“Oh, Adala. I’m pleased it was you who decided to sacrifice yourself. Such a noble offering. Pleasure to meet you again,” said Darth Burai. The Super TroopersTM let go of Adala’s hands. “No, I haven’t forgotten your name yet.”

“I see I’ve made quite an impression on your face,” she said seriously. Darth Burai touched his nose with his newly installed robotic hand.

“I haven’t forgotten that, either,” he said, flipping his cape over his shoulder. “It reminds me of that one song… how does it go again… oh yeah! My taste in music is your face!”

“So you’re saying you like my face,” Adala smirked.

“N-no! You’ve got it all wrong! I was just quoting the song!” Darth Burai’s face seemed slightly redder than usual, although that could have been from all the bruises on his face.

“What do you want from me?” asked Adala, concerned. Darth Burai smiled sinisterly.

“Darth Vaita and her pet Turi want to eradicate the jedi. And one way to eradicate is to take away what makes you a Jedi,” said Darth Burai. Adala pursed her lips. “If you were to reject your jedi principles, you wouldn’t be considered a threat.”

“Never. I am loyal to the Jedi Ascendancy,” she stated.

“Oh really. The same Jedi Ascendancy that turned against you? The same Jedi Ascendancy that was being ruled by the Dark Side this whole time? The same Jedi Ascendancy that kept secrets from you?” he listed. “Adala, these people lied to you. They are not your allies.” Darth Burai snatched the necklace from Adala’s neck and pocketed it. Adala stared at him in silence before thinking of words to say.

“But the Dark Side is evil,” insisted Adala, trying to defend the Jedi Ascendancy. “You draw your power from negative emotions.”

“But what is so bad about negative emotions? They make us stronger. They’re a tool to utilize to become more powerful than the jedi. Only the weak get so absorbed by power they can’t control themselves. If you can balance the amount of power you sap from the Dark side of the force, it can prove to be beneficial,” stated Darth Burai. “I sense feelings from you, Adala. Feelings that the jedi don’t allow you to have.”

“Stop using my name,” said Adala. “It makes me uncomfortable.”

“Adala… You’re in pain. The jedi have restricted your power. You have so much potential,” started Darth Burai. Adala remained silent. “I’ll let you in on a little secret; we both have a common enemy.” Adala’s ears perked.

“It symbolizes the end of a Sith’s training when he musters enough strength to kill his master. Darth Vaita is strong. I disagree with her philosophies, yet she has taught me everything I know today. I am only her servant, her pawn in combat strategies. I have my own plans, my own ideas, yet she overshadows all of them,” explained Darth Burai. “After I dispose of her, I could take on an apprentice. Someone to pass on the knowledge that has been passed on for generations. Adala, I want that person to be you.” Adala felt the rage flowing through her. Darth Vaita had poisoned Master Turi with the Dark Side of the force. Darth Vaita had been behind the illegal tax reforms in the galaxy. Darth Vaita had murdered her parents in cold blood in front of her.

“Consider my offer,” said Darth Burai, turning to walk out of the room. “Whatever you choose, don’t regret your decision.”