VE: Vogue Empire

[Medivh]

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

[Syren]

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

[Medivh]

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."

[Syren]

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

[Syren]

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.”

Agent Cirque frowns sharply.

Melanie turns, “What is it, Kimber?”

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.”

“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….”

Melanie narrows her eyes, “How much photage?”

“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.”

“Before or after you saw Alexander Winton?”

“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.”

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.”

Kimber shakes her head, “It’s not just her proximity to the Queen Mother.”

“Then what is it?”

“Valina Erins is the only one on Hapes who knows where Rydan and I went.”

Melanie gasps, “She knows you are on Arbra?”

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.”

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.”

Agent Cirque finishes the thought.

“If they managed to grab the Counselor, it’s a good bet the Empire knows we’re here.”

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.”

“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?”

“Yes.”

“Then we can take no chances.”

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.”

Kimber squeaks, “Where will we go?”

“There are few places of safety that extend beyond the Empire’s reach.”

“I know,” Melanie says. “But I think I know someone who can help.”


-TBC

[Medivh]

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

[Syren]

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

[Medivh]

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

[Syren]

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

[Syren]

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.



"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

[Medivh]

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

[Syren]

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

[Medivh]

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

[Syren]

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.”

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.”

“Safe is such a relative term. I’m not sure any of us have ever really been safe.”

“We are alive now. Isn’t that what matters most?”

She smiles, adjusting the giant black sunglasses on her face.

“I suppose it does.”

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

[Medivh]

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