The Dark Academy on Korriban

Slyvain walked down the corridor with his datapad opened up to his notes from Lord Savas' lecture from the night before. He'd awoken early and began diligently to pour over the things he had studied as he moved to and from the mess hall in the morning.

Hearing footsteps approach him from down the hall Sylvain looked up to see the face of Lord Baras. Trying to remain cool he put the datapad down to his side as the two people drew near to each other in the hallway.

“Acolyte Torsin,” Lord Baras says as he dismisses an Imperial aide.

“Recite for the Sith Code.”

Sylvain stood at attention and bowed, "Yes Lord Baras."

"Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me."

He replied with crispness and clarity.

Baras stands silent and then says, “Explain the meaning of Through Strength, I gain Power.”

"One must continually test themselves against challenges worthy of their skills. Through confronting and overcoming each challenge that is put in one's path, the individual develops capacities that increase the way that they can influence the world around them. It allows them to exercise power over others, and opens new avenues and abilities that give them more tools solve increasingly numerous and difficult obstacles. This is only possible to those who repeatedly test themselves by exerting physical and mental 'strength'." He said, describing it the best way he new how.

“And do you believe you have lived up to your words? Where does loyalty lie on your spectrum?” he says calmly.

He nodded, "For my part sir, yes. I have sought to challenge myself in any way I can to push myself to greater heights."

Then added, "For me loyalty is imperative sir. The code does not end merely with power. Power in and of itself is not the aim. Power utilized for the strengthening of the Empire is the only thing that will push not just us individually, but our entire society to greater heights. To betray the ultimate destiny of the Empire for the foolish individualistic aspirations of the day is a sign of weakness, and a lack in one's ability to critically think about the challenges that confront them."

He then finished, "To do the same things that led to our destruction in the past and expect different results is faulty thinking."

“You would be surprised at how many Sith seem to think otherwise, or maybe not so surprised. Our Empire is the greatest power in the Galaxy but if selfish ambition is allowed to dominate our politics its full potential will never be realized.”

Baras says with a critical eye, “Your father understands this point well, good to see his son does as well.”

Sylvain nodded appreciatively, "And I am glad there are members of the Sith like yourself who feel so as well. My father has spoken highly of you for quite some time now Lord Baras."

He then asked, "I have heard that it may be true that you are looking for an apprentice... if such a thing were true, what is it you are looking for that would aid you in your duties sir?"

“Loyalty unto death,” Baras says calmly.

“Though I have no need for a lapdog, I need a very certain set of skills and when I find them I shall know. I have a few candidates in mind, are you aspiring for consideration?”

"I am interested in the possibility, yes. I also want to be of use, being a simple lackey is not what I have in mind. I have dedicated myself to interpersonal excersises of power and negotiation. Strategic applications for increased internal efficiency would be another point of emphasis. Knowledge of our enemy and possible means of exploiting those weaknesses is also a point of interest."

He paused, "Are any of those skills what your current situation requires?"

“We shall see,” Baras says.

“Have you had a chance to speak with your father since you arrived, I hear he was here some weeks ago. A shame I was busy.”

"I did, briefly." He replied.

“And how is he, I saw your mother a few months ago at the Imperial Officer’s Formal Dinner on Ziost. A pity she has been absent from the public recently,” he says.

"He was doing well." He replied.

"Mother has been quite busy as of late. My coming of age ceremony and dealing with possible suitors has kept her occupied."

Sylvain did not know whether or not to trust this man and he would not betray his father's confidence.

“Marriage, so soon?” Baras says looking at the man carefully.

He shook his head, "With noble families these things are arranged long before they take place. House Torsin has been present since the foundation of Kaas City. Understandably members work to ensure their perpetuation, and these things take time."

He answered firmly, "My only present concern is to my duties here and then to any master who chooses me for an apprentice."

“Thank you for the brief education on unimportant Imperial affairs,” he says calmly.

“Will you manage the needs of your household and the demands of the Sith?”

"For now the matters of the Sith are my only concern. When my father dies sometime in the future, I will become responsible for both. Hence why a quality spouse would be crucial for my house." He replied.

"And I will see to it that I do not fail when that day comes."

“The Empire will have need of good men like you, your focus does you credit,” Baras says calmly.

“I would keep an eye on the Little Wrath, she has potential. If you seek to serve a great Sith she could be an obstruction to victory.”

"Aspirant Serasai sir?" He asked. "In what way?"

“No, the other one, the jumped up slave with the black lightsaber,” he says calmly watching the man carefully.

He notes the name though.

"Layne Hoshin. Sorry for my confusion, the nicknames fly around this academy with little intellectual rigor."

He nodded, "She is indeed quite dangerous, and is gaining fame quickly."

“I make no judgments.”

“Keep an eye on her and give my best your mother and relay that I look forward to seeing her when you become Sith,” Baras says.

"I will sir. Thank you." He said and bowed.

"If you are ever in need of assistance I would be willing to help."