Private SUN//EATER (Kaalia)

[Darth Carnifex]

The sun gently peaked through the blanket of clouds above, illuminating the reflective shimmer of New Kaas City nestled amidst the teeming jungle of Dromund Kaas. In the years since the Sith had returned to the former throneworld, New Kaas City had seen a revival of life, a renewal of culture that had been suppressed by the Ashlan occupiers. Standards bearing the banner of the Sith Empire flew from every elevated structure, and there was nary a street or courtyard in New Kaas City that was not flying the Sith-Imperial colors.

Chief architect of the world's revival had been the Dark Lord Darth Carnifex, who had set Himself and His allies to work to reignite industry, trade, and cultivation of the system's natural resources. In a short time, Dromund Kaas was quickly regaining it's former prestige and economic capabilities. Networks had been arranged with Korriban and Ziost, the other capstones in the Sith's territory within the Stygian Caldera. Though it was no longer the center of the Sith Empire, Dromund Kaas was still held in high regard and considered an important piece of the Empire at large.

The Dark Lord watched the airships swim through the air above the towering spires of the Imperial Citadel, the harsher gusts of wind kept at bay by the protective shielding enveloping the high-rise balcony. He rarely came in person to Dromund Kaas since His duties had drawn His attention elsewhere, but He was here for a very specific reunion; one that He would not miss. She would be coming at any moment, her credentials granting her exclusive VIP access to this luxurious penthouse suite that few others could dream of stepping foot in.

They hadn't seen or spoken to one another in decades, she'd made great efforts to distance herself from the Empire and it's successors and He'd respected her desire to remain apart ever since. But winds were shifting, and they wanted to meet again. He'd prepared for the meeting thoroughly, even acquiring the very specific tea that she enjoyed just for the occasion. They'd speak in total privacy, no guards to stand warily in the periphery, and the whole suite safeguarded against any who might try and listen in on their conversation.

Everything was arranged, all He had to do was wait.

Kaalia Pavanos ​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Darth Carnifex

It was not a woman any servant would recognize that strode through the hallways of the citadel with equal amounts of grace and power. Ashen-white hair and sulfur eyes created a striking visage, but it was her aura of dread that one would be confronted with first and foremost. Not a word left her lips as she was guided to the penthouse suite.

Only after stepping inside and hearing the door close behind her, did the look of cold fury in her eyes shift to something more neutral. The woman's eyes swept around the room before she took a deep breath. As the air left her lungs, her very shape morphed to reveal her true identity. The all too recognizable scar appeared first, the rest quickly followed.

"You even prepared my favorite tea. You know how to welcome an old friend."

Kaalia barely looked a day older than when Carnifex had last seen her. The man didn't look much older himself, either. It almost felt like this room had transported them back decades in time.

She really could never truly leave the Sith behind no matter how much she tried, even after excising all Darth Avacyn was from her identity. But family came first and their safety was more important than her own distance from the life she had left behind.

"My thanks for the discretion in setting up this meeting," Kaalia said as she walked away from the door and towards her old ally. "I am sure we can come to an agreement."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Dark Lord rose as His guest entered the room, her disguise bleeding away until only the familiar face of Avacyn remained. Once she had been His greatest Valkyrie, the arbiter of swift retribution against His foes. Times had changed, but even now He could see that sharp aspect within her; for such things never truly faded away. He placed one hand over His heart in a familiar gesture, dipping down ever so slightly in greeting as a foreboding smile twinged the edges of His lips.

"Nothing so integral ever escapes my mind, my Lady Pavanos. I can recall each and every aspect of those long halcyon days from memory, of where you began and to where you have come. We are a long time removed from the early fumblings of Empire, the galaxy has spun many times but yet here we remain." He gestured to the seat opposite of Him and only took His own after Kaalia had seated herself. No servant would wait on them here, it would only be the pair of them alone. So, Carnifex poured her tea with a twinkled of His fingers, the pot lifting itself up and gently unspooling a stream of hot liquid into her cup.

After pouring Himself a cup, the Dark Lord looked out to the distant skylanes beyond. "It is a pity our paths diverged, but I respected your decision. You are a welcome sight these days, too many of the newer generations fail to understand and appreciate sacrifice like we have. They think they are entitled to concepts and power far beyond their ability, it has destroyed more than a handful of them. It will destroy more until all folly is scourged from our flesh."

Once the tea had cooled, the Dark Lord was the first to sample; an act of trust. "An agreement will come naturally to us, once we settle into old familiarities. How are they faring, Kaalia? It has been a long time since I last gazed upon their faces."

Kaalia Pavanos ​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Darth Carnifex

"You certainly have not lost your way with words," Kaalia noted as she dipped her head in response. A younger version of herself had commented on the formal nature of Carnifex' greeting and how the necessity of it was lost on her, but today she knew it would be unlikely to have any effect. The atmosphere that hung in the room was almost surreal in its familiarity, despite the time that had passed. As though it were an everyday meeting, Kaalia pulled back the chair at Kaine's invitation and took a seat. "Indeed we do."

Kaalia flicked her finger after the tea had been poured and in response, the liquid was given a single, solid stir- a simple habit. Her eyes swept back up towards Carnifex when he spoke again. She did not mind indulging him a little- their discussions of old had rarely been dull.

"Perspective is a difficult thing to grasp," Kaalia offered in response. "Unfortunately, precious few teachers impart the importance of purpose in their gathering of power to their students- it seems that has not changed. And even when that lesson is taught, youthful ignorance still leads many to seek power for its own sake, only to be consumed by it." Her musing was followed by a sip of tea. It tasted exactly like it always did.

The inquiry on her family was to be expected, a question most mundane, though with her reason for being here in the first place it carried just a little bit more weight. "They are well. I once did not even entertain the possibility I would ever be a grandmother, and yet..." A hint of a smile cracked through for just a moment, though Kaalia's expression quickly turned serious once more. "I will get to the point. I wished to meet with you regarding my granddaughter's academic aspirations."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"It gladdens me to hear. The Pavanos will always find a welcome reception in my domains." He took a sip of His tea, allowing the flavors to fully blossom on His taste-buds. "Your granddaughter's aspirations will not be difficult to facilitate. Though it may not appear it on the surface, my influence runs deep. With a word, she can attend any academy within the Sith Empire, there would be no obstacle that could stand in her way. But perhaps that is not what is required."

He paused a moment, letting His words sink into Kaalia's understanding. "Adversity is the greatest catalyst. To strive to our greatest heights, we must first rise from the deepest abyss. I would see your granddaughter ascend to heights incomprehensible. But to do so, she must first become accustomed to the dark below." It was the belief of Darth Carnifex that true power came not from natural aptitude or inclination, but from seizing power with your own teeth; taking what was yours rather than settling for what was given. In more ways than one, it was a cruel and vicious belief: but the Dark Lord Himself was cruel and vicious.

"Which academy does your grandchild wish to attend? That of Korriban, or that of Jutrand?" Either would be suitable, but both operated off of separate teaching philosophies. Korriban's Kor'ethyr Academy sorted students into houses according to their aptitudes, a much more traditional style. Jutrand's Imperial Academy sorted students according to their talent and skill, ranking the least among them at the bottom and the greatest of them at the top, with both being able to rise and fall in accordance with circumstances, tests, and conflict with other students.

"Whatever you ask of me, Kaalia, I will see it done. You've earned that much."

Kaalia Pavanos ​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Darth Carnifex

Kaalia had been more than prepared to bargain, strike a deal. Carnifex' non-hostile response to her initial reaching out had been only the first reaction that had not gone in the way she had necessarily expected. The mutual sense of respect had remained despite her choice to break from the fold, it seemed. Perhaps he understood that Kaalia would never find a good reason to actively oppose the Sith in whatever it would take- unless the hostility was shown from the other side, of course. A small sense of relief could be read from her face.

"Here I was, ready to negotiate and strike a deal." Her tone was light, on the border of humorous but not quite there. The cup before her had been raised to her lips while she spoke and she took another careful sip. It was still hot, after all.

Regardless of the lengths Kaine was personally willing to go to see to her granddaughter's education, though, Kaalia was not the one to decide on that. What she wished to learn and from whom was up to Kyorra Pavanos herself. As much as Kaalia would have liked the peace of mind knowing none of her descendents had any interest in Sith dealings, she knew nothing good would ever come from forbidding them to learn for themselves. So she did the best she could to teach them the value of an open mind. Not one side held all of the answers, there was no black-and-white sense of right and wrong. Kyorra, too, had been taught this to the best of her grandmother's ability. Kaalia's response to her wishes had not strayed from that philosophy. It was a simple assignment.

Learn from what they have to teach you, but draw your own conclusions.

Her granddaughter's academy of choice was already known to Kaalia, however. That much she could share. "She wishes to attend Kor'ethyr." A choice that had at least somewhat relieved her. With Jutrand's style of education, Kyorra's attendance there would have caused more maternal concern than she was already experiencing. Regardless of that decision, there was at least some kind of contingency she wished to keep in hand.

"I could simply thank you and leave it there, but there is something I am more than glad to provide in return. Or more specifically..." Kaalia's eyes closed for a moment and a shift in the Force heralded a change in the woman's form. The same woman that stepped into the penthouse suite now sat where she did just seconds prior.

"I am." Just two words, then her shape melted away again to let Kaalia's visage return. "Darth Avacyn is dead. However, Darth Embra could impart her knowledge and more to the academy's students."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Kor'ethyr is a good academy. It has enjoyed a great deal of independence from the Empire since it's founding, she will thrive in it's atmosphere." It's one drawback was that Kor'ethyr was disconnected from the center of Sith power in the current paradigm, although many considered such a fact to be more of a boon. There were many among the Sith who chafed under the total authority of the throne, and sought elsewhere to build their strength. Kor'ethyr offered them that, but they failed to realize that nothing escaped the authority of the throne.

The Dark Lord watched silently as Kaalia morphed into the face of another woman, and then back to her own. He took a drink of His tea before speaking. "It is a great sorrow to learn that Darth Avacyn has passed, she was one of the greatest among us." A bit of tongue in cheek, for Avacyn sat before Him. "But Darth Embra shall be among her equals, of that I have little doubt." He smiled, genuine. "The academy will be the greater for her contributions, my old friend."

"Do you intend to inform your granddaughter of your new persona, or keep it a secret?"

Kaalia Pavanos ​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Darth Carnifex

"I am certain her sudden disappearance must have raised some questions. Better late than never to get some closure, I suppose." In contrast to Carnifex' tone, Kaalia spoke without a hint of jest in her voice. She had always kept the lives of Avacyn and Kaalia separated to the best of her ability. When one half had become a burden, there had been no hesitation in running a dagger through its heart. Its identity discarded and the few scraps of value that Avacyn's life had re-absorbed into Kaalia, repurposed to protect her family and to let them flourish. Give her children and grandchildren the childhood she never had.

Others would perhaps disagree or disbelieve entirely with the notion of leaving one's identity as Sith behind. It mattered none to her. That life was behind her. Avacyn was a part of her, but Embra was merely a mask. Her teaching contributions would be little more than that either, even if her efforts would be genuine.

"A lack of history is likely to cause at least some suspicion, but I am sure your endorsement will help bridge the gap in trust," Kaalia mused in between sips of her tea. Her experience and expertise would do the rest, of that she had no doubt.

The question posed to the woman did cause a small, amused chuckle to escape her lips. Another sip allowed her a moment to recompose herself. "I doubt she would take it very well." Kaalia was not blind to Kyorra Pavanos ' desire to find her own way in life. Unless strictly necessary for her granddaughter's wellbeing, she would not interfere in any way. It was a lesson she had already learned the hard way. "No, she does not need to know of my presence, and I have no intention to interfere in her studies."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Unlike Kaalia, there was no separation between Kaine Zambrano and Darth Carnifex. They were one and the same, indivisible. It was impossible to discern where one ended and the other began. But that was the choice He had made for Himself, as He had wholly given Himself to the Sith Code and embraced their ways without restraint. It had been His destiny, an ancient calling that beckoned to Him from somewhere deep within His genetic code; His own blood crying out for the succor of the Dark Side.

"There will be no lack of history. There will only exist what we say exists, Kaalia. Our word is tantamount to law, no, it is more than that. When we speak, our words are as foundational as gravity and starlight. Reality itself conforms to our will." Such was the prerogative of the Sith, their providence in this existence. All life existed to bend to their will, to slake their thirst, to indulge their hunger, to pleasure their senses. Life and death were concepts entirely held within their grasp, both of which they could mete out as they please. The worth of a creature was only as much as that which was bestowed upon it by the Sith.

All else was mindless abstraction, barely even sentient.

"It is for the best, I suppose, that she be allowed to advance unencumbered. You have made the correct choice. Beyond what designs you have in education, what else do you plan to pursue, my friend?"

Kaalia Pavanos ​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Darth Carnifex

The moment betrayed the fact Kaalia truly had been apart from Sith environments. In younger years there would not have been a need for Carnifex to tell her such a thing, for a Sith is meant to bend all to their will. She, too, had been of that philosophy in the past, though the longer she had been removed from her former life, the more of that mindset had become blurred and faded. Embra would need to carry that philosophy and this moment was a reminder of the role she would have to play when wearing Embra's face.

"Let fate not dictate," Kaalia responded. Once, she was known as the Lady of Defiance, a woman who was destined to be nothing and have nothing yet became infinitely more. A single, passing reminder was all that was needed to recall just how she bent her future and the Force to her will. It was all too easy, somewhat eerily so.

What else do you plan to pursue, my friend?

A question that Kaalia considered leaving unanswered. Before her granddaughter's wishes led her here, there would have been nothing for her to pursue here. Now that she was here, however, it was prudent to take advantage while she could.

"For some time now, I have been aware of a certain group within the Sith that, how shall I put this..." One final sip of her tea was all that was left, one she indulged in before continuing.

"They are a little too obsessed with the past. Attempting to track down those who decided to go their separate ways during the previous empire's collapse. They have not proven to be particularly capable, mind you, but I am sure you understand when I say I would like to pay them a visit. Tie up that loose end, just in case."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"There are many in this Empire who are blinded by what was, cutting themselves off from what could be. Some are stronger in conviction, and accordingly stronger in their ability. The Wonosa cult is consumed by an obsession with what was, and so they squander their ability to build something new. But, as I have come to understand, they are scattered and leaderless. None other of these cults have ever managed to accumulate a shred of what the Wonosans managed."

Carnifex finished His tea as well, setting the cup aside. As there were no servants with them, it would have to wait there until after Avacyn departed. The Dark Lord offered to pour another cup for Avacyn if she wished, moving to do so if she assented. In any case, the Dark Lord no longer required any more tea for Himself, so Avacyn was free to have as much as she wanted.

"I agree with you, though. These fading vestiges of the past need to be handled. I keep appraised of all those who could pose a potential problem to our new Empire, and monitor their whereabouts at any given time. My agents will feed you all that you require, my old friend, to excise this decaying flesh in our midst." Often, the Dark Lord would have left such groups alive but defanged, always preferring to maintain potential assets rather than eliminate them outright. But He would not deny Avacyn this.

"If you require anything else of me, I will grant what I can."

Kaalia Pavanos ​