Chapter 15: Future Plans
Zu-Xux was an old city.
It had been one of the first human settlements on Bantoon, and still showed that fact. A city of plain tan colored stone, it had only in the last few decades started adding durasteel extensions to structures that had stood for several thousand years.
Considered by most on the world the greatest of all the walled cities, it was here that the Istillo line first united the planet under a single leadership, forming the Matriarchy and bringing peace to a place that was once a hotbed of war and feuding city-based kingdoms.
Such a violent past, not to mention the origins of the Bann themselves, made this world tempting to the dark side of the Force, the arrogance and pride of its people, complimented the Sith invaders well, more so since they were invited in by a cadre of nobles who turned traitor to their queen and Matriarchy.
The Sith now ruled here in all but name. Their troopers held back, letting the nobles that put them in power provide security, or at least the illusion of it. Sith troops did fill in the gaps in Bann security, but those who did wore Bantoon uniforms, giving the people the idea that their own troops still held sway on their world.
It kept the locals, both the noble and common folk, in line. It made the commoners feel that their world had not been subjugated, and the nobles who saw themselves as the allies of the Sith thought they still held power over the world.
It was a useful fiction, either way.
By maintaining such a facade, life on the world seemed to go on. Fishermen still went out in the mornings. Mail and communications were maintained, even the old marketplace that had been part of the city since its founding was open and drew thousands of customers.
As the sun set on another day, one such customer made her way through the crowd, her young daughter clutching her hand. Clad in the hood and robe of one of the higher cast Bann, not a single merchant or customer gave her a second glance. Even the eye patch the young mother wore drew little attention. Not that they would, it was not considered polite, and her robes identified her as an upper-class woman, and the common Bann knew it was not a good idea to provoke a noble in the capital city. Nor was it odd that a noble would be seen at market by herself. Not in the violet section, anyway, the spot that offered more expensive goods. Goods that drew the attention of the ruling class.
Taya peered out from beneath her cowl, taking in the sights and smells of the market. Spices of cooking food tickled her nose, as she peered over the various silks and gold and silverwork produced by local artisans.
The young mother, who was also a Sith, and a member of the dark council shivered with delight.
This place, it had a rhythm all its own.
She sighed.
They had only been here three years, but in that time, her perspective on it had changed. At first, she had feared that her second child was being born on a backwater. That she would come to miss the whirl and crush that was Dromund Kaas, the world that she had been born into.
Strangely enough, she missed it very little, this place, was far different than what she had expected.
It was exciting, and what had been foreign had become familiar to her, familiar and friendly.
It didn't hurt that she didn't look like a Sith. Her skin had a healthy glow, her eyes were blue and clear, her good eye anyway, the one that had been flicked by a light whip years ago, had never quite healed right. It looked fine in passing, but bright light shocked her, she had grown more comfortable wearing an eye patch when out during the day.
The vendors nodded or gave her a slight bow as she passed.
She liked that too.
Those acknowledgements came from respect, or courtesy, not fear.
Unlike most Sith, she didn't need to feel the constant sense of unease in her underlings.
No, respect was good enough.
You have gone native, her mother had started to complain, but Taya ignored her.
Why was that such a bad thing?
She hated to admit it, but she was grateful that Avy had placed her where she had. That she had named her the Sith's representative to the greater matriarchy. Through the Bann she had learned to appreciate their world, their food and customs.
She didn't miss the empire at all, or Dromund Kaas, with its power games and dangers.
Bantoon was enough for her.
She was shocked, and at the time couldn't really believe it, but…
She smiled.
She had come to love it here.
She had already made up her mind, when the time came, when the galaxy was Avy's, she would ask a boon of her old friend. She was grateful that she had been placed on the Dark Council, but that was not really for her. No, Taya's eye was on a far better prize.
When they took the galaxy. She wanted Bantoon.
She would happily give up her seat on the council to whatever old guard Sith Avy needed to assure the rest of the Sith Order's loyalty. If the Sith were to be unified under one rule, such offerings would be needed. The old had to be dealt with to make room for the new, and many new things would come with the new empress. Avy had spoken of moving the throne either to Alderaan, or Oridanna, after the Galactic Empire had been established. Taya was fine with that, but didn't wish to leave this place. No, she had come to only wish for this world, and this world alone. She would happily serve as Moff here, or Dark Lord, or prime minister, whatever title worked.
After all, this place was too valuable to leave unattended. The mines needed to be watched, and the shipyards were valuable as well. A Sith Lord would be required oversee the empire's interests here. Taya was confident that she would serve her empress better here, than on the Dark Council.
This place was better than Dromund Kaas, she decided.
The perfect place to raise her daughter.
She and Anj stopped at a silk seller's stall, examining the scroll work on a piece of crimson fabric. It would make an excellent sash, she thought. She had seen something similar being worn by Matriarch Honoria's sister.
It would look good on her, she thought, and she found their Bann allies far more comfortable when they saw a Sith embracing their dress and customs.
There was a tiny tug on the sleeve of her robe.
"Mummy?"
She looked down into the deep blue eyes of her daughter. Anj looked up at her expectantly.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Sawky," the child asked.
She gave her child an indulgent smile and nodded.
The little girl giggled and jumped up and down excitedly.
Yes, Taya thought.
She didn't see why not.
She led her child out of the section dedicated to finery, and towards the food vendors. The marketplace was on a small plateau overlooking the rest of the city, as one made their way to the market proper, you could look out over the city and see it stretching out and down to the sea.
A sea breeze blew her hair, providing a respite from the hot evening. On Dromund Kaas, there had never been such relief, the jungle, and dark side, hung heavy over the spires that made up Kaas City.
At her side, Anj skipped along, keeping up with her parent, but still holding tight to her hand.
"Sawky, sawky, sawky, HEY, HEY, HEY!" she sang, "We luv Sawky!"
Taya shook her head with amusement.
She loved these moments, away from the council, and the power games.
She loved simply being a mother…a love that she had thought she had lost half a decade ago.
The thought brought with it another memory, playing with another child, in a garden on the Sith home world.
Aya.
Happy memories of her first child came with the thought of her, but at the same time, the most gut wrenchingly painful of memories as well.
Aya laying on a medical gurney, her smile gone, her eyes open and staring, her skin grey and her lips cold and blue.
Drained, and emptied, slain with her father, and the rest of the population of Ziost.
Slain by Emperor Vitiate, murdered by the monster the Sith had revered as a god emperor!
Even now, the thought stirred her rage.
My daughter… gone!
"Mummy?"
She shook her head and looked down. Anj was staring up curiously. A small hand with chubby finger reached up and squeezed her fingers.
"Pain?"
The mother shook her head and did her best to smile.
"A passing thing, darling, come…let us get ourselves a salt-water boffa-treat!"
"Sawky," the girl exclaimed.
Taya sniffled, wiping at her good eye.
It was no good to focus on the dead, not when her future was living and breathing, and walking at her side.
Anj.
The child had finally healed her heart. She would always mourn her first born, but hope was rekindled in the lovely blue eyes of her daughter.
Hope.
Taya pursed her lips.
Avy said that hope was a trap, and an illusion, and only power mattered, that the future was one without hope, and needed to be guided by a firm hand…her hand.
Taya…was not so sure.
She had hoped that Andur's birth would awaken that hope in her old friend, but, if anything, Avaryss had become even more determined, remained even more committed to her goal.
Our goal, Taya reminded herself.
She had been a part of the plan since Ziost, agreed with it, fought for it.
It was what she wanted too, to free the galaxy of the chaos that gripped it.
It was what she wanted…wasn't it?
They reached the food vendor, and Taya purchased two boffa-treats, she broke off Anj's into two pieces, carefully wrapping the first, her little one would have the second part later. She enjoyed a sweet after her afternoon meal, and it would keep until tomorrow. She smiled while handing her little one her slice. The two sat down near an old fountain and enjoyed their sweets.
Taya looked around at the rest of the market, the sun setting on the tan stones that made up the old city.
She shook her head.
After Ziost she had been so cold, so angry. She had been dead inside. She had been pain and loss incarnate, Agony.
Darth Agony had been who she had become, and she had been dead inside.
She had thought herself lost, destined to die in pain, until…someone she had come to love…released her.
Released her…and gave her Anj.
She would always be grateful for that.
Fenn had done her a service, he had helped her deal with her pain, and through his actions, brought he back to the place she wanted to be…needed to be.
Here, on this world they had conquered, she had come alive again.
She did not miss the power she wielded as Darth Agony. That power had come with too much baggage, too much pain. She was much happier as she was now.
She was…content.
She watched as her child enjoyed her treat. Anj was so happy here, she enjoyed the same things that all Bann children did, while at the same time, her mother did her best to expose her to the basics of Sith culture.
And she doesn't have nightmares here, Taya had to acknowledge, that was the main different between her second child and her first. Aya had been born and raised on Dromund Kaas, and often had woken screaming.
Dromund Kaas was a place deep in the dark side, its power was strong on the planet, and even the most innocent of children felt it, experienced it in some way. It was how they began their conversion, their introduction to Sith training.
Anj being raised here, didn't have that. Yes, there was a darkness here, but it did not seep into everything as it did back on the home world.
Taya was grateful for that too. It would give her child a chance, make her more open to the choices of life rather than be drawn into the darkness' embrace from the very beginning.
I'm keeping my promise, Fenn, she thought to herself.
She had told her lover that she would not force the Sith way on their child. That, boy or girl, the child would be free to choose the fate it desired.
Thinking of Fenn, she realized how lucky she was to have had a second girl, a son could have been…problematic.
As a woman of Echani blood, all of Taya's children would resemble their same sex parent. As a girl, Anj was the spitting image of her sister, and even her mother when she had been a child.
Had she had a boy, he would have looked like his father, just like his father.
Taya frowned slightly.
She was grateful that had not occurred. She could not imagine how Avy would have reacted seeing a boy who was the spitting image of her childhood friend standing at his mother's side.
Her old friend and lord had a jealous streak, she had seen that back on Tatooine, but Fenn…he…he had turned that jealousy into something else, and the three of them…
Even now, the memory was enough to make Taya's body warm. A shiver of lust ran down her spine.
Fenn.
She shook her head.
She missed their steamy moments together. He had been so fierce. It had excited her. Again, she tried not to dwell on the moments of the past. Though they had given her everything she had wanted. A child had come from them, and that child had healed her heart.
Anj finished her treat quickly, finishing by licking the remaining caramel from her sticky fingers.
Again, a sense of melancholy came over the girl's young mother.
One day, she would need to tell Anj about her sister. Aya had been so full of life, and about Taya's husband as well. Fimm had been good to his family. He had supported his wife and loved his child. He…
But he is not Anj's father, was he?
The thought made her pause.
One day, Anj would ask about her father, and what would her mother say then?
She was not quite sure.
Another thought came unbidden, her last encounter with Fenn, they had met, blade upon blade, a clash of sabers when the young man had been so lost in his rage.
So lost, that he had found the power to defeat Taya, and had his blade to her throat.
Avy had not wanted him killed, only humiliated, broken, and forced to give into his hate, accept that the dark side was the only way.
Taya was not supposed to lose that fight, but she had…
…and she had almost lost her head as well.
That moment replayed in her nightmares sometimes. Avy insisted afterward that she had nothing to fear, that she would have stopped Fenn from killing her, that it had only been a test of his commitment to the dark side.
I would have saved you, Avaryss had promised, you and Anj were never in any true danger.
Taya wanted to believe it, chose to do so, but…
…in her weaker moments…
She knew otherwise.
Had it led to his final and complete fall, Avaryss would have let their lover kill her. He would have slain both her, and Anj who had only just been growing within her.
To bind Fenn to her, Avy would have done anything…
…anything.
She pushed such thoughts away, she had sworn an oath to serve Avaryss long ago, and she held true to that oath.
Her friend and dark lord had done everything she had promised, everything that Taya had foresaw years ago, and had elevated Taya and her family to the height of power here on Bantoon, and soon…the rest of the empire as well.
Was that not enough reason to keep the faith with Avy?
She believed that it was.
The evening bell sounded, the bells of the God's Temple at sunset. At that moment, Avy would be attending a gathering of their nobles, the nobles that had supported the Sith.
Taya had been invited too, but she had declined. She had already made plans to spend time with Anj, and had no desire to give that up to listen to a pack of bootlicks praising them for taking what was theirs by right.
The blond Sith frowned.
Her mother had chastised as she had left the palace, saying she was foolish for not attending, that she was still not living up to her potential.
Once those words would have cowed her, but not anymore.
I'm a full Darth, serving on the Dark Council. I'm the right hand to the next empress.
How much higher could she go? Avy would rule, and Taya accepted that.
No, she did what was expected of her in council meetings, but her own time belonged to herself and her family.
She preferred to spend time with her daughter. As for the nobles, when she ruled Bantoon, they would learn quickly enough that she was no pushover, not that she intended to keep many of those that gave them Bantoon around.
No.
Never trust a traitor, not even one you create.
Even now she was keeping note of all those that would need to have… accidents when the time came. Accidents that she would be happy to arrange.
She would remove those that aided them directly, use their heirs to establish a new powerbase for herself here. They had betrayed one leader already; she would not wait around for them to betray her. The queen and her children would also need to die, she could not deny that. Yet, their end would not be the end of the royal bloodline, not if she could help it. There were dozens of Istillo cousins among the nobles, one would serve well as a figure head, and when Anj was old enough, a marriage alliance could be arranged, further binding the people to her family.
The thought made her Taya smile.
Her daughter might one day be the mother of queens. She liked that idea too.
She suspected that Avy would be surprised when she was informed of her plans. Mother too for that matter.
Of course, no would should be surprised, she might not have been Agony anymore, but she was still a Sith.
What Sith did not seek to enrich themselves and empower their heirs.
Taya finished the last of her boffa treat, using the water of the fountain to wash off the last of the leftover sugar and caramel.
Again she took her daughter by the hand, and led her back out into the marketplace. There was an oil dealer that she wished to see before the market closed for the night. She found the smell relaxing after a day working with her fellow Sith.
Again, she blended it with the crowd, no one giving her a second glance. She was just another noble, one of many.
The thought amused her.
Avy was welcome to the empire, and the rest of the galaxy as a whole.
Taya had found the prize she wanted, the answer to all her ambitions.
Surely Avy would not deny her that?
One world, out of thousands.
It was a fitting reward, and the only one she wanted.
A place for her and her daughter.
A place…to be content.
It was such a small thing.
She looked down at her child licking her lips happily.
We have found our place, little one, she thought.
Our perfect place.
IOI
Darth Avaryss smiled as the ceremony reached its climax. She stood on one of the many balconies that dotted the chamber. Down below, the Order of the Shadowed Blade finished their final prayer, honoring their gods for the success and plenty they had enjoyed this year.
The Dark Lord chuckled.
What fools these Bann nobles were.
The Order of the Shadowed Blade had been formed by Baron Hudlo during his time here. He had inducted only the most powerful and ambitious nobles, nobles that believed it was their right to rule.
The Bann had been drawn to the secret brotherhood, the sigils on their robes, and walls of their meeting place. It made the arrogant and self-entitled feel superior to the common rabble…
…ironically, it was all a lie.
Avaryss glanced across the chamber, at the balcony directly across from her. Queen Vessaria stood there, flanked by members of Avaryss' own royal guard, and Protector Valenthyne as well. The Sith could feel the discomfort radiating off the old woman, and understood why.
This was her first introduction to the Shadowed Blade, she was not a member herself, nor was any of the royal court, with exception of Lord Dustyn. Tonight she was here as Avaryss' guest. She wanted the old woman to understand just how long the takeover of her world had been in the planning, how her own people had accepted the Sith into their world, but that was not all.
The queen was, not so naïve. She had spent the bulk of her life around Force sensitives, birthed four of her own. Given that history, she could no doubt understand what she was seeing.
Her betrayal had been a long time coming.
The members of the order were among the first she reached out to when she chose to make Bantoon her own, they had conspired with her and her generals in the seizing of this world, no doubt thinking that more power awaited them with the rise of their empress.
She shook her head.
Foolish mundanes.
They really didn't understand.
The rituals they performed, the sigils on the walls, even the markings on the robes they wore marked the members of the Shadowed Blade not as masters, but as slaves. The rituals that they performed had been a part of the life of Sith slaves since the days of Marka Ragnos.
Even now, Avaryss could feel the connection between her servants and her, they asked of the dark side to empower her, offering up themselves as sacrifice, even though they didn't realize it.
The whole display amused the future Empress.
They offer themselves to me, these wealthy fools, while at the same time thinking they could betray me in secret.
She smiled coldly.
Soon they would realize just how wrong they were.
She believed what she had learned from the Paladina. They had not been behind the attack on the grand temple, if not them…who?
The nobles were the most likely suspects. They had brought her to the edge of absolute victory and now, that she had done all the hard work, hoped to steal it from her.
If that was their plan, they would fail.
Yet, they could not do it alone, the dark side whispered in her ear, they had to have help, some other Sith under you. Perhaps even on the Council.
That realization stung the most, but it also made the most sense.
The ambition of her allies could not be underestimated.
She would find them, whoever they were.
She would find them…and deal with them.
The final prayer rang out, making the dark side ripple around her, filling Avaryss with a sense of contentment.
She sighed, and turned away.
Now that the prayers were done, it was time to do business, business, and celebrate.
The nobles would meet in the grand hall, and discuss their plans, and schemes.
Avaryss would be among them, stand among them and be mindful.
There was a rat somewhere in her house.
She was determined to find it.
IOI
"So, who do you think did it?"
Avaryss shrugged and smiled at the handsome man on her arm.
"It doesn't really matter Teryn," she said, "They will be found."
Her smile turned cold.
"They will ALWAYS be found."
Teryn Remek, one of the few members of Survivor Squad who joined her of his own free will nodded. A former mercenary, he had been brought into her circle by the actions of his former boss, Gabe Cooper.
Those actions had cost Teryn's father his life, now…the young man desired only one thing, revenge on Cooper and the destruction of his organization.
She felt his eyes on her, and could sense a flicker of lust as well.
That amused her as well.
Well, perhaps revenge was not the only thing the man wanted.
The two made their way through the gathering, wealthy merchants, matriarchs, and mining guild representatives mingled and went off to dark corners to discuss shady deals.
Most paid Avaryss no mind, in their eyes, she was one of them, just another ambitious noble. A baroness and prime minister of their world.
She would enjoy showing them just how wrong they all were.
Lord Dustyn came up to her, asking about how the repairs were going on the grand temple. She assured him everything was fine, before sending him, and his pretty date on their way.
Had he betrayed her?
Had he been behind the attack on the Grand Temple?
She found General Glasc at one of the food tables, he like many of her people, were currently engaged in a relationship with one of the Bann nobles. The blond on his arm was the daughter of a mining guild rep, and noble who had interests in the Bann's shipyards.
Had Glasc betrayed her. He had been a cousin of Synestra Feer, her master's treasonous wife, and a cousin of his mundane daughter.
Had he turned against her in some foolish bid for revenge?
She shook her head.
So many suspects, so little time.
"It is shame we can't really enjoy ourselves," Teryn said conversationally, shaking his head.
"It is a shame we always have to be about business."
She gave him a curious look.
"We will not always be working," she promised, running her finger down his chest.
He responded immediately, she felt his hand on her lower back, on the verge of sliding…a bit lower.
She allowed it, this time.
The dark-skinned mercenary was a handsome man, and it had been a while, if she was being perfectly honest. She had been so focused on the plan and raising her son, that her own desires had been put on hold.
Now that Andur was a little older, well…
She licked her lips.
She still hoped for Fenn's return, but why not have some fun while she waited? Teryn was definitely interested. She…
She paused; a familiar presence filled the Force.
That and commotion from the main entry way.
The herald that announced all arrivals called out, his voice…a bit distracted.
"PRESENTING LADY ZAEDRA HUDLO AND HER…COMPANION!"
Avaryss laughed.
Finally, Rain had returned, and…she had not come to the event alone.
Rain strode into the chamber like she owned the place, her Twi'lek paramour, Gul Ashak on her arm.
Avaryss shook her head in amusement.
Oh, my dear apprentice, she thought.
So, brazen.
The Shadowed Blade was a human only organization, their gatherings equally so.
For Rain to bring her toyfriend here…it showed what she thought of their Bann allies.
Avaryss could not fault her, though she would have to say something publicly, she supposed.
We have to keep our Brothers of Bann happy…
…for now.
Both girl and Twi'lek were dressed in matching clothes, her gown a deep red with black highlights. His vest and leggings the same color. Gul also wore daggers on his belt, daggers crested with the sigil of his house, showing off his own nobility.
The dark lord doubted the stuffy insular Bann would care.
She guided Teryn over to meet with the two. If Rain had returned…
…a mission should be complete.
Rain noticed her and bowed respectfully.
"Cousin," she said.
Avaryss shifting back into her role as Kyra Hudlo, returned the bow.
"Cousin," she replied.
"Lady Prime Minister," Gul said dropping to one knee.
"I thank you for invitation."
Avaryss glanced at Rain, who merely shrugged.
The dark lord snorted.
Cheeky bastard!
He and Rain had planned this, she didn't doubt. By claiming to all that he had been invited by her…
It sent a message, but the dark lord was not sure that it was the right one.
Gul's position here would go up, as it should, though it would likely alienate some of her Bann allies.
The former could be useful, the latter would not matter much longer.
Provided that Rain had succeeded in her mission on Mrsst.
"Excuse me, Teryn," she said slipping her arm out for his.
"I need to speak with Zaedra for a moment."
"As you wish," he said offering a slight bow, again flashing her a bright smile.
"Don't make me wait to long."
"Of course not," she promised.
Rain slipped away from her plaything as well, as the two women made for the nearest balcony, one of the few overlooking the city.
They had matters to discuss, matters that didn't include their Bann allies.
To those that attended this gathering, they were family.
To each other and the order, they were fellow Sith.
It was time to speak as Sith.
They said nothing more until they were out of earshot of their allies and pawns.
Rain smiled at her master.
"Cheating on Master Fenn, are we?"
Avaryss snorted.
"Just as you are cheating on Temmin."
Her apprentice frowned.
"A distraction only, master."
"As is Teryn," she answered, "Or will be should I choose to take him in a more intimate fashion. That does not concern you, however. I believe you have something for me. Report."
Rain reached into her glove and pulled out a small data module.
"Mission accomplished, my lord."
Avaryss nodded.
Yes, she thought with a hungry smile.
Well done, my child.
The two stepped as far from the party as they could, far out on the balcony overlooking the city. Rain's limp seemed more pronounced than usual, the shoe she wore not as comfortable as the boot that was molded to her foot, the one she wore during training and business.
Her eyes narrowed as she looked out over the city.
"When I first read that treatise, I was not sure what to make of it," she said.
Darth Avaryss' eyes narrowed.
"You read it?"
Rain gave her an innocent look.
"You didn't order me not to, and besides, I had to be sure it was what you were looking for. I was merely being thorough."
Avaryss sneered.
Right.
Still, the girl was not wrong, she had not ordered her not to read it.
You need to be careful, the dark side whispered, Rain is not a little girl anymore. She has been your student for four years.
She is old enough to start her own plotting, count on that.
She did, but at the same time, she still felt she had time.
She still had much to teach the girl. Rain had not unlocked all her secrets, not yet, and her own skills were not sharp enough yet to oppose her master.
Again…not yet.
"Most interesting reading," Rain added, "I was not sure what to make of it. Talk of a local species here, a blood drinking mammal that had mostly gone instinct, except for a series of islands in the northern regions. Not really what I expected when you first told me about needing it."
"Never judge a book by its cover, apprentice," Avaryss reminded her.
"I don't," her student replied, "Especially when I saw the author."
She smiled wickedly.
"Tell me, master. Why was Darth Revan so interested in these creatures?"
"That is the question, is it not Rain? Why would a great Sith Lord care about local wildlife, and why would all copies of this treatise be destroyed by the Bann mages that would one day become the Paladina, why would they even care?"
"Why was this one not destroyed?" her student asked.
"The Bann never got the chance; Revan had had this treatise in his personal collection when he fell to Darth Malak. It was then lost for years, stolen by a collector of Sith artifacts, who eventually died, and his collection fell into the hands of scholars who brought it to Mrsst, there it remained forgotten…until now."
Rain nodded.
"Does Revan's research have something to do with our plan?"
"It has everything to do with the end of the Paladina, and of our relationship to the bootlicks that put us in power on this world."
Rain gave her an arched look.
"Have the Bann angered you?"
"They have overstepped themselves recently, or I believe they have, at least. Yet, they are still useful to us, and I believe that I have found a way to extend that usefulness, without putting our plans at risk."
Avaryss shook her head.
"We have rats in our house, apprentice. We will need to deal with them."
Rain grinned.
"So, we play exterminators then?"
"No we deal with the vermin by breeding our own. They will be far more useful than the ones we have now."
She turned to her student.
"You have done well. I have Ghull running down some leads on Temmin. We should have answers soon."
Rain's eyes lit up.
"Then you will let me go? You will let me bring him back with me?"
Avaryss nodded.
"He will be given another chance to serve me, and you will have help, far more useful help then your little crew. Things that will serve you first and foremost. I think you will be most pleased."
Rain nodded eagerly, she was thinking only of Temm, and could care less what things her master offered to aid in the hunt.
Another Sith would have questioned, a more experienced Sith would have been curious.
Rain was distracted, but her master didn't blame her.
She was young, Avaryss realized.
She would learn.
The dark lord shook her head.
This world, this Bantoon.
She would be grateful to be away from here, and even more grateful when she was free to destroy this wretched place.
It would serve its purpose and discarded.
She would keep it treasures, and a few of its people…
Though, they would not be people when she was through.
The thought made her smile.
That fool Darth Ravage had coined a nickname for her, or rather had spoken it publicly for the first time. HE had been against her use of Sith alchemy to reshape some of their soldiers. She had only to sought to improve their servants, and he, and the rest of those fools on the council had not understood.
Well, she didn't have to worry about them now.
She was free to do what she wished.
And here she would embrace Ravage's nickname.
Darth Avaryss…the Mother of Horrors.
She and Rain turned back to the party; they regarded their Bann allies.
Avaryss sneered.
Pathetic mundanes, foolish slaves!
They would learn the truth about their value to her.
Most were nothing, but others were raw material that she could make use of.
That though excited her.
You were right about me, Ravage, she thought.
I am both a mother, and a mother of horrors.
She chuckled.
She had Revan's treatise, and more than enough test subjects.
As the ancient Sith before her, she felt the desire to create.
The time had come…
…to birth her first horror.
She couldn't wait.
It would be…delicious!