A Good Sith, Dead

~~~(POV: Nathan Opal)~~~

~~~(Location: Balmorra)~~~

My eyes land on Lord Morris, and the realization of his sacrifice is heading out among the stars. Retreating from this lost world. "You gave up your life for an Empire that doesn't even care about you... Such resolve... Such waste..." His body deserves the respect that he's earned. I stand over his body, and I lower myself. Picking him up in my arms.

His lifeless body hangs from my arms, and his head is sunk back. There is a single shuttle... Left by those who hoped he'd win the battle and join him in their retreat from this world. The ramp opens with a thought, and the ship hums to life as I board. His body rests on the medical bed, as I head towards the flight deck. Inputting the commands for Dromund Kaas.

Lord Morris won't be honored as he should be by the Sith and the Empire. Seeing his retreat as a weakness. A failure. Knowing the Empire, they're going to harm his family. Make an example out of them in some way. As I'm heading for the exit of the ship, I stand next to Lord Morris for a final time. His eyes are closed, and he looks at peace.

I've kept my promise, making sure his body is unmutilated and presentable to his Wife and Daugther. "Here's to hoping that your death inspires at least one person as worthy as you." With these final words, I exit the ship, and I watch it take off into the sky and off Balmorra. I lower my head, and I look around the base.

They all left in such a hurry that they've left behind weapons and vehicles. Things that are worthless without people to use them. My holocom blinks, and I pull it off my waistband. It clicks, and a holographic picture of Vera Lorell. "All the Imperial Forces have retreated... We have Balmorra back in the hands of our people..." She sounds like the impossible has happened.

The Balmorran people and this war for their world are over, and now that I've held up my end of the bargain, they'll have to hold up there's. "Remember our deal, Vera. I want weapons for my fleet, and I want the best ones you can produce." She nods her head, knowing the price that I've laid down. This is the best outcome for Balmorra...

They won't be under the thumb of the Empire, and they won't have to submit to the demands of the Republic. "Thanks to you, Balmorra is free and independent again... No longer a piece in this war between Sith and Jedi..." Her words are slow, and I hear the admiration in her voice. Her feelings are apparent, and she's looking for something I don't have experience in.

Her desire for me is heavy, and I can sense that her infatuation with me has just started. "Mind coming back to the base, to celebrate this victory with us?" Her bold words are flattering, and I'm untempted by the offer. She's a beautiful woman, and 15 years older than me. While I have desire from time to time, I never engage in such things she wants.

With a simple thought, my holocom turns off, and I place it back on my belt. "A mature woman in her prime feeling that way for me... It's strange... She doesn't look 35, but my goals and objectives are more important than some... Fun." My musings and thoughts are ended as I look towards my ship's direction.

My mind reaches out for my ship, and I take control of where I'm at. It's here within 30 seconds and lands in the empty garrison, plenty of room for a landing. Its boarding latch lowers, and I walk up. I've secured weapons for my fleet, and that means once it's built, I'll need to bring it back to Balmorra. That's a couple of weeks from now, though.

Until then, I need to head to Ilum. There are answers from The Force that I need. Things happen in my mind, and it's sometimes a jumbled mess. Seeing things that I usually don't, and that's where all this started... On Ilum... Now, the world is contested by the Empire and Republic, but I'm going there for my own purpose. Not to interact with anyone on either side.