VE: Vogue Empire

[Syren]

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

[Medivh]

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

[Syren]

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

[Syren]

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

[Medivh]

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

[Syren]

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

[Syren]

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

[Syren]

"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

[Medivh]

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

[Syren]

"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

[Syren]

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

[Syren]

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

[Syren]

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

[Medivh]

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

[Syren]

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