Private Vulptex on the Run

[Darth Strosius]

An eyebrow quirked up behind his mask at her remark about taking part in some battle on Kashyyyk alongside the One Sith. He knew that his master and many of the older Sith back during the Sith Empire had a hand in such events but the specifics eluded him. Properly recorded history was admittedly not the strongsuit of the Sith from what he had seen, with many events and individuals embellished or exaggerated while defeats and enemies were underplayed. More like myth than record really.

Perhaps they could discuss the mutual gaps in their historical knowledge at a later date then. While A'Mia's questions were wise and required deep thought by their very nature, Alisteri wasted no time in answering them. He had been stewing on such matters since the fall of the Sith Empire after all. "There is no cure for such weakness inherent in those that place themselves in power. A cure would imply change and healing. No, the fate of all those that hinder the Sith is the same no matter who they may be."

He held up a hand towards her as if to offer it in some gesture of peace, or it would have been had he not clenched his fingers into a tight fist on a moment later. "Execution." His hand dropped back down to his side as he continued idly pacing around the room. "Many of the ruling Sith Lords and their tainted followers must be culled to remove their stain and legacy, to scrub their sins from the Sith forever more. After that it is a simple matter of ensuring that cooperation and the betterment of the Sith as a whole are the main driving forces behind the instruction of the new generations. The trap of pride has caused too much harm to be tolerated if it comes at the expense of our order as a whole."

That task alone would be a constant battle, but one that simply had to be undertaken if the Sith were to prosper. "Nothing unites the Sith quite like a common enemy, and luckily for us the galaxy itself has become our foe. Our struggle against the Jedi, the Imperials, the criminals, everyone who is not Sith shall be what keeps the order together. There is always more to conquer and quash. As there should be, for a truly unified Sith Order is a force that could make even the universe itself bend and bow as commanded."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Her eyebrows rose at his vehemence, and a soft smile returned to her face. Her gaze shifted to the model of Korriban, not for any purpose save for sparing him the intensity of her focus for a while. She did not however show any discomfort at the topic of outright murder.

"To be told there is no cure for an ailment… as a rather determined healer myself? Well I admit that it rankles and might argue a lack of creative problem solving. Though I can also admit that sometimes despite one's best efforts, you must amputate a limb or two to save the whole body."

She held up her palms in a small shrug, tone acknowledging that such things were beyond her scope of practice even as she offered a closing response to his statements.

"But the Sith are not yet a united body, and from where I am standing it appears that each amputation merely weakens the chances of unification. How are we to count the whole as greater than the sum of its parts if we continue to remove parts?"

Darth Strosius​

 

[Darth Strosius]

Ah amputation, a metaphor that he quite enjoyed. Even if he didn't acknowledge his opponents to be of the same 'body' of the Sith as A'Mia described it, they were far more akin to cancers and parasites than limbs in his mind. "Amputation, as you call it, is the only method by which unification can be achieved." A harsh assessment that Alisteri nonetheless clearly believed wholeheartedly.

"The cults of personality that those positioned above us have accrued leave little room for a united identity. Not when everyone seems to be serving a different 'Sith'ari' these days." The masked man actually used finger quotes for the title that so many Sith had claimed in recent times. Yet none of them even came close to truly wearing the mantle. "Would we be weakened in terms of armies and fleets? Oh yes indeed, but sacrifices must be made in the name of survival. Every drop of blood that I would take from the powers that be will fuel the rebirth of the Sith Order, perhaps the only thing they would ever contribute to our survival really."

And thus far Alisteri had done just that, both in the past during the warlord period and especially now during the Crisis. "You look at the infestations of the Lords as though they are body parts of the greater Sith whole. They are not. They are tumors and poisons that have and will continue to cripple the Sith unless they are removed. Permanently."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

She did not breathe, not in the human way, and her respiration as a botanical creature did not provide her lungs or other such organs which created subtle but ever present movement in the body. The stillness of her rapt attention was often uncanny, she only seemed to animate after a long pause of contemplation.

"The truth as you see it does not always equate to the Truth that is. However I am under no illusion that I can, or even should, change your truth."

She gave him a properly mischievous smile this time, some kind of glimmer illuminated her eyes as morbid curiosity coursed through her.

"I can only offer a medic's advice then: as you go digging out tumors, excising them and parasites alike, be careful not to confuse them with vital organs. And…" her head cocked as she considered him quizzically.
"I rather hope you don't get yourself killed. You are very interesting to speak with."

Darth Strosius​

 

[Darth Strosius]

If only she knew how true his words were, perhaps in time she would come to understand. Or she wouldn't, either way she didn't seem too argumentative. A rare trait among the ranks of the Sith. "At least you have some self preservation instinct then. Keep listening to that and you'll survive just fine." Alisteri knew well enough how vital such a thing was to have, and how lacking it could be in so many.

Her remark caused him to slightly cock his head to the side in return, a similar confusion crossing his masked expression. Now that was something he hadn't heard before. "I've yet to find anyone dedicated enough to finish the job of slaying me." Maiming was an entirely other matter and one that he had found many such candidates for in his time.

"Be careful that you are not fooled into thinking these parasites as essential parts of the Sith whole. There are very few that have the good of the order in mind when they act, and I can guarantee that none of them occupy the leadership of the Sith as we are now."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Her eyes lit up with excitement, a genuine show of vibrant emotion which he was learning was very rare for the Neti woman. She curled her own hands into twin fists out before her but it was a gesture much more akin to a child spotting candy and having a fit of anticipation than any gesture Darth Strosius had recently made in anger.

"Oh! I am going to be studying the Sith hierarchy such that it is, among other things, and yes I intend to get a very clear view of the Sith as a whole!"

She stepped one pace nearer, still allowing some distance but closing it steadily as they spoke further.

"I want to know how everything works" she confided intensely, strangely. An alien ambition was clear to see within her demeanor, though what exactly drove that ambition and where it was leading her was likely still abstract to the man before her.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Alisteri blinked in surprise as A'Mia responded with what he could only describe as glee in her expression and little display. She had been oddly cheerful before but this was the first time that it seemed to be genuine and expressive rather than a mere act that consisted of a simple smile and warm tone. Quite an odd young, relatively if her claim about her time with the One Sith was to be believed, lady but at least she was amicable.

"See that you do." Where the sudden enthusiasm had come from, and why she chose to move closer, eluded him for the moment. Perhaps that was precisely her intent. "It isn't nearly as complex as it was during the Sith Empire, there are only a handful of names worth knowing and most of them are linked in one form or another anyway. I'm not sure how the One Sith operated in the past but I can tell you that the structure of the modern Sith order is a bit more...fragile and makeshift than anyone cares to admit."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

She considered him while he spoke, then turned to begin leading them slowly out of the common room to view more of the academy. Though it seemed she was willing enough to turn her back on him her peripheral vision was always tracking his whereabouts.

"Oh? I would quite enjoy hearing your list of worthwhile names, Darth Strosius."

The enthusiasm hadn't quite faded yet from her bearing and it was clear she was still mulling something over even as they moved forward, both on his "tour" and their conversation.

Darth Strosius​

 

[Darth Strosius]

Alisteri began trailing after A'Mia, curious to see what else the academy had to offer. Or at least see what else she was willing to show off given the reconstruction and whatever dark little secrets were tucked away amidst the columns and halls. He had no doubt that even now there were chambers and hideaways that were being walled up or sealed behind some complex mechanism for later use. Something to look into later perhaps.

"I'd hardly call them worthwhile, that implies something positive about them." A simple jab at no one in particular as they walked along, evidently a common occurrence for him. "Empyrean and his Sepulchral are the primary power for the moment but their hold is thin and they know it. Convenience and a lack of anyone with real power getting ideas is what keeps them in their thrones." A little bit of a smirk seeped into his tone as he continued.

"So it was anyway, before my master Darth Ophidia launched her recent strikes against the Sith Order." He sounded rather proud of that. "Carnifex has been content to bide his time here in the old worlds but he should watch himself carefully, both Nwul and the 'king' of Korriban Caedes have established their own influence here as well. The old worlds will be an interesting place to be for young Sith such as yourself."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

The woman led him back out to palatial halls meant to accommodate a large student body. Though the academy at its full capacity could be expected to one day house upward of 500 students, it was currently only home to roughly 120 and that showed in the echoing of their footsteps along the scarcely weathered stone floors.

She was right down to business, mentally but not verbally acknowledging his encouragement. His was was a thoughtful statement that might give another acolyte encouragement but she was too focused on continuing the thread of thought.

"So you hold only your master in high regard? Or are there other Sith yet unaffiliated formally with you whom you might consider acceptable pieces of the Sith whole?"

"Or perhaps a better question-" she looked sidelong at him as they walked, "What ought to be done with 'real power' as you say, and does anyone save for you or your master wield such power for a greater purpose that you recognize as furthering your vision for the truth as you see it?"

As they walked they passed walls like that of a fine museum, if still a work in progress. There were paintings which depicted great battles of old, they passed one faded but intricately woven tapestry, and there were even a few artifacts of Korriban carefully placed on stands or framed in masterwork shadow boxes. One such treasure was an ancient stone tablet with weathered, half legible runes of the Old Tongue carved into it.

Darth Strosius​

 

[Darth Strosius]

Alisteri regarded the halls with a few subtle but inquisitive glances as he was led through them, idly wondering how many Sith would be trained at this academy before it too succumbed to the ravages of their foes. It seemed like that was the legacy of Korriban, to be destroyed and rebuilt again and again much like the Sith that revere it. A shameful fate for such an ancient and sacred place really.

Her question drew his gaze back to A'Mia with a slightly raised eyebrow underneath his mask. "You speak as though I work only for the goals of my ideals alone. Make no mistake, all that I do I do for the Sith as a whole. There are many that must be culled from our order but there are also many that keep it secure and prosperous just as I would." The good of the order came before everything else, it wasn't his fault that so few others realized that.

"A fair majority of the Sith do work for the order, perhaps not as devoutly as myself but still their actions ensure our continued survival. The only difference is that many of them are either fooled by the promises of those seated in thrones, or too complacent with their own actions and position to do anything about their lies." The status quo and stability of the Sith Order were often tempting prospects, but he knew better.

"I am neither complacent nor fooled, I know what must be done and what lengths must be gone to in order to achieve it." His gaze danced across the paintings and displays as they passed them, idly pausing on the tablet for a few moments to decipher some of the lines. "The deaths of those in power would directly effect only their powerbases, but the future of the Sith would be forever changed for the better with them gone."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

"I speak as if I don't know you and wish to learn," she corrected him mildly after his initial response.

Then she allowed their conversation to lapse into silence while they walked a bit. Noise began to grow from down the long hall and Darth Strosius might recognize the growing din as the hustle and bustle of food preparation. Sounds weren't the only thing wafting down the halls and soon they could smell the mouthwatering scent of whatever was being made for dinner.

"What is it that you do for leisure, Darth Strosius?"

She asked suddenly and apparently randomly. He had no way of knowing that it was a question the odd Neti woman tried to ask nearly every person she made conversation with.

 

[Darth Strosius]

A small hum was all that A'Mia got in response to her correction, his attention briefly focused on their surroundings once more. Before long the sound and scent of cooking and fresh food reached him and idly made him wonder what exactly they were cooking up for the students. Some sort of hearty meal perhaps? Something to get the Acolytes full and ready to undertake whatever tests and tasks the academy asked of them most likely.

The question drew him out of his musing but Alisteri didn't seem bothered by the rather odd nature of it. After the lull in conversation they had to have a new topic after all, even if it was somewhat surprising and out of the blue.

"For leisure specifically, mainly reading and crafting. I do enjoy meditation as well but I'm usually musing on the Force at the time so I wouldn't say that it is strictly for enjoyment." Training and planning were also regular spare time activities but again far from leisurely. "And what of yourself? I hope this academy offers a fair few amenities to keep its students entertained."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

They drew ever closer to the din in the kitchen, the low rhythmic beat of music underlying the sound of cooks at work. A'Mia took them left at an intersection and suddenly the source of it all came into view. Though the industrial sized kitchen was built into the very rock like much of the academy, it was partially enclosed by a sweeping half-wall wherein the other half was glass. The design allowed passersby to see into the kitchen and for the staff to see out, though A'Mia and Darth Strosius had not yet reached the great dining hall adjacent to the kitchen, on the opposite side from where they now stood.

They could see the hustle and bustle of cooks within. The head chef, a tall falleen woman, seemed to be directing the chaos with the iron fist of a war leader. A'Mia paused to answer his question before continuing forward.

"I enjoy reading as well! I am currently focused on catching up with history I lost while entombed. I also build schematics-" but she did not elaborate on what kind before leaping in to what sounded like a well rehearsed description of organization within the institution whose halls they walked.

"Our academy has two primary focuses, of which students may choose a generalized education or they may specialize. Choosing to focus more entirely on dueling or on their academic pursuits. Specialized students must of course still show a baseline working knowledge of the path they are not specialized in, however the goal here is to foster well rounded future generations. As you saw back in the common room, there are opportunities for leisure but students here are encouraged to keep their minds sharp even when their bodies must rest. Their minds may rest during meal times and after lights out."

 

[Darth Strosius]

The kitchen must have been a rather impressive operation based on the sheer amount of noise he could hear from it before it came into view. To feed the students and staff alike once the academy was fully operational it probably had to be. When they finally rounded the corner and Alisteri set his sights upon it his assumption proved to be very accurate. The kitchen was dwarfed by the great hall where dining must have taken place but it was no less impressive in regards to how efficient it must have been.

What he assumed to be the head chef, a rather dominant and Falleen woman that reminded him somewhat of the Omen's captain with her strict demeanor, seemed instrumental in keeping the kitchen running. The flurry of workers running around and following her orders certainly seemed very motivated to listen to her at the very least. He idly wondered what would happen to them if the failed to do so.

The sudden change from answering his question to describing the atmosphere and practices of leisure within the academy as though she was indeed a professional rour guide. Perhaps she was? "I...see..." Better to just act as if it was a normal occurence then. "It is good to know that this academy has high standards then, too much idle time can lead to wandering and troublesome hands." He knew well enough how much trouble Acolytes could get themselves into after all.

"What sorts of specialized courses are offered here then? I'd assume Sith Alchemy and the like are obvious ones to include." Focusing on dueling and even combat tactics were two additional matters that he hoped would be encouraged. Far too many Sith failed in holding their own and leading a squad into battle at the same time. "And which of those paths do you yourself partake in? I recall you mentioning something about being a medical officer yes?"

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

She nodded in agreement with his praise and elaborated.

"A combat focused student will be expected to develop proficiency with all manner of weapons, combat styles, and hone whatever force ability they have to boost offensive or defensive capabilities for themselves and their unit. An academically focused student will be expected to have a good grasp of the basics within the various fields of science, politics, history, and so forth but they are to choose a focus in the latter years of their time here and will be required to present a body of work that is entirely their own before graduating. A dissertation, an invention, any number of things might count toward that but they must show expertise or the beginnings of it within their chosen focus. And as I said regardless of being generalist or specialist, all students are expected to strive for excellence across the board. Competition is encouraged and fostered."

"Myself?" She offered a coy smile.

"I am a rather nontraditional student, fulfilling a hybrid role. This is of course a military academy, so our teachers generally hold some rank, though I could not strictly be considered a teacher. I arrived here already proficient in fighting, so I am not expected to drill as often though I do sit in on some tactics courses. I am more like a school nurse and senior student with a focus on furthering my medical practice and honing my particular force skills."

She began walking slowly toward the kitchen again as she concluded her answer. The stern falleen noticed A'Mia's approach and the woman all but rolled her eyes, expression growing colder as she continued to orchestrate the elaborate production of cooking for so many students and staff like a professional conductor pulls a glorious symphony out of an unruly orchestra.

Darth Strosius​

 

[Darth Strosius]

Overall the academy's courses and methods sounded rather solid, even if they were nothing too special or unique. Having Acolytes with somewhat varied skillsets even if they focused on one aspect of the Sith alone was always a good idea. Especially with how the galaxy seemed to be stirring from its short lived 'peace' once more, having versatile and practical Sith would be invaluable when war began to visit the worlds of the Sith once more. Proper war of course, the Ouroboros Crisis hardly had any real frontlines to speak of after all.

"I suppose your unique circumstance would afford you a similarly unique position here. I'm sure your firsthand experience is something of a boon to instructor and student alike in a few different fields." It was something that many if not all of the other Acolytes would be lacking, at least until they had been in the academy for a good few years. Aside from the Crisis and the handful of skirmishes here or there it wasn't like there was much conflict to learn from for the younger Sith.

Alisteri idly wondered what particular skills it was that she was honing but he assumed them to be somewhat related to more practical or even medical skills. He had heard here or there of techniques that one blessed with the Force could use to heal themselves but for obvious reasons he had never needed to look into them.

Their walk resumed and the dismissive look that A'Mia received from the head chef was not lost on him. "Perhaps not a boon to everyone then..." Thankfully whatever issue was between the pair seemed to be a secondary concern with the kitchen staff still needing to be wrangled and ordered around. "I assume you must be working constantly to keep the other Acolytes well and in good health. They were rather fond of free-for-all gladiatorial matches back when I was an Acolyte myself."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

"I do try to make myself useful," she agreed cheerfully.

As they neared the kitchen doors and were just about to turn in A'Mia's intended direction, a red faced human man bustled through the sleek double doors as if to intercept the tall woman. The falleen head chef was pointedly looking elsewhere as her employee confronted the Neti. Alisteri could see that the industrial kitchen within was impressive enough to feed a standing army if need be.

"She 'asn't got the time today, miss. It's presentation week for our new menu. Shipments 're finally comin through an' we've got crates of ingredients to sort through, meal plan and prep."

A'Mia stared down at the beleaguered little cook with a vapid little smile, holding up her hands as if to say "peace". She let him finish but immediately reassured him.

"I have no questions today for Zimmia, it's quite alright Timon. I am merely showing this esteemed visitor some of the highlights of our academy."

The man was awash with immediate relief, he bobbed his head in acknowledgment of Darth Strosius then hustled back into the kitchen to no doubt continue his work. A'Mia guided them to the right, not yet taking them toward the vast dining hall but instead up a flight of stairs which lead to a rather beautiful observation platform.

"The head chef is quite annoyed with me asking questions about her nutritional plan. I just think I ought to be working closely with her given that we are entrusted with ensuring the health of this institution," she confided brightly as they walked.

From the platform they were able to gaze down upon the vast drill yard and out upon the great expanse of rocky desert in the distance. It appeared that most of the current student body was out there and the yard had room to spare. A large dais was centered along the far edge and a few officers could be seen there calling out orders to the amassed students. It appeared they were flowing through sword forms with practice sabers. A'Mia gazed out at it all silently, allowing her companion to strike up more conversation should he choose.

Credit: Midjourney

 

[Darth Strosius]

"As you should." Giving Acolytes responsibility was often a double edged sword. On the one hand they most certainly needed to understand the burden and strain of it, but on the other it could lead to many developing more arrogant and prideful attitudes. That was what he enjoyed back during the times of the Sith Empire, no amount of pride could save an Acolyte from being tossed onto the frontlines. A shame that so many of them had to suffer and die rather than prosper though.

Alisteri raised an eyebrow behind his mask at the rushing man and cocked his head to the side in confusion, and slight concern, at the message that he delivered. So that was what had them in such a frantic hurry then. A'Mia's response did little to explain the context of the man's message but the immediate relief was notable. His tour guide must have been a frequent visitor to the kitchen then.

"Esteemed?" He muttered with a small scoff as he was led up some stairs. It reminded him of his 'invitation' to Korriban only a short while ago, being treated as though he was some important dignitary rather than an agent of a rebellious faction. At this rate he was almost convinced that faux hospitality must have been a specialty of Korriban's current ruler.

Thankfully A'Mia did enlighten him somewhat about the nature of the head chef's apparent animosity towards her, something that he could understand from both perspectives. "A little cooperation goes a long way, but from what I've seen I doubt she enjoys anyone meddling in her area of influence."

When they arrived on the platform and he was allowed to look upon what appeared to be some sort of mass training taking place in the open yard, he almost felt somewhat nostalgic. Even if he had never been an academy student himself he could still appreciate their place in teaching the new generations of Sith. Not everyone could be trained on the job as it were.

"Simple and a bit sloppy, but group training is nonetheless effective when done correctly." He mused with a nod towards one of the officers as they corrected a student. "Breeds senses of competition and fellowship. Hopefully more of the latter than the former." Alisteri's gaze drifted up into the rocky landscape as he crossed his arms behind his back. "Tell me A'Mia, if you would, how does an Acolyte of this academy earn their lightsaber? Or has such a practice not been implemented yet?"

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

She listened with her typical singular focus, only looking back out at the drill yard after he finished speaking in order to consider her answers. First she pointed out to the practicing students and teachers.

"You will note that those with various skill levels are interspersed with each other. More skilled combatants or those with more aptitude are placed purposefully near those who are less so. This is a general practice and you can see nearly the entire current student body represented out there. But yes, there are also much smaller group practices, one on one trainings, and of course proper duels."

She turned back and for the very first time she seemed to grow rather serious. Her expression went almost entirely blank and he again had the distinct impression she was looking through him. For her part, A'Mia was running the cost/ benefit analysis of opening up too much to this man who seemed to make himself the opponent of so many. It was not fear for her well-being, but rather an innate survival instinct as well as a sense of burgeoning loyalty to the seedling academy, still so new and just properly forming.

"Such practices are being implemented," she began slowly, deciding that she would provide vague answers to the question asked and more detailed information to a related topic.

"When students are deemed ready they will undergo a trial. As you may know, great efforts have been made to restore the kyber caves throughout Korriban… Their trials will take them to such places. We aim for new generations to use all these experiences to learn how to thrive and survive in the brutal ecosystem that is our socio-political system."

It was the first time she had spoken in the collective "we". As if the vision here was very much part of her personal work and ambition, not just information she recited from route memory.

Darth Strosius​