Know Thy Enemy
Elsa walked briskly through the corridors of Prime with Anna in tow. She and her sister had returned recently, and upon arrival a clone from Hiccup's regiment came to greet her. He informed her that Hiccup wanted to speak with her, and whatever he wanted to discuss with her was of the utmost importance. She was given his location, and after a polite thanks to the trooper she and Anna were headed straight there.
She also had important news to share and wanted to speak with him immediately. Soon enough she and Anna came to a corridor housing a multitude of rooms used for strategic meetings and private discussions. With her senses Elsa could already sense both Hiccup and Rapunzel on the other side of the door, so she didn't bother knocking as she pressed the button on the control panel to open it.
In the room she found Hiccup pacing with his finger to his chin and head bowed in thought while Jack and Rapunzel were both sitting at the large table used for meetings. Toothless wasn't present, tasking himself with delivering the news of his fellow Wookie's death to the proper clan. Hiccup stopped upon hearing the door open and looked toward it to meet Elsa's eyes. One look and they both just knew.
"You look like you have bad news," Hiccup commented as she entered.
"So do you," Elsa said knowingly.
Suddenly the door opened behind them. Everyone looked toward it as Merida, Eugene, and Kristoff entered, all wearing bright and proud smiles and in high spirits.
"And the heroes return victorious!" Eugene declared with pride.
"Good news, I take it?" Jack asked from his seat.
"Great news actually," Kristoff said. He paused to embrace his partner and exchanged a quick kiss.
"Our mission was a complete success," Merida stated with hands on hips and an air of satisfaction. But as she shifted her attention between Hiccup and Elsa, she could sense things were different on their ends.
"You both look like you have bad news," she noted as she looked at them both.
"Indeed," Elsa confirmed.
Hiccup nodded. "How about we start with good news first?" he suggested.
Everyone murmured in agreement and with that Merida opted to share their news first. "We were just part of a mission that ended in the successful seizure of a Nebulon frigate and the capture of an Imperial officer. A captain," she revealed.
"Nice!" Jack immediately chimed in.
"Impressive," Rapunzel said with a smile.
"Good job baby," Anna said to her partner. She gave him a kiss in congratulations. He flushed and smiled at her gratefully before giving her a hug in return.
"A fine addition to the fleet," Elsa added with a nod.
With a pleased grin Merida looked to all her friends before finally turning her attention to Hiccup. She blinked at his blank expression. He wasn't sharing the gleeful smile that everyone else was.
"Something wrong Hiccup?" she asked quizzically.
"No...it's just," he cocked his head at her. "I was a part of the strategy meetings for that operation. If I'm remembering correctly the scheduled execution for that mission wasn't to take place for at least another week or two. And I was supposed to be a part of it."
"An opportunity presented itself and it was far too good to pass up," Merida explained with a shrug.
Hiccup crossed his arms. "How come you didn't tell me?" he asked pointedly.
"You were needed elsewhere," Merida reminded him.
"Ok, but it's not like both Rapunzel and I were needed for my mission. One of us could have gone with you. If not me then her," Hiccup argued.
Hiccup and Merida stared at each other. Merida's smile faded from her face as she stared at him blankly. The others were silent, sensing something hovering in the air around the two lovers. Merida was being dismissive while Hiccup was raining on her parade.
"I felt strongly that both of your abilities would serve better in the search and rescue of our comrades," Merida stated tactfully and also in a somewhat curt tone.
Hiccup arched a brow as he assessed her. She held his gaze, intent on not backing down from her decision and seeing no need to explain herself further.
With the silence growing heavier Elsa saw an opportunity to interject and move the conversation along. "Congratulations on your successful mission," Elsa reiterated as she looked toward the red head. She then shifted her focus to her fellow Jedi. "Now Hiccup, I believe you had something we needed to hear," she reminded him.
With pertinent information to share Hiccup let the matter between Merida and himself drop. "Yeah," he confirmed. He gestured to the table and everyone found a seat. Hiccup sat with Rapunzel at his left and Elsa at his right. To Rapunzel's left was Jack. To his left Eugene found a seat. With some prompting they switched so Eugene could sit next to Rapunzel. To Elsa's right Merida decided to settle down and next to her sat Anna, with Kristoff beside her.
"So as you all might or might not be aware, our group was tasked with searching a planet one of our scouting groups was surveying for a potential site for a ground base," Hiccup started. "They were attacked, with only one survivor making it out alive."
"Did you find any others?" Kristoff asked.
"No," Hiccup said sadly.
"Ahem," Rapunzel chimed in with a small cough. He looked at her and she motioned downward with her eyes.
"Oh right," he said. "Well...there was one...kinda," he explained.
With a nod to his Padawan she smiled before pushing away from the table and ducking out of view. Everyone looked in her direction curiously before she popped back into view and proceeded to hoist a small bipedal droid into the table.
"We found this BD unit. We've confirmed it belonged to the scouting party's doctor and researcher," Hiccup explained as he gestured to the droid who was looking at them all one by one, scanning them curiously.
"BD-" he started.
"Pascal," Rapunzel cut in.
Hiccup stopped and looked toward his Padawan in question. "Pardon?"
"I've named him Pascal," Rapunzel revealed with a smile.
"Why?" Hiccup questioned.
"I think it's cute," Rapunzel stated simply. The droid chirruped a string of binary at her as he confirmed his new designation.
"Ok then," Hiccup said in acceptance. "Anyway. Pascal here is the only survivor of the party. With his help we managed to learn what happened," he explained. He looked at Rapunzel and she nodded.
"Alright Pascal. Show us," Rapunzel requested lightly.
With a beep in confirmation Pascal turned to the center of the table and started his holoprojector. In the center of the table he displayed what the others had seen before. At first it was an assortment of scenery alongside various flora and fauna. But soon enough it devolved into the mayhem of the attack as Pascal's friends were set upon by Mandalorians from the sky.
Everyone struggled to keep their eyes fixed to the recording, their hearts tugging at watching their comrades in such dire straits and wishing they could have helped. They saw the recording progress to a member of the party telling Pascal to hide before he was pounced upon by something large and bearing claws.
"Pause the recording Pascal," Hiccup said. The droid obeyed as the recording froze on the image of something they hadn't seen before.
"What is that?" Eugene asked.
"That is a Basilisk war droid," Hiccup answered.
"Basalisk war droid?" Elsa asked as she looked to him for confirmation. He nodded before she looked back at the frozen image of something that looked more like an animal than a droid. "I never saw that during the Clone Wars."
Hiccup shook his head. "It wasn't made by the Separatists," Hiccup revealed. When everyone turned their attention to him for further explanation he continued. "These droids were made by an ancient race that were conquered by the Mandalorians of old, the Neo Crusaders. They then proceeded to take their droids and use them as war mounts."
"The Neo Crusaders?" Elsa asked incredulously.
"Yes," Hiccup confirmed.
"That would make this thing thousands of years old. Is that even possible?"
Hiccup shrugged. "It's only a droid. Theoretically, with proper maintenance, it's conceivable."
"And you've seen these before?" Jack inquired.
"I've only ever seen them in holos. They were supposed to all have been shut down a long time ago. The only other place you might find one is a museum somewhere," Hiccup explained.
"How dangerous are they?" Eugene hesitantly asked.
"Basically a flying tank with claws," Hiccup answered regretfully. "Armed with blaster cannons. Missile launchers. Their nose contains a cluster of shockwave generator rods capable of blowing a hole in the hull of a starship. They can also fly in both atmosphere and space. In summary, they're pretty damn dangerous," he revealed.
There were more than a few deep swallows at the full details of just how deadly these droids could be.
"The droids were said to possess a level of semi sentience. They had a bond with their riders. Were even said to mourn them when they fell in battle," Hiccup finished.
Everyone took a moment to let the information sink in. The knowledge that the Mandalorians had such a weapon at their disposal was perturbing. They were already so dangerous, and here was a powerful weapon, straight from the history books at their command.
"Another thing," Hiccup chimed in to get everyone's attention once more. "It seems at least one of the Mandalorians used a lightsaber."
Everyone blinked in surprise and were immediately skeptical.
"Are you sure Hiccup?" Elsa asked with an arched brow.
"I know what damage from a lightsaber blade looks like," Hiccup reminded everyone. "Doesn't make much sense to me either. Best guess is that they're maybe trying to mock us," he reasoned.
"I suppose I could see that," Elsa said thoughtfully. "Using our own weapons to cut down our comrades. It's a sorta cold irony."
Everyone murmured in acceptance of the explanation. It hardly mattered why. It was just something else they had to watch out for.
"I think that's about it from our end," Hiccup concluded. "Questions?" he asked as he glanced around the room. When no one said anything he looked to Pascal. "That's enough Pascal," he told the droid.
The droid shut off its holoprojector and gave a string of binary in confirmation. It then proceeded to walk back to Rapunzel before jumping down into her lap. She smiled happily as she rubbed its head fondly.
"I guess it's your turn Elsa," Hiccup said to his fellow Jedi.
"So it is," Elsa said calmly. She placed both hands on the table before rising from her seat. She reached her arms back and underneath her cloak before pulling out something. It was two things, held in either hand that she proceeded to place on the table.
Everyone eyed it, trying to make out what it was. It was the first to click for Merida. For she'd seen it before. She used to use one just like it some time ago before acquiring her new weapon.
"An energy bow?" Merida asked.
"Yes," Elsa answered. She paused to look at Hiccup. "I got it from a witch, sent to kill, or maybe even capture our contact?"
Hiccup's eyes widened before he closed them in frustration. He brought a hand up to rub at his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. "Well that's just excellent now, isn't it?" Hiccup said sarcastically.
"Wait...a witch...like from Dathomir?" Jack asked.
"You've heard of them then Jack?" Elsa said, looking to the former smuggler.
"Yeah. Every long time spacefarer has," he answered casually. "I assumed they were just myths. Though I still tended to avoid travel through that sector if it could've been helped."
"They're quite real," Elsa responded evenly.
"Very real," Rapunzel added quietly. Eugene looked at his beloved as she seemed to be uncomfortable with this new revelation. He placed a hand on hers. She turned to look at him and smiled in appreciation.
The other Jedi eyed her knowingly. They could see she was uncomfortable and knew the reason for her distress.
"So these witches...are they really...you know," Kristoff began.
"Witches that use magic and curses?" Elsa finished for him. He nodded. She shook her head lightly. "No. They use the Force," she revealed.
"I thought only Jedi or Sith could use the Force?" Eugene interjected.
"That's a misconception," Hiccup answered.
"Though the Jedi and Sith are perhaps the most well known, there are many collectives that study and utilize the Force," Elsa continued. "The Baran Do Sages of the Kel Dor. The Luka Sene of the Miraluka. The Zeison Sha. The Matukai. And the witches of Dathomir to name a few," she said in explanation.
"The witches of Dathomir study a unique aspect of the Force. From that they create their own techniques which they refer to as spells and magics. It's quite silly really," Elsa said with an eye roll and a chuckle.
Hiccup chucked as well, shaking his head at the ridiculousness of the thought. Rapunzel even managed a small snort in amusement. But the non Jedi in the room were perplexed at their amusement, shifting their gazes between all of them.
"You all don't believe in magic?" Merida asked, looking to all the Jedi in turn. She'd known her long time friend from home, the old woman she called Gran, was a witch. The old woman had said as much on a few occasions.
"Of course not," Elsa replied immediately. "Magic is only an illusion," she asserted firmly.
"But isn't that what the Force is? Magic?" Jack asked.
"No," Elsa replied with a stern stare at Jack.
"I mean...it all looks like magic to me," Jack said with a sheepish smile and a shrug.
Elsa glowered at Jack, irritated by his ignorance and insulted by the comparison. "The Force is a universal energy field created by all living things that binds it together. It's a completely natural phenomena and Force sensitives, like us," she explained, pausing to gesture to the other Jedi and herself ",are able to sense and harness it. It's not supernatural, like magic claims to be."
"Oh," Jack said as he blinked and tried to comprehend the difference. "So...not magic?"
"No!" Elsa said sharply as she began to lose her patience.
"Let's move on Elsa," Hiccup suggested.
With a breath to compose herself Elsa relaxed. "Right," she said, but not before giving Jack one last look of annoyance. He raised his hands up innocently at her look, confused by it.
"Unsubstantiated claims say that it was an exiled Jedi that first taught the early inhabitants of Dathomir the ways of the Force. Over time their entire population, like the Miraluka, have become Force sensitive."
The non Jedi were wide eyed at the revelation. An entire species with powers like their comrades'. It was a baffling notion.
"Through the generations the witches of Dathomir developed their own teachings and principles surrounding the Force. Their code shared some principles to the Jedi teachings. But like any beings that can touch the Force, they are capable of being influenced and tempted by the dark side," Elsa continued.
"Those who become corrupted by it are able to tap into techniques of a darker and more malicious nature. These are forbidden and are dubbed "nights spells," and those that use them are branded with the title of Nightsister," she revealed ominously.
"Nightsisters are to the witches what the Sith are to the Jedi," she elaborated. "These individuals are generally cast out from their respective clans and forced to live in isolation until they can purge the darkness from themselves. Only then are they allowed to return. But sometimes these outcasts will band together to form clans of their own, becoming clans of Nightsisters."
Rapunzel squeezed Eugene's hand in silence. He looked at her in concern, noting her posture had gone rigid. Pascal also looked up at her, releasing a string of binary in inquiry as his scanners detected changes in her body that signaled her anxiety.
"In recent years I heard that someone had gathered all the Nightsisters into one single clan. Her name escapes me at the moment. I believe strongly that it was a Nightsister from this clan that we encountered on our mission," Elsa concluded.
"You're sure?" Merida asked. She did trust her. But she had to know for certain.
"I am," Elsa confirmed with a nod. "These warriors are very dangerous. They are some of the greatest and most skilled assassins in the galaxy. They have skills and techniques neither Jedi or Sith possess."
"So they're a big deal, plain and simple?" Merida summarized.
"Yes. A very big deal," Elsa reiterated, using Merida's own words.
"Damn it all," Merida whispered before pushing away from the table and standing up. "I need to report all this to High Command," she said.
Hiccup, anticipating this, pulled a data disc from his pocket and placed it on the table. "Here's a copy of Pascal's recording," he said before sliding across the table and to her.
"Thanks," she said as she grabbed and pocketed it. She looked at Elsa, "You want to come and explain to High Command that we now have witches to contend with?"
Elsa paused and exchanged a look with Hiccup. He gave a nod in response. Elsa looked back to Merida. "The Jedi need to confer on some important matters," she told her.
"Ok," Merida said in acceptance. "I guess this meeting is adjourned for the moment."
With that all but the Jedi rose to leave the room. As Eugene was about to leave his partner's side she grabbed his hand. "Can you take Pascal, Eugene?" she requested.
"Sure thing Sunshine," he obliged with a smile. He began reaching for the droid. But it protested before leaping down to the ground, expressing that it didn't want to be carried by Eugene, with whom it was not familiar.
"All right," Eugene said as he pulled his hands away. "Don't need to understand droid to get the message," he said in acceptance.
With that Pascal followed him out of the room, leaving the Jedi alone to discuss matters among the Order.
Outside the room Merida walked with Jack and spoke. He was enthusiastically asking about the details of her mission. Merida smiled, eager to recount their success.
"So what are they gonna do with it anyway?" Jack asked.
"Don't ken for sure. Ah hear they want tae use it as a medical ship," Merida said with a shrug.
"Not bad. I can see that," Jack acknowledged.
"Actually Jack, there was something ah wanted to discuss with ye," Merida suddenly remembered.
"What's up?"
"There was a fighter pilot that joined us on our mission. She flies a B-wing and she's got some serious skills with it."
"A B-wing?" Jack said with a grimace. "Weird, but ok?"
"She's got an impressive record and some leadership skills. Ah think she'd make a perfect lieutenant for Blizzard squadron."
"A lieutenant? I don't know Mer," Jack said unsure.
"You need a second in command Jack," Merida argued. "She could take some of the load off your plate and lead your squad when you're out in the field on other assignments."
"Hmmm," Jack hummed. Well when she put it like that…
"Just meet with her at least?" she suggested.
"Fine," Jack relented. "When?"
"0800, tomorrow," Merida informed him.
"Sounds like you already set this up," Jack noted with an arched brow.
Merida smirked at him. "Ah was sure I could convince ya," she said with a wink.
Rapunzel had her head bowed in thought. Her eyes were closed as she contemplated on the issue Hiccup and Elsa had brought up. The Jedi watched her, patiently awaiting her input.
After a few moments of silence she raised her head and looked at them. "I'm in agreement," she said with a nod.
"Are you sure?" Hiccup asked. "You don't have to agree with us just because you're a Padawan."
"I'm not. I think we should tell our friends. Though I do wish we had some sort of proof."
"So do we," Elsa agreed.
"But I think we are right, and I trust our feelings on the matter," Rapunzel said with a nod.
"Ok then. So, we're all in agreement," Hiccup confirmed as he looked at each of them one last time. They nodded in confirmation and Hiccup clapped his hands together. "Good," he said, satisfied.
"There's actually something I need to discuss with you both concerning the younglings," Rapunzel added.
"Oh yes, how are the younglings?" Hiccup asked.
Rapunzel smiled brightly. "They're all doing splendidly. I think you'll both be quite pleased by their progress."
"That's great to hear," Hiccup said, pleased.
"It is," Elsa said in agreement.
"They all brought something up with me. Something I promised to discuss with you," Rapunzel continued.
"Can it wait?" Hiccup asked as he stood up. He let out a sigh. "We haven't eaten in hours and I've had enough of discussion and news for the moment."
"I'm quite famished as well," Elsa agreed.
Rapunzel gave a hum before shrugging. "It can wait I guess. I'm feeling peckish too."
"Great. Let's reconvene in say...three hours?" Hiccup suggested. The Jedi nodded in agreement. "Good. We'll alert the others as well and let them in on our discovery." The others agreed with him before leaving the room together to head for the cantina for some much-needed sustenance.
Across the galaxy the ruler of the Galactic Empire glowered down at the witch kneeling before his throne. Darth Drago's menacing amber eyes smoldered like yellow suns in disapproval of the Nightsister who had come to report her failure. His displeasure could be felt by her and he in turn could feel her fear
"So you failed your mission to Elerion?" he repeated back to her.
The witch remained in her prostrate position. Both out of utter fear of the man before her, and by the overwhelming pressure he exerted with his power. She'd never known fear of a man until she'd met the Emperor. Living on Dathomir she'd also faced off against the countless beasts that inhabited the planet alongside her people. Most of which were deadly to the unsuspecting and unprepared that dare to wander out into Dathomir's wilderness.
But he was far more terrifying. He was like an unfathomable pit of darkness that seemed to snuff out the light around him. The entire room was also enveloped in a biting chill that had her trembling.
"Well?" the Emperor spoke again.
A shiver traveled up her spine as she realized she'd been silent far too long and his patience was growing thin. She opened her mouth to speak, only to find it had gone dry. She swallowed and licked her lips anxiously so she could answer.
"Ye-yes, Lord Drago," she finally choked out.
The Sith Lord was silent. He let the silence linger, feeling her fear and anxiety grow the longer it stretched. Then he rose from his seat.
The witch eyes widened as she kept them firmly glued to the floor beneath her. Her breathing started to become shallow and she had to fight to keep herself breathing.
"Your mistress is not tolerant of failure," the Sith Lord rumbled out. "And neither am I," he said coldly.
The witch felt on the verge of a panic attack as his presence seemed to grow to fill the entire room. She felt impossibly small and insignificant as she felt his eyes gazing down on her from the steps before his throne.
The room lapsed into silence and the witch realized he was awaiting a response from her. Her mind scrambled to find an answer or excuse. She already told him what had happened. At how the Jedi and Mandalorian had impeded her during her mission. She didn't know what else she could say.
"I apologize. My Lord," she muttered quietly. "And beg for your forgiveness," she pleaded softly.
"Forgiveness?" the dark lord questioned lowly. Then he chuckled. It was a dark sound that made goosebumps break out on her skin and her anxiety to rise impossibly higher.
"That is not the way of the dark side," he rasped out. He raised his right arm, leaving his robot left under his cloak. Electricity began to crackle between his fingers as he prepared to unleash his fury onto the Nightsister.
The door to his chamber opened with a hiss. With a growl he closed his hand to snuff out the lightning he'd prepared to let loose and glanced to the door to see who had dared to enter.
"Apologies, Lord Drago," Heather said humbly as she bowed and then entered.
The other witch rose to her knees and looked back in relief to see Heather. The Sith Lord eyed her disapprovingly as she walked up to stand beside the kneeling witch.
"But when I heard of my sister's failure and her return in shame I came to personally discipline her for her incompetence," she said. She looked to her side to level her sister with a glower. "You dishonor our clan with your very life sister."
"Heather-I," the witch began.
"Oh be quiet," Heather said as she raised a hand and looked away in disgust. "I can barely stand to look at you," she spat in revulsion. The witch flinched like she'd been struck before glancing down in disgrace.
Heather looked up to Drago and smiled. "Punishment is indeed due, Lord Drago. For how else is she to learn?" Heather said, sensing Drago's intent. The Sith Lord arched a brow skeptically at this. "I recommend sending her back to Dathomir. So that Mother may...reeducate her on what is expected from one of us."
The Sith Lord gave a low hum in thought. His gaze flicked to the witch, who froze as his gaze returned to her and did her best to look anywhere but at him.
"And Mother Gothel's methods of reeducation will be a sufficient punishment for her failure, sister?" Drago probed.
"Oh yes My Lord. Perhaps a few nights in the wilderness of Dathomir...or the cavern of gaping spiders will remind my sister here of the consequences of failure and encourage her to strive for success in the future."
The witch's stomach dropped as the dread of returning home came to rival her fear of the Sith Lord's wrath. But she offered no protest, swallowing down her anxiety and firmly keeping her mouth shut.
The Sith Lord considered Heather's proposal. He rubbed his chin in contemplation. He could feel the witch's fear of Heather's suggestion was real. He knew Mother Gothel well and knew her cruelty and darkness could rival his own. He also knew Dathomir to be a harsh and almost hellish landscape that not many would survive on their own. It was why the Nightsisters banded together, to stave off the horrors of the planet's surface.
With a small laugh the Sith Lord sneered as he met Heather's eye. "Very well, sister," he said with a nod. "I'll contact Gothel and let her know one of her daughters will be returning."
"Thank you, my Lord," Heather said in gratitude. She looked down at her sister. "Thank the Emperor for being so magnanimous in the face of your utter incompetence!" she barked at her.
"Yes! Thank you, my Lord!" the witch said quickly before dropping into the prostrate position to bow once more. She pressed her head to the floor in utter submission.
"If we may, My Lord?" Heather chimed in, a request to excuse them both.
"You may go," the dark lord said with a nod.
Heather nodded in understanding and turned to leave, pausing as her sister rose to follow her out.
"Actually!" Drago said before they could go. Heather and the other witch stopped to look back, wondering what more there was to say. "I wish to speak with you privately, Heather," he said formally.
Heather cocked her head and blinked, curious by the request. Of course it was no request. She had no choice but to accept. She looked to her sister, "Get out," she ordered. The other witch nodded vigorously and shuffled to the door and leaving the room.
Heather turned and walked back to the Sith Lord to stand before him. He towered over her from his elevated position. He was made to look all the more imposing by his large stature. He was massive by human standards.
"You need something of me, my Lord?" Heather asked sweetly.
The dark lord smiled as he folded his hands behind his back. "I wanted to congratulate you Heather, on your successful mission to Balmorra. Once again you exceed my expectations," he said proudly.
"Such praise Lord Drago," Heather said bashfully.
"You and your sister's ability to infiltrate even the most secure compounds is second to none, and your strength with the dark side is most formidable," he continued. "Why, I'm not sure who is stronger between you or my apprentice, Dread," he said evenly.
Heather kept her face neutral as she anticipated the direction the conversation was going to go.
"You would make an excellent Inquisitor. Perhaps even...a Sith Lord," he remarked alluringly. He said it in a way that it could be taken as a passing comment, or an offer. "I wonder what heights your powers with the dark side could ascend given...proper guidance," he added to further tempt her.
That was exactly what Heather had been expecting. She'd been warned by Gothel that the Sith Lord was very likely to try and entice her to join his ranks.
With a coy smile Heather pressed her hands together in a gesture of regret. "Apologies, my Lord. For while that offer is far more than someone like me deserves, my and my sisters' loyalties are reserved only for each other," she explained, taking care to express a note of remorse.
The Sith Lord arched a brow, only mildly surprised at the rejection of his offer. Nightsisters were a peculiar sect of dark side practitioners. To someone who gave themselves to it, the promise of more power was almost impossible to refuse. But these witches, save for perhaps Gothel herself, seemed to have no interest.
The dark lord chuckled in amusement. "Of course, sister," he said with a nod. "The loyalty you and your sisters have to your matriarch is most admirable. If only I could know such loyalty," the Sith huffed.
Heather cocked her head in question, curious as to what the Emperor was speaking of.
A few moments later the door to the throne room opened and Heather stepped out. Her sister stood outside the door, obediently waiting for Heather's return. She stepped to the side and allowed Heather to walk by her before falling into step behind her.
They walked in silence, heading to the quarters assigned to their clan mates. "Thank you, Heather," the lower ranked witch whispered in gratitude.
Heather didn't stop and kept walking. "Don't thank me yet sister. Gothel will not be pleased by your failure," she reminded her.
The witch dropped her head and replied with a defeated, "Yes." She lapsed into silence as she began to dread her return to Dathomir. Gothel was sure to admonish her for her failure, but it was still perhaps better than facing the Sith Lord's wrath.
Heather stopped forcing the other witch to come to a halt as well to avoid bumping into her. Heather turned to face her and the other witch looked at her inquisitively. "Go on ahead sister. I'll be there shortly," she ordered.
The witch nodded obediently before stepping around her and walking off. Heather waited a few moments until her footsteps faded. Then with her hands on her hips she turned to look down a corridor where a figure hid in the shadows against a wall, almost unnoticeable.
"Dread," Heather greeted brightly with a smirk.
The shadow against the wall moved as Dread revealed himself. The apprentice Sith Lord offered the witch a fake smile in greetings. "Sister. I heard of your return and wanted to congratulate you on your successful mission," he said to her.
"Thank you, brother."
Dread drew closer. "I heard that the Emperor thanked you in person as well?"
Heather's smirk grew and she shrugged casually. "Indeed. He's quite impressed by my talents," she replied, gushing with pride.
"As we all are, sister," Dread said in agreement. "Was there anything else he discussed with you?" Dread inquired unexpectedly.
"Like what?" Heather shot back quickly.
"Anything. I sense there's more," Dread pressed.
Heather arched a brow at him, curious as to this sudden interrogation. Of course he wasn't wrong. Heather raised a hand up to inspect her nails. "Nothing of interest I can assure you," she replied nonchalantly.
"I sense you're hiding something from me, sister?" Dread prodded.
Heather chuckled and shook her head in amusement. "Oh, you Sith. Such a paranoid sect you all are," she teased as she turned to go. "Not everyone is against you brother, trust me," she said as she waved her hand dismissively and left.
Dread stared after her, his brow knitting into a glare.
Merida walked through the hall of Prime after having reported all the new findings to High Command. They were less than thrilled at hearing they had even more threats to contend with. They quickly discussed passing the word to other cells and telling their informants and sympathizers to exercise even more caution going forward.
She was so lost in thought that she turned and entered a room she didn't realize she'd inadvertently navigated to Hiccup's quarters. She snorted and shook her before bringing her hand to her forehead. It wasn't strange to find herself in her Jedi lover's room as they spent many a night together.
She decided to wait for him there. She entered and took a seat on his bed. Hiccup's room was relatively simple. As a Jedi he didn't keep many personal effects. His room consisted of a full-size bed, for the sake of allowing both himself and Merida to comfortably share it, and a nightstand which held his spare clothes and lightsaber components.
As her eyes drifted around the room they landed on a small black box on the nightstand. One that she recognized as housing the ring he'd proposed to her with. She stared at it intensely as she recounted the physical details of the ring within. She'd been shocked when she first saw it. She'd had no idea Hiccup had been planning on proposing to her.
She hoped she hadn't hurt him. But Hiccup had assured her he was fine and understood her apprehension. It's not like she was afraid of marriage or anything. She just wasn't in a rush to get married. She still had time and there were far more important things she was committed to.
She eyed the box. Before taking her eyes off it. She placed her hands on her thighs and patted them casually. But the black speck of the box hovered in her periphery. Her eyes drifted back to it. It was a beautiful ring, she had to admit. Hiccup obviously had great taste and knew her well.
She drummed her fingers on her legs as a thought suddenly occurred to her. Would the ring fit her hand? Hiccup was a talented craftsman, sure, but even he couldn't be perfect.
She began reaching her hand out for the box. 'I'll just try it on. See if it fits,' she thought to herself. She had to be sure it fit.
The door suddenly opened and she snatched her hand back and placed it to her head in her thick hair. She turned toward the door to find Hiccup standing there.
"Merida?" he said, only mildly surprised to find her in his quarters.
"Hiccup! Hello!" she said with an awkward smile as she pretended to brush some hair out of her face.
"Hey," Hiccup said as he entered his room. "How did High Command take the news?"
Merida sighed heavily. "As you can imagine they were ecstatic to hear that they not only had an ancient Mandalorian weapon to watch out for, but also deadly witch assassins as well," she stated sarcastically.
"I can imagine," Hiccup said in understanding. He leaned against the wall of his room. "Anything else?"
"They've spread word among the ranks," she replied.
Hiccup gave a hum and nodded before going silent. The quiet seemed to hover and fill the air around them. Merida wrung her hands together anxiously as she felt the tension.
"Well...I guess," Merida began as she rose to her feet.
"Why'd you go on the mission without me?" Hiccup suddenly asked.
Merida stopped as she stood to look at him oddly. "I told you already. The opportunity presented itself and we had to take it," she reiterated.
"Rapunzel and I weren't both needed on our mission. She or I could have joined you," Hiccup argued.
"Well, I felt your abilities would be of better use elsewhere. Besides, I took SpaceOps with us. Missions like that is what they do," she countered.
"What if something had gone wrong?" Hiccup shot back.
"It didn't," Merida asserted.
"But if it did?" Hiccup pressed.
Merida glowered at him before walking toward him. "It didn't." Hiccup opened his mouth to argue some more but she cut him off, "Hiccup! Enough!" she cut in sharply.
"I know this is coming from a place of love and concern," she empathized. "But we had everything under control. We were prepared. The mission went off without a hitch and the fleet is now one ship stronger. This is a win."
Hiccup blinked and looked down to consider her points. He couldn't think of anything to counter her.
"Besides that," she continued. "We can't count on the Jedi all the time." She regretted her wording as she saw them lance through his heart.
"You can always count on me," he muttered quietly.
"I didn't mean it like that," Merida quickly corrected. "I mean we have to be able to succeed without always expecting the Jedi to come save us. We can't depend solely on the Jedi to fix our problems. It's the whole reason the galaxy is the way it is."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean the Republic was dumb to not have a way to defend itself. They expected the Jedi to always be able to keep the peace and left itself vulnerable. That can't happen if we manage to restore the Republic," Merida explained.
"We need to win the war while showing the people that the Jedi weren't the only reason for our victory," Merida said firmly.
Hiccup glanced sideways as he turned her argument over in his mind. After a few beats of silence he spoke. "Alright. I guess you have a point," he conceded.
"I know I do," Merida said with a smirk. But with a soft smile she took a step toward him and wrapped her arms around him. She pressed herself against him and squeezed. Her heart fluttered as he reciprocated, and his arms came around to encompass her.
"I understand Hiccup. You worry about me. I worry about you too," she whispered. She looked at him. "But I'm a big girl, and I'm in this war too. I'm gonna be putting my life on the line, just like you are."
"I know," he said after a sigh. "I just-"
"It's fine," she interrupted. She gave him a quick kiss. "And trust me when I say that when I think I'll need a Jedi for a mission, you'll be top of the list," she assured. He chuckled in amusement.
"You're my Knight after all," she whispered to him lovingly.
He stared into her eyes and trusted the resolve in her voice. He smiled down at her and kissed her on the forehead before squeezing her tight.
"Glad to hear it."
Meanwhile wandering through the streets of the Empire's capital a cloaked figure made their way. Dread walked through dimly lit streets of the lower levels of Coruscant. The crowds on these levels were few as it was often riddled with less than desirable characters.
But Dread felt no fear to the people around him. They were less than nothing to him and no threat to his power. In fact, most of the people opted to give him a wide berth as they seemed to sense an aura of danger stemming from him. They had also witnessed him on multiple occasions brutally murder several bands of foolish thieves had tried to rob him during his previous visits to the lower levels.
Suddenly someone fell into step at his side. The person walking beside him was short and also wore a heavy cloak to hide his features. Dread was aware of his presence, but to the people surrounding him he was still walking alone. The man beside him had the ability to cloud the perception of those around him, letting him travel unnoticed by nearly all.
But Dread's power allowed him to perceive the man. The man's cloak hid his gaunt features and pale, yellow blotched skin. The man's black eyes stared ahead as he pretended not to notice the Sith Lord beside him.
"Lord Dread," the man greeted in a hushed tone.
"Here's the information my Master requested," Dread replied quietly while producing a data disk from under his cloak and holding it out for the man to take.
"Master will be pleased," the man said as he took it and secured it on his person. "He wishes to speak with you soon, Lord Dread," the man added.
Dread growled under his breath. "I believe Drago is growing suspicious. I don't know when I-"
"He was rather insistent, Lord Dread," the man interrupted.
Dread let out a breath in frustration. His master wasn't very understanding. He was in constant danger of being discovered. He had his suspicions that Drago was spying on him. One misstep and he'd find himself facing the Emperor's wrath, and he was nowhere near strong enough to challenge the greater Sith Lord.
"Very well," Dread relented. "I'll contact him soon."
The man nodded. "Lord Dread," he said in farewell. They passed through a small group of citizens and when Dread reached the other side of them he was gone.
Dread breathed a small sigh of relief as he turned down an alley to begin making his way back to the Emperor's palace as discreetly as possible. As he walked past an alley he caught a glimpse of something in his periphery.
He stopped and turned to look down the narrow path only to find it empty. He surveyed his surroundings intently. He was convinced he'd caught a glimpse of a figure obscured in the darkness.
He was also sure that he'd seen just a hint of something...red.