He followed the visions as they came. The Emperor had taught him that the Force would guide you were it wanted you to go, there was no fighting it, and to force the dark side to show you what you wished to see was utter folly. It would show you your own doom, or a false vision and you would be led into ruin.
"Lord Marek, as you requested, Admiral T'Vok has been brought to you via shuttle."
T'Vok knew that the distances they had been talking about, a warbird would take months if not years to reach this deep into the Delta quadrant. His trip by shuttle had been two hours.
"How can I be of service, my lord?" T'Vok asked softly.
Marek slowly descended down to his feet and strode towards Admiral T'Vok.
"Admiral, I have been reading with interest these intelligence reports from your Tal'Shiar."
T'Vok said nothing but walked with the Sith lord as he strode past T'Vok towards the back of his meditation chamber. Mara remained a respectful distance behind.
"I was particularly interested in Project Risen Phoenix."
"Risen Phoenix?" T'Vok repeated neutrally.
Marek smiled grimly to himself.
"You heard me Admiral. As I understand it, the project came about as a result of some rather fortuitous turn of events in battle against the Dominion near the end of your war with them. You recovered an artifact. A sample of their technology that they always found a way to destroy before any of your forces could get their hands on one."
"I am aware of the Project. During the last engagement against the Dominion, our forces managed to over run a Dominion held moon in the Cardasia home system. Our ground forces captured a fully functioning lab and we quickly disassembled it and brought it to Romulus."
"Ah, you dance around the issue, admiral." Marek replied wanly.
"Very well. It is a fully functional Dominion cloning tank. We have yet to decipher all of the technology and we were certainly not going to start cloning Jem'Hadar."
Marek stopped and turned. He stared into the admiral's eyes.
"I believe that we can decipher the technology of the cloning tanks. And we have a very good use for them."
T'Vok frowned.
"Do not be so sad, Admiral. The Romulans will be carried forth upon our victorious shoulders. Your people's place in the Empire's ultimate victory will not be forgotten. When the Federation and your enemies grovel at your feet, you will have us to thank."
"What is to be done then?" T'Vok asked. The very last secret they had was now revealed. His people had absolutely no weapons against them now. And what use could these people have with the cloning tanks?
"You will return and I will place you in charge of a new project. It will ensure our dominance forever in this galaxy. I have the utmost faith in you, admiral." Marek replied and motioned for the admiral to leave. Mara instantly appeared by the Admiral's side.
"Right this way, T'Vok." She instructed gently. T'Vok took one last look at Marek and followed Mara Jade out. She returned and stood passively by Marek's side.
"You know what must be done. Find the finest specimen among our stormtroopers. I want only the finest stock."
Mara nodded and a slow smile appeared on her face.
"I think I have precisely the one in mind, my lord."
"Oh?" He asked warily.
"He is hiding out in secret among the troopers assigned to this vessel. He is the commander of the Emperor's Personal Guard."
"Why wasn't I aware of this?" Marek asked hotly, turning on Mara. Mara took several quick steps backwards.
"My Lord, the Emperor deploys his guardsmen throughout the fleet on a regular basis. It is to keep their combat training fresh. The hands are aware of several in any fleet in case we require assistance from someone whose loyalty is above question. But you are a Sith Lord, the personal envoy of the Emperor himself. What need have you to know of the deployment of guardsmen?" She answered without hesitation.
Marek stared at her for a long moment, eyes peering into hers. She had no idea what he was doing, whether he could see into her mind as clearly as he saw into the others.
"Leave me. I have much to think upon." He replied curtly and motioned her away. She quickly left after bowing slightly. He watched her leave and stared at the door for a long moment. He turned away and strode deeper into the shadows.
Save that this time, they did not soothe him.
/pre