A brand new start

[Siqa]

I'd found myself on Utapau, trying to drown out my sorrows with a little liquid sympathy. For over a year now I'd been on my own, out of Sith space as much as possible, yet it was hard to go anywhere else for me. The Mandolorians and the Empire were starting to become buddies, I doubt the Republic would like seeing someone like me around in their area. So it came down to the space owned by the Confederacy of Independent systems. The good old CIS. Better than nothing I suppose.

The bar I was in I was lucky to find, not that many on this planet. Bad enough it was next to an area where they had those giant lizards that reeked but the drinks were lousy at that. It didn't matter at this point. I'd come out here to collect on a bounty anyway. It was easy enough, especially since they wanted him dead, still left a bad taste in my mouth that not even cheap beer can wash out.

I looked back and could tell a lot of the patrons inside were worried about me. Not too often they see a Sith Pureblood around these parts, and not one like me. I could hear them whispered among themselves, thinking me a spy or something like that. Not exactly a spy if I'm in plain sight, right? I didn't care. Just as long as they stayed out of my way and let me do what I needed to.

I finished one bottle and said "Oye! Bar keep! Bring me another."

@Isley Verd

 

[Darth Metus]

Though a member of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, there was not much that brought the Mandalorian known as Isley Verd all the way out to Utapau. In fact, it took a rather sizeable sum of sidework to encourage him to leave the veritable fortress he had erected for himself on Krant in order to come to the rather "sordid" world. As per the usual, the work did not take too long. He put two slugs in the rear of some shady politician's head, looted his body for some random trinket to show that the job was done, and then hightailed it out of there. Sure, taking out crooked politicians was nasty work, and dangerous given his position, but money compelled even the most chaste to become wicked. Once the dirty work was complete, Isley decided to add to what was becoming a growing tradition: ending the day with a few shots of Corellian Whiskey at the nearest watering hole.

And so he did, striding forth with as much confidence as a young, grav-ball captain. When he entered the establishment, he drew heads; not due to good looks or reputation...but simply because of how "menacing" his armor was. However, the heads quickly returned to their drinks and Isley seated himself at the bar...next to a Pureblood of all things. The sight was one that surprised him immensely, to see a member of the Sith species all the way out in Confederate space. Immediately, he began to think of reasons why this person was here...was she a spy? A mercenary? Or other occupations within the Empire? But....common sense slowly kicked in. Sith were easily identified as a species, and his own experience within the Empire told him that there was very little reason for an operative to sit out in the open. As such, Isley trusted his gut and motioned to the bartender.

"One bottle of Corellian Whiskey, and another bottle for this one right here, on me." he said, motioning to the Sith. He then turned and gave her a nod of recognition. "I'll go ahead and ask the obvious, miss, what in the Force brought a Sith all the way out to this poodoo-hole?" As the words escaped his lips, sounding metallic as they slid through his helm, the bartender returned and set the bottles before them. Isley, never taking his eyes off the woman, poured himself a shot in the glass provided, then lifted his helmet in order to take a sip.

@[member="Siqa"].

 

[Siqa]

MY attention turned to the odd metallic talking guy next to me, both before and after he bought me the drink. I looked back to the crowd, all of them taking bigger note that now two very odd looking characters were together. I turned back as the drinks arrived before he asked me why I was here. I opened the bottle while not answering him for a moment.

Finally I spoke up after taking a swig and asked "What? You looking fr a good time or something, whoever you are? I'll warn you right now, you're not my type. Not because you're a guy, but because I don't go for guys with metal masks."

@Isley Verd

 

[Darth Metus]

The words spoken by the Pureblood produced a metallic chuckle to erupt from the Mandalorian. However, the mirth was short-lived, as there was alcohol to consume. Lifting his helmet once more, Isley indulged in yet another sip of his beverage, savoring the rich flavor as it went down. It stung and burned as it went down, but it was the "good" sort of burn which resulted in a satisfied exhale once the glass was set down upon the counter. He then turned his attention to the Pureblood beside him and grinned from behind his helmet.

"I'm looking for something alright, but it's not something that can be accomplished through honied words and bottles of whiskey." he stated bluntly. "But you've yet to answer my question...what could possibly bring a Sith all the way out here?"

@[member="Siqa"].

 

[Siqa]

I had to give the guy credit at being persistent; not to mention he must not've found most situations that COULD be solved with words and whiskey. Found myself in a few of them. Still the guy did buy me a drink. If nothing else I could give what he wanted.

"Try to figure it out." I started. "Why would a Sith be all the way out here? Maybe she wanted a vacation. Maybe she's looking for someone...." I sighed a little. "...or maybe she'd trying to get away from something. Something everyone else said she was destined for since birth. Something she said "frak' to and basically turned her back on everything they say she represents." I turned to him and said "You guess."

@Isley Verd

 

[Darth Metus]

The Mandalorian was silent as he listened to her words...and as she spoke, he actually emphathized with her. Sure, the information was laced with a sarcastic edge, but Isley wasn't hoping for a tearful bearing of one's soul. There was nothing, save the clanking of ice within his glass as he drank, that broke his silence; until she had finished speaking that is. "Sounds to me like you and I are cut from the same cloth, more or less." he said simply. "Based upon the obvious, I'm going to assume that this 'something' is the Empire, eh?" Upon speaking, he reached out for the bottle that was hers and topped off her glass. "Here's to 'freedom'." he said, elevating his own glass. With that said, he allowed his toast to linger for a moment...and then spoke again. "So, I'm assuming that you don't want to be anywhere near these people, correct? I could help, but only if you're open to it."

@[member="Siqa"].

 

[Siqa]

"Cheers." I said, clicking by bottle against his drink before taking another swig. I had just finished when he offered to keep me away from the Empire. I looked and asked "Oh really? And what's the catch? Need me to be your bodyguard or something? If that's the case I charge by the hour."

@Isley Verd

 

[Darth Metus]

Following the clinking of their glasses, the Mandalorian lifted his helm and took a swig of his drink, enjoying every moment as the fine Whiskey raced down his throat. "Nothing like that." he said simply, setting his glass down upon the counter. "I happen to have a little bit of pull here in the Confederacy...Like, I'm number four in the top ten, that sort of pull. I could make sure that you never have to set foot in the Empire again, nor ever worry about them again. However, what I'd like in return is simple. You become my apprentice, learn my ways, earn my power, and take no other orders but my own. What say you?"

@[member="Siqa"].

 

[Siqa]

I listned as he explained who he was. Hearing how high on the list he was, 4 out of ten was pretty damn good to be honest, and that he could see to it I wouldn't bother with the Empire again. It sounded too good to be true. That's when he made the proposal to be his apprentice. I sighed and said "Look, I was already an apprentice. I took enough lessons to know I'm not interested in any more masters. No matter how high on the list you might be. Got that?" I stood up t walk off and said "Thanks for the drink."

@Isley Verd

 

[Darth Metus]

"I was an apprentice under a Sith as well, and I can guarantee you...that Hell is not what I'm asking you to sign up for." he said simply, folding his arms about his chest. "Hear me out, finish up this drink with me, and if you truly desire to walk, then walk. I'll even pay for your transit to the starport." With that said, the Mandalorian motioned for her to rejoin him at the bar and sincerely hoped for the best. What he spoke was entirely true, as she would soon learn...assuming that she took up his offer to hear him out.

@[member="Siqa"].

 

[Siqa]

In my head I was saying to just keep walking, but apparently my feet didn't hear it. A part of me was considering it, as much as I hated to admit it. I took a deep breath before sitting back down. I leaned against the bar and crossed my arms before I turned, my body facing for the door in case his offer got too out of hand in any way. I took another sip just to let him kown I would stick around before indicating for him to go on.

@Isley Verd

 

[Darth Metus]

The Mandalorian gave a silent nod of gratitude before giving the Pureblood a rare glimpse into his past dealings with the Empire, and why tutelage under him would be different. Heralded by a calming breath, Isley opened up that locked door in the back of his mind and began recounting the memories, as briefly as possible, so that she might fully understand. "For three years, I was the plaything of a Sith interrogation specialist with a sick...fixation on inflicting pain. Following this, I was subject to mental torture at the hands of my 'master'; all in the name of training. Suffice it to say, I didn't enjoy a second of either, and I'll be damned if I put an apprentice of mine through anything of the sort. If you choose to follow me and learn what I have to teach, you'll become immensely stronger; of this, there is no doubt. And you'll never have to worry about the sick trials of the Empire being inflicted upon you either. You will grow, at your own pace, and in your own way. Is that acceptable?"

@[member="Siqa"].

 

[Siqa]

I sat back and listened to his story. When It was over I did have to give the guy credit for bouncing back as good as he did from what seemed like such a low point. When it finally came to if I accepted or not I had to take a moment to really think on it. I basically boiled it down to two options. There was taking this guys offer, getting a new lease on life as a member of the CIS or the door that I could easily walk out of and just go on with what I wad doing. I looked at the beer bottle to, thinking it was another option. Just crawl inside a bottle and stay there until I die. Damn if there weren't enough drinks in the galaxy for it. I finished off my beer before looking to @Isley Verd and giving my answer.

"Where do I sign?" I asked, offering my hand.

 

[Darth Metus]

The answer he received was better than he anticipated, causing a wide smile to appear upon his face. Of course, this change in expression was veiled behind his helmet...which was just as expressionless as ever. As opposed to whipping out a pen and parchment, in order to have her sign her soul away; or something else cliche', the Mandalorian simply extended to her his hand. The intent was to shake it, as if to seal the fact that what he said to her was true. She would not be going through hell as his apprentice, not in the slightest. "You may call me Master Verd, Master Isley, or Master. If you are drunk, 'Hey You!' will suffice. We shake, you collect your belongings, and we head for Krant."

@[member="Siqa"].

 

[Siqa]

I shook his hand before saying "I got everything I need right here." I said, pointing at my belt. "I guess I'll have to get used to the whole master thing again." I sighed before standing up. "Well if Krant's where we're going better get started. I need a good flight to sleep on anyway." I cleared my throat and burped a little, just letting him know I was a classy lady, before letting "Master Isley" escort me out.

@Isley Verd

 

[Darth Metus]

A woman who packed light, was eager to move, and had "class"? Oh, this was going to be quite the student...and the Mandalorian was beyond fine with that. He rose from his barstool, left a decent tip for the hardworking tender, and strode forth into the afternoon light. With a nod to his new disciple, he began to make his way to the starport. "I've got a rather...nice...home, that you're welcome to from here on out. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to ask."

@[member="Siqa"].

 

[Siqa]

I nodded as we walked on, hearing him talk about a nice home for me to crash at. "Sounds good. Just don't expect me to be sharing a bed with you or anything." As we kept walking I also noted "I sleep in the nude too." I was basically joking around, trying to let him know I was trying to enjoy this experience. Then again I did begin to think of bringing any girls I happen to find the night before over if it meant not needed to rent out a room like usual. Hope the Master wouldn't mind that too much. Still here I was, on my way to join the CIS and be a Templar. Going from an exiled Sith bounty hunter to this was something I'd wished I have thought of from day one.

@Isley Verd

 

[Darth Metus]

A chuckle escaped the Mandalorian's lips as the walked along, and he shook his head in response to his apprentice's words. "Fret not, my bedroom is @[member="Phoebe Draclau"]'s territory; and Castle Ne'tra has enough rooms for you to waltz around nude without disturbing a soul...However, I will ask one request of you. Don't bring any outsiders to the Castle, I'd like to keep its location hush-hush. If you find the urge to get drunk, stoned, or laid, the capital is but a speeder ride away. Understood?" The simple fact was, there were too many things held within the Castle for Isley to risk the average joe finding them. As such, he was covering his bases now so that there'd be no kark ups later.

@[member="Siqa"].

 

[Siqa]

"Castle?" I asked, hearing that. "No fraking way. Well now I can see why you don't want word getting out." I agreed to not bring anyone and just kept walking until we'd finally reached the next shuttle out of here to his secret castle. This was going to be one hell of a chapter in my life, I could already tell.