"So you see Provost Marshal, Senya and I are simply worried about the implications for these sudden changes, both for the Alliance and for the Commander, himself."
Senya Tirall watched Lana Beniko as she addressed Provost Marshal Fideltin Rusk, the Eternal Alliance's top infantry instructor and a former companion of the Alliance's Commander back when he had been part of his old crew. The three had discreetly gathered around a table in a meeting room adjacent to the main military hangar at the Alliance base on Odessen. The subjects of their discussion – the Alliance Commander and his newly returned companion (and lover) Kira Carsen – were expected to remain in their Defender transport ship until tomorrow, largely at this insistence of Lana and her co-Senior Advisor, Theron Shan. In the meantime, Senya had joined Lana in trying to minimize complications. Already, virtually the entire base was buzzing with gossip about the Commander's 'secret paramour'. Handled incorrectly, such rumors could cause problems for the Alliance going forward and more worrisome to Senya, put undue pressure on the Commander's relationship with Kira.
"I do appreciate your concerns, ma'am. That is why I agreed to speak with you." Rusk said. His voice was level as usual. "Unfortunately, while I'm confident that Kira will successfully acclimate to the Alliance in time, I do not expect her to necessarily be quick to open up to either of you."
Both women were taken aback at that.
"You mean because I'm a Sith." Lana reacted first, folding her arms and frowning defensively.
Rusk gave Lana a grim look. "That and due to the fact that you succeeded where she failed."
"And what exactly do you mean by that?" the Sith's yellow eyes narrowed.
"You found him." Rusk answered crisply. "On Zakuul, after five years of searching. Kira, meanwhile, held out hope for two years before she finally tried to move on. So she began running her own resistance movement against the Eternal Empire, harassing their troops and raiding their supply lines. No doubt, it's what she knew he would have done in her place. But you continued to believe that the Commander was alive. Not only were you proven correct, but you found him, you personally orchestrated his rescue, played a key role in the Alliance's formation and were critical in the Commander's eventual victory over the Eternal Throne. All while the most-competitive Jedi I have ever known spent the last three and a half years frozen in a Hutt's carbonite prison."
"So, as I said, I believe it will take her time to fully accept you." He finally finished, his voice having remained level throughout.
"Oh." Lana looked away as realization settled in.
Senya regarded the other woman with a compassionate glance before turning back to Rusk. "You mentioned both of us. Why me? Is it because I'm Arcann's mother?" Senya recalled the early days of the Alliance, when some, particularly Koth, questioned her loyalties because of who her son was.
Rusk's face muscles didn't even budge, but he did seem to be silently chewing something over before his eyes refocused on the Zakuulan knight.
"Honestly, more for your tastes in men. Ma'am." His tone was almost apologetic.
Senya's eyes widened for a moment. She recalled the first time she had spoken of her time with Valkorion to the Commander. She knew that the former Jedi had a long history with the Immortal Emperor, going back to when Valkorian had been known as Vitiate, the Emperor of the Sith. The former Jedi had initially seemed somewhat incredulous that his ancient enemy could ever have had a 'normal' relationship, much less a family, with a woman like Senya, and her explanations of that time had given the Commander much to chew over. Senya herself had eventually come to accept that the man she had once loved had been merely a single manifestation of a much darker entity, and accepting that reality had been difficult for her, despite the fact that she had not been with Valkorian in years.
Kira must have been influenced – or even harmed – by Vitiate during the Commander's old conflict. Senya thought.
"I… see."
Lana retook the initiative, deciding to press the issue.
"Tell me, Provost Marshal." Lana once again addressed the Chagrian using his formal Alliance title. "You've implied that Kira has a grudge not just against the Sith and the Eternal Empire, but with the Emperor himself. Vitiate or Valkorian. Could you explain why? I know she was part of your crew years ago when you and the Commander attacked Dromund Kaas..." She allowed her words to trail off with the question.
Senya knew she would have missed it if she hadn't been Force-sensitive; the changes in Rusk's posture and facial expression were so minute. She could feel a Durasteel wall building up inside him, and she realized that Lana's question had treaded too far.
"You would have to ask Kira about that. Ma'am." Rusk responded crisply, his tone hard.
A moment passed as Lana's brow started to furrow in concentration. Senya had worked alongside Lana Beniko off and on for several years now, and while she had great respect for the Sith, she also understood how her mind worked, and how ruthless she could be. Her hand gently reached out and grasped Lana's shoulder, as if in warning. When Lana turned towards her with a questioning glare, Senya discreetly answered her with a slight shake of her head.
Through all of this, Rusk didn't budge, appearing not to be the slightest bit intimidated.
Impregnable? Senya had heard stories of the Commander and his adventures with old crew from Tee-Seven over the course of many long conversations, and she was reminded that though Rusk was utterly devoid of the Force's gifts, he had shared a small ship with no less than three Force-users for several years. It was not impossible he had learned something of resisting of resisting the techniques of a Sith. On the other hand, she also realized that Rusk's assessment of Kira Carsen's personality might be more insightful than that of her little AstroMech droid friend.
"What's she like? Really?" Senya asked rather abruptly, trying to change the subject.
Rusk turned his head slightly, steely blue eyes looking appraisingly into Senya's. He didn't stare, exactly. But there was something in the old soldier that was clinical in its observation, as if Rusk were almost looking through her. Up until a few days ago, Senya might have even taken offense. But since then, she'd learned not to underestimate this man.
"I suppose she's a bit like you." Rusk finally said. "A fearless, principled warrior armed with an impenetrable will and a fierce devotion to those she calls her own… with a well-developed sense of humor that tends to border on the biting side." Rusk paused almost apologetically. "If you don't mind my saying so, ma'am."
It was Senya's turn to react with surprise this time. She was somewhat flattered at Rusk's assessment, as it hadn't occurred to her that she'd have something in common with Kira. Senya herself was perfectly aware of her own sense of sarcasm and was more than comfortable with that. She recalled the dream she had had a week ago of the reflection in the mirror; the young woman who seemed to know her. She didn't recognize her until she saw Tee-Seven's holo-image of Kira Carsen yesterday. She had not spoken to anyone of it, but she knew that this was important.
"Thank you for that, Provost Marshal Rusk." Senya bowed her head slightly at the old soldier, giving him a smile. Having dealt with more than one difficult truth in her life, she was starting to appreciate the Chagrian's discretion and loyalties.
Rusk returned the bow of the head, and then turned to Lana to see if she had any other questions. Seeing that she did not, he rose to his feet and made to leave. At the door back to the hangar, he paused and turned back, addressing both of them.
"I have one final piece of advice for the both of you." Rusk said, waiting until he had the attentions of both women. "Don't underestimate the Commander. And don't underestimate Kira, either."
With that, he turned and headed back towards the Orgus Din proving grounds, no doubt to return to his duties training Alliance recruits.
It was only after he was safely out of earshot that the two women finally turned to each other.
"Really, Lana?" Senya asked.
"I was not going to try to read his mind!" Lana protested. "But I've clearly underestimated Rusk in the past, and I'm trying to get a better read of him."
Senya nodded in acceptance. "I can understand that. The fact remains that you remain concerned that Kira's sudden introduction to the Alliance will disrupt matters, while I am worried about the Commander and Kira, themselves."
Lana considered both problems. "When I was running Sith Intelligence, we were sometimes asked to assign handlers or observers to newly promoted individuals. This was partially in the upper echelons of the Imperial military, but more often for key positions in the diplomatic service or the political appointments within the civil service. The main intent was to make sure these new officers were adhering to the new doctrine being laid down by the Dark Council. The revelation that our thousand year old Emperor had been trying to destroy the Galaxy had caused much confusion throughout Imperial society. Perhaps we could find someone to 'handle' Kira when the Commander isn't present."
"Your reasoning is sound, but I object to the word 'handle'." Senya grimaced. "We have to tread lightly, so we don't create exactly the kind of problem we're hoping to avoid."
"Absolutely. We need to find someone who is naturally social." Lana offered.
"Someone who is friendly and amiable." Senya gently countered.
"Someone who is especially devoted to the Commander, and who will understand that we are doing this to help him."
"Someone who is well-known and reasonably popular throughout the Alliance."
"Someone we can turn to our own purposes."
Senya gave Lana another look, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, fine. We need to find someone who would be open to working with us for the greater good." Lana reluctantly amended her statement.
"Someone near enough to Kira's age group and temperament…"
Both women stopped.
Lana looked at Senya.
Senya looked at Lana.
"Soooo…. Let me get this straight." Vette folded her arms as she eyed Lana and Senya with a look that was uncharacteristically skeptical.
The three women had gathered discreetly in an empty passageway off the main hall leading from the central hub of the war room to the main hangar.
"You guys want me to meet with Kira." The Twi'lek continued. "Show her around the base. Introduce her to people who likely won't cause problems for her. Steer her clear of any potential problems. Let her know what's going with things. Help her 'get acclimated'. Make sure she's doing okay. And then report back to you guys if 'anything disconcerting' comes up." Vette used her fingers to make 'air quotes', using the same expression Lana had used. "Does that about cover it?"
"Essentially, yes. That is exactly what we need from you." Lana nodded in cool approval.
"Well, I appreciate that you guys thought of me for this… assignment." Vette didn't bother hiding her distaste. "But I was going to do all of that anyway."
Senya had been prepared for a refusal, with some gentle arm-twisting required. She was not prepared for a ready assent.
"I'm sorry?" Senya asked.
"I said I'm planning to do all of that anyway. I've already sent Kira a message – through Tee-Seven – introducing myself and offering to show her around if she'd like." Vette's tone was a bit defiant, her resolve shining through. "He's already headed over to their ship to deliver their lunches, so I'm hoping she'll see it, soon."
"Oh." Senya exchanged a look with Lana, eyebrow raised.
Further explanation was required.
Vette smiled just a bit. "Do either of you know how hard it is to pick out a birthday gift for an ex-Jedi?" she asked. "First of all, no one seems to even know when the Commander's birthday actually is." She paused, struck by a thought. "I bet Kira knows." The Twi'lek's face briefly looked intrigued before just as quickly shaking it off. "Anyway, what could I actually get him? He doesn't seem to want anything. I asked him once what kind of gift he'd like, and he just told me 'galactic peace'. I mean galactic peace? What am I supposed to do with that? Do you know how hard it is to track down galactic peace and stick it in a box? With a ribbon and a bow on top?" she scoffed.
"Me? I'm easy to shop for! I like shiny things and guns that are bigger than I am." She grinned. "Those aren't even mutually exclusive things! See? Easy!"
The cheerful smile turned somber.
"You know I was with him on that ship when he found her? When he knew for sure that it was really Kira in the carbonite? The look on his face..." Vette swallowed. "You know, I don't really remember my father, much. He disappeared when I was real little. But I like to think that maybe he looked at my mother the same way the Commander looks at Kira." She actually blushed at the thought, her cheeks turning purple against her blue skin.
Vette ducked her head in embarrassment, her voice becoming softer as she looked down and away from the other two women.
"I may not be able to get the Commander the perfect birthday gift, but… maybe if I can help Kira to be happy here, that would be kind of like the perfect birthday gift." She swallowed. "I think maybe her happiness is his."
"So, yeah, I'm gonna do all you asked me to do anyway, if Kira lets me." Vette declared, gathering as much gumption and resolve as she could. "Minus the part where I report back to you guys. I want her to know she can trust me."
"You do realize we're only trying to help." Senya offered.
"Oh, I know. That's why I'm not gonna tell the Commander or Kira what you asked me to do."
The Twi'lek suddenly looked up, eyes brimming with confidence.
"I'm gonna be her best friend if it's the last thing I do." Vette affirmed. "You can count on that."
Senya considered what Vette had said, and looked at her with sense of newfound respect. She couldn't deny the Twi'lek's earnestness, or her dedication. Perhaps – just perhaps – she and Lana would have nothing to worry about.
"Besides," Vette grinned. "From talking with Tee, Kira sounds like a lot of fun."
Author's Notes: So, as I see it, Kira's history was something Vitiate only shared to a small handful of Sith in his inner circle. I see nothing to indicate that he ever revealed it to the Dark Council, or to Imperial Intelligence, or to most of the Children of the Emperor, apart from a modest number who already knew Kira from Korriban. Ergot, in my mind, it's not common knowledge. This is why the former Director of Sith Intelligence is still oblivious to this rather key detail about the close companion of a man she probably had a massive file on even before she began her search for him.
More on that later.
Anyone who wants to read about the dream Senya had can go to or AO3 and look me up. Senya Tirall in Reflections was very enjoyable to write, and it teased Kira's eventual return.
When more romanceable companions started returning post-KOTET (Quinn, Dorne, Ashara, Corso, etc.), it raised an interesting problem. Here you have this large paramilitary organization that has formed under one individual. They've all fought side by side and achieved victory over the Eternal Throne, and everyone kind of understands their place in the 'organism' that is the Eternal Alliance. Presumably, almost everyone who is a part of that is fiercely loyal to the Outlander. Now all of a sudden a new individual gets introduced into the equation, and all most of the Alliance members know is that he/she is the Commander's significant other? The implications of that shift in dynamic intrigued me, and it is largely why I've been writing this series. It's not just about Kira and my OC; it's about how a bunch of other characters are impacted as well.
I do so enjoy writing Vette. Everyone has at least one person on their list that is hard to shop for. For Vette, that person is my Alliance Commander. If you're familiar with my work The Last Moment of Your Life, it might put her behavior and actions into context. Also, if you've played "Profit and Plunder" recently, you'll pick up on the fact that her attraction to big guns is a reference to "Spewie".
Remember that scene where you ask Senya about her relationship with Valkorian, and she tells you "The story really isn't as outlandish as whatever you're imagining."? If the situation threw off my fairly mild-mannered Jedi Knight, just think about Kira's reaction. (I have great compassion for Senya.)
Regarding Rusk, in a previous work, I was referring to him with the title of 'Senior Instructor' in the Alliance, as if that were a rank. I've reconsidered that decision, and he is once again a 'Provost Marshal'. (The Commander still calls him Sergeant, but only in personal settings. As Corellan would say, they've known each other far too long for him to start calling him 'Fideltin'.) Lots of SWTOR fans have some divisive character they are mildly obsessed with, and we develop head-canons for them that go far beyond the regular story. For many of us, it seems to be either Vaylin, Quinn, Scourge or possibly even Doc. For me, I like to do that with Rusk. He's uniquely placed in the Jedi Knight's crew, in my opinion, sort of one of those 'glue' characters every group needs. Going down the list, Rusk and Scourge probably understands each other more than the other characters, as both are practically defined by their willingness to do whatever is necessary for the mission. Although their personalities are very different, Doc probably relates better to Rusk than anyone else in the Jedi Knight's crew, and I could well see the two of them bonding as a sort of 'odd couple'. Kira, who can be frustrated by Scourge and Doc, probably learns to appreciate Rusk's stoic presence over time. Tee-seven likes everyone. There's a lot of potential, there.
Next chapter will be back to Corellan and Kira. Promise!
Thank you, and May the Force be with You.
-- SWTORPadawan