Applied Force

[Onrai]

Upon placing the collar around Lilla’s neck, it would inject the ixetal cilona into her system. If she had the ability to actively feel the presence of the Force, it would slowly dampen more and more until she was incapable of feeling the Force. “Well, that neutered the risk of a Force blowout. I am Vanessa Vantai, Sith Lord and in charge of this region of space. You will be remaining with us until we can... dispose of you in more suitable territory.” She replied.

“That and perhaps be useful for experiments.”

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla felt the collar around her neck, and moreover, felt something entering her body. There was a Jedi ability that allowed for the detoxifying of a poison as it passed in the host. There were two reasons Lilla did not use it.

Logically, there was no way of telling if the collar had some sensor built in to register if the agent being introduced was effective. The second was even more telling – Lilla did not know how to use the ability.

What she sensed was an odd sensation. Initially she wondered if it was some kind of drug to make her sleepy, as her senses were dampened. And then she realised that it was only one sense that was actually affected – her connection to the Force. Clearly the drug targeted that aspect specifically.

Lilla was – above all – a realist, a pragmatist. She always worked with what she had. It was a general failing of Jedi she met that they saw every problem as ‘Force-shaped.’ Whatever the obstacle, they saw the Force as the solution – even when there were better options available.

Lilla was lucky – albeit luck was a relative term. Raised on Tatooine as a slave, she’d been taught at the governess’s academy that produced spies and assassins primarily. She was adept at martial arts and all manner of tricks without the use of the Force. For if Jedi were sometimes foolish to rely too heavily on the Force, their enemies were equally naïve to consider a Jedi helpless without that connection.

Lilla smiled, not registering externally the fact that the drug had taken effect. “Thank you for your hospitality Lord Vantai and for welcoming me to your territory. It’s an interesting experiment you have going on here. I presume it’s top secret?”

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

“Of course.” She said, eying the Jedi with caution. “That said, spying on the Sith is something that, frankly, the average Sith would have killed you for by now.” Vanessa smiled, head turned away from the delectable morsel she had now acquired. “But I wouldn’t consider that to be a bad thing. I’ve always wanted to perform certain... experiments on a Jedi.” She replied. “Unfortunately they seem to have this nasty habit of escaping before I can determine just how effective those results could be. But not this time.”

Vanessa already had a plan for what she would be doing to Lilla. It would be nothing serious, certainly nothing as drastic as the Reborn project, or as the Darkheart project, but perhaps through this method, Lilla would taste of the darkness and one day succumb to its touch.

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla’s smiled never wavered. “Spying?” she repeated, her voice level and calm. “That sounds rather clandestine. I am piloting a craft that is clearly marked and was forthcoming with my name and affiliation. I was not aware that Sith space is restricted – but please correct me if I am wrong. So to presume my death is, I believe, a little harsh. I’m not saying it is not entirely possible – sadly Sith have a reputation for such acts, but I can only judge on what I find, and so far, you have been entirely reasonable.”

“But, to take you to task, I am unsure why you would consider me a prisoner. I am not aware of any laws I have transgressed – and we are not at war, are we?”

If Lilla was in any way worried or threatened, she did not show it, and if anyone had any skills of empathy, they would not detect a disposition that radiated anything but calmness and confidence. Naïve? Possibly. A deep faith in the Force? Definitely.

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

"You are piloting a craft that is marked in the colors of a faction deemed hostile to the Sith Empire. Your being forthcoming with your name and affiliation only further cemented that." Vanessa said. "This portion of Sith space is reserved for military use only - you are not Sith military, thus you are not authorized to be here." She said, sighing. "As is you are currently my prisoner for having violated the sanctity of Sith military space. Not to mention attempting to spy on Sith research and development. The question now is what to do with you." She frowned for a moment before perking up.

"I know just what to do. Helm, take us to Malachor V."

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla nodded as the Sith spoke. She made many valid points, and the young Jedi was in no position to challenge the facts of the charges – not entirely. Knowing she had zero to no bargaining power, she still spoke her mind, keen to show she understood the severity of the situation but also her willingness not to be intimidated.

“Piloting a craft showing clear colours is the exact opposite of espionage. By definition, spying involves covert activity and in plain clothes. By your own admission, these are not the facts. So maybe a prisoner-of-war?”

“Except we are not at war – not that I am aware of. The Republic Remnant has not, to my knowledge, attacked any settlement or military presence of the Sith Empire. But I could of course be mistaken, I am not politically motivated and serve as required. And I am not aware that any star chart clarifies this is restricted, military space. In fact, the moment I was challenged, I volunteered to come and see you, to clarify the situation.”

“And I would be delighted to accompany you to Malachor V, where we can resolve this situation amicably, I am sure.”

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

"Now, I don't recall having said 'espionage.'" She said, smiling. "That was your choice of words, not mine. Perhaps your acceptance of guilt is already starting to bubble to the surface. I sure hope so - that would be most fun." She thought for a bit. "There are Republic Remnant individuals who have committed hostile acts against the Sith Empire. I'd know - I've had to kill one of them." Alexandra Feanor's death still resided in the back of her mind. "Sith star charts dictate that this region of space is off limits to civilian traffic and all individuals belonging to other galactic powers." She responded.

Seeing that the Jedi was willing to do this, Vanessa motioned to the deck hand - it was time for them to jump out and head to her laboratory. She had some things that needed to be done to her captive.

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla returned the smile. “You said ‘spy.’ Which owes its roots to an ancient language. And from the same language, we have come to use a different word but with the same root. It means ‘the practice of spying or of using spies’, typically by governments to obtain political and military information. And that word is espionage. So, it was not truly my choice of words, but yours. Therefore, no acceptance of guilt, as you wrongly assume – but an attention to your own description of my activity.”

“I’m sorry if that disappoints or weakens the argument you were hoping to build.”

“And I cannot condone nor confirm the act of any individual within the Republic Remnant – and I have to admit, I do not have access to Sith star charts. I suspect that having them would be an act of espionage, no?”

Her tone suggested she was not toying with her captor, nor enjoying the verbal sparring – but rather simply sharing facts as she knew them. “So, unless you have any more question, I can see you’re keen to make a move. Please…lead on.”

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

"Wow. You really are the politician when it comes to wordsmithing." Vanessa replied as they would soon enter the laboratory. "Details of regions within Sith space, including quarantined areas and secure military space, are located on publically accessible Sith star charts. We're not going to lie to you and claim you're in secure space when you aren't." She answered as they would soon move forward, the Jedi being taken to a holding chamber on board the laboratory of the Ablution.

"Soon, Miss Syrin, we will see how things turn out." Once escorted into the holding chamber, a force field would activate, for now sealing the Jedi shut within it as she tinkered with a knob on the control panel for the chamber.

"If it's worth anything, I have no intention of permanently holding you. That would be... well... counterproductive."

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla’s smile never wavered. “The truth is the truth,” she responded. “I am merely sharing what I heard and what I understand. Clarifying any misconceptions. And I humbly apologise if my mission brief was not updated to include the fact that this sector was off-limits. For that oversight, I am as culpable as those that directed me here.”

“So, I repeat, I am your guest until this oversight on my part is resolved and I make whatever reparations for my misdemeanour as it reasonable and proportionate.”

Lilla allowed her captors to place her in the holding cell and for now, did nothing. Time was always her greatest ally – apart from the Force of course. The passing of time always presented options and opportunities. Rushing never achieved anything. It was one of the Jedi tenets, after all.

Although not being able to meditate whilst she waited felt odd – unnatural even.

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

“Oh, don’t worry.” Vanessa smiled as she seemingly cuddled with the cell controls - in reality she was stalling for time so she could talk a little longer before engaging the slow introduction of sleeping gas. “The reparations you make will be received, but I’m not going to extort you. Heaven forbid.” She was more thinking of extorting a bit of Lilla’s natural light.

“Tell you what. I’m willing to let you go without providing me anything so long as you let me perform one simple experiment on you.” She said. “I’m not going to take a limb off, or splay you open, or torture you.” She replied. “It’ll be very short and sweet. I promise.”

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla considered the offer. It was short, it had that in its favour. But it lacked any detail, which was definitely a demerit.

"I am not worried. My fate is already sealed. One day I shall die and join the Force. It is the way of things. Even those that live for centuries die eventually. It is unavoidable. So, given I have no attachments, I am not afraid to let go of anything. Even life. Would I prefer to live? Of course. Once dead, I can do no good. But I readily accept I shall die one day - just the date is to be confirmed."

She smiled. "Maybe today is that day? I suspect I am not in any position to determine that. I shall therefore accept my future with the serenity that befits a Jedi. So, do I agree, which is the part you've no doubt been willing me to get to. Will I accept an open ended commitment in return for my liberty? The short answer is no. Not willingly. If you are prepared to share more of what you have in mind, we can discuss the terms. If you're agreeable, that is."

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

"Today isn't going to be that day if I have anything to say about it." Vanessa replied. "I only kill when there is a purpose or a need to kill. There is none with you." She answered. "Essentially, I would like for you to become a host to a creature I have developed." Vanessa stated. "And I would of course prefer that this experiment to see what happens when said creature is placed within a host be performed with the association of the patient, rather than me having to just do it. Not particularly a fan, especially given the increased levels of cortisol that can alter test results." She sighed.

"I can assure you that the creature will in no way, shape, or form hasten your demise." She said. "I am interested in potential short and long term effects of you hosting it, however."

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

“I’m pleased to hear it,” Lilla responded. Death was inevitable but not to be wished for. She suspected the woman she faced was a Sith that followed a Code. Not all dark-siders did – many killed for nothing more than pleasure, or because they could. She’d studied many iterations of the Sith through the ages – and the concept of ‘purpose’ was a common one – albeit not an entirely consistent one. She would not be killed today for sport, or even because she was an annoyance. But if her death served some greater purpose – to end a threat, or to send a message, Lilla knew she would not be spared.

“I have no desire to host a creature to further your experiment. And I appreciate your statement that my co-operation is not required – but I still choose to withhold it. Not to ruin your research you understand, but because complying serves me no purpose.” She emphasised the final word.

“I’m sure you can understand that perspective.”

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

Vanessa sighed. She honestly and legitimately frowned, having hoped the Jedi would have at least been able to do what needed to be done and provide herself some reason to make this experimentation something both parties could conclusively agree upon. Slowly but surely, she began to turn on the anesthetic gas, intending to quietly put the woman to sleep and keep her in a state of unconsciousness until Vanessa’s plans for her were complete.

“In that case, I can only say that I’m sorry it came to this. When you wake up - and you will wake up, as I have no reason to kill you - you may feel a little bit different. I’ll be sure to explain everything to you once things have been completed.”

It was going to soon be time to figure this out.

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla closed her eyes, resigned to whatever the woman had in store. Lilla was, above all, a pragmatist. She had no access to the Force, had no weapons, was locked in a cell that was no doubt very secure, and – despite no access to the Force – sensed she was beginning to feel a little drowsy.

Lilla had never been subject to anaesthetic – or been drunk – so the feeling was entirely odd to her. It was entirely unnerving and uncomfortable, but given she suspected it was intentional, she reconciled herself to whatever was going to happen to her next.

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

When Lilla would wake up, she would find herself in a bed, wearing a medical smock. Her belongings were in a sealed strongbox on the other side of the room, and the collar still remained around her neck. Vanessa would come into the room, a smile on her face. "Congratulations - it worked flawlessly. You are now host to my latest experiment, and I'm eager to see what potential side effect there may be from this particular alchemized construct."

What Vanessa had done was essentially give Lilla heartworm - that is, she had removed a small portion of the woman's heart tissue and grafted into it a small alchemized creature intended to exude Sith poison directly into the Jedi's bloodstream. A bit of skin rejuvenation and charring the cleanly cut tissue together allowed for minimal physical impact - in fact, she looked quite normal.

"So how do you feel?"

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla was not the most intelligent person in the galaxy, not even the smartest Jedi. But simple deductions were within her capabilities.

Waking up, feeling slightly groggy, the medical smock? Clearly she had either been examined or had been the subject of a medical procedure. Or both, of course. But she could feel no pain and could sense nothing with the Force, so her deductive powers only brought her so much information.

Fortunately, her captor gave her the information she needed to know. Something had been implanted into her. If she was released, Lilla would head to the closest Jedi facilities and find out what foreign object she was now host to.

Lilla wondered how much more the Sith would share. “No pain, if that’s what you mean. I’m unsure what else I’m supposed to feel?” Her voice was level, no hint of anger or frustration — not because she was a model Jedi, but because she felt no emotions, or rather none were communicated to the part of the brain that acted upon them, so she was — to all intents and purposes — an emotionless individual. She was told it would hold her back, her inability to understand such tings would make her seem cold and aloof. She was sure it did, but it was the price she paid for keeping her natural tendencies in check.

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

"Well, I was hoping perhaps for some sort of reaction given the minute amount of Sith Poison that should be coursing through your blood right now." Vanessa sighed. "The fact that nothing's happened likely means my experiment has failed again. Just like the others. At least your heart isn't leaking blood. That's always a good thing." The integrity of the heart, and how well the creature was integrated into its flesh, was exceedingly important - further corruption of her tissue could only take place if they were in fact properly melded together.

"So, after a good meal, I'll be letting you head back to your little region of the galaxy." She said. "With your droid, your ship - even your personal belongings, including your lightsaber. Consider it a courtesy from a Sith who would rather see such a scrumptious morsel alive than dead. Particularly one with so much... potential." She smiled.

[member="Lilla Syrin"]

 

[Lilla Syrin]

Lilla listened and chose not to react. Was it an intentional slip, to tell her what precisely had been done to her? Given the level of attention to detail to hide any scar tissue and visible signs of any surgery, Lilla suspected that whatever she was hosting was significant. And up until now, it would have been like looking for a needle in a haystack - but now she knew it was Sith poison she was seeking, and it was in her heart.

Assuming this was not a deception of course. Or even a double-bluff. Regardless, Lilla would be able to explain what had happened, what she was told, and let the Jedi Healers take it from there.

And Lilla wondered what sort of reaction the Sith was expecting. Lilla was not familiar with the poison, or its effects, so had no way of telling if she was feeling any influence or not. She didn't feel unwell, so that was something at least. Given her prone position, Lilla was in no fit state to bow to the Sith. Instead she said, quite simply, "Thank you. I've no experience of Farseeing, but something tells me we'll be meeting again one day."

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]