Title: Ashes of Our Fathers
Author: Ticklesivory
Summary: This story is complicated and I can't really summarize the plot without giving too much away. Let's just say - we're starting off in Coruscant and Sheev Palpatine is up to his usual antics.
Warnings: Just the regular stuff. We'll be heading to the Lower Levels of Coruscant later on, so there may be some foul language ahead. And probably some spicy sex stuff. Yea…definitely some of that!
Disclaimer: Is this really necessary any more? I'm paid with reader reviews. That's all. Promise!
Rating: T+
Timeline: Mid to late AOTC time, but I'll be messing with the events and timeline of AOTC and ROTS, so don't freak out. It's intentional.
"Aw, do you have to leave so early? I thought maybe we could fool around a little bit more."
The sun was just beginning to rise over the city and performed a spectacular light show as it struck and cast starburst patterns off the tall towers outside the window. It was a lovely sight and always brought him a sense of peace. The tone of the voice behind him, however, was enough to really irritate the hell out of him. Especially this early in the morning. She was a good enough looking girl, but she really got on his nerves sometimes. He was thinking he really should cut her loose and contact someone else whenever he felt lonely again.
"I've got to meet with my father," the young man gruffly spoke to the woman sprawled naked behind him. He couldn't actually see the pout of her mouth, but he imagined there was one. "I told you that already!" He nearly shouted out in aggravation as he raked his hands across his scalp. This was one of the reasons he didn't want to be in a relationship! He didn't like explaining to anyone when and where he was going or when he'd be back.
"Don't get angry honey," the young woman crooned. "Let me do that."
He could feel her fingernails gently pull the tangles out of his long hair before she began plaiting it. Thankfully, she was silent as she did so.
"There you go." She patted the braid which lay long against his back. He really should consider getting it trimmed. It was almost at his waist.
Slight guilt edged into the young man's reasoning due to her kindness, and he twisted round to offer her a small smile. "Listen, Tallia. Maybe we can get together sometime after my next mission. I'll contact you later."
"I'm looking forward to it it," she purred, applying her full pursed lips to his own.
He kissed her back but not with much effort. The large amount of cosmetics she had applied to her eyes and mouth the night before had somehow displaced itself during sleep, and her short, blue hair was pointing every direction. She looked absolutely horrid in the morning light.
"Bye." He blurted out, rising quickly from her bed and exiting her apartment. It was nearly 0700 hours and his father had requested his appearance an hour ago. Not one to be kept waiting, Sheev Palpatine had a habit of allowing his temper to get the best of him. But as far as his son was concerned, he seemed able to control himself.
As soon as the young man entered the throne room, his father stood up and greeted him with a kiss to the younger man's bearded cheek.
"Benan, my boy! I'm pleased to see you, although I wish you would've come to me last evening as I requested."
"I was too hung over," Benan honestly replied as they began to stroll through the grand room.
"So, the reports from the outpost on Ord Mantell were correct," the older man spoke while his blue eyes stared out the windows onto the rooftops of Galactic City.
Benan glanced about him. As usual, a few members of the Royal Guard were posted in their normal stations, but nothing to be concerned about. He felt free to speak although he kept his voice low. It was always a good idea to be careful. You never knew who you could trust. His father had taught him that.
"There were remnants of a rebellion there as you suspected," he explained. "A group who called themselves The Shadow Collective. Just a few hundred or so left. They weren't equipped well enough though to put up much of a fight."
"Did you take care of them?"
"Yes, sir. I rounded them up and sent them Dathomir as usual."
"Good," his father chuckled. "I can always count on you Benan. You're a good lad."
As the Emperor spoke, Benan began wondering. In the past few years, he had sent thousands to the prison camps on Dathomir. Surely, they would be running out of room by now. Perhaps he needed to look into that. He should surprise his father; maybe find another planet suitable to house those who oppose their regime and are taken into custody.
"Were there any Jedi?" His father asked next, and Benan couldn't help but notice once again that every time the man spoke the word, it said it with such venom. Rightfully so. The Jedi had caused them nothing but grief for over a generation.
"Not that I'm aware of," Benan assured him. "I mean, there were rumors, but nothing worth pursuing."
"Very well," his father grinned at him. The smile wasn't exactly an expression of pride, or pleasure. It was difficult to define. He hated to think it, but sometimes the face his father wore was almost…malicious.
As soon as the thought entered Benan's mind, so did a spike of pain. It began at the base of his skull and shot straight up to the top of his head. This time, it was strong and caused him to grimace.
"Headache, my boy?" The emperor asked, taking the young man's arm sympathetically and ushering him to a seat. "Perhaps you should see a physician."
"No, I'm all right. Probably just too much alcohol. I just need some more sleep." There was no doubting that. Tallia may be hard on the eyes and her voice could stop a charging Bantha, but she was energetic in the bedroom and kept him on his toes. Literally.
"I insist. But before you go, I need you to do something for me."
"Of course." Benan replied, rubbing his temple as the pain began to subside.
"I've been told of some disturbances in the Lower Levels. Some mild skirmishes amongst the rabble, I thought perhaps you could look into. We are all about keeping the peace across the galaxy, it would be a shame if we couldn't do so in our own home."
'Skirmishes' was likely an understatement. Benan had heard stories about the Lower Levels himself but had never had cause to go there. There was a first time for everything.
"How far down?" He asked.
"About Level 487 I've been told. I'll send some of my personal guards with you."
His Father was about to call forth two men standing by, each covered with red plasteel armor, their faces concealed by helmets, and both holding a force pike. It seemed like overkill to Benan.
"That's all right. I think I can handle a small skirmish," he promised as he rose to take his leave.
"Benan," the emperor called out. "Wear your full armor. I want you to make your presence known, if only to scare some sense into these people."
"Yes, sir." Benan agreed, bowing slightly out of respect before leaving.
His father smiled proudly as he watched the young man go. The smile waned however, as soon as Benan was out of sight.
One of the royal guards stepped up to the emperor's side automatically.
"Follow him, but don't let him see you," the older man growled.
The red-robed soldier bowed curtly and did as he was told.