Ziost - Crown of the Sith Empire

Xal was alone on the turbolift as it ascended through the tower levels. He rarely had reason to venture higher than his floor and he had little interest in most of what could be found in the upper levels. There were at least a few things he was curious about, however, especially now.

Finally at his destination, he indicated his presence and waited.

A large Sith walks nearly through the man expecting him to step aside and not deterring from his path leaving the lavish doors of the apartment. A droid waits to take Xal inside when he is ready.

He watched the man walk on, studying him for a moment, before nodding to the droid.

"Take me to her."

The droid showed her through a large living area towards a large balcony with a long pool of crystal clear water and within was Zash swimming a lap as she came to the far end she sipped under the clear waters and made her way back towards Xal and then emerged resting on the edge and said, “Xal… I hope I have not kept you waiting.”

"Not at all." he shook his head. "I am available to you as you wish. I apologize, if I've interrupted anything. "

“Not at all, you like swimming?” she asked looking up at him.

“It’s useful exercise, but it also helps me think when I am working through a problem. Not that it has been all that helpful lately,” she said with a sigh as the droid brought her a robe.

She emerged from the water fully donning the dark robe over her crimson monokini. She said, “Thankfully it might be a problem you can aid me with.”

"I don't swim often." he shook his head. "But, I can certainly appreciate any method of stimulating solutions to difficult problems."

"I will provide whatever assistance I can." he added. "Is this regarding the items you've acquired?"

“In a way,” she responded.

She placed a damp hand on his chest and said sweetly, “I know that you are the only person I can rely on for this matter Xal, and I am thankful for it. I have something that I believe will aid my research but it will require your keen mind to decipher.”

“If we work together,” she said sweetly, “We could achieve a feat that only the Sith Emperor has been able to achieve. True Immortality.”

Her hand lingered for a moment and then she moved past him as a droid brought out glasses of wine. She took one and added, “Immortality, my dearest Xal.”

He took the other glass. "You definitely have my interest. When do we start?"

“I will collect my notes and materials and organize them for you, once you have them we can meet in your lab and begin the work at your schedule,” she said taking a seat at a table near the pool on the balcony.

“My facilities on Korriban are extensive but here, not so much. Thankfully I believe your lab should be more than sufficient for our needs.”

He nodded. "My research is fairly diverse, so the lab is equipped for most needs. I have a few other projects lined up, but they can easily be set aside. I do not have a pool, I'm afraid."

“What are you working on currently, dear Xal?” she asked.

"Just my usual alchemical tinkering, at the moment. Attempting to improve the vigor formula or the protection charm." he sighed. "But, I was contacted about some Massassi experiments. Nothing that compares to your proposal. You always bring me the most interesting work."

Zash listened with interest and then said, “Do keep me informed of your work with the Massassi, I have a soft spot for the creatures and their Queen.”

“Dear Xal I bring you interesting work because you do good work, my research is demanding but with your skill and valued intellect I find it freeing and easy to accomplish what many Sith would consider impossible. You are a vital member of my inner circle,” she said emphasizing her words with a comforting hand to his cheek.

“I was barely holding it all together before you came along, I am forever grateful for your support.”

She lowered her hand and added, “Together we will succeed.”

"Your influence and guidance has allowed me to expand my studies without being mired deeply in political and social machinations." he offered a smile. "For that, you will always have my support."

Zash was visibly relieved by his words, “It occurs to me that I have not illuminated you on the vagaries of my last expedition… or at least my findings.”

“I have to warn you, what I have learned could be dangerous, dear Xal.”

"I am still curious." he said after a quiet moment. "I have heard a few things about your travels, but mostly trivial gossip. I would like to learn more. Anything that you are willing to tell me."

“I was deep within Republic space, undercover mind you, and I found a site that was once used by the Emperor for his own experiments. It was strong in the dark side but more importantly not all of his notes and results had been purged and I was able to piece together what he had accomplished and more importantly… how,” she said before finishing her wine and gesturing for more from the droid.

“It had glimmers of the secret of immortality and power but the sacrifices to get there and the future implications haunt me. He sacrificed a whole world… every living thing to gain such power… a sacrifice I might even make but he wants more… he wants to sacrifice the entire galaxy.”

"For more power?" He set his empty glass down, shaking his head in disbelief. "I understand that such things should have a cost, but that is extremely expensive. I do not believe I could go that far."

“I would like to think I would not pay it either,” she agreed.

“I believe we can achieve immortality without such a cost, but it will not be easy.”