The Greatest Sith... That Never Lived
Posted by: Darth Danno 03.07.07 12:01am
Previously:

• CHAPTER I: MEDITATION and REFLECTION
• CHAPTER II: SEEKING THE SITH
• CHAPTER III: THE PLOT THICKENS (Part I)
• CHAPTER III: THE PLOT THICKENS (Part II)
• CHAPTER IV: THE LEGEND OF THE MASTER
• CHAPTER V: A PADAWAN FLEES
• CHAPTER VI: DEBACLE IN THE DOCKING BAY (Part I)
• CHAPTER VI: DEBACLE IN THE DOCKING BAY (Part II)
• CHAPTER VII: CONUNDRUM ON CORUSCANT (Part I)
• CHAPTER VII: CONUNDRUM ON CORUSCANT (Part II)
• CHAPTER VII: CONUNDRUM ON CORUSCANT (Part III)
• CHAPTER VIII: THE PRODIGAL RETURNS (Part I)
• CHAPTER VIII: THE PRODIGAL RETURNS (Part II)
• CHAPTER VIII: THE PRODIGAL RETURNS (Part III)
• CHAPTER IX: ENTER THE APPRENTICE
• CHAPTER X: AN UNEASY ALLIANCE BEGINS

CHAPTER XI: THE APPRENTICE REVEALED

"Enter." Ruin said without even looking up from the work spread out on his desk in front of him. The door silently slid open, then slid shut moments later. Still gazing down, he said, "Be seated."

He heard the chair before him creak softly as his guest complied. For a few moments, all was quiet as Ruin kept his attention focused on whatever he had been studying, and his visitor made no effort to break the silence. Then Ruin pushed his work aside and raised his head to look upon the newest Sith...who still had his hood up, obscuring his face.

"The hoods we wear are normally used for stealth." Ruin stated dryly. "There is no need for subterfuge here. Please remove it. I prefer to look beings in the eye when I speak to them...whenever possible."

Mortis nodded slightly, then reached up and pulled down his hood. Revealing a pale, sloped forhead, and a heavily scarred, tattooed face. Ruin made no effort to hide his surprise.

"I'm sorry," Ruin said, regaining his composure. "I thought I was familiar with most species in the galaxy, I can't quite place yours."

"My race prefers to keep to themselves for the most part." Mortis replied. "That is in no way a show of cowardice, we simply consider all other races...inferior."

"Interesting." Ruin nodded. "Then why throw your lot in with Lord Danno?"

"We share a strong bond with the Force." Mortis acknowledged. "For a long time, I knew I had special powers. Powers I could not understand or control. Lord Danno aided in focusing the dark side within me."

"I see," Ruin replied. "You speak basic quite well."

"Another of the many things I am grateful to Lord Danno for." Mortis shrugged.

"Where exactly did your paths first cross?" Ruin questioned.

"Zonama Sekot." Mortis answered. "When first we met, we sought to destroy each other. I thought he was an infidel like all the others, not worthy of breathing the same air as I. We fought for many hours, to the brink of exaustion. Never had I encountered an opponent whose abilities so matched my own. I also could feel the power flowing through him. The same energy that I've felt flow through my own body. I could see he felt it also, and even said so. It piqued my curiosity. He said he could help me harness the dark side. I could become an even stronger warrior than I ever dreamed of. He even taught me how to use a lightsaber, and to make one of my own."

"And what did Lord Danno get out of all this?" Ruin queried.

"He made me swear allegiance to him." Mortis responded. "To me, it was a small price to pay for all I have gained."

"Lord Mortis," Ruin said, leaning in a bit. "From what I have heard of your exploits, you shall be a most welcome addition to the Sith ranks. I just want to make sure your allegiance to a solitary Dark Lord doesn't hold you back."

"I do not understand." Mortis replied.

Ruin cleared his throat before continuing. "The Sith are well known for lies, treachery, deceit, and an unquenchable thirst for power. It is a weakness that has kept us from growing into quite a formidable army. I wonder if your loyalty towards your master is returned?" The blank stare Ruin got in return forced him to continue. "You swear your loyalty to Danno, but in the heat of battle, would he also remain loyal, or leave you to whatever fate your enemies held for you."

"Lord Danno would never do any such thing!" Mortis said, springing to his feet. "I am to be an instrumental part in his plans."

"Oh really?" Ruin said. "And what plans may those be?"

Without missing a beat, Mortis replied "You will have to ask him yourself."

"Indeed I shall." Ruin said, half to himself.

"Will there be anything else?" Mortis questioned.

"With a wave of his hand Ruin dismissed Mortis, who then turned to exit. But before he got out the door, Ruin asked one final question. "I never did find out of what species you belong to?"

Mortis turned slowly to face the master Sith. "I am a member of the race referred to as...the Yuuzhan Vong."

Darth Danno