Private Toxic Blood, Inflamed Sweat, and Dried Tears

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

"Son of a queen!"

I yelled out as some cleaning agent was being poured on the wounds I had on my arm. Barely dressed in rags to cover up the naughty bits, the nurse was tending to my wounds. She scowled at me for moving as she was trying to clean me up before applying stitches. A gash in my upper arm that had been sustained from the games i was just subjected to. Her voice was attempting to be smooth and helpful, but her gritted teeth told me she was not happy about it.

"Just hold still so I can clean this."
"I don't need you to do that. Just put a bandage on it. Trust me."
"You are wounded, and I have been instructed to tend to you. Do as you are told."
"Look, I get it, I am bleeding alot from the wound, but it heals faster if you don't fack with it."
"What? You some super soldier that just doesn't ever die?"
"Something like that. Just, give me an IV and some blood back in me and I'll be fine."
"What blood type are you? Do you happen to know?"
"No, but it doesn't matter."
"You are being difficult on purpose."
"Look lady, just do what I tell you to. I'm not your normal human."
"As I said, I was asked to clean you up and prep your wounds. I'm not-"
"Back off, I don't care who told you. They don't know me. Just explain I'm denying you and let me deal with the fallout."
"Suit yourself."

As we argued with one another, her hands moved to continue cleaning up the wound and bandaging it. Putting a healthy amount of bacta salve on it and then wrapping up. Already it was burning and itching. A sign that it was starting to heal despite the pain. Once she was done, I let my arm lay on the bandage and apply a small amount of pressure. I was lucky with the fact that when the gash was sustained, I had some time to be able to wrap it. At least preventing me from bleeding out. The nurse stood up from her stool and gave me a dirty look before walking away.

I really did not feel like getting into my biology about having multiple hearts as well as my need for literal consumption of souls and power. Its partly why i had my mechanical arm because it acted like a battery to help in sustainment when I needed it. The infirmary was currently silent after she left. Just laying propped up on the bed and looking down at the bruises and scrapes I had. Most were of little inconsequence. They would heal pretty quickly as soon as I got some more blood in my system. My metal hand reached out to the glass of water on the table next to me. Grabbing it and bringing it to my lips. Slowly sipping on it as to not make myself sick just in case.

I hated this so much. Reminded me too much of her.

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

"It isn't wise to frustrate the medical staff, you know. You never know what they might do out of spite."

The silence was broken with a heavy step, robes scraping the ground alongside the unsubtle sound of armor in motion. A figure approached the lone occupant of the infirmary, arms crossed behind His back as He peered at the woman that had so stubbornly shooed off the nurse just moments ago. They really needed some more determined staff at this miserable place if they had any hope of tending to Sith properly. Back in His day they had restraints just for unruly Sith patients that refused to be tended to.

Darth Strosius pulled one arm out from behind His back, revealing an almost concerningly full blood bag clutched in His gloved fingers. "Your IV should be done in a few moments, your nurse requested that I kept you company until then in case you passed out. Something about lacking self-preservation instincts or some other such nonsense." He cocked His head to the side, not bothering to hide the amusement in His voice. "Some people just don't understand, do they?"

He stepped around the bed and offered the blood bag to her, idly seeming to glance over the covered wounds as He clicked His tongue. "You look like you've gotten run over by a speeder covered in knives. Very unbecoming but not unexpected given that little venture you just went through." He paused before nodding. "Good showing in that by the way, you survived."

Lúthien Tinúviel

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

A furrowed brow as the armored individual walked forward. Their presence thick within the darkness. Likely hiding it from me until they exposed who they were. Breaking the silence of the room. Sighing heavily at the words directed at me. He had wisdom enough to know that what I spoke of was different, but I was unsure of how much he could gather from just overhearing my argument with the staff. My hand reached out to take the blood bag from the man. Just holding it as he spoke. A soft scoff escaped me involuntarily as he made mention of my condition.

"I've been ran over by a speeder before. This is not that."

Holding the bag there, at first I was just going to do nothing with it, but the fact I had it in my hand, and the curse I had been afflicted with was extremely over powering right now. I just sighed and then bit into the bag. Feeling its metallic taste burst onto my tongue like some kind of soft candy with a liquid sugar held within. The taste was satisfying like any other time, but tasted off. The container of the bag souring its profile. The bag was emptied quickly. Placing its emptied form on the end table next to the water.

"Not that difficult to survive when have to do it for so long."

I commented back. Knowing that he of all people, clearly a Sith Lord would likely understand that even he at one point, was just a survivor trying to breathe another day. Everyone had been there at some point. Instead of continuing that, I got right to the point. Sitting up away from the propped bed. Wincing slightly from the injuries I had.

"You are here for more than just making sure I don't pass out from blood loss. its evident with you speaking of the games."

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

An actual chuckle escaped Him at the dismissive remark, the hand now freed of the bag slowly lowering back to His side. "We should endeavor to ensure that you never get hit by one again then. That wouldn't be a very fitting way to wind up back in an infirmary." Wounds like those she suffered from now were understandable and admirable, they meant that she had struggled and overcome the odds stacked against her. That she was conscious, unlike some of the other game's contestants, was a testament to that in and of itself.

"I suppose it isn't, but it is always an uphill battle. One made easier when you have certain..." He tapped on the now empty bag. "Advantages over most other forms of life. But still no less worthy of acknowledgment." He made no move to dissuade her from sitting up but He did make note of the wince even if He chose not to comment on it. She might be sore in more ways than just physical and pressing on any particular matter might result in an undesirable outcome to their little chat.

"Well in truth I must admit that no small part of my presence is to ensure that you don't take any bites out of the overworked staff here." Darth Strosius sounded amused but He did mean it, He had dined on many an unfortunate good natured soul whenever they stopped to help Him in His youth. "Don't worry, another blood bag will be coming with the IV. I didn't tell the nurse that I had already grabbed one. What she doesn't know won't hurt her." Speaking of which, He quickly swiped up the empty bag and crumpled it in His hand, effectively hiding it.

"Your performance in the games was admirable and worthy of praise but there was a few specific matters that I wished to speak with you about. In regards to some....potential future endeavors shall we say." He slowly strode alongside the bed in a gradual pace, His visored gaze fixed on her. "Ones that don't typically involve you being thrown into some backwater hellhole of a world without any aid or real missions to speak of aside from simple survival. Would you like to hear my offer?"

Lúthien Tinúviel

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

His visor was an abyss to me. Only emotions from him I could get was the inflections of his voice and actions of his movements about the room. His words to endeavor to not go through such extremes again was... admirable to an extent. Voicing it in such a way that felt like he understood that new generations of Force Users needed just enough aid to at least make it somewhere. To be useful in a degree of the Lords and Ladies schemes. Context of his words being that I had an advantage over others was clear. Subtilty telling me he knew what I was. I just sighed again at his words. I could not hide it from him so there was no point in doing so. However, I would be still choosing my words carefully so that others who did not, were not on the inside of the group.

"I don't have all of the advantages I would like to have. But its enough for now."

A small comment that wouldn't need to be followed up on. If he knew what I was, then he would see that my arm kind of prevented me from using my full potential. However, there was a part of me that could still use some aspects of it, and I would rather keep that to myself at the moment. This game he played of wisdom and knowledge started with me behind the eight ball. I had a lot of catching up to do.

His words left the mask he wore. Speaking offhanded about the blood and that I would have another soon. Which would likely be put into me intravenously so then I wouldn't arise any suspicions. I just shrugged my shoulders at the comment and didn't make any of my own. Instead, focusing on his continuation of my question. He wanted to recruit me for something. Apparently my abilities, prowess, and actions in the games had drawn his attention to me. Likely attention of others as well. My eyes looked at the vizor. Piercing what they could into it to garner any kind of context of his words. I didn't get much. Other than the likely hood that this recruitment was for something he had high stakes in, or was even in charge of.

"Backwater Hellholes are my specialty. Yet I have a feeling this is not really a job opportunity I could refuse without a great deal of a headache."

I sighed again. Just looking at his hand with the hidden blood bag. Knowing it was there. How he had provided it to me without asking. Knowing so much about me, yet I knew little to nothing about him. Other than contexts that he stood here before me, and was a Sith Lord of some renown. My eyes moved back to him.

"This recruitment something you need privacy for, or is this just trying to get me to go to one of the Academies? Because I don't do well with children who believe they could be gods."

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

"'Enough for now'? I don't hear that from Sith all too often." Rather than surprise or admonishment He sounded almost impressed. It was a novel concept for Sith really, with ambition and pride being paraded so highly as virtues it was quite rare to hear. For many there simple was never enough indeed. Certainly not when it came to advantages over others in particular, everyone wanted to be as ahead of their competition as possible. It was only natural of course.

Another brief chuckle left Darth Strosius at the mention of headache should she refuse to hear His offer, an unsubtle confirmation of that very feeling. There were others that would no doubt be eyeing up all the survivors of the games of course. To some extent in the grand scheme of things that very event was meant for such a purpose, it was a proving ground just as much as it was a real test of skill and will. "I can promise plenty of hellholes in the future, have no fear." In truth He preferred backwaters to urban worlds very much Himself.

"Academies have their place in the world but not one that I particularly enjoy, I find them to be too stifling and limiting for preparing the youth for what the galaxy will make them endure. Too comfortable. Too soft." Real experience always outweighed any teaching no matter how extensive it was. At least, so it was in His eyes. "But yes, this isn't quite something that prying eyes and ears should be privy to. The best discussions are held out of sight are they not?" While He could make requests for the infirmary to be cleared out there was little sense in it, He knew well enough that she wouldn't stay bedridden for very long.

"I have reserved one of the offices just down the hall, a far more fitting venue for our discussion. Once you've had your fill of the nurse's concerns do meet me there. I won't be hard to find." His other hand, the one not occupied by the crumpled blood bag, set something on the table next to the bed with a slight clink. It was a metal pin, one shaped to match the Sith icon that adorned every banner hung by the Sith Order. As His arms crossed behind His back and He stepped away from the bed the nurse returned with the IV and requested blood bag.

She offered the masked man a small bow of her head which He returned in a nod. "I had a chat with your patient as requested, don't worry she should be much more agreeable now." Without waiting to hear the muttered thanks from the nurse Darth Strosius departed in a series of heavy steps and dragging robes just as He had appeared, His cold presence like a beacon amidst the otherwise unremarkable patients and staff in the infirmary.

Lúthien Tinúviel

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

His demeanor of my comments changed rather strangely. Surprised that I was not always seeking the advantage. Part of it was I knew what hand I was playing. No point in cursing the hand you were given. Just play the game and make moves so that your hand is better when it may not have been. Too long have I dealt with not being able to have a full hand. Worse still, there were times I was forced to play a game I knew none of the rules to. Advantage only comes with knowing how to play the game. Otherwise, I would extend myself too far.

I let his comment go. Focusing on his words of the Academies. He had no fondness for them. Likely a man who understood that theory was only so good out in the real world. Doing the actual job that was required of them. I just nodded my head as he continued. Speaking of a room in which we would be able to speak in privately once I had been dealt with.

As if on cue, the nurse came back with a blood bag, and the required materials. I could only give him a piercing stare at his comment that I would be more agreeable. Then looking to how the nurse revered the man. Rightly so with how much power he exuded from just standing there. Presence alone could lure someone into a false sense of security, just as it could push someone to fearful tendencies.

Reaching over, the golden hand picked up the pin that he had set there. A simple bauble of an item. As the nurse came over to start setting up the IV and the blood bag to inject my arm, I sat it back down after he had left. The room seemed to brighten just a little with him now gone. I just sighed as the Nurse was speaking to me. Something about how he must have talked some sense into me. I wasn't paying attention. My thoughts lingering on what he wanted of me. It was not difficult to understand that if he wanted me as just a Sith who joined up, then he would have spoken in public. However, the needed secrecy was an indicator of something... more.

"Are you even paying attention to a word I am saying lass?"
"Uh? Oh no. I apologize. I was in my own thoughts."
"Lords tend to do that."
"What?"
"Question everything you knew before you met them. Fear, power, knowledge. Always something they have control over you."
"Yeah, says the group of people who talk about breaking chains to find a new set a moment later."
"Keep your voice down. Not everyone would like to hear such things."
"Very well."

She looked at me surprised when I agreed with her. Even as she stabbed the needle in my arm to start the procedure for me to receive blood and some painkillers for the arm. I just shook my head and remained silent as she went about her work. Continuing to think about what was going to happen. Once it was done, she motioned for me to stand up. Doing so, she handed me a small bottle of medicine so that if the aches returned, I would take a couple and hope that it would help. She then helped dress me in my scarlet colored dress and clothing. Making sure that it didn't get into the bends of my arm for me. Which I appreciated.

I started to leave the room but stopped. Turning around to grab the pin and holding it within my hand. Walking down the hall, it took no time to find it. Moving to the door, I stood in front of it. Just looking at the lack of coloration upon the walls. Breathing in lightly before letting it leave. My hand waved over the panel and the door opened to the office. A table in the center of the room, some simple office tools and appliances for basic needs, but barren otherwise. Taking the pin, I tossed it onto the table. Letting it clank and slide across the surface of the polished wood.

"I said your offer might give me a headache. Not that I wouldn't be willing to deal with such a pain."

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

Darth Strosius could be a very patient man when He wanted to be, even if this little office I'd irk Him somewhat. It wasn't meant for Sith of course, rather for medical specialists and the like, but He still found Himself questioning some of the amenities and features of it. Who in their right mind had the entire back wall of their office dedicated purely to being a window? It was bright and unsightly. Thankfully it could be shaded almost entirely via a small control panel but the fact of the matter still remained.

He had assumed that medical professionals would prefer a more enclosed and secluded office space given the delicate nature of their work but evidently that wasn't the case. He was thankful that His visit to the infirmary should be fairly brief, any extended stay in these conditions would drive Him mad. The patient was wise enough to sit through the nurse's care but as expected it wasn't too long before He sensed her presence just beyond the door to the dismal little office, His head inclining slightly as she entered.

The pin's slide was stopped about halfway across the table by the raising of a single gloved finger, although the masked man didn't bother to actually retrieve the icon. "I did notice that yes, how wise of you." He mused as He placed His hands on the table, letting Himself lean forward slightly so that the lightning didn't cast a glare on His visor. "I suppose I should remember my manners now, yes? I haven't properly introduced myself yet." It hadn't slipped His mind of course, it simply hadn't been relevant until He knew He had her full attention.

"I am Darth Strosius, and I'm here to extend to you an invitation into the Tsis’Kaar."

He raised a hand and outstretched it towards her as He continued. "You've shown great skill and potential, the kind that is valued greatly within the ranks of the Sith Assassins and beyond. Your...nature distinguishes you even further. It isn't often that I see a Highblood that I haven't met before, but that is a discussion for another day." One that He fully intended to have of course, Sangnir didn't just come from nowhere. Certainly not within the Sith Order at least, and she was certainly not related to the others that He knew of. If she had been then she probably wouldn't have been treated in a regular infirmary at all.

"In short I can promise you plenty of chances to keep the insatiable thirst in quenched. As much as it can be anyway." He knew well enough that it would never be fully satisfied. That would have been far too easy. "And more importantly, the Tsis’Kaar can offer you what you lack at the moment. Support and guidance, so that you don't have to keep throwing yourself into such dangerous games. Unless you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, I'm which case we can provide you with the most dangerous game imaginable." That was certainly a notion that He could sympathize with.

"Your survival instincts and prowess are admirable but need refinement. Refinement that must be earned of course, but that you will be granted if you choose to accept my offer." He finally reached forward and plucked the pin from the table, rolling it between His fingers as He spoke. "Blood for blood. Your service for a proper place within the Sith Order, not one where you have to fight for scraps against your peers. Interested?"

@luth

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

I stood there silently after he had influenced the pin to not slide all the way across the table. Stopping where he wanted it. His words as he spoke. Even showing nicety towards me in introducing himself finally. A Darth title carried along with his name. A taken name that was a signifier of his influence and power within the Sith Order. Moreover, he was here extending me an offer to join a group called the Tsis'Kaar. I furrowed my brow as he spoke of it.

His words to fluff me up didn't really help his case. Or he attempted to explain a very simple thought process of how my skills in the games I had partaken in were a sign of the influences of my upbringing. It was something that he wanted for this group. Naming them Sith Assassins. People who would perform specific tasks of taking out individuals without question. Or if there were any questions, it was one to be kept to one self. The mention of me being a Highblood as well, caught me slightly off guard.

Sure, understanding I was a leech was one thing. Name dropping the caste system I was assigned to when created was a whole different thing. My face hardened at him making note of that. Him having never met one he knew before hand. It was a very quick question that I could answer with a very short tone.

"Brotherhood of the Maw."

Thats honestly all. Their cultism and zealotry should be enough information to him that I was made no where near the Sith Order or any of the other Sangnir that he knew of. Considering last I knew, I was the last of my line. With the Maw being nearly decimated and then incorporated into the Dark Empire. Their numbers were incredibly low. For now, I would leave that hang in the air. Any more discussion, as he said, would be done later.

Mentioning the curse we had of going feral if we did not consume the life of other individuals, and that I would have plenty of opportunity to do so, was not truly what I wanted. Relying on that kind of sustenance for the gifts on the same coin of the curse, was in my eyes, not worth it. Support and guidance. Training and refinement of my skills that I did have. His recruitment speech about not having to fight for scraps was... interesting. There was some clarification I had to his words.

"With the way you speak about the Tsis'kaar, looks like I cant refuse."

My hand lifted and flicked the pin from his grasp. Holding it in my fingers for a moment. Looking at the Sith emblem that it was. Clearly a sign of my acceptance for the task of becoming one.

"Saying no would be exile, or worse. Games of this persuasion are not ones spoken lightly without repercussions of dire results. You of all would know that as soon as you spoke their name. No benefit of doubt for the utterance."

My fingers removed the back of the pin. Seeing its sharp prick there. Stabbing it into my fleshy forearm, then removing it. Putting the clasp back on it and tossing it back to him.

"I removed shackles that were thrown on me by the Maw. And you give me new ones with a promise of being removed. Don't hide your words Darth Strosius. Its unbecoming of a Lord."

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

"Ah."

For the first time since He had spoken with her, He actually sounded somewhat aggressive. Cold even, the exclamation coming out more as a hiss than anything else. Not unlike the exhale one might make when receiving an inconvenient yet exceptionally inconsequential and minor wound. It was a tone that briefly carried forward before He properly recomposed Himself. "The Maw. That would explain some things..." And would open up even more questions as a result.

"No wonder there is a noticeable lackluster to your skillset. It is a miracle that those savages didn't try and consume you in order to try and steal your regenerative ability for themselves." Darth Strosius sounded genuinely amused in His mocking words. Amusement that was laced with plenty of venom and disgust. Less like the virulent hatred that one would have for an enemy and more akin to how one might refer to a particularly annoying or prevalent vermin.

He hummed at the accusation that His offer was more an ultimatum than a proposition, cocking His head to the side slightly but remaining silent as He watched her prick herself with the pin. He plucked it up in His gloved fingers and idly rolled it around for a moment, seeming to debate something internally before He clicked His tongue. "You give me far too much credit, but I cannot fault your caution. It is more than warranted, it is wise indeed. Although unnecessary."

The masked man stepped away from the table going so far as to turn His back on her in a rather bold display, whether of confidence or strength was unclear. "Were I any other Sith Lord you'd be entirely correct in your assessment of your circumstances and my offer. That denial would mean a particularly gruesome demise here in your hour of weakness before the blood in your system has fully repaired your wounds and restored your strength." He inspected the pin once more before shaking His head slowly.

"But I am no common Sith Lord."

It fell to the ground as He turned on His heel to regard her once again. "There is no use in agents and servants that do so out of fear of reprisal, unwillingly and thus unfaithfully. The Sith Order is a web of trickery and deception but I do not abide by either when it comes to those I recruit and bring into service. I'd rather you spit in my eye than bend the knee because you believe your head would be removed if you didn't." Perhaps for the first time it would become evident that there was a certain oddity regarding the masked man.

Wisps not unlike smoke exuded from His robes, centered around His back. While before they had been easily missed, now they had flared enough to be prominent even in their pale and almost translucent state. "You'll find no shackles within the Tsis'Kaar, but there is no shortage within the Sith Order itself. There will be those that seek you for what skills and potential you have but unlike myself they will not hesitate to break you if you refuse them." He straightened up and spread His arms wide.

"I will not pretend to be kind but I am no such tyrant nor barbarian. I offer you the chance to serve with the Tsis'Kaar and escape a number of other undesirable fates. Accepting would gain you all that I have promised and more, denying leaves you vulnerable to whomever you catch the eye of next." Despite how it could be interpreted His tone was more in warning than in ultimatum, a suggestion rather than a command. "I have no need to fill your head with falseties and half-truths. I am a Sith, I will simply take what I want and deserve, deception is useless in that regard. I simply extend an offer of aid so that you can do so as well."

Lúthien Tinúviel

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

His words struck me greatly. It was no mistake that many of the Sith found the disruptions of the Maw were... heathenistic and zealotry gone rampant and rogue with little recourse. I sighed heavily as I just stood there. Listening as he expanded on himself and the actions he wanted. He didn't want a servant. A slave. He wanted a... peer almost. Someone who would be willing to speak their mind and challenge conventions for the sake of strengthening the Sith. It made some sense with my thoughts lingering back to the moment when he said my own words of not needed an advantage was strange. Almost as though I did what was necessary even without the right tools.

Yet, his form shifted. HIs back to me as a haze oozed from his form. Escaping under the robed armor he wore. it was where it came from that got me to finally see what was going on. He had a warform. His body, his demeanor, mentions of knowing all the others within Sith Order Space, it finally connected. The sly smile formed on my lips as he continued to speak. He wanted to give me a benefit due to being one of.. us. He wanted us to succeed. The smile faded lightly as he stated he would take what he wanted without deception. His power alone could do that.

"I see now."

A very short and simple reply. Understanding more of the truth and contexts of what was going on here. I took a step closer. Rounding the table to stand next to him. My metal hand reaching up and pulling down the wrapping a little to see that it was mostly healed already. The mix of my Atoan and Vampyric blood allowed me to heal much faster than others. Still itching like a purifying light had struck me, I kept it hidden.

"I find chains and shackles gawdy to any degree. Should you hold to the words you speak, my autonomy under the Tsis'Kaar, then I would be willing. The details of such I assume shall be filled in later."

I didn't look at him directly. Just kind of finding a fascination in the wall. Speaking rather plainly.

"I am marked as a member of the Maw. Their cults wished to use my blood as a final sacrifice to prevent their fall on Exocron before their return. My own mother the wielder of the blade. I was hailed as a Princess of the Maw. To be bred and created for the explicit purpose of leading them in life and in death. To become a Martyr to them is the highest form of honor."

My hand coming up to my neck. feeling the raised skin of the brand on me.

"I was made to exist in pain, Darth Strosius. My mother believed us to be servants to the Emperor of the Maw. His order of cults and fanatics. That is where I lost my arm. Removed during the conflict in which I fought against my chains. It cost me greatly to see the end of it. I will do whatever I can to never find myself in the same position ever again."

My eyes looking to his visor. Piercing directly. Unwavering and filled with a fire that would not die. I could feel my body tensing almost threatening to reveal my own warform. but I breathed a moment before relaxing.

"Do not mistake my anger and wrath for a child's squabbles. I made my choice. If the Tsis'Kaar can allow me to keep those off of me, then I shall be the most diligent student, apprentice, or acolyte you will find."

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

Gaudy was the least of the words that He would use to describe chains and shackles Himself, He much preferred terms such as abhorrent and unholy, but they at least seemed to be of similar minds if nothing else. Darth Strosius had no intention of misleading the other Sangnir, and He most certainly wasn't about to try and force her into the service of the Tsis'Kaar.

That would result in far more trouble than she was worth as a potential asset. He knew very well what damage and chaos a Sangnir could wreak when they wanted.

He doubted that Malum would appreciate such an unruly asset either, it would wind up as a very poor show of cooperation on His part in that regard. Thankfully she seemed receptive if understandably skeptic about the offer He laid out before her. Suspicion was good. Suspicion meant measured and strategic, rather than desperate as most Acolytes and aspiring Sith were when it came to seeking patrons. Desperation was the last thing they needed.

"A martyr for self-destructive madmen seems rather redundant." He mused with a slight shrug, but He knew little of the Maw in truth. Enough to hate them and cut them down where appropriate but not enough to know their inner workings, if indeed they had any of note. Not that it mattered any more these days. He let her continue without interruption, His expressionless mask offering little reaction to her stalwart words aside from subtle tilts every now and then as if He was silently prompting her to continue.

"I can sympathize with the struggle to free yourself of restraints, and the scars that are left in the process." He rather pointed looked at her arm and the one of His own at His side seemed to unconsciously twitch and clench His fingers into a fist. "Even if the scars do have a habit of never remaining physical for long." His certainly never seemed to stay long. As much of an advantage as it was a shame really, there were some things that He'd prefer to remain marring His skin rather than His mind.

Were it so simple. Were it so easy.

"I can assure you that the Tsis'Kaar will not restrain you in such a manner, and so long as you abide by their teachings then indeed none shall again. I myself specialize in liberation of that nature." Something that He was quite proud of, which did slip into His tone for a brief moment before He continued. "You will expected to learn and take heed to what you are told, whether it be in instruction or in command, but in turn you will be given all that you need to prosper. A vessel, a residence if need be, and more than enough foes to keep your edge sharp."

Darth Strosius fished something from His robes, a datapad it seemed, and seemed to scroll through something on it briefly before offer it to her despite the distance between them. The pin resting precariously atop its glowing screen. "From this day forward you will be considered an agent of the Tsis'Kaar and given access to our relevant facilities and assets as you need them, all that is required is a name." There was a slight pause, His head cocking to the side slightly, before He added. "Whether it be one you've chosen or were given matters little. You will be given codenames and pseudonyms during your assignments as is needed but only the one you give will be permanent."

Lúthien Tinúviel

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

Words spoken with distaste of the Maw. He knew enough to understand the value of my words. Even more so, with determining the same thoughts I had. That a Martyr for people who willingly killed themselves already was a waste in any sense of the word. More over, his elective of speaking on how he did not want me in chains, did not want me to be held down like a dog upon a lead, was something I was learning, understanding. Enough to be able to do my job, but still take commands when needed. Even making mention that all would be provided to me so that I could perform to the best of my ability.

Nodding my head along with his words, his hand reached within. Producing a tablet for me to fill out. Namely, one that in which I would elect to have a taken codename. One in which I would be called upon to avoid my given birth name. Explaining that the name could be given, or one taken of my own desire. Reaching out, I grabbed it from him. Filling out the relevant information.

"Nightingale."

Speaking the name. Bringing it to fruition. Quite apt for what I would be doing. Named after birds that were agile and could sing through the winds of the world I was born on. But also, a title given to individuals who stick in shadows, individuals who sought twilight as the best hours for their operations. Doing what was necessary to complete the task ahead of them.

Not many knew the structure of my namesake. Let alone truly speak its language. It was ironic for the name I took. Knowing what it stood for at one point.

"I already have this prosthetic, and a weapon to call my own. The other effects of what you will provide to me would be greatly appreciated."

Handing him back the tablet, but keeping the pin in my hand, holding it as if it were the sign that I had taken it. Yet still in my mind, my thoughts raced. Dreading the fact that I still felt as if I put cuffs on myself. I may have not been chained to the floor, but I still was restrained for the prospect of potential.

"What is the next step I need to take?"

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

"Very well, Nightingale." If He even ever went through the effort to learn her true name, or at least the one that she might have given out to the nurses, then He most certainly hadn't bothered using it. The one she spoke and signed into existence was the only one that mattered as far as He was concerned. And as far as the Tsis'Kaar was concerned she could call herself whatever she liked so long as she did her job well. For the most part anyway, no doubt there may be some curious parties but none that would be relevant to bring up now.

"If you would permit it sometime in the future, I wouldn't mind learning more about that prosthetic of yours actually. I myself could never quite make any replacement limbs work for very long." There wasn't much need to of course, not when the whole limb could just be regrown. If her prosthetic was permanent, or permanent enough, then there were a few implications that He was very curious to know the true nature of. At a later date of course. "You'll be provided transportation to the nearest Tsis'Kaar outpost and from there you'll be given some basic equipment. Do feel free to tinker and modify whatever you come to own as you see fit, I can't speak for all of your superiors but I for one value individuality and personal efficiency highly in the line of work that you'll be expected to excel in."

Darth Strosius did so very much love to tinker in His spare time, even if the research and development teams could produce far more sophisticated items than He ever could alone. He retrieved the datapad and glanced over it for a moment before stuffing it back into His robes with a satisfied nod. "Next you'll be given a more dedicated training session at the Tsis'Kaar outpost. One that will properly gauge your skills. Although I have already made notes of your performance in the games so don't expect any backwater expeditions just yet."

As He spoke He began typing on a nearby console, evidently sending data from the tablet given a cursory glance at the screen. "More than likely after some runs through an obstacle course or two you'll be sent to eliminate some mid-tier gangster in their hideout." He paused and seemed to take a moment to pick His words before continuing. "Unless there's some sort of emergency or unforeseen circumstance arises. Then you may be sent out into the field a bit sooner than expected. Nothing that you couldn't handle I'm sure, you're already far more durable than most Tsis'Kaar agents."

Perhaps not quite as skilled in some areas of importance when it came to the fine art of assassination but most assuredly more unique than the majority were. If nothing else then Nightingale would be able to get back into the fray faster than any other agent after a defeat at least. "Oh, any particular preference for a vessel? Are you much of a pilot yourself at all? Some lessons can be arranged regardless."

Lúthien Tinúviel

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

Already, he used the name I had taken. Making it official in a sense. More so because any name I had previously, according to the Sith and the Tsis'Kaar, was no more. Nodding to him in turn as he used it. HIs words continued. Asking to at some point inspecting my arm in the future. As it was functional in tandem with my body. I shook my head for a moment and quickly answered.

"It works barely. I cannot... use my full heritage when it is on me. It would be like a bear with one arm the size of a rodent. Since receiving it, I have barely been able to do small changes to myself. Considering my arm is back on Exocron."

A quick answer on what he may have wanted about the arm, but a more detail on it would make sense. Considering I was nearly sure he could tell that the arm itself could absorb and hold force energies for me to spend else where. A battery in terms. More over, while we could heal rather quickly compared to most Near-human species, even other shifters, having a complete limb removal and unable to place it back correctly? There were some limitations in how well that growth could affect us. Considering at the time, I was in complete denial of my heritage and refused to feast.

However, his words went on. Speaking of taking me to a facility where I could acquire whatever tools I wanted or needed. Tinkering and modifying them to fit my needs or even requesting specific things be made for me was what seemed to be par for the course. Considering this group of individuals seemed to be on invitation only. I didn't reply just simply nodded at him.

His words went on. Speaking about the refinement of my skills. Training and skill evaluation tests would be conducted. I suspected as much for anyone new. They wouldn't hand out missions to a green bean that they would hand out to a multi-war veteran. I just continued to nod at him. Listening to all of what was presented for me. That was until the question was posed of what vessel I wanted. I thought for a moment then answered.

"I already have one that I had stolen from the Maw. its in good shape and works. However, its not suitable for solo missions. So a vessel that I can use to slip in and out where I am needed would be best. If the Tsis'Kaar have a single seater, then that would likely be fine."

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

Darth Strosius briefly trailed His gaze up and down the prosthetic as she spoke of it, as though trying to deconstruct it with just His gaze and her brief statement about it. "If it is such a hinderance then I'd highly suggest you replace it with a new limb entirely." Whether He meant another prosthetic or one of the more biological sort was unclear. There were plenty of options for both given her nature, it would just depend on her own preferences really. He much preferred the natural regeneration to handle everything Himself. Well, as natural as it could be anyway given the circumstances.

"I'll make sure to let the outpost know you have a vessel already then. One that may need some...updating." He had little faith in the engineering capabilities of the Maw, more accurately no faith in it at all. But a ship was a ship He supposed. Even if that one was better turned to scrap than flown. "There are two starfighters fielded by the Tsis'Kaar that would fit the criteria you desire. Both the Huntress and the Tyro will be available for you to pilot when you undergo your training. I'd recommend the Huntress in particular, it's a bit more advanced and with dedicated stealth systems already built into each model."

While He may have been more fond of the Tyro, given His hand in designing it, He couldn't deny that the Huntress was a far superior ship for Tsis'Kaar assignments. Even if it did cost double the price of His Tyro to produce and maintain them. He continued typing the new details that she had given Him on the console, it was better to ensure that everything would be prepared by the time she arrived. He'd already included several orders from the nearest blood bank just in case as well.

By the time that she'd gone through hyperspace and made it to the outpost her wounds would have greedily made use of the blood which sated her now and they could ill afford to have their other agents be put at risk of an unscheduled bloodletting session. "That should cover just about everything for the moment then. Unless you have any personal effects that will need to be transported with you?" Nightingale didn't seem like the type to covet mementos but there was always the chance that He was wrong.

Lúthien Tinúviel

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

Looking to the arm as he mentioned it, I just shrugged my shoulders. I did what I could with what I had. Namely, Due to having a lack of a reliable source of life force, I supplemented it by drawing on the force itself. At the time, it was a good idea to make a force battery that I could keep with me so that I could just have something at least. I let it go for now. As I just wanted to continue with this and get my job underway. His words coming to my ears that by the time I get to the outpost, that things should be prepared for me.

Also that my ship currently may need retro-fitting. I shrugged my shoulder. Sure it was a Maw Vessel, and it was likely out done by what could be given to me, I wanted to keep it for the sake of it being a choice of me to hold onto something that the Maw had. Also, because when Civilians saw you had a Maw Vessel, they tend to leave you alone.

The addition of which vessels I could use, one was called the Huntress, and the other a TyroI just looked at him with a smug look. A quick roll of the eyes. The name I had taken was Nightingale. Of course I would be picking the Huntress. The irony was not lost on me of the naming conventions going on right now. However, I would likely pick which one I wanted once I got there. Able to actually test them and see which one I preferred and wanted to work with.

"I'd like to see both. Figure out how they operate and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Go from there."

The question was posed about personal effects that I would like to take with me. Looking down at the pin, I held it up.

"Just this, and what's in my ship, or on me. I tend to carry light."

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

"I'll let the outpost know to ready two vessels for a test flight as well then." A wise decision really, to compare the finer details of the crafts such as handling and the like. More subtle things that could easily mean the difference between life and death if it came down to matters of ease of use and comfortability with the starfighter in question. Maybe the Tyro would have a chance against the Huntress after all.

"Carrying light is for the best in this line of work." Darth Strosius noted as He finalized the report before sending it off with one final tap on the console. "You never know when you may need to cut and run from a city, or planet." He made a few long strides away from the console and around the table, crossing His arms behind His back as He stopped next to her. "Subterrel will be your destination. Once you emerge from hyperspace in the system you'll be sent coordinates to the outpost on a specific frequency, so make sure your ship has its transmitter open and ready to receive."

His robes dragged behind Him as He walked past her, His hand hovering over the panel for the door as He looked back at her over His shoulder. "I should arrive before you but just in case do be polite to the outpost staff. They're not used to handling...special needs such as ours every day. They'll adjust quickly enough though, they always do." Flexibility was a necessary quality among the ranks of the Tsis'Kaar, it had to be. Infiltration and espionage couldn't afford to be static practices. "Safe travels, Nightingale."

With that He opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, His presence seeming to vanish the moment He left the room despite how evident and clear it had been just a few moments ago. His heavy footsteps faded quickly as well, leaving little trace as to which direction He had gone. For someone clad in such heavy robes and armor He seemed capable of moving and disappearing surprisingly fast.

Lúthien Tinúviel

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

No real words for me to speak to him about. More so, being given a small brief on what would be happening. The information he had put into the system, as well as what would be ready for me when I reached the planet of Subterrel. I nodded to him. Watching him leave with his presence. The room changing from one filled with such an aura, to suddenly being empty. The room was finally able to breathe as the mental processing of whatever game I had to play was now gone. I took a moment to look at the pin in my hand. Seeing the blood on it from when I pricked myself.

All I could think about was those chains. Still feeling them on my wrist when my arm was removed. The sudden silence my nerves had before the pain had flooded me. I was finally able to pull myself to where I was. Looking up to the open door. Walking out and making my way to where my belongings were. Looking to my arm as I walked through the hall, it mostly being healed, I started to rip the bandage off. Letting it fall to the ground as I made my way towards where I needed to be.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


The trip was... uneventful. As soon as I pulled out from hyperspace, like stated, they hailed my vessel. They identified me as a Maw and ordered me to turn around. However, I had replied back that I was on the errand of Darth Strosius. Silence held on the line for what seemed like forever until they finally replied back that I was cleared for landing, and that guns would be trained on me. Like he said, they were not up for funny business. Which, was fair of them. Finding a Maw Vessel in Sith space was not wanted. I brought the ship down to where I need to dock. As soon as I did, The ramp opened up and I was met with a couple troops with guns in their hands. While they weren't held up at me, it was alright for now.

The Docking manager walked close enough and asked me for proof I was supposed to be here. Pulling the pin with dried blood on it, I tossed it to him. Mentioning that he needed to look up in the system for an appointment for Nightingale. His fingers flying over the data pad before his hand motioned to drop the weapons. They moved away and started to pack up. Clearing me to enter the facility.

"I hate the Maw."

Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

The outpost was nothing special at first glance, likely an intentional design decision, resembling simply another mining warehouse that was similar to the various other such buildings and facilities that were scattered across Subterrel. Aside from the guards it wasn't notable at all really. The entrance was also unremarkable and plain, appearing empty apart from her ship and the troopers that were escorting her inside. When she had crossed through the warehouse though, the back wall split in half with a great pressurized hiss to reveal the wide corridor beyond.

It was dug into the planet, perhaps having once been a mine before being put to use by the Tsis'Kaar, with overhead lights providing illumination to the rocky walls and metallic floor. Starfighters and speeders were arranged near the hidden door, tended to by crews and technicians that barely glanced up from their work as she entered. A small guard post sat near the entrance as well and it was soon occupied by the troops that had initially greeted her.

Further down the corridor and past the vessels there were several rooms dug into the walls, ranging from what appeared to be armories and a barracks to a med-bay and storage as well as a gym of some sort. A tower split the corridor in two at the end of it, a catwalk running in front of it providing the perfect perch to view the whole facility as it went about its daily affairs. On that catwalk was Darth Strosius Himself, waving off some officer from a conversation before turning to regard Nightingale as she approached with a slight nod.

"Welcome to Subterrel, Nightingale." He leaned on the railing, gesturing towards a set of stairs that would lead up to the catwalk with a wave of His hand. "I do hope that the reception wasn't too chilly. I haven't had much time to brief them properly on your arrival." There had been other pressing matters in need of attending first. The price of influence and authority He supposed.

Lúthien Tinúviel