Ask Sunrises and Daybreaks

[Iymril]

​

Corax was right, Zira did fear angering them. Not because they had actually harmed her but because of the power they commanded. A power that she didn’t and couldn’t understand. A power that Corax wielded as well.

“Of course she fears me, the same way the galaxy fears us.” They replied. “We are the boogeymen people tell stories about after all.” Iymril pointed out. “On top of that, Zira has been conditioned by previous owners to fear them.” They continued. “Combine the conditioning, the fact she knows what we are, and the power we wield…” Their voice trailed off and they rolled their wrist, a gesture to fill in the blank.

“It isn’t hard to see why she wouldn’t want to upset me.” They clarified. “Despite me not harming her.”

Then came the response to their question about love. Iymril gazed impassively at Corax as they explained and then directly replied. He was being open and honest, good.

“No, you do not.” They stated simply. Iymril’s ears twitched as they thought. They began to walk again when Corax turned and continued. It caused an eyebrow to reflexively quirk on Iymril’s face.

“Do you know why I purchased a pleasure slave?” They asked. “It wasn’t to sleep with her.” Iymril clarified. “Knowledge is power within our lines of work. The more you know, the more you can prepare yourself for.” They explained. “Pleasure slaves are trained to do many of the same tasks agents and operatives are.” Iymril continued. “They are charming, they seduce targets with no hesitation, which allows for many opportunities to gather intelligence or eliminate potential threats.” It was the truth, mostly.

“Unlike her previous owners I do not force her to sleep with anyone. The conditioning makes the realization that she has a choice difficult.” They continued, again a partial truth. “But she does work for me, she is a part of my powerbase, and I will protect what is within it.” It wasn’t a threat, just a simple truth. “I might not be pleasant either but I am fair.”

Iymril thought back to Drezzi with Darth Arcanos. The Sith Lord had pointed out a way of earning the people’s adoration. A way of gaining more permanent favor and sway over them. Perhaps, this was a similar scenario?

“So you enjoy her company and wish to spend more time with her I assume?” They asked. “I am willing to allow her time to spend with you.” They stated slowly, as if thinking over the idea. “If you are willing to aid me in certain favors every once in a while.” A harmless enough offer. “She gets a day to herself to spend with you doing whatever you choose. In addition, I’ll allow you to aid her in missions I send her on if you want. And in exchange, when I need your skill and services, you oblige.” They reiterated. “Do we have a deal?”

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

Vander had to admit, it was hard to argue with the logic of her being afraid of Limerick for all the reasons they had listed... and yet, something scratched in his craw. Maybe it was the fact that she wasn't so afraid of him. Perhaps that was simply because he wasn't her master.

He was starting to understand why this was a conversation Limerick wanted to have over dinner. At this point he was pretty sure they were just wandering around the streets to buy time for having this conversation.

Of course, Limerick claimed not to harm her, but Vander was used to being in a pit of vipers. He wasn't sure he believed a single word coming out of their mouth.

Oh no, you didn't buy her to sleep with her, that was just a happy little accident? he said, clearly not buying that for even the faintest of seconds.

Or rather to send her to sleep with other people. Or both, he said. There was a well of deep tension rising within him, though he kept it sealed. He had no interest in betraying any of his own thoughts or emotions apart from those he chose to.

Plus giving into anger now would just make a mess, he thought to himself. Could he get away with it? Absolutely. This was Omega, what the kriff was Crimson Dawn going to care if some Sith had killed another Sith earlier. They weren't a police force, they wouldn't arrive in time to stop it and they wouldn't care about hunting him down when it was all done.

Wow, sidetracked Vander, he reprimanded himself.

Vander seemed completley unbothered by the statements about Limerick protecting their powerbase. To be honest, Vander would have done the same. He expected nothing less.

He could just feel the winds twisting as Limerick launched into the final bit of their spiel.

He may not have been much for political machination, but there was a certain necessity just to survive in this business, and red flags were going off like fireworks in his mind.

You'll forgive me if I don't opt to sell myself into slavery in order to spend time with her, he said. I'm not giving anyone carte blanche to just do whatever they ask, he said, pointing out the unreasonableness potentially involved in such a "deal." Whether "when I need your services you oblige" was intended to be that broad sweeping would remain to be seen.

A strange memory came to Vander's mind unbidden and unhelpful, thinking back to a movie he had once watched called Pirates of the Caliban where the main character said the line "we've agreed my proposal is sound in principle, now we're just haggling over price." It was... a strange thing to come to mind. Probably because it had to do with the bartering of blood and souls.

This conversation does beg the question, though, he paused a moment. What is she worth to you? he asked. The answer he was expecting was "she's not for sale" but that wasn't true. Everything had a price. Whether Vander could pay it was another question entirely, but there was another fact that couldn't be avoided: Vander had a way of getting things done. And a properly motivated Sith was something that was very hard to contend with.

Or perhaps - and more likely by his reckoning - it would go nowhere. But he'd be a fool not to ask.

 

[Iymril]

​

If Iymril had been a different being, perhaps they could have explained the significance Zira meant to them. They could have allowed walls to tumble down and perhaps an alliance could be built. Perhaps even a friendship, albeit a strained one could have been formed. Real companionship and all the benefits it brought with it obtained.

But Iymril wasn’t a different being.

The scars of the past ran too deep. Old hatreds and pains were cancers in their mind and soul that they’d long turned to for nourishment. It had corrupted them thoroughly and left them as a hollow shell of the Sephi they could have been. Zira had been right, Ayyr had who they were but Iymril had risen from the corpse of a naive and innocent boy.

When Corax spat his venom back in their face, Iymril allowed no outward reaction. Their face remained calm, their eyes neutral as they gazed down at the compatriot. His judgements meant nothing to them or at least it would seem that way.

“Are you finished?” They asked smoothly after the other Sith had finished berating them. None of his questions deserved responses. But they’d give it anyways. “You know nothing of her or I.” They replied calmly. “You see a chain and the one holding it and assume you have an appraisal of what occurs.” They continued. “Did you react with such moral outrage on Korriban? Or did you pluck the wine glass without a second thought the same as I did?” They asked. “Grotthu are slaves as well. They are used for whatever their masters please and they are given less rights than Zira has.” They pressed. “Do you cry out as slaves are used up until they die on Zygerria as well? Their bodies broken to fuel our Order’s works. Or do you enjoy the fruits of their labor the same as I do?”

“Or is it just Zira that bothers you so much?” The question was a dagger. “And if that’s the case, figure out why but don’t project your image of villainy onto me. You know nothing about me.”

Iymril took a slow steady inhale. The entire time they spoke, their ears had been pinned to the sides of their head. They twitched in raw emotion and anger. But for all of it, Iymril didn’t unleash their pent up frustrations.

“I know what I am and do not shy away from it.” They stated as they took a step back.

Given the way the conversation had gone, Iymril wasn’t surprised when Corax denied their offer. It was, of course a trap meant to ensnare. They were at least pleased that the other Sith didn’t blindly blunder into the obvious noose.

But their final question and statement drew an irritated glance from the Sephi. What was Zira worth to them? They’d paid twenty thousand credits, sure but her value was immeasurable. She had Ayyr’s eyes and that was a reminder of her love, her loss, her betrayal, and his pain. Her existence near them was a wellspring of inner emotion to draw from and one Iymril wasn’t willing to give up. But more importantly, even if they refused to acknowledge it, there was another reason.

In their own twisted way, Iymril cared for her.

“Look at who seeks to buy a pleasure slave now. What a hideous monster you must be.” Came the response, driving an earlier point home. “There is no sum of credits I’d be willing to accept for her.” Iymril continued. “She is too valuable to me.”

Not their plans. Not their power base. Not their goals and machinations. Without realizing it, Iymril had showed a glimmer of who they were with that one simple word.

Me.

“If you don’t care for her, then why do you involve yourself?” Came Iymril’s own question.

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

At least the conversation was getting somewhere. Slowly but surely the layers of both Sith were peeled back if only to expose the next most superficial layer. It was a delicate, tenuous process that at any moment could devolve into utter violence.

Limerick spat back his own accusations at Vander, and for a moment his mind reeled with all the arguments he wanted to make, but then he remembered his dueling training. If you only ever defended, you simply delayed the inevitable. The only way to end a duel was a quick and succinct counterattack.

Clearly he had gotten under Limerick's skin, and that... very slightly satisfied Vander, but even more than that it told him something about the other Sith. Or at least hinted at it.

If you tell me she hasn't had to screw anyone since you bought her, I'll take back every word, he said. They both already knew the answer to that, and Vander didn't actually linger on it. It was rhetorical at the end of the day.

But like Limerick, Vander answered some of the questions anyway.

No, it's not just her, but she most certainly is the center of my attention currently, he said, and the response for the briefest moment hinted at the fact that this was not, in fact, Vander's first time making mischief. He wasn't over ready to share about the way his Master had died for making similar trouble or the way it would probably someday claim his own life. Vander's views and principles were... well, twisted by the Dark Side, but complicated. Perhaps they were illogical to others or perhaps if he took the time he could have walked someone through them from top to bottom. Most likely, but that would have required either trust or a setting he didn't currently have. To him, it was perfectly logical.

Vander had already expected the final cutting words from Limerick about asking about her purchase. That was why he seemed completely unaffected by them. Alas, perhaps if Vander was another more person-invested Sith he would have noted the way Limerick seemed to care about keeping Zira because of himself, but the statement was just a little bit too subtle.

In truth, this conversation had proven... enlightening. Likely for both of them. Another proposal sprung to Vander's mind, but the truth was that he didn't think this was the time. Tempers were high and that wasn't the time to parlay. Not really.

And then they came back around to the question at the core of it all. Why did he involve himself. It was a complicated question. Should he tell the truth? Was he even sure what the truth was? Was his desire to help Zira just his own, selfish and fickle passions? He was Sith, after all. But she wasn't the first - and wouldn't be the least - person he had killed over. Which probably brought up the boil that needed lancing before he answered.

I know you think I'm going to kill you, he said bluntly. It wasn't a leap in part because Vander really had been thinking about killing them. They'd refused to carry the explosives, refused any sort of high speed anything, and now had this conversation in a public walkway. They were Sith, it wasn't a big leap.

This is Omega, he said, motioning around them. If I decided to try to stab you, nobody here would give a kriff. And yet, he said, making a motion at his empty palms. He... really wasn't wrong, either, and Limerick would know it.

As for the "why." Well, that's a whole lot more complicated. Prudence would have said to simply let this one go. To leave Zira to whatever fate she lived out. That was what the numbers said, and Vander lived his whole life by these numbers. He defined himself by them.

What is the worth of a single mortal life, the whisper said again.

You looking to hear my tragic backstory? he quipped, maybe actually a joke, but not entirely a "no."

It's complicated, he said. And there are answers to all those questions. Like you, there's more than meets the eye, he said. Was he going to actually open up about any of it? He supposed that remained to be seen. It would depend on how the rest of what he said was responded to.

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril ignored what Corax fired back with. Moral high grounding meant nothing to them, it was all relative anyways. Instead, they focused on what he said next. She was the center of their attention right now.

“Right now?” They questioned calmly. “Only a focus until another poor lost soul that needs rescuing walks along?” They prodded. “That isn’t our way. The powerful rule and the weak serve.” Iymril reminded Corax. “We do not break the chains for others, that only serves to weaken them as well.” They continued. “Zira is not a poor wretched thing in need of saving.” It was true. “She will grow strong enough to earn freedom or she will cling to her familiar chains.” They pointed out. “Ripping her free of them wouldn’t rescue her, it would only leave her unable to fend for herself and more afraid.”

Iymril took a breath, they gathered their emotions instead of letting them run wild. Corax was clearly an idealist. The type that believes those with power should aid their lessers. That mentality would get him killed. But Corax’s next words were dangerous and threatened to ignite the powder keg that sat between them.

“I think you will try.” Iymril corrected. Their hands had been in fists up until that point, they unballed themselves now.

Iymril had one advantage of Corax made the attempt, the man had no idea what they were capable of. Iymril had given them a display of heating and freezing a drink and a vague answer about the Force. The man had no idea they were a Sign Caster.

But they didn’t form and signs, at least not yet. They were more interested in seeing how this heated discussion played out. If Corax could see beyond petty moral squabbling between Sith and glimpse the bigger picture. A galaxy under their control once more.

Then Corax did the unexpected. He offered up a glimpse into his past. One of Iymril’s eyebrows cocked slightly in reply.

“We all have tragic backstories.” Iymril replied. “The Dark Side feeds off of pain, hate, fear, and ambition.” They continued. “The only ones who will drink from that poisoned wellspring and find nourishment are those who’ve tasted the bitterest the galaxy has to offer.” Iymril felt like they were in their classroom suddenly. “And the only ones who thrive because of it are our kind”

Iymril’s arms slowly crossed their chest and they simply gazed down at Corax. They weren’t sure what to make of him or this conversation.

“I don’t need to know your past Corax.” They told him. “I only care about the future and how we fit into it.” Iymril continued. “Killing one another over this only serves to prove how fractured our Order truly is.” They pointed out. “I do not understand you. But until you prove otherwise you are part of us. While I will never trust you, I would defend you against outsiders because of that simple fact.”

“If Zira wishes to spend time with you, she may.” Iymril stated at last. It wouldn’t matter, Zira would always come home to them. They were her safety net against a Galaxy that she didn’t understand. She needed them.

“Consider it a favor and a token of my good will.”

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

Really? Because I thought our way was that we could do whatever we wanted, he said. It was, of course, only a partial truth, but also not wholly wrong. It wasn't entirely clear if Vander was just saying this to be a tag argumentative or if it was true. There was something oh-so-Sithie about saying "I'll do it because I want to."

Limerick corrected his statement and Vander just rolled his eyes momentarily. Tater, potato. Not the point and you know it, he said. Vander would have been a fool not to consider the other Sith - or any Sith - to be a threat, but he'd killed plenty of people before and he knew how to tackle a wide variety of enemies. Not that such was his goal at the moment.

Instead, he just... listened. There was so much to be learned from those words, and Vander didn't stop them, not because Vander needed to understand the Order he had been in since his earliest memories but because it was an insight into the other being across from him.

And he was silent. Pondering in silence, the faintest glint in his eye of thought. He pondered some further comment, quip, or argument, but there was little to say.

Instead, Limerick... perhaps offered an olive branch of their own. He had to assume it was a poisoned olive, but you know, it was something.

Vander opened his hands slightly and inclined his head just a bit in a gesture that said "most gracious." It was... a middle ground, he supposed.

It left him with a myriad of questions about Zira, though. There was that nagging feeling in Vander's mind that he was, of course, just doing this for himself. He had done little to improve her position in the galaxy, but he... well, frankly had a lot of questions about what she wanted anyway. There would be time to answer many more questions, and it was with self-admonishment that he reminded himself not to be hasty.

It was only a few seconds later that he spoke again.

You know... you and I are probably the idea team. We couldn't be much more different, he guessed. At least as far as Sith go. Hard to beat that, he said. It was simply objective fact. The truth was that he foresaw this wouldn't be their last time working together... successfully.

Vander wasn't really sure he believed anything that Limerick had said about protecting him because he was Sith, but it probably had some element of truth to it. An element that also said that if Limerick's interests and Vander's aligned they might actually find great success.

The thought brought him a conflicted mixture of emotions.

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril’s ears flattened at Corax’s response. It wasn’t that simple. Nothing the Sith did was that simple. Nothing was done out of sheer desire for wanton destruction. Every act of murder or torture had a purpose. Every ritual and sacrifice had a reason. Through power freedom was obtained. It was the eternal truth of the Dark Side, the cornerstone of the Sith.

It was because of that understanding, that suffering and hate could become strength that the Sith must rule the Galaxy. It was only through their guiding hands that order and stability could be achieved. Only the Sith had the wisdom to see into the future and realize the individuals beneath them were just cogs to achieve a goal.

And Iymril truly believed that. At least to an extent. At the end of the day, the only thing that mattered to them was their personal power. How that was achieved never factored into the equation. If it benefited their superiors, never factored into the equation. The only things that mattered were the accumulation of more power and their own survival.

Everything and everyone else was secondary.

So Iymril didn’t response to Corax’s goad. They instead gazed down at him in perfect silence, with a still face and empty eyes that betrayed nothing. They were beginning to wonder if the other Sith was an idealist with lofty goals based on misunderstandings of what their Order fundamentally was. Or if they were just a killer with no cause to champion. It didn’t matter ultimately, the only thing that did was the accomplishment of their mutual goals here.

When Corax finally said that the two of them were likely an ideal team, Iymril furrowed their brow slightly. He wasn’t wrong. Both Assassins and Sorcerers tended to be more cautious and intelligent than their martial counterparts. This tended to make them into lethal pairings, something Iymril could appreciate.

“I believe you’re right on that.” Iymril stated at least. “And at least you’ve gotten past short replies now.” They continued. “You’re not an entirely terrible conversationalist.” The delivery, as with everything else was deadpan.

Iymril would look at their chrono for a moment. Time had flown by, the pair would likely need to begin changing soon for the auction. Iymril glanced back up to Corax.

“I certainly hope your suit isn’t frumpy.” They teased. “I can forgive your former statements but a crime of fashion?” Iymril’s ear flicked at their own joke. “That is punishable by death.”

They nodded back towards the space port and waited for Corax to begin walking before they’d follow alongside him. Iymril didn’t intend on turning their back to the other Sith, they’d watched the end results of that decision just a few days prior. As they walked Iymril would glance at their partner again.

“She seemed to like painting your miniatures with you.” Iymril casually stated as they examined their finger nails. “She told me about what you taught her regarding the Clone Wars. An excellent era of Sith dominance, I approve.”

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

It was no mistake that Vander kept his goals ambiguous. At the end of the day, he was a person who grew up in the shadows and felt most at home when he was obscured by them. To be out, open, and visible was to be dead. For his enemies - or even allies - to understand what he wanted and why was to be predictable and dead.

Each Sith was left to their own thoughts on their new very tentative alliance. It was about as much as any Sith could ask for. Friendship and true companionship... those weren't the traits of a Sith, and if you ever found either then rest assured it would be violently ripped away sooner or later, right?

I'll take that as a compliment, he said. It also meant he wasn't doing the worst job at his job. Limerick certainly had some interesting views of their own, and Vander wondered what of it was true. He wondered if they were a true believer in the Sith religion: dare he say someone who would even give their lives to protect The Order. It was difficult to gauge, but there had certainly been Sith down through the years who were just that. Granted, most weren't interested in dying for their cause they were interested in killing for it.

Questions that would be answered in time, but Vander was confident of one thing: Limerick would have killed Vander, Zira, or Arcanos himself if they thought it would get them ahead.

Well, you liked it on Korriban, he said. He had the feeling that Limerick never wore the same thing twice, but Vander, on the other hand, was far more practical.

They started heading back toward the hangars when Limerick said something that finally caught Vander actually off guard. He knew, in theory, that everything that had happened would be reported back to her master, but it was different to hear it actually spoken of.

The momentary surprise at its mention was replaced a moment later by the feeling of embarrassment which he quickly rejected. He refused to be embarrassed of anything because that was the whole point of bringing this up. Or maybe it wasn't. Vander kicked his gut reaction back into place and forced himself to look at it logically.

Well, I'm glad, he said. He was sure Limerick wouldn't get why he was glad and would no doubt be asking again at any moment if he was in love with her, but Vander... well, it just was what it was. He wasn't going to worry. Yeah, that sounded like him: Mr. Not-worrrying-about-anything Caro.

The greatest bait and switch of all time, he said. Sidious had been many things, but it was difficult to argue with anyone that he had been a mastermind.

Why do you think Sidious failed? he asked. He had the whole galaxy under his thumb, and Vander had his own thoughts, but, of course, there was something more to it than just Vander's own thoughts.

We can pick this up on the way, he said.

---​

They would go their own separate ways for a time and when Vander reemerged in his fancy suit with his lightsaber hidden, no doubt he would be expecting an answer. Or perhaps there would be no answer, but at least it was an interesting question to ponder. The kind of question that would keep Vander up at night tackling it from so many different angles.

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril’s ruby eyes flickered with judgement for a brief moment. They withheld making a statement on the fact that Corax seemed to rewear the same suit several times in a row. Many Sith were just…poor somehow or didn’t spend credits on their appearance. Long term, this wouldn’t do.

If Corax wouldn’t allow them to take their measurements, they’d simply make Zira get them instead.

Iymril didn’t miss the flash of embarrassment that flowed through Corax. They didn’t comment on it, they didn’t have to. Instead, they focused on Corax’s question. Why did Sidious fail?

Sith scholars had debated that question since the Order had been reformed. Many of their answers leaned on compelled mythical answers regarding balance. That was nonsense. Moments before the pair split, Iymril would give the most barebones answer possible.

“Hubris.”

—————

Iymril would emerge dressed in their fineries and presenting masculine for the first time with Corax. Their hair had been lightly curled to fall like wisps of white smoke around their shoulders. They wore light purple lipstick and fingernail polish, and faint make up. It highlighted select features without making it painfully obvious they were wearing make up. Then they slid a masquerade mask on and left their ship.

They would appraise Corax’s clothes before giving a begrudging nod of approval. He was presentable at least. Iymril steadily fell in alongside their fellow Sith, they glanced down and a flicker of mischievous light danced in their eyes.

“This simply won’t do when we start dating.” They told Corax off handedly. “Wearing the same outfit repeatedly will only embarrass me.”

The flirtatious comments were largely to see how Corax would react. Iymril had a bead that the man was or was largely straight but toying with him was fun.

“Back to your question.” They said, changing the topic back to Sidious and Corax’s earlier question. “Hubris is the downfall of many great Sith, more recently Darth Raze.” Iymril pointed out. “Just like Sidious, he mistook power for invulnerability and was given the same result. It is a lesson that all should learn from.” They continued as they walked. “However, more importantly we should be looking at why Andraste didn’t fail.” Iymril said calmly. “The reason being that unlike Sidious and Raze, she never underestimated an enemy. Each threat was treated the same, ego never came into defending what was hers.” They glanced to Corax. “We must learn from the mistakes of Sidious and Raze while adopting the teachings of Andraste.”

After that, Iymril would fall silent for a moment. They were relatively satisfied with their answer. There of course was more nuance to the topic than this but as a brief response it was passing.

“And what is your belief? Why do you think Sidious failed?”

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

Unlike at the Korriban party, Vander had, this time, brought along a mask of his own. As he understood it, many of these people tended to wear animal themed masks at such events, so he would fit right in with his fox in the henhouse garb. After all, he could be a little coy as well from time to time.

Dating? Vander asked. This was made even more comical by the way this evening had started. They were on the verge of killing one another and now they were going to be dating.

You know I only fancy women, he said, as much statement as question. He already knew that Limerick had probably figured that out. The other Sith probably wouldn't have figured out just how rare it was for Vander to actually open up to anyone.

Vander listened to Limerick's response about the downfall of the great Dark Lords before, and he didn't disagree, although his mind immediately picked on the most contentious thing he could say. Or... perhaps contentious wasn't the right word, but the piece of the puzzle that would cause the most upheaval.

I actually agree with you about hubris, he said. But, he added, pausing as he prepared to open the door to the auction and looking at Limerick.

Was it the seriousness with which Andraste approached her enemies that made the Empire strong or the foundation it was built on? So many Sith today - Sidious, Raze, even Andruil - work alone and under their own strength. Andraste had her husbands and other lovers. It was the power of multiple Lords who kept the Empire in line. All under her, of course, but it wasn't one being alone, he said. Many people saw unity in the Sith to be a weakness, and in some ways it was. It was a weakness to the individual and necessitated vulnerability that most of them couldn't abide.

But in the days of the old Empire, that vulnerability and interconnectivity had subjugated the entire galaxy.

With that grain for thought, he stepped into the auction house. The sound of light music carried over the hidden speakers above and probably close to two dozen people milled around the area. By now, all of the artifacts would be here, and the value of the individuals in this room was... no doubt high. When it was all said and done, Crimson Dawn would not be happy, but the two Sith... would be that much richer in not just money, but other resources as well.

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril just gazed at Corax as he gave a confused questioning reply. They wouldn’t clarify. Instead, they’d let the other Sith wonder what in the hell had just happened.

Then moments later, he clarified that he was only into women. Iym’s ears would flick in amusement at the other Sith. Despite this, no expression bled onto their face or emotion swam in their eyes.

“I have a dress back in the ship.” They stated simply. “I can go back and change for you in that case.” Their ears were perked, Iymril was loving this.

As Iymril finished their response, they’d reach the auction house. But they didn’t enter, instead Corax posed his own question. One that was enlightening to Iymril. It taught them what Corax valued or wanted to be perceived as valuing at least. Unity. The one thing that spat in the face of the Sith Code.

The message Corax preached was dangerous. It could lead to mindsets that would weaken the Order. And at the same time, Iymril couldn’t deny that there was a nugget of truth to his heretic views.

Not that they’d ever admit that.

Iymril walked in and lowered their voice to ensure they wouldn’t be heard by other patrons. They weren’t ready for this conversation to be over until it reached a natural conclusion. Instead, they simply stood next to Corax in the crowded room and started with their own line of thought.

“Then are you willing to take a risk and trust another of our kind with your life?” Iymril asked. They knew the same answer, it was never yes.

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

Vander just stared for a moment in response to the dress comment before making his reply.

Are you in love with me? Because this is much stronger than I've ever come onto Zira, and if I was supposed to be in love with her, then... he let that logic play out for a moment.

As it turned out, Vander wasn't above a bit of quick wit after all.

As they made it inside the auction house, Vander's mind slipped into a very different state of being. He was always alert to threats - all the more so following the Wheel incident - but when he was actively in the hot zone, his mind focused almost entirely on evaluation.

Everyone here was a threat, but who was the most threatening? Probably Limerick, actually, then probably the guards followed by whoever looked the most athletic or carried a weapon he could make out concealed. Of course, this list wasn't always completely accurate, but it gave him a structure to work with.

He almost didn't hear the other Sith's question as he looked around the room, slipping back into the far more quiet and reserved intensity that had come to characterize him over the years.

No. Not practically. Theoretically? Maybe the right person, he said. And that was the crux of it, wasn't it? Theory and reality were things that so often never crossed over, and although it had been done once 7000 years ago, no time like that had ever happened since, not even in the subsequent Sith Empires.

But so many of the Sith were far too stuck in their ways to ever admit that what he said might possibly hold truth, and Vander... understood why none of them wanted to rely on each other. He didn't either.

In the end, it was all a mental exercise, wasn't it?

Time to call this meeting to order, a woman with short black hair said, standing to the front. Vander curved off to sit on the far side of the room, as close to one of the walls as he could.

 

[Iymril]

​

“No.” Came the flat reply from Iymril.

Did they find Corax attractive? Sure. Could they see themself actually dating him or anyone else? Absolutely not. Love required trust and vulnerability. Both of those were poisons that provided no power and only served to weaken the individual. Something Iym knew from experience.

Corax’s answer to their question was precisely what they thought it would be. No, he didn’t trust other Sith either. Whatever path Andraste had followed, it died with her. Sith weren’t meant to trust and unify, they were meant to deceive, divide, and dominate.

When Corax slipped off to stand elsewhere, Iym didn’t follow. Instead, they moved over to a different position within the crowd to create space between them. The auctioneer called the event into beginning and shortly thereafter the first item was brought out.

Iymril gazed at the replica lightsaber, they knew it wasn’t real. Several of the knobs on it were just for show and the ignition button was a flip switch instead of a press activation. They didn’t say anything as the bidding began. They figured this was a tactic used by the Crimson Dawn to tap out souvenir hunters. They wanted the real collectors to be the ones getting the illicit merchandise.

A smart move to avoid unwanted attention.

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

Vander was surprised to see that Limerick didn't follow. Sure, they may have made something of a truce, but given the other Sith had no idea where Vander had planted the bombs, he was surprised to see them wander off.

He looked with a craftsman's eye at the lightsaber hilt on display, but rather than critique the outside or the design - all of which he guessed could be made functional - what stood out to him was the distinct lack of a kyber's hum. Be it Jedi or Sith, the kyber at the heart of a blade generated its own gusts of wind in the Force, and they were distinctive if one knew to look for it.

From this "weapon" Vander sensed nothing.

For Vander's part, there was one item in particular that he wanted. What precisely Limerick was after seemed more ambiguous, but Vander had already failed to procure the artifact on Nar Shaddaa with Gargantuan. The artifact had already been shipped out here for the auction, so he would wait.

Several more items went by and Vander didn't dare speak into his comlink to talk to Limerick lest it be intercepted.

His teeth ground lightly across each other in rapid succession behind his mask, just waiting for the opportune moment.

And then he saw it. The ring pulsed with the Dark Side: the Duelist's Riposte.

It was only now that he flipped his comlink back on to give the other Sith about three seconds worth of warning.

3, 2, 1, he said, the countdown not actually taking a full three seconds before Vander ducked down, pulling the Force around himself and hit the button on the detonator. Half of the building erupted in fire and death as a good chunk of the building just collapsed in on itself. They had mere moments to capitalize, but fortunately... most people were too busy trying not to die.

 

[Iymril]

​

A count down echoed in Iym’s ears. As Corax said two, Iymril’s ears flattened against their head to protect their sensitive hearing. As he said one, the Sephi coiled the Dark Side around them in a protective cocoon and fell to a knee.

Moments later chaos was unleashed. Fear and panic coursed through the veins of survivors, while death claimed others. Iymril stood and thrust a hand towards a trio of guards that were trying to recover. They were rewarded by the sound of a series of wet crunches and screams. The men hung from broken rebar like trophies on a wall. Iymril’s attention, shifted to another pair of armed men. A quick weave of a sign and a hand thrust in their direction spelled a fiery doom for the two criminals. Lingering flames obeyed Iymril’s whim and leapt up to consume them.

“Get your trinket and grab the leather tome.” Iymril hissed over the comm bead. “Its presence is unmistakable in the Dark Side.” They explained. “I will handle any company that arrives.”

They’d promised Corax that they’d act as artillery. Iymril intended to deliver on that promise.

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

Vander leapt up to his feet followed by leaping up toward the front of the room. His saber hilt was in his hand and slammed across the face of the person who had been running the auction, sending them sprawling to the floor.

He snatched up the ring from the counter as well as the book that Limerick had indicated as he darted for the exit, throwing a couple of other random items into a bag as well.

That was when the blasterfire started. A mix of fire at both Limerick and Vander from the guard droids who had seemingly appeared from elsewhere in the building.

It was their cue that it was probably time to go, and Vander's saber burst to life to deflect shots away from himself as he made for the exit.

 

[Iymril]

​

Men Iymril could handle. Men had fears and hesitations. Men had rage and suffering. Men and the myriad of emotions could be utilized to deepen a connection to the Dark Side. But droids? Droids were unthinking, unfeeling, they were sterile and cold. There was nothing to draw from, no emotion that could be tapped into. There was just programming and the unrelenting drive to complete the assigned task.

As the droids fired, Iymril ran. They used the Force to tug a half dead guard and used the woman as a shield to cover their retreat. Her body was peppered with blaster rounds and Iymril only released her when they were clear of the building.

As the fled, Iymril gave one last show of power and dominance. Their mind gripped a weakened support pillar and ripped. There was a horrid snap and another section of the building fell in on itself. Like a domino, the last chunk of structure soon joined the debris. It would bury the droids, survivors, and evidence of the Sith’s involvement here. Whatever relics Corax and Iymril didn’t claim the Crimson Dawn could take with them, all the way to the Hells.

Iym would wait until they were clear from the disaster zone. Until the pair had created enough distance to avoid suspicion. Then they would address Corax.

“Well, what did we gain for our time?” They asked their ears twitched with curiosity.

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

Vander darted for the exit with his saber protecting himself from the couple of actually on-point follow up shots before a large remainder of the building came tumbling down. He half expected Limerick to try to trap him inside, although then they wouldn't get what they were here for. Benefits of being the one with the loot, he supposed.

As they made it out the door, Vander's lightsaber flashed out and returned under his cloak as the two vanished deeper into the night and the twisting streets of Omega.

Of course, Omega was owned by the Crimson Dawn, and Vander had no interest in lingering around and pushing his luck.

Still, the question of what they had gained was a valid one, and Vander looked into the bag, digging out the tome before passing it across the Limerick, taking a glance at just what it was they had wanted.

Xargeth's Words of Alchemy, he said, reading the title but passing it along even as he grabbed the ring for himself.

A mix of other artifacts were in the bottom of... probably questionable use. Some amulets, trinkets, and vaguely dark side items that would probably be more useful for resale than anything else.

A successful trip, he said.

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril’s ears perked as Corax read the title to the leatherbound tome. This was precisely what they’d been hunting for. While it wasn’t conveyed through their movements or expression after the book was handed to them, Iymril was greedy for the knowledge within. They had half a mind to begin reading now but remembered that Corax could still be a threat. A threat that couldn’t be ignored.

Instead, they nodded their head graciously. Corax was right, this had been a successful trip and that success only made the Sephi more willing to risk another job with the assassin.

“I agree.” They replied. “Perhaps this is the beginning to long and fruitful partnership?” Iymril asked rhetorically. “When you’re ready to work again, you know where to find me.” They stated as the pair came up on the spaceport and prepared to part ways. “Until then Corax, may the shadows hide you and your blade strike true.”

@Phoenix
/exitthreadattempt