Benjamin Lambert, also known by his nom de guerre Darth Enigmus, was a neutral Force adept who served the Sith Empire as a Dark Lord of the Sith and majority shareholder of Magenta Sparrow Medical before defecting to the Galactic Republic, where he became the short-lived Jedi Padawan of Green Jedi Master Vera Rosalyta until his new mentor disappeared.
He settled down in Tyrena in her absence and went on to work as the commander of Project Petrichor – an unorthodox division of the Republic Strategic Information Service that employed Force users – alongside Bureau Chief Frank Pad, spearheading Operation: Crystal Lekku to thwart the plans of his estranged wife – Darth Aivela – and prevent a collection of dangerous artifacts from falling into the hands of the Sith Empire. After proving that Force users outside the Jedi Order could be of considerable benefit to the Galactic Republic, Project Petrichor was reorganized into the Strategic Asset Reassignment Bureau, with Benjamin leading the team to victory over Darth Madré and her Ascension troopers in Operation: Kaasian Rose.
Following Madré's death and a failed attempt on his life by Jedi Master Magda, Benjamin stood down as SARB commander to focus on his family, passing the role to Ah'rek Odé, the son of his old Sith master, Darsun Odé. Though he periodically returned to service to assist the Galactic Republic in its fight against the Sith Empire – even taking a leading role in the Battle of the Dromund Forge – his day-to-day duties centered around his position as governor of the remote Outer Rim colony of Farrow. When Zhavi and Isla Waverunner broke with the Republic to establish a Jedi colony on Shimka's Well in 45 ATC, Benjamin committed to an alliance between their societies, which eventually expanded to include the Sith-governed world of Som Galla.
Benjamin continued to serve as Farrow's governor for the rest of his life, only vacating the position when he was fatally wounded by Darth Salvharroh during his attack on the colony in 66 ATC, after which he was forced to enter a rift in the Force, using himself as a salve to gradually heal the breach. One with the Force, Benjamin remained unconscious as his body was restored over several thousand years, though this came at a cost; by the time he was freed in 2 BBY Benjamin Lambert had become one with the Force, and his body played host to a new persona.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
I had a good life by Imperial standards. My family was well-respected, not ambitious like other families, but... consistent, in their duties over the generations. I kept my head down and did as I was told, and my father used what influence he had to get me a position in the Ministry of Logistics. Important work, it has to be said, but far less dangerous than front line service. Doing one's duty doesn't have to mean throwing your life away. Thankfully my father appreciated that balance... loyalty tempered by intelligence.
—Benjamin on his early life, as recorded in his holocron.
Born aboard the Korriban Orbital Station to a senior members of the Imperial Corps of Engineers and Ministry of Logistics (his mother and father, respectively) in 15 BTC during the Great Galactic War, Benjamin Lambert was the latest addition to a long and respected family bloodline who had resided on Dromund Kaas since the time of the Great Hyperspace War. As with all children of the Sith Empire, he was groomed for a military career from an early age. By the time he was 18, Lambert held a minor position in the Ministry of Logistics thanks to his father's influence, a position that would not earn him much in the way of prestige but was respectable enough for someone of his limited experience.
Conveniently, it also kept him away from the obvious dangers of front line service; Benjamin's father was experienced enough to know untested soldiers were the first to be sent into the fire, and though he was a dutiful servant of the Empire and believed Imperial rule would bring security and prosperity to the galaxy, the elder Lambert also loved his son enough to try and shield him from danger, a concern that was lessened significantly following the signing of the Treaty of Coruscant. To everyone's surprise, however, Benjamin spent less than a year in the Ministry of Logistics due to an unwelcome twist of fate that ended his career in an instant.
While reviewing low-level requisition requests late one evening Benjamin accidentally knocked an empty water glass from his desk and – when he reached out to try and catch it – instinctively summoned the glass into his hand, in full view of his colleagues and superiors. For the first time in the family's thousand-year history, a member of the Lambert bloodline could command the power of the Force. Benjamin was awoken early the next morning and escorted to the spaceport by two soldiers and an ominous, hooded figure who made no effort to explain the situation to him. Although he guessed that the figure was a Sith he had no way to confirm his suspicions, but given the circumstances he obeyed the stranger's orders without question, boarding a shuttle and arriving on the dusty burial world of Korriban a short time later.
Sith Acolyte[]
I had no ambition until Korriban. Until I met her. When Darth Genosidra killed Lianna... and out of petty spite... I felt genuine passion for the first time in my life. I'd found someone who gave my life purpose – meaning – then just like that... she was gone. I might've become the monster they wanted me to be if things had gone differently, but after that... after that, chance started me down a different path.
—Benjamin on his experience of Korriban, as recorded in his holocron.
Arriving at the Sith Academy on Korriban towards the end of 3 ATC, Benjamin was quickly thrown into his training under the tutelage of an Overseer. Though he was saddened by the fact he did not get the chance to say farewell to his family, Benjamin knew that there was nothing he could do about it – at least until he passed his trials and joined the ranks of the Sith, an event he was hopeful would occur. Hard-working, Human and from a respectable Imperial family, Benjamin met with the Overseer's approval fairly early in his training, although he was not considered the favorite in his batch of acolytes.
During his training, Benjamin encountered one of the senior acolytes from another group, a young woman named Lianna Yen. Yen possessed great Force potential, learned quickly and was from a prestigious family, and even before he was properly introduced Benjamin had heard chatter concerning her promising future. Rumors even suggested there were several Darths on the capital that were already interested in her progress. Benjamin first met Lianna while she was training in the Lower Wilds, jumping in to help when it seemed as though she was being overwhelmed by a particularly aggressive pack of Tuk'ata. Like Benjamin, Lianna liked being out during the night, as she enjoyed the quiet and the darkness reminded her of home, a preference that not only caused their paths to cross but also gave them something to bond over immediately.
Thanking him for his help (while remaining adamant that she had not needed it), the two parted ways on friendly terms and their relationship developed over the weeks that followed, the pair spending what free time their training allowed in one another's company as neither of the acolytes had fully embraced the academy's ethos of paranoia and treachery. The duo fought together during Lianna's final trial in the tomb of Naga Sadow and shared their first kiss in the privacy of the ancient burial chamber, caught up in the euphoria of the moment after Lianna found and claimed the lightsaber placed within by her prospective master, Darth Genosidra. Once they returned to the academy and parted ways, Benjamin waited for news in the cantina, greeting a very happy Sith apprentice when Lianna caught up with him an hour later. The pair spent the night together as a final, parting encounter before she left the following morning, promising that he would see her again, once he finished his own trials and returned to Dromund Kaas.
It turned out that Benjamin would see Lianna again much sooner than that, however; returning to Korriban with her master just weeks later, Lianna was tasked with seeking out the tomb of Tulak Hord and recovering ancients writings believed to be hidden within, based on a text Genosidra had discovered elsewhere. With Benjamin's help, Lianna managed to discover the writings, hidden in a small chamber that was completely sealed off from the rest of the tomb, though it appeared to have been accessed by someone else since its initial construction. Inside, one of Hord's servants had been interred, vertically, along with her lightsabers and the writings. Lianna, wanting Benjamin to excel in his trials and only needing the writings, let her lover take the ancient lightsabers as his own, granting him a massive boost in prestige over his rivals.
Unfortunately, one such rival had followed them into the tomb. A much older and physically larger acolyte, the Cathar and former slaver Haythos was vicious, cruel and willing to do anything to get ahead of his competition, which included murdering Lianna and Benjamin to steal both the lightsabers and the writings. Despite having more life and general combat experience than his would-be victims, Haythos was slow and clumsy and against the young couple's teamwork Haythos' single-minded brutality got him nowhere fast. Blundering and thuggish as he was, he was wise enough to flee the tomb when it became clear they were not quite the easy targets he had been hoping for. Sadly, his retreat came too late for Lianna; he had thrown Benjamin onto the irreplaceable stone tablet, shattering the fragile writings Lianna and rendering them almost completely illegible.
When they re-emerged into the sunlit Valley of the Dark Lords Darth Genosidra was waiting for her apprentice – and the writings. Lianna apologetically explained that another acolyte had destroyed them, angering Genosidra, who began throttling her with the Force. Benjamin pleaded with the Dark Lord not to punish Lianna, explaining that it was his fault the acolyte attacked and Lianna was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet for all his protests it was clear Genosidra was not interested, stating that relying on others was a weakness and that to be undone by mere acolytes highlighted concerns she had held about Lianna since taking her on as her apprentice. Foolishly, Benjamin attempted to use the Force against Genosidra, believing that attacking her would draw her attention and redirect her anger to him, instead of Lianna.
Genosidra was entirely unaffected, however, being far more powerful than the untrained acolyte; with an idle wave of her hand, she threw Benjamin across the sand, immobilizing him with crippling bolt of Force lightning. She commended his boldness, musing that perhaps he would make a more suitable apprentice than Lianna, if he managed to survive his trials. Regardless, Genosidra stated Lianna was not mentally disciplined enough to become a Sith, despite her raw potential. She also claimed that to tolerate such a failure would reflect poorly on her own reputation, opening her up to ridicule – more so than she would already face now that her clumsy apprentice had destroyed a priceless relic. With a simple gesture, Darth Genosidra crushed Lianna's torso with the Force, killing her instantly.
Benjamin – enraged by the sight – launched himself at the Dark Lord of the Sith, activating the salvaged lightsabers and attempting to cut her down in a suicidal act of vengeance, only to be overpowered by lightning once again, though this time he was rendered unconscious. By the time he finally came around, the sun had all but set and Darth Genosidra had long since departed, leaving Benjamin for the beasts. Armed with the salvaged lightsabers, Benjamin was able to survive the trip back to the academy, where he spent most of the night tossing and turning restlessly in his bunk, running the day's events over and over again in his mind and plotting how he might exact his revenge on such an obviously superior enemy. Eventually, when he pondered what Lianna would suggest if she were alive, Benjamin realized that that she would not want him to throw his life away chasing revenge that – in reality – he knew was far beyond his grasp.
Instead, Benjamin intended to leave Korriban, knowing that embarrassing the academy staff was the best he could manage in regards to revenge. After doing some research on the comings and goings of the supply shuttles, the traumatized acolyte followed through on his plan less two weeks after Lianna's death, smuggling himself off-world with a little help from his knowledge of Imperial transport protocols, picked up while working for the Ministry of Logistics. In just under three weeks, Benjamin had made his way out of Imperial space, joining a small clan of Mandalorians to do so.
Dar'manda[]
Clan Gharva, back then at least, were brutal and bloodthirsty. Grateful as I was that they agreed to take me on and get me away from the Sith, they didn't care much about collateral damage. Cor Reth was an exception. The last of a powerless old guard who couldn't bring himself to leave the clan he'd called home his whole life. The others, though... they loved violence, the thrill of battle, so much so that both Mandalore and the Empire disavowed them after the treaty, leaving me in about as good a position as I'd been in before I met them.
—Benjamin on joining Clan Gharva, as recorded in his holocron.
During one of their resupply stops, Benjamin managed to convince a Mandalorian of Clan Gharva to take him on as a trainee, feigning interest in their ways and claiming to be tired of being assigned to desk work. It took a "friendly" fist fight (and a considerable amount of help from the Force) for the Mandalorians to agree he had the right attitude to become a Mandalorian, and although he was badly bruised the discoloration and swelling around his face helped obscure his identity during his departure from Imperial territory. Whether his absence had been noted (and noted as treason rather than death) or not, Benjamin made every effort to avoid being identified, and along with the Mandalorians managed to leave Imperial space without encountering resistance towards the end of 5 ATC.
Benjamin began his education soon after departing Imperial territory, learning from his mentor Cor Reth, an older and more distinguished Mandalorian veteran, about the Resol'nare and swearing to live by it as part of his induction into Mandalorian society. He went on to accompany the group during an attack on a Republic vessel in 6 ATC, joining in a supporting role due to his lack of experience, which suited him well enough. Unfortunately, Clan Gharva had attacked the Republic more than once since the Treaty of Coruscant: this time, their antics had strained things a little too far. Both Mandalore and the Sith Empire formally distanced themselves from the actions of Clan Gharva, stating that they were rogues and – to the fury of the clan – declaring them dar'manda. Benjamin's only concern was that he was now a fugitive twice over.
Knowing the Empire would not hunt them too fiercely, the Mandalorians made arrangements to lay low for a few months until the heat was off, reaching out to their underworld contacts and finding a suitably corrupt senatorial aide on Cato Neimoidia with whom they came to an arrangement. Negotiating an illegal land rental, Clan Gharva was given access to an uninhabited island to use as a hidden encampment, giving them time to enjoy a quieter period for training and drinking until they became yesterday's news. Fate had other plans for both Clan Gharva and Benajamin Lambert, however; a Jedi Padawan named Ruhnali had been assigned to assist the security forces on Cato Neimoidia as part of an ongoing therapy her master had planned out for her. As a child, Ruhnali had been sold by her father to Mandalorian sport hunters who bought slaves and released them into the wild on various unsettled worlds, only to hunt them down and murder them for sport.
Ruhnali had been saved by the intervention of Republic forces investigating the Mandalorians, but not before being repeatedly raped and severely beaten, irrevocably traumatizing her for the rest of her life. Though the Jedi had taken her in, healed her injuries and done their best to alleviate the mental anguish that the experience had caused, Ruhnali had never truly recovered from the horrors she had been subjected to by members of the now disavowed Clan Gharva. Despite her progress as a Jedi since her induction into the Jedi Order, the Cathar concealed a deep-rooted hatred of all Mandalorians, and while investigating rumors of Mandalorians in hiding on the planet she finally snapped, infuriated by the legalities that kept them from finding the hidden warriors as quickly as she wanted.
Ruhnali murdered one of the Republic troops when he tried to calm her down and reassure her that they would find their quarry, prompting the others to try and apprehend her – the Cathar massacred them without hesitation. Despite becoming a wanted criminal, Runhali's new and aggressive methods of questioning did produce the results she so desperately craved, leading her to the office of the senatorial aide who was taking the Mandalorians' money. Torturing him using her lightsabers, Ruhnali learned not only the location of the Mandalorian camp, but that the Mandalorians were none other than Clan Gharva. Killing the aide to cover her tracks and prevent him tipping off the clan, Ruhnali then escaped the office block by leaping from the window when another Jedi Knight arrived to arrest her.
Benjamin and the other Mandalorians were unaware that Ruhnali was coming for them, allowing her to butcher dozens of them without a fight when she finally arrived; many of Gharva's greatest warriors were slaughtered where they sat, never even reaching their weapons before they were killed. Those that did were incapable of besting the Force-empowered fury that fueled the Cathar, and even though Benjamin had lightsabers and training he knew instantly that the attacker was far beyond his ability to defend against. Stripping a jetpack from one of his fallen comrades while the rest were dying around him, Benjamin was almost killed as he searched his bag for the lightsabers tucked away at the bottom. Ruhnali spotted him scrambling and lunged after him, only to miss when he hastily activated the jetpack, skidding backwards across the ground and colliding with a tree, bag still in-hand.
This desperate escape attempt bought him enough time to retrieve his hidden weapons and put up a defense, stalling frantically for time yet under no illusion about his chances of leaving the bloodstained island alive. Benjamin was the only survivor still visible in the camp by that point, and he knew that without help the Cathar would not take long to land a fatal blow now that he was the sole focus of her rage. Luckily, an unlikely savior was not far behind the fallen Jedi; before Ruhnali had the chance to kill Benjamin, she was forced to disregard him and turn away to defend herself against her former ally instead. That ally was dressed just like a Jedi, yet sported crimson skin and bone spurs, the tell-tale racial indicators of a Pureblooded Sith, arguably what most thought of when they heard the word "Sith".
Confused though Benjamin might have been, he watched as the Jedi fought against her dark counterpart skillfully and calmly, managing to disarm her and force her to flee the clan's island. To his disappointment, the Jedi did not give chase, letting the vengeful Cathar escape and turning her attention to Benjamin instead – cutting off his own chance of slipping away unnoticed. The Jedi recognized his Force-sensitivity immediately and – despite being ancient – quickly identified the lightsabers he wielded as being of Sith origin, not Jedi. From those small details, she correctly deduced that he was a runaway from the Sith academy, at which point he believed that he was doomed to be arrested and executed by the ancient enemy of his people. Rather than turn him in to the authorities however – and stating he was too old to become a Jedi – she offered him an ominous "alternative", and facing blind acceptance of the vague offer or a grim future in Republic custody, Benjamin chose the former.
When Republic reinforcements arrived to secure the site, the Jedi – Avexiss Odé – informed them that Benjamin had been the Mandalorians' prisoner and that she intended to escort him back to the city so he could be transferred to Coruscant and returned home from there. Benjamin never made it to the spaceport, however. Instead, he was taken to a quiet cantina, where another Sith Pureblood – his face hidden by a hood – waited for them in a private room, causing Benjamin to become even more concerned; even after Avexiss explained that the man was her father, Darsun Odé, a Sith Lord in the Empire. Benjamin immediately protested, telling Avexiss he would rather face a Republic firing squad than return to the Sith Empire.
Lord Darsun calmly explained that although he did not know why Benjamin had fled, he could sense the pain that still lingered from his time on Korriban. He claimed that he was one of many advocates for change within the Empire, believing the widespread zealotry, xenophobia and fascination with the dark side were detriments to their society and hoped – one day – that the Empire might be influenced by rational minds to a point where war with the Republic would cease to hold any appeal. Darsun offered to take Benjamin on as an apprentice, smoothing over his departure from Korriban using his rank so that it would be as though he had never left – in addition to clarifying that the Republic did not execute prisoners, nor would he become one if he refused, despite what Imperial propaganda might have taught him to believe.
Much to his irritation, Benjamin was trapped and – despite Darsun's claim – felt he had little choice in the matter; the failed acolyte begrudgingly accepted the invitation, still not trusting that he would not be turned over to one authority or another – or forced to pick up his Sith training precisely where he had left it. Leaving the planet alongside his new master with underworld assistance to keep their presence hidden from official channels, Benjamin found himself returning home to Dromund Kaas with a renewed sense of dread.
Sith Apprentice[]
Training Under Lord Darsun[]
I was skeptical at first. A Sith Lord who didn't embrace the dark side yet was able to live among them, undetected? Even with my limited understanding of how the Force worked, it seemed like nonsense. But I soon realized the Force had greater potential than simple applications like throwing lightning and reading minds, and the Sith were not as infallible as the propaganda had led me to believe.
—Benjamin on becoming the apprentice of Lord Darsun, as recorded in his holocron.
Lord Darsun's family had served the Empire for generations, dating all the way back to the fabled Great Hyperspace War that had birthed the Sith Empire in its current form, just as Benjamin's own ancestors had. Although his family had fallen from the glory of the old days over the last century or so, his name was still well regarded and his finances more than sufficient to live in relative luxury for decades to come. Darsun did not squander his family's financial legacy, however, and maintained a modest – but secure – compound on Dromund Kaas, staffed by loyal, hand-picked Imperial veterans who each owed their life to the Pureblooded Lord. It was this compound that the twenty-one year old runaway would call home for the next few years, and where he would learn to master both the Force and the lightsaber.
Initially, Benjamin was suspicious of Lord Darsun and demoralized by the prospect of continuing his Sith training, the emotions surrounding Lianna's death still raw and unhealed. Yet, hidden away from the rest of Imperial society, Benjamin was free of the usual social pressures placed on Sith. In his isolation, he could learn at his own pace without fear of rivals or the lashing whip of an unforgiving master, and when he was not studying he was practicing his lightsaber techniques or Force powers under the tutelage of Lord Darsun, who devoted much of his free time to training Benjamin personally, instructing him in essential Force techniques such as reducing injuries and pain, resisting stun effects and preventing himself from being knocked out. It was during this time that he met Lord Darsun's Twi'lek wife and pilot, Cerys Odé, for whom he came to harbor a childish crush, even though she played a more motherly role in his life. Cerys also helped Benjamin train in blaster bolt deflection when he surpassed the lessons offered by the training remote provided by Lord Darsun.
The Sith Lord himself was both patient and aggressive as and when required; when Benjamin needed encouragement to overcome self-doubts, it was offered, and when he needed to be goaded and pushed into giving his all, that too was provided. The more he trained, the more Darsun got to know him and how best to teach him, an understanding that developed their master/student relationship into a firm and lifelong friendship over the years. By the age of 24, Benjamin was a competent Force user and had come into his own as a lightsaber duelist, allowing Darsun to move on to the teaching of more advanced techniques, such as the ability to hide one's presence and alignment from others and Morichro. To ensure his training was not entirely sheltered from reality, Darsun arranged for Benjamin to work alongside his daughter Avexiss, out in the more dangerous realities of the wider galaxy.
Benjamin and Avexiss joined forces to eliminate extremist elements of the Empire as and when they were exposed enough to strike, as well as smaller, more violent criminal enterprises that were attempting to carve out their own niche in the galactic underworld while the temporary peace was still in effect. Darsun claimed that the underworld – disorganized and divided as it was – was an essential resource, encouraging Benjamin to respect what it had to offer, for one day he would undoubtedly require the services of its members. Through his adventures with Avexiss, Benjamin gained a wealth of combat and survival experience against a varied and unorthodox assortment of opponents that he simply could not acquire in the safe confines of Lord Darsun's compound.
Loss and Reinvigoration[]
You don't truly know pain until you're looking down at the motionless form of your own child.
—Benjamin on losing his first child, as recorded in his holocron.
Unintentionally, Darsun's attempt to help sharpen the skills of both his student and his daughter encouraged a romance to blossom between the young warriors, each of them isolated from their peers – albeit in different ways – and drawn to each other as a result. In 10 ATC, Benjamin, aged 25, learned that he was to become a father, surprising him initially but soon spurring him on to train harder and intensify his studies so that he might better protect his unborn child from the dangers of the galaxy.
Sadly, however, the couple were caught in a speeder collision while on an assignment several months later, which left Avexiss badly wounded. Claiming to be her husband when they arrived in the hospital, it was Benjamin who was given the horrendous task of making the choice between saving the life of the woman he loved, or the child she was carrying; surgery would save the baby, but the additional blood loss would surely kill Avexiss, while not performing the surgery would ensure the child died due to damage to the umbilical cord that required immediate attention. Difficult as it was, Benjamin could not bear the thought of losing Avexiss after losing Lianna and living in isolation for so long, nor could he face the prospect of returning to his master having chosen to let his daughter die. Forced to make a dreadful decision in a very short space of time, Benjamin told the doctors to save Avexiss, and though he did not give up hope that his unborn child might live, his hope was wasted.
Avexiss was later forced to endure the horror of giving birth to her deceased child, an experience that left her embittered and – as much as she understood his reasoning – incapable of forgiving Benjamin for making what she considered to be the "obviously wrong" choice. She angrily sent him away, warning that she never wanted to see him again and pushing Benjamin into a depressive spiral which Lord Darsun had little luck in helping him emerge from. He was demotivated, and for all his progress he became increasingly unfocused until, eventually, he was struggling to use even the most basic Force abilities. It was this traumatic loss that inspired Lord Darsun – having recently ascended to the rank of Darth and adopted the title Darth Knossai – to take Benjamin away from Dromund Kaas, spending many months drifting through the rarely traveled regions of the galaxy in an attempt to focus solely on helping Benjamin move on from the death of his son.
During these travels, Darsun taught Benjamin how to harness the anger, pain and despair he felt to conjure Force lightning, his first foray into the use of dark side abilities typical of their more bigoted peers. Despite this training, Darsun made sure to help him gradually recover from his negative emotions too, guiding him towards acceptance and – ultimately – peace of mind. Part-way through their excursion, the duo were set upon by mercenaries hired by one of Darsun's rivals, forcing them to flee into the Kathol Rift in an attempt to evade their attackers. Thanks to some clever maneuvering on Cerys' part, the pursuit ended with the mercenaries being tricked into a head-on collision with an asteroid, though not before significant damage was inflicted upon the trio's vessel, leaving them drifting with limited power and – thus – limited time. They broadcast a distress signal, but both Darsun and Cerys pointed out that the odds of anyone picking it up were fairly slim.
It did not take long before they were proven wrong, though; alien vessels arrived seemingly out of nowhere, their intentions unclear at first until, without hailing them to explain, they transported the damaged ship to an uncharted world located deep within the Kathol Rift. The alien occupants of the world greeted them, and although they could not speak they were all Force users, allowing Benjamin and Darsun to communicate with them on at least a basic level. While Cerys and the aliens worked together to repair the damage, the two Sith tried to learn more about their rescuers, with Darsun managing to commune more clearly with them to a point where he could effectively hold a conversation. Towards the end of their stay, Darsun learned of the aliens' perspective on the Force – that it was neither light nor dark and that events were "guided" rather than predetermined – and, of greater interest to Benjamin, how to utilize some of their unique abilities, talents that were unknown to both Jedi and Sith.
Backed by his considerable life experience, Darsun was able to learn how to view past events through the Force and teleport from one location to another within a few days of intense, non-stop study. Benjamin could not communicate well enough with the aliens to receive instruction directly, but once Darsun had learned the fundamental mental techniques required to understand and employ the natives' remarkable abilities he oversaw Benjamin's tuition himself, beginning on the alien world and completing his training in the weeks that followed their return to Dromund Kaas. Benjamin's experience of the tranquil alien society – though unexpected – had proved to be the perfect distraction to take his mind off the loss of his child and Avexiss' affection, just as Darsun had hoped – albeit not in the manner he had planned.
Once they were back on the capital, Benjamin – though still upset – had found the resolve needed to power onwards and continue his training, apologizing to Darsun for his recent uselessness and for the hurt he had caused his daughter. Darsun assured him all he felt towards Benjamin on the matter was sympathy and that at no point had he blamed him for his choice, while also reassuring him that Avexiss had always been strong-willed and determined, no matter the obstacles – every hardship she faced always made her stronger in the long-run. The kindly Pureblood promised that he would see Avexiss again, no matter what furious declarations she had made, but cautioned him against letting his emotions dictate his actions, lest future rivals exploit his caring nature to undermine, destroy or simply spite him.
Sith Lord[]
Businessman[]
Given the more unorthodox – and somewhat heretical, many would say – methods Darsun and I favored, his decision to promote me to the rank of Lord was a major milestone in our relationship, never mind my career. I'm not sure anyone is ever ready for the position.
—Benjamin on his ascension to the rank of Sith Lord, as recorded in his holocron.
At the start of the following year, Darsun arranged for Benjamin's promotion to the rank of Sith Lord, a significant show of trust that would thrust the young Sith into wider Imperial society and force him to put all his training and intellect to the test in an environment far more hostile than the compound that had served as his refuge for the past few years. As part of his new position within the Empire, Darsun started teaching Benjamin about things outside the standard learning material most Sith studied – specifically business strategies and asset management. The Pureblood gifted his student a number of credits and control of a handful of Darsun's field agents as a test to establish how he would handle – or mishandle – resources.
He was given no directive, no advice and no suggestions; he was told only to make good use of what he had been given. Being a former member of the Ministry of Logistics, however, Benjamin had picked up enough secondary experience to have some insights into the distribution of resources, and so chose to deploy the agents in strategic locations that allowed them to report on specific conflicts. He divided his credits and invested them in a number of civilian business ventures on a handful of contested worlds where the Empire was poised to claim a victory over the Republic. By investing in an ongoing warzone, Benjamin claimed a significant share in several small, up-and-coming businesses who were struggling to convince other interested parties to part with their credits due to concerns about the war for their respective planets.
Unlike other potential investors, though, Benjamin had agents providing honest reports on the conflicts, allowing him to cut through the propaganda and correctly identify worlds where the Republic's position was not sustainable long-term. Benjamin then traveled to such worlds personally, using his own martial abilities and the skills of his operatives to tip the scales and help the Empire claim their victory. Once the fighting was over, the businesses who had benefited from Benjamin's credits were able to operate without the threat of property damage or theft by enemy forces, and with a Sith shareholder attached to them they were left alone by the kind of Sith and Imperials who might otherwise abuse their positions to harass them.
Thanks to his creative and effective methods in managing Darth Knossai's estate, Benjamin was rewarded with greater freedom, resources and control over his master's assets, with which to begin expanding on his earlier victories, work that would prepare him for managing Darsun's vast network of informants, allied agents and shares. Using his newfound resources, Benjamin commissioned the construction of a facility on Tatooine, a secure compound built into a cliff face on the edge of the Dune Sea. Unlike his earlier investments, the project he had in mind was somewhat riskier, particularly for someone who served the Sith Empire and was thus subject to additional scrutiny. With the return to war, refugee numbers continued to swell across the galaxy, many being left drifting with nowhere safe to call home, no reliable income and with no guarantee they could continue to feed their families in the days ahead of them.
Benjamin intended to weaponize that displacement and desperation through a dual approach of charity and exploitation, offering refugees safe harbor and their basic needs in exchange for labor, either through simple tasks or by employing more specialist skills that could be put to greater use. Darsun was skeptical of the scheme, initially, as the start-up capital required was significant for no obvious or immediate return. He understood the logic behind the idea, however, and trusted Benjamin's judgement enough not to intervene, and by the start of 13 ATC construction of the compound was completed. Shortly after, while visiting one of his earlier investments on the recently secured Dokmin V, Benjamin's attention was drawn to a firing squad, lined up ready to execute a young Twi'lek woman. Benjamin questioned the officer in charge, interested in hearing what crime she was guilty of and learning that she had supposedly – from her position as a volunteer medical assistant – been poisoning Imperial troops in her care.
Benjamin sensed that these charges were a bare-faced lie, however, and after asking the officer if he was telling the truth to give him a chance to come clean (a chance he did not take), Benjamin overruled him and ordered the troops to stand down. He used the Force to demand the truth, forcing the officer to voice his hatred of aliens, and as punishment, Benjamin began to choke the officer with the Force, explaining to his men that their superior was a liar and a thug, and that while baseless xenophobia might be tolerated by many in the Empire, sabotaging Imperial operations by impeding efficiency to entertain spiteful whims was decidedly not.
Surprisingly, the Twi'lek – rather than breath a silent sigh of relief – protested; she boldly approached the Sith Lord and asked him not to kill the officer, as she had come to the planet to help people. Having the Imperial executed on her account went against her reason for being there. Benjamin pointed out that the officer would have happily murdered her were it not for his timely intervention, yet the Twi'lek was insistent that she did not want his death on her conscience. Impressed with her courage and kind-heartened nature and somewhat taken by her appearance, Benjamin released the officer and warned him to remember the lesson he had learned – and to make good use of the second chance he had been given. He introduced himself to the Twi'lek, learning that her name was Lexine Ordina, a former droid development engineer for Czerka Corporation. She had arrived on Dokmin V after seeing a news broadcast highlighting a spike in casualties on the planet and felt compelled to help, volunteering at a field hospital in Republic territory that was ultimately taken over by the Empire, after which she continued to serve as a volunteer.
Drawn to her kindness and the open, soothing aura of her Force presence, Benjamin invited her to join his project on Tatooine, emphasizing his desire to turn the refugee crisis into a productive force for the benefit of all. Lexi was skeptical, as she did not think she would be of much use, but Benjamin pressed the issue, intimidating her somewhat by pointing out that he would not be able to protect her if the officer decided to exact revenge on her once he left. Considering the threat posed by the xenophobic officer, Lexi reluctantly agreed it would be better if she left, and so voluntarily accompanied Benjamin to Tatooine, neither of them aware that her decision would entwine their futures and destinies together in a way that was impossible to imagine.
Establishing Magenta Sparrow Medical[]
I'd never intended to become a businessman, but after Darsun started preparing me for eventually taking control of his powerbase – and since I was enjoying my life outside the Empire with Lexi – I decided that it was an ideal way to keep my distance from the Sith.
—Benjamin on the establishment of MSM, as recorded in his holocron.
On Tatooine, Benjamin quickly got to work organizing the first wave of refugees who had responded to the promise of food and shelter, tasking Lexi with the substantial undertaking of coordinating the entire facility. Meanwhile, Benjamin began hiring medical science specialists who had been displaced by the war, offering them sanctuary and stable work. Those who agreed to his offer were then directed to Lexi, working with her to arrange the ordering of whatever machinery and raw materials they would require to begin the manufacturing of medical supplies, which Benjamin intended to sell to both sides of the war. By the time the orders were placed, the financial boon provided by Darsun was beginning to run dry and Benjamin was relying on loans, giving him a finite amount of time to secure additional funding for his plans.
Benjamin utilized his field agents to gather intelligence on smuggling operations that were operating out of Hutt Space, intending to personally capture and rob any smugglers he could catch to acquire much-needed resources, but quickly realized that he would not get actionable information in time. With his project in serious jeopardy, Benjamin reluctantly contacted his master for assistance – when Darsun already knew why he was calling, Benjamin felt even more embarrassed. Darsun explained that he was impressed with Benjamin's plan, but that he had tried to create something too big, too soon – and with no real appreciation of how long it would take to set things up. A slower, more cautious approach allowed for the comfortable accommodation of setbacks and unforeseen challenges, as opposed to the grand gamble Benjamin had taken.
That said, however, Darsun went on to grant him access to his accounts, explaining that he knew Benjamin would trip up; succeeding was never the aim. Learning through failure was, in Darsun's opinion, the best way to learn, though Darsun conceded his management of the project had allowed him to form a solid foundation, which Darsun believed they were both morally obliged to continue supporting. Granted free reign over Darsun's accounts, Benjamin began making preparations, consulting the specialists he had hired to help guide his decisions, bringing in Lexi to coordinate wherever he could and charging her with much of the day-to-day organization, primarily as an excuse to maintain regular contact with the alluring young Twi'lek who had dominated his attention with such surprising ease.
With a cash cushion to protect him, Benjamin had more time to build up resources before he would need to start worrying about making deals with potential clients, allowing him to relax somewhat. While he made sure to be seen by the refugees moving into his expanding compound – helping solve their problems, alleviate their concerns and assign them duties to foster a community spirit between the displaced citizens – he spent most of his free time keeping Lexi company while she worked, slowly charming her and repeatedly offering to train her after realizing that she was Force-sensitive. Initially, she declined, but over time – and as her feelings for the Sith Lord grew stronger – she eventually agreed to accept some basic tuition. The two became closer during these lessons, with a romance blossoming between them that culminated in a kiss at the conclusion of one of their many sparring sessions. Once their relationship developed into a romantic one, Lexi gave Benjamin the affectionate nickname "sparrow" on account of his unkempt hair, which reminded her of the bird nests back home.
Although Lexi was not particularly strong in the Force, her closeness with Benjamin eased her training considerably, as she never felt pressured to succeed. Unlike most Jedi and Sith, when it came to building her first lightsaber, Lexi had the technical expertise to not only construct her weapon in record time, but to deviate from the schematic provided and make her own technical and aesthetic improvements. Once her lightsaber was completed, the pair were sat admiring the blade when Lexi noted the colorful glow around Benjamin's shadow due to the light cast by the blade, leading her to make a comment about him being her "magenta sparrow".
Benjamin jokingly suggested that he should make that the name of the company, and when Lexi agreed it was memorable enough, Benjamin decided to finally register the company name – Magenta Sparrow Medical – a little over a week later.
An Alien in Exile[]
Damascus was a sight to behold. I'd never seen his like before, and I never could have guessed that snarling beast concealed the heart of a loyal and decent man who would – in time – become one of my dearest friends. A brother, not by blood, but by bond.
—Benjamin, on his apprentice Damascus, as recorded in his holocron.
With everything on Tatooine in place and ready, and with production set to begin once the first delivery of raw materials arrived, Benjamin had the first few weeks of the year free before matters required his attention once more. Darsun learned of this open window and took the opportunity to fill it, summoning his pupil for a diplomatic excursion to the alien world of Voss, a mysterious and only recently discovered world in the Allied Tion sector. En route, their vessel pulled them out of hyperspace when sensors detected a debris field in their path, aborting their jump before they could collide with the wreckage, leftover from a recent confrontation between the Republic and Empire.
Though they were spared a high-speed crash that would have surely destroyed the vessel, they were nonetheless thrown into a maze of metal that Cerys had to try and navigate manually. Successful as she was, the hull sustained damage, enough that Cerys insisted they find the nearest habitable world and set down to allow her to make repairs before the damage could be exacerbated. They chose an unnamed world that was either undiscovered, or simply not included in the charts they had available to them. Habitable, but pre-spaceflight, the trio set down in a clearing away from any signs of civilization so as not to disturb or influence the lives of any indigenous people.
Despite their precautions, Darsun and Benjamin encountered one of the locals while wandering the area nearby, sating their curiosity about the new world. This local was a towering beast of an alien, well over seven feet tall and with saurian features, such as small, beady eyes and a toothy snout. Dressed in rags, the figure looked a little worse for wear but was clearly intelligent enough to wear clothes, though before the Sith could ascertain his intentions he charged them, releasing a feral roar that both men sensed was a cover, disguising the fear that radiated from his presence. Darsun halted him using the Force with little effort, only for the alien to employ similar abilities himself, shoving the Pureblood with the Force to throw off his grasp and opening Benjamin up to an attack. Vastly overpowered, Benjamin was thrown to the ground and pinned down, ready for his foe to take a sure-to-be fatal bite out of him until Darsun recovered, gripped the alien with the Force again and pulled him away, slamming him against the dirt repeatedly until he was rendered unconscious.
Noting that the beastly juggernaut's clothing suggested he had been living in the wild for some time, they speculated he was some manner of outcast or loner, and despite the hostile first impression Benjamin felt pity for their attacker. Ultimately, as they had sensed his fear when he attacked, Benjamin made the decision to kidnap the alien in the hopes of taking him on as an apprentice. With Darsun's help, Benjamin carried the alien aboard their ship and sedated him until he could be awoken at the compound on Dromund Kaas. In the meantime, Darsun was determined to press on to Voss, while Benjamin suggested they reschedule. The Pureblood ominously remarked that – now more than ever – learning about Voss culture was an essential lesson he wished to teach his protégé.
Wisdom of the Voss[]
The Jedi were always wary of the Voss because the visions of their mystics are never wrong, so they adhere to what they see no matter how senseless it seems at the time. Putting children in charge, killing themselves, letting the hungry starve... I had the privilege of learning their history during my first visit, experiencing their society with my own eyes and ears, and I admit I was initially doubtful too, but it soon became evident that their methods, though strange, have been proven century after century. They're a wonderfully unique people... an inspiration others would do well to learn from. 'There is no ignorance, there is knowledge'... were that only so.
—Benjamin on Voss society, as recorded in his holocron.
The mountaintop city of Voss-Ka fascinated Benjamin from the moment he saw it on the shuttle ride down from the orbital docking station. On their arrival, they were greeted by Imperials eager to impress Darth Knossai by catering to his whims, separating the pair when the Dark Lord and his entourage left for unspecified business he had in the city. Benjamin was told to look around and take in the beauty of the ancient city, arranging to meet Darsun two hours later, which gave the young Lord plenty of time to poke around Voss-Ka and learn about their way of life.
Benjamin spoke to many of the locals, asking them about their society and how they felt about the Voss Mystics, the visionaries who dictated the actions of Voss society with unquestionable authority. The Voss he spoke to were confused by his curiosity, yet readily told him about their world when asked. Benjamin visited the Tower of Prophecy while in the city, and meditated on the Step of Harmony, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the planet. Through his meditation, Benjamin sensed a distant darkness, prompting him to ask the locals if they knew anything about it and – in the form of a firm warning – learning of a forest the Voss dared not enter, a corrupted land that drove those who entered mad – the Nightmare Lands. Wise enough to know better than to disregard the warnings, Benjamin instead decided to ask around amongst Imperial personnel for any points of interest for a Sith to explore – forbidden or otherwise – and learned of a number of locations from a Imperial Diplomatic Service researcher, Athelis Kallis. Most of the destinations she offered were of historical note, but ruined over the ages, leaving only two locations that earned his interest: the Shrine of Healing and an enclave beneath Voss-Ka housing a sub-sect of the Voss Mystics, a group known as the Dream-walkers.
Benjamin visited the enclave first due to its proximity – a cave, rather than a proper enclave – and quickly learned that the Dream-walkers were not only willing to discuss their teachings, but also pass them on to him – if he joined their order. He apologetically explained that – keen as he was to learn from them – he had obligations that prevented him from remaining with them, to which the Voss who spoke for them – Asa-Ku – told him he would not be required to remain on Voss, only that an unspecified boon – a debt – must be paid of the order's choosing at some point in the future, enforced through the binding together of the Lord's consciousness with those of Dream-walkers. Feeling uneasy about what he was told, Benjamin elected not to proceed any further. He thanked the Dream-walkers for their time and wished them well, a sentiment they returned, before leaving their enclave, traveling through the Ruined City before following along the Old Paths to the Pilgrim Retreat.
Whilst resting there, he was told of a number of ruins detailing Voss history along the path leading to the shrine, the Voss lamenting the dangers of the path that made the writings all but inaccessible. As a Sith Lord, Benjamin's concept of inaccessible was different, however; armed with rough directions, Benjamin set off for the shrine, taking in the writings of Makna-Ha, Vepon-Du, Raklo-Mo, Nelom-War, Wappel-Na, Jadek-To, Medo-Ja and Lelo-Vo along the way. He encountered and fought the hostile Gormak in his journey to the shrine, experiencing their technical prowess firsthand through their powerful modified weaponry, though their tools of war were of little use against the power of the Force.
Exploring the path at the same time as him was one of the Mystics-in-training, a woman named Tama-Sum, who was pinned down by Gormak. Benjamin defeated the Gormak attackers and invited Tama to join him en route to the Shrine of Healing, her knowledge helping the Sith Lord to find the writings he was struggling to locate. They reached the shrine without major injury, although Benjamin – unused to defending an ally and himself at the same time – had received a few glancing shots, leaving him with minor burns. Before continuing on, Tama-Sum insisted she participate in the Voss healing ritual with Benjamin, having discussed his interest during the journey to the shrine. Helping a potential had earned the Sith some prestige among the Voss, and with Tama-Sum at his side the Voss healers were all too happy to heal Benjamin's wounds, Tama-Sum offering her own vitality as part of the process.
Tama-Sum left him to admire the shrine once the ritual was completed, eager to face the trials that awaited her. Benjamin quietly considered the advantages of befriending a Voss Mystic, though realized he had forgotten he was due to meet his master hours earlier. Contacting him via comlink, Benjamin asked why he did not call him when he failed to show up in Voss-Ka, to which Darsun claimed he brought him to Voss hoping he would venture out and learn on his own, telling him that Voss was a deeply spiritual world and – on account of that – the trials it offered to those seeking wisdom were best experienced in isolation. Having finished his exploration, Darsun summoned Benjamin back to Voss-Ka to meet a friend of his, the Mystic Golan-Wo.
Golan was – like all Voss – a man of few words. Yet, during his conversation with the two Sith, he paused mid-sentence, falling silent before explaining that he had experienced a vision, compelling him to return to the Tower of Prophecy to deliver word to the Interpreters, members of Voss society who decided the meaning on visions experienced by the Mystics. Darsun, both curious and concerned, decided to wait for further word from Golan-Wo, receiving it in the form of a summons several days later. The Three – the leaders of Voss society – wished to discuss the vision with Benjamin specifically, although Darsun was permitted to accompany him at Golan-Wo's suggestion.
It was explained to the pair that Benjamin's path had been foreseen; he was to save "the lost daughter of Voss" on the "eve of his ascension". Golan-Wo offered further details, telling Benjamin he had seen him drenched by torrential rain on a jungle world, standing at the "site where the ancient warrior falls" and intervening to save the life of a woman suffering "pain of the mind". He also clarified that – one day – Benjamin would understand, to which the Lord showcased his understanding and respect for the Voss by responding with a quote from one of the tablets he had read on his trip to the shrine – "visions cannot be rushed".
The Apprentice[]
Damascus was hard to train at first. He was angry, bitter, confused... it was understandable, but thanks to my abilities we were able to communicate from the start, which no Jedi could've done. I could talk to him, know him, and that made all the difference. Sometimes you have to be firm, forceful even, in order to help someone.
—Benjamin on his early training with Damascus, as recorded in his holocron.
After returning from Voss, Benjamin accompanied his master back to his estate of Dromund Kaas, where the Chistori captive was finally roused from his medically-induced coma in conditions the Sith Lords could safely control. Initially enraged by his status as a prisoner, Benjamin – left to deal with his prospective apprentice using his own methods – waited until his beastly acquisition exhausted himself, then used the Force to invade the alien's mind, reaching into his memories and tearing his people's language from his mind while forcibly implanting Basic, enabling the pair to communicate – initially in the alien's own language.
Confused, the alien nonetheless demanded his release, though Benjamin reasoned with him, assuring him that he was only a prisoner temporarily. To foster a good rapport with his would-be apprentice, he asked him about himself and his life on his homeworld, learning that he was cast out by his people due to his unusual powers, which Benjamin assured him was a natural phenomenon, albeit one that was relatively uncommon. After the alien seemed calmer and less afraid, Benjamin arranged for him to be fed on the agreement he did not try to escape, and he was pleasantly surprised when the imposing primitive stayed true to his word, for which he thanked him. After several hours of conversation, the alien was able to translate his name into Basic, which did not transition cleanly, and ultimately came out as "Damascus".
Several days passed, with Benjamin visiting Damascus regularly every few hours, each time telling him – sometimes showing him, via the Force – about the wider galaxy and its history, particularly history relating to the Force. He explained how the Force had been a divisive topic since records began, and assured him his ostracism from his people was not his fault, but a symptom of ignorance that was common throughout the galaxy, not just in regards to the Force but anything people did not understand. He then offered Damascus several choices; he could return home and continue his life as he saw fit, Benjamin could drop him off wherever in the galaxy he wished to go and let him find his own way, or Damascus could remain with him as a student, learning to feel, understand and use the Force – and to put that power to use making the galaxy a better place. Damascus was eager to learn, and although Benjamin sensed his interest in the third choice was motivated by a desire to become stronger so he could not be threatened by people like those on his homeworld, Benjamin believed he could calm his anger in time.
Returning to Tatooine, Benjamin was reunited with Lexine, though only briefly, as he knew he would need to work on Damascus' temperament before he would truly be safe around the civilians in the settlement. Packing rations, Benjamin and Damascus set off on a pilgrimage the day after they returned, rising early to ride out on banthaback for what Benjamin hoped would be an enlightening, calming trip that might help to bring his alien pupil some peace of mind. The duo spent over a week wandering the deserts of Tatooine, and it was during this voyage that Benjamin began to teach Damascus to feel the Force in himself and the world around him, beginning with the creatures on which they traveled. Towards the end of their journey, Benjamin brought up the topic of Damascus' exile, which had seen during his invasion of the alien's mind, and Damascus told the story of how his Force powers had manifested and caused his people to become fearful of him, believing his powers were "evil witchcraft".
The situation quickly deteriorated, with harassment turning into aggression and, eventually, a violent mob that forced Damascus out of his home and into the wilds. What caused Damascus the most pain and fueled his ongoing anger, however, was his best friend's behavior; he had not only failed to defend Damascus, but had actively participated in the harassment. After years of dangerous hunting expeditions together, during which the pair had protected one another at great personal risk, his best friend had betrayed him. Benjamin then handed Damascus one of his old lightsabers and told his apprentice it was time for him to face his past and overcome it; the Sith Lord employed a masquerade illusion to seemingly vanish, leaving behind an illusion of Damascus' back-stabbing best friend in his wake.
Igniting his lightsaber, Benjamin had the phantom alien attack Damascus, forcing him to defend himself with the lightsaber Benjamin had loaned him. Initially overwhelmed by the ferocity of his opponent and his own shock, Damascus soon tapped into his rage and fought back, overpowering the illusion and disarming it, leaving him poised to claim his revenge – albeit against an imitation of his old friend. Benjamin, still hidden from sight, urged Damascus to rise above his rage, pointing out that the reason the betrayal hurt so much was because Damascus had higher moral standards – he had a code, a belief in honor, and his rage stemmed from his disappointment that his friend did not share the values that were important to him. He concluded by telling him that the pain would pass in time, and that as a result of his friend's betrayal Damascus' future was now far brighter than it would have been otherwise. Although he was still angry, Damascus switched off the lightsaber, satisfying his desire for revenge by simply spitting at his former friend's image before Benjamin dispelled the illusion.
Benjamin commended his apprentice on his self-control, conceding that giving in to the desire for vengeance was easy and satisfying, but that by doing so, he opened himself up to the dark side of the Force, a poison which – if consumed too often – could warp a being's mind and twist them into a sinister shadow of who they truly are. By resisting the desire for revenge, Benjamin told Damascus he had earned his respect and, before heading back to the settlement, assured him that (unlike his brethren back home) he would never betray him.