PERFECT STRANGERS: PART III

Author Notes: Imperial Rank in this story goes Captain, General, Commander, Lieutenant. And in this story, there are still guitars and forms of kareoke and swing dancing, so get used to it. 

Dedication: Nick and Jake, (Mycenae and Cerberus), thanks for your invaluable suggestions and ideas. Caitie, thanks for the motivation! Oh yeah, and Joey, don't dish it out if you can't take it!

The forest was bleak and chilly and the trees hung lifelessly as if they were sobbing. Tristan Lockhart wandered cautiously down the narrow path. Every time the wind howled, her hand flew to the lightsaber at her belt. Her smoky brown hair blew in her face as she looked around for any signs of danger. Suddenly, a loud clap of crackling thunder sounded and Tristan dropped to one knee. She looked into the sky where the lightning seemed to swirl together into one huge deadly current. Tristan felt a strong disturbance in the Force and immediately drew her burgundy lightsaber. Without warning, the lightning came down around her as if it had been strategically fired. Blackened tufts of grass created a dark circle around her. Heartbeat accelerating, she raced further down the path which ended abruptly in a clearing surrounded by trees. Bad place to be in a storm, she thought. But there was nowhere else to go. She felt the disturbance growing stronger. She assumed a fighting stance, and just as she was about to look into the sky, she sensed something else. A power stronger and deeper than even her own. It caught her off guard long enough to draw her attention away from the sky. The moment she looked back, the sky had turned to a deep green. Again the electricity swirled, but this time, it too was shaded green. Realizing it was too late to protect herself, Tristan screamed as the bolt of lightning came toward her--

...and she awoke in a cold sweat.

Admiral Tristan Lockhart sat upright in bed, panting as if she had just run a marathon. Her lightsaber hummed as the maroon beam of light and energy illuminated the room. "Computer, what time is it?"

"The time is 05:00."

Too early to get up. Too unsettled to sleep. This wasn't the first time she'd had that dream. What did it mean? She deactivated her lightsaber and slid out of bed. She laid the saber down on her dresser and walked to her refresher. She closed the door, shed her sleepwear, and slid into the shower. As the warm water ran over her shoulders, she let her mind wander...

Back to that dusty floor six years ago, when she decided that she could no longer go on this way. Her entire body had felt like lead as she tried to conquer the vicious hangover. Even though her thoughts were groggy, she knew she had hit rock bottom. She remembered all that she had come from and all that she used to be. She had once dreamed of becoming a great Jedi, feared and respected by all. But she had lost her powers in a freak accident about ten years before. It had killed her spirit and destroyed her hope of a successful future. She had sought out many different people to help her restore her power, but no one would help her. No one could help her. Even her family had forgotten her and was nowhere to be found.

She looked around at where she was then and what she had become; a weary, wisp of a woman, forsaken by the Force and all humankind. She never dreamed of living her life all alone. If only she had...

Well, it was too late to change the past. But she still had a chance to alter her future. She decided in that moment that there was nothing left for her on Y'Eneth. There had never been anything to begin with. The next morning, not having a clue as to where she was headed, she boarded a supply shuttle en route to some planet on the Outer Rim. Though the pilot seemed a bit suspicious, she tagged along anyway, knowing she had nowhere else to turn. She flew with the man, called Draven, to drop his cargo, unaware that he was a smuggler, bringing weapons to the tiny remnants of the old Empire. In passing, Draven inquired who she was and where she had come from before Y'Eneth.

"I'm a Jedi Knight." she lied. "And I'm wandering around looking for pieces of the old Empire to destroy." Obviously Draven didn't pick up the sarcasm in her voice, or was simply overcautious. He delivered her into the hands of his superior, Grand Admiral Bucheit.

There was a big gap after that. She learned later that she had been stunned. After being severely drugged and analyzed, the Grand Admiral was shocked to discover that she wasn't simply a smart aleck inebriate, but rather a Force adept with not enough midi-chlorians in her blood to account for anything.

The drugs they had administered were strong and the woman would not revive for a while, so the Grand Admiral had some time to think about how he would deal with her when she awoke. From what Draven had told him, she seemed a bit desperate; for what he did not know. Since she did have a few shards of Force power within her, perhaps she could be persuaded to convert to evil. He had heard legends about the old Sith Lords and remembered that fear and anger was what made them powerful. A Dark Jedi would be of great value to his crew. Then again, if something went wrong, she could turn against him and become a menace. Bucheit was already despised by most of his crew, and the last thing he needed was someone powerful who could become a threat. Maybe he would just make her a part of the crew, put her to work with the rest of the worthless scum onboard. No, she was worth more than that. He would hate to see a woman of her beauty collaborating with some of the miserable wretches on that ship. Perhaps she would become his personal servant. He smiled at the thought. Yes, that would be quite enjoyable.

When the woman awakened the next day, she was restrained to her bed in the med center. Grand Admiral Bucheit was circling her like a hungry vulture.

"Thought you were going to overthrow us, did you Jedi?" he asked with an evil grin.

Disoriented from the harsh sedatives, she remembered being absolutely terrified at that moment. "No-- no. Of course not." she sputtered.

Bucheit laughed. "That isn't what you told my smuggler. "So not only are you a reject of society, but a liar."

The woman's fear was quickly overcome by anger. Who did this jerk think he was? He had no right to insult her, and then laugh at her.

"That doesn't seem very Jedi-like." he continued.

"Who said I was a Jedi?" she snapped back.

"You did, actually. My smuggler Draven informed me."

"Well, he's the liar. I'm not a Jedi. Though it wouldn't take one to overthrow this piece of crap." she muttered.

Bucheit's devilish grin disappeared and she suddenly felt the sting of his hand across her face. "How dare you disrespect me, Jedi!" She was more feisty than he had expected.

"I'm not disrespecting you," she fumed. "I'm telling the truth. And quit calling me Jedi. I'm not one. I'm sure you've checked up on me. You know there's nothing there. It's all gone."

"Gone?" he echoed.

"Yes gone." she repeated. "There's not a thing I wouldn't do to get it back. And believe me I've tried everything. I gave up-- well, look at me now! Like you said earlier, I don't look very Jedi-like. And if you slap me again, you won't live to regret it."

Bucheit burst into laughter and drew his weapon from its holster. "I don't believe you're in any position to be making threats. Not while you're cuffed to that bed and I have this blaster." He slammed his hand down onto the bed right near her face and leaned down closer to her. "I don't usually tolerate disrespect from my crew-- but you'll soon learn. Even the wildest beasts can be broken. And how I look forward to breaking you, my dear."

The woman's rage continued to build, but somehow, she kept it inside. No one had provoked her in a long time and her anger flowed like fire through her veins. It wasn't so much that she wanted to be angry, she just liked the feeling it gave her. Power. Power that hadn't been there for a long time. She would not be broken. Especially not by this man.

Bucheit glared at her. "I haven't made you angry have I?" he grinned. "You know it's a shame you chose to become a mere Jedi Knight rather than a Sith. Your temper and fiery nature would have made you powerful."

The woman's eyes widened. The Dark Side? Was that what she was feeling? Could it really be the Force? Of course! Why hadn't she thought of it before?

"If I could do it again I would." she answered grimly. "I'd give anything to regain my power. Even work with you."

Bucheit laughed again in disbelief. "You're a bit too good to be true, my dear girl. First you appear out of nowhere claiming to be a Jedi, and now, admitting that you have "lost" your powers, you decide that you wouldn't mind turning to evil and fighting with me!" The Grand Admiral guffawed.

As Bucheit's laughter increased, the woman's anger and the mysterious power within her grew stronger. "Stop laughing." she thought, her eyes narrowing. "Stop laughing." He didn't. The power surged through her. Suddenly, in a rage, she broke free of the bed and using the Force, yanked the Grand Admiral's blaster from his hand. "STOP LAUGHING AT ME!" she growled and then shot him square in the chest. The action surprised even herself. Her mouth dropped open as she watched the Grand Admiral slump to the floor, knocking over antibiotics and exam equipment as he fell.

But as he fell, she rose. Her body, her state of mind, and the new dark spirit within her. So much transpired in those few seconds. The Dark Side had come so easily and it felt so good! But what if she couldn't control it? She already felt herself becoming addicted, and she had only dabbled in it. "Can I control this power?" she thought. "Or will it conquer me?" After only a second, she smiled and pointed the blaster at the door. She didn't care if it conquered her. She wanted it.

The guards outside, hearing the commotion, scrambled into the med center only to find their leader dead and a newly empowered Dark Jedi glaring at them down the barrel of a high-power blaster.

The guards had enough sense not to provoke the woman any further. They dropped their weapons on the floor. "Alright, ma'am, listen." the first spoke "We don't want to inflict any harm on you."

"As if you could if you wished to." she interrupted icily.

"Could you-- please tell us who you are and-- what happened."

The woman's eyes flicked from guard to guard and she shook her head. "I wanna know who you are first. What ship is this? And where are we?"

"I'm General Jaicob Cerberus. We're in the Crytka Sector on the Star Destroyer Artemis."

The Dark Jedi approached the General and shoved the blaster into his temple. "Take me to your first officer."

THREE WEEKS LATER...

(monday afternoon)

122223-431

Vaping moffs, it has been accomplished. Can you believe it? I can't! This is mad crazy. I don't know what this guy is doing to me... but so far, I think I like it... :)

Brock slid into a booth at the Mercury Sol Cafe across from his best friends since flight school, Jeremy Salinas and Zane Cooper. He hadn't spoken with them in weeks; not even Jeremy, who he shared an apartment with. He had been so busy with Rogue squadron-- and Jaina-- that he had been a ghost. Since Zane and Jeremy were still on Echo squadron, their schedules conflicted with his.

"Mitchie! Where in the blazes have you been?"

"Around." he grinned smugly. "Busy with Rogue and all, but—more importantly—I met somebody."

Zane rolled his eyes. "Oh, is that all? I thought this was something important."

Jeremy took a huge bite of his sandwich. "Is she hot?"

"She's-- incredible, Sal."

"That's not what I asked."

Brock sighed, slightly frustrated, but his face broke into a grin as he pictured her face. "Her name-- is Jaina,"

No response.

"Solo."

Jeremy dropped a handful of stick fries. "Come again?"

Zane stared at Brock, one eyebrow raised. "Come on, Mitchie, you expect us to believe that just because you got moved up to Rogue, Han Solo's handed his only daughter over to you?"

"Yeah, gimme a break, man." Jeremy added. "Since when is Jaina Solo slummin' it with flight academy scum?"

Brock glared at his friends and then snorted. "I can't believe you don't believe me."

Zane laughed loudly. "Hell, no! I'll believe you when I meet her."

Suddenly, Brock's mobil-comm buzzed on his belt. "This is Mitchell," he answered.

"Yeah, this is Captain Solo looking for Rogue Eight," a familiar voice replied. "Do you have any idea where I might find him?"

Brock face widened into a grin. "I believe you can find him at the Mercury Sol Café, waiting on a princess."

He could see her scowl. "Well, he'll have to settle for a sweaty Jedi today. I've been out running and I've got sparring practice in about thirteen minutes—but I need to ask you something."

"Well, do come find me and ask away. I've actually got some friends for you to meet if you've got a minute."

Another pause. "Brock, I just told you I'm gross and sweaty. I may not be anything like my mother but I've learned enough from her to know that right now would not be the best time to make a first impression."

"Sparks, shut up. You're beautiful-- you're always beautiful. Now come in here and meet my friends."

"I am not beautiful!"

Brock turned to face the window and saw her form approaching. "You are too, I can see you. Walk faster." He grinned and disconnected the call.

"Who was that?" Jeremy asked.

"You'll see in a minute."

Jaina drew a deep breath as she neared the door to Mercury Sol Cafe. She ran her fingers through her hair quickly, then swung open the door and tried to look inconspicuous. She searched the small restaurant and her eyes lit up when she found Brock. He was sitting at a table with two other guys. She quietly started toward their table.

Zane and Jeremy's eyes widened as Jaina Solo's face peeked around the corner of their booth. Brock's face broke into a grin and he scrambled to stand up from the table. "Guys, this is the girl I was telling you about."

"Hi." Jaina immediately stuck her hand out. "I'm Jaina. I'm sweaty, and messy and about to be late for practice, but it's nice to meet you."

Zane and Jeremy chuckled in disbelief as they took turns shaking her hand. Jaina felt disgusting, so she made her introductions as short as possible; she hadn't realized Brock ran with such an attractive crowd. Jeremy had short black, hair warm almond shaped eyes and a broad, charming smile, while Zane had darker skin, green eyes, curly dark brown hair and a goatee on his face. They couldn't have been much older than Brock, and for a moment Jaina wondered where the three of them had been hiding for the past five years.

She grabbed the sleeve of Brock's shirt. "While I'd love to stay and chat, I've gotta haul jets. Practice starts—like now. But um-- could I talk to you for a second? In private?"

Brock's heart skipped a beat. "Yeah, sure." he answered. "Excuse me, fellas."

Jeremy started laughing again and Zane just shook his head in disbelief.

Brock opened the door for Jaina as they walked outside and stood in the window of the Mercury Sol Cafe. Jaina glanced in the window at Jeremy and Zane. She grinned and shook her head. "I guess I caught them off guard!"

Brock scratched his head. "You have that effect on people. Did you need to ask me something?"

"Yeah, about that… okay, there's gonna be this banquet-type deal on Saturday night for the Dzani Ambassador. It's a big, elaborate, thing with snobby royal people, dancing and eating and whatever."

Brock smiled. "Sounds like fun."

Jaina shrugged and smiled back. "Not really. Jacen, Anakin, and I are required to go, but having the right company could make or break the evening." She paused, clearing her throat. She used the Force to slow her racing heart, and she just knew her face was pink. Brock's heart sped up too, but he played it cool, and smiled. "Very true."

Jaina glared at him with half a grin on her face. "You're not gonna make this easy, are you?"

Brock grinned. "Have I ever made anything easy, Sparks?"

Jaina rolled her eyes, sighed, and looked up at him. "Do you wanna come to the banquet with me?"

Brock laughed. "I didn't think you could do it!" She punched him in the stomach playfully. Brock quieted his laughter and smiled at her. "But really, I would love to be your escort, Sparks."

"Really?"

"Of course! I look forward to seeing you in all of your royalty, Your Highness."

Jaina glared at him, a smirk on her face, and swung at him again. He caught her fist. "You are so obnoxious." she growled, grinning, despite her struggle to free herself. "I'm not obnoxious." Brock said grinning back. "I'm-- playfully obstinate."

Jaina laughed and after a moment, got her broad smile under control. "I'll let you get back to your friends."

"The scenery out here is infinitely better—but okay." He smiled at her. "Later, Sparks."

Then unexpectedly, he pulled her close and hugged her goodbye. Jaina tensed at first, but quickly relaxed and returned the embrace.

Flanked by the guards, the Jedi made her way to one of the first officers of the ship, General Kieran Adelae.

"General Adelae, sir." Cerberus addressed him. "We've had an incident. As of today, you--"

"Will still be addressed as General Adelae." she finished for him. She walked up and looked the General in the eye. Recognizing her as the mysterious guest who had come aboard a few days ago, he stood to address her.

"Identify yourself, Jedi."

"What is it with you guys?" She sneered. "If you must address me, you may call me Lockhart." She had thought that up on the way over. It seemed appropriate.

"I am a daughter of the Sith," she continued. "and the new authority on this ship, due to the untimely death of Grand Admiral Bucheit. I can assume this responsibility because I have the Force on my side and am not only a great asset to your crew, but also more powerful than any of you."

The crew looked at her utterly confused and bewildered.

"If any of you wish to challenge my authority--"

"Wait just a moment, Lockhart." Another young officer interrupted. Lockhart aimed the blaster in the direction of his voice. "Who are you?"

"That doesn't concern you." He answered. "You cannot simply barge onto our vessel and declare yourself Admiral." He stepped toward her unafraid. He pointed his own blaster at her and motioned for everyone else to clear the area.

"Prove yourself, Jedi."

Lockhart's anger swelled again, and once more, she felt the rush from the power it gave her. She would prove herself indeed. Holstering her weapon, she beckoned him to commence firing. He did so, and using her newfound Force ability, Lockhart deflected and escaped every blast. Yes, using the Force was quite like flying a ship; once you learned how, it was hard to forget. She only hoped her lightsaber training would come so easily.

After more than seven minutes of rolling and dodging, Lockhart grew tired of the hotshot officer and in another surge of wrath, quickly tackled him, seized his weapon, and shot him in the shoulder.

Lockhart rose from the ground and looked around at the amazed crew. "Don't just stand there!" she bellowed. "Get him to medical."

Cerberus nodded. "Taurus, Deco."

Two of the lieutenants came and took the man from the floor and away to the med center.

Cerberus turned to address the bridge. He eyed Lockhart for a moment and then cleared his throat. "Attention crew of the Artemis. I believe this Jedi has proved herself to be a worthy and fearless leader. She is indeed powerful and we should be honored by her presence. Does anyone have an objection to this selection of this woman as our new Admiral?"

No one spoke a word. Lockhart suppressed a proud smile.

"Very well." he continued. "Welcome, Admiral Lockhart. Carry on."

Cerberus approached the Jedi woman. "I apologize for the disrespect you were shown, Admiral." he said quietly.

Lockhart looked up him and nodded. "No apology is needed, General. Who was the man I shot?"

"A General. Nicolas Mycenae is his name."

Lockhart nodded her head in contemplation. "Alright. See to it that he is promoted to Captain." Cerberus' mouth nearly fell open. "I admire his courage and audacity." she continued. "He will be my first officer. And you my second, General Cerberus."

Boy, she didn't waste any time. "Yes si-- ma'am. Thank you, Admiral. Allow me to escort you to your quarters."

When Grand Admiral Lockhart spent the rest of the evening in her new quarters re-adapting herself to the Force, pondering where to obtain a crystal for the lightsaber she would construct, and deciding on a new first name for herself. As she stepped into the refresher early that morning after her strenuous, all night workout, she felt satisfied. For the first time in a long time. She had left Shpkeen in search of a new beginning, and she had certainly found one.

And in that moment, Grand Admiral Tristan Lockhart was born.

SIX YEARS LATER...

Admiral Lockhart left her quarters earlier than usual that morning. She had been unable to return to sleep after her disturbing dream, but it was just as well. An exciting day was in store for the crew of the Artemis. This very morning would begin the destruction of the New Republic and the rise of the new Empire. At long last, the plans she had worked so hard to devise were going to be carried out. She walked out to the main bridge where she was met by a surprised Captain Mycenae. He was overseeing the finishing touches for the first phase of the project.

"Good morning, Admiral. Anxious to begin your revenge this morning?" he smiled slyly.

"Of course. I've waited six years for this, Mycenae. Where are Taurus and Cerberus?"

"I haven't seen them this morning, Admiral."

"Well, I suggest you get them out here at once." She turned back to the door. "I have some work to do before we carry out the first phase of this project. I trust you are doing a satisfactory job of overseeing, and so I leave you in charge. Inform me when we reach our destination. I will be in my quarters."

"Yes, Admiral."

As Tristan walked back to her chambers she turned over ideas in her head for the umpteenth time. The strategy was simple. Monitor the students and their master until she discovered the easiest way to destroy them both. Of course, what she wanted was to go straight to Skywalker and confront him in battle. Oh, what joy it would give her to cut him down in front of his own students!

But it would not be that easy. Tristan sighed and opened her door. If she could not kill him, she would make his life miserable. It served him right after he had caused her so much pain.

The Star Destroyer Artemis barreled through hyperspace at top speed.

Captain Mycenae's boots clicked on the floor as he approached the Admiral's quarters and buzzed the comm outside.

"Come in." came the unemotional reply.

Mycenae entered the room to find datapads scattered all over the living area, and Admiral Lockhart staring at mottled starlines through her huge port window.

"We will be within range in five minutes, Admiral."

"Very well." she answered. "I shall be there in a moment. Get Coruscant onscreen immediately."

"As you wish. Is everything alright, Admiral?"

Tristan turned around slowly. "Of course everything is alright, Captain. I am about to wreak revenge on my arch rival! I've never been better. Now leave me."

Mycenae obeyed, closing her door. She'd been so tense lately, so serious. Of course she was always serious. But she usually acted differently with him. He had a way of lightening her mood. The two had been close for some time now. Though most Imperial affiliations were run every man for himself, the Admiral and the Captain had become allies over the years. She had no trouble confiding in him, and he in her, and on the rare occasions when they were alone together and off duty, they addressed each other casually, as Nicolas and Tristan. Nicolas was especially pleased with this position. He'd been attracted to her ever since that first meeting when she'd shot him in the shoulder. A six year infatuation! He knew it was crazy, but he couldn't help it.

Six years. They had actually passed quickly. About three weeks after conquering the Artemis, Admiral Lockhart left the ship and went off to some unknown world. Before leaving, she entrusted Nicolas with the ship and the crew, making him vow not to betray her or she would certainly terminate his life. He really had nowhere else to go and he was in no hurry to part with his head, so he chose to remain loyal. Tristan returned before long with an aura about her that radiated power and undaunted courage as well as a burgundy lightsaber that would cut down the enemies and traitors who would dominate their future.

Tristan was actually surprised to return and find the ship in good order and no crew members missing. Nicolas had made good on his promise, and from that point on, she began to really trust him. She realized that her first judgments about him had been correct, and he would not soon disappoint her as first officer.

Nicolas had a great respect for Tristan from the very beginning. He admired her bravado and her confidence. But he would never forget their humble beginnings. There had once been a time when he was more powerful than she, when it came to knowledge of the ship. It was during that time, when he was helping to familiarize her, that the two had become allies. Mycenae didn't mind being under her leadership and Tristan learned to trust his seasoned wisdom. Apart, they had been a danger to each other, but together, they became unstoppable. Perhaps it was because she was so different from their previous leaders. She was the third Admiral the ship had seen and she had by far been the most productive. As well as the most beautiful. Though he knew it was ludicrous, Nicolas longed for the day when Tristan would realize what a wonderful team they made.

Over the next few years, Tristan's power increased and she became a powerful Daughter of the Sith, feared and respected by the entire crew and many of the planets they visited. But she was not alone in her accomplishments. The crew had spent the first of those six years building their strength and numbers. They now had a few fleets of fighter pilots who were on call and ready to fight, as well as restored TIE Fighters, and plenty of officers to run the ship. They were the beginning of a New Empire and they couldn't wait to reach the destiny that was in store for them.

The missions and expeditions that they had been on so far had been only to flex their muscles and gain some recognition. As far as they knew, the New Republic was unaware of their presence. It was not until about a year ago that Tristan decided it was time to seek her revenge on Luke Skywalker. She had spent much time planning the action she would take and they were now in the process of carrying out her plans. It was about time her troops saw a real fight. Yes, Luke Skywalker would pay for the pain he had inflicted on her and the rest of the Old Empire.

END PART THREE