Legacy of Darkness: Book 1 - Darkness Rising

Chapter 4: Omega

Xalek walked down the hall to his master's office. He had been instructed to meet Darth Nox in his meditation chamber, which was connected to the Dark Lord's office by a side door. He was looking forward to the experience as he had never been in his master's meditation chamber before. Hundreds of the most powerful Sith in the Empire had mediated in those chambers over the Empire's history, and there was no doubt that each had left their mark on the Force in that particular area. Xalek could almost taste the overwhelming Dark Side power he was about to experience. He believed it would be similar to landing on Korriban for the first time, and combined with his master's presence he was certain the experience would be rapturous.

Entering the office, he turned to see that the door to the mediation chamber was open. He could sense the vestiges of the Dark Side energies contained within the chamber, as if they were the faint stirrings of the breeze before a storm. He entered through the door, finding that the energy currents grew more powerful with every step, before he even exited the hallway and entered the actual chamber, he found himself to be traversing through what felt like a hurricane in the Force. The Dark Side swirled around him, buffeting his spirit with its power. He felt like a leaf caught up in a tornado, but he steeled himself and hardened his resolve, reaching out and seizing the violent energies around him, bending them to his will, forcing the currents to change and warp themselves to his designs. They gave way easily. There was power here, yes, but it was diffuse and chaotic. Easily shaped and formed to the will of the strong. A Jedi entering these chambers would no doubt find themselves oppressed and ravaged by the intensity of the Dark Side here, not realizing that mastery of it would grant them safe passage. This, Xalek supposed, was far better security against Jedi infiltration or attack than any technology.

He crossed the bridge separating the entrance from the platform on which his master knelt in deep meditation. A black aura of visible darkness surrounded the Dark Lord, and Xalek was certain he could see the soft purple glow of his master's eldritch powers emanating from behind the lenses of his helm. The familiar darkness that surrounded his master washed over him as he drew closer, and he felt his passions rise, taking his strength with them. His body felt alive with power as the darkness filled him from head to toe. He approached his lord and bowed to one knee.

"My lord." At the sound Darth Nox appeared to awaken, although Xalek was certain his master had sensed his arrival, it was only now he seemed to take notice. His head raised from its bowed position of intense concentration, he stood to his feet and turned to regard his apprentice. The visible aura of darkness faded, but Xalek could still feel it in the Force. It surrounded them like an inky liquid that permeated the Kaleesh's body and soul.

"Lord Xalek." Darth Nox spoke, his voice creating ripples in the Dark Side. "I hear your liberation of Detrimos went well."

"Indeed master. You were wise to send me there. The Republic will not soon strike so close to us again."

A sinister chuckle escaped the grill of Darth Nox's mask.

"Indeed, although not for the reason you think apprentice."

"Master?"

"You are correct in assuming that the Republic will not strike so close to the heart of the Empire so soon, but it will not be because of your efforts on Detrimos." Xalek lowered his head, shame and confusion sweeping over him.