"Something to bear in mind when you are contemplating deployments, at least."

"The security of the ruins themselves is paramount, even if the devices there are irrecoverably damaged. I do not intend to leave them unguarded." 

Occlus smiles. "Good."

"I am glad that we understand each other. I would like for us to understand each other more. What of your own objectives are you willing to reveal to me at this moment?"

"For now, I will likely be devoting most of my attention to your immortality. It is the most promising lead I have come across in some time."

"I see. In that case, the first priority should be to reinforce the colony's defenses. The ruins are currently inexcusably vulnerable due to our lack of orbital superiority."

"The only people with knowledge of their location are currently aboard this ship, and the navicomputer is well-encrypted."

"You found me. If you knew where to look, others will as well. Your rivals will be wondering what Dark Councillor Occlus has been doing in some uncharted part of the galaxy. We cannot reasonably rely on security through obscurity at this point."

"Darth Diabolus did not leave excessively clear records. It was the work of months to piece the clues together, and I did not leave them accessible to others. As to my whereabouts, I was visiting a dig on Xeltin and the workers there will confirm this. I will commission an orbital defense platform, but more than that will invite unwanted curiosity."

"Hm. It's a start, at least."

"I am very good at security through obscurity. It is my hope that by the time your lack of aging is noted, we will have the information we need to enable us to permanently destroy the ruins."

"Ideally that won't become necessary, but it's good to have as a fallback option."

"It is good sense to hide the source of your power. I will maintain a simulacrum in my archive, but there is little point in leaving the physical structure intact once we have what we need."

"I understand what you're saying, but... I'd hate to blow up the secret to immortality twice."

"You needn't be involved, if you'd rather. I am perfectly capable of managing that level of destruction on my own."

"I don't mean that I object to it being destroyed for sentimental reasons. I mean that until we can duplicate what remains in those ruins, it is literally irreplacable. If we should destroy some crucial component, thinking it worthless..." 

"It is not something I would do on a whim. But I have some expertise in archaeological reconstruction, and have had cause to examine Rakatan technology before. I am quite confident in my ability to assess whether the continued physical existance of any component is necessary."

"I'm still not thrilled by the suggestion, but that does allay my concerns significantly."

"Aside from that, I may soon be expected to contribute something to the war effort. What exactly will be required is not yet apparent to me, but it is possible I will request your involvement."

"Fighting on the front lines seems like a good chance to acquire some small amount of prestige... but it also comes with attendant risks. In particular, it could be difficult for me to maintain my cover in a combat situation."

"And for that reason, you will likely not be sent into such a situation. A covert or undercover operation, where the possibilities are more tightly constrained is likelier."

"In that case, I would be happy to oblige."

"Good. There are some hours yet before we arrive." Occlus points at Soph. "I wish to see a demonstration of your level of proficiency with a lightsaber. Come with me to the cargo bay."

"Alright." 

Soph stands, taking up parade rest as she waits for Occlus to lead on.

Occlus stands, and leads the way to the cargo bay. It is not very far, this is not a big ship. The cargo bay is the largest single room, and at the moment it is clear of clutter. Occlus goes to the center of the room and draws her saber.

"Attack when you are ready."