The Dark Academy on Korriban

"The research of the search for eternal life and the altering of matter?"

"That is among the arts enfolded in the ancient ways, but Sith alchemy is so much more. We have, for hundreds of years, studied the art alongside our dewotion to the Dark Side. indeed the two are one and the same to the open mind."

She commented idly, "It may be something for you to seek out. Change can be a powerful thing."

"It does sound most interesting. At what stage in the research process are you? What are your limitations?" He asked with interest.

She almost laughed at the question, but restrained it to a soft, throaty chortle.

"Impossible qvestions to answer. Like our understanding of science und ze universe, ve can say we know a great deal, but vhat ve are saying is zhat ve know a great deal of vhat iz already known. In ze grand scheme of things, one may know next to nothing at all."

Her demeanor became less existential as she continued, "But I believe it iz zafe to say zat I am a mere nowice in ze art in either caze. Vhat I know compared to zhat of some of zhe Lords of my family iz infinitezimal. But, oh, zhe miracles one can achieve through shtudy."

He smiled, "Your excitement and devotion to it helps restore my devotion for my own studies."

He chuckled, "It's a nice reminder to get now rather than on the surface of Korriban."

"Not exactly vhat I might 'ave taken avay from zhe exchange, but study vill always be vorthvhile. So long as it iz in uzeful matters. I don't bring up alkhemy by vay of idle converzation young lord Torsin. You are forging a legacy und I assure you, zhe arts vill help."

He smiled and nodded, "I will keep it in mind. Power and utility is what this Empire needs more of."

Bowing his head slightly he continued, "I'd love to have another opportunity to learn more of your ways after we arrive on the planet. I think there could be much to be gained in a mutual exchange of... utility."

"You do your noble line proud trying to garner my fawor [favor]. I vill consider it. You h'ave been a charming companion, at zhe wery least. I am certain zhat you could prowide me vith some benefit und I you. An exchange of equals iz alvays fruitful, und no doubt zhe Academy vill provide us many opportunities to assist v'one another. But you vould know better zhan I."

"There is much I feel I could assist with. I know the Academy, many of the professors, and much of how to get what one wants." He smiled, "Preferred access to information, training, and knowledge is how one can separate themselves from their 'peers'."

He smiled, "On Korriban and in life such arrangements are useful until they are not. I look forward to becoming stronger and strengthening those of common purpose for as long as it is beneficial to both of us."

"Naturally. To be taken adwantage of iz a sign of veakness, but collaboration or...collusion, h'as marked many a great moment in our Empire. Zhough it iz not often zhat v'one is so open to zhe possibility. I h'ave found many...our age...to be sullen, vithdrawn, completely self-centered, to zhe point of abject stu'pid'ity. I look at zheir burning self-destruction vith pity."

He chuckled, "In place of pity I merely contemplate how to still find use of their marginal utility. Finding someone with actual talent and an ability that is of great use to me is somewhat rare. While I may seem like the type to mince words or dance around a topic; when I see something that I desire or that would benefit me I do not hesitate. Tardiness often robs us of opportunity. And I hate to squander useful opportunities."

"A judicious quality," she replied languidly.

"Careful zhat your 'some v'ones' vould no sooner kill you zhan help you. Zhat is always zhe danger vhen h'andling zhese rabid dogs. But, if you can set zhem loose und pick zhe direction zhey go before they sputter out like a candle, zhan perhaps it iz vorth it."

"That is exactly right my dear Miss Farro." He smiled and took the last drink from his now empty glass.

"Und you zhink you've zhe skill to direct zhese dogs? Find use for zhe raging flame zhat does nothing but yell at zhe darkness?"

He smiled coyly, "Perhaps. And if not... I hope to be able to blow out the flame."

"To follow zhe metaphor to its final conclusion, just be sure not to get burned. Zhe Sith are a volatile people, bluted [blooded] und non-bluted alike. You know zhat better zhan most, yes? But h'ere...h'ere zhey have opportunity. I confess, I already grow vary [wary]."

He smiles, "I too am constantly wary Aspirant Farro. I have no delusional belief that I am somehow already superior in every way to all possible rivals. For each possible threat there is a different way to react. Sometimes that rage can be diverted, and sometimes it must be avoided. But when it must be confronted, it is best to do it in a way that will lead to one's own triumph. Constant vigilance and creative thinking is required."

His smile was one of one who was cognizant of the danger, but confident that it could be overcome. "It is wise to never lose the wariness you now have. Korriban is not a place for the foolhardy or unprepared."

He then leaned back slightly in his seat and smiled warmly, "But I feel that someone as wise as yourself has no need of this type of rant from a fellow aspirant. You have a mind that is beyond that of a simple brute."

"Your insight iz alvays velcome. To hear zhem iz to h'ear zhe voice of experience. Vhile ve follow zhe path of zhe Dark Side, on Korriz zhere iz not so much....competition among us. No nezezzity [necessity] of blood for ambition."

She sighed wistfully with her amused smirk, "Not anywore [anymore], anyvay."

Her demeanor waved the comment away, "But at zhe Academy... I only h'ave an understanding of itz environs in a broad, almost mythic zense. But your insightz give me a wiew [view] zhat iz not clouded by rumor or exaggerated by nostalgia."

He chuckled and bowed gratefully, "Then I shall continue to dispense my unadulterated wisdom when you may need it."

"I'll accept it zolicited [solicited] or unzolicited. But ve shall zee vhat life iz like once ve truly get planetside. I dread zhe zhought but ve might zuddenly find ourselves adversaries. I vould hate to lose zuch charming counsel?"

"And I would hate to lose the company of such a lovely woman." He said with a handsome smile.

"Be sure to pick your adversaries carefully. Hitching your wagon to the weak doesn't usually bring the desired results. While picking those who are strong will push you to reach new heights of passion, strength and triumph."

"Zhere iz an ancient saying, a fool who travels vith ten sages vill become a sage, but a sage who travels vith ten fools vill become a fool. I believe zhe principal stands. One must always press forward. In life, as in nature, stagnation iz death."

He smiled and nodded, "I hope to have much of your sage-like wisdom rub off on me during our stay here."

He then began gathering the different plates and glasses onto his tray. "It really has been a lovely time speaking with you. Let me give you my Comm ID so you may call upon me when we reach the surface."

"I h'ave yet to purchase a short range comlink now zhat I am off vorld. There is little use for zhem on Korriz. But, if you merely place it h'ere," she produced a datapad from the folds of her robes. "I'll be certain to contact you vhenever I can."

He put the number in the data pad, "I wouldn't worry about buying one. The Academy will give one when you arrive. They like to be able to call you whenever they need."