Special thanks to orion kuroi for having actually saved this story before I deleted it. I am QUITE sure I missed some thing merging... I think three chapters and editing them? Regardless, enjoy!
The dark skies above the blue and green planet twinkled with the lights of tens of thousands of far away stars, yellow, white, blue, red, and every color in between shining brightly in the endless void of space. This serene tableau was interrupted as several capital ships jumped into high orbit above the planet who in turn soon disgorged innumerable fighters and bombers all diving towards their targets at maximum speed to avoid incoming anti-air fire.
Strolling through the holo displays the commander glared at her forces dispensations and snapped at her second in command with irritation clear in her voice,
"What exactly was fleet element 2B thinking jumping in so close to the gravity well? As it stands we'll be lucky if we pull a third of his forces away before they're disabled or destroyed by surface ion cannon fire."
Her second shrugged his metal shod shoulders once before replying, "Exasperated Declaration: I do not know what to tell you Mistress other than the meatbag felt he could claim more glory for himself if he was able to drop his forces before anyone else managed to do so."
Gritting her teeth Darth Anachain nodded as she began pacing again, a clawed gauntlet stroking her masked chin as she sucked in a breath through her teeth.
"Very well, set the record that if this mission succeeds he is to be executed for balancing his personal glory against victory for the Empire, have our Vic III destroyers entered low orbit yet?"
HK-47 glanced at the displays for a mere moment before responding, "Pleased Statement: Yes Mistress it appears drawing all terrestrial based forces to engage the brunt of the invasion worked in our favor. All Victory class vessels have entered atmosphere unnoticed and are currently disgorging bombers as we speak. They are currently awaiting orders to empty their missile assets upon the capital to cover their fighters approach."
Darth Anachain grinned as she nodded to her stalwart droid.
"Order them to fire, I don't want anything higher than two stories left of the city, once we clear their fighter screens begin orbital bombardment of the coastal cities as well, best to keep their forces split and unsure of where to move."
As her orders were relayed a text screen popped up completely knocking Lilith from her strategy game.
'Art Aficionado MT: Well played young lady, I did not expect the Victory class cruisers, what did you exchange for them?'
Smirking Lilith quickly typed her reply,
'Badass Witch13: I was given the choice of nine Star Destroyers of any variety and their escorts, the program didn't take into account that Vic's have low orbit high yield bombardment stats and I took advantage. So I traded off my heavy high orbital hitters and attacked with three Imperators and six Victory's, the tactic would not have worked against a prepared foe but you had no idea what my vector would be so I took a chance.'
There was a pause before her opponent, and admittedly friendly rival replied.
'Art Aficionado MT: You are a very reckless woman Witch13,' Lilith grinned viciously at this as she fist bumped HK-47 to the celebratory news of her faux fleets victory.
Badass Witch13: It's only reckless when you lose, when you win, it's superior tactics,' there was a brief pause before she got a response.
'Art Aficionado MT: Well put young lady, until next time.'
With that the program shut down and HK let out a dejected noise.
"Lamenting Sigh: I am going to miss them Mistress, while simulated they give me potential outlets for my need of violence when we are confined to an environment I am under orders to not damage," rolling her eyes Lilith hopped off the holo platform while pulling off her Sith war mask. Yanking 'Galaxy of War' from the computer terminal she paused mid-step when she realized she had guests watching her the entire time; one of which she really should have been aware of due to the fact he scared the shite out of her.
"Your Highness, Lord Vader, a pleasure as always," awkwardly curtsying with her hands full she eyed her teacher and his boss in honest confusion, how long had they been watching her and more importantly why had they been watching her? The Emperor noticed the fleeting look crossing her face and smiled reassuringly to her, if she found comfort in a shriveled scrotum with jaundiced eyes revealing it had teeth she didn't show it outwardly.
"Peace child, Lord Vader had informed me of your interest in the Fleet and Army as well as your indulgence in this simulator; you may not realize this but I had assets within the publisher insert codework that would inform certain recruiting elements of truly gifted strategists and tacticians. You gained their interest even before today, your victories against one of my best Admirals have not gone unnoticed, as you've just proven," Lilith's brows furrowed then her eyes widened in surprised understanding.
"Art Aficionado is one of yours? Huh...I always figured him asking what my favorite sculptures were was a very awkward attempt at flirting..." Lord Vader's head twitched once indicating he'd let out a quiet snort as The Emperor smiled again, she really wished he'd stop doing that, it was creepy as hell.
"He is quite possibly one of the singularly most gifted leaders in my Empire, the only reason he does not play a more active role is due to a misfortune of birth, that being said his word carries weight. You impressed him, I sincerely doubt you would ever beat him in real combat, but you have enough raw talent that I'm willing to invest a bit more in your training."
Misfortune of his birth? What did...oh...a none human, sometimes she forgot about the entire bigotry thing since it was not so in your face around Lord Vader, pausing her eyes widened at the second part of his statement. Would more training mean she would have to leave her Lord's side? Tilting her head to meet her teachers gaze she quickly sputtered out a response that immediately had her blushing brightly, Morrigan damn teenage hormones and let her bless deep shadowy cowls.
"Would I have to leave Lord Vader's presence your highness? I do not think I have learned all he has to offer and I would much prefer staying on the Executor for the time being. Plus it's always fun watching Starkiller making a fool of himself and I still have to train with my lightsabers more and-" With a sigh Vader lifted his hand causing her to pause and take in a needed breath.
"Lilith, you are rambling, and that is not what our Master is implying at all," the man in question was giving her an odd look but after a few moments he shook his head before replying in kind.
"Quite, rather I am going to have you come back to Imperial Center with my entourage and, what is the phrase you used before...ah yes 'rub elbows' with some of the Admiralty and gain as much insight as you can on their understanding of war and the Empire as a whole. When done I wish for you to write up a report on your own feelings, I am...curious what one such as yourself would have to say about those who loosen their tongues in the presence of a beautiful woman."
Lilith felt bile rise in the back of her throat when she realized the Emperor was implying she flirt with a bunch of old fucks who she would rather have HK execute then speak to, alas her plans to replace this bastard were no where near ready.
"I...will do as ordered Your Highness," Palpatine lifted his right hand and shook it in a dismissive manner, the dick.
"Of course you will, in a month there will be a three day social event held at the Imperial Palace where a large portion of the Empire's military and leadership will meet and discuss what I've mentioned to you amongst other things. You will be there, you will keep that sharp tongue of yours in check, you shall observe and you will learn from the experience, are we understood?"
Staring at the Emperor a moment she nodded once. "Of course...Your Highness."
As the ruler of the galaxy left the room with her teacher Lilith shivered as she felt an oily presence slither off her skin and mind as the door closed; suddenly feeling as if she needed to huddle in a shower for a few hours she sat on the raised platform and rested her face in her hands.
"I didn't even comprehend it HK, it was so all encompassing I didn't even notice his presence of will until he left I feel so..." the assassin droid tilted his head once before offering up a cautious suggestion.
"Tentative Statement: Humbled, Mistress?" Shuddering she shook her head as she shakily took to her feet accepting her droids offered hand in the process, belatedly removing the rest of what she'd begun calling her Darth Getup the young witch shook her head.
"No my friend, violated..."
Starkiller was due to return in two days, which meant Lilith was to return to the Capital with the Emperor shortly thereafter, and since her teacher was preoccupied with his Masters presence she was more or less left to her own devices.
Deciding to finally attempt to send an object back to Earth Lilith was busily carving runes into her desks top while bantering with Darth Revan's Holocron, "I just don't know what to think of the man Lord Revan, everything about him creeps me out in ways I can't fully describe." The ancient Sith tilted his head as he replied,
"Explain what you mean by 'Creeps me out' youngling," Lilith raised one finger to inform him to wait a moment as she slowly trickled a bit of her blood from a cup into the finished rune. After it glowed a sickly sanguine hue for a few moments it faded and she finally continued the conversation,
"It's like...you know how I don't believe there is such a thing as good or evil?" Revan smiled at this, it was a somewhat naïve idea and thus amused him to an extent,
"Of course, 'There is no Good or Evil, only Power and what you are willing to do to wield it,' I believe is how you described it," Lilith made a grunting noise in agreement as she finished another rune and repeated the blooding process.
"Yeah, well with Grampy Palps? I'm willing to believe there really is Evil with a capital 'E' and I unfortunately can't kill him yet, he's...bollocks I don't know how to describe it...I can't use traditional magic in either his or Lord Vader's presence. Their auras are just so...intense that I can't focus, even with a wand, so I have to be more careful but he freaks me out so much that my 'Fight or Flight' reflex automatically kicks in...I don't know..."
Revan stared at the teen for a few minutes as she worked in silence, the only sounds filling the room being HK-47's drive motors as he charged in the corner and Lilith's rune carving. After a time the Ancient Sith spoke again,
"You are falling into a entirely one-sided doomed to disaster love with Lord Vader," rather then denying it she continued carving, after a time she nodded,
"I very well may be, I told you about Tom, how he lived in my head for most of my life and how he fell in love with me? He sacrificed his existence when I was hit with the killing curse the night Lord Voldemort was resurrected, and while the carnage I committed when I came to was a bit of a send off for my old friend... Well lets just say that I have no issues having a close connection with a Dark Lord significantly older then I am..."
"What about Hermione?" Revan asked honestly curious, Lilith sighed as she placed her carving tools down and ran her hands down her face as she let out a tired sigh,
"I still love her Lord Revan, more then you can comprehend I think...but she isn't here, and I have no idea how long it will be until I see her again... The problem is I think Lord Vader has interest in me, not sexual, as well, and to be blunt when two all powerful beings feel a mutual attraction... Even if it is just emotional? Stupid shite happens. Whatever, it's just best I get this ritual figured out sooner rather then later. I swore I'd remain true to Hermione, but I am human, and a rather self centered one at that..."
Darth Revan stared at her a few moments before pinching the bridge of his nose while shaking his head.
"I do not envy you young one, so assuming this ritual works what are you sending back and who do you think will find it?"
Silently grateful for the change of subject Lilith resumed her carving with gusto, "I already put a recording in that datapad next to your holocron, and I mixed one of Hermione's hairs with my blood so the runes should send it directly to her. Also before you ask why I have a hair of hers lets just say the woman doesn't lack for them. Honestly she's as bad as her damn kneazle..."
Finishing the last rune she sighed in satisfaction, "This should do it, once it's primed and sent off I'm hoping she'll be able to get Auntie Bellatrix and Sally-Anne to help her build the Holonet transceiver from the blueprints, Earths tech isn't really on par but magic well... Magic can make physics its personal bitch if it wants to."
Revan said nothing to this as Lillith poured her blood into the last rune, once its glow faded though the entire room began to shake, "Umm...Lady Anachain is this supposed to happen?" Lilith looked about wide eyed as HK became active at a perceived threat to his Mistress and marched to her side,
"Annoyed Declaration: Mistress, status report?" Before she could respond to her over protective droid the work table began vibrating and with a harsh *CRACK* it and all it's contents vanished, Lilith looked around frantically for a few moments then dropped her shoulders in resignation.
"I am in so much trouble now..."
Hermione Granger was not having a very good school year thus far.
Her best friend, who also happened to be her girlfriend and lover had been missing since shortly after her birthday. The only indication that she was still alive was the simple fact that according to Severus Snape, even Lord Voldemort hadn't a clue as to what happened to her.
The teenage witch felt a pang of grief for her head of house, the taciturn man had no idea what had happened to his daughter and had to play at not caring about her in order to remain a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. Not that any of Lily's family or friends felt particularly loyal to Dumbledore or his group of vigilantes to begin with, he just happened to be the only real hope they had to find their wayward witch.
Gently closing the textbook that she had been revising for her end of term notes the brunette turned to her friends with a sad smile besmirching her visage.
"Have you heard of anyone in our house getting detention with the Toad this week?" Both Draco and Blaise shook their heads slowly, Daphne and Tracey mirrored this a moment later which boded well.
"No, she's largely leaving us Slytherin's alone, and she's already figured out harassing Luna, Ginny, Sally, and Neville is a quick way to earn the Twins attention, so we really haven't heard anything." Hermione pursed her lips at Draco's statement, that vile woman had tried to discredit Lily and her claims of Voldemort's return whenever possible but had found very few places to sink her hooks into.
Simply put, The-Girl-Who-Lived had spent the past four years building a reputation as an academically inclined, socially available, friendly to all houses personal hero to the majority of the school; it really didn't matter what the Daily Prophet said otherwise. In the end she'd been playing the fame game since her first day at Hogwarts, so Fudge and his lackeys had their work cut out for them when it came to the discrediting front.
Turning to the terrarium beside their common room table Hermione lost herself watching a water beetle with odd markings around its eyes flit away from a spider, doing it's level best to stay ahead of the annoyed predator. Feeling a pull on her magic the chocolate brown eyed witch sat up with a start and looked around in confusion as Daphne and Tracey turned from their work to asses their panicky friend.
Tracey took her hand and gave her a concerned look quietly asking, "Hermione what's wrong?"
She was about to respond to the raven haired Half-Blood when she was interrupted by a horrendous *CRACK* and of all things a large desk landed before the group of shocked Slytherins. Eyes wide the group of five looked about and relaxed as they realized they were the only ones currently in the common room, letting childish curiosity get the better of them they approached the desk and took in the various devices sitting on its surface.
There was what looked like some sort of incredibly advanced computer terminal, carving tools, and a fist sized red crystal pyramid all pushed aside to make room for a clearly burnt out runic array. Hermione didn't know what compelled her to do something so foolish but she felt a magnetic pull towards the pyramid and picked it up, a moment later an image of a man appeared above it.
He glanced about the children gathered, then spoke in an incomprehensible language but eventually Hermione got him to quiet down so she could ask her own questions.
"I'm sorry but...I don't understand you...who are you?"
The man paused and grinned in response, "Ah, you speak the same language as Darth Anachain, how interesting and intriguing! Please do sate my curiosity and tell me who are you and where do I find myself?"
Beyond perplexed but willing to adapt after years of exposure to the magical world Hermione quickly responded to his request.
"You are at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland of the British Isles."
Grinning even wider the man raised a single brow, "And you are?"
Blushing a bit at her rudeness she quickly replied, "Oh I am Hermione Granger."
The man laughed loudly at this as he clapped, "Well met Lady Granger, my name is Darth Revan and I had the pleasure of teaching someone very close to you, one Darth Anachain. Who by the by will never actually shut up when it came to her friends and family and you." Feeling a warm kernel that had laid dormant for far too long heating in her chest she quietly asked the question burning in her heart.
"Who?" Still grinning Revan placed his hands behind his back clearly enjoying himself.
"Well, as stated I knew her as Darth Anachain, but I believe you know her best as Lilith Potter," and like that, everything was right in the universe for Hermione Granger and company.
