The Sith; it's a long story. I'm not going to hurt you or your wielder.

My wielder, he sends at the mention of her, Where is she? Bring her back! 

She's safe. I captured you both in the battle a few days ago; she was attacking the fort I'm in. I'm not going to give you back to her until I'm sure she's not going to do that again; I plan on talking to her about it in a few hours.

Why should I trust you? He demands, still radiating fear, along with distrust-anger-worry. 

It's fine that you don't, she shrugs. Cooperating might help me get you back to your wielder, but you don't have to trust me for that.

There's a pause, and then, reluctantly, he offers, How will you get me back to her? This is the enemy camp, yes? They are prisoners. 

Mmhmm. You're my personal prisoners, I could do something different with you if I wanted to, but I think their policies are pretty good, actually. You'll be held separately until she agrees to leave the empire's service; you don't have to fight on our side, you could go to Sanctuary instead. And they can try to rescue her family; if they're in the area I might be able to take that on personally.

He pauses, thinking. 

After a moment, tentatively, he responds. 

...She didn't want to fight. But if you have a bond to an Artefact like me the Empire doesn't let you choose. 

I've heard that, she sends, sympathetic. That's why I'm here and not there.

After another long moment, he adds, She has a brother. He is with some distant family now. She worries. 

She sends sympathy. I can't promise anything. But if you go to Sanctuary, they won't know that you aren't just still being held, it can't make anything worse. And we will try to get him.

He sends agreement, We cannot speak yet - if we will ever be able to. And we could not at this range either way. But I will send her reassurance, should you ask me to. When you speak with her. 

He pauses, She will be afraid. He warns. You frightened her terribly. 

Yeah, that happens, with Sith. I'll bring you with me when I talk to her, I think; it doesn't sound like she's going to attack me again. I'm busy here for now; is there anything you want in the meantime?

He's surprised she's willing to take him with her to meet his wielder, but appreciative. 

...No. Thank you, he adds, still somewhat fearful, and worried, but sincere. 

All right. I can't contact you like this often, but I'll let you know what's going on, if I don't end up returning you to her tonight.

She drops the connection. Well, that went decently.

Better than expected, truth be told, he offers. He was very reasonable, considering. 

Yeah. Being really solidly reasonable myself helps with that, it's hard to stay scared when someone's insisting on being calm. Doesn't hurt that the other side is doing what they're doing, either, it'd be harder if they were managing their morale well.

He agrees, Ruling the way this Emperor does - with so much fear - sooner or later the peoples he has subjugated will rise up against him in full force. He knows from experience. And many of his armies will turn against him. 

Well, not if I get there first, but yes.

She is such a wonder - he sends amused-pleased agreement, and appreciation. 

She basks in it, just a little.

I hope this nephew of his turns out to be reasonable. Or someone who is turns up, at least. Going to be pretty awkward if I end up on the throne there - not that I'll be horrible at it, I guess, but I don't want to.

We should look into the temperament of the niece, as well, he suggests, If we have the time. Perhaps if the Emperor cannot be reasoned with, she could be. 

I'm not optimistic, but we could try it. I suspect I'm going to end up killing her, otherwise; she might listen to reason if I can convince her that that's the alternative.

He sends his agreement. 

I really don't know anything about her yet, I suppose.

Oh, I really should ask about that before it comes up. It would be - solid tactics - to talk to peoples' Artefacts, if I have a chance, see if I can get them to stop helping their wielders, if it'll let me keep them alive. It seems crueler than I like to be, though.