Chapter 37 – A New Beginning
By the time the fleet had finally left Ooonda, Luke Skywalker had been about ready to chew rocks. Ishare Luvo had done everything he could to delay their departure time and again, until Nuron had confronted him and told him unmistakably that he was betraying his vow, and if he continued that way the Council of Hearts would not spare his life again. Luke remembered the scene vividly, the look in Ishare Luvo's dark, liquid eyes, the young Zabrak female who confronted him, a warrior in her own right. Never before had Nuron Sarin's presence been so strong, so clear, never before had her beauty been so deadly. He held that precious memory close, as epitome of what they were fighting for. Freedom, grace and understanding.
Now, after four days spent on Ishare Luvo's flagship, Luke was restless. The delay – the unnecessary delay – might have cost them too much time, time they needed badly. Why had that damn, stubborn man not been able to overcome his pride earlier? And Luke had been unable to convince the warlord to act, had been unable to unlock the other's heart and senses. But Nuron had managed. She had found the right words and tone, the right stance, to make things happen. And Luke was endlessly grateful to her for having performed that miracle.
"Not long now," a soft voice said next to him, and Luke turned his head to give Ishare Luvo a withering glare. Where was Nuron?
"I pray we are not too late," Luke answered slowly, deliberately, and the other smiled that strange, horrible smile of his that split his face cleanly.
"Pray all you wish, Skywalker," the warlord growled. "Prayers no save anyone."
Before he could reply, Luke felt his body almost lifted from the deck by an invisible fist that choked him, crushed his lungs mercilessly, and poured icy coldness into his very soul. "Stars be merciful," he whispered, breathlessly, once the wave of darkness had passed.
"We here. Brace yourself," Ishare Luvo told him dispassionately, obviously ignorant of what had just happened.
And then, with startling abruptness, the ship whose name Luke found himself unable to pronounce, clawed its way back into realspace, and into chaos. Immediately the warlord left the Jedi's side, striding over to his own command post at the heart of what passed as the bridge on this vessel. In a clear, cold voice Ishare Luvo started bellowing orders at his crew in their native tongue, exlcuding Luke from what was going on. But he did not need words to know what was happening. Death and pain lingered all around, and the blinding explosions that erupted all over the battle-field told their own story.
Something had gone seriously wrong, and they had come almost too late. No, Luke corrected himself, when after the first shock he could gather a rough count of enemy vessels in the vicinity. Not in time, after all. All they could do was postpone the inevitable.
"Too many," he breathed, his heart sinking further. The ragged shreds of a clever battle setup were being rendered to pieces by the relentless attack of the Yuuzhan Vong ships, and the Grand Admiral's fleet was being crushed and broken as he watched. Horrified, Luke saw all his hopes and dreams burn with their fleet.
But then, suddenly, a hand fell on his shoulder and he found himself propelled around to face Nuron, her golden eyes unfathomable. "Come," was all she said.
Following her swiftly, through the dank, cold crawlways of the ship, Luke scrambled after her half-blinded by despair. They made their way to the hangar inside the ship's womb and Nuron dragged him toward the two scout-ships the Mahsenda, Al'than'erudo's stealth cruiser, has lent them for their private use. The Mahsenda herself had carried the commander to Almashin earlier, and would be somewhere out there, fighting against the Yuuzhan Vong above the planet. If she still existed.
Wordlessly, Nuron worked the lock of one of the ships and impatiently gestured for Luke to take his own. He did as ordered, feeling numb, but there was a slight hope that the taste of battle would reawaken his spirit once more. He remembered the enthusiasm with which they'd set out and that had died a little with each day Ishare Luvo had managed to delay the fleet's departure. He dropped listlessly into the pilot's seat.
"Scout One to Scout Two, Luke, don't fall asleep on me now," Nuron chided him over the comm.
Hurriedly running the ship through the preflight checks, Luke found himself grinning, despite the circumstances. "Asleep? Nope, I suppose this nice melee out there will be a real eye-opener."
"Glad you agree," she answered almost tenderly. And then her ship lifted off the deck cautiously, and made its way toward space. A second blast of Dark Side power hit them, and Luke felt his breath falter again, when he could catch a glimpse of the absolute fury that was behind those attacks. "Luke!" Nuron shouted over their comm, sounding frantic. "I recognize the source! That is Naas Deron!"
In an instant the young Jedi understood what that had to mean, and he felt a thick lump rise in his throat. "All right," he whispered, then continued in a louder voice, so Nuron could hear him. "Let's go see if we can track him down," he explained, drawing through the warship's hangar bay into space after his companion, "we could use a bit of help with this mess."
He let his ship plunge straight down, to give Ishare Luvo's gunners free room to shoot without hitting their own. He noticed immediately that no fighters had been launched yet, that the warship was still on a steady approach toward the battle raging above Almashin. Ishare Luvo probably wanted to assess the situation first. From his new vantage point, Luke let his eyes play over the fleet that he had helped assemble at Ooonda. Thirty ships in total, five heavy cruisers contributed by Ishare Luvo, fifteen black, chitinuous battleships from the Star People themselves, and ten Likket ships that Luke found hard to imagine engaging in battle. They seemed to consist solely of two giant, slender pincers connected by a hard bubble that contained the command center of the ship. The only thing that had reassured him somewhat on those ships had been the grunt of approval he had heard from Ishare Luvo, when those ten ships had joined their fleet.
Well. Today they would all get a chance to prove their worth.
The battle had taken on an intense urgency that seemed to swallow everyone. If one had had the time and muse to observe the different ships from afar, one would be astounded by the maddening speed of the attacks and counter-offensives. Everyone was doing his or her best in this furious confrontation, as the Chiss-New Republic Alliance Fleet fought for its survival. Grand Admiral Thrawn was submerged in his very own world of sounds and images, that were racing with uncanny speed and accuracy along neural lanes to be connected into a greater picture, evaluated and sorted through. In a moment five different maneuvers were examined, three rejected, the remaining two put into action instantly, while his mind was already calculating on the concequences of these actions and planned the next few steps ahead.
Everyone's attention on the Eisenhart's bridge was focused on the Grand Admiral, waiting for his orders, carrying them out without second thoughts. Gilead Palleon and Teer Shikay were circling the bridge incessantly, observing the operators and liaisons closely, to make sure that every order was carried our perfectly, down to the tiniest detail that the two seasoned commanders knew almost as intimately as Thrawn himself. Only Chi'in sometimes added slight modifications, but he was allowed, of course, since he had the last say concerning the fighters, and could forsee events that might endanger the overall scheme and tactics. Therefore the Sith Lord had been dismissed from the Grand Admiral's awareness, just as anyone else, as long as they did what they were told. The one wild card in this battle was Naas Deron, as expected, who was using his own judgement to select and destroy targets. Which was another reason to leave Chi'in alone. The Noghri was, after all, the only one who could prevent their own ships from being damaged or worse, annihilated, in the backwash of his student's devastating attacks.
And then, at last, their long-awaited reinforcements from Ooonda arrived.
Diverting his attention for a moment, the Grand Admiral took a quick count of the newcomers. Thirty ships, divided into Lappayan Shock Cruisers, Star Ships and even Likketi Shear Ships. A cocked eyebrow was the only visible show of the Grand Admiral's satisfaction. But why was the fleet commander approaching the battle so cautiously? Of course, he needed time to assess the situation, but if he did not act soon – before he could finish the thought, all thirty ships took up speed, and scores upon scores of smaller fighters raced ahead of them, joining the thick of battle. A smile tugged shyly at Thrawn's lips, before he turned toward Palleon.
"Captain, hail the newcomers and introduce us to their commander."
"At once, sir!" Palleon exclaimed, his joy and relief audible in his tone. There was a general air of optimism rising throughout the bridge crew, and for once Thrawn left his people that moment of blissful peace. They would have to concentrate again soon enough. At the edge of his hearing, the Grand Admiral could hear the captain discussing with the comm operator, then say more loudly: "This is Captain Gilead Palleon, commander of the Star Destroyer Eisenhart, transmitting position now. Welcome to Almashin."
An alien voice answered, and unmistakable affront and challenge. Thrawn's face paled with fury at that insolence, and he waved at Palleon to redirect the call. [I am in command of this fleet], he explained coldly in response to the Lappa's question, [And I had been expecting you much earlier, according to Al'than'erudo's report.]
[The Star Alliance is with you in this battle,] the other commander answered calmly, [you should not doubt our committment.] As if to emphasize that statement, the larger cruisers of the Star Alliance Fleet spread out in a cunning deployment that put them behind the biggest Yuuzhan Vong cruisers. They certainly did not think small.
[I appreciate committment, Salvar,] Thrawn replied, using the Lappayan title for a general in battle deliberately. [Yet I would appreciate action even more. Do you agree to submitting to my command?]
[I will not let a Chiss command our ships,] the Salvar retorted harshly. [But you can trust in our own abilities, Grand Admiral.]
That certainly had been clear words. [Then I am looking forward to witness a display of those abilities anytime.]
[Watch and learn, Grand Admiral,] the Lappa commander laughed, and disconnected the call.
But Thrawn knew already what to expect of these ships. He had seen them in action often enough, after all, during his campaigns into the Unknown Regions. The ships interesting him the most were the Likketi Shear Ships, because he admired their efficiency greatly. So, leaning a bit closer toward the forward screen, he beckoned for Shikay to relay the images of the newly arrived fleet onto the big screen. The first Shear Ship, pincers closed for attack, was approaching one of the giant worldships, looking ridiculously small and fragile against the bulk of the Yuuzhan Vong vessel.
Then the Likketi ship was quickly joined by its nine companions. They spread around the enemy ship, providing almost no targeting mass for the Yuuzhan Vong, and then stabbed toward the giant worldship's hull in unison. In the magnified image of the attack, Thrawn saw the surface of the slender pincers shiver as the Shear Ships closed in on the gravitational anomalies that powered the worldship. But the Likketi had adapted to such anomalies, their own world and way of life required that adaption, and managed to approach unscathed. With surgical precision the ten Shear Ships stabbed through the thick hull of the Yuuzhan Vong vessel like needles. The Grand Admiral knew exactly what would happen next. The sharp shears would open gradually, and rip the hull open to expose the ship's innards to space. As large as the sentient Yuuzhan Vong ship was, it would be immensely weakened, if not killed by that attack.
Meanwhile the ten Lappayan Shock Cruisers had split into two groups, each pack closing in on one worldship respectively. The Shock Cruisers were very functional vessels, also adapted to the Lappa's homeworld and their own needs. These ships could survive hours in Foulhan's Deep Sea, enduring unbelievable gravitational pressure, and they were outfitted with an effective system of compensators to counter the frequent seaquakes, the Lappas used to flush out the great herbivores of the Deep Sea when hunting. Those compensators also replaced conventional shielding, and with some luck would shut down the Yuuzhan Vong ships' dovin basals locally, and allow the Lappayan gunners to punch through the enemy ships' hulls.
"This is amazing," Palleon commented from where he had stopped behind the Grand Admiral's command chair to gaze at the spectacle outside. "They are quite effective, aren't they," he added, sounding astonished.
"Quite amazing, yes. But this battle is far from over." Seeking the captain's gaze, the Grand Admiral nodded curtly. "All personnel back to their stations." He gave Palleon a tight smile. "Let's play."
Yana had managed to rise again and now stood swaying in the midst of her cabin, her thoughts racing. She knew that she must look a mess, but what would rather have sparked the frightened expression to appear on Roganda's face, she speculated, was the wild look in the Empress' eyes. She had vowed to herself that she would end it here, one way or another. Now she was gathering the Dark Side to her, reveling in the black velvety cloak that was both heat and icy cold at once, that intoxicated her with unimagined power. Her resolve had been strengthened by what she could sense from the battle-field, the brief, delicious moments of horror before death, the agony, and, not to forget, the dark fury that was being unleashed time and again in blasts of immensely destructive potential. When the unknown dark presence, source of those outbursts, started attacking the Warmaster's worldship, Yana felt each impact like a thrust to her own body, spurring her on.
Infinitely slow, she turned toward the door that sealed her cabin off from the rest of the ship and pointed a hand at the thick surface. It was torn apart like paper. Roganda gave a small scream of surprise or shock, Yana was not sure, before she herself strode through hole and out into the corridor. The younger woman followed at once. Together they stood there, undecided. Yana only remembered the way to the bridge, the way to Marayl Carr's quarters, and to Ly Sul's laboratories. But how to get off board? She gave Roganda a pensive look, that caused the other to open her eyes wide in denial.
"Don't even think about it!" Roganda demanded, shaking her head.
"You will leave now, Roganda, and you will escape." It was a command, laced heavily with dark side power. "I will protect you for as long as I can."
"No, you must come with me," Roganda pleaded, her delicate features desperate. "I have only this one friend left. And I do not want to lose you too," she confessed, but her emotions could not reach the cold place Yana found herself in. She shook her head firmly.
"You will leave, if you don't want to risk a fight with me. I will not spare anyone aboard, do you understand? Not anyone."
Gulping down an answer hurriedly, the former concubine nodded. Then, gathering her courage again, she went forward to hug Yana tightly. "I pray you can hear me," she whispered, "wherever you are. Don't let pride get the better of you. It only leads to suffering. Just look at me for example." Disengaging once more she gave the Empress a sad smile.
"Take care, Yana Dar. There's still time to end this another way." And with those words she whirled away and ran, vanishing around a corner.
Dumb-founded, Yana did not know what to think. But an insistent voice in the back of her mind told her with a sneer that friends were for weaklings and cowards, who could not deal with difficulties on their own. That she had sworn revenge and could not back out of that oath, not without betraying herself. She raised her head determinedly and stalked toward the bridge, intent on showing the Warmaster that she knew exactly how to play. But when she was only a few corridors away from the bridge, another explosion rocked the vessel, throwing her off her feet. She slid against a wall hard, and tasted blood in her mouth, where she had bitten her tongue. Coughing, Yana struggled to her feet again, but the ship had started twisting and squirming in slow, powerful moves. All she could think of was that the worldship had been mortally wounded, that the last blast had hit the bridge.
Anger took hold of her at the thought of having been deprived of her vengeance, but then the survivors started coming toward her, seeking a safer place to continue the battle. Most warriors did not spare her a second glance, but then a familiar figure appeared, that launched herself at Yana instantly. Alyn Cha's black eyes were blazing with fury as she brought her hand around hard to hit the Empress' face. Totally surprised, Yana fell back, the dark cloak surrounding her dissolving fast with each additional blow that found her.
"You!" Alyn Cha screamed. "You think you can escape us? Unworthy infidel! Your warriors shame us with their weakness, and you are not less coward than they!" Her voice had taken on an almost hysterical tone, and Yana managed a smile.
"I gather the Warmaster has perished in the last attack?"
Alyn Cha did not answer. She threw herself at the Empress with a wordless howl, and though Yana tried to shield herself, she was knocked down again, and before she could react a blinding pain roared through her head, rendering her unconscious.
Luke took a deep breath and surveyed the battle-field with much more calm than he had felt just a few moments earlier. He and Nuron had latched onto Naas Deron, trying to contain the damage he caused in his personal crusade that left the remains of dozens of small and larger Yuuzhan Vong ships in its wake. The power he deployed was immense, and each outburst jolted through Luke's awareness like the crack of a whip. But now Deron was gradually running out of targets. The Star Alliance ships had effectively turned the tide, and the Grand Admiral had not hesitated in making the most of this. The Yuuzhan Vong were not only being decimated, they were pulling out, limping into safety slowly, pursued by the relentless star fighters of the alliance.
"Scout Two to Scout One," he transmitted tiredly, "permission to land?"
Nuron did not answer for a while, then muted the receiver for Luke's channel, but left the audio on, allowing him to listen in on her as she hailed Naas Deron. "Black Lead, come in," she said, then repeated the plea when no answer came. Impatiently she snarled: "Damn you, Naas Deron, answer!" A ferocious growl underscored that order, and wonder of wonders, there was a strange, cackling noise on the other end, then Naas Deron said:
"Go baby-sit someone else, girl. I don't need you shepherding me:"
"Who are you calling 'girl', you nerf-brained idiot! And we are not baby-sitting you, in case you haven't noticed, this is an escort."
"An escort, huh? This is even better. And I don't need one either."
To Luke's shock Nuron coolly fired a precise shot at Naas Deron's TIE, clipping his right wing effectively, and tipping him belly-first toward Luke. Acting out of impulse, the young Jedi switched to ion power to disable the Sith Lord's ship. There was a furious scream that echoed throughout the Force, sending ripples of darkness toward the young couple once more. Luke deflected them easily.
"Oops," Nuron commented, "seems you are losing control. Dear me, you are going to crash against the planet. Need an escort to bring you down?"
"Bitch!" Naas Deron snarled, the vehemence of that single word startling Luke, then the Sith Lord deftly brought the TIE into something resembling control, but the small fighter continued to fall toward Almashin, drawn in by the planet's gravity.
Overriding the mute, Luke whispered fiercely: "We cannot just let him crash!"
"Not what I intend to do," the Zabrak answered grimly. "Let's go."
They dived after the tumbling TIE-fighter, but a warning blow of dark power choked Luke's breath off, and let black spots dance before his eyes.
"Last warning," Naas Deron told them, suddenly sounding icy cold. "This is my battle, and you will not interfere. I deserve that much respect, I think."
"You don't deserve a senseless death!" Nuron railed angrily. "You are throwing everything away for nothing!"
"Nothing?" came the whispered reply. "Nuron, I have lost everything I had already. Puket is dead, and she was all I needed to go on. Now there's nothing left." He sounded incredibly tired, and Luke again felt his heart clench with pity and sorrow.
"What about your obligations to us? What about Lord Skywalker?" Nuron tried again, stubbornly refusing to give up yet.
The answer came just as stubbornly. "He of all people will understand."
"And Chi'in?"
"There's nothing I owe him," Deron replied, but he sounded shaken.
"Deron, don't do this," Nuron said at last, her voice small. "If you choose to die now, here at this battle, you will have betrayed her memory. She would have wanted you to go on, I know."
"How? How do you want to know?"
Luke felt his heart still, waiting for the Zabrak's answer, but in the very last instant he realized that all this exchange had served for was to provide a distraction from Deron's true intention. Blue eyes widening in shock and sudden grief, Luke screamed: "Pull up!" just as a dark green wall of trees rose up to embrace him. In the last moment, his ship's belly tearing noisily across the tree tops, did he manage to get his ship's nose up again, and he immediately checked for Nuron, his mind frozen in panic. He saw her ship, dancing over the forest roof, for a moment getting out of control, but she managed to straighten the fighter once more. The only one missing was Naas Deron. There had been no explosion, Luke knew, and he had felt nothing that would have pointed toward the Sith Lord's death. Drawing his ship into a wide arc he returned to where he thought the other had crashed, and Nuron followed his lead wordlessly.
"We'll find him," Luke told her soothingly, "don't worry."
Roganda was trembling like a leaf in high wind, and her hands were shaking madly, but she had managed to quell her fear to a point where her heart did not threaten to leap out of her mouth. Wearing the cognition hood of a stolen coral skipper she felt suddenly very grateful both for the modifications Ly Sul had performed on her and for what little training her master had provided her with before she had become his greatest disappointment. She was one with the ship, her own mind entwined with its own. It felt strange, and somehow frightening, but she could sense the ship's grudging trust in her, the way it responded to her hesitant commands deftly.
In hindsight her escape had been ridiculously easy. Making use of the chaos that permeated the worldship after the almost fatal hit delivered by whoever had last attacked them, Roganda had followed the warriors to the hangar and crawled into one of the unused passages that led up toward the coral skippers attached to the body launching ridges of the ship. No one had stopped her. Perhaps that fighter's pilot had died in the attack, but she did not really care about that, as long as it was her who escaped on board the small vessel. Now, clumsily directing the ship through the wreckage littering the battle-field, she was thankful for the sentient ship's own initiative, but acutely aware of the fact that she was in mortal danger of being taken for an enemy pilot.
Sweating profusely, she wracked her brain for any way to contact her allies, to make it clear somehow that she was no Yuuzhan Vong, even though her ship was of Yuuzhan Vong design. When a flight of TIEs swarmed toward her, though, she knew it was too late. The only idea that came to mind now was to coax the coral skipper up to more speed. Through the cognition hood she watched her pursuers from that dizzying, all-encompassing viewpoint that allowed her to see everything in a 360 degree radius. The Yuuzhan Ving fleet was retreating, and with it the ship she had left Yana Dar on.
The coral skipper cried out in pain when a laser bolt seared its hull. Gasping in response, Roganda tried to send soothing thoughts at the ship, tried to convince it to stay calm. But more shots lanced at them, threatening her life and that of her ship constantly. Only belatedly did she realize that the TIEs were trying to shepherd her back toward Almashin, probably to finish her there more easily. The coral skipper responded to her frantic pleas and came around in a circle to put Almashin in her direct line of sight. When she got closer toward the planet, she noticed two more ships rising fast toward her, and heaved a resigned sigh. To her great surprise the TIEs on her trail broke off the pursuit and instead formed a loose circle around her ship. An escort!
Triumphantly, Roganda transmitted her joy and calm over to the ship, easing its mind gradually. They had recognized her! Somehow. Smiling to herself impishly, Roganda felt relief flood her body in a warm, gentle wave. But almost instantly guilt stabbed through her mind again. Yana was still on board that Yuuzhan Vong worldship, all alone. Turning her head, Roganda watched the last of their ships wink out of realspace.
We will come and get you, she vowed silently. No matter what it takes.
Smoke hung heavily over the ruins of Anmedra's northern parts, where the Yuuzhan Vong troops had almost managed to break through the Chiss' defenses of the city. But by now the sounds of battle had died all across the site, leaving behind the busy roar of demolition and reconstructing of buildings, the wailing sirens of medic vans and the frequent cheers that followed the Dark Lord and Voss Parck wherever they went to inspect their remaining troops. Anakin felt a bit uncomfortable with this, especially when their transport finally stopped in front of the Syndics' severe headquarters. Bal'maw'narda stood atop the staircase leading up to the front door, with his fellow Syndics and councillors hanging back a bit.
Evening was falling gradually, and it seemed to Anakin that the dimming light made the Chiss' eyes glow more fiercely. Hopping off the transport he waited for Voss Parck and Andarack to join him, then turned toward a crowd of civilians – having been too late to leave with the evacuating ships that would need to be recalled soon – that had assembled in the square in front of the Syndic Council Chambers in apprehensive silence. When they saw him wave a ragged cheer went up, growing louder and louder until it filled the entire plaza.
"May the star of the Chiss Empire never fade!" the Dark Lord called out, and the cheer became a deafening roar.
Pivoting on his heels, Anakin started up the stairs, his two companions in tow. They came to a halt a step below the top platform, waiting for Bal'maw'narda to admit them. The elderly Chiss was smiling, even though his stately appearance was slightly marred by traces of soot that covered his white hair and his regal clothes.
"Well spoken, Lord Skywalker," the Syndic replied, and gave a pensive nod, undoubtedly thinking about the loss of their throne world, Csilla, and the Emperor's capture by the enemy. "Almashin thanks the Dark Lord and the New Republic for their valiant effort in defending her," he continued at last. "We have just received word from the fleet that reports victory. The Yuuzhan Vong are retreating. I doubt they will be back soon," he added softly. "Will you come inside? You will need rest, I am sure. Please, do not refuse that invitation."
Anakin returned the Chiss' smile amiably. "Thank you for your hospitality, Syndic. We accept gladly." Anxiously, he followed the others into the complex, and as soon as they had left the crowd behind all formalities were dropped instantly.
"Your son is on his way here," Bal'maw'narda informed him as he led the way toward the guest quarters. "He will arrive within the next hour."
"Thank you," Anakin replied, relieved. "What more?"
"Syndic Mith'raw'noruodo will be joining us also, along with Master Chi'in, Admiral Needa and Major Kalo'wyn of First Royal Flight."
Anakin stopped. This had to be the first time in years that Thrawn was allowed to set foot on a Chiss world ever since having been exiled! He could not suppress a grin as he turned to face Bal'maw'narda. "That is very good news, Syndic. But I can sense there is something else."
"Friends have announced their arrival. You know them, I believe. Sergeant Jixton and Mara Jade."
"They are coming here?" Anakin exclaimed, surprised. "Whatever for?"
"They did not say," Bal'maw'narda answered drily. "In here, please. I will be expecting you in the Council Chamber in exactly an hour's time."
Almost an hour later, with a few minutes to spare, Anakin was freshly showered and revitalised through a short meditation, and he took the cleaned clothes spread out on the unused bed gratefully. Things weren't looking so bad any more. True, they still had a remainder of the Yuuzhan Vong fleet to deal with, and they still had to try and free the Emperor, but he felt that they could manage that too, after having thwarted the attack today. He stepped into the hallway and cautiously closed the door behind him, before he turned toward the administrative wing of the complex, finding Andarack and Voss Parck already waiting for him at the next intersection. Both seemed rested and cleaned up, and Andarack in particular appeared very content. No wonder. After all, he had been honored with the worthiest kill in the ground battle of Almashin. For the Sith warrior that was reward enough.
Together they made their way to the Council Chamber, but when they closed in on the intimidatingly large double doors, a joyful yelp caught Anakin's ear and he looked around, slightly bewildered, to find Luke sprinting toward him. Nuron followed at a more measured pace, with Roganda Ismaren at her side. The boy practically bounded into his father's arms, his young face beaming happily. Deeply moved by his son's affectionate greeting Anakin held him tightly for a while, not at all embarrassed to be so intimate in front of watching eyes. This was his son, after all, and he had not seen him in months.
"Luke," he said at last, gently pushing the boy a bit back, to hold him at a short distance, and took the liberty to look him up and down, checking for new scars. But he seemed okay. "You had me mightily worried, I must confess," he admitted, smiling.
Luke laughed. "What? With Nuron watching my back and Kell holding my hand all the way?"
"Don't remind me," Anakin growled, but his expression softened quickly, when they were joined by the Zabrak and Roganda. "You did a great job, Nuron. He's still alive." With a wink at Luke, he gave her a sharp, military bow. A rare smile appeared on the Zabrak's fiercely beautiful face and she returned the gesture in kind.
"You are too generous, my lord," she answered drily, then wrapped an arm around Luke's waist. "He was not so bad himself. A true Sith."
Tactfully ignoring his son's rising blush, Anakin turned his attention on Roganda Ismaren. "It is a gift to find you alive and well," he said somberly. He hesitated, but asked nevertheless: "And what about the Empress?"
"She is still in enemy hands, I fear," the former concubine replied quietly. "We have to free her," she added in a fervent whisper.
"And we will," the Dark Lord promised.
The sound of boot steps approaching the antechamber brought his head up, and a smile appeared on his lips once more when he saw who it was. Grand Admiral Thrawn, dressed in his usual white uniform, was flanked by Lorth Needa and another Chiss, Major Kalo'wyn, Anakin guessed. But Chi'in was missing. Frowning a bit, he went to meet the three commanders.
"Good work," Thrawn greeted him curtly and spared an appreciative nod at Voss Parck, who accepted it wordlessly. His good mood somewhat doused, Anakin turned with the others to walk back toward the Council Chamber. "We will be late," the Chiss admiral concluded and went ahead without another word. But Anakin managed to catch Needa before they followed the Grand Admiral.
"Admiral, where is Chi'in? I was told he would be with you."
"Master Chi'in is a much wanted man today, it would seem," Needa replied with a tiny smile. "We were intercepted a few corridors back by two personalities of shady reputation. They seemed to want to discuss something with him."
Anakin grinned. "Jix and Mara. Of course. Well," he shrugged. "I suppose he won't be missing all that much. And we will be late, just as Thrawn predicted."
"And we all know his predictions are always on target," Lorth Needa added with mock severity.
Both men entered the Council Chamber amidst low chuckles of shared amusement and relief. But the assembly that had gathered here was anything but jovial. Especially Thrawn seemed uncharacteristically tense. Eyes flicking over toward Bal'maw'narda, Anakin found the old Syndic deliberately ignoring the Chiss warlord. It appeared that Thrawn's past crimes might have been accepted, but not forgiven. It was a very thoughtful and quiet Dark Lord who joined the gathering, taking a place next to his son. One battle won, and the war not over yet, he thought, catching Luke's smile.
Luke noticed the pensive expression on his father's face and it worried him. They had won a great battle today, and even though the war was not yet won, they had gained some breathing space that would allow them to prepare for the finale. Slowly, he averted his gaze again and looked over at the Grand Admiral, who, at Bal'maw'narda's quiet request, rose to make his report on the battle of Almashin. The admiral's bright white uniform stood in crass contrast to the somber colors that dominated the Council Chamber, but Luke thought it emphasized the importance of Thrawn's committment and actions in today's fighting.
The Chiss stood at ease, hands crossed lightly on his back as he faced the Council of Syndics. "Honored Councilors, it is my humble pleasure to report space around Almashin secured," he began smoothly, his voice utterly calm. "Scouts have been deployed to confirm the enemy's departure and the remaining ships are set on yellow alert for now. The losses in total number forty-two capital ships, roughly two thirds of our original fleet strength, plus two hundred star fighters lost or damaged. The ground battle cost us a third of our troops stationed here, and thanks to Lord Skywalker we did not lose more. An estimate of the enemy's losses leaves fifty Yuuzhan Vong vessels unaccounted for and I presume they all managed to escape unscathed and will have to be dealt with in the near future." The Grand Admiral's face darkened somewhat as he continued. "On a greater scale our losses are much graver, though. Csilla has reportedly been conquered by the enemy, leaving fifteen million inhabitants either dead or captive on the planet alone, and thirty million in the entire system in grave danger. The Home Fleet was decimated by almost ninety percent. General Sa'ly'ma, in charge of Csilla's defenses, is presumably dead, having been reported missing in action, and reliable reports confirm that His Revered Highness Emperor Ja'han'mandana has been taken by the enemy. "
Luke paled at hearing that cold account of what were staggering losses. Fifteen million either dead or imprisoned. Thirty million more imperiled, and the Emperor the Yuuzhan Vong's prisoner. His skin tightened with silent dread as he remembered Roj Kell telling him that the Yuuzhan Vong liked to sacrifice their captives, and he remembered even more vividly the ancient Sith's violent death itself. He could tell by the mood permeating the chamber, and, more expressively, by the faces of the assembly, that all of them shared his worries here.
But the Grand Admiral continued, seemingly unpertubed. "Salvar Ishare Luvo, in command of the Star Alliance fleet that joined us in the last hours of the battle, expects a formal invitation to be delivered to him as soon as possible. For obvious reasons he declined to accompany myself and my staff to Almashin. I recommend inviting Salvar Luvo for a meeting later tonight. In the meantime Luke Skywalker may lay out the details of this alliance for the Council to examine."
Feeling his cheeks heaten with excitement, Luke shifted nervously in his seat and reddened even more when he looked first right, to where Nuron sat smiling at him, then left, where Father was leaning back in his chair casually, brows cocked in a friendly challenge. But there was actually something else on his mind, when the Syndics' eyes came to rest on him. He rose from his seat and gave them a respectful bow, the way Chi'in had shown him when he had first been invited here weeks ago, then addressed the Grand Admiral.
"Sir, if I may, what about Ambassador Naas Deron?" They had transmitted the location of the crash-site to the fleet before they had been called off to investigate a potentially dangerous interloper who had turned out to be Roganda Ismaren piloting a coral skipper.
"Of course." Thrawn gave a curt nod. "Ambassador Deron is being recovered as we speak. He will be placed under arrest once he arrives here."
"What!" Luke exclaimed, truly shocked. "Arrested! On what grounds?"
Thrawn's glowing red eyes were impossibly cold as he answered: "Ambassador Deron acted as flight commander during the battle and purposefully deserted his command for unjustified reasons. According to Chiss military law, effective during times of warfare, he will be tried and convicted for treason."
"Unjustified reasons!" It was Nuron who joined Luke in outrage. "You know exactly what happened up there!"
"There will be silence in the Council Chamber," Syndic Bal'maw'narda injected, his calm, soft voice cutting through their protest with icy precision.
Embarrassed, Luke subsided, but Nuron was still bristling with fury, staring hard at Thrawn. She was a warrior too, and she valued and respected her comrades, Luke knew. This had to seem unnecessarily cruel to her. Risking a glance over at the other military commanders, respectively his father and Lorth Needa, he saw them keeping carefully neutral expressions. And the Noghri seated on the far side of Nuron, introduced as Andarack clan Rim'kai, Chi'in's great-nephew, also kept suspiciously quiet.
"Please accept our humble apologies, Syndics," Luke said respectfully and bowed again. Nuron threw him a frown but followed his lead a moment later.
"Accepted. Master Skywalker, we would be interested in hearing the details of the Star Alliance now."
"Commander Al'than'erudo has already briefed you on the conditions that the alliance members have accepted when entering this confederacy," Luke countered. "In essence, the alliance establishes diplomatic and military ties between seven different peoples, three of which have joined in a fleet to assist in Almashin's defense. You know all seven peoples as your enemies, as identified by Grand Admiral in an expedition some thirty years ago. Commander Al'than'erudo suggested that the council may be open to renewed negotiations with these peoples once the war has ended."
"Which was your primary goal when establishing this alliance, is that not so, Master Skywalker," Bal'maw'narda said quite drily. "A daring move on your part, and it puts us in a precarious position. We are indebted to the Star Alliance fleet and Ishare Luvo, who, I might add, has attacked the Chiss on numerous occasions, and is feared throughout our realm as unrelenting aggressor. A fact I assume you are also aware of. You are making fools of us, Master Skywalker. Also intentionally?"
Luke felt the tell-tale tingle of a blush rise again in his cheeks, but forced himself to remain calm this time. Holding his head high he met Bal'maw'narda's expectant gaze. "Commander Al'than'erudo has indeed informed me of that minor detail concerning Ishare Luvo."
"Minor detail!" one of the other councilors exclaimed, but fell silent at a gesture from Bal'maw'narda.
"You are very courageous, Master Skywalker," he said, "and you obviously realize that your father will not assist you in this interview. You made your choices on Ooonda, and now you have to convince us that they were right and true. Go ahead then."
"Very well." Luke folded his hands in front of his abdomen, letting the Force seep into his awareness gradually to clear his mind of all distractions. "It is my wish and my goal, as Jedi Knight, to create a peaceful community free of unnecessary struggles. What I found on Laa'kuan was such a community, from which the Chiss have been excluded so far. And on Ooonda I realized that this was exactly what I want this galaxy to become. A community. I share that dream with many other, I know, and once upon a time the Rebel Alliance pursued exactly that dream, too. Sadly enough the New Republic was not able to deliver on that dream, partly because there still existed a possibly hostile Imperial remnant, and in part because of internal power struggles. I have not abandoned the New Republic. I merely took my chances where they presented themselves. Tell me, Syndic Bal'maw'narda, is it wrong to dream?"
"No," the old Chiss answered slowly. "And that dream you have is indeed shared by many others, including myself, including your father. I wonder, though, if it also includes Ishare Luvo."
"Why not ask him? Grand Admiral Tharwn already suggested inviting him here. I would advise the same."
Bal'maw'narda nodded gravely. "Good advice, Master Skywalker. Your proposal is accepted. This meeting is adjourned. Thank you."
Luke almost flinched at the stab of outrage he could feel flash through the Grand Admiral's presence, and he could well imagine what was going through Thrawn's head right then. What was wrong? Bal'maw'narda had not been reluctant to follow the Grand Admiral's strategy for as long as Thrawn himself had been away, cruising the Unknown Regions in pursuit of the enemy. But now that he was here on Almashin ... A hand fell lightly on his elbow and he looked up to meet his father's eyes.
"Come," the older Skywalker said softly, and Luke followed him to the door, where Nuron and Andarack where already waiting. The fleet commanders, including Voss Parck, had left already, perhaps to see to their troops, to write reports or simply to rest.
Together they made their way toward the guest quarters, and into what seemed to be Father's assigned apartment. It consisted of a large sitting-room, a bed-room, fresher unit and a balcony overlooking the park outside. A glance toward the windows showed Luke that night had fallen fully over Anmedra.
"I wonder what is keeping Chi'in and the others," Nuron said suddenly into the uncomfortable silence that had settled over the small group.
Father shrugged and took a seat, quickly joined by the others. "They will let us know when they are ready," he declared, then threw a warm smile at his son. "And now we will talk. I imagine you will want to know what is happening in this little corner of the galaxy."
Luke smiled shyly. "How'd you guess?"
Jix had taken a seat on one of the broad window-sills in one of the deserted hallways, and was listening intently to Chi'in's report on the battle, for once at a loss of any comments he might otherwise have injected. The losses they had received here were stunning, and all the more so since the Chiss' throne world had fallen to the enemy after all. Yet the Noghri delivered his report in a cool voice, seemingly unfazed by this disaster. When he had finished at last Mara, who had been leaning against the wall beside Jix silently, straightened again.
"I cannot believe you let Deron run across the battle-field playing Death Star," she accused, sounding shocked for some reason.
Chi'in turned large black eyes on her, and his nightmarish features suddenly looked very menacing indeed. "You are right, Mara Jade," he replied cautiously, "I might have been able to stop him. But that would have taken time I was unwilling to sacrifice in the midst of a devastating battle. And additionally I knew very well what he would do if left free reign. That was exactly what I speculated on."
She shook her red mane angrily. "I would have expected such a sneaky move of anyone but you, Chi'in. Seems as if you've learned a thing or two from the Yuuzhan Vong."
Jix inhaled sharply, expecting the usually so cool Noghri to rise to her challenge. But Chi'in said nothing for a while. Neither Mara nor the Corellian dared interrupt his thoughts Finally Chi'in lowered his head, and for a moment his child-like frame seemed very vulnerable indeed.
"If you believe that Naas Deron's fate leaves me cold you are both mistaken. I have lost two students in this war already, and perhaps I will lose a third, too. It is hard for me to accept that my teachings may not have enabled them to master their duties, that I may be responsible for their deaths. And yet, on a more logical basis, I know very well that Cronn fought well and that he merely succumbed to overwhelming odds. Or that Puket was too exhausted after having flown attacks for hours out there. I know that the Force has limits in all of us. I have exprienced those myself when I was the Yuuzhan Vong's captive." He raised his head again, his lantern eyes huge and forbidding. "And yet I must accept their deaths and look to the future. I still belive that there will be a future for us, and I pray it will be a happy one. As for sneaky moves, Mara, we all use what is available to us, is that not so?"
She nodded in mute agreement. Then Jix decided to change the subject in his usual tactful manner. "Speaking of, Chi'in. We have a request."
"Go ahead then," the Sith Lord replied wearily.
"All right." Hopping off his perch, the Corellian hooked his thumbs behind his belt and nodded at the Noghri. "This is inofficial, and I'm not sure how much we want to tell the Chiss. Fact is that Sarreti is back in charge and pulling off a scheme of his own to get Yana out of the Yuuzhan Vong's clutches. He proposed for us – that's Mara and myself – to pose as Imperial saboteurs who've made a lucky catch. You. The Vong will be panting to get you back, I guess," he grinned. "Hell, anyone would." Mara giggled at that, but Jix continued. "So, Sarreti would make contact and we'd go in there blind to make the delivery. With what you told us of today's battle we may even manage to escort you as far as whatever worldship they want you on." He shrugged easily. "If they suspect a trap or grow suspicious 'cause of whatever other reason, we'll be done for and you'll be on your own. Or dead."
"A very risky endeavor," Chi'in mused aloud. "How does he propose to secure this gamble?"
"Ysalamiri. They'll get them courtesy of the Empire, and two experts to demonstrate how they work."
"I see." The Noghri averted his eyes briefly, and when he looked back at the couple he was smiling. "I learned just a few hours ago that my grand-nephew was the one who killed Warmaster Marayl Carr." He straightened proudly. "It is a pleasure to know that this honor remained within the family. All the Yuuzhan Vong will know, though, is that a Noghri killed Marayl Carr, and the only one they have met so far is myself. I suppose they will indeed be very eager to have me imprisoned and ultimately killed for supposedly having killed their Warmaster. If Saretti can make the story of your capturing me credible, I believe we have good chances of getting on board that worldship together. And I am probably right in assuming that Sarreti is speculating on Yana being there too."
Jix nodded. "Right. That's what he said."
"But we need a diversion to get out alive again," Mara added.
The Sith Lord snorted dismissively. "I do not doubt First Royal Flight will be happy to provide that diversion."
"The Emperor," Mara hissed between gritted teeth. "I'd completely forgotten about him!"
Jix gave Chi'in a calculating look. "Ever met His Highness? Will he be any good in a fight?"
The Noghri shook his head. "I have never met him and I do not know anything about him that might be of any help. I suggest we enlist Major Kalo'wyn's help in this. He will know how to approach the Syndics. And now," he added wearily, "I could use some rest too."
He sat in a high-backed chair at the window of his assigned quarters, looking out over the inner courtyard of the complex. It was completely dark outside, with Anmedra on emergency power and all outside illumination shut off to make targeting the city more difficult, should another attack come tonight. In the knowledge that his presence would be required in the upcoming meeting with Ishare Luvo, Mith'raw'noruodo had merely shed the uniform jacket, which lay neatly folded on the fresh linens covering the single bed.
But it was not the meeting with an old foe that occupied his thoughts.
Breathing deeply, he relished the fact that after decades of exile he was back in Chiss territory, back on Almashin. Home. Long years ago he had vowed to prove his point to the other Syndics, that the art of war could be so much more intricate than what the strict codex of the Chiss military allowed, and that with the right attitude warfare could be so much more efficient. He knew that their ancestors had carved an empire out of the Unknown Regions by following exactly that strict code of honor, and he admired them greatly for this achievemnt, that had to have seemed almost impossible back in the founding days of the Chiss Empire. But times had changed. New technologies had emerged, new threats, and the last war had indeed made it clear to the Chiss admiral that a fresh approach was necessary.
It was a strange home he had returned to, though, himself estranged through his service to the Galactic Empire and his experiences in the last war, and the Unknown Regions adapting to a new, possibe future. Mith'raw'noruodo had no doubts whatsoever that Luke Skywalker had no idea what his actions had sparked, how thorough the change he craved would be. If the alliance he was proposing for them to join would come to be they could indeed look forward to a safer, more prosperous future. And yet the Grand Admiral was uncertain what he thought of that. Would he be content to only defend, to spend his time in endless meetings that would become no more than protocol? Once the threat of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion had been dealt with, could there even be a chance for such a future?
He smiled to himself when he realized that despite all his skills and knowledge he was probably unable to cope with peace. And he feared greatly that the Chiss, who had lived at the very verge of disaster from the first day on, would be able to adapt. Perhaps that was the reason why the religious community of the Triad Worlds had never approached the Chiss, had instead treated them with hostility. Even Ishare Luvo, a fierce warrior and merciless warlord, had condemned the Chiss for their history time and again, even though the Chiss were by no means an aggressive people. They merely dealt with difficulties in a quiet and very efficient way.
Another thought occupying his mind was Bal'maw'narda's open hostility. The Syndic was using him for the Chiss' own ends, and yet he still treated the formerly exiled admiral like an outlaw. Grimly curling his right hand into a fist, Mith'raw'noruodo pondered several schemes he might employ to bring the Syndic down for that affront. But then a knock at the door caught his attention, and Mith'raw'noruodo rose wordlessly, pulled on his jacket and walked toward the door briskly to open it. Voss Parck was waiting out there for him.
"It is time," he said, his informal tone again reminding the Chiss that he had formed strong ties to the Empire, ties that had grown stronger perhaps than those that held him to the Chiss.
Nodding quietly, Mith'raw'noruodo strode out into the hallway to join him. "Ishare Luvo has already arrived?"
"Yes. They are on their way to the Council Chamber. Everyone is pretty jumpy. I had not realized his reputation is that bad."
"Once you meet him you'll know why," the Grand Admiral told his friend with a smile. "Who else will be attending the meeting?"
"Everyone important who is on Almashin. A grand assembly, then."
"Yes. Where did you put Ambassador Deron?"
Parck's face clouded a bit. "He has been badly injured in the crash. Medical ward of detention at Alaya Base. So far he has been pretty peaceful."
"He will not be any trouble. I rather worry about Master Chi'in."
"Why?" Parck asked, startled.
"Honor. Chi'in could have stopped Deron, undoubtedly. If I insist on keeping Deron incarcerated, Chi'in will probably demand that I let him share his student's fate. And that I cannot do." His lips compressed into a tight line. "Well," he said at last. "We'll see what Lord Skywalker has to say on the matter."
They reached the Council Chamber last of all, and Mith'raw'noruodo had intended it so. He did not want to give his old nemesis the satisfaction of having made him wait for him to arrive. But when they stepped into the grand hall, Ishare Luvo turned around and smiled at the Grand Admiral contemptuously. His apparent arrogance was intolerable, and yet there was no way to demote a guest of the council. Unfortunately. Joining the row of commanders wordlessly, Mith'raw'noruodo waited for Bal'maw'narda to open the negotiations.
It was a clearly defined assembly that had gathered in the Council Chamber, contrary to the meeting earlier that same evening, Anakin found. To the left the commanders of the Chiss-New Republic Alliance stood in a neat row that followed the gentle curve of the chamber. They had been separated into three groups. Members of the original Chiss navy, among them Major Kalo'wyn, then Thrawn and his own commanders, including Voss Parck and Gilead Palleon, and Lorth Needa with his staff, as representatives of the New Republic. Teer Shikay had apparently remained aboard the Eisenhart, assuming command of the fleet during Thrawn's absence.
To the right of the chamber, then, Anakin himself, Luke, Nuron, Chi'in and Andarack stood in a loose group, with Jix and Mara keeping in the background. Next to that group a score of Chiss officials had assembled. The middle of the room was, of course, occupied by Ishare Luvo and the other representatives of the Star Alliance's fleet. They were facing the Council of Syndics directly and, Anakin could not help but notice, that layout also put the guests into the direct line of fire for a small squad of Chiss guards looming behind the Syndics. The Dark Lord had noticed the look that had passed between Thrawn and Ishare Luvo with some concern. Those two were old enemies, it seemed, and he fervently hoped that Luke's alliance would hold after all.
Then Bal'maw'narda rose from his seat, the other councilors following his lead promptly. "The Council welcomes the representatives of the Star Alliance on Almashin," he told the assembly in grave tones, and to Anakin's surprise Ishare Luvo managed a passably respectful bow.
"Peace with you, Syndics. Honor we are in your presence," the Lappa replied.
"We are indebted to you for the aid you brought to Almashin's defenses. The honor is ours."
Obviously pleased, the Lappa commander smiled graciously, exposing his gills fully. "No debt, Syndic. A truce."
An audible gasp ran through the assembled Chiss. No one had expected that, and Anakin confirmed with a quick glance at his son that Luke had also been ignorant of Ishare Luvo's move.
"This is – surprising," Bal'maw'narda managed. "But nevertheless very welcome." His gaze hardened. "And yet we cannot offer more than our thanks for now. Not until we have recovered the Emperor, or chosen a successor. This council has no authority to make a truce. Not with anyone, as much as it saddens me to say so."
Ishare Luvo nodded solemnly. "Understand. Help will to recover your emperor. The price for truce is acceptable."
"I – " Totally taken aback by the Lappa's words the Syndic began to stammer. "That is a very generous and noble offer!" An honest smile made his lined face beam with joy. "And the council accepts it gladly!" Sobering again, he took a seat, and immediately a group of servants rushed to provide the visitors with chairs. "Time is running short," he announced, sounding very tired all of a sudden. "And we all know what is at stake. The Council is open to suggestions on how me may succeed in freeing both the Emperor as well as Empress Yana Dar."
Not surprisingly to Anakin it was Chi'in who stepped forward. Bal'maw'narda's face lit up again at seeing the Sith Lord. "I have a suggestion," the Noghri declared, and proceeded to relay Franzis Sarreti's plan, adding his own thoughts to it. His recount was interrupted by Ishare Luvo, who seemed outraged.
"An ally refuse sending aid?" he exclaimed, his body tensing into an aggressive crouch.
"With all respect, Salvar," Anakin inserted smoothly, "but Counselor Sarreti did the right thing. This way we have fresh troops, if needed, and had he sent reinforcements to Almashin we could not now rely on his ties with the Yuuzhan Vong. Ties that will open the door for us to strike at their heart."
The murmurs of agreement that rose from the crowd were cut short by Thrawn's cool voice. "We are still missing one aspect of this scheme," he said.
"And what would that be?" Anakin asked, unable to keep a challenge out of his tone. He noticed the interest with which Ishare Luvo glanced first at the Chiss, then at the Dark Lord, as if watching some low-g-hockey match.
The Grand Admiral straightened some more. "I had sent Master Chi'in ahead to gather a task force that would infiltrate the Yuuzhan Vong base at Kynda'bey and neutralize the yammosk. Since Master Chi'in will obviously be unavailable for that mission, I would ask you to go in his place, Lord Skywalker."
It was some hours later that same night, and two figures had found some solitude in one of the meeting rooms that were scattered throughout the administrative wing of the grand government complex of Anmedra. Their plans made and approved of, they could only wait now, until all preparations had been finished. Luke and Nuron had retreated for a short rest, and Andarack was off somewhere, having excused himself politely from his great-uncle's presence. It disturbed had Chi'in somewhat to hear about the younger Noghri's allegiances from his old friend and former teacher as they sat together in that lonely meeting room, discussing Sith business. Anakin had just finished his tale, having added his own thoughts to what they had worked out of Roj Kell's scheme together.
Chi'in heaved a deep sigh. "In the moment of greatest victory our numbers dwindle," he said quietly, the memory of his lost students still paining him. "I wonder if there will be any Sith left to continue this legacy once this struggle has ended."
"Don't be so pessimistic, Chi'in," the Dark Lord admonished him gently, but he, too, sounded very thoughtful. "There is more to being Sith than sorcery. I believe we have all learned that lesson over the past few weeks. Being Sith means being loyal to the Sith and their ideals. It means believing in what the Sith stand for."
"And what is it they stand for?" Chi'in asked bitterly. "Conquest and tyranny? Or deception and manipulation? I do not know anymore what path we should follow," he added wistfully.
"You scare me, old friend. You never were unsure of your path before," Anakin reminded him, his voice having taken on a cautious tone.
"But now I am," the Noghri countered sharply. "What I believed to be the right path has doomed three of my students and already claimed two of them. I do not dare think of what the future might bring, if honor and respect become meaningless."
"Not meaningless, not at all. Your path still is true, Chi'in. And I think Kell has shown us the future with his sacrifice."
"What do you mean?"
Anakin heaved a deep sigh and folded his hands atop the table, looking at them as if any answers were being held there. Finally he looked up again to meet Chi'in's gaze. "I have accepted his legacy already," he began, "and assumed the role of guardian, of Cor'dan, to succeed him. My initiation has not yet been fully accomplished, and I fear the moment when I will surrender completely to what I can sense already. It is overwhelming, unlike anything I have ever felt before." His voice dropped into a whisper. "I am afraid of that responsibility, Chi'in. Sorely afraid."
"So that is why you were so reluctant to go to Laa'kuan to confront the yammosk," Chi'in breathed. "That's why you are reacting so hostile toward any mention of that old schemer." The Noghri shook his head gravely. "You are fighting destiny, Anakin. I am not sure whether you can win that battle."
"Fact is that I do not even want to win," Anakin replied heatedly. "When Deron employed the Dark Side to exact vengeance upon those who had killed his lover I could feel his grief call to me. I could feel his soul cry out for being avenged, for being protected from even more pain. That is my calling, Chi'in, and I cannot fight it any longer. I realized that here on Almashin, and I know my destiny will fulfill itself on Laa'kuan. He has trapped me solidly in this, old friend, and that knowledge is the source of my resentment."
Chi'in sat there, stunned by the other's confession. "Then you do have the answers," he said at last. "Then you know what the future will bring."
"It isn't that easy," the Dark Lord replied resignedly. "I have my own dreams, and I suppose I will have to make them compatible with the situation I find myself in now." He gave a bitter laugh. "Whoever would have thought that being Cor'dan would be so complicated, after having watched Kell play at it for three millennia with such apparent ease!"
"He did not have the kind of responsibility you have now," Chi'in offered thoughtfully. "As I understand it, from what you have told me, you will assume the role as guardian for both the Sith as well as the galactic community."
"Where he merely had to deal with the universe?" Anakin finished laconically. "No. I won't let myself be pushed into that corner. I will be content to be Cor'dan and leave politics to my wife, if she still wants the job now!"
Chi'in laughed at that. "Anakin! Now you sound like an old man! You may not be that young any more, but I know you well enough to forsee that your 'contentment' won't last."
"And I admit I am looking forward to that day!"
They talked for long hours that night, and when Chi'in at last retreated to get some sleep, he felt a lot easier than before. There was a future out there. All it needed was someone to make it take on shape.
TBC