The Hand of Thrawn

As Cain strode down the corridors, followed by his apprentice, he could sense that his apprentice had questions. Questions that needed to be answered. And Cain did say that he would explain in due time. Now seemed liked as good a time as any to start easing his apprentice into this. His metallic voice rasps and wheezes as he speaks to his apprentice.

Cain Dracus:"I sense you have questions. I may have answers for you. Ask."

Cain continued to consult the datapad as he walked, waiting for his apprentice to ask his first question.

Two things were going to happen. Either C'thulu would be shocked by the information he was about to receive, or he would take some kind of pleasure in it. Either way, the next few moments would truly allow Cain a good look into his apprentice's mind.

Cain chuckled to himself upon hearing his apprentice's first question.

Cain Dracus:"I experiment on living or dead organisms. Human, alien, it all makes no difference in the end. Each unique physiology produces varying results. But ultimately the end result is the same."

Cain knew it was a vague answer, but his apprentice asked a vague question. Perhaps in time, C'thulu would learn to be more specific. But for now, Cain would answer the questions asked. If they were vague, he would give a vague answer. If they were detailed and specific, Cain would answer in kind. As the two walked, Cain paused at the first cell, containing a Rodian. Cain consulted the datapad, reviewed the prisoner's file and tagged it as a sentient of interest. The Rodian would be picked up by his security team and taken back to the laboratory beneath the Hand of Thrawn fortress.

Cain paused at another cell, this one containing a blue-skinned Chiss. Cain peered through the electrical field at the beady red eyes, to which stared back at him, defiantly. Beneath his helmet, Cain smirked.

Oh how he would enjoy breaking these new subjects. That was his favorite part about the whole procedure. Taking a defiant spirit and utterly crushing it. Some would say Cain enjoyed it to the point that it was like a perverse pleasure to him. But most of that was speculation or the ramblings of the broken minded, too weak to endure the experiments.

Cain tagged the Chiss as he had the Rodian. He then spoke as he moved to the next cell.

Cain Dracus:"More specific. Better than before, but still not to the point. I do genetic experiments. Watching how certain things interact or react with a sentient's unique physiology. And I look for specific genetic markers. Most beings do not possess such markers, however, there are those that do. And these markers essentially let me know that my next test subject is the epitome of health for their species with next to no genetic flaws. They are nearly perfect."

The next cell contained a bruised and beaten Twi'lek female. Undoubtedly a slave from one of the recently conquered worlds. Cain shook his head in dismay. Her genetic makeup was near flawless, and yet she was barely alive. Likely beaten by her former masters and overzealous captors. And this was a prime example why muscle bound, indoctrinated gizka were poor excuses for soldiers. Stupidity and ignorance were never going to go out of style. Cain cast a glance at the Twi'lek once more, then moved on, waiting for his apprentice to ask another question.

Cain approached another cell. This one held two Trandoshans. Cain reviewed the datapad. The female of the pair was by far superior genetics wise than the male. Cain tagged the female on the pad and spun to face his apprentice. He replied to him.

Cain Dracus:"There isn't really a desired result. I experiment exclusively with a parasitic lifeform. With that said, I will touch more into the details on the parasite once we are back at the lab. It will be easier to show you. As for one's psychological state, it does make a difference, however being mentally sound isn't a prerequisite. As long as the subject is healthy and near perfect in genetic makeup, there is no issues. Sickly or ill subjects tend to not survive the infection process."

Cain paused, allowing his senses to wash over his apprentice. He got the feeling from his apprentice that he actually enjoyed hearing about what Cain did. Perhaps C'thulu would make for an excellent assistant as well as an apprentice.

Cain Dracus:"There is an eagerness about you. I am curious, is the something you take an interest in? Most Sith could care less about genetic manipulations and parasitic life forms. While being a Sith isn't necessary for this type of work, it helps make the decisions a morally just sentient would never make. I care not for the lives of my subjects. I only care about results. If a being suffers during my experiments, I do not feel sympathy. Instead, I feel empowered to push the boundaries of that suffering. Finding out the true extent of a specimen's threshold for pain and mental resistance before succumbing to the infection is quite the rush. It allows me to find out how tough and resilient my parasite will be."

Cain paused for a few moments, staring at his apprentice as he digested what Cain had just said. After a few moments longer, Cain spun about and continued searching for specimens, allowing his apprentice to fall into step with him before he walked too far ahead.

Cain smirked beneath his helmet.

He was definitely growing fond of the young Kaleesh warrior. His interest in the mind would aid him greatly and perhaps even bring about new incarnations of the Dracus Infection.

As Cain walked down the corridor to the next cell block, he answered his apprentice.

Cain Dracus:"The exact process is no different from living to dead. My parasite is capable of reanimating dead tissue by completely hijacking the central nervous system. In doing so, in both living or dead specimens, it can also access the hosts memories and abilities. If the host was a Sith, it would be able to utilize a lightsaber and some Force abilities. While not to the degree as the host did before the infection process, it is still able to do so. If the host were a pilot, then the infection would know how to pilot. Again, the set back is after infection, the body undergoes a transmutation. And because of this process, the abilities of the host become hampered. An unfortunate side effect, but on the ground in combat, my Combat Forms can easily trump the common soldier. The skin becomes incredibly resilient to physical trauma and is capable of withstanding lower powered blaster shot. Think of it less as skin and more as a thick hide. If given free range, the parasite will resort to its base hunger and set out to consume a planet. Within hours of an outbreak, the parasite can alter environments and begin creating a central intelligence. Obviously the Supreme Commander sees the danger and risk with such a parasite. My quarantine protocols are the best you will find within the First Order. If I don't want someone or something leaving or entering my lab, they aren't getting in or out. Completely self sufficient and self contained, my lab could withstand orbital bombardment and nuclear fallout. I have had years to study and prepare myself for this. And with the First Order's resources at my disposal, it was easy to create what I needed and do as I please."

Cain stopped at another cell. This one contained another Chiss. The muscular blue-skinned sentient sneered as they passed. Cain reviewed the datapad. While not reaching the specifications Cain required in a specimen, he felt like allowing his apprentice a few moments of fun. Cain's clawed hand slide over the cell's electrical field control. The field shimmered then dissipated. Cain motioned into the cell.

Cain Dracus:"Kill him. However you see fit."

Cain chuckled as a look of terror crossed the Chiss' face.

Cain watched his apprentice. Beneath his helmet he grinned.

His apprentice's blood lust would make working on the Dracus Infection that much more satisfying.

Cain motioned for his apprentice to vacate the cell as he reactivated the electric containment field.

Cain Dracus:"Excellent, my apprentice. No hesitation. You just struck out after instilling fear within the Chiss, making it beg for it's life. You will make a fine addition to the ranks of the Sith within the First Order. Come, let us return to the lab. With the Rodian, Chiss and Trandoshan as preliminary test subjects, we are set to begin experimenting."

Cain spun on his heel and began walking back to the lifts that would take them back down to the laboratory complex below the surface.

If C'thulu could see Cain's face beneath the helmet, it was split into a malevolent grin. Cain pauses before the lift doors.

Cain Dracus:"It is known as the Dracus Infection. It has had the name for as long as I have worked with the parasite. My father before me said that's what it had called itself many, many years ago."

And with that, Cain stepped into the lift.

Once back at the lab, C'thulu would see exactly how terrifying the Dracus could be. Not many could stomach their first encounter with the Dracus Infection. The Dracus did things to the body that most would abhor against. It certainly wasn't for the weak willed.

The shimmering blue form of the Admiral-Laureate appeared before Nytherias. She gave a half smile, with her hands clasped firmly behind her back.

Excellent work, General, I knew you were the man for the job. She then motioned around, meaning the building itself. A fitting Headquarters for the leader of our military forces, wouldn't you agree, Field Marshal Sabosen'ytheria'snuruodo? Congratulations on your promotion, you will be the hand that wields this Dominion's Sword. I will be landing shortly, to make your promotion official.