Chapter XIX: Young Victims of War
The Ninth Sister - Day 5 - the Heartseeker, somewhere in the Mid Rim
She shouldn't worry. There was no need to. There was literally no one in the galaxy that had the power to peek into her heart's desires, save for perhaps the Emperor. But still, her muscles ached in tension as she approached the Grand Inquisitor's new quarters carefully, her thoughts running rampant with self-inflicted doubt. A couple of hours ago, she was informed that the Grand Inquisitor himself would take up temporary quarters on board of the Star Destroyer Heartseeker. Yet nobody - including Agent Eloren or Admiral SonofaSchutta - knew why exactly he was here.
''I've never talked face to face with a man of his ... background. Is there any special protocol to be observed or ...?''
''Yeah. Show weakness and you're dead.'' Ninth Sister deadpanned easily, rolling her eyes at Eloren ''just shut up and let me deal with this.''
She hated this, all of it. As an Inquisitor, she was one of the highest-ranking members of the Empire, a position that should mean a degree of safety, at least in theory. Now, however, she was once more thrown in relative uncertainty. What was the Grand Inquisitor's plan? Would she even survive this meeting? Has she displeased the Emperor or his dark enforcer? Ninth Sister was aware that Gwena's presence on board could've been taken as an attack on Imperial authority, yet the Empire needed her. Anyone that was that close to the ''Boss'' was bound to come up with something worthwhile, forced or not. That alone should be enough to keep Palpatine off of her toes. And given that the Grand Inquisitor wasn't powerful enough in the Force to realize her real plans with Gwena, she shouldn't be so utterly worried.
But she was.
The two of them marched down one of the many wide and spotless corridors of the ship. Ninth Sister carried her typical Inquisitorius-issued attire with her lightsaber put on her back whilst Eloren has thrown herself into a fancy looking white uniform, one that probably was supposed to be for ceremonial purposes only. She was scared, that one. More so than herself. Gone was the usual cold and sarcastic swagger of the ISB operative, calmness replaced with ambient worry. Not that Ninth Sister could blame Eloren. The Grand Inquisitor wasn't known for his mercy - or patience, really.
Taking one final deep breath, she moved her hand over to the door's console, making it open with a loud hiss. Whatever would happen now, would happen. Perhaps after all this time, she'd finally be able to be free of the menace that was the Empire?
''Ah, Ninth Sister and the ISB agent. You may enter.''
The Pau'an raised his hand waved them towards him, a hellish smile creeping over his thin lips.
If this is it ... fuck this entire galaxy.
Instantly, Eloren put her feet together and snapped off a strong salute ere she anchored her hands behind her back, not daring to look the Grand Inquisitor in his seedy-looking yellow eyes. Ninth Sister wasn't one for studying - far from it - but she had overheard Second Sister and some others talking. The wrinkled skin, the dead eyes, the way the Force trembled around the man. She knew the Dark Side, but this? This was on a level of potency only people like Vader dealt with. Not the watered-down training the Inquisitor's received.
''Firstly, I'm informing you that this is strictly confidential. If anyone of you even utters a word about this conversation, I shall take my sweet time executing you. Am I clear?''
Though the Grand Inquisitor's words were more than threatening, a wave of relief danced over Ninth Sister. He wanted them alive, that much was now clear.
''You see, the reason I called you here today is one of utmost importance ... as it is coming straight from our lord, his Imperial Majesty.''
Next to her, she could sense how Eloren's mind went into haywire, a cocktail of information trying to process this knowledge. Good, she thought. The Grand Inquisitor would feel such raw emotions too, meaning that any doubt of their intentions should be dispelled soon enough. Meanwhile, the Pau'an turned around and looked out of the meter high window, observing the darkness of the Mid Rim.
''The Emperor has concerns with a certain ... how should I put it? War asset? Yes, let's go with that, shall we? You see, in order to run the Empire with the degree of stability needed, it is of utmost importance to purge the galaxy of any unwanted upstarts that would dare threaten it. Especially when it comes to the merits of the Force.''
He turned around once more, a gleeful expression jumping off of his visage.
''There is a man trained in the use of the Force. And he's no Jedi - indeed, he has taken an interest in the Dark Side. He must be eliminated at once. Intelligence claims that he resides on the remote planet of Synta. Go now and show him the justice of our Empire!''
Trilla - Day 5 - Ordel, the Mantis
That was new, Trilla mused.
Though it has been some time now that was spend onboard of the Mantis, Trilla had some real trouble coming up with a memory of a conversation that included Merrin and didn't consist of two or three lines. Nevertheless, she suppressed the awkwardness of the situation as she crossed her arms in front of her chest, silently hoping that the Nightsister wouldn't be such a difficult partner of conversation as Greez, given that the two of them seemed to spend a lot of time together.
''This is about the darkness that was within the winged beast, yes? I felt it too.''
Trilla balled a fist and coughed in it, surprised by Merrin's astute observation.
''I ... yes. I figured you had some pointers on that matter, given your tribe's relationship with the Dark Side?''
If one could call it that, Trilla added wordlessly. Ancient rituals and madwomen dwelling in huts made out of dirt and mud, howling to ancient music as they inhale the toxic and mind-numbing smoke of their ''alchemy''. A ridiculous concept, even for her. She has heard some tales from the other Jedi, mainly Kenobi and Tano. Not to mention the rise; fall and redemption of Ventress. How people like them could ever claim to have a strong understanding of the Force was, quite frankly, beyond her. For her, all the information she had on them sounded like something out of a story made for children.
Merrin raised one of her eyelids at that, glaring at Trilla in an accusing way.
''Not only a tribe. A coven. One whos command over the Force rivals those of the ancient Sith.''
Right. Claiming to have the strength of the Sith whilst being reduced to nothing more than a footnote in galactic history? Great job.
Not wishing to prolong this debate any more than necessary, she merely shrugged and looked at Merrin with a neutral expression.
''Indeed. Well, as you know, the beast was touched by the Dark Side, in some way. Did you ever face something familiar on Dathomir?''
Merrin grunted at Trilla's words, making no secret about the levels of enjoyment she got out of this conversation. After a couple of seconds she lowered her head in agreement, folding her hands as she began to speak in a hushed tone.
''Sometimes, when my sisters and I practiced our magic, it was not unheard of that the environment would respond to it. Think about it, the Force was as ambient to Dathomir as the brown and sandy stones it's literally made of. There is no reason for the Force not to cling to sentient life, even if one was unable to directly command it. The magick flows through us all, doesn't it? I must admit, I haven't felt any harrowing presences on Ordel - save our winged friend from before. But perhaps there is some sort of nexus residing on the planet's surface? One rich in darkness?''
That's absurd. That would imply that ...
... oh no.
Trilla opened her eyes wide, uncertainty holding her muscles in a tight embrace. Could this be? It would explain this feeling of dread she felt whenever she glared at it. It had to be it. Her expression turned to one of sorrow. Of course a planet as peaceful as Ordel harbored darkness in its heart.
''You're right. And I know where it is.'' she whispered, looking down at her own feet as she tried to collect her thoughts.
''Oh? Where would that b - ...''
Merrin couldn't finish her line of inquiry as Trilla stormed off, running back to Cal as she raised her voice in a commandeering way.
''Cal, I need one of those bacta bags and food. Now.''
Credit where credit was due, Cal didn't react as scared to her sudden approach as he used to. Indeed, this time he only dropped half of his lightsaber parts.
''What? What are you talking about? Why would you -''
''Damn it, Kestis. It's urgent and I won't be stopped either way. Now would you kindly?''
It appeared as if Cal finally managed to find his spine. Just as she herself did not even a minute ago, he crossed his arms in a defiant way, his eyesight drilling deeply into her own. She had to admit she liked this side of him, rare as it is. If this situation wouldn't have been so urgent, she might've complimented him on it.
''Yeah, no. How about you tell me why there is literal sweat dripping down your face and your arms are trembling before I give you anything?''
My what?
Indeed, as she carefully raised her hands, she could see how her fingers wiggled in panic.
''Don't do this to me right now, Cal. As you can see ... I'm quite in a hurry. I might know why we were attacked and from where. It's the Dark Side.''
At that, Cal closed his eyes and sighed audibly, his hand wandering to his face as he bounced his head. Trilla felt a ping of guilt at that. She was no fool, she noticed how overjoyed the young Jedi was to be on Ordel, to experience the more tame side of the galaxy. And although she didn't quite know why she felt so touched at this display, she also understood that it was for the best. Cal had to learn eventually that peace was a lie, especially under the reign of the Empire. Perhaps this would act as a wakeup call?
''Damn it, I ... '' he spun around and looked at the crate, planting his hands at the edge of the workbench. ''I thought that perhaps now, we'd have some peace. Something to take our mind off of anything going on out there. No Empire, no Inquisitors no ... anything.''
His voice broke slightly, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by Trilla. Did he - was that sobbing?
''Alright then. I guess it's time to get back to work. No rest for the wicked, right?'' he stated wearily and in a defeated way, his face turned somewhat red as he faced her once more.
She bit her lower lip as she realized that his eyes turned watery. Sometimes, it was hard to forget that he was still young, too young. It angered her, that fact. The way Cal looked right now wasn't a rare occurrence for many young Jedi during the Clone Wars. How many times did she hide in the darkness of her chambers, stored away in yet another Venator? How often did she cry and scream and shout because of the terrors of the war she had to endure? She should've known, back then, that the entirety of the Jedi philosophy was lost on her. Perhaps then, she could've saved herself a lot of pain. Tano left the order, as did many others. Why did she stay? Why did Cal? Because they were young and stupid, having never known anything other than the Jedi and war before. A grand scheme of lies. They were nothing but glorified hostages.
It sickened her to no end.
''Let's go, then. I won't let the others be in danger. Take what we need from the crate.''
She blinked at Cal in confusion, unsure if he was serious right now.
''Absolutely not. Listen, with every respect, I don't know what awaits us on top of those damn mountains. But the Dark Side is not to be toyed with. I won't let you endanger yourself because of some sort of twisted Jedi-savior complex y - ''
He huffed and formed a fist, trying to pin it down at the workbench - only for him to stop mere centimeters from its surface. He shook his head and took a long breath, giving Trilla enough time to recollect herself after this most unusual display.
''No. Listen Trilla, stop ... whatever you're doing here. I'm not saying this to hurt you or to demean you, far from it. But please, stop this. You're not alone anymore. It wasn't Cere that cowered in front of this ... black machine man. It wasn't I. It was you. It was you - an Inquisitor of the Empire - that was defeated by me, a Padawan turned Jedi Knight, in the end. I faced my fears, Trilla. I'm still facing them. I might not always be successful, but I'm not putting on some act. Don't get this the wrong way but ... damn it, it's not me that needs help.''
As Cal's words left his mount, her mind wandered back to the metal interrogation chamber. So many memories were connected to this dark room. So much pain, so much suffering. So much disappointment. Between the countless torture and the white flashes of light that accompanied it, the strange feeling of dislocation never quite left her head after the Fortress Inquisitorius. He was right, she knew that. And it enraged her.
''Fine, Jedi Knight Kestis. I shall await you in front of the ship.'' she spat in with a sharp edge in her voice.
''Trilla, I ...''
She left the hallway and wandered over to the door, spotting Cere and Greez talking about something in the cockpit. Good, she thought. She wasn't in any mood to debate her freedom of movement any further. Opening the ramp of the ship, she stepped out of it, taking in the vast night sky that went on for miles.
Administrator Loch - Day 5 - Ordel, Romesch District
''So what? A couple of crazy children drank one too many. It happens, dad. Shit, you should've seen me last weekend.''
Richard scoffed at that. He had enough on his plate already, he didn't have to hear another one of his daughter stories of intoxication. He knew what she was getting at, he wasn't a moron. How often would she remind him that he failed her? How many times would she drink herself into sleep, hoping that he'd notice? It was not his fault her mother was gone. It wasn't his fault things were how they were. Why was she hurting him like that?
''Now that we've clearly established that you're a drunken slut, sister dearest, I can't help but think that this entire situation must please you to no end.'' her sister claimed without emotion in her voice as she looked at Elisabeth Loch ''Funny. No worthwhile achievements of your own, your entire identity bound to the notion of rebellion ... no matter against whom. This must be like Life Day for you.''
''Listen here, you little schutta!''
Richard Loch wasn't a good father. The relationship between Elizabeth and Miranda Loch was living proof of that. But truth be told, he had it. Screaming at the top of his lungs, he bolted his fist towards the desk, silencing the siblings immediately. If he was bound to be a bad father regardless, why should it change tonight? There were more important things to worry about.
''Both of you, shut up or I will have you hauled into your rooms by Storm Troopers. Get the hell out of here or so even the Emperor won't be able to save you from my anger!''
They darted out of the living room at that, both of them knowing that his threats weren't idle ones, much to his dishonor and failure as a parent.
I miss you so much, love. I need you, now more than ever.
He didn't know how long he sat there in silence, his feeling of time lost completely because of the overwhelming pressure of the current situation. He knew that things were bad before. Loch's predecessor wasn't known for his kindness, far from it. But ever since he took on the role of Imperial Administrator, public opinion of the Empire improved. Was it not enough? What did he do wrong?''
''Sir, uhm ... you've got a call. It's from the Heartseeker, sir.''
Loch's world felt apart as he heard those words. The Heartseeker was a Star Destroyer. Have news of his failure reached the Empire already? With a sickening feeling spreading through his innards, Richard sat up and walked over to his terminal, silently praying that it wasn't too late to turn things around, if only for the sake of his family.
AN: I'll answer your PM's and reviews next chapter! Thanks for your amazing support :) We're almost at over 14k views!
I'll be gone for a couple of days, given that I need to head over to Brussels to do some stuff in the EU district. See you then! :D
Also, I might have made a big change in the story's general narrative. But I think that that idea will make for a faaaar more interesting story than what was at first planned. You don't mess with timelines and except fate to just give in, don't you?
