The Greatest Sith... That Never Lived
Posted by: Darth Danno 04.11.07 12:01am
Previously:

CHAPTER XV: THE SEEDS OF SUSPICION

Darth Danno was quite pleased with himself. Ruin summoned him and a few others to his chambers and informed them that a good number of Jedi were heading for Tatooine to search for clues as to the identity of the Sith who killed the two Jedi there. He and Mortis were being sent to investigate. Little did Ruin and the others know of his true plans. The surviving Jedi had no pictures or video identifying what the attacker on Tatooine and Coruscant looked like. They would have no clue that the one they were seeking was right in their midst. He surmised the Jedi would be too focused on the information he was bringing regarding the location of the Sith base, and the identity of their mystery attacker, to even care.

If things went bad and the Jedi wanted a fight, he was sure that they were more than up to the task. One thing bothered him though; contacting the council to meet him on Tatooine was all part of his plan. Yet he hadn’t put that part of it into action yet. No one knew of his plans except…He stopped, leaned his back against a nearby wall, and folded his arms across his chest as he gave weight to this unsettling thought. A slight chill ran down his spine as various implications came to mind. Perhaps his apprentice was showing true Sith colors after all. Had someone gotten to him? Poisoned his mind against his Master? Could he swing him back? Should he even try? Best to move forward with caution on this mission. He brought his thoughts back to the present, pushed himself off from the wall, and went in search of his apprentice.

Sometime later, Lord Contagion ran across Mortis in the docking bay, loading their ship with supplies for the trip. Mortis was so into his task, he didn’t even hear the Sith approaching.

“Greetings, Lord Mortis. I see your preparing for your journey.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Where is your master?” Contagion questioned.

“I’m not sure, my Lord. He said he had things to attend to before we left.”

“Ah…I see.” Contagion replied.

“Is there a problem?”

“I hope not, Lord Mortis…for your sake.”

“What do you mean? Mortis queried.

“I sense a great deal of danger in store for you on this mission. I pray you proceed with extreme caution.”

Mortis puffed out his chest. “I am more than capable of dealing with the foolish Jedi.”

Contagion returned Mortis’ bit of bravado with a slight snort. “If only the Jedi were your sole problem.”

“Meaning what?” Mortis retorted, making no effort to hide the strong tint of suspicion in his voice.

“It is believed the Jedi aren’t on Tatooine of their own accord. We believe someone contacted them, perhaps even someone from within this base.”

“That’s preposterous!” Mortis chided. “What would be the purpose? Other than planning to eradicate the Jedi scourge once and for all.”

“Lord Mortis…” Contagion replied with mock sympathy. “Your impressive skill is only dampened by your considerable naiveté.”

“My…what?”

Contagion chuckled slightly. “It is quite obvious Lord Danno desires power. I’m sure he would love to initiate some sort of uprising, overthrowing Lord Ruin and all who stand in his way. But we are not his only enemies; he must contend with the Jedi as well. I believe he plans on pitting us against them in a fight to the finish, and then sweeping in at the last to remove any survivors.”

“This is all foolishness, Lord Contagion. Lord Danno would never side with the Jedi. Anyway, the Jedi aren’t gullible by any means. What could he possibly give them that would warrant merit to his words?”

“You.” Was Contagions only reply.

“Whaaaaat???”

“Yes. I believe he plans on pinning the murders of the six Jedi on you, and turning you over to them. Sort of a “good faith” measure.”

“I don’t believe it! Lord Danno would never do such a thing. He is as loyal to me as I am to him.”

Contagion simply shook his head slowly in reply. “I believe once…that was true, not any more. Since you arrived, you have grown more powerful, as it should be. I’ve seen it, the others have seen it, and Lord Danno has seen it. You may not realize, but you’ve seen it too. You proved it to me with your very words moments ago. When I suggested you proceed with caution, you replied “I” could take care of any Jedi. Not my Master and I. Your talents and abilities have far exceeded Danno’s expectations…not to mention his own capabilities. It is the way of the Sith. One assumes power until another becomes powerful enough to take it from him. Danno cannot let that happen. I believe I know his motives well enough to say he won’t let anyone, least of all you, stand in his way of…conquering the galaxy.”

“But I am to be an integral part of that plan!!” Mortis shouted.

“Ah-ha!” Contagion shouted triumphantly. “So it is true! Tell me, how much of his…grand scheme are you actually privy to?” Mortis’ silence answered that question for him. “You have a bright future ahead of you, Lord Mortis. Provided you aren’t so blind as to see Lord Danno’s treachery at work here.”

“You’re making all of this up!” Mortis snarled. “You simply desire to split us apart, to drive or alliance asunder. Only then will our plans truly falter.”

“OUR plans? Or HIS plans. Go on, don’t believe me. Treachery, lies, and deceit are as much a part of my credo as they are of any Sith. Search your feelings. Use the Dark Side to determine fact from fiction. And keep your eyes and ears open. That’s all I have to say. Other than you are to meet your contact in the Mos Espa marketplace. He will locate the Jedi, determine their numbers and such, and relay all pertinent information back to the two of you.”

“How will we find him, my Lord?”

“He will find you. Take care, Lord Mortis. I hope to see you again.” With that, Contagion turned and exited. Mortis stood there, watching him go. Even after he has gone from sight, Mortis remained still, letting their recent conversation run over and over through his mind. It wasn’t until Lord Danno arrived a short time later that he snapped out of his stupor.

“Everything loaded?” Danno asked.

“A…almost.” Came Mortis’ sheepish reply.

“Well snap to it!” Danno barked. “I want to be off this rock before nightfall.”

Playing a hunch, Mortis asked. “Where exactly on Tatooine are we going?”

“We are to land in the Dune Sea, our contact will meet us not far from there.” Danno then climbed up the boarding ramp and into the ship. Leaving a perplexed Mortis to watch him go, and wipe a cold chill from the base of his spine.

Darth Danno