A Youn Sith in a Haven on Commenor

[Alexander Dregar]

Sitting in a class room on Commenor, Zach half listened to the teacher going on about the different galactic civil wars. Compared to the schooling he received under this Sith, this was child’s play. On Korriban it was learn or die, here it was learn or fail. Simple really, when your life is at stake, you have all the reasons in the galaxy to learn something. However, he wasn’t here at The Haven, school for the gifted, to learn. Instead he was here to kill someone, a certain someone named Syphious Ryn. While Zach was here because the man had betrayed a high level Imperial Officer in some business deal, there were many other reasons to hate this man, slavery, smuggling, biological testing, the list went on and on. Some people deserved to die, Mr. Ryn was one of them.

Truth was, this was probably one of the few missions he didn’t mind killing someone, not even the Galactic Alliance liked the guy, but he was to well connected for them to move against him. Zachariah didn’t feel any guilt at this one at all. He hated the idea of slavery, after all. From his seat, looking out the window, he could see the bright sunlight, the mountains in the background and the fruit orchards below the school, offering fruit and shade for students. Many buildings sat around these orchards, mostly made of brick. The green, fertile landscape was peaceful. But soon, oh so soon, he would stain it red. Of course, he would try to make the man’s death as painless as possible, just because someone had to die, didn’t mean you had to make it painful.

The bell rung, bringing him back to the present. Stretching his arms above his head, he began to put his books away. Two boys came over and began talking to him. “Hey Zach, we are heading out to the arcade today, want to come?” Zach laughed and gave them a grin. “Hey guys, you know I am not as brilliant as you two, I went last night, today I have to study, but you guys have fun, alright? I’ll try to get caught up and do something with you tomorrow.” Yeah right, he thought, he had to scout tonight possible escape routes away from a dozen different assassination sites, every detail had to be perfect. His buddies nod. “Well alright Zach, take it easy bro.” Only having been at the school for three weeks, he had made a few friends, as a good cover story. He had to blend into the life, or else he would be spotted.

Gathering his stuff, he walked into the hallways, and down the steps. Stepping through the massive front doors he headed outside, and began to head to the dorms. Yet something stopped him at one of the large trees. There was plenty of time to get ready for tonight, but it was never to early to keep up appearances and keep your cover intact. Sitting down beneath the tree, he took out one of his math books, opened it up, and began to read.

 

[Megaran]

~ She felt the cool durasteel floor against her face along with tears. She trembled in fear. Blood seeped from a wound on her arm. Her brownish hair was glued to her skin with sweat. Terrified, she tried her best to focus on her surroundings. She could see the canisters filled with food and the chains she was bound by. She could hear his big black boots hitting the floor with a loud thud. He was coming back. She whimpered, trying to wiggle out of her restraints. It was no use. No strength she could muster would be enough to free her. More tears erupted from her eyes. She couldn’t take it anymore. The pain was too much for her to bear. Why did she have to leave home? Why did he pick her?

He came to the doorway, with a hot poker in hand. Even though he hid his face behind a plain back mask, she assumed he was smiling. What kind of person would take joy in this? He was a monster whom she loathed. She wished everyday that he would fall over dead somewhere. She did not want him to hurt her anymore, but he was.

He darted to her side, placing the poker near her face, “Do me a favor sweetheart,” he asked, his voice dark and menacing, “scream,” with that he pressed the poker against her stomach. She screamed out in agony. Her flesh burned and sizzled underneath the hot metal object.

He pulled away the poker, readying himself for another go. He muttered softly into her ear before continuing,“Wake up, Selene.” ~

The girl suddenly awoke in class, safe and sound, with her instructor’s hand on her shoulder. Selene’s hand snapped to her stomach, sliding underneath her white tank top. Her finger stroked a burn mark. She sighed; she had to make sure that it wasn’t a dream. It was a memory. She took several deep breaths to calm herself, cold sweat dripping from her brow.

The dark haired teacher looked her with much concern, her eyes observing all the scars on her arms and legs. Selene expected that from many people when she wore a tank-top, “Do you want me to call your father, Selene?”

She shook her head, “No. I don’t want you to call him,” she replied rudely, standing up quickly. Selene grabbed her things and stormed out the room. Oh how she hated this place. The people hear thought her “father” to be god. They were ignorant to his true nature, but she wasn’t. She knew about the evils he committed but that did not concern her as much as her freedom did. Selene wanted to be able to leave this place and maybe just maybe find her brother, Noah.

The girl closed her eyes, trying to remember his face. Nothing.

She proceeded outside, her hair shinning in the sun. Selene walked past several people, trying to get her attention. She did not care about these fools nor was she in the mood to humor their simple minds; these people who called her, their friend. Selene smirked, any other day she would be glad to amuse them, but she did not need them today. She needed someone strong, someone that could help her exact her revenge.

Her eyes spot a boy sitting beneath a tree. She had never seen him here before. He must have been new. A strong sensation surged through her mind. Selene felt strength illuminating from him. It was strange but she had always had a strange sense about people. Curiosity had grasped her, so she felt inclined to pursue this.

She approached him with a charming smile, “Hi,” she extended her hand down towards him, “I’m Selene Ryn. You are new here aren’t you?" she asked, her voice soft and sweet. Whom ever he was, he might be able to assist her. He looked like someone with experience, dying to help.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Looking up from his math book, he smiles warmly at the pretty girl. His eyes look into hers, as he reaches for her hand. In that brief moment, she would be able to tell this wasn’t some simple minded fool, like the other students. This was a boy who has experienced suffering, pain, and overcome it all. Power. As he shakes her hand, she could feel the strength, and warmth, of his body. “I am Zach Jennsen.” A moment after touching her hand, she would see an image in her mind. It was foggy, a dull hum would fill the air, many bodies littered the ground, a figure cloaked in black would stride over the bodies, two blood red lightsabers in his hands. Power would emanate from his entire being, the cloaked figure would then lift his head and looked like he was looking straight into Selene’s eyes, the face that of Zach.

Smiling happily, he blushed a little as the pretty girl came to talk to him, shook his hand. “Want to sit down? It’s quite nice here. I have seen you around, but never had to guts to come talk to you. Yeah, I transferred here about three weeks ago, I kind of blend in to the crowd, so its nothing big you haven’t noticed me.” In truth, his entire training was for blending in, looking like he belonged in an area, so he was never truly remembered in the first place.

He wondered why he got all blushie when a girl talked to him. Force he hated being a teenager, it made his job a lot harder than it had to be. “You hungry or thirsty? I have some snacks and water in my bag if you like.” Oh well, might as well play the part, if he just brushed her off, it would be all the more noticeable, right? His eyes went over the scars on her arms, and remembered the scar across his chest, and the many he had gotten during training and other…less useful things. Still, bacta worked wonders on scars for the most part.

“You’re parents force you to come here too? This school is alright I guess, but it feels so lonely at times, everyone has their own little groups, while two kids have taken me under their wing, I still feel like the outsider, you know?”

 

[Megaran]

His eyes were beautiful. Dark and sweet. She grasped his warm hand returning his smile. At the moment their skin touched a vision filled her mind. A hooded figure stood before bodies, lightsabers in hand. The power was intoxicating, alluring to Selene. Who was this man? Why was she seeing this? He looked into her eyes. It was Zach's face! What was a Sith doing here? She was curious to know this and she wondered if he knew. She had no desire to expose him. No she had much more in mind. Maybe he will be the key to my revenge

She smirked as his cheeks turned a shade of pink. Selene nodded in response, taking a seat near him on the ground. The grass offered little cushion for her bottom but she couldn't complain. She had sat on worse. The girl listened as he talked. It didn't surprise her that he had seen her. Everyone had, but she was shocked she was not perceptive enough to notice him. She normally could spot a new kid a mile away.*

Selene declined his offer for food before he could continue his rant. She reached up and played with the end of her ponytail in a flirtatious manner. She felt slightly self conscious as she watched him scan her arms. It was not the part of her body she was most confident about.*

She giggled, "I'd never consider Syphious my parent but yes. It's okay for the most part but I've been here for five years so I pretty much run this school, plus everybody loves the bosses 'daughter'. But I doubt you'd feel like an outsider anywhere," she said, flashing him a crooked smile followed by a wink.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Zach could feel a ripple coming off the girl. She was somewhat force sensitive, but had no training. His eyes go to her face and he blushes more, watching her play with her pony tail, smile, and wink at him. The Sith’s heart skipped a beat. He hated himself, his own weakness when it came to females, but, so she was the daughter of Mr. Ryn, the man he was here to kill. “Tell me…you don’t sound fond of him…nor do you sound like he actually is your father.” Those deep eyes gaze into her own, as he releases some of the force power. The girl could easily sense the dark side flowing from him now, even though she had little idea of the power inside her.

“What do you really think about him?” The boy’s eyes grow darker, as evil thoughts crossed his mind. “And tell me…what happened to you, those scars, I know bacta could take them away, so the question remains why your father would even allow you to keep them.” Reaching out, he almost touches one of the scars on her arms, but stops just short of. Then in a dark whisper, audible only to her. “Trust me, if I knew who did that to you, they would regret it for the rest of their life.” Which wouldn’t be long, he told himself.

Anger began to fill him, but he forced it down for now. He would make that person pay later, but for now, he had to find a way to complete his mission. He could tell she could feel him, feel what he was, and it didn’t bother him. She tried to betray him, he would kill her like he would her father. But if some of the rumors were true, she just might not care if something bad happened to that man. For now, he would act like he knew barely anything.

 

[Megaran]

Zach's voice danced across her ears, speakings words she always wanted to hear. Nobody had ever caught on to her snide comments about Syphious. They figured she was just an over dramatic teenage girl angry at her father. But he...someone whom she had not even known for five minutes cared enough to ask. Or did he? She was unsure. The way he presented himself and his true identity as a Sith were oddly different. She couldn't help but to continue to wonder why he was here, but she'd play along for now. Maybe even share her story with him, making him feel sorry for the poor little girl.

As he spoke of scars she struggled to hold back her tears, the dream from earlier still fresh in her mind. His hands almost touch her skin, secretly she wished he had. Zach being this close to her was breathtaking and she did not why. She trembled at his whisper, those words answering her prayers. Selene could have him kill Syphious! Yes. That would perfect. Zach turned his head to the ground, appearing slightly angry.

She shook her head and sighed, "He is not my real father and I hate him. I make a wish on the first star I see every night that I'll rid of him but all my wishes seem to be in vain. As for my scars...I got them a long time ago, I'm not read to share that just yet but let's just say that Syphious keeps them here to remind of who controls me and whom I'll never be again," she replied her voice full of emotion. She reached her hand over to touch his, her thumb softly stroking his skin, "But what are you really doing here Zach? I'm pretty sure it isn't for the find education."

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Taking her hand into his, Zach entwines his fingers with the girl, for him a symbol that they have his full and undivided attention, then he smiles. “Well why not eh?” His voice a whisper, as he leans forward to whisper in her ear. “I am here to kill that man, as he has made the Sith Imperium very unhappy. I will make him go away forever, so he can never harm you again Selene, would you like that?” The boy’s warm breath tickles at her ear. “I will get rid of him, specially, just for you. If you want it could be quick and painless…or very slow and painful, I leave that choice to you.”

That slight tickle, with each whisper, other teenagers notice, and whisper about how close they were. Like Zach cared. “I am a Sith, one of their assassin, I control the force, and have so many different powers at my command. Just ask it of me, and I will use them for you, to give you whatever wish you desire. I know what its like being stuck in a cage, controlled and used.” Letting his free hand, he traces the scars on her arm so softly.

The boy didn’t care why Selene hated him. To see this girl so sad, to feel it in her, the fear, the tears, he would do anything to make it stop. And since this was his mission already, why not do two things at once? Who would truly miss him? More importantly, who would harm such an angel, and force her to have scars so she remembered her place? Rage began to fill him, Syphious was going to die, and for the first time in his life, Zach was going to enjoy doing it.

 

[Megaran]

Selene smiles as he grabs her hand, leaning close to her ear. His voice set shivers of delight down her spine. He was here to kill Syphious. His double dealing had finally caught up to him. It was quiet convenient actually. She wanted him dead and here was someone tasked to do it by the Sith Imperium themselves. She held back a laugh at his words. Would she be happy? Hell, yes. Did she want it to be painful? Right again. She wanted him and that masked man to suffer as much as she had. She wanted them to feel every cut every burn she had felt. Zach could have Syphious but she wanted the masked man. Oh how revenge tasted so sweet.

She noticed that her peers were watching them, gossiping about them. But the swarm of insects knew nothing. They could not even comprehend nor imagine what was about to happen. Zach had just promised her the anything she desired. She was now more powerful that that "father of hers" just by association. What was a girl supposed to do? Reject him? His offer? No. All her plans were coming true.

His other hand gently caressing her arm distracted her from her thoughts but she stayed the course. With large eyes and a will hidden falsely hopeful smile she said, "You would do that for me? Zach...I don't know what to say."*

She grins to herself, an idea coming to mind. Selene leans close to him, softly pressing her lips against his cheek. She pulls away awaiting his reaction. *

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Zach, wraps his arms protectively around the girl the moment she kissed her cheek. He could tell he was being used, but how was that anything new? Until he became a Crusader, he was nothing but an expendable pawn. So, why not enjoy anything you could while doing your job. Why NOT let yourself be used and be as useful to them as possible. Blushing he leans over and kisses her cheek in return, so softly and tenderly, his lips warm. “Just tell me what you want me to do to them, I am at your service.”

She was soft, and warm, manipulative true, but who cared? Just having her as an ally in this would make the job a lot easier. “Keep that up, and chances are I would do anything you asked anyway. Now, we just need a place to meet that is more private so we can talk without being overheard, any ideas?” Shivering softly, he just enjoyed this moment.

His mind went through a million possibilities on how to use this new ally, its possible he could get closer to the target and actually study his habits now, but how would he react to his daughter having him near by? These questions had no answers yet.

 

[Megaran]

She could feel the slight muscle tone his arms as the encircled her. This closeness was a bit awkward for her. Selene could not remember the last time someone held her nor kissed her cheek. Her mind flashed to her journey here. She was bloody and weak, held in the arms of the mask man. He shoved food down her throat, making she could carry on. In his way, maybe this was comforting. *To her, it was like having a nightmare trying to cradle you to sleep.*

She wiggled out of Zach's arms, rising to her feet. Her skin tingling all over. The girl forced a smile, trying to erase those images from her mind but she couldn't. How long would she be plagued with these memories? When would she forget? To that, there was no answer.*

She glared down at him. He appeared so innocent and thoughtful, but she doubt that was his true nature. She had heard stories about the Sith and their practices. She knew enough to be well educated on the matter. Selene could only guess that he was using her too. Syphious was her "father" after all. She had access to the house. She knew everything about him. Why not use her like she was using him? She admitted to herself that she found herself attracted to him but she would need to be stronger than him to assert her power. What she lacks in raw strength she made up in mental prowess. Syphious was going to pay and Zach would be the one to do it, with her hands clean.*

She considered his question and responded, "Come to the house for dinner. I'm sure you know where it is. Just look for the most ostentatious mansion and that is us. We can talk in my room and you can meet father if you wish."*

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Zach lets her go. “I am sorry, but I promise you this, I am not just using you. I will do everything I must to protect you from now on, I swear. We will do what we must to set you free. Until then, play along, we have to make a good show for the people around us, so your dad doesn’t suspect anything. Then, whatever you want, once its done, will be done.” Standing up, he stretches. Zach was as innocent, sweet, and kindhearted as a Sith got. Yet he still had a lot of blood on his hands. He was different than other Sith, he had a desire to protect, not just kill and further his own goals, and for some reason, all that desire to protect was landing straight on Selene.

“I will go get ready, and get there in about two hours, sound good? Or should I come sooner, or later?” He smiles warmly at her. “Do not worry, everything you have dreamed of will happen very soon Selene, you can put up with it for just a little longer.” Besides, he thought to himself, if they tried anything now, he could simply kill them sooner. Putting all his books, pens, data pads and notepads away, he puts his backpack onto his back. “Heck, I don’t really even need to say this, but if you want anything, I will do it.” Whispering to her one last sentence he begins to move off. “Anyone you want dead here, just tell me, anyone you want something they have, tell me, anything you desire is my command.”

Standing back away from her, he waits for confirmation before he would move off and get ready for tonight. This was going to be fun, in many ways. He couldn’t wait to see the look on a controlling “parent’s” face when they brought home one of the new guys, especially someone like Zach.

 

[Megaran]

Selene, appalled by his words, glared with her wide blazing eyes at this strange specimen. He really wanted to protect her didn't he? He really seemed to care. But why? How? Did they share some unspoken bond? Where they bound by a similar path? Her disposition towards life refused to allow her to think such words conceivable. She had experienced many forms of anguish that devoured her pleasant memories like a rancor. Why should she believe him? She had no reason to trust him except for that startling sensation within her gut, that nudge of reassurance in her mind. He was not lying and he meant every syllable. She decided she would go with it for now, but would remain on guard. No one would get to her again. No matter how sweet or attractive he may be.

She observed him closely as he packed up his things. His hands, which had felt so soft on her skin, quickly shoved them in his bag. Zach's voice was comforting again. It was the same comfort she felt when Noah told her stories about a hero and his heroine, fighting great battle against the evil Sith. Noah would be surprised to meet a Sith like Zach. Evil would be one of the last words used to describe this man.*

He moved to walk away awaiting her word before leaving, "You are amazing, Zach. Really. Come by in a hour," Selene gave him a sly smile, "You know I can hardly wait that long to see you again. See you soon," she said, turning to leave, her braid whipping behind her.

Selene continued down the sidewalk, towards her "home". She used to remember how to get there by following the sidewalk straight down the path. That path lead to the front gate. She always thought it was quite vain for him to design it that way but hey, when you are filthy rich you can do that.*

The surplus of untamed bushes and plants reminded her of holopictures of Dagobah. The building itself was large. Massively large yet it paled in comparison to her childhood home on Chandrila. It was elegant while Syphious' was manly and grotesque in design. She could not stand this place. In her mind, this was her prison, her cage. It was the symbol of her enslavement. She approached the front yard lined with security measures implemented from earlier this year.*She opened the door to the mansion, sneaking in before he caught her. She could his voice yelling for her but she didn't care.*Selene plopped herself onto her bed, sighing deeply, full of excitement. Soon...she would leave this place.*

That hour could not come quick enough. To past the time, she quickly showered, erasing all the dirt and worries of the day from her body. The water trickled down her lightly tan skin, refreshing. She washed her hair with shampoo that smelled like kavasa fruit. When she was finished, she patted her body dry, before looking for clothing to wear. Out of ideas, she threw on a long-sleeve white shirt and tight pants. She let her hair flow freely. She was concerned about what Zach would think. Selene blushed at herself. No. It does not matter. This is foolish. This is about killing Syphious and only that.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Zach moved into his dorm room and changed himself. He got rid of all the weapons he had on his person, just a few needles really, but he had every thought he would be searched when he entered that house. He blushes thinking of Selene, then shakes his head. “Calm down, its business right?” But it wasn’t. It felt personal, he wanted to protect Selene, and he would. Even without weapons, he could kill nearly anyone who tried anything with him. Putting on pants and a short sleeve shirt, he made sure everything was clean and nice.

He was acting like he was going to his girlfriend’s house after all, it would be his cover for the moment. Then, around an hour later he moves out of the dorms and down the sidewalk, towards the mansion, which of course he already knew where it was. Zach was calm as can be, but made himself look nervous, like a boy going to the girl of his dream’s house for the first time should be.

The boy knocks on the door of the large house, waiting for an answer, as he looks quite nervous. This was the daughter of the owner, the head of the school, why shouldn’t he be nervous? Right? Bah, Zach didn’t know but knew that was what he should be like so did it anyway. Zach had to stay in character and not give anyone a reason to think otherwise.

 

[Megaran]

She felt a strange nudge within her skull. A familiar presence called out to her. Could it be Zach? That hour flew by faster than she had expected, but she couldn't complain. The girl was eager to see him again. She stood up and quickly headed to the door. As she approached, Selene sees Syphious wave their droid away, taking it upon himself to complete this simple task. She moved to stop him but it was too late. He opened the door with Zach standing before him. She could only hope that today was a good day. He never took visitors in with open arms especially boys.*

Syphious was a tall man, slightly intimidating with his toned bought and an unstable look in his eyes. His dark long hair encircled his face like a hood. He held himself like a pirate captain would. She hoped he wouldn't scare him away but then she remembered Zach was a Sith. His stared down at him giving the boy a small smile, "How can I help you young man?"

Selene decided to interject before Zach could say anything. She had an idea that just may suit her 'father'. She slid next to the older man, putting on her best act yet, "Daddy," she said, managing to mask the disgust in her voice, "This is Zach. He just started at The Haven a few week back. I wanted to invite him over for dinner so he could feel at home her on Commoner. That isn't a problem is it?"

Syphious seemed unsure whether to believe Selene at all but nodded in consent, stepping to the side to make room, "Come in."*

 

[Alexander Dregar]

The boy blushes and nods to the man. “N-nice to meet you sir, I have heard so much wonderful things about you. Everyone says you’re the most generous man they have ever met. It is truly an honor!” He bows deeply, his mind connecting to Selene’s she could feel him laughing on the inside. This situation was hilarious to the Sith boy. This man…was pathetic compared to some of the WOMEN Sith, not the mention the true Dark Lord himself. Bah, it was okay. This weakling would die soon enough. Only Selene could feel these images going through Zach’s head, as of all the people in this side of the galaxy, she was the only one Zach cared about.

He looks over to Selene and smiles so brightly. “Thank you Selene, you were so kind to let me come over, it’s been hard, but my parents are thinking of investing here if I enjoy it enough. You’re daughter has been making me feel at home, so I think I will tell them it’s a good idea.” But only if the man managed to survive. “So um, Selene, do I take off my shoes or anything? I don’t know all the proper things for your house.”

Zach’s eyes looked at Selene, she was so beautiful. Blushing a little he looks away, trying to not stare. But what was truth and what was act was hard to tell. Even if the father did a background check, he would find his family were incredibly wealthy, and powerful on several planets. The Imperium were pros at background stories after all.

 

[Megaran]

Selene wanted burst into laughter at Zach's overly generous words. She could tell that he was amused by Syphious' powerful manly stature. She wasn't surprised, even she wasn't scared of him except for the fact that he had a hundred and fifty pounds on her. Along with his short temper and his threats to hit her, he was not her favorite person. She may be a strong girl but she felt so vulnerable around him, as though she was still that bloodied and bruised child he had adopted years ago.*

Erasing those thoughts from her mind, she closely observed Zach's behavior. She noticed a shade of red, rushing to his cheeks, his warm expression and calm words. She still wondered if this was all an impressive act from a boy taught to lie. Even though he assured her, she could not bring herself to trust him. Was it her lack of faith in men? Her abuse? She did not know. All she was aware of was that he was a handsome boy doing her bidding and that was something she could get used to.*

Three tall, brutish bodyguards fall in line behind Syphious, along with J1, their protocol droid. She had seen them often yet did not care to be formally acquainted. She watched them sip their drinks and talk about the native women. Selene knew everything she needed to know. The tallest one possessed the security key for the security room and the one with dark hair, had the key to beast room. Yes, the beast room. Syphious captured a gundark years ago on a hunting trip, using it for extra security and starving it to the point were it was extremely hostile.*

As Zach spoke to her, she was planning on responding but her 'father' interjected, "Your shoes are fine on your feet. If you would proceed to the dinning with J1, while I have a word with my daughter."*

The bodyguards ushered Zach towards the dinning hall with J1 in the lead, his silver plating reflecting everything he passed like a mirror. When Zach was no longer in site, Syphious stared at her with hostile eyes, clenching his fists together, "How many times have I told you not to invite others over unless you have my permission! I could have been conducting business! I work hard so we can have this life, Selene! I don't want some loud-mouthed kid screwing this up for us. Do you understand?"*

"By conducting business you mean...cheating the Imperium and the Alliance, then sure I'll make sure not to invite the authorities over," she replied, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

Angered by her smart comment, he snapped his hand forward gripping her chin tightly, "Now listen to me you, worthless *schutta. If it wasn't for me, you'd be either dead or a slave, selling your body for a credit or two. If you don't show me the proper respect than I can arrange for that to happen, even though I doubt you could make a living from that. I definitely wouldn't want a whore with your face. Are we understood?"

Rage curled up within her like caged animal, yearning to be free. She bit her tongue, nodded as much as she could with his hand still grasping her chin. He released her, proceeding to the dinning hall without another word. Selene followed, her muscles tense. Oh how she wanted him dead. He was prick and his words were mean. She would prefer him over the "Masked Man" any day but that didn't change her feelings on the matter.*

The dinning hall was huge, with a long table and several chairs. Zach was already inside. Syphious, who seemed completely normal again opened his mouth to speak, sitting down in the chair at the end "So Zach tell me about yourself."

 

[Alexander Dregar]

In Selene’s mind, Zach’s voice rang. “Don’t worry, this will be over soon enough.” Zach was polite to the droid. He was fascinated by them after all. Then later when Syphious came in, and asked him about himself, Zach just smiled politely. In truth, mixing a little fiction with the true would be good here. “My family, the Jennsen’s are minor bankers, we own banks on a dozen planets, nothing massive, but we have a good amount of capital to invest in new places. However, I am here on the recommendation of my god-father, perhaps you have heard of him, Timothy Verenger.” See, the first part had been a lie, but one that would be backed up by a lot of documents and date, planted by the Imperium’s information bureau. As for Timothy Verenger, he really was Zach’s godfather, and happened to be one of the richest men in the galaxy. He could buy and sell Syphious for what would be pocket change to him. After saving the life of his grandson, and destroying a criminal organization that was trying to bring him down, Zach was almost adopted by the man. As such, with a word, everything Syphious had could be gone. Zach however, preferred to use him as a cover story and do the work himself, rather than let his god-father take the responsibility for the actions.

“He said, he was thinking of trying a partnership with you and wished for me to come to this planet and see what I could find out about you. And there is no one who says nicer things about you than your beautiful daughter.” He let himself sound quite infatuated. Why? If the greedy man had any brain cells, he would then allow his daughter to continue trying to “seduce” the boy. The amount of power the godson of Mr. Verenger had, would be incredible. “This is going to be my introduction to partnerships and the like, since I am going to be an executive in his company some day as well as take over the banking business of my parents. I was so lost and confused, but Selene has been helping me so much, I really am indebted to her.”

Smiling so warmly at Selene, he sighs happily. “Thank you so much Selene for helping me out, I was quite nervous when I first came here, but now everything is going so much better. I am sure to tell Uncle Timothy about your generosity!”

 

[Megaran]

Timothy Verenger interested in a partnership with Syphious Ryn?*Selene found his false story about his "uncle" to be laughable. Only a fool would partner-up with Syphious. He had a reputation to be a cheat and idiot when it came to business. He used force to get what he wanted but maybe this "compliment" would flatter him enough to use what little common sense he possessed. *She had heard of Verenger mostly from her real father. Verenger wanted to set up several banks on Chandrila when she was younger. She was impressed by his cover story. She suspected that the tall bodyguard, who left as soon as Zach said who he was, was checking the story now. Selene knew that it was going to check out. The Sith didn't leave any holes in their stories.*

Zach's flattery did not phase her that much, she just smiled at him while they waited for their food to arrive. Syphious appeared deep in thought, his dark hair hiding his eyes. He cleared his throat, returning his attention to Zach. His knuckles were white from squeezing his hands so tight. He had a crazed look in his eyes, "I'm happy you feel so welcome here at the Haven. Verenger should be pleased to have such a nice prodigy and I'd love to continue these discussions with him; however, I must ask...you seem attached to my daughter. What are your intentions?" he asked, his voice low and raspy.

Selene, perplexed by her "father's" words, glanced over to Zach curious to what he would say.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Zach used the force to nudge the man’s mind, to make him more understanding of the situation. The girl or the money, he couldn’t have both, nor could he risk pissing off this boy still be allowed to keep everything. “I think you misunderstand sir. I am the one who you will be doing business with. With a single word I could have him destroy everything you built, or with a word I can have him make you a hundred times richer and more powerful. Remember this when discussing business. For now, what I want is a friend. I have had to move around a lot, I have never gotten to stay still for very long. “I do not intent to try to steal your daughter from you. All I want is a companion while I am here, and your daughter is helping me with that. She is the only reason so far, I am even considering investing here.”

Looking away Zach looked bored. While a bashful person, he gave off the look of one accustomed to wealth and power. To Syphious, it would look like this boy really could buy or sell off anyone he wished. “I am not trying to do anything wrong, just have fun at a school for a change. I have never found it easy to make friends sir, but your daughter is easy to talk to, to share things with.” This would probably plant the idea that Selene could be used to gain secrets from the boy. Another force nudge, and Zach implanted the idea, that the boy really was no threat to Syphious’ control of Selene, but he could use the girl to gain a lot more power, so why not do so.

“Sir, I swear, I am not trying to pull anything funny, I was taught to be respectful. And I will be.” Selene would be able to feel Zach now, ever since meeting him, her own latent force powers would begin to grow more and more active.

 

[Megaran]

Selene's eyes snapped to Syphious. He looked as though he was ready to explode. She had seen him like this once before, five men died in result. She nervously glanced to Zach, trying warn him with her eyes, but before they could make eye contact it happened. Syphious rose quickly to his feet, knocking over the silver ware and other things on top of the table. She jumped, surprised by his apparent tantrum. With eyes dark and wild, he points a finger at Zach, "Damn you and your uncle! I don't need money, power, wealth! I just need one thing and I sure as hell don't like the way you look at her! I kill people who cross me wrong and you Zach, you have rubbed me the wrong way since you walked through that door."

With a quick motion of his hand three more guards walk in along with...no. No. It couldn't be true. That couldn't be him walking into this dinning hall. A tall, muscular built man draped in a black cloak entered, wearing a solid white mask. Selene's heart skipped a beat as all her scars felt as though they were on fire. She curled up in ball, with pure panic covering her face. Tears formed in her blue eyes. She tried to fight it, fight so hard. Her hand slipped next her plate, grabbing her dinner knife and stashing it in her sleeve.*

Turrets hanging from the ceiling pointed at Zach as the guards drew their electro-staffs. Syphious scooped Selene up into his arms with the masked man close behind. He yelled aloud, "Kill him!" as the three headed for the landing pad, with Selene locked into a trance.

The guards advanced toward Zach as the turrets began to rain down heavy fire from the ceiling. The controls were just three meters away. All he had to do was get there.