Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.
Betad by Mike God of Lore, Priapus, Marethyu, Beans
The Celestial Inquisitor
Chapter 22: The Hashshashin
– Sarik Kallig –
100cp granted, 100cp total.
At the end of the day, I remain a Sith.
Why settle for sending my assassins to do one of the choices when I can have them do all of my plans at once?
Nine has once again been instrumental in this plan, because she has her own interests in the Hashshashin Order getting set up. Simply put, Imperial Intelligence is open to helping the Order get set up in exchange for their own jobs being prioritised and discounted. I get their intel, they get a good supply of expendable agents they can delegate lesser missions to without endangering their own agents.
Keeper even assigned a Watcher to the Order, Watcher Two. Watchers undergo extreme training and conditioning to massively improve their cognitive abilities at the cost of their personality and background. Watcher Two is the only name she knows, having been part of a eugenics program to create agents for Imperial Intelligence. She's been assigned to Nine and, therefore, my ship.
Getting agents onto Coruscant was not hard, despite it being the capital of the Republic. The lower levels never recovered from the Sacking of Coruscant, and crime is more rampant than usual. Portalling in a dozen Hashshashin was easy, and they'll set up their own hideouts and start taking contracts and building a name for the order over time. Nine and Watcher pointed them at the war going on between the Coruscant Security Force, the Black Suns and the Migrant Merchants' Guild.
They won't take a side, instead becoming freelance agents working for the highest bidder. I have faith that my assassins will thrive in that environment, but it's just a matter of time to see if this bears fruit.
A second group has been sent to Nar Shaddaa to do the exact same thing. The Hutts are always fighting amongst themselves, even during a time of strife. There's no shortage of work for assassins in Hutt Space, and once again, their goal is to gain a reputation for the Order. It's important that the Order appears to be a mysterious but mostly neutral entity, and few know of the link between the Order and me.
As such, I've also sent a group to Dromund Kaas. They'll be active in Sith, Republic and Neutral space, muddying the waters. I dislike the habit of Sith killing each other and wasting so many resources, but if they're going to be killing one another, they may as well pay me for it. The group sent to Dromund Kaas are the ones most likely to face serious threats, as many Sith will try to gain control of them, but all my assassins have my Mark to resist mental manipulation and would sooner die than be captured.
I've sent several smaller groups to other planets of interest, like Alderaan, Corellia, and Tatooine. I want them spread far and wide, so the loss of a single group won't cause any major setbacks beyond a hit to our reputation.
Next, I've sent some to planets that are still 'contested' despite the alleged peace. Balmorra was one of the bigger ones, thanks to its arms factories, but there are plenty of less important planets that are still fighting against Sith occupation. Their goal will be to pick off Republic officers or Jedi who are more vulnerable.
Imperial Intelligence has once again proven its worth, as they've supplied a list of corrupt, incompetent and problematic Imperial officers. To continue to muddy the waters, my assassins will target those officers as well. It has Darth Marr's seal of approval; he even sent a list of his own. I dislike wasted resources, but incompetent officers and traitors need to be dealt with before they can do more harm to the Empire.
Finally, Tython. I picked the best of my assassins for this one. Well, not quite. Vette is my best, but I wasn't sending her in with just unnamed assassins for support. They've been deployed in Flesh Raider territory, as Tython has a problem with the savage native species which keeps most of the Jedi out of their land.
Tython is mostly wild and untamed, and through my subtle exploration of Nyni's time on Tython, I was able to find a good place to deploy my assassins. Their goal is to infiltrate the Jedi temple and find the Noetikons. The less attention they draw, the better.
Jedi Masters seem to be able to sense those observing them through the Beholder Chamber, so I didn't want to risk alerting them by spying on the temple myself. I don't actually expect the assassins sent to Tython to succeed, even with my mark dulling the Jedi's ability to sense them through the Force. It would be good if they did, but I don't value the Noetikons enough to risk more resources on this job.
My assassins effectively respawn in the Mountain once slain, so I don't mind sending them on riskier jobs. All I'm losing is time, as well as gaining some unwanted heat from the Jedi and Republic. But let's be honest, they are already hunting for me, so why would I care about risking them getting angrier?
"Master, the Nar Shaddaa branch has reported a successful assassination! The Hutt client tried to get out of paying, but their guards were disabled, and they paid double to save their smelly hide!" Holiday reports with a beaming smile.
Keeping track of all the deployed assassins, their current jobs and their clients would be difficult even for a Watcher. How convenient that Cedrax donated his lovely AI companion to my cause. Holiday is the best secretary an order of assassins could ask for.
Each of my deployed assassins has been implanted with an explosive and a tracker courtesy of Floats. Holiday monitors their conditions and positions, and if one is knocked out or captured, she detonates the bombs and ensures that nothing is left to lead them back to me.
Jansa has also been a great asset in setting them up and acquiring fronts and hideouts for the Order. She's a terrifying force, rapidly growing her own assets. Letting her off the leash was the right call. Her growing web of contacts and sources means she can get weapons, stims and whatever else my agents need for their jobs. She's currently expanding her web into Hutta, turning the Hutts against each other while stealing their funds and resources from under them. She's also buying slaves to send back to the Order for training, as well as to send to Taris to serve the growing cult.
The [Gem Mine] on Taris is exclusively selling to her at a considerable discount, so she's earning plenty of credits to pay for all the help she's been given by the Order. Plus, she knows better than most that my powers are only growing and that getting in early is the best way to profit from my growth.
"Great work, Holiday," I praise, making her beam at me as I relax in the lounge of the Phantom. I wonder what Doctor Cedrax would think of his beloved companion now, but I suppose it doesn't matter. I've heard he's ended up imprisoned in the very prison he designed, under high security and constant watch as his intellect is weaponised for the Empire. "Holiday, why don't you show me those upgrades you and Floats have been working on?"
"Of course, Master!" Holiday cheers excitedly, clicking her fingers as her slutty Imperial outfit is replaced with a slave dancer's outfit. She can't touch me, but that doesn't stop her from providing me with some entertainment as she starts to dance, swaying her hips and shaking her breasts for my amusement as she starts to strip.
She can wear any face, but for now, I leave her looking like herself. It is amusing to get a strip tease from Satele Shan or other high-ranking Jedi or Republic figures, but I enjoy her base look, and she enjoys showing off for me. Her original form wasn't quite so busty, nor did it have the Sith emblem tattooed on its ass, but there are some advantages to digital girls.
Reading over my reports as Holiday provides me with plenty of entertainment to make the day go by easier, I smile to myself. The sister of the Supreme Chancellor's wife died last night in a tragic airspeeder accident.
The necklace claims it will cause misfortune to all those close to the owner. The crash was apparently horrifying, with the sister having been impaled and slowly bled out before she could be saved. The wife has only worn the necklace once, hiding it away so her husband doesn't get jealous of her 'secret admirer'… but the necklace's power cannot be denied. One of their maids is in intensive care for the sudden onset of a deadly but non-contagious illness, causing her organs to shut down; a guard died in a robbery gone wrong. All tragic, all painful, and yet… all seemingly unconnected.
It hasn't struck at the Chancellor himself yet, but time will tell.
– Later –
My time on Balmorra is coming to an end, it seems. Despite the chaos surrounding the Dark Council, it was only a matter of time until I was called to Dromund Kaas. The meeting isn't immediate, as the Dark Council are still somewhat understaffed but the call has been given.
Tomorrow, I set off for the Seat of the Sith Empire.
But tonight?
Arriving at Darth Lachris' mansion, I'm let in immediately by the guards and guided to a luxurious meeting room where Lachris herself is waiting for me. Before, she wore an expensive robe that showed off her status as a Darth.
Now? She's wearing nothing more than a thin, red translucent lingerie. The guard averts his eyes, wisely not ogling the near-naked Sith Lord as she smiles. Her nipples are clearly visible through the nearly non-existent material, and while her legs are crossed, I can barely see her slit as her panties are crotchless. Well, she made it clear what she expects from me.
"Lady Lachris, I hear congratulations are in order, doubly so," I say, giving her a bow as she gestures for me to take a seat. Lachris chuckles proudly, radiating satisfaction.
"Quite so. The Balmorran Resistance has officially surrendered, handing over the last few 'leaders' they had. Oh, I doubt they've given up entirely, but with all their bases being hit in rapid succession, they couldn't afford to keep up a unified resistance," Lachris agrees. "Your Veritaserum was instrumental in locating their bases and agents, and I have not forgotten the work you and your group have done for me."
"We broke their backs at the Arms Factory, but it is nice to know that their pathetic death throes have come to an end," I agree. "But we both know you have bigger things to celebrate than bringing their last gasps to an end."
"Indeed. You are looking upon the newest head of the Sphere of Military Offence," Lachris agrees, a smug smile on her lips. "My former master, Darth Marr, supported my ascension, but I have not forgotten who I have to thank for my success. Had Balmorra not been so quickly tamed, someone else would have been given this position, and I have you to thank for my success here. It was the capture of the Rift Alliance that gave me the edge over the other potential candidates."
"Careful there, my Lord, it almost sounded like you were saying you were in my debt," I tease, making her smirk.
"I am in your debt, and I find that entirely unsatisfactory," Lachris admits, a mixture of hunger and irritation on her lips. "You are a gift that keeps on giving, but we both know there is no such thing as a free meal in this Galaxy. You've given me too much, and our mutually beneficial arrangement isn't benefiting you enough to compensate."
Her words carry a hint of danger, but I understand her problem. Our relationship relies on us both to benefit for it to continue without either of us betraying the other. If she's not providing a benefit to me, how long will it be until I decide that I no longer need her?
"Oh? And how are you planning to compensate me?" I ask, my eyes roaming over her body, which gets a laugh from her. "Is the view part of my reward?"
"Of course not. You are here to breed me, Sarik. I saw no reason to get dressed, only for you to tear away my robes later. The view and the night we will be spending together will be for both our pleasure and benefit," Lachris scoffs. "I have spoken with Lord Zash, a most interesting if frankly insane woman. From this day forward, Sarik Kallig, you are my apprentice. It is exceedingly rare for a Sith Apprentice to have two masters, but Zash was open to sharing you. In the upcoming meeting, I will do my best to ensure that you remain a free agent for the Empire, and I can defend you better if you are my apprentice. Besides, I'm a far better lightsaber duelist than Zash."
"It's an honour, Master. I look forward to learning under you," I say, bowing my head with a slight smirk, which she returns.
"You had better get used to being under me, apprentice. You have a long night of training ahead of you," Lachris teases back. "I also have some good news for you, Sarik… fate has deemed to give you another Twi'lek for your collection."
"I'm never going to escape those allegations, am I?" I ask, making her chuckle as the door opens. A trooper shoves Senator Alauni into the room, closing the door. Her expensive robe and jewellery are nowhere in sight, having been stripped naked and collared as she holds her head up high.
"There are worse things to be known for than a lust for Twi'lek girls, believe me," Lachris shrugs. "You remember the former Senator Alauni."
"One of the members of the failed Rift Alliance," I agree. Alauni frowns, but she doesn't speak or try to cover her naked body. She isn't exactly pleased to have my eyes roaming her naked, yellow skin as I admire her large breasts and curvy hips, but she understands her position.
"'Failed' is one word for it. Disastrous is another," Lachris laughs. "Saleucami has disavowed Alauni. Having their Senator caught breaking the treaty on Balmorra must have caused them quite the scare, doubly so when the Imperial fleet moved into orbit above their planet. Naturally, they've paid heavy reparations for their Senator's crime and have agreed to leave her sentencing to us. As a representative of the Dark Council, I handled her sentencing and enslaved her for her crimes."
"Salecucami have officially filed to leave the Republic, correct?" I ask. I've been keeping track of the aftermath of our capture of the Rift Alliance.
"They have," Lachris agrees. "What do you think, slave? Are you proud of your actions?"
"Not proud. Unsurprised," Alauni retorts, making Lachris raise an eyebrow. "We joined the Rift Alliance because my people doubted that the Republic could truly defend its allies. The Barsen'thor failed to defend us, and the Republic pulled back when the Empire blockaded our planet as a result. All this did was prove that we were right to doubt the Republic."
I lean back, impressed with her words despite everything. I sense no deception, and despite her situation, she doesn't hesitate to speak her mind.
"You were fools to think the Republic would ever protect you," Lachris snorts. "And the price for putting faith in the Barsen'thor and the failing Jedi Order is your own enslavement. You are a gift for my apprentice. How far you've fallen, from Senator to slave."
"I expected to lose my position as Senator. It isn't exactly needed if we're leaving the Republic, is it?" Alauni asks, head held high. "But you're wasting a resource to reduce me to a pleasure slave."
Lachris narrows her eyes, going to respond as her fingers spark with lightning before she relaxes and smirks.
"If you are hoping to talk your way to freedom, you're talking to the wrong person. Sarik is your master, your fate is in his hands," Lachris says, leaning back and giving me a look as Alauni turns to me.
"Continue. Your people have disowned you, what use could you possiblye have? You may be intelligent for a slave, but what could I reasonably trust you with, given your former loyalties?" I ask calmly.
"My people have disavowed my actions out of necessity, but my family are very well respected and connected. They'd take me back as long as it didn't cause an invasion," Alauni corrects. "But with Saleucami leaving the Republic, we're vulnerable. I'm no fool; war is coming. It's the only reason the Republic was willing to try to claim Balmorra back as they did. This treaty is rapidly falling apart. Saleucami is the most prosperous trading hub in the Outer Rim. When the war begins again, we'll be an easy target for both sides without allies. Send me home, and I can convince my people to join the Empire outright."
I raise an eyebrow at that because, once again… I don't sense any deception from her.
"You expect me to believe you could convince your people to switch sides? Or that you would even be willing to do so?" I ask, making her laugh.
"I joined the Rift Alliance to give the Republic one last chance to prove they deserved our loyalty. They failed. My loyalty is to my people, not to the Republic. And yet, without the Republic defending us, we'll fall prey to the Cartels and the Empire. You have a gun to our heads, but that gun could be turned to the defence of Saleucami just as easily," Alauni continues. "If I'm returned to my people intact, I could easily use that to paint the Sith Empire in a lighter brush than the Republic diplomats tried, and convincing my people that we need the security and stability of the Empire will be just as trivial. Give me a month, and I'll have Imperial Diplomats on Saleucami negotiating our willing entry into the Empire."
I glance at Lachris, but she says nothing as she gives me a smirk. She's leaving this in my hands despite the potential prizes.
"I can see how you became a Senator, Alauni, but that doesn't answer the second part of my question. Why should I trust that you won't turn on us when you're out of that pretty little collar?" I ask, making her smile grimly.
"Because, as I said. War is coming. If I swore to do something before a member of the Dark Council, then broke my word the moment I was free, I'd just endanger my people. I know Sith hold grudges. Do you expect me to believe that the head of the Sphere of Military Offence wouldn't turn that offensive power toward Saleucami if I crossed her and the Empire?" Alauni asks with one hand on her hip. "We don't have the power to defend ourselves from such an attack, and Saleucami is too conveniently located for either side to leave us be. The Republic tried the diplomatic method. Even now, I suspect they've got several dozen representatives and diplomats pleading with my people to reconsider, but if that fails, I doubt they'll hesitate to use force to bring Saleucami back into line. I value my freedom, but I value the safety of my people far more."
"And yet, this plan of yours still sees you escaping any punishment for your part in aiding the terrorist cell hiding within the Arms Factory," Lachris cuts in, making Alauni raise her head high. "Do you value their safety above your dignity?"
Alauni pauses, before she turns to me and lowers herself onto her knees before me, pressing her head against the floor before my feet.
"Please, Master, I beg you… give me a chance to save my people," Alauni begs, tossing her pride aside. I can feel the genuine desperation within her, as well as a deep love for her people. Digging deeper, I find the disdain she has for those who failed to protect her and her people, but little hatred aimed at me or the Empire.
Unlike my other Senator Slave, Alauni puts her people first, whereas 'Senator' Saresh is filled with such powerful hatred aimed at the Empire and is blinded by her own ambitions. She rises somewhat, remaining knelt before me as she sits on her feet, hands resting on her thighs. She also pushes out her naked chest, eyes remaining downcast as she plays the part of the pleading slave well.
She does have pride, but it's a different kind of pride. She's proud of her home, of her station giving her a chance to negotiate for Saleucami, but she feels no shame in using her looks to try and influence my decision.
"Please, give me a chance to show you my sincerity, master," Alauni continues. Lachris remains indifferent, but I know she's testing me.
— Quest Section — VOTING CONCLUDED
Should Sarik accept Alauni's offer?
Yes, but use Saresh to test her first.
Yes, she's more valuable to him free.
No, she belongs in chains.
Author's Note: Sarik will never escape the Twi'lek allegations.
Written: 14/02/2025
I am entirely motivated by praise and interaction, so leave a review, and I'll probably write faster. I do read every review/comment, because it gives me the happy brain chemicals and motivates me to write more. My body is a machine that turns positive reviews into new chapters.
I have a Patreo n, where my supporters can vote on which fics get bonus chapters each cycle and have access to advance chapters, up to ten chapters ahead of the public release. Patreo n is also five chapters ahead and plat/diamond tier have voting rights for my Quest. Feel free to check it out.
I also set up a Subscribe Star as well, more or less just as a backup/test to see which I prefer. The chapters are available on Discord if you're a Patreo n and on the site directly on Subscribe Star due to the different site rules, so if you don't use Discord or have issues finding the chapters, Subscribe Star is the better choice.
The Advance Chapters
Diamond: The Celestial Professor Ch08, The Warlock Ch08, The Celestial Farmer Ch05, Guide to Necromancy Ch11, The Planeswalker Ch10
Plat: The Celestial Professor Ch07, The Unbound Ch07, The Dungeon Master Ch01, The Dungeon Master, The Celestial Escalation Ch07
Gold: The Celestial Farmer Ch04, The Illusive Mage Ch09, The Game Master Ch11
Basic: Guide to Necromancy Ch10, The Game Master Ch10
Quest: The Celestial Inquisitor Ch23-27
Links:
Patreo n. com (slash) TheDarkWolfShiro
Subscribe star. com (slash) the-dark-wolf-shiro
I have a Discord server with a bunch of other authors and a load of porn. So much porn.
Here's the link for that: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro
If it says it's expired, it is probably your account being unable to join NSFW servers, and you'll need to fix that. If you fix that and it still says it's expired, add me (DarkWolfShiro), and I'll invite you myself.