Possibly a Tea Session

[Darth Veles]

Healthy competition – such was the thought crossing Avreet’s mind after his Jedi counterpart’s brief musing over the respect and admiration for their rivals. Not a word passed through the amphibian’s lips though, as his train of thought received a stop in form of a list of names and the valuable revelation of another order’s existence.

It came as no surprise that she had not encountered any other true Sith – a mixed blessing, and each name only reinforced Veles’ belief a proper and thorough purge was necessary. Hopefully this new group presented a step closer to all these animals ripping each other apart in their lust for power and blood. That’d be one amazing spectacle to watch from afar.

“No, I have not,” admitted the Sith, “Many new groups come and go. It is harder for one to keep track on all those splinter factions.” Although he sounded completely indifferent to the “Ren”, Darth Veles made a mental note to check them out later, just to see if the last two Sith should be concerned. As long as these people stayed out of his way and made no attempts to toss a wrench into his plans, Avreet’d return the favour and leave them alone. As of right now, their very existence meant little more than another shining beacon for Jedi and Light Side zealots to focus their gazes upon while real Sith did their thing in secrecy, more or less – that depended on the Prime Minister’s decision. The kind of decision that would be appreciated, but ultimately not required for one of the last Sith to proceed with his plans.

“Do you know anything more about them, Corvus? Are their methods similar to the One Sith?”

If they ever showed up, the Sith needed to welcome them properly – either with tea, or a stabbing hurt in their backs. Or maybe a special, poisonous kind of tea. The very thought of such dishonourable act went against much what Veles stood for, but experience had taught him to show no honour to those who lived without it; the Sith Lord definitely wasn't above cheating when it came to unworthy opponents.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus thought about the question. “They are largely unheard of. Three Dark-sided groups have emerged of late, all from the west. The Black Rose you know about. The Ren and another, broadly Sith group. Given my focus on the Republic, I have not given them too much thought, they have yet to challenge us and information about them is sketchy, and therefore I consider with a health dose of skepticism. I believe what I can see as a rule.”

“But we both know that the Force is rarely as simple as Light and Dark. We have more shades of grey than ever before. Dark Jedi fighting for the Sith. Against the Sith. Against themselves.” She shook her head. “It’s hard to keep up with as a rule.”

“And watch yourself. Putting all of your eggs in one basket, even a Prime Minister shaped basket, is rarely wise. You’d be wise to have a Plan B.” She smiled. “Which I expect you already have.”

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

One thing known about the Sith was that they always had a plan, often a long-term one surrounded by many with shorter lifespan, similarly to those involved in such schemes – the amphibious Sith Lord standing in front of the Jedi Grandmaster also found his mind occupied with several plots, considering the possible outcomes and options. Fortunately enough, the famous Jedi could not take a deeper peek into the Mon Cal’s head where all the secrets lied, locked behind the powerful Dark Side user’s will – though as of right now, no plan involved putting his eggs into [member="Geneviève Lasedri"], which was not to say Avreet would be above making the Prime Minister his new best friend. A particularly valuable asset, given the Republic leader’s power and influence, even if those aspects have been deteriorating due to the One Sith. Still, however welcome the Prime Minister’s cooperation would be, Veles did not need her. The Sith Lord believed – hoped – he did not need anyone. Way too many assets had turned into liabilities in the past, and the Sith Lord started to display more signs of ruthlessness as a result, quicker to dispose of ‘obstacles’ standing in his way.

“Ah, lady Raaf…,” the Sith sighed, remembering how Corvus told him about planning for success, “You know me. Even if the negotiation with lady Lasedri fails, I’ll gain something – one has to know how to turn a failure into success. But yes, you are right. The Prime Minister’s good will is not crucial.”

Some things better left unsaid hung in the air, all concerning Sith matters, and thus the Sith’s smooth voice seamlessly dove into another topic that offered an escape, yet connected to Darth Veles’ reason for being there.

“In case the Republic accepts my help, is there something a Sith can help the Jedi Order with?”

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded as Veles revealed that he did not rely totally on the Prime Minister. “I’ll not ask what your plan B is. Or C or D or E. Given your apparent skills, I suspect you have a few in reserve.”

“As to the Jedi?” She tapped a finger to her lips. “I have to say I’m not entirely sure there is anything you can help with. We have had a few join us with information that has proven useful. Others have offered to help on a more freelance basis but we’ve always declined. The enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend. The Republic? They are free to choose who they ally with and use. The Order tends to be a little less broad in its scope.”

“But if I think of anything, I will surely let you know. Just as you need to tell me if there is anything I can do for you.”

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

“I like to think we are not enemies, Grandmaster Raaf,” the amphibious assassin smiled, leaning against the wall behind him and keeping the sight on the raven-haired woman, “But I do understand – mainly the pressure your order would face if it worked with a Sith.” Unfortunately, not everyone was as open-minded and Jedi-like as this particular Jedi – certain groups of militant Light Side users (who often utilized the power of the Dark Side for one reason or another) would undoubtedly use Darth Veles’ presence as an excuse to attack the true Jedi Order. The same danger threatened the Republic in case Avreet made deal with the Prime Minister, a fact he realized all too well, knowing it would play an important part in the following meeting with Lasedri. Fortunately enough, the Mon Cal was in possession of many talents and techniques allowing him to shift all blame elsewhere.

“Aside from a healer or two to take a look at the tattoo, I don’t think there is anything I’d need, thank you.” A court nod of appreciation dangerously bordering on the forsaken bow was offered to the younger woman, but the Sith remained wary and did not go too far.

“Although there is one vital information you can share with me. If our roles reverse one day and you find yourself as my guest, I’ll introduce you to lady Zarrah; you have much in common. Do tell me, what vegetables do you like?”

From unusual to weirder - a captured Sith asking the Jedi Grandmaster what sort of meal he should cook for her.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled. “Not enemies? Maybe not in the killing each other on sight way. But we’re not on the same side, that’s for sure. Not entirely. Many Jedi would be surprised to hear I am here today. Even more shocked probably at what we talk about. But many Jedi now are more…militant. And a militant Jedi is an oxymoron in my opinion.”

His next question caught her off-guard, and she smiled. “I’m a salad kind of girl. But I can do vegetables.” She put a finger on her chin, clearly deep in thought.

“I can’t say I’ve ever tried a vegetable I didn’t like. They’re a bit like salad, just generally warmer.” She smiled. “I’ve started cooking for myself. Not much. Porridge. Omelettes. But it’s a start, right? So, are you the chef?”

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

Avreet laughed.

“Not exactly a chef, but yes, I am quite capable of preparing tasty meals. I can make a salad for you, though I strongly recommend giving my pureed veggie soup a try. My inspiration enjoys that one a lot; she is a vegetarian, you see, though if you'd like, I can make you a juicy steak.” He had almost called the beautiful red-skinned Togruta beauty his wife, but they were not there quite yet, no matter how inevitable it seemed at this point. As of right now, Darth Veles’s been married only to his work. Making a mental note to finally present the woman with a ring, possibly as soon as he saw her again, the amphibious Sith assassin cast an inquisitive gaze at the Jedi Grandmaster.

“Love goes through stomach, yes? It started as a way to please my heavenly queen and evolved into a hobby. Now I cook for myself, my love, my apprentice and everyone who happens to be my guest.” The Sith offered an explanation, almost as if trying to justify the hobby.

“What about you, lady Raaf? Is cooking a passion of yours?”

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened. His love had not diminished since the first time she’d met him — and she found that reassuring.

Love goes through the stomach? That was an alien concept to her. There was the time she put the ryshcate on… She found herself blushing and changed her train of thought.

Corvus saw food primarily as a necessity. She eaten in restaurants only a handful of times in her life and cooked on very few occasions — and simple food at that.

“I have possibly been cosseted. You see I eat almost all of my meals at the Academy. So someone else does the cooking. If I’m on a mission I tend to eat ration bars. No kitchen on board a ship. Or is that galley? Never mind,” she smiled. “And at my home on Tatooine? I eat salad, cereal and the occasional omelette. Not that I’m there often.”

“I have no hobbies as such. I rarely listen to music, I never go to social events, I have no days off, no holidays. I am a Jedi pretty much every minute of the day. But your interest in cooking intrigues me. Do you have any other pastimes?”

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

That was unexpected. Mostly, not completely, but it still surprised Veles to hear about the lack of Corvus’ hobbies. While the Mon Cal Sith remembered their meeting where Corvus had confessed into being too much of a Jedi and not enough of a person, the assassin did not expect that to be the case still, after all these years. Although exactly the same a long time ago, the Sith had grown from a cold killer filled with nothing but the Sith Code and his personal mantra into a living person with dreams, fears, interests and obsessions. For a short moment of silence that suddenly filled the cell, Veles tried to find the difference between himself and the raven-haired woman, the one responsible for this change. Was it the passion he allowed to flow freely through his heart? His thoughts drifted away and his gaze turned blank, absent-minded, despite still focused on the woman, though not really looking at her at all.

“Hmm,” he muttered, eyes blinking as his mind snapped into its more focused state again, “I do not know if one would consider it a hobby, but I greatly enjoy every moment with my queen. Whether we chat during breakfast, listen to music and sip from glasses filled with Corellian whiskey… we have been separated for long, so it is easy to get lost in the other’s presence and forget about the galaxy.” The Togruta and her amphibious lover also enjoyed many other activities together, things better left unsaid. The sheer amount of love between the two of them sometimes scared the Mon Cal; would he have enough strength to give her a good death if necessary? Quickly chasing the dark thoughts away, the Sith Lord tapped into the metal wall behind him with his webbed fingers.

“You know, lady Raaf, many Sith believe love to be a weakness,” the assassin started, sighing, “After experiencing love myself, I have to disagree. It is a strength. It is a weakness only if you make it one.”

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled. “I am a Jedi. First foremost and only. People in my life have to accept that, and thankfully they do. The day I can’t say this, is the day I have to stop.”

“I don’t mind the lack of interests. What you’ve never had, you’ll never miss I guess. I don’t have enough time for all of my duties, let alone finding time for other things.”

“Emotions? A strength or a weakness. Many believe Jedi are forbidden from having them. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are not devoid of them. But a Jedi should not act upon them – that is the key.”

“So I suspect, in a roundabout way it is similar for the Sith. If you allow it to govern decisions that make you vulnerable? It is a weakness. If it gives you strength and a sense of purpose? Then how can it be a weakness?”

“But I’ll say one thing. Show me a Sith that loves and I’ll show you a Dark-sider that cares. And that means they can be drawn back to the Light-side.”

She cocked her head to one side, keen to hear what Veles thought of this theory of hers.

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

Was it a hint about joining the Jedi Avreet had heard? Not like he did not appreciate the Jedi Grandmaster’s concern, quite the opposite – but as a staunch Sith, he did not believe in the Jedi ways or redemption. Following all the codes and mantras that continued to guide him through life, and also listening to his heart, he believed to be able to tell right from wrong. He did not see the need to be redeemed, never perceiving himself as a bad person; pragmatic, efficient, sometimes ruthless, but not cruel or outright evil as many of his former colleagues were. After walking the path of Sith for so many years, never knowing anything else, the amphibian simply felt no need to stop, to turn around.

“You are very much correct, my lady. Minus the Light Side part, of course.” The Mon Cal nodded, smiling slightly. “I suppose love is a motivator for me. It keeps me going forward even if I stumble. It gives me power to continue fighting. Yes, love is a strength in my case. Our case. My queen would say the same about me, her prince.” His gaze hardened, all sparks of love gone, replaced by a different sort of devotion.

“But I am a Sith. I…”

The sentence ended there and Veles’ eyes suddenly seemed more watery.

“I…!”

Despite the challenge it posed just to think about killing Zarrah if she ever became a liability to him, Veles always believed he’d be able to do it. Being unable to say it did not support that bold belief.

“I still do not understand what you mean by being drawn back to the Light Side. I have always been a Dark Side user, a Sith.” Hopefully it wasn’t too obvious the words originally almost rolling off his tongue were so vastly different.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus always enjoyed their conversations. Philosophy always interested her, and given there was never a right or wrong answer, the debate was always stimulating.

“Poorly worded. Many who use the Dark-side were not always evil. Once they used the Light-side or at least were not driven by the ideals of the Sith. Or Dark Jedi.”

“It’s a fair challenge. Can someone who has only ever known Sith ways change? Jedi can, so it stands to reason it works the other way around. It just needs the right stimulus. Being asked to do something that defies their internal moral code. To kill a loved one. To kill innocents.”

“Do you believe that there are Sith that can never turn to the Light or vice versa?” Her tone was light and conversational still. She was clearly enjoying the learning experience.

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

Veles nodded.

“Definitely, Grandmaster. Some Sith are so dependent on the Dark side that being separated from it equals death – another reason why it’s good to adhere to strong principles, to ensure one never slips that far. As for Jedi never falling to the Dark Side, yes, I believe that is also a viable concept. My recipe is very much the same – never, no matter what happens, go against your morals, principles, values, codes.”

The concept sounded easy, and for certain mindsets and mentalities the advice truly was easy to follow, trivial even. It had undoubtedly played its part in protecting the Sith Lord from the Dark Side’s poisonous corruption and its grave effects on one’s psyche. Unfortunately, trying to spread the idea of discipline and personal mantras through the One Sith was doomed to fail; not unlike attempting to stop junkies from filling their veins with more and more drugs bringing momentary ecstasy without a thought of consequences. Thinking of all the fools calling him weak, only to prove incapable of handling the Dark Side themselves had always filled him with malicious glee, despite the fact he was a rather sensitive being for a Sith.

“Arguably, there is a considerable chance of a Sith following strict morals turning to the Light, though it is not a rule. The principles I carry have guided my entire life and I certainly do not see myself as evil. I have used the Light Side many times, too, usually to heal another or myself. I value those I love and the innocents – but even after being asked to go against my mantra, I never did consider the possibility of joining the Jedi. Slaying the fool asking me to betray my own honour seemed like the best choice.” The amphibious assassin shrugged. But killing one, two, ten, twenty; there were hundreds of madmen and only one Avreet. Purifying the Sith Order on his own was a task far above his capabilities.

“How important do you think principles are, lady Raaf? Is it possible for Sith and Jedi to co-exist peacefully if both sides share the same or very similar values and morals?”

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened. She never tired of philosophical debates but by the same token, she didn’t hold much store in making much progress. The issues she found herself discussing had confounded Jedi for centuries. Perhaps this was intentional? The constant debate kept them honest to their ideals and ensured they didn’t take the Code for granted.

“I often wonder why the marked Jedi and Sith divide. There is nothing in the Code or the tenets or the pillars that references the Dark-side or the Sith specifically. There are ideals, yes. Philosophies, yes. But if a Sith lived by these rules, why would a Jedi seek to stop them?”

“I know someone who pre-dates the Sith, who had never met a Jedi until she met me. Such divisions are odd to her. She believes in good and evil, but no more. She quite reasonably cannot understand and does not necessarily believe that these polar opposites are the exclusive domain of each side of the Force. And, of late, I have to concur.”

“Tell me, have you heard of the Potentium? The philosophy, not the group.”

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

This time, Avreet did not let his curiosity get the better of him, opting not to ask about this mysterious being old enough to predate both Sith and Jedi, though it did leave him wondering about the means that had allowed her to live for so long. No matter the technology, waking thousands of years into the future had to be a depressing experience, especially considering what a terrible time it was to wake up in. Death suddenly seemed like the preferable alternative to longevity – could one even talk of longevity in this case? – and given Avreet knew exactly what came after death, the inevitable did not scare him. Spending the rest of his life and subsequently all eternity with lady Zarrah went hand in hand with the amphibian’s inner romantic. Forever together, as he had told his love.

“Yes, I have heard of them,” he nodded, his mind escaping from the beautiful dream that would be reality one day, “Their theory is very interesting. I suppose some of my beliefs follow along the lines of their philosophy. I do agree with their concept that Jedi are afraid to explore the full potential of the Force, forgive me for saying so. By afraid I do not mean the traditional sense of fear, more like the unwillingness to move past what is considered a taboo. In a way, the same could be said about the Sith – the, eh, other Sith, I mean. Just as Jedi refuse to delve into the secrets of the Dark Side, their counterparts outright deny the possibility of the Light Side having anything to offer to them. Anyone who seeks to study the Jedi ways is a fool.”

Such as himself, albeit the Mon Cal certainly thought to have good enough justification for the decision to be a wise one. Smirking, he leaned closer to the Jedi Grandmaster, his voice a whisper.

“Of course, Sith like me believe there is wisdom in learning from your enemies and rivals. Dismissing knowledge – that is foolish.”

Taking a step back, straightening himself, the Sith laughed and waved his hands to diminish the relevance of his words.

“Ah, forgive me getting side-tracked, lady Raaf! I think the Dark Side is no different from any other form of great power – how it affects one’s nature depends on each individual. Some wield it responsibly, respectfully, almost like a weapon; others get drunk on its promises and abuse it. Again, in my humblest of opinions, having strong morals and following good principles no matter what is a valid way of resisting the temptation.”

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened. “My interest in it was more basic. I wanted to simply explore the concept of good and bad. Of a Dark-sider such as yourself being good and a so-called Jedi being bad. Using the Dark or Light-side of the Force was not, for me at least, sufficient to dictate calling someone good or evil.”

“Using the Light-side to kill an innocent. Using the Dark-side to save one. When you say it like that, the notion of Jedi and Sith seems impractical.”

“I mean, I’d wager there are more Jedi doing good and selfless things and Sith doing evil and selfish actions. But the premise stands. Do not judge a book by its cover – or even how they use the Force. Judge individuals on what they do with the Force, yes?”

“And I agree about learning. As Grand Master I have access to Sith holocrons. Ones that weren’t destroyed mindlessly. Know your enemy as the old saying has it. Better than they know themselves – and then you’re really on to something.”

“I enjoy our chats you know.”

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

He agreed with a nod, though the warm expression he wore upon his face masked the waves of jealousy running through his body, the sudden influx of greed and lust for power. Sith Holocrons! Veles had never managed to get his webbed hands on them, save for the one made by Darth Zannah and only for a brief moment. He may have been immune to the lure of money and carnal desires, but definitely wasn’t above craving those little containers filled with ancient knowledge and power; on the other hand, unlike many of those who called themselves Sith, the Mon Calamari remained acutely aware of the danger each and every Sith Holocron posed. Weaker minds lusting for quick power usually succumbed to the lure of the Dark Side, taking the bait ad becoming crazed Dark Jedi. Some things were better left undisturbed, and although Avreet did not completely agree with such an important part of Sith heritage resting in the Jedi Order’s safekeeping, he ultimately preferred this option over the items passing from ne irresponsible owner to another.

“As do I,” the amphibious Sith replied somewhat slowly, his mind still occupied with Holocrons and desperately hoping Darth Zarrah would decide to create one as well, “And what I truly value is the unique relationship between us, lady Raaf. Hopefully it survives this conflict – and given we aren’t exactly enemies, we actually share an enemy, the probability is high.”

The cursed 0ne Sith.

“But let’s not get overly sentimental; I would like to hear more of your opinion on the One Sith. Do you think our enemies can be considered Sith simply because they wear the name? In reality they are only Force sensitive goons, a murderous rabble that cares nothing for Sith ways and traditions. Some of them even sell old artifacts! Murder is a sport for these lunatics – the Sith charade they play for the rest of the galaxy a mere excuse they don’t believe in, the Sith Code itself a bunch of words to be dismissed. Given all of that, I strongly feel calling them Sith is inappropriate.”

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus’ face flickered. A thought occurred to her. Should she share it? After a moment of indecision, she went ahead.

“I suspect it will be common knowledge soon enough, but our collection of Sith artefacts has, quite literally, gone to the four corners of the galaxy. Nobody knows how they disappeared, or where they went. Theft has been ruled out, but beyond that?” She shrugged. “Fortunately I saw enough to know what is on each one. Well mostly. The gatekeepers kept promising more in exchange for favours. But I’m not quite that foolish. Whatever they planned, it was never going to be nice.”

“And I too appreciate our relationship. We have some thoughts in common and as long as I don’t catch you committing mass murder? Well, your principles are sound enough to show many Jedi…and Sith…that there is more commonality than they would expect. Or perhaps want?”

“A debate for another day perhaps?”

“But 5to take you up on the One Sith? It is a name. They are Dark-siders and follow the Dark Lord. Does it matter what I call them? And given there have been so many variations of Sith through the ages, who is to say what is right and what is wrong. We Jedi are in a similar position. Marriages or no marriages. One Padawan or many. Serve the Republic or the Galaxy. Life is never, ever simple. You should know that.”

“I once was foolish enough to judge Jedi. Those that owned houses or corporations. Now? I try to look beyond the superficial. And I’m not suggesting your definition is shallow. Rather put across a point of view that such thoughts are a waste of energy. Energy better spent elsewhere I’d suggest.”

“No?”

[member="Darth Veles"]

 

[Darth Veles]

Gone? Precious artifacts mapping the history of his beloved Order, suddenly missing? The very thought infuriated him. To have such incredible power within reach and allow something like this to happen… but Veles stopped that train of thought before it had any chance of accusing the Jedi Order of incompetence. Surely they had done everything they could have – and it meant the Mon Calamari and his Togruta lady finally had a chance at claiming a relic or two, relatively undisturbed. Combining honeymoon and treasure hunting actually seemed like a fairly good idea, especially since the two lovebirds were both too action oriented to allow themselves an overly long relaxation, especially with Holocrons to find.

Neither he nor the red-skinned Sith Lady ever got into the whole genocide business and other pointless and counter-productive activities associated with the Sith Order due to certain groups and people. Indeed, the Sith Lord still thought them to be mere pretenders, false Sith, Dark Jedi wearing another’s cloak and letting the blood they spilled ruin it. This disagreement between the two was a known thing though; with the Jedi preferring not to judge and the Sith quick to brand particularly bloodthirsty and psychopathic Force users as Dark Jedi. Of course, due to misinterpreting the words that followed, Darth Veles did not continue down that line of conversation.

“No!” the somewhat startled Mon Cal stated, perhaps too firmly, but switched back to the calmer manner instantly, "Thank you, lady Raaf, but no."

He swiftly explained.

"I have decided to spend my energy on preserving the Sith and making lady Zarrah - hopefully my future wife - happy. If that means helping the galaxy with the Dark Jedi problem, I will. I really love Grima, you see. She is my role-model for a Sith. A standard."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Happiness. Who was Corvus to deny anyone, even a Sith.

“We will go our separate ways then, but I suspect oddly travel in parallel. Sticking to our beliefs. Preserving our Orders. We can do no more — but then — is there a need to? The only difference is that I’m looking to embrace our differences and work on unifying, whereas you’re hoping to kill off those that don’t agree.”

“The same outcome of sorts, and maybe your way is quicker and less stressful…” she smiled. “But not my way. Not the way of the Jedi. But then you know that, don’t you.”

She looked at the door. Their time together was always fruitful but time was pressing and she could not stay here indefinitely.

[member="Darth Veles"]