Of the fanfics I have posted on this site, this one I am the most apprehensive about posting. I have never written in a universe as huge, detailed & popular as Star Wars, and it is not always easy to find all the information one is looking for. Hopefully, I offend no one and have committed no huge errors (and that the story line is somewhat believeable!)
But this story idea was swirling around in my too long for me to not write about it...so here it is! Hope you enjoy!
Warnings: language, angst, some violence & sexuality
Disclaimer: The only thing I can probably claim as my own is Katarin, but even then I can't really claim her since she is a Sith apprentice, and those belong to Geroge Lucas as well...so I guess in reality I own nothing.
Forever Stoic
Chapter 1: And good does not always triumph
It had been said Katarin's eyes could pierce metal—even through her glasses, if they could be called glasses. And she was still just a student. But a student who had embraced the dark side with every ounce of her being. For always being forgotten about and left behind, her anger and hatred were serving her well. Setti was most proud to call her his.
He knew where to find his apprentice. She had been handed the assigned task of assisting in the training of new initiates. From this training program, the initiates would be split amongst the Sith temple and the ranks of growing Imperial forces. It was Katarin's job to keep the initiates in line while they were judged and their potential measured.
"I told you not to stop." Her voice, cold and commanding filtered through the open doorway to Setti's ears as he slowly approached. Katarin walked among the initiates, hands folded lazily behind her back as she felt her master's presence behind her. She turned just her head to meet the equally cold, dark eyes of her master.
"Master," she said, bowing her head to him, awaiting his words.
"You appear to be doing your duty well."
"As well as my skill allows me, sir." She coldly, lowering her dark-olive green eyes from his as if embarrassed.
"You have much skill beyond your classmates, Katarin—you will go far," Setti said, his voice devoid of true emotion and caring, "especially if you succeed in your newest mission." Katarin raised her eyebrows in questioning, the rest of her face remaining just as stoic as ever. "Come when you have finished here, and we will talk more." Setti said turning from her and walking away.
"Of course, master." She answered turning back around to the initiates. She forced her mind on the present moment, trying to ignore the questioning voice in the back of her mind. 'What Setti wants ...and a new mission…,' flashed through her mind before she could think to stop it.
"Mistress Atrides," a boy, panting for breath asked as she passed by, "when…are…we allowed…to…stop?" She cast him a sharp eye.
"When I instruct you to, and not before." She calmly answered, turning away from the boy as he continued to run in place. Watching the young initiates go through this physical testing program reminded her of when she went through the same thing. But she couldn't remember feeling much else before that…just feelings of loss and anger plagued her mind when she tried to think of times before her training under Master Setti. If there were any positive feelings in her past, she had no knowledge of them. Besides, they were of no help…they only made a person weak.
At first it had taken her a while to wrap her mind around such a concept. 'There's a conflict in every human heart between the rational and the irrational, between good and evil. And good does not always triumph…,' Setti had once told her, disdain dripping from his voice as he said the ever-familiar cliché.
In fact, Katarin was sure there wasn't an ounce of goodness to be found anywhere in her. Which was just the way she wanted it to be. 'It is far better to be feared than loved…,' Setti had explained to her as she was trying to deal with anger. She'd tried to fight it out of her system, but Setti taught her how to use it, how to embrace it and through it, accomplish things she never thought possible.
"Hold up." Her voice echoed through the high ceiling of the room. "Rest." She cast her sharp green eyes hidden behind thin slivers of glass up to the window where Masters and Commanders were evaluating the initiates. A red light turned off. Katarin pushed a stray strand of her auburn hair out of her face as she moved towards the front of the room, her black robes flowing behind her.
She could sense the feelings from those around her constantly, and she knew her appearance was powerful, intimidating almost. The dark of the black clothing and eye makeup contrasted sharply with the paleness of her skin. But knowing that others respected her for it, respected the fact that she was powerful, made her feel even more powerful. She knew she could handle herself…and no one would dare double-cross her. 'Everything as it should be…nothing amiss.' She disappeared through a small door and up a small stairwell to the judging room.
"Katarin, you should have them run longer. I sensed a wave of compassion run through you, affecting your decision. You need more diligence in your meditation." Master Do-Lung scolded, his voice condescending.
"Most certainly, master. I was not aware of any such feeling—"
"Hence your need for more meditation."
"Of course sir," she said, fighting all thoughts from entering her mind, "what routine would you have them do next, sirs?" She addressed the panel, glancing about the room, standing stone still.
Commander Merkin watched her with interest, hesitance and maybe even fear. No woman at twenty-five years of age should have such a power about her. Even though he was higher then she in the Imperial Forces ranks, this woman could kill him faster than he could blink and would not think twice about it. He gulped nervously under her intense gaze, marveling at how unmoving she was, except for her eyes—those eyes were worlds all their own.
"Your shift is up, Katarin," Commander Merkin said quickly, "another is on their way and they will finish. Thank you for your diligence—Master Do-Lung does not give credit where credit is due."
"If there is room for improvement, credit is not due." She coldly tossed over her shoulder before turning to Master Do-Lung and bowing respectfully before turning on her heels and walking silently away.
The door to the apartment she and her Master shared slid silently open. She knew before even entering the room that Setti was already in the main room, deep in mediation, awaiting her arrival. Silently she sat in a chair opposite him, her eyes fixed on him in awe, marveling at how powerful the serenity surrounding him appeared.
"You know you need work on your meditation as Do-Lung pointed out…why do you waste time?" Her heart jumped at the suddenness with which Setti's voice pierced the air, but her face remained emotionless.
"You said we would talk after my shift, Master…you mentioned something about a new mission." She winced at the obvious excitement in her voice.
"It would be wise to lose that excitement, Katarin," Setti's deep blue eyes opened and locked with hers, "this mission will be your most trying."
"I feel ready for a challenge sir." She honestly admitted. A barely noticeable smile graced Setti's slender face.
"I know you are…that is why you have been chosen as the next person to infiltrate the Jedi temple." 'WHAT!' 'You need to control your thoughts better, apprentice—anything could come at any time, and you must be prepared.'
"Expect the unexpected, Katarin." Setti suddenly said aloud.
"The Jedi temple, sir…won't they sense my presence or lack thereof before I am even in the temple?"
"If you succeed, no," she looked at Setti curiously, her curious thoughts streaming through their master-apprentice bond, "you have two weeks of training to suppress everything you have learned, all while keeping it available to you; training on how to tap into the other side of the force, how to fabricate memories and feelings to feed to the Jedi. Your training in camouflaging your thoughts begins tomorrow with a two week countdown." Setti closed his eyes. He would say no more on it now.
Katarin sat back, processing all the information. She would be joining Master Gitan in the plans of infiltrating the Jedi temple to gain information. She couldn't understand why her…why a student... A student has a much greater risk of betraying their thoughts and feelings to the other side. She sighed quietly, uncertainly, hoping to the force that Setti hadn't heard her.
Setti allowed himself a small smirk. Nervousness and curiosity were plaguing her mind for the first time in years, starting to cloud it already. Yes, she would serve their need well and would not fail him. Of that he was certain.
hopefully, it's not too far-fetched or not possible. reivew only if'n ya want--if its too far-fetched or unbelievable, than be honest about it. the whole story is already finished...it'll just be a matter of when i get it up.
