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.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

"Then the galaxy will tremble at what we make here. It seems I was right to send for you."
​

Nefaron's slow steps were purposeful. He had much to show his guest, but they had yet more to discuss before they laid eyes upon the birthing chamber of the beast that would be instrumental in dominating the galaxy. Lady A'Mia already proposed an addition to the poject one, an addition she held unique knowledge of, and it was precisely for this reason that he needed her aid, her knowledge, and perhaps one day her loyalty.

"I confess I was not aware of the drengir, but a true craftsman is not afraid to admit his faults and seek counsel. But if what you tell me is correct, which I do not doubt that it is, then we may just have the basis for our creature's ability to latch onto the minds of sentient beings. For some time, had have experimented with gene modification and the application of sorcery to said process to bring forth new servants for my legion, but this project will be far greater than any simple beast."

With a wave of his hand, the tunnel that extended before them became illuminated by pale red light, showing that walls and stones were caked in various hues of blood and viscera from the miners who had dug out this new chamber.

"We will need considerable material to work with. I will ensure a steady supply of slaves is at your disposal, for their pathetic lives are worthless before the greatness that will be our creation."

Nefaron pushed through the grisly display without a second thought, bypassing old tools and the signs of short-lived struggle to at last arrive at a massive set of blast doors, sealed and secured by a ray shield that fell as the pair approached.

"I have done some initial work, but I must warn you that what you see is little more than a mindless creature that has not learned proper respect for its masters, something that we will correct in time."

The blast doors opened to a vast chamber, the rithing sound of flesh and bone filled the air. The pile of meat was illuminated by the same red lights that had filled the tunnel, seemingly the only shade that the mass tolerated. Yet before either could enter the chamber, a vast tentacle of dead flesh arose to swipe at the pair, an act swiftly punished by Darth Nefaron, who unleashed a torrent of force lightning to punish his creation for its rudeness. The tentacle writhed in pain before retreating back into the great pit.

"As I said, little more than an animal. But like all animals, it understands pain. But my lady, do not be shy, examine the creature and tell me what might be done to make my dream a reality."

Madrona A’Mia ​

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Matching the pace he set, A'Mia listened intently. Her curiosity was palpable and notably there was not an ounce of fear to be found in her. She made note of the way that her host admitted he had more to learn— it was not common to encounter a man, particularly a Sith man, that was willing to admit to gaps in their knowledge. Time would tell if hubris was in fact absent from Darth Nefaron, but this initial interaction boded well.

Taking his warning in stride, the arboreal woman remained unbothered as they entered the chamber. A'Mia did note silently that the man said the beast did not yet have proper "respect for its masters", plural. How interesting.

Her large eyes took in the chamber, then the creature, and widened somewhat. It was the first real sign of emotional response from her other than airy, cheerful calm. Upon seeing the mighty creature in this rough, beginning stage, A'Mia felt a sense of awe for the potential she saw in it.

"What rough beast…" she whispered beneath her breath as the thing lashed out at it's maker.

Suddenly A'Mia, the neti of more than a century in life, appeared as a child before the creature. Like a little one on Life Day, stars in her strange eyes, as one of the most horrifying creations she'd yet imagined was before her now.

"Oh…"

Once more she was overtaken by emotion, such a rare experience for her. Awash with awe, excitement, curiosity, and overtaken with muse to contribute to this great working. The neti glided slowly closer to the edge of the pit, still unafraid, and peeked into the darkness.

"There is much I could say, much to do! I'd ask to get closer, but it is insatiable is it not? A bottomless wrath and hunger?"

The woman nodded as if answering the question herself.

"Yes! We must streamline its prime directive, harness that drive into something singular— at least, something more straightforward to control. The hivemind idea I spoke of before, that knowing within knowing. There is a thing that neti experience too, those of that remain in community with one another. The Grovemind, an Allfather or Allmother of sorts. The great bearer of ancestry."

She whirled on him then, striding closer, maintaining barely enough personal space for decorum but clearly overtaken by inspiration of the highest order.

"We shall make you that focal point. The knower, and from you the prime directive flows outward into so many grasping limbs."

If the neti respirated like other near humans she would surely be panting at that point. Instead, her every movement was lithe and electric with purpose.

"When do we begin?"

Though phrased as a question, her tone brooked no argument or uncertainty. The work had already begun.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

Nefaron had not seen such childlike joy in some time.

What a truly monstrous mind his companion possessed.

She was perfect.
​

The Dark Lord folded his hands behind his back and approached the edge of the great pit, silent as Lady A'Mia let her thoughts run wild, offering suggestions for the beast very much in line with his own. The wretched smile that formed beneath his cloak was a testament to the dark plans he had for the beast once it was truly ready, but great effort remained before it could be unleashed. He watched as his companion approached the pit herself and did not bother to hide his smile when she whirled around to face him. Instead, he reached into his cloak and withdrew a datapad, offering it to the Lord Seer with a chuckle.

"Now, of course. Such a thing will require great effort, and you will have everything you need. This datapad is yours. Requisition whatever you need from my fortress or from my contacts off-world, and they shall provide."

One of the beast's great tentacles of flesh slinked out of the pit, though this time it did not lash out in anger but reached for Nefaron, its "father" in a way. With a withered hand, the Corpse Lord reached out to connect to his creation, the flesh of the beast having congealed into a sickly pale color from the many species of slaves that had been fed to it over the past months.

"Pain is an effective teacher; it will learn in time to obey its masters. Now that you are a part of this great scheme, Lady A'Mia, I can reveal the greater plans I have for this creature and this galaxy."

The beast withdrew as Nefaron returned his attention back to his companion.

"A new power is rising. The old order will be wiped away, replaced by a new age of terror and pain. It will be an end to morality, a paradise for those such as us. The Tsis'Kaar will be the first to fall as my allies in this great effort begin to establish themselves here on Anaot. In time, you may come to ally with our cabal, but for now, I must caution you against revealing our great project before it is ready."

This was no warning, but an invitation of sorts. A'Mia may serve on Korriban, but no true servant of darkness would ever willingly surrender themselves to the will of another, not without great ambitions of their own. The fact that she was helping him at all meant there was raw ambition in her devious mind, and Nefaron would be more than willing to provide her whatever she needed to explore that ambition, be it purely scientific in nature or part of a greater grasp for power in the new galaxy Nefaron was helping to create.

"Think on it, Lady A'Mia. You need not make commitments, but I will extend an invitation to meet with my allies following the downfall of the Tsis'Kaar, so you might better understand what is to come. But your focus should be this beast, for the power that we are making hear will rival the combined might of the greatest Jedi and Sith. A superweapon made flesh, and how truly wonderful that will be."

TAG: Madrona A’Mia
​

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Accepting the datapad without a moment of pause, the woman tabbed it open and found the first word processor accessible on the device to begin taking shorthand notes. Already her mind was turning, this beast in those first stages of "infancy" was indeed suggestible. Moldable like clay, wretched and deadly clay.

A'Mia watched with immense interest as the creature reached toward Nefaron, her large eyes taking in the exchange and tilting her head in calculation, watching the creature move. It seemed to ambulate not too unlike herself, a many limbed organism whose form was rather amorphous unless willed otherwise. All at once, an odd sense of kinship flared within her when she considered what this creation could grow into.

She bowed her head faintly in acquiescence and spoke up only when he seemed to conclude his eloquent pitch to her. Careful to avoid any kind of opinion on the end of one order or the rising of a new, A'Mia stuck firmly with that which she was intrigued by and commissioned for.

"I will be committed fully to this task until it is done. I have only one other project which will occasionally pull me from this, but thankfully the lab on Brosi grows by the day. Even when I'm away, I'll be making progress."

Finally she acknowledged what she knew she must, if only out of politeness, a pleasant smile spreading across her nymphlike face but never quite reaching her eyes.

"I'll not tie myself to any cause or political maneuvering without ample reason. For now, we focus on this great working, and I'll be keeping an open mind."