Private A Monument to All Sins

[Darth Nefaron]

He had damned countless souls.

Pain and fear danced.

From the bowels of Anoat, the death of hope would be unleashed.

Nefaron could not help but smile.

​

Still, the Corpse Lord could not perform such a monumental task alone. Over his time in Sith space, he had encountered many beings who were of great use and others who were but dead weight.

A'Mia Madrona was one of those lucky few to stand out to the Dark Lord.​

But inviting her to Anoat was a radical step. She served the Lord of Korriban, a future rival in the quest for galactic domination. Yet there was no one else who could wield the force as she could, no one who could aid the Dark Lord in the production of something so foul, so utterly opposed to pathetic morality. So he took a leap of faith, contacting her through business channels. Naturally, the request was routed through several shell companies and intermediaries to hide the request from any unwelcome eyes. Anoat was to remain an overlooked system, one far removed from the goings on of the galaxy, and he wouldn't have that illusion shattered by something so simple as an intercepted holotransmission.

From orbit, Anoat appeared as it was described in most official accounts.

A world shrouded in darkness and endless toxic storms.

Dead. ​

But once one pushed through the atmosphere and the layer of clouds, they would see the vast domain of the Corpse Lord. Great pillars of black smoke poured from vast holes carved into the surface, the product of vast forges and machinery that prepared the forces of the Terror Lord for the final war. Looming over the vast plains was the fortress of Nefaron, a bastion of evil that leeched what little life remained on Anoat for the sake of its foul master. It was to this fortress that A'Mia had been so graciously invited,

​

But this was only the first stop. Nefaron would have needed the unique Sith Apprentice deep beneath the surface.

For something stirred in the darkness. ​

And so Nefaron waited in the hangar, cloaked in black, for his companions' transport to arrive. He could hardly hide his dark glee.

TAGS: Madrona A’Mia ​

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Outer Rim
Anoat
Objective: Spore Industries Commission​

As was her general nature, A'Mia calmly spent the time en route to her business meeting with Darth Nefaron engaged in reading up on recent events, checking correspondence coming in regarding Kor'ethyr, Brosi, and her new bio-medical company, all while making mental preparations to put her best frond forward at her imminent meeting. Mild curiosity animated her upon approaching atmosphere, keen eyes gazing down to observe the malicious swirl of toxic storm systems.

She'd chosen a simple, rather nondescript transport shuttle— which provided her ample room to bring some samples with her but also kept her other ties removed from this meeting, which was after all, strictly business. Much like her practical choice of ship, her garb was simple and functional: a deep purple robe with no major embellishment. Notably, she did not wear armor and seemed to wield only a sleek datapad as she glided down the ramp to wear her host greeted her in the hangar.

Inclining her head in a small, elegant gesture, the neti wasted no time. She was polite to most by default but wasn't one to mince words.

"Greetings, Lord Nefaron. To what do I owe the pleasure of this summons?"

 

[Darth Nefaron]

"Summons? If only it were so easy."
​

The Corpse Lord chuckled before falling in alongside his newly arrived guest. He would guide her through the labyrinth that was his fortress, though he would be careful not to reveal all his secrets. This was a business proposition, and he knew full well that other interested parties might be curious about just what Nefaron was up to on Anoat. Yet Lady A'Mia was perhaps the only being in the galaxy who might aid him in his great work, at least until either of his Apprentices develops sufficiently to share in his talents. Nefaron's allies may also play their own role in the coming days, but Helix was busy with the other grand designs Nefaron had planned, and Lirka Ka was hardly one to be trusted with such a project, at least until the Corpse Lord knew for certain that his plans could no longer be disrupted.

"I know for certain that you will not be a mere servant. You are a respected colleague, one I believe skilled enough to aid me with a project that will reshape the future of the Sith Empire."

Nefaron walked at a slow pace, perhaps retreating back into his persona of the kindly old man who just so happened to be a Dark Lord of the Sith. He did not wish to insult A'Mia's intelligence; instead, he wanted to show he lacked any ill will toward the neti. But there were other things to discuss before he went into detail about his project.

"Quite simply, I am creating a creature that will ensure the iron grip of fear is secured forever. But we must discuss certain... loyalties you maintain."

The halls of Nefarons' fortress were unusually empty, nearly silent as well, despite the vast construction and mining occurring beyond its walls. It seemed the Terror Lord did not wish to have any of his servants bother his newly arrived guest.

"There are certain beings on Korriban who take great offense to my works, or really my existence. You come to me in good faith and as a representative of Spore Industries, and so I hope that what you see and do here remains a... secret."

There was no subtle threat from Nefaron. He had grown beyond issuing such trivial things, for many beings have come to know the fate of those who dare oppose the Corpse Lord. He had mastered the horrid art of torture for endless beings; he was more than capable of making those who betrayed him suffer a fate worse than death. He so hoped that A'Mia was good at secrets, for what she was about to see must be kept closely guarded until there was no possibility of stopping it.

"I assure you, you will be well compensated for your work and continued discretion. My allies and I will look fondly upon those who prove themselves to be efficient and capable in our service."

TAG: Madrona A’Mia ​

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Following serenely as if this were some kind of pleasant stroll in the park, A'Mia listened and interjected only when it was polite to do so.

"I know for certain that you will not be a mere servant. You are a respected colleague, one I believe skilled enough to aid me with a project that will reshape the future of the Sith Empire."

"We understand each other then," she answered simply with a slight nod and faint smile.

In truth, the woman's curiosity had been piqued when she'd received word that Darth Nefaron might want to commission her. A'Mia knew from that moment on she would be challenged in unexpected ways by the demands of conducting business. Questions of loyalty and ethos were just a few such examples.

"My loyalty isn't for sale," she said conversationally, "But my discretion is, and Spore Industries has the highest professional standards regarding the work we do, including commissions we take."

It was wise that her host hadn't chosen to threaten her. Such an act would have been both ineffectual and unnecessary. The neti wasn't one to experience fear easily, if ever, and such would have to be inspired by something niche or unusual indeed.

"I would be happy to discuss rates with you, but truthfully what interests me most is the opportunity for scientific and alchemical pursuit. Based on the nature of your own work and reputation… well, I rather imagine we'll have a great many exciting things to discuss."

She slowed her stride to properly meet the man's gaze, her tone growing less airy and more serious than was typical for her.

"Need I provide more reassurance regarding confidentiality in this matter, or shall we dive into the details of that which you seek my aid in creating?"

 

[Darth Nefaron]

Indeed, they did understand each other.

Nefaron could only hope that she could see the terrible majesty of what was to be born in the darkest pits.

"Confidentiality does not concern me, but I do hope that you can grasp the majesty of my design if you can bring it to life."​

The Dark Lord directed the Neti's attention to the bank of turbolifts before them, one seemingly opening in the presence of the pair. Nefaron wasted little time entering the open lift, and he waited for his companion to join him. Once they were sealed within the turbolift, Nefaron finally spoke of the great project they would undertake together.

"My goal, quite simply, is to ensure everlasting torment in this galaxy. To do so will require great power indeed, a power I do not currently possess. But I have acquired a device that I believe can be combined with the grand arts of sorcery and gene manipulation to create a terrible creature capable of breaking the minds of all who fall under the shadow of the Sith."

The turbolift was lit only by red light, signifying the passage of countless floors. They would travel deep beneath the surface of Nefaron's horrid world to a place light had never before touched.

"But this will be an effort unlike any other in our history. The raw materials are no issue for the flesh and bones of those unfortunate enough to fall into my grasp are readily available. It is the molding of these corpses, mind and body, that will prove the greatest challenge. I must be able to focus such a beast, bind it to my will, and make its horrid power but an extension of my own."

Even in the darkness, Nefaron's glee was obvious. He saw the future of such a creature and was all but blinded by its majesty.

"Think of it, Lady A'Mia. I could bring terror to systems far from here, across the galaxy even, without a single vessel or the crack of one whip. They would know fear, despair, and, above all else, suffering, and they would know it is I who brings this terrible fate upon them."

When Nefaron finished, the turbolift finally seemed to stop and slide open to reveal a long hallway lit only by torchlight. It seemed this portion of his fortress had been recently excavated, tools had been scattered about without care, and the workforce who once held them seemed to be missing as well.

"Tell me, my lady, do you think such a thing is possible without combined powers? I believe it to be so, but we must be of one mind for this project to succeed."

TAG: Madrona A’Mia ​

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Suffering.

A monument to pain and torment.

And he spoke of majesty, this Darth Nefaron , which took her aback somewhat. The enthusiasm, his downright glee was refreshing. Science and discovery were of course the most worthwhile pursuits in and of themselves of course. To meet someone similarly passionate about the artform therein was an unexpected treat.

To say she was impressed with his consideration and forethought regarding raw materials was an understatement. So often she was approached by those that wished to merely throw credits at their desires without thought for the amount of time and effort that went into acquisition. It seemed that her host had done his homework, which well pleased her.

The absence of workers in the renovated hallway was not lost on her, but the woman remained unperturbed. Something the man said stood out and above all else they'd yet discussed and her mind was soon spinning out the early stages of a plan.

"… of one mind…"

With a far away look, the neti murmured under her breath before turning to inquire of her host.

"Are you familiar with drengir, my Lord?"

A gleam of vile mischief entered her strange eyes and a sudden, obsessive curiosity.

"Carnivorous cousins to my species, they inherently have something that far surpasses a simple Grovemind— their physiology might become key in this grand design."

She paused for effect, then waved one hand and readied to follow again wherever he led.

"Oh yes, it is beyond possible," there was certainty in her tone and the Weave itself seemed to ripple with the power of probability.