Drakahn shot a sidelong glance at Gade. The force backlash from the mind probe, like a freezing razor edged wave of power that threatened to completely numb his body, made him grit his teeth, while Rage standing in Vader's shadow appeared to be shielded. Rehn's ears flattened, her eyes squeezing shut and her body gave a violent shudder. She wanted to lash out in retaliation for the assault, to show Vader she was not afraid of him- it was a lie of course, as it was all she could do to keep from visibly trembling. Her teeth were clenched so tightly that her jaw hurt as she looked up at the Sith Lord. Like a thick black oil, she felt the hate begin to boil inside her. She wanted to show her defiance, to look him in the eye and challenge him with her gaze. If she could she would have locked her jaws around his throat and choked the life out of him. She did not know from where her hatred originated, but it was deep. Only one thing stopped her from making the certainly suicidal lunge. Fear. Fear for what Drakahn would do to her, fear for what Vader would do, and fear that the Messenger would be disappointed with her. Even though her eyes and heart burned naturally in defiance and hate, Rehn lowered her head to the Dark Lord, signalling her submission. There was no point in fighting any more. She'd lost Gellan, an event she still blamed herself for, and no one was coming for her. Only Drakahn cared about her and what happened to her.
Vader remarked to himself how much Rehn reminded him of her father. Even when faced with defeat, humiliation and certain death, Seph Gade's defiance had been a tangible thing. He could feel her intense hate through the Force, as well as the bond she had with Drakahn. He knew that her gesture of submission was not so much for his benefit as much as it was to please Drakahn, and the thought rankled. He had also felt the Force backlash that had resulted from his violation of her mind, but he had been able to block it. Barryk did an impressive job he thought he's more of a threat than I first thought. But that matter will be settled shortly.
"When I leave tomorrow, you will accompany me. You have much to learn." Vader said in his emotionless, filtered baritone, turning to leave.
"My Lord, " Rehn's voice small yet powerful despite her fear. Drakahn felt his gut constrict as she spoke and saw Vader stop. He thought even the Dark Lord was surprised that she had the courage to speak to him. Vader turned slowly as Rage took a step to the side, looking suddenly uncomfortable with the situation. Rehn looked into Vader's hidden eyes with a fearful but determined expression. "I do not wish to leave Drakahn." now it was Drakahn's turn to look uncomfortable. If Lord Vader thought that he had somehow poisoned her mind against him, he was in serious trouble.
"What you want is of no consequence." Vader's voice was low and deadly. He could feel her fear as he approached her, and she averted her eyes and looked at the floor, regretting her words immediately. She steeled herself against her terror, shoving it down deep into the pit of her gut. She knew if she showed to much defiance, and she angered him sufficiently, he would kill her. If she showed a lack of spirit or courage, he would think her weak and kill her. Rehn had to placate him, and do it quickly.
"I know, Lord Vader. I accept my fate." she said quickly, accepting that she had no control over the matter and lowering her head again submissively. He stood over her, eclipsing the room's lights and leaving her in a frigid shadow. Drakahn remained silent, knowing if he said anything he would only compound the problem, so he stood aloof. If Vader chose to kill her, he would not intervene. "Forgive me, my Lord. I meant you no disrespect." She did not whine or grovel, but the apology was genuine. She was a warrior, she did not beg. Vader was mildly impressed, though by no means appease. He admired her courage and her loyalty, even if it was misplaced. Gade still held a deep hatred for the Empire, and if allowed to grow into her power, would become a threat.
Rehn felt the cartilage in her throat begin to constrict painfully. She gritted her teeth against the pain, but did not gag or claw at her throat the way his officers usually did. If she was to die, she wanted to die like a warrior, not a whimpering child.
"You are not worthy of further training." Vader growled, tightening his Force choke hold. Her nostrils flared and her eyes squeezed shut in pain and she dropped to her knees. "Your lack of discipline will be your undoing, as will your defiance. The Emperor does not tolerate impudence, and neither do I." She fell to her hands and knees, her lungs burning for oxygen, before she finally fell to the floor and lost consciousness.
*********
"I am not happy Drakahn." Vader's back was to Drakahn as the Dark Lord of the Sith looked out over the balcony.
"I did not know her bond with me would be quite so strong, my Lord." Drakahn 's voice was devoid of emotion though he was lying through his teeth. He had to salvage as much of his plan as he could now, as it was apparent the only way of keeping his prize alive would be to have her mind wiped.
"Your feelings for her have made you soft." Vader said with more than a hint of disgust and looking over his shoulder slightly. "I know that the Emperor has given her to you. Were you afraid your prize may be damaged if she was broken in a more forceful way?" Drakahn raised his head at the slight. Vader was suggesting the his personal ambitions where getting in the way of his work. Too much ambition was frowned upon by both Vader and the Emperor.
"I have been soft on her, my Lord." Drakahn admitted truthfully. "I believed using too much force would only intensify her hatred of the Empire, making her useless to the Emperor's cause. Gade's will to resist me is broken and her loyalty to the rebel cause is waning."