Lightside Sith 028

Watching the afterglow of the Venators leaving Vinsoth's orbit was a pretty sight to Kane. 

The fight against Ferus had been much closer than it appeared. Although he still had a few more tricks on hand, he wanted to defeat the Padawan in a seemingly decisive fashion. Achieving victory through Sith sorcery likely wouldn't have produced the oomph that he was looking for. 

Furthermore, the entire event had been broadcasted, and uploaded to the holonet. This act didn't net him any Lightside Points, however, it did increase his credibility amongst the denizens of the galaxy. Reputation was an important thing during an interstellar war. Take Grievous, for example. Many Jedi shivered at his approach, the fear he induced often was just as deadly as his lightsabers. A strong reputation meant Kane would be able to pacify systems with less conflict, and farm that sweet, sweet LP without firing a shot. 

Afterall, there wasn't quite a more dominant display of power than conquering a planet or city without firing a shot. 

Smirking to himself, he regarded his companions. Durge was off to the side, sitting on some rock sipping on a large flask, staring aimlessly out into the sunset. Ferus was morosely joining him, whilst Ventress had stolen some ship and already left the planet. Apparently angry at him for sparing some Jedi, she demanded Dooku assign her another task. 

Heh. Women. 

“When you trapped the battlefield, was it part of your plan to have your cloak torn to shreds?” Qui-Gon asked, materializing from the side. 

“Finally decided to reveal your big-nosed face, eh, old man? You have to admit, I did a good job this time.” Kane replied, crossing his arms, and lifting his chin in pride. 

Qui-Gon eyed the nearby murder barge-the one Kane used to parade the Chevin corpses on as a rallying cry to free the slaves-and silently raised an eyebrow. 

Kane rolled his eyes. “My methods are crude, barbaric even. That, I admit. Given more time, perhaps there would be a more optimal path to all this. However, with a Republic fleet baring down on me, this was the most time efficient method.” Kane defended himself. 

“Hmm. I too have acted in haste, later to regret my actions. Ataru-my primary form of combat-has taught me a great deal about restraint.” Qui-Gon muttered, stroking his beard. 

Kane frowned, looking at the Jedi Master quizzically.

“I know what you are thinking. Ataru is perhaps the most aggressive, strenuous Form. To engage in Ataru is to overwhelm the enemy within the first minute of combat. Every second thereafter consumes a great deal of energy. Therefore, it is precisely because I am aware of Ataru's cost that I have learnt restraint, lest I start a fight I cannot finish.” Qui-Gon said, offering his sage advice. 

Kane thought deeply upon what Qui-Gon said, and ran a finger through a hole on his robe. Ferus had been less than an inch from crippling or killing him. What Qui-Gon said had its merits, today's fight truly was risky. 

“Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Qui-Gon.” Kane inclined his head, voice full of respect. 

“Mn. I fear it shall go in one ear, and out the other. Protect yourself, young Renstar. A Sith such as yourself is a rarity…I am curious to see how you change the galaxy.” Qui-Gon muttered before once more turning invisible, and disappearing from detection. 

Kane pondered the venerable master's words for another few minutes, and replayed the fight in his mind. He had thought that as someone who stood at the peak of a Acolyte's skills, he would be undefeatable against foes at the same tier. Today's melee proved that he couldn't allow himself to become complacent. The System was mighty, but it didn't make him all powerful. A company of clone troopers could still threaten him, much less a Legion, which he could only run from. In retrospect, a tough fight like this was good. He learned about his limitations, and reduced a fraction of his arrogance. 

One of his greatest weaknesses was his integration of Makashi and Soresu. Each time he wielded those techniques, he was powerful. However, when swapping between them, there was a fraction of a delay. Like jumping from a motorcycle to a bicycle, the difference wasn't great, but the body would take at least one second to adjust. What he needed to do, was practice more. 

Glancing at the ‘protagonist' template moping across from him, Kane knew his future sparring partner would thank him. Totally. 

A small smirk spread across his face, as Kane imagined a beautiful future turning this eighteen year old kid into his subordinate. His ultimate goal was to gain personal, political, and squad power. Then, usurp the CIS, and eventually eliminate Palpatine. Worst case scenario, he tries to replace Anakin/Dooku and become Palpatine’s apprentice. But that was something he would only attempt if all other avenues were cut off from him. 

Whilst he was deep in thought, his communicator began to ring. Pulling out the round, palm-sized disc, he clicked a button, and a tiny blue hologram of Dooku materialized. 

“My Lord.” Kaine stated, slamming a fist onto his chest in salute. 

The Count eyed his torn robe with a critical eye, then glanced at the moping Padawan. 

“Victory suits you well, Renstar.” Dooku's sonorous voice came out low & steady, yet carried the barest hint of mockery. 

Privately, Kane was happy that his own clothes were so messy. He wouldn't want the old man to think that he was a threat. 

“Yes, my Lord. Vinsoth is ours, as you commanded.” Kane said, maintaining an equally serious vibe. 

“To what end did you capture this Jedi? His master was a much more valuable prize, no?” Dooku asked in a dangerous tone. 

Kane bowed his head once more, and put on a strong persona, understanding that the old man abhorred weakness. “A Sith seeks victory in any form, my Lord. You commanded I defend Vinsoth. Retaining the Padawan was the most prudent method to achieving your goal.” 

“Indeed? And what, pray tell, do you intend to do with said captive? I notice he is neither chained, nor bound. So confident, are you?” Dooku raised a white eyebrow, once more glancing meaningfully at Kane’s torn robe. 

“None that bind him physically, aye. I intend to bring him into the fold. If I understand it correctly, this one is often compared to Skywalker. Dragging down one of the Order's shining stars is a pleasure all of its own.” Kane acted like a noble scion speaking about a lesser being, trying to downplay any negative consequences, and appeal to Dooku's innate arrogance. 

“Oh? I was not aware you were privy to the Order's internal rumors?” Dooku said in an airy tone. 

‘Does he know?!’ 

Kane held his breath, worrying that his secret communique with Kenobi had been revealed. Feeling himself panic, he barely concealing his worry, he laughed Dooku's accusation off. 

“I was quite the diplomat on Naboo, if you recall. I learnt much through casual conversation. As you are well aware, those in high society often enjoy trading rumors.” He said with a smile. 

“How unfortunately true.” Dooku agreed. “What then, do they say about myself?” He asked with a hint of amusement. 

Kane wanted to cuss the old man out. Dooku was very clearly fucking with him by now, and simply fishing for trouble by this point. Damned superior arsehole was trolling him for the love of the game! Fine, two can play at that! 

“You, my Lord?” Kane quickly looked away, and glanced furtively left & right, like some fugitive acting guilty. 

“I will not repeat myself twice. Speak.” Dooku demanded, this time a hint of anger entered his voice, he really truly wanted to know what made Kane so reticent in his answer. 

“...it is said.” Kane began, then paused. “It is said that your cloaked figure, and pale appearance remind some of an Anzat.” 

Twisting truth with fiction, he stared the man down, all but calling him a vampire, alluding to Christopher Lee's portrayal as Dracula. 

“Absurd. Utterly ridiculous. Do not share such baseless fiction again.” Dooku snapped. 

“But of course. Then, if there isn't anything else?” Kane asked trailingly, wanting to end this call, and find out how to complete his advancement quest. 

The old man must've sensed something, because a small grin spread across his face. 

“So eager to run off with the leash, are we?” Dooku asked in an amused tone. “Very well, I suppose you've earned yourself a small reprieve. I shall send you three different missions. Choose one, and report back to me when you are finished. Complete all three within the month, and you shall be rewarded.” 

With that, the hologram winked out, and several messages entered his inbox a second later. Taking a quick look, Kane scrolled through his options. 

Mission 1) Eliminate or capture a rogue Dark Acolyte who has escaped to Nar Shaddaa. 

Mission 2) Subdue the pirates near Felucia.

Mission 3) Raid Tanaab of its grain shipments. 

Glancing at the Galactic Map, Kane sighed, as it appeared he'd be camping out in his ship for several weeks of travel once more. On the surface, none of these missions appeared particularly difficult, but with Dooku involved, nothing was ever so simple. 

For one, Nar Shaddaa genuinely was one of the seediest places in the galaxy. Finding someone there would be a major pain in the ass. On the plus side, gaslighting an enemy to turn traitor could probably be achieved on this crime ridden world. Completing that portion of the Lightside Sith Promotion Quest seemed to be quite feasible. 

As for Felucia, catching pirates was also troublesome, as no one knew when they would show up. Yeah, he could camp out near the hyperlanes, but that was a slow, inefficient method relying on luck. In reality, Felucia was closest to the Vinsoth system, and he could arrive there fastest. However, if he learnt some info from a broker on Nar Shaddaa, discovering their hideout shouldn't be impossible. If he played his cards right, Kane could complete part three of the quest: reveal a leader’s secret resulting in the dissolution of a group 0/1. 

Lastly, he was commanded to raid Tanaab. A quick search on the holonet, and CIS information repository revealed that the planet was an incredibly vital agricultural hub for the Galactic South. Given his previous missions, perhaps he could steal that pirate group for his own designs, and use them to raid Tanaab? Or perhaps he could wrangle together a group from Nar Shaddaa with all the creds Jabba had paid him? 

This last mission wouldn't aid in his quest at all, but if he had promoted by then, then Kane could simply use it as an opportunity to farm Lightside Points. Speaking of farming, Tanaab was the headquarters of the Jedi Order's Agri-Corp…which was a truly interesting location. The Order disdained these ‘weaklings’ but people as ‘weak' as Obi-Wan were almost destined for the Agri-Corp as well. Perhaps he might pick up some unexpected gains along the way~ 

Finally, he was curious what reward the old man had in mind. Perhaps Dooku would teach him [Force Lightning]? Or maybe even gift him a fleet of his own to command. 

Imagining his future growth, Kane walked towards Durge and Ferus with a spring in his step. 

“Gentlemen, enough time has been spent on Vinsoth. Next stop, Nar Shaddaa!”