The speeder ride took him back to the civilization and shaking off most of the sand, the man started to walk towards the spaceport. To his surprise, Republic and Empire mixed patrols were everywhere and he rushed to one of the republic guards.
"What is going on here? Are you going to just stand there and let those imperials walk around like this?"
"Whoa, old man…From under what rock have you crawled out? It's been peace for almost a year now…" answered the guard, looking at him curiously, surprised that there was anyone not knowing yet.
"Peace…You mean we don't fight the Empire anymore?"
"No…Where have you been?"
"Dune Sea…For years…" he whispered, and walked away from the guard and into the spaceport, looking around him, curious. Maybe I am not ready for this…I have not been around civilized people in years. I should probably get up to date with the events and relearn how to control my emotions…The Jedi would sense me right away…he thought while walking by a group of Jedi that looked at him right away, making him hide his face under the hood of his long robe.
He went and looked at the next transport out, and the destination was Coruscant. In only a couple of seconds, he decided to take it and allow himself some time to acclimate to the new world around him. Aware that he might stir up some trouble, he quickly paid for a private cabin and rushed to the hangar. The transport was leaving in only minutes and it was going to be a long trip. Being aboard a ship after all those years made him remember how much he always hated space travel and he hurried to his cabin with a feel of unease. He felt the exact moment they took off minutes later and tried to control his emotions, but the red glare in his eyes made him look in the small mirror in front of him. He slowly ran his hand over the long beard and noticed the pain in his own eyes. Maybe I should have just ignored everything and continued to stay put…After all, I have been dead to everyone for over thirty years. But who is this Master Kaan and why she knows my name? Why search for it? I have to find out…I just have to. What is the worst that can happen?
After a shower he went ahead and had some food and a bottle of rum into his cabin. With the leftovers pushed aside, he took a drink and with hesitation he pressed the button of the holonet. The fast images started to run in front of his eyes and made him dizzy, forcing him to look away. This is crazy…I have to start slowly. The guy said that it has been peace for almost a year…I have to start with that, he thought, and started to search for the word 'peace'. He looked in awe for the next minutes at the peace declaration that had changed the history of the galaxy less than a year ago. The two Sith, the Grand Master Shan, that he remembered being a lot younger, and the uniformed high ranked officers, all together declaring peace and ordering to stop any hostilities against each other made him blink quickly a few times. Peace was a brand new concept for him and at the time it was for many. There was war for so long…All that everyone knew was to fight against each other, fight for survival. Everything is changed…he thought next and let himself fall back on his chair getting another drink and trying to get his head around the new concept. When he felt that he could handle the next piece of information, he went ahead and started to watch the public signing of the peace declaration, on Alderaan. After only a few seconds, he realized he wasn't ready. Nothing could have ever made him ready to watch the young woman dressed in white, looking just like him, Master Clarisse Kaan. He froze the recording on her image and pushed back the chair taking a few steps backwards, his eyes glued to her image. It can't be…This is not real…No…
"Cleo!" yelled Marr and sat in the middle of the bed, sweat running over his body.
"Ari, I am right here…What is it? Ari?" she whispered, woken up by his voice.
Marr took her in his arms and held her tight against him, making it almost impossible for her to even breathe. He buried his face into her hair and inhaled her scent, while trying to control the shaking that took over. It is not a nightmare…It is a vision…Why can I not see her face? How can I stop it from happening? He thought doing his best to calm down.
"Kitten…I am sorry…" he finally whispered and Cleo looked up to him.
"Was a bad dream?" she dared to ask, even if she knew that it must have been terrible to scare him the way it did.
"Promise me that you will never wear anything amber colored when you are pregnant…"
"What?" asked Cleo again, this time pulling back from his arms.
"You heard me, please, kitten…" he insisted pulling her back into his arms.
"I don't even like that color, doesn't look good on me…But what is this all about?" Cleo insisted this time while the thought of being pregnant was now in the center of her attention.
A little more relaxed, Marr told her about his dream, keeping to himself the fact that he now doubted that was just a dream. He was almost convinced it was a vision and he had to change it somehow. She listened to his every word, and then they both lay back in the bed, when the first signs of the sunrise came through the big glass doors.
"I was thinking…" whispered Cleo, and looked in his eyes, just to see all the love that he was enveloping her in. "Maybe we should start making plans for our wedding…"
Suddenly Marr rolled her over in the bed and trapped her under his own body, looking deep in her eyes.
"Do not toy with me, Cleo!"
"I am not…I really want us to get married, I don't need more time…" she tried to explain.
The same second Marr claimed her lips, her body, all the way down to her soul, and Cleo surrendered to him without any hesitation. A couple of hours later, they were still in bed, planning and just being plain happy with each other. They both agreed on having a private ceremony followed by the big party that everyone would expect from a Dark Council member. Cleo found herself at loss when it came to that and right away she figured she needed help. She wanted to surprise Marr and make that day just as special for him as he was doing for her. The wedding was going to be in two weeks and they had to start sending out the invitations that day, so after a shower they both started to make the first of the calls.
The rain was still falling in Kaas City and as soon as Clarisse opened her eyes, it was the first thing she saw. She let out a deep sigh and turned her head to see Xander.
"Good morning, beautiful. What is it?" were his first words that morning and right away he took her in his arms.
"Please, let's go home…I can't see more of this rain…" she whispered after their kiss.
He smiled and looked carefully at her. "You really hate the rain…"
"Every single rain drop reminds me of tears…It is making me sad, I really don't like it," she answered looking down, embarrassed. "I know it's silly, but…"
"Then we will go home, right after…" he interrupted her, but the ring of his holo stopped him from finishing his sentence. "Right after I take Marr's call," he added, glancing to his holo and sitting up in their bed answered the call, while Clarisse ran to get ready for the day. Only a couple of minutes later, Xander found Clarisse in the shower and, with a smile on his face, joined her.
"Marr and Cleo are getting married in two weeks…" he started without any introduction and Clarisse turned to him surprised.
"Really? Are you serious? They finally decided?" she started with questions making him nod and keep smile.
"It appears so. They asked us to join them for breakfast…I hope that is all right with you."
"Of course it is! I am so happy for them…" interrupted Clarisse.
"We can go home after that," added Xander and only in minutes they were already dressed and ready to go.
Xander found Clarisse back into the living area, looking outside at the falling rain again, and he felt her sadness, how unsettled she was. He walked to her and took her in his arms again.
"If there is any consolation, it's not raining at their place…" he whispered and Clarisse smiled at him.
"Something doesn't feel right…" she said and Xander got cautious right away.
"What do you mean? Marr and Cleo, or…"
"No, not them…It is something…I can't put my finger on it, but there is something that is just not right, like something is about to happen, or something got into motion…It's hard to explain" said Clarisse next and this time she looked into his eyes.
"You feel some danger…" insisted Xander tightening his hold on her.
"Not sure if it is danger, or just an event, or…It is just out of place," she finally found some way of explaining him the way she felt.
"Perhaps it is this rain that is making you feel this way…" Xander tried to take her mind away and after another kiss, they both started to walk towards the quick travel point.
While Marr called Xander, Cleo ran to her holo and called Miriah. After only couple of rings, Corso was the one that answered.
"Captain, this is a surprise…" he said and looked around keeping a low voice.
"Hey, Corso. Where is Mir? I have news for you two…"
"She is resting…We just got home a few hours ago and…"
"Home? I thought you two got a week vacation. What is going on?" insisted Cleo, feeling that Corso is not telling her the truth. Before he had a chance to answer, Miriah showed up beside him and smiled to Cleo even if she did looked tired and like she was going to be sick any second. "Mir, what is wrong?"
Miriah smiled at her friend while Corso wrapped an arm around his wife's waist, pulling her closer to him and she let her head rest on his chest.
"Nothing is wrong…It is actually great news…" she started, but Cleo interrupted her right away.
"You look sick and cut the vacation short. What is great about that?" insisted Cleo, not even letting her finish her sentence.
"Relax, Cleo, I am just…pregnant…" Miriah finally said and looked up to her husband with a luminous smile.
"Oh, my stars! Congratulation, to both of you! That is great news!" Cleo started to say, jumping up and down in the front of her holo, making Miriah feel a little nauseous with all the movement.
"OK…Stop jumping, or am I am going to puke…" said Miriah, smiling at her friend's excitement.
From only steps away, Marr heard the conversation and looked at how happy Cleo was. Involuntarily his mind went to his vision, then he imagined her pregnant, carrying his child. The same instant he felt his heart fill with joy and without hesitating, he joined her in front of the holo.
"I understand congratulations are in order…" he joined into the conversation, but Miriah and Corso just looked at him with their mouths opened, without being capable of forming any words. It was the first time they were seeing Darth Marr without his mask. He knew he was taking a risk showing himself to them, but he trusted Cleo's judgment, if they were her friends, he had to trust them to. Cleo smiled at him while he pulled her in his arms and Miriah saw again that glow on her friend's face, the sparkles in her eyes.
"We wanted to invite you to our wedding…It will be in two weeks…" said Cleo amused by their reaction.
"I am not sure we can make it…Miriah is not feeling well and she had trouble with space travel this time…" Corso was the first one to speak, even if he was still starring at the man that was holding Cleo, happy in his arms.
"Hell, no! I am not going to miss it! Even if I puke all the way there and back, I am coming!" spoke Miriah next slowly recovering from the first shock.
"Yay! I can't wait to see you guys!" said Cleo happy and she smiled gratefully to Marr. She knew that he was the one that made Miriah decide to come to their wedding, just by showing them enough trust to let them see him without his mask.
"You should come the day before and stay with us. We could have dinner that night together," added Marr to the invitation, knowing that Cleo would love to have them around.
"We will be there!" Corso assured them after he looked at his wife and saw how much she would like that.
After a quick 'good bye' and the promise that they will keep in touch, Cleo terminated the connection and turned in Marr's arms to face him.
"Thank you," she said simply and wrapped her arms around him.
Marr didn't answer, just kissed her and then held her close to him. The sound of Xander and Clarisse entering the room interrupted their moment and they rushed towards them.
After breakfast, they all went in the garden and Clarisse stood up inviting, Cleo for a walk. Xander's first reaction was to go with her when she said she needed to take a few steps, but she stopped him with a smile, looking in Cleo's direction. Marr hesitated just for a second to let her go from his arms, but everyone noticed it.
"You two are just cut the same way…We are going to be safe, just a short walk, you will be able to see us at all times! "said Clarisse, shaking her head and Cleo joined her for the walk.
Both Marr and Xander followed them with their eyes, then they looked at each other.
"Do you think we are overreacting?" Marr was first to ask.
"I think we just acted on instinct…Clara knows, I have told her about the dangers and she is now accepting my protection without fighting it," answered Xander.
"I had told Cleo as well…She seemed to accept it too…Look at them, they could be sisters."
Xander looked again in the direction of the two women walking away from them and nodded.
"Only that Clara is actually your sister…"
Suddenly Marr looked at Xander and realized that his own comment could be the key to his vision. In the next few minutes he shared his vision with Xander and they both went into deep thought, in silence.
"Tython is the only place she is going by herself…I doubt that any Jedi would try to harm her," said Xander after a while, looking at his friend.
"True, but just be aware…One of them could get hurt, and since I cannot see a face in my vision I cannot tell which one."
Marr's comment was received by Xander with a nod and then they got back to discussing the wedding plans and the fact that Xander will officiate their private ceremony, while Clarisse and Vonn will be their witnesses.
While the two of them were sitting comfortably on the deep and wide couches, Clarisse and Cleo were taking their walk.
"Are you sure you are all right and don't need to sit?" insisted Cleo, seeing that her friend was having a hard time.
"I am fine, besides, I wanted to talk to you. I still can't believe that Miriah and Corso are alive…"
"They are, and doing great. I am so happy for them…Waiting for their second child…How is it?" Cleo asked suddenly, and Clarisse smiled at her.
"If you ignore the discomfort of your own body blowing up like this, the rest is great. Xander keeps telling me that I am creating life…That I am carrying our child…For some reason that makes me feel so special, so empowered…Like I am doing something that nobody has done before. It is silly, I know, but he makes me feel really good about it. Are you thinking already?" she asked Cleo in return.
"Marr had a dream, a bad dream, and apparently I was pregnant…Since he told me, it's all I can think about. I am a little scared at the idea that I won't be able to move like now, that my body will change, but at the same time I can't wait. He would be so happy…"
They both continued to walk in silence a few more steps, until Cleo asked Clarisse another question.
"How much did things changed between you and Xander after you got married?"
"We got married a few days after we met. I told you we married in secret on Ulton…I don't really have anything to compare…Why?"
"I have heard before some people saying that a lot changed after they got married…" admitted Cleo and looked down.
"That is silly! Do you honestly think that Marr will change? Or you? If anything, you two will get stronger, better together…"
"Do you know anything about Sith wedding ceremonies?" came Cleo's next question and Clarisse looked at her confused.
"No…You know as much as I do…You were at our wedding. Why are you asking?"
Cleo took a deep breath in and smiled at her friend. "Marr is doing everything for me, he wants to give me the wedding of my dreams…" she started and then she stopped for a few seconds.
"And? There is nothing wrong with that…"
"No, but it is his day as much as it is mine. I want him to have what he wants as well…" admitted Cleo next and smiled with a shadow of sadness.
"I see…You want to give him what he would expect, but you don't know what that is…"
"Exactly! I need to find out…I need a Sith!"
Clarisse started to laugh at Cleo's answer and she just realized what must've sounded like her own words.
"You need a Sith…" repeated Clarisse and they both laughed while finally sitting on couple of lounge chairs by the pool.
"I am glad that you have finally come to terms and accepted your destiny," said Clarisse a few seconds later.
"I did not say that! I am not giving up at finding a way to change his stupid vision!" Cleo answered right away surprising Clarisse.
"You are more stubborn then I remember…Does Marr know?"
"Yes, I told him I will find a way. I have a few years to find it, and I will…I have to! Risse, I love him, I will never let go."
Cleo's determination surprised Clarisse again. She knew that her friend was never giving up, but hearing her saying the words, had an impact on her. After another few seconds of silence, Clarisse looked at Cleo, seeing her absorbed in her own thoughts.
"Would you like me to stay a few extra days and help you find a dress?" offered Clarisse, changing the subject.
"No, I would not drag you through stores like this. Besides, it's just going to be a white dress that I will wear for a few minutes…I will change for the party."
"You will?"
"Yes, that is why I asked you if you know about Sith ceremonies…" explained Cleo quickly.
"You know who could help with that? Darth Khalyce…I understood from Xander that she is good friends with both of them…"
"That's it! You are the best!" almost jumped Cleo with excitement. "I just need her holo…And I don't want Marr to know, I want to surprise him."
"I will ask Xander, I am sure he will give it to you," offered Clarisse again and this time Cleo jumped and hugged her friend.
"Thank you! I owe you…" she added helping Clarisse up and they both started to walk back to the men that were waiting for them.
After Clarisse and Xander left, Cleo and Marr spent the rest of the day planning some more, sending invitations and making calls. One of the calls that Cleo received that day brought her the holo frequency she wanted, and she decided to call Darth Khalyce next day when Marr was going to leave for a few hours. After dinner, they both retreated to the small private terrace out of their bedroom and Cleo excused herself for a few minutes, while Marr got some drinks for them. When she came back on the terrace she found him sitting on the couch, waiting for her with drinks and some tempting deserts that he knew she loved. He was wearing only some black silky pants and Cleo's heartbeats rushed at the sight of him.
"I wanted to show you the new shoes I brought on Nar Shaddaa…" said Cleo and she let the long silk robe fall at her feet.
It was Marr's turn to lose his calm, to feel his heart beating faster and his blood boil in an instant. Cleo saw right away the bright gold glare in his eyes and she smiled.
"Kitten…Come over here, I need to see those 'shoes' closer…" he whispered, his eyes glued to the black sexy lingerie she was wearing.
Cleo giggled, knowing that her shoes were the last thing on his mind that second and took the few steps getting close to Marr. When she got right in front of him, she placed the bottom or her foot on Marr's knee, continuing to play.
"The most beautiful 'shoes' I have ever seen…" he whispered continuing to look straight into her eyes and she felt his desire. The second his hand touched her foot, Cleo's breath caught. "Smooth…" he added when he felt the soft swede with tiny silver embroidery.
"Ari…" was Cleo's turn to whisper feeling already that he was using his power on her. Desire escalated quickly and with one short move he pulled her on his lap. "What are you doing?" Cleo found somehow the strength to ask while she closed her eyes, letting him take over her body.
"You do not need me answer to that, do you?" Marr said next and the same second kissed her.
"This is so not fair…" whispered Cleo about an hour later taking a sip from her drink.
"It is sooo fair. What did you think was going to happen when you came to show me your 'shoes'?" asked her Marr amused pointing to the shoes she was still wearing.
Cleo giggled happy in his arms and look into his eyes. "Well…Something like that, just didn't expect you to use your powers on me again…" she admitted kissing lightly the 'v' marks on his chest.
"You should start getting used to that, I intend to do it more often…I had to show my appreciation," he answered again and followed Cleo's eyes to the ripped lingerie.
"That is ruined…"
"Perfect excuse to buy some more!" said Marr and lifting her in his arms, both went to take a shower.
It was almost midnight when she fell asleep, exhausted in his arms, and Marr smiled looking at her, running slowly his fingers through her platinum hair.
Less than an hour after Marr left to take care of some of his business, Cleo was already sitting in the spacious living room in Darth Khalyce's home in Kaas City.
"I have to admit that you have surprised me, Captain…"
"Please, call me Cleo. I trust you have already gotten the wedding invitation?" said Cleo right away.
"Only if you call me Khaly, and yes, I received it yesterday. Congratulations!"
"I am going to be direct here…I need your help…"
"My help? With what?" asked Darth Khalyce still surprised and confused about Cleo's visit.
"I don't know much about Sith…About weddings rituals and all that…Marr is doing everything to give me the wedding of my dreams, but I think he should also get what he would want…" started Cleo to explain.
"You really love him!" was Darth Khalyce's turn to interrupt Cleo.
"Of course I do…Why I would marry him if I didn't?" asked Cleo surprised this time.
"I could come up with a few hundred reasons why any woman in this galaxy would want to marry Darth Marr…Power, money, influence…" she started to name just a few.
"I am not interested in any of that."
"I can see that…So you need me to tell you about our rituals?"
"That and I need help to get a dress. An appropriate one…" admitted Cleo finally and Darth Khalyce started to laugh understanding finally why she was there, why she came to her.
"You have come to the right person. It will be my pleasure."
"Really? You don't mind?" insisted Cleo surprised how easy was to get her help.
Darth Khalyce nodded and then she got on her feet, starting to pace in front of Cleo.
"I feel that I should answer your honesty the same way…Ever since I have met you on Yavin, I liked you and I…Well, this might sound weird, but I wanted to be friends. I know that a smuggler and a Sith are not exactly the recipe for friendship, but we do have a lot in common…"
"I would like that! I admit that a year ago I would have never thought I would say this, but things have changed…" answered Cleo right away and Darth Khalyce smiled.
"Great. You probably already know that I am friends with Darth Marr and Darth Hellix…I have been on their side and they have always got my vote. It is hard for anyone to get a Sith to be loyal to them, but once you get it, it is forever."
"I know that…I have learned a few things from Marr…" said Cleo and instantly she looked down embarrassed remembering previous night.
Darth Khalyce noticed right away and laughing she went and sat beside Cleo.
"I bet you did. And by the way, there are stims for that…They help you keep up and not be so tired," she added and Cleo's head jerked up the same instant. "I will give you some, from Na'ke's reserve. There is a vendor in Central Plaza that is very reliable and I will introduce you to him."
"Thanks…" whispered Cleo still embarrassed.
"Now, for the ceremony…Darth Marr's status is what you already know. However, any man gets judged by his wife's actions, appearance and so on. You are lucky that you already have your own name and reputation, so most people already know more or less what to expect from you…"
"What exactly do you mean?" insisted Cleo to find out more.
"You have the reputation of always getting the job done, unpredictable, snarky…"
"Really?" asked this time Cleo with a satisfied smile on her face that made Darth Khalyce laugh again.
"Really…For years, from before the peace…I see you are content with your reputation."
"Oh, I have worked on that for years!" answered Cleo, laughing this time.
From that day, Cleo and Darth Khalyce became friends in an unusual way, but at the same time it was an honest connection that was getting stronger and stronger. The next two weeks passed faster than she would have liked, but Cleo enjoyed every moment. She was preparing a big surprise for Marr and under Darth Khalyce guidance she was learning everyday something new. Marr noticed the friendship between the two of them and he approved of it right away, but he had no idea what was in store for him. The wedding day was approaching fast and everyone was caught in the preparations. Clarisse and Xander stayed away from all the action, since everyday was getting harder and harder for Clarisse to even walk. She had only a month left until they would move to Ulton, but the pregnancy was making it difficult for her in spite of her calming force waves, or the energy bursts. She was tired most time and Xander was getting worried. He even asked her to move sooner and explain to the High Council that her health wasn't permitting her to continue, but once again he was reminded how stubborn she could be. Clarisse was determined to stay until the seventh month and nothing could have changed her mind. Even if she didn't mention again the uneasy feel she got on Dromund Kaas, it never left her. She was expecting something to happen not knowing what, and hoped it was something about Cleo's and Marr wedding. She really believed that once their wedding would pass, everything would get back to normal.
Only that a certain man, on Coruscant, did have his own plans. Onty Reen was preparing himself for his trip to Tython. He spent days watching everything he could find about Master Clarisse Kaan Hellix. When he watched her wedding, anger got the best of him. He spent days in meditation trying to get to the point where he could seamlessly blend in with other Jedi. It wasn't easy, especially since he had never finished his training as a Jedi, and for years he let anger and pain fuel his power. He lived every day for the past thirty years regretting the one mistake that cost him his whole life. Now was his chance to make things right, and since he had seen Master Clarisse he had no doubt that she was his daughter. Accepting the reality was still a work in progress and he was still trying to find a way to do what he believed was the right thing to do…Eliminate her.