《SWTOR: The Alpha Legacy - 'Sides'》 1 - You Dont Belong, Not Yet Immediately Following Alexandra¡¯s Death in ¡®Reprogrammed¡¯¡­. Peace. Serenity. There was only a momentary pang of regret. Alexandra had literally been watching her daughters their whole lives and only now had finally reconnected with them. More importantly, she had the opportunity to see the future of their family. Little Sammantha. That was the biggest regret. That she would not have the opportunity to physically watch her grow, to nurture and pass on everything that she had learned in her long journey. As the light embraced her, Alexandra saw Mrysti and Karolin still holding hands. The hands that she had placed together. The rift created by Karolin¡¯s reprogramming would eventually be mended. There was no anger or hate at what happened to her. That it was Karolin who struck the final blow mattered not. As Alex got closer, the light was all that mattered and slowly all of those thoughts just bled away. Not just the thoughts, the galaxy, the world they were on. Her lifeless body, her two daughters. Everything. This was the next frontier, the next doorway to another adventure. All at once Alexandra knew everything and nothing all at once, the galaxy had reveled all of its secrets in an instant. She was gone in the physical realm, that time was ended. But now she was timeless. Everywhere and nowhere in the blink of an eye. Alex walked the hallway and heard the voices. The sound of the many who had gone before her and were still emerging. Some were surprising. Enemies, friends; all of them speaking all at once and passing on the information that she needed to hear in order to pass through the light at the end of the great hall. Alex smiled to herself as the image of the one she knew would be waiting on her stood there. It wasn¡¯t just Bernard. Drogan stood beside him. Alexandra had two great loves in her life. She had out lived them both. Now, she was finally ¡®Home¡¯. Stretching out her hands, she took both Bernard and Drogan¡¯s hands in hers and together they all passed through the light. Emotions like jealousy, hate, fear; none of that mattered now. There was only love. Love was the key to everything in the real world, all the others just got in the way. The voices all chattered on until they spoke in unison once she crossed the threshold: ¡®All will be well. It is¡­as the Force Wills it¡­.¡¯ -- -- The Fountain, Tyferra....at the end of ''Inferno'' ¡®He killed me?!?!¡¯ That thought passed through Karolin¡¯s mind as the last of her life''s blood trickled down her chest and she felt the brief flash of cold water once her body was hurled over the side of the cliff. It was all over. Had she played with fire, been played as a fool the whole time? Had she possessed her full power in the Force none of it would have happened. Many questions rummaged around her mind as the cold of the water bled away to warmth. Then she was there. ¡°Wha¡ª¡± Karolin looked around. An endless room, with her reflection cast limitless around herself. ¡°¡ªis this?!?!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been here before. Several times in fact¡­¡± Karolin turned sharply and smiled; she recognized the voice. ¡°¡­both you and your sister.¡± ¡°Mother!!!¡± Lurching forward, Karolin grabbed Alexandra in her arms and hugged her tightly. After embracing her as hard as she could, Karolin let her go and looked around. ¡°I¡¯m dead¡­I know it and this place is¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªit¡¯s in between. They won¡¯t allow you to see beyond, not yet. Even though, as I said, You¡¯ve been there before. We all have. It¡¯s just not your time, my child.¡± Alexandra paced away and turned back to smile at her oldest daughter. ¡°They made a critical error. Misjudged you and the power of that fountain. You will return shortly, but I wanted to let the two of you see one another before you go back. It will be sometime before you do.¡± Alexandra looked out and away from Karolin into the beyond. Another figure emerged from the mist and materialized next to them. ¡°Mother?!?!¡± Mrysti looked at Karolin next ¡°Karolin?!? Wha¡ªI was just on Odessen and¡ª¡± Mrysti frowned. ¡°I¡¯m dead¡­aren¡¯t I?!?!¡± Mrysti spoke sadly, which made Alexandra smile even brighter. ¡°Yes, my love¡­both of you are. But from different points of view. Time¡­.it has no meaning here.¡± Alexandra sat down and looked up at the both of them from her unseen chair. ¡°This is difficult for me, mostly because¡­Mrysti you ARE supposed to be here. This IS your time. But as fate would have it, they are going to allow you to be pulled back.¡± Karolin started to speak as Alexandra held up a hand to silence her, shaking her head. She knew exactly what Karolin was going to say. From Karolin¡¯s point of view, all of that had already happened and Alex had no desire to delve into a debate about time and space. There was no ''time'' for it. ¡°You and I are going to get to spend a great deal of time together, Mrysti¡­I will explain all of it to you. But¡­¡± Alexandra stood up and turned to face Karolin. ¡°¡­if you have anything significant to say to your sister, Karolin. Now would be the time¡­I have to send you back.¡± ¡°Back?!?! But I don¡¯t want to go ba¡ª¡± "They?!?! Who is they?!?!" Mrysti spoke annoyingly as she placed her hands on her hips. Karolin looked over at her sister. She looked as she did back then. The shorter hair, the determined look of one who led ''The Coalition'' against the Eternal Empire to its final battle and then made the ultimate sacrifice for them all. Patting the air to calm her two daughters, Alexandria took on a more maternal stance. ¡°All will be revealed in due time. It''s a clear indication that neither of you are ready if you''re not hearing it." Alex looked up as if she was listening before looking back to them both. "The answers come the second you are in the right place." Turning her gaze to her eldest, Alex smiled. "And it''s not your decision, Karolin." Only older than Mrysti by a minute, Karolin was still the oldest of the two. But age didn''t equate wisdom. "You are not allowed to make that decision for either of you. Mrysti, made a choice. A good one. This is where she should be. But you¡­you are about to embark on your greatest journey. But don¡¯t worry, we will see one another again. And as always, I will be right in your ear. Listen. Hear and feel the Unity.¡± Alexandra smiled once again, placing a hand on Karolin¡¯s shoulder before turning to walk away. ¡°Mrysti, follow your heart once your sister¡¯s gone. I will be¡­.right over there. We have much to discuss....¡± The two looked at one another a moment before glancing at their Mother. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Karolin¡­I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t let you do it. I know you wanted to but I knew the only one who could face Vaylin was me. I took it, I had to. It was worth everything to me.¡± Karolin wanted to say so much, wanted to impart to Mrysti that all of it had not been for nothing and that she would return. Feeling the stare from afar, Karolin sensed the cautioning eyes of her Mother upon her. Knowing that she should say nothing. Time, it had no meaning. And there was so much Mrysti would not understand. Mrysti would return, that much was certain. Slightly changed, but still back to where she needed to be. Remembering the silencing of her Mother, she simply smiled and took a step back. Already she was feeling the pull, their time was short. -- ¡®Remember¡¯ That was the only word she could think of as her eyes opened up underwater. The bubbles of the fountain wafting up and around her. The infusion of life and the Force flowing through her once again. The memory of a moment before faded quickly. That place, her Mother; even Mrysti was suddenly gone from her mind once her eyes looked up at the man who still stood at the foot of the cliff above her. Only a moment before, having cut her throat. Tossing her body into the depths. The blood from that blade still dripped red. Falling in the water. Dissolving above her. Karolin smiled to herself and extended her arms. Using the Force to pull herself from the water and above the surface. It was... ¡®Show time¡­¡¯ -- Corellia¡­One Year Later¡­. It was rare an industrialized modern planet like Corellia would not have climate control or weather satellites like Coruscant. But the Corellians took pride in the fact that they did not. In some ways, a point of contention between the industrialized Corellia and the ¡®so-called¡¯ Jewel of the Republic; the Core world and capital; Coruscant. There were lots of things that set the two apart, only one of them was the weather. And Corellia was all natural. That element of unpredictability was more natural for Corellia in keeping with its rebellious spirit. They didn¡¯t want to be like Coruscant. In more ways than one. Slowly and over a couple of centuries, Corellia was emerging as the ¡®second¡¯ Capital of the Republic. What was once their only claim to fame in industry was slowly giving way to art, literature and of course; Politics. When deals couldn¡¯t be made on Coruscant, many found their way to Corellia to discuss or debate that which could not be debated on the main floor of the Senate on Coruscant. Corellia was a ¡®summer home¡¯ to the political spectrum of the Republic. Fascinatingly enough, it was also a place where things that could not get done on Coruscant found their way on Corellia. No one could explain it other than, like the weather; it was unpredictable. Elder Shad¡¯azan did not want to debate the re-admittance of Mirial on Coruscant. It would have been endless. So many people from sister and brother Republic worlds debating and adding requirements for Mirial to be given back its full membership. A lot of it would have been ¡®nerf¡¯. The animal was also a political term for things that got added after the fact, to increase ones own part of a deal. Planets and governments added for their own benefit and that of the world the various Senators represented. None of them would have been in the best interest of Mirial. For the moment, provisional membership was the best Mirial could hope for. It gave them back the protection of the Republic. A key element in the growing galactic conflict and one the Republic could afford to honor. No one wanted to see Mirial fall into the hands of the Empire. As close as Mirial came to doing exactly that under the lash of Elder Telan¡¯dorr during the Mirialan Civil War. Fine print was not something a great many Senators prided themselves on learning or even memorizing. But Elder Shad¡¯azan did. Hours of reading the scriptures prepared him for the duties which fell on his shoulders following the fall of the ¡®Reformation¡¯ on Mirial. That¡¯s what Telan¡¯dorr called it. A Reformation. Really an insurgency, a grab for power and the installation of a dictator in the form of Telan¡¯dorr. Shad¡¯azan was already well versed in the by-laws and Republic Code which governed Republic politics. There were laws and then there was the ¡®Code¡¯. Not laws, but rules which the Republic governed by. Much easier than having endless debate on the floor of the Senate, the by-laws needed no vote and merely simplified or clarified the laws which were already in place. Only the ''Code'' was not so simple. It was very clear, but long and very detailed. Mirial needed someone able to navigate that ''Code'', to fight the legal battles needed to keep Mirial in the Republic. Someone smart, likable and well-connected. They could put anything they wanted in the Code in order to clarify the law. And it was on that point, Shad¡¯azan journeyed to Corellia. It was strange to him; Mirial was and had always been more of an Oligarchy. The power of the ruling council of Elders, who maintained the scriptures and spoke for the Unity had absolute say in the destiny of the planet. But it was not without limits. Those council members answered to the Unity first and the people second. Not like other planets whose various forms of government went from royalty to absolute domination by a single body. There was no destiny in having one individual tell those who were to be ruled; what it was they should be doing. That was the Unity''s job. It was one of the reasons Mirialans became ambassadors and crusaders of the faith. Spreading the word of the Unity throughout the galaxy. Some called it ¡®Crusading¡¯. Shad¡¯azan was only concerned with one soul to save and it was Mirial itself. And he absolutely believed that Mirial and the Republic had a shared destiny together. Standing as the other Mirialan entered the room, his face betrayed the joy at seeing her. A smile he could not help but try to hide. For a moment, Shad¡¯azan knew what fans of holo-stars and pop-culture icons felt like. His skin flushed, a warm feeling coming over him as she crossed the room. The other Mirialan was just as beautiful in person as she was on holo and every bit as large as she was made out to be in real life. Not physically, of course; the other Mirialan only stood a little over five feet tall, but she seemed to fill the space between them with the smile she held and the way she carried herself once she entered. Shad¡¯azan folded his hands in front of himself and bowed deeply as the other continued to make her way toward him. ¡°Ancestors watch over you, Karolin De¡¯nabre¡­may the Unity continue to guide your actions.¡± ¡°And to you Elder¡­May the Unity give you the wisdom you require to guide Mirial¡­¡± Bringing her hands up, Karolin placed them together palms in and bowed toward the Elder in response. It was a small chamber in the Corellian Customs House which the Elder requested Karolin meet him. The customs house, like so many others was a place of business and politics. A place where the two entites came together to shape the economy of Corellia. A fitting place for the conversation to be had. The two Mirialans sat across from one another, not saying anything at first. The trip found Karolin being called away from business on Coruscant. The Order had once again made its intentions clear. Karolin could not very well be given a position of prominence within the Jedi, but they could not afford to allow her to be idle either. There was much debate on what to do with so powerful a Jedi. These facts were not unknown to Shad¡¯azan. ¡°You¡¯re probably wondering why I asked to see you. And in all places¡­here on your adopted world of Corellia.¡± Mirial was Karolin¡¯s home, but Corellia was her adopted homeworld. The place where she and her sister were raised by the Jedi in one of the many ¡®Green¡¯ orphanages ran by the Jedi Order. It was not until many years later that Karolin learned of her birthright and made claim to Mirial. ¡°I assume, it¡¯s ¡®State¡¯ business¡­.¡± A strange way of putting it. Mirial was not a ¡®state¡¯ nor did any Mirialan see it that way. It was almost as if Karolin was reading Shad¡¯azan and knew why the Elder was there. It was going to make what he had to propose so much easier. The Elder was one of the few on the Council would was not ¡®touched¡¯ by the Unity. He had little to no ability to use the Force. ¡°Strange that you would put it quite that way. But yes, I am here on official business. Unity be praised, it has led me to you. Your destiny lies with Mirial, Karolin De¡¯nabre. I, for one, have always believed that.¡± The Elder sat back and smiled. Karolin sat forward, a brow turned up curiously. She waited for the Elder to continue, a strange silence darkening the room as the Elder searched for words. Outside, a horn blew in the distance. Shift change for one of the many industries there on Corellia. ¡°As you are no doubt aware, Mirial is no longer a full member of the Republic; due to the unfortunate circumstances involving our recent civil strife and the reconstruction of the Council.¡± The Elder raised his hands palms up as if searching for guidance and clarity from the Unity. ¡°Unity grant me wisdom, this is difficult to discuss¡­I find myself at a lost for words in your presence. As one who was directly involved with the effort to dethrone Telan¡¯dorr and with the Elder being your cousin¡­this has become somewhat of a contentious matter.¡± It was still a secret among Karolin and the rest of her close family that Telan''dorr had escaped captivity. No one outside of the De''nabre knew that. And had the Elder sitting across from Karolin had any idea the man responsible for the conversation they were having was alive, it could very well have been an entirely different conversation to be had. ¡°What has?¡± Karolin¡¯s face crinkled in confusion. Though she was searching the Elder¡¯s thoughts and emotions, she found the man to be scattered all over as he spoke. His thoughts a collage of image and outburst. The Elder was wrestling with the right words. Reaching forward, Karolin grabbed his hand at the wrist and squeezed gently. ¡°Elder, calm yourself. Have clarity. Know that my faith and my allegiance to Mirial is unquestioning. There is nothing you or the council could ask of me, that I will not do.¡± He seemed to let out a pent-up sigh once she spoke, smiling sheepishly. ¡°Thank you for that. Perhaps your confidence is exactly what I needed.¡± The Elder relaxed as Karolin released him and sat back. ¡°So, tell me Elder¡­what has brought you to Corellia. And tell me¡­what is it ¡®I¡¯ can do for Mirial¡­.¡± -- - Naboo, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences.... ¡°A distinguished fellow of the Alderaanian Academy of Arts and Sciences as well as the Coruscanti School of Medicine; this next speaker needs no introduction. Holder of several advanced degrees in the medical sciences; she is considered by some to the be the leading expert of eugenics and genetics in the galaxy. Author of the latest biomedical explanation of the ¡®Inferno¡¯ virus and discoverer of its cure; she is currently taking a leave of absence following the death of her husband; Our Duke....Derrick Veruna and has graciously agreed to speak with us today. Ladies and gentlemen¡­.I give you; Her Royal Highness; Dr. V¡¯ictoria Alpha¡­.Duchess of Veruna.¡± Approaching then lectern, V¡¯ictoria waited until the applause died down before she looked out at the crowd and nodded slightly. She did not smile, nor acknowledge anyone individually. For a moment, she felt like the first-year intern again, a shyness coming over her as she adjusted her glasses which were now only for show. Something to make her appear more demure and less intimidating. A disguise. As the thrall of students and faculty sat down, V¡¯ictoria looked up and cleared her throat. ¡°Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure to be here at the Naboo Academy of Galactic Medicine. I accepted the invitation in order to honor my husband, who unfortunately did not live to see me finally take his advice and come before you all today.¡± V¡¯ictoria paused at the mention of Derrick, adjusting her glasses as she looked down. ¡°I was asked to speak on subjects related to my field and then perhaps take some questions. I would like to begin today by recounting something I read that was written by one of your noted scholars as it relates to my own work. ¡®Nature vs. Nurture¡¯ and our ability to effect change in both¡­.¡± V¡¯ictoria adjusted her glasses again as the room fell dead silent. An apprehension coming over her as she cleared her throat. Beginning to speak, an image passed through her head related to the words she was about to say. First, it was of Derrick and his many requests for her to speak in front of the Academy. That thought made her smile slightly. He would have been tickled to see her standing before so many. All of them hanging on her every word. Derrick always wanted V¡¯ictoria to do more teaching and less work in her lab. The second image was that of Mrysti. As the words came together, V¡¯ictoria realized why she thought of her. The fact that Mrysti was missing had nothing to do with why she thought of the green behemoth. It had everything to do with the subject of her lecture. ¡°¡­.Nature, will always find a way to effect change on its own. Over a period of time, you will see the natural course of evolution move and absorb its surroundings. Take a man-made structure; any structure. Left unkempt, over time the environment will endeavor to absorb and erase it in order to move on its own. It takes time, decades; sometimes a century. But at long last, you will see what man has built erased from the landscape. Our genetic code works very much the same way. We cannot change what we are at our core. Humanoids are built to be a certain way. We can change the code, improve it; enhance the very essence of what we are, but at our core we are still the same. It is only in the nurturing aspect of that change we maintain what it is that we have altered. It must be constantly tended to, less it fall to nature¡¯s natural course; the code itself self-correcting to align with the core of our person. The majority of my work has been to stimulate change in the genetic code of humanoids in order to produce a result. But at long last I have come to realize that all change, even major change is completely fallible.¡± Standing up, a handsome very young Doctor whom V¡¯ictoria didn¡¯t recognize stood and smiled condescendingly. ¡°Doctor--I''m sorry, Your Highness¡­if I may¡­¡± V¡¯ictoria stepped back from the lectern to allow the man to speak. The first of many questions she was sure would follow. The words she spoke, contrary to almost every ounce of work she done in the past. ¡°¡­this is a step back from your previous work. I¡­as many of my colleagues here; were under the impression that you were an advocate of permanent change in the genome of your subjects.¡± ¡°Is there a question in there somewhere?¡± V¡¯ictoria adjusted her glasses again, anxious to cut the young Doctor off. ¡°Yes, forgive me.¡± The young man took on a more defiant pose, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°Are you now saying, that no amount of work will effect change in the subjects used for your testing?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± V¡¯ictoria said without hesitation. Again, an image of Mrysti flashed through her mind. It made Vicky smile to herself slightly. ¡°What you have to understand is¡­¡± She watched as the Doctor was being pulled back to his seat by his peers in order to let V¡¯ictoria speak. ¡°¡­.We are, who we are at our very core. Call it¡­mysticism, spirituality¡­whoever or whatever in this great big galaxy made us and decided what our purpose was supposed to be. We all serve as a part of a greater whole. Change is inevitable. But regardless if we do it through artificial means or a person suddenly realizes what their purpose is, we cannot change at our core what we were destined, by the galaxy, to be.¡± V''ictoria grasped both sides of the lectern, her knuckles turning white from the strain as she peered deeply toward the young scientist who dare challenge her. A wicked smile came across her features, part of the old and ancient V''ictoria returning to the surface in that moment. "There are....monsters among us. There have always been, monsters among us. We all are waiting for them to wake up and realize who and what they are. And no amount of alterations will change a person at their core. Once a monster....always a monster." -- - Imperial Prison Facility known as ''The End''....Undisclosed Portion just inside of Wild Space.... A journey that was nearly over. With no direct hyperspace route and over five hundred calculated jumps completed, the crew of the prison barge were ready for a long, long vacation. No one envied those who were chosen to go to this remote location. It was almost as if the crew of the ship and the guards there-in were as much prisoners as those they carried. The prison barge made a slow docking maneuver as the little light cast through the tiny portholes of the ship turned to dock. The ship loudly locked into place as the high-pitched whine of engines and mechanisms steadied the ship and made ready for unloading procedures. All of the other prisoners were unloaded first. Mrysti being held back because she was in a caged enclosure all by herself. The block she was encased in gleamed in the low light of the shuttles interior lighting. One of the men stepped forward to operate the mechanism in order to unfreeze her. Smokey carbonite ebbed from the enclosure as the mechanism began its procedure. Once it was done and they heard the ¡®thump¡¯ of a body land on the ground; all of the uniformed and armored guards stepped forward. The guards approached cautiously, exchanging a glance toward one another before looking in on the Dark Lord. Mrysti sat with her hands in her lap, eyes closed as she felt the environment around her recovering from the long journey; to where, she did not know. Shock wrists and collar could not cut her off from the Force. But she had long decided to ride all of it out, make no trouble until she could find out what the real reason she was being sent away actually was. Sticking large durasteel poles through the bars, the guards locked them into place on her neck collar and made a vain attempt to make her stand. Getting annoyed by all the pulling, Mrysti stood on her own and to test her theory of how dangerous they thought she was, Mrysti lurched forward and grimaced. ¡®AGGGHH!!¡¯ Several of the guards fell back as one activated the stun setting attached from the pole to the collar Mrysti wore, she screamed and fell to her knees, grabbing the pole with one hand. It stressed under her strength as she looked at the guard who activated it. Once they thought they had the Dark Lord under control again, she stood and looked at the lead guard. ¡°Do that again¡­you won¡¯t have a hand to activate that setting¡­¡± ¡°Shut up!!!¡± A guard to her side made a move to strike her, she leered at him and halfway through his move he stopped and went back to holding the pole. None of them wishing to tempt fate. Stun poles and collars aside, none of them were too sure there was any amount of equipment or chain which could hold her if she did not wish to be held. They were not wrong, Mrysti was choosing to be there. For the moment.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. These were not guards assigned to this particular prison. Evidenced by the fact that once they got Mrysti to the threshold, they released the poles which kept her at bay. The fastening devices clicked off loudly from her neck as a ray shield came down around her, separating her from the guard detail and the rest of the prison. She looked back at them, all of the guards looking relieved as they and their extension poles retreated back toward the ship she was brought in. <¡±Prisoner Zero-Seven Alpha¡­.please proceed through the hall to the processing and integration area. Failure to comply will result in punishment.¡±> Looking ahead at the dimly lit corridor, Mrysti sneered to herself. Automated voice. Though she had the sense that whomever was in charge was most definitely watching her. Proceeding forward, Mrysti continued to look around spotting the holo-cams and recorders as she moved. A ray shield fell down in front of her stopping her progress. Another high-pitched whine as portholes on both sides of the wall opened up. <¡±Prisoner Zero-Seven Alpha¡­you will remove your clothing in order to be decontaminated and given necessary injections. Failure to comply will result in punishment.¡±> Smiling to herself, Mrysti looked up; directly at the holo-cam above her. Stretching her arms above her head and pulling off the top of the white jumpsuit she was wearing. As she dropped the shirt, she heard it get sucked into the floor through another porthole which she hadn¡¯t seen before. Reaching down, she slipped the pants off and kicked the shoes from her feet. Standing in the buff she stretched her arms out to her side and did a turn for the cam, still looking up at it as if to say. ¡®Here I am¡­¡¯ -- ¡°An interesting specimen¡­.wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± The Warden looked back over his shoulder toward the Captain of his guard force. Both men¡¯s eyes glued to the image which was being transmitted through the holo-scanner. As Mrysti turned, still looking up at them the Warden turned fully around to catch the gaze of his Captain, who did not answer his question. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± ¡°Y-yes¡­Sir. I mean¡­don¡¯t you know who that is?!?!¡± The Captain stammered as he pointed toward Mrysti¡¯s image. ¡°The damned ¡®Hammer of the Empire¡¯¡­did you ever think that¡ªI mean, why?!?! Why here, of all places?!? A Dark Lord is one thing, though they are usually executed, but imprisonment and HER¡­there is something going on for¡ª¡± The Warden smiled and raised a hand to silence him before turning his gaze back toward the image. ¡°¡ªdo not concern yourself with things above your pay grade. The reason she¡¯s here is known to me and to me alone. You have no need to know and trust me when I say, we have plans for her¡­.¡± The Warden¡¯s eyes got wide, looking the figure up and down noting the scars and body tattoos. ¡°Ready your men¡­we will need to ¡®educate¡¯ her quickly on how we do things here. I will contact those who sent her and ensure them that things are underway¡­.¡± -- Lowering her arms, injectors came out of the wall on both sides, pressing into her shoulders as they sprayed their toxins into her system. Mrysti grimaced again and sneered before the entire ray shield area was flooded with some kind of antiseptic gas. Mrysti gave a slight cough and stepped forward as the ray shield lowered. <¡±Prisoner Zero-Seven Alpha¡­you will now be given a white integration uniform. Please put it on and proceed to laundry to draw your bedding and supplies. Remain in that area until you are told to move. Failure to comply will¡ª¡°> ¡°¡ªresult in punishment.¡± Mrysti said sarcastically. ¡°Yes, I get it. I am a prisoner. I either listen to instructions and comply or you will find some way of punishing me.¡± The voice did not respond to Mrysti or acknowledge her tone. Once she reached the end of the walk it opened up into a room. More portholes opened on the far side as shelving came out offering up the bedding and supplies she was to receive. Stepping forward she took them and waited. Though she didn¡¯t wait long before a doorway opened on the far side. The high-pitched whine which had accompanied her the entire way died out as did the power. The holo-cams in the room fell slack at the loss of power. Mrysti nodded and smiled to herself as four guards stepped through the door, it closed behind them. Taking out batons, Mrysti realized what kind of integration this was going to be and it was not to be recorded. Moving her neck side to side with an audible pop, Mrysti dropped the bedding she held and turned toward the guards. Flexing and interlacing her fingers, bouncing slightly before popping her knuckles. It had been a long trip. Not really sure of how much time passed while she was in carbonite, it couldn''t have been too long. There was no blindness. Only a bit of blurriness from the Carbonite. ¡°You should have left those cameras on¡­now you¡¯ve given me all the excuse I need to kill each one of you.¡± The guards looked at one another, as one lunged toward her. Grabbing the flailing man around the neck as he passed, Mrysti quickly snapped it like a twig discarding the limp guard on the ground. Already the other guards were moving in, Mrysti kicked the second and slammed the third on the ground as the guard lunged toward her, stun-stick first. Stomping down, Mrysti crushed the third guard¡¯s skull using the guard she had in her grip as a weapon. Throwing him at the final guard in order to get some distance. There was no need to use the force. These men were no match for her. If this was a test, it was a poor one. The last guard backed up toward the wall as Mrysti closed in. ¡°You made a mistake. I was going to comply¡­¡± Punching him in the chest, Mrysti felt bones crack and the wispy sound of punctured lung and escaping air. Perhaps one or two of them would survive, but they would be eating out of an automated machine for the rest of their lives. Reaching down she picked up the bedding and looked up as the power came back on. A wicked smile creasing her face once she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. -- ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± The Warden placed a hand to his chin. Though the normal holo-cams had been deactivated for his little ¡®test¡¯, he was able to watch it all. There was none of the flamboyance of other Sith Lords in the attack. Mrysti used no ¡®magic tricks¡¯, she simply overpowered them. Reaching out, the Warden ran is fingers over the image and smiled. ¡°Oh¡­you beauty¡­you and I¡ªyes, we will have some adventures¡­.¡± -- - Malastare, Jedi Detention Facility, Republic Embassy Sector¡­. How many times in the last month had this happened? Traditionally ¡®Grace¡¯ did not concern herself with physically going to retrieve her sister. But in this case, she had little choice. The Jedi on Malastare were going to send Sammantha to Coruscant to be censured by the Council. Getting off the shuttle, Grace pulled out the datapad to look at the images again, having no idea what her younger ¡®sister¡¯ could have been thinking. There it was, in the blue holo-phase of a recorded image. Sam jumping down from the rooftop, the flash of a double-bladed lightsaber coming to life and the blur of movement as Sam attacked those who were attacking someone else. Hero. The word came to mind. Only this was not the act of a Jedi or any hero Grace could think of. This was petty, beneath the power and respect a Jedi was expected to command. And very below the power of the one chosen to be the ¡®Unity¡¯s Paladin¡¯. Grace grit her teeth as she was ushered to a waiting speeder by two fellow Jedi and whisked away toward the Republic area. The younger version of herself, Sam was going through something. Grace was the ¡®copy¡¯, an alternate version of who Sam could have become. But Grace had grown so much farther than her expected capability. Truly nurtured to become more than her genetic parts. Thinking on that, Grace knew there were a lot of factors which helped to define that evolution. Environment, the people she came in contact with and befriended. Most of all her faith. The Unity was the key, giving herself over the Will of the Force and the Unity had forged her into the crusader the Unity needed. What had happened to Sam? What was causing this rebelliousness? Grace was now faced with the unsavory prospect of having to force her younger sister to confront whatever it was making her act out. The entire exercise with Sam was becoming tiresome. Especially when there were so many more important things they both could be doing. Landing softly in a padded spot close to the detention facility, Grace hopped out and continued to think on how to approach things. If only their Mother were there. At the very least, Mrysti would find a way to ¡®force¡¯ whatever Sam was doing to herself to stop. Mrysti had a way like that. Grace¡¯s own soft approach to things would not work in this case. They needed a heavier hand. They needed Mrysti. Passing through the checkpoint, Sam handed over her lightsaber and proceeded though a ray shield and a vaulted door. Perhaps it was Mrysti¡¯s absence in itself that was part of the problem. Both Sam and Grace leaned on Mrysti in times of turmoil and with her absence; there was no rock in which ground themselves to. Placing her hands on her hips, Grace looked off to the side and nodded; allowing whomever was controlling the individual cells to lower the ray shield. Sam stood up at seeing her sister and shook her head. It was Sam who struck first, raising a hand to Grace as she started toward her. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hear it¡­all I was doing was stopping that assault. I had no idea one of the guys was an undercover officer. What was he doing participating anyway, he deserved what he¡ª¡± Sam ran into Grace¡¯s outstretched hand backing up a step as Grace stepped inside. The ray shield went back up behind her. ¡°What tha kriff¡­I thought we were leaving.¡± Grace narrowed her eyes. ¡°Oh¡­I may be leaving. You may not.¡± Folding her arms over her chest, Grace glared down at her sister. ¡°I don¡¯t know what it is you think you are trying to do here¡­or why you¡¯re doing some of the things you have been. Perhaps you¡¯re testing out you¡¯re new found freedom in this galaxy, flexing your young adult acumen as it were. But you are neglecting your duties. Using your powers in ways that not only demean yourself, but also demean the Order and the Unit¡ª¡± Sam was busy mocking Grace with her hand, moving it in time with Grace¡¯s mouth. Grace grit her teeth taking a step forward. With a flash and quick motion, Grace slapped the outstretched hand of her sister and lashed the same fingers around her younger versions neck. In an instant, Grace saw red. No one could get under her skin quite like Sam or Mrysti. It was one of the few catalysts that pushed Grace close to losing control. The movement, however, was calculated. Slamming Sam against the walk behind the younger girl, Grace lifted her up slightly. Alpha enhanced muscles and the Force curling around to give Grace the extra strength to lift and squeeze. ¡°You think this is a joke?¡± Grace pursed her lips, curling into disgust. ¡°The only joke here is YOU. Ever since you returned you have been on a downward spiral. Now you will listen to me or I will allow these Jedi to take you home¡­perhaps the Council will be lenient. Or perhaps I tell them to bury you in the bowels of the Temple and forget about you.¡± Grace dropped Sam and turned her back on her sister, softening her tone. ¡°I realize¡­Mother¡¯s absence has affected you. I too, feel the same loss. As if a piece of ourselves has been taken from us. And¡­this thing between you and Bernard....¡± Grace turned in time to see Sam look down in shame. ¡°I¡¯m not sure why you did what you did. We are all prone to acts of weakness. But you have learned your lesson. That Mandalorian only wanted one thing¡­a conquest and once he got it, YOU got what you deserved. Our actions have consequence Sam, you will accept the responsibility for your actions and start making choices that make sense. All of this acting out¡­must end.¡± ¡°Kriff them!! And kriff you¡ª¡± Sam started to stand, again Grace turned with a quickness pushing Sam back down on the durasteel slat attached to the wall, which served as a makeshift bed and seat for the tiny cell. ¡°You are not listening to me.¡± Grace sat herself down on the floor, crossing her legs and steepling her hands. ¡°Fine. Neither one of us are leaving until you do. I have all of the time in the world. But together, you and I will get to the bottom of your problems. I have neglected you long enough. It was my hope that you would somehow see beyond what it is that is driving you to rebel. But I see, my patience and faith in you was squandered.¡± ¡°Oh whatever!!¡± Sam stood up and paced away. ¡°Like you give a shit!! Look, Grace¡­I appreciate you coming out here ¡®personally¡¯ to get me. I do. But you have no idea what I¡¯m going through. So why don¡¯t you just open up the shield and then you and Reager can go back to planning babies or something¡­I don¡¯t have time for you.¡± A long silence passed. Grace did not move. Long enough for Sam to get frustrated by the time and silence that she sat back down. ¡°If you were wondering about food, I plan on using several Force techniques to extend my life in the event you considered trying to starve me out. And I am extremely adept at them.¡± Sam looked up and scowled as Grace continued. ¡°The fact is, I do give a ¡®shit¡¯, as you put it. I AM you, more than that¡­I happen to love you. And you are correct, I do not know what it is that has you plagued at the moment, that¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡± Grace looked down and swallowed hard, forcing a smile as she looked back up. ¡°Reager is a good man. Far too good for me. And I fear in bringing him closer to the Unity, I have only succeeded in pushing him further away. New doors have opened for him, I can feel it. Our destinies are no longer along the same path.¡± Grace smiled again. ¡°I am¡­very happy for him. I am. Truly.¡± Nodding as if she were trying to convince herself. ¡°The Unity has great things in store for him.¡± Frowning at the revelation, Sam leaned forward and placed a hand on her sister¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Hey, kriff him. If it ain¡¯t meant to be¡­it ain¡¯t meant to be.¡± Having no idea what Grace was talking about, Sam still felt guilty for bringing up something that was obviously sensitive. Releasing a sigh, Sam sat back and slapped her legs loudly. ¡°Ok¡­you want it. Here it is.¡± Grace looked up, canting her head slightly as she waited. ¡°The reason I feel like I¡¯m losing control is because, I have none¡­in that ¡®other¡¯ place the Force was so strong. There were not many of us, so few in fact that we could nearly feel once another across entire sectors of space, as if the Force was leading us to one another. I ran into a few here and there, but the power¡­it was limitless. Infinite almost.¡± Swallowing hard, Sam banged her head against the wall and closed her eyes. ¡°Here. I am just me. I want to feel that power again, to get control. To be able to control for good¡­to stomp out the evil that plagues all of us. I fought that evil, confronted it and won. Now, I barely have the power lift a cup. What am I¡ªmore than that, HOW am I supposed to be the vanguard of the Unity if I feel so powerless?¡± -- - Bothawui, Republic Battle Zone, inside Phase Line Delta¡­. It was not a truth RT was prepared to accept. That Darth Malgus was personally leading the forces which were overrunning Bothawui. What was creating the Imperial momentum? Almost overnight, the Imperial war machine ramped up. In actuality, it took over a year. Darth Malgus, who did not make the mistakes he made last time in trying to proclaim himself ¡®Emperor¡¯, was consolidating his power and his hold over the Dark Council. Ruling by sheer will and bending those consolidated Spheres of Influence to his own. It was Darth Malgus, his presence, his mere existence that was driving the Imperial War Machine. The Sith abhorred a vacuum. It happened when The Emperor disappeared. Malgus tried, he failed. Darth Marr led the Sith during the Emperor''s absence. The Republic equivalent of an Imperial Hero of Legend. He died for those beliefs. Acina filled the void, led the Sith out of the darkness, doing what she had to do in order to ensure their survival. Thank goodness she did not capitalize on the Republic''s weakness during the Eternal Empire''s incursion. Now they had Malgus back. One who hated the Republic, Democracy, freedom and most of all the Republic''s closest allies; the Jedi, more than anything. And all of it coincided with Mrysti¡¯s disappearance. The temperance garnered by Empress Acina during the War with the Eternal Empire was long gone. Moderate Darth¡¯s, like Mrysti, were replaced or had simply disappeared in favor of the hawkish War Mongers now running the Empire. RT looked down at the battle board. He had his orders and they were tall ones: ¡®Locate and Eliminate Darth Malgus by any means necessary.¡¯ He didn¡¯t need to hear those under his command to know their feelings toward the mission. It was why the job was given to Shadow Squad, they always performed the impossible. The General stared down at the holo-map and adjusted settings to filter out unnecessary things, focusing in on the strategic Command and Control sections of the Imperial Army. Those he knew were in control. Thankfully, not much had changed in Imperial Structure. The Sith still thought themselves above the normal rank and file. As Always, there were two headquarters that traveled together. One being the Imperial Army, the other being the Sith. Leaning over the table, RT zoomed in on the holo-recording of a fly-by drone. Something close to the mountains which stood so far away from the main fighting that it could only be high level command and control. It was a long shot. Darth Malgus was a very ¡®hands on¡¯ Commander. The Republic saw that first hand during the Sacking of Coruscant. The man walked into the Jedi Temple, alone. Even if Malgus was not at the main Imperial Headquarters, going there would inevitably lead them to him. Standing up, RT pursed his lips. It was time to get the crew together. Preparations, rehearsal and eventual deployment. This was going to be ugly and most likely bloody. His first act, RT moved to his personal data terminal and sat down beginning to move his hands in the holo-field. This would be something he would command all of those under his command to do before they left, RT just needed to get it out of the way first. <¡®General RT-946 ¨C Last Will and Testament ¨C [UPDATED] I, General Trea¡¯vor Alpha, being of sound mind and body do hereby bequeath all of my assets to the following¡­.¡¯> -- - Malastare, Jedi Detention Facility, Republic Embassy Sector¡­. They talked for a long time. Honestly for the first time. Something they had not done since Sam returned from the far side of not only time, but another galaxy all together. Grace finally understood why and what had been plaguing Sam and it was a collage of factors. Having to live up to her destiny in ending the Curse that plagued their family once and for all; that curse being the embodiment of the one they both trusted above all others, their Mother. That in itself shook her to the core. The pressure of reuniting with Bernard and then losing him because of the many things which plagued her. A tryst she had with a young Mandalorian being the crux of it all. And finally, feeling as if she was not the Jedi she should have been, because she wasn¡¯t. Grace took responsibility for that one. Sam had big shoes to fill. The Unity always asked much and gave little. And if you were not one-hundred percent secure in your faith, you could very easily lose your way. Sam went into some detail about her many adventures in that other galaxy. Being chased by a Sith named Vader. The Nexu and rodent games they played with one another for years. Getting close to one another, only to have one or the other pull back. The Rebellion, which struck out and fought for galactic freedom. The lack of Jedi and Justice in the galaxy. It was truly a wild time and not anything Grace would have ever imagined the Galaxy could fall into. Given the state of the galaxy currently, it was maybe not so far-fetched. But NO Jedi. How that was even possible? Grace couldn¡¯t imagine. Sam explained it, but Grace still couldn¡¯t believe it. That the Jedi could ever be blind to the machinations of the Sith. The two, so diametrically opposed. But so unified in the Force. One could not exist without the other. The Sith understood that. The Force would always have balance. It was the Will. Getting up, Grace gave a sympathetic look. She said nothing at last, only leaning forward to take her younger self in a hug and hold her tightly. Sam pulled Grace in close and leaned in, closing her eyes as she returned the embrace. ¡°You probably think I''m crazy.¡± Sam murmured. ¡°No¡± Grace said softly. ¡°Not at all.¡± Grace rocked with her sister softly as she smiled to herself. ¡°I think¡­you¡¯re finally home sweetie. And together, we will endeavor to solve your problems and bring you back to the Unity.¡± -- Imperial Outpost 827, Near Endor¡­.Outer Rim Territories¡­. ¡°For crimes too numerous to name¡­.¡± The Imperial Commander was speaking loudly over the din of the forest around him. Things were getting loud around the garrison, something stirring up the forest. ¡°¡­You, one Waylon Ferrun, are condemned to die by hanging. As ordered but the Imperial magistrate in this sector and in accordance with the Laws of Land warfare. May the Force Serve You in the Afterlife.¡± After looking up toward the captive, the Commander stepped down off the raised platform and started to climb down the stairs. Raising his right hand up as he walked, with every intention of dropping it once he reached the bottom stair. And once the bottom stair was reached, the Commander dropped his hand in time with a flash of light. The light was not something that was supposed to happen. Just the sound of the trapdoor below the standing prisoner dropping and the sound of a synthrope getting tight from the sudden drop of weight it was attached to. The Commander turned with a start, two different ends of the rope burned through and the prisoner standing; already struggling to get the bindings off his wrists. ¡°GET HIM!!! GET HIM NOW!!¡± The Commander drew the blaster off his hip, pointing it up the stairs. -- Moving his head away from the holo sight the HUD system in his helmet disconnected from the rifle with the movement, verifying the accuracy of the shot which was well beyond both the HUD and the rifle''s parameters. The computers in the helmet and in the rifle told him it couldn¡¯t be done. But Marstel knew better, speaking out loud inside the helmet. ¡°Time ta git movin¡¯¡­the¡¯re liable ta be pissed ¡®bout tha¡¯ one.¡± <¡±And you know this guy?"> Came the voice back into Marstel¡¯s HUD. <¡±I mean far be it for me to question you boss¡­but¡­¡±> Cypher was moving. It was what had the forest in an uproar. Marstel and his team moving in and around the small Imperial garrison. This was still new for Marstel. Cypher thinking herself a ''peer''. Actions during the ''Inferno'' situation, giving Cypher/Anna a new found sense of Independence. Marstel encouraged it, at his peril. She was still so young, so inexperienced. Self assurance could only take you so far. A warning Amalgom so often reminded Marstel of, as the Chiss continued his vigil over the object of his affections. But, A debt was a debt. Marstel owed one. As far as he was concerned, that debt was paid when he shot the synthrope in half. But it wasn¡¯t over. ¡°You kno¡¯¡­.¡± Marstel was already up, moving his massive form at faster than he looked speed toward the waiting speeder bike. His voice sounded as if he was sitting in an easy hoverchair. ¡°¡­jus¡¯ because ¡®Jax made ya an¡¯ honorary Mando¡­don¡¯ mean ya ¡®r one.¡± With those words and a hop on the bike, Marstel looked at the tracking ID¡¯s in his HUD. Cypher was almost there. That brought a smile. The other tracking ID was the source of the smile. Amalgom was already inside the garrison. -- The blaster pointed up the stairs, the Imperial Troopers moved in. Waylon rolled off the platform in time with incoming blaster bolts. And the sound of a vibroblade swiping and cutting. It always made smacking and popping sounds. Something Waylon was all too familiar with. Landing on the ground, he looked up to see the body land right in front of his. Eyes wide and lifeless, the Imperial Commander had a shocked smattering of blood on his face from the slice, the sound of footfalls moving away as the short image of someone passing phased out of existence in the scattering of a stealth field. More grunts, blaster fire and the sound of battle. Waylon¡¯s hands were still tied to his front, using them as leverage to roll further away from the sound of strife. He rolled right into a big foot stopping any further progress. Already on his back, Waylon looked up into an all too familiar helmeted face. <¡±This ain¡¯t very Mando like¡­rollin¡¯ ¡®way frum a fight.¡±> The sound of the voice made Waylon scoff. Marstel bent down to hoist Waylon up and cut his bindings. ¡°Oh kriff you Marstel¡­.Nobody asked you to come.¡± There was a hint of annoyance in his voice. Waylon scoffing again as he rubbed his wrists. The sound of dying battle on the other side of the platform coming to an end. ¡°I gave that up after¡­.¡± <¡±I owed ya¡­debt paid.¡±> Marstel and Waylon exchanged a look. ¡°No¡­¡± Waylon shook his head. Cypher and Amalgom made their way to the other side as Waylon exchanged glances with the both of them before narrowing his eyes back on Marstel. ¡°¡­you got an angle. You always have a plan, within a plan, within a plan. Somethin¡¯ else brought you out here¡­.¡± Insightful as always. Marstel smiled inside the visor of his helmet and led back the way they came in. Through the hole in the fence line. Cypher leaned in to Amalgom as they walked. ¡°He ain¡¯t wrong¡­.¡± She whispered to the Chiss. -- Several Years before, The Battle of Voss-Ka¡­.Vaylin¡¯s and the Eternal Empire¡¯s Attack on the Voss¡­. This is what they live for. Live to die. Live for the service of the Clan. Live for the honor that death in that service will surely bring. Clan Ne¡¯takal had helped turn the tide. The Mandalorians were on the offensive and for the first time in a century, completely united. All of them under one banner against the Eternal Empire. That was the gift that this new enemy had brought to the galaxy. Their own doom at the hands of a unified Mandalorian people. What was humorous about all of it, the Eternals didn¡¯t even realize what they done by uniting the major powers against them. Regardless of prior affiliation the Clans all set that aside to fight this common enemy. There was even talk of a return to the days of the Neo-crusades. Mandalorian and Mandalorian culture once again spreading throughout the galaxy. Regardless if those who wanted it, wanted them or not. The battle plan was constantly changing. As all tactical plans did during the heat of battle. But all of them were linked into the central plexus of Mandalore herself. They saw the changes in real time. The Eternal Empire was redirecting their forces in a strange manner. What the Mandalorians thought was a straight scorch and burn campaign on the part of the Eternal Empire had suddenly taken a strange turn. All of the forces committed to destroying the city, including the Eternal Empire¡¯s aerial assets, suddenly turned to take up a blocking position. Cutting off access to an entire section of Voss and Voss-Ka. All of the roads and avenues of approach they were blocking leading to one place. <¡±¡­The Temple?¡±> Waylon pressed the side of his helmet to listen closer. He couldn¡¯t have heard that right. There was always a point of contention between those field commanders who watched the battle through holo-light and those who were on the ground. Distance and time seemed to have little meaning to those in the command suite. Waylon could see it, could see what was happening even before the order came down. <¡±¡­it¡¯s not for me to question, A¡¯lor. I realize you can see¡­we are already in a fight.¡±> A kinder, gently way of saying. ''You''re not here, you couldn''t possibly know.'' The Clan leader knew the stakes and of what Mandalore was asking. In turn he was not asking Waylon, he was giving direction. An entire Clan, his Clan¡¯s assets; were being redirected to one end. <¡±Mandalore has granted us the honor of this mission. Clan Ne¡¯takal will penetrate the forward line and open the breach. The Temple¡­is our objective. The end, does not matter. That Mandalore wants it¡­.does.¡±> <¡±For Mandalore¡­.¡±> Waylon intoned reluctantly. There was no need to issue orders. This was something they lived and trained for. Already the Clan was moving in unison. A well-oiled and well-rehearsed machine of precision and experience. The attack began as soon as the other battle was disengaged. The objective and their position already so close to one another. Waylon saw the writing on the wall. Disengaging from one, to allow the enemy on that flank to regroup. He hoped the Eternal Empire was slow and not all that intelligent. But a young Mandalorian of only basic skill could have seen it. Like a vice, they were closing themselves inside. <¡±¡­We¡¯ve breached the forward line. Our forces have penetrated the perimeter the droids have set and we are approaching the¡ªBZZZZTT¡­¡±> Icons began to wink out on the HUD display. Mandalorians dying as their status changed from green to red, to simply gone. Waylon saw those in time with the flash and concussion of sonic rounds. The Eternals did not want anyone coming their direction or getting close to the Temple. Crawling toward the blaster, Waylon grunted and wrapped his fingers around it. Turning to see the formerly disengaged Eternal line approaching from the flank. <¡±¡­it is¡­.a good day to die¡­¡±> He whispered into his HUD. Raising the blaster to fire on his attackers, just as another round hit within the middle of the Mandalorian attack formation. -- Coalition Flagship ¡®Honor¡¯¡­¡­immediately following the victory on Voss¡­¡­ Victory. Whose victory? Medical droids moved around the collection of Soldiers. All from various factions supporting the Alliance and the Coalition. All the ships in the fleet did it. Get as many of the dead and wounded up into space and into treatment as soon as possible. Sort out where they belonged later on. One particular Soldier was of special interest to Marstel. The lone survivor of one of the most devastating artillery barrages he or anyone else had ever seen. And even after all of the devastation, the concussion and shattering. The Mandalorian stood up and fought on. The lone warrior against an entire Army. He was the last. The last of his Clan. All sacrificed as they were told to be, had been born to be. Marstel couldn¡¯t let him die. Picking him up off the battle field and getting him to ¡®The Honor¡¯ as soon as he could. Already lists and locations were being queried. Marstel knew he was a Mandalorian, but not what Clan. Karolin was going to have to use her influence with Shae Vizla on this particular case. Marstel started to step away, the weak hand wasn¡¯t so weak. It clasped his wrist and threatened to pull him back with strength from beyond the grave. The shattered face turned toward the large Ratataki. Sounds of laser scalpels and suction devices continuing their work to replace in the man what had been destroyed. ¡°A-are¡­th-they dead¡­¡± The bodies that formerly laid scattered around the warrior on the battlefield made the question obvious. Marstel looked away as the hand let him go. Even under a suppression field in a stasis chamber the Mandalorian scoffed. Marstel turned back. ¡°Buh¡­hugh live. You earned tha¡¯ life, my friend¡­.¡± Marstel said softly. Waylon tried to sit up, straining under the field until he relaxed and grit his teeth. One good eye still wide and blazoned on the Ratataki. ¡°Yo-you dishonor me¡­I-I was me-meant to die. M-my life mea-means nothing now¡­.tha-that was wh-what I earned¡­th-that de-death....¡± Marstel turned away, allowing the droids to continue their work. Not really sure what the man meant. Perhaps he was just delusional from all of the pain suppressors. Karolin stood watch at the administration suite. Taking a break from using her own power to help assist the droids and the doctors in their treatment. As Marstel walked in, she could see he was distressed. To a normal person, Marstel was unreadable. But Karolin knew. And seeing him talk to the man he brought in; Karolin stood at her brother¡¯s approach. ¡°I made inquiries to Shae. We are already sending the Mandalorians a detailed accounting of their warriors. As soon as they are ready to move, we will ship them to their own medical facilities.¡± Marstel was looking out of the window which separated the administration suite from the main medical bay. His hand to his mouth. ¡°Wait on tha¡¯ wun¡­.¡± Karolin moved in beside her brother and watched him stare. ¡°As you wish¡­I thought you wanted to get him home. You know how important family is to the Mandalorians.¡± ¡°Yea¡± Marstel said sadly, ¡°Unless tha¡¯ family is gone¡­.¡± 2 - Popular Support ¡°I-I don¡¯t know what to say¡­me?!?! Why me?!?!¡± Coruscant¡­. <¡±¡­.this¡­is a fight we can win. I know, because I¡¯ve fought it before. I¡¯ve been on the frontlines with you, stood side by side with our brothers and sisters within the Republic. I know our enemies resolve, I have measured it and¡­they are wanting. Only together, will we stand victorious. More than that¡­we can take back what was ours, take the fight TO the Empire. And when we are finished, they will once again retreat to the far reaches of the galaxy. Never to be heard from again. The Sith¡­are a scourge that must be wiped away like the hand of old. It''s not just a people or a government; they see us as an ideal they cannot allow to exist. Freedom. And we must treat them in kind. As an ideal that cannot be allow to spread and fester to any part of the galaxy. What they did to us before, should be a stark reminder that they can and WILL do it again. Remember the Temple, Remember Coruscant. Remember¡­.the Fallen.....¡±> <--It wasn¡¯t an altercation, Kay. It was all out civil war. Brought on by, yes, my distant cousin. You all know the story. The ¡®Generationals¡¯ as they were called, returned from a centuries long trip around the galaxy to find Mirial not the way they left it. An unfortunate event occurred involving some Republic Officials and the rest¡­well, we all know the rest. Another dark day for the Republic, but a darker day for Mirial I would think.> <"Yes...thank you Kay. Long time viewer. First Time Caller. I''d rather not give my name, but I am calling on behalf of the insidious people Jedi De''nabre referred to. I notice no questions were asked about your dead sister, Jedi. Do you think Darth Retuvisa would be pleased to see her ''older'' sister going into politics? You know, Mrysti didn''t like political games. It seems strange that you do. But then you like games, don''t you...you incepid little tw--- > -- -- Zakuul, Office of the Provisional Government¡­.. Commotion in the foyer made the Governor stand. Someone grunted outside the door and was shoved hard against the other side. Once the door flew open, the Governor frowned and slowly started to sit. Word had already reached the offices of the Provisional government of whom had arrived in orbit. It now made sense. Why the Republic had recalled all of their reserve forces. The Republic up till that point, used Zakuul as a deployment site. Helping the Government keep order and providing humanitarian assistance while the Zakuul got back on their feet. Only a small contingent, diplomats and government liaisons from the Republic remained. With this new arrival, the Governor wondered how long even those meager assets would remain. Without a word, the Imperial officer approached. No ceremony, no greeting. Not even a bow to acknowledge the office which he stood in. Stopping at the foot of the desk, the Officer removed flimsy holo-stills from a package he carried and began discarding them face up on the desk for the governor to see. Looking down, he picked up one and looked at the image. Carnage, smoke and fire. A building destroyed and in the foreground, the marching ranks of the Eternal Empire. Skytroopers in front, flanked by the Knights of Zakuul. All of them heading toward a still smoking Sith Academy on Korriban. ¡°My Government had nothing to do¡ª¡± Before the Governor could finish, the Officer raised a hand to stop him. ¡°You think we have forgotten what your Empire did to us¡­¡± Smiling viciously, the Officer looked down at the now fully seated governor. ¡°I think I¡¯ve made my point. Your period of neutrality has ended. It¡¯s time for Zakuul to pick a side, before WE pick it for you.¡± Still watching the Governor as the man seated behind the desk bowed his head, dropping the holo-still. ¡°Zakuul¡­is a neutral planet. We¡¯ve had enough of war and strife. What the Emperor and his children did to us¡ª¡± Laughing the Officer reached down and picked up the flimsy the Governor put down. He looked at it with a scrutinizing eye, before regarding the Governor again. ¡°Yes, I would say you all have had your fill. Then you won¡¯t mind if MY Empire establishes a foothold here. A Garrison or two, in order to keep our enemies out.¡± The Governor started to speak again as the Imperial Officer slammed his hands down on the desk leaning in. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I MUST insist. The Republic has abandoned you. Left you here to rot as they flee from the might of the Sith Empire. You can either agree willingly¡­or we will simply take this planet by force. You have no choice and in light of these pictures¡­¡± The Officer flipped the flimsy back toward the Governor, hitting the man in the chest. ¡°¡­I can say with the utmost confidence that MY troops will be eager to exact a little vengeance on those who did us so much harm. Innocent or not, you ALL bare some responsibility for us being here.¡± -- Zakuul, Residential Highrise District, Capital City Center¡­.. ¡°You need to call them back!!¡± Taja angrily tossed the holocomm at Beta and proceeded to place her hand on her hip, pointing at the Jedi angrily. ¡°Do you see who just arrived!!?!? It¡¯s bad enough the whole of the Republic up and abandons us. But you too?!? No¡­un-uh¡­¡± She waggled a finger at him. ¡°Taja, please¡­¡± Beta spoke soft and pleadingly. ¡°¡­I am a Jedi Master, it¡¯s my duty to follow¡ª¡± ¡°Follow what?!?!¡± Taja interrupted. ¡°Orders?!? The Code?!?¡± Taja laughed mockingly. ¡°WE are way past that, baby.¡± The former priestess of Izax was glaring at him, looking him up and down as he continued to pack. ¡°I¡¯m telling you¡­if you walk out of that door; don¡¯t even THINK of coming back.¡± That made Beta stand and finally face her. Walking slowly, Beta placed his hands on her shoulders once he reached her, pulling Taja toward him slightly. It was no secret to anyone on Zakuul that the two of them had become an item. Words like Love and Lust, forbidden the closer one got to the Jedi Temple, were not as taboo on Zakuul. Beta smiled warmly. ¡°Come with me.¡± Taja slapped the Jedi¡¯s hands away and took a step back. ¡°NO!! And abandon my people!!?!?¡± ¡°You expect me to abandon mine?!?¡± Beta¡¯s eyes flashed a momentary pang of anger, before his Jedi calm erased it. Sighing he bowed his head, trying to remain in control. A long silence passed between them before Beta looked up and at her again. ¡°It¡¯s War, Taja¡­I¡¯m needed by the Order. The Republic is not going to stand for the Empire being here long. As soon as assets are available, I promise you¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªwhere have I heard that before?!?!¡± Taja glared again. ¡°You know what, it¡¯s fine. You go¡­GO!!¡± Picking up an errand shirt he failed to pack, Taja flung it at him. ¡°We don¡¯t need you, the Zakuul need no one. We¡¯ll¡ªI¡¯ll do this myself¡­¡± Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°Taja!!!¡± It was too late. Taja stormed out. The door sliding shut behind her. Beta tripped over a bag trying to get to the door. But again he was too late. The main door of their apartment closed with a flurry of Taja''s robe in its wake. Taja was gone. -- Zakuul, Capital City Center¡­. An excitement or change in environment always brought the Zakuul out. Rows and rows of people stood shoulder to shoulder, clearing a path for the marching troops. Not their own. But Imperial Soldiers. Walkers and mechanized conveyances moved in a line toward a single point. No one cheered, simply watching. Some with disdainful looks, others just curious. An explosion toward the front of the line sent the people scrambling. Those in the crowd screamed as they scattered. Imperial Soldiers not affected by the blast were turning toward the point of impact. Red sabers of the Sith Overlords activated. In time with the red, blue and yellow sabers of some in the crowd. A cry rang out. From somewhere in the crowd. -- ¡°For Darth Retuvisa!!! For the one true God!!!¡± -- ¡°Izax curse you!!!¡± -- "FOR ZAKUUL!!!" The sabers clashed once blasters erupted on all sides. And in the center, in the thrall of it all stood, Taja. Flipping over a slashing blow from one Sith to come down behind him and impale the warrior with her yellow blade. She withdrew and flourished, looking toward the heart of the battle. The Empire had brought the war to Zakuul. Now they would face the Cult they helped create and the warriors left behind by the destruction of the Eternal Empire. -- -- ¡®The End¡¯¡­.Cellblock AA-52, Maximum Security¡­. The first few days were filled with many suspicious looks. No one ever got caught looking, but Mrysti could feel their eyes. They were looking when she went to the shower. If she sat down to eat in the common area and it was always alone, she could sense them all sizing her up. A lot of that went away her first day in the exercise quad. Stacking every weight on the bar she could and benching well over the maximum weight the bar was allowed to hold. The bar bent slightly. She felt the eyes turn away. They didn¡¯t want to face that. Not anyone who could lift the ''world'' in their bare hands. They knew who she was. Word got around fast. Communications within the prison or any prison sometimes rivaled any modern communications network. And that word traveled in circles between the guards and the prisoners. Sometimes, it wasn¡¯t even words. But actions. The guards, who roved among the prisoners at set intervals during the day, kept well away from her. Darth Retuvisa. The ¡®Hammer of the Empire¡¯. Not just any Darth and certainly not a normal prisoner. She had killed more people than the Tarisian Flu. Even with the Force suppressor, which was really just a pain amplifier attached across her neck; Mrysti could feel the eyes and the sense of those people turn away. They all saw it, the suppressor that was meant for those who could wield the Force. It was meant to deter anyone from using it by reminding those who did the pain it could inflict if they tried. Mrysti didn¡¯t fear it, she even relished the thought of trying it out once again. But that wasn¡¯t in her plan. Mrysti lifted all of the weight on her own. The suppressor could not take away that which was genetically given to her. For the moment, she didn¡¯t need the Force. Not in there. Let the Imperials think they had her under control. Prison was not so difficult to understand. A place of extremes. A microcosm of the galaxy that was ramped up to a serious level in every way. People still did what people would do on the outside, but lowered to their base instincts, reacted with that level of emotional response. There was a level of give and take. Those that gave, showed weakness. While those that took and then gave once they possessed the power, were seen as magnanimous. Mrysti was well suited for life on the inside. The Sith having prepared her for such an existence. And it was only a matter of time before someone would test her. According to journals and literature she remembered reading at some point or another; it was typically thirty days. It took thirty days for those smart enough to watch and wait to size up another inmate and determine their weakness. It was in a new inmate¡¯s best interest to show none during that time. Some schools of thought actually believed it was better to establish dominance within the first thirty days. One piece of literature actually recommended within the first forty-eight hours of incarceration. Mrysti was in no hurry. She was being watched. And not just by the guards and the prisoners. Moving to the exercise quad, she looked up at the holo-cams and smiled wickedly. Whoever was behind them was watching, had tested her at reception and was still watching. It was only a matter of time before they tried again. And she wanted to appear placative and uncaring for whomever was watching. To let whoever it was believe she wasn¡¯t paying attention. When they did strike, she would strike back. Hard and fast. And it would be a complete surprise because of her attitude. There was no rush to establish anything because she knew, they were going to come to her. And do all of that work for her. Conducting herself as a guest, Mrysti strolled from one place to another when all of the prisoners were out of lockdown. She spoke to no one, appearing not to be interested in getting to know any of the other inmates. Her attitude was more like one of the guards. Appearing that at anytime she wanted, she could simply leave. No one believed it. Least of all Mrysti, but it was important that all of those watching believed. Mrysti was under no illusions. At some point, they were going to make a move on her. Not the prisoners or the guards, but the one behind the eye in the sky. Someone was pulling the strings. And that someone had an agenda. When it happened, it would happen fast. Already Mrysti was planning her escape for that eventuality. The way Mrysti conducted herself in appearing to be able to leave anytime she wanted was not so far-fetched. She had no intention of remaining a prisoner long once those behind her incarceration revealed themselves. Not all the eyes turned away. Mrysti felt the shadow before it loomed over her. Lowering the bar back on the rack, Mrysti craned her neck up to see who it was that could be looming over her, stealing her light and ruining her workout. ¡°THIS¡ªFarrgh¡ªweight.¡± An alien. A very large alien. Basic was obviously not his native tongue, but Mrysti got the message. Slowly she sat up, lifting her back off the bench to look up at him. The creature had no eyes, just gilly flaps of skin covered the spots where eyes should have been, yet the creature¡¯s head was pointed as if he was looking at her. And it was definitely a ¡®he¡¯. Mrysti looked him up and down as she smiled slightly. The first power play. Whoever the creature was, he obviously ran things or at least thought he did. All of this was expected, just not as quickly as Mrysti surmised. Perhaps the alien was put up to it, though Mrysti sensed no ulterior motives in the confrontation. Only a resolve that Mrysti should know her place. But, places like everything else could change. Letting out a huff and a humorous sigh, Mrysti continued to smile. Slowly she stood. As large as the creature was, Mrysti was well above a full head taller. Shaking her head, she looked down. A warning was appropriate, though her first instinct was to simply lash out and destroy the creature. ¡°Do you¡­¡± Mrysti began softly, leaning in as not to embarrass the alien in case he decided to back out. ¡°¡­really want to ride this tram?¡± That was all it took. In a flash and in a gruff loud motion the creature lunged, arm and fist first. Mrysti didn¡¯t move, other than to stand back up straight. As the fist got close to its mark, she caught it before he struck her. Her massive green hand curling up and around the fist with a smack of flesh meeting flesh. Then she squeezed. Mrysti felt the bones of the other¡¯s hand crackle and twist. The creature let out a grimace, starting to swing with the other hand. Mrysti cracked the hand in her own as the alien fell to his knees causing the retaliatory strike to stop. Any thought of continuing the attack bled out as the creature cried out in pain. Grabbing the arm Mrysti held with the one was about to attack with. ¡°I¡¯m going to speak slowly¡­¡± Mrysti squeezed harder, she felt the hand break in another two places, leaning in. Out in the yard, the other prisoner''s eyes went back to her and the altercation in the weight area. Not because they were sizing her up, but because of the change of command. This was one of the moments that would define things within the block. Prisoners had a sense for that. ¡°¡­you own nothing. However, ¡®I¡¯¡­now own you. Since you¡¯ve given me this hand, you will have to ask for me to give it back. And once I do, you owe me. Because this hand¡­is mine.¡± ¡°PUH¡ªPLEASE¡ª¡± ¡°Use your words. Farrgh, did you say? That¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°YES¡ªFARRGH¡± ¡°What do you want Farrgh?¡± ¡°M-MY¡ªHAND¡ªFARRGH---WANT HAND!!!¡± Mrysti let the hand go. Farrgh fell back on the floor with a crash. She was fairly certain she had broken the hand to pieces. Surprisingly, the creature stood up. Of course, cradling the hand in its other. Once he was fully on his feet, his sightless visage ¡®looking¡¯ at her; Mrysti crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°Now, what do you say Farrgh?¡± ¡°WH-WHAT?¡± It was the wrong answer. Mrysti struck with speed and force. The arms across her chest moving out in a blur as a green fist met the face of the one who dare not answer appropriately. The punch echoed across the exercise quad. Much louder than the sound of Farrgh hitting the ground unconscious. Mrysti looked down at the large creature. He wouldn¡¯t hear her. Those watching would have to tell him what she said later on, if they wanted to or if he bothered to ask what had happened. ¡°You say¡­¡¯thank you¡¯. Anytime anyone gives you something you want, you say¡­.¡¯thank you¡¯.¡± Picking up her towel off the bench, Mrysti looked out toward the others who watched the incident take place. A wicked glare glazed over her face to match the veneer of sweat she built up using the bench. No one said anything, but people moved. They all moved out of her way, almost forming a cordon all the way out of the exercise area. It reminded Mrysti of other cordons she had seen. Arrivals, official events. Soldiers and dignitaries lined up in honor of the ¡®Empire¡¯s Hammer¡¯. This¡­was not so different. The Hammer had given way to the new ¡®Queen¡¯ of Cellblock AA-52. -- - Control Office, Warden¡¯s Private Study¡­. ¡°Interesting.¡± The Warden looked over his shoulder at the Captain of the Guard. ¡°Did you put Farrgh up to that?¡± ¡°No, your Excellency¡­he did that entirely on his own.¡± The Warden looked back down at the holo and watched Mrysti leave. His hand to his mouth as he thought and contemplated. Turning back to the Captain, he dropped the hand and looked up. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s time we introduced ourselves. Indoctrination first¡­this has moved much faster than I anticipated. First week and she¡¯s already established dominance. Quite a turn, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± ¡°Alarming¡± The Captain looked at the holo, ¡°But not unexpected. She¡¯s commanded armies, led¡­conquered.¡± ¡°Then, we need to humble her a bit. Perhaps, show her that SHE is not in charge.¡± -- -- - Dromand Kaas, Sith Citadel¡­.The First Galactic War and the Treaty of Coruscant¡­some thirteen years prior.... Summoned to Darth Vowrawn¡¯s private office, Lord Cornelia Usher fixed herself proper on the way while sitting in the back of the enclosed speeder. Rumors, all of them flying about that Vowrawn was destined for greater things and those who attached themselves to his coattails were sure to follow. Cornelia had many detractors and detriments to advancement. Most of all being human in a Pureblood dominated government and society. It paid to know people and to be known. It helped to erase those detractors. Standing outside of his office and pacing, Cornelia went over what she was going to say. How to sell herself to him, that she was the best candidate for his Chief of Staff position. Her war record spoke for itself. Her performance at the academy on Ziost, exemplary. As a Sith; even for a human, she stood out. Female, human, marked beauty. Both positive and negative aspects that got her noticed. The door chimed as a wall mounted speaker crackled to life. <¡±The Dark Lord will see you now¡­¡±> The speaker shut off. Cornelia rubbed her hands over her blondish-brown hair one last time and straightened her tunic and armor. Once the door opened to darkness, she slowly and confidently strode inside. -- ¡°Sensitive¡­¡± Vowrawn spoke softly, with a hint of malicious sarcasm in his voice. Looking down at Cornelia as he smiled. Fastening his tunic over the long robe he wore, pulling up the bottoms as he got dressed. Cornelia lay at his feet, mostly naked. A trickle of blood ebbing from the corner of her mouth, turning her head away and back to the cold floor. ¡°Human vagina is by far the most sensitive¡­.I can never get enough of the reaction I get from human females.¡± Vowrawn stopped himself and looked up, placing a finger to his mouth in thought. ¡°Except maybe, Mirialans¡­I do so enjoy them. They scream for their ''god'' before, after and during....¡± Not even mentioning the position Cornelia had arrived to interview for, Vowrawn strode from the room. Leaving the bloodied and battered Sith Lord lying at the foot of his desk. After he was gone, she slowly picked herself up off the floor, stifling back the pain and tears that were threatening to overtake her. She felt stupid for not expecting it. Rumors, she had heard them. The things that Vowrawn did to others. But never in a million lifetimes did she believe he would do those things to her. Not her. A Hero to the Sith. A patriot to the cause from a very well-placed Imperial family. An exemplary citizen and Soldier for the Empire. Standing up with a slight limp, Cornelia picked up her clothes and roughly tucked them close under her arms. Lifting her head and walking to the door. No. Not her. Not now. Not Ever. -- - Vowrawn''s Private Estate, Dromand Kaas.... ¡°What is it?!?!¡± The guard exclaimed as he stuck his head from aside the booth¡¯s partition. Comm traffic was frantic. A mixture of screams and cries for help. Ducking back inside, the guard pressed the alert panel and sounded the estate wide alarm. <¡±¡­GET OUT, there¡¯s no way to¡­AGGGGHHHHH!!!¡±> ¡°Come in!!! Guard Post One, Report!!¡± The perimeter guard pressed the transmit and yelled into the comm. ¡°How many are there, what is your status!!!?!¡± It was clear, Darth Vowrawn¡¯s estate had been breached. And it could be any number of enemies. The Republic, a rival Sith. They were always on guard for attack at any time for that reason. And it wasn¡¯t just the war. Sith were surrounded by enemies. As it turned out, this was an all together different enemy. ¡°Only one¡­¡± The voice, feminine in origin spoke softly as the guard turned sharply to face it. And felt his chest open up with a searing pain and cracking sound. There wasn¡¯t even time to scream. Cornelia stepped into the guard booth after discarding the guard''s still beating and warm heart. Blood, not her own covering every part of her skin. The glow of her crimson saber lighting her way. She wanted him to know, wanted Vowrawn to know. Not her. Not ever. -- ¡°Get those gun emplacements in position¡­¡± Vowrawn was in his night robe, the wind whipping the sides of it open as he looked out and beyond the perimeter into the darkness. Once the slight ember of a crimson lightsaber broke the dark, Vowrawn¡¯s eyes got wide. A rival, a fellow Sith come to claim what was his. ¡°FIRE!!! FIRE!!!¡± The night erupted in blue plasma once the gun emplacements opened up. All of them directed toward the slight red glow which continued to come closer. The red saber was moving so fast it was a blur, a red tracer of movement which deflected the initial barrage of cannon until it simply disappeared. Vowrawn smiled. ¡°Cease Fire¡­.¡± The Dark Lord placed his hands on his hips. ¡°Guards¡­go out and retrieve whatever is left of the fool who dared to challenge me. I¡¯ll have their name to give to the Council¡­¡± Vowrawn turned back to walk into the estate house and stopped suddenly, taking a step back. ¡°You had me, Darth Vowrawn¡­.¡± Cornelia, a visage of blood and death started toward him. The red of the crimson lightsaber she held hissed back to life lighting up the many lives she taken all over her skin. The woman was naked, only the gore clothing her. It was for shock and awe. Something to give anyone who wanted to attack her a momentary pause. And it worked. Until that moment. ¡°¡­now I will have you.¡± Cornelia was from a well-funded and prominent Imperial Family. It wouldn¡¯t do to simply kill her, disgrace her and her name perhaps. The Sith needed the kind of support Cornelia''s family could bring. In that moment, as Cornelia stepped toward him, this was yet another in a series of ''jaded'' lovers who had come calling. This one had to disappear as well. Vowrawn had kriffed up. Underestimating the tenacity of this Sith. Most, kept their mouths shut. They let it happen, let Vowrawn have his way. But not Cornelia. Not Now. Not Ever. -- - Cellblock AA-52, ''The End'' - Maximum Security....Mess Area.... How many times had this guy; well it wasn¡¯t really a guy, the male alien creature that was so gracious to greet Mrysti on her first few days in prison, had his ass kicked? Not many, Mrysti suspected. Mostly because, beside herself; the creature known as Farrgh was the largest ¡®Monster¡¯ on their block; if not the entire prison. Already a suspicious person Mrysti watched him very carefully. A rough upbringing and a hard life taught her to watch the most dangerous long before she was sent away. That first day, Mrysti taught Farrgh a lesson. And the creature stayed well enough away. But this, it just irked her. And it was beginning to be such a lovely day. Early rise, the weight room all to herself. An hour or two in the exercise quad. Silent breakfast and time to contemplate and consider things. Mrysti had all kinds of time to think. Then the day took a strange turn. Mrysti didn¡¯t know why it got under her skin. Seeing Farrgh pick on someone so much smaller than he was. AND a woman. Human by the look of her. Creeping up behind him, Mrysti folded her massive arms across her broad chest and listened. The frown she wore soon turned to a slight smirk. The smaller human female was anything but defenseless. Not that Mrysti was going to allow Farrgh to throw any weight around. There was a new ¡®Queen¡¯ of the cellblock. And that was Mrysti. ¡°You---owe¡± It was broken pidgin basic. The most Farrgh could muster with alien vocal cords. He understood much better than he could speak. The small brownish-blonde turned slowly, only her eyes looking aside at the massive alien. She caught a glimpse of Mrysti standing behind Farrgh, who had not yet realized he was being stalked. The smaller woman did not betray Mrysti¡¯s presence. ¡°Owe¡± Turning back around after saying the word questioningly, the smaller woman laughed. ¡°I don¡¯t owe you anything.¡± Imperial. The accent was unmistakable. But not just any Imperial accent. Highbrow, educated. From a very wealthy class. She sounded like the Warden. Another aristocratic type. Not mottled and rough like the Imperial tone Mrysti so often spoke. ¡°YOU---OWE¡± Farrgh reached down and just before the hand touched her shoulder, the utensil the small Sith was carefully hiding in her other hand found it¡¯s way through the aliens palm and out the other side of its hand. Greenish-blue blood spurted from the wound as Farrgh grimaced and drew the hand back, lifting it too ¡®look¡¯ though sightless skin flaps where its eyes should have been. Slowly, Farrgh pulled the buttering knife all the way through its hand and dropped it on the floor. ¡°NOW¡ªYOU PAY¡± Not that the brunette needed her help, but it was a matter of principle. Mrysti had already established the pecking order and Farrgh was acting out of turn. Getting up, the woman kicked the chair she was sitting in back; in order to give herself some fighting room. Mrysti never let it get that far. A large green hand landed on Farrgh¡¯s shoulder and the sightless alien turned and smelled, sensed who it was. He bowed his head and waited. Mrysti knew he couldn¡¯t see, but the creature who saw through sound and some sort of other sense; knew she was shaking her head. ¡°Farrgh. We¡¯ve discussed this. At length. Perhaps we need to have another discussion, yet again¡­¡± N-NO¡ª¡± Farrgh looked back toward the other Sith and turned his head back toward Mrysti. ¡°Farrgh¡ªgo. She¡ªowe you¡ªnow¡± As Farrgh walked away, his head low; Mrysti looked toward the tiny woman who already took up her chair once again and sat down. That was surprising. The smaller woman said nothing to Mrysti, nor acknowledged her support. It made Mrysti scoff a laugh. Sitting down, Mrysti glared at the woman, who went back to drinking whatever was in the cup she formerly held before all of the turmoil. ¡°Before you say it¡­¡¯My Lord¡¯ you should know, I did not ask nor require your assistance.¡± Mrysti sat back in her seat at the words, a broad smile forming on her face. Obviously the woman knew who she was or at least had some idea. And it was evident that even at her size, facing a much larger more intimidating opponent held no challenge. Had Mrysti the full use of the Force, her first instinct was to reach out to her. Rubbing her hand across the suppressor on the back of her neck reminded Mrysti that though she still had use of some of her power, she lacked the full ability. The pain inflicted by the suppressor was enough to make use of the Force a last resort commodity and disrupt anything she would try to do within it. The woman turned her head to look at Mrysti, it was then that she noticed the woman was also equipped with a similar device across the back of her neck. ¡°There are not many of us around.¡± Mrysti inclined her head toward the other woman¡¯s suppressor and smiled. ¡°My name is¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªI know who you are.¡± The chair made a loud screech turning with the woman toward Mrysti. ¡°¡­if you¡¯ve been part of the Empire for the last decade, you would have to live in a box to not know. The ¡®Hammer of the Empire¡¯¡­¡± The woman scoffed. ¡°The very last person in the galaxy I would ever expect to see here. You must have rubbed someone the wrong way.¡± The woman started to turn back around, Mrysti leaned forward. ¡°Perhaps, I¡¯m not the only one. You seem to stick out. Young, pretty¡­human. You look more like the model Imperial than a prisoner.¡± ¡°Maybe¡± The woman said simply, still not an inkling of respect in her voice. ¡°It matters very little, none of us are going anywhere.¡± Mrysti soured of the conversation, getting up. But not before she leaned down placing her weight and her hands down on the table. Her shadow looming over the fearless woman. ¡°I¡­am. Going somewhere that is. Someone wanted me here, I am granting their desires until it suits me to do otherwise.¡± Mrysti pushed off the table. But before she walked away, the large Mirialan turned back. ¡°You are only a prisoner if you allow them to treat you so. I like to think of them as OUR prisoners.¡± -- The lights were turning down with the automatic sensors and timers. It was mandatory lights out. Soon, the doors would follow. It was the same every night. Mrysti typically used the que of the lights going down as her way of reminding herself to meditate before bed. Instead, she turned the blanket down. Flopping down on the bed, she folded her hands behind her head and looked up at the ceiling. Already her mind taking her to different places. Imagining different scenarios on how to escape and what would be needed. More importantly, what she was going to do to those who placed her there once she was free. Those thoughts made meditation necessary, a way of prepping her for the necessity of releasing her mind before bed. ¡°Cornelia¡± The voice made Mrysti rise from her solitary bunk and look up toward the still open doorway. It was just before lockdown, others were still roaming free in the common area. Standing in the doorway, the tiny Sith from earlier nodded curtly. ¡°My name¡­it¡¯s Cornelia.¡± 3 - Gathering Forces Main Floor, Cellblock AA-52¡­ ¡°Usher!!¡± The helmeted guard called out. Instead of answering, the woman in the cell next to Mrysti¡¯s raised a hand. The two exchanged a brief look. After the previous night¡¯s conversation, it was safe enough in Mrysti¡¯s mind to at least call themselves ¡®acquaintances¡¯, not quite friends. Cornelia had officially introduced herself, but not much else. Introductions and talking among prisoners came hard. It wasn¡¯t like the holo-vids of prison shows. No one just walked up to someone else, no one tapped elbows and smiled with a ¡®Whadaya in for?¡¯ type question. It took time, rapport had to be established. That first step was taken by Cornelia the previous night. In thanks for dealing with Farrgh. ¡°You answer out loud when you¡¯re called, Usher!!! You will get no further warnings." The suppressor on the back of her neck whined loudly as it warmed up. A warning that they had control. The guard took his hand off the button attached to the datapad he read from, calling out names; giving a quick cursory glance beneath his visor back toward Cornelia. ¡°HERE!!¡± She finally called out sarcastically. The guard¡¯s thumb moved back to the button on the datapad, but a clearing of a throat behind him gave him pause. The Officer who was monitoring the roll call gave the guard a look and he moved on. ¡°De¡¯nabre!!!¡± The guard called out. His helmeted face looked up and directly at Mrysti. She promptly folded her arms and glared back. ¡°PS-Zero-Zero-Seven-Alpha¡­.De¡¯nabre!! Answer up when you¡¯re called!!¡± Mrysti stayed silent, her face turning bored, rolling her eyes in an absent direction. Starting to move his thumb toward the button, the guard found the datapad snatched from his hands. Leaning in, the Officer behind him whispered something as the guard snapped to attention and quickly moved out down the gangway behind him, leaving the Officer standing there holding the datapad. Slowly and with a leisurely stroll, the Officer moved down the gangway and the stairs, making his way toward Mrysti and Cornelia. He stopped just out of range and looked down at the datapad one last time before looking up at the massively tall Mirialan. ¡°It¡¯s probably time I introduced myself, I¡¯m Captain Oberisk¡­Captain of the Guard here at The End.¡± Mrysti looked down at the Captain. Not many ever did. Oberisk was a tall man, just over six foot. But next to Mrysti he looked surprisingly normal. Not to mention all of the prisoners instructions that they were never to make direct eye contact with any of the Officers or Guards. There was a hint of surprise as she glared at him, saying nothing at the introduction. ¡°I¡¯m sure¡­¡± He went on after a moment, ¡°¡­you¡¯ve been read the rules by the central computer. Eye contact is strictly forbidden. And I am going to assume, that due to your extensive combat experience and injuries; you are suffering from acute hearing loss.¡± ¡°No¡± Mrysti finally said, still glaring at the man. ¡°I was looking down at you. Unfortunately, all I could see was the top of your head. And I heard you and the guard just fine, I just don¡¯t answer to my last name being called by underlings. You wish me to answer you, you will address me as I am meant to be addressed.¡± The Captain smiled, releasing a slight chuckle. ¡°Jokes. I love them. There is a lack of humor in this place.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not joking.¡± Mrysti said seriously. Her eyes widened to emphasize her words. The Captain took a step back, snatching the Datapad down by his side. ¡°You believe I will address you as, ¡®My Lord¡¯ or ¡®Darth¡¯¡­.¡± Narrowing his eyes, the Captain glanced over his shoulder toward the Guards. Two of them peeled off the wall and started toward him. ¡°¡­then perhaps it¡¯s time you were reminded of the rules.¡± Shock batons came out and into the hands of the two guards as they approached. Mrysti took a step back, getting into a semi-fighting stance. Once the central AI¡¯s voice chimed over the quad very loudly, she looked up. <¡±All Prisoners¡­lie down on the ground. Disintegration Turrets ¨C Activated.¡±> High pitched whines accompanied the opening in the ceiling as turrets descended from long hydraulic poles. They trained on Mrysti; the Captain looking up at them before glancing at her once again. ¡°One of the first rules¡­don¡¯t make eye contact with the guards.¡± The two black armored figures jumped in, hitting Mrysti on her side and the back of her legs. She buckled slightly, but did not fall. Fighting the urge to lash out and fight back. Standing back up straight after giving the ceiling guns a quick glance. Smiling at her restraint, the Captain continued. ¡°Rule two¡­¡± The guards struck again. This time hitting her in the back of the neck and the small of her back. Again, Mrysti buckled but only went down to a knee. Propping herself up with a grimace, she rose to her full height slowly. ¡°¡­when addressed. You will answer verbally. The first and last words from your mouth will be ¡®Sir¡¯¡­.¡± Starting to move in again, the AI and the Captain were interrupted by a non-automated voice, which simply said ¡®Stop¡¯ in a calm tone. The guards were caught mid-swing, stopping to glare at Mrysti as they lowered their batons. The Captain gave an annoyed look toward the loud speaker before looking back to Mrysti again. ¡°We¡­all have a boss.¡± She said softly. Annoyed, the Captain turned around sharply and marched off. The guards trailing behind him. Mrysti waited until they were out of range before she collapsed against the wall and slid down into a seated position. Her legs vibrating from the pain of the shock batons. More importantly, resisting the pent up rage to simply tear the place apart. Placing her face in her hands, Mrysti let out a calming breath. ¡°They will make you pay for that¡­¡± Mrysti looked up to see Cornelia standing over her. Her head went back down into her hands. ¡°¡­either when you least expect it or at night when they know you¡¯re vulnerable. We all have to sleep.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t answer did I¡­¡± Raising her face up again, Mrysti smiled. -- - Warden¡¯s Private Study, ¡®The End¡¯¡­.. ¡°Captain, I don¡¯t need to explain myself to you¡­but in this case I will.¡± The Warden spoke calmly. ¡°WE have orders. Very clear orders from those who OWN us and this prison. Darth Retuvisa is not to be harmed or molested until we are given instructions to do so. Her time will come.¡± ¡°But sir¡­¡± Pleading, the Captain stood at attention. Only looking down when he needed to speak. ¡°No ¡®BUTS¡¯ Captain. So, she didn¡¯t answer roll call for the work detail. Do you really think it matters?¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Speaking sharply, narrowing his eyes toward the Warden, The Captain started his own glare. ¡°Sir, you may think you have control of this place. But it¡¯s the inmates who run it. We are just allowed to observe them. Yes, we have weapons. But who do you think establishes the rules down there in the quad? We may give them, but it is the inmates who enforce them. She has already taken over that block¡ªand her defiance will not only establish a dangerous precedent, the other inmates will see it and that will become the law in the cellblock.¡± ¡°Your oversimplifying.¡± The Warden rolled around in his seat, steepling his fingers while glancing at Mrysti though the holo-cam. ¡°Look at her. You made your point. She fell to her knees the second you walked away.¡± ¡°AFTER I walked away. A clear show to the others that we can not get to her.¡± ¡°What would you have me do?!?!¡± The Warden wheeled back around, slamming his hands on the desk. Smiling wickedly, the Captain took a step back. ¡°Leave it to me. Let me deal with her in my own way.¡± Making his way around to the side of the Warden¡¯s desk, the Captain leaned in and pointed at the holo-screen. ¡°It starts with that other one. Usher. It seems she has befriended our famous Dark Lord. We cut her off from support from within. If the other inmates fear us, more than they fear her¡­perhaps they will take care of her FOR us. Let them all see what happens when you become friends with one who is defiant.¡± Waving absently, the Warden turned back around. ¡°You have my leave to do so. It¡¯s time for Usher¡¯s monthly visit from us anyway. This time, make sure she bares the marks to show the others¡­assemble your crew.¡± Still smiling, the Captain started to leave the room in a rush. There was much preparation to be made, inmates to release. His regular crew of miscreants. The Warden stopped him with a word, making the other Officer turn before reaching the door. "And Captain...do apologize to Lord Usher for my absence. Tell her I will see her at our regular time in a few weeks when we have to do this again...." -- Spoiler: NSFW - ''This Ain''t Happening'' - Cellblock AA-52, ''The End'' - Cell#1764 - 2145 hours; Galactic Standard Time..... The noise woke Mrysti, who had meditated and soothed herself enough to sleep. Hard times for a Sith, who used their emotions to fuel their powers. The mechanism attached to the back of her neck ensured she did not use them for fear of activation. Severe pain followed any use of the Force. Enough pain to disrupt anything within the Force they all tried to accomplish. And Force users were all easy to pick out. They were the only ones who wore the device. It was definitely a struggle next door. The Cell echoed the sound of screams and altercation. Mrysti got up, slinging the prison issue blanket off herself. Leaning into the door, she placed her face just above the open barred pane to look out and listen. The transmitted sound of a guard in full armor, accompanied by the official sounding voice of an Imperial Officer. Several more voices, even more gruff and lazy. Mrysti pursed her lips. Those were inmates, the way they talked and the tone gave it away. ¡°Get her up on the bed¡­¡± A charging sound of electricity accompanied the order from the Officer, as well as a scream and some laughter. Recognizing that voice, Captain Oberisk was getting further distant. They were all going into Cornelia¡¯s cell. ¡°¡­you know how this goes, Sith. Resist and it only hurts worse.¡± ¡°So, please resist¡­¡± A gruff voice and some more laughter. Mrysti couldn¡¯t hear what Cornelia said, but it was a threat. More struggle until a vibrostaff hit near Mrysti''s face. Mrysti jerked her head back at the sparks which flew near her eyes. One of the guards spotting her watching, trying to dissuade her from continuing. ¡°Back to bed you, this is not your concern!!¡± The guard hit again and Mrysti drew back sharply; with a grimace. If the guard had known whom he was dealing with perhaps it would have went another way. Mrysti goaded him, placing her face back toward the bars in defiance. ¡°Maybe I want to make it my concern.¡± The words made the guard turn around. Instead of heading toward Cornelia¡¯s cell he turned back toward Mrysti, holding the electrified vibrostaff in two hands. He approached and put the tip of it up toward the bars. ¡°Don¡¯t make me come in there or perhaps you will get what the other one is getting nex¡ª¡± The move was lighting fast. Mrysti¡¯s hand grabbed the end of the staff through the lightning field which projected off the end of the staff. Gritting her teeth at the temporary pain of the electricity which coursed down her arm. Jerking the guard and his staff toward her door. Armor cracked against the surface as the guard fell limp and her door opened. Getting the guard to open it was her intent, she didn¡¯t think it would be so sudden. His armor hitting the door activating the release. Mrysti stepped over the fallen guard. Looking toward Cornelia¡¯s cell. Then looking up. Normal red lights of the monitoring AI were darkened, as was the holo-cam indicators. What Captain Oberisk and his goons were doing was not something they wanted recorded. Smiling to herself, ¡®So much the better¡¯; Mrysti started for the door. Dropping the staff on the ground. The others had all gone in, but the cell door was still open. Murmurs of laughter and talking still coming from the inside. -- Fabric ripped as the massively large Twi¡¯lek stripped the pants off Cornelia. She struggled, kicking back at him. Her arms held over her head by another sinister looking inmate with a green mohawk and full body tattoos. Scarring overlaid in odd places cut through the dirt and grime which covered ''Mohawk''. Holding her arms with one hand, ¡®Mohawk¡¯ pushed up off his knees punching down with his other hand. Hitting Cornelia in the face repeatedly until she slowed and finally stopped struggling. Cornelia fell limp. Red-skinned and muscular, the Twi¡¯lek pulled Cornelia¡¯s lower half toward him; squatting on his haunches and knees between her legs. ¡°I would never git a girl this fine anywhere else¡­¡± The Twi¡¯lek laughed, moving his hips in; a hand down between his legs to position himself. With a sharp jerk of the hips, Cornelia¡¯s body lurched upward. Unconscious, she made no sound. But her form started to move and jerk with the Twi¡¯lek¡¯s hip motions. ¡°Kriff tha¡¯ whore!!¡± Mohawk called out, punching her again. ¡°¡­buh, save sum for me. I wan¡¯ her lucid when I git up in it.¡± Gritting his teeth in time with each thrust of the Twi¡¯lek¡¯s hips, Mohawk followed each stroke with a tender glee. ¡°I like em¡¯ sleepin¡¯¡­¡± The Twi¡¯lek replied, his hips getting faster. Cornelia¡¯s lifeless body jerking sharper and harder. Looking down at his watch, Captain Oberisk glanced at the time. Just as he looked up the massive green blur struck him before he could react. He fell unconscious into the wall behind him. The last image, a massive shape filling up the space between him and the bed the two goons were using. -- ¡®Oh hell no¡­¡¯ Mrysti grit her teeth rushing into the room. Black armor turned toward the blur, but not in time to save itself. A glove hand reached down to the armored belt line to activate the suppression device. The black armored guard managed to push the button, with no effect. The cellblock AI and disruption system was turned off. The computer did not receive the request to suppress Mrysti or anyone else who wore a collar. Instead, the last thought of the guard before his helmet and then his head cracked open against the side of the cell was: ¡®Oh shit¡­¡¯. But it was so fast, he only thought it. The guard had no time to react. Grabbing up the guard, Mrysti slung the armored figure into the wall with massive velocity. The wall cracked once the guard made impact, showers of rock and fallen debris mixed with splinters of black armor, blood and fragments of bone. She spun into Captain Oberisk who was just looking up in time to catch Mrysti¡¯s other elbow as it came around. Connecting with his jaw, only the last minute looking up kept Captain Oberisk from a similar fate as the guard who died seconds before. ¡°WHAT THE LIVIN¡¯ KRIFF¡­¡± Mohawk called out pointing at the blur who now slowed enough for the two goons to see her. The Twi¡¯lek was far too enamored with what he was doing to Cornelia as the other yelled out. Finally looking up and slowing his movement to see the Mohawk get snatched into the air and thrown out of the cell door. Mohawk screamed, a distant trailing scream which ended the second the goon hit the duracrete outside face first. Slowly, the muscular Twi¡¯lek allowed himself to slide out of Cornelia. His rod slapping wetly against his own thigh as he raised his hands up. Green fury, wild white hair met his gaze. ¡°Now¡­jus¡¯ hold on a second. We are part of a cre¡ª¡± Mrysti grabbed the big man around the throat. Strong enough to resist, the Twi¡¯lek grabbed her wrist with both hands. Mrysti felt the other¡¯s strength, it made her smile viciously. Since the beginning of her time within the walls of the prison, Mrysti went to great pains to control her blood lust. Her desire for vengeance. Rage was a simmering, ever present voice in the back of her mind. Once she felt the Twi¡¯lek grab her wrist and try to resist her, all of that control suddenly disappeared. Looking down at the Twi¡¯lek¡¯s nakedness, Mrysti reached down grabbing the male¡¯s scrotum with her other hand. She squeezed, felt the grip around her wrist loosen. The Twi¡¯lek¡¯s eyes getting wide as he let out a high-pitched scream. Walking him toward the cell door, she shoved once she got close to the threshold. The Twi¡¯lek flew backward, landing on top of his partner. Rolling over to the side as he grabbed his neathers in pain. Turning back frantically, Mrysti looked around the room. No more threats, just an unconscious Cornelia. Not sure how much damage she had sustained; without thinking, Mrysti looked down at Cornelia¡¯s sprawled and battered form. Leaning down, Mrysti scooped Cornelia into her arms cradling her close. And ran from the cell. All of it was instinct.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. They had to run, both of them. Surrounded by overwhelming enemies, the first thought was always to get away. Get far away to assess the damage. Loud repeated footfalls made Mrysti slow and eventually stop with the sound of her running. Where was she going? It came back where they were; blood lust and the red hue of the vision clearing in her mind. There was no where to go. The lights of the cellblock snapped on. A loud whine and buzz once the AI and the monitoring system came back on. Someone was watching. Had been watching the whole time. Captain Oberisk stumbled out of the cell, his hand on the doorframe as he wiped the blood from his jaw. Eyes finally landing on Mrysti at the end of the gangway. ¡°BREACH!!!¡± The Captain called out. <¡±Breach detected¡±> The AI¡¯s voice called out over the external speakers <¡±All prisoners remain in your cells. Identifying --"> Turning around slowly, Mrysti narrowed her eyes at the Captain. In her arms, she still led the lifeless form of Cornelia Usher. The AI identified both Mrysti and Cornelia as being out of their cells at lockdown. Turrets descended with the high pitched whine of disintegration cells. The suppressor both Sith wore warmed quickly and zapped both Mrysti and Cornelia. Dropping Cornelia, both fell loudly to the metal surface of the gangway as running feet closed in. The guards began to jab Mrysti and Cornelia with shock batons. There was no way to fight back. Even with the anger and rage at what Captain Oberisk had done, it was not enough to overcome both the suppression system and the gang of guards armed with batons. The blood lust had faded with the realization that, it was either the collar or the disintegration turrets. Either way, they were going no where. Glancing upward, Mrysti¡¯s sight began to close in; in time to see Captain Oberisk approach. A foot quickly taking the last bit of sight as the Captain kicked Mrysti sharply in the face. -- Spoiler: NSFW - Trying to Break The Beast Light and Sound. The dragging feet. Trying to man-handle someone so massive. The struggle of it. Consciousness came and went. Much like it was during those times of her captivity. When she made the ''Taskmaster'' particularly angry. Beatings, unconsciousness. The endless rapture of being taken. She got used to it. So much so that it began to build immunity within her. Craving, wanting more. More, it fueled the darkness within her. The ''Taskmaster'' believed he held the power. Never realizing he was filling the battery of Mrysti''s darkness. Filling it until it could no longer be contained and the craving consumed her. She, would never get enough. Light and sound seemed to come and go. The grunting sound of those having to deal with the unconscious weight of someone so big. Mrysti felt her wrist and ankles being chained. Legs apart, arms stretched above her head and spread as wide as her shoulders. For a moment, Mrysti thought she was back on Korriban. Back in captivity. She murmured softly to herself. ¡°Ye-Yes, Ma-Master¡­¡± But they didn''t hear her. Concentrated on the task at hand. Hoisting her up in the dungeon. Intent on making her pay for interfering in the first place. The two goons the Captain used had no idea that what took place an hour before in Cornelia''s cell wasn''t as much to do with Cornelia; though they had done that specific task before and to Cornelia on a regular basis, as it was to do with Mrysti. It was meant to show Cornelia and the others who would think of befriending Mrysti what happened when you did. It was meant as a deterrent. One that had the opposite effect. At every turn they were underestimating Mrysti. Not because they couldn''t understand, because they were incapable of understanding. They all had no idea of the power they were dealing with. No one of simple means like those interred at the prison or the administrators who oversaw it could understand. This was no ordinary prisoner. Captain Oberisk''s first instinct upon Mrysti''s initial arrival was the correct one. They would have all been better off killing Mrysti at the start. Games, that would get them all killed; were being manipulated by someone on the other side of the galaxy that had no real interest in any of their well being. "What''s she sayin''..." Mohawk held the listless Mirialan upright while his accomplice finished fastening the chains. The Twi''lek looked up and shrugged his shoulders. Mrysti murmured again. Something in ancient Sith, something unrecognizable. Something about Korriban and the need for more. -- ¡°This bitch is heavy.¡± The Twi¡¯lek bent over after hoisting Mrysti up. Bending in part because what Mrysti had done to him earlier, his privates were still sore from being man-handled. And the sheer weight of the massive Mirialan. The dingy stone construction of the solitary cell was carved from within the asteroid the prison was constructed. Stepping back in the low light, the Twi¡¯lek looked at his partner who was still nursing a wound to both his pride and the knock on his head as he landed face first once Mrysti threw him. They both looked at the Captain who stood off in the shadows. A look of disgust on his face as he looked Mrysti up and down. ¡°Water.¡± The Captain said stoically. Obeying the order, The Twi¡¯lek reached down and scooped some off the floor of the cell into a bucket and tossed it toward Mrysti. She woke with a gasp and all at once, getting her bearings. Again, believing she was once again back on Korriban, shaking her hands and her ankles. Immobile to do anything. But once she locked eyes with the Twi¡¯lek she snarled. It wasn¡¯t a dream, Korriban was. Turning her head forward, she controlled her breath and let the hate warm her. Captain Oberisk circled, the two inmates accompanying him stepping back into the shadows. He said nothing continuing to watch her until the sloshing footsteps stopped at her side. Looking back over his shoulder, he inclined with his neck toward Mrysti; looking at the muscular Twi¡¯lek, who smiled at the gesture. The trio had already discussed what they were going to do as they drug Mrysti down to the solitary block. The goal was to make her scream. Captain Oberisk wanted to kill her. None of this was going to be on holo-cam. If he had his way, he was going to kill her. Not only for what she done, but for the insult of doing it in the first place. But he knew, he would answer to the Warden if he did. Everyone had a boss, as Mrysti reminded him earlier in the week. Easing up behind her, The Twi¡¯lek ran his hands up Mrysti¡¯s torso, until he found her breasts. Cupping them, one in each hand; almost too massive to hold, he squeezed viciously. It made Mrysti drop her head and let out a breath. Not unlike what she had gone thorough in her life, she knew what was coming. Not what their goal was. Again, she tested the restraints, pulling down on them softly until they locked out. She wasn¡¯t going anywhere. But not because of the chains. Narrowing her eyes as they continued to prepare for the work they were tasked to perform; Mrysti pulled softly and felt the rock above her give way. Two things stopped her from ripping the chains from the ceiling. Killing them would be easy. And she could do it before any of them reached the ability to activate her suppression device. They were tested, they failed. But killing them would only result in her own death. Powerful as she was, she could not face down the army garrisoned at the prison. The three standing in the room about to punish her would make for weak recompence in the greater scheme. And Mrysti wanted to get to the heart of the larger issue. Testing them was. only part of it. The three standing in the room had obviously done that sort of thing before and what they were about to do again. Confident in their ability to make Mrysti do whatever it was they wanted her to do. If death was their goal, she would have felt its sting already; after having handing all three of them their asses earlier in Cornelia''s cell. No, they wanted something. It was an old rule, but one well received. If someone held power and they kept you alive, it was because they wanted something. Mrysti wanted to know what that was and she was not about to let three amateurs get the best of her. Mrysti had been tortured by the literal best the galaxy could offer. No way was she going to let the three insects in the cell get the better of her. Keeping the chains in mind, Mrysti pulled down and kept them tight. If she suspected death was in the cards; then she would kill them. They would leave her no choice. The hands moved back down, she could feel the Twi¡¯lek¡¯s hot breath against her back. Leaning her head back slightly, she smiled wickedly. One hand came off and jerked her head back farther as the Twi¡¯lek pulled her hair down. It made Mrysti give out a slight grimace once he inserted himself inside. With a sharp upward jerk, the Twi¡¯lek was trying as hard as he could to place as much of his rod inside of her. To no avail. She was far too tall and far too used to that kind of treatment to give any of them what they wanted. Another presence approached, after pushing off the wall behind them. Mrysti felt the other approach, the crackling sound of the electro-rod ¡®Mohawk¡¯ held in his hands didn¡¯t give it away. The lack of a suppressor around her neck did. She could feel the other man¡¯s intent. Lust, anger, rage and the need to make her scream. That was it. They just wanted to make her pay. Mrysti smiled to herself, translating into a smirk. Which enraged the three of them. Once the Twi¡¯lek let go of her hair and placed the hand back on her hips, he started to move fast. Chains rattled in time with the movement. Mrysti turned her head, a rather satisfied and bored look on her face to gaze directly at Captain Oberisk. ''Mohawk''s'' intent gave the game away. ¡°So¡­¡± She began softly, careful to control her voice and not give away any inflection that what the Twi¡¯lek was doing behind her affected her in any way. ¡°¡­that¡¯s the game. You want me to scream.¡± Mrysti looked down, turning her head slightly to catch the Twi¡¯lek looking down, working hard to try and please his employer. ¡°I hate to disappoint you.¡± Biting her lip at the jab, the electro-rod landed against her side. Captain Oberisk watched with intent. Blood coursed down the corner of her mouth. Fighting the need to simply scream out in ecstasy. Mohawk jabbed again, leaving the rod against her skin for much longer. Mrysti shook, both from the Twi¡¯lek who was busy trying to kriff her back into unconsciousness and the electricity of the rod. Without the suppressor attached to her and as the time ticked away, Mrysti felt the power begin to grow within her once again. Hate, Lust, Anger....Rage. Reflections of an earlier time, when she had no idea how to focus that power. Control it. Pulling down on the chains which held her arms up, she felt the cave wall give way. No, not yet. Control. Killing them was not the answer. Power, it was enough. And soon she could be free, if she so desired. They were fools. Having no idea of the torrent and storm they all stood in the midst of. But their time would come. Mrysti let go of the pull slowly, allowing the chains above her to swing once again with the Twi''lek''s movements. Or was it ''Mohawk''? She lost track. They were taking turns, tagging themselves in and out of her. Thinking themselves successful at making her whimper. There were sounds, she made them purposefully. But never a scream. The sounds she made were only a distraction to test the chains which bound her. Making the conscious decision to see where it all went, there was a greater goal and a bigger destiny yet to be fulfilled. As powerful as the ''Hammer of the Empire'' was, she knew she was never going to be able to do what needed to be done alone. The end goal would require others. And the prison was simply a means to get there, a means to get the others she needed to fulfill her plan. Letting up on the chain, she decided to ride all of it out; quite literally. They were not going to kill her, that much was certain. Vowrawn wouldn''t allow it, not yet at least. And when he finally decided to do it, it would be too late. She would be ready. -- Tired, the Twi¡¯lek backed up and stooped over at the knees, placing his hands upon them. The Captain shoved him. ¡°Keep going!!¡± He commanded. ¡°Kriff you, Captain¡­you do it!!! The bitch is invulnerable¡­.¡± Breathing heavy and catching his breath, the Twi¡¯lek glared up at the Captain. Turns had been taken on multiple occasions and over a course of hours between the Mohawk and the red-skinned Twi¡¯lek. Neither of them making a dent in Mrysti¡¯s veneer. She laughed softly to herself and looked up. Rattling her legs, her wet thighs which bore the residue of multiple pleasurable ''explosions'' moved in time with the sound. ¡°I told you.¡± She said softly. ¡°Not a single one of you are man enough to take me. Release these chains¡­and I will make it quick.¡± Stepping up to her, Captain Oberisk slapped her across the face. Her head barely moved, her hair jumping up from the blow and covering her face slightly. Mrysti turned back toward him and smiled. It wouldn''t hurt to give them a warning. Those men, she knew, would not heed it. Even one as subtle as the words she was about to impart. ¡°Just so you know¡­¡± She began in a low, dark tone. ¡°¡­I am going to kill each one of you, slowly¡­.¡± -- "Rage....the path to true power....I Can show you the way." - Unlike Cornelia, Mrysti wasn¡¯t tossed inside the tiny cell. She was only shoved. She turned back toward the two guards and flexed at them. Both guards quickly lowering the forcefield and closing the vault door behind them. Turning to look at the cell, Mrysti ran hands over the top and then sides realizing quickly it was almost too small to allow her to stand. She knelt down on her knees and closed her eyes. Reaching out, she felt it. Cornelia was close. Hints of similar rage and anger radiated on the other side of the wall. Mrysti¡¯s eyes snapped open as she looked over. Only a wall separated them. But it was thick enough that even though the device which inhibited the use of the Force was removed, it would not be breached. But that didn¡¯t mean Mrysti wasn¡¯t looking for weaknesses. It was part of who she was. Years of captivity taught her as much. Placing a hand on the cold stone of the wall, Mrysti closed her eyes again. She could feel Cornelia on the other side. Anger, hate; unfocused rage. Cornelia had lost her way in this place. The feeling felt so similar to how Mrysti once felt, raw and untrained. It dawned on her, that same rage that radiated off of Cornelia once attracted another Sith. It made sense what Darth Malvox said to her so long ago after sensing her in the arena on Hutta. Something only one seasoned in the Dark Side could feel and savor. It was like honey to Mrysti, so powerful that it nearly fueled her just being in Cornelia¡¯s proximity. Lord Cornelia Usher was a very powerful Sith, she just didn¡¯t know it. Cornelia was being buried by a hopelessness that she forced down and covered with her anger. Mrysti would have to remedy that if she was to make use of Cornelia. ¡°I didn¡¯t need your help¡± Mrysti jerked her hand away from the wall. Cornelia reached out and touched, felt Mrysti checking on her. Though the wall muffled the voice, the heat from the thought felt like a hot stove; all directed at Mrysti. ¡°You have any idea how many times that¡¯s happened to me? How many times they have come in the dead of night to get what they want? I fight, only for show. Now matters are worse. Now, thanks to you, no manner of appeasement will placate them.¡± Cornelia dipped her head between her legs and sighed. ¡°I had it all under control. No one was messing with me. I was riding out my time. They will kill me now¡­you too. But most assuredly, me first just because I spoke to you.¡± Scoffing, Mrysti sat back on her calves and smiled wickedly to herself. ¡°You fear death.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question. Mrysti spoke with a humor behind her voice as she smiled. ¡°Those are the words of a coward. And you are letting that fear control you.¡± Sitting up, Cornelia grimaced from the pain of the beating she sustained. But the need to rebuke Mrysti over rode the need to sulk in silence. ¡°Fear?!?! It¡¯s not fear, its wanting to be left the kriff alone!! No one is getting out of here, do you hear me!! They are going to kill us now!!¡± Striking the wall with her fist, Cornelia showed teeth. ¡°No one!! You give them what they want, they leave you alone. That is the way of things.¡± She was still staring at the wall, breathing heavy. Staring at the stone and waiting for another word. Only silence came. Cornelia slapped the wall again. ¡°DO YOU HEAR ME!!!¡± ¡°Yes¡± Mrysti said softly. The muffled voice came back and made Cornelia look around frantically. It sounded so much closer, like Mrysti was in the cell with her. Linked into her mind, Mrysti was savoring the pain and anguish Cornelia was experiencing. Cornelia grabbed her hair on both sides of her head and shook it from side to side. ¡°Get out!! Get out of my mind!!!¡± ¡°No¡± Softly the word floated back toward Cornelia, who looked around again. ¡°You¡­are weak, Lord Usher. Raw emotion will only take you so far. You lack discipline and focus. Ready to spread your legs and your will for those who before kissed the very ground we walked on¡± Pausing, Mrysti tightened her eyes closed further. ¡°¡­shed your fear of what they can do and grasp what I WILL DO if you do not heed my words. Fear me.¡± Eyes wide, Cornelia looked at the wall angrily. ¡°And I suppose you know a better way?!?!¡± Almost completely ignoring what Cornelia both heard through the wall and in the echo of her mind. ¡°Not all of us have your gifts, ¡®Oh Lord of Lords¡¯. Not all of us¡ª¡± ¡°SILENCE¡± The word commanded obedience, interrupting not only her words but the angry thoughts. Echoing not only through the wall, but through Cornelia''s mind. It made Cornelia weak as she fell back down onto the wall, looking up. ¡°Reach out, Lord Usher¡­find me¡­find my mind in all of this. I have already touched the depths of your Rage. I am there, in the center of it. But it is not me that you are angry at. Look into me¡­and see true rage. Know the core of whom you are truly infuriated with.¡± Cornelia grabbed her head again, balling the hair up in her hands. ¡°No¡± Cornelia repeated the word as she rocked back and forth. ¡°Look¡­¡± Came the word again. Cornelia stopped rocking to look up. Closing her eyes she reached in and touched the others mind. The pain, the heat almost blacking her out as she came face to face with true rage. <¡­.stabbing again and again, flesh, tissue, blood¡­.it flew in all directions. The center of Mrysti¡¯s rage, the focus of all her love had betrayed her. Her tormentor, her Master¡­.her one true love. For that¡­he had to die¡­.> Cornelia screamed out grabbing the walls around her as another image hit. <¡­.How could she have known? All at once the Force turned inside Mrysti. Her hair drained of its color. From a rich lustrous ruby red to a stark white. Punishment for killing love. Punishment for betraying the light. The Dark Side of the Force rushed in to replace that void¡­.> ¡°No¡± Cornelia murmured. Things they never said. Things they never taught at the Academy. These were things that a Sith would experience in time. That Dark Power was meant to grow on its own. Lord Usher, stunted in her growth by the same man who put them both there in that place. Cornelia lurched back as the next image hit her. <¡­these were traitors to the Empire. Gnats in the greater scheme. Without hesitation, Mrysti drew the lightsaber and severed their heads one at a time and in systematic order. Killing all of the survivors of her attack. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to¡­.fueling her desire for greater power¡­> ¡°AGGGHHHH!!!¡± Screaming again, Cornelia fell forward. ¡°St-stop¡­you can¡¯t¡ª¡± <....Death, no longer had any power over her. Her body disintegrating around her, Mrysti knew it was the end, even as the cold chill of death started to grip her. Realization that all was for naught. But it was not for naught. It was there. The cold calculating fear and power. That last bit of hope gone, there was only one thing left. It was either Vaylin...or Mrysti. One of them had to die. And if Mrysti was going, she was taking Vaylin with her. At last...at long last. Death had finally claimed that, which not be killed. And the fear of it, fled in the moment the last light flashed in her eyes....> ¡°Can¡¯t I?¡± Mrysti spoke evenly. ¡°You have no idea what you¡¯ve gotten yourself into Lord Usher. You chose the Dark Path. The Dark Path didn¡¯t choose you.¡± Mrysti paused, reaching in deeper. She saw it, what Vowrawn had done to Cornelia. Completely open, Mrysti could see deep into Cornelia¡¯s soul. And there at the heart of her rage, came Vowrawn. ¡°I was chosen BY the Darkness, Cornelia. It is part of me, it always has been. Since my birth, I was born for it. Only when I was thrust into pain and anguish did it reveal itself. Just as it has for you¡­but YOU have chosen to deny it. To placate it with hopelessness. Convincing yourself that you have no hope in this place. It is only true if you give them your power. I¡­can show you everything that has been kept from you.¡± Cornelia fell forward, her face landing on the wet of the floor after Mrysti released her. Slowly she pulled herself up to a sitting position and leaned against the wall again. Breathing heavily from what she seen. Slapping a hand against the wall, fingers curled with a wonder and desire. Who was this woman? Cornelia knew the reputation, the stories. Some meant to strike fear into the enemies of the Empire. It couldn¡¯t be real, not all of it. The burning inside shifted. Cornelia could feel it, a cold resolve strengthen and solidify her against the cold water of the floor. The stale air of the solitary cell. Warmth, even in its chilling embrace. It was warm. Hate that fueled the desire that was just starting to blossom once again. Cornelia leaned her head against the wall just to get closer as she looked at her hand. ¡°Sh-Show me¡­¡± Inside, Mrysti smiled. 4 - The Mandalorian -- - Cellblock AA-52, ''The End'' - Maximum Security..... They were out of Solitary a full two days before it happened. But Mrysti knew it was going to happen. Cornelia and Mrysti had gotten close during their two-week ordeal in the ¡®hole¡¯. The teachings continued and when the door to Cornelia¡¯s cell opened to release her back into general population, it was with a look and a way of carrying herself that she hadn¡¯t had in a long time. Even the guards saw a difference, as they escorted her and Mrysti back to the main cellblock. Strange, they didn¡¯t know how to report it. Cornelia looked in better shape coming out of the ¡®hole¡¯ than she did going in. No sign of the beating she sustained or the psychological effects of the rape at the hands of Captain Oberisk and his goons. Just a steely resolve that no one could figure out. Temper your anger, Mrysti had told her, but don¡¯t bury it. Cornelia burned with it. Something new and hidden, that only the slight smile on her face betrayed. A permanent smile, like Cornelia knew something the rest of them did not. It was a resolute assurance. Something she hadn¡¯t felt since the earliest days of the Academy. Pledging herself to Mrysti in that first few hours, the ¡®Hammer of the Empire¡¯ went to work right away. Though the wall separated them, it was as if the two of them were in the same room together. Mrysti and Cornelia¡¯s minds linked as they shared each other¡¯s secrets. Mrysti showing Cornelia how to heal herself quicker with the Darkness she possessed. And Cornelia sharing everything she knew she learned during her time at the prison. Master and Apprentice, one and the same. The Force and the Unity truly worked in mysterious ways. Mrysti, still Mirialan at heart, was convinced this was divine providence. That the Unity had brought Cornelia to her. No two people in the galaxy who were so similar in their backgrounds, had sustained the same kind of pain and had been placed in the prison by the same person could be mere coincidence. This, was the work of the Force. In time, Mrysti told herself she would consult her ancestors and find out first hand if Cornelia had indeed been sent to her. But for now, it was enough that Cornelia was hers. For the first time, Mrysti was hopeful in a new apprentice. There had been several. The twins. Dismal failures. She had to kill them. Then there was Mize. Utter disappointment. He wasn¡¯t dead, but he should be. Perhaps, Mrysti would do to Cornelia what her own Master, Darth Isilith had done to her early in her tutelage. Put Cornelia and Mize in direct conflict with one another. A test for one and the end of another. Mize needed to die for what he had done to Mrysti, the audacity of thinking that HE of all people could challenge her. Cornelia was definitely much more powerful than Mize had ever been. Perhaps that was the secret to success. Choosing an apprentice that was somewhat advanced. Had suffered pain at the hands of another Sith and was ripe for harnessing into a weapon like Mrysti was when Malvox discovered her. Raw, untamed. Cornelia was definitely eager. The shadow cast by the black armored guard made both Cornelia and Mrysti look over. It appeared the two of them were playing Sabbac on her bed, but the two of them were doing much more than that. Reading the cards the other held and at the same time reaching out between the two of them to stoke the fires of their rage. Planning their next move. Mrysti was teaching Cornelia to shed her fear of Death. It had no hold over Mrysti, it was why she did not fear even the suppressor which had been placed back around both their necks. Gesturing with the rifle he cradled, the Guard¡¯s helmeted gaze drifted toward Mrysti. She pointed at herself. <¡°Yea¡±> the guard¡¯s transmitter chirped sharply. <¡°The Warden wants to see you.¡±> Slowly, she rose from the bed, placing a hand on Cornelia¡¯s head as she did so. Bowing slightly at the grasp, Cornelia closed her eyes. Without saying it, Cornelia acknowledged her Master; as Mrysti moved to the door and out into the main breezeway. Moving out ahead of both guards, every eye in the quad watched the trio leave. Both guards had weapons at the ready as they marched out toward the exit and left with a swoosh of opening and closing exit way portals. They all knew what happened two weeks prior. It was all any of the other inmates in Cellblock AA-52 could talk about. Mrysti, who had stood up to the guards and tried to defend Cornelia. Some thought it brave, most thought it stupid. One thing was unmistakable, Mrysti was most definitely in charge of the block after that singular act. And it was why none of them were surprised when she was taken away. Least of all Mrysti, who knew someone was going to come calling on that singular act. -- Cornelia walked out a moment after the guards led her Master away. Watching the group move with a slight smile on her face. The Warden, Cornelia informed her new Master about him. How he treated them all, his standoffishness toward the inmates and the regular visits he paid to Cornelia. Though he would never lower himself to step a foot inside a maximum security quad. Cornelia was always led to one of the many hiding places the Warden kept. One of his favorites being the infirmary. So many tools and apparatuses to use. And he tried to use them all on Cornelia. Looking over, she saw the ¡®Mandalorian¡¯ looking her way. He quickly looked back down and grimaced. A silent curse to himself that he been caught looking in the first place. Cornelia¡¯s smile broadened slightly as she pushed off the cell door frame and made her way toward him. ¡°I thought we agreed¡­¡± The Mandalorian spoke solemnly without looking up. She knew his name, one of the few people on the block who did. Many years before, the two of them had a ¡®thing¡¯. But the time for that was long past. Looking at him, Cornelia sat and turned slightly away. Placing her hand against her mouth and elbow on the table to appear as if she wasn¡¯t paying him any attention and to hide her lips as she spoke. But they both knew she was. No one was fooled. It was a small quad, people talked. ¡°¡­that you and I were not supposed to speak openly. Notes only.¡± They had a secret code. Things scrawled on the steamy walls of the shower facility. One would write, the other would read. The latter wiping away the residue as they performed their hygiene ritual. There were other secret codes and places. It was surprising how much information could be conveyed in a word scribbled in the breath of another. It helped that the two of them had been intimate and close enough they knew what those one words meant. ¡°Things change, Canton.¡± Cornelia turned her head slightly back toward him, her eyes tightening with glee as she used his name. ¡°Things HAVE changed. I know you¡¯ve seen it.¡± Cornelia smiled under the hand which covered her mouth. ¡°And I know what you did.¡± Finally looking at her, he was about to turn back toward the steamy cup of Caf which was placed exactly center of his body and directly between his elbows. Precision was his key and mantra. But the tightness of her eyes, the gleam that seemed to sparkle as she spoke. It gave him pause. Something had changed. Not just in the quad with the arrival of the primary Sith in Mrysti Alpha, but something in Cornelia. A glimmer that Canton hadn¡¯t seen in a long, long time. He turned away. ¡°You¡¯re takin¡¯ a big risk, tying your replusor to that one.¡± Canton inclined his eyes toward the distant exit. The portal the guards led Mrysti though a few moments before. Completely ignoring the accusation Cornelia threw. That she knew what he did. It was one of the things he loved about her. Cornelia¡¯s instant perception. And it was HER that cut things off after she fell in that deep dark hole. The rapes got more frequent. He became powerless. And blamed himself. Always one to enforce the ¡®keeping your head down¡¯ doctrine. Both of them knew there was very little they could do about it, but the Mandalorian in him would not let it lie. The real crux of the break-up, Cornelia sparing him from sacrificing himself to stop something that could not be stopped. Canton would have died and the ¡®visits¡¯ would continue regardless. She dumped him, to save him. He never truly understood why she did it, only the stain to his honor and his manhood remained. That she would not allow him to prove himself or his love for her. In his mind, he had to convince himself that she wanted it, had somehow encouraged it. Cornelia knew he would, she knew him better than any. It was the only thing that kept him alive, a small sacrifice to pay for someone you cared for. Turning more toward him, they sat evenly; side by side. Cornelia still had the elbow on the table, her hand under her chin and over her mouth as she looked down at the table. But the feeling, the glee within her remained. That something had truly changed was palpable. Canton scrunched his brow and turned his head slightly toward her. Uncharacteristic, showing himself that way not only to her, but to the others. ¡°I know you did.¡± Cornelia finally said. She dropped the hand, a brilliant smile over her face as she looked at him warmly. ¡°The celldoor popping open, letting my Mast¡ªI mean, Mrysti out. She thinks it was something on the guard''s armor, but I know better.¡± Nothing much got past Canton. Cornelia nearly called the new Sith ¡®Master¡¯. He heard it many times before in his dealings with them. Sith called each other by titles, many different titles. But that one was reserved and spoken with a special reverence by those who fell under another¡¯s sway. Also, the way Cornelia said her name. It sounded false. Like Cornelia was almost ashamed to say it. Apprentices didn¡¯t call their betters by their first name. Again, a title of some sort was always involved. For the moment, he let it pass. She obviously didn¡¯t want him to know what was truly going on between herself and the rather large Mirialan. All of his earlier summations. The time the two women were spending together, the way they carried themselves out in public. Lots of rumors flew about a sexual connotation. Now, Canton knew it for what it was. Cornelia had found herself a new master. ¡°Does she know?¡± Canton asked the question as he raised the metallic cup of steaming liquid to his lips. There were lots of sides to the question. Evident by the way Cornelia raised an eyebrow. Did Mrysti know about the past the two shared? Did she know it was Canton who opened the celldoor from across the quad? Did she know he was a Mandalorian, a tech expert that could make something out of nothing? ¡°No¡± Cornelia answered all of the questions with a simple phrase. Very quick to add, ¡°¡­but I don¡¯t know how long I can keep it from her. She¡¯s very ¡®perceptive¡¯¡­¡± ¡°Which is why¡­¡± Canton got up and looked down at Cornelia with a disgusted glare. ¡°¡­you talking to me openly is dangerous. You know better.¡± He slapped the cup back down on the table for the recovery droids. And turned to walk away. Cornelia turned to watch him leave. ¡°I miss you¡­¡± She said suddenly. The Mandalorian stopped in his tracks, hesitated at the words. But then kept on walking. -- These were parts of the Imperial Prison that only administration and very few selected prisoners got to see. The skyway opened up to a clear view of the far side of the asteroid. From inside the large clear tunnel, Mrysti could see the construction droids busy mining or building something on the surface. Lights flickered here and there, torches and laser light. Melding metal and stone as one. In the distance a shining gas giant, with a dwarf sun that crested over its terminator. Radiating light across the several Imperator Class Star Destroyers that drifted in the distance. Ships that looked much larger than they appeared due to the closeness of them to the prison. This was a distant garrison. But a working one. The gas giant, location of the dwarf sun and the symmetry of the stars told her nothing about her actual location. It was still a mystery. She slowed her walk to try and figure it out. Faking an adjustment to the shackles that had been applied to her in the lift. Feeling secure, the guards now walked in front, but turned as she slowed. Before they could admonish her for slowing down, Mrysti sped up. Still no clue as to what system she was in or where the prison asteroid drifted. Even the ships gave no details. Standard looking Imperial Class starships. Reaching the end of the skyway, the trio stopped. A guard reaching out to punch in a code and step back as the massive airlock door opened into a dimly lit, red hued corridor. It smelled fresh and nice. More like the inside of the executive area or officers¡¯ deck of a starship. Mrysti recognized that smell and it represented a clear shift from where she was to where she was being taken. Almost like walking into an entirely different world. They continued down the corridor which ended next to a series of doors, one of which was larger and clearly marked with the word: Warden. The guards turned and placed their back against the door, opening it first before turning to poke Mrysti inside and take their positions. She feigned a stumble. The vibrostaves they carried doing very little to budge the massive behemoth of Mirialan they were escorting. Entering the room, a familiar voice intoned evenly as the lights brightened to show the interior of a foyer office, with another door to the front. <¡±Prisoner PS ¨C Zero, Zero, Three, Alpha¡­you have been summoned by the Warden. Please stand still and await further instruction. The Warden will be with you momentarily.¡±> Mrysti took a moment to look around. The office had the same fresh, new smell. Executive smell. Shelves with glowing holo-records lined the far wall. And though it was hardly necessary due to the presence of the AI, a circular desk flanked the corner near the door, taking up nearly half the room''s space. Space for a humanoid receptionist if the Warden so chose. On the other side, holo-paintings of distant worlds called to visitors. Records of places perhaps the Warden had gone or wanted to go. Very good reproductions of original works, but still only copies. Everything had a feeling of wanting to look professional and high-class. But it, like the paintings, were all fakes. Everything about the foyer office screamed ruse. Meant to set someone at ease, only heightening the tension for anyone visiting. <¡±The Warden will see you now.¡±> The AI chimed evenly. The door on the far side spiraled and slid open parting in the center. <¡±Please proceed slowly and refrain from using your hands to gesture. Any sharp movements will result in activation of your suppression device.¡±> Smirking slightly, Mrysti walked forward. The door spiraling and sliding closed behind her. ¡°AH!!¡± A sharp voice, filled with humor chided as Mrysti walked in. ¡°There she is!!! The woman of the hour, the one that has filled the halls of this prison with absent talk. Come, come¡­.let me have a look at you.¡± Sitting when she came in, The Warden stood after speaking. He wasn¡¯t a small man by any means. Wearing the colored tunic of administration, complete with the rank pip of ¡®Governor¡¯. The Warden was more than a full head and a half shorter than Mrysti, but squat and broad with a politicians glare about him. Once again, fakery screamed at Mrysti. Hidden behind the smile he beamed her direction was nothing but lies. She didn¡¯t need the Force to tell her that much about the man. During their time, Cornelia had already informed Mrysti about ¡®The Warden¡¯. She was more than armed to deal with one such as he. It explained much about the feeling she had looking at his smile. Knowing he was a sadist, that he relished in inflicting pain and anguish on man and woman alike. But only Force Users. Jealous that people he had under his control had so much power. The need to make himself feel powerful around those he once kissed the ground in front of was written all over him. Cornelia also went into great detail about the things he had done to her personally. He was particularly fond of Cornelia. It was more than just her innocent looking beauty. Her lithe frame, that contained so much raw power. Or that she was once a Lord of the Sith who commanded those, the likes of which he came from. The Warden liked to kriff. Helpless prisoners who had the capacity to kill him with the snap of a finger if he took his hand off the button which held them all at bay. In some ways he was much worse than the Captain, who performed his duty because he was ordered to and relished in the accomplishment of it. The Warden did it because he could. Mrysti stood at the foot of the desk after being summoned forward. Unlike other prisoners, who followed the rule of not looking at their captors; Mrysti met his eyes and narrowed her own as she glared at him. That in itself took The Warden aback, she could see him stammer once he looked at her in the light and saw her looking back. Carefully he turned around to appear busy, but more to break the deathly glare she was giving him. ¡°I thought we should finally meet, you and I¡­.¡± The Warden began, rather cordially. Not like a captor talking to one under his control. More like a politician. ¡°¡­come to an understanding of sorts.¡± The Warden lost the smile as he turned back to face his better. ¡°You realize, you will never leave this place. It only makes sense that we come to some sort of agreement, you and I. We will be here together for the foreseeable future. It stands to reason we should ¡®accommodate¡¯ one another.¡± He forced a smile at his last words. It was surprising to Mrysti that in trying to dance around words, he freely admitted that he was going nowhere. Though Mrysti couldn¡¯t place where they were on her walk to the Warden¡¯s office, she surmised that it was a place the Empire sent those they wanted out of sight and out of mind. And not just the prisoners. The Warden had done something that granted him the ¡®honor¡¯ of being the administrator of that prison. A wicked grin started to crease across Mrysti¡¯s scarred visage. ¡°Accommodate¡­interesting choice of words, ¡®Governor¡¯.¡± Mrysti glanced at his rank pip before glaring back deep into his eyes. Her voice, not what he expected. Very regal, formal Imperial. A commanding voice that matched the reputation he had only read about. ¡°Unless you are here to offer me something in return for your life. We have very little to speak about.¡± Pointed and to the heart of the matter. The Warden¡¯s jaw dropped slightly. He leaned forward on the desk, placing his hands down. ¡°You¡­offering me, my own life?¡± Faking a laugh, he looked down on purpose. Mrysti wasn¡¯t joking. Gritting his teeth he lost the smile and the politician¡¯s demeanor. ¡°What happened to you and that other one was regrettable. But necessary to prove a point. YOU are not in control here. I am. And with the snap of fingers, I could have your life taken in¡ª¡± ¡°Then you would have already.¡± Mrysti interjected. ¡°You summoned me here to make a deal. To try and beg my forgiveness in an offhanded way and dissuade me from what you know is coming.¡± Canting his head at her words, Mrysti leaned in toward him. The rattling chains causing the AI to issue a warning. ¡°YOU are not in control here. And the one giving you orders from the other side of the galaxy has little regard for you or me. He is going to use you against me, eventually when he finds his backbone, he will order you to kill me. Then, you will have to make a decision. I regret, that you are caught in the middle of an ongoing feud between myself and¡­Darth Vowrawn.¡± The use of his name caused all color to drain from the Warden as he looked up sharply. He couldn¡¯t ask himself how Mrysti knew. How could she not know? Mrysti narrowed her eyes. ¡°As for the prison, I have already established myself in that block. Send anymore of your goons in there¡­to include the Captain and you will see how far my reach truly is.¡± ¡°How dare you!!¡± The Warden spit as he stammered. ¡°This is MY facility, I will not have a washed up former ANYTHING tell me how things will be. You will¡ª¡± He stopped himself, falling back into his politicians demeanor. ¡°I mean¡­I desire your cooperation. Perhaps, when that time comes. When he who has yet to find his backbone does finally contact me, you and I can come to a new arrangement. You need not die, Darth Retuvisa. There are things that can be done, if you ¡®allow¡¯ it to happen.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Mrysti laughed. ¡°¡­the status quo. Allow you to continue operating as you¡¯ve done. Allow you to continue raping and brutalizing anyone you see fit. Give you Cornelia¡­¡± Mrysti nearly said ¡®my apprentice¡¯ but caught herself in time. ¡°¡­give you access to even¡­.me.¡± Sleepy, seductive eyes met the Warden¡¯s gaze as Mrysti spoke syrupy toward the man. But in a flash and to show The Warden just how much power he lacked, Mrysti lifted her arms and broke the shackles that bound her. They snapped under her enormous strength like fragile ice. Though she made no move toward the governor and was quickly suppressed by the AI before she could say anything. Falling to the floor, grimacing in pain Mrysti propped herself on all fours as the alert sounded throughout that section of the prison. Coming around his desk, the Warden smiled leaning down to look at Mrysti. ¡°I need your cooperation. And I will have it, either willingly¡­or by force¡ª¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Out of the corner of her eye, Mrysti watched him approach allowing the pain of the suppression device to fuel her own power. Not quite as helpless as she made out, even on all fours. Once he started to speak, she reached out and grabbed his ankle pulling him down onto the floor and crawling over the top of him. Gritting her teeth through the pain, she spoke with spittal and fire. Her eyes wide as she pulled the man under her. ¡°I-IS TH-THIS WHAT YOU WA-WANTED¡­TH-THEN YOU SHALL HA-HAVE IT¡­¡± Blacking out from the blow of two rifles. The guards by the door ran in and struck Mrysti in the back of the head. She fell on top of the struggling Warden, who screamed at the two black armored guards. ¡°G-Get this thing off of me¡­.¡± -- -- - Sith Citadel, Dromand Kaas¡­.Dark Council Chambers¡­.. ¡°You are playing a dangerous game, Vowrawn.¡± Darth Malgus had few words for any of them. And those times he did choose to speak, it was of import. Anything which stood in the way of complete domination of the galaxy and the destruction of the Republic was worthy of speech. Vowrawn didn¡¯t move, hands clasped behind his back. They were equals, he had no reason to acknowledge or even turn around if he didn¡¯t wish to. The fact the two of them were alone on the far side of the Dark Council chamber made things, ¡®interesting¡¯. Vowrawn brought a hand briefly to his front and brushed the edge of his lightsaber hilt, just to make himself feel better. If it came to that he knew he didn¡¯t stand a chance. The Sith Pureblood knew what Malgus was referring to. Vowrawn had received the reports of his ¡®prize¡¯ and her activities. Was Malgus regretting staying neutral in the entire affair? Perhaps second guessing his decision to stay out of Vowrawn¡¯s quest for revenge upon Darth Retuvisa. No formal ¡®Kaggath¡¯ was ever declared between himself or Mrysti. Vowrawn had done what he always did. He used the system to his advantage. Scheming and twisting the system to have her captured and sent away under the cover of darkness. All of the charges trumped up. Mrysti, by now, had no doubt realized whom it was who sent her to the remote prison. How Malgus found about the communications was not surprising. Malgus had his spies just like Vowrawn did. And Malgus, no doubt, had listened in on his conversations with the Warden. Turning slightly, Vowrawn smiled from the side of his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s being taken care of. If you¡¯re worried that your part in all of this will be revealed to her, don¡¯t. I would never implicate you in any¡ª¡± ¡°Save your platitudes for your acolytes and apprentices Vowrawn. I am neither worried, nor afraid. There is no implication on my part. I merely stood aside so that you could do as you will. It is you who should be worried. Your weakness is your need for games. If you truly wanted to be rid of her, you should have killed her long ago. This continued obsession with watching her squirm will be your undoing.¡± Malgus stepped away, turning back before completely leaving the alcove. ¡°Make no mistake Vowrawn, every second you allow her to live your chances of survival decrease. With each passing moment, she gets closer to you. And when she returns, which she most assuredly will¡­you will die. I have no fear because, I fear no one. But her power is unique. YOU, unlike me, will not survive the next encounter with her. Remember you brought this on yourself¡­.¡± ¡°Malgus!!¡± Vowarwn turned angrily toward the larger Sith. Malgus stopped but did not turn to face him. Senses stretched out, Malgus could feel the anger; feel the hand on the lightsaber hilt. A slow smile crept under Malgus¡¯ mask. ¡°¡­don¡¯t allow your anger to get the better of you, Vowrawn. Just because you have her in a box and believe yourself in control of the situation; don¡¯t mistake that for skill or courage. THIS situation¡­right here, right now is beyond you.¡± Malgus hand dropped deliberately to the hilt clipped to his belt. Slowly, Vowrawn withdrew the hand from his lightsaber. Malgus still did not turn, but felt the other Sith get control of himself. Malgus was responsible for a great many crimes in Vowrawn¡¯s opinion. Darth Serevin was a close personal friend and confidant before he betrayed the Empire and joined Malgus on the former¡¯s quest to seize control of the Empire. That disloyalty got Serevin killed. Even at the cost of a personal friend. Serevin¡¯s loss was a great one, but necessary for Vowrawn¡¯s own survival. And Vowrawn always came down on the right side. Until now. ¡°The situation¡­¡± Vowrawn began in a controlled and measured tone. ¡°¡­is under control. Your ¡®concern¡¯ for me is unfounded.¡± Malgus scoffed under his mask, turning his head slightly. ¡°Again, you misjudge. My ¡®concern¡¯ is not for you, but for the distraction that you or anything your doing could hinder our efforts to destroy the Republic.¡± Malgus turned fully, a feeling hitting him from Vowrawn. Thoughts of Serevin and betrayal. Thoughts of Malgus¡¯ first coup. The larger Sith narrowed his eyes. ¡°This was all done so you could secure the throne for yourself. You fear anyone of power capable of mounting a challenge to your rise. Even me¡­¡± Malgus leaned in slightly, Vowrawn narrowing his eyes. The Pureblood Darth started to speak, but Malgus abruptly cut him off. ¡°Ambition, unchecked¡­.can be a weakness. You put her away for a slight to your honor. But you have no honor. Afraid to admit the truth that you see her on that throne and yourself groveling at her feet. She sits in that prison not because of your honor, but because of your fear.¡± Vowrawn reached for the saber again. Malgus was faster. Igniting his in the move toward Vowrawn¡¯s neck. The crimson crackling blade extended from Malgus¡¯ hand a mere hair from the neck of the would-be Emperor. ¡°Do it, Malgus. You¡¯ve already tried once, why not seize the power for yourself.¡± Malgus stood ramrod straight and still, holding the life of the other Darth at the tip of his blade. ¡°I¡­do not need the throne to accomplish what must be done.¡± Malgus withdrew the blade and deactivated in a flash, placing the hilt back within the darkness of his cloak. ¡°Understand this. I will never kneel at the foot of that throne while you sit in it. And neither will Darth Retuvisa. Your doom approaches. This distraction will end, either with your death or your senses returning. And the sooner either of those happen, the sooner we will be rid of the Republic¡­and the Jedi.¡± Withdrawing from the alcove, Malgus cape washed in his wake. Vowrawn watching him leave. Malgus was right. As much as Vowrawn hated to admit a rival was correct in their assessment, the time had come to end all of the machinations. It was time for Darth Retuvisa to die. Even from the other side of the galaxy she was still vexing him. -- Imperial Prison Facility, ¡®The End¡¯¡­.Deep in Unknown Space¡­. Being a government official was much different than being part of the military hierarchy. Being in between both was even worse. A Military Warden was one of the few ¡®in-between¡¯ ranks. Not entirely Military, but not quite a government official either. The Warden was reminded of this all too often by his sector commander; High Colonel Talia Rickter. Colonel Rickter had advanced far too quickly for some to stomach in the Imperial Military and the closer to the flag pole you were, the more visible. Rumors abounded about a dangerous liaison with the Sith Overlord assigned to her command. There was even talk of a tryst with an Imperial General. There was need to hide her and her rapid advancement. Talk was cheap, but the gossip was beginning to be a distraction to those under her command. It was never a question of her competence. Talia Rickter was a very shrewd tactician. Battles won under her command were attributed to that level of expertise on the battlefield. But, discipline was paramount and when that went by the wayside, it affected efficiency. The promotion to High Colonel was just an excuse. It took Talia off the line and placed her in a position to be sent away. To the far reaches of the galaxy it would seem. She never seemed to recover from being taken away from that which she loved more than her dalliances. Talia lived for war and the intrigue that surrounded it, loved it almost as much as she loved herself. Relishing in one of her few indulgences; which was antagonizing the Warden, Colonel Rickter took her role seriously under no illusion as to why she had been sent there. Checking in on one of the many Imperial assets in her sector was just an excuse to ''inspect'' the Warden''s operation. As it turned out, the largest imperial asset; the Prison known as ¡®The End¡¯. Technically, the Warden outranked her administratively. But, it was a time of war. And in accordance with directives, Military authority superseded that of government authority. The Warden, equivalent of an Imperial Governor, was at her mercy. Colonel Rickter knew what went on at the prison. She was under no illusions as to what kind of man the Warden was. No one who was sent to the far reaches of the galaxy to be out of sight and out of mind was clean. Both of them had skeletons. Different kinds that got them sent away, but skeletons just the same. Once Colonel Rickter landed, she stepped off the landing ramp and made her way down to the hangar floor. Stopping to stare at the Warden who was standing at the base of the platform. A look of disdain on his face, he slowly saluted and kept his eyes focused on her, even as his body was turned to the front. Talia did not immediately return the salute. When she finally did, the Warden relaxed slightly. There was no telling what it was that brought the Sector Commander back to ¡®The End¡¯ once again. Removing a datapad which was stuffed into the small of her back, Colonel Rickter started punching the screen with an index finger, beginning to walk before noticing that the Warden was not walking with her. She stopped and gave the man an oblivious look. The Warden slowly moved up alongside of her as Talia turned back to continue toward the hangar exit. ¡°Two guard deaths in as many days. Personnel loss is to be reported immediately, you waited five days¡­¡± Colonel Rickter dropped the datapad down to her side and ceased movement, glaring at the Warden. ¡°¡­Why?¡± Pursing his lips, the Warden let out a frustrated sigh. Though he was never prepared to explain himself to someone he thought of as his lesser, he was prepared for the eventual questions from the Colonel. Talia continued to glare, finally meeting the Warden¡¯s eyes as he looked over. ¡°This is a dangerous facility, Colonel. Accidents happen.¡± Talia looked back at the datapad to verify what he said. The two guards death were indeed listed as ¡®accidental¡¯. The Colonel narrowed her eyes again. ¡°Accidental. I see that. But your report does not explain the circumstances under which the two guards were killed. Simply that they met their end near one of the entryways. You realize¡­¡± Talia lowered the datapad again, placing the other hand on her hip. ¡°¡­even the loss one Imperial Soldier is of great import to High Command.¡± The Warden scoffed and looked away. ¡°What? You doubt me and the seriousness which High Command takes these losses.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s drop the pretense Talia.¡± The Warden moved away from the two guards posted by the exit and over toward a far corner of the hangar. The Colonel followed him; the Warden gesturing toward the other side of the facility. ¡°No one¡­and I mean no one cares what goes on out here. You like to think you are in charge of something important, but you¡¯re just like me. Sent away, sent here to the far reaches of the galaxy because the Empire didn¡¯t know what to do with us. You want to do something useful¡­¡± The Warden grabbed the datapad from her hand, looked at it and tossed it back to her. She caught it and continued to listen, her eyes narrowing once again at his words. ¡°¡­.stay out of my affairs. Those guards died doing what I told them to do. I have things going on here that you could not possibly imagine. With orders from the highest levels of the Sith Empire.¡± He started to walk away, having no time for the Colonel or her inquiry. But just to rub a little more salt he turned back, glancing at his guards knowingly before he did so. ¡°And before you accuse me of being vindictive, let me assure you¡­this has nothing to do with you rejecting me. I was ¡®disappointed¡¯ that someone with your reputation would so offhandedly toss away my affections. Especially given where we are and the lack of options on either of our parts.¡± Pausing, Talia looked back down at the datapad, shutting it off to hold it in two hands behind her back. A wicked smile crept up over her face. Once she looked up and at him, the smile actually sent a chill down the Warden¡¯s spine. ¡°You refer to the communiques from Darth Vowrawn.¡± Completely ignoring what he said lastly, the look on the Warden¡¯s face was priceless. His mouth dropping open slightly. Though the Warden tried to be a player, Talia had been at the table far longer than the Warden and was very adept at the game. Nothing got past her, especially official communications from the Sith Capital. It wasn¡¯t even a matter of having spies. Though she did have them within the prison. Any official communications, even secret ones had to pass through a military frequency. The Dark Council not only controlled those frequencies in order to better control the Military, they insisted on it. ¡°Don¡¯t look so shocked Warden. I have been monitoring you for quite sometime. But you¡¯ve really stepped in it this time, haven¡¯t you? All of your old games and your ways of dealing with the Sith under your ¡®care¡¯ cannot be applied to this ONE, can they?¡± ¡°You are out of your depth, Talia.¡± The Warden turned away again and started to walk toward the exit. ¡°Warden!¡± He slowed and finally came to a reluctant stop. Talia moving to catch him, once she did, she gave the man a quick once over looking him up and down. ¡°Lets DO drop the pretense, shall we?¡± He started to speak and Talia gestured to the two guards by the door. They raised blasters and approached until Talia raised a hand making them stop just short of joining them. Their blasters still trained on the Warden and the High Colonel. ¡°First of all, you will address me as ¡®Colonel¡¯ or ¡®High Colonel¡¯ or your ¡®Excellency¡¯. You want to drop pretense, we can do that. This facility and everything in it, including YOU, belong to the Sith Empire. Meaning ME. As the ranking representative in this sector, all things begin and end with me. You want to play your games with the Dark Council, fine¡­you have your fun. But I will not tolerate disobedience. You have had your last bit with me, at my expense. You¡¯re lucky I don¡¯t assume command of this facility and place you in general population with those you mean to govern.¡± The Colonel turned and started to walk away, the two guards spinning around to join her. She stopped suddenly, taking the datapad from around her back to look at it once again. ¡°I see that you have a scheduled execution today. THAT will be delayed until I have a chance to look at all of the facts.¡± ¡°D-Darth Vowrawn has ordered that¡ª¡± The Warden jumped and stammered, raising a hand toward Talia. ¡°I will assume responsibility for informing Darth Vowrawn. YOU will stand down and make preparations for me to stay until I see that this facility is put back on track. You have brought this on yourself, Warden. Perhaps if you had been more respectful, I would have seen fit to do an inspection and leave. It would seem you believe yourself above the law. I have news for you, Warden¡­.¡± ¡°¡­I AM the law.¡± -- -- - Cellblock AA-52, ''The End'' - Maximum Security.... Cornelia sat down first. She stared at him, a slight smile on her face. One eyebrow raised, the Mandalorian looked over slightly, but continued to eat with military precision. Fast and direct. It was ingrained in him; one did not always have time to enjoy or even fully consume a meal. After being ¡®escorted¡¯ back to her cell in the form of dragging her between the two of them. That in itself quite a humorous event. Seeing the two guards struggling to maintain their composure, hold their rifles and at the same time drag a semi-lucid, nearly seven-foot tall muscular Mirialan between the two of them made everyone laugh. Mrysti informed Cornelia that it was ¡®time¡¯. They needed to begin final preparations. The slight to the Warden¡¯s honor would not go unpunished. It was time to tie up loose ends, get their own crew together and make final plans to move on. Cornelia knew what that meant. It was time to leave the lovely little prison known as ¡®The End¡¯. But there was still much that needed to be done. ¡®We need him¡­¡¯ Cornelia told Mrysti. There were things he could do that seemed so magical with technology, he almost seemed like a Force User with how he manipulated tech. As the conversation grew on, the plans getting more solid Cornelia had to admit partially the things she didn¡¯t want to, not all of it but enough. Canton and Cornelia shared a past, it was he that released Mrysti on the night Cornelia was assaulted and in some measure it was Canton who helped get them released from solitary. Cornelia didn¡¯t go into detail about the last part, it was only important that Mrysti believed her. After Cornelia sat, Canton started to get up without a word. He had no desire to do anything next to her publicly. The Mandalorian felt a large strong hand land on his shoulder easing him back down in the seat. The first instinct was to grab it, throw the hand and the arm attached to it in a Teras Kasi ¡®twist¡¯. But after glancing at the green of the skin and the scars which lay bare on it, he scoffed and sat back down. Both women flanking him, trapping him at his own table. ¡°Whatever you have to say¡­.¡± Canton put his tray back down and sighed softly. ¡°¡­I¡¯m not interested. What you two do, does not concern me. I keep to myself.¡± He glanced over toward Cornelia, not sure exactly how much she had told her new ¡®Master¡¯. ¡°Just ask her.¡± He finished gruffly, picking up the fork to discard it loudly against the steel of the tray. ¡°Easy, easy¡­Mandalorian.¡± Mrysti said with humor and a bright smile. His head snapped toward Mrysti, looking her directly in the eye. Cornelia had obviously told Mrysti enough to know he was Mandalorian. But that betrayal quickly bled away as he followed Mrysti''s eyes to the forearm tattoo that lay bare. The mythosaur, blazoned on his left forearm, which he slowly turned downward to hide. Slightly embarrassed at jumping to conclusions so fast. But he did not like Mrysti and was starting to dislike his former love, Cornelia. Prison made for strange bedfellows and even stranger allies. Thus far, The Mandalorian had kept himself out of all of it for the most part. ¡°Cornelia says you are a man who knows how to make things. And....I wanted to thank you for your assistance a few weeks ago.¡± ¡°That was self-preservation.¡± Canton said quickly. ¡°I only do, what I need to do in order to maintain the stability of the quad. What they were doing¡ª¡± Canton grit his teeth and fell silent passing a disgusted look toward Cornelia. Mrysti could sense what happened and had happened many times before on his watch affected him greatly. And he was exaggerating about maintaining stability. More than likely, Mrysti represented an opportunity to exact a measure of vengeance against those who struck Cornelia, something he had been unable to accomplish. Mrysti threw off the balance of power in the prison in more ways than one. ¡°As you say¡­¡± Mrysti let it go, giving both of them a quick look. ¡°¡­that doesn¡¯t change the fact that we could use a man of your talents.¡± ¡°We?¡± he looked at Cornelia again. ¡°So, you two are a matched set now?¡± Mrysti saw the Mandalorian grit his teeth again. ¡°I don¡¯t want no part of it. Whatever you two are scheming count me out.¡± He got up, snatching the tray up off the table as Mrysti spoke again; evenly, softly. ¡°How long before they discover you were the one who opened my cell door? How long before they come to get you in the dead of night?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll manage.¡± Canton turned around still holding the tray and regarding them both. ¡°They come calling on me in the dead of night they will not find someone so ¡®willing¡¯¡­.¡± He flashed a glance at Cornelia whose face twisted in anger. It finally hit her. All the convincing Canton had done on himself. Cornelia accomplishing her work too well. Insinuating that she was a willing participant in her own assaults, pure fantasy. It kept Canton alive before, but he never voiced it until that moment. It was too much to hear it outloud. As Cornelia stood angrily to confront him, Mrysti raised a hand toward her. Reluctantly she sat. ¡°Nevertheless. Eventually, they will get you. I am giving you the chance to exact a measure of vengeance against those who have affected you so¡­¡± Mrysti flashed a look at Cornelia who was seething in anger, refusing to look up at him. ¡°¡­greatly.¡± ¡°You do it for me.¡± Cornelia looked up, her voice grave and morose. Angry that he would say what she knew he convinced himself of. But his help, much more important to their cause. ¡°You WILL.¡± Cornelia stood. ¡°If you ever loved me, even if you pretended to¡­you owe me that much.¡± The corner of Canton¡¯s mouth twitched as he glared looking at both of the women in turn. Cornelia pulled his card, something he never thought she would do. At least not publicly. It went against everything they agreed to. Things were indeed different in the quad, change was coming. He knew, either get on board or get left behind. And getting left behind meant perhaps death. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± Turning sharply, Canton walked away. Cornelia sat back down and smiled to herself before looking at Mrysti, who had a perplexed look on her face. She knew Mandalorians, knew their minds and their hearts well. But this one, he was strange. And it had everything to do with the compromises he made in prison. Most of all, Cornelia. ¡°He¡¯s going to do it¡­¡± Cornelia finally said. ¡°That he would even think about doing it means yes¡­.¡± -- ''The End'', Private Guest Quarters of High Colonel Talia Rickter..... The Colonel straightened her tunic and ran a hand through her hair before stepping into the holo-field. The blue hue of the field filled the small space; Talia speaking into the air causing the field to shift and begin to make a clicking sound. ¡°Connection¡­secure¡­.Sith Citadel-delayed transmission¡­¡± Because of the distance, live transmissions had to be pre-established. And this contact was far too busy to make time to speak to her personally. But she had spoken with him on several occasions personally before. Starting the moment, Darth Retuvisa arrived in her sector. She was surprised to get a personal transmission from someone so high ranking within the Sith inner circle, but after verifying the transmission code and its authenticity, she did her duty. Taking the knee once the holo-transmission established; Talia waited a moment to make sure her image was being captured before looking up. But not standing up. You did not stand unless you were told to. She was well versed with how to speak to her Sith betters. ¡°My Lord, it is as you suspected. The Warden has received orders to have Darth Retuvisa terminated. I have delayed the execution and exerted my authority to take control of the situation. I am requesting advisement as to what our next move will be. In the meantime, I will keep the Warden and his Captain on a very short leash. No harm will come to Darth Retuvisa as long as I have oversight.¡± Short and to the point, Talia lowered her head and paused. Ensuring that she was seen being submissive until the holo-timer ran out. Once the blue field died out, Talia stood and approached the communication panel, sending the encrypted transmission on her personal military frequency. A frequency only the sector commander had access to. -- Sith Citadel, Dromand Kaas¡­.three days later¡­. <¡­.I am requesting advisement as to what our next move will be. In the meantime, I will keep the Warden and his Captain on a very short leash. No harm will come to Darth Retuvisa as long as I have oversight....> Watching the High Colonel bow her head in the transmission, Malgus crossed his arms and grimaced. The situation was more lethal than he thought. Vowrawn had been successfully goaded. Malgus had forced Vowrawn¡¯s hand by calling him out and pointing out his weakness. Now, the move toward the throne for Vowrawn was in full motion. And though Malgus could not be seen making obvious moves to block him, especially after the speech he given claiming he wanted no part of it; he could move pieces of his own. Stepping into the holo-field, Malgus placed his hands on his hips and waited until he was sure it was transmitting. <¡±High Colonel Talia Rickter, I have received your transmission. You have done well in service to the Empire. Your continued efforts will ensure that we achieve victory over our enemies, even those who are within the ranks. You will continue to control the situation as you see fit; ensuring that Darth Retuvisa remains unmolested. I want her ready to make her move when she feels she is ready to, oblivious to the fact that she is being aided. You are also not to reveal yourself until it is necessary. And at that time, you will execute the Warden, his Captain of the guard and seize control of that facility should it be required. In no way should anyone be aware that you are reporting to me. Thwart any escape attempts, but do not reveal what you know. The prisoners as well as those within our ranks must believe you are working for the Empire''s best interest and not Darth Retuvisa. We will speak in person. I am sending you frequency coordinates for the exact time and dates according to your location. Colonel Rickter, this assignment is vital to the stability of the Empire. Failure is not an option. And will be met harshly.¡±> 5 - Chosen Sides - Republic Command Center, Bothawui.... Major General Far¡¯lek Crachek was not known for mincing words. And when he wasn¡¯t able to be brutally honest, due to time or circumstance, he conveyed his thoughts about something with his massive blue Mon Calamari eyes. RT got that glare several times as General Crachek droned on, finally getting to the meat of the battle plan. All of the others sat up once the Mon Cal General started talking about the actual assault and what he hoped to accomplish. But not RT, he was attentive the whole time. Memorizing every word, running the already forming scenarios through his head as Crachek spoke about terrain and environment. The General wouldn¡¯t dare plan RT¡¯s part of the operation for him. High level Operation Orders didn¡¯t function like that. But the Mon Cal made it very clear the result he wanted and the time RT was allowed. It was almost as if he wanted RT to fail. When conventional forces were unable to take down a hardened target like the one Shadow Squad had been called in for; they called Special Operations. The kind of units RT was in charge of. Malgus moved positions. And planets. After bringing Malastare to a stand-still, it was apparent to the Republic that the Empire believed his inspiring presence was needed elsewhere. To RT, it was beginning to feel less like a War and more like a grand tour of the galaxy. At least from his point of view. They were doing more following and less fighting. Until now. Malgus was officially trapped. Cut off. As the battle on the ground wore on. The Republic gained control of the airspace and orbit, while the Imperials advantage on the ground came to a stand-still without that aerial support. They needed to drive that point home on a big way. Being only a Brigadier General, RT was not expected to lead, much less go on an Operation personally. The target, RT''s Target, was not the reinforced orbital gun emplacement facility General Crachek was speaking about; but Malgus himself. The Gun emplacement represented a hinderance in getting to that target. Just another obstacle in what the republic assigned RT to do. malgus being important enough to assign a General to the cause. But as the Mon Cal general continued to speak, RT was calculating the probability that anyone could take down the emplacement from slim to absolute none. At least one major part of the attack that called for a specialist. Luckily, it was Shadow Squad on the ground and the other parts RT was already theorizing in his head would be well covered. He flashed a glance toward Cora, still listening intently. The Chiss'' decision to formally rejoin the Republic and the team was a good one. But he knew it was entirely selfish and one-sided. She joined formally so she could keep an eye on him and Murriel. There was still bad blood between the two girls. And it was all his fault. Had he kept his pants around his waist and not on Murriel¡¯s floor none of it would have happened. At least he was happy to have Cora close. Cora¡¯s anger was justified, RT would not try and take that away from her no matter what the reason she joined the Republic happened to be. ¡°¡­From N-hour plus two, there will be exactly twelve hours before Republic reinforcements arrive in orbit around Bothawui. They will assume an orbit that makes for an immediate drop on our AO; meaning the Imperial Gun facility must be destroyed and non-operational by that time.¡± Crachek looked at RT, who bent forward steepling his fingers in thought. ¡°General Alpha, have you already decided what unit will be assigned to my command for this target?¡± RT grimaced at the question and stood rather slowly straightening his crisp blue tunic, but quickly took on a more formal attention like pose looking at his superior with steely eyes. ¡°Yes, Sir¡­Shadow Squad will be performing this mission. They are ninety percent combat effective in this sector and rated on the specific type of assaults I¡¯m considering for this target.¡± ¡°Very well¡­¡± Crachek was already looking back toward the holo-map. Once the General noticed RT had not yet taken his seat, he looked back up. ¡°Was there something else General?¡± ¡°Yes, Sir¡­I regret to inform the General that the unit being dispatched will not be falling under his command.¡± Crachek stood up completely, slapping the flimsy sheave of papers he was holding on the map control panel. The holo-schematic flickered at the motion, finally getting its full resolution before the Mon Cal could ask why. ¡°I will be leading the team myself. Shadow Squad is only ninety percent effective due to our last mission and the loss of the tactical officer would be key to this type of operation. He was rated one-hundred percent on zero-g combat and this target will require someone with knowledge of vertical ascent in order to be successful, given the time table you¡¯ve allotted.¡± ¡°Negative.¡± Crachek leaned forward before pushing his hands up off the map to stand upright. Clasping them behind his back he blinked several times in a Mon Cal show of annoyance before pursing his lips. ¡°This is my command, my battlefield. You and yours are an asset. I am not going to have command and control issues when we are so short of men and material at present.¡± ¡°General¡­¡± RT began softly, ¡°¡­perhaps this is something we should speak about off-line.¡± Trying to save the General¡¯s face, RT was wanting to avoid disagreements in front of all the assembled officers of his various commands. Crachek was not known for that kind of candor. ¡°No. I¡¯ve made my final decision General. After you have briefed your men and assembled the team, you will have them transferred to my command for the duration of the operation.¡± Not letting up, RT was running out of options. Glancing at his chrono, he realized the clock was already ticking. ¡°Fine.¡± RT came to a rigid position of attention. ¡°I must inform the General that Special Operations falls under the Command of the Director for Galactic Intelligence. I¡­do not answer to you. Only to him. And your request to have this target eliminated by Special Operations makes this MY battlefield, at least until this attack is over¡­¡± Standing up next to him, Cora walked the few steps to their side of the holo-map jabbing a hand holding a datapad toward General Crachek. It wasn¡¯t the first time something like that happened and Cora was already ready. RT continued to speak as Cora handed the General a reference. ¡°Republic Military Code: Delta-Two Paragraph Nine through Seven. The Director of Intelligence is hereby directed, at his or her discretion to conduct operations separate from major commands as he or she¡­.or their representative deem fit. For all intents and purposes, I am that representative at the moment¡­.¡± ¡°Yo-You can¡¯t do that!¡± General Crachek stammered. ¡°It¡¯s done. Feel free to contact the Director at your leisure once the communications blackout has been lifted. Of course¡­by then, all of this will be over. I will, out of respect for you, leave you to your own devices. I have no plans or inclination to lead your Army group. As I said, I only want to lead the attack on this target personally. All other commands and personnel are yours to continue doing with as you see fit as long as they do not interfere with my operation.¡± RT looked at Murriel giving a pained expression. Doing that in front of other officers was not something he relished. And Crachek, as pompous and arrogant as he was, happened to be a very good officer and brilliant land commander. ¡°Colonel La¡¯chance¡­I will need you to coordinate with Major General Crachek¡¯s Operations Officer. You will be planning a diversionary attack on the main entryway of the Imperial target, requiring the General¡¯s assets.¡± RT hesitated before looking at Cora, trying to stifle a smile at the look she was giving him. Though RT didn''t relish embarrassing General Crachek he could see that Cora didn''t feel the same way. ¡°Captain Barku¡­plan for an underwater assault. Level five contamination protocols. You will need at least five Soldiers rated on that equipment and capable of infiltration from submersive environment.¡± Noticing General Crachek hadn¡¯t left yet, RT looked up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir¡­is there anything else?¡± ¡°This will be in my report.¡± Crachek snatched up his flimsies and walked out. A trail of junior and senior officers following close behind. They all watched them leave. A collective sigh going out among the three of them. Tension released, Cora turned and sat down on the edge of the holo-map table looking up at RT. A strange seductively wicked smile creeping across her face. ¡°That¡¯s a serious turn-on, ¡®General¡¯. I love it when you take charge¡­you have no idea how sexy that is.¡± Slinking in, RT grabbed Cora''s hand before she could touch him, also giving a cursory glance toward Murriel. A malicious move on Cora''s part. She was doing all of it more for Murriel''s benefit than RT. "Later." RT whispered, even though he didn''t have to. It was only the three of them left in the Operations center. "I have some planning to do, I will let you both know when I have the entire OPORD together." They watched him leave, Murriel giving an evil smirk once Cora''s more satisfied expression reached her. "You know..." Murriel began, "...this all so totally beneath you. I...don''t get jealous. I''m happy the two of you are back together. Even if you have to hide this whole thing from the rest of the Republic Military, your secret is safe with me." Murriel turned to leave after chiding, the wicked smirk still on her face. "Murriel..." Cora called out, making the Zeltron turn. "...just because I didn''t kill you doesn''t mean I''ve forgotten. And I know, you''re lying. It''s what you do." Cora approached and cocked a hip out, pointing at Murriel. "Don''t even think it. That man is off limits, do you understand? You even go near him--" "Are you threatening me, ''Captain''?" Murriel laughed slightly and turned to continue leaving. Using rank was just a ruse, both knew the other didn''t care. They both knew each other too well. But the tension between them was still very real as far as RT was concerned. Eventually, something would have to give. -- - Imperial Command Module, Bothawui.... Malgus walked from the edge of the battlefield toward his frontline command module and stopped once the high-pitched whine of a lowering ramp signaled, they were opening up the container for him. Things had gone well on Bothawui. Even with his necessary trips to and from Dromand Kaas, his Soldiers; the Empire¡¯s Soldiers, had proven their worth. More importantly, they had proven that his presence alone was not a requirement for victory. Things had gone from bad to worse for the Republic. Bothawui, exchanged hands one too many times over the course of two previous wars. Once a large Imperial industrial and manufacturing center, then over to the Republic after the first war only to fall into the hands of the Eternal Empire during their reign. Now, Bothawui was an even more important industrial prize due to the Eternal Empire¡¯s upgrades to the war machines manufacturing process. The massive artillery emplacement constructed by the Eternal Empire to defend the industrial side of the planet was an unseen advantage for the Imperials, who got to Bothawui first. Tracking the incoming Republic fleet, it was only a matter of time before the battle was rejoined. And only if, the Republic was prepared to experience the full effect of the massive gun¡¯s firepower. Malgus was considering an attack against the remainder of the Republic forces before they could be reinforced, but in his army¡¯s present condition, he didn¡¯t see an attack as worthy enough to drive the Republic back into space or better, oblivion. Previous Republic landings avoided the gun by landing on the far side of the planet. It was a battle of attrition, the Republic fighting all the way to the objective and both Imperial and Republic assets trickling away as they reached the forward battlelines. General Crachek had no choice. He would have to risk the landing right on top of Malgus if he had any hope of retaking the Industrial centers and destroying the Imperial Army once and for all. Going back to the command module was not about any of that, however. All of that would come in the next half day. For the moment, Malgus had an appointment to keep and more machinations to continue weaving. All of it, for the good of the Empire. ¡°Leave¡± Malgus commanded once he entered the module on his way to the communications suite. ¡°Ensure the door to the module is secure and guard the entrance until I see fit to come out.¡± The technicians and officers left with a quickness once Malgus spoke and continued on to the comm unit. Looking at the holo-pad he gestured toward the wall. A lever pulled magically in the Force and with a slight finger movement lights dimmed once the unit powered up. Leaving only a blue glowing field hovering over the transmission pad. Stepping in, Malgus placed his hands on his hips and looked straight ahead. On the other end, it would give the receiver the impression that he was looking straight at them and for the first time he was actually going to see her. This would be their first live transmission between each other as opposed to voice only or a recorded message. In front of him, another holo-field activated on the far wall. It sputtered and fizzed until it started to form a flat blue image of a figure kneeling, head down. ¡®Right on time¡¯, Malgus thought as he looked down at the image on the wall. ¡°You may rise, Colonel Rickter¡­¡± -- - Several hundred Light Years Away, ''The End''.... <¡±You may rise, Colonel Rickter¡­.¡±> The voice was distorted by the distance of the transmission and the millions of filters it had to go through to reach her. But when Talia finally looked up, she saw the live image of the one she had been communicating with through only recordings and voice. For some reason he looked even more imposing live than he did on a holo-record. It was also because Malgus was purposefully projecting himself in his full form. It towered over Talia as she looked up at him. ¡°My Lord¡­it is an honor to finally speak to you in person. I have been looking forward to this.¡± <¡±As have I, Colonel Rickter. You have been a most valuable asset. And your continued work will be noted.¡±> Malgus¡¯ eyes widened, his head bowing slightly as he glared at the Colonel. <¡±Where do we stand?¡±> Talia knew what Darth Malgus was referring to, she wasted no time reporting. ¡°My Lord¡­the execution has been halted. But it is only a stay, to do more would rouse suspicion as to my role in¡ª¡± <¡±We are reaching the point where your involvement or what any of those fools think or believe will be irrelevant. Darth Retuvisa must not be harmed. And she must be allowed to activate her plan.¡±> ¡°But, My Lord¡­.forgive me¡­how do we know she HAS a plan? I have not spoken with her, much less seen her. In trying to maintain my cover, I have maintained a safe distance.¡± <¡±I know, Colonel¡­because I know her kind. You will terminate the Warden¡¯s command the moment you feel Darth Retuvisa is in jeopardy. He¡­.and all those who support him must be silenced with extreme prejudice.¡±> Talia swallowed hard again and looked away. Malgus could tell he was not going to like what she was about to say. ¡°My Lord¡­.I must report, there was an incident. I failed to report it in my last transmission due to gathering more information.¡± When Malgus didn¡¯t ask, expecting the Colonel to continue, Talia spoke quickly. ¡°Darth Retuvisa attacked and killed several guards, it was the excuse I used to bring myself here. But then she attacked the Warden. Rumor has it, he has placed a bounty on her with both guard and inmate alike. I have trusted personnel Lord Malgus, but I don¡¯t have the numbers to fight a war in this prison. And I¡¯m not able to watch her twenty eight ¨C nine.¡± At first, Malgus appeared annoyed, looking up and away before looking back down. But the creases near his eyes denoted laughter, though he did not voice it through his mask. <¡±Colonel, you require an asset.¡±> Looking down in the image, Malgus quickly looked back up as the terminal on Talia¡¯s side chimed. <¡±Attached you will find codes to the solitary vault section of the prison.¡±> ¡°Vault section? My Lord¡­.there is no¡ª¡± <¡±Yes...there is. ¡®The End¡¯ is a place the Empire sends things to either die or to hide things they never wish to be found.¡±> ¡°What is in this vault, if I may ask, My Lord¡­.¡± <¡±An asset. Ensure you present this code identifier when you open the door. If you fail to do so, you will be terminated.¡±> Talia looked at the code, it was a series of very complex Sith Hieroglyphs; ending with one very large code identifier that was ancient enough Talia could not read it. <¡±And Colonel, do not use the code unless all else fails or full scale conflict erupts on the station. I trust you will use your expertise to determine when that is. In the meantime, you will continue to send reports until our next live communique.¡±> Malgus stood up a bit taller and glared down at the Colonel, who took the cue to take a knee once again. <¡±Long live the Sith Empire¡±> ¡°For the Empire, My Lord¡­.¡± -- - Galactic City, Coruscant.... <¡­.this is GRN, coming to you live from the election headquarters of Karolin De¡¯nabre, who just moments ago won victory against her three rivals for the senate seat here in Galactic City. It¡¯s pandemonium down here!!! Though Master De¡¯nabre was expected to win, it was not expected to be such a one-sided victory. The crowd is electric; when the final tally from autonomics on Mirial were announced here on Coruscant, a shock of excitement the likes we¡¯ve never seen shot through the crowd. We have the final planetside tally here for those of you watching from home. Master Karolin Alexandra De¡¯nabre has become Senator Elect for the provisional Republic planet of Mirial by a ninety-nine percent carry across all of Mirial¡¯s nineteen provinces and continental electors. I repeat Master De¡¯nabre has won the seat for Senate for Mirial. This is a tremendous victory for both Master De¡¯nabre and the traditionalist party she represents. We go now live to election central¡­where we await the Senator Elect to give a few words¡­> <¡­thank you, Ramm. Though this single election has been a devastating defeat for the Galactic Progressives who desired a more moderate candidate in their caucus; throughout the Senate the Progressives have gained eighteen seats. Traditionalist are celebrating tonight in this off-cycle election victory. Galactic Progressives have now gained control of the Senate floor and control a Galactic majority. But in Master De¡¯nabre, the Traditionalist minority have gained a powerful voice, a stellar reputation and popular candidate that could threaten to swing some of the more moderate progressives over to the side of the Traditionalists. The Senator is approaching the lectern now, let¡¯s listen in¡­> <¡±¡­Tonight represents Mirial¡¯s first step toward membership back in the Republic. A great day for the people of Mirial, but an even better day for the people of the Republic. In Mirial, the Republic has and will always have the most devout, the most loyal and the most dedicated people our Galactic Republic can count on. This is not my victory as much as it is a victory for all of us. Together, we can make the Republic Great Once Again. Put an end to the Sith Empire once and for all. Cease being victims and blaming everyone but ourselves for the state we have placed our Republic in. WE can finally DO something about it. I want to thank the people of Mirial, but I also want to thank the Republic for believing in my people and giving all of Mirial the opportunity to serve once again. I look forward to a speedy membership process and full membership back in the Republic; where Mirial belongs. Now, let¡¯s get to the Senate and get to work!!!¡±> <¡­the crowd is wild here, Ramm. And it would seem Master De¡¯nabre is reiterating her mantra of ¡®Making the Republic Great Again¡¯ implying that under the rule of the Galactic Progressives the Republic was ¡®not¡¯ so great. Polls would support that, even though the Progressives picked up seats tonight public opinion is for a more aggressive approach toward the Sith Empire. Especially when those asked are first asked if they believe the Republic¡¯s approach to the Eternal Empire was the right one. Eighty-five percent of those asked agree that the Republic should have done more or fought on after the Eternal Empire invaded and they see the Sith Empire in a similar light. In Master De¡¯nabre, the people are getting the advocate they need that sees things as they do. Back to you Ramm¡­.> -- - Private Congressional Lounge, Galactic City, Coruscant..... ¡°This is an unmitigated disaster.¡± One of the Delegates from a binary star system near Commenor stood and walked to the minibar near the plush chair; sitting away from the center holo-projector the others were watching. There was fewer of them now, fewer that felt the political process was so corrupt something needed to be done. Fewer that decided a long time ago, the Constitution of the Republic no longer served their best interest and had to take matters into their own hands. In their current state, it was very much like when they all originally started; a conglomerate of like minded businessmen, politicians, people of influence. Later, they became an ¡®Organization¡¯. They all hated Karolin long before she entered the political spotlight. When she was merely one of the tools the system used to implement the will they all despised. It was ¡®them¡¯ that nearly had Karolin put away for good back in the old days. It was them that almost had the ultimate weapon in V¡¯ictoria¡¯s ¡®Force Serum¡¯. Not once, but nearly twice. And it was them that accidentally unleashed ¡®Inferno¡¯ against an oblivious galaxy. Karolin represented everything they hated about the system, the same system they all served. And now, she was among them. They needed to reform and reorganize. Come back stronger, bolder. They all knew it, that collection of politicians that refused to bend to the will of the People they all served. The delegate who spoke was pouring a drink, looking back at the others who were still watching. He angled the glass toward them all and spoke up again. ¡°This is a total loss. How will we even maneuver with one of them right at our doorstep?¡± ¡°Calm yourself.¡± Another spoke up. The delegate from the Consolidated Trade Federation, a business organization that formed as its own galactic entity which was part of the Republic. A business with galactic and planetary influence. ¡°...we still have several galactic holdings; Czerka is still in play and the scientific wing¡ª¡± ¡°--Is completely destroyed. Not to mention our executive wing.¡± The original delegate who complained, exclaimed once again gesturing with his glass. ¡°In fact, we are the strongest wing. This is exactly like it was in the beginning, just a collection of disgruntled politicians who sit around and complain. Once again constrained by the system they all despise.¡± ¡°And from that¡­¡± A third delegate from the Volcanic world of Asher stood and waved the first delegate off. ¡°¡­we created a vast organization that nearly changed the face of the galaxy. We did it once, we can do it again. The revolution is not dead, merely defeated at the moment. We will rise again.¡± ¡°We need leadership, someone on the outside who can organize without the oversight of the Senate and the House.¡± The second delegate from the Trade Federation joined the first at the bar, pouring himself a drink. ¡°Might I offer a suggestion¡­¡± A fourth delegate from Corellia stood and gestured at the other three. ¡°¡­we have the remnants of the final solution still in our possession." Looking back at the screen and the largely projected face of a smiling Karolin De¡¯nabre. ¡°And it is one who is very close to her. I say, we give him oversight. What other option do we have, he¡¯s a proven leader¡­he has personnel and technological assets we do not possess.¡± ¡°At least until the ¡®Doctor¡¯ comes out of the tank.¡± And a fifth delegate from a member world of the Voss delegation stood and spoke to his companions. ¡°The prophets see no further use for Mirial. But Mirial¡¯s assets are most definitely in the galaxies future. Though it is unclear if it is Karolin¡­or Telan¡¯dorr De¡¯nabre the prophets see.¡± -- Derelict Relay Station, Near a black hole on the edge of Core Space.... ¡°Yes¡­I understand. And thank you, thank you all for your support and confidence. I promise on the blood of the ancestors, you will not be disappointed.¡± Telan¡¯dorr set the holo unit down after the call ended. As always, it was encrypted and voice only. Like in the beginning, even the members of the group never knew how many were a part. Spreading his hands out on the surface of the desk, Telan¡¯dorr smiled. Chief Executive, not an honor he expected. But he knew he was more than prepared to assume the role if called upon. His release was originally part of a final solution. The part of the Organization''s plan to implement the Generational Mirialan technology to effect occupation of nearby star systems by dropping personnel into key locations of distant worlds. A very hostile takeover of those the Organization knew would never turn from their Republic, no matter how corrupt and dysfunctional the system was. That plan failed, only because their former leader became overzealous. Played his hand far too soon and underestimated the tenacity and cunning of one of the Republic¡¯s primary weapons: The Alpha Legacy, in particular Karolin De¡¯nabre. Being pushed back down to small time was slightly hard for the Organization to swallow. They still had some slicer cards at the Sabacc table, but nothing serious. Telan''dorr''s release came too late. Major board members were either underground, retired or dead. And the scientific expert needed to put the Generational''s technology back in working order was floating in a bacta tank. His replacement, unreachable. Dr. V''ictoria Alpha was singlehandedly responsible for exposing all of the Politicians, Scientists and CEOs which made up the Organizations governing board. That name, attached to her already royal title and scientific acumen was enough to secure her own safety. They were an entity drifting without a rudder. What they needed was capital to get started. Telan''dorr was already looking for ideas. ¡°Allies¡± Telan''dorr spoke offhandedly. ¡°Allies to initiate our plans.¡± Aurora turned back toward her father, annoyed and not truly listening. Of the two of them, it was clear Aurora held the power. But he wasn¡¯t wrong. One thing she lacked, her father had, was a more devious strategic mind. ¡°With Mrysti gone¡­we have the opportunity to seek out and locate our missing technology. But we need manpower, capital to fund it and speed up the good Doctor¡¯s recovery.¡± Looking up, he smiled at a very reluctant Aurora De¡¯nabre. ¡°My dear¡­you and I are now in a position to get everything we want. And eventually, we will go¡­home.¡± -- - Capital Unity, Mirial - The Temple of the Sacred Heart.... ¡°You had no right to do that Father.¡± Sam moved toward him, pushing her older sister aside. ¡°She¡¯s not dead. WE¡­¡± Sam gestured at herself and then Grace. ¡°¡­would have felt it.¡± The Temple of the Sacred Heart glowed with a warm orange. The winter solstice was coming. And that meant Life Day, the galactic wide celebration of giving and thanks. Hardly the time for familiar strife and the kind of conversation being had in the heart of Mirial¡¯s most sacred Temple. Caleb wasn¡¯t OF the Unity, but the decision was big enough and serious enough that he felt compelled to visit the Temple and ¡®pray¡¯ in his own way. The decision to do what he did was not an easy one to reach, but it had been a year. They all needed to move on. The girls understood their father¡¯s reasoning, but they thought it was more his own reason for moving on than it was for the good of the family. Mirial was already beginning the month-long celebratory build up, the orange light and warmth reflecting all of it. Sam was not in a giving mood. Not since Caleb saw fit to shut down the manor house and shutter up the facilities that surrounded them. ¡°What Sam is trying to say¡­¡± Grace spoke more delicately giving her sister a shameful look. ¡°¡­we feel, we should have been consulted. At the very least Father, the decision was not yours to make. It should have fallen to Karolin; perhaps even¡­.us.¡± Sam finished speaking shyly, almost making the statement as a question since no one knew who was going to be in charge of the family assets. ¡°You are both wrong.¡± Caleb clasped his hands behind his back. Turning around to look at both his children in that fatherly way, the way he still saw them even as young ladies; children. Caleb¡¯s stare was almost serene with a hint of the condescending. ¡°There are many things you are unaware of. The manor house and ancient lands were reconstituted and constructed by your Mother¡¯s Will alone. At the time, your Aunt Karolin was incapable of managing the family assets, to include the family buildings and their lands.¡± Caleb pulled out a datapad and handed it to Grace, Sam was a bit miffed he didn¡¯t hand it to her or even attempt to. ¡°In the event of death or incapacitation, your Mother named the only stable uncompromising person she could think of to manage the assets.¡± ¡°YOU?!?!¡± Sam almost yelled, ¡°¡­you have to be joking. After what you just did?!?!¡± ¡°Sam¡± Grace said scolding, before looking down at the datapad. ¡°No really.¡± Sam stepped forward jabbing a finger out at her father. ¡°You left Mother, ran off with that floozy that¡¯s what¡ªhalf your age? But I get it, you can¡¯t have one so you go for another right?!?! One De¡¯nabre is as good as another, is that it?!?!¡± ¡°Samantha, I will not be spoken to like that. You need to know your place.¡± Caleb spoke calmly. Grace continued to read allowing the two to argue. ¡°I¡¯m not your Padawan. I¡¯m not even sure I¡¯m your daughter.¡± That brought Grace¡¯s head back up. ¡°SAM!¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious, Grace. I¡¯ve had enough of this!! First he runs off with Iseult, then he shutters the family manor and turns all of the property over to the Republic?!?! I mean¡­what gall. You¡¯re an asshole.¡± ¡°SAM!!¡± Caleb said nothing else turning back to the window as Sam and Grace continued to argue. Bowing his head slightly, he closed his eyes and let out a calming breath. ¡°I did, what I felt was best in light of the recent turmoil surrounding our family estate, the Civil War¡­and your mother¡¯s¡­disappearance. There are technologies and systems that need to be under constant care within the walls of the Manor. Things that need to be secured. I am unable to do it, Karolin cannot be there in her current capacity. And the two of you¡­¡± Caleb turned around and forced a smile. ¡°¡­I love the both of you. But you are both unable or incapable of making the right decision regarding the state of affairs. This needs to be governed by a logical mind, not emotional.¡± ¡°Emotional?!?! EMOTIONAL!!! You want emotional, I¡¯ll give you emotional¡­¡± Sam started toward him as Grace reached out to push her back with a hand, holding the datapad toward her father with the other. The calm demeanor Grace had was already melting away. ¡°Father, I am loathed to speak the words that I need to convey, but this needs to be said. Both Sam and I are the Named of Mirial. The Sword and the Paladin of the Faith. AN entire Faith of a people rests on us. And for you to assume that neither one of us are capable of¡ª¡± ¡°You read your Mother¡¯s Will.¡± Caleb gestured at the datapad. ¡°This was her wish. That I, someone she trusted to be not only outside, but also objective in my decisions; be the one to decide what should take place. She knew, as I did, that should anything befall either she or Karolin, that something would have to be done to secure things that no one should have access to. And that includes information pertaining to your Mother and Aunt¡¯s creation.¡± ¡°She wrote that when they built the place!!¡± Sam spat out again. ¡°Mother would never have left you in charge had she rewritten it after you started kriffin¡¯ Iseult!!¡± ¡°SAM!!! This is the Unity¡¯s House¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry Grace, but this needs to be said. We been tiptoeing around the fact that Dad completely went off the rails when he took Iseult under his wing. Now this. I knew if we let all of this go on, something like this was going to happen. I told you it would.¡± ¡°I have made my decision.¡± Caleb spoke softly again. ¡°The Republic will be caretakers of the estate. I have already received your Aunt''s approval. In her capacity as Senator for Mirial, she will have oversight as to where the technology and the assets are being held.¡± ¡°You know what¡­¡± Sam turned and waved off her Father with a sharp arm snap. ¡°¡­whatever ¡®Pops¡¯, you do whatever it is you want to do. I¡¯m going to Coruscant to talk with Karolin¡­.¡± Grace turned after handing the datapad back to her father, following her sister out of the Temple. -- -- Galactic Senate Plaza, Office of the Senator from Mirial.... ¡°You come highly recommended Mr¡­.?¡± ¡°Gent, Ma¡¯am. Seymour Gent.¡± The human smiled a bright toothy grin. Karolin thought for a moment; his teeth looked almost unnaturally white. He was a handsome man, almost too handsome in a very false way. Perfect as politician fodder on Senatorial Hill. Someone sent him. ¡°Well¡­.Mr. Gent, you are more than qualified for the job. I see here that you were the aide to Geln Alde of Alderaan. Two tours of duty in the liaison offices. Senate page¡­¡± Karolin lost her own smile and slapped the datapad containing the man¡¯s qualifications down. She had a lobby of hopefuls to go through before the day was out and had no time for political operatives. The Force was telling her as much, but she didn¡¯t need it to see the man was far too good to be true. Even before she became Senator Elect, Karolin was receiving daily intel reports both official and some ¡®not-so-official¡¯ from her own sources. Namely, Jes and some of her other close personal allies. There was a coalition of Senators forming against her, all for various reasons. But they all shared one thing in common: Karolin¡¯s popularity and forcefulness threatened to upset the balance. She hadn¡¯t been approached, but they all knew she would NOT play the game. This was the first stage in a series of attacks. Getting an operative on the inside. Karolin smiled regularly again as Jes walked in the room from a door which sat behind her. Looming over the Karolin''s shoulder, Jes flashed a glare at the rather dashing young man before looking down at her Master to whisper something. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Senator¡­if I¡¯ve come at a bad time¡ª¡± ¡°No, not at all. You see how many are out in that foyer? I have to do all of this today, assemble my staff, get my office ready to run. As you¡¯re probably aware, I ran this race pretty much on my own. No campaign manager, no election staff. We Mirialans have a way of campaigning that is unlike anyone else.¡± ¡°Oh of course, Senator. I mean it¡¯s not like you were running for an Office here in the Republic. You¡¯re a representative of a member world. That¡¯s why I think I would be an asset to your tenure here in the capital.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Karolin formed a Nexu grin as she sat back in her chair. The guy was trying too hard, taking the rope and running with it. Karolin was ready to form the noose. ¡°Do tell, Mr. Gent¡­how you could be...ever so helpful in navigating these treacherous waters.¡± ¡°It is¡­¡± Gent started, ¡°¡­treacherous, that is. I have been around politics almost my entire adult life and I can tell you¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªexactly how long is that?¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°Your adult life. You look no more than twenty-five.¡± Gent swallowed hard. Perhaps sensing that Karolin was leading him down a path and the noose tightening around his neck. Jes moved from behind Karolin to stand between the two of them, leaning on the side of the desk to glare down at the young man. ¡°We-Well, that¡¯s true¡­and completely accurate. Very uncanny, you picked my age exactly.¡± He looked at Jes then Karolin incredulously. Jes was a very large, very imposing Echani woman. Tragically beautiful, she still wore the clothes of her tribal upbringing under the cloak she kept wrapped around her neck. The cloak, more of a symbol of her new Jedi heritage and her station within the Order. The tribal clothing, not only to honor her own ancestors and family, but to also strike a strange fear in those who gazed at how much it revealed of the tight muscular physique. It didn''t help that Jes had a stare that could stop a speeder. Steel cold blue eyes and hair that was almost as white as her skin. ¡°You truly live up to the Jedi mantra. Which in itself will create problems if you don¡¯t have someone seasoned enough to deflect and¡ª¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Sitting up, Karolin dropped the leg that was crossed and slapped the datapad back down in front of her again. Tapping the surface in thought as she gazed at the man. Slowly she turned the screen so Gent could see. On it, an entire dossier of his activities as well as a detailed background of who he was. The man¡¯s eyebrow went up as he swallowed again. Karolin was much savvier than he been led to believe. ¡°Now, Mr. Gent¡­would you like to start over and tell me who you are working for? Or would you like to continue this charade?¡± Dropping his head, Gent looked down and smiled to himself. Murmuring, he shook his head from side to side. ¡°This was supposed to be simple, in and out¡­copy some files, get something incriminating.....¡± He looked up and lost the smile. ¡°I take it I¡¯m not going to get the job.¡± He laughed, pushing up to get out of his seat and leave. He felt the lightning quick hand of Jes grab his shoulder, shoving him back down in the chair. ¡°Now-now¡­.wait a minute. I don¡¯t have to say anything¡­and if you use any of that Jedi mumbo-jumbo on me¡ª¡± ¡°Shut up, Mr. Gent¡­and listen.¡± Standing, Karolin gracefully made her way to the window and looked out. Coruscant was going about its normal routine. Skylanes passed with an almost uncountable number of speeders passing by. She turned and looked at the now frightened man, who was giving Jes a look of helplessness. ¡°Someone sent you here. Now, I could press you and find out who or whom they are. But I¡¯m not going to do that. I hope in time, you will tell me just because I have earned that trust.¡± A confusion passed over Gent as he looked at Karolin then Jes and then back to Karolin. ¡°I-I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± ¡°For someone who is so ''savvy'' in the way of politics, you certainly are slow on the uptake. I¡¯m giving you the job, Mr. Gent. Aide to the Senator from Mirial¡­my VERY personal aide.¡± Karolin smiled and gestured to Jes. ¡°Serving alongside my apprentice of course¡­well..." Karolin paused and gave Jes a warm smile. The Jedi Knight looked over to her Master and nodded, but didn''t return the smile. "....she''s not so much my apprentice anymore, she is a Jedi Knight. But Jes-¡° Karolin smiled again. ¡°--Jes¡­looks out for me. Kind of like a Wookie¡¯s Life Debt.¡± -- After Gent left and Jes dismissed the rest of the candidates she reentered the office to find Karolin staring out of the window. Karolin turned suddenly after being lost in thought and smiled. ¡°¡­I am past questioning the wisdom of some of your decisions, Master.¡± Jes sat down and continued to stare at Karolin. The Mirialan making her way back to her desk and sitting down. ¡°Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.¡± Steepling her fingers Karolin leaned forward. ¡°What do we know?¡± Taking out the datapad, Jes punched up the data from the reports she was sent to compile. There was a grim expression as she began to recount the contents. ¡°He is definitely an operative for one of three different Senators, one of them having ties to the Organizations former scientific board.¡± ¡°Send that to V¡¯ictoria, let her track that down.¡± Karolin waved it off ¡°Next¡­any word from my brother?¡± Jes assumed that Karolin was referring to RT and not Marstel, who Jes didn¡¯t know anything about anyway. It wasn¡¯t what she was sent to find out. When Karolin referred to Marstel, she always addressed him by name; never ¡®my brother¡¯. RT was always¡­¡¯my brother¡¯. ¡°Yes.¡± Jes ran a finger down the pad turning the page. ¡°His operation was a success and¡­there is an added bonus.¡± Karolin¡¯s eyebrow went up, but before she could ask, Jes killed any optimism Karolin had. ¡°Cypher managed to break into the Imperial database on Bothawui during the assault. We have Darth Malgus¡¯ personal correspondence.¡± That made Karolin sit up, even without knowing where Jes was going with the information. ¡°RT is sending the contents to us before he turns it over to the Republic, but¡­he said something about a facility and¡­Mrysti.¡± -- Tatooine, Mos Espa Landing Site¡­. No one questioned. The dark figure got out of the speeder and started a long slow walk toward the entrance of Mos Espa. Even the guards snapped to attention. One of them noticing the lightsaber hilts under the robe of the dark, masked figure. But Aurora was not a Sith, she merely looked like one and it was not on purpose. Choosing the mask not only for its utilitarian qualities of filtering out the dust of Tatooine, it made Aurora look imposing. Even with the lock of brilliant blonde hair that ran down the side of her shoulder from under the hood she had pulled over her head. Continuing her walk, she got looks. Mostly from those who were natives to the planet and working for or with the Empire. The most scrutinizing looks came from the few Sith who were there, but all of them far too busy with their own affairs to pay her any mind. The Sith Order, like the Jedi were decimated during the War with the Eternal Empire, but there were still enough of them out in the galaxy that it was not uncommon for Sith not to know one another. Aurora stopped at the entrance to the Cantina and looked up, reading the sign. What a crude and ugly language Aurebesh was. And it was everywhere, created by the Core Worlds. ¡®This is why the Sith will lose this war¡¯ she thought. Even the language was created by the Republic. And the Sith were using it. Aurora still had no love for the Republic, not that she liked the Sith Empire any better. But it was the Republic that emerged the beneficiaries of the victory on Mirial. And it was Republic influence that had her exiled. It didn¡¯t matter, Aurora had been back to Mirial twice since then, in disguise. Once to recon the old De¡¯nabre homestead. The other, to break her father out of the De¡¯nabre dungeon. And it still bothered her that those who were once allies, suddenly became traitors to the cause so quickly. How long had Aurora, the former First Captain of the Generationals, been the leader of the various families and served alongside all of the other ruling houses? All of them, the officers and leadership of the Generational Mirialans grew up together. They were more than just fellow officers, she considered them family. At least, she once did. That Oracle could do such a thing. Oppose the family, oppose her. The two went to the same schools, played together, emerged as leadership on the ship together. They were closer than siblings at one time. Aurora made a face under the mask. Oracle, shacking up with one of the offworlders. Not even a normal offworlder or a puppet of the Republic, but a Mandalorian. Those unique super-soldiers which were no more than a loose tribe of mercenaries; whose only purpose as far as Aurora could tell was to sew discord and create war where ever they went. Though Aurora hated Oracle, there was still a part that wished her no ill will. After helping her father escape, Aurora did her best to check up on Oracle after the attack. If only to ensure that she was not killed trying to stop Telan¡¯dorr¡¯s escape. They would be enemies now and forever after that day. Oracle would never forgive Aurora for what she did or the injury she inflicted upon her. It was a road Aurora was already traveling on; nothing new. As time went on, Aurora almost expected that everything she had come to hold dear throughout her life would simply melt away. And it had everything to do with her father. Oh, how she wished she could simply kill him. But she needed him at the moment. If for no other reason than to secure her own future. Entering the Cantina, Aurora looked around. It was the usual assortment of aliens and Imperials all carousing together. She turned her head slowly scanning the area until she spotted the one she was supposed to meet. Sitting in a darkened corner alone. The trip to Tatooine was twofold, meet the ally her father had sent her to recruit and take care of some family business. The latter being something of her own design. Even with the continued bleeding of old friends and associates melting away, Aurora still had the need to hold on to something. More than that, she needed to believe that there was hope in her past. Approaching the table, she sat down. The other looked up startled, staring at the face of the masked figure. But, seeing the golden blonde hair trickling down the shoulder, the other softened. ¡°That mask doesn¡¯t become you¡­¡± Iseult smiled. Aurora sneered under the mask. Reaching up to unhook and detach it. She set it down in front of her and gazed at her sister. ¡°Better?¡± ¡°Much.¡± Iseult said softly. Even the dark sister¡¯s voice had changed to match her eyes. Now a soft blue, much like Aurora¡¯s. Iseult smiled, it almost startled Aurora to see it. That had changed as well. Gone was the sinister grin Aurora was so used to from her sister, replaced by a light friendly and even warm smile. Iseult still had the hair Aurora remembered, but there was a streak of bright blonde down one side, which Iseult brushed behind her ear as she looked away shyly. The two had not seen one another since the war, but Aurora had kept track. And she was not pleased with Iseult at all. ¡°You asked to see me, here I am.¡± Aurora spoke suddenly, sitting back and taking out a cigarra. Lighting it up with a snap of a finger and spark of lightning from the tip. Iseult lost the smile, cocking her head to look at her sister strangely. ¡°Smoking? Really?¡± "Oh, I have taken on a whole slew of new indulgences. Some even worse than this." Aurora smiled wickedly. "As you have, I''m sure you and the Jedi have been ''indulging'' yourselves quite often. But, I didn¡¯t come here to be lectured. Things change Iseult. You certainly have.¡± ¡°So, have you.¡± Iseult frowned and looked down again disregarding the jab at her relationship with Caleb. ¡°I wanted to¡ª¡± She shook her head and scoffed. All of it suddenly seemed like a dreadful mistake. Asking Aurora to meet her, contacting her sister in secret. Iseult was already feeling guilty for having to lie to Caleb. But she would ask for forgiveness. She always asked for forgiveness for everything she did, it was the way in the Unity. ¡°¡ªthis was stupid, I should just go.¡± Iseult started to get up as Aurora reached over and grabbed her wrist. The two stared at one another frozen for a moment. ¡°I have father. It¡¯s not too late. You and I, we can still have everything we want. I know what he did to you, I know that deep down¡­even without the curse present, you can still feel all of that. And I know that somewhere in the places that Jedi hasn¡¯t reached..there is a part of you that wants father dead as much as I do.¡± Jerking her hand out of Aurora¡¯s, Iseult sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about Caleb like that.¡± She snapped back, glaring at her sister. ¡°You have no idea what he¡¯s done for me, how he¡¯s shown me the true nature of the light. I came here to try and bring you some of that. I was going to say the same thing to you. That¡¯s it¡¯s not too late. If you repent, ask the Unity for forgiveness and talk to Grace¡­¡± ¡°Grace¡­HA!!!¡± Aurora sat back and laughed. ¡°Is that what¡¯s she¡¯s calling herself now?!?! She¡¯s no ¡®Grace¡¯ at least not of the Unity. And the Unity holds no truth for me anymore, sister. My truth is here¡­¡± Aurora touched her lightsaber. ¡°And here¡­¡± She poked her head. ¡°If you had done more than simply spread your legs for that Jedi¡­¡± Iseult¡¯s jaw flexed as she looked away. ¡°I will forgive you for that, Aurora. Only because I know you are compromised. I had nothing to do with your exile and I certainly did not want anything to come between us. But you¡¯ve forced the issue, opposing them¡­breaking father out of confinement. Hurting Oracle¡­Aurora, how could you?!?!¡± ¡°Very easily.¡± Aurora stood up, stubbing the cigarra out on the table. She picked up the mask. ¡°If I were you, Iseult¡­¡± Pulling back the hood, Aurora placed the mask back on her head. The voice that came out of the darkness of the mask was not Aurora, it was something much more menacing. ¡°¡­I would hope that you and I don¡¯t cross paths again. There will be much less talking¡­¡± -- Main Laundry Facility, ¡®The End¡¯¡­. <¡±Inmate M-1108, you are authorized to continue your work as requested. All other inmates, please return to your cellblocks¡­.¡±> Still mulling over the offer from Cornelia and Mrysti, Canton still hadn¡¯t decided to join the two yet. The Mandalorian side of him had long since contemplated escape, fashioned a plan and even constructed some items to do the job should the need to leave arrive. Cornelia wasn¡¯t wrong. Canton knew what he was doing with tech, it also didn¡¯t hurt that he knew as much about using it as he did about constructing it. Days had already passed since the offer. They couldn¡¯t avoid one another being in the same cellblock, they all three exchanged looks, but the offer from Mrysti didn¡¯t come up again. Not even when they were close to one another in the chow line or in line for a work detail. They actually exchanged very few words. Canton, still angry at the both of them for exposing him so publicly. The calm and stability Canton claimed to crave was restored for the moment with the killing of the two guards and Mrysti¡¯s assault on the Warden. All of that made it back to the cellblocks in record time. The communication system in prison was extremely fast and accurate. And the prison communication system as rudimentary as it was often rivaled any holo-net. A strange calm had fallen over the prison with the arrival of the High Colonel. She visited rarely. The prison was just another stop in her sector responsibilities. But the fact that she was hanging around this time cast a strange pallor over the entire prison. Even with the calm, a thin veneer of restlessness was stirring among the inmates and the guards. A tenseness that no one could quite lay a finger on. Word had reached the block that Mrysti was designated for termination by order of the Warden, but that the High Colonel had placed a hold on that while she looked into the matter. Any other prisoner would have been on edge or even back in the hole. But not Mrysti, she looked calm walking around. Like none of it had happened. But Canton knew, she was calm because no matter what the Warden or the guards did, she had no plans to be there very much longer. What she knew and none of the others did, they all had grossly underestimated her strength. Sure, they had put her down when she intervened and rescued Cornelia. But that was only because as caught up in the moment as she was, Mrysti had a flashback of a similar event. The prison, being in captivity was playing havoc with Mrysti''s post-traumatic stress. Which the warrior typically kept under control, but bars, chains, rapes and the screams. It all was clearly working on her. She defeated herself. Had she been thinking clearly, no one could have stopped her. And that was a fact that not even the Warden was aware of. How could he be? No one had access to those files which contained Mrysti¡¯s mysterious origin. Who she was and what made her up at the core. Had they known they would have thrown her into the deepest darkest hole and never let her see light again. Advantage, Mrysti. Though Canton hadn¡¯t made his decision he was still considering it. He needed time to think, work helped with that and the AI never denied a request from an inmate with a good behavior record a request for more work. There was never any shortage of things that needed to be done in the laundry. One part of the facility that ran Twenty-Eight ¨C Nine, galactic standard. Folding clothes, he contemplated, stewed over the audacity of the two women to approach him like that. And Cornelia, she knew better. Canton told her long ago when the two of them first got started that nothing he was capable of or that he was doing was ever to be discussed in public. To do so risked exposing any plans he was making. Secrets in prison were always hard to keep, even more so because people like to talk and they had nothing better to do than watch one another and keep the rumor mill running. Canyon didn¡¯t do much of that, not since Cornelia. He never got close to anyone like he got to her. Already identified as a high risk because of being a Mandalorian, the less attention he brought to himself the better. Cornelia. The thought made him nearly crack a smile. The corner of his lip twitched. But he went back to work, forcing himself not to think about her. Deep down, Canton thought of her as family and cursed himself for the many times he had done nothing when the guards and the Captain came calling. Allowing those other ¡®trustees¡¯ entrance into her cell so they could have their way with her. ''Allowed''. It was such a strong word. he did blame himself, right up till the moment Cornelia broke things off with him. It happened after a particularly brutal visit from the Captain and his goon squad. Canton grabbed the bars of the porthole in the door, propped his feet on the door and pulled with all his strength. Even bending the bars slightly to get out. Screaming the entire time, goading, yelling curses in Mando''a. Anything to get them to stop assaulting Cornelia and come see about him. The guards did come. Not the goons in the cell, but the armored ones. The ones who escorted the Captain and the squad to Cornelia''s cell. He fought as hard as he could, even taking one of the three guards out and putting up enough of a fight that they called in for backup. They beat him nearly to death. And when Cornelia saw him the next day, instead of going to him and comforting him or seeing how badly they had beaten him on her behalf; she turned away. Shortly after, she broke things off with him. Canton looked up suddenly. His thoughts going back to the conversation about him joining the plan. How angry Cornelia got when he mentioned her willingness to¡ªhis jaw dropped. ¡®Bitch¡¯ he whispered to himself. Manipulated by a Sith. How could he have been so blind? He knew the answer to that one. Blinded by his feelings for the very individual who purposefully spurned him in order to¡ª¡®Bitch¡¯, Canton whispered to himself again. Cornelia knew Canton better than anyone. And she did all of it so long ago, breaking it off with him to spare his honor. Purposefully making him angry enough to think that she wanted the ¡®visits¡¯ from the Captain and his goon squad. Canton thought Cornelia was a willing participant because she manipulated him into thinking it. Dropping the sheet he was folding on the table, Canton looked down driving his fist hard into the metal surface. On some level he was grateful. Cornelia did it all for him, knowing he would have killed himself and had almost succeeded; in trying to stop them all. They were that in love at one time. But on another level, all of that original anger was coming back. How many times had they raped her, dozens¡­uncountable times. Canton grit his teeth as voices from the other side of the partition started talking. ¡®Trustees¡¯. Canton started folding again, trying to set his mind back on the task at hand and making a decision. Knowing he would have to confront Cornelia and somehow question if that was her plan all along, spurn him in order to save him. That kind of sacrifice, the kind Cornelia had made for him. That was love. ¡°¡­she was sweet¡­till that big green bitch from next door came across¡­.¡± ¡°Oh, kriff her man, Warden and the Cap got plans for her¡­¡± Canton leaned to the side listening through the partition. The voice, familiar. They were trustees, but very familiar trustees. Then the third voice spoke and he knew exactly who they were. Part of the Captain¡¯s goon squad. ¡°Yea, well I got plans for more of that sweet Sith ass¡­you see how fine that bitch is?!?! I ain¡¯t never had a bitch that fine. I get her cummin¡¯ all over my cock everytime¡­and lets be honest, when are you ever going to get one compliant? That collar is credits in the bank, dude...¡± "You got that right..." He heard them laughing and exchanging a slap of hands, congratulating each other for what they had done. Canton grit his teeth. Inside, something snapped. All facial expression left as he placed the sheet down carefully moving away from the table. He rounded the corner and opened up an access panel, one he was familiar with. Part of his escape plan from long ago. Reaching in, he took out the crush gauntlet construct. It was extremely rudimentary, looking more like he had a load lifter strapped to his arm. Pieces of wood and nails made up the fist portion, but the electronics they were all assembled from scraps he found across the station. Long rods ran down the sides, connecting to a power cell and hydraulic oscillator. He strapped it on tightly. Turning on the power cell he heard it wind up and vibrate, holding it up in the light to give it a quick inspection. Moving back to his table he rounded the partition on the other side. -- ¡°Dude, I¡¯m telling you¡ª¡± BOOM. The large red muscular Twi¡¯lek who was only moment before bragging about his sexual acumen was suddenly hit by what felt like a runaway speeder. The big alien dropped like a sack of bricks, knocked completely out as Canton turned on the other two. The third thug closest to the door turned and ran away, not sure who or what had just put down a man of the Twi¡¯lek¡¯s size. He didn¡¯t stay to find out. ¡°What tha¡¯ kriff¡ª¡± Mohawk turned in time to see Canton vault the table between them. The ¡®trustees¡¯ were also folding clothes in one of the laundry facility¡¯s sections. Something they did so they could talk and smoke. Anything to be away from their cells. And as ¡®trustees¡¯ they could get away with going anywhere they wanted until lockdown. ¡°Wait a minute¡ª¡± Mohawk raised his hands up. ¡°I know you, you¡¯re that¡ª¡± Canton landed and swung the gauntlet with all of his might. The added power of the mechanism combined with a Mandalorian who worked out non-stop, even in the privacy of his own cell was insurance for the day when he would need to use that strength; hit the green Mohawk with enough force to penetrate a foot of reinforced duracrete. The blow that knocked out the Twi¡¯lek was a glancing one. Canton was already analyzing the attack, he was rusty. Hitting the Twi¡¯lek as the alien turned and he rounded the corner. It was a fraction of the power contained within the gauntlet and the man, compared to the full force of the gauntlet against a solid target. The head cracked and then shattered as the hydraulics of the makeshift pummeler struck and then exacted additional force against the target with the squeeze of a palm control. Canton didn¡¯t feel it through the construction of the gauntlet, but he heard it and once the gauntlet¡¯s hydraulics kicked in a split second after the strike, he saw the red cloud and the spray in all directions. The remnants of the side of Mohawk¡¯s head and lower jaw shattering and flew into the darkness of the room. A line of blood streaked itself across the clean white of the sheets. And Mohawk fell, almost as hard as the Twi¡¯lek, not just out cold but near death. Head and face shattered beyond recognition. Canton followed the body as it flew over the table landing on the other side near his red-skinned accomplice. All of the control gone, the attack would have been flawless, but once the Mohawk opened his mouth and spoke at the beginning; a strange thing happened. Canton became angry again. That voice, the same one he heard laughing down the halls on those long late nights. The same one that cried out in joy from Cornelia¡¯s cell as he ravaged her again and again. All of that came back. Canton bent down and picked up what remained of the Mohawk by the shoulder and screamed, pulling his gauntleted fist back behind his shoulder. Driving it forward again, and again¡­and again. What was left when Canton finally stood, catching his breath, was a mess of fragmented bone and pulpy tissue. Only the sound of the dripping gore echoed off the end of the gauntlet as it hit the floor. Canton looked down at the mess he made. The corner of his mouth cracked in a slight smile. Revenge, it was a dish best served cold and in solitude. And it felt sweet. As if Cornelia was standing there, Canton nodded to himself and to her. Releasing the hand grip inside the gauntlet to drop it noisily to the floor. ¡°Yep¡­I¡¯m in. I¡¯m all the way in now, baby¡­.¡± -- <¡±Inmate M-1108¡­¡±> The AI clicked on inside the cell block as Canton made his way up the stairs to his cell. Other inmates started coming to their doorways, to include Mrysti and Cornelia. When both of them saw Canton and the blood that stained the white of his prison garb, they looked at one another. Canton kept on moving, even as the AI continued. <¡±¡­you are ordered to cease movement. Drop to your knees and place your hands on your head.¡±> It spoke in an even tone. Humming sounds of lowering turrets and opening portholes echoed throughout the block. The running feet of guards was close behind Canton as he turned and looked directly at Cornelia. Once the guards reached him, one of them grabbed an arm. They started binding him, getting ready to take him away. Canton was smiling, looking right at Cornelia as she mouthed something toward him. Questioning, why? What did he do?!?! He didn¡¯t understand, he couldn¡¯t see though all of the blood which still ran down his face. But it didn¡¯t matter. He knew she could see him smiling. The guards started to haul him away as Cornelia ran to the edge of the gangway to follow him. Still looking at up at her, Canton¡¯s smile broadened. His head and his eyes never left her, even as he was hauled out and thrown into the lift. Turning toward Mrysti, Cornelia looked down and placed a hand to her face. Canton had done something, he had finally done something that he wanted to do. It was the only explanation for the smile, the blood. Now, they would kill him. She looked up at her Master. ¡°Master, we have to get to him. I don¡¯t know how, but we have to¡­¡± -- -- - Zeltros Sector, Galactic War with the Eternal Empire....several Years prior.... ¡°You need to get back down to engineering and get to¡ª¡± The Captain stopped himself from saying it. After all, it wasn¡¯t like he was talking to one of the many alien races they often ferried to Zeltros on the pleasure cruiser. Aurore was a fellow Zeltron. Even saying the word ''work'' was forbidden. Some did more than others. Aurore, unusually smart, savvy, technically proficient; knew the difference. And she honestly didn¡¯t care that the Captain used the word. What she cared about was his lack of attention to detail and failing to heed her warnings. It was a busy time. Lots were ''fleeing'' to Zeltros under the guise of vacationing. Alien visas were only valid for one hundred eighty days so the cruisers were working overtime taking people back to the Port of Departure; a nearby Moon. While taking people making it to the ''Port of Entry'' to the same moon; back and forth to Zeltros. There were no extensions on the visas. Though once it ran out, if you left and came back a full day later, you could get a new fresh visa like you never left. The only problem was leaving. Aliens had to be off the surface of Zeltros for a full day. Outer Space didn¡¯t count. All had to return to the general port of entry, something the Zeltrons set up when the population started to boom with the threat of the Eternal Empire. And the cruisers, slow moving long range luxury liners were showing their wear. Mostly because they weren¡¯t being used properly. Ships, like people, needed exercise. And the engines weren¡¯t designed for those short burst and shut off in a quick half day turn around trips. ¡°I''m just letting you know. This is it. We will be lucky if we make it to the moon much less back home. The engines are stalling, there is only so much a large scale engine like this can take. They need to be up and running on full for a least a full day to¡ª¡± ¡°Aurore¡­¡± The Captain ran his hand through his blue/black hair after taking off his hat; releasing a sigh. ¡°¡­I understand your frustrations. But the company has ordered us to make these runs. Nothing long range is going out right now. All I¡¯m asking, is for you to keep it running until I inform corporate of our situation.¡± ¡°Fine. Just know¡­¡± cocking a hip out, Aurore wiped a smudge of grease over her face, still holding the accelo-spanner in her hand. ¡°¡­if we stall again and have a burnout, I have no circuitry replacements. Even the hyper fluid is baked. Not cycling through the drive, sitting in the basin it''s rusting out!!¡± ¡°I understand. And I¡¯m sorry, just do your ''job''¡­¡± The Captain said the word with finger quotations and a broad smile to make saying it more palpable. Aurore wasn¡¯t buying. Turning on her heels, a jingle of tools around her belt and the whirl of spinning wheels once the astromech accompanying her turned as well to follow her. They put on a brave face. The crew, the Captain. All of the Zeltrons who crewed the ship as well as the alien shipmates who were able to use the word ''work''. It was highly unusual to have an almost full Zeltron crew on a luxury liner. At least in key positions like the Captain and Chief Engineer. Most Zeltros based companies hired offworlders to actually ''work''. Aurore, unlike other Zeltrons liked her work. She liked tension and high stress situations, so often caused by keeping a ship as large as the ''Coursair'', running. Everyone tried to ignore what was going on outside Zeltros, out in the Galaxy. They heard it from the passengers they picked up and bits of holo-net they intercepted near the Port of Entry. The Eternal Empire was coming. And when they arrived, even though the Zeltrons had no plans to fight; Aurore knew from the horror stories it wouldn¡¯t matter. Being the Chief Engineer usually came with perks. Bigger room, a seat at the leadership table with the other top officers. But she was too busy and the trips so fast she hardly had time to catch her breath. This was work, no time for fun. No pleasant thoughts of play and fun to occupy her. She couldn¡¯t even leech those emotions emphatically from their passengers. Even if she saw some, which she rarely did, most of them were so traumatized by what they been through she wished she just stayed in the bowels of the ship. Her only respite was a few bottles of Zeltros Brandy she squirreled away and the droids she tinkered with. Life was in a holding pattern. At least till all of the Eternal Empire business went away. And that didn¡¯t look to be coming soon. Just making it back down to the engine room, no sooner had Aurore walked through the heavy sliding door that the hyperdrive alarm went off. They were traveling on sublight engines, but the system it used was the same cooling system which cycled the hyperdrive''s fluidic cooling system. Bits of durasteel and galinium were coursing through the cooling lines and clogging up one of the hoses. Dropping the wrench she ran to the sublight monitoring system and started flipping switches. ¡°No, nononono.¡± One by one the sublights sparked and started to burnout. Aurore tried desperately to save them as smoke filled the room. Only one of the six were still glowing green as the ship slowly lurched to a stop. The ship, was dead in the ''water''. -- ¡°If you¡¯re accusing me of doing it on purpose because of what I said before it happened¡ª¡± Aurore stood up in her seat and glared at the assembled officers, most of all the Captain. He raised his hands defensively. ¡°No one is accusing you of anything. I¡¯ve sent a distress signal to the Port and the company.¡± Looking at the concerned looks from the others, The Captain waited until Aurore composed herself and sat down before reassuring everyone. ¡°We¡¯ll offload the passengers onto another liner, then try to limp ourselves back to Zeltros.¡± He looked at Aurore, who shook her head. ¡°Fat chance of that.¡± The engineer pursed her lips. ¡°This is a serious burnout. The hyperdrive cooling system has corrupted the entire mechanism.¡± She tried to explain it to those who wouldn¡¯t understand technical babble. Knowing no one else could understand. It was a lot more serious then she was explaining. ¡°We''ve lost five of the six sublights. The cooler needs a flush and the hyperdrive coolant itself needs to be completely replaced after the tanks are scrubbed and polished. I can do some of that, but I can¡¯t replace engines I don¡¯t have. And the coolant...we just don''t have a tank of that stuff lying around.¡± ¡°Burnout?¡± One of the other officers questioned. Aurore knew the guy as ''knowitall''. Always talking about things he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°So, we take out the damaged components and replace them with¡ª¡± ¡°With what?!?!¡± Aurore already knew where the Officer was going. ¡°There are no ''individual'' components, the whole thing is shot! Those Engines are a total loss.¡± ¡°Then we sit and wait.¡± Saying it with a smile, the Captain actually looked happy. ¡°A ship will come. In the meantime we carry on with our duties. We do have passengers that need our¡ª¡± An echo reverberated through the ship, they all looked up until the sound and rattle caught up with one another. All of the Zeltrons in the room flew to the far side, knocked off their feet as the ship lurched. Panicked, frightened faces all looking at one another. All of them finally settling on Aurore who was looking toward the door. ¡°That wasn¡¯t us.¡± Aurore said, getting to her feet. ¡°That came from outside the ship.¡± At first, she though maybe something hit them. Then the second rattle happened, much closer and it came with a blast which nearly flipped the ship completely upside down. ¡°Weapons fire.¡± -- They fixed the engines. Patched up the holes they made in the hull. Aurore learned a lot from just watching them, when she was able. Taking her by the jaw once she was done, the Eternal Empire engineer popped her mouth off the head off his cock and tossed her to the floor. Maybe they didn¡¯t believe in work either. The engineer kriffed her almost as much as he worked on things around the ship. These were the first Zeltrons the humanoid members of the Eternal Empire boarding party had come in contact with. And there were reports from the other members of the crew. Passengers abused or outright executed. None of the Zeltrons had been killed at least, but the hired contractor members of the crew that tried to resist were executed quickly. Sitting up on her knees, she pulled down her shirt over her breasts slowly. And received a slap across the face for doing so. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you get dressed. Did I tell you to get dressed?!?!¡± He didn¡¯t hit her again, turning back toward the control console without waiting for Aurore''s answer. The engineer was fastening his pants after pulling them up. She knew, for the moment, the engineer was going to do real work. Zeltrons tried not hate. It was a putrid emotion that often made a Zeltron sick. But Aurore was starting to hate the Eternals. And the emotion was so frequent that she was long past letting it make her sick. Spinning back around, the engineer tossed Aurore a key card. ¡°Go get yourself ready in my room. Wait there till I come for you.¡± -- Humming to herself, she adjusted the motivator looking down at the datapad which was hooked to the unit. Wires were all over the place, flowing from the glowing pad back to the unit as she continued to hum. It was her respite, a way to escape what was going on outside in the ship. Aurore didn¡¯t even hear the screams anymore. Part of it was the humming, but the other part was using her technical mind to hide in the droids she worked on in order to occupy herself. In her own little world, she didn¡¯t notice the droid activate. It¡¯s eyes lit up, but with the motivator deactivated while she was still adjusting it, the droid was unable to move. It¡¯s eyes adjusted and focused on her as she continued to tinker. ¡°You have been damaged.¡± The droid said abruptly. Aurore almost dropped the spanner. Looking up and letting out a pent-up fright. ¡°You scared me half to death. I had you deactivated.¡± ¡°You have been damaged¡± It repeated. Aurore looked at it¡¯s eyes and then touched her face. The droid saw it, everyone did. But only the droid was oblivious of the new social norm to actually say anything. No one, at least no one humanoid, said anything those days. Everyone else, just let it wash over them. Beatings, rapes, even killings. It was the way of things. It was just, ¡®normal¡¯. But not to the droid. Aurore took her hand away from her face. ¡°I fell. You need not worry about¡ª¡± ¡°I estimate that due to the nature of your contusions, the location and the coloration...you did not fall. In fact, I estimate with a ninety percent accuracy that you, in fact, were the victim of an assault.¡± Aurore reached up to turn off the droid¡¯s vocabulator. Its next words stopped her. ¡°Were you once again the victim of assault from the Eternal Empire¡¯s Chief Engineer?¡± Her eyes got wide, she looked away dropping the spanner to her lap and put a hand over her mouth. The droid continued to watch her, not saying anything. It wouldn¡¯t until she answered the last query. ¡°Yes¡± she finally answered softly. ¡°I¡­do not like him.¡± The droid intoned. Aurore looked up and smiled, sniffling hard and wiping the beginnings of tears from her eyes as she smiled; going back to adjusting the motivator. ¡°Really?¡± She laughed. ¡°Well¡­you and I are of the same mind. I don¡¯t like him much either.¡± When the door to the cabin opened, Aurore quickly cut the droid off and set the tools down. She heard him call for her, getting up off the floor to run to the door. When she got there, she knew what she was supposed to do. He stood there, hand on his hip waiting. Slowly, she unzipped the jumpsuit and started taking it off. -- Weeks passed. Traveling on sublight was going to take forever to get there. Where? The Eternal Empire crew never told them. And they were traveling much lighter than they were at the start. Less people, less everything. Aurore busied herself with her droids. Keeping company with them in order to keep herself sane. It was the only way she could fight off the negative feelings that made her sick to think about. In thinking about all of the things the Eternals had done to them, it almost incapacitated her. Once the ship slowed, she knew something was wrong. A second later the lights dimmed as emergency lighting came on, along with the strange sounding klaxon alarm. Not something any of them were used to hearing on a civilian liner. The last time, was the day the Eternals captured their ship. Getting up from her position, she moved into the main engineering bay. Eternal Empire personnel were frantically moving from station to station. Aurore stood there, not allowed to help or do anything. Forbidden since they were captured to have anything to do with the equipment. ¡°We can¡¯t outrun them. Not in this bucket¡­¡± The Chief Engineer screamed into the comm. <¡±Then you better damn well sabotage everything. I swear to Izax¡­they are not going to get us, not any of us.¡±> The engineer looked back at Aurore, sneering slightly before looking back to the comm. ¡°I understand¡­when you give the word, I¡¯ll get it done.¡± He took out his blaster as the comm went dead. -- <¡±This is the Coalition Flagship Honor¡­Zeltron Freighter, you are traveling in a contested zone. This area of space is under dispute. Heave to and prepare to be boarded¡­¡±> The ¡®Honor¡¯. They all heard about the ship and the two sisters who formed ¡®The Coalition¡¯ to combat the Eternal Empire. It was one of the reasons the Eternal Empire chose to travel back toward contested space. No one was going to stop a civilian liner filled with passengers. At least not till they reached their target and detonated. Coming into long range contact, the Captain knew at distance there was no way they could know the Zeltron Luxury Liner was anything other than a ship outside of where it should be. But that could have been enough. No way was the Captain going to let them board her. Picking up the comm, the Captain contacted the various sections of the ship to begin the executions. To be taken alive after being given such an important mission was unacceptable. After they killed everyone, they would kill themselves or die trying to fight whoever the ¡®Honor¡¯ sent to board the vessel. -- Rumbling from various spots, the Engineer couldn¡¯t tell if it was boarding pods or incoming turbolasers that was echoing along the hull. It didn¡¯t matter, he had his orders. But he liked her. Liked her almost too much. Lifting the blaster, he actually said ¡®sorry¡¯. Uttering the words, but too cowardly to look her in the eyes as she knelt in front of him. Turning his head away, he started to pull the trigger. Aurore went deaf. A silent numbness coming over her as she looked down and away once the Engineer turned his head. She shook once she heard the shot. Her body physically jumping from the fright of it all. ¡®This was death?¡¯ she questioned, thinking the last sound; the jolt she felt was her transition from that world to the next. But when she opened her eyes and looked up the smoke from the doorway exploding inward was still drifting across the floor. The feet of the Chief Engineer lay lifeless in front of her. A shadow drifted in front of her, a massive presence that seemed to fill the room and block out all of the light. And a massive hand, one of the biggest she ever seen gently extending toward her. Aurore took the hand and looked up into the pale face and black lined tattoos that made the presence look terrifying to some, but a savior to others. ¡®You¡¯re safe¡¯ it said. Lifting her off the floor and pulling her up and into its arms. The presence had her, it cradled her and carried her away from everything. ¡®You¡¯re safe¡¯ Marstel said. ¡®You¡¯ll always be safe with us.¡¯ -- -- - Nar Shareef, Hutt Space....present time.... That part of town had a nickname. The ring. Not because they made fine jewelry. Every night was a fight, blood was always on the ground in some fashion in one or another part of the town. It had been several years since he been there. The place stank of cheap whiskey and even cheaper sex. Why Aurore had chosen that place as her home was beyond Waylon. A girl of her talents and it had nothing to do with the kind of talent the town was usually looking for in its women. Aurore was a talented engineer. Their common acquaintance spent years funding their little adventures on the off chance that someday he would need them. A couple of the adventures brought all of them together. The shipment to Taral V, the blockade run on Dromand Kaas¡­running the Corellian Line during the Imperial Occupation. But all of them ended up returning to their own lives. Not to cross paths until called upon. None of them could hardly complain. Marstel paid well and didn¡¯t ask questions. Such was the level of trust he had in them. Which in itself was strange to all of them. Marstel didn¡¯t trust anyone but family. And them, as it turned out. Looking at his chrono, Waylon made the turn on 9th street, looking up at the glowing sign as he did so. Long coat billowing in the wind, he pulled it back closed to hide the arsenal he was carrying under it. No way was he coming to Nar Shareef otherwise. As far as Hutt planets went, this one was top of the line which said something given the smell and the d¨¦cor. It was all the same to Waylon, he seen one Hutt planet too many. -- Looking at the approaching figure, Aurore smiled to herself. She was letting the man on the corner chat her up just so she could stand there. ¡°So whatdaya say¡­¡± The man finally said, she didn¡¯t even know his name. As Waylon approached, Aurore got a slight smile on her face, the man chatting her up thought it was for him as the Zeltron finally keyed in on the last part of what the man was saying to her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry what?!?!¡± She looked at him smiling. ¡°I don¡¯t do that. Especially with my mouth. Go find a suction drone¡­¡± Letting Waylon pass, they exchanged a mere glance, Aurore pushing off the wall after shinning the man talking to her off. He grabbed her arm. ¡°No, you¡¯ll do¡ª¡± The words were cut short by the quick flash and slash of a vibroblade. It was serrated, the kind she used in her technical work. The cut wasn¡¯t as clean as an assassin could have done, but it did the job. Aurore learned the hard way to take care of herself. Marstel insisted on that when he found her. A lesson she never forgot. Aurore owed Marstel her life. Falling to the ground grabbing his arm, Aurore stepped over him and sheathed the blade. Moving slow enough to allow Waylon to enter the bar before she did. Once she entered, Aurore saw he was already standing at their regular table. The one front and center, right next to the stage. It always cloaked everything they talked about. Between the cheers for the strippers and the loud music right in their faces, no one could hear them. On missions like the one all of them were being called together for, Aurore was the ¡®go to gal¡¯. Marstel sent everything to her, she dispersed it. Once, Waylon asked why. Marstel¡¯s reply was always, ¡®I like her better¡¯. That ended the questions. Marstel did in fact like Aurore more, but now it was just a matter of annoying Waylon. The two men had a love/hate relationship. Aurore positioned herself at the table, placing her ample backside against the edge. Turning her head slightly, she smiled warmly and winked. Another thing Aurore always did. Show Waylon what he couldn¡¯t have. What no man could have. Aurore didn¡¯t date anything that wasn¡¯t mechanical or made of circuitry. ¡°Ok, you can stop¡­its getting old.¡± Waylon spoke as he lifted the drink, taking a swig to look away. Aurore turned with a faux pout and poked him. ¡°You¡¯re no fun. You keep getting meaner and meaner. How ya been, Waylon?¡± Without looking at her, Waylon set the glass down and sighed. ¡°Fairly midlin¡¯¡­you still kriffin¡¯ droids?¡± Waylon laughed at himself. He never knew why it was, no one ever said and Aurore never told the story. Only Marstel knew and he wasn¡¯t saying. Aurore only ¡®dated¡¯ droids, it was an old joke between them. Mostly because Waylon had a thing for Aurore, had always had a thing for her and was disappointed when she rejected him. Aurore lost the smile and frowned. ¡°You know I am, why do you always ask¡­¡± Pushing the datapad toward him, Aurore turned to watch the dancer speaking over her shoulder. ¡°We are in a holding pattern. Alzir is supposed to be joining us, but Marstel doesn¡¯t know when. Until then, you and I are on his credits.¡± ¡°Oh great.¡± Waylon shoved the datapad away taking the glass in hand to finish it. ¡°What am I supposed to do in the meantime?¡± ¡°Have fun I guess.¡± Aurore flipped back around and picked up the datapad, shoving it in a cargo pocket. Waylon didn¡¯t even read the mission. That they were in a holding pattern was enough for him. Stepping off, Aurore stopped by Waylon¡¯s side leaning in to put her lips close to his ear. ¡°And be careful who you invite into your bed around here¡­trust me, check twice¡­¡± Before Aurore got too far away, Waylon spoke up. What he said froze her in her tracks. ¡°Have you seen him?¡± Turning slowly, Aurore made the few steps slowly back toward the table. Leaning on it gently. She smiled and laid a hand on Waylon¡¯s shoulder, giving the same warm smile. ¡°Let it go, Waylon. He¡¯s been good to us. Good to me¡­.I owe him my life, I owe him everything.¡± Aurore hesitated. ¡°And you do to.¡± She took her hand away like Waylon was suddenly hot as his head snapped toward her with a sneer. Though Waylon didn¡¯t know Aurore¡¯s story, he told her his. In a way, it was part of his recovery. Aurore knew everything about Waylon. It was perhaps why she thought of him as more than just a friend, but as part of some weird dysfunctional family. ¡°He and I are even.¡± Waylon said in a grumble. ¡°Then why are you doing this? You know if you want to leave the ¡®circle¡¯ all you have to do is tell him. We aren¡¯t like the others, he¡¯ll let you walk. You know he will.¡± Opening his mouth Waylon almost said it. But he hesitated. Waylon didn¡¯t want to say the only reason he was still a part of it all, was her. He didn¡¯t want to say that she was the only tie to his old life that he still had. Didn¡¯t want to hear the words that the fact that he cared for her more than himself was the only reason he hadn¡¯t taken a gun to himself and finished the job the Eternal Empire started so long ago. Couldn¡¯t utter the words that every night, as he spoiled himself with a different woman, the only woman he really wanted to be with¡­.was her. Instead, he did what started the day his entire Clan was killed on Voss. He became the coward. ¡°I¡­have my reasons.¡± Aurore smiled warmly again. ¡°Then it better be a good reason.¡± She took out the datapad and left it on the table. ¡°You keep that. This one is going to be a rough one.¡± 6 - An Understanding -- Tatooine, Outside of Mos Espa.... A wasted effort. How did Iseult even get into Mos Espa? She guessed that the Jedi, Iseult was shacking up with had taught her all kinds of tricks. Jedi, the word reminded her of ''Grace'', Aurora sneered. It was Grace who put her in this situation. Grace who almost convinced her that the light was the only way and to turn away from her duty and obligation as the leader of the Generationals. Aurora never wanted war. But after her Father started it; it was Aurora''s obligation as First Captain to follow it to its conclusion. None of them ever imagined that Mrysti would take the unprecedented step of destroying the Generational Ship they all used as their home for over a thousand years. But after being back in the known galaxy since the war and having experience in dealing with Sith since that time; it made sense. The Sith were a ruthless and action driven type. And Mrysti was the extreme of the entire lot. Nothing was more important than family. Even if it hurt them, sometimes that duty needed to be forced for their own good. It didn''t dawn on Aurora that her own family was poison, not just the distant part of the family that Grace belonged to. Being sent on an errand by someone she absolutely had no respect for was one of the lowest things that could happen. But none of the things Aurora planned for after breaking her father out of the De¡¯nabre dungeon came to pass. It had, In fact, gotten worse. The Organization she was originally hired by was almost completely destroyed. It¡¯s founder and CEO in a kolto tank for the foreseeable future and the only one in any position of authority WAS her father. How could it get any worse? ''Allies'', he said. They needed allies. Allies that not only supported their cause but also had similar enemies. Aurora walked down the darkened alleyway and adjusted her cloak, opening it up so her saber hilt was readily accessible. It had nothing to do with being spooky, she could sense her contact. And that level of Force sensitivity paid off. Aurora stepped back in what seemed like slow motion to the slash of a red lightsaber to her front. A similarly cloaked figure, wearing a face covering as she did stepped out after trying to slash at her, angling the red saber back toward her. Mize sensed her coming. But not Aurora, per se. He sensed a ''De''nabre''. The essence of it reeked of his former Master, Mrysti. Whoever this was, it was not Mrysti. The size and evil were all wrong. But the essence was there. Meaning, Mrysti had obviously sent them. This one was Mirialan, related. And all after he graciously reached out to the "organization'' to lend his assistance. The audacity of it all stung him. ¡°I asked to be met by someone of my station¡­not ambushed by my enemies!!¡± The figure slashed at Aurora again. She leaned back, hand on her hilt and ducked as the figure slashed and then swung the lightsaber where her head was moments before. The blade hit the brick wall and sparked off, the figure advancing to attack. ¡°Well, this will send a clear message to HER. Don¡¯t send one of your own to do the job.¡± Aurora did not speak, gritting her teeth. She had enough. After having to deal with a sister which turned her back on not only her, but the family. Aurora was ready to kill whoever this was. Only the promise made stopped her. Again, she had a duty; an obligation. The blue blades of her sabers ignited from within her cloak as she reached out and blocked the figure''s next attack. The blue of the plasma blades gave the attacker pause, the figure stepping back. ¡°A Jedi blade¡­then she didn¡¯t send you. No matter, I have no love for her sister either!!¡± No time to even piece together what the madman was saying and he was definitely a man. Aurora blocked again, spinning to catch the next slash of the attacker and spinning into his attack. She thrust out a hand, fingers pronated off the edge of one hilt. Pushing the assailant into the far wall. He quickly bounced off as if never thrown, coming down hard on the overhead block from Aurora. They were suddenly mask to mask with one another. ¡°You tell her¡­after I am through with you, I come for her!! YOU TELL HER!!!¡± Aurora scoffed and forced the much smaller man off of the blade with sheer strength. Not the typical female size, Aurora carried the traits of the De¡¯nabre. Perhaps that was part of what confused the man. She started to advance and stopped, seeing the figure stop as well, but holding the lightsaber out in front of himself. ¡°Speak!!! Say something before I kill you!!!¡± ¡°You¡¯re a moron.¡± Aurora uttered plainly. The figure cocked his head. It was enough of a distraction that she thrust the hand out again. This time the figure took the full brunt of a Distortion in the Force; slamming back into the wall he previously bounced off of. Aurora held the sabers at her side approaching. The attackers saber deactivating and clattering off into the darkness. Once she was standing over the figure, she looked down. ¡°Please tell me you¡¯re not the one I am supposed to meet¡­¡± Under the mask, the figure looked up and uttered through a pained breath. ¡°Mize¡­LORD Mize¡­.and you are?¡± Scoffing under the mask, Aurora shook her head and deactivated her sabers. They disappeared under the darkness of her cloak. "NOT the one you want to kriff with...." -- - Galactic Senate Administrative Building, Galactic City, Coruscant.... This was a lesson Karolin had no idea she would need. They always looked so different on the holo-net. Senators, always official and formal in front of the cameras. It made sense, everything was very informal and casual behind closed doors and when the cameras were off. Standing in the room with the raking members of the Galactic Senate, they were all smiles. Even the ones who were supposed to be enemies. The ones Karolin knew were enemies. It was with one of those fake smiles a very casual Senator from Alderaan approached and bowed slightly. ¡°Master De¡¯nabre¡­¡± he spoke softly, with a slight hint of a politician¡¯s fa?ade. Karolin noticed he was much taller in person and a lot more handsome. ¡°¡­or should I say, ¡®Senator¡¯ now.¡± The Senator extended his hand. ¡°Reginald Panteer¡­I am supposed to talk you through all of this today. Consider me your designated, ''Mentor'', a ''Jedi Master'' in the art of navigating the Senate.¡± The Senator laughed at his own joke invoking the Jedi at Karolin''s expense. She was not amused. Karolin looked around annoyed before graciously taking the man¡¯s hand and shaking. ¡°Woah¡­quite a grip there. Guess it¡¯s the Force, right?¡± He was trying to make another joke. ¡°Anyway, after the swearing in we are all going into a closed-door session to choose committee assignments for the ¡®freshmen¡¯ Senators. I understand you¡¯ve expressed interest in the Armed Service Committee. I have to tell you, that¡¯s usually reserved for¡ª¡± Jes prepared Karolin well for this part. Politics existed as much inside the Senate as it did outside of the chamber. No one wanted Karolin on that committee. For obvious reasons. She campaigned as a war hawk, one who promoted the conflict with the Sith and vowed to see them destroyed. Not everyone shared that sentiment or at least the same view as to how to go about doing it. ¡°¡ªmore senior members.¡± Karolin interrupted him. ¡°Senator, I happen to fall into an entirely different category. I understand that provisional members of the Senate have no true votes but can speak on various committees the people they represent are interested in.¡± His face lost half of the smile, he knew instantly where she was going. They were never going to learn to not try and outsmart someone with an intellect like Karolin¡¯s. And with Mirial still on a ''provisional'' status as their membership was still being debated; Karolin could literally go anywhere. ¡°Y-Yes that¡¯s true, Senator but¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªI want. Rather, MY people wish to have a voice on the Armed Services Committee. I understand I am unable to vote, but in this case it is a huge advantage. I can go where ever my people wish me to voice their concerns. Mirial is concerned with the Military Readiness of the Republic. We were just visited by the Sith, we do not wish to repeat that exercise.¡± ¡°I will¡ªuh¡ªforward your request Senator.¡± ¡°Thank you¡­now where do I stand. I am anxious to get to work.¡± "Over here..." The Senator from Alderaan lost the smile, hesitating and graciously directing Karolin where she needed to go. Once she was standing in front of the magistrate he smiled at her. "Senator De''nabre...if you will raise your right hand and repeat after me. I...state your name...." -- Administrative Offices, ¡®The End¡¯¡­. The incidents increasing, Colonel Talia Rickter was fast running out of options. Though this particular incident didn¡¯t directly involve Mrysti, Talia had been around enough Sith to know that even their mere presence sometimes incited violence in others. Out of curiosity, she was reviewing the incident reports going back a full year, before Mrysti''s arrival. Until she arrived, the violent incident report sat at roughly average. That was expected in a prison with the types of individuals they housed. After her arrival, it skyrocketed a mind-blowing two-hundred percent. Darth Retuvisa was not doing Colonel Rickter any favors. Holo-stills of the laundry facility lay scattered across her desk. Colonel Rickter had been down there after the incident. But the pictures were a fresh reminder of what a mess someone had made. By all accounts the inmate in question, one of Captain Oberisk''s ''trustees'' had it coming. The thug was implicated in more than a dozen rapes and those were just the ones the AI had witnessed. The Warden took no action against any of them, blatantly allowing Captain Oberisk to run things as he saw fit. They all immediately believed Mrysti was responsible for the thug''s death, even with the blood covered Mandalorian tracking the thug''s remains back to his own quad. Talia laughed to herself, if Mrysti had done it, it would have been a lot worse. The Warden and the Captain had no idea the power of the one they were kriffing with. The Warden, was beside himself. Before he could do more than throw inmate M-1108 in the hole, Colonel Rickter sent the Warden a message informing him she was taking charge of the situation. Basically robbing the Warden of any opportunity to use the incident to get closer to Mrysti. But, with things happening at the rate they were in that particular cellblock, Colonel Rickter had already come to a decision. She was going to have to go see¡­.Darth Retuvisa. If for no other reason than to calm things down. And on some level, she was curious. Moving the holo-still aside, she looked down at the datapad file which detailed Darth Retuvisa''s illustrious career. A holo of Mrysti sat in the upper corner. The look, even in holo-net blue looked intimidating. Multiple tours of duty didn''t even begin to detail the service Mrysti had given to the Empire. Most of the file was redacted or gave reference to full incident reports. Reports that Colonel Rickter had no access to. But being an officer for some time and having to deal with reports of that nature gave her some insight. No doubt all of the details of the classified files would tell a story of how Mrysti did things and acted in ways which prevented any ''normal'' person''s understanding of what took place. Sith, didn''t recieve awards or medals. The honors they were given stood in title and position. ''The Hammer of the Empire'' was a title that very few obtained and struck fear into the hearts of enemies. If the ''Hammer'' was being sent by the Empire; the enemy was already on notice. Looking down at the holo-screen monitor, she noticed Captain Oberisk coming out of the Warden¡¯s office in a bit of a hurry. Talia got up out of her seat and walked to her door. It slid open just as the Captain passed and as Colonel Rickter cleared her voice. The Captain pretended not to hear or see the Colonel, making it necessary to call him out. ¡°Captain¡­a word if you please¡­.¡± The man stopped reluctantly, turning with a forced smile. ¡°Colonel¡­how lovely to see you. If you don¡¯t mind, I am in a bit of a hurry. The latest incident has necessitated a need to increase security and I¡¯m¡ª¡± ¡°Actually¡­¡± Colonel Rickter glared. ¡°¡­I do mind.¡± She moved to the side, allowing the doorway to get wider. The Captain entered and stood at the foot of the desk as Colonel Rickter moved back behind it and sat down. He said nothing, looking fidgety and pressed for time even glancing at his chrono. She smiled, clasping her hands on the desk deliberately taking her own time. ¡°Captain, I won¡¯t belabor the point with you or bother asking what errand the Warden has you on¡ª¡± ¡°I told you, Ma¡¯am¡­I am off to beef security around the common areas and¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m not finished.¡± Talia let out an exasperated sigh. ¡°You¡­have been away from the flag far too long, Captain. Interrupting a superior officer while they are speaking. It¡¯s either being away from the flag that has allowed you to lapse in your decorum or¡­it¡¯s that you simply don¡¯t care.¡± Talia smiled wickedly, sitting back in her seat. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a joke, Captain?¡± The question caught him off guard. He stammered. ¡°E-Excuse me, Ma¡¯am?¡± ¡°Now, it¡¯s a medical emergency.¡± She sat back up sharply slamming her hands down on the desk, her face twisting in anger. ¡°I¡¯m s-sorry, I don¡¯t under¡ª¡± ¡°-that¡¯s crystal clear. You don¡¯t understand. I would add a hearing ailment to that previous list. Instead, I will let you in on a little secret, Captain. You are backing the wrong side on this one. And, though you and the Warden may think I am a joke and that I have no power in this place¡­allow me to demonstrate just how much power I do have.¡± Talia pressed the comm button on her desk. ¡°Get in here.¡± The door slid open and one of Talia¡¯s personal black armored troopers walked in, snapping to attention. She looked back at the Captain. ¡°Now¡­Captain Oberisk, I am going to ask you the question again. And if you feign ignorance, hesitate or pretend you didn¡¯t hear me once again, I will order my guard to shoot you where you stand.¡± At her words, the guard lowered his carbine with military precision. It whined loudly; powering up from safe to fire. The guard stood unmoving aiming the carbine at Captain Oberisk. ¡°DO. YOU. THINK. I¡¯M. A. JOKE?¡± ¡°No¡­no Ma¡¯am¡­¡± Captain Oberisk answered immediately. Looking between the Colonel and the Guard, the Captain swallowed hard. ¡°Good, very good. I think I can take medical emergency off the list. So, that leaves¡­.being away from garrison too long or¡­¡± Talia smiled wickedly again, ¡°¡­you simply don¡¯t care.¡± The Captain tightened his position of attention as Colonel Rickter got up from her seat. She circled him, going alongside the man, but not in the way of her guard who still had the weapon trained on him. ¡°Captain, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard the rumors about me. That I was some cheap harlot, who slept her way to the top. And while some or maybe all of that ¡®could¡¯ be true; what I guarantee the rumor mongers did not tell you is¡­I am also a decorated combat commander. That I have successfully eliminated over a thousand enemy combatants within my various commands; destroyed countless billions of credits worth of men and material.¡± She sat down on an end table, staring at the Captain. ¡°Now, knowing that¡­whom would you trust to lead an army to victory¡­me, or a bureaucrat who has never had the sands of a battle field on the soles of his shoes?¡± Still afraid of getting shot, The Captain answered immediately. ¡°You, Ma¡¯am!!¡± ¡°Now, that¡¯s a good chap¡­but¡­¡± Talia stood up again, rounding the Captain and coming up behind him. ¡°¡­I think you are only telling me what I want to hear. Telling me whatever will end this in order to leave this office and go execute whatever order the Warden has seen fit to place upon you¡­or did he?¡± Talia finished by asking herself the question, the Captain tried to answer anyway. ¡°He ordered me to¡ª¡± ¡°That was for me Captain, I was asking myself that question. So, save the lie you were about to tell me for later. We¡¯ll get to that....¡± Talia started rounding him again, coming up on the other side. ¡°I certainly hope he didn¡¯t give you free reign to execute his orders however YOU see fit. I believe in discipline, Captain Oberisk. Junior officers must be led and molded to one day become the shining examples of supreme leadership the Empire expects from their Officer Corps. They must be fashioned so that they learn to eventually operate on their own. Typically, I do not allow MY junior officers that kind of independence until they have proven it and that usually comes around the time they have attained the rank of Major.¡± Talia stopped and glared at the Captain. ¡°You have been operating on your own for quite some time. I don¡¯t blame you Captain. The Warden is not a professional Military Officer, he has no knowledge on how to properly develop a junior officer. Wouldn¡¯t you agree Captain, you need to be developed?¡± The Captain looked confused as he turned his head slightly before answering. Once he did, the glare Colonel Rickter was giving him deepened and he quickly looked straight ahead again, answering quickly. ¡°Yes, yes ma¡¯am¡­¡± ¡°Good.¡± Colonel Rickter said cheerfully, moving back to her desk. ¡°You are dismissed.¡± The Captain seemed to sag with the weight of nearly getting executed being removed from his shoulders. He tried to quickly leave, but before he could make it to the door Colonel Rickter called out to him again. ¡°Oh¡­and Captain¡­¡± The Captain halted at once, definitely a change from the way he walked into the office. Spinning around on his heels and locking up at the position of attention. ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am¡­¡± ¡°Do try and keep yourself out of the maximum-security wing.¡± Colonel Rickter got up out of her seat and walked slowly toward him with her hands clasped behind her back. When she reached him, she looked up at the junior officer. ¡°If I see, hear or even smell the hint of you¡­or any of the ¡®trustees¡¯ you¡¯ve granted liberty to¡­going near that wing. I will have you and every one of the prisoners under your charge executed immediately.¡± She smiled cheerfully. ¡°But¡­I¡¯m sure that¡¯s NOT where you were going, were you? No need to exacerbate the situation, do we? I assure you, I have things well in hand concerning recent events¡­and having a junior officer mucking about in things they are neither trained for or experienced enough to deal with, well¡­.¡± Talia gave a faux scoff before smiling brightly again, ¡°¡­.how would that look on MY record as a professional officer? That I allowed one of my junior officers to mess around and get himself killed. You¡­don¡¯t want to die, do you?¡± ¡°N-No, Ma¡¯am¡­¡± ¡°Good. Then we understand each other. Believe me, I have yours and everyone under my command best interest at heart. There is a very dangerous element down there in the maximum-security wing. Do be advised on conducting yourself professionally from here on out¡­Carry on.¡± Talia was still smirking after Captain Oberisk and the Guard left. Taking her seat delicately, she reached under the surface and flipped a switch, opening a hidden channel into the Warden¡¯s office. Almost as soon as she did, the holo-comm in his office chimed. She heard the man go back to his desk from whatever he was doing, sit down and activate the unit. <¡±She did what?!?! Captain Oberisk¡­my orders were explicit, you were to¡ªI don¡¯t care what Colonel Rickter said, I run this prison, not her!!! Then you get some men to go down there alone. If she told you to stay out then don¡¯t¡ªwhat?!?! Them to?!? Curse her¡­curse that woman!!!¡±> Flipping the switch off, Talia sat back in her seat and closed her eyes. The smile widening as she counted silently to herself. ¡°¡­10..9..8¡­7¡­¡± The comm on her desk buzzed. Talia sat up and flipped the desk comm. ¡°Yes¡­I am quite busy, please hold all appointments¡­¡± <¡±Colonel, I am sorry to disturb you ma¡¯am¡­The Warden is here to see you, he says it¡¯s a matter of some urgency.¡±> Talia paused on purpose, continuing her silent count. Once it ran out, she smiled again. ¡°Please inform the Warden, that I will see him at MY earliest convenience. And allow him to look at my schedule, if he wishes¡­.he may make an appointment. Until then, he is excused¡­¡± Flipping the comm off, Talia felt her heart jump with glee. Outside, she could hear the Warden yell, stomp away as the door to his own office closed behind him. Sometimes, it was the little things that made all of it worthwhile. -- -- Galactic City, Coruscant - High Rise Residential¡­. The flight to Coruscant was uneventful. Both sisters exchanging few words and Sam insisting on being allowed to pilot. Grace stayed in the back, busying herself reading the law involving wills and powers of attorney. Not to arm herself against her Aunt, but just to be more knowledgeable. Once they received clearance and landed, Grace moved forward to collect her sister while the landing cycle finished. The ship shuttered with the vibration of finally settling on the landing pad inside of the starport. Both sisters moving to the ramp as it lowered. Sam moving much faster than Grace, still angry and that anger building toward crescendo with the arrival on Coruscant. Both took another silent ride to 8000 Republica. The building in which Karolin and the rest of the family had an apartment. Though Karolin was planning on relocating. Now that she was a public figure, her advisers were telling Karolin to get some place where there was more guards and more walls between herself and the rest of the Republic. It was strange, the more public one got in a job like representing people; the farther away they seemed to get from the same people they represented. Not that Karolin minded being further away, she was representing Mirial and Mirial was NOT Coruscant. Getting out of the speeder, Sam and Grace were met by several guards; all wearing lapel pins that denoted their affiliation with the Galactic Senate. Plain clothes agents, assigned to protect Senators as required. Being newly elected, it was simply a precaution till the furor surrounding Karolin died down. One of them extended a hand for the two women to stop as they scanned Sam and Grace. One of the agents noting the lightsaber on Sam¡¯s hip. She glared and narrowed her eyes before yet another agent waved off the first. ¡°She¡¯s a Jedi¡­Order affiliation on Mirial confirmed.¡± They stepped aside as Sam and Grace proceeded into the grand foyer, only to be stopped by a rather small and squirrely looking attendant. Raising up a datapad to review what the agents documented, the attendant pursed his lips. ¡°And you¡¯re here for¡­¡± It was a question that the agents didn¡¯t need to ask. The speeder information that came from the starport told the agents everything they needed to know, right down to the apartment number the two were going to. The redundancy was starting to get on Sam¡¯s nerves. ¡°Karolin De¡¯nabre.¡± Sam said annoyingly. ¡°My Aunt¡­we¡¯re family.¡± She started to step aside, not willing to wait any longer as the attendant jumped in front of them both again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­.do you have an appointment? The Senator is quite busy.¡± Looking down at her chrono, Sam made a show of the motion then glanced outside at the coming darkness. The sun was going down behind the speeder lanes, still busy outside as Coruscant went about its daily busy life. ¡°It¡¯s nineteen thirty.¡± Sam said obliviously. As if the attendant should key in that not everyone worked non-stop. Even Senators. Interrupting, Grace smiled warmly. Bringing her hands up in a prayer position and bowing slightly. ¡°Ancestors watch over you¡­my sister and I have a matter to discuss with our Aunt. She is expecting us¡­¡± The attendant was still giving Sam the evil eye as he turned away mashing a few buttons and speaking lowly into an ear piece buried deep under a mat of wild hair and large ears. He didn¡¯t look quite human, one couldn¡¯t be sure on Coruscant. After a moment, the attendant stepped aside. Smiling at Grace and deliberately not looking at Sam, he flourished an arm. ¡°The Senator will see you¡­.please watch your step entering the high speed lift¡­.¡± Looking over at Grace, but not before shooting an evil eye back at the attendant, Sam scoffed. ¡°You would think she was the damn Supreme Chancellor or somethin¡¯¡­.¡± Grace smiled as the two entered the lift. ¡°There are rumors¡­¡± The lift started slow, but shot up quickly as the doors closed. Depositing them on the appropriate floor. They got out, walking slowly down the quiet hallway, almost surprised there were not more guards to greet them. Stopping outside the door, Grace touched Sam gently. ¡°Now, listen¡­delicately, understand. We are not enemies¡­we are family. Approach this as such¡­.¡± -- Moving to the bar, Karolin poured herself a drink. Waving Jes off as the Echani loomed nearby. There was no reason for Jes to be so protective in front of Sam and Grace. They were family. But the vibe Jes was getting off Sam gave the Echani pause. Sam glared, crossing her arms as she watched Jes retreat into the next room. Grace nodded toward the Echani and smiled. It was good to see Jes again, the Echani returning the nod with one of her own. ¡°I poured myself a drink¡­would you like one?¡± Karolin turned around to look at the two girls. ¡°You both are old enough now to¡ª¡± ¡°Cut the shit, Aunt Karolin¡­¡± Sam started immediately after Jes left. The viciousness of the tone made Grace, standing next to her sister, frown. ¡°You gave Dad permission to shutter the home?!?! What the actual Kriff!!!¡± Karolin smiled softly and leaned against the bar, drink in hand. She looked from Sam to Grace, who simply stood, hands folded to her front looking serene. The two girls showed up abruptly. Making it necessary for Karolin to both see and deal with them immediately. Luckily, it was the first few days of her administration and work allowed for it. She didn¡¯t want to think what would have happened had she not been able to see them and asked that both her nieces ¡®make an appointment¡¯. Taking a sip of the drink, Karolin looked past them. ¡°It was for the good of everyone. We have the villa in town. It¡¯s more than adequate for all of you to live in and conduct business. I¡¯ve already had the archives moved there and¡ª¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°--we should have been consulted.¡± Sam interrupted, placing a hand on her hip next to her lightsaber. ¡°You can¡¯t make those kinds of decisions on your own and without Mother to¡ª¡± ¡°- YOUR MOTHER¡­.¡± Karolin rose her voice, interrupting in return. Giving as good as she got, Sam and Grace were not dealing with their father anymore and Karolin wanted them to know it. ¡°¡­is not here. I am. And before you say anything; I am well within my rights as the primary holder of the family finances to do as I see fit. Your Mother left your father as her primary custodian in her will, but my sister and I share the books. She¡¯s officially ¡®dead¡¯, as far as the Empire is concerned. That puts all of what remains of her end of the estate on me.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Grace spoke up for the first time, smiling warmly. ¡°¡­you know she¡¯s not dead. We all do.¡± Grace placed a hand on Sam for calm as she stepped forward. ¡°All we are trying to say, Aunt Karolin¡­is that it¡¯s too soon. And to put the technology and artifacts contained within the compound in the hands of the Republic¡ª¡± ¡°Can you think of a better custodian?¡± Karolin inclined the glass as Grace spoke. ¡°There are things here the both of you failed to consider.¡± Karolin sat down at a seat near the bar and released a sigh. ¡°Look, I love you both. But you and I know, none of us have the time to monitor the compound twenty-eight/nine. And it needs attendants. The Cult has gone back to Zakuul to fight the Empire there. Oracle is in the infirmary at the Capital. The Mandalorian she had taken in with is with her. I am here now¡­your father¡­¡± Karolin paused and smiled. ¡°¡­.your father has his own destiny. That it no longer aligns with how you two wish it to be is another matter. And I believe that¡¯s what this is really about.¡± Sam started to speak again, but Karolin halted her with a slow raise of the hand. ¡°That¡¯s neither here nor there. Your Mother and father didn¡¯t part on the best of terms. I get it. You two are angry; frustrated at what he¡¯s doing. But this is much deeper than anything to do with your father or your mother¡¯s wishes. The compound is a political disaster for us, just waiting to happen. Take the last incident¡­Telan¡¯dorr¡¯s escape¡­.¡± Karolin grimaced and took a sip of the liquor, looking away. ¡°We are all damn lucky no one found out about that. And that we had him ALIVE and in captivity?!?! Can you imagine what the Republic would have said, much less done, to not only us¡­but Mirial would have suffered as well. This way¡­¡± Karolin let out a sigh putting the glass down. ¡°¡­the Republic is satiated. In taking charge of the Generational technology they are asking no questions about the ¡®incident¡¯. Everyone is satisfied for the moment and we can move on with our lives.¡± Standing back up, Karolin took on a more formal posture. ¡°You two¡­¡± Karolin pointed the hand holding the glass of liquor at the both of them, one at a time. ¡°¡­the both of you have a responsibility to Mirial, just as I do now. The Sword and the Paladin of the Unity. Representatives of our Faith¡­¡± Narrowing her eyes at Sam, Karolin grimaced. ¡°You both¡­.need to start acting like it.¡± The words were directed at Sam, but she could not single out one and not address the other. ¡°This is intolerable!! You will not get away with this!!¡± Sam pointed a finger in the air as she screamed. Karolin clenching her jaw. Placing the glass down hard on the polished surface of the bar, it was Karolin¡¯s turn to get angry. The speech and reminding the girls of their responsibility had not done its job. ¡°Who do you think you are?!?! Talking to me like that¡­little girl, you are one step away from¡ª¡± ¡°-what?!? You¡¯ll do what exactly?!?¡± Sam took a step toward Karolin as Grace moved in between them. ¡°Calm. Everyone.¡± Placing her hands out between the two; Grace smiled in each direction. ¡°We remember, we love one another¡­we are family. And at this time of the year it is more important than ever.¡± Looking over at her sister, Grace nodded. ¡°Aunt Karolin is right Sam, we are still the children of the family. And as long as we are, Karolin has say in what goes on. Now more than ever, since Mother is not with us.¡± Not mentioning their responsibility to Mirial or the Unity on purpose; Grace knew that would only further infuriate Sam. ¡°It won¡¯t be that way forever¡­.¡± Sam moved toward the door. Karolin and Grace watching her as she left. ¡°Where are you going?!?!¡± Karolin asked the question more to ensure that Sam wasn¡¯t going to do something stupid. ¡°To find my Mother¡­and put an end to all of this.¡± After Sam left, Karolin sat down hard on the bar stool once again, glass in hand. Grace took a more comforting pose, moving in next to her Aunt to take a seat on the next stool. "Father..." Grace began, "...refused to leave the Order for Mother. Now...he is doing exactly what he refused to do for Mother in taking in with Iseult." Karolin looked over at Grace with a concerned frown. "Yes..." Grace continued, "I did consult our ancestors...I even looked into both of their auras. It is genuine. My father loves her. And that...is unfortunate..." "We should wish him the best then." Karolin spoke reluctantly. "The Order will have their way with him. He will have to find a new Temple to continue to serve the Jedi, just as I had to." "But that doesn''t address the real issue." Grace frowned, looking away. Karolin laid a hand on her nieces shoulder. "I fear...I sense something dangerous afoot. I want to believe in him, I want to trust his judgement, but--" "You are wise, Grace...much wiser than I was at your age. Trust your instincts." Karolin got up setting the glass down. "You and I both know how dangerous love is...especially for us." In speaking about it, Karolin wasn''t just addressing the fact of being Jedi. De''nabre women were dangerous with emotion. A fact that both of them knew all too well. "You''re right." Grace said, "It''s not my father I fear for, it''s Iseult and what she might do..." -- Coruscant Spaceport, Docking bay 32¡­.The Works¡­. A job was a job, was a job. Atal¡¯lia walked down the ramp entering the steamy quad of the underground landing bay. Much darker and more rustic than the clean areas around the main spaceport. She still had her licensing with the Bounty Brokers Association, which gave her access to the landing bays located in the Works section of Coruscant. Anyone on file currently on the planet would know she landed and that she was on contract, to include her target if they happened to be looking and had access to the same database Atal¡¯lia pulled the job from. Unlike other jobs, she had actually met her target once. Worked them as they were closely aligned with one of her old acquaintances. That thought made her swallow hard. What Marstel would do to her if he found out she was back on the job. And not just any job, but one that was close to him. No doubt his ¡®circle¡¯ had her marked. They would be coming for her. But for the credits the client was offering, how could she refuse? If for no other reason than just the credits, taking out a Senator was going to give her notoriety she needed again after the debacle on Mirial. Atal¡¯lia still hadn¡¯t lived that one down. Missing her target and then falling in with them. She was lucky to have gotten her license back at all. Checking the datapad, she inserted the key fob making the datapad chime with her arrival and marking her position. Anyone else on the same target would see that she was also on the mark. The datapad chimed once again spitting back out information toward her; threat level, current locations and others in her vicinity. So far, so good. She moved past the broker droid and inserted her code cylinder releasing a speeder bike into her custody. More charges on an account that was close to being in the red. Soon, hopefully she would be back in the black for credits or have enough to finally fade back into obscurity. Setting off toward the main city, the speeder bike launched out of the bay and into open air. She looked down at the readout, blue-black hair cascading out behind her as her skin bristled with the change in environment and temperature. For a moment, she disappeared against the orange-azure tinted sky. A speeder bike traveling at high speed with no driver. The sun was just going down on Coruscant. Time enough to do a quick recon of the target and find an appropriate venue from which to take a shot. This one was not going to be easy, but Atal¡¯lia was in it for the long haul. -- -- - Nar Shareef, Hutt Controlled Casino #83¡­. It was like many of the Hutt Casinos on countless worlds. Being similar made it easy to learn how to operate in them. Waylon smiled slightly to himself as he walked in, already lifting his arms as the Cartel Guards scanned his body. Before they could reach for it, Waylon reached down and took out both blasters in their holsters and spun them around butt first to hand them over. What they couldn¡¯t see or possibly scan was the shielded holdout blaster in the small of his back or the vibroknife hidden under a shielded scabbard attached to his right calf and under his boot. Like all of the other casinos, the modus operandi was the same. Lots of alien ass everywhere, flaunting it to keep the customers distracted. Attractive waiters and waitresses who served drinks by the ton; keeping those gambling and playing. And lots of eyes everywhere. Not just the customers who were watching the games and their credits, but those hired to watch those gaming. And everyone was in on it. Waitresses watched patrons to measure when to bring more drinks and keep people spending. Dealers and gamemasters watched the same customers for tells or cheating, pit bosses watched the gamemasters and the guards; and the holo-drones watched everything else. All of it controlled by a central command center, located somewhere close to the center of the Casino and above so no one was the wiser. The Hutts sometimes located their command areas closer to their thrones; but trouble in the past made it necessary to change that strategy several hundred years before. Waylon smirked once the guards moved away to allow him to pass, confident they had him disarmed. How the Hutts ever conquered more than half of the known galaxy at one time was beyond him. Being in the Casino wasn¡¯t his idea of a good time. But it did pass the time. And he was good. Waylon didn¡¯t cheat, he never had to. And he was no Jedi or Zeltron, he couldn¡¯t read the gamemasters or the others playing with him. What he did do and had always been able to do was read people. And it extended to all races and creeds. Waylon had been around enough to know when someone was bluffing or the gamemaster was about to deal a card he knew was not in the house¡¯s best interest. It was why he preferred playing with actual beings and not machines. Machines were harder to read, though he was finding his luck carry over into the machine world as well due to his acuity in mathematics. He still won, just not quite as often. Taking a seat, he flourished the coat out behind him to drape over the stool before sitting down. Looking up at the dealer and giving a serious head nod. An Aquelish, Waylon smiled inside. It could be interesting. Aquelish were the go-to dealers for a game called Twenty-one. They had few ¡®tells¡¯ due to a predominant overbite and large teeth which occupied the majority of their faces. No one paid attention to eyes or a complete facial expression if you were always looking at those massive teeth. Waylon discovered later it was because the tells the race had were located in the eyes and forehead. You watch the creases; you knew what was coming. With twenty-one, both parties were playing against one another trying to reach the appropriate number, but not exceeding it. The dealer playing for the house. Played with a deck of sabbacc, it was even more interesting. One card could end it all and often did. Sabbacc was one of the few decks that had a straight single twenty-one card in it. A Perfect set. It was a dangerous game and big credits could be lost instantly, if one were so inclined. Action cards were also rated a twenty-one. So, the game always favored the house. Waylon took out his credits and stacked them in front. The dealer taking them to exchange for Casino chits. Once Waylon had the chits, he shuffled them vertically in his hand watching the table a moment. The dealer making a motion for him to join, Waylon waved his hand sideways to pass on the hand; just to get a feel for the table. Settling in, he gave the area around himself a quick once over before looking down at the stack of chits in his palm, shuffling them again vertically before giving the dealer a head nod. Only one other being at the table beside himself and the guy looked like he been through a war, it obviously wasn¡¯t his night. -- With so many beautiful and exotic people coming and going out of the casinos, it was hard for anyone to get noticed or stand out. As soon as Aurore walked in, the room seemed to suck in a collective breath. Heads started turning, people were stopping mid conversation and looking. Wearing a multi-sectional synth-silk dress which shimmered with filaments of fiber-optics; even the guards didn¡¯t bother to scan her. Something that looked that beautiful couldn¡¯t be a threat. They would hear about that later. But the smiles and the grins, even getting the girl to look their way was well worth the ass chewing that would come later from the overseers. Walking down the steps, Aurore took the place in and started toward the main gambling floor. Toward the back, dancers circled and gyrated. More distraction for those already on the floor. She jiggled the chits from her last visit in her hand, no need to cash in any credits. A male waiter approached. A huge grin on his face as he bowed lowly, wanting to get Aurore a drink. She politely refused. Not even gambling yet, no one was supposed to start feeding her drinks. It was an attempt to get close to her. She moved away from the waiter progressing through the holo-slots until she saw Waylon at one of the twenty-one tables, a slight smile creasing her face. Deciding to do a slight fly-by. -- It was a night for head-turners. The holo-drones were on overdrive once Aurore walked in. Having already scanned Waylon and receiving the information on him. No wants, no warrants on any Hutt world. The man possessed no galactic Death-marks. Had he come up positive, the Cartel would have offered him a complimentary room as a guise to get him off the floor. Then quickly nabbed him for any bounties he may have had. Saving themselves some credits. The Hutts still ran the Bounty Brokers Association so the drones were always on the lookout. Once Aurore walked in, the second noticeable woman to turn some heads that night, the Hutts began to scan more thoroughly. Aurore: her home planet was listed as Nar Shareef. They made the drones move off her and continue scanning the crowd as they were before. Glancing back over the first woman who came in BEFORE Aurore; a dark-skinned human female that came in just after Waylon. They noticed she was keeping busy, but saw her eyes watching him and his table. Waylon was either going to get lucky with her or get nabbed for something. The other female was listed as a member of the Bounty Brokers Association, in good standing. The drones also noticed Aurore look her way approximately three times. It sent a notification to the Hutts, raising the threat level slightly. They didn''t want trouble on the main floor. It was bad for business. -- Off to the side, an altercation erupted which made Waylon reach for a blaster on his hip; that wasn¡¯t there. Just reflex. Cartel guards grabbed a man off the slots. A large Klatoonian who apparently had either angered the Hutts in some way or was wanted for something. They drug him away before things settled down again. Waylon turning back to the table to wave a hand toward the dealer, passing on upping his bet. Slapping a card down, the dealer was at ''19''. Waylon at ''18''. The house won the previous two hands, so Waylon knew he was due. Changing his mind after a smile and before the hand was locked in, Waylon asked for another card. He got a three of sabers. Perfect ''21''. The dealer nodded and passed Waylon the winnings before destroying all of the cards on the table and starting again. Stacking his chits, Waylon sat back and took a sip of the complimentary drink. He could play loose, it wasn¡¯t his credits anyway. They were Marstel¡¯s. The big man wanted him in a holding pattern, he was going to make sure the pattern was not only full, but expensive. Before he saw her, Waylon smelled her. That sweet smell of Alderaanian Lilacs and Honey; with an added touch of some exotic machine oil. Denoting her everyday work on something mechanical. Sitting up he looked around. Pretending not to notice as she passed, looking straight at him. Aurore smiled as she breezed by; making Waylon grimace. How many times had not only he told her, but Marstel as well? They were never supposed to be seen gathering. Not that the two of them were together. Obviously not, given the not so subtle entourage that was following her. Strangers who kept their distance, but were on guard and quick to either feed her a drink or make idle conversation. Cashing in, Waylon stuffed the credits in his belt and hopped off the stool; making his approach. Catching up to Aurore at the slots, he was careful not to make any sudden moves. Nothing to give the Hutts an excuse to throw him out. The dress shimmered between green and blue, light of the dress catching the light of the casino interior. And her smell, it was almost as intoxicating as the drink. Light skinned for a Zeltron; Waylon knew she was exuding some serious pheromones once he got close; it wasn¡¯t just the fragrances she had on. Leaning up on the top of the holo-slot Aurore was standing at she smiled, but didn¡¯t look at him. His presence overwhelming as the shadow cast itself down over the top of her machine. Waylon pulled his hat down to cover his eyes and some of his mouth in shadow as he murmured out of the side. ¡°What¡­are you doing here? This place isn¡¯t for you¡­.¡± Aurore frowned, pulling the handle on the machine hard once she placed the appropriate number of chits in the slot. ¡°What are you¡­my father? I live here you know." The machine beeped a sad chime as she inserted more chits and pulled again. "Besides, this is my home. You act like I don''t know what goes on in these places.¡± She glanced and gave a wicked grin as the machine chimed sadly again. Aurore placing more chits in the slot to pull again. "You can''t be innocent and live here." Lots of comeback for such a simple question. ¡°Following me.¡± Waylon uttered again, ¡°¡­that¡¯s beneath you. If you wanted to come, you could have just said so.¡± Aurore scoffed a laugh, finally looking over at him. Waylon was leaning to the side finally, looking out. Appearing to not really be interested in talking to her. A lazy arm thrown up over the top of the machine. ¡°HA¡­.me?!?! Following you?!?! No, you got it wrong. I just happened to come in here and it happens to be the place you chose to gamble in.¡± Shaking his head, Waylon didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°Oh¡­and the fact that I have room here didn¡¯t factor into the equation that you just happened to pick this casino¡­out of the nearly two-hundred in this city?¡± Waylon pushed off the machine, reaching in his belt to take out the winnings and place them on the machine for Aurore. ¡°Here¡­play a few on me.¡± Walking away, Aurore did a quick turn and watched him. Making his way the direction of the holo-signs leading to another part of the casino. The underground. No gambling, but plenty of things to play with. She went back to pulling the handle. An annoyed expression on her face, but not before she looked a different direction. The mark she was on was also headed that direction. She was no professional spy, but she did ok. At least till Waylon saw her and she lost her mark. Aurore scoffed, something she would have to take up with Marstel when the time came, perhaps he could give her some tips. For such a big man, Marstel seemed to blend and she had no idea how he managed to do it. -- It was a massive underground strip club, dark and dank. The smell changed from the processed fresher air of the upstairs to a hot spicy scent of alcohol and sex. He made his way through the crowd, finding a pleasure loveseat empty; sitting down and taking out the appropriate amount of chits to remain in the seat. They never made a big deal about someone taking a seat and not paying immediately. But no one got to stay in the seat of they didn¡¯t pay the right amount. Decorated around the large oval shaped room. Dozens of other seats like his had patrons and dancers mingling with one another. Some bodies intertwined in positions that one could not distinguish where the dancer began and the patrons ended. ¡°Been here before?¡± A light blue skinned Twi¡¯lek smiled and sat down a drink. The same type he had upstairs. Holo-drones transmitting the information about Waylon down to the systems in the underground for the Twi¡¯lek to pick up as she approached his table. Actually HER table. Waylon was just renting it. Looking up at her, he saw she had no collar. Not a slave and not indentured. He despised that about the Hutts. Enslaving others to work off debt or just because they could. Waylon nodded slowly; the Twi¡¯lek smiling again. ¡°I¡¯m Aoleon¡­Welcome to the Underground of Casino number Eighty-three." -- Not wanting to be seen by him again, Aurore entered the underground and immediately took a sharp right. Following the rounded wall until she was on the far side of the room. A massive dance floor separated the loveseats from the bar side. Reaching up, Aurore pressed a button on the shoulder of her dress. The sleeves retracting and the hemline of the long flowing dress retracting to give it more of a shimmering mini-skirt appearance. Pushing off the wall, she entered the dance floor, with a slow move and sway, increasing her movement as the dancers on the floor got thicker. Being in full motion by the time she reached the center; well-hidden by the thralls of moving gyrating bodies and dripping sweat. Her eyes weren¡¯t on him, Aurore was watching the door leading back up to the main casino. -- The Twi¡¯lek jingled as she sat down. Long chains braided together wrapped themselves around the girl¡¯s arms, legs; circling up her waist and torso. Aoleon had no collar, at least no slave collar. But what she did have was a continued braid of gold jewel encrusted material which continued up around her neck making its way around her Lekku and glimmering under the flashing lights which came off the dance floor. Her eyes got wide once she hit the seat, getting closer to him. Rubbing a hand over his chest, she leaned in. ¡°Business or pleasure¡­¡± Waylon wasn¡¯t looking at her, eyes hidden under the brim of the hat; he was scanning the area before relaxing. Once he sagged slightly, realizing he was in a safe corner, he murmured. ¡°Business¡­.¡± ¡°Oh¡­the convention¡­¡± There was always some convention going on. Aoleon¡¯s hand slipped down to his crotch, she squeezed. Before Waylon could protest, the hand was back up rubbing across his chest. She was checking him, that¡¯s what they were trained to do. Hands all over under the guise of being ¡®friendly¡¯; really looking for anything hidden. What went on in the underground were not things the Hutts wanted advertised. Weapons in the casino were one thing. The guards at the doors took care of that. But holo-cams, transmitters, fobs¡­all of that was forbidden. ¡°No¡­¡± Waylon uttered again. Aoleon narrowed her eyes, her lips getting close to his ear. ¡°Well¡­allow me to familiarize you with what we offer.¡± Placing one leg over his, she removed her hand from his chest stretching around under him, pointing with the other. ¡°Main dance floor, bar arc on the far side. ¡®Games¡¯¡­in the corner¡­¡± Aoleon smiled wickedly as she said the last. Games, sex games. You didn¡¯t have to pay the full price for the loveseat and get your own personal servant or servants, if you paid more. You could play the general ¡®games¡¯ and get the same amount of attention for the duration of the ¡®game¡¯ and your credits. He glanced over and saw several patrons spanking a dancer who was bound to a pole as another, a few steps away was on her knees; head bobbing up and down on some patron he could not see. ¡°BUT¡­.¡± Aoleon¡¯s eyes got wide. ¡°If that¡¯s not your thing, we could always go down to the VIP.¡± She looked off to her side, yet another set of stairs leading even further underground. ¡°You can¡¯t go down there without a guide¡­let me know if you¡¯re interested.¡± She stood and reached behind her shoulder blades unclasping the latch which held up the slight chain-linked top she wore. Discarding it on the seat next to him after exposing a set of perfectly aligned light blue breasts; she cupped one and stretched out a tongue to lick the tip before smiling. Her eyebrow going up seductively. ¡°Let me get us started¡­.¡± -- Aurore was dancing her way toward the other set of stairs. There was no reason to watch the door anymore whomever it was had obviously passed through on Waylon''s side and went downstairs. Glancing over toward Waylon she couldn¡¯t see him with the Twi¡¯lek dancing slowly in front, getting closer to him. Frowning and pursing her lips, Aurore started moving slower as she reached the edge of the circular room; eventually coming to a full stop once she hit the end of the bar arc. Slapping the counter, she nodded toward the droid tender. ¡°Tat sunrise¡­heavy on the syrup¡­.¡± Her head snapping back to watch Waylon, ''What?'' She heard the little voice, her own speaking in her head as she questioned herself. ''Jealous?!?! The man is weak, terrible...look at this place. You don''t need someone like that.'' "Yea." She said outloud, taking the drink in hand. "Excuse me?" The tender said as he heard Aurore speak. She smiled and waved him away. -- ¡°Ever seen the hot boxes¡­¡± Aoleon spoke softly as she leaned in. Waylon had his arms up across the top of his love seat extended down both sides. With the Twi¡¯lek between his legs he could see nothing past her and that was the point. He shook his head ''no'' as she continued to move. ¡°¡­we used to have droids in there¡­fleshy ones. I even did some time in the boxes. It¡¯s for the shy ones or the ones who want to remain anonymous. You seem like a shy one to me¡­but for the right price...¡± Aoleon placed a finger tip to her mouth, giving it a quick flick of the tongue. ¡°Is that so....¡± Waylon finally said, looking up from under his hat. As far as weaknesses went, women were definitively at the top of Waylon''s list. The Twi¡¯lek almost reached down to take the hat and use it in her little show. But having met the backside of a hand for doing that on previous occasions she thought better of it. Waylon didn¡¯t look like the kind of traveler who was to be messed with. Dropping a combination of casino chits and credits, Waylon got up from his seat after reserving the table. Aoleon waited until he was out of her view before she scrambled to pick all of them up taking a seat on the loveseat once Waylon walked away. Watching him, Aurore followed the gunslinger with her eyes until he disappeared down the stairs to the VIP area. After being stopped briefly, the guards looking over at Aoleon. The Twi¡¯lek giving them the head nod that Waylon was paid in full; having reserved her and the table while he went down to the VIP alone. Though he hadn¡¯t been to that particular casino before, he was well versed on what went on in various VIP areas. Pushing off the bar, Aurore downed the drink in one massive gulp, quickly moving to follow Waylon downstairs. -- He was still browsing when Aurore stepped off the last stair and into the main room of the VIP area. Boxes lined the sides of the wall with openings cut into them leading into the wall beyond. Bordered by curtains only a holo-picture which hovered at the top gave a picture of who it was inside the box. And there were many ''flavors'' to choose from. Male or female. Various races and creeds. Thorough the portholes, various body parts protruded out, though until the cashier at the front was paid, you couldn''t see them. An ass here, a mouth there. Aurore paid the attendant at the foot of the stairs and moved around the backside of the nearest wall, watching Waylon carefully as he moved through the center, looking around. Once he stopped, Aurore did to. His eye catching something in the low light. ''Human'' Aurore thought to herself, ''...figures...'' -- Looking up, the human female gave an annoyed expression toward the door. It slid open with a touch of her hand. Still laying down on her stomach; the lower half of her body hidden as it protruded out into the main room through the porthole in the box, she stared at whoever it was that knocked on the other side. It had to be administration. No one would dare knock on the door, at least not a patron. Once the door opened from the inside, Aurore smiled at the female as she flourished a code cylinder; a number flashing on the display screen. ¡°I¡¯m relieving you¡­¡± Aurore said. The two exchanged looks again, the human looking at the number; licking her lips. ¡°¡­no questions and the cylinder is yours¡­.¡± -- Spoiler: NSFW - ''The Hot Box'' The curtain slowly rose to the sides, hiding what was about to go on from the rest of the VIP area. Lights clicked on above, pale and slightly tinted. Never a pure light, not in those places. It was all a show, from the lighting to the smells. Combined with beings predilection to party and drink. It hid facts that were obvious. Imperfections. It provided the fantasy people were paying for. Waylon looked down. The legs and ass of the one hidden on the other side of the wall stuck out, tiptoes on the floor. Placing a hand on the skin, he felt the body jerk slightly. Humanoid. He had to make sure. This was one of his few vices. Women. One of the things he used to forget about the past, indulging in excess in women of any type. And it had been a while since he indulged in something so anonymous. -- Feeling the hand, Aurore jumped. She bit her bottom lip so she wouldn¡¯t squeal. How long had it been since she had been with a real person? Shaking her head, she couldn¡¯t remember. It was exciting, but slightly scary at the same time. He couldn¡¯t see it was her, she didn¡¯t have to look at his face and know that it was a real person. In a way, it was therapy for them both. With the added bonus that she was able to know where he was and what he was doing. After watching him all night in an attempt to keep him safe. She didn¡¯t lie when she said she wasn¡¯t there for him. But her reasoning for coming to the casino had to do with him, she just couldn¡¯t say why. Not on Nar Shareef, a Hutt controlled planet. Aurore had to follow not only Waylon, but Waylon¡¯s trail. The hand moved slowly up and around her back side. She heard the unfastening of pants and Waylon¡¯s chaps that he wore over them. The gun belt dropping to the floor on the other side of the wall. Biting her lip harder, she tasted the first vestiges of blood and released her jaw before she bit through. Just as she did, fingers began probing and opening her up. Aurore¡¯s eyes got wide. He was gentle, gentler than she would have assumed being Waylon and what she knew about him and women. Not to mention the anonymous part of it all. Why be gentle when you didn¡¯t have to? ¡®Oh shit¡¯ Aurore thought. Laying on her stomach, she realized that the lower half of her body from her navel on down could be seen and that meant, the tattoo. Her lower back tattoo. Had he ever seen it? Noticed it in something low cut she wore or a half-shirt on the days she was bending down? Waylon always watched her carefully. Noticing everything. It was part of who he was, she didn¡¯t take offense. Her mind started racing with trouble. Not only the tattoo, but her skin. Even in the low light, would he see that she was not quite as pale as the human she replaced? What would he do if he realized it was her? How would she explain? The fingers stopped, her mind still racing with worry. Aurore looked back slightly. Immediately jerking her head back forward as her eyes got wide. ¡®OH SHIT¡¯ she thought again, a slight high-pitched squeal she cut off by cutting the air off and holding her breath. Slowly, Waylon was sliding in. And as he did her mouth got wider. -- Tight. But not like a droid that sized up the one who was using it and adjusted accordingly to provide the adequate amount of back pressure for pleasure. This one was alive, a real humanoid. Waylon felt the inside walls throb against him. The body jerking slightly as he continued to slide in. Once he was all the way to the hilt, he laid hands on the back side again; stroking, rubbing slowly. Such smooth soft skin and a hint of something that smelled familiar. -- Grabbing the handles which extended on both sides of the highly polished table, Aurore pushed back slightly and couldn¡¯t help but give out a moan. The warm feeling of release already coursing out of her. Once Waylon started to kriff, Aurore pushed back holding the handles; pushing back in rhythm with his motions. All of that gentleness went away. Waylon was full bore. Moaning, grinding; Aurore wasn¡¯t surprised that he went straight to it. He was paying for it after all and she was supposed to be anonymous. But the power of it, the excitement of Waylon not knowing it was her. She felt and hand slap down over the small of her back, fingertips trying to get hold right over the tattoo which was burned into her skin. ¡°Ya-yes, yes, Yesyes¡­.¡± She repeated in time with the thrusts in between laughs and squeals, the words getting cut off and stuttering from the force outside the box. Aurore couldn''t help but smile, the excitement of it all overtaking the pure pleasure. Waylon groaned. Already feeling the woman in the box warmth course over him again. His own shot out of him and inside her. It got hot in there, Waylon pulling all the way out with another groan. The box was better than he imagined it would be. For a moment, standing there with his shaft hanging out he almost talked to her. The ass wiggling and gyrating as she finished cumming herself. But he thought better of it. Looking up at the curtains, he pulled up his pants and put the belt back on. Pressing the button to open the shroud back up and leave. Taking one last look at the pink looking ass and legs that still poked through the porthole. -- By the time Aurore made it back upstairs and looked around, finally looking over toward the table Waylon rented; he was long gone. The Twi¡¯lek too. She moved fast over to the cashier and leaned in. ¡°The guy at table twenty-two¡­did he leave, with the girl who was working it?¡± ¡°Yea.¡± The cashier spoke in a jovial voice. ¡°They both were all over one another. Charged it to his room here. Why?¡± The Cashier narrowed her eyes. ¡°You lookin¡¯ ta join them?¡± Looking Aurore up and down, the veneer of sweat and craziness of the eyes and hair made Aurore look like a working girl. Aurore couldn¡¯t see herself, but the experience in the ¡®box¡¯ made her look a bit disheveled. ¡°No¡­it¡¯s cool.¡± She said sadly. Her eyes immediately going back to the door leading to the casino, then the dance floor. The other, was gone too. The reason she came to the casino in the first place. Aurore shook her head, the things she did for friends. No one else would do it. 7 - Second Stringers - Cellblock AA-52, Maximum Security¡­. ¡°Calm yourself, Cornelia¡­.¡± Mrysti said softly. ¡°¡­if you persist in this, you will only succeed in convincing yourself into doing something rash. And trust me when I tell you, My Apprentice¡­that is exactly what they want us to do. We don¡¯t know the circumstances pertaining to why Canton¡ª¡± ¡°-- I do.¡± Cornelia¡¯s voice was strained. Leaning on the door to Mrysti¡¯s cell, looking out into the quad she held a cigarra loosely in one hand, the smoke wafting up over her arm. Once again, the prison communication system did its work. Canton, had killed one of Captain Oberisk¡¯s goon squad. And not only did he kill him. What Canton did, with some kind of makeshift fist mechanism, was overkill. There was no illusion as to why he did it. The three ¡®trustees¡¯ present at the time. All of them part of the Captain¡¯s assault squad. All of them paid regular visits to Cornelia¡¯s cell. Placing the cigarra to her lips she sucked in gently and blew out in a nervous jet. ¡°This is completely my fault. If I hadn¡¯t broke it off with him¡­or at least told him WHY I was doing it¡ª¡± ¡°Stop this.¡± Mrysti said forcefully. Getting up off the bed, she approached and turned Cornelia around to face her. ¡°You did, what you had to do¡­in order to spare the man¡¯s life. Had you told him, he would already be dead. And most likely....you as well. We survive, by doing what we must." The tendons in Mrysti''s hands flexed as she squeezed her apprentice hard. "You said it yourself, your passion for one another was strong. That emotion¡­the residue of love, which is our most powerful emotion drives us to do things we would not ordinarily do. A source of our greatest strength, is also one of our greatest weaknesses.¡± Mrysti dropped her hands off Cornelia¡¯s shoulders and stood a bit taller looking down at her. ¡°Under the circumstances, you proved yourself in control. Manipulating the situation; channeling that passion and emotion into hatred. Enough to allow you to not only spurn him and save his life, but to also continue enduring those assaults¡­biding your time.¡± Smiling viciously, Mrysti¡¯s nose flared slightly as her eyes got wide. ¡°That patience is about to pay off, My Apprentice¡­when you and I will unleash all of that torrent on a very unsuspecting system¡­¡± Dropping the Cigarra, Cornelia mashed it out with her barefoot and bowed her head. ¡°Thank you, Master¡­you are, of course, correct....¡± She looked up and frowned, ¡°I still wish to see him. If only to explain myself.¡± ¡°Unnecessary.¡± Mrysti said sharply as she turned away, moving back to her bed. Cornelia¡¯s face twisted in anger. ¡°But Master, it¡¯s necessary to me!¡± Her voice rising, Mrysti was still turned away. Cornelia couldn¡¯t see the smile forming on Mrysti¡¯s face, which she dropped abruptly turning back to her apprentice. ¡°I said¡­it¡¯s unnecessary. He did not wish to join us and therefore is irrelevant to our plans.¡± Cornelia looked down, her shoulders sagging. Mrysti snarled. ''So quick to give up. I must carve that out of her'' Mrysti thought. ¡°Pick yourself up, girl. Regret, guilt¡­these do nothing for us. Steel yourself against them.¡± Mrysti watched intently as Cornelia rose up and looked at the ceiling, releasing a pent-up breath sharply. She looked back down at her Master, a bit more focused and relaxed. ¡°As you wish, Master¡­¡± Cornelia turned to leave. Mrysti was about to chide her for failing to ask permission, but the lesson was complete. In denying Cornelia something she wished, it would not only stoke the anger inside, but also get her thinking. It would only be a matter of time before Cornelia would approach Mrysti again. This time with a proposal to see Canton if for no other reason than to see if he was with them. It would be a reason that cloaked Cornelia¡¯s true intent. The woman was in love, she would die to try and see him. Mrysti needed Cornelia to hold on to that if only to increase her personal power. Just as Mrysti looked back down to continue her meditations, she heard Cornelia¡¯s voice. The smile reformed on Mrysti¡¯s lips. Before she could ask it, Mrysti looked up. ¡°I will consider it, My Apprentice¡­¡± Cornelia stopped mid sentence, wide eyes and looking amazed. The collar was supposed to prevent a serious use of the Force, but Mrysti seemed to see right through Cornelia. Only it had little to do with the Force and more to do with Mrysti''s experience at reading and manipulating people. Especially one not as seasoned as she was in the Darkness. ¡°I¡­uh-I didn¡¯t even get to ask it yet, Master¡­.¡± Narrowing her eyes, Mrysti have a scrutinizing gaze. It didn¡¯t matter that Cornelia didn¡¯t know Mrysti¡¯s power extended far beyond what the collar was capable of preventing. It only mattered that Cornelia believed that it did. ¡°I know what you were going to ask¡­and I said I would consider it.¡± ¡°Yes, Master¡­¡± Cornelia withdrew, going back to her own cell. Hearing footsteps, Mrysti looked up reluctantly. What else had Cornelia forgotten to say? In a way, Mrysti was actually having fun with this Apprentice, as opposed to all of the others she attempted to teach. When the persons appearing at her doorway were not Cornelia, she dropped the smile and slowly rose from her bed. Looking down at them, Mrysti placed her hands on her hips and glared. This was unexpected. No one came in, much less approached her cell unless they were invited. Especially, not the prison staff. ¡°Inmate PS-Zero-Zero-Seven Alpha¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Mrysti folded her arms glaring down at the much smaller woman. Colonel Rickter looked back at the two guards slightly. The two withdrew, leaving the Colonel standing there alone. ¡°My Lord¡­¡± She began in a low voice, ¡°¡­My name¡­is High Colonel Talia Rickter, I am the Sector Commander for this region of Imperial Space and I was wondering if you and I might have a chat¡­.¡± -- - Recreation Quad, ¡®The End¡¯¡­. As recreation quads went, ¡®The End¡¯s'' main recreation plaza was not half bad. The view was spectacular. Not only did the rec side angle toward the gas giant, but also the looming Imperial fleet which hovered overhead. A large dome covered the portion which was carved from the asteroid''s surface. Which was planted with trees and shrubs, walking paths¡­hutt ball and smash ball courts; as well as benches lining the paths for minimum security inmates to walk on. There were none present, Colonel Rickter had all of the general population and minimum security inmates sent back to their cellblocks so she could have the area to herself. At least as long as she was walking with Mrysti. They spoke very little as Colonel Rickter and the guards who accompanied her escorted them both to the lift and then another part of the prison, which eventually took them to the minimum security area and the rec area. All part of the plan, no doubt the Warden was watching it all with a keen eye. Going mad as he wondered what it was Colonel Rickter was doing. But in the expanse of the Rec area, it would hard for him to eavesdrop, much less watch them the entire time. These were parts of the prison Mrysti had never seen. Once they arrived, Colonel Rickter wordlessly looked over her shoulder again toward the guards. They withdrew quickly, standing by the entrance as Colonel Rickter stepped across the threshold and into the grass of the rec area. Mrysti smiled taking a moment to inhale deeply the scent of something living. Reaching down, she removed her shoes and took another moment to run her toes through the grass. Even if it was all artificially grown. It was refreshing after being pent up in the maximum-security wing. Colonel Rickter watched her and started to walk on her own, placing her hands behind the small of her back. ¡°It¡¯s very nice isn¡¯t it?¡± Talia spoke lightly. ¡°If I had no other reason to come here, it would be just for this. The only grass and trees in my entire sector¡­¡± Opening her eyes sharply, Mrysti looked down at the Colonel. ¡°Why are you here exactly?¡± The question caught Talia off-guard. Only a moment before, The Colonel was thinking to herself how Mrysti was not quite what she seemed. More like a Jedi, as they entered the quad and she smelled the freshness of nature. Almost glowing at having the opportunity for fresh air and living plants near her. Very unlike a Sith. But the question, the way she asked. Especially the look she was being given by the very large Mirialan. That was completely what she expected. ¡°You certainly live up to expectation. At least in your appearance, My Lord¡­however, your file does not do you justice.¡± Talia avoided the question, turning away to continue to walk. Mrysti looked back at the guards, who were watching them both intently. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll do it your way Colonel.¡± Mrysti walked alongside, just as slowly. Looking away, smiling again as she let the grass run in between her toes. ¡°If I had to guess, I would say that you are bringing me here to not only get some privacy¡­but to also request that I cease, whatever it is you¡¯ve surmised I am doing to cause disruption in the cell block.¡± Talia smirked, they continued to walk. ¡°Partially right, My Lord¡­.I am here to speak with you privately¡­¡± Talia looked back toward her guards as they got further away, gesturing toward them. ¡°My own men, very loyal. I demand absolute loyalty from those who serve closest to me. As I¡¯m sure you do¡­quite a coalition you¡¯ve already formed.¡± Mrysti looked back at the guards and looked down, smiling to herself. Using the honorific. Calling Mrysti, ¡®My Lord¡¯ when she obviously didn¡¯t have to. The way she talked, very genuine. Though the Colonel was beating around the bush. Mentioning her own men. ¡°I¡¯m not often wrong, Colonel. However, on this¡­I calculated incorrectly. You didn¡¯t bring me here just to speak privately or ask me to stop whatever I am doing, you brought me here to make contact.¡± They both stopped and narrowed eyes at one another. ¡°But I am correct in assuming you want me to keep control over whatever is going on in the cellblock; somehow I get the feeling that I am interfering with your plans in someway¡­¡± Talia started off at a walk again, much faster. The two continued down the path as she spoke up again. ¡°Not my plan, My Lord¡­but yours. This attack by the Mandalorian, I know he has ties to the other Sith in your cellbl¡ª¡± ¡°My Apprentice.¡± Mrysti said abruptly. Talia smiled. ¡°Very well, ¡®your¡¯ Apprentice. Darth Retuvisa¡­I¡¯m not sure your fully aware that there are forces working against you that¡ª¡± ¡°-- I know whom is working against me Colonel.¡± Mrysti took an imposing step toward the Colonel. ¡°The only question is¡­what side are you on?¡± ¡°Yours¡­of course.¡± Talia reached up and stretched out her collar as she leaned away from the figure who loomed over her. ¡°My Lord, I can¡¯t tell you ¡®whom¡¯ it is that has sent me here. Even in this quad, the potential for eyes and ears is too great.¡± She spoke lowly and started to walk again, clasping her hands back behind her back. ¡°What I can tell you is, I can only do what my station allows. At the moment, I have ordered a halt to your execution; which is well within the authority of the Warden to order.¡± The way Talia said ¡®The Warden¡¯ it made Mrysti smile. ¡°I take it, you are not a fan of our overseer¡­¡± ¡°Hardly¡­¡± Talia scoffed, ¡°¡­the man is a pig. Not to mention unprofessional, undisciplined and stupid.¡± Mrysti looked the Colonel up and down. It was clear, Talia was a careerist. A professional Imperial Officer. Young, to be a High Colonel. Perhaps there were reasons she was sent there that had to do with that youth. Mrysti would surmise about that later, she loved learning things about people. The way the High Colonel talked about the Warden, she had very little respect for government officials who didn¡¯t know their place; even worse, had no knowledge of how a professional military operated. ¡°What is it you wish me to do, Colonel?¡± Mrysti made no mention of what she already planned on doing. If the Colonel was indeed on her side, then she would have already surmised that Mrysti would soon be affecting an escape. Why else approach and volunteer that there were forces which sent the Colonel to aid her? It made sense, Mrysti was still on the lookout for a ruse however. That was how Darth Vowrawn operated. In due time, Mrysti decided she might reveal more if it was necessary. ¡°Nothing.¡± Talia spoke suddenly. ¡°Everything. I need you to continue with whatever plan you¡¯ve devised, but do so while keeping control of the others involved. The more light you shine on that cellblock, the harder it is for me to counter whatever it is the Warden is being ordered to do.¡± Talia started walking again, speaking over her shoulder. ¡°My Lord¡­though I cannot tell you whom it is I am supporting, I will tell you that I am prepared to do ¡®whatever¡¯ it takes to get the job done.¡± Talia turned and gave Mrysti a serious look. ¡°Whatever¡­it takes. Do you understand?¡± ¡°I think I do, Colonel¡­if I am reading you right. However, I cannot promise anything in regards to the others. Only myself and Cornelia.¡± At the moment that¡¯s all there was, but Mrysti didn¡¯t reveal that. ¡°What the Mandalorian did, he did out of passion¡­I had nothing to do with that attack. And, I believe the one he killed, had it coming for a long time.¡± Mrysti¡¯s eyes got wide as she spoke. Talia knew of Captain Oberisk and his nighttime activities. ¡°I can promise you, Captain Oberisk will not be visiting that cellblock for the foreseeable future. Should he or any of his goons attempt to; I will have them shot.¡± ¡°I appreciate that, Colonel¡­it will make it easier for me to fulfill your request. If we are doing favors for one another¡­¡± Mrysti started walking by herself, taking on a similar pose as the Colonel in clasping her hands behind her back. ¡°¡­I do have a request¡­¡± -- - Solitary Confinement, ¡®The End¡¯¡­. Canton was still smiling. The blood long since dried on his skin and clothes; he was looking up at the ceiling, letting his eyes adjust to the low light of the dingy hole carved from the rock he was tossed into. It was all worth it, he didn¡¯t need to convince himself of it. He knew it in his heart and had already began reciting the names he would soon join. The list of those in his clan who had fallen before him, the rolls that he would be a part of. No doubt, the Warden and the High Colonel were planning a very public execution. Just to dissuade any who would think of killing another in the way that he did, from doing it again. His actions warranted the Death Penalty and Canton already decided, he was going to smile right up until the moment they put a blaster bolt through his brain pan. The door to his chamber rattled and creaked as the door opened. A gruff voice ordering him to stand. Reluctantly he did so, adjusting to the light coming in from the hall outside. Someone was shoved into the room. The light surrounding the form, making it almost too difficult to see. But when he did, the light which surrounded her made her look just like the angel he always thought she was. Canton ran forward, but was pulled back by the chains which held his arms and feet to the floor. Still he strained against them, until Cornelia leapt into his arms. <¡±¡­You have five minutes¡­¡±> The voice said again, closing the door behind them. -- ON the outside, Colonel Talia Rickter stood watch on the hallway. The visit, highly irregular. But, ordered on her authority. She was long past giving reasons, she answered to no one. This was a request from the ¡®Empire¡¯s Hammer¡¯ and Talia was bound to obey, even if Mrysti was a prisoner. One good act deserved another. Mrysti had given her word and even if she hadn''t, Talia knew at some point Mrysti was going to get out of that place and when she did Talia would have to make a choice. Coming down on the right side in all of this was paramount. The wrong side, meant death. After seeing Mrysti and meeting her, Talia was more secure in her decision to support Darth Malgus and aid Mrysti. Who, could fight such a Sith? Who could survive direct confrontation? Certainly not Darth Vowrawn. And that was the light at the end of Mrysti''s tunnel.... -- -- Temple of Sacrifice¡­during the Revanite uprising and the Return of Darth Revan.... Side by side with Republic snipers. Not a position he ever thought he would be in. They were good, not quite as good as some of the more secretive Imperial snipers that were his brethren, but good. Alzir had killed many a Republic sniper in counter operations. A fact not lost on those they were shoulder to shoulder with at the moment. Of all the integrations of units between the Republic and Imperial Forces, the snipers had the hardest time integrating with one another. Animosity and the old hatreds ran deep. It was one thing to kill an enemy you were sworn to defeat. It was another to wait on him, days, sometimes weeks just to take one fatal shot in order to end their existence. It took patience, commitment. And they were all true believers in their cause. They had to be in order to be a sniper, that kind of commitment didn¡¯t come from training; it took faith. ¡®Hold the line¡¯, the last order given by Darth Marr as he and the rest of them entered the Temple. In the distance, they all heard it. The screams, wild and growing loudly as the enemy ran through the woods toward them. Zealots, the lot of them. True believers in Revan. The sound grew and already Alzir could see some uneasiness start to ripple through the line. They were the last line of defense after the main Infantry and Armor. The ones furthest back in order to take the shots and thin out the Revanites. No one could be allowed to get through. The fate of the galaxy depended on all of them; Republic and Imperial, doing their jobs in order to give those in the Temple the time they needed to deal with Revan. In the distance, brush and trees started to move. The screams and yells growing louder. Almost as if the Revanites were psyching themselves up for the battle to come. Convincing themselves that they were the answer to the galaxy¡¯s problems. An Imperial problem. The yells were intimidating, Alzir could sense some of the Soldiers, especially the Republic ones, looking at one another. And who could blame them? It was the Empire that brought all of this about. An Emperor that went off the rails and decided that not only their enemies; The Republic, should be destroyed, but everyone needed to die in order to¡­what? Start over? Alzir was pretty happy with how things were. In a rush, the first trees parted and went down. Revanite walkers and ground infantry knocking down the jungle as they charged head first into the Republic and Imperial lines. They all started shooting. No one gave an order, there was no reason to. It was all or nothing and the sniper column was disciplined enough to not just take random shots. Every one of the bolts was going to count. Getting a Jedi Revanite in his sights as the man leapt up into the air, Alzir tracked him releasing a breath as he held off from breathing in while softly squeezing the trigger. The readout on his rifle sight conned green; he was already firing. Watching the Jedi fall out of the sky before he reached the front line. A smoking hole in his chest burned straight through the strange red and gold armor he wore. Lining up another shot on a Sith Revanite this time, Alzir didn¡¯t pause. As much as the Republic would like to accuse the Empire of choosing their targets in the heat of battle. He never did. The Revanites were the enemy, at least for now. Sucking in a breath, he let it out slowly squeezing the trigger as he did so. Another down, the smoking half of the Sith¡¯s head the only trail of the man¡¯s charge toward the front line. Once the Revanite Walkers; which were upgraded and shielded versions of Republic and Imperial Walkers, broke through the front line of men and their own walkers, Alzir knew they were in trouble. Communication from inside the Temple was sketchy, they had made their way to Revan, having fought hard against the forces on the inside. But things were looking worse on the outside. A turbolaser blast aimed toward the rear line decimated the sniper column. Alzir was blown out of his perch and onto the ground. Dazed, dizzy and with blood flowing into his eyes, he stood and picked up his rifle. Things seemed to progress in slow motion. Sabers clashed, Soldiers all; Sith, Jedi, Republic and Imperial died. Fighting to the last man. Alzir aimed his rifle into the thrall and started firing, hardly taking the time to aim. Taking a step back, he stopped himself; head still swimming. This was as far as he was going and no farther. The white light and silence of a second turbolaser blast put him down for good as he saw the light and felt the heat knocking him into oblivion. -- The sounds of the jungle almost seemed serene after such chaos. Birds chirped, an animal in the distance squalled loudly. Normal sounds. Alzir opened his eyes looking up at the sky. Those birds flew overhead, the sounds of the jungle almost cheerfully welcoming him back to the land of the living. A hand was in his face, not his own. He blinked several times, looking at the arm and hand extended to him. A green arm, a slender wrist attached to a well-manicured hand and fingernails. It was the first thing he noticed and then blinked again once he saw what it was attached to. Moving in to block the sunlight which poked through the uncanny normal canopy of the jungle. ¡°Welcome back, Trooper¡­.¡± The voice; beautiful and melodic. Alzir blinked again as the head of black flowing hair surrounding the beautiful angelic like green tattooed face came into focus. He couldn¡¯t help but smile. His first thought, ¡®I must be dead¡¯. He didn¡¯t think to ask it, or even voice it, but the angel standing above him offering her hand answered anyway in that beautiful voice. ¡°No¡­you''re not dead. But you might wish you were later¡­that arm may have to come off...¡± He took the hand as she lifted him with hardly no effort, thinking she must have been a Jedi. The white and red robes as well as the green saber she carried giving it away. Once she had him on his feet the Jedi slowly released his hand with a smile and moved on. Picking through the remains of the battle, looking for other survivors. He scratched his head, felt the warmth and wetness, bringing it around to see his hand full of blood. The Jedi who pulled him to his feet stopped and turned back toward him. ¡°I stopped the bleeding¡­as much as my power would allow. But you must go see a med tech¡­¡± She started off again, Alzir still smiling at her as she seemed to float away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­You¡¯re¡ªI mean, thank you for¡ªyou are¡ª¡± ¡°--Karolin¡­just, Karolin¡­¡± She smiled beautifully again, making her way further into the remains of the battle. -- - Nar Shareef, Hutt Combined Casino-Hotel #83.... Getting up from the bed, Waylon reached for the towel at the end as he stood. Bottles rolled off the side as well as various ¡®items¡¯ used in the nights festivities. The Twi¡¯lek dancer lying next to him rolled over and stirred as he stood up. ¡®What was her name again?¡¯ He thought moving slowly and silently not to wake her in making his way to the door. He heard the movement even before Aurore made her way to the chime, opening it before she could use the button. ¡°I¡¯m not even going to ask why you¡¯re here at¡­¡± Waylon looked at his chrono and spoke as a startled Aurore took a step back to look into the darkened room. ¡°¡­zero five-thirty. Are you kriffin¡¯ serious?!?! You said we were in a holding pattern.¡± He started back in, leaving the doorway open. ¡°I¡­uh¡­.always get started early.¡± Aurore stepped inside cautiously and looked around. She took in a sniff of the air and immediately knew he wasn¡¯t alone before she said anything. Stale air and drinking, revelry and sex. ¡°I take it she¡¯s still here.¡± The answer came as Aurore stepped further inside and saw the dancer still sleeping. ¡°Of course, you¡¯re never going to change.¡± Aurore laughed to herself. ¡°I could say the same thing about you. You obviously didn¡¯t take anyone home from the Casino last night. Go home to your mechanical boyfriend?¡± Waylon was sitting, putting on his boots, but nothing else. The towel still draped and around his waist. Aurore frowned. ¡°You know I did.¡± The Zeltron was looking around trying hard not to look at Waylon. Images of the night prior, the ¡®Hot Box¡¯ still burned into her mind. Reflexively she rubbed the front of her pants, biting her lip before dropping them as he looked up. ¡°I take it the ¡®big guy¡¯ contacted you. Are we on?¡± ¡°Not yet.¡± Aurore shook the images out of her head as she got serious again. ¡°Alzir is on something, Marstel wouldn¡¯t say what. Said he¡¯s sending two more our way. Some kind of ancient looking Twi¡¯lek; not really sure what species she is¡­and a Devaronian¡­¡± Waylon looked up immediately, a wicked smile crossing his face. ¡°Female?¡± Scoffing, Aurore reached down to pick his shirt up off the floor and toss it to him. ¡°Yes¡­both of them. And¡­both of them are Jedi or something; I don¡¯t know, the Force is involved.¡± ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Waylon was still smiling as he looked up and then over at the sleeping Twi¡¯lek still considering. ¡°A Devaronian force user¡­that could be¡ª¡± ¡°- Oh stop it, will you¡­¡± The Zeltron scoffed again. ¡°¡­you know what they say about Devaronians¡­especially the females. That lack of horns has their emotions all out of wack, maybe they are mad at the galaxy for taking them¡­.¡± -- Wroonian Prime, Imperial Space¡­. Some cultures still adhered to the old ways. In an age of ultrahigh tech, the pinnacle of humanoid advancements; it was still the traditions that defined a culture and truly kept it grounded. Dressed in formal attire, Marstel still stuck out like a sore thumb. A large walking mass of man, dressed in enough tuxedo garb to outfit ten wedding parties. Excusing himself from the main foyer he made it through the crowd. Mourners, those who come to honor whomever was being buried that day. In a way, it was refreshing. Death was almost as important a celebration as life. And it was something the Wroonian used to display, at the end, how much they had acquired throughout their lives. The more wealth, the larger the celebration. And as celebrations went, this was a rather large one. Making his way to the ¡®tech¡¯ side of the facility, the d¨¦cor noticeably changed. Gone were the trappings of wealth. The trappings of a life which denoted whomever was being honored had lived well. Plush red carpeting gave way to utilitarian tile. Papered walls with inlaid gold filigree gave way to the cold metallic antiseptic. The sound of machinery started to fill the air as the soft sounds of music set for a memorial played gently for those there to honor the one being seen faded away. He pushed the double swinging doors open. Only employees were allowed past the very deliberate red line pained at the threshold of the doorway. Marstel wasn¡¯t an employee, but he didn¡¯t need to be. Some of his credits helped build that place and put Alzir into business. Those that worked for Alzir looked up curiously at the very large Ratataki, who was making his way through the tech area. Bodies lay on a conveyor, the employees manning their stations as the bodies passed by going from one station to the other. One did hair, the other did make-up. Marstel was seeing the whole process in reverse as he made his way to the beginning of the line. Where all of it started and where he knew Alzir would be. Another set of doors, looking much more serious stood guard for the most dangerous area. Large signs gave warnings in Aurebesh. Warnings of dangerous chemicals and processes that went on behind closed doors. Things the normal citizen should never see or maybe they just didn¡¯t want to see. Pushing the door open, the sound of machinery; mixed with music that was very uncharacteristic for a place that everyone eventually had to visit. Death came to everyone at some point, unless you were lucky enough to have been an Alpha. Marstel had seen death, it was interesting that this culture chose to do things so archaically. The heavy rock music was only a smoke screen, allowing the technicians in the back to continue with their grim tasks. Marstel looked around, lots of blue faces working on other not so alive and prone, blue faces. He spotted Alzir, headset on. Oblivious to the outside world as he leaned down over yet another customer. Preparing the person for their journey into the next world. ¡°Alzir¡± Marstel spoke softly. The man didn¡¯t hear him. He said the name again, only looking up once the shadow of the large man blocked out the laboratory lights which brightly lit everything in the preparation chamber. The blue skinned Wroonian turned with a start, taking the headset off and looking over and up at the figure looming behind him. Marstel wasn¡¯t looking at Alzir anymore, but at the dead man laying in front of him. Alzir smirked and put the headset down on the tool cart, discarding the tool he had in his hand with a clatter against the other tools. ¡°Speeder accident¡± Alzir said, gesturing to the man who was sprawled out prone. This was a fitting line of work for someone who worked in the death business for most of their lives. Only Alzir was once responsible for putting people in a places like that one. Instead of preparing them for the journey afterward. Not everyone had a stomach for that kind of work, but for someone that had no conscious when it came to dealing death, Alzir was absolutely perfect. A bit of an anomaly; he took great pride in beautiful things. Things he could create. Like all Wroonians, beauty and wealth went hand and hand, but Alzir chose to turn the ugly into something worth appreciating. And there was nothing uglier than death. Attributing that new found appreciation so long ago to the angel that scooped him up off the jungle floor. Later, after he met the rest, he understood where that beauty came from and who was involved falling in with Marstel; who set him up to do something a little different. Alzir smiled at Marstel and opened his arms about to give the large Ratataki a hug. Then noticing Marstel was wearing the tuxedo finery usually reserved for Alzir''s ¡®guests¡¯, he slowly lowered his arms. No way he wanted to get the gunk and gore which covered his coveralls all over the very expensive suit Marstel was wearing. Gesturing for Marstel to follow, the two left through a side door which led to an administrative area. Still out of the public eye. All of the things that happened in the back were out of the public eye. The facility, a perfect design to continue the illusion of life after death. A magic show, designed to make everyone who either died or came to visit the dead think that things just happened magically to allow the ones being honored to just ¡®appear¡¯ alive all of a sudden, when the time was right.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Alzir sat down behind the desk and slapped the gloves off his arms with a sling and twist. They landed in a bin near the foot of the desk, Alzir leaning back in the chair now safe to touch his own skin; placing his hands behind his head to look at his largest benefactor. ¡°Did you get my message?¡± Marstel said sharply. Alzir sat up, looking around on his desk. Datapads and flimsies littered the surface. Bills, invoices, everything he needed to run his business, but no note. Marstel took out a holo-unit and held it up toward Alzir. The man smiled and raised a finger. ¡°Ah¡­the secret one.¡± Reaching down under the desk, Alzir pulled the holo-unit Marstel had given him a long time ago placing it on the surface of the desk among the paperwork he used for running his Memorial home. He turned it on, the blue field rezzed to life as Alzir looked past the transmission to smile at Marstel. ¡°Yea¡­I got the message.¡± They both laughed. Reaching down, Alzir took out the bottle of ¡®purple gunk¡¯ as Marstel called it. Actually, a very fine vintage Hapian wine. Marstel¡¯s favorite. Pouring two glasses he passed one to the big Ratataki, raising his own in a toast. ¡°To you and yours¡­¡± The two men drank to each other, Alzir making a face at the sour tangy taste before setting the glass down. ¡°Did you know¡­both of them are Jedi?!?! Kind of like¡­¡± Alzir smiled ruefully stopping the statement to begin another one, ¡°¡­how is your ¡®sister¡¯ anyway?¡± Marstel shook his head. He knew Alzir was talking about the smaller one, Karolin. The man had a taste for her ever since Yavin. He ignored the question about Karolin, going back to the first comment. ¡°That ain¡¯t true¡­.¡± Marstel said softly. ¡°....both ¡®r force users. The Twi¡¯lek lookin¡¯ one ain¡¯t never been trained, my folks rescued ¡®er. Still tryin¡¯ ta git her in with a Temple sumwhere¡­Karolin¡¯s lookin¡¯ into it.¡± At the mere mention of Karolin, Alzir lit up. ¡°I hear she¡¯s gone political now. But damn¡­¡± Alzir shook his head. ¡°Does the woman age? She looks twice as good now than the day I set eyes upon her.¡± Taking a sip of the wine, Alzir smacked his lips leaning back in thought. Thoughts Marstel had some idea about. Karolin was not interested. At least as far as Marstel knew, though his sister did have a flair for the exotic. ¡°And the others¡­¡± Alzir smiled wickedly picking up the glass again to hide behind it as Marstel gave an annoyed look. ¡°Tell me ya didn¡¯¡­¡± Marstel scoffed. Alzir was quick to sit up and shake his head. ¡°No, no¡­.nuthing like that. One¡¯s a Devaronian, you know how they are. Those women mate for life. You put it in one a those, you¡¯re making a commitment.¡± Both men smiled at one another. ¡°I don¡¯t mind keeping them on the down low Marstel, but¡­I¡¯ve had questions. Couple of hunters came calling¡­I had to¡­¡± Alzir paused and smiled again taking another sip of the wine. ¡°¡­funny thang, havin¡¯ a Memorial facility. No questions when folks jus¡¯ disappear¡­.¡± ¡°Yea, funny thing that.¡± Setting the glass back down Alzir gave a sheepish look. ¡°I did kriff the other one though.¡± Marstel frowned and shook his head. ¡°Hey¡­.it wasn¡¯t me. She totally led me into it. Late one night, working. I don''t think they like the Memorial business...One thing led to another¡­you know how it goes.¡± He paused and smiled. ¡°How¡¯s Murriel, by the way¡­¡± ¡°Same¡­¡± Marstel uttered. Sitting back, the chair creaked under his weight. ¡°¡­partially why I¡¯m ¡®er. Got a job, two actually. First one is solo, then I need ya ta meet up with tha¡¯ fellas on Nar Shareef.¡± Sitting up, Alzir placed his hands on the desk giving an eager look. ¡°What¡¯s the gig?¡± ¡°Protection first¡­counter-work.¡± Marstel took a sip of the wine finishing it. It was important if Marstel was bringing the mission to Alzir personally and he knew it. Even before Marstel reached under his jacket and produced the datapad containing the details. ¡°Need ya ta look in on my sister¡­¡± Alzir took the pad looking up suddenly a smile coming to his face, but did not cut it on still watching the big guy. ¡°Second one, little iffy¡­Aurore got tha details.¡± Laughing Alzir sat back, Datapad in hand. ¡°She still kriffin¡¯ droids¡­¡± Grimacing, Marstel looked down. ¡°Probably.¡± He said no more, no one knew why Aurore did it. It was a joke among the others. To everyone except Aurore and Marstel, who never laughed, but never tried to dissuade anyone from saying it. The big man stood, the chair groaning relief that all of the weight was suddenly off of it. Before leaving he gave a slight smile to Alzir. ¡°Life day¡¯s comin¡­gonna head ta Kashyyyk with tha fam. Ya¡¯ll ought ta come¡­bring tha two new girls with ya.¡± Alzir knew it was all code talk. Marstel didn¡¯t trust anyone, not even Alzir to speak openly. He took no offense. ¡°I¡¯ll get them prepared for the festivities then. I¡¯m sure they will be excited to be getting out of here and doing something.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Marstel winked and touched the pad to open the office door. ¡°Let me kno¡¯ when yur comin¡¯¡­I¡¯ll make ready for all a ya¡¯ll¡­¡± Before he walked out, Marstel paused turning back. ¡°This firs¡¯ one¡¯s a job¡­¡¯member tha¡¯. Karolin ain¡¯t expectin¡¯ ya. I don¡¯ wan¡¯ ¡®er too¡­understan''?¡± Alzir nodded. He understood perfectly. -- -- Exercise Quad, Maximum Security, ¡®The End¡¯¡­. It was a sad state of affairs, having to manipulate Cornelia into using those feelings to actually arrive at the right answer. But in doing so, she was able to make Cornelia see that the answer was right in front of them both the whole time. The Force¡­always provided a way. It was also easy to see why the Mirialans believed so strongly in destiny and the Force; their Unity. It bound and combined everything together. The Force sent Colonel Rickter to Mrysti. And in doing so provided a way for Mrysti to not only get the answer she needed concerning the Mandalorian, it provided a way to satiate Cornelia¡¯s blood lust and bind her more tightly to the plan because of her attachment to the Mando. The Mandalorian was now with them. Cornelia confirmed as much after she left his cell in solitary confinement. Laying on the bench, Mrysti placed her palms on the bar and looked up above her head before lifting the weight. More weight than Cornelia could ever hope to lift without the use of the Force, yet Mrysti was doing it with her own raw strength. Before she lifted the bar from the holding mechanism, she smiled looking at Cornelia upside down scrutinizing the pose. Cornelia stood propped up on the wall behind her, watching her Master. Cigarra in hand, held loosely. Satisfied for the moment. Mrysti didn¡¯t need to guess what the two of them did in the cell given the five minutes Canton and Cornelia had with one another. It could be done in five minutes. Mrysti had done it in less during high stress situations. And prison was one big high stress situation. Kriffing was a stress reliever. And those two had been fighting one another, fighting the urge for so long. Canton killed a man for her. And Cornelia loved him for it. ¡°You look like the nexu who ate the¡­mouse? Is that appropriate?¡± Mrysti smiled viciously adjusting her hands. Cornelia smiled sheepishly, looking down. Flicking off a bit of ash from the end of her cigarra before taking another drag off of it. ¡°I¡¯m¡­.pleased¡­¡± Cornelia uttered the words with the grin still in place. Even the smoke from her cigarra couldn¡¯t hide the smile. Grabbing the bar, Mrysti held tight and pushed upward. The bench seemed to rise up from the massive weight being momentarily lifted only to sink back down once Mrysti secured the weight above her, holding it in place a moment before lowering it slowly to her chest and then back up again just as slowly; locking her elbows out. ¡°We¡­are not¡­.done¡­¡± Mrysti spoke between reps. Doing ten before racking the weight on the holder after completing the set. She sat up and turned around, wiping her face with the towel around her neck. ¡°Though, we have a new problem.¡± Cornelia seemed to get more focused once Mrysti spoke of a problem. The glassy eyed look of thinking on the five minutes she got to spend with Canton, disappearing with the turn of subject. ¡°I promised the Colonel that we would keep her apprised of our activities. She¡¯s with us, but it places a damper on my plans to deal with the other members of the Captain¡¯s squad.¡± ¡°Then don¡¯t, Master.¡± Cornelia said matter of factly. Taking another drag off the cigarra, Cornelia discarded it crushing it under foot as she lifted her head to blow a jet of smoke above her. ¡°The message has been delivered. Canton saw to that, the ¡®trustees¡¯ are on notice. No one is coming down here. We have the room we need now to plan and move without interference.¡± A momentary flash of anger shot through Cornelia. Mrysti saw it and narrowed her eyes before the two looked at one another again. ¡°What¡¯s done¡­is done. They will all pay for what they did to me in due time. I see that now, thanks to you¡­.Master.¡± ¡°You are right¡­of course.¡± Mrysti looked away. Cornelia was a much more seasoned and brighter apprentice than Mrysti was used to. In the prime of being a Sith, already a Lord. She was no mere acolyte, able to advise as well as give opinions. Something Mrysti would never have allowed from a younger more inexperienced Sith. ¡°However¡­¡± Mrysti pointed a finger as if to make an objection. Cornelia smiled viciously, she seen that look in her Master before. ¡°¡­time and opportunity, Cornelia. Should either present itself, we can not allow it to pass. I gave my word, but if the opportunity to inflict more terror on our foes should present itself, we cannot allow it to simply pass us by. Besides, the more of them we deal with now and the more fear we inject into the populace, the easier it will be to sew chaos once we need it. The Force¡­¡±Mrysti laid back down taking the bar in hand again, starting another set. ¡°¡­provides the way. We need only follow it when it reveals itself.¡± A strange way of seeing things. The Force was a tool, a weapon to be utilized when needed. That¡¯s what Cornelia had been taught. And though Mrysti wasn¡¯t contradicting what the Sith taught, she was speaking at times like a Jedi. About following it and riding the flow of it to get what they wanted. Perhaps it was due to her Mirialan ancestry. They all had a strange way of worshiping the Force. It was interesting. At times, grabbing the reigns and reeling it in to shape it into the weapon they had been taught to utilize and at other times, simply letting it wash over them. There would be a point of contention; Cornelia could see it. At some point Mrysti and she would not see eye to eye on something. Conflict concerning the Force was inevitable, but for the moment Cornelia was satisfied with what her Master taught her. She was stronger for it. ¡°And the Colonel¡­¡± Cornelia smiled sarcastically. She already knew the answer to the question and the smile told Mrysti it was an oblivious question. Laying back down, Mrysti wrapped her fingers back around the bar and lifted it up above her. Lowering it just as slowly again as she counted to herself. Finally turning her eyes upward to see Cornelia still looking at her. ¡°The Colonel¡­¡± Mrysti started speaking as she strained against the massive weight. ¡°¡­is a servant of the Empire.¡± After completing the last set, Mrysti racked the weight with a loud ¡®clang¡¯ and stood, stretching her arms out to her side. ¡°Which means¡­she is OUR servant. I gave my word, but my Will is also her Law. I don¡¯t expect any problems from her¡­.¡± -- [youtube]pilqN-Q_2Vw[/youtube] -- Shower facility, ¡®The End¡¯¡­. ¡°Just watch yourself. They are taking us out one at a time.¡± Those were the last words one of the other trustees uttered to the large red-skinned Twi¡¯lek known only as ¡®Muscles¡¯. His face was sore. One of his good friends dead. The other goon wasn¡¯t wrong. They were trying to take them out one at a time. Had it not been for his quick reaction time, the Twi¡¯lek knew he would have ended up like Mohawk. Beaten unrecognizable. As it turned out the Twi¡¯lek was part of the detail which had to clean up that laundry facility. And they did it mostly with sponges. A sad state of affairs again. And it was all that large Mirialan¡¯s fault. Her arrival heralded the end to the fun. Everyone was on edge and no one wanted to confront her openly, not even the Twi¡¯lek, who was feared by a large majority of the prison population. He rubbed his face again, reaching out to touch the activation pad for the shower. Stepping into the water and turning his face up to it. Voices echoed from the other stalls. There were no curtains for security reasons, but one had reasonable privacy between partitions. Steam wafted above as the voices started to die out, inmates leaving as they cut off the water and made their way to the exits. He, was a ¡®trustee¡¯. Above timetables and limited showers. Knowing he could stay in the shower as long as he liked, all of the others leaving meant the guards were rounding the other inmates up for chow call. He turned and reached out grabbing the antiseptic. Rubbing the foamy liquid all over his body as it began to froth and foam. Turning and raising his arms to reach spaces he knew needed more attention than others, finally looking down at his nethers. Lifting up the shaft and washing around, giving a few strokes to the massive rod before leaning against the wall, propping himself up by an arm to give himself a proper fitting. Well into it by the time the shower next to him cut on, his eyes snapped open. It was just rude. All of the other empty showers in the facility and another trustee; which it had to be a trustee due to the time, decided to get right in next to him. Especially when he was busy masturbating. ''Muscles'', slapped the wall. ¡°Hey¡­you mind?!?!¡± Still holding his shaft in his hand, he slapped again. ¡°I¡¯m talking to you¡­don¡¯t make me come over there!!!¡± The water kept on running. The Twi¡¯lek scoffed and stepped out of the shower. ¡°I am going to kick your ass!¡± But as he turned the corner into the next partition he found no one there, only the water running. Reaching in to turn it off, he lurched forward with the force of being hit by a truck. His head smacking the tile and cracking it. He turned angrily, blood dripping down his head into his eyes. But lost the anger once he looked up into the face of death itself. A wide angry smile, the whitest teeth. That said something in prison. A place where dental hygiene was not a priority. But they were unnaturally white, or perhaps looked that way next to the dark green scarred lips, inside of the green tattooed and scarred face of his attacker. Unusual, he didn¡¯t even take notice of Mrysti being naked, focusing on her red eyes. A rage building inside of him that over came the sudden fear. Mrysti wanted him to fight back, needed him to fight back. He pushed up off the floor of the shower stall and ran toward her. Sudden glee leapt into her chest. ¡®Yes¡­.YES, please fight back.¡¯ Mrysti moved to the side to let the rageful rush of Twi¡¯lek fall past and hit the opposite wall of the adjacent shower stall. Falling on his face, which smashed against yet another tile floor; the Twi¡¯lek screamed in rage again. Spinning around and standing up to swing toward her. Lekku and fists flying. She dodged again. Weaving and ducking; moving to the side like a Teras Kasi Master teaching an avoidance class. Until he screamed and sent the final blow in the series toward her. A punch with every ounce of his speed and strength. A strike that would have killed an ordinary man. Mrysti caught it in midair. The sound of the fist meeting her open hand. Loud, like a thunderclap. The Twi¡¯lek¡¯s eyes got wide, as he looked at his fist and then her. But only for a second. Mrysti twisted the arm, breaking it. Feeling and hearing it pop in three distinct places before she twisted the noodle behind his back, reaching under with her other hand to grab his scrotum and lift him into the air. He was screaming now, but not like before. Before it was a manly rageful scream. The kind that was supposed to strike fear of death into those who would challenge him. Mrysti feared nothing, least of all death. The Goliath Sith tossed him as easily as a wad of flimsy being pitched into a can. The scream turned to a high pitched cry for help. The wall shattered, fresher basins came down as the Twi¡¯lek hit the side and took everything attached to it down with him, to include the tiles. The smile never left. This was true evil. The Twi¡¯lek believed HE was true evil, but Mrysti was evil incarnate. Things she could do, pain she wished to inflict were unimaginable to the layman. They thought themselves the bad guys. The evil ones who struck fear into the population of the prison. Mrysti shook her head as she walked slowly toward where the Twi¡¯lek lay against the floor. Debris covering his naked form. This was how it always happened. When those who thought themselves the most evil, fearsome beings in the galaxy actually met the face of true evil, they folded. The comprehension just wasn¡¯t there. Mrysti was disappointed, she actually thought it would last longer as the Twi¡¯lek known as ¡®Muscles¡¯ began to stir. Dragging himself across the floor toward her, dragging a limp useless arm next to himself. Stomping down on one of his Lekku, The Twi¡¯lek screamed again. It was true, some of their brains were in there. She watched his eyes glass over before taking her foot off so his head could drop back down on the floor hard. Pursing her lips, she placed her hands on her hips and shook her head again. ¡°Weak¡± she said softly. ¡°Pathetic excuse for a male¡­.to think yourself worthy enough for a Sith.¡± Mrysti made a clicking sound with her mouth as she wagged a finger back and forth. Reaching down she picked up the man, he tried to swing, a weak slack attack which Mrysti simply brushed aside. Ramming him into the wall he just landed against. It cracked again, with his back. His legs fell limp. Mrysti held him with all her own strength so she could look in his eyes. But he wouldn¡¯t look up. Not until she lifted his face with base of an index finger. ¡°You see¡­¡± She said calmly, ¡°¡­the problem with creatures like you is, you have no knowledge; no concept of whom your betters are. Take me for instance. Now, had you taken the knee¡­kissed my feet the moment I arrived¡ªoh, and NOT raped my apprentice¡­you and I could have been ¡®allies¡¯? No, that¡¯s the wrong word, I would have allowed you to serve me.¡± ¡°K-k-kr-kriff hug-hughhhh¡­.¡± The Twi¡¯lek tried to spit at her, too weak to do so the bloody spital simply drizzled down his face. ¡°Ah yes¡­the brave face at the end. The final ¡®Kriff You¡¯ in hopes that somehow, someway your bravery will see you though. See, that feeling you¡¯re having right now, trying to steel yourself from the inevitable? It¡¯s that disbelief again. That this is really happening. So, you tell yourself it isn¡¯t and in doing so¡­that you will not die.¡± Mrysti laughed dropping the Twi¡¯lek to the ground only to move to his feet. Picking up an ankle she began dragging him back toward the still running water of his own shower. ¡°I have news for you¡­worthless piece of filth that you are, this IS happening. It¡¯s not a holo-vid or a story in a book. You¡­are going to die. And as each second passes, you will wait right up till the end¡­fighting, until the realization hits you. That there is nothing¡­absolutely nothing you can do, to stop me¡­.¡± Mrysti tossed the Twi¡¯lek like a rag doll back into the shower by his ankle. The tilework cracked and splintered as she entered the cool of the water with her prey. Gently, she knelt down, fingers extended. Softly placing the tips against his throat. Pressing as she smiled and waited for the point to finally reach him. The Twi¡¯lek was nearly unconscious, until she reached inside and held the windpipe in her hand. It started to crunch. Then his eyes snapped open and got wide. He tried to speak, even the limp unusable limbs started to twitch with the one that still had strength. He managed to hit her in the back. Mrysti looked down and stepped on the arm, to hold it in place, then moved the other hand to the Twi¡¯lek¡¯s neck. ¡°Shhhh¡­shhhh¡­¡± Mrysti whispered softly. ¡°This is redemption for you. Finally, you get to be a good person. Not a lacky or a rapist¡­.shhhhh¡­¡± Gasping and gurgling The Twi¡¯lek flailed, Mrysti finally bored in. The pop was loud, the sound a screeching crumble of flimsy paper against the tile work of the broken shower. She looked deep in his eyes at that moment. The moment the light went out and the realization she spoke of hit. It was a pinnacle moment as it always was, holding an enemies life in your hands and watching them die. Mrysti screamed the moment she saw his eyes dilate, the realization moment passing with the end of his lifeforce; the moment she ripped his head from his shoulders. Walking out of the shower, Mrysti smiled. A ''thump, thump'' of the severed head she drug behind herself, by the Lekku trailing behind her. She needed to savor that moment, knowing that she could not very well drag the head all the way back to the cellblock with her. What a trophy it would have made for her to present to her apprentice. ''Time and opportunity'', she told Cornelia. There was a part of Mrysti, slightly saddened by the fact that she robbed Cornelia of the kill for herself. But, their time together was just beginning and there would be so many more enemies to kill and death to savor. Dragging the head back would have been far too obvious as to who had done such a thing. Knowing they would all talk about it throughout the prison. This death-knell could possibly be the catalyst that sets everything off, Mrysti wasn''t sure. She certainly regretted having to break her word to the Colonel, but the moment was one she could not pass up. Dropping the head at the door she stepped over the threshold. Clean as the day she was born. The waters of the evil Twi¡¯lek washing away everything. But leaving behind a dark message. One by one, they were all going to meet true evil¡­.perception or not it would be an ''educational'' experience. -- - Bothawui, Republic Recovery Zone¡­.Rear Battle Line Theta¡­. Through the door of the prefab the screaming continued. Outside, Murriel and Cora stood side by side, not speaking and standing at attention. Their eyes locked forward staring at the far wall. They could hear everything through the thin prefab wall as Major General Crachek tore into RT. ¡°An unmitigated disaster, General¡­officers not following orders. Soldiers running off on their own. Deviating from a plan, failure at every level!! Should I go on?¡± RT didn¡¯t answer. He was seasoned enough to know it was not a question that required an answer because the General was not finished. ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of shit show you¡¯re running here, but this is not going to go unanswered. There will be repercussions. I am extremely disappointed. A Soldier of your caliber and with your reputation, I will ensure the Director and the Supreme Commander hear of this.¡± ¡°Repercussions for what, General?¡± RT finally said gently and in a calm voice. General Crachek''s Mon Cal eyes got wide as his whiskers bristled. ¡°Excuse me? Did you just say, ''For what?'' Tell me you¡¯re joking, General.¡± ¡°I never joke when it comes to my work.¡± RT''s look was deadly serious. ¡°The gun and the shield were destroyed. Yes, it¡¯s true that it was not how we planned to take it down. But my team got the job done. Destroyed the gun from the inside without the need for bomber support. It wasn¡¯t pretty, but it was successful.¡± Face wrinkling, General Crachek stammered. ¡°Yo-you can¡¯t be serious. You call that a success?!?!¡± ¡°The target WAS destroyed. Granted, we had some command and control issues, but¡ª¡± ¡°But nothing, General!!!¡± Crachek stepped back, breathing heavy his nostrils flaring. Crachek wanted to bring all of them up on charges, to include RT. But RT was insulated. Bring overall in charge of the operation and under a different command, Crachek had no power to discipline anyone. They both knew it. ¡°You have a lot more than simple command and control issues going on, General.¡± Closing down the holo-unit he activated to record everything, Crachek picked it up placing it in his pocket. ¡°I¡¯m going to recommend you be replaced as Commander. I¡¯m also going to recommend Colonel La''chance be court-martialed for insubordination. I realize, it won¡¯t go anywhere. This was your show. But it WILL be on record and that¡¯s all I care about right now.¡± Snapping to attention, RT saluted. Crachek gave a lazy salute in return. ¡°Dismissed¡± -- Outside, as the door opened, RT didn¡¯t bother looking at Murriel or Cora. Only gesturing over his shoulder as he moved past the two of them. Both women stepped off and away from the door to follow. He waited until they made it to the ready room before he turned on them, allowing them to enter and closing the door softly behind Cora; as she was the last to enter. ¡°That could have gone better¡­¡± RT forced a smile. Both women had morose looks. They knew what was coming and had already prepared for it. Cora was the only one out of the three who had a more resolute pose. Folding her arms across her chest and glaring between the two of them. It wasn¡¯t lost on RT that although Murriel took charge of the operation after he was cut off and most likely saved his life and the lives of the remainder of his squad; that she did in fact disobey orders. Deviating from the plan and taking matters into her own hands. Though it could have ended worse. RT could have been killed as well as the rest of his squad. Cora had a clear shot at the shield, instead she was made to go up top, aid RT in taking out the gun crew; while Murriel entered the base. Which she was never suppose to do. Setting the ground generators to overload and destroying not only the shield, but the entire facility. RT wasn¡¯t lying when he said it was a ¡®success¡¯, but a very costly and nearly disastrous one. And an added bonus. With Cora¡¯s help, Cypher was able to slice into the Imperial datafiles in that facility. Stealing not only Darth Malgus¡¯ personal correspondence, but revealing something they didn¡¯t know. Mrysti was alive. And in captivity. Something RT was keeping very close to his vest for the moment after turning over all of the data Cypher was able to steal, but that was just to satiate Major General Crachek¡¯s fury. ¡°She¡¯s doesn¡¯t belong in this job.¡± Cora said matter of factly, looking directly at RT. They both looked at the Chiss, Murriel¡¯s mouth dropping open slightly as her face twisted in anger. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that.¡± Cora looked at RT. ¡°You tell her. I know you are thinking the same thing.¡± RT sat down on the edge of the field desk hard, placing his head in his hand to look down. For some reason, the starting bell of a race sounded in his head. The words an announcer would say at the beginning of that race echoing loudly. ¡®And¡­we¡¯re off!!¡¯ ¡°Ok¡­you¡¯re right Cora.¡± Murriel placed a hand on her hip and leaned in. ¡°I know a fraction about Military tactics and leadership compared to the two of you¡­¡± Narrowing her eyes at her former friend and lover, Murriel gave Cora a glare that could have froze water. ¡°¡­I led with my gut. That¡¯s what we¡¯re supposed to do in special ops right? Take charge of an ever-changing situation when things go wrong?!?!¡± ¡°You¡¯re supposed to follow kriffin¡¯ orders!!!" Cora shot back adding something to the bite at the end. ¡°¡­¡¯Colonel¡¯¡­¡± Cora had risen to the rank of Major in the Imperial Military, not a junior grade officer. And though she held the highest junior grade officer rank in the Republic Military, no one who knew her suspected she was junior in experience. ¡°And let RT die?!?!¡± Murriel looked at RT and then back to Cora. "He''s YOUR man?!?! How come I''m the only one who cares?!?!" "This isn''t about caring or feelings." Cora glanced at RT shamefully, a brief flash of emotion. The Chiss narrowed her eyes, deliberately not looking at RT as she answered. ¡°That¡­is what we get paid for, Murriel. If you can¡¯t handle it then maybe this isn¡¯t the line of work you should be in. Perhaps you should go back to fleecing informants for information. Or sucking and kriffing your way into top secret dataflies¡­¡± ¡°Oh, that was low, Cora. Even for you¡­.¡± ¡°Enough!!¡± RT stood up, raising his hands between the two of them. Both women fell silent, still glaring at one another. RT waited a moment to collect himself before he looked at Murriel. ¡°First time out of the gate, Murriel. You take charge and deviate from the plan, realigning the teams and countermanding every single part of the Operation that I briefed to everyone.¡± She started to speak and RT held up a hand. ¡°I¡¯m not done. Cora¡¯s right¡­you disobeyed orders. We are in the business of doing our duty, following our orders to the death if necessary.¡± Murriel looked down. ¡°Your call, should have been MY call¡­.¡± ¡°What?!?!¡± Cora turned her head toward RT, dropping her hands. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. She deliberately jeopardized the entire operation, put an entire Army Group at risk¡­hundreds-NO, thousands of lives to¡ª¡± ¡°We also get paid to adapt, improvise. Murriel saw a problem and she dealt with it. Granted, it was within the limited skill and frame of reference she has within Special Operations. But she did what she thought was right. And I won¡¯t fault her for that.¡± Cora dropped her head and scoffed after RT spoke. Looking up, the Chiss grit her teeth. She wasn¡¯t going to bring it up, but the anger building up caused her to lose control. ¡°I know what this is about¡ª¡± ¡°Cora, don¡¯t¡­¡± Murriel shook her head. The Chiss looking between the two of them. ¡°You and Murriel, the both of you¡­this is about you two.¡± Cora pointed as RT sucked in a breath, stifling his own anger. ¡°Captain, I am going to pretend you didn¡¯t say that. This is not personal, it¡¯s professional. And to infer that Murriel and I are still¡ª¡± RT stopped himself and smiled viciously. ¡°-you know what, I am not even going to entertain that with an explanation to you. You don¡¯t deserve it. You¡¯re angry, upset¡­.¡± ¡°You¡¯re damn right I am!¡± Cora shot back. ¡°How the Republic ever stood a chance of beating the Empire I will never know. The biggest group of undisciplined, half-witted¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough! Captain Barku, you¡¯re relieved.¡± RT¡¯s eyes got wide as Cora lost expression. ¡°You have some leave coming, I suggest you take it.¡± A knock at the door stopped all discussion as the three turned to see one of the admin specialists poke their head in. RT gave an annoyed stare. ¡°General, I am sorry to disturb you. This is urgent. The Director is on the Comm-pic¡­¡± The admin specialist retreated as RT¡¯s face grew pale. ¡°General Crachek wasted no time¡­¡± RT said reluctantly. Cora and Murriel started to leave as RT stopped them. ¡°No¡­you two stay, I¡¯m not finished yet.¡± Turning around to operate the comm station, a blue field appeared as the Director of Republic Intelligence rezzed into existence. RT saluted once the image came into full resolution. ¡°Mr. Director¡­a pleasure to see you again, Sir. I¡¯m fairly certain I know why you¡¯re contacting us so soon after the blackout was lifted and I would like to assure you that I take full responsibility for everything. My senior officers and I were just discussing it in order to¡ª¡± <¡±As it turns out, I did get General Crachek¡¯s report just a moment ago. Interesting reading. I look forward to reading your version of events as well as that of your officers¡­¡±> The director glanced at Murriel and Cora before looking back to RT, <¡±¡­but that¡¯s not why I holo¡¯d. General, it is my duty to inform you that you have been nominated by the Senate for the position of Chief of Staff to the Supreme Commander. It¡¯s quite an honor. There will be a confirmation hearing you will have to attend, which means you will be returning to Coruscant quite soon¡­.¡±> ¡°¡­But Sir, we are in the middle of an engagement. I can¡¯t just up and leave while we are in the field.¡± <¡±¡­I understand that.¡±> The Director paused and looked over at Murriel, though his words were directed at RT. The Director was the same man who recruited Murriel in the first place. She looked away. The events of the previous few days not giving her a reason to look at anyone. <¡±Do you feel that Colonel La¡¯Chance is capable of leading Shadow Squad?¡±> They all looked up as RT, looked back toward Murriel then set his eyes back on the Director. ¡°She''s raw, Sir¡­undisciplined, reckless and still has a lot to learn, but she¡¯s capable.¡± RT looked at her and smiled. ¡°I trust her with my life.¡± <¡±Good. Effective Immediately¡­Colonel La¡¯chance you will take command of Shadow Squad and continue operations in that sector.¡±> Cora looked away, her jaw flexing as the Director looked at her. <¡±Captain Barku¡­I expect you to stay on as her executive officer. I am promoting you to Major¡­¡±> ¡°Sir¡­¡± RT spoke up reluctantly. ¡°Captai¡ªI mean, ¡®Major¡¯ Barku has requested leave and I¡¯ve granted it.¡± <¡±Fine. She will resume her duties once she returns from leave. I will see you soon, General¡­.¡±> The comm died as did the blue field surrounding it as the three looked at one another. -- - Coruscant, Senate Armed Services Committee¡­twenty-four hours prior¡­. ¡°I nominate Alistare Organa to the position of Chief of Staff of the Combined Services. He has an exemplary record. And has been a faithful servant of the Republic for well over thirty years.¡± The Senator from Alderaan sat down as someone on the panel called out, ¡°I second the nomination.¡± For most of the morning, Karolin sat still and simply listened. She had memorized all of the parliamentary procedure. What struck her as odd, was how quickly the other Senators seemed to move through things. Almost as if all of it was planned beforehand, because it was. Mr. Gent, as conniving and devious as he was; was also just as astute as he made himself out to be. Kneeling down next to Karolin¡¯s chair, he sent her little notes and whispered answers to the questions she had. One of them being the speed at which the committee was moving. Appointments like the one the Senator from Alderaan just announced were purely political. All arranged before any of them even got to their seats. Back room deals and favors being given for the Alderaanian Senator to get his pick of who should be the next Chief of Staff. The second highest military position in all of the Republic. Karolin narrowed her eyes, reaching forward to touch the button on her console. Which would indicate to the Chairman that she wished to speak. Seeing it, the Chairman, a Human from Coruscant looked down at the lower level, all the way at the end where Karolin sat. ¡°The Chair recognizes the Senator from the Sovereign World of Mirial¡­¡± There was a collective gasp from the room as all eyes turned to Karolin. She stood slowly, smiling for the few Holo-cams that were present as well as the other Senators, turning to look at them. This was not an important meeting, but it was open. There was very little news coverage for such a mundane vote. ¡°Point of order, Mr. Chairman¡­I wish take my time for debate on the nomination.¡± They all looked at one another. ¡°I understand it¡¯s been seconded; I only wish to propose my own nomination.¡± Several of the Senators started independent discussions. Karolin knew they were no doubt asking each other if she could do that. Though she had no voting power, one of the few powers she had was nominations and debate. ¡°The Chair will hear the nomination¡­¡± The Chairman spoke reluctantly. ¡°I nominate¡­Brigadier General¡­Trea¡¯vor Alpha¡­.¡± Someone, far down the the other end of the dias that Karolin couldn''t see quickly seconded. She had no idea why, but did not argue. "Very well..." The Chairman hit the gavel. "...we will commence debate on the two nominations and here arguments for both. Following which, we will vote...." -- On the ride home, it was all Mr. Gent could talk about. How Karolin had thrown a wrench into something that was already preordained by the Progressives. The nominee from Alderaan was advanced in age and experience. A moderate, as far as military matters went. And Karolin wanted someone who would take the war where it needed to go. And who better than her own brother. The debate was lively. When it came Karolin''s turn to support her nomination it was a slaughter. How could a thirty year veteran stand up to the nomination of a Soldier who was named by two Supreme Chancellors to be a ''Hero of the Republic''; had received the Congressional Star of Coruscant, the Republic''s highest military honor for valor....and had his own statue on the parade grounds on the Presidio of the Ministry of Defense. RT had been called back to service by the Republic involuntarily during the war with the Eternal Empire. They didn''t bother taking the statue down. Once they arrived at the apartment, Karolin dismissed both Jes and Mr. Gent. She was tired. A full day of hearings and sitting through all of it wore on her. A quick shower and sliding into bed, she smiled. RT was going to be surprised, but she would explain it all when he got back ¡®home¡¯. -- Atal¡¯lia sat a top the skyrise. So high that climate-controlled clouds wafted by and the speeder lanes as well as the building she was watching looked tiny. The target had arrived home, but at that distance the light coming on in the heavily guarded and protected structure looked like a pin prick of light. The position would not do. Atal¡¯lia would have to get closer. She folded up shop, looking around to ensure she wasn¡¯t being watched. Attaching the straps to her side, Atal¡¯lia locked in the repulsor and started the long climb down. Or at least as far as she needed to in order to take a lift or some stairs. -- Lowering his set of macros, Alzir smiled to himself. He was in a much better vantage, right on top of the building the other hunter was looking at. And under the cover of clouds, the other could not see him. He watched the hunter start the climb down and took out his rifle. Zooming in, he shook his head picking up the speck of a target within his scope. The distance was too great. There was no shot. Lowering the rifle, he picked up the data control module and directed the drone to do a fly-by. Not on the other hunter, but on his target. A protective target. One he particularly fond of. Watching through the blue haze of the transmitted image, Alzir saw how fast Karolin slipped into bed and went to sleep. The life of a Senator, so demanding. The Wroonian also didn¡¯t miss the figure, the shape of the thigh that poked out from under the cover or the flowing mane of; what he knew was, raven black hair. Even in the image, she looked like everything he remembered causing him to smile to himself. ¡°Oh¡­.Karolin, in another life¡­Mmmmm.¡± Placing the drone in sentry mode, he made his way down the escape and into the maintenance area. Taking one last look across the skyline at the other building. Whoever was coming for Karolin, they were good, but overzealous. Someone was looking for a little notoriety. And Alzir was more than happy to give it to them. Pressing the transmit button on the datapad strapped to his thigh, he sent the images he captured to Marstel. Perhaps the ''big guy'' could glean more information about the mysterious hunter who had been placed on Karolin. The Death Mark list had no references of a Republic Senator being a target, which meant it was ''underground''. 8 - Riots All Around -- Colonel Talia Rickter¡¯s Office, The End¡­. They weren¡¯t smart, they were stupid. Purposefully circumventing the holo-cams, making moves they thought she couldn¡¯t see. But Colonel Rickter had eyes everywhere. And even more informants. Gangs didn¡¯t exist in ¡®Max pop¡¯, the area where Mrysti and most dangerous inmates were held. There was no reason to form a gang. All of the individuals in that section of the prison were lethal in their own right. Some were former gang members, most led their own coalitions. But separated from the group, they were just dangerous individual inmates. Like all of the rest. Well, almost all of the rest. There was no one like Mrysti in that quad. A fact Colonel Rickter was coming to realize. After the second member of the ¡®goon squad¡¯ was discovered in the shower the Warden and Captain Oberisk came up with a new plan. They started recruiting more heavily in the less ¡®dangerous¡¯ quads. But not obvious or deliberate. They were planning something, building a war chest. The killing had Mrysti written all over it. ¡®Muscles¡¯, as the Twi¡¯lek in question was known, was no ordinary prisoner. His record was filled with incidents of HIM intimating or outright beating other inmates to death. To have something like that befall him¡ªColonel Rickter shook her head cutting off the holo-file and the spinning mugshot of the Twi¡¯lek which floated above her desk. No one else could have done it but Mrysti; retribution for years of rape and torture. The Sith Lord had given her word to Colonel Rickter to amintain control, but the Colonel was not angry. Sith, in her experience and at the level of power Mrysti attained could not be controlled. They did what they felt was right. And to question them¡ªTalia didn¡¯t want to think about that. But it did present a problem. The Warden and the Captain were building their forces, getting ready to move on Mrysti and that meant Talia as well. It was time to take a piece off the Dejarik board. -- ¡°Captain¡± Talia sat behind the desk as Captain Oberisk reported and saluted. She looked up, an annoyed look on her face. As an officer, he looked slovenly. Vestiges of the previous conversation were written all over him as he stood ramrod straight, eyes straight ahead. But Colonel Rickter sensed a smugness. That he knew something she didn¡¯t. Which of course, was untrue. His uniform looked as if it had been hit by an explosive attack of several wrinkle bombs. Talia made no mention of it. They were way beyond etiquette and protocol. Activating her holo-unit a scene played out. The Captain walking through medium security. Several well-known gang leaders trailing behind. And the exchange of something. He looked down, his eyes getting wide. Talia shook her head for him to remain quiet as the scene changed. One of the same gang leaders entering the office he was standing in and standing on the same spot he occupied. Talia sat back and smiled, the scene cut off before the gang leader reported all of the Captain¡¯s dealings, but he already knew what all of those dealings were. ¡°The trust of killers and thieves¡­not something to stake your life upon.¡± Raising a finger and making a gesture with it toward his headgear. ¡°Please remove your cover in my presence. This is official business.¡± The Captain looked ramrod straight ahead after he removed his cover and once Talia leaned forward to start reading from her datapad. ¡°Captain P. Oberisk¡­you stand accused of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. Abuse of inmates under your care and disregard for my standing orders and procedural rules¡­how do you plead?¡± ¡°Excellency¡­I-I don¡¯t understand. That image in the quad, I was only--¡± ¡°--What don¡¯t you understand Captain? I am reading you the riot act. I am charging you with crimes against your station as a Captain in the Imperial Army. I warned you. I thought I made myself clear. HOW do you plead¡­¡± ¡°But I did not return to Maximum Security, just as you ordered. I was only¡ª" ¡°¡ªyou were only trying to circumvent my order by going around it. That gang leader, the one in the image; he told me everything once I offered him something he wanted. I was loathed to do it, but matters necessitated it. Now, I understand exactly what you and the Warden are trying to do. That you don¡¯t understand, I gathered that. But you may rest easy knowing I am not charging you with any of that. Allow me to refresh your memory on what you are truly being charged with¡­.¡± Talia pressed a button on the desk. The door to her office opening as she gestured with her finger. A black armored guard was escorting in another guard who was not wearing his armor. The other guard wearing only the skin tight undersuit which all guards wore under their gear. His hands shackled to his front. Talia stood up, placing her hands on the desk looking at the man in shackles. ¡°Guard, you serve at Captain Oberisk¡¯s leisure¡­escorting him on midnight excursions into various parts of the prison. Care to enlighten us as to those activities?¡± The guard gave the Captain a helpless look, Capatin Oberisk only returning a rather stern one. ¡°Ma¡¯am I-I-I¡¯m not really sure what you mean¡­¡± Talia sneered and drew her pistol. The Guard was more afraid of him than her. That was about to change. ¡°Article forty-three of the combined Sith and Imperial Military Code for conduct of Junior Military Officers and Troopers. Being ordered to do something illegal, it is the trooper''s duty in being commanded to conduct that unlawful act to either inform his superior he will not execute his order or report that superior to the next highest authority. You are familiar with that regulation?¡± The trooper nodded. ¡°Was the order you were given a lawful one and were you bound to obey?¡± ¡°Ma¡¯am I¡¯m not sure¡ªthe Captain and I¡ª¡± Talia lifted her arm and fired, a blaster bolt forming neatly in the guard¡¯s head before he dropped to the ground. She looked back to Oberisk, who was gritting his teeth. ¡°Colonel, you can¡¯t do that¡­it¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°--Illegal? Against my sacred oath as a Commanding Officer? See, that¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong, Captain Oberisk¡­funny thing about this place; the AI records everything. I did a little digging after getting an anonymous tip. You¡¯ve had quite the adventure here in our prison system, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Colonel, he is never going to let you get away with this. Do you have any idea who he¡¯s friends with?¡± ¡°The question you SHOULD be asking yourself is¡­do YOU have any idea whom I answer to? So I am going to ask again¡­.HOW¡­do you plead¡­¡± ¡°Plead to what? I-I was merely following the orders of my superior¡­¡± ¡°Mmmm, is that so? So, ¡®The Warden¡¯, who is a complete coward will¡­¡± Talia sat down on the edge of the desk and looked back the datapad, the pistol still trained on the Captain as she read. ¡°...admit to ordering you to rape inmates repeatedly; I would have to count these incidents to add up the charges. They go back years. Where was I.... Intimidate and recruit other inmates you referred to as ¡®trustees¡¯." Talia looked up, "They weren¡¯t ¡®trustee¡¯ material, they didn¡¯t even have the minimum time served or the light crimes required to be considered.¡± Talia stood up, ¡°You are going to answer me Captain, or the next thing you see will be the flash of this blaster. HOW¡­do you plead¡­¡± ¡°Guilty¡­Ma¡¯am¡­¡± Talia stood up slowly. Extending her arm she pointed the blaster at Captain Oberisk¡¯s head. ¡°Then by the authority granted to me by the Sith Empire and as convening authority of Imperial Military Law in this sector. I sentence you to¡­Death. Sentence to be carried out immediately¡­.¡± ¡°Colonel¡­¡± Captain Oberisk said softly, ¡°¡­you will never win this. The Warden will¡ª¡± The bright flash and recoil of the blaster cut off the rest of the Captain¡¯s statement. The body dropped to the floor as Talia sniffed hard and looked at the guard who was still standing at the door. She never intended to spare Captain Oberisk. The man was dead the second he walked in the door. But, it was official and all on record. No one could challenge not only her findings, but the evidence she amassed to justify her actions. ¡°Ensure the entire proceedings make it into the official record.¡± She moved back behind her desk, holstering her blaster. ¡°And¡­¡± gesturing to the body on the floor, ¡°¡­get rid of ¡®this¡¯ filth on my rug.¡± It was time to deal with the Warden. -- - Nar Shareef, Hutt Controlled Hotel/Casino #83 Another night, more debauchery. Only this time, the one who went into Waylon¡¯s room had seriously kriffed up. Aurore sliced the door control. Rushing in, blaster held out in front of her. Dead eye. The one she as aiming at barely had a chance to look, much less say anything before the Zeltron fired. Planting a blaster bolt neatly in her forehead. The blaster bolt sent the body back against the headboard. A black charred entrance wound; small compared to the charred mark that passed through the head of the woman and into the back wall. Immediately, Aurore dropped the blaster and doubled over. Vomiting everything she ate at dinner. Apparently, not having mastered how to deal with that one extreme emotion. Having to kill the woman who had been sent to kill Waylon. Even after spending days building herself up toward it. ¡°What the ACTUAL KRIFF, AURORE?!?!¡± Waylon was off the bed. Having launched himself toward the gunbelt hanging off a chair, snatching one of his blasters out of the holster and nearly killing the Zeltron as she entered. It wouldn¡¯t have mattered. He was fast, but not fast enough to stop what had to happen. Aurore stood up, wiped her mouth and picked up the still smoking blaster. Glaring at Waylon she gestured at the door. ¡°I told you to watch who you brought into your bed. Time to change hotels¡­this one has been compromised¡­.¡± -- - Coruscant, Remnants of the Jedi Temple¡­. Sitting down in the rubble, Sam removed her lightsaber and placed it across her lap. Legs crossed under one another, she closed her eyes and reached out. Knowing that her connection was not as strong as that of her sister, Grace. But she had to know. Like traveling a long dark tunnel, Sam saw the light pass quickly in her mind¡¯s eye. Felt her presence, her spirit travel the great distance between them. Reaching the destination and feeling it slow. Like a finger, reaching out and tapping the outside of a bubble she felt it pop. Inside, the mind she was hoping for, needing to feel that warmth, that love once again. A love that only a mother had for her daughter. But what she touched was anything but love. It was rage, anger¡­excited hate. And it was moving, growing beyond any proportion. Stoked by the flames of another and the actions being taken against her. Mrysti was alive, but she was deep in darkness. And Sam would do anything to be there with her. -- - Maximum Security, ¡®The End¡¯¡­. Eyes snapping open, she felt the touch of her daughter and sat up immediately. Could it be? Did Sam possess that kind of power to project herself across a distance of that magnitude? As soon as she felt it and tried to respond, it was gone. Mrysti frowned, perhaps it was just wishful thinking. The love that momentarily filled her heart and warmed her turned black as she looked around her cell remembering where she was. Desperate times called for desperate measures. Shielding herself against too much warmth and love, thinking about her family. It was the only way. Outside, the klaxon began to sound loudly against the voice of the AI which was lowering turrets and opening portholes. <¡±Alert¡­Alert¡­a level five emergency has been initiated. All inmates are to remain in their cells. This facility is now on lockdown¡­.Alert¡­¡±> Mrysti stood up and moved to the door. Before she touched it, she heard a high pitched whine next to her ear. Reaching up out of reflex to touch the suppressor which had become her constant companion during her stay at the facility. But it didn¡¯t activate. Instead, it dropped off. The door to her cell opening. Her door and Cornelia¡¯s door as well. Along with a carefully picked selection of other cell doors. Across the facility, other doors were opening in every part of the prison. The AI informed everyone a lockdown was initiated, but someone was overriding the program. It was time to leave the prison. -- Warden¡¯s Office, ¡®The End¡¯¡­.Thirty minutes prior to lockdown¡­. He had, of course, read a decrypted copy of the transmission between Colonel Rickter and Darth Malgus. Quickly sending a message to Darth Vowrawn to inform him that all of their plans had been compromised and requesting permission to terminate Colonel Rickter in order to proceed with getting rid of Mrysti. But before he did that, he wanted to talk to her. To actually see where she stood. If there was a chance she would get on board, then it would be worth keeping her around. She was, after all, the Sector Commander. With much more access to military grade logistics than he had as a lowly government servant. Colonel Rickter getting rid of Captain Oberisk was a non-sequitur. The Warden didn¡¯t care. It was irrelevant in the greater scheme. But the action had forced his hand. Relaying the message to Darth Vowrawn that things had progressed to a level that required his intervention. Colonel Rickter was doing as he was, stacking the deck; preparing for war. But he had allies, not just the ones who pulled the strings hundreds of light years away. But within the prison. The Warden saw the holo-footage. That Captain Oberisk had approached the right inmates before his untimely execution. It didn¡¯t matter that the Colonel had turned a few. Sheer numbers were on his side. When she entered, he stood and immediately noticing she was wearing a gun belt. Something he had rarely seen her do, if ever. Talia placed a hand on the hilt of her pistol cocking a hip out as she looked at the man in disgust. Waiting. The Warden did his duty, stood up at a relaxed position of attention and bowed slightly. Talia relaxed the disgusted face slightly and nodded in return. At least he was still acknowledging her. ¡°I don¡¯t appreciate being summoned, Warden. I am running an entire sector¡­from here it seems, since you are incapable of running your own facility.¡± Bile, right at the start. Why should he expect anything less? Forcing a smile, he gestured to the seat in front of him. Typically, a subordinate would give up their own seat, especially to one in a position of power. The chair in the Warden¡¯s Office should have been offered to a superior, but he didn¡¯t. Talia crossed the room and reluctantly took the ¡®guest¡¯ chair. Sitting down gently and crossing her legs one over the other ensuring the leg with the pistol strapped to it was readily accessible. The man thought he held all of the cards, steepling his fingers and leaning forward. ¡°Colonel, I apologize for ¡®requesting¡¯ your presence, but I feel we have a matter to discuss.¡± Taking a bottle from the silver tray which sat at the edge of his desk he poured himself a concoction of some type of green, mint smelling liquid. Colonel Rickter quickly identified it an Alderaanian Cr¨¨me de Menthe. Rich luxurious tastes and not a fitting drink for someone in his position. Inclining the bottle toward her in offering, she raised a hand shaking her head. ¡°No, thank you Warden. I am on duty. As you are¡­¡± That was as far as the chastisement went. A test, to see if he would actually put the drink down. He didn¡¯t. Talia¡¯s look of disgust deepened. ¡°Talia¡­¡± He began after releasing a relaxed sigh. ¡°¡­I really want to get you on my side on this. As you are aware, the tension in the prison is reaching a critical level. This incident¡­with the two guards, the murder in the laundry, that unfortunate killing in the shower and¡­Captain Oberisk. I¡¯m not questioning your authority. But death? Surely, we could have consulted one another on that. I know you realize, I am fully within my rights to conduct a trial and dictate sentence as you did concerning Captain Oberisk. And I feel I¡¯ve done my duty in ¡®allowing¡¯ you to take charge in these trying times. But, Darth Retuvisa is not only guilty of those murders, she is also guilty of assaulting an Imperial Officer, namely me. I suspect she is guilty of murder against another inmate, perhaps two. Though I cannot prove it, I may pin it on her anyway. I¡¯m afraid, if we can¡¯t see eye to eye, drastic measures may have to be taken.¡± The Warden smiled to himself and sat back in his chair turning sideways to lean back as he watched her, sipping his drink. The Warden was about to drop the bomb that all of her subterfuge with Darth Malgus was for naught, that he knew everything and that once Darth Vowrawn messaged him back, most likely she would be finished. The look of disgust on Colonel Rickter¡¯s face relaxed slightly and turned into a sarcastic grin as she sat up. ¡°Calling yourself an Imperial Officer, that¡¯s quite a stretch, Warden. And since we are on a first name basis, ¡®Kenneth¡¯¡­can I call you Kenneth? I feel like I should since you see fit to try and use my first name with such regularity.¡± The Warden narrowed his eyes as Talia continued. ¡°You are correct Kenneth, you are well within your right to try, convict and sentence anyone guilty of a crime that occurs within your walls, just as I am fully within my rights as the courts-martial authority in this sector to put on hold any proceedings I see fit until ¡®I¡¯ am satisfied that a full investigation has been done. I won''t even bother mentioning that Captain Oberisk was acting on your authority. Authority that got him executed. You will just deny any knowledge because of the sniveling coward you are.¡± Pausing for effect, Talia cleared her throat. ¡°But, Captain Oberisk lied to me. He disobeyed a direct order and let¡¯s not forget¡­he and his ¡®men¡¯ were serial rapists. My only regret is that I could not kill the man twice, though I considered it. Everything¡­the proceeding, his questioning and his admittance are part of the official record. Feel free to review it at your leisure.¡± Talia narrowed her eyes. ¡°As far as Darth Retuvisa is concerned¡­she is not some run of the mill Sith, her death will have repercussions that reach farther than you or I can see.¡± The Warden slammed the glass down and glared at the Colonel. ¡°Let¡¯s cut the shit, Talia.¡± The Colonel sat up in time with the Warden¡¯s gesture and smiled viciously, ¡°Yes, lets¡­¡± ¡°You are involved in something that is so far beyond you that¡ªyou know what, it doesn¡¯t even matter. They are both hundreds of light years away and the two of us are here. Darth Malgus can give you any order he wants. I take my orders from a higher power¡­as you are acutely aware.¡± The Warden¡¯s eyes widened with a sudden glee. Talia remained silent. ¡°I have already sent a message to Darth Vowrawn requesting instructions. I have no doubt he will want me to ¡®take charge¡¯ of the situation.¡± The Warden glanced at the pistol on Talia¡¯s thigh and back up again, she made no move toward it. ¡°But, I don¡¯t want it to come to that. You and I can work together on this, both of us can benefit and perhaps¡­together, we can both leave this place and get back to positions which denote our true potential. Let¡¯s face it Talia, you didn¡¯t sleep with all those senior officers, Sith and assorted politicians believing you would end up somewhere like this.¡± Talia¡¯s jaw clenched as she flexed it. ¡°You know, I could very easily just do what it is I want to do. I don¡¯t even need your approval, with Darth Vowrawn at my back I am near¡ª¡± Talia stood up and opened her jacket slowly, taking out a datapad. She dropped it on the Warden¡¯s desk before glaring down at him. ¡°¡ªwhat is this?¡± ¡°No, please continue. You were saying that you don¡¯t need my approval and if I join you then all of those people I slept with won¡¯t be for nothing.¡± The Warden looked at the datapad and back up to the Colonel. ¡°What is this?¡± He asked again, more sternly. ¡°Well, if you are done being so full of yourself you can¡¯t see the truth of things standing in this room, perhaps you may want to take a look.¡± Talia folded her arms over her chest. As the Warden picked up the datapad opening it up to the first entry she watched as his face grew pale and ashen. ¡°I realize that nothing is secret in this place and that you would eventually find a way to read my secret communications. Only, the transcript you read was a week old.¡± Talia dropped her arms, a hand dangling by the handle of her blaster. ¡°And that last communication to Darth Vowrawn you sent¡­gone. I intercepted that the moment you tried to send it out. The man has no idea what¡¯s going on out here.¡± Leaning forward, Talia placed a hand on his desk, the free hand close to her blaster. ¡°Now, give me one good reason I should not shoot you for treason this second. You have just admitted to your commanding officer that you have plans to circumvent and disregard her orders. I would permit you the courtesy of shooting yourself, a privilege reserved for a fellow officer and gentleman. But I don¡¯t like you that much.¡± The Warden sat up quickly causing Talia to grab her pistol, but not draw it. He sat back down hard and dropped the datapad. ¡°You are driving us to war, Talia. I cannot disobey Darth Vowrawn. The penalty¡ª¡± ¡°Worry about me, Kenneth. I am here¡­NOW. And between the two of us, I am the only one who knows how to fight a war. You see, I didn¡¯t just lay on my back and spread my legs¡­no, I am not like you. It¡¯s true, I did do somethings for my own advancement, it cost me dearly. But unlike you, I actually used that slight edge to get what I want. Unlike YOU¡­.I live for war. I enjoy conflict.¡± Talia put her hand back on the blaster and squeezed the grip. ¡°Do you really want to go to war with me, Kenneth? You¡­will lose. I too have orders I cannot disobey. Unfortunately for you, I am following those orders. The orders of MY superior. I am YOUR Superior¡­and Kenneth, you just stepped over the line.¡± Talia stood up and turned to walk out. ¡°Talia, this isn¡¯t over¡­¡± Stopping sharply, Talia turned and walked a couple of steps back toward the Warden. ¡°Oh yes it is, for you at least. Warden, you are hereby relieved of your duties effective immediately. I want you on the next shuttle bound for the ¡®Endeavor¡¯, once you are on board you will turn yourself over to Captain Tanis and place yourself under house arrest until this entire matter is settled.¡± Without another word Talia left the room. Once she was outside, she watched as the two guards she came in with turn and fall in behind her. They were trusted troopers, from her own ship. But things were about to get more interesting as to who could and could not be trusted. Turning to one of the guards, Talia spoke over her shoulder as they continued on. ¡°Place the sector on high alert and assemble the men in the ready room of the prison. I want this facility locked down, starting no-.¡± The facility alarm sounded, interrupting her words. Talia drew her pistol. Bulkhead doors began shutting in the administration area and the office she just left. The Warden was sealing himself inside. She fired at the Guard formerly seated at the desk outside the Warden¡¯s office once the trooper stood and drew his carbine. Motioning with her blaster toward her own guard mount, the two troopers began to fan out covering both sides of the hall. Talia went toward the bulkhead and pressed the comm panel, opening a channel back into the Warden¡¯s office. ¡°Kenneth¡­Kenneth, if you can hear me. Don¡¯t¡­.do this. There is still time for you to survive this. Darth Malgus wants you alive¡­don¡¯t force me to make a decision here¡­¡± -- The voice came through the comm, but The Warden was already flipping switches. The master control for the entire facility was located in his office. Once the AI came up, he activated the facility alarm to its highest level. Containment would be to ¡®sanitize¡¯ any inmates who failed to abide by the parameters set up by the AI. Opening doors, he started releasing the inmates he knew would sew the chaos he would need to effect his escape. Darth Retuvisa was going to kill herself. This whole situation would be impossible for her to ignore. The AI would see to her destruction. -- In her own office, Talia activated her own control system. Slamming a blackmarket spike into the terminal surface. A trick she picked up from one of the former agents under her command. Once the terminal locks were successfully circumvented, Talia began opening some doors of her own. Adding to it a slice into the suppression and restraint system. Green icons across the facility started to blink between green and red, eventually dropping off altogether. The AI no longer able to recognize friend from foe. Reaching in her pocket, she removed the Sith Runic symbol embedded in the fob she created from the transmission sent by Darth Malgus. There was too much at stake to simply worry about Mrysti at the moment. The Dark Lord could take care of herself. The chaos Darth Malgus cautioned her against had finally come. Talia grabbed the two guards with her and proceeded toward the lift. She was headed to the vault. -- Gently, the Solitary cell door popped open. Canton wouldn¡¯t even have noticed it, but for the chains around his wrist and ankles dropping off with a slight buzz of deactivating electronics. The guard was still in the hall, now more alert than ever due to the ongoing sound of the klaxon. He approached the door, nearly leaning into it as he listened. Once he was sure, Canton threw his entire weight against the door. The heavy cell door flew open as if a stiff breeze hit it. Smacking the patrolling guard hard and knocking him against the far wall. The Mandalorian rushed out. Bending down to grab the guard¡¯s carbine, quickly switching it from ¡®safe¡¯ to ¡®fire¡¯; putting the weapon into operation. In time to level it against the other guard who was just rounding the corner at a full-on sprint. Red fused blaster plasma lit up the dank hallway as the smoke and ozone clouded the direction out of solitary. The blaster¡¯s bolt hitting the guard center mass. Canton fired from the hip. Not quite as rusty as he thought. And he already knew where he was going, running that direction. First, the Armory. Then¡­.Cornelia. -- ''Sides'' ''Phase III'' -- -- Dromand Kaas, Mandalorian Enclave¡­.shortly after the Sith Empire¡¯s surrender to the Eternal Empire¡­. ¡°That¡¯s not for you to decide ¡®Empress¡¯¡­we¡­.do not answer to you¡­.¡± Clan leader Vol¡¯ka stood as well as several others. A show of defiance. Taking a step back, Empress Acina grabbed the corner of her cloak and pulled it slightly around herself. A sneer forming on her face as she looked from one Clan Leader to the next. They had been summoned, called to reassemble under the banner of the Mandalore. Most had already left the Enclave, the few who remained were the Clans who honored the last of their commitment to the Empire. But with the Empire¡¯s defeat and surrender, that pledge was now broken. No Empire, meant there was nothing left to defend. ¡°I am here¡­now¡­living proof that the Empire still exists. The Sith Empire lives on through me. This fight¡­is not over. I AM THE EMPIRE¡­.¡± ¡°Excuse me, what did you just say? YOU are the Empire? What a joke. Pardon me for not taking that completely serious, ¡®Your Highness¡¯¡­.but you came to power like all Sith of your station. Through subterfuge and deceit. Killing your way to the top. The last true Sith and even he had much to answer for was Malgus. At least he honored our arrangements. We are not an Army for you to use as you will. So, this fight is over for us, Empress¡­¡± Another Clan Leader spoke up. The Mandalorian already stepping down off the high circle to leave. ¡°Mandalore has summoned. We will answer the call¡­an enemy even the Sith had to take the knee for. Mandalore will not take the knee, not for any ¡®Empire¡¯.¡± Another turning away and stepping off their side of the high circle to join his fellow leader. ¡°You bend the knee to those who would enslave us all. Our enemy¡­YOUR enemy. There is no capitulation. There is only the fight¡­.we honor our commitments. Our words are our bond, but Mandalorians will never bend the knee to those who would enslave us.¡± Yet another leader turned away. Taking a step down to move toward the exit. Acina lowered herself by coming to the Enclave in person. A fact not lost on the Mandalorians. She would have done better in their eyes to remain on her throne, though it would have changed nothing. The decision was made long before her arrival and plea for the Mandalorians to join the fight.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°You speak half-truth¡¯s Empress¡­we will not be your cannon fodder so you can plan your next surrender. We take to the stars, join our brethren under Mandalore and take the fight to the enemy¡­this is the time.¡± Cheers of ¡®yes, yes¡¯ rose around the now almost empty High Circle, the leaders all deciding to leave Dromand Kass and abandon the Enclave. Acina stepped back as her guard force raised their rifles. One of the largest Mandalorian¡¯s, the Leader of Clan Tu¡¯aaka who spoke a moment before smiled under his visor, placing his hands on his hips. ¡°So¡­you wish to compel us by force. So be it¡­¡± He raised his arm, ready to initiate a rocket barrage from a wrist mounted unit hidden in his gauntlet. ¡°Wait!!!¡± The Leader for Clan Fett stepped forward and rose his hands. ¡°Brothers and Sisters¡­hear me. I know, for myself and those of my Clan our alliance with the Empire was in hopes that one day we could return to the glory days of our people. Those Neo-crusaders who once spread our language and culture across the galaxy. Compelling those who were once weak, to be strong in the embrace of our Clan. I see now the Empire is no longer the vehicle to do that¡­if you want to leave, then leave¡­but we are not so dishonorable to kill those who once stood as our allies.¡± He looked at the Empress through his visor and waited. She gave a slow nod as the door which slammed shut in the enclave opened once again allowing everyone to leave. ¡°Some of our warriors will remain behind to see that you arrive safely back at your citadel Empress¡­.¡± Fett spoke then turned and joined his other Clan Leaders as the sound of footfalls made a distant echo. Acina¡¯s head snapped upward. The sound of blaster fire and fighting. She drew her saber as the guards and the Mandalorians who remained behind drew weapons looking toward the door. Unsure of what happened after the Clans departed. Shortly answered by the sound of footfalls heading back their direction. Escorted by a team of Zakuul Knights, the High Ambassador entered in a fluster pointing back the way he came. ¡°What¡¯s this¡­a secret meeting? A planned insurrection? Empress, you have much to explain. Emperor Arcann will be most displeased to learn that so soon after the assurance you gave him, we find you here¡­planning your next uprising.¡± The Clan leaders ended up shooting their way out of the enclave after all. Leaving the Empress and those left behind to pick up the pieces. She had to think fast. Already Zakuul saber pikes and Sith Lightsabers were drawn and pointing at one another. Looking up and directly at the High Amabassador, she rose her chin slightly, giving a cursory glance toward the few Mandalorians who were left behind. ¡°I am just as alarmed as you are, Ambassador. I discovered the Mandalorian plot and arrived just in time to see the Clans all leaving the enclave. Too late I¡¯m afraid.¡± ¡°You¡­¡¯Aruet¡¯ii¡¯¡­¡± Both armored Mandalorians stepped back in alarm. One screaming out loud through the vocabulator in his helmet. ¡°Seize them¡­.¡± Acina shouted, lifting her saber toward the last two warriors. Canton was not going to be seized. Launching himself alongside that of his other brother. The two Mandalorians leapt into the air, propelled by jet powered boots and pack. Launching rail and blaster fire from his wrists. As the second Mandalorian from Clan Fett doused the Imperials and Zakuulians with fire from a flamethrower. They landed behind the elevated ¡®Great Circle¡¯ running for the door to the back landing pad. The other Mandalorian hit by in coming blaster fire, he turned, only after looking toward Canton. ¡°Go¡­GO, Brother!! Mando¡¯ad draar digu!!!¡± Canton initially turned back. Better to die in defense of what he believed in than run. The other Mando shoved him through the doorway with a push of strength enhanced armor. A blue field shimmering around the red and black armor of his companion. ¡°Tell them, we are betrayed¡­.and we are on our own!!¡± The Mandalorian ripped the signet off his chest and tossed it toward Canton before the other could scramble to his feet. ¡°Speak my name¡­I join the rolls¡­¡± The blast door slammed between them as the Mando from Clan Fett slammed his hand against the door controls shorting it out. Canton landed on his back and cursed. He should have seen it coming. Rolling to his feet and running for the ship at the end of the landing pad he was thrown back by the explosion of it. Landing on his back again, but up and ready to continue the fight. If this was it, he was going down and taking a few of the Imperials and especially the Zakuulians with him. The shuttle which destroyed the other landed in the flames. It wasn¡¯t a Zakuul shuttle, but Sith. Acina stepped out with the Zakuul High Ambassador in tow. Gritting his teeth, Canton took aim at the New Empress. His arm moved in a flash, drawing a pistol only to have it snatched from his grasp by Acina with a wave of her hand. He charged, assisted by the jet power of his boots. One hit, one punch with all of his armor¡¯s strength behind it. One hit with the force of a hundred men, backed up by the gravity drives in his crush gauntlets. Acina lifted the same hand and stopped Canton in his tracks. The jets pushing him, but his body not moving as they overloaded and exploded. Systems announced alerts throughout his armor. Before he could activate repulsors and try to back up, he felt the armor surrounding him squeeze in slightly and then pull away from his body before it shorted out. He fell hard, landing on his knees with an iron ¡®clang¡¯. ¡°I know how to deal with these Mandalorians¡­.¡± Acina spoke snidely, looking over at the Ambassador. ¡°Shall we deal with him for you? Consider it a gift, a thank you for having dealt with this issue for us?¡± The Ambassador asked, Canton drug to his feet between two Zakuul Knights. Acina knew the Ambassador didn¡¯t completely believe that an insurrection could grow right under her nose. But this was Dromand Kaas, the seat of her power. Even in the Ambassador¡¯s skepticism, she still held sway. Feeling only slightly guilty that she had to use these last two Mandalorians as a sacrifice to buy herself more time. ¡°No¡­¡± Acina said quickly. ¡°I have a special place for him.¡± She looked at Canton, the Knights backed off allowing two Imperial Troopers to come up alongside. His systems were coming back online, he needed a few seconds; just as quickly as the systems in his armor started to reboot they quickly shut off. Acina waving a hand again, snatching the power cell from an unseen port under his arm. ¡°Remove his helmet¡­.¡± Once his helmet was off, Acina looked up into the eyes of the one she betrayed. A necessary cost to maintain the fragile peace she had with their conquerors, until the time was right that it no longer had to be so. Canton narrowed his eyes. ¡°Take him away¡­we have a special place for ¡®traitors¡¯ of the Empire¡­.¡± -- No one believed it. At least those closest to the Empress. They all knew those Mandalorians sacrificed at the enclave were a small price to pay in order to buy themselves some time; maintain the capability to move in secret until the moment to strike at the heart of the Eternal Empire arrived. But those Mandalorians who escaped Dromand Kaas, they were watching. And no matter how fake the broadcast was meant to be. Those Mandalorians took it deadly serious. They were now on their own. And the Mandalorians wouldn¡¯t have it any other way. <¡±¡­.it is with a heavy heart that I come to you tonight. Sad news of yet another betrayal among us. The Mandalorians once a proud and noble race of warriors have chosen to turn their backs on the Empire. Now, in our time of greatest need. Our Empire, though subjugated...needs leaders, we need warriors to maintain our spirit in these dark times. I have consulted with our Zakuulian ¡®allies¡¯ and have assured them that the remaining Mandalorians on Dromand Kaas will be hunted down and eliminated. They are now enemies of the Empire, enemies of our Zakuulian brethren. Traitors will not be shown any quarter within our borders or that of the Eternal Empire. I have given them my word¡­and I give my word to you, people of the Empire. We will not rest until the remaining Mandalorian Clans are destroyed¡­.>> -- - Armory, ¡®The End¡¯¡­ It fit a bit snugger than he remembered. Slowly he lowered the helmet onto his head, the lights on the inside activating automatically. <¡­..Marekar¡­.On¡¯lini¡­> <¡­.Besbe¡¯trayce¡­On¡¯lini¡­> <¡­Beskar¡¯gam Tol¡­On¡¯lini¡­> The HUD transmitted in a red haze. Canton reached up and switched on facial controls, blinking twice to switch the visor to a thermal view. Blinking three times, he switched to starlight; the visor darkening a second to raise back into a green haze with everything he looked at conning white in his vision. He grimaced. Way too much light in the Armory. Extending his arm and blinking four times, the vision switched to Electromagnetic, capable of seeing electronic emissions. Fire leapt from his wrist; Canton cleaning out the flame nozzle of his launcher. Something caught his eye next to the case that contained the armor he was brought to the prison in. It had been years, he flexed adjusting the armor on his undersuit, but his eyes locked on the other box and the strange emission from the inside. Picking it up, Canton slammed the box down on top of his. His own crate now empty with its contents arrayed across his body and on his form. ¡®SS-5647¡¯ he knew the number all too well. Fate had that box so close to his own in the armory. Perhaps the administrators knew something he did not. Or fate placed those two boxes next to each other knowing that one day, Canton would come to this place and retrieve his. Opening the crate slowly and with a release of pressurized air, Canton reached down and took out the slight dark heavy cloth which covered the emission source at the bottom. He scrambled around, moving aside a datapad; picking it up to verify it was not the source, discarding it over his shoulder after realizing it was not what he was looking for. Finally finding what he was searching for in a cylindrical tube, the buttons on it still glowed with power. The power source; one that had a half-life of nearly ten-thousand years. Stepping back, Canton shoved the box off the top of his own crate. He had no use for the other items inside of it and neither would she. It represented a life Cornelia no longer needed. The crate crashed loudly, his eyes viewing the cylinder in his hand. As he scanned it, he smiled. Cornelia¡¯s lightsaber. Fate. So strange. One had to believe. And even then it always threw curves along the way. If someone would have told him he would fall in love with one of the people who were part of the organization that betrayed him and his people, he would have killed them for saying it. Even greater, that one of the chief architects of the downfall of that Eternal Empire who made the Sith betray them all in the first place would be in the same cellblock as he¡­Canton laughed to himself. Fate, it was not only an unpredictable companion, it also had a sick sense of humor. Activating the lightsaber, he was amazed at how light it was. The red blade of the saber smoking in the climate-controlled atmosphere of the Armory. Slicing down, he cut through his own crate, now empty. The blade passing through both the crate and the table with ease. Lifting it back up to marvel at its construction. Someone would have to be on the level of an armorsmith or tech engineer to design something so light, so elegant, but yet so powerful and destructive. Yet, Cornelia had explained in one of their many conversations, this was something that all Dar¡¯jedii did. A right of passage. To construct their own blade in the hopes that it would not explode in the activation, designing it so that it bore the marks of the user, bonded to them; was a part of them. Sith and Jedi were not so different than Mandalorians in that regard. Constructing or having constructed for them, the weapons of their trade. To personalize their own combat styles. Deactivating the blade, he clipped it to the belt on his armor. The magnetic plates on his hip sucking in the tube to hold it tight against his waist. Canton moved with a purpose, blinking his eyes five times so the HUD would change its view. <¡­Akaan Haa¡¯taylir¡­> The HUD voiced inside his head. Tactical information started flowing in front of his eyes. Size and construction of the door, enemies approaching. The HUD and his systems sought out and linked into the AI wireless terminals which sat at intervals in the ceiling all around the prison. Former monitoring devices that served to keep control of the prison, they would now serve as the real-time information relays he needed to combat and fight his way out of there. ¡°Locate prisoner SS-5647¡­¡± Canton spoke offhandedly, the door to his front opening as three Imperial Guardsmen entered, weapons drawn. He fired from the wrist. A rail shot hurled at incredible speed by the launcher which sat on the underside of one wrist. A metallic slug energized by raw energy, hurled at near lightspeed from his wrist with nearly no recoil. Squeezing his palm to send the piece of magnetically induced metal through the helmeted visor of one of the guards; Canton spun and drew the blaster on his hip. Firing at the center guard; the weapon system attached to his back moved up along his shoulder to track the third. Both fired. He and the armor-controlled cannon firing at the same time. Killing the other two guards. <¡­mar¡¯eyce¡­> The HUD produced an icon on his visor screen off to the side of his ¡®War-vision¡¯. A small map hovering and spinning in front of his face. Canton got to his feet off his knee and started at a run, following the icon identified by his systems. -- Gangs were taking over the prison. Everyone fought everyone. People scrambled and ran in all directions. The AI taking shots randomly as it killed prisoners with impunity. Mrysti initially ducked, pulling Cornelia down behind her. But soon, she realized the AI was not only NOT firing at them, it was not tracking their positions. Realized by the prisoner that was struck down right next to them as he ran by. Standing up, Mrysti ran toward the exit gate, signaling Cornelia to come with her. ¡°Master¡­where are we going¡­¡± ¡°Out¡± Mrysti gave a clipped and short reply. She knew where she needed to go. Get to the administration level. Deactivate the lockdown around the hangar and find a ship in order to get off the station. Another blast from the AI took out two more prisoners. Her memory was holo-genic. She remembered the path they took when she was escorted to the Warden¡¯s office. A prisoner grabbed Cornelia. Mrysti turned to assist her apprentice, but found the man floating in air. The two exchanged a look as Cornelia twisted the hand which held the man suspended. The neck sounded like crinkling flimsy as it snapped. Cornelia discarding the body like a piece of trash with a brush back of her arm. The two continued making their way toward the exit. Dodging blaster bolts and guards until they reached the side wall. Imperial guards were trying to hold the line against an onslaught of prisoners who were also trying to force their way out. Blaster fire came from behind the linked gate, Guards firing back into the quad trying to stem the tide. Mrysti stood and parted the group, blaster bolts meant for the other prisoners started coming toward her, she brushed them aside with a wave of her hand; thrusting the other forward to grab the gate of the exit in the Force and hurling the arm behind herself; ripping the gate from its hinges. Guards moved back quickly, retreating as the behemoth led the charge out of the maximum security quad and into the main thoroughfare. -- <¡±Maximum security is compromised¡­.I say again¡­the prisoners are escape¡ª¡°> The guard¡¯s transmission was cut off. The Warden slamming his hand down on the console. He watched as Mrysti and Cornelia ran through the open gate until he lost sight of them on holo-cam. ¡°AI why are you not terminating all of the prisoners?!?!¡± He screamed. <¡­unable to tracked identified targets¡­> The AI replied.<¡­suppression systems, station wide¡­deactivated¡­> ¡°Damn her¡­.damn that woman¡­.¡± The Warden knew Colonel Rickter had somehow overridden some of the AI¡¯s protocols. The situation had taken a turn that would be impossible to control. Reaching in his desk, the Warden opened a drawer and took out a blaster, charging it. -- Tossing them this way and that; Mrysti grabbed, hurled and tossed prisoner and guard alike. In the chaos, she was able to get in the thrall and mix with speed and agility. It helped having an objective, knowing where she and Cornelia needed to go and dealing with who or whatever got in their way. The floor vibrated slightly. An explosion of some distance, somewhere else in the prison. Looking back at Cornelia, Mrysti pursed her lips. ¡°This is getting out of control quicker than I foresaw.¡± Cornelia knew what that meant. It would only be a matter of time before either the Empire outside the prison responded or the prison itself imploded of its own accord. The two ran past the connecting hallways toward other cellblocks. Smoke and fire filling some passageways as people continued to scramble for safety. ¡°We need to find Canton¡­¡± Cornelia spoke matter-of-factly. The words made Mrysti turn sharply. She was about to rebuke her apprentice, but once she saw the other woman¡¯s face, she relented. Nodding curtly as they continued on. -- -- Vault Level, ¡®The End¡¯¡­. The lift stopped, depositing them on a level that was not even identified on the lift¡¯s terminal. Talia used the code key encryption inserted into the terminal''s data port to access a level that she wasn¡¯t even sure existed. She smirked. Sith, magicians and sorcerers. You had to take everything they said with a grain of the saltiest salt. Talia had gone further below the surface of the asteroid and deeper underground than she thought possible. None of this was on the schematics for the construction of the prison and she had access to everything that had to do with the layout of the facility. This was something that was constructed off the books and long before the prison even existed on top of whatever was being hidden down there. Perhaps Malgus wasn¡¯t joking. The carved-out path was a mixture of ancient laser scorched cutting equipment and some kind of grinding/crushing mechanism. The age showed in the derelict power supplies and cables; some of which had long since been outlawed due to being unstable or hazardous to work with. All of it looked and smelled ancient, not just the equipment. Being there long before anyone thought of building a facility on top of the caverns. Talia motioned for the guards coming off the lift with her to wait. Taking out a torch to light her way, she started down the path. Slowing as she came to the first lighted markers. The lights being powered by something which had a source capable of lighting the cave for eons if necessary. Taking out a comm-scanner, all of it registered as unknown. So old, the power sources were not in the database any longer. The light cast an eerie red pallor over everything, Talia looked around the circular carved pathway with her own light. Runes were carved at specific intervals. She couldn¡¯t read all of them, not as adept at her ancient Sith as she should have been. Something all officers were taught to read at the academy, for their own protection. Talia squinted in the low light moving up and along the edge of the wall, following the words which seemed to be carved in a specific pattern. They appeared to glow, but she knew that was just a mixture of the red lighting and shadow. Sith, always having a flair for the foreboding and dramatic. ¡®¡­wary¡­¡¯ She made out one word, continuing to walk. ¡®¡­foretold¡­¡¯ and ¡®¡­destructor¡­¡¯ were some of the others. Talia immediately got the impression that whatever she was headed toward was never supposed to be opened. The runes became larger and more aligned along a single path as she continued to walk. ¡®¡­hateful¡­¡¯ and ¡®power¡­¡¯ were words that stuck out to her. She stopped as the runes led to a name. It was easy to read because it was not quite as ancient and names were always proper. ¡®¡­Eye¡­¡¯ and ¡®¡­.Sion¡­.¡¯ Stopping, Talia swallowed hard. She had no idea who that name was or why whatever it was had been placed down there, but the feeling she started to get from the approach gave her pause. Steeling herself, she started again; heading for the end of the pathway. -- - Conquest of Korriban, The Return of the Sith Empire following the attack on Korriban Station¡­.many years before... ¡°¡­you have done well, Lord Malgus¡­.¡± The Sith Warrior was on a knee. Kneeling before the ominous disembodied voice that seemed to fill the expanse of the room. Malgus wasn¡¯t sure the Emperor was even there. Not that it mattered. The Academy¡¯s lights were on, the ancient Dark Council chambers were re-lit as they should have been. And the Emperor was seeing his key tools for that conquest in the order of their summoning. Malgus being one of the first as one of the renewed Sith Empire''s primary war leaders. There was still much to do. Korriban was still being fought over. The last of the Republic outposts being destroyed and the Republic personnel manning them, slain. Once complete, the Republic would no doubt send more to try and reclaim Korriban and drive the Sith back into the far reaches of space. Malgus was not going to allow that to happen. ¡°¡­it is unfortunate, the death of your Master on Korriban station¡­¡± the disembodied voice said again. ¡°¡­and his other apprentices, Emperor.¡± Malgus spoke adding the last part as if the Emperor had missed it. The disembodied voice did not. Malgus, still bending his neck and looking down. Only glancing upward after his Master was mentioned. The way the Emperor spoke, he knew. Knew that Malgus used the opportunity of his Master¡¯s injury at the hands of the Jedi to strike. Taking his Master out and slaying the other apprentices once he arrived on Korriban. All but one and she would not be hard to find. The lure of Korriban and the secrets it held were far too great for any Sith not to return. Already some of those secrets were making their way across the surface. Minions and undisciplined Sith opening tombs and walking into traps that none of them were prepared for. Secrets and spirits released that had to be reclaimed and tamed in order to preserve the History of the Sith. Something the Emperor was most interested in. ¡°¡­yes¡­¡± The disembodied voice said again. ¡°¡­as well as the others. That places you in a unique position. Your hate is strong Malgus, we salute you on your conquest of the station and assistance in reclaiming our home¡­.¡± There was a pause as Malgus looked up again. ¡°¡­rise¡­and ascend ¡®Darth¡¯ Malgus¡­your journey is complete¡­.¡± -- It wasn¡¯t a grim task, but a necessary one. Malgus walked into the ancient command structure to see the bodies of the Republic troopers who had once guarded it still laying where they had been killed. Several others as well as a few Jedi were scattered among those who survived. On their knees, hands interlocked and placed behind their heads. Eyes glazed over in a state of disbelief. No one foresaw their coming. Returning from the far reaches of the galaxy once their numbers were strong enough. Following the voice who was in all of their minds. That of the Sith Emperor. Malgus gave a cursory glance at the Jedi and looked to the Imperial Officer manning the station. ¡°These Jedi¡­¡± Malgus began in a grim tone. ¡°¡­they are to be taken to the sacrificial chamber adjacent to the Dark Council. The Emperor wishes their deaths as not only a christening of the retaken Council, but also in keeping with the ancient traditions.¡± Gesturing over his shoulder wordlessly, the Officer made a jerking gesture toward the Jedi. They said nothing as they were drug from the room by the Imperial Troopers. Malgus didn¡¯t expect them to. Jedi, so in love with death and the thought of it. ¡®There is no death¡­¡¯ Malgus thought to himself, not finishing the part of the Jedi Code he memorized. Instead of finishing it with the rest of what the Jedi taught, Malgus smiled ruefully. ¡®¡­there is only the Sith.¡¯ Before Malgus could make his way back out of the guard facility, the officer he addressed cleared his throat. Malgus could feel that the man was itching to say something. Malgus was in no mood for distractions. There were larger plans, afoot. ¡°My Lord¡­the Emperor has requested that all of this be brought to the Dark Council chambers. But, we have a slight¡­¡¯problem¡¯....¡± Malgus looked down at the crates stacked inside and outside of the guard shack. Trinkets, some which emanated with power, others just useless relics. Malgus looked down at the Imperial Officer. The man stepped back in fear. The fear of the ¡®problem¡¯ he was about to report suddenly overtaken by his fear of the one he was reporting to. The securing of the rest of Korriban was paramount in order to execute the next phase of the plan. A plan that Malgus already received approval from the Council and the Emperor to execute. Korriban had to be pacified first. ¡°I don¡¯t wish to hear of ¡®problems¡¯, Captain¡­have they secured the Republic shuttle I requested?¡± ¡°Yes, My Lord¡­only minor damage. Our technicians are looking it over now. But this other ¡®problem¡¯, it could change things a bit¡­.¡± Malgus looked again, moving to the view screen to look down on the Valley of the Dark Lords and the problem the Captain was speaking of. A lone figure, no one of importance. An Imperial technician. Moving through the valley. As the tech walked, they destroyed everything in their path. It seemed the technician walked with the Force as his ally. Malgus¡¯ brow creased in confusion, looking back at the Captain. ¡°An Acolyte¡­someone from Ziost or our assault force? Claiming power for themselves?¡± The question would have been comical had it not been such a recent occurrence. Spirits and essences of the Dark Lords were infusing their way into the unexpected. And greedy Sith as well as fortune seekers within the ranks were competing with one another to see what could be gained. Some of it was for a legitimate reason. The Emperor had ordered that all recovered artifacts and data be brought to the Dark Council chambers. Some were complying with that order. But some of those ancient Dark Lord spirits would not be commanded. Their souls hungry once again for power and conquest. ¡°N-No¡­my Lord, they are¡­nobody. Just a technician on one of our recovery teams. They entered a tomb and when they emerged¡­¡± The Captain let his voice trial off. Malgus turned, a flurry of cape and wind; heading for the doorway. Knowing clearance to leave would not be granted with so much chaos ensuing on the surface. Whoever this technician was, we was going to die. Nothing was going to hold up the next phase of the plan and the destruction of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. -- ¡°I am¡­¡¯Darth Sion¡¯¡­.YOU, have no power here. YOU stand on my hallowed ground. Korriban, seat of my power¡­and I hold the secret of immortality in my¡ª¡± Scrutinizing the technician in the Force, Malgus lowered his hand and let the saber drop from his belt into it. Igniting the blade, but still watching curiously. The man, the technician; he possessed no real power. The Force led Malgus to the saber hilt the technician held. All of the power, it emanated from the hilt and controlled the man. Everything the man had done thus far had been against unassuming foes or those who lacked the power to see through the veneer of the false power the technician held. Squeezing his own saber tightly, Malgus narrowed his eyes. Malgus leapt forward, hand extended. Grabbing the technician in the Force. The unassuming worker dropped the strangely lit saber he held, eyes darkening once Malgus grabbed them up in the Force. Malgus tossed the technician aside once he was sure he killed him. Reaching down, he nearly picked up the saber himself, but hesitated. An elegant design, something ancient. Malgus stopped just before taking it in his hand. Standing back up to look down at the deactivated hilt as it smoked in the sand. Malgus could hear it. Hate upon hate, the need to consume. And it had. The last vestiges of hate from the one who used the Force itself to fuel his immortality, at great cost. The last of his lifeforce and will placed in the saber for someone to find as it called out to them. It was not Darth Sion, the man¡¯s hate crossing the depths of space and time to implant itself in the depths of the crystal which powered his lightsaber. Very dangerous, very dangerous indeed. Sion, so powerful and so hateful that the last of him could not be destroyed even after his physical form had been. Sucking in a breath Malgus harnessed all of his own hatred to reach down and take the blade in his hand. The hilt ignited into a brilliant red and purple plasma blade even without Malgus activating it. It shook in his hand. Hate meeting the hatred of Malgus. But Malgus¡¯ hatred was stronger and it was alive; not some essence that had long since perished. Malgus was no echo, he was real. And the recent conquest and future destruction he would cause was more potent than any long dead spirit. That was one artifact the Emperor would never see. No one should. Of the conquering Sith, only Malgus¡¯ hate burned the brightest. It was why he had been given the honor of planning and executing betrayal the Sith were on the verge of organizing. Unsuspecting Republic, their Jedi lackeys. None would see it coming. The mere presence of the Sith reentering the galaxy proper lowering the shroud of the Dark Side around everything. And there was no pity or remorse. The Jedi brought this on themselves. And the Republic which harbored those ancient enemies would burn brighter than the hate which fueled Malgus¡¯ black heart. This artifact, not for the faint or weary. Not for fortune hunters or fly-by-night apprentices. It was very powerful. Powerful enough to give Malgus pause. And it should be hidden, buried. Sion¡¯s hate was legendary. But also, uncontrollable and dangerous. There was no focus in what the essence wanted to do, simply burn and destroy. It was too powerful, even for Malgus. Too powerful and uncontrollable for any Sith to possess. And it must be discarded. -- Vault Level, ''The End''.... Talia stopped outside of a massive doorway. Protective runes were carved on the outside which she could no longer read. But the door, it warded anyone away just by sheer presence. Reaching in her pocket, she produced the Fob created from the transmission she was sent. Initially, the door reacted by dropping a ray shield around her and the door itself. Portholes opened along the side and above. Gas emitting within the bubble of the shield; blaster ports opening to reveal lethal looking automated defenses. Talia fell to her knees grabbing her throat. But she held the Fob up. Red scanners moved in and around her, stopping on the Fob as it transmitted its message. A strange voice in the Ancient Sith tongue began to recite loudly. The door spinning in on itself in different directions; the runes realigning in different directions. Spinning clockwise and counter clockwise in succession, but finally locking in on a combination. <¡­J¡¯us Zenoti Nenx Kam j¡¯us Isar¡­¡­> The Colonel was nearly dead once the door opened. She coughed and gagged. Looking up from the dirt and dust of the cavern floor to see the pathway and doorway opened up into the beyond. -- - Prison Level Red Twenty-Three, Administration and Refuse..... Canton fired again, squeezing his palm and cycling the pressure in the balls of his hand. The pressure resulting in four consecutive shots. The cannon on his back and shoulder swiveling and tracking the targets. They went down in just as rapid a succession. Thrusting his other arm up to shoot out a piton from a launcher which embedded itself in the ceiling above. This was the short-cut the HUD advised him on. It was too late to question the AI linked to his systems or to find an alternate route. He could only trust in his equipment. It was made by him, for him. Something he calibrated to work with his body as simply as any other motion and activity. Only the man that originally designed it all was a slightly smaller, leaner Mandalorian. Prison had put on a few pounds. Grabbing the metal wire attached to the piton with his other hand, he swung across the maintenance causeway. The piton creaked and grumbled, he felt a bit of the sturdiness of the lance at the end give way a bit. Activating some jets on his boots just in case. Finally, landing on the other side hard, but on his feet. Eyes inside the visor tracked to the side and looked at the icon. It was moving again. Where was Cornelia going? -- - Prison Level, Central Plexus...Rec Area.... The door to the rec area opened up. Blaster fire following them all the way to the door as Mrysti and Cornelia dove in landing on the grass and slamming the blast door shut behind them. Someone was watching their movement, even if the AI wasn¡¯t. Redirecting all available forces toward them. Cornelia looked down in amazement, running her hands over the grass and looking up at Mrysti. ¡°Yes¡­.I know¡­¡± The Mirialan said annoyingly. Cornelia had never been to the rec area. It was something Cornelia never expected to see again. Grass and trees. Mrysti looked back toward the door. There were too many for her or Cornelia to handle. And she knew it wouldn¡¯t be long before the guard force following them got through. Her face twisted in frustration again. Where was Colonel Rickter? -- As she walked, torches and lights lit in the floor. Each step activating some kind of hidden movement sensor. A faint purple and reddish glow in the distance was the only thing she could see. Not at all what she expected. Talia shrugged to herself, she didn¡¯t know what to expect, especially from a Sith. It could have been anything down there. Someone locked away, a droid of some kind; some kind of superweapon? This was supposed to assist her in some way in the event of chaos. Looking down at her chrono and frowning at the time wasted, Talia kept on moving. Reaching the altar, she looked around. The entire chamber was lit as Talia had reached the end. The light which projected down illuminating that which hovered in suspension came from a source Talia couldn¡¯t identify. She looked around again in confusion, before looking back to the object which hung in air. Emitting the faint glow. A lightsaber, its blade lit and crackling with a purplish red plasma. Talia scrunched her brow questioningly. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t for her, but for the ones she was supposed to assist. A Sith was nothing without their lightsaber, were they? Glancing down at her chrono again she realized she spent far too much time doing whatever it was Malgus told her to do in coming down there. Abruptly she reached out grabbing the suspended hilt and immediately jerked, contorted backward. Her hand blazoned, locked on the hilt as she tried to scream. But it was too late¡­. <¡­yes, Minion of the Sith. A vessel¡­a well-cared for vessel¡­.> The voice merged with her own as Talia was lifted into the air. Anyone looking on would have only seen the Colonel lift in the air and grab her throat. There was nothing else there. But in Talia¡¯s eyes, she saw him. Saw him the moment her hand was locked on the saber. Part of her mind wanted to run, the fear was something she never experienced. Seeing things through the one who once possessed the hilt. The pain, of being obliterated. Skin, cracked like the dune planes of Arvala-7. Held together by pure hatred which emanated through the cracks. A body held together by dark energy. With sheer strength she looked down at the glowing green ghost like form, seeing through it to the entity beyond. Her mouth moving in time with the voice in her head, her voice merging with that of Darth Sion. <¡±WE¡­are Darth Sion¡­¡±> -- - Prison Level, Central Plexus...Rec Area.... From the outside, they could hear it. Blaster fire and communications residue. The troopers all communicating frantically with one another. It wasn¡¯t a matter of getting through the door just to get to Mrysti or Cornelia. The rec area held a central place within the construction of the prison. A crossroads from which all things could be accessed. The guards and troopers were running for their lives just as much as the prisoners were. Everything was chaos. The door opened, Cornelia and Mrysti spun around to face whatever was coming. And were surprised to see just as the guards rushed through, they fell forward. Blasted forward from some force coming in behind them. The red armored Mandalorian stepped through and looked around, looking down at the carnage of scattered bodies and scrapped armor. Lowering his weapons as he looked over at the two stunned looking women. <¡±¡­you both could have waited for me¡­¡±> Cornelia smiled viciously, running forward to throw herself into the arms of the large armored warrior. ¡°Canton!!¡± He held the Sith with one arm, raising the rifle he held in his other hand up to look past Cornelia to Mrysti. <¡±¡­seems like that time you spoke of has arrived. Got a plan?¡±> -- -Vault Level, ''The End''.... Looking at one another, the two black armored guards questioned if they both heard the sound they thought they did. Stepping off the lift in the silence of the passageway one of the guards lifted his rifle, a spotlight automatically coming on under the barrel. <¡±¡­Colonel Rickter?...¡±> ¡®BOOM¡¯ Footfalls, heavy and slow. Sounding like a large boulder hitting the ground. It shook the cavern. ¡®BOOM¡¯ The Second black armored trooper raised his rifle, the light coming on under the barrel to light the pathway brighter combined with that of his partner. <¡±¡­.Colonel?...Ma¡¯am?...¡±> ¡®BOOM¡¯ ¡®BOOM¡¯ Raising their carbines, both edged their way out of the lift looking ahead. The direction their Colonel had gone alone. <¡±¡­Colonel, if that¡¯s you, please identify--¡±> ¡®BOOM¡¯ ¡®BOOM¡¯ ¡®BOOM¡¯ Silence. Both troopers stopped, their rifles raised; they slowly scanned ahead. One of them stopping on something. <¡±Fire!! Fi¡ªAGGGGHHHHH!!!¡±> The second trooper watched as the first was sucked down the pathway by an unseen force. He raised the light on his rifle up, firing into the direction the other trooper was pulled. In the air, the first black armored trooper was held overhead. The purplish and red glow of the ghostly saber protruding through the chest and back armor plating of the guard. The entity slung the guard off and moved almost instantly the length of the passageway coming up right in front of the other trooper. <¡±Colonel? AGGGGHHHHH!!¡±> 9 - Back on Track -- Arcnet, Administration Building¡­Corellia¡­. Aurora didn¡¯t bow and barely acknowledged her father as he gave the order. Unlike the two assassin cyborgs who took the knee before standing and leaving the room following her father''s instructions. instructions she didn''t feel the need to hear. He was no tactician. For years, he and all of the other Generational Mirialans lived under the umbrella of security SHE provided. Why was it any different now? The two remained looking at one another. ¡°I realize¡­¡± Telan¡¯dorr began, getting up from the desk and walking around it to get closer to his daughter. ¡°¡­you have no love for me. But you understand. The only way we are to reclaim our honor is by doing this. Our own journey across the galaxy is the key. That technology, stolen from us, is the key. And I need you to be loyal in this Aurora.¡± Telan¡¯dorr spoke softly, even attempting to reach out to her. Her head snapped toward her father and he withdrew the hand. ¡°I will¡­do as you ask father¡­¡± Aurora replied. ¡°¡­but know this. Once this is done, you and I are through. You are the reason we are in this situation. Remember that.¡± Aurora placed the mask back on her face. Pressure seals and releasing air hissing to ensure the lock as she turned and started for the door. ¡°Aurora¡­¡± She turned when her father called out to her. Looking at the mask, he forgot what he wanted to say and instead substituted the words of encouragement and love for something more utilitarian. ¡°¡­those cyborgs are among the last the Organization possessed. Until the ¡®Doctor¡¯ is back on his feet, our resources are limited. Treat them with care¡­¡± Telan¡¯dorr paused. ¡°..and you as well. Good luck, return safely.¡± <¡±¡­Kriff off, father.¡±> -- Coruscant, Maintenance Storage Facility #1756, The Works¡­.. ¡°I¡¯m not used to this kind of work. Guarding a kriffin¡¯ Maintenance Bay¡­¡± They were in plain clothes, not used to being in street attire still having to carry their standard issue DC-3 Blasters, but hiding them under a jacket. ¡°¡­I¡¯m a line trooper, know what I mean? Everyone else in my training platoon got combat units¡­I mean, how did I end up getting home guard? Coruscant Guard, what a joke¡­it¡¯s not like anything is going to happen here.¡± ¡°Tell that to the troopers during the Sacking of Coruscant¡­.¡± The second trooper was more seasoned having been deployed to several different combat zones during the war with the Eternal Empire. Re-enlisting when hostilities started up with the Sith Empire once again. But, he was looking at the assignment to the home guard as a respite from the front line. The other guy didn¡¯t know how good he had it. Not having to slog through the mud on some far away world, death tugging at your armor plates around every turn. He wanted to tell him, but let it be for the moment. Allowing his compatriot do most of the talking as he watched the cargo containers being offloaded by hoverjack and repulsor lifts into the maintenance facility. His partner never asked, never even noticed the government technicians loading things into the facility nearly all-day, non-stop. ¡°Could be my height.¡± The first trooper remarked again, looking up in the sky and trying to see the top of the hat he wore. ¡°I notice most of the guys from training who got picked to stay here because they were tall. Standing next to Senators, the Chancellor. We gotta look big ya¡¯know? Make all of those talking heads look more official¡ª¡± ¡°Hey, you mind shutting up.¡± The second trooper said, looking back to the techs who were arriving with what appeared to be the last of the shipments. The first trooper finally noticed. But the more seasoned trooper had finally had enough. ¡°I wonder what¡¯s in those things?¡± ¡°Oh¡­you just noticed? They been offloading them into the Works all day.¡± The second trooper remarked sarcastically. As the tech finished up; sealing the door to the Works maintenance bay, another speeder arrived. The technicians passing both troopers and the speeder without a glance and not a word to anyone. They were about their work and once it was over, they all slowly disappeared. A very pressed and dressed officer stepped out of the back of the speeder after the door was opened for him. Giving a cursory glance to the last of the techs as they moved away and back to their transports. Once the officer got out of the speeder and close to the troopers, they noticed the rank and snapped to attention to salute the man. The General gave a lazy salute back, giving both troopers a scrutinizing gaze. ¡°You understand your orders?¡± The General asked. And before the rather raw trooper could answer, the more seasoned Soldier chimed in to try and stop the younger man from saying anything stupid. ¡°Yes, Sir. We were briefed back at HQ.¡± ¡°Good. Follow your standard general orders and you will be fine. Try to look inconspicuous. Some normal maintenance workers and droids are going to come around; just Works personnel. No living being is going to access those doors. And if a droid opens it, then it is supposed to be in there. We¡¯ve changed the clearances and vetted the mechanics to make sure everything is safe.¡± ¡°What¡¯s in there, Sir?¡± The raw recruit asked as the other trooper gave the man a jab in the ribs and a roll of the eyes. You didn¡¯t ask questions, not ever. Troopers did as they were told. And you especially didn¡¯t ask a question from a General Officer. That was really forbidden. It wasn¡¯t in the rule book or anything, just understood and definitely frowned upon. ¡°That¡¯s on a need to know basis, Trooper. And you¡­.have no need to know. Just understand that what you¡¯re doing is vital to the safety of the Republic. And that safety is in your hands. I know you both¡­.will do your duty.¡± Ordinarily an answer like that would have been chalked up by both men as some sort of Republic propaganda. Things General¡¯s always said to troops to keep them on the job and in the fight. But the tone of the Zabrak¡¯s voice as he spoke and the way he looked at the both of them. The troopers knew, the General was not messing around. The Zabrak General carried an air about him, a confidence that told a story of not only how he¡¯d been there when he spoke those kinds of words, but that he understood the power behind saying them. Both men snapped to attention and saluted again when it was clear the General had said all he was going to. Turning, the General walked back to the speeder and got in as the door was opened for him. It sped off, leaving both troopers looking at one another. The raw Soldier looked down at his chrono finally and let out a sigh. ¡°Two hours till relief¡­I guess we should start roving¡­.¡± -- ¡°¡­I mean¡­REAL action. Not some kind of guard detail, you know what I mean?¡± The raw trooper was talking again. The only thing the more seasoned of the two could think was it being a shame they had to patrol in pairs. At that moment he would have given anything to be in a guard tower by himself. The other had been going on for over an hour. About how lame it was to be on a guard detail watching a door no one was going to get into. How he signed up for the adventure of seeing other worlds and fighting the Empire. All bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. The second trooper couldn¡¯t remember ever being that way. Finally, the older trooper turned on the newcomer. ¡°Shut up.¡± The seasoned of the two said sharply. Both men coming to a stop as one glared at the other. ¡°Do you know¡­this is the safest I¡¯ve been in months? This is almost as good as being home for me. Nine to five almost, three square a day and no one shooting at me or having to run for cover every other minute. Watching your buddies die in the blink of an eye and if they didn¡¯t get vaporized you were doing everything you could to put the pieces of them back together and try to get them out of there so they had a chance at survival. War ain¡¯t glamorous or great. There ain¡¯t nothing glorious about it. It sucks and the more you talk about it, the angrier I get.¡± ¡°Sorry..I was just¡ª¡± The other shut up and put his head down. Silence ensued, the one who spoke feeling slightly bad for killing the new Soldier¡¯s enthusiasm. There was a place for that. A thought occurred to him, what the other man would be like after a full tour in the contested zones. The seasoned trooper shook his head and spoke softly. ¡°I appreciate that you want to know about it. I appreciate even more that you volunteered to do this. But trust me when I say, you stay in long enough¡­you won¡¯t have to find the war. The war¡­.will find you.¡± They started their patrol again. Both not speaking, but both coming to an abrupt stop as two individuals approached. Both men looked at one another once the two coming toward them got closer. A smile coming to both their faces. Women. Two of the sexist looking women either of them had ever seen were coming their way. Slight leatheris clothing and armor covering various spots on their bodies. They appeared to be twins. ¡°Wha-what¡¯s this?!?!¡± ¡°Oh...no way we could get that lucky¡ª¡± The seasoned trooper smiled ruefully as he pulled back his coat and pulled out the DC-3 carbine, holding it at the ready in one arm, but lazily angled down. Not wanting to threaten two women who were obviously by the way they looked and dressed were in the wrong place. They looked like they were going out to a club or some kind of dance party. Both were beautiful women after all, no need to scare them. Thin, frail looking compared to the two hulking undercover troopers. ¡°¡ªhold it right there. This area is off-limits to unauthorized personnel. As much as I would ¡®like¡¯ you both to stay. I¡¯m afraid I have to ask you both to turn around and go back the way you came.¡± Both women stopped on a dime, almost mechanically. The troopers looked at one another again as the two women looked at one another as well, slowly turning their heads to gaze in each other¡¯s eyes. The troopers canted their heads in confusion as the two seemed to be frozen, looking at each other. ¡°Hey!!¡± The less experienced trooper said sharply. Pulling his coat back to also take out his carbine. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to go. But ya gotta. We could get in a lot of trouble for having people around here. You listening to me???!?¡± The younger trooper looked at his more experienced partner, smiling wickedly again, leaning in slightly. ¡°Say¡­if they ¡®resist¡¯ or something¡­shouldn¡¯t we have to like, arrest them?!? Maybe pat them down, strip search?¡± The more experienced of the two laughed at the joke, but his smile was short lived. He brought the carbine up finally, pointing it at the two. ¡°Ok, that¡¯s enough. Whatever the two of you are discussing, do it somewhere else.¡± ¡°They¡­¡± The troopers turned around sharply to find a third woman standing behind them. Only a lock of beautiful blonde hair gave them a clue as to the beauty which was hidden under the black armored mask she wore. Radiant blue eyes widened as she glared at the two guards. How she got behind them so silently was anyone guess. They switched their weapons from safe to fire with a high-pitched whine emanating from the carbines bringing them sharply up toward the third woman behind them. ¡°¡­don¡¯t answer to you. They answer to me.¡± Aurora ignited the blue plasma of her lightsaber as the other two assassin units sprang into action. Their heads snapping forward as lightsabers activated in each of their hands. Leaping into the air toward the two guards. -- Coruscant, The De¡¯nabre Apartment, 8000 Republica¡­. Scenic beauty. The trial mountains and the serenity they provided blanked the image of Grace''s mind as she meditated on home. Mirial, her heart was always there. Thoughts drifted to simpler times. The last time she had walked the rocky paths and communed with Mirial on an ancestral level. She wasn''t alone that last time. Having to travel to the mountains with-- Grace¡¯s eyes snapped open. Within her meditation she heard a scream. One she felt as well as heard within her mind¡¯s eye. Steeped deeply in the Force while meditating, she felt the presence even after her eyes opened and the memory of the sound and the blurred image began to fade. ¡°Aurora¡­.¡± Grace whispered to herself. Standing and rushing from the room, Grace grabbed her lightsaber and ran out toward the entrance. On the way to the rooftop garage, she opened her comm-link and spoke into it frantically. ¡°Jes¡­meet me on the roof. And check to see if there are any reports of suspicious activity in and around the Works.¡± The image of piping and machinery was still fresh in her mind. ¡°I think Aurora is on the planet¡¯s surface¡­.¡± Once she got off the lift, she saw a very familiar shape already making ready to leave. Marstel turned and smiled at the rather large Mirialan as Grace ran toward him. ¡°Jes ain¡¯t gonna git ¡®ere in time. They both o¡¯er at tha Senate¡­where ya off ta?¡± Marstel spoke offhandedly trying to deflect from the fact that he was there in the first place, much less preparing to leave. No one knew Marstel was on Coruscant, not even Karolin. She would have made a big deal if she had known. The two of them, always incredibly close. Grace smiled at the question. Already slowing as she got to the speeder. With her own wicked smile, she jumped over the side and sat down in the passenger seat of the speeder, pulling the buckle around herself and clicking it into place. ¡°Where you¡¯re going¡­¡± Grace settled in and smiled up at him. ¡°C¡¯mon¡­.lets go¡­¡± -- Hover-carriers descended slowly, lining up carefully and in a straight line. Droids and personnel pouring from the carriers as Aurora and the two assassin cyborgs stood aside and kept watch. Next to their feet, the bodies of the two hapless guards who had the unfortunate duty of being on shift when Aurora decided to make her attack. Systematically, the cargo containers which only a few hours before had been locked in tight, began to flow back out of the facility and toward the carriers. Aurora stepped up to the lead tech from one of the descending craft and pointed toward the sky. ¡°You are on the chrono¡­five minutes until minimum response. Then it escalates. I want you gone before the first assault team arrives. Let¡¯s go¡­.¡± Looking down at her chrono, Aurora touched a timer button on the side which started a countdown. It also sent a signal back to the office she knew her father was sitting in. Monitoring what was going on through the body cams they all wore. Patience, not one of Aurora''s virtues. -- <¡­standard check-in was missed at strongpoint gamma. Dispatching QRF¡­arrival four minutes¡­.¡±> With the hand which was not on the speeder control, Marstel reached down and continued to scan the various military frequencies. The transmission hopped from one to another, scanning all available assets on Coruscant. They were keeping it low-key. Only one military transmission of the thousands planetwide even noting the lack of a check-in at one of the strong points. Grace didn¡¯t have to be a Jedi to know Marstel was back on Coruscant for a specific reason. Why else have a speeder equipped with the kind of equipment that scanned military frequencies? And come in secret. It was almost as if he expected something like this to happen. But perhaps not the person behind it. Though Grace did sense Marstel¡¯s urgency once she arrived on the roof. The image of Aurora in the meditation still burned in her skull; shaking her leg nervously as he continued piloting toward the Works. ¡°¡­they ain¡¯t gonna git there in time¡­.¡± Marstel spoke in a low morose tone. Hitting the accelerator of the speeder and leaving the travel lane to take another path toward the Works. ¡°Time for what?¡± Grace was a bit confused. She felt the presence of Aurora and only assumed her cousin was up to no good. It was what she did. Then it dawned on her. Both Marstel and Grace looked at one another at the same time as Marstel continued to fly the speeder. It was obvious Marstel knew what Grace was thinking. Her insight serving her well. But Marstel having tracked every single shipment out of Mirial since the beginning, knew where everything was scattered throughout the galaxy. Karolin had obviously not let Grace or Sam in on the whole plan. ¡°They hid some of it HERE?!?! Why?!?! Why would they do that?!?!¡± ¡°Why noh?¡± Marstel intoned softly, trying to avoid a lengthy discussion that would probably reveal much more than he wanted to. ¡°Who woul¡¯ beh stupid ¡®nuff ta come ta Coruscant and attack a facility ''ere?¡± It wasn¡¯t a real question. Grace could tell by the tone. And they both knew the answer. Only Aurora would be so bold. And that was exactly what Marstel and Karolin wanted. The unseen factor for Aurora was not knowing Grace was on the planet. -- All at once Aurora¡¯s head snapped skyward, her brow tightening in concern. She looked back at the lead tech again. ¡°We¡¯re done here.¡± ¡°But¡­ma¡¯am¡­we still have five containers to go and¡ª¡± ¡°I said we¡¯re done. Get your personnel back in their transports and get out of here.¡± Aurora looked skyward again. ¡°Someone is coming. And you don¡¯t want to be here when they arrive.¡± Looking back toward the assassins, Aurora gestured with her hand for the two to spread out. The technicians and droids scrambling to get back to their transports as Aurora ignited her lightsaber once again. Her eyes still focused toward the sky. -- ¡°There they go!!! There they go!!¡± Grace nearly jumped from her seat pointing at the line of transports slowly rising skyward. Only to have a rather large hand slap down on her chest and force her back down. Marstel twisted the speeder control and turned back toward the fleeing transports, wanting to keep Grace from getting jerked around by the abrupt maneuvers. But, he pulled back on the yoke after looking out toward the storage facility where the containers were formally stored. Grace looked down almost at the same time. ¡°Aurora¡­¡± Grace said under her breath. Before Marstel could come to a full stop and have to decide, Grace unbuckled her safety belt and gave Marstel one last look. Making the decision for him, she grinned and gave a two-finger salute with a flip of her hand. ¡°Go¡­follow the transports.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll deal with her¡­.¡± -- Stepping back with one foot, Aurora slid herself into a fighting stance. Slinging the arm holding the lightsaber out beside her with a slight twist and flourish; slowly moving it up and down in anticipation. Images of the last time the two confronted one another coming back to Aurora. Grace, who then called herself by her true name ''Sammantha'' won that confrontation easily. The power the other Mirialan held in the Force was far too great at that time for some one like Aurora. Things were different now. Aurora had been around the galaxy, flexed her Force muscles. Use to power and harnessed it in way that Grace could not possibly be prepared for. Gritting her teeth as she saw the speeder slow and then turn abruptly. Aurora canted her head, giving a curious glance. They weren¡¯t coming there. More importantly, Grace wasn¡¯t? That was who Aurora felt coming closer as she told the technicians to leave and make their escape. Turning, Aurora deactivated her lightsaber and looked at the two assassin droids. ¡°Transmit to the lead carrier¡­speeder in pursuit. Tell them to split up and take alternate routes. They can¡¯t follow them all¡ª¡± The presence hit her again. Aurora turning, her lightsaber activated again. Only to have the speeding backhand of Grace, who jumped from the speeder and used the Force to slow her ascent enough to get close. Once she did, Grace released the power. Velocity and angle of her fall, arching in toward Aurora as the blonde Mirialan turned. Aurora twisted to the side in a spin with the force of the blow; enhanced with the Power of the Force. The lightsaber knocked from her grasp as she tumbled. The hilt falling with a clatter several meters away. Both assassins were already on Grace as she finally landed in a roll after striking her cousin. Tumbling between the two assassins as they slashed through air toward the fast-moving Grace and cutting only air. Spinning to her feet, her own saber already active, Grace flipped backward into both attackers. One side of the dual-bladed saber striking home and center mass of one of the dark cyborgs, before Grace tossed the other assassin aside with a wave of her hand. The assassin droid twirled the lightsaber, zoning back in on Grace after picking itself up. Leaping back toward her with speed only a machine could muster. Grace disappeared with a wave of the same hand, shimmering Force cloaking her as she withdrew the saber from the other assassin and moved to the side of the incoming attack. The assassin looked down after slashing. The punching sound of sizzling metal and searing flesh. A green plasma lance through the chest cavity of the other assassin as it looked down. Dropping both of its own sabers as it deactivated, the power fading behind its eyes. Grace drew the saber out of the second assassin sharply and turned to see Aurora scrambling for her own saber. Flourishing a hand, Grace called the saber to herself. Catching it as it activated once again. She lowered both blades, crossed at an intersection with Aurora¡¯s neck in between the blue and green of the crackling plasma. Aurora looked up and sneered. She knew Grace wouldn¡¯t kill her. She could feel it. Aurora didn¡¯t bother begging for her life. Instead she slumped and allowed her arms to drift out to the side, palms up. History repeating itself. Just like Mirial, Aurora was once again in the custody of her cousin, Grace. ¡°Cousin¡­it¡¯s time to come home¡­¡± Grace said softly. -- -- Nar Shareef, Spaceport¡­. Still no one. The Hutts were either condoning what happened or they didn¡¯t care. And what really got under Waylon¡¯s skin was Aurore. Acting like nothing just happened. That stupid smile on her face. Aurore was damaged goods. The woman was crazy as far as Waylon was concerned and he already decided, next opportunity he had to speak with Marstel, he was out. Any illusion he had about him and Aurore being a thing went out the window with the flash of Aurore¡¯s blaster. ¡°Do you know what you¡¯re doing?¡± Hearing her voice made him jump, his mind on so many other things related to getting the ship up and back into space. Waylon turned his head slightly to see Aurore smiling at him. ¡°What are you doing up here? Get below¡­.I got this.¡± ¡°Where are we going?¡± Aurore questioned. ¡°I¡¯ve already informed Marstel that we¡ª¡± ¡°Yea?!?!¡± Waylon turned all the way in his seat glaring at the Zeltron. ¡°Well, you can tell your ¡®boyfriend¡¯ that I am through. I am going to get you where he needs you to be, then I¡¯m out¡­DONE.¡± ¡°Why? Because I shot that assassin? Waylon¡­¡± Aurore lowered her voice. ¡°¡­you really have no clue do you?¡± The gunslinger grit his teeth. ¡°Aurore. I have been doing this a long time. I¡¯ve been around the galaxy and back again. And if she was an assassin, then I am the King of Alderaan. You just shot a woman for no reason. Well, maybe for reasons you won¡¯t disclose, but it had nothing to do with that woman being an assassin.¡± Aurore folded her arms after Waylon spoke. ¡°Oh yea, what reason is that? Besides her casing you for almost a week, setting up a kill shot.¡± Aurore glared as Waylon''s face twisted in disgust. ¡®A week¡¯, Waylon thought, though he didn¡¯t say it outloud. ¡°You know what, I¡¯m not even getting into this. If you are too stupid to see things that are right in front of you, then who am I to tell you otherwise. I mean, you been around the galaxy right? That makes you a kriffin¡¯ expert.¡± Waylon didn¡¯t think he ever heard the Zeltron get angry. Yet here it was, she was annoyed and angry and it had more to do with something else than just killing someone. Aurore stepped down and started out of the cockpit as Waylon jumped out of his seat. The ship was on autopilot after getting clearance to leave, slowly rising on it¡¯s own out of the hangar. He reached out and grabbed her arm. ¡°Wait a minute. What are you talking about? I thought this had to do with¡ª¡± Waylon stopped himself. ¡°What?!?!¡± Aurore glared at him. ¡°Come on. You know. You did it because you¡¯re jealous. You killed her because of the way you feel about me. Every time I took a girl to my room or got caught with¡ªyou know, You¡¯re jealous.¡± Aurore¡¯s face went blank after Waylon spoke, slowly twisting into a smile and then bursting with laughter. ¡°Me? Feel about you?!?!¡± Aurore laughed again in between words. ¡°Are you high, still drunk maybe? You think I killed that assassin because of my feelings for YOU?!?¡± Aurore continued to laugh. ¡°You really are clueless.¡± Snatching her arm out of his hand, Aurore lost the smile and poked Waylon in the chest with the wrench she had in her hand. ¡°You listen to me¡­Waylon. You are the most disagreeable, hard-headed, vulgar, unkempt man I have ever met. IF I liked men¡­which I don¡¯t, YOU would be the very last man in the world I would ever give myself to. I kriff DROIDS, remember¡­you all are so fond of saying it.¡± Aurore turned and stepped down, but quickly turned back. ¡°And another thing. You had better do something other than tell Marstel you¡¯re out when you see him. You should be kissing his big ¡®ol feet. He¡¯s the only reason you¡¯re alive right now. If you¡¯ll excuse me, I have to go down to your disgraceful excuse for an engine room. How you kept this bucket flying is beyond me.¡± After she left, Aurore waited until she heard Waylon go back into the cockpit before leaning on the wall and catching her breath. Smile gone, Aurore was suddenly afraid. Not because she killed someone or had to use a blaster. Something she was not fond of. But because Waylon had almost figured out the one thing she was trying to keep from him. Aurore was very much in love with the former Mandalorian. Something he could never find out. The thought of it, the feelings she had, sent a shock down her spine. Fear she only experienced one other time in her life suddenly gripped her. Looking down she saw her hands shaking. Waylon had no idea how very right he was. -- - Nar Shareef, Twenty Four hours before Waylon¡¯s original arrival. This was bush league. Though Marstel had to admit, the amount of information following those who tracked Waylon to Nar Shareef gave a very clear path though it did not reveal who it was that was tracking him. This was on the underground list. Those Death Marks that the buyers wished to keep anonymous for the sake of some larger purpose or embarrassment. And the guild honored those requests. Credits bought anything, even that kind of anonymity. What it had done was change the way Marstel viewed the mission. What started out as a quest to locate data and information on the Organization and their remnants, had morphed into something much larger. With the gleaning of Darth Malgus¡¯ data from RTs assault on Bothawui to the amount and reputation of hunters heading toward Nar Shareef at record speed, he could only surmise that somehow all of it was linked. So far, neither he nor ¡®Cypher¡¯ had discovered any linkage. That was the purpose of the holo-call. <¡±¡­.I realize this es gonna be hard, Aurore¡­ya¡¯ll got sum unspoken thang goin¡¯ on between tha two a''ya tha¡¯s been goin¡¯ on longer than I kin ¡®member. Buh¡­ya can¡¯t say nuthin¡¯ to em¡­¡±> Sitting back in her chair, Aurore frowned at Marstel¡¯s image placing a hand under her chin. He frowned in time with her motion, giving the Zeltron a moment to think before she smiled again. Aurore always smiled, most Zeltron¡¯s did; even in the face of adversity. It was their way of dealing with negativity. Only Murriel, as far as Marstel knew, was the only Zeltron he ever seen who wore their emotions on their sleeve. And that came at a high cost. Murriel was more worldly now than most any Zeltron he ever met and also ornerier and more emotional. Aurore sat up forward and nodded toward Marstel¡¯s holo-image. ¡°You got it boss¡­send me what you have and I¡¯ll track the appropriate targets. But¡­¡± Aurore lost the smile again, ¡°¡­it jus¡¯ seems wrong to lie to him. Using him as bait. He thinks he¡¯s coming here to join the rest of the team. This will really send him over the edge.¡± <¡±¡­he is¡­joinin¡¯ tha team. This es jus¡¯ temporary, till we ferret out who es sendin¡¯ these assassins. Got¡¯em tracked frum here all tha way to the core world. I thank it¡¯s tha Organization. Buh I can¡¯t be sure. Mrysti¡¯s gone¡­movement es up. Ya¡¯ll ¡®r gonna do tha job, jus¡¯ gotta git pass this other stuff first.¡±> -- <¡±¡­elimination of the target is a priority. We know, he is the lead element of a strike team which could foil our plan to reclaim the technology. Don¡¯t assume anything. Get in¡­get out. Payment will be holo-wired electronically¡­¡±> Tinsley watched it again. For like the seventh time. It didn¡¯t glean any new information and only reinforced how very vague the reasoning was behind it. This was no ordinary target which called for a hunter with a varied set of skills. Reaching forward in her cockpit, Tinsley activated the chart again. Waylon¡¯s picture rezzed into the holo-field. Vague. Not a lot there. Gunslinger, various jobs, various activity. Nothing on the man¡¯s background which told her there was either nothing there and Waylon was a nobody or someone had gone to great lengths to hide whatever and where ever the man had come from. When known associates came up, it was virtually blank. Marstel¡¯s face coming up on the screen next to Waylon¡¯s gave her pause. No hunter, at least of Tinsely¡¯s caliber had been in the field long enough to not know that face. Marstel was a ghost. Surprising given the size of the man. Instantly, Tinsley knew that anything related to Waylon had been hidden. His association to Marstel spoke volumes in that regard. All of it would need a delicate hand. Massive recon and surveillance. Time. Looking down at the star-chart, she flipped the locator beacon to track other hunters in the system. There were several, but none tracking her target on Nar Shareef. An underground target acquired on the dark guild list. Pressing in the affirmation code, Tinsley sent a message to the client informing them that she was on station and going ¡®dark¡¯ herself. The next message would be confirmation that the target had indeed been eliminated. -- Nar Shareef, Waylon¡¯s arrival¡­. Aurore got the first look right before Waylon arrived. Going in, checking the strip club before he actually walked up the street. So predictable. Aurore smiled to herself. It was one of the things she loved about Waylon, that predictability. He was going to walk up the street, take a left at 22nd and stop to survey the outside before walking in. Aurore even knew where to stand so she would be spotted. Looking around the inside, she saw the white haired, dark skinned female hunter looking directly at her, but did as she was taught. Aurore let her eyes pass over the hunter, appearing to look around for someone or something. A shock of alarm passed through her. ¡®Think quickly¡¯ she thought, relying on the training that Marstel had burned into her. The Zeltron¡¯s eyes stopped on an innocent enough strange looking human male. And she batted her lashes his direction before turning slowly and giving an over the shoulder glance. As expected, the human male jumped off his stool and followed her out of the club. Aurore glanced at her chrono. Two reasons behind it. The time had come to get on her corner, but also in looking down at the timepiece, she also gave a subtle glance back toward the hunter. The white-haired lady was looking away now. Content that Aurore was just another slutty Zeltron looking to score. She was certainly dressed for the part. Thigh-high boots which hid an arsenal at the top. Skin tight pants which left nothing to the imagination except why the Zeltron would complete the ensemble with the leatheris coat which hid the waist line. Also, hiding the arsenal around her hips. ¡°Hey¡­¡± Aurore heard behind her. The human was still following as she propped herself up on the wall looking down the street. Already Waylon was rounding the corner, pulling his coat closed to hide his own arsenal under it. She glanced at the human, who had a vicious almost pornographic smile. ¡°¡­you¡­uh¡­busy?¡± Finishing the question as Aurore took her position, she shook her head at him. ¡°Wanna make a few credits¡­.¡± -- Nar Shareef, Hutt Controlled Casino #82¡­Waylon and Aurore¡¯s night out¡­. There was a lot of people to keep track of. Waylon wasn¡¯t stupid, there was a reason other than his need to fill a gambling addiction or watch naked humanoids that Waylon picked a Hutt facility. It would be hard for anyone on the job to make a move in there and he knew it. Tinsley knew she already been scanned. But even IF they came up with her being on the job and tracking a target, the Hutt¡¯s usual modus operandi of snatching a target out from under a would-be hunter was not going to happen. This was a dark target on the underground list. They managed it. And the targets on there were of such high priority that any interference would reflect poorly on the Cartels¡¯ reputation as a neutral arbiter of the guild. Tinsley knew she could operate freely, as long as she didn¡¯t make any moves that forced the Cartel to act. Hunters tracking those kinds of targets usually knew how to conduct themselves. Something was off, strange about Waylon and the Zeltron that she seen not once but twice before that night. The first time, in the strip club, Tinsley dismissed Aurore as just another horny Zeltron. But after seeing the two talk later on, she realized there was more going on. But all checks, even deep ones into the holo-net came up with nothing. Aurore Ta¡¯pangha, engineer and former prisoner of the Eternal Empire. Listed as a refugee following a rescue within Eternal Empire space and dropping off the grid. Emerging later on within Hutt Space, taking odd jobs not doing anything significant. After watching Waylon and how he conducted himself during the week, Aurore could have been anything to him from an old girlfriend to someone he owed credits¡­to just a piece of side action when he came into town. Yet, here they both were. The odds couldn¡¯t be greater that both of them, out of the literal hundreds of casinos on the Hutt world, would end up in that place together. Tinsley didn¡¯t believe in coincidence. And the longer she watched after they both had a run in at one of the slots, the more convinced she was that something was going on. Apparently, the argument was genuine. Waylon left to go down to the decadent level and Aurore soon followed. Tinsley blended, disappearing in the decadence herself, but keeping an eye on the both of them. Aurore appeared down below as she knew the Zeltron would. Looking for someone. For a moment, Tinsley thought the gig was up. Pulling up the hem of the short skirt and placing fingers on the blaster strapped just below her groin. Then she saw Aurore lock eyes on Waylon, who evidently didn¡¯t see her. The man paid for a ¡®loveseat¡¯ and was getting some private attention from one of the Twi¡¯leks. Tinsely followed Waylon after losing sight of Aurore, picking them both up down on the lowest level. Surprised to find Aurore paying her way into and bribing one of the ¡®Hot Box¡¯ girls to take the others place in the box. That was what all of it was about. Tinsley was convinced after seeing Aurore enter the box without Waylon knowing it. She had a thing for him and he wasn¡¯t playing. It made sense. The following, seeing her all over the place in his vicinity. Aurore was some lovesick stalker. And it didn¡¯t matter the reasons why or how long it had been going on. It was clear. Aurore wanted Waylon. Tinsley stayed around long enough to see Waylon enter the shroud of the box she knew Aurore was in and close the curtain around himself. Going back up top long enough to see Waylon pay off the table and leave with the Twi¡¯lek. She positioned herself at the bar and predictably saw Aurore run up the stairs all disheveled, looking for Waylon. Looking for the man all around the room and finding he left. Poor girl. -- Nar Shareef, Hutt combined casino/hotel #82¡­Waylon¡¯s Room¡­. The man had a penchant for ¡®trim¡¯. It was the only weakness she found in what he did. The gunslinger was careful, watchful and had an arsenal on him at all times. All of the things that made a target hard to follow, hard to track and hard to outright take down; Waylon was all over it. Obviously trained. Except for those drunken nights he ended up taking some random woman up to his room. Then the guard was down. Tinsley spent the last few nights tapping in and scanning the activity in Waylon¡¯s room by slicing the Hutt AI sensors throughout the hotel. She knew what was going on in there. Waylon¡¯s only weakness was going to be her biggest winfall. Sitting at the hover table, Tinsley made herself available. Watching him. They even locked eyes a couple of times. Trading smiles, Tinsley making it clear she was into whatever he was into. But he didn¡¯t make a move, preferring to drink instead and glance at his chrono. He was waiting on someone. Tinsely narrowed her eyes, discreetly looking at comm-scan. The tracker she placed on the Zeltron still put Aurore at her own domicile. It wasn¡¯t Aurore he was waiting on, though it could have been. Eventually, Waylon gave up, paying off his tab and retiring to his room. Paying her own tab, Tinsley unbuttoned the top button of the sheer, tight top she was wearing and made her way up the stairs toward Waylon¡¯s room. There was no way he was NOT going to let her in. Though she decided long before making that move she was not going to ask. Before waiting to strike and after seeing Waylon in action over the past few nights while slicing the feed to his room, Tinsley decided she was going to have a little fun. ¡®Perhaps¡¯ she thought, ¡®..I might even let him kriff me.¡¯Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. -- ¡°¡­What the ACTUAL kriff, Aurore?!?!¡± There was a lot of things that brought Aurore to that moment. The assassin¡¯s body still steaming from the blaster bolt as Aurore looked at Waylon. The man was quickly putting on his pants, still staring at the Zeltron angrily. The Zeltron narrowed her eyes. She knew why she did it. Even steeling herself to do it, although having to vomit for having done it due to the overload of emotion. But it wasn¡¯t the emotion of having to kill the assassin that had been on Waylon for weeks. It was how they got to that point and how Aurore found the two of them that had her so intense at that moment. Aurore shook her head and murmured to herself, ¡°Naw¡­un-uh¡­¡± Trying to convince herself of what she already knew. Jealousy, as painful as it was to a Zeltron was coursing through her. ¡°Get your shit, lets go¡­¡± Aurore turned, putting the blaster back in her holster as Waylon grabbed her arm snatching her back toward him. ¡°You¡¯re a kriffin¡¯ psycho, Aurore¡­you just killed her?!?! Why?!? The woman¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªsnuck in your room. Seduced you and was just about to stick this in your heart.¡± Snatching her arm out of his hand, Aurore approached the bed and rolled the lifeless body over. Reaching down, she picked up the assassin¡¯s arm and bent the lifeless wrist. It shimmered in the low light once Aurore angled it correctly. Glasselite Dagger. Thin, breakable inside of a target. Small enough to conceal and hide the wounds of whatever was struck. Something only a trained assassin could even hope to utilize or kill with. Aurore dropped the wrist and glared. ¡°¡­you know what? Kriff you, Waylon¡­if you had spent more time being aware of what was going on, Marstel wouldn¡¯t have had to put me on you like this. But he knew, just like I did¡­same ¡®ol Waylon. Still burying everything at the bottom of a bottle or in the arms of random women. You ain¡¯t never gonna change. He knew it and so did I.¡± ¡°Wait¡­what?!?! Marstel put you up to this?!?!¡± Waylon grit his teeth as he adjusted the gunbelt around his waist. Looking at the door, he wasn¡¯t surprised Cartel security hadn''t shown up at the sound of blaster shots. Another testament that Tinsely was indeed on the job. He glanced at the body of the beautiful assassin once again. ¡°I gonna kill him.¡± ¡°Kill yourself. You¡¯re a drunk and a kriffin¡¯ loser, Waylon¡­you know if you spent half as much time honing your skills as you did kriffin¡¯, you might be worth something. But you¡ªyou have NO idea what I had to do to keep you safe. NO IDEA. You are such a pathetic piece of shit.¡± Aurore''s mind flashed to the night at the casino and the ¡®hot box¡¯, she instantly felt bad for what she said. Deflecting her own feelings by lashing out at Waylon. Aurore knew she didn¡¯t mean it. But stormed out of the room anyway. Waylon close behind. ¡°So¡­I guess we¡¯re out of here. I can¡¯t believe he used me as bait.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a lot bigger than either of us. Though YOU would never have noticed. C¡¯mon¡­¡± -- Coruscant, Spaceport¡­. There was a lot of similarities between Chiss and Wroonians. Same blue skin, most of the Wroonian race had dark hair though they also had varied colors throughout the populace. Something Chiss did not. Cora was a rare one. Hair so dark it was purple. She lightened it to give it a shimmering effect. Lack of the glowing eyes also set Wroonians apart from the Chiss, but from a distance they all looked the same. Cora was thinking that as she spotted Alzir and walked up, stopping just short of being noticed. Still dressed in her formal uniform, she was officially on leave. It just seemed appropriate given that she was on Coruscant and meeting someone in a semi-official capacity. There was nothing she wouldn¡¯t do for Marstel. Which was the reason she agreed to meet with Alzir and the others who were arriving. Marstel had given them all a home when they didn¡¯t have one, kept them safe when others came looking for them. All of that felt like a lifetime ago. Back when things seemed to be so much simpler. And back when Cora and Murriel ran things together and were the best of friends. Cora sneered, there was a reason it felt like a lifetime ago. Murriel had changed. Or was it that Cora had changed? They had been angry at each other for so long Cora almost couldn¡¯t remember who started it first. All over one man. Trea¡¯vor. He was the real problem. But Cora was not going to just give up. Murriel didn¡¯t care about him, she just wanted to kriff him. Even though she insisted none of that was going on now; Cora had known Murriel for far too long to believe her. Murriel lied, she was born to lie. It was part of who she was. Looking up she saw Alzir help the other two with their luggage and look up, canting his head slightly as he caught Cora looking at them. He smiled. Who wouldn¡¯t? Cora was a rather beautiful woman. She cleared her throat and looked down to break the eye contact taking the few steps remaining to close the distance between herself and the three who were arriving. ¡°I¡¯m Cora.¡± The Chiss nodded at Alzir then gave a glance toward the other two, not bothering to stand on formality even though she was in her uniform. Her rich, deep melodic voice playing a lullaby that all of them smiled at. ¡°I figured.¡± Alzir smiled and stood upright extending a hand. ¡°Alzir.¡± Looking back at the other two ladies he gestured toward the first. ¡°This is¡ª¡± ¡°Deavon and" Cora looked at the other after greeting the Devaronian she knew as Deavon. "¡ªI¡¯m sorry your name; it¡¯s hard to pronounce¡ª¡± ¡°Rama¡¯dalla¡± The Twi¡¯lek like alien spoke in a light cheery voice, accompanied by a smile. Her big red eyes looking around as she stared in wonder at the huge starport and all of the people that moved to and fro. ¡°Rammdalla¡­.¡± Cora tried to repeat. After shaking Alzir¡¯s hand, she looked back at the other two again. Placing her hands behind her back to clench one wrist. Standing rather formally; surveying the three. ¡°I am to accompany Deavon and Rammdalla to the Government Annex. As an escort¡­they are expected. But having an official representative will make passing through security go a little smoother.¡± ¡°Yea.¡± Alzir picked up all the bags and started to walk, following the women out. It was the first time Cora noticed the man had a cybernetic appendage. It whined slightly at the weight; the other two looking at Cora as she started to lead them out. It dawned on Cora that Alzir also did not arrive with the other two, he merely met them like Cora did. Strange. She raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. All of the bags he was carrying were the other¡¯s luggage. ¡°I appreciate you doing this. I have no standing on Coruscant, just a visitor¡­like them.¡± ¡°Well hopefully¡ª¡± Deavon spoke for the first time. They all looked at the Devaronian as the words, rich and melodic flowed out and around them. Her voice didn¡¯t match her looks. Deavon was thin, but well proportioned. The voice sounded like that of a Chiss, with a slight lisp from the pointed teeth common in all Devaronians. But unlike the males, Deavon lacked horns. In their place, indentions where the horns should have been reflected in the light as she walked. ¡°¡ªwe won¡¯t be visitors much longer.¡± Deavon looked at Rama after speaking, the two sharing a smile. ¡°You understand the Republic holds no sway over the Jedi.¡± Cora began. ¡°They are considered their own entity within the Republic.¡± She detected a slight scowl from the Devaronian as she spoke. Deavon quickly hid the disdain and smiled again. ¡°Oh I understand quite well how the Jedi function.¡± They continued to walk making it to the speeder launch. Cora had been briefed by Marstel. Deavon, once a Sith Warleader within ¡®The Coalition¡¯ decided to switch sides after the decommission of the unit. Now both women were being brought before the Jedi for official recognition. What the Jedi would do, was anyone¡¯s guess. The Order was in turmoil as they continued to reconstruct after the War with the Eternal Empire. Right now, they needed all of the Jedi they could get. Alzir stopped, loading the bags into the back of Cora¡¯s conveyance and stepping back. Cora smiled viciously at his words, reaffirming what she thought about the Wroonian. He was already on Coruscant, only meeting the two women like she did and most likely at Marstel¡¯s behest. What Marstel had the Wroonian doing on Coruscant was anyone¡¯s guess. ¡°This is where I get off¡­¡± Alzir spoke, seeing Rama visibly frown as he stepped back allowing the three women to enter the speeder. ¡°¡­things to do, places to see¡­you know.¡± He winked at Cora. It made her uncomfortable, the Chiss looking down and away to pretend she didn¡¯t see him do it. The speeder set off as Alzir produced a comm link, smiling at the speeder as it faded into the distance. ¡±¡­they are off. Man¡­Cora, you should have told me.¡± <¡±¡­your¡¯a dog, Alzir¡­¡±> Marstel voice chimed back toward him. <¡±¡­I would stay away frum tha¡¯ one. Less¡¯ya wanna deal wif my brother. She¡¯s spoken fer.¡±> There was a pause as Alzir continued to watch the horizon. <¡±¡­git back on station buddy. There¡¯s been a development¡­may need ya fer sumthin¡¯ else.¡±> -- The long line of transports split up. Marstel switched the comm-link from talking to Alzir, back to frequency hopping the military channels. All ten transports were going ten different directions. Marstel punched the comm control as he spoke out loud, deciding to follow two that seemed to be going roughly the same way, but then split from one another as well. ¡°Karolin¡­¡± Marstel said loudly, one of the independent channels locked on Karolin¡¯s permanent comm link. ¡°¡­they got tha stuff. Have tha constables track ¡®em from space and intercept them ¡®fore they get to their rendezvous¡­I¡¯m on one now.¡± <¡°And Aurora¡­¡±> Karolin¡¯s voice replied, not the least bit surprised by the revelation that Aurora had attacked the facility or that she was on Coruscant. Marstel smiled to himself. ¡°I didn¡¯ ¡®ave ta. Grace got ¡®er¡­.¡± -- - Senate annex, Mirialan Senator¡¯s Suite¡­. They walked the long-carpeted hall. Aurora walked in front, her hands shackled with binders which she held loosely in front of her. Grace was watching her, eyes narrowed as they continued to make their way toward the suite. Looking back slightly, Aurora smiled as she continued moving. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter WHAT she says¡­you know I won¡¯t say anything.¡± Aurora spoke and Grace held her tongue, looking away slightly as they continued to march. Aurora¡¯s words having no effect. The Mirialan knew she couldn¡¯t escape. She didn¡¯t even try. It dawned on her that Grace was not supposed to be there. That perhaps her capture was supposed to be affected by Marstel himself. It didn¡¯t end up that way and most of what had been taken from the facility had been recaptured. Aurora knew, it was never about the generational technology she was reacquiring on behalf of her father. All of it was a set-up, just to get to her. Aurora poked her chest out a bit in pride and looked back again. ¡°You really are clueless, ¡®Grace¡¯¡­.that is what you¡¯re calling yourself now? To try and distinguish yourself from that insane sister of yours. We did think about recruiting her. But I talked my Father out of it. I told him that she wants to kill him more than I do.¡± Aurora laughed to herself. ¡°Then why do you aid him?¡± Grace asked softly. ¡°Because¡­¡± Aurora stopped and turned around. ¡°¡­it¡¯s a means to an end. You all took everything from me. Once I get it back, I have no more use for him.¡± Grace started to speak and Aurora smiled, interrupting her. Their minds still so close since their time in the mountains of Mirial together during Aurora¡¯s second trials. ¡°Oh, he knows. That is what you were going to ask, isn¡¯t it?¡± Laughing again at the unspoken question. ¡®That she wanted to kill him¡¯. Aurora narrowed her eyes, leaning in. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be this way, ¡®Sammantha¡¯¡­join me. I know what he did to you. I can feel how much you hate him. Come with me, we can kill him this minute¡­and then you and I can help reclaim Mirial and our rightful place in¡ª¡± ¡°You mean ¡®your¡¯ rightful place.¡± Grace interrupted Aurora in return. ¡°¡­I realize this will be difficult for you to believe, Aurora. But I do not hate you or your father. In fact, I love you both. So much, it hurts. That is why I tried to sacrifice myself in order to stave off what I knew he wanted to do to Mirial. I thought that if I could reach him, he would give up his quest for domination. I failed. But that doesn¡¯t mean I lost faith in either of you. Aurora, you are not like him. I know you¡­the real you. And as much as you try to hide from everyone else, you can not hide from me. You got what you deserved from the Elders, that¡­I cannot change. But you can change your destiny. For right now, you have none¡­except death.¡± They started walking again after Aurora turned with a sneer and started marching toward the door. Once they stopped, Aurora looked down slightly. She could feel Grace¡¯s eyes burning into the back of her neck. ¡°¡­tread lightly here, Aurora. I love you¡­¡± Grace spoke softly again as the door to the suite opened. ¡°¡­but those within this room, do not¡­¡± They marched into the suite, crossing the long expanse from the door to the red carpet emblazoned with the symbol for not only Mirial, but the De¡¯nabre family itself. Once within a few feet of the rather large technologically ornate desk, Aurora stopped and lifted her chin looking straight ahead. Around the desk, holo-screens swirled and spun. Information on everything Karolin was tracking within the Senate as well as pertaining to the ruse her and Marstel had constructed to ensnare Aurora. It was all part of a much larger plan. Already icons denoting the Coruscanti Security Services were intercepting and, in most cases, getting back the technology Aurora had stolen. Once Grace started to look at some of the holo-screens she realized all of it had been constructed from the beginning. And it started with her own father arranging for all of the technology to be placed in the care of the Republic. Karolin, Marstel and Caleb had been working together from the start. And Grace as well as Sam had been left out of the loop purposefully. Facing away, Karolin¡¯s chair spun around slowly. Marstel standing up from the private conversation he and Karolin were having away from the two as Aurora and Grace entered. Grace wanted to ask why. But she already knew why she and her sister had been left out of the loop. It was the same reason she was able to sense when Aurora was on Coruscant. That close tie the two shared would have given all of it away. Karolin and Marstel couldn¡¯t risk that. As if sensing that Grace had suddenly put all of it together, Karolin gave Grace a sympathetic smile before losing it entirely. Her red eyes burning into Aurora as she looked up at the other Mirialan. ¡°Your fate¡­¡± Karolin began speaking in a low and morose tone. ¡°¡­lies with me Aurora ¡®Karolin¡¯ De¡¯nabre¡­.¡± Waving her hand, the binders on Aurora¡¯s arms came off and dropped to the floor. ¡°I¡­am uninterested in you. Despite all that you¡¯ve done¡­¡± Reaching down, Karolin tapped the surface of her desk lightly. Screens emerged between Karolin and Aurora. Images of some of things the Republic had been tracking of the ¡®Ghost¡¯ who, on various worlds, wreaked havoc. A ''Ghost'' that Aurora created after her exile from Mirial. Killing important individuals on both sides of the conflict, stealing vital information, reforming the organization in hopes of what¡­? Karolin raised an eyebrow at the last revelation, steepling her fingers and leaning forward. ¡°¡­using your father to somehow reclaim your honor and title on Mirial?¡± Karolin sat back, crossing her legs lazily. ¡°That¡­.is never going to happen. You are a war criminal, Aurora. You and your father are banished from Mirial forev¡ª¡± ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡± Aurora spoke sharply. ¡°¡ªat least that¡¯s what everyone believes. Won¡¯t the Republic be surprised when they find out he¡¯s not? You and your siblings collective ¡®asses¡¯ will be in a sling." Marstel, standing behind Karolin''s chair visibly tensed as Aurora began her threat. "And all of this¡­¡± Aurora looked around the office. The trappings of a world trying desperately to rejoin the Republic after what Aurora and her Father did to have Mirial excommunicated from the Republic. ¡°¡­will be for nothing. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they impeach you from the Senate. But then, that would be the least of your worries wouldn¡¯t it, Cousin? You would have to return to Mirial and answer for the lies you and Mrysti have told. That you kept him alive, to torture and milk for information. That all of the technology you stole from us was the real reason you needed him. Oh, the Republic will be interested¡­they will be very interested.¡± ¡°YOU ALL STOLE THAT TECHNOLOGY TO BEGIN WITH!!!" Karolin was standing and slowly lowered herself back to her seat after the flash of anger. Clearing her throat, "Is that a threat? Are you threatening me, Aurora? The only reason you¡¯re here is because I deem it so. You think it was coincidence that I allowed it to leak that due to Mrysti''s absence I was ''relocating'' the family assets? I knew it would be too tempting for your father to pass up. You know better than to believe a word the man says. Believe what you want, whatever he told you is pure lies. Did we punish him..." Karolin gave a slight glance back toward Marstel. "...yes...torture...most definitely. But ''milk'' him for information. I didn''t. I can''t speak for Mrysti, she''s not here, nor will I try to justify any action she took. He was lucky she didn''t put him to the cross when we captured him. The only reason he still breathes air is standing behind you now." Karolin gestured at Grace, who put her head down shamefully. Karolin sat back and grimaced, steepling her fingers again. "And It was I who informed the Republic that we consider this an internal matter for Mirial. YOU are an internal matter for Mirial. Now you have more murders to answer for. You want your name and title back? You want to remove the marks on your person? This is not the way to do it¡­and certainly not by threatening me.¡± ¡°Kriff¡­you¡­¡± Aurora spoke softly, looking up and away. ¡°I want your father. That¡¯s all I want. You give him to me, I commute the death sentence. You can live the remainder of your life in a facility of your choosing.¡± Aurora looked down slowly again. ¡°Kriff¡­you¡­¡± During the exchange, Grace listened carefully. So many revelations. And in the Force, Grace could feel that Aurora actually believed what she said. That Karolin and Mrysti kept Telan¡¯dorr alive to milk him for the technology information. Not to punish him for everything that had been done to Mirial and to her. A bit of doubt started to creep in as Grace shifted uncomfortably. Mrysti was capable of what Aurora said, Grace knew that because she knew her Mother. Karolin shook her head and smiled wickedly, leaning back in the chair. She was about to speak, Marstel leaned in from his position behind Karolin. His arms crossed over themselves as he stared down the other Mirialan. They spoke in whispers until Karolin nodded finally, looking back to Aurora. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Aurora¡­you are not going to be able to live up to your threats.¡± Karolin sat back, steepling her fingers again. ¡°Last chance¡­where is your father?¡± ¡°Kriff¡­you¡­¡± Aurora looked at Marstel after saying the words to Karolin. ¡°And you¡­¡± Turning her head, she looked at Grace, ¡°¡­and you too, Cousin.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Karolin sat forward again, slapping her hands down on the surface of her desk. The images which had been playing out Aurora¡¯s history since her excommunication from Mirial came to a halt and disappeared. ¡°¡­then you leave me no choice.¡± Karolin looked back over her shoulder as Marstel came around the corner of the desk grabbing Aurora¡¯s arm. He grit his teeth at her. ¡°Resist¡­please¡­¡± The big Ratataki started to drag Aurora from the room as Grace jumped toward Karolin¡¯s desk, laying her hands on it. ¡°Aunt Karolin? What is he doing¡­¡± Karolin turned in her seat and looked away, activating several of the Senate screens once again. ¡°Karolin¡­I¡¯m talking to you. Where is he taking her?!?!¡± Karolin sneered as she turned and looked over at Grace slowly. ¡°To someone who can make her talk¡­someone who is an expert in these matters.¡± -- -- - Republic Government Annex, Reformed Jedi Council Chambers¡­.Coruscant¡­. From the outside, it looked like a normal government building. The outside betrayed the vastness of the interior. Once Cora escorted the two others through the security checkpoint, it opened up into a large vast chamber. Marble floors glared brightly from the skylights giving way to a very well kept and ornate circular chamber. Nothing what they expected going through the utilitarian security entrance, manned by Republic Troopers. Emblazoned on the floor, a symbol that looked like the signet of the Galactic Republic, a lightsaber the only change as it took center of the dark blue symbol which covered the entire length of the floor. They walked slowly and with purpose. Rama¡¯dalla looking around in wonder, her mouth slightly opened. The creases of a smile threatening to betray her excitement. Deavon, looked resolute. Like she entered the chambers of a mortal enemy. And for all intents and purposes, she had. Before Mrysti and Karolin¡¯s Coalition, Deavon would only have entered a chamber like this to either capture or kill Jedi. Cora continued on, their footfalls echoing loudly in the vast hall. A heat came over them, as if all of them had entered something holy and forbidden. They slowed as three robed figures, hoods shrouding their features began to approach from the opposite side. They slowed as the robed figure in the center stopped and removed his hood. A human male smiled and bowed slight as the three women came to a stop. ¡°Welcome Major Barku¡­and thank you for escorting our visitors.¡± Cora bowed slightly in response; the Jedi looking at the other two slightly behind Cora. ¡°Rama¡¯dalla¡­¡± The Jedi acknowledged the Twi¡¯lek like alien, turning his head toward Deavon. ¡°Sith Lord, Deavon Selexia¡­¡± Cora noticed the Jedi¡¯s voice changed slightly as he addressed Deavon, even though he kept the smile. Turning his eyes back toward Cora, he nodded. ¡°Thank you again, Major for bringing them to us. I realize this put you, General Alpha and the Senator in an awkward position. You understand our precautions, we are still restructuring the Order after so much unpleasantness.¡± Cora looked around the room, cracking a slight smile. The Jedi laughed slightly. ¡°Yes, I realize it¡¯s very ornate. Not our first choice and it would appear at first glance we are doing quite well. That couldn¡¯t be further from the truth.¡± His eyes turned back to the other two women. ¡°You both are most welcomed, the council is eager to hear from you.¡± They all started to step forward as the Jedi raised a hand toward Cora. ¡°I¡¯m afraid this is as far as you go, Major. I won¡¯t bother saying something as clich¨¦ as ¡®Jedi business¡¯¡­.but you understand.¡± ¡°Of course, Master Jedi¡­¡± Cora looked at the two accompanying her. ¡°I will wait for you both in the foyer.¡± Turning around, her footfalls started to fade back the way they all came. Flourishing his arm, the Jedi leading the other two allowed Deavon and Rama¡¯dalla to join them. ¡°If you would accompany us¡­.¡± -- Senate Annex, Office of the Mirialan Senator¡­.. Nearly everything was falling into place. Marstel was a lifesaver. There was no way Karolin could have coordinated any of it without his help. Yet, he had reservations on some level. Karolin stood by the large bay window looking out across galactic city as the comm unit in her hand chimed. <¡±¡­are you sure ¡®bout this?¡±> The voice chimed in without even saying hello. Karolin grimaced and nodded, even though Marstel couldn¡¯t see her replying in kind. ¡°Yes, Marstel. She has done enough damage to all of us to warrant this kind of treatment.¡± <¡±Ok¡­¡±> Marstel¡¯s voice had a tinge of reluctance to it as he replied. <¡±¡­I ain¡¯t questionin¡¯ ya motives ¡®ere. I kno¡¯ we need ta git ta Telan¡¯dorr fore he does wha¡¯eva else he¡¯s plannin¡¯. Ya jus¡¯ need ta kno¡¯ wha yur getting¡¯ inta ¡®ere. The ¡®guy¡¯ I¡¯m usin¡¯ es tha best at wha¡¯ he does. I trained him. You¡¯ll git yur information¡­buh, how far ya want me ta goh wif this?¡±> Karolin sneered to herself, opening her mouth to speak. She lowered her arm a moment taking time to think before raising the comm unit back to her mouth. ¡°All the way. Tell them to do what they have to. I want it all¡­.everything.¡± There was a long pause before Marstel replied. <¡°Ya got it.¡±> The comm unit clicked off without Marstel saying goodbye. A sign that he was troubled by how Karolin answered, even though he would never voice that to her. That was the depth of the trust between the two of them. Before Karolin could turn to her desk, Karolin released a sigh. Even before the holo-comm on her desk clicked on by itself, she already knew who was on the other end. Karolin dipped her head and closed her eyes before turning around. In a way steeling herself for what was to come, on all fronts. The blue haze of the transmission lit the surrounding desk area as she finally turned to see a robed figure standing there. She tried to smile brightly, a slight frown betraying her annoyance. ¡°Hello, Marcus¡­.¡± <¡±You know I wouldn¡¯t contact you like this unless it was official. They asked me to¡ª¡±> ¡°I know what they asked you to do, Marcus¡­¡± Karolin cut him off and moved to sit down. If it was going to be an official conversation, she was going to take an official seat. It was not surprising that the council asked Marcus to contact her. Though they didn¡¯t know the depths of their attachment; only Grandmaster Shan knew that; and she was no longer head of the council, they were most likely using their history as a basis for asking Marcus to contact her. <¡±They want you to reconsider.¡±> Karolin looked up sharply after Marcus spoke, looking directly at Marcus¡¯ image. <¡±And so do I. This is a dark path, Karolin. I realize that you are conducting yourself as Senator on your people¡¯s behalf, but you cannot have it both ways. You know that. Though there is nothing the Jedi can do about you taking that position, they want¡ª¡°> ¡°Oh, that¡¯s rich coming from you.¡± Karolin narrowed her eyes and glared at Marcus. She knew what the Council wanted. For her to step down as Senator in order to help the Jedi rebuild. Torn between two worlds, there was nothing the Jedi could do about Mirial asking one of their own; even a Jedi to serve in an official capacity. It was unheard of for a Jedi to be in a position of government authority. Marcus¡¯ image shifted uncomfortably. The comment about a ¡®dark path¡¯ making her smirk viciously. Marcus and Karolin had been an item from their earliest days at the Temple together. There was a time Marcus could have left everything for her and she for him. That time had passed. <¡±This is an open line¡±> Marcus reminded her. Not wanting to talk of anything intimate or revealing on a non-secure channel. ¡°You tell them I am not stepping down. I will be happy to help them anyway I can, even more so now that I am¡ª¡± Karolin stopped herself and looked up, an idea emblazoning in her mind. ¡°¡ªhow about those two who are arriving. My family is responsible for finding them anyway. Tell them I will be happy to look after them while they are undergoing training.¡± <¡±You have an apprentice.¡±> Just as Marcus spoke the door to Karolin¡¯s office opened and Jes walked in. Almost speaking of Jes caused her to appear. ¡°Jes¡­is no longer an apprentice. She has been elevated. And I wouldn¡¯t be Mastering them, call it a sponsorship. You know what Marcus¡ª¡± Karolin was getting annoyed as she sat up. ¡°¡ªcall it whatever you want. I don¡¯t have time right now.¡± Dipping lowly, Marcus bowed. <¡±As you wish¡­¡¯Senator¡¯. As always, WE serve the Republic.¡±> ''WE'' had a hidden meaning. When she looked up, Karolin noted a slight wink and a smile. She leaned forward so she could speak quietly. ¡°Marcus¡­you be careful out there. I mean it. Don¡¯t you die on me, understand?¡± <¡±Death has been chasing me since Coruscant. It hasn¡¯t caught me yet.¡±> He placed an open palm to his lips. They couldn¡¯t say ¡®I Love You''s¡¯ over an open channel and had been using the hand signal for as long as Karolin could remember. She mimicked the move as Marcus¡¯s image faded with the disconnection of the channel. ¡°Where is he?¡± Jes asked once she saw their conversation was over. Moving closer to Karolin, a datapad held out in her hand. ¡°He couldn¡¯t tell me.¡± Karolin said sadly. ¡°Marcus stayed on with the Mirialan Defense Forces after the war. He couldn¡¯t leave.¡± It wasn¡¯t entirely true, Karolin asked him to stay on Mirial after the Civil War. And Marcus agreed. Mostly due to his friend Caleb staying as well. Only Caleb didn¡¯t join the MDF, he stayed to help rebuild the Jedi Temple on Mirial. More to the point, to continue to train Iseult. No one liked that idea. Least of all Marcus, but especially Mrysti. Karolin looked up and smiled after watching the last of his image fade away. ¡°What do you have for me?¡± Jes¡¯ expression was not one of friendliness or joviality. She marched up to Karolin and handed her the datapad. Karolin looked down at it as it was handed to her. She sneered again and shook her head, looking at Jes after reading several lines. ¡°Where is he?¡± -- - Republic Government Annex, Reformed Jedi Council Chambers¡­.Coruscant¡­. The arc of chairs all had various shades of brown robed figures in them. Of all races and creeds. The chamber, well lit, with the same type of foreboding heat that both women felt when they entered the annex building and crossed the threshold into the Jedi Chambers. Both Rama and Deavon stood center stage, facing all of the chairs as they were introduced. Rama bowed slightly as did Deavon. Only Deavon did not take her eyes off the Jedi. Scrutinizing them as she stood back upright taking another moment to take in the room. Unlike the Dark Council chamber, the Jedi Council Chamber had a brightness to it that Deavon couldn¡¯t get past, but the same feeling of pressure she got standing on the other side of those seated like the Dark Council Chamber. She was beginning to think she made a mistake. ¡°No, you haven¡¯t¡­¡± A Jedi sitting center among them all stood and smiled, lowering his hood to answer the doubt he could feel from the Devaronian. ¡°¡­it¡¯s not the Dark Council chambers on Korriban, but it definitely has a similar feel to those who are forced to stand before us. Forced¡­it¡¯s such a strong word. We asked you to come because we wish to gather as many Force Using humanoids back into the fold as we can. Those willing to work with us and for the light. And though the war against the Eternal Empire is over and with that, your duty to those you once served with; lines have been drawn again.¡± Deavon started to speak and the Jedi raised a hand. ¡°You have reservations¡­.as do we. Not all of us are convinced that so many who are not trained by the Jedi or have not spent time learning the ways would be of any use to us.¡± The Jedi looked around at the other Jedi seated and smiled. ¡°These are questions we have had to consider of late. You are not the first to stand here in this capacity and you certainly won¡¯t be the last. The war¡­renewed conflict has caused us to ¡®rethink¡¯ our way of bringing those who wish it, back to the light.¡± The Jedi Master narrowed his eyes. ¡°Even¡­.a Sith.¡± ¡°I am a Sith.¡± Deavon stated plainly. ¡°I took this meeting to reaffirm my commitment to not only the Republic, but to fight against the Sith if need be. My time among the Jedi has made me ¡®rethink¡¯ my prior conceptions.¡± Rama stood silently as Deavon spoke. Looking rather shy at all the talk of war and the Sith. She was found in slavery, not having any preconceptions about Jedi or Sith. But the discussion was not directed at her for the moment. Deavon¡¯s words made a few of the Jedi seated glance at one another. By stating that she was Sith, Deavon was saying she didn¡¯t think there was anything that the Jedi could teach her about the Force. But she also wanted to let them know she was not going to fight them. ¡°We understand, Deavon. And ordinarily, you would be placed somewhere within the Order to integrate you well away from war or the Sith.¡± The Jedi Master could feel her thoughts and her emotions and knew what she was thinking. Her statement gave the rest of it away. ¡°You may think you have nothing to learn from us, but you couldn¡¯t be more wrong. Unlike the Sith, we do not view the Force as a servant. WE are its servants. And in order to become one with not only the Force and the light, you must first become one with yourself. That path requires the tutelage of a Master schooled in the art of changing one¡¯s heart. You have already taken the first step in that regard; we can take you the rest of the way.¡± The Jedi frowned as he looked at the others around him before looking back up. ¡°Unfortunately, we don¡¯t have that kind of time.¡± Deavon raised an eyebrow at the revelation. Before he continued, he looked at Rama¡¯dalla. ¡°Forgive me for disregarding you for the moment Rama¡¯dalla, I realize your knowledge of the Force differs from that of your friend here. And I would like to afford you the opportunity to learn more if you wish. You WILL be given the opportunity to work under an integration Master as I mentioned before. However, with the war on¡­I¡¯m afraid we are short of skilled Masters in that regard. Integration training at an advanced age takes a Master skilled in the art of reaching those who have already made their minds up about a great many things.¡± ¡°That explains your affinity for children.¡± Deavon stated the fact with a smirk on her face. ¡°No disrespect intended. It just seems odd to a Sith, we force all to integrate, regardless of age. Forgive me for questioning your words....¡± Deavon said reluctantly. ¡°....I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t understand. We both came here prepared to give ourselves to the Jedi, no matter what happens.¡± She looked over at Rama who looked almost as confused as she did. All of those seated stood and looked out toward Deavon and Rama¡¯dalla. ¡°You will be Jedi in name only. Your training will come later, we will see to it personally, just as we will see to all those who return or turn away from the Sith following our conflict with the Eternal Empire. But for now¡­think of yourselves as ¡®privateers¡¯. Commissioned by the Jedi to act in ours and the Republic¡¯s best interest. Since Master De¡¯nabre sent you to us, she will be responsible for making sure you adhere to the principles of the Republic. Until such time as we can remove you from the fray and have you segregated appropriately. Master De¡¯nabre is not skilled in our techniques of integration, but she is a ¡®Master¡¯ of controlling emotions.¡± They all looked at one another, a few of the Jedi Masters looking down after the statement. All of the Jedi started to file out, the one speaking remaining as the two looked at one another. ¡°Privateers?¡± Deavon asked the remaining Jedi once the others disappeared. ¡°Yes. It seems appropriate as any other word. Not fully a Jedi, yet not exactly powerless.¡± The Jedi lost the smile, rounding the arc shaped table to stand before them. ¡°Both the Sith and the Jedi were hurt badly after our war with the Eternal Empire. Believe it or not, the Sith much worse than we are¡­though our numbers are still scattered terribly. We need as many Jedi as we can get in order to maintain peace and stability in not only the galaxy, but the Force. I can¡¯t ask you to act and conduct yourselves as Jedi¡­¡± He looked at Rama and smiled, ¡°¡­or to fully understand what the Force means to us. Philosophy does not win wars, nor keep a Jedi alive at the tip of a Sith saber. But the both of you are skilled enough to act in the Republic¡¯s best interest and help us rebuild the Order. Every person counts¡­some of us lost sight of that before. But everyone¡­Sith or Jedi are important in the grand scheme. And that means the two of you as well. Age, skill, commitment¡­all of these are factors. But none of it will help us navigate this conflict if we don¡¯t do something to ensure our survival.¡± Smiling kindly once again, he left the room and the two standing there. -- -- Coruscant, Ground Level ¨C Red Zone Access point to Upper Levels. What WOULD a lowly government servant like Mr. Gent be doing on the ground level of Coruscant, where only the most unsavory people decided to live? Some would say it was pure economics. The higher in social status you were, the higher you lived. Ground level was where those who had no social status decided to stay on the city planet. Karolin smirked as she got off the sky tram and stepped out into the stale colder air of the ground level. It was dank, smelled like the inside of a shoe. Government services which kept things cleaner higher up existed in limited capacity down there. It always seemed to be darker and with good reason. The higher levels of the planet darkened everything down below. Neo-signs and holo-ads lit the way as she moved across the damp street and toward the red zone access point. Karolin took out the datapad to look at the information once again. She blended. Having changed her clothes to look more like a street-worker or night-club go¡¯er. Holding the datapad in one hand, she flicked the ash off a cigarra held loosely in the other hand. Smoke ebbing up and around her arm as she brought it up to take another drag, tilting her head back to eject a jet of green hazy smoke from her lungs. Karolin¡¯s brow crunched again as she read the information Jes brought her. The test of loyalty for Mr. Gent had been placed before him and he failed. Not surprising. Karolin wasn¡¯t paying him nearly the amount those who were trying to sabotage her were. It was time to deal with Mr. Gent. Perhaps another test was in order: <<¡­Holo-net TRANSCRIPT - LOCATION: Senate Annex ¨C Administrative Section¡­>> <> <> Shaking her head, Karolin grimaced. Dropping the cigarra, she crushed it underfoot without missing a step, increasing her pace to make the meeting time. Once she reached the end of the walk and it opened up into a large red painted area, Karolin slowed enough to get a good look at the access point. In contrast to the rest of the underground, the Red Zone looked pristine. Like it was plucked from Coruscant proper and placed in the underground as a reminder of what those who lived down below were missing. Guards stood outside the access point, checking scan-docs and allowing those who had a need to go through, passage. Karolin approached and before she was stopped, pulled a specially colored ID from her belt flashing it at the guard in front. He quickly moved aside, snapping to attention as the rail opened. ¡°Good Afternoon, Senator¡­¡± The man¡¯s voice sounded distorted through the vocabulator of his helmet. Karolin slipped the ID back in her belt and passed without missing a step. Her head and eyes low as she looked for Mr. Gent. -- Nervously, Gent rounded the corner from the other side of the access point. The Red Zone was a long wide passage, filled with all manner of administrative check stations. They looked more like clean store fronts, everything from medical vaccinations to clothing that allowed one to transfer from underground to the higher levels above. Many years before, a sickness broke out across Coruscant which originated with someone traveling from the lower levels to the upper. Since that time, the ground level and underground were treated as almost another planet. People had to basically got through customs to access the rest of Coruscant from the ground level. Another reason for the underground¡¯s nefarious reputation. Gent stopped cold as he rounded the next corner. Karolin stood, leaning against the wall. One leg propped up, a freshly lit cigarra in one hand with the datapad she carried with her in the other. Gent was about to pretend he didn¡¯t see her, as she slowly looked over. Gent was going to be late for his meeting. ¡°Going somewhere, Gent?¡± Karolin said sharply. Lifting the cigarra to her ample red lips to take a drag as she watched him. The man¡¯s head slumped, as did his shoulders. He did indeed underestimate Karolin. Slowly, he moved in next to her and looked down. Karolin continued to look between Gent and the datapad she held loosely. ¡°Care to explain this?¡± Tossing the datapad at Gent, she took another drag from the cigarra. Gent read slowly. Not because he was daft. As he read his mind raced on all manner of what to say. He knew what the transcript said, he didn¡¯t even need to read it. Gent was busted and he knew it, trying desperately to figure a way out. Karolin knew the tactic, had seen it many times before. Snatching the datapad out of his hands, she held it loosely at her side and glared. ¡°Are you going to kill me?¡± Gent said nervously. Karolin sneered, her lips curling into a wicked smile. ¡°Now¡­why would I do that, Gent? You are so much more valuable to me alive. YOU are going to make your meeting and after you do report to me. You and those who employ you fell into my trap accidentally, but we should make use of it.¡± Gent opened his mouth to speak; Karolin quickly cut him off. ¡°No manner of excuses are going to get you out of this, Gent. You are playing a whole different game now. One you put yourself in and one I have been playing most of my life, even before the Senate. This is a level you are not ready for, but no matter.¡± Karolin pushed off the wall, turning to look back at Gent. The wicked smile got broader. ¡°What am I supposed to do?¡± He asked reluctantly. ¡°Act normally, continue to betray me¡­as you¡¯ve been doing.¡± There was a bit of humor in Karolin¡¯s voice as she narrowed her eyes. ¡°Do you even know who is at the end of this chain? Who it is, who enlisted you; are really working for?¡± Gent shook his head. ¡°Then let me enlighten you¡­¡± Karolin took a step back toward the man. Karolin was much shorter than Gent or ordinarily anyone she encountered. Gent took a step back nonetheless. ¡°¡­the same ones who tried to steal the technology you reported on. The same ones who delivered my cousin to me this very day¡­and the same ones that have me working toward making Mirial a member of the Republic again.¡± ¡°Senator, I-I¡¯m sorry¡ªI never meant to hurt anyone. You were new and I saw it as¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªa way to advance yourself.¡± Karolin said softly. ¡°I understand. It doesn¡¯t make it right, but understandable. You have no idea what you¡¯ve gotten yourself into here, Gent. When I say this is a whole different level of the game, I wasn¡¯t kidding. Things happen at this level you¡¯ve only imagined in your worst nightmares. The kind of things that are happening to my cousin right now.¡± Karolin¡¯s eyes widened as she smiled viciously. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right¡­my own cousin. In this game the winner gets it all and the loser gets disintegrated.¡± Karolin turned again and started off. Before she got too far, she turned back. ¡°So, don¡¯t get killed. And don¡¯t let them know you got caught. Should be easy for you¡­you¡¯re an accomplished liar.¡± Losing the smile, Karolin pointed at Gent, a smoking cigarra giving her hand an almost lethal appearance. ¡°Don¡¯t kriff this up, Gent¡­I want those who employed you. Names, dates¡­.times. I want it all.¡± Gent yelled as Karolin turned, plopping the cigarra back in her mouth. A cloud of smoke following her out. ¡°What then?!?! What do I¡ª¡± ¡°You leave that to me. You get me the names, I will take care of the rest¡­.¡± -- - Surface Level, Coruscant¡­Underground Domiciles¡­ The door to the derelict looking apartment slid open. Marstel shoved Aurora inside the darkened foyer; the door sliding shut behind them. ¡°You do whatever you want to me¡­I will never tell any of you anything. Do you think I¡¯m that stupid?!?! It¡¯s the only leverage I have¡­¡± Aurora spit out snidely. Marstel said nothing, grabbing Aurora by the arm and shoving her into the next room. It was dimly lit. Aurora could just make out the equipment which hung in odd angles. Hoses and pipping hung down from the ceiling as a bubbling sound came from a tank somewhere else in the room. A man was seated on a stool. Bent over, working on something. Marstel cleared his throat and the man sat up, turning around sharply to look at Marstel and then Aurora. She couldn¡¯t make him out until he got up and walked into the light. Blue skin, he looked like a Chiss, but with strange black tattoos on his face and neck. No glowing eyes. He definitely wasn¡¯t a Chiss. ¡°Alzir¡­¡± Marstel spoke gruffly. ¡°¡­this her?¡± Alzir looked Aurora up and down before Marstel shoved her toward him. Alzir caught her, holding her by the arms, looking her over. ¡°Try anything Force related¡­you will regret it.¡± After speaking to her, Alzir looked at Marstel and nodded. ¡°Took some doing, but I got it all here. You want to inspect it?¡± Marstel shook his head. ¡°No. The others ¡®r on tha way. I¡¯m sendin¡¯ them on without ya. This is priority now. This and that otha¡¯ thing¡­¡± They were purposefully being evasive with Aurora in the room. She looked from one man to the other and smiled wickedly. ¡°Amateurs¡­both of you.¡± Marstel and Alzir looked at one another and tried to stifle a laugh. Ending up smiling at one another broadly. They ignored her comment for the moment and nodded to one another again. ¡°I take it you¡¯re gonna look in on tha¡¯ Senator then¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªyea, least till ya¡¯ git wha¡¯ ya need frum this one.¡± Marstel thumbed toward Aurora. ¡°Won¡¯t take long.¡± Alzir smiled at the comment looking Aurora up and down again. ¡°This one¡­nah. She¡¯s gonna be fun¡­level two, maybe¡­¡± ¡°You both can talk around me all you want. This is nothing more than¡ª¡± The lights started to come up and Aurora got her first look at the various pieces of equipment in the room. Descending arms connected to a circular array which was haphazardly bolted into the ceiling. A medical like apparatus and chair, usually used for delicate procedures sat below the robotic arms, bolted to the floor. Straps and clamps hung off the side of the chair catching bits of the antiseptic lighting. Monitors and bottles hung on stands close to the chair. But what really caught Aurora¡¯s attention was the large chest which had a table attached to the surface and the implements; which Aurora could not count, arrayed across their surface. Her eyes got wide. She snatched her arms out of Alzir¡¯s grasp and launched a hand out, sending him flying across the room in the Force. Turning to face Marstel, she caught the back of his hand right across her face. Instantly knocking her unconscious. Leaning down, the large Ratataki scooped her up into his arms, waiting for Alzir to pick himself up off the floor. Rubbing his head, Alzir smiled looking at Marstel. ¡°Well, we got that out of the way.¡± Alzir said with a bit of humor. ¡°Too dramatic?¡± ¡°Maybe a little¡­¡± Marstel replied, looking down at Aurora and then back up again. ¡°Help me get her in the chair.¡± Marstel moved to the surgical chair laying Aurora down softly as they stretched her arms and legs, strapping her in. Alzir scrunched his brow and looked up as they worked. ¡°How far you want me to go with this?¡± Marstel stopped and looked up, his face saying everything before he actually answered. ¡°Damn¡­I love that woman.¡± Alzir smiled broadly in speaking of Karolin. ¡°She wants it all?¡± ¡°Evr¡¯y lass bit¡­¡± Marstel said sadly. ¡°I tried ta talk ta ¡®er ¡®bout it, but you know Karolin¡­¡± Since the day of the battle in front of the Temple of Sacrifice on Yavin IV, Alzir made it his life''s mission to know everything he could about Karolin. From the moment he saw her face, the first face after opening his eyes following the battle, he was attached to her. Not simply because she saved his life, but because she was intriguing as a Jedi. Unlike any Jedi he ever met and more like a Sith. But gentle and light, in a seductive, sticky kind of way. No one lit his engines like Karolin did, for years he had been trying to get closer to her. Both went back to strapping Aurora in the chair, Alzir looking up at the blonde Mirialan. ¡°There¡¯s a lot a anger there. This one destroyed their home¡­tore tha family apart, nearly conquered the planet. Karolin took that personally. I don¡¯ blame ¡®er. ¡®Just doin¡¯ wha¡¯ daddy says¡¯ ain¡¯t a good enough excuse¡­she¡¯s responsible.¡± Sneering Marstel nodded, finishing up as he stood and looked down at Aurora again. He shook his head. ¡°She reminds me ¡®a Sam¡­.¡± Marstel said sadly. ¡°¡­under all tha¡¯, whateva she is¡­there¡¯s an innocence there.¡± Marstel narrowed his eyes and gazed at Alzir. ¡°Use that. Karolin wants it all. Get it¡­an¡¯ less be done with all ¡®a this.¡± Turning, Marstel started to leave the room and Aurora in Alzir¡¯s capable hands. The Wroonian speaking up before Marstel could get out of the door. ¡°She¡¯s not gonna be the same after this¡­you know that?¡± Marstel stopped and turned back. ¡°You make sure Karolin knows that. And one last thing¡­she can never know ¡®I¡¯ was the one who did this. I don¡¯t want Karolin ever looking at me that way.¡± 10 - Discovery -- - Corellia, Column Controlled, Orbital Skyhook¡­. ''The Circle¡¯ skyhook had everything Cypher needed to work her magic. A room designed with wall to ceiling holo-graphic projectors. Another room, hydro-cooled with the same unit used on large scale starships was filled with server banks and data storage. Most of it had shadow capability. Meaning it ghosted the entire holo-net saving data based on whatever parameters Cypher placed in the engine. In the center, ''a fountain''; not comprised of water or liquid; though it often flowed like a liquid. A tremendous projector that served as a release valve for the massive data flow which passed through interconnecting conduits between the data room and the holo room. Cypher was more powerful than she ever been within the holo-net thanks to The Column, but more importantly thanks to Ajax. The combined resources of ''The Circle'' and the Column made her near omnipotent in the ways of data and holo-net technology. Thanks to the Column¡¯s algorithm when something didn¡¯t quite add up or fit into the current level of technology or the parameters she set to search for, it stuck out. The Column equation was able to track those trying to hide that kind of data because it always left a trace. It started with very minor reallocation protocols. Logistic trains that showed the possession and movement from Mirial to secure sites on various Republic core worlds. Coruscant was the primary destination. But there were also shipments to Corellia, Commenor and various uninhabitable facilities within the sector. Droid controlled. Another level of protection from hands on theft. But that kind of security didn¡¯t prevent slicing. Tracking it was easy and something she was asked to do by both Karolin and Marstel. Already having the inventory, she tagged things with key words and algorithms. Then something strange happened. Some of the tech or its associated programming started showing hits outside of scheduled logistical routes. Different, but definitely associated with the tech coming out of Mirial. Inquiries for normal materials to companies once associated with the Organization. Anyone just looking at normal ebb and flow of shipping manifest would have seen nothing. But when the key words started to overlay the tech she was tracking it was clear. Some of the tech coming out of the De''nabre Stronghold was already out in the wild. Reconstructed. Not complete like the whole tech items being shipped. Cypher was confused, it made no sense. If Karolin and Marstel set the whole thing up to try and trap those who would steal the very technology they were using as bait, how was some of it already out and about? Cypher started following it long before she sent an alert. She needed to make sure. Already a master of tech and information, what Cypher lacked was practical experience and application. Cypher got all of that and then some among the varied beings associated with Marstel and the Column. Stories about the Sith, Jedi, Imperial Agents, Commandos and Mandalorian were all very real for her now. And all of that experience made all of what was once just trillions of teraquads of information suddenly make sense. Improving her, improving how she saw and utilized all of it. Inserting a tricrystal synthdisk, Cypher downloaded all of the information and schematics for the tech which somehow escaped the vaults of the De''nabre. Not really sure what she had. She was not a scientist or even a Cybertech. Smarter people than her installed the augments and systems within Cypher that made her capable of doing what she did with Holo technology and the holo net. It wasn¡¯t until she started reading it, absorbing the information that she realized at least one facet of the Generational Mirialan technology the De''nabre were safeguarding on Mirial. Her eyes lit up; Cypher¡¯s mouth dropped open. It wasn¡¯t designed for the layman, but several key words jumped out and slapped her. Words like ''resurrection'' and ''download''. The schematic for something called a ''Soul Catcher''. Alien script she didn¡¯t even recognize. It was not something of this galaxy, but beyond it. Definitely something the Generational Mirialans could have brought back with them. Translation protocols ran script in her mind as she tried to decipher the code. Things started clicking into place. Not all of it, but enough. Humanoids are not meant to live forever. Religion aside, the one life was all they were given, no matter what that individual races longevity was; no humanoid should be able to amass that level of power by living forever. Cypher was fairly convinced, that was what she stumbled onto. Information and it¡¯s manipulation was her forte. Not tech. And this was something beyond her capabilities to understand. V''ictoria came to mind. The thought occurred to her to reach out, set something up and have the good Doctor take look at it. But the others, especially Marstel and more importantly everyone else after the whole Inferno affair, didn¡¯t trust her. Cypher looked at the datachit again, the schematics were for something implanted. And what she needed was a Cybertech. Someone off the grid. Someone she could trust, but who also wouldn¡¯t be put into danger by her suddenly showing up. She smiled viciously as a thought came to mind. Picking up the comm unit, Cypher started texting a message on one of her gaming forums. A private message directly to another player. <¡­Colossus¡­.this is Dream girl. How you been¡­.> -- - Surface Level, Coruscant¡­Underground Domiciles¡­ Aurora jerked her arm first, looking around frantically. Bright lights from overhead blinded her, she couldn¡¯t see past them. After jerking her arms and legs again she screamed out in rage. Then slowly closed her eyes to try and channel the Force in order to release the bonds which held her to the chair. She found her mind scrambled, sped up in a way that would not let her concentrate. Alzir let her struggle and thrash about for a while, allowing her to come to the conclusion herself that she was not getting out before he spoke. Standing up from the rolling stool close to her as she jerked one last time, Aurora was looking toward the direction of the sound of wheels on the rolling seat. ¡°¡­Aurora¡­¡¯Karolin¡¯¡­is that right, ¡®Karolin¡¯¡­you share that name?¡± ¡°..it¡¯s a family name, asshole!!¡± Aurora grit her teeth and looked around as she responded, still jerking the arm of the chair, trying to get free. ¡°¡­well, Aurora Karolin¡­I wanted to allow you to come to the conclusion yourself, but you seem feisty. Please, keep struggling. It makes the elixir and substances I¡¯ve already put in you work so much faster.¡± ¡°The Unity is my ally, jerk¡­I¡¯m impervious to¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªyes, that¡¯s why I have you on a constant drip. Eventually, my drugs are going to overcome your Unity.¡± Alzir turned back sharply from his work at the tool table, looking at Aurora curiously. ¡°Unity? I was told you were NOT a believer¡­that you kind of ¡®swore off¡¯ your faith when they kicked you off the planet.¡± ¡°Excommunicated, dipshit!!!¡± ¡°Ewww, that mouth on you?!?¡± Alzir laughed, turning back around. ¡°Before we begin, you should know¡­I have no conscious. Part of the ¡®gift¡¯ of my people. We are all a very selfish, self-serving, vain race¡­makes for great Soldiers, in that we strive to increase our own personal reputations with great acts. The Empire loved us in that regard, back when I served with them. In my case thanks to the Empire I strive for even greater acts to increase my personal reputation. No conscious and no moral balance what-so-ever. This isn¡¯t personal Aurora, never personal¡­.¡± Alzir turned around again. Aurora could only see the movement past the light, not the man. ¡°That¡¯s doesn¡¯t mean, I am unfeeling. I have lots of feelings. I just don¡¯t allow them to affect my work.¡± ¡°Make a point, shithead!!!¡± Gritting his teeth, Alzir snapped forward grabbing Aurora by the jaw and looking down at her. His face blocking out the light, but causing Aurora to see more of an outline eclipse of the man. The bright light cascading behind him making him look like a dark shadow. Squeezing the sides of her jaw, Alzir grimaced. ¡°The point¡­is this. Nothing you say or do is going to make me stop until you give me what I want. More to the point, what Karolin wants. She, asked for this. Asked for me to DO all of this. And I am prepared to do whatever it takes to get you to tell us what we want to know. And¡­just for the record. I really want to impress her, even though she will never know it was me. I am¡­in love with your cousin¡­have been since the day she saved my life.¡± Alzir slung the head away and stepped back out of the light. He raised the cybernetic arm and flexed the mechanical fingers of it with a slight whine. ¡°She couldn¡¯t save my arm, but she stopped me from bleeding out. It¡¯s not bad¡­I have no regrets. Allowed me to meet her.¡± Alzir turned back around. The rattle of tools sounding as he rummaged on the table next to Aurora. ¡°I am so happy for you!!!¡± Aurora jerked her arms up again. ¡°Kriff you!!! AND kriff her!!!¡± Aurora screamed out and continued to just scream for a few moments, until Alzir didn¡¯t respond and she calmed down again. He turned back. ¡°No one cares down here. People scream all the time in the underground." Giving a slight wink and a smile, Alzir nodded toward Aurora adressing the curses the Mirialan hurled his way. "We¡¯ll get to that¡­but only if you ask me to, which you will. The kriffing part I mean.¡± Alzir said softly. Aurora stopped struggling to try and look at Alzir though the light. A humorous look on her face. ¡°In your dreams, dipwad!!!¡± She jerked up on the bindings again, they whined under the strain. Aurora was quite strong. ¡°I¡¯m not telling you anything, I¡¯m not¡ª¡± Alzir¡¯s laughter cut her off. He turned and gave an oblivious look. ¡°¡ªbut you already have. You think you are just waking up?!?! This is the third time you¡¯ve been under and woke to believe you are waking for the first time. Remarkable drug, Deatallin¡­memory and emotion. The Zeltrons made this as a pleasure drug, did you know that?!?! They didn¡¯t want some of those who partook of the ¡®eccentricities¡¯ of Zeltros giving away ALL of their secrets.¡± Alzir placed a finger to his mouth and looked up smiling. ¡°How did they invent this? Or anything for that matter? The Zeltrons don¡¯t work¡­how do they do anything?!?¡± He shrugged taking a step toward Aurora. ¡°Nerfshit!!¡± Aurora screamed. ¡°You¡¯re lying, trying to get me to believe¡ª¡± Alzir froze his movement and sagged, looking down at the Mirialan. ¡°¡­so how is your sister? Iseult, I believe you said her name was? Kriffing a Jedi. AND not just any Jedi, but the consort of the Damn ¡®Hammer of the Empire¡¯. That guy lives dangerously, let me tell you.¡± Alzir laughed at himself. ¡°You see her again after that little meeting on Tatooine?¡± Aurora¡¯s eyes got wide, her mouth dropping open as Alzir smiled. ¡°¡­oh, I know all kinds of things.¡± ¡°Yo-you could have gotten that from security. I was followed, I¡ª¡± ¡°¡­and how many times did you just hide under your pillow when your father did those things to her? I think you said¡ª¡®everytime¡¯?¡± Aurora¡¯s head snapped to the side at those words, looking straight at the image of Alzir through the light. ¡°You know the more I hear about this ¡®Telan¡¯dorr'', the more I want to kick his ass. Not just on your behalf, but just because he sounds like the kind of asshole that needs a good curb-stompin¡¯¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s no way, I couldn¡¯t have possibly told you¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªmuch more than that. You are¡­an open book, Aurora. I know all kinds of things about you. Fascinating stuff. And the more I learn¡­¡± Alzir released a sigh and a bright smile. ¡°¡­.the more I like you. NO, really. I really, really do. All of you are extraordinary women. And trust me when I tell you, I KNOW women.¡± He paused, pulling the stool from behind himself to sit down. Leaning in to get close to Aurora¡¯s face, he smiled. ¡°But what I really want to know is¡­WHERE is your father?!?!¡± -- Laughing lazily, Aurora¡¯s head lulled to the side. She smiled just as lazily, Alzir rolling up beside her brushing the hair out of her face. Under once again, Alzir looked at one of the monitors calculating the drug intake for what was the fifth iteration. She pursed her lips, blowing upward ending in laughter. Trying to help him in moving her hair out of her face. But it was sweaty. The moisture on her face making some the errand blonde hair stick. He brushed again and then flexed his fingers out gathering some of it up to lay it out beside her head. Aurora shook her head side to side violently laughing as Alzir rolled back a few feet. She stopped, locking eyes on him. The lights were much lower, she could actually see him even if it was through some kind of pink haze. ¡°I feel funny¡­¡± Aurora laughed again. ¡°¡­you look funny.¡± And again, mad laughter. She stopped abruptly, trying to move her hand again, finding it was still bound. ¡°Haahhahhaha¡­I¡¯m strapped into this chair.¡± Aurora laughed again. ¡°Yes, yes you are¡­.I told you that a moment ago.¡± ¡°I forgot¡­why am I strapped in?¡± Aurora asked drunkenly. ¡°I told you that too. You are a dangerous person, Aurora. And you are strapped to my chair for yours and my protection¡­¡± Laughing again, Aurora moved her head up and trashed it wildly back against the head rest before allowing her eyes to settle on Alzir again. ¡°I¡¯m not dangerous¡­nonononononono¡­I¡­am a princess. A CAPTAIN¡­.did you know I am a princess? My daddy told me I was a¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªprincess, yes we established that. He protected you, safeguarded you. Is that why you won¡¯t tell me where he is?¡± Narrowing her eyes, Aurora seemed to ponder the question. Eventually skipping over it entirely. ¡°I was jealous¡­he spent so much time with Iseult. They had¡­a ¡®special¡¯ relationship.¡± Aurora giggled and rolled her eyes. ¡°Yes¡­I know about that. Did you want that relationship, Aurora?¡± ¡°No, nonononono¡­.it made her grow up WAY too fast. She was a woman Loooooooong before I was.¡± The Mirialan grit her teeth, turning instantly angry. ¡°We just thought¡­or I did¡­that THAT was the way things were supposed to be. After he killed our mother, one of us had to do it. HAD TO. He was a man. Men have needs. NEEDS.¡± Aurora smiled drunkenly and paused. ¡°¡­she still is. GROWN. More than me. She got¡­a boyfriend.¡± Aurora giggled and looked away, her head snapping back just as she did. ¡°HEY!!! Do you¡­want to be my boyfriend!?! You could teach me. I used to watch¡­I know what to do!!!¡± Aurora laughed madly and thrashed her head backward again, screaming out; turning angry. ¡°I HATE THIS!!!! Release me!!!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t Aurora¡­you won¡¯t tell me what I need to know. I may have to take more drastic measures if you keep these secrets.¡± ¡°Secrets!?!¡± Aurora whispered to herself and looked straight up, her voice barely audible. ¡°I have all kinds of secrets¡­¡± His brow twisting questioningly, Alzir rolled closer to Aurora looking down at her face. ¡°Yes¡­do you want to tell me some?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She said again quietly. -- ¡°¡­.and then I killed both of them!!!¡± Aurora finished speaking and laughed, looking over drunkenly. ¡°One was kinda cute. Made my stomach roll into knots¡­.warm, fuzzy¡­.¡± Aurora looked up again. She had been talking for hours. The doses getting higher and higher as she thrashed and sweat her way through telling all kinds of secrets, but nothing pertaining to the location of her father. She looked over at Alzir again. ¡°You-You¡¯re cute too¡­all warm and¡­fuzzy¡­.¡± Her head rolled back straight as she looked up into the light. ¡°I wanna¡­have someone like tha¡¯¡­I never¡­.¡± Her eyes closed, tears streaming out of both sides as she fell back into unconsciousness. ¡°Nuh¡ªno one¡­.loves me¡­.¡± -- ¡°¡­I¡¯m at level five on this chem, Marstel¡­¡± Alzir spoke quietly as Aurora came to again, looking up and across the room to see Alzir speaking to a holo-unit he held in his hand. <¡±¡­she doesn¡¯t care. I toll ¡®er, Alzir. Do wha¡¯ ya ¡®ave ta¡­.jus¡¯ don¡¯t kill ¡®er¡­.Karolin won¡¯ stan¡¯ fer tha¡¯¡­¡±> The holo-unit cut off as Aurora¡¯s head fell back against the head rest, her eyes closing to unconsciousness again. -- When she woke again, Aurora found herself fully clothed. Sitting up in a chair, a plate of food steaming in front of her. She looked up sharply to see Alzir staring at her from the other side of the table. Initially, she wanted to leap across and attack him, but the food. It stopped her. She was so hungry the smell of it held her at bay. Having no idea how long she had been strapped to the chair, the only indication that time had passed at all was the hunger pain in her stomach. And that, for the moment, subdued any need to attack Alzir. He gestured down with his head and smiled. ¡°Go ahead¡­.I made it for you.¡± Aurora sneered, slowly digging a hand into the steamed and mashed vegetables. Scooping them up with a hand and globbing them into her mouth. Alzir laughed and shook his head. ¡°¡­you are truly a beautiful woman, Aurora. One wouldn¡¯t think you capable of being such a barbarian.¡± ¡°KRIPH YOU!!¡± She spoke with her mouth full. A little of the food dripping out as she spoke. Moving forward in the chair and stopping suddenly. Looking down. A pain, slight, but sore from her loins and groin muscles. Only on two occasions had she felt that kind of soreness¡­and both times it was ¡®self-inflicted¡¯ after a night of drunken revelry. Her eyes got wide, she slammed the food in her hand down on the plate and glared. ¡°Really?!?!¡± Food launched from her mouth as she spat the words and what was in her face toward him. He raised his hands in surrender. ¡°You know¡­I thought you were scum before; but a rapist?!?! I never considered that you would¡ªor Karolin would ¡®allow¡¯ you to stoop so low.¡± ¡°Hey¡­.it was your idea!!!¡± ¡°What?!?!¡± I would never¡ª¡± Slowly and with the utmost care, Alzir placed a holo-unit down and activated it. Aurora watched the image rez into existence in the blue field. Her mouth dropping open almost in time with what she was seeing and the words that came out of her mouth in the image. ¡®¡­I-I¡­.love you¡­Oh my UG¡ª¡¯ ¡°Ok¡­that¡¯s enough!¡± Aurora stood up and slammed the chair into the table, placing her hands on her hips. ¡°I was drugged, that wasn¡¯t really me. You didn¡¯t have ME!!!¡± "The Zeltron''s drug curb inhibition and wipes memory. It doesn''t change who you are at your core. That''s the beauty of it." He stood up, placing his hands on his own hips briefly. "And just so you know. That''s the only thing you were on when we did IT. I didn''t use any of the other drugs to get you to say ''yes.''...." Alzir¡¯s raised his hands up in surrender again as he smiled. ¡°It worked though. You asked for it¡­I gave¡­¡± His smile got broader, ¡°¡­then you gave, again and again¡­and again. I honestly didn¡¯t think you were going to stop. You nearly killed me.¡± ¡°I should have!!!¡± Aurora¡¯s skin tone darkened slightly in embarrassment. She looked up and narrowed her eyes. ¡°I nearly killed you?¡± ¡°Yea.¡± ¡°So¡­I was¡­¡¯good¡¯? Cause you know I don¡¯t¡ª¡± Aurora was about to make mention of her lack of experience. The other two occasions she had partaken of activity of that kind coming to mind. Intimacy was one of those inexperienced activities she avoided because of not knowing what she was doing. And both times it was terrible. ¡°¡ªyes, I know and I am not going to say anything.¡± Alzir stood and rounded the table. Alzir looked around like he was being watched. It made Aurora look around as well, eyeing him curiously. What he did before with the chair and the interrogation, was out of obligation. That all stopped once she asked him. Alzir didn¡¯t lie when he said Aurora asked for it. She did. But once they were together, something changed. Even under the influence, she changed. Aurora got soft, it appealed to Alzir in an almost paternal way. Guilt had him feeling obligated in a different kind of way. Feelings he spoke of not having suddenly determental to his work ethic. He got close to Aurora almost speaking in a whisper, even though he long since turned off any recording or surveillance devices. ¡°In fact, I am going to help you.¡± Aurora gave a skeptical look. He took her arm, leading her toward the door. ¡°I¡¯m getting you out of here. You told me what I needed to know, but I am not going to see you languish in a prison forever.¡± Aurora¡¯s face twisted in confusion. ¡°Don¡¯t ask questions, just come¡­¡± "Wait" Aurora snatched her arm out of his hand. "You''re doing this--why?!?" The Mirialan narrowed her eyes. "Not because I told you where my father was but--" Her eyes started to get wide as Alzir grabbed her again. "Just come on." Once the door opened and they stepped through he looked at her. "I swear...you tell anyone about this and I will hunt you." Letting her go, he stepped back. "Now hit me." Without hesitation, Aurora raised a fist. "Wait, wait, wait!!!" She hesitated. "Make it convincing, but not TOO convincing. I know you''re slightly pissed so--" Aurora put a little of the Force behind the punch. Alzir flying backward down the hall to smack in the wall at the end. She walked slowly toward the slumped figure, bending down to grab his face and turn it up toward her. The Wroonian was out cold. She smiled warmly at him. "Thank you..." Still holding his face Aurora looked down at herself before looking back up. "...for everything. I will find you." -- -- Coruscant, Office of the Mirialan Senator¡­. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Jes only just entered the Senator¡¯s office as Karolin, dressed for looking indiscreet, was walking toward her and the door. A tight brown leatheris jumper. On Karolin it actually looked fashionable. The only clue that she was going out, Jes noticed she had her hair up. Something Karolin almost never did unless she was conducting ¡®business¡¯. Of a sort. ¡°Marstel has the location.¡± Karolin sneered. ¡°The kriffer is on Corellia¡­CORELLIA!!! Do you kriffin¡¯ believe that?!?!¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going alone.¡± Jes placed her hand on her own saberhilt and narrowed her eyes. Placing a reassuring hand on Jes¡¯ arm, Karolin smiled. ¡°I¡¯m not going at all. No doubt he¡¯s surrounded himself with guards or some kind of trap that any one of us could fall into. No, I¡¯m sending someone. I sent word his way that a ¡®messenger¡¯ would be coming. I want to give him the opportunity to give all of this up. I¡¯m not a monster, Jes. I want this resolved peacefully.¡± ¡°And if he doesn¡¯t comply?¡± Jes folded her arms over her chest and glared. ¡°Then¡­¡± Karolin looked at her own lightsabers and back up to smile. ¡°It won¡¯t come to that. He¡¯s caught. He knows it and so do I.¡± ¡°So where ARE you going?¡± Jes still had her arms crossed over her chest. Always a protector, something Jes took on as a mandate from her tribe to protect Karolin, though no longer necessary. She could not give up watching over her former Master. Karolin smiled warmly. ¡°Senator business. Don¡¯t worry, I can take care of myself. I taught you, didn¡¯t I?¡± -- -- Coruscant, Industrial Sector¡­Arcnet Shipwiring, Inc. ¡°¡­and yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Dark Lords¡­I will fear no power greater than my own. For my power flows FROM the Dark Side of the Force. And those who come before me will fall and those who see others fall will fear the coming of the Dark Lord. For mine¡­.is true power and with my coming, all those who deny the faith will cower and beg for repentance in the name of the Sith¡­¡± Sammantha looked up to see where the voice was coming from. A figure that was not there as she dealt with the guards of the derelict Arcnet facility before. A Sith, it wasn¡¯t surprising that one was on Coruscant. It was easy enough to exploit the Republic¡¯s rather liberal travel policy, especially if the Sith traveling was not on the watch list. And Samantha had never seen the dark skinned, rather loud and boisterous Sith before. His voice carried with a magnitude amplified by the Force. The tone in which he spoke was not unlike the voices she heard in the temple on Mirial during a sermon or convocation of praise for the Unity. He looked down at her as he finished the lines and smiled. His saber already lit and smoking in the early morning chill. It was the feeling of her Mother that led Sam there. The Sith, somehow tied to Mrysti strangely. But that was not why Mize was there. Sent on an errand to try and retrieve Aurora, who had been captured by the De¡¯nabre. Sammantha was not who he was expecting to encounter and not at that location. Having sent word to Karolin to meet him in the Works, he was just about to leave when he felt Sammantha¡¯s presence. So much like Mrysti¡¯s. He had no choice, due to his hatred of his former Master, but to stay. ¡°¡­you look just like her you know. Your mother¡­a fabulous woman. I remember when I was chosen, so happy, so thrilled to be in the service of one so deep and rich in power. She¡¯s a traitor¡­not only to the true faith, but also to your own. But you should know this. After all, you are her daughter.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know you, Sith.¡± Sammantha spat out harshly. A laugh followed the words, coming from the man who stood above her on one of the facilities storage tanks. ¡°That¡¯s not surprising. We don¡¯t often speak of our failures. Something cultures tend to adhere to universally. Except for your Unity. And the Mirialan culture it would seem. Do you truly wear the marks of your failure on your skin? I wonder where you hide the mark that bears your shame in being the daughter of the greatest traitor of all. I wonder if she bore a mark that somehow related to her failure with me?¡± The Sith spoke with humor as he glared down. ¡°I have great respect for your faith, Mirialan. But it is not the true faith. Only the Sith are the true faith.¡± ¡°That mark? It¡¯s on my ass if you want to see it!!!¡± Sam glared, squeezing the hilt tightly in her hand. ¡°What do you want? I¡¯m not here for you¡­¡± Sammantha¡¯s face twisted in annoyance. ¡°On the contrary¡­¡± Mize began, ¡°¡­you ARE here for me. It was her essence that led you to this point. I am forever tied to her. Just as you are. I know what you want Jedi. And you will not find it here. She¡¯s gone. Has been gone. Longer than simply her physical absence I might add. That¡¯s why they sent her away. Because she¡¯s a traitor to the cause. Her confusion, her lack of commitment. She has no faith. Not even in her own people¡¯s religion.¡± ¡°Are you gonna stand up there all-day and yammer on about my Mother¡­¡± Sammantha reactivated her lightsaber. The Sith¡¯s intent was clear. Had been clear since the moment she spotted him. Hate rolled off the man. Hate for her Mother, hate for anything associated with Mrysti. And that included Sammantha. Yet, she still didn¡¯t know who he was. ¡°¡­or come down here and do what you came to do.¡± ¡°Impatience. I love it. Not something you expect from a Jedi. But then, you are not ¡®truly¡¯ a Jedi are you? Harsh, impatient, crass¡­I have watched you a long time Sammantha De¡¯nabre. Hoping for this moment. A moment when I could face the daughter of my nemesis. You are more like your Mother than I would have expected.¡± The Sith spoke again. Performing a flip into the air and landing on his feet across the quad from Sammantha. ¡°Impatience¡­a trait so prevalent in the women of your line. I can¡¯t tell you how many beatings I took because of my own impatience or how many times your Mother punished me because I was not quick enough or strong enough. No one is stronger than she is. But my faith¡­it is stronger.¡± ¡°Oh¡­shuuut up!!¡± Jumping into the air, Saber overhead, the Sith launched himself at Sammantha. Stepping back and raising her arm, Sammantha caught him in the Force. Slinging him into the wall adjacent to the tank he was formerly standing on. The Sith righted himself in the throw, softening the impact. And launching himself off the wall he would have smacked into. Saber twirling around himself as he once again went on the attack, headed back toward her. ¡°You have some skill. Not the strength I expected, but skill.¡± Their sabers clashed in a shower of crimson and green after he spoke. Sammantha stepping back again defensively and merging with the Force momentarily to hide her movements. Appearing to his side as her saber circled fast enough to look like a circular blur. The Sith jabbed deeply into the arc making Samantha stop her spin and step back again. He laughed. ¡°Defensive. Not something I would have expected from one so young and impatient. But it speaks to your intent. You don¡¯t want to fight, do you? You are only interested in finding her¡­in knowing who it is who knows so much yet speaks nothing that reveals anything.¡± ¡°Shut up.¡± Samantha spoke offhandedly. Thrusting her hand out again, she launched a disturbance which rippled the air around them. Pulling her hand back once she was sure he was caught up in it. Pulling him through the distortion toward her; disheveled and unaware that all of the defensiveness was only to get a read on what or who he was. Samantha struck down, Mize barely quick enough in recovery to block and then spin out from under the clash of saber and back to his feet. He was backing up finally. ¡°¡­I will make you a believer. A convert to the power of the Sith.¡± ¡°You¡¯re gonna stop talking nonsense and start telling me what I want to know.¡± Sammantha advanced. Spinning her body around her saber as she twirled it in time with her movements. Leaping into the air to come down hard into the forward momentum of the Sith as he swung and blocked. Continually taking steps back as Sammantha advanced, moving almost too fast for the man to see. Once she landed her strike he screamed; the blade slashing down across his chest armor. Mize fell back into the wall and grabbed the still smoking armor, looking up to see one end of the green blade of Sammantha¡¯s twin saber mere inches from his neck. He laughed. ¡°You can¡¯t kill me. No one can. I am¡­forever. The Sith¡­my faith¡­it has made me immortal.¡± ¡°Care to test that theory? If I separate your head from your neck, I guarantee you the last thought that passes through that diluted brain of yours will not be of your faith.¡± Mize grimaced and looked down, dropping the saber he held. It cut off automatically as he stood upright; Sammantha following him with her own lightsaber. He sagged defeatedly and shook his head. ¡°All I can tell you is this¡­I am not alone in wanting her gone. And those who sent me here are using her absence to do something of great import. Where she is, not even I can get there. Only the highest levels of the Empire have the location of the facility they put her in and you need a navigation beacon to even begin the jumps to try and get to her position. Beacons we don¡¯t have.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s ¡®WE¡¯¡­.¡± Samantha kept the saber locked near his neck as she glared. ¡°We? WE? Child, you truly have no idea, do you? Your family has made enemies all over the galaxy. And all of those enemies are finally coming together. With your Mother gone, all of you are more vulnerable than ever.¡± ¡°You failed. Before and today¡­¡± Sammantha inched back softly still keeping her eyes on the Sith. He laughed again, his hand tightening over the wound to his chest. ¡°I didn¡¯t fail. I wasn¡¯t sent here to kill you, Sammantha. Though I really wanted to. No, I was sent to delay you, to keep you from discovering what was in that facility.¡± Mize looked over his shoulder. Sammantha followed his eyes and narrowed them. ¡°Why else would the Republic use a facility that has long since been abandoned? To hide something so obvious that no one would think to look there. But we have it now. We always had it, even Aurora being sent here was one big ruse. I was supposed to retrieve her, but it doesn¡¯t matter. One piece of the bigger puzzle and soon enough all of you will hear from us again.¡± Deactivating the lightsaber, Samantha stepped up to the Sith looking down at him. More than a head taller than the much smaller man. With a lightning quick strike she backhanded him, knocking the man unconscious and glaring down toward him. ¡°But I have you¡­and the people I KNOW have ways of making you talk¡­.¡± -- ¡°We don¡¯ ¡®ave no reason ta git him ta talk.¡± Marstel looked past the forcefield into the cell at the Sith, giving the man inside a grimace. His eyes went back to Sammantha. ¡°I goh¡¯ tha¡¯ location. Jus¡¯ waitin¡¯ on a few more ¡®pieces¡¯ an¡¯ we¡¯re all set. Buh¡¯ this one¡­¡± Marstel looked back to the cell again. ¡°¡­he knows more ¡®bout the Organization¡¯s operation than ¡®bout Mrysti¡¯s whereabouts.¡± Marstel let out a sigh, putting a hand on Sammantha¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Ya stumbled on sumthin¡¯ big ¡®ere kid. I kno¡¯ ya wanna charge off an go git yur Mother, buh this es bigger.¡± The Ratataki moved off after speaking, leaving Sammantha and Mize to stare at one another. The Sith got closer to the forcefield. Sam was still dressed in her morning workout clothes, giving a grimace she started to leave as well. ¡°They are going to kill her¡­¡± The words made Sam freeze, she turned back sharply to find Mize staring. His arms crossed, a wicked smile across his face. ¡°¡­you know that right? She betrayed Darth Vowrawn. Did she really think¡­he was going to let her get away with that?!?! No one crosses him, not even your Mother. That¡¯s why she disappeared, they sent her away. Just to get her out of the way. And it did so much more for everything else ¡®others¡¯ want to get done. Her absence has created a void. One not YOU or your family can even venture to fill.¡± ¡°Vowrawn?¡± Sam crossed her arms and glared inside. ¡°The same Dark Council, Vowrawn?¡± Mize nodded and took a step back into the shadows. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± Mize laughed, dropping his arms in a show of utter disbelief. ¡°Because¡­I already know what you¡¯re going to do.¡± ¡°Oh yea?!? What¡¯s that?!?!¡± Scooting close to the forcefield, Mize came within millimeters of getting burned. His eyes locked on Sam as they widened madly. ¡°You¡­are going to try and kill Vowrawn. But you won¡¯t succeed. Instead, my work here will be complete.¡± Mize waved his hand off in the direction Marstel lumbered off to, sneering slightly. ¡°Not this Organization business. I took that job just to get close. I have always been about spreading the faith. The moment I felt your presence, everything changed for me.¡± Mize licked his lips. ¡°You are going to become Vowrawn¡¯s whore. And I will live to see you give yourself to my faith¡­¡± Sammantha smacked the side of the cell angrily and leaned in. ¡°You will live to eat my lightsaber, assface!!! I am no one¡¯s whore!!!¡± ¡°Oh yes you are!¡± Mize laughed and finally stepped back. ¡°You are a whore to the Unity, to the Jedi. You have been a whore to destiny your whole life. But all of that is about to change.¡± Mize turned around and walked back into the darkness of his cell, only his voice being heard. ¡°Vowrawn is going to spread those petals and show you your true nature. And I will revel in the essence of it¡­especially when the last thing your Mother feels is you ¡®giving¡¯ yourself to the Dark Side.¡± -- -- Coruscant Galactic Starport, Coruscant¡­. Marstel walked through the main concourse, a grimace twisting his face looking down at the blue image of Alzir holding his head and looking shamefully up at Marstel¡¯s image on his end. The information was transmitted to Karolin already, even as Marstel¡¯s sister was pursuing her own leads. Things were getting complicated. For the moment, Marstel was dealing with Alzir¡¯s unbelievable admission that he ¡®kriffed up¡¯. Taking pity on Aurora and releasing some of her bindings so he could feed her. Apparently, the drug hadn¡¯t done the job he thought it had. Aurora snapped to, hurling Alzir across the room as Aurora made her escape. At least that was the story he was giving. Marstel was taking it all in as he made his way to the private hangar bays and the arrival of the other two individuals originally part of Alzir¡¯s team. Marstel was sending them on alone. With a few additions. Shaking his head, Marstel pursed his lips at Alzir¡¯s image. The equivalent of an exclamation of both disbelief and raw skepticism. Alzir wasn¡¯t fooling anybody. Marstel knew Alzir and his competence involving things like interrogation. This had more to do with Alzir¡¯s own weakness. Women. ¡°I jus¡¯ hope ya kno¡¯ wha¡¯ yur doin¡¯. I ain¡¯t sayin¡¯ ya did¡­buh¡¯ if ya let ¡®er go on purpose, yur gonna git burned.¡± Alzir could tell by the paternal tone and scolding from Marstel he was disappointed and obviously didn¡¯t believe anything Alzir said about accidentally letting her loose. Alzir kept up the ruse by continuing to rub his head as he looked at Marstel¡¯s image. <¡±Damnedest thing I ever saw. She just ¡®came to¡¯¡­one minute, a vegetable the next¡ª¡°> Alzir looked down shamefully again. <¡±Well, I¡¯m back on the job. Tracking the Senator. Your free to do your thing.¡±> ¡°Gotcha. We¡¯ll discuss this later. If Aurora es loose again hugh kin bet we¡¯re gonna hear frum ¡®er¡­¡± Marstel cut the portable off sharply and without a ¡®farewell¡¯. Clearly annoyed at Alzir for putting his ¡®crotch¡¯ ahead of his work ethic. The incident would cause Marstel to not only reconsider Alzir¡¯s competence, but his trustworthiness. His weaknesses had never interfered with his work before. Marstel knew of Alzir¡¯s predilection for beautiful women. And Aurora was definitely his type. Kicking himself, Marstel never considered that the Mirialan¡¯s beauty would get to him. Something to consider for the next time, if there was one. Sliding open, the personnel door for hangar access allowed Marstel to step through. They were already in the hangar, steam coming from the underside of Waylon¡¯s ship. The ramp was down. Marstel stood a bit taller, if possible, for a man of his size. Walking with purpose after clipping the holo-unit to his belt. Coming down the ramp, Aurore¡¯s shadow preceded the run and the speed at which the Zeltron came down the ramp. Throwing herself in Marstel¡¯s arms to give the big man a huge hug. Anyone looking on would have thought them an item unless they knew Aurore and her preference for droids. ¡°Hey boss!!!¡± Aurore exclaimed, smiling broadly. Marstel hugged the Zeltron with one arm releasing her as she dropped her arms off his neck landing with both feet on the ground to look up at him. Slowly, descending the ramp, Waylon came next. His face saying everything he wanted to toward Marstel. Still angry at being used for bait by Marstel to draw out the Organization assassin. Marstel looked down at him and nodded. ¡°He¡¯s still sore¡­¡± Aurore thumbed back toward Waylon, smiling broadly. Her head and hair flipping back around toward Marstel. ¡°So, what¡¯s the gig boss, we leavin''?!?!¡± The question was meant to include Marstel. Both Waylon and Aurore expected passengers. Marstel being one of them. The big man shook his head. ¡°Ya¡¯ll ¡®r¡­¡± Opening again, the personnel door slid and allowed entrance for two more. Everyone¡¯s eyes went toward the far side of the hangar. Cora and Deavon slowly made their way toward them all. ¡°I got thangs goin¡¯ on ¡®ere. It¡¯s getting¡¯ complicated. Ya¡¯lls part ain¡¯t.¡± Marstel stopped speaking to allow Cora and Deavon to catch up. Once they were close, Marstel turned. ¡°Major Barku¡­¡± Marstel gave a smirk toward Cora in using her official title. It got a beautiful smile from the Chiss and she smiled back. ¡°Deavon¡­.¡± Marstel nodded toward the Devaronian. Offering his hand out toward Waylon and Aurore in a flourish, he started introductions. ¡°¡­this ¡®ere is Waylon ¡®an Aurore, part of my otha squad.¡± He looked back toward Aurore to finishing answering her earlier question. ¡°Alzir was gonna join ya¡¯ll, buh I need ¡®em here.¡± The statement got an eyebrow raise from Cora, who met the Wroonian earlier in the week when Deavon arrived with Rama¡¯dalla. She said nothing. ¡°Nice ta meet ya!!!¡± Aurore exclaimed. Cora frowned at the Zeltron. ANOTHER Zeltron. Cora had no idea what it was with Marstel and Zeltrons. She doubted Murriel would approve and that revelation actually made Cora smile slightly. Cora and Deavon nodded back toward them all. ¡°I¡¯ll let ya¡¯ll git settled, buh¡¯ I need ya¡¯ll on the road in short order. It¡¯s a long trip, even with this¡­¡± Marstel took out his datapad and leaned down handing it to Waylon. ¡°¡­Nav data. Cora is familiar wif it. It was their teams tha¡¯ goh Mrysti¡¯s location out ¡®a Malgus¡¯ personal shit.¡± Marstel started to turn away as Waylon spoke up. ¡°I ain¡¯t done with you yet, not by a damn sight. We got business¡­.you and me.¡± Waylon dropped his bag and walked the rest of the way down the boarding ramp. Marstel turned back as all eyes went to the two men. Marstel gave a very uncharacteristic smile and backed up a step. ¡°Look. I kno¡¯ yur pissed. Buh, ya understand why I had ta use ya like tha¡¯. They were on to us. I couln¡¯ really have any a ya¡¯ll operational in the field if ya were being tracked.¡± Stating the fact simply Marstel rose both arms up slightly to surrender. He was guilty of using Waylon, but for good cause. ¡°An¡¯ I let Aurore in on it not because I didn¡¯ trust ya, Waylon. Buh because hugh were tha target. Once we shook tha¡¯ hunter, we were in tha clear.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t make it right, Marstel. I could¡¯a¡ª¡± ¡°Yea, ya could¡¯a¡­¡± Marstel interrupted. ¡°An compromised this next phase of tha¡¯ plan. We don¡¯ need tha Organization knowin¡¯ we¡¯re goin¡¯ out ta git Mrysti. Their whole plan is bankin¡¯ on tha fact tha she¡¯s outta tha picture.¡± Marstel said enough, he turned his head back toward the others. It didn¡¯t matter that Waylon didn¡¯t agree, he was in and he wasn¡¯t getting out. For a moment, Waylon was about to tell Marstel the opposite. Having already threatened to tell Marstel he was done on the way there. Aurore gave Waylon a strange look, half expecting the gunslinger to do what he said he was going to. Instead, Waylon kept quiet, snatching up the bag and walking back into his ship. ¡°Anyway¡­¡± Aurore said shyly to break the sudden tension of the previous conversation. The Zeltron looked at the other two women. ¡°¡­I¡¯m glad ta have both ¡®a ya¡¯ll along. It¡¯s gonna be fun!¡± The excitement of the Zeltron made Cora frown.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Fun?¡± Deavon gave the Zeltron a strange look. One shared with the Chiss standing next to her. Cora rolled her eyes, something not really noticeable due to their glow. ¡°I owe Darth Retuvisa my life.¡± Deavon spoke up, looking toward Marstel and then Cora. ¡°Anything I can do, I will.¡± The seriousness of the Devaronian made Aurore retch back slightly. Deavon walked past them all and up the boarding ramp. Marstel started to leave as Aurore frowned, turning back to take her hand and squeeze it. None of it had been easy on the Zeltron, but she had been a trooper. Dealing with Waylon, navigating the information Marstel sent. It was the first op Aurore had run on her own. And she had done brilliantly. ¡°We¡¯ll talk¡­¡± Marstel said to Aurore before turning toward Cora. Leaving the two of them alone, Marstel finally looked down at Cora. ¡°I appreciate ya doin¡ª¡± ¡°Save it.¡± Cora said softly, ending with a smile. ¡°I need to get out of here.¡± ¡°RT?¡± Marstel spoke just as softly in return. Cora nodded her head. ¡°Murriel says she¡¯s not, but I can¡¯t get past¡ª¡± Marstel sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. His eyes narrowing once he looked down at Cora. ¡°Listen¡­tha¡¯ dude es in love wif ya. I kno¡¯. I kno¡¯ em better than anyone. Folks make mistakes, we all do. Force knows I dun made my share. An Murriel¡ª¡± Marstel looked off with a smile and roll of his own eyes. ¡°¡ªI been busy, so ¡®ave ya¡¯ll. I¡¯ll git ¡®er under control once I see ¡®er. Which will be tonight, goin ta tha Senate Gala. RT an Murriel gone be there. Don¡¯ worry ¡®bout Murriel. Ya¡¯ll ¡®r gonna be fine. Don¡¯ end a friendship ova sumthin¡¯ as petty as a guy. Especially noh one ¡®a us¡­¡± Marstel laughed. Leaning forward Cora attempted to wrap her arms around the big man¡¯s waist, failing miserably. Marstel placed a hand on her back and pressed in slightly before the two broke from one another. Cora nodded and walked past him toward the ship, turning back once she got to the ramp. ¡°Anything ya want me to say to Mrysti when I see her?¡± Cora said with a touch of humor. Marstel shook his head. ¡°Naw. Jus¡¯ make sure she¡¯s in one piece and git ¡®er back ¡®ere as soon as ya can. We need ¡®er ta end this Organization thing. Then we kin go back to killin¡¯ one another.¡± -- Gamma Section Rendezvous Area, Coruscant¡­. Aurora was late. Once she reached the area, she flipped the crates in the Force which were hiding the things she was looking for. Finding the Comm unit, she set it up. Spreading the tripod of the transmitter and activating the drive device. It whined loudly and shuddered. An encryption device attached, warmed up in time with the rest of the unit. Aurora bent down and activated the transmission. Knowing it was voice only she was rewarded in her set-up with a distinct click and ¡®pop¡¯ of connection. <¡±Hello?¡±> Aurora recognized the voice and smirked. Reaching down she purposefully flipped a switch before speaking to scramble her voice. ¡°The shipment was compromised. It was a set-up. Requesting extraction.¡± <¡±Who is this?!?!¡±> Telan¡¯dorr exclaimed angrily. Annoyed at her father already, Aurora reached down deactivating the switch she flipped a moment before. ¡°It¡¯s me father¡­¡± Aurora spoke annoyingly. ¡°¡­Karolin set us up. They recovered everything we took from the lock-up.¡± She didn¡¯t bother saying anything else. Fully expecting to be brought home for the next assignment. Aurora wasn¡¯t expecting anything less. <¡±I sent Mize to retrieve you and check on one of the other sites. Our contacts in the Senate have the Republic moving the technology now that we know where they are. What we needed for the Doctor, I have¡­¡±> ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him.¡± Aurora replied annoyingly. Not that she wanted to. Mize was one of those assets she found not only annoying for a Sith, but grandiose and arrogant. More arrogant than a normal Sith of his stature. Even if Telan''dorr asked, she was not going to stay and look for him. Tapping her foot, she was waiting for the ball to drop. <¡±I¡¯m sending someone for you.¡±> Telan¡¯dorr said finally<¡±I¡¯m going to need you here now that Karolin has identified our location.¡±> ¡°Fine. Just hurry it up.¡± -- Nar Shaddaa, Black Market Techno sector, Domiciles¡­.. Cypher also known by her real name of ¡®Anna¡¯, always traveled incognito. Still one of the most wanted slicers in the galaxy in some circles, traveling to Nar Shaddaa was risky but worth it to get the information she needed in order to verify her theory. It had been a long time since she came to Nar Shaddaa. Though she stole from the Hutts on a regular basis and felt like she knew the place. In a strange way, Nar Shaddaa felt like a second home. She knew exactly where she was going and who it was she was going to see. Though she had never met the fellow gamer face to face. Only having contact with him or her ¡®online¡¯. ¡®Colossus¡¯ was the other player¡¯s user name. And Cypher had gotten to know them quite well in the many hours they spent online together in her earliest days of surfing the holo-net. Long before she became much more guarded in who she had contact with or what she shared with others online. It was how she knew she could trust him or her. Getting burned not once or twice, but three times by others ended up in nearly getting her caught and the end to her criminal empire. All because she had a big mouth and a desire to be loved by someone, anyone who paid her a little attention online. Cypher told herself, those people weren¡¯t real. It wasn¡¯t real friendship or love. That all changed after getting burned, reading the holo-net the next day that the Cartel raided a holo-net farm in search of her, no one was spared. And some of those in the farm were online friends. All of a sudden everything became too real. ¡®Colossus¡¯ was one of the few she maintained contact with. Not because he was just a friend or had been nice to her, but because he never betrayed any of the trusts she shared with him from the earliest days of the holo-net. Though they never met, ¡®Anna¡¯ considered him a true friend. Walking along the boardwalk, she started counting doors, looking at the numbers. Government controlled Hutt housing, the Domiciles lived up to their names. Metal doors lined the walk all the way up to the second level of the building, which had another set of horizontal doors lining that level. All of them the same. The only difference the number on the door. There was a momentary pang of fear as she knocked on the door, then rang the entry chime. What was she expecting? Who was it going to be? Once the door opened, Anna¡¯s first reaction was shock. A man, a very attractive young man with glowing cyber enhancements answered and looked up with a fearful expression. Anna looked up from her hood, her voice cloaked by a trans-changer she spoke and made the young man back up slightly. ¡°¡­¡®Colossus¡¯¡­¡± ¡°Ya-yes¡­¡± The young man may have looked scared, but the smile instantly made any of the fear go away. ¡°Only three people know my handle. And you don¡¯t look like a middle aged Gand or an Ithorian.¡± Anna reached up and lowered her hood, removing the lash from her throat that changed her voice. She smiled back. ¡°Hi Colossus¡­It¡¯s ¡®Cypher¡¯¡­nice to finally meet you.¡± "You-Your a....''girl''?!?!" ''Colossus'' swallowed hard and smiled. It seemed Anna wasn''t the only one who didn''t know what to expect. He moved aside and waved her in, after looking out and around to make sure she wasn''t followed. Cypher stepped inside and looked down at him. He was a bit shorter than she was. Anna was wearing boots with slight build-ups that gave her a height advantage. Once the door closed, ''Colossus'' looked her up and down, Anna even caught him licking his lips. "Wow...I--uh...''a girl''!!! I didn''t expect...well you see most who play a female avatar are not actually girls or guys for that matter. We always try to be someone else online...a-and your ''Cypher''!! I mean, like the most notorious slicer in the galaxy!!! And yo-your here--HERE!!! In my domicile!!!" Looking down shyly, Anna smiled. ''Colossus'' cyber implants changed color from a bright blue to a subtle red. Denoting his change in demeanor. The young man was embarrassed. Brushing a lock of hair behind an ear she smiled to herself. "Yep...I''m a girl." She said softly. Awkwardness set in as the two danced around being shy. The young man finally gestured for them both to exit the entrance foyer and further into his apartment. ''Colossus'', who didn''t look like a Colossus and more like a Mouse, started picking up clothing and straightening up once she began to follow him further in. He quickly hid a pair of his undergarments which were thrown on the ground behind himself, turning an embarrassing shade of red. "I--uh...I''m sorry. I don''t get many visitors, at least not of the opposite sex--I MEAN, a girl...well, that''s not to say I don''t HAVE girls here because I DO, I just--" "It''s fine." Cypher smiled and lowered her head again shyly. "I should have called." "Nonono...I''m glad you came by--anything for you--I mean, a friend...I MEAN WE are friends--UGH..." Colossus dropped the garments and placed a hand to his head. "This is awkward..." Cypher looked up and smiled again, looking around. It was interesting. Compared to meeting ''Colossus'' for the first time, she was not the one being awkward around someone else for a change. For the first time that she could remember, she felt a little like a ''holo-net'' star. Dressed in her cyber-jumper, high-leggy boots and glowing arm and leg power attachments. For the first time, she was the one who was making someone else feel small and in awe. And she kind of liked it. Taking out the datacrystal, she handed it to ''Colossus'' and smiled. "I don''t want to take up too much of your time, ''Colossus''. I--" "Granick..." He said quickly, following the giving of his name quickly with another shy smile. "My name...it''s Granick..." -- -- Nar Shaddaa, Black Market Techno sector, Domiciles¡­.. ¡°¡­so you can actually slice terminals with those?!?! I had no idea!!!¡± Granick was busy admiring the system which Anna was showing him. The attachments to her arms which ran the length of both encased with power couplings glowing on her biceps and wrists. ¡°They are like tentacles. And you can collate and access multiple sources at the same time?!?! No wonder you¡¯re able to do what you do. I should have thought of that.¡± ¡°Yea¡­¡± Anna laughed. ¡°¡­you should have. You¡¯re the hardware guy after all.¡± Granick was running the simulation, extracting the data from the crystal as the two talked to one another. It had been several hours of the two getting to know one another for real and not online. Having been online with one another made everything easier, but getting to see one another still added a layer of mystique. Granick having far more questions for her than she of him. Releasing a sigh, Granick turned around in his chair and looked back at her. The simulation ended just as he turned, Granick turning back to remove the crystal from the dataport, holding it up to look at it in admiration. ¡°I have to ask you something¡­¡± Granick spoke reluctantly. Anna raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why me? I mean¡ªwell, look at you?!?! Why would you bring something like this to me? I know you have people who ¡®work¡¯ for you that could have easily deciphered this data.¡± The words made Anna turn an embarrassing shade of red again. ¡®Work for her¡¯, no one worked for Anna. It was more often than not, she was the one doing the working. Smirking, Anna shook her head running her finger over her ear again to place the errand hair behind it. ¡°Thank you.¡± She said softly. ¡°But no¡­I¡ª¡± Anna let out a sigh, ¡°To be honest, I could have given this to any number of my associates, but knowing what it was, I needed to have someone on the outside that I trusted; look at it.¡± The admission made Granick¡¯s chest poke out a bit. The young man sitting up straighter. Another awkward silence as the two looked at one another, before Granick caught himself staring at her again. ¡°We-well I¡ªhere¡­¡± He handed the datacrystal to Anna and sat back. ¡°Were you able to detail the schematics of the application?¡± ¡°Was I?¡± Granick laughed. ¡°Do you have any idea what this is?¡± The young man turned back around in his seat, already moving his hands with lightning speed within his holo-field. The data from the crystal transformed into a collected image, rotating in the ions above them as both slicers looked up at the information Granick was producing on it off to the side. ¡°You¡¯ve stumbled on to something incredibly unique. A ¡®golden mynock¡¯¡­.¡± The phrase made Anna look at him strangely. ¡°That¡¯s what we call something unique in Cybertech circles. I¡¯ve never seen anything like this application. An adapter that¡¯s implanted in the back of the neck at the base of the spinal cord.¡± He turned around to look at her excitedly. ¡°This is basically like an extra life in a game. That¡¯s really the only way I can phrase it. With this application you can download everything contained in the cerebral cortex into the core of the adapter and ¡®save¡¯ all of your data.¡± Anna¡¯s face crunched up questiongly. ¡°Immortality, omnipotence. You combine this with a regeneration interface or genetic grafting protocol and you are back in business. Or hell, you don¡¯t even have to do that.¡± He turned back around, his hands moving fast again. ¡°Lets say the body this adapter was implanted in was completely destroyed, but the interface was intact. You could extract it and implant it into someone else and ¡®BOOM¡¯. That person is back¡­¡± ¡°Wait!!¡± Anna stood up straight and shook her head holding out her hands in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re telling me this implant allows someone to download their mind into it and you could transplant them into someone else¡­¡± ¡°Yea!!¡± Granick exclaimed. ¡°Though that ain¡¯t necessary. Like I said, someone with the science to graft or modify a body could regenerate the person as a whole and reinsert the implant and it was like they were never gone.¡± Reaching around, Granick took the datacrystal out of her hand looking at it. ¡°This is exactly like an extra life. As long as this is implanted, at your core, you would never die. You could save yourself an unlimited amount of times.¡± Turning back around he started typing in the field again. ¡°The datafiles for this thing are off the chart, I¡¯ve never seen anything like this¡­at least not in this galaxy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because it¡¯s not FROM this galaxy.¡± Granick¡¯s hands stopped moving as he slowly spun in his seat back toward her. ¡°You mean this is¡ª¡± Granick¡¯s mouth dropped open. ¡°¡ªalien tech?!?!¡± Granick was almost giddy as he turned back around. Before he could get facing the other way, Anna grabbed his chair and turned him back toward her. ¡°Granick¡­you need to listen to me¡ª¡± Anna swallowed hard. ¡°¡ªdamn it.¡± She closed her eyes tightly cursing herself. ¡°I may have put you in danger coming here. I had no idea what exactly what this was. But now that I know¡ªlisten, you have to leave. Go somewhere, do something. If they find out what you know, they will kill you.¡± She stepped back drawing out a blaster. ¡°WHOA!!!¡± Granick raised his hands thinking she was about to shoot him. The blaster whined loudly as it powered up. ¡°Wait! Wait! Wait!¡± Cypher fired three shots into his terminal, looking up and aiming the pistol at his server system firing the last shot into it. The system powered down as Granick cursed. ¡°What the actual Kriff Anna!! That¡¯s my¡ªthat¡¯s my whole life?!?!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll buy you a new one¡­c¡¯mon¡­.¡± She grabbed his arm and scooped him up out of the seat, heading for the door. "Hey..." Granick spoke as she pulled him from the room. "...that thing with the blaster. That was pretty badass. Can you--uh, show me how to use one of those...." -- Sublevel, J-23, The Works, Coruscant¡­.. Atal¡¯lia watched Karolin enter the Works, tracking her through the holo-sight of her sniper rifle. Finger on the trigger, she nearly took the shot. But Karolin was quick and cautious. Her movement told a story of one who had been in the sights of many a sniper. Moving in a path which covered her quickly. From one obstacle to another without looking obvious. Atal¡¯lia was good, good as they came at taking the long shot. But a moving target that knew where and how to move. It would take a sniper of almost inhuman quality to make the shot. Even a droid would have difficulty. Taking out her blaster, Atal¡¯lia moved off her perch and started down. -- Backroom deals and secret meetings were nothing new to Senators and politicians. And Karolin was becoming adept at weeding out what was worthy of her time and not so worthy. The message was very simple and it gave a clue that anyone not associated with the family and the compound on Miral could have possibly known about. Karolin didn¡¯t look like a Senator, dressed more like a Jedi Knight going to combat training, minus the robes; she pulled the keeper from her hair and shook it out. Looking around once she reached the designated coordinates. The location was exact. Gent made sure he gave Karolin everything she asked for. The Senators in question, the ones paying for Gent to spy on Karolin organized the drop as a location to pass information from one conspirator to another. Entering the area, she reached out and felt one other hidden presence. Looking up to see that the enclosed maintenance area was free from any aerial surveillance or ability to look in on them. A perfect dead drop. The presence, felt familiar. Karolin had felt it before. But it was more than just a bad feeling, butterflies flew circles in her stomach. There was no choice in taking the meeting. She had to know, if for no other reason than to put a stop to the Senators plotting against her. The whole affair was no one¡¯s business but her own, but dangerous enough that if Senators were either plotting with the Organization or one of their own, they had to be stopped. The full scope of the Organization¡¯s plan, other than stealing the Generational technology, was not fully known. And if the Senators were indeed co-conspirators or were planning on moving against the Republic via assaulting and taking possession of the technology she was turning over to them; they had to be dealt with. There were many suspects. Only one suspect she was sure of and Karolin already knew his location. Karolin came alone. And as she entered the sublevel; an ancient and dark maintenance area of ¡®The Works¡¯, an area which was responsible for the inner workings of the ¡®City planet¡¯ a figure emerged from behind some piping. Karolin took a step back, laying a hand on her lightsaber. The man, a Sullustan by the looks of him, raised a hand in greeting and was just as quickly shot down from behind. Jerking the lightsaber off her belt with a snap hiss of activating plasma; Karolin followed the smoke and trajectory of the blast to the source coming from behind. The image bristled with changing energy; natural cloak for a chameleon. Blaster leading the way, Atal¡¯lia stepped out of the shadows behind her first target, looking down at the Sullustan before stepping over his body. Blaster pointed directly at Karolin. The Senator smirked. ¡°I know you¡­¡± Karolin said softly. ¡°¡­Mirial, you¡¯re one of Marstel¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°-- I was never one of Marstel¡¯s. I¡¯ve always been independent. It just happened that our paths aligned on Mirial. And¡­I made a promise not to kill your sister in exchange for leniency.¡± ¡°I guess all of that¡¯s over.¡± Karolin said sadly. ¡°Over and done with.¡± Atal¡¯lia charged the blaster, a high-pitched whine emanating from the weapon as it switched from safe back to fire. The two started to slowly circle one another. Karolin wanting to get in a position for better footing. ¡°You realize¡­this is already over. I¡¯m not just a Senator¡­¡± ¡°Oh don¡¯t insult me. Of course I know that. You¡­are my way back inside. Mirial ruined me, destroyed an otherwise untarnished reputation. But your being a Senator has made you an incredibly hard target. This¡­.was the only way I could get to you. My clients helped, feeding this imbecile the information necessary to get you down off your tower.¡± Atal¡¯lia leaned forward, her trigger finger starting to squeeze the blaster¡¯s trigger. ¡°At least, tell me who it is who wishes me dead.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­it¡¯s anonymous and frankly, I don¡¯t care. You die, I get my rep back and go on to bigger and better things. Goodbye, ¡®Senator¡¯¡­.¡± -- ¡°Damn it Marstel¡­¡± Alzir shook the holo-unit angrily. The big man wasn¡¯t answering. ¡°¡ªset for record and playback once he answers.¡± The holo-unit beeped affirmative. Alzir held the unit in one hand as he climbed down with the other. His eyes between looking at the projected blue field and the two individuals entering the area at different intervals. Once Alzir caught sight of the third, the same hunter who he had eyes on weeks before he knew it was on. ¡°¡ªMarstel, it¡¯s Alzir. I¡¯m hot. Repeat, hot. They are moving on the Senator, I have one in my sights maybe more on the way. Requesting assistance.¡± -- Karolin screamed out in rage as the yellow blade of her saber caught the arm shield of the hunter. Atal¡¯lia fired. So close, the heat of the tibanna gas infused plasma bolt singed some errand hair that was moving opposite of Karolin¡¯s abrupt motion. That same heat flushing the Mirialan as she squinted from both the clash of sparks on the shield and the flash of the blaster. Atal¡¯lia was still firing as the two fought. Slinging her shield arm out wide and Karolin¡¯s saber with it. The Mirialan flipped backward and dove left, rolled then came up; jumping right. The blaster tracking her close at every move. Diving backward, only the water of a flowing maintenance evacuation point stopped the bolt meant for Karolin¡¯s center mass from reaching its mark. The liquid extinguishing enough of the velocity of the plasma round that it lost some trajectory. Diving back out, Karolin aimed straight for Atal¡¯lia, only to be met with the boot of the hunter as she spun around, knowing where the attack was coming from. Running out of space, Atal¡¯lia was systematically shutting down Karolin¡¯s ability to move. It was going to happen. Shortly the Jedi¡¯s ability to dodge, deflect or navigate away from the barrage of bolts was going to come to an end. Rather than reload, Atal¡¯lia discarded the blaster in her hand and snatched the other off her hip in a split-second; continuing to fire. One of the bolts hit their mark as Karolin screamed out, rolling away from the direction of the blaster strike to her shoulder. Twirling the direction and tumbling away, back into the water. Lowering the blaster, Alal¡¯lia moved forward in pursuit. Sticking her arm through the water and then her face just so she could see. Karolin looked up and saw the teeth, the rippling skin of phase shifting chameleon. The Mirialan shook her head. ¡®Not like this¡­not like¡ª¡¯ The thought was cut off in Karolin. Atal¡¯lia sharply drew the hand back and turned. Through the liquid, Karolin sat up and saw the blurry haze of multiple blaster bolts being fired back and forth. Atal¡¯lia fell, tried to get up and was shot again with a single bright blue bolt from the opposite side of the maintenance enclosure. Quickly, Karolin ducked under the water and came out looking around. The smoking gun of the other attacker came first, Alzir had his hand to his head and surveillance unit; listening. Looking around, blaster out and ready as he waited for another attacker. Walking over, Karolin looked down at Atal¡¯lia. The hunter was dead. She managed to crawl herself up to the wall before succumbing to the burn from the blaster bolt which penetrated her abdomen, burning out everything vital within the changeling. Kneeling down, Karolin placed a hand to Atal¡¯lia¡¯s head and closed her still opened eyes. This was not the outcome Atal¡¯lia expected when she came down off her perch to pursue Karolin. Leaving the hand on Atal¡¯lia¡¯s head, Karolin¡¯s lips moved silently. A prayer in the Unity for the newly departed. ¡°¡­and go with your ancestors, Hunter. Rest.¡± Standing up, Karolin looked at her savior and gave a slight smirk. Alzir was still looking around. ¡°Senator¡­¡± He said without looking at her. ¡°¡­we need to leave this area.¡± ¡°Another set up.¡± Karolin spoke, looking down at Atal¡¯lia again, before glancing over at the Sullistan¡¯s body. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Alzir looked down at the first victim and then finally up to Karolin. ¡°I have been tracking this hunter for weeks. I wasn¡¯t able to get close until she moved on you.¡± Reaching up, Alzir took off the goggles and smiled. Karolin¡¯s eyes got wide, dissolving into a smile. She recognized him. ¡°Yavin IV¡­I remember you.¡± ¡°Yes, we met after that of course. Though you probably don¡¯t remember. I messaged you several times after you saved my life.¡± Alzir bowed slightly. ¡°I¡¯m working with your brother. I¡¯m¡ª¡± ¡°-- Alzir. Yes, I know¡­¡± Karolin gave shy smile. The messages from Alzir were one of the few things she kept from strangers who often sent her things. Though as the messages went on, they devolved more into love sonnets than normal correspondence. She didn¡¯t need to be a Jedi to read the man. ¡°Thank you. I appreciate the assist, though I am sure I would have prevailed. I had the Hunter right where I wanted her.¡± ¡°Sure you did, Senator¡­¡± Alzir smirked and flourished an arm out for her to follow him. ¡°This way¡­I will take you back to the Senate¡­.¡± -- -- - Aldeberon III, Republic Fire Base Tango¡­. ¡°Lieutenant¡­¡± Corwin looked up from his datapad at the Communications Sergeant. Corwin was already on his way to the communications bunker. Time for the daily briefing from higher command. The Sergeant was hanging half way in and out of the open door. ¡°¡­I was just on my way to find you, Sir. Priority Message on Holo-cast. From Coruscant¡­¡± Corwin raised an eyebrow entering the comm bunker; walking down the few stairs to the lower level. The holo was on hold, the image paused in mid transmission. Once Corwin was in position to broadcast, he cast a nod toward the Sergeant who was standing by on the terminal. <<¡±Hey sexy¡­¡±>> The words got a strange look from the Sergeant who was looking toward Corwin. Not really the way an official communication started out. Corwin nodded toward the image and smiled. ¡°Hello ¡®Colonel¡¯¡­¡± Murriel frowned at Corwin¡¯s use of her official title. Corwin had connections. It was no secret his family was linked into the higher echelons of Mirial¡¯s Elder Council and that his father; one of the founders of the Mirial Ancestral Guard gave his life defending Mirial against Generational Forces in the recent Civil War. Most also knew that Corwin¡¯s girlfriend was sister of a well-placed officer in the Republic SiS. Having a Zeltron call was not surprising to those who knew all of the information. Corwin¡¯s girlfriend was a Zeltron. <<¡±Oh¡­I hate it when you call me that¡­we''re practically family...¡±>> Murriel looked over from her end of the transmission toward the comm sergeant on Corwin¡¯s end of the call. <<¡±¡­wha¡¯ are you looking at Sergeant, mind your business.¡±>> The Sergeant turned away with a wry smile, making himself look busy at the comm terminal as the two continued. ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure Colonel?¡± Corwin locked his hands behind his back, looking up at Murriel¡¯s beautiful image. <<¡±Do I have to have a reason to holo? Rank has it¡¯s privileges, Corwin. I can call anyone and anywhere I want anytime.¡±>> ¡°And waste valuable resources on a personal call¡­¡± <<¡±Oh shut up.¡±>> Murriel smiled viciously. <<¡±As a matter of fact, I do have a reason. Aldeberon Three is a bit out of the way, but for some reason a strategic point of contention in that sector. You got a lot headed your way, buddy. Just wanted to let you know that. I¡¯m sending you what we have here at headquarters. Maybe the info has something ya¡¯ll ain¡¯t got on the ground.¡±>> Corwin heard the chime of ¡®message received¡¯ and looked down at the holo-unit before looking back up. Murriel was using the information as an excuse to check on him. She was beholden to another, her sister. Wonder constantly asked about Corwin; not agreeing with his reasoning for joining up with the Mirialan Expeditionary Forces when the Republic asked for support from Mirial. The planet still in the midst of trying to be re-accepted into the Republic; they could hardly say no when the Republic asked for volunteers. ¡°I appreciate the intel, ¡®Colonel¡¯. It¡¯s more than we deserve.¡± <<¡±You quit being humble.¡±>> Murriel leaned into her side of the transmission and lowered her voice. <<¡±How are you doing?¡±>> ¡°The men are well, we are ready to take on whatever the Empi¡ª¡± <<¡±No YOU, Corwin. Listen, if anything happens to you out there, I will never hear the end of it from my sister. I may have an opportunity brewing for you to come¡ª¡°>> Corwin raised a hand to stop Murriel. No way was he taking handouts or an easier assignment just to placate his nervous girlfriend. It wouldn¡¯t be right, not while so many of his countrymen were slugging it out across the galaxy in mudholes like the one he and his unit were on. Corwin shook his head. ¡°Thank you, ¡®Colonel¡¯, but no¡­I am fine right here.¡± Smiling weakly, he looked up at Murriel. ¡°Tell Wonder I said¡ª¡± He paused and looked down, finally looking back up with a warmer smile. ¡°¡ªjust tell her.¡± <<¡±I will, buddy. You be safe out there. I will be keeping an eye on you.¡±>> Murriel terminated the holo-call from her end. Corwin making sure to take the intel she sent and hand it over to the comm Sergeant before he left the bunker. On ground level again, Corwin checked his chrono. Only a half-hour before the daily briefing. The intel Murriel sent would have plenty of time to make it into the presentation. Reaching down he took out his datapad to make sure he saved a copy for himself and his platoon. The last image he was looking at before he was summoned to the bunker popped up on his screen. A holo of Wonder, taken just a few days before on Zeltros. When he received it originally he was among his men. Wonder, a truly beautiful woman. Not just because she was Zeltron, but by any female standard; a gorgeous specimen of the opposite sex. Standing on a beach on the perfect world of Zeltros. Her flawless skin sparkling in the second setting sun of the day. A warm and inviting smile, with a caption she typed in because she knew he would save the image. ¡®Miss you Corwin¡­.wish you were here.¡¯ The image on his datapad got all kinds of jeers and cheers form his men as Corwin turned a shade darker in embarrassment. The best comment coming from his platoon sergeant who walked up and slapped a hand down on his Lieutenant¡¯s shoulder. ¡®Damn Sir, you don¡¯t deserve that¡­¡¯ Corwin smiled, looking at the image once again. His Sergeant was right, Corwin didn¡¯t deserve Wonder. Looking up at the dusky planet, Corwin shook his head. ¡°What the kriff am I doing here¡­.¡± -- -- - Galactic City, Coruscant¡­.5000 Republica, Apartment of the Mirialan Senator¡­. ¡®Could he make it anymore obvious¡¯, Karolin smiled to herself after sitting down at her vanity. A shower was in order following the ¡®rescue¡¯. Being in the dank and smelly maintenance area of ¡®The Works¡¯. She felt saturated by it. Inside and out. Karolin continued to smile to herself thinking back to Alzir. His rescue and the way he looked at her throughout. That part of Alzir appealed to Karolin, to her own vanity. The man wanted her in the worst way; he couldn¡¯t have made it any more obvious. But she had little time for any of that. Dalliances, she had few those days. Not with being watched constantly and the work that needed to be done. Still, Alzir was cute in a pompous sort of way. He thought very highly of himself. On the speeder ride back Alzir reminded her once again of the mark she made on his life. Saving him following the battle at the Temple of Sacrifice on Yavin IV. Karolin did her duty, just like the other sages. Making their way through the battlefield healing those they could and saving resources for the next battle that was to come. Be it either with the Revanites or the Empire. And Alzir was once Imperial. That fact mattered very little now. He was out of the Imperial Army. And he was working for her brother. The part of the story he was very vague on. How exactly he and Marstel came to be linked in some way. Karolin didn¡¯t pry; make believing she was uninterested. Even after she called Marstel to inform him of what happened with the hunter who tried to kill her and send him images of her body. He seemed especially morose after seeing the holos of the hunter. Karolin once again didn¡¯t pry, even after she sensed some further connection between Marstel and the hunter in question. Taking up the stylus, Karolin selected an appropriate color for the evening¡¯s festivities. Should she go dark and gothy? It matched her mood after surviving the hunter and learning that Atal¡¯lia had been tracking her for weeks. A fact that was sure to get Jes¡¯ hackles up. The hunter was hired by the same Senators that were in league with the Organization or at least the remnant of it. And that meant Telan¡¯dorr. Karolin selected black, raising a hand up to touch the end of each one of her fingernails with the tip of the stylus. The digital nails wavered and changed colors. A rich chrome black filling in the digital surface of each nail as she moved the stylus from one to the other. Karolin extended her hand and looked at it shaking her head before selecting another color. Maybe an in between color. Karolin selected a rich sparkly blue after resetting her nails to red. Touching the stylus to the pad to select the color and raising it back up to her hand to touch each nail with the tip of the stylus again. The need to look good, but still portray a sense of the ominous was key. The Senators who hired the hunter would see her at the gala. Most likely surprised by the fact that she survived. Inviting Alzir was an added bonus. Having the man who took out their hunter alongside of her was going to send a clear message. That she too had resources, many more than any of them had. That she could outlast any of them. None of the Senators had any idea what they were getting into with her. Tonight, she was going to give them a clue. Shaking her head again, she smiled after extending her hand and looking at the nails. Blue, it was too sad and morose. The gala was going to be a happy occasion. RT would be pressing the flesh and making his case for the job she nominated him for. Karolin was going to be standing in the den of her enemies to show them not only was she unafraid, but that she was going to take all of them to the cleaners. Not only in the Senate, but outside of it as well. Narrowing her eyes, she dipped the stylus back into the pad selecting her favorite color. Touching each nail to set the color back on her nail tips. Red, it was a power color. And also Alzir¡¯s favorite color. He made mention of it on more than one occasion. -- -- - Galactic City, Coruscant ¨C Mortuary Affairs Zone, Industrial Sector¡­. Marstel had all of the proper IDs passing the security zone and entering the stoic white and antiseptic building with ease. Walking like he been there before, because he had, Marstel marched past the front desk and the Troopers seated there; reaching down to pick up a set of rubberized gloves and a mask before continuing on. Pushing out on the swinging double doors, Marstel found the morgue empty. Anyone who was ¡®supposed¡¯ to be there was locked away in their respective stasis drawers. All of the deceased being kept on proverbial ice inside of stasis chambers until either identification or an autopsy could identify them. Marstel knew who he was looking for. Glancing up at the board and looking at the list of ¡®Jane Doe¡¯s¡¯. There were quite a few. He had to narrow the search by looking at the location they were recovered in. Finding what he was looking for, he turned back to the horizontal stasis chambers. Approaching one, he keyed in the code located by the name. Security wasn¡¯t an issue at that point. Anyone who got through the front door was obviously supposed to be there. The morticians having written in the holo-fields the access codes for each chamber so they wouldn¡¯t forget them. Pulling out the drawer, Marstel frowned looking down at the corpse. They had a history. Marstel, one of the first hunters Atal¡¯lia encountered when she was starting out and then working together again during the recent unpleasantness on Mirial. No one other than Marstel and Atal¡¯lia knew the history between the two. And neither one of them talked about it, even after encountering one another on Mirial. It was personal. More than personal, intimate. Ships passing in the night. Marstel had no illusions that what happened between them was nothing more than a random circumstance. Atal¡¯lia could have been seducing him just to affect her escape on that encounter. But it really didn¡¯t matter. She gave, so did Marstel. And though he did end up letting her go. He never forgot her. Marstel saw a different side than the cold, calculated and blood-thirsty killer everyone else knew. Marstel saw the woman. And he never forgot. The large Ratataki shook his head. She deserved better. He reached down through the field and brushed the aquamarine colored hair from her eyes and smiled. Why she took the job, he didn¡¯t know. Surely Atal¡¯lia understood that even if she was successful, she would have been hunted for the rest of her life by him. Killing Karolin meant a lifelong death sentence for not only her, but anyone who knew her. And it would have been Marstel that would have had to carry that out. It was no way for someone to end up. Reaching down, Marstel cut off the stasis field and scooped up Atal¡¯lia into his arms. Moving her over to a waiting gurney. He gently laid her down and pulled a sheet up and over her remains. Pushing the gurney from the room, Marstel went out the opposite way he came in. Choosing to use the back-service entrance rather than going through the front entrance and the myriad of questions that would surely follow. Security was never a problem for someone who was supposed to be there. Who broke into a secure morgue lockup to steal something? Marstel did. As far as the guards and the security would know, ¡®Dr. Brubaker¡¯ did. Someone who didn¡¯t exist on the IDs he provided once they initiated a trace program. It would come back to a long dead physician that had ties to the Galactic Hospital. Loading the body into his speeder, Marstel held no malice toward Atal¡¯lia. Not anymore. She deserved better and Marstel was going to make sure she got it. Hopping in the speeder to head back the direction they found Atal¡¯lia originally, with a minor correction in course. Glancing at his chrono, he had time just to make it to the incinerator before getting ready for the Senate Gala. Across Coruscant it was ¡®trash¡¯ day. Shift change for the droids on duty. Monitoring systems would be cycling. It was the best he could do for Atal¡¯lia under the circumstances. And it kept with the traditions she spoke of once. Marstel was more than just an acquaintance. At one time he had true feelings for the changeling. Glancing back, he smiled at the sheet which covered the corpse. ¡°Takin¡¯ ya home, girl¡­jus¡¯ sit tight¡­.¡± -- -- - Coruscant, Grand Plaza ¨C Senate District¡­.. It was the first time since any of them had known Murriel that she looked honestly and truly bored. An absolutely spectacular gathering, with all the glitz and glamour that should have made the Zeltron giddy with excitement had been boiled down to her standing rather stiffly by the bar in her crisp starched uniform. After seeing the expression, Karolin knew exactly what was going through Murriel¡¯s mind. Everyone else was dressed to the nines and there she was, in her own estimation by far the most gorgeous woman in the room; reduced to nothing more than the Republic blue of her uniform. The Zeltron pounded drink after drink. All the while sneering at every fabulously dressed individual who walked by. She wasn¡¯t there for the party. She was there as a Republic representative and at RT''s behest, who was there at Karolin¡¯s behest. It was the first time Karolin had ever seen the Zeltron minimized. The confirmation hearing was still underway. And RT needed to get out and be seen. What better way to be seen than a gathering of all the Senators in the Galactic Republic. Even though RT claimed to hate politics, he was well suited for it. The poster child for the consummate Republic Soldier. Not only did he look the part, RT had the record to back up everything everyone saw at first glance. And things were working out better than Karolin could have planned. Where RT was positioned, Senators were going out of their way to pass RT purposefully. Stopping to talk to him. Look him in the eye and shake his hand. The confirmation hearing may have still been going on, but the confirmation itself was going to be a breeze. RT was going to be confirmed as the next Chief of Staff to the Supreme Commander. Even Jes looked more in place than Murriel. And that said a lot considering the huge Echani stuck out in almost every situation. Not usually dressed in more than her tribal attire, which was always slight and revealing or more recently the brown of a Jedi robe; Jes looked slightly funny in a formal gown. At least to those who were used to seeing the rather tall and muscular woman in her normal attire. Standing off to the side, RT did his best to appear entertained. Though his posture betrayed any notion of that. Hands folded to his front, RT held them one in the other looking outward stoically. Murriel wasn¡¯t standing next to ¡®that¡¯. It was a party after all. Even if she was reduced to having to wear the uniform. ¡°I thank it looks good on ya¡­¡± Murriel turned around sharply after hearing the voice, face twisting into a wicked smile. ¡°¡­wander wha¡¯ it would¡¯ look like balled up on my floor.¡± There was not enough high grade synthweave on the whole of Coruscant to make a tuxedo for Marstel. Yet, someone, somehow had managed to do it. The big Ratataki managed to sneak up behind Murriel, making sure to run a hand over her ample bottom before he spoke. She cocked an eyebrow at his words, tossing the glass back on the bar behind her. ¡°Ya wanna go find out, lover¡­I¡¯m game.¡± Murriel lost the smile briefly giving a cursory glance toward RT. Marstel followed her eyes. ¡°Gotta git permission first. I¡¯m supposed to be here in an ¡®offical¡¯ capacity.¡± Murriel stood up sharply and poked a finger in Marstel¡¯s chest. ¡°Come to think of it¡­how did YOU git in? This is an official government function and YOU¡­are persona non-grata at the moment.¡± Glancing over his shoulder, Marstel gave a similar cursory glance toward Karolin; who was standing near Jes and an ever encroaching Alzir. The Wroonian was obviously making his big move. Having done his duty in ¡®rescuing¡¯ Karolin, she felt obliged to invite Alzir to the Gala as well. As her guest. ¡°I¡¯m ¡®friends¡¯ with tha Senator¡­.ain¡¯t hugh heard?!?¡± They both shared a laugh. Marstel lifting a finger for Murriel to wait right where she was as he started off. Making his way over toward his brother. -- ¡°Mr. Alzir¡­.¡± Karolin inclined her head toward Alzir offering a hand toward Jes. ¡°This is Jes¡­my personal assistant as well as my former pupil. She is a Jedi.¡± Karolin offered the information as a warning before Jes spoke, just to give Alzir a chance to run. Jes glared downward, not smiling as she nodded toward the other man. ¡°Jes¡­it¡¯s a pleasure.¡± ¡°The feeling is NOT mutual.¡± Jes was pissed that Karolin went off on her own and nearly got herself killed. The fact that Alzir had been on station for weeks following the same hunter was a slight against Jes and her ability to keep Karolin safe. She didn¡¯t like Alzir for that fact and after seeing the way he looked at Karolin, she liked him even less. ¡°Ok¡­¡± Alzir pulled the hand back after Jes failed to take it. The large Echani moving off after Karolin shot her an annoyed glance. ¡°Don¡¯t mind her¡­¡± Karolin began, smiling beautifully. ¡°¡­she is just slightly offended that you¡¯ve been tracking the hunter who tried to kill me for weeks and she never got wind of it. Not even in her security sweeps. I told her it was not a slight on her, but a testament to the ability of the Hunter to stay under the radar.¡± Karolin used the moment to look Alzir up and down, still smiling. She noticed he was doing much the same and had been since the two of them showed up together at the gala. Karolin was stunning in a very sheer and expensive black and gold braided shimmerslik dress. The slit that ran the length of one leg side exposed much more than most normal politicians would allow. Karolin was anything but normal. She narrowed her eyes. ¡°I notice, you¡¯ve been giving me a curious look all evening. Is something on our mind? Something you wish to ask?¡± ¡°No, nothing your ¡®honor¡¯¡­¡± Alzir used the honorific in jest, bowing slightly. ¡°¡­just wondering where you hide it?¡± ¡°Hide what?¡± Karolin looked off waving to a colleague across the room, continuing the conversation without looking at him. ¡°Your lightsaber.¡± Turning her head sharply back toward Alzir, Karolin gave a seductive smile. -- ¡°Hey¡± Marstel scooted up close to RT and tried to mimic the pose his brother was taking. Both men standing for a moment with their hands folded in front of them. More like statues than anything else, both talking out of the sides of their mouths. ¡°Hey¡± RT replied, without looking over at Marstel. His eyes drifted over toward Murriel who was watching them both. ¡°She sent you over here?¡± ¡°Nope¡± Marstel¡¯s reply was short and clipped. He broke pose to turn slightly in toward RT. ¡°I¡¯m gonna take ¡®er home. With yur permission ¡®a course. This ain¡¯t no place fer her¡­especially dressed like tha¡¯. Tha¡¯ girl es miserable.¡± Without saying another word, Marstel moved away. He wasn¡¯t waiting for permission. RT was going to give it anyway. ¡°Alright¡± RT called out, causing his brother to pause and turn around. ¡°Just make sure she doesn¡¯t miss the ¡®hit time¡¯ tomorrow. We are back on mission as of zero-nine-hundred.¡± Marstel gave a half-witted salute and moved back toward Murriel. The Zeltron was already off the bar and bounding toward him; both headed for the door. RT didn¡¯t bother to call out again or chastise Murriel for placing her arm through Marstel¡¯s or snuggling close. That kind of contact was forbidden when wearing the uniform. You were a walking advertisement for government authority when in uniform. One couldn¡¯t be seen as ¡®themselves¡¯. Murriel was not one to play the party line. -- Also on her way out, Karolin paused at a group of Senators who all kept to themselves, conversing among one another. One of which was the Senator from Alderaan, who fancied himself Karolin¡¯s designated ¡®mentor¡¯ within the Senate. She smiled as the men noticed her, several of them forcing themselves to even bow or smile slightly. Alzir stayed a careful distance away but in earshot as Karolin moved closer leaning into the group. ¡°Your assassin has failed gentlemen. As you can see, I am alive and well.¡± They all exchanged a glance, the Senator from Alderaan started to speak. Karolin lifted a hand sharply showing him the palm of it. ¡°Please¡­don¡¯t insult my intelligence. Just listen. The game is afoot. And regardless if you are or are not working with the Organization, matters very little. The most important thing here is, I know who you are now. I know what you¡¯re trying to do. You made your play and you failed¡­now be prepared to reap the whirlwind of that failure.¡± Karolin bowed slightly and smiled as she slowly stood up. ¡°Good evening, Gentlemen¡­we will be seeing each other quite soon.¡± As they left, Karolin looked over her shoulder after placing her arm through Alzir¡¯s. She waved back at them with the fingers of one hand, giving the group a slight wink. ¡°We never got the information from the informant. The Hunter killed him. We don¡¯t know that all of them are involved.¡± Alzir spoke softly and almost at a whisper. Karolin was still looking at the group of Senators as she replied. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is¡­that they believe I know they¡¯re involved. Now the ones guilty will scurry like ratlings to cover their tracks and their true motives will be revealed. Those not guilty, will do everything to prove their innocence.¡± Karolin finally looked at Alzir, squeezing in with her arm on his slightly. Her eyes got soft as she looked at him. ¡°I sense you are expecting something¡­¡± Alzir flushed slightly as Karolin pulled them toward the exit. ¡°Perhaps¡­you can¡¯t wait¡­.¡± Exiting into the foyer, both walked normally. At the last second, Karolin jerked Alzir hard toward her and into a dark corner near the fresher area. Small as Karolin was, Alzir was surprised by the incredible strength of the woman. He wasn¡¯t a small man. Hiking one leg up, she wrapped it around him kicking the other out behind her to open the fresher door once she planted her lips on his. They fell inside. The door locking from the inside once they both crossed the threshold. -- - Galactic City, Coruscant¡­..The Column, Skyhook¡­.. Marstel laid back, folding his hands behind his head. Feeling her move next to him, only his eyes glanced to the side. Briefly. Murriel slid up and over the top of him halfway, one arm sliding over his chest; the other drawing next to her head which she laid on his strongly beating heart. She listened intently closing her eyes softly, smiling to herself. ¡°So strong¡­¡± She whispered. Almost to herself. Marstel let out a sigh making Murriel stop drawing invisible artworks on the large canvas of his chest. She didn¡¯t look up. Even without her ability to sense emotion, she knew the Ratataki well enough to know something was wrong. ¡°If ya have something to say¡­¡± Murriel began softly, ¡°¡­say it. I hate it when you¡¯re like this.¡± Marstel didn¡¯t move, his mind finally resolving to speak. Not one for words, Murriel could tell from how tense he was before and after their tryst, that something big was on his mind. Finally moving, Marstel glanced down at Murriel who was unchanged. Only the back of her head visible; she started drawing again stopping over the neat circular scar in the center of his breast plate. Her finger drew circles around it. Finally stopping in the center. Directly where the lightsaber once penetrated his heart. ¡°I¡¯m getting out.¡± Outside the sound of low orbiting ships ascending and descending into Coruscant drown out the silence that ensued. He glanced down again, waiting for a response. Murriel started drawing again, her finger moving down toward his belly. Drawing lines and circles as she spelled something. Marstel read it in his mind. ¡°Why?¡± It was a statement. Marstel didn¡¯t bother to repeat the question Murriel spelled on his skin. ¡°¡­.¡¯Cause it¡¯s time. ¡®Cause I¡¯m tired, baby. Tired ¡®a chasin¡¯ all my family ¡®round. Tired ¡®a havin¡¯ ta hold all ¡®a this tagether.¡± Murriel¡¯s finger started drawing again. Slowly spelling another message. Marstel concentrated, following her finger which moved slowly over his skin spelling out its message. He smiled to himself, taking a hand from behind his head to move a finger gently through the green and pink locks of the Zeltron''s hair. ¡°Naw, it don¡¯ ¡®ave nuthin¡¯ ta do with ya. Hugh didn¡¯ do this.¡± Murriel asked if it was her. Both had discussions before Murriel joined the Republic SiS. She was taking over Shadow Squad with the pending promotion of RT to Chief of Staff. Sitting up slightly, Marstel took the other hand from behind his head and held Murriel. Caressing her arm with his hand. She started drawing once again. ¡°I kno¡¯¡­¡± Marstel spoke softly. ¡°¡­an¡¯ I would¡¯n ask ya too. When yur ready¡¯ you¡¯ll do it on yur own.¡± Turning her head, Murriel looked up at him and settled back down on his chest facing him. His thumb continued to caress her arm. The Zeltron slowly closed her eyes. She started listening again. His heart strong, always strong when she was near. It started to beat a little faster, the soft smile coming back to her face. ¡°I don¡¯ deserve you¡­¡± Murriel spoke almost in a whisper. There was no reason to be quiet. It just seemed wrong to speak loudly. ¡°¡­all your patience. Waiting.¡± Huffing a slight laugh which made Murriel¡¯s head bounce slightly, she looked up. ¡°I ain¡¯t waitin¡¯ on hugh. I stopped doin¡¯ tha¡¯ a while back¡­¡± Murriel narrowed her eyes, The soft smile turning wicked after he spoke. ¡°That mean you withdrawin¡¯ my invitation?¡± Marstel shook his head. ¡°Naw¡­my door es always open. Ya kno¡¯ tha¡¯. I jus¡¯ kno¡¯ hugh. When yur ready, you will come.¡± Marstel lost the smile and looked more serious. ¡°It does mean I won¡¯ always be ova yur shoulder like I been.¡± Marstel paused and glared a moment. ¡°Fix thangs with Cora, Murriel. We all been watchin¡¯ each other¡¯s back fer years now. Ya¡¯ll need one a¡¯nother.¡± Murriel sat up, pulling the sheet up and off Marstel to wrap around herself. She looked out of the large bay window into the stratosphere. Lights of ships still moving back and forth toward the surface. Dipping her head, she nodded softly. ¡°Emotions ¡®r hard.¡± Murriel spoke to the window. ¡°I felt the bond between them two and I guess¡­I jus¡¯ wanted some ¡®a that.¡± Turning her head, she smiled at Marstel. He flexed his fingers over her bare back, tracing down the length toward her bottom and back up again. Arching like a Nexu, she smiled and softened her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re gonna say¡­I can have that anytime I want with you.¡± Marstel smirked. He knew Murriel was talking about RT and Cora. ¡°I do, wha¡¯ ever ya wan¡¯ me too. I ain¡¯t never put any demands on us.¡± Murriel grit her teeth. ¡°Maybe you should have. Sometimes, I just need to be put in my place. You let me run, I will run.¡± Murriel turned and laid back down on his chest. Pulling the sheet up and over the both of them. Sitting up Marstel scooped Murriel into his arms, holding her close. ¡°When yur ready, I promise you¡­.nothin¡¯ will keep me away. Then, it will jus¡¯ be and hugh an me.¡± 11 - Choosing Our Sides -- Phase IV - Sides- -- ¡®That power¡­.is mine¡­'' One against another. Power incarnate. The way it was always meant to be, the way it was inevitably going to be. Tracking her to the far reaches of the Imperial planet, trapping and isolating her in one area; even the environment reacted. Trees bent in an unnatural breeze. The ground shook with realization that even with the occupation of the Sith and the unnatural energy of the Dark Side which swelled and held the planet hostage; Dromand Kaas had never experienced something quite like this. They stood apart at last. Figuratively and spiritually. The sword and the shield of the faith facing one another. Contestants in a winner keep all match to see who would be the heir to their Mother¡¯s power. It would certainly not be the upstart who laid claim as her new apprentice. The girl had little knowledge of who Mrysti Bell De¡¯nabre Alpha really was. But these two did. One wanting to save the other; the other only wanting to stop the first from getting what she was deserved. ¡°It¡¯s mine!!!¡± Sammantha curled her fist and leaned in toward her sister. ¡°All of it!!!¡± Robbed of the curse, the stain of the Dark Side that flowed within all of them by her own hand. ¡®Grace¡¯ moved to rob her of that birthright. Vowrawn was the key. And with his death, the new chosen successor would not be one or the other. Sammantha would deal with Mrysti¡¯s apprentice soon after, then her Mother. But not before the biggest obstacle. Herself. In the form of her twin. ¡°No¡± Grace simply said. ¡°No one deserves that power. If you follow Mother¡­all is lost. For all of us. I¡­am expendable.¡± Grace pointed a finger. ¡°YOU are not¡­I would spare you that pain.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right¡­.¡± Sam finally said, the wicked crooked grin creasing her beautiful features. ¡°¡­you are expendable.¡± As they collided. Both running at full speed toward each other, the galaxy exploded. Life ended. Everything they fought for all of their lives, for nothing. This was a future that could not be allowed to pass. For the good of both the Light¡­.and the Dark. The heir to the light must not be allowed to follow their Mother down a certain path of destruction. The Unity, must survive. -- - Coruscant, De¡¯nabre Apartment, 8000 Republica¡­. Grace was worried about Samantha, but not because she ran off on her own. The series of visions she was having, the words from her ancestors were heralding a change that Grace did not want to face. Sammantha was rash, erratic and had been since her return and subsequent fulfillment of her destiny in destroying the family curse once and for all. Getting down to her knees, Grace placed her hands together and prayed, looking for guidance from the Unity. But it was silent. After an hour or so, she stood up and eased herself back into bed. Releasing a frustrated sigh; her eyes closing to the darkness she knew would come once she drifted off. <¡­.there were two now. Mrysti and some other she brought back with her. And together they assaulted and took down the home of the one who punished and tortured them both. Finally coming face to face with the one who was the cause of so much angst. Mrysti backed off, she allowed the other to move forward, to do the deed herself. The pain in the other was much deeper, but Mrysti had an ulterior motive. In killing Vowrawn, the other would be bound to Mrysti forever. A new apprentice, someone to give all of her secrets and power to. For her own daughters were not worthy of it, not any longer. Life, was about choice. And Grace, as well as Sam had already made theirs. Binding themselves to the Unity and to the Light. ¡­yet a third approached. Just as Mrysti¡¯s new companion finished the job and killed Darth Vowrawn. The third watched the other two deal with the guards, deal with the defenses of the place and finally kill Darth Vowrawn; a seemingly powerful Dark Lord. They had slain the Dark Lord with ease. Together their hate and rage had no bounds. One fed the other. An endless cycle of power the two could share. Prison was an education. Something Mrysti needed to make the next step over the threshold. And the decision was easy once she saw the potential of the young Lord. All of the hopes and dreams Mrysti had of leaving a legacy; Fulfilled. The third wanted that power, more, she wanted her Mother. This was not something Mrysti could just give away to whomever she chose. This was family. The legacy of the De¡¯nabre. Good or bad, it was their birthright. Sammantha stepped from the shadows, looking down at the lifeless corpse of Darth Vowrawn and made her decision. Glaring at Mrysti¡¯s new apprentice, she proclaimed herself heir to the throne and power of her Mother. The Hammer¡¯s Daughter¡­.the battle for their legacy would begin in the shadow of Vowrawn¡¯s death. And it would tear all three of them apart¡­..> Grace woke screaming. How, why? So many question¡¯s coursing through her she could not see straight. Flinging the cover off, she jumped from the bed and ran toward the door. Not sure if she should go find Sam, level with Karolin and tell her everything she saw or simply¡­do nothing. Sam was going to make the decision. Unless, someone else made it for her first. There was only one variable that controlled all of it. Vowrawn. -- ¡®The End¡¯ ¨C Sublevel Eighteen¡­one week into the prison riot¡­. Entering the mess area of yet another cellblock, Mrysti, Cornelia and Canton walked slowly and stealthfully. Both women thankful to have Canton and his many gadgets that existed in his armor. Though both Cornelia and Mrysti could use the Force to see in low light, it took concentration. And their power was already spread in sensing threats everywhere. Without rest, it was waning. All Canton had to do was find a power cell and change it in his armor¡¯s systems. Canton jerked the pistol in his hand sideways, pointing under a table. Both women¡¯s eyes going directly toward the table and a slight movement underneath. Mrysti leapt forward, grabbing the table and flipping it out of the way. Cowered under it a very badly beaten and abused guard sat huddled. Arms folded around his legs. Cornelia stepped forward activating her saber. Ready to dispatch the guard instantly. But Mrysti held her back, Raising a hand for Cornelia to stay her blade. Reaching down, Mrysti grabbed the guard and lifted him into the air, holding him by his shirt collar as she peered into his face. The man was terrified. And it was more than terror of what was going on or the inmates who were now carving out enclaves of power all around the prison. It was something else. Mrysti recognized it. The man had seen true power. Confronted by the inevitability and hopelessness that nothing could stop it. Turning the man left then right, she inspected him. Mrysti sat the man down at another table moving her arm over the surface to clear it of debris. She sat on the edge and leaned toward the frightened guard. ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± Mrysti asked bluntly. The man shook his head, but did not look up. Canton moved to the side, watching the exits. His head slowly scanning the area. Cornelia ever present at Mrysti¡¯s shoulder leaned down next to her Master looking at the guard disdainfully. Mrysti narrowed her eyes continuing her inspection. So mortified was the guard, he could not speak. After Mrysti asked the question he continued to nod long after the answer was given. ¡°Kill this ¡®thing¡¯ and be done with it.¡± Cornelia spat, raising her saber slightly. Mrysti shook her head, looking back toward Cornelia. ¡°Look. Do you not see?¡± ¡°See? All I see is one of our oppressors. A guard who has outlived his usefulness even to his own life. Kill it, we don¡¯t have time to¡ª¡± Mrysti raised a hand for silence and Cornelia backed up a step. ¡°¡ªyes, Master.¡± ¡°You look, but you do not see, Cornelia.¡± Mrysti grabbed the guards head forcefully. Turning his head right then left slowly. The sides of the man¡¯s once dark hair were bleached white. Mrysti narrowed her eyes again before letting him go, to look back at her apprentice. ¡°He is frightened. But not of us or even what¡¯s going on¡­something worse has stricken him with total and complete fear. Fear enough that even the respite of death will not cure it.¡± Mrysti stood up and moved away, content to let the guard be. They moved toward the exit and the maintenance area once again. The long way around toward the administrative level. Every access blocked, all three of them were on the far side of the prison. The only way around were the unoccupied areas. Something worse was out there, something that struck such fear into the guard that he was unable to function. They reached the exit and the guard screamed out toward them. ¡°HE¡­.WILL TAKE YOU. HE¡­CONSUMES ALL. RUN¡­RUN!!!!¡± Cornelia glanced at Mrysti before she acted. The Mirialan giving a subtle nod. Stepping back in the room, Cornelia hurled her lightsaber back toward the voice. ¡°GAAGHHHH!!!¡± The saber returned to her hand and immediately shut down. The three moving into the darkness and uncertainly. But Mrysti was moving toward something else. Something she hadn¡¯t felt in a very long time. Fear. -- - ¡®The End¡¯¡­.Administrative Level¡­. Bodies of the guards who tried to hold the level lay scattered between the two factions. Blaster bolts and explosions arching back and forth in front of the two makeshift barricades. One faction, a large swoop gang that were housed together in one cell block, desperately trying to break through in order to get to the comm system and perhaps get more hostages. The fighting broke for a moment. One of the swoop gang standing up behind his barricade to look out toward the other. Eyes peered over the top as the brave swoop member stood out in the ¡®no-man¡¯s land¡¯. The area of the hall where all of the bodies of both factions and the guards lay scattered. Cradled in his arms, one of the guards. A knife to the man¡¯s throat the swoop member used him as a shield. ¡°¡­we can come ta sum agreement ¡®ere!!!¡± The gang member yelled. ¡°¡­ya¡¯ll wan¡¯ off. WE wan¡¯ off. But we got tha¡¯ leverage.¡± The gang member looked at the frightened guard before looking back toward the barricade. ¡°The Empire is gonna wan¡¯ their people back. Sure, we can kill ¡®em all. But wha¡¯ does tha¡¯ git us?!?! NUTHIN¡¯!!! Less team up¡­give us tha¡¯ comm, we give ya¡¯ll tha hostages. Everybody wins!!!¡± The swoopers knew the other gang. A dusk bat gang out of the Hutt controlled parts of space. They had the comm system or at least controlled the area it was located in. What the swoop gang didn¡¯t know was the other gang had no access to the room where the comm was located. The Warden and his administrators locking the blast door before they fled. Or perhaps they were in there? There was no way to tell. But the Dusk Bats were not going to give away that vital piece of information. One of them looking up over the barricade. ¡°You got shit!!! We got prisoners ova¡¯ ¡®ere already!!! And tha¡¯ Empire is already comin¡¯!!¡± It was a lie. The swoop gang all looked at one another. The one holding the prisoner narrowed his eyes. ¡°If tha¡¯s true, then why ain¡¯t we heard nuthin¡¯?!?!¡± This time the Dusk Bats looked at one another. One of them coming up over the barricade to shoot the guard the other gang member held as well as the swoop member. The fighting started in earnest again. Bolts lighting up the hallway as both factions began killing one another once again. -- ¡®Pain¡¯ ¡®Strife¡¯ ¡®Battle¡¯ ¡®Chaos¡¯ The walls buckled inward as the presence approached. The swoop turned, too late. One of them recognizing the presence as his eyes got wide. ¡°KILL¡ªKILL HER!!!¡± ¡°The Colone¡ª¡± Moving its arms out, the saber clenched tightly in one hand the presence moved left then right. Pulling the hapless gang members into one another. A storm of arms, bodies and legs as all of the gang members collided. She walked slowly. Methodically. Right into the middle of the storm. The ever present and glowing purplish-pink blade wading into the thrall of men and barricade. The other side stopped firing once they realized they were no longer being fired upon. But the screams. They weren¡¯t whoops and hollers of joy or victory. They were screams of terror. The Dusk Bats could see the wavering light on the other side. Purplish hue, shadows of flying men and severed limbs. An explosion outward of the barricade filled the hallway with dust and debris. Pieces of the furniture used to build the barricade lay scattered among the dead in the ¡®no-man¡¯s land¡¯. All was silent on the other side. One figure moving through the smoke and carnage. Colonel Rickter stepped through. Parting the smoke and fog. Her eyes glowing a stellar emerald green; looking onward. The ever present glow of the brilliantly purple saber held tightly in her grip. She stared straight ahead, almost through the other men and the other barricade across the expanse of hallway. The Dusk Bats all looked at one another. ¡°FIRE¡­FIRE!!!¡± The hallway lit once again with an incoming barrage of blaster bolts. This time all from one side. Rickter started to move. Not at a run or even at a quickened pace. Methodically moving in between the bolts sailing toward her, the arm holding the saber a blur of movement. Deflecting bolt and explosion alike. Catching one homemade bottle of explosive in the air, she sent it hurling back toward the barricade in the Force. The front of the barricade exploded. Blinding those who were trying to kill their jailer. When the Dusk Bats recovered and rushed back toward the barricade¡­.she was there. ¡®NO¡¯ The voice from Rickter was ominous and from beyond. ¡®I Have no need of you¡­.any of you. Weak. Pathetic. Wastes of the lives you¡¯ve been granted.¡¯ Rickter stepped down off the top. The Dusk Bats stepping back toward the rear entrance, some of them stumbling and tripping over themselves to get away. Rickter raised a hand, slowly lowering it toward the bulkhead at the end of the hallway. A blast door lowering slowly, cutting off their escape. Stalking forward, Rickter raised the blade. The purple, the screams. All of it part of the grand plan. Fuel for a new regime. Sion would not be denied. -- Finding another way around was only part of the problem. Gangs were controlling the upper levels, too many for even Mrysti to handle. Having found a tactical storage area, Mrysti changed her clothing to something more applicable to the type of activity she was going to get into. Holding the orange jumpsuit in her hands a moment, she frowned at it before dropping the clothing at her feet. A symbol of the coming change. As one thing bled away another began. The change of clothing only part of what was to come. They stopped in the corridor. Mrysti looking upward. Above them, another passage that led toward the admin level. But something else. Foreboding. Mrysti hadn¡¯t shared with either Cornelia or Canton that she was tracking the fear that pulled her. The passage above, also the route that whomever struck fear in the guard they encountered and now her; had also taken. She looked at Corenlia to speak. It was something her new apprentice was not going to like. ¡°You both need to head back the other way.¡± Cornelia gave her Master a strange look, which twisted into sudden anger. Cornelia shook her head. ¡°No¡­No, Master. We stay together, we stand a better chance if we¡ª¡± ¡°I am not prepared to have my apprentice question my every move. I have given you a directive. You will follow it.¡± As if reading Cornelia¡¯s thoughts and next question, Mrysti continued. ¡°It¡¯s not important that you understand. Only that you obey.¡± Seeing the look on Mrysti¡¯s face, Canton grabbed Cornelia¡¯s arm. ¡°Come on¡­if she wants to go on her own. We let her¡­c¡¯mon!!¡± Cornelia hesitated. Giving Mrysti an angry glare. Before relenting to the pull of the Mandalorian, Cornelia snatched her arm out of his hand to stand before her Master. ¡°I will not leave without you Master.¡± Cornelia didn¡¯t add that she expected Mrysti to do the same. Cornelia turned and walked back the way all of them came leaving Mrysti alone in the darkened passage. Looking up, Mrysti followed the essence above her. Tracking it as it passed by; long before any of them thought to look for it and made its way toward the admin level. She looked back the way it came, glancing behind herself. A shaft, long and underground. Deeper than any on the asteroids surface. Reaching out, Mrysti lifted her hand in concentration; looking past the rock and structure. Diving deep underground to feel what the essence was. And why, being so close to the moment it passed over them, it felt so familiar. ¡°Rickter¡­¡± Mrysti¡¯s whispered to herself. With no idea what the Colonel had gotten herself into. Sure that the essence was partly Colonel Rickter. But also something else, something much more evil and powerful. Mrysti jumped up into the opening and climbed up. That was part of the conundrum. Mrysti could not tell Cornelia why she didn¡¯t want her or Canton to follow. It was something she was sure neither her new apprentice or the Mandalorian could face. The evil a very powerful presence. After feeling Rickter as a part of it, the questions began. When they met the first time, Mrysti felt no power within the Colonel. And she looked. If for no other reason than to see if the Colonel was not some assassin sent to betray her. A powerful force user who may have hidden their true nature just to get close. It was possible, but at the time; improbable. Lifting both hands, Mrysti grabbed the structure above her in the Force. And with a jerk of pressure and strength she ripped the ceiling down around her. Jumping up into the shaft which passed above her and the direction the other presence moved. Fear led her. In a strange way, exciting her. Mrysti felt the butterflies start to eat away the lining of her stomach. Anticipation of actually seeing and being in the presence of one nearly as powerful as she. Down the other way and then forward, Mrysti started off. Slowly making her way in the darkness toward her new fear. -- ¡®The End¡¯, Sector Space¡­Imperial Dreadnaught ¡®Endeavor¡¯ <¡±¡­.this is Captain Tanis of the Imperial Dreadnaught ¡®Endeavor¡¯¡­initiating a general emergency in sector G-7¡­I say again, sector G-7 is compromised¡­.¡±> It was the seventh such message Captain Tanis sent toward the Imperial Core Sector, with no response. No doubt they had received the message by now. Either choosing not to respond or being unable to respond. As a careerist, Tanis was not going to take matters into his own hands. Trying to reach Colonel Rickter had also been unsuccessful. Until he received word from one or the other, he was holding his position. ¡°Captain Tanis¡­¡± The Captain looked left toward his communication officer and grimaced. ¡°¡­we¡¯ve lost all contact with the prison. Our last communication was with the Warden at 2215 GST that line has been severed¡­¡± Tightening his hands behind his back, the Captain looked out of the forward viewport toward the prison asteroid. Lights were flickering in the distance as power fluctuated in various parts of the asteroid base. ¡°Move the ship toward the designated grid the Warden sent, but keep well enough distance that should anything happen to the asteroid¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªI¡¯m sorry sir, we are getting another transmission¡­.¡± <¡±¡­minions of the Sith¡­this is Darth Sion. You are commanded and compelled by your service to the Sith to bring a transport to my location and extract me from this base. Failure to do so will result in your forfeiture of life.¡±> Tanis looked at the communications officer again, his face twisting in confusion and surprise. ¡°That sounded like¡ªis that a recording?¡± ¡°No Sir, live transmission.¡± ¡°Raise the transmission again, locate the source¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s gone, sir¡­they left a locator beacon but they are no longer transmitting.¡± Tanis shook his head. ¡°I would ask you to conduct a voice print analysis, but I already know what it will say. That sounded like the High Colonel.¡± ¡°Yes, sir¡­.it did.¡± -- -- Dromand Kaas, Darth Vowrawn¡¯s Private Estate¡­. The Sith Lord woke in a cold sweat, his hand over his heart after having a nightmare that physically made him sick. Choking down the need to retch, Vowrawn swung his feet over the side and placed his head in his hands, looking down. Light, eating the darkness. His darkness. But it wasn¡¯t a normal light. One that had a veneer, a shell of the dark power around it. Shielding it. Light and dark didn¡¯t work in combination, they opposed one another. Yet, this one in his nightmare had learned to pass through both and use them in tandem, with ease. He only felt the sensation near one other Dark Lord. And she was well away from him at the moment. "Lights..." Vowrawn commanded the automated systems of his room. When they didn''t respond immediately, he looked up. His face initially twisting in anger. Then he felt the sensation from his nightmare anew, standing a few meters away. The red saber lit with a snap-hiss of ejecting plasma. One side and then the other. Illuminating the room on the far side. He leapt from the bed, hand outstretched to reach for his own saber in the Force. Not entirely sure he was not still dreaming. The feeling of dread from his nightmare; the one who haunted it and made him sick. That feeling permeated the far side of the room. Vowrawn¡¯s hilt was whisked away like a stiff breeze. Landing on the far side in the hand of the one who illuminated his room with her own saber. A dual-saber. The tool of an assassin. Vowrawn slowly rose from the bed. He stood upright, chin slightly raised. His hand moving slowly toward the alarm panel nestled in the bedside table. The presence on the far side laughed. Her voice light, deliciously beautiful with a veneer of darkness shelled around it. Vowrawn suddenly thought, SHE was there. That somehow Mrysti had come back from the far reaches of the galaxy. And the visions he¡¯d been having of his own death by her hand were about to come to pass. No one else had that presence. ¡°We both know she is going to return, ¡®My Lord¡¯¡­¡± The beautiful demur voice said. Unmoving. Hand held out still holding the hilt of his saber, her own saber angled out behind her and the red tint of death emanating from it. ¡°¡­and when she does, YOU will not survive. I¡­am your only salvation.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know HOW you managed to breech my security. But you should know, the guards are already on the way. I have bio-monitors installed in my epidermis. Any change in my physical status, alerts the guards.¡± The beautiful voice laughed again, taking a step forward, dropping the arm which held the unlit saber hilt. Yet, she still held it. ¡°You¡¯re stalling¡­¡± The voice intoned melodically. ¡°¡­predictable as all Sith. When faced with sheer power, you all stall¡­¡± Vowrawn narrowed his eyes, peering into the dark toward the figure. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°You know¡­¡± The voice chimed melodically again, almost singing the words and slightly annoyed that he hadn¡¯t figured it out. ¡°¡­I am your savior, Darth Vowrawn. Because when my Mother returns, I will be the only thing that stands between you and a sure and certain death¡­.¡± Grace stepped forward, a wicked smiled parted the beautiful features of her face. ¡°Jedi¡­¡± Vowrawn spoke disgustingly. Placing his hands on his hips; he scowled. ¡°You should know better, ¡®My Lord¡¯¡­.¡± Grace intoned musically again. Her face unchanged as she looked the robed man up and down. ¡°You were there on Mirial¡­surely you felt it. A planet comprised entirely of true believers and you had no sense of it.¡± Grace made a ¡®tsk, tsk¡¯ sound and moved slowly, one leg in front of the other as she swayed; walking to the other side of the room. ¡°All of you walk a dangerous line. Not just Mirialans, but you¡­YOU ¡®De¡¯nabre¡¯.¡± Vowrawn sneered, ¡°I am not a complete idiot! I, of course, study the history of those I mean to rule. The Mirialans are no exception. The De¡¯nabre are a blight on their history. An anomalous essence of their ¡®Unity¡¯ and the Force itself. Explains a great DEAL about your¡­.¡¯Mother¡¯.¡± He spoke the last word as if it were something best not said. His eyes following the rather tall Mirialan. Grace was built like her Mother. Not quite as bulky or wide, but the height was there. The low light of her dark red saber accenting the more curvaceous nature of Grace De''nabre. Same ruby red hair, before Mrysti¡¯s color was taken from her. Grace had a ¡®grace¡¯ to her movements. Light, almost floating as she moved from one part of the room to the other. But unlike the last time Vowrawn saw her, shortly after her release from captivity; Grace was not wearing the rags of a Jedi. She was decked out in black leatheris. It creaked as she moved, the buckles set against the leatheris shined in spots as it caught the light of her crimson saber blades. One could argue she wore it to blend with the denizens who ruled Dromand Kaas. For Grace, it was a deliberate choice. She was in it till the end. Fully committed and that meant every part of herself. Turning her head sharply, she let her red eyes set into him relaxing the corners as she smiled silkily. ¡°Your words do not match your thoughts, Vowarwn. You¡¯re intrigued. Otherwise, you WOULD have summoned those guards and done everything in your power to destroy me. Even at the cost of theirs¡­and your own life. You¡¯re a powerful Dark Lord, are you not? Kill me¡­if I am the blight you say I am.¡± Grace smiled, pausing as she stared at him in the darkness. Only her eyes lighting up at the possibility. All of it could end right there, at that moment. But she knew ''The Unity'' was not going to make it that easy. Destiny told her so. "You are not as stupid as I thought....''My Lord''. Your decision to send my Mother away instead of just killing her when you had the chance gave me pause. Made me question your level of intelligence. Or perhaps you just enjoy living on the edge." Grace said the last words with a bit venom. Pausing again as Vowrawn folded his arms over his chest. She smiled and moved toward the bureau. "Or perhaps you realize that despite all of your power, you cannot over take me..." Turning her head slowly back toward him, she smiled seductively. "Unless...I allow you too..." Narrowing his eyes, Vowrawn relaxed physically. He was intrigued, enamored in a way. Much like he once was with Mrysti. Though she never once gave herself over to thoughts like those which came from Vowrawn. He sneered again, scoffing toward the Jedi. Though not as vile as he was previously. ¡°You¡¯ve made a very dangerous decision coming here. And you realize there is no way I can just let you leave.¡± Vowrawn scoffed again, ¡°Jedi¡­I take that back. NOT a Jedi. De¡¯nabre. Should be a new term for your kind. Moving in and out of the light. I told your Mother she had to choose a side. She choose to betray me and the Empire.¡± Grace laughed lightly again, picking up something from his personal bureau to look at before setting it back down gently. Her lightsaber still hummed a reminder lighting up her side of the room. ¡°You know that¡¯s not true. My Mother IS Darkness¡­she was trained into it. It¡¯s a part of her now. Who she is.¡± Grace stopped by the door, raising her hand to touch the activation pad. Turning her head to look at Vowrawn, the vicious smile having never left. ¡°This¡­is not about her. This¡­.is about you and your need to exact some measure of vengeance against her.¡± Grace made a ¡®tsk, tsk¡¯ sound again. ¡°An Emperor should be above that, don¡¯t you think?¡± Grace''s eyes got wide at the revelation, the smile infectious. "Those you mean to rule should fear not only the man, but his retribution. Swift and deliberate. Emperors don''t play silly games, Vowrawn. And....neither do I." ¡°I am not Emperor yet.¡± Vowrawn paused as he watched her. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°What I want¡­¡± Grace lost the smile and let out a pent-up sigh. ¡°¡­is to save my family. Not my Mother, she¡¯s already committed to her course. But my sister, who will follow her blindly once she returns.¡± Grace had no reason to lie. Moving the arm upward, she tossed the saber hilt toward Vowrawn. ¡°I offer myself to you, Darth Vowrawn. In hopes that in doing so, it will give my Mother pause in killing you. Pause enough that my sister rethinks this course. YOUR DEATH, is the catalyst that drives the wedge between my sister and I. And she will have to make a choice. I¡¯ve already decided. My life¡­for hers.¡± ¡°Give yourself?¡± Vowrawn questioned humorously. He looked at the hilt in his hand, considering activation. Grace¡¯s voice grew dark. ¡°To serve you¡­until my death¡­¡± Grace paused, ¡°¡­or yours.¡± Smiling viciously, her eyes went to the saber. ¡°¡­if you do that. You die now. This instant. And none of this matters. The wedge will still come between us all. My sister will still follow my Mother. But¡­you are the chaotic anomaly in all of it. I have seen it. Through you, I can take my sister¡¯s place. Give her a chance at a life she should have had, that the Dark Side and the Force robbed her of.¡± ¡°I thought you, ''Mirialans'' believed in destiny.¡± Vowrawn¡¯s mind went back to Mirial, the day he laid eyes on the younger twin of the woman he now stood across the room from. ¡°Wasn¡¯t that her destiny? Believing she was robbed of her choices is not in keeping with your ¡®Unity¡¯.¡± ¡°We share our karma¡­¡± Grace spoke short and turned back to the door. She already knew what he was going to decide. He just needed to arrive at the decision on his own. ¡°I am not a servant, Darth Vowrawn. Nor, am I an apprentice. I am beyond the Jedi or the Sith. I am¡­how did you put it? An anomaly. A De¡¯nabre. Yes, perhaps we should use our name as a way to define ourselves.¡± Grace smiled again, less viciously considering her use of her own title to define herself. ¡°The Unity and I are one¡­the Force and my ancestors have guided me to this point. Choose or don¡¯t choose, it¡¯s your decision. But know this¡­''Sammantha''...is coming. And your death is certain either way. By my Mother¡¯s hand or your own. I have seen it. I know it to be true. I am¡­your only chance for survival.¡± The door opened and Grace stepped out, turning to look back at him. ¡°The throne is your goal. You¡¯ve already placed enough obstacles in your way by choosing the course you have.¡± Vowrawn gave a questioning look at the mention of obstacles. But she didn''t elaborate. A question for later perhaps. "You mean to just walk out of here?" Grace paused and looked out toward the exit before turning back. ¡°Yes." Grace stated plainly. Narrowing her eyes, she ran a hand softly up the sliding door frame and leaned in. "You''ve already made your decision, ''My Lord''. And so have all of the other pieces to this tragic situation. If you play your part well, perhaps you survive. Perhaps you don''t. YOU are not my objective here, simply a means to an end. Honestly, I could care less if you live or die. For the moment, I need you. Once you are gone, my Mother will rededicate herself to the cause. Conquest of the galaxy, re-educating those who do not feel as she does.¡± Grace wiped a hand away as if to brush what she said aside. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. In my vision, you will be gone. Her vengeance exacted, she will once again pick up the Hammer and become a part of the struggle. YOU need to ask yourself; how do you play in this larger role? It¡¯s time to think less about the throne¡­.and more about your life. I await you in Kaas City¡­you will know where to find me.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. -- Dromand Kaas, Kaas City¡­.Low Income Derelicts¡­. <¡±In position, My Lord¡­¡±> Vowrawn stood on the outside looking up at the building. The more the thought about her after the visit, the angrier he got. How dare ¡®she¡¯ invade his home and threaten him. He didn¡¯t need her ¡®support¡¯ or her counsel. And his ¡®death¡¯. Vowrawn laughed at the notion. Mrysti was thousands of lightyears away. Likely dead by the orders he given the Warden. Vowrawn looked aside. Something to remember for later. It had been sometime since he heard from the Warden. The need to get verification that all was well out in the far reaches of space paramount now that ¡®Grace¡¯ had shown up. In the Force he could feel that something was not quite right with all of it. Part of that would be remedied in the next few minutes. Looking up at the derelict, Vowrawn smiled. Raising the comm device to his crooked lips. ¡°Execute, Commander. Kill anything inside the apartment with extreme prejudice and bring her¡ªI mean, bring ME whatever remains you find. I want proof that this ¡®traitor¡¯ has been dealt with.¡± It seemed overkill on a few different levels that a high-ranking member of the Dark Council would be present for something as simple as a traitor extraction and execution. But it was not the troopers or the Commander¡¯s place to question. ¡°It will be done, My Lord¡­¡± The Commander replied giving a sharp nod to the other troopers stacked against the wall with him. The last man in the line moving around the others to place a charge on the door. The door shattered in a shower of sparks and rubble. All of the troopers entering immediately after. Firing as they entered. All of the Imperial Troopers covering all areas of the room as they spread to the corners. Nothing could have survived. They had all access and zones within the room covered. Vowrawn watched from outside. Heard the explosion and watched as the dust from the explosion made a slight puff from the outside of the building. Right at the level the room was located on. He watched and waited. Not hearing anything from the troopers initially, he started to get impatient. Raising the comm device to speak and getting the message before he said anything. <¡±There¡¯s no one here, My Lord¡­the apartment is empty. There were signs of someone being present, but comm scan¡¯s residual trace places the occupant gone for more than twenty-four hours.¡±> His fist tightened around the handheld comm unit. ¡°She¡¯s there, Commander. Somewhere. I want every apartment searched, every occupant removed and questioned. This is no ¡®ordinary¡¯ traitor, Commander¡± Vowrawn stopped short of using the word ''Jedi''. A part of him still had some belief that what Grace said could possibly be true. Moving off, Vowrawn entered his speeder. Content that his orders would be followed. He was going to find Grace and when he did, bleed the truth from her. -- Kaas City, Emperor¡¯s Memorial Marshalling Field¡­. They all stood side by side, those who could attend. The members of the Dark Council watching as the troops destined for planets across the galaxy would take the fight and the will of the Sith Empire across the stars. Vowrawn locked his hands behind his back. His normal light and jovial demeanor gone, his mind still on the past days events and the Jedi he failed to find earlier. Looking over slightly, Darth Malgus looked down on the smaller Dark Lord. Turning his head back to the front in order to appreciate the power being displayed by the Empire¡¯s finest. He didn¡¯t look over at Vowrawn again, instead speaking to the smaller Lord without looking at him. ¡°You seem¡­¡¯distracted¡¯, Vowrawn.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. A minor issue that will soon be¡ª¡± Malgus scoffed slightly. It almost sounded like a laugh. ¡°Your continued distractions cost valuable resources.¡± Malgus turned his head slightly. Without revealing what he knew, Malgus narrowed his eyes. The last of the troops passed the Dark Lords standing on the reviewing stand and were boarding transports, bound for whatever planet the Empire saw fit to deposit them on. ¡°¡­you brought this on yourself, Vowrawn. Remember that.¡± After speaking Malgus stepped off. Going the opposite direction of the other Dark Lords. Vowrawn turned, thought to call out to Malgus. Not only to question the larger Dark Lord, but to also chide him. Vowrawn loved getting under Malgus¡¯ skin especially since the larger Sith¡¯s return from the dead. As Vowrawn moved, his advisers intercepted him. Vowrawn stopped in his tracks to look at all of them annoyingly. They bowed reverently and parted the way. Vowrawn lost the desire to pursue Malgus. Stopping to look at each one of his minions in turn. ¡°Did you send the communique?¡± Vowrawn asked one of them as he picked up the step again. Heading to the far side of the field and his waiting conveyance. The advisers all stopped, exchanging glances. Once Vowrawn realized he was walking alone, he turned giving them all an annoyed glance. ¡°What?!?!¡± ¡°My Lord¡­the¡­¡± They all looked at each other again. Not one of the advisers wanting to deliver the news. Another picked up the message where the first left off. ¡°¡­communication to ''The End'' has been severed. We¡­are receiving a message from the fleet in that sector. It appears the prison¡­¡± The next adviser stopped. Turning toward another of his compatriots, who took up the message. ¡°¡­My Lord, the prison has been overrun. A riot is in progress. The fleet Captain is requesting assistance and instructions.¡± A numbness fell over Vowrawn. He was still looking at his advisers, but all expression drained from his face. His gaze past them, through them, as he looked off. Numbness gave way to fear. Fear he never experienced before. All of the nightmares, all of the dreams and thoughts that plagued him suddenly came back. At the last, the words Grace spoke a few nights prior. Stumbling, he turned away. Heading for his speeder. ¡°My Lord¡­¡± the last of his advisers called to him. ¡°¡­your orders? Should we¡ª¡± The last of the question drown out as Vowrawn continued to walk. His mind no longer his own, his thoughts rushing three and four at a time. Opening the door to his speeder, he didn¡¯t even think to get annoyed at not having the door opened for him or that his driver was not waiting. Merely flopping in the backseat as the speeder launched into the air. Vowrawn didn¡¯t even think to give a direction. His mind suddenly returning, he leaned forward and absently gave instructions. ¡°My estate¡­¡± he spoke softly. ¡°¡­and comm silence, I do not wish to be disturbed.¡± ¡°¡­as you wish, ¡®My Lord¡¯¡­¡± The partition between the driver¡¯s cabin and the passenger lowered. Vowrawn looked up suddenly at the soft sultry voice that came from the front of the speeder. Definitely not his driver. He looked up into the rear reflector. Red irises staring at him as Grace smiled. ¡°I told you¡­I am your only salvation¡­.¡± -- - ¡®The End¡¯¡­. They split up, dividing their forces to try and get to the admin level from various points of the asteroid. Cornelia and Canton taking the more direct route. They were both armed, much better than Mrysti was. Or at least they thought so. Criss-crossing back through an area they previously passed. The area was relatively silent. There were always residual noises in prison. Everything echoed. Those noises intensified given the nature of the place under siege. Lights flickered on and off or were out completely. Some areas graced with emergency lighting gave a strange red or purple hue to the surrounding. Environmental systems were fading. Going back the way they came, Canton could see it all in his systems; still linked into the AI¡¯s sensor nodes. The cellblock they passed prior, skipping most of it to try to get to the admin level, both Canton, Cornelia and Mrysti bypassed most of the doors. Canton stopped Cornelia shaking his head. Bulkhead doors previously opened were closed. He set a hand against the bulkhead. Cold. Environment on the other side was gone. A vacuum. Both turned to cut across the quad. Canton out front he stopped her again, raising his blaster. Detecting the guards before they detected him. The AI¡¯s sensor nodes feeding him the prison¡¯s tracking information. No one knew Canton better than Cornelia. When he raised his weapon, she immediately activated her lightsaber. Out front, he raised a hand to her over one shoulder to stay back. Slinging the arm back forward he launched it into the darkness. A lanyard tipped with a sharp spike launched out of the wrist module. Traveling at high speed through the darkness. Cornelia heard it hit something, soft and crunchy. Canton¡¯s armored system whined loudly, jerking the arm back through the darkness. Like a fisherman catching a prize; the guard impaled on the spike came hurling back toward them. Cornelia rolled forward, swinging her saber along the horizon of his ¡®catch¡¯. Cleaving the guard in two. The crowd erupted. Not sure and having no idea what was attacking them, the guards; who were setting up a defense in the quad fired out in all directions. The floodlights came on. Canton activated the spotlight in his helmet; blinding the guards who tried to angle their blaster bolts back the direction of the light. Canton cut it off. The light, more for Cornelia, but doing the job of blinding the guards just long enough. The two moved into the defense, right among the guards. In the few seconds it took to cut the light on and then off, it was over. The guards who survived were running out of the quad. Unfortunately, the direction that Canton and Cornelia needed to go. <¡°We¡¯re gonna see them again¡­¡±> Canton spoke through the helmet standing up once he retracted the lanyard back into his wrist unit. Cornelia deactivated her saber and stood up. Silence hit them. Only the background sounds of the prison and the ominous darkness hitting them again. She turned, looking at Canton through the darkness. Dots of light peeked out from Canton¡¯s armor, power cells and sensors giving off a residual light. Moving up close, she ran a hand over his helmet and pulled herself in. He turned, his helmeted face looking down at her. The Sith smiled, looking down sadly before looking back into his visor. ¡°Canton¡­¡± She started softly. It was the first time the two of them were alone. The chance for Cornelia to say something that was on the tip of her tongue since their impromptu visit with one another in solitary. ¡°¡­if we get out of here¡­¡± Canton shook his head. <¡°There is no ¡®if¡¯ Corny¡­we are.¡±> Canton looked back the direction the surviving guards ran. Always on guard, always watching. ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean.¡± Cornelia spoke again. She waited until he looked at her. Her face sad, but with a hint of hopefulness. ¡°I was never going to leave you. Not ever. I would have burned this place down to get to you.¡± Canton smiled inside the helmet. Even if Cornelia couldn¡¯t see, she could hear it. <¡°I know baby¡­¡±> he finally replied. <¡°¡­I know ya would¡¯a.¡±> He paused and looked back the direction they needed to go. <¡°¡­I just ain¡¯t so sure that your new ¡®Master¡¯ feels the same way.¡±> -- Tracking the presence, Mrysti felt it had passed through the sector ahead. Passed through. Appropriate. The presence passed through the area undetected. More, uninterested in what lie before her. There was a directness of intent within the presence. Colonel Rickter was following the path she knew, but as a puppet to whatever the presence was. Perhaps it controlled her, made her move using her knowledge of the prison and its systems to skip through areas it found unnecessary. The door ahead, an anomaly. A prison section door in the middle of the maintenance area. Something hidden and out of the way. The asteroid seemed to hide many secrets. Almost all of them deadly in some way. Even without her lightsaber, Mrysti was still a formidable force. Vaulting the table as the door to the next section opened, Mrysti glanced at the writing on the wall and found the section labeled ¡®Mental confinement¡¯. Tilting her head in confusion. Sublevels were where most of the maintenance works of the prison were kept. To have a cell section in the middle spoke to vulnerability. Mrysti saw them turn and charge instantly even before the door closed behind her. Charging as well, she reached a table at the edge of the room. Vaulting over once again. Once she got over the table she understood why the inmates were attacking; launching a hand out unleashing a deadly barrage of Force Lightning into the charging inmates. Their eyes glowed with a spectral light in the dimly lit environment of the prison section. The presence had indeed been through there and had affected the prisoners. Mrysti could feel it in the Force as they attacked. Their minds, already compromised by whatever mental ailment affected them; the presence bent their will. They attacked, not of their own will. But someone or ¡®something¡¯ else¡¯s. They came from everywhere. No guards, the section had been sealed off since all of it began. The inmates attacking the first thing that came through the door. Unfortunately for the crazed occupants of the mental ward that first individual was Mrysti. Even fried and charged with lightning from her fingertips, they slowed, but kept advancing. One of the inmates grabbing her arm once she landed on the other side. Mrysti slung the inmate off like a sand flea. The female mental patient flying with sudden speed away from her and impacting the wall to her side with a resounding crash of splitting wall and cracking tile. Two others writhed on the ground in pain from the lightning and jumped up as Mrysti came by, grabbing her legs. They managed to pull her down, several others joining in by jumping on top of her. Raging, Mrysti grimaced and sprang upward. Launching her arms and head up and back with a ferocious scream. The pile of inmates flew in all directions. Running back toward her to attack again. Mrysti didn¡¯t have time to rely on the Force. Fists and elbows flying, she spun into the crowd. Bone split and cracked with each strike; Mrysti making her way through the thrall a little at a time. Bodies flew in all directions, Mrysti screamed in rage again continuing to advance. Reaching the end of the cell block, she looked back. Only three or four of the nearly four dozen inmates were still standing. And those that were looked back toward Mrysti in awe. Standing stoically, their mouths slightly agape at not only the carnage caused by the one who passed through, but the Mirialan herself. Mrysti looked back and wiped a bit of their blood off her face as she let out a haggard breath. Looking toward the door, she kicked it in and entered the dimly lit hallway, making her way back up toward the admin area. -- - Sith Citadel, Dromand Kaas¡­ Vowrawn said nothing as he strode through the main foyer of the Citadel. And no one asked any questions of the Dark Lord. Though not all eyes were on him. More, the individual who followed a few steps behind him. Even as he walked fast and deliberate; heading for the communications suite, Grace seemed to stride slower. One step for every four of the one she followed. His shorter legs having to make distance quicker in contrast to the long leggy Mirialan who walked behind him. And Vowrawn made no attempt at explanation. Almost as if Grace belonged there, just as he did. They arrived in the suite, technicians turning to look at the two as they entered. The Imperial Commander getting up and moving toward him immediately, bowing sharply in greeting. ¡°M-My Lord¡­unexpected¡ª¡± Glancing at Grace, the Commander narrowed his eyes before looking back to Vowrawn. ¡°¡ªwe have your daily communiques, My Lord. I could have someone bring them to you and¡ª¡± ¡°No¡± Vowrawn spoke sharply, watching the Commander eye Grace again. ¡°Is there a problem, Commander?¡± ¡°Nuh-No, My Lord¡­it¡¯s just¡ªyou know Darth Malgus¡¯ policy on unauthorized personnel in the Communications area.¡± The Commander turned toward Grace. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, My Lord¡­but I don¡¯t recognize you. Only Dark Lords of certain rank and status are allowed in¡ª¡± ¡°You will address me, Commander.¡± Vowrawn glared toward the man, who presumed to speak to Grace on his own. ¡°My ¡®assistant¡¯¡ª¡± Vowrawn glanced over at Grace. Remembering what she said about not being an Apprentice or a Jedi. It took a moment for him to come up with something to call her. ¡°¡ªis privy to all of my communications. Her word is mine.¡± Without allowing him to respond, Vowrawn stepped to the side headed for the private projection room. Grace followed, but only after smiling and shrugging at the Commander. Once they were a few steps away, she leaned in. ¡°Very well played, Vowrawn¡­¡± ¡°Oh, shut up.¡± After entering the room, Vowrawn closed the door behind them. He moved to the projection pad and stood on it. Activating the system with a twist of his hand in the Force. The lights dimmed. Blue projection lights activating around the room as he stood and waited for the communication to start. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what we¡¯re doing here. If you mean to try and contact the prison, I believe you are already too late.¡± Vowrawn was not one for destiny or foresight. He didn¡¯t believe in fate or the inevitability of things being set a certain way. Vowrawn always believed you made your own fate and destiny. You could always effect change. The communication started. Vowrawn knew it wasn¡¯t live. It would take several days for the message to reach sector G-7. Narrowing his eyes, he looked directly into the projector and started to speak. ¡°¡­Captain Tanis, this is Darth Vowrawn. I send this in response to your request for assistance. Unfortunately, any help sent would take far too long to reach you and by that time the situation will become unmanageable. You are free to use whatever means you feel necessary to contain the prison. No one, I repeat NO ONE is to be allowed off the prison asteroid. Should the need arise, you have authorization to destroy the asteroid. Let me make this order completely clear. If you feel you must destroy the prison asteroid to contain any escape, do so¡­.¡± After the projection stopped and the lights began to rise once again, Vowrawn looked at Grace and smiled viciously. She stood, arms folded to her front glaring at him. ¡°It changes nothing.¡± Grace narrowed her eyes. ¡°You cannot escape your fate. Destroying the asteroid will not stop what is to come.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see¡­.¡± Vowrawn stepped past her and walked out. ¡°¡­once your usefulness has ended. You will share your Mother¡¯s fate. She has only a few days left now.¡± Vowrawn stopped and turned around to face his new ''assistant''. "...and so do you." -- Malgus wasn¡¯t far. Content to let things play out as they would after he set certain things in motion. Malgus was not a micromanager. A master tactician, that saw six or seven moves ahead. The latest addition to the ¡®game¡¯, not something he would have foreseen. The prison was out of reach and cut off from communications. Malgus had, of course, received the communications from the fleet in that sector and knew about the emergency request for assistance. Not answering and allowing it to go on for a few weeks. Only to allow Vowrawn to finally catch up and make the move he knew would be inevitable. Malgus knew all of it as they stood on the reviewing stand watching he troops pass. It was why he warned Vowrawn that all of it he brought on himself. The thought passed, perhaps he should intervene. Counter the order Vowrawn sent to the fleet to destroy the prison. Something ¡®elusive¡¯ in the Force tugged at him. Malgus decided not to send any messages, at least not yet. And it had nothing to do with trying to counter Vowrawn. It had everything to do with the new and mysterious ¡®assistant¡¯, as Vowrawn put it, who recent arrived. The Force was Malgus tool to use. And it told him everything he needed to know. Malgus never had any doubts, from the moment that Vowrawn started the entire affair how all of it would end up. And with Grace¡¯s arrival all of what he knew to be true was coming to pass. There was no reason to try and reach out in order to see why things had been cut off in that sector. Malgus was confident in his ability to read people and see through them into what they would do in any given situation. No doubt, Mrysti was well into her escape. And even though he had no idea what was going on out in sector G-7, Malgus was sure that all of what was taking place had everything to do with Mrysti and nothing Vowrawn could do would change the outcome. He watched as the two of them left the communications area and walked toward the private chambers all Dark Council members kept close to the main audience hall. Placing a hand to his mask he pondered. A Jedi, walking the halls of the Citadel. A spark of anger shot through him. Anger he quickly quelled. Misplaced. There was a reason Grace was there and it had nothing to do with the Republic or the Jedi. And everything to do with the fate Vowrawn had woven for himself. For a long time, Malgus wondered what instrument the Force was going to utilize to finally deal with Vowrawn. For a time, he thought that instrument would be him. Or perhaps Mrysti when she finally returned. It no longer mattered if Mrysti returned. The Force, sending a clear message as all of the walls began to close in around Vowrawn. There was no escape for him. The hole he dug for himself getting deeper. Seeing Grace for the first time walking behind Vowrawn it hit him. The tool giving him clairvoyance deep into the situation. The prison, the Colonel; even Mrysti. All of it suddenly meant nothing in the greater scheme. There was a new piece on the board. And the weapon of choice walked a few meters behind Vowrawn. It wouldn¡¯t be Mrysti that the Force would use to exact the pound of flesh needed to re-balance everything and get the war back on track. It was going to be Grace. -- - ¡®The End¡¯¡­. ¡°Set up a firing line here¡­¡± The Warden raised his blaster up and looked outward. The comm-transmitter on his wrist acknowledged the message he sent out to the Imperial fleet, but also chimed a location of threats. He had to cut the alert off. It was going off every few minutes; threats were everywhere. Having lost track of both Mrysti and Cornelia; the Warden was interested in only getting out alive. His office and administrative levels overrun by the strongest of the prison¡¯s gang population first. This was the second rush. The guard mount had all of the power cells they could take from the armory after Canton left. The Warden was digging in for the long haul. As the prisoner shadows started to come down the hall, the Warden didn¡¯t hesitate. Before the screams of the charge reached them, as he learned from the first charge, the Warden smiled wickedly. ¡°Fire¡­¡± The hall lit up with the light of several dozen blaster rifles and heavy repeater cannons. -- Rickter sat on the floor. Arms wrapped around herself, she rocked back and forth. Even after setting the saber down, HE was still there. Still inside her and there was no way to get him out. Her eyes shot to the saberhilt on the floor next to her as she continued to rock back and forth. Squeezing her arms around herself tighter. ¡°Please¡­¡± She whispered. Rickter wanted him out. Needed him out. The voice was there, it was always there. And she could see him. The glow of feet standing in front of her ever present. Rickter closed her eyes tightly. <¡±Please?¡±> the voice spoke in her mind. <¡±You beg me for life. I have given you the power to consume. And we will.¡±> ¡°No¡± Her eyes still shut, Rickter shook her head. Memories of going down into the asteroid, of finding the thing Malgus sent her to find. Why would he send her to her death? Rickter knew, she meant nothing. Not to Malgus, not to the Empire. A fact she only half-accepted in her long career. Now it was reality standing a few feet from her. <¡±You will serve¡­¡±> The voice said again. And she had served. Had been serving all of her adult life. How was it any different? The Force, something she never experienced. It was like a torrential storm that she couldn¡¯t understand and could not control. Albeit tainted by the power granted to her by the saber. Her head snapped up as she looked at the door. In her mind she saw the entity look over as well. Sion moved. The glowing green feet moving in her mind¡¯s eye toward the door. He felt it too. Just as she did. Rickter didn¡¯t know how she knew or what she felt. The power flowing through her was the entity. It approached the door and laid a hand against it before looking back to her. Rickter still clutching herself. Though the rocking stopped. Her eyes wet with tears, she opened them wide and looked past the entity as it narrowed its gaze back toward her. ¡°My Lord¡­¡± Rickter whispered. <¡±Another.¡±> Sion spoke. Its ghastly voice raspy with contempt and vitriol. It disappeared. Sion blinking out in Rickter¡¯s mind. She began shaking her head, the speed increasing as she once again started to cry. ¡°No¡­¡± She moaned. ¡°¡­no more¡­.¡± <¡±Serve me¡±> She heard it. One of her hands coming off her body; Rickter fought the urge. Her arm shaking as she reached for it. ¡°Nuh-no¡­.¡± Snatching up the hilt, not of her own will, she instantly stood. The flash of the entity infusing her once again. Eyes glowed an ethereal green. Rickter activated the saber and strode toward the door. Both voices; hers and Sion spoke in unison. <¡±She approaches. A Vessel¡­a much more¡­¡¯powerful¡¯ vessel¡­¡±> Sion smiled. It made Rickter¡¯s face look inhuman. The smile threatening to break the skin at the corners of her mouth. <¡±She¡­will serve¡­.¡±> -- -- ¡®The End¡¯¡­. <¡±Look at them run¡­¡±> Both Canton and Cornelia found it hilarious that those who once tried to strike fear in the prison populace and in them was now running for their lives. And it annoyed Cornelia that all of the various guards and prisoners seemed to be more afraid of Canton than her. The armor, clearly Mandalorian was something most of the prisoners and guards knew of only in legend. Having not actually seen a Mandalorian in action; only hearing the tales. There were other Mandalorians or at least those arrested as Mandalorians elsewhere in the prison. But Canton was the only one placed in Maximum Security. What Canton was giving them all and Cornelia to some extent, was a first-hand look at the capabilities of a Mandalorian in tune with both his body and his armor. Canton launched his wrist out and fired down the hall. A rocket hitting the blockade of makeshift furniture and other assorted items. The Prisoners in that section trying to keep anyone out and themselves in. <¡±We need to destroy that in order to get by¡­¡±> Canton spoke, looking down at Cornelia in his visor. She nodded and got off her knee, standing to face the blockade. They stopped firing back, the prisoners withdrawing in confidence that not even a Mandalorian was going to breach the blockade of assorted junk. Cornelia raised an arm and channeled the Force, closing her eyes after taking a good mind¡¯s eye picture of what she needed to do. Pieces of the debris started to shake and rattle. Cornelia pressed in with her mind and body. Her hands began to shake. Jerking her eyes open she grimaced and screamed out loud as she swiped out past herself. Grabbing the junk in her mind and tossing it away. Blowing inward, the prisoners taking refuge behind the junk pile were blown backward by the Force. The debris an aftershock of the distortion. Combined ripples of invisible energy and tendrils of electrical Force imbued lightning arched out and around the debris as it flew inward killing, hitting and destroying anything behind it. The hall was clear, Cornelia sagged a moment as Canton came up alongside of her placing an arm around her waist to lift her a bit before looking down. <¡°Damn, baby¡­¡±> Were the only words Canton spoke. Loading his blasters again quickly, charging them as the two advanced. -- ¡®The End¡¯, Armory¡­. The ground shook in the passageway. The floor rattling, then buckling as the floor exploded upward. Mrysti was already up. Leaping through the hole she created to stand on the main upper passageway. She looked back. The skyway she was originally brought across in order to meet the Warden and that linked the main prison to the administration and special cells areas was behind her. Already she sensed the entity once again. It wasn¡¯t too long before she entered that it passed the same way. Mrysti by-passed a good portion of the prison in going her own way. Entering the administration complex, Mrysti extended her sense again. There was still a lot of building between herself and whatever it was. Still unsure how Colonel Rickter fit into any of it. She WAS the entity or the entity somehow consumed her? There had to be some clues going forward. Rounding the corner of the highly polished floor, she looked up at the signs. One way for the Armory, the other for special cells. -- Canton did not usually let Cornelia lead. After the last display of power, she earned it. The AI was feeding him all kinds of telemetry data anyway. Canton needed a minute to decipher it, as they rounded the corner. He pointed ahead, the HUD system laying out a schematic of the zone they were entering. <¡±Aux hanger is this way¡­droid controlled. Won¡¯t find anything in there we can fly, but we¡¯re gettin¡¯ closer to the outside of¡ª¡°> He was about to finish with ¡®¡­access points that would eventually lead them where they needed to go.¡¯ The blast from the hangar ahead scoured the wall and skirted along its edge before bouncing off the corner. Whoever was in the hangar saw the shadows of the two approaching. Fortunately, Cornelia sensed the shot before she sensed who fired it. Jumping back behind the wall, she looked over her shoulder at Canton. He was already asking the AI to give him information. Canton shook his head. <¡±No lifeforms. Droids.¡±> Canton took out his blaster loading a fresh power cell. Her lightsaber already lit; Cornelia was going around the corner when her comm unit chimed. -- ¡°Cornelia¡­¡± Mrysti voice was jovial. In the background on Cornelia¡¯s end she heard the repeated blaster fire of automated systems. ¡°¡­I hear you¡¯ve ran into something once again. I am in the admin complex.¡± <¡±Understood, Master¡±> Cornelia¡¯s reply was short and clipped. Obviously both herself and Canton too busy to get into a lengthy conversation. ¡°Both of you disregard the admin levels. Skirt the outside and make your way to the hangars. I will have it opened by the time you get there.¡± -- ¡°Understood, Master. Out.¡± Another blast chipped the wall away and Cornelia squinted against it, backing up another step. Canton shook his head. <¡±I was just about to say that¡­¡±> Canton pointed at the comm device still in Cornelia¡¯s hand. She smirked, twirling the saber in her other hand. ¡°You ready to do this¡­¡± ¡°¡­you have to ask?¡± -- Mrysti waved out to her side as she approached. The two guards keeping watch over the armory entrance lifted up sharply and flew backward into the wall. Waving again, Mrysti opened the door in the Force. A release of pressurized air greeted Mrysti as the door slid open. It was her intention to find weapons. Or to try and get a location on Colonel Rickter. Mrysti was getting close. The main Armory was close to both the Admin area and the Solitary Confinement Cells. Mrysti looked down, one of the guards began to stir. Mrysti reached down and snatched him up. Lifting the guard to her face as she sneered into it. ¡°Colonel Rickter¡± Mrysti questioned. She didn¡¯t bother looking at the armor. Identifying if the guard was one of Colonel Rickter¡¯s or one of the normal prison guard force. The guard¡¯s helmeted head lulled to the side, but finally snapped upright once he finally gained all of his senses. ¡°Th-tha¡­Colonel¡ª¡± ¡°Yes¡± Mrysti spoke sharply, ¡°¡ªwhere is she?¡± ¡°Sh-she went below¡ªan unknown location¡­took several with her. No contact¡ª¡± Lifting her other hand, Mrysti squeezed it into a fist until she heard the guard¡¯s neck crunch inward. She dropped the body unceremoniously and proceeded inside. Smiling once she crossed the threshold. It was clear Canton had been there. The weapons racks were already looted. The armory itself in shambles. No one bothered to mess with the rows and rows of personal gear and items stored of the prisoners who were residents of the prison. Deserted, the armory looked bare of all the obvious weapons and armor. The Mirialan smiled to herself again. The most dangerous weapons wouldn¡¯t have been obvious. She glanced upward at the ever present ¡®red-eye¡¯ of the AI which tracked her. No doubt Canton able to see where she was as well as the AI. Though the AI was no longer tracking her or those with her as a threat. A fact that could soon change if those in the admin section figured out to manipulate the program once again. Another reason that getting to the admin section was critical. Moving to the gated area, Mrysti parted the fence with another wave of the hand. The linked lattice flew out behind her. Mrysti narrowed her eyes. She could feel it even before she looked visibly. Her eyes immediately going to a rack with stacked military style shipping crates one on top of the other. The crystal was tuned by Sammantha when the child was only five, the saber made for Mrysti. Slinging her arm out behind her, Mrysti jerked all but one of the crates off the rack. They flew out behind her crashing into the beyond of the armory. The one lone crate staying on the rack staring back at her. Gently, Mrysti lifted it in the Force and opened the box. Besides her armor which was given to the prison on her arrival by the transport ship, her saber rested neatly in a cradle of foam and other packing material. Reaching in, she lifted it and immediately felt ¡®home¡¯ flow through her. Thoughts of her daughters made her smile. Mrysti reached in and picked up the hilt gently. She flourished the hilt, swinging it out to the side. Activating the orange-red blade Mrysti lifted it and started at the glowing plasma. The warmth of the glow. Home. They had all finally turned the corner. ''Home'' was in reach. One step closer to freedom and vengeance. -- Confusion was not something Canton voiced normally. His armor¡¯s systems usually giving him all of the information he required. But the auxiliary hangar was a different kind of strange. Not only was it droid controlled, the AI had it completely off the grid. And Canton had no idea why. Someone, from somewhere had set the droids to attack literally anything with a heartbeat. He grabbed Cornelia before she leapt around the corner, pulling her back. ¡°I thought you said you were ready¡­¡± Canton looked up and shook his head. <¡±I lied¡­¡±> Just needing a few more minutes to figure out why the hangar was off the grid, Canton¡¯s systems were interfacing with the AI as he jerked up and at a strange angle suddenly. Arcs of electricity started flowing across his armor. The grunt and grimace of pain cut off from the inside as the external speaker of his helmet cut out. Cornelia grabbed him. Trying to hold him up. Canton was heavy all of a sudden and Cornelia found she had to put a little bit of her power behind holding him up as the hydraulics of his armor shorted out, along with every other system. The HUD cut out just as the overload completed. Cornelia set him down on the floor, in the prone, with a resounding ¡®thud¡¯ of metal hitting the duracrete floor. ¡°Canton!!!¡± Cornelia screamed. Her face down, right next to his visor. She heard mumbling, but under the helmet she couldn¡¯t hear clearly. Placing her ear right up to the surface of the visor. ¡°I can hear you¡­what happened?!?!¡± ¡°Feedback loop.¡± Canton¡¯s voice was distant, muffled. His next words answering the question Cornelia was about to ask. ¡°¡­armor¡¯s security override sealed me in. So, I¡¯m stuck.¡± Inside the armor, Canton tried to flex his limbs. The weight far too heavy to move completely. Only the undersuit of his armor insulating him from the feedback loop and deliberate attack by the AI as Canton tried to pry deeper into information as to whom set the hanger to attack anything entering the area. Cornelia sat up smiling. It was funny, even in the middle of battle to see Canton; who a moment before could have taken on any comers in the prison, reduced to laying on his back. For all of the dislike Canton had for Force Users, Cornelia had to smile at the reliance on technology. Another blast from inside the hanger hit close to the wall they were behind. Shards of duracrete peppering them both as Cornelia squinted. ¡°They¡¯re not gonna come out here. I need to restart my systems. Pull the power cells under my arms and put them back in. That should initiate a hard reboot.¡± Cornelia laughed at the muffled voice. ¡°I¡¯m glad you think this is funny. Meanwhile, you an me ¡®r sittin¡¯ ducklings.¡± ¡°I thought you could move in your armor without power¡­¡± Cornelia narrowed her eyes, already reaching under to pull one of the power cells. ¡°¡­you¡¯re certainly big enough.¡± ¡°Ha, Ha¡­¡± The muffled voice came again. ¡°Has nothing to do with physical strength. Normal armor, yes¡­heavy armor, no. This is a reinforced unit. We were getting¡¯ ready for war when I got¡­.¡¯sent¡¯ here. I kinda need the hydraulics.¡± Canton strained against the armor, moving his arm and a leg slightly. ¡°¡­why do you think I insist on being up front?¡± ¡°I thought it was because you don¡¯t trust me¡­.¡± Cornelia laughed again. Moving over to his other arm to pull the second cell. ¡°Full¡¯a jokes today. I love it¡­.¡± Canton¡¯s muffled voice remarked sarcastically. ¡°Because my armor can take a hell of¡¯a lot more abuse than flesh and bone¡­and I¡­uh¡­kinda like your flesh. Your bones too.¡± Lights on the power cells and the sensors of Canton¡¯s armor winked and began flashing as the power cut back on. Cornelia sat back and waited, half expecting him to just sit up. When he continued to lay still, Cornelia moved back over the top of him looking down into his visor. ¡°Ok¡­.now what¡­¡± ¡°Give it a minute¡­¡± There was muffled laughter. ¡°¡­I told¡¯ya it was gonna take about five minutes.¡± The firing within the hangar changed direction. Cornelia sat up and looked toward the corner. Crawling until she got to the edge to peer around. The Imperial shuttle landed under fire. And returned fire as it sat down within the hangar. Automated defenses exploding under the shuttle¡¯s direct fire of turrets and wing mounted cannons. The fighting continued once the shuttle set all the way down. It was clear the shuttle was making a combat landing. Landing cycle steam along with the high-pitched whine of continually turning engine turbines filled the space between Cornelia and the landing pad. She scooted back, looking down at Canton. ¡°A shuttle¡¯s landing.¡± Cornelia said excitedly. An interesting development. Not only had their way off the asteroid arrived and was within their grasp, they were close. ¡°Great. And here I am grounded.¡± Standing up, Cornelia activated her lightsaber. Canton¡¯s muffled voice got louder. ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t. Un-uh¡­Corny!! No!! You have no idea what that shuttle is bringing in!¡± Cornelia moved to the corner again. Two teams of black armored troopers were fanning out, continuing their attack on the droids. From the far side access, a blast door slid open. Another group of Imperials were running toward the shuttle. Firing on the droids in an attempt to join the troopers coming off the shuttle. Cornelia got a look at the red tunic in the new group, narrowing her eyes. It was the Warden. -- Leaving the Armory, Mrysti took off at a run. Heading back the way she came until she reached the intersection she originally jumped up from the lower level. It felt good to have her hands wrapped around the hilt of her lightsaber. The Orange-red glow of the crossguard constructed saber gave her a warm sense of peace and safety. It reminded her of happier times, mostly because holding it reminded her of the one who constructed it. Over the years, Mrysti made modifications. Improved it. Ported the two crossguard exhaust ports just above the top of the handle. Cast the entire thing in one complete type of metal. It looked a little more, ¡®refined¡¯. More than it did when it was originally constructed by the five-year old Sammantha. Who used various pieces of different types of scrap metal to make the saber originally. The blueprints came from Alexandra. Who gave the plans to Sammantha. With no idea that the child would take the ancient Sith blueprints and actually make something out of them. But it wasn¡¯t the construction that was most surprising. It was the crystal. Mrysti''s original green Kyber. Found on Ilum by Mrysti during her sojourn to the mines. The crystal called to her as she meditated. Leading her further down into the mine, way past the others who were on the same quest. Mrysti put that crystal away when the saber was returned to her by her sister, who recovered it on Korriban. The remains of a hovel complex an evil taskmaster kept Mrysti in for years. A place that Mrysti would never return to, Karolin took the opportunity during the war with the Eternal Empire to journey there on her own. Finding the saber to return it to its rightful owner. Like the color of the saber crystal Mrysti found in her Taskmaster¡¯s chambers during her escape more than two decades before, Sammantha held the crystal in her little five-year-old hands and concentrated in its power. She ¡®ask¡¯ it to reveal itself. The original green crystal was already tuned to her Mother, but like her Mother the crystal needed change. Sammantha asked the crystal to once again serve. Serve her Mother as it once did. Sammnatha asked in a nice way. Explaining to the crystal and to the Force that all things change. And like her Mother, the crystal had to change to continue to be useful. To have a place in the galaxy. When she opened her hands, the green faded into a brilliant orange-red. Sammantha placed the crystal into the hilt. A saber made to be useful to her Mother once again. Mrysti smiled to herself. Two great memories all in one. Sammantha and¡­her own Mother, Alexandra. The smile quickly faded. How disappointed her Mother would be in Mrysti. That she did not follow the path Alexandra set out for her. Did not seek redemption and become the Jedi, Alexandra always hoped she would be. But that was not Mrysti¡¯s destiny. <¡±Your Destiny¡­¡±> Mrysti froze as she rounded the corner. The entity not only reading Mrysti¡¯s thoughts, but intercepting them. <¡±¡­lies with me.¡±> Launching a hand out toward her, the entity projected itself. Mrysti felt her senses bombarded, overwhelmed instantly. Dropping her own saber, Mrysti was lifted from the ground. Her psyche suddenly overtaken by the presence of another as it left Rickter and entered Mrysti. She grit her teeth, screaming out loud. <¡±Yes¡­a better vessel. She will serve¡­¡±> 12 - Objective Identified <¡±You are very powerful. Ascended. Together, the Sith will once again walk across the stars. None shall oppose us.¡±> The voice was both in the passageway and in her head. Mrysti¡¯s scream reverberated with another¡¯s scream. Sion. He screamed with her in unison as Mrysti tried to resist. ¡°NO..NUH-NO¡­¡± As if grabbing him, Mrysti clutched her hands to her chest. An invisible item clutched close. In the Force, Mrysti grabbed the specter and hurled him away from her, falling back to the ground on all fours. ¡°GET OUTTA ME!!!¡± <¡±AGGGGHHHH!!!¡±> Sion leapt back toward Rickter, who had fallen to the ground. Her body, once sprawled out face first, immediately stood back up. She moved as if strings were attached to her. Rickter¡¯s body not under her control. The Colonel pointed toward Mrysti, lifting the purple-pinkish glow of the saber toward the Mirialan. <¡±YOU DARE DEFY ME.¡±> Still on her knees, Mrysti looked up to see the Colonel stalking toward her. The saber came down. Mrysti rolled back out of the way, launching her hand out to pull her own saber back toward her. Rickter launched her own hand out to try and grab the crossguard saber as well. When she failed, the saber sailing toward Mrysti to land in her hand; Rickter looked at her own hand in shock. Mrysti slowly stood, activating the Orange-red plasma of her lightsaber once again. ¡°You don¡¯t have the Force, Rickter¡­or Sion¡­or whatever you¡¯re calling yourself. It¡¯s fake, a smokescreen.¡± Mrysti knew exactly what was happening from the first few seconds of Sion trying to overtake her. She saw it all. Rickter finding the saber, killing the guards and slaying everyone all the way to the admin level to call for extraction. In her mind¡¯s eye, she saw Sion¡¯s plan and knew none of it was real. Sion was residual energy. The last bit of hatred and rage of a long dead Dark Lord trapped in the lightsaber he once used to dominate the galaxy. The last vestiges of a power that no longer had the means to exact its will. And in that few moments the rest of it became clear. The plan, the reason Rickter was sent down there. No more doubt coursed through Mrysti concerning Talia or that Malgus had indeed set everything in motion. Mrysti moved slowly, walking in an arc out to the front of Rickter. <¡±You are nothing. To Defy one of the founders of the original¡ª¡°> ¡°--No you ARE nothing.¡± Mrysti cut the entity off. Narrowing her eyes, she peered at Rickter. It didn¡¯t have the power to lash out. Mrysti could feel Sion¡¯s hold, his desire to just lash out and dominate her. But there was another to consider. Mrysti could easily have killed Talia, ended it all in that instant. It was with great risk that she delayed. Allowing Sion¡¯s Entity to once again build the power it needed to try and overtake her. There was a sadness in Talia. Under all those layers of Sion, she could feel it. Talia knew she was going to die. No one cared. Not Mrysti, not the Empire. And it was great sadness that Talia convinced herself of her fate. Mrysti smiled weakly. ¡°Talia, I know you¡¯re in there. I understand now, I know why Malgus sent you down there.¡± Mrysti paused. ¡°You¡¯re not expendable. Not to me. I want you to know, I am not going to let you die. I saw it all. He knew you would need that power to get back to the admin level if things got out of hand. You accomplished your mission.¡± <¡±YOU talk to me¡­not to this vessel!!¡±> The entity grimaced as Talia¡¯s psyche tried to reassert itself. Mrysti seized on the opportunity. ¡°YES!!! Talia¡­fight. You are NOT expendable.¡± Mrysti narrowed her eyes, standing up straight. ¡°You fight Colonel. That¡¯s an order!!! You still have use to me.¡± Changing her tone, Mrysti tried to reach Talia on another level. The Colonel bent sharply grabbing her head. Sion¡¯s voice echoed in harmony with Talia. Her glowing green eyes narrowing as the entity started to build up its power once again. <¡±NOOOO!! This vessel is mine!!! This minion of the Sith. It will ser¡ª¡°> ¡°Talia¡­I¡¯m not going to kill you. But I want you to know¡­this is going to hurt.¡± Sion/Rickter canted her head in confusion as Mrysti warped into the Force. Moving so fast she was a blur. Too late, the entity raised the saber in defense of itself. Mrysti¡¯s own blade cutting an arc up and across as she weaved it under Colonel Rickter. In a quick slash and swipe, Talia¡¯s hand was severed by the Orange-Red blur of lightsaber plasma. The two voices cried out in unison. One of the voices giving way as the scream dissolved into that of a woman. Colonel Rickter fell. Her body landing in a heap as Mrysti completed her pass, turning around to grab the severed hand as it sailed along with the blur. Reaching up, Mrysti grabbed the saber with her other hand. The power blanked her out. One powerful entity, meeting another¡­. -- Rage consumed her. Cornelia seemed to walk in slow motion. Actually, her speed making everything else appear to her as moving slower than she was. She spun into the first group of troopers. Slashing down at the first Soldier, severing his head from the rest of his torso. They turned. Cornelia saw them as if looking through water. The wavy nature of their movement projecting what they were going to do, how they would move and where she needed to go. Blaster bolts passed her. The troopers firing haphazardly. Alarmed by the sudden appearance of the Sith from nowhere. And it was a Sith. The troopers were warned. They would encounter prisoners of all types. No one, not even a Sith was to be considered ¡®friend¡¯. Cornelia grabbed the barrel of another trooper, slinging the armored trooper into another of his team. Her saber moving up and under her arm as she reversed her grip. Stabbing the trooper whose carbine she held. Leaping forward after spinning around again. A fluid motion of movement. The saber moving in a horizontal arc as she withdrew. Cornelia jumped onto the shoulders of the next Soldier, who was just turning to get a bead on her. Wrapping her legs around the neck and shoulders, she tightened her thighs and squeezed in the Force. Slamming the lightsaber down into the faceplate of the Soldier¡¯s helmet. Riding the body all the way to the ground and coming up in a roll to face the next group of troopers. -- ¡°What the living hell¡ª¡± The Warden saw the flash of red light. The lightsaber that seemed to move at inhuman speed. In seconds the first team was down and the red saber was moving toward the second team. In a matter of moments, the Sith had dispatched all seven members of the first boarding party. And now she was moving toward the second. He wasn¡¯t waiting around to see how long it would take her to overtake them. ¡°Come on!!! Come on!!!¡± The Warden ran toward the shuttle, tripping as he fell over the boarding ramp to scurry up the side. Once onboard he hit the control to raise the ramp, stranding the rest of the guard force who brought him there. Screams of dying men were cut off. Flashes of red light and the swooshing sound of saber slicing flesh and armor alike. The ramp closed and locked into place. The Warden turned, screaming toward the front of the shuttle. ¡°GO!!! GOOOO!!!¡± -- ¡°No!!¡± Cornelia launched her hand out. The last body of the Warden¡¯s guard force had not even hit the deck as she launched a blistering arc of lightning from her hand into the rising shuttle. Raising off the platform, the shuttle fired back down at her. The explosion sending her flying backward toward the rear of the hangar. She hit the wall hard as darkness overcame her. -- -- ¡°AAGGGHHHH!!!¡± Mrysti held the purple-pinkish saber tightly in her grip. Her scream echoed by the scream of the one who inhabited the crystal within the saber. As she fell, her mind blanked out. A flash of light and Mrysti found herself standing across a great expanse. -- On the other side, stood the one who desperately wished to get out. His skin looked like the cracked surface of a dry desert moon. Dark energy, which held him together, shown through the cracks. Darth Sion walked with purpose toward Mrysti. Before getting close he stopped, raising his chin slightly. ¡°My hate keeps me alive.¡± Sion canted his head, stating the obvious. ¡°So, does yours.¡± The Dark Lord paced, but his head and dark glowing red eyes never left Mrysti. ¡°I wished for death. For so long I sought it. The need to have someone powerful enough to finally destroy me, absolute. And when it finally came, I happily embraced it. You can not imagine the pain of holding on to the hate which held the very threads of life together. I¡­was immortal. But immortality has a price¡­.¡± ¡°I know¡­¡± Mrysti spoke, lowering her head sympathetically. ¡°DO YOU?!?!¡± Sion stopped pacing. His eyes shooting into her. ¡°Yes.¡± Mrysti said sadly. ¡°I was robbed of my death. One that I earned. Redemption I never thought possible, at the end I was granted what I most sought. Only to have it taken from me. I felt it¡­¡± Mrysti looked down again. ¡°¡­I know what that ¡®place¡¯ feels like. I have been there. To be with those you most care for. To know that all of them are waiting there for you. Time, space¡­our acts, who we are. None of that matters. That¡­is immortality. Not this.¡± Mrysti pointed her saber at him. ¡°¡­not holding on to a life that no longer has any meaning. You¡¯re not really here Sion. You¡¯ve passed on. Moved to that other place. All that remains is the hate you left behind. Your need to consume. I was robbed of my death¡­" Mrysti paused and looked up. A resolute stare, a commitment. "....let me carry on that hate for you.¡± Sion turned sharply. He stared at Mrysti. ¡°You lie. This is some sort of trick. To get me to release you and the other one.¡± ¡°No¡± Mrysti spoke softly as she shook her head. ¡°Look deeper. If I wished it, I could leave this place and crush that saber. And there is absolutely nothing you could do to stop me.¡± Sion paused, he looked down before looking back at Mrysti again. ¡°You see? You know what I say is truth. Let go. Withdraw yourself and I promise you, the sacrifice you¡¯ve made for us here will not be in vain. I don¡¯t wish to destroy that last part of you. All stories, all legacies deserve to be told¡­..even yours.¡± -- ¡°Cornelia?!?!¡± A tap on the face and a shake of her head. Cornelia groggily opened her eyes to the red helmeted visor of Canton. ¡°Wha¡ªI¡ª¡± ¡°Yea, I know. Pretty amazing.¡± Looking back behind him, the smoky shambles of the hangar lay in ruins. A job done by both Cornelia and the shuttle. Canton couldn¡¯t believe it. Catching the last part as his systems came back online. Cornelia. He knew she was powerful. But to see that power unleashed. Running through two teams of troopers in a matter of seconds. The Warden got away. Only by projecting his defensive shield around Cornelia at the last moment did she survive a direct hit from the shuttle¡¯s turbolasers. But it still did concussion damage. ¡°He-he¡ªgot¡ª¡± Cornelia tried to speak. Reaching down, Canton scooped Cornelia into his arms and carried her out of the hangar. She wrapped rubbery arms around his neck and let herself relax. Canton looked down. They needed to rest. Going non-stop for well over a week, both of them were tired. And stealing little bits of sleep here and there while the other watched was not going to get it done. Canton laughed slightly, looking down at her as he continued to make his way back down the corridor they came from. ¡°You couldn¡¯t wait¡­like two more minutes?¡± Cornelia shook her head lazily. ¡°Nu-no¡­¡± She said softly. ¡°Th-tha Warden, he¡ª¡± ¡°I know.¡± Canton spoke in a low and morose tone. ¡°He got away.¡± -- Back in the passageway, Mrysti found herself standing over Talia. Her arm raised. And in her hand, the Eye of Sion fell silent. Eyeing the saber hilt curiously, she could feel the power in it. Dormant, waiting. But for the moment pacified. Mrysti clipped it to her belt and bent down, rolling Colonel Rickter over. The stump where Talia''s hand once existed was cauterized. She would need a replacement and she would get one. Mrysti would make sure of it. Scooping Talia into her arms, Mrysti walked back toward the office area. She kicked the door panel once she crossed the threshold, lowering the blast door to seal herself and Colonel Rickter in. Moving to a couch, she laid Talia down gently and turned her attention to the equipment which all of them had fought so desperately to get to. Light flickered and ran across the panel. Mrysti approached and thumbed some switches. Opening a frequency out into space. Particularly the Imperial Fleet which rested just outside of the prison¡¯s orbit. ¡°¡­Imperial Fleet, This is¡­¡± Mrysti hesitated, a smile coming to her face. ¡°¡­this is, ¡®Darth¡¯ Retuvisa. By my right of Ascension and Named of the Sith, I am ordering you to cease all action concerning this facility. You are also ordered to come as soon as possible and retrieve myself, Colonel Rickter, my apprentice and her consort. Imperial fleet¡­are you receiving this?!?!¡± -- Captain Tanis allowed the message to be sent twice. Darth Retuvisa would more than likely not wish to repeat herself a third time. Reaching under his collar, Captain Tanis pulled outward swallowing hard. He reached down, about to answer personally. Moving along side of him, the Warden thumbed the communication toggle before he could. Leaning down, a wicked smile crossed his features. ¡°¡­¡¯Darth¡¯ Retuvisa¡­I¡¯m sure you recognize my voice. I regret to inform you that there will be no retrieval. YOU are a convicted criminal and we are not subject to your laws or your authority. And you should be ashamed to use Colonel Rickter¡¯s name in vain. She¡¯s dead. I know this because her life signs were no longer detected once the riot broke out. You will remain on the asteroid until we can decide how best to deal with the situation. Warden out.¡± Standing up, the Warden clasped his hands behind his back and glared at the Captain. ¡°Warden, your authority in this sector ended the moment you left the prison.¡± The Captain narrowed his eyes. ¡°On the contrary Captain Tanis, my authority broadened the moment Colonel Rickter met her demise. I am a Regional Governor. This fleet and this entire sector now fall directly under my control.¡± The Warden turned to walk off the bridge. ¡°If you have a question concerning that, Captain¡­you are encouraged to contact higher command and request instructions. It will take a week at least to get a response. But in the meantime, all communication with the prison are suspended. And you will have the fleet move into firing range and await my instructions. If we do not hear an answer to our calls for help soon, then I am afraid we may have to do something¡­.drastic.¡± -- -- - Galactic City, Coruscant¡­Ministry of Defense; 0859 hrs GST¡­. RT looked at his chrono. But not before looking around at the other members of Shadow Squad; who all shared bored looks or humorous expressions. Everyone at the table, including RT, knew it was his last official day on the job as Shadow Squad Commander. All of them glanced at the sliding vault door once the chrono hit <0859>. And as expected, the door slid open with thirty seconds to spare. Murriel entered in a rush. In the middle of pulling her hair back to tie it within regulations tightly on her head. She dropped her hands giving a glare to the ¡®mostly¡¯ males in the room. Taking on a air of superiority; sauntering to the opposite of the table and sitting directly across from RT. Who once again looked at his chrono. She wasn¡¯t late, but thirty seconds? RT gave her an expression. It said ¡®Really?!?¡¯ Murriel straightened an errand lock of her green and pink locks, tucking it behind one ear. RT stood up, the lighting in the room lowered on its own. The table illuminating and projecting an image in the center for all to see. He started to pace, looking at the image as it slowly spun in the ions between all of them. A piece of tech. The specs of which were still being deciphered. But what the Republic (and Cypher) discovered about the mysterious chip was already being detailed within the projection cloud among them. Numbers and schematics ran a fluid and predictable pattern around the outside of the image. And RT pointed to it as he walked. ¡°We¡¯re calling it ¡®Life-giver¡¯¡­¡± RT started sternly. ¡°¡­one of our contacts in the ¡®private¡¯ sector¡­.¡± RT and Murriel exchanged a look. ¡°¡­was able to discover not only its existence, but we now know the ¡®Organization¡¯ is building a prototype of some kind.¡± Shadow Squad all exchanged looks, even Murriel giving a somewhat skeptical glance at the holo-image. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, this is a game changer. Not just for the Organization, but for anyone who gets their hands on this technology. The ability for the individual implanted with this to download their knowledge¡ªtheir entire mind into the device to be replanted into¡­what?¡± He seemed perplexed for a moment, RT looked down the table toward someone for clarification. At the far end, a cloaked figure stood. Removing her hood, Murriel couldn¡¯t help but smile at the excitement of the girl. Only an empath, Murriel could detect her emotion. But she didn''t need to, Murriel knew Cypher. She knew exactly what Cypher was thinking. And if she could have, Murriel would have called out: ¡®Is this really a top secret briefing room?!?! And you guys are all spooks?!?!¡¯ But in Cypher¡¯s voice. Cypher lost the smile trying to contain herself. Looking around nervously. ¡°Me?!? Oh yea¡­sorry. Yea this is immortality. I mean, if you could repair the host body you could just download the information back into the mind of the original host. Or¡­implant it into a new body. I mean, I¡¯m no scientist. I don¡¯t know what that would do to the original mind, but a theory suggest that¡ª¡± RT smiled kindly, interrupting her. ¡°¡ªthank you, Anna.¡± Cypher hesitantly sat back down. "I think we get the idea." RT looked back toward the image. ¡°We needed answers to that question so I¡¯ve sent some of our data to scientists within the Republic¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªNot V¡¯ictoria.¡± Murriel spoke up sharply. ¡°Scientists.¡± RT replied turning his head slowly toward Murriel. ¡°No I get it, ¡®Sir¡¯. I mean, when you say scientists¡­I want to make sure we¡¯re not talking about a certain scientist.¡± ¡°Scientists.¡± RT said again. ¡°Ok, just to be clear¡ª¡± ¡°Colonel¡­if you please.¡± RT spat sharply. Murriel eased back in her seat, throwing her hands up. But not before moving her mouth silently toward him. ¡®NOT V¡¯ictoria¡¯. RT narrowed his eyes at the Zeltron before looking back to the image once again. ¡°We¡¯ve been fortunate in several regards¡­¡± Clicking the control in his hand, the image zoomed in. Components of the chip in the display breaking down in to several smaller parts as they spun in the blue-ion field. ¡°¡­a major component of the chip is a bio-engineered metal called: Ditranium. This piece of tech can¡¯t be constructed without it. A metal that allows for not only integration of transplant within an organic host, but facilitates the transmission of whatever signals this thing is programmed to download. There are a whole litany of reason ''why'' you can''t just construct something out of any metal and transplant it into something organic. I won''t bother going into those details.¡± RT clicked the controller again. The lights came up as all eyes turned toward him. He looked at Murriel. ¡°Right now, we have control over every refinery that can produce this particular metal.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Murriel smirked as she sat up, ¡°Let me guess¡­.all but one?¡± RT nodded sharply. ¡°The Reconstituted Royal Refinery that belongs to the provisional government of Zakuul.¡± RT narrowed his gaze. ¡°You are going there¡­I don¡¯t want the refinery destroyed or molested in anyway. I want them to produce this metal so we can trace it back to the tech¡¯s manufacturing location. We believe its on Corellia, but with this amount of refined metal¡­the Organization could and probably are using multiple locations.¡± They all sat up, some of the squad exchanging smiles and getting restless. RT moved to the rear of the room, clasping his hands behind his back. ¡°On a personal note¡­I want to congratulate Colonel La¡¯chance on her promotion to Shadow Squad Commander. I am¡ªwell, you all know this is my last day in Special Operations Command. This squad, as all squads, will continue to perform in the excellent manner I have come to expect. ON this mission, I¡ªthe Republic is going to need your very best. As I stated, this is a game changer. If the Imperials get their hands on this technology the possibilities are endless and not something we would like to contemplate. The Organization has been defeated, but they are still a great threat. It''s things like this ¡®life-giver¡¯ technology that reinforce why we need to not only face the enemies we can see, but also those who lie in wait. Dismissed¡­.and thank you.¡± Everyone got up. RT didn¡¯t have to, but he looked toward Murriel anyway. The Zeltron was already expecting to be summoned after ''school'', for some sort of detention. ¡°Colonel¡­a word if I may¡­¡± They waited until everyone left. Cypher the last one out as she still looked around the room in awe, shooting an excited smile toward the two as she exited. When the door slid shut, RT turned on her. ¡°¡ª859?!?! Really?!? You realize¡­YOU are in command of this squad now. These men and women are looking to you!!¡± ¡°--oh get your panties out of your ass, RT¡­I wasn¡¯t late.¡± Murriel flopped back down in her seat, slinging her legs up to drop them on the table. ¡°These men¡­and women, they train for years to do this job. Take on the toughest training, risk themselves on the toughest missions. If you had experienced any of that maybe you would appreciate¡ª¡± ¡°Then kriffin¡¯ pick someone else!!!¡± Murriel slung her legs off the table and sat up. ¡°I didn¡¯ ask for this ''honor'' and I DON¡¯T WANT IT!! I asked to be let go, I asked for the Republic ta give me my walkin¡¯ papers and you flat refused.¡± ¡°Because I thought you would eventually, grow up. See that what we¡¯re doing here is of greater import than stealing information or killing a mark. If you had even an ounce of Cora¡¯s¡ª¡± RT stopped himself. Murriel narrowed her eyes. A wicked smile starting slowly across the Zeltron¡¯s face. ¡°Soooo¡­the truth comes out.¡± Murriel stood up, she slowly started walking toward him. The sexy sway of her hips not to entice him, she used her body to prove a point and often did when she knew she was on to something. A way of projecting her thoughts. RT didn¡¯t move, he looked up raising his chin slightly. Defiantly. ¡°This has absolutely nothing to do with me and everything to do with Cora. You''ve always wanted me to BE Cora.¡± Murriel narrowed her gaze again. ¡°Such a man¡­wanting to have your cake and eat it too? Life doesn¡¯t work that way, ¡®darling¡¯¡­I am my own person. I will never change. Best stop trying to ¡®mold¡¯ me into your plaything¡­at least with the lights on.¡± Murriel winked at him. Again it wasn¡¯t sexual, RT knew that. He got caught trying to compare and shape Murriel once again into something she was not. Cora was not as trusted as Murriel in the higher echelons of Republic Command. To them, Cora would always be ¡®a former Imperial¡¯. Murriel, though reputation tarnished, was still a ¡®Republic Soldier¡¯. Trained by them, raised by them. And she had the assets that Cora did not. Not the training or the dedication Cora possessed, but they were willing to look past that. What Murriel brought to the table was her connections and her ability to get information that others could not. As unlikely as it was, given the Zeltron¡¯s appearance, she actually ¡®blended¡¯. In the way that someone looking at Murriel would never guess that she was a highly trained Republic operative. But not as highly trained as those she was being forced to command. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant¡ªI¡ª¡± RT shook his head, his face getting stern. ¡°¡ªyou know what I mean. You could ¡®try¡¯ to show a little dedication. That you care at least a tiny bit. These men will live and die by your command and your attitude of being nonchalant and not caring is not going to get it done.¡± RT threw up his hands, ¡°You know what¡­forget it. I¡¯m done trying to mentor you.¡± He turned starting to walk out. ¡°No, please ¡®General¡¯¡­¡± Murriel added sarcastically. ¡°¡­please continue to ¡®mentor¡¯ me.¡± RT turned at the door shooting a glare back toward Murriel. ¡°Just this time¡­we better not let your ¡®girlfriend¡¯ find out.¡± She flashed him another sly wink. ¡°¡­you know what happened last time. And this time, I don¡¯t think you or I will escape her so easily. But I like to live¡­dangerously. You want me¡­you know where to find me.¡± "That''s right..." RT spoke harshly. "...I do know where to find you. And just for the record, I wasn''t the one who who started any of that. I was weak. YOU, Cora...my sisters...all of you MAKE me weak. You won''t fine me at your door, ever again." -- - Thirty-second Hyperspace Jump¡­Sector G-4, Wild Space¡­. ¡°I¡¯m trying to plot the next course and you¡¯re pulling things apart!!!¡± Waylon stepped over the panel which lay on the floor of the engineering section. He accidentally kicked one of the components which flew to the far side of the bay. Throwing his hands up in alarm and frustration. Aurore sat in the floor, trying to reassemble the hyperdrive computer. The trip was taking far too many jumps. The data Marstel giving them not accurately being translated by the computer to plot the most efficient route. Aurore smiled up at him. ¡°You think this is taking a long time. How about your stupid computer not accurately translating the coordinates it was given¡­I¡¯m trying to correct the error and increase its efficiency.¡± ¡°Increase it? INCREASE IT?!?!¡± Waylon leaned out, glaring at the Zeltron. ¡°Aurore, you tore the whole thing out?!? How am I suppose to input the data if the damn thing is offline?!?!¡± ¡°This is going to take a fraction of the time to repair compare to how much time we already wasted listening to your idiotic computer!!!¡± -- On the far side of the bay, Cora and Deavon stood watching them. The two had been fighting the whole trip. Deavon looking over at Cora to shake her head. ¡°I wish they would just kill one another.¡± Deavon spoke softly. Cora smiled, shaking her head. She knew the frustration and tension between Waylon and Aurore. Recognized it. It was the same level of frustration she had with RT at times. Tension, a different kind of unspoken tension. She looked over at Deavon, her glowing red eyes narrowing. ¡°Make no mistake¡­that¡¯s not anger between the two of them. That¡¯s tension¡­¡± Deavon looked over as Cora smiled wickedly. ¡°¡­sexual, tension.¡± Both women looked back down the engineering bay as the two further down continued to argue. Deavon raised an arm toward the pair. ¡°Then¡­he needs to just kriff her. Or her¡­him. Otherwise we are never going to get there.¡± Deavon looked at Cora. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong¡­I have no problem being stuck on this ship with you ¡®Major¡¯. But those two¡­those two I would kill and not lose a minute¡¯s sleep over it.¡± The two smiled at one another withdrawing back into the other parts of the ship. ¡°Cora¡­you can call me Cora¡­¡± -- Sitting in her state room, Cora looked toward the door as the chime sounded. She was a bit shocked to see the Zeltron standing there. Cora nodded, but the unconscious look of disdain flashed across her face. ¡°Can I come in?¡± Aurore asked with a slight smile. Cora nodded, getting up to move some books and holos she had scattered over the mattress of the small room. There was nowhere else to sit. The bed literally taking up half of the room''s space next to the small desk Cora was sitting at. The fresher taking up the other part of the room as a curtain closed off the area from the rest of the small living space. Cora took it upon herself to sit down on the bed after pulling the desk chair out for Aurore slightly. An awkward silence passed between them as Aurore sat and then looked away. She knew she was intruding on the otherwise private Chiss. Throughout the journey, Cora kept to herself. Studying the information given to them by Marstel. Preparing herself for whatever lay ahead in Sector G-7. The only other person Cora seemed to speak to was Deavon and even that was sporadic. Deavon also not one for talking or company. The ¡®privateering¡¯ Jedi keeping to herself to meditate and prepare in her own way for what was to come. That left Aurore to try and relate in some way to Waylon, who she knew very well. But as both Cora and Deavon observed, there was a tension between the Zeltron and the former Mandalorian. An unspoken thing that the two of them could not seem to get past. All of it was hard on the ordinarily outgoing and vibrant Zeltron, who had only her work and her droids to keep her company. Aurore looked up and smiled weakly, brushing a lock of her brownish red hair out of eyes. Cora simply stared and waited. There had to be some reason her privacy was being invaded. ¡°You don¡¯t like me very much¡­do you?¡± The look of shock from Cora passed quickly. The Chiss almost forgot how abrupt and to the point Zeltrons could be. Without meaning to be. Looking inside before answering, Cora realized that she was most likely giving the evil eye to Aurore. Even at that moment. And probably had been giving the younger woman the evil eye throughout the whole trip. Murriel¡¯s image flashed through her mind, as Cora shook her head. The Chiss finally smiled sympathetically. ¡°It¡¯s not you¡­Aurore.¡± Cora¡¯s formal Imperial accent coming out as she tried to explain herself. ¡°And if I¡¯ve done something, said something or given the impression that I don¡¯t like you for some reason; that is entirely my fault.¡± Another silence as Aurore looked down and then smiled. ¡°I ¡®had¡¯ a friend¡­my ¡®best¡¯ friend actually; she was¡ªis also a Zeltron. She and I are¡­¡± Cora realized she didn¡¯t know how she viewed hers and Murriel¡¯s relationship. Trying not to think about it, Cora realized she actually dwelled on it far too often. ¡°¡­we are, in a bit of disagreement over something at the moment.¡± ¡°A man!!¡± Aurore looked up smiling brightly. Realizing she shouldn¡¯t have been feeling out Cora¡¯s thoughts, Aurore saw the flash of annoyance cross Cora¡¯s face once again. ¡°¡ªI¡¯m sorry, I souldn¡¯a¡­I mean, it could be a woman!!¡± The last part made Cora smile. There was a time Cora and Murriel shared that kind of relationship. The Chiss relaxed, laying back on her arms as she nodded. ¡°Yes¡­it¡¯s a man. Not just any man. The man I waited my entire life to find.¡± Cora sat back up, ¡°I¡¯m not sure why I told you that. That was incredibly personal, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°No, no¡­¡± Aurore exclaimed. She grabbed the chair between her legs and scooted a bit closer to Cora. Hardly possible in the tiny cabin. It brought Aurore incredibly close. Even closer once the Zeltron leaned in. ¡°¡­please, no¡­it¡¯s why I came here. I wanted to apologize for the display¡ªand delaying our trip. I know how you military types appreciate efficiency. What happened in the engineering section¡ª¡± Aurore looked down again. ¡°¡ªit won¡¯t happen again. Waylon, he¡­well, he likes things his own way and that¡¯s not always the ¡®best¡¯ way¡­¡± The words sounded like they came from someone who had a long relationship with the other person. It smelled of ''marriage''. Cora smiled wickedly. She seen it before. And it had nothing to do with knowing Zeltrons. This was a particular look. ¡°Aurore¡­¡± Cora started out softly, ¡°¡­you don¡¯t need to explain yourself. I¡¯m sure you and Waylon are doing everything you can to get us there in the quickest way possible.¡± Aurore looked up. ¡°You also have no need to explain your relationship with him.¡± Aurore cocked her head, giving Cora a strange look. ¡°Relationship?¡± ¡°Friendship, history¡­whatever is going on between the two of you.¡± ¡°OH!!¡± Aurore exclaimed. She raised her hands defensively sitting back. ¡°There¡¯s nothing going on!! Trust me.¡± The darker shade of pink Aurore was turning said otherwise. The Zeltron got up, moving toward the door. She turned and nodded solemnly, a shy glance downward as she attempted to retreat. "Well, thank you for listening to me and understanding. And I--" Aurore realized she was overstaying her welcome. Not finishing what she was about to stay, she just wanted to leave. ¡°Aurore¡­¡± The Zeltron turned and looked at Cora curiously. ¡°¡­might I make a suggestion?¡± ¡°Please.¡± Cora got off the bed, moving the chair in front of her back under the tiny desk. Once she reached Aurore, Cora raised an arm leaning it on the door frame and herself in toward the Zeltron. She lowered her rich, deep melodic voice as if trying to hide the words and the thoughts from everyone, but Aurore. ¡°¡­I waited a very long time to find the one who existed only in my dreams. And when I found him, I nearly lost him. There are times that I wish, those moments I wasted; the time I lost either in trying to find him or chasing him away for one reason or another¡­I could get back. And if you think that this man is the one you are meant for, don¡¯t waste another second. You WILL regret it.¡± Cora backed up and smiled. ¡°And there is no need to thank me, Aurore. I want to Thank you¡­¡± ¡°For what?¡± ¡°For illuminating my own dilemmas. Showing me something, I nearly forgot.¡± Cora placed a kind hand on the Zeltron¡¯s shoulder and squeezed. ¡°I hope you resolve your own situation.¡± After Aurore left, Cora pulled out the chair and sat back down at the desk. A bright smile coming over her face. Moving her hands across the surface of the desk, she activated the subspace transmitter. A blue imager focused on her face as it began to record. Cora smiling at it shyly as she composed herself. ¡°Hello, Trea¡¯vor¡­though I am on the other side of the galaxy¡­I want you to know something¡­.¡± -- - Southland, Corellia¡­Hyperdrive Cooler¡­ Sitting down at the table, she sat back and relaxed. Placing an arm up along both sides of the long plush couch. ¡®Hyperdrive Cooler¡¯ was the high end of dive bars in the industrial sector. The area known as ¡®the working man¡¯ sector of Corellia. People didn¡¯t stand on politics or normal corporate business. These were people who lived by the sonic horn; calling them to work and signaling them home at the end of the day. Porchia didn¡¯t enter in a rush or make her location known. It wasn¡¯t exactly hiding either. The famous face, her reputation. None of that mattered. She entered, pushing open the swinging industrial type doors and looked around, carefully. A round brim hat pulled down low over her eyes. Trying not to be obvious. Once the droid approached and took her order she looked back again. Her slow gaze around to assess the area taken again as if looking for a server droid. It was also why she wasn¡¯t surprised when the same droid wasn¡¯t the one to bring the drink back. The place smelled of hyperdrive coolant. Not because of the establishment, per se. The entire sector ebbed the smell from large stacks that towered above factories. Scrubber and cleaner droids echoed outside in predetermined passes over the street out front. A necessary evil for being the industrial heart of the planet. Porchia looked up, the hat hiding her eyes. Sinking back into the couch at the hand which held her glass. ¡°Been a long time, since Mirial¡­¡± Porchia watched the hand set the drink down and leaned forward, taking one arm off the couch to drop lazily by her side. Not so lazy that she didn¡¯t place it directly on her thigh holster. She looked over. Same blonde hair, same tattoos. The skin looked a little darker; could have been the low lights. Porchia smiled as ¡®Rose¡¯ sat down. ¡°¡­gotta say, I was a bit surprised ta get tha call. Especially from your ¡®pops¡¯. He wasn¡¯t too pleased with my last bit of work I did for him.¡± Taking the drink in hand, Porchia took the glass from Rose and tipped it back against her lips. Sitting it back down after. ¡°Wuz my idea¡­¡± Porchia finally said. ¡°¡­but ya WERE tha second choice.¡± The gunslingers face dissolved into a wicked smile. Rose smiled knowingly. Cora would have been the first choice, but she was conveniently indisposed. As was Murriel. Though Murriel was no longer counted on for ¡®unofficial¡¯ jobs. Her ¡®official¡¯ status making her ineligible for the kind of work Porchia needed done. Rose signaled for the droid. They both waited till it rolled away before speaking again. ¡°She¡¯s definitely here. I got my own theories about that one¡­¡± Nodding slightly, Porchia had her own ideas as well. Knowing exactly who the ¡®She¡¯ was. Porchia tracked her from Coruscant. And could have stopped the escape. But Marstel put a stop to it. They wanted her to flee and lead them all back to the primary location. It was a multi-faceted operation. This was only one part of it. And in allowing Aurora to leave, Marstel informed Porchia in not so many words that Alzir was no longer to be fully trusted. At least as far as that operation was concerned. The Wroonian was potentially ¡®compromised¡¯. It wasn¡¯t that Marstel or Porchia trusted ¡®Rose¡¯ exactly. But the proximity and ¡®Rose¡¯ already operating on Corellia made her the easiest choice. Otherwise, Marstel would have sent Alzir. ¡°I do too¡­¡± Porchia reached forward lifting the glass to take another sip. ¡°Gonna make it harder to git an audience with¡­¡¯his highness¡¯.¡± Both women smiled at Porchia¡¯s use of the phrase. After the drink was delivered for ¡®Rose¡¯ she used the excuse of the droid setting it down closer to Porchia to change her seat, moving right alongside the former pod-racing champion. They actually looked like two lovers talking. Rose got uncomfortably close. Opening her jacket to produce several miniaturized holos, spreading them out on the table in front of them. Looking over, Porchia couldn¡¯t help but turn her face up toward the larger Rose. The planner smelled of work and sweat; but in a good way. Ordinary smells that on any one else would have made someone take a scoot away, made Porchia close in slightly. It was warm, inviting. Something Porchia chalked up to Rose¡¯s heritage. Kiffars, the mystical looking humanoids of the galaxy. ¡°They don¡¯t know you¡¯re here to see them. But they definitely know¡­you¡¯re here.¡± Rose lowered her voice only slightly. Looking down at the holos as Porchia did. Porchia picked up the glass again, leaning forward to look at the holos Rose produced. ¡°¡­the facility is all Org run. Safe haven. They¡¯re protecting something in there. No idea what. Could actually only be the new ¡®Chairman¡¯ they are looking after. So, I wouldn¡¯t suggest meeting him there. You want an audience, you need to send a message¡­let me set it up.¡± The offer stunned Porchia. That Rose who typically only planned things would offer to get more involved. It immediately made her suspicious. But Porchia hid it. It was no secret that Rose was still on the take, plying her trades to the highest bidder. Porchia laughed, sitting back. She got a good enough look at the holos. Rose scooped them up and put them back in her jacket. The glow of the stills cut off as she closed the vest up and fastened it closed. It wasn¡¯t a ¡®no¡¯. Marstel often scolded Porchia that she was too ¡®trusting¡¯. Nodding to herself, she looked up slightly. ¡°You gonna¡­git tha¡¯ word out.¡± The gunslinger was still smiling as Rose stood up to leave. ¡°Thanks fer tha¡¯ drink.¡± Rose nodded and turned to leave. ¡°I¡¯ll let ya kno¡¯ when I hear sumthin¡¯.¡± -- - Old World, Zakuul¡­. One thing that could be said about the days of Valkorian; the people loved him. The same couldn¡¯t be said of the Provisional Government or their new occupiers. For the citizenry¡¯s part, they could honestly care less about the small war that was brewing between the Resistance and the Imperials on the planet. Had the Empire been smarter, they would have applied the doctrine used by their enemies in the Galactic Conflict: ¡®Winning Hearts and Minds¡¯. Instead, the Imperial¡¯s were using their old mantra, rule by subjugation. And it was costing them. But gaining the Resistance almost every day. As each day passed the Resistance grew. Only because those harmed or disenfranchised by the Empire continued to fill their ranks. Taja was fighting a losing battle. Still angry with the Republic for abandoning them. But dedicated to the proposition that no one would ¡®rule¡¯ over Zakuul. They all had enough of ¡®rulers¡¯. Thus far, the war had been a series of small-scale engagements. An assassination here. Graffiti and disorganized civil disobedience there. The Empire had the numbers and the organization. There was no way Taja could simply bring the fight to the Empire. But all of that was about to change. Rounding the corner, Taja immediately pulled back. Throwing herself against the wall. It was one of the ¡®new¡¯ ones. The Empire¡¯s new shock troops. Protected by a suit of all red, gleaming armor. The Sith Troopers were a special breed. Some of them had the use of the Force in some kind of way, but carried no lightsabers. Able to see things and detect things other troopers did not. A low-level skill, worthy of a Padawan or a Zakuul Knight. Taja extended her arm along the wall. Her blaster held tight in her fist. By the time the trooper passed the corner; its helmeted head snapping toward her as it detected the threat. All the trooper saw was the blinding flash of phased plasma at five-thousand degrees Fahrenheit. A neat hole appearing in the helmet of the trooper dead center of the eye slits. The body dropped like a sack of rocks. Taja pushed off the wall and ran toward her original destination, glancing at her chrono. Taja entered the enclave and was immediately stopped by two robed figures who seemed to grow out of the shadows. They didn¡¯t lower hoods of their dark robes, one of the figures producing a lightsaber. Taja backed up and did nothing threatening. Instead, steepling her hands to look over at the figure with the red plasma blade. ¡°Izak, protect you¡­¡± Taja fell back on her faith. Bowing her head and closing her eyes to the two dark looming figures. The fanatic without the lightsaber took on a similar pose. His companion continuing to watch and protect them both with the hum of his lightsaber. ¡°SHE¡­protects all¡­¡± They both looked up after a pause, both lowering their hands as Taja smiled. The cultist with the saber quickly put it away within the folds of his robe. ¡°Welcome, Taja¡­you are expected.¡± They both stood aside, leading the way once they all crossed the threshold denoting a change in territory. That part of Old Town belonged to the Cultist of Retuvisa. And it was a large swath of land carved out in the middle of what Zakuul considered forbidden territory. No one of any status or reputation came to Old Town. And Taja had to admit, once she became a member of the Provisional Government, she too, didn¡¯t come back there. Even though it was Old World, as a Priestess of Izax, a place she once called home. Taja looked around as they walked. Robed figures were everywhere. But also some normal denizens of Old Town. Vagabonds and the disenfranchised. The Derelicts and Rundowns all looked fresh. Painted and well cared for. Those that chose to live with the Cultist didn¡¯t go without. And all that the Cultist asked for was respect. Respect for their beliefs, respect for their fellow citizens. Decommissioned Zakuul Walkers stood at almost every street corner. There was a heavy military presence around every building. The Cultist were not just protecting themselves and the people who lived there from the Empire. They were protecting themselves from anyone who would come in and try to tell them how to live. And it was that belief that Taja wanted to exploit. They stopped by a speeder. Three robed figures leaning over the hood as they studied a holo-image of some kind. Once Taja and her escorts stopped, the three turned away from their work and looked back toward them. Deactivating the holo-image so they could regard the new group. ¡°Taja¡­¡± One of the three spoke. ¡°¡­Priestess of Izax, your reputation proceeds you.¡± ¡°¡­yes, it does.¡± Another spoke. ¡°¡­as does your rededication to the provisional government.¡± There was a bit of disdain in the voice. The last finished for the three of them, ¡°¡­.do you come before ¡®HER¡¯ as a representative of that government? Or of your own volition?¡± Taja looked at all three, not really sure who she should address. The guards merged back into the shadows, blending with the busy street and environment. Steepling her hands she bowed her head again, just to buy herself a few more seconds. ¡°¡­I come¡­as a free Zakuulian. I represent those who would not be ruled any longer. We, as a people, have had enough of rulers.¡± ¡°Agreed¡­¡± The first said. ¡°¡­but that does not affect us.¡± ¡°No, the Empire will not come here. They know better. We have carved out our own country within a country. ¡®SHE¡¯ guides us to our own destiny.¡± Taja frowned, looking between the three of them. It was the same old belief. That those with more power would stay away simply because of the threat of engagement. The Empire didn¡¯t work that way. The cultist should have known that. For no other reason than the God they worshipped once being one of the Empire¡¯s chosen. ¡°You realize, that will not always be so. Once the Empire moves into Old Town, you too will be subjugated. It is their way. All must bend the knee to their will.¡± ¡°Our ¡®god¡¯ was once one of them. We understand their ways¡­¡± ¡°¡­but ¡®she¡¯ would not bend to their will. And she returns.¡± ¡°¡­when she does, the Empire will burn. Their arrival matters little, when the fate of their existence will be at stake.¡± Shaking her head, Taja raised her arms. ¡°But how many will die before that¡¯s realized? How many will be forced to bend to their will?¡± The three looked at one another under their dark hoods. Finally turning their hidden gazes back to Taja. ¡°What do you ask of us?¡± The First was the only one to speak. ¡°I do not ask that you join the Resistance. I would not jeopardize all of what you have built here. But I do ask for you help with something. That this be a haven for those from my group who come to Old Town. That they be allowed to pass through and maybe hide from those who would oppress them.¡± The three looked at one another again. All of them turning back toward Taja after a moment. ¡°Granted. We honor your dedication and your faith to Izax. And to your people. This will always be a place of refuge for your ¡®Resistance¡¯. Though we do not actively seek confrontation with the Empire, we recognize that you speak truth. And we will assist you however we can.¡± They all looked off toward one of the derelicts. As if on cue, the doors to the structure slid open. Four of the robed figures pulling and pushing a red armored figure toward them all. Once they reached Taja and her group, the guards pressed the red armored figure down to his knees. The three looked back to Taja. ¡°This one¡­¡± They inclined toward the red armored trooper. ¡°¡­is possessed of the Power. A new kind of Imperial. Not unlike the Knights who once roamed Zakuul.¡± The first drew his lightsaber in a flurry. Stabbing into the armor of the trooper¡¯s chest with a sickening pop and just as quickly withdrawing. Putting the saber away with a rush of movement, it disappeared into the folds of the First¡¯s robe. The body of the red armored trooper falling to the ground. ¡°¡­be mindful, Taja¡­Priestess of Izax. The Empire employs new weapons. But we¡­stand ready to guard against them.¡± 13 - Youll Do It For Me -- - ¡®The End¡¯¡­Prison Orbit¡­. <¡°¡­Captain Tanis, this is Darth Vowrawn. I send this in response to your request for assistance. Unfortunately, any help sent would take far too long to reach you and by that time the situation will become unmanageable. You are free to use whatever means you feel necessary to contain the prison. No one, I repeat NO ONE is to be allowed off the prison asteroid. Should the need arise, you have authorization to destroy the asteroid. Let me make this order completely clear. If you feel you must destroy the prison asteroid to contain any escape, do so¡­.¡±> The need for doing something ¡®drastic¡¯ finally came to pass. The message was everything the Warden could have hoped for. Vindication, that what he did and what he was doing was not completely in vain. That Colonel Rickter¡¯s entire plan to take and hold the prison, to subvert the orders the Warden was following from Vowrawn, were delegitimized. Looking over at the Captain, he could see the other Officer sink slightly. They doubted him, doubted the Warden when he was rescued and brought on board. Those on the prison asteroid made their intentions clear in the message sent by Darth Retuvisa. They intended to escape. It also made the order from Darth Vowrawn crystal clear. They now knew their duties. Without waiting for the Captain, the Warden moved toward the center of the bridge. He had never held command of a starship or any other post within the Imperial Military. The Warden, as Colonel Rickter once said, was a bureaucrat. But he saw others do it. Knew the positions they took when they were about to give a significant order. Mimicking the pose he watched so many times, the Warden stood in front of the Command Chair and locked his hands behind his back. Looking out the forward viewport on the bridge. In the distance, the prison loomed silently. ¡°Tactical¡­¡± The Warden spoke sternly. His head snapping down toward the pit where the various ship station officers monitored their terminals. ¡°¡­coordinate with the rest of the fleet. Begin a synchronized attack on ¡®The End¡¯¡­¡± The Officers all looked up toward the Captain. The officer turning back toward the front of the bridge. He didn¡¯t like the Warden, didn¡¯t like the career government servant giving orders on his bridge. But after the message from Darth Vowrawn, could hardly dispute him or his claim. ¡°Begin firing when ready¡­.¡± -- ¡®The End¡¯¡­Administration Level¡­. Anger didn''t even begin to describe what Mrysti was feeling after the Warden answered her message and her orders to the fleet. The Force was not going to allow this to be the end. Even if she had to come back from the after life, she was going to get that man. For a moment, she actually looked down at the saber which contained the last essence of a long dead Dark Lord. She understood that level of hate now. But it wasn''t directed at any one thing. It was hate on a galactic scale. Of getting so close to something fought so hard for and still being denied. That was not going to be her. Mrysti felt it before it actually began. Something out in orbit shifted. Seeing the ships on comm scan begin to take formation around the prison in a very familiar arc verified what she felt in the Force. The fleet was moving into position to destroy the station. Kneeling down next to Talia, Mrysti adjusted the cuff which she placed over the stump at the end of Talia¡¯s arm. It beeped, injecting another dose of kolto into the wound. Talia looked over as Mrysti stood and smiled weakly. A smile that quickly faded once Talia looked past and toward the scanners which showed the ships moving in space. ¡°That son of a bitch¡­¡± Talia whispered. Her voice barely a whisper. Hoarse from over use by the entity. Talia was exhausted. Sion¡¯s use of her form drained Talia to a point she could barely sit up. Colonel Rickter had only been conscious for a day as Mrysti scrounged medical supplies and began planning a new way off the station. Contacting Cornelia and Canton to continue their move toward the main hangar bay. A trip that under ordinary circumstance would have only taken a few minutes from the Admin area was now going to take several hours. Lifts and passageways were still out or blocked off. Power still fluctuated sporadically throughout the prison complex. Even being in the administration and control center made no difference. Mrysti managed to get several of the systems they needed on line; near the hangar bay. But the rest of the prison was still non-functional. Taking the time to check every system she could in the few hours she been there; seeing the fleet move into position, Mrysti knew their time had run out. ¡°We have to get out of her¡ª¡± The Control Center was going to be one of the first targets. The prison shook violently as the fleet began their bombardment. Dust and debris cracking and falling from the ceiling. Reaching down, Mrysti scooped Talia up into her arms and ran from the command center. -- The vibrations reached a pitch, echoing through the whole of the asteroid. Cornelia sat up. Raising her head off the armored chest of Canton as he half lay and half-leaned against the wall, still sleeping. She reached over and popped his helmeted head hard. Canton jerked awake, looking at her through the visor of his helmet. About to ask¡ªthe vibration stopped him. A second one, then a third. All of them in sequence and getting faster, stronger. <¡±That¡¯s turbolaser fire¡ª¡°> Words were interrupted as the wall next to them exploded outward. Durasteel framework of the prison getting swallowed by the rock of the asteroid. The two rolled away, falling down the hall. The asteroid began a slow tilt sideways. The vibrations and explosions increasing in intensity and repetition. ¡°They¡¯re starting!!!¡± Cornelia yelled. Both scrambling to their feet, they ran for the far lift shaft. Canton looked up, raising an arm toward the top of the shaft and into the darkness. <¡±Grab on!!!¡±> Cornelia wrapped herself around Canton. The launcher in his wrist shot out the lanyard and piton upward within the empty shaft. He felt it hit and imbed. His HUD system verifying the strike. Canton wasted no time, only pulling the lanyard once he set the retractor on his wrist to full. Both he and Cornelia sailed upward. Increasing speed as the retractor pulled the lanyard back into his wrist unit. Canton¡¯s head snapped toward Cornelia. Those armored systems, he knew them almost as well as he knew his own body. Before the HUD in front of his eyes issued the warning, he felt the lanyard he was holding give way. Jets on his legs and boots ignited instantly. Cornelia screamed and crawled away from the side of him; wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulders; Canton planted the other hand once around her waist firmly on her ass; holding her up into his arms. She slapped him. ¡°You could have told me!!! I almost got burned!!!¡± The lanyard gave way. For an instant, both looked at once another. The feeling of momentarily weightlessness grabbing them. Canton could see Cornelia¡¯s eyes go wide. His own narrowing as he looked at her. Letting go of the lanyard, Canton grabbed Cornelia pressing her into himself. The jets on his boots and legs firing off the last big burst of kinetic energy. They landed, rolled and tumbled through the opening at the top of the shaft, landing against the shattered wall of the Logistics Corridor. Cornelia pressed off of him, looking down as he still held her. Canton was laughing. She slapped his helmet again. <¡±There wasn¡¯t time¡­¡±> he continued to laugh. Both stood up, taking off at a run. The vibrations and explosions still predictable, they seemed distant further up into the complex. But it wasn¡¯t going to stay that way. Another explosion, directly in their path sent them flying. Cornelia projected her power in front of them. Shielding them from the smaller debris. But it could do nothing to stop the megaton force of a single turbolaser blast. Sending both Canton and Cornelia flying once again. He snatched her up, even as her arms were still thrust out in front of them; wrapping his arm around her waist and spinning her away from the blast. Shielding her from the most lethal parts of the explosion. The concussion. Standing up, his armor smoking. Sparks flew from a few shattered parts of it across his back. Cornelia gave him a sad look; this was it. Finally seeing not only the veneer of weakness in Canton''s armor, but the first signs of real damage brought all of it home. She was already feeling it. ¡®The End¡¯ was reaching its end. And so where they. Canton still offered his hand. She smiled and reluctantly took it. Finishing what he was trying to say in reaching the hangar level before the explosion. <¡±¡­I got us up here.¡±> -- -- - ¡®Soulcatcher¡¯¡­¡¯The End¡¯, Sector G-7¡­. Repairs on the ¡®Soulcatcher¡¯s¡¯ hyperdrive computer did more than just save the ship time. It completely replotted all of the calculations for one final jump into hyperspace. It appeared that Waylon and the rest of them had been going the last few jumps in a big loop, around Sector G-7. Aurore tried to explain with some strange Zeltron math, mixed with some belief and a little humor thrown in. She was no scientist. But in with her engineering acumen she eventually explained that G-7 was ¡®shaped¡¯ strangely. And that all of the other Sectors surrounding it seemed to bleed in and through certain sections of G-7. They were actually near the Sector the whole time, but the computer couldn¡¯t calculate it because it only dealt with linear equations; straight lines. And getting there was anything but straight. Waylon allowed Aurore in the co-pilots seat as the ship began to drop out of hyperspace. All of them were in the cockpit in some form or fashion. Deavon and Cora leaned over both Waylon and Aurore¡¯s seats looking out as the spectral lines and ghostly image of traveling through hyperspace came back into view. The glass that typically blocked out the image while a ship hurled through faster than light speed, lightened up in anticipation of arriving. Long lines of stars and distant light streaked across the window; the ship shuttered slightly. Lines refocusing into stars and other anomalies. ¡°Back!!!¡± Waylon screamed, jerking the control yoke toward himself. His other hand was on the engine control, also pulling it rearward. All eyes got wide. ¡°Pull back!!!¡± Aurore did the same on her end with her own controls. The ship dropping them right outside the formation of a large mass of ships. All of them firing on the Prison. ¡°I take it¡­that¡¯s ¡®The End¡¯.¡± Cora asked softly. ¡°The end for somebody¡­¡± Aurore remarked. The Imperial Fleet hadn¡¯t been at it very long. Cora scrutinized the formation and the repetition of the turbolasers as they continued to fire. Portions of the Prison asteroid exploding in showers of sparks and debris. Rock shot toward space in abnormal directions as the turbolaser blasts tried to pulverize the prison complex and its asteroid. Cora noticed something, pointing out of the cockpit toward one of the lead Imperial Vessels. ¡°That¡¯s Command¡­right there. They just started their solution.¡± Waylon¡¯s face crunched in confusion and sarcasm. He turned around in the seat and looked at Cora. ¡°How in the hell do you know that?¡± ¡°Because¡­¡± Cora smiled wickedly. ¡°¡­I know things, Captain.¡± Cora pointed at the other ships and their formation. ¡°The lead vessel will always begin a firing solution with a fleet this size. It¡¯s not very large, patrol sized; garrison type fleet composition¡­¡± They were all still looking at her as Cora continued to explain. The Chiss waved her hand to disregard what she just said. ¡°¡­none of that matters. What does matter, these ships do not have the compliment in firepower the larger Harrower does. It will lead the attack, with the other ships coordinating their firing plan with the lead ship¡¯s tactical officer in order to maximize destructive power. They¡­will fire at whatever target the Harrower identifies.¡± ¡°And that means exactly¡­what?¡± Waylon asked again. ¡°We need to get on that ship.¡± ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Waylon got up out of his seat and walked between all of the ladies. ¡°..I signed on to get you all here. I didn¡¯t sign on to do NO suicide runs on no Harrowers. Sorry¡­not going to be me¡­¡± ¡°No, she¡¯s right¡­¡± Deavon was staring out toward the prison. Her eyes lazy until she finally closed them. Reaching out in the Force, she could feel those in the Prison and finally Mrysti. They were on the run. Moving toward a certain location in the complex. Combined with the incoming fire, no one on the station had much time. Her eyes jerking open suddenly. Deavon grabbed Waylon¡¯s arm and jerked him back toward her. ¡°Die here¡­or die on that ship. Your choice.¡± ¡°What do you mean die here?¡± Deavon snatched the lightsaber off her belt. Waylon¡¯s hand going to his blaster. ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa¡­.¡± Aurore jumped out of her seat getting in between all of them. She was smiling, none of them could figure out why. Cora leaned into Deavon and whispered. ¡°It¡¯s a Zeltron thing¡­¡± ¡°¡­so this is what I think. Let me pitch a peace flag right here, right now.¡± Aurore had her hands up, looking at everyone else. ¡°¡­we came here to do a job. And if what the ¡®Major¡¯ says is true, then there is only one person here who can do that job.¡± Aurore poked her chest out a bit, placing her hands on her hips. A beautiful smile crossing her features. ¡°¡­me and Waylon will board the Harrower. I think I have an idea what needs to happen.¡± Waylon started to speak frantically, but Aurore cut him off. ¡°It makes sense for me and Waylon to go. I¡¯m the engineer. If I¡¯m right and I¡¯m pretty sure I am. No one is going to be able to do what needs to get done to stop the firing solution but me.¡± ¡°Then you go!!!¡± Waylon screamed out, walking further out of the cockpit. ¡°Makes no sense for me¡ª¡± Grabbing his arm, Aurore spun the former Mandalorian around. Draping herself over him. Pulling him into her. She wrapped arms around his shoulders and head, melting into him. Kissing him long, hard and passionately. Both Cora and Deavon exchanged looks. Their eyes getting wide, with a hint of humor. What started as shock, dissolved into Waylon placing one hand on her back and pulling her tightly. When Aurore let Waylon go, he looked shell shocked. Stumbling backward, his hair in shambles; nodding his head. ¡°I-I¡ªgot this¡­me and her, we¡¯ll go¡­.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Cora said smiling. ¡°Get Deavon and I close to the surface. We¡¯ll find a safe place to enter once Aurore does her part and get to Mrysti and the rest of them.¡± -- - ¡®The End¡¯...... The fleet was fully synchronized. Firing in a predictable repetition. But it felt anything but predictable on the surface of ¡®The End¡¯. Entire sections were being destroyed as whole parts of the asteroid were separating and flying off into space. The outer buildings gone, smoking holes where parts of the once tremendous complex once stood. Mrysti ran as fast as the Force would allow. Slinging Talia up on her back in order to move faster. Being able to see things before it happened in the Force just made it worse. Feeling the incoming blasts and moving left then right to avoid only the worst parts of it. But knowing she was going to have to endure some of it. Mrysti fought against the concussion of the storm. The turbolaser blasts sending shards of rock and phased plasma cascading down hallways and crushing everything under the might of their power. Another was incoming with yet another in close proximity. Mrysti threw her hands out to her side pushing back against the blasts as she continued to run. Grabbing Talia with an arm thrown over her head; knowing she was going to have to move in a way that would threaten to lose the Colonel. Mrysti did it to hold the injured Colonel in place. Mrysti shook her head and bared down. Knowing what was coming. Two consecutive blasts on top of the other sent them flying backward. The Mirialan skidded to a stop. Throwing her hands out to the front; as her power tried to force through, but it was all too much. They were both headed toward solid rock. In the slow-motion haze of the Force; Mrysti was spinning. The air hazy with her Force imbued foresight. Reaching up and grabbing Talia to brace the Colonel from an impact that would have surely killed the smaller woman. Mrysti took the full brunt of it. Hitting the wall and feeling every bit of the pain of the impact. Her eyes started to close in darkness. The pain of it all. It was too easy to just let go. Just give in. Why not? She was trying to convince herself in the haze of near unconsciousness. Even waving off Talia¡¯s attempts to get her up and moving again. Feeling the smaller woman pull on her, but being unable to move the massive Mirialan behemoth. On all fours, Talia sat up on her knees. Reaching over herself with her one good hand, she slapped Mrysti hard across the face. Mrysti looked up suddenly. Her mind clearing. An angry look she shot at the Colonel. ¡°Get¡­your ass moving, ¡®My Lord¡¯¡­.I am not going to die here and neither are you!! You sit here, they win!!! And I am not going to die before I see that man crushed underfoot!!¡± Mrysti stood slowly, the vibration of the station coming apart getting more violent. Reaching down she scooped Talia back onto her back and set off again. Pain wracking every part of her body. -- Entering the hangar, Cornelia slid to a stop. They weren¡¯t alone. Everyone who knew procedure and Imperial protocols was there. All of them desperately trying to find something to fly or some way to get off the station. An Imperial Officer lifted his arm and fired at Cornelia. Canton launched forward, pushing past her. His arm jutting outward as the lanyard shot from his arm again. Grabbing the line with his other hand, he pulled the hapless Imperial toward him after the piton penetrated his torso. Jerking the uniformed officer toward him; Canton punched the man into the afterlife with the added force of armor enhanced crush gauntlets. That death got the other¡¯s attention. The rest of the survivors turning. Prisoner and guard alike. All of them coming to a realization that their own disagreements no longer mattered. All that mattered was survival. Like a wounded animal grasping on to the last vestiges of life; all of the survivors launched into attack. Canton pushed Cornelia behind him, even as she fought to get by. She watched the front of his armor light up. The sound of a repeating heavy cannon firing in the distance. And Canton was taking the full measure of its destructive power. <¡±AAAAGGGHHHHHHH!!!¡±> It wasn¡¯t a scream of pain, but of anger. Every weapon in Canton¡¯s arsenal came to bare. The shoulder cannon swiveling up over his right shoulder firing repeatedly. Rockets launched from the small pods embedded in the shoulder plates. Both arms launched out, the slug launching rail gun firing off to the side toward the group as the pulse blaster and launcher under his other arm fired off shot after shot. Cornelia stood stunned for a second. Canton¡¯s entire system activated and firing was like nothing she ever experienced. Jumping into the air she landed next to him. Cornelia landed to his side. Moving like a blur that no one could see much less track. But the assault cannon didn¡¯t have to. Its repeated blasts were meant for quantity not quality. It hit Cornelia dead center of the blur she was creating with her movement. Sending her flying past a collection of crates and other hangar equipment stations. Shattering the area before refocusing on Canton. He shouldn¡¯t have. The HUD telling him all he needed to know. Seeing it out of the corner of his visor, he already knew. But he turned his head anyway. Watching her fall. Not knowing what happened as she disappeared into a shower of sparks; the containers around her exploding. Canton shook his head, gritting his teeth. Mandalorians did not fall. They did not simply die. Family, it was forever. And you did whatever you had to in order to ensure that family survived. Even at the cost of your own life. Leaping up into the air, Canton came down with a shatter of sonic power. The last of the power cells which gave life to the jets in his legs and boots cycling out, but activating to slam him into the surface of the hanger with tremendous Force. Several more of the offenders died. Failing to move out of the way. Thinking the heavy cannon was their only refuge. But Canton was moving toward it. His HUD beeping the never-ending tone of . The impact of his armor was enough to disrupt the heavy cannon for a moment. The power generator connected to it blinking as it cycled off and then back on again. The cannon sputtered. Canton took off at a run as the cannon picked back up. The Inmate behind it, turning the cannon upward to track Canton. The others scattered as Canton came down. His fist shattering the face of the Cannon operator. They regrouped, coming back from the other side. HUD was blinking red in all areas. - DEPLETED - COMPROMISED - LOW Reaching over, Canton ripped the cannon from the mount. His armor whined under the strain of holding it. Strong as Canton was, he would not be able to hold the large tripod mounted cannon with his own raw strength. They were closing in. Closing on him¡ªhe looked at the still smoking containers. They were closing in on her. <¡±AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!¡±> Canton fired into the crowd. Screaming as he did so. The hangar lighting up with the light of large caliber green phased plasma bolts. Bolts usually meant for large targets, vehicles; starships. The other side of the hangar began to shred and come apart from the direct fire. Canton taking steps forward as he continued, stopping once he was along side of her. He didn¡¯t know if she was alive or dead. But it didn¡¯t matter. He was getting her out of there in any case. Cornelia. The flower in an otherwise barren concrete world. His reason for living. Losing his family to the Empire, Cornelia was the only family he had. The Clan. That was forever. - 0% - 0 <¡±AAAAAAGGHHHH!!!¡±> The scream turned to pain. Canton held the large weapon with his own strength. His muscles whined in his ears almost as loudly as the alarms going off in his armor''s systems. Pain wracked him, numbness setting in as the intensity increased to the point of ringing in his ears. The armor giving out as the weight of it and the weight of the cannon began to pull him downward. ¡°I almost¡­¡± Canton whispered. His eyes darted over to the containers, still no movement. He smiled, looking up. The last of the inmates and guards running through the access. ¡°¡­I¡¯m so sorry, Cornelia¡­.¡± --If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. It was the echoes of the fight that brought her back. But also, the voice. Cornelia could almost hear him. That shouldn¡¯t be possible, Canton was not possessed of the Force. Every part of her hurt. Blackened and charred flesh cracked as she grimaced. The sound of a repeating heavy blaster made her forget the pain as she pushed and launched out of the shattered equipment, back out and into the fight. Canton was on one knee, trying desperately to hold up the cannon which would no longer be held. She started to run toward him. The hangar lit up in flame. It wasn¡¯t the guards or the weapons. It was the fleet outside. They were targeting the hangar area. ¡°NO!!!¡± Cornelia launched a hand out, diving toward him as the first blast hit. Cornelia could sense it coming. Every part of her being telling her go the other way. But she couldn¡¯t. Dropping her light saber as she placed every bit of the power that remained in her to try and get to him. And was blown back the way she came. The smoke cleared. The access where the guards and inmates were attacking. Gone. But so was Canton. -- There was a serene part of Mrysti that no one saw. A part that once existed on a level outside that of the Light or Dark. Where she was just a girl. A girl that twirled and danced in the sun. Sucking in all the life. She shared that with only one other person and knew what that kind of happiness felt like. To share something, a bond so strong that when it was gone you lost a part of yourself. The Force punished her for that one time. Stealing the color of her hair. Scaring her nearly to death with the fear of what that loss felt like. Killing love. That''s what it felt like. You lost everything. As Canton was blown away, Mrysti felt the lost for someone else. Knowing what losing Canton would do to Cornelia. Mrysti knew what that felt like. And how devastating it would be. A part of her, the part that was all Dark Lord had no opinion what-so-ever. Cornelia would survive, she would grow stronger. Channeling that loss to eventually become even more powerful. The hate and rage of having something so precious taken away would jade her for the rest of her days. But there was another part, the one that Mrysti often listened to that felt the incoming turbolaser. The part that still had the lustrous red hair. She saw the future. Not just in the present, the phased plasma hurling itself toward oblivion. She saw the two versions of Cornelia. The two versions of a life without Canton. The part of Mrysti that loved the Sun and soaked in happiness won. No one should lose that kind of bond. A bond that was just so rare it had to be protected. Cornelia didn¡¯t know it yet. She only felt it. But Mrysti did, because she knew the loss. And not once, but twice. Dropping the Colonel, Mrysti leapt across the chasm as the floor opened from the blast. Every ounce of her being, all of her strength and that of the Force hurled toward the other side. Through the blast, she felt her skin sear; her clothing melt. Canton was already falling. Down a deep chasm which opened into the power level of the Prison. Mrysti leapt, she dove into oblivion. No doubt. There was never any doubt. Hands outstretched. Canton had nothing left, no strength to save himself. And she grabbed him. Holding him with all of her might. A bond that was too precious to let go. -- The hangar area was ripped apart. Opening up into the power shafts which supplied the entire facility. Like cracking open a shell to get to the juicy center, that part of ¡®The End¡¯ had finally exposed its vulnerability. The fleet started a slow turn, angling toward the cracked center of the station. A few shots and that was it. Complete annihilation as the reactors would overload from the sudden influx of turbolaser blasts at one-million degrees. Canton looked up. The last bit of power remaining in his helmet winking out. He had been hurled thrown down the other side of the hangar hanging over the shaft. But he wasn¡¯t falling. Held by something. Through the pale lens of the visor he saw the arm. Green, strong. Mrysti held him. Having dove through the fire and explosion to grab him as he sailed through the air. But he could not help her. Not because he didn¡¯t want to. Even if his armor had power, he was done. Canton could feel the bones and the muscles torn and shattered throughout his body. As he suspended in air looking up, he laughed. Tasted the blood in his mouth. He was, for the first time, literal dead weight. ¡°LEH ME GO!!!¡± Canton yelled. It didn¡¯t sound like him. Something was wrong with his voice. His eyes darted to the side of his helmet, where light was peeking in. A shard of metal was shoved through the side of his helmet. And through the side of his face. He smiled again, at least in his mind. The place was doing everything it could to kill him. Mrysti grimaced. ¡°NO!!!¡± And with a scream she hurled Canton up and over her head. The Mandalorian rolled to a stop and landed in an unmoving heap toward the center of the smoking ruin. Painfully, Mrysti stood. Holding her side as blood shot from wounds along her torso. Cornelia was on her knees, over the top of Canton as she looked up at her Master. ¡®Thank You¡¯ she mouthed. Mrysti waved her off and shook her head. Looking up in the sector space above them. The fleet hovering ominously overhead. They had them and the station dead to rights. Why hadn¡¯t they finished? -- - Imperial Flagship, ¡®Endeavor¡¯¡­.Engineering section. ¡°Oh my¡­.¡± Aurore exclaimed with glee. The repeating heavy cannon she carried, with the assistance of the brace she created which wrapped around her waist; was giving her chills. It was almost as good as sex. The thought made her glance at Waylon. That kiss gave her a little tingle down below. Something she hadn¡¯t felt in another organic in years, almost a decade. Known for only being into droids. Aurore hid a painful truth about herself. Why she was only into things that couldn¡¯t hurt her. Not unless she let them. Aurore wanted control and people, you couldn¡¯t control them. Everyone had their own wants, needs. Waylon, the most needy and self-serving man she ever met. Hid his own pain. And covered it with a veneer of not caring. But he did. If he didn¡¯t he wouldn¡¯t be there. That was what the kiss was all about. Reaching that last part of him. Seeing if what Aurore thought about him was true and to answer the question she had about herself. She loved him. She had to admit it and now he knew. If he didn¡¯t he was just stupid and she determined to explain that part to him later. Aurore never gave up on Waylon and she wasn¡¯t going to stop now. In a way, Waylon was her ultimate droid. The project that never got finished and something she could always work on. Glancing out at him from the corner of her eye, she smiled; continuing to fire the cannon down the hall as the Imperials scattered and ran toward exits. Thank the maker for Cora. That woman knew everything about those ships. After dropping off the others, Waylon and Aurore followed the instructions given to them exactly. Coming up on the underside of the ship and behind. Dangerously close to the thruster and exhaust ports of the main engines. Waylon¡¯s ship started to give heat warnings. That the skin of his own vessel was going to reach critical temperature. But under Cora¡¯s directions, the alarms quickly went away. They flew in between the main engines of the larger ship, attaching themselves to one of the exhausts. One that Cora said was only used if the ship launched into hyperspace to release excess plasma from the engine manifold. All of that jargon made total sense to Aurore. Waylon had to just trust Aurore¡¯s judgment and after the kiss, he had. His mind completely reversed from wanting to run. He was staying for her. If Aurore was going down there, Waylon was going to protect her. The argument could have been made that Waylon was just interested in getting into Aurore¡¯s pants. It was quite a claim, risking one¡¯s life just for a piece. And anyone who knew him, knew that Waylon was not hurting in that department. Any woman he wanted, he got. It was something deeper. Something was happening between Waylon and Aurore. Something new and exciting. Waylon¡¯s coat parted in a rush of depressurized air. The flow blowing back on them as the engineering bulkhead doors started to close. He drew both blasters after only having one pistol drawn to take aimed shots at those who escaped the web of Aurore¡¯s continuous fire. Attack hard and fast, that¡¯s what Cora said. Don¡¯t give them time to respond and if the doors start closing, you know you did your job. The doors were going to lock them in, but the Imperials out. It was the doctrine response to an attack on engineering. Securing the engines from saboteurs. But they weren¡¯t headed for the engines. Aurore shook and detached the waist harness off herself. Shaking the mount off and dropping the cannon. She called to Waylon as she took off at a run. Identifying which door they needed as all of them started to close. ¡°C¡¯mon!!!¡± she yelled, sliding under the door. Waylon was close, sliding in next to her and under the door. Coming up firing as the Chief Gunner¡¯s Mate turned, blaster in hand. Waylon put him down. The main terminal lit up and linked in to the rest of the fleet. Aurore walked deliberately toward the panel. Spike in hand. She jabbed it down though the main terminal as the panel exploded in a shower of sparks. The programming embedded in the spike already flowing through the main gunnery controls. The ¡®Endeavor¡¯s¡¯ guns fell silent. -- Deavon pointed toward a part of the smoking ruin. It wouldn¡¯t be long before the shielded part of the prison asteroid they were walking on became subject to vacuum. Not a lot of time to traverse the surface. Already the shield was fluctuating. Both women taking off at a run. Cora fired at several stragglers. Running from the remains of the hangar. There was not much of it left. The stragglers had no idea where they were running, they just ran. Soon the vacuum of space would become their new home. Deavon stretched out a hand toward Cora. Stopping her. Activating the blue plasma of her lightsaber, Deavon held it in a reverse grip. Cora knelt down in front of the cloud of smoke aiming into it. Figures were approaching. Parting the thick smoke as they stumbled and made their way toward them. In her arms, Mrysti cradled what remained of a warrior in red shattered armor. Next to her, a woman badly burned and showing the scars of a battle well fought and won, held up the uniformed figure of an Imperial officer. The officer¡¯s arm thrown over the shoulder of the smaller woman as the other held her up. They walked slowly, resolute that this was not going to be their end. Stopping once they saw the other two. Cornelia activated her saber with a grimace of pain as she looked at Cora and Deavon. But Mrysti shook her head ¡®No¡¯. Stepping forward. A weak smile starting to cross her face. Cora and Mrysti locked eyes as Cora stood up, holstering her blasters. They all met in the center of the shattered quad. Mrysti nodding down to the other two. She recognized Deavon, a warrior of times past when Mrysti once led the greatest Coaltion of warriors in the galaxy. The two nodded to one another unspeaking. There were no words to be had. It would have cheapened the moment. Cora took the officer draped around Cornelia from her, stretching the arm around herself and turning back the way they came. Mrysti looked up at the silent and dormant fleet. Closing her eyes to the silence of it all. Only¡­.There was no silence at all. The last parts of the prison destroying itself behind them. The damage from the fleet having done most of its work well. But she was out. They all¡­were out. And it was time to go¡­.Home. -- -- - Sector G-7, Site formerly occupied by ¡®The End¡¯¡­.. ¡°Pull the fleet back to a safe distance¡­.¡± Captain Tanis moved toward ¡®The Pit¡¯. Flight Officers began moving their hands quickly over their terminals. ¡°What are you doing?!?!¡± The Warden looked over, moving off the raised area of the Command Section. ¡°Captain?!?! I¡¯m talking to you!! We have boarders, the ship is under¡ª¡± The Captain turned on the Warden and pulled the blaster from his hip. ¡°Do take a seat, Warden.¡± There was no time to explain to someone who had no idea what needed to be done concerning flight operations. ¡®The End¡¯ was damaged critically. Ship sensors detecting a build-up to critical mass. The power systems on the asteroid on a path to certain and sure destruction. Bridge lift doors opened. All eyes turning as the bridge fell silent. Only the sound of terminals and ship systems the background. Mrysti stepped out. Medics from the bridge staff rushed to her side, taking the load of Mandalorian off her back. Mrysti had not put Canton down the entire time. Even while on board the shuttle sent by the Captain to retrieve all of them. Something the Warden had no idea the Captain had done. The Captain, a career Imperial Officer also answered to a higher power. Looking toward the Warden, Cornelia activated her lightsaber again. Her face twisting into rage. Mrysti placed a hand on Cornelia¡¯s chest pushing her backward; shaking her head. ¡°Go see to Canton.¡± Cornelia pushed forward in defiance. ¡°Now¡­Cornelia.¡± Stepping back into the lift with the medics, Cornelia glared the Warden¡¯s direction. The man stepping back and stumbling off the raised area. Other medics and auxiliary personnel tried to take Colonel Rickter as well. She waved them off, but not before giving Mrysti a glance. Unlike Cornelia, Mrysti did not presume to give orders to the Colonel. Straightening herself up as well as she could, Colonel Rickter limped toward the Captain and the Warden. Both men, eyes wide watching her as she walked slowly. Tucking the cuff over the stump of her arm up and into her chest. Stopping, Talia stood up straight. Looked at the Captain, who snapped to attention. Before turning her gaze to the Warden. Mrysti walked slowly, all of them looking like they been through the meat grinder; coming up behind Talia and placing her hands on her hips to glare down at them all. Still holding the blaster, Captain Tanis flipped it backward offering it to Colonel Rickter. ¡°Colonel, I surrender myself to your judgment. I was under the impression you were dead. I have no excuse for my actions.¡± ¡°That won¡¯t be¡ª¡± Colonel Rickter¡¯s voice strained and still hoarse, she cleared it quickly before continuing. Her voice cleared up, slightly. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Captain. I do not hold you responsible.¡± Her eyes turned toward the Warden. He was steadily backing up toward the front of the bridge. But there was no where to go. ¡°But you¡ª¡± The Colonel started to limp toward him, a wicked smile starting to emerge on the injured woman''s face. ¡°¡ªyou¡­there will be no end to the punishment you shall endure before we return to Imperial Space.¡± ¡°Oh, there will be an end.¡± Mrysti spoke up. Turning slightly toward Mrysti, the Captain holstered his blaster and bowed slightly. ¡°My Lord, it is an honor to have you on board the ¡®Endeavor¡¯. I have the ready room set up. Darth Malgus has requested you make contact with him after our first jump.¡± ¡°Very good, Captain.¡± Mrysti nodded and looked at Talia, who was still glaring at the Warden. ¡°Admiral¡­¡± Talia didn¡¯t turn around. Not realizing Mrysti was addressing her. ¡°¡­¡¯Admiral¡¯ Rickter¡­¡± Talia turned around, continuing to limp as she turned. Her eyes slightly wide, she tucked the cuff of her arm into herself a bit tighter. ¡°Every Dark Lord requires a high-level officer to exert their will. I am assuming you will accept my nomination. The compensation is lousy and the last two Admirals I¡¯ve had were killed, but¡­I can promise you will never be bored.¡± Talia smiled, she half bowed. Grimacing from the pain, even as she smiled weakly. ¡°Captain, please take ¡®Admiral¡¯ Rickter to the infirmary. And thank you for seeing to my team. I will express my gratitude to Darth Malgus for his foresight when we speak. And ensure he knows that there are still loyal Imperials within the Ranks.¡± ¡°Very Good, My Lord¡­¡± The Captain wrapped an arm around ¡®Admiral¡¯ Rickter, escorting her to the lifts. Mrysti turned back toward the Warden, who was backed up all the way to the forward viewport. Mrysti started walking toward him, slowly. ¡°I told you¡­you were never in control. Dealing with forces you could not possibly fathom. But you will, Before we reach home, I guarantee it.¡± Mrysti gestured over her shoulder. Two fleet guards moving in beside the Warden to drag him away. ¡°Safeguard him. He is to be unharmed until I have a chance to consider his fate.¡± Moving up to the raised platform, Mrysti looked behind herself before sitting down. Still injured, some wounds still seeping from the torn and melted clothing she wore; Mrysti flipped her white hair out of the way and sat down, stretching her hands over the arm rests as the seat groaned under her weight. She looked at ¡®The End¡¯. The asteroid was tilted strangely. Explosions were distant flashes. Sparkles of light. Medics moved up alongside her chair. Mrysti waved them away. Leaning forward, she smiled glancing down at the pit. ¡°Set course for Dromand Kaas¡­¡± ¡°Fleet stands ready, My Lord¡­.¡± ¡°Best possible speed.¡± -- Slowly the fleet made a turn toward the hyperlane. Moving away from ¡®The End¡¯ as the asteroid went critical. Exploding in a brilliant flash of light. Rock and debris cascading across the sun which gave it distant light. Creating another bright spot across a beautiful landscape of space. All ships launching into the hyperlane and darting away from an area of space that no longer held any meaning for the Empire. Or those who once called it home. -- -- Cornelia was pacing. Not knowing what to do with her hands, she clenched her fists and screamed. There had to be someone to tell, someone to inform. But Canton had nothing, no one. Cornelia knew a little of the history. His clan was betrayed at the Enclave. Acina used all of the Mandalorians as patsies to hide her own betrayal. It started a war, not only with the Eternal Empire, but the Mandalorians. All of them. Some of those rifts were repaired after the Empire officially declared war on the Eternals. And even more rifts were repaired after Acina met her untimely death by Mrysti¡¯s hand. <¡±MAJOR SURGERY REQUIRED ¨C Following aliments: Aortic Rupture. Respiratory Puncture ¨C Thoracic basket shattered. Nos 1 thru¡ª¡°> Continuing to listen to the droid list Canton¡¯s major injuries, she turned on the unit. Progress was already underway to somehow remove Canton¡¯s armor. The unit stopped, backing up as robotic arms from the ceiling retracted. A system wide-medical bay alert sounding. <> ¡°What?!?!¡± Cornelia moved to the droid. <¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ª¡±> It paused looking Cornelia up and down. <¡±¡ªMy Lord. This Mandalorian¡¯s armor is fitted with anti-handling devices. Attempting to remove the armor without the proper code or sequence for removal will result in detonation.¡±> ¡°Then wake him up!!!¡± Cornelia pushed on the droid. <¡±I¡¯m sorry, My Lord. The patient has been placed in a medically induced coma. This Mandalorian has suffered a severe head trauma which requires pressure be released from his cranial cavity. Waking him decreases his chance for survival by 87.5%¡±> Gritting her teeth, Cornelia clenched her fist and backed up; turning around. ¡°If he dies¡­I will destroy you.¡± The droid didn¡¯t seem to take the threat seriously. Ignoring it as it backed up and folded into a traveling configuration. One of the Doctor¡¯s approached, looking at the screen. She started to walk off as Cornelia grabbed her. ¡°Doctor¡­¡± Cornelia was trying to control herself and her emotions. ¡°This man is more important to me than you or anyone else on this ship. If he dies, I will kill everyone in this med bay, do you understand?¡± The Imperial physician¡¯s eyes got wide. A strained look of confusion set in. ¡°M-My Lord¡­what is it you wish us to do?!?! We can¡¯t treat his major injuries without killing him and nearly half the ship?!?!¡± Cornelia shoved the Doctor away. ¡°You think of something¡­¡± She moved next to Canton and brushed a bit of the hair out of his face. His helmet sitting on the bed next to him. She looked at it, wondering how it was so easily removed and not the rest of his armor. Cornelia bent down and kissed his forehead, smiling at him weakly. "...I''m here, Canton. I know you can hear me. And I will never leave you, not ever." -- Well underway, Captain Tanis finally convinced Mrysti to leave the bridge and go to the infirmary. Like a massive weight being placed upon her, when she entered everything they been through the past few weeks; as well as the past couple of days caught up with her. The droid approached, as well as several of the physicians. Speaking out loud, the droid began to recite all of the ailments. Mrysti held up a hand for the droid to stop. It fell silent. No need to add more to already long list of things that Mrysti collected over the years. Laying down on one of the medical beds, Mrysti stretched out and relaxed for the first time in over a year. Looking over, the ¡®Admiral¡¯ watched as the droids and medics started pouring over the Dark Lord. Mrysti promptly stopped all of them. ¡°One droid will suffice.¡± She had been through all of it before in worse circumstances. She was up and walking. More than Mrysti could say about the other times she found herself in the infirmary. Sparks flew from the interface in her arm as the ¡®Admiral¡¯ jerked, sucking in a breath sharply. Slowly, Talia rotated the cuff which now capped off the end of her arm just below the elbow. The droid was still working on the neural interface. Seeing the sparks Mrysti looked over. Talia smiled slightly. But it was Mrysti who gave a return grimace. She started to speak, sitting up to look at the Colonel. That was something Talia didn¡¯t want the Dark Lord to do for several reasons. One if which was interrupting her convalescence. ¡°It¡¯s not necessary, My Lord¡­¡± Talia hopped off the table. The droid had not finished, but it didn''t matter. Talia was holding the stump of the arm in the other hand; walking over. ¡°¡­I know what you¡¯re going to say. And it¡¯s unnecessary.¡± Talia gave the droid a nod. It moved back over Mrysti; the Dark Lord laying back down. Both women looked over at the other table and the young woman who sat in the alcove next to it. Canton lay motionless, monitors beeping incessantly as they monitored the Mandalorian''s vitals. After Cornelia¡¯s display, Talia walked over to the Doctor that Cornelia pushed before walking back to her seat. Corneila was bent over, not paying attention. Her head in her hands. ¡°She¡¯s refused treatment, Admiral.¡± The Doctor spoke, looking back over his shoulder toward Cornelia. They glanced at Canton again. His life signs getting weaker. Talia was thinking about the problem, walking over to the table to look down at the red armored Mandalorian. ¡°Place his helmet back on. Power up his armor and link it into the diagnostic computer.¡± The Doctor gave the Admiral a strange look. ¡°Now, Doctor¡­we don¡¯t have time.¡± Doing as she was told, the Doctor went over and sealed Canton¡¯s helmet back on his head. Plugging the armor into the table with a few power cords linked into the power cell ports of his systems. The screen flashed and blinked. But changed into a virtual view of the HUD system which was Canton¡¯s constant companion while inside the armor. The system began diagnosing the occupant once it fully rebooted. Signs and Mandalorian language spelled across the screen. Activating on its own, the chest plate opened up. The droid hovering nearby in a traveling configuration suddenly came to life. Commanded by the armor''s systems and resumed it¡¯s original treatment plan, guided by the armor¡¯s HUD. Looking up, Cornelia jumped from her seat and ran toward the table. Talia smiling as she walked away, passing by Mrysti as the Dark Lord and the new Admiral exchanged a look. ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re the ¡®Admiral¡¯¡­¡± The last words the Dark Lord spoke before a pressor field descended around Mrysti''s form and sedated her. Talia hopped back on her own table and presented the stump of her arm, looking down at the shiny new neural plate. Nodding at the droid near her station. ¡°Resume, please¡­¡± Hydraulics descended from the ceiling. A suction sound emanated as the droid near Admrial Rickter placed the new arm on the neural plate of her stump. Standing, The Admiral looked down at the shiny black hand that replaced her flesh and blood appendage. She smiled at it, flexing the fingers in and out, testing the interface. The action, smooth. Refined and delicate. Rickter snapped her fingers. It sounded more like metal hitting metal. Rickter narrowed her eyes, reaching down to grab the tattered rag that was formerly her uniform top. "When she wakes up..." Talia looked at the unconscious form of Mrysti. "...inform Darth Retuvisa I will be on the bridge." -- Everyone getting the care they needed. The Physicians and Medical Staff onboard the ¡®Endeavor¡¯ did not notice Canton¡¯s armor activate his distress beacon. An automated response built into the system to warn those of his clan that a Mandalorian was critically wounded. The ¡®Endeavor¡¯ dropped into real space, prompting the beacon to activate. The fleet spreading to a defensive formation to await communication from Dromand Kaas, as scheduled. But another communication was already being sent. -- -- Zakuul, Mandalorian Enclave; Clan Ta¡¯aaka Expeditionary Headquarters¡­. Renatta moved to the holo-screen and moved the display around; prominently displaying the last vestiges of the data sent to her by the contacts within the Column. Any communication from ¡®higher¡¯ was important enough to supersede all others. And as the medic for the small squad, it was imperative that she; of all people, understand the technology and what they were looking for. Mandalorians called them ¡®Medics¡¯ or ¡®Corpsmen¡¯. In Mando¡¯a, they were known as ¡®Baar¡¯ur¡¯. Renatta was much more skilled than the average medic. At the level of Physician by any outside organization standards. ¡®The Column¡¯ was the home for Clan Tu¡¯aaka after the war with the Eternal Empire. Peace was made with both the Empire and in some ways, the Republic. And it was the Clan Leadership that decided they were not going to go back. The Empire had betrayed them. The Republic was no friend to the Mandalorians. They chose the lesser of two evils. Going neutral in hopes that neither side would decide to hunt or label them as ¡®enemy¡¯. But there was a bigger reason for Tu¡¯aaka deciding to go their own way. One of their own, the last to die by Acina¡¯s hand the day she betrayed all Mandalorians. Blood was forever. And the stain it made on those who chose to spill it never washed off. The Empire sealed their fate the day Canton was killed covering not only the Mandalorians escape, but also performing an honorable duty. To escort the Sith Empress back to her throne. Only to be betrayed and murdered by the one he was sent to protect. Acina explained her action once the Sith Empire allied themselves with the various resistance factions scattered throughout the galaxy. But Renatta never forgave the betrayal. Canton, was her husband. ¡°Mark these as read¡­¡± Renatta spoke outloud. Looking toward the door; it slid open to the expeditionary team leader striding in and nodding curtly. Renatta turned back to the screen after returning the nod. Moving her hand over the surface to manipulate the image. Coming up behind her, Ivan folded his arms over his chest and looked down, shaking his head. The other Mandalorian couldn¡¯t make heads or tails of the very technical data. Looking over at Renatta, he shrugged. ¡°This is why you have all the brains of this outfit, Vod¡­.¡± Renatta looked up, placing a hand to her mouth as she studied. Her eyes narrowing. ¡°This metal, it¡¯s¡­¡± Renatta shook her head again. Shaking off the thoughts of trying to find a new way to synthesize it in order to make tracking it easier. That was her task as given by the Column''s higher command. And there was no one better suited on the ground to do it. She turned, leaning on the desk to look at Ivan; placing her arms on the surface behind her to rest. ¡°¡­are we still ¡®hiding¡¯?¡± The comment made both of them smile. The Column¡¯s involvement was supposed to be secret in order to confuse anyone who would be tracking the Republic team who was sent to Zakuul to locate the manufacturing site. Even as ¡®The Column¡¯ already showed its hand by involving one of their newest members in the form of ¡®Cypher¡¯. ¡°I don¡¯t hide.¡± Ivan said sharply, closing the distance with Renatta slowly. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Renatta bending it slightly to allow him to do so. ¡°Besides, Colonel La¡¯chance knows we¡¯re here. If they need our support, she¡¯ll let us know. All of them have no idea how to conduct hidden surveillance. The Sith channels are lighting up with information flowing back and forth about the Republic being on the ground. I don¡¯t know why she just didn¡¯t put an ad on the holo-net¡­¡± Ivan made a show of his hands. ¡°¡­¡¯Attention: Republic Special Ops team on Zakuul, inquire within¡­¡± They both laughed. Renatta lost the smile turning back around to the screen. ¡°I don¡¯t like working with the Republic. Any big government always brings up¡ª¡± She stopped the rest of her statement and shook her head looking down. Ivan closed in again and placed his hands on her shoulders squeezing them. ¡°That was a long time ago, Renatta.¡± She nodded, looking back up to move her hand over the screen. It blinked and blanked out a moment causing her to stand up straight. Incoming transmission, a distress beacon interrupting the projected image. Those kinds of transmissions were always sent to a Clan¡¯s higher headquarters; more importantly the medical personnel terminals. It was ¡®that¡¯ kind of beacon. Somewhere a member of their Clan was in distress. Medical distress. About to dismiss it, Renatta reached forward. The team on Zakuul was all accounted for. No one could be in distress if combat action was not taking place. She narrowed her eyes looking forward. Then opened them wide. Renatta stood straight up, still staring at the screen as her mouth dropped open slightly. IN all of their time together, Renatta was known as ¡®Rock¡¯. In her line of work, she had to be. The life of a field medic was not one that allowed for shock or fits of uncontrollable emotion. They were dedicated professionals that worked in the worst situations and sometimes during the worst parts of an operation. She stood and stared, her face blank in stunned silence. Falling backward as she fainted away. ¡°Whoa, whoa!!!¡± Ivan caught her, laying her down on the floor gently as he looked up at the screen. <> <> <> Canton was alive. 14 - It All Comes Home Eventually -- - Dromand Kaas, Sith Citadel; Darth Vowrawn¡¯s private chambers¡­ Reality can sometimes hit subtle. Other times its the cold that hits in the morning. A sobering reminder that even alive; every moment you have left is precious. Reality was finally hitting home for Darth Vowrawn. Grace stood behind the desk and behind Vowrawn, looking down at him. A vicious smile creeping over her features as the Dark Lord watched the sliced holo-net feed. A communication coming from the Citadel that his agents intercepted. It was not unusual for Dark Council members to spy on people in the Citadel. Even other Council Members; it was how they stayed one step ahead of everyone else. This transmission was not staying one step ahead, it was confirming fear. Vowrawn held his chin in his hand, elbow on the desk as he watched. One side he could see. It was Darth Malgus. The other side he could only hear. There were limits to the capability of his spies, even in the Citadel. <<¡±¡­.move quickly, Darth Retuvisa. Even now, Vowrawn moves to secure his place on the throne. It will only be a matter of time before he discovers not only your survival, but your present course.¡±>> Vowrawn rolled his eyes at the notion spoken by Darth Malgus. The transmission was only a day old. The return voice sent a shiver down his spine. And when she spoke, Vowrawn visibly sat up. Grace felt it, looking down at him again before looking back to the holo-image. <¡±¡­you assistance has been greatly appreciated, Darth Malgus. And soon, Vowrawn will not be a problem to you or anyone else.¡±> <¡±Make no mistake, Darth Retuvisa. I did not do this for you or for those you support. I did this for the Empire. Vowrawn is a plague. His incessant scheming threatens to derail the war effort. Our real enemies have yet to feel the full might of the Sith Empire.¡±> Vowrawn sat back, dropping his hands down to his side. Behind him, soft laughter. Vowrawn looked above himself to see Grace looming overhead. ¡°I told you. There is no escape. The Will of the Force cannot be denied.¡± Scoffing, Vowrawn sat back up and pressed on the holo-feed. The recording began again. <<¡±¡­.I understand, Lord Malgus. That is why I¡¯ve made arrangements to drop out of sight once we reach normal space. I will strike, but I will strike at a time of my own choosing. The fleet that once occupied Sector G-7 is now under my direct control. I shall be holding on to it for the time being. I certainly hope you don¡¯t mind?¡±> <¡±Done. I will ensure that the Dark Council knows nothing of the fleet¡¯s fate. It is yours to command. Long Live the Sith Empire¡­¡±> <¡±For the Empire, My Lord Malgus¡­¡±> ¡°She returns.¡± Grace spoke absently, finally moving around to the other side of the desk. Vowrawn sat up and shot a glare toward her. His arms flapping up wildly. ¡°And what do you do?!?! Sit and watch?? Laugh as this vision you hold to comes to pass?!?! I suppose your ¡®vision¡¯ had no remedy for what Darth Retuvisa plans to do!!¡± Vowrawn stood and started for the door. Grace made a ¡®tsk tsk¡¯ sound as the Dark Lord moved to leave. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t¡­¡± Grace spoke softly again. Taking a moment to sit gently on the edge of the desk. Vowarwn turned sharply, starting back toward her. ¡°And why not?!?! I simply inform the Dark Council of what Darth Malgus is doing and all of this goes away. To include, possibly, Darth Malgus himself.¡± ¡°Yes. You could be right. And while you explain yourself and what you¡¯ve discovered, take a moment to consider what questions they will ask.¡± Vowrawn was staring at Grace with daggers for eyes, they were wide; wild in anger and fury. "Explain." ¡°Think rationally, My Lord. YOU sent the designated Hammer of the Empire away. Tried to kill her, for a slight to YOUR honor. This had nothing to do with the Glory of the Empire. Your actions advanced nothing and that is exactly what Malgus will say. What you did was purely selfish and personal. You will argue that my Mother had designs on the throne, a fact that no one will believe because Malgus will be forced to reveal the truth. That My Mother killed Empress Acina and then refused to take the seat or even a seat on the Council. Malgus will say that Acina¡¯s death advanced the plans for the Empire to do what it always should have been doing¡­destroying the enemies of the Sith.¡± Grace got up and slowly strode toward the Dark Lord. ¡°Most on the Dark Council knew how soft she was after the destruction of the Eternal Empire. Most on the Council pined for the day that the Empire would return to war and conquest. MY MOTHER and Darth Malgus gave that to them and all without taking a seat on the throne. So¡­¡± Grace smiled viciously, ¡°¡­whose motivations do you think they will believe? Malgus and my Mother¡­.or yours? A Dark Lord who has made it plain to everyone what his true goal is?¡± Vowrwan slumped. After looking up, he smiled weakly. ¡°You¡­.should have been a Sith. You are every bit as devious and cunning as your Mother.¡± ¡°I will take that as a compliment, My Lord.¡± Grace strode toward the door. ¡°Now come, Darth Vowrawn. It¡¯s time to make preparations for The End.¡± ¡°The end of what?!?! Me?!?!¡± ¡°The end¡­.of the story.¡± -- -- Aldeberon III, Republic Forward Strongpoint¡­. Mirialan Expeditionary Forces, ''Unity''s Guardian''¡­.3rd Assault Cohort¡­. <¡­the Imps fought tooth and nail for that little sliver of land. Artillery, armor¡­it was the first time some of the younger ones had seen troops dig in the ground. Long trenches a mile long and as tall as a trooper. One day, we take the trench line, the next the Imps take it back. We learned later it was for a larger objective. The crossroads leading to a small village on the outskirts. The village opened up logistic roadways that only the locals knew as the only way to cross the lava fields. Making it safe for armored forces to move toward the capital. Logistics, the life blood of any army. And this planet is a deathtrap. Without knowledge of the ebb and flow of the lava tunnels and geothermals, you walk your men into death at every turn.>> -- Corwin moved forward, weapon raised. Swinging the other arm over his shoulder he screamed out loud. ¡°Follow me!!!¡± The village was a mass of once proud buildings, all shells. Bordered by the lava flows which were the arteries of the planet. A cross roads of conflict. To hold the ground, was to hold the heart at which everything dedicated to the war effort would flow. Knowledge the Imperials also possessed. They knew how valuable the village and the land around it was. Bordered on all sides by high volcanic created mountains the village was the only way in and out of the forward and rear battle lines. The Mirialan ran forward, aided by the armor he wore. It increased his speed. Hydraulics and kinetic pressure added to the steps Corwin took. His feet digging deeply into the ashy ground. Throwing himself against what was left of a wall, it immediately disintegrated around him. Corwin ducked down as the top of the wall flew to pieces; quickly looking over at the gunnery team with him. ¡°Here!!! Here!!! Set up here!!!¡± The other Mirialan troopers dropped down. One folding the legs of the heavy cannon''s tripod out as yet another dropped the gun¡¯s generator. The gunner himself already dropping to his knees to place the heavy blaster into the tripod. The assembly something the trio practiced repeatedly to increase efficiency and cut the time to place the weapon into operation. The rest of the top of the wall came down. All of them crouched. The Imperial gunners on the other side losing the field of fire once the top of the wall was gone. They knew where the Mirialans were, but could no longer direct fire as their field of vision decreased. The wall dropping down to the foundation and what was left of the remainder of the building. Dust and debris shot outward. Corwin looked up and smiled through it. Slapping the gunner on the back of his helmet. In a brilliant flash of light and winding power, the heavy cannon began to return fire. Yelling over the sound of the cannon, the gunner gave the other two on his crew direction. ¡°Adjust right, two degrees!!!¡± Crawling forward, the tripod bearer picked up one side of the tripod and slid it right. ¡°Dead on!!!¡± The cannon increased fire, its operator screaming over the blasts. ¡°YEA!!! Go with your freakin¡¯ ancestors Imps!!!¡± ¡°This is Unity Six¡­¡± Corwin placed his hand to his head, yelling into the LASH system which was attached to his neck armor. ¡°¡­we have suppression. Assault One¡­initiate attack.¡± From the other side of the wall and at Corwin¡¯s flank, he looked over as the rush of armor and vehicles began a charge through crumbled buildings and rubble. Several squads of Mirialans and light armor crashing through to attack the Imperial position from the other side. Corwin looked down at the wrist display and tracked his units, touching his ear again. ¡°Assault two¡­Go. Go. Go.¡± Behind him, a second set of armored Mirialans and light armor came. Heading directly into the path of the Imperials who were formerly firing on his position. Now hunkering down after Corwin and the gun crew made them lower their heads. <¡±¡­.at the Oh-BEE-JAY!!!¡±> Came a response through the frequency. Corwin stood and jumped over the shattered wall, moving toward the objective. He found both assault teams and the armor facing outward, securing the area. Corwin walked to the center. Looking down at the scattered remains of the small Imperial Command Post. All of the Imperials manning it were dead. Their equipment destroyed. The Mirialans completed their work with swift and brutal efficiency. Corwin knelt and picked up the Imperial transmitter and started searching for intelligence. But even that piece of equipment was almost beyond use. Looking over he handed the transmitter to one of the recovery teams. It would be taken back to headquarters for forensic analysis. ¡°Your orders, Sir?¡± Corwin looked up to see his platoon sergeant staring down at him. Corwin stood and knocked the dust off his boots, stomping a few times. ¡°Secure the area. We leave Assault one here once the area is scrubbed. We are pushing through¡­.¡± The day was just getting started. -- Knocking on the prefab, Corwin stood at attention waiting on the ¡®word¡¯. ¡°Come¡±, the voice from inside beckoned for him. Waiting for the door to slide open; once it did Corwin stepped inside and immediately went back to a straight ridged stance. Holding the position of attention to await acknowledgement. Looking up from the holo-screens the Captain grimaced. ¡°At Ease, Lieutenant¡­¡± Corwin relaxed and looked down as the Captain manipulated the battle feeds. Finally looking up at Corwin and releasing a haggard sigh. ¡°That was a rough piece of work today, Corwin.¡± Coming around the desk, the feeds shut down once the Captain¡¯s presence was gone. He smiled sympathetically. Alone, fellow officers always called each other by first names. Corwin relaxed a bit more, setting his helmet and weapon down to look at the Captain. Corwin didn¡¯t return the smile. ¡°Yes, Sir¡­¡± Corwin spoke in a low grave tone. ¡°¡­it was.¡± ¡°How many?¡± Asking the question, Corwin knew exactly what number the Captain was looking for. Corwin looked down at his wrist unit. It came to life with a dull green glow. Corwin studied it a moment. ¡°Two dead. Six Wounded-Evac¡¯ed to medical. One personal walker destroyed. One damaged, but still operational.¡± ¡°Given what the Imperials threw into holding that area, that¡¯s pretty good.¡± ¡°The loss of even one of my men is never good.¡± His head snapping back toward Corwin, the Captain frowned at the other¡¯s words. For weeks the Captain had been counseling Corwin on his need to create some separation between his men and the mission. Corwin was far too attached and personal with all of them. ¡°Men¡­¡± The Captain began again. Moving back behind his desk and resuming his position of authority. What he had to say was not as a friend, but as Corwin¡¯s commanding officer. ¡°¡­are going to die, Corwin. You need to find a way to separate yourself from¡ª¡± Behind the Captain the frequency hopping receiver lit up with chatter. Voices talking over one another as reports began to come in. Some of them on the ground in the area where Corwin was with his platoon earlier. Some of them from drones or observers outside the objective area. Sliding his chair toward the comm system, the Captain turned up the volume. <<¡±¡­.Unity Six, Unity Six¡­.this is Unity Five. We have incoming on our position. Request¡ª¡°>> The transmission cut out. Corwin started to reach for the transmitter as the Captain snatched it up first. Twisting the knob on the system, he flipped the frequency from hopping around to a single observer channel. <<¡±¡­.Five ATs¡­at least two companies. Some of them ¡®heavies¡¯.¡±>> A heavy Imperial presence was moving back into the area yet again. All of it headed directly to the position that Corwin and his men fought so hard for earlier. Corwin''s eyes snapped to the holo-screen tracking the overall battle in real time across the surface. Red icons began appearing on the board; almost as the spotters and observers were speaking about them. The red wave of Imperial movement headed back their direction. Corwin turned and moved toward the door. "Where are you going, Lieutenant?" Turning around, Corwin was already placing his rifle into assault mode. He narrowed his eyes at the Captain. "I''m going to get my men, Sir." Standing up, The Captain rounded the desk again slowly. Clasping his hands behind his back as he shook his head. "Negative." The look Corwin gave was one of shock, but also anger. It actually made the Captain turn an eyebrow up. Corwin was not a small man by any measure. Of all the Mirialans, by far one of the biggest in the Company. The Captain quickly added to denying Corwin. "The force that''s on the ground will hold until we call for support. And that support WILL BE Armor and Artillery. We don''t know if the Imperials are committing to that same zone again and I can''t afford to commit the whole company if they are not." "I don''t need the whole Company. That''s my platoon out there. I''ll go...alone. Lead them back in and--" "Negative." The Captain said again. This time not waiting on Corwin''s response he sat back down. The holo-feeds reactivating. When Corwin didn''t leave immediately he looked back up. "You''re Dismissed, Lieutenant." -- -- Aldeberon III, 3rd Assault Cohort, ¡®Unity¡¯s Faith Company¡¯; Mirialan Defense Forces¡­.Republic Fire Base¡­ Attack and assault procedures were pretty much standard within the Republic and Imperial military. Based on ancient principles of move and counter-move. Suppress, move; flank, move. The goal being to seize the objective. And though what would happen once on the objective would vary depending on what was there, the basic tactical principles were the same no matter if you were maneuvering a squad or a full Army group. That principle was applied with deadly precision as the Imperials moved back into the cross roads. A brigade sized Imperial element. A few thousand men and materials. Armored units; walkers. Artillery support in the form of ground based turbolasers and orbital firing platforms. Rocket capable drones flew screens for the approaching troops and armor units. The suppression portion of the operation from the Imperial point of view was to suppress and hold the area where all of the Republic reinforcements would come from. Massive artillery emplacements kilometers away began a steady and systematic bombardment of the Republic base immediately after Corwin and Captain Hargrove observed the incoming Imperial force approaching the objective. The fire base had defensive screens and droid based anti-artillery emplacements. But some of the large scale phased plasma shells would inevitably breach the defense. It was a matter of percentages. The more fired, the higher percentage that would penetrate the shield. Both the Captain and Corwin hit the deck immediately. The ground around them shook as lights winked on and off. Power fluctuating from the fire base systems being vibrated and rocked by the incoming fire. Holo-screens blinked on and off. Vibrations increasing as the volume of fire intensified. The Captain crawled. Moving toward the door. Corwin looked up from laying on his stomach. Seeing the Captain move, Corwin started in behind him. It wasn¡¯t safe in the pre-fab. They needed a more hardened structure. And there was protective bunker outside and dug into the ground not more than fifty yards from where they were. Corwin grit his teeth. It felt as if the planet itself was coming apart. Blasts on top of blasts. Corwin opened his mouth, fairly sure he screamed in rage and confusion. Part of the pre-fab coming down around them as blasts impacted near and almost on top of where they were. Time seemed to go on forever. Trapped in hell, Corwin wondered if it would ever stop. In a blinding flash, it did. Not because they stopped firing. As the pre-fab took a direct hit everything went white. Corwin couldn¡¯t see, couldn¡¯t hear. Blown the other direction and through the wall of the pre-fab out the other side. His head lulled upward, blury; fuzzy to everything as the attack continued. Then blindness. The attack only lasted a few minutes. It felt like an eternity. Corwin was taken by unconsciousness for far longer. -- It was distant. Far away. Moving parts and low whines of sound. Corwin came to the end of that tunnel quickly, the sound clearing up as his eyes snapped open. Fingers stretched along the fabric, he looked around pulling the leads off his head and the tubing off his nose. He was alive. On a foldout medical cot. He started to sit up and felt strong hands push him back down. ¡°Easy, easy there¡­¡¯Captain¡¯.¡± Corwin canted his head, vision clearing a little more looking up at the voice. Markus stood over him, a bright smile and a little humor behind the look. ¡°That was quite a tumble you took. Your armor took most of the blast. Too bad the Captain didn¡¯t have his on.¡± Markus lost the smile as he said the last. ¡°You rest easy, ¡®Captain¡¯.¡± That was the third time Markus said the rank; the second time he applied it to Corwin. He shook his head. ¡°Captain, Captain?!?! Why do you keep saying that?¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t make it Corwin.¡± Markus was blunt in the answer. His hands still on Corwin. Medical droids moving to Markus side; the Jedi took his hands off Corwin and took a step back. Still shaking his head, Corwin sat up, under the protest of the Medical droids. Swinging his legs off the cot, Corwin stood up and nearly sat back down. Markus jumped to Corwin¡¯s side steadying the Mirialan. ¡°Whoa, there buddy. Maybe you should lay back down.¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Corwin shook his head, looking down at his Chrono. Twelve hours. He pushed past everyone moving toward the Medical enclosure¡¯s exit. The Fire Base was in shambles. But already the unit was putting things back in order. The best thing about pre-fabs was how easily all of it could be repaired or replaced. But nothing was going to get rid of the large craters and carbon scoring from the Imperial artillery impact. Corwin was moving and moving faster as his strength started to return. He walked down a flight of duracrete steps into the battalion headquarters. Finding the Colonel among a group of other officers, he waited until the Colonel noticed him. Looking at the floating holo-screens and battle charts to bide his time. Turning around the Colonel grimaced. Nodding at Corwin he stepped away from the other busy officers, placing his hands on his hips. ¡°Hargrove¡¯s gone.¡± The Colonel stating the obvious. ¡°We took a beating in that action. All of it to keep us in place.¡± The Colonel glanced at the ever changing holo-map. The two walked over together looking up at it. He pointed toward the ¡®cross roads¡¯. ¡°Your men are the last forces in the area. The others all destroyed or in full retreat. It looks like the Imps have put everything they have into one last push. They know like we do, the only way to win this war is to hold that area. If they get it, it¡¯s over. They will file in reinforcements, build to another assault and then¡­¡± The Colonel looked at Corwin. He knew just like the Colonel did; they were the next target. The artillery attack just a small taste of what would happen if they allowed the Imps to build back up. ¡°We won¡¯t let that happen, Colonel.¡± Corwin¡¯s voice was stern; resolute as he continued to study the board. Giving a weak smile, he Colonel slapped Corwin on his shoulder. ¡°I appreciate the enthusiasm, Corwin.¡± The Colonel stepped away, his voice becoming bland. ¡°Congratulations. Third Cohort is yours. As the ranking officer¡­it¡¯s just a battlefield promotion. But I will put the paperwork in once we get back.¡± ¡°Get back?¡± Corwin asked the question sharply. The Colonel turning back around, they both looked at the holo-board again. Knowing what Corwin was going to say the Colonel raised his arms up; the sign of surrender. ¡°Those men and their sacrifice will not be in vain. The Imps are filling up the area with more forces in an attempt to drive them out or kill them off.¡± Letting out a sigh he looked at Corwin sadly. ¡°Command has ordered our withdrawal. They are going to bombard the area from space. Its our only advantage at the moment. The fleet is already moving into position before the Imperials cross the planetary terminator. We have four hours before we pull out. Get your company organized and ready to move.¡± Corwin looked away. The anger and rage building up in him. But arguing wouldn¡¯t change anything. Without another word he walked out. Not even a salute or a dismissal from the Colonel. It didn¡¯t go unnoticed, but the Colonel did nothing to stop him. Markus caught up to him as Corwin exited. The Jedi grabbing his arm. ¡°Hey¡­I told Wonder and Karolin I would look after you.¡± The look on Corwin¡¯s face verified the feelings Markus was reading off Corwin. ¡°Don¡¯t¡± Markus spat sharply. ¡°You do this, they will come after you. We got orders. Even the Jedi are pulling us out.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, Markus. You just do what you have to.¡± -- <¡±¡­Sir, It¡¯s Sergeant Yak¡¯ub, we understand. No one saw this coming. We are going to hold our position and with the Faith of the Unity, await you to come get us. It¡¯s quiet now¡­no sign of--¡­.¡±> Corwin was looking at the monitor from the drone feed at the same time he held the comm unit in his other hand. Placing it to his head as the feed revealed the reason for the break in communications. He was no longer platoon leader of the third assault cohort, having to relinquish that command to Sergeant Yak¡¯ub. Telling Yak¡¯ub the news with a bit of faux humor. There were no other officers to take his place after being elevated to Company Commander with the death of Captain Hargrove. In the background, heavy blaster fire followed by several explosions. On the side monitor which showed a real-time biological status of his entire company; next to the live drone feed he saw several more Third Cohort lifesigns wink out. Corwin grit his teeth shaking his head. These were not just his company¡¯s men, these were his own. His platoon. Squeezing the comm unit tightly in his hand, Corwin took it off his forehead where he rested during the strike and spoke softly. His voice trembling with anger and impatience. ¡°Sergeant¡­.listen to me. I¡¯m coming¡­I am coming for you. Keep the men down, don¡¯t do anything to draw the Imperials in. This is not a fight you can win. Keep them alive¡­all of them.¡± <¡±Roger that, Sir¡­I read you Lima Charlie. Ancestors Watch You, Sir¡­.Unity¡¯s Faith¡­.¡±> Corwin stood up and started loading his weapon, checking the auxiliary gear strapped to his armor as the door to his pre-fab opened up. Colonel Naxin looked surprised at first, placing his hands on his hips a moment later; his face saying everything without uttering a word. Of course, the Republic Colonel was sorry, they were all sorry. But those out in the crossroads were not HIS men. The Republic looked at the Mirialans as assets. Corwin couldn¡¯t fault them for that. But that didn¡¯t change anything. ¡°¡­¡¯Captain¡¯¡­¡± The Colonel began sadly, using the new honorific more to remind Corwin that he had bigger responsibilities now than just one platoon of men. Even if the rank insignia on his armor still denoted him as a Lieutenant in the MDF. ¡°¡­.I am sorry as hell about this, but you¡ª¡± The Colonel paused narrowing his eyes. Noticing Corwin had not stopped to look up or even acknowledge him. Colonel Naxin monitored all of the comm traffic on scan and heard what was going on; it was what brought him over. Moving to the side, Corwin started to pass the Colonel as the other man grabbed Corwin¡¯s arm. ¡°¡­listen to me, Corwin.¡± The Mirialan finally looked up. ¡°¡­we¡¯ve chewed a lot of ground together on this rock. And I know this hurts, but you¡ªyou have a greater responsibility to the rest of this company. To the Republic. You go out there¡ªyou WILL die. You¡¯ve seen the feed. The Imps are reinforcing with an entire brigade. We¡¯ve been given orders to pull up and move to the last phase line.¡± Corwin jerked his arm out of the Colonel¡¯s hand. ¡°Corwin¡­you do this, there is nothing I can do to help you. We have orders¡­ORDERS, Son. Those men¡­¡± Colonel Naxin let his voice trail off and looked down. He didn¡¯t believe as the Mirialan¡¯s did. For him, there was no Unity only the saying that was as empty as his own belief. That the Force would somehow be with them. A platitude for Jedi and soothsayers. Naxin was a Soldier. Too many times, the Force was never there as people were blown to pieces. Corwin wasn¡¯t even sure if he believed anymore. One thing he was sure of, he was going to get his men. Unity, Force, Colonel Naxin¡­none of it mattered. Saying nothing, Corwin left the pre-fab and hopped on a speeder bike; checking to make sure it had ordnance before he sped off. Colonel Naxin came out of the building just as Corwin sped away. The Mirialans were there as a show of good faith from the Mirialan Government. A testament to their commitment to the Republic to once again join the fight on the side of the Republic. And they were excellent fighters, some of the best the Colonel had ever seen. Especially their officers. -- Coruscant, Military Domicile #811¡­.Murriel La¡¯chance''s Apartment¡­. Still packing, Murriel was surprised to hear a chime at her door. She looked up and walked over, touching the pad and smiling broadly once it opened. Jumping into the arms of her sister as she squealed. Wonder, a much taller leaner version of her older sister, bent slightly and embraced Murriel. ¡°Wonder!! Oh my¡­.I didn¡¯t expect you. What are you¡ª¡± Wonder smiled only slightly, but Murriel felt the tension from her sister before she even looked at her face. Moving aside, Murriel let Wonder pass and allowed the door to slide closed behind them both. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is everything alright on Zeltros? The show¡­.did you get fired?!?!¡± Murriel gave a sarcastic expression and placed a hand on her hip, trying to make a joke once Wonder walked in and looked around. ¡°No, no¡­.everything is fine in the show. I¡¯m singing five nights a week with four nights off the next¡­.¡± Wonder looked down and lost the half smile, her hands and fingers nervous as she tried to find something for them to do. Finally locking them behind her back as she looked up at her sister. ¡°Murriel¡­I need something.¡± ¡°Anything. You know that.¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± Wonder paused and looked down again, feeling the need to explain the request before she outright asked. ¡°¡­well, you are fairly important now in the Republic. Congrats on the promotion by the way. You must be proud.¡± ¡°Not really.¡± Murriel frowned sitting down on the bed next to her bag, which was only half packed. Running her hand through her pinkish-green hair she flopped her hands into her lap and shook her head. ¡°I would be, but it seems I am the only one. Well¡­Marstel is happy of course. But he can¡¯t be here or say anything, because unofficially he doesn¡¯t exist at the moment.¡± Murriel looked up sharply. ¡°Oh yea¡­.a little tidbit I gathered with upgraded security clearance. Marstel, doesn¡¯t exist¡­neither do I really. And Cora¡ª¡± Murriel stopped herself and scoffed. ¡°¡ªforget it. This isn¡¯t about me, it¡¯s about you. You gave me an inch and I took a whole yard.¡± Murriel canted her head waiting for Wonder. Releasing a sigh, Wonder sat down in a chair near the door and folded her hands in her lap. ¡°I have never asked you for anything. When you needed me, I was there. When you said I had to fight, I learned and I fought right next to you. Something, by the way, that I swore I would never do was pick up a weapon. You know how I hate violence. But the cause was just and we needed to do it--¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to sell me, Wonder. Just ask.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Corwin¡­I''m worried about him.¡± Wonder paused and looked down. "Last time I talked to him, he didn''t say much. I mean...I haven''t ''seen'' him except on holo-feed, but even that seems ''different''." Wonder looked up at her sister, a worried expression on her face. "He''s changed, Murriel. This war...volunteering with the MDF. I know I was against it, but once he joined up I stood behind him a hundred percent. I still do...I''m just--" "What do you want me to do, Wonder?" Murriel''s face grew stern. "I want him home. I know I''m not supposed to ask. And if he knew I did, he would kill me. I still get grief from your ''calls'' to him. Like he is somehow special, he says it doesn''t look good to have you calling on him." Wonder gave a weak laugh, but looked down ashamed. Standing up, Murriel moved to her personal comm-terminal. Picking up the earpiece and placing it in her ear. <"...yes, this is Colonel La''chance. I''d like to be connected with deployments. Watch center. Thank you, I''ll hold...."> She smiled and looked back over at Wonder, nodding her head. <"...yes, this is Colonel La''chance. ID number Alpha-Alpha-Sierra Nova Eight Eight Five. Thank You, yes...I''d like the status on an MDF Officer assigned to the Republic. I have a joint service opening on my team and think this Soldier would fit nicely. 3rd Cohort...Assault, Mirialan Defense Forces. Yes, Lieutantant Corwin--"> Murriel stopped speaking abruptly. She glanced over at Wonder as she lost the smile, turning back around she lowered her voice; on purpose. <"...I see. No, no....that''s not necessary. I will check back, myself. And thank you, Major. I appreciate the information and the prompt help on this. La''chance out..."> Wonder was sitting up expectantly. But Murriel seemed to have lost color, looking a little pale. She crossed the room to stand by Wonder and sucked a breath. Wonder was already sensing it. Both sisters able to feel the emotions of the other. Wonder started to cry as Murriel grabbed her. "No...Wonder, he''s not dead. Stop, stop this." Wonder looked up from the embrace as Murriel continued. "...but their unit is withdrawing. Only....Corwin has been listed as MIA." Wonder gave a strange look. "MIA?!? What''s that?!?!" "Missing in Action, Wonder. They don''t know where he is..." -- - Naboo, Veruna Estates ¨C Sublevel 18B¡­.. <¡­.for as long as we¡¯ve been alive in the galaxy we have sought to improve. Not only our environment, but ourselves. It has taken me a long time to come to the realization that all of this improvement is to one end. And it is NOT for the betterment of humanoid kind for the good of others less fortunate. A lofty goal. It would be less traumatic if in my scientific journey I discovered that was so. But its not and we¡¯re not. All of our betterment is to one end and one end alone: To destroy one another. And he who gets to the discovery first wins. Unfortunately, once we discover a way to surpass the other; the race begins again. One discovery leads to another and then another. Surpassing our own limits, improving each other to create better and more lethal versions of ourselves to ¡®one up¡¯ and destroy quicker, efficient. This is and always will be a zero sum game. Out there, technologies exist that we can only imagine. I hope that someday we can tap into that. Seek those out and integrate them into our own. Until then, the quest continues. Perhaps, when the smoke clears and all of the science is dead and the scientist such as myself are gone; we can return to our search for ways to better ourselves and our fellow humanoids. I will forward that search and that goal; advancing it by decades. Speeding us toward a sure and certain death in hopes that once men like me are gone; people will turn their focus toward a kinder and gentler way of supporting one another¡­. Dr. Sannus Lorrick ¨C Virus Log #3321¡­.> -- It was the hundredth time that V¡¯ictoria listened to the logs. Sometime she merely played it as background while she performed other work. Lorrick was just as much a philosopher as he was a scientist. While his work was considered evil and unethical; some of his words describing his work proved otherwise. Vicky often wondered if those who judged him ever took the time to listen to all five thousand of his log entries. Lorrick was a man desperate to not only protect his people, but to explain why it was he was performing the genetic research. The work eventually drove Lorrick mad. Mostly because he used himself to experiment on. At least at first. Then he turned to his fellow scientists and those he worked with. Something all scientists were guilty of; at least those who were as driven as Lorrick was. Vicky certainly had blood on her own hands. As guilty of not more so than Lorrick.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Opening the stasis unit; Vicky took out the samples and placed them down gently next to the scope. Gloving up before opening one of the individual freezing units located in the box she was sent. A box inside of a box inside of a stasis unit. The Republic didn¡¯t want to leave anything to chance. It spoke to the importance and the dangerousness of the samples being sent to her. Vicky smiled to herself under the mask. It wasn¡¯t the Republic, but one of her own kind that sent the samples. RT having sent them along with the schematic of the technology they acquired. She didn¡¯t ask questions. The holo-net trace told her the information was sliced illegally. Not how the Republic saw it. There was no such thing as an illegal act against another entity if your cause was just. Vicky lost the smile. She been down that road before. The Republic, always justifying to itself why stealing and slicing something THEY deemed as dangerous was righteous. In some ways, no better than the Organization. The nefarious group that sought control over the science of the galaxy in order to do with as they saw fit. These were forensic samples. Every individual sample was tagged and cataloged with times and dates. Some of it she recognized. Some of it from her own brethren. Karolin¡¯s sample was in there. Taken from the Kolto spring on Thyferra. Another sample from Mirial and the De¡¯nabre compound. A puzzle, a very complex puzzle. RT just sent everything his genetically enhanced mind could surmise would amount to anything and be related to the technology they were tracking. It all spoke to one thing; The Organization and the Generationals. Vicky sat up and placed another sample under the scope after recording the first and having it swing in the ions above her. One screen became two and over a period of hours, multiple screens floated around her in the ions above the table¡¯s projector. Pieces to a much larger puzzle. Science was one large puzzle that always fit together with the proper solution. Vicky wasn¡¯t trying to make a breakthrough or create something, she was trying to see how all of the evidence fit. After going through all of the samples she slid the chair backward and stood up. Standing in the center of all the floating holo-screens she looked around and started to decipher. Her mind working in three and four dimensions. Moving the pieces around in her mind as she placed like things together and theorized how things that didn¡¯t seem to fit suddenly started to come together. One thing stood out. There were more than three different technologies at work and only one of them related to the schematic that spun in the center and took up over half the space among all of the other holo-samples. Residue of her old friend and mentor; Dr. Ed¡¯mare Ze¡¯llamane were all over several of the specimens. Vicky canted her head and gazed intently. Her mind rolling over the samples and the events that took place on Thyferra. Closing her eyes, she pictured it. Karolin rising. The lightning and the discharge. The Doctor getting caught up. All variables had to be taken into account. Nothing could be left out. Vicky¡¯s eyes snapped open as she looked wide eyed at the spinning icon of the technology that was being constructed. ¡°No¡­¡± Vicky whispered. ¡°¡­they couldn¡¯t. There was nothing left.¡± But perhaps his mind was. And that would be all that was necessary. Vicky walked fast to the holo-terminal and began typing a message back to RT. Encoded for secrecy and encrypted to prevent anyone else from getting it but RT himself. <¡±¡­.Ze¡¯llamane is alive. They are going to use this piece of tech as part of his recovery somehow. But there are other variables at play. I am on my way to Coruscant¡­.stand by.¡±> -- -- - Southland, Corellia; Industrial Sector¡­Arcnet Shipwiring Services¡­. Men like Telan¡¯dorr had weaknesses. Rose was well versed in weakness. It was part of the planning process. ¡®Know thy enemy¡¯. Not that Telan¡¯dorr was her enemy per say, but had definitely had a part of her own failure. Failure to live up to what she was hired for. And Rose felt beholden to make up for that in some way. As a consummate professional, her reputation as a planner and organizer for some of the most dangerous operations in the galaxy was something Rose took pride in. Her failure; something she needed to make up for to get that part she lost, back. A long limo speeder pulled up. Rose pulled the macros to her face and watched. Zooming in to make positive identification. A driver got out, opened the door and stood by waiting. Workers were leaving the factory. The last horn having sounded to end the days work. It seemed like forever. A man like Telan¡¯dorr would definitely wait for the ¡®rabble¡¯ to clear out before he made an appearance. Rose almost wet herself laughing. Telan¡¯dorr started down the stairs. But what in the name of all that was holy was he wearing?!?! The same moniker he took before as a prophet; a holy man of sorts. Telan¡¯dorr had some sort of holy garb on, complete with hat and gloves. The familiar four diamond symbol of Mirial and the De¡¯nabre emblazoned on the front. He was going back to his roots. At least in public. Fashioning himself as, once again, some kind of holier than thou sort. Telan¡¯dorr stopped at the door of the speeder and looked around. Close by, Aurora appeared. Opening the opposite door herself and getting inside. Not long after, Telan¡¯dorr finally got in after making sure they weren¡¯t being watched. That made Rose smile. Of course, he was being watched. He had to know. So blatant was his presence that everyone knew. But no one could touch him, yet. Rose was going to make his world seem a bit smaller. And she relished in the opportunity. Getting in behind, but not close, Rose pulled back on the throttle of her speeder bike. Her eyes glued to the massive limo speeder. Once it stopped, she took note of the location that the limo stopped and allowed Aurora to get out and go off on her own. Several thoughts crossed her mind. Perhaps Aurora was going to run a screen. Ghost the speeder to ensure it wasn¡¯t being followed. But the timing and the distance were all wrong. Rose had been following for more than fifteen minutes and one didn¡¯t ghost a target after ten most times. After seeing Aurora disappear inside of a building and the speeder depart again, Rose decided it didn¡¯t matter. If Aurora was going to ghost the speeder, she would not recognize Rose anyway. There was a couple of locations Rose had in mind. She made a few personal bets with herself. All of it based on her knowledge of men and their weaknesses. Once the speeder turned in the lane and entered another heading for the entertainment district, a smile started to form on Rose¡¯s face. So predictable. But also, foolish on Telan¡¯dorr¡¯s part. He was operating on the assumption that he was beyond impunity. That no one could touch him. That was a weakness in its own right. But why? Something else, other than Telan¡¯dorr¡¯s ego; which was massive, was causing the Mirialan to feel that way. An unknown variable for another time. The limo speeder stopped. The driver getting out and opening the door. Telan¡¯dorr stepped out and straightened himself before walking in. The lights and glamour from the outside made the stark green of his holy garb turn a pale grey. Rose stopped a block out, watching him go in and get settled. Timing his arrival and his entrance in her head before swinging a leg off the bike and walking toward the establishment. The limo already departed. The entrance clear. Rose was hardly dressed for the place. But then, it was a nightclub. She stopped and looked herself over. Only one adjustment needed to be made and it would make all of the difference. Reaching up she pulled the keeper from her hair. Long luscious blonde locks fell down her back draping over her shoulders. Rose flexed her fingers through her hair. Shaking her hands through it to give it a little life with a bit of the ¡®wild¡¯ thrown in. Work the hair. It always worked as one of the best disguises. And it would keep eyes off her face and sometimes, off her body. Rose really loved her hair. Most everyone else did too. This wasn¡¯t just any nightclub. This was a decompression chamber. People came here to let off the steam gathered in long hours of hard and tedious work. Places like that one existed all over Corellia. Though that one was high end. Executives and management frequented the place. Rose stopped at the door; security holding a hand out for her to stop. The bouncers seemed taken aback by Rose at first. She wasn¡¯t a small woman by any stretch. Standing almost toe to toe with most men. She kept herself up. Some of it was genetic. Kiffar were a warrior race. Yellow piercing eyes, pointed ears and yellow skin that bore the branded markings of their own faith; war and strife. But the hair, it was doing its work. Both men smiling as one ran the scanner over her, stopping and looking up once it beeped that she was carrying something. Rose smiled seductively stepping back to reach in her pocket. Pulling out a cylindrical tube, she activated it and placed it to her lips. They changed color, from a pale shiny yellow; the color of her skin, to a bright red. It was understood a woman of such exotic beauty who spent so much time on her hair might have forgotten her lipstick. Rose winked at both men and gave a faux kiss in the hair, laughing after she applied the makeup; winking at both bouncers for good measure. They smiled, waving her past. As she crossed the threshold, placing the tube back in her pocket, Rose ran a hand across the small of her back and the holdout blaster nestled there. Holo lights all glowed in a variety of colors against the dark blue of the environmentally controlled establishment. Flavored smoke wafted in the air in a vain attempt to hide some of the more nefarious activities that went on inside. As a Kiffar, Rose had particularly sensitive ears and a keen sense of smell. They could try to hide it, but the people who ran the place couldn¡¯t disguise the smell from Rose. All of it once again playing into her knowledge of men and weaknesses. Sex was everywhere. On the dance floor in the form of dancers; their skin covered by holo-glitter; and not much else. To the muffled sounds of ''things'' that people best not speak of going on in other parts of the club that sat off to the sides of the main room. Side rooms extended from the main chamber, which was large and vast. Also, with activities everywhere. Lots of things to do and lots of ways to spend hard earned credits. Rose canted her head. Why hadn¡¯t she ever thought of going into that kind of business? She would be well suited, knowing what men and women desired based on her years building operations based off knowing her prey. Before going too far she sat down in a darker corner. The atmosphere lighting and controls tried to balance throughout the main floor, but corners were always hard. For good measure, she ran her fingers though her hair again, flipping it. Rose was just another in a long line of weary executives coming to spend their credits. Though she hardly looked typical. Rose could have worked at the place if she wanted. Slowly, she started to look around. Finding the largest gaggle of dancers and servers in one area. In the center of it all, sat Telan¡¯dorr. Holy robes and all. Hardly the actions of one who preached the faith. It was fitting in a way. Business and religion. Two of the most corrupt things in the universe. Instead of having a living server come to the table, Rose ordered from the holo-pad located in the surface. She ran her fingers over the terminal without looking down. The interface was fairly standard and basic. There wasn¡¯t a whole lot of difference from one establishment of another. Those interfaces were always created so any race or species could use them with ease. Touching a picture and placing her order. Her eyes never leaving the side of the room where Telan¡¯dorr talked and fondled the dancers. Once the drink arrived via a server droid, she sat back; nestling in to watch him. Nursing the drink over the sound of loud music. Telan¡¯dorr only got up once. And it was to go to the fresher. A dancer went with him. It should have been surprising. But it wasn¡¯t. Rose saw the kind of cred Telan¡¯dorr was spending in the nightclub. He could have bought anything he wanted. When the two returned, much longer than anticipated; he sat back down. Talking loudly and laughing. That part got under Rose¡¯s skin. And made shutting him down even more imperative. That Telan¡¯dorr could act like he was untouchable even with the walls closing in was going to make it that much sweeter when they actually did. A roar erupted in the small crowd as Telan¡¯dorr stood after a bit. Cheers erupting from the collected group. He and a small group of the women were moving toward the door. Rose got up quickly, inserting her code cylinder to close down the table and pay for her drinks. Moving out ahead of them in a rush and turning down the street once she got out. Rose wasn¡¯t going to make it before they got out, so she ducked into an alley and peered around the corner. Glancing back to make sure her bike was still intact. Pulling back upfront, the speeder limo stopped. The driver hopping out and running around to open the door for Telan¡¯dorr and his gaggle of women followers. It took a few minutes for all of them to pile inside. Once they did, Rose took off at a run and hopped on her bike. Starting it up just as the limo sped off. She hit the accelerator and fell in behind them. Annoyed by the fact that she discarded the keeper for her hair. Even if she had it, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to use it. Both hands on the handlebars as her hair attempted to whip her face and shoulders into submission. They slowed. Rose pulled back on the throttle once the limo started to pull into a luxury garage. Rose looked up. ¡®Corellian Arms¡¯. High class. Even by Corellian standards and especially in the Southland. Rose didn¡¯t follow. Going up front and parking in economy. She hopped off the bike and flipped a credit to the attendant, walking through the spinning doors into the foyer. Pulling her hair up and over itself to use it to tie itself together. Though it still looked wild, it was at least manageable and out of her face. The layout was once again fairly standard. Rose walked to the far end of the foyer where the entrance to the parking garage was located. Looking behind herself to make sure there was a place to perch. Foyer bars and open areas abounded in the foyer entrance; which was grand and wide open. Good and bad. Rose didn¡¯t want to run the risk of Telan¡¯dorr seeing her and realizing that she may or may not have been in the same club he was visiting earlier. Choosing to play safe, Rose entered the bar and sat in the far end. Near the windows. She could barely see the entrance of the garage, but caught the noise. Laughing and loud talking from the girls as they passed and then entered the lift. Only known because all of the noise suddenly stopped. Rose stood up and watched the lift display. Seeing what number the lift stopped on. All that was left was to identify the room. But that was minor. Rose knew what was going on up there, she knew it from the moment Telan¡¯dorr got in the limo back at the factory and had been right all along. Men and their weaknesses. Something you could always rely on. And Telan''dorr wasn''t going anywhere, at least for a few hours. Rose sat back down and flagged down an attendant, ordering another drink. After the attendant departed, she tilted her head, parting the hair to get to her ear. The comm beeped once it was in place and Rose activated the connection. <¡±¡­Hey. Yea¡­.I marked him. He¡¯s in for the night. Looks like a weekend excursion. Look, we can play this one of two ways. I can just go up there and join in on the fun and set it all up OR¡­we can keep up with him and have you drop in unannounced. Yea...I hear ya. Look, there is a third way. It''s part of the first. I go up, join in...kill him and all the rest. Easy peezy, we''re done galaxy saved and--yea, that would put a damper on finding the other stuff. Well look. I prefer the latter of the first two¡­.yea, I like that idea¡­.see ya, ''Hot Rod''.¡±> -- - Southland, Corellia¡­.¡¯Corellian Arms 45th Floor, Room 1811 Telan¡¯dorr needed a moment. Excusing himself to go to the fresher. This time alone. There were somethings he was willing to compromise in his guise as the ''One True Prophet of the Unity''; but this activity he was not. Once the door slid shut, Telan¡¯dorr placed a hand within the upper folds of his robe and took out the vial. Uncapping it to shake out the contents on the marbled surface of the fresher sink. Taking out one of his credit cards, he started dicing and lining up the powder. Leaning down as he pressed in one side of his nose. Just about to run a nostril up a line of the diced spice. The buzzing and vibration from within another part of the robe stopped him. Telan¡¯dorr stood angrily and reached into the robes again. This time another part, producing the comm device and setting it down next to the power he very carefully separated and lined up. ¡°What?!?!¡± Angrily, Telan¡¯dorr glared at the blue field that was still rezzing into existence. Once it fully developed, he smiled shyly taking a step back. Aurora¡¯s blue image folded her arms over her chest as she glared angrily. <¡±Don¡¯t ¡®what¡¯ me, Father¡­I ¡®apologize¡¯ for interrupting you and your indulgences¡ª¡°> Aurora wasn¡¯t sorry, in the image she looked around as if looking at where Telan¡¯dorr was and narrowed her eyes. <¡±¡ªyou¡¯re either in the fresher with a woman or you¡¯re snorting more death up your nose. If it¡¯s a woman, kindly get her up off her knees and have her exit the room. I¡¯ll wait.¡±> Telan¡¯dorr sneered and glared back. ¡°I¡¯m alone, Aurora. And I happen to be in the fresher for the right reasons. Reasons you¡¯ve interrupted. So if you will kindly¡ª¡± <¡±Don¡¯t bother lying Father. You¡¯re no good at it.¡±> Aurora waved a dismissive hand. <¡±It doesn¡¯t matter. Have you reviewed the message from Karolin? That ¡®messenger¡¯ is here¡­on Corellia. Now. We are running out of time. And if this messenger is who I think it is, waiting too long will most likely result in HER taking action.¡±> ¡°Her?!?!¡± Telan¡¯dorr¡¯s mind began to race. Who could it be? The possibilities were endless and also delicious. He looked off, a faint smile coming to his face. Aurora snapped her fingers. <¡±Hey¡­focus. I don¡¯t have time for flights of adolescent fantasy. You will review the message. I cannot open it. It is coded to your bio-signature. Meaning, it¡¯s authentic. So, I want you to stop whatever it is¡ªno, we both know what you¡¯re doing. And your weaknesses will be our undoing.¡±> ¡°Aurora¡­¡± Telan¡¯dorr put on a sweet smile and gazed down at the image. ¡°¡­we both know I am merely ¡®spreading¡¯ the faith. Bringing our love of the Unity to those who do not have it.¡± <¡±Father¡­you are a very sick man. And if I didn¡¯t have need of you; you would be a very dead one¡­¡±> -- -- - Capital Unity, Mirial ¨C Bernard¡¯s Homestead¡­.. Bernard took a step back after the door slid open. It was raining. And rain was always an event on Mirial. Always cold and always torrential when it hit. Sammantha stood in the rain, her arms wrapped around herself. Slowly she looked up, sad eyes locking on Bernard. He was so shocked he didn¡¯t follow his first reaction which was to usher her inside. There was still a tinge of anger in him over how Sam left. But that had nothing to do with the shock of seeing her just stand there. ¡°I need you to tell me¡­¡± Sammantha started softly. ¡°¡­that I¡¯m a good person.¡± ¡°What?!?!¡± ¡°I need you to tell me, Bernard. That I¡¯m good. That I¡¯m not what everyone thinks I am¡­.¡± The statement woke Bernard up from the shock of her just standing there. Quickly he wrapped an arm around her and ushered her inside. Sam was shaking. Not wearing the appropriate clothing to be out in the rain. Bernard hugged her. Partly because of what she said, but mostly because she was shaking. Something so far beyond belief for someone possessed of the Force. Sam could withstand any type of temperature or weather. Something was wrong and it wasn¡¯t what she said. Leaning into him, Bernard felt Sam relax and let out a sigh. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t mind you dropping by, but I wish you would have called¡ª¡± Trying to add a little levity, Bernard smiled down at her, burying his face in her dark red hair. ¡°Don¡¯t joke¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m not. Seriously, I may have had something going on and¡ª¡± Sam interrupted him. Standing a bit straighter and bending her face up to his. Her hand caressing the side of his face as it slid across and through his hair. Then the other. Cradling his face as their lips met. -- There was definitely something different. At least Sam wasn¡¯t cold anymore. Placing his hands behind his head, Bernard relaxed into the pillow and watched as Sam got up and moved around to the other side of the bed, looking around for something. When she found them, Sam bent down and one leg after the other shimmied her panties back on. Bernard was staring. A weak smile on his face. On his side of the bed, Sam sank back down. The mattress was warm and soft from the two of them. Essence of that joining still lingering in the air. Sitting up, Sam folded one leg under the other; cradling the other with one arm. She was looking away, even though Bernard was still staring. ¡°Hey.¡± Bernard spoke, Sam turned her head slowly, moving the wild hair out of her face to glance at him. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. I love your visits. And I have no problem being your kriff toy¡ªbut, you came here for something else. Am I right?¡± Bernard looked away, ¡°¡­Ancestors I hope I¡¯m right.¡± Sam was wild. The kiss at the door led all the way to Bernard¡¯s bedroom. Destroying half the house on the way there as they fought to get undressed. Bernard glanced down at the bed as he laid there. He didn¡¯t want to bounce or test the integrity. It held up pretty well. But he could swear that at some point Sam and he had broken it. Sam looked away again. ¡°I needed something familiar.¡± Bernard scoffed, ¡°Glad I could help.¡± The words came out sarcastic. And they were meant to be. It was Bernard¡¯s turn to look away. ¡°Would you rather I did something stupid?!?!¡± ¡°Stupid like what?¡± Bernard sat up. ¡°Stupid like¡ªcome home? Live your life? Stop chasing a phantom that doesn¡¯t exist?!?!¡± Sam¡¯s head snapped back toward him. Bernard looked down and shook his head. ¡°She¡¯s gone, Sam. You can¡¯t BE her. You can¡¯t bring her back by trying to take her place.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m trying to do.¡± Sam stood up and started looking around again. This time frantically. Beginning the process of collecting her clothing. Snatching up pieces and bundling them in her arms. ¡°Hey.¡± Bernard threw back the bed spread and jumped out. ¡°HEY!!¡± Bernard grabbed her, Sam turned her head away deliberately, but stopped collecting her things. ¡°Then tell me why you came here. If you didn¡¯t want me telling you the truth, then why do something familiar?¡± ¡°She¡¯s not dead Bernard.¡± He let her go and took a step back. ¡°Oh¡­well that¡¯s¡ªunexpected.¡± Bernard scratched his head. ¡°How do you know?!?!¡± ¡°I know.¡± Looking at him, Sam¡¯s eyes had a pierce to them that spoke volumes. But it was only partially why she came. An uncomfortable silence passed before Sam spoke again. ¡°¡­she¡¯s coming. I can feel it. And something is different about her. And me¡­¡± Sam dropped the clothes and sat back on the bed. Joining her, Bernard ran his hand over her back. Taking a moment to look at the marks that defined her and marked her skin. Sam was a good person. If he knew nothing else about her, her skin was a testament to all of the good she had done. ¡°What are you going to do?¡± ¡°I need to go to her. But¡ª¡± Sam turned and looked at him, smiling weakly. ¡°¡ªpart of me just wants to pretend she¡¯s not coming home. That she REALLY IS gone.¡± Sam laughed slightly. ¡°The same part that wants to go raid the compressor with you right now and fix up the parts of the house we destroyed on the way in here.¡± Sam reached up and ran a hand across his face. ¡°I¡¯m kriffed up, Bernard. I just needed to hear it from someone I trust that I am a good person. That I can actually have a life outside of all of this.¡± Still rubbing her back, Bernard smiled. ¡°Then do it. Stay home¡­with me.¡± They looked at one another. Both folding into the other as they laid back down. ¡°Is that a proposal?¡± Sam whispered in between kisses. ¡°I already asked one time¡­¡± Bernard smiled, kissing her again. ¡°¡­I¡¯m not going to ask again.¡± -- - Known Galaxy, The Edge of Imperial Space¡­. <¡±¡­this is the Imperial Dreadnaught ¡®Indomitable¡¯. Admiral Yarbrough commanding.¡­.heave to and prepare to be¡ª¡°> BOOM-BOOM, BOOM <¡±¡­Seven more ships dropping in. Admiral!! The rest of the Wild Space Fleet has dropped out of hyperspace!!! Are we to intercept and destroy or--This is the Frigate ¡®Victory at Zakuul¡¯. We don¡¯t have the firepower to¡ª¡°> BOOMBOOM, BOOM <¡±¡­this is ¡®Sith¡¯s Rage¡¯. We are not in position to return fire!!! The ¡®Indomitable¡¯ is hit. She¡¯s going down!!! She¡¯s going¡ª¡­¡±> BOOMBOOMBOOM; BOOM <¡±¡­we just lost the ¡®Zakuul¡¯. ¡°Sith¡¯s Rage is colliding with the ¡®Indomitable¡¯. They dropped right in the middle of us-we didn¡¯t even have time to--Admiral Yarbrough, this the tactical officer onboard the ¡®Sword¡¯. Captain Issakson is dead.¡­can you respond please?!?! ADMIRIAL!!! Imperial Dreadnaught ¡®Endeavor¡¯, by order of the Sith Empire you are ordered to heave to and prepare to be--¡±> BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM <¡±This is crazy. We should be fighting the Republic, not each other. ¡®Endeavor¡¯ This is Captain Eirc¡¯son¡­Tanis!!! Tanis¡­is that you?!?! I¡¯m not doing this¡ªwe just lost the ¡®Indomitable¡¯. Imperial Fleet, this Captain Eirc¡¯son¡­.I am assuming command of the remainder of the fleet. ¡®Endeavor¡¯¡­this is the Imperial Dreadnaught ¡®Razor¡¯. Respond please. ¡®Endeavor¡¯¡­.we surrender. I repeat, I am surrendering what¡¯s left of the fleet to you Captain Tanis¡­.TANIS!!!¡±> BOOOOOOM -- Turning around in his seat, the tactical officer gave a grave expression to both Darth Retuvisa and ¡®Admiral¡¯ Rickter. But it was Captain Tanis who stepped forward, without an objection from his superiors. No one liked what was happening. Imperials killing other Imperials. It was something that Mrysti had become used to during the War with the Eternal Empire. And these deaths, as she explained, were not on her head. But Vowrawn. The fleet they opposed was sent to stop them on orders from Vowrawn. A fact verified by the transponders and transmissions sent between Admiral Yarbrough; Vowrawn¡¯s personal Admiral and Vowrawn himself. Strike hard, strike fast. Mrysti reached out in the Force and plotted the hyperspace jump with a combination of genetically enhanced mind and the Force. Putting them right on top of the other fleet. Directly in the middle of them. She wanted to minimize casualties. But as they dropped in and the other Imperial Fleet began firing and demanding surrender immediately; Mrysti needed to make a statement. The Captain on board the ¡®Razor¡¯ was a classmate of Tanis. He knew the man. The comm was still open. Yelling and screaming from the other channels as Mrysti ran a finger across her throat signaling the comm officer to cut all of it off. She glared at Captain Tanis, but gave no order. He looked to the comm officer. ¡°Status of the Razor¡­¡± Captain Tanis looked back out of the forward viewport. It was chaos outside the ship. The Razor was listing, but he wanted to hear an exact report. ¡°She¡¯s lost maneuvering thrusters. Power levels fluctuating. Estimate they will have full power restored in nineteen minutes.¡± ¡°Open a channel to the ¡®Razor¡¯¡­¡± Captain Tanis looked back toward Rickter and Mrysti again. Both women stared straight ahead. Still not ready to intervene. Tanis looked forward again, speaking out loud. ¡°Channel open, Sir.¡± ¡°Eirc¡¯son¡­Tanis. Good to hear your voice, old chap¡­.¡± <¡±Tanis?!?! Tanis¡­you have to stop this. Do you realize what you¡¯ve done?!?! These men and women, they are just doing their duty. We were sent here because¡ª¡°> ¡±¡ªyou were sent on a lie, Eirc¡¯son. Are you still prepared to surrender?¡± Silence. All of the officers looked at one another. <¡±Yes¡­I formally surrender what¡¯s left of the fleet. But Darth Vowrawn¡ªhe will not be pleased when he learns that you¡¯ve attacked his fleet on a mission of¡ª¡°> ¡°Captain Eirc¡¯son¡­this is Darth Retuvisa. Are you receiving me?¡± Mrysti looked around and awaited a response. Stepping to the side of Tanis as an equal, careful not to step in front of him. <¡±Ya-yes, My Lord¡­¡±> ¡°Good. Now listen very carefully. Darth Vowrawn is a traitor to the Sith Empire. He has sent you and everyone in his fleet to a sure and certain death. There is a reason he sent all of you without himself being present. I can assure you, I harbor no ill will toward you or any other loyal Imperial. BUT¡­I will not tolerate any dissension. You will surrender your fleet and be allowed to return to Dromand Kaas¡­or you may join me as I return to our home and extract Darth Vowrawn to deal with personally.¡± <¡±Vu-Very gracious, My Lord¡­I will honor my obligation.¡±> Mrysti tuned around, her cape flourishing as she approached the pit. ¡°Communications¡­holo-cast the destruction of the ¡®Indomitable¡¯ and sent the projection directly to the Dark Council. Then¡­open the channel to the Citadel for me¡­¡± ¡°Channel open, My Lord¡­.¡± Mrysti looked on the blue holo-field sternly, placing her hands on her hips. Narrowing her eyes, she looked directly at the lens. ¡°It is an honor to address the Dark Council¡­though my news is dark and comes in the shadow of many unnecessary deaths. I wanted to prove to all of you that I destroyed the ¡®Indomitable¡¯ and take full responsibility in doing so. This was Vowrawn¡¯s personal flagship. My only regret is that he was not present for its destruction. The other ships in his fleet are damaged, but salvageable.¡± Standing up straighter, Mrysti lifted her chin. -- - Dark Council Chambers, Dromand Kaas¡­. <¡±¡­it¡¯s time that all of you on the Council know the truth about Vowrawn¡¯s actions. But first, a warning. Any one who harbors or protects him will share his fate. I am returning to Dromand Kaas, I say this openly so there is no confusion based on the actions I¡¯ve had to take today. The ¡®Indomitable¡¯ was Vowrawn¡¯s personal flagship, which predictably he dispatched to stop me from coming home. And like the coward he is, sent them alone to their deaths. I will not mourn Admiral Yarbrough or any of Vowrawn¡¯s other supporters. The truth of Vowrawn lies in his continued actions. Vowrawn, ambushed me over a year ago¡­sent me to the far reaches of space and then attempted to have me assassinated. Instead of declaring a Kaggath and openly challenging me as a fellow Sith, he chose the path of a coward. NOW, I will answer that cowardice. There is no room for any more games in the face of our renewed conflict with the Republic. We must unite to defeat our sworn enemies. And to that end, I return to take care of the last face of Sith disunity. Vowrawn¡­I know you¡¯re there and you¡¯re listening. Know this¡­your death is certain either way. You may either wait there for me or you may run. But¡­nothing is going to stop this.... or me. Your time has run out¡­.¡±> All eyes turned to Vowrawn who stood from his seat sharply, pointing toward the massive holo-projection which filled the space in the center of the circular chamber. Once it derezzed, Vowrawn looked around frantically, finally laughing. ¡°She jokes¡­this is entirely in jest¡ª¡± ¡°Darth Vowrawn¡­¡± Darth Anathel stood and looked toward the seat which Vowrawn occupied. The Fourth seat, Civil Administration. Access to maintaining of the Sith Empire and the affairs of state. He shook his head. ¡°¡­if what Darth Retuvisa says is true¡ª¡± It was Krovos who stood next. Folding her arms over her chest. She looked down at Darth Malgus who stood off to the side. An honorary member of the council, Malgus had his hands in everything. Krovos looked at Malgus as if getting permission, but quickly looked away. Finally setting her eyes back on Vowrawn. Stepping down, Vowrawn was already easing down to the main floor. ¡°Vowrawn¡­you will not leave this chamber.¡± Krovos removed her saber from her belt. Malgus moved to block the door. ¡°Vowrawn¡­¡± Xarion stood from his seat and glared down, but not before turning his helmeted head toward Anathel. ¡°¡­a Kaggath is required in these matters. You ignore traditions, play us all for fools.¡± He shook his head, folding his arms over his massive chest looking toward the door. ¡°Malgus¡­let him go¡± Looking around at the others who were either standing or still seated, Xarion raised a hand. ¡°I will not stand against Darth Retuvisa. I say¡­we let fate decide.¡± ¡°Fate. Yes.¡± Darth Shaar stood finally and looked to Malgus. ¡°Malgus¡­open the door.¡± Shaar then looked at the other Council members. ¡°My fellow Sith¡­¡± Shaar began as she stepped down on the main floor to join Vowrawn. Removing her lightsaber, she held it to her side. But instead of facing Vowrawn she joined him, looking back toward the others. ¡°¡­I knew of this plan. From the very beginning.¡± Shaar then narrowed her eyes and glared at Vowrawn. ¡°¡­I did NOT, however know of Darth Retuvisa¡¯s survival. I was told by Vowrawn, that she was indeed dead. My reason for joining his plan are irrelevant at this point. He wanted to be Emperor and I¡ª¡± Shaar looked down and shook her head. ¡°¡ªit doesn¡¯t matter, none of it does now. I will not oppose Darth Retuvisa. I made my decision long ago and I lost¡­¡± Turning toward Vowrawn, Shaar activated her lightsaber. Vowrawn took a step back. In one swift move, Shaar turned the saber on herself. Impaling her torso on the crimson plasma of the blade; falling to her knees. ¡°Ho-honorable¡­De-death¡­.¡± Shaar fell over dead. Her hands coming away from her lightsaber it deactivated and clattered to the floor, just as her body hit. All of the Council watching in silence. ¡°Honorable, indeed¡­¡± Xarion stepped down and picked Shaar¡¯s lightsaber up. All eyes turned back to Vowrawn. He turned to leave, finally face to face with Malgus. The door was not yet opened. Malgus folded his arms over his chest and smiled under his mask. ¡°I told you¡­you brought all of this on yourself, Vowrawn.¡± The door behind Malgus opened as Vowrawn slipped through and out into the darkness. -- -- - Old Town District, Zakuul ¨C Club Decadence¡­. Even though she brought Beta back with her, Murriel had orders. She was not there to ferment revolution or to combat the Imperials. It was one of the reasons she agreed to have Beta come back with her. If the truth came out, it would make the blow less devastating to Taja and the other Resistance members. Beta could assist them. Murriel and Shadow Squad were there for ¡®other¡¯ reasons. The club was mostly shuttered until Murriel¡¯s return. The Imperials having come to Zakuul to exact a bit of vengeance for how they were treated during the war with the Eternal Empire. The shoe was on the other foot. Murriel had to believe the reason the Imperials had the club closed was they knew about her and Shadow squad or at least were somewhat suspicious. Murriel¡¯s ties to the Republic would have been deep in the files of Imperial Intelligence. She had pulled enough missions that she was now on a target list somewhere. The visit from the Sith Garrison Commander during the grand ¡®re-opening¡¯ couldn¡¯t have been more vague. It was too bad she wasn¡¯t into Purebloods. Sleeping with him might have gained more information. It was a ¡®re-opening¡¯ in name only. The club was now ¡®underground¡¯. Opened to a select few and those she invited. Nothing public. No loud music, no advertising. Nothing to the general public. There was no secret that word was going to get out. That Murriel was back and that she reopened the club. IN fact, she banked on it. Not being openly blatant and keeping a low profile would draw back in some of the people she needed to complete her true mission. If the Imperials decided to come and close the club again, the damage would be done. She would have the targets marked and be ready to move. Once identified, Murriel started her planning. The large vaulted door to the Operations center slid open to Cypher strolling in with two Mandalorians in tow. The red armor they wore gave nothing away. But being with Cypher told a different story. They were ¡®Column¡¯. The unique organization of Mandalorians, Sith and other assorted warriors who made up a conglomerate that ¡®intervened¡¯ in situations they saw fit. Cypher was only an honorary member, but they all treated her like family. And the slicer was definitely earning her keep. Without speaking, Cypher inserted the code cylinder for the latest recon and activated the holo-unit in the center of the room. Captured holos of the site in question clipped up into the blue floating ions. All eyes in the room turning toward the center console as work and activity stopped briefly. Murriel strolled around the table looking up, considering. After a moment she looked around the room. ¡°We can¡¯t do anything until they ship the stuff out. That¡¯s the deal. We have to track them back to the target on Corellia. Without confirmation, the Republic is not going to move on it.¡± One of the Mandalorians scoffed. The bigger one; Ivan. Team leader of the clan which was operating on Zakuul under orders. He folded his arms across his chest. ¡°Have sumthin¡¯ you want to add?¡± Ivan shook his head. ¡°Nothing tha¡¯ would be constructive.¡± The Mandalorian pointed into the field at the spinning factory. ¡°They need the metal to finish constructing the device. Seems to me¡­a surgical strike before they finish would limit their capability to complete the project.¡± Murriel pushed off the table standing upright. A wicked smile crossing her features. She liked Ivan, he was very blunt and straight forward. But he knew nothing of subterfuge and the intrigue that surrounded operations of that type. Ivan was a blunt weapon. ¡°If we were trying to stop them here and now, yes.¡± Murriel shook her head. ¡°But we¡¯re not tryin¡¯ ta do that. We WANT them to finish. Then we take out the refinery.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know where the other manufacturing sites are, do you?¡± The question came from the other Mandalorian. Renatta. She was tall, broad. Dark skinned and unusually pretty for a Mandalorian of her height and build. Even with the armor and her stature she had a demure sense to her. Renatta was all woman. Reluctantly, Murriel shook her head. ¡°No¡­we don¡¯t. We know they are on Corellia. But we can¡¯t go carpet bombing the whole planet. We have an asset on the ground there. If destruction is what you want, once we find the other sites¡­you can have at it.¡± ¡°I feel bad¡­¡± Cypher looked down, but not before looking around the room to make sure there were no Resistance members around. Murriel canted her head as she brushed a lock of greenish-pink hair out of her eyes. Gazing at the slicer. ¡°¡­it¡¯s just, these people need our help. And we are just throwing them to the direwolves.¡± ¡°Not completely¡­¡± The jovial tone made everyone look up. Beta entered alone. Nodding to everyone as he entered and took up a spot next to Murriel. He glanced up at the holo floating above them before regarding everyone again. ¡°¡­I am staying behind.¡± Beta looked at Murriel. ¡°As long as the Empire is here. The Republic will be here as well, to fight them. I feel like between Taja and I we can organize something serious. You won¡¯t need me for this.¡± He glanced at the Mandos again giving each one of them a nod. ¡°Welcome back to Zakuul, people¡­we still have another recon to complete.¡± Murriel looked at the Mandalorians. ¡°I need eyes on the facility twenty eight-nine. If so much as a fly leaves that place before we are ready to move, I need to know about it.¡± -- - Dromand Kaas, Outer Marker¡­. The holo screen lit up with the image of Darth Anathel. His face looked grim as he viewed the officers and then set his eyes on Darth Retuvisa. There was a slight nod of his head. <¡±Darth Retuvisa¡­.Welcome Home.¡±> There was a slight pause as Anathel collected himself. <¡±I have received your reports. The Dark Council grants your request. But it is limited to only the area you specified. We view this as a threat to the Empire and worthy of destruction.¡±> Mrysti bowed her head slightly. <¡±On the matter of yours and your apprentices confirmation. The Dark Council commutes YOUR sentence. The court which was held in secret has been disavowed and the judges that participated in that dreadful hearing have all been executed.¡±> Anathel paused again, only his eyes moving as he looked to Cornelia, who stood next to Mrysti. <¡±Lord Usher¡­your sentence has also been commuted. Under the circumstances¡­.we had little choice.¡±> Mrysti didn¡¯t like the sound of what Anathel said and placed her hands on her hips to glare at the Dark Council member. ¡°Under what circumstances?¡± Anathel paused again. When he spoke finally, his voice was grave. <¡±Darth Vowrawn has fled. No doubt planning to leave Dromand Kaas. Darth Shaar took her own life; admitting to collusion with Darth Vowrawn to seize the throne upon your death. His actions nullify anything he did prior or any words given.¡±> Anathel looked at Cornelia, <¡±You understand Lord Usher. His words were contrary to your record of events. You attacked a Dark Lord of the Sith in the dead of night at his residence. You should have been put to the sword. It was Vowrawn who determined your sentence and sent you away. BUT¡­in light of recent events, its not a stretch to assume that Vowrawn could have been guilty of what you say. That in no way absolves you of wrong doing. Attacking a Darth is a grave offense.¡±> Cornelia started to speak, Mrysti shot her a look and Cornelia fell slient. ¡°Darth Anathel¡­inform the Dark Council that Lord Usher is now under my charge, as my apprentice. She speaks in my name; her hand¡­is my hand.¡± Anathel looked between the two of them, finally nodding slightly. <¡±As you say, Darth Retuvisa. Lord Usher is absolved of any wrong doing. After you have completed your ¡®business¡¯¡­you will bring her before the Dark Council for confirmation. I trust you still know where the chamber is?¡±> Anathel finally smiled slightly. It was obvious he was trying to make a joke. Mrysti wasn¡¯t laughing. ¡°I do, Darth Anathel. And we will come to the chamber as soon as our work here is finished.¡± Mrysti started to turn away, Anathel spoke again causing Mrysti to turn back around slowly. <¡±There is¡­.one last matter Darth Retuvisa. A slight matter, but an urgent one. What are your plans after dealing with Vowrawn?¡±> A veiled question and one Mrysti expected. Malgus had no doubt told the Dark Council everything. He would have had little choice in light of Vowrawn¡¯s exposure. And Vowrawn could have very easily told the Council himself in order to try and save what little reputation he had. Mrysti paused, reaching into the Force for answers, she found none. And immediately assumed the worst. Anathel was asking because he wanted to know if she planned on taking up arms against all of them. Placing her hands on her hips, Mrysti stood a bit taller and looked down at the image. ¡°My plans? Darth Anathel¡­.I will take to the stars. My view is not like that of Malgus and other Sith of his ilk. I attribute that to his having missed the entire war with the Eternal Empire. I am no friend to the Republic or the Jedi, but I respect them. As you and all Sith should. They are misguided. What Malgus and I do share is a love of Empire. And in that regard, I will take my message and my sword to any who oppose us. To ¡®reason¡¯ with those who fail to see the strength of our message. Those who oppose the Empire, must die¡­or see reason and join the fight.¡± <¡±I see¡­I can not find fault in that reasoning. In light of that response, I am authorized to inform you that¡­there is a seat open on the Council, if you¡¯re interested. Your leadership and continued service to the Empire. as the Hammer and now a bringer of justice with regards to Vowrawn more than warrants such a--¡±> ¡°--No, Darth Anathel¡­THAT is not my destiny.¡± Anathel offered it only after Mrysti made her intentions clear. He nodded slightly lower and looked up, a more pleasant expression than when he started. <¡±We look forward to your arrival. Dark Council¡­.Out.¡±> -- Mrysti took Waylon¡¯s hand and shook it. She understood. Her path was not their path. And after the events of ¡®The End¡¯, she was not going to hold anyone back if they needed to go their own way. Waylon nodded respectfully. ¡°Thank you, Mandalorian.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a Mandalorian. Not anymore.¡± Waylon tried to correct her. Mrysti smiled and shook her head. ¡°Yes¡­you are. It¡¯s never too late to go home, Waylon.¡± He nodded again respectfully and stepped away. Walking up the ramp to his ship and turning around to wait for the others. Aurore smiled and bowed, not once but twice. Unsure of how she should say good-bye or even if she should. Mrysti smirked and shook the girl¡¯s hand. ¡°Say hello to my brother¡­¡± ¡°I will¡­uh¡­¡¯My Lord¡¯.¡± Aurore giggled and boarded the ship behind Waylon. ¡°My Lord.¡± Deavon nodded her head deeply and looked up. A sad expression coming over her features. ¡°Not all of us can go home.¡± Mrysti frowned and nodded in return. ¡°I owe you my life, Darth Retuvisa. I volunteered for this, because I felt I owed you that. I consider that debt paid.¡± ¡°As do I, Deavon¡­.¡± ¡°You and your sister showed me a new path. I am just sorry I cannot join you, this is a road I have traveled. Not one I will travel again. I just wish there was something I could say or do to convince you¡ª¡± Deavon looked up and found Mrysti looking at her sympathetically. The Devaronian nodded sadly. Turning to join the others on the ship. She turned back after Mrysti called to her. ¡°Deavon¡­follow your heart. Even if it is not with the Sith, do what you believe in. It is the rare person who discovers their calling. I was lucky enough to find mine.¡± Mrysti winked, narrowing her eyes after. ¡°Jedi¡­¡± ¡°See you on the other side, My Lord¡­.¡± After the rest boarded, Mrysti stepped aside with Cora and leaned against the outside of the ship, folding her arms over her chest. Glaring down at the smaller woman. ¡°¡­have you had time to consider your options? You know¡­you will always be just a former ¡®Imperial¡¯ to them.¡± Cora nodded and looked at the floor. When she looked up it was with more resolve than she ever had. ¡°I can¡¯t leave him.¡± Cora smiled weakly. ¡°I won¡¯t. I do appreciate the offer, it was tempting. But you know, I really don¡¯t like you.¡± Both women smiled at one another. Cora placed her hand on Mrysti¡¯s shoulder and squeezed, stepping past to board the ship. ¡°Cora.¡± Mrysti called out as the Chiss turned on the ramp to look down at her. ¡°Thank You, I don¡¯t know if we would have gotten out if you and the others hadn¡¯t come along.¡± Cora nodded, making a finger gun with her hand and shooting it back at Mrysti. ¡°Next time I see you¡­I will definitely be shooting at you first.¡± ¡°And I, you¡­take care of my Brother for me¡­.¡± 15 - What Comes Around -- - Dromand Kaas, Vowrawn¡¯s Estate¡­. ¡°Hurry¡­.you must hurry, Master!!!¡± The acolytes ran behind Vowrawn. Their arms full of trinkets and other keepsakes. Another blast caused the running group to fly against the wall. Those things the Acolytes deemed important, suddenly not so much. They flew from arms as the servants scrambled to get to their feet. But Vowrawn was still running. Not waiting on anyone. Only Grace, able to keep up with him. Mostly because she carried nothing. ¡°I can¡¯t believe¡ª¡± Another blast interrupted his words as Vowrawn grabbed the wall to steady himself. ¡°¡ªI can¡¯t believe they gave her permission for orbital bombardment!! Of my estate!!! When I DO get back¡­OHHHH there will be pain, such pain¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯re not coming back Vowrawn.¡± Grace said softly. Another vibration. The rafters of the estate started to come down. Vowrawn¡¯s eyes were locked on Grace. A silent moment as he contemplated the gravity of the words as gravity itself came down around them. Finally, he turned and ran from the manor. Into open air. Smoking craters were all that remained of over half his buildings and property. He was still running, the bombardment stopping as he got closer to the landing pad. ¡°It¡¯s just over there¡­come on!!!¡± Vowrawn pointed to the shuttle as it exploded. Vowrawn shielded his face as Grace looked up. A faint smile on her face, raising a hand to shield her eyes from the sun. Descending slowly and already beginning its landing cycle, another assault shuttle. The door opened and an all too familiar Dark Lord was looking out at them. Hesitantly, Vowrawn turned to go back the other way. Grace, slow to follow. ¡°They lighten and stop the bombardment when a landing is taking place. Did you forget your tactics?¡± Grace mused. Turning to take one last look at the shuttle before following Vowrawn. Mrysti and Grace locked eyes as Mrysti jumped from the descending shuttle landing with a resounding ¡®BOOM¡¯. -- ¡®Grace, here? Why?¡¯ The question temporarily interrupted Mrysti¡¯s concentration in channeling her immense hatred for Vowrawn. After landing she took off at a run, following the path that Vowrawn went. There was another that hated Vowrawn far worse than Mrysti. After the Dark Lord jumped out of the troop door, the shuttle hovered a moment under direction. But then slowly began to track Vowrawn and another Mirialan as they ran back through the shattered manor house. Cornelia knew the grounds of Vowrawn¡¯s estate like the back of her hand. She studied it once upon a time, in hopes that she would one day get to serve him. And it served her well in the following days after interviewing with Vowrawn. When she attacked and nearly killed him. Cornelia was directing the pilot until an overgrowth of trees blocked the view. For a moment, the shuttle seemed to drift toward Mrysti. The Dark Lord deviated from her path, not following Vowrawn and going her own way as she disappeared into the dense woods that surrounded the estate. Mrysti obviously knew where she was going. Cornelia did not bother to contact her moving up toward the cockpit to point out of the forward viewport. ¡°Go GO!!!¡± Cornelia called out. ¡°Past the trees, there¡¯s a clearing on the other side. Stop there!!!¡± Darting off a bit faster the shuttle emerged on the other side. Cornelia moved to the door and jumped out in similar fashion as her Master did. -- ¡°I didn¡¯t even have time to settle my affairs.¡± Vowrawn spoke frantically. ¡°She must have already been on her way. She had to have been.¡± ¡°Worry less about affairs and more about survival¡ª¡± Grace stopped and turned back. Her saber leapt to her hand, flying off her belt as she activated both crimson sides of the double-bladed saber. Grace jerked her head around back toward Vowrawn. ¡°Go, NOW!!!¡± Blindly leaping from the woodline, Cornelia jumped into the air. She could sense him. Blind rage leading her. Cornelia screamed, Saber in both hands over her head as she flew. The race between her and her Master to see which one would kill Vowrawn first. Stretching out her hand, Grace grabbed Cornelia in the air. The Force guiding her. Like pushing a heavy weight back against a wall, Grace thrust outward. And Cornelia flew back into the woods the way she came. The sound of shattering trees and branches in her wake. In the distance, Grace heard a frustrated scream. Turning back around, Vowrawn had taken her advice. He was gone. -- The Old Revanite Fortress stood as a constant reminder that Revan once existed and had returned to wreak havoc on an unsuspecting galaxy. Vowrawn knew where he was, following the stream which fed the moat of the fortress. Finally coming up an embankment and out into a clearing next to the old stone walls. Once he came up and then looked up, his shoulders sagged. Mrysti stood across from him, hands to her side. They both stared, saying nothing. Because there was nothing left to say. ¡°You could have joined me¡­¡± Finally speaking, Vowrawn opened his cloak and threw back the cape that flowed from it. ¡°¡­an Emperor and his ¡®Queen¡¯. I would have shared all of it¡­.with you.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t share, Vowrawn¡­¡± Mrysti threw out her hands. A barrage of deadly purple and blue lightning flying from them toward Vowrawn. He held up his hands. An invisible energy shield, rebuffing most of the deadly energy hurling toward him. His own power growing as he began to cast lighting of his own. Mrysti grimaced, pushing in harder. ¡°¡­I¡­play¡­second¡­to¡­NOONE!!!¡± ¡°AGGGGHH!!!¡± Vowrawn was torched as some of the lightning made its way out and around his own barrage. Vowrawn pressed in and took a staggering step forward. Slowly, he bent forward leaning in. ¡°YOU¡­HAVE¡­BETRAYED¡­YOUR¡­.LAST¡ª¡± His words were cut as he grimaced again. Mrysti taking two steps forward. Both Dark Lords closing in on one another. ¡°DIE!!!!¡± Mrysti grit her teeth, hearing several of them crack. Vowrawn took another step forward. The lightning tangled itself in the middle between the two Dark Lords. Building and glowing into a ball of raw dark energy. And both Dark Lords were closing in on it. ¡°DIEE¡ª¡± Vowrawn gasped. ¡°¡ªWITH ME!!!¡± -- Disappearing into the Force, Grace narrowly escaped a slice of the lightsaber as Cornelia darted back out of the woods. Force speed and hatred carrying her much further and much faster than even Grace thought possible. Reappearing in a shimmering glow, Grace activated the saber in time to block a barrage of thrusts and swings. Cornelia madly attacking as she screamed and grunted through all of the maneuvers. Anything to get close. Grace faded again. Spinning around as her foot connected with Cornelia¡¯s face; reappearing to send the Dark Lord flying. Cornelia righted herself and landed on a knee, looking up. Squeezing her saber tightly, ready to dart back toward the unknown Mirialan. ¡°I don¡¯t wish this¡­¡± Grace said softly. ¡°¡­I¡¯m not here for you.¡± Screaming again, Cornelia launched back and swung out wide. Spinning as she reversed her grip and brought the saber back and around herself to clutch it with two hands again for one final blow in a series of deadly swings. Grace raised an eyebrow. Such a familiar move. This woman had been sparring with her Mother. A series of four strikes; thrust, parry, slice and then¡ªCornelia¡¯s eyes got wide. Grace was on one knee, her saber held out behind her in one hand. In the other, she held Cornelia¡¯s saber at bay with the palm of her hand. Cornelia pushed, grimacing against the power of the hold. The saber was going nowhere. Grimacing, Grace began to stand; finally pushing Cornelia and the saber away. Cornelia¡¯s eyes darted between the palm which held her at bay and the other¡¯s lightsaber, which Grace held off to the side and out of the fight. Grace, could have easily resumed the attack. It was like fighting a wall. Cornelia had little choices left in what to do. Cornelia backed up, looked at her lightsaber; then at Grace, before narrowing her eyes. ¡°Only a Jedi possesses that kind of power against that specific attack. To hold a Saber at bay. They have no fear of death." Cornelia swallowed hard. "Then¡­who are you here for?¡± ¡°My Mother¡­¡± -- The two of them exploded. The energy between the both of them too much for any one of them to control. Vowrawn was hurled back into the creek bed. Mrysti sailed back toward the stone wall. Righting herself in air to land feet first and push off after a crunch of old mortar and brick. Landing on solid ground, Mrysti opened her hand. Calling her lightsaber into the palm. It activated instantly. Scrambling, Vowrawn got to his feet. Snatching his own lightsaber from his belt. The man screamed, charging at Mrysti. She gave him pause, even as he charged; doubt set in. Mrysti slid a foot back, crouching down into a ready position. An evil smile cracking her scarred features, waiting. ¡°C¡¯mon!!! C¡¯MON!! VOWRAWN!!¡± They collided. Not lightsabers, but their being. Both holding their lightsabers at bay. Mrysti¡¯s hand clenched around his. Vowrawn desperate to try and hold Mrysti. She looked down and smiled knowingly. Mrysti was playing with him. Slowly she narrowed her eyes. The rest, a blur. Movement so fast it was unseeable. A combination of the Force and genetically enhanced Dark Lord. Vowrawn never had a chance. Not ever. In the air, Vowrawn had no idea how he gotten there. It all happened so fast. And as he smacked the old stone wall, he was still questioning it. The blow took the wind out of him. Looking up, bleary eyes. To hear everything muffled; Mrysti¡¯s saber deactivate and the shuffling of armored feet coming toward him. He heard her, faint and distant. Mind buzzing and numb. Vowrawn¡¯s ears still ringing. With one hand, Mrysti tossed Vowrawn aside. She was indeed playing with him. Prolonging the agony and savoring every moment as his fear grew. Killing would have been too quick and too easy. Slamming him into the wall once; still holding on she slammed him again. Finally letting go as she slammed him a third time, cracking the wall. ¡°Right now¡­you¡¯re asking¡ªno, no need to deny it¡­.I know you are.¡± Mrysti reached down and pulled him to his feet, tipping him back so his head would fall backward and be forced to look at her. ¡°You¡¯re asking¡­¡¯why¡¯¡­¡¯how¡¯. These are not the questions of a being that is reportedly so powerful, they wish to rule the galaxy. And just so you know, yes¡­I did practice this speech, because I never had any doubt how this was going to end up. There is a big difference between you and I, Vowrawn. You ¡®think¡¯ you¡¯re powerful. I KNOW I am.¡± Mrysti dropped him, but only long enough to snatch his throat up in one hand before he fell back down, lifting the Dark Lord above her. ¡°I should probably feel slightly bad or awkward about this. See, you never had a chance. I always played the demur, cowing to you and your position. Giving you the impression that you held all of the power. Knowing the entire time that you were never any match for me.¡± Mrysti frowned and looked down at him, still holding him up by the throat. Weakly his hands started to pry at her fingers. ¡°But, back to the question¡­The question you should be asking is¡­¡¯when¡¯.¡± Vowrawn gasped for air, his eyes getting wide as he grabbed her hands and struggled harder. Vowrawn finally gaining more of his senses. Mrysti grimaced, gritting her teeth again. ¡°When is the appropriate question. WHEN is what you want to know. ¡®When¡¯ is what all of this is about¡­¡± Tossing him down again, Mrysti stepped back and took off her cape. Vowrawn crawled toward her, his hands scrapping the ground. Turning, Mrysti stepped on his hand and ground her armored boot into it. She felt some of the fingers break. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about when, Vowrawn.¡± Picking him up Mrysti tossed Vowrawn over her head. Thrusting both hands up to send a blistering barrage of Lighting into him before he hit the ground away from her. Mrysti lowered her arms and frowned. He tried to stand. Gently Mrysti ran her arm, palm open across the surface of the air in front of her. He hit the ground hard. Pinned to the dirt. Breath huffing a cloud of dust as he struggled. ¡°In a way, you delivered me the ultimate weapon. The hate I needed to finally resolve myself and break free. And it began long before any of this between us even began. The day you ¡®took¡¯ Cornelia in your office. Actually, you should count yourself quite lucky, Vowrawn. That it is me doing this and not her. I will be MUCH more merciful.¡± Mrysti ran her hand the other direction over the air, releasing him. Vowrawn instantly stood, jerking the lightsaber back to his hand in the Force. Mrysti waved in the air and slapped it from him. ¡°Do YOU¡ª¡± Vowrawn sputtered. ¡°Do YOU have¡ªany idea who you¡¯re¡ª¡± ¡° Shut up.¡± Mrysti pumped her fist up, clinching it. Vowrawn grabbed his throat as his speech screeched to a halt. ¡°I¡¯m talking. You¡¯ve done quite enough. Sending me away. Then, you had the audacity to try and have some bureaucrat kill me?!?! So you need to ask yourself again¡­.WHEN¡­is all of this going to end?!?!¡± Mrysti shook her head. Waving her hand away from her Mrysti sent Vowrawn back into the wall, holding him there as she turned to walk toward him. ¡°The answer is¡­never. I am going to kill you and then kill you again. And when I am done killing you, I will take your corpse and string it up all along the byway for all to see. I will allow nature and Dromand Kaas to kill you. I will let the animals kill and rip you to shreds. And when all is done and there are only pieces and parts of you left¡­I will collect them. Take them someplace safe. And take my time burning each one of them piece, by piece, by piece¡­there will never be enough death for you Vowrawn. But¡­ancestors as my witness, I am going to try¡­by the Force. I WILL TRY!!!¡± It was over. Vowrawn, drained of his power. His head lulled to the side as she cast a wicked smile. "Then..." Vowrawn mumbled. "Du-do it...do wh-what you came here f-for..." "Oh...I plan to. But first--" Leaning down, Mrysti started to pick Vowrawn up again and was consumed by the Force. A blast from the side sending her flying as she took a quick glimpse as to what was coming. Consumed in her anger, not fast enough to react or stop it. Grace ran toward Vowrawn, scooping the Dark Lord up. Holding him close as she vaulted the old stone wall. Disappearing over the other side. Slamming her hand down, Mrysti turned over. Looking back the way Grace and Vowrawn disappeared to. A hand appeared in front of her face. Mrysti looked up to see Cornelia standing over her. Taking the hand from her apprentice, Mrysti stood and dusted herself off. Still looking over the wall. ¡°Damn her!!! DAMN HER!!!¡± Mrysti screamed. Stopping herself from saying anything untoward about her own daughter. Anyone else would have earned a death sentence, but not Grace. Mrysti looked at Cornelia, her anger refreshing. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you going over?!?! I was knocked down, but you¡ªCornelia you could have followed!!! Look at me?!?!¡± Watching the wall beyond, Cornelia was smiling. Reflecting on what she been told by Grace. Slowly she turned her head toward her Master. ¡°He¡¯s getting away!!!¡± Mrysti pointed toward the wall. Still smiling, Cornelia shook her head. ¡°No Master¡­.he¡¯s not.¡± -- Once they landed, Grace walked Vowrawn toward the wall and sat down. Holding him as she sat back, allowing the battered and beaten Dark Lord to lay against her. ¡°Th-thank you¡­¡± Vowrawn gasped for air. His head turned slightly. Grace looked away, her face tight with pain and sadness. Vowrawn in her arms as she laid her head back. Tears welling up in her eyes as she nodded to herself. Vowrawn saw her crying. His face twisting in confusion. But only for a moment. The snap-hiss of the lightsaber would have been shocking enough. The white-hot pain of it shocking every part of his body. Looking down, Vowrawn saw the end of the crimson blade protrude from his chest. Every part of his being on fire. He started to lurch forward. Grace grabbed his forehead and pulled him back. ¡°Shhhh¡­.shhhh¡­¡± Grace held him. Rocking him as he slowly died. Finally falling limp in her arms. Grace set him down gently. The saber still protruding though him until she placed him in his final resting place. Deactivating the saber before standing up Grace nodded to herself again. It had to be this way. She knew it was necessary. Her path and her commitment set years before that moment. These were the things she had to do in order to honor her promise to not only herself, but to Alexandra. To protect herself and her sister. Tracks of tears and pain flowed from her eyes, she smiled. ¡°Thank you¡­for your sacrifice¡­¡± -- Mrysti walked to the wall. Despite what Cornelia said, it wasn¡¯t enough. For Grace to take all of it on for what she believed was all of their behalf. It was not her decision. This was not something she was could arbitrarily decide for all of them. Revenge was Mrysti¡¯s, not Grace. At the very least it should have been Cornelia. Mrysti was mumbling to herself. Both her daughter and her apprentice seeming to reach some accord. Mrysti was certain that Cornelia could hold Grace off long enough for her to finish Vowrawn. Then she would have dealt with them both. Especially Grace. What the hell was she doing on Kaas anyway?!?! Cornelia stood off to the side as Mrysti raised her hand and pushed the wall in with the Force where Vowrawn cracked it during their battle. ¡°She has assumed all of the debt.¡± Cornelia said softly. ¡°You believe her?!?!¡± Mrysti¡¯s head snapped to the side, glaring at her apprentice. ¡°Yes.¡± Cornelia said instantly. ¡°I do. She¡¯s a Jedi, she has no reason to lie. Vowrawn¡¯s death would have had dire consequences for¡ª¡± Cornelia stopped speaking as Mrysti lowered her arm and looked back again. ¡°Who?!?! You?!?! Me?!?! Vowrawn deserved to die a thousand times for what he did. And my Daughter just robbed us of that!!!¡± ¡°You know as well as I do, Master¡­the Force works mysteriously sometime.¡± Cornelia took a step toward her Master. ¡°I wasn¡¯t happy about it either. I wanted to kill your daughter. But I saw her eyes. I¡¯ve had a lot of time to study people in prison. They lie¡­cheat, steal. But one thing they cannot not do is hide the truth behind their eyes. Grace spoke the truth and when she mentioned someone named ¡®Alexandra¡¯¡ª¡± Turning with a start, Mrysti narrowed her eyes at Cornelia and stepped toward her. ¡°Alexandra? What did she say about Alexandra?¡± For a moment, Cornelia thought her Master was going to attacker her. That was the feeling she got looking at Mrysti and the effect saying the name had on her. ¡°Nu-nothing, Master. Just that she made a promise. An oath to Alexandra that she would always protect ¡®herself¡¯ and¡ª¡± Cornelia looked up. Trying to remember the name of the other Grace mentioned. ¡°She said another name. I can¡¯t remember¡­.¡± The smoke and dust from the crumbling wall cleared. Mrysti stepped forward, ready to go through and finish what she started. But stopped once she saw someone coming through the cloud. Grace emerged, her arms up as Mrysti folded her arms and glared at her daughter. ¡°Sammantha¡­.¡± Grace said softly. Mrysti canted her head, not truly following. Grace heard the question her Mother asked of her apprentice. Not truly sure if Mrysti wanted an answer, Grace was going to answer anyway. ¡°¡­If you¡­¡± Grace looked at Cornelia and smiled. ¡°¡­or you¡­would have killed him. Then Sammantha would have followed you to an unholy end in a quest to gain your power. She still may.¡± Grace shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know now. She may still think that I am trying to steal your legacy.¡± Grace glanced at Cornelia before smiling at her Mother. ¡°I did this¡­for her. And for you Mother. I swore an oath, to protect Sammantha¡­even if that meant sometimes protecting her from¡­you.¡± The two stared at one another a long time. Grace eventually bowed her head, looking away shamefully. Mrysti smirked, looking Grace up and down. ¡°You look good in black¡­¡± Grace laughed weakly looking up, ¡°You think so¡­¡± Tears started to flow again as the two smiled at one another. Mrysti opened her arms and took Grace inside. ¡°I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re alive Mother¡­.¡± -- From a distance, another stood. Watching. She saw most of it. And at the end she saw Mrysti embrace Grace. Smiling to herself as she hopped down from the tree she was in. Sam heard it once she got closer. Heard her sister once again reaffirm the oath she took when Sam was still a child. Sammantha started toward them. The future was in flux once again. A sense of balance came over her as she walked. It was in the air, all around her. They would be enemies at some point as Mrysti would decide to exert her will in trying to change the ¡®minds¡¯ of the Jedi. But for the moment, Sam was just happy to see her Mother again. The drive to possess Mrysti¡­.and her legacy, gone; as the balance was once again restored. -- -- Aldeberon III, 3rd Assault Cohort, ¡®Unity¡¯s Faith Company¡¯; Mirialan Defense Forces¡­..Lorraine City Square¡­.. Seeing it on a map was one thing; but actually seeing it was entirely different. And it didn¡¯t always have a marking; where safety ended and danger began. It was more a feeling. A feeling that came from time and experience. Crossing the invisible boundary; someone who had been there before could sense it. That the lines had changed. And the area was now forbidden. Corwin had gone as far as he could safely on the speeder. Stopping by the outside wall that he passed at least a dozen times before. He knew exactly where he was. And if it was a beautiful spring day and the flowers were in bloom; there was no war and the roads were not destroyed, he could have easily walked to where his men were in less than twenty minutes. But it was war. And a trip that would take a fraction of the time was going to take hours. Moving between the shattered wall, Corwin stepped over the other side and felt it. The boundary had been crossed. Sensors in his armor and on the wrist monitoring unit gave a subtle buzz and chime. More evidence that he was indeed in an area not even his armor wanted him in. Having long since cut off all communications with headquarters, Corwin looked down at the wrist display to see what his armor was speaking about. Sensors lit up and projected a small map of his immediate area. Red icons displaying an overlay of where suspected traps lay, on top of a previous overlay of where traps were found when he and his men initially took the area from the Imperials. Corwin took a knee and extended his arm. Allowing his sensors to sweep his immediate area. Eyes got wide as he looked down into the rubble and saw the faint blinking light of an Imperial mine. Corwin had nearly placed his knee right on top of it. Carefully taking a spike out of a slot on his shoulder, he palmed it in one hand and with a quick stabbing motion stabbed the spike into the control module of the mine casing. Watching the red blinking light fade grey. It was going to take a while to get to his men. And Corwin nearly messed up again. The second time in the first few minutes of being there. Almost pressing the frequency modulator on his onboard communications suite to let them know he was coming. Looking up just before he did it and glancing at his wrist display again. The Imperials had a sensor net out and that net was programmed into a hidden web of mines and booby traps. Not only would they be able to locate him, Corwin would also kill himself once he activated it. All of the mines connected to the grid activating and those that were magnetic homing in on his location. Slowly he took his hand away from the LASH on his neck and dropped it defeatedly. Looking around again to decide which was the easiest path. Up. That was easiest. Corwin stood up next to the wall. Leaning into the shadow of it. Above him, the shell of a burned-out two-story house. Laying a hand on top of the wall, Corwin pulled himself up and grabbed onto the husk of the second story; opened up from an explosion which took out a full one third of the upstairs. Pulling himself up again, Corwin got to his feet and looked down the direction he came from. Higher elevation. A better view. He took out the macros and knelt down. Scanning the area above where he previously stood. They saw him at the same time he spotted them. Corwin dove as the first heavy blaster bolts came in. An Imperial gun crew, hunkered down a hundred yards from the front of the house. Rolling down the stairs, he heard the bolts from the heavy cannon track him all the way to the beginning of the stairwell. Until he fell. Rolling to a stop at the base of the shattered staircase. The first floor was just a pile of rubble. Barely able to hold the house up. It shook from the incoming fire. It didn¡¯t matter that the gun crew couldn¡¯t see him anymore. They were firing for effect. And it was. The house began to shudder and sink again. Corwin scrambled to his feet diving out the opposite side of the gun crew as the first floor completely collapsed. Rolling again, this time to his feet; Corwin came up firing. Seeing the Imperial assistant gunner tap the primary on his helmet to change direction. But it was too late. Charging. Corwin grabbed a thermal off his armor and tossed it in front of him. Counting silently in his head. It exploded a second before Corwin jumped into the air and landed feet first in the smoking hole the gun crew once occupied. He fired his rifle into the smoke anyway, even though the heavy blaster cannon stopped a second before he got there. Looking down, standing the midst of what was once the three-man Imperial crew. Corwin knelt again and quickly checked himself; looking around at the remnants of the crew¡¯s position. There was nothing salvageable. The men and the equipment, obliterated. But now they knew where he was. The silent count started again. Before he got to ten, Corwin was up and moving again. This time at a run. No looking around or looking back. His eyes were focused on the next bit of cover he could see. A distant wall that still had some foundation. Across a wide-open kill zone that went past the next street. Corwin did glance to his left as he ran, his armor giving him the extra boost he needed in the form of powered hydraulics. Crossing the road, he saw in the distance the crossroad. His objective. Distant fire and explosions rattling and echoing out toward him. Moving so fast, he didn¡¯t even realize he was being fired upon. Not until he slammed sidelong into the wall and took a deep breath. The other side of the wall rattled with incoming small arms blaster bolts, lighting up the other side. Sliding down, Corwin activated his comm system against the warning of his armor¡¯s systems. It didn¡¯t matter now. The Imperials knew where he was. It was time his men did too. ¡°Unity five¡­this is Unity six¡­¡± Parts of wall and dust cascaded overhead as the firing toward him increased. In the cut of the corner remnant of the building, magnetic mines activated by Corwin¡¯s comm system leapt up and hurled toward him. Slamming into the wall exploding harmlessly. The wall was a good one. A corner of some unfortunate structure. Double protection. ¡°Unity five¡­Unity five¡­.this is Unity Six, Over¡± Corwin waited again. Looking down and instinctively ducking his head as he watched the wrist unit scan frequencies. A cracking began in his ear, the Imperials were trying to jam all communications. But Corwin was close enough to hear something. <¡±Un¡ªix¡­this is¡ªve¡­Reading -ou, Sir¡­.they got us pinn¡ªstarting to¡ªove¡­Eight tens and two -ixes¡­¡±> Hearing enough Corwin knew they were almost out of time. And it could have been his fault. The Imperials were starting another charge. More than likely because they believed Corwin was the advance of some main offensive. Crawling on his stomach, he tried to peer out the side of the corner. Rewarded by the dust and debris of accurate fire, Corwin ducked back quickly and cursed. Slamming his back against the wall again. Corwin grit his teeth. ¡°Ancestor¡¯s Curse!!!¡± He spoke between a clenched jaw, charging his weapon. The time to move was now. ¡°Not so fast!!¡± Corwin turned the rifle around and nearly fired. Markus, grabbed the barrel and turned it away from him as the Jedi slid into position with a dive right next to him. They looked at one another. Markus was the only one smiling. ¡°What are you doing here, Markus!!!¡± ¡°You think I am going to let you run out alone and get all the glory¡­¡± Markus shook his head. The fire on their position increased exponentially. Markus ducked down and laughed. ¡°Well¡­.if they are firing at us, they aren¡¯t firing at our guys.¡± Corwin scoffed at the words. ¡°There are a ton more of them out there. That¡¯s one¡­maybe two positions on us¡­¡± ¡°Plan?¡± Markus ducked down again as part of the upper wall exploded overhead. ¡°Yea.¡± Corwin was eyeing a way out. Not toward the crossroads but directly across from where they were. Another structure. Shattered, but within cover. Markus crept up beside the Mirialan and looked over, nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll draw their fire.¡± Corwin looked back, giving an incredulous look. He was not one to question a Jedi. In his time, he seen some amazing things the Jedi could do. But there was much more out there they couldn¡¯t see. And his sensors couldn¡¯t detect everything. Markus was still smiling when he got to one knee. ¡°I¡¯m not the one who was supposed to be watching your back, remember? You''re supposed to be watching mine.¡± Corwin reminded Markus of his promise to Karolin and Wonder. A vain attempt to try and dissuade Markus. The Jedi shrugged as he activated both of his yellow plasma blades once again. ¡°And I am. Look at it this way, if i die they won¡¯t hold you responsible.¡± Markus laid a heavy hand on Corwin¡¯s shoulder smiling wickedly, getting ready to push off. ¡°And neither will I.¡± With a push that dissolved into a Force imbued leap, Markus jumped up and over the top of the wall. Corwin didn¡¯t wait to hear the swing of the lightsabers, knowing Markus was already engaged. Pushing off his knees and running, the armor kicked in with extra power. Moving Corwin faster and away from the wall he was using for cover. Dust and debris kicked up around him. Mostly from gunners trying to track him through the husk of the house he ran through. The wall next to him exploded in debris and fire. The smoke trial of a rocket trailing out the side; Corwin leapt toward the goal. Another explosion moved him further away. Concussions pushing away from his destination. Corwin rolled to his feet and kept on running. Taking a second he looked back toward Markus. Markus was in the middle of the street. A blur of yellow twirling light. A cyclone that moved down the street sending the blaster bolts heading back toward his attackers. Rattling junk echo of heavy footfalls made Corwin turn his head away. Walkers were changing direction. Going toward Markus. Corwin lost sight as he passed the cut in the wall. That was his intended destination. The comm in his ear crackled, changing his mind about stopping. The wall next to him exploded as he passed through. Turning him slightly to his side as Corwin laid a hand to his ear, raising his arm up to deflect some of the shrapnel of the incoming wall. <¡±Thei¡ªattack is routed. Unity six, Unity six¡­walkers are moving away!!!¡±> Every part of him ached. His body almost at its limit even with the assistance of the armor. Corwin pushed through and kept running. The ground bubbled and exploded with almost every step. Corwin one step ahead of every mine and every incoming rocket. He could see it. See the crossroad. Driving head first into the first Imperial position, Corwin was immediately on his feet; slinging the butt of his rifle into the face of the first surprised Imperial. He kicked the other man back down. Firing his weapon point blank into the chest of the second. Killing the third as the other Imperial dove out of the hole to try and get away. Reaching down, Corwin pulled the heavy cannon off its mount and held it down by his hip. Stepping out of the hole and walking as fast as the weight would allow him to go. Firing at the attacking Imperials who advanced in front of him. They turned once they realized the overwatch cannon was no longer suppressing the Mirialans, but attacking them. Corwin walked, fired and kept on walking. He had to get there. Had to make it to the crossroad. The explosion absorbed him. Fire and dust. The crackle of shattered communications and busted equipment. Corwin found himself in the air and suddenly on his back. Muffled sounds of firing and screams. Corwin shook his head. Tried to get up to the faint beep of low power and shattered systems. Slapping the release on his armor, sparking and shattered pieces of it dropped off. Corwin tried to sit up and found himself pinned. Looking down to see the slab laying over his legs. At least they were intact. Protected by the heavy armor.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. It wasn¡¯t hearing their Lieutenant coming that got them to their feet. It was seeing him. Corwin, a beacon of light to the beleaguered men. Who for over twelve hours had endured attack after attack. Laying in position with no hope of rescue. Seeing their Lieutenant gave them all new resolve. Seeing the Imperials attack break up and turn both away and back toward Corwin gave them instant resolve. They were not going to let him die. And if he did, it wasn¡¯t going to be for nothing. From all sides, the Imperials began their final assault. The Mirialans were at peace with their fate. All of them having made their peace with the Unity. Having said the prayers and offered assurance to their ancestors they would see all of them shortly. Then Corwin came from the other side of the wall. Heavy cannon held low and firing into the assaulting Imperials. They watched, cheered and got to their feet. Screaming, charging into the charge directed toward them. They rushed into the attackers. The last charge. One last attack for everything. Corwin¡¯s men lost sight of him as one of the walkers attacking the blur in the street turned to fire back toward the Mirialan¡¯s position and toward Corwin. Markus stood over the slab and waved his hand slowly across. It moved and levitated to the side allowing Corwin to get up. Markus offered a hand. And as Corwin took it, he looked up at the Jedi and smiled weakly. Both men side by side to look out over the horizon of the retreating Imperials. There weren¡¯t many of Corwin¡¯s men left, but he was going to collect them all. Even the ones who had gone ¡®home¡¯, resting in glory with their ancestors. All of them needed to go home to Mirial. Holding his shoulder, Markus gave out a haggard breath and nodded. He could read what Corwin was thinking, slapping the Mirialan on the back with his good arm. The other limp by his side from the hole which burned into the shoulder from an errand blaster bolt which slipped through. ¡°It¡¯s easy¡­¡± Markus started softly. ¡°¡­to convince men and women to fight for something. It¡¯s harder to get them to continue after they¡¯ve seen this.¡± Markus nodded toward the destruction. Corwin knew what he meant. Both had been changed by what they done and what they seen. His men weren¡¯t the only ones going home. Corwin was going too. Sliding down next to a wall, Corwin checked his equipment as the others all gathered what they recovered for the journey back to base. The sound of Republic Assault shuttles streaked overhead. Several of them landing nearby as fresh troops disembarked. Corwin looked over to see the Colonel get off one and look his way. The two locked eyes. Corwin had done something unlawful, disobeyed a direct order in going back out to get his men. But he also broken through and routed a major attack by leading what was left of his men to victory. There would be no court-martial or reprimand. The Colonel nodded toward Corwin and walked toward the crossroad. A silent affirmation of what Corwin had done. Checking his armor, a holo dropped out. One of the few things that didn¡¯t sustain damage. He had to laugh at that fact. Picking up the holo to look at the image on it. Wonder smiling on one of the beaches of Zeltros; the caption: ¡®Wish you were here¡­.¡¯ Corwin smiled at it. The first warm smile since it all began. It was also a message from the Unity. Destiny knocking on the door. The holo of Wonder one of the only things on Corwin¡¯s person to survive the attack. Telling him it was time to come home, change direction in some way. And he would, because as a true believer, you did not ignore the Unity when it came calling. That holo dropping out if his pocket at that moment was a sign. A very blatant message that; this part of his war was done. Before he left, Markus pulled the tattered flag of the Republic Command post back to ground. Standing it up in the center of the cross roads. Wind blew what was left of the rag the direction of the Imperial retreat. They would be back, so would the Republic. But not Corwin or the 3rd Assault Cohort¡­. -- - Dromand Kaas Orbit, Imperial Dreadnought ¡®Indomitable¡¯¡­.. She only knew him as a prisoner, but there was a kinship there now. They shared something. Admiral Rickter stood in the infirmary looking down at the patient. In her hands she held his chart, scanning it carefully. Talia had taken to keeping the new robotic hand clutched behind her back. Still not used to using it. And slightly ashamed to let it be seen. Holding the chart in her only remaining real hand; she narrowed her eyes. Canton had been awake at intervals. But never for long. The armor combined with the ships medical facility was healing him at a rapid rate. Though she was checking on him, Talia was also monitoring the distress signal his armor was sending out. After tracking it, she realized it was something built into Canton¡¯s systems. Something they could neither block nor deactivate. It posed no immediate danger and though Talia was monitoring it, she did not feel the need to wake him in order to question Canton. The holo-message was of a more immediate concern. Talia answered the call in her ready room, away from prying eyes. Though she could give no answers to the woman who holo¡¯ed in response to the distress signal; she did verify that Canton was indeed alive. The dark-skinned woman who called, informing the Admiral that she would holo back later to actually speak with him. That time was fast approaching. After informing the woman that Canton was in and out of consciousness, she did tell Renatta that she would see Canton got the message. Part of why Talia was lurking in the infirmary; both to give the message and to somehow get Canton to deactivate the distress signal. It wasn¡¯t dangerous, but having an unauthorized signal sent from an Imperial vessel was forbidden. Canton opened his eyes and blinked several times. The stasis field that surrounded his form not allowing for much else. His eyes turned to Talia. The Admiral stood a bit straighter and nodded curtly. ¡°Welcome back to the land of the living, Mandalorian. Your injuries were severe. It¡¯s a miracle you survived.¡± For a moment Canton thought he was still in the prison. The first person he saw being Talia Rickter. Noticing the expression, Talia smiled slightly. ¡°No¡­we were successful. Most of that success, we all owe to you. You have done all of us a great service.¡± ¡°Corn-Cornelia¡­¡± Canton spoke trying to suck in enough breath with the weight of the field on him. Talia looked off toward the Doctor making a hand motion. ¡°Doctor, could we decrease the field slightly? I believe maximum pressure is unnecessary at the moment.¡± Talia looked back to Canton. The Doctor came over to adjust the settings on Canton¡¯s bio-bed. He breathed easier and turned his head slightly. ¡°Lord Usher is on the surface with Darth Retuvisa. They had¡­¡¯business¡¯, to conduct.¡± ¡°Su-surface?!?¡± ¡°Yes, we are home Canton. In orbit around Dromand Kaas.¡± Talia tilted her head, narrowing her eyes slightly. ¡°You¡¯ve been unconscious for over three weeks.¡± Talia moved closer to the bed and nodded at the vitals. ¡°You¡¯re on course for a full recovery. Remarkable equipment, your armor. Combined with the ships systems, they seem to have your biology memorized. Your own systems took direct treatment of specific wounds. There were many.¡± Talia stepped away, placing the datapad on the bed next to him before doing so. ¡°If I may¡­¡± She began softly, ¡°¡­might I recommend that you take control over your armor¡¯s systems as soon as you¡¯re able.¡± Canton looked up, raising an eyebrow. ¡°It seems that while you were ¡®out¡¯¡­your systems sent a series of distress signals to parties unknown. One of those parties have already contacted us.¡± The statement made Canton sit up slightly. He grimaced from the pain and glared at Talia. ¡°Who?!?¡± ¡°Well¡­.¡± Talia clasped the robotic hand back behind her back again and looked down at him. ¡°¡­she claims to be from your ¡®clan¡¯? I believe you call them? Her name was Renatta¡­¡± Talia watched the color drain from his face as Canton slowly laid back down. But the Admiral did not pry. ¡°It¡¯s clear you recognize the name, Canton. And your former affiliation is not my concern. The Empire has granted all of you complete exoneration. What does concern me is the unauthorized transmission from a vessel in the Imperial Navy.¡± Canton looked back up again. ¡°You understand, we cannot allow unauthorized transmissions during a time of war. Given the circumstances, I have made certain allowances. But do be so kind as to deactivate the signal. They know where you are now and that you live. Continued transmission is hardly necessary.¡± If only the Admiral knew. Canton released a haggard sigh. A symbol on the pad winked out. And Talia smiled. ¡°Done.¡± Canton said dryly. Talia retreated, but before she got too far she turned back. ¡°Canton, its good to see you alive. Your service will not be forgotten¡­¡± After she left Canton picked up the datapad and looked at the previous message. Renatta. The name shot a series of feelings through him that he couldn¡¯t describe. But at the same time he thought of his wife, his mind struck with a sudden fear. Cornelia. Canton had never told her of his wife. And it was going to get complicated if he did. -- - Southland, Corellia¡­. Renatta sat down at the terminal and entered her encryption key. The connection was almost instant. Ivan¡¯s face rezzed into existence. <¡±¡­we are closing the loop here on Zakuul. We should be at the rendezvous in three days.¡±> Ivan narrowed his eyes, noticing Renatta wasn¡¯t looking at him. The Mandalorian folded his arms over his chest and glared. Renatta looked up and nodded. ¡°Understood. We are still waiting on the target to take possession. Once they do, we are going to move.¡± Renatta looked back down again. Steeling herself before looking back up again. ¡°Ivan¡­I called him. I contacted the source of the signal. He¡¯s on board an Imperial Vessel which is in orbit over Dromand Kaas.¡± <¡±¡­I am not even going to begin to lecture you on the need for secrecy concerning this mission. An unauthorized transmission?!?! Are you out of your mind, Renatta?!?!¡±> ¡°He¡¯s my husband, Ivan.¡± <¡°I don¡¯t care what he is. You are on mission. I¡¯ll deal with it later¡­.right now¡ª¡±> Renatta pursed her lips, leaning into the screen closer to Ivan. ¡°This has nothing to do with the mission. I used all of the safeguards to keep our location and our mission secure. This has to do with you¡­.and me.¡± Looking down, Renatta brushed a lock of her curly hair out of her face before looking back up again. ¡°Ivan¡ªI took an oath. Both to the Mandalore and to my husband. If he¡¯s returned¡ª¡± <¡±¡ªthat oath was broken the moment his body hit the ground. We have both sang the name. We have both honored his sacrifice on the rolls. That oath means nothing if¡ª¡°> Ivan stopped talking and let out a sigh. <¡±¡ªthis is something we will have to deal with. If Canton has indeed come home he has much to answer for. Both to you¡­.and to his people.¡±> -- Cypher keyed in the code and opened the door. It was smoky, smelled like sweat. Her more than sensitive nose could almost smell the time. Time that those who had been in hiding had been in the place. Hear the boredom in some of their voices. They had the location, now it was a waiting game. Having tracked the tech piece from Zakuul to Corellia; Cypher was settling in for the long haul. The chime at the door brought another sense. Shock, fear. In the next room she heard chairs slide away from the table. Sabbacc cards being thrown down as blasters charged. She leaned in and waved her hand for all of them to settle down. Moving back toward the door to look out. Her skin got pale, eyes wide. She opened it and immediately jerked the man standing there inside. A glare, a very serious glare toward him as she threw the young man against the wall behind her after closing the door. ¡°Granick?!?! What the kriff are you doing here?!?! I had you hidden¡­WELL hidden!!¡± ¡°I followed you.¡± Granick said cheerily. ¡°I got bored.¡± Producing a flower from behind his back he presented it to Cypher and smiled. ¡°I thought you might like this.¡± Granick looked to the side as Amalgom entered. His glowing red eyes lighting up the darkened foyer. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± Amalgom held the blaster out toward Granick; asking the question in his low bass filled voice. Cypher shook her head and took a step back. ¡°No one¡­Amalgom. It¡¯s no one¡­.¡± Looking at the flower, both men exchanged a glance before looking back to Cypher; who was holding her head in her hand and looking down. She hadn¡¯t told Amalgom how she got the data concerning the tech deciphered or who clued her in on what exactly it was. There wasn¡¯t any need. Once she realized how dangerous it was, she hid Granick on Zakuul. Cypher shook her head and looked at the flower. ¡°Am I¡­¡¯interrupting¡¯ something?¡± Granick tried to ask innocently. Cypher looked up and frowned. ¡°You picked the wrong time to make your move ¡®big boy¡¯¡­the COMPLETE wrong time.¡± -- Walking into the bar, Porchia stood out. Mostly due to her stature. Nearly everyone was taller or bigger than she was. Porchia was a celebrity, but she didn¡¯t stand on it. No one recognized her; entering fast and taking up position to watch him. Before long another moved in alongside. Rose sat down across from her and smiled, kicking her feet up on the table and giving a glance back the direction Porchia was watching. ¡°He knows you¡¯re here¡­¡± Rose looked back toward Porchia and nodded. ¡°¡­nothing gets past that man. Not with his army of hired whores and informants.¡± ¡°You managed to sneak by.¡± Porchia mused. ¡°I don¡¯t know that for sure.¡± Rose replied, thinking back to the night she tracked Telan¡¯dorr to the hotel. The man was living high on the hog. All of them waiting for him to make some move. Now that the tech was definitely in play, they both wondered when Telan¡¯dorr was going to make his move to acquire it. Porchia had her own army of people watching the shipping company. So far, the tech was in a vaulted portion of the company. Sitting. Untouched. If it moved, Cypher was going to call. ¡°I¡¯m gonna do it.¡± Porchia spoke sitting up in the seat and finally standing. Telan¡¯dorr looked over. It was the first time he made it obvious. Rose smiled wickedly. ¡°Told ya.¡± ¡°Don¡¯ matter¡­he knows that we kno¡¯.¡± Moving over Porchia stopped a few steps from the table and glared down. Telan¡¯dorr had his arm around a dancer¡¯s waist. It looked a little funny with Telan¡¯dorr dressed in his formal priest''s attire. Folding her arms, Porchia waited until Telan¡¯dorr moved the dancer aside. When he did speak, he didn¡¯t speak directly toward Porchia. To the air and the direction he was looking; Telan¡¯dorr picked up the wine glass and took a sip. ¡°Whatever message you¡¯re carrying; go back and tell your ¡®handler¡¯¡­¡± Telan¡¯dorr sat the glass down and sat back in the seat. ¡°¡­her time is almost up¡­she¡¯s too late. As are you. What¡¯s done, is done. She will be hearing from us¡­very soon.¡± Porchia drew the blaster in one swift motion, leveling it at Telan¡¯dorr. It whined loudly, powering up the kill shot. ¡°How ¡®bout I jus¡¯ put a nice neat hole in your crooked face righ¡¯ now¡­then nobody¡¯s got ta wait.¡± Telan¡¯dorr laughed. He finally looked over, looking down at the blaster and then behind Porchia. The sound of a lightsaber coming to life wasn¡¯t what clued Porchia first. The dancers clearing out did. ¡°Makes no difference to me child. You and your gorgeous friend over there will die with me however.¡± Porchia holstered the blaster and made a deliberate turn around. Finding Rose standing up to face Aurora who held her saber out, pointing toward Rose. ¡°Go¡­tell Karolin there is absolutely nothing she can do. She is out of her depth here on Corellia. And out of her jurisdiction.¡± Porchia turned back folding her arms again; smiling wickedly. ¡°We both know how this is gonna turn out. We know what you¡¯re trying to do.¡± Pushing the dancer he held away, Telan¡¯dorr stood. Taking a step toward Porchia. ¡°Do you?¡± The Mirialan smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t think so¡­though I have been known to be wrong from time to time.¡± He moved in next to Porchia as he passed looking down at her. ¡°This is so far above all of you. Our work is nearly complete. All I need is¡ª¡± Telan¡¯dorr snapped his fingers giving a sarcastic expression. ¡°¡ªmy tech. Yes, the tech you think you have a hold on. That you and your friends have been tracking all the way from¡­Zakuul? Don¡¯t look so surprised. I have known about you and your friends for some time.¡± Telan¡¯dorr looked over toward Rose. ¡°You really should have joined us the other night.¡± Telan¡¯dorr licked his lips before looking back to Porchia. The gunslinger gave a deadly glare in return. ¡°I don¡¯t need the item at the shipping company. I never did. I merely needed it to draw all of you out. And I have¡­¡± Moving past Porchia, Telan¡¯dorr glanced at Rose once again and smirked. ¡°And¡­I¡¯m sorry about your friends. But, when you play in this game the loser dies.¡± Spinning around Porchia looked to Rose and was already moving toward the door. Aurora deactivated the lightsaber as Telan¡¯dorr came up and alongside his daughter. ¡°¡­they¡¯ve wanted your slicer for some time. One less dangerous piece on the board¡­tell Karolin, that¡¯s the price you pay for what you did to me and my family¡­.¡± -- ¡°Granick¡­¡± Cypher spoke his name in a sigh. ¡°¡­you really shouldn¡¯t have come here. This is big, HUGE. I can¡¯t begin to tell you how dangerous¡ª¡± Amalgom¡¯s head darted upward almost in time with the vibration above them. Cypher could feel it in her enhancements. ¡°They followed him.¡± The front door exploded inward. Blaster bolts, smoke and fire. Amalgom dove sideways, grabbing Cypher to pull her down to the floor. Granick, not so lucky, took the full brunt of the metal door exploding inward with the added bonus of blaster fire. His body fell next to Cypher. She looked over and into the eyes of her friend as the light went out of them. Already rolling backward, Amalgom was at a crouch. One hand on Cypher¡¯s arm as he drug her backward. Tossing a thermal detonator toward the door with the other. It exploded just as the Chiss and the slicer made it to the corner. The others in the room already moving toward the entryway; only to be cut down by the blistering fire. Cypher touched the implant next to her eye. ¡°It¡¯s CDEF¡­how could they get CDEF to respond?!?!¡± Not answering, Amalgom moved backward flipping the table over. Planting himself and Cypher firmly behind it. The table started to splinter as the CDEF team made their way closer and into the foyer. Amalgom never cornered himself. Not even in hiding. Scooting back, he kicked the food condenser over and looked down at the hole in the floor. Tossing Cypher down in the hole he scooted back toward the table firing into the smoke. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you!!!¡± Cypher screamed. Amalgom shook his head. ¡°If you don¡¯t, there won¡¯t be a ¡®me¡¯ left.¡± Amalgom slammed the floor shut over the hole. Cypher looked up at the flashing lights and felt the vibration of other explosions. A body hit the floor and then there was silence. Just about to run down the passageway, the floor hatch opened. Cypher looked up. The light blinding her from the figure who reached a hand down toward her. Cypher put her hand into the massive one; attached to the arm that jerked her out of the hatch in one pull. And into the arms of one massive Ratataki. In the corner, Renatta crouched surveying the remains of the CDEF hit squad. Her hand to her ear. Cypher hugged Marstel. There was no time for the billions of questions. Scooping up Amalgom, Marstel helped the injured Chiss up to his feet giving all of them a glance. ¡°We¡¯re compromised¡­.¡± -- -- - Arcnet Wiring Incorporated - Southland, Corellia¡­. <¡±We¡¯ve started the final sequence¡­¡±> Telan¡¯dorr reached forward and pressed the comm button to cut off the message. Sitting back in his chair and bringing his hand to his chin. Across from him, Aurora stood. Arms folded as they looked at one another. ¡°We don¡¯t know what state he will be in. You rushed this¡­cybernetic parts?!?! The man is not going to be pleased. I wouldn¡¯t be¡­¡± Telan¡¯dorr ignored Aurora for the moment. Looking down at the schematics that lay on various pads across his desk. Picking one up, he handed it to Aurora. ¡°This is your next assignment. Once the ¡®Doctor¡¯ is up and moving around, we will need another part of the puzzle to put into place.¡± Aurora took the pad and looked at it as Telan¡¯dorr continued. ¡°Eventually, we will get all of what we acquired in our long journey back home. All of that ''they'' stole from us. These will make the Organization more powerful than ever before. And prove our worth.¡± Telan¡¯dorr narrowed his eyes toward Aurora. ¡°You said you met someone¡­someone on the inside. Do you think you can exploit that asset?¡± ¡°Prove YOUR worth father¡­¡± Aurora ignored the question, placing the pad in a thigh pocket. ¡°¡­not mine. I don¡¯t need to prove anything.¡± Turning she walked toward the door. ¡°Aurora¡­¡± Telan¡¯dorr called out. Reluctantly, the other Mirialan turned giving her father a glare. ¡°¡­use the asset. Compromise him if you have to¡­we need that tech.¡± Rolling her eyes at the words, Aurora walked out. Leaning forward, Telan¡¯dorr pressed the comm button. ¡°Let me know when he¡¯s awake. And send the remainder of the balance to the chief of the CDEF for a job well done¡­.¡± -- Lameredd, Marstel¡¯s Farm¡­. ¡°No, Aurore¡­¡± Waylon looked up from the workbench and gave the Zeltron an annoyed look. She knew what he was annoyed at, but played him anyway; giving an innocent and oblivious look. As if she didn¡¯t know. ¡°¡­that¡¯s not how it works. You may be one of the smartest engineers in the galaxy, but you don¡¯t know shit about men and women¡­¡± ¡°Why not?¡± Her hand on the wheel, Aurore lifted the hammer in the other and pounded down. Putting another spoke into place. The stay on the farm was only supposed to be temporary. But Aurore was liking it. Life on the Farm. Simple, peaceful. Lots to do and never a shortage of ways she could use her skill. And it was giving her a chance to see a different side of Waylon. It helped that Marstel wasn¡¯t around to remind Waylon of how much the big Ratataki annoyed him. ¡°Because¡­it just don¡¯t.¡± Waylon looked up again. Flipping the mask back down on his face he lit up the welder and looked down, but quickly held it off to the side; flipping the mask back up again. ¡°And don¡¯t even start with the jealousy bit. It has nothin¡¯ to do with jealousy. It¡¯s not how ¡®normal¡¯ people do things.¡± ¡°Oh, so I¡¯m not normal?!?¡± Aurore looked up and gave a faux annoyed expression. She was having fun. Quickly looking back to the wheel she was working on to hide the giddiness at having fun at his expense. ¡°That¡¯s how we do it on Zeltros¡­¡± Aurore mumbled under her breath. Waylon cut off the welder and looked at her. ¡°Well, that¡¯s not how the rest of the galaxy operates. Zeltrons are a whole different breed, Aurore. The way you people do things¡ª¡± ¡°You people?!?! YOU PEOPLE?!?!¡± Aurore put the hammer down. ¡°Listen to me Waylon. It¡¯s taken me a long time to feel normal around other races. Zeltrons only want peace and harmony¡­good feelings surrounding them. And if sleeping with someone makes them feel better, then so be it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not how people conduct themselves.¡± Waylon picked the welder back up. ¡°You know, that¡¯s rich coming from you. You kriffed your way from one side of the galaxy to another.¡± ¡°Yea¡­¡± Waylon flipped the mask back up and shot a glare. ¡°¡­but I ¡®usually¡¯ paid for it.¡± Aurore narrowed her eyes as she gazed at Waylon, a snarky smirk forming on her face. ¡°Oh¡­you¡¯re still paying for it.¡± The smirk turned into a broad smile. ¡°Admit it, you¡¯re jealous.¡± He looked up again about to say something. Aurore raised her hands in surrender. ¡°Fine, fine¡­.we¡¯ll table that discussion for another time. I¡¯m with you, baby.¡± Aurore winked, looking back down at the wheel. ¡°But what if¡­¡± She started under her breath, ¡°¡­you HAD to sleep with them to save their life? I mean, bad feelings can kill too right?¡± ¡°Just you, Aurore¡­.just you¡­¡± They both looked up from what they were working on in the barn. Aurore stepping away from the lathe to gaze up at the sky. Waylon moved in beside her, wiping his hands on the welders apron he wore. The sound of an incoming shuttle. It landed out toward one of the fields, where both of them knew Marstel kept the closest landing pad. Walking out into the sunlight, Aurore smiled and looked up. Soaking it in. ¡°It¡¯s not Zeltros, but it will do¡­.¡± Aurore inhaled deeply of the sweet air and smiled. Waylon looked over, but quickly back toward the shuttle. Several people were getting off the shuttle after the ramp lowered. Marstel led the way. Walking past them without a word. A look of concentration on his face. Several more passed. Only two people both Aurore and Waylon recognized. Seeing them, Cypher looked back at a tall armored female Mandalorian and said something. Passing off the hoverbed which carried Amalgom to her; before approaching. ¡°It¡¯s kriffed up¡­I kriffed up.¡± Cypher looked panicked. Aurore placing a hand on the slicer¡¯s shoulder as the three walked toward the house. -- ¡°Waylon.¡± The gunslinger introduced himself to the Mandalorian, who removed her helmet to look at him. Narrowing her eyes slightly. Offering her hand, she was surprised when Waylon returned the gesture with a grip on her arm and her hand. She raised an eyebrow. ¡°You are Mando¡¯a?¡± Waylon shook his head. ¡°No, not anymore. My Clan joined the rolls on Voss.¡± Renatta smiled slightly. ¡°You¡¯re Mando¡¯a.¡± This time it wasn¡¯t a question. ¡°And you are the leader of your people.¡± It had been too long since Waylon had been in the presence of a Mandalorian. He had forgotten how very straight forward they were with the tenets which all lived by. They both turned toward the others in the room. Porchia leaned down over the table next to her Uncle and pulled up a star chart. ¡°I¡¯ve called tha¡¯ rest in.¡± Stating matter-of-factly, Marstel wasn¡¯t really looking at the chart as much as through it. Porchia¡¯s lip twitched. ¡°It was a setback. Buh ya saw it, Marstel¡­you knew wha¡¯ Telan¡¯dorr was doin'' an hugh were there.¡± ¡°I had a hunch¡­hunch''s don¡¯ win wars.¡± Marstel stood to his full height and looked down before moving from the room toward the kitchen. ¡°Where¡¯ya goin¡¯?!?!¡± Porchia was chasing him. ¡°We need ta get in front ¡®a this, we need¡ª¡± ¡°Ta eat.¡± Marstel looked back at the others locking eyes with the ones who arrived with him. ¡°Anyone else hungry?!?¡± Rose stood up from a chair in the corner and crossed the room. ¡°I could eat the ass out of a dead Nexu¡­¡± Nodding, Marstel let Rose past him waiting for the others. When no one else joined him, he frowned. ¡°Ya¡¯ll¡­this will wait. None¡¯a this is goin¡¯ anywhere.¡± Looking at Porchia he narrowed his eyes. ¡°Ya hear meh?!?¡± The tiny woman nodded, folding her arms over herself. -- -- - Dromand Kaas Orbit, Imperial Dreadnaught ¡®Indomitable¡¯¡­. Talia had the blaster out as she led the prisoner personally. ¡°Hold here.¡± She spoke directly. The Warden stopped as he was told. Both of them looking at the incoming shuttle. Troopers filed from the sides of the hangar at a run, forming a cordon on both sides of the ramp as it lowered. The Warden looked back at Talia and smirked. ¡°You brought me down here for an arrival?¡± The Warden huffed a laugh. ¡°Just to rub it all in my face. The Empire may have exonerated all of them, but they will always be prisoners to me. Darth Vowrawn¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªis dead.¡± Talia interrupted finishing the statement for him. The words made the Warden turn all the way around back to facing forward. His face grew pale suddenly. Talia stood with the blaster held low, her arm bent. ¡°Turn back around. You will show your loyalty to the Dark Lord before she has her way with you.¡± Mrysti disembarked first. The troopers forming the cordon snapping to attention as Mrysti laid a balled fist to her heart in salute; nodding her head toward them. Cornelia followed closely behind. Mimicking the same gesture. Though Mrysti walked in front, Cornelia was very nearly right along side of her. Both women conversing lowly until they looked up to see Admiral Rickter holding the Warden at gunpoint. Mrysti and Cornelia slowed and smiled almost at the same time. Talia clicked her heels as Mrysti got closer, standing up straighter at a rigid position of attention. ¡°My Lord¡­¡± Nodding her head curtly, her face twisted in anger seeing the Warden fold his arms over his chest. She smacked him on the back of the neck with the butt of the blaster. The Warden fell to his knees. ¡°¡­I thought you might like the opportunity to speak with the prisoner. High Command has requested his presence on the surface. To answer for his actions, no doubt.¡± Talia glared at the Warden before looking back up. ¡°However, ¡®accidents¡¯ do happen. Should you see fit to deal with him in your own way, you will not find ME looking over your shoulder.¡± Smiling wickedly, Mrysti took a step back. But not before bowing slightly toward her Admiral. ¡°I believe this is the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership, Admiral Rickter.¡± Mrysti looked over at her apprentice. ¡°But this is not for me to decide¡­Lord Usher?¡± Sneering slightly, Cornelia stepped past her Master into the face of the Warden. The man looked away. ¡°You will¡­¡± Cornelia began softly, lifting her arm as she spoke. The fingers on her hand curling as she spoke. The Warden grabbed his throat, his body lifting from the deck as he started to float above it. ¡°¡­look at me when I address you.¡± Cornelia¡¯s eyes darted to Mrysti as she held the Warden in the air. ¡°My apologies, My Lord¡­I realize you still feel robbed with the result of our ¡®mission¡¯ on the surface¡­¡± The words made Talia¡¯s eyebrow raise, but she said nothing. Still holding the blaster out toward the Warden. Cornelia looked back to the Warden, her face igniting in instant anger. ¡°¡­but my bloodlust has yet to be satiated. I was robbed as well.¡± Cornelia took a step toward the Warden, his body lifted an inch higher with the rise of Cornelia¡¯s arm. ¡°Do as you will apprentice¡­his life is yours.¡± Mrysti took another step back, looking toward Talia. The Admiral nodded and holstered the blaster moving around the floating Warden to stand next to Mrysti. ¡°There is nothing left to teach you, Warden. As you so graciously attempted to teach me in captivity. All of those nights¡­those long nights. You relished in the fact that I¡­born into being one of your betters; was under your thumb. A small simple man, with delusions of grandeur. Kriffing me made you feel powerful.¡± Cornelia rose her arm slightly and clenched her fist. The Warden began to turn blue. ¡°How does this feel, Warden? Am I still sexy to you? Do I still make you feel....powerful?" Cornelia grit her teeth, eyes flaring. "Because you are definitely doing it for me. After being so disappointing those many times. Feel this....this¡­is true power. Here at the end, you see it.¡± Quickly, Cornelia turned her wrist. The neck snapping echoed throughout the expansive hangar. Dropping the body on the ground, Cornelia wiped her hand on her armor as if she touched something dirty. Looking over to see the smirk on her Master¡¯s face. Mrysti shook her head, making a ¡®tsk tsk¡¯ sound. ¡°Lord Usher¡­I really must teach you the necessity of drawing out someone¡¯s pain.¡± Mrysti looked down at the body, kicking the lifeless foot slightly before looking back up. ¡°Pain¡­fear, these are things to savor. Killing them too quickly, such a waste of emotion¡­¡± Cornelia looked down, ¡°My apologies, Master. I was still wound up from our ¡®mission¡¯.¡± Cornelia looked up and then down at the body. ¡°Seeing him brought all of that back. Justice was served¡­¡± ¡°Shall we¡­?¡± Talia stepped to the side flourishing an arm. ¡°I have arranged for tea and a briefing¡­you are both due back on the surface in several hours. I thought it might be prudent to enlighten you both on the state of the war in preparation for our inevitable departure¡­.¡± They all stepped over the body of the Warden. Mrysti looking back toward the deck guards and snapping her fingers. ¡°Get rid of this¡­jettison it into space.¡± -- -- - Galactic City, Coruscant ¨C Transitional Military Housing; Ministry of Defense¡­. Turning around sharply, their backs to wall and flanking both sides of the door; both armored troopers saluted. RT was only a few steps behind them. And behind him, his new aide. A very bright eyed and bushy tailed Brigadier General. The newness was still on the laurel wreath which surrounded the dots of her rank insignia. RT glanced down at his own rank. He couldn¡¯t say much about wreaths, the newness of the much larger wreath he wore and the extra dot of full General insignia still had a shine of new to it. The aide handed RT a file as she struggled to keep up with him. RT was a big man and he moved rather fast compared to the diminutive general he was given as an aide. Trea¡¯vor slowed and took the file with a slight of hand. His aide already opening up a datapad in the other hand to read details not included in the file she was giving him. RT glanced at the flimsy and shook his head handing it back to her before she could read from her own copy. ¡°Are we going to have to do this at the end of the day, everyday?¡± RT asked the question with a bit of humor. The General was not smiling; looking a bit shocked at the question. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir. I can¡ªwell, I realized you and I haven¡¯t discussed it¡ªbut, well I can set up a series of scheduled briefings to bring you up to speed everyday. But this daily intelligence briefing¡ªwell, it¡¯s required reading, Sir. I apologize if I¡¯m¡ª¡± Turning on her, RT raised his hands in mock surrender. The General was talking fast and nervously. ¡°General Trisitan¡­¡± She stopped speaking as RT smiled at her. ¡°¡­I understand you are just trying to do your job as my aide. Please, continue to remind me of the things I ¡®should¡¯ be doing. I realize you and I don¡¯t know one another very well, but I retain things rather quickly and with very little repetition.¡± RT turned toward the door with the General close at his heels. He stopped and looked back at her slowly. ¡°Tomorrow, General.¡± Looking up, General Trisitan glanced at the door and took a step back. She was actually going to follow RT into his quarters. The woman was a workaholic. RT taking note that it was something he would have to work out of her. Efficiency and dedication were one thing. But there were times to call it off. The General not realizing his words of encouragement were also words of ¡®good-night¡¯. She quickly snapped to attention and saluted. ¡°Yes, Sir.¡± The door chimed unlock. RT looked back toward the General as she quickly marched away. It occurred to him that it would probably be like this forever. People afraid to speak frankly or guarded in what they said. He looked up at the door frame again. This time he was literally right under the flag pole. Holding the pole. So far removed from those troops on the ground and the frankness he been accustomed too his whole career. People would be scrubbing what they told him, keeping things they deemed unnecessary for him to do his job, from him. There was much to get used to. He reached for the key pad of open the door. One of the guards lifting an armored gauntlet to his mouth as the other guard on the opposite side of the door saluted. ¡°The Chief of Staff is in his quarters¡­¡± Shaking his head with a wry smile, RT stepped inside. Something else to get used to. People always monitoring him. Keeping track of his movements. He was above it all now. But more a prisoner of the Republic than he ever was. That wasn¡¯t the part that bothered him, it was being removed from the actual ''going''s on'' of the Military. RT knew he would have to find a way to bridge that gap. The door started to slide shut behind him. His head instantly going upward as he smelled it. Ultra sensitive, genetically enhanced senses catching the familiar tingle and spicy tinge of it. A wry smile started to form on his face. As he took a step forward, RT tilted his head slightly. The room was quiet. The light fading behind him as the door slid all the way closed. He rounded the corner of the foyer into his temporary room. Already smiling broadly. For all of the security and the keeping track of him, no one thought to check inside his room. Probably a good thing. RT narrowed his eyes as he looked at the bed and the vision of dark blue skin, glowing red eyes and purplish-black hair that draped over the shoulders of the one relaxing, sitting up and looking toward him. Cora was wearing it for him. The stockings, the shoes. And little else. RT didn¡¯t have the heart to tell her that he smelled her scent the moment the door opened. Cora was trying to surprise him. And he was, just not in the way she probably envisioned. Stopping in the center of the room, he placed his hands on his hips to just gaze. Sucking all of her in. For all of the stress of a day¡¯s work, any day¡¯s work; what man could not suddenly feel relief at having something like Cora to come home to? If only it was that simple. Cora was no housewife. And RT was no simple working man. But seeing her lay there smiling toward him made everything in life, no matter what it was, suddenly worth it. The Chiss sat up a bit higher and smiled. White teeth showing in the low light and between ample darkly painted lips. She blinked at him lazily, raising one hand slowly to her head in a mock salute. ¡°Hail to the Chief¡­.Baby¡­.¡± -- -- - Galactic City, Coruscant¡­5000 Republica, De¡¯nabre Apartment Complex. Waking with a scream, Karolin sat up clutching her chest. Reaching over to turn the light on. Jes was already at the door. Opening it with a flourish, lightsaber in hand. Karolin shook her head, waving the Echani away. ¡°No¡­it¡¯s fine Jes. Just another dream¡­¡± Nodding, Jes retreated. Closing the door behind her. Throwing back the silken sheets, Karolin got out of bed approaching the window. Outside, the never-ending activity of Galactic City blurred by. Karolin saw it, heard it. But didn¡¯t really hear. In her mind, images of the dream she had once again. The same dream for several nights, knowing now that it was no dream, but a premonition. She reached down on the table next to the large bay window taking a cigarra out of the pack. Snapping her fingers, she sparked the cigarra to life with a bit of lightning from her fingertips. Looking at her reflection, Karolin inhaled deeply on the cigarra. Smoke ebbed slowly from her ample lips. Wafting slowly over her. And in the smoke she could see him. Feel him. As if she was still in the dream. The feeling caught her like a child. Those same emotions she had as a child. Being in his presence, having him fawn all over her. Pushing her, experimenting on her. He thought she was his greatest achievement. His prize. His. Even dead, Dr. Ze was never really gone. Always there. Always a part of her in some sick way. He loved her. That love was sour. All Karolin could feel was hate. And that hate, had returned. Dr. Ze¡­.had returned. -- -- - Paradise City, Zeltros¡­.. <¡±Now arriving¡­.gate twenty-three¡­gate Twenty-three¡­.Military Transport from Aldeberon III¡±> Wonder looked around the crowd as she moved. Placing her hand on her hat, holding it in place. The speed at which she moved through the crowd threatened to blow it off. Looking left and right, bouncing on her tiptoes to look up and over people. The gate alarm sounded. Red lights flashing on the borders of the doorway. It opened. Uniformed men and women disembarking. Wonder bounced excitedly. Looking hard, trying to see. Corwin stepped through the gate and Wonder broke free from the crowd. She ran toward him. Corwin dropped his bag. Taking a step forward to open his arms and grab her in air. Holding her tightly as they kissed. The Zeltron rubbed her hands on his face, holding the sides tightly. Home. Home wasn¡¯t Mirial. It was wherever Wonder was. -- -- - Capital City of the Unity, Mirial¡­.. Bernard looked at his chrono, straightening his tunic before moving toward the door. It was a big day. Corwin was coming home. After a stop over on Zeltros, he was bringing Wonder home to Mirial. Only for a short leave. Corwin had orders. A new assignment following leave. But for the time he was able to be there, Bernard was going to spend it with his brother. As long as Corwin would have him around. Corwin was, after all, bringing Wonder with him. Stopping at the door, Bernard looked down and smiled weakly. Envy set in. That Corwin had finally found someone to share his life with. Someone who made no demands and accepted the person he was. For a time, Bernard thought he had that in Sammantha. But he knew what he was getting into with her. Any De¡¯nabre for that matter. The words of his late father echoed in his head just before he accepted Bernard¡¯s decision to be with Sam. ¡®¡­De¡¯nabre women were a fickle bunch.¡¯ There were other choice words his father had for the De¡¯nabre. But all of those went away during the war. They had proved themselves. At least the ones who were of Mirial. The door slid open and Bernard took a step back. Sam dropped her bags and looked up. ¡°I¡¯m ready¡­.¡± She smiled. ¡°¡­if the offer is still on the table?¡± -- -- - Southland, Corellia ¨C Arcnet Shipwiring Incorporated, Subsection C¡­. Steam rose from the system. Scientists and technicians milling around the control systems as Telan¡¯dorr stood in the control room looking down. Their hands moved fast over the controls. Ensuring all was in readiness. It was too soon, Telan¡¯dorr knew that. But he needed the brilliant mind trapped in the husk of the body. Ample cybernetics and prosthesis were used to replace what could not wait. If they had another year, all of it would have been unnecessary. Telan¡¯dorr hoped beyond hope that the ¡®Doctor¡¯ would not hold it against him. With the advancements Telan¡¯dorr planned, none of it would matter eventually. They could give the ¡®Doctor¡¯ back everything he lost and more. ¡°Bringing the additives online¡­¡± Telan¡¯dorr looked toward the voice as the man speaking turned a dial. The system below whined loudly. ¡°Opening the container¡­.¡± More steam rose from the floor. The sound of a pressure release on the container which held the Doctor hissed loudly. No one could see. Telan¡¯dorr looked down at the technician. ¡°Fans¡­clear the room.¡± The technician nodded, activating the exhaust system. Hidden in the mist, a crouched figure. The Doctor knelt down. One fist on the ground, his other hand supporting him. Slowly he stood, the low light catching the glint of the metal attachments on his body. Both arms and legs. The fountain preserved what Karolin had left of the Doctor. Not only preserved it, but took years of life off the former elderly Doctor. Sith lived for hundreds of years. The Doctor didn¡¯t look a day over twenty-five. Minus the prosthesis. These were not brilliant scientists. They used his work with a combination of the technology Telan¡¯dorr provided. He watched as the Doctor reached behind his neck and touched the raised area between the two vertebrae. Where ¡®life-giver¡¯, as the Republic called it; had been implanted. The Doctor seemed to understand what was happening. But only time would tell how much faculty he maintained. Telan¡¯dorr reached forward opening the communication system, it crackled causing the Doctor to look up. ¡°Welcome back Doctor Ze¡¯llamane¡­I am¡ª¡± ¡°--I know who you are.¡± The Sith stepped through the steam and looked up at the control booth, locking eyes with Telan¡¯dorr. ¡°I only have one question. Perhaps in your limited intelligence you¡¯ve had the foresight to anticipate it.¡± Dr. Ze narrowed his eyes. Placing his hands on his naked hips. ¡°Where.....Is¡­.Karolin De¡¯nabre¡­.¡± Epilogues - Galactic City, Coruscant - Residential District, 5000 Republica; The Apartment of the Mirialan Senator¡­. ¡°Let me ask you something, General¡­.¡± RT started the question just as the speeder stopped. Causing his aide to look up from the work she was conducting; realizing the speeder had already stopped and scrambling to grab her things before the driver got out to open the door for them. She paused, looking at her charge. ¡°Yes, Sir?¡± Trisitan was still trying to gather her things, albeit slower as she gave RT her nearly full attention. The door opened as the driver stood at attention allowing him to get out, continuing his question. Trisitan dropped her holo-pad making RT reach down to pick it up for her with a smile, handing it back gently. ¡°Why did you take this job? I know I asked this already, but I want a real answer.¡± Trisitan looked away shyly, taking the holo-pad slowly. They both started to walk as RT continued to look at her, awaiting an answer. ¡°I took it because¡­I love the Republic.¡± The answer caused RT to lift an eyebrow. ¡°And, I want to do more. I want to be the best, learn from the best. And¡­I know this going to sound like I¡¯m kissing your ass, Sir. But you¡­you ARE the best.¡± They both got into the skylift, the door shutting as they stood next to each other. RT allowing the answer to sink in as silence took up space between them. Trisitan was kicking herself for the answer. It did sound like she was kissing his ass and that was the last thing she wanted. At the moment she was nothing more than a glorified secretary. But that was the job, aide to the second highest ranking member within the entire Republic military. She knew what she was getting into when she took the position after her last command. Commander of one the most elite armored units in the Republic¡¯s Armored Corps. Division Commander, a position not just anyone received. And RT knew it. That was the basis of his question. Trisitan had aspirations. So far, she was acting like the glorified secretary. Not a former commander of one of the best outfits in the military. It was puzzling to RT and he had to find out why Trisitan had taken the position as his aide, but also why she seemed disheveled around him. The woman was punctual, thorough; she had all the right attributes to be an excellent aide. But he needed more than just someone who kept his calendar, he needed someone who was going to advise him. And so far, Trisitan had been silent in that regard. Part of the reason for the visit. Anyone could keep the books, he could get a Private to perform that kind of work. What he needed was Trisitan to drop the apprehension and live up to her rank. Brigadier General. They didn¡¯t just hand that out to secretaries. RT was going to introduce Trisitan to Karolin. Perhaps she needed an urging that he, as a man and in his position could not give. The lift started down, but soon stopped. Karolin¡¯s apartment was on one of the highest floors. Perks of being important. They both stepped out. Trisitan waiting a second to allow him to exit first. RT looked back slightly, but kept on walking. ¡°I don¡¯t think you were kissing my ass, General. That was a very honest answer and I appreciate that kind of honesty.¡± The answer brought a slight smile to her face that she went to great pains to hide. They stopped at the door. RT noticed Trisitan was already fixing herself, straightening as if going to meet the Supreme Chancellor herself. He shook his head slightly, releasing a sigh and turning on Trisitan before pressing the chime. ¡°Calm yourself, General¡­this is just my sister. Not a Republic Official, not today. This is a social call.¡± RT didn¡¯t add that the visit was more for her than it was for him. Pressing the chime he folded his hands in front of himself and waited. Jes opened the door, grimacing at them both, but moved aside once she gave both of them a look. ¡°The Senator is in the garden foyer.¡± Jes spoke as both Generals passed through. Trisitan thought to give Jes a greeting, but after seeing her expression she thought better of it. They passed through the elaborate entrance and into the foyer to find Karolin still in her house coat, spraying some liquid on a few plants. When RT entered, she stood up and smiled. ¡°RT¡­how nice.¡± Karolin smiled at Trisitan next, placing the bottle down next to the plant; crossing the space to hold out a hand. ¡°And this must be the new aide I¡¯ve heard so much about. I¡¯m Karolin De¡¯nabre.¡± ¡°Senator.¡± Trisitan nodded curtly. The act made Karolin look at RT. Karolin quickly corrected the General and winked slightly. ¡°Not today. Today I am just a woman tending her plants. Force knows I cannot ask Jes to do it. The woman is a great warrior, but she lacks the ¡®green thumb¡¯ required to keep anything alive. Probably one of the things that makes her an efficient killer.¡± ¡°I heard that.¡± Came from the other room. Nothing escaped Jes. Both women smiled at one another as RT suddenly looked at his chrono. ¡°Oh¡­damn. I have¡ªI have to go. I got that ¡®thing¡¯.¡± The sudden action caused Trisitan to open her holo-pad and start looking at his calendar. RT and Karolin exchanged a knowing look. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir¡­.I don¡¯t see anything on your schedule. Are you sure? I might have missed¡ª¡± ¡°No, you didn¡¯t miss anything. This is personal.¡± RT gave Karolin another look as he turned for the door. Causing Karolin to step forward and place an arm around the smaller General. ¡°That¡¯s fine. It gives you and I a chance to speak. I have so looked forward to meeting you, General Trisitan. I hear you once commanded an Armored Division. Your record is very impressive.¡± Karolin looked back at her brother and smiled. ¡°We¡¯ll be right here when you¡¯re done RT¡­.¡± The two meandered away. Karolin¡¯s voice getting distant as RT smiled to himself. ¡°So¡­tell me about yourself. You know, my brother can be a hard nut to crack. Perhaps, you and I can figure out a way to see past all that guff¡­¡± -- - Coruscant, Underground Slums¡­ <¡±I told ya, Alzir¡­actions ¡®ave consequence.¡±> ¡°You accusing me of something, Marstel?¡± Alzir leaned into the image being projected. Both men grimaced at one another. Marstel folded his arms in the holo-image and leered back. <¡±I ain¡¯t gotta. I kno¡¯, Alzir¡­an¡¯ as much as I hate ta do this. Yur out. The Circle is closed to you.¡±> Alzir felt the lump in his stomach move up to his throat. Though he did a good job of hiding the instant pang of fear that shot up his spine. To further hide it, he smirked and shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Fine by me, I wasn¡¯ totally sold on this whole ¡®Organization¡¯ business anyway.¡± Marstel didn¡¯t say anything further. Nodding slightly as the transmission ended. Once the connection was severed the disconnection message turned red. <¡±Transmission cut at source. Frequency Unlisted¡±>. The red message of death in more ways than one. Alzir reached in the drawer under the console and took out a blaster, loading it. He knew what being removed from ¡®The Circle¡¯ meant. Alzir needed to get off Coruscant, close up shop on his home planet and go into hiding. His name was going to end up on the lists. Death Marks galaxy wide. Marstel was a good friend and Alzir owed him and his family a lot. But one thing Marstel didn¡¯t tolerate was disloyalty. He couldn¡¯t. Alzir knew what he risked when he let Aurora go. Even as he loaded the blaster and looked toward the door, he couldn¡¯t help but think about the Mirialan. Aurora had been the one thing on his mind since he let her go. An infection that he couldn¡¯t purge. He had done his duty to Marstel and Karolin. Torture the Mirialan, eventually ending up being intimate with her. That, was his biggest mistake. The Wroonian had plenty of women, he considered himself a lady¡¯s man. But Aurora had affected him in an unexpected way. And he couldn¡¯t get her out of his head. And it had more to do than just his weakness for Mirialans. The chime at his door made the Wroonian look up suddenly. Raising the blaster up, he moved to the side of the room and skirted the wall. The derelict apartment didn¡¯t come with outside holo-cams. He couldn¡¯t take a look who was at the door. Once reaching the doorframe, Alzir brought the blaster up, looking down to smile and shake his head. Marstel had wasted no time in closing ¡®The Circle¡¯ to him. No doubt the chime at the door was the first of many coming to pay a visit to Alzir for his betrayal. This was only the beginning and it was only going to get worse. Until either Alzir hid successfully or he ended up dead. It dawned on him that either it was the politest hitman in the galaxy that come calling or the dumbest. Whoever came to kill someone and used the chime to announce their arrival? Alzir lowered the blaster, holding it in the small of his back. Touching the pad to open the door. It slid upward with a ¡®swoosh¡¯ of air. And what stood in the doorway could have been his end. But dressed as she was, he hardly thought so. Aurora had a finger to her mouth. Her tongue gently touched the elaborately decorated fingertips and nail of an index finger as she smiled at him. Leaning into the frame, the Mirialan crossed her legs. Allowing the coat she wore to fall open. Hardly anything was underneath. The strap of one garter had come loose, dropping the stocking of one leg. Her brazier on one side had pulled upward revealing the breast. None of that seemed intentional given that everything about Aurora in that moment was completely intentional. Her hair fell away to one side as she released a soft sigh and looked him up and down. ¡°¡­aren¡¯t you going to invite me in¡­.¡± -- -- Sith Citadel, Dark Council Chambers ¨C Dromand Kaas¡­. Mrysti strode down the lit hallway, with purpose. Looking up she saw the Imperial Holo-net was already broadcasting the propaganda. ¡®Darth Vowrawn ¨C Killed by Republic infiltrators¡¯ The Dark Council and the Empire would milk his death for all it was worth to fuel the war effort. It didn¡¯t matter that it wasn¡¯t true, just that Vowrawn was a hero in some regards, killed by the Republic. Putting her head back down, she stared forward, a smirk coming to her face. Mrysti had quite literally cleaned out the new vestiges of the Sith Empire that followed the war with the Eternal Empire. Having killed Acina on Ossus and then coming home to kill Vowrawn; things were getting back in order. A return to the old ways. And Mrysti could feel a bit of that in her bones. Old hatreds and rage reigniting to damper all of her feelings of loyalty and remorse for what she knew she would have to do. Behind her, Cornelia also strode with purpose. Her head held high. A look of resolute intensity. When other Imperials or Sith looked their way, Cornelia would stare back in a ¡®how dare you¡¯ manner. She was proud, intense. A razor. A weapon Mrysti was forging, very much like she was forged by Darth Isilith. Master passing on their knowledge to their apprentice and all the while fashioning a weapon to use against all of her enemies. They reached the door. Unlike Cornelia, Mrysti did not straighten up. She did not expect trouble, but she was prepared for it. Passing through the massive ornate vaulted door meant anything could happen. Narrowing her eyes, Mrysti looked back at Cornelia and gave a slight smile. ¡°Ready?¡± Cornelia nodded curtly. ¡°Yes, Master.¡± The door slid open from the middle with a slow creak. Mrysti and Cornelia stepping through the darkened threshold to the low dark purple and red lights of the Dark Council chamber. Several members were still getting to their seats. Mrysti glanced up at the empty one. Vowrawn¡¯s. And smirked slightly before making her way to the center of the circular chamber. Before she was addressed, Mrysti felt a strong, gloved hand grab her arm. She felt him before he touched her, slowly turning her head to look almost eye to eye with Darth Malgus. The other Dark Lord gave Cornelia a cold stare, before Mrysti excused herself taking a few steps away from the center with Malgus. The Dark Lord placed his hands on his hips, his eyes widening. His voice slightly muffled from the respirator he wore over the bottom half of his face. ¡°You did me a favor, Darth Retuvisa¡­¡± Mrysti inclined an eyebrow at the revelation as Malgus continued. ¡°¡­my resurrection was not an accident. Both Acina and Vowrawn saw fit to have a controller chip placed within these replacement cybernetics. I was being controlled in some ways by the two of them. That part, you don¡¯t know. The part you do know is, now that I am free we will take this battle to the Heart of the Republic. I won¡¯t forget what you¡¯ve done.¡± It almost sounded menacing instead of a statement of gratitude. Mrysti nodded softly and turned back as Malgus called toward her. ¡°Thank you, Darth Malgus¡­¡± ¡°Darth Retuvisa¡­know this. Though you have my gratitude; I will not hesitate to turn that gratitude into rage should you perform inadequately.¡± Mrysti turned back to face him slowly, their eyes locking. ¡°I am NOT Acina or Vowrawn, I do not hide¡­you will not find in me an opponent so easily defeated.¡± Mrysti nodded softly once again, a wry smile coming to her face. ¡°If it ever comes to that, Darth Malgus, I assure you¡­there will be no need for either of us to hide. I will come find¡­.YOU.¡± The lights came up softly as the last of the Dark Council took their seats. All of the assembled Dark Lords glanced at the empty chair before glancing down at Mrysti and Cornelia. They waited. Slowly Mrysti took a knee, Cornelia following suit before Darth Anathel stood and looked down at them both. ¡°¡­you come before us to be confirmed in your victory over Vowrawn. Performed legally and in accordance with his manner of treachery. Darth Retuvisa, do you swear in this act your loyalty to the Sith Empire? That this action was taken for the good of the Sith and not for your own interest?¡± ¡°I do.¡± Mrysti¡¯s voice carried over the chamber as Darth Anathel turned his gaze toward Cornelia. ¡°Lord Usher, you have come before the Council to seek confirmation that you are your father¡¯s daughter. Blood marks adorn your head, are you prepared once again to take up your sword in defense of the Sith Empire? Reclaim your rite as sister of the blood clan of your family and destroy all enemies of the Empire?¡± ¡°I do.¡± Darth Anathel looked around at the other members of the Council before looking at Cornelia once again. ¡°Vowrawn sealed his fate the day he assaulted you. Unknowingly releasing a vengeance that brought you and Darth Retuvisa together. It was fate, there is no coincidence that you two found one another in the dark. Lord Cornelia Usher, do you wish to complete your training under the watchful gaze of Darth Retuviusa, accept her ways and follow her until you are Ascended?¡± Cornelia paused and looked over at Mrysti. Mrysti could feel her eyes and the slight smile that creased the corners of her mouth. ¡°Yes¡­Darth Anathel.¡± ¡°Then Darth Retuvisa, Lord Cornelia Usher speaks in your name. Your will, shall be her will.¡± All of the Dark Council members stood joining Darth Anathel as he glared down at the two of them. "...we rise, not for who you are but for what you''ve done. More than earned, you will once again carry the Hammer to our enemies. Until you are dead or you find someone worthy to replace you. Lord Usher is hereby confirmed as your apprentice and absolved of any wrongdoing. Go...take terror and fear to our enemies. Glory...to the Empire...." -- -- - Primary Sith Cabin, Imperial Dreadnaught Endeavor¡­. ¡°Come in, come in ¡®Admiral¡¯¡­.¡± Mrysti smiled as she used the honorific. Still in her confirmation attire, it was clear she had been drinking. A big bright smile on her face as she flopped down in the desk chair and faced the Admiral looking up. A glass inclined toward the other woman. Admiral Rickter nodded curtly, stepping inside to allow the door to slide closed behind her, standing. Waiting. ¡°No, please¡­.SIT!!! You don¡¯t have to wait for permission. We¡¯re alone now, Talia!! We don¡¯t stand on formality while we¡¯re alone.¡± Mrysti smiled brightly again, devilishly refilling her glass after draining it. A little spilling over the side as she shoved the glass toward Talia¡¯s side of the desk and grabbed another for herself. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry¡­I should have gotten you a clean one.¡± Mrysti smiled wickedly again. ¡°No it¡¯s fine, My Lor¡ª¡± Talia started to use Mrysti¡¯s honorific and stopped herself. Not finishing she sat down rather formally and folded her arms into her lap. Not reaching for the glass. ¡°What¡¯s the occasion, if I may ask?¡± Beside the confirmation of her apprentice there was no other reason Talia could think of that Mrysti would be celebrating. Mrysti continued the wicked smile. ¡®Listen.¡± Mrysti leaned in close. Scooting up to the lip of the desk to leer over at Talia. ¡°If you are going to be my Admiral, you have got to loosen up.¡± Mrysti slapped the glass down and slapped the desk again with her other hand leaning back. ¡°That¡¯s the occasion?!?! Truth, total truth between us. I had to wait to get past all of this business with the Dark Council. They could have tried to kill me you know? But¡­they are smarter than that. They know an asset when they see one. But¡­enough of politics¡­.¡± Talia raised a questioning eyebrow as Mrysti smiled warmly. ¡°Talia¡­¡± A little of the excitement and joy bleeding from her voice as she got softer. ¡°¡­I didn¡¯t get to pick my last Admiral. We eventually became close. Friends even. But his constant efforts in the beginning to undermine me and complete his given assignment; which was to spy and report on me, almost cost me everything. Once we saw eye to eye¡ª¡± Mrysti lost the smile and looked away. ¡°¡ªhis loss was grievous to me. Even now I still see the flames of the ship exploding over Belsavis.¡± With the Dark Lord taking a moment, Talia sat back and relaxed. Taking the glass in her mechanical hand. Glancing at the hand, Talia also looked up. Its loss a necessary one to save Talia¡¯s life. She knew it. Mrysti could have very easily killed her as save her in order to repossess the Eye of Sion. But she chose to save Talia by only severing the hand which held the lightsaber. Mrysti looked up and Talia quickly locked eyes with her. It was almost as if Mrysti could sense what Talia was thinking, because she could. Mrysti also glanced at the right mechanical hand of Admiral Rickter and frowned slightly. There were no words to be spoken about it, not anymore. Talia insisted on that. ¡°Well, if drinking is your game.¡± Talia tipped the glass to her lips smiling as she took a sip. ¡°Then I¡¯m your girl, ¡®My Lord¡¯.¡± Talia smiled after using the title. Telling Mrysti it was meant in jest. They both relaxed, Mrysti refilling her glass again after a long moment of simply sitting and drinking across from one another. Finally locking eyes again. Talia was looking at the glass, admiring its contents. A very rare Alderannian Brandy. Talia collected fine wines and liquors. She was an authority on them. ¡°Do you consider yourself¡­¡± Mrysti began the question in curious tone. ¡°¡­a ¡®loyal¡¯ Imperial? That¡¯s always the first question I ask.¡± Talia narrowed her eyes. Finishing the glass, she sat it down and reached for the bottle, sitting up to lean toward Mrysti¡¯s side. Refilling the glass and taking a long draw before looking back to answer. ¡°Yes. Absolutely.¡± Talia watched Mrysti start to frown slightly. The Admiral glanced at the mechanical hand which gripped the glass gently. It took lots of practice to use the mechanical appendage on delicate objects. And she was carefully holding the glass. ¡°But¡­¡± Mrysti looked up as Talia continued. ¡°¡­my absolute loyalty lies with you.¡± Another wicked smile started to form as Mrysti lifted her glass and raised it toward Talia. ¡°All I ask, is that you trust me.¡± Mrysti smiled warmly. ¡°You will not always understand or even agree with what I¡¯m doing, but I make this promise: I will never betray you, Talia. I return loyalty that is given. And trust me that I always have a plan, even if it doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡± They touched glasses. The sound of the meeting making a clear ¡®ching¡¯ inside the small cabin. Talia nodded as both took a sip after toasting one another. ¡°And I also make this vow¡­you will never have to look any farther than your ¡®Admiral¡¯, when it comes to advice and counsel. Not that you will ever need it.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Mrysti slapped the glass down again and smiled wickedly. ¡°It¡¯s going to get bloody Talia. Very bloody. You need to know that I am fighting forces within, around and outside of the Empire. Some of them will come for us, some of them will run from us. But all of them will either conform or die. One of these factions will absolutely be crushed. Once we catch up in the endgame, you will understand whom it is I am referring to.¡± Mrysti sat back, cradling the glass. ¡°But for now¡­we do our duty. Our first target¡­the Jedi Enclave on Yaga Minor. Let¡¯s do our part for King and Country.¡± ¡°As you command, ¡®My Lord¡¯¡­.¡± Talia raised the glass toward her Commander and smiled, draining it. Wiping her mouth on her arm, she sat the glass down and stood. ¡°¡­Glory, to the Empire¡­¡± -- - Sith Meditation Chamber, Imperial Dreadnaught Endeavor¡­.. Cornelia watched them leave. The group of officers. All of them hurrying by. All except for Admiral Rickter who leisurely followed the group out of the chamber, stopping once she saw Cornelia. Laying a balled fist to her chest in salute; stopping to greet the apprentice. ¡°What kind of mood is she in?¡± Cornelia asked softly. ¡°Actually, a very good one¡­considering.¡± Talia looked off toward the hustle of officers which were just disappearing around the corner. ¡°Lots of hiring and firing¡¯s going on. I am trying to weed the weak from the strong, it¡¯s not easy. Your Master is assisting me in that regard.¡± Talia started to walk off, slapping Cornelia on the back as she passed. ¡°Good Luck¡­¡± There was a closeness and kinship between Cornelia, Mrysti and Talia that transcended rank since their time at the prison. Entering the room, the blast door closed sharply behind her. Cornelia looked back and then quickly knelt down to one knee, looking at the ground. ¡°Your will¡­.Master¡­¡± The chamber opened back up as Mrysti spun around the center chair. Around her holo screens and terminals decorated the interior of the isolated chamber. They began to shut off as Mrysti turned away from them. Just as much a meditation chamber as it was a respite from the rest of the ship. Mrysti could control entire battles from inside the tiny chamber if she wished. But that was not Mrysti¡¯s way. Looking down, the large Mirialan glared at Cornelia; who stayed looking at the ground until she was commanded not to. Mrysti waited a long moment, reaching over to wrap her fingers around the large hammer that lay next to her seat. ¡°Rise¡­Apprentice¡­¡± Cornelia looked up and finally stood to face Mrysti. The Mirialan grimaced and narrowed her eyes. ¡°You summoned, My Lord¡­¡± ¡°Yes¡­I did.¡± Mrysti continued to stare, as if searching Cornelia. So far, Canton¡¯s abrupt departure had no ill effects on Cornelia, but that would change. Mrysti had already seen it. A confrontation loomed with that situation. With whom, Mrysti was unsure. Cornelia locked her hands behind her back and stared back toward her Master, her lip twitched slightly. ¡°Lord Usher¡­¡± Mrysti began again, ¡°¡­you will assist Admiral Rickter in the conquest and take over of the Jedi enclave. YOU WILL, minimize casualties.¡± Cornelia¡¯s lip twitched again. Mrysti could feel the question before Cornelia even asked it. ¡°Because I wish it. Yours is to do, not to question. You will minimize casualties. And when the Jedi call for reinforcements, You will pull back toward the last phase line and await further instructions.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°My Lord¡­¡± Cornelia began her statement as a question, ¡°¡­I understand you wish to minimize casualties due to your loyalty to some of your former allies within the Coalition. But we are at war¡­the Jedi and the Republic are the enemy.¡± Mrysti stood, picking the hammer up and slinging it over a shoulder as she slowly walked down one step at a time. Until she finally towered over her diminutive apprentice. ¡°While I appreciate your honesty, I do so tire of your questioning when those queries come from a place of mistrust. As I stated previously, you may leave my service anytime you wish. You are a confirmed Lord now, far beyond advanced training. OR¡­¡± Mrysti slung the hammer off her shoulder. The head of the weapon hit the metal deck plating loudly. ¡°¡­you may challenge me¡­anytime you wish for command of this fleet.¡± Cornelia did not move. Her eyes still laser focused on her Master. Even with the intimidating move down the stairs looming over her, Cornelia was undeterred. ¡°I have no desire to leave, My Lord. You understand, I have not seen or experienced what you have with these¡­¡¯Jedi¡¯. I do not share your sentimentality¡­.¡± ¡°This has nothing to do with sentiment.¡± Mrysti turned away. Turning back, she moved toward the stairs, stopping to look back toward her apprentice. ¡°This has to do with trust. Jedi will die in this attack¡­and before long your lust for vengeance and conquest will be satiated. That I promise you. This attack has a more important purpose. One you will soon realize, should you see fit to trust in my judgment. Now go¡­¡± Mrysti waved Cornelia off. The apprentice turned sharply and started for the door, stopping as Mrysti called her back. ¡°And Cornelia¡­do be careful down there. Those Jedi, they don¡¯t know I have an ulterior motive in conducting this assault.¡± Cornelia smiled wickedly and bowed at the neck. Laying a balled fist to her chest. ¡°Your will¡­.Master¡­¡± -- - Yaga Minor, Jedi Enclave¡­Imperial Phase Line ¡®Charlie¡¯¡­. ¡°We are pulling back, My Lord¡­just as you instructed. My Lord?¡± Talia started to ask the question even before she received a response. ¡°¡­I have plotted in artillery and orbitals all along our egress back to this location. I request permission to use those points should the need arise?¡± <¡±¡­Military tactics are your game, Admiral¡­do as you will. Both you and my apprentice have followed my instructions to the best of your capability. Republic Reinforcements are incoming¡­¡±> ¡°Very good, My Lord¡­.¡± Talia raised the macros back to her face, looking out toward the small force which was chasing her last units back toward the hills. Launching an arm out, Talia spoke out loud. ¡°Fire.¡± She said softly. -- Admiral¡¯s Log, Hammer Fleet ¨C Flagship Endeavor, Talia Rickter, Commanding¡­. As predicted, our forces led the Republic reinforcements into an impasse. The only way to advance forward was a route in and out of the city. They weren¡¯t going to leave it and we had them and their reinforcements surrounded. We were contacted by the Republic¡¯s representative. Only HE wasn¡¯t any ordinary representative. The designated Chief of Staff to the Republic¡¯s Supreme Commander. This all seemed rather preordained. But I am in no position to question her Lordship. I¡¯ve met the man. I admit, my curiosity was piqued that the Republic would send one of the top level command and staff types to conduct the negotiation. Lord Retuvisa¡¯s plan was masterful. The Republic walked right into it. But after meeting him, I have to question. Did they? On so many levels, he is not what he seems. Not your typical stylus pusher, desk jockey. This man exudes leadership. I almost found myself snapping to attention when he walked in. He doesn¡¯t seem the foolhardy or ignorant type. Which begs the former question. Perhaps it was all a ploy. My trust in the Dark Lord, if it was a ploy I¡¯m sure she had her reasons. It did give me a chance to see one of the heroes of the Republic up close. An imposing figure. Tall and almost as broad. Piercing, dark brown eye--*ahem*, well these are my ¡®personal¡¯ logs. No need to stand on military formality. General Trea¡¯vor Alpha is a living legend among the Republicans. After meeting him I can see why. His demeanor was cold, calculated. I tried to be as pleasant as I could. And as instructed, I offered him an invitation to dine aboard my ship. At first, he refused. Once I mentioned her Lordship, his entire demeanor changed. After accepting the invitation, we ended the meeting; coming to no conclusion as to the safe passage of our forces and the cease-fire. I assume that will be discussed when he arrives. It¡¯s been so long. A man, not a sniveling, whining, kowtowing semblance of manhood. But a real one. Perhaps he will accept an invitation for a night cap. I can only imagine what is hiding under all of that armor. Listen to me, pining like a common first year cadet. I¡¯m the Admiral of this fleet, it¡¯s time I started acting like one. We will, of course, extend all of the necessary pomp and circumstance to one so warranted of the ceremony of it all. And, if that ends with an opportunity to spend a little time getting to know my adversary, then so be it. Chalk it up to¡­.educational opportunity...... -- - Galaxy Core, Neutral Space Station Near Yaga Minor¡­. Trisitan realized after the fact that all of it was a set-up. A very unique, but much needed set-up. Karolin had done her duty, explaining the intricacies of how to deal with her brother. What he expected in a friend and confidant. Something he couldn¡¯t have done himself. Not because he lacked the ability, but coming from him it would have been taken the wrong way. He needed an impartial entity to explain things. A woman. Someone with the subtleties that came with dealing with the feminine part of a species. RT needed a top advisor and Trisitan was more than capable of filling the job. But her hesitance and RT¡¯s status being what it was, Trisitan needed an urging to get past the record and see RT as a man. ¡°This is ill-advised.¡± General Trisitan leaned in and whispered to RT. The General had finally loosened up enough to speak her mind. Perhaps too loose. RT glanced at her as she leaned in. His look could still stop her cold and the look of annoyance he gave her made the General look down to finish speaking. ¡°Any number of officers in the Ministry could have done this. Diplomats¡­there was no need for the Chief of Staff for the entire Republic Military to set foot on this station. Much less engage in negotiations with¡ª¡± RT glanced at her again. ¡°¡ªI¡¯m sorry, Sir.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t apologize, General. You are doing exactly what I told you to do.¡± RT smiled as he spoke softly. Both of them standing, looking at the door on the far opposite end of the circular room adjacent to the airlock chambers. ¡°Now, learn to follow my lead. There is a reason I¡¯m here¡­and not some ¡®officer¡¯ from the Ministry.¡± Folding his arms over his chest, RT watched as the door on the other side lit up indicating a seal was taking place. ¡°Besides, they specifically requested a military presence. No Diplomat could have taken this¡­.¡± The door opened on the far side with the release of steam. Imperial Guards came out first, glancing toward RT and his entourage, but not moving forward. Instead, flanking the door. Parting the way for others. Stepping forward and through the steam an obvious Sith. RT narrowed his eyes, he could always tell them apart from their military counterparts, especially by the way they dressed. Next to the Sith, a very smartly dressed female Imperial. They both walked in step and in unison. Both female¡¯s heels clicking loudly as they approached the opposite side of the table. RT dropped his arms to his sides. Talia looked RT up and down. Hopefully he didn¡¯t notice her eyes get wide as she finished. The Republic Officer was massive. Towering over everyone in the room. Only tossing a cursory glance toward the Republic General who stood next to RT, Talia clicked her heels and laid a hand to her heart. ¡°On behalf of the Sith Empire, I bring you greetings¡­.¡± Talia flourished her arm toward the Sith, who was still glaring at RT. ¡°This is Lord Cornelia Usher¡­Our Lord and Master, Darth Retuvisa regrets she is unable to join us. The situation on the surface necessitates her attentions elsewhere. I¡¯m sure you understand¡­.¡± ¡°More than you realize¡­¡± RT looked down at the woman and her rank insignia. ¡°¡­Admiral.¡± Moving his arms toward the chairs, RT gestured for them all to sit. Still staring at each other, they all sat in unison. RT folded his hands together and looked placid. Waiting. It was the Sith that called the meeting. A parlay requesting some concession on the surface, even as the war waged on. ¡°Yes, well¡­.¡± Talia looked at Cornelia as if asking permission to speak for her then looked back to RT. ¡°¡­General, as you are no doubt aware. We have reached an impasse in our offensive. The Republic has dug themselves in deep within the Capital and our troops cannot advance beyond the city¡¯s shielded defenses.¡± ¡°I am aware of the tactical situation, Admiral.¡± RT leaned forward slightly. ¡°What is it you want?¡± ¡°The Sith Empire¡­¡± Talia began softly, ¡°¡­is willing to concede back to the last phase line. Giving the Republic control of the city and the land surrounding it. If the Republic will concede and allow our forces safe passage to the other side of the city and the land beyond. We have need to evacuate our casualties and set up a recovery station there. Current conditions outside the city and the continued assault of Republic forces make our evacuation in that regard, quite impossible. It is to both our benefits, General. The Republic gets a much-needed breath and we get to recovery our losses. We don¡¯t wish any further loss of life.¡± RT smiled wryly narrowing his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re trapped. The terrain doesn¡¯t allow for aerial and vehicular recovery. And you need those assets elsewhere.¡± Sitting back RT, nodded. ¡°But you can save the plea for life, Admiral. If you and I had our way, no one would leave this rock again. Imperial and Republic.¡± Narrowing her eyes in kind, Talia smiled wickedly. ¡°We see eye to eye, General. If I had my way, you and I would not even be discussing this. A fight to the death, hmm? But I don¡¯t get to make those decisions, someone else does. The Empire wants those men off the surface and I have been sent to ask that you allow that. Otherwise, we all die here.¡± ¡°Well not you and I.¡± RT said bluntly. He stood on his own causing the others to stand as well. Cornelia laid a hand on her saber at the speed with which RT stood. Causing RT¡¯s aide to lay her hand on her blaster. Only Talia and RT stood relaxed, looking at one another. ¡°No, you and I get to go home¡­don¡¯t we Admiral?¡± Rounding the table, RT stuck out his hand. ¡°We have an accord, Admiral. Inform your superiors your forces will be allowed passage though the city. And also inform them that our entire fleet has the entire route zoned in with orbital calculations down to the last inch. If any of your forces so much as makes a move toward the city, the sky will burn all of them to dust.¡± Taking the hand, Talia shook it. Surprised at the strength and struggling not to show it, she smiled wryly. ¡°It would be like shooting at a range. Why would anyone attack from a tactically disadvantaged position?¡± ¡°My thoughts exactly. Quite a test of your desire to limit loss of life.¡± RT took his hand back and nodded curtly to the Admiral, preparing to leave. ¡°Speaking of desire¡­¡± The words made RT turn back. ¡°¡­would you be interested in concluding the details of our negotiation on board the Endeavor?¡± General Trisitan shot a look at the Admiral before looking at RT and shaking her head ¡®no¡¯. RT narrowed his eyes. ¡°I would be delighted to accept your gracious invitation. Inform her ¡®Lordship¡¯ I will arrive at 2100 hours¡­¡± ¡°Sounds delightful, General¡­I look forward to being a gracious host.¡± -- - Ready Room, Imperial Dreadnaught Endeavor¡­. Mrysti rounded the desk and sat leisurely. RT only folded his arms and looked down. ¡°There were easier ways to bring me out here that didn¡¯t involve the deaths of so many¡­¡± ¡°No their weren¡¯t.¡± Mrysti remarked with a smile, sitting up to incline her head toward the bar which sat on the far side of the room. RT crossed it and made himself a drink. Looking back toward his sister. ¡°I¡¯ve been gone RT. All of those old communication routes were either closed or non-existent. And I needed to reestablish some. And under the guise of still doing my job. It¡¯s the last thing either of us need right now, interference from either the Sith or the Republic.¡± ¡°See that¡¯s where your wrong. About the job, I mean¡­I AM actually doing a job here. You are playing for the wrong side.¡± ¡°Oh save me the political speeches. You know what this is about. He¡¯s back. And I can¡¯t outright contact Karolin or get any of your opinions on this.¡± Mrysti released a sigh and sat back. ¡°And I¡¯m not the one whose wrong here. I am also conducting myself as a member in good standing of the Sith Empire. I intend to fight this war, but that doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t deal with the¡­¡¯other¡¯ problem.¡± Mrysti shook her head and looked down. ¡°So what do we know? Where am I going?¡± Releasing a slight laugh, RT took a sip of the drink setting the glass down after doing so. ¡°The main hub is on Corellia. The Empire has no way of getting there. But its possible they have spread now. Karolin is convinced the Doctor is alive. And if that¡¯s the case, everything¡­the war, our relationships¡­all of it is about to get much more complicated.¡± Mrysti considered for a long moment before looking up at her brother. ¡°It was my absence that put all of this in motion. If the Doctor is alive and Telan¡¯dorr is aiding him¡­us being divided is what they all are counting on. We have to maintain that ruse.¡± Mrysti paused and stood up rounding the desk to join her brother. ¡°I have an asset I can put into play, several in fact.¡± Mrysti stuck out her hand. ¡°¡­we may have to fight this war and each other, but this is bigger than any of us. The Doctor is a direct threat to the program and the galaxy. I¡¯m not going to let him destroy us all.¡± RT looked at the hand and smiled. Reaching out he grabbed his sister and gave her a tremendous hug. ¡°It¡¯s hard to hate someone and love someone at the same time.¡± He released his sister and smiled at her. ¡°I agree, though I will be unable to provide any direct support. Maintaining this ruse may very well mean we may end up killing one another.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Mrysti said sadly. ¡°Thanks for the drink. I will pass on your love to the others.¡± RT moved for the door. ¡°RT¡­¡± Mrysti called out as her brother turned to look at her. ¡°¡­my ¡®Admiral¡¯ and the others are not in on any of my plans. They are following me blindly into all of this.¡± RT nodded and turned back. ¡°Speaking of the Admiral, I believe that she has an eye for you.¡± RT crooked an eyebrow. ¡°I sensed it, sue me¡­whatever you decided to do know that she can know nothing until the time is right.¡± ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m going to do anything?¡± ¡°I¡¯m your sister. I know you. And Admiral Rickter is quite ¡®persuasive¡¯. Just don¡¯t do any permanent damage to her. Not only do I still need her, I am also quite fond of her.¡± RT nodded approaching the door, it slid open as he walked out. -- - The Wilds, Concord Dawn¡­. Three weeks. One to get there and two on the hunt. No better way to clear up confusing and conflicting thoughts. Something ¡®Aruetii¡¯ would never understand. It was not only an escape to get a clearer sense of purpose, it was also a challenge he needed to feel like himself again. A Mandalorian. Canton ducked down, placing a hand on the rock as he looked down at the faint signs on the ground. Reaching down to touch the track and bring the fingers back up to his nose. One hour, maybe less. Canton narrowed his eyes surveying the landscape, peering out in between the trees and slowly swaying brush. He was close. Very close. The tracker behind him had an easy time. Only taking point when Canton lost the scent. Prison had dulled the skill, but not removed it. The tracker, a safety net for Canton, but he was making the job easy. Behind him the tracker ducked down similarly and once Canton moved forward the tracker mimicked his charges former motion; dipping a hand into the dirt and raising the fingers to his nose. Canton¡¯s senses had sharpened quickly in the short few weeks they had been out there. A Kree¡¯chek was not a beast to be taken lightly. It wasn¡¯t the apex predator in the wild, but its elusiveness made it deadly. It wasn¡¯t a hunt for survival, but rather a hunt for sharpening skills. Canton rose the blaster rifle to his shoulder and activated the thermal sight. There were lots out in front giving off heat, but only one thing that did it in set intervals. Seeing the fluctuation, Canton quickly slapped a hand on the sight and zoomed it in toward the target. Just as quickly placing the hand back under the forward stock to stabilize the weapon. He waited, patiently. Slow breaths, controlled thought. Reaching out almost. Feeling what the beast would do next. Knowing that if it knew where he was, it was over. Softly, Canton closed his eyes and counted. Pacing the interval between heat and camouflage. Opening them slowly, he was rewarded. The Kree¡¯chek moving down the side of the tree cautiously. Stopping to sense its environment and wait before moving again. Without hesitation, Canton fired. -- Carrying the carcass back was part of it all. Canton dressed it in the field to remove some of the weight and bring back only what he needed to use. The meat, the coat. A trophy to show that he once again was on the right path. The tracker exchanged a nod with Canton once they reached the base camp, both men parting ways as Canton gave the alien the credits promised. He knelt by the fire. Something that was constant in the camp. Constantly tended and constantly roaring. Dropping the carcass down in the dirt, untying the six legs of the beast to open it up and discard the makeshift harness he used to carry the large animal back to the lodging camp. Canton looked up and paused. Stunned suddenly. His eyes narrowing as he locked eyes with her. Less her armor, Renatta wore only the red undersuit. Part of her weapon harness adorned the tight-fitting body glove. The symbol of their clan emblazoned on the right breast of the suit, shined at interval in the firelight. Canton stood slowly. Renatta brought a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide. Losing herself for a moment. Seeing him. Someone she thought dead, someone she never thought to ever see in the flesh again. Taking a step forward, he nodded slightly. ¡°Ner Kar¡¯ta¡­Sa kyr¡¯am Nau tracyn Kad¡­.¡± Canton raised a hand, palm facing Renatta as he spoke the words. They caused her to smile shyly and look down, away from him. Her dark skin flushed slightly before she looked up, raising her own hand; palm facing him. ¡°Ner Kar¡¯ta¡­hettir ogir balyc. Mhi solus dhar¡¯tome¡­.¡± Renatta¡¯s lip quivered as she moved toward him. Picking up speed, leaping into his arms. They embraced, kissing hungrily until Renatta broke free in his arms to grab his face and look down at him. Tracks of tears running down both sides. ¡°I thought I lost you¡­¡± She spoke breathlessly, kissing him again as Canton held her tight. The light of the fire burning brighter as the sun began to set on them both. A beginning of an end. And the renewal of his vow to the clan and his commitment to its future. In the back of his mind, even as he held Renatta the face was there. It pained him. Canton was torn. Holding Renatta she felt like home. The life stolen from him, torn away when he tried to live up to his oath as a Mandalorian. Canton had another life. Created for him by the betrayal of all that he stood for. He tried to tell himself he did what he had to in order to survive. Something Renatta or any other Mando in his clan would never understand. They would say he should have died rather than betray himself and his commitments. Canton was a survivor, he always had been. And self-termination was not in his character. Renatta would never understand. None of them would. But that face, the one he kept seeing even as he looked on his wife¡¯s smiling visage; that face would understand. She always had. Canton came to Concord Dawn to find himself. Only to have Renatta and his old life come to find him. To forget and get a sense of himself. But, Canton couldn¡¯t forget her. He never would. In his quest to get back to his roots he found that he was more torn and confused than ever. His heart torn between a world taken and a world he created. And he couldn¡¯t have one and not the other. -- -Lameredd, Marstel''s Farm.... There was no infectious thing more than Aurore¡¯s smile. It was one of the things Waylon loved about her. Aurore was the whole reason he decided to take the rest on Lameredd with Aurore. And she was not ready to leave. Lameredd was very different than Zeltros. It was those differences she loved. When the wind blew, it was sometimes hotter or colder than she was used to, no where near perfect. It exhilarated her to feel that effect. Letting her know how alive she was. Rain was hard and cold. Even on the sub-tropical planet, which happened to be in the throws of winter at the moment. Not cold for a winter by other planet¡¯s standards, but cold enough to show the effect to Aurore. Everything was alive on Lameredd. Fertile. She could see why Marstel loved the planet, he could run the farm and grow things all year round as the seasons changed with the planet¡¯s life and vegetation. Walking through the field of wild flowers, she ran her hand over the knee-high flowers and breathed in their life. Dodging the stalks of the nearly seven-foot-tall flowers that lay in interval among their smaller brethren. Waylon watched her twirl and laugh. Aurore opening her arms to turn her face to the sun. It was almost hard to believe that she belonged anywhere else or that her skills put her in the bowels of a starship most times. With a spanner or torch in her hands. She was definitely a surface girl. Judging by the way she sucked in all the life around her. Her face as bright as the sun and the flowers around her. Reaching down, she plucked one from the field carefully. Nice enough to say sorry to the ground for having to take it before placing it behind one ear and turning toward Waylon. She walked toward him, almost skipping as she reached out to take his hand and pull him from the stump of the tree he sat on. Waylon shook his head even as she took the hand, pulling it out of his. He wasn¡¯t ready to be that happy yet. Only on Lameredd because Aurore wanted to be there. It certainly wasn¡¯t because he felt he owed Marstel anything or even liked the large Ratataki remotely. Aurore frowned as Waylon took his hand away. The Zeltron shrugged, turning to walk back in and among the wildflowers. Where she belonged. Where did Waylon belong? He knew where ever it was going to be, it would be by Aurore¡¯s side. If he could somehow get out of the funk he found himself in. Something elusive was eating away at him and had been for some time. Waylon kept coming back to the words Mrysti spoke to him as they departed the Endeavor for the last time. ¡®It was never too late to go home¡­¡¯ Home was going to be where ever he made it. Where ever Aurore made it. He already decided that much. Getting off the stump, Waylon wandered back toward the farm. Moving past one of the barns that served as a warehouse for Marstel and the others who used the farm. He almost passed it entirely, something prompting him to stop and look at the door. Slowly he turned. There wasn¡¯t a lock on the door. What ever was in there, Marstel was not trying to hide it. Marstel didn¡¯t keep locks on anything at the farm. Anything he wanted to keep away or hide, he did. No need for locks if you couldn¡¯t find what he didn¡¯t want you to. Opening the door, automatic lights winked on illuminating the interior. It looked like the typical barn, less the smell of animals. It smelled different, ancient. More like a library than a barn. Crates were stacked at intervals along the walls. As Waylon browsed them he saw names like. ¡®Korriban¡¯ and ¡®Coalition¡¯. Some of the crates had people¡¯s names on them. Others had the names of places or events. It was a library for all intents and purposes. A storage place for Marstel¡¯s past. A place of memory kept in the best way he could given the environment of the farm. Waylon stopped suddenly once he saw his name. His head canting slightly as he looked again and read to make sure. Looking around nervously, as if he stumbled onto something that could get him in trouble. Waylon moved forward and looked at the lid, quickly opening the crate. And once he did, the gunslinger stepped back in shock and alarm. Careful not to look back into the large crate until he was ready. Reaching in, he picked it up. The helmet smelled like fused wiring, even after all that time. The smell of fire and smoke. Of death and destruction. ¡®You are your clans¡¯ leader¡­.¡¯ Those words spoken by another Mandalorian made Waylon look up, even as he held the shattered helmet in his hands. His helmet, the crest of his clan burned in half with the left side of the helmet missing from impact and destruction. Waylon looked back down at the helmet and closed his eyes, bringing the helmet up to touch his forehead to the helmet¡¯s. ¡®Verd ori¡¯shya beskar¡¯gam¡­Yooba cuyir gar aliit alor¡¯ -- Corellia, Column Skyhook¡­Medical Bay¡­. ¡°Ok¡­¡± Cypher nodded as she laid down and shook her head nervously. ¡°¡­I¡¯m ready.¡± Amalgom looked on, biting a nail. Approaching the bed, he looked down at her. A concerned look on his face. The rich bass of his voice eased Cypher and made her smile. ¡°Are you sure you want to do this?¡± Cypher nodded again, closing her eyes as she turned her head away. ¡°I¡¯m the only one who can. Who else has the number of augments I do? Who else can we test the thing on? And if I¡¯m right, we can find out what the weaknesses of the augment are. Put an end to the ¡®life-giver¡¯.¡± Arms descended, flipping her over in the surgical bay. The laser cut into the base of her neck, another lowering the augment in and activating it after putting her under. The procedure took about thirty minutes. Slowly she was rotated around. Amalgom watching everything. Cypher¡¯s eyes jerked open. The light that shown in them formerly blue turned a bright green as she sucked in a deep breath and looked up. ¡°Oh my¡­¡± she spoke softly. ¡°¡­I see it. I see it all¡­.¡± -- Coruscant, Government Sector, Office of the Mirialan Senator¡­. ¡°I am so sorry to keep you waiting, your highness¡­you understand, affairs of state¡ª¡± ¡°Save it, Senator¡­¡± Karolin looked up at the woman. Ornately dressed, formally calling on Karolin specifically on a matter of state urgency. Their planet was not a member of the Republic, but as a representative of the Republic; Karolin could hardly deny a formal request from a head of state. Standing up slowly, Karolin canted her head and gave the Princess a strange look. ¡°From your tone, I imagine you must be annoyed at having to wait. Let me be the first to extend my sincerest apologies for keeping you. You spoke of a matter of urgency. How can the Republic be of service?¡± Burilla moved toward the desk. The woman moved with grace and formality. But once she reached the edge of Karolin¡¯s desk all of that went away. Burilla slapped her hands down and leaned in, glaring at the Mirialan. ¡°I¡¯m not here for your Republic¡­I¡¯ve come for YOU.¡± The words made Jes push off the wall. Karolin waved the Echani off, raising an eyebrow toward the other woman. ¡°Something was stolen from us and used by parties you are aware of¡­your cousin as it turns out. And I WANT IT BACK!!!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Karolin smiled condescendingly. ¡°¡­to whom are you referring?¡± Burilla pushed off the desk and sneered, her lip twitching long after she stopped speaking. ¡°That snake¡­oil salesman. False prophet¡­whatever you wish to call him. Telan¡¯dorr. You will give him to me to face the judgment of my people and return what was taken. Or you¡­and your Republic will suffer a dire fate¡­¡± Karolin lost the smile. -- -- - New Hope Era - Kamino, Clone facility 827¡­.Five Days after the end of The Clone Wars.... They stepped back. Knowing that possibly none of it would work. All of the work was based on aged records, most of which was destroyed at the end of the Clone Wars. It wasn¡¯t the Galactic Empire or Palpatine. It was the Kaminoians. Disgraced, ashamed of what they had done and the part they played in all of it. Bringing the Empire to power. Throwing the galaxy into turmoil. Palpatine thought to use Kamino until the end of time. Realizing the failsafe built into the clones would put a stop to his endless supply of clones. Advanced aging gave him the fighting force he needed when the Republic was unknowingly a pawn in his game. But now, they would no longer play their part. Until now. ¡°Suu-Taal¡­¡± One of the technicians looked toward the interim governor as he spoke the name. ¡°¡­lower the vat and initialize. We haven¡¯t much time.¡± The technician bowed their head slowly, the long neck craning sadly as they lowered the last vat possibly forever into the last capable replication machine functioning in any of their facilities. And none of them would be there to see if it worked. After lowering the vat, the last of them made their way out. Hearing the lightning charge up and the machine begin its process. One did look back sadly. The last weapon, a last hope to take revenge for had been done to them. The technician took a look at the display before closing the door and locking it. Ensuring the nutrient bath had enough protein to sustain whatever was going to maturate and come out of there. Letters crawled across the display, the door closing behind them as the bath began to coalesce and take shape. <¡­OLD REPUBLIC ERA¡­SAMPLE ALPHA 003¡­> <¡­DE¡¯NABRE, MRYSTI¡­.Mirialan¡­.approx aged 30¡­.> <¡­Process at 10¡­12¡­15¡­.18¡­20%....> -- -- -- - Imperial Maw Installation, Imperial Star Destroyer - ''Victory''.... They were fools. All of the scientists and engineers. Convinced that science was leading them down this road. But what were they powering the monstrosity with?!?! Vader smiled under his helmet. Hoping beyond hope that the Emperor WAS actually as stupid as those who worked for him. Now sure and convinced that his ''apprenticeship'' was something planned from the start; he had no love for his new Master. Trading one for another. And the Emperor''s master was this technological shell they were constructing. Powered by what--Vader didn''t have to guess, he knew. Knew as the Emperor did. The superlaser which would be the primary weapon for this ''Death Star'' would be Kyber. Crystals imbued with the power of the Force. Unknowing to all. It was a Force Weapon. "Sir" Vader turned slowly to see a Clone. His blue and white adorned armor had the marks of their latest campaigns to purge the galaxy and end the war. But it was no ordinary clone. Vader was quite fond of Commander Appo. A loyal clone. But looking at him, he sneered under the helmet. Seeing the armor only reminded him that one of his favorites was gone. Hopefully killed. Rex, was a traitor. "Yes, Commander Appo...." The Clone snapped to attention as Vader spoke. "Sir, message from Talon Company. They have finished on Kamino and are requesting--" Appo placed a hand to his helmet turning away slightly. Vader stood a bit taller and looked down at the Clone. "What is it, Commander?" "Sir, Talon Company they are--" Appo cut off as he reached up and removed the helmet. Under his arm the frequencies still screamed with chatter from inside the visor. "--Talon is under attack. They report a--''thing''...it''s garbled..." "After the Emperor departs, set course for Kamino...." Vader moved away from the console and back toward the forward viewport. Standing over the Emperor''s shoulder he looked down at the smaller man, giving a cursory glance toward Tarkin. The thin Imperial Surrogate got the message and walked away. Both the Emperor and Vader turning to look out into space and the shell that was forming in front of their eyes. Their new weapon. "Soon...very soon, Lord Vader...." Bonus Chapter - Jaded (Extended Story - VNSFW) -- - Four Weeks after the ¡®Death¡¯ of Canton¡­.Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Hunting Camp¡­. Kote Kyr¡¯am was usually accompanied by the funeral pyre. As a warrior died facing insurmountable odds and became a legend among his brethren; his or her body was burned and their name added to the rolls of that Clan. Canton was given the honor, but not completely. His body was never recovered. Remains thought to have been discarded by the Sith after the exodus from the enclave on Dromand Kaas. Renatta was robbed. They all were. Robbed of the honor of sending her husband to the afterlife properly. And that dishonor as well as Canton¡¯s honorable death was now hers to bare. The pyre works were empty. An empty rack, with an empty meaning. And as they all encircled and surrounded it, no one spoke. Staring into the emptiness of it all, bitter to the end that things had turned the way they had. Not just for Canton, but for all of them. The betrayal of the Sith, the rise of the Eternal Empire and the capitulation of the Republic. These were dark times for Mandalorians. The empty fire just adding to the hopelessness of it all. She told herself she would shed no tears. And in their presence, she didn¡¯t. She was Mando¡¯ade. This was a good death and as the Clan Leader began to speak; calling out Canton¡¯s full name, his true name for all to hear; the words harkened a new beginning from Canton¡¯s dark end. A new direction that this Clan would follow. All because of Canton¡¯s sacrifice. With his death, the meaning of the words loyalty and duty would have a new definition. ¡°Canton died so that all of us may live¡­his sacrifice will not be in vain. From this moment forward, the Tu¡¯akka Clan will never again stand alongside a galactic power. We will live as true Mandalorians. Free. Never again to be called by another¡¯s leave.¡± The words turned heads, but Renatta did not look. Her mind focused. Eyes narrowed into the fire that burned alone. The Clan Leader continued, even calling out Renatta who did not acknowledge. ¡°¡­Mandalore has given us the call. And we will answer. No Mandalorian can deny the Mandalore once the banners are assembled. But we will NOT be attached to the Republic or the Empire. I will not have us fight alongside those who would betray and murder our confidence. As they did Canton¡­.Aay¡¯han Akaanatikar¡¯oya¡­.Vod. We shall meet again¡­¡± Looking into the fire, Renatta heard all of them fall silent. She wasn¡¯t really following the speeches or the call. Finally coming to her senses slightly and looking away from the flames, she saw that all eyes were turned to her. Renatta looked down, no words came to mind until she looked back up and saw the empty funeral works and thought once again of the theft committed against her and to her husband. ¡°¡­I will never again trust them. I will never again unsheathe my blade or fire my weapons in anger for them. All Dar¡¯jetii and Jetiise are the enemy. And all of them should die for what they¡¯ve done. This is their war¡­.and if we must fight, then we fight to liberate not only the galaxy from this new Empire, but to also liberate ourselves.¡± Renatta pursed her lips and shook her head turning back to the flames. ¡°¡­Canton is not here. Though his spirit is with the Shadow Warriors. And I will NEVER forgive them for that¡­dishonor. Kry¡¯am at an dar¡¯jetii!!!¡± Without knowing it due to not really listening to what was said before, Renatta only added to the speech given by the Leadership. One by one, the warriors all passed. Laying something of value at her feet. An item that would have been traditionally thrown in the fire or placed with Canton¡¯s body to journey with him to the afterlife. Since he was not there, they laid all of it at Renatta¡¯s feet. She stayed long after the others had drifted away. Determined to watch the fire die out. And with its dimming light, the fire within her ignited. Placing the helmet on her head and sealing it to her armor, Renatta walked off. Not looking back. A single tear streaking down her face within the confines of her visor. She drew her blaster and charged it, moving to join the others as the assault shuttles began lifting off. All of them answering the call of the Mandalore. But Renatta, answering her own call. Revenge. -- - Eight Years, Three Months later.....Zakuul, Old World¡­During the Mission to secure the refinery in ''Sides''¡­. Any other society looking in from the outside would have determined that Ivan was a pig. A braggart that was full of himself, over confident and self-assured. It didn¡¯t hurt that though Ivan was all of those things, he could actually back up all of the ¡®talk¡¯ with real skills. He was the current strongest of the Tu¡¯akka Clan. A young war leader, given command early on because of his prowess and competence. Ivan had not only proved his worth on countless occasions he was on his way to becoming sub-leader within the Clan in his own rite. What he lacked was a tie that bound him. He lacked a partner. Unfortunately, he chose Renatta. One who could not only shirk his advances legitimately due to her status as a widow of a hero within the Clan; Renatta had also sworn to herself never to marry again. Not wanting to go through the ritual of binding herself to another. Though Renatta had worked with Ivan on multiple occasions as a medic for his teams, she really didn¡¯t like him very much. He was handsome, strong, very capable and could provide all that was necessary in a good partner. But he was no Canton. Nor would he ever be. All Ivan was for Renatta is a distraction. A very pleasant one. Renatta often thought of her husband when Ivan came calling. Which was often. The things Ivan did were reckless, often times only his strength or blind luck carrying him through. Compared to other Clans, Tu¡¯akka was a calculated one. They were thinkers, had a variety of personnel with high levels of skill in multiple areas. And were often called to assist other less ¡®educated¡¯ Clans. Ivan was right at home with the ¡®door kickers¡¯ of other Clans, like the Fetts or the Skiratas. Though the latter were more calculated than the Fetts. Canton was a planner, a born engineer. The things he could do with tech, any tech, was simply amazing. That he was a large man with the ability to run with all of the guff and muscle of the front-line warriors was a testament to his well-roundedness. Something that Ivan lacked in large quantity. The mission on Zakuul provided them all kinds of time. So much, that Ivan¡¯s presence was annoying her. Especially since Renatta had been given a mission of her own and one that only she could accomplish as the Mandalorian¡¯s chief medical professional. Analyzing the cybernetic schematics for the implant known as ¡®life-giver¡¯, given to her by their Republic hosts. They were very interested in her analysis of not only the metal which was used to produce ¡®life-giver¡¯, but the medical properties of it as well. It was a real mission, though Ivan didn¡¯t look at it the same way. All brute force and direct action, Ivan much preferred to be on recon or running an op. And when he wasn¡¯t out keeping eyes on the refinery producing the metal that could only be used to produce ¡®life-giver¡¯, he was hovering around Renatta. Under the guise of keeping ¡®abreast¡¯ of all facets of the mission. Bending over the desk, Renatta reached for the holo-terminal. Datapads scattered over her desk, she was typing and analyzing on several different screens. Ivan saw she was busy after getting her report on the progress of analyzing the device and Renatta went straight back to work. Diving in and giving the analysis all of her attention. She felt the hands move over her hips and up her backside, looking back annoyingly. Ivan was smiling. The customary, sly grin he always got when he thought he had Renatta in a compromised position. She tried to stand and felt one of the hands move to the small of her back, pushing her back down on the desk. Renatta wiggled. ¡°Ivan¡­really?!?! I owe them this report by twenty-hundred. They aren¡¯t going to wait.¡± She looked over at the door. ¡°I locked it.¡± Ivan spoke after seeing her look. ¡°Gev utreekov¡­Gar cuyir dush¡¯shya a Nexu Kar¡¯taylir darasuum.¡± There was humor in her voice. Renatta backed into him slightly. Giving him the go ahead. The hands that continued to rub and stroke went to the back flaps of her undersuit and began to open the enclosure. Women had needs. And Renatta was no exception. But due to her personal promise to herself; she never accepted Ivan¡¯s ¡®legitimate¡¯ advances. The qualities were there, overall. He would make a fine husband to someone who wasn¡¯t worried about deep thinking or learning new things. But Renatta was seeker. Always striving and looking forward. Constantly improving her skill in her craft. Where other Mandalorians turned away from learning from outsiders, Renatta embraced it. Even if those outsiders were technically the enemy to her. The both of them, Ivan and Renatta, went out of their way to keep their relationship secret. But everyone knew and they knew why. Ivan was not good enough for her, though no one voiced it. ¡°Nexu? Ni¡¯m Jate¡¯shya¡­¡± Renatta felt the air of the room on her bottom. Ivan backed up and unbuckled his undersuit dropping the armored plates from his waist. Looking back, Renatta narrowed her eyes. ¡°Gotal''ur ibic iviin''yc. Ni ganar at ve''ganir norac at borarir.¡± It was almost always for his benefit. That was the kind of man Ivan was. All bluster and muscle. The kind of Mandalorian you wanted on your side if you were kicking down the door. But not one for patience or understanding. A blunt instrument. Renatta¡¯s head came up as she gave out a moan and a gasp. Feeling Ivan push her back down once he started to slide in abruptly. ¡°Haar''chak!!...te jatne¡­.¡± Ivan murmured. Burying himself all the way to his hilt, he heard Renatta whimper slightly. The whimper urging him more. ¡°I love kriffin¡¯ you. I can never get enough.¡± Ivan spoke the basic tongue as he often did during. An illicit act, something they shouldn¡¯t have been doing in the middle of a mission. Ivan liked to break rules behind closed doors, it added to his allure. At once he started pumping, hard and fast. Renatta cried out, moving her arms across the desk. Knocking everything off once the furniture started to rock in time with Ivan¡¯s pushing. ''Damn it...'' She thought, ''...now I have to sort all that shit back out...'' ¡°N-Ni kar''taylir darasuum bic b-balyc¡­.¡± She tried to speak between thrusts and moans. Crying out as the first wave of pleasure hit and passed through her. Ivan was full bore, going for broke. Pressing down hard on her head after leaning forward. Trying to hold her down, even though he didn¡¯t need to. Ivan always felt the need to dominate. It was part of his nature. And one Renatta had become used to. Flexing the inside of her tunnel, she started to milk him. Practically closing at every outward thrust. Hearing the first grunt and moan from him meant she was being successful in breaking him as well as speeding things up. It was intense, fast. Every inward thrust rocking her and causing another eruption within. The race was on. Renatta had already come. And was still coming. It was up to her to make him crack before she melted. Mind wondering, she missed the passion of actually feeling something for one she did those kinds of things with. It was good. Physically, she couldn¡¯t complain. To say Ivan was a good lover was giving him too much credit. He was competent. The problem was entirely on her end. She lacked the desire because Ivan produced no desire within her. It was an act. Every time, just an act. A means to an end to satisfy one another¡¯s base urges. There was no passion. Not like there was for Canton. Again, her mind wandered back to him. Just seeing him work, tinker with things or do anything that defined them all as Mandalorians got her blood pumping. Ivan didn¡¯t know it, but Renatta¡¯s mind wandering to thoughts of her former husband was what sent her over the edge. Grasping both sides of the desk, she cried out loudly. The chill of sharp air hit her as Ivan jumped back. Holding his shaft in two hands. He knew better than to come inside. Renatta slowly turned around to see him holding it in. Stopping himself. Ivan gave her a helpless look. To which Renatta waved him off. ¡°Nayc ibi''tuur. Ni cuy'' ve¡¯ganir¡¯i bat ner cetar par gar.¡± Ivan released a pent-up breath and his hands. The rod blasting out the vestiges of the fast-paced session. Renatta moved her leg to avoid the spray, placing a hand to her mouth to hide the smile. ¡°Haa''taylir¡­.meg gar vaabir at ni¡­¡± Ivan spoke trying to catch his breath. Behind them, the terminal began to chime. An incoming message. A distress beacon. Renatta turned back to Ivan and stood up to fasten her undersuit closed. Both of them looking at the terminal as Ivan pulled up his undersuit. ¡°A Tu¡¯akka Distress Beacon¡­¡± Renatta said inquisitively. ¡®I wonder who it¡¯s from¡­¡¯ She thought. -- - Concord Dawn, Contractor Hunting Camp¡­. They were gathering. It almost seemed to Canton that Renatta led them there or called for them. That wasn¡¯t the case. Canton and Renatta only had a day together before the first contingent arrived and it was the Clan Leader of Tu''akka and his personal guard. The Clan Leader went out of his way to avoid Canton and Renatta after letting his presence be known. Only greeting Canton, welcoming him back to the ¡®land of the living¡¯ and detailing the reason why he was there as well as why the Clan was being assembled. The rolls existed as an honorarium. A listing of all the warriors within a clan who died with honor. Going as far back as the formation of said Clan. Ancient Clans dating back to the origins of the Mandalorians had a list that took a full day to read through. The Clan assembled yearly to read through the names out loud as a way of remembering them, speaking their names to remember their sacrifice. Canton''s name was recited every year since his death. And the Clan was assembling specially to recite his name one last time. Only this time, to remove his name and place it back among them. It was rarely done. And only in special circumstances. Usually a name coming off the rolls was not a time for celebration. A stricken name was taken off for dishonor. Either to himself or his Clan. Stricken and unremembered. A fate worse than death for a Mandalorian. The Clan Leader also avoided Renatta and Canton for another very serious reason. They had to renew their bond to one another. It wasn¡¯t a process that could be rushed, though the Leader was understandably curious. They couldn¡¯t keep the Clan on Concord Dawn indefinitely. There were things to do, a war to fight. Their manpower, needed by the Column in all parts of the Galaxy. But the act of taking Canton off the rolls and Canton himself were important to the Clan¡¯s survival. The whole reason the Clan answered to the Column and didn¡¯t Ally themselves with the Republic or the Empire was because of Canton. His ''death'', the catalyst which caused the Tu''akka Clan to turn their backs on alliances forever. The Column was not an alliance, but rather a shelter for all of them to exist and live as Mandalorians and not by another¡¯s leave. Renatta joined her husband on the hunt. Though Canton was returning from a hunt when she originally arrived; it was not a true hunt by Mandalorian standards, but an exercise to resharpen skills. Renatta and Canton went back out to get to their roots together. Hunting as husband and wife. One supporting the other. One in the spirit. Becoming one with the land and environment. And as they made their first kill, sharing the blood from the hearts of the creature, they began a ritual of rebinding their spirits to one another. Using what they learned, what they were raised to do was a way of proving oneself to the other. Love would come again. It had come before when Renatta chose Canton and Canton chose her. Even though both of them didn¡¯t love one another strongly. Mandalorians put Clan first. Through direct action and missions together, their love grew. His death was a great weight that Renatta had to bare. Carrying the honor of his glorious death on her shoulders. Canton died a hero. And his death and sacrifice passed on to Renatta, who read his name yearly with honor. Something was different. Renatta could see it in the way he moved. Something foreign or added to the base skills they both were raised on. The man was aggressive. More aggressive than she remembered. He killed without thought now. Something that took a moment out of him before. There was never any hesitation. None of them possessed that for either an enemy or an honorable kill. But his face, she watched it on the hunt. He was placid, almost serene as he went about his work. Renatta felt the urging once again inside of herself, seeing him move and strike with an almost passive ease. Canton had grown. The man had become a natural killer, the likes even Ivan and the other more direct contact Mandalorians could identify with. Canton knew she was watching. Trying hard to hide the fact that Cornelia and more Mrysti¡¯s influence had changed him. Those last weeks at ¡®The End¡¯ had become a turning point for him. Seeing the Sith release their more aggressive tendencies with an ease he couldn¡¯t understand. Until it came face to face with him. Killing the other inmate in the laundry. That was the catalyst. Canton had never given himself over to unbridled rage like he did in the laundry. And when he was done, bathed in the blood of his first kill in years, he was born again into something entirely different. Not one to take advice from a Sith, Canton actually confided in Mrysti before leaving. Owing much to her on several levels; saving his life, the death of Acina, his jailer; freeing them and liberating Cornelia. But most of all, giving him back his reason to live. Giving him back Cornelia. After the near-death experience and having Mrysti, a Sith whom was a sworn enemy, save his life; Canton had a more reflective view on things. With all of the power at her command, how did she use it so easily and without a thought as to the repercussions? Mrysti replied with, ¡®¡­there was no thought when the heart leads. We do what we feel we must to survive. And deal with the fallout of those decisions after¡¯. She went on to explain that even though she did not like him very much his survival was key to ensuring Cornelia¡¯s success. She couldn¡¯t let Canton die. It would have destroyed Cornelia to a point that her new apprentice would have become a liability instead of a weapon she was planning to build. Bending down, Renatta jabbed the blade into the plexus of the beast¡¯s ribcage and began to tear through. Looking up to see Canton looking off in thought. She smiled warmly. ¡°Credit par gar kov''nyn¡­Canton.¡± <..credit for your thoughts, Canton.> Looking at her and seeming to come back, he smiled in return. Holding down the carcass as Renatta continued to cut. She had lazy eyes for him. A sudden chill shooting down his spine. Canton had seen that look in his wife before, but only in special moments. Now he was seeing it all the time. The look of longing, the look of pure satisfaction and bliss. Renatta wanted him. -- The time was coming when they would have to share. Canton knew it. And dreaded it. His mind on another. Several times during the next few days, Canton almost told Renatta about Cornelia. But when the subject of the prison came up or what happened to him while he was away; Renatta stopped him from speaking of it deliberately. ¡°We do not dwell on the past or the dishonor placed upon you in being imprisoned¡­we look forward, always forward.¡± It was almost as if by not dying all of the honor of his sacrifice or the mantle of his being a hero had been removed and by virtue of that fact, removed from Renatta. She held no grudge in that regard, only ensuring him that she was there for him. That her heart was his heart. Her hands, his. Canton was in the back of the lodge when he strung up the kill from their last hunt and began to dress it. Looking around for her, Renatta was missing. Dressing their kill, taking what they needed was a task husband and wife did together. And up till that time she had been a part of every kill. Entering the lodge, wiping the blood from his hands with a cloth after parting the doorflap; he found the interior dim. The scent of incense burning as well as the fire bright as if it had been tended recently. He looked around and froze as the voice, soft and sultry came from the darkened side of the room. Renatta was on her knees. A very ornate handmade wrap the only thing over her shoulders. The sound of metal and scrape of a sharpening stone accompanying the words. ¡°Ni ganar kad''laan cuun kal. Baatir¡¯be cuun ga''amur. Vi ganar oya''karir tome, kyrayc tome. Me''dinuir te tal be cuun parjai, vi cuyir evaar¡¯la o''r runi. Ner buir.¡± Renatta stood slowly after setting the vibroblade back down gently. Lining it up neatly in the row with the dozens of other weapons she had been servicing. Nervousness suddenly shot through Canton. This was it. He knew it was coming. All of it was only a matter of time and he took a step backward. Raising his palm to face her. Saying the words he knew he needed to say. ¡°Gar miit bal kar''tayl gotal''ur gar a kovid mate. Ner riduur.¡± Moving slow and silkily, she smiled. Reaching up to pull the tie from her hair. Blossoming out, the dark brown and blonde tinged locks framed wildly around her head. Getting close she leaned in and ran a hand up his bare chest. ¡°Gar klesir guuror tal bal tracyn. Ni cuy'' briikase. Gar ganar tengaanar¡¯be ni kar''tayl o''r gar kot. Tug''yc, Ni cuy'' briikase. Gar cuyir sa kovid jii sa gar rucuyir. O''r birov ara¡¯i dralshy''a. Bal ner kar''taylir darasuum hettir dral par gar or''atu.¡± Renatta took his hand and placed it on the center of her chest. Switching to basic, Renatta leaned in closer. Canton inhaled deeply of her scent. ¡°Our bond will be renewed. We have tended everything¡­everything, except each other.¡± Dread became real. A streak of fear shooting through him once Renatta leaned in. Her mouth ensconcing his, he opened slightly. They touched tongues. But Renatta felt him back off. Pulling her head back, she gave him a warm smile. Moving his hand to place it on top of one massive breast. And placing one of her own atop his. His next words were not in keeping with the moment. He spoke in basic and with a resolved sigh. This had to stop. He had to tell her. ¡°You deserve better Renatta¡ª¡± he began. She quickly shushed him, placing a finger to his lips. ¡°Shhh¡­you¡¯ve been gone a long time. Imprisoned. It¡¯s normal to have this apprehension from not being with anyone for so long.¡± Canton swallowed hard. She had no idea how wrong she was. Continuing to smile, she tightened her grip on his hand forcing him to clutch her breast. Renatta gave out a short slow breath. ¡°You don''t have to be nervous with me, baby. I am....your wife." Kissing him gently, making herself go slower she nibbled at his lip and then smiled into his chest. Her voice vibrating though him. "We were so young when we married. Feeling our way around one another.¡± Looking up, Renatta locked eyes with him. Slipping a hand behind his neck smiling wickedly. ¡°I¡¯m not a girl anymore¡­and I know every inch of you. Knowledge I can use even more now that I know what to do¡­.¡± Canton closed his eyes as she kissed him again. Though he willed it not to, he couldn¡¯t control his body. Not in that regard. Renatta was an extremely attractive woman. Dark cocoa skin that shined in the firelight. Milky green eyes that spoke volumes to longing. She wanted him in the worst way. The rising bulge in his pants pressing against her was contrary to his reluctance. Renatta gave out a slow hissing sigh, reaching down to rub her hand over the front of his pants. Canton shook his head slightly. Trying to back off again. Renatta pulled him into her. ¡°I should¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªShould--¡± Giving a breathy reply between burying her mouth on his, Renatta pulled the front of his pants down slightly. ¡°--To ni. Vi gotal''ur solus shol''shya¡­.a solus adat tug''yc.¡± <¡ªjoin me. We make one another¡­.a single person again¡­.¡±> Walking him back, Renatta pushed him into the end of the bed. Reaching up to quickly remove the wrap from her shoulders. Canton couldn¡¯t stop himself any longer. Reaching for her, he pulled her into him. Spinning her around as they both fell over the end of the bed, landing among the furs which lined it. Opening her legs, Renatta straddled him from behind. Using her feet to pull his pants the rest of the way down. Canton flipped them off the bed with a quick jerk of his leg. Reaching around to hold her. One hand grasping her chest tightly. The other opening her up. Renatta was more than ready. His hand drenched in moisture. Parting her way with fingers she gave out a moan. Scooting herself down to grasp him, angle his finally released member and scoot back up his chest once she had him in position. Canton jerked up with his hips sharply. Sinking completely into her with one swift motion. Molten fire. He melted, feeling her release immediately upon entrance. Renatta arched her back with a slight yelp, cooing into a pleasing moan. Leaning slightly to the side in order to bend her head down and look at him. Wrapping an arm around his head from behind she pushed down off the headboard with the other smiling lazily. ¡°Ogir¡­¡± Hot breath in her whisper, she flicked out her tongue hungrily. ¡°Vi urcir. Ner kar''ta bal ner baar cuyir kis''wa be gar.¡± <...we fit. My heart and now my body are one with yours.> Words dissolved into a moan. Renatta kissed him fiercely. Pushing herself down, impaling herself as Canton clutched tightly and started to move with her. In unison. The two becoming one entity. -- -- - Concord Dawn.... The fire was dimming. Sun long having set, it was near pitch black by the time they finished for the third time. Renatta was turned to her side. But her eyes opened. A look of shock on her face. Canton was a different man. Seasoned. It wasn¡¯t just making love. It was everything, all of the things about him finally starting to come together in her mind. From the way he conducted himself in the wild, to the way he hungrily ate at her in their bed chamber. Before, she could see the killer. At last she finally felt him. Renatta never remembered it being like that when they made love before. Canton was ravenous once she got him started. Bringing her to the brink in ways she never imagined. Using her in ways she couldn¡¯t fathom. Renatta had never felt passion and heat like she felt from Canton. They all looked at Canton as a ¡®geek¡¯. A technical Mandalorian who only played with ¡®toys¡¯. Making their lives and their hunts easier. Canton was much more now. Making her feel in ways she didn¡¯t think possible. Their bonding was complete, she stared off into the darkness. A pang of fear coming over her. Renatta turned sharply. Finding him lying on his back, staring at the ceiling. Clearly, she wasn¡¯t the only one with something on her mind. ¡°Canton¡­I need to tell you something.¡± He slowly turned his head toward her as Renatta sat up, the fur of the bed falling off her naked body. He sat up as well and turned toward her. ¡°I need to tell you something as well. First, let me say¡ª¡± Renatta stopped him. Putting a gentle finger to his lips. ¡°No¡­me first.¡± Renatta looked down and shook her head before looking back up. ¡°You¡¯ve changed¡­¡± She began and immediately Canton¡¯s heart sank at her words. Until she continued with a shy smile. ¡°¡­the things you did to me. You must have spent years dreaming about them. Alone in your cell. I¡¯ve never felt like that with anyone.¡± ¡°Anyone?¡± Canton''s eyebrow came up. They were both virgins when they married. It was foolish to believe she wouldn¡¯t take another after the reports of his death, but the words still shocked him. Renatta looked away, losing the smile. ¡°There was another. I¡¯m sorry¡­I never gave myself to another in ¡®our¡¯ ways in order to undergo the ritual. But¡­¡± Renatta paused and looked away again. ¡°¡­I¡¯ve been ''with'' Ivan for several years now.¡± Canton pursed his lips in disapproval causing Renatta to speak faster, she scooted close to him. ¡°I broke it off the moment I knew you were alive. It¡¯s over. My heart is yours¡­it has always been yours. That¡¯s why I never chose Ivan within tradition. I couldn¡¯t. I¡¯m sorry, Canton¡­I should have told you before.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t owe me any explanation. None of this is your fault and the guilt you carry is not yours, but mine¡­had I been here¡ª¡± ¡°You couldn¡¯t BE here, Canton. They had you. And I¡ª¡± Renatta turned her head away. ¡°¡ªI was weak. I have been¡­so weak, without you. Ivan, he¡ª¡± Renatta smiled weakly and shook her head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. None of it does. If I were Ivan, I may have done the same thing. Though I would have insisted you accept and initiate the rites.¡± ¡°See!!! That¡¯s what separates you from other Mandalorians of Ivan¡¯s ilk.¡± Renatta scooted closer and looked deep into his eyes. ¡°If I had known you were alive¡­.there would have been nothing that would have kept us apart. I would have shattered the galaxy to find you. Know that.¡± Waiting for him to respond, he reached out and took Renatta in his arms. She fell into his lap as he hugged her tightly. Her voice muffled. ¡°You¡¯re back now. We are complete.¡± Renatta turned her head upward and looked at him. Canton was staring off at the continually dying fire. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you had something you wanted to say¡­¡± He shook his head. For a moment, he was about to tell her. Having started to speak, he changed his mind. ¡°It¡¯s about prison¡­you don¡¯t want to hear that.¡± Tightening his grip, he looked down at her. ¡°Though, it may interest you to know¡­.¡± Renatta looked up at him. ¡°¡­one of the inmates I was incarcerated with, killed Acina. Probably one of the reasons she was sent there.¡± Renatta¡¯s eyes got wide for a moment, then she turned away. Hugging him tighter, Renatta snuggled into his lap. ¡°Dar¡¯jedii¡­hopefully they will continue to kill one another. The less of them among us, the better.¡± Renatta looked back up sharply. ¡°Was that all?¡± Canton nodded as Renatta settled back in his lap. ¡°Good¡­None of that matters now¡­.all that matters is us¡­¡± -- - Imperial Prison, ¡®The End¡¯¡­More than two months prior¡­. Initially, Canton was smiling. They beat him, from the moment they took him into custody, until they tossed him into the solitary cell. Dank and dark, wet with a hint of stale mildew and rot. Toss was too strong a word. Even after the beatings, Canton was upright. Renewed, strong in his personal power. And smiling the entire time the Imperial Prison Guards hammered him with stunsticks and batons. For the first time in eight years, he felt strong. Like a Mandalorian again. All of that was due to Cornelia and reluctantly Canton had to also consider Mrysti¡¯s part in all of it. She was the catalyst. Her arrival set everything in motion, turning the once controlled prison upside down. Canton knew he should have done it a long time ago. Looking down at himself, covered in dirt and the muck of death. Stained with the blood of one of the rapists who ravaged Cornelia, again and again and again. Powerless before, he could do nothing. And Cornelia knew, he would. Saving him by cutting him off. Breaking off their relationship. Sacrifice. That was real sacrifice. And now he repaid that sacrifice with the death of one of the Captain¡¯s crew. It wasn¡¯t going to be the first and it would not be the last. Canton stopped pacing and looked at the door. Fear shot through him. Not for himself, he didn¡¯t care anymore. But for Cornelia. Locked up, she was vulnerable. They would retaliate. Canton ran toward the heavy vaulted door and pounded on it, screaming at the top of his lungs. ¡°HEY!!!....HEY!!!...Cowards!!! Let me out¡­LET ME OUT!!! I¡¯ll make it quick, I promise¡­LET ME OUT!!!¡± Threats weren¡¯t going to get him anywhere. He knew it. After pounding on the door for more than an hour he backed off, breathing heavily. Finally getting hold of himself enough to actually look at the door. With time, he could break the lock. Make it short circuit. Supplies were limited, but he could find a way. Reaching down he scooped up a handful of the stale water on the ground. Cupping it carefully, moving back toward the door. Tossing it on the lock, he saw it spark. ¡°Yes. YES!!!¡± With enough time, he could do it. Cornelia needed him. A day passed, maybe two. Canton was still pacing. When they opened the door to feed him, Canton charged the guards. Rewarded with a series of blows from multiple shock batons. He tried to grab one. They wrestled it away, tossing in some food and slamming the door. Banging on it, Canton screamed. ¡°Hey!!! HEY!!! Sniveling cowards!!! Come back¡­COME BAAAACKK!!!¡± It was no use. Cupping some more water in his hands, he tossed it on the electro lock. It smoked again. There simply wasn¡¯t enough water in the dank cell to do the job. There needed to be a way to create a constant flow. Looking around again he smirked. Pulling down his pants, he urinated on the lock. The door popped open as Canton pulled his pants back up and charged out into the hallway. They were waiting for him. Not the normal two. But an entire squad. Canton smirked as he charged after them. Death was the only release from his obligation to her. The only way they were going to make him stop. As he got to them, Captain Oberisk stepped out from behind the group and held up a hand. ¡°¡­we can do this, Mandalorian. Kill you, be done with it. But understand¡­anything you do to my men will be revisited upon that ¡®Sith¡¯, ten-fold.¡± Relaxing his fists, Canton stood up. ¡°How do I know you won¡¯t just hurt her anyway?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t.¡± Giving a sly smile, Captain Oberisk turned and started to walk away. They knew they had him. Leverage. Oberisk was probably the only one on the station that knew what bound Cornelia and Canton together. Having witnessed his reaction to the ¡®crew¡¯s¡¯ visits to Cornelia¡¯s cell early on. Waving his hand behind him, Captain Oberisk laughed. ¡°Let him return to his cell on his own. He knows where it is. Remember to close the door and lock it after you¡¯re in¡­.Mandalorian¡­¡± Returning, Canton closed the door. But gave one last look at the guards before doing so. ¡°This¡­¡± Canton pointed at the door. ¡°¡­is my domain now. If I must be here, then you¡­will not be. Do not enter¡­I will kill anyone who sets foot across this threshold.¡± He was going to play along. In hopes that the Captain would actually honor his word, though the Imperial gave no word to be trusted. It was a threat and Canton was powerless to expect more. In the end, he took back his own kind of power in declaring the cell ¡®his domain¡¯. Closing the door and locking it behind himself. Several more days passed. Canton was making himself crazy thinking about it. Having compromised with an Imperial that could not be trusted. That was what landed him at ¡®The End¡¯ in the first place. Having time to consider it, Canton realized the Captain was lying just to save his own skin. They replaced the lock while Canton slept. Operated by a combination hard key and AI control. Testament to the lies he been given by the Captain. Now, Canton was really angry. In his mind, he timed it for the next day. Waiting for the guards to open the door. Instead of opening it, they passed the food through the slot. Canton laughed at them, grabbing up the muck he been fed. ¡°Scared huh?!?! You should be!!! I am going to kill¡­everyone of you.¡± He scarfed down the food quickly, pressing his face to the crack in the door slot. ¡°HEY!!! Tell Captain Oberisk¡­when I get out of here, I am going to pull his entrails out and show them to him. Liar!!! LIAR!!!!¡± ¡°They are kriffin¡¯ her right now¡­Mando!!!¡± The voice echoed from outside the door and down the hall. The guards laughing to one another. Jumping up Canton screamed in rage once again. Pounding on the door. He lowered his voice, the calm evenness under the circumstances gave the guards outside pause. They fell silent as Canton¡¯s voice echoed down the hall. ¡°When I get out of here¡­you two are going to be my first. I am going to feed you the tongue of the other one.¡± The guards fell silent. Not chiding or speaking again. Canton stood and smiled at the inside of the door. The silence telling him several things. Cornelia was alright, they were not accosting her. And they were scared¡­because all of their chiding and threats were lies. A man with nothing to lose was a very dangerous specimen. That was the box the Imperials had placed Canton in. His words, were not threats. They were promises. Canton jumped up as he heard the door start to open. Thinking himself crazy, he had an internal chrono that told him the opening was off schedule. There was no sunlight to measure time. Just the sound of patrolling guards and footsteps outside. Using that as a timetable since the moment he was thrown in, Canton had a rough estimate of how long he been in there. It was a least a week. Moving to the side of the door, Canton started to jump as the door opened. And slid to a stop as Cornelia rushed in. Too shocked to say anything, he grabbed her. Twisting her around toward him to hold and kiss her. It was all he wanted, all he been thinking about since he was sent inside. They broke apart breathlessly, Cornelia rubbed her hands over his muck covered face. ¡°Canton!! Force Serve us!!! I was so worried¡­I found out what you did and I¡ª¡± Canton kissed her again. Hard and deep, cutting her off. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, baby¡­I was a fool. Stupid. I had no idea what you did for me. I thought¡ª¡± Canton grit his teeth, shutting his eyes tightly. ¡°¡ªall those times. ALL THOSE TIMES!!! I let it happen. I can never make up for what I did¡ªwhat I should have done.¡± ¡°No, No¡­¡± Cornelia smiled sadly. Rubbing his face again, she held it looking at him frantically. ¡°¡­you would have died. They would have killed you. But not me¡­they needed me.¡± ¡°Needed?!?! Baby they¡ª¡± ¡°--I know what they did. But it¡¯s different now¡ª¡± Cornelia looked at the door and cursed. ¡°Shit¡­I only have a few minutes. Listen to me, we are getting out of here!!! Darth Retuvisa has a plan and allies on the inside. This is much bigger than we ever realized¡ª¡± Canton cut her off again, kissing her hard. ¡°Whatever you want. I¡¯m in¡­I¡¯m all the way in. I will never let them hurt you ever again.¡± Brushing back her hair, Canton snatched her close. Curling a leg up and over his, Cornelia jerked down her prison pants and frantically moved for his waistline. There were no smiles, no going slow. ¡°We could die tonight. Or when all of this goes down¡­¡± Cornelia spoke in hot breaths. Jerking his own pants down, Canton tossed them to the corner scooping Cornelia up into his arms. Carrying her toward the back of the cell. His prize. He won. The moment he killed in her name, she was his forever. Cornelia wrapped arms around his head and kissed through the muck and the grime. None of that mattered. Not the setting, not the filth. All that mattered was her. Feeling her, getting to touch and hold her. Setting her down, Cornelia jerked the top she was wearing off tossing it out front; giving a glance toward the door. They paused, just for a second; looking at one another before Canton jerked her backward. Wrapping a hand around her face as he grabbed her chest and spun her around. They fell to their knees, the water sloshing as Cornelia moaned into him. Turning her head backward to find his mouth. ¡°I¡¯m not going to let you die.¡± Jabbing hard, Canton sunk in. ¡°D-Don¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°I won¡¯t¡­¡± -- The guards started to move toward the door. The struggle behind the door sounded like the two were fighting. Clearing her throat, the two guards stopped and turned toward Colonel Rickter, who shook her head and glanced at her chrono. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to hear beyond that door¡­give them two more minutes.¡± Saluting, the guards went back to their positions. The entire affair was interesting. Colonel Rickter monitored the Captain¡¯s ¡®intervention¡¯ in the cell block. The words he spoke to Canton to keep the Mandalorian at bay. Something else to check into. How long had Captain Oberisk and his ¡®goon squad¡¯ been at it? Talia knew there were rapes committed by not just the other inmates, but by the Captain himself. Disgusting. Talia was going to deal with the Captain first and in due time. She glanced at her chrono again as the sounds from inside the cell died down. Talia looked at the guards and nodded. Escorting Cornelia back, Colonel Rickter leaned in close to Cornelia and spoke in a low tone to not let her guards eavesdrop. ¡°I have done my part¡­inform your Master that the time is fast approaching. I expect¡ª¡± Talia looked at the Sith as Cornelia¡¯s head jerked toward Talia. Who was she to ¡®expect¡¯ anything from a Sith? The Colonel quickly corrected herself. ¡°¡ªI ¡®hope¡¯ that your Master will honor our agreement. Remind her, that I am here for her benefit. Not my own.¡± -- The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. - Imperial Dreadnaught ¡®Endeavor¡¯, Five Days out of Sector G-7; after the destruction of ¡®The End¡¯¡­. Laying her head on his chest, Cornelia went to sleep to the sound of his breathing. Canton was alive, it was the best she could hope for considering what they went through. She looked up, red rimmed eyes from no sleep and old tears glared at the still motionless Mandalorian. Cornelia laid her head back down, turning her face toward his chest. ¡°¡ªI would give up the galaxy for you, if you would just wake up. You don¡¯t have to completely wake, just let me know you¡¯re alive. Please, baby¡­I can¡¯t¡ªI can¡¯t live without you¡­.¡± After all they gone through, for it to end like this; was simply not fair. They had escaped a maximum-security prison after fighting not only the guards, the inmates and the rest of the Empire. They fought a trapped entity that attempted to possess and consume them. Mrysti was still trying to figure out what to do with the Eye of Sion. Cornelia could not help her. Mrysti, understandably kept her distance. Knowing how important Canton was to Cornelia. There were times Cornelia wished she was a Jedi. Only because they possessed the light capable of healing hidden wounds. Mrysti had come, had attempted to use her power to heal what could not be seen. Something Cornelia had no idea about concerning her Master. Mrysti¡¯s hidden Jedi talents. She did not elaborate, even when Cornelia asked questions. Laying her hands next to her head, Cornelia snuggled close. Closing her eyes tightly, trying to concentrate her own power. All she could do was make a solemn vow and a makeshift prayer. Her power did not extend strongly into the mystical. ¡°Canton¡­.hear me. I promise you¡ªwhen you wake, I will never leave you. You CAN NOT go. Do you understand me? You can¡¯t. We aren¡¯t done. There are so many more battles to fight. So much more for you and I to do together. Now that we¡¯re free. Let me know you hear me¡­don¡¯t let the last time we were together be in the basement of solitary confinement.¡± Cornelia smiled to herself at the last part. It was true, that was their last time. There was no time after. And then the injury. Cornelia looked up and over at Canton¡¯s slowly moving chest, the bottom of his chin as he lay there. Mrysti jumped through the fire and the destruction for Canton. For her. She knew things, things beyond that which Cornelia could see or feel. Mrysti knew what losing Canton would do to Cornelia. Things happened so quickly, there was no time for even a last kiss. Just the memory of the dank solitary cell. Laying her head back down slowly, Cornelia was nearly rested back on him when her head jerked up sharply, hearing his breathing increase. And slowly, Canton moved his hand. Moving it down and over toward her. Placing it on top of hers. -- - Concord Dawn¡­. Solitary. That was the last time. Cornelia smiled wryly to herself as the ramp lowered and the moisture of the tropical air hit her. What a beautiful place. She had greater appreciation for all things living and colorful than she ever did. Having spent those last years looking at duracrete and grey walls. Concord Dawn. She heard about it, even dreamed about it after hearing Canton describe it. Regret gripped her as she locked down her ship, turning toward the waiting speeder. Cornelia was breaking a promise. But she couldn¡¯t help it. Desperate to see him. He needed time to ¡®find¡¯ himself. But she needed him to find herself. Canton, the second part of a greater Cornelia. There were others on the speeder. It was a contractor driven conveyance to the contractor¡¯s camp. Cornelia having ¡®booked¡¯ a tour in flight. Knowing exactly where she needed to go. Cornelia ignored the others as she paid the droid and took a seat. Looking out at the lush scenery. Eyes all turned to her once the speeder started its slow crawl westward. Excitement and apprehension building, Cornelia closed her own eyes to the sun and smiled. Cornelia saw him, but really didn¡¯t see. Almost looking through and past the armored warrior who rode on the speeder with her. Just another Mandalorian. Such was her level of power. She was Sith. Everyone one else, beneath her. Everyone except Canton. Which was what brought her to Concord Dawn. On her way to perform a task her Master set her on, Cornelia simply had to stop at the planet to try and see him. One thing did pique Cornelia¡¯s interest as she entered the hunting camp. The armor of the Mandalorian. It was red, decorated much like Canton¡¯s. That¡¯s when she started to notice. Already having felt their eyes on her, Cornelia finally started to see. Not just the Mandalorian she arrived with; there were dozens of red armored Mandalorians roaming the camp. All of them looking at her. -- Canton stepped out of the lodge, throwing back the flap which served as a door. A sea of red. His Clan having arrived in force after learning of his ''resurrection''. Taking over the camp, the Mandalorians from Tu''akka Clan were making the contractor camp their own. Going about their work, setting up the ritual which would bring Canton ''back to life¡¯. More were arriving and more would arrive until the moment of the ritual. Canton smiled, stretching his arms. Bare chested and letting the morning chill hit him, he felt that chill enter and shoot up his spine. Seeing Cornelia looking around and moving into the camp after getting dropped off by a speeder. They saw one another from across the camp. Canton going pale and moving quickly to intercept her. Cornelia smiled brightly. Unusual for a Sith, the act turning a few heads as the two got closer to one another. Dread began to creep into him. On so many levels, so many fears to control all at once. Cornelia was bending, she was going to do it. He watched her speed up, the smile getting bigger as she started to jump. Canton had to get to her first, increasing his speed. He stopped her from jumping into his arms by grabbing and holding her hands. Cornelia gave him a strange look as Canton smiled weakly; glancing behind and around. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Canton. I¡¯m so happy to see¡ª¡± She started to lean in and Canton leaned back. ¡°Not here, Corny. Can¡¯t you see¡­¡± He looked off. Eyes were on them. Some of the other Mandos slowing to watch them both. Cornelia could sense some deceit, but brushed it aside shrugging her shoulders. ¡°Ok¡­if not here then--¡± Cornelia narrowed her eyes playfully, lowering her voice. She scooted close whispering harshly. ¡°--It¡¯s been weeks, Canton. Weeks. Get me alone and I will greet you properly.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Canton said quickly, taking her hand sharply. ¡°But not here¡­let¡¯s take a walk.¡± -- Interesting didn¡¯t begin to describe it. The Sith said nothing the whole ride and Ivan offered nothing in conversation. And the small tattooed woman was a Sith. It wasn¡¯t just the lightsaber that hung off her belt, it was the arrogant way she carried herself. Jedi didn¡¯t act that way. They had a humble stride and demur demeanor about themselves. Sith, acted in accordance with the power they carried with them. Both of them heading the same direction, Ivan assumed the Sith was on the hunt. Going to the hunting camp to get a contractor or stage herself to go out on her own. It wasn¡¯t till they arrived and he witnessed the Sith and Canton talking that he stopped to watch. In full armor, he blended in. He wasn¡¯t the only one watching and Ivan kept eyes on them until Canton and the Sith started off toward the woodline. Ivan made his way through the camp. Nodding to several of his brothers and sisters, making his way toward the center lodge. The guest of honor suite. The only place Canton would have been. And where he knew ¡®she¡¯ was. The only place a wife would be. Though Ivan was arriving unannounced he, like the others, had been summoned to Concord Dawn. The entire clan gathering to take Canton¡¯s name off the rolls. A ceremony that took a fallen warrior off the roll of honor and put them back among active warriors. Ivan threw back the flap to the lodge and stepped inside. The abrupt entrance made Renatta sit up sharply. Heavy footfalls of armored boots announcing that whoever was coming in was not Canton; who left a few moments before in his sleep pants. Renatta was laying among the furs of the bed, grabbing one to pull it up around her naked body as she glared. Recognizing the armor immediately. ¡°Ivan!!!¡± Renatta scowled. ¡°Meg cuyir gar doing olar?!?!¡± ¡°Ni''m Jor''chaajir¡¯be¡± Ivan looked around. Seeing the discarded clothing, the room had a strange heat and spicy smell that made it through the filters of his helmet. Only sex and lust smelled like that. Renatta¡¯s familiar passionate scent permeated the room. ¡°Shi guuror anade. Ni''m olar.¡± ¡°Nayc!!!¡± Renatta got up, letting the fur fall away as she got to her feet. No need to hide her body. Ivan had seen it, felt it many times. Reaching down, Renatta picked up a wrap throwing it over herself. ¡°I mean here¡­in my lodge!!!¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Ivan spoke with a bit of sarcasm, switching between basic and his native language for emphasis. ¡°I just came to see the ''man of the hour'' and offer my well wishes on yours and his ''glorious'' reunion.¡± Ivan¡¯s head snapped toward Renatta after he picked up a pair of panties and flung them back down on a chair. ¡°It has been glorious, hasn¡¯t it!?!¡± The sarcastic tone gave way to a nasty edge. ¡°Gev.¡± Renatta put her hands on her hips. ¡°I don¡¯t need your jealousy right now. You know it had to be this way. Besides¡­I thought you found a ''confidant'' in that Republic Colonel.¡± Shaking his head, Ivan laughed slightly. He knew what Renatta was referring to. Ivan having gone back to Colonel La''chance¡¯s chambers after their mission on Zakuul. Ivan shrugged his shoulders. ¡°A mere night¡¯s pleasure. She was curious¡­you know how Zeltrons are. Besides, you said it was over.¡± ¡°Bic cuyir jaon!!!¡± Renatta hissed, moving toward him. Pushing, she started Ivan toward the door. ¡°You have to go¡­Canton will be back any moment. You can¡¯t be here unannounced.¡± Ivan laughed again. ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s going to be back for a bit.¡± Renatta stopped pushing to look at him. ¡°Did you bother to talk to him about his time away? I just had an interesting passenger on my ride in¡­that passenger was here to see Canton.¡± -- ¡°Ok¡­¡± Cornelia snatched her arm out of his hand. Canton was practically dragging Cornelia away from the camp and deeper into the woods. ¡°¡­what¡¯s going on?!? I can feel¡ª¡± Cornelia paused looking at him, narrowing her eyes. ¡°-- Deceit¡­lies. You¡¯re hiding something.¡± Stopping, Canton grabbed Cornelia¡¯s shoulders and looked at her frantically. ¡°Cornelia, you shouldn¡¯t have come here. I told you, I would find you after. You are in danger. These people¡­they don¡¯t see YOU. They see a ¡®Dar¡¯jetii¡¯. A Sith who represents those who sent me away¡­.there¡¯s something I need to tell you. I didn¡¯t tell you before because, I didn¡¯t know how to. But¡­there¡¯s something you need to know¡ª¡± ¡°Evil bitch!!!¡± The explosion sent both Cornelia and Canton flying. Only Cornelia¡¯s last second sense of the incoming wrist rocket allowed her to jump away. Thrusting a hand out to send Canton a safe distance in the Force. Rolling to a stop sideways, her lightsaber was already in hand. The red blade activating with a pushing snap-hiss of reverberating power. Renatta was in the air. Her jetpack darting her to the side and past the top of the trees. She was trying to circle. Cornelia watched from a crouch, rolling forward as the next barrage of rockets came up and over the treetops toward her. ¡°Oh¡­this is goin¡¯ to kriffin¡¯ stop!!!¡± Grabbing the top of a tree, Cornelia clenched her fist as if holding it with a large invisible hand the size of the massive Palm. She twisted her arm, snapping the top of it off in the Force and pushed out with a grunt. The treetop sailed toward Renatta who ducked under and darted toward Cornelia with her jetpack accelerating, drawing both blasters once she landed across the jungle floor from Cornelia. Already firing as she was moving, Renatta was emptying power cells within the blasters in anger. Wild shots, quantity over quality. Slapping one down to her hip after it was drained. A tactical power cell harness having the cells positioned for a quick reload. Renatta loaded a fresh cell in one weapon and continued to fire with the other. Cornelia stepped back. Moving, spinning; deflecting and dodging until she became a blur. Darting forward in and within the Force. Renatta turned her head in time to feel the pull back. Saw the fingers over the visor and HUD from within her helmet as her head was jerked backward. And the brilliant red glow of lightsaber plasma glowing from her neck line. Cornelia had it at her throat about to slice as Canton called out. Just catching up with the both of them. ¡°WAIT!!! WAIT!!! Cornelia NO!!!¡± The words gave Renatta time, Cornelia looking up sharply toward the voice. Inside the visor, Renatta stuck out her tongue touching a control node. Activating the anti-handling devices of her armor. The surface electrified. Cornelia screamed letting her go and falling to the ground. The lightsaber rolling out of her hands. Snapping around immediately, Renatta leveled the blaster at her head. ¡°Goodbye, Dar¡¯jetii¡± Diving forward, Canton caught Renatta around the waist as the blaster went off. They rolled to a stop with Renatta kicking Canton off of her. He was already between the path back toward Cornelia as he heard the Sith getting to her feet behind him. The sound of the lightsaber sailing through the air and reigniting in her hand. ¡°Meg te kriff cuyir gar vaabir¡¯ii Canton!!! Ve''ganir te kriff dayn be ner ara!!!¡± ¡°NO!!! Renatta, listen to me¡­.¡± ¡°Yes, Canton¡­.let her go¡­¡± Her armor was powered and in a heavy configuration. The same Canton had designed not only for himself a decade before, but also designed for his wife. With a swipe of her hand, she swatted Canton aside. Launching an arm out and blasting flames from the hidden port within a gauntlet. Cornelia leapt upward as Renatta tracked her with the jet of flames. Burning the trees and the foliage in an attempt to burn the Sith to a crisp. Jumping again after landing in a treetop, Cornelia launched herself upward after clipping the lightsaber to her belt. Launching her hands outward, brilliant blue and purple tinges of energy arched from her fingertips. Alerts started to sound within Renatta¡¯s armor as she shook it off, activating an ablative electrical setting on her armor¡¯s surface with a few blinks of her eyes. After landing and continuing the barrage, Cornelia smiled to herself. Taking a few steps forward, she watched Renatta bend down; arm out. In a vain attempt to try and absorb the lightning. Also taking a step toward her, Renatta grimaced. Cornelia clenched a fist sharply and tossed the arm upward. Renatta launched into the air. As Cornelia swiped sideways the Mandalorian flew through the tress to land against the base of a giant Palm. Taking her lightsaber off her belt gently, Cornelia activated it out to her side. The time to end the attack had come. Canton had seen what Cornelia could do. And he had seen his own wife in action. Renatta was no match for the power of not just any Sith, but Cornelia. He stood and ran toward them both. Skidding to a stop instantly. Looking behind him, he pursed his lips toward Cornelia who also turned around at the sound. Stopping in her tracks. The sound of blasters and other ranged weapons powering up caused all of them to look around. The entire Clan came through the brush in unison. All of their weapons trained on Cornelia¡­. -- ¡°I will kill every single one of you!!!¡± Cornelia screamed, standing up and flourishing her lightsaber. With his hands up, Canton was running toward the others. ¡°No, stop!!! Wait!!!¡± Pulling herself up off the tree, Renatta was already reloading her weapons. The jetpack sparked and smoked damage on her back. Sparks and other smoke ebbed from her armor from either impact or the barrage of lightning that sent her flying into the base of the tree. The others were fanning out, encircling the confrontation. Ivan, the only one stepping back. The one who set it all in motion by telling Renatta what he saw. But even he didn¡¯t know the full story. Their weapons and arms still up and pointing toward Cornelia, Canton stepped between them. ¡°An attack against one¡­¡± The Clan leader, having parted the crowd and stepping forward pointed toward Cornelia. ¡°¡­.is an attack against all. You know this Canton.¡± ¡°Yes, but I can explain¡­¡± Canton stammered. ¡°Please do!!¡± Renatta stepped away from the tree cautiously joining the others instead of her husband. Her blaster still trained on Cornelia. Dropping his arms defeatedly, Canton looked down releasing a resolved sigh. He looked back at Cornelia, but as he started to speak his head and eyes turned toward Renatta. ¡°Cornella and I ''bonded'' in prison. She is my second¡­¡± ¡°Second?!?!¡± Renatta spat out. Her voice still muffled by her helmet, she reached up scrambling to take it off. Angrily, she tossed it aside. ¡°Second?¡± Cornelia echoed the question behind Canton in a more inquisitive tone. ¡°¡¯Dar¡¯jetii¡­.stay out of this.¡± Renatta took a step forward. ¡°Kriff you!!!¡± ¡°Kriff with me!!!¡± Renatta brought the blasters straight back up, pointing them at Cornelia. ¡°Whoa!!!¡± Canton turned putting himself sideways between the two women. The rest continued to watch as Canton looked between the two women. ¡°Second¡­¡± Canton repeated, looking at Cornelia. ¡°Second love¡­second life¡­¡± ¡°Second wife!!!¡± Renatta spat the words again, glaring at them both. Cornelia''s face moved between shock and humor. ¡°Canton, we never¡ª¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter¡ª¡± Renatta interrupted ¡°¡ªyou bonded.¡± Her eyes narrowing toward Canton. ¡°Even in death, we WERE NOT parted." Renatta''s lip twitched. "You slime¡­all this time. You never said anything!!!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­.¡± Interrupting Renatta in a snarky tone, Cornelia stepped directly behind Canton. ¡°¡­Canton, who is this woman?¡± ¡°I¡¯m the first!!¡± Stepping back, it was Cornelia¡¯s turn to glare. She deactivated her lightsaber placing a hand on a hip. The others all lowered their weapons in time with Cornelia shutting her weapon down. ¡°Clearly, we have some things to discuss¡­¡± The Clan Leader turned to walk back toward the camp. ¡°Canton, you should explain yourself to them first¡­¡± -- ¡°Ivan told me!!!¡± Renatta gestured with her blaster still in hand. ¡°That this ''Dar¡¯jetii'' came in with him.¡± ¡°I¡¯m getting really tired of that word.¡± Cornelia narrowed her eyes. ¡°I am NO Jedi¡­.¡± ¡°SITH!!!¡± The nasty tone directed toward Cornelia, both women advanced again. Canton pushed them apart. ¡°Enough!!¡± Keeping them apart, he kept his hands up. ¡°You both deserve an explanation. But there isn¡¯t time.¡± ¡°Make time, Canton.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m not going anywhere¡­at least not without you.¡± Cornelia crossed her arms. ¡°Over my dead body.¡± ¡°Oh, that can definitely be arranged.¡± ¡°I said enough. Listen¡­¡± Canton ran his fingers through his hair, sighing again. ¡°¡­the reasons are not important. What is important, is the truth. Yes, Cornelia is my second. And Cornelia, I never told you I was married because you know how closely guarded I kept my past. It wasn¡¯t important for you to know because honestly, I never thought we would leave ''The End'' alive.¡± ¡°But you knew!!!¡± Renatta spat out again. ¡°You knew the moment I arrived on Concord Dawn. You knew the moment you realized your systems sent out the distress call. And you said nothing!!!¡± ¡°To either of us.¡± ¡°I was in a coma.¡± Canton spoke in response to Cornelia. ¡°After. You just let it go.¡± Cornelia sat down behind him, looking down sadly. ¡°This begs a question¡­¡± Holstering her blaster, Renatta stepped around the side placing a finger to her chin. ¡°Had your armor never sent that signal, would you even have sought us out?¡± Canton looked up, his face getting tight. ¡°Even returned to your family, to your brothers and sisters¡­returned to me¡­?¡± ¡°I can answer that¡­¡± Cornelia stood up sharply and looped an arm through one of Canton¡¯s leaning in toward Renatta. ¡°No¡­he wouldn¡¯t have. He belongs with me. This old life¡­is over.¡± ¡°Gar ¡®Dar¡¯jetti¡¯¡­¡± Renatta laughed menacingly. ¡°¡­you have no concept of duty or obligation. The commitment we make to our family and each other is not so easily tossed aside.¡± ¡°You all wrote him off!!!¡± ¡°It¡¯s our way!!!¡± Renatta gave Canton a pained expression. ¡°He was honored¡­as all are honored who join the rolls.¡± Renatta shook her head. ¡°This is why we are here, Canton. To remove you from the rolls and renew our bond.¡± ¡°He doesn¡¯t need a bond with those who would discard him so easily!¡± ¡°Gar suvarir naas!!!¡± ¡°I understand that when he needed me, I was there¡­have been there. Right next to him, by his side. Did you or your Mandalorians even try to find him?!?! If he was dead, did you try to recover his body?!?¡± Renatta tried to speak as Cornelia lifted a hand. ¡°No, you accepted the words given to you. The events as you believed they happened all because it helped your Mandalorian narrative.¡± Cornelia used quotations with her fingers as her words became snarky. ¡°¡­.¡¯He died a hero¡­he¡¯s a Martyr!!!¡¯ All of that advancing your war effort so you could unite and fight against enemies that you couldn¡¯t unite and fight against before. Yes, he was a Martyr. But only to advance your own agenda. You don¡¯t care about him, you don¡¯t love him. You need to use him and continue using him.¡± ¡°Bic nayc¡¯in banar ibac ara.¡± Renatta spoke back sadly. ¡°I¡¯m right here.¡± Interrupting, Canton looked at them both. ¡°Don¡¯t speak of me as if I am not present.¡± ¡°SHUT UP!!!¡± Both women spoke in unison. ¡°None of this matters.¡± Renatta folded her arms and nodded. ¡°Canton has returned home. He is MY husband and he knows where his loyalty and his duties lie.¡± ¡°Marriage is till death do you part¡­¡± Cornelia smiled viciously, looking past Renatta to the shadow which lurked behind her. They all saw Ivan turn and walk away. Canton¡¯s face twisted in annoyance. ¡°And I sense another is waiting in the wings.¡± Looking at them both, Renatta lifted her chin pursing her lips. ¡°That is another matter.¡± Looking back again, they could no longer see Ivan. But Cornelia could sense he was still there. Renatta continued in a bland tone. ¡°Yes, I bonded with Ivan. I gave myself freely. The moment I realized Canton was alive; I knew what I had to do. What my duty and obligations were.¡± ¡°Duty?!?!¡± Cornelia scoffed, ¡°You speak of Canton as if he¡¯s a thing, something to possess. This is love¡­¡± ¡°I love him.¡± Renatta spoke matter of factly. ¡°My obligation to him is¡ª¡± ¡°Obligation?!?!¡± Reaching up, Cornelia turned his head toward her. ¡°Canton, listen to me. These people, they don¡¯t love you.¡± She spoke frantically. ¡°I do¡­you know I do.¡± Renatta unholstered her pistol. ¡°Te''habir gar gaan teh ner riduur¡± Both Canton and Cornelia looked at Renatta. Canton stepped away, leaving the two alone. He needed time. Both women watched him leave, turning evil eyes back toward one another after he disappeared. -- ¡°Clearly¡­.¡± Renatta began evenly. ¡°¡­we have a situation here. And though I would kill you without a second thought, your ¡®attachment¡¯ to my husband makes that less likely and would probably drive a rift between us that would surely end in either his¡­or my own death.¡± Renatta narrowed her eyes and scowled. ¡°You should never have come here. Your very presence sickens me. The fact that MY husband would soil himself with something like you¡ª¡± Clenching her teeth, Cornelia closed her eyes and let out a slow breath. Yellow eyes snapping open after calming herself slightly. All for Canton¡¯s benefit. ¡°¡ªI am not fond of your traitorous kind either. Making allegiances as you see fit. Betraying anyone you find convenient, all in the name of ¡®honor¡¯ and the ¡®Clan¡¯.¡± Cornelia made quotation marks over the stressed words. ¡°¡ªand for your information. It was Canton who made the first move. Not I¡­he never thought he was going to get out of that hell hole. Neither did I.¡± Cornelia looked down sadly. ¡°He sacrificed his honor for me.¡± Looking up sharply Cornelia scowled. ¡°And in return, I did the same¡­soil himself? Lady, I was the only thing he had in there¡­¡± ¡°I would rather he died than be with you!!!¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Cornelia smiled snidely and folded her arms. ¡°Consider him dead and I¡¯ll just take him with me¡­¡± ¡°No¡± Renatta spoke gravely. ¡°Now¡­.he must answer for this dishonor. For being with you¡­a member of the very people who sent him away.¡± Renatta turned and started to walk away. ¡°But you¡­you will leave this place. And if I were you, I would hope that you and I never meet again¡­.¡± -- ¡°Aliit wero¡¯ii¡± Ivan smiled snidely as Canton passed, causing him to slow. He turned sharply and hit Ivan as hard as he could before the larger Mandalorian could react. The punch, with all of Canton¡¯s weight and force behind it made Ivan drop like a sack of bricks. The man knocked out instantly. ¡°He¡¯s not wrong, Canton¡­.¡± Turning around after knocking out Ivan, he saw the Clan Leader as well as half the others watching him. The Leader stepped forward, giving a smirk to Ivan lying on the ground before looking up at Canton. The Leader lost the smile. ¡°¡­this is serious business, Canton. You must get your house in order. And this Sith¡ª¡± The Clan Leader stopped and shook his head, looking down. ¡°--I understand a man¡¯s heart. We do what we must in order to survive. And if that¡¯s what it was, then so be it. Doesn¡¯t make it right or forgivable, but it is understandable. These are special times and special circumstances. The ¡®Resol¡¯nare¡¯ does not have a precedent for matters such as these¡­which leaves much open territory.¡± He reached out and placed a hand on Canton¡¯s shoulder. ¡°What¡¯s done is done. You and I both know¡­there is no future in which you and that Sith co-exist.¡± Taking the hand away, he placed it on his hips. ¡°At least not in this Clan.¡± -- Both women came out of the woodline together. And parted ways the second the others caught sight of them. Canton moved away from the others and took Cornelia aside. She stood, arms folded glaring up at him. ¡°I should have told you. I know I should have. But I honestly never saw us getting out of there, at least not together. And in the hangar¡­when I was hanging on for life. I saw my end. I knew¡­I felt I had done the right thing in not telling you. This is all just¡ª¡± Canton reached up and pinched his brow, closing his eyes. ¡°You should have told me. But it doesn¡¯t matter. These people¡­they don¡¯t matter. That life is over. We started a new life a long time ago. The moment you walked into my cell, years ago. The moment you and I¡ªhow did you say it? ¡®Bonded¡¯?¡± Cornelia smiled shyly and looked down. ¡°We¡¯re married? I had no idea that¡ª¡± ¡°NO.¡± Canton looked up and shook his head violently. ¡°No, we¡¯re not. It¡¯s complicated¡­in my afterlife I may choose a second and technically since I was dead I¡ª¡± Canton huffed a laugh and smiled. ¡°¡ªit doesn¡¯t matter. To you it would be like a ¡®common law¡¯ type ¡®thing¡¯¡­.¡± Narrowing her eyes, Cornelia looked past Canton to the others who were all staring. They were waiting for her to leave and were not moving until she did so. ¡°Canton¡­come with me. Right here, right now. Walk out of this place with those pants on. No shirt, no shoes¡­just the clothes on your back. We¡¯ll start again. Do what we talked about all those years ago¡ª¡± ¡°I can¡¯t just¡ª¡± Canton slung his arms down and grimaced. He knew they were waiting behind him for Cornelia to leave. ¡°--what do you want me to do, Corny? This is my life, who I am. There are things about us you just don¡¯t understand.¡± Cornelia gave a resolved sigh and looked down after his words. ¡°You think things are going to be the same between you and ¡®her¡¯ after this? Trust me, she may be a Mandalorian, but she¡¯s still a woman. She is not going to forget this.¡± Cornelia shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Canton. But you need to figure this out.¡± Cornelia looked down and then back toward the speeder before biting her lip. ¡°I have to go.¡± Cornelia looked past him toward Renatta and the other Mandalorians who were watching. Giving less than a care, she suddenly leaned in and grabbed Canton around the neck, kissing him deeply. What started out as just a goodbye kiss, became personal. Cornelia opened her eyes as her mouth roamed his. Her eyes locking on Renatta, narrowing. ¡°Bic ni skana''din¡­¡± Renatta started to move and was held back with one hand by Ivan who shook his head. His other hand rubbing the sore jaw Canton had given him. ¡°Let him be, Renatta. The ¡®Sith¡¯ is leaving¡­that is enough.¡± Cornelia looked down placing her hands and her head on his chest, sucking in a breath. For the first time Canton actually wrapped his hands around her, rubbing her back. Releasing the pent-up breath, Cornelia spoke softly. ¡°I will give it all up for you. Do anything you want. Know that¡­think about that. I won¡¯t lose you again¡­¡± Turning around Cornelia boarded the speeder. She didn¡¯t look back, saying everything she had to. Canton watched until Cornelia and the speeder disappeared into the depths of the jungle, turning to see all of the Clan still watching him. Stepping forward, the Clan leader held out a hand; palm facing him. ¡°Death¡­is preferable to a life with no meaning. It is clear you¡¯ve had to ¡®adjust¡¯ your values in order to survive¡­¡± Turning to the others, the Clan leader continued to hold the hand up, addressing them all. ¡°There will be no recall from the rolls. These are special times. There is no precedent for a situation such as this. Until Canton has decided where his loyalties lie, there can be no renewal. The Clan is gathered, we will hunt¡­.this is my word.¡± The crowd started to break up, Ivan one of the last to leave. Canton noticed his arm was on Renatta¡¯s until he finally drifted away from the others. Leaving Renatta and Canton to face one another. ¡°Gar kar''taylir darasuum kaysh.¡± Renatta spoke pointedly. It wasn¡¯t a question. ¡°Elek.¡± Canton spoke just as pointedly. Renatta folded her arms and glared. ¡°This is a competition for her. It has nothing to do with you, I just saw her face as she ¡®kissed¡¯ you goodbye.¡± Renatta took a step forward, flourishing her hands. ¡°Your life is here. Your family is here. I state only facts. You took an oath, to me and to the Clan. And even Death cannot end that. Canton, you survived Death. Survived them all. That woman¡­¡± Renatta pointed past Canton toward the direction of the speeder. ¡°¡­represents everything we fought against. The reason you were sent away. The Dar¡¯jetii and their ways are not our ways. They have no honor, do not value family or tradition.¡± "You don''t know her. You have no idea what she values..." Looking down, Renatta placed her hands on her hips and shook her head. ¡°YOU...that''s quite clear!!! Canton, this Clan¡­.our entire focus changed the day the Dar¡¯jetii betrayed us. We changed¡­because of you. And have held that until this moment. And today, all of that has been called into question. I can see it, feel it in the others. Will you really throw all of that away for her?¡± Taking a moment, Canton looked down. When he looked back up and past Renatta he could see Ivan in the background. It caused Renatta to turn around and then back toward Canton. Folding her arms again, she took on an annoyed pose. ¡°You chose another. You couldn¡¯t do any better than ¡®Ivan¡¯?¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t about Ivan. When you joined the rolls, I followed tradition¡­I mourned you the designated time I was supposed to, until the rolls were called the following year. After that¡­.yes, I chose Ivan. But I did not marry.¡± ¡°Then you break with tradition. Being with Ivan, but not ¡®really¡¯ being with him.¡± ¡°I compromised¡­¡± ¡°Yes!!! Exactly¡­¡± Canton stepped forward and pointed at her. ¡°Death was preferable to betraying my oath¡­that¡¯s what was said. You just heard it again. But I was not going to let them kill me. I was not going to let them win. Death, would have been the same as giving up. So¡­I compromised. Cornelia was part of that compromise¡­¡± ¡°Ivan and I are completely different. She¡¯s a ¡®Dar¡¯jetii¡¯!!!¡± ¡°Yes, she is.¡± Canton spoke softly. ¡°And that changes nothing. We cannot control what the heart wants.¡± ¡°O¡¯h elek gar liser.¡± Renatta was getting closer, taking another step forward. ¡°The heart is bound to our commitment to this Clan¡­this family.¡± Renatta snarled. ¡°Canton, you owe us children. The time for maintaining our legacy has come. And the first step toward that legacy began last night.¡± Renatta rubbed her abdomen as Canton looked down at it. He started to speak and Renatta raised a hand to stop him. ¡°I state only that which you already know, I am not going to beg you. No one is. You will do what you must¡­just as we will¡­¡± ¡°Cuyir ibac a¡¯jurkadir?¡± Renatta shook her head sadly. ¡°Nayc, ori¡¯haat If you do this, you will be stricken from the rolls. A pain worse than death. Your name erased for all time. You will never have been.¡± Having said what she needed to, Renatta turned and walked away. -- ¡°AHHHH!!!!¡± The entire Clan was suited for the hunt, except for Canton. Who walked back toward the lodge alone. The scream was well timed. Canton looked up to see Ivan part the crowd as they all prepared to leave. Drawing his ¡®Beskad¡¯; Ivan¡¯s personal knife made for him, he made sure to drop it where everyone could see. His head and eyes turned toward Canton, Ivan turned around and looked at the mass of Mandalorians. ¡°Dar¡¯manda, di¡¯kutla hut¡¯uun!!! Ni nayc¡¯in at motir de bal duumir ibic¡­.aruetii at kemir ti mhi!!!¡± Renatta parted the crowd, her eyes wide. Canton looked at her sharply. Her surprise told him she had no part in what Ivan was doing. ¡°Ivan¡­you don¡¯t want to do this¡­¡± Canton said lowly. ¡°SEE!!! He even refuses to speak in our tongue.¡± Ivan leaned forward, bending down to pick up the blade he dropped. But not sheathing it. ¡°So be it. I will answer you in the language of your Sith whore!!! I challenge you¡­Canton. In accordance with our laws. For being a traitor, consorting with the enemy and dishonoring not only this Clan, but your wife and yourself¡­you deserve to die.¡± Moving alongside, Renatta snatched Ivan¡¯s arm. ¡°Ivan¡­don¡¯t do this. Trust me, you do NOT want to do this. Not for me. It isn¡¯t worth it.¡± ¡°What?!?!¡± Ivan laughed. ¡°You think this di¡¯kut can best me?!?!¡± Looking Canton up and down, Ivan placed his hands on his hips. ¡°I remember him from the old days. Barely able to hold up his blaster.¡± Canton said nothing as the Clan started to close in around them. Renatta looked sharply toward Canton before turning back to Ivan, who was still smiling; overconfident in his challenge. Turning his head, Renatta looked up at Ivan. ¡°Listen to me Ivan, you do not want to do this¡­not to the death. I understand your honor being challenged by Canton hitting you, but¡ª¡± ¡°This has nothing to do with that sucker punch!!!¡± Narrowing his eyes Ivan leaned forward. ¡°Do you accept or are you going to hide under your wife¡¯s skirt? IT¡¯s quite large, trust me I know¡­¡± Canton grit his teeth, jaw felxing at Ivan''s last words. Renatta scoffed and stepped away, spitting at Ivan¡¯s feet. ¡°Di¡¯kut!!!¡± Knowing what all of it was really about, Canton folded his arms giving a haphazard glance toward Renatta. She looked down in shame as Canton turned his eyes back toward Ivan. The entire Clan had assembled around them. ¡°I¡¯m not going to fight you for her Ivan. If you want her¡­she¡¯s yours, if she¡¯ll have you¡­¡± ¡°DO YOU HEAR THAT!!!¡± Ivan threw his hands up turning to look around at the assembled Mandalorians. ¡°He shirks his duty to his wife.¡± Looking back, Ivan gave Canton a condescending smile. ¡°That¡¯s ok, Canton. In fact, I will help you. I tell you what¡­next time you have problems in your bed chamber, you call me. I¡¯ll come in and take care of your obligations to her. Since you are not man enough to do it.¡± ¡°Gar jaro osik!!!¡± Renatta¡¯s head snapped up as she glared at Ivan. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you not to do this because I was scared for Canton. I did it because I am scared for you!!¡± Renatta pointed her finger at Ivan and sneered. ¡°He¡­will kill you. And he will do it with no emotion.¡± Renatta turned to the others, her voice raising slightly. ¡°I have seen it¡­Canton possesses the true warrior¡¯s heart. Ramikadyc, he kills with passing thoughts. No mind to what he does. The purest warrior.¡± A collective gasp went up as the Mandalorians looked at one another. Ivan actually swallowed hard, stepping back slightly. But quickly rose his chin and snarled. ¡°She lies!!!¡± Ivan swiped the spoken words away in the air. ¡°Renatta says this because she is his wife. Canton cannot possess a true heart. Not one that is Mandalorian¡­¡± ¡°ENOUGH!!!¡± The Clan Leader stepped between them. ¡°There has been enough talk.¡± Giving the large knife in Ivan¡¯s hand a glance, the Clan Leader bent down and traced a circle in the dirt where the weapon left an impression after being dropped in challenge. ¡°A challenge has been given.¡± His head snapped to Canton. ¡°Do you defend your honor against these accusations?¡± Canton¡¯s jaw flexed, he looked down and shook his head before looking up. ¡°Meh bic cuyir kyr''am ibac Ivan copikla¡­..Ni Kelir narir¡¯ir at te haran ti ijaat.¡± -- -- Standing on the opposite side, Canton looked composed. Wearing only his armored pants he unsheathed his knife and looked impassively toward Ivan. The larger Mandalorian wore a wicked smile. Slinging his arms to his front as he loosened. Widening them as he flexed. His eyes laser focused on Canton. Ivan was bouncing, the others on his side during the entire affair speaking in low tones and to Ivan as they waited. Only Renatta stood on Canton¡¯s side. Directly behind him. A solemn expression, she folded her hands to her front and stared outward past Canton and toward Ivan with a resolute expression. The two didn¡¯t speak. Renatta taking position behind her husband as she was supposed to. It wasn¡¯t lost on Canton that part of the fight was about her. Renatta knew it too. All of the accusations mere dressing for the real heart of the matter. Ivan¡¯s jealousy. They all watched as the Clan Leader entered the circle, holding his hands up. Low murmurs died down, silence taking the crowd. ¡°Ivan¡­has challenged Canton for dishonoring himself and the Clan. As the one who called Canton¡¯s honor into question, Ivan has chosen this duel to the death to be fought with traditional blade.¡± Looking at one and then the other, the Clan Leader gave each man a helmeted glance and nod. ¡°This is never performed lightly. In times past, when one challenged another the charges were grave. The sentence graver still.¡± Giving Ivan a long stare, the Clan Leader was giving Ivan another chance to back down. Ivan merely smiled, continuing to bounce as he loosened up. ¡°¡­one of you will die with honor this day. The other will have honor restored.¡± Turning slowly, the Clan Leader walked from the ring and stood among the others. Moving forward, Canton started out as Renatta pulled him back with a hand on his shoulder. ¡°¡­for Honor, my husband.¡± Only nodding sharply and with a slight grimace, Canton entered the makeshift circle. Reversing the grip on his blade. His fingers slipped through the knuckle holds of the hilt as he tightened his grip. Arms down, holding them out to the side. He didn¡¯t look threatening. Something he learned in prison. Many a fight was ended by the aggressiveness of another. Looking less threatening to draw in an enemy. Canton began a slow circle, head down as he walked with purpose. Eyes narrowed, as he watched every movement of his opponent. Seeing Ivan shift his feet before stepping out and away from the small crowd behind him. Ivan had many supporters. His status in the Clan gave him clout. A sub-leader, op runner and as one of the strongest among them; the favorite of the majority of the Clan. They all seen the Sith come and then go. The turmoil brought by her arrival and Canton¡¯s subsequent admission of his relationship with her. No one was happy. And in some ways many hoped the duel would end not only the turbulence brought on by the Sith¡¯s arrival, but Canton as well. Ivan snarled, swinging his arms left and right as he bounced entering at the same time. Coming to a rest, he held his hands up in a traditional combat stance. Canton didn¡¯t look down, staring straight ahead as he continued to move outside. Ivan¡¯s knife hand and arm was back, extending the other out with fingers spread as a gauge of distance and leverage. He held the blade upright. Its combat blackened metal catching a bit of the light as it moved in Ivan¡¯s fingers. Seeing Canton slowly circle with his arms down didn¡¯t infuriate the other Mandalorian as much as the expression. Canton looked serene, almost resolute in his gaze. Like Ivan was not even there. With a scream, Ivan lunged in. Slicing forward, then back through. Punching out with the other hand in a third slice, jabbing forward. Canton kept the knife back, moving at the last second to avoid the first, then the second attack. Kicking up once Ivan jabbed. His foot landing solidly in the other Mandalorian¡¯s stomach. Ivan heaved as Canton stepped back, turning to the opposite side and rounding the bigger man. Raging, Ivan charged toward him from the kick, swinging wildly again. Once of the multiple slices, cutting across Canton¡¯s midsection. Sucking in deeply, Canton spun around to find Ivan standing upright at the sight of blood on his opponent. His eyes wide. Ivan smiled wryly, charging in again. Punching with the blade, the fist swung into air as Canton ducked. Slamming his own knuckled knife into the ribs of the larger Mandalorian. Ivan screamed again, wrapping arms around Canton he picked up the smaller man and tossed him aside. Moving quickly to follow-up with a stomp to the face. Canton rolled to the side, sliding his body and legs across the ground. Catching Ivan¡¯s legs and knocking them out from under him. Both were on the ground as Canton looked up and over at Renatta, who caught his eyes and looked down shamefully. Hopping back up with a springboard like action, Canton flipped forward to his feet and put some distance between himself and Ivan. For his size, Ivan moved fast, but he could not springboard back up like Canton. Having to roll to the side, he scrambled to his feet. Wiping the blood from his mouth with a painful smile. Internal organs already shattered from the knuckle blow; Ivan grimaced at cracked ribs; perhaps a punctured lung. Shifting his feet, Ivan changed hands. Tossing the blade to his other. He snarled loudly, ¡°N-not¡­like before¡­¡¯techy¡¯. But this is it¡­¡± Ivan was breathing hard as he weaved the blade. ¡°D-do you feel it?!?! Do you s-see your death in the reflection of m-my blade?!?!¡± Canton said nothing, moving slowly again with his arms and hands down. He squeezed the knife tightly, narrowing his gaze. Ivan spoke the words more for himself. Steeling himself from the fear that had suddenly crept in. And he wasn¡¯t the only one. What started out as a low roar when they began, became dead silence after seeing Canton move. More than move, survive with ease. Renatta wasn¡¯t lying. Canton had changed. They all saw it, in his eyes; his steps were that of a calculated killer. Ivan rushed in, a scream to put the last bit of bravery back into himself. ''Canton couldn¡¯t win, he couldn¡¯t.'' Everyone, including Ivan told themselves. Ivan was the strongest. He proven that on countless occasions. Canton spun in the air. A rounded kick which landed solidly on Ivan¡¯s chin. Continuing the spin, he landed and punched out with the blade in hand. The iron knuckles of the hilt busting Ivan¡¯s nose and face completely. The bigger Mandalorian grabbed his face and backed up, but only for a second. Slicing outwardly, opening his arms to try and grab Canton. He let him get close, Canton seemed to relax. Slicing in a whirl across the arm of Ivan¡¯s offhand. A cut that had no effect even though it was deep. Ivan kept coming. Tackling him, Canton rolled with the tackle. Dust clouding everyone''s vision as the two emerged with Ivan over the top. They both vibrated from the test of strength. Ivan, holding down Canton¡¯s other hand as he struggled to jab the knife down and through Canton¡¯s face. Gritting his teeth, Ivan strained in rage. Canton shook, holding him. But his face remained unchanged, even passive as he held the bigger man off. ¡°Die!!!¡± Ivan spit out, literally. Blood and spital cascading down with the strength of the attempt. ¡®I will bend¡­¡¯ Canton¡¯s mind wandered, going back to the exercises. Hours and hours of meditation and strength training on his own. An image of himself in a folded leg position. Holding himself above the floor with just his fingertips. Strength unbound. It came from within. The mind his only playground during those long dark times. ¡®¡­like a reed, in the wind.'' The blade came down as Canton released Ivan¡¯s hold. Sliding to the side; up and over, Canton spun. Taking Ivan¡¯s arm with him as he wrapped his legs around Ivan¡¯s arm and shoulder, placing the man¡¯s face in the dirt. Pulling with the hand in which he held Ivan¡¯s knife hand, Canton thrust up with his hips and felt the crack. The others heard it; a collective gasp going up as the Clan took a step back once the dust began to clear. Canton let go, rolling to his feet. Renatta saw it. As Canton got back up, stepping back and away. A new confidence seemed to fill him. He bounced for the first time, a little speed in his step. Fear leapt into her chest. Ivan was a raging bull. Big, tough and ungainly. Fighting a battle he could not win against the much more calculated and composed Canton. The other¡¯s face never changed. His emotions never wavering. Canton was beskar, impenetrable. They locked eyes once Canton got to his feet. Only Renatta didn¡¯t look down in shame. Instead shaking her head ¡®No¡¯. His arm only a noodle, Ivan scrambled to his feet. Changing hands again, Ivan lazily held the knife. It was over, everyone knew it. Except Ivan. The larger man said nothing. He saw what was coming and for a moment, a reflection of sorrow passed through him. Having started something he could not possibly finish. With no options left, Ivan charged. After Ivan charged, her heart leapt to her throat. Canton¡¯s body to the side, he raised his arm already knowing where the knife was going to go. Grabbing the charging Mandalorian behind the head, Canton brought up the knee pushing down with his arm. The hand and arm which held Ivan''s head. The look of shock on Ivan¡¯s face was unmistakable. Even he couldn¡¯t believe it. In that last second, he could sense what was to come. And Renatta screamed out. ¡°Canton!!! NO!!!¡± Ivan¡¯s face met the knee as the blade sunk in deep and center of the Mandalorian¡¯s back. The length penetrating the heart from the underside. Canton twisted the blade to wedge it deeply and ensure the mark was met. Feeling the resistance and then give away as it hit the soft tissue between the ribs. Canton released and stepped back. Ivan stood slowly, stepping back turning his good arm slowly around to try and reach the blade that was in his back, to no avail. Giving Renatta one last sorrowful look, Ivan fell to his knees and then to his face. Dead. Lip twitching, Canton looked over at Renatta and shook his head. Her scream was not for his benefit, but for Ivan¡¯s. Still standing in the ring, he looked over the silent crowd before bending down and placing a foot on Ivan¡¯s back. Removing the knife with a jerk and wiping in the other Mandalorian¡¯s blood off on his leg. Giving Renatta another look, Canton¡¯s face twisted in disgust. His voice was loud, carrying over them all. ¡°She was right¡­this is not my life anymore.¡± Canton sheaved his blade and looked around the circle. ¡°All my life, I have lived by the code. Honored it.¡± He looked down at Ivan and scoffed. ¡°We are no better than the Sith. One of our best lies dead because of his own hubris. He didn¡¯t have to die¡­but the code said he must.¡± Reaching down he picked up Ivan¡¯s blade, holding it out to look at it. ¡°Why? You all could have stopped him. But you were all so incensed by your hatred for what happened here today that you could not see. But I see¡­for the first time, I see more clearly than I ever have.¡± Canton tossed the knife down and spit on the ground. ¡°Canton¡­w-where are you going?!?!¡± Renatta was chasing as he walked out of the ring. He waved his arms lazily; waving her back. ¡°Away¡­go, bury ¡®your¡¯ man with honor. According to the code, he earned it¡­.¡± -- -- - Ansion III, Insertion Landing Site Alpha¡­following Cornelia¡¯s mission¡­. There was much more fury there than had to be. And the fact that her Master had shown up left Cornelia with many questions. This was her mission, one of the first for her to be out on her own. Cornelia was much older and seasoned than a typical apprentice, she did not need her Master looking over her shoulder. But that was not why Mrysti came and not why Cornelia destroyed the other apprentice with such fury. Both had answers that lay elsewhere. Rage and fury came from within. A focused force Cornelia channeled from the events on Concord Dawn. She still had not heard from Canton and as she opened the ramp to her ship, she was beginning to think she may never hear from him. Perhaps it was for the best. After the way she dealt with one of Darth Vowrawn¡¯s former apprentices, she felt powerful. All due to the anger and rage she held inside over Canton. Mrysti arranged the meeting, also a source of annoyance. Having led the apprentice from Dromand Kaas all the way to Cornelia¡¯s location; Mrysti put the two together for a specific purpose. And as Mrysti explained on Cornelia¡¯s departure, it was the same way her own Master had proverbially ¡®broken her in¡¯. The death of an apprentice that sought vengeance on them both for killing her Master. Coming down off the ¡®high¡¯ of using her emotions, Cornelia often fell into sadness. Grabbing the strut of the loading ramp, there were no exceptions. She frowned at the ground, her body sagging as the exhaustion of the past day caught up to her. All of the fueled adrenaline powering her starting to bleed away, she turned back to look toward the aftermath. The facility was in ruins. It had been in ruins before their arrival and now it carried the scar of the brief but intense battle of the two Sith. At least Mrysti was pleased. Cornelia¡¯s hate had made her powerful. ¡°Going my way¡­¡± Eyes getting wide, she felt the adrenaline start up again. New emotions, one of the most powerful started to course though her. Along with the fear, shock and surprise at hearing his voice. She turned and stammered. Her words not coming from the open mouth as she stared. Canton dropped the bag as Cornelia ran to him, both of them embracing as she pushed away looking down at him once he held her. ¡°But your commitment? The Clan¡­.¡± Canton shrugged. ¡°They will wait. Renatta will wait. I came to Concord Dawn to find myself before any of this could happen. Unfortunately, it found me. Now, I need some time to figure this out. And if you don¡¯t mind¡­a lift out of here. I seem to have worn out my welcome with the Mandalorians I came here with¡­.¡± -- - Concord Dawn¡­. Renatta sat by the fire, alone. Looking deeply into it. It wasn¡¯t the fire that started out the day. Everyone was at that pyre. Sending Ivan off to his afterlife. Having died honorably in challenging Canton for what he perceived as a slight to himself on behalf of the Clan. But that wasn¡¯t the whole story and everyone knew it. Ivan died because of his own jealousy. He died because of Renatta. Part of the reason they let him go was due to the unspoken reason behind the duel. Renatta did not help matters by screaming out during. For warning her husband off and alerting Ivan as to what was coming. Though it was too late when she did it. Ivan¡¯s fate was sealed from virtually the first moment he stepped in the ring. No one could have beaten Canton, not after the events of the day which led up to that fateful confrontation. But Renatta¡¯s actions, though dishonorable, could not be held over her. None of it could. As the Clan Leader explained in confidence; the whole situation was one big ¡®Osik gaid¡¯. And everyone was going to have to eat from it. The choice was not a simple one. But fairly two sided. They either let him go to get a hold of himself and possibly come back. Or they declare him traitor and ostracize him immediately. The latter choice was not so simple and one Renatta absolutely refused to allow them to do. Canton was challenged. No matter how they all wanted it to turn out, he won. Fairly. Deep down, due to the events of that day; Renatta had to admit to herself she wanted him to lose as well. Not for Ivan¡¯s benefit or that she wanted to be with Ivan; but because of what Canton had done. Canton laid with a Sith. Renatta knew in time she would be able to deal with the ramifications of that. But at that moment, she wanted Canton to pay. It was why she screamed. Why she told Canton not to kill Ivan and warn the other man of what was about to happen. Renatta wanted her husband to return to his honorable death and replace the mantle of widow taken from her by his resurrection. Things were complicated now. More complicated by the fact that no one really knew what to do. And for the moment, they treated Renatta as the widow once again. They all knew where Canton was going. Renatta knew it and refused to accept. He was going to find ¡®her¡¯. To try and see if that new life he spoke of suited him. He was going to do it either way. Leaving Concord Dawn angry and frustrated with the lot of them. ¡°With a word¡­¡± The Clan Leader spoke as he entered the firelight and took a seat next to Renatta. ¡°¡­we can make all of this go away. This is your call Renatta, you are his wife. I will hold this as long as I have to; as I said¡­we are in new territory. But if he makes a decision that¡ª" ¡°--He won¡¯t¡­¡± Renatta spoke softly, tossing a stick into the flames. ¡°He¡¯ll be back. I know him. Better than he knows himself. He will honor his obligations¡­.¡± At the last word, Renatta rubbed her abdomen. She didn¡¯t know how, but she could feel it. Their legacy. The name of Canton and Renatta would carry on, regardless of what he decided to do. --