The Sanctuary of Regret

Chapter Four

Liatrix lingered on the cusp between awareness and slumber. Quinn and Jonas argued nearby. She was tempted to dismiss them in favour of sleep until the unwelcome realization came, that with dreams, Valkorion would return. Her body jolted involuntarily to keep from drifting off.

"I'm needed here," Jonas spat. "I know her and she deserves to see a friendly face when she comes to not some stiff legged Imp with the bedside manner of a unark."

"Did you just compare me to an acid spitting worm?"

"If the uniform fits…"

Quinn tugged his jacket down imperiously. "I have the situation well in hand. I suggest you return to the bridge where you might actually serve a purpose."

Liatrix groaned and screwed up her face in annoyance at the harsh voices.

"Hey, she's waking up."

"I'm not surprised, given your inability to keep your voice down," Quinn snapped.

Jonas's fingers twined with hers. "I'm right here, sweetheart. You're safe."

"You're really here. I didn't dream all that?"

"No. You're not dreaming, I promise." He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

"Now that Darth Incarnal has regained consciousness to a friendly face I recommend you return to the bridge. The ship has sustained heavy damage and we may yet need to make an emergency landing."

"Don't you think I know that, Major Pain?"

"How very sophomoric of you, agent, resorting to name calling." Quinn scowled and turned away to recalibrate his medi-sensor. "We all have responsibilities here. Even you."

"Jonas…it's okay. Lana and Koth could probably use a hand. We'll talk later, okay?" Liatrix murmured.

"A'right, you got it. It's a date."

"I'm glad you're here," she said, giving his hand a squeeze.

"Yeah, me too," Balkar whispered and shot an icy glare at Quinn before leaving.

Quinn glanced over his shoulder and when Jonas was gone he returned to his patient. "Darth Incarnal, forgive my haste, but given the situation, it's imperative I work quickly."

"Of course, Major. Whatever you need me to do, just ask."

"I appreciate that, my lord."

Liatrix held her breath and stared at the ceiling as he performed his scans and applied kolto to the entry and exit wound on her shoulder.

"This may sting. I regret I have no numbing agent on board—our possession of this craft was somewhat improvised. The original shuttle we arrived in, was destroyed prior to your rescue."

"I thought I heard Koth say something about owing him a ship. I wondered."

"Take this for the pain," Quinn said, pressing a lozenge into her hand. "I regret the dosage is on the low side, but any more and you may fall unconscious again. I think we can both agree that would be dangerous, given the circumstances."

Liatrix nodded and her lower lip quivered. The ceiling blurred and she turned her face away from Quinn.

"My lord—did I cause you some discomfort? My apologies—I didn't mean—"

"You didn't. It's just—I can't believe it," she began, her voice growing small and choked. "Five years gone…five years," she dabbed at her eyes. "My children—I don't know if they're safe or where they are—they won't remember me…they probably think I abandoned them. Oh, Major. I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm burdening you with this. I hardly know you."

"It's perfectly understandable." Quinn produced a kerchief from inside his breast pocket. "Take this, my lord. Are you able to sit up?"

"Yes—thanks." She took the kerchief and sat up with his help. "No one will say anything. Whenever I ask about my family, Lana sloughs me off. I have a bad feeling…please, Major. If you know anything, tell me."

"It's not my place."

"Then you do know something." She turned to face him. "I'm begging you."

Quinn's eyes met hers and after a moment's hesitation, he nodded. "Very well," he began reluctantly. "You have a right to the truth. After the news of Darth Marr's death, Darth Acina declared herself Empress and took it upon herself to raid the strongholds of other prominent Sith on Dromund Kaas.

"We were using Cresh Base to strategize but were forced to evacuate when Acina invaded. The children were in the care of your droid, HK-51 and an artificial intelligence known as Scorpio—a crew member of a cipher agent we were working with at the time. They took charge of the children and escaped, as did we. We were to rendezvous on Rishi, but shortly after our escape, we learned this Scorpio was in league with another agent—known as Cipher One. He was—a traitor to the Empire—and all that remained of an organization known as the Star Cabal."

Liatrix searched Quinn's expression for some kernel of insight and sensed his trepidation and that he was hiding something. His gaze flitted to the medical device in his hand.

"Where are my children, Major?"

He straightened stoically and met her gaze. "My lord, it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you, Scorpio—acting on Cipher One's orders—murdered the children and destroyed the HK unit. My crew and I, Lana Beniko and Agent Balkar—we searched for months, exhaustively, hoping to learn we were mistaken, but we found no indication otherwise. I'm sorry, my lord."

Liatrix paled. She stared blankly at the wall before her. "My children are dead?"

Quinn nodded and remained silent.

She thought on Deston first—her little bean as she liked to call him and then stern-eyed Sephna dressed in her frilly outfits. A sob caught in her throat. Her saber hand flexed, choking the kerchief in her hand. "Did you ever find this Scorpio?"

"No, my lord, but Lana did execute Cipher One."

"And what of Acina?"

"Acina is dead as well, but the circumstances surrounding her death are uncertain. We believe Lord Scourge may have been responsible in some way. She fell to her death from the top floor of her residence."

"Scourge? Why wasn't he with the children?"

"He was found unresponsive in the wreckage field after the battle with the Eternal Fleet—Darth Marr's physicians and staff had been treating him—until Acina came. She took him—and it is our understanding that he was revived whilst in her care. He recovered and left Dromund Kaas, but not before liberating most of the slaves there."

"Does he know about our children?"

"I don't know for certain, my lord. I suspect that he does. Our last intelligence placed him on Dromund Fels—he'd started a colony with the slaves he freed."

A spark of mad hope lit her eyes. She hopped off the examination table and started for the bridge. "Then that's where we have to go. I have to see him. I have to tell Lana to set a course."

"My lord—that's not possible."

She froze. "Why? Why not?" Her voice quavered.

Quinn's gaze fixed on the floor between them.

"Why—isn't—it—possible, Major?"

Quinn shook his head slowly, trying to find and assemble the words.

"Tell me!" Liatrix shrieked.

"Emperor Arcann and the Eternal fleet destroyed the colony five months ago. There were no survivors."

"No—no I can't—I don't believe—not Scourge. He's immortal!" Liatrix shook her head.

"No one could have survived an aerial bombardment of that magnitude—the settlement was reduced to a crater. There were no survivors. I'm sorry, my lord."

They stood together in awkward silence for what seemed like millennia. She fidgeted with the kerchief Quinn had given her until she had it folded down to a small square.

"Major?"

"Yes, my lord?"

"I'm sorry—for putting you through this and for yelling at you—you didn't deserve that. I'm sorry." She sniffed and dabbed at her eyes until they burned and felt like they were full of hot sand.

"No apologies are necessary, my lord."

"It is necessary. I know you were disappointed. You didn't come looking for me—you were looking for your wife, the let down must've been unbearable."

Quinn averted his eyes. "You heard that," he said, his tone both anguished and surprised. "Forgive me, my lord. It was a temporary lapse. I don't often give in to emotional outbursts. Please be assured, that I'm quite gratified that we found you. The Empire needs you."

"You don't have to say that. In fact, I'd rather you didn't. I know it's a polite lie." Liatrix unfolded the kerchief and pressed it against her cheeks until it was soaked through. "How long has she been missing—your wife?"

Quinn cleared his throat and scanned her again, diligently inputting the readings into his datapad. "It's been just over five years—she was part of the convoy accompanying you and Darth Marr."

"I'm sorry. I doubt this will be very reassuring, but there were no other prisoners taken besides my father and me. I thought you should know that. How did you two get separated?"

"She ordered me to take our crew back to Dromund Kaas. She was a gifted fighter pilot and remained as part of the squadron that engaged the Eternal Fleet."

"She must have fought alongside Lord Scourge—my husband."

Quinn nodded. "I shouldn't have left her."

"None of us could've predicted what would happen. War is a sanctuary of regret. Did your people analyze the wreckage field?"

"Yes, and they were quite thorough, but there was no sign of her—no biological readings, nor any signatures matching her craft—it's as though she vanished without a trace."

"Major…if we get through this, I'll do everything in my power to help you find her."

"I appreciate that. Thank you, my lord—"

The shuttle shuddered and banked hard to the left, then the right and shuddered again. Smoke seeped into the med bay and the supplies toppled from their shelves and instruments skittered across the floor. Flames ripped across the tiny bay, blackening the walls.

Quinn pulled the extinguisher from its bracket and aimed the nozzle at the fire. A blast of soapy smelling foam coated the burning partitions.

Liatrix raced to the com. "Maybe I can vent this smoke—"

"Brace for impact! We're goin' down!" Koth's voice crackled over the ship-wide intercom.

The shuttle dove and buffeted against the rugged terrain of Zakuul's outskirts. Liatrix and Quinn were thrown off their feet and slammed against the far side of the med bay. The fire extinguisher tumbled across the floor.

A grimy green tinged wake splashed over the sides of the vessel as they careened to a stop. Rags of moss curtained the viewports and water seeped into the vessel. The interior lights flickered and the damaged systems hissed and popped.

Quinn pulled himself to a stand and crossed the med bay at a half crouch to avoid the live wires spitting sparks above him. "My lord…"

Jonas threw himself into the med bay's doorway. "You all right?"

Liatrix nodded and scrambled to her feet. "Yeah…Major Quinn, are you okay?"

"It appears we've weathered the worst of it—what of the bridge crew?"

"Lana and Koth are fine. We gotta go." Jonas jabbed his thumb back at the doorway. "We're taking on water. Grab whatever we can use and let's get the hell outta here."

The ship lurched to one side as everyone on board deplaned. They carried the supplies over their heads and trudged through the waist deep water to the bank. The bog stunk of loam and rotten leaves and no sooner had they reached land, the swamp pulled the ship down with a loud sucking sound until only the posterior fin remained above water.

"Looks like you owe me another ship," Koth announced.

Lana dropped the tool kit and spare coils into a heap at her feet. "You stole that one—I don't think it counts."

"Keep it down—we don't know what's out there," Liatrix hissed.

Jonas dropped his duffel and the weapons he'd snagged. "She's right. We're gonna be stuck here until we can repair the shuttle—if we can repair it. We're going to need clean water…maybe get a fire going to dry out."

"This bog is a graveyard for all kinds of wrecks—we might be able to scavenge some parts. We're gonna need to split up into teams," Koth said.

"HK, do your sensors show anything we should be worried about?" Liatrix asked.

"Confirmation, master. I've detected a large technological construct due south, but I detect no power fluctuations or energy readings from the device. Observation: there are dense concentrations of wildlife throughout the swamp."

"Noted." Lana paced. "Koth is right, we need to split up. Liatrix and I will see to finding potable water. Koth—you and Jonas investigate this construct, perhaps you can find something to get us out of this predicament. Quinn, if you could see to our base camp and monitor communications, I've little doubt we'll have company soon. Advance warning would be useful."

"As good as done, my lord."

"HK—I want you to patrol the area, keep any curious wildlife at bay."

"Affirmation: locked and loaded."

Koth checked his weapon and stocked his bandolier with spare ammo cartridges. "C'mon."

Jonas frowned and ran his hand over the stubble darkening his jaw. His attention fixed on Liatrix and Lana. "I don't think it's wise for you two to go off alone."

"Don't concern yourself." Lana hefted her duffel over her shoulder. "We'll be fine."

"Brrrrr," Koth mocked, casting a smirk in Jonas's direction.

"Shut up," Jonas muttered and waded after him.

Liatrix and Lana trudged across the swamp in near silence for over half an hour. "Perhaps I can tap into one of the water lines feeding the city—it appears they run through here," Lana said.

"Fine, but we need to talk. We might not get another chance."

"I have to admit I've been dreading it," Lana paused before an abandoned pumping station.

"Scourge and my children are dead."

Lana's pale brows furrowed deeply. "How? Quinn—did he tell you?"

"I didn't give him much of a choice and he agreed that I had a right to the truth."

"Then you know the worst of it. I'm sorry, we did everything we could."

"He told me."

Lana wiped the muck from the control panel with her sleeve. "I wish there was something I could say that would…make things easier."

"There isn't." Liatrix averted her eyes and assembled the portable filter.

"What happened after the Erinyes was destroyed?"

"Valkorion was the Sith Emperor. My father and I both sensed it the moment we saw him."

"Yes, and when you struck him down, a powerful wave ripped through the Force. Which brings me to what I wanted to ask you—you seem different—is there anything I should know?"

"No."

Lana's lips pressed into a thin line and her eyes narrowed. "Not long after we sensed the Emperor's passing, Arcann made a broadcast, stating that an Outlander had assassinated his father, the Immortal Emperor. Then the bombardment of the core worlds began and within three months both the Republic and the Empire had been subjugated by the Eternal Empire. We didn't stand a chance against their fleet—they attacked both sides at once. Then they moved against the Hutts and the outer rim."

Liatrix tossed the spanner into the duffel. "And then treaties were made…"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"It seemed like the logical next step, given our defeat."

"I sense you're hiding something, you haven't been entirely forthcoming."

Liatrix turned away, hefting the canteens over her shoulders. "We got what we came for, we should head back. Sun's going down."

Lana grabbed her wrist. "Damn you! Don't walk away from me—I can't help if I don't know what's going on with you. You're holding out on me."

"Let go!" Liatrix wrested her arm free. "There's nothing anyone can do for me."

"The Empire needs you."

"What makes you think I give a damn? I gave my life for the Republic and for the Empire and what did it get me? Everyone that matters to me is dead."

"Not everyone."

Liatrix watched her warily but refused to betray herself by asking.

"You're grieving and angry and tired—it's understandable," Lana said, blocking Liatrix's path. "But you're our last hope—and you're too much like your father to abandon the well-being of the entire galaxy. What would he say about all of this?"

"It's not as if I can ask him. You're going to have to do better than that," Liatrix snapped.

"I can see you're troubled—I sense your anger toward your father and I don't understand it. I thought you two were close. I want to help you. Just tell me what happened—all of it."

"Arcann betrayed me—and I was put into carbon freeze for my trouble."

Lana cocked her head. "What do you mean by betrayed? You weren't in league with him, were you? Is that your secret? Is that why you're angry with your father?"

"It's none of your damn business why I'm angry."

"Secretive as ever," Lana spat. "Don't you see? I'm trying to be a friend to you, an ally—I'm an advisor, let me help."

"You want to help? Then keep your nose out of it. There's no big mystery here, Arcann wanted the throne for himself—and I gave it to him."

"You gave that monster the throne. Why?"

"I'd think the reason would be obvious—it meant I'd be able to avenge my father."

"There's more to it. You're leaving something out," Lana hissed.

"Why is it you always suspect there's something more?

"Because with you there always is."

"Arcann freed me and I killed his father—it would've been a fair deal."

Lana's eyes widened. "Why did Arcann go back on his word? If he wanted to blame his father's death on you, why not execute you for it? Why did he only carbon freeze you? Tell me—"

"Only? I lost five years of my life for a start."

"Better than all of them."

"You'd think."

The swamp shimmered as though a mirage had descended over it and time slowed enough that Lana seemed a mannequin.

Valkorion's spirit emerged from the petrified tree trunk jutting out of the swamp. He chuckled and clasped his hands behind his back as he closed the distance between them.

He eyed Lana and smirked. "Persistent, your friend."

"She's not my friend."

"Friend or not, she asks some rather pointed questions and I must admit, I'm curious," Valkorion said, hissing the last syllable like a serpent.

"You're inside my head. You know why."

"Do I?" Valkorion purred.

"I'm not in the mood for your games. Leave me alone."

"As you wish, but the truth has a way of presenting itself at the most inopportune moments."

Valkorion vanished and Lana regained her awareness of the present. "What was that? I sensed—"

"I don't know," Liatrix cut in. "What I do know is we don't have time for this. They're going to wonder where we are."

Lana narrowed her eyes. "You and Arcann…you work fast, don't you?"

"I don't know what you're getting at, but I've never believed in wasting time, and that's exactly what we're doing right now. Skytroopers could be combing the swamps as we speak."

"You're impossible," Lana growled.

"Maybe you need to see how it feels to be raked over the embers. Tell me about the ring."

"Tell me why Arcann froze you."

"So that's how you want to play it." Liatrix trudged on ahead. Lana's com chimed and she paused to answer. "Koth, what is it?"

"You two need to hot foot it over to our coordinates. You're not gonna believe what we stumbled across, Lana. Maybe now, you'll believe in destiny. This changes everything."

"Unlikely. The only thing I'm interested in changing right now is my location and the company I'm keeping," Lana muttered, dropping her voice.

"Feeling's mutual," Liatrix barked.

"Look, just get here. This is big. Koth out."

"What are we waiting for?" Liatrix taunted. "Let's go see what your boyfriend has to say."

"You have no idea how wrong you are."

"Until you tell me different…Lady Vortena."

"Fine. You really wish to know? I'm married."

"I thought I sensed something between you."

Lana stopped. "Not to Koth. I'm married to Jonas."

Liatrix turned away, her brows pursing as she lowered her gaze. "When did that happen?"

"Oh, just shy of four years ago—on Rishi. After all, we'd been through, we decided we needed something good to happen for a change. I hope you can be happy for us."

"I'd give almost anything if I could remember how."

"I know you two were close once, I didn't want it to come out like this, because of everything you've been through."

"Jonas and I were over a long time ago. In fact, we barely were. I'm glad you're happy." She forced a smile and trudged on ahead the smile fading as she gained distance from Lana.

The sun had plunged below the horizon over an hour ago and Zakuul's three moons took its place in the sky. The swamp came alive with the chitter of ginx and iknayids. Wingmaw eyes flashed in the brush as they snarled at each other.

"Looks like this is it," Lana announced as they arrived at Koth's coordinates.

HK-55 emerged from the shadows of the durasteel behemoth, his blaster rifle nestled across his arms like a child. "Masters, you've returned safely. Statement: Your delay was worrying."

Koth, Jonas, and Quinn emerged from the belly of the ugly craft.

"Quinn was good enough to relocate the camp here," Koth announced. "And we've got a few extra pairs of hands to help us out in return for a ticket outta here."

Six exiles, four men, and two women carried supplies into the ship.

"What is this? I thought you said it would change everything," Lana muttered as she walked the perimeter of the ship, her lip furling.

Koth beamed. "Show a little respect—this here's the Gravestone. The only ship to have ever gone up against the Eternal Fleet and won. She's been here this whole time ever since she disappeared centuries ago. This is fate, Lana, I'm tellin' ya and with the help of our new friends, I think we've got just about everything we need to get her running."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Quinn muttered.

"Don't be such a wet bantha, it'll work," Jonas said.

Liatrix rubbed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. "We have a lot to do and little time to do it in. We should get started."

"It worries me that things are coming together a little too easily," Lana said.

"Let's just get this done," Liatrix said in a low voice. She squeezed her eyes shut and then opened them again.

Quinn tapped at his scanner. "My lord, are you unwell?"

"I'm fine. Just a long day, that's all." Her gaze followed the exiles. "Are you sure we can trust them?"

"Yeah they want to get away from Arcann about as bad as we do," Koth said, butting between Quinn and Liatrix to retrieve his toolkit.

"I hope you're right," Liatrix warned. "I don't have the energy to argue. I suppose anything to get us out of here faster."

"Why don't you take a load off—we've got more than enough help now," Jonas offered.

"I can't sit around while everyone else is working. You of all people should know that—but thanks."

"That's the spirit. There are some fuse panels that need repair. If you take care of that, I can start on the engines," Koth suggested, handing her a pair of goggles and a fusing pen.

Liatrix nodded and disappeared inside the Gravestone.

"I think I should check on her, maybe give her a hand," Jonas said.

Lana clasped his forearm. "No. Leave her be—she needs time alone to process everything and I need help with the fuel cells."

Jonas looked down at her. "I'll only be a minute."

Lana frowned as she watched him retreat into the dark underbelly of the Gravestone.

((to be continued…))