Star Trek: The Next Gamer

Episode 14: Gemini

Stardate: 41373.6.
Earth Standard Date: May 16, 2364.
Location: Academy, Korriban.

Mirror-Tyson and Tyson stood facing each other at the helm of their respective factions Their eyes were locked in a stare that embodied the silent challenge hanging in the air. Mirror-Tyson emanated an aura of self-assured power. His fingers were wrapped tight around the hilt of his pulsating purple lightsabers. He was flanked by the droid HK-47 and the young Twi'lek, Mission Vao.

Bastila Shan, the young Jedi prodigy with the power of Battle Meditation held her yellow double-bladed lightsaber. She stood across from Darth Maul, whose red lightsaber mirrored her own. The two sized each other up as their weapons hummed ominously in a prelude to the clash that seemed all but inevitable.

Not far from them, Troi and Yar faced off against Billaba and Gallia. If the two new mirror universe Jedi held reservations about facing off against the Jedi Masters, it didn't show on their faces. Their eyes gleamed an unyielding violet, buoyed by Mirror-Tyson's Corruption.

Across the stark expanse of the landing pad, the feline features of Juhani met the sightless gaze of Visas Marr. Lastly, T'Pol faced another Vulcan, Selar, whose neck bore a slave collar. Selar's shout captured T'Pol's attention. Though they were strangers, their shared Vulcan heritage gave them a commonality not shared by any others in the opposing groups, save Tyson himself. Selar's voice called out in that measured tone. "Our side has the numerical advantage. It would be logical to submit."

T'Pol's lips tightened into a thin line as she looked around. T'Pol was certain the other Vulcan was incorrect but a quick count confirmed her statement. She met Selar's gaze with calm resolve. "Your logic is flawed," she responded evenly. "Quantity does not always triumph. Besides, it seems submitting is something you're used to." T'Pol stated as she pointed at the other woman's collar."

A smirk crossed her face as the young Twi'lek Mission declared, "Ohh burn!" She turned to Mirror-Tyson. "The other you doesn't look so tough," she remarked with a level of dismissiveness.

In response, HK-47's mechanical voice crackled to life. The droid's voice carried a clear, sardonic amusement. "Observation: The Master has proven to be more effective than he appears." he stated, "Caution: Underestimation can be detrimental to meatbags' survival."

Maul's patience finally snapped, his growling voice cut through the simmering tension. "Enough chatting," he snarled, his fiery gaze fixed on Bastila. He launched himself toward her, his double-bladed lightsaber lighting his crimson arc through the air. As if it signaled the end of the standoff, everyone sprang into action. The air filled with the sharp hum and vibrant glow of lightsabers clashing, the harsh crackle of energy meeting energy.

Tyson fluidly executed the movements of Shii-Cho as he deflected attacks from his mirror counterpart and the two companions. Neither Mission nor HK-47 managed to penetrate his defenses in the first strike.

Elsewhere, Billaba and Gallia faced off against Troi and Yar, their blades casting erratic shadows on the ground, dancing like electric ghosts in the gloom. Juhani circled Visas like a wary predator, gauging her movements, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

T'Pol and Selar mirrored each other's stances, their lightsabers held in ready positions.

Mirror-Tyson and Mission came at Tyson in a flurry of lightsaber strikes, while from a distance, HK-47 discharged a volley of blaster bolts at Tyson. But Tyson was far from overwhelmed. The grin on his face said he was having the time of his life. With his lightsabers spinning and twirling in his hands, Tyson parried and blocked each strike. He chose Mission as the target for his counterattack. She was within range, and her defenses were not on par with Tyson's counterpart.

Tyson went on the offensive, unleashing a series of rapid, expertly placed strikes. His Triple Attack and Rapid Strike combination made his assault a blur, a storm of energy blades that the Twi'lek couldn't evade. Her Mandalorian armor started to falter under Tyson's relentless onslaught. His Aesthetic Damage perk chipped away at his Mission's defenses; Slices and gashes appeared on the underweave between the Beskar plates.

Across the battlefield, the other matchups between Maul and Bastila seemed even. They moved in a dizzying flurry of strikes and parries, their double-bladed lightsabers creating dazzling light spectacles.

Inquisitor Troi's mind was a torrent of precognitive flashes. She fought in concert with Tasha Yar, their movements were coordinated by telepathy. The Jedi opponents, Billaba and Gallia, were undoubtedly formidable. Troi and Yar had trained to the extent of Jedi Padawan. Despite their combined skills, the Jedi Masters' expertise was on another level, their attacks were synchronized and relentless. Even as Bastila's battle meditation suffused Troi and Yar, bolstering their morale and sharpening their senses, the Jedi onslaught continued unabated. Yar grunted as she barely deflected another lightsaber swing. The battle had just begun, yet Troi's expression was grim, the strain of battle etched deeply on her face.

Troi reached out both telepathically and through the Force. Her thoughts shot into the chaos of battle, and echoed in the minds of their allies, 'Need assistance. Now.'

Juhani crouched low, her eyes trained on Visas, but the blind ex-sith stood unperturbed with her unseeing gaze fixed in Juhani's general direction. Visas suddenly sprang into motion, her Ataru style a dazzling display of agility and power. Her steps were rhythmic, almost dance-like, with sweeping strikes and fluid acrobatics. Juhani found herself on the back foot, her earlier confidence was replaced with a sense of rising panic. Visas was no mere prey. She was an agile storm of fluid grace and raw power that left Juhani scrambling. The catgirl barely had time to raise her weapon in defense, the searing heat of the lightsabers meeting in a burst of sparks. Visas launched herself at Juhani again, and again in a blur of motion that left Juhani struggling to match.

The two Vulcans, T'Pol and Selar, lightsabers echoed through the air, intertwining with the distant cacophony of the ongoing battles. T'Pol was new to the ways of the Force, a fact that was reflected in her lightsaber technique. She fought with Shii-Cho, the first and most fundamental style taught to Force-sensitive initiates. Her movements, while precise and well-practiced, carried a hint of unease, betraying her unfamiliarity with the weight of the energy blade and the ebb and flow of the Force within her. Her strikes were methodical, each delivered with textbook precision. Yet, there was predictability in her combat style, a certain lack of variation that gave Selar ample opportunity to analyze and counter her moves. Selar met each of T'Pol's strikes with an equal measure of force and technique. She maneuvered with practiced ease, her lightsaber a fluid line of energy countering T'Pol's attacks. The greenish hue of her blade clashed with the fiery blue of T'Pol's, each collision producing a burst of radiant energy and a crackling noise that punctuated their duel. They were evenly matched. Their battle seemed to exist as duel amidst the greater chaos.

Tyson's side seemed to have the upper hand. Just when it seemed the battle had been decided by several mismatches, an unseen agreement passed among the Mirror group. Through the combined use of Battle Meditation and Telepathy, they shifted opponents. Their movements were in sync, moving like the pieces to an intricate puzzle falling into place.

Mission nimbly disengaged from Tyson and dashed towards T'Pol. The lithe twi'lek's youthful agility and plucky resilience made her a worthy adversary for the disciplined Vulcan. Their lightsabers clashed in bright streaks of blue against green. Selar moved into Mission's space, her blade meeting Tyson's red blade.

HK-47 recognized the opportunity and switched its attention towards Maul. The assassin droid peppered Maul with a stream of blaster bolts. The Zabrak defended himself fiercely, his double-bladed lightsaber a vortex of red that kept the worst of the assault at bay.

Tyson's group, although taken aback by the sudden shift, adjusted quickly.

The consequences of the tactical reshuffling were immediately evident. Maul's ferocious lightsaber skills had only been slightly greater than Bastila's martial prowess could match. But now, the relentless onslaught of HK-47's blaster fire forced the Zabrak to divide his attention. Maul's growl could be heard as a blaster bolt slipped past his guard, grazing his shoulder.

T'Pol who had been evenly matched against Selar now struggled against Mission. The young Twi'lek twirled her saber, "You're good," she taunted, "but you're not good enough."

Tyson, on the other hand, held a significant advantage in this new arrangement. His Mirror counterpart could hardly contain him when it was three-on-one, now with only Selar assisting, he was quickly being overwhelmed. Tyson jabbed at his doppelganger with a predatory smirk, "Who's the weakest Gamer now?"

The pairings of Jedi Billaba and Gallia against Troi and Yar, as well as Visas versus Juhani, continued to overwhelm the intruders. The swing and clash of their blades was a ballet of skill and power, an unbroken dance.

"The Force is with us," Visas declared confidently, dodging Juhani's strike. As the catwoman swung back in a follow-up wide slash Visas jumped in the air and barrel-rolled, slashing her blade against the hilt of Juhani's saber. The weapon was sliced in half and immediately the lightsaber cut off, broken. Juhani was left helpless at the point of Visas's lightsaber.

Billaba weaved through the graceful chaos of lightsabers, despite the coordination of Troi and Yar, the Jedi masters overwhelmed their defenses. A coordinated Force Push from the Jedi Masters laid out the mirror-universe officers. The Jedi stood over them with sabers threatening their lives should they try to continue fighting.

Tyson broke through his mirror's defenses. A rush of victory surged through him as he used the Force to lift both his doppelganger and Selar off the ground, their feet dangling helplessly.

For a moment, the remaining combatants froze, watching this display of power.

Tyson stood tall, his triumph imminent, his chest heaving with each victorious breath. But just as he was about to tighten his Force Grip on his opponents, a voice reached his ears.

"Ah, ah, ah," came the taunting chime of the young Twi'lek. Tyson turned his gaze towards her and saw T'Pol at her mercy. The girl's blade was humming dangerously close to the Vulcan's neck. "I'd put them down if I were you."

A ripple of tension fluttered through the air, a quiet threat against the cacophony of the battlefield. Tyson's eyes hardened. His gaze lingered on the victorious grin etched onto the face of his Mirror counterpart. It struck him then, the calculated cunning behind the move. They had purposely shifted targets to create the mismatches. He sacrificed himself because he knew it wouldn't matter. They had exploited his affection for T'Pol. Despite the chaotic battlefield, Mirror-Tyson had anticipated Tyson's emotional attachment, correctly assuming that Tyson would be too overwhelmed to react appropriately.

To the untrained eye, the situation could be read as a simple standoff. But beneath the surface-level skirmish, a hidden danger lay in wait. Darth Cognus, the Dark Lady of the Sith, formerly the assassin Huntress, renowned for her stealth and precision, was there, invisible to all but the most Force-sensitive beings. She had wrapped herself in a cloak of Force Concealment, hiding her from sight and from the perception within the Force itself. She had forsaken her lightsaber for a pair of sharp daggers similar to the ones she used when she'd been Huntress. Those daggers were trained on Mission. The young Twi'lek held T'Pol at lightsaber point, oblivious to the danger she was in. From the corner of her eyes, Darth Cognus watched as the scene played out. A simple twitch, a slight move, would be all it took to unleash the Sith assassin's deadly strike.

Visas and Kreia could see the faint tremor of Cognus's presence in the Force. And Tyson, with his overwhelming level of Force attunement had tracked her movements during the battle. Cognus watched his eyes as much as she did Mission, waiting for any signal. The Iktotchi woman was wholly devoted to him. She was his loyal puppy and his hidden attack dog.

Tyson refused to relinquish his Force Grip. His eyes bored into those of his doppelganger, the eerie purple glow mirroring his feigned frustration. "How did you know?" he growled.

Mirror-Tyson simply replied, the corners of his mouth still twitching with that irritating smirk, "T'Pol is 'best girl.'" He lowered his voice conspiratorially, "Unless you're hiding Seven around here."

For a split second, Tyson was taken aback. He stared at his mirror image, disbelief etched into his features. He was caught between anger and amusement, his mind struggled to comprehend the absurdity of the situation.

Mirror-Tyson, hanging in the Force grip, twisted his face into a grave expression. "You don't need to worry about my Corruption," he said, "It's Q that you should be cautious of. He's manipulating you, Tyson. Remember 'Encounter at Farpoint'."

Was this another tactic, another attempt at manipulation from his mirror counterpart, just as Q had suggested? But then, an unsettling memory surfaced in Tyson's mind. 'Encounter at Farpoint', was the first time Picard and his crew had come across the Q. The omnipotent being had subjected them to a mock trial, accusing the entire human race of being a "dangerous, savage child race". Q manipulated Picard's perspective by placing him and his crew in a scenario that was designed to bring out the worst in humanity. He had put the crew of the Enterprise under intense pressure, claiming it was a test to determine if they had outgrown their destructive tendencies. Q's manipulation was complex, embedded in mind games and layered deception.

The memory of the episode flickered in Tyson's mind, causing him to question. As he looked into the eyes of his mirror counterpart, his mind was torn between trust and doubt. Beyond the purple glow in the man's eyes, were eyes he recognized… his own. Was Q manipulating him as he did with Picard?

The battlefield around him seemed to fade into a blurry background as Tyson grappled with the questions.

Tyson addressed his mirror counterpart, suspended helplessly in the air. A question, simple yet weighted with meaning, slipped past his lips, "Why are you here?"

Mirror-Tyson grimaced, the effort of speaking under the Force Grip was clear on his face. "The Star Map..." he forced out, "it brought us to Korriban. We were following its lead." His smirk returned, although weaker now. He added, almost to himself, "We should've gone to Kashyyk first."

From the side, a feminine voice joined the conversation. Bastila Shan was standing near Maul with her yellow double-bladed lightsaber still drawn. The accusation in her tone was unmistakable as she spoke, not even looking at them. "I told him so."

As Tyson focused on the words of his mirror counterpart, his mind began connecting the dots at a rapid pace. The Star Map. Kashyyk. Bastila and Mission. Everything fell into place in a burst of realization. The Star Map led to the Star Forge, a vast, ancient space station with an unequaled power to construct fleets of starships and armies of droids. His mind raced, and suddenly, he understood. His mirror counterpart wasn't here searching for him. He was following the Knights of the Old Republic story arc.

The further implications were immense. If Mirror-Tyson was imitating the game's events, then…

His heart pounded in his chest as Tyson realized his mirror might be able to provide a counter for Darth Nihilus.

There was a character that had defeated Nihilus. Meetra Surik. If Mirror-Tyson had access to Bastila and Mission, it stood to reason that he might also be able to reach Meetra, who was in exile during the events of Knights of the Old Republic. It was a long shot, but it wasn't an opportunity Tyson wanted to close the door on. The outcome of this confrontation could have far-reaching consequences for them all, particularly Visas if or when he was confronted by Nihilus.

Considering his next move, Tyson realized he would need his mirror counterpart's aid. Relaxing his mental hold, Tyson eased his Force Grip on Mirror-Tyson and Selar, allowing them to gently descend to the ground. His eyes remained watchful, the glow of his twin lightsabers reflecting in them, his Force Grip still firmly on them, reminding them of his control.

His gaze shifted between his Mirror counterpart and Bastila, and in a tone that was more statement than a question, Tyson said, "You're seeking the Star Forge? Fighting against Malak?"

The hostility of the standoff dwindled as Tyson's words echoed through the battleground. All eyes were on the trio as Bastila cast a glance at Mirror-Tyson. She was silent for a moment, her gaze steady on Tyson.

Finally, she nodded, her features stoic. "Yes, Revan and Malak."

The affirmation hung in the air, the weight of its implications slowly sinking in. Revan was still alive, and he was one of the bad guys.

Tyson couldn't help but smile at the revelation. He relinquished his Force hold on his mirror counterpart and Selar, his double-edged lightsabers humming softly as he deactivated them. "Seems like you could use my help," he said, his voice filled with a newfound camaraderie.

Mirror-Tyson, still on the ground, heaved himself up. He glared at Tyson with his purple eyes, the corners of his lips twitching into a reluctant smirk. Sheathing his purple lightsabers, he retorted, "Bah. How high are your skills, you cheating bastard!" He took a step back, an air of resignation settling around him.

Tyson replied, "You have no idea. You think that you had any advantage?" He turned to Mission and commanded, "Disengage and drop your lightsaber."

To Mirror-Tyson's surprise, Mission followed his commands without hesitation. As if that wasn't enough, Tyson said, "Cognus you can drop your Concealment."

The Iktotchi appeared behind Mission, with her dagger points just as close as Mission's lightsaber had been to T'Pol. Mirror-Tyson mumbled, "Motherfucker. She was there the whole time? We didn't stand a chance did we?" Then his gaze turned towards Q, a defiant look in his eyes. He raised his hand, flipping off the omnipotent being without hesitation. Q, for his part, merely raised an eyebrow, not even flinching at the crude gesture. Mirror-Tyson then turned his attention towards Tyson. "You can ease off Mission," he admitted. "We concede."

With a nod from Tyson, slowly, Cognus withdrew her daggers from Mission's neck. A cautious tension still hung in the air, but the imminent threat of violence had passed.

Kreia, who had been observing the chaos from a respectful distance, finally stepped into the fray. She stood between the two Tysons, her sightless eyes seeming to pierce straight into their souls.

"I've watched you both closely," she began, her voice echoing with a wisdom that commanded respect. "Two versions of the same man, each with strengths and weaknesses unique to your respective abilities. And yet, the crux of your conflict rests not in your differences, but in your shared qualities."

She turned to the original Tyson. "Your benevolence and commitment to diplomacy are commendable, Tyson. However, this conflict began because you were quick to anger. While it is unwise to overlook the necessity of calculated aggression when the situation calls for it, do not let your feelings cloud your judgment."

She then faced Mirror-Tyson. "And you, your tenacity and strategic cunning are quite impressive, but you must remember that not every problem can be solved by the edge of a blade. There is strength in unity as well. False bravado is one thing, not realizing your bravado is false is far worse."

As she stepped back, her words lingered in the air, casting a moment of introspection amidst the tension. "Each of you have lessons to learn from the other," she concluded. "Remember this, for the challenges ahead."

The two Tysons shared a glance. Mirror-Tyson watched Kreia retreat, his expression one of mingled confusion and curiosity. He shifted his gaze back to Tyson, gesturing at the woman. "Who the hell is that?" He demanded.

Tyson gave him a calm look, his bemusement evident. "That's Master Kreia," he said, simply.

Mirror-Tyson repeated the name, clearly trying to place it, before he looked at Kreia again, pointing an accusatory finger at Tyson. "Kreia?! No way! Why is she so hot?!" he blurted out, much to the shock of the group.

Tyson shrugged, "I have that effect on people."

Mission facepalmed at his side, clearly not surprised by his lack of tact. "Only you could turn an intense situation into an awkward mess," she grumbled.

T'Pol, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up. "Not very subtle," she remarked in her signature dry, Vulcan tone.

Selar, standing nearby, bobbed her head in agreement, "Indeed," she chimed, watching as Kreia continued, clearly unphased by Mirror-Tyson's audacity.

Q, who had been suspiciously quiet throughout the confrontation, began to clap. His claps echoed in the quiet, drawing the attention of everyone present. "Well done, my boys, well done indeed!" Q exclaimed with a touch of dramatic flair, a wide smile spread across his face. He moved towards Tyson, clapping him on the back in a surprisingly human gesture of camaraderie.

"Nicely handled! But remember, the game is not over yet," Q said, wagging a finger at Tyson. He then turned to address the whole group, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"And as for the rest of you... Don't get too comfortable. The universe is a fickle mistress, she is. Just when you think you've figured it all out, she changes the rules," Q warned, a sense of ominous portent in his voice.

Tyson commented, "The only fickle mistress around here changing the rules is Lady Q."

The thunderous boom of a lightning strike sounded nearby. Silencing both Q and Tyson.

Giving Tyson a knowing look, Q continued, "Remember, my dears, in the end, it's not about winning or losing. It's about how you play the game!" He said, before disappearing in a brilliant flash of light, leaving the group stunned.

Mirror-Tyson asked, "Did he really just say that? So corny."

Q's flamboyant antics, as usual, brought a momentary distraction from the tension that had been building up. Tyson turned to face his mirror counterpart, "Let's have a meal and share stories," he suggested, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I believe we can be of assistance to each other."

Mirror-Tyson regarded him for a moment, seemingly mulling over his words. Tyson, to his credit, remained unperturbed under the scrutiny. Finally, with a shrug, Mirror-Tyson gave a nod of agreement.

With that, Tyson turned and started walking towards the Sith Academy, the others following him after a moment of hesitation. As they moved, he could sense the lingering tension among them. He could only hope that he made the right decision.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Perk Activated: Binding Foods
Items created with your Cooking skill now contain binding chemicals, meaning that anyone who absorbs them will want to work with you or for you, want to protect you, or make you happy.

The dining hall of the Sith Academy was a grand and imposing place, but the holoprojectors had transformed it into a more congenial setting. A single, large table appeared in the center, glowing with a soft light that lent a more homely atmosphere to the otherwise stark and austere surroundings. Tyson was seated directly across from his mirror counterpart, his comrades flanking him on both sides. The same was mirrored for his alternate self, each individual sitting across from their counterparts in the earlier battle. The groups had been trading origin stories, a strange mix of camaraderie and caution lingering in the air.

Just when the atmosphere was starting to get comfortable, a loud smack echoed through the room. Mirror-Tyson had slapped the table, a wide grin on his face, his eyes sparkling with a contagious enthusiasm. "I knew it! I knew it!" He exclaimed, his voice echoing in the dining hall. "Jar Jar was a Sith Lord! Ha! I was right!"

He looked across the table at Tyson, a triumphant smirk playing on his lips. "So what happened next?" His laughter filled the room, momentarily diffusing the tension.

Tyson recounted his tactics against Palpatine. He talked of his ploy to place a bounty on the Emperor's head, and the treacherous journey deep into the Coruscant underworld that it led to. As he moved on to the Battle of Naboo, the details only became more enthralling. Mirror-Tyson listened with an intensity that matched his counterpart's storytelling. His brows furrowed in concentration as he absorbed every detail. When Tyson finished, there was a moment of silence before Mirror-Tyson leaned back in his chair, a slow clap filling the room.
"Well," he started, a wry grin playing on his lips, "that bit with Palpatine? Ingenious. Considering you couldn't take him in a fair fight."

His smile faded slightly as he continued, "But the bit with Lore... why would you ever trust him like that?" His question was not accusatory, but genuinely curious, as if he couldn't understand why Tyson would make such a move. He leaned forward on the table, resting his elbows on its surface as he watched Tyson for his response, "I mean, it's Lore. He's conniving, and untrustworthy. Why take such a risk?" His eyes flickered with keen interest, waiting to hear Tyson's reasoning.

Tyson turned his gaze onto his mirror counterpart, a question forming in his mind. "Do you have a faction system?" he asked, curiosity seeping into his tone.

Mirror-Tyson shook his head, an eyebrow arched in mild confusion, "No, nothing of the sort."

Tyson continued, "Interesting. I do. I can see everyone's relationship with me. It's ranked from -5 to +5. For example, with Lore, my reputation was neutral, a solid zero."

Mirror-Tyson digested this information and deduced his counterpart's reasoning. "And you thought that having a neutral relationship with him would prevent him from betraying you?" he asked, a tone of skepticism tinting his voice.

Tyson's gaze turned contemplative, "Yeah, I did," he said, his voice calm yet imbued with an air of regret. "And I was wrong. Lore's neutrality meant nothing when power and opportunity were within his reach. I had been naïve to think otherwise." A heavy silence lingered over the table, then Tyson's gaze hardened, an edge cut through the earlier regret. "I won't be making that mistake again."

Turning the conversation to a more pressing matter, Tyson leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. "So, you've come for the Star Map," he said.

Mission nodded from her spot, her expression grave. "We know there's one on Korriban, but we don't know where exactly," she explained, casting a look around the table.

Visas adds, "Korriban is massive and most of it remains unexplored. The map could be anywhere."

Then, in perfect unison, both Tysons stated. "It's in the Tomb of Naga Sadow." The echo of their shared knowledge hung in the air, making the others look at them in surprise.

From the corner of the room, Kreia broke the silence. The suspicion was clear in her voice as she asked, "And just how do you both know that?"

Tyson said with an air of nonchalance, "I saw it in a Force Vision." Across from him, his mirror-image immediately picked up on the lie thanks to his Telepathy trait, but nodded in agreement nonetheless, confirming the truth of his words for Kreia.1

A few beats of silence later, Tyson leaned in, his eyes serious. "Here's the thing. I can enter any tomb, but they're like one-shot dungeons. If I go in with you I'm losing out on any potential future rewards. I'm willing to give you access, but first, I need some assurances." His voice hardened as he finished, "I need to know you're not an evil twin."

Mirror-Tyson chuckled at that, an amused grin on his face. "Just because I have a goatee, doesn't mean…." he started to quip but stopped. After a pause, he nodded, "Eh, fair enough, I'm game. What do you need me to do?"

Tyson didn't miss a beat. "I have a Starfleet exam coming up," he began, setting the stage for his next words. "I'm recruiting some crew members. You wouldn't happen to have anyone who could serve as a tactical officer, would you?" As he finished, he glanced pointedly at Yar, letting his gaze linger on her before sweeping the rest of the group. "Or any other bridge positions, for that matter." The proposal was laid out, waiting to be accepted.

Tyson added, "I've got Data filling one of the spots. And T'Pol has taken up the mantle of science officer."

Mirror-Tyson gave a low whistle, "The Data from my universe is a cold, scary guy. Not someone you'd want to cross paths with." His words hung in the air, adding a chill to the conversation. "As for me, I could serve as Tactical or Helm, and Yar's got a knack for Tactical too. And that's not all," Mirror-Tyson continued, "Troi could serve as Communications and Selar...well, she could make a fine Medical Officer." His voice held an air of pride, a testament to the strength of his companions.

Tyson considered the new options. With this arrangement, Data could stay at Ops, his usual position on the Enterprise. The more he thought about it, the more it felt right. His eyes moved over the assembled crew, his lips curling into a small smile. "This could work," he murmured, "this could make a pretty damn good crew."

With everyone settled into their respective roles, Tyson found himself reflecting on his placement. The only position left on his crew was for an Engineer, a role he felt he'd be able to fill if needed. Turning his attention back to the table, Tyson addressed Mirror-Tyson with a nod, "In exchange for your assistance, I'll accompany you into the Tomb of Naga Sadow." The agreement was met with affirmative nods and relieved sighs, a palpable ease settling over the group.

Tyson didn't waste any time, standing up with a broad grin on his face. "Now that we're allies," he announced, turning towards his mirror counterpart and his companions, "how about I show you around?" His offer was met with eager agreement

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Tyson waved his arm in an inviting motion, beckoning the group to follow him. A hum of conversation picked up as they began to navigate their way through the expansive Sith Academy. They passed through the grand Entry hall, before emerging into the sprawling Courtyard.

The Courtyard was a place of stark contrast, a harsh yet oddly beautiful blend of nature and architecture. It was expansive and open and there was an odd serenity to it all. An atmospheric condenser hovered above the area; since Tyson acquired the Growth domain, greenery sprouted, filling out the courtyard. The centerpiece was the Altar of Sacrifice, an imposing structure of stone that stood with an eerie majesty. It was both impressive and intimidating, a fitting reflection of the power the Sith coveted. Looming near the Altar were the statues of Darth Cognus and Darth Bane. Cognus was immortalized in granite, her figures etched with meticulous detail. Bane's statue had crumbled. It was reminiscent of the remains of ancient works of art, broken by time; it signified Bane's condition, a husk only alive because he powered the Automated Repair Facility in orbit.

Tyson gestured towards the Altar of Sacrifice, his voice filling the courtyard, "The Altar of Sacrifice, a rather dramatic name, isn't it?" He said, a hint of humor in his voice. "But it serves an important purpose. Items sacrificed here appear within the Academy, integrate into its very structure, or in some cases, even contribute to the improvement of the planet itself." The group took in the information, their eyes glued to the eerie majesty of the Altar.

Mirror-Tyson stood in silence for a moment, lost in thought as his gaze danced over the Altar. He was also able to read the prompts but kept that information to himself. He mentally reached into his Inventory. He extended a pair of items toward Tyson. Tyson's eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity piqued as he accepted the items. Their soft glow spilled out from his palms. Tyson employed his Observe skill, honing in on the two items. The first was a small, mottled Kinrath Egg. The other was a crystal, its multi-faceted surface catching the ambient light.

Kinrath Egg
Kinrath are a species of large, non-sentient arachnoids found on Dantooine and Kashyyyk. Kinrath are blind but can sense heat which allows them to navigate their way around and identify potential threats. They identified members of their hive using a specialized sweat gland in the abdomen. If an adventurer could remove this gland intact from a Kinrath corpse and carry it about their person, many Kinrath would not perceive them as a threat, ensuring reduced hostility. Adegan crystals can be naturally generated in unhatched Kinrath eggs.

Adegan Crystal
These rare Force-reactive stones were primarily found in the Adega system, though a fair amount of these crystals could also be found on select other planets. With Adegan crystals, Jedi create a bond between themselves, the Force, and their weapon. This trait causes the Adegan crystals in a lightsaber to give off a weak Force signature that can be sensed by any Jedi.

His gaze shifted from the items back to his mirror self, a question lingering in the air. Mirror-Tyson had a grin on his face as he spoke. "Think of it as a gift," he said, "An offer of goodwill, from one Tyson to another."

Tyson received the gifts with an appreciative nod. "You have my thanks," he began, an edge of amusement dancing in his voice. "There's a rare quality to you, mirror-me. You're like the Stormtrooper that manages to hit the target."

Mirror-Tyson let out a sharp burst of laughter at this, throwing his head back in unexpected delight. The group exchanged glances at the mutual camaraderie on display, though none of them knew what a stormtrooper was.

With the atmosphere considerably lighter, Tyson clapped his hands together. "Now that we're all pals here," he began, his tone holding an element of excitement, "How about a little show?"

He allowed the anticipation to hang in the air for a moment. He decided to move forward on a decision that had been waiting since he first used the Altar of Sacrifice. Tyson had refrained from sacrificing any minerals to the Altar, unsure if he'd come across anything more valuable. But Beskar, the rare and resilient metal he had acquired from Damask Holdings on Coruscant, seemed like an excellent candidate. "There's a reason why I've held on to a stash of Beskar for so long," he mumbled, his voice barely more than a whisper, "But I suppose there's no better time than now to put it to use."

His hand delved into his Inventory, retrieving a chunk of the lustrous refined metal. All eyes were on him as he approached the Altar of Sacrifice.

The beskar shimmered under the haunting light of the Altar, casting an ethereal glow across Tyson's face. He placed the gleaming bar on the stone surface, his gaze steady and focused. As he pulled away, a low, guttural rumble echoed throughout the courtyard, as though the planet itself was reacting to the offering. The group's chatter fell into a hushed silence, their eyes drawn to the Altar and the bar of beskar that sat upon it.

The foundations of Korriban seemed to shudder beneath them, a deep and resonant vibration that crawled up their feet and reverberated in their chests. It felt as if the energy of the planet was drawn to the metallic substance, seizing it and pulling it into the core of Korriban. Slowly, the Beskar started to dissolve, disintegrating into a silvery mist that was rapidly absorbed by the Altar. As the last of it vanished, a final quake rumbled through the ground, stronger than the previous ones, causing everyone to stagger slightly.

Just when the vibrations seemed to be fading, a loud crash echoed across the courtyard. Their attention was torn away from the now empty Altar towards the base of the cliff below the Everexpanding Residences. A massive section of the cliff face was shifting, rumbling, and then, quite suddenly, it fell away, revealing a yawning cave mouth that had previously been hidden from view.

As the last tremors faded away, a new presence emerged, materializing silently beside the Altar. Kora, the embodiment of Korriban itself. Her presence commanded the attention of everyone present. She was a pureblood Sith. High cheekbones and vibrant red skin accentuated her fierce and exotic beauty. Her long, wild hair was a darker shade of red, cascading down in untamed waves, seeming to flicker and dance with her every movement. A small, Bynar-like cybernetic was embedded in the right side of her forehead, its metal gleaming dully against her skin. She had been granted sentience when Tyson sacrificed the Asymmetric Positronic Core and radiated an aura of power and mysticism, granted by the planet's Force Nexus.

A new addition was her outfit. Her figure was displayed and protected by an alluring set of Mandalorian armor. It hugged her form closely, accentuating her curves and muscles. The set was incomplete, the underweave was missing in most spots, revealing as much as it concealed. Her presence commanded silence, every eye drawn towards her, capturing the collective breath of all who beheld her. Even in the face of such a visage, Tyson held his ground, acknowledging her appearance with a respectful nod.

Kora returned Tyson's respectful nod with one of her own, her red eyes flicking over the assembled group. "Korriban has accepted your sacrifice, Lord," she intoned in a voice that echoed her authority across the courtyard. "Before we proceed, is there anything else you wish to offer?"

Tyson raised his hand in response, requesting her indulgence. "If I may ask for a moment of patience," he said, his gaze never leaving Kora's. He reached into his Inventory and produced an Oberth-class starship. With a thought, he directed it towards the Starport, where it materialized next to the Ebon Hawk. A glance from Tyson was enough to assure his group that he would return shortly, and he was off in a burst of speed, flying to the newly materialized ship.

Minutes later, he returned. He approached the Altar of Sacrifice once more, and this time, used the Interface to transfer a series of objects from his Inventory to the Altar: a brick of Phrikite Ore, a brick of Tydirium Ore, a refined Cortosis Brick. He added the dilithium crystal he'd just taken from the Oberth and the Adegan Crystal and Kinrath egg he'd been gifted by Mirror-Tyson.

Tyson was penning a new chapter in Korriban's story. His gaze was steady as he stepped back, waiting for Kora's reaction to his new offerings. The sacrifices were absorbed into Korriban's essence and the ground began to rumble beneath them. Out of nowhere, a new structure began to rise from the rear of the Academy grounds. Starting as a vast base, it swiftly grew upwards, its form narrowing as it reached into the sky. Constructed from the same dark stone as the rest of the Academy, it nevertheless radiated a sense of potency that far surpassed any of the other structures. The new tower was colossal, piercing the clouds, a beacon that could be seen for hundreds of miles.

As the tower climbed ever higher, Kora seemed to undergo a transformation of her own. There was a shimmer of energy at her hip, and when it cleared, a lightsaber hung there. The weapon was sleek and elegant, its design a perfect match for the Mandalorian armor she wore. Simultaneously, her armor underwent a subtle change. The once uniform plating took on new shades of color as Phrik trimmings materialized, gleaming faintly against the armor's otherwise darkened hue. Her transformation, like the tower's rise, signaled a new era for Korriban, one that bore the undeniable stamp of Tyson's influence.

Kora's voice flowed, yet the precise, measured cadences of her speech belied an analytical intelligence. "Congratulations, Lord Tyson, your generous offerings have led to the manifestation of two remarkable facilities here on Korriban."

Kora then turned to indicate the newly opened cave at the foot of the cliff. "Below, we have the Undercaverns, a product of your Beskar and mineral sacrifice. Its labyrinthine tunnels and caverns are rich in precious ores, gems, and other valuable materials."

She raised one arm, her hand extending towards the newly risen monolith that punctured the sky. "Behold the Ascension Spire," she announced, her gaze following her gesture. "The sacrifice of a creature has resulted in this vast structure. Its purpose is multifold. It serves as a training facility, offering progressive levels of challenge that scale as an individual or group ascends higher."

She folded her arms across her armored chest, the soft glow of the Phrik trimmings complementing the fierce intensity in her eyes. "Both the Spire and the Undercaverns will serve as tools for honing your strength, acquiring wealth, and ensuring the continued prosperity of Korriban." Kora leaned in closer to Tyson, her breath a warm whisper against his Vulcan ear. Her voice had softened, now a seductive purr woven with an undercurrent of lush temptation. She kept her words intimate, meant only for Tyson's superior hearing, a secret shared between the planet and its lord. "Your sacrifices, Lord Tyson," she murmured, her words lingering in the air like sweet incense. "They are...appreciated. Each offering resonates within Korriban, pulsing through the veins of the planet like a heartbeat." Each syllable seemed laced with gratitude and desire. Kora's gaze held his, a twinkle of anticipation dancing in her eyes. "I...eagerly await the next sacrifice, Lord Tyson. I am...most grateful."

Kora straightened up from her sultry whisper, returning to the direct and informative tone. She gestured towards the opening in the cliff, the entrance to the Undercaverns, her crimson eyes gleaming in the low light. "The Undercaverns are an intricate labyrinth of subterranean tunnels and caves, packed with rich, rare resources waiting to be harvested. However," she continued, a subtle note of caution entering her voice, "While you may explore the Undercaverns, as many secrets of Korriban may be discovered within; doing so for resources, barring special circumstances, would be inefficient. "

She paused to let the information sink in, then turned her gaze back to Tyson. "You will need to create a droid template," she explained, "utilizing the capabilities of the Foundry. These droids will be equipped to traverse the depths of the Undercaverns and extract the resources available. They will operate passively, exploring and mining the Undercaverns. The resources they gather will feed into the Foundry, continuously adding to the raw materials at your disposal." A hint of anticipation tinged her words. "Over time, the droids will amass a substantial stockpile of valuable commodities from within the Undercaverns - gems, ores, rare elements - treasures ripe for utilization within the Foundry. Utilizing the Undercaverns in the intended way will ensure a replenishing supply of resources."

Kora's gaze shifted from the entrance of the Undercaverns to the towering Ascension Spire, the newly formed structure casting a long shadow over the Academy. The red and orange lights from the setting sun danced off its sleek surface, creating an alluring spectacle of light and shadow. "The Ascension Spire," she said, her voice carrying a tone of reverence, "is a test of your combat prowess. Each level presents a unique challenge in the form of combatants you must defeat. Your success rewards you with resources and items, selected from those that have been sacrificed." Kora continued to explain, her words painted a vivid image of the dynamic tower. "The environments of the Ascension Spire are created by those available on Korriban. Now that you have unearthed the Undercaverns, that environment, with its own unique set of challenges and creatures, is available within the Ascension Spire. Other currently available settings are Korriban's default arid desert setting, a tomb setting, unlocked by completing a tomb in the Valley of the Dark Lords, and a tranquil wood setting, unlocked by your experiments with terraforming in the Arboretum. As you climb higher through the Ascension Spire, the difficulty of the battles escalates, but so too do the rewards granted."

She glanced back at Tyson, her eyes sparkling. "Your sacrifice of a living creature has added another layer of complexity. Every creature you sacrifice will be integrated into the Ascension Spire's systems, adding to its depth of challenges. Creatures need not be sacrificed in full, blood, appendages, or DNA samples are sufficient." Kora concluded with a hint of a smile, a sense of excitement hanging in the air around her. "Additionally sacrifices of living creatures will not only become opponents within the Spire. Living creatures will become native to Korriban if the environment can sustain them. Your choices determine the biodiversity of your planet. This is your crucible, a test of your growth and adaptability."

Sacrifices Accepted!

Facility Unlocked!
The UnderCaverns
Passageways and chambers beneath the Academy, where dark secrets and ancient evils reside. A network of subterranean caverns filled with rare and powerful crystals and minerals used in equipment creation.

Facility Unlocked!
Ascension Spire
A towering spire where Sith must climb and face trials at each level, proving their mastery of the Force as they ascend to the top.

Mirror-Tyson's eyes widened as he took in the full implications of Kora's explanation. He took a step back, his hand subconsciously moving to stroke his goatee. "Well, that's... heavy," he admitted, his voice laced with awe and a hint of trepidation.

With a thoughtful hum, Tyson perused his Inventory. A small collection of samples he'd been accruing ever since his exploits on Coruscant flashed through his mind. He had been gathering blood samples from various creatures for Power Eater, and now, he wondered if they could serve an additional purpose.

"I might as well make good use of these," he mused aloud, pulling out a small, sleek replicator from his Inventory.

Mirror-Tyson looked on with curiosity as Tyson began to work. The replicator hummed to life, its soft blue light illuminating Tyson's focused features. He started the process of creating a series of vials, each one filled with a few precious drops from his collection of samples.

Tyson held up a vial filled with crimson liquid for Mirror-Tyson to see. "This, my friends, is going to make for quite the show in the Ascension Spire." A mischievous grin spread across Tyson's face, a spark of anticipation lighting up his eyes.

Sacrifices Accepted!
Korriban creature additions:
Kinrath
Ascension Spire creature additions:
Kinrath
Rathtar
Ysalimiri
Ascension Spire sentient creature additions:
Human
Vulcan
Toydarian
Miraluka
Twi'lek
Nosaurian
Caasmasi
Human
Ascension Spire creature modifier additions:
Zombie
Sith Student
Sith
Sith Lord
Force Nullifyer

Tyson could almost see the endless possibilities branching out before him. The Ascension Spire was a one-stop shop for growth and strength. And not just for him, any of his companions or academy residents would be able to access the structure and challenge themselves. But then, there was the ecosystem angle to consider. The idea of populating Korriban with new life forms, and crafting an ecosystem unique to this planet was alluring.

"Imagine, what we could have here, where there used to be nothing but dirt and sand," he pondered aloud.

Mirror-Tyson snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Just be careful or you'll end up with a planet full of Tribbles."

Tyson let out a chuckle at his counterpart's quip. However, as fun as the thought experiments were, Tyson realized he needed to refocus his efforts. "But for now," Tyson interrupted, shaking himself out of the haze of ideas and potential, "we need to get back on track. I've got a Starfleet exam coming up and we can't afford any distractions."

Mirror-Tyson's laughter tapered off at the mention of the exam. He gave a respectful nod, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Right, Captain Tyson. Lead the way."

With a final glance at the grand Ascension Spire, Tyson turned back to his crew. A motley group of beings from different universes and timelines, but at this moment, all united under a common cause.

"All right, team. Let's get ready to face to the Kobayashi Maru," Tyson said, as he led the group back toward the academy.

Mirror-Tyson exclaimed, "You didn't say it was the Kobayashi Maru!"

AN: Votes were pretty clearly one-sided. At the end of chapter 16, after the AN I'll put in the alternate ending as a bonus since it was already written.

Going to be honest, not completely happy with this chapter. Feel like it could have used several more editing passes, but I'd prefer to write new stuff than keep editing the old stuff until it's perfect.

Speaking of new stuff... [Insert shameless plug] The first chapter of Rogue Replacement: A Marvel Story should be up! For the summer I worked on several new stories, and it pulled ahead as my favorite of the bunch. I'm pretty far in, 85k words, but don't want to push further if it's not something anyone cares to read. So if you like the Fox X-Men movies, superheroes, MCU, etc. Give it a shot and drop a review letting me know I don't suck. Or that I do, if I do.