Reunion

[Darth Imperia]

For half a year, Imperia had hidden away, scurrying in the shadows at the fringes of the Galaxy, waiting for the right time to emerge. That time had come.

A new Sith Empire was forming, one that claimed to make room for Sith of all breeds. Imperia was skeptical, of course – she’d been sorely disappointed by the last attempt at an Empire she’d taken part in, and she had no reason to believe this one would fare better. Still, she felt it prudent to take part once more. After all, the worst case scenario was failure, and even failure could make one stronger. But Imperia had enemies among the Sith, and before she came waltzing back onto the scene, she’d need to gather old allies.

It went without saying that [member="Aria Vale"], Imperia’s dearest…friend…was counted among that number. Then, of course, there was Imperia’s legion of soldiers, spread out across the galaxy, all loyal to the last breath. Most people who knew Imperia would have assumed that that was the end of it – a legion of soldiers may not have been much on the galactic scale, but it was a formidable force nonetheless. And yet, there was another. A student of Darkness, an apprentice who was now waiting, watching for the signal to return to her instructor’s side.

Imperia was only too happy to oblige.

The message was sent, and it was a simple one. Find the Midnight Cathedral, and return.

Assuming the recipient was still alive, Imperia guessed she wouldn’t need to wait long.

---

[member="Valeska Daeranthe"]

 

[Darth Morrow]

Valeska had waited for this very moment. Six months, four days, eight hours, ten minutes and of course, twenty seven seconds. The time had done her well in truth, learning independence and practicing her abilities, spreading fear across those who opposed her will, the usual, at least in her mind.

She hadn't been alone in all the passed time though, a few weaklings now trailing behind, whether willingly or by force, no one could tell. Except by the slave collars around their necks and the occasional threat slung their way. Shame the bounty hunters met such a fate really, many seemed to underestimate Valeska's combat prowess, and of course a few missing limbs and a beating into submission always helped, all straggling in to hunt the viper one by one, a mistake.

It would be at the very moment she moved to sit in the co-pilot seat that she would receive the so long yearned for message from her beloved teacher, even if she would never admit it. Find the Midnight Cathedral, and return. It would be but a few seconds before she snapped the order in turn to the poor woman now flying the sad excuse for a ship Valeska nabbed from a port. And it would be then the hunt began.

After the short time it took for the ship to track Imperia's, the sad excuse for an aircraft would be seen flying into proximity, with a guest. With attempts to dock beginning it would be the moment the stowaway on her ship would emerge, having been waiting for the opportunity with access to Valeska and her oh so enjoyable master. Sadly enough it would quickly be ended by a shot to the head with a blaster. Valeska never used blasters. A surprise in itself. And then there was a puddle of blood in her ship. Her clean floor. With a sigh she turned to the pilot and watched as the landing proceeded.

Rounding up the slaves about, she would herd them towards the inside of the cathedral, wondering where Imperia had hidden herself away.

-x-

[member="Darth Imperia"]

 

[Darth Imperia]

Imperia had expected her apprentice to return - the girl had shown talent before the incident which drove the two of them into hiding, after all. What she hadn't expected was for the girl to return within the hour, with slaves in tow.

The ship's guards allowed Valeska and company to travel the halls of the Midnight Cathedral without trouble - and assuming Valeska knew her instructor at all, she'd have no trouble finding her, either.

Imperia was, of course, sitting on her throne in the vessel's temple, and watched with a dry, half-amused expression as her Apprentice entered the room.

"An impressive display, for an apprentice - and I see you've even brought a few toys along."

Imperia rose from her throne, strolled casually towards one of the captives Valeska had brought with her - a pretty young man, looked to have some Hapan in him - and wrapped black metal fingers around his chin.

"Are these for me, dear, or have you started your own collection?"

---

[member="Valeska Daeranthe"]

 

[Darth Morrow]

"All I ask is to keep two of choice." Would be her first words. A faint bow of pleasantries offered, Valeska never being much for the full show. "The rest well. Consider them welcome back gifts. Its been a long time."

The smaller Zabrak would step forward, hair still in small braids, skin pale olive and now almost lighter. The most notable feature though, the nearly glowing yellow eyes that once took attention of all those about even without their new addition. The talent she now possessed would be almost emanating off of her, force wise, and pure physical power. "I thought to myself, floating through space on a stolen ship, why let them go to waste if they aim to chase me. At least now I can put them to some use, in several ways I'm sure." She looks about the small group of four slaves.

"Though again, two are yours." She'd move forward and place a strong hand on the one man Imperia seemed to quickly take interest in shoving him toward her, and other more formidable man behind the others. Sadly to say this one was missing a few toes, another mess she'd have to clean in her ship later of course, or have them do, and also a missing finger. Though the first was entirely intact, save for a few bruises and a possibly broken arm.

"So I have assumed, since you've reemerged, you have plans. Plans including me, I do so very much hope. Its been far too long since I've done anything of much excitement." It was odd, the words that sound as though they would come with any remote hint of desire or eagerness, simply would be stated with utter neutrality, a skill, and almost a curse the girl carried.

-x-

[member="Darth Imperia"]

 

[Darth Imperia]

Imperia's grip tightened until she heard a whimper of pain, at which point she released the poor man caught in her clutches. He stumbled back, she made a small gesture with her hand, and a few of the guards stationed in the room left their posts to escort the captives away.[SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

Once the rabble had been shuffled out of sight, Imperia finally took stock of her apprentice. A bit bruised and battered, a few new scars, but that was good. It meant she'd been challenged, at least somewhat. Paler skin, yellow eyes, and a force presence that was strong enough for Imperia to detect. The Knight allowed herself a small smile, then turned on her heels.[SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

"A new Sith Empire is forming, dear Apprentice. It is...strange. But it has potential." Boots click, clacked against the floor as Imperia strolled back to her throne. It was an ornate thing, black and menacing, with electrum etching and encrusted jewels.[SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

Imperia lounged across it like it were an armchair.[SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

“And we are going to pledge our loyalty to it. So long as it remains beneficial, at least.”
[SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]--[/SIZE]

[member="Valeska Daeranthe"]

 

[Darth Morrow]

"And if it should fail." She adds onto the end, expecting some continuation.

As Imperia returned to her throne and had a more notable look over Valeska, she would notice the smaller things, a broken horn, a large deep scar across her upper arm, a fist shaped bruise against the front of her neck looking as though it was quite painful, and the healing slice across her right palm. All marks of battle, though the lack of more meaning she always won, as it always had been.

"Does this also include the plans of lessons, considering they had been so rudely interrupted by someone placing a need for your head and the heads of those of loyal to you." The words would be a clear push of the eagerness she suppressed, months alone in space and on foreign planets not quite appealing to her hunger for power and improvement.

[member="Darth Imperia"]