Grief & Madness

by DarthSikaeji

Summary:

An experienced, powerful Sith apprentice is plagued by memories of lost love. As part of a ‘friendly’ contest with other apprentices, he attempts to seduce an eccentric young Pureblood woman only recently returned from Korriban. To his frustration, she becomes obsessed with someone else entirely.

Chapter 1: Background

This story takes place in the reconstituted Sith Empire, primarily during the Cold War with the Old Republic. After the Old Republic destroyed the Original Sith Empire at the end of the Great Hyperspace War, the Sith Empire was secretly reconstituted by Darth Vitiate in the hidden regions beyond the Outer Rim. Vitiate evolved into a nearly immortal malignant force entity over the course of his existence, but was born a member of the Sith species.

The Sith species was a race of red skinned, dark force wielding humanoids that gave the Sith order its name after the Dark Jedi Exiles (The Jen'Jidai) discovered their homeworld on Korriban. The Dark Jedi and the Sith species intermingled and interbred. By the time of this story, their descendants formed a large slice of a broader aristocracy. The resurgent Sith Empire's free citizens were overwhelmingly Human, as were most members of the Sith Order. But the Purebloods, as the hybrid species primarily descended from the ancient Sith came to be known, had power and wealth out of all proportion to their numbers.

Vitiate's empire existed thousands of years before Palpatine's empire and differed in important ways. There was no "Rule of Two". Vitiate wanted numerous powerful servants, so he recognized a great many as Lords of the Sith. He decreed that everyone in the empire would be tested for force sensitivity, and all those located would become acolytes and undergo terrible trials to determine if they were worthy to be Sith. Most acolytes fell victim to others undergoing the same trials. A few died in other ways. The fraction of acolytes who survived the Trials became Sith apprentices, obligated to serve a lord until they either died or were promoted to lord themselves. Vitiate ruled his empire this way for over a millenia.

Chapter 2: A Friendly Game

The Hotel Rafya was located near the center of Kaas City.  The structure was very large, with hundreds of guest rooms, and several towers of private apartments.  It was dusk, and the massive building's exterior lights had only just been turned on.  The lowest two floors of the hotel served as an enormous shopping mall or forum, with a lengthy concourse lined with shops, brothels, grooming parlors and dining establishments.  Busy shoppers and patrons milled all along the concourse at this time of day.  The crown jewel of the hotel shopping area was a large, popular cantina near the entrance, The Miriskin.

The Miriskin had a large serving area, but it was filled to standing-room only.  A sudden downpour had pushed everyone off the even larger patio.  Kaas City was usually protected from this sort of squall by a sophisticated weather control system.  But the immensely powerful storm systems of Dromund Kaas could never be fully tamed, not by mere technology.

The milling crowd of patrons was overwhelmingly human, but included some  crimson-skinned Purebloods and even several horned Zabrak.  This was a place for citizens with money to spend seeking a tasteful atmosphere.  No obvious member of a slave race, even the wealthiest free citizen, dared show its alien face here among the patrons.  Painted nobles and freighter captains, tattooed courtesans and army officers, doctors, prosperous businessmen and even the occasional Sith mingled, drank, smoked, snorted, flirted, argued, cut deals and hatched small plots.  The buzzing sound of constant chatter was occasionally pierced by pitched laughter.  

A small group of young, male Humans had gathered around a bar-height table, standing just out of arm's reach from each other.  Despite the crowding, they were given plenty of space by the other patrons.  Each bore a lightsaber on his belt.  Few were willing to risk drawing the wrath of a single Sith, no one wished to annoy four of them at once.  Some of the bolder revelers threw them flirty, even teasing looks, but none dared approach too closely.  

The tallest of the men was idly watching the giant viewscreen perched above the bar.  A clip was playing of a bald, cadaverous Sith Lord named Alaric warning that the decision to open up the Dark Temple to archaeological excavation was a mistake. “The Emperor buried things there, things too dangerous to be unearthed.”  After the clip various experts mocked Alaric’s claims. “If the Emperor considered the Dark Temple off-limits for study, surely he would have reversed the decision.”  The watcher lost interest after someone changed the feed to a huttball match.

Tauber turned and smiled at his companions.  They had met in various ways, some from shared assignments, some by chance.  They all enjoyed evenings out together as a group.  They referred to their little band as 'The Society of Friends' or just 'The Friends', but it was an in-joke.  Sith could never be friends with one another, not really.  No one who had survived the Trials would ever trust another survivor enough for a proper friendship.  Tauber believed he had never had a real friend before his Trials, just sycophants.  It was probably also the same for his companions.  The Force bent the will of those near a force-sensitive long before the gifted ever learned to command it directly.  And all were strong in the force.

But even without friendship, it was still pleasant to share drinks with peers.  Trading gossip, tall tales and boasts was a pleasant way to pass the time.  Commiserating with others who shared similar dangers, hardships and petty irritations made the burdens of near constant danger and overwork easier to bear.  And the little game they had been playing the past year was sometimes entertaining.  Tauber's father would have called them his "drinking buddies."

Tauber took the last mug of ale off the tray proffered by the scantily clad Twi'lek slave.  He had paid for a round of drinks as an apology for being tardy to the gathering.  He looked the timid girl squarely in the face, smiled, then swatted her rump with his free hand.  She let out a tiny, frightened yelp and scurried back to the hotel cantina's bar to pick up another round of drinks.  Tauber's companions laughed as she fled, almost in a run.

Jokhim, a dark, lanky human, complained, only half in jest, "You shouldn't have done that! She was already terrified of us.  Now she'll be too afraid to come back and we'll have trouble getting drinks." "Nonsense, she'll be back," replied Tauber.  "It was just a little tap.  I thought she should know I’ll want her later.  It's only fair to warn the poor girl." Jaunks, a fair, stout man, always cheerful and already tipsy, let out a loud laugh.  "No wonder she was so frightened.  You'll split that little thing in half." They all laughed together.  

Sometimes the other 'Friends' called Tauber "The Rancor" because of his size.  Almost a full 2 meters, with a wedge-shaped torso and forearms like a gundark, Tauber knew he cut an impressive figure.  He looked more like a drill sergeant or a bodybuilder than a proper Sith apprentice.  Pale blonde hair, green eyes and olive skin made him just a little exotic.  His face was more boyish than handsome, but he had a nice chin.  Jauks occasionally complained that this "butt-chin" gave him an unfair advantage in the game.  But everything was fair when playing the Game.

Viltus scowled, "So you're bowing out of the Game, Rancor? It's not like you to concede ahead of time." Tauber looked at Viltus, wondering if the man was trying to needle him.  

Tauber won 'the Game' more often than any of the others, but Viltus won often enough he was a genuine rival.  Viltus was of only average height and build.  But he was extremely handsome and even more charming.  He was also far more exotic than Tauber, with a vaguely alien cast about his face and eyes and a crimson tint to his skin..  Tauber had long suspected Viltus was the child or grandchild of a Pureblood Sith.  Viltus was always perfectly contained and polite, whether trading insults, telling a bawdy joke or flirting with a tavern slave.  Calling him an "unflappable aristocrat" was an understatement

Tauber shrugged.  "You should be pleased.  It will be easier for you to win." Viltus scoffed, "It does not please me.  It is not a challenge if it is easy.  A desire for easy tests is a weakness I do not have." He took a sip from his mug.  "Nor should any of you.  It's almost as bad as giving up." 

Tauber realized Viltus was trying to provoke him, even insult him.  But Viltus was not trying to make an enemy.  He just wanted a real rival, if only for tonight's game.  Tauber felt almost honored, when he thought about it.  He doubted Viltus would complain if Jokhim or Jauks dropped out.  Viltus would rather lose to a strong rival than triumph over a weak one.

Jauks was their ringleader.  He lived in one of the private towers in the hotel and the group often met here.  Jauks had come up with the game and its rules over a year ago, when "the Friends' were still 12 in number.  Each would seek out a sexual conquest and a trophy from the encounter.  When the group next gathered, each would present the trophy along with an entertaining story for the others to judge.  Then the group would decide the winner.  There was no formal scoring, but no one was allowed to vote for themselves as the winner.  And conquests found the night they gathered were considered more worthy.  Few players who met a conquest on a different night had been proclaimed the winner.

That first night they played, 10 of them had rapidly paired off into 5 couples.  Tauber and Zefir, the crimson-skinned Zabrak girl, had tried to ensnare each other.  Tauber was certain she had been as pleased by the encounter as he had been.  But obtaining a trophy, without letting the other acquire one, had frustrated them both.  Both came away empty handed, at least with respect to the Game.  And both had been so obvious in their intentions that presenting a trophy from a different target would have just made them look ridiculous.  The other four couples among the group had no better luck.

Jauks had egged on all the couples as they paired, but he had been shrewd.  He made no effort to seduce any of the other "Friends".  Instead he walked directly to a table of middle-aged aristocrats and bought them all drinks.  At the next gathering, Jauks brought the hat of a Moff and a plausible boast of seducing the man's wife.  He claimed to have snared a son as well several nights later.  All claimed Jauks was a liar, but the story was so entertaining he was acclaimed the winner without a vote.  Tauber smiled at the memory.  Tauber remember Zefir’s high pitched laughter that night.

Memories of Zefir left Tauber pensive.  He and Zefir had enjoyed their first evening together well enough that they had agreed to a truce, at least with respect to trophy gathering.  For several months afterwards, they had occasionally met.  The encounters were furtive and brief, but very passionate.  Tauber missed Zefir's hungry expression, and the way she would pull away when he tried to touch the little horns on her forehead.  Tauber had always looked forward to their next meeting, and was fairly certain Zefir felt the same way.  But she had vanished almost a year earlier.

Zefir was only the first.  The group dwindled, bit by bit.  Some had become too busy for games.  Some had died.  Some had simply vanished without explanation.  The life of a Sith apprentice is hard and dangerous.  Most die within several years of the Trials.  It was the Sith way.  Only the strongest survive and prosper.  So a group numbering a dozen apprentices gradually shrank to four.

Tauber looked at Viltus, forcing himself to remain amiable.  Memories of Zefir occasionally made that very difficult.  Viltus was ostentatiously vain, always wearing expensive, tailored outfits.  But his oddest affectation was that he styled his curly black beard into multiple wavy forks, making them look like the chin tendrils common to male Purebloods.  It should look ridiculous on a Human, but somehow he seemed to pull it off.  Tauber made a cheerful smile at the man.  Viltus was a dandy, but his company had once been agreeable enough.

The last time Tauber had seen Zefir was during one of these gatherings, in this very room.  When the evening's contest began, Viltus produced Zefir's earings, producing oohs and aahs.  Then, for good measure, Viltus had pulled out a pair of expensive silk panties, still in their packaging, and offered them very graciously to Zefir.  "You are missing a pair.  I...  forgot...  to bring them this evening , so I purchased this replacement in the hotel shop." Everyone laughed when Zefir accepted the gift, and laughed even harder while Viltus described the details of Zefir's bedroom behavior, right down to her shyness about her horns.  For Zefir's sake, Tauber tried not to laugh.  But Viltus' caricature was so exact and hilarious, Tauber had been forced to chuckle a bit.

Zefir just smiled patiently, her face betraying nothing.  When her turn came, she reached into a belt pouch and pulled out a small plastic bag containing a tiny, curly lock of black hair.  "This comes from the back of Viltus' beard." Even Tauber had gasped.  Then she pulled out another bag.  "This comes from, uh, lower down." It was the only time Tauber had ever seen Viltus shocked speechless.  "The Friends" laughed so loudly and for so long, that the rest of the cantina crowd slowly went quiet and turned to stare.  Viltus held up his hands in a gesture of surrender.  

At first, Zefir did not emit a peep.  She just stared intently at the bags in each hand, as if she were trying to weigh them.  When everyone finally quieted down, she said, in a perfect deadpan voice, "Actually...I'm not sure which is which.  I should have labeled them." Everyone seemed to laugh again.  But Tauber stopped when he realized Viltus was smiling, but not laughing.  Zefir was immediately hailed as the winner unanimously.  Viltus' lips smiled as if in amusement, but Tauber saw nothing pleasant in the man's eyes.

Tauber had waited until Zefir excused herself to leave, then made his excuses and followed her out.  He heard the snickers from the others.  He and Zefir had never exactly been discreet.  Everyone assumed there was about to be a lovers squabble.  Zefir made the same assumption.  She had refused to look at him as she continued to briskly walk away.  

"Tauber, we both agreed each was free to be with others! If you are here to..." Tauber had grabbed her arm, gently but firmly, and forced her to turn toward him.  "Wait!" She had reached for her lightsaber but relaxed a bit when she saw his expression.  "It's not like that.  Please, just stop and talk." Tauber let her go, and Zefir glared at him over crossed arms.  

Tauber continued, "I'm not jealous, I'm really not.  I have no right." He paused and took a deep breath.  "But you went too far." Zefir interrupted angrily.  "Exactly who I pass the time with is absolutely none of your business!" Tauber was frustrated, but tried to stay patient.  "Agreed.  But please let me finish.  You did not offend me.  You went too far with Viltus.  He acted amused, but you made an enemy when you decided to keep humiliating him.  Zefir, the look in his eyes…." Tauber hesitated.  "I think he means to kill you.  You have to be careful."

The rage drained out of Zefir's eyes.  But she still looked disgusted.  The sarcasm dripped off her lips.  "So, you are offering to watch my back...side, is it? But only to help me safe? You are sooooo generous." The mockery stung.  Tauber almost walked away then, but forced himself to continue.  She still thought he was jealous.  He liked Zefir, but thought she was entitled to any partner she chose.  This was about keeping her alive.  "Please, Zefir.  You need to be careful.'' Tauber knew he would be revealing an attachment, a weakness, but continued.  "I'm not jealous, Zefir, but I am...fond of you.  I really do believe Viltus means you harm.  I just want you to be careful."

Zefir's face softened.  She giggled a bit, leaned forward and gently kissed him on the cheek.  "Rancor, you are actually quite sweet sometimes.  Maybe that's why I keep coming back to you.  Maybe I think I can eventually wheedle a trophy out of you with some sweet talk of my own." She scratched him gently under his chin.  Tauber felt a little foolish as she continued, "Tauber, you're worrying too much about nothing.  So Viltus pouted? None of us enjoy losing, but it's just a game.  It doesn't really matter enough to get angry about.  That's part of why it's fun." 

Tauber shook his head.  "Not this time.  Viltus is proud of that ridiculous beard.  When you compared it to his pubic hairs he was enraged.  I saw it in his eyes.  Please be careful, Zefir." Zefir suddenly pulled him forward and kissed him again, squarely on the lips.  "Consider that a down payment toward our next liaison.  Go home and worry about important things, like whether you are still my favorite playmate.  I'm going offword tonight.  When I get back, I'll call.  Here." Zefir had taken one of his fingers in her hands, and placed the tip gently on the little horn in the center of her forehead.  Before Tauber recovered from his surprise, she bounded into the night toward the plaza taxi stand.

After she entered the speedercab, Tauber never saw Zefir again.  A fortnight later, one of her master's other apprentices approached him and asked if he had seen her.  The woman did not hide the fact that Zefir had arrived back at the Dromund Kaas starport the night before.  But Zefir never reached her quarters or her master's office.  Foul play was suspected.  A few days later, Tauber entered the offices of Sith Security, explaining he was a concerned citizen with information about Zefir's disappearance.

Tauber was ushered into an office to speak with the case's lead investigator, an aging human woman seated behind a cheap desk.  She introduced herself as Lord Inquisitor Bedriq.  Tauber made no effort to conceal his surprise.  Sith Security's normal task was to explain away crimes involving Sith, not solve them.  He had known the name of Zefir's master, but never realized the man was powerful enough to demand a real investigation conducted by an experienced Sith Inquisitor.  Tauber was pleased that Zefir's case was being taken seriously, but drawing attention to himself this way would be even more dangerous than he had anticipated.  He briefly considered backing out as best he could, but a sudden burst of rage compelled him back on course.  Zefir deserved vengeance.

Tauber confessed his dalliance with Zefir, including their quarrel.  Then he began explaining "The Society of Friends" and "the Game".  Bedriq listened for a time with an annoyed expression and finally held up her hand to interrupt him.  "Young apprentice, I already know all of this." Tauber remained calm, asking "Am I a suspect?" Bedriq narrowed her eyes.  "Of wasting my time? Yes.  Of this particular murder? No.  As I said, I already know all this.  All the members of your silly little fraternity have been investigated.  I expect you all to be cleared very soon.  You, in particular, have no motive and an iron-clad alibi." Bedriq's irritation was obvious.  "I remember my peers being idiots when we were young, I remember MYSELF being a fool sometimes as an apprentice, but your little pack of philandering ack dogs is just...  unbelievable." She glared at Tauber and shook her head again.

Tauber had easily recalled what he had been doing the night Zefir returned to Dromund Kaas and was immediately confused.  He had "investigated" a warehouse on his master's behalf,under circumstances that allowed for no alibi.  Before Tauber could stop himself, he heard himself blurting out, "My lord, someone has misled you, I don't have an alibi, I was alone that n..." Bedriq suddenly interrupted him.  "Apprentice! Making a false statement to an investigator is a capital crime!" Tauber immediately fell silent.  The Inquisitor relaxed in her chair and continued, "It is true that this particular offence is often suspected.  Very, very often, in fact.  And that it is normally overlooked when one of the Sith is suspected.  But before you continue, you should know that I already know what you were doing that night.  If you lie to me about it, I will be required to bring charges."

Tauber struggled to remain calm while Bedriq continued.  "I know you went to a smuggler's warehouse, killed everyone within, secured a mysterious cargo with the help of a hired security team that entered afterwards, then destroyed all security footage of the incident.  Is that an accurate summary?" Tauber did not know how to respond.  "Yes, my lord.  But, but how..." 

Lord Bedriq smirked,  "There was a witness, you idiot child! Don't worry, it wasn't one of the smugglers.  You were impressively thorough.  It was another member of your pack of preposterously lascivious schutta." Tauber just sat there looking confused.  Bedriq continued dryly.  "Your 'friend', Viltus, watched you go in and watched you come out.  He had been planning to murder you that night, boy!" Bedriq had leaned forward and slapped the side of Tauber's head for emphasis.  "He was completely besotted with the girl! He followed you and the Zabrak, and witnessed your little spat, then saw her kiss you as you made up.  The little fool was crushed.  He believed that he had lured Zefir away from you.  So he decided then that you needed to go.  Viltus had been stalking you for days." Tauber was shocked into silence.  Bedriq continued to speak.  "He had second thoughts that night.  Looking at you now, I understand why.  You could break him like a dry twig.  I expect that covered in gore and viscera you were even more terrifying."

Tauber was so befuddled he could think of little else to say.  "Viltus confessed to planning to murder me?" Bedriq leaned back with an amused expression.  "Viltus came in as soon as it became common knowledge the girl was missing.  He is completely enthralled by the girl.  The poor fool was willing to do or say anything that might help us find her.  He cleared you immediately so we wouldn't waste our time.  I doubt the lovesick fop is willing to accept her death even now." 

Tauber sighed.  Sadly, he asked, "Is she actually dead, then?" Bedriq gave him a sympathetic glance.  "Zefir had you a little bewitched, too, didn't she.  I don't blame you, I've seen the images.  She was quite fetching." 

Bedriq's expression became businesslike.  "I'm sorry, but yes.  We have not yet found the body, and maybe we never will.  We have found evidence that indicates she was abducted.  We are not certain she survived the process.  Frankly, we are not yet certain she did not go with someone willingly.  But you knew her, very well it seems.  Was she the sort to return to Dromund Kaas just before abandoning her master and making a run for it? Do you really think that if she were taken captive, she would not have escaped by now or died trying?"

Tauber had thought he believed Zefir was dead.  But he realized he was still clinging to a wispy hope that she was still alive.  He let it go, even while the ache in his chest deepened.  He asked dully, "Are Viltus and I going to be charged?" Bedriq laughed and struggled to stop cackling.  "You really are a fool.  Don't be ridiculous.  For what? Killing smugglers? For plotting a murder and backing out? I am not on a mission to arrest every Sith in the Empire." 

Tauber sat in the chair, defeated.  Tauber's plan had been to point out that Viltus and Zefir had recently become intimate.  Tauber was not fool enough to accuse Viltus.  As it was, even his poorly-formed idea risked drawing suspicion onto himself.  All Tauber had planned to say was "I can not believe Viltus would ever hurt her, but he may know something about her movements.  Perhaps he saw her the night she returned." He had just wanted the investigators to look into Viltus, hoping that would be enough.  But thanks to Viltus, he and Tauber were both already cleared.  

Bedriq spoke curtly.  "Apprentice Tauber, do you understand how foolishly all of you have been behaving? These kinds of entanglements lead to violence on a regular basis, especially among the Sith.  And even if they do not lead to bloodshed, they cause problems.  I've had to waste time investigating a dozen people who are beyond all doubt innocent.  I am trying to defuse a potential feud between Viltus' master and yours.  Feuds between Sith Lords create a torrent of work for this office.  Avoiding weeks of forced overtime would have become impossible if one of you were dead by the other's hand." Bedriq's annoyed scowl returned.  "Before I close this case I will need to waste even more time writing a report for the masters of each one of you oversexed nitwits.  I doubt any of your masters will be amused.  You may wish you could trade places with Zefir after they are done with you." 

Bedriq waved him away, shooing him like a dismissed child.  "Apprentice, I am clearing you and your friends, but do not make the mistake of thinking this incident will be forgotten.  If any of you attract the attention of Sith Security again, you will greatly regret it.  You can expect a full and thorough investigation of any allegations that involve you, no matter how trivial.  There will be NO favors done, even if you reach the rank of Darth.  Given how stupid you all are, though, I do not expect that to actually become an issue for my office.  You will likely all be dead soon enough." When Tauber hesitated before standing, the aging woman almost yelled, "Are you dense.  Do you actually want more attention? I am telling you to get out!" Tauber had swiftly left her office and exited the building.

Tauber had remained stoic as he walked to a taxi stand.  He rode the cab to the jungles at the edge of the city.  He walked deep into the jungle, every predator fleeing as he approached.  After hiking roughly a half dozen kilometers into the canopy, he reached out with the force to ensure he was alone.  Then Tauber screamed until he had nothing left inside but an aching void.  He stood in the now silent jungle, quietly stoking his fury as it began to rain.  In his mind, he boiled down his anger into small nuggets of pure hatred.  Tauber carefully stored them away, as precious fuel for the distant day he would unleash his rage.

Viltus had fooled the Inquisitor.  Viltus probably even believed he had fooled Tauber.  But Tauber knew Viltus.  Viltus could never be besotted with anyone but himself.  And Tauber had seen those eyes that night, aimed like blaster cannons at Zefir.  Zefir was dead.  Viltus had arranged it somehow.  Viltus had manufactured an alibi for himself.  And Tauber could do nothing about it.  Not now.

Tauber was not foolish enough to think Zefir loved him, or vice versa.  But she had been important to him, about as close to a friend as one could have among the Sith.  He wanted revenge for her sake.  He wanted to rip Viltus' heart and devour it in front of the murderer as he died, then shatter Viltus' skull and scatter the fragments on her grave.  But for now, he was helpless.

The senior inquisitor was right.  Tauber could break Viltus in half with little effort.  Tauber suspected he could kill an armed Viltus with nothing but his bare hands and pure fury.  But Viltus was too slippery to be caught unawares.  Worse, Viltus had seen to it that even if Tauber managed to assassinate him, either personally or via proxy, Tauber would immediately become the main suspect.  Tauber took Bedriq's warning seriously.  She would pursue Tauber to the ends of the Galaxy if Viltus 'disappeared', if only because she was angry about the increased paperwork.  He might survive her efforts to pin the crime on him, but his career would be ruined by the attention.

Tauber would need to wait for the witch to die.  Revenge would take years of patience.  Tauber understood his own temper.  Patience was not one of his strengths.  Tauber would have to learn patience and hone it.  Tauber vowed he would turn patience into his sharpest tool.  Making Viltus pay was important, vital.  He would nurse this hatred until the end of his days, long after Viltus was dust.  But he would not act on it so long as Bedriq lived.

After a few hours Tauber had managed to calm himself.  It was time to face the consequences of his foolishness.  He hiked back to the city through the worsening storm.  He hailed another taxi and presented himself in his master's office, drenched and muddy.  He knelt before his master, Lord Obvalis.  Tauber immediately confessed his foolishness, explained the sordid affair, while keeping his suspicions to himself.  Tauber promised to devote himself exclusively to serious pursuits and his master's work.  And above all, Tauber vowed he would never play the idiotic "Game" again.  Lord Obvalis had simply listened quietly, then calmly asked a few questions.

Tauber knew his master as a hard man of ferocious cruelty.  Tauber expected well deserved punishment and harsh discipline, accompanied by apoplexy and insults, delivered via loudly shouted orders.  But after Obvalis asked Tauber to describe his "confession" to the Lord Inquisitor in more detail, the lord had soon burst into fits of laughter.

Tauber had heard his master laugh cruelly while describing a scheme or plot against a hated enemy.  He had heard his master laugh ruefully after an unexpected setback.  But this was jolly laughter.  Lord Obvalis was beside himself with it.

The middle-aged man chortled.  "Bedriq is wrong, young apprentice.  I am extremely amused.  Far from being angry with you, I am grateful.  This is the best laugh I have had in years." Tauber reddened.  "I am glad my foolishness amuses you, master." The lord quieted for a moment.  Before Tauber was able to regret his foolishly impertinent tone, more guffaws cascaded into the air.  Tauber knew it only lasted a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity.  This was definitely worse than being at the receiving end of his master's rage.

After Lord Obvalis stopped laughing, the still jovial lord continued.  "Bedriq is wrong about your little game, too.  I've known about it since it began.  I would have put a stop to it long ago if I had thought it was a waste of your time.  Honestly, apprentice.  I remember being young.  The young have many passions.  They need outlets for them." 

Tauber knew he looked skeptical as the lord continued.  "Seriously.  You believe being a Sith lord is all about murdering one's rivals and hatching plans for their destruction? Think, boy! The Emperor in his wisdom has ordered us to cooperate toward common goals: the expansion of the Empire and the prosperity of its citizens, the destruction of the Jedi and the conquest of their Republic.  We have to actually get along most of the time." 

Tauber now listened intently as the Sith lord steadily became more serious.  "Contests like this are good for you.  For all of you.  You learn to act on rivalries without letting them break out into violence.  And how to contain yourself when rivalry actually descends into mutual hatred.  You are doing well.  You just learned a valuable lesson about the potential traps in these sorts of relationships.  Of how swiftly a game can become genuinely dangerous."

"But you still have much to learn about interacting with your fellow Sith.  Besides, if you ceased attending, it would make ME look fearful of a mere game.  You are NOT going to stop going to these gatherings.  You will attend them unless I have other tasks for you.  You will report afterwards in detail what takes place during each contest.  And woe betide you if I do not think you are making your best efforts to win each and every time.  Do you understand?"

"Yes, my master." Tauber was not sure he really understood even as he bowed his head.  Was his master sincere about the 'Game' being worthwhile? Or did his master want intelligence on the other apprentices? Or perhaps it was a punishment, humiliating Tauber by forcing him to report his sexual conquests and rare failures on a regular basis? Tauber even wondered for a moment if his master was just hoping for a little semi-pornographic entertainment.  Tauber rapidly realized that none of these purposes would be mutually exclusive.

"Oh, and Tauber...." The Obvalis’  voice was steely.  "I will be extremely displeased if I believe Viltus has discerned your intent to kill him.  And I forbid you to act on that desire until you formulate a plan I am willing to approve." Tauber had never mentioned his suspicions of Viltus and started to protest.  "Silence apprentice! When you first entered my service, I thought you were a little dense.  Merely a blunt tool to be used until your luck ran out.  But I know better now.  You know he is responsible for that girl's death as well as I do.  But you lack the experience, the social and political experience, to grasp the full implications." 

Tauber was almost cowed but insisted on speaking, "I will not forgo vengeance against that worm.  He must die." The lord's voice boomed.  "Good! I would expect nothing less from you.  But as strong and clever as you are, you still need experience.  Above all you need to learn patience.  You need to learn to stop and think, to stop and ask yourself the important questions.  Do you really think that little bearded fop could gather the resources to hire a band of assassins able to actually kill any member of your little band of merrymakers, let alone one as powerful as that girl? No.  The boy dropped poison in someone else's ear, someone wealthy, powerful or both.  I thought you wanted revenge, apprentice.  Are you willing to settle for the hand, to permit the mind that ordered the blow to escape your wrath? " Tauber was on his feet shouting before he realized, boiling with rage all over again.  "No Master! Absolutely not!"

The Sith Lord made two fists and began bumping them into one another.  "Excellent.  I would hate to lose a valuable tool because he was too rash." The slender man began to pace.  "Besides, it is curious.  Anyone who can order a successful murder like this, without my knowledge, could pose a threat.  They need to be exposed.  But I have tools better suited than you for such a task." Tauber began to object.  "You are beginning to anger me, apprentice.  You need not fear.  You have been an excellent servant, the least I can do is allow you a little revenge.  You will have it.  But you must be PATIENT first.  You are dismissed."

Another round of drinks appeared and Tauber realized he had been staring into space during his reverie.  The thin blue Twi'lek had reappeared with her tray and was replacing the empty mugs on the table with full.  She refused to glance in his direction and was obviously even more frightened than she had been earlier.  Tauber smiled, gently took her chin and turned her face until she was forced to look him in the eyes.  He spoke kindly, "What's your name, girl?" The slave tried to put on a brave face, but her voice trembled slightly.  "I am called Jonpulo, if it pleases you master." Tauber smiled, as pleasantly as he could.  "Jonpulo, you have nothing to fear.  You will serve me tonight, but I will be very gentle.  You may even enjoy the attentions.  Now inform your overseer, report to the concierge office and wait for me there." The girl held back her terror, quietly curtsied and ran back to the bar to speak with the bartender.  The she left the cantina for the hotel concourse.  Groans went up from the others before she was three steps away.  

Tauber took a sip, then smiled over his mug as he listened to Viltus complain.  "I honestly never thought I would live to see the day you gave up and dropped out." Tauber shrugged.  "Who says I'm dropping out? I've just recently realized I am a man of prodigious appetites.  I always have room for dessert afterwards." Everyone started to laugh.  "Besides, she really doesn't need to worry.  I plan to be so tired by the time I reach her, all I'll be capable of is gentleness." Even Viltus had hooted at this point.  Jauks punched him in the arm and gave him the thumbs up.  Nobody thought Tauber was exaggerating, or boasting.  He was just Tauber being Tauber, a little too honest and a little dense.

Tauber excused himself, promised to return quickly, and headed for the concierge.  Tauber was pleased with himself.  For the first time in many months, Tauber was convinced Viltus did not suspect a thing.  Tauber's little experiment with the Twi’lek proved he had learned to dissemble convincingly.  He knew it would still be years before he had his revenge, but Viltus would not suspect it was being plotted.

Tauber walked toward the concierge, to make arrangements regarding the timid, anxious slavegirl.  He was in a good mood now.  He was certain the woman would be pleased by how she spent her evening.

Chapter 3: The Masked Woman

Tauber walked into the concierge office.  Several patrons were waiting in line.  Jonpulo was kneeling in the back with her head down.  Tauber took her by the arm and gently pulled her to her feet.  The line had scattered as soon as people realized he was a Sith, so Tauber walked his charge straight to the desk.

The concierge was a well dressed, attractive human with elaborately styled brown hair piled above their head.  "Good evening, sir.  I assume you wish to make some special arrangements." Tauber gave them a smug grin while replying.  "Nothing too special.  Two adjacent rooms, or perhaps a suite with two bedrooms.  And this girl, to attend me." The concierge peered skeptically at the skittish Twi'lek over her datapad.  "My Lord, I mean no disrespect, but this slave is rather drab for a patron such as yourself, I can arrange..." Tauber shook his head and chuckled.  "No.  No.  She'll be just perfect.  I'm feeling a little experimental tonight.  I wouldn't want to damage anything or anyone too valuable." Jonpulo began quaking in fear, but she was able to remain on her feet.  Tauber leaned over and whispered, very softly into her ear, "Courage, little one." 

Tauber continued with the concierge.  "Her outfit displeases me.  Give her a shop balance of 1000 credits so she can purchase something else in the shops." The concierge, slightly confused, sought clarification.  "You want this girl to make the purchase?" Tauber nodded his head.  "I'm going to be busy the next few hours and don't want to waste time with it.  Don't worry, I'll instruct her.  You might as well authorize her for room service as well." The concierge got back to business.  "It will be as you command, sir." After receiving passkeys to a large suite, Tauber escorted the trembling slave out of the office.

Jonpulo almost immediately dropped to her knees and put her head to his boot.  Her voice was pleading.  "My lord.  Master.  I will do my best to please you.  My very best.  But I...I have no training as a pleasure slave.  I..." Tauber reached down, pulled her to her feet, and put a finger to her lips.  "Shush.  You're a cutie.  I'm sure you've had to do this before, eh?" Jonpulo would have fallen to her knees again if Tauber had not held her up.  She stared directly at the floor, before meekly responding, "I've been pawed by drunken soldiers and...and horny spacers and the like, master.  I've never been ordered to please a great lord.  I don't know what sort of clothes or cosmetics to buy for you.  I..." The girl was talking faster than a swoop bike at his point.  Tauber again put his finger to her lips.

"Jonpulo, is it? Settle yourself.  I'm not a great lord,  I am only a Sith apprentice." The girl was almost in a panic now.  Tauber continued, trying to sound soothing "I am not going to hurt you.  I know how tired you must be by this point in your shift, and that you had several more hours of work ahead of you.  I know you would then quickly eat some gruel and collapse onto a thin mat for a few hours sleep before starting another long shift.  Am I right?" Jonpulo nodded her head.  

Tauber squeezed her arm very lightly.  "You want to please me? Then here are your orders.  I want you to buy a nice outfit, appropriate for your work and sleep, and then whatever else you like at the shops.  Are you allowed to keep small gifts from patrons?" Jonpulo gave a slight nod.  "If they are not too valuable, master." Tauber was pleased.  "Good.  Then buy things you will be allowed to keep." Tauber handed her one of the passkeys to his suite.  "After you have shopped, I want you to go to the room and order yourself a nice meal, whatever you like.  Take a nice hot bath in the jacuzzi.  Then choose a bedroom, close the door and get a good night's sleep.  THAT is what would please me." Jonpulo lifted her head and looked at him with wide eyes.  She was beginning to be hopeful, but her eyes were clouded by fear as well.  "Will master be permitting his slave to please him this evening?"

Tauber was sympathetic to the girl’s anxiety.  "Probably not.  Girl, I know you've heard stories of the Sith, how we play cruel games sometimes.  I don't expect you to really believe this is not a painful prank until tomorrow morning.  But do try to enjoy yourself and get some rest.  I command it." He swatted her bottom, just hard enough to make a sound.  Now Tauber spoke loudly.  "You have your orders, girl.  Get moving.  NOW!" She squealed and literally ran toward the shops.

Tauber heard a pitched, irritated voice behind him.  "Why did you do THAT?" Without turning, Tauber sneered back.  "What's the matter, boy? Wanted her for yourself?"

Tauber felt the Force suddenly darken behind him and realized he was in tremendous danger.  He swiftly spun around, drew his lightsaber and entered a defensive stance without thinking.  The passing shoppers and patrons murmured and backed off at the sight of the sabre's red beam.  The boy had a lightsaber on his belt, but it was untouched.  He was already drawing his hand away.

"No.  Not a boy." Tauber realized.  The figure wore baggy black robes with a cowled hood with copper-rimmed eyeslots that came down to just above her nostrils.  Not even 160cm tall, she could easily be mistaken for a young human male, except for the narrow boneplate perched above her  crimson chin and her bright yellow eyes.  She was obviously a Pureblood.  But no biological male Pureblood had a chin that delicate.  Most females didn't either, but this particular one did.

She began to fumble an apology.  "I am sorry, sir.  My temper has been frayed the past few days.  I intended no insult.  It..." The woman bit the insides of her lip before continuing.  She could barely look at him.  "It shames me to give offense this way." She bowed slightly forward with her eyes downcast, in the rare gesture of apology used among the Purebloods.

Tauber did not like being startled or unsettled.  And this person had managed both.  She was obviously fresh from the Trials.  Tauber decided to put the young woman in her place.  "I AM offended.  Perhaps you should draw your weapon so we can settle this with blood." Without moving, she spoke softly, but with a slight edge of menace,  "I would rather not.  The fault for this confrontation is entirely mine.  I have no wish to kill you without first making amends."

Tauber had no genuine desire to harm the girl.  He had only wanted her to grovel a bit more before he stood down.  Instead, he was astonished by her utter lack of fear.  At first he thought her an idiot, then he realized he had been unaware she was close enough to strike at him until she spoke.  Tauber's master was one of two Sith who had ever managed to approach that closely without stirring the force around him.  And his master could no longer accomplish it.  Tauber did not think she was a real danger at the moment, just an excellent sneak.  She might still turn out to be an idiot, but now she was also interesting.  ‘The Game' was afoot.

Tauber disarmed his sabre and re-holstered it.  "I accept your apology and offer one of my own, I spoke crudely.  In fairness, I had no idea you were a colleague then.  I did not sense your approach." His answer seemed to please her.  She stood straight and smiled.  The crisis over, the rubbernecking crowd went back to its business, disappointed at the dull conclusion.  Hotel security droids discreetly withdrew.

The cowled girl asked a question, but more respectfully this time.  "The tone of my question probably sounded rude.  I meant no insult, I was just befuddled.  Why...why were you so nice to that slave? Is it part of a scheme? A game?" Tauber rubbed the back of his neck.  It was actually a fair question.  She was obviously from an aristocratic family.  To a Pureblood, his behavior probably seemed utterly bizarre.  There was no mockery or derision in her voice either, just earnest curiosity.

Tauber found her likeable enough now, but still wanted to tease her a bit.  "I'll answer your question if you answer mine first.  Were you more upset at being called a child, or being misidentified as male? Maybe I was wrong about who and what you wanted." He expected the girl to fluster a bit, or grow angry, but she seemed to take the question seriously, carefully considering her answer.  "I think it was just that I did not like your tone.  I...I anger easily when I am treated dismissively or disrespectfully.  It is a trait I must overcome, at least for now." Tauber was amused.  "Interacting with your master must be a misery, then." 

The woman suddenly looked very grave.  "It is, but never for that reason.  My master berates me, and sometimes inflicts unpleasant punishments.  But the discipline is always completely justified.  And I am always made to feel valued even then." Tauber made it clear he was skeptical.  "Then you are the most pampered, overprivileged apprentice I have ever met." She seemed thoughtful for a moment.  "I suppose I may be.  You have given me something to think about." 

Tauber just stared at her.  She wasn't merely interesting, she might actually be the oddest person he had met since his own Trials.  She seemed lost in thought, so he brought her attention back to himself.  "I must be an excellent teacher then.  A valuable lesson and I STILL have not answered your question." The woman became perfectly attentive, focusing her yellow eyes on his. Tauber began to explain,  "It probably seemed very odd to someone who grew up in a wealthy Pureblood family.  Honestly, I think it would seem odd to most Sith.  But I enjoyed it."

"My family, before I became Sith, ran a large tavern in a mining settlement.  My parents' slaves had to work hard.  But both my parents always tried to treat them fairly, and did them frequent small kindnesses.  My mother said it made a slave more loyal, but I could always tell it made her feel good inside.  She is probably still enjoying it." 

The cowled woman interrupted, "I understand.  Ordinary humans are often kind.  But you are a Sith." Tauber was mildly annoyed at the interruption.  "Let me finish.  Yes, my mother was kind....is kind.  But even as a boy, I understood it was more than that.  She enjoyed exercising that sort of power over others.  It gave her satisfaction.  She wasn't cruel in any way.  She could not bear to actually punish the slaves.  If servants became too much trouble, she simply sold them.  But deciding which slaves to reward and how pleased her almost as much as killing an enemy pleases me.  I thought I had no enemy to kill tonight," Tauber gave the girl a playful glance, "but I could still enjoy exercising power by handing out a small reward to an overworked slave." Tauber shrugged.  "That probably makes little sense to you."

The woman was very quiet for a time.  Moments before Tauber lost patience, she spoke.  "Do you plan to use her physically? That would make her feel your power all the more." Tauber shook his head.  "No it would not.  Then I would be just another horny patron satisfying an appetite for cruelty and sex with a helpless slave.  I know I am powerful without resorting to that.   Rape is for weaklings, not the strong." 

Tauber grinned mischievously at the mysterious girl.  "Besides, she really is exhausted.  I prefer partners with more energy.  How about you? You're probably rested and strong.  Wouldn't you prefer an energetic partner?" 

The woman responded to Tauber's last question with a skeptical grimace he knew he had earned.  But she was obviously amused, not offended.  Tauber was pleased.  He had already found a target for "the Game." But he needed to reel her in more closely.  None of his “friends" would be impressed by a tale of bagging a naive new apprentice fresh off the shuttle from Korriban.  An eccentric, aristocratic Pureblood he had menaced with a lightsaber would be a genuine catch.  The other players would need to meet her in person, though.

Tauber put on the bashful farm-boy grin that had served him so well while playing 'the Game.' Sheepishly, he said, "To a lady like you, I probably sound like a rube, maybe touched a bit by madness." He expected her to agree, or to laugh, but she just looked at him with a thoughtful expression.  "No.  I think I understand better than you realize.  This actually explains a great deal I witnessed while..." she hesitated a moment, “...while growing up with...  my family.  As I remember, the lord of the House often acted in a similar fashion.  As a child, I thought nothing of it at the time.  But your words put the small kindness often shown to household slaves in perspective."

Tauber noticed she had referred to "The lord of the house" rather than to a "mother", "father" or some other family relationship.  He suspected the verbal tick was significant.  But then dismissed it as an effort to avoid revealing any information about herself.  She was wearing a cowl, after all.  

Tauber decided to probe, asking casually, "So is the mask for fashion or are you some kind of spy?" Tauber was certain the girl's skin darkened slightly.  He had not known Purebloods could blush.  "My master ordered me to Kaas City.  I am on business that makes it inconvenient to show my face." Tauber was amused.  "You must know that a cowled Sith in a hotel concourse is about as unobtrusive as an acklay trying to play the fiddle.  Shouldn't you be peeking out from behind a curtain or something?"

Now the girl became genuinely flustered for a moment, but swiftly recovered.  "Obviously, of course.  But my business requires me to talk to people.  It does not really matter if people are curious about me, only that I do not reveal my face.  If the attention lets me speak to more people, it is all for the better." Tauber considered her.  He sensed no deception at all.  The girl clearly found her current assignment frustrating.  But he recognized it provided him an opportunity.

And Tauber was genuinely curious, as well.  He tried to sound conspiratorial.  "So you ARE a spy, eh? What kind of people are you supposed to talk to? And what about? Are you at liberty to say?" The masked woman bit her lips again, and then spoke.  "I see no harm in it.  I am seeking news and rumors circulating in the city.  Especially rumors about...  mishaps and accidents...  among the Sith over the past few months." Tauber gave her his most pleasant, sincere smile and winked.  She quickly added, "I am not a spy, not really.  I seek no hidden truths, just the shape of current rumors.  Tall tales and the like." 

Tauber did not believe a word of it.  But he offered her his arm, as he had seen normal men do when courting.  "I am certain I can help with that.  Would you accompany me back to my friends? They all love trading gossip about Sith.  They would be delighted to regale a lady fresh from her Trials." Tauber was certain she would come with him, after pointedly ignoring his offered arm.  But she bowed, placed her hands on his elbow and smiled at him, as if she were a peasant girl with a new suitor.  Tauber wondered if she was playing a game of her own.

As he led her back to the cantina, he asked her, "My name is Tauber.  What should I call you?" She thought for a moment and replied, "I am called Nadda, sir.  I am very pleased to meet you." Tauber snorted at her.  "Huttese for 'nobody'? I guess your name is supposed to be as much a mystery as your face." She just glanced away demurely, a smug little smile parked above her chin.

The amused woman began to speak.  "By the way, if you do not wish that timid Twi'lek to climb into your bed, you will need to order her away.  And she will make clumsy efforts to seduce you when you refuse her." Tauber laughed.  "Already jealous? She did not seem enamored of my charms." 'Nadda' looked at him and frowned a little.  "No.  She is not." She then glanced upward and away, her voice laced with feigned innocence.  "Why should she be?" 

Tauber smiled at the girl on his arm.  He could tell she found him attractive.  But his new companion wished to draw a little blood? That was fine.  Someone with a little bite was usually more fun in bed.

Nadda then resumed speaking.  "But the Twi'lek is still very proud, and will hate the idea of being indebted to you.  She will attempt to repay your kindness with the only currency she has to offer." Tauber was dismissive.  "She seemed very well broken to me." Nadda shook her head.  "You mistake my meaning.  The girl is meek and has no arrogance in her.  She would never dare rebel against a slave overseer, let alone a Sith.  But she's still a person.  She still has some pride, a desire to keep what little dignity she can manage.  Do you like carrying debts you can never repay? It is the same for her." 

Tauber stopped and looked at Nadda.  She stopped along with him, her hands still on his arms.  "You really think you can tell all that, don't you? Just from seeing her for a few moments?" Nadda just smiled and said, "Of course.  I have been specially trained in such things.  It makes me a better spy." She lifted her head proudly and pretended to look idly at the nearby shops.

Tauber could not tell whether she was being perfectly serious, or if she was just trying to tease him.  The cowled girl was a total mystery when he tried to read her now, barely a ripple in the Force.  Tauber was not sure he cared about winning the game this evening.  It was going to be an interesting night no matter what happened next.

Chapter 4: Lovers' Quarrel

Tauber walked at a slow pace back toward the hotel cantina, 'Nadda' allowing herself to be led.  Tauber appreciated the looks they drew as they strolled together.  They made some patrons anxious, who mostly gave them a wide berth.  One chubby Imperial officer saw the two and immediately turned around and walked in the opposite direction.  For the most part, the couple were peered at as a curiosity.  Two Sith strolling arm in arm through a downtown shopping center was the stuff of holovids and comic books, not real life.  

Tauber decided he had to somehow broach the subject of the Game.  Nadda was obviously clever, and the others were bound to tell her anyway, if only to make Tauber's task more difficult.  But before he had decided what to say, he felt Nadda leading him, firmly but slowly, toward one of the boutiques they had just passed.  She patted his forearm as she withdrew from his arm, which he understood as a signal to wait.

Through the shop window, he saw Jonpulo standing anxiously in front of a rack of negligee, while a clerk waited impatiently.  Nadda approached and spoke to both, too softly for Tauber to hear.  Then the cowled woman drew a septsilk nightshirt from the rack and spoke briefly to the others.  The skeptical Twi'lek took the garment and went behind a changing curtain.

When the slave shyly emerged, Tauber was astonished.  Jonpulo wore a simple, slip-like blouse that came to just above her knees.  Vertical alternating yellow, black and white stripes rose from the hem to a demure neckline.  The stripes twisted slightly at the waist, and seemed to broaden at the bust and hips, giving the illusion of a curvy figure to a girl unhealthily thin.  And the colors were pleasing when set against the girl's blue skin and dotted le-kku.  Nadda motioned for the Twi'lek to spin and then applauded.  The cowled woman even jumped up and down once.  Jonpulo could almost pass for a proper pleasure slave or courtesan.

When Jonpulo started back toward the changing area, the Pureblood shook her head, took the slavegirl by the wrist and pulled over toward the costume jewelry counter.  They spoke excitedly for a few moments, while Nadda pointed out a few items underneath the glass.  Then the Twi'kek suddenly hugged Nadda and kissed her on the cheek.  Nadda seemed to make her excuses and left the shop, while the clerk drew out items for the Twi'lek to consider.

Nadda walked out of the shop and placed her hands back on Tauber’s elbow.  "I am sorry for delaying us, good sir.  Shall we continue?" Tauber realized he was gaping at her and tried to recover.  Tauber did his best impression of the first words he had heard Nadda utter, "Why did you do THAT?" She looked at him with a shocked expression.  "That metal bikini she had been wearing was GHASTLY! I wasn't about to let her put it back on."

Tauber stopped and crossed his arms, mildly annoyed.  "You know what I mean.  Stop playing the fool.  No Pureblood can pull it off.  No Sith can pull it off.  '' Nadda grew serious.  "I think you would be surprised.  Purebloods can be gigantic fools.  Even Pureblood Sith Lords." Tauber frowned.  "Don't I know it.  But none of you are ditzy.  It's not believable.  If you think so, you will never be a very good spy.  Besides, it's obvious you are no fool.  What were you doing just now? Explain." 

Nadda looked at him with a curious expression.  "Perhaps I was testing to see if kindness could make ME feel powerful.  Maybe it was whimsy.  Maybe I'm just trying to confuse you.  Maybe I really do want her for myself.  I feel no obligation to explain myself to a man who threatened to run me through with his blade." Tauber was about to respond when she interrupted.  "Especially when it was all just posturing with no follow through." She was grinning now.  "Shall we continue? I am eager to meet your gossipy friends.  Perhaps they are more...energetic?"

Tauber knew the woman was baiting him.  But two could play that way.  Tauber stroked his chin and pursed his lips.  "Well, the Twi’lek does seem more taken by you than with me.  So you're welcome to her.  Here.  I am sure she’ll be energetic for you." Tauber held one of the suite passkeys out for Nadda.  

Nadda looked at Tauber's hand, as though she were seriously considering the offer.  Then she waved the key away, shaking her head.  "No.  No.  I confess, being kind did feel like a kind of power.  And it must make you feel powerful, strong.  You promised her a good night's sleep.  I will not ask you to break your word.  I would not want to do anything that made you feel....small." Nadda lifted her chin upwards looking directly into his eyes.  "Besides, I prefer to set my sights a bit higher." She squeezed one of Tauber's biceps.

Tauber didn't know whether to be irritated or aroused.  It was all the more frustrating knowing that this was exactly the state Nadda intended.  Tauber tried to sound annoyed.  "You are not like any Pureblood woman I have ever met." He was about to add "Like any woman of any kind!" when Tauber remembered Zefir.

Tauber grew mildly alarmed as he sensed Nadda's mood darken without warning.  She spoke calmly at first, with a faint bitterness she was failing to conceal.  "How so? Is it because I'm still alive a few minutes later? You don't seem like the sort to approach a Pureblood for sex or conversation.  The scorn they would show a low-born human would be off putting to powerful force sensitive accustomed to having every eager girl and boy in his village throwing themselves at his feet, a bevy of slaves at the family business offering to please him, eager to please him.  Is that what the Twi'lek is to you? Nostalgia? A reminder of your initiation into sex?" Nadda winced and looked away as Tauber seized her by the arms.

The fit of rage came over Tauber as sudden as a thunderclap.  He knew his grip was hurting the woman but didn't care.  He pulled her close and sneered into her ear.  "Why the fuck would I care what a spoiled pinkskin princess or puffed up lordling thinks about humans? About me? You think I don't know what your life has been like? Trained in the force before you can talk.  Tutors.  Arms-masters.  Rigged trials with an acolyte class of hand selected weaklings to serve as speed bumps for your triumphant initiation into the Sith.  You are dead wrong about which direction the scorn goes." Nadda turned and looked him directly in the eyes, her face a mask of pure contempt.

But she whispered very quietly through her grimace, her words pleading.  "I beg forgiveness.  I spoke without thinking.  But I can not let myself be treated this way in public or my life is worthless." Tauber felt her lightsaber poking into his belly.  She continued, "I am genuinely, truly sorry.  But please...please apologize to me.  Make it look like a lovers spat.  You can mock me as long as you feign respect somehow." Then she bit him on the lip, hard, and pushed against his chest with her free hand.  Tauber let her push him away.  As she put the lightsaber back on her belt, Tauber realized she had been poking him with the pommel.  Nadda had pointed the business end at herself the entire time.

Tauber brought his hand up to his bleeding lip.  Glancing around, Tauber realized he had caused a bigger scene than when he had drawn his lightsaber earlier.  He had lost his temper with Nadda and he was still angry.  But she was right, unless he salvaged the situation she would need to retaliate or look preposterously weak.  As it was, it was likely that only the cowl allowed her to stay her hand.  She did not need to worry about being recognized and thought of as a weakling by those who knew her.

Tauber bowed as low as he could, and spoke loudly, with the exaggerated language he had once seen in a cheesy romance holovid.  "My treasure, please forgive your humble servant.  The ethereal beauty beneath your shroud enflamed me so much I forgot myself.  " He added in as sarcastic a tone as he could muster, "If you dismiss me now, I fear I shall die of loneliness." 

Nadda glared at him but removed her hand from her lightsaber, took off her glove, and held out her arm with her hand dangling.  Tauber laughed, took the offered hand, and kissed her fingers.  Then Nadda grabbed his collar, pulled his face to hers and kissed him.  She practically dragged Tauber into a small alcove between two shops, her lips locked to his.  Tauber could hear the braver members of the crowd laughing.  But Tauber saw one Pureblood glaring at them, no, he was looking specifically at Nadda, with undisguised contempt.  Tauber broke the kiss and started to push her away, but she wrapped her arms around him and pulled tight, pressing her head against his chest.

"Please let me explain.  I am not trying to provoke you, honestly." There was no passion or anxiety in her voice, just a mild apologetic tone.  Tauber hissed softly at her,  "I'm still angry, but I shouldn't have lost my temper.  That was foolish.  I'm pleased you didn't kill me, but a lot less pleased with you otherwise.  What the fuck...I mean, what did I do to deserve that tirade?" Nadda did not look at him as he spoke.  Tauber continued, "And Sith, let alone Purebloods, don't talk like that.  'I beg forgiveness?' What are you playing at?" To Tauber's surprise, Nadda sighed.  "I guess I still  have a long way to go before I'm a proper Pureblood Sith."

Nadda sounded serious now.  Tauber sensed sadness, although Nadda seemed to be trying hard to keep it hidden.  He wondered if she was trying to manipulate him.  "Please, I can explain." Nadda continued speaking as she stroked his back with her hands, simulating passion for the benefit of the gawkers they had attracted.  "You must realize that a Pureblood childhood can sometimes be very hard.  It is not all obsequious tutors and human-crushing practice." For the briefest of moments, Tauber felt a flash of pure rage emanating through the Force, then Nadda calmed.  "For some of us, it is nothing like that.  I have more reasons to be bitter about my childhood than most of my kind." 

Tauber felt his temper rising again.  He began to wonder if she was really as ordinary as she now seemed: a spoiled, resentful child acting out.

Tauber made no effort to hide his contempt as he spoke.  "Poor little rich girl.  Mommy was so mean and strict.  I've passed the Trials, so let's go trolling for an ignorant human, a hayseed, to prove Mommy's not your boss anymore.  That'll show the bitch you really are a grownup Sith!" 

Nadda now looked directly at him.  Tauber watched the hurt and confusion blossom in Nadda's eyes, but he didn't care.  He put all the scorn into his voice he could muster while continuing to speak softly.  "Come on, princess.  You think I can't see what this is all about now? Wearing a mask so you can go slumming without risk.  Blowing hot and cold because you can't make up your mind.  Acting like a foolish girl because that's what the big, dumb human males in holovids always moon over.  It's pathetic." He forced Nadda's hands from his body.  Tauber just glared at her.  She might be pathetic, but he knew he should not turn his back on her.

Nadda's eyes filled with rage for a moment.  Tauber would have sworn he could see sparks of lightning flare within her irises.  But it was gone as quickly as it arrived.  She took a few deep breaths and continued to speak apologetically.  "I really am a fool.  That is exactly how it must seem to you." To Tauber's surprise, Nadda started to laugh.  "By the Emperor, I must look absolutely ridiculous." Nadda struggled to stop, while Tauber warily backed away a step.  This was the rueful laughter of a frustrated Sith.  Tauber expected an attack and gripped his lightsaber.

Nadda glanced downward, placed her arms to her sides and angled her palms downward in a gesture of peace.  She did not wish to fight.  She was practically begging again.  "Please.  Let me speak a bit.  It is nothing like that.  It was just...honestly, I am just jealous."

"I know your Trials must have been terrible.  My Trials were much harder than you imagine, but I can not begin to imagine what you went through.  At least I knew roughly what was involved as they began." Nadda’s voice became contrite.  "I know I spoke out of turn.  But is it so hard for you to understand how much I envy what you once had? To be strong in the force, with kind parents? Surrounded by people who were fond of you and wanted you to be happy?" She looked him in the eyes.  "My..." Nadda hesitated a moment.  "My upbringing has left me unprepared for this sort of socializing.  You are correct that I only recently endured the Trials.  I confess they left me...  very unsettled.  I have struggled to control my temper ever since and forget myself frequently." She bowed.  "And I am sorry about what I said, just before you lost your temper.  I went too far.  I allowed myself to get carried away." 

Despite his best judgement, Tauber felt his mood softening.  Nadda seemed almost as waif-like and intimidated as the Twi'lek wench.  He was certain she was manipulating him now, but admired how skillfully it was being done.

Nadda spoke gingerly, as softly as a breeze.  "She must have been very special to you." Tauber was instantly wary again.  "What do you mean?" Nadda responded, "The woman the Twi'lek reminds you of.  Was she a lover at the Academy? From before that?" Nadda bit her lips, then quickly added, "I forget myself again.  You owe me no explanation."

Tauber was now intrigued enough to play along.  "I was unaware anyone could use the Force to read minds.  Where did you learn this useful discipline?" Nadda looked at him, suddenly very earnest.  "It is not like that.  There is no force trick to it.  It's just something I was taught.  To watch the eyes and face for hidden feelings.  To ponder small gestures and their deeper meaning.  To question strange behavior." She hesitated a moment.  "And strange requests.  To decode the secrets these things can reveal.  The person who instructed me in all this was blind to the Force." Nadda smiled, seemingly to herself.  "The Force does make it a lot easier, though.  I'll admit to that."

Tauber knew he would probably regret it, but let his curiosity get the better of his caution.  "So why do you think she reminds me of a lost love? What were the signs?" Nadda's cheeks darkened.  Tauber was now certain Purebloods could blush.  Nadda tried to speak nonchalantly, "Before you slapped Jonpulo's backside in the cantina, it was obvious..." Nadda fell silent when she saw Tauber's expression.  He was very guarded now, his hand back on his lightsaber.  Tauber spoke evenly, but he put some menace into his words.  "You were spying on me back at the cantina? You followed me out and down the concourse?"

Nadda bit her lips, but continued.  "That is not exactly right.  I was eavesdropping on your friends before you arrived.  I have not lied to you.  I really am trying to gather up rumors.  They seemed like a good source for gossip.  And well..." Nadda hesitated, seeming genuinely mortified.  "Speak.  I am ever less impressed by your spying skills by the way." 

Nadda shrugged.  "They argued about which was the winner of the Game you all play.  Listening was entertaining.  I actually…”  Nadda seemed to utter a curse under her breath.  “I might as well admit it.  I was thinking of trying my hand at your Game myself.  I do not know the rules, but I can guess.  I was about to introduce myself, but suddenly you showed up and I decided to keep eavesdropping instead." Nadda seemed to shrink.  "You were a new player...I mean, I wanted to know a bit about you before I approached."

It was Tauber's turn to laugh.  "That's what this is about? You've been acting like a moody, laserbrained schoolgirl because you want a TROPHY? That's easily arranged!" He seized her arms again, gently this time, pressed himself against her and began to nibble on her neck.  Nadda was genuinely startled and pushed back against him until he relented.  She looked frustrated to the point of tears.  "No.  It was not like that.  I feel foolish enough already.  Must you mock me?" She suddenly looked at him sharply.  "I hate feeling like a fool.  I really do.  Do you want to provoke me? I have already tolerated much."

Tauber was still laughing, but he had to admit Nadda was right.  She had tolerated almost as much as had.  He smirked.  "I have to assume you REALLY want that trophy." Nadda frowned at him, then suddenly gave him a proud glare.  "Maybe I did.  But I KNOW you want one." Tauber broke into snickers..  

But Nadda's expression turned solemn.  "But it was not like that.  Really.  It was just that, before you teased Jonlupo, you looked so wistful, almost mournful.  When you swatted her rump, you were gentle.  You were gentle again later when you spoke to her, almost tender.  But you never once truly seemed like one who desired her as a woman.  Sexually, I mean.  I just got curious and followed to see what happened next.  It was very strange to me.  You must be able to understand how I would think a Sith apprentice being kind to a random slave for no apparent reason is odd? And you were masking your intentions to the others.  It was like a small mystery.  I wanted to understand it."

Tauber did not know whether to be impressed or skeptical.  "But now you think she reminds me of someone? Someone special?" Nadda nodded her head.  "It was when you snarled at..." Nadda hesitated for a moment.  "At my ill-phrased question.  You sounded like you were trying to frighten me.  Like you wanted to protect her from me.  But I could tell you wanted nothing from her, and I knew you had only just met her." Nadda shrugged and turned to her side, leaning against the wall.  "It just...it seemed to fit.  She reminded you of someone else.  Someone you wanted safe." As Tauber looked at Nadda he grew thoughtful.  The woman sulked, gloomier by the moment.  Tauber suspected she felt foolish.  Then he suddenly had an intuition.  "When you said you didn't like my tone, you meant my tone toward her didn't you? You were jealous of her.  Of the kindness I was showing her."

Nadda rolled her eyes.  "I did not kill you earlier.  The least you can do now is refrain from humiliating me further.  Yes! You know my weaknesses now.  I am an idiot who thinks she can read minds and flies into an envious rage when I see someone receiving kind attention from an attractive male.  I wish I had a happy childhood to remember.  I make a poor Sith and will probably be dead within the year.  Go back to your friends and have a good laugh about it."

Tauber did not know what to say.  He suspected he should take her suggestion and withdraw.  Nadda was obviously unstable, she had confessed it.  But Tauber knew he would stay.  He had long enjoyed taking risks.  And he still wanted a trophy from her for the game.  But a moody, insecure Sith Pureblood was not a particularly impressive conquest.  It was in his interest to build her back up a little bit if he wanted her to impress the others.  And it should be easy.  All he had to do was tell her the truth.

Tauber gave her a gentle punch in the arm.  "I take back what I said earlier.  You actually are a good spy." Nadda looked at him doubtfully.  "I think you grasped what I was doing better than I did.  I realized while you were speaking that you were right.  The Twi'lek girl..." Nadda interrupted.  "Jonpulo." Tauber ignored the interruption.  "Yes, Jonpulo reminds me of someone, although I did not really think about it until now.  And yes, she was very special to me." Nadda pouted,  "Now you are mocking me." 

Tauber closed his eyes.  The memory was painful.  He rarely thought of it.  "No.  You were right.  I'll tell you about her."

Chapter 5: Ouroboros

The back of Tauber's throat felt dry.  He had never spoken of this with anyone, and it now seemed harder than he had thought.  But he forced himself to remember.  "I didn't meet her before the Trials.  She was part of my Trials.  She was called Krik.  Jonpulo could be mistaken for Krik if her skin was purple instead of bright blue.  And if she was in better health, ferocious instead of timid, muscular instead of gaunt.  Krik was a slave from a mine.  I've never met another woman who could punch so hard." Tauber stopped briefly, then continued.

"I know that Purebloods like you, people from Sith Houses, aristocrats with training and the like, usually go straight to Korriban to complete their education and then the final Trials.  You've had some training and education before you arrive.  So you are ready to use the force immediately." Tauber tried to speak without resentment.  He didn't want Nadda to think he was picking a fight.  Nadda nodded, a wary expression on her face.

"Nobody noticed I was force sensitive until I reported for my military service, where everybody gets tested. There are a LOT of us like that, people whose talents are not discovered until we are older.  Kids like me who grew up in remote places, people from newly conquered worlds, slaves and the like.  The Academy thinks it is a waste of time to put resources into us because we are assumed to be weak. After all, if we were strong in the Force we would have been found by the inquisitors when we were much younger.  We get a crash course in using the force at one of the local branches of the Academy, then get put through a round of Trials to see if we are worthy of more training on Korriban.  If we pass, we get another crash course on Korriban and get dropped into a proper class of acolytes for the final Trials.  Nadda spoke.  "I am embarrassed that I did not know this.  But it makes sense." The cowled woman seemed guarded now, with the faintest hint of a frown on her lips.

Tauber started to get angry at the interruption.  But he stifled it.  It was just his pain looking for an easy lever over him to keep him from saying more.  Tauber decided this particular pain had been commanding him for a long time.  It had gained the upper hand over him.  He needed to put this sorrow in its proper place.  He would make it his servant again and not his master.  So Tauber kept talking.

"There were a dozen in our class for the first Trial, but Krik and I were the strongest.  Not just in the Force, but every other way, too.  Smarter, brawnier, tougher.  For us, all the tests seemed hard, but doable.  They were even easier after we started helping each other.  She was the best friend I ever had.  Maybe the only real friend I ever had." Tauber realized that Nadda was staring at him very intently.  Nadda spoke evenly.  "You became lovers."

Tauber looked at Nadda.  He knew he should hide it, especially from a Sith, but he let the pain show in his face.  "You can't know what it was like.  I thought I had been in love before.  But to be with someone else, both of us with the Force.  To feel her joy and know she felt mine.  It can't ever be like that now.  Sith have to be on guard all the time.  I'm sure it's been that way for a Pureblood your entire life.  But Krik and I, we could just be together and enjoy each other." Tauber swallowed.  "Or so we thought, anyway." 

Nadda turned her face away.  Tauber could sense her intense discomfort.  He wondered idly if she thought the story made him look weak, if it disgusted her.  But he was now determined to finish.  "I know you think you've guessed what happened, but you're wrong.  All the others died over the first few weeks.  Obviously, neither of us knew that only one could survive.  We thought we would just prove our strength and then go forward together.  Foolish human and his Twi'lek slut, eh?" 

Nadda shook her head.  Her voice was soft, but sounded tense.  "No.  You're wrong.  That's not what I'm thinking at all.  I was thinking you called her your only real friend." Nadda had grabbed his right hand in a tight grip.  Her free hand was resting on her own weapon.  Committed now, Tauber kept speaking.  He struggled to keep his voice from cracking.

"Our Overseer never breathed a word of it.  He just told us our final Trial before shipping to Korriban was upon us.  Told us to get in a shuttle, put on vac suits, and wait for orders when we were dropped off.  The shuttle took us to an abandoned mining shed on a moon with an atmosphere so thin it might as well have been vacuum.  It just left us there.  We reported in using the comm.  Then we waited for orders.  We had four days of food and water." It was Tauber's turn to laugh ruefully.  Nadda's voice sounded stressed, almost a rasp, "Tauber, I..." Tauber assumed Nadda was about to try and leave and kept talking over her.

"We heard nothing over the comm for six days.  We had already begun to ration.  We knew enough to be suspicious of the Overseer.  But then the comm spoke.  Thirty days.  We would be picked up in thirty more days.  I got angry.  I started yelling into the comm.  That they had made a mistake with the rations.  There was no way we could survive thirty days with the amount of water we'd been given, even with the recycler.  I heard her say something behind me." Tauber closed his eyes again.  He had to take a few breaths before continuing.

"That's the point, Dumdum!" Tauber inhaled slowly before he resumed.  "That's what Krik said.  Then she hit me in the back of the head with a metal stool, as hard as she could.  And that girl could..." Nadda was staring at her feet, but her posture, her tight grip on her weapon, made clear her distaste for his story.  Tauber thought she was probably embarrassed to be seen with him.  He freed his hand from Nadda's surprisingly strong grip and wiped his eyes before she could look back up, then finished the tale.  "That girl could hit like an angry gundark.  She almost knocked me cold right at the outset.  Then she put me in a chokehold and squeezed.  I struggled.  I tried to ask her why.  I just heard her say 'You'll get us BOTH killed, Dumdum.  I can't have that!' Then everything went black." 

Nadda was staring at him now with wide eyes.  She could not hide her shock.

Tauber laughed bitterly.  "Told you you'd be wrong about how the story ends.  When I came to, she had hung herself.  She tore up half her acolyte uniform to make the noose.  She left me a note pinned to her blouse.  'Ok, Dumdum.  Pull me down and throw my body in the recycler.  Tell them I'm dead.  Destroy this note.  Then stop being a dumdum.  If you do not pass the trials I will hunt you down in hell and kick your ass.' I told you, she was the best friend I ever had.  You were right.  Pretty much on the nose.  I wish I could have kept her safe.  But I was too weak.  I was too slow on the uptake.  I was a dumdum.  I survived the first trial by pure luck."

Tauber was quiet now.  But Nadda remained speechless.  Mostly to end the awkward silence, Tauber shrugged and spoke.  "Feel better now? I bet that story trumps your envy of my childhood.  How's that for being a poor Sith?" Tauber realized Nadda was holding his hands.  Nadda squeezed his hands gently, and apologized again.  "I am even more sorry about what I said earlier.  I'm surprised you let me live.  Krik sounds extraordinary.  You must..." 

Tauber cut off Nadda’s babbling, the memory made him too angry to listen.  He raged, "I must be ever so grateful? Oh yes.  I owe everything I am to Krik.  She made me who I am today.  I did exactly what she said.  Threw her corpse in the recycler.  Called in and reported she was dead.  The overseer himself came to pick me up just a few hours later.  He didn't try to hide his surprise.  'I always figured you for the weakling.  But I guess she was.' Remembering those words helped me on Korriban, a lot more than the blade he gave me, anyway.  Just imagining the day I'd come back to skin that stupid fuck alive with it  filled me with a hatred so wide and pure everything on Korriban was easy.  The smug Pureblood lordling in the Korriban trials never had a chance.  I tore through him like paper.  The other acolytes were dead so fast, I can't remember their faces, let alone their names. I was the only one left in my class within a week of getting off the shuttle."

Tauber knew he sounded just short of hysterical, on the edge of violence.  First, he had embarrassed himself.  Then he  had made himself fierce.  Now Nadda wore a frightened expression.  Tauber had finally managed to intimidate her, but not enough that she reached for her blade or even let go of his hands.  She just kept looking him in the eyes.  Tauber gave her credit, she was brave.  He liked it about her.  Krik would have liked her, too.

Now it was time to impress the woman, time for him to be imposing.  Tauber inhaled slowly and continued, trying to speak seriously, like a teacher.  "You say the Trials unsettled you? Get over it.  That's the point, dumdum." Tauber poked Nadda in the chest for emphasis.  "Lots of us think the Trials exist to weed out the weak, to ensure only those ready to kill become apprentices.  But there is more to it.  They have lessons for the survivors." Tauber could see Nadda was practically mesmerized now, hanging on his every word.  Tauber felt confident she would be in his bed before the night was over. "People think Sith are cruel.  That we are supposed to be cruel.  But that is not exactly right.  We just see the truth nobody wants to face.  The entire UNIVERSE is cruel.  It intends for each and every one of us to die eventually, the stars and even the Galaxy itself, for everything, to die.  We are surrounded by things constantly trying to destroy us."

Tauber paused for effect, then he put as much gravity into his voice as he could muster.  "But the worst enemies are in here." Tauber tried to tap Nadda on the forehead, but she shied away from his finger.  For a brief moment, she reminded him so much of Zefir he almost forgot himself and reached to kiss her.  But he was not done speaking.  And it was too soon in the evening anyway.  "Doubt, fear, regret..." Tauber paused for a moment.  "Love.  Friendship.  Sorrow.  If you want to live out another year, you have to let them go, Nadda.  They're just whispers from the Light side, trying to get you to give up, to lay down and die, so others can use your corpse as a stepping stone."

Nadda slowly nodded her head.  "You sound like one of the Ancient Sith philosophers, from before the Jen’Jidai came to Korriban." Tauber snorted, convinced she was mocking him.  "I am NO philosopher.  You'll need to work on your flattery skills if you want to be a decent spy." Nadda had found her confidence again.  She even put her smug, aristocratic expression back on.  But her words sounded admiring.  "No.  It is true.  The Exiles claimed the Ancient Sith sorcerers knew nothing of the Light Side and its dangers.  That they were the ones who taught my ancestors the concept of force duality.  But it was just arrogant Jedi boasting.  I've read some of the ancient works."

"The Sith Sorcerers just thought of the Force differently is all.  The Force is a manifestation of the life force of the Universe.  But Korriban was a bitterly hard world long before the Dark Jedi came.  My ancestors took it for granted that life must struggle to thrive, and that life can only be fed by death.  Even plants need the decay of other living things to fertilize the soil they grow in.  It is the order of things, the central truth of life, so the central truth of the Force.  The Ancient Sith saw the Force like a serpent slowly devouring its own tail.  The Force has a strong end, a mouth, embodying the struggle of all living things to move forward toward survival. The Jedi call this “the Dark Side.”  And it has a weak end, a tail, manifesting the trend toward death and decay that feeds new life, the so-called Light Side. Neither can exist without the other."

Tauber considered the idea.  It matched up so well with his own thinking about the Force he could not help but be pleased.  "I have to take my words back again.  You have some skill at flattery." Tauber looked her squarely in the eyes and flashed his boyish grin and used the accent of his home village.  "But I don't believe a word of it, of course.  You may have a fancy education, but even a country bumpkin can see through your highbrow bantha fodder.  I ain’t no dumdum." 

Tauber thought Nadda would respond by acting inscrutable, or imperious, or annoyed, or maybe even attempt her unconvincing imitation of a foolish, flirty schoolgirl.  But her eyes looked sincere as she spoke.  "I am serious.  Everything I said is true.  I think I understand better now about Jonpulo, too.  Helping her, even a small amount, is a gesture against the void that comes for us all.  A small act of defiance.  It gives her a little hope, a better chance to face down all the forces trying to destroy her.  The harder she and everyone fights back, the harder death needs to work to claim the rest of us."

Tauber raised an eyebrow.  "So you think I'm using her as a sort of decoy?" Nadda shook her head, then suddenly rose on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.  "Thank you.  You have been as kind to me as you are being to Jonpulo.  I thought I had exhausted all the lessons the Trials had to teach.  But you have revealed things I missed.  I am indebted to you." She bowed very low before rising and smiling at him.

Tauber was satisfied.  Nadda was still odd, but she had gone back to being the eccentric, mysterious aristocrat she had been at the beginning, a power that left barely a ripple in the force.  He offered her his arm again.  "Are you indebted enough to let me show you off to my friends before I take you to bed later?" 

As Tauber beamed at her, Nadda suddenly put on a pompous expression.  Her voice now sounded haughty, but he could hear the flirtatious edge underneath.  "I think you forget yourself, Human.  To even touch a pureblood woman, you must prove that the Sith runs strong through your muddied veins. A Sith woman only respects power." Tauber struggled not to laugh.  She spoke so loudly, and with such conviction, that the passing hotel patrons grew alarmed and backed away from them both.  But she put her glove back on, then placed her hands at his elbow..  

Nadda started to pull Tauber toward the Cantina but he stood still.  Tauber wanted her to start paying the debt she had acknowledged.  "I think I earned some explanations just now.  Why were YOU kind to that Twi'lek.?" Nadda interrupted almost immediately, "Jonpulo.  Her name is Jonpulo." Tauber let irritation creep into his voice.  "And why is it important to you I remember her name, anyway? And why was she so pleased with you?"

Nadda seemed to carefully consider her answer before speaking.  "In part, I was kind to Jonnpulo for much the same reason as you.  She reminded me of someone I used to know.  Someone of whom I was fond." Nadda made no effort to hide her sorrow at all.  "Someone who is no more."

Tauber was amused.  "So YOU were feeling nostalgia then?" Nadda just shook her head.  "No it was not that.  It was more for the same reason I want you to remember her name." Tauber was puzzled now.  "I don't understand what you mean."

Nadda sighed.  "I mean no offense, but you have no idea what her life is like.  You think you do, but you are wrong.  It is not like being a slave at a small tavern run by a kindly Human family."

"Jonpulo is not treated with cruelty by the hotel staff so long as she is perfectly obedient.  She has been punished often enough that all thought of disobedience has fled her mind.  She works tirelessly to avoid punishment.  But there is no kindness in her life.  Her life is scheduled to the minute, by people driven by ledgers and spreadsheets.  They are trying to extract as much profit from her body and labor as possible.  When she is not being groped or pimped out, she might as well be a droid.  She is here precisely because she can be groped and pimped out to drunks, and she cost less than a servitor droid."

Tauber was intrigued now.  He had given slaves little thought at all, since the Trials.  He realized he had barely noticed them at all.  He was curious to see where Nadda was going as she continued to speak carefully.

"You have to understand, she lives in constant fear.  Of being punished for failure, or of being sent to a worse slavery.  Jonpulo is actually a reasonably intelligent woman.  She knows things could be much, much worse.  She has no special skills.  She is too weak for hard labor.  Her body lacks the beauty to be rented out to a gentler class of patron.  She could find herself chained to a mat at the bottom of a mine, used as a reward for the most productive workers.  It is a likely fate as she gets older and slower.  Everyone in her work crew fears such a fate.  Most of them flirt shamelessly with patrons hoping to be purchased by an actual person.  A corporation will use them up, every bit of them, until they are dead, then it will grind up their corpses for fertilizer.  But even the cruelest individual might show them small mercies.  It is a small hope, but it happens often enough it inspires slaves like her to be more pleasing to patrons.  But Jonpulo can not even manage this.  She's too timid and frail and she knows it.  The only thing that keeps her from despairing over her future most days is sheer exhaustion."

Nadda looked at him very intently.  "You do not realize what you have done for her, what we have both done for her.  For the first time since she was enslaved she feels like she has a chance for a better fate, not an ever worsening one.  She's attracted the attention of a handsome, wealthy man.  An aristocrat of great taste..." Tauber rolled his eyes.  "I doubt she'll think that." Nadda threw back her head, lifting her chin.  "Not you!  You are just a charming rake with his pick of women.  I'm talking about MYSELF, a mysterious but kindly young woman, a Pureblood no less, who helped her to choose some petty finery that puts her charms on best display.  I am like a kindly sorceress from a children's story.  I should buy a magic wand." 

Tauber laughed out loud.  Nadda had a weakness, or maybe it was a gift, for enjoying romantic yarns.  Nadda remained serious, ignoring Tauber’s chuckling.  “Jonlupo has a little confidence now.  We have inspired a self-confidence, Jonpulo has not possessed since she was snatched by slavers.  If you can bring yourself to send her away from her bed when she bats her eyes at you later..." 

Tauber snorted,  "Not my type.  I prefer strong, healthy partners." He wiggled his eyebrows knowingly at Nadda.  Nadda frowned at the interruption, but continued.  "Even if she only gets a good night's sleep tonight, she'll remember us both as magical figures who singled her out.  She thinks it is a sign that she is special, that the Force is with her.  She will make a point of teasing and flirting with every good prospect who comes into this place.  At least she will for a time.  And even if nothing ever comes of it, she will carry a bright memory, and a good story, and she will share it with others.  Recounting the tale will help her remember one pleasant day, a moment of brilliance in an existence that grows shabbier and grayer by the day." 

Nadda actually sighed at this point, completely lost in the fantasy she was spinning.  "And even if her life gets worse and worse, by the time she is chained at the bottom of that mineshaft she will have convinced herself that you were in love with her, or that I was, and that only some terrible calamity has prevented one of us from coming back to reclaim her.  We are both Sith.  She understands enough to know that we could be killed at any time.  She is likely to live a lot longer than either of us, to be honest." 

Nadda turned serious again.  "And if you do her the additional kindness of allowing her to please you, and giving her a little praise, it will light a real fire in her belly.  She will lure some starship captain or army officer, or maybe a chubby rich merchant, into purchasing her within the week.  And the lucky buyer will regard her as money well spent."

Nadda composed herself suddenly and fell silent.  Tauber awkwardly became aware she was waiting for him to say something.  She was looking at him, obviously curious for his opinion.  Tauber had the sense he was being judged, evaluated somehow.  So he considered his words carefully.  "So you think I should call her, Jonpulo I mean, to my bed? That using her body would be a kindness?" 

Nadda smiled demurely.  "I think that you should consider that no matter how you treat her, she will carry a story about this night until the end of her days.  Jonpulo is a sweet person.  Wherever she goes, even at the bottom of a pit, she will befriend other slaves and tell them this story.  Her friends will share the story with others.  You have the power to shape that story.  It is a small power, true.  But a Sith should seize any power at his command." 

"That is why I want you to remember Jonpulo’s name.  I want her to know you have taken the trouble of learning her name.  It will make her story sharper.  And Jonpulo will keep serving us both by telling her story.  The least we can do is remember her name.  And if either of us want to add more to her story, remembering her name will make that easier."

Tauber could tell Nadda was still judging him somehow, but to what end he could not fathom.  Tauber was vaguely irked at the realization that he wanted the approval of this frustratingly odd, skinny little woman.  

Tauber decided to risk asking a question.  "Why should either of us care about the stories slaves tell amongst themselves? It seems to be a trifling concern to any free person, let alone a Sith." Nadda smiled.  "Stories like this ARE small things.  Trifles.  But they are like little seeds.  Mighty stories can grow from the smallest beginnings.  You are right about death, oblivion.  Eventually, neither of us will be able to outrun it.  But we can inspire stories that go on long after we've been murdered by an enemy or swallowed by the void.  Those tales might then outrun the oblivion that pursues all things for a time.  They might echo for centuries, even millennia.  And they can become stronger as they age.  They can be more powerful than life itself, since they don't need to feed on decay and death to flourish and grow."

Tauber considered it.  He was not a contemplative man.  Tauber had never heard anyone express ideas like this before.  But he could see the strange wisdom in it.  It would be nice to think something of himself could live on, even if it was only a story.  But he shook his head skeptically.  "But what use are stories among slaves? I'm not sure I want anyone remembering me as the patron saint of downcast slaves or used-up whores.  Shouldn't we want stories told among the Sith?" 

Nadda looked at Tauber like he was a promising but ponderous child, then smiled.  "Of course.  But seeding such things among the slaves as well has its advantages.  The Sith who survive us will mostly talk about us as failures who fell by the wayside, if they remember us at all.  If we become so mighty our story can not be ignored, remembering us will make them afraid.  We will be spoken of seldom, in hushed whispers.  It is like your story about Krik.  People rarely want to speak of things that frighten them...  " Tauber bristled and started to speak, but she put a finger to his lips and continued.  "Or of things that it pains them to remember."

Chapter 6: Madness

Nadda looked directly at Tauber, took his hands and squeezed them tightly.  "You should speak of Krik to others.  You should speak of her often.  It is a powerful story.  " Tauber yanked his hands away from Nadda like she was a leper.  "You must be insane.  That would make me look weak.  Stupid." 

Nadda smirked.  "Is that what you think? You just need to tell it differently to other Sith.”  Her expression became aggressive.  “Think about it.  A strong-willed woman so smitten with you that she preferred destroying herself to betraying you? That does not make you look weak to anyone with sense.  It makes you look frightening.  Only someone very mighty in the Force could draw out that kind of loyalty.  It makes you seem like something out of an old legend, especially if you learn to speak of it nonchalantly, as the sort of thing perfectly normal in your life.  And.." 

Tauber realized Nadda was holding his hands again, squeezing them gently.  Tauber yanked his hands away and turned his back on the woman.  He was struggling not to fly into a rage.  "I should kill you.  You just want me to look small.  For Krik to look stupid.  You are envious and petty."

Tauber could feel Nadda's frustration through the Force.  He found her irritation satisfying.  Nadda was a petty, manipulative woman, the sort of Sith who used lies to advance her schemes because that was her only real strength.  And her scheme was petty.  She could not make herself strong, so she wanted him to look weak.  Nadda had come away from her own Trials unbalanced, so she relished the story of an acolyte who had destroyed herself.  Tauber had no wish to be near this spoiled aristocrat a moment longer and prepared to walk away.  Then he heard Nadda snort.  "Expect Krik to kick your ass in hell someday.  And you will deserve it.  You are still a dumdum."

The fury devoured Tauber’s reason in an instant.  His lightsaber was out and at Nadda's throat almost as soon as she finished speaking.  "You DARE!" He only stayed his hand so he could enjoy her terror before he struck.  He yearned for her misery like it was a drug that could cure his only ailment.  Tauber was determined to make her beg before finishing her.  But Nadda just stood there smiling with wild eyes, looking triumphant.  She made no move to defend herself.

Tauber found Nadda's smug expression infuriating.  But he sensed the girl's faint fear.  He would let her live for the moment, if only to savor her growing dread.  But instead her fear faded, replaced by pure frustration.  "Do you see what I mean now? It is a powerful story.  Look how ferocious she made you.  Nothing in the story makes you look small.  Nothing makes Krik look small.  Krik could live on in the minds of others a long, long time after you are gone.  She could be a symbol of your dark power over others.  Or a terrifying warning to Sith about the dangers of love.  Or a tale that makes other foolish young women swoon with the romance of it.  You just have to share it.  Instead you are about to kill the only other person who knows it.  Krik WILL kick your ass eventually.  She will kick every part of you she can reach, for cheating her this way.  And I will be there to help her.  She gave you a chance, but you are still a dumdum."

"You think I feel envy? Of course I do.  I don't have a story as good as hers yet.  I want one.  I want one that is even larger.  If you kill me, few will remember me for long.  But if you let me live, I will make sure Krik is remembered.  I won't lock her memory away like a shameful thing and let it die.  Sith might mistake her choice as foolish, but even if foolish or mad, it was a powerful choice with powerful consequences.  Every deed you do is in part her doing as well.  Every person you strike down is her victim as well. Every story about you is about her, too.  And you refuse to give her any of the credit.  You are the one who is petty, miserly.  And a dumdum."

Nadda continued speaking, softly and swiftly.  "I hate the idea of you killing me now.  Right here.  I really, really do not want to die.  But I have left myself open like this because I want you to understand how badly you are treating her story.  How badly you are treating your own story.  I think I could have killed you before you got your blade to my neck.  I really think I could have.  But it is worth taking this risk.  It may be mad, but I do not want to kill you.  I just want you to tell Krik’s story to others.  Hearing Krik's story is the only reason I'm foolhardy enough to do something so incredibly, completely stupid as putting myself at your mercy.  I am judging myself against her.  I am too proud to let her surpass me.  I have to be as brave, no even braver than she was, or I am the one who looks small." Nada swallowed dryly.  Tauber could feel Nadda's dread rising finally, but she kept talking, her voice barely a whisper.  "But you can tell Krik's story best.  It is what she deserves, you dumdum."

Tauber held his blade steady.  Nadda was completely quiet now.  He knew she was almost petrified now, warding off panic through sheer strength of will.  Through the force, Tauber could feel her fright, almost taste it.  She had put her fate completely in the hands of an enraged Sith and did not like her odds.  Tauber supposed he wouldn't like them either.  He was still furious.  He wanted, no he needed for Nadda to know despair in her last moments.  "You are insane, 'Nadda', or whoever you are.  And it is a madness that will cost you your life in a moment.  Even if everything you say is true, I see what you're about.  You're trying to make Krik's story about you, somehow.  Or to take it for yourself.  Do you think I'll let you steal anything from her? Or from me?"

Tauber could feel Nadda's terror evaporate like a wisp of smoke in a strong wind.  She was breathing almost evenly, but her eyes were still frenzied.  "It won't be such a bad end.  We are in a hotel concourse.  The security cameras here have recorded everything we have done and said.  If you kill me, Sith Security will review it all.  The investigators will know the entire story.  No matter what they decide to do to you, the story will be too good for them not to repeat it.  The insane Pureblood so passionate for a dead Twi'lek acolyte she was willing to die to prove it? Nobody will be able to keep it to themselves.  It's too juicy.  People will find out my name soon enough.  Krik and I will be linked as long as this city stands.  Hundreds have seen you and I squabbling here.  People will not be able to shut up about us.  Or about Krik." 

Nadda was completely defiant now, smiling, drunk on her delusion.  "Krik and I will be legendary.  Couples will come to this spot just to bask in the tale a bit.  Producers will make holovids about us, the beautiful star-crossed soul-mates, doomed to never meet in the flesh, only in a story of madness among the Sith.  Crowds will line up around the block to see it played large in the theater."

Tauber felt Nadda's mood turn to pure frustration suddenly.  She continued, but her voice was bitter now.  "Of course, you will get a role in the story, too.  That is unavoidable.  It is not fair.  It is not right.  The only reason you are even in the story at all is because you are too dense to appreciate a good story.  You kept this story to yourself until you thought it might help you get into a girl's pants. Such a dumdum.  Krik saw something more in you, maybe others will too, but you will forgive me if I can not see it myself right now.  You just seem like a big dumdum to me.  That's pretty much all I have to say about you." Nadda just stood there, trembling now, her composure almost gone.  "Go ahead.  Do it.  Do it now." For the briefest of moments, Tauber thought Nadda's fright had overwhelmed her.  He thought she was begging for relief from it.

But no, there was no fear anymore.  Nadda was guarding nothing from him now.  She was just excited, totally irrational, completely mad.  The idea of becoming a tragic figure, of making Krik a romantic fable, genuinely appealed to her.  For a moment, Tauber felt pure hatred for Nadda, for what she was trying to make him do.  But instead of ending her, he calmed himself and spoke.  "No.  Krik deserves better." He let his saber's beam go out.

Before he could move a muscle Nadda's lightsaber was out and its beam was perched directly before his forehead.  His skin crawled, but not from fear.  Nadda had moved too fast for that.  The air was charged with static.  Nadda was not a whisper in the force anymore.  She was a living thunderhead, about to burst.  Tauber moved slowly, as he very carefully placed his lightsaber back in its holster.  Nadda had not lied.  She had excellent reason to believe she could have killed him earlier.  Her voice was trembling as she spoke.  "Do you understand now? Do you understand what I thought her story was worth risking? How YOU should value Krik’s story." The air was still, but the frenzied woman's robes billowed around her.

Tauber nodded slowly.  Nadda was stark raving mad.  But Tauber could think of no argument that would bring her back to reason.  He doubted he could think of one even without the threat of imminent electrocution swirling around him.  No, he didn't want to find an argument.  Nadda was right about Krik at least.  "Krik deserves better from me." 

Tauber knew it might be unwise, but added more.  "But Krik doesn't deserve to have her name linked to a lunatic fresh from Korriban, driven mad by her Trials.  If you had known her, you'd know how much she would have hated that story.  There was nothing frenzied or freakish about her.  She wouldn't have.." The words caught in Tauber's throat for a minute.  "Krik did not die for something as meaningless as a cheap holovid or a lurid tourist attraction.  Your...  theatrics...are a disgrace.  Krik deserves better from you too.  If you were so set on dying for her story, at least spend your life on something worthy of her memory." 

As Tauber made his final complaint, Nadda's face turned away as if Tauber had slapped her.  She faded in the Force from coiled lightning back to a mere whisper again.  She lowered her blade, but the beam remained on.  Nadda refused to look at him.  "You are right.  Mad Sith broken by Trials suddenly snaps and provokes experienced duelist into putting her down.  That would have been a terrible story.  Just awful.  Boring.  On Dromund Kaas, it is probably as common as rain in the jungle."

Tauber spoke slowly and evenly.  Nadda's delerium seemed to be fading, but she was still a potential menace.  "Security might not have bothered to find out your real name.  I'd have told them you were called 'Nadda,' nobody at all.  It might not have even been mentioned in the newsfeeds." Nadda rubbed one of her eyes with a balled fist.  Then she nodded her head and stood quietly.  Trying to read her now was like trying to grasp the air.  Tauber tried to speak as kindly as he could manage.  "Nadda, you need to center yourself."

Nadda looked like she was going to laugh for moment, then became grim.  "Do you have any other advice? Like how, maybe? I must look pathetic." Nadda's voice sounded cruel, but Tauber took no offense.  He was not the target of her anger.  But he still needed to deal with her carefully.  She was dangerous.  

"Nadda, you're being too hard on yourself.  We all come back from the Trials unsettled.  It will pass." 

Nadda did laugh now.  "That's the funny thing, the first time I came back..." Nadda fell silent for a moment.  "I mean at first, when I first came back from Korriban, it was not like this.  I did not know it would be this hard later." Tauber could sense Nadda was hiding something, something important, but he let it drop.  "She can keep her secrets," Tauber thought, "as long as she puts her lightsaber back on her belt."

Nadda was breathing more evenly, and her trembling seemed to have ceased, but Tauber was still wary as he spoke.  "It can be like that.  But it does get better with time." Nadda nodded.  "Yes.  of course.  A human healer, the type who specializes in treating injuries to the mind, would call this 'post-traumatic stress disorder.' There are exercises I can do." 

Tauber was so surprised, he spoke without thinking.  "That's just about the oddest thing you've said to me yet." Tauber cursed himself for losing focus.  He decided to make a jest of it.  "And that's saying quite a bit." Nadda relaxed a little and laughed weakly, turning her face to look at him.  "Back...back before Korriban, I enjoyed reading.  Actually, no, I did not enjoy books so much as I devoured them, books about anything that made me curious.  Learning new things still pleases me.  When I found out about something called 'Psychiatry' I pulled several books off the holonet.  Purebloods...  we have nothing like that.  The idea of it fascinated me." 

Tauber watched her face as she spoke.  Nadda did not seem to be lying, but he was certain there were things she was leaving out.  Nadda was trying to obscure more than just her name and face.  Tauber suspected madness had been an issue for the woman long before the Trials, but at least she was smiling now.

Tauber noticed a private security team getting into position behind her, Mandalorian snipers, the worst possible situation.  They were brave and eager enough to try and put down a pair of mad Sith without waiting for a fight to actually break out.  They had probably done it before.  But Nadda was not like anything they had faced before, neither was Tauber.  

Tauber considered the tactical options available.  Both he and Nadda would easily survive the first few shots.  The problem was Nadda.  She was skittish and unstable.  If she decided Tauber was a threat, she would have to deal with him first if she wanted to fight her way out of the building.  And Nadda was dangerous.  Tauber doubted she needed her lightsaber to unleash lethal violence. He would struggle to survive both her attack and the sniper fire.  If the Mandalorians opened fire, a lot of people might die here, possibly beginning with Tauber.  He shook his head slightly at the snipers, keeping his hands out from his sides, palms down, trying to signal them to wait.

Tauber needed to get Nadda off the concourse.  She needed to go somewhere she could collect her thoughts, where she could calm herself.  He was suddenly struck by an idea.  "Nadda, you asked me how to center yourself.  You know what helped me after my Trial? Doing...  physical things.  Sex." 

Nadda suddenly broke into mocking laughter.  "You really ARE still a dumdum, Tauber.  You're crazier than I am.  Still trying to play your silly game? Really? I was starting to think you were actually more clever." 

Tauber shook his head.  "No, that's not what I meant.  I was thinking of the slave, of Jonpulo.  You could go to her.  She could help you...  relax.  You can have my suite.  I'll just get another.  You want Jonpulo to have a good story anyway.  Make it a story about you.  It was obvious she was smitten with you.  You think I can light a fire in her.  You'll make her a volcano."

It was obvious that Nadda had noticed the Mandalorians.  She had not turned to look at them.  But she was lifting her weapon into an offensive position.  She was still a whisper in the force.  But Tauber could see her body tensing, getting ready to move.  She sounded like a tightly wound spring when she spoke.  "Wow.  You are more clever than I thought.  That is actually...  a pretty good idea.  Not good enough to solve my current problem, though.  I do not think those Mando shabs will be satisfied if I turn around and say, 'Nevermind.  We were just arguing about who got to play with one of the slaves here.  Go on about your business.'"

Tauber was seized by a sudden impulse, and let it carry him, as if the Force was moving through him.  He moved swiftly.  His hands went to Nadda's shoulders, and he bent to kiss her with all the passion he could muster.  Tauber imagined she was Zefir.  Tauber imagined she was Krik.  

Tauber managed to catch Nadda by surprise.  She tried to pull away at first.  For a split-second, Tauber thought she was about to strike with her blade, but the beam went off.  Then Nadda leaned into the kiss and returned it.  She blossomed with passion herself for a few moments, embracing him and holding herself against him.  And then suddenly she seemed content, at peace.  Tauber waved the security team away vigorously.  They looked disappointed.  The fools did not realize he had just saved their lives.

Nadda sighed, her cheek pressed against Tauber's chest.  "Thank you for that.  Now it is just a lovers' spat again.  I had no wish to kill them.  You are right.  Krik's name should not be linked to a demented Sith." Nadda looked up at him and smiled.  "It should be linked to someone utterly terrifying, not a dumdum fresh from the Trials."

Tauber finally allowed himself to relax.  Nadda still alarmed him.  She still seemed unstable.  But at least she was not going to cut him down and rampage through the hotel.  She had settled, for the moment.  "Nadda, you did seem...  hungry, just then.  I meant what I said earlier.  Go to Jonpulo.  It will help." To himself, Tauber silently added, "And it will get me well out of your striking distance."

Nadda buried her face in Tauber's chest.  Then the Pureblood looked up at him with a dreamy expression.  "Tauber, do you honestly think that after that tiny taste of what Krik enjoyed, I can content myself with anyone else ever again? That I would be willing to part from your side?" Tauber swiftly stifled his rising panic.  He had not quieted Nadda's madness at all, merely redirected it.  Nadda just stared at him and batted her eyes, trying to make herself alluring, tugging at him with the Force and trying to will him into her orbit.  Tauber tried desperately to think.

Nadda's adoring expression slowly cracked into a broad grin.  She turned away, and started laughing.  She bent over and gripped her belly, struggling to contain herself.  "By the Emperor, you should have seen your face.  I will send you a copy of the hotel security feed later.  I plan to get a copy."

Tauber felt his temper flare.  This madwoman was infuriating.  "Is that this has been for you? An elaborate setup to a cliched punchline?"

Nadda instantly stood straight and ceased laughing.  She placed the palm of her left hand against a fisted right hand and bowed.  "No.  I...I apologize.  I meant everything I said just now.  And I understand what you did for me just now, for all the people here, even if few of them are grateful.  And you made me a gracious, generous offer.  My joke was unforgivably rude." Nadda straightened and tried to smile at him.  "But you were not offering what I actually needed.  What I really needed was to laugh, to laugh at myself.  I am not laughing at you, I am laughing at myself."

Chapter 7: Krik's Name

Tauber scowled so hard he began to get a headache.  His thin reserves of patience were exhausted.  It was time to get as distant from this deranged crimson witch as possible.  "I am pleased you finally understand how preposterous you are.  I must take my leave now, Nadda." Nadda shook her head and pointed behind him.  "No.  You still need your trophy.  Your friends will laugh at you if you leave without one." Tauber turned his head slightly, keeping one eye on Nadda, and looked back down the concourse.  A small crowd had spilled out from the cantina doors to watch the spectacle on the concourse.  The other 'Friends' were there.  Jauks, Viltus and Jokhim were all watching curiously.

Tauber was unmoved.  "I don’t care, Nadda.  Let them laugh.  The 'Game' is meaningless.  I do not want to spend another minute with you.  Games are supposed to be fun, Nadda.  There is nothing fun about you."  Nadda broke into a surprisingly warm smile.  "Thank you for saying that, Tauber.  I can not tell you how pleasing it is to hear someone say that."  Tauber did not try to hide his fatigue.  "Nothing you say makes sense, Nadda.  If you don't learn to contain your madness, you will die soon.  And I'll be glad of it."

Tauber turned and began to walk toward the cantina.  He would tell his friends his target had frustrated him beyond endurance, that his efforts had been fruitless.  When they laughed at him, Tauber would tell them they were welcome to pursue Nadda for themselves.  They would not be able to back down from the challenge.  Tauber cheered up at the thought.  With any luck, Nadda would kill all of them and the 'Game' would be at an end.  It had been tedious to him since Zefir's murder.  If Nadda murdered Viltus, it would not exactly be the vengeance Tauber craved, but it would be the an end Viltus deserved, death at the hands of a reckless young woman.  Maybe poetic justice was the best vengeance.

Nadda called after him.  "I can tell you Krik's real name." Tauber stopped for a moment, his temper flaring anew.  But he willed himself to calmness.  Tauber was sick of this woman's strange games.  Nadda's voice was sad.  "She was named Hyda.  Did she ever tell you?" Tauber turned and faced Nadda.  "What did you say?" Nadda watched him carefully, like he was an approaching predator.  "Hyda.  Krik was once called Hyda." Tauber felt devastated for a moment.  That name belonged to him, only to him, and hearing it on another's lips was like a sacrilege.  

A feeling rose in Tauber's chest that he could not name.  Hatred? Longing? Rage? Despair? It seemed like all at once, but different.  It was a stronger version of the feeling he had in Bedriq's office, when he accepted Zefir was dead, gone.  Tauber felt it now for Krik, for Hyda, and realized he had always felt it since her death.  He had long ignored the feeling, pretending it wasn't there.  But now the feeling held him by the throat, like a snarling beast.

Tauber's first impulse was to kill Nadda.  Tauber knew she was dangerous, much more dangerous than she appeared.  But she had caught him by surprise earlier.  It was a trick she could only pull off once.  Tauber was powerful, too, and his strength was not built around lies, surprise and misdirection.  Tauber’s strength was just strength.

But Tauber stilled himself again.  The violent impulse belonged to the beast trying to overwhelm him, to make him its servant again.  It was the same pain that had tried to silence him when he first spoke of Krik.  It was stronger this time, but his will wrestled with it, and wrapped chains around it, and put it in a cage.  If the beast wanted Nadda silenced, he would defy it by listening to her, but only on his terms.

Tauber put a hand on his lightsaber and walked back within striking distance of Nadda.  He spoke calmly, but with as much menace as he could muster.  "I am not impressed, spy.  There are plenty of ways you could have learned that name.  There are plenty of ways you could have learned about my Trials, and about Krik.  And I can think of a dozen ways someone might attempt to use that knowledge against me.  And a dozen reasons.  My Master has many enemies, and I am a powerful tool."

"I grasp it.  Your master learned of Krik and guessed that Krik spoke little about her past.  And that I would be curious.  Your master wants to lure me into a trap or intrigue somehow.  It's obvious now."

"And it was a good guess, a good ploy.  I am curious.  But I am not going to be manipulated by a masked assassin.  You will tell me your master's name.  Or I will kill you.  You will tell me your name.  Or I will kill you.  You will tell me what I want to know.  Or I will kill you.  If I don't like what you have to say, or think you're lying, you will be begging me to kill you very soon.  And you will take off that kriffing mask and hand it to me, right now, or I will strike you dead."

'Nadda' stood calmly.  She seemed to be struggling to make a decision.  Then she reached for her lightsaber, slowly.  Tauber sensed no aggression but watched her carefully.  To his surprise, the woman placed her palm over the end of the hilt, and pulled it off her belt.  She could not activate the device without impaling her own hand.  She offered it to him.  "I will do everything you ask.  But please let me wear the mask, for a few more minutes at least.  I will hand it to you after we speak.  Or you can pull it off.  Whatever you like.  I pledge this lightsaber as a surety." Tauber sensed no fear.  Instead, 'Nadda' seemed anxious, but filled with determination.  Tauber suspected, though, that she could project any feeling she wished.  Tauber took the lightsaber from her, and clipped it onto his belt.  "Agreed."

'Nadda' gestured to a small shop nearby, with tables, chairs and a vendor counter offering exotic teas and other beverages.  "Could we sit and take tea while we speak? I am very thirsty." Tauber approved of the idea.  It would get them both off the concourse.  He was possessive of Krik's real name, Hyda, and wanted it to fall on as few ears as possible.  And the shop had no windows.  Tauber nodded his head.

‘Nadda' went to the counter and purchased a cup of hot, spiced tea from the shopkeeper.  When she asked what Tauber wanted, he shook his head.  "Nothing from you but information." The woman shrugged, then went to a table in the back, seating herself facing toward the concourse.  Tauber stood in front of her, between the disarmed spy and escape.  Tauber realized she was deliberately placing herself at his mercy again.  Whatever her game was, she was willing to take great risks while playing it.

The cowled woman took a sip.  "Won't you sit?" Tauber shook his head.  "I think not.  Speak.  Your name.  Your master." Her face darkened to almost purple.  She suddenly seemed so skittish he thought for a moment she would bolt and run.  But she looked at her teacup and whispered, almost too softly to hear.  "My name is Rajaqa.  My master is Lord Zash."

Chapter 8: Rajaqa

Tauber struggled to calm his rage.  "That's preposterous.  I should kill you now." The woman seemed to deflate as she put her forehead down on the table, one hand gripping her teacup, the other on the back of her head.  "I see Rajaqa’s fame precedes her.  No.  It is preposterous, but it is the truth." Tauber sensed no lies from her, but the girl was obviously a master of deception.

Tauber almost pulled his lightsaber out, frustrated beyond endurance.  But he thought against it.  "Rajaqa is some sort of notorious whore, not a Sith.  How could she be serving Lord Zash as an apprentice? And what would Lord Zash gain from killing or ensnaring me? My master seeks her favor.  He has already had me kill for her to gain it.  I told you I would kill you for lying.  Speak the truth."

'Nadda' sighed loudly.  Or was it supposed to be 'Rajaqa' now? Her head stayed on the table.  "I could think of numerous lies more plausible than the truth, Tauber.  I already have.  But the truth will not be hard to verify.  You will have the proof soon enough."

"If you kill me, you will get the proof.  Remove my cowl, and you will get the proof.  The tea master over there knows Rajaqa, or thinks he does.  He definitely knows her face.  The clerk in the shop where Jonpulo was shopping knows Rajaqa by sight.  It was a mistake for me to go in there.  She knows Rajaqa well enough that she immediately suspected that Rajaqa and Nadda are one and the same.  She is probably already gossiping to others about how Rajaqa is at it again, ensnaring a little Twi'lek morsel for her perverse appetites, while wearing a mask tonight.  The shop clerks in every loathsome vendor of finery and trinkets in this place know Rajaqa by sight." 

"Even if you just order me away, you will soon have the proof.  Before the sun has set tomorrow, your master, Lord Obvalis, will summon you and interrogate you about your encounter with Rajaqa.  We have made too much of a scene tonight for it not to come to his attention.  He will review the security footage.  He knows me, and will probably recognize me, even with the cowl.

"Would an assassin tell you any of this if it was a lie? It is not a very believable lie." Tauber was unconvinced,  "That might be a good point, if I did not already know you were insane, easily deranged by outlandish fancies." The woman released her tea cup, made a fist and brought it down on the table so hard the saucer bounced and the cup tipped over.  Her forehead never lifted off the table.  "Of course I am insane.  My life is MADDENING.  I hate it." The woman pounded her fist on the table again, weakly this time.  "I absolutely hate it."

"It is obvious you pay no attention to gossip feeds at all.  Rajaqa is not just 'some notorious whore', she may be the most infamous courtesan in the Empire.  I've been a famous courtesan for several years." The woman laughed unhappily.  "My body has been for sale since I was a toddler.”

“Go ask your 'friend', Jaunks, about Rajaqa.  He knows Rajaqa's face, just like Lord Obvalis.  Rajaqa has been whored out to your master, Tauber, more than once, by two different pimps.  Rajaqa was even sent to Korriban once to serve as a whore.  Gossip feeds sometimes call Rajaqa the 'Whore of Korriban' now.  And Rajaqa is the biggest slut, the randiest schutta in the Galaxy, too.  Your friends were trading gossip about Rajaqa before you arrived.  Apparently the latest story is that Rajaqa fucked an army of Trandoshans to death, just to satisfy her monstrous lusts.  That's the sort of story people tell about Rajaqa.  I hate it."

"Rajaqa is currently Lord Zash's personal plaything.  Rajaqa is the pet Lord Zash is completely besotted with.  Sometimes Zash even allows Rajaqa dress herself like a Sith.  Even to carry a mock lightsaber.  People gossip about the scandalous tawdriness it all." The woman pounded the table again.  "I HATE it.  It is beyond humiliating.  I HATE being a joke.  And the worst part, half of it is true, and the other half is a lie I agreed to create." 

Rajaqa's voice trailed off.  "It seemed like such a small price at the time."

The shopkeeper, a kindly looking middle-aged man with a narrow white beard, approached the table with a steaming hot cup of tea, while a droid cleared the spill.  The man placed the cup and saucer gently in front of the frustrated woman, near her clenched fist.  He eyed Tauber skeptically, and gently placed his hand on the woman's shoulder.  The shopkeeper was silent for a moment, trying to work up the courage to speak.  "Lady Rajaqa, is that you? I brought your favorite.  Is this man upsetting you?" The woman looked up at the shopkeeper's face, with tears in her eyes.  Her voice was pleading.  "No.  No, Zongli.  This handsome man and I were just having a disagreement about where I would spend the night.  He is rejecting me it seems.  For once, my charms have failed." 

Zongli turned and looked at Tauber, astonishment written on his face.  Then his eyes showed understanding and he turned back to the woman, her head back on the table now.  She was weeping.  He began patting her on the shoulder as he comforted her.  "Don't work yourself up this way, my lady.  Some men just have very specific tastes.  No woman can please everyone.  Maybe he just prefers the company of males, or of his own kind...or of no one at all. Many people are like that.  You must know that." The woman just looked up at Zongli, smiling weakly with tears streaming down her face.  "But it has never mattered before.  Never." She put her head to the table again.  

Zongli spoke kindly.  "Maybe the mask is it.  I've never seen you with one before." The bearded man looked over his shoulder at Tauber, then turned back to the weeping woman.  "Please, girl.  Just leave the cowl on.  You know this is for the best.  I've seen how your master treats you when...when you act as you intended.  It makes her wrathful! I'll call her now.  She'll be much kinder with you if she finds you in the shop, the way you are now, weeping.  She'll probably just laugh a little and take you home."

Rajaqa was immediately on her knees, holding Zongli's arm.  She began kissing his hand and groveling.  "No.  No! Please don't call her...she will..." Zongli looked aghast.  Rajaqa seemed to calm herself and stood.  She continued to hold Zongli's hand.  "That was selfish of me.  I apologize.  I know you have to call her.  I understand.  But could you tell her something?" Zongli looked sternly at her.  Rajaqa shook her head.  "Nonono! I would never ask you to lie to Lord Zash.  Never.  You have always been so kind to me.  I just...could you tell her I am very penitent and still her loyal slave.  Her complete slave.  Could you say it exactly like that? She will know I told you to say it.  It may...  it might soften my punishment.  Please.  She can be very cruel." 

Zongli nodded his head slowly.  "I can do that for you.  I'm happy to help.  You have always been an esteemed patron.  But should I ask this man to depart?" Rajaqa shook her head.  "No.  My master will just be angrier.  Lord Zash will wish to speak with him.  She always does." Zongli nodded, walked back to his stand and began typing into a datapad.

Rajaqa sat up at the table, all her tears gone, and took a sip of tea, and whispered, "Do you see what I have to put up with, Tauber? Pity from a tea master.  You asked how I could bring myself to beg earlier.  Well, now you know, force of habit.  I hate it." Rajaqa took another sip of tea, then spoke.  "Of course, you probably think I prearranged this entire performance." 

Tauber sat down at the table, across from Rajaqa, while Zongli eyed him warily.  "The thought did occur to me.  But the performance is so ridiculous it's almost impossible to believe.  You are a convincing liar, I think.  But I don't think you are lying to me about being Rajaqa.  I just don't understand it yet." 

Rajaqa shrugged.  "It only seems ridiculous to you because you met Nadda first.  You just met Rajaqa.  The two coexisting in one person probably seems...incongruous." Tears began streaming down Rajaqa's face.  She turned to face Zongli.  "Zongli, would you bring a special cup for my friend?  It is the least I can do after inconveniencing him." Her voice was mournful.  "And I have cost you business." 

Tauber realized Rajaqa was correct.  The shop was now empty.  Rajaqa watched Zongli, sniffling, while he brewed more tea and brought the cup to the table.  "Don't fret about that, girl.  You've brought me much business over the past year." 

 Zongli looked at Tauber, still suspicious of the large man's presence.  "Lady Rajaqa, I think it would be best if the young man waited elsewhere." 

Rajaqa shook her head.  "No.  You can be a witness to my good behavior with him now.  For his perfectly courtly behavior.  It is best if you see us both at once.  I promise I will be good." 

Zongli turned to Tauber, clearly frightened, but then drew from some hidden well of courage and wagged his finger at the seething Sith.  "Alright.  But no touching!" The shopkeeper then retreated to his counter and watched the couple as though he was guarding valuable prisoners.

Rajaqa turned to Tauber, and took another sip of tea, her tears and sorrow suddenly gone.  "Alright, we have some time.  That code phrase will alert Zash that she should wait until her pet slave gets into very serious, very lewd trouble.  I am supposed to create a major scene now.  Fortunately, THAT part is already taken care of.  Then she will arrive and punish me for my 'lascivious behavior’ with a short beating and a tiny bit of force torture." Rajaqa spoke bitterly "You will want to watch.  It is an excellent show.  Crowds love it.  I think they like to see a silly pleasure slave put in her place." 

Rajaqa turned and looked fondly at Zongli for a moment.  "Most people anyway.  Zongli hates seeing it.  He can be a bother, actually.  He tries to keep me out of trouble Zash has specifically ordered me to get into.  He feels so guilty when he fails.  This time, he will know there was absolutely nothing he could have done differently.  It will ease his conscience."

Tauber felt himself growing impatient.  He had no desire to participate in some bizarre psychodrama or exotic intrigue.  "What is all this about? What does Zash want with me? Do you really know anything about Krik at all?" Tauber leaned forward menacingly.  "I can still kill you." 

Tauber's voice had been low, but Zongli coughed and stirred, mistaking Tauber's intentions.  "I said no touching.  This is...this is a respectable establishment." Zongli did his best to sound ominous.  "The girl's owner is not one even the likes of you will wish to cross.  Her master will be here presently." Rajaqa put her hand to her mouth and stifled a giggle.  "I'm sorry about that.  He is very fond of me."

Tauber leaned back, nonplussed.  "He is bewitched with you.  I've never seen someone so in love.  He's a teamonger trying to warn off a Sith." Rajaqa bit her lips.  "I don't think so.  Zongli is just very kind.  To him I am a very pitiful creature.  He just feels sorry for me.  He has seen Lord Zash's performance, and mine, more than once." Tauber brought the spy back to the business at hand.  "Speak.  You have told me nothing of interest, yet."

Rajaqa spoke softly.  "I do know things about Krik.  Things she probably never told you." Rajaqa swallowed, seeming genuinely anxious.  "What I say may make you angry.  You may wish to kill me.  Please let me finish before you strike at me." Tauber barked.  "Why should I be patient? For all I know you're just trying to keep me here until someone arrives, maybe even Zash herself, to kill me."

Rajaqa took another sip of tea and shrugged.  "No.  If I had wanted to kill you, why would you still be alive? We both know I have had several opportunities.  And those are just the ones you know about." Tauber frowned.  "Alright then, so I assume your master, Zash presumably, wishes to speak with me? This seems like an awfully strange way of going about it." Rajaqa closed her eyes, then drew a sip from the new cup.  

Rajaqa looked sheepish.  "Zash did not order me to approach you.  Zash has been refusing to assign any work to me since..." Rajaqa hesitated a moment, then whispered furiously.  "Since I returned from Korriban, Zash has claimed she has nothing for me to do.  Nothing! It's been weeks now! I have begged her for work.  She tells me I need to learn patience.  She tells me to MEDITATE." 

Tauber was skeptical.  "So tonight, you got bored, you put on a mask so you wouldn't be recognized, snuck out, and started following me for no particular reason.  That makes little sense.  You need a better lie." 

Rajaqa hissed in frustration,  "It makes no sense because that is not what happened.  Lord Zash became exasperated when I pestered her today.  She ordered me to go out and 'have fun'.  It was a command." 

To his surprise Tauber believed her.  He had occasionally received precisely the same order when he asked for a new task.  But he remained skeptical.  "This is your idea of 'fun'?" Rajaqa snarled,  "I have no idea how to have fun.  I'm not even really sure what the word means.  I hear it when people put their hands on me.  'Now let’s have some fun, girl.  Hurhurhaha.' But my master was not ordering me to seduce someone.  Zash has been quite specific when she wants that.  It was maddening." 

Tauber rubbed his forehead.  "Wait.  Are you seriously claiming you have never had sex just for fun? I thought you were supposed to be the biggest slut in the galaxy.  Keep your story straight." 

Rajaqa muttered an expletive under her breast before speaking,  "I wore the mask because I did not want anyone to recognize me.  You have seen a little of what it is like for me when that happens.  I wanted a night off from being Rajaqa.  Being Rajaqa is not fun.  It has never been fun." 

Rajaqa closed her eyes for a moment.  When she opened them again, her face was serious.  "This is going nowhere.  Let me speak of Krik.  I want to ask you a question first." Tauber slammed his fist onto the table so hard the grain cracked.  "Now I am supposed to tell YOU about Krik? No! Tell me about Krik, now!" Zongli coughed.  

Tauber just glared at Zongli, then at Rajaqa.  "If I hear one more word from you, teamonger , I will kill you.  Then I will make sure this girl keeps paying the price for it." Zongli trembled a bit, but nodded and remained quiet.

For the briefest moment, Tauber saw Rajaqa's composure break, a tiny moment of panic, as her eyes darted toward Zongli.  But then it was gone.  She was glaring back at him.  "I do not need you to tell me anything, just to think about the question.  Did you ever wonder how someone like Krik came to be working in a mine?" 

Tauber calmed slightly.  "I'm not a fool.  I know what it must have been like for her there." 

Rajaqa spoke kindly.  "No Tauber, I'm not talking about what happened to her in the mine.  I know that must be hard for you to think about.  I mean how did she get there? " 

Tauber was annoyed.  "She was a slave.  Something like that can happen to any slave.  You said it yourself earlier." 

Rajaqa shook her head.  "But it happened to Krik.  Krik was not just any slave.  Krik was not a half-starved mouse with wilted le-kku like Jonpulo.  She was educated.  She was beautiful, graceful, healthy, and strong.  Her skin had no blemishes and was a rare shade of very pale purple.  Those properties are valuable, Tauber.  She could have been sold for an extremely  high price.  No mining firm would have been willing to pay it." 

Tauber leaned back, glaring.  "Ok.  I admit it.  Krik would say almost nothing about her past.  And I don't give much thought to the market values of slaves, especially that of Krik.  And how do you know what she looked like, anyway?"

Rajaqa started to reach for Tauber's hand.  Zongli coughed.  Rajaqa immediately drew her hands back, glaring at Tauber, watching him for movement.  Tauber smirked and spoke quietly.  "Oh ho! Rajaqa does care about the little man.  Are you in love?" 

Rajaqa scowled, but nodded.  "I am very fond of him.  He has always been kind to me.  He always treats Rajaqa with a respect she receives almost nowhere else.  But I thought better of you, I really did.  You said earlier that rape is not a tool of the strong.  Threatening the powerless is not a sign of strength, either." Tauber shrugged.  "I'm not threatening HIM." Rajaqa closed her eyes and put her face down.  "I understand.  Please spare his life."

Tauber began tapping his foot.  "Get to the point, Rajaqa.  His fate is in your hands." 

Rajaqa took a breath and met Tauber’s gaze.  "I know why Krik was sent to the mine, and by whom.  It is a story a lot of people know.  It is not a pleasant story.  It makes her look tiny and helpless, but she was not.  I want people to know she was not.  She deserves more than to be the punchline to a joke people will forget soon."

Chapter 9: Suffer

Rajaqa spoke slowly, carefully watching Tauber for violence.  Tauber just sighed.  Rajaqa's madness was on display again.  She was obsessed with the idea of Krik.  But Tauber waited.  Rajaqa did seem to know something, and perhaps her tale would explain why she was mad over Krik.  Tauber also hungered to know more about Krik, about Hyda, even if the tale was unhappy.  He was content to listen for now.  

When Rajaqa was certain Tauber was not about to strike, she spoke.  "You would not know, Tauber.  You did not grow up in a high family's household.  You do not move in those circles, at least not yet.  But Pureblood aristocrats love to throw parties.  They...I mean we...love to show off our wealth and power, our strength.  That is how I know what Krik looked like.  I have been to the home of her first owner." 

Tauber had heard of such things: parties, orgies, hunting trips, but still found it hard to believe.  "Sith are always trying to kill each other.  It seems unwise to enter an enemy’s home, or invite one into yours."

Rajaqa shrugged.  "There are hundreds of tales of traps being laid with such gatherings.  But it does not actually happen very often.  Most Purebloods, most high ranking Sith of any species, want to attend such events for the pleasures they provide: fine food, refined entertainment, alluring courtesans.  Most people seem to enjoy these things.  Trust me, I am in a position to know.  And hosting them is a display of power, wealth and daring.  Refusing an invitation is either a sign of fear, a gigantic insult, or both.  Betraying hospitality means no more invitations.  No more attending or hosting parties.  It tends to cripple one's social life."

Tauber glared at Zongli, placing his hand on his lightsaber.  "What does this have to do with Krik?" Rajaqa glanced quickly at Zongli and spoke in the most submissive voice Tauber had yet heard, practically pleading.  "Please.  I am getting to that."

"One of the activities Sith enjoy at these events is trading gossip and insults, embarrassing stories about rivals, about enemies.  Frankly they will tell cruel stories about anyone not present.  My people are fond of backbiting.  Krik's story is a story like this.  It is actually a story about Lord Kurnaz, she owned a slave named...." Rajaqa stopped for a moment, and then spoke softly, almost reverentially.  "named Hyda." Tauber stiffened at the name, but approved of the way Rajaqa treated it.  

Rajaqa spoke in a gentle whisper again.  "Hyda was born into slavery on Lord Kurnaz's estate.  She was picked out from the farms while she was still a little girl.  She was already very beautiful and graceful, and Lord Kurnaz thought her beauty could add to the splendor of her home.  The girl was given the position of Sograk."

Tauber interrupted.  "What is a Sograk?" 

Rajakka thought for a moment.  "The word means 'playmate' in the old language.  But it is more than that.  It is an older child, always a female slave, who helps care for a younger member of her owner's family.  A Sograk is expected to keep her charge entertained when they are both young.  As she and her charge age, she keeps the child safe, out of trouble.  When her charge becomes sexually curious, a Sogrok is supposed to initate them into the intricacies of sex." 

Tauber's voice was harsh.  "So what you wanted to tell me was that the only woman I've ever loved was some sort of cross between a nanny and a bedslave." 

Rajaqa looked appalled.  "That is...that is not what it is like.  It is considered an important position.  It is a position of honor for a slave.  It is given only to the most beautiful.  It can be kept only by the most trustworthy.  My ancestors could not trust each other.  They did not trust each other.  It is the same today.  But a child is supposed to be able to trust his Sograk.  Children DO trust their Sograk.  Purebloods like me remain fond of our Sograks long after we are grown into adulthood.  A Sograk can expect to serve in trusted positions her entire life.  A Sog..." 

Tauber cut Rajaqa off.  "Alright.  So Krik was a high slave.  A trusted nanny to a pureblood brat.  How did she end up in a mine, then?"

Rajaqa spoke very carefully, voice full of respect.  "Hyda.." Tauber approved.  "Hyda was an excellent Sograk.  She took her duties very seriously.  Hyda cared for Lord Kurnaz's own offspring.  She loved both her charges like they were younger siblings.  She was clever.  She was always submissive and obedient to Lord Kurnaz, and sweet to everyone else around her.  Lord Kurnaz would show Hyda off at gatherings and boast of her beauty, of her cleverness, of her great value.  Hyda never did anything wrong.  Ever."

Rajaqa looked grave again.  "But I told you this is a story about Lord Kurnaz.  Lord Kurnaz was infamous for her bad temper, people traded gossip about it." 

Tauber tapped the table where he had cracked it.  "Lots of Sith have bad tempers.  They display them all the time." 

Rajaqa shook her head.  "Purebloods do not admire ill-temper unless it is used to good effect.  To intimidate or bully a disarmed opponent, certainly.  But smashing up a console because of bad news? Killing a slave or an apprentice because of some small failing? That is just waste, Tauber.  Wastefulness is a sign one cannot control oneself.  Waste is not a sign of strength, it is a sign of madness.”

Tauber snickered.  "Waste, huh? Like you earlier, when you were willing to throw away your life to become a holovid character?" 

Rajaqa winced.  "That is fair.  Did you respect that? Did it fill you with awe? Or contempt?" 

Tauber rubbed his chin.  "I see your point.  So Lord Kurnaz lost her temper with Krik."

Rajaqa sighed.  "Lord Kurnaz lost her temper with many people over the years.  Never anyone mighty or dangerous.  She was always oily and charming to her superiors and peers.  But she lost her temper with apprentices who followed her orders to the letter because her own plans went awry.  She would lose her temper with slaves who made trivial mistakes because she was in a bad mood.  It happened less and less as she grew older and gained more self control.  But when it happened the result was always the same." Rajaqa flung her hands up in the air, spreading her fingers.  "Kapow! Zap! Kurnaz would strike out with force lightning.  Most died right on the spot.  Lord Kurnaz usually destroyed someone who happened to be valuable to her, too." 

Tauber was interested now.  "Then how did Krik survive?"

Rajaqa waited a moment, then spoke slowly.  "Because Lord Kurnaz decided she would.  That is what made Hyda’s fate noteworthy to people.  That is why they talked about it.  That, and the fact that what Kurnaz actually did to Hyda made Kurnaz look even more ridiculous to her peers."

"Hyda...Hyda did nothing wrong.  Her two charges got into mischief and damaged something very valuable.  Hyda had left the children alone because of an order she had no choice but to obey.  But Lord Kurnaz blamed her anyway.  Lord Kurnaz’s own son stood in front of Hyda and protested that the blame was his.  But Lord Kurnaz was also infamous for her doting love of her son.  Lashing out at her son was unthinkable.  Lord Kurnaz’s temper had cooled by the time her son's intercession was over, but not enough to save Hyda from being punished." 

Tauber was clenching his fists by now.  The beast that stalked his memories of Krik, of Hyda, broke its chains for a moment.  But he put the feeling in its place and kept listening.

"Hyda was brutally tortured for  over three days.  With no rest, no sleep.  She was given fluids, drugs and neural stimuli to keep her conscious and alive.  The son pleaded with Lord Kurnaz to show his Sograk mercy.  But Lord Kurnaz never reversed a decision once she had announced it.  By the end of the torture Hyda was crazed.  All the girl could do or say was to swear vengeance on her enemies.  Hyda swore she would rise up and become powerful and strike them all down.  Lord Kurnaz, her torturers, her charges, all Purebloods, all Sith would learn to fear her.  For hours at a time, she would rant that all would perish.'' 

Tauber smashed both fists on the table, breaking it in half.  The teacups and saucers shattered as they hit the floor.  He got up and began pacing.  Rajaqa had ceased speaking, so Tauber shouted, "Tell me the rest!" Tauber realized that Rajaqa had used Hyda' name repeatedly, but every time had treated the word as prayer.  He was angry, but not at her.

"Lord Kurnaz had Hyda nursed back to health, both in body and in mind.  She brought in a human psychiatrist to treat the girl's madness.  Lord Kurnaz spent a great deal of money to restore the girl to sanity.  It took weeks.  But Hyda became sweet and obedient again.  Kurnaz's son was relieved and visited her often.  Eventually Hyda received a summons from Lord Kurnaz.  The house majordomo explained to Hyda how she should ask for forgiveness, and beg to be of service again.  Everyone expected Lord Kurnaz to reassign Hyda as an...an entertainer.  

Tauber shouted.  "Speak plainly.  You mean a whore like you!"

Rajaqa just lowered her head, staring at the floor.  "I would never call Hyda a whore." 

Tauber was seized by dread and rage.  "That's what Krik means, isn't it? It's a word for whore!" 

Rajaqa shook her head, looking at the floor.  "No, Tauber.  Krik means ‘suffer’ in one of the old languages.  It is an imperative verb, a command.  Lord Kurnaz told the girl that it was her new name, her new assignment: to suffer.  Then she ordered Krik be taken in chains to the lowest level of a chromium mine the family owned."

“Other Purebloods found out about the incident.  They laughed at it.  All those resources wasted for vengeance against a slave, a blameless Sograk.  Sith are supposed to take terrible vengeances against their enemies, not a harmless, obedient slave girl, an immensely valuable, beautiful girl at that.  It made Kurnaz a laughing stock among our people, at least behind her back."

Rajaqa was quiet now, the story over.  Tauber kicked one of the broken table halves.  Rajaqa started, but remained seated.  Tauber snarled.  "You went to a lot of trouble to tell me THIS? Why?"

Rajaqa spoke calmly.  "People tell stories about you too, Tauber.  It is not idle gossip either.  They whisper about you in fear,  ‘The Rancor’ who cannot be stopped, the monster who skins his victims alive sometimes.  The raging horror that killed an overseer before reporting to his first master."

Tauber almost pulled out his lightsaber.  "I told you I imagined that, not that..." Rajaqa interrupted.  "Tauber, it is not the secret you think it is.  I have personally heard your master boasting of the deed in gatherings.  He has also bragged about your murder of your lover, Zefir was it? After she coupled with another."

Tauber instantly became alert and still, his voice cold.  "Stop.  My master tells people I murdered Zefir? He knows I did not." Tauber's voice became hoarse.  "I've sworn to avenge her."

Rajaqa was very quiet for a few moments, then spoke.  "That is…”  She hesitated before resuming,  “I think I understand.  I never met Zefir, but was she powerful?"

Tauber slowly nodded.  "She was almost as strong as you are."

Rajaqa whispered,  "She would have made you a powerful ally.  You probably do not need to look very far to find the one who ordered her death."

Tauber felt his rage rising, against Rajaqa, against Viltus, against his master, but he banished it.  That anger would not serve now.  He needed to think.  Tauber leaned over Rajaqa, towering over her.  He held both the lightsabers on his belt now.  "Is that the scheme here? To turn me against my master by dropping poison in my ear? A piece of gossip? Or a lie?"

Tauber could sense Rajaqa's frustration for a moment, then she spoke.  "It is not a lie.  I have heard the boast from your master’s own lips.  He wanted to..." 

Rajaqa interrupted herself.  "Nevermind.  I just want you to know that powerful people talk about your exploits, and what that talk is like.  You already have a story swirling around you.  In the story, you do things no man, even a Sith, should be able to do, would be willing to do.  You are a monster, 'The Rancor', risen from some terrible region of the force." Rajaqa added quietly.  "I just want Krik to get some of the credit for you."

Tauber took a deep breath.  This was now a waste of time.  Rajaqa's madness about Krik had ensnared her again.  Tauber grew frustrated.  "Rajaqa, I loved Krik.  I've already confessed it.  But love is a weakness.  Love almost got me killed.  In the end, it made Krik a failed acolyte." 

Rajaqa suddenly stood up and the air filled with static again.  Her eyes were full of sparks.  Her voice was vehement, but remained a whisper.  "No! Krik did NOT fail! She swore vengeance on her enemies, the Sith.  She found the Force and endured the Trials.  When she knew the moment of her death had arrived, she lashed out, and forged a tool to use against her enemies, a tool that would outlast her." 

Rajaqa looked Tauber up and down.  "The overseer, her last enemy, died first.  And many Sith have died since.  And many more are now afraid of her instrument of vengeance.  She did something mighty! Like a deed out of the old legends!" Rajaqa sat back down and crossed her arms, her voice full of disgust.  "But your master has stolen her credit for himself.  He steals from her every time you kill on his behalf." Rajaqa looked up at Tauber.  "Lord Obvalis is her enemy, too, one of her greatest.  You need to avenge her."

Tauber realized he had taken a step back, momentarily startled.  Already frayed, Tauber's temper snapped.  He grabbed Rajaqa by the arms and pulled her ear to his mouth, snarling.  "Krik died because she loved me, you insane witch.  Not in some mad Sith scheme to get revenge." Tauber threw Rajaqa to the floor as he pulled off her cowl.  "I know what you are, Rajaqa.  I am sick of your tricks.  I am sick of your lies.  I am sick of your madness.  I am immune to them all now.  You disgust me." Tauber decided he didn't care about the consequences.  He did not care if her master was about to arrive.  Rajaqa needed to die.  He placed his hand on his saber.

Suddenly, Zongli was in front of Tauber attempting to shove him back, striking him in the chest with a fist.  "You must leave now, sir.  I will not have it.  I will not allow it.  This is a respectable establishment." 

Rajaqa looked up at both, terror on her face.  "Please, Zongli.  PLEASE! STOP!" 

Zongli took several steps back.  "I...My apologies, sir.  But I cannot allow you to harm one of my most esteemed patrons." 

Zongli was terrified, trembling and drenched in sweat.  Tauber was so bewildered by the man, a foolish teamonger who dared to lay hands on a Sith, that his rage vanished.  Rajaqa moved like lightning.  She was suddenly in front of Zongli, kissing his cheek, her back to Tauber.  "Thank you, Zongli.  Thank you.  But you need to think of your family.  There is nothing you can do about this man.  Nothing.  You need to leave.  I will be alright.  My master will be here soon." 

Zongli crossed his arms and shook his head.

Tauber realized Rajaqa had intentionally placed herself between the shuddering little man and himself.  It was no wonder she was mad over Krik.  The girl clearly suffered from love's affliction herself.  Rajaqa looked over her shoulder at Tauber..  Tauber drank in her full face.  Rajaqa was not exactly plain.  Her face was boney and angular, but less so than many Purebloods.  Her yellow eyes were striking, but she was no great beauty.  Rajaqa could not have competed with Krik.  

Rajaqa spoke, never taking her eyes off Tauber.  "It is alright Zongli, this man lost his temper for a moment over something I said.  He just does not understand it yet.  This man's mind is still clouded by a justified rage.  I have given him good reasons to be cross with me this evening." 

Rajaqa added pointedly, "But you should not risk placing yourself in front of an angry Sith, let alone striking one.  We are both fortunate that this man is a good citizen.  He is wise enough to understand that killing should only be done if it is for a purpose.  Many of his kind forget that."

Rajaqa's yellow eyes never left Tauber's face.  Zongli was still frightened, but spoke politely.  "I apologize, my lord.  I forgot my place.  But I will not leave unless you promise not to touch lady Rajaqa again.  I will not."

Tauber's temper was already cooling, and he found it impossible to be angry in the face of a demand so preposterous.  He almost laughed.  But he took his hand off the lightsaber on his belt.  Tauber spoke with great solemnity.  "I apologize to you, Zongli.  Your courage prevented me from allowing my overquick temper to get the better of me.  I will, of course, pay for the damages to your shop."

Rajaqa suddenly prostrated herself on the ground.  Zongli's face showed a strange mix of relief and fear.  Tauber heard a woman's voice behind him, soft as silk, but cold and implacable as a glacier.  "By the Axe of Adas, what is going on here?" Lord Zash had arrived.

Chapter 10: Lord Zash

Tauber turned to look at the new arrival.  Lord Zash was a mature woman, with the sort of beauty that ages well.  She had dirty blonde hair and brown eyes and wore fashionable durasilk robes.  She glided across the room almost silently.  In the force, she gave off the impression of a great spider, approaching prey already ensnared by its web.

Rajaqa groveled, her voice laced with remorse and terror.  "Forgive me, master." Rajaqa began to weep.  "Please forgive me.  I have failed you again.  I'm sorry...so, so sorry...please..."

Zash sighed and walked over to the trembling girl, then spoke calmly, seeming bored.  "Rajaqa, stop it.  Just stop.  This performance is beneath you. Especially now.  Worse, it is beneath me.  Continuing this game makes us look even more foolish than when it actually served a purpose.  Everyone who matters knows how dangerous you are.  Too much has happened.  It is over.  And I am long weary of the pretense anyway.  You are a Sith apprentice.  For the moment, I order you to start acting like one. Now! This ruse is over.  Stand up."

As Rajaqa rose to her feet.  Zongli ran to Zash, datapad in hand.  "Lord Zash, it’s not her fault this time.  It is not.  Look at this." 

Zash looked mildly annoyed.  "Are you presuming to command me, Zongli?" 

Zongli began sputtering apologies, but Zash's face softened and her voice became kind.  "It is quite alright, I know you are fond of Rajaqa.  You were just overexcited.  Show me what you have."

Zongli showed her the feed taken by the security cameras in his shop.  Zash looked impassive until near the end, when she appeared to be struggling not to laugh.  Zongli was adamant.  "You see, he accosted her.  Practically forced her into this shop, trapping her here.  He laid hands on her here! She was defiant against him! Resisting him." Zongli was genuinely outraged.

Zash simply began massaging the vendor's shoulders.  "I understand how you must feel, Zongli.  You see her as a wayward child, a slave with a master who spoils her too much and cruelly punishes her when she strays.  But it is not real, it never was.  It is not who she really is.  She is a Sith apprentice, a strong one.  I have to discipline her like one." 

Zongli looked concerned.  "Lord Zash, I know about your little jest, the airs you allow her to put on sometimes.  But..." 

Lord Zash interrupted, looking at Rajaqa, speaking loudly.  "It is not a joke anymore.  Rajaqa is not a joke anymore.  She endured the Trials on Korriban.  She went there a pitiful little thing.  But the trials made her strong, stronger than you can possibly imagine.  She is Sith.  Rajaqa is my apprentice in TRUTH.  And I have to discipline her accordingly." 

Zash looked annoyed for a moment when Zongli interrupted, but her face then turned soft.  "But it really wasn’t her fault this time." Zongli looked at Tauber now.  "This man assaulted her!"

Zash spoke gently.  "I am not upset with her for allowing her preposterous lusts to get the better of her yet again.  That is her business now, so long as it does not interfere with her duties.  But she needs to be punished.  The Trials on Korriban have left her unbalanced, slightly mad.  She harassed this man, this very dangerous man, without concern for her own life.  This is the second recent incident where she acted recklessly.  Have you heard of the Black Talon incident?" 

Zongli looked confused.  "The general who tried to defect?" Zash nodded and made a grim expression..  

"Rajaqa was one of the boarders who prevented that from happening.  With several others, she commandeered an aging transport and used it to attack a Republic corvette , while a Republic fleet was approaching.  She helped destroy a small army, Zongli.  She helped kill a JEDI.  And through some miracle, she escaped.  It was a reckless, completely preposterous act.”

Zash spoke loudly again.  “Rajaqa’s actions bordered on the insane, and I did not approve.  And I do not approve of her antics this evening.”

Lord Zash continued, but spoke softly.  “She has been near frenzied since the Trials." 

Zash glowered with disappointment as she looked at Rajaqa.  "This is partly my fault.  I thought Rajaqa had managed to find some balance and sent her out to enjoy some nightlife.  But she is clearly still rash to the point of being self destructive.  Rajaqa thinks she is invulnerable.  She must learn she is not.  She needs to be punished."

Zongli shook his head.  "I am sorry, Lord Zash.  But this is Rajaqa.  She's not a real Sith, she's just.." 

Zash talked over Zongli’s pleading.  "Oh yes she is.  Rajaqa is not some sluttish nobody .  Rajaqa is a real Sith and I will prove it." 

Zash returned to Rajaqa, standing quietly now, awaiting her fate.  "Apprentice?" Rajaqa spoke.  "Yes, master." Zash continued.  "Rajaqa, I told you this little game was over.  I told you it was no longer part of your life.  You acted pleased by that.  I thought you WERE pleased to end it.  But you have summoned me here and tried to force me to play it again.  My evening's plans have been ruined.  Is it an apprentice's place to command her master?" 

Rajaqa looked sheepish now, and bowed her head.  "No, my master.  I am sorry, master." Zash continued.  "Not sorry enough.  Not yet! You want to keep playing the slutty pleasure slave? Now? Then so be it.  Until I release you from it, you will return to your previous duties.  Those are Sith robes, not appropriate for your current assignment.  Strip! Now!" 

Zash held her arm out.  Rajaqa's face was angry for only a moment.  Then she bit her lips and obeyed, stripping herself naked while handing her robes to Zash.

Tauber looked at Rajaqa impassively.  Her body was not any more alluring than her face.  She was fit and trim and in excellent health.  But she was a little too skinny, a little too boney and her bust and hips were disappointing.  Rajaqa did not seem like the stuff of a high courtesan or famous whore.

Zash issued a command.  "You have greatly inconvenienced this Sith apprentice.  You will make a full apology, now." Rajaqa immediately fell to all fours and crawled, naked, directly in front of Tauber, placing her head to the floor.  She spoke with the most pleading, the most seductive voice Tauber had ever heard.  "I beg your mercy, master.  Please punish me, or allow me to serve you, in any way you wish.  For as long as you wish." 

Tauber glared at Zash, while gently spurning Rajaqa with his foot.  "Absolutely NOT! I want nothing from you.  From either of you.  This is ridiculous."

Zash looked like she was about to laugh at Tauber, but then looked down at Rajaqa.  She spoke very coldly.  "Rajaqa, your antics wasted the time of a man we both know to be a great man, a serious man, a master of his craft.  Make a FULL apology."

Rajaqa looked up suddenly at Zash, stricken.  Zash was impassive.  "You have your order, apprentice.  Perhaps you would prefer I say 'Obey, little schutta!”

Tauber looked on, fascinated now.  Rajaqa's face suddenly filled with grief, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.  But she nodded her head and her face became that of a submissive courtesan again.  She crawled in front of Zongli, prostrated herself and spoke again, but this time her voice cracked.  "I am sorry, Zongli.  I mean...I beg..." 

Zongli backed up until he was pressed against the wall.  "Please, Lord Zash! Please.  I know you wish to honor me,” A terrified shout emerged from his lungs, “BUT I VALUE MY LIFE! Please!" Rajaqa wept quietly.

Zash suddenly looked apologetic.  "That was thoughtless of me, Zongli.  I forgot for a moment the silly tales of her monstrous lust and its unhealthy, occasionally fatal, effects on others.  She is really nothing like that, Zongli.  She can provide you with tremendous pleasure, and you will be perfectly healthy afterwards. Healthier." Zongli shook his head, still frightened.  Rajaqa's eyes were dry now, but she was not trying to hide the humiliation on her face.

Zash clapped her hands.  "Zongli, you need to see who she really is.  Everyone should.  Follow me.  Rajaqa, stand up and walk into the concourse.  You will be stoic.  You will make no sound.  You will stay on your feet.  Do you understand, my little pet?" Rajaqa stood and started for the concourse, humiliation written on her face.  "Yes, master." Tauber and Zongli followed a bit and watched from the entrance of the shop.

When Rajaqa reached the middle of the concourse, Zash stood a couple meters away from her and spoke loudly enough for her voice to carry down the concourse.  "Apprentice, you have displeased me.  You have taken a lightsaber that does not belong to you.  You have threatened and inconvenienced a great many people.  Worse, you have allowed yourself to be disarmed and taken prisoner.  In doing so you have disgraced me as well as yourself.  Do you have anything to say?” 

Rajaqa replied blandly.  "No, master.  I apologize, master." A small crowd had gathered around the spectacle, but none approached the two Sith closely.  

Zash unleashed force lightning.  Rajaqa's nostrils and eyes flared, but otherwise she did not move a muscle.  Zongli started to walk forward, but Tauber grabbed the man by the shoulder and held him back.  Tauber had felt this kind of attack.  But it had never been so long, so direct, so intense.  He had always been able to end it swiftly, with violence.  

But Rajaqa just stood there enduring it.  Tauber saw Rajaqa's eyes close, and thought her knees might buckle for a moment.  But she never moved otherwise.  Tauber realized Zongli was weeping.  His eyes were closed, in total despair as he whispered.  "The lord is going to kill her this time.  Poor, poor girl."

After what seemed like an inordinately long time, Zash stopped her assault.  The smell of ozone permeated the concourse.  Rajaqa stood, nude and at attention in the center of the concourse, trembling slightly.  Tauber was mildly impressed the girl was still alive, let alone conscious.  

Zash approached Zongli, still weeping quietly, and spoke gently.  "Zongli, open your eyes and look.  She is alive.  Not dead.  Shaken, but already recovering." Zongli looked up, and his eyes slowly filled with dread and wonder.  "Rajaqa is really a Sith then? It's not a jest?" 

 Zash nodded and frowned.  "She is actually very dangerous, Zongli.  As dangerous in her own way as the ill-tempered rancor beside you."

Rajaqa put her head down, an unhappy expression on her face.  Zongli sputtered another apology to Tauber, "I am sorry, sir.  I am truly, truly sorry.  I should not have interfered with Sith business.  Had I known..." Tauber gave the man a gentle shake.  "It is already settled.  I bear you no ill will.  You do not need to grovel."

Zash walked back to Rajaqa.  "Apprentice, this is only a taste of the punishment you will receive.  It will not end here.  You have disrupted my PARTY.  You have pulled my driver from his evening meal.  You will make a full apology to my driver.  Then you will return home and make apologies to each guest when you arrive.  Go."

Rajaqa nodded, bit her lips a moment, then spoke.  "Master, may I speak first, with you... and with Zongli?" Zash looked skeptical, but nodded.  Rajaqa approached Zash and briefly whispered directly into the lord's ear.  Zash looked angry for a moment, then slightly puzzled, glancing at Tauber.  Rajaqa then approached Zongli.

Chapter 11: A Pot of Tea

Rajaqa covered her nakedness as best she could with her arms, bowing slightly.  "Zongli I am...I am very sorry about today...I"

Zongli became fearful, and began shaking his head.  "No girl...I mean, ma'am.  Your ladyship.  I want nothing from you.  Absolutely nothing." 

Rajaqa closed her eyes and sighed.  "Please.  I have no right to burden you any further, but I want something from you.  A small favor?  Would you brew me a pot of tea? Of the blend I like?  Please."

Zongli looked at Zash, who nodded.  The fear fled Zongli's face, replaced by a wide smile.  "Of course.  THAT is something I am qualified to do." Zash looked amused.

Tauber sighed.  Rajaqa's madness was still driving her.  She had already been punished harshly by her master, and would probably be punished more severely over the next few weeks.  Yet Rajaqa was wasting her master's time, worrying about her favorite tea.  

Tauber realized the Force had been with him.  It was probably only the fact that Rajaqa's madness had focused on Krik that prevented her from injuring him.  Or possibly destroying him.  And although Rajaqa's story about Krik, about Hyda, had pained Tauber to hear, and still pained him to think about, he was glad he knew more about his lost lover.

Zongli puttered about his counter, carefully selecting leaves and spices, then seeped them in a heated bronze kettle.  After a few minutes, he poured the contents of the kettle into a large disposable thermal carton.  He presented the carton to Rajaqa, averting his gaze from her body.  Rajaqa took the carton to one of the tables and placed it in the center.  She then walked behind the counter and pulled out two cups and saucers, which she placed on opposite sides of the same table.  Rajaqa filled both cups, then carefully picked one up and walked over to Tauber.  Rajaqa offered the cup to Tauber, her face savage and her voice angry.  Rajaqa’s eyes filled with sparks again.

"Zongli is not a ‘teamonger.’  He is not a ‘shopkeeper.’  He is a grandmaster of his craft and a noted member of his guild.  He is an ARTIST.  People come from other worlds to visit this shop, to sample Zongli's brews."

Zongli straightened and puffed his chest out a bit.  Rajaqa continued, her voice full of menace.  "You have vandalized Zongli's shop.  You have smashed two of his cups, including one he prepared with his own hands especially for you.  You have bullied him without cause.  You will now do him the courtesy of actually sampling his art, or so help me, when you and I next meet we will be enemies.  I swear there will be blood."

Tauber looked at Lord Zash, but the woman's approval of Rajaqa's demand was obvious.  Zash’s expression practically ordered him to accept the cup.  Tauber did not appreciate being threatened.  But the request seemed harmless, so he took the cup.

Rajaqa immediately turned and stormed out of the shop.  The crowd of nearby gawkers parted, allowing her to pass.  Rajaqa ignored the leers and the laughter, but one member of the crowd made the mistake of lewdly whistling.  Rajaqa stopped, turned to the man, and walked toward him seductively and stopped directly in front of him, one hand on her hips and the other behind her head.  Tauber could not see Rajaqa's expression, but the man immediately fled in terror.  Then Rajaqa walked out of the hotel, striding like any other apprentice who had just received an order from her master.

Tauber realized Zash and Yongli were both staring at him expectantly.  Zash tilted her chin up, indicating he should drink.  Tauber knew already that he did not like tea.  He preferred ale or fruit juice.  Tauber expected that he would taste a weak floral flavor, then would politely compliment Zongli.  

But the drink was earthy, citrusy, laced with exotic spices that seemed to soothe his mood.  Tauber found the concoction delicious, the flavor somehow reminding him of Krik.  "Grandmaster, this is delightful.  It is not a surprise that patrons come from all over the Empire to sample your blends.  Thank you."

Zongli seemed satisfied.  "You are welcome to try others in the future, provided you promise not to smash any more tables." Tauber bowed his head.  "I apologize again, Zongli.  I would not dare risk being banished from your shop."

Lord Zash patted Tauber's arm.  "Tauber, please sit down.  I wish to speak with you." Then she walked over to Zongli and squeezed his arm.  "Zongli, this must have been a terrible ordeal for you." 

Zongli sighed.  "It seems done now.  I owe you much, Lord Zash, I..."

Zash interrupted.  "Nonsense.  Zongli, this stall is too small for a man of your abilities, and Rajaqa provoked this man to such anger he vandalized it.  A large shop across the hall just became available.  I will see to it that it is leased in your name for the next year.  Order the appropriate renovations and furnishings, then send the bills to my address.  Take your family on a vacation while the work is being done.  Send the bill for that to me as well." 

Zongli looked embarrassed.  "It is too generous, Lord.  My family owes you much already.  I..." 

Lord Zash interrupted, speaking cheerfully.  "Nonsense.  You misunderstand.  Rajaqa still needs to apologize to you and she will, by paying for all this herself.  She inherited a small fortune recently.  She can afford it easily." 

Zongli seemed to consider it, stroking his chin.  "I could accept that then.  But only if I can name the new shop after Lady Rajaqa.  I would call it 'Rajaqa's Refuge'? Would she approve?"

Lord Zash pursed her lips, seeming to pout, but her voice remained sunny.  "Well, I don't like it.  I intended for Rajaqa to experience no joy for the next several weeks, and this news will delight her.” Then Zash shrugged.  “I suppose there is no helping it." 

Zash continued,  "Zongli, I want you to leave me alone with this … brutish creature.  I promise to keep him from causing more damage."

Zongli nodded his head.  "Of course.  I'll close early.  My droid will clean up." Zash added more,  "Zongli, would you be a dear and send Rajaqa and I a copy of your security feed from this incident.  She and I will need to discuss what happened here.  And would you turn the cameras off?"

Zongli made a few taps on his datapad.  "Done, Lord Zash." Zongli then departed.

Tauber was already at the table.  He had finished his first cup and poured himself more tea from the carton.  Lord Zash glided to the table and sat, tucking her robe beneath her.  Tauber had the impression of being stalked by a large feline.  Tauber placed the lightsaber Rajaqa had given him on the table and pushed it toward Lord Zash.

Lord Zash looked amused.  "Oh, that weapon is not mine.  Rajaqa took it from another, but in the proper way, by killing its owner.  Certain people will recognize it.  I wanted them to know that she is the one who took it." 

Zash laughed.  "She obviously wanted you to have it.  She has others.  You should keep it." Now knowing what else to do, Tauber took the blade and tucked it in his belt.

Zash's voice was warm and friendly, but her eyes looked like stone.  "Tauber, my apprentice said the most peculiar thing to me before she left.  She said that you knew something about Krik, that it had nothing to do with Lord Kurnaz, and that it was important.  It left me confused.  Would you mind clarifying some things for me?" 

To Tauber, Zash sounded far more focused than confused.  "Lord Zash, it seems more appropriate that you speak with my master.  I will make a report to him of everything that happened here and you..." 

Zash interrupted.  "Nonsense." Zash produced a holocommunicator and placed it on the table.  She pressed a button and the image of a distinguished looking human male appeared, facing toward Zash.  The lord spoke to her servant.  "Dawle, Rajaqa will be attending the party after all, as entertainment.  She has inconvenienced everyone by dragging me away, so she will be apologizing to each guest personally.  A full apology.  Remind her when she arrives.  And under no circumstances allow her to change.  My orders.  And inform Lord Obvalis that I need to speak with him.  It is urgent." 

Zash's butler nodded and the feed briefly cut.  A short time later, the face of Lord Obvalis appeared.  "Lord Zash? What is this about?" 

Zash made an exasperated expression.  "It's quite the coincidence really.  Remember why I had to cut short our earlier conversation? Well it turns out the incident involving my apprentice involved one of yours as well.  How is my party going in my absence, by the way?" 

Lord Obvalis looked wary and spoke carefully.  "We all wish you were here, Lord Zash.  Your beauty and wit always enhance any gathering.  But what's this about our apprentices? Which ones?" Obvalis suddenly sounded very cross.  "Is somebody dead?"

Tauber could sense nothing but cold durasteel from Zash, but she spoke with a mildly embarrassed tone.  "Nobody was injured, thankfully.  It seems Rajaqa accosted your man Tauber."

Lord Obvalis' face turned to stone.  "Rajaqa is ALIVE? I thought you sent her to Korriban." 

Zash lifted up one of her hands and threw it back.  "I DID.  She actually came back.  Can you believe that? She actually survived the Trials.  Apparently she can command the Force after all.” 

Lord Obvalis sounded confused.  "That should be impossible." Lord Zash shrugged.  "So we all thought. You know how I am about mysterious events involving the Force.  I simply had to take her back as an apprentice." 

Lord Obvalis became alert, lines of suspicion appearing around his scowl.  "What did Rajaqa do to Tauber then?" 

Zash shook her head.  "Well she came back from Korriban different, obviously.  But you know how she was before.  She remains the same in some ways.  Rajaqa put on a mask and tried to seduce your apprentice.  When he rejected her, she went mad for a bit.  It's silly, but she has never needed to learn how to cope with that particular sort of disappointment.  And you must know her history."

"I must commend your apprentice.  He saw through her deceptions, assumed she was some sort of spy, and resisted her blandishments.  When Rajaqa began to go mad in frustration, his quick thinking saved many lives.  He even found a way to spare her.  I really owe him a debt of gratitude, but I would like to detain him a bit.  Do you wish to speak with him first?"

Obvalis nodded.  "He's there? Let me have a quick word." Zash turned the device around and Lord Obvalis spoke to Tauber.  "Is it as Lord Zash says, Tauber? You were approached by Rajaqa? She went mad? Nobody is injured?" 

Tauber nodded.  "Yes, master.  But..." Lord Obvalis interrupted, waving him off.  "Let me speak to Lord Zash.  We'll talk about this incident later." Zash turned the device back to her as Obvalis spoke.  "Of course my apprentice will give you his report..  Will you be coming back?" 

Zash laughed.  "As soon as I can pull myself away from your charming apprentice.  Everyone tells me he is as terrifying as a rancor.  I had no idea he was also incredibly handsome.  Oh, Lord Obvalis, as part of her discipline for this incident, I have ordered Rajaqa to resume her previous duties for a time.  Feel free to take her home with you when you leave." 

Obvalis’ face narrowed.  "Rajaqa really passed the Trials?" Zash laughed again.  "Yes, but don't worry.  She will obey me.  And her lust is obviously worked up.  Becoming Sith just made her stronger, more durable.  Have fun." Lord Obvalis nodded slightly.  "Perhaps I will accept your offer, Lord Zash.  If you will excuse me." The connection ended.

Zash grinned and her eyes suddenly turned cruel.  "Now you can get a good night's sleep, Tauber.  Your master should be busy until tomorrow at the earliest.  The randy old gill-goat." 

Tauber was completely disgusted.  "You actually pimp out your apprentices?" Lord Zash replied nonchalantly.  "Not often.  Only Rajaqa, actually.  And only for a short time longer.  She brought it on herself, remember.  Now about..." 

Tauber lifted his arm to slam his fist on the table, but then he saw the surface, a beautiful, hand-carved and lacquered masterpiece and hesitated.  He remembered Rajaqa's story about Lord Kurnaz and Krik.  Tauber crossed his arms, then hissed,  "And you misled my master.  I will not."

Zash gave Tauber a smug, curious look.  "I saw the security footage from the concourse on my way here.  Your master will see it soon enough.  He may even be looking at it now.  What I described is exactly what it shows.  If you claim otherwise, Obvalis will believe you are lying, not me." 

Tauber realized he had a splitting headache.  "I was trying to seduce her, at least at first." Zash laughed.  "She certainly wanted you to believe that." 

Tauber was about to object, but thought about it.  'Nadda' had admitted she listened as his peers talked about their game.  Then she had followed him, provoked him, and flirted with him afterwards.

Tauber was unamused.  "That scheming witch!" Tauber glared at Zash.  "So you did wish to arrange a meeting with me, then."

Lord Zash continued laughing.  "Tauber, this is not exactly discreet.  If I had wanted anything this obvious I would have just insisted Obvalis bring you with him tonight.  I had no idea you were here until I pulled up the security feeds in my car.  This was all her doing, not mine.  I just told her to go out and have fun."

Tauber's disgust returned.  "Tonight was about your apprentice's lust?"

Zash’s expression became thoughtful.  "I suppose I did lie to your master about that.  Rajaqa is actually nothing like that.  She detests that fable about herself.  It distresses her no end." Zash's eyes danced lewdly over Tauber's torso.  "Perhaps her lust was up tonight, but it would have been a first.  You should be honored." 

Zash's eyes turned to stone suddenly.  "Let us talk about Krik.  Shame what happened to her.  Did you work in the same mine with her or something?"

Tauber was unsettled by Zash's tone.  He found himself speaking as though his will was not his own.  "That's when Rajaqa's madness burst forth, when I told her about Krik.  She fixated on the idea that Krik was some sort of powerful worker of the dark side.  But it's part of her derangement.  You saw how she was acting.  Krik was just a failed acolyte..."

Surprise entered Zash's eyes for a moment, then she spoke.  "Wait.  Krik became a Sith acolyte? Truly?" Tauber slowly nodded.  Zash's nostril flared.  "That is very interesting.  I want you to tell me exactly what happened between you and Rajaqa.  What you spoke of.  Everything.  You will not leave here until I hear every detail.”

Tauber had no desire to recount the events of the evening to Zash, but he felt trapped.  Lord Obvalis had ordered him to speak with her.  And Lord Zash seemed impossible to mislead, or deflect, or ignore.  So Tauber explained events as best he could.  Every now and then, Zash interjected with a question.  Tauber talked himself hoarse sometimes, then drank more tea to wet his throat.  By the time Zash had finished questioning him, the carton was almost empty.

Zash sat quietly at the end of Tauber's tale, staring at him with her flinty eyes.  The silence was long enough that Tauber became even more uncomfortable.  "Am I excused now, Lord Zash?" 

Lord Zash shook her head.  "Oh, I don't think so.  I wish to speak with you some more."

Zash continued, her eyes excited now.  "You are wrong about Krik.  Rajaqa is right about what happened.  Hyda was always a clever girl, she saw something, a way to turn the tables, to create a vergence." 

Tauber was nonplussed for a moment, thinking Zash was gripped by the same madness.  Then he mulled over what Zash had just said.  "I'm sorry if I sound dense, my lord.  But did you truly know Krik?"

Zash became genuinely annoyed for a moment.  "Of course I knew her! I visited Lord Kurnaz's home many times through the years, it's where I first met..." Zash hesitated for a moment, then smiled, her eyes cold again, but her voice soft.  "It is where I first met Hyda.  She was a great beauty even as a small child, you know.  Lord Kurnaz was very proud of showing her off." Zash became smug.  "Kurnaz was a boastful, arrogant snob, right up until her death."

Tauber knew his face fell when he heard the words.  Lord Zash's voice turned sympathetic.  "That must distress you, Tauber, to hear Kurnaz is beyond your reach.  According to the complete and incredibly exacting investigation carried out by Sith Security, Kurnaz died several months ago, the same night as Darth Skotia.  Her speeder crashed in the jungle and she was devoured by animals." 

Tauber asked darkly, hopefully.  "Are either of her children still alive?" Zash looked at him queerly, but continued to speak kindly.  "Her only son died roughly a year ago, a failed acolyte on Korriban.  If it is any consolation, he died very hard.  His trial was rigged, in a shamefully obvious manner, but he was still defeated by a slave."

Tauber felt his chest unclench a bit.  "Krik would have liked that, I think.  Her enemy's son dead at the hands of a slave like her."

Zash nodded her head, speaking almost tenderly.  "It is better than that, Tauber.  Few people know it yet, but the boy was defeated by a slave from Kurnaz' own household, by someone who knew and loved Hyda.  Not the way you loved her, but love all the same.  Think about that, Tauber.  That is the sort of thing Hyda inspired."

Tauber disagreed and shook his head.  It seemed to him Krik inspired something alright, madness.  "This is all just coincidence.  Krik died because she loved me.  It made her weak.  It would have made me weak.  She was right about it.  It would have gotten us both killed." Tauber left unsaid that thoughts of Krik made his temper flare in ways that made him act foolishly, as though he had been driven mad himself.

Zash closed her eyes, pursed her lips, and snorted.  When she opened her eyes, they drilled into Tauber, but there was nothing frenzied or crazed about her expression.  "Of course Krik loved you.  Hyda was the property of a Sith Lord from birth, Tauber.  She took care of the woman's son, and was present during many of his lessons.  She knew all about the Trials.  She knew from the start that only one acolyte was going to survive.  Hyda must have loved you a great deal, and that love must have come very fast, for her to stay her hand." 

Tauber felt the terrible beast inside him, attempting yet again to control the way he thought about Krik, about Hyda.  Now it was trying to make him cry.  He tried to banish it.  But he could only silence it and keep it caged.

Zash continued speaking.  "Tauber, do you understand yet? Hyda loved you too much to kill you.  She knew you felt the same about her.  She also knew that if either of you killed the other it would destroy the survivor.  She knew that the Overseer understood that.  It was the man’s intent, Tauber.  She knew the survivor faced another round of Trials.  And she probably guessed the final round on Korriban was meant to be rigged."

Zash spoke deliberately now.  "Tauber, remember what you were like before Hyda’s death.  Remember what she was like.  Do you think either one of you could have survived Korriban after killing the other?" 

The insight came to Tauber like a flash of light.  He started breathing heavily.  "No.  If I had killed her, I could not have gone on.  It was only her...her death.  I...I probably could not have survived at all really, if I had never met her.  The Trials made me afraid.  She made me stronger, braver.  The hatred from...from what happened to Krik...it gave me strength on Korriban."

Zash’s face seemed to fill with sympathy.  "Hyda already hated the Sith, and would have hated the idea of becoming one.  There was no way she could have survived Korriban.  She probably hated the idea of you becoming a Sith, too.  But she hated the idea of her lover dying even more.  But Hyda saw a loophole in the Trial's rules, Tauber.  A way of making the Trials serve her.  She found a way you could both still love each other.  And one of you could live and prosper as a Sith, a terrifying Sith, and then AVENGE her.  Hyda reshaped your mutual love into something dark and terrible, Tauber.  She banished your fear and replaced it with rage.  Look at you.  You are already a famous monster, stronger in the Force than any apprentice should be.  Your strength is as unnatural as Rajaqa's and it grows every time you kill." 

Tauber sat quietly.  The terrible beast inside him was making one last effort to free itself.  He realized the feeling wanted to cloud his mind.  He was about to cuff it into silence, but suddenly realized the beast was a gift from Krik, her parting gift.  Tauber had been serving the beast for years now, but that was over.  The beast would now serve him.  Tauber made his breathing even.  "I told Rajaqa that one of the great strengths of the Sith was that we see things as they really are.  Krik loved me, but she also used me.  I have to accept it."

Zash reached out and patted Tauber's hand.  "It is more that Krik, Hyda, found something you both could use.  She found a way for you both to use each other.  Maybe that is part of how love works." 

Lord Zash spoke now in a business like fashion.  "Tauber, I plan to spread the tale of your Trials widely, for my own reasons.  Rajaqa will spread it, too.  She loves stories like this and enjoys fanning them.  She has other reasons, as well.  When the word spreads, the proof of it will be easy enough for others to find.  But I am being honest when I say it serves your interests.  It makes your reputation more fearsome, not less."

Tauber believed in the power of Krik's story now.  He was beginning to think that perhaps neither Rajaqa or Zash were completely mad.  But he remained skeptical any good could come of the story for him.  "I do not want my master to know Krik's story." He added quietly.  "And I do not want anyone to speak of Hyda at all."

Zash's eyes remained stony, but she laughed.  "It is too late for that.  Lord Obvalis might hear it from Rajaqa’s own lips before you have a chance to speak with him." Zash looked self-satisfied.  "Besides, Obvalis probably already knows about Krik and your Trials.  He may even understand the significance.  It would explain a great deal.  The silly game he has arranged for you.  The death of that woman, Zefir.  He is keeping an eye on your dalliances.  He does not want anyone else falling in love with you, or you with them."

Tauber felt a burst of rage, first at Zash for lying, then at Obvalis when he realized Zash was probably being truthful.  "My master really did kill Zefir, didn't he? I was so sure it was Viltus."

Zash was amused.  She spoke conspiratorially.  "Actually, it seems to me little Viltus played a role as well.  Haven’t you grasped it yet? The ‘game’ is purely for your benefit, a way for Obvalis to keep an eye on you.  Viltus and Jaunks, I know their masters are tools of Obvalis, under his power.  The pair probably report on your doings directly to you master.  Jaunks and Viltus may even be secret apprentices of the man.

Tauber considered things carefully.  "Your words ring true, Lord Zash.  Lets say I believe you.  Is that what all this was about then? Turning me against Lord Obvalis." 

Zash shook her head.  "Tauber, or is it 'The Rancor?’ No.  You have no reason to believe me or Rajaqa at this point.  But both Rajaqa and I have heard Lord Obvalis speak of how you murdered the Zabrak woman because she cuckolded you.  We had no reason until tonight to think he was lying about it.  Frankly, if Rajaqa had known Zefir's death was not your doing, I doubt she would have approached you to begin with."

Tauber wrinkled his nose.  "I'm not following." 

Zash slowly shook her head.  "You do not know Rajaqa like I do.  Nobody does.  She becomes wild when she is bored.  The girl has been completely reckless since she left Korriban.  It is as though she has a death wish.  You saw it on display tonight."

Zash frowned, clearly exasperated.  "I honestly think she meant to toy with your affections and then turn you toward murderous jealousy later.  She wanted to test and see whether 'The Rancor' that terrorizes the Great Houses, the jealous murderer of traitorous lovers, could actually challenge her.  She has been like that since she found the Force, Tauber.  Danger is her addiction.  It has become a serious problem.  She is very useful to me.  I do not want her to die stupidly, or prematurely." 

Zash looked Tauber over again.  "It is very fortunate for her that you brought up Krik.  She would have been crushed when you ignored her later, your murderous jealousy a lie.  That probably would have spurred her to do something even more reckless.  Instead she found a small project, an interesting one, that will keep her entertained and occupied for a time."

Zash leaned back in her chair.  "People believe Rajaqa and I are lovers, that she is a pleasure slave that has enthralled me, and that I dote on her foolishly.  It has been a recurring subject of trashy gossip feeds for the past year.  Being lovers is an illusion, a lie we have expended much effort crafting over the past year.  But I really am quite fond of her now.  It will probably be my undoing.  She will not hesitate to strike at me when the time comes, if she can learn patience enough to survive until the right moment.  I sometimes think it is her destiny to replace me.  She will be a worthy successor if that becomes true."

"And Tauber, while nothing Rajaqa told you tonight was untrue, exactly, she misled you several times by leaving important facts out.  Part of her punishment will be to explain the secrets she kept when you next see her."

Tauber was horrified at the idea.  "Lord Zash.  I have no intention of laying eyes on that lunatic, or on you, ever again.  Despite your explanations, Rajaqa is dangerous, almost deranged.  Frankly, I still think this is all just part of some strange intrigue.  You are known for them."

Zash smiled, her eyes amused.  "Oh no, Tauber.  That will not do, not at all.  I will ask Lord Obvalis to order you to see her again."

Tauber grunted.  "He may be dead before he gets the chance to issue orders of any kind."

Zash was dismissive.  "I have no doubt you can kill him now, 'Rancor'.  But could you survive the consequences? You are young and he is still of use to you.  He has powerful allies who already have reason to fear you.  No.  You will let him live for now and continue to obey his orders.  War with the Republic is coming, probably very soon. When war arrives, the chaos will distract his friends and provide you with better opportunities."

Tauber considered it.  The great beast looked ever more like Krik herself, and was whispering to him, telling him not to be her Dumdum anymore, to be patient.  Tauber accepted he had to wait.  "I do not look forward to seeing Rajaqa in any way."

Tauber was gripped by a thought.  "Lord Obvalis will kill Rajaqa, won't he, if he thinks either of us is fond of the other?"

Zash howled with laughter.  "Obvalis? Kill that girl? By the Emperor, that's hysterical.  He's the one in danger.  Rajaqa has long hated the man, and has intended to kill him since she entered my service.  I forbade it for the time being and she has been perfectly patient.  But now that he is one of Krik's enemies, one of your enemies, she will detest him even more.  That’s marvelous.  I want her punished and enduring his attentions this evening will be a torment for her.  She will be enraged by his touch.  But she will leave him alive.  Krik's story, your story, is better if you do the deed.  If there is any actual lust in Rajaqa at the moment, it is her lust for a good story."

Zash laughed,  "You will want to see Rajaqa anyway before the week is out,anyway, if only to chastise her.  She is about to turn you into an object of tawdry gossip from here to Nar Shadda." Tauber scoffed, "Nobody is going to care about a lovers quarrel between two random Sith in a hotel concourse.  It's silly." 

Zash just shook her head, laughing louder.  "The hotel concourse is NOTHING, Tauber.  She'll spread the footage of what happened in this shop far and wide.  Rajaqa is not a random Sith.  Frankly, neither are you.  But Rajaqa is also a celebrity courtesan with a galactic reputation.  I have received offers from Hutts for her, Tauber.  I could have afforded a personal star destroyer.  Billions believe that nobody can resist Rajaqa.  But you unmasked her, called her disgusting, yelled you were immune to her tricks.  You even spurned her with your foot while she grovelled naked in front of you.  Billions of silly people will devour the sleazy drama.  You can expect to receive love letters from millions of romantic idiots.  You'll get hate mail and death threats from Rajaqa's fans, too.  She has played a fairly large prank on you."

Tauber clenched a fist and then relaxed.  Zash was just trying to unsettle him more. He was certain of it.  Zash continued, "The best part though, was the tea." Zash started laughing again.  "The tea is a delightful touch." Tauber made no effort to hide his irritation.  "So she loves Yongli's tea.  She loves Yongli.  Why is that funny?"

Zash calmed herself.  "Tauber, that tea blend is already famous as Rajaqa's personal favorite.  Zongli has made a small fortune the past few months packaging it and shipping it across the galaxy.  Gossip-feed watching fools believe that particular blend is her personal aphrodisiac.  By insisting you drink it, Rajaqa was signaling to everyone who sees Zongli’s feed in the future that she still intends to seduce you, that she is not giving up on you.  It makes for a great story.  And it links your story to hers in a way she will enjoy."

Zash became businesslike.  "You have told me what I needed to know.  I want to be back at my party before the guests start to leave, so I must depart now.  I also need to make sure Rajaqa behaves herself.  You are not wrong about her being unstable.  Is there anything you wish me to relay to Lord Obvalis? Or to your crazed crimson admirer?"

Tauber sighed, frustrated.  Zash's claims were probably all true.  But there was little he could do about any of it now.  "Tell my master that I will appear as soon as I am summoned to give my report." Tauber thought for a moment.  "Tell Rajaqa that Nadda was alluring at first, but Rajaqa utterly repels me." Zash beamed, gloating, "Tauber, you ARE a monster.  She'll pursue you to the ends of the Galaxy.  I know that girl, she will never give up after a direct challenge." Lord Zash departed, her footsteps as silent as when she arrived.  Tauber had thought his insult was biting.  Now he just felt defeated.

Chapter 12: A Kinder Fate

Tauber sat for a few moments, feeling drained.  The servitor droid in Zongli's shop began puttering around, asking him with ever increasing frequency if he required anything else.  Tauber realized he was being shooed out so the droid could close up the shop.

Tauber walked to the cantina, to excuse himself to the other 'Friends' and from the Game.  All three men had thrown up their hands and conceded in advance as he approached, even Viltus.  Rajaqa's lightsaber was still on his belt, so he had the trophy.  Tauber had entered the shop with her, she had emerged naked.  Jauks tried to get Tauber to watch feeds of the scene, already appearing on local gossip channels.  Tauber decided he was too tired to try and correct their misimpressions.

When Tauber told the others that dealing with Rajaqa and Lord Zash had left him exhausted, he realized his mistake only after they started laughing.  "Rajaqa is famous for that.  But Lord Zash, too? You're lucky to be alive." For a moment, Tauber hated the two women.  But the feeling was rapidly swallowed by his exhaustion.  As Tauber turned and walked away, Jauks called out behind him.  "I bet the Rancor still has a little appetite left?" Everyone laughed, but the humor of the comment escaped him.

When Tauber opened the door to the suite, he found the Twi'lek slave, Jonpulo, asleep on the carpet just inside the room.  She had probably waited for him for hours, kneeling before the door.  Jonpulo had put on makeup and perfume, doing her best to make herself alluring while waiting for him.  But already exhausted from a day of toil, she had fallen asleep.

Tauber watched her for a time before entering the room.  Jonpulo looked small and frail while sleeping, like a feverish child.  Tauber remembered that Rajaqa had claimed the girl would try to seduce him.  That Rajaqa's prediction had become reality annoyed Tauber for a moment.  Then Tauber remembered Rajaqa's other prediction, that the mousy girl might wind up chained to a mat in a mine.  The image of it soured his mood further.  Tauber was almost overcome by the thought that Krik might have once served precisely that sort of slavery.

Tauber scooped the girl up as gently as he could.  He carried her into one of the bedrooms and placed her on the bed meaning to tuck her in for the night.  But Jonpulo stirred.  She looked up at him, her eyes opened wide, and she immediately prostrated herself before him on the bed.  "Master!" She began to tremble.  "This humble slave apologizes.  She has failed you.  Please..." Tauber gave her a small shake.  "Settle down, Jonpulo.  The only way you failed is by trying to wait up instead of going to bed like I told you.  Remember? My command was to get some sleep.  I meant it.  Look at me.  Settle."

Jonpulo looked up at him, then put her head back down.  "I was awaiting your return, master.  It was not proper to do otherwise.  Are you certain you do not wish me to please you?" Jonpulo addly meekly, "I have been yearning to do so." Jonpulo was so obviously frightened, so underconfident, that her feeble effort to throw herself at Tauber sounded more comical than alluring.  Tauber felt an emotion he had not felt since before his Trials: pity.

Tauber knelt by the bed, and gently pulled her chin up so they were looking each  other in the eyes.  "I am almost completely exhausted.  Too tired for games.  But I am too unsettled to sleep.  Would you mind sitting with me while I talk for a while?" Jonpulo made a sympathetic expression and nodded.  

Tauber startled Jonpulo when he picked her up, then carried her to a nearby plush chair, sitting down with her on his lap.  Her tension faded as he began speaking.  "I want to tell you about a woman I knew, a woman named Krik." 

Tauber told the tale of his first trial, and how it ended.  Jonpulo's kind expression returned as he told the tale.  By the end of it, Jonpulo had her head to his chest, quietly weeping.  Her hands were caressing his back and his forearm.  There was nothing sexual in the gesture.  Jonpulo just wanted to console him.  She whispered.  "You must miss her so.  Krik sounds so brave.  I wish I could be that brave.  But I'm just … me.  I'm sorry, master."

Tauber spoke soothingly.  "You're fine the way you are, Jonpulo.  Nobody can be like Krik, she was one of a kind." Tauber remembered the moment when Jonpulo kissed Rajaqa, and realized the madwoman had never explained why.  "I saw you kiss a cowled Pureblood woman tonight, the one who helped you choose this outfit.  What was that about?" 

Jonpulo stiffened, she was frightened again.  Tauber patted her arm gently.  "Don't worry.  I'm not jealous.  I am just curious." 

 Jonpulo spoke timidly.  "I may have displeased you, master." Tauber spoke firmly but gently.  "You have nothing to worry about, Jonpulo.  I am far too tired to be displeased.  It would require too much effort.  I'm simply curious.  Why did you kiss her?" 

Jonpulo struggled with her fright, but she managed to speak.  "She spoke very kindly to me.  When I told the great lady what I hoped to do with any left over credits, she paid the bill at the boutique.  I was so happy I kissed her." 

Tauber felt his curiosity growing.  "Why would you think that would get you in trouble? I meant for you to have a few nice things for yourself.  I'd like to see what you purchased, if it's pretty."

Jonpulo began quaking again.  "Girl, you are not in any trouble.  I don't really care what you spent the money on." 

Jonpulo finally worked up her courage, speaking with a kind of frightened resignation.  "I disobeyed you, master.  I did not come here after my purchases as you commanded.  I bought some fancy food and drinks and took them to the quarters for my work gang, my friends.  I set up a small feast for them.  Then I came straight here.  I swear it." Tauber felt the tension in the Twi'lek's body.  He could practically taste her fear.  Tauber realized she was awaiting her punishment for deviating from the letter of his orders.

Tauber patted Jonpulo on the back softly and stroked her arm.  "Did your gift to your friends make you happy?" Jonpulo nodded.  "Well, that's what I intended.  Good for you." The Twi'lek almost swooned in relief.  After a few moments she made a shy expression.  "Master, some of my friends told me I had met Lady Rajaqa.  Is it true?" 

At first, Tauber found the question mildly annoying.  Then he laughed to himself.  Of course ‘Lady’ Rajaqa would be famous among the slaves here.  "That's actually true." 

Jonpulo smiled again, a dreamy expression in her eyes.  "She was so kind.  It is like what they say."

Tauber knew he would regret it, but let his curiosity get the better of him.  "What do your friends say about Rajaqa anyway? I know little about her." Jonpulo responded enthusiastically.  "They say she is a great Pureblood courtesan, who often does the slaves here small kindnesses and favors.  She told me to buy a special tea from her friend.  But he gave me two cartons for free.  They say Lady Rajaqa's favor leads to great luck for any slave who receives it." 

Tauber snorted, which Jonpulo mistook for displeasure.  She sounded timid again.  "It's...it's just the idle gossip of slaves, master.  I am sorry I wasted your time on it."

Tauber patted the girl gently on the back.  "Not at all, little one.  It's a good story.  Do you feel lucky yet?" Jonpulo smiled.  "It's nice to think of my friends, all happy together, dining on fine food, even if I could not stay to share it with them.  It was nice to linger in a hot bath.  You have been generous and kind.  It has been a very good day, master, a lucky day."

Tauber let her just sit on his lap, holding her.  She fell asleep rapidly, still weary from her long shift earlier in the day.  Tauber gently carried Jonpulo to a bed and tucked her under the covers.

Tauber decided he would purchase the woman.  When he checked a datapad for her price, he found a message from the hotel administration asking him to accept the slave as a gift, or to take any other that pleased him instead.  The hotel administration wished to thank Tauber for containing a mad Sith before she could injure a guest.

Tauber smirked to himself.  It was obvious the staff was afraid Tauber might be offended and wished to appease him.  The security team they had summoned had probably been meant to deal with him.  He was the one who first drew a lightsaber.

Tauber laid himself next to the girl, and gently placed his arm around her.  Tauber did not want sex, but the girl's warmth was consoling.

Tauber whispered in her ear.  Jonpulo stirred gently, but did not wake.  "Sleep well, Jonpulo.  You have a very big day tomorrow.  You are about to get a little luckier." 

Tomorrow, Tauber would take Jonpulo to Zongli and offer to pay him to take her on as an apprentice.  Zongli already knew the girl as a timid, thoughtful slave favored by Rajaqa.  He could use an assistant to help him in his larger shop.  Tauber suspected the tea master would refuse payment, but Tauber would insist.  Perhaps Jonpulo would be a grandmaster tea blender herself someday, regaling her customers with stories of Rajaqa and Zongli, Tauber and Krik, and how they made her luck change.

As Tauber drifted off to sleep, he felt as though Krik was there and approved of his plan.  He felt as if he could hear Hyda whispering.  "I want to be avenged.  I want us both to have vengeance.  But you can do other things for us, too.  Good thinking, Dumdum."

 

End of Part One

Notes:

This story opens 10 years after the Treaty of Coruscant, between the death of Darth Skotia and the unsealing of the Dark Temple.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Love, Madness and Vengeance Among the Sith