The Broken Princess

[Darth Shadow]

Corellia

"And this is the executive study, Mr Le'vert," the estate agent said. He was fawning in the way that only a man hoping for a fat commission could.
"Very nice. Please continue," Quoll Le'vert invited.
"Well, as you can see here, the villa comes with its own state of the art entertainment room. This here is a-"
"Yes, very good," Le'vert interjected smoothly. "Tell me about the sellers. Why are they vacating this piece of prime real estate?"
"I believe they are moving to Naboo, sir."
"Interesting. Well, I am pleased by what I see. I will be moving in immediately. My lawyers will be contacting you to settled the deposit."
"But sir, you can't move in just-" the agent began.
Le'vert turned and fixed a piercing gaze. "You are happy with my suggestion. You will work with my lawyers to get the deposit processed today. You are very happy with my offer."
Then she smiled as if nothing had happened. "I hope that clears that up?"
"Yes, yes of course. Thank you, sir."
Le'vert smiled. The day was going well indeed.

 

[Cora Passek]

Corellia...

It was a new dawn, a new day. For once Cara wasn't really concerned with her business, for bounties. Those It were the furthest things from her mind. Things had been different lately, she'd been blacking out more, waking up in strange places, not knowing where or how she got there. For the life of her, she couldn't figure out why or how it had been happening. Normally in her past, drugs or alcohol had been the sole source of her problems, but that had long ago been set aside.

Sighing she was actually just sitting down to dinner at a small fine dinning restaurant and deciding what her meal would be this evening. At least maybe for today she could enjoy sitting down to a fine book, reading a little bit, and maybe forgetting about the simple fact that she kept blacking out, more and more frequently now.

[member="Darth Shadow"]

 

[Darth Shadow]

[member="Cara Sampson"]
Said fine dining restaurant, by bad luck or by the Force, was also occupied by Mr Quoll Le'vert. The old man sat in a window table, looking out on Coronet's Treasure Ship Row.
To the ancient Sith Lord it was all...disgusting. These people, so unguided and purposeless, like ants. He was not sure exactly what or if he could do to change it. The Force had not worked in the Sith Lord's favour recently. Following rumours of the return of his old associate Darth Kyros, he had gone there, only to find nothing. He'd been forced to disband his crew and scuttle his ship. However, he had come out of it very wealthy, and thus had settled down on Corellia to await further developments.

Something was nagging him, a presence in the Force. Turning, he scanned the room with the Force, finding little of interest until a second pass found a Dark presence lurking around a blonde girl at a nearby table.
Curious. Is she a Sith in hiding? A rogue Jedi? Or someone who doesn't know their power?

Aware that lurking in bars and restaurants to attack people was a tactic he had always disdained with Kaelin, he nevertheless began to plot means of doing so whilst he waited for his entree

 

[Cora Passek]

[member="Darth Shadow"]

The blonde flagged the waiter down as she finally came to her choice for the evening. "Nerf steak, medium rare, and a salad. I'll also have a glass of wine." Spoken quietly. Watching him leave, she found herself glancing around the restaurant, there was a feeling she couldn't quite shake that someone was watching her. Cara had always been the paranoid type and that had never really changed.

A shiver raced down her spine and the blonde did her best to shake it off as she reached for her book. Pulling her bookmark out, she leaned back crossing her legs beneath the table. However, as she did so a small spike of pain raced through her mind like lightning. Slowly she reached up, rubbing at her forehead to try and soothe the pain. The headaches had been getting more and more frequent, little did she know the source, an ancient evil that was only just beginning to stretch it's legs and try and gain dominion over her mind and body.

 

[Darth Shadow]

[member="Cara Sampson"]
The Sith Lord could appreciate the finer things in life, and so sipped his wine, and ate the small meal he had ordered. Civility was all to him, and he was not going to try and grab the girl here. No, he had other means.
Thus, he turned his attention away, paid his tab and left.

When he'd returned to his villa he contacted a shady individual he had been referred to and sent over a detailed description of the woman in the restaurant. He wanted to know everything about her before he made his move.

 

[Cora Passek]

Quietly Cara read through her book, paying little mind to anyone at all in the restaurant.

The shady individual would find simple information at first, her work with the Atrisian Empire, Imperial Ship Works and her own personal company, Sampson's designs. But if the individual dug deep enough, it could be found that first known appearance of Cara Sampson appeared some three years ago. A false cover. The similarities were there, her line of work, injuries, to a one Cora Passek, a known criminal. Further more, there were connections to be had to Siobhan Kerrigan, as it seemed Miss Sampson was looking for business dealings with Siobhan, and had at least slept with her once if not more. There would be mention of a few shady dealings with Siths, mostly her stirring up trouble but not much more than that. And a few instances of her showing up in hospitals after blacking out for seemingly no reason whatsoever.

Cara finally paid her bill and slipped out of the restaurant, heading off for a luxury hotel for the evening. Checking in had been a lengthy process, as she had certain slightly paranoid requirements, no windows, close to the exits, away from elevators. Quite picky, for her own safety given recent events one couldn't blame her too much. Being nearly kidnapped had a way of doing that to you.

[member="Darth Shadow"]

 

[Darth Shadow]

[member="Cara Sampson"]
The Sith Lord received the man’s report quietly. He did not meet the operative, did not need to. He had everything he needed to on the datapad before him.
“Is there anything I can get you, sir?” his protocol droid asked.
“No. Leave me,” he said. The Sith Lord preferred droids as staff. They asked less questions, and no one cared much if one ended up in the junk with electrical damage!

Carefully he reread the report. “Samson Designs, yes?” he asked himself. “And there she is, Siobhan Kerrigan. Shouldn’t be surprised, no….”

The Sith Lord thought for a moment and sent a message to Miss Cara Samson requesting an appointment with her regarding a ship design contract.
Quoll Le’vert was a rich man, and him inquiring about ship designs would not seem strange. He invited her to come to his villa when it was convenient.

 

[Cora Passek]

Cara's datapad beeped, startling her from her thoughts as she lay on her bed watching the holo drama. Rolling over onto her stomach, she scanned through the email quickly, her brow furrowing for a moment as her interest was growing. It was a potential business deal, one she actually needed. Typing a reply quickly, she informed Quoll Le'vert that she'd be coming over shortly, an hour from now. Taking a few moments, she took the time to fix her hair, adjust her makeup, and selected a fine business suit from her bags. Everything she needed to be presentable for such a deal.

Finally after slipping a holdout into an ankle holster, and a jeweled needle like blade into her hair pulling her hair into a neat bun with it, her paranoia settled down. The need for safety always came first. A few moments later she slipped down the stair exit, and headed down to hail a cab. It didn't take much longer for her to reach the villa where she patiently waited after ringing the doorbell.

[member="Darth Shadow"]

 

[Darth Shadow]

[member="Cara Sampson"]

When Cara rung the bell, the door was opened by a silvery protocol droid. It bowed stiffly.
“Good morning, Miss Sampson,” it said in a sing-song voice. “Mr Le’vert is expecting you,” it said. It stepped aside to allow her entrance.

There were no living things in the house except for Cara and for Mr Le’vert.
His office was quite colourful and ornate, remnants of the previous owner, but he had made no effort to change them.
Standing, putting on his most avuncular smile, Quoll extended a hand. “Welcome, Miss Sampson. I’m glad you could meet me on such short notice. Please sit.”

Of course, once they shook hands the beast inside Cara might well recognise a kindred spirit and things might get interesting.

 

[Cora Passek]

Cara smiled softly as she slowly followed behind the droid to Mister Le'vert's office. Something felt, odd, though the young woman could not quite put her finger on it.

"Mister Le'vert, it's a pleasure." Spoken sweetly as she reached out, shaking his hand firmly. The strange feelings within intensified as soon as her skin touched his. The blonde quickly took a seat as sharp pain spiked through her mind, drawing a grimace from the girl as the being within twisted in response, trying to grasp for control over the young woman.

"My apologies, just a headache." She mumbled. Though, it was starting to occur to her that this was no normal headache. Something strange was going on and she couldn't do anything to stop it.

"So sir, how about we begin with how I can best serve you?" Leaning forward a little, she rested her head in her hands with a sigh. As she did so, she could hear whisperings within, feeling something moving and shifting inside her mind. A feeling that was growing more and more uncomfortable and disconcerting as time went along. The way things were going, she wasn't going to maintain control of her mind and body for much longer. The being within had a will of its own and have been gathering it's powers for years while it stood protected inside the small woman's mind. Give in little child, you cannot win against me. Not anymore..... Give in.... Let me have control .... and I'll make things easy on you. There was nothing quite like being held against your will against a non-corporeal sentient living within your mind.

[member="Darth Shadow"]

 

[Darth Shadow]

[member="Cara Sampson"]
Quoll Le’vert observed the girl. He had been right. There was something deliciously wrong here. The girl had a hidden, dark presence in her mind, a tendril of absolute malevolence.
But it was not yet time to reveal matters. No, not yet. Soon.
As if nothing was going on, he spoke pleasantly. “I understand that you do designs for ships. I have need of a quick yacht after my previous vessel suffered some…issues and had to be scrapped. I was hoping you might be able to assist me in the design of a new ship, and a suggestion of where to have it manufactured?”

What manner of spirit are you? He probed the presence telepathically.

 

[Cora Passek]

Cara wanted to scream within, but held it back, biting back the pain the being within was causing her. "Of course. I have worked a few custom designs over the years, did work for Imperial Shipworks, heading their ship design division." Just need to get through this, just through this... and I can sleep it off.

No, you can't. It doesn't like like that Cara, or should I say, Cora.

Shut up! She shouted internally to it as she felt the being press harder against her mind. "I can certainly come up with something for your needs, with ease. As for manufacturers, Imperial Ship Works still does good work at low price. There are also a couple factories within the Protectorate, like Firemane that would be a great option as well."

Suddenly it felt the telepathic touch, smirking internally at being recognized. Time is running out, Cara. He told her, before turning his attention to the kindred soul before them.

Just an ancient sith lord, whom the Jedi felt the need to tear from my corporeal body and leave me abandoned in the spirit realm. Until this one stumbled upon me.

Cara was starting to tremble the pain growing more and more by the second, she was starting to lose control to it, and she hadn't a clue how to free herself from it.

A kindred spirit.

[member="Darth Shadow"]

 

[Darth Shadow]

[member="Cara Sampson"]
It may have been a trick of perception, but the room seemed to grow darker. Shadows grew menacingly from the corners, and Le’vert was hidden in his chair by a gathering darkness.
“That sounds wonderful, Miss Sampson. Now, I did have just one other small question….”
Kindred indeed. Now is your time.
“…Where did you acquire the Sith spirit?” he asked, his voice deepening.

Behind them the doors to the room closed…and locked.

 

[Cora Passek]

Her attention had been focused on him, but suddenly things changed as he spoke. The room growing darker, a sense of danger sweeping the room. Her eyes widened as he seemed to fade away into shadows. "Oh Feth!" Cara leaped clear of the couch in an instant racing for the doors as she heard them seal closed, locks bolting into place. Furiously she ripped at the door, desperate to escape somehow some way.

The blonde screamed out, as she started to reach for the blaster on her ankle. Brought to her knees as she clutched at her head, the blaster slipping from her grip. It clattered to the floor as she doubled over in agony. "Stop!" The girl screamed as the spirit inside her mind began to wage a war for control. "Pleeeaase!"

You're only making this harder for both of us. I only want your body. I have no intentions of killing it yet.

The thought in no way made matters any better. If anything it made the blonde more determined to try and fight it off, even if it was a futile struggle. Soon enough she slumped against the door, crying in absolute agony. Both hands tightly gripping her head as the Sith tore at her, fighting for domion over her. "No! No!" Her entire body shook, trembled as matters only grew worse for her. Despite her lack of skills within the force, Cara still held a strong mind and wasn't about to let go of it so easily.

Leaning forward, her hands fumbled around looking for the blaster, finally wrapping her fingers around it. As she started to lift it to aim towards Le'vert another spike of pain tore through her mind and body. "Let ... me go... Both of you!" Shouted as she could feel the last bits of her control slipping from her fingers. Cara could not last much longer against the Spirit within, something she knew too well as her body shook more violently, in protest of the battle within.

"Let go, you cannot win against me. Or him. Let it go. It will hurt so much less for you, just ... let go." The first words the ancient Sith was able to speak from her lips.

"No....." Whimpered back, as she gained control of her voice for a moment.

[member="Darth Shadow"]

 

[Darth Shadow]

[member="Cara Sampson"]
Darth Shadow rose from behind the desk. The darkness shrouded him like a cloak as he stalked towards her. A gesture of the hand, and the blaster broke apart and skidded in fragments across the floor.
“Well now, you are a most interesting specimen, Miss Sampson,” he whispered.

He turned his attention to the Sith in her. “You, what is your name? The girl is yours, though she has some information which may be useful to me. However, you will swear allegiance to me…or I will destroy you.”

 

[Cora Passek]

Cara screamed as the blaster was torn from her grip, shattered into worthless scrap on the floor. Her only defense gone in an instant. She could scarcely move, trembling against the door. Reaching up she clawed futilely at the door once more, desperately wanted to get away. "Please .... I want to go home. Just let me go. Let me go." She pleaded wanting so much to just walk away and pretend none of this had happened.

Once more she cried out, as pain tore through her body as the Sith seized control from her. A smirk formed upon her lips, as he came into complete control, "Darth Vahri." Spoken with an icy tone, almost emotionless, despite the tear stained skin on the young blonde. "My allegiance is yours M'Lord. In whatever way I may serve you. It's been far too long since I've had control over a body and I'm not about to give it up so easily. So, do not harm the girl, much. I need her mostly intact."

The words weren't exactly comforting as Cara inside watched, clawing within trying to wrest control from him again. This time, it wasn't coming so easily as she tore at the spirit trying to get him to release her. "She is most stubborn, cannot give up on a fight she knows is futile. I only hope you'll be able to find the information you seek. She may not be as forthcoming as you'd like."

[member="Darth Shadow"]

 

[Darth Shadow]

[member="Cara Sampson"]
“Your submission is accepted, Lord Vahri. The Jedi will indeed pay for their crimes against you. As for stubbornness….”
He looked at Cara, noting the odd effect as the two personalities fought for dominance.
“Now, Miss Cara, I know you’re in there. It was the will of the Force I noticed you in that restaurant, well…noticed Lord Vahri at least. So, talk to me about how you know Siobhan Kerrigan.”

The eternal thorn in his side. How he wanted her finally gone. Still, the odds were still not right, the time was not ripe.

 

[Cora Passek]

"Excellent, Lord? I'm afraid I didn't catch your name. Or was it Lord Le'vert?" Vahri questioned the man cloaked within the shadows. "I'll let the girl have control again, though she won't keep it. She isn't strong enough to do so. I'm sure you'll get what information you want from her." The confidence building in the Sith Lord, for he was just beginning to stretch his powers, his strength and test his legs after remaining dormant for so long.

The blonde closed her eyes, upon opening them again it was clear a change had occurred as fear was so clearly written in her eyes. Her body once more trembling as she turned looking to Le'vert. Her breathing rapid and shallow again. "She's .. a friend." Cara spoken softly as she scooted backwards away from him. Not wanting to be any bit close to him if she could avoid it. She had no intentions of telling him anything useful about Siobhan. Granted the girl didn't know all that much, but she still was the type to be loyal and protective of those seldom few that she called friend.

"Please.... I can't really help you. I just want to go home." While she wanted out, Vahri had other plans, for a Sith in need was a friend indeed. Perhaps somehow someway he could get on Shadow's good side, and help the man in his plans and maybe just maybe in return he could get help in his revenge against the Jedi.

[member="Darth Shadow"]

 

[Darth Shadow]

[member="Cara Sampson"]
The Sith Lord chuckled slightly, and the shadows died somewhat so his face could be seen. "I remember you of old, Vahri. I am Darth Shadow. Though you were only Apprentice in my time you served me faithfully enough. Now though, so much has changed...and yet so much remains the same."
He gazed down at Cara again. "A friend? Siobhan Kerrigan does not have friends, she has playmates, toys which she uses and discards with great rapidity. I have no doubt she knows you very well."

"You can help me, Cara, and you will. You will give me just what I need. Now...let us talk about this ship you're going to design for me. I will ensure it is your greatest creation...."

 

[Cora Passek]

"You clearly do not know her well enough. Not at all." Growled through gritted teeth. "I'm guessing you're the monstrous ass who has attacked her time and again. And why is it that you are so obsessed with her, with ending her. One would think you were forever obsessed with failure." Yes, Cara was taunting Shadow. Quite possibly not the wisest thing she could have done, but she was angry, unhappy and beyond annoyed with him and the situation. It was only fair that she irritate him to the same level in return. "One simple task, and you just can't manage to see the job through."

Glaring coldly at Darth Shadow, she spoke again. Her anger rapidly growing. "Why in the worlds would you think I'd ever build anything for you? You're a damn Sith. One who's tried to kill a friend. Who happens to be keeping me prisoner here. Are you seriously so delusional to believe I'd help you in at all?" She folded her arms over her chest, and turned away from him. "The answer remains no." It was the principle of the matter more than anything else. A Sith trapping her, trying to pry information from her, wasn't exactly her ideal work environment.

Vahri suddenly attempted to rip control back from Cara, drawing a scream from her as she struggled to keep control of her own body. This did not last long. The Sith shifted within the woman's body turning back to Shadow, "Ah yes, Shadow I do remember you well. I also recall the coup attempt of yours. It didn't go so well did it? I told you the girl was most stubborn. A pain really. If I had the choice of another body, I would have taken it. Alas I'm stuck with her. Though I would assume with enough pain, and pressure she will do as you ask." Being forced to watch this part of the conversation with her own eyes, was most unpleasant to say the least.

[member="Darth Shadow"]