The Dark Academy on Korriban

Sylvain found himself in the mess hall for what he hoped to be the last time in his life. The nutrient paste that had always been provided had never developed into an acquired taste, but still there was something slightly forlorn about leaving the pain of it behind.

Sylvain rotated his neck around as he took down a gulp of water to wash down a spoonful of paste. As his eyes diverted from his plate he saw the outline of a figure approaching. It seemed fitting that undesirable things would clump together on his last day on Korriban.

"Afternoon, Sith Hoshin." He said with a nod.

She stopped upon being addressed. She wasn't expected Torsin to be here.

"Oh. It's you," she said after a moment.

Something seemed a little different about her. Less overtly hostile, perhaps. Which wasn't to say she appeared friendly, though.

"Glad to see you made it out of Yavin alive. Our master is sure to have use for you in the days to come." He said coolly.

"Given the general incompetence of some of his other apprentices, I imagine so."

She could be talking about him. Certainly that would be the obvious interpretation. Or she could be talking about someone else.

Or hell, why not both?

"Indeed." Was all he said.

"Planning on eating?" He asked motioning to a seat across from him.

The fuck is wrong with him?

A little wary by the weirdness that was this Torsin-analogue in front of her; she decided nonetheless to sit down.

"That's usually why one would be here."

"Indeed." He said with a nod.

He then started to work at his own meal again.

"If turning the b-list apprentices into mindless drones is what Baras does, I guess I should be happy I'm on the a-list."

"I'm pleased you seem to feel content with your new role." He replied coolly.

Okay, now it was just getting downright creepy.

"Are you on drugs? You sure sound like you are. Or is this what passes for depression in the Torsin family? Is that it? Something happened to finally make you lose that annoying smile of yours?"

He shook his head, "I just no longer see the meaning in dealing with your incontinence. You have your path, and I have mine. I am prepared to walk mine, and encourage you to walk yours. Because despite all your misconceptions, I bear no hostility towards you or your purpose. Obviously, in your blind anger, when you work against the will of our master, I will be there to counter you. But insomuch that you do your part, I see no reason to antagonize a perfectly useful individual."

"Yeah. That's all just bullshit though, isn't it?"

She sat back.

"This attitude change is really all just about a one-armed blonde."

"Perhaps." He said with a shrug, "You could be right, or you could be starting down yet another path based on a ridiculous misconception."

"Either way, you wouldn't believe me if I were to tell you."

"That depends on whether or not what you tell me is the truth."

"And how would I prove that to you?" He asked. "If from the very onset the objective is unattainable, one must consider the usefulness of trying for what is ultimately impossible."

He took a bite, "In other words... Why bother when it can't be verified?"

"If what you were saying were true, you wouldn't be spending this many words trying to convince yourself of it. Besides, if it were true, you'd be admitting defeat. And that just isn't in your nature no matter how obvious your defeat ought to be. So either you're full of shit and this is some really half-assed attempt at trickery. Or something happened in order to break you."

"You really do have a convoluted mind..." He said with a shake of his head. "You're searching for contrived explanations for things that are staring you in the face. Baras wants you to be successful in your role, and I serve Baras. Whether you accept the truth or not is nothing I have control over."

"And you're deflecting."

"I answered with the truth. You and I serve the same master and he requires there to be no contention that interferes with his plans." He said with no circumlocution.

"That is only so long as *you* remain both useful, and loyal, Torsin. And besides, what makes you think that there is any... contention that'll interfere with his plans?"

"I will let him explain it to you since it appears to be a source you seem to trust." He replied.

"You're not making any sense, Torsin. Don't be cryptic."

"I am not being cryptic, I am intentionally not telling you anything that could be useful. If you'd like greater insight into my purpose and role in Baras' plans, then ask him. I won't be doing your footwork for you." He replied.

She sighed.

"I wasn't asking about how you figure into his plans Torsin. I already know that. I was asking you why you think there's anything interfering with his plans. Don't tell me, he's worried that my bullying will give you an inferiority complex."

He chuckled, "It merely takes a bit of self-reflexive thought on your part to see how you are fighting phantom enemies and straw-men that you set up for yourself; and your own self-destructive tendencies are getting in the way of accomplishing what Baras wants. Being willing to accept that your will is not Baras' may be a leap for one as self-absorbed as yourself, but I think it would be a useful exercise. I suggest frequent communication with Baras to ensure that you don't make too much of a fool of yourself and cause yourself unnecessary pain associated with incurring his wrath."