The Sanctuary of Regret

Chapter Twenty-Six

Liatrix cut a dark silhouette before the star-filled viewport of the Gravestone as it cruised into the Coruscan sector. Home to four trade routes, and the hub of three systems, the sector swarmed with traffic every hour of the day and night except this one. For the first time in centuries, the sector had fallen as silent as the namesake of the ship passing through it.

On the worlds lining the outskirts of the sector, the bright surface stellations denoting thriving cities had gone dark. An invisible fog of terror rose into the atmosphere as entire cities emptied into the wilderness for shelter. Others had gone terribly and permanently silent.

Quinn glanced up from his station. "My lord, it appears Malcolm did heed your warning and has issued a system-wide evacuation order though, regrettably for some—it was too late."

Liatrix nodded but remained silent. She felt Scourge's glare boring into the back of her head from the rear of the bridge.

"I didn't think he'd be the sort to gamble with Republic lives. He's many things, but he isn't stupid. He cares about his people," Lana said.

"You're wrong," Liatrix said bitterly. "He'd use them if he could figure out a way to weaponize them."

"Forgive me, Commander—I only meant—"

Liatrix's glare silenced her and Lana's apology died in her throat.

Koth frowned. "Sure hope you've got a plan in mind, Outlander. Even with the Gravestone, taking on the entire Eternal Fleet is suicide."

"If you believe in destiny like you say you do, what happens to us is out of our hands anyway," Liatrix said in a clipped tone. "Scan for the Eternal Fleet. I need to know where they are."

"On it," Koth barked. "Looks like there's a concentration of ships over Coruscant."

"Their population numbers in the trillions," Lana gasped.

Quinn straightened. "And they haven't the luxury of a hinterland to retreat to. Modest estimates suggest casualties will be in the millions. Clearly, Vaylin means to send a message."

"I've got one of my own for her. Lay in a course."

"Course laid in Commander."

The Gravestone came about and kept a steady pace toward Coruscant. The last time Liatrix had passed through Coruscan space, she had been a fugitive, gravely injured and fleeing after murdering Supreme Chancellor Saresh—an act which cost her the man she loved and changed her life forever. She'd nearly lost her son then and his entire brief life had been defined by struggle thereafter.

The man who'd saved them stood at her back now—not as a pillar of support, but as an angry stranger who blamed her for his life's ruin. Once, he had claimed to understand her, but now, she was certain he didn't.

She had been a creature of instinct and impulse then, but now every instance was ruled by moves and countermoves like an elaborate game of dejarik. Where passion had ruled, strategy had taken its place and anger served as its most constant soldier.

"Strange how the past returns to haunt us during uncertain times," Scourge said softly over her shoulder as if he'd read her mind.

So absorbed by her thoughts, she flinched at his sudden proximity.

"Forgive me, I've startled you," he added. "That wasn't my intention."

"If you've come to apologize, you're wasting your time," she said, her tone icy.

"Seeing you again, alive and exactly as I remembered you—was unexpected. My initial reaction was regrettable."

"I was told you were killed when Arcann attacked Dromund Fels—I didn't believe it until I saw it for myself. He had me locked in carbonite for five years and in that time I lost everything. That you thought I'd given myself to him is an insult and I no longer forgive so easily."

"You're not the woman I knew. You're no more than a stranger wearing a familiar face."

"Then I trust you've done your grieving, just as I have. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

"I sense little in you but anger. You've given into the darkness," Scourge hissed. "Haven't you?"

"I've evolved out of necessity. I no longer live for your approval or anyone else's."

"I noticed you've insulated yourself with all of your past lovers. I see how the spy looks at you still."

"Past being the operative word. Your jealousy is irrelevant to me. I don't have time for it." She pushed past him and crossed the bridge. "Quinn, locate the Tangin Nebula and map a course between it and Coruscant."

"My lord, may I remind you that nebula is flanked by fields of micro black holes."

"But the nebula itself isn't."

"That's correct, my lord."

"Good. Once you have that course mapped, transfer it into the database and autopilot."

"Yes, my lord, at once."

The Gravestone continued through the sector, a lonely ship in a vast sea filled with stars and dread. In the distance, blue and silver auroras warned of the battle ahead.

"I've got Coruscant in sight. Vaylin's command ship and the Eternal Fleet are there. Looks like they're goin' at it hot an' heavy with the Republic—er…what's left of it anyway," Koth observed.

"Battle stations."

"I'll run the omnicanon," Koth offered.

"I need you where you are. I need precision. Scourge?"

His gaze narrowed and for a moment she thought he'd refuse. "Understood," he muttered and left for the gunnery.

Koth scowled. "Dunno what you need precision for. The idea's to blast them clean outta the sky isn't it?"

"Not this time," Liatrix replied. "At full power, we can only take out so many before it'll eat our hyperdrive. We need controlled bursts. We'll have to beat a hasty exit, once we're done."

"I sure hope you know what you're doing, Outlander."

Quinn glanced over at Liatrix and his lip crept up slightly at the corner. "Departure course saved and locked in."

"Excellent. Move in closer, but keep us out of Malcolm's range. I don't trust him."

"Awaiting your next order, my lord."

"Fire on the capital ship's communications and sensor relay. Then take random shots at the rest of their fleet, I don't want them realizing we're targeting those systems on purpose—let's make them think it was a lucky shot."

"Lord Scourge is firing—direct shot, my lord. That should prevent the fleet from communicating."

"Hit them again—this time take out Vaylin's ship's sensor array."

"You're going to blind them," Lana breathed.

"That's the idea."

"Another direct hit, my lord."

Koth rubbed the bristles on his chin. "How do you plan on getting 'em off the Republic fleet? Looks to me like they're pretty focused—that hammerhead's in serious trouble."

"Hit them again," Liatrix commanded.

"Success. They're firing on us, my lord."

"Shields up."

The blast rocked the Gravestone in a burst of silvery light.

Quinn ran a quick system's scan. "Minor hull damage. There is a small fire in the aft nacelle."

"Give us one controlled burst from the omnicannon. Target Vaylin's warp drive—a twenty-second burst ought to do it. Cripple her."

The Gravestone's durasteel jaws groaned as they opened to free the omnicannon. The weapon spat a volley of steely blue energy, the twenty-second barrage feeling more like an eternity.

"That got her attention. Vaylin's pullin' off the Republic ship—and not a second too soon either. Their shields are at three percent."

"Clearly their sensors are inoperational. I doubt Vaylin could've resisted destroying Malcolm's ship, had she known," Lana said.

"Will he be able to pursue us?"

"No, my lord," Quinn said.

"Good. We don't need him following us and ruining the surprise. Vent the aft nacelle, let her think she's done some damage."

"One injured bird coming right up," Koth barked.

Black smoke plumed from the nacelle and drifted over the aft quarter of the ship. Vaylin's ship moved to pursue.

"Quinn, take us back to the nebula."

"As you wish, my lord."

The Gravestone limped toward the Tangin Nebula. The shields flickered as Vaylin fired. "Keep us just out of range."

"It doesn't appear as though they intend to break off pursuit," Quinn said.

"Good. Have the autopilot take us inside the nebula now."

The Gravestone drifted into the depths of the thick orange and blue nebula. Liatrix held her breath. The bridge fell silent as they watched the pursuing fleet decide their course. Jags of lightning flashed before the viewport, touching the bridge with blinding white light.

"Is she following us in?"

"No, my lord. They're going around and increasing speed. My guess is they hope to flank us upon exit."

Liatrix leaned over the console, her gaze fixed on the instrument panels. "Monitor them—I want to see it."

"There is some interference, owing to the nebula, but we have visuals at seventy-five percent. Attempting to boost the signal to eighty percent," Lana said. "I'm afraid that's the best I can do."

"We have visuals," Koth announced and turned his attention to the massive screens flanking the viewport.

"Well done," Liatrix murmured.

Every set of eyes on the bridge settled on the bright green images. The Eternal Fleet darted forward in their peculiar geometric formation along the exterior reaches of the nebula. One by one the ships stretched and grew before rubber banding back to their normal shape and winking out. The monitor blinked as rapidly as a strobe light in a cantina.

Koth whooped. "I don't believe it. They're dropping like flies. Will ya look at that! It's like they're being sucked through a cheese grater."

"Vaylin's flagship has entered the micro black hole field," Quinn announced. "The Eternal Fleet has lost sixty-three percent of their ships. This is a stunning victory, my lord. I must commend you—using the fields to our advantage—nothing short of brilliant."

"Vaylin was foolish to bring the fight here," Lana said. "Clearly she's unfamiliar with the battleground."

Liatrix studied the readouts and frowned. "It's not over yet. Vaylin's ship—is she taking much damage?"

"Minimal—though her shields are nearly depleted. The remainder of the fleet is altering course. They're coming into the nebula, my lord."

"So is Vaylin," Lana snapped.

Liatrix's saber hand opened and closed. "I doubt they'll be going after any more worlds, assuming they survive."

"We've accomplished a great deal, however, we remain considerably outnumbered. I recommend we leave at once," Quinn suggested.

"Agreed, take us home."

"They're firing on us," Koth bellowed.

"Full power to aft shields. Disengage autopilot and engage hyperspeed."

The ship lurched and bobbed. Scourge returned to his station, his gaze steely as it moved over the bridge crew.

"Here we go! Hang on everyone!" Koth announced.

The Gravestone zoomed free of the nebula, the stars melting past as they shot out of the system.

Theron took a sip of his caf as he replayed the security cam footage of the war room. His attention fixed on Senya and the moment she chose to ignite Arcann's lightsaber. His brows puckered and he set his caf aside. "Dammit."

"What's the matter?" Jonas rolled his chair over from his station.

"This," he said, swiveling his monitor to give Jonas a better view. "She wasn't moving in to attack. Watch. She ignites the weapon, but look at her expression—that's grief, not a prelude to an attack."

Jonas sighed. "Liatrix had her back to her. I can see how she would've come to that conclusion. I could've sworn Senya was looking to strike."

"Really? Or did Darmas's opinion influence yours?"

"Look—it happened so fast. It's a mistake anyone of us could've made."

"Except she would've sensed Senya's intentions."

"It's not like either of us can rely on the Force. We've got eyes, ears, and our gut. That's all. How many times have we shot first in a situation? Plenty. Not like this is gonna bring Senya back or change anything."

Theron ran his hand over his face and slumped in his chair. "S'pose you're right. Guess I needed to be sure."

"Did you manage to pull anything from Scorpio's data banks?"

"Got some schematics and a star map to a place called Iokath. Seems whatever we need, we might find there. Apparently, it's an abandoned arms factory. There's a lot here. I've been working at it for months, but there's quite a bit I need to verify and get checked out."

"Better than a poke in the eye with the business end of a lightsaber," Jonas quipped.

"That's not even a little bit funny right now. You did catch what she said to Lana before, right?"

"Yeah. Looks like we're in for a few changes."

"I know she's your wife, but I gotta be honest here. Lana wasn't the best choice for Intelligence. Marr should've promoted Cipher 9."

Jonas shrugged. "But she's not here is she?"

"Maybe it's time we tracked her down."

"Good luck with that. If I was her, I wouldn't wanna be found." Jonas patted down his jacket for a cigar but remembered he had none. "If she's smart, she'll stay on whatever beach she's on with that creepy guy she's with."

"Vector was all right," Theron smirked. "For an Imp."

"Can't trust a diplomat. They'll say anything—even their death threats come wrapped in a bow."

"You're not wrong."

"If Frosty gets canned—who d'you suppose will head up Intelligence? You?"

"Dunno—but I know this much. I've got enough on my plate, so, no thanks." Theron held up his hands as if pushing the idea well away.

"Guess we're putting the thrusters before the pod." Jonas glanced up. "Hey—they're back and it looks like everyone's in more or less one piece. Scourge looks pissed."

"When doesn't he?"

Jonas smirked. "Is it me, or does Koth look like he's up to something?"

"You know him better than I do."

"Seemed like a stand-up guy on Denon, but I dunno, there's something about him. I don't think he's happy."

"Keep an eye on him." Theron scowled as Darmas sauntered into the war room. "Hell, keep an eye on him too."

"Sounds like a plan," Jonas agreed. "He might be my old man, but I trust him about as much as a lit fuse in a gas mine."

Theron peered past Jonas and kept his attention fixed on the entrance. Liatrix straggled behind the others and kept her distance.

"Has there been any change in Nox's condition?" Liatrix asked.

"No, not yet—still comatose. Doc and Captain Revel are with her," Theron replied. "Did you manage to stop Vaylin and her fleet?"

"For now. Quinn, kindly bring everyone up to speed."

"Of course, my lord." He clasped his hands behind his back and waited until the room fell silent. "The Core worlds are reeling. Preliminary guesstimates place the death toll in the trillions, damages at current are incalculable.

"However, we managed to inflict serious damage on Vaylin's flagship and we've reduced the Eternal Fleet's presence by sixty-three percent. Clearly, Vaylin made a grave mistake in bringing the battle to the core worlds. The Commander successfully used the micro black hole fields adjacent to the Tangin Nebula. Though we remain significantly outnumbered, our odds of victory have been substantially increased. Arcann is dead and the Eternal Empire wounded. We must not let up. We must continue our assault—were you able to learn anything further in regards to the omnicannon, Agent Shan?"

"Yeah, pulled up a place called Iokath—it has resource potential. Gonna check it out. What about the Republic? Did Malcolm interfere?"

Quinn shook his head. "We never gave him the chance—but what remains of their fleet survived Vaylin's attack. Had we not arrived when we did, I dare say the Supreme Commander would have met his end."

Theron bowed his head and shut his eyes.

Once Liatrix was certain Quinn had the debriefing well in hand, she slipped out and quickened her pace, eager to leave the war room behind. She felt Scourge's gaze on her back but left it behind with the others. With barely an upward glance she arrived at her quarters and locked the door behind her.

She sat at her dressing table and stared vacantly at the monster reflected back at her. She blinked and the image reverted to her own reflection. Shadows flitted from corner to corner like disembodied spirits and for a moment it appeared Arcann slept in her bed. She shuddered and he vanished as quickly as he appeared.

She folded her arms over the table and rested her chin on them, her mother's portrait the last thing she saw before succumbing to fatigue.

((to be continued…))