The men who stood in waiting to receive Saryn Naberrie and Kaila were as grim in demeanor as their surroundings, the cold dark metal plating offering very little comfort to either of them as they were led down the cavernous corridors. It appeared as though every square meter of Malsheem was designed to intimidate and terrorize, the only light source emanating from bright sterile luminescent strips installed in the walls, ceiling, and floor. Guard in flowing black tabards and rigid armor stood at every junction, their unseen eyes following the pair as they moved with their guides further into the monstrous worldcraft.
The majority of the hallways resembled one another, confusing to anyone who was unfamiliar with its layout. Any possible deviation in design was blocked by thick turadium doors, which remained locked at their approach as the guide led them past such entryways and down more and more impossibly long halls. It took several minutes of walking and several minutes of riding a rail tram through even more impossibly wide gulfs before they reached their destination.
Stepping off of the tram, both would be greeted by a large door that opened after the passcode was entered by their guide. Beyond that was another large metal canyon, at its far end a squat metal structure stabilized by parallel pillars leading into the ceiling and floor. The only passage across was a rail-less metal bridge, which by design looked as if it could be retracted at a whim.
Because of the grand scale of the chamber, a cold wind passed over the bridge as they crossed it.
What awaited them was the sounds of exertion, and the tell-tale sound of plasma swinging through empty air. Another door opened to reveal a wide flat expanse, and at its center was the former Emperor of the Sith. He was stripped down to his waist, his muscles flexing as he deflected a blow from the other entity in the room. She was far smaller than the once-Emperor and possessed a pair of bat-like wings, her lithe body clad in tight form-fitting clothes that granted her a wide range of mobility. In her hands was a pike which ended in a lightsaber blade, though the blade was noticeably dimmer than normal. The once-Emperor carried a more standard blade, though it was dim as well, and he blocked a stabbing attack by the smaller woman before pressing his own.
They traded blows like this back and forth for a while, neither acknowledging the new arrivals that were watching them. It wasn't until the once-Emperor slammed through the smaller woman's defenses and sent her sprawling to the floor did the battle cease.
"Better," the once-Emperor spoke roughly, his lightsaber deactivating as the smaller woman pushed herself to her feet. She said nothing, picking up her weapon before stalking off to depart through a door in the side of the dojo.
It was only then that Carnifex turned his attention to the others.
"Good," he said curtly, "You have followed my orders well. Bring her to me, so that I may look upon my new apprentice."
