Ziost - Crown of the Sith Empire

Xal rode the lift to the upper levels again. He felt it best to report to Zash directly and he was curious as to how she was feeling. At her door, he made his presence known and waited.

He is allowed entry but the interior is dark with large curtains pulled to bar out any light.

He didn't mind the dark. He preferred it.

"Lady Zash? I apologize for disturbing you."

“Come in dear Xal, leave the lights out…” she called from the darkness.

“It does not aid my recovery.”

He followed her voice. "How are you feeling, my dear?"

“Not well but it will pass, do not concern yourself with my condition. I have survived worse,” she said with hacking cough.

“It isn’t something that can be mended, only time and rage will mend it. Have you kept busy?”

"I have." he nodded. "With the massassi project and with our own research."

"But, I wanted to see you. To check on you and to discuss my work."

"I am listening, what have you discovered with that brilliant mind, dear Xal," she responded from the darkness.

"To begin with the immortality, it is spiritual in nature." he explained. "There is a transfer of essence, from one host to another, as the dark energies break down the physical bodies. As the power grows, however, it is possible that a physical form may no longer be needed."

“That is less than ideal,” she hissed with displeasure.

“But if that is the only way… then we need to find a suitable test subject. Female, good health, and won’t be missed,” she replied.

“Species is irrelevant, though they should be aesthetically pleasing.”

"How long do we have?" He asked in a clinical tone.

Xal Kimlya wrote:"How long do we have?" He asked in a clinical tone.

"Perhaps forty-eight hours, less," she said grimly.

"I will be returning to Dromud Kaas, we will need a place steeped in the dark side and I know just the location."

"Very well." he agreed. "Is there anything else I should know?"

"I have kept nothing from you, if you have a question ask," she replied.

"I'm just being thorough, to avoid complications." he shook his head. "However, the other reason I came here was regarding the massassi project. You wished to be kept informed."

"I am curious to know how that has progressed, the Queen and I are old friends," she replied chuckling darkly before coughing.

"The progress is promising." he explained. "Each generation of hybrid has shown more intelligence and discipline. They also have decreasing Force sensitivity."

“How sad for them,” she said mockingly.

“Why is it decreasing?” she added from the darkness after a moment of thought.

"It was done deliberately by a researcher, Gena Yon." he explained. "It is impressive work."

“Gena Yon?” she said repeating the name. “Describe her to me.”