Dark Legacy

by Djuva

With Yana Dar's death now official the Council has to move quickly to prevent a civil war on Byss and curb Naas Deron's excesses as he follows his call as Cor'dan.

18. Round One

They made their way down into the valley the next morning, each very silent and preoccupied with what they had witnessed the previous night. Alda Magor had vanished with the first rays of the sun, but Jaina had not been surprised to find Liyuma snuggled up to Khameir when she awoke; the boy clung to the young Sith Lord like a shadow, always silent, his pale green eyes drinking in everything. She could tell that the others were uncomfortable with his presence, and even Khameir was eyeing him suspiciously. But what were they to do? Chase him off? She was not certain whether that would work at all. So the five of them walked cautiously down the mountain, conscious of the treacherous footing the trail offered, but then Khameir veered off the track, startling the others.

"Where are you going?" Aunt Nuron asked, and her voice had a tight edge to it.

Her son turned to face her, his stance mirrored by Liyuma at his side. "Plawal is still down there," he explained. "I want to know what is going on. If I am to defend the Sith, I should be prepared, right?"

Jaina saw worry and hurt flash across her aunt's beautiful face and Nuron's full lips tightened with disapproval. "Khameir, Plawal betrayed the Council of Naboo. That is his crime. He took what information we gave him and twisted it around to serve his own ends, and those of his masters, whoever they might be. I came here to confront him, true, but I do not want you to act rashly now. You are defender, not aggressor."

"Mith'raw'noruodo would disagree," Jacen injected with a smile. "He always says that sometimes attack is the best defence."

"Which was the reason for the Abernake's destruction and the invasion of the Yuuzhan Vong," Jaina reminded her brother sternly. "But I agree with Khameir. We have to know what is going on. I believe I know why Kell let us live through his people's destruction. Plawal and his cronies will be trying to discredit the Jedi and Sith along with the Council. They'll try to start a witch-hunt so they'll have free reign in discarding Yana Dar as empress."

Nuron nodded, "Yes. That might be their intention." She bit her lip self-consciously, then explained, "I admit that I do not feel comfortable with taking the three of you into danger. If anything happens to you your parents will hold me responsible -" she said, addressing Jaina and Jacen, who shared an indignant look.

"Aunt Nuron, we are both adults and can make our own choices," Jacen tried soothingly. "And you were prepared to take your son along. Don't you trust us the same you trust him?"

The Zabrak warrior gave a helpless shrug. "I know what you mean," she confessed, "but it is far harder to co-ordinate a team of four than a team of two."

"Five," Khameir corrected her gently, nodding at Liyuma. "A suggestion, Mother, if you agree. What if the two of us talk to Plawal, with Jacen and Jaina as back-up? And the boy."

"The boy won't be of much help," Nuron snorted. "For all I care he could have vanished too."

Khameir shrugged. "Well, he didn't, and I guess there's a reason for that."

The four of them turned their heads in unison to study their silent companion. He looked so very frail, so very sad, with his pale eyes wide open with curious innocence. Jaina shuddered at the deceptive image spread out before them. They all knew what he had become. And none of them had any idea what he was now, a wraith, or a reborn soul. She heaved a tiny sigh, then went forward to put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "All right," she announced, "I think it's a good idea. We'll keep an eye on you and on Liyuma, okay? Don't worry, we'll be close at hand."

The three youths turned expectant gazes on the Zabrak woman standing in their midst, who finally gave a nod of approval. "Done," she said. "Khameir, I trust your judgement if you trust mine. Let me lead the way."

The young Sith bowed deeply then, surprisingly, and replied solemnly, "Mother, I will follow you in whatever you choose to do. I still have much to learn and would never presume to know more than you do."

"Good. Then let's get going."

They went ahead, slipping along the overgrown path like ghosts, and Jaina found herself nodding in admiration. "They are great," she said. "I'm happy Uncle Luke married her. She's incredible. And so are their children."

Jacen laughed at that. "You should hear yourself, sis', you sound like some old granny!"

"Granny or not," she huffed, "we should not be left behind. Come!" She started down the pathway immediately, but then a small hand grasped hers and tugged firmly at it to catch her attention. With a frown she turned to face Liyuma. "What?" she asked, a little annoyed. The boy pointed into the undergrowth, then nodded. "You know another way?"

"Makes sense," Jacen offered thoughtfully. "We should not come down the same trail they took, in case Plawal has his people investigate."

Jaina shrugged. "Okay. Go ahead, then," she told Liyuma. "We'll follow, don't worry."

He flashed her a broad smile, then took off toward the thickets that crowded the narrow pathway. They worked their way through the branches and gnarled vines with some difficulty, but Liyuma seemed unperturbed by their plight. Suddenly they found themselves in the midst of a swamp, and Jaina felt like cursing out loud when her left leg sank into the mud up to her knee. Jacen dragged her back out again, and shot a disapproving glance at their guide, who stood waiting patiently and motioned for them to join him. With a gesture he explained that he knew a safe way and that they should step into his foot-prints. From then on traversing the swamp was much easier. And soon they could hear raised voices. Liyuma gestured for them to duck low, then crept forward on his own, telling the twins with an unmistakable glance that they should stay behind. Jaina's forehead furrowed into a disapproving frown that she found mirrored on Jacen's features. And when her brother decided to follow the boy after a few moments hesitation she was not far behind. Soon they could make out Nuron and Khameir, surrounded by tough-looking men who were obviously armed, and confronted by a man who Jaina thought could only be Doctor Plawal. And Liyuma, crouched in the shadows, like a predator ready to pounce …

Scrambling over she quickly put a hand on the boy's shoulder and shuddered at how tense he was. When he turned his head to look at her hatred burned in his pale green eyes. Shocked, she released him and started back even as Jacen joined them. Her brother took in the brief and wordless dispute with a disapproving glance, then strained forward to listen. But Jaina could not turn her eyes from Liyuma's hate-twisted features. What was going on here?

"Are you surprised to see us?" Khameir asked, his young voice firm.

Doctor Plawal seemingly took no notice of the boy. Instead he addressed Nuron. "You have been following us? How - unusual."

"Is it? If you thought we would leave your unjustified claims concerning Empress Yana Dar unchallenged you are sorely mistaken. The truth is somewhat different from what you believe," she told him calmly.

The scientist was unimpressed. "Perhaps you are mistaken, ma'am, have you taken that into consideration? What I have found here only confirms my view of the past events."

"In what way? This is the ancient home of the Jen-People, birth-place of Roj Kell. That is all."

Plawal smiled. "Is it? My employers thought that there'd be more to it, and I find myself agreeing with them. The history of this place is very interesting. Did you know that, here too, a genocide took place? The settlers were wiped out by forces unknown some time after their arrival. Intriguing, don't you think? I believe this Kell had a special taste for that sort of massacre."

"They killed his people," Khameir injected then.

"Revenge. Ah, I see. A noble reason for committing thousands to die, is it not?" Plawal asked sardonically. "Do you sanction such deeds, young man?"

"I sanction nothing that is wrong," the Zabrak boy replied coolly. "I accept neither lies nor deceit." Stepping forward he made himself the centre of attention easily. "Your employers, no matter who they are, are trying to frame the Jedi and the Council as scapegoats for whatever they are planning with the Sith Empire. A clever way of getting rid of unwanted opposition, I agree. But cleverness will not save you."

"Are you threatening me, boy?" Plawal huffed.

Khameir stood back and cocked his head to the side. "Why would I, if your conscience is pure?"

"Insolent child," the scientist growled. "You have no idea what you are messing with."

"As if I care," the boy snorted. "Your lies will only bring harm. I do not care whether you admit to them or not, because I know you are playing a false game." He stuck out his chin. "I can see your guilt, Doctor. I am a Jedi, remember? There is nothing you can hide from me."

"Do you agree, Master Sarin-Skywalker?" Plawal addressed Nuron again.

But the tall woman only shook her head. "You will have to deal with my son, I fear. This is his assignment."

Plawal gave a brief laugh. "Very cute. But you overestimate yourselves. Did you really think you could come here to this desolate planet and challenge me without any evidence to show?"

"Evidence? You do not seem to be too fond of evidence, Doctor Plawal. You did not even wait for the complete translation of the message we found on N'zoth," Nuron snarled. "You only believed what you wanted to believe."

"Then tell me, Jedi Master, what it is I have misunderstood!" Plawal shouted. "Lord Kell killed thousands of Yevetha to strengthen his legacy! He sacrificed their lives so his followers could grow in power! If that is not selfish I don't know what is! And your father-in-law is no better! He founded the Council of Naboo under the mantle of justice, but what he was really after was power!"

Again it was Khameir who answered, "You let yourself be blinded by belief and your little world of science - "

"How dare you!" Plawal raged, but Khameir continued right over him.

"You have missed the point completely. Sometimes sacrifices are necessary for the all to survive. No matter how much that sacrifice might hurt, no matter how cruel that sacrifice might seem. You refuse to see more than black and white, all you see is evil. How limited your vision is, how regrettably crippled your perception. Is not your employer's goal the selfish one? Is it not you who attempts to bring down a noble order for your own gain? What you want is power, what you want is revenge. But I can see the truth of your words, and what I see are lies! Deny it, if you dare. Deny it, here and now, in this place, and suffer the consequences!"

Jaina stiffened with dread when she saw Plawal go rigid with anger. Any moment now he would explode, she was sure, secure in his power, secure in being protected from the two Jedi by his guards, who were even now hefting their weapons. And then Jaina realised that this was exactly what Khameir was counting on. That Plawal would indeed feel so secure that he would at last confess his secrets and shed some light on the mystery that surrounded his employers. Holding her breath, Jaina leaned forward, straining to hear the confession that had to come, longing to know the truth at last. At her side Jacen was concentrating as hard on the scene before them as she was. And Liyuma - she felt her heart stop for a fraction of a second. Liyuma was gone!

And just then Plawal began to speak. His tone was harsh, his face twisted into a snarl. "You have no idea of the proceedings of this galaxy," he grated out. "You live in your own righteous world and know nothing of people's hardships. You only see the," his tone turned sarcastic, "big picture." Suddenly his features became very calm indeed. "Yes, young man, you are right. Sometimes one has to make a sacrifice to benefit the all. Without the Council and without the Jedi and the Sith sorcerers this galaxy would be a much better place. A place of opportunity, not stifled by ridiculous views on justice and judgement. Yana Dar should never have let the Yuuzhan Vong survive. She should never have allied herself openly with the Sith. For those mistakes she will pay. Those," he added with a cold smile, "are the true rules of survival. Lord Kell was always fond of those, was he not? A pity he did not survive himself. Or else I would gladly have told him just that to the face. It would have been a pleasure. And now, I fear I must part with your not very charming company. Let me say that I do not regret that sacrifice in the least."

Jaina saw Khameir exhale deeply and give a slow nod. "Thank you," he said, his voice very soft. "Thank you."

"What for?" Plawal snorted.

"For the truth. You cannot imagine what a relief that is, to hear the truth out of your mouth," the youth replied coldly. "Come," he added gently and put a hand on his mother's forearm. Together, they took a step back, away from Plawal, who was gazing at them in bewilderment, before he turned toward his men, his face red with anger.

"What are you waiting for?" he screamed. "Kill them at once!"

But the men did not move. One of them, a red-haired giant, shook his head. "Doctor, I can't see what harm they can do - "

But Plawal would not listen. "Kill them, you fool!"; he roared. "Kill them now!"

"What in Sith's hells is he trying to accomplish?" Jacen whispered under his breath, sounding bewildered.

Jaina gave her brother a defeated glance. "In this place, at this point in time, that confession seals his fate," she explained and gestured at the spot where Liyuma had been only a few moments before. "Justice will be served. Remember the Jen?" She saw his face pale, but by then it was already too late.

Liyuma rushed onto the clearing howling like a banshee. His slim body barrelled into Plawal's bulk like a bullet and bore the Doctor to the ground with astonishing ease. What happened then was more than Jaina could bear. Turning her head away she closed her eyes and tried to shut down her hearing, but she could not mute the voice of the Force. It was the roar of an angry beast, ferocious and merciless. "Oh Jacen," she sighed, "why does it have to be like this?" She felt her brother's arms lock about her shoulders in a gentle gesture. It was then that she began to cry.
"Hold. It is enough," Khameir told the boy quietly as he lay his hand on his slender shoulder. With a growl Liyuma spun around and made as if to attack the young Zabrak before he checked himself again and subsided. He glanced at the armed men surrounding them with a baleful eye, but none of them looked as if they were keen on challenging him. Not after what he had done to Plawal. Blood was dripping down the boy's chin and the wild gleam in his pale eyes gave him the appearance of some feral beast. He was trembling with rage, and only gradually did he calm down again as Khameir held him close in a tight embrace meant to comfort. "Hush," Khameir whispered, not quite certain whether the child could understand him or not. "Hush, little one, it is all right."

"What was that?" the red-haired man, Frek Nessel, he thought his mother had said he was called, exclaimed. "What is that?" he demanded, staring at the boy. Hands trembling, he finally managed to bring his blaster rifle to bear on Liyuma's head.

Khameir gazed up at the man, whose face was fixed in a rigid mask of shock and fear, and felt the small boy in his arms, the reassuring warmth of his presence and the utter calm of his mind. "It was the truth that killed him," the youth explained at last. "There are those who accept a confession and turn to governments or councils to speak judgement, and those who act according to their own ideas of justice." He cast a thoughtful glance at Liyuma's cold eyes. "And then there are those who have no concept of justice or judgement. Those who do not know the word 'fair' or 'just'. They see the heart of a truth and act on it." Gently, he wiped the blood off the boy's chin. "But why did you kill him?" he asked in a soft voice. "Was he truly worthy of your anger?"

The clearing was very silent as the small assembly awaited the little boy's reply. He did not speak, but his lips drew back in a slow smile that sent a shiver down Khameir's spine. Leaning forward Liyuma took the young Zabrak's shoulder and drew him closer, as if to whisper in his ear. Khameir's heart was thumping with fear and anticipation as he waited, but there was only a sigh, before the boy released him and sat back on his haunches, a look of utter loss filling his pale green eyes. Very suddenly he whirled away and fled into the undergrowth. Khameir's heart sank when several of Plawal's guards opened fire on the child.

Then his mother firmly hauled him upright and faced the mercenaries down. "You would truly murder a small boy?" she demanded, bristling with fury.

"Wouldn't he do the same, in our place?" Frek Nessel shot back in a growl. "No one will believe you, once you return to Coruscant, Master Sarin-Skywalker. You have lost the war. Your sorcerers will be taken down and finished. We will not be ruled by your magic any longer. Let's go," he ordered, waving at his companions. "We are leaving."

The moment they were out of sight Jacen and Jaina left their hiding place and barrelled across the clearing to join Khameir and Nuron. "Are you two all right?" Jaina blurted out, her brown eyes large with fear.

"'We will not be ruled by your magic any longer'," Jacen repeated mockingly, frowning. "Is the man an imbecile? There is no magic, only the Force!"

"Controlled by a select few, or so it seems," Nuron explained quietly. "I understand his concerns, trust me on that. And we should be leaving too. We're heading back to Naboo. As for evidence," she raised her right hand and opened her palm to reveal a voice-recorder she had had hidden there, "I believe we have enough."

But Khameir stood his ground. "Mother, you cannot truly mean that. If everyone would think like that there would be anarchy. There need to be leaders, leaders one can trust. I agree that the past has shown that there are very few of those, but I believe the time has come to show the peoples that the Jedi are not Sith waiting to wrack havoc on this galaxy, but guardians and guides."

"Guardians who do not have the power and influence to fight a war single-handedly, as some seem to expect of us? Guides whose voice is not heard in the halls of government?" Nuron shook her head. "We have a long way to go before we can accomplish that high goal of yours, my son. Not in my life-time, I believe."

He hesitated. But then, cautiously, he reached out to take her hand. "Do you trust me?" he asked, willing her to say yes.

She gazed at him for a long time, before she squeezed his palm and slipped her hand out of his hold. "I have utmost trust in your commitment, Khameir," she conceded at last. "But, as you have already admitted yourself, you have a lot to learn. Idealism is all very well, but one has to be realistic too, or else become what Palpatine was, or Kell. Don't let your heart die so soon," she pleaded softly. "I would not want that, for your sake." And with those words she turned on her heels and strode away.

When he found Jacen and Jaina standing by sheepishly, Khameir waved them away. "Go ahead, I'll join you in a moment," he sighed. "I think I need to be alone for a while."

When they were gone, it came to him very suddenly that he was only fourteen years old, a teenager. How arrogant was he to presume that he knew more of a guardian's duties than his mother? Was he not incredibly short-sighted and narrow-minded in what he believed to be the truth? Tears began streaming down his face as he stumbled toward the trail that would lead him down into the swamps. But he had risked so much back on Os'jen'thana! He had thought that he'd understood what it meant to be a guardian, that one would be free of obligations, free to follow the sole directive of protecting lives! And yet, his mother was right. There was so much to take into consideration. Too much. Before his inner eye he could see how those restrictions stifled the Council's range of operations immensely, how precarious the balance was that Naboo sought to keep throughout the galaxy. It were not rash warriors that were needed, but diplomats. Hanging his head he dropped to his knees and saw his own face reflected in the dreary surface of a small pond. There was silence all around, a thick silence filled with many possibilities. Where would he go from here on? He could not forget what he had seen and done, could not leave the memories behind. Neither could his cousins, that he knew for sure. But his mother had not experienced what the three of them had seen on Os'jen'thana. She had not seen how the fall of the Jedi had begun.

"Help me," he whispered at the boy looking back at him, blue eyes rimmed with tears. "You know the answer, just listen to your heart, like Father always tells you to." But his heart was silent. He started, when another face was mirrored beside his reflection. It was Liyuma. Turning his head, Khameir gazed at the child in silence, trying to understand what was wanted of him. Was he to be guide or guardian? Or both? With a tentative smile he reached out to brush his fingers over the boy's cheek and again was astonished at how real he felt. "What is it you want, hmm?" he asked very softly, not really expecting an answer. And again Liyuma kept his silence. Instead of replying he went forward to hug the young warrior tightly, a reassuring gesture as much as a plea for protection. "You're afraid, aren't you," Khameir whispered, stunned by that revelation. "But why? Afraid of what? Or for what? Your mother said that the Sith are imperilled again, that we have to prevent their being destroyed. Did she mean the Sith Empire? Or the Jedi?" Liyuma drew back a bit and held up his hand, curled his fingers against his palm until only one was showing. "One? You mean that Jedi and Sith are one?" The boy gave a mute nod. Khameir drew a deep breath. His grand-father had told him that Roj Kell had once claimed just that, that there was no difference. But there was and had been ever since the end of the war against Palpatine. While the Jedi had remained on Coruscant the Sith had been forced into the Outer Rim. Under Chi'in's leadership they had grown into guardians, more so than Father had back then, Khameir reflected guiltily. Only the trials in the Unknown Regions had unlocked the Jedi Master's full potential, as he had admitted himself some time ago. What was the key then? To understand the rules of civilisation by mastering the wild beast of one's own soul? Not quite, he thought. To master one's soul meant to master the Heart of Darkness. "My stars," the young Sith breathed. "You want me to stand up against Deron, don't you? If I am to be Defender I will have to defend on the outside and on the inside." He sat back on his haunches, stunned. Liyuma regarded him curiously and cocked his head to the side as if in silent question. With a helpless shrug Khameir answered. "All right. I guess you won't leave me alone unless I do what you want me to do. Am I right? So, what is going to happen that's so important to you?"
It was a strange feeling to be back in the Senate Chamber of Coruscant, Anakin found. And, even though they had been working together for some years now, standing there next to Mon Mothma and Bred Antham made the setting even more disturbing. They had been enemies once, and he could never forget that, just as they would never forget. Or the Senators that were watching them intently from their seats in the large arena. For a moment he held his companions' eyes, then took a step back, in sync with Bred Antham, to leave the floor to the more seasoned diplomat Mon Mothma. The former rebel leader and president took her assigned place with a calm grace that harkened back from her own days of power. It had the desired effect, as Anakin noticed with some relief. Instantly, every eye was turned on the tall woman standing in the midst of the chamber, leaving Anakin free reign to get a feel for the mood permeating the grand assembly.

"Gentlebeings of the New Republic," Mon Mothma began, her deep voice composed and soothing. "You have been briefed in depth on today's topic, and I would like to add a few words to the report you were given to study. Clearly, the report shows that there could not have been any connection between Empress Yana Dar, Lord Kell and the Yuuzhan Vong. Historic research proves that Lord Kell would never have co-operated with the Yuuzhan Vong, and that Yana Dar's sole goal was to overcome her captors by pretending to be their willing tool. As for the genocide that took place on N'zoth, we cannot bring the instigator of that crime to justice. He died decades ago. If you have studied the report in depth you will find that it remains unclear whether or not Lord Kell can be held fully responsible for that deed."

She kept a short silence to let her words take the desired effect and Anakin could feel that many of the Senators seemed to be becoming thoughtful. He knew, as did his companions, that the media had distributed reports of supposed conspiracies involving Mahel Sivaraya, Jacen and Jaina Solo as well as Princess Luzaya Dan, who was still missing without a trace. While he was not concerned for the twins or the princess, the former Dark Lord was well aware of the doubts these false reports had sown within the minds of many beings throughout the New Republic. They had to be asking themselves whether perhaps their government was right after all, as opposed to the Council of Naboo, when it came to accepting the new Sith Empire.

As expected the New Republic's President, Borsk Fey'lya, was the first to reply. "We understand your concerns, Madam," he assured Mon Mothma evenly. "What the Council fears is a loss of its integrity and reputation. I also understand that it was the Council of Naboo that granted the assistance requested by the Preena Institute of Archaeology and Bioresearch and its representative, Doctor Anteres Plawal. It was he who studied the remains of the Yevetha on N'zoth and the one who voiced his misgivings concerning the Yuuzhan Vong and the Sith Empire. We have to ask ourselves, regardless to the Council's undisputed good intentions, whether the Sith Empire does not remain a danger to peace. And the Jedi, for that matter. I have here a recording that evidently shows your grand-children, Lord Skywalker, in the action of killing a Yuuzhan Vong assailant, who is said to have kidnapped Princess Luzaya Dan. And yet, both Jacen and Jaina Solo remain silent on that deed. How can that be explained?"

"A very simple answer to a simple question," Anakin replied coolly. "The recording is a fake. Perhaps you would care to let the Senate share this piece of supposed evidence?"

While he waited for Fey'lya to have an assistant prepare the holo-reader, he again went through his arguments. The Yuuzhan Vong shown, claimed to be Mahel Sivaraya, was not Mahel at all. He had seen the young warrior in person, after all. And the reason for Jaina and Jacen's silence was that they were not available. They had vanished along with Alowyn Kattaran, a NRI agent and former Imperial agent. That had been confirmed by Captain Teer Shikay, commander of the Star Destroyer Freedom. The Captain had been very concerned by their disappearance. But Anakin knew the twins to be safe. No need to tell anyone but his family and friends, though. Let their enemies wonder and worry for a while longer. He cast a casual glance over the assembly, and briefly acknowledged his daughter's presence. Leia was remarkably calm, even though her father knew how much the current events affected her. She was a politician and could see the dangers of what they both knew to happen better than he ever would. If they were to rely only on Naas Deron in this… He was suddenly very glad that Al'than'erudo had asked Luke to go to Byss to keep an eye on the Cor'dan. Then the recording flashed into existence in the midst of the chamber, showing the brief battle between Jacen, Jaina and the supposed Mahel Sivaraya. There were a few gasps throughout the crowd and outraged cries of protest.

Then Fey'lya spoke once more, "Mahel Sivaraya is suspected to have kidnapped Princess Luzaya Dan. The NRI confirms that his motivation for that is to be found in the past. Mahel Sivaraya is, in fact, Lomin Domain Carr, the son of the late Yuuzhan Vong Warmaster Marayl Domain Carr." He continued over the rising buzz of thousands of voices, "We also know from a reliable source that it was Naas Deron, currently acting as Cor'dan on Byss, who chose Mahel Sivaraya to be Princess Luzaya Dan's guardian on her journey to Naboo and beyond, on a supposed diplomatic mission. Perhaps, though, it was Empress Yana Dar's fear that her daughter would be caught in the midst of exactly the power struggle she now seems to be finding herself in. That her position is far from secure was proven by the attacks on her husband's life and the princess' kidnapping. I greatly fear, and the majority of the Senate agrees with me, that the Sith will truly rule should she fall. And everything Naas Deron has done so far points toward a coup on his part. What do you say to that, Lord Skywalker? Do you know anything about that? And, furthermore, does the Council have a hand in this?"

Anakin barked a laugh of surprise at that. Of all possible accusations, he had not expected the President to be quite so blunt in his choice of words. Fighting down a disbelieving smile he answered smoothly, waving Mon Mothma into silence. He had to be careful, he knew, not to reveal too much, but Borsk Fey'lya truly was going too far. "Esteemed Assembly, first let me assure you that the Yuuzhan Vong warrior shown in the recording is not Mahel Sivaraya, or Lomin Domain Carr. I have met the young man in person. He bears no scars at all. And let me assure you that I know his identity, and that I have not been fooled by a decoy or any other deception. What is more, my grand-children vanished along with an NRI agent, Alowyn Kattaran, and have not yet reported back. Perhaps you could explain to me later what interest the NRI might have in two innocent youths. While it is true that the Sith Empire is going through a crisis, I protest your accusations concerning the Cor'dan. He is sworn to protect the people of the Empire, all of them. That is his primary duty."

"You do not seem overly concerned for the safety of your grand-children," Fey'lya mused aloud, and squinted in Leia's direction. "And their mother apparently shares your calm. So I assume you know them to be safe. As for Alowyn Kattaran, yes, I am aware of his disappearance. I am also aware of the fact that he was one of Franzis Sarreti's agents before and during the war against the Yuuzhan Vong. I suggest that you know exactly where your grand-children are, and that place, I dare say, is Byss itself."

Anakin smiled at that. "You assume too much, President Fey'lya, and I suggest you contact Empress Yana Dar herself before you get lost in unfounded theories of mad conspiracies."

The Bothan gave him a toothy smile in return. "Rest assured, Lord Skywalker, that I had planned to do just that. I have already announced to Byss that I will be expecting the Empress to join this discussion. The technicalities have been taken care of, I have just been told. So we might as well go ahead."

Anakin joined his companions as they waited for the connection to be established. Then, at last, a familiar face appeared, familiar to Anakin, that was, but the Senators did not know the chief assistant and confidante of Franzis Sarreti. Jiliha n'Averone was a beauty and she was sharp, that Anakin knew. He did not like her in particular and he suspected that she was one of the conspirators that were seeking to bring Yana down. She caught his eye briefly, then averted her gaze to look at Borsk Fey'lya to nod at him in a polite gesture. "I am terribly sorry for this inconvenience," she began, "but neither the Empress nor her Royal Consort are prepared to speak to this assembly."

"And who are you?" Fey'lya demanded in an impatient growl.

She gave a graceful nod. "My name is Jiliha n'Averone. For the duration of Franzis Sarreti's recovery I am responsible for the Advisory Council."

"And the reason for their refusal to speak to us?" the Bothan huffed, ruffling his fur in indignation.

"The Empress is not pleased by the lack of co-operation on the New Republic's part in her efforts to recover her daughter. I was certain Ambassador Beryd had already informed you on the Empress' stance concerning that point," she added, bewildered. "Hasn't she said anything?"

"No, that she has not," Fey'lya replied icily. "And concerning co-operation with the Sith Empire, we do indeed conduct our own investigations concerning Princess Luzaya Dan."

"The Empress will be pleased to hear that," Jiliha answered smoothly and gave a pretty nod.

"How is the Royal Consort, by the way? Is he recovering swiftly?" Anakin cut in, sensing that this conversation was getting out of hand and in the entirely wrong direction.

But Jiliha was no fool. There was a tiny fraction of a second where her eyes grew cold and hard, but the next instant she was all helpfulness, saying, "He is reasonably well, Lord Skywalker. I am terribly sorry that I cannot help you further in this matter."

He was unimpressed. "But you can tell us a bit about the mood on Byss, how the people are taking the princess' disappearance."

She gave him a sweet smile and shot back, "I would have thought that Naas Deron is keeping you posted on the proceedings on Byss."

"Alas, he is not available. Neither are Yana Dar or Franzis Sarreti, which I find rather strange."

Jiliha did not even miss a beat as she replied, "The Cor'dan is a secretive man and I am in no position to question him."

A fleeting smile crossed the former Dark Lord's lips and he accepted her words with a slight nod. "Then what of the mood on Byss? How does the populace react to the assassination attempts and the princess' disappearance? Surely you do keep an eye on the crowd?"

"Certainly, Lord Skywalker. But I would strongly advise you to consult Ambassador Beryd on this. I truly cannot tell you more," she concluded, pleading in her voice.

Anakin could sense that her tone startled a number of the senators and even Mon Mothma and Bred Antham, but it could not fool him. He had seen the transmission that had captured the final moments of the Temple of Life on Byss, he knew that she was lying. But so far he had no clue as to who her accomplices were here in the New Republic. They had to move so carefully, if they did not want to risk the New Republic's falling apart. And Jiliha was an excellent strategist, who was giving nothing away. Almost. So, she was not in a position to question Naas Deron? Did that mean that her henchmen had not yet managed to track the warrior-priest down? Probably. Even Andarack was confident that Deron was fully capable of handling what troops were stationed on Byss, and Anakin did not doubt that. The question was, what Deron was prepared to sacrifice for his purposes.

"We will contact Ambassador Beryd in due time," Fey'lya cut in, also somewhat disturbed. "Please give our regards to Empress Yana Dar and assure her of our sincere support in her search for the princess."

"Thank you, President Fey'lya," Jiliha answered graciously and the connection was broken.

"Well, that was not very fruitful," the Bothan began, once the holoimage had dissolved. "And I am not certain how that was to assist us in our search for the truth. Lord Skywalker, Mon Mothma and General Antham, I thank you for your efforts, but how was that to help us? I suppose we can all agree on the fact that Roj Kell was a perverse lunatic," he flashed his teeth in a humourless grin when a number of senators started laughing foolishly, then continued, "but I want to know what is going on. I suggest the Council's puts the focal point of its next report on that particular task. I would speak to you in private for a moment, this session is adjourned for the duration of our talks. I estimate two standard hours. Thank you."

Shrugging at the questioning glance Mon Mothma shot him, Anakin made his way over to the exit to leave. Bred Antham and the former president followed close behind. Once outside in the hallway the trio was very silent. Not only the conversation with Jiliha n'Averone had been fruitless, this entire session had brought no new insights either. But then that had not been their primary goal.

"They'll believe we have no clue," Bred Antham sighed. Then he grinned, an uncharacteristic sight on his usually so earnest face.

"Indeed," Mon Motha agreed, "I believe we have convinced them somewhat. But Lord Skywalker is known for his playing games. They will not be satisfied so easily. And now we have forced their hand. I wonder -"

"We are here," Anakin interrupted her abruptly. Indeed. The president's office was well guarded, and the former Cor'dan did not want to risk being overheard. "Good evening," he told the aide manning the reception desk politely, "we are being expected."

"Yes, Lord Skywalker, the president is waiting for you. Through that door, please," she added helpfully.

Anakin favoured her with a small smile, then went ahead, the others on his heels. Still, no matter what he had expected, he had not expected Ambassador Niki Beryd's presence. The willowy-slender woman whirled around to face the newcomers when they entered and it was clear that she was nervous. Beside her the Bothan president ruffled his fur in obvious discomfort. "Ambassador Beryd has extremely urgent news," he began without preamble. "Apparently things on Byss stand worse than we have anticipated. And now I understand n'Averone's reluctance to tell us anything at all. She must have feared being overheard."

"What is going on?" Mon Mothma demanded.

Niki Beryd took a deep breath. "A state of emergency. I came as fast as I could. In the wake of her daughter's disappearance the empress has suspended all civil rights. Mahel Sivaraya, the princess' bodyguard, is first suspect as her kidnapper and she is cracking down hard on the Yuuzhan Vong. Citizens are being seized and imprisoned for no reason at all and she has even turned against the Cor'dan! Imperial troops were reported to have destroyed the Temple of Rebirth. I cannot say for certain what is going on, but Jiliha n'Averone came to me and urged me to leave the planet immediately. I came as fast as I could, to report to you."

"What else can you tell us?" Bred Antham urged her on, but Anakin took a seat in one of the available chairs, very much aware of all eyes on him when he moved. Calmly, he mused, "You do know that I can tell when you are lying, do you?"

"Lord Skywalker, I do not lie, I only tell you what I have heard and seen," Niki Beryd replied, sounding just a little bit flustered. And he even believed her. She was not smart enough to compete with Jiliha, who had had the advantage of having had the best of mentors when it came to political intrigue.

"I know," he told her pleasantly. "Please forgive my presumption."

She merely nodded at him, then turned toward Borsk Fey'lya. "What are we going to do? We cannot leave her free reign in suppressing her people!"

"Naas Deron will not let her terrorise the populace," Bred Antham assured them confidently. "He is Cor'dan."

"He is not very present at the time," Niki Beryd snorted. "There is no sign of him."

"Very well," Borks Fey'lya growled, "it comes as no surprise to me that Master Deron does not interfere. He is probably behind this mess. As for Her Majesty Yana Dar, we will sever all ties to the Empire. At once. I will be sending an official proclamation by morning Corsucant time. Lord Skywalker, I suppose the Council does not consider recalling its agents from Byss?"

"No way."

"Just as I thought. Then, please, be so good as to keep us posted. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a lot to do yet."

"You really want to sever all diplomatic ties to the Sith Empire?" Mon Mothma snapped, her tone incredibly sharp. "Now of all times?"

"There was never so good an opportunity as this one," Borsk Fey'lya replied coldly. "And now, please leave. All three of you."

Anakin waved Mon Mothma into silence when she opened her mouth to protest. Rising elegantly, he threw one last glance at Niki Beryd, then left. "I am fed up with your secrets, Lord Skywalker," Mon Mothma hissed as she hurried to catch up with him. "What was that supposed to be back there?"

"You can count on it that what Beryd just told us will be all over the media channels by morning. The accusations toward Mahel, the suppression of innocents, everything," he snarled back. "This round goes to the enemy."
"You told me to trust him!" Fists drumming impotently on the Yuuzhan Vong's armoured chest, Luzaya was crying openly, her pretty face screwed into a grimace, her cheeks reddened with emotion and her hair dishevelled.

And still Mahel thought she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. But her accusation stung. They had just heard the news of what crimes were being laid at Yana Dar's feet, and Luzaya was beside herself with anger over her mother's decisions that apparently included the incarceration of a number of Yuuzhan Vong citizens. And what angered her even more was the fact that Naas Deron did not even bother to add his voice to the conflict. To her, as the Cor'dan's student, that had to seem the ultimate betrayal of his duties toward her people. In fact, she had told Mahel in no uncertain terms that she would consider her apprenticeship ended should Deron not act properly, as was his duty.

"Your Highness," he tried for the tenth or so time, "this must be a misunderstanding."

"That is the understatement of the millennium," Mara Jade, watching Luzaya's outburst from her seat in the ship's lounge, grumbled under breath. "Never trust a Sith," she added. "I should know."

Beside her the Corellian Jix was scowling darkly at Mahel. "Deron isn't a fool," he explained, frowning. "He would not have let this happen if he'd had a choice."

"A choice?" Luzaya cried, "He is Cor'dan! Of course he had no choice but to let it happen! But he should have told me! I could have done something!"

"And what would that have been?" Mara asked then, her tone soothing. She rose from her seat and walked over to take the younger woman in her arms gently. "Child, they sent you away for a reason, your mother and Deron both. Even if she did not know what would happen, he did. You are right about that."

"That does not mean I must approve," the princess sobbed. "This makes no sense!" Burying her face in Mara's shirt she shook her head. "It makes no sense."

Patting the young woman's back somewhat helplessly, Mara Jade gazed at Mahel over the top of the princess' head. "Your mother has her duties, and she tries to fulfil them as best as she can. Sometimes that means being unfair."

"I know that," Luzaya snarled, disengaging from Jade. Her pale blue eyes were blazing coldly. "I am no child." Raising her head in an open challenge, she added. "And I am heiress to the Empress' throne, on a diplomatic mission to the New Republic."

Mara Jade shook her head determinedly. "Girl, I suggested Coruscant, I know, but for hiding. You aren't safe in the open, Mahel is right about that."

"I will hide no longer," the princess stated firmly. "I have Mahel, I have you, and Jix. Between the three of you I should be reasonably safe, no?"

"This is our mission," Jix injected quietly, "and you're just tagging along, princess." He said it affectionately, taking the rebuke out of his words, but Mahel could tell that Luzaya still recoiled at the harshness of his reply. And he felt sorry for her. The Corellian, though, continued unfazed. "Listen. We do not even know who's enemy in the New Republic. And we sure don't want to lose you, girl." He sought reassurance from his wife, but Mara seemed frozen in place. Mahel frowned at her and felt himself tense involuntarily. What was it she was sensing? Some message sent to her through the Force?

But at last she said, "Let's talk to Ja'han'mandana."

"They are using your name to further their plans, they say you kidnapped the princess" Jix said then, addressing Mahel. "Any idea why? Apart from who your father was?"

"Isn't that enough?" Mahel asked lightly. "No, seriously, I do not know what they seek to accomplish with this, except for having an excuse for suppressing my people."

"My mother will never stand for it," Luzaya snapped sharply. "And she would never distrust the Cor'dan's decision."

"Then perhaps it isn't her making the decisions," Jix suggested softly.

The princess went very pale. Suddenly her legs would not support her any longer and she sat heavily down onto the crash couch set into the rec room. Mahel was by her side at once, radiating concern. "What is it?"

She looked up at him, her usually clear blue eyes dark and wild. He had seen her like this only once before. Recoiling from her expression, he said, "The nightmare you had?"

"Yes," she confessed, hanging her head to avoid having to look at any of them.

They left her her privacy, and none of them spoke, until she was ready to share her secret with them. She had not even told Mahel back then, he recalled, and something made his heart ache at that, as if she had betrayed his trust by her refusal to confide in him earlier. They had been so close that night, closer than ever before and after. And that revelation hurt. It truly did. Standing back, he stood stiffly by her side, ready for what she had to say.

At last she had gathered enough courage to speak, and when she did her voice was very high, close to tears, a child's voice, a frightened child's voice. "I dreamed," she began, choking on unshed tears, "that I was coming back home from somewhere. I was all alone," she continued, "and I do not mean physically. There were people. Guards. But they seemed so far away …" Shaking her head, she gathered herself anew. "I came to the throne room, and I could sense that something was wrong. It was all dark, and I knew something terrible had happened. I almost stumbled over a body once I reached the stairs that led up to the throne, and when I looked down I found that it was Deron. I did not feel anything at seeing him dead. It seemed right, somehow, but also saddening." There was another silence, and the princess looked up at them, tears brimming her eyes, wetness glistening on her cheeks, her eyes pleading for understanding. "The throne was turning back to face me, and I saw - " she hesitated again. "My father." Anxiously, almost desperate, she addressed Jix. "You do not believe that it is him ordering those terrible things done, do you?"

The Corellian did not reply at first, but then asked. "What about your mother? He always follows her lead, doesn't he?"

"You don't understand!" Luzaya sobbed, burying her face in her hands helplessly. "He was not the man I grew up with, in that dream, not the man I think of as my father! He was dark, cruel and without emotion. He told me it amazed him that I had forgiven him, when I had never managed to forgive Naas Deron. And I do not know why! What has he done, what will he do that will require my forgiving him? That will be so grave that my forgiving his deeds would amaze my own father? What?" Her eyes widened in undisguised terror. "What if my mother-" She did not finish, instead turned her head away.

Mahel felt his throat catch his breath as he realised what she was fearing. And he wondered hard whether this nightmare was not a manifestation of her growing power as future Cor'dan. A vision of sorts.

"Let's not over-react," Mara Jade warned then. "We need more information before we can decide. If anyone has that it will be the Emperor. Luzaya," she added, more gently, "we will contact him when you are ready, okay?"

"Okay," the young woman murmured, her voice barely audible. "Just leave me for a while. I need to be alone. Just a bit."

Mahel hesitated, but Wrenga Jixton made it clear in no uncertain terms that he would not leave him alone with the grieving princess. Following the Corellian and Mara Jade into the cockpit, Mahel was very thoughtful. And then, when the silence became too much for him to bear, he said, "I believe I know why they are doing what they are doing." He gave Jix a hard glance. "And I dearly hope your Emperor will confirm this."
TBC