Prologue
Pain-filled eyes met his vision. The family looked to him with pleading faces as they huddled together in the pouring rain. The girl, not much older than twelve, sobbed in her mother's trembling arms. The father, strong and proud, shielded their bodies with his.
"What do you want to do with them Sir?" The trooper asked him with cold indifference.
His face remained locked in a cold stare. Slowly he lowered his head in a nod before briskly walking away. He could hear the women's screams as blaster fire rang out. Within seconds they were silent, leaving only the sound of the rain to compete with his racing heart.
He tilted his head up slightly, using the cool droplets to mask his tears. Imperials did not cry; not for them, not for the rebel scum they were. Thanks to that family, thousands of Imperials died in the traitorous ambush on Redav IX.
"General!"
He glanced at the young Lieutenant. Halfheartedly, he returned the salute and waited for the report with an impatient air.
"We've searched the rebel's home but could find no leads to the rebel encampment. As far as we can tell, they were a sleeper cell; planted here to monitor our operations."
He nodded. "Just as Lord Vader suspected. Thank you Lieutenant."
"If I may say so sir; that was very admirable, what you did. I only hope that one day I am able to show the same leadership and, if I may be so bold sir, intellect, when dealing with such a delicate situation."
"That will be all Lieutenant."
The baffled officer looked annoyed. "Of course General."
He saluted the young officer and watched him leave.
Dreams were funny things. Scientist and doctors have studied them for centuries, attempting to derive their meaning. Some dismissed them as nothing more than random memories mixed with imagination. Others said they were outlets for dealing with repressed emotions and fears. Yet others saw them as enigmas that held the key to what defined our inner selves.
Reese Jade hated his dreams.
Some would more accurately describe them as nightmares.
…He was running as fast as he could, grasping her in his arms. No matter how fast he ran it was always the same…
The faces of the rebel family echoed through his mind as he closed his eyes. They reminded him so much of…
…The house was burning but no one came out. No matter how tightly he held her, she always slipped away…
The mother, grasping her daughter so tightly; their cries continued to echo in his head…
…She'd told him to run and she stayed behind. She sacrificed herself for them and he failed her…