The Dark Academy on Korriban

Zeno finds himself outside Lord Zashes workshop. Out of curiosity, and wondering how much she trusts him, he tries to gain access with his standard ID. He is looking for her and hopes she's in but a little test never hurt anyone.

Zash is seated in her workshop staring at datapads and deciphering some ancient stone tablet. She does not have to look up to recognize the presence of Zeno and says, “I sensed you would come, the dark side is strong with you, dear Zeno.”

He smiles, his tukata helm hanging off his neck and dangling on his back. "That may be so, but I have years of study and practice before I am at your level... my master." He uses the term usually reserved for an apprentice to their master, perhaps a bit presumptuous.

(Spending destiny for good things to happen)

“I’m your master now?” she laughs lightly.

“You attach your ship so quickly, Zeno? I am flattered, you seem the type to want glory in battle. I have need of someone with such skill, a great need. Is this what you wish?”

"A queen of the dark should have a dark knight should she not?" he asks rhetorically. "And I think we both know that among the students here I fit that bill best among those you favor."

“I favor none more than you, the rest had their chance and have been found wanting. Gerald was a compromise, it should have been the togruta or the twi’lek but they have minimal uses. I will have to find a way to thank them in the future, although,” she pauses and turns to face Zeno.

“When I deal out punishment, I decide who suffers, not you. Your chivalrous actions, intended or not made me look weak. Do not let that happen again, you seem a smart boy so I shan’t have to remind you on this again.”

"I understand my lord, and it won't happen again. But if you could indulge me an explanation I would hope you might find value in my action even if it was completely out of line and worthy of greater punishment than I've been given," he says in a deferential tone.

“Explanation of what exactly?” she asks.

"I consider them valuable and capable allies with skills that complement my own and would do what I can to maintain their trust and well being. They have proven their whiles and shown gumption and the will to do what is necessary to become and act as successful sith. I would like to maintain a long term relationship with them so that I might better complete tasks given by you that I may find their skills of use on. There is a tenseness and animosity present that I would prefer to see dissolved. As you said, they have minimal uses, but they are less likely to be of use to you if they feel threatened than if I can resolve the issue. It is a delicate balance, but If I could prevent any retaliations or dislike from both sides I believe all sides would be more benefited by this," he replies with his head bowed. "I will, of course, serve you with my utmost capabilities, but my capabilities increase many times over with comrades of skill that can trust me. It is not generally the sith way, but I also have learned how to work effectively in teams due to my military training. There is value there for me that will make me a more capable apprentice and resource."

“They will have to die, they know too much and can’t keep their mouths shut. For now they can live. If only to appease some sense of nobility for you. Then when I am bored, they die,” she says honestly.

“Never value something to the point you will sacrifice your own gains for it.”

"Understood, Lord Zash. Even myself, he says with a nod," inferring that she means him as well. "But I'll endeavor to serve with excellence. To that effect, however," he pulls out an ilum crystal, "This needs a new home, and some assistance would be appreciated." He looks at her hoping she might provide assistance once more.

“Building a second lightsaber?” she says with a smile.

"Indeed. A second shoto to match the first," he says with a nod and a devious smile. "I can't imagine how much quicker I may have taken Death's Shadow down if I had a second blade."

“Well done,” she says with approval.

“Shall we?”

"Of course," he replies as he moves to a table with the tools.

OOC: Zash Int + 1 boost?

OOC: Sure that works, I will upgrade with a Destiny.

Zeno puts his mind to the task at hand. It takes a bit longer than last time but he was able to do so using less material. Unfortunately he couldn't get the same quality as last time but it was still a success. "Hmm. Not quite as good as the last one, but still... My thanks Lord Zash."

Making a Lightsaber, D7 LM, Mechanics, GM Difficulty Upgrade, 1 Boost from Zash, 1 Boost from Zash's Talent: 3eA+1eP+2eB+1eD+1eC 3 successes, 2 advantage


[4 hours, 250 credits, Shoto finished]

Zeno slipped the second crystal into place, and drew both sabers, lighting them up. He felt invincible in that moment. He knew he wasn't but he also knew that he was a hell of a force to be reckoned with. Stepping into a more open area in the workshop he practices some maneuvers just to get a feel for having both sabers.

"I could very much get used to this," he says.

He then turns to Zash. "Lord Zash, my master, I was wondering if there was anything I might do with the free time this afternoon gained thanks to your guidance. I am interested in improving my connection with the force and you seem to be the master of such lore. Perhaps some studies or practice that might lead me down that path?"

Practicing with Sabers, D7 LM, Lightsaber, 2 Accurate Boost, 1 dual wield difficulty: 2eA+2eP+2eB+3eD 3 successes, 2 advantage

“Where do you wish to focus such studies of the Force?” she asks coyly.

"My connection to it directly," he says. "I want to tie myself stronger to it. But I don't know where to begin. My training has focused mostly on lightsaber combat and I've recently taken up sensing the feelings and intentions of others, mostly for combat application. But I want to feel it more deeply."

“The best way to expand one’s mind is to push your limits. Trust me and this will be an enjoyable experience, open your mind to me… and sense my emotions, Apprentice,” she says with a smile approaching him.

He thinks back to Gerald for only a moment before realizing that this was not the same. She wants an agent to deal with things that she does not wish to be bothered with. She wants a powerful apprentice to stand by her side against enemies. He can practically taste the power that she is offering. And although it may be ill advised, he opens his mind all the way. And what is there is a hunger for promised power. All the other guilts and fears and angry thoughts, while there, were pushed aside by that all consuming hunger.

Zash disrobes as she walks and connects their minds so she can feel all of his sensations and he can feel hers. Their emotions meshing together as she pushes him back on the desk and throws everything aside.

She is savage, she is dark… but she is passionate and in the moment.

There is totally lightning.

/ftb

/fade in

"That..." he breaths heavily.

"That was not what I was expecting. But I can say I was definitely not disappointed with the result."

There is sweat and small black scores on his body from the lightning. Sparks had certainly flown between them.

Zash laughs and walks naked as her gown flows over her frame and she is clothed once more. She looks at the mess and says, “You can handle the clean up, right Apprentice?”

OOC: Uses Move to put back on her gown with ease.

Zash Force Die Move: 5eF 6 Light Side, 2 Dark Side