Chapter 16 – The Meaning of Prophecy
Walking at Sarreti's side the Grand Admiral could not help the frown on his face as they entered the meeting room together, where the moffs and governors were already waiting for them. It had been Sarreti's idea to put their visitors at ease by coming to them instead of the other way round. The lieutenant had stressed that they did not want to give them the impression that they were regarded as pawns. No, they had to retain the illusion that they were important to the scheme somehow, which was, strictly speaking, even true. He had to hand it to Sarreti, the man was the perfect diplomat. He was smiling even now, a pleasant smile that did not even seem to be a fake one. Astounding.
Then Sarreti turned his head ever so slightly to nod at him and Markhan responded with a low growl of annoyance. But in the end he managed to compose the thunderstorm he wore on his face into a much brighter expression and addressed the assembly.
"Welcome to Byss," he began the speech Sarreti had prepared. "I trust your voyage was a pleasant one and that we did not make you wait for too long." There were a few smiles and incredulous looks directed his way. That was the problem with the speech. It was not Tious Markhan's style at all. Gritting his teeth he suppressed an urge to exlode into anger and continued."You have already been briefed on the why and how of this meeting and I trust we can come to a swift resolution."
"We are missing someone with you," someone said suddenly. Markhan recognized Moff Hah Kima of Anobis as the speaker and immediately notched him down as a possible interloper. "Yana Dar is who I am referring to," the bearded moff continued.
"She will join us shortly. Tomorrow at the latest," Sarreti answered smoothly, that smile still in place. And that was the end of the farce. The lieutenant took a seat at the conference table with the others and Markhan had no choice but to follow, making his part in this scheme even clearer. He was uncomfortably aware of the contemptuous glances and smirks he attracted, but he resolved to remain dignified.
"Does she realize her role in this?" Kima inquired calmly, and a few others nodded in agreement to the question. All eyes turned on Sarreti, whose smile widened just a fraction.
"She is aware of her part in this, yes."
"But she has not yet agreed."
"She has. A few days ago. Alas I have no message to reassure you, so we will have to wait for her arrival. My aplogies. But let us discuss a much more important aspect of the plan.
I made a proposal to you a few weeks ago that I have asked you all to consider thoroughly. Yana Dar, as the Emperor's daughter, is the rightful heir to the throne. I have told you then, and am telling you again today, that an Empire without an Emperor, or Empress for that matter, is no Empire at all. Over a year now we have been without real leadership. The warlords have tried to gain power as well as the nobles of the former court. All they achieved was to sow discord among us, as events at Yaga Minor and Ord Mantell have shown clearly. This state cannot continue any longer. We must be united again or admit defeat and abandon the Empire once and for all." Sarreti turned serious all of a sudden and his pale eyes seemed to gain a cold edge. "I know very well that each one of you cares more about his or her personal wealth and power than the Empire. Yet you also know that the people, your people, will not tolerate your rule for long if they have nothing to believe in, to trust in. Especially not with the New Republic an ever-present example of democracy. Rebellion will arise all over our realm."
"What do you suggest exactly?" one of the governors interrupted him suddenly. "Reforms? What sort of reforms? Will they – "
"Endanger our positions?" Sarreti finished for him, an unmistakable reminder of who was in control of the scheme. "Yes, there will be reforms, but I guarantee that they will benefit you too. Yana Dar is an adept business-woman and she will see the point in keeping her administrators satisfied. Which leads us to our next point. Are you loyal to the Empire or to your selves?" Somehow he managed to sound incredibly menacing, despite the lack of emotion in his tone. And one by one the moffs and governors declared their loyalty to the Empire. At last the lieutenant looked at his superior and Tious Markhan, his mouth almost dropping open, frowned deeply.
"Sir?" Sarreti asked quietly, waiting.
"I am loyal to the Empire," the Grand Admiral grated out at last.
"Then we are agreed. The details will be – "
"Not so fast," Kima injected, his voice hard, and to Tious' surprise and relief his glare was directed at Sarreti.
"You have more questions?" the lieutenant asked pleasantly. "Please, go ahead."
"All of us," and here Kima gestured toward the assembly, "know that this is your idea, and I for one wonder what you get out of it."
"You believe my intentions to parallel those of Grand Admiral Markhan?"
"Of course we do! Politics aside, we all know what this is really about."
"Would you care to enlighten me?" Sarreti had the gall to ask.
Hah Kima took a deep breath. "I cannot believe that you have no desire whatsoever to turn this to your advantage. You have arranged everything, used your superior for your own ends, and now you want to tell us that it was all for a noble cause?"
"I never said it was a noble cause," the lieutenant snapped. "My orders were to prepare the Empire for the rise of Yana Dar as legal successor in case of the late Emperor's demise, to keep incompetent fools like Markhan from destroying his life's work. Those were my motives, and nothing else."
The loud gasps and shocked faces all around the table confirmed Tious Markhan's suspicion that his aide had made a grave mistake. First he had called his superior a fool, even though Tious' motives were exactly the same this assemply harbored, thereby insulting them too. Second, more importantly, by claiming to have followed orders he had revealed his true identity as one of Palpatine's secret agents. The moffs and governors might talk about being loyal to the Empire, but it was a very naive traitor who believed those words to be true. Of course they all saw the value in praising the Emperor even now, since dancing out of line could mean immediate annihilation, but secretly it was understood that the Empire was a convenient excuse for acquiring personal power. Palpatine had seen to nurturing this view, too. The presence of a man who was unquestioningly and sincerely loyal to the Emperor was a danger that could not be ignored.
By now Sarreti had also realized that he was caught. His features turned blank gradually, his eyes even harder than before. It suddenly occurred to Tious that any agent of Palpatine's, regardless to what other skill he might possess, was most certainly also a trained assassin. And he was sitting right next to one! Rising abruptly he straightened his uniform and gave each attendee a cool look.
"This is how it is," he said, falling back into his own self. "He is right in one point: we must work together for the greater benefit of every one of use. Yana Dar can be very useful, whether she is Palpatine's daughter or not. That will have to be proven first, of course."
"You know it is true," Sarreti snorted. "You have checked her identity as thoroughly as it was possible short of travelling back in time and attending her conception."
Markhan's face reddened with anger and embarrassment. "Who knows? Perhaps you have manipulated the data too?" he countered loudly. Sarreti merely smiled.
"What to do about him?" someone asked and again the lieutenant was the focus of attention.
"He might also be of use yet," the Grand Admiral mused aloud and his eyes narrowed in anticipation of a quiet little talk with his aide. Now that the others were here and had apparently accepted him as leader until Yana Dar had arrived, he might still be able to turn this to his advantage.
"Ah, Admiral Parck."
Stopping short with a frown Voss Parck regarded Tious Markhan suspiciously. What was going on? And where was Sarreti? He had just returned from his short trip out of the system to contact Coruscant and he had fully expected to find Yana Dar initiated as Empress already. Obviously something had gone very wrong.
"I have thought about your request," the Grand Admiral continued cheerfully and nodded at someone standing behind the Admiral. "I would advise you not to make any sudden movements, my dear," he told Puket pleasantly when the Twi'lek whirled around to face the five stormtroopers crowding into the office. Voss Parck gritted his teeth in dire anticipation.
"And what is your answer?" he asked at last.
Markhan shrugged. "As I see it the Empire can deal with any threat that might come out of the Unknown Regions," he explained lightly. "Your people are one of the dangers, you understand, as the traitorous actions of Grand Admiral Thrawn have proven. I therefore will not shed a single tear if those mysterious invaders wipe out every single one of you, the Chiss included."
Struck speechless Voss Parck cursed himself for having acted too slow. He should never have stayed here, should never have trusted Sarreti's scheme to succeed. Now it was too late, he knew. "If we do not survive this onslaught you will neither," he promised.
"We shall see about that, Admiral. Sergeant, you have your orders."
"Duck!"
Obeying his bodyguard's shouted command Parck dropped to the floor and an instance later a loud boom shook the room and transparisteel splinters were flying everywhere. Someone grabbed the back of his uniform jacket and drew him upright again. Stumbling along he tried a weak protest when Puket dragged him toward the broken viewport. His head started spinning when she hopped onto the window-sill and he looked down, only to find that they were ten storeys above ground.
"Puket – " he tried, but she cut him off immediately.
"Trust me." A loud thud told him that she had fired her ascension gun into the window frame. And then she jumped, carrying him with her.
She looked up when he closed the door behind him and her emerald eyes were scrutinizing him with undisguised suspicion. Abla leaned against the door-frame casually, just watched her watch him. After a while she gave a low snort and shook her mane of red hair impatiently.
"Come on, out with it. Why this 'private' conversation?"
"Mara Jade, Emperor's Hand," he said with a smile. "It seems that your predecessor has fouled up mightily." She cocked her head to one side, incredulity plain in her eyes. He had caught her off-guard. Excellent.
"My predecessor? What are you talking about?"
"Roganda Ismaren, who else?" he shrugged. Mara frowned at him deeply.
"You are another," she countered softly. A smart woman. Of course, if she were not smart
she never would have survived so far.
"Not really. The Emperor's Hand is assassin, thief, spy and decoy rolled in one and her tasks are much more varied than what the likes of us have to perform." Abla gave her a slight, mocking bow, but she did not buy into that.
"Varied as in concubine?" she asked.
"Ah. No, you misunderstand. Roganda's role was a much more important one than simply that." Yes, very true. She was the one who had born the Emperor's son, a madman possessed with incredible powers and a mind that could cut this galaxy into shreds if he ever found his focus and guidance. Abla's mouth twisted ever so slightly in disgust. Then Mara spoke up again.
"You sure you want to tell me? Knowing where I stand now?"
"Your connections to the New Republic might prove useful. And additionally you have had the training, the conditioning, that makes you understand our actions too."
"Our actions?" Mara rose from where she had been sitting on the floor and took a step toward him. "Then you are not the only one," she stated, wonder and suspicion mixed in her gaze. "Why?"
"Call it precaution," Abla countered. "There are two of us. Three, if you are willing to participate."
"What!" she snorted. "Are you mad? Why should I help you?"
"Because it would be the smartest move you could make right now. But I am getting ahead of myself. Fact is, Mara Jade, that your knowledge could complement our own and give this enterprise a successful start."
"What enterprise would that be?"
"The rebirth of the Empire. As we speak my partner is preparing everything for a new beginning under the ruling hand of Yana Dar. You have met her, you know what she can accomplish. Once we have reached Byss the moffs and governors will swear allegiance to her."
"But she did not know, did she?" Mara mused aloud. "If she had known she would not have sent me and Jix to Byss to get that damn holocron. So you simply arrested her."
Abla frowned at her. "She knows now. And she agrees with us."
"What if she is only playing with you?"
"There is no way she can escape her destiny."
Mara raised her eyebrows knowingly. "I see. Some people follow their destiny and others have destiny thrust upon them."
"Something like that, yes," Abla explained.
"What about Jix?"
"Mister Jixton has agreed to cooperate with us, that is, with Yana and myself. Perhaps you should follow his example. I am sure, that –" He turned around when he heard the click of the door lock behind him. A young officer peeped inside.
"Sir, we have reached our final destination. The Grand Admiral is expecting you in two hours."
"I will be there," Abla returned coolly, then looked back at Mara and gave her a hard glance. "Think about it. I am giving you a chance here."
"Thank you," Mara answered softly, but he could see in her stance that she had no intention of seriously considering his offer. A shame. Leaving the room he closed the door again and stalked toward the nearest turbo-lift to join the captain on the bridge.
"It's a bit tight," Jix complained as he finished buttoning up the grey uniform Abla had organized for him as disguise. Yana, who had watched him dress quite unashamed, to Jix' discomfort, gave him an appraising look and a leisured smile.
"It suits you though."
Rubbing a hand through his now short hair Jix growled softly at his image in the mirror. "I look like a jerk."
"The perfect disguise, don't you think?" she countered and rose swiftly from her seat. "Come. I believe it is time for us to go off board."
The plan was a simple one. Clad in an Imperial uniform Jix would act as Yana's escort while Abla handled all the formalities. With any luck no one would check on him all that thoroughly, if Yana was to be believed. Apparently she had another ace up her sleeve, a distraction of sorts, and the Corellian was admittedly pretty ancious to see what it was.
They exited the cabin together and walked side by side toward one of the turbo-lifts. One of the cars stopped and the door swooshed open. Entering the lift Jix felt just a little bit nervous, but Yana seemed to be completely at ease. A few stomach-churning moments later the car stopped and spilled them out into an almost empty hangar bay. The only ship sitting on the deck was a white shuttle. Next to the lowered ramp Abla was waiting for them. Yet it was his companion who made Jix almost stop dead in his tracks.
"He was on board too?" he hissed at Yana, suddenly angry at her keeping secrets.
"Did I fail to mention that? So sorry. He agreed to help us in this little endeavor, so don't complain."
"Help us?" So that was the great diversion. Jix scowled darkly at the white-haired Sith standing at the slicer's side. What a pair those two made. And Yana fit right in with them, too. "I don't want to spoil this for you," he said out of the corner of his mouth, "but I'd rather trust a Hutt than Roj Kell." By then they had reached the shuttle and Jix forced a tight smile on his face. True to his disguise, though, he refrained from making any comment as to this unexpected meeting. He could easily see that the ancient Sith was greatly amused by his reaction.
"Everyone here?" Abla asked and nodded to himself as answer. "Perfect. Then let's not waste any more time. We are expected, after all," he added with a smirk.
Following the others into the shuttle Jix immediately scanned the passenger cabin for Mara's familiar face. He found her, seated next to a stormtrooper, her hands bound. She gave him a blank look, playing along with his disguise. Suppressing the urge to walk over to her Jix turned his head away and joined Yana at the front. To his great discomfort he found himself wedged in between the information broker and Kell. He tried to keep as much of a distance from the Sith as he could, and accidentially bumped into Yana, who lay a hand on his arm
and laughed silently.
"Don't be so nervous," she whispered in his ear. Jix almost jerked his arm away, but she was ahead of him and replaced her hand on the armrest. The Corellian wisely refrained from checking on Kell's reaction to that little incident; he could very well imagine that unnerving smile the old man always seemed to wear when someone else made a fool of himself. He was a fool. Perhaps Mara would really be better off without him.
As the shuttle lifted off smoothly Mara felt anything but at ease. It did not help to know that Abla and some other agent had manipulated Yana Dar into assisting their little plan. The Empire's rebirth! Hah! Only a fool would want that order back. Roj Kell's presence on board was no less discomforting. What was he doing here? He was supposed to be dead, but Talon Karrde had told them back on Garqui that the old man was actually keeping pretty busy. Apparently he was now in with Yana.
The Grand Admiral had to be Tious Markhan. She knew the man. He was an uncompromising commander, a good strategist, but not nearly as good as either Thrawn or Skywalker. What he lacked was the ability to plan not two or three, but ten steps ahead. So each of his plans, brilliant as it might be, was subject to frequent changes or was abandoned altogether. Patience was not one of his strongest virtues.
What was his part in the scheme? Was he ally or pawn? From what she had heard of his actions so far she suspected the latter. None of the maneuvers he had had his agents and troops perform had served to strengthen his position, rather the opposite. Yes, true, he had managed to outwit the New Republic a couple of times, but his failures at other endeavors must still be hanging heavily above his head. Karrde had explained that there was a powerstruggle going on inside the Imperial command structure, and the goal was to unseat Markhan. He was powerful, yet, but too powerful for the other commanders' comfort. Undoubtedly Abla and his friends plaiying on exactly those sentiments.
What frightened her most, though, was the fact that they were acting on the Emperor's orders. Othana had admitted as much by revealing his rank to her. If the man had been manipulating Yana Dar all along this meant that everything that had happened so far, from the Princess' kidnapping to Markhan's failures and Irek Ismaren's suicide mission aboard the Executor, had been part of the Emperor's plan.
The shuttle dropped into Byss' atmosphere and Mara shivered ever so slightly. There was too much darkness in this place, as if the Dark Side held the planet in its grasp and intended to keep it forever. She had never been here herself, but she had heard that Byss was where the Emperor had conducted his most secret experiments, had kept his most precious possessions. The holocron. What was in that damn holocron that Yana had wanted so much? Suddenly a powerful surge of darkness made her hairs stand on end. Hatred, outrage and agony where all mixed together in a single black vortex of emotion. It lasted for what seemed an eternity, so intense that it brought tears to her eyes. When it finally ceased she let out a ragged breath, her face ashen.
"If you're going to be sick give me some warning in advance," the stormtrooper seated next to her joked weakly. Mara ignored him. She had a very bad feeling about this, very, very bad.
Just then the shuttle was swallowed by the gaping maw of a hangar bay and settled down gently on the deck. The trooper unstrapped from his flight harness, helped her out of hers and propelled her toward the exit. On the way Mara met Yana's eyes and saw her own distress over that outburst mirrored in the information broker's eyes. The contact broke as the trooper shoved her ahead of him, down the landing ramp. On the deck a squad of black-clad security guards were waiting for them. She saw Abla Othana talk with them urgently.
A few moments later he was joined by Yana and Jix. The commander of the security squad gesticulated demandingly, waving a hand in Jix' direction. Abla gave him an outraged stare. Then Roj Kell took a step closer toward the commander, his black clothes and white hair emphasizing his menacing appearance even more. He said something to the commander, who paled visibly.
"... is perfectly all right then," Mara heard the man manage just as she had reached the small assembly.
"Good!" Abla Othana snapped. "I will take this up with the Grand Admiral, you can count on that, my friend."
They followed the slicer toward one of the lifts, and Mara could sense that Abla was nervous. But he also felt elated, for some reason. When they had passed a few corridors and closed in on what Mara believed must be a meeting room he was perfectly bristling with anticipation. The double-doors slid open and revealed a large conference table. Seated at its head Tious Markhan smiled at them coldly. He was lounging comfortably in his chair, his blue eyes echoing his obvious amusement. And at that exact moment Abla's emotion turned from optimistic expectation to shock.
"Abla, welcome back," the Grand Admiral said softly. "And Yana Dar." He rose from his seat and came around the table to extend a hand toward the blonde woman. She took it gingerly, the ghost of a smile on her lips. "My lady, I cannot express my feelings at having you here at last. We have been awaiting your return anxiously. Please, take a seat. I would be honored if you would join me." Leading her back to the head of the table he fussed over her like any good host would.
Yet Mara could see that Yana was not really comfortable with Markhan's attention. Once he had her seated the Grand Admiral nodded at the others. "Mara Jade. Not a surprise guest, but also welcome, maybe." At last his gaze shifted upward to meet Roj Kell's pale eyes and a snarl appeared on his features. "Finally we meet."
Only then did Mara realize that Jix was not with them any longer. But at exactly that moment the door closed, sealing them in with a contingent of guards and the Grand Admiral, who reminded her more and more of a spider which had just captured a most delicious prey.
Sitting at the head of the table Yana surveyed her troops with a frown. Abla seemed surprised, she could sense it clearly, and she knew exactly what he was thinking. He had expected Franzis Sarreti to be here with them. That he was absent now could only mean that his scheme had not worked out. Remembering the terrible pain she had sensed upon their arrival on Byss she could hazard a guess as to the man's fate.
Mara Jade seemed ready to take action, should it become necessary. Roj Kell, as always, did not give away any of his emotions. But it was Tious Markhan who had her concerned the most. He practically reeked of satisfaction. He was on to something, that much was clear. Well, Jix had obviously heeded her orders and vanished at the most opportune moment to get the holocron. She could not leave that here with Kell, no way. It was far too precious for that. When Markhan placed something on the table top, though, a fist-sized black cube that shone like obsidian, she realized that Jix would not find the holocron after all.
"Lord Kell, please," the Grand Admiral began almost reverentially. "I know that you were here before, albeit under less pleasant circumstances. You need not fear that my intentions toward you parallel those of your late student, though."
"Fear?" Roj Kell returned coolly, his voice clean of emotion. "Why should I fear you at all?"
"Not fear. I am well aware of your past, of the limits of your abilities and the knowledge you harbor. That knowledge is very precious to me, to everyone here."
"Yana Dar has already enlightened me on the late Emperor's supposed accomplishments."
"Excellent. Then I would ask Abla to prepare the program for a little test. Now. Sergeant, please take three of your men to escort Mister Othana."
Distraught, the slicer left the room, not without throwing Yana a last, apologetic look. When Markhan picked up the holocron she refocused her thoughts on the situation at hand.
"Do you know what this is?" he asked the Sith, who frowned at him.
"It is a holocron, obviously."
"Yes, very true. But not just any holocron, I suspect. I am, alas, not attuned to the Force at all. Would you – ?" he asked, raising the cube toward Kell, who hesitated, before he gently took it in his palm. Yana held her breath.
The holocron came to life abruptly, and she could see that the recording was very old. There was no gatekeeper, that she had come to know the Jedi holocrons featured, but only a black square that was being projected into the room. Then, gradually, golden scripture faded onto the virtual screen. The Grand Admiral's eyes were shining with awe. "Finally," he breathed.
"What is it?" Yana asked, leaning forward curiously.
"The Jen'da prophecies. The sole surviving copy."
She hissed through her teeth, annoyed. "You knew about those."
"Of course. Abla told me every one of your plans."
"Of course," she repeated softly. But her eyes were fixed on Roj Kell. "Is it true? Are those the Jen'da prophecies?"
His head came up and he stared at her for a heart-beat. "It is true," he answered at last. Suddenly his eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And what exactly were you planning to do with those?"
Tious Markhan took it upon himself to explain: "As you know already Abla has been working on a program that would be able to imitate your thought processes, and use your memory, your knowledge. Actually the credit goes to Marten Anderland, who sadly is not here today to earn the fruits of his labor. But it was Abla who came up with a program that communicates both with the Seeker and an additional interface that can be used as interpreter. Type in a question on the interface and the Seeker will find the answer for you. Fascinating, isn't it?"
Kell gave him an appraising smile. "I see. And you would have used that same program to translate and interpret the prophecies."
"Exactly. And now we are going to test it."
Sitting in front of the screens of what had once been Marten Anderland's work station on Dubrillion and that had been geared up with new additions since, Abla Othana stared at the keyboard in front of him in dismal silence. He was acutely aware of the three security guards standing behind him, and he now had no doubts any longer that Tious Markhan had somehow found out about their plan. Franzis Sarreti's absence at the 'meeting' confirmed this suspicion. Sarreti had been the brain of this operation. He had known more of the Emperor's initial plan than both Erinin and Abla together. And he had also been the one who had suggested a few modifications to exactly that plan. Abla had seen the reason in that, had realized that the Empire Reborn could not be simply a copy of the old. The old one had failed. This time they needed to succeed.
Raising his head tiredly he gazed at the center screen, where the Seeker was waiting for instructions. Markhan had Yana trapped tightly. Abla had no illusions about his own fate and that would leave Yana without any ally at all. He could destroy the Seeker now, could deprive Markhan of that precious tool, but what if there was still a glimmer of hope somewhere? What if Sarreti had succeeded in his mission to ensure the loyalty of the other commanders, moffs and governors? Behind him the door slid open and the soldiers snapped to rigid attention.
"At ease," Tious Markhan told them pleasantly. "Everything is prepared?"
"Yes, sir," Abla replied in a whisper. Too late. Hope was all he could set his faith in now.
"Very good. Here is my question for you, Lord Kell. According to my sources Irek Ismaren has left the Executor, destination unknown. What will he do now and where will he go?"
"Irek?" The ancient Sith's voice was low, but it bore such heat and anger that Abla almost jumped out of his seat.
"Ah? You seem to know that little secret after all," Markhan said in some amusement. Abla, who had heard about the old man's reaction to that particular news from Yana, almost smiled. If the Grand Admiral went on like this ...
"I have heard about the boy, yes. And I wonder why he is still alive."
"I suppose he is lucky," Abla heard Markhan suggest.
"He is a survivor," Yana added and to everyone's surprise Kell laughed out loud.
Once his chuckles had subsided again he began in a very calm tone again: "To answer your question, Grand Admiral, the boy will try to find some answers himself, about his past. And the only one he believes can truly understand that question is his sister, Yana Dar. He will seek her out. And you, if you are smart, will not let him come here. If he gets his hands on the Seeker, on my knowledge, you will not be able to destroy him."
Obviously uncomfortable with that answer Tious Markhan leander over Abla's shoulder to peer at the screen. "Did you get all that?"
"Yes." Hitting the enter key Abla waited as the Seeker set to work. After a minute or two an answer came up on the screen. Abla stared. It was exactly what the old Sith had said, even if the words were different.
"Excellent!" Straightening with a hiss of satisfaction the Grand Admiral turned back toward his captives, for that was what they had all become. "Let's see if the program can translate and interpret the prophecies, too." He handed Abla the cube.
The slicer examined it for somewhere to plug in the interface and finally found something. Once he was finished with rigging the holocron on to the workstation he turned his head to gaze at Markhan. "Someone has to activate it," he explained.
Roj Kell stepped forward without hesitation and Abla was the only one who saw the malevolent smile on the old man's lips. It made his heart beat faster with hope. Reaching over Abla's shoulder Kell touched the holocron gently and his smile turned into a sneer. "The living dead shall resurrect the glories of the past to rekindle the flame of life and reclaim what was once lost," he said softly under his breath, and the holocron came to life. The screen in front of them remained blank, though.
"Oh," Yana commented somewhat drily, unable to hide her satisfaction. "It seems to be broken."
Roj Kell threw her an amused glance. Looking at him in some bewilderment Markhan gazed first at Yana, then at the Sith. "What? What is it?"
The ancient Sith shook his head slowly. "Nothing. But her assumption is not quite correct, I believe. The program works perfectly, in fact, I am genuinely impressed. Well done, Mister Othana."
Abla could not help himself. He beamed at the old man's praise proudly. "Thank you. And why does the screen remain mute?"
"Ah." Roj Kell made an expansive gesture, that seemed part apology and part beginning of a lecture. "The Jen'da prophecies were always a myth. This compilation was created millennia ago, by the Jen'da sect, that would later evolve into the Jedi Order as we know it today. No one knew what the prophecies contained, not even Palpatine." He smiled. "I do. They are, if one might say so, a philosophical debate, a collection of the Jen'da sect's esoteric findings. In short, my friends, they are rubbish. Of no value whatsoever, not to you, not to anyone. No wonder that the Seeker does not respond. It undoubtedly shares my contempt for these foolish thoughts." He gave a delighted laugh. "So much effort for nothing. My, my, that should teach you not to try and use knowledge that is not yours." Suddenly he whirled around to face Tious Markhan, prompting the Grand Admiral to take a step back, and the guards to go for their weapons. "So you think you know the limits of my power?" he hissed, his words freezing everyone where they stood or sat. "You think you can play your games with me where even Palpatine failed in the end?"
"Now, now, let's stay civilized," Tious Markhan tried, but his voice was shaking.
"Civilized? If you were aiming at civilized you should never have messed with me," Kell spat.
"I cannot abide civilization. And now, my dear Grand Admiral, I believe it is time for you to die."
"I must admit that I am not happy with what has happened at Bilbringi," Mon Mothma was just saying. "If I did not know better I might even suspect Admiral Piett of treason." She sighed deeply. "But I know he is an honest man and he is loyal. Your suggestion, though, Lord Skywalker, is disturbing."
"In what way? You do not want to be painted a tyrant, do you? You cannot forbid them to form this confederation. You can, of course, point out that the Alliance was the key to their independence, but what then?"
"It might put them under pressure for a time, but I am confident that in the end their resentment will fade. We are trying very hard to become a democracy," she added with a smile. "And I do not want our effort to have been for nothing." The President turned serious once more. "But this in itself is not what disturbs me. rather your view on politics. Do you truly believe that, if there are more independent realms, they will watch each other? They will, I am sure, but only to make certain that their own interests are met. On the other hand I do understand your concern with administration. Perhaps you are right there, in a sense. But Palpatine also gave his governors many liberties, and look what that brought the people. Nothing. So I still believe a central government might do the trick."
"If that government were closer to home it might have more of an impact, though. Look at the Hutts. They control their sector fully. Look at the Chiss."
"Funny that you mentioned those two," Mon Mothma said drily. "They are the ones that are not somehow entangled in our political fight with the Empire."
Anakin smiled at her. "That is exactly my point. They are centered on their own interests. But they do have entanglements with either us or the Empire."
"Not purely political ones, I agree."
"That is because they have seasoned, matured governments. Right now people aren't sure what to expect of the New Republic, and the Empire has also proven to be somewhat unpredictable."
"The addition of the so-called Confederate Zone would create even more turmoil."
"You have a point," the Dark Lord admitted. He hesitated then. There was something he had been thinking about, a daring plan, one that might prove brilliant or very dangerous indeed. And it would only work out if the powers spread across the galaxy were close to equal.
"Lord Skywalker, I can see that you have something more to say," the President told him gently. "What is it?"
"A vision I had. It is unthinkable, perhaps, and could turn out to be very dangerous. It would require strong leadership and a functioning system of guardians. You see, the problem with laws and regulations is that they can be bent and broken." Folding his hands on top of the table in front of him Anakin Skywalker smiled wrily. "I have been a warrior almost all of my life, Mon Mothma. In the beginning I could feel a righteous fire that fueled my actions, my plan, but now all I crave is some peace. I know I will miss the wild days, the schemes, but I have known little else since I first experienced the effects and dangers of political maneuvering back when the Trade Federation blockaded Naboo to protest the taxation of trade routes."
"So?"
"In the Old Republic some planets had more influence than others, more weight in the Senate. Each sector strove for more wealth, more power, and achieved this at the expenses of less fortunate worlds. Now, we have the New Republic and the Empire vying for the position as sole power in this galaxy. You are automatically forced to consider the interests of such worlds as Ryloth or Honoghr to gain a diplomatic edge over Tious Markhan. Is that not so?"
"You mean, if we had more realms, which are equally powerful, each would try to gain the advantage and therefore pay closer heed to the needs of its people."
"Yes. And imagine the polictical and diplomatic schemes that would be going on at the upper levels of the government! Everyone would keep so close an eye on the other that their intrigues would never come to fruition."
Mon Mothma laughed out loud. "I see you point. Very clever. But Palpatine used political machinations to achieve his goal too."
"True," Anakin said with a nod. "But first, Palpatine was not just any politician, and second, I believe not everyone would have fallen for his promises. Of course one faction might convince the other that working with them, surrendering privileges to them, would be to their mutual benefit. This is why I suggest we establish a common council that keeps track of all schemes that are going on, where complaints might be filed."
"An independent council with representatives from every government? It seems reminiscent of the Jedi Council."
"Again, I agree. This one will be different, though. Closer, so to speak, to the heart-beat of the galaxy."
Mon Mothma gave him a long, appraising look. "You are right," she said at last. "It sounds impossible. But it might just work. I suggest we call a convention once the situation within the Empire is resolved and the invaders have been driven back."
"Then you are giving me leave to offer assistance to the Chiss?" Anakin asked hopefully. This was far more than he had expected. Mon Mothma frowned.
"I will not give you command over our forces," she said. "But I have given you the task to protect the New Republic from beyond our borders. And I do recall that Grand Admiral Thrawn expressed his willingness to grant you a command with his own troops, if you ever got bored of office duty in the New Republic government." She smiled at his expression. "Don't fret, Lord Sykwalker. I am sure, if Yana Dar's plan succeeds her first action will be to grant the Chiss her aid."
"If," Anakin pointed out.
"Yes, indeed. But what yo have revealed to me concerning Roj Kell's plan makes me confident that it would not be in his interests to see Tious Markhan rule the Empire. And Yana herself has been well tested by her father, which, I believe, will protect her against any attempt on Kell's part to manipulate her."
The Dark Lord frowned. "I very much hope that you are right about that."
Han Solo was very happy to be back on Coruscant with his betrothed, even though she was busy most of the time. But at least they were on the same planet, he thought with a smirk as he trotted down a corridor that led toward one of the landing pads of the Imperial Palace. Leia had asked him to meet her there to receive her mother, who had announced her return from Ryloth and should be arriving in the next few minutes. Rounding a corner he stepped out onto the pad and found Leia standing just outside of the door.
"Han!" she called out and hugged him fiercely. Then she placed a very tender kiss on his mouth, embarrassing Han no end, since he had just noticed that her father was also present. The Dark Lord was eyeing him calmly, but the Corellian thought he saw a hint of disapproval in those icy blue eyes. He disengaged from Leia with a murmured apology, but, even though he was slightly flustered, still kept an arm around her waist in defiance.
"So, when are they due?" he asked to cover his insecurity around the former Sith. The older man shaded his eyes with his hand and pointed upward.
"Here they come," Anakin Skywalker announced. "And not a moment too soon," he added grimly and Leia responded with a firm nod of her own. Han wondered what was going on.
"Leia?" he asked softly, "is something wrong?"
"Perhaps," she whispered back. "With everything that has happened in the past few days on Byss Father has come to some unfortunate conclusions."
"But your mother was on Ryloth all the time, so there's no need to worry," Han reasoned. And then the roar of the landing ship drowned out all other noise. Once the small yacht had settled down on the landing pad Anakin stepped forward, Leia right at his heels. Following, Han took the Princess' hand gingerly. She squeezed his palm hard and turned her head with an affectionate smile.
"Wait and see," she advised him and laughed at his expression.
"I knew you'd say that," he claimed, his tone somewhat accusing. "Your father is having a bad influence on you."
"How do you know I didn't get that from my mother?" Leia teased him and Han simply shrugged, a lop-sided grin appearing on his face.
"Hey, this is me. I would never think anything bad of her." Leia laughed again, but said nothing as she turned back toward the ship.
Anakin Skywalker stood close to the exit hatch of the ship, which opened with a loud hiss of released pressure. The first down the ramp was Padmé Naberrie, naturally. She flung herself into her husband's arms with a joyous smile, not very befitting of her age, as Han thought. The Dark Lord hugged her close for long moments, her feet dangling, before he set her back down on the floor. By then Han and Leia had reached the reunited couple and the Princess went forward to embrace her mother, whom she had not seen since she had left for that unfortunate trip to Corellia. The two women immediately fell into a hushed conversation that clearly excluded everyone else present. So Han joined his future father-in-law in watching the ship's entrance. Another woman stepped from the ship, Padmé's secretary, Han thought, and then a Twi'lek male followed.
"Cesh Kendar!" Anakin exclaimed and clasped the alien's hand in a hard grip. "It is very good to have you back alive."
"Thank you, your lordship," Kendar replied, relief plain in his tone. "I am very happy myself too."
"Good!" the Dark Lord replied heartily, but his laughter was cut off short when a gray-skinned, short alien exited the ship and walked down the ramp toward them. At first glance Han though the Noghri warrior might be Chi'in, but there was something in his stance that was very different from the Sith. He seemed anxious, for some reason, something Chi'in would never show.
"Andarack clan Rim'kai," Anakin greeted the newcomer, and his voice was very cold.
When the red blade of his lightsaber came awake with a loud snap-hiss all of a sudden
the Corellian jumped involuntarily, and utter silence fell over the assembly as the Dark Lord confronted the Noghri.
"Anakin," Padmé began sharply, but her daughter lay a cautioning hand on her shoulder. The two women shared a troubled glance.
"Tell me, Andarack," Anakin began, "when did you forsake the ideals of your people for lies and dishonesty?"
The Noghri bowed deeply. "My lord, I am not aware of what you might mean by that." He did not seem to be fazed at all by the fact that the lightsaber blade hovered just inches from his face.
"Very droll. You let me do all the thinking, didn't you. A deal with Chi'in? At first I was shocked by that, I admit, but it seemed plausible that he would want his people to enjoy the protection of the Empire, even if it came at a price. My ties to Chi'in and the Noghri were very convenient for you, am I right? I would never question Chi'in's decisions. I trust him too much for that. But now I know about Sarreti's plot. And Sarreti worked against Markhan all the time. Markhan wanted to discredit me by making me rush ahead and force an attack on Nal Hutta. But you, Andarack, you led me straight to the Grand Admiral's brilliant little game. You gave me all the clues that allowed me to unravel his scheme. Did Sarreti order you to stay with me?"
Andarack kept silent fo a long time. In the end he dropped to his knees, face pressed against the floor and arms spread out at his sides. "If you doubt my sincerity I submit myself to your judgement."
"Is that a confession?" Anakin asked softly and Han held his breath, just like the others around him. But Andarack did not answer. The Dark Lord took a deep breath. "The last Sith warrior who submitted himself to judgement was tried and executed by the New Republic. Get up." The Noghri rose again. "You did not train with the Council on Korriban," Anakin continued. "Who taught you? Palpatine? Germyne?"
"I taught myself," the Noghri replied, his black eyes expressionless. "I was a child when my great-uncle was taken away to Korriban by Germyne Urian. But I had watched them train when they had still been on Honoghr. Two years ago General Zi'Assime came to Honoghr and with him came a man named Franzis Sarreti. He asked after Chi'in clan Rim'kai. He found me instead," Andarack explained.
"All right," Skywalker sighed and deactivated the lightsaber. "And I am very impressed by your skills at mind projection and persuasion. I never would have known your intentions had I not been made aware of Sarreti's scheme. But what to do with you now?"
"Anakin, if I may." Han moved aside to let Padmé pass, but he kept his eyes fixed on Andarack. "Anakin," she said, "he protected me well, and he is sincere in his wish to free his people. Regardless to his methods, he is not a bad person."
"Regardless to his methods?" the Dark Lord repeated with a smile and kissed her forehead tenderly. "I am glad you have changed your mind about that."
For some reason Padmé blushed, but then she extended a hand toward Andarack. The Noghri took it gingerly. "I believe we can come to a mutual understanding. The situation on Ryloth is not yet resolved and neither is the fate of the Noghri certain. But I have a plan, and I believe it could make the difference here."
TBC