Hello everybody and welcome back to this story !
I thank you all very much for the encouragement and the feedback :)
You will find in the end more info about the story, project and such at the end, but without further ado, here is the first part of the first chapter : "A Dance with the Righteous"
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Asajj Ventress began her mission to uncover the source of the Confederacy's new supplier. Equipped with a list of intermediaries and independent crews from the Trade Federation's records, she commenced her probe into the unknown with the assistance of several requisitioned Federation's administrators, tactical droids and central control computers, but the trail was impressively complex. Strewn with falsified identities and dead ends, it was a clear indication of the supplier's meticulous operational security, always one step ahead, always out of reach.
Quickly abandoning hope to resolve her problem with the thin paper trail this group left behind, saying nothing of her dubious competence of this kind of desk work, she instead decided to follow the few leads she found. Fueled by her unyielding determination, Ventress employed her Sith-honed skills of intimidation and manipulation, brandishing violence and fear like finely sharpened tools. Operating beneath the radar of Galactic recognition, she immersed herself in the shadowy underbelly of the Outer Rim, becoming a deadly phantom stalking the murky labyrinth of illicit trade and deception. Through the grimy spaceports and dingy cantinas, the dark assassin prowled viciously, independent captains and smugglers, hardened veterans of the galaxy's criminal underworld, found themselves unprepared for this new menace. Her uncanny ability to appear seemingly out of nowhere kept them constantly on edge and rumors of her ruthless interrogations spread like wildfire.
Brokers and middlemen, whose livelihoods hinged on their ability to keep secrets, were not spared, with a terrifying calmness that belied the threat she posed, the Sith tore through their reluctance, her every question an ultimatum between cooperation or reprisal. The shady establishments where they usually operated were now fraught with an unsettling tension, their patrons casting anxious glances and maintaining a fearful silence each time the door slid open.
As she interrogated, threatened, and sometimes even charmed her way through any informants she could find, a name began to emerge, from the hushed conversations, from the whispers of frightened freighter crews and from the screams of their captains – " "Nazarick". It was a name shrouded in secrecy and uncertainty, but once Ventress had it in her grasp, the pieces began to fall into place.
The Sith apprentice resumed the paper trail with this new information, processing the revelation with the computation power of the CIS. Nazarick. The name was unfamiliar, yet, once her research led her to the "Nazarick Galactic Guild", the evidence of its entrepreneurial prowess was undeniable. As the Neimodians and her doids sifted through the intelligence they managed to gather, the depth of the mysterious guild's ventures became impressive.
The guild's activities painted a picture of a suspiciously recently created but fully funded and well-oiled machine, one that was strategic, forward-thinking and somehow a step ahead in the game of intergalactic commerce. It had only been founded a little more than a year before the events on Geonosis and the start of the war, but already they had bought and created an impressive list of dozens of small subsidiaries involved in pretty much everything. Most notably for the mission her master tasked her with, they seemed to have established terraforming and mining operations on several uninhabited planets rich in resources that they, by some mean, discreetly and legally claimed, apparently going directly to bankrupt companies and local governments.
Unfortunately, much to her dissatisfaction, besides the representatives of a few law firms acting as intermediaries and referenced titles such as Director, Chief Financial Officer or a Guild Master, there weren't any names attached to the documents immediately available. She nonetheless discovered the next step of her investigation, instead of the expected Corporate Sector that was almost entirely in the hands of the CIS, this guild seemed to be based on the planet Mandalore, where they conducted their business carefully veiled by trade and corporation laws.
Mandalore, with its history of fierce warriors and formidable battles, seemed a perplexing choice for an operation as discreet as this, however, upon closer examination, it made sense. Currently, the Confederacy of Neutral Systems, led by Duchess Kryze the ruler of Mandalore, enjoyed a relatively stable period, as they were largely spared from the escalating violence of the war. The bustling industry and commerce, coupled with its growing bureaucracy, provided an ideal cover for a corporation to operate under the radar. Nazarick was hiding in plain sight, its unaccounted and sprawling dealings easily mistaken for the usual exchange of goods amidst the teeming channels of commerce, maneuvering within the seemingly innocuous folds of the Confederacy of Neutral Systems while the scrutiny of everyone was divided between the Republic and the Separatists.
Fueled by this revelation, the Sith apprentice made a decision; she would secretly go to Mandalore, a planet far removed from her usual sphere of influence and she would directly confront Nazarick. Whether it was an individual or a collective, she intended to force their full cooperation and extract any information they were safeguarding, the orders from her Master were clear and she wouldn't leave any stone unturned.
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Landing discreetly on Mandalore with an equipment shipment from the Trade Federation, Ventress decided to wear a cloak to hide her features and wasted no time in navigating through the bustle of the city, tracing her way directly to the address she had managed to unearth in her investigation. The headquarters of this enigmatic guild, to her surprise, did not boast the grandeur of an imposing fortress nor did it hint at the secrecy of a concealed hideout. Rather, it stood unassumingly, a simple corporate edifice, its nondescript nature allowing it to meld seamlessly amidst a sea of similar structures that dominated the business district of the city. Taking a brief moment, she allowed her senses, honed and heightened by the Dark Side, to sweep over the vicinity, but in the middle of a planetary capital, there were too many sentient beings to learn anything useful. At least she was reassured that there wasn't any force user in the area and no noticeable combatant group.
As she ventured into the office, the Dathomirian found herself ensnared in a tapestry of sights and sounds that challenged her initial expectations, the building's unassuming exterior had masterfully veiled a large hall that bustled with activity. On one side, a massive holographic display with fluctuating graphs and numbers, was the center of a gathering, drawing beings from a myriad of species, their discussions a somewhat harmonious dance of gestures, nods, and murmured exchanges.
Near this gathering, a Bothan, lost in the depths of a datapad, found companionship in a nearby Mon Calamari, their shared whispers painting a picture of camaraderie, their radically different attire and mannerism only unified by the presence of a mysterious symbol displayed on their jacket. A symbol that Ventress's keen eyes discerned quickly as a recurring motif in the room: a lapel pin, worn with pride by many of the coming and going office workers, bearing an enigmatic symbol that could be seen as a winged sword or a haughty, elusive monster.
On the other side, nestled at the end of this entrance, behind a massive reception desk, sat a young Twi'lek girl. The innocence radiating from her verdant eyes stood as a stark contrast to the professional whirlwind that surrounded her. Sensing an opportunity to exploit naivete, Ventress approached, her gaze inevitably settling on the lapel pin that adorned the girl's attire, its design still unclear.
Meeting her approach with a tentative smile, the Twi'lek's lekku gave a subtle twitch, a silent indication of her underlying nervousness. "Hello, I'm Tsuare Ni'Nya. Can I help you?" she inquired, her voice a soft whisper, yet laden with genuine curiosity.
As Ventress stepped closer, her voice was a cold whisper, cutting through the ambient hum of the office and her piercing gaze locked onto the Twi'lek, searching for any trace of useful information or deceit. "You're with Nazarick?"
Tsuare swallowed visibly and tried to maintain her composure, but Ventress could sense the weight of anguish and trauma behind those eyes, a deep-seated fear that spoke of past horrors before she finally managed to reply "Um, yes, I serve here. Under Director Sebas". The young girl then whispered too low for anybody besides the trained Sith Assassin to understand "my savior."
The Sith studied the Twi'lek for a moment, sensing a life and experience that seemed incongruous with her current role and raised an eyebrow at that. "Savior? How did you come to be in a place like this?"
"I...I was on Nar Shaddaa before. Director Sebas found me, freed me and gave me a job here, a place to be," she explained, her smile twitching in what Ventress recognized as a sign of happiness and relief, more importantly she could see the gleam of utter devotion in the young girl's eyes. "Nazarick... they're not like the others."
This information left the assassin momentarily taken aback. Slavery was a pretty common tool across the galaxy, a weapon even, well-utilized by the Sith, the Hutts and any others with a thirst for power. To hear of such actions from the corporation she had her sight on was disorienting, to say the least. Intrigued, Ventress decided to probe further. "And what does Nazarick do, exactly?" she asked, her voice betraying no emotion and her eyes bored into the young girl's with relentless intensity.
"We...we handle a lot of things. Trade, resources extraction, finance, research, even humanitarian efforts," Tsuare responded, the last part uttered with a hint of pride. She quickly added, "But I only handle reception and basic office tasks for the Director."
"I see. And this Director Sebas, where can I find him? Even better, who oversees Sebas? I know there is a Guild Master " the Dathomirian continued questioning, her gaze never leaving the young girl.
Tsuare's eyes darted away and Ventress could feel the Twi'lek anxiety spike. She swallowed hard and her voice barely above a whisper, she said. "The Master... he's... different. You shouldn't ask about him."
Intrigued, Ventress pressed on. "I want to see him. The true leader of the Nazarick Galactic Guild."
Before the young Twi'Lek could muster a response, a subtle ripple in the Force caught Ventress's attention. It was an odd sensation, ravening and alien, making the fine hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. A near door slid open with a muted hiss and a woman stepped into view.
For humanoids, her beauty was undeniable; golden locks cascading down in waves, framing a face with cold blue eyes that seemed to pierce through the very soul. She was dressed like a businesswoman, but her attire was deliberately very provocative, emphasizing her allure and hinting at a dangerous sensuality. But it wasn't just her appearance that held Ventress's attention. The woman moved with a fluid grace, every step calculated, every motion deliberate.
Yet, through the Force, Dooku's apprentice felt an unsettling aura emanating from the woman, it was as if she was in the presence of a wild creature that mimicked sentience. Beneath the surface, Ventress could sense a monstrous nature, one that reveled in the suffering of its prey and that took perverse pleasure in destroying life. The Sith could almost hear the faint echoes of screams and the desperate struggles of past victims. This was no ordinary being, this was a predator, one that lured its victim with beauty and charm, only to consume them.
The woman's gaze settled on Tsuare, and the Twi'lek visibly shrank back, her eyes twitching in distress. The woman's voice, when she spoke, was soft and sensual, but it carried an authority that was impossible to ignore. "I'll take it from here Tsuare." The command was simple, but the weight behind it was palpable. The young Twi'Lek, sensing the danger, nodded politely, her eyes darting nervously between the Sith and the enigmatic woman and finally decided to focus on her screen.
Turning her attention back to Ventress, the woman continued, "The Guild Master is not available. You will speak with Director Sebas Tian."
The strange creature gestured for Ventress to follow, her movements fluid and graceful as the Sith nodded, a wolfish smile playing on her lips. "Lead the way," she responded, her interest piqued.
Curiously, past the main hall, the corridors didn't bustle with activity, only a few employees of various species engaged in office tasks. Beside one person in a meeting room, the emblem she noticed, that curious blend of a winged sword and an unknown creature, was now displayed by all, catching the attention of the Dathomirian.
As she was escorted, the Sith finally voiced her curiosity. "That symbol I keep seeing. What does it represent?"
Keeping her pace, the blonde monster glanced at her, her blue eyes inscrutable and she replied her tone neutral. "It is for those that are in the service and under the protection of the Guild."
Ventress heard the emphasis of the word "Guild" and the capital letter of a major institution, but also noted the absence of the emblem on the woman's attire, raising an eyebrow in silent inquiry.
She caught the unspoken question and with a smirk, stated simply. "I don't need it."
As they walked, Ventress's perception attuned to the mysterious woman. The predatory aura she had sensed earlier was still present and she felt a certain unease at what was emanating from the woman, but as they moved deeper into the building, the Sith Apprentice began to analyze it further. Despite the blonde's unsettling nature, Ventress was confident in her own abilities; she knew that her training in the Force and her mastery of the Dark Side, gave her an edge. She concluded that while the monstrous humanoid might be a formidable entity in her own right, in a direct confrontation, the Sith would no doubt have the upper hand.
Wanting to know more about her enigmatic guide and continue to gather any useful information, the Dathomirian inquired, "And you are?"
"Solution" came the succinct and haughty reply.
They eventually arrived at a set of grand double doors and as they slid open, Ventress was met with a meticulously organized, albeit spartan, office. At its center, behind a large, polished desk, sat a man whose appearance was both striking and unexpected. Seated behind the desk was an old man, apparently human. Sebas Tian, the Director of the mysterious Guild, was a tall, elderly gentleman with a dignified air about him. His silver hair, neatly combed back, framed a face marked by visible wrinkles that exuded gentleness, but it was his eyes, sharp as those of a bird of prey, that held the Sith's attention. Dressed elegantly, but more like a noble's servant than a leader of a shady yet powerful organization, his posture was impeccable, exuding an aura of confidence and righteousness, a sensation Ventress had rarely associated with power until now.
As the Sith focused her Force sensitivity on the director, she realized that somehow the man was hiding much of his aura. As an assassin herself, she perfectly knew there were ways to do so, from talents and hard work to complex rituals, but she felt that there was something more to it. She noticed a ring on his hand and guessed that in some way it was the origin of the phenomenon.
Nonetheless, she still felt a unique energy emanating from him, unlike the predacious sensation she felt from Solution, Sebas's presence in the Force seemed ancient and power she could feel from him was unfamiliar, puzzling the Sith, it was neither the corrupted darkness she was steeped in nor the saccharine light she had learned to loathe. Beneath the composed demeanor of the elderly butler, she felt the unmistakable pulse of a brutal force. Visions of razor-sharp claws, impenetrable spiked scales and an all-devouring maw filled her senses. The sheer precision of it made her heart race, as if the Force itself was warning her of being in the presence of a primordial beast, a potential tempest of both raw might and implacable will.
The realization sent a shiver down her spine, despite hiding his true nature, the man was a being whose very existence could pose a threat and jeopardize her mission. But as fear threatened to grip her, Ventress's Sith training kicked in. She channeled that fear, letting it fuel her resolve, turning it into a burning determination. She would not be cowed. She would face this challenge head-on, no matter the cost.
Sebas rose from behind his desk, his movements graceful and perfectly controlled. His voice was deep and resonant as he began, "Welcome, I am Sebas Tian, acting Director of the Nazarick Galactic Guild. It is not every day that we receive such... unique visitors, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
The Sith responded with a hint of defiance, "Unique? Or perhaps just unexpected?"
The man's lips curled into a subtle smile, acknowledging her retort. "Perhaps a bit of both." He then turned his attention to Solution, his tone shifting to one of gentle command. "Thank you Solution, your assistance is appreciated. You may leave us."
Solution nodded, her gaze lingering on Ventress for a moment longer than necessary. "As you wish." She exited with a fluid grace, leaving the two alone in the room behind closed doors.
Sebas gestured gracefully to the chair before his desk, an invitation that spoke of his confidence in his own domain and he intoned, his voice a blend of courtesy and authority. "Please, make yourself comfortable."
Ventress paused for a moment, taking in the room and the man before her. She then moved to the chair, her steps measured and as she sat, she met The director's gaze unflinchingly. "I am Asajj Ventress, an emissary of Count Dooku and the Confederacy of Independent Systems," she declared, her voice carrying a hint of pride and self-importance. "Your activities, it seems, have not evaded the notice of certain… interested parties."
The stern man, to his credit, seemed undeterred by the implications of her words. He nodded slightly as he elegantly sat back on his chair, his serene demeanor steadfast. "That appears to be the case. Despite our best efforts to maintain a low profile, it seems we have piqued some curiosity. However, I assure you, our operations are within the confines of the law" he responded, his voice echoing calm assurance in the eerily silent room. She also noticed that while talking fluently in Galactic Basic, there was a trace of an accent.
The Sith let out a dismissive chuckle, her icy eyes gleaming with amusement. "I'm not here to question your legality, Mr Sebas Tian. Quite the contrary, the CIS has interests and I am here to ensure they are addressed. I've come bearing an offer. "
"A proposition?" Sebas arched a silver eyebrow, betraying a hint of curiosity in his calm facade.
"Yes, a partnership," she confirmed, her tone shifting, sharpening. "The Confederacy finds the Nazarick Galactic Guild's activities and capabilities very interesting. If we had your cooperation, we could offer protection, contacts and access. We should be allies."
The strange man's expression remained unchanged, a calm smile gracing his lips as he politely declined. "Miss Ventress, I appreciate your offer, however, the Nazarick Galactic Guild was created as an independent entity."
The CIS agent didn't appreciate his nonchalance and shifted tactics, opting for a more direct approach, her eyes glinting with a dangerous intensity. "I understand that neutrality has its appeal in the ongoing conflict, still, at some point everybody will have to pick a side. You operate under the banner of the Confederacy of Neutral Systems, but the Trade Federation has a vested interest in your activities and seems to be your main client. I'm sure the Separatists can make you a very good proposition, all I need is cooperation from you."
The director remained impassive, his silence stretching for a beat. "I'm afraid I cannot help you with that, we are a privately owned and autonomous organization. We do not seek alliances, nor wish to be affiliated with any external entities, even with potential, past or current customers."
Leaning forward, her voice changed to a lethal whisper and she retorted. "In a galaxy as volatile as ours, allies are invaluable. Remember, those who remain rigid in the face of changing tides often snap."
Sebas met her gaze, unflinching. "I appreciate your concern, Miss Ventress. However, at Nazarick, we believe that strength lies in standing firm on our grounds, come what may."
Dathomirian's lips curled into a thin smile, her eyes glinting dangerously. "An admirable belief, Sebas, but it might cost you."
"As might allying with the wrong side," he countered, his gaze never leaving hers.
The thinly veiled threat caused Ventress's smirk to evaporate, replaced by a piercing glare. "It would be wise to reconsider your position, Sebas," she warned, her hand drifting to the hilt of the lightsaber at her side. Yet, despite the imminent danger, Sebas remained steadfast, his tranquil demeanor unbroken. This was not the reaction she was used to and the realization that she was dealing with a different sort of foe came back to dawn on her.
Sebas met her thinly veiled threat with an unfazed look, his voice firm as he stated, "The Guild exists for itself and its members, Miss Ventress. Our loyalties are non-negotiable."
Ventress scoffed, pushing back from the table. "How touching. Loyalty. Such a quaint notion," she sneered. "Tell me, Sebas, how far does that loyalty extend?" Her eyes flickered briefly to the door Solution had exited through.
The director remained unperturbed. "The people of Nazarick are capable of protecting themselves, Miss Ventress," he replied calmly, his gaze never straying from the woman. "Your threats hold no sway here."
The Sith's smile widened, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "And what about your staff, Sebas, that stuck up woman you had to escort me? Or that other girl, Tsuare, was it? Do you think they'll fare as well?"
Sebas' gaze hardened. "Miss Ni'Nya is under my protection and that of the Guild Master. I would advise you not to threaten those who have offered you hospitality."
The sinister woman laughed, a chilling sound that echoed off the walls and her eyes never leaving Sebas. Her fingers closed around her lightsaber, its hilts glowing ominously in the dim light. "So be it, Sebas, you've made your choice. A show of power is necessary to make stubborn individuals see reason."
But he stoically regarded her, his voice as steady as ever. "There are paths one can take, Miss Ventress, but resorting to violence will not lead you to the desired destination. I urge you to reconsider your actions."
In the silence that followed, Ventress's mind raced; the unfamiliar aura she had sensed from the enigmatic Director earlier was a puzzle she hadn't quite piece together yet. It was as if she stood at the edge of a vast, ancient forest, aware of its depth and dangers but uncertain of the path through. The force she could sense was both intimidating and intriguing, she could feel an iron will veilling a mighty power.
Yet, she was a Sith, molded by the harshest of trials and trained to face the unknown. Her instincts told her that Sebas was a formidable opponent, but she also knew that hesitation could be her downfall. She believed in her speed, her training, and the element of surprise. If she struck with precision and swiftness, she might catch him off guard. And she had to act before that predatory presence, Solution, could intervene. The stakes were high, but Ventress was no stranger to danger. She decided that the best defense was a swift and relentless offense.
Ultimately, her response was a screeching scream accompanying a wave of red, her dual lightsabers lashing out in swift arcs, but her target reacted with an agility that was at odds with the tranquil disposition he displayed so far. His movements were fluid and incredibly fast, almost ethereal, a dance of deft evasions.
The Sith, feeling the burn of frustration simmer beneath her calm exterior, kept focus on her swordplay with her twin blades. Her deadly strokes, designed to precisely instill fear and chaos, were met with a serenity that seemed impossible in the midst of such a violent attack. Sebas Tian, his movements embodying grace under pressure, skillfully evaded her vicious onslaught as if partaking in a leisurely waltz rather than a fatal duel.
Ventress couldn't help but sneer at his composed demeanor. "For all your power, Sebas, you sure seem hesitant to fight."
"Power," the director replied, a note of patience underlining his controlled voice, "does not equate to violence, Miss Ventress. It is about making the right choices at the right time."
Her frustration growing with every failed attack, the dark side surged within her, feeding off her anger and desperation. She tapped into its raw power, channeling it into her strikes, making them faster and more ferocious. The room seemed to darken, the air growing thick with the weight of her fury.
She launched a series of rapid strikes, each one more aggressive than the last. Sebas, however, continued to evade them with an almost casual ease. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with her growing rage and it only served to fuel her determination.
In her heightened state, she felt a force resisting her as she aimed a strike at Sebas. Pushing through with sheer determination, she managed to break through the unseen barrier, landing a glancing blow on Sebas. The sizzling sound of her lightsaber grazing his arm filled the room and a fleeting burst of sparks erupted, casting shadows that danced wildly across the walls. Curiously, the man looked momentarily taken aback, not by pain, but by the sheer disbelief that she had managed to touch him at all.
Seizing the momentary advantage, the Sith lunged again, but Sebas, with a swift move, grabbed one of her wrist, deftly disarmed one of her lightsabers and sent it clattering to the floor. For a moment, Ventress gasped, her eyes wide with surprise. But her shock quickly turned into rage and she swung her remaining saber at Sebas who moved with a fluid grace, releasing her arm and stepping out of the saber's trajectory.
A hot flush of anger rapidly overcame her astonishment, now wielding only a single lightsaber, she roared in defiance, hurling herself at her opponent. But her attacks became more desperate and her balance was compromised, he seemed unperturbed by her wrath, evading her assaults with an uncanny grace.
She felt that the confrontation had changed, now seeing her as a real adversary, Sebas stopped his purely defensive posture, he reached for her and the Sith realized that his hand was aiming for her neck. Yet, Ventress, fuelled by adrenaline and the dark side, managed to evade his reach. "You underestimate me." she growled, her eyes blazing with a savage determination.
Finding herself forced on the defensive and dodging the impossibly dangerous blows, Dooku's apprentice quickly realized that his intent was to incapacitate, not kill or even injure. Some of his movements were reminiscent of a Jedi, each overwhelming strike calculated and restrained, trying not to harm her. She thought of a path to flee and recuperate, but despite her Sith training, she couldn't escape before finding herself outmatched and in a final swift motion, he managed to get close enough to disarm her remaining lightsaber.
Now truly weaponless, Ventress engaged Sebas in fierce hand-to-hand combat, becoming a whirlwind of rage and desperation. However, her opponent's parries were perfect, she recognized that he was not just a skilled fighter but a master of his craft, trained in disciplines she had never encountered. Every gesture designed to control without causing lasting harm.
Pushed to her very limits and cornered, she tried to summon the Force to push him away, but he was too fast, pinning her arm behind her back and applying an incredible pressure to a nerve cluster. A sharp pain shot through her, followed by a numbing sensation.
A gasp of disbelief escaped Ventress's as a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her and her vision began to blur, her strength waning. As her consciousness started to slip, she caught a glimpse of Solution, standing at the doorway, watching the scene unfold with an impossibly wide, predatory smile, her eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and malice.
"This could have been avoided, Miss Ventress," she heard Sebas Tian murmured, his voice a melancholic whisper in the silent room.
As she crumbled to the ground, the weight of her failure pressed down on her, and darkness consumed her vision.
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I hope you enjoyed it :)
As announced previously I created a discord for my writing; FszvzGTgVu
I'm currently working on it. You will find some other stories at various stages of development (or abandon). I also hope to have beta readers (the next chapter is already written and available on the discord but it still needs some more work for my taste).
As usual please leave comments about the chapter, it's always a great help