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From the producers who brought you Socially Acceptable Monsters & The Reluctant Redhead comes the final chapter in an epic saga.
VE
Vogue Empire
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/104/f/5/Tears_of_Blood_by_scarletmalen.jpg)
Coming soon...
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Socially Acceptable Monsters : 0ABY - 4ABY
The Reluctant Redhead/Corellian Rebirth : 4ABY - 6ABY
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The Present
Fall 6ABY
Emperor Dementat controls the remnants of The Galactic Empire.
The Sith Abomination known as Alexia Winton is dead, struck down by her own sister on Phage's base of operations in the Coruscant Asteroid Field.
Byss has become the new Imperial capital.
Marius Guile, a rogue ISB Agent loyal to the missing Imperial Director, murders most of his team including fellow agent Mod Navris and sabotages the mission. He confiscates the original translation of The Persephonea Prophecy and intends to use it as leverage. His whereabouts are unknown.
Doctor Felicia Kensington, sole survivor of the Imperial team, finds herself part of a conspiracy deeper than anyone realizes.
Karen Winton, now possessed by the same darkness that controlled Alexia, completes her Sith training to become the Emperor's lover and progeny Darth Kyja.
Corellian Governess Valerie Gellar is murdered by Phage's hand after thwarting a Federation invasion of the system. Mara Anna, the seemingly impossible spawn of Phage, takes the life of Agent Scott St. Claire then of her creator and assumes the role of a Gellar.
Kent Carlson, a Corellian reporter who covered the Federation Crisis searches for a truth that lies far beyond the system.
Kimber Patten betrays the Empire by handing over the treacherous Imperial Director to the Hapan Consortium only to discover she is pregnant with a child savior baptized by the Force. Aided by The High Protectorate, Rydan Stratford, they flee across the galaxy.
After years of hiding, the Jedi Melanie Masterton emerges to stop the Empire from preventing the prophecy from coming to pass.
Only one can survive.
Vogue Empire
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The Imperial Remnant is steadily gaining strength. There is progress in areas once seemingly lost to the delusions of the Alliance. Systems come crawling back or bow in fear as his shadow falls over them. A mysterious figure and skilled tactician, the Emperor Dementat sets his sights on reclaiming the universe for the Galactic Empire once and for all.
Everyone has their weapon of choice. He just happens to be in love with his.
The sultry sass of an Apprentice has come out on the other side a Lord and lady alike. Gone is the vapid model and Imperial socialite Karen Winton and in her place the woman now known as Darth Kyja.
*
Byss: Imperial Capital
Surface: Emperor's Citadel
In a darkened chamber cloaked in heavy and expensive drapery atop a platform bed covered with silken fabrics stained the deepest of purples, a young Emperor and his stunning Apprentice work on fulfilling more than just a prophecy. His fingers run the length of her smooth back as he enters her again. She gasps and he smiles, leaning down close enough for his nose to graze her ear.
"Soon," Dementat whispers. "We will have everything."
"A part of me thinks I already do."
"There is always more to the story. You, of all people, should know that."
"A little too well, I'm afraid."
"Fear not, my love. You and I will decide how we want the story to end."
"You and I?"
Dementat's electric blue eyes seem to sizzle in their sockets as he reaches for a black velvet box at the edge of the bed. Intrigued, Karen rises from the pillow. He turns and, on one knee, opens the box slowly in front of her surprised face. Inside lies a crimson Roonstone engagement ring with a platinum band encrusted with sparkling gems. Karen's emerald eyes widen at a stone she recognizes.
"Cut from Alexia's necklace as a symbol of your triumph over her. Our destiny, our passion, our love - was fated from the beginning. It was always you. The future is ours to shape. Be my Empress and we shall rule this galaxy together."
The darkness in her heart flushes scarlet, pulse quickening. She touches the edge of the textured box and removes the ring. It fits perfectly on her slender finger. Karen inhales sharply, beaming.
"Yes."
Dementat kisses her deeply and they fall back against the sheets with the ring glinting softly in the pale light.
When he is gone and she finally rouses from the coma, still deep in the sex and murder haze, she is still smiling proudly. Everything feels like it has come together. So obvious. Far too late, of course, for some. It would be humbling to anyone less fabulous but realizing that most of her life has been hindered by hesitation and dubious attempts at a vague morality seems almost ridiculous now. The dark energy of the Imperial center courses through her, recharging and amplifying a sensation revelation.
In this new void she finds a clarity she so desperately lacked.
This could have been bypassed had they all died along the way.
Most went unaware of their significance.
Others did not.
Like always, Valerie gave it up early. In a way that makes her the lucky one. She does not have to suffer knowing her mildly noble yet slightly sinister sacrifice will not, in the end, save Kimber. Melanie will be the real challenge and the most worthy opponent. That is, if she ever shows her face again. Anyone else in the way would be cut down by her saber. They will fall as the opponents of the Galactic Empire will fall. As they fall to Dementat's fleets, to her sheer power and will. It will be a battle of the ages, of best friends and blinding destiny that would blow this prophecy to high holy hell.
Inside, she rages and unilaterally decides to express it outwardly.
Do unto others.
From the moment Karen struck Alexia down the door to a future written in sand and stars sprung wide open. Blackness consumed her soul as she gave in completely to the dark side, to a life she spent years telling herself she did not want. She let it all go and as a result attachment becomes liability. Threats to her personal safety are now everywhere. Possess a power this great and others will want to take it away. Or control it. Use it for a purpose not your own. Now they will try and kill her for it and that simply cannot be allowed. She imagines them plotting against her, trying to rationalize what she knows must be done. What she feels is the final outcome of their melodramatic struggle.
To the victor go the spoils and Karen Winton wants it all.
-TBC
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Byss: Imperial Capital
Surface: Emperor's Citadel
Karen sits at the massive vanity table staring dreamily at her outstretched hand and the glittering ring nestled on a delicate and well-manicured finger.
A handmaiden enters, bowing before her. There are so many she can barely keep track. When Dementat brought her back to the new capital, she was uncertain as to how she would be received. Many of those who survived the destruction of Coruscant knew of her fame and reputation there. It was something she had squandered that last year leading up to her Imperial awakening and introduction to the new Emperor. Their friends had been mercilessly stalked and murdered by Alexia and as their numbers dwindled, The Four fought to remain alive. She had all but given up on the life she thought she could have. Dementat has shown her all things are possible. Now it seems her celebrity remains intact and the Imperial public welcomes her back into the spotlight as if she had never left. She ponders the ripple effect the engagement announcement would have when this line of thought is disrupted by the presence of the handmaiden whom, until just now, she had forgotten was there.
"What say you?"
"Message from central command. A Corellian ship entered the system asking to see the Emperor."
She sighs, already bored.
"You disturb me for such trivialities?"
"Of course not, your Highness. The pilot, a woman, calls herself Mara Gellar."
Karen's skin turns to ice as she whirls around.
As far as she knew, the Gellar name had been wiped off the galactic map when that psychotic droid Phage choked the life right out of Valerie. There is only one who knows the lengths to which she had gone to fashion a story around that sacrifice to save another and it's not the Emperor.
"Mara Gellar?"
"Yes, your Highness. She is listed as renegade from Corellia and is asking for permission to land."
Karen's heart is suddenly pounding with anticipation and opportunity.
"Then I say we grant her permission and find out who she really is."
"But the Emperor-"
"The Emperor does not concern himself with such things. There is, after all, a galaxy to reclaim. Let him plot strategy while I handle this very personal matter. As you know, the Gellar's and I have history. Worry not, this woman is no threat to me. Have the landing party bring her to me and keep it quiet. I am not in the mood for a public showdown."
The handmaiden nods and scampers away, leaving Karen with a haze of questions and angles. She squares her shoulders, stands and stalks off into wardrobe to find something more betting a future Empress.
A smaller, more intimate reception hall with a breathtaking view into the pulsing green and blue cityscape below is prepared.
The twinkling lights amplify the intensity of Karen's emerald eyes as she awaits a girl who calls herself a Gellar.
-TBC
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(continued from the thread: Alive)
Byss: Imperial Capital
Surface: Emperor's Citadel
Karen soaks in a gigantic tub and reflects. She is not worried about Mara bolting away. There is much to discover, much to learn. Then she realizes if Mara braved entering the Imperial capital then she must really be desperate. She knows the feeling well. Hell, she spent most of her formative years in a similar state of flux. Questions that lingered over everything they did. Unlike Mara, Karen had so many pretty things to distract her. It worked for a time.
Their world came crashing down anyway.
Valerie appears in the cavernous bathroom, through the steam, sauntering over in what looks like an edgy twist on the CorSec uniform. Her dark hair is cut in layers that frame her face. The way it was in high school. She sits on the edge of the tub and dips her fingers into the scalding water.
"She's not me, you know."
Karen glowers, sinking further down.
"Neither are you."
"Is that what you think? Still don't get it, do you? I will always be with you."
Valerie's face turn ashen, cracking apart, eyes hollow as she leers down at her and hisses in many voices.
"We all will."
She grips the side of the tub, trying to catch her breath. Water sloshes loudly. Karen climbs out, grabs a towel and shivers. She stares across the now empty room, steam hanging in patches, unnerved. She changes into something more functional, a stylish black bodysuit and gray fur-lined tunic with polished platform wedge knee-high boots. As she applies shadow over her brilliant green eyes, she wonders what's happening to her. She had been seeing things more often lately. Ever since the battle on Phage's Base, her soul has been filled with an unexplained heaviness.
A parting gift filled with presences.
Karen shrugs off the dread styling her hair. She is not going to let anything Alexia did get in the way of finally finding out how deep this hole goes. The vanity consol bleeps and she taps open the line.
A holographic image of Dementat appears, no doubt calling from his SSD elsewhere in the Core. Seeing his face calms her down immensely.
"Hello, lover. How go the negotiations?"
"Those unwilling to listen to reason are struck down."
"That's my boy."
"That's not why I am contacting you."
"Something on your mind?"
"Actually, it's on yours. I felt your emotions spike. Tell me what troubles you."
"There may be progress on the Corellian front."
"I am certainly pleased to hear it but why do I get the feeling that is the least of your concerns?"
"There is more at play."
"Naturally," he says with a sly grin.
"It seems a legacy is not the only thing Valerie Gellar left behind. You know there are things I must do in order for our Empire to be safe. Threats that have written alongside my destiny."
"And you feel this is one of those things?"
"Exactly. We share the same goal, the same vision but we each have decidedly different paths. I need you to trust me here."
"I do."
"I'll try not to cause too much of a scene."
"Really?"
"No but it sounded nice, didn't it?"
He nods, "I am here if you need me."
"As I am for you. Now go, negotiate, conquer. I'll keep you posted."
"Goodbye, my Empress."
Karen bows then taps off the device, her heart conflicted. She does not like keeping things from him, especially since they are remarkably connected, but it would behoove her not disrupt his concentration.
This is a delicate time for the Empire with so many system uncertain. The Republic menace had gained tremendous momentum after they blew the fuck out of the second Death Star. She groans inwardly. Stupid Death Star's. That was a costly mistake if there ever was one but an extremely valuable opportunity. Dementat rose to power as it was foretold and propelled the menace out of the Deep Core but the destruction of Coruscant and multitude of galactic threats proved the road to reclamation would not be swift. Only when Dementat relocated the capital, ramped up production to maximum, and mobilized the remaining fleets did the new Imperial dream begin to expand.
Karen is thrilled to be a part of it now that she has some creative control.
Hours have passed and night has fallen.
She wonders if Mara has had time to ponder her words and if she could convince her to hunt down the remaining members of The Four. One down, two to go. That pesky prophecy isn't going to stop her from doing a little actualizing of her own.
In due time.
Karen stands before the mirror, dabbing on lipstick and clipping her saber to a thin black belt. Turning on the wedge heels, she strides out into the hall to check on how Mara was processing.
-TBC (in the thread: Alive)
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Arbra
(http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080419200622/starwars/images/thumb/0/01/Arbra_country.jpg/180px-Arbra_country.jpg)
Surface: Haven Base
Rydan Stratford slips out from under the covers in the early morning hours, leaving behind Republic Agent Trace Denton slumbering peacefully. There is a void left where Scott St. Claire's presence used to fill. Months had passed since he first heard through various nefarious sources that his beloved Imperial Agent had met his end at The Wheel. Their relationship had been surprisingly uncomplicated given so many alarming circumstances and now all Rydan wants is a little release. He creeps down the hall and stands outside her door, considering if he should even disturb her. There is a protective compulsion he cannot explain. Valerie had ordered him to keep Kimber away from Corellia, to keep her safe from all the things that could harm her and he did so because wanted to. Not because it is written. Rydan has never been one to place faith in prophecy's but this has all hit a little too close to home. He taps in the door code and steps inside as quietly as he can.
Kimber Patten sits on the edge of her bed, tenderly cradling a high heel, crying softly.
"You ok?"
She holds up the heel, shaking her head.
"These are my favorite and I can't wear them. My feet are too swollen. My feet are...fat."
She sobs.
"You are barely showing at three months."
Kimber runs a hand across her belly.
"I can't believe Mod did this to me."
"Miracle of life."
"Oh, don't even start."
"You mustn't worry."
Her wide violet eyes are filled with tears.
"How can I not?"
Rydan falls onto the bed beside her, wrapping a muscular arm around her. She leans into him. The heels and expanding waist line are just two in a long line of recent sacrifices. The Jedi had shown them the graphs of all those who have died in connection with their fabulous fates.
It's not a short list.
For a long time she wasn't sure her place in all of this - NCH graduate, a model, cheerleader, CorSec freshman, and an unwilling yet vital part of an Imperial plan that stretches so wide she can hardly grasp the scope and magnitude.
They had been manipulated and lied to.
A lot.
Kimber had let herself be used by the Empire and she hated herself for that. It began with a broken promise that claimed many lives including her father and half-sister. They said they would save Valerie from Phage if she would play counselor for a while. Karen was with Dementat and they needed a new pretty face to justify their treacherous ways. Just simple diplomacy, they said. No big. Yeah, right. Kimber had effectively reneged on prior negotiations that turned Contruum's populous over to the Empire. She took Hapan Admiral Rana Ohtar hostage on the assumption they would send Imperial fleets to Corellia if they just got what they wanted from the Consortium. Kimber had tried to spare the Admiral by deflecting torture and murder to experimentation which led to Ohtar's suicide and brought a steep price on her head.
Not her finest moment.
It's the worst thing she's ever done.
The guilt over her actions coupled with a full scale Federation invasion of Corellia led her to throw herself at the mercy of the Consortium. Instead of trading her life for the Admiral's, they wanted something else. Something bigger, better. A far worthier sacrifice - The Imperial Director of Intelligence who, as it turns out, was one of her best friends father's all along! Jerk. All that transpired had done so on his orders. He was solely responsible for their torment and the Consortium wanted him to pay.
Karen had been surprisingly reasonable with the arrangement. Her own outrage greased the wheels a bit. She allowed Kimber and Rydan to flee Hesperidium with Alexander Winton. Their time in the Hapes Cluster had been a beautiful grieving period. The loss of Scott, Mod and Valerie overshadowed all they did. Hapan Counselor Valina Erin's had been a sympathetic friend and created a new life for her.
They changed her name to Nulla Vanya, gussied her up and made her a famous model.
Again.
This time her heart just wasn't in it. She knew they couldn't stay there. Even with the new benevolent Queen Mother, their secret wouldn't stay hidden forever. The past, it seems, always comes around for another pass. It never stays gone. Nothing is ever forgotten.
And when a present arrived from Melanie Masterton, she knew this would always be true. The holocron contained a message that told her if Karen killed Alexia, she would be consumed by the same rage and turn on them. It also contained the Persephonea Prophecy, translated with notations by the Jedi Order Melanie now belonged to. A little light reading to make things worse.
That's also the same day she found out she was pregnant.
Desperate for answers, Counselor Erin's snuck Kimber into a maximum security prison to have a little chat with the Imperial Director. She needed to know why he had purposefully destroyed their lives on so many levels.
The conversation cut deeply.
"Monica's vision was the foundation. With a little help from the Empire's resources a new galactic future was being formed. It was life after Palpatine with a reach far greater and more secure than it had ever been in the past. Dementat on the throne with Karen at his side and a darkness so thick it chokes consumes all that lives. An Empire to end all Imperial dynasty's before it. In exchange for total security, an agreement was forged to introduce the Four into an environment in which they would be prone to seek each other out. It was no accident that you all ended up at North Coruscant. We debated how much direct involvement we should have but everything began to take shape, just as she had seen it. Some hedged their bets more than others."
"But it was Patten who truly understood. Father of both touchstones. You and Gellar were the wild cards, the non-sensitive's, who rounded out The Four. If there is anything your father knew for sure is that there would always be a sacrifice. The prophecy pointed to a murder and a betrayal. As any good strategist knows, it's all a gamble but you take it if you think you can win. So he made a deal."
"A business arrangement between Patten and the Trade Federation on behalf of Corellia allowed for the creation of the droid known to you as the Baron Phage. He sold Gellar's genetic material knowing full well the project could turn and the original compromised."
This oppressive truth flattened her and she left Alexander Winton to die at the hands of the Consortium.
Kyri sold out Valerie to save Kimber. And with Valerie dead, Kimber was now the leverage between Karen and Melanie. To spare the Consortium any more harm, she decided to leave. If it was all true then she and Rydan would not be safe there. Karen knew where she was and would come for them. Rydan and Valina agreed and their escape was arranged. They followed Melanie's instructions to Arbra where they remain under Jedi protection.
The pretty picture of her present life.
Kimber sighs as Rydan puts her back to bed. He pulls the covers up to her chin and kisses her forehead.
"We will get through this. Together. I promise."
She is still clutching the high heel.
"I want to believe you."
"Good," he says, smiling. "Then we actually might have a chance in hell."
-TBC
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Tatooine
Surface: Bestine
He orders another ale as the dingy screen above the bar broadcasts the increasing violence between Imperial and Alliance forces throughout the mid-rim. The young Emperor continues to display his military prowess with a slew of recent victories. He groans, moving away from the bar. A fight erupts and he has to step over a fallen Rodian to reach an empty table where he can wallow peacefully into the thick foam spilling over the side of the glass. The realization has been slow and steady but there it is.
Kent Carlson's mainstream career is over.
The Corellian Confederation had seen fit to shut him down following the Phage Crisis. The interim government, lead by William Tacofer, was taken by Saga Judec and Kent's once famed editorials became slanderous challenges to a new leader. His editor and broadcast channel fired him on Judec's orders. His investigation into the hostile transition was effectively shut down. There would be no digging into the new High Commander. CorSec Director Frank Farmer had been deposed by Judec and Valerie's entire staff detained. It was if they did not wish her sacrifice to detract from the rising regime. The story of a lifetime briefly but significantly impacted him. He had lived through it all and his photage had garnered much critical acclaim. Tacofer seemed to respect their freedom from the Federation and sought only to honor those who had made it possible. Others saw it as an opportunity to seize upon the unification and capitalize amidst a haze of questions. Former Governess Gellar's ties to Phage and CorSec are overshadowed by the screams of the resistance and Tacofer's spectacularly brutal murder.
These screams are quickly silenced on the stone in the shadow of Valerie's statue.
Kent is given a choice.
Silence or the stone.
He chose to buy himself a little time.
Associations across multiple factions called to him. The journalist within is never quiet but he couldn't stay on Corellia. That much was clear. Judec may have his hands full but Kent had been warned. Interference would cost him his life.
There was one final source he had to check before he left.
Former contacts who had avoided capture gained him access to Coronet General. Using the sliced floor plans and cloned access cards, Kent entered the psychiatry ward annex and located the cell. The annex is a fully functional but empty wing of the facility currently under construction, far from the brightly lit halls for the actively insane. Although this patient was listed publically, there was a strict no-visitors policy.
Kent bypassed the locking mechanism and entered quickly. The room is large and padded, something more typical than he would have expected.
Lilandra Patten stood in a corner writing nonsensical gibberish on the walls. The padding is covered with diagrams, symbols and broken sentences. She didn't speak or seem bothered by his presence as she continued writing. The reports stated Lilandra lapsed into a violent state after Major Kyri Patten was murdered by Phage in front of an entire city of spectators. When the same fate befell Valerie Gellar, she attempted to escape and injured three orderlies. She ranted about a Federation conspiracy with an Imperial backing. There had been a previous history of mental illness and fear she had regressed into paranoid delusions. She had been in solitary until Saga Judec abruptly had her moved and restricted access without explanation. Kent suspected Lilandra could be a liability and, if kept appropriately medicated, would blend into the background. With most of Farmer, Tacofer, and Gellar's personnel either dead or incarcerated, Judec was free to move forward without loose ends.
He knew it wouldn't be long before Judec considered him the same.
Kent introduced himself to Lilandra in a hushed tone. She stirred, glancing only briefly his way. He asked about the Major, about Kimber, Valerie and the events that lead her to present situation. He wanted to know about the conspiracy, if she could tell him anything that might help them. Her answers were mumbled and low and she continued to scribble. Kent sighed, shaking his head. This had been a mistake. They wouldn't leave her lucid enough to tell anyone anything. Absently, he whispered.
"How did this happen to you?"
"It was him," Lilandra began to chant as she scrawled on the wall. "It was him."
Her voice sounded strained, like it hasn't been used in some time.
It startled him.
"What did you say?"
"It was him."
"Who?"
She steps back, shaking her head, repeating the same three words over and over again. Kent's eyes traveled up the wall to focus on the only recognizable word.
Winton.
Kent fled Coronet General and hurriedly packed essentials from his apartment. There was no way Judec's forces would allow him to leave the system on his own free will. The only reason he was still alive was because Judec thought he could use him. The High Commander needed a familiar mouthpiece. Kent would rather die. Corellia was locked down and the information he sought could only be obtained outside the sector.
In the early morning hours, a cargo ship departs for the Outer Rim with Kent Carlson stowed aboard.
Some stories, he thought throughout the long journey, are meant to be told.
Cut to now - a filthy bar on the dreadfully dry Tatooine, Kent polishes off what's left in the glass and slams it down. He had rented a closet-sized hotel room while he poured over his notes and files. Gellar, Phage, Patten - they are part of something larger. They are figures in a drama that started long before with many other characters. He had first heard of The Four when he was a senior at university. Classmates of his were obsessed with them, socialite models from Coruscant who at times ate up more holo space than actual news. Kent thought they were spoiled, vapid and impossibly attractive distractions who got exactly what was coming to them.
The Event at 500 Republica had been big news - slew of vicious murders that ended atop the luxury tower. That story had been almost instantly eclipsed by the destruction of the second Death Star above Endor. The public's attention was drawn away. He thought that was the last of it until Gellar and Patten moved back to Coronet to attend the CorSec Academy Fall 4ABY. There was a big fuss and a lot of unnecessary publicity. It had done wonders for enrollment though which, Kent speculated, was part of the plan all along. There were whispers about a sordid relationship between Gellar and Director Farmer but no proof came to light. Patten was adored by all due to that flawless face and a familial relationship to a famed and highly respected Major. They left Corellia for break after the first semester and never returned. The Federation situation served to shift the public's attention to more pressing matters. They had not crossed his mind again until Valerie Gellar was specifically and unexpectedly targeted by Phage during his first siege of Corellia. Major Patten fought him and lost. Gellar fought him and lived. She proved to be scrappy and unpredictable but effective. Her heroics thrust her back into the public spotlight, a position she most certainly did not shy from.
It was then Kent began to wonder about her and started to dig.
Farmer remained close to her and when Phage returned, it seemed almost personal. He wanted all of Corellia but he wanted her dead more. Bits of information from the outside filter through the haze attached to figures from Gellar's past. His research was derailed by Judec. The last he heard, Kimber Patten was some sort of Imperial liaison to the Hapan Consortium much to the dismay of the Corellian people. Now Winton's in the mix. Lilandra's words echo in his head. Him. Him? A Winton not Karen? The only male Winton on record is her father, Alexander, who died in a speeder accident on Bakura in spring 3ABY. There was also a forth. Melanie something. Masterton, that's right. The blonde. No public records exist of her beyond graduation from North Coruscant, a month and a half before the planet was nearly destroyed by minions of the Dark Queen. It's as if Masterton disappeared. Or died. He wouldn't be surprised either way. Strange and interesting things happen wherever they go usually followed by terror and death. Kent draws mental lines between them all that become fragmented by galactic crisis.
One issue overshadowing another.
How far does it reach and what does Saga Judec have to do with any of it?
-TBC
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Byss: Imperial Capital
Orbit: ISD-II Corporeal Quandary
Doctor Felicia Kensington tucks a strand of black hair behind her ear and glances over a patient's chart. It's physical time aboard the Quandary and all personnel are required to see her for their routine check-up's. She loathes it spitefully but it keeps her busy, keeps her mind occupied from the fear creeping in. Not a day passes that she doesn't believe she will share the same fate of the crew on the Abyss and the Imperial team that followed.
Screaming, running, the white hot pain of a blade piercing her flesh.
How did she end up here?
Once a prominent medical agent, Felicia knew her life would never be the same when she first sat Karen Winton down on her exam table. She had never hated anyone more and was glad to be rid of her when Emperor Dementat came to collect the mouthy royal. In losing one, they gained two others - Valerie Gellar and Kimber Patten. It only went downhill from there. Their team was consumed by the dangerous drama swirling around them, pulled into an arena no one could comprehend. The rules bent and blurred. Had she not accepted the Duros mission to tail a frightfully beautiful woman at an auction, Felicia would have exploded all over the hangar bay of a Republic command ship just like everyone else on the Strike-Cruiser Abyss. Viceroy Gesser had been most appreciative. Despite this assistance to CorSec and the Corellian government (reported by St. Claire as non-hostile relations for future Imperial dealings), she was reassigned to the Quandary under the command of a much scarier Karen. Darkness and horror came after those surrounding her yet again and Felicia nearly bled out on a bedroom floor in the Bolerathon Tower. Karen had found and saved her. No one else had been so lucky.
So Felicia made a deal with the devil.
They covered up the attack on Bolerathon Tower by blaming it on Phage as he swept toward Corellia for what was supposed to be his greatest conquest. That Gellar bitch managed to stop him though and in the end forfeited her life. Phage was gone and Corellia engulfed in its own internal struggles after rebuffing the Empire's generous offer.
The real villain is still at large. The traitorous Marius Guile. He murdered their team save for her and came to finish the job on Hesperidium. Karen prevented this and not only do they share a secret but she owes the socialite Sith her life for a second time. She remembers it with a terrifying clarity.
Felicia Kensington and Governor Indew Strye of Contruum had witnessed the final showdown between Winton sisters. The good Governor never left that tomb in the asteroid field once called Coruscant. Felicia lives only because she answered correctly.
Now she waits for the tides to turn and Karen to come looking for a loose end.
Felicia's com bleeps. She sets down the chart to unclip the device from her belt. Message from Commander Landon Price in the command center.
Darth Kyja returning to Quandary.
Felicia shutters violently and hugs herself in the silence of the empty medical lab.
Better late than never.
-TBC
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Arbra
Surface: Haven Base
The silent chamber room is humming with light energy.
Melanie Masterton sits on the floor with her legs crossed in a deep meditation. Her long, blond trademark curls spill over her shoulders and down across her chest as she inhales and exhales rhythmically. A thin cylindrical pillar extends from the floor atop which sits a small glowing holocron projecting a bold and oppressive text.
Take it back, way back, to a time before this one.
With most of their friends dead by Alexia's hand and the second Death Star destroyed, The Four retreated to the resort moon Hesperidium. Graduation had been bittersweet with so many empty seats glaring out of the senior class. No one really felt like celebrating but Karen was determined to show them all just how unlike her murderous sibling she really was. Valerie drown pain she would never admit to feeling in booze and men. There were never enough, it seems. Kimber was shaken but danced along in a traumatized trance. She kept the smile on. As the parties raged on, Melanie and Castin consummated their relationship and grew closer. Their love had been pure but her continued involvement with his insurgent faction had led to an arrest by Imperial authorities. They were closing in on Le Revolte and prepared to use Melanie as means to expose and capture them.
Fate briefly intervened.
Minions of the Dark Queen of Hapes set off a chain of explosives that blew apart the northern hemisphere of Coruscant and sent a fiery shockwave searing around the rest of the capital world. It killed everyone they knew that wasn't already dead and effectively ended their collective careers. Thrown off its axis, the remainder of the planet began to break apart. The area was a wasteland; a collection of rocks amidst violent electric storms.
Those on Hesperidium grew disillusioned, desperate. The Imperial forces wanted to lash out at any enemy they could find. Melanie was slated to be executed, an example made of her treachery. The public turned on her as well. Her image was destroyed. Castin pleaded with Karen for help and as the Empire reeled, she helped him spring Melanie from a holding cell at the West Iobatese Beach precinct. Kimber and Valerie had packed up Karen's royal cruiser with Melanie's belongings and said tearful goodbyes.
They understood it was the only way.
Melanie never looked back and knew not of what they faced at the end of that summer.
They followed the instructions and joined Master Corrin on Yavin IV. He and the new Jedi Order had been waiting for her for some time. They knew she would come. She delivered the holocron containing the prophecy stolen by the Queen. Plans were made to return to their secret stronghold but that was the end of the line for Castin. He loved her but knew their lives lied on separate paths. He had to fight in his own way and left to help where he could.
Heartbroken, Melanie followed the Jedi to the Haven Base on Arbra where she began her training. As she fought and learned in the depths of the dense Arbran forests, the prophecy weighed heavily on her mind. Reports from across the galaxy revealed those she loved. The fates of her friends began to a take a familiar shape. It all unfolded as it had been foreseen. Master Corrin told her she could not change their destiny.
She could, however, alter the final outcome.
Melanie opens her eyes slowly, focusing on the floating text.
It was a burden she had shouldered alone since she was fifteen.
*
Prophecy Persephonea
To the Holy Vessel a vision is sent.
Behold! An empire shall fall and from its ashes will rise the dark powers of the one called Master.
And he stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise out of the sea having four heads and eight horns, and upon each of her horns a crown, and upon her heads the names of blasphemy.
And those who are named will be worshiped and give power unto the beast.
Winton. Masterton. Patten. Gellar.
The Royal Four of the Force.
Two blessed with the gift.
Two called to serve as Touchstones.
Equal parts of a sacred balance.
The inception lies with the firstborn, one who will carve out destiny in blood.
The first Abomination known as The Beast.
For she will be trained as a Sith but defy their teachings to be consumed by jealousy. And the Master will know the beast and attempt to tame her rage but the beast cannot be tamed whence The Four shall be tested in a calamity framed by two similar tragedies.
Five will die.
The Four survive.
The blood of the innocent will seal the fates of The Four in a crimson fire and the Master shall rise to power. An Emperor unlike no other before him.
All will tremble before Dementat and fear his name.
The gifted go in search of higher purpose.
One of light. One of dark.
The daughter of light finds absolution. Only in the face of total isolation will she face a truth always known.
The daughter of darkness finds the Master. Only in the face of total separation will she be sent an Unconventional Champion.
A Dark Queen will evoke her rage and allow the Master to call upon her.
A High Protectorate will then be chosen for the Touchstones.
True identity is revealed to them, a test of will and a challenge of loyalty will spawn the tyrant and the idealist. One murder, one betrayal, tied to one sinner, one savior, and the one who lives but does not have life.
In the day of reckoning the daughter of darkness shall slay the beast and be consumed by her rage. Friend becomes foe becomes the second abomination. A tribulation of justice shall follow and of The Four only one can survive.
The One will bear a child out of true love, tempered and tainted by good and evil, dark and light that shall be baptized by the essence of the Force and hold power to give back what the Abominations took away.
Master and daughter of darkness together, a rule eternal, so long as the child does not live.
So it is written, so it shall come to pass.
*
The holocron's glow is like a dare.
She swallows the doubt that has so long caused her agony.
There is no longer fear.
Melanie must kill Karen.
-TBC
-
Contruum
Orbit: Planetary Defense Platform
Agent Marius Guile stands before a vast viewport in the center of a long empty corridor, staring down to the swirling brown and blue world below. Distance always held a better vantage point for him. He had spent most of his career waiting in the shadows.
Today, he ensures Imperial operations continue to run smoothly on Contruum - from a discreet distance, of course. Massive shipyards float silently within the planetary defense grid. Cargo ships arrive hourly from the borium mines on the surface. With Graves, Kennick and Serif dead after their failure to stop Winton from absconding with the imprisoned Governor Strye, sector government and planetary operations remain solidly in their control. Things are best led by those without foretold investment or the potential to become necessary sacrificial collateral damage. His silver flecked eyes focus on a particular cloud pattern sweeping across the tropical region signaling the arrival of the monsoons.
A harbinger of the season's as they change.
Two years ago they sent Winton into Contruum knowing full well the Empire would invade. Dementat had only recently claimed control and there were many, like Guile, who operated solely to preserve the Empire's legacy regardless of leadership. Winton humanized their faction, gave them the personality and verve so desperately lacking in previous diplomacy.
They needed the people of Contruum to believe her.
They also needed her to be within striking distance of the Dark Queen.
Reports had indicated an interest. How the Consortium knew of the Imperial assets was never established but it was monitored closely. Unfortunately, the Hapan agents had greater destruction in mind and served a mighty blow to an already fractured Empire. The Director needed to see if the Dark Queen knew they escaped the ravages of Coruscant and how badly she wanted them.
As if on schedule, the Consortium came for her on Contruum.
Winton did not disappoint.
Her spectacular display of power set destiny in motion. The Emperor came for her as planned, leaving Patten and Gellar wide open for infiltration. St. Claire had been a damn good agent and resisted longer than most but he too fell victim to the assets strange and fabulous charms. His growing emotional attachment and curiosity into the framework was the key to his undoing. His death at the hands of Phage's spawn was one of impressive convergence. He fell as so many of their champions fell.
Marius' mind drifts back toward more pressing matters.
The price for the traitor Kimber Patten's head has tripled.
Find the girl, wipe out what's left of the Jedi and the Alliance will soon follow.
Tragically, there had been no leads on her or in the search for the Director. Contingency measures had been taken and Guile returned to the Byss to remove the prophecy as instructed. It could not fall into the hands of those outside their scope. While he would never cease to search for the one he serves, Guile has a secondary protocol.
He cares not for Emperor Dementat or Karen Winton but knows they must remain alive and in power until the fringe elements of the prophecy have been dealt with. The Director had been meticulous while the outcome of what is written is split like a serpents tongue. It could go either way but for the Empire to survive, there can be no others.
Last call for the main cast.
-TBC
-
Arbra
Surface
The midmorning sun rises in a stark blue sky as Melanie takes Kimber along for her daily walk. She feels the fresh air will calm her. The forest is a clean and brilliant shade of green. As they wander, they talk of life on the lush world. Kimber hugs herself tightly as she treads down a dirt path behind Melanie, following in the fresh boot prints of the Jedi. She gives into a curiosity nagging at her since the summer after graduation.
"Why did you run?"
Melanie turns, arching a brow sharply.
"Why did you?"
Kimber bites her lower lip, "We both ran from the Empire. I guess....that's what we're good at."
"Everyone is good at something but it was probably the smartest move we made."
"This, like...prophecy thing."
"Yes?"
"Where did it come from?"
"An ancient Sith Order, perhaps the original inhabitants of Korriban."
"Of course. And it talks about us? Touchstones, drama, betrayal."
"There are references and allusions to events that would lead us to believe it does."
"That's not very convincing."
"You read it. You tell me."
"It was a little much to take in, especially after all that had happened leading up to it."
"That's understandable. What did you think of what you read?"
Kimber tilts her head, "It was about as vague as you are being right now. Well, with the exception of Dementat who it does name cuz like, he's all oooooh, big time Emperor and stuff. Figures. Melanie, do you realize how many people have died because of this? Because of us?"
Melanie stops walking and turns around.
"Every single day."
Kimber faces her as a silence settles over the forest. When Melanie begins walking again, Kimber reluctantly follows.
"Our sophomore year at North Coruscant, when you first saw me with the holocron..."
"I remember."
"The prophecy was in that holocron just like it was when I sent it to you."
"But...we were teenagers then. Why didn't you say anything? That had to be hell for you."
"It was hell. Then it really was. Their deaths were so painful....for everyone."
Kimber is mildly outraged and she instinctively places a hand over her belly as if to protect the unborn child from the inevitable outburst.
"We could have helped you! And this thing with Karen, the totes craziness thing, we could have helped you stop that too. It could have been prevented. I mean, if you knew what would happen if Alexia survived, why not let us help you? We could have stopped her in high school! Our friends might still be alive. Things could have been different."
Melanie reaches a small outcropping of rocks and sits.
"If we had, we still would have lost friends in the process. If we had not lost them then perhaps none of us would have left Coruscant and died in the bombs instead. It's the small choices, Kimber. They all mean something. We end up where we are meant to."
Kimber gasps, "You can't mean that. Valerie's dead! And Karen? She's...she's..."
"She's gone."
"No, she isn't."
Melanie stands and closes the distance between them.
"Yes, she is. She's not who we once knew. Killing Alexia changed her."
"We can change her back!"
"No, we can't."
Tears begin to roll down Kimber's cheeks, "We have to try..."
Melanie shakes her head.
"It's too late for her but there are others we can save."
"Others?"
She nods.
"Including ourselves."
"What are you saying? What are you going to do?"
"I have to kill her, Kimber. I have to kill Karen."
"I can't believe you! Isn't this whole Jedi thing supposed to be about peace and love and light and stuff? What gives you the right to sentence her? Since when was murder part of the code?"
Kimber begins to stalk back down the path.
Melanie calls out.
"If we don't and she finds us, she will kill us instead."
This stops Kimber.
"She wouldn't."
"She would if she thinks it's the only way to survive the prophecy. She and Dementat cannot rule unless the child you carry dies. Those in their way will fall as well."
Kimber turns around, hands balled into fists.
"You don't know that! Not for sure. Something written a million years ago can't know either. There has to be another way."
Melanie frowns.
"I've greatly considered it but you and the galaxy will never be safe from the Empire so long as she lives. I can save you, Kimber. I can make the horrific whirlwind our lives have become stop."
Kimber's mouth drops open.
"By killing your best friend? If you haven't noticed, we are seriously running low on allies. How many more people need to die to make it right?"
The air turns heavy as Melanie's blue eyes shimmer in the beams of light streaming between the trees.
"Just one."
"He's already dead."
"What?"
"Everything that has happened isn't our fault. Not yours, not mine, not Valerie's, not Karen's. We were set up and I'm tired of suffering for it. The only one truly responsible is Alexander Winton. Our parents may have played a role but it was his work, his doing."
"Kimber....how do you know about Alexander Winton?"
"Who do you think I gave the Hapan's to lift the price on my head? He showed up late in the second act. I was kidnapped again! Valere was pissed. Karen was not amused. She let me take him as punishment. We had a little chat in his holding cell where he told me that he pushed us all in the right directions so regardless of what the prophecy says, regardless of how much they all knew, we were led to where we are now. Why don't you know this? Right, because you weren't there. You don't know what happened to us after you left, what we went through, what we did...."
Her voice cracks, trailing off.
Melanie can feel Kimber's pain and it weakens her. The Queen had whispered about the elder Winton's involvement ? but she did not have context or a clear view. After they died on Bakura, there had been relief awash within the sympathy she had for Karen losing her parents. Now it seems Alexander had survived all along and revealed himself as the perpetrator. Melanie suspects that while the Queen may have known about her husband, it is something her parents did not discover until it was too late.
"We do what we must to survive."
"That's what this is, hiding out on a planet in the middle of nowhere? Surviving?"
"It is and we will."
Kimber is choking back sobs.
"You have to trust me, Kimber."
"Trust," she laughs, wiping away tears. "You say that like the word has meaning."
"It does if you let it."
"I don't want her to die."
Melanie touches her arm.
"Do you want to live?"
"Yes."
"Then it is the only way."
-TBC
-
Arbra
Surface: Haven Base
In a small conference room surrounding a polished rectangular table, a group meets to discuss the next move. Melanie stands at the head of the table, gazing out at Kimber, Rydan, Agent Trace Denton, Agent Seneca Cirque and Counselor Circe Prescott.
The holoprojector in the center of table whirs to life and displays the same set of faces linked to their sordid past. The darkened squares indicate those who have perished. Three remain lit.
Two male. One female.
"These are the individuals outside The Four linked in some way to the prophecy," Melanie says softly. "We believe they are in danger."
Kimber narrows her eyes at one square in particular, "He's not."
"Oh?"
"That's Marius Guile, the Imperial agent responsible for killing most of the Quandary ground team on Hesperidium. He's not in danger. We're in danger from him."
Melanie's expression remains neutral.
Rydan confirms this, "She's right. He was imbedded in the team, presumably to get close to the targets and gather information."
He points to several darkened squares.
"He murdered Agent Violet Wyndam, Doctor Ariq Osiris and Agent Mod Navris."
Kimber cringes, folding both hands over her stomach. The memory of her baby's father is like taking lashes against her soul. She misses him dearly.
"He left only one alive."
Melanie points to the female in one of the lit squares, "Doctor Felicia Kensington."
"Yes, she was found wounded but alive in the Bolerathon Tower."
Agent Denton clears his throat, "This would make her the prime target for Guile, would it not? The one that survived?"
"True," Rydan says. "But as far as we know, she's with Karen Winton on the Corporeal Quandary."
"Currently stationed above Byss, correct?" Agent Cirque says.
Melanie glances down her the screen in front of her, "That's what our intelligence confirms. That doesn't mean she's not in danger. If Guile is tying up the loose ends, she and Carlson would be first on the list before trying to find us."
Kimber scoffs, "Kent Carlson? He's dreadfully slanderous."
"But worth saving, if we can."
The Counselor interjects, "Where is Agent Guile now?"
Rydan shrugs, "We were told he made a second attempt at abducting Kensington on Hesperidium but failed. Karen stopped him and he disappeared. That's the last we heard before we left for Hapes."
"He could be anywhere," Kimber says, shuttering.
"Which is why we have to warn and protect Kensington and Carlson. It appears that Guile is operating on orders outside that of standard Imperial protocol. If the Imperial Director had been pulling strings in the background for years, as Kimber has confirmed, we can assume this is where his orders came from."
"Which means what exactly?"
Melanie frowns, "If he gets to them before we do, they will be one step closer to stopping what is written. We cannot allow this to happen."
Rydan glances quickly at Kimber before looking at Melanie.
"If Guile kills Kensington and Carlson, all that remains is The Four."
"Well," Melanie says, faltering. "Three of The Four. We believe Phage was linked to Valerie Gellar's role in the prophecy. Alexia Winton was linked to Karen. That leaves myself and Kimber."
"Forgive me if I'm hardly comforted by that."
"This is why we must protect the others. The only way Karen and Dementat can ensure their rule is to eliminate everyone else from the equation. I'm sorry, sweetie, but that means you Kimber. You alone are the key. Everyone else is just an obstacle. The more loose ends unaccounted for, the greater our chances. If we can reason with the doctor and reporter they may be able to help us thwart the prophecy and stop the Empire once and for all."
Agent Cirque tilts his head, "What do you suggest?"
"I will go to Corellia to find Kent Carlson. Doctor Kensington, I'm afraid, will prove much more difficult since she is stationed in the Imperial capital. I need you to find a way in. That is all for now."
The Agent's and Counselor nod and exit the room.
Kimber leans on the table, "You are going to Corellia? Can I come with you?"
"That would be much too dangerous considering the change in leadership since Valerie was killed. They believe you are an Imperial liaison currently on the run. Using you might give them leverage against the Empire. It would be best if you stayed here with Rydan. It will be much safer."
"Agreed," Rydan says sternly.
"And what about you? Traipsing into Corellia by yourself? What if something happens?"
"I am certain I can reason with the High Commander under the pretense of paying respects to our fallen friend. Bringing along muscle will only arouse their suspicion which why I must go alone."
Kimber stands quickly, voice rising, "I can't lose you too!"
"You won't. I promise."
"So did Valerie."
Rydan moves to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"Valerie did what she had to do to protect you. So will Melanie. So will I."
Kimber fights back tears, leaning into him.
"I feel like we were given everything only to suffer for it. Are we so undeserving of justice or mercy?"
Melanie rounds the table to join them, taking Kimber's hands in her own.
"Of course not. We will win this fight. You will see."
"Please, Melanie, be careful."
"I will."
She nods to Rydan and strides from the room.
Rydan pulls Kimber into a hug, "You hear that? Everything is going to be okay."
Her laugh is hollow, distant.
"That's what they always say."
*
In one of the hangar bays, Melanie Masterton boards a shuttle. She meditates as it idles before easing out into the stark blue sky. Once Arbra is safely behind her, she pulls on the controls and the shuttle flares into hyperspace en route for Corellia.
-TBC
-
Arbra
Surface
Kimber Patten finds beauty in everything. She has always had a fondness for nature and enjoys the time spent in the dense forests and sprawling meadows. She sits on a blanket, picking wild flowers and twirling them between her fingers. Rydan Stratford keeps watch not far away. This place reminds her of the Patten Ranch, her family home outside the bustling noise of Coronet City. Major Patten would take her and Valerie there on weekends where they would spend hours playing hide and seek in the sunken gardens. Valerie was always much better at hiding than Kimber.
Kimber giggles, running a bright yellow flower over her expanding belly. She wishes Mod were here to see this. They had only just begun. She reflects on the first time she saw him, poised and ready in the Winton Penthouse of the Bolerathon Tower. Karen had not returned their calls and Valerie was worried. Naturally, they fled Corellia for Hesperidium and found the Abyss team camped out in Karen's living room. Mod Navris was silent and strong, a good agent with a soft heart. He was so unlike any of the other Imperial's she had met. His feelings for her put him in conflict with his duty and there was a time when she thought he would report her for having a conscience. Over time, his protective nature unfolded to reveal romantic feelings, feelings she shared but was hesitant to admit. The last Imperial operative she fell for met a grisly end but she could not deny what her heart told her.
Unfortunately, history repeated itself. Mod's end was horrifying and heartbreaking.
The baby growing inside her was the parting gift from their one night together. It is a gift she was uncertain she would be able to handle. So much responsibility. Doesn't a baby need a father?
She gasps, doubling over.
Rydan rushes to her side, "Kimber? Kimber, what is it? Are you alright?"
She sits up, breathing deeply as she burst into laughter.
"It kicked me. That sucker just like, totally kicked me."
"It did?"
"Yeah, like hard! Here, feel."
She takes his large hand and places it against her stomach. At first he doesn't know what he's supposed to be doing but then he feels it. A kick. Rydan and Kimber lock eyes, sharing in this special moment.
He smiles, "Feels like you got a fighter in there."
"Four months old and already starting fights. Wonderful."
"I hear they move their arms and legs as soon as they form but you wouldn't feel it until a little further along."
Kimber giggles again, "Well, look who's been paying attention in my doctor's appointments."
"You have one this afternoon, by the way."
"I know but it's so beautiful out here."
"Come on, mommy dearest. We're going to be late."
She sighs, taking his hands as he helps her up.
"Oh, alright. Let's go."
*
Inside one of the Haven Base's sterile medical labs, Kimber lies on a plush exam table with her stomach exposed. She marvels at it as the tech squeezes cold goo on flesh stretched so tight its astounding.
"It's so...big."
"It gets bigger."
"Don't say it like that. Don't mock the fat girl."
"It's true."
"Still, I like to pretend I'll once again have an enviable waistline."
Rydan groans as the tech places the instrument against her stomach and smears the goo around.
"Are we ready?"
Kimber smirks, "For another guided tour of my uterus? Sure thing."
The monitor displays a circular black and white view of the womb. The baby looks more like an actual person now but it never fails to amuse or disturb Kimber. She gazes at it curiously, like it's all a dream and she's really still a slender model spending credits shopping and socializing up a storm.
That's not your life anymore.
"Is its head supposed to be like, freakishly large?"
The tech smiles, "For now, yes but it's normal."
"So it's like, okay? Everything looks good? You know, it's supposed to be all Forcey."
Rydan snickers.
The tech nods, "Your baby looks perfectly healthy. I know you expressed uncertainty in knowing the baby's sex but have you changed your mind?"
"No."
"Yes!"
"Ry, it's supposed to be a surprise."
"You don't even like surprises."
"This could be a fun one. We can take bets, make a lot of Republic agents very wealthy. Maybe we'll start a college fund."
He frowns, head tilted sideways as he stares at the monitor.
"You could buy a college. Besides, it might be nice to know. Think of all the outfits you can plan."
Kimber gasps, clutching his arm.
"Maker have mercy, you are so right! Okay, hit me with it."
The tech arches a brow, "Are you sure?"
"Yes, quick before I change my mind."
The tech moves the instrument and points at the screen, "You see here?"
Rydan is confused, searching for it.
"See...what?"
Kimber squints, "Sort of. It's like, smudgy. What is it?"
"It's a boy."
-TBC
-
Byss: Imperial Capital
Orbit: ISD-II Corporeal Quandary
The med-lab is silent, peaceful. Most of the warship is empty with everyone on the surface for mandatory training exercises. Doctor Felicia Kensington enjoys the solitude but was growing bored. She is supposed to be browsing charts looking for any potential dark clouds on the horizon but her mind wanders back to the inconclusive search. Karen had trusted her with this and she's come up with nothing. No one she's contacted has seen or heard anything.
Felicia is looking for a ghost, not an agent.
The screen blinks, message from Commander Price. The crew would be returning shortly and they were to move out come morning. Finally, something to do. A change of scenery. It feels like they have been docked in the capital forever.
There is something else getting her all hot and bothered.
That Mara woman is smokin hot but not exactly easy to read. Could she look more like Gellar? Hero worship much? There are plenty of better people she could fashion herself after. Felicia thought Valerie was a real bitch. She didn't know, at the time, there could be a bigger headache than Karen Winton. Then she laid eyes on Valerie Gellar and Kimber Patten. Patten was naive and irritatingly sweet where as Gellar was mouthy, aggressive and insufferable. She did more damage than Felicia ever thought possible and was justly rewarded for it. Now Karen is cavorting around with a facsimile.
Figures.
Felicia glances up from the screen and stretches when movement catches her eye. Someone is reclining on the darkened exam table across the room.
Agent Marius Guile flashes a sinister smile.
"I hear you've been looking for me."
Felicia recoils against the chair then stands suddenly, shoulders arched.
"Son of a bitch."
"I've been called worse."
"I'll bet. What the hell are you doing here?"
Marius' glare is menacing.
"Like I said, you've been looking so here I am. Tell me, doctor, what's your plan?"
Her eyes dart through the room, mapping an escape route.
"For starters? Calling security. The crew is will be here soon."
His voice is crisp and certain.
"They'll never make it in time."
Dread washes over her.
"Dementat and Karen will never stand for this."
He laughs, shaking his head.
"Dementat will be far too busy with a new and unexpected enemy. And Karen? Well, she's running in circles with the half-breed."
"The what?"
"Mara Gellar."
"Half-breed? What...is she?"
"The mechanics of Phage, the biology of Valerie. It would blow your mind."
"That's impossible."
"So complicated, I know but you're a scientist. You tell me how something can be impossible if it's already happened and will happen again."
Felicia gasps, "What are you talking about?"
"The second coming. It's going to be epic. Too bad you won't be around to see it."
She sprints for the door as he springs off the exam table. She flees down the hall. Her heels against the polished floors, the heart pounding in her chest, these are the things that excite him the most. She makes it to the lifts, tapping the controls frantically while looking back.
Marius advances casually, taking his sweet time. The blade he clutches glints in the overhead lighting. He knows she can see it because she whimpers softly, pressed against the lift doors, willing them to open.
Nothing happens.
The light on the lift controls winks out.
He smiles.
Felicia pushes off the wall and crashes into the stairwell, descending several floors to enter the first door that opens. A new corridor awaits, empty and silent, that leads to a wider archway and a larger space beyond. She dashes down the hall and finds herself in a storage hangar. Stacked crates and silver cases provide perfect cover. Felicia creeps inside, weaving through the containers until she hears thumping footsteps out in the hall.
She freezes, ducking behind a crate.
"You lied for me, you know."
His voice booms in the open space.
"Covering up what I did on Hesperidium took guts. Phage was an excellent scapegoat, wasn't he? Patten was a likely target and after the droid attack there was every indication he would come after her. Except the droid wasn't from Phage. It was from us. Patten plays a much larger role but it was Gellar that Phage was really after. Her death was pure poetry."
Felicia slips off her heels and creeps forward, keeping low.
"The attack on Bolerathon Tower served another purpose. We needed building materials, so to speak. Blood samples. Imagine The Four living on forever. Scary, isn't it?"
She darts from stack to stack as he stalks her slowly.
"Only the righteous are granted the gift of eternal life. They are hardly worthy."
Her com-link vibrates in her lab coat. She fumbles to get it out of the pocket with shaking hands. As she tries to answer it, he appears. She screams as he grabs her arm and brings the blade down. She struggles, jerking to the side as the weapon slams into a crate. He yanks it out and she shoves him away. Marius careens backwards. The com clatters to the floor as she turns and runs. Felicia is halfway across the hangar when the blade slams through her right shoulder, throwing her off balance. She stumbles, falling. On the cool floor, she winces in pain. This is what she gets for keeping Karen's secrets. She tries to push herself up but he steps on the handle of the blade, shoving it deeper and pinning her to the floor.
Felicia screams.
Marius towers over her.
"What's the rush? The game has just begun."
"Fuck you and your games."
"You are so right," he says, pulling the blade from her shoulder roughly. "You were never really a contender anyway."
Woozy, Felicia laughs.
"Go to hell you glorified flunky. Karen will make you pay."
"She'll never get the chance."
"That's what you think."
Marius pulls her upright by her collar.
"You know what I think? This Empire was never theirs to rule. They are and always will be just the pretty faces of a larger agenda. Those who sided with them have suffered your fate. This wild ride is coming to its end. Sorry, doctor, but this is where you get off."
She thrashes out, screaming but he clamps a hand over her mouth to wrench her head back as he slashes her throat. Felicia's eyes bulge, breath hissing between his fingers as blood pours from her neck down her chest to stain the white coat a deep crimson. He leans close to her ear and whispers.
"One more casualty in their parade of victims. One step closer to victory."
Marius releases her. She drops to her knees, vision clouded, spinning away, before she slumps forward and hits the floor with a wet slap. He watches the blood steadily pool around her, spreading outward like a shockwave.
-TBC
-
Byss: Imperial Capital
Orbit: ISD-II Corporeal Quandary
Commander Landon Price returns from the surface feeling confident. The training had been beneficial and he was thankful they were moving out. The requested materials would be arriving in a hangar shortly. He does not allow his mind to wander, that is not his job. He serves his Emperor and future Empress faithfully despite any mysterious circumstances that seem to surround them.
Truthfully, he had been apprehensive when taking his post on Darth Kyja's personal command ship. He shares a deeper connection to the princess and wondered if that is what somehow brought them together. Landon's sister, Tenley, had attended North Coruscant as he had many years before. She was a class above Kyja and her famous friends. They traveled in the same circles and attended the same parties. Tenley went missing several months after her best friend, Carli Cole, was brutally murdered and put on display on the steps of the Senate Hall. Their family feared the worst and despite the best investigative efforts of Agent Nikoli Venko and his team, his sister was never found.
Landon had never blamed The Four. There was never anything directly or officially tying them to anything that happened before The Event at 500 Republica which, in its own right, was a horrific tragedy. Coruscant could be a dangerous place and the young and beautiful creatures attending the elite prep school seemed to make fabulous targets.
Since then, he had moved on as best he could. His career came first and along with it the prestige of commanding such a spectacular vessel. The position had gained him a certain notoriety and the media posed their own speculations. They had dug up Tenley's connection to Karen and theorized this promotion was some sort of consolation prize. He never believed it and the princess had given no indication his post was in any way related to the past. He had earned his place here. Operations ran smoothly on his watch and it was something he is extremely proud of.
The Quandary is beginning to liven up as the crew returns. They busy themselves in the command center, prepping the Star Destroyer for launch. He heads to the med-lab to review the personnel files he had given Doctor Felicia Kensington. There were mild concerns over the emotional stability of a few crew members but he hoped it was nothing to worry about. They have a strong team, led by him and Captain Walt Voltaire.
Landon finds the lab in a state of disarray. A crash cart is lying on its side, instruments strewn across the floor. He steps over them and walks to the desk. The monitor is on with datacards scattered across the work space.
"Doctor Kensington?"
Silence.
He frowns, disappointed she would leave her post in such a state when his com-link vibrates on his belt. Unclipping it, he raises the device to his mouth.
"Price here."
"We need you on level three. Storage hangar."
"The cargo? Is there a problem?"
"Not with that, sir. Something...else. You need to see this."
"I'm on my way."
*
The storage hangar is bustling as they unload the cargo Darth Kyja instructed them to bring. It is sealed and marked confidential. Only Commander Price knows what lies within the cases and he does not need to know what they are for. The orders were very specific; a broad range of explosives and a virtual armory worth of weapons. Two of his men are standing around a darkened puddle as he approaches.
"Report."
They step aside, standing at attention.
He kneels, dipping his finger into the liquid before bringing it up in front of his face. The texture and color are unmistakable.
The lack of coagulation means it had not been here long.
"What happened here?"
The first agent speaks, "Unclear, sir. We thought it best to alert you first."
"We also found these," says the second agent.
A pair of black heels and a com-link.
Landon swallows hard, glancing around the cavernous hangar. A trashed med-lab, a pair of shoes, a com device, a puddle of blood and a missing doctor - one who happens to be close with the princess. These are signs he has seen before, random evidence before a shocking discovery.
"Bag the shoes and the com. Take samples of the blood and send them all to the lab before you clean it up."
"Sir?"
"Just do it. Darth Kyja will be waiting for us."
They nod and get to work.
The Commander sweeps out of the room feeling queasy, dreading the report full of unanswered questions he would have to give if they did not initiate an investigation. He patches himself through to the command center.
"Captain Voltaire, set course for Hesperidium and have the crew search this entire ship."
"Problem, Commander?
Landon steps into the lifts and sighs.
"Doctor Kensington is missing."
*
The Quandary, silent and sleek, begins to move out of the system.
-TBC
-
Arbra
Surface: Haven Base
The afternoon is long, the room dark and humid. Rydan Stratford falls onto the pillow and exhales. Agent Trace Denton laughs to himself, tangled in a thin white sheet.
"That was amazing."
"I know."
"So modest."
Rydan sits up, reaching for his shirt.
"I should check on Kimber."
Trace grabs his arm.
"She's fine. She's with the Counselor."
"I'm not so sure."
"You care for her deeply, don't you?"
In truth, he was surprised by his bond with Kimber. They were thrust together and shared so much so quickly.
"Well, yes. We've been through a lot."
Trace smiles deviously.
"And I'm sure the fact that she's a celebrity has nothing to do with it."
Rydan scoffs, appalled.
"What are you saying? I protect her because she's famous? That's ridiculous. There's a huge difference between her past status and current state. Kimber is being hunted by the Empire."
"One she used to be the face of."
"That's not really fair. Things can change."
"I don't disagree."
"Then what's your point?"
"You never told me how you two met."
Rydan sighs, slumping over onto the bed. The whole memory is painful and confusing but to be intimate with someone requires a certain level of honesty.
"We met on Tatooine. I was there waiting for Scott but they were being pursued by Phage's army. He brought her and another agent down to the surface and asked me to keep them hidden."
"He just left them with you? Virtual strangers?"
"There was no time. Federation ships followed them and Scott returned to the Abyss so that he and Valerie could face the threat together. They were escorted back to Corellia and the rest you know. You watch the Holo."
"So, that's when you chose a side?"
Rydan springs up and pins Trace to the mattress, glaring down at him.
"I'm on my own side, one that happens to be opposed to the petty struggles of Republic or Empire. I don't think either faction has it all figured out. If you did, you wouldn't be trading off the galaxy in this back-and-forth show of force. Everyone is so busy with trying to stay on top that everyone else either hangs in the balance or gets caught in the crossfire."
"And you're the type who likes to be on top."
"Don't patronize me, Trace."
"I'm not. I just don't know where you fit into all this."
"I promised Scott and Valerie I would keep Kimber safe. They died so we could live. The things that are happening are bigger than all of us."
Trace stares into his face, "I'm not trying to minimize their sacrifice or your suffering. I simply want to know when you are going to start thinking of yourself as well as those you swore to protect."
Rydan climbs off the bed, pulling on his pants. He pads away, pausing in the doorway.
"When I know we're safe."
*
Kimber Patten meets with Counselor Circe Prescott. It's become a weekly thing much like her doctor's appointments. The routine she's fallen into is so civilized and serious she can hardly stand it. Everyone treats her like she's carrying the messiah but all she can think about is how much her feet hurt.
Kimber lies on a plush white couch, stretched out and relaxed.
The Counselor sits in a chair at an angle, clutching a large datapad.
"How are you doing today?"
"There are three more outfits I can't fit into so, offhand, I'd say I'm moderately devastated."
"Why is that?"
"They were really cute outfits."
"You know," Circe says softly, "We often deflect emotion with sarcasm and trite observations."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"Well, I'm sorry if I appear to be lashing out but the lack of variety is driving me crazy."
"This must be a difficult adjustment for you."
"To say the least. I'm not keen on being a prisoner."
"Is that how you feel? Like we are keeping you against your will?"
Kimber folds her hands over her stomach, "No, not really. I know Melanie feels this is best and that it's not safe for me anywhere else. I can't exactly go traipsing around the galaxy with agents of the Empire waiting to cash in on the price on my head."
"How does that make you feel?"
"Being hunted? Flattering but not in a good way."
"And the price on your head? Does that scare you?"
"A little. Okay, a lot. It's not exactly comforting to know I'm worth more alive than dead because if I were to be captured, I probably wouldn't stay that way for long."
"Do you fear death?"
"Doesn't everybody?"
"Some, yes. Everyone has a different view on mortality."
"I'm too fabulous to die."
Circe refrains from making a face and taps on the datapad.
"How are you adjusting to life on Arbra?"
"Actually, quite well given the circumstances. It's a beautiful place even if it is rather remote. That's the whole point."
"And the prophecy? You had mentioned in an earlier session you were troubled by it. Have you given it any more thought?"
Kimber stares at the stark white ceiling, trying to keep the loud and horrific memories at bay.
"I feel guilty, sad, helpless. I think it totally sucks that my foretold role in things to come ties directly to a child I'm not sure I'm ready for. Motherhood is like, a huge deal. There aren't any manuals, no guide books to prepare you for the insurmountable responsibility of having another person depend on you for everything. It's not like having a boyfriend. It's like, a younger, cuter version of yourself that you try desperately not to kill. Babies are so delicate! They really should come with some kind of armor or at the very least a shield generator."
She clears her throat, shifting topics.
"It's not that I don't trust Melanie's judgment. She's always been the most rational of the bunch and clearly the most capable but..."
Circe arches a brow, "Yes?"
"I hate that we must lose another friend in order to keep us alive. It's so unfair! I mean, look at how many people we've lost? Friends, parents, siblings! It's like a highly fashionable tragedy circus with us. Everyone remotely close seems to wind up dead. I'm sick of it, exhausted by it. It's enough to make me want to cut myself off from everyone else. Keep away! I'm poisonous, fatal..."
"You sound like you think these death's are in some way your fault."
"They may as well have been. The first guy I ever loved was brutally stabbed to death. The second, my child's father, was impaled. This is not a good track record. I have like, two friends. Three if she's not all like, Sithy. I used to be popular! We had a solid clique of dynamic and loyal friends. We had an amazing career. We had so many things going for us. Our group, our lives were perfect."
"Do you really believe that?"
Kimber scowls at the counselor's attempt at tempering her glory days with a cold, hard dose of reality. Yet she can't live in the past. She knows those days are long gone and in their place a heavy and perplexing present.
Her sigh is one of acceptance.
"Nothing is perfect, I know. It just felt that way in the moment. Everything went to hell because of Alexander Winton. One man ruined it all for some sick game. To know, to feel that my life was manipulated like that is...crushing. So it's not me I blame, it's him. As if I don't feel bad enough that we were essentially in a constant state of freak out from senior year onward, I feel worse for Karen. Her dad like, completely messed her and her friends up. Bad. Not that our parents didn't help in ways I'm still not clear on but come on! Valerie and our friends are all dead, Melanie is going to kill Karen and I'm, like, expected to just kick back and have a baby?!"
She takes a breath, letting it all out.
"And what's with Melanie flying off to Corellia like it's not breaking my heart not to be able to go home? I get the whole Jedi ninja mission thing but really? My sister gave her life for Corellia and I can't even go back there because my own people think I'm this traitorous, Imperial whatever! I like, brought shame to my family and I can't even explain what happened! They don't get to hear my side. They don't know all the fun facts about our sordid little lives and the prophecy looming over us. They think we brought it all on ourselves. That's the worst part. They think we deserve it. And we don't deserve it. I don't deserve it."
Kimber pants for breath, shaking off the tension, the sweet release.
"I never asked for this. None of us did. The man responsible paid for his crimes but a part of me feels like it's too late. The ball is rolling."
The Counselor smiles proudly.
"That was excellent, Kimber. How do you feel?
Kimber's violet eyes are wide, clear and beautiful. She giggles, sliding down into the couch. The idea of the inescapable is so frightening its laughable. They run around barely dodging pieces of the sky that always seem to be falling. Would those who are left get smashed before they run out of sky?
As long as she's being honest.
"Like we might be totally screwed."
-TBC
-
Byss: Imperial Capital
Imperial Palace
Deep breathes. He could feel the pulse of the planet flow through him, the emotions of his subjects, those who served him loyally. He could feel far beyond the dense abyss of the deep core, his presence carried to all of the worlds that he had conquered. He was Dementat, Emperor, and rightful ruler of the galaxy. It was only a matter of time before he and his Empress had spread the Empire to control the entire galaxy, unto its very ends.
But not everything was according to plan. The new Corellian Confederation, led by the militaristic Saga Judec, was a thorn in his side. At first, it was a mere nuisance - With Judec controlling the Confederation's growing fleet, the Empire could not exercise control of the Corellian Sector, something which would have been much easier under William Tacofer's governance. Corellia would have been a tributary to the Empire, semi-autonomous, but reliable as an ally, a resource, a source of taxes. Dementat had committed his forces on easier targets, while leaving Corellia for a more advanced campaign for a more season force.
It had proven to be a mistake. He should have destroyed Corellia earlier, when they were weaker. Now, the Confederation had turned against the Empire, striking hard at the eastern border, and laying a path for a more ambitious target - Byss itself. Dementat could sense that Judec was seeking dominance, and he had already made Byss far too vulnerable.
Where Dementat could feel the pulse of his control before, nearly touching Corellia itself, now there was blackness. Judec was moving quickly, decisively, and the Imperial fleet was unprepared for those advances.
Dementat's pulse quickened as he channeled his anger within, strengthening himself, clearing his thoughts. The anger allowed the Force to course through him, allowed him to see a bigger picture. Judec's forces had won with surprise, but now, he would suffer the wrath of the imperial armada.
A chime at the door of the meditation chamber. Dementat smiled - he could feel the presence of Grand Admiral Saevia, a woman who was beautiful, passionate, and severe. She carried within her a pure loyalty to the Emperor, mingled with a somewhat suppressed jealousy for his chosen mate.
Dementat's hand made a subtle motion, and the door opened. He remained seated on the circular pad, eyes closed.
"My Lord - Our scouts have confirmed the Confederation attack on Ebaq and Ojom. Our garrisons there appear to ahve been wiped out, and the Corellians have set up a strong fleet as his forward line."
"Judec will not strike Byss yet - there are easier targets he needs to gain access to first. See to it that the bases at Tarkin's Fang and Eclipse are prepared to defend themselves. Then gather the rest of the imperial fleets. Wherever they can be spared, they are to be recalled to Byss."
"Would that not be seen as a sign of weakness, your highness?"
"Judec is more prepared than we anticipated, Admiral. I would rather when he decides to approach Byss that our fleet is prepared to crush him swiftly, rather than have him deal significant damage to our defenses while we scramble to catch up. THAT would be a sign of weakness."
"Yes, My Lord. I apologize. Would Judec not anticipate such a move on your part?"
"he will expect our defenses to be strong - but I would like to keep the Corellians in the dark as much as possible. Use the hyperwave transcievers and position interdictor cruisers at the most likely routes of any recon vessels. Any we catch should be captured, not killed, so that we can submit to Judec the information we wish him to have"
Admiral Saevia bowed "Yes, My lord"
She made her way out, leaving the Emperor alone with his thoughts again. They turned to his bride-to-be. Karen was on a mission of her own, a task that left her sending ripples through the Force, but not revealing her intentions. He let her be. He did not doubt her love for him, and she was entitled to her secrets, just as he was to his. He had not questioned when her ship departed not long ago, And he had refrained from speaking to her when her emotions spiked, distress, shock, fear. It was all part of her continuing journey.
And though Dementat had a sense of forboding about the future, he believed that the Force would carry out its destiny in the end. He and Karen, his Darth Kyja, would rule the galaxy together, an empire that would last for as long as they lived.
TBC
-
Tatooine
Surface: Bestine
Cryptic message from Frank Farmer. Help is on the way.
At least there are others in his corner.
Since his arrival on the desert world, Kent Carlson had kept mostly to himself. The material, his story, consumed him. The initial interest in Valerie Gellar and later, Saga Judec transformed to become something larger than mere curiosity. He must start from the beginning. Kent had learned everything he could about The Four from articles and archives but there were large pieces missing, things that did not make sense. The coverage was mostly superficial and scandalous. Details seemed purposefully omitted in order to sensationalize every move.
Kent traces the lines of each girl after their friends were murdered. He continued hitting dead ends until he enlisted the help of an old slicer buddy who called himself Crave.
They were once associated with the faction known as La Revolte, a defunct co-op composed of artists, celebrities, journalists, slicers, and political separatists that was based out of the former Imperial capital. In his earlier career, he routinely used them as a source in investigations outside the Corellian Sector. They provided unbiased and often times graphic information and visuals of the Imperial expansion and atrocities committed to achieve and maintain control. The faction split after an Imperial raid on Hesperidium resulted in the death and capture of most of its prominent members (those plotting to finish off the weakened Empire after the destruction of the second Death Star and loss of Coruscant), and their contacts throughout the galaxy scattered to the winds.
Coincidentally, the Jedi coming to his aid was captured and detained during that Hesperidium raid. This fact was withheld from public record. Masterton's trail goes cold after high school without so much as a sighting until her arrival on Corellia.
And Corellia is where his key interests lie.
Kent's sources still employed by CorSec provided the High Commander's network information which Crave then used to bypass the communications protocol and infiltrate CorSec's secure server's. The slicer located and isolated the confidential archives of Patten and Gellar. Kent receives hundreds of documents on his subjects, most of which are filled with technical terms and symbols he is unfamiliar with. Patten is mentioned in a future tense while the present focal point of these missives was Gellar. As he spends sleepless nights and weeks pouring over them, he uncovers several memo's baring the Imperial wheel insignia. The correspondences were between Major Kyri Patten and the Imperial Director of Intelligence.
It makes reference to a project called Jerico.
The name of Valerie's missing father.
Jerico Gellar's entry had been entirely fabricated, written over the dossier of a Imperial special operations agent named Evin DeLongprey. His background was seamlessly placed into the Corellian archives to establish residency, eligibility for employment and a service record with CorSec along with previous work history. The medical records had been manufactured, splicing DeLongprey and Gellar's DNA to provide a facade of biological relation. Nothing about Jerico Gellar was real and his disappearance explained by a single sentence at the end of the last classified report.
"...emotionally compromised to the asset resulting in project termination."
The only other Gellar entries were wiped from the Imperial network but stored deep within the CorSec archives and encrypted. Apparently, these were people someone wanted no one to find but no match for a splicer of Crave's caliber.
Gellar, Rutherford; Direx Board Member: Corporate Sector
Gellar, Abra; wife, shareholder, city council: Corporate Sector
Gellar, Blair; daughter, heiress: Corporate Sector
He reads through the files, a small but detailed dossier on the family, discovering Blair gave birth to a daughter of her own in 13BBY.
Gellar; Valerie; granddaughter, heiress: Corporate Sector
Kent had found the family the slain Governess had been denied but the motives remained unclear.
Reading further, he discovered the child was released into the Major's custody, Delongprey already in place, and taken back to Corellia. There was minimal follow-up to Abra's illness and subsequent death, Blair's tragic suicide and Rutherford's grief and unprecedented corporate expansion. This information was buried and Valerie's forged history imported to reflect she was a Corellian citizen, born to "Jerico Gellar" and a mother, referenced only as "Alana" who died from complications at Coronet General leaving the widower to care for the infant.
Kent then finds a purchase order, signed by Major Kyri Patten, that authorized the sale of Valerie Gellar's biological samples to the Trade Federation. The funds were released to a trust in Valerie's name.
He is floored by the revelations and deceit amongst his own people. They had conspired with the Empire and sold out to the Federation. Distracted and intrigued, he paces past the light blinking from his portable consol.
What others secrets does Corellia hide?
*
On the adjacent rooftop, a strikingly beautiful woman lowers a pair of microbinoculars and smiles. The reporter had finally made headway. Too late, of course but that was not her call. The comlink on her belt vibrates. She unclips it and answers.
"Price here."
"Kensington is dead. Move on Carlson immediately."
"With pleasure," she says, clicking off.
Tonight's the night, Kent.
*
Orbit
A lone shuttle flares out of hyperspace carrying the Jedi Melanie Masterton. She races toward the surface hoping it's not too late.
-TBC
-
Arbra
Surface: Haven Base
Kimber wanders the cavernous underground base. Rydan and Trace linger behind as she explores the endless corridors. People try not to stare at her as they pass. Some cannot help it. There are whispers through the rebel agents about what she symbolizes both for them and the Jedi. In a hangar, a group of fighter pilots huddle together. One of them keeps eyeing her. She runs her hand along the nose of an X-Wing, wondering where it's been, how far it's traveled.
Finally, the pilot steps away from his squadron.
"Kimber?"
She pauses, turning.
As he begins to move toward her, Rydan swoops in protectively. The pilot smiles broadly and suddenly she recognizes his face.
"Castin?"
He hugs her tightly as Rydan glares on. Trace rolls his eyes.
"It really is you. I never got a chance to thank you."
Kimber beams, flipping her hair.
"Oh, that? It was nothing."
"It was to me."
"You know this guy?" Rydan says defensively.
Trace hangs back, fighting the compulsion to pull Rydan away.
She nods, "Rydan Stratford, this is Castin Donn. We go way back."
"Stratford? That sounds familiar."
Kimber frowns, "His brother, Reef, was a friend of ours."
Castin nods, remembering.
"Right...."
Rydan seethes between clenched teeth, "You never got to thank her for what?"
"Helping me escape Hesperidium."
"Escape from what?"
Kimber giggles, "There was this, like, situation and we helped Castin and Melanie get off the surface. I thought I told you about this. The summer after graduation."
She turns back to Castin.
"Speaking of Melanie, you just missed her. She's off saving the universe as a Jedi now."
"That's my girl. How's she doing?"
Kimber shrugs, "As well as can be expected."
"I guess she let you in on the gory details?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"And you? Look at you..."
She runs a hand over her stomach, "Yeah, me. With child. My perpetual plus one. Can you believe it?"
Castin glances at Rydan, "Yours?"
Kimber and Rydan exchange horrified looks.
"No!"
"No!"
"Oh. So..."
She waves a hand through the air as if swatting down the question.
"Long story. What brings you to these parts?"
"I'm here with the Wraith Squadron. We stopped by to refuel."
"Still fighting the good fight?"
"In my own way. Listen, I have a few hours to kill. Do you want to go somewhere and talk?"
"Sure. I bet some fresh air will do you good."
She motions toward the hall and touches Rydan's arm.
"It's okay, Ry. He's a friend."
"If you say so."
Trace smirks, "She's a big girl, Rydan. Let her go."
"We'll be back soon. Promise."
As they wander away, Agent Seneca Cirque steps out of the lift. He nods to Kimber and moves swiftly toward Rydan and Trace.
"What's wrong, Seneca? You look worried."
Cirque's jaw is tight.
"I just received word from a contact in Imperial space. The fleets are mobilizing and doctor Kensington is dead."
Rydan gasps, "Guile got to her?"
"We have to assume he did. Any word from Jedi Masterton?"
Trace shakes his head, "Not yet. We know she made contact on Corellia but Carlson had fled before she arrived. I believe she's on her way to find him."
"Where?"
"Tatooine."
Cirque nods, "That may be remote enough for her to get to before Guile does. If we run out of collateral, the Empire will focus their efforts on finding Patten."
"Not if they are distracted. Why are the fleets mobilizing?"
"There have been rumors of attacks within the Core. Possible Imperial-specific targets."
Rydan smiles, "Then we've got time. The Empire won't sacrifice resources to hunt a single person down."
Trace clears his throat.
"I mean, they won't do it again. Dementat is smarter than that."
Cirque tilts his head, "How do you know?"
"Kimber spent a lot of time with him when Alexia Winton kidnapped them. He's not nearly as single-minded as Palpatine. He'll protect his own before going after her."
"Wait a microsecond, why didn't he kill her then?"
Rydan shrugs.
"She wasn't a threat to him then. I'm not sure how much anyone else knew about the prophecy but it wasn't until recently that Kimber's role became clear. The One spoken of will bear a child. At that time, it could have been any of The Four. He wouldn't risk killing one of Karen's friends on a hunch. That is to assume he even knew about the ending."
"Jedi Masterton said she only told one other person about the Persephonea."
"Who?"
"Some yahoo separatist slicer named Caston Donn."
Trace jerks his head toward Rydan but he is already running toward the lifts.
-TBC
-
Imperial Space
Deep Core
Imperialcontrol of the border with Corellian space had effectively collapsed. ? Remnants of the outer defenses - and there were not many of them - had slowly trickled in to Byss, gaping holes and charred, melted metal, remnants of the battle. ?
Strategically, the Corellians were using overkill - too many resources for the targets they hit. ? It was effective, but in a drawn out campaign, it was wasteful. ? Which meant that Corellians either were really stupid, had an abundance of resources, or were preparing for a quick campaign to destroy the Empire.
At Byss itself, the strength of the imperial armada was concentrated. ? Aside from the already sizeable defense force, platforms and ships and planetary weapons, the imperial fleet now provided thousands upon thousands of ships. ? Only defense forces remained at Imperial controlled worlds, watching vigilantly in hopes the Corellians really had their eyes fixed on one target, and not on further away but less defended areas.
Imperial tacticians, with Admiral Saevia at the lead, were watchful not only of the Corellians, but of the Republic and the Hapans, defensive for the time being, but could easily take advantage of the imperial withdrawal.
The fleet had been placed on a three way/three day rotation. ? One third of the fleet was on guard for immediate defenses; one third of the fleet was prcaticing maneuvers; one third of the fleet was given R&R on the surface. ? The tight shifts were to keep everyone prepared but not too wound up. ? It meant that war was coming.
In addition to stronger defenses at Byss, the hyperspace routes leading to the planet - and there were not many, considering the dense stars and blackholes in the deep core - were guarded as well. ? Interdictor cruisers were placed at strategic locations, and hyperwave transcievers - able to detect ships in hyperspace - were used to allow wanted traffic, but stop spies.
As of yet, nothing had been caught, making many uneasy.
In the imperial palace, Dementat was in a foul mood as he stared at the massive strategy board before him. ? The uneasiness he had been feeling was growing, and his goals for galactic domination had been put on hold.
"Do we have any reports on the size of the Corellian fleet?"
"Only scattered ones, my lord. ? We have been having trouble getting probes in system and keeping them alive long enough or in space long enough to get full readings."
"Is the full fleet assembled at Byss?"
"The entire fleet has been recalled to Byss and the Deep Core hyperspace routes. We have increased defenses also at the shipyards, hopefully enough to discourage an attack there. ? Defense fleets throughout the Empire are on high alert"
Dementat nodded, still staring at the board before him.
"The Corellians have gone unchecked until now. ? They've had broad latitude to do what they wished, and we were not poised to counter them. ? I think we need to start showing them that they cannot simply walk over the Empire. ? We need to choose a target and a direction they would not predict.
If they are sending most of their forces against us here, it stands to reason that their defenses at home are reduced - unless the Corellian fleet has had an opportunity to grow far faster than we anticipated.
Send probes to the Corellian Sector worlds. Send the probes coming from the south, even if takes more time. ? I cannot imagine they are wasting such energy proteting their southern flank."
"Yes, My Lord"
The tactician bowed low before stepping out of the chamber, and Dementat glanced toward Admiral Saevia.
"your thoughts?"
"You know my thoughts, my lord. ? I have never been able to hide anything from you"
"Nevertheless, I want you to speak."
Saevia nodded
"I think this might be under estimating Judec. ? Or rather, I should say it is underestimating whoever is Judec's tactician. ? I met the High Commander, and while he is a capable warrior, he doesn't have the finesse power, the contingency plans, the wit to pull off the attacks we've seen. ? Someone else is running his show. ? We don't know who it is, and that makes me think they are smarter than we are ready for."
"Should we sit back and do nothing? ? Let the Empire crumble? ? I've never thought of you as one to doubt the glory of the Empire"
"No, my lord - I wouldn't dare. ? I just worry that ... I think that you might be worrying about something else."
"Oh? ? something else?"
"someone else ... I think your judgment might be ... clouded ..."
Dementat turned his full body now toward Saevia.
"I see ..."
Admiral Saevia saw the look in Dementat's eye, knowing she was in trouble. She had crossed a line.
"My Lord, I apolog-"
She was cut off as she could feel her wind pipe contracting involuntarily.
"Jealousy is not becoming of you, admiral."
Her hands raised to her throat. ? She knew it wouldn't help, but it was the natural reaction. ? She could feel the tugging, like a noose, pulling her up by the neck, her feet slowly lifting off the floor.
"And I would strongly urge you never to question my judgment again"
With a swoosh of his hand, Saevia was sent flying against a nearby wall, where she crumbled to the floor, wheezing and trying to catch her breathe. ? Dementat made his way past her, leaving her on the ground as he headed to his private meditation chamber.
The Corporeal Quandary stood in orbit, along with the rest of the fleet. ? And Karen was not on board. ? what had she gotten herself into?
TBC
-
Tatooine
Surface: Bestine
In a flowing white cloak, the Jedi Melanie Masterton sweeps silently through the streets. She follows the signal activated when Frank Farmer alerted Carlson of her objective. Melanie comes to a nondescript apartment complex and stops in front of a beige door. She can feel sudden alarm, panic and she reaches for the saber. Melanie overrides the locking mechanism and bursts inside, saber ignited and drawn...
Five minutes earlier.
Kent Carlson continues to pace, mind whirling in so many directions. The facts remain. Not only did Corellia conspire with the Empire and the Trade Federation but the secrets they kept nearly cost an entire population their lives. Gellar had been able to transcend that which was unknown to her to keep them safe. The question is - did Saga Judec know and use the underlying circumstances to capitalize on Gellar's death and seize control of Corellia?
The lights flicker then wink out. Emergency beacons activate on the walls, casting a dim blueish glow over everything. He freezes in place, straining to hear anything. When the lights return, a gorgeous girl sits with her legs crossed in the scuffed corner chair. Her face looks somewhat familiar to him but he cannot place it.
"Hello, Kent."
"Who...are you?"
She fingers a vicious looking blade he had not realized she was holding.
"That's beside the point. What matters now is that you have outlived your usefulness."
He squares his shoulders and stares her down.
"I beg to differ."
"And beg you will....for your life. Unfortunately, that's a mercy my master is unable to grant. Face it, reporter. You may have been allowed information previously denied to those who play a role in the Persephonea but this is one scoop that will never go to press."
She rises and lunges as Kent leaps backward, pulling the table over between them as he flees toward the door.
A blond woman appears, clutching a saber.
"Down," she commands.
He drops to the floor as she extends a hand, stopping the other woman in mid-air before tossing her effortlessly back against the far wall.
Kent smiles, "I take it you're the Jedi."
"Clever."
The woman rises slowly, raising the blade.
Melanie moves in front of Kent, finally focusing on her face.
No, it can't be.
"Tenley?"
Tenley Price, fellow North Coruscant student, vanished without a trace shortly after her starlet best friend Carli Cole was brutally murdered their sophomore year. Those events had sent ripples through the elite prep school and broke the heart of her grieving Chin-Bretier boyfriend, Vex Sienna.
"Can it really be you?"
Kent glances between them, "You two know each other? Of course you do."
The woman sneers, eyes never leaving Melanie's face.
"The great and powerful Melanie Masterton finally off the bench and in the game. They will be very pleased."
"What happened to you? The Imperial authorities have been looking for you for years. Everyone thought you were dead. Your parents, your brother, your boyfriend...were devastated."
"They got over it. As for me, I've been right here under those noses you all can barely see beyond."
Melanie can feel her rage, carefully controlled. She knows why they stopped looking.
"The Empire orchestrated your kidnapping. They took you."
Tenley laughs, "They saved me from the tedium of our selfish existences. They gave me purpose."
"Do you really believe that?"
Tenley scoffs.
"It doesn't matter what I believe. Not anymore. And it wasn't just the Empire that was responsible. Search those feelings you have been taught to control."
Melanie's delicate features crease with concern.
"The night of your sixteenth birthday party - do you remember?"
"Yes."
"Such a spectacle, such a scene. All that attention on the four of you. Everyone's eyes in one direction. No one saw her slip from the shadows as I passed. No one noticed as I vanished in thin air."
"Who?"
"The same one who took all your other friends from you."
Melanie gasps, "Alexia...."
"Now do you see?"
"What about Carli?"
Tenley nods.
"We were the warning flare that things were about to get much worse for all of you. From what I gather, it unfolded marvelously."
Melanie steps closer.
"I realize what happened to you is terrible but you no longer need to carry out their wishes. You can also be free."
"You know nothing of freedom."
"I can show you, if you will let me."
"There will be no heroics, no deviations from that which is written. There is only what is to come. Step aside, Jedi, and allow to complete my assignment."
Tenley advances. Melanie moves in front of Kent.
"You are not leaving here with the reporter."
"Yes I am."
"I thought the Jedi were a peaceful bunch."
"Not in the defense of the innocent. Don't do this, Tenley. It doesn't have to end this way."
Tenley twirls the blade, a glint in her eye.
"You'll be surprised by how it ends."
With a growl, Tenley lunges forward to slash out quickly with the blade. It slices through the air as Melanie dodges and takes a Force-hold of her wrist, breaking it. Tenley barely blinks but the weapon drops her from hand. This does not stop the advance and despite Melanie wishing not to harm her, she readily understands Tenley's drive and intent. Clearly, she is an agent of the Empire working with or for Marius Guile in an attempt to fulfill the prophecy by eliminating any and all associated with it.
Tenley screams maniacally, throwing herself desperately toward Kent.
Melanie spins, bringing the saber down and around in front of her. Tenley's momentum causes her to run straight through it, bisecting her. The top half of her body continues forward, dropping short of where Kent is standing horrified. The bottom half hits the dingy carpet with a soft thud.
The room is plunged into silence.
Melanie deactivates the saber, glancing down sadly before raising her eyes to Kent.
There is no time for explanations.
"Gather your things. We've got a long way to go."
-TBC
-
Arbra
On the surface, Kimber and Castin walk through the lush forest.
"It's beautiful here," he says.
Smiling, she twirls between the beams of sunlight streaming through the dense foliage. The air is clean and crisp.
"Isn't it? The landscape is absolutely stunning."
"Haven is one of the best kept Republic secrets so I have to ask, why are you really here?"
She stops, violet eyes wide.
"You know why. My child means something to the Empire, something I don't fully understand. That prophecy is unsettling, to say the least. So, they stashed me here to give us half a chance of stopping them."
Castin crosses his arms, "I'm sure you will."
"Forgive me if I'm not entirely reassured."
"Fear is powerful motivation, Kimber. Don't underestimate yourself."
She stiffens, "I know that tone. It's the one where I'm missing something, probably crucial. What are you not telling me?"
"Do you know someone named Kent Carlson?"
"I swear, if one more person asks me that. Why, what did he do now?"
"He asked for my help."
"With what?"
"Getting information for him."
"Could you vague that up for me a little more? We saved your life. The least you can do is indulge me in a little harmless gossip."
He sighs.
"Information on you and Valerie Gellar."
She pauses, "Wait, what?"
"I don't know how much Melanie told you about what I did on Coruscant but I dealt in the exchange of information. They called me Crave in those days as I ruthlessly sought out and seized anything that could help us. The faction I belonged to leaked pertinent details about the Empire's atrocities to those who would otherwise be denied these facts. My abilities as a slicer helped warn others of a fate that was coming their way. Carlson believes there is a connection between the Corellian High Commander, the Empire and both of you."
"Is there?"
Castin lowers his head.
"Yes. They lied to you, Kimber. Your father knew Valerie was his child long before she was brought to Corellia. With the Empire's help, they staged an elaborate cover story which would place her near him and beside you. She had a real family too, a family they betrayed and buried to conceal his infidelity to your mother."
Kimber's mouth hangs open, "But...her father...Jerico...was he....?"
"An Imperial plant, I'm afraid, signed off on by the Imperial Director of Intelligence. Valerie was stolen from her mother as an infant which is why, I suspect, she had no memory of her or her family."
"Valerie was always curious, suspicious, some would say even paranoid about it."
"And with good reason. Her gut was telling her something was wrong."
"She died without ever knowing the truth."
"I'm sorry, Kimber. It wasn't my intention to hurt you but I saw you here and felt it was no coincidence."
"Is her family still alive?"
"Her mother committed suicide. Her grandmother died shortly after. Her grandfather, however, I presume still lives."
"Where?"
"The Corporate Sector."
She shutters. The CSA is something that had only been referenced in business class and seemed out of reach. Perhaps it wasn't as insignificant as they thought. Secrets of their past lay within the sector, hiding in plain sight, so far away.
No one would know because no one ever thought to ask.
"What about me? Did you find anything on me?"
"Only that selling Valerie's genetic material to the Trade Federation was meant to somehow save you."
"That material was used to create the Baron Phage."
"What?"
"You know, that droid monster thing that rampaged across Corellia? Twice. That was apparently the result of Valerie genetics spliced with the finest Federation technology."
"How do you know that?"
She swallows, locking eyes with him.
"Alexander Winton was the Imperial Director."
Castin is taken aback, "Karen Winton's father? Melanie told me her parents were killed on Bakura...."
"Nope. He met his true end at the hands of the Hapan Consortium."
"How?"
"I gave him to them."
Something clicks in his mind.
"So, that's why the Empire has a bounty on your head."
"Pretty much. That and Karen finally took down Alexia which apparently drove her insane and turned us all into fabulous targets standing in the way of her and Dementat's galactic domination. It sounds ridiculous, I know. I struggle to believe it myself sometimes but there are many things in that prophecy that hit a little too close to home to be completely discounted."
"Only if you take it literally."
"What do you mean?"
"All ancient text, translated from another language, another culture, are subject to interpretation."
She smirks, "Now, that's the sort of thing I wouldn't expect from someone who deals in fact."
"Facts can be distorted. Wouldn't you agree?"
She bites her lip.
"Point taken."
He touches her arm and offers a lopsided smile.
"There are few things in these worlds that can be taken at face value. Don't buy into the hype. We make our own destinies."
"Sometimes I wonder..."
Castin opens his mouth to speak when he is tackled from behind by Rydan. They tumble down a sloping hill and come to rest in an open meadow. Kimber gasps. Rydan holds Castin down, clutching him by the throat.
"What are you doing?!" Kimber screams, waddling down the hill after them. "Stop acting so butch!!"
Castin struggles beneath Rydan, a trained pilot and slicer but no match for the Mandalorian warrior.
"He knows about the prophecy!" Rydan snarls. "He could be working for them."
"What?!" Castin manages to choke out.
"Working for who?! The Empire? You are totes insane! Melanie told Castin about the prophecy long before we ever heard about it. He's on our side!"
"We don't know who's on our side."
Kimber reaches out to touch Rydan's shoulder, squeezing it gently. She has seen into the depths of his soul on Hapes, witnessed the considerable confusion and pain intertwined around losing Scott and his unwitting role in their spectacularly complex lives.
"Let it go, Ry. Let him go. It's okay..."
Rydan turns, looking up at her.
"Is it?"
For once, it is his faith that is shaken. He has been riding on wave after wave of adrenaline and panic without stopping to confront his own feelings. Rydan Stratford went from just being someone's older brother to a key figure in protecting someone vital to the fate of the galaxy.
"It will be," she says softly.
Rydan releases Castin and falls back onto the grass. Coughing, Castin rubs his throat as he tries to sit upright. Kimber kneels beside Rydan, arm around his shoulder much the same way he always does for her. She would now be the one to comfort and reassure him that everything will be alright even if she's uncertain of it herself.
That's what friends do.
He leans into her, holding her tight.
Kimber turns back to Castin.
"So sorry about that but speaking of Carlson. That's who Melanie went to find."
Castin blinks, "What?"
"The Jedi believe the fringe elements of the prophecy are being eliminated. Kent Carlson and this dreadful Imperial doctor are the only ones left."
Rydan pulls away suddenly, "Just Carlson. The doctor is dead."
*
Sub-surface: Haven Base: Interior
With Rydan resting in his quarters, Kimber walks Castin back to the hangar bay where the rest of the Wraith Squadron are waiting.
"Are you sure you can't stay? I know Melanie would love to see you."
He smiles, "I'm not so sure about that."
She winks.
"We make our own destinies, remember?"
Castin nods, pulling her into a hug. She steps back and sighs.
"Take care of yourself."
"You too."
Kimber watches him walk back toward his comrades knowing he was off to stop the Empire in his own way. Perhaps there was something to shaping one's own fate, a purpose to the roles they had been cast in. The cast of characters rolls through her mind as she wanders back to Rydan's room. So many people sharing a connection. Their paths have crossed for a reason and its time she owned up to that. She rubs a hand over her stomach with a smile. Some things are beyond rational explanations.
Here's to not taking things so literally.
-TBC
-
"I'm hearing these stories
Could they be true?
I'm hearing these stories
All about you."
Hyperspace
Melanie Masterton meditates silently at the controls as a fragile and emotionally distraught Kent Carlson pulls himself together in the back of the shuttle. The death of Tenley Price weighs heavy on her soul. She has been indirectly responsible for the death of many but it is the first life she has taken.
Unfortunately, it would not be the last.
Hours pass before Kent comes to her and thanks her for saving his life. Gone is the vicious and tawdry reporter she watched on his file recordings from Corellia and in its place a man on the brink of a breakthrough. She recognizes the expression, the reaction coursing through his body so intensely she can feel prickles through the Force. She shared in this sobering horror when she first discovered how deep in they all really were. So far over your own head that you can no longer see the sunlight. It puts into perspective just how small they are in the shadow of such a scope.
As he breaks down, sinking to his knees, she moves from the chair to offer comfort and sanctuary in the confessions that follow. Kent tells her about his initial suspicions of Valerie Gellar. What began as the thrill of digging up salacious gossip slowly began to evolve into something much darker and more complex. Her stint at the CorSec Academy, rumors of an illicit relationship with Frank Farmer, and her subsequent disappearing act were tailor made tabloid currency. The attention shifted when the Federation's forces surged through their cities but with Phage's arrival and first siege of Corellia coinciding with Valerie's return, he knew there was something missing. Parts of the story that had been cut and reshot attached a back story blurred with the lives of the rich and beautiful. So he followed her movements and focused his coverage on her ascent to power. He was still hoping to find a sordid catch, still catering to an audience who, like him, never understood the series of events that led her there.
He tells Melanie of what he had recently uncovered. The origins of Valerie Gellar. How she was stolen from Blair Gellar by Major Patten with the Empire's support. The Imperial agent posing as a father. Deals with the Federation, with MagnaCorp, with the Imperial devils they, as true Corellian's, swore never to consort with.
They had sold out to everyone.
And, clutching her arms tightly, he whispers how he watched Valerie die at the hands of Phage. How fiercely she fought against him, how easily the life was choked out of her, how he could not take his eyes off Valerie's cousin who in turn destroyed Phage.
Melanie stops him, "Her cousin?"
Kent pauses, reflecting on the knowledge he had gleaned from Crave's sliced files. One glaring fact remains.
There was no cousin.
"Mara," Kent says. "She said her name was Mara."
-TBC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4H85lexvKg
-
Imperial Space
Deep Core
"My Lord, the Imperial Assault Fleet is ready for your deployment. They are ready to depart for Duro, on your command"
Admiral Saevia's voice was lowered, humbled, submissive. Since her encounter with the Emperor, she had been cautious, avoiding him and saying only the bare minimum. Dementat for his part never asked her for more.
"Deploy them at once according to the battle plan that has been prepared. The force should strike hard and fast. I want Duro in my possession before week's end."
"Yes, My Lord"
Saevia bowed herself out, leaving Dementat in his solitude.
=========================================================================
The Emperor watched as Saevia departed. He was still angry with her, still worried about Karen - despite her words of comfort. They provided him little. He sensed a force too strong was preparing to strike against him, and against her. Coming from the east - from Corellia. It wasn't just the aggression of the Corellians in this war. There was a mind behind it that was far too cunning.
Saevia was right in that respect. Judec was not the brains behind it. But he did not know who it could be. The only individual who had that kind of strategic thought was dead. Or so he had been told. Alexander Winton had been acting both with and without imperial authority, behind the scenes for what seemed like decades. Director of Imperial Intelligence, a title that barely scratched the surface of the projects the man had had a hand in. And all this time, it had been a part of some plot that was not about keeping Dementat in power. Karen's father was a traitor, and it was with a bit of reluctance that Dementat put out an execution warrant against Kimber Patten for her "treasonous" act of taking the Director and handing him to the Hapans for his own execution. It was a necessary part of showing his control of his empire. Necessary to eliminate ties that bound Karen to a life that was mutually exclusive from a sith. Necessary to fulfill the prophesy.
Kimber was in hiding, and there was a new strategic mind running things at Corellia. Too much uncertainty. He decided it was time to find the girl, learn the truth about her actions - and only then, have her publicly executed for crimes against the empire.
But Dementat would not just give justice. He would show mercy. He would have the execution be quick.
Tapping into the comm unit, he contacted his new director of intelligence and black-operations.
"Captain - find Kimber Patten and bring her to me unharmed. Do whatever is necessary, but find her NOW. Kill her escort."
"Yes, Emperor"
"And Captain - consider this mission as if your life depended on it"
"Yes, Emperor"
====================================================
Admiral Saevia left the Emperor's chamber, heading to her shuttle to bring her to the most imposing of the vessels waiting in orbit. The Imperial Star Destroyer, Mark 2 had been modified more than most M2s, with additional weaponry, hull plating, and a more advanced shield generator. It was a fortress above and beyond. The hull had been refashioned, eliminating many of the rough, bolted edges and creating a stream-lined appearance that reduced vulnerabilities between plating, and left an eerily clean look on this vessel. It was distinctly recognizeable from even a far distance away and brought fear to most who saw it.
Saevia's shuttle left the surface, heading toward the ship and she sat back, contemplating to herself. THis attack was bold, and supposedly unexpected, but she couldn't help sense it was a trap. She had prepared a small portion of the fleet to stand at the ready in case - without approval of the Emperor. Should the Empire be ambushed at Duro, they would do ambushing of their own.
====================================================
Commander Price stood aboard the Corporeal Quandary, staring out at the fleet, watching as ships disappeared. His vessel had been ordered, not to defend Byss, nor to be in the primary attack, but to hold back, among a wave of vessels to reinforce the imperial assault at Duro should things go sour. He had not found the traitor in his midst yet, and he was almost certain that sour was where things were headed.
====================================================
Elsewhere, a small assault vessel covered in a black-metal armour slipped out of a barely used drydock, entering hyperspace for the Hapan Star Cluster. Kimber Patten would be found and brought to justice.
TBC
-
"I'm bulletproof
Nothing to lose.
Fire away, fire away.
Ricochet
You take your aim
Fire away, fire away
Shoot me down
but I won't fall
I am titanium."
Arbra
Melanie returns with Kent Carlson. They had shared much on the journey. She told him of their past, of the prophecy, what she knows of the Federation dealings with Corellia and their connection to the Empire, to Alexander Winton, and how Frank Farmer told her Lilandra Patten was found dead.
Kent bridges the gaps like the brilliant reporter he is. He concludes that while the parents of the Four knew about the prophecy, they were clearly lied to about its overall purpose and outcome. Most parents would not willingly allow this to happen to their children. It must have been a convincing story, one they may never get to hear. Lilandra must have discovered something closer to its true nature and been institutionalized and medicated to keep her quiet. But why keep her alive at all? If Alexander did kill his wife and Melanie's parents before staging his own death on Bakura, why leave Lilandra as a loose end? She was the only surviving parent with any connection to the past. She was both victim and coconspirator and, had she been more coherent, perhaps she would have divulged an angle that would have given them an advantage and the others some closure.
He feels guilty, believing that his break-in to Coronet General and conversation, if one could call it that, with Lilandra Patten was directly responsible for her death. Perhaps they thought she gave up more information than she did.
Or did she?
What was the question he had asked her?
"How did this happen to you?"
Winton is the name she wrote on the wall.
Lilandra wanted him to know Alexander was responsible.
Melanie would have to tell Kimber about her mother.
This is not something she is looking forward to doing but the truth must be told. They could not keep secrets from each other the way their parents had before them. They would live in the light of reality, harsh as it may be.
Kent speculates that High Commander Judec is up to something. Frank told her as much and she asked him to check on the Centerpoint Station. She tells him how Judec made reference to it being a place Karen Winton and the fugitive Mara Gellar would come to. She admits she had already heard of this Mara woman. Frank does not believe she is related to Valerie either but there is something remarkably similar about them. He has yet to report on his findings on either. Kent doesn't know what's out there on Centerpoint. He thought it was out of commission. He could not remember the last time it had been mentioned. Melanie theorizes that the High Commander is hiding something that may be of use to them. If so, Saga Judec could be a key ally in helping them stop Karen and Dementat.
"I wouldn't go that far."
"He did reject the Emperor's offer."
Kent scoffs, "Only because he wants the Corellian Sector for himself."
"Or because whatever's happening on Centerpoint could be used against the Empire."
Kent pauses, considering it.
"Interesting point yet I'm not entirely convinced. It's been a long time since Centerpoint was a weapon but I wouldn't put it past him. Judec is on quite the power trip and something of that magnitude would be just the thing to massage his ego."
"You are allowing your prejudice to cloud alternative possibilities."
"No more than you are with the prophecy."
Melanie sighs.
"One thing is for certain, the High Commander has no love for the Empire."
"Perhaps not but that isn't enough to trust him. Not for me anyway."
"I'm not asking you to trust him. I'm asking you to trust me."
Kent smiles, "I've traded information and revealed my sources. You know everything I know at this point."
"The situation has potential to get very bad, mister Carlson. I need to know you are prepared."
"It's been bad for a while now, Jedi Masterton. I'm all for changing that."
They enter Haven Base and reunite with their team.
Kimber is thrilled to see Melanie. Rydan struggles with his own feelings and his place in all this. Kent is introduced to Agent Cirque, Agent Denton and Counselor Prescott before they head into the debriefing. The collective information gathered is relayed to everyone save for the fate of Lilandra Patten.
Seneca Cirque reports on the demise of doctor Kensington and confirms Imperial targets in the Core attacked by the Corellian Confederation. The Imperial fleets have been recalled but they have received no intelligence on further movement.
Melanie glances at Kent, hoping to drive home her earlier point. She does not agree with Saga Judec's methods of leadership but these recent attacks could just be icing on a lethal cake. Testing the Imperial fleets for weaknesses could be the first step to a much larger plan. She just wishes she knew what it was and how the Centerpoint Station, Karen Winton and Mara Gellar factored into this. With Kensington dead, Farmer alive and investigating, and Carlson, Patten, Stratford and Masterton safely tucked away, the Empire has little choice but to focus on the Confederation. This immediate threat would divert their attention away from the prophecy.
At least for now.
Corellia has managed to stall for time.
The Republic forces would need to join the larger fight if they ever hoped of extinguishing the Empire's darkness but that was not her call to make. She must ensure the Persephonea does not come to pass.
Melanie knows they could not stay hidden forever but wavers on feelings to seek out Karen alone. Dividing their numbers would provide opportunity. Kimber is too important and she has a feeling not all angles have yet revealed themselves. The Valerie bombshell was crucial. They know why she and Kimber managed to grow up together and how the creation of the Baron Phage was Major Kyri Patten's delusional way of sacrificing one daughter to save the other while Alexander Winton pulled the strings. If Lilandra Patten had discovered this, she never got a chance to tell. To the best of her and Kimber's knowledge, Lilandra never knew Alexander survived that speeder crash. So why point fingers at a culprit that has been, in her mind, dead for years?
Melanie dismisses the meeting and has Agent Cirque keeping an eye on the brewing Imperial-Confederation conflict. She asks to speak to Kimber alone and takes her to the surface. The sunset stains the sky orange and pink against the thick darkened outlines of the forest.
"How was Corellia?"
"Informative. I finally met Frank Farmer. He sends his regards."
"He's sweet. How is he?"
"Concerned."
"Not surprising. I hear the High Commander is no picnic."
"Judec certainly is militant-minded."
Kimber has been friends with her long enough to know better.
"We're not here to talk about the stability of my home world, are we?"
"I'm afraid not."
"Something happened?"
"Something did."
"What?"
"Your mother."
Kimber does not appear surprised or shaken.
"She's dead, isn't she?"
Melanie softens, reaching out.
"Why would you say that?"
"Because they always die, Melanie. Everyone around us dies."
She swallows hard in the face of this undeniable fact.
"I'm so sorry, Kimber. I'm so sorry..."
Kimber does not scream or cry. There are no more tears. She simply extends a hand to meet Melanie's and stares into the eyes of one of the only true friends she has left.
"She stopped being my mother a long time ago. I loved my parents, both of them, very deeply but I will not fool myself into believing I knew them at all."
"What's important is you know who they were to you."
"No," she whispers. "What's important is that they could have stopped this and didn't. I'll never forgive them for that."
"You have every right to be angry but be mindful that anger does not turn to bitterness."
"I think we might be a little passed that point especially with everything Carlson brought to the table. So, not only did my father conspire with the Empire that wound up undermining and almost destroying Corellia but he's also a thief who stole my half-sister from his mistress. You can't make this shit up!"
Melanie shakes her head, "It's not easy to hear."
"It is the second time around."
"What do you mean?"
"I already knew about Valerie."
"How?"
Kimber smirks, "Castin stopped by."
"Here? At Haven?"
"He's with the Wraith Squadron. Kent doesn't know who he is personally but apparently he was a slicer source back in the day. The majority of his findings revolved around Valerie while information about me remained scarce. Either the Empire was uncertain about my role in the prophecy or it was a desperate bid on my father's part to get me out of this unscathed. Honestly, it's a little late for that. For any of us."
There are no more words. She embraces her friend as the sun slips behind the distant mountain peaks and turns Melanie and Kimber into shadows.
-TBC
http://youtu.be/Mb6mS6Yj_UA
-
Location: Classified
Marius Guile knows his associate is dead. She had been a damn good operative but in the end, they were all expendable. Tenley Price was the test which the Jedi Melanie Masterton passed flawlessly. They needed to know how deeply she believes in the prophecy. They needed to see that she would do anything to protect those left standing from the mere possibility of an unstoppable Empire. Anything including murder. The Jedi were not above it and self-righteously justified actions they did not condone in others for the sake of a greater galactic good. Marius and his master are counting on it. Price was familiar to Masterton and if she could slay her for the sake of the prophecy, there is a good chance she would to the same to Darth Kyja.
Emperor Dementat's profound love and the devastation over losing her would be his downfall.
The stage has been set.
Characters cast.
Come together.
They all fall down.
- TBC
-
Arbra
Sub-surface: Haven Base
Agent Cirque is running through the long corridors. He finds Melanie meditating in her chamber. She opens her eyes slowly and focuses on him.
"How can I help you, Seneca?"
He nods, "The Empire has attacked Duro."
"And the Confederation forces?"
"They have countered. Apparently successfully."
"I see," she says softly. "Keep me informed of the progress and outcome. I am interested to see how their fleets fare against the Emperor's."
"Of course, Jedi Masterton. I am sorry to have disturbed you."
As he leaves, she allows herself a small smile on the notion that the Confederation may actually stand a chance. The fractured Republic forces have been overwhelmed by Dementat's fleets in skirmishes throughout the galaxy. They were either destroyed or forced to retreat. The Republic has pulled back to regroup because they have been outmatched at every turn. Now, however, it seems the Confederation could give the Empire a run for its credit.
The Republic desperately needs allies but for all the menace and horror the Empire brings with it, people seem drawn to Karen and Dementat. Their love story blinds many to the realities of what it coming if they do not act. Unsuspecting star systems know nothing of the prophecy. To them, the Four are famous for being beautifully troubled. They are familiar and interesting to a galactic public that needs something to amuse and distract them from their own lives. This romanticized ideal would cost them more than they realize.
Perhaps Saga Judec is hiding something - something by way of a military strength capable of conquering that which Dementat commands.
They must be prepared for anything.
Feelings of anguish and confusion draw her away from these thoughts momentarily. She rises and follows the emotions to the source.
Rydan Stratford is hunched over a desk with his head in his hands.
"I've been expecting you."
She lingers in the doorway, "May I come in?"
"Please."
The door hisses closed behind her.
"Despite what you might think, you are an invaluable asset to our cause."
"How's that?"
"You delivered Kimber safely to us."
He winces, "Yes but I couldn't save Valerie or Scott."
"Perhaps Scott and Valerie was not meant to be saved. As one of her best friends, it pains me to say that but it's the truth. Her death had purpose and allowed for you and Kimber to escape. Had she not stopped Phage, had Scott not helped her, there is no telling where we would be."
"There are many 'what-if's.'"
Sensing where he is going, she decides now is the time.
"You may believe that if your brother never met us, you wouldn't be here now."
Rydan's jaw tightens.
Melanie's voice is light and even.
"You know that's not true. Somewhere, you can feel it. Your role, like his, had been foretold. The difference between the two of you is that Reef's fate was manipulated by the promise of a future perfect."
She gauges his reaction, the surprise creasing his features, and knows with certainty he was not involved.
"What promise?"
"I do not wish to hurt you, Rydan but there is something I discovered while on Corellia that you should be aware of. Valerie and Reef were once involved and as confident and clever as your brother was, Valerie was far more so. She found something out about him and kept it hidden from all of us."
"More secrets."
"The sins of the past can answer the questions of the present."
He turns toward her fully, head tilted ever so slightly.
"Tell me."
Melanie clasps her hands together.
"There was never a possibility of Reef not meeting us. He was recruited from Mandalore specifically to bring us all together."
"No," Rydan says. "He was recruited to come play Chin-Bret on Coruscant."
"Do you remember who recruited him?"
He pauses, searching his memory.
She whispers.
"What did he look like, Rydan. Think carefully."
It comes back to him through the haze. A man, speaking to his parents about Reef's athletic prowess and value. There was talk of a scholarship to an the elitist prep school in the Core.
"Tall, well-dressed with crimson hair and green eyes."
She nods.
"Where have you seen those features before?"
Rydan swallows the dread rising within him. He has a flash of him on Coruscant when he came to identify the body of his brother. Four emotionally bereft school girls huddled together in an interrogation room as he passed by a massive rectangular window. His eyes grazed their faces and caught the emerald eyes of one of them.
The redhead.
Karen Winton.
Rydan gasps, "No..."
"Alexander Winton came for your brother to further his agenda. He enlisted Reef to seek out and bring our group of friends together. Once we were in place, Alexander unleashed Alexia on us and the bloodshed that followed did so because it is written."
She pulls the disk found in Valerie's bedroom and sets it on the desk beside him.
"The Empire did this to him. They promised him the worlds, brought him death and you into the role you were meant to play. You, the High Protectorate, willing or not, saved the one who will bear a savior."
Rydan stares up at her intensely.
She touches his shoulder.
"We need you, Rydan. Kimber needs you. If there is doubt, I hope this clarifies things for you. We must stop the Empire which took your brother and our friends. If we fail, we will share their fate."
Melanie pauses.
"We cannot do this without you."
Rydan places a hand over her hand.
"You won't have to."
-TBC
-
Byss: Imperial Capital
Orbit
As the battle rages on over Duro, the Corporeal Quandary remains behind to protect the capital. This was not the only reason. On Karen Winton's orders, Commander Landon Price has been investigating in secret and although his search had proved fruitless at first he recently discovered something he wished he had not.
Marius Guile, the rogue Imperial agent had managed to not only infiltrate their ship but murder doctor Felicia Kensington and abscond with her body to Hesperidium. This was done on his watch and he feels responsible. There had been no trace of how Guile had been able to do this without anyone onboard knowing. The ease of his actions and escape defy procedure and protocol. Access had to come from somewhere and Commander Price was determined to figure out who had allowed this to happen. The Imperial slicers had done thorough work that had been double checked to reveal a source with both clearance and authority.
The closeness only adds to the confusion but it is not his job to question.
Emperor Dementat held the ship behind at Byss so that the Commander could fulfill the wishes of the future Empress. Nothing must stand in their way. Price walks through the pristinely polished corridors like he does every day. He nods to officers that salute him and approaches the command center. He takes a slow breath before entering.
There is no break in his step as he strides through and stops directly behind Captain Walt Voltaire.
The Captain turns if only slightly.
"Something you need, Commander?"
"Yes," he says. "I need you to tell me why."
He spins around in the chair, facing him directly.
"I wasn't aware it was your job to question me, Price but I'll bite."
"You betrayed our Empire."
"I did no such thing."
"You let Kensington die. For what?"
"We all die, Commander. It's just a matter of when."
"Not at the hands of our own agents."
Voltaire cocks his head, a sly smile pulling at the corner of his lips.
"You have no idea who you are dealing with."
Price raises a blaster to Voltaire's face.
"Neither do you."
He pulls the trigger and the Captain's body tenses as it is thrown back before slumping forward out of the chair. The entire crew freezes in place, time suspended momentarily as they focus on the blackened face of their Captain and the smoldering blaster the Commander clutches in his fist.
He addresses them in a booming voice.
"Traitors to the Emperor Dementat and Darth Kyja's rule will suffer dearly. Learn through your captain's failure. The Empire needs us now, more than ever and we will stand proudly beside it. We have lost two of our own to ulterior motives and they will be the last. There are many enemies to fight. We should not be among them."
A significant pause allows this to resonate.
"As you were."
Commander Price departs abruptly and dramatically. The Winton royal would be so proud. In-fighting would not be tolerated, especially with the Confederation threat looming before them. Their quest for galactic dominance has been derailed by the forces of Corellia's High Commander and they could not afford such scandal. He finds himself retrieving his comlink with trembling hands.
"It is done, my Lord."
-TBC
-
Byss: Imperial Capital
"It is done, my Lord."
Commander Price had been very brief when he spoke to the Emperor of Karen's order to find the traitor, but the Emperor had simply nodded
"See to it that it is done"
Now though, the finality of the statement gave no ease to the Emperor. His thoughts were turned to the Corellian Sector, and even before he received the message from Admiral Saevia, he sensed she was in trouble. So loyal had she been to him, and so long had she served him, that she was very much like a right hand. And he knew she would die today.
"Emperor Dementat,
I am sorry I have failed you. I will always love you.
Goodbye"
He felt the twangs of the Force as he lost ships, but he knew the Corellian goal. Destroy the leadership. The Palida Mors had struck fear in the hearts of many just by its mere presence, and the Corellians were seeking a symbollic victory even with their military defeat.
He felt guilty - Saevia had been right. The Corellians had been prepared for his attack, and had prepared an effective counter assault. And yet, he had sent her in. The battle would be lost were it not for her insight, and her deliberate disobeying his orders. Now she was dead, and he was without his most brilliant tactician.
What was his next move?
Dementat sat alone in his meditation chamber. He sensed a more sinister threat behind the machinations of the Corellians, connected somehow to his beloved's unknown quest. And his unknowing was the most disconcerting. As the Lord of the Sith, he was a master of shadow and deception - how could another be so successful in hiding?
The day progressed into night without his emerging from his chamber, deep in thought and in mourning.
TBC
-
Arbra
Duro had fallen to the Empire by a narrow margin. Reports streaming out of the area showed remarkable tactical resilience from the Corellian's which leads Melanie to believe they have what it takes given more time. There must be someone to confront the Empire's rising darkness if the shattered Republic forces could not rise to the task. Hopefully other factions would unite for the cause and with the Empire focused on defense, they would have less time to spend looking for them.
Kimber's pregnancy was coming along smoothly and she seems more settled and determined than she had been when she arrived. She had vented her frustrations to Counselor Prescott and was learning to use the tragedy surrounding her as a source of strength for Rydan as his confidence wavered. Their connection to each other makes Melanie more certain he was meant to protect her. Somehow, Valerie had known this which is why she sent him away instead of allowing him to fight by her side. The selflessness of these actions will forever endear her as a hero in Melanie's heart.
She even allows herself to ponder Castin's mysterious visit but does not cave to the emotions attached to it. He had always been supportive and his information, combined with that which Kent Carlson collected, gave them a wider picture to frame. Still, so much seems strangled by shadows and so she remains cautious. How long is too long to lie in wait before facing down a best friend?
It grows ever closer.
Melanie can feel it.
-TBC
-
Imperial Space
Deep Core
The Emperor watched as Saevia departed. He was still angry with her, still worried about Karen - despite her words of comfort. They provided him little. He sensed a force too strong was preparing to strike against him, and against her. Coming from the east - from Corellia. It wasn't just the aggression of the Corellians in this war. There was a mind behind it that was far too cunning.
Saevia was right in that respect. Judec was not the brains behind it. But he did not know who it could be. The only individual who had that kind of strategic thought was dead. Or so he had been told. Alexander Winton had been acting both with and without imperial authority, behind the scenes for what seemed like decades. Director of Imperial Intelligence, a title that barely scratched the surface of the projects the man had had a hand in. And all this time, it had been a part of some plot that was not about keeping Dementat in power. Karen's father was a traitor, and it was with a bit of reluctance that Dementat put out an execution warrant against Kimber Patten for her "treasonous" act of taking the Director and handing him to the Hapans for his own execution. It was a necessary part of showing his control of his empire. Necessary to eliminate ties that bound Karen to a life that was mutually exclusive from a sith. Necessary to fulfill the prophesy.
Kimber was in hiding, and there was a new strategic mind running things at Corellia. Too much uncertainty. He decided it was time to find the girl, learn the truth about her actions - and only then, have her publicly executed for crimes against the empire.
But Dementat would not just give justice. He would show mercy. He would have the execution be quick.
Tapping into the comm unit, he contacted his new director of intelligence and black-operations.
"Captain - find Kimber Patten and bring her to me unharmed. Do whatever is necessary, but find her NOW. Kill her escort."
"Yes, Emperor"
"And Captain - consider this mission as if your life depended on it"
"Yes, Emperor"
====================================================
Elsewhere, a small assault vessel covered in a black-metal armour slipped out of a barely used drydock, entering hyperspace for the Hapan Star Cluster. Kimber Patten would be found and brought to justice.
TBC
Hapes
Even for the Empire, getting into Hapan space was a difficult task, let alone doing it undetected. The closely guarded cluster of stars and gravitational forces was one of the most defensible positions in the galaxy, a reason the hapans could remain as isolated as they often chose to be, and had never been truly conquered.
Nonetheless, they were not totally impenetrable. In the past, imperials under Director Winton had managed to get in and find information and useful individuals.
Now, under a new director, loyal to the current Emperor Dementat, another imperial team had successfully made it undetected to the Hapan homeworld.
Hapes. THe world glowed in the ever-present twilight of the Hapan star cluster. And near the edge of the forest, hidden by foliage, an Imperial Infiltrator, a highly advanced vessel based on the Sith Infiltrator of the previous generation, lay in silence.
Captain Reebo smiled as he glanced over the information he had received.
Kimber Patten had been brought here to escape from the Empire. And here, she had begun a new life. It had taken a while to connect her with the new fashion line coming out of Hapes, but finally, her face had managed to be caught in a few camera sightings. From there, it was slow work tracing her. Connected to the Queen by some of her closest advisors. Useful, considering the intrigue that existed in the cluster. Families always trying to get ahead. Easy to persuade.
Patten was no longer on Hapes, or so Captain Reebo's information indicated. She had been whisked away when the threat of discovery had grown. But now there was a trail, leading to a place called 'Arba' A place that was not too far away.
Captain Reebo finished inputting the information into the computer, beginning to plot his next move. His team would find her, the traitor, Kimber Patten, and bring her before Emperor Dementat.
And it would be soon.
TBC
-
Arbra
Haven Base
Kimber stares at herself in the mirror, tilting her head in several different angles. She would like to think the child within her is not ruining her looks but there is something different about her face. It's vibrant and glowing, something she hasn't seen in what seems like a long time. Perhaps pregnancy agrees with her. She tucks a strand of auburn hair behind an ear and sighs when Rydan enters the room.
She turns, "Feeling better, pookie?"
"Somewhat."
"Glad to hear it. Am I still pretty?"
"Gorgeous."
"That's a relief."
Rydan's stare is intense yet curious.
"How well did you know my brother?"
Kimber frowns, "Reef? Well, he was a friend."
"Were you close?"
"He was dating my half-sister. True, I didn't know she was my half-sister at the time but Valerie and I were tight. She would tell me things."
"What kinds of things?"
"All sorts of sordid gossip. He was kind of a freak. That's putting it mildly but I doubt you want the details of his extracurricular proclivities. Wait, why are you suddenly so interested in Reef? I thought you hated him."
"I didn't hate him."
"I believe the exact term you used was 'abhor.'"
Rydan squares his shoulders.
"Was he working for Karen's father?"
Kimber stands suddenly, "What? No! Ew, are you like completely mental? Alexander Winton was like, totally deranged and thankfully totally dead. Where would you get such an idea?"
"Melanie."
"Why would she say that? There's no proof."
"There is proof," he says, tossing the disk on the vanity table beside her. "Reef sought you and Valerie out and purposefully introduced you both to Karen and Melanie. Then he found your other friends and brought you together. There are hours of recordings outlining the plan to bring and keep your group intact throughout high school."
Kimber's mouth falls open, "Reef...was a spy?"
"He sold you all out."
"For what?"
"Winton promised him everything."
Something passes between them.
Kimber takes his hand.
"Did he know what would happen to us if he succeeded?"
Rydan shakes his head, "Winton never gave up the endgame."
"I'm so sorry, Ry. I had no idea."
"Neither did I."
"How did Melanie find out?"
"Valerie."
"Valerie knew?"
"She hid that disk in his picture in her room."
"The one of him shirtless? Not surprising."
"Why do you say that?"
"Valerie was kind of, well, paranoid about certain things. The absence of a mother and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her father's disappearance made her question everything. The motives of others were endlessly fascinating to her. She always wondered what drove Reef to behave the way he did. There were certain parts of himself he kept away from her. Now we know why."
"Did you ever wonder? About him?"
She shrugs, "I tried not to think about it. Reef was arrogant and aggressive but seemed to care about Valerie. He wasn't a terrible friend if that's what you mean."
"Do you still believe that now?"
"He was lied to. We all were. If he didn't know those he brought together would suffer the way we did then I can't really blame him. He may have made us more accessible targets but the fault lies where it always has. With Alexander Winton."
Rydan's eyes lose focus momentarily.
"There are some things in this life that make me wonder..."
"About what?"
"If we aren't all following a path."
"Like the prophecy? I thought you didn't buy into all that."
"I'm not saying I do. Not completely. But don't you wonder how it is we were brought together? The small choices we make that seem meaningless at the time but actually shape the rest of our lives."
"All the time."
"How do you cope with that?"
She leans into him, wrapping her arms around his sturdy frame.
"I find solace and comfort in those I care for. I always have."
"Even if those you care for end up dead?"
"Most of them have. I wish every day it were not so but we cannot change the past. All we have is the present moment. Your brother didn't do this to us. His deception was one in a long string of manipulations that brought us to where we are now. Wondering if things would be different had we made different choices will drive you mad. Don't put that on yourself."
Rydan smiles down at her, "You are far more brave than you give yourself credit for."
"I'm tired of being frightened all the time. Whether we believe in the prophecy or not doesn't change the fact that there are those out there who do. Those people will do anything to see it through but there is hope."
Kimber's violet eyes shimmer.
"All we have to do is survive."
-TBC
-
Hapes
Arba, it turns out, was further away than Captain Reebo had expected. It was an obscure world in the Outer Rim with almost no data on it at all. Barely inhabited, heavy foliage, large rock formations.
Apparently perfect for hiding.
Rumor had it that Arba was the location of a rebel base from when Palpatine was still Emperor, as the rebels were jumping from place to place. But the Empire had never discovered its location, and may not even have known of its existence.
So how did Captain Reebo learn what he had?
He grimaced as he headed to the chamber in the back of the covert ops ship. There, a Hapan female was strapped tightly down, as an electrical prod stood ready to strike at her. Reebo generally disliked torture, but used it when necessary, as was now the case.
"Well, Counselor, you have been very helpful to us so far. We won't make you suffer through too much more of this"
Valina Erins shook, her head, covered in bruises, eyes swollen but a look of death in them.
She almost tried to speak, but it was hard enough.
"No, Counselor. We need you to speak only to give us what we need. I want the location of Arba."
Valina Erins shook her head, defiant. It had been many hours of grueling torture.
And it would be many more. Her shouts only extending as far as the soundproof walls, never being heard by the Hapans that walked past the ship without realizing it was there. The Counselor was strong. It took several days of almost nonstop torture before she finally cracked, at which point, she was secured in a holding cell. In case they needed her for anything else. No use killing a useful source.
Captain Reebo made his way back to the cockpit of his ship.
"Arba is located in the Outer Rim, N-17. Not too far from Naboo. We'll circle around Corellian Space, and then take the Hydian way most of the trip to shave off time. It's going to be tricky finding them. Wherever this hidden base is that they are keeping the traitor in, it is apparently well under ground"
"Yes sir"
In the darkest part of Hapes' twilight, the Imperial Infiltrator lifted off, its Hapan prisoner in tow, setting its sights for the once hidden world of Arba.
================================
A junior counselor of Hapes, slipped into the communications office, transmitting a heavily encrypted message.
"To: Nulla Vanya. Counselor Erins has been missing for several days. There is concern that she has been abducted. Unknown perpetrators. I thought you should know."
-
Arbra
Kimber absently cleans up her room before she and Melanie take their afternoon hike. She holds up articles of clothing in front of the mirror, imagining a time she could actually wear them again. It's not like she can just pop out to the Esplanade for chic maternity clothes. She has to make the best of what she has. In more ways than one.
She hangs up the clothing and scoops up two purses and moves toward the closet when a blinking catches her eye. She digs into one of them and withdraws her Hapan com-link. Counselor Valina Erins had given this to her so they could communicate under the guise of the fabricated Nulla Vanya. As the weeks passed, their communicate dwindled. Valina had her own job and life to worry about and Kimber was on the run.
Kimber taps on the device and pulls up the message.
"To: Nulla Vanya. Counselor Erins has been missing for several days. There is concern that she has been abducted. Unknown perpetrators. I thought you should know."
Her flesh turns to ice.
Half the reason she left Hapes was to keep her new friends safe. They had been so kind as to embrace her and allow her to hide from the Empire. It seemed that Karen never gave up her location and that made her wonder if Melanie was right about her wanting them dead.
This is not a good sign.
Her life on Hapes, the life of Nulla Vanya, can be traced back to Valina.
Clutching the com, Kimber flees the room.
-TBC
-
Arbra
Haven Base
Kimber summons Rydan from his room and together they go in search of Melanie. They find her talking to Agent Cirque in the main corridor. She approaches quickly, nearly breathless.
“We have like, a major problem.â€
Agent Cirque frowns sharply.
Melanie turns, “What is it, Kimber?â€
She holds up the com-link, allowing both of them to read the message clearly. The expression that creases Melanie’s face is nearly indiscernible.
“I’m not sure what that means.â€
“I’ll break it down for you,†Kimber says, trying to keep her voice even. “Counselor Valina Erins was our primary contact on Hapes. She arranged for our residence and new identities while acting as a liaison between us and the Queen Mother. She wanted to minimize exposure but that kind of grew a life of its own when my designs took off and I became the face of the brand. Although my appearance was drastically altered at the time, there was photage….â€
Melanie narrows her eyes, “How much photage?â€
“Not as much as when we were with Raga’Ana but enough splashed around Hapes to draw attention from the public. Shortly after, we realized this was not the best option and I resigned from the modeling aspect of the clothing line and decided it would be best if Rydan and I left Hapes altogether.â€
“Before or after you saw Alexander Winton?â€
“We left immediately afterwards. Valina arranged the whole thing and it wasn’t easy getting in and out of the prison compound. She took a considerable risk helping me and arranged for our discreet escape. As far as the public is concerned, they believe Nulla Vanya left the spotlight to focus on the designs and I left enough behind to ensure the product continued in my absence. The illusion was complete.â€
Agent Cirque clears his throat, “I don’t mean any disrespect but is it possible Counselor Erins was involved in an internal matter after your departure? If she is as close to the Queen Mother as you say she is, there might be more at play. The Hapan royal court does have a flair for the dramatic.â€
Kimber shakes her head, “It’s not just her proximity to the Queen Mother.â€
“Then what is it?â€
“Valina Erins is the only one on Hapes who knows where Rydan and I went.â€
Melanie gasps, “She knows you are on Arbra?â€
Kimber nods.
“I’m sorry, Mel. I didn’t mean to compromise anyone but she was so helpful and she wanted to know we were safe.â€
Melanie and Seneca exchange glances.
“Kimber, your trusting nature is part of why we love you. However, this transcends the bond of friendship. Karen knows you went to Hapes and it may have taken this long for the Empire to finally infiltrate their home world.â€
Agent Cirque finishes the thought.
“If they managed to grab the Counselor, it’s a good bet the Empire knows we’re here.â€
Rydan reflexively moves closer to Kimber.
Melanie nods to Seneca, “Prepare for an evacuation. While the Haven Base is remote and well-hidden, that will not save us if they send the Imperial fleets.â€
“Even if the Imperial fleets are tangled in a conflict within the Core?†Rydan says.
“There are no guarantee’s here, Rydan. Karen and Dementat’s legacy hinges on our deaths. Do you understand that?â€
“Yes.â€
“Then we can take no chances.â€
She turns back to Seneca.
“Alert the Republic fleets but keep them at a safe distance. They may be able to provide enough of a distraction for me to get them out of here.â€
Kimber squeaks, “Where will we go?â€
“There are few places of safety that extend beyond the Empire’s reach.â€
“I know,†Melanie says. “But I think I know someone who can help.â€
-TBC
-
Arbra
Deep Space
The Imperial Infiltrator slipped out of hyperspace, and was barely distinguishable among the stars. Such was the beauty of the ancient and dangerous stealth technology. Captain Reebo had just returned to the cockpit after a 'session' with the prisoner, Valina Erins. It appeared her use had mostly been used up. Pity.
"Report"
"Arba is straight ahead, Captain. We are picking up a few ship signatures, mostly rebel-class, but they are in a scattered formation. Whatever fleet they have here is not meant to attract attention."
"And the planet surface?"
"Just as expected sir - we are picking up nothing other than the planet's natural flora and fauna. No rebel activity that we can depict"
"Our guest has told us otherwise though. Keep away from the rebel ships. Our stealth technology will see to it no one interferes. Bring us close to the ground, and let's see if we can sniff out this so-called haven base"
"Yes, Captain"
the infiltrator increased speed as it made its way toward the planet surface.
TBC
-
Arbra
Haven Base
Melanie exhales slowly and speaks evenly.
"High Commander Judec, it is with great honor I come before you again. We know this is a time of war and caution must be taken on all fronts. Our security has been compromised and I fear the Empire is closing in. I am asking for your help in granting us sanctuary on Corellia..."
Her voice trails off as a chill ripples through her body. She can feel a dark menace in the stars above, something foreign and malevolent.
"We must leave immediately. I beseech you for assistance."
Melanie cuts the message off abruptly and rushes from the room. She finds Agent Cirque in one of the control rooms.
"There's something out there."
"Are you certain, Jedi Masterton? Our scanners are showing no signs of anything within the system-"
Melanie's blue eyes are focused on the readings and while they remain clear, she cannot shake the waves of dread attached to presences unseen.
"Yes. Move the Republic ships into Arbran orbit with shields up and weapons online. Have them send out an X-Wing Squadron to escort our shuttle until we can make the jump into hyperspace."
Seneca gazes at her curiously before sending the order, "As you wish."
"I need you, Agent Denton and Counselor Prescott to meet us in the hangar bay as soon as possible."
"What of the Haven Base?"
"The evacuation order still stands. This place has been compromised. The Republic fleets will provide cover for their escape once secondary protocol has been initiated. They have their fallback orders."
He nods, sensing the severity of her tone.
As Melanie sweeps through the corridors, she brushes past those scrambling to gather their belongings. Kimber, Kent and Rydan are waiting for her by the idling shuttle. Everything has been packed and loaded. Ten minutes later, Agent Denton and Counselor Prescott join them. Agent Cirque is close behind, dashing up the ramp to hit the controls.
"We're ready."
Kimber glances nervously toward Melanie, "Where are we going?"
"I'm taking you home."
*
The advantage of the Haven Base is the long series of tunnels and passages spanning kilometers beneath the surface. The shuttle exits near a break in the dense forests far from the center of the base and gains altitude quickly. The X-Wing's streak past them and take up defensive positions as the stark skies fade into the blackness of space.
Three Republic capital ships have entered the system, spread apart evenly for maximum coverage. As the convoy approaches, turbolaser fire lights up two of the X-Wings. The shuttle is rocked by the explosion and pulls away. The X-Wings separate and spiral, searching for a target. The Counselor gasps, fumbling with the straps of her harness.
"Where's it coming from?!" Agent Cirque shouts.
Kimber screams, clinging to Rydan.
"There's nothing on our scopes..."
Kent's eyes are wide, "A cloaking device?"
"Impossible. The Empire doesn't have the capabilities."
"Who cares! Just get us out of here!!"
Melanie clutches the doorway, "How long until we can make the jump?"
"Three minutes."
Another volley of turbolasers whizz past them, taking out another X-Wing. The Republic capital ships begin to fire blindly, laying down cover fire.
"Come on, come on," Agent Cirque mutters.
Melanie throws herself into an empty seat, pulling the straps around her. She can feel their fear. It permeates the small cabin. In her heart she knew this day would come. She only hopes they are prepared for what lies ahead.
"Everyone hold on!"
Kimber squeezes her eyes closed and crosses her arms over her stomach as the familiar tug pulls on her body. The X-Wings disperse as the shuttle flares into hyperspace leaving Arbra behind.
-TBC
-
Arbra
Orbit
"High Commander Judec, it is with great honor I come before you again. We know this is a time of war and caution must be taken on all fronts. Our security has been compromised and I fear the Empire is closing in. I am asking for your help in granting us sanctuary on Corellia...We must leave immediately. I beseech you for assistance."
Captain Reebo listened, nodding his head as the message was cut short.
"They know we are coming for them, and trying to escape. Power weapons"
"We have orders to take the woman alive"
"Yes, but that doesn't mean her ship, or her escort need to survive."
Captain Reebo was not sure where the rebel ship would make its run for hyperspace, so vast was the network of caves down below. Instead, he focused on the Republic starships.
"Look - rebel capital ships. That's where they'll be coming out"
No sooner had the captain said that when X-Wings came soaring up from the planet ... followed not too far behind by the shuttle.
"Prepare to fire. Destroy the escort first, than close in on the shuttle"
Turbolaser fire lights up two X-Wings, as others scramble and separate. The rebels were shooting blindly, and the shuttle was dodging back and forth.
"Close in - don't let them make the jump"
The vessel continues firing, but in the next moment, the target was gone, the shuttle disappearing into the vastness of hyperspace, the X-Wings dispersing and circling around, seeking out the invisible attacker.
"Shall we continue firing?"
"No - they will eventually pinpoint our location, and one good hit will make us quite vulnerable. No, we know where our target is headed. Corellia. The Rebels and the traitor are in league with the Confederation. Move us away from these rebel scum ships, and set a course for the capital of our enemy. In a populated place like Corellia, they may be easier to sneak up upon."
Just a few short minutes later, the imperial infiltrator had vanished into the abyss, following its prey.
TBC
-
Hyperspace
Counselor Prescott helps Kimber settle in to rest. Kent buries himself in his writing. Agent Cirque and Agent Denton man the controls. The fear of their escape begins to dissipate and Rydan pulls Melanie aside to speak in private.
"I'm not sure this is the wisest plan."
She arches a brow, "What do you mean?"
"Do you think heading back to Corellia, the focal point of the Empire's wrath, the same Empire who has a price on Kimber's head, is the best move? If Kimber is the key, shouldn't we continue to stay out of the fray until the child is born?"
"I do not believe that is an option anymore."
"Why not?"
Melanie pulls the white robes tighter around her.
"We do not have the resources to protect her. The Republic is unreliable at best and we put ourselves in considerable danger risking it out on our own. The Confederation is the only faction with enough power to keep the Empire at bay. They can help us keep Kimber safe. You saw the reports Agent Cirque gave us."
Rydan nods, "I know, the Imperial fleet was crushed over Duro. An impressive spectacle indeed."
"And who was responsible for that?"
"They claim it came from the Corellian Sector."
"The Emperor's war machine will not be able to withstand those kinds of losses for much longer. The Confederation has them scared and scrambling."
"And you trust this High Commander?"
"I trust he will never let the Empire close enough to take Corellia. He knows what's at stake and what will happen if they succeed in capturing us which is why he will help. The birth of Kimber's child will destroy any weight the prophecy carries. Karen and Dementat will fall and finally, we will all be free of a madness that has dictated so much of our lives."
The notion strikes him head on. He had almost forgotten what a life outside this insanity could mean. Freedom has an appealing ring to it. He nods again and moves toward the back of the shuttle to check on Kimber but finds himself pausing.
"I will fight to the bitter end to keep the Empire away from her but for all our sakes, I hope you know what you are doing, Melanie. I really do."
Rydan leaves her in the small passenger cabin consumed by silence. And although she does not call after him, she knows the reason goes deeper than she would like to admit. She would have to leave Kimber under Confederation protection when the time comes to face down Karen. Weakening the Empire through clashes of might would not be enough to bring it down entirely.
She alone would ensure no trace of threat to them exists ever again.
-TBC
-
Corellia
The shuttle flares out of hyperspace in the sector with Agent Cirque and Agent Denton keeping course for the capital planet. They are instantly swarmed by fighters as it becomes apparent the sector is on lockdown. Melanie expected this and lightly taps open the com channel as they are hailed by Corellian Central Command demanding identification and purpose. She stares through the view screen, face crossed in shadows.
(http://a2.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/56/0cddd1dab531411f9ce54e10bfc82066/l.jpg)
"Corellian Command, I am the Jedi Melanie Masterton returning to seek counsel with High Commander Saga Judec and sanctuary on Corellia from the Empire."
-TBC
-
Corellia
Orbit
The imperial infiltrator exited hyperspace only a few short minutes behind Melanie and her companions.
"Captain, we've spotted the shuttle, bearing the same markings as the one we were targeting. they are heading toward the Corellian Command Platform"
"Rebels working in tandem with the Corellians. Of course. bring us as close to the station as possible without detection, then power down everything but sensory equipment. I want to see if we can listen in without being heard"
"Yes captain."
"and when the opportunity arises, send a burst cable to Byss, letting them know of our discovery"
TBC
-
Corellia
Melanie is deeply troubled. Unseen enemies, the Director's unnerving behavior, and Judec's insistence on Centerpoint have her mind bound and gagged with worry. She returns to her stateroom and kneels. She lets the light flow through her, washing away the fear. It would be best not the further upset the others which is why she remains silent for the time being. There is nothing yet to tell and everyone could use the rest.
*
In the morning, Melanie apologizes to Frank for her outburst despite remaining wary of his behavior. She asks that they be taken to the surface of Corellia. The High Commander grants this request save for Kent Carlson who is to remain aboard the command platform. Melanie agrees and asks that Counselor Prescott and Agent Cirque stay with him. The transport to the surface is made to appear part of routine. No one would notice a difference or suspect otherwise. Melanie, Rydan, Kimber and Agent Denton wait patiently as they descend. Director Farmer appears once they have landed safely.
At the bottom of the ramp, a hoard of CorSec agents await them in perfect formation. It appears Judec is as serious about protecting them as Melanie and while she may find it slightly unnecessary, there is a part of her that appreciates the gesture.
Kimber waddles out of the shuttle slowly, wearing massive black sunglasses like she's fooling anyone. There is much anxiety over the reaction to her presence considering the rumors tying her to the Empire. Rumors that happen to have some truth to them. There is nothing worse than an angry Corellian and by now, there are bound to be a few who resent her for actions beyond her control.
She surveys the scene with strawberry blond hair caught in the breeze.
"I need to see my sister."
-TBC
-
Corellia
Orbit
It was quiet in the imperial infiltrator. Part of stealth operations and other intelligence gathering was not just about not being able to be seen, but not being able to be heard. The infiltrator had been built for stealth, to avoid detection and avoid being seen, but there was more than that. Unlike the cold interiors of many military type vessels, the floors were carpeted, and the walls had extra insulation, both to muffle sounds from leaving the ship.
It could almost be deemed comical, the way imperial agents were walking around without boots on. If only to soften sound more.
The Counselor, for fear of giving too much away, had been put on a heavy morphine drip and was dosing in her cell. They checked on her only to make sure she remained alive and functional.
But most of the focus was on surveillance. The infiltrator was hovering just a few meters away from the Corellian Command Platform, and with sensors working their hardest, they did manage to pick up a few sounds. Nothing from Melanie and her guests - they were somewhere too far away, but some helpful information.
going... surface ... guards ... tomorrow ....
so it was not without warning when the shuttle left the station heading for the planet surface the next day. The captain watched as the vessel descended, mostly following the same route as other regular traffic - but just after disappearing into the atmosphere, slipping off on a slightly different path.
"Find out where that shuttle is going. Maybe this is our chance"
Little did the imperial captain know - or Melanie for that matter - that there were others watching as well. . Another ship, not protected by stealth but not noticed either began descending to the planet's surface. The rogue imperial agent inside smiling as he anticipated the next completion of his task.
TBC
-
Corellia
Surface: CorSec Academy
Kimber stands staring up at the statue of Valerie Gellar. The sun seems to reflect perfectly off her sister’s polished face fixed in an expression of smug certainty and confidence. Something about the monument stirs her emotionally. She leans on Rydan for support as she is overcome with emotion.
“I still can’t believe she’s gone.â€
Rydan holds her close as Melanie, Frank and Agent Denton linger behind.
“Me either. She was very brave and sought only to free Corellia and keep you safe.â€
“Safe is such a relative term. I’m not sure any of us have ever really been safe.â€
“We are alive now. Isn’t that what matters most?â€
She smiles, adjusting the giant black sunglasses on her face.
“I suppose it does.â€
The group, surrounded by CorSec agents clearing the way, move to the plaque and memorial within the halls of the Academy. Kimber and Melanie lay flowers down, holding hands in a silent homage to their fallen friend. The sadness is amplified by the fact that they would never be together as that carefree group of friends. Something that was once whole would never be again, always fractured and distant, a flicker from the past. It feels like a life time ago they were happy just to be in the company of one another.
Time really does change everything.
*
Patten Ranch
They arrive in the mid-afternoon as a brisk breeze whips through the overgrown sunken gardens. The estate is boarded up due to disuse and the property foliage threatens to consume it entirely. Kimber shivers as she walks down into the gardens she and Valerie used to play in as children. She imagines her parents nearby. Her father used to love sitting on the front deck while her mother tended to flowers that lined the walkway. It had always been a place filled with love and the memories bring her back to a more peaceful time before destiny began to take shape.
Kimber realizes now why her parents had been so protective of her even as she was so far away and living on Coruscant. They knew full well about that prophecy but secretly hoped she would never fall victim to it. They prayed that if the prophecy one day took Valerie it would in some way be satisfied and leave her to a fate all her own. She will never know how much they actually understood about the things Alexander Winton told them. The compounded lies distorted any real chance they had of figuring out the truth about what was in store for their children. But that doesn't really matter.
Not anymore.
*
On the way back into Coronet, Kimber requests a stop at Coronet Capital Bank before they return to the Gellar residence in downtown. She asks that only Melanie accompany her inside and so the others maintain a perimeter for security.
The Four have always been wealthy and the credits flowed freely from the lucrative positions their parents held. However, not all their income was inherited. During their contract with the Imperial fashion house Raga'Ana, The Four made phenomenal sums of money on their own. They wanted to prove they could make something of themselves without the help of their parents name. Yet their parents, despite the lapses in judgment, had planned wisely.
Documents signed when Kimber and Valerie were infants stated that in the event of the Major's death, his life insurance and CorSec pension be split evenly between them. Lilandra Patten was covered under a different policy that then defaulted to Kimber after her death. Valerie's trust fund and Raga'Ana capital was also transferred to Kimber's account after Phage took her life. So, in effect, Kimber Patten is now one of the wealthiest women in all of Corellia.
Kimber is met by the bank president and senior finance director who had handled her parents many accounts over the years.
"Welcome home. What can we do for you today, miss Patten?"
She smiles but never removes those sunglasses.
"I have come to make some arrangements."
Nodding, they buzz her and Melanie into a secure area and usher them into a large private office. Melanie does not ask what this is regarding. She knows and trusts Kimber to do what she must and supports her entirely. In the office, they are offered sparkling water as they exchange pleasantries.
The finance director leans forward against his desk, "May I ask the nature of the arrangements you came to make?"
She nods, careful to clearly annunciate each word.
"I would like to consolidate my accounts into an irrevocable Patten estate trust to include both financial assets and property. I would also like you to draw up paperwork naming my child as the sole beneficiary."
"Shall I denote a name?"
"Riley Patten."
He nods and glances at the president. They excuse themselves to prepare the documents and sort through the various accounts. Melanie takes her hand.
"That's a beautiful name."
"I think so too."
"How long have you had it?"
"It came to me on Arbra while I sat in that field with the orange and purple flowers."
"I remember the place."
Kimber tilts her head while tugging on a strand of hair.
"I also got to thinking about security and how fleeting it really is."
"Why do you say that?"
"Come on, Mel. You know as well as I do that even if we manage to topple the Empire and thwart the prophecy there will always be those who will want to make us pay for it. Our security is not guaranteed. It never has been and it never will be."
Melanie folds her hands in her lap and frowns.
"Whether we knew it or not, we have always been targets. Our parents made damn sure of that. Even in the worst case, even if it all falls apart, I want to know my son will be taken care of."
"That's understandable but I want you to know not all hope is lost."
Kimber squeezes her hand, "I never said it was."
The president and finance director return nearly a half hour later with her affairs in order. They present the forms requiring the necessary signatures. Kimber leans forward and signs the trust into effect.
Kimber and Melanie emerge from the Coronet Capital tower and regroup with the others. It has been a long and emotionally heavy day and everyone needs a bit of time to relax. The media has yet to cause a frenzy courtesy of the High Commander's grip on the local Holonet news channels. While that may not sit well with Kent Carlson high above on the command platform, Melanie is grateful for the unobstructed visit.
They return to the Gellar residence near One CorSec Plaza.
-TBC
-
Corellia
Surface
Secrecy can only get you so far when you are famous - and when you are surrounded by a well armed escort.
Marius Guile stood on the rooftop staring down at the plaza, of Kimber Patten looking at Valerie's face
Soon, they all would be martyrs. All be statues.
Gellar Residence, CorSec Plaza.
CorSec agents surrounded the building perimeter outside, and held several rooftop positions. Inside, Kimber, Melanie and company step out of the turbolift and enter into Valerie's apartment - only to find they were not alone.
"It's been a long time"
Marius Guile looked frightening, standing there with an eery, knowing smile. Melanie instinctively stepped in front of Kimber, pulling out her lightsaber and igniting. At the same time, Rydan draws his blaster and moves closer to Kimber's side. Agent Denton took Kimber's other side while Frank Farmer drew his weapon, watching the rear.
"Fools, the lot you. You think you can protect her? The prophesy will be fulfilled, and his Lordship will conquer all"
Before anyone could say anything else, there was a crash from both sides of the residence. Windows shattered inward, and the wind from outside blew a mess across the room. Pouring in from both sides, imperial commandos came streaming through the windows.
"Get Kimber out of here - NOW!"
It was Melanie taking charge, swinging her saber to bat away the first few shots that were fired. Rydan, Denton, and Farmer pulled Kimber back into the turbolift, hurrying her downward. Melanie was retreating as well. Her fighting skills were good, but she had too many enemies on too many sides of her. She too began backing up, batting away crossfire. She glanced back to the center of the room, only to find Marius Guile was no longer there.
Melanie parried another laser blast, deflecting it into the door controls. They fizzled and the door closed automatically, momentarily separating her from the imperial commandos and giving her a chance to flee. Turbolift would take too long, she hurried to the emergency stairwell and flew down the steps, jedi strength and speed allowing her to reach the ground floor. Only to find the turbolift had stopped several levels up.
Several CorSec agents had run into the building, having heard the commotion and glass from way upstairs.
"Jedi Masterton, what's happening"
"We are under an imperial attack - I need men to secure the staircase and every floor of this building. Go, NOW!"
Melanie glanced at the turbolift, scanning the lit up number 5, turning,and running back up the staircase to the fifth floor, hoping she had not made a terrible mistake.
TBC
-
Corellia
Surface: Coronet City: Gellar Residence
The ambush happens quickly.
Melanie takes the lead while the others arrange for Kimber's escape. In the lifts, Denton is hit and kneeling. Rydan hovers close to a bewildered Kimber as Frank relays their situation to the CorSec agents. Suddenly, the lift grinds to a halt and shutters. The lights flicker and Frank's comlink goes dead. He taps on it then moves to the control panel. It is no longer lit. His eyes meet Rydan's. No one has to say anything. It's bad and they know it. Unwilling to be taken, Frank pulls open the panel and begins to tinker with the circuits.
Rydan looks to Denton, "How bad?"
"I'll live."
"Kimber?"
"This is ridiculous yet somehow so typical. Those were Imperial agents."
He nods, "I'm afraid so."
"On Corellia. Are you kidding? How does that Judec guy not know about this? You saw the streets, the heavy patrols. This place is on lockdown yet they magically appear? I'm not buying it."
Denton snickers, "Save the inquest for later."
"He's right," Rydan says, glancing at Frank. "We need to get out of here."
"Working on it."
Something thuds on top of the lift. Conversation evaporates. Rydan pulls Kimber behind him and Frank swings his blaster upright as someone crashes through the service panel on top of him. The assailant lands solidly and kicks outward, hooking Rydan's neck and smashing his head into the doors. Denton is scrambling to find his blaster but another swift kick and Kimber is the only one left standing.
The dust settles.
Marius Guile leers down at her, "My, my, miss Patten. You are a difficult girl to track down."
She glares at him hatefully.
"A girl does like to keep an air of mystery."
"Bold and sassy. I like it."
"Don't flatter yourself."
"But I am flattered," he says, waving a blaster at her. "It's quite an honor to be in the presence of someone so...special."
"You don't know anything about me."
"I know more than you think."
"So, what are you trying to do? Impress me to death?"
He smirks, "It won't be that gentle."
Despite her anger and hostility, Kimber Patten is terrified. She is pressed tightly into the corner, one hand over her stomach and the other behind her back clutching the weapon Agent Denton dropped.
"Yeah, well, you don't have to be such a jerk about it."
Marius brushes the blaster across her cheek, moving her hair away from her face.
"So sweet. It's a shame you don't make it in the end."
"I wouldn't count me out just yet."
"Frankly, I'm surprised you managed to stay alive this long. My handiwork didn't emotionally dismantle you as I had hoped."
Kimber narrows her eyes.
"You will pay for killing Mod Navris."
"It goes further back than that. He's not the first Imperial agent you have loved, is he?"
"No," she whispers.
"You certainly have a type, counselor."
"Don't call me that."
"That is what the Empire hired you on as, correct?"
"You tricked me."
"Or did you just not want to believe it? You aren't that smart but you are smarter than that. No one sugarcoated anything for you."
"They said they would help! They said they would save Valerie from Phage."
"Bet you are wondering why we didn't."
Kimber blinks, at a loss.
Marius smiles.
"We wanted Valerie Gellar to die. One less loose end to worry about. Of course, we were hoping to have taken care of you and Masterton by now but I suspect that's about to happen so, no one is entirely off schedule."
"What do you want?"
"Now there's a loaded question."
"One I'm betting you can't answer. You just follow orders, right? The steely enforcer. Nothing but a mercenary, a terrorist."
"You make it sound so tawdry. It's actually quite lucrative."
"Oh, yeah? And what's a soul go for these days?"
"Much more than you could afford."
"I doubt that which is why I have trouble understanding your motive. What's in it for you?"
"Who says there has to be anything?"
"There's always something."
"Funny, that's what Agent Venko said."
Kimber's jaw tightens.
"Actually, I didn't have the personal pleasure of that one so I can't really take the credit. That was my apprentice."
"Tenley Price?"
"Looks like the Jedi can piece a thing or two together after all."
"Why would she kill Venko? He didn't do anything wrong!"
"Not yet," Marius laughs. "He was twenty-two and you were, what? Sixteen? Seventeen?"
"So?"
"So, Agent Venko was getting a little too close to the mark for the powers that be. He made certain...assumptions that were deemed inappropriate. He also discovered and failed to report that your little friend Melanie Masterton was consorting with one of the largest underground separatist factions on Coruscant. That's something the Empire considers a betrayal, miss Patten. Something you know all too well."
Kimber swallows hard, "I tried to atone for my mistake."
"By making an even bigger one."
"Subjective, Agent Guile. The Imperial Director was responsible for what happened to the Hapan Admiral as well as many personal atrocities committed against our friends and families. He deserved what he got."
"That's what I plan on saying about you."
She gulps.
"You know, I took great pleasure in killing agent Navris, the father of your unborn child. A child that will never live long enough to matter."
Kimber lunges, slamming into him with her shoulder. Marius is thrown against the wall and releases the hold on his blaster. She elbows him in the chin, step back and decks him squarely in the jaw. He stumbles but swings his arm around to backslap her away. Kimber crashes into the doors as he leaps forward to grab her by the throat. She screams, struggling as they stagger around the unconscious bodies littering the lift floor. She trips on Rydan's leg and goes down. The look in Marius' eyes is wild and predatory. This is what he has been waiting for. Kimber growls, positioning her heel against his abdomen and kicking with everything she has. Marius falls against the open control panel, slicing open his head on the way down. Kimber pounces on him, jamming her own weapon against his throat.
He laughs, "Now I'm impressed. Didn't think you had it in you."
"You'll find I'm full of surprises."
"Yet you are not a killer, miss Patten."
"No? Well," she hisses, gripping the trigger. "It's called taking one for the team."
Single shot.
Close range.
Marius Guile goes limp and finally it is silent.
-TBC
-
Corellia
Surface: Coronet City: Gellar Residence
When the lift doors open, Melanie and the CorSec team find four men down, one dead, three unconscious, and Kimber Patten standing in the center of it all. She holds the blaster down, one knee bent inward, dress torn, hair disheveled with flushed, tear-streaked cheeks.
It takes Melanie several minutes to coax Kimber out where she surrenders the weapon to CorSec and the team moves in. Rydan Stratford has bruising on his neck and forehead and is being checked for signs of a concussion. Agent Denton has been shot and is rushed to Coronet General. As they load Frank Farmer onto a stretcher, Melanie glimpses something on his neck as they pass but she is cradling Kimber. The last to be brought of the lift is Marius Guile. The others leave on gurney's. Guile leaves in a body bag.
CorSec has the Gellar residence secured. A clean-up team is working on the glass and the windows. Bodies have been tagged and removed. After a check-up from a medic droid and a long shower, Melanie sits Kimber down on the bed in Valerie's room. It is quiet here and seems to comfort her.
"Can you tell me what happened?"
Kimber rubs her belly slowly, using tender, even strokes.
"He was going to hurt us. Me. My baby. Just like he hurt the others."
Melanie kneels in front of her, one hand softly on her arm.
"What did he say to you?"
Her voice is small, tired.
"He said he was surprised we made it. We were slated to be long gone by now. The Empire never intended on stopping Phage or saving Valerie. He told me what really happened to Venko. He told me Tenley killed him...."
She puts a hand over her mouth and sobs.
Melanie's heart is breaking for her.
"Did he tell you why?"
She nods, "Yes. We were getting too close."
"The Empire disapproved of your mutual attraction?"
"And he knew about you."
"I'm sorry?"
Kimber blinks and refocuses on Melanie's face.
"He told me Venko knew about you and Castin's group. He knew and never reported it."
It's a fact Melanie never thought would see the light of day. In an ally deep in the twilight place, Agent Nikoli Venko discovered her secret. He had been intent on busting them right then and there. No questions asked. But she gave him something he had been looking for. The vid documenting the magnitude of Alexia Winton's rage when she destroyed a floor of the Legacy Tower. He knew then what the Empire had been harboring and a weapon capable of that level of destruction so close to those he had been assigned to protect was his breaking point. He feared for Kimber and for her friends. That is why he never turned Melanie in.
Venko was going to get Kimber out and Melanie was going to help him.
That's what he was going to tell Kimber the night they were supposed to meet.
His punishment came sooner than their plans.
Melanie does not break eye contact.
"Yes, he did know. I can understand if you blame me for that."
"I'm too tired for blame," Kimber says, absently picking up a picture of their high school group off Valerie's nightstand. "We all have our reasons."
She runs a finger over their smiling faces.
"I am deeply sorry, Kimber."
"Don't be. It wasn't your fault."
"I brought you here."
"To protect me. They found out about Hapes. They came for us on Arbra. I mean, where are we supposed to go?"
"I do not know."
"I killed someone, Melanie. I took a life."
"It was self defense."
"As if that justifies anything."
"It does. No one believes this was your fault."
"We know whose fault it is and even though he's dead, we have yet to escape his wrath. Alexander Winton is the bastard that keeps on giving."
She shakes her head, setting the picture back on the nightstand.
"I didn't do it because of Nikoli or all the things he said about Mod. The pleasure he took in murdering him. The pleasure he was going to get from murdering me and my child. I did it because if someone doesn't stop these people we will be running forever."
-TBC
-
Corellia
Surface: Gellar Residence, CorSec Plaza
Captain Reebo had managed to trace Kimber Patten and her companions here. It had not been that difficult. She had been escorted by enough CorSec agents to make their location easy enough to know. He wasn't sure if his team would be able to pick her up with that many people.
That is why he was quite surprised at the security once they had returned to Valerie Gellar's residence. CorSec circled the building on the bottom, but at first glance at least, only Kimber Patten, the jedi with her, and a few other select companions had entered the building. Several CorSec agents had been stationed on the roof, but Captain Reebo had neutralized them hours ago. His entire team had stationed itself on the roof of the tour, patiently waiting for Kimber's return.
All the while, he mused at the odd hole that he had found in Corellian Security of the prized asset. A small electronic device hooked into the turbolift told them that they had reached that luxurious home.
"Alright men. We move in quick. Neutralize her companions, but Kimber Patten needs to be taken alive. Go!"
They had positioned themselves around the building perimeter, and moments later, they had repelled downward. The team was going to surround Patten and grab her before the guards on the ground floor could react. Windows were shattered inward, and Captain Reebo's team began pouring in.
Weapons, set to stun, were free firing. Kimber was surrounded by her very protective companions, and the jedi in front had already ignited her lightsaber
"Get Kimber out of here - NOW!"
Captain Reebo motioned his team to start closing in, warily watching as the saber danced about, deflecting the shots. He watched in frustration as Kimber was pulled out of reach far too quickly, at which point, he noticed two things. The Jedi was still there, holding off his team's advance.
And there was someone else. Reebo blinked - was it possible? Long missing traitor, the rogue agent Marius Guile was in the room, a grin on his face. Before the Captain could react, Guile had lept into what looked like an air conditioning vent that disappeared into the wall and floor.
Reebo returned his attention to the jedi, watching as she deflected a shot into the door controls, watching as the door came between them. Reebo cursed aloud, as his team began working to get the door open.
"Forget it - CorSec will be up here in a matter of minutes. Let's clear out"
The Imperial agents began moving toward the windows, preparing to use the same ropes that helped them down back to the roof. One commando stepped up to the captain, who was eyeing the open air vent.
"Sir?"
"Call in for evac. Once on ship, I want to pull up an imperial profile. What is Marius Guile doing here"
He shook his head, pulling from his jumpsuit a small, device, reaching under a table, and sticking it unobtrusively to the underside. Who knows? they might hear something useful ...
"CorSec is beginning to make their way upstairs sir"
The captain nodded, grabbing at his rope and tugging. A moment later, he was pulled up.
By the time CorSec reached the Gellar residence, the imperial agents had left.
*********************************
Surface: Undisclosed Location
The Imperial Infiltrator had managed to evacuate the imperial agents without too much fuss. Even with tons of agents about, an invisible ship was just that.
Still, the light shimmer of distorted light caused by the stealth and cloak technology could occasionally be noticed, and so Captain Reebo let the ship hover nearby until dark, when he finally had it brought to a landing location.
An encrypted burst was sent offworld, back to Byss. Telling of the day's developments. And the puzzle of what Marius Guile was doing here lingered.
And the target was still at large.
TBC
-
Byss, Imperial Capital
Deep Core
His beloved was far away, on a quest hidden from him. His most loyal servant was dead. And after an eeked out victory, he lost an entire imperial fleet.
These were the thoughts that Dementat was brooding over. Corellia had made a mockery of the Empire, and for that, they could not be forgiven.
He no longer dwelt in his palace on Byss. Since the happenings at Duro, he had, almost as an act of defiance, made his home aboard the ships in space.
The entire Imperial fleet was gathered in all its strength. The force sent to Duro had been large, but only a small portion of what Dementat had at his command. And the shipyards were churning out new battle ships almost every day. Conscripts and volunteers were filling the vessels. The war machine was moving at full strength.
As a precaution against the possibility of another Duro like event, the fleet had been spread into different parts of Byss, always moving.
Today, a new weapon was being reintroduced into the imperial fleet. From the shipyards, a sleek vessel, far dwarfing even the largest destroyers, slid out. It had been almost a decade since the last Super Star Destroyer had been in service. 8 kilometers long, and with enough firepower to destroy most corellian ships with one or two volleys.
Dementat was given the appropriate honor guard as he came onboard, thousands of imperial soldiers, pilots, and officers, culled from the very best of the imperial fleet, stood in the ranks. Dementat's eyes were intense with an only partially hidden fury as he walked past the lines, flanked on either side by imperial royal guards. The new ship commander, an admiral with some distinction, stood at full attention at the emperor approached.
"It is ready?"
"Yes, Your Highness. The ship is prepared for battle"
"Is it? Is it really? This ship has not a scar on its plating, and it will be going against the greatest threat the Empire has ever seen. The Corellians have a weapon if fixed on this ship, it will crush it"
Dementat lifted his hand, closing it tight as if to demonstrate. Malice. Hate. Anger. All seethed from him.
"This ship - not even this ship, Admiral - will not be ready to face the Corellians in a drawn out war."
The Admiral, not sure what to respond simply nodded.
"Your Highness, I will follow whatever orders you give me. I am not Admiral Saevia, but I will do what I can to bring honor and glory to the Empire. Command me, and I will do"
Dementat blinked for a moment. There was no good answer that would have satisfied him, and the admiral, realizing that, had spoken with humility. Something Dementat had appreciated in the past. And for a moment, his anger subsided. At least as directed to those in the room.
"You are a good man, admiral. You have served me, faithfully in the past. You will bring glory to the Empire. I foresee it. Today, we show the Confederation that they have not defeated us, and they have not dispirited us."
Dementat turned to the crowd now, and in a loud booming voice, enhanced by his abilities, he spoke.
"Let it be known that none will attack the Empire, none will injure its people, and none will dishonor its soldiers, without facing our full retribution. Today, we send a message that we will be victorious. So all hail, as I christen this ship, and declare it for all time - Saevia's Revenge!"
The entire crowd, roused by the Emperor's passion, shouted and cheered
"For the Empire!"
More cheers, slowly turning into chants of "Hail Emperor Dementat."
The Emperor turned again to the admiral
"We will move to strike where Saga Judec dare not use his weapon against us. We will take the planet Corellia itself. Ready the fleet - the entire fleet. Prepare plans to hit Corellia, and to strike against the Corellian weapon itself. When we are ready, we will go"
"As you wish, your highness"
Dementat moved past the Admiral, out of the hangar and to the portion of the gargantuan ship that was his own - several levels devoted to him and his personal space and servants. Once alone, he received a puzzling and disturbing message.
"We have a report from the special ops team at Corellia. They were unsuccessful in capturing Patten. And they saw someone there - a rogue imperial agent named Marius Guile"
Dementat sat down on his chair, back to brooding over this new information. What was Marius Guile doing on Corellia, with Kimber Patten?
TBC
-
Corellia
Surface: Coronet City: Gellar Residence
The hero's abode is now a fortress of CorSec activity and a curfew imposed upon the city by High Commander Judec in the wake of the attack. As night falls, the streets become devoid of the bustling life typical of the downtown area. Agent Denton is treated and released back into their custody where he rests in one of the spare bedrooms being cared for by Rydan. According to CorSec, there was concern of public backlash in the decision to harbor the Jedi, Imperial fugitives and Republic agents. Even though they are at war, the citizens of Corellia are not eager to further infuriate the Empire. Shortly before the curfew was imposed, there were calls to turn Kimber Patten over. Apparently, the celebrity light on her own home world has flickered out. The message takes an emotional toll.
Kimber turns from the window of Valerie's bedroom, the empty streets so far below, and sighs. Despite Melanie and Rydan's assurances to the contrary, she cannot help but feel this is in some way her fault. She was used and betrayed by the Empire and it destroyed her once adored and respected reputation. The daughter of Major Kyri Patten had always been held in such high regard. Looking back at the choices she has made, trusting the Empire to save Valerie from Phage was probably the worst. What was she thinking? Marius Guile's words resound in her head. They wanted Valerie to die. They want them all dead save for Karen. Now that she has had time to consider the assault, she does not recall him ever mentioning the Emperor or his Apprentice. Marius never answered her question about what was in it for him.
When Marius betrayed their team on Hesperidium, Karen was equally surprised and enraged. It would not make sense now that he was working for her or Dementat. She swore to take his life when she allowed Kimber and Rydan to transport Alexander Winton to Hapes. But if Marius Guile isn't working for Karen or Dementat, who is he working for?
Everyone has a boss.
Mercenaries like him and Tenley surely had to report to someone. It is possible, she muses, that they were working for Alexander Winton and this whole spectacularly bloody scene is being played out as some sort of revenge against what they did.
If so, then it's a good thing Marius and Tenley are as dead as Alexander.
Yet they are not entirely out of the woods.
Kimber read the decree from Emperor Dementat labeling her a traitor and demanding she be brought to justice. This perplexed her since Dementat was actually a cool guy and there is no way Karen ever would have gone along with something like that. Then she considers what Melanie has told her, what the prophecy states.
If that's true then Karen really isn't the person they knew. Maybe she is just as evil as Alexia was and therefore their previous years of loyal friendship would count for nothing if it meant keeping the power they have attained. People with power only want more power and now it seems there are only a few left who stand in the way.
Kimber moves to the dresser and picks up the picture of Reef Stratford. She stares at his perfectly chiseled jaw line, the irritating smirk, and the glint of smugness in his eyes. How could he have sold them out like that? A spy among them the whole time. She understands he came from very little and the promise and pull of a lucrative future would be almost impossible to resist. Still, he was not the greatest liar and his relationship with Valerie, however twisted, seemed genuine. They talked a good game and hurt each other an awful lot but beneath the vicious surface was undeniable love. Perhaps that is Kimber just being idealistic. She does like to believe the best in people. Poor Rydan. He never knew what his brother was up to on Coruscant. He never really knew about any of them until he returned to make arrangements after Reef and Lucas had been killed. It makes her wonder how well she knows anyone. If Rydan's own brother had been conspiring with Alexander Winton, who else in their lives had furthered the cause? She does not want to question all of her friendships or think ill of the dead but it does make her wonder.
She sets the picture down and turns to the portrait of The Four commissioned by the renowned expressionist Bastien McNeal.
They were so young then, barely sixteen.
It had been donated to be auctioned off at an Imperial charity but Valerie had loved it so Reef secretly won the bid and presented it as a gift. It had been a terribly romantic mystery at the time.
Now they know where he got the credits to pay for it.
*
In the living room, Melanie confers with Frank Farmer. He is badly bruised and bandaged but doing remarkably well. He, Rydan and Trace feel horrible about what happened in the turbolift. Kimber could have been killed and it would have been on them.
Thus he is more cautious than ever.
"It is not safe for you here."
Melanie gazes at him curiously, "Here as in the Gellar residence or here as in the surface of Corellia?"
"Both."
"I see. You think we would be safer on the command platform under the High Commander's watchful eye?"
"I think we need to face the realities of the situation, Melanie. This was a near-miss and I don't know when or how the Empire will try again or what kind of psychological damage Kimber will suffer because of it. Coronet is densely populated and, despite the curfew which will aid our efforts, not nearly as secure as we need you to be."
"We need or you need?"
"I made a promise to Major Patten that I would look out for her when I could. So much of the time she was out of my reach of protection. She left Corellia as Valerie was recovering from her first encounter with Phage and never returned. I understand Valerie purposefully prevented it where as to spare her from suffering. But things are different now and she is here where she belongs. I feel I must honor that promise and protect her to the best of my ability."
"I am grateful for your concern and I am certain she is as well but there is something about this, a feeling I cannot shake."
Frank's features are pulled tight then relax.
"They tell you to trust your feelings but I am asking you to trust me."
There is a tense moment that passes between them, eyes locked firmly.
Melanie finally nods, "I do trust you, Frank. What do you suggest?"
"We relocate to Centerpoint."
-TBC
-
Byss, Imperial Capital
Deep Core
Onboard the SSD Saevia's Revenge
The admiral made his way to the Emperor's suite, calling to enter, and being summoned inside.
"My Lord, The fleet is ready to move into phase 1 of the attack. We will have simultaneous forces hitting at Tarkin's Fang, Ebaq, Ojom, and Eclipse, the outposts the Corellians took in their initial campaigns against us. Intelligence reports that the Corellian fleets kept there are just large enough to hold off an attack until a large reinforcement fleet arrives from Corellia. With the simultaneous attacks, we hope to force a divide in Corellian forces or force them to concede a location. Either way, we have estimated each assault to take less than an hour once we exit hyperspace. That should be a narrow enough time frame that the Corellians will not have time to notify Corellia, activate the weapon, and target one of the sites. If we take out the Corellians in those locations, we will have a clean shot to attack Corellia itself"
Dementat nodded, looking over the plans that the Admiral had provided.
"Do we know the size of Judec's fleets?"
"We have estimates sir. Various calculations based on the population of Corellia and its allied worlds, the percentage in the CDF, and the number of men required to man the ships. We assume he has the maximum number of ships in active status. Thousands. Probably enough to do a good bit of damage to us, especially considering the losses already sustained. But we still believe we have a larger fleet than Corellia by a significant amount."
"If Judec reduced the crew size in each ship, how might that play out with the calculation?"
"It would be hard to guess, sir. Crews naturally require redundancy, especially for drawn out campaigns. Most crew are on 1/3 rotations. He could potentially reduce crew by a third, have 2 rotations instead of three, and then increase his fleet size. But that would put a huge strain on his ship men. Certainly, cutting any more than that, and he would have men at the guns who aren't getting sleep or needed breaks."
Dementat nodded again
"and have we located the weapon yet?"
"We have ruled out the possibility of it coming from an actual world in the Corellian sector, but that means it could be anywhere in deep space"
"As I suspected. Very well. Have the four assault fleets launch, and make sure all attacks are coordinated to begin simultaneously. Meanwhile, I need to go over my history. Dismissed, Admiral"
The Admiral bowed and departed. Dementat watched the door for a minute before standing from his throne and making his way to the computer. Unlike leaders of the past, Palpatine included, Dementat was interested in doing the work himself. It kept him more informed and less reliant on others. Mulling through his personal archives, he located a volume entitled "Centerpoint Station and the Formation of the Corellian Sector"
TBC
-
Imperial-Corellian Border
Deep Core
"All fleets report in. Set countdown to simultaneous attacks"
Admiral Schrag was sitting in the command chair on the bridge of the Imperial Mark II Star Destroyer. The SSD was being kept a secret at Byss until the launch of the primary campaign. In front of him, a series of displays appeared on monitors, showing the four imperial fleets doing final weapons and shield checks, running through fighter compliments, confirming nav-computer calculations. One by one, colors changed until.
"Sir, the board is green. All fleets ready for launch. Countdown proceeding as planned."
"Is the net prepared as well?"
"Yes sir - we have five interdictor cruises already placed in strategic locations, waiting for the signal to raise gravity wells."
The interdictor cruisers were a last minute addition to the plan, in order to buy them more time. Each interdictor had a skeleton crew designed to do just two things raise and lower the gravity well, and enter hyperspace. The corellian fleet would reveal their destination, be tugged from hyperspace, and before they could hit the interdictor, it would shut down its g-well and disappear to safety.
And in case it didn't, all five interdictors were set with self-destruct explosives. Just in case.
"Alright. Put interdictors on standby to activate the gravity wells at the same time that we arrive at destinations."
"Yes sir"
The clock in front of them was ticking downward as final preparations were being made.
"All hands, prepare for hyperspace jump. On my mark."
Admiral Schrag watched the clock land on zero.
"GO, NOW!"
The tide of the war was about to turn. First stops:
Tarkin's Fang
Ebaq
Ojom
Eclipse
-
Corellia
Surface: Coronet City: Gellar Residence
Melanie tells Frank she will consider his suggestion and wanders past the multitude of CorSec Agents and down the hall. She checks in on Agent Denton who is recovering nicely. Then she moves to the room at the end of the hall.
Kimber slumbers peacefully in Valerie's bed as Rydan watches over her. He turns, catching sight of Melanie lingering in the doorway and rises to meet her. Out in the hall, they keep their voices at a whisper.
"How is she?"
"She finally drifted off but however guilty she feels, I feel worse."
"It wasn't your fault. No one knew Marius Guile would be here."
Rydan shakes his head, "Someone did."
"What do you mean?"
"That it isn't some sort of coincidence. Us being granted sanctuary by the Confederation. The Imperial death squad. Guile waiting for us here. And I'm not the only one. Kimber mentioned it in the lift and I'll bet that reporter has a juicy theory by now. I wonder what he has to say about it."
"Kent Carlson cannot leave the command station."
"And who's idea was that?" he says sarcastically.
"Carlson and the High Commander clashed long before we arrived. You are starting to sound paranoid."
"Do I? It seems people take pleasure in withholding information from you. In fact, up until recently, everyone you knew was living in a lie."
"That is not fair."
"We're past being fair, Melanie."
She holds her gaze steady.
"Most of the people you speak of no longer live. You think that is an easy burden for us to carry? We have all lost someone we loved, including you. No one that has survived has done so unscathed. And you are right, it is not fair, it has never been fair but this is the reality of our situation. We either run, fight or die. Those are the choices we face."
Rydan glances back through the door, at Kimber's still form, her soft breathing. Her due date is just weeks away according to the Republic doctor's on Arbra.
"I don't think we can run any further."
"I agree. We hold the line here, at Corellia."
"Align with the Confederation?"
"We have a common enemy, Rydan."
"What did Frank say?"
She pauses.
"Melanie?"
"He thinks we will be safer on the Centerpoint Station."
"I'm more interested in what you think."
"I think, if misappropriated, Centerpoint could be the next Death Star. It holds the power to bring systems to their knees. I have never been comfortable with that."
"And what do you think a man like Judec will do after he's saved the galaxy with it?"
Her hesitation confirms his suspicions.
"The same thing all military leaders would do. Use it."
"We do not know that for certain."
"Oh, come on."
"You assume too much."
"Maybe you don't assume enough."
"If we flee Corellia, they will find us and they will kill us. Like you said, no more running. It is time to fight."
Rydan moves closer and lowers his voice to a near growl.
"I will fight by your side against the Empire but there is something I must know."
Her wide eyes shimmer like the ocean's of Hesperidium. She knows he has doubt. Who wouldn't after the catastrophic way he'd been pulled into their dramatic lives? His brother viciously slain by the sister of the girl his boyfriend was assigned to protect. And it all went downhill from there. There was no way he could have known and from the feel of things, he had been a much needed confidante to Valerie and a loyal protector of Kimber.
"Ask it."
"Do you really believe that Kimber's child will destroy the prophecy? That this will all end when she brings him into the world?"
"Yes."
"Why? Why do you believe it?"
And she tells him, honestly.
"Because I have to."
-TBC
-
Imperial-Corellian Border
Deep Core
"Commence attacks"
Tarkin's Fang
A small Corellian fleet - or rather, small for Corellian standards - was based at Tarkin's Fang, a storage depot and outpost. Despite its strategic location, it's minimal intrinsic worth meant it was a waste of resources to keep anything more than a standard planetary defense force present.
The imperials appeared and moved in quickly, outnumbering the Corellians 10-1 in ships and gun power. Communication relays were blasted with ion fire, shutting down the ability to send a distress signal, and even before the last ship was destroyed, assault shuttles were moving in to claim the outpost's assets.
"We have 2 hours before we need to clear out. Begin dispersing the fleet and keep vessels ready for hyperspace travel at the slightest gravitational distortion"
Stormtroopers quickly claimed the comm relay for the imperials themselves, sending a message to fleet command indicating progress. Meanwhile, on the ground, imperial troops found minimal resistance gating the assets stored there. With repulsorlifts, they began filling shuttles with supplies, weapons, and ammunition. the process was time consuming, and soon, orders were coming in.
"Pack it in boys - anything we don't have, we're not going to. Our time is almost up"
The barren planet was soon evacuated, leaving only probes and a detonation trigger behind. If the Corellians returned, the supplies that outpost was rigged to explode if they tried to enter. The same was true of the Comm Relay - it was set to scan the system for Corellians and send regular bursts to Imperial space. Any attempt to board the relay - by friend or foe alike - would trigger it to explode.
Imperial ships had vanished by the time three hours had passed.
Ebaq
The gas giant and mining colony was producing huge amounts of metal ore and gas fuel for the Corellian war effort. It had a decent defensive force, including several Corellian cruisers.
The imperials, upon exiting hyperspace, had to be more careful, navigating around the gas giant and the planet's moons, and making sure to avoid unnecessary casualties. The Imperials had calculated well, outnumbering the Corellians by 4-1, massive star destroyers opening with barrages of fire as TIEs swarmed over the Corellians.
The battle was longer, harder, and costlier - the imperials did lose a few smaller frigates, and several destroyers had actually incurred hull damage. It had taken almost two full hours for the assault to be completed, longer than hoped for. And the Corellians still controlled the ground force.
"We have orders to be out of the system within another hour and a half. Not enough time for a ground assault. Move the fleet closer to the planet, and initiate ground bombardment."
"Yes sir"
While the comm relay was taken by force and setup much like it had been at Tarkin's Fang, the imperial fleet moved into orbit of Ebaq 9, targeting their weapons at the facilities on the ground and opening fire. TIE Bombers and Fighters moved to make strafing runs and insure the bombardment targeted accurately. And to make sure there were no survivors. Quickly and efficiently, the mining facililty was transformed into molten metal, likely never to be used again.
Ojom
An inhospitable world with a large population based in space stations - much like Duros - the Empire might have been most cautious about this battle. Aside from many large destroyers, it included in this assault many smaller craft as well, that could easily navigate through the clusters of space-dwelling natives.
The Empire moved in as swiftly as at the other locations, overcoming a strong corellian fleet presence by outnumbering them 12-1.
Shuttles did not wait for the battle to even truly start before they negotiated their way into docking bays and storm troopers poured out, taking control of the stations deck by deck. Onboard the floating homes, the imperials found minimal resistance. The locals tried staying out of the way, and corellian officers, though capable warriors, were not able to withstand the heavy handed onslaught of imperial fury.
One by one, the stations were taken under imperial control, and the system's comm relay was given the same treatment as the others. The ship battle, however, had become more complicated. Additional corellian fighters had appeared, swarming from the planet's frigid surface,and were causing complications in the battle. The Corellian fleet here also was better utilizing the environment, using space stations and debris as cover. Though the imperials were clearly winning this battle, it was time consuming.
The three hour mark had come and gone while the last corellian vessels were holding out, mostly moving as fast as they could to make distance between them and the larger imperial ships, while being chased by TIE interceptors.
"Captain, it appears our time is running out"
The captain glanced at the clock and frowned. It was not clear how much time it would take for the Corellian weapon to be notified, activated, and target a location. Certainly no less than three hours, considering they had disabled the comm relay. But if Corellia knew they had attacked, it could happen any moment.
"Order the fleet to disperse. Send the necessary shuttles down to the planet's surface to deal with the settlements. No bombardment here"
"As you wish, Captain"
The Imperial fleet spread out as ordered, ships prepping hyperdrives to leaves at the first sign of trouble. The last corellian ships were finally hunted down and destroyed.
Meanwhile, troops were deployed to the various glacier communities, securing whatever facilities existed down in the frigid world and dealing with what Corellians they found there. Not many.
It was four hours into the battle when the imperial fleet finally departed.
Eclipse
A small planet with a base carved out of it, amidst an asteroid field. THe battle here was mostly starfighters, with capital ships battling mostly on the outskirts of the field. The location had been almost destroyed when the Corellians had taken it just a few months ago, and even now, it still bore the scars of that battle.
The imperials quickly cleaned up the miniscule corellian force that surrounded the field, then moved to obliterate as many of the asteroids as possible, clearing the way to the base within.
Rather than send in troops, heavy fire from ships blasted open the plastiform that kept the base air-tight. In moments, corellian troops could be seen being suctioned out into open space.
More shots fired, and the base-rock itself was split into two. If the Empire couldn't hold it, no one could.
An hour and a half since the assault began, the imperials picked up and left, leaving the asteroid field with more battle scars.
Corellia
Four hours after the initiation of the assaults ...
"Sir, we have failed to get a check in from a number of locations on our western border. attempts to reach them have failed."
"how many?"
"Four sir. Tarkin's Fang, Ebaq, Ojom, Eclipse. Where should we send reinforcement fleets?"
Judec scratched his chin as he looked at the Lieutenant. A part of him wanted to attack, to strike back at what was no doubt an imperial assault. He well knew that the imperials were now well within striking distance of Corellia itself. On the other hand, was this not all part of the plan?
"no reinforcement fleets. Send a message to Centerpoint, classified. Order activation of the weapon, and have the director choose the appropriate targets"
"We are conceding those locations, sir?"
Judec himself hated to think the answer was yes, but shook his head
"Not conceding. Using them. Order Corellian defenses to be on full alert. I anticipate the attack will be coming here not long from now"
"Very well sir. And your ship?"
"Make sure it is ready, but we aren't going anywhere yet. The Empire will need to assess these attacks before they can move forward. But bring the jedi to me. We need to talk"
TBC
-
Corellia
The following morning, they are well rested but remain wary. Melanie watches in amusement as Rydan helps cram Kimber's swollen feet into ankle boots she insists on wearing. Even Agent Denton has a laugh. She is enjoying them moment when Frank Farmer appears at her side.
"High Commander Judec would like to see you."
She nods, "Lead the way."
CorSec has the Gellar Residence on lockdown yet she still feels uneasy leaving Kimber alone. Rydan and Trace agree to stay by her side until she returns. On the shuttle ride to the command platform in low orbit, Melanie cannot help but wonder if this would be Judec's turn to pitch their relocation to Centerpoint. Frank does not mention it during the trip. In fact, he hardly says anything. Melanie is grateful for the silence and collects herself as she steps down onto the polished hangar bay floors. Judec's men fall into place around them. They are led to the High Commander's office but remain in the ante room as Frank and Melanie enter.
Judec is at his desk and glances up as they approach.
Melanie smiles warmly, "Good morning, High Commander. Director Farmer informs me you would like a word. How can I be of assistance?"
-TBC
-
Corellia
Melanie smiles warmly, "Good morning, High Commander. Director Farmer informs me you would like a word. How can I be of assistance?"
He does not return the smile. Instead, he looks at her with a solemn silence. For a man in a position of such power, he looks considerably worse off than when Melanie had seen him just days ago. He had not slept that night, and his eyes were marked with worry.
Finally, after what seems like ages, he motions to Frank Farmer.
"Leave us"
Farmer gives a questioning look before nodding his head and stepping out. Judec turns his attention now to Melanie.
"you'll forgive the abruptness of this visit ... but things have taken a turn. Please, have a seat"
He motions to a chair and once Melanie is sitting, there is another awkward silence. Then Judec stands, walking over to the viewport and looking out at the Corellian orbit as he spoke.
"The Empire has attacked our western border. Four outposts that separated the Corellian sector from the imperial controlled deep core"
"Four worlds I imagine the Confederation first took from the Empire?"
Judec turned his head to face Melanie
"Well, yes. As a matter of fact. There was a plan in place. A good plan, one that worked until now. I had calculated the Empire's moves, every counter attack. My information was ... infallible. There was a plan to send the Empire to the brink, make them too weak to ever be a threat to anybody."
"So what happened?"
Judec looked away again
"The plan changed. Things were reassessed. The Confederation could not defeat the Empire in its own territory, so the only way to destroy them -"
"would be to lure them into Corellian territory"
Melanie finished the sentence, realization coming to her.
"Duro"
Judec simply nodded
"You planned the imperial victory at Duro so you could use the weapon against them"
Again, just a nod
Melanie's voice turns to anger
"You let innocent people die so that you could hit the Empire!"
Now Judec turned, his voice stern, commanding
"Innocent people die all the time, Miss Masterton. You, of all people should know that. We kill and let be killed, we sacrifice and let die, so that whatever dream we have for the galaxy comes into play. So that evil doesn't prevail, so that good triumphs. Whatever your excuse. The jedi are not so much purer than the rest of us, so don't act so self-righteous. Here is the truth: the Empire is evil. Dementat is the biggest threat to the entire galaxy. He and his fiance make a team far too powerful."
He stepped toward her, leaning his hands on his desk and peering over the other side toward her.
"You know they are dangerous. It's why you are here. So don't be so quick to pass judgment. I didn't ask you here to confess my sins"
"Then why?"
"Because the Empire is coming here. To Corellia. This, our homeworld. A place where our most powerful weapon cannot be used. Dementat knows this. But the imperial assault is only one problem. Corellia has a fleet that will make Dementat pay dearly for an attack here. But it will be the focus of my attention. I cannot be worrying about protecting fugitives when my sky is filled with star destroyers.
Dementat has his sights on you and those with you. For reasons I don't entirely understand, he has decided that you and Ms. Patten are a key to his strategy of domination. When he comes here, he won't smuggle in a small band of imperial operatives. He will send an army after you. And my men will not be able to protect you when they land. Not from that obsession."
"You want us to leave?"
"I want to know what you know, Ms. Masterton. I've grown weary of being told half truths. I don't trust my own intelligence agents anymore. I don't trust CorSec. I've embarked on a strategy that, if I'm wrong, will spell disaster for Corellia. Why are Dementat and Karen Winton so set on taking you? Why is it so important that you two be safe when the entire imperial armada arrives to take Corellia?"
Judec sighs, finally moving back to his seat, looking weighed down.
"And then I am going to insist that you and your companions are not here when the Empire arrives. You can run away again, or I can have you put at a more secure location."
Melanie frowned, "Center Point"
Judec looked up at her, nodded
"Yes. Center Point"
TBC
Judec
-
Corellia
Low Orbit: Command Platform
Melanie allows the pause in the room to grow as she considers the words of the High Commander. He looks distressed and feels even more so. The fact that he does not trust his own intelligence team tells her something. She wonders why and what half truths they have been telling him. The idea of running again is out of the question. Even if they managed to escape the sector, they would not remain undetected for long. Their numbers are dwindling and she does not believe she, Rydan and the Republic agents could adequately protect Kimber from the Empire. They need a formidable opponent between them and the Imperial forces. So she levels her gaze at Judec and speaks.
"We will not run and for what it's worth, I hope your strategy does not mean the end of Corellia. It is my wish that together, we can stop the Empire. I promised to help you and I will honor that promise. That requires us to stay. You want to know what I know so I will tell you because you have granted us sanctuary."
Melanie crosses her legs and exhales slowly.
"Once upon a time, there were four of us on Coruscant. Our lives there, dazzling and envious on the surface, were nothing more than a clever facade. Those around us, those we grew close to and cared for, were expendable. And as they began to die, gruesome and terrible ends, I often wondered how fate could be so cruel. To give us everything then dismantle and destroy it. To watch helplessly as it all slipped through our fingers. All we had were each other. Those bonds of friendship and loyalty kept us alive. We graduated, survived the horror, only to find more of it on a much grander scale waiting on the other side."
Her words hang there but her gaze never leave his face.
"As it turns out, our lives were not our own. The intricacies of our fates were dictated by a prophecy that foretold of our existence and struggle. Karen Winton was destined to rule by Dementat's side just as Valerie Gellar was slated to die by the hand of Phage. Even my own predicament, knowing I would have to face down my best friend, pales in comparison to the significance of Kimber Patten and her child."
She sighs, reflecting.
"The Winton family has brought suffering to the lives of many. These abominations and the new Empire spawned from Palpatine's ashes can only be undone and set right by the birth of Kimber's child. It is said this child will give back what was taken and destroy Dementat and Karen's tyranny. They know these things as I do which is why they have hunted us down, will continue to hunt us down until there is nothing left but them. If her child dies so does your hope of ever being free of the Imperial threat. A great number have perished to keep us alive, to keep her alive. Valerie most of all. That is why I seek refuge and safety. My life and those who have sacrificed everything will mean nothing if Kimber Patten is not kept safe."
Her blue eyes shimmer as the stare intensifies.
"And that is why, High Commander Judec, we must remain and fight."
-TBC
-
Corellia
Low Orbit: Command Platform
Melanie lets her words hit home then continues.
"While I am conflicted on Centerpoint's lethal application, it is the most secure location within the sector. Leaving Kimber and the others on the surface or even here on the platform is a risk I am unwilling to take. So, at your request, I will relocate them. I trust you will handle those arrangements."
She stands, gazing at him, trying to get a read on his motives.
"Carlson will have to accompany us to Centerpoint. He, like myself and Farmer, are targets. There is only one condition, I must send Counselor Prescott away. The agents can help us fight here but she will fare better in rejoining the Republic forces. If things begin to fall apart, it would not hurt to have reinforcements. The Jedi and the Republic want the Empire gone as much as the Confederation does. Let me know if I can be of further assistance but for now, I must prepare my team."
Melanie nods and sweeps from the room. She is feeling distraught over the plan to move to Centerpoint but she is rapidly running out of options. Once the Empire is destroyed and Karen has fallen, they would be free to continue their lives as they saw fit. They would be free of the prophecy and Kimber could raise her child in peace.
She checks in on the others and finds them restless. Kent is agitated and angry. He has been writing furiously for days, pouring over notes to compose a coherent timeline filled in by the information Melanie provided. The story of The Four nears completion.
Agent Cirque turns as she enters, "Jedi Masterton. How is everything on the surface?"
"Things have settled. Agent Denton's recovery has been swift. He and Rydan are with Kimber now. A curfew has been issued for Coronet and CorSec forces have secured the Gellar residence but we have larger issues to face. The Empire is coming to Corellia."
Counselor Prescott's face flickers with worry.
Kent scoffs, "I told you."
Seneca waves him away, "Here? How do you know?"
"They know we are here and they will come for us. The Confederation will have the home field advantage but they can't protect us in our current locations. Not from the fleets. Arrangements are being made to transfer us to the Centerpoint Station for the duration of the conflict. It is our best chance at surviving this."
Seneca nods, grasping the tactical rational behind the move. He knows Centerpoint is far more secure and would hold out better during the battle.
"Agreed."
"Are you both insane?" Kent shouts. "Who knows what he's got on that station? We could be walking into a trap!"
Melanie's voice remains even, "The High Commander is taking a considerable risk harboring us. It could have dire consequences for Corellia but the Confederation forces have proved to be a formidable opponent. Emperor Dementat will be seeking revenge for what happened at Duro and come here looking to exact it. The Confederation will be ready."
"And if it's not enough?" Seneca says.
She turns to the Counselor, "That's where you come in, Circe."
"Me?"
"Yes," Melanie says softly. "You must leave Corellia and regroup with the Republic. Make them aware of our situation. The time could come where we need their help and I want you to be waiting for the call."
The Counselor's eyes are wide, "I...don't want to leave you."
"You've helped us tremendously, Circe. You were able to reach Kimber when many of us could not. Your wisdom fortified her for what is come. Now, I need you to help prepare the Republic if they are to have any chance of helping to restore peace to this galaxy."
She folds her hands and nods, "I'll do my best."
"Thank you and good luck," Melanie says, turning back to the others. "Agent Cirque, get ready to move out with Carlson when the time comes. I need to wrap up a few things on the surface but will meet you both there."
Seneca nods and beings to pack up their things. Melanie departs, leaving Kent staring at Counselor Prescott as she places items into her bags. He moves to his portable consol, taps a few keys and ejects the datacard. Then he moves to her side. She glances up, startled. They had grown closer in their time on the platform and while he could be irrational and prone to outlandish theories, Carlson was actually kind of charming. He takes her arm and places the datacard in the palm of her hand.
"Take the story. In case I don't make it. It needs to be told."
Circe frowns, "Kent..."
"Don't. Just go."
She blinks, stuffing the datacard in her bag. She nods to Agent Cirque, lets her eyes play across Kent's face one last time before leaving the room.
*
As a small shuttle containing Counselor Prescott zips out of the hangar bay heading away from Corellia, another with Melanie at the controls is on course for the surface. She would have to tell Rydan everything she and Judec spoke about on the platform. It could change things for him but in the end, she trusts he will do what is best for Kimber.
To be honest, Centerpoint frightens her but in war, there is no time for fear.
-TBC
-
Corellia
Surface
Captain Reebo had spent the last weeks with his team undercover beneath the watchful eyes of Corellia. Every day, constant vigilance was all that stood between them and being caught by the enemy around them.
Corellian patrols had increased substantially since their failed attempt to apprehend Kimber Patten. But now, it seemed to intensify even more.
It did not take long for word to reach them. The Emperor had successfully retaken the border worlds, destroying the Confederation's outermost defenses, and clearing the path to Corellia itself.
This put Captain Reebo in a particularly useful position. His team on the ground could provide the imperial fleet with data to aid in the impending imperial attack that he knew was coming.
So in the dark of the night, his team slipped into the shadows and maneuvered passed the sentries and patrols that enforced the curfew. The orbital defenses, as well as all of the Confederation's fleets, were commanded from High Commander Judec's platform, hovering overhead. But the past had shown Corellia that battles did take place on the ground, and so they had a series of garrison bases located across the planet. The largest stood on the outskirts Coronet itself, housing thousands of Confederation troops. And status offices.
It was to this office that Captain Reebo's team made their way, and in the hushed silence of the night they found what they were looking for. Ship manifolds for the entire Corellian fleet, millions of names for the thousands of ships in the Corellian fleets. Of note, however, were the classified documents. Reams of data that could not be accessed about some unknown fleet project. No revelation as to how many ships or how many crew on this phantom fleet. Also, they could not find any information on the Corellian's secret weapon, that they had used at Duro.
What they did find, however, was a schematic and full read out of Corellian's orbital and ground defense locations. And just as silently as they had slipped in, Captain Reebo's team vanished from the heart of Coronet's garrison. And just a short time later, the key components of the information they had gleaned were sent in a heavily encrypted code, off into the darkness of space, headed for imperial territory.
It was now only a matter of time before the Emperor Dementat and the Imperial forces would reign down their might upon the Confederation capital.
=====================
Imperial Space, Deep Core
With the success of the initial campaign, and no sign of the Corellian's retaliating, Admiral Schrag was proceeding with the next phase of his attack plans. Dozens of probe droids were deployed in hopes of learning more of Corellia's defenses. Even if they were discovered, it would only briefly postpone the inevitable. He stood aboard the imperial star destroyer, smiling as he thought of the Emperor's flagship, the Super Star Destroyer Saevia's Revenge, waiting like a silent predator at Byss to be brought into action. Here though, in an undisclosed region of deep space, six full-sized imperial fleets were making final preparations for the attack, A multi-prong force set to obliterate Corellia's defenses and establish a perimeter while the planet was either subjugated or blasted to oblivion. Either way would satisfy imperial wishes. All it required was final readouts of the defenses they would face, and counter-assault possibilities from Corellian forces elsewhere.
He was looking over a series of plans when a lieutenant approached.
"Admiral - we have received an encrypted data burst from Corellia. I think it may be just what we are looking for"
=====================
Byss, Imperial Capital World
Aboard the SSD Saevia's Revenge, Emperor Dementat sat in deep meditation, his own hatred fueling his strength as he pondered the next steps. Corellia would pay for its arrogant attacks on the Empire. Not just another conquest, Corellia would not simply be defeated. It would be used to teach a lesson. One they would never forget.
As for the weapon, Centerpoint Station? All in good time.
TBC
-
Corellia
Surface: Coronet City
Melanie Masterton wades through security and enters the Gellar residence. Mouth-watering aroma's fill the air and as she nears, she spots Kimber bustling around the kitchen. She is about to call out when Rydan rounds the corner and smiles.
"Couldn't stop her. She wanted to make dinner. It's the happiest I've seen her in a while."
"Possible defense mechanism?"
"You mean, after what happened with Marius Guile?"
She nods.
"Could be but I'm not going to push it. Maybe Counselor Prescott should see her."
"Counselor Prescott is on her way to the Republic fleets."
Rydan arches a brow, "Come again?"
"We have much to discuss over dinner."
Melanie outlines the meeting with Judec over the meal, deailing the imminent Imperial threat to themselves on Corellia. The Empire will take on the Confederation in Corellian space. She tells them that Judec suggested they leave but that would leave them out in the open, exposed. The Empire or whoever followed them here would descend upon them without hesitation and despite her misgivings about its military application, the Centerpoint Station is the only place they can keep Kimber safe during the battle.
Kimber frowns, glancing carefully at something on her fork.
"Is it?"
"I am afraid so. Judec cannot protect us on the ground or even on one of the platforms."
Rydan does not like this plan at all, "So, now you're in favor of the station? What happened to it being the next Death Star?"
"That's not what she said," Trace interjects calmly.
"Whatever, that place is dangerous."
"Says who?"
"I do."
"Centerpoint is highly secure," Melanie continues. "It is not a place the Empire would expect us to be."
"And what about Seneca? What does he think? And Carlson? I'm sure he's got a thing or two to say."
"Agent Cirque is preparing to move Carlson there shortly. We will meet them as soon as we are ready. And true, the reporter does have his reservations as do I but we have little choice in the way of security during a full scale battle. A hit squad is one thing but the tactical might of Dementat's fleets? I cannot risk it. Kimber must be kept safe. Centerpoint is the only place we can do that."
"Don't I get a say in this?"
The table turns their eyes to Kimber.
"Look, I hate the fact that so much of this rests on my protection. It's completely lame but I'm not really in any shape to go traipsing around a war zone. I could pop at any minute. If that prophecy holds any weight, I need to have this baby safely. Rydan can stay with me the whole time if he feels unsure about things with a medi-droid nearby just in the case. I can't go into labor in the middle of a fire fight."
"Of course not," Rydan concedes, scowling at Melanie. "We don't want that."
"Then what's the prob? Sure, Centerpoint is like major scary weapon thing but it's not like they can use it on us while we're inside."
"Using it in this sector would destroy it."
"Judec would not take such a chance."
"Not even if the Empire was winning?"
Melanie shakes her head, "He is not going to destroy his entire home world to ensure victory."
"Ry, it's okay. It's not permanent or anything."
Trace nods, "We'll be with you every step of the way."
Melanie arches a brow at Rydan.
The Mandalorian considers things, displeased with where this is heading. True, Kimber must be kept safe but at what cost? There is no telling what this High Commander Judec could pull while they are all conveniently in one place. If he knows how valuable Kimber is, what's to stop him from using her as a bargaining chip if things fall out of his favor? He could easily convince the Empire to pull back in exchange for her and the child. Not even Melanie could stop him. Nor could she keep them all safe if they ran. There the Jedi has a point. The mysterious cloaked menace that attacked them at Arbra would find and kill them quickly. More so than if they remained behind the Confederations defenses.
Choices, choices.
Rydan does not like it but he acquiesces, "Fine."
"Excellent," Melanie says. "We leave first thing in the morning."
*
Everything is packed neatly and loaded into a secured CorSec shuttle. Kimber lingers on the ramp, glancing back over Valerie's massive residence, somehow feeling as though she may never see it again.
Behold, an Empire cometh for you.
She shivers and follows Rydan into the passenger hold. Agent Denton and Melanie sit nearby as the shuttle streaks into the amber morning sky. A squadron of security fighters join them in high orbit and escort them to the station. Melanie folds her hands in her lap, fighting back the dread looming in the back of her mind. She may not agree with Saga Judec's principles but at the moment, that is beside the point. Battles must be chosen carefully and them alone against the Empire is not one she believes they can win.
This is the only way, she tells herself.
The only way.
-TBC
-
Corellia
High Orbit
bleep ... bleep ... bleep ... bleep ...
A young ensign rubbed his eyes, stretching his arms before blinking and looking back at the monitor.
bleep ... bleep ... bleep ... bleep ...
The low beep every few seconds barely registered anymore, an indication that everything was where it should be. The only armed vessels in orbit were Corellian.
bleep ... bleep ... bleep ... bleep ...
He glanced down at his chronometer. Almost done with his shift. Some rest, maybe a few hours of sabaac with his fellow ensigns. Watching the latest holo-entertainment. It was a routine of waiting for something to happen, while many ships of war went off to actual battle fronts
bleep ... bleep ... bleep ... bleep ...
Afterall, was the Empire really crazy enough to attack CORELLIA?
bleep ... bleep ... bleeeeeeeeeep
The sudden change in pitch awoke the ensign from his thoughts. He blinked again as he looked over at his monitor. Suddenly, there were a lot of flashing red marks. Maybe someone should have told him to be careful what he wished for. Taking a deep breathe, he pressed down on the comm controls.
"This is Ensign Briggs, I'm picking up multiple bogies. Sectors one, two, three and four, all outer ring. Signatures appear imperial"
**********************************************
Sirens began blaring, one platform after another. With the planet already on alert and waiting, it was taking mere seconds for the news to trigger full activation. Guns were rotated, facing outward toward the oncoming threat, shields brought fully online, fighters running to hangar bays.
Meanwhile, the Corellian Defensive Fleet, a wide variety of ships were taking up positions. It was hard to anticipate the imperials move. Thousands of imperial ships had arrived, but rather than taking an aggressive attacking approach, they created a massive ring around the planet. Too far out for Corellian turbolasers to reach, but close enough to effectively surround the planet.
**********************************************
Onboard Imperial Command Vessel, ISD-II "The Demise"
Admiral Schrag stood at the bridge, staring out the viewport at Corellia, its defenses, its shipyards, its commerce. Even as the imperial ships were still arriving, trade vessels were coming and going from Corellia at their usual frantic pace.
"Order ships to open fire on any vessel - civilian or military - that is within our range"
"Yes admiral"
Those ships that were arriving, unaware of the dangers at their destination, Corellia, would find themselves under attack immediately upon exiting hyperspace. Many small freighters were incinerated within the first few seconds. Other, larger vessels suffered severe structural damage before their trajectory took them out of capital range. Few were able to make it to the safety of the planet.
Even as they fired though, the imperial ships held their ground, as more imperial ships completed the ring around Corellia.
"Admiral, all vessels are in position."
"What of the Corellians?"
"They are scrambling, Admiral, but taking on a defensive posture."
"What percentage of their fleet is present?"
"We anticipate about 50%, scattered throughout orbit. We are keeping an analysis, lest they try concentrating the ships in one sector"
Admiral Schrag smiled and nodded.
"Very well, begin powering up the interdictor cruisers. Time to make sure that no one gets in or out."
**********************************************
Corellian Orbital Command Platform
High Commander Saga Judec had a determined look on his face as he stepped out of his office to the main command room.
"Report"
"Imperial vessels, all sectors sir. They have surrounded the planet. They are attempting to jam any signals coming out of us sir, but otherwise, are holding steady. Our scanners show several high-energy fields beginning to be activated"
"Sources?"
"Interdictor-class cruisers, commander. We think they are powering up gravity well projectors"
Judec let out a sigh, nodding his head
"So they are setting up a blockade. Very well. Get a signal out, strongest frequency possible to avoid jamming. Alert all corellian fleets, and make sure we are ready for when they move in with the attack."
"Understood sir. what of our - guests?"
"Have them go directly to the Corellian Corvette Vigilance, and order that ship, along with a contingent of fighters and corvettes break out before gravity wells are activated."
"Yes, Commander"
**********************************************
Aboard Shuttle
Even as Melanie, Kimber, Rydan and the others were rising into orbit aboard the shuttle, the imperials arrived. Their first notice was from the pilot.
"Jedi Masterton - there has been a change of plans. I have orders to take you directly to the ship that will take you to Center Point"
"What? Why? What's happened"
"The imperials have arrived, and have surrounded Corellia. Scans indicate they are powering up gravity wells aboard several interdictors. We have to break past the blockade before the gravity wells are up and running. We don't have much time"
TBC
-
Corellia
Orbit
Ominous is an understatement.
"The imperials have arrived, and have surrounded Corellia. Scans indicate they are powering up gravity wells aboard several interdictors. We have to break past the blockade before the gravity wells are up and running. We don't have much time."
So, this is it.
They have finally come for their revenge.
Melanie's blue eyes harden, "Do it."
As the shuttle veers away toward the Corellian Corvette, she dares to glance behind her. Agent Denton grips his restraints as Rydan comforts a sobbing Kimber while glaring at Melanie. The expression says, I knew this would happen. It says, we're too late. The sentiment echoes across his mind. The High Commander warned her. He told them to run. Now they must deal with the consequences of staying. Every step they grow closer to extinction, every choice becomes a sacrifice.
The Jedi pushes these feelings away as they reach the Vigilance, focusing on the present moment. The microsecond they touch down, the pilot is on the com.
"We're clear. Go. Go now!"
The Corvette is lurching forward, fighters fanning out around it as they face down the blockade. The Imperials open fire almost immediately but the gravity wells are not yet fully functioning. The fighters draw the turbolasers away and the Corvette returns defensive volley's of its own. There is a terrible trembling as they pass through, taking damage, shields dropping rapidly but soon they are free. The fighters are dwindling, stamped out by the mighty red lances of Imperial fire. Within seconds, the Vigilance vanishes.
Melanie evokes Valerie Gellar's name in a silent prayer to save Corellia.
-TBC
-
Corellia
High Orbit, Imperial Blockade
Onboard the ISD-II "The Demise," Admiral Schrag is watching the Corellians scamper about, like scared insects. He would have smiled, were it not for the difficult tasks ahead. Corellia was not some backwater world with an easy assault. Corellia was, arguably, the best defended world in the galaxy, save for Byss itself. Even the imperial fleet would have to fight hard to win this battle. And there was no room for error either. Reports were coming in every few seconds, confirming the location of Corellian capital ships, planetary and orbital defenses, starfighter squadrons. A few bursts of bright light did escape from the planet or from some orbital platforms, firepower testing to see if they could hit any imperials. The energy beams fizzled out well before the imperial blockade.
A few missiles were fired as well, but they were shot down before they could reach a target, spectacular explosions that ended anti-climactically. Nothing was destroyed. It would take a huge wave of missiles to effectively target any one part of the imperial line. Just as well, it would take a huge number of ships to effectively fight any part of the imperial line, and with the Corellians stuck in a defensive posture - afterall, moving ships away from any area to strengthen another would leave the first vulnerable - they had little hope to break the imperial line, unless reinforcements came. Which of course, is what Admiral Schrag hoped for.
The admiral's thoughts were interrupted by a report.
"Admiral, we are picking up a contingent of Corellian Corvettes picking up speed and moving our way"
Blockade runners. of course.
"What is the status of our gravity wells?"
"Almost powered up sir, but the corvettes are moving fast"
"Order fighters to intercept, have destroyers open fire as soon as they are in range. Otherwise, maintain positions"
"Yes sir"
Admiral Schrag watched on the monitor as the small but sturdy corellian vessels moved forward. Red lances of turbolasers began shooting out at them, as TIEs swarmed about, engaging the corvettes' fighter escort. Scores of Corellian fighters were wiped out quickly, while the corvettes themselves suffered severe damage, even before they got close to the blockade line.
"Captain, do you see that formation? What do you make of it?"
"It's not just individual blockade runners sir. I think they are trying to protect one of the ships in particular. That one there, the one in the middle"
"I agree. Order fighters to focus on that one corvette, and have capital ships try to reach in to the convoy and disable that ship."
"Yes sir"
Suddenly, the Vigilance was the focal point of imperial fire. The other corvettes and fighters did the best they could to intercept, and it became clear that this one corvette was the prize.
"Do not let that ship escape"
"Yes Admiral"
Several of the corvette escorts were destroyed under the imperial blockade, leaving the Vigilance exposed. It's shields flickered and flashed and then died altogether as it passed the imperial ships, firing back in return to splash energy against the imperials shields in return. A direct hit by the nearest star destroyer slammed into the corvette, shaking it to its core, and knocking out three of its thrusters. The ship however, seemed determined to escape and on its remaining thrusters - and the momentum it had from its high speed - it managed to slip out of the planet's gravity well, and disappeared into hyperspace just as the star destroyers fired what would have been the disabling shots to its stern.
"Sir, the corvette has gotten away."
Admiral Schrag grimaced, even as reports came in as each of the interdictor cruisers reported in that gravity wells were now online.
That would be the last one to get away.
TBC
-
Corellia
High Orbit, Imperial Blockade
With the interdictors up and running, the imperial blockade was in full swing. Vessels bound to Corellia - and there were many of them - were pulled out of hyperspace seconds earlier than they planned, within the waiting grasp of the imperial fleet. Some were destroyed. Others were not so lucky. Assault craft would engage and disable incoming vessels, then board them. Crews would be killed, and the ships and their goods would be confiscated. Hundreds of ships that still hadn't known about the blockade had provided the imperial forces with fresh food, weapons, and supplies of every shape and kind, enhancing the blockade's already sizeable stores.
Meanwhile, no new ships were able to leave either. A few bold - for Corellians were famous for being bold - had tried running, using highly modified corellian vessels, perfect for smugglers. But The imperial line was well thought out, the TIE pilots who ran the chase well trained, and the interdictors placed just right, that timing and luck were not in their favor.
Onboard the ISD-II "The Demise," Admiral Schrag was walking from his quarters to the bridge, flanked on either side by an officer. It had been roughly a day since they had raised the interdictors and firmly established their grip on the planet. Still, subjugation would take more than just surrounding a world.
"Transmit the hail"
"Yes sir."
In open frequency, a hail was sent out from the imperial command ship to the Corellian fleet, their orbital platforms, the shipyards, and the planet below.
People of Corellia. This is Imperial Grand Admiral Schrag. The Galactic Empire has found cause against your world and against your leaders. The Corellians have violated imperial space, attacked imperial ships, and occupied imperial territory. Under the leadership of Saga Judec, your people have spilled innocent blood. The Empire is here to pay in kind.
Let us be clear. Our fleet is stronger than yours. We have completely and totally cut you off from the rest of the galaxy. No one is getting in, and no one will be allowed to escape. Your world will succumb to the imperial fleet, and your entire populace will suffer.
That is, unless, you offer total and complete surrender. If the leaders of Corellia, if Saga Judec and his forces, care at all about the citizens of this world, he will surrender immediately. But in case he is to callous to do so, we will also accept the citizens of this world surrendering for themselves, and handing the war criminal Judec to us. Surrender, and your lives will be spared. You have twenty-four standard hours to comply.
The message would be played once every hour, each time indicating the time left shortening. 23. 22. 21 ...
Admiral Schrag meanwhile turned to his XO with a smile.
"We still have a small strike team on the ground, don't we? Let's see what we can use them for"
**************************************
Low Orbit, Corellian Command Platform
High Commander Saga Judec stared out the viewport at the empty void between him and the ships. Thousands of imperial ships encircling the world.
He had heard the imperial's message, call for surrender. But he was hoping for more. The Corellian defenses had signaled the need for more ships at Corellia, and though they were engaged elsewhere, it was only a matter of time before they arrived. Judec was relieved that the jedi and her companions had gotten away. Just in the nick of time. And what was he to do in the meantime? His ships were all on full alert, and he had pilots, gunners, engineers and other staff from the surface coming up from the surface to relieve those on duty. But otherwise, it was a waiting game. He had his fleet spread out to counter any sudden imperial attack, but if they were bent on the move, if they got more ships before he did, it was going to be a bloody mess for Corellia.
How had he let himself get into this situation? How had he let that man talk him into this? Where was HE now, when the plan was coming to fruition? Maybe it was all some imperial plot, maybe a miscalculation. Either way, Saga Judec feared he would be dead before he had the chance to confront him.
TBC
-
Corellia
High Orbit, Imperial Blockade
Admiral Schrag signals the final hail, a warning, indicating that time was up
"Open fire and order the ground team to be prepared"
The imperial star destroyer turned, focusing its turbolaser batteries on the planet, and letting loose a strong barrage of fire.
The imperial ships were far off, and at first, it looked as if their weaponry would dissipate before hitting a target. But just as the blur of energy faded away, an explosion struck on the planet itself, right in the line of fire of the attack. A planetary turbolaser cannon burst into flames, killing hundreds of operatives and rocking the surface nearby. Admiral Schrag smiled.
"Order the ground team to acquire a new target, and set us up for the shot."
**************************************
Low Orbit, Corellian Command Platform
High Commander Schrag watched as the burst of fire dissipated in the space between the enemy and his defenses. And then saw the explosion on the ground. How had that happened? He was furious, watching. There was no way the Empire had a weapon that could reach that far.
"Officers! Find out what the hell just happened! And let's make sure it doesn't happen again"
**************************************
As reports of the attack went through the Corellian fleet, a panic spread as well - the Empire's weapons were stronger and had a longer range than them. They could win this fight without ever coming into Corellia's range.
Even as speculation of sabotage on the surface began to spread, it didn't entirely quell fears. And Saga Judec was not happy. Not at all.
TBC
-
Corellia
Over several days, the imperial fleet made choice attacks, utilizing the sabeteurs on the ground combined with a display of firepower from the sky to cause stunning displays of destruction, disheartening locals with the appearance of the Empire being even stronger than they actually were.
No reinforcement fleets had arrived to save Corellia. High Commander Judec was restless. Had his calls to Centerpoint not reached their destination? Or was that director of his just ignoring them? He cursed his name (or the name he knew, rather), knowing at some point, the imperials would strike.
They had succeeded in hitting multiple military targets. Shield generators. Planetary weapons. Even a few barracks. Whatever team was on the surface was in high form. They still hadn't been caught.
But the time for parlor tricks was over. THe blockade had, in the short period it had been up, successfully blocked various provisions that Corellia was unable to provide itself. The planet was suffering, and it was time to strike.
Leaving the interdictors successfully surrounding the planet, and preventing escape, Star Destroyers, flanked by hundreds of TIE fighters began moving into position, picking up speed and then pushing forward, opening up massive barrages of fire. Their target was a group of Corellian defensive platforms along the planet's equator.
Corellian capital ships were faster, and began to coalesce to respond to the threat, fighting back with their own weaponry, and soon the sky was blazing with red and green lights.
"Deploy the shuttles"
Even before any significant progress was made in the firefight, Assault shuttles began moving out, staying just to the periphery of the main battle, and protected by their own escorts, moving to the nearest platform. As soon as it had lost shields, the craft made hard landings against the hulls, bursting in and invading, Stormtroopers overtaking the halls and forcing an internal fight as well as external. This aggressive move would cost many troopers lives - but stormtroopers were trained to die for the Empire, and their numbers exceed those Corellians defending the world.
Everyone was wondering - where were those mighty corellian fleets, that had caused so much trouble before? That everyone acknowledged were in existence?
Saga Judec himself was in the war room in the Command Platform, furiously barking orders to defend and respond as best as possible. The rumbles of explosions outside were followed by a distinctly louder and closer boom, a lieutenant rushing into the room, panic on his face.
"Sir - imperial troops are boarding the command platform."
TBC
-
Corellia
Saga Judec was a warrior. There was no question of that. Whatever one thought of his politics, he was a fighter, and not afraid of a fight. When he learned the imperials were trying to take the command platform, his first response was to pull out his blaster.
"Order all teams to secure locations, and seal off compromised levels. Secure the armory, and the bridge, and make sure everyone is armed"
He began heading out into the hallway.
"Sir? Where are you going?"
"I am going to defend this platform. Carry on defenses, commander"
He disappeared, with a team of four commandos following, his XO grimacing as he turned to take over command of the orbital defenses. Chances are, he wouldn't be able to hold out much longer.
Meanwhile, Judec was moving quickly and stealthily until he reached one of the front lines of battle. Stormtroopers were on the opposite end of the cooridor, and Corellian troops were sheltered behind rows of crates. Shots fired back and forth, and the occasional explosion rocked the crates, but never reached over their lines.
Judec ducked down, grabbing a heavy rifle from a fallen soldier, grabbing his limp body, and lifting it up with one hand, using it as a shield as he fired repeatedly at the imperials. The poor soul's body was bloodied up, but between his armour and Judec's own, the high commander was still standing. He dropped the blaster, pulled a thermal detonator and advanced, just far enough to toss it at the imperials. Explosion impacted, and the path ahead was clear. For now. He tossed aside the soldier, no time for ceremony.
"Move, now!"
The High Commander rallied those troops closest to him, all spirited by his bravery, and they began moving forward, picking up dead stormtrooper weapons and ammunition.
It was rough work, moving ahead, fighting, moving ahead, but they made it pretty far, before they found themselves too far. They were in another cooridor, when shots began firing from behind them.
"Sir, they've flanked us"
"Take cover!"
They ducked into the nearest room, a mess hall of sorts, and barricaded themselves inside, sealing off all three entrances. Judec motioned to the ceiling panels, and they made their way into the ventwork, taking what arms they could carry.
Through that maze, they headed toward the most vulnerable of locations, a docking bay that the Corellians were fighting desperately to hold onto. It was several minutes before they popped out, adding manpower to the commandos in place. Judec ordered the injured back, those more capable to the forefront of the makeshift battlement, dozens of supply crates, and two or three shuttles acted as barriers. One Corellian soldier, clever, had powered up one of the shuttles, firing a few more powerful laser shots at imperials trying to break into the docking bay.
"We won't hold much longer sir"
"We;ll hold it as long as we can, soldier. We defend until we die."
As if on cue, a massive explosion rocked the defenses, throwing the high commander to the ground, pain racing through him. The explosion had destroyed much of that makeshift barricade, and it would be only a few minutes before the imperials overran their primitive defenses.
"Commander!"
"I said fight!"
He winced in pain
"COmmander, we need to get you out of here. The men won't be able to fight if your caught, dead or alive"
Against Judec's protests, he was dragged into the shuttle, powering up in an effort to make an escape.
*********************************************
Far in the distance, in the abyss of space, far from the battle itself, Emperor Dementat stood aboard the bridge of the SSD "Saevia's Revenge," keeping track of the progress of the attack, waiting with the second imperial fleet - waiting for the corellian reinforcements to arrive, wondering why it was taking them so long. Were they waiting for all of Corellia to be destroyed, and then move in to attack a wearied imperial fleet?
It didn't matter. He could be patient.
TBC
-
Corellia
As soon as Karen exits hyperspace, Tie-Fighters swarm the shuttle. They assume formation and escort her toward the ominous Imperial capital ship, Saevia's Revenge. The name turns her stomach. As much as she hates anyone who takes the life of a comrade, she hated Saevia more. The feeling was most definitely mutual. The slain Grand Admiral had been in love with her fiancé and made no attempt to conceal it from Karen. Yet, she knows what Saevia meant to Dementat which is why she never shamelessly slandered her to his face.
The things we do for the ones we love.
The Imperial blockade is impressive from this vantage point and the Star Destroyers looming above Corellia sends shivers down her spine. She eases the shuttle into the hangar bay and begins to power down.
Emperor Dementat waits for her at the bottom of the ramp, rows of Stormtroopers and Crimson Guard behind him who bow in unison as she appears. It's a nice touch. She takes his hand as they turn to face their subjects together. It had been too long since she has seen him and the swell of feeling beneath her breasts brings a flush to her cheeks. They sweep from the room as if on a cloud and disappear up into his inner sanctum.
His lips are on hers as they stagger backwards, falling onto the bed. There are no words for the degree of lust that overtakes them. It is primal, pure instinct and passion, a force greater than fear. She cries out as he enters her, thrashing across the expensive sheets, one leg slipping effortlessly over his shoulder. His hands caress her face, kissing her hungrily, and she responds, ignited by his voracity, clawing at his back. They climax together, like music, a perfect harmony, before collapsing in a tangled heap of flesh.
Then they go at it again.
*
Hours later, Karen gazes at herself in a gigantic mirror. She has showered and changed into a jet black form-fitting combat jumpsuit complete with knee-high heeled boots and a charcoal tunic draped over her shoulders. The saber is clipped to a thick belt with a silver buckle bearing the Imperial wheel. Her dark crimson hair has been blown dry and flat ironed, make-up sultry yet subtle. She smiles at her reflection as she dabs on a coat of lipstick.
Dementat moves beside her, staring down at the woman he loves.
"Dressed to kill?"
She smiles, adjusting the ring on her finger.
"Is there any other way?"
"I suppose not," he says, debating his approach. "I caught your press release. Nice work. Capital support is at a record high."
"I thought you might like that. My endorsement does carry some weight."
"That it does, my love but do you believe it?"
She stands, turning to face him, "Is that doubt I hear creeping in your sexy voice?"
"You've been missing for months, Karen. No one knows where you have been."
"You could just ask me."
"Is that why you are here? To confess?"
Karen wraps her arms around his waist, emerald eyes looking deep into his electric baby blues.
"No. I'm here to warn you, lover mine. You and our Empire are in grave danger."
-TBC
-
Corellia
Saevia's Revenge
A certain chill passes between them. He gazes now at her curiously, almost amused as if the mention of a threat is beneath him in the wake of their imminent victory over the Confederation.
"Warn me? About what?"
Karen's line delivery is flawless.
"This siege is a set-up, designed to draw the fleets over Corellia so that they can be destroyed like those at Duro."
Dementat recoils, taking several steps back.
"How dare you speak lightly of the Confederations cowardice! They will pay for what they have taken from us."
Her eyes glow with a fiery conviction.
"Then we will lose it all. Is that what you want Dem, darling? To be stripped of everything we have worked so hard to build? I have gone to great lengths to protect us, our Empire, from a traitor within it. This figure has sought to undermine us every step of the way and has done so long before you seized control. Palpatine's obsession with Skywalker clouded his vision from a threat far greater than the Alliance, a threat that has single-handedly played us like fools."
He closes the distance between them, "Who? Who is this person you feel threatens all we have?"
"You know who."
As much as he loves her, this obsession with family ties must stop here.
"Alexia has been defeated. You're father is dead, Karen. Our agents confirmed that your so-called friend, Kimber Patten, captured and turned him over to the Hapan Consortium for execution. You are the sole survivor and victor of that war, my love."
Her face becomes a mask of rage.
"He was killed by the Consortium. That much is true. But he, like Medivh and Phage, live on."
Dementat gasps in disbelief, "That's ludicrous!"
"Is it?" she snarls. "Who do you think orchestrated your rise to power? Who pointed me out on a planet of billions? Who sabotaged my life, murdered my friends, pulled our strings, broke the rules, pushed our buttons, foisted a prophecy upon us, goaded everyone in just the right directions, convinced all the right people, created a foe so irresistible to your fury, set it all up so that in the end he could take it all for himself?"
He gapes at her.
Karen's lips curl into a smile.
"Alexander Winton lives, my love and I have spent the last several months destroying his droid and clone facilities around the galaxy. He is using the Confederation, using Saga Judec as he has used so many others, to lure you here so that he can destroy you. He set you up just to knock you down the same way he does with everyone else in his game."
Dementat's eyes glow in the half-light of the room.
"How do you know this for certain?"
"Several months ago, the Corellian traitor known as Mara Anna Gellar came to Byss looking for answers. She found me and together, we discovered much more than we bargained for."
"You consort with them!" he roars.
"Mara is not one of them," she says evenly. "She despises Judec as much as we do and has helped me considerably in stopping my father from raising a droid army large enough to take down our Empire. You can check these sites out yourself if you so desire. She wants the Confederation gone but Corellia free and I promised to do that for her in exchange for eradicating the galaxy of my father's malevolent hold over all of us."
She inhales, pausing.
"While Kimber may not fall in line with our vision, she is not by any means a traitor to the Empire. Your agents convinced her they would intercede on Valerie's behalf when Phage invaded Corellia. Instead, they stood by and did nothing and she lost her life as a result. The Hapan Consortium wanted justice and we provided it by turning my father over to them."
Something in her statement catches.
"We? You conspired with Patten?"
"Yes, lover," she says. "I gladly rid myself of his lies. Then I pinned it on Phage shortly before Mara killed him but it was too late. Valerie was already dead."
"So, you blame me for Gellar's death and this betrayal is your revenge?"
Her voice quakes with anger.
"How can you speak of betrayal?! You knew my father was alive and acting as Imperial Director! You knew and you kept it from me! I had to find out after Marius Guile murdered my ground team and my father took Kimber hostage. He revealed himself to me, revealed all the sickening ways he had toyed with those closest to me for his own pleasure. You think you are immune to his games but you couldn't be more wrong! He uses you as he uses everyone else in his plot to overthrow us and claim the Empire for himself. I have seen it, Dem! I have witnessed his technology, the droid facilities full of battle ready monsters, the cloning plant on Kamino manufacturing the friends I lost as a teenager, the tanks growing my own flesh and blood hoping to create the perfect family that serves only him!! I have seen Phage resurrected in the ruins of Coruscant, even a droid under the impression he is more clever than my father. He, like all of us, are just players being moved across a board. I don't know about you but I am sick of playing these games!!"
She is screaming, shaking. He has never seen her this unhinged before. The walls around them vibrate and shutter, her eyes growing dark.
"Things I may have kept I did so for your protection. Alexander said the prophecy-"
"The prophecy is a lie! A lie orchestrated by my father as means of control! He used it to convince our parents we were special, meant to shape the galaxy for the better. Then he used it to convince you that you were meant to seize what Palpatine left behind. He lorded it over Alexia, making her believe she was to rule at your side then, at the just the right time, revealed the truth about how it was meant for me. Everyone we have ever known have been puppets and pawns and now he has brought you here, to Corellia, to finish you off."
Dementat finds himself holding her tightly, mouth close to her ear.
"If you are so convinced, how does he plan to do it?"
She folds into him, gasping.
"By using the Centerpoint Station to wipe out the fleets."
"He wouldn't..."
"He will and he will take all of Corellia with it. You have to get the fleets out of range."
They part, staring into each other's faces as if this is the first time they are really seeing each other. The admissions, infuriating as they may be, fall into place. Her rationale is not unfounded and he does not believe she would lie about something so critical. To signal for a retreat would send a message of weakness.
"There has to be another way."
Karen clings to him, "There may be."
"How?"
And now she softens, raising her eyes to his.
"Mara is headed for Centerpoint to disarm the station and I intend to help her succeed."
Dementat gasps, "You risk your life for her?"
"I would! And not just for her, for us. The last of my father's facilities lie within Centerpoint. It must be destroyed."
"Then what?"
Karen levels her gaze.
"Then you defeat the Confederation and turn over Corellia to the people as a sign of faith, a shred of humanity the galaxy at large must witness if we have any hope in uniting it. Search your feelings, Dementat. You know this to be true."
Dementat holds her close, considering if this was something he could bring himself to do. He had kept critical information from her, blocked her access so that she would not be hurt further. While he convinced himself it was for her own good, he now sees the mistake in not trusting her completely. Her path, once thought to be so different from his own, is really about the fates and futures of both of them.
"You can't do this alone."
"I don't plan on it,"
Her anger gives way to acceptance and understanding.
After all, Karen Winton is not blameless.
"You know, despite what you might think, Kimber and Melanie are not the enemy here. Neither is Mara or even Judec for that matter. My father is solely responsible. He must perish and never rise again. The Confederation defenses are nearly obliterated. Right now they pose no threat to us. Centerpoint however, does. Either you believe me and restructure the fleets accordingly or wait here and find out too late."
-TBC
-
Corellia
Karen and Dementat stare at each other for several tense moments, deciding the best course of action. In these moments she feels something that ripples across her skin, causing her to inhale sharply.
Melanie.
At long last, her oldest friend reveals herself. Reaching out, she knows where the signature is coming from. Things fall into place now in a way they never had before. All signs point to one location.
The final target.
But has she convinced her lover?
The Emperor is not one to give up this valuable opportunity. The sector would prove more than just a strategic victory. Her request for the Confederation's demise and Corellia's freedom seems out of character and the attachment he feels from her toward this Mara Gellar is unsettling to say the least. But he does heed her words, giving considerable pause to one glaring fact.
Alexander Winton.
If he does indeed live and had been conspiring against them behind Dementat's back, he must pay. He would pay. Karen's absence and explanation strike him deeply and it does not take much to look inside her and see that she is not lying. She has discovered things unknown to both of them, things that had potential to destroy them if not for her decisive actions. For that, he is grateful but he fears the enlightenment has softened the edges of her lust for galactic domination.
What exactly changed in her?
What did she see?
He does not have time to inquire when the ship alarms begin to sound. He moves to the consol, "Report!"
Captain Vex Sienna's voice comes through the com.
Karen was not aware he was assigned to this vessel and groans inwardly.
Sienna reports calmly.
"Heavy gravitational activity coming from deep space, your Highness."
"Deep space?" he muses, turning briefly.
Karen says nothing, only returns a knowing stare.
Dementat leans over the consol, "Take evasive action, get those ships out of range!"
"Highness?"
"NOW!"
The Saevia's Revenge was clear of the blockade but as he moves in front of the massive viewport, he could see the unthinkable. As the fleets began to break apart, moving away from the gravitational disturbance, some slipped away while others seem frozen in space before being dragged backward, toward each other. Interdictor's collide, bright silent bursts of flames igniting the blackness as the ships began to simply fold, like paper, into themselves.
His rage flares, eyes sparking an electric blue.
Karen floats toward him, gazing over his shoulder at the destruction beyond. Her voice is low and free of judgment or scorn.
She only needed him to bear witness.
"We must take the fight to Centerpoint."
-TBC
-
Corellia
The damage is catastrophic.
Corellia's orbit has been transformed into flaming wreckage and debris. Confederation platforms and Imperial ships lay smashed and shattered together across the star filled sky. Some are barely recognizable in the wake of the blast from Centerpoint, folded and wrapped around themselves in garish hunks of scrap. The death toll continues to rise, numbers conflicting on which side suffered the most casualties. One thing is absolutely certain - this attack was executed without regard for anything in its path.
Aboard the Saevia's Revenge, Dementat's fury can be felt in the void of silence expanding within the massive room. Calls have been placed to all Imperial strongholds for reinforcements with a new designated target. At this distance, they were vulnerable to Centerpoint's power but up close it would be a different story. The Emperor fumes darkly, enraged but determined. Once the station was destroyed, they would claim Corellia despite the surprisingly altruistic protests of his beloved.
Karen does not goad him with trivialities over who was right or wrong. It doesn't matter now. She knows he would not be able to separate this attack from her father, the Confederation and by extension, Corellia itself. Could she temper his rage with reason? Was their love stronger than his hatred? Her eyes fall to the ring on her finger glinting in the soft light, a sacred symbol suddenly called into question by an unexpected division of endgames.
All he sees is red. All he wants is revenge.
And he would have it.
So would she.
Wandering back toward the vanity, away from him, Karen runs her fingers along the expensive items on the counter. A small black box lies unopened, drawing her attention. She pulls off the top to reveal a set of sparkling earrings, a special gift from a special friend. Her name echoes across the expanse of her mind.
Mara.
Karen turns, watching the hum of dark energy radiate from Dementat. The fates of everyone they have ever known spiral toward a singular conclusion. An epic battle. A final showdown. Was this her father's plan? Had he somehow known all their lines would intersect here?
Does it all end tonight?
*
Several decks below, Captain Vex Sienna confirms with the remaining fleets before setting the course. The full wrath of the Galactic Empire is now trained on one target. The stars beyond the viewport streaks into a solid mass as everything they have makes the jump to lightspeed.
Mighty Centerpoint, be admonished.
It's last call.
-TBC
-
Corellia
Imperial Star Destroyer Mark II"The Demise"
There had been very little in the way of warning.
Admiral Schrag was standing at the bridge, monitoring the progress of his assault on Corellia. Everything was going well. Then reports began coming in. The interdictors that kept Corellians from escaping, were picking up readings, massive gravitational readings, off the charts. And then they were hit by them. The forces of gravity colliding them into each other, forcing them to collapse on each other.
At the first sign of trouble, Grand Admiral Schrag knew something was amiss. He knew what had happened at Duros, and though he would never have thought Judec would fire the weapon at Corellia, apparently the man was more desperate than he expected.
"Pull 'The Demise' out of the battle, as far toward the planet's north pole as possible"
"Sir?"
"Do it now, Lieutenant"
"Yes, Admiral"
The ship, having been engaged with a large Corellian Cruiser, suddenly broke off the attack, fighters guarding its rear against Corellian fire. But not for long.
"Sir, our systems appear to be failing. We're being pulled backward by ..."
"I know what it is, lieutenant. Full power to engines. Divert power, if necessary from weapons and hyperdrive. Order All imperial ships to do the same - aim for the planet poles"
The ship rocked and quaked as its engines fought against the tidal wave of gravitational energy that was hitting it.
Lights flickered off, then back on.
"Sir, Engines are at maximum thrust, but we are getting reports of compromised hull integrity on almost all aft portions of the ship."
"Seal those areas off, immediately"
"The crew"
"Already dead, lieutenant. Let's keep our casualties to a minimum. Seal them now"
It was a tense several minutes as the ship fought against the unseen enemy. The shield generators, and several other vulnerable exterior emplacements collapsed in on the ship with the force of a falling meteor. The hull itself inward, causing denting and bubbling. Crews were evacuated to inner portions of the ship, landing bays were sealed off. And still, the ship fought on, making slow progress toward the pole.
Reports were coming in of other casualties. Literally hundreds of ships that had been in the battle were nothing but wreckage now. Corellian and imperial alike. The planet too was showing signs of the weapon. Not the massive upheavals like on Duros, but it was bad. Tidal waves had destroyed entire coastal plains, and even Coronet was suffering from flooding. Sulfer from the ground also was making an appearance, and everyone was ordered to higher ground.
It was almost a half hour before that gravitational force had finally ended, the ship, in shambles, but remarkably intact.
"Damage Report"
"Admiral, it looks like we've lost most of our fighting capabilities."
"THe Corellians?"
"Them too, sir"
"What of the Emperor's fleet?"
"Scanners are not working that well sir, but it appears that his fleet was far enough away to avoid the blast"
"Good. Order all functional ships to file damage reports, and get a message to the emperor, asking for instructions."
"Are we not continuing the attack sir?"
"Corellia isn't a battle ground anymore. It's a graveyard."
TBC
-
Hyperspace
The Emperor had given his orders: Disable Centerpoint then destroy it.
Karen fixes the clasps on the back of each earring, hoping Mara was alive to receive the signal of their arrival. She had been able to convince Dementat to allow her a closure that was always just out of their reach until now. She would help Mara take down her father and save her friends from his evil clutches. A reunion, an understanding, a new vision of a future outside the designs of the prophecy. Then the Empire would destroy Centerpoint and with it, the Confederation. This victory, she hopes, would be enough to satiate her lover's lust for vengeance. Perhaps then he could be convinced to let Corellia go.
Perhaps.
Karen takes a deep breath, gazing at the reflection of her flawless face, a face she hardly recognizes now. It seems different in this light, changed by the weight of the truth.
Dementat moves behind her. She turns, staring up into those endless blue eyes. They both know what they must do, battles that must be fought. There is much at stake. A careful balance that can tip either way. Their lips touch, lightly at first, then becomes something deeper. They pull each other close. Energy passes between them.
Finality, acceptance.
They break, taking a step back. She stops him as he makes his way toward the door.
"Just get me close enough, darling."
Dementat reaches out and brushes the side of her cheek.
"If he cannot be stopped..."
Her emerald eyes are wide and knowing, "Blow it all to hell."
-TBC
-
Centerpoint Station
Karen guides the shuttle through the tangled web of turbolaser fire, angling down toward the station. She feels the rush pulse through her and a sense that she might actually be able to pull this off. In the back, the dark troopers have very specific orders - kill everyone save for those in the photage. They memorize the faces of Melanie, Kimber and Mara. And just when she thinks she is actually as good a pilot as Mara believed she may be, they are struck hard by a blast from the nearest Corvette. The shields go down and the right wing damaged.
"Shit!" she screams, using her free hand to open the com into the back.
"Hold tight, my darlings. It's going to be a rough landing."
The shuttle rattles violently as it descends and she spots the only open hangar close enough and takes the chance. She grips the controls tightly, trying to keep it steady while slowing them down as much as she can. The shuttle protests but she manages to keep the nose up as it sails through the opening and crashes down, skidding along the polished floors into the middle of what looks like a fire fight. She smells smoke, checks her hair in the reflection of the viewport, and bounds out of the chair. The dark troopers are already unloading, rushing into the fray.
"Highness," a voice crackles through her com. "Are the droids targets?"
"What part of 'everyone' did you not understand? Droids. Confederation soldiers. The whole lot of them. Everyone except the three I showed you. Maker Almighty, it's like talking to a child."
"Yes, your Highness."
Flames begin to flicker in the passenger cabin so she ignites her saber and rushes down into the hangar. Upon entry, she takes a moment to assess the situation. Her eyes scan the length of the massive room - the fallen soldiers, the mangled Magna-Guards and suddenly a voice she thought she might never hear again draws her attention.
"Karen!"
She spots Melanie first, firmly planted holding her own saber with a look of sheer bewilderment on her face. Beyond her and behind some crates is a very pregnant Kimber looking so radiant it almost defies nature with Rydan Stratford beside her. Perhaps she should have figured he would be with her and added him to the no-kill list. She is about to call back but Melanie turns and shouts.
"Get her out of here!"
Concern creases Rydan's striking features but he does not hesitate. He turns, grabbing Kimber and pulling her away. Another man who she recognizes from Holo reports out of Corellia and a solider follow suit leaving Melanie to face her alone. The path Rydan takes is blocked by Magna-Guards so Karen reaches out and shoves them out of the way with the Force. This gesture, while helping Kimber to escape, is translated by Melanie as an apparently hostile gesture and she raises her saber.
Karen gasps as the blue blade connects with her own in an unexpected clash between two people who used to be the best of friends. Perhaps Melanie is not as happy to see her.
"What?" Karen says, smirking. "No hug?"
Melanie advances, bearing down more quickly and more aggressively than she ever thought possible. Karen counters, stepping back. Melanie clips the side of her blade, crouches and thrusts out her left arm creating a shockwave through the Force which sends Karen cart wheeling into the far wall. She slams against the flat surface then crumples to the ground, trying to catch her breath. She raises her eyes up as Melanie strides forward with white robes that flow freely around her. Dark troopers fan out around them, easily dispatching the soldiers but finding it far more difficult to tackle the droids. The look in Melanie's usually inviting blue eyes is now cold, distant and her voice is more hostile than she has ever heard it.
"I will never allow you to strike them down."
All the posturing and pretense evaporates in the moment. It is then she realizes Melanie is operating on outdated and incorrect information. Even now she is still being manipulated, still playing out the role she was cast in by Alexander Winton.
Karen shakes her head, "You have it all wrong! This is a mistake! Melanie listen to me!"
Melanie narrows her gaze, raising the saber high.
"No, my friend. It is you who are mistaken. Your reign of terror ends here."
-TBC
-
Centerpoint Station
Aboard the SSD-Saevia's Revenge, Emperor Dementat can feel her panic and alarm. The battle rages on, bloody, merciless, with heavy Imperial losses that grow exponentially each time the weapon fires. Beyond the viewport, a Corellian Corvette is somehow fused with a Imperial Star Destroyer, spinning slowly as if in a dance, bursts of flames spurting from different sections of each ship as jagged pieces begin to break off and fall away. The crew is shouting, so many alerts, reports, and all he can think of is Karen. For all that has happened, he could not lose her in this. They could be stripped of every resource but still come out of it ahead if they just had one another.
That is why he must save her and destroy the son of a bitch responsible for all of this.
Turning, he strides from the command center, ignoring Captain Sienna's calls after him. The fury within him is indescribable yet coexists with the overwhelming love he feels. He would not be stopped nor would he be swayed. He would leave his ship and go to her. Together, they could rule the galaxy forever.
Into the nightmare Dementat goes, drawn to her Force signature, the allure of her presence within the station.
I'm coming, my love.
I'm coming.
-TBC
-
Centerpoint Station
Melanie bears down as Karen raises her own saber to defend. The hissing sound the blades make upon contact is surprisingly loud but Karen stands and forces her friend back. The slash, parry, twirl, parry, strike is almost like a macabre dance as the women circle each other. The Magna-Guards have dispatched most of the dark troopers but the droids themselves can barely function with the damage they have sustained. For the most part, they are alone, surrounded by bodies, flaming shuttles and overturned crates. By now, the Empire has landed in other points of the station and pushed their way in. The droid presence would be an unexpected and dangerous adversary had Karen not alerted the fleets but she cannot think about that right now. This fight with Melanie is startling in its own bare reality, a confrontation she feels may have always been coming. They had been so close yet so different from one another. Karen was always the selfish one where as Melanie empathized with the human struggle. Funny how she had convinced her their powers were not necessary for them to be considered special yet here they are in full display. Both had received the training they had shunned in the past only in opposite fields of study.
Karen defends herself but does not go for the offensive strike nor does she unleash the telekinetic fury she has recently mastered. A part of her, foolishly or not, believes she can still reason with Melanie, make her understand how they had all been duped from the get-go. There is a way to be free of the prophecy if only she would hear her out. Mara had taught her that self-centered wanton destruction does not often bring about the results one hopes for.
And that is why she deactivates her saber.
At first, Melanie does not know how to react to this gesture, keeping her own glowing blade firmly in a defensive position.
Karen speaks slowly as she continues to circle.
"Melanie, listen to me. I know a lot has changed since we last saw one another. The galaxy is different now and a part of that is on me. It's on all of us. We helped shape what the worlds have become, the lives at stake and those that have been lost. The paths we have taken are not solely our own. They are the design of another. We have made choices based on tragic misdirection, purposefully placed before us to achieve a certain outcome. My father, still very much alive, has outdone himself yet again. Us, here, now - this is what he wants."
Melanie draws in a long breath, "Be that as it may, you are not guiltless. He is not the only reason we are here and I am in awe at your audacity to stand before me and claim otherwise."
"None of us are guiltless. We have all compromised ourselves in order to survive. While blame does lie in the choices we have made, the fault in our belief does not."
"You say that like you can simply brush aside what you came for."
Karen shakes her head, "You have no idea what I came for."
"Yes, I do. You came to murder the rest spoken of in the prophecy so that you and your Emperor can rule. So it is written, so shall it be."
"The prophecy is a lie!" Karen screams. "Melanie, don't you see that? It's always been a lie! My father took what my mother uncovered and Alexia dug up then twisted it to fit his own purpose."
Melanie blinks away the tears now stinging her eyes, emotions from the past and present boiling over and she verbally fires back.
"Your mother is the one who gave it to me in the first place. Do you know what that was like, Karen? Do you? Having our fates placed in my hands? The pressure to keep the secret in fear it would risk all our lives? All the times I wanted to tell you or Kimber or even Valerie but kept it in. I was only fifteen! I was so frightened and confused that I confided only in the Jedi who came for me."
"What Jedi?"
"The one your mother sold your father out to. She knew that his intentions for us were never pure. So did my mother. So did a lot of people. He lied to our parents, made them believe we were destined for great things when really all we ever did was leave a path of destruction and death in our wakes. All the friends we lost, the people who suffered and died simply because they knew us! How do you expect to atone for that? How can any of us expect to find solace in what we have done? It was my responsibility to protect the truth for as long as I did. I honored your mother's wishes at the expense of people's lives."
Karen arches a brow, keeping a comfortable distance between them.
"And you think it's just a coincidence it was you she turned to? We were all deceived, Melanie. Every single action taken was meticulously plotted out to set in motion the next pre-planned reaction. He filled my mother's head with notions that you would save us all from big bad Alexia then big bad me. She may have believed she was doing the right thing after so much time doing nothing that she never stopped to realize she was playing right into his hands. So were you, so was I. We are playing into them right now! Don't you think it's time we break those vicious cycles my father is so fond of?"
Melanie narrows her gaze.
"And how, pre-tell, do you suppose we do that? Let my guard down? Trust you after you and your Empire have hunted us across the galaxy?"
"Despite what you have been led to believe, I am not here to kill you or Kimber. I came to save my friends after realizing the error in my judgment almost cost me everything. I came to finally destroy my father and that dreadful prophecy he's been lording over us our entire lives! I want us to be free from it all, to go our own ways, separately or together, but on our own terms. I can't even imagine what you must think of me after all the damage I've done and I don't blame you. I have to live with the mistakes I made along the way, the brash and irresponsible way I conducted myself. You have every right to hate me, hell, you even have the right to withhold forgiveness or mercy but I beseech you to stop and think carefully about who's agenda you are actually trying to accomplish. Yours or his?"
Melanie lowers the saber and steps closer. Karen does not back away.
"You are right."
Relief floods through her, propelling her forward.
"I'm so sorry, Melanie. For everything."
"You may not be the problem," Melanie replies softly, stepping forward and twirling the blade before plunging it all the way through Karen's stomach.
Karen gasps, hands outstretched, staring first at the blue saber then raising her eyes to Melanie's face. The speed and brutality of these actions is not how she saw this heartfelt moment ending. She had been deceived by someone whom she thought was never capable of such things, someone who always fared on the lighter side of life. In this moment, it dawns on Karen that there is darkness in everyone, even those who shine the brightest.
Melanie withdraws the weapon, "But you are not part of the solution either."
Karen drops to her knees.
"I never came here...to hurt you."
She sags forward, one hand clamped over her stomach, feeling the rush of air pass through her entire body.
Melanie glares down at her coldly, "I am afraid that is not a risk I can afford to take."
Karen smirks, one last time, before falling forward and lying still on the hangar bay floor.
Melanie kneels beside her, surprised that her feelings are not more conflicted. This had to be done. It was foreseen. It was her or them and there was no other way.
The shuttle swooping in behind her barely registers until it is on the ground.
Melanie stands, turning.
As the ramp touches the floor, Emperor Dementat strides out into the hangar, lit saber in his hand. His electric blue eyes flare as they focus first on Melanie then on Karen's body lying beside her feet. The rage is far from subtle. He charges with every ounce of anger and fury he has. Melanie swings her own saber around as the blades connect. They slash and parry as he attacks her viciously with his perfected Vaapad style. She counters, barely, before leaping high into a back flip to land on the other side of the hangar. Fueled by grief, Dementat purses her without hesitation.
"You will pay for this, Jedi!"
Melanie regains her footing and assumes a defensive neutral stance.
"What is done cannot be undone. My actions serve only to save those I have sworn to protect."
"None will live after you have fallen. Of that I am certain."
He speeds forward in a swift flank, sailing by her and sideswiping her left arm. She spins, caught off guard by the minute but painful wound and thrusts her hand out. He narrowly misses the Force push as he leaps over her, landing solidly, keeping low and firing back with a pushing slash across her midsection. Melanie reels, slamming up and over the nose of an overturned shuttle. He does not allow time for her to recover and advances with vornskr's ferocity. She barely has time to right herself when the saber bares down, slicing off the flowing fabric of her sleeve. She counters and moves to a more Ataru style combat, hoping to gain a defensive edge. She needed to subdue him and quickly. Dementat shows no signs of slowing and continues his assault, pressing her back into a corner. Despite her efforts, he is far more powerful than she and driven by a dark rage she simply does not possess. Melanie struggles as each of his powerful strikes weakens her. Soon her body is riddled with small scorch marks. He swings low and she deflects when he steps back, twirls and takes her head clean off at the neck. Her lovely face is caught in a perpetual gasp of surprise as it spirals through the air, blond curls spinning freely until the head lands at his feet. Her body drops forward and crumples over, blue saber still clutched firmly in her hand.
Dementat inhales sharply, invigorated by the kill.
Yet he cannot escape what he has lost.
He deactivates his saber walks steadily to Karen's body and drops beside her. Turning her over, Dementat cradles her in his arms, brushing away strands of crimson hair from her serene face. She is still very warm and he is overcome with grief that her life was taken as she tried to stop her father's unrelenting invasion into their world. Her death would not be in vain and he silently swears this to himself. He sets her body down gently, as if handling a child, and folds her arms across her chest.
"Revenge will be mine, lover. It will be mine."
The room seems to hum with energy as Dementat stands, turns and storms deep into the station to punish the one responsible for it all.
-TBC
-
Centerpoint Station
The ISD-II Corporeal Quandary flares out of hyperspace into the explosive battle. Admiral Price targets the station as instructed.
"If all else fails you," she had said. "Strike at its heart."
*
Kimber fights back the waves of fear and grinds her teeth. The pain is unlike anything she has experienced before. They say childbirth is a miracle and right now, she'd like to punch those people in the mouth. Rydan is gone, her outfit is destroyed and she is utterly alone. For the briefest of moments, she considers this might have been her fate all along. The prophecy, their roles in everything, may have led them here. Perhaps Karen and Melanie were meant to face one another - light versus dark. That's the way it's supposed to go down, right? Yet who comes out the victor when everything is shades of gray? She is going to bear the child foretold who would grow to give back all the things the abominations took away. That's what that damn prophecy said, the one Melanie clung so desperately to. How many times can you read something before it becomes self-fulfilling? She wonders if maybe they were all abominations in some way. They had all taken, selfishly and vigorously. Maybe her baby would restore what had been lost along the way. But how does one give back all the lives that have been lost? So many had fallen because of them. Not just those she could name by memory. There are countless innocents, even now, who perish for the Persephonea Prophecy. Kimber clutches her stomach and rides out another contraction, this one much closer to the last, cursing Alexander Winton and his stupid games.
There is a hiss in the distance then footsteps, drawing closer.
Closer.
She inhales, suddenly terrified, and grabs the blaster lying beside her and trains it shakily on the door.
It dawns on her how ridiculous she must look.
Someone passes the room who doesn't appear to be a droid so she calls out.
"Wait!"
The footsteps stop then return.
It's a woman, dark hair, injured yet still remarkably stunning.
Mara would find the girl in the blood splattered pink designer dress lying on a table with a deceased Mandalorian warrior slumped beside it. While her sensors will recognize her face, the irony here is that Mara also shares a genetic link with Kimber Patten and had taken the life of Rydan's lover Scott St. Claire in her own struggle to free herself from her programming. And seeing that Kimber is delusional from the pain and Mara looks so much like the one she was modeled after, Kimber allows herself to believe her mind's lie only because she wants it so badly.
"Valerie..."
Mara blinks, moving closer, slowly.
"Valerie, help me."
-TBC
-
Centerpoint Station
Admiral Schrag was grimacing, watching as the fleet was bit by bit torn assunder. They were outnumbered so severely. How had the calculations been so wrong? Rumors were flying, reports coming in from the station. Droids.
He could barely believe it. How could Corellia be employing droids?
They couldn't even get close, couldn't even reach the station to attack it directly. Too much stood in the way.
And then, as if someone had flipped off a switch, two-thirds of the Corellian ships stopped firing entirely. Apparently, the droids onboard had shut down.
Then he saw it, the ISD-II Corporeal Quandary appearing out of hyperspace. But instead of joining the battle, suddenly turned in imperial favor, it headed for the station itself.
"Sir?"
"I see it. That's Darth Kyja's ship. It is not under my command. But prepare for an attack on the station itself"
"Sir - the station. It's firing again"
They watched as the satellite appeared, the glow increasing in brightness, and then boom, it flashed out, the energy lancing out into space. It went far - beyond the entire battle. And then, just as quickly it began to loop around.
As the Corporeal Quandary reached the center sphere of the massive station, the energy fired from the station itself, circled around and impacted on the rear engines.
Admiral Schrag watched - the front of the imperial star destroyer smashed into the station, just as the rear of it began to buckle under the weapon's influence. Then he knew.
"Order all imperials to evacuate, and pull every ship we have as far away from the station as possible."
"But sir, the attack - we cannot leave the station in place!"
"We won't have to. The station just destroyed itself. We just have to make sure we aren't around when it finishes the process"
The star destroyers that remained of the imperial fleet, every ship that could still move began turning around, turning to get as far away from Centerpoint as they could get.
And even as they did so, they saw what was beginning to happen. That central sphere slowly began to buckle, the last vestiges of the Corporeal Quandary disappearing into the huge space in the middle. A massive explosion erupted out of the breached walls. And then more of the station began to IMPLODE. They could see the energy source, the power that made Centerpoint so dangerous. Through the breach, they saw the orb of light, now growing larger as it was sucking in everything around it. Gravity at its most potent.
"Pull everything away, full engines. And let's pray for those that don't make it out in time"
==============================
Alexander Winton - the many version of him now activated - felt the impact of the ship. And then the crushing sounds of metal around him as he fought Dementat, who was doing remarkably well despite being outnumbered.
"You cannot beat me, Dementat"
"I already have Alex. You aren't escaping"
"If every body I have on Centerpoint is killed, I still have others, spread throughout the galaxy"
Dementat nodded
"I know, Alex. They've already been destroyed. All of them"
For the first time, Alexander Winton's face showed neither anger nor cleverness, nor ruthlessness. No. For the first time, in a very, very long time, he had an expression of fear.
Dementat stood up straight, deactivating his lightsaber and closing his eyes, letting the force permeate his body, the floors, walls, and ceiling around them buckling.
The explosion rocked through the corridor. Everything there was sucked into the energy beam. one screamed. one went peacefully. But both of the titans of the galaxy were gone.
TBC
-
***
Kimber Patten stares at her reflection in the finely polished lift doors. She wears the pink cupcake dress she made famous in the first Raga'Ana campaign with glittering round-toe heels and an impressive array of fine jewelry. Her auburn hair is kept in place by a pink headband and flips off the corners of her exposed shoulders. It's after nine on this summer night and she is running late. She is not worried, in fact, she does not have a care in the worlds. There are others to get things started. By now it should be in full swing. She smiles serenely at her reflection, the button nose and thin, shapely legs then steps off the lift and walks down a long, white corridor, stopping at the door with a cursive W hanging in the center. Seneca Cirque and Trace Denton stand guard on either side of the door and greet her warmly.
"Good evening, miss Patten."
She giggles sweetly,"Indeed it is."
Kimber steps inside where beyond the foyer a party rages on. Laughter and conversation drift from every direction to the backdrop of the latest ambient house. It's quite the diverse crowd tonight but that was always half the fun. She passes Carli Cole and Caprial Bronson catching up with Tenley Price. Maxi Marx smirks as she wanders by, yammering away into a com-link. Rydan Stratford and Scott St. Claire lean into one another in a corner, all whispers and smoldering feelings. Lux Linus stares thoughtfully at the expressionist work hanging on the walls. Doctor Felicia Kensington makes eyes at D'Arcy Saunders who dances in the arms of Billy St. James in the center of the living room. Nikoli Venko watches curiously from the sidelines, amused but cautious. Lucas Maxwell jokes around with Reef Stratford on the sectional while Skyler McNeal waves. Frank Farmer looks annoyed as Kent Carlson goes on and on about galactic headlines. Emperor Dementat is engaged in a rather intense Sabacc game with Landon Price, Doctor Ariq Osiris and Violet Wyndam with the stakes getting higher by the microsecond. Tanner Graves broods over Sin Serif and Elam Kenniick. Lena Fayr gets her groove on next to Alexia Winton who is showing her how it's done. The Corellian crew, Owin Vyse and Etienne Osgood, hang on Cecelia Vail's every word. Yon Reverand and Kel Morrison are locked in an ale-slamming contest while Governor Indew Strye tries not watch on in horror. Walt Voltaire nudges Rex Rheinholdt as they lewdly rate the quality females in the room. Mod Navris catches her as she passes, pulling her into a slow and passionate kiss before excusing himself to grab another round from the kitchen.
Kimber weaves through the crowd, waving and smiling and dancing along until she steps out onto the patio. The night is refreshingly cool and far below the crash of waves against Imperial Beach compliment the mood perfectly. Karen, Melanie and Valerie hold colorful drinks and beam as she moves closer. They all wear their signature gown of choice.
"Late much?" Valerie says, faux-sternly.
Karen nods, "We were waiting for you."
"Yes," Melanie says softly. "We were."
"You know me, always running a bit behind. I hope you saved me a drink."
"Just one?"
They laugh as Valerie hands her a glass.
"A toast?"
"Don't be so trite, Mel."
"It's a special occasion."
"You're a special occasion!"
"Oh, knock it off, you two."
"A toast might be nice. It's a lovely night."
"Well, what should we toast to?"
Kimber bites her lower lip and consider this, "Um, to...friendship?"
Valerie makes a face.
"Cheesy!"
Melanie nods.
"And dreadfully predictable. This needs something else. Something special."
"How about..." Karen says, raising her glass. "To never letting these moments pass? No one knows if it may be their last."
As this settles over the group, the bonds between them solidifies in the summer night air.
"To these moments," Valerie says without a touch of sarcasm.
"These moments."
"These moments."
"These moments."
As their four glasses touch, the sky turns from black to grey and from grey to a blinding white as a perfection that escaped them in life unites them in death. There are so few things in life that truly matter and of those, the most important are the people who share in the experiences. Those are the ones who can be counted on to never let you down, no matter what the cost. Through these adventures, on into the night, they face the unknown.
Together.
-Fin
I want to say a very special thank you to Medivh for allowing me into his world so that our stories could blend as they were told. What began as a simple diplomatic mission for a sim grew into a fantastical story that has really taken on a life of its own. It will not be the last. ;)
Cheers to you, Med.
XO
K-Lish: The E-Surance Girl