Sith
My hands knife through the dry air as I practice my forms against my imaginary opponent. My legs snap out in turn as my body spins, whipping my limbs out into a devastating two strike attack. Sweat runs down my bare torso, and I hear the cloth of my pants ruffling as I leap up and snap out my right leg. I land on the balls of my bare feet, and sprint for the wall. My toes touch the wall and I bend the force to my will as I race up it, before vaulting away and landing in a tight roll. I spring to my feet in one smooth motion and strike for my imaginary opponentÆs throat.
Some of my fellow initiates here on Korriban have often wondered why I bother practicing unarmed combat. They deride my training as a waste of time, claiming the lightsaber and the force are the greatest weapons and are all that should concern me. They are fools. The greatest weapon any warrior has is his mind.
I back flip one, twice, three times to land in a crouch, gazing about the room as I extend my senses. Like much of the academy, the room is carved from rock, and adorned with ancient Sith scrawl and pictographs. It is spartan per design, which suits me well. IÆve never had much interest ornamentation. On the floor near the northeast corner of the room sits my cloak, and shirt, along with my boots. While above me is the room's lone light which baths everything in a soft orange glow.
I gather myself and spring forward into another form as my mind runs through the code
Peace is a Lie, there is only passion
My dead family's face comes to my mind unbidden. I see them as they were the night before I learned this first truth. My mother and my big sister in the garage, working on the familyÆs speeder. The two laughing and chatting as the worked on the busted nacel. My father in the kitchen, cooking dinner for us all.
ôOkay sprout, hand me the hydro-spannerö My sisters laughing green eyes and bright wide smile eliciting a big dopy grin from my ten year old face. I nodded at her, and turned to rummage through the tool box, quickly finding what she wanted. She ruffled my hair as she took the tool.
I idolized my big sister; she was always so strong and smart. When I got picked on at school it was she that taught me how to fight back. My father and mother were good people, but running a large farm such as ours took up a lot of their time. Oh I loved them, but it was my sister whoÆd raised me, and since she was ten years my senior, I always though she knew everything.
Then they came.
WeÆd had some trouble with raiders in the past, but this new group, lead by a man calling himself Dragon was striking fear into the entire farming community. At the time I didnÆt think anything of it. Then the next night I had that terrible dream that sent me into my sisterÆs room. I told her about it, how IÆd seen scary men coming to kill us all, how IÆd seen the whole farm set ablaze. She cooed and comforted me, assuring me that it was just a nightmare. I had just started to believe her when we both heard shouting followed by blaster fire.
My sister was smart, she hid me in her closet and told me to stay put while she threw on some clothes and went for the door. She never made it as the door opened and a massive man stepped into her room. ôWellàö he began ô...and I thought tonight would be boring.ö
Surprised my sister backpedaled and he seized the initiative by grabbing her shoulders and flinging her onto the bed. For several long moments they struggled as my sister fought against the man as he tried to pin her. ôHeh, youÆve got spirit girlie!ö He sneered as he leaned down over her, which is when she managed to bring her knee up into his groin.
The bruiser howled and clutched at his crotch, which allowed my sister to smash him with a palm strike that sent him to the floor. Then she was stomping and kicking him as he writhed on the ground. My glorious big sister grabbed her work knife from her bed stand and drove it into the guyÆs neck. He spasmed once and then lay very still.
I was honestly about to cheer for my big sis when a blaster shot took her in the heart. I was stunned with horror, unable to believe what IÆd seen. The shooter stepped into the room. He wasnÆt as big as the other guy but something about his bearing screamed manslayer. I never got a look at his face as his back was always too me. I did see the serpent tattoo right on his arm as he rummaged through his confederates belongings, taking some things from the dead body before exiting the room
Eventually I left my hiding space, when I was sure the men were long gone. IÆm not sure how I made it outside in time to watch the farm burn. Honestly the last thing I remember is crying over my sisterÆs body, and then IÆm outside.
I learned that night, in a more intimate way than most, that peace is a lie.
Through passion, I gain strength
On my 11 birthday I decided I was going to kill the raiders whoÆd killed my family.
I had been taken in by some friends of my parents, good people who had only been too eager to help me through this dark time. I paid back their kindness with hard work, and a studious attitude. We never really became close, but I also never caused them any trouble. I excelled in school, and worked hard on their farm. I think the family figured it was my way of avoiding my pain.
It was my way of preparing myself for what needed to be done.
I learned, I improved, and I became stronger than I was on the night my world was shattered. I discovered how to get people to do the things I wanted them to. Like the pretty young brunette who was only too happy to slice government files for me after I took her to the school dance. It was she that helped me identify who had killed my family. With her help I tracked them down. For months I stalked them, never allowing them to see me, to know I was around. When I had their patterns down I struck.
Through strength, I gain power
I snuck out around midnight. There was no moon in the sky which was going to make things a lot easier. IÆd already loaded the speeder with the tools IÆd need to get justice.
As I took off into the nightÆs gloom, my mind began reflecting on the past few months. For the most part, aside from my stalking, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Well nothing except for the person IÆd named æDark ManÆ. HeÆd arrived in system about a month back and had been going around discussing something with the important people of our community. IÆd paid him little mind at first, until the day I found him looking at me.
Oh I was polite, I greeted him and he favored me with a nod but said nothing. At the time it was a tad creepy, but he was an off worlder, their ways would likely seem odd to me, or so I figured. So afterwards I went about my business, yet I could feel his gaze boring into my back.
A few days later I found him exiting my home. This time I got a good look at his face. He was an older main, somewhat thin and pale. Yet the air of power around him, and the sheer menace of his gaze almost caused me to hitch in my stride. ôGood day sir.ö He merely nodded back. For the briefest of seconds I could swear the corners of his lips quirked into a smile.
ôWhat did he want?ö I asked my foster father when I finally entered his home. Mr. Ferrel was a big man, made of solid muscle and not easily intimidated. So youÆll understand my surprise when I found him drinking his caffe with a shaky hand.
ôNothing Jonas, nothingàö he took a long sip of his drink. When he emptied it he frowned deeply as he stared into its depths. Finally he set the mug down and went the cupboards, pulling out a bottle of corellian ale. ôMr. Linoge just had some questions about our communityÆs local history.ö He popped the top and drank straight from the bottle. When he finished I noted that heÆd managed to down about half the bottleÆs contents. ôNow donÆt you have some studying to do?ö
IÆd later learned the Mr. Linoge was a representative of some rim ward government that had an interest in our planetÆs produce. It was puzzling why such a man would take an interest in me, but I put it aside for later. My business was with the raiders tonight.
Through power, I gain victory
The raiders, a group calling themselves æThe UntouchablesÆ, had taken over an old farm house that had been abandoned for a few decades. Their security was pretty basic. Planetary security couldÆve arrested them years ago, but their efforts were focused around the space port and the larger cities where crime was more of a problem. Thus we poor farmers are left to our own devices.
When I reached the preordained point I reached into the back and did a final check before slinging my rifle over my shoulder and disappearing into the night. Dawn was about two hours away by the time I got into position on a ridge overlooking their base. I set up my rifle and gazed through the scope. At the moment only two sentries were on duty, and they appeared to be more interested in chatting than watching for anyone approaching.
Perfect
I reached into the pocket of my pants and pulled out the remote. Depressing the button I sent the speeder on its way. ItÆd taken me years to restore my sisterÆs speeder to its former glory. The Untouchables had stripped it and then left the remains in a burning garage, but IÆd salvaged it, and made it run once again. Now it was going to be the instrument of my familyÆs vengeance. IÆd loaded the speeder down with every seismic charge, every explosive device I could find or make and sent it right into the heart of the raiderÆs camp.
The Two sentries finally realized something was wrong. One of them hefted a rifle as the other raised a pair of binocs to his face. I breathed out slow and steady and once again became hyper aware of the world around me. ItÆs a trick IÆd learned over the past few years. Like my dreams I wasnÆt sure where it came from, I was just glad it worked when I needed it. I became aware of the grass beneath me, I could feel the life of the two sentries below, and even better I could feel the lives of the men snoozing in the farm house, including the one who killed my sister.
I pulled the trigger just as the man with the binocs was about to shout a warning. The blaster bolt took him in the throat, silencing him. His partner turned and I pulled the trigger again, taking him through the back of his head. As he fell I pulled the trigger once more and shot the first sentry between the eyes.
Then I watched with savage glee as the speeder slammed into the farm house and erupted into a massive fireball. The entire complex was engulfed in flames. The beings inside panicked grabbed weapons and tried to escape. My sisterÆs killer was the first to find a way out. He made a beeline for their parked speeders, which gave me plenty of time to line up my shot. I couldÆve toyed with him, I couldÆve made him suffer, but I just wanted him dead. So I put him down in one shot like the crazed Kath Hound he was.
I shot a few more of the raiders as they exited the complex, but most of them died of Asphyxiation, or in the initial blast. I could hear their screams and feel their life leave their bodies. There were nights when I had worried that I would break down, that I would feel remorse or fear. That I would prove myself as weak as the night I watched my family die. My fears were unfounded; all I felt was satisfaction that justice had been served.
I glanced at my chrono, I had taken revenge for my family, and ended a continuing threat to the community at large on the morning of my 17th birthday. There was no better present to be had.
Through victory, my chains are broken
I still had an hour before sun-up by the time I was ready to leave. The poorly named æUntouchablesÆ had left their speeders out in the open. As they no longer had a use for them I figured they wouldnÆt mind if I borrowed one or two for the trip home.
ôVery impressive.ö I whirled, rifle at the ready as a baritone voice made me aware of its ownerÆs presence. The rifle hadnÆt come any where near in line with the Dark ManÆs body before it was ripped from my hands by an unseen force.
I stumbled; at least I thought I did as I suddenly found myself on my back. I curled up trying to guard my vitals as I yelped ôDonÆt hurt me!ö Confusion marred the Dark ManÆs face as he bent down. My hand snatched the knife from my boot and attempted to drive it into his temple.
The old manÆs hand snapped up and caught my wrist. He arched an eyebrow and chuckled ôAhàyesàcleverà.ö He gestured and I felt my throat close. I think I snarled as I struggle to rise, to fight back, to attack and get free to no avail. As darkness closed in on me I spat at the man in a last act of defiance. My last sight before I blacked out was the image of his gold eyes and cruel smile ôIt seems I was right about youà.ö He rumbled and then I knew no more.
The force shall free me
It was a little over seven years ago that Darth Linoge found me, seven years since I had been initiated into the ways of the Sith order. I have learned a lot since then. I have seen how weak the republic is, have watched its armies fall its government flounder and its protectors, the Jedi, fail to halt any of it.
I have also seen the Sith stab one another in the back. I have watched Sith lords spend the lives of loyal and capable troops with callous ease for little gain. IÆve seen how anger has destroyed other Sith. I have learned one of the greatest truths of our order. Anger must be focused if it is to be wieldedùcrafted into a weapon as tight, as controlled, and as deadly as any lightsaber.
My feet touch the floor once more. I hold the position for a moment, feeling out my body before relaxing. Lazily I summon my clothes to hand, and dress.
I know why I follow the Sith code. The republic and even the Jedi have not brought the order that this universe so desperately needs. The Sith will create a new universe, a better one where brilliant young women are not killed by scum. I fight to bring justice, order, and direction to this aimless and violent universe.
Fully clothed now, I pull my hood up, and allow my cloak to fall over me, concealing my arms. My hand rests on the hilt of my lightsaber as I exit the training hall and walk briskly towards my room. I have a little over an hour before I will be summoned for my final test. Should I survive I will finally earn my Sith name.
The Jedi would claim that one must accept that there are things beyond oneÆs control. A Sith realizes that acceptance is just another word for æsurrender. And that sometimes the universe must be forced into line.
Assured once more of my course, I step closer towards the embracing darkness.
Author Notes: Wow that went on longer than I expected. Anyways next up is a Bounty Hunter. I open this thread up to anyone else who wants to write a one-shot or short tale set in this time period.
Edit: For typos and style
My hands knife through the dry air as I practice my forms against my imaginary opponent. My legs snap out in turn as my body spins, whipping my limbs out into a devastating two strike attack. Sweat runs down my bare torso, and I hear the cloth of my pants ruffling as I leap up and snap out my right leg. I land on the balls of my bare feet, and sprint for the wall. My toes touch the wall and I bend the force to my will as I race up it, before vaulting away and landing in a tight roll. I spring to my feet in one smooth motion and strike for my imaginary opponentÆs throat.
Some of my fellow initiates here on Korriban have often wondered why I bother practicing unarmed combat. They deride my training as a waste of time, claiming the lightsaber and the force are the greatest weapons and are all that should concern me. They are fools. The greatest weapon any warrior has is his mind.
I back flip one, twice, three times to land in a crouch, gazing about the room as I extend my senses. Like much of the academy, the room is carved from rock, and adorned with ancient Sith scrawl and pictographs. It is spartan per design, which suits me well. IÆve never had much interest ornamentation. On the floor near the northeast corner of the room sits my cloak, and shirt, along with my boots. While above me is the room's lone light which baths everything in a soft orange glow.
I gather myself and spring forward into another form as my mind runs through the code
Peace is a Lie, there is only passion
My dead family's face comes to my mind unbidden. I see them as they were the night before I learned this first truth. My mother and my big sister in the garage, working on the familyÆs speeder. The two laughing and chatting as the worked on the busted nacel. My father in the kitchen, cooking dinner for us all.
ôOkay sprout, hand me the hydro-spannerö My sisters laughing green eyes and bright wide smile eliciting a big dopy grin from my ten year old face. I nodded at her, and turned to rummage through the tool box, quickly finding what she wanted. She ruffled my hair as she took the tool.
I idolized my big sister; she was always so strong and smart. When I got picked on at school it was she that taught me how to fight back. My father and mother were good people, but running a large farm such as ours took up a lot of their time. Oh I loved them, but it was my sister whoÆd raised me, and since she was ten years my senior, I always though she knew everything.
Then they came.
WeÆd had some trouble with raiders in the past, but this new group, lead by a man calling himself Dragon was striking fear into the entire farming community. At the time I didnÆt think anything of it. Then the next night I had that terrible dream that sent me into my sisterÆs room. I told her about it, how IÆd seen scary men coming to kill us all, how IÆd seen the whole farm set ablaze. She cooed and comforted me, assuring me that it was just a nightmare. I had just started to believe her when we both heard shouting followed by blaster fire.
My sister was smart, she hid me in her closet and told me to stay put while she threw on some clothes and went for the door. She never made it as the door opened and a massive man stepped into her room. ôWellàö he began ô...and I thought tonight would be boring.ö
Surprised my sister backpedaled and he seized the initiative by grabbing her shoulders and flinging her onto the bed. For several long moments they struggled as my sister fought against the man as he tried to pin her. ôHeh, youÆve got spirit girlie!ö He sneered as he leaned down over her, which is when she managed to bring her knee up into his groin.
The bruiser howled and clutched at his crotch, which allowed my sister to smash him with a palm strike that sent him to the floor. Then she was stomping and kicking him as he writhed on the ground. My glorious big sister grabbed her work knife from her bed stand and drove it into the guyÆs neck. He spasmed once and then lay very still.
I was honestly about to cheer for my big sis when a blaster shot took her in the heart. I was stunned with horror, unable to believe what IÆd seen. The shooter stepped into the room. He wasnÆt as big as the other guy but something about his bearing screamed manslayer. I never got a look at his face as his back was always too me. I did see the serpent tattoo right on his arm as he rummaged through his confederates belongings, taking some things from the dead body before exiting the room
Eventually I left my hiding space, when I was sure the men were long gone. IÆm not sure how I made it outside in time to watch the farm burn. Honestly the last thing I remember is crying over my sisterÆs body, and then IÆm outside.
I learned that night, in a more intimate way than most, that peace is a lie.
Through passion, I gain strength
On my 11 birthday I decided I was going to kill the raiders whoÆd killed my family.
I had been taken in by some friends of my parents, good people who had only been too eager to help me through this dark time. I paid back their kindness with hard work, and a studious attitude. We never really became close, but I also never caused them any trouble. I excelled in school, and worked hard on their farm. I think the family figured it was my way of avoiding my pain.
It was my way of preparing myself for what needed to be done.
I learned, I improved, and I became stronger than I was on the night my world was shattered. I discovered how to get people to do the things I wanted them to. Like the pretty young brunette who was only too happy to slice government files for me after I took her to the school dance. It was she that helped me identify who had killed my family. With her help I tracked them down. For months I stalked them, never allowing them to see me, to know I was around. When I had their patterns down I struck.
Through strength, I gain power
I snuck out around midnight. There was no moon in the sky which was going to make things a lot easier. IÆd already loaded the speeder with the tools IÆd need to get justice.
As I took off into the nightÆs gloom, my mind began reflecting on the past few months. For the most part, aside from my stalking, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Well nothing except for the person IÆd named æDark ManÆ. HeÆd arrived in system about a month back and had been going around discussing something with the important people of our community. IÆd paid him little mind at first, until the day I found him looking at me.
Oh I was polite, I greeted him and he favored me with a nod but said nothing. At the time it was a tad creepy, but he was an off worlder, their ways would likely seem odd to me, or so I figured. So afterwards I went about my business, yet I could feel his gaze boring into my back.
A few days later I found him exiting my home. This time I got a good look at his face. He was an older main, somewhat thin and pale. Yet the air of power around him, and the sheer menace of his gaze almost caused me to hitch in my stride. ôGood day sir.ö He merely nodded back. For the briefest of seconds I could swear the corners of his lips quirked into a smile.
ôWhat did he want?ö I asked my foster father when I finally entered his home. Mr. Ferrel was a big man, made of solid muscle and not easily intimidated. So youÆll understand my surprise when I found him drinking his caffe with a shaky hand.
ôNothing Jonas, nothingàö he took a long sip of his drink. When he emptied it he frowned deeply as he stared into its depths. Finally he set the mug down and went the cupboards, pulling out a bottle of corellian ale. ôMr. Linoge just had some questions about our communityÆs local history.ö He popped the top and drank straight from the bottle. When he finished I noted that heÆd managed to down about half the bottleÆs contents. ôNow donÆt you have some studying to do?ö
IÆd later learned the Mr. Linoge was a representative of some rim ward government that had an interest in our planetÆs produce. It was puzzling why such a man would take an interest in me, but I put it aside for later. My business was with the raiders tonight.
Through power, I gain victory
The raiders, a group calling themselves æThe UntouchablesÆ, had taken over an old farm house that had been abandoned for a few decades. Their security was pretty basic. Planetary security couldÆve arrested them years ago, but their efforts were focused around the space port and the larger cities where crime was more of a problem. Thus we poor farmers are left to our own devices.
When I reached the preordained point I reached into the back and did a final check before slinging my rifle over my shoulder and disappearing into the night. Dawn was about two hours away by the time I got into position on a ridge overlooking their base. I set up my rifle and gazed through the scope. At the moment only two sentries were on duty, and they appeared to be more interested in chatting than watching for anyone approaching.
Perfect
I reached into the pocket of my pants and pulled out the remote. Depressing the button I sent the speeder on its way. ItÆd taken me years to restore my sisterÆs speeder to its former glory. The Untouchables had stripped it and then left the remains in a burning garage, but IÆd salvaged it, and made it run once again. Now it was going to be the instrument of my familyÆs vengeance. IÆd loaded the speeder down with every seismic charge, every explosive device I could find or make and sent it right into the heart of the raiderÆs camp.
The Two sentries finally realized something was wrong. One of them hefted a rifle as the other raised a pair of binocs to his face. I breathed out slow and steady and once again became hyper aware of the world around me. ItÆs a trick IÆd learned over the past few years. Like my dreams I wasnÆt sure where it came from, I was just glad it worked when I needed it. I became aware of the grass beneath me, I could feel the life of the two sentries below, and even better I could feel the lives of the men snoozing in the farm house, including the one who killed my sister.
I pulled the trigger just as the man with the binocs was about to shout a warning. The blaster bolt took him in the throat, silencing him. His partner turned and I pulled the trigger again, taking him through the back of his head. As he fell I pulled the trigger once more and shot the first sentry between the eyes.
Then I watched with savage glee as the speeder slammed into the farm house and erupted into a massive fireball. The entire complex was engulfed in flames. The beings inside panicked grabbed weapons and tried to escape. My sisterÆs killer was the first to find a way out. He made a beeline for their parked speeders, which gave me plenty of time to line up my shot. I couldÆve toyed with him, I couldÆve made him suffer, but I just wanted him dead. So I put him down in one shot like the crazed Kath Hound he was.
I shot a few more of the raiders as they exited the complex, but most of them died of Asphyxiation, or in the initial blast. I could hear their screams and feel their life leave their bodies. There were nights when I had worried that I would break down, that I would feel remorse or fear. That I would prove myself as weak as the night I watched my family die. My fears were unfounded; all I felt was satisfaction that justice had been served.
I glanced at my chrono, I had taken revenge for my family, and ended a continuing threat to the community at large on the morning of my 17th birthday. There was no better present to be had.
Through victory, my chains are broken
I still had an hour before sun-up by the time I was ready to leave. The poorly named æUntouchablesÆ had left their speeders out in the open. As they no longer had a use for them I figured they wouldnÆt mind if I borrowed one or two for the trip home.
ôVery impressive.ö I whirled, rifle at the ready as a baritone voice made me aware of its ownerÆs presence. The rifle hadnÆt come any where near in line with the Dark ManÆs body before it was ripped from my hands by an unseen force.
I stumbled; at least I thought I did as I suddenly found myself on my back. I curled up trying to guard my vitals as I yelped ôDonÆt hurt me!ö Confusion marred the Dark ManÆs face as he bent down. My hand snatched the knife from my boot and attempted to drive it into his temple.
The old manÆs hand snapped up and caught my wrist. He arched an eyebrow and chuckled ôAhàyesàcleverà.ö He gestured and I felt my throat close. I think I snarled as I struggle to rise, to fight back, to attack and get free to no avail. As darkness closed in on me I spat at the man in a last act of defiance. My last sight before I blacked out was the image of his gold eyes and cruel smile ôIt seems I was right about youà.ö He rumbled and then I knew no more.
The force shall free me
It was a little over seven years ago that Darth Linoge found me, seven years since I had been initiated into the ways of the Sith order. I have learned a lot since then. I have seen how weak the republic is, have watched its armies fall its government flounder and its protectors, the Jedi, fail to halt any of it.
I have also seen the Sith stab one another in the back. I have watched Sith lords spend the lives of loyal and capable troops with callous ease for little gain. IÆve seen how anger has destroyed other Sith. I have learned one of the greatest truths of our order. Anger must be focused if it is to be wieldedùcrafted into a weapon as tight, as controlled, and as deadly as any lightsaber.
My feet touch the floor once more. I hold the position for a moment, feeling out my body before relaxing. Lazily I summon my clothes to hand, and dress.
I know why I follow the Sith code. The republic and even the Jedi have not brought the order that this universe so desperately needs. The Sith will create a new universe, a better one where brilliant young women are not killed by scum. I fight to bring justice, order, and direction to this aimless and violent universe.
Fully clothed now, I pull my hood up, and allow my cloak to fall over me, concealing my arms. My hand rests on the hilt of my lightsaber as I exit the training hall and walk briskly towards my room. I have a little over an hour before I will be summoned for my final test. Should I survive I will finally earn my Sith name.
The Jedi would claim that one must accept that there are things beyond oneÆs control. A Sith realizes that acceptance is just another word for æsurrender. And that sometimes the universe must be forced into line.
Assured once more of my course, I step closer towards the embracing darkness.
Author Notes: Wow that went on longer than I expected. Anyways next up is a Bounty Hunter. I open this thread up to anyone else who wants to write a one-shot or short tale set in this time period.
Edit: For typos and style
