hey all! thanks for the reviews! well here we go, chapter 12--starting to near the end. enjoy!
same warnings & disclaimer apply.
Chapter 12: Discovery II
She slumped in her chair onboard the transport bound for the Sith temple. 'Oh force, have I done the right thing?'
In her mind's eye, she certainly had. For one moment after Obi-Wan asked her to hand over the data pad, she fought with herself—lose the assignment or blow her cover to Obi-Wan of all people.
The answer she had found to be quite simple—her orders were clear cut, and she would not fail. Failure was a sign of weakness.
But yet, she had blown her cover. Returning to the Jedi temple now meant possibly being exposed by Obi-Wan. He was the only person who knew, and she had no inkling of his intentions to tell others.
He was a risk now…a liability—and she mentally kicked herself for not having done something to eliminate that risk. Setti was sure to know it, one way or another. And she would see him soon enough. Two days earlier than her orders dictated. And she knew that would not sit with Setti at all.
It hit her—she had screwed up, in more ways than one. Setti was sure to punish her once she got there. And willingly, she would take it, knowing full well she was worthy and deserving of punishment—not only for having blown her cover, but also for having loved Obi-Wan…and loving him still.
Yet still she was nervous, fearful even. She guessed it was the unknown element of it all. She wasn't afraid of the punishment she would surely be receiving at Setti's hand, or of the repercussions of her actions.
No, it was the uncertain knowledge of knowing just how much Setti already knew, and how he would react to her early arrival, the plans she had in her pocket, and her exposed cover. 'Well, I'll know soon enough…,' she reasoned, trying to control her thoughts as she walked down the gangway and through the temple.
She walked up the stairs, steadily approaching the waiting Setti. It was taking all her will power and then some to keep nervousness from shouting too loudly in her mind. Setti's chair-back was towards her as he faced the wide window.
"Katarin, my dear. Good of you to come so speedily—even though your orders said to wait two days." His calmly soft, commanding voice floated to her ears as he turned slowly around.
"Of course sir," she answered a bit shakier then she would have liked, confusion forming in her mind, "why would I not, master?" Setti's hand silently rose, and she felt herself thrown sideways, her back smashing into the stone wall. A forced cough escaped her throat as she struggled to find her breath, lost in the shock at what just happened.
"You mock me now to call me 'master.'"
"Sir, I—" Again her body was rammed harder into the wall, cutting off her words, her head starting to spin as she suppressed a groan at the pain coursing throughout her.
"It's in your benefit not to speak," he said wisely as he rose from the chair, slowly approaching her, watching as she internalized the pain. A part of him hated to see this happen to her…she'd been doing so well, but she had brought all this on herself…'so be it.'
A small wave of his spindly hand and she felt herself falling. Roughly she crashed to the marble floor, her head banging against it before recoiling. She shook her head slowly, trying to ignore the blaring pain or the fact that her vision was spinning, and beginning to notice a distinct coppery taste filing her mouth. Trying desperately to find her breath and control of her mind, she spit out, not surprised the see the red blood and feel it running down her chin.
"Insolent girl." Setti calmly scolded before sending her head first into the nearest wall. Her face twisted into a horrible grimace, fighting back screams of pain as it ripped through her skull, despite her heart yelling that this was just what she was deserving of.
"I trust you are beginning to understand that every part of the training has a purpose," Setti said coldly as he watched her writhe on the floor, fighting screams of pain, "even something as pointless as you see the Black Moon….well just look at you now." Her mind was screaming—of course he knew! 'Damn you Katarin!' She screamed at herself, feeling tears of anger and hatred pooling in her eyes as pain continued to course throughout her. "You are fallen…but in time, I trust you'll have risen." He raised his hand again, knowing she was fully learning her lesson as her screams of pain filled the air, echoing off the cold stone marble.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Katarin stumbled to her room, fighting back tears, clutching her arm to her chest. No sooner had the door closed, she collapsed to the floor, unable to stand any longer, deep breaths racking her body.
Setti knew how to torture…she had to give him that. Knew how to break her—just what nerves to hit. She couldn't believe she'd let him get to her so. Although she really didn't have much of a choice…and now here she lay, unable to move, coursing with burning pain. Tears were streaming down her cheeks but she didn't notice, much less care. Setti broke her body, mind and soon her heart, which she wasn't even supposed to have.
'"Kill Kenobi—I want him causing no trouble in the future. Kill him, and the rank of Master will be rightfully earned."' Her eyes closed tight and she bit her lip.
How could Setti ask this of her? 'Of all things,' she thought through her tears. Another wave of pain ripped throughout her and she rolled into a tight ball, breathing quickly, trying to force the pain away. Slowly it subsided back to its dull, burning ache.
She relaxed from her tense position, sighing powerlessly. She'd lost Obi-Wan, and now had to kill him, and on top of that, her body was virtually destroyed. If her left hand would ever work again, it would be by some power beyond her. She couldn't move any part of it from her wrist to fingers, seeing as how the bones had completely shattered.
How Setti expected her to kill Obi-Wan in this condition was beyond her. Everything right now was beyond Katarin. Faintly, she heard the door open, but she did not care who it was—if it was Setti, so be it. 'I have paid my debt, now won't you leave me in my misery?' The faint voice of a medical droid reached her ears, but only for a second, as slowly she faded out of consciousness.
sorry so short! this week is a bit crazy, and next one will be as well. but i still should have the next update up sometime next week. leave a review if'n ya want. if'n not, stay tuned for the finale! after all, Katarin does have one last assignment...
