It was later that night that Franzis awoke quite suddenly, disorientated. At once Yana was huddled above him, her hands searching his face in the dark, a gesture that was meant to soothe him, but only served to show her anxiety. In the darkness of their bedroom he gently took her hands and folded them across his heart, drawing her closer for a slow kiss. It lasted for a long time, and when he released her again she settled down beside him with a content sigh. Franzis could hear her breathing, slow and measured, and her every movement on the bedsheets made the fabric rustle ever so slightly. Strange, how darkness heightened one's senses. He ran the back of his hand over her face, relishing in the feel of her soft, warm skin, the wrinkles he could make out tarnishing her smooth cheeks. They were both getting older. But she was still as beautiful, still as precious to him as she had been the day he had confessed his love to her.

Franzis recalled how frightened, how angry she had been that previous evening, when he had defied her request to not join her in the audience she had arranged with Mahel Sivaraya. So much guilt. But he gave gladly, for her he would give anything, at any time. Even though he knew that she could never do the same for him.

"Are you crying?" he asked, suddenly becoming aware of the wetness covering his exploring fingertips on her face. She drew away, breaking contact with him. "Don't," he pleaded, and his sadness must have been audible in that single word, for she was with him again immediately, her left arm snaking over his chest in a tentative embrace.

"It is nothing," she murmured, but he did not buy it.

Franzis pondered what to say. Then he asked in a whisper: "What are you going to do?"

"Find those bastards," she answered heatedly, the menace in her voice burning hotly across his face.

"And then?"

"Kill them slowly."

"All by yourself?" he asked, almost amused.

"You can assist me, if you want to."

"With the greatest pleasure, my love."


They fell silent again, each lost in thought. But where Franzis was sure she was thinking of exactly what she had threatened to do, he was rather more occupied with trying to discern what Luzaya would be doing right now, and later. She had assisted in his healing, Yana had told him, and that bothered him quite a bit. When Luzaya had decided to find her own freedom by apprenticing herself to Naas Deron, both he and her mother had kept back, never questioning her motives. They did not know what the future held for their daughter, what destiny her name stood for. That knowledge was reserved for the Cor'dan alone. Luzaya Dan, Life in Darkness. It seemed like a bad omen, and yet their daughter was a bright star to both Yana and Franzis.

But she was getting older too.


He realized, of course, that a child needed to find her own way into her future, that they could not hold her hand all the way. But Luzaya was not just any child. She was their only child. The future of the Empire. He scolded himself for thinking that way, of seeing in her the same he had seen in her mother before they had revealed their mutual feelings for one another. An icon. Yet he still made that distinction between wife and empress. That same distinction he made between daughter and princess, daughter and future Cor'dan. And once again he asked himself whether his daughter had made the right choice.

"He is with her again," Yana murmured suddenly.

"You should not do that," he admonished her. "Leave her her privacy."

She shifted her weight ever so slightly and raised her head to look at him in the dark. "I still wonder what he wants with her. What he truly wants."

"Ask him."

Her hand, that had been lying peacefully on his chest, curled into a fist. "He will not dare stand in my way," she hissed, her sudden anger frightening even her husband. "I will have my revenge, and he is obliged to speak judgement. I will see them dead for this."

"Yana –"

"What!"

He carefully wrapped her in his arms and hugged her to his body. "Hush, darling. Don't let anger rule you now. Naas Deron was named Cor'dan for a reason."

"I know." Kissing his chin, Yana gave another sigh. "But where Lord Skywalker was an epitome of grace and forgiving, Naas Deron is a vengeful firebrand. I cannot control him."

A chilling thought entered Franzis' head. "You believe he will bring that darkness?"

"Nothing is written," she whispered. "But in this world and beyond all things are possible."

Naas Deron woke up very early and found Luzaya still asleep, her slender body wrapped around his for warmth and comfort. Her long hair was draped over his shoulder, her left arm curled around his neck and her leg lay over his hips, pinning him to the bed effectively. Well. He had some time before the morning service begun. Looking down at her sleeping features, so young with last evening's make-up almost gone, so delicate, he found that Luzaya Dan was as innocent and ignorant as she herself thought. He knew that there had been times when their roles had been revised, when she had sat awake, watching him sleep, while pondering his plans. Yet contrary to her, he knew what she would do.

For a moment he let his senses expand outward, until he found Mahel's presence. The young Yuuzhan Vong was awake, but bone-weary. He had to have lived through a nightmare last evening, Deron thought with a cold smile. He knew of Mahel's feelings toward the princess, better than Mahel himself. With any luck this little performance would rouse the young warrior's competitiveness and intensify his committment to protecting a desired female. And once Luzaya was out of the Cor'dan's sight, Mahel would undoubtedly make his move. Tenderly, he brushed his fingers through her soft hair. She was always wondering what his intentions were concerning her, never realizing her own role in his scheme. But she would find out soon enough. Deron had expected an attack on the royal family for some time now, and things were much clearer now that it had come at last. Franzis Sarreti was tough and would recover, and until he was recovered Naas Deron had free reign to pursue his own plans.

Shifting his weight, he turned toward the curtain. "Mahel," he called softly, not wanting to wake Luzaya just yet. "Please have the staff prepare a breakfast for one. I will not be staying."

"Yes, of course," came the muffled reply, then he could hear the Yuuzhan Vong walk down the stairs to alert the princess' personal staff.

Once he knew Mahel down in the ante-chamber, Deron gently disengaged from his lover's embrace and sat up. No one knew what he was planning, and that was well. It was part of being Cor'dan, to know what others did not, and to move secretly, to arrange matters so events could fall in place properly. As he reached for his clothes, he pondered his next few steps, and where they would lead him eventually. The past.

When he had been initiated as Cor'dan three years ago, he had been instructed on the history of the Cor'dan, of the Sith. Alda Magor, Roj Kell's predecessor, had been the last of many Cor'dan, each responsible for his or her specific clan. The Dark Jedi had killed all the others, only the Jen-clan on Os'jen'thana had survived for a few centuries longer. Alda Magor's husband, an Alderaani Dark Jedi named Lyve Waroon, had assisted his mistress immensely in keeping the Jen-People hidden, according to the Seeker. But with Roj Kell the role of the Cor'dan had changed, lost much of its original duties. Though it had been inevitable that the Cor'dan adopt new tasks, with the Jen all gone, it were those ancient duties that Naas Deron sought to recover, just as Yana Dar was recovering the past traditions of the Sith culture. But her endeavor was not well received, neither by her allies, not by some of her subjects. This assassination attempt proved it.

The micro-organisms that had been used to poison Franzis Sarreti had been bio-engineered, pointing toward Yuuzhan Vong involvement. While Naas Deron was convinced of that, there were a few things he suspected, but could not prove. He knew very well that, as Cor'dan, he was under close scrutiny from the governors, priests and warlords of the Empire, and while they feared him, they would not hesitate to kill him either, if given the chance. In fact, they had already tried numerous times. He gave a mirthless smile at that. Rising to his feet, now fully dressed, he shrugged into his cloak and drew the curtain aside to step out into the room. No, he had to stay here, to take control once chaos broke out, and it would, he knew. But Luzaya would not remain here, she would crave answers she could not find in the palace. Nodding at Mahel, who was just coming up the stairs again, Naas Deron waved the young Yuuzhan Vong closer.

"Mahel Sivaraya," he began gravely, "I did not mean to embarrass you. Rest assured that all I do here serves a purpose. An important goal."

"Finding the ones who tried to kill His Highness?"

"Yes. Now," Deron turned away from the bed, and started toward the staircase, lowering his voice. "Luzaya Dan is a headstrong woman, and she will not stay idle while her father's would-be killers are still on the loose. You will assist her in everything she does, and should she choose to leave, you will accompany her."

"You believe she will leave?" Mahel asked, aghast.

"I do not believe, Mahel, I know. " He smiled at the younger man. "I will not be expecting you to show up at the morning service, but unfortunately I have to go now. Keep an eye on her and keep her out of trouble."

"Of course, Cor'dan," the Yuuzhan Vong warrior replied hurriedly, then inclined his head respectfully.

"Good. I rely on you," Deron concluded, then left for good.

He was not the first Cor'dan to use a network of agents; that had started with Anakin Skywalker, who had kept his confidants close at hand. Wrenga Jixton, Mara Jade and Nuron Sarin had served as his eyes and ears, until he had retired to Naboo for good. Now Deron had expanded that net, using offplanet and onplanet sources to keep him posted on events throughout the galaxy. Some of his own agents also worked for the Council of Naboo, allowing the Cor'dan to cooperate with them and vice versa. It was an extended network that permeated every nation of the galaxy, mostly without the immediate knowledge of the local leadership.

Walking through the hallways, bustling with servants at this time of day, he was smiling to himself. Let Mahel believe that his goals were so petty as to finding a bunch of criminals whose identities he already knew all too well. No, his was a grander dream. The Sith Empire would regain its power. They had made too many compromises in the past. But first, first he had to teach his enemies a lesson, a painful one. In that he was becoming more similar to Roj Kell than he would have wished for. Deron had never liked the man, not even in the Sith enclave on Korriban, where he had studied under Chi'in. But as Cor'dan, Deron had to admit, Roj Kell had been the one who had single-handedly kept the tradition alive, who had kept the flame of their legacy inside himself, to be released in time.

"Cor'dan!" High Priest Elu Cha bobbed his mutilated head in respectful acknowledgement.

Deron, who was on his way along the Royal Promenade toward the temple, regarded the High Priest of the deception sect of Yun-Harla with a cold smile. "What brings you out here this early?" he asked.

"Business," Elu Cha answered. "I am sure you know that Her Highness has charged us with uncovering the background of this assassination attempt."

"I see. I was not aware of that," Naas Deron aswered pleasantly. "Walk with me, if you will. I do not want to be late for the morning service."

He noticed the grimace on the Yuuzhan Vong's face, though Elu Cha tried hard to suppress his disgust. The Yuuzhan Vong priests did not approve of the fact that the Cor'dan was attracting his own followers, among them young Yuuzhan Vong, like Mahel Sivaraya, who wore their unbroken, unmutilated skin with pride, who believed in a power more merciful than the traditional gods of their people. A new generation was growing, and one day no one would remember Yun-Harla, Yun-Yammka or Yun-Yuuzhan as anything else than what they had truly been. Mortals, just like the people they had conquered so long ago.

"The Empress seems confident that we will find the perpetrators soon," Elu Cha began anew. "Personally, I do not see that yet."

"I am sure you will do your best to please the Empress."

"We will do our best to solve this crime."

"Good. Very good. No one expects more of you, I am sure," Naas Deron replied coldly. He frowned, when he saw someone walking toward him, someone he would rather not have met today. But she had already seen him, and was waving to get his attention. He forced a smile on his face and nodded at her as she came closer. "Ambassador, it is a pleasure to see you."

Ambassador Beryd joined the two males, but Deron noticed that she kept a distance from Elu Cha, and the disgust and fear in her stance and emotions was unmistakable.

"Cor'dan," she said and gave a respectful bow that was slightly less respectful when directed at the High Priest. "The New Republic is concerned as to the Royal Consort's health and would offer medical assistance, if required," Beryd explained at length, a pleasant smile pasted on her bland features. She had been called into service on Byss only four months ago, and she still seemed unsure whether that was promotion or demotion.

"The Empress certainly appreciates your offer, Ambassador, but it is hardly necessary," Deron replied politely.

"Then he is recovering?" Her tone changed very abruptly, and a calculating expression entered her features.

"Yes."

"Do you have a clue as to who was behind this assassination attempt?"

"I am not respinsible for such investigations," he said, nodding toward Elu Cha. "High Priest Elu Cha and the deception sect will uncover the perpetrators."

Forgetting her own revulsion, Ambassador Beryd turned to face the Yuuzhan Vong fully, all business. "Forgive my frankness, Your Highness, but will you persecute each group with equal measures?"

"You fear we might favor our own people?" Elu Cha asked nastily. "Do not fear, Ambassador. The Empire is united. This is a matter of honor, and we will treat it accordingly."

"Rest assured that anyone, no matter who, will be punished with utmost severity," Naas Deron added for Elu Cha's sake.

He doubted that Beryd had any clue about the workings of Yuuzhan Vong culture. Franzis Sarreti had shown himself to be vulnerable. Never a good image to project toward possibly hostile elements within the government and empire. And exactly what the traitors had sought to achieve. Ambassador Beryd gave the Cor'dan a gracious nod, then excused herself. Watching her go, Deron frowned. What would she tell her superior on Coruscant? How would they interpret these events?

"I suggest the infidels will believe the Empire to succumb to internal strife," Elu Cha offered suddenly, surprisingly calm.

Looking up sharply at the tall alien, Naas Deron was unsure whether this was meant as insult or if it was a sincere statement. He forced a smile onto his lips slowly. "That they will believe, no doubt," he admitted. "Yet I wonder who would benefit from such an impression on the infidels. Would they risk another war? I doubt it."

"Then you suspect the threat to come from within the Empire?"

Naas Deron gave the High Priest a stern glance. "I am Cor'dan, Your Excellency. I do not suspect, I do not believe, I make no educated guesses. Do we understand one another?"

"Perfectly well, yes," Elu Cha replied smoothly.

"Good. Then I will keep you no longer from your investigations. I know how impatient the Empress can get when she does not receive her progress reports on time."

He left the Yuuzhan Vong standing and marched off toward the temple. An impression of internal strife and the Empress' wrath would certainly fuel what animosities already determined relations between the Empire and the New Republic. Suprisingly, the Chiss seemed to have no problem with Yana Dar's policy, but then, Ja'han'mandana was just as cold and ruthless as the Empress, and understood her well enough. And yet, with certain elements from within the New Republic backing the scheme of the Yuuzhan Vong traitors, this affair might well turn into open rebellion, which would break the Empire forever.

This was why he had assigned Mahel Sivaraya to guard Luzaya Dan. In a sense Luzaya was the one who carried the hopes of the younger generation, who was untutored enough not to become a target for the older ones, that may harbor resentments against her mother. Mahel was not only a supporter of the new Sith Empire and the Cor'dan, he was also courageous enough to explore the mysteries of the freedom that lay beyond his people's rigid caste system. Yana Dar had abolished slavery and the shunning of the former Shamed Ones, but prejudices remained. It was too soon for true unity, and yet, Naas Deron worked hard at uniting the Shamed Ones and younger Yuuzhan Vong under his religious leadership, the same Anakin Skywalker had done before him.

Deron found it safer to follow his predecessor's policies, knowing that the former Dark Lord had a greater insight into politics than he had, though he himself was learning too. Had to, in his position. It had also been Anakin Skywalker, who had connected the Temple of Rebirth to the entire realm. Now the morning and evening services were being transmitted even to the farthest worlds of the empire, breaking the stranglehold of the Yuuzhan Vong sects on the colonists that had settled in former Chiss' space. All in the name of the religious freedom the Empress supported. She was shrewd, just like her Cor'dan.

Entering the Temple of Rebirth through his private chambers, Naas Deron stopped short at the threshold to the sanctuary itself. There was a feeling in the air... Abruptly he whirled around, frowning at the shadows. Almost immediately a short figure emerged from the darkness, melding into the foreground like a ghost. Deron relaxed a fraction, but only a fraction. Then he nodded at the newcomer.

"Andarack clan Rim'kai. What brings you here unannounced?"

"News," the Noghri Sith warrior replied calmly.

Andarack had been off-world for quite some time, gathering information. His grey skin had darkened with age, and he had learned much under his great-uncle's tutelage. But Chi'in had chosen to retire along with his closest friend, Anakin Skywalker, and for three years now the post the older Noghri had occupied over the past twelve years had remained vacant. Naas Deron frequently urged the Empress to find a successor, and she told him just as regularly that this needed time and thorough examination of possible candidates. But so far not one warlord or warrior had distinguished himself enough to be named Dark Lord of the Sith.

Deron waved the Noghri closer and they entered the sanctuary together. No one was present yet, but very soon the temple's interior would fill up with the small community of worshippers Deron had managed to attract. "Tell me," the Cor'dan asked quietly. "What news?"

Andarack gazed at him out of huge eyes, his prominent teeth making him look even fiercer in the gloomy light of the temple. "The Council has received a curious request for assistance from a world named Bakura. It is at the edges of New Republic space," the Noghri reported. "Al'than'erudo suspects a somewhat clumsy attempt at diverting the Council's attention from something else. I just heard what happened here."

"The Head of the Council is probably right in assuming just that," Deron replied pensively. "Yet this is too obvious. They will need to investigate nevertheless."

"Yes," Andarack agreed, nodding sharply. "You know what is behind this assassination attempt?"

"Power, as always," the Cor'dan replied dismissively. "The Empress' most vulnerable point is her family, and her husband in particular. She will feel guilty for having put him in danger again, perhaps even urge him to step down from his post as head administrator. Not before she has found and punished the ones who tried to kill him, that is."

"What does that gain her enemies?"

"Yana Dar can only judge her own people, and request any outsiders to be investigated by their governments also. I suspect the New Republic will find itself in a position where it cannot side with the Empress, out of ethical reasons, I assume. When they refuse to cooperate with her, the Empress will be forced to draw the consequences. Her political enemies might accuse her of misconduct of her power, which derives from the people, as you know. They might try to put her on trial for that. By new Imperial law that means that if she is forced out of office she will be executed." He grimaced ever so slightly. "A concession to appease the Yuuzhan Vong leaders. If that happens, the Empire will sink into chaos. But I am certain that Yana Dar would rather step down voluntarily than let that happen. Everyone has been looking to Luzaya Dan to assume the throne after her mother, and I had been working hard on gaining her the support she needs to be elected, but she has chosen to become Cor'dan instead."

"Why did you encourage her then? You asked her to become your apprentice, as far as I know; she did not ask."

Naas Deron gave the Noghri a thin smile. "She came to me with a purpose. Had I not made that first step she would have done so, undoubtedly. I cannot make other people's choices, Andarack. I can only show them the way. But this may now prove an advantage. With her choice Luzaya has maneuvered herself out of the line of fire of her mother's enemies. They will not suspect the princess to pose a threat. Besides, they hope to get rid both of her mother and her teacher. Imagine. Luzaya Dan has been pampered by her parents and their friends for all her life. True, she is an attentive student, but her knowledge does not exceed theory so far. She resents her own ignorance, but she is still spoiled. As a novice to politics, though, should she suddenly find herself without guidance, she will be at a loss of what to do. She will seek help."

Andarack shrugged. "I still don't understand how that is helping the situation."

"Do you believe in destiny?"

The Noghri's forehead narrowed ever so slightly. "I see what you mean," he breathed at last. But before he could continue, the first members of the small community of believers appeared at the threshold, hesitating to come closer, fearing that they were disturbing the Cor'dan. Deron waved at Andarack impatiently.

"We will talk later," he hissed.

The morning service passed without incident, but the moment he had spoken the last words of the closing rite, Naas Deron became aware of two newcomers. Luzaya was standing beside the doorway, arms crossed over her chest, and stared at him in that calculating manner she had observed her mother to employ when she was displeased. Mahel Sivaraya was with her, obediently standing just so that he could shield her against any attack both from outside and inside of the temple. He had donned the traditional Yuuzhan Vong armor and an amphistaff lay curled around his left forearm. A heavy blaster rifle was slung over his shoulder. Naas Deron almost smiled at the sight. Both Imperial and Yuuzhan Vong culture were becoming more and more entwined, preceding something almost entirely new. For a moment he wondered how the empire might look like in a thousand years time, but then he remembered the Seeker's lecturing words on that subject. Circumstances may change, but the basics always stay the same.

Deron released the worshippers with a last blessing, then stood waiting at the temple's altar, set into the midst of the chamber, and watched Luzaya make her way toward him, accepting the condolences and well-wishes of the people graciously. Yet he could sense her impatience well enough. Finally the last stragglers had left the grand chamber and Luzaya planted herself in front of the Cor'dan, pale blue eyes ablaze.

"You leave just like that, let me sleep in and miss the service!" she snapped. "Mahel had to wake me up!"

"You are old enough to find your way to the temple without me showing you the way," he replied coolly.

She paled visibly, suddenly remembering that she was, apart from being his lover, also his apprentice. "I beg your forgiveness, Cor'dan," Luzaya managed in a strangled whisper.

"Granted. Clear up the sanctuary, then meet me in my chambers. We need to talk." Deron directed a hard glance at Mahel. "Your only task is to protect her, so don't let her talk you into helping her," he warned the young warrior.

Then he turned away to retreat into the back of the temple, where Andarack was still waiting for him. The Noghri had taken a seat on one of the cushions that had been scattered around a low table in what passed for the living-room of the Cor'dan's private chambers. Joining him, Naas Deron kept silent for a while, listening to Luzaya's heart-felt curses echoing in the distance. He shrugged at the questioning glance Andarack gave him.

"You can hear that she is still more child than woman," he explained at length. "In some ways, at least."

Andarack leaned toward him, his large eyes intense. "Deron, if what you suspect is true, it will happen soon, and she is not prepared for this. Why have you been waiting so long to train her?"

"Some say that destiny waits on no one, but fate is not written in the stars, Andarack. She will learn. But I have no use of her when our enemies strike. She has to leave before that, and leave she will."

"You are taking too great a risk by sending her away. If that coup happens, Luzaya will not be here to take her mother's place. She is your shield, for now. You should realize that."

Naas Deron nodded grimly. "I do realize that, my friend. I do. But you should know that I have learned by now how to build up less visible shields. They have been testing my strength over the past few months, and failed each time."

"So they have already tried to kill you?"

"Of course."

"You are not taking those threats seriously." It was no question.

"They are not serious yet, but I do not discount the fact that they might become so in the near future," Deron answered with another shrug.

"Does Luzaya know?"

"No one knows, not even the Empress. Except for you." His eyes narrowed ever so lightly. "I will need assurances from the Council, if they can arrange it. Just in case."

TBC