Lightside Sith 022

Finding himself once more within the Count's dining hall, Kaine felt like he was in some knockoff version of the Legion of Doom. With him now occupying the seat directly to Dooku's right, Durge standing behind him like some thug bodyguard, and Ventress sitting across from him with a scowl on her face, it was quite the ‘lively’ atmosphere. 

He could imagine a future scenario where Grievous, and other Dark Acolytes/Generals joined this meeting either in person, or as a hologram whilst out on campaign. 

A smirk spread across his face as he imagined the future clusterfuck. So many Darksiders acting like rage roided children, the jockeying for power would be something to behold…that is, of course, if he didn't occupy the seat closest to the Count. Before aiming at Dooku's head, those sycophants would likely see him as the first roadblock to ascension. 

Dropping his smirk for a sigh, Kaine twirled some exotic fruit juice in his wine glass, and took a sip. 

“Does my company tire you, young Renstar?” Dooku asked from the head of the table. A wine glass in one hand, and a dataslate in the other, the Count was dressed stylishly in a maroon vest & silk pants as if he were some aristocratic Brit from the 1920's. 

“Not at all my Lord, I simply came to the conclusion that your table is wide, and she is but the first of many challengers. To claim my head is to be one step closer under your brilliance.” Kaine truthfully responded. 

“A Sith should welcome the challenge. Do not cower under their piercing eyes, Renstar, they are merely jealous of what they cannot have. Take this as the opportunity it is. I for one wish I had such an opportunity to whet my blade at such a young age.” Dooku said, slightly admonishing him, yet providing genuine advice. 

Kaine nodded along. It seemed that whilst Dooku was a troll & an asshole, at least he wasn't a complete dick. That said, the look that Ventress gave him was absolute poison. Dooku 100% disregarded her presence, and all but referred to her as a jealous whetstone. 

Burying his head into the steak beneath him, he did all he could to stop himself from laughing at her angst. 

Better yet, a string of +1LP intermittently rose up from the bald lady. 

“Do not be so disheartened, sister, it is to your benefit that you can even share Master's table. To be one of his swords-no matter how far or near-is an opportunity countless lifeforms wish for, but cannot attain.” Kaine said in a level tone, and 100% wasn't saying this to gaslight her. Honest. 

Ventress clenched her fists, and the silverware under her rattled. Dooku shot her a condescending sneer, making the chalk-skinned Dathomiri close her head, and breath deep. 

“Count Dooku has taught me much in these last few days, Renstar. However, my business is my own. Do not get too comfortable in your seat, one day I'll take it as my own.” Ventress hissed from across the table. 

For his part, Kaine rolled his eyes again, and ignored her barbs whilst he cut into his steak. Enjoying the herbs & melted butter, he closed his eyes in bliss. Another string of +1LP's came over, proving that Ventress was his golden ticket to advancement. 

“What a loving family.” Qui-Gon said, standing directly next to Dooku. 

Kaine rolled his eyes, wishing he could rebuke the ghost without catching strays from Dooku. With their current setup, they were like their own version of the Addams Family. Evil aristocrat grandpa, well meaning wise Uncle ghost with a penchant for mischief, the always angry rage against the world daughter, and of course the ever suave troublemaking son. Oh, and of course the psychopath murderer standing behind him-Durge-could be the butler. Like that, their ‘happy family’ was halfway complete. 

“If you two have the time to bicker, you have the time to go on a mission.” Dooku cut into their conversation like a tired elderly man settling a dispute between his troublesome grandkids. 

Pressing some buttons on his dataslate, the old man activated the holoprojector on the table, where a planet began to slowly revolve in place. 

“The planet Vinsoth sits upon four hyperlanes, its strategic importance is vital to the continued security of not only the Outer Rim, but Serenno itself.” Dooku began, then paused to take a sip of his drink. “A Republic battlegroup is enroute to the system. Separatist reinforcements are three days out, you two are commanded to infiltrate the unit, and sabotage the Republic fleet.” 

Kaine frowned, not liking the sound of this. That was practically a suicide mission! Using his own dataslate, he did a quick search on the holonet, and found that from Serenno to Vinsoth, it was about a one to two day trip with a Class-1 hyperdrive. No wonder Dooku was sending them in so quickly! If the Republic could establish a foothold on Vinsoth, it would majorly hinder CIS operations in the area. He could see that this location would likely be the sight of many battles in the near future. 

“A fleet hovers above Serenno now. Give me command, and I shall crush these Republic dogs.” Ventress arrogantly declared. 

Dooku once again shot her a look of disdain, then turned to Kaine. “Renstar, care to explain to your sister why this is the incorrect action?” 

The old man was throwing shade at Ventress, but Kaine knew that if he answered incorrectly, he'd probably lose a lot of stock with Dooku. 

Looking at the galactic map, he couldn't say something like ‘Well, Dooku, you're just a coward who permanently keeps a fleet above his planet, and you don't want to lose your sick home to war.’ 

“Ahem, this is why you're incorrect in your assessment, Ventress. Serenno sits upon two minor trade routes, but perhaps more importantly, acts as a gateway for the Hydian Way. Sitting near the halfway point for this vital hyperlane, it protects Confederacy planets to the east, whilst also acting as a springboard towards Coruscant. Above that, Serenno carries with it great symbolic value. As the homebase of Count Dooku, Serenno could be said to be the birthplace of this movement, its loss would be a staggering blow to morale. Therefore, it must always be defended.” Kaine said. 

Although there was a hint of Bantha Shit in his words, he also mostly spoke from his own analysis. Everything he said was true…from a certain point of view. 

Dooku lightly clapped his hands, and the slight upturn of his lips was a good sign. 

“A teachable talent.” The old man praised.

“I strive to learn.” Kaine replied. 

Who would've thought he'd become like a high school student again? Except here, getting an incorrect answer could result in lightning hands or a lightsaber to the face…

Ventress was giving him a look that all but said: kiss ass teacher's pet. 

Plopping another piece of steak in his mouth, he was all too happy to see another +1LP rise from her. What could he say? When he was a student, he was a nerd who answered questions correctly. What was wrong with reading the material and being a little intelligent? Of course, he learned how to shut his mouth as he got older-a vital skill when working with jealous/petty coworkers-but now that he had the Force, and points to farm, why wouldn't he gaslight this angry girl with daddy issues? 

“Renstar shall be in charge of this mission. You depart within the hour.” Dooku stated, wiped his lips with a napkin, and then ignored them both as he continued to answer reports. 

“Lord Dooku.” Kaine nodded at the man as he stood. “Meet me in my private hangar later, Ventress. C'mon Durge.” 

Finishing up his last bite, he walked out into the hallway. Right now, he was in a hurry to claim that training droid. He imagined that in the near future, they'd be boarding Republic cruisers, and engaging in sabotage. Although [Hide Presence] was good, it wasn't completely overpowered. Getting caught when facing Legends clone troopers would only be a matter of if, not when. Besides, at his current level, he couldn't envelop his companions in a shroud. With Durge tagging along, they'd probably go on the offensive rather quickly. 

Which is why he needed that training droid. Kaine didn't expect to learn every saber form in a day, but all he needed to do, was learn the basics to have it register in his System. Once that occurred, it'd automatically rise up in rank to match his current tier. 

The saber form he most needed to learn against blaster wielding soldiers was Form III, Soresu. Although there was a case for Form IV & V (Ataru & Shien), from a purely defensive stance, Form III was the best. This way, he could deflect many blaster bolts whilst also conserving his energy. Makashi was straight up ass against long range weaponry, and he wanted some better life saving measures. 

“Your leader is dangerous. I can see why you sought me out.” Durge spoke up, interrupting Kaine from his thoughts. 

“For someone without the Force, you're quite perceptive.” Kaine complimented. 

“For someone so weak, I am surprised you can share his table.” Durge nodded along. 

Kaine choked on his spit. He didn’t sense a single insult from the Gen'Dai. The big armored alien was truly offering his commentary as he saw it. 

“Ahem, yes, well, Dooku is short handed at the moment. Besides, my growth potential is astounding. At the beginning of the month, I was 66% weaker than my current self.” Kaine replied, adjusting his collar, and speaking with pride. 

“Hmm.” Durge breathed heavily through his nose, and leaned in extra close as if he were observing some rare fungus. 

“Am I interrupting something? A lover's tryst perhaps?” Ventress-leaning against an archway up ahead with her arms crossed-mocked in a cultured tone. 

‘How the hell did she get there when we left first?! No, wait, why is she copying how Dooku talks, where did this sudden bout of confidence come from?!’

“That look of shock upon your face, you must be wondering if I'm all powerful, right?” She slowly drawled out, looking at her nails. “Well, Renstar, the fact is-” 

“She took the elevator.” Durge pointed to the left towards a dark hallway. 

‘Ah, an elevator, how convenient. This should take me down to the warehouse.’ Kaine nodded to himself, then adjusted his step, turned sharply to the left, and pressed a button, waiting for the elevator doors to open. 

Ventress, meanwhile, was still posted up at the archway that Kaine would have walked past. Brow furrowing, all smug satisfaction was washed away from her face, and the lines she had practiced in her head vanished. It was as if she were a school girl presenting in front of the class, only for everyone to ignore her. Clenching her fists, she marched up behind him. 

Kaine was humming a little song, and searching the holonet on his dataslate, bored killing time as he stepped into the elevator. Pressing some buttons, he found the terminal he wanted to go to. Then, closing the door, he sensed a presence, and looked up. 

The soft blue glow from his dataslate in the dimly lit hallway illuminated a chalk-skinned bald head. Only a narrow slit of her glare was visible through the closing elevator door, giving off a haunting gloom. 

“Jesus Christ!” Kaine gripped his heart, and swore in shock. 

Ventress scowled at him, then the door slammed shut. Just as the elevator was going to begin moving, a pair of red lightsabers sliced the door open, and the Dathomiri girl walked inside, deactivated her lightsabers, and stood next to him as if nothing had happened. 

“I have studied Sith culture. This is a mating ritual, correct?” Durge asked from the side. 

“I must agree with the bounty hunter, this is most interesting, and deserves further study.” Qui-Gon said, stroking his beard with a small grin on his face. 

Glancing at the girl to his side, he opened his mouth. 

“Not. A. Word.” Ventress hissed. 

+5LP +5LP +5LP +5LP