed yet. They were gentlemen but they lacked something, she just couldn't feel the spark or the heat when she talked to them.
They were turned down unfortunatly but most of them haven't given upon conquering her heart till this day, even more because she still hasn't really blossomed, only a little. She couldn't thank him enough for his help, his death was a shock for her and she vowed to hunt down those troopers and SIS operatives who killed him.
Darth Thorvus took her in and wanted to make her his, he was far from gentle and hardly taught her anything about the Force, she learnt everything on her own in that period. Thorvus meanwhile wanted to seduce her, he tried to feed her or make her take dope to lose her reasoning and turn her to a slut. She was smarter not to fall for some obvious schemes, but what he did to her in the end was unforgivable.
Thorvus wanted to make her perfect, shape her into a perfect example of Sith who possesed great power and strenght. He tricked her to follow him to an off-chart world for a ritual, upon performing that on her she felt like she was being torn apart from inside out. She was left unconcious for a week or more she couldn't remember. Her master and crew thought she was dead but were proven wrong when she got up and on the battle field she tore down enemy fortifications single handedly. She enjoyed the overwhelming power, but then came the bitter realization.
A medic finishing test on her blood and organs spotted a disorder, she collapsed upon the news she even smashed the doctors skull in anger and agony. Her hope for a family of her own blood was lost for her, the mediec stated that the ritual what Darth Thorvus prepared on her made her unable to produce offsprings, in short he made her infertile.
Furry consumed her mind, on Alderaan when she had to hold the Republic at bay while House Thul and the imperial forces withdraw from the planet she went rouge. She massacred the officers who were loyal to Thorvus and the Thuls who also approved of Thorvus's actions. She left the survivors to be captured or killed by the Jedi and the Republic and set out to end Thorvus's life. In the end she succeded with ther revenge as we all know.
Both to them set out to the estate, it was far from Kaas City; eventually it was located at the shoreline of one of the planets beaches. It was a risky built since the planet's weather system was full of storms and hurricanes most of the times but in some cases it proved to be comfortable.
Victoria was in awe of the stucture, it was modern but it had and old classic style to it, it had three spires like tower and at the center was a large dome, she wondered what that was. As they entered a massive carved marble gate was infront of her and on the two sides staircases lead up to the second floor. The canopy was supported by thick salamon colored pillars and the floor was made of white garnet that was polished to sparkle.
She noticed the big crytal chandelier that gave light to the huge hall that they were in; it was a palace more than an estate. Syndell nudged her carefully to get her attention.
- Come, I'll show your room first. – She led her up one of the two grand staircases, and then motioned to turn right.
The floor of the second level was covered with classic styled carpets and statues were placed by the walls, she couldn't decide whether they were relics or some forgeries. Some of them looked old enough to be at a museum but most of them seemed to be regularly cleaned.
- Here we are, dear. – Syndell opened up a double door to a well set bedroom.
Victoria couldn't really express herself; the room she now owned was almost the size of the quarters she had to share with her fellow padawans. The bed looked big for young girl for herself but it seemed very soft and comfortable. It had a full length mirror on the right side next to a door leading into a private bathroom. It was all clean and tidy, the tub that was like a small pool was scrubbed clean and shiny, the sink also and the towels were all set. She could have fit clothes for an entire regiment into her closet and had her own projector and terminal where she could study or work.
The girl who had close to nothing for most of her earily childhood now felt like she was in a dripping fairy tale but she didn't mind it at all.
- You can wash up if you want… and maybe we can get some new clothing for you the next day. Something more fitting for your new life, don't you agree? – Syndell asked her nicely.
She was right, she left her stuff at the Temple along with the spare clothes she had, it wasn't much but it was still her possesion.
- What can I wear until then? – She asked innocently. She still had her training wear since she left Tython with her, she didn't have anything else.
- Don't worry… I'll manage it, now go get yourself clean. Are you hungry, I could arrange dinner for us?
- T-That would be great… I mean yes that would be very good. – She blushed at her lack of language.
She smiled at her then left her to take a shower; Victoria shyly walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She folded her belt and took her shirt off along with her boots, she pulled her trousers down and she was now only in her underwear and bra. Getting those off she stepped into the thub and turned the water on and let the warm liquid fill it. Pouring some soap and bathsalt into it she felt a bit relaxed, she never had a bath like this before. The combination of soap and salt was not the modest but a pleasing aroma filled the room along with the steam.
She spent at least half an hour in the water when she got out, grabbing a towel she wrapped it around her just developing body and walked out from the room barefoot. She couldn't dress back into her old clothes but she remembered that Syndell said she will get her clothes. Surprisingly she did, on her bed was a simple both comfortable shirt and a nice light lavender colored skirt. She also left her a pair of slippers before her bed, they were two sizes bigger but they will do until she gets new things to wear. Wait, was she actually thinking about settling in?
She walked out of her room and turned to the stairs, she was a bit lost in this big building. From a room a silver plattered protocoll-droid walked out and greeted her enthusiastically.
- Young mistress, I was about to find you in your room. The Mistress of this marvelous estate is waiting for you in the dining hall; please allow me to guide you to her. – It bowed sligtly as much as it's servos let it then walked into the room. She followed the droid and after leaving another few rooms behind she finally met Syndell again. She was stunned by her, she also changed from her armore to amore comfortable wear but she looked so feminine. She was before but it was like a different woman sitting at the table.
She wore a light purple dress that hung to her body like a second skin, on the sides it was cut so it showed a little bit of her legs. Her chest almost seemed to burst out and she also untied her hair from those small bangs she usually kept when fighting. She wore deep black pumps that were simple compared to the dress. As Victoria entered she smiled at her, she felt a bit left out and emberassed for her to not have anything classy like her dress.
- Sorry that I couldn't find anything better, these were the only clothes that fitted your size. – She apologized.
- No… they are fine. Better than those dirty rags that I came here in the first place. – She laughed a bit nervously.
- Don't you worry dear; we'll get you something nice for you to wear tomorrow. Also we can stock up for you as well while we are in the city. – Syndell suggested and Victoria nodded.
After dinner the two of them sat at the table in a awkward silence, Victoria felt ashamed for just sitting there so she started to break the ice first.
- I… never really thanked you enough for getting me off of Tython, Mistress.
- Just Syndell for you, and don't be. You choose to leave and I help you do so, you should be thanking yourself for it not me.
- Wow… I… don't know.
- What?
- Evesince I started to train to be a Jedi my master always told me about the sith and the dark side. But talking to you and hearing you talking it makes me confused. I you are the first sith I ever met in person but you seem so kind.
Syndell cracked a smile. – Thank you, I'm a bit flattered but me being kind to you doesn't mean I am kind in general.
- So are you…
- I am still Sith, but I live my life my way and won't let codes and rules tell me what to do. I show respect and can be kind but that has to be earned.
- And how did I earn that you are kind to me?
- That is another reason. – She sat back in her chair. – You know… when I was at your age I spent most of my childhood as a slave. I practiculary grew up as one until the age of 17, but before that, it was like hell. Back then I wasn't this mature so they made me to do labour instead of livng a life in a harem.
Victoria listened Syndell as she shared her life with her, she admited it was almost like her but she was free at least, right?
- Me and the other slaves become family for the time; we watched out for each other and took care of the newcomers. I remember a group of kids getting shipped in the palace, they were scared and wanted to go home. I felt for them and did my best comfort them, I actually wanted to be a parent one day in my life so I enjoyed being their big sister. I took a few beating for them but it was worth it I still believe.
- What happened then?
- Like I said my master came and freed me. He saw potencial in me, he told me I was force sensitive and he can show me great things. I agreed to go with him but first I set the others free, it pained me to part from them, but this was for the best.
- Do you know what happened to them afterwards?
- Not quited but I still pray for their well being.
- So… you have a soft spot for… children?
Syndell looked at her a bit coldly and Victoria blushed at her question.
- D-Don't get me wrong I meant that… that you like looking after them, I mean…
- Calm down, I know what you meant and yes, I do like taking care of young ones. I guess it is a trait I inherited from my mother.
- She must have been very good then. I never knew my parents but I saw how other kids act when they were with them. Where is she now?
- She is dead. – Syndell blured out.
- I-I'm sorry… I didn't…
- I moved on but sometimes the memory surfaces and I can't hold back. It is okay I think, holding back tears would only cause more wounds than letting them out.
- What happened to her?
Syndell remained quiet for a second, her hand balled into fists and strong aura of rage filled the air around her.
- She was killed… we were left to die by my brother, by the Republic and mostly the Jedi.
An image of her brother flashed into her mind that filled her with malice and hatered.
- I will have my revenge… I will make things right here first of all, but I will make you suffer, Mehile. – She hissed inside of her head.
The date was now set in stone, the Empire has risen once again and sinked it's talons into new worlds beyond the known galaxy. This period was only a beginning of a much more complex war that is about to come.
A jedi who now sworn his life for order and peace will act upon the so called justice. But, will he be able to handle the truth that will come and what is more important… can he remain true to himself afterwards?
A sith that uncovered an ancient secret has managed to move a crumbling empire to shine once again. The imperial warmachine has once again set out for conquest and glory, there is a heritage for the taking and the Sith have already moved out to sieze it for their dark order.
It is time to set out beyond the stars to know the answers, but will be there any to find? We'll see.