"If you must speak, do so now, as this is the last time you ever will."

I took in the environment before me. Large screens with my image floated around the perimeter of the circlular stage I and my executioner inhabited. This was no doubt broadcasting on every available channel in the Empire's HoloNet. It wasn't every day that a traitor, an indirect pupil of Darth Malgus the Usurper, surrendered with the knowledge of his impending death, which was to be given by she whom he taught, befriended, trusted, and loved. No, the Empire mustn't waste an opportunity to make an example for those who may try to follow in my footsteps.

But, this broadcast gave me an outlet, a podium on which to stand, that I could speak to those who wished for change within our Empire, as well as those who spat in the face of such a notion.

"I, Johok Ruukani," I began, my deep voice bellowing and Zabraki accent punctuating every consonant and prolonging every vowel, "Patriarch of the Ruukani Family-Clan, Student of Darth Malgus the Usurper, Dark Lord of the Sith, and Emperor's Wrath, kneel before you an undefeated man. With my last words I say this: By killing me, this Empire, riddled with betrayal and bigotry, will have sealed it's demise. For my voluntary surrender and my public execution, shall serve not as a piece of propaganda to install fear into others. Instead, it shall free me of these worldly bonds, and I shall become a martyr for a cause which will continue to press on, no matter how many must perish as I. To all bearing witness, and to all fighting for such a noble cause, may the Force be with you, and may the Divines smile upon you."

My only wish was that there had been an actual audience to my execution. I have found that bearing witness to an important event resonates more soundly when done so with one's own eyes. It was true when I witnessed my family's murder at the hands of a Republic soldier. It was true when I first gazed upon the woman who would be my lifemate. It was most true when I witnessed the births of my children. Nevertheless, I found foresight within the Force that this event would be pivotal to the direction the Empire would take.

I thought of this as my lifemate approached me. Though I sat awaiting my demise by her hand, I still admired the lovely Chiss woman. Her blue skin starkly contrasted the deep red of my own, and the black of the tattoos that covered nearly every inch of it. The Divines chose to take the contrasts and blend them together in our daughter and son, who were and still are awe-inspiringly beautiful.

I heard the hiss of her lightsaber as it ignited, the glowing purple casting a ghostly and complimentary glow on her skin and robes. Such a beautiful sight. I sighed contently as she stood in front of me, lightsaber poised to sever my head from my shoulders.

I could see shining streaks across the scars on her face. Tears dripped from her soft jawline. Her lower lip trembled. Through our bond I could sense her grief and sorrow. Through the same bond I emitted waves of soothing comfort and warm forgiveness.

"Do not waste your sorrow, love." I said nonverbally through our Force connection. "Use these feelings to fuel your blade."

"I shall, my darling. Forgive me." My lifemate replied.

"I already have."

A hiss. Intense heat. Millions of images and memories raced before my eyes, then blurred, eventually giving way to intense black, followed by blinding white.