The Currents of Destiny (Sparrow, Jace, others PM)

[Meira]

The heart of the Temple, of the Sith Order, the pulse of each being that walked the halls, trained in the sparring rooms and meditated in the chambers... it was growing stronger. Renata knew that this would be the natural progression of things. She knew that the allure of the dark side, the promise of power would draw them in. What she had not fully anticipated was that she herself would feed on it. With each new heart that pledged itself to the Sith, Renata could feel their pulse in her own veins. Her master had been right when he said this Sith Order would be different than any other. Together, they were far more powerful than the greedy squabblers of the past. She was far more powerful.

As the days passed, she could feel that the time was finally drawing near. Her promotion to Darth was given with orders. Those orders were to teach as Iniquitous had taught her. It would fall to Renata to train and guide others as he had guided her. Now more than ever, with each day bringing them closer and closer to truly revealing themselves to the galaxy, it was important to ensure that all who stood under the Sith mantle would be worthy, fearsome opponents to the Republic and to the Jedi. Such tests of worthiness included apprenticeships under the Dark Lord's and Lady's watchful eye. They'd select those who showed the most potential within their own areas of strength.

Renata herself wasn't even entirely sure of what qualities would best suit an apprentice she would choose. She would not presume to decide for herself, however. The Force would guide her to the one, or two that were suited for her, just as the Force had guided her to Veratos, and then to Iniquitous. Yes, her trust in the force was great. So the choice was a simple one. She wouldn't seek out anyone. She would allow them to find her.

Of course, trusting in the Force would not mean that Renata would not set out a test for those who hoped call themselves her apprentice. The Dark Lady moved through the temple to its entrance. There, she left her guards behind. They were reluctant, but fearful of their mistress' wrath should they choose to disobey her. Now alone, The fiery haired woman wound her way through dusty canyons until finally she came upon a secluded section that tucked into the rock face. Here, out from underneath the unforgiving sun, the air was cooler, and still. She settled herself down on top of a rock formation, allowing her an excellent view of the entrance to her little cavern.

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Renata prepared herself to slip into the currents of the Force. On Korriban, more than any other place she had known, falling into the Force was like falling into a hot bath. It burned and tingled the skin, as if to purge all other things, and then wrapped her in its warmth. The temptation to simply allow its currents to take her and to forget herself was hard to resist. But She was here for a purpose, and so with great regret, she dug in and focused on her task.

It would be subtle, oh so subtle. She doubted that many of those who now dwelt within the Temple would feel it. She called through the Force, sending out her invitation like a caress. To those who would sense it, it would be like a shiver down the spine, a faint whisper in the ear, the feeling that one was being watched. She beckoned, but did not reveal who called, or where she was. No, that was for the worthy to discover.

[Jace]

In the face of the domineering Sith Temple, a lone woman merely scoffed. Those around her were in what could only be described as awe. The large stone statues at the entrance, the valley, the tombs of those who once held great power. It meant so much to them, yet she barely noticed them. She had to keep whatever self restraint she had, in check. Her urge to simply kill those around her grew by the second. She needed to remove herself from such a position before she did something regrettable.

Gabriella proceeded deeper within the temple and continue to ignore its illustrious architecture. The Echani woman had no cares for this place and what it stood to accomplish. No, the 'brotherhood', all this foolishness around her was simply an annoyance. There was only one reason she put up with all this nonsense. That one reason which she believed suddenly called to her through the Force. She couldn't be sure who it was or where specifically it came from, but something told her where to start looking.

While the Force could usually guide her if she focused, this time she only had a vague sense of direction. She walked towards what she believed was the right direction and soon became frustrated. Then she saw another person coming from the same direction and quickly approached him. The man seemed somewhat caught off guard but quickly put on a hostile look.

"You, tell me where I can find Mistress Renata!" the Echani demanded

"Who do you think you are?" came the reply

Gabriella was not what you would call a people person. She demonstrated this by sending a firm kick to the man's groin and laughed as he doubled over. He made a move to attack her, but she put her foot in his face this time.

"Alright!Alright!I saw her leave the Temple about ten minutes ago!"

"Good boy"

Thus the Echani woman backtracked to where she had entered minutes before. Now she was walking considerably faster, something which two people considered more interesting than others. Gabriella asked one of those standing at the entrance where the Mistress had gone. The man responded by immediately drawing his lightsaber and slashing at her. This was the Force knows how many times she had almost been killed cause she was in a rush.

A flash of silver and a scream later, the first guard had hit the floor. Then the second attacked, and she was happy to learn that he was much more skilled. He was holding his own right up until she ignited her second blade. Moments later, the man's head fell to the sandy floor and rolled before eventually coming to a stop. She heard a gurgle from behind her and realized that the first man was not dead.

"Where did Miss Renata go?I will get you help if you tell me?"

The man pointed his hand towards one of the canyons. Gabriella smiled and then walked towards the said direction. Most people didn't deserve to live in her eyes, especially cowards. Without looking back, Gabriella pushed forward towards the canyons. Luckily for her, the canyons sheltered those from most of the wind, which also meant she could follow footprints. So the Echani went on for what felt like hours until she finally arrived at a lone cavern. She had a nagging feeling that this was where she needed to be.

Gabriella stepped forward into the cavern without hesitation, wondering what waited for her within.

[sparrow]

Renata's signal was subtle indeed, and had Zarene Yin been inside the Temple like just about everyone else at the time, she probably never would have detected it. The telepathic and sensory areas of the Force had never really been her strong points. Strong emotions in her vicinity, that she could feel. Incoming danger would send alarms blaring in her head. But subtle signals? Those had a way of going right over head.

But Zarene Yin wasn't in the Temple at the time. The Temple was getting crowded, and full of young boys and old men who seemed to have nothing better to do than challenge each other to fights to see who was the biggest and strongest. In the hallways, in the courtyards, she had even hard of some ruckus going on out on top of the Temple. So she had slung her hunting rifle over her shoulder and left the place for some peace and quiet.

She sat on top of a boulder on a peak of a small hill. There was a narrow canyon some distance away, some mountains in the distance, and flat plains everywhere in between. A small group of wraid were gathered some distance away. Using her mechanical arm as a steady platform, Zarene pointed her rifle in their direction, bringing the scope to her eye. Wraid weren't particularly dangerous, but to take one down in a single shot took a bit of skill. There was a particular spot just behind where the thick skull plate connected with the rest of body, the sweet spot. Just one bullet there and the creature would go down.

She took aim, and her finger was just about to press down on the trigger when she felt... something, a chill tickling the back of her neck. Someone was nearby. She lowered her rifle; wraid hunting could wait.

Coming to the edge of the canyon, she peered down into its depths. Down at the bottom of the creviss, she could spy a lone figure moving quickly. Braided silver hair, a brisk, confident stride, she recognized that person. Gabriella Fisher. Zarene had come to know the other woman from several missions that they had participated in together, and the two had developed a friendship of sorts, or at the very least tolerance for each other. Gabriella had a cruel streak that scared Zarene sometimes, but she also had an even temper, which Zarene lacked. She was quick and efficient with her work, and wasn't prone to pointless strutting like so many others at the Temple were, qualities that Zarene respected.

But the feeling,... the signal,... Zarene wasn't quite sure what the appropriate word for it was, wasn't coming from Gabriella. In fact, Gabriella seemed to be heading towards the source of... whatever it was. Slowly, carefully, Zarene begun climbing down the side of the canyon. She didn't know what exactly what going on, but her hunch told her that it was important, and worthy of investigation.

[Meira]

It took some time, perhaps longer than she would have liked. But then again, Lady Renata was still working on patience. It was tedious work. But soon enough, she could feel one that had caught the message, and was responding. Renata didn't try too hard to figure out who it was that had sensed her call. It didn't matter who it was. The Force had chosen this being for Renata, and so this being would be one that Renata would train.

As the being made its way closer to Renata's little cavern, another presence blinked onto her metaphorical radar. This one had not been in the temple, but out and about. Interesting. Many of those that had flocked to the Sith had cleaved close to the Temple. Such a temptation was understandable of course. How could one not want to be near to the action, be able to observe and learn easily. But this one that had ventured out on its own, and the first that had been clever enough to decipher their senses as a call, these were worthy.

When Renata sensed that the first was entering the cavern, she stood, prepared to welcome her guest. Gabriella would come upon a smiling Renata. Though the Dark Lady had very little opportunity to engage the Echani woman in conversation, she knew Gabriella and was pleased to see that the Force had deemed her fit to be an apprentice.

Welcome Gabriella. It has been some time since I have seen you. I hear that your mission to Corellia was a success.

Just then, Renata sensed the encroaching presence of the second worthy individual. Though the being was not within sight, Renata couldn't help now but to reach out and detect the identity, and again she smiled. Raising her voice so that it would carry on echoes out of the cavern, she addressed Zarene.

Come in, Zarene. You are welcome here. Join your companion Gabriella.

As she waited for Zarene to enter, Renata descended from her elevated perch so that she would be eye level with the two women the Force had selected for her. Once Zarene was present, she continued.

You both felt my call, and obliged to seek me out. Of all that might have sensed it, two stand before me. Two that have been tried, tested, and have shown themselves to be worthy. As you may know, our Dark Overlord Iniquitous has called those of us within his Inner Sanctum to follow in his footsteps. The Force has selected the two of you. She smiled, turning her head to address Gabriella specifically.

You are powerful and fearsome. The potential I see in you is similar to my own. You do not hesitate, you do not show mercy. You are well useful in our Order. But you are also wild and unpredictable. As I was once told, you must learn to control your power, lest it control you. She then turned to Zarene.

You are independent and confident. You do not make excuses, but adapt. Your experience in the world makes you a valuable asset. But I sense a distrust in you, toward your fellows within the Order. Know that they are your brethren now. Learn to work with others as you have learned to work with Gabriella, and you will go far. Taking a step back, Renata now addressed both women. She held her hands out in front of her, palms up as an invitation.

Through the Force, we have been brought together. You come before me as I once approached Iniquitous, curious, but with a trust in the guiding powers of the Force. Follow me now as I pledged to follow him. I offer to you both positions as my apprentices. Do you accept?

[Foxfire]

Cho had watched Renata walk away from the duel at the temple and lost sight of her as she entered the canyons. Following he then heard a calling, faint but marked with Renata's primal power. Cho waited to see if any other would take up the call. Stretching out in the force, it told him to wait. Two other's call this was and not his.

The two came one with fire and the other with blade, how appropriate for Renata two side of her persona. Cho dropped down behind the last.

Slowly stalking with in his Force void Cho came upon the meeting of master and apprentices. Renata talked long of their faults and the work ahead of them. He did not want to interfere with the gathering but he wanted to now why the force did not choose him. Staying hidden in the shadows of the cavern and the force Cho watch and waited as he did when he was trained in his youth.

[Jace]

Gabriella hadn't even recognized the presence of possibly the only person she considered a friend. Her attention was fully focused on the woman who stood before her. Finally, she managed to bow her head slightly. The Echani woman didn't even understand it fully. Why she respected Renata out of all the people in the galaxy. She had given up trying to figure out. The only thing that Gabriella was sure of was that if she followed miss Renata, she was sure to have fun.

After a few words about the Order, Renata turned and looked at Gabriella. The woman praised her abilities but also called her wild and unpredictable. If anyone else had talked to her in such a way, they would be screaming in agony at this point. No, once again Gabriella was dumbfounded, speechless. Gabriella was apparently even similar to Renata which made her quite happy.

She then turned and spoke to Zarene for which part most of Gabriella droned out. The Echani wasn't the type to listen to speeches, especially when they weren't directed at her. It was just annoying, she had tortured people for less. Finally it seemed Renata had finished talking to Zarene and once again addressed them both. This time she held out her hands in offering. An offering of apprenticeship. She would've scoffed at anyone else, probably try to kill them for insulting her. Yet before she knew it, she was taking steps towards Renata. She kneeled down before her, and placed her palm on that of her future master's.

"I accept" stated the silver haired girl in a hushed tone.

The usually fiery, fiendish, and vocal girl had been silenced by the mere presence of this woman. Yes, if Gabriella knew anything, it was that under Renata's teaching she would find the highest quality entertainment.

[sparrow]

She listened as the Dark Lady addressed her, ears alert, eyes unblinking. So Renata thought she had trust issues. That was perfectly true.

The last person she had really trusted was her old master. But he had been dead for three years. She had trusted the Jedi Order too. But when she had really needed them, when it really counted, they hadn't been there.

And that was the problem with trust. Trust meant opening herself up to other people, letting them in, making herself vulnerable. And then they would leave her or betray her. Hurt her. Other folks sometimes spoke of drawing strength from others. But Zarene knew that the only person she could draw strength on was herself.

Working with Gabriella was a bit different. The other woman didn't demand trust, just cooperation. They had worked together several times now, and Zarene had slowly become more and more willing to rely on Gabriella. But part of her always remained guarded. Just in case.

But she knew that she needed a master, to pick up her training where her previous one had left off. And she knew that the Sith Lords needed soldiers and apprentices, because for their power, changing the galaxy wasn't something they could do just by themselves.

As Renata finished speaking, Zarene lowered herself to one knee. "I accept," she stated. "I will follow you and submit myself to your teachings."

Only a fools trust everybody, a small voice in the back of head whispered. But only a fool trusts nobody.

[Meira]

All the while, through the arrival of Gabriella and Zarene, through her own speech, the Force was flowing through the Dark Lady. It inspired her words, commanded her presence, even to the extent, it seemed, of silencing Gabriella's already notorious tongue. Renata smiled at the feeling of the power. Always dancing on the edge of control, she kept it in check. Always.

But here, with the two worthy candidates before her, control was easy. This was the Force bending to her will. Iniquitous and Veratos had promised her this. Power and control would be hers. The power to bend the Force to her will. She had made the Force an agent of her desire, and it had brought her two apprentices who would serve her well.

As both, in turn, knelt and took her hands, Renata could feel the Force enter her anew. And this time, the current flowed through her and into the two women who had just pledged their service to the Dark Lady. Like a fire, it would spread through them, engulf them. Renata held on a moment, and then slowly slipped her hands from their grasps to allow them a moment to relish the sensation of the Force as they would come to know it. How easily they would now learn to alter its flow to better suit their needs. They would find the techniques of the Sith to be most pleasing.

As the two were wrapped up in this new burning sensation of the Force, Renata turned her attention away and outward. The noghri. She knew he had followed from the temple, yet kept his distance. Her patience had reached its limit when he decided to conceal himself in the Force. She might have had trouble detecting him, had she not already been so engulfed in the Force. His concealment made him as plain as day in her eyes. She spoke out to him, her voice filling the silence that had fallen on the cavern and carried on the eddies of the Force.

Cho Wroth. I see that I had not been clear last I spoke to you. Let me say it again. With each word, ripples echoed out through the Force and could be felt like a strong pulse. I will NOT be prodded for one's curiosity. I will NOT be stalked as some sort of prey. And I... will... NOT be spied upon!

With the Force increasing her speed, Renata shot through the cavern until she was just before the noghri, her lightsaber drawn and casting a sickly yellow glow in the shadows he so foolishly thought to hide in. Her eyes were electric and her features tight on her face as she controlled every muscle.

I do not like to repeat myself. Her voice was a whisper, but it carried throughout the cavern nonetheless.

[Foxfire]

The timing for Cho was very short. All he could do and wanted to do was fully open himself to the force and let the primal rage and energies of the dark lady wash over him. As the force came to him he began to absorb the dark energy.

PurringSo warm, there's the power that I have been search for. None compare to this primal force.

Cho did not move he stayed still purring with the sinister noghri smile on his face.

Spying..... you are giving me to much credit. As I have told Lady Novus I am nothing but a weapon to be used, nothing more. Neither teacher nor student will I be, the Dark Will has seen to it. For the first time in my life my path is clear, a Sword of the Sith am I. So if you want to destroy a weapon first consider who else might need this weapon or would it be better to send it out to do as much damage to the enemy before it breaks?

Standing up right to face the Dark Lady......

So consider what the Dark Will's purpose is and direct that power in the right direction, for every thing in the Force is visible and open....... only if you do not cloud your eyes.

[Meira]

As the noghri began to speak, Renata was already losing interest in his word. Like so many others in the Temple, he had already determined his own place among the Sith. How vain of him to decide what the Dark Overlord's will would be. He would be a tool, a shield, a distraction... he would be what he was told to be, or he would be slaughtered for getting in the way.

Extinguishing her blade and turning away from the noghri as he drolled on in his self important, speech, Renata rolled her eyes. She was bored of all these beings, those who plotted, stalked around hiding their presence. What was the point of joining this new Sith Order if all one did was hide in the shadows or try to create their own little dominion within it? So many of those who had flocked to the Sith banner had missed the point entirely.

For a mere weapon... She said, not bothering to look back at Cho as she moved back toward her new apprentices, ...you talk too much. Be gone from here, or I will kill you.

Done with the noghri, Renata turned back to Zarene and Gabriella. She breathed in deeply. The sight of these two was much more pleasing than of the noghri.

Those who understand the true meaning of this Sith Order are the ones who will advance within its ranks. The two of you care not for the titles, but you are granted them. Come, I will announce you to my master.

Renata turned and lead the way out of the cave, through the winding canyon and back toward the temple. She didn't speak now, but instead merely focused on the currents of the Force. They pulsed, rolled, and flowed through her, and she could feel it flow through her new apprentices as well. Her will was done, the Force had met it, and now, with Iniquitous' blessing, Renata would show the galaxy the true meaning of being a Sith in this Order. Gabriella and Zarene would have the honor of standing at her sides as she did.

[Foxfire]

Cho said nothing as she directed her attention toward her students. As she and the others walked out of the cavern Cho pondered the thoughts. Though she was right in one regard, he hid himself to much. As for what his role was or would be it really mattered little to him. For five long years he waited for other like him to come to him, now it was his turn to show himself and go to them.

Finally able to release his full power and quality in the force was fully new to Cho. His darkness and his hunger flowed like a living creature searching it's next prey. So said he was animalistic in nature before but just wait till they behold him now, the dark beast of the noghri. Time will tell whether either he was right or just plain rabid.

[Jace]

(Sorry for teh suck, but I didn't really know what to post)

Gabriella paid little notice to whoever Renata was addressing. Truth was that she wasn't much bothered by it. She had just been offered a great honor, a concept which was quite alien to her. Truly this was her first moment of true humility. It annoyed her somewhat but was also pleasing in its own way. She assumed she would explore such feelings further as she spent more time learning from her new Master.

It appears that the one in question was a Noghri by the name of Cho Wroth. He was blithering on about something or the other, she couldn't care less but it was beginning to irritate her. Especially as he approached Renata, the unworthy slime. Surely Mistress Renata would kill him where he stood or maybe she would ask Gabriella to. Alas, it was not to be, as Renata merely ignored him and approached Gabriella and Zarene.

"Those who understand the true meaning of this Sith Order are the ones who will advance within its ranks. The two of you care not for the titles, but you are granted them. Come, I will announce you to my master."

The Echani girl, turned, and followed her new master out of the cave. Through the winding canyons and sandy trails until they finally arrived back at the temple. Renata was right, Gabriella didn't care for titles, they meant nothing to her. Though on second thought, it may be an opportunity for her to have more fun. She almost giggled out loud as she followed Renata, maybe she wouldn't be as bored as she initially thought.

[sparrow]

Zarene's head quickly turned as Renata's attention suddenly turned towards the noghri, and one of her blasters flew out of its holster into her hand. The barrel of the weapon remained pointed in his direction as Renata berated Wroth. That creature seemed to have a habit of poking his nose everyone. If he kept doing that, someone would chop it off someday.

Her weapon returned to the holster at her hip as Renata dismissed Cho and turned back towards them. "That one is a rabid dog," Zarene murmured as they left the cave. "Unleash it on the enemy, but you'll still have to put it to sleep eventually."

The Echani girl walking beside her appeared to suppress a giggle, and Zarene couldn't help smiling a bit herself. Enough slinking about the shadows, enough with hiding her face from the world. They were about to see what the cyborg girl with scars could do.

[Meira]

As they entered the temple, Renata sent out those tendrils of her consciousness. Like an invisible smoke, they snaked through the corridors, up the levels, until finally they located Iniquitous. He would sense her search for him, she was sure, and so would be ready when they arrived. There was no sneaking up on the Dark Overlord. Renata would never have attempted such a foolish thing in any case, but it was always obvious. Nothing occurred except that which was her master's will.

And so, she sought his will, his acceptance of her choice of apprentices. She did not hide, she did not plot. Renata knew her place, and was proud of it. She stood at her master's side, part of the Inner Sanctum, not because she was devious, secretive and a conspirator, but because she recognized power and respected it where it was due. Likewise, Zarene and Gabriella knew their place. Soon, they'd be given a new one, and they would recognize it as well... and be recognized for it.

Renata and her two followers finally reached the meditation chamber where Iniquitous now waited for them near the top of the Temple. As they approached the doors, they opened silently, revealing a dim room, lit only by faint lights in the corners. Once inside, the doors closed behind them, increasing the darkness of the room. But eyes would adjust, and soon the Overlord's figure would be seen seated on a raised meditation ottoman. Before him, other ottomans were arranged, lower. The Dark Overlord gestured for the three to sit.

Master.

Renata said, giving a low bow. She then moved forward, taking her seat on the ottoman directly in front of her master. As the other two sat, Renata turned her eyes to the man she pledged to follow. For a few moments, he said nothing. The only sound in the room was of the four breathing.

"Close your eyes and open yourselves to the Force."

His words carried a power that left no choice but to obey. This was achieved not through force or fear, but by simple presence. Renata closed her eyes, breathed in deeply, and on the exhale could feel the renewed undulations of the Force ripple into her being. Through these waves, she could feel the others around her. She could feel Zarene and Gabriella and their eagerness. She could feel Iniquitous and his power. She could feel her ever-present hunger, tamed, but always poised to spring forth.

"I can see why you have chosen them."

Iniquitous said through the Force, his voice thoughtful. Renata could feel his consciousness probing into her own, and into Zarene's and Gabriella's as well.

"They are much like you."

Of all those you have gathered, my Lord, I see the most promise in these two. They have already shown great loyalty to our Order. They will serve you well.

"And you will train them?"

Renata opened her eyes. The question had been spoken with Iniquitous' physical voice and had carried a certain tone, a tone of interest. In her mind, Renata was enticed to recall her duel with Blackwing, the power... and the danger. That hungry beast inside her growled and pawed at it's cage, pleading to be released at this imagined insult. But Renata would not yield to it. She understood. She contained great power, this much she and Iniquitous knew. But control was still new, infant. She had to be careful, always careful. But she could do it. She set her jaw.

I will.

Her voice was certain, full of resolve and determination. The memories faded from her consciousness and she could feel Iniquitous' presence withdraw within the Force. Barely visible in the dark room, he nodded, then stood.

"Gabriella, Zarene, submit yourselves to Renata's teachings. I acknowledge your apprenticeships and pronounce you Dark Ladies of the Sith."

Without another word Iniquitous turned and left the room through a smaller door on the back wall. When the door closed behind him, the lights came up, revealing the details of the plain room. Renata turned then to the two women and allowed a thin smile to etch it's way onto her lips.

Let's begin.

[Jace]

All the dramatics had ended, or at least she hoped so, it was starting to wear a little thin. The trek back to the Temple was about as uneventful as the trip there. Though she had to admit that she had a little more to think about then usual. While the Echani had never been one for authority, even she couldn't deny that she was drawn to her new master. The fact of the matter was that it annoyed her greatly. She had always done what she wanted, not what someone else had. Gabriella Fisher followed no ones orders. At least that was how it used to be.

It wasn't long before they reached the Temple. Gabriella followed Renata through the bowels of the massive structure unsure of where they were headed. Finally they reached a dimly lit room with a rather heavy presence. No doubt this feeling was emanating from the person who sat in the corner. The Echani followed suit and bowed to the man before sitting on the ottoman to the right of Renata.

"Close your eyes and open yourselves to the Force." He spoke

Gabriella was compelled to obey, they were a strong yet subtle force in the man's words. Her consciousness was being probed but there was nothing she could do about it. It was her job to get into other people's minds. Feeling her mind 'invaded' like this now made her feel vulnerable, and that did not please the quick tempered woman. Though just as soon as it had begun, it was over.

"Gabriella, Zarene, submit yourselves to Renata's teachings. I acknowledge your apprenticeships and pronounce you Dark Ladies of the Sith."

That was the end of that it seemed, for the Dark Lord then stood, and proceeded to leave the room. Dark Lady of the Sith eh? Even Gabriella had to admit that it sounded a little cool. She could tell that there was certain power attached to the title, which she could hopefully use to her...enjoyment. Renata turned to her, wearing a rather thin smile upon her face. Oh this can't be good

"Let's begin."

[sparrow]

Zarene closed her eyes as she was told, and felt the Force flow through her body. All her senses seemed to become more acute, her awareness of her surroundings increasing. She concentrated. The Force was a raging wildfire. The warmth, so enticing. It could burn her to a crisp if she wasn't careful, but was capable of great power if channeled and controlled correctly. She had the foundation, but her training was far from complete.

Yet for all the warmth, parts of her felt cold. There a frigid lump in the middle of her chest. Everything down from her right shoulder was emptiness. The Force flowed through living flesh, not cold steel and synthetic tissue. She would never reach the full strength of what she once would have been capable of, not with all the training in the world.

But just because she wouldn't reach that level, didn't mean that she couldn't still be strong.

She shivered as she felt something in the corner of her mind, pushing, probing. Her first instinct was to push back, but quickly refrained from doing so. Those flows of Force came from the Dark Lord himself. What was he doing? Trying to see for himself who they were? Assessing their worth?

He spoke. Simple words, yet she felt herself tremble slightly when he said them? Dark Lady of the Sith? That wasn't what she was expecting. And before she knew it, Iniquitous was gone. The lights came on and Renata stood and faced them. Her new master.

"Let's begin."

I'm ready. Bring it on.