Sullust's Open Orbit

The Captain watched how Tysabaar avoided engaging his marines. He glanced at the chrono, the positions of his soldiers and the gap between the Sith and the shuttle. Seconds melted away as the Sith blasted the hapless soldiers to ash. He had time.

Without diverting his gaze from the unfolding skirmish. "Agerau, detail the situation of Sullust and, importantly, our political position." 

Agerau stiffly nodded and took his position on the captain's deck. "My captain, we have the full and uncontested support from the current Imperial governor, Moff Barragon. We have restored the garrison, although their senior military staff has been decimated. Currently, Brigadier Lefebvre is commanding the local planetary defense. Anything else, sir?"

Mardotte let the silence hang for a moment. He was burning buildings to herd the Sith into a trap. He was gambling on a renegade, who he didn't even know would actually survive his trial by fire. "Nothing. Dismissed."

Tysabaar heard the routine landing clearance procedures being rattled off by the pilot in the front cabin. After a few minutes, He felt the ship slow, and finally settle as it docked. He knew his presence must have been expected. Captain Mardotte did not let himself be fooled so easily.

Tysabaar, feeling his pilot's task had been completed, got up from his seat and with a word of thanks crushed his neck with the twitch of a hand.

Opening the hatch that led of the transporter, Tysabaar was greeted by the upright figure of his nemesis.

"My apologies Captain," Tysabaar said with a mocking tone,"I believe I'm late for our appointment. I couldn't help but feel honored by the amount of effort you put in to get me here. Generally though, I'm not really one for grandiose escorts, so I decided to skip the whole entourage."

Tysabaar noticed the large security precautions that had been implemented on the ship. Whether this was general practice or for this special occasion he did not know.

"So sorry to interrupt, but I am not aware of any operations. If you would please enlighten me?"

The sith had started to slowly pace, back and forth, while being very intrigued by what his counterpart was saying. What had started as an attempt to capture him had turned into some sort of planed conspiracy. Although Tysabaar had planed to eventually gain the captain's alliance for the fulfillment of his greater ambitions, he had not expected this. Although he knew that this was evidently some or other for of deception, Tysabaar was willing to bide his time for a little longer to see how things panned out.

"Your sudden change in agenda intrigues me, for I know it must be of strategic importance to you. Please clarify."

Tysabaar stood there and watched the captain for a while. The arrogance that radiated from him was almost amusing. Someone who had lost so much of his purpose, his cause, and yet stayed so motivated to complete what he had started must truly have had an iron will. He could really be useful, with a little redirecting. Though he had insulted Tysabaar, the sith understood that someone in his position had to keep convincing others, as well as himself, that he was the better man.

Ignoring Captain Mardotte St Cyr's last remark, Tysabaar acknowledged,"It is true what you say. The galaxy is in chaos. It once again beckons for a new leader. Someone who can direct it, lead it and improve it. But that someone is not you, my dear Captain. Yes, you command a ship, you lead your men and you try to instil order. But there are greater things out there than you and your men, Captain. Things that will seem unexplainable to you. Things that will never be ruled or governed by you. They will mock you and then, once they have shown their disapproval, they will trample over you as if you did not even exist."

"You are a mere mortal, trying to rule gods."

Tysabaar did not appreciate Captain Mardotte St Cyr's request. He felt mocked by this request. To present the power of the force as a tool for entertainment was unacceptable. He had know doubt that the Captain knew and believed in the existence of the force. His display thereof then would be of no purpose. Quite to the contrary, it would display gullibility as well as a need to demonstrate power. This was not the case, as Tysabaar had already proven himself.

"Why would I have to do such a thing. You have witnessed the presence of such things countless times in the past. Your request is a mockery. In due time you shall see the presence of such things again, but until that time, the powers bestowed upon me shall not be used in vain."

"I congratulate you, Captain Mardotte. Your capture of Sullust has come sooner than expected. Yet I doubt you will let the Sullustians rule unchecked? Yes, even freedom is never truly free, for there will always be those who start a revolt."

Tysabaar looked at the Captain through his mask. He thought about what he would do next to accomplish his agenda.

"Now Captain, your exploits cannot be limited to this. What is your next move, because I know there is one,"The sith said carelessly to the captain. He couldn't say that his admiration for the man had grown, but the man's personal value had. This relationship could very well be a profitable one.

Contemplating for a while, the sith stood and looked into the vast expanse of the galaxy. Finally coming to a conclusion he said,"Being ambitious as you are, after securing the fortifications of Sullust, you would pass your gaze over the surrounding territories and find an adequate target. One that is either unruled or controlled by oppressors . Now that you have a firm hold on a territory already, you can aim at something eye catching than Sullust, something that will make your presence more noticed. I am not sure though, if you will follow this course quite yet . You could take more unclaimed land first, so that you have greater support when the time arrives to make more of an ambitious claim."

Tysabaar returned his gaze onto Captain Mardotte and continued."Yet knowing you... You are not one to shy away from a battle."