Nar Shaddaa

Sylvain had been woken only a couple hours earlier by a request from Lord Haydriss to meet with her on Nal Hutta. Transportation was provided for him and he made his way to the designated research facility in the swamps being sub-let by the Empire.

The smell of this place reminded him of the events of two days prior... This world for him was a place of bad memories, but with his friends away and no legitimate reason to refuse, he decided to pay the Lord a visit and see what it was she required of him.

Entering into the facility he was directed to where Haydriss was; he saw her at a distance and approached with his mask and appearance in impeccable condition despite the swampy journey he had traveled...

"Sylvain Torsin," she said behind her own mask, "A pleasure. I hope the shuttle was to your liking." She kept her hands folded in front, her posture precise and regal. "I was informed that you attended the luncheon with the Jedi Master, Lyshea Mersl, and that you were able to complete her vision."

A pause. "I have no qualms with such a development. In fact, that ability to tap into the Light is what I am searching for." She lowered her head. "My connection to the Dark Side has rendered me incapable of progressing further with this line of research. Surely you understand that I could not come to a Jedi with this matter."

He nodded, "I do Lord Haydriss; any and all power that can be had should be held by the Empire. How can I be of assistance?"

The Sith Lord gestured for her guest to follow him inside. The outpost was makeshift, a temporary holding over a ruined structure. "The artifact in my possession refuses to attune to me. The Dark Side is utterly rejected while my attempts to wield the Light Side have been labeled... inadequate."

He nodded, "I have some experience with such artifacts... there were several on Korriban that I came in contact with while I was there. What is the nature of this artifact?"

"Are you familiar with the Jal Shey?" Haydriss inquired as a start.

He pondered for a moment, "Not extensively, no."

"They are a Force tradition, though they are much less common than the Sith and Jedi. They were nomadic in their pursuits of the Force. With that in mind, it is unsurprising that I found one of their relics here on Nal Hutta."

He nodded, "What is the artifact? Where is it located?"

"The artifact is buried underneath. It is peculiar to me that it exerts a will of its own. I have attempted to uncover it but its will keeps its location secured. It would appear that meditation is the only path towards unlocking it."

Sylvain simply nodded, "I will see what I can do. Where have you attempted to communicate with it?"

Lord Haydriss stopped walking and gestured to a meditation mat. Surrounding it were some incense candles. "I believed that the incense would aid me. It did nothing to calm me."

Sylvain nodded, "It is a rather pungent smell. Something our noble sensitives most certainly cry against from deep within us."

He chuckled and took a seat at the mat, "I will notify you of my progress."

"The incense is not important. Keep it or discard them as you please." She huffed. "It was a waste of effort to retrieve them." The Sith Lord then nodded and pulled out her datapad. "I will attend to other matters as you work."

Slyvain nodded to the woman and closed his eyes. He could feel the force surround this spot for some reason. He slowed his breathing and remembered back to his experience with the holocron. It was not something that could be forced open... more pressure only made it stronger in its resistance. He felt the flow and ebb of the force as he let go of his will to dominate, and allowed for the truth to reveal itself to one who was worthy and willing to listen.

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D8 EM Meditation, Setback for Haydriss Distraction: 3eP+1eA+1eF+2eD+1eS 1 success, 2 advantage, 1 Light Side

Haydriss paced about the facility, tapping away at her datapad as she made observations. But the noise soon faded away and all there was for Sylvain was himself, the room, and an aged human man sitting across from him. "You are not one among the Jal Shey, though that is no issue. I am MentorRanno Terrik. Who are you?"

He looked up at the man with a serene look, "I am Sylvain Torsin, force adherent and one who comes seeking insight."

"For what purpose do you seek this insight, Sylvain?" he asked. His voice was not accusatory but rather inquisitive.

"I wish to know the Force and its uses to better equip myself to combat the challenges that beset the galaxy. There is much waste in the galaxy now, the Force is the only power which can bring order and stability." He replied.

"Why do you believe the Force to be the only power to do so, Sylvain?" Again, the voice was not judgmental but rather seeking answers.

"The Force allows access to abilities which significantly improve both the quality and capacity of individuals. However, there is a terrible sickness in the hearts of both Sith and Jedi which continually drives conflict... Their fixation on dogma does not permit them to see the complete picture of the Force. Yet... through their devotion they have great power; power sufficient to keep ll others subjugated to their will. To remove this illness... this imbalance, only the Force can undo what they have done. And only the Force can reshape the galaxy into a more fruitful and ordered place." He replied.

"Sith and Jedi are tied to their spiritual beliefs regarding the Force. When one looks upon the Force as an intellectual pursuit, then it becomes much more observable."

He nodded. "I imagine another war has brought disruption to the galaxy. However, it is not impossible to sort out this turmoil."

He nods, "There is utility in war. And there is utility in peace. All aspects of the Force are important to further understanding and create the conditions whereby order can be created and maintained. To cling to spiritualistic dogma is to cling to inefficiencies and forsake the true nature of the Force. I seek additional insight on how one can learn more about the Force, and utilize that knowledge when it is situationally relevant."

"Are you familiar with vergences in the Force, Sylvain? We of the Jal Shey seek them out so that we may observe them."

He nodded, "I am. Are there any of interest to the Jal Shey here? And I suppose I should ask... what are you?"