Darker Than She Dreamt

[Connor Harrison]

Bin Prime
Balmorra, Balmorra System​

Joon was getting the hang of navigating alone now, and from the events at Midvinter, decided to come to seek out those also sided with the darkness; a One Sith world flagged up as Balmorra would be a good starting point. It was close enough to reach without venturing too far into the core.

Landing outside a large industrial sector on one side and what looked like a busy residential complex on the other, skyscrapers and towers reaching to the sky that took her breath away, Joon sat inside the ship looking out.

She opened the channel that would identify her ship as belonging to Darth Ayra; hopefully that would attract some attention. Anyone akin to Ayra would be useful to listen to and learn – she wanted the Apprentice to one day take her title and become a Lord? Joon would find those to help feed her the knowledge to do so.

Drumming her fingers on the cockpit as she looked out over the other ships in the area and the flashing lights ahead in the buildings, she simply sat and watched the city thrive, not knowing anything about where she was or who she was in company of.

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

"Ahem... Inquisitor, we're picking up a new code clearance," Balmorra's control officer said, uncomfortable with the woman in all black and concealing mask in the command center. There was something about these new Inquisitors that set him on edge, and this woman was probably even more so than most. It was being unable to see her eyes that did it for him.

"And?" she asked, looking up from the console she had been regarding. She had arrived on Balmorra on the hunt for a Sith acolyte that had stolen something he shouldn't have. Apparently, stealing your master's prized lightsaber was only a good way to set a hunt for you. Her two free probes were out looking for traces of him, while she was here looking over security.

"It's an older code, registered to a Darth Ayra..." the officer said. The woman silent while she processed this information.

"Give them permission to land, I shall deal with this myself," the woman said, spinning on her heel and leaving the office, to the officer's quiet sigh of relief. He would transmit the permission to land in Sobrik on the surface and ponder what exactly that Inquisitor was going to do.

Using her mask's built-in readout, she quickly found the open channel from the ship that had landed out near the Sobrik Industrial Sector and started to make her way to the ship, grabbing a rented speeder in the process. Setting it on autopilot, she took her helmet off and switched her clothes to be something less obvious about what she might be.

 

[Connor Harrison]

The speaker crackled, and then died. It made Joon jump. Had she activated something by mistake? Shrugging it off, she decided to exit the Initium and have a look around, take in the air, see if it snowed here like Midvinter.

She pressed the button and pulled the lever to lower the landing ramp, and quickly made her way out in her casual attire - cream and black with the leather jacket - and one lightsaber inside the pocket. Her choppy hair and red strands blew across her face a little as she exited, and she slipped her hands in the pockets and started a slow walk around.

There was lots of tall buildings, taller than she'd seen and skylines up above carrying ships and transports in hypnotic fashion. Looking up in awe, she already felt she was benefiting being away from Ayra - she was free, making her own choices for once and doing things how she wanted. The Sith way would come in time, and it was something Joon knew she could master easily.

The "new confidence" however was something she didn't know how to control or relate to the real goings on of the galaxy, or the Sith Lords that stalked it.

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

As she finally reached where the ship was, she smoothed out her new clothes and made sure the Balmoraa governor's office lapel was visible. Acting as an emissary would be best here, to appraise the situation of what Darth Ayra might be doing on Balmorra. Getting out of the speeder, she carefully kept her Force presence concealed and started towards the ship. A younger woman with red hair was looking around the place with awe.

"Greetings from the Balmorra Governor," she said, keeping her blonde hair out of her face as the breeze kicked up. "Might I ask where Darth Ayra might be? This ship was transmitting her trasnponder and the governor wanted to make sure she was greeted properly."

The dark side was around this girl, interesting. Had Ayra sent an apprentice down to see if she actually would have a welcome group or was something else going on?

 

[Connor Harrison]

Joon jumped a little at the sound of the woman behind her, turning around and immediately checking her out from top to bottom; analysing her. Not aggressive, clothing to that of someone in office, respectable, nice smile.

”I’m sorry, you scared me!”

She walked forward.

”My name is Joon.”

NO – that is not your name for others to use.

She jolted, and shook her head.

”Well, no that’s my nickname. Sorry, please call me Justiciara. I’m here without Darth Ayra.” Deception was harder when faced with another human, the first in months. ”I’m here alone, she’s on business.”

The clone swallowed, realising the woman knew Ayra by her Darth title. Was she known around here? Was this a place she was in power?

”I’m sorry, I…this is new to me. I’m…I just wanted to look around at…things. Are you a friend of hers?”

Ayra wouldn’t be impressed by this lack of confidence now slipping away from Joon in the real world; alone.

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

An apprentice then... and fairly green at that if she had let slip information and a lack of confidence. She was dressed like a bureaucrat and the girl was already slightly flustered. Not showing her growing contempt for the redheaded girl, she hid it behind a pleasant smile and a bow.

"I am unsure how one would get Joon out of Justiciara, my lady, but if you say so," she said, straightening out of the bow. "I am not a friend of Darth Ayra, I'm merely just a representative from the governor's office, but she has been here in the past to facilitate several business deals with the Balmorran arms industry. We are quite famous for our droid work after all."

If the girl was alone, and inexperienced as she was, it might be possible to suss out details of what the reclusive Darth might be up to or at least what her recent actions might be.

"I admit myself curious, I don't meet many Sith, but why come here to Balmorra alone to sight-see, my lady?" she asked.

 

[Connor Harrison]

”I see,” she said, looking around.

How best to approach this? She didn’t want to divulge everything to someone not familiar with the Sith, but this was their world, right? And the office she worked in knew Ayra.

”Ok well I’m here to understand a little more of the Sith culture and ethics. Not just the sights. I’ve noted this is in Sith space so I’m starting here to fuel my interest in their group.”

She flicked the red strands of hair out of the way of her cheek.

”I’d like you to take me to the Governor, please. You can’t really help me.”

Again, another rash use of confidence misplaced and misunderstood.

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

"Unfortunately, the reason I am here, and not the governor personally, is that he is currently on a tour of the Balmorran Arms Factory and won't be returning to Sobrik for a few days," she said, putting on an apologetic expression. "I was asked to be of any help to your master, and by extension you, and I shall endeavor to make sure all your questions are answered."

She was learning about Sith culture and ethics... okay either extremely green in the ways of the Sith, or... perhaps things weren't as they seemed.

"While I am just a bureaucrat, I think I can answer some of your questions on what constitutes the culture of the One Sith Empire," she said, smiling. "Although, I must admit it is surprising your master hasn't taught you such things as she is a Lady in the empire. But, who am I to understand the thoughts of a Sith Lady?"

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a gentle sway, Joon sized up the official and shrugged dismissively.

”I don’t think you can help. I’m sorry. But then again, I’d like to know more about those who rule this Sith Empire. Is it a Lord, or a number of Lords? Do they operate differently from other Sith? I’ve heard so many conflicts between the Sith internally, I’m surprised they haven’t torn themselves apart.”

She glanced up at the sky for a second, a loud engine came overhead from a cargo ship with glaring yellow engines. It was like a gigantic metal beast, and it captivated Joon for a second.

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

"The One Sith Empire is currently run by a Dark Council, made up of several of the more powerful Sith in the empire," she said, an eyebrow quirking up as the girl asked if they operated differently to other Sith. The phrasing and context of the question seemed to suggest she didn't identify with the One Sith, or any of the other rising Sith powers in the galaxy, so what did that suggest?

"This was formed after a coup attempt by a Sith Lord killed the Emperor," she continued explaining. The usurper didn't have enough support to take power for themselves, but the Lords and Ladies as a whole decided a council would serve best as the new government head. Honestly, it is not all that surprising. While the One Sith claim to be united behind one ideal, the Sith Order itself, power struggles among them are common. It is the nature of the Sith to fight for power, for knowledge, for anything really... while those of us without the Force have to make do and survive as best we can."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Her explanation made Ayra’s concept of the Rule Of Two make sense at least, hearing it from an outsider. Sith Lords vying for power, tearing themselves apart and working after a coup to kill an Emperor? How dangerous. Ayra was very clear in Joon’s position that would come to be if she proved herself.

”Sounds…dangerous. Interesting how those wanting to be in power for one ordeal fight internally like children for who gets to have the most. This will bring them down from the inside; unstable and brittle, like a hollow pebble. Too much pressure and it explodes.”

With a smile, Joon shifted weight on her feet.

”What of the Jedi Knights? Are they active a great deal? Do they pose a big threat? I understand they are the enemy to ones like us. Them and the Republic soldiers.”

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

"It is always thus with large Sith empires," she said, putting in a carefully placed chuckle. "All except one instance of a Sith empire was just like that, infighting and power hoarding. I think it was the Rule of Two that attempted to stop this infighting, and of course, our founding tenants are from Darth Krayt's original One Sith empire. Just between the two of us, I think the current Sith just pay lip service to our founding ideals. Maybe we need a return to those days of just two hmm?"

It was tiny bait, just to see the girl's opinion, but her answer to that statement would be quite telling for her.

"As for the Jedi and the Republic, well... they aren't so much of a threat anymore," she said. "Just recently, the Republic was sundered by an invasion by our forces at the planet of Togoria. The Republic is a dying beast, limping along until we put it out of its misery. The Silver Sanctum Jedi are just content to stay in their corner of the galaxy... its the Galactic Alliance to the southern spinward side of the Core that is the true emerging threat to our empire's dominance."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Joon couldn’t help smile, turning into a grin.

Ayra was right – the Rule Of Two was the right way, and the way the Sith should be, and she had been chosen to learn, train and develop in the footsteps of founding Lords. As for the Jedi and Republic, it was nice to hear they were struggling forward, but disappointing to hear there were others waiting to take their place.

”I know the Rule Of Two. It sounds safe. It sounds right. And the Jedi and Republic are dying out? Well that’s good, and leaves more resources to crush the others trying to take over the galaxy, right? I’ve not heard of the Alliance of the Silver Sanctum. They sound…feeble. Run by idiots, fuelled by blind ego with a thirst for power and war.”

She chewed her cheek a second, heart starting to beat in some anxious excitement.

”Have you seen a Jedi in person? Do you know what they are like?”

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

"That just seems odd that your master taught you about that ancient Rule of Two and not about what the current culture of the Sith is," she said, laughing. Internally though, her mind was already starting to put together what this might be about. If she had first been taught about the Rule of Two, then Ayra must have deemed that more important than current beliefs. The girl has also mentioned having two names, and Justiciara sounded much more like a title for... a Darth. So did that parallel with the master's own thoughts? She would need to pick the brains of this apprentice more before she acted.

"Feeble is not a word I would sue to describe the Alliance or the Sanctum," she said. "They are far more dangerous than the Republic was. They aren't overblown and stagnant, trapped by inaction and incompetence. But no, I have never met a Jedi before. I'm a lowly bureaucrat, I'm lucky to have met even just you, my lady. So unfortunately, I can't answer how Jedi are like. Have you met any before?"

 

[Connor Harrison]

Quietly pleased, Joon nodded and looked at her feet for a moment.

”I know how the Rule Of Two Works, and how the ancient Sith works. I just haven’t seen anything of them in my life. I’ve been sort of, um, restricted in the ways of the galaxy so I’m trying to explore a little. Understand a little, you know?”

And she shook her head, looking back at the girl.

”No. No Jedi – actually, no, I have. Once, I think. Unless I dreamt it. I was lost in the desert world of Korriban and think a Jedi helped me, but…I can’t remember if it was a dream or not. He was like an alien, and spoke quietly. I’ve never them in my current state, but if I did I know I’d want to kill them. The Silver Sanctum and the Alliance won’t be trouble. The Sith are a stronger power than anyone comprehends – they just need to be shown some real power and suffer real loss. ”

She turned her head a little.

”What’s your name.”

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

"That must be interesting to have dreams that might mean something," she said, putting a look of longing on her face. "What I wouldn't give to have some sort of connection to the Force. It must be truly amazing, to have that sort of power at your fingertips. To have the chance at that sort of insight. Oh I would give anything to serve someone like that, someone who might be able to return the galaxy and the Sith empire to a thing of strength and security."

Another small hook and bait, see if the girl would bite or not.

"Oh, sorry, I really should have introduced myself," she said, bowing again and pretending to apologize. "Isa Valini, at your service my lady. I have to say, I'm curious what you mean by you were restricted in learning about the galaxy and the Sith. Is your master rather strict in what you learn or something?"

 

[Connor Harrison]

”Nice to meet you, Isa.”

Joon nodded, and started to feel superior, as if she was being viewed the way she had viewed Ayra at first on Duro.

”I should explain that I am a clone, part of a project bore from the genius minds of the Imperial Remnant. The JN Project,” she grinned a little, ”hence Joon, was to conceive Jedi/Sith hybrids, Force-born warriors to serve the Imperial Empire and strike at the heart of the Republic and fight the Jedi. However, I came to learn through a violent bombing raid that the Republic didn’t like the Imperial plan, and we were all but wiped out.”

She tapped her chest.

”Except me. I am the last of the JN project and I am carrying my sister’s legacy forward and will become something far greater than what they could imagine, and I will strike at the heart of the Jedi, be it Sanctum or Alliance based, and I will not stop for anyone or anything.”

Joon walked a little closer, and taking her hand out of her pocket she pointed at Isa.

”People without the Force made me, and they were the ones behind the project. Don’t underestimate what you can become if you put your mind to it, Force strong or not.”

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

"Oh my, I can see what you mean by how you were limited in your knowledge of the galaxy," she said. "Being trapped in a lab and unable to experience things must be terribly hard on you. At least you have your master to show you the true way things work in the galaxy, especially in regards to the enemies of the Sith."

A clone... how very interesting. It would definitely explain the girl's naivete in dealing with people, but it also meant another thing. The girl would be the ideal vessel to mold into what one wanted. An almost blank slate, just waiting to be freed and taught... and Ayra hadn't seen fit to teach the girl about the One Sith then.

"Well I thank you, my lady, for the vote of confidence... but without a powerful patron, I doubt I will rise above my current station," she sighed, pretending to reveal some disappointment. "I should say, I don't mind the position I'm in though. You learn a lot about the ins and outs of government when you are where I am. You get all the little secrets of your bosses and co-workers, the things that can control or manipulate people."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Joon nodded, and started to feel superior, as if she was being viewed the way she had viewed Ayra at first on Duro.

”You have valuable knowledge. Even more than me in many ways, so it’s not all about what you know, it’s who you know. I have faith you will find you way, as I have found mine.”

She smiled at the representative

”Hopefully one day I can be what I was created to be, and I will remember your name and this place and hopefully I can help you in finding your calling. I will be sure to mention you to my Master.”

[member="Eldaah Aderyn"]

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

[member="Joon"]

"It's always about who you know and what you know about them," she said, smiling as the girl made her pronouncement. All too easy, but then it wasn't too much of a challenge. "I have to ask, my lady, how exactly will you help me with my calling? I doubt your master will care all that much about someone like me. You might care about what someone like me has to say and knows, but aren't you just an apprentice? You probably need to challenge your master to have her help me or someone like me. I have never heard of a Master and apprentice dynamic that would have an apprentice challenge a master except for the Rule of Two."