The Dark Academy on Korriban

Sylvain stirred as his holopad began buzzing with an urgent alert. These kinds of notifications were rare enough that he did pay attention to it.

Putting the device on his chest to watch the incoming message, Sylvain rubbed his eyes to bring them into focus.



Each passing sentence drove a bolt of alertness into Sylvain. There was no possible way that this was happening. When the fate of his father was announced Sylvain froze in place for several seconds. His mind blanked out the following few seconds of audio input.

Minister, Aramis Torsin has been murdered.... Murdered....

Sylvain stared into the face of Baras as it poured out his smooth and heartfelt presentation of the facts.



An uncontrollable rage began to fill Sylvain's chest. He glared at the face of Baras until it disappeared from his screen.

Not possible... No witnesses... Republic saboteurs my ass...

Picking up his communicator, Sylvain inserted the number for his mother's device and waited in silence.

A woman’s voice answers, the head servant of the house. She answers with, “Master Sylvain, your mother is resting. You… I hope it is not out of line to say that I am saddened.”

There is a pause and tears and she adds, “I am really sorry.”

"Thank you, Shore. Father was a combatant all his life. Giving his life for the Empire was what he always aspired to do." He said with a practiced poise and grace.

"Would it be alright if you took the communicator into mother's room? I'd very much like to see her face if she is resting."

“Of course master.”

There is a moment of silence and then the holo display comes on and there is his mother standing in mourning dress. Emotion drained from her so she can be poised and proper.

“Son, thank you for calling,” she says calmly.

"I would be remiss not to. What can I do to help? Shall I come home for the funeral?" He asked with a matched calmness.

“No, your training comes first. I just finished speaking with Darth Baras, he will be among the honored speakers for your father. It is strange to think… never mind. I need to stay focused on your work. We cannot show weakness,” she says calmly.

"Strange to think what mother?" He asked.

“That your father is gone,” she says honestly.

He nodded, "I spoke with him just this morning... It is indeed quite strange to now not be able to expect him to answer when I call."

He then asked, "Did the Army send over the details of their resolution of the incident?"

“I just discussed them with Darth Baras, Republic agents posing as diplomats from an Outer Rim world were able to infiltrate your father’s security. This was part of a larger plot, apparently they had help from several high up Moffs. Some of them your father’s closest allies. It must have been months… years in the planning,” she says closing her eyes.

“Darth Baras is rooting out the saboteurs, I would not believed it had I not seen the evidence.”

"Only members of the military were implicated in the attack?" He asked.

Then quickly, "The Serasai?"

“No, at least we can trust them. Moff Serasai has taken command of the fleets that had their command removed. I was relieved to learn that,” she says letting her stance relax ever so slightly.

"There were no non-military individuals implicated in the operation though?" He asked again.

“Well reports are too early to tell, I will keep you apprised as I hear of them, I have to go my love, I am needed,” she says stoically.

Sylvain nodded, "Don't press yourself too hard mother. I don't want to bury both my parents in the same day. Be responsible.... like father would ask of us if he were here."

“I don’t have time for weakness,” she says and then the call ends.

There is an incoming call at his desk terminal.

Sylvain answers the call, "Yes? Sylvain here."

“Young Master Torsin, you have my condolences. I want to be the first to reach out to you from the Academy and the Sith. Some say that we Sith are heartless, but that would be the farthest thing from the truth. We feel more deeply than any can know,” he says solemnly.

“You father was a friend, and I mourn his passing. You my permission if you wish to return to home to honor him.”

Sylvain bowed his head slightly in thanks, "Thank you Lord Baras. You are most kind to reach out to offer your kind words. My father was a loyal servant of the Empire, and he would wish for me to become the same. He has never allowed me to partake in advantages that come from his position. Thousands of the Empire's servants die across the galaxy every day, but their sons are not granted an exception to put off their duties. I would be a terrible example of my family if I prioritized my own family over the needs of the Empire."

He looked into the monitor with a steely resolve, "I thank you for your address. Truly, we must unite together and crush the perpetrators of this attack. Is there anything I can do? If it be by example or official comment I would be happy to present a proper face to the Empire."

“Darth Baras, aspirant,” he corrected lightly.

“Yes, speak to me in the morning and e can draft an official address by the son of Torsin. It would go a long way to appease the fears of the people,” Baras replies calmly.

"Gladly, Darth Baras."

He then looks with angry eyes to the monitor, "Are the details of the attack... available to look at? I would like to know who was foolish enough to betray the Empire and my father."

"We can look them over, in the morning. Together," Darth Baras replies before the call ends.

After the call ends Sylvain remained seated looking at the screen. It was as if the moment Baras called himself 'Darth' was scorched into either is terminal screen, or his own retina.

I will kill you...

Sylvain brooded in the dark side as he felt it coursing through his body.

Maybe not tomorrow... But someday.

You will pay for your lack of foresight. Your betrayal against the Empire will stand as a symbol for all future generations.

Finally letting out a breath he said aloud.

"You will die."

There's a new call incoming on Sylvain's communicator.