Darius tapped his finger against the datapad on his desk, the rhythmic motion an unconscious reflection of the thoughts swirling in his mind. Chin in hand, his sharp gray eyes focused on the door with a distant intensity, awaiting the arrival of Diarch Reign. His thoughts were, by his standards, unusually scattered—a sign of just how monumental the proposal on the table was.
The idea of a clone army was as intriguing as it was daunting. So many unknowns loomed over the project, and without the support of Kamino, it might seem laughable to the uninformed. Yet, the Diarchy had a spark of hope—a name that carried both promise and danger:
Syoh Po.
Darius's thumb brushed over the datapad, activating a holographic projection of the Kaminoan geneticist. The image shimmered in his office, casting a cool blue glow across the polished surfaces and reflecting in his calculating eyes.
Syoh Po. Exiled from Kamino for her rogue experiments. Perfect for their program. Or perhaps, he mused, perfect was the wrong word.
Her reputation was both an asset and a liability. She was a pioneer, unshackled by convention—a brilliant mind willing to push boundaries. But she was also a wildcard. Her exile from Kamino had been well-earned, her proclivity for bending the rules and defying authority the very traits that made her both a solution and a potential threat. Loyalty, after all, was non-negotiable in the Diarchy.
The soft chime of his monitor interrupted his thoughts, alerting him to the Diarch's presence. Darius casually swiped the datapad, dismissing the hologram, and rose to his feet. He adjusted his suit jacket with a deliberate, practiced motion, ensuring his appearance was immaculate. As the doors hissed open, he stepped around his desk, datapad in hand, his demeanor composed and authoritative.
"Diarch Reign," he greeted with a respectful bow, the kind that conveyed both deference and professionalism.
"You'll be pleased to know that the initial stages of construction on Orinackra are proceeding without issue." His tone was polished, formalities slipping effortlessly from his tongue.
"But, of course, we both know that is not the reason for your visit." Darius’s lips curved into a faint smile as he held up the datapad and placed it on the table before activating the hologram once more. Syoh Po’s image returned, her lithe Kaminoan form rendered in glowing blue light.
"Syoh Po," Darius began, stepping aside to give Reign full access to the information displayed.
"Born on Kamino, an expert geneticist, and ultimately exiled for rogue experimentation." His voice carried an undertone of intrigue as he gestured toward the data. "Po was branded a rogue after attempting to engineer superior genetic beings. The familiar tale of progress stifled by the bureaucracy of morality."
His disdain for the concept was evident in the way he spoke those last words. Too often, progress was chained by fear—by small-minded individuals unable to see the bigger picture.
"After her exile, she formed her own underground cell," he continued, pacing slightly as he spoke.
"Unfortunately, it’s been a waste of her talents. Black market child's play: arms dealing, bioterrorism, and other pursuits that reflect a lack of proper resources and direction. She’s been operating well below her station."
Darius paused, his sharp eyes flicking toward Reign as if to gauge the Diarch's reaction. He had often wondered how he himself might have fared in the underworld. But arrogance—and an innate sense of destiny—had always kept him above such petty ventures. He was meant for more, and the Diarchy had proven that.
"Her last known location is Daiyu," he added, his tone shifting slightly.
"A fitting place for someone working in the shadows. It’s chaotic enough to mask her operations and secluded enough to keep her out of the reach of Kaminoan authorities—or anyone else, for that matter."
Darius clasped his hands behind his back, giving Reign a moment to absorb the information. The data was thorough, as always, but this was no small decision. He wondered if he should voice his own reservations—her instability, her ambition, the risks she posed. Yet, Darius was not employed for his opinions. His role was to gather intelligence, to present the facts, and let the Diarchy's leadership decide.
Still, the hint of ambition in his stance was unmistakable. This was his arena, his domain, and he had brought a solution to the table that no one else could. With Syoh Po’s expertise and the Diarchy’s resources, they had the potential to rewrite the rules of war—and Darius Vex intended to ensure that potential was realized.
Diarch Reign
Darius Vex
Darth Nathrax
Syoh Pa
