To Tell The Truth

[Talik Kru]

Vortex, Mid-Rim Territories, Glythe Sector, K - 7
​

The wind was maddening and she didn't know why the people on whatever world this was hadn’t delved deep into the planet to escape its haunting dirge. It’s what any sane species would do given the inhospitable environment. And yet Talik herself was not the rabid biting screaming mess she thought she’d be, so that was job well done for phase one of her plan. What was phase two? The thought made her laugh to think that planning had anything to do with her situation. If only such a thing existed?

Once more she relived the events that had culminated to bring her to this dark cell on some unknown planet in the far reaches from anywhere civilized. The thought left a sour taste in her mouth for that had been exactly how Allerius would have termed it; ‘civilized’. She had even heard his high brow Alderaanian accent in her mind and she had to wonder what good was running when she brought the author of her torment with her into exile?

Talik Kru, she who was no longer of any people, closed her eyes against the images rising within memory but it was no protection against the truth; it never was. She had been on Corellia at the Eternal Cantina watching the Kaggath one moment, and rushing out onto the war torn streets the next after having seen him fighting the Jedi woman. Everything was unleashed in that one instant and she would have killed him if she had been able. As things turned out she made her escape without gaining her revenge. But he would come for her, hunting down traitors to the Republica; it’s what he did, what they both had done. It was not a matter of if, but only of when. For the time being though, what was she without her revenge?

It had been a seething pain in the back of her mind for a long time now, this thought that she was now nothing more than hate and without him her life had no meaning. He had taken everything that she was and destroyed it, then he turned around and gave her everything in return, a black and twisted version of who she was meant to be. If that was not cause for hatred then what was?

Even though she was calm for the moment, her hands could not help but rise to the Neural control collar which she had quickly learned not to even attempt to touch. Fortunately she caught herself before reaching the collar and let her hands fall back into her lap. Of course they had programmed the hateful thing with the command, “do not use the force” but that had only been amusing thus far. She rose from the cot, the familiar feel of her saber brushing against her thigh was absent as part of the conditions of her surrender. The rebel had been so terrified of her that the collar had been the second. His fellow insurgents held her at blaster point on the very gangplank of their ship; she could either comply or face Katress.

Perhaps pacing the floor would ease her tensions. Were it not for the food and periodic cell checks she would have begun to suspect she had been forgotten. But time wore on and still she had not been interrogated. Whatever was going on in the galaxy it seemed one Sith jumping ship was low priority. She couldn’t think about that now, Eddard and Lysanna’s deaths, the crumbling empire’s fate. None of it was tied to her now. She was more free in this cell than she had ever been in her entire life. For once she would be what she decided…

Whatever the kark that was.

@Mithias @Vosrik

 

[Vuthari]

Vortex Prison – Galactic Alliance Black Site 6453
Vortex

Vortex reminded Vu’thari of Ryloth in many ways. While most people would be unnerved by the tempest storms and shifting weather, the twi’lek simply recognized the planet for what it was and appreciated its chaotic beauty all the same. Regardless of his thoughts on it, his ship, the Apogee, was not so excited about the lightning storms cropping up by Black Site 6453. On Corellia, when the Galactic Alliance announced to the galaxy that Jedi “were back”, a twi’lek used this opportunity to turn herself in to the invading forces. Unsure what to do, one of the sergeants in charge of evacuating the attacking forces, put the Sith acolyte in binders, searched for trackers and then decided to take her in. From there, she was ordered to be transferred to this prison, which was the nearest prison that could accommodate a Sith in the area. Devrim Wolf and Vu’thari were called in to see what they could find out from the “walk-in” defector from the Imperial Republica.

Once the Apogee was safely on the landing pad, the twi'lek moved quickly into the prison and got updated on their "guest"...

Recorders were located in each corner of the cell, able to provide audio and video feedback to anyone monitoring activities in the cell. The Jedi Master worked to simultaneously sense her emotions while hiding his own presence from the Sith acolyte. Devrim Wolfe was on his way and would come in, but Vu'thari would kick it off...

Vu’thari watched her from the holo feed of the interrogation. He was also was also right on the other side of the wall to the prisoner. His hand was pressed up against the cold surface. On the other side was their captive. Vu'thari's eyes were closed, honing in on the turbulent emotions he felt from the twi’lek. He was well aware of the many Sith that were forced into service, many secretly wishing there was another path for them, another road to follow rather than the cruelty and darkness of the Sith. Vu’thari truly hoped there was potential for this within the twi’lek Sith Acolyte...

He did not know where this road was going to lead him. In fact, he was not even sure what the standing orders would be once Devrim knew that he was no longer part of the Galactic Alliance. It had all happened so fast. But Vu'thari understood duty, so he evacuated Savareen despite his status and he saw to this prisoner despite his status. As to what would happen with her once the interrogation was done was another matter. Regardless, he got the indication that Devrim Wolfe had arrived and he would begin the interrogation. Vu'thari settled in and stayed attuned to the emotions and thoughts of the twi'lek in the next room...


@Vosrik
@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

As the sole remaining member of the Rebel Intelligence, the task fell to Devrim to screen Imperial defectors and monitor members that could prove a threat to the Galactic Alliance. Today, he'd received briefing on a member of the Imperial Republica who'd surprisingly turned herself in shortly after it had been revealed that the Jedi were no longer myths and legends in the Galaxy. "Talik Kru..." he murmured to himself while reviewing the information the rebels had on her. A Sith, and a well-trained one at that. This interrogation would be a tricky one, though certainly not impossible. Devrim had learned well from Master Reach and Aurora...back when she was a Master to begin with. Devrim pushed the thought from his mind. He had a job to do and the Alliance to protect from within.

Motioning to prison guards, he had them bring the Sith into the interrogation chamber. This was likely the first time since Talik had gotten here she had seen another room other than the prison cell. Or course, while the rebels were wary of her, they weren't barbarians. The Sith's needs had been met — she had been fed and received clean clothing regularly. Talik was brought by guards into the room that both Jedi overlooked behind the one-way glass, and then she was handcuffed to the table. "Feel free to intervene if you wish," Devrim spoke to Vu'thari as they both watched the Sith take a seat. Taking a deep breath, Devrim slid the faceless black helmet over his head. His comms were connected to those opposite the glass where the Jedi Master was situated — if Vu'thari wished to speak to the Rebel Commander, he could do so directly into Devrim's ear.

The Jedi said nothing as he entered the room, approached the smooth metal table, and took a seat. His jet-black armour was imposing and edgy — in fact, he could easily be mistaken for a Sith with the outfit. For now, he hid his Force Sensitivity and said nothing, folding his hands on the table and observing the red-skinned Twi'lek silently. After only a few moments of contemplation, Devrim spoke.

"Know that with everything you say here, I will know whether you're telling the truth. These next few moments will determine your fate, and remember —" he pointed a solitary finger at the center of her chest, "it is your choice what that will be." The black, faceless figure folded his hands again and let his words sink in before continuing the interrogation. "Here is my first question, and I want a thorough and well-thought answer."

"Why are you here?"

@Kayenta Moenkopi @Mithias​

 

[Talik Kru]

Talik entered the interrogation room clad in the clothes she had been wearing when she placed herself in the hands of the enemy seeking asylum. Even as the man secured her hands in cuffs to the center of the table in the room, her eyes went immediately to the glass mirror pane upon the wall. Her forearms came down upon the table as she eased into the chair, the guard moving back. The reflection of the guards retreated to stand guard at the back of the room behind her. They were of no consequence but the corner of her lip did twitch upward into the slightest smirk to imagine she was so feared. Were these people really so weak? Had she thrown away her life for nothing?

At last the inquisitor entered the room and she was a bit surprised the Jedi would employ such a tactic. It did not fit the picture of love and peace the Sith was trained to loath as weakness. Perhaps this was not then a Jedi. Were they all so used to hiding that none would be involved to face her and explain away the last 500 years? Her eyes narrowed with disdain as he took up his seat opposite her across the table. The sound of his voice was unfamiliar to her, though there was something familiar in its inflection, certainly a dialect she had heard before though could not place. It was his words, however, that caused her to reevaluate just who and what he was. ”You know truth when you hear it, do you? Then surely you must be a master above all others for I find the quest for truth to be one of illusion masked behind words and gestures that are as empty as the grave.”

Her fingers flexed upon the table, spreading wide before relaxing once more; the desire to thread them through one another to clasp was left unmet due to her restraints. She could however turn the palms slightly upward, and this she did while extending her fingers once more reaching for the man. ”I will give you my truth but that can never come through words. Take a look for yourself. I will lay it open for you to see.” She had been examined in so many ways over the years that the woman had no modesty left, no secrets that were unknown, no sense of privacy to her being at all. What mattered if he walked through the recesses of her mind? It was a well trod path… she practically dared him to take her hands and taste what her life had been. It was a gift, it was an offering, it most assuredly was a test of his worthiness to receive...her truth.

@Vosrik @Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Vortex Prison – Galactic Alliance Black Site 6453
Vortex

His hand was placed on the wall, sensing the emotions from within. She knew he was there, but Vu’thari did not care. His focus was on her and not concealing his presence. He could feel the swirl of emotions within the twi’lek. Although there were many emotions stewing, the pervading ones were a sense of defeat, yet defiance. It was a strange dichotomy, but to the twi’lek, he understood. Much emotions swirled within him considering recent events with his fellow “Masters”.

She offered for Devrim to see what she saw, splaying her life into an open canvas for his eyes. Although he suspected Devrim would indeed take the opportunity, he also knew it was risky. Furrowing his brow the Jedi Master projected a soft voice to the soon-to-be Jedi Knight…

***Do it…***

@Vosrik
@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

The reply that Devrim received from the Sith was a strange one, and not exactly what he was looking for. However, she would rather bypass conversing through words alone...something the Jedi did not expect. He simply sat and stared with hidden expression behind his helmet toward Talik, hearing a soft encouragement in his mind from Vu'thari behind the glass. "So be it," Devrim replied, leaning back into his seat. "This will not be pleasant."

Closing his eyes, he reached out with his mind and found that Talik's mental walls had been taken down. Whether this was a gesture of goodwill or something more sinister, Devrim would find out soon enough. As the Jedi entered her mind, he was right in saying that it would be an uncomfortable experience. Though Devrim's presence would be firm, he was gentle as he could be despite it being a total invasion of privacy. For a moment, he found himself swimming in a sea of the Twi'lek's memories — undiscernable and chaotic at first to the Jedi. Before combing through her mind personally, he instead spoke telepathically and asked the same question he had before.

"Why are you here?"

@Kayenta Moenkopi @Vuthari​

 

[Talik Kru]

Her eyes took in the form of the man leaning back, rejecting her touch. Nor did he offer her his eyes in which to peer as he prepared to walk into her world. Her lash-less eyelids blinked but once when he said it was not going to be pleasant and she wondered what in life was? Even as he reached out to her with the force she steeled herself for the agonizing shredding of her mind, clenching her eyes tight and curling her fingers into balls, her knuckles turning lighter in hue…

His presence filled her with such a gentle stride, sterile and devoid of that fire in which she had been forged, taking only what was offered and the shock of it caused her eyes to snap open in terror.

The woman’s mind was a mental trap, the danger very real, for she had managed to keep so much hidden all these years simply by telling the truth. And truth was so subjective that it was easier manipulated than any lie would ever be. Memories could be rewritten through the force of delusion alone and she had hinged her existence upon one lie after another until her perceptions skewed nearly every trace of reality that lay therein. But this? She had never met with a tender touch before and it threatened to undo her. She nearly attempted to throw him out, repel his presence but she could not. Isn’t that why she came here? Didn't she come to be unmade?

Talik’s truth had been meticulously crafted and thus she had no need to lie, in fact she always told the truth. The only person she lied to was herself and it had been carefully orchestrated until myth became fact. It had to be when her life depended upon keeping his secret treachery hidden. Had Allerius’ culpability in claiming that her training had been his own, rather than that of the heretic Sobrosh Res, they both would have been handed over to the inquisitors. She couldn’t permit that; the death of Katress was to come through her hand alone.

Allerius’ true training had been the gift of selective memory, it had come through a device like that which now encircled her neck and the lessons had taken root so completely that whatever remnants of truth existed were buried to a depth within her mind that Talik herself could not draw them forth into the light. She didn’t have to lie to protect herself and even though she opened herself up, there were rooms within her mind that had been locked away and forgotten.

The lingering traces of The Watcher’s words still echoed in Devrim’s mind as he was commanded to ***Do it…***. Such a small order but it had placed this one in subservience to the other. The touch of that man’s words were bright in the darkness having been implanted by the light side of the force leaving no doubt that The Watcher too was Jedi; the Master. Part of her smirked to think that this youngling dared to believe he could withstand what his master on the other side of the wall dared not experience for himself.

She had learned long ago that to connect minds was a two way street. As it was, those two words were all she received being so fresh and recently implanted through the force. They burned bright within the collective darkness of her mind meeting Devrim’s and had she been free to use the force she could have tried to rip his mind wide open and devour his secrets; take his truths for her own. That was not why she was here…she did not push into his mind, rather drove through her fear and pulled him down into her own.

Wherein lay the trap?

She was pure hatred raw and visceral, the darkness swelling with her complete save for that bit which drove her toward revenge. For too long had she been surviving on the promise of its sweetness, the day in which she could drive her fingers into Allerius’ chest and pull out his beating heart to crush. It painted her every waking thought and was exhaled with every breath she took. Just a moment after Devrim entered her mind she opened up the floodgates drowning them both in the full force of its vile touch, pulling them down...down...down into the bottomless well of darkness.

She had not deceived him, there were no words to describe that which dwelt within her. Why she was here? He had to feel it. He had to live it. He had to become the darkness just as she had done to ever see her truth.

Only the light could release her from the prison of her mind; she knew this instinctively the instant she had seen the Jedi woman on the HoloNet. If the light was not dead in the Galaxy then it too yet lived in her… somewhere. She felt it as sure as any pain that ever touched her heart. The only thing that would save her sat across the table embodied in the man who refused to touch her hands; it lay within the grasp of The Watcher hiding behind the wall. Only the light side of the force could penetrate the miasma of evil in which Talik’ru was imprisoned. That bit of light that was left to her was so tiny that Talik Kru would never find it alone; her life depended on Devrim’s ability to do it for her, to lead that child out of her prison.

@Mithias @Vosrik

 

[Vuthari]

Vortex Prison – Galactic Alliance Black Site 6453
Vortex

There was confidence in the Sith twi’lek as Devrim went into her mind. She flayed her mind open to Devrim, the dangerous void of darkness there that could easily cause a padawan to become lost and without a tether. But he knew Devrim well enough to know that he would be a strong Jedi Knight. He was one of the best among the padawans, reminding him a lot of Ayasha and her strength of will. But regardless, whether he was Leah’s padawan or not, he felt responsible for him while she was not here. It did not matter what he thought of Leah, Devrim was not her. For that reason, the Jedi Master was not willing to risk him to this Sith who they knew absolutely nothing about. Her thoughts betrayed her and she knew he was there, suspecting that he was a Master. As such, there was simply no reason to play the charade. His fingernails dug into the stone wall as he pressed his own mind into hers. Both he and Devrim were now in the darkness that was open to them, beaconing them to fall down the spiral that threatened to take them against their will. But Vu’thari could feel the strength of Devrim’s will and that brought him comfort.

His identity was known to her now. A twi’lek. He too struck with tragedy and horror...enacted by the Sith. But he stood resolute in the face of overwhelming emotion…as he stood resolute now. Although the darkness was all encompassing and smothering, there was light…it was a sliver, but it was there. She was not completely gone. Vu’thari dared to hope that this Sith was indeed another victim, much like the Sith he encountered on Nar Shaddaa…a sliver of light, waiting to be bolstered and strengthened among the despair.

It was dangerous to lurk in the mind of a Sith who was full of so much anger and hate. In fact, the Jedi Master felt his own pulse quicken with emotion, that he quickly shoved down. While Devrim combed through her mind, Vu’thari did not pry into her past or her thoughts—he simply had one objective being within her very mind and soul—he pried the light from its hidden corner. Simply put a spotlight on the good within her that was perhaps long forgotten or suppressed for too long. It was drawing attention to what was good about Talik Kru and attempting to unlock the beneficent memories locked away within that light…

The exertion was taking it toll. On a strong mind such as the twi’lek’s, it was exhausting. The Jedi Master did all he could do in one run. He feared he would not have the strength to leave the pull of the darkness if he remained. Vu’thari, as he was leaving her consciousness, projected softly…

***I am sorry, numa…***

The projected thought was genuine care and concern for her. It was feeling for what she had been subjected to and what brought her to this point. The raw emotion was open for scrutiny, but there was not deception or ulterior motive. It was unrestrained caring for the well-being of the twi’lek on the other side of the wall from him…

@Vosrik
@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

It was now, here in the depths of Talik's mind, that Devrim understood. She was utterly consumed by the Dark Side and its twisted, cold grasp. Whether she had been molded and crafted to be like this or if it had been her own choice, the Jedi did not know. What he did see, with the help of Master Vu'thari, was that she needed help. Despite the roiling sea of emotions — anger, bitterness, sorrow, there was a tiny speck. It was like peering into the inky blackness of space and seeing the pinprick light of a single star light years away. It was then that Devrim knew that all was not lost.

Though Devrim could feel the Twi'lek's emotions, just as she could feel his, the Jedi distanced himself from her. Allowing his being to be filled with the peace and clarity of the Light, he then opened his mind and poured it like a river of fresh water into an ocean. Taking that sliver of light that remained in Talik, Devrim focused his mind into sharing the calmness that only the Light Side could bring. She was not here to infiltrate the Alliance, nor corrupt those within. The Sith was here for help — for redemption.

In the iron grip of the Empire, many who were discovered to be Force Sensitive were taken at a young age and trained to be Sith. They simply knew no other way — their relationship with the Dark Side was the only one they knew. It was damaging and corrupting, turning many would-be evildoers into victims of a ruthless society. It was high time that the Jedi returned and brought peace back to the Galaxy. The steps they made were small, but they were steps forward. Perhaps this broken woman would be one of the first to turn from the darkness that gripped her being.

Withdrawing from Talik's mind, Devrim simply sat and awaited a response. Though still clad in his black attire, perhaps after having touched minds he would seem less intimidating. "If it is help you're looking for," he spoke quietly, "then you need only ask."

@Kayenta Moenkopi @Mithias​

 

[Talik Kru]

Sobrosh had done his work well in hiding the child within the girl. Allerius had taken the girl and molded her into the woman, the examiners had taken the woman and made her Sith. It was unthinkable to her that anyone could grab hold the light that had awakened in response to the sight of the Jedi battling Katress. And yet the unthinkable had moved her to action, to throwing her life away, to making her a target for his vengeance. The Empress had asked her how attached she was to Katress and with just those few words her turmoil had grown to crisis proportions. How attached was a construct to its maker? It had crumbled something within her to think that she did not even exist.

How could she show this Jedi, how could she lead him to her truth when she herself was so lost and without direction? That was when she felt the touch of The Watcher push his way into her mind; the Master. Rage welled up inside her like the boiling plumes of magma that erupted from the bowels of Mustafar. He was everything she could have been, everything she should have been were the darkness never left unchecked. She wanted to scream why, why did you abandon us!

She was impotent as ever, but not completely lost. She had to hold onto something but there was nothing there. He was Twi’lek, undoubtedly so, and the presence of one of her own kind, a being like herself who’s language was made up of more than the vocal, more passed between them than with the other...Devrim, she had his name now for this one clung to his student gaining stability in the ruin of her mind by drawing to his light. Vu…no not his student, there was another...

Talik could feel the mark of pain upon him, that which was inflicted by tyranny and yet there was more that he inflicted upon himself...The darkness grew excited by his presence even while she recoiled from the touch of his mind. It wanted to find his fragility and crush him in its embrace, crush them both, devour them all. It was inconceivable that it was the Master who would be the vulnerable one. She tasted his pride and something else. Talik didn’t want to know, she was sick of who and what she was; she was so tired.

Despair filled her as she released her pull upon them so she might sink down into oblivion. He was too weak, she could feel his vulnerability; it was no use, she would die like this… trapped inside the husk of this monster she had become. But he wouldn’t let her go, he was trying to take something away from her. She could feel him reaching into the midnight of her being and physically she began to tremble though she had no awareness of her body any longer. Nor was she aware when her entire body heaved in a shuddering breath, her gasp came as raggedly as a newborn's first breath, and so too like lungs filling with air for the first time the bit of light that had not been extinguished flickered into being within her chest.

The pain was incredible, blinding with its purity and the truth that was forever outside her reach. She was entranced by what he had awakened, his voice in her mind giving her his regrets was not the Lethan’s at all but that of her brother, ***I am sorry, numa…***, even as he slipped from her mind and she could feel him no more. She wanted to die then as visions from childhood flooded her memory and yet no name could she put to the face of her brother that rose there. How was that even possible? The smallest of cries escaped her clenched teeth, the merest of sounds. Where did this feeling of concern come from he left in his wake? It’s truth was too foreign for her to accept, it was too new to even trust.

Talik could feel it winking out, dying within her and being shrouded by the darkness and though she tried to protect that glimmer she didn’t even have the faintest clue how to nurture that flickering flame. Anger rose in her, she was stronger than this; memories of the torments she had withstood, been trained to thrive upon, none had prepared her for this. And yet she did not have to be, she was not alone. Devrim’s peace and clarity was something she could feel like a potent force within her even after Vu… Vu’thari had gone. And yet the man was removed, wary and protecting himself. He had to leave, this was an impossible task concocted by a fool and if he persisted it would certainly mean the death of them both. Everyone knew the light was too weak.

Even linked as they were she never expected anything but failure; sometimes it was a blessing to be wrong for when Devrim opened himself up, pouring out the light to feed that dying bit of herself she felt such a rush of calmness wash over her that she was certain her body could not contain that much of the force. In fact, it could not. There was but one outlet for all the pain, only one response that could prevent her from drowning in the clarity of his mind.

Tears ran down her face unfelt by the woman to fall upon the table below. And as he withdrew leaving his touch forever etched upon her mind, she felt like she would have dropped to the floor were it not for the chair that sustained her upright. Her eyes could not focus upon the room, let alone the man that sat across the small span of the table’s metallic surface. Slowly she became away of her body once more, could take control of herself enough to raise her chin and look upon his mask. She could tell he was speaking, heard his voice, but understanding of the words was slow in coming. He said she need but ask…

Talik startled suddenly from the feel of one of the tears landing upon her bare forearm, her eyes drawn to the spot of wetness not understanding what it was. In all her life she couldn’t recall having shed so much as a single tear before. Slowly she swallowed and said, ”I don’t know how.” She sniffed softly, blinking before forcing herself to focus upon his mask. "Forgive my stupidity for inviting you in there...", she didn't want to claim that darkness as her own, when had it ever been hers? Talik was no coward though and pressed on, "... in my mind. I should never have risked you." She swallowed before stating her truth, "You must never go there again."


@Mithias @Vosrik

 

[Vuthari]

Vortex Prison – Galactic Alliance Black Site 6453
Vortex

Vu’thari’s hand detached from the wall and he went quickly down the hall to the kitchen. The tray was already prepared, so too was his “gift”. He felt sorry for the lethan. She seemed to have been through an unimaginable existence. The Jedi Master had to calm his nerves. He took a deep breath and flattened his emotions from the experience of being inside the Sith’s head. It was traumatic. There was no other description for it. But they were not done. She could be a spy, an infiltrator…and that could not be allowed to happen. If she was sincere about wanting to leave that life, there was a lot more work to be done…

The door to the chamber opened a few moments later. Vu’thari, wearing a mask over his scarred eye, entered. Though his garb was comprised of blacks and grays, his demeanor was nothing like any Sith. He held a tray in his hands with various fungi, vegetables and grain products. In his other hand, he had a tea cup.

A serenity could be felt from the Jedi Master as he walked in, closing the door gently behind him with a tap of his foot. Coming in from the side of the table where Devrim and Talik sat, he slid the tray in front of her.

In Ryl, he spoke in a quiet voice, “Please Talik, eat. We have already eaten…”

With the tray already placed in front of her, he slid a cup of tea in front of her as well. He continued in Ryl, “A gift to you, for coming to us this day. It is not much—it is not served from a Cha’wan, but it is the best I could do considering the timing. Do not worry about a gift in kind, you are not in a position to do so…”

Vu’thari’s calm demeanor was evident as he stood a bit away from the table so she could eat. His hands were clasped behind his back. He continued softly, switching back to Basic, “We thank you for your willingness to open up to us. But you have not answered my companion’s question…why are you here?”

@Vosrik
@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Nodding in acceptance of her apology, Devrim replied, "It was a necessity. Even if you had not been so willing, I would have needed to search your mind for the validity of your words. I realize your intentions now are not malevolent." Though she warned them of the Darkness she held close to her heart, it was the duty of a Jedi to resist such temptations. Both Devrim and Vu'thari were well equipped to combating such anathema of the Light.

Observing quietly as the Jedi Master made his entrance to the room and offered food to Talik, the interrogator was incapable of comprehending what Vu'thari spoke to his fellow Twi'lek. Devrim needed to say nothing more as his companion did the speaking for him. Switching to Basic, now the dark-clad Jedi could understand their speech. There was something that he kept in the back of his mind, if Talik wished to truly defect and turn from the Dark Side. She had the option to follow Master Vu'thari, who had exiled himself from the Galactic Alliance and formed his own Jedi Covenant. If the Sith wanted to join them, then Devrim needed to ask few questions as she would never set foot on any rebellion establishments.

However, if she wished to become a rebel and fight the thing she once was a part of, then Devrim knew he would have to be far more thorough in his screening. He knew that they could take no chances — one evacuation had already caused the Alliance problems, and another would waste valuable time and resources. Devrim was one of the only individuals whose task was to plug those leaks.

@Kayenta Moenkopi @Mithias​

 

[Talik Kru]

The man’s words brought her no comfort; was any of this necessary? She had her doubts as to the likelihood of ever obtaining the goal of reclaiming herself after all these years. It may have been better if she had fallen to Allerius’ saber on Corelia. She had only been thinking of escape, her needs, her revenge. This darkness had been hers for so long she hadn’t considered the magnitude of the risk involved to those she reached out to for aid. Thinking about others was not something that had been fostered in her training and it was not something she could easily recognize as originating from herself, rather it came as an outward intrusion, a contamination from his presence in her mind. The taste was oh so unfamiliar; was this what guilt was like?

He spoke of intentions, as though that was justification for what she carried within her. This was the weakness of the light, hope, forgiveness, trust. And yet there they were, these Jedi. Not extinct and still touting the same tenets that had made them vulnerable. The facts didn’t mesh with what she had been fed upon in the least. How did they even still survive? The pain of hope upon seeing the Jedi woman only seemed to grow now having seen the power these two had to resist the darkness. What flaw did she possess that had permitted herself to be so thoroughly consumed?

Pity was not an emotion Talik knew either for herself or for others, rather she was filling with anger which was the only survival mechanism she had fostered for years. It fed her resolve, empowered her stubbornness, made her powerful. Her head lifted and she peered once more at the man’s mask. ”Not malevolent? How can you say that after you saw for yourself what’s in there…”, she asked pausing before amending her words, ”... in me. Do you think…”, she began but ceased speaking when the door opened. Her eyes took in the form of the Twi’lek identifying him immediately as The Watcher, Vu’thari.

Their minds no longer linked, she could not sense his emotions but his manner said he was the perfect picture of serenity. Talik didn’t know if this was in truth or he was just very good at not allowing his inner thoughts to be so easily read. Of course the mask inhibited this to a certain degree, she supposed she would have to take that at face value, as it were. Her eyes would leave off her study, glancing at the tray and upon hearing his words she realized what he was about. It had been so long since any of her traditions had been observed but to have this here, now, was no comfort. It was only a reminder of all that had been stolen.

The symbology of the scene now unfolding was not lost upon the woman, this Vu’thari offering her food and drink and yet her hands remained chained to the table just paralleled perfectly that of the Jedi representing her chance to get back her identity while her very being was yet imprisoned in the well of darkness. She would not answer him in their native tongue, for she had no right to that any longer. Exile from Ryloth had been something Talik’ru had earned through free will and she could not lay the blame for that upon anyone but herself.

There was an obvious tinge of anger in her words, however, to be asked for that which she had shown them both. When words could never explain her reasons nor what it was she desired. It was an old tactic, to tempt information from a prisoner so the offering of food and drink she had no ability to reach was more than implied. Questions first, food if she behaved herself. It hardly mattered for she had no appetite nor did she have anything to conceal. ”I want my identity back. And if you are not able to do this, then I want to be killed. I can’t be this person anymore", she said before lifting her eyes to his face and concluded, "I won’t.”

@Mithias @Vosrik

 

[Vuthari]

Vortex Prison – Galactic Alliance Black Site 6453
Vortex

Vu’thari watched, listened, and sensed the dark twi’lek in front of him with patience and a peaceful demeanor. While the darkness that was so consuming within Talik had affected him, he was at a point where he was back to a state of calmness. The experience of delving that deep into the heart of darkness would leave a lasting effect not easily forgotten. But the Jedi Master pushed aside such thoughts. He was here to help this Sith acolyte. It was clear she needed help and she was beginning to realize she actually needed help.

Standing from the table, he came around, slipping a small card from his pocket. With a wave of his thumb, the binders on Talik’s wrists unclasped, falling heavily to the table. In a gentle, unthreatening manner, he reached over and took the unlatched binders and tossed them to ground, causing them to slide into the corner. Following that, he went behind her and took the neural control collar off her neck. Vu’thari was not worried about it being off of her. Those collars were experimental technology anyway—half the time, they didn’t work at all. Odds are, it hadn’t been working the entire time it was affixed to her. Regardless, he walked the collar over and placed it next to the wrist binders. Padding back over, Vu’thari explained, “We can help you…but you have to be willing to trust yourself to follow through with this. We are showing trust in you and your decision, but if you are not willing to trust us, then we cannot help you.”

Pause. The twi’lek allowed her to consider his words a moment before he continued.

“Your identity…part of your connection to your identity is with your heritage. You must allow yourself to reconnect with what it means to be lethan. You have shown me that you possess some amount of shame for this past, but you must face it to move forward and reconnect with the light that is within you, Talik Kru...”

@Vosrik
@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

The dark-clad figure shook his head lightly at Talik Kru's rebuttal. "Being filled with the Dark Side does not make you inherently malevolent. Corrupted, yes. Susceptible to the sway your emotions and drawn to the lure of power, yes. But malevolence...the Dark Side doesn't dictate your intent." The interrogator folded his arms across his chest, simply listening to what he could between the two. What the Sith said was curious indeed — she would rather die than be whatever it was the Empire had made her.

Although realizing it would be a show of trust, Devrim did not agree with Vu'thari removing the prisoner's restraints. Until Devrim had ensured that Talik wasn't lying through her teeth to spy for the Empire, he did not trust her. For now, though, it appeared that she was indeed telling the truth. "If you truly want to forsake the Dark Side, we have ways of helping you to that end. It's been done before, by another." Devrim spoke of another Jedi who had been to the Deep Stone Crypt and was also a Padawan of Leah Reach. Castor Volante had been raised in the Empire and taught to use the Dark Side, though he rejected it in the end and was learning to turn to the Light.

"Say you do receive your identity back, drive away whatever it was the Sith made you. What then? Do you want to fight the Empire and overthrow the Sith? Or do you have another agenda." Devrim observed Talik intently through his helmet. These questions were important — if any of her replies raised warning flags in the interrogator's mind, then more questions were sure to follow. How the Sith replied would determine her fate, whether it lay in the Galactic Alliance or with the Jedi Covenant.

@Kayenta Moenkopi @Mithias​

 

[Talik Kru]

An Easement​

Talik listened to Devrim’s words marveling at how naive they sounded. And yet wasn’t it what Sobrosh Res had been teaching her before Allerius Katress killed him? Her eyes narrowed, her lips pursed into a thinly held line as she ruminated over the past. Had her Master really been that much of a heretic? So many of his teachings had been eradicated from her mind that she often found it hard to accurately recall. Additionally she had obstinately refused to see his perfidy due to Allerius’ taunting her with the necessity of the man’s execution. But here with this Jedi spouting the same rhetoric it was hard to deny. While it was for certain Res had not been Jedi he had at least uncovered truths that very nearly paralleled their own. The revelation only further deepened her hatred for Katress and what he had stolen from her.

Vu’thari’s words did little to reassure her that it wasn’t too late for her. Everyone knew there was no escaping the power of the dark side and she had been a fool to think otherwise. He spoke of trust and the concept was so anathema to everything she had been trained to believe that it left her incredulous. There would never be any going home for her. He said she needed to connect to her heritage and then called her by her exile name, the only name she would ever know. It was his actions, however, that shocked her to her core.

They all were lucky the collar had been functioning, Talik Kru most of all. It was very likely had it only been operating off the power of suggestion, when he drew forth that spark of lightness that was all that remained of Talik’ru, that up welling of darkness would have demanded she take control of it and rend his mind for his temerity. He had not been invited into her mind and his own vulnerabilities to her darkness, that from which he had been compelled to retreat, may very well have betrayed him with her consciously wielding the force.

Devrim’s bulwark against the darkness would have protected him more, his unwavering guiding light that set his life’s course was a shield of more than merit. The home field advantage, however, was undoubtedly her own so it was fortunate the attack teams who went to Corelia had geared up appropriately. She didn’t doubt, regardless of the darkness that lay within, had she attacked the Twi’lek, then the two of them would have ended her life for her pains.

Her eyes could not help but follow the toss he gave the cuffs and collar, her mouth gaping slightly in astonishment. Was this his show of trust in her? The man was a fool! She nearly scrambled off the chair after the hateful collar fearful that … Slowly she drew her hands toward her chest across the table rubbing gently at her wrists and trembled. Control over her emotions was a new concept, wielding them like a tool rather than allowing them to consume her, but she was no mindless beast; she was Sith. Exhaustion was making her addled for if she did not have complete control over the dark side then who did? It did not control her.

He could do with a warning though for she was unsure if he even knew with what he was playing here. ”That was unwise, Vu’thari” she said, the lilt in her voice as she pronounced his name more than distinction that he was no exile from his identity. ”This trust you place in me when I do not even trust myself. My only identity is vengeance, nearly all the rest is gone”, her voice quieted somewhat as weariness began to replace anger. All the while her lekku were curiously still as she spoke, though there were numerous points in which she could have amplified the meaning of her words enhancing them with their somatic language. The woman was worn thin and though she had never given up before, in that moment she nearly slipped over the edge. And then the human spoke once more.

Looking to Devrim she could hardly believe what she was hearing; there was another? Drawing in breath, her eyes seemed to widen even as she swallowed. The quickening of her pulse caused her hands to waken with tingles and she flexed her fingers before laying her hands flat upon the table for support. Everything she knew said he was speaking children’s tales and yet she could not detect any deception in his voice. Her own fear of touching the force did not so much as tempt her to do a sensing; it was much too soon for that and could very well provoke an attack. He got right to the point however when he finished dangling the bait before her and she snorted softly. Her eyes kind of got a far away look in them as a myriad of scenarios filtered through her mind of what she would do if given the chance. Dreaming of her revenge had been her only solace. What would she do if she suddenly got everything she’d ever wanted? All she had was one agenda. ”Oh yes, I would fight the Sith; they are no kin to me.”

@Mithias @Vosrik

 

[Vuthari]

Vortex Prison – Galactic Alliance Black Site 6453
Vortex

The Jedi Master studied her as she reacted to his taking the bindings off. He listened to Devrim, informing her that a Sith who wanted to change, could indeed do so. Castor did come to mind. Although the twi’lek had not met the Padawan, Leah made mention of him. Talik was still full of defiance and gave a warning to Vu’thari about her bindings. There was a calm confidence as he watched her rub her wrists. He replied quietly, “It was unwise? You are going to take your anger out on me now that I have freed your hands and mind? Very well, let’s be on with it then…”

Pause. A few moments passed before he continued…

“You came to us, Talik…”

Devrim continued speaking to the twi’lek, asking her if she would fight Sith. The Jedi Master once again studied her as she answered. The lethan readily agreed…with vigor. Vu’thari added calmly, “Before you get this opportunity to ‘fight Sith’, I hope you heard my companion’s words…you will have to drive away what the Sith made you. This means you must begin the arduous task of finding what is good within you--we have seen it. You have seen it. Now you must be the one to begin this change. It will not be easy and you will stumble, but it is the only path for you to take if you wish to come with us…”

@Vosrik
@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Letting out a silent sigh, Devrim knew that Talik would indeed need a great deal of guidance if she had any future in the Jedi Order and the Galactic Alliance. For now, she was motivated by hatred and the insatiable need for vengeance on those who had wronged her. She held promise, skill, and undoubtedly a will to do whatever it took to achieve her goals. Perhaps the Jedi would be able to redirect those qualities in a positive way than the dark path the Sith was on. It would take time, but it was possible. If anything, Castor's progress proved that. Devrim did not miss the spark of hope that entered the Twi'lek's eyes when she heard of another who had also forsaken the Darkness.

The black-clad interrogator stood from his seat. "I've made my choice," he said summarily. "You've openly forsaken the path of the Sith. You came willingly to us, sworn enemies of the Empire, for guidance and redemption. You haven't lied to us, as you've had no reason to." Stepping slowly to the one-way glass, Devrim paused at it and appeared to be looking through it, or at the mirrored reflections of both Twi'leks in the room. "I can offer you one of two choices," he continued, turning around to face the Sith.

"You can stay imprisoned in one of the Alliance's facilities. You would be taken care of and your needs would be met, but you would spend your life in a cell. Or," he paused here, with a light tilt of his head. "You can submit yourself to the teachings of a Jedi Master. Then you can learn the path to the Light and forsake what it is that the Empire has made you. However, you would still have limited access to rebel facilities and intelligence until you prove your allegiance."

This would likely be the only time this offer would be made. As one of the sole remaining members of the Rebel Intelligence, Devrim was uniquely qualified to give the red-skinned Twi'lek this opportunity. She was lucky she had turned herself in to the Galactic Alliance and not a rebel cell controlled by extremists who would likely have murdered her on the spot. Clasping his hands neatly behind his back, Devrim asked one final question. "What is your choice, Talik Kru?"

@Mithias @Kayenta Moenkopi​

 

[Talik Kru]

When Vu’thari spoke of her intentions, were she to transfer her rage to him, then to have at it, she chuckled softly and shook her head. A weight seemed to ease from her shoulders and she leaned back against her chair letting her hands fall lightly into her lap. ”No, of course not. I actually have amazing restraint when provoked.” It was ridiculous how she allowed fear to drive that from her mind. She had a lifetime of interaction with Allerius in which everyone was designed in one way or another to provoke her rage. That she was still alive was proof enough of her control. It was basic survival and all too familiar. Trust was another creature completely.

Talik had the ability to trust, though in her world it was more along the lines of identifying the ways in which people were reliable. She could trust people to act upon their baser instincts: a crook to rob, an assassin to kill, a coward to run, a deceiver to betray. Vu’thari’s trust however went against what her baser instincts revealed, that anyone would wish to trust blindly was foreign territory to the woman. To her this was simply unwise, foolish; but might that also be bravery, to risk? The idea was not altogether insane for these men had seen someone before her succeed.

Nodding her head she said softly, ”And you have spent a lifetime keeping the darkness at bay…”, she paused to clear her voice leaving the thought unfinished. She knew that would be her future, each and everyday for the rest of her life a constant battle. That too was familiar. ”I can’t imagine that it is any more difficult to resist the darkness than it is to tame. Hard work is not something I fear, if it can be done then I can do this.”

Suddenly Devrim rose from the chair, making his pronouncement leaving her feeling as though she had disassociated from her body. He spoke truth to her and, as she stared at his rigid pose shunning that of his reflection in the mirrored viewing panel, she could only make one choice for there was but one to make. ”Only a fool trades one prison for another, and I come to you seeking to be released from mine, not locked away inside of yours”, she said completely dismissing his codicil about the limited access. Talik didn’t care about their rebellion and their little secrets, her desires were motivated toward self liberation alone. ”I would receive this training.” It was all about survival and she had to leave the darkness or she would die. She’d always known this, only now she was to be shown the path.

/Thread Exit

@Mithias @Devrim

 

[Vuthari]

Vortex Prison – Galactic Alliance Black Site 6453
Vortex

Vu’thari was mentally exhausted. He had just contended with the darkness within a Sith's mind, come from the evacuation of Al’doleem, and had just separated himself from the Galactic Alliance following the Alliance Council session. But it was Jedi like Devrim that gave the twi’lek hope for the Galactic Alliance. But for now, Vu’thari knew his own path was not with them, not after being given a glimpse into how the Alliance Council would be run. He knew many would not understand his motivations for leaving—the reasons occurred behind closed doors. But he felt guided by the Force to take another path and that was all he needed to feel...

Talik Kru could become a great Jedi one day. It would be a long, difficult road for her, but with the right guidance, she could bring out the light within her. But Jedi Masters were few now in the Galactic Alliance, so consistency in keeping up with the many padawans eager to learn would be an issue. Rumors abounded that a few had already fallen. Regardless, Vu'thari really hoped she would get the attention she would need to help her along her path. The Jedi Master would keep in contact with Devrim to check on the twi’lek’s progress. In addition, he gave Talik Kru a way to contact him as well, should she need him. The Jedi Master often wondered how many Sith were like Castor and Talik that simply had no alternative, no choice on their becoming Sith--he was quite sure it was many, but few would dare to take the steps that those two were taking…

THE END​

@Vosrik
@Kayenta Moenkopi