To Every Captive Soul (Completed)

[Taylor Millard]

Grand Admiral Taylor Millard piloted his Missile Boat through the skies of the planet. But today he was not an Imperial Grand Admiral. He was Taylor Millard, Dark Jedi/Sith Knight.

It'd been three years since he'd been called either of the Force terms. He'd left the Black Hand and the Sith Order choosing to pick the Imperials over them. After the death of his brother, he thought it was the right decision. He'd retired, then returned tot he Empire, receiving the rank of Grand Admiral. Then, he'd fought in the takeover of Dubruillion realizing something was missing from his life. It was then he was given the command of the Guild Sector of the Empire. ANd while he'd lost General Tomar and gained Vice Admiral Laran as his vice commander, something was still missing.

It was then his former master, Seth Darkserpent, attempted to kill him. But in the attempt, Millard had reaccepted the Force, allowing his former master to take him back in. But he'd also made a suggestion to him, about training.

Which is why Millard was here, now. On Ord Mantell. He landed his missile boat, beginning the walk up to the couryard of the castle that loomed before him.

He wasn't in Imperial uniform. A shame to ruin a uniform of such splendor, he mused. His black lightsaber clunked against the black fabric of his jumpsuit. It was odd carrying it again, but it was a sign of honor, and Millard considered honor chief amoung qualities.

Impressive. A formidable structure. I can only hope the man who lives in them is as formidable.

He stopped at the gate, "Trace Sha! I have been sent by the Dark Jedi known as Seth Darkserpent. I wish to learn more about the Force."

He stood, then waited as the stars began being blotted out by clouds.

[IG-88 G1]

From the guardhouse that stood beside the gate Taylor could see to red lights, pointed directly at him as if they were eyes. And not less than two seconds later he found out they were eyes and the door to the guardhouse opened and out walked a very tall and lanky droid, donning some very formidable weapons. It was an IG-88 series droid and it appeared to be in charge of this place.

It walked to the gate and stood directly across from Taylor, looking directly at him with the red glowing eyes it possessed. After a few seconds of what looked to be the droid sizing up the humanoid being, it spoke in its mechanical voice.

“State your name so I may announce you to the Castle’s Master.”

The gate remained between them but the bars were no protection from what the droid could do with its plethora of armaments if it desired to become hostile.

[Taylor Millard]

Very protective of this place is Trace Sha. Good.

Millard kept his stance open as he looked at the IG-88 droid.

"Taylor Millard," he spoke, allowing no more information to come from his mouth.

[IG-88 G1]

It was most obvious to the IG-88 unit that Taylor Millard was a man of Imperial background. The markings on his clothing made it rather plain to see, even to a droid.

“Affirmative….. One moment.”

The droid’s eyes seemed to take on a different color and emitted a few very faint beeps and murmurs, as it communicated with someone else in another place. A few seconds later its eyes returned to the same bright red color they had been.

“Your access has been granted.”

The heavy steel gate creaked and moaned as it began to open and the droid stepped aside raising an arm and pointing directly towards the main part of the castle.

“You are directed to proceed to the foot of the tower where my master will meet you.”

The droid had relayed all the information it had gathered regarding Taylor from what it was told and what it had seen, Trace would know a few things about the man before he met him.

[Taylor Millard]

Millard began the short trek to the foot of the tower where, he assumed, Trace Sha awaited him.

The walk was littered with trees in no particular fashion, but Millard found the trees soothing to some degree. The air smelled clean, with the castle far enough from the junkyards to where the smell was not present.

The clouds continued to darken the sky as Millard walked to the tower.

There...stood a man, clothed in all black. His hair was longer than Millard's and he was thinner as well.

Millard greeted him, "You are the man Trace Sha correct?"

[Trace Sha]

:: Men clad in dark armor with covered faces each wielding a Force Pike, stood just to each side and a little ahead of Trace as Taylor approached. When Taylor reached what they felt was close enough, the pikes were crossed in front of their master. Two more of the guards came along and moved up behind Taylor, watching him closely.

Trace had not ordered them to be there, but his Castle guards were very protective and not so trusting of strangers entering the Castle grounds without prior appointment.

Trace raised his head and looked at Taylor, he lifted a hand from his side and the two guards in front removed their crossed pikes from where they were, but they did not back away. They stood close enough to strike Taylor if he made so much as the least bit of a suspicious move.

Trace saw the Imperial logo emblazoned on the man’s clothes and grinned as it confirmed what his droid had already relayed. ::

“And what would the Imperials be wanting with him?”

:: He seemed to look up and past Taylor. ::

“Though it is very unusual for only a single Imperial to arrive with no stormtrooper escort.”

:: He looked puzzled momentarily and then grinned in a suspicious way. ::

“I am Trace Sha and you are?”

[Taylor Millard]

I thought I removed all Imperial symbols.. Millard thought as he faced Trace Sha. The cuff links...blast. A mistake I'd been hoping to avoid.

He spoke, his voice lined with respect he generally had, "I am Taylor Millard, Lord Sha. I have been sent here by Seth Darkserpent to learn more about the ways of the Force. He recommended you personally.

"And also," he added, answering Trace's unasked question, "I have come alone. There are no Star Destroyers in orbit waiting to swoop down to save me, nor are there any Imperial troops of mine wasting their credits at the Lady Fate Casino. I am here alone."

His cold blue eyes stared back at Trace, watching for anything.

[Trace Sha]

:: This was most interesting to Trace indeed. He had never met one that went by the name Seth or anyone that had the surname Darkserpant. He wondered for a moment if it wasn’t one of those who resided at Bast Castle whom he had seen glimpses of during his time there when he battled his brother and first became possessed by the accused evil of his tainted saber, Disorder. Trace’s head nodded slightly as he thought that was probably the case.

His head then turned and he looked at the four guards. ::

“Leave us!”

:: Four voices rang out in unison. ::

“Yes milord.”

:: And the guards moved away but not completely out of sight, just far enough that they could no longer hear the two speaking. Trace decided to play it up as if he knew Darkserpant or at least that he wasn’t a little puzzled by the fact someone he had never met had recommended him as a trainer in the arts of the Darkside of the Force. ::

“Is it that Darkserpant wishes to broaden your skills or has he reached some kind of impasse with you that he is unable to get past?”

:: Trace wondered why a person who already seemed to have a teacher in the Dark arts would be looking for another and even more curious was the fact that the one who seemed to be his teacher was the one who recommended it. There had to be some kind of explanation and before he would accept such a deal he would need to know a great deal more about Millard. ::

[Taylor Millard]

Millard's eyes kept their gaze upon the brown of Trace's as the two kept pondering the situation they were in.

Millard could barely sense a bit of confusion from Trace. He watched as the guards left their Lord Sha for the confines of the massive castle.

He wants to learn more about why Master Darkserpent suggested I seek him out.

In all honesty, Millard wasn't too certain why Seth had suggested Trace. Millard has a feeling it was because Seth wanted Millard to expand in his training in the Dark Side. Apparently, Seth had taught him all he knew. Plus, he had his own problems to worry about.

"Master Darkserpent suggested I seek additional training from someone who's style is different than his. He suggested you. He wishes I broaden my skills in the Force. From what my information has told me, you teach well and earnestly, nor do you hold back in your training.

"I appreciate that in a master. And I hope my information was correct as well."

[Trace Sha]

:: Trace easily picked up on Millard’s thoughts as he searched for how to answer Trace and he knew the man had spoken the truth when he decided to speak, though not the entirety of it. Trace respected that as he was one to tell only what he felt necessary in certain situations as well, and what Millard had decided not to say was only out of respect for his other Master of the Dark Arts. A honorable trait to possess, one which Trace appreciated. ::

“I am of course certain my style of training would be different, considering I am not the same being as the one known as Darkserpant and if you are willing to become one among my disciples I will agree to guide you in learning more about the ways of Darkness, but….”

:: He paused for a moment and looked past Millard again, noticing that the Raven that had become a type of familiar for him was sitting in a tree across the way, watching the scene from another angle. Trace smiled looked back at Taylor. ::

“..as I suspect you already know, the path to power is not an easy road. There will be much agony along its course in both body and mind.”

:: The Raven took flight from the tree behind Taylor, swooped by, and then around, landing on Traces shoulder. ::

“Will you remain as loyal to my teachings and thoughts as you have to Dakserpant’s?”

:: There was no tone of sarcasm as the question was completely genuine in its intent considering what Trace knew about that which Taylor had not said about Seth’s ability to teach him no more than he had. ::

[Taylor Millard]

Millard watched the Raven land on Trace's shoulders and stare back at him with glassy eyes.

Taylor knew how important it was to be completely honest with people. And when the man wanted to learn more about the Force, he made sure he took the words of his teacher to heart.

"I will take what you teach me as a way to enhance my knowledge in the ways of the Force. I will listen to you and obey the teachings."

[Trace Sha]

“And I suspect you are eager to begin right away?”

:: It was a question he thought he knew the answer to already as almost all who sought knowledge in the ways of the Darkside we apt to wish for their lessons immediately.

Meanwhile the Rave seemed to be distracted or something as it launched from Trace’s shoulder and then flew back out of sight off behind the tower behind the Dark Lord. ::

[Taylor Millard]

"If you are willing to begin teaching me yes."

Millard's eyes caught the Raven's departure, but he quickly focussed back on Trace, keeping his senses open.

[Trace Sha]

:: Trace turned his whole body as he stood then began to take steps toward a path that led in the general direction the Raven had gone. The Sith motioned with his head in a manner that conveyed that he wished Millard to follow. He spoke as they walked. ::

“First why don’t you begin by telling me what you know so that no lessons are repeated.”

[Taylor Millard]

Millard walked with Trace following slightly behind him as the two walked. The Raven could not be seen, but Millard guessed they would see it again. Millard was quite direct with Trace in regards to what Trace asked.

"The basics. Shadow abilities as well. I have done lightsaber training as well. Under Master Darkserpent I also reached the rank of Sith Knight.

"If you wish a demonstration I can show as well."

[Trace Sha]

“Yes, I will require just that, but not until we have arrived at the proper place.”

:: Behind the tower’s structure they came upon a small building that looked as if it were nothing more than a single small room. Trace stepped inside and Millard could see that it was a stairway leading downwards, under the grounds of the castle. The stairway went winding deeper and deeper, until they came to its bottom, where there appeared to be a transport tube of some strange type. There was a vehicle waiting there which trace opened the door to and waved a hand towards the inside of. ::

“Right this way.”

[Taylor Millard]

Millard watched as Trace opened the door for him. Millard hesitated getting in before Trace although he knew it was dishonorable for a host to attack a guest in his own house. It wasn't that Millard distrusted Trace, but he was simply being cautious.

I've been back stabbed before, although I doubt Sha has any plans for it.

Speaking kindly he said, "Please after you."

After entering the vechicle, Millard watched as they began their trek towards their destination. The cobblestone roadway they were on was dimly lit with flaming torches. As the two journeyed towards their destination Millard turned to Trace.

"Information is rather sketchy about your family, Mister Sha," Millard spoke truthfully, his information had revealed very little about the family Sha, "Would you care to expound a bit more on your family history?"

[Trace Sha]

:: Trace turned and look at Millard as they speed along their underground course. His reply was brief and to the point. ::

“Death is my family’s history.”

[Taylor Millard]

Millard listened to Trace's simple answer. There was silence in the vechicle for a few minutes, then Taylor- without even waiting for a question said,

"Yes, Death is my family's history as well."

By this time, the vechicle begun slowing down. As it came to a stop, Millard spoke again, "This is our final destination?"

[Trace Sha]

:: The door to the vehicle opened upwards and the two of them disembarked, stepping into a small cavernous area. ::

“Almost there.”

:: Trace walked a short distance from the vehicle and stepped onto what looked to be a metal plate on the ground. “”

[Taylor Millard]

Millard followed Trace, stepping onto the plate as well. They were now deep into the palace now, and Taylor took a look around the cavernous area. It appeared they were on some sort of a ledge, with the ability to either go up or down.

Millard waited, stepping on the plate as well.

[Trace Sha]

:: Just as Millard stepped onto the plate it began to move upwards and Trace stood motionless waiting for it to arrive at its destination. Seconds later, a light filtered down from above as the earth above them opened up for the lift to exit out of.

As they ascended higher and higher, Taylor could see all around that they were no longer in the palace, but in the middle of what looked to be a huge metal scrap yard. The lift stopped and Trace stepped off of it. ::

“You can show me the knowledge you already possess here.”

[Taylor Millard]

Millard nodded, "As you wish, Lord Sha."

Reaching out with his mind he found a couple lose scraps of metal. Both were rather large, twisted together from either the destruction of the ship they came from or the metalwork who designed them.

Millard opened his mind to the Force allowing it to seep into his mind. His mind grasped the metal, lifting it up with relative ease.

Hurling it up, Millard removed his black lightsaber from his belt. Activating the blue-red blade he sliced the bits of metal into four equal parts.

He turned facing Trace. Behind him, the pieces of metal lifted off the ground again. Using the Force, Millard backflipped, then cut the metal again in midair, and landed 20 feet away from Trace.

"That sort of demonstration?" he asked earnestly, although he had a feeling Trace wanted to see more.

[Trace Sha]

“It’s a start.”

:: The eight pieces of metal that Millard had made from the original two were torn from his gasp as they hung in the air and began to hurl towards him, all from opposite directions. But that was only one of Millard’s worries as the dust around his feet swirled up simultaneously and took away his vision.

Trace had wrenched the scraps from Taylor’s hold on them and set them on their course, but he released his control of them so that the Knight would at least have some chance of either stopping them via the Darkside, or with his glowing weapon amongst the cloud of dirt, an extra obsticle he had decided to add to the fray. ::

[Taylor Millard]

Millard kept his nerve as he felt the pieces of metal rip from his control. When the dust came up blocking his vision, he smiled at the challenge.

I've been blind before (http://www.swforums.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86) ...I can be blind again, I still have the rest of my senses.

Although he had familiary with elemental manipulation, it was something Millard hadn't mastered quite yet. He opened his mind even farther, allowing the Force to sense the metal as it flew through the air.

He concentrated, then as the metal had just begun to reach the swirling dust, Millard pushed outward, the dust clearing and the wind from the dust redirecting the metal downwards. A flick of the wrist, and the metal was sent flying away from Millard. It skittered on the floor coming to a halt 20 feet away.

Turning toward Trace, Millard spoke, "Was that acceptable?"

[Trace Sha]

:: Just as Millard had turned to look to Trace, he found one of the hilt blades of Trace saber, Disorder, pressed against his neck. ::

“You did alright, but spent too much time concentrating on one thing to notice that your life could have been ended at my hand.”

:: Trace withdrew the blades from Millar’s throat, leaving a small scratch that turned red from the small amount of blood it drew. ::

“Are you always so careless?”

:: Trace continued to hold his saber in his hand, his eyes seeming to take on a demented gleam as he stood waiting an answer, his natural TK field returning to its normal tangible state. ::

[Taylor Millard]

"You are correct," Millard stated, his blue eyes flashing, "Perhaps I was careless..."

He took a few steps back, "But perhaps I was waiting to see your reaction. Perhaps I was keeping my senses open to what you were doing.

"I did not come to Ord Mantell without forknowledge of you, Lord Sha. I knew about you and your swords Disorder. How it twisted your mind and made you fight your brother, Rama Sha, on VJun.

"Perhaps I may also know why you no longer are affiliated with the Sith Empre too."

Millard kept his stance open, as well as his senses waiting for anything and everything.

"And perhaps...I am not as careless as you think."

[Trace Sha]

“Am I supposed to be awestruck by your knowledge of things that many in the universe whisper about amongst themselves within the dark and dismal places where drunkards dwell? Even if that is not how you gained your information, which it most likely is, it matters not. That small bit of knowledge does little to prove that you are not a careless being.”

:: It wasn’t plainly obvious that Trace was beginning to get angry, but a careful eye would notice that the dirt near his feet was beginning to smooth and become sheen from the pressure of his TK field growing in its size as it encompassed his body. Trace himself didn’t notice right away that he was laxing his control of it, instead he continued to berate and question his newest apprentice. ::

“Do not presume for a second that knowing of these deeds tells you anything valuable about me I am far more unpredictable and explosive than one may assume from a few simple facts about my being a part of a dysfunctional family. Do you have anything else to say which I can scoff at? I am beginning to become amused by your false confidence.”

[Taylor Millard]

False confidence? Millard stared back at Trace Sha. Diplomacy works best.

"My lord," he spoke slowly and plainly, "I did not come to impress you with knowledge or my ability in the Force. I came to learn ways of the Force that I did not know. That my former master, Seth Darkserpent, did not teach me. I have not come to bore you with tricks and magic. I have come to learn.

"Now," he continued to speak, "If you plan on attacking me, then do so. I am prepared to duel you, if you plan on teaching me a lesson. I expect as much sympathy as I was given from my last master, and probably less. But if you are willing to teach me, I am willing to learn."

His blue eyes bore into Trace's waiting for his response.

[Trace Sha]

“So eager to taste battle are you? Who is to say that your lesson has not already begun?”

:: Trace remained standing where he was as his TK field relaxed and shrunk back down to a closer fit to his skin. ::

“The ability to battle well via physical means is one thing, but to be able to battle wits with your opponent and be the victor can be even more valuable than a keen saber and strong body. Do you not agree?”

[Taylor Millard]

"As someone who has battled Rebels (and other things) by directing them in battle, yes. I believe in holding a psychological edge over any opponent. It is a reason why I have been able to survive for as long as I have.

"And I assume the same goes for you, are you did bring it up," Millard remembered his lessons under Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Knowledge is indeed power the blue-skinned Thrawn had said on countless number of occasions. For Thrawn it definately was knowledge over brute strength.

The victories the Rebellion had over the Empire was because of poor planning and a psychological edge. The 'lucky shots' by Luke Skywalker (stab his eyes!) were because of his experience, even if he was only a farm boy.

Hautiness was a key to defeat. Preparation was a key to success.

"Yes, Lord Sha, I do agree. I believe if one is prepared for what awaits him...he will succeed."

[Trace Sha]

"What do you believe awaits you this day?"

:: Trace's resaponse was simple and direct. ::

[Taylor Millard]

"If it pleases, Lord Sha, then more training. As I have said before, I wish to learn more about the Force and how I can use it as a tool."

It was the truth, and Millard gave a direct question with a direct response.

[Trace Sha]

“Tell me what you know of the Force and what your particular strengths in its use already are.”

[Taylor Millard]

Best not to reveal all of your sabaac cards.

"Battle concentration, honed by my experience in the cockpit is probably the chief strength. The ability to survive on no sleep or food for almost 10 days as well.

"I know most of the history of The Force. The Sith of the Old Ages, Naga Sadow and Exar Kun. I know of the original Sith Empire's fall because of the distrust and disloyalty of everyone in that Empire.

"As for Force powers, lightsaber fighting...the ability to cloak myself in shadows. As well as leap and speed. What would you teach me, Lord Sha?"

[Trace Sha]

“Do you really expect me to be able to help you when you hold things back from the one you would have as your Master?”

:: Trace’s mental abilities in the force had very recently improved exponentially, and sensing that Millard was not being completely forthcoming was as simple as being able to see the sun shining. ::

[Taylor Millard]

Millard nodded, realizing his mistake, "Forgive me Lord Sha, it is hard to trust people sometimes.

"Force Choke and blinding are also in my capabilities in the Force as well. Speed, Sight, Leap, agility, and a beginning Mind Trick- with illusion are the Force powers I know."

He bore his blue eyes into Trace, and apologized for unwillingness to reveal all he knew of the Force.

[Trace Sha]

:: Trace’s face twisted with anger and his eyes bore into Millard’s very soul with their intense rage. His voice came firm and strong in its conviction. ::

“Apologies and begging for forgiveness or mercy are something that only the weak should utter. I never want to hear such things pass from your lips again, lest I strike you down as a disgrace to my teachings in the ways of the Sith....UNDERSTOOD?”

[Taylor Millard]

Millard nodded, feeling the rage as it bore into him. The intenseness of it was something he'd felt only a few times. One was in the presence of Darth Vader. The other was his former master Seth Darkserpent.

Is there any wonder...why Master Darkserpent sent me here.

The Dark Jedi nodded, "It is understood. Lord Sha."

[Trace Sha]

“Now quickly, tell me of the lessons you have learned so far today as we walk this way. I do not want you to ponder on what lessons have been presented. I want what is fresh in your mind to be relayed.”

:: Without even waiting for Millard to respond, Trace walked past him and down the path through the junkyard. He appeared to be heading towards the exit, which was not the way the two of them had entered. ::

[Taylor Millard]

Millard followed Lord Sha, catching up with his rather quickly as they two walked through the junkyard.

"For one," he stated, as he passed by a bit of metal on the ground, "You prefer honesty and straightforward lessons. You prefer using the mind as the main focus of a Jedi's arsenal, instead of physical power. You also find loyalty a trait to be honored and followed.

"And you like holding a psychological edge over your opponents. That is what I have learned today, a reminder that serves me quite well."

[Trace Sha]

:: He nodded in response.::

“Do not forget that apologies and mercy are to only come from the weak.”

:: He paused and then spoke again. ::

Soon you shall receive another lesson.”

:: The two left the junkyard and quickly came upon a small city that bordered it and the castle grounds where Millard had initially sought Trace to speak to him. They walked through the town slowly and not speaking to one another. One could see that the people who lived here were not poor or living in squalor. They were all well clothed and appeared very healthy.

Trace stopped in front of a house that looked a little larger than some of the others around, as he did his voice came, even and plain, no sign of feeling. ::

“I wish for you to kill the adult woman within this dwelling and her only.”

:: He offered Taylor no further instructions or details. He wished for his new Disciple to prove his loyalty and ability to kill randomly with no effects from such petty things as conscious or remorse.

There was reason to Trace’s request though. Inside the home were two children, one of the age of eight and another of the age of thirteen. The woman who was in her late thirties was their mother and she was also inside. They were the family of one of Trace’s palace employees, an employee whom Trace had a problem with, and this was going to be his solution to dealing with that problem.

Witnesses would tell the man that they had seen his Lord Trace here with a stranger and the message would be delivered by means other than Trace himself. It would be a message, which would clearly state that the ruler of this land was displeased and aware of what his employee had been doing. Such chaotic ways of dealing with situations Trace took great pleasure in carrying out, either by his own hand or by those that he considered his fingers, those he controlled and guided.

Would the Dark Jedi Taylor Millard, do as his new Master said? ::

[Taylor Millard]

Millard glowered as he received his orders. Killing civilians was not something he preferred or wanted to do. But there was something he sensed from Lord Sha. Something which said, this kill would not stain his concious as Millard feared it would.

Nodding, Millard cloaked himself in the Force, using the shadows as his ally as he made his way into the dwelling. A woman, not who Trace wanted dead, was there a baby in her hand. His hand reached out, masking his presence even more as he slipped by her.

The blue-carpetted stairwell was lined with gold as the Sith Knight silently made his way up it, keeping the image of the woman Trace provided him. He sensed her presence in the room just beyond where he stood.

But there was another presence, the presence of a man...but not her husband. He slowly opened the door, discovering the man and woman in the same bed- in a tight embrace. They shot up from where they lay, the male falling out of bed.

"Sleep," Millard growled, reaching out his hand. The man fell unconcious beginning to snore.

The woman made her move towards the door, but was stopped as Taylor halted her movement. He shook his head, then pulled the woman towards him. His cold blue eyes bore into her, and with a sweep of his Force strengthened hand, he broke her neck, then set her dead body back into the bed. The man who she slept with was placed next to her as well.

Cloaking himself in shadows again, Millard made his way back out of the house to where Lord Sha stood. He nodded to the Sith as he arrived.

"It is done."

[Trace Sha]

:: As Millard returned he was greeted with the sight of Trace’s shaking head. Trace turned away from him and began to walk towards the junkyard from which they had come from. ::

“Do you know why I am displeased with your fulfilling the task I set before you as you did?”

:: Millard could not see Trace's eyes but he could feel that their glean was the same enraged one as when he had been scolded earlier, without even having them in sight. ::

[Taylor Millard]

Millard knew instantly, "Yes. I waited until I had confirmation that my kill would not be a crime. I had to have a free concious before I would kill anyone. That is why you are displeased.

"Unless you are displeased with the way I killed the woman or the quickness."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Creatures like us are without conscience, without fear. I don't think this one is worth the effort, my Lord Sha."

<table border=0 cellpadding=15 cellspacing=0 background=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/misc/SorshaKasajian.jpg width=555 height=284><tr><td width=271 valign=center><img src=http://darthogre.clanpages.com/sorsha/pics/roc/roc44.jpg width=240 height=182 alt="Sith Witch"></td></tr></table>

[Trace Sha]

:: He froze in his steps as the voice came suddenly and without warning. It was no surprise once he heard its familiar resonance and recognized its bearer. A Sith Mistress of such power could easily slip past his keen awareness, but it was surprising that the words she spoke matched almost exactly what he was thinking. He turned to face her and could see Millard in his field of view now as well. ::

“The Darkside will not take one with such morals very far at all. I am almost certain that you are right Master Kasajian…..he most likely is not worth the time to teach if such things are a part of his personal character and cannot be cast aside as if nothing more than unwanted trash.”

[Taylor Millard]

Is it always this difficult? Millard wondered as he watched the appearance of the new woman and her discussion with Lord Sha.

A voice in his head mocked him, "If you want to succeed, you have to make certain sacrifices. The woman you killed needed to be killed yes, but you would have discovered that upon your arrival anyway. Trust Sha...he does know what he is doing."

The eager Sith Knight's blue eyes fell abit, as he resigned himself to his fate, "You are corect. I did let my conscious get to me. I should have trusted your own reasonings for why you wanted the woman dead, regardless what they were. If I let my concious get to me again- then I have disrespected you, and your teachings."

He bowed in greeting to the woman who had just appeared, "Master Kasajian, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am honored by your presence."

Millard turned to Trace, "What will you have of me now, Lord Sha?"

[Trace Sha]

“I think it best if you take some time and reflect on the lessons spoken and handed out today, by both myself and by Mistress Kasajian, while I intend to do some debate of my own with where to go from here.”

:: He started walking again, towards the junkyard they had come from so that he could return to the castle the same way he had come. ::

“After you have properly thought about what has been said and done here today, return to seek me out and we shall discuss your conclusions as well as my own, then take it from there.”

[Taylor Millard]

Millard nodded, then turned and walked deeper into the town. He passed by the home where he'd killed the woman, discovering no one had bothered to call security.

Perhaps no one on this planet cares who lives and who dies. Everyone must have a reason for something. Lord Sha did indeed have a reason for wanting the woman dead, and I found an additional reason- she was cheating on her husband. Such a manner of wrongdoing will not be tolerated.

The Dark Jedi kept his walk going, staring into the moonless, starless sky.

Indeed Ord Mantell was an interesting place.

You must trust Lord Sha. He knows what he's doing, a voice told him, He would not be where he was if he didn't.

Millard nodded...then returned to the Castle Sha.

He stopped at the high gate, awaiting entrance.

"The faith of a Force User- Jedi or Sith- relies on how much he trusts his master," he spoke as he gazed at the castle, "It is key that from the beginning, I have held you at arms length, unsure of what you wanted from me. It is indeed true, I am capable in the Force. Seth Darkserpent would not have sent me there if he did not believe I had potential to be one of the most powerful Force Users out there.

"I must ask a question of the Lord Sha though, which do you hold more true...that a Force User revels in the Force, allowing it to rule his life. Or, that a Force User uses the Force as a tool, relying on his own abilities and using the Force when he deems it necessary?"

[Trace Sha]

“It is a question that’s answer you must find for yourself. What another believes its solution may be should bear no guidance to one relatively new to the Darkness. Seek its answer within yourself, just as I have asked you to seek the motives and ways of honor within yourself and root them out into a more chaotic and free being else be ill suited to learn my ways.”

:: His final speech had been delivered, with that Trace departed the Dark Jedi who had sought him out for further guidance in the ways of darkness, leaving him to his thoughts, desires, and lusts, if he possessed such as that. ::