Mira stared at him, taking in his admission. Where did that come from? she asked herself. Is there something of Ithron left still? Something inside him that allows him to still think for himself? Or is the darkness recognizing that it has total control? Either way, she knew they had to work together. Of course, she wasn't beyond arranging an accident for him on Korriban. If he became unmanageable, she knew just the place.

But she forced herself to remove such thoughts from her mind. It wouldn't do for him to read them and be on his guard. If she did have to kill him, his knowledge of the plot would make the job that much harder.

It wasn't that Mira was particularly cruel or that she hated the other apprentice. Truth be told, the only thing she felt towards him was a bit of fear. However, he represented a threat to both her advancement with the Sith and her life, and she would not stand for either to end. Ithron would find his own end first.

Since the duel, Mira had been training hard, concentrating on defeating the tricks Ithron had pulled during the fight. Her time on Telos had taught her much, and she was thankful that Ithron had not had that advantage. She had also been working on something else, a technique that she had discovered in the Sith archives, where she spent a great deal of time. This trick had come in handy on Telos, where she had met that Jedi. It was the art of making oneself small.

It was an ancient art, one that many Sith ignored in this time. Most Sith thought that everything was about crushing one's opponent in battle, charging in oblivious to danger and emerging victorious. They concentrated on aggressive forms of lightsaber combat and force attacks, neglecting to understand that if your opponent can't see you, one strike will kill them.

Mira, on the other hand, understood the art of the assassin. She was skilled in not being seen, as she had been required to learn that ability on Dathomir and with the Jedi, but using the Force to furthur camoflage oneself was new to her. By this time it worked on those that were not Force sensitive, though she doubted she'd fool Ithron, much less a Sith like Master Jas. Still, though, it was something to work on.

Mira looked away and continued walking, Ithron striding along beside her. They moved in silence for the moment; each had his or her own worries on his or her mind. They didn't speak again until they reached the transports.



Coruscant


The Sith ship slipped out of hyperspace silently, only a slight jolt giving the passengers notice that they had arrived. Ithron and Mira had not spoken much throughout the trip. In fact, they had kept to their own parts of the ship. Ithron had remained in his quarters, besides his trips to the fresher, kitchen, or the cockpit. Mira had stayed in the cargo hold, practicing her newfound technique.

With the reentry from hyperspace, Mira was jarred from her practicing. It had only taken two days to make the trip, which was surprising since they were coming from the Deep Core. Generally those sorts of journeys took longer. She made her way to the cockpit, Ithron joining her there. She spoke first, breaking the ice.

As they looked out the viewing window at the planet-wide city, Mira commented, "Well, I guess we're on our own now."

Sith Temple, Corellian Diktat sector, Coruscant.



Blood flowed through his hands as he wrenched the knife deeper, his hand almost completely inside the creature as Lupercus finally tired of the kill and released the now mangled corpse to the ground. Coincidently it was at the same time that one of his lackey's entered the room.

"Lord Diktator, the apprentice's shuttle has arrived and has entered the atmosphere."

Lupercus nodded dismissively.

"Offer them to land in my hangar, i wouldn't mind having a look at the cream of Master Vance's new order."

The venom with which Jas's name was spat wasn't perhaps indicative of the fact the Master had assumed Lupercus's role while he was do busy endulging his decadence, but rather a simple display of respect that only few actually recognised. Lupercus rarely used anyones name and when he did it spoke volumes.

The nameless functionary nodded and rushed to have the invitation relayed.

Sith Shuttle

Well, I guess we're on our own now.

Ithron turned to look at Mira and opened his mouth to reply. Just at that moment, the communications panel beeped. Raising an eyebrow, Ithron slid into the seat in front of it and pressed the green button marked "Transmit".

"Shuttle 34D6, this is Correlian Diktat Landing Control. The Lord Diktator invites you to land in the hanger at the coordinates I am transmitting now." The Navigation Console flashed to indicate receipt of the new data.

Hitting the button to mute the transmission, Ithron hissed "The Lord Diktator? Master Lupercus?!"

Although he had never met, or indeed, seen the Sith Lord of whom he spoke, Ithron had heard tales. Of course, it was common knowledge among the more senior Sith Apprentices that majority of the technology the Sith had on their hidden world of Xa Fel was produced in the Corellian Diktat, courtesy of the Diktator - Lupercus Darksword.

At his side, Mira was muttering "The Triumvirate. Masters Vance, Recon and Lupercus..."

In whispers, the Apprentices spoke of Lupercus being the de facto head of the Sith Order, years ago. Then he had left them. Some had spoke of a duel between Vance and Lupercus, some said that he had died, others prefered to say, though not too loudly, that he simply didn't have the Will to carry on as a Sith Master. Ithron had taken the stories as just that - stories.

Having the chance to meet this man could potentially be beneficial to the task that they had been set. It was even conceivable that he might know more of the object they were to retrieve. Of course, like any meeting with a Sith, it would be dangerous - and could potentially end in disaster.

Aware of the muted Comm channel, and of the Officer awaiting his reply, he looked at Mira. She nodded once, slowly. Nodding back, he opened the channel once again.

"Landing Control, this is Shuttle 34D6. We would be pleased to accept the Lord Diktator's invitation. We thank you for your hospitality. Shuttle Out."

The two Apprentices looked at one another, their hostility forgotten in the face of new developments.

"Ithron," Mira hissed. "You must have heard the stories about Master Lupercus? We don't know if we can trust him! What if this is just a-"

"-trap for two of Vance's Apprentices?" Ithron finished for her. "What if the stories about the duel between the two are true and this is his chance for revenge? That could be the case. There's no way we can try and second guess a Sith Master though..."

He paused.

"What I propose is this: To refuse is potentially even more dangerous than to accept. I'll land in the hanger and meet with him - who knows, perhaps he can help us with our mission?"

"And what if-"

"Hear me out, Mira. I land and I meet him. I'll drop you off on the surface itself. You should continue to investigate on the planet and work on the assumption that you're alone."

Mira looked uncertain. Perhaps she was, like Ithron, remembering Master Jas's instructions that they worked together.

"We will be working together." He continued. "You're better at integrating into crowds, being hidden, being subtle. Not only that, but a pretty girl is more likely to get answers and news..."

She looked disgusted with the cynical suggestion. Ithron smiled.

"And if he kills you?" She asked, in a level voice. He couldn't see her being concerned if that was to happen.

She's probably loving the opportunity to be the one who gets results first, Ithron thought.

"Then I die. You continue the mission."

"Agreed." Ithron was almost certain that he saw the other Apprentice smile.

Sith Temple Hanger Bay

As the shuttle touched down for the second time in that half hour, Ithron, now alone in the cockpit, checked that his lightsabre was securely attached to his belt before powering down the instruments. The front section of the cabin went dark. Ithron walked down the corridor, his black boots impacting loudly in the silence of the deserted spacecraft.

Master Lupercus, he mused as he walked. I wonder what you're really like?

Stepping down the ramp, Ithron walked into the personal hanger of the Diktator of the Corellian Diktat.

Lupercus was waiting for the pair to descend the shuttles ramp, but when only one did the Diktator couldn't help but smile.

All hail to the rumour mill...

"I see you have divested yourself of your partner. Smart of you to kill her and take the glory for yourself..."

The apprentice couldn't hide the slight emanation of confusion from his self, which allowed the Sith Lord the answer he wanted. Surely Lupercus could have reached into his mind for an answer, but why waste the energy when the Xa Fel temple, which he had built, was under constant surveillance.

"Or you dropped her off somewhere to protect her." His own statement ellicited a small shake of his head in disgust. "Why act in such a way to your own detriment? Such actions are more the preserve of a jedi..."

The last word was spat with disgust.

The Hapan approached the apprentice with interest.

"Surely you must not be buying into Master Vance's belief in 'brotherhood'?" Only a fool would miss the sarcasm drenched words, but the way in which he had spoken Jas's name was something confusing, something Ithron couldn't place. "Brotherhood can only be birthed in the shared blood of enemies. Or allies..."

Ithron opened his mouth to speak but found his mouth forced shut by something the apprentice recognised but could not resist. It disappeared instantly, but the apprentices momentary confusion was enough to allow Lupercus to continue.

"Tell me, do you honestly believe in these new ways, or are you more responsive to the truer, old ways?

Ithron was taken off guard by the Master's sheer force of will. Opening his mouth to speak on more than one occasion, he found himself unable to interrupt.

"Or you dropped her off somewhere to protect her. Why act in such a way to your own detriment? Such actions are more the preserve of a jedi...

"Surely you must not be buying into Master Vance's belief in 'brotherhood'? Brotherhood can only be birthed in the shared blood of enemies. Or allies...

"Tell me, do you honestly believe in these new ways, or are you more responsive to the truer, old ways?"

Partner indeed, thought Ithron.

"My partner and I were set a task by our Master." Ithron replied. "Master Vance Jas. The completion of that task is our sole concern. If you were to..."

Here Ithron paused. The Master smiled, and Ithron continued.

"Yes, if you were to kill both of us, the task would fail."

The Master held Ithron's eyes, so he continued once more.

"Of course, I chose to come to you. Perhaps it was my own curiosity, perhaps you drew me here - I have no doubt that you can do that.... Now, though, I am here."

Through the Force, he could feel the Master's presence. In many ways, it was similar to the Force signature of Vance but in other ways it was not so. In Vance, Ithron felt restraint and a desire for ordered legions. In Vance's world, everything should move in step. With Lupercus, there was something more primal...

As the Force swirled around the Master, the flow subtlety affected by the two Force users, Ithron found himself drawn in. Making a concious effort, he came back to himself.

"As for Brotherhood? You know what I am going to say! I am but a humble Apprentice and you are a mighty Master - famous from one end of the galaxy to the other - and yet we have something in common, my Lord. We both desire power.

For me, I can gain more power by taking advantage of the other Apprentices than I can alone. They are a resource, my Lord. A resource to be used!

You could read me like a holocron if you chose to. You know I would kill Mira as soon as look at her, but that would earn me death from Master Vance, for disobeying him."

He raised his hands as if to weigh up Mira's death against his own.

"Do not confuse my respect for someone's abilities for camaraderie!"

The Master's face was impassive, so Ithron continued for the final time.

"You dislike Vance's order?" At saying these last two words, Ithron sensed a change in the the Master's force presence. The intensity increased. "You would return to the Rule of Two? You would condemn us to the shadows for eternity?"

"It seems to me that you have been trained to use your power as the means to an end, in this case the means to complete your 'oh so important' mission. I however would consider the mission the means to the ultimate goal, more power." Lupercus shook his head. "It seems that despite your claims for power, your actions speak otherwise."

He smirked now, a deaths head grin whose white teeth seemed as a row of tombstones descending down into the depths.

"A pity."

He shook his head once more, this time to himself rather than distaste at the apprentice's thoughts, for even he disliked this type of circumspection.

He couldn't help his hand going to the amulet around his neck and as he touched it the jewelled black onyx throbbed with the darkside. A moment passed before his now narrowed eyes returned to the apprentice.

"But Vance's Order? It is not his Order. The Order is eternal! It is greater than simply one automaton!" Hatred flashed about the Sith Lord at the lack of knowledge and respect for the one thing that was, of sorts, holy to the Hapan. "And power is something that has a greater spectrum than that.

What exactly do you think the differences between your sense of power, and mine? Hell, even Vance's?"

"The difference, Master, should be obvious!" Ithron could feel the intensity of Force energy in the room increasing. "You see power as an end in itself! You hoard power as a dragon hoards his gold - never using a golden cent, but knowing the amount to the gramme! You, my lord, are the Diktator of this entire Sector. Thousands of men are at your command, an entire Starfleet is yours to do with what you will, and you do nothing."

Ithron paused, breathing deeply. The Master watched him - his face unreadable. Despite the apparent lack of reaction, Ithron was uncomfortably aware that he could potentially be walking on thin ice.

"You sit in your palace, fighting the Empire's petty battles. You follow the orders of Hyfe and Kaine. You are one of the most powerful man in the Galaxy, but you haven't used that power to exterminate the Jedi in their hour of weakness. You simply sit here on your throne, watching and waiting.

"The Order is eternal, and greater than any of us - but it's also dynamic and changing. Your decadence keeps you here, keeps you impotent."

Ithron had learned early in his training that the Sith weren't interested in toadying. If a Sith asked a question, he expected an answer. It was this arrangement that gave Ithron the freedom to speak to the Diktator in a way that he suspected none of the man's Generals or Captains ever would. Of course, it was just possible he had crossed the line.

At this final outburst Lupercus could barely contain himself. The bark of laughter was deep but harsh, and the furiousness of the act made water congeal at the corner of his eyes.

"You truly are your Masters apprentice." But the look of mirth instantly dissappeared instantly. "But your lack of understanding is indicative of your Masters influence. What you see as my failings are my greatest acheivements."

As he spoke now his mind drifted back many years as his hands rose up, palms to the heavens.

"With these hands I have killed billions, the entirity of the Gungan race, the sum total of the Observer Order of Jedi. Jedi, Sith and the faceless plebians of the galaxy, all unified in the blood on my hands. The entire galaxy knows this."

If the force energy in the room had built up before with Ithrons rage, the atmosphere in the hangar now was postively electric, the corners of the room now etched in a blackness that nothing made of man or beast could penetrate.

"And yet despite all that knowledge the galaxy has of me and my history, still they love me. I lead them all down the dark path and they cherish the embrace of my hand pushing upon their backs! They flock to the temples i have assembled on all Imperial worlds, fawning and pawing in desperation for my attention, my acceptance! You claim i follow Kaine and Hyfe, I know they follow me! Their very actions are an extension of my will, the will of the true force."

The virolent hatred was now mixed with joy as he revealed now, the truth.

"I am the most hated and evil man in the cosmos, and the people of the cosmos clamour for my hate and evil. False Jedi walk amongst them, stealing their thoughts and rooting out heresy against the Emperor, but also against me. Jedi whom i forged in the crucible of ten trillion corrupted souls!" Now the hatred seemed to mix with pity as he focused upon the apprentice.

"You will corrupt one Jedi during your life, if you are lucky. I have sown the seeds for the destruction of the Jedi across the galaxy! They have no friends now, no misguided fools to render them the aid their weak selves need to survive. Because of me the entire future is filled with darkness, hatred and fear. I would not be surprised if it was because of me that you know stand here in all your posturing glory!"

His hands gesticulated in furious slashes through the air at each point and Ithron could feel the air shimmer about him with each punctuated movement.

"Watching and waiting? Decadence and impotence? Foolish child, your falacies disgust me. But your lack of vision is only indicative of what you have been taught...

Nothing!"

The Sith Lord calmed slightly now, his head shaking once again.

"Is this vision of power that your Master has all you will seek? Or will you put down your silly glow rod and strive to embrace the force through all its means?"

As the shuttle passed low over the streets of Coruscant and slowed, Mira opened the hatch. The higher walkways rushed by only meters below her. As the shuttle approached one, she gathered her cloak and leapt from a ten meter height, using the Force to slow her fall and rolling when she hit. As Ithron continued towards Lupercus's palace, or whatever the kriff he had as a residence, Mira turned to the city.

I wonder why Ithron wanted to get rid of me so badly? she thought. It couldn't be that he's afraid for me. Perhaps it is insurance that Lupercus doesn't kill him. If there is another Sith on the planet that could report the Diktator back to Vance, the Master of the Sith Order could descend on this planet with every Sith in the order at his back. Not even Lupercus could defeat that many at once.

Then another thought occurred to her. Then again, if that happened, after Lupercus was killed, I could stab Vance in the back and take his role. The thought was ludicrous, for multiple reasons, not the least of which being that Mira couldn't teach anybody anything yet. She wasn't near powerful enough to take over the Sith Order. Nevertheless, the temptation of the fulfillment of the Dark Side was constantly in her mind. She knew that one day she would have to kill her Masters to achieve her goals. But that was not to happen soon.

So back to the task at hand. Mira wasn't even sure what she was supposed to do other than sit and wait for Ithron to be done. So, then. Might as well get a cup of caf while she was waiting.

A small caf shop sat some ways down the walkway. As she walked towards it, she slowly withdrew into herself, shutting down as much of her Force presence as possible. She didn't cloak herself - that was very difficult to do on a crowded, daytime Coruscant street - but it was unlikely that another Force user - apprentices for sure, maybe some knights - would detect her presence.

She opened the door of the caf shop and stopped cold. That head...it couldn't be. There was no way he was here. She couldn't risk reaching out in the Force in case he sensed her. She couldn't afford to be found by him. And she knew he'd recognize her immediatly. She couldn't stay here.

So she quickly turned and left. Striding quickly down the sidewalk, her mind was in turmoil. How did he get here? Why? Has he found me out?

They needed to get off the planet. If they were detected by him, the whole gig would be up. She had to get to the Diktat now and get Ithron out of there. If she didn't, there would be serious trouble.

Now, how to get there quickly. An idea formed in her head as she watched the airspeeders moving beneath her feet. Timing her jump, she leapt off the walkway and used the Force to cement her feet to the first speeder she touched. Reaching out with the Force, she plucked the frightened driver from his seat and sent the man plummetting to the surface hundreds of meters below.

Another innocent life gone, then. The questions Mira had had on Telos had not been resolved, though she was becoming calloused to the taking of innocent life. She gained power that way, for she could add to the well of Dark Side energy on which she could draw by committing actions such as this that might be considered evil by some. She wasn't sure exactly how that worked, whether she was drawing life energy from them or she was just opening herself more to the Dark Side. Nevertheless, it still bothered her a bit as her Jedi upbringing taught her that taking life, especially through the use of the Force, was wrong unless absolutely necessary. The Sith, though, taught her differently, and she had not come to grips with the problem yet.

Then she realized something. Through her use of the Force, she had just given herself away to anyone who was looking for her. Not only Lupercus, but probably him as well. Crap, she thought. Flipping into the driver's seat, Mira gunned the throttle and sped towards the Diktator's palace. She had to collect Ithron, find transportation, and get the kriff off this planet before he found her.

Silence. For the first time in the conversation so far, Ithron felt unsure of himself. As the Master had spoken of his deeds in years gone by, a tapestry seemed to open up in Ithron's mind - a tapestry of hatred, of fear, of darkness. He saw figures screaming in pain, begging for mercy. He saw Jedi, proud and noble, cut down before the irresistible advance of Darkness. Darkness in the form of Lupercus.

And what have you done? His mind seemed to be saying. Nothing. That's what. You're the one who has no power, not Lupercus.

Seduced by the power that the Sith Lord seemed to be offering, Ithron reached to his waist and unclipped his lightsabre. The sound of the clip echoed.

"My glow rod...." He said, holding it up to the light.

He was thinking back to his duel with Mira - how he had embraced the Darkness and how it had brought him victory. He had tried the ordered regime of Vance, perhaps it was time to view the Force from a different angle, here - in the Palace of the Diktator.

Maybe this man can help me become more powerful...

He dropped the sabre on the floor and the blade went out.

"The plan was for me to head to Korriban. To retrieve a powerful Sith artifact, for Master Jas. Mira will be travelling with me." Ithron said. Then he paused. "Will you teach me, Master?"

The desire for power was intoxicating - it was almost as if the Master had instilled this desire in the Apprentice by sheer force of will. Without waiting for the Master to answer, Ithron repeated himself, almost shouting now, quoting the older man:

"Will you teach me the truer, older ways? How to embrace the Force through all its means?"

Even as he spoke, Ithron knew that the odds were on the Master refusing: Why should he tell an Apprentice of Vance's his secrets of the Force? Why should he lower himself to that level? He doesn't need my help. There's nothing I can offer the man that he doesn't have or can't get.

But maybe, just maybe, he will teach me... After all, he brought me here...

"Isn't that why you brought me here?"