Laren Uscot - https://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/members/12946
Teylas Ramar - https://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/members/12761
TuQ'uan Varick - https://www.darkjedibrotherhood.com/members/14964
Maestro’s Corner, The Sand Pit, Aliso City
Aliso
35 ABY
“You’re joking, right?” TuQ’uan Varick scoffed, holding a datacard in his hand.
“Not this time,” replied Laren Uscot, sitting across from the Kel Dor.
“Laren, what you’re asking is near impossible!”
“Not *impossible*. Difficult, perhaps, but not impossible.” Laren paused as he took the datacard from TuQ’uan, considering his next words carefully. “Also this isn’t me who’s asking.”
TuQ’uan stared intently at Laren for a moment before responding, “What are you not telling me?”
“It’s not what he isn’t telling you,” Teylas Ramar chimed in as he entered the private room, his signature grin marring his hardened features. “It’s what I have to tell you now.”
“You honour us with your presence, my Lord,” acknowledged Laren.
“Almost civilized, mercenary,” Teylas began sarcastically as he turned to look upon TuQ’uan. “And who do we have here?”
“He’s a trusted servant and an ally of our interests, honoured Praetor,” responded Uscot.
“Let him speak for himself, Laren. I’ll ask again: who are you?”
“TuQ’uan Varick, an associate of Laren’s. I’m an information broker with, if I dare say, a substantial reach. What skills I have are at your disposal.”
“You are as Laren says, then. Good. Have you seen the plan?”
TuQ’uan shifted in his seat nervously. “I have.”
“Laren wouldn’t have you here if you weren’t of some use. What do you think?”
TuQ’uan gazed upon the datacard with a distinct intensity, but said nothing.
“Did you not understand my question?” Teylas growled.
“Frankly, I think it’s - it’s a bit out of reach,” TuQ’uan confessed diplomatically.
“I’ve done things that many had considered near-impossible, including you,” Laren cut in. “But I won’t deny, breaking into the Shadow Academy is not exactly a normal request.”
Teylas smiled. “I’m glad you agree! It was absolute madness. That’s why the plan’s off.” He took their datacard and tossed it behind them.
“So that begs the question -”
“What are we doing still here?’ ” Teylas interrupted. “I’m glad you asked.” He produced a new datapad from his robes and handed it first to Laren. “This.”
Laren and TuQ’uan each took turns regarding the contents of the datacard.
“What in the hell is this?” Laren finally whispered.
“The plan before was delusional. This is -”
“Genius?” Teylas interjected, cutting off Varick mid-sentence.
“Suicide.”
“Besides, I don’t know if we’re - if I’m up for this. I can’t be a damn Praetor. I’ve already been excused from my duties as Quaestor, and rightly so.”
“You were a Quaestor?” TuQ’uan snorted.
“Exactly.”
“Will you do it, mercenary?” Teylas inquired, steering the conversation back to their business at hand.
“You ask much in such a short time,” Laren deflected.
“Time doesn’t wait for us to act.”
“What you’re asking -”
“There is no *time* for this!” Teylas snapped. “We are in the perfect position to mutually benefit from this exchange.”
“If I’m not mistaken, this would make you second-in-command of the - the Shadow Academy,” TuQ’uan stated, the institution’s name still foreign on his lips.
“And a puppet,” Laren said, locking eyes with Teylas.
“I mean no disrespect, but - well, what’s in this deal for me?” the Kel Dor queried, shifting his guarded gaze toward the Sith Warlord across from him.
“My respect,” Teylas replied simply.
“Believe me, TuQ’, his respect can open doors you can’t even imagine,” Laren added reluctantly.
“And it will continue to take you far as well, Laren.”. Teylas continued to press the matter, saying, “Praetor to the Headmaster is mere micrometers from the larger beast that is the Dark Council. Think: you will be the right hand of the Headmaster, enacting his will. You will have access to information most can only dream of. And together, the knowledge and secrets of this Brotherhood will be at our disposal.”
“At *your* disposal.” Laren’s tone was quiet, yet equally defiant.
“And what’s so different here then when I first contacted you?”
“Everything.”.
“Not to mention this now puts me in a bit of a pinch,” TuQ’uan added meekly.
Teylas shrugged, ignoring the Varick. “Our arrangement remains the same. You’re my left hand, accomplishing what tasks that I require. In return,” Teylas paused, chuckling, “I assert my influence to grant you status.”
“I didn’t ask for this,” Laren breathed.
“So ultimately… I now work for you?” TuQ’uan asked, looking helplessly between the mercenary and the Sith.
“Not quite.” Teylas paused for a moment before continuing, “Let me make it clear. I own you. Both of you.”
“That’s all well and good. But clarify a few things for me. The plan is to give the Shadow Academy a holocron - my job.” TuQ’uan pointed to himself confidently. “On behalf of Laren. He gets a new gig, and you gain a new ally among the upper echelons. Where does this leave me?”
“A servant of a Praetor is held in high respect, perhaps,” said Laren.
“Perhaps? What exactly does ‘perhaps’ mean?”
“It has its perks,” the mercenary quipped, giving TuQ’uan a knowing look.
The Kel Dor’s expression brightened in understanding. “How much?”
“Enough that worrying about credits will be a thing of the past,” Teylas assured him.
“I see…”
“This still doesn’t change the fact that this plan is absolutely bonkers,” Laren stressed.
“I will say this once, and only once,” intoned Teylas.“Your value as an asset lies beyond your tradecraft. I have seen men like you time and time again over my long life.”
“And what of it?”
“Do you take me for an imbecile?” Teylas snarled. “You play the fool, Laren. But behind that mask there exists something *more*. Do you really think I didn’t notice you and Kul’tak scheming behind Selika’s back? I was impressed, truly. If not for your timely demotion, it is likely I would not have taken notice of your ambitions.”
“You were watching me?”
“Don’t think so highly of yourself that my eyes linger on the few. In the quest for power, one must see all, know all. Only when you understand your enemy can you strike and make them truly understand your power.”
Silence fell across the room for a moment before Laren laughed. “I should have known better, Ramar.”
“Perhaps.”
“So where does this leave us?” TuQ’uan asked.
“With a day. One day to consider this plan. You assume that you have a choice in the matter. Put that to rest, now. The fate of everything rests on your impending success.”
“What fate?”
Teylas’ lips curled into a menacing smile. “The only fate that matters, Laren. The fate of the Brotherhood.”