The Broken Chains (Pt. I): Becoming Sith (Ray)

[Cavalry King]

The Broken Chains: Act I - Becoming Sith

Each moment life moves forward. Each day the sands of time drift every onward. One could easily choose to drift along with the sands and go wherever life takes them. Float away and be content wherever one might land. This however, was the path of the weak. Those strong enough to seize control of their own destiny would cut through the aimless sands. They would create something concrete in this fleeting universe. This secondary path, this path of forging one's own destiny, was the true path of a Sith. A Sith realizes that nothing will be handed to them, and that they must fight for what it is they desire, otherwise they will be like the rest - an aimless, meaningless speck at the mercy of time.

One does not simply wake up one day and begin to follow the Sith path. To begin this path of resisting the current one must sever their ties with their weak past, they must demonstrate their commitment to this challenge, and prove that they are equal to the task. They must, because for the Sith, there is no turning back. Failure is death. And death is their defeat. What one had to do to sever their ties with their past is different for everyone. However for most, the simplest way is often the best. They literally kill their past - find someone who embodies it, embodies all that they were, and kill them.

As Callidus awaited the return of his prospective apprentice he pondered what it would take for Haust to become Sith. He could not simply read the man's mind as he did for most people. With the masses, their deepest desire and ambition is often times being metaphorically screamed from their minds. They are easy, predictable, and usually are totally unaware that they are doing it. Only masters of certain force techniques could comprehend this. From what Callidus gathered from testing the man through the force when they first met, this was one such man who possessed these skills.

Callidus swirled his Corellian Brandy and took a sip as he stared off into the distance contemplating his new apprentice's training. He decided that he would begin immediately. He thought of a few ideas and called for his droid butler, XV-9. "Ex-Vee, tell the men to prepare to move the prisoners, I will have need of them shortly. Stay on stand-by after that, I must think on what to do with our friend Haust."

He thought about Haust's mission. Simply magnificent, Callidus thought to himself and drew once more from his Sith Goblet, simply magnificent. He laughed honestly for the first time in a while when he heard the report from his contact in CorSec. It was horrendously embarrassing for all involved. Callidus admired the ingenuity of it all, the man would be perfect. It also reminded Callidus to be vigilant though and not underestimate his new apprentice. He wondered how Haust would respond when the story aired on the news. Callidus had already taken the liberty of using his contacts inside CorSec to "accidentally" let to story slip to a news corporation on Corellia, which happened to be owned by one of Callidus' subsidiaries. Callidus shook his head, "Ex-Vee, it seems bad things always seem to happen to my enemies... at times I almost feel sorry for them." Nothing could have been farther from the truth and his words would have been like venom to any sentient beings hearing them spoken. Fortunately, it was only Callidus and XV-9.

XV responded, "Quite right master. It is truly unfortunate! I would be simply terrified if I were to cross you master... On that note please let me know if I do so I can correct myself!"

Callidus varied between hating the bootlicking personality of these service droids and finding them entirely amusing. XV-9's number was testament to his frustration with previous models. This one seemed to have a good balance. He laughed, thought, and waited. Once more he would forge ahead through life and not be carried by it, it seemed that now his path would be linked with another's.

[Raytheon]

Haust exited his ship docked at the temple star port as he began to descend down to the levels of the living quarters. Having freshly returned from Corellia the choice he made was one he felt was the best and also the most comical there was a poetic theme to it. A man protected, watched, a man who sought to find the truth dead due to a projected lie.

Murdered regardless of protection and a man who reported the secrets of all to have been found with a secret of his own. There was pride to have been found in such work in reality he could have save time and effort relying on his lightsaber to enter and cut down the guard and droid and leave the man into literal bite sized pieces, however that would have been considered highly foolish and not entirely his style.

finally as the lift doors opened he stepped out, dressed in his usual garbs of black, grey and purple it was often described as his trade mark look. He walked down the hallway casually however slightly rushed passing by the many students who dressed as if they were a part of the holo-production of Harrium Pottius some foolish holo film that depicted wizards and schools of wizardry. Why the dark drooling black robes were favored fashion of the Sith he'd never know.

As he turned to corner finally leading to the entrance to Lord Callidus's chambers he adjusted his outfit to seem kept and fit before knocking three times and entering slowly begin sure the door shut behind him as he entered.

"Lord Callidus, I am here at your behest." He announced himself.

He was curious as to what came next, perhaps another task or mission that would take place on some inner core planet. Maybe a drinking contest, a game of chance or perhaps to hunt down a Jedi many options all could be considered fun. He stepped forward only a few steps to distinguished himself from the door way before standing at a relaxed pose.

[Cavalry King]

Callidus smiled at the arrival of Haust even before the man entered the room. He could sense him, the swagger, confidence, and coldness. It was a feeling in the force much like what Callidus emitted when he wasn't masking his presence. Due to his particular lifestyle, he found necessary to conceal his force presence. He couldn't have Jedis sensing him out.

When Haust entered, it seemed to Callidus as if he came in owning the room. It was both impressive and irritating. Callidus almost lashed out but he calmed himself, as he always did, before doing anything rash. He knew he could not force the man into fearful subservience, it would defeat his purpose, it also appeared that it would be quite difficult, if not impossible to accomplish. It was a spirit akin to his own. However, Callidus had to ensure the balance of their relationship. He was a Sith Lord and was to be treated as such. Calmly he said, "Ah initiate! I have been eagerly awaiting your return. I found your work on Corellia to be... a most breathtaking performance." He chuckled slightly at his own joke.

"Shall we toast to your success? I have taken the liberty to prepare you a cup of Corellian Brandy, Special Reserve. No poison I assure you." He laughed a little again. This laugh was a little more sinister, as he laughed he smirked and stared at Haust as if to say "gotcha" as he spoke of the previous incident. Part of his job now was to cultivate a healthy fear and respect from Haust. Even so, he still felt that Haust was the most likely to be his friend, well, at least as much as Sith can have friends. Callidus especially. He can charm and schmooze his way around and get many people to believe that they are friends, but not with Haust. Haust, it seemed, knew the game, he didn't seem like one to be swooned and then swindled. Callidus respected that. Before they could be friends though, Callidus would have to be his master and that was not always conducive to a friendship.

"I also have an assortment of imported foods. I am sure your journey was exhausting."

[Raytheon]

"Ah initiate! I have been eagerly awaiting your return. I found your work on Corellia to be... a most breathtaking performance."

It was quite easy to pick up that joke and while many would have found it as morbid humor, not everyone were Sith death as Haust saw it was a way of weeding out the weak and promoting the strong a core of causality cause being weak and the effect being culled. The Journalist was a weak man who attempted to rise above his station with information that wasn't his to promote and paid dearly for it to the point his reputation and furthermore his word is something to discredit.

The offer to toast and much appreciated, more so that he assured him of no poison Callidus had a sense of humor that much was certain. Haust joined him with a slight chuckle before nodding slightly he calculated any possible reason why Callidus would want to poison him. Had he failed that would be a good reason but he didn't and he wanted a new apprentice cause and effect dictated he wouldn't out rightly poison him without a cause.

He then addressed his journey, how it could be exhaust this cause Haust to smile slightly as he finally spoke.

"Actually Lord Callidus I found it deeply fulfilling, it has been awhile since I worked a covert operation by myself by nevertheless I will not turn away an assortment of imported food."

He smiled as he thought to himself something that began to bother him slightly as he began to approach Lord Calidus.

"Forgive me if I'm being bold, but out of curiosity.. what should .. How should I address you?"

[Cavalry King]

Callidus smiled as the man graciously accepted his offer of drink and food. He also seemed to have at least considered the possibility of poison. Excellent, he learns well. Callidus had no desire to poison him but his goal was to teach the man to be ever vigilant about his own security. Callidus looked to XV-9, "Some of the food if you would please Ex-Vee."

Callidus turned his attention back to the an before him, this Haust seemed to be more perceptive than even Callidus had thought. My, my, how I have chosen well, Callidus thought to himself. Callidus smiled under his mask and in a very cheerful tune he said, "You may begin by calling me Master." It was his way of informing Haust that he was to be Callidus' apprentice in a friendly manner. His tone changed to a slightly more serious one and he said, "But you would do well to remember yourself... Always remember to first kneel before your master. Rise when given permission and speak when spoken to. Obey my commands. Respect me as the master and I will respect you as the apprentice. You swore to me that you would be willing to do whatever it took to begin the path to breaking your chains. These are the first steps. One day you might break these chains I have put on you and rise above your station, but not today."

As Callidus spoke the last lines his voice became more authoritative and commanding, rather than informing. He stared intensely at his apprentice until XV-9 returned with platter of food and an already poured goblet filled with Corellian Brandy. When Callidus saw XV-9, it seemed his tone changed immediately,"Ah Ex-Vee, wonderful. Please sit and eat. We have much to discuss my apprentice."

Callidus leaned forward in his chain, with his elbows on the table and his hands clasped in front of him, a gesture of giving his total attention to his apprentice. "I need to know what drives you Haust. Why it is that you choose to be Sith... so, tell me about yourself."

[Raytheon]

Haust listened and though it was a action he'd never taken in his life to kneel he was familiar with calling one master. Unlike many it wasn't an title for a slave to an owner for him it was a title from a student to a teacher just as he'd learned in his time as a Jedi. There was only one other man he'd ever called Master and to him, he'd proven to have bested him physically, mentally, he'd broke that man and proven himself unworthy to be considered notice.

But Callidus was a mystery Haust could never gauge him he sat and existed as a man however insignificant to the force however his knowledge was that of a master. His demeanor and even his speech it was a reflection of himself surely he had developed a means of hiding his presence. It was the only logical explanation the only theory supported by observed facts.

Haust absorbed this lesson, he would do his best to remember it lest he offends his new master. As the food and goblet were brought and Callidus offered him to sit while polite he took it as a command, slowly sitting and crossing his legs, resting his arms comfortably on the arm rests and leaning back as he looked to Callidus, at first he spoke only a few words ones that would show his enthusiasm.

"Thank you, and I understand Master the mistake will not be repeated."

He watched Callidus, observed his body language studied the mask though this wasn't intentional it become more of a habit forming from years of behavioral study, testing the psychological responses of people he'd meet. Then he listened Callidus wished to know his life story, his motivations that much was easy enough to talk about, one thing a narcissist enjoy talking about was themselves.

"What drives me is freedom, I was a Jedi as you know and for years I toiled I submitted to lessons depriving my self of... the beautiful, the flavorful the delicious and all hedonistic joys that followed. As I shall I call it 'retired' from the Jedi Order my leaving was less than harmonious since that time the Jedi Order has seen fit to well... fail to attempt my arrest multiple times.

However I did continue the work I performed under their employment, as a Shadow I hunted those who practiced the darkside I was taught they were the unbalance and needed to be kept in check their artifacts confiscated for the greater good. When I became a free agent I hunted dark side cults and Jedi alike each had a significant contribution to add to my personal growth.

I used the power of the darkside that I'd been taught was so evil to attain wealth, a degree of power, materials things, women..more women. And as this continued the Jedi continued to dedicate themselves to hunting me, finding me even my old Master hunted me but was fortuitous enough to ... survive by mere seconds his padawan not so much.

Shortly there after I was taken as a slave, admittedly not my proudest moment however all experiences hold a lesson."

Haust paused a moment reaching forward and pulling a small piece of fruit from the platter, studying it for a moment while he deeply consider the next phase of thought and speech. Slowly bring it to his lips he took only a small bite, enough to gauge the flavor and determine the taste before talking again.

"After that I went to Zeltros for a spell, wonderful planet a fantastic planet I enjoy that place immensely but then started seeking knowledge, a purpose in the Order I had purpose I had a reason for being as a free agent not so much so I sought purpose but ran into my old Master I beat him but he survived and eventually I was picked up by Sith Patrols, now albiet I didn't know the Sith Order existed I'd been out of the entire loops for some time and was given the offer to join.

I only knew what the alternative was so I chose the less painful and more wiser of the options and here I am today, Master."

He included the title of Callidus if not out of obligation a degree of respect, his posture was now relaxed, calm and some might say serene.

[Cavalry King]

(Sorry for how long this took)

Haust responded obediently to Callidus' demand. Excellent, obedience is the first and greatest quality for those in my service. Perhaps this Haust can be trusted more than I thought. Callidus thought to himself. The idea of trusting anyone was quickly banished from his mind though. In truth he expected every night when he went to sleep that he would eventually feel a knife run down his back. Many might call it unhealthy paranoia, but from what he knew of the Sith, this was only natural. Additionally, it kept him strong, focused. The moment he lost his vigilance was the moment he embraced death.

Callidus sat and listened as Haust continued to speak, hanging on each word, but the words themselves were not what Callidus was truly listening for. He was listening for subtext, Callidus knew the truth often lay in between the words more than in the words themselves. Several facts Callidus knew, several intrigued him. Overall though, he felt as though something was being withheld from him. It angered him, although he couldn't be sure Haust was withholding information, he would not let this doubt be known. He would project total control of knowledge. He had to get to the source of Haust's passion. Perhaps this truly was it, and if it was, Callidus would test to see how deeply it ran in Haust's being. Callidus would attempt to bring forth the passion of his apprentice.

In a tone of cool confidence, Callidus commanded, "Apprentice, I have been around this galaxy a few times, do not insult me by withholding information. I find it tiresome to dig deeper and force information to the light. I would imagine your time as a slave would have taught you more obedience than that."

Callidus did not mean that last part but he felt it necessary to add. He wanted to goad Haust into passion, test the deepness of his hatred. If this test soured their relationship for the future, then so be it. Callidus took his role as Haust's master seriously, and so Callidus would do whatever was necessary to build his apprentice's power, even if that meant sacrificing their potential friendship. That meant Callidus would scratch away at Haust's surface to reveal the raw, unfiltered emotion that fueled all Sith.

Callidus had to put on a show to bring out the inner demons he sought. It was unfortunate he had to cast aside pleasantries. He rose and pointed to the seated Haust. In a vile, contemptuous tone put on to draw anger from Haust, Callidus said, "What does a slave like you even need freedom for. What have you to be angry for? What have you to be passionate about? Greed? You're nothing more than an upstart nouveau riche. You are a failure, becoming the very thing you swore to hunt out of a pathetic attempt to save yourself after nearly falling to your weak Jedi master. You could not even kill him. Why do you think you have the inner fire to be Sith?! Your plebeian hedonism will soon be sated and then what? Back to the pit? How... appropriate?"

The entire time he stood he held out his finger at the man and stared at him with total disregard. Callidus meant nothing of what he said. Callidus had sensed, no he had felt the darkness in Haust when he met him. He knew Haust had a deep, hidden source of passion even more powerful than mere greed and wonderlust. He knew Haust was very powerful in the force. He couldn't let Haust feel that way though, lest he become content at his current status. Callidus knew Haust to be powerful, but he needed to see just how powerful the man could become.

[Raytheon]

As Haust was about to respond to the first statement he was suddenly barraged by the second, in the tone he could tell it was scornful, yet he wondered what he said to warrant it. Perhaps the mulling over of the whole slave detail. He was sure that had to be it however as Callidus continued to cast insult after insult, Haust only sat there waiting for him to take a pause. It was a patience learned in business, learned as a shadow, learned as a Jedi, to always remain level headed. For Haust keeping anger down was wholly simplistic his anger had only seeped to the surface once at least by accident.

On purpose it never occurred, he could appear angry however he'd seen how many fallen or failed to anger. Blind to the skill of their opponent in blinding rage, to their environment, to their predetermined demise.

That wasn't his style he didn't rely on anger, he relied on logical determinations, deductive reasoning tactical strategy, observational notations and most importantly at least to him causality. It was a philosophy that never failed and using it could predict even the most complex of problems. It could even determine the outcome of business, war or life if all variables were correctly inputted. Casual calculus to infer interventional probabilities from conditional probabilities... however through the very conversation Callidus's reaction didn't add up.

There was another reason perhaps a Sith reason, Passion. Nearing when Callidus finished, Haust took another bite of the small fruit this time rotating it as to again only bite off a sliver of the outside of it. Raising his left hand to his bottom lip we slowly slipped away a bit of the juice of from the fruit, before responding to Callidus.

"Master, If you are curious about my time as a slave it wasn't long it was set in such a way that escape alive would be difficult however not impossible however then I... became ... content." Such memories of the past this event in particular was enough to remember her, to note her such a significant being in his past one worthy of remembrance. Her demise, her suffering and what occurred when his temper become unchecked. "Over a woman, but she's dead... it happens." His tone was indifferent and cold, as he took another bite of the fruit, then looking up to Callidus.

One never forgot first love, let alone their only love then he knew it was a mistake their circumstance would never extend beyond that slave colony however from him it was an emotion that clung to him like a parasite bent on mutual cohabitation. He could recall her face, her expressions her simplicity and savagery. Times in that moment were simple do a job, eat, sleep and to do it again you wasn't push to extend past that station like now. A minute passed before he admitted it,

"Love made me content, you can say it was a chain severed by ... the events, Master."

He stared ahead blankly before looking Callidus's masked face, somewhat ignoring Callidus's previous tone.

[Cavalry King]

Callidus back down, he withdrew his finger from pointing to Haust, to under his chin in a pensive fashion. Nothing... no reaction at all, Callidus could tell the sincerity of that because he sensed no emotion, no anger, no fear, no hatred. Callidus couldn't tell if he was impressed or revolted. How could a man sit there and take that? Callidus was a cold, calculating man who favored his mind over being controlled by his emotions, but he at least still possessed emotions. One of Callidus' strongest was his pride. Interesting... what then could be the source of this man's power... could his desire for freedom and power truly be his motivators. They were powerful emotions but rarely did one possess these without some other contributing emotion of hatred for their past or fear of failure.

Callidus switched gears. He returned to his friendly tone and laughed at himself, "You are in control of your baser emotions... good... good... excellent even. However do not eschew these feelings, your hatred, anger, fury even can be very, very powerful tools." Callidus paused to emphasize, "As long as they do not control you, and you control them... A woman you say?" He ended on an almost cheerful or amused note.

Love was a foolish notion but like hatred could serve as a never-ending pool of passion and motivation. The man's pause gave Callidus the clue that this was not something he had totally forgotten about. He would explore this avenue, "A woman. A slave woman? Come now Haust I thought that would be beneath even you. Who was this trollop that tickled your fancy? Was she beautiful? Did she make life seem worth living, like there was a measure of hope in the galaxy?"

Callidus hoped that this would be the cord he could strike. He could not reveal his hand to Haust that the man was being tested, so Callidus did not explain himself. The second line of the Sith Code was driving Callidus' questions - "Through Passion I gain strength..." If Haust was ignoring this aspect of the darkside than he had much to learn and so much more power to gain.

[Raytheon]

Haust thought about his words in depth remembering about the time he was a slave there was a sense of a lack on control. While in normal situations he wouldn't have ever fallen in love with a such a woman, those weren't normal situations and even then they weren't abnormal however they did spark something that would resonate since then. A taste for the exotic a taste for the rare and generally difficult to obtain, however one word would show a small hint of expressed irritation - trollop.

It caused him to cant his head to the side and close his eyes as a sliver of of irritation attempted to boil to the top however quickly buried by controlled logic, and he looked back up to Callidus and smiled.

"At one time she... I would have considered her beneath me but even in the filthiest of ravines can one find a jewel. As for life, and hope that always existed she merely made it feel more abundant. But she is dead, and those who killed her are dead, all parties of that exist apart from my self all dead."

Haust took a larger bite out of the fruit exposing the seeded core, as he looked away slowly chewing on the fruit and mulling over the circumstances of that day and quickly attempting to put it out of thought. In reality it wasn't a subject he enjoyed thinking about, part of him hated having fallen in love and to have been victim to loss another half on the other hand. Was the complete opposite and enjoyed that moment immensely and would never have wanted to forget...

[Cavalry King]

Callidus was growing tired and frustrated by this line of questioning. He wished to move forward with Haust's training but it seemed that Callidus could not get his apprentice past the first line of the code - Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Haust was in excellent control of his emotions but Callidus began to fear that he was reverting back to an almost Jedi-like state of totally repressing them or not allowing himself to have them. In Callidus' experience most people have too much passion and no control, Haust seemed to be the opposite. If Haust did not have passions, Callidus would teach him to. Sith's strength called for using all of your emotions, not throwing them to the wayside. True Sith strength lied in having full range of your emotions, but being their master. This was an unforeseen challenge in training an apprentice. Callidus was much like Haust, cold, calculating, but he was not devoid of feeling, he was merely a master of repressing and controlling them. Callidus was not sensing any strong emotion in the man.

As far as Callidus saw it, the Sith code laid out the path to becoming Sith. Each line was a new phase a prospective Sith had to understand, internalize, and realize before they could move to the next stage. Haust must realize that this demeanor he puts on is a lie, there is only passion. Callidus sensed only a slight twinge of emotion at the insulting of the Haust's lost love. Then he sensed some inner turmoil about actually falling in love. This might be the chink in the armor Callidus sought. Haust had to break through this first stage if he wished to move on.

Callidus took on a more sympathetic tone, "Haust, you hate yourself for having fallen in love, but you actually miss it don't you. I can see that much is clear and for that I am truly sorry. Was she worth it? She must have helped you through those times. I envy you, such... peace."

His last sentence was a trap. Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Haust had to understand this. Whatever contentment that woman brought him only served to weaken him and in reality was as farcical of a notion as Haust being anyone's slave.

[Raytheon]

Callidus was right, to a degree he hating himself for it due to how it made him feel today however he also enjoyed every moment. Hidden passion, the subtle touching hiding a relationship from those who watched it was exhilarating. And as it lasted it become more and more dangerous for others to know about even going as far to murdering those who bore witness. Regardless of his conflicted feelings on the subject she was always worth it. She was the only reason he remained, the only reason he was content for once in his life for having absolutely nothing except her.

But now she was missing a piece of himself that she took with her, and that's what he despised he hated missing her, hated being helpless to have helped her. Only in his revenge did he satisfy his rage, his helplessness and ever since then it was still there brewing like a bottled storm.

"There's no peace...never was" Haust began to realize Callidus's intentions the tones, in his voice changed three times during this conversation a man with a lesser mind would have seen it as nothing Haust recognized it, he used it when attempting to break someone, because it worked.

Even now merely talking about it made the proverbial dam crack, the emotion swelled behind it as memories urged it on, he remembered the laughter, and saliva that stretched across a forced kiss and the joy on the faces of the perpetrators. It caused every muscle fiber in his arms to tense only now did he realize he'd crushed the fruit in hid hand. Crushed fruit pulp seeping from between his fingers and tapping as they fell unto floor.

Reaching into his pocket and pulling out an handkerchief, he began wiping off his hand.

(Edit, made my text purple)

[Cavalry King]

And there it was. Callidus could see the change in Haust but more importantly he could feel it in the Force. The seething emotions building up inside Haust were powerful. This was the secret nuclear reactor that powered Haust, here lay the secret to his true power. Callidus basked in the force as the passionate emotions - the hate, longing, anger, and sadness - built inside Haust. The pain, the anger it was... exquisite it had been long since Callidus had felt such pure, raw emotion. Callidus was almost so distracted he didn't press the issue but now he had it. Callidus released his hidden force presence, perpetually masked to hide Callidus' own power and identity, and allowed the dark side energy to flow between them. His own raw power now joined the mix. Callidus would not stop now, Haust was so close.

"Yes Haust you are right, that peace, that contentment you shared with her was a lie. Look at you now, alone and wounded by the experience. I can sense the rage building within you. You were powerless to save her weren't you?" Callidus' words dripped with pure sadistic pleasure.

He checked himself though, Haust had broken through the first tenant by accepting this notion. "Remember this Haust, Peace is a lie, these feelings you have now... this... this passion, this is the only thing in the universe that is real. It is raw, it is tangible, and it is who you are."

If Callidus' mask was not on, the world could see that his usual blueish grey eyes were now a deep gold, the mark of the Dark Side. He began focusing on his own rage. "Hold this passion Haust, this is your power. You and your passion are one! One cannot exist without the other. Through Passion you gain Strength." Callidus held out his left hand and clenched it to make a fist to emphasize his point. With his right he drew his lightsaber and ignited it. "Haust, hold this rage, but be its master. Give yourself to it, but on your own terms. Remember through strength you gain the power to accomplish all..."

Callidus would continue to seek to fan the growing flames inside Haust, "She probably never even loved you... a mere convenient pet in a time of boredom..." He said the statement with a mouth full of derision, the hatred spewing from his very core. he stood over Haust, lording his presence over the man, "Now strike me down." Callidus said these words slowly and deliberately, savoring the coming moment.

"Look on me and see all you despise, all the things that impede your path, all of your unfulfilled desires,... all those who hurt your woman. See the life you could have had, see the your ultimate failure. Channel all of your passion, fill this room with your hate. Channel your little tramp's memory into the flickering, pure blue hate of lighting and bring me to my knees. Through power you gain victory. Find your victory here today Haust." Callidus was allowing himself to become emotional, letting the raw power that comes with your emotions bolster his strength. He grew louder, more intense with every word, a total break from his normal demeanor.

He put his blade in front of himself and readied himself for the expected force lighting, although in all honesty he couldn't be sure how Haust would react. Callidus was preparing to defend himself for anything. This little maneuver Callidus attempted was exceedingly dangerous. On a true initiate, the master had nothing really to fear but Callidus knew that Haust very well could prove a match to him here, especially fueled by rage. Callidus had almost himself to become emotional simply to draw from the temporary power it provides, gain the temporary strength necessary to hopefully resist a full blast by Haust. When this was all over he would explain himself. He wondered if he was not creating an enemy here, but Callidus could not ponder such things. He was doing this for Haust and one day Callidus hoped Haust would realize it.

[Raytheon]

Haust looked up to Callidus as he began to laugh and shaking his head, he found the entire ordeal to comical to say the least, though to one adept with feeling emotion he was angry vary angry no matter the facade he displayed. Slowly reaching to his hand as he slipped off the glove marred with the nectar and juices of the fruit he folding it in half before setting it on the arm rest next to him. He rubbing his now bare thumb against his index finger as he traced his tongue over the bottom of his lip.

To insist she never loved him, for him to be only a pet was infuriating this was the one cord of anger Haust had and was rarely struck due to the general ignorance of it all. The single chink of the emotion platemail he wore at all times control was something Haust held in great abundance however it was breached and exposed. However he was never one to attack as one expected, if one built a wall to defend against an army he'd send one man. If one guarded from the front he hit the back if one was paranoid from attacks within he contract an attack from outside.

Deception at it's finest, however this wasn't one of those situations for certain victory only what he perceived as display, If Callidus wanted a display he would oblige the man. Haust relaxed bringing his hand to his face as if to cover expressed sorrow however it was far from any certain truth and with a sudden and jolt of an extended arm he'd used that rare anger to fuel the rage behind at act.

An unleashed barrage of force lightning sprung form his finger tips like a living predator compromised of multiple arcs of darkside energy at his beck and call upon Callidus. A singular hidden and shielded thought rushed through his mind as he did. "Lets hope Callidus can survive this.." With outright Haust quickly stood however not using the muscles of his body but rather the force to quickly spring him into a standing position.

The room would flicker as if the likes of a strobe light flickered repeatedly against the glow of Callidus's light saber. Haust recalled the vivid memories the helplessness and the anger that followed the anger that set him free that day. With the recall of that memory he only spoke silence he was never one to scream at pain, only smile in it's face...

[Cavalry King]

Callidus drew heavily on the dark side of the Force. Focusing his own rage he put all of his energy into his lightsaber and to defend himself. Haust was powerful indeed. Callidus grinned beneath his mask and flared his nostrils, almost like a rabid animal taking pleasure in the hunt. He could feel Haust's anger building. He was breaking through the second tenant of the Sith Code. Yelling to be heard over the arcing bolts, Callidus said, "Give in to your hate Haust. Release it! Only through passion can you gain strength. Through strength you gain power, and through power you gain victory Haust. I know you want control. Control over your emotion's is key but control does not mean their total absence. Only Jedi are foolish enough to believe this!"

He planted his feet in the ground struggling to stay up, "This is your power. Remember the anguish you felt, remember the helplessness. Never again Haust, never so weak as to not protect what you care for Haust. Use this failure, keep it on your mind. Dwell on it. It will fuel you, it will keep you hungry and honest with yourself. Always have it bubbling under the surface!"

The bolts flashed and licked across the room. The ignited lightsaber struggled to stay intact as it attempted to absorb this raw power. He knew Haust had more in reserve. He wasn't trying to kill Callidus. It was unfortunate, but a start. Again Callidus yelled over the sound of the bolts, "You have my apologies my apprentice... I did what I must to bring forth this rage. You have much power, but still so much to learn." He gritted his teeth as he said this as he fought to hold back the bolts. There wasn't an ounce of fear in his voice, simply determination. He sincerely hoped Haust would learn from this. They were very much alike, control was everything for men like them, but Haust had to realize that he was strong enough to be able to feed on his emotions and still control them.

Callidus wished to move on from this particular phase of the lesson and he hoped his apology would be taken in earnest. Rarely did he give a sincere apology. If Haust could not forgive him, it would be unfortunate but this was a vital lesson.

[Raytheon]

He stopped the force lightning lowering his hand, the post blast smoking tendrils still rising from his fingertip as he slowly lowered his hand to his side. Swiping the tips of his fingers he exhaled as he quickly killed off his anger, controlling it for him was easy. Only a few seconds and it would be suppressed back into the recesses of his mind. He knew the reasons Callidus had for doing it, and he understood the lesson, more so than most manipulation was an art he was familiar with, the result of manipulation being either the final stroke or the secondary coat atop a fresco.

"No apology is necessary master, I understood the intention and the lesson." His tone was strangely casual, perhaps a testament to his skill on controlling his emotions and hiding his expressions and behavior. With a sudden smile as he sat his arm rested on his lap, across his waist the finger tips resting on the electrum and leather gripping of his light saber. He looked up to Callidus responding with the same casual tone as previously.

"I'll keep that rage close, easily accessible for the moments I require it. And I am a proponent of learning to cite a quote when one closes his mind to knowledge and learning he opens it to ignorance and defeat... I don't intend to be defeated, Master."

Haust leaned back his hand still at the ready laid across his lap, his other reaching out for one of the dainty finger food calling it to his palm from beside Callidus. He remained respectful however using the title he'd been reminded of.

[Cavalry King]

Callidus held back the bolts until his apprentice finally relented. With a sigh he switched off his blade and clipped it to his belt. He would have to remember to make sure the blade was not damaged after that intense attack. That was for another time however, and now his attention was totally on his apprentice. He scanned him quickly to see if the lesson was learned and to Callidus' great delight he saw that Haust kept ready even after Callidus had called the lesson off. "Excellent Haust, most excellent. You obey my command yet stay prepared to strike at me. Trust no one but yourself Haust, rely on your own strength, borrowing from others only serves to weaken you," Callidus said approvingly.

Callidus put his hands behind his back and walked from behind his desk into the open part of the chamber. Even with his back turned, he was still prepared to do battle. His senses were on high alert and his hands were never far from his saber. He turned around to face Haust, "You have taken your first steps to power my apprentice. Now you must meditate upon this. Train, more importantly however, is to study our codes and philosophy."

Callidus pointed to the man and emphasized this point, "Remember always, a true Sith dominates with his mind. True power does not come from your ability to best your opponent in combat. You can kill as many beings as you can and stand atop a mountain of bodies yet still achieve nothing. Power is a vague and elusive force that can take many forms but can all be measured on the same scale - your ability to assert your will on the galaxy. The more powerful you are, the stronger that ability becomes."

He withdrew his hand and raised it to his chin. His other remained behind his back, "You must now seek a victory to focus your attention and measure your power. A victory that fuels your hunger... yes... that could work. Haust, I wish for you to kill your former master. This will have a two fold effect, first it will be your victory necessary to comprehend the Sith Code, and secondarily it will be your sacrifice to the dark side. You see all Sith must both metaphorically and literally kill a symbol of their past life in order to fully embrace the Sith. This will be yours."

[Raytheon]

Haust ate the little sandwich while watching Callidus he was weary since he'd left the Order never truly trusting another, Callidus wouldn't be a different notion. Haust leaned back studying the room but listening, killing for killing sake was never his intention nor really his interest while he enjoyed killing, he was also good at it. He only killed for profit whether it was for credits, or getting a deal though or even for a friend he made sure to gain something significant from it in the end or else the move was pointless and for pride.

But to kill his master, his old master, he would enjoy that immensely his master had a new lease on life since he barely survived their last encounter. There was irony in the thought of killing his master, the man who had trained him since he was a little boy would now die to the very skills he taught him. Haust reveled in the idea of besting Ravier, for him it was the ultimate test of his abilities for him to best his childhood teacher and man to pressed to hunt him down.

This would be fun, if nothing else and would strive to end the life of Ravier the last thorn in his side once and for all. The single man who would be left to recognize his face in person and be a danger to his holdings.

"Kill Ravier, it would be my pleasure the only problem I foresee is finding him or... to simply it let him find me."

The thought Haust had on the way to Korriban resurfaced in his mind before being recollected now, hinting his coming of thought with the perking of both eye brows he reached into his tunic pocket pulling out a small data card and holding it up for Callidus to see.

"Not to change the subject drastically master, from killing Ravier but I thought this might interest you, a datacard it was left at a pick up intended for our deceased friend Shawn Morrey.. I didn't look at it but maybe you can use your resources to back track and find his ... source as those journalist often call them..."

He didn't change the subject due to it being uncomfortable but rather to get it off his chest and not hold the datadisk longer than warranted. Though he was curious of Callidus was interested in why he killed him the way it did... and for more than just the comical value of it.

[Cavalry King]

Callidus smiled devilishly as his apprentice jumped at his task. His transition to becoming Sith would be complete. All that would be left to do, would be to train him and indoctrinate him in the Sith Code. Callidus held his hands behind his back and walked a few paces, he was deep in thought and didn't really care where his feet took him. "The best way to find a Jedi is to flush him out. Draw him to you. Those fools can't sit idle while the weak suffer. He will find you if give him a need to." Callidus was calm and calculating in this statement. The thought of killing a Jedi no different from squashing an insect. "Meditate on what happened here today apprentice. Search your feelings and listen to what the Force has to tell. You. Remember your passion, your hate, your anger - these are your keys to power."

He was about to trail off into thought when his apprentice changed the subject and brought him an interesting piece of information. He had almost forgotten the purpose of Haust's mission. With his enemy eliminated, Callidus had begun to think of new things. "Ah Haust, excellent! Whoever was foolish enough to supply this man's information will be dealt with swiftly and mercilessly. Also how was your mission?"

He was looking to Haust now, his mind full of curiosity but still focused on teaching Haust. Callidus would hear Haust's story and look for teaching points he could draw from it.

(Sorry for the lateish post and its brevity. Food is calling and I want to make sure we can move this along).

[Raytheon]

Haust set the data card on the table, for his master to retrieve at his pleasure meanwhile Haust listened and took in what Callidus had to say and while it was true the Jedi were foolhardy to step in and end suffering of those that could not defend themselves the tricky part would be to lure Ravier and not some other Jedi. As pleasing it would be to kill other Jedi, Ravier was the target and whomever he brought along to die with him. Haust took the time to imagine killing him, the look on his his face when Haust struck him with the killing blow the strong exhale of breath. The final gasps of oxygen as he would finish him off it was a gleeful fantasy that he would bring about to fruition.

Callidus asked of the mission and noted the death of those who fed the journalist information, whomever he was would deserve it but Haust was quick to respond to Callidus, in a casual yet playful undertone.

"Oh, master perhaps not too swift.." He placed pitched emphasis on the word 'swift' hinting that such a kill should be savored to make the victim lose all hope before meeting the cold mistress that was death. But then the explanation of the mission, it self it was a task Haust took in a bit of pride on, to fulfill the kill without anyone knowing he was there. He spoke again sounding a bit boastful, yet still casual and calm his thoughts purposefully surfaced to relive the kill should Calldius read them, of course he knew he would.

"It was rather fun actually, a trick I learned when taking out a sizable cult on Gorgon in my younger years to user a vaporizer and diethyl ether while a crude and antiquated inhalant anesthetic. It has the chief advantages of being so antiquated that it isn't tested in modern or even pre-modern toxicology screening. It also puts all sentient beings for the exception of Zelosians under very fast, odorless, invisible to the naked eye it was perfect to put down both Mr. Morrey and his protective detail the only exception was the droid.

I noticed the droid during my reconnaissance stages of learning of him, and prepared according with low grade ion grenades as not to leave any significant amounts of carbon markings or signatures when they detonated. Given his security detail more accidents couldn't have been clean such as pushing him into traffic, choking on food, slipping and fatally wounding his head.

I also chose such a ... embarrassing method of death to discredit his work and notes any man to die to such and it be made public is usually not taken seriously posthumously. And when it seems so obvious, investigators tend not to investigate other avenues nor get support for such. But also why I chose to end him that way was because he betrayed a fellow Sith. While many disagree with this I view us as a organization play folly with one of us, one deserves to die, embarrassingly as a sign even if known only to us. Historically the Sith have fallen to ... dare I say selfishness concern over the one rather than the collective."

He paused a few moment to catch his breath and reached for the goblet of Brandy to take a small sip allowing the feel of the alcohol warm his chest, and throat as he held the stem and continued his explaination.

"However being Sith there needs to be a perfect balance of comradeship and selfishness to avoid chains and such forth at least until Jedi are only a page in history to be discussed in classes. And while I hold no love for other Sith, Shawn Morrey was not one of us."

He took another long sip of Brandy, before studying the goblet in detail his bare hand turning it slowly to study the designs upon it before looking to Callidus for words or reaction to his words.