Nar Shaddaa

Zeno returned to the cultists after seeing to Ralnorrei and went to visit with the Shadow Hand once more. He went through the steps to visit her realm and made his way to speak with the Sith woman.

The Shadow Hand saw no need in putting Zeno through the trials again. He appeared before her, on the summit. "You have returned so soon to me. It makes me wonder why you left in the first place."

"Despite wanting to learn, Ralnorrei is a potentially useful ally. Her will is clearly strong. I would not abandon such a useful ally, so providing aid to assist her helps build a stronger alliance. Not that she would care about that overtly, but that kind of thing works subconsciously as well," he says with a shrug.

"There are probably a great many things you can teach me, and I can fill you in on things you may not be aware of in preparation for your eventual return. Spending more time learning from you seems a wise and valuable use for my time."

The woman nodded. "Allies are useful, especially one with a strong will and no reason to doubt you. However, I doubt she will recuperate for some time."

"It may be useful for me to learn from you as well. The last Dark Lord I know of is Exar Kun."

"A great deal has happened since Exar Kun's time. An exchange then, though I will be getting the better end of the deal I suspect." He chuckles at that.

"I think coming to know one another better might be beneficial as well. Do you have any questions about your student?"

"That was the intention," she said with a smirk.

"It would appear to me that you carry much Sith blood in your veins. However, I would like to know more about that history then."

"The pureblood as we understand them these days have been mixed for thousands of years. They are still predominantly Sith by blood but I believe it might be impossible that any are truly pure anymore. I carry the blood because my father is pureblood and my mother human," he says with a nod. "Something I wonder if my master is trying to research reversing. She is human but she sent me on a mission to get the Vale Sigma."

"I do recall the lines mixing. I suppose the effect has grown even more than before." The Sith shrugged. "It is an evolution of my species. If I was concerned about 'purity' then I would not have betrayed my liege."

"I consider it sharing a gift with those of a like mind. I was fortunate to receive that gift," he says with a nod.

"But it is not everything. Ajunta Pall came to us with only his connection to the Dark Side. Be sure to not underestimate 'outsiders' and their possibilities."

"I certainly don't. And not all sith blood is equal either. It simply increases the likelihood of having a stronger connection to the dark side as far as I am concerned," he says. "It still does not over shadow training, passion and knowledge. All of those must be practiced to grow strong."

"Precisely." A pause. "I would hear more of this Sith Empire. It surprises me that the supposed Emperor was not the one to come to me."

Zeno had a bit more insight on the Emperor than most others thanks to Shaisha and their trip. But sharing information about him, even with a spirit, seemed like it would be a betrayal of Shaisha's confidence. "He rebuilt the empire after a crushing attack by the Jedi. We are currently at war with them, having rebuilt and come back to take our vengeance. But people are here on Nar Shaddaa to sue for peace. I'm not a strategist, but people have made arguments for how a period of not being at war with the Republic and Jedi can be used to our advantage. I'm more of a person that prefers to act, and let his passions hold sway so I can't say I'd be a fan of peace. But whatever happens I'll act in the best interests of strengthening the empire."

"The empire is ruled over primarily by a council of Dark Lords that answer to the Emperor..." he says, going on to explain the state of the empire.

"There is wisdom in not partaking in outright war. Some of the new rulers were not content with biding their time on Korriban. They struck out against the Jedi too early, resulting in not only total loss but allowing them to be prepared for future battles." She paused. "I wonder if waiting longer would have made the war decisive. Regardless, I can only imagine a Sith calling for 'peace' is due to necessity."

The woman looked him over. "You two spoke of a master outside of you. Does she serve on the Dark Council?"

"She doesn't. She is focused on research and study of the dark side and relics from the past. She gathers knowledge and understanding and seeks power by devouring the spirits of those who know the force. Which is part of the reason I would not expose you to her. She would likely try to learn what she could from you and then take advantage of your state," he says with a shrug. "She is a shrewd and powerful woman, with much that I can learn from her."

"Intriguing. I thought my prophecy would bring me those more prominent, closer to the title of Dark Lord of the Sith." The ancient Sith shook her head. "But current status is not important."

"Is it not better to have younger minds if you are trying to shape them? Most on the Dark Council would take what you have to teach and only use it for personal gain," he says with a shrug. "Shaping the future requires individuals that can be shaped."

"On the contrary, the original Exiles were not young in the least. They fought a century long war, after all. However, you could argue that I did not shape them. I simply ushered forth a new era for my people."

"The important thing is that the dark side seeks conflict and growth through survival of the fittest. As long as we continue to act with it in mind then we will gain strength both with it."

"Perhaps that is your destiny, to overcome your superiors and reform the Sith once more. That is not a certainty, mind you. Do not allow overconfidence to overtake you."

"Don't worry, I can't get any more overconfident. If I did, I'd assume that all my opponents would just fall over and die just from my presence," he joked.

"But I understand what you are saying. I do tend to seem overly confident, but I walk into danger not thinking about whether I will live or die or that I am guaranteed to win. I do it because I relish the challenge and want to become stronger for having faced it. That is a goal I'm willing to put my life on the line for."

"There is merit in it. However, it has led to the downfall of many Sith before. You can become stronger in ways other than outright suicide."

"I know. But I never feel quite as alive as when my passions are inflamed. Two things really do that for me... combat and sharing senses with a lover," he replies. "And lovers don't exactly make one stronger."

"But lovers can lead to such a thing," she mused, "The passion such a thing can bring. And yet, it can be a weakness to be exploited by your enemies.'

"Much like an alliance or a friendship. It would be a shame to live your life without any of those. I wonder how you have survived the years without. Or maybe you haven't? You must have communed with many over the years."