"She seems talented, and I think that would end up wasted if she's just left here."

"Hm. Quite possibly. Waste is a terrible thing. But you would not want her yourself?"

"I wouldn't know what to do with her," shrugs Callida. "I don't need a martial specialist for anything. And to be honest, I'm not sure I'm ready for an apprentice."

"I'll take a look at her, then."

Callida nods. That's about all she can ask for.

Occlus investigates. While she is satisfied with the current disposition of her department, having more options is rarely a bad thing. The acolyte does seem talented, that much she can glean from observing a sparring match. Not overly strong in the Force, but no weakling either. Speaking with the overseer, it seems that she does better with physical tasks than ones involving pure Force mastery. There is a niche there; perhaps an enforcer, or a supplement or leader for the commandos. Add to that the fact that Callida brought the acolyte specifically to Occlus's attention and the sum is reason enough to reserve that cohort for herself. She leaves instruction to send the survivor on to Dromund Kaas, and then she and her present apprentice conclude their business here.

Callida hopes this means that the one she actually noticed, uh. Lives. But - well, they're committed now. She puts it out of her mind and doesn't worry about it. Having a Dark Councilor show up and reserve the cohort should speed up the trials and get them - concluded faster. Which isn't nothing.

She keeps busy.

And soon enough Occlus informs Callida that they are going to the spaceport to meet the new apprentice.

Well, then to the spaceport they will go. Callida puts on her proper Sithy aura for the occasion and everything. Not actively menacing, but calm assurance, certain power. No window into the emotions underneath.

(Wondering all the while if she made the right call.)

Seems like the right girl is waiting for them, at least.

"My lords."

"Congratulations on your victory," says Callida, inclining her head towards Brin.

"Thank you."

"Welcome to Dromund Kaas. I am Darth Occlus. This is my first apprentice, Lord Callida. I am pleased that you survived your trials. You were the most promising candidate of your group. I have great expectations for you."

"I will try to live up to them, my lord."

"You will do more than try."

"...Yes, my lord."

No pressure or anything, Occlus.

"You are apprentice to a Dark Councilor now, do not forget. This position is yours because your strength has earned it. You must claim it."

Nod.

"Come, then. We return to the Citadel."

Brin leaves a healthy space between her and Callida in the speeder.

Callida isn't offended, and lets her have her space. Brin's fresh out of the academy; peers weren't exactly allies, there. There's time, now.

"Are there any amenities you expect to want or need?" she asks, because she has the sneaking suspicion that Occlus does not give a shit about that kind of thing, and she's perfectly happy to handle it instead.

"Like what?"

"Things you'd want to have in your living quarters - a blaster that's easily hidden, a programmable safe with a combination you can set, copies of books you think you'd benefit from reading or rereading, a type of tea that you like. You'll have a credit stipend that you can spend as you like, but that might not cover everything immediately."

"I prefer Tsurilan tea."