DISCLAIMER: I own nothing, this story exists purely because I want it to. Additionally credit for the cover image goes to Mythorie over on Deviant Art, your awesome mate

AT, LONG, LAST!

Heh all, sorry this took so long, yes I' am alive, and still updating, for whatever reason I just did NOT have any motivation for the LONGEST time, but I FINALLY got this chapter finished, edited and done. So, let's not waste anymore time, shall we.

First up, Reviews.

Guest (first 3 reviews): Okay so not exactly sure what's going on here, and not sure how these three essays pertain to my story but erm... thank you for taking the time to read I guess, but please, next time, keep the review about the content, thank you.

Guest (Forth review): A person of few words I see, but glad to see you enjoyed, there's more coming so stay tuned.

OMAC001: I'll cover this at least in part this chapter, and add more detailed info later on as the main characters unravel the conspiracy, hope you enjoy.

Starwriter8172: Glad to see your liking this series so far, sorry this one took so long, but I hope you enjoy this instalment, updates shall continue.

and with that, let's get this party started.

WARNING: THIS STORY WILL CONTAIN THEMES OF VIOLENCE, RACISM AND DEATH, IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO VIEW THESE, PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR PREVIOUS PAGE.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Dear Readers all, Welcome back to... Stellaris: Book 2: The Shadow of Cerberus


Chapter 2: Long Live the King

Planet Bogaton, Imperial Palace, Royal Suite, April 7th, 11:00 am

"Why you!?" Crispina snapped, as she marched back and forth through the living area of the Royal Suite.

"You know why Crispina," Telvos groaned, "If I don't oversee this personally, one, the nobles will doubt the Crown's commitment to this, which could spark any number of problems… two, any official whom we might send in my place could be bought, blackmailed, hells woman, might even be coerced into giving up the assignment entirely… if that happens too many times I'd have to do it anyway."

Crispina growled in annoyance at her husband's words as she kept pacing, tail swishing angrily from side to side.

Telvos sighed, "Might as well just put myself in charge right from the get-go, if it's going to happen anyway."

"Aren't there a number of people you could entrust with this," Crispina argued, "What about Admiral Jarn, or his father!?"

Telvos shook his head as he remained seated on the couch his wife was pacing behind, "Grand Admiral Jarn is due to retire, and has various family affairs he needs to get into order to facilitate that, he doesn't have the time or resources to devote to this." He heard another growl from his wife, "As for his son he'll be coming with me anyway, so what are you so worried about?"

Crispina finally stopped pacing and Telvos turned to look at his wife. His family had always been known for its crimson tinted scales, so it had come as a surprise to Telvos' father when he'd chosen Crispina, who had an emerald tint to hers. The explanation he'd given his father had been that he'd wanted to add some colour to the Royal family, a symbol that showed how the Royal family represented all of the Hegemony's citizens. The truth, however, was far less complex… he'd simply been mesmerised by Crispina.

The colour of her scales, how they shone in the light of the sun, their smooth stone like surface, almost like they'd laid at the bottom of a river and been gently shaped by the water. How her eyes glittered like twin sapphire gemstones, radiating confidence and intelligence. The way she had danced the first night they'd met.

He'd seen her across the ballroom, noble Gorvan women gathered from across the Hegemony had filled it, but none had grabbed his attention like she had, and she hadn't even meant to. She'd been dancing with another noble, the son of a prominent house as Telvos recalled. They were old friends who hadn't see each other in a long time, still were friends in fact, and that noble was now a prominent supporter of Telvos.

Despite all the other Gorvan women pinning for Telvos that night, he'd been drawn across the ballroom to her. Had watched her dance with her friend. The way she had moved, graceful and flowing, but with strength and confidence. As the song had ended Telvos placed himself near to where the two would leave the dance floor and introduced himself. He'd always been well spoken with women, but that night he'd been tongue tied. Thankfully, her friend had come to his rescue, and gotten Crispina to dance with him. And once they got out onto the dance floor, everything else, fell away, it was only him and this beautiful woman, of whom he wanted to know everything.

After the dance he'd invited her for a walk of the gardens. He'd learned her name, her family and position – somewhat surprised to discover she was from a lower noble family, not that it had deterred him – and her goals in life. She had wanted a better Bogaton, a better Hegemony… he'd asked her what she meant by that and she had gone to great lengths explaining. And the more Telvos had listened the more he shared her convictions, because this woman was not just intelligent and confident, she was passionate, kind and generous… she cared deeply for her people and wished only the best for them.

Though Telvos knew he would first do all he could to get to know this young woman… he also knew he'd found his Empress, someone who would stand by his side and help him change the Hegemony for the better.

Telvos was broken from his thoughts by a smack on his arm, "Telvos, are you listening to me?" Crispina accused.

Telvos smiled and stood, rounding the couch to stand in front of her, "Sorry Pina," he began, noticing how she glanced away at the mention of his pet-name for her. "I was entranced by your beauty, as I was the night we met," he leaned in for a kiss as he spoke.

Their lips met briefly and Crispina seemed to melt into his arms, but then she broke off, "Oh you're not pulling that one on me again," she declared a smile still plastered on her face, nevertheless.

Telvos smiled back, "I seem to remember it working quite well on you before Kieran was born."

Crispina gave him a playful shove, and moved away from the couch, "That was before Kieran was born," she glanced over her shoulder at him, "Motherhood has made me a little wiser, Tel."

Telvos chuckled as she used her pet-name for him while walking up behind her, stroking her shoulders as he lowered his lips to her neck, "Then I'm going to have to try harder to get you to relax, Pina."

Now Crispina full on laughed as her husband teased her, until the laughs turned into soft moans of affection as he continued his ministrations.

Soon they were both seated on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms. "What's really bothering you?" Telvos asked after some time in silence.

Crispina sighed leaning her head back against him, "Even with all the progress we've made against the damn archaic patriarchal society… whenever you leave, it feels like my hands are tied, like I can't do anything, like no one listens to me."

Telvos stared off into the distance as she spoke, "I understand why you'd feel that way, but surely it isn't true, surely there are some who would listen… you've become a prominent member of the Imperial Court and you're my wife to boot… no Gorvan would ignore you for long."

Crispina shook her head, "You underestimate the stubbornness of these old men and the arrogance of their younger peers." She sighed then, the noise sounding so broken to Telvos, "Kieran is still only six… the minimum age of succession is twenty, by law if anything were to happen to you…" Crispina trailed off unable to get the words out.

Telvos turned to Crispina and noticed a solitary tear running down her scaled cheek. He quickly wiped it away as understanding dawned, "You're afraid," he stated, "Of losing me?"

"Of losing everything!" Crispina cried standing and fidgeting in place in front of the couch. "When I married you it was the happiest day of my life… but every day since then that happiness has been tarnished by reality." She turned away wringing her hands, "The more change we try to make, the more power we take back from the nobles… the more vulnerable I feel… I see their eyes watching you, wondering if they might make a better Emperor than you… and with Kieran still so young… I'd have no power to stop them if anything happened to you." She began pacing again, "I look back at everything we've accomplished and while I know we did so together, I also know that none of it would have been possible without you… and if you were to… to…" she broke down falling to her knees as she began sobbing.

Telvos instantly leapt from the couch and to her side, holding her close and rocking back and forth. After some time, her sobs ceased and she could speak again, "My greatest fear in all the Galaxy is having you taken from me… is seeing all we've achieved together crumble… of having our son taken from me, because he was you're heir… I'm afraid of losing it all… and I don't know what I can do to stop it." As she finished, she buried her face in her sleeves once more as the sobs returned.

"Shhh, shhh," Telvos crooned, gently stroking her head, "That won't happen… as much as the nobles resent me for the changes I've made, I have too much support for them to make a move… no one is going to make an attempt on my life, especially after last year." This seemed to calm Crispina somewhat, but she did not rise from her curled position. "Admiral Jarn will be with me to supervise security, you'll have the Imperial Guard here, everything will be fine, I promise," finally Crispina raised her head to look at him, her eyes still wet with tears, she nevertheless embraced him.

They stayed that way for some time and were only broken, when one of the guards for the suite activated the intercom. "Your Majesties, Lord Corvax is here to see you, he says its urgent."

A flash of anger passed across Crispina's face, but Telvos laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, "Send him in." Crispina looked to Telvos in shock, "I need allies remember, Repton may not be ideal, but he is Royalty by law."

Crispina gave a huff, and broke away from Telvos, moving to stand by the window once more, where she began restoring herself after her sobbing fit, to be presentable. Shortly afterwards, Repton entered, escorted by a member of the Imperial Guard. The Guardsmen saluted as Repton bowed, then the guardsmen left, while Telvos began pouring himself a drink.

"What can we do for you Repton?" Telvos asked.

"My apologies for the intrusion, but I have a request to make," Repton answered.

"Then make it and get out," Crispina snapped, as she whirled around, "You are just lucky my husband spared your miserable life… why if I'd overseen your tribunal!"

"Crispina," Telvos warned, cutting her off. Crispina huffed and turned away.

"And I shall forever be grateful for your mercy your Majesty," Repton stated bowing once more.

Telvos waved him off, "I'll admit I was angry at you when we first discovered the situation… had I known just how deep the whole thing ran throughout the Hegemony, I would have treated you with more respect." Telvos sat back on the couch as he spoke, sipping his drink as he finished.

"No need to apologise your Majesty," Repton replied, "I committed a wrong against you… it was only fair I be punished for it."

"Not punished enough," Crispina growled from behind Telvos.

"Tell me Repton," Telvos began, merely putting his free hand out to caress the back of Crispina's in response to her growl. "How did the group a year ago ensnare you?"

"Most insidiously," Repton began and at Telvos' motion, sat in one of the chairs facing the emperor. "I won't deny that I've always sought to gain more power, more prestige and they knew this… they played on it, implanting the idea that I'd risen as far as I could… they promised me that if I helped them… I'd take my rightful place on the throne… I'll admit, it was a tempting proposition and one that in my weakness, I accepted."

Telvos nodded, "And you ended up running the whole thing."

"On the surface yes," Repton answered, "But in reality, they were still in control, I learned this when they left me out to dry when the… evidence… found by that Cyclonis girl came to light."

"Evidence found on your own computer, Repton," Crispina sneered.

"Quite," Repton conceded, "So I decided that all was fair in love and war, and threw myself upon your mercy, brother… I knew when I'd been played for a fool… both of us had… thankfully I always take precautions."

Telvos stared Repton down, "So you showed me all you had on your, benefactors, hoping it would be enough to spare you?"

Repton shrugged, "Spare me… yes, I still expected to get life imprisonment… but so long as I could take those back stabbers down with me, it would have been worth it."

Telvos smiled at that, "Seems you got what you wanted and more," he said raising his drink to Repton, before finishing it. "Now then," he said, putting his glass down, "What is this request of yours?"

Repton nodded, steeling himself, "I wish to accompany you on your tour of military facilities."

Telvos raised an eyebrow, "And why might that be?"

"Yes, I'd quite like to know that myself," Crispina stated, eyes narrowed.

Repton sighed, "After the events of last year… should anything happen to you, your Majesty, I will be the first one blamed… as such it is in my best interests to see that you live and quite frankly…" Repton trailed off.

"What," Telvos asked sitting forward, "What is it?"

Repton sat forward as well, "I've been hearing rumours… particularly among my old contacts from the Slaver Faction… they're not happy about these new policies… indeed, were I still a part of them, I wouldn't be happy. They're businesses are about to be restricted in a way they never have been before, which will severely affect their bottom line."

Telvos sat back and cursed under his breath, he'd known this was likely to happen, but so soon after the meeting… surely the nobles could not be so stupid as to begin plotting behind his back while everyone was still on Bogaton. Finally, he sighed, "How sure are you of these rumours?"

Repton shrugged, "One can never be too sure of rumours… but their widespread enough to have me concerned and I have no intention of ending up a scapegoat in someone else's plot to remove you."

Telvos nodded in acceptance, before Crispina butted in, "Telvos you cannot seriously be considering this!?"

Telvos glanced up at her, "You're the own who's so concerned for my safety… and now here Repton is asking to help ensure my safety."

"But you can't-" Crispina began but cut herself off, glancing between the two of them before continuing, "Telvos please, you can't trust him."

"He won't oversee anything," Telvos stated, "He'll simply be accompanying me."

"I'm aware that Voron also has a small native population, that has served the Hegemony so long, that their society are now considered secondary citizens… having a diplomat to serve as liaison between them and the crown, could be beneficial," Repton stated.

Telvos turned to regard Crispina, who turned away in a huff. Sighing, Telvos turned back to Repton, "Alright Repton, you have my permission to accompany me on the tour, as a diplomat of the Hegemony."

Repton beamed as he stood and bowed low to Telvos, "You have my upmost gratitude your Majesty, I swear to the Gods I shall not fail or disappoint you."

Telvos nodded in acquiescence, before dismissing Repton and turning to his wife. "You're going to have to learn to trust him someday my love," he said as he walked up to embrace her from behind.

"He's a manipulative, backstabbing, conniving bastard, and you should trust him less than I do, he's-" but Crispina was cut off again, this time by Telvos turning her around and catching her lips with his.

"Enough about Repton," Telvos said after breaking the kiss and beginning to trail his lips down her neck, "I'd prefer to discuss potentially giving Kieran a little brother or sister, before I leave."

Crispina sighed with pleasure as Telvos hit all the right spots for her, before wrapping her arms around his shoulders and bringing his lips back to hers, "I hate that I love you sometimes," before kissing him again and allowing him to lead her to their bedroom.

]|[

Imperial Palace, West Wing, April 7th, 12:00 pm

"Did it go well master?" Black hawk asked upon Repton's return.

Repton gave a toothy grin, "Oh yes, very well indeed," he now turned to Black Hawk, "Pack my things, I'll be departing with the emperor on a tour of the Hegemony soon… we should make sure everything looks… normal."

Black Hawk nodded and got to work, as Repton sat on his own couch. It couldn't have gone any smoother in fact, though Crispina had been distrustful as always Telvos had swallowed Repton's lies as if they were candy. Repton's smile grew, naïve fool… soon you'll be out of my way for good… and the best part… I'll be squeaky clean, no one will ever suspect that I had any involvement.

Repton began to laugh as he pictured what the soon-to-be future would be like… getting rid of Telvos… pinning the act on his enemies… hunting down that Cyclonis brat and her little Telani friend… oh yes, the future was bright and rosy, all thanks to the Illusive Man.

]|[

Alpha Centauri Prime, Academy, April 19th, 2:00 pm

Lark and Piper both ducked behind one of the prefab walls that littered the training ground, training weapons in hand, sweat trickling down their brows.

"Man, the boys don't mess around do they," Lark panted, as they had narrowly escaped getting tagged by Aerrow and Finn.

"Sabine and Ezra aren't so bad either," Piper agreed, then the two of them shared a look, "But they got nothing on us."

Lark gave her a feral grin in return, before bringing up her Focus. Displayed before her were several holo-screens, giving her an almost perfect bird's eye view of the training grounds. "Okay, looks like the boys got spooked by Sabine, my guess she took an opportunistic pot shot at them when they were chasing us."

"Sniper?" Piper ventured.

"That'd be my guess," Lark then spent some time scanning the screens, "Hmm, can't see where she went, and I can't see Ezra either, that's concerning."

"How so?"

"They've seen me use this tactic before," Lark explained, "They were probably expecting it and I have a limited supply of cams, so I can't cover every angle."

"Guess it's a good thing you got me then," Piper stated with a broad smile, as she began charging up her Biotics.

Lark's only response was to smile back as Piper's wings began to shimmer, before becoming perfect reflective surfaces. She then folded her wings around her, hiding every part of her body except for her feet. Lark watched the slight shimmer of air that was the refraction effect from Piper's wings, then waited patiently. She didn't have to wait long. After about five minutes she heard Piper's voice on her Focus, "Got her, she's on a platform about 50 metres away."

"Where's her scope?" Lark asked.

"Right above your head," came Piper's reply.

Lark swore under her breath, Sabine had her pinned, "What about Ezra?"

Silence, for several moments, then, "Lark, very carefully, and very slowly, move directly to your left, then slip into the alcove a couple metres down."

Lark didn't even bother asking why and did as Piper told her. Just as she reached the alcove, Ezra peeked round the corner before standing in confusion, then she heard him speak, "Heh Sab, you sure they're back here, cause this area's empty."

She of course couldn't hear Sabine's response, but she didn't have to, "Well I'm telling you, they're not here."

Another period of silence before Ezra gave a grunt of annoyance, "Yes I stayed out of sight of her spy cams, you think I'd be so stupid, she's caught us with them one too many times." A pause, "Okay, she's caught me with them one too many times." Another pause, "So what do we do?"

While they were talking, Lark wrote out a text to Piper.

Lark: Piper, start moving to flank Sabine.

Piper: Sure thing.

Out the corner of her eye Lark saw Piper moving off, her wings angled towards Sabine in order to remain hidden. Lark then turned her attention back to Ezra. His current location should mean that unless he looked further round he wouldn't have sight on Piper, but his conversation with Sabine sounded like they intended to change positions, meaning Lark had to keep them in place.

She examined the terrain ahead of her. There wasn't a lot of room as they were near the edge of the training room, but it should be enough to buy Piper time to get into position. Lark took off running activating her biotic barrier as she did. Mere seconds after breaking cover she felt the impact from a hastily aimed training round slam into her barrier, as well as a shout from Ezra as he no doubt responded to Sabine's shots and yells. Before he could react though, Lark ducked behind another wall, shielding her from Sabine's sight line. Behind her she could hear Ezra racing after her, and out the corner of her eye, her Focus' HUD showed movement on one of her cameras, right before a shadow crossed over her.

Lark skid to a halt and lobbed a ball of biotic power skywards, and was rewarded with Aerrow swearing like a sailor, as he dodged the attack.

Lark: Piper watch out, the boys are back in the game.

She got no confirmation to her hastily sent text, but knew she wouldn't need it, Piper could react on her own.

]|[

Sabine watched the chase carefully through her scope, not really surprised that Lark had been hidden somewhere. Despite her genius, Lark couldn't compete with either Ezra or Sabine physically. Oh, they'd all gone through the same basic training, but before that, Lark had lived a privileged life on Earth, as daughter to the CEO of one of the UNE's largest companies. Basic had been Lark's first experience of true hardship.

Sabine, meanwhile, came from Mandalore, a harsh rugged world that had turned the first waves of human colonists into hardcore survivors, and cultivated a culture to match. From the day she turned six, Sabine had trained under her mother in the planet's harsh environment and had kept up the training all her life. By the time Sabine had entered basic, she had hardly needed it, indeed her instructors had often made her their assistant as a result.

Ezra on the other hand, had grown up on the streets of Lothal, getting a degree in the "School of Hard Knocks" as it were, which had toughened him up considerably. Add to this some latent biotic power, which is what got him enrolled in the Academy in the first place, and it wasn't hard to guess who had the physical advantage here.

So as Sabine watched Lark run a small smile tugged at her lips, knowing Ezra would soon catch her.

I feel like I'm forgetting something…

Sabine ran the situation through in her mind. They'd spotted Finn and Aerrow chasing Lark and Piper… they'd broken up the chase, and Sabine had elected to take on Lark and Piper first, as past experience in training had shown them, that if she was left to her own devices, Lark could always pull a miracle plan off, and snatch victory out from under them. So, they had chased after the pair, seeing them take cover behind a low wall… Sabine had made sure to cover the wall, and the opposite end to where Ezra was progressing, while also ensuring they were out of sight of Lark's cams.

I know there's something I've forgotten… but what is it?

Chase… trap… win… right?

A slight breeze passed across Sabine at the exact moment she saw Aerrow swoop after Ezra. Sabine opened her mouth to warn Ezra, before she remembered.

There are two more cadets with wings in this training session…

She whirled, narrowly avoiding a burst from Finn's training smg. In the same moment she noticed a slight shimmer in the air to her left. Cursing, Sabine rolled away just as Piper unfurled her wings, which resumed their normal blue colour, while simultaneously throwing a biotic wave at them both. Finn, unprepared for the attack was launched off the platform, but managed to right himself in mid-air.

"HEH!" he yelled, "Isn't that cheating!?"

Sabine meanwhile had managed to avoid the attack and leapt to her feet before running and jumping to the adjacent platform, before turning back to the two Telani. "Actually, we're encouraged to use whatever abilities we have to our advantage in this exercise, so unfortunately, non-biotics like us Finn are at a bit of a disadvantage."

Piper smirked back at her, "And I suppose you humans have another disadvantage you didn't used to have," she illustrated her point, by giving a single pump to her wings, effortlessly repositioning herself so that Sabine was now between the two Telani.

"Suppose your right," Sabine replied while mentally kicking herself for forgetting that three people in this exercise could fly without the use of biotics, before tossing a training flashbang into the air.

Both Finn and Piper covered themselves with their wings, to shield their faces from the flash. Piper however went the extra mile and erected a biotic barrier, both to protect her ears, and prevent Sabine from tagging her.

Having no other alternative, Sabine used her sidearm to tag the disoriented Finn – who's eardrums were likely still ringing – and took off before Piper could recover.

]|[

By the time the light from the flashbang had dimmed enough for Piper to lower her wings, Sabine was already gone, and a grumpy looking Finn was groggily landing himself, a single scorch mark on his training suit denoting where Sabine had tagged him.

"Hard luck Finn," Piper said.

"WHAT!?" Finn called up.

Taking pity on him, Piper sent a text to his focus instead.

Piper: Don't worry, I'll get her back for you ; )

Finn: Be my guest.

With that she left him to nurse his pride and settle his ringing ears.

Piper: Lark, Sabine got away, Finn intervened, and I'm guessing Aerrow is causing trouble your way. Sabine tagged Finn, so he's out, and I'm in pursuit of Sabine.

She didn't get a reply, but she didn't expect to, just as Lark hadn't expected one from her. Instead, she'd taken the information and adapted accordingly. Had Finn not butted in Piper had intended to use a grab to subdue Sabine, however, using her biotics offensively caused her wings to resume their normal hue, so grabbing Sabine would have left her open to attack from Finn. Separated from her teammate as she was, that would have likely ended the exercise for them, and handed the win to either of the other teams.

Now though, she was free to chase Sabine, and unlike Lark, Piper had been training for the Fledging all her life, making the matchup far more even.

]|[

Lark saw Piper's message as she ducked behind another wall, trying to stay ahead of Ezra and Aerrow. She wasn't too concerned about one of them catching her, as both now had to worry about being attacked from behind by the other. However, it was no better for her, a classic Mexican Standoff. If she attacked one of the other two, the third would take the opportunity to attack her while she was distracted. Gritting her teeth, she examined her cams to try and find a way out of this mess. Something popped up on her screens, and a slow smile spread across her face. Raising her Biotic barrier once more, she stood back up, and instantly spotted both Aerrow and Ezra.

"Catch me if you can boys!" she shouted, before dashing away.

]|[

Piper landed carefully on the other side of the training ground, after seeing Sabine run into a nearby shelter. She huddled down behind a wall, just opposite the door, if she thinks I'm using the front entrance she's got another thing coming. Keeping her wings close to her body so they wouldn't give her away, she carefully began moving round to the opposite side. Upon reaching her desired entrance, she peaked round the corner and smiled, as she saw Sabine's sniper, peaking from a corner in the direction of the front entrance, her hands holding it steady. Keeping as quiet as possible, she approached, looking for a clear shot, but just as she passed through the threshold and began lining up her shot, she frowned.

Is Sabine, shimmering?

Too late, Piper realised she'd been dupped, as a training round from a pistol slammed into her back, knocking the wind from her. Groaning she rolled over to see Sabine standing over her victorious, as she deactivated the holo she'd been projecting from her Focus.

"Hard luck Piper," Sabine chuckled, as she tucked her pistol away, redonned her helmet, picked up her sniper from its carefully positioned place that completed her decoy, and set off for the other side of the training grounds, where they could hear Lark, Ezra and Aerrow battling.

]|[

Training rounds peppered the wall next to Lark as she ran, ducked and weaved to avoid the boys, occasionally throwing balls of biotic power back at them, or firing off a few rounds from her training pistol.

Just a little further.

Suddenly, Aerrow landed in front of her barring her way, and Lark skidded to a stop. Aerrow wore a massive grin as he pulled the trigger on his training gun, only for it to utter a dull click.

"What the!?" Aerrow cried, taken off guard.

Lark smirked, "Not keeping track of your ammo count," she sing songed, before twirling through the air, legs aiming for his head.

Aerrow barely managed to block the attack in time, and Lark didn't bother following it up, but instead used the distraction to get passed him and keep running. Aerrow made to follow but pulled short as a biotic attack from Ezra slammed into the wall ahead of him. Gritting his teeth, Aerrow launched skyward to get out of Ezra's line of fire.

Lark smirked, as she turned another corner, and finally beheld her destination. Quickly she whirled back around, and fired off a biotic lightning bolt, that caused Ezra to yelp, and duck back behind the nearest wall. Lark then quickly ran to the other side of the area she was stood in, and ducked behind another low wall, before taking her Focus off, and placing it atop the wall she was hiding behind, and called up a holo of herself, then she ducked back down and waited.

]|[

By the time Aerrow had recovered from his ascent to get his bearings and reload, he noticed that Lark was stood in the next area over, watching the entrance she had just run through carefully, but not doing anything other than that.

That's not right… something's off here.

Clearly Ezra felt the same, because Aerrow could see him glancing around his own cover at Lark, before moving off to come at her from a different angle.

Well… when in Clan Rex, I guess.

Aerrow followed suit, keeping himself concealed from Lark's view as he repositioned.

]|[

Lark watched the two boys on her cameras, smirking. Of course, they were too smart to fall for obvious bait, so they were looking for a better angle. The problem was, no matter which entrance they used to get to her, she was completely hidden behind the low wall she was sat behind. On either side she was protected by two tall walls, that blocked vision from the entrances behind her, and overhead was an overhang from a platform, that kept her hidden from any aerial views.

Lark waited patiently for the two of them to work up the courage to attack her holo, she didn't have to wait long. With a yell, Aerrow came down from the overhang, training gun firing, while Ezra came from her left side, flinging biotics at her holo. Everything the boys threw at it, passed harmlessly to the other side, and both boys came to a stop right next to the holo.

Now up close, both could see it for what it was, they both shared a look. "We screwed up… didn't we?" Aerrow said.

"Oh yea," Ezra replied, before two training rounds impacted them both from behind.

Groaning, the two rolled over, to see Lark hop up onto the low wall behind them, legs dangling over the edge, as she picked her Focus up.

"Isn't that Sabine's trick?" Ezra asked.

Lark chuckled, "Of course it is… I'm a fast learner." With that she hopped off the wall and sauntered off, "Better luck next time boys."

As Lark left, she opened her channel to Piper again, "Piper, I got the boys, how'd things go with Sabine?" nothing.

That's odd…

Lark glanced up at the overhead display, the timer was still ticking.

Crap, Sabine got Piper.

Suddenly a voice came through on her Focus, it was not Piper. "Heh Lark… looks like we're the last ones left," Sabine stated, sly smile showing through every word.

Lark lent against a nearby pillar, as she called up her cams again, searching, "Let me guess, you pulled your signature trick on poor Piper."

Sabine scoffed, "Like your one to talk… copycat, and besides, when you're facing someone with an inbuilt personal stealth generator, you take every advantage you can get."

Lark shrugged at that, "Fair point I suppose, now then, we seem to be in a rather sticky situation here."

"How so?" came Sabine's reply.

"Well, we both have two tags each, so if the session ends like this, it's a draw," Lark stated.

"Well then you'd best come find me, cause I ain't moving," Sabine responded.

Lark now laughed, "And give you clean shots on me every step of the way, how dumb do you think I' am?"

"I don't know," Sabine replied, smiling herself, "Why don't we find out?" After moments pause, she continued, "After all, you have no other way to get me."

Lark now smirked, "Oh don't be so sure Miss Wren," she sing songed.

Sabine's stomach twisted at Lark's tone.

What in the Ancestor's name is she planning?

Then she saw lightning beginning to crackle up one of the pillars in front of her. Sabine's eyes widened before common sense kicked in and she scrambled to her feet, running and jumping to the next platform, just as the lightning jumped from the top of the pillar, and arched towards where she'd been perched.

"Whoops, missed," came Lark's sing song voice, "Let's try that again, shall we?"

S***, s***, s***.

Sabine began running as more biotic lightning bolts came her way, not even bothering to register her direction, just knowing she had to keep moving. For whatever reason Lark knew exactly where she was and the pillar was acting as a giant conducting rod. She ran for what felt like hours, but was likely only a few minutes, regardless, by the time they stopped and all had returned to calm, Sabine's legs were burning and her chest heaving.

She must have run out of juice, that's good for me, but now I have no idea where she is in relation to me.

Sabine holstered her rifle, and drew her dual pistols, before stalking forward, watching her corners carefully circling her way towards Lark's last known location. She soon put herself behind cover, just across from the pillar where Lark had been launching her biotic attack. She doubted the other girl was still there, but it was worth a look.

She poked her head round and found herself face to barrel with Lark's training pistol.

"That's check, and mate," Lark stated, as she dipped the barrel down slightly, and pulled the trigger, tagging Sabine in the chest, and partially knocking the wind from her. The action was accompanied by the sound of a synthetic bell, signalling the end of the training session, as Lark and Piper's score flicked to 3.

"Winners, Corporal Lark Cyclonis and Cadet Piper Peregrine!" came the voice of their instructor over the loudspeakers.

Sabine gave a groan as she holstered her pistols, before removing her signature helmet, shaking her bob cut, multicoloured hair loose, and staring at Lark, who was giving her a friendly smile. Sabine chuckled, before returning it, and extending her hand, "Well played Lark."

Lark accepted the hand, shaking, before the others joined them, patting Lark on the back.

"All students please report to the con for evaluation."

]|[

Captain Hera Syndulla examined the reports from the training exercise, before looking up at the three Cadets, two Corporals, and one Specialist stood before her. The Twi'lek instructor nodded to Finn first.

"Tell me what you did wrong cadet?" she asked, as Finn shuffled nervously in place.

"I let my guard down, forgot the nature of the exercise," Finn said, head hung dejectedly.

"Precisely," Hera nodded, "I know you're all friends, but you have to treat these exercises like real combat." As she spoke, she made sure to make eye contact with all of them and got nods and muttered affirmatives as she did. She then turned back to Finn, "I know your capable of it, given your… personal history."

All three Telani winced at her words, causing a twinge in Hera's stomach, even a year on, the trauma of that event was still fresh. Still, they'd been doing well, so Hera's next statement reflected that, "You persevered, you overcame, and you all made it home safe… with a little help," the last part was said with a nod in Lark's direction, whose face reddened. "Now you just need to apply what you learned from that, the will and drive to survive against the odds, and you'll do just fine," Hera finished, inwardly smiling as all three Telani perked up at her words.

She then cleared her throat, "Okay, now you two," she began, turning to Aerrow and Ezra.

Both boys hung their heads, "We got cocky," Ezra began.

"And forgot exactly who we were dealing with," Aerrow added, with a wry smile in Lark's direction.

Lark raised her hand here, "Also, I'd like to point out, Aerrow and Finn don't have much combat experience against Biotics."

Hera nodded at that, "Fair point," she replied as she made a note on her pad, "We'll have to remedy that in time." She then looked up at Ezra, "What's your excuse Corporal Bridger?"

Ezra winced, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, "Well erm, I kinda made a bet with Finn and Aerrow."

Hera raised a brow, "A bet?"

Ezra nodded, "First to Lark wins… and we all lost."

Lark couldn't contain a snigger, and beside her Piper and Sabine weren't faring much better. Hera sighed, bringing her finger and thumb to the bridge of her nose, "I swear you boys never change." Ezra's face was doing a good impersonation of a tomato, before Hera waved the issue away and turned now to Piper, who quickly reigned her laughter in. "And what about you Cadet Peregrine?" she asked.

"I underestimated my opponent and overestimated my own capabilities," Piper replied, while maintaining eye contact with Hera.

Hera nodded, "Correct, Biotics are all well and good and you, Aerrow, and Finn do have a natural advantage over the rest of us… but that means nothing against an opponent who is ready and prepared for you and knows your tricks."

Piper nodded, "Work smarter not harder, yes?"

Hera smiled here, Piper really was a model student, diligent and dedicated.

Reminds me of someone else I know, she thought to herself as she glanced at Lark.

Next, she turned to Sabine, "Alright Specialist Wren, your turn."

Sabine heaved a sigh, her shoulders sagging, "I gave my location away."

Finn leaned forward to look at Sabine, "How'd you figure that?"

Sabine rolled her eyes, "Lark had cams hidden around the training grounds, so she had visual on nearly every vantage point."

"Severely limiting your possible sniper nests," Piper stated, to which Sabine nodded.

"Exactly," then she leaned her head back, "And then I went and called her a copycat."

All three boys frowned at that, as they tried to figure it out, then Aerrow's eyes widened, "Oh, you saw how she got me and Ezra."

"Basically," Sabine replied, "And with the way that area is built, there's only a handful of vantages that would have sight of it… I saw the holo of her, and I saw you two attack it, before she took you out from behind, so I knew her general location."

"And by commenting on how I took you two out, I was able to use my cams to eliminate all other possible vantages," Lark finished.

"Precisely," Hera stated, "And with her position compromised, Sabine was forced to give up the element of surprise… after that it was simply a case of Lark forcing her down a certain path, leading to the final ambush." She now turned to Lark, "Of course, had she deviated at all, the outcome would have been very different… isn't that right, Corporal Cyclonis?"

All eyes turned to Lark now, who gave a weak smile, "May I sit down now please Captain?"

Confusion went up the line, as Hera acquiesced, and Lark sat gratefully in the nearest chair. Realisation spread across Sabine's face, "By the Ancestors Lark, how much energy did you expend in that attack!?"

"Too much," Lark replied tiredly.

Hera took up the thread here, "Had Sabine not gone exactly where Lark had wanted her to go, Lark would not have known which direction Sabine would have come from, and so would have been unable to ambush her."

Understanding washed across the group, "So, if Sabine had deviated, even a little…" Piper began, but trailed off towards the end.

"She'd have regained the initiative," Hera confirmed, nodding. She now turned to Lark, "Like Cadet Peregrine, you rely too much on your Biotics Corporal Cyclonis, you need to strike a balance and keep an eye on your energy levels." Lark nodded, but did not have the energy for words, "This time you got lucky, but you can't expect that to be the case in a real combat situation, where such mistakes can mean the difference between life and death."

Piper placed a hand on Lark's shoulder and gave her a comforting smile as Lark looked up at her, and Lark smiled tiredly back.

Hera now stood, as she made some final notes on her pad. "Despite this, you all did very well, your all certainly a cut above the other students at the Academy." She mused in thought for a moment, before making a decision, "I'd like you to take this exercise again another day, but I'm going to change up the teams a bit, and I expect you all to practice and work through your mistakes, so you can avoid making them next time."

"Yes Captain Syndulla," all six of them chorused.

"Good," Hera stated, before turning first to Finn, "First up, Finn, I'm pairing you with Sabine from now on."

"Huh?" both Finn and Sabine said at once.

"Ezra's skills require him be close to his target," Hera began, "As such, he usually isn't close enough to provide you back up, should you need it, Sabine." She now turned to Finn, "But Finn here is proficient at both mid and long-range combat, making him perfect to act as your wingman… he can stick close, and yet still contribute to the fight."

Understanding washed across Sabine's face, and she nodded, with a quick glance Ezra's way, her eyes remorseful.

Hera now turned to Aerrow and Ezra, "Meanwhile, I think the two of you should form a team, both of you excel at close range combat, and could support each other in a firefight."

Ezra and Aerrow both nodded in response.

Finally, Hera turned to Piper and Lark, "As for you two, you'll stay as you are for now, but I want you to both practice more with your physical skills, rather than your Biotics." Lark and Piper both nodded at this, before Lark nearly fell off her chair as a wave of fatigue hit her, "Now might I suggest you get Corporal Cyclonis to the infirmary so she can get some rest."

"Yes Captain Syndulla," came another chorused response, before Sabine and Piper helped Lark to her feet, and to the door, the boys leading the way and opening doors.

]|[

After the Students left Hera finished filing reports for the training session, when a call came through for her. She tapped her Focus and Ahsoka appeared before her.

"Well look who it is, the famous Commander Shepard," Hera said smiling.

Ahsoka smiled back, "Heh Hera, how's teaching going?"

Hera nodded, "Pretty good, all things considered, just got done with Lark's group as it were."

Here Ahsoka took an interest, "Oh, how'd they do?"

Hera chuckled, "Still some rough edges to work out, but they did splendidly, going to be interesting to see them progress."

It was Ahsoka's turn to chuckle, "Not often you get to teach the next generation's top performers, right?"

"Stole the words out of my mouth," Hera replied. The two had a good laugh at that, before Hera spoke again, "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?"

Here Ahsoka grew uncomfortable, "I was hoping you could pass a message on for me, to Lark and Piper."

Hera raised an eyebrow, "Oh, what sort of message?"

"We're supposed to spend the next two weeks during their summer break on the Citadel, promised I'd show them around," Ahsoka explained, "But I had a mission come up at the last minute, so I'm not going to be back for at least a couple of weeks."

Hera rolled her eyes here, then chuckled, "Well, that's probably for the best." At Ahsoka's confused expression, Hera elaborated, "Both of them got a month's detention two weeks ago."

Ahsoka gave a suffering sigh, "What did they do this time," her hand coming to her forehead as she dreaded Hera's next words.

"Lab experiment blew up in their faces," Hera explained, "Their fine, they took plenty of safety precautions, and no one was hurt… but considering that this was yet another incident…" Hera trailed off.

"Torrens couldn't exactly let it go?" Ahsoka finished.

Hera nodded, "Still, by the time their out of detention, you should be back and they'll still have some time of their summer break left, so it should just be a case of rescheduling."

Ahsoka chuckled, "Yea, and will give me ample opportunity to bend their ears."

Hera smiled, "Just don't go too hard on them, you know as well as I that their hearts are in the right place."

Ahsoka gave a dry chuckle, "They certainly don't lack for enthusiasm, I'll give them that."

"Reminds me of someone else I know," Hera stated, with a sly smile at the Togruta woman, who returned it. Then Hera turned serious, "I know you probably can't give me details, but I'll ask anyway… what sort of mission are you going on?"

Ahsoka also turned serious, "The sort that doesn't allow me to share details." Hera nodded and waited for her friend to continue, "It came down from the Admiralty a couple weeks ago, after which I had the Normandy set a course to get me as close as possible, after which I'll be going alone in a shuttle the rest of the way."

"So… not a Council sanctioned mission?" Hera asked.

Ahsoka shook her head, "No, this is UNE business, though Hackett did say that depending on what I find, we may or may not inform the Council."

Hera nodded, "Dangerous?"

"Only if I get caught," Ahsoka replied with a grin, which soon fell, "That's about all I can say Hera, I'm sorry."

Hera shook her head, "No, its okay, I understand… just, be careful, you hear?"

Ahsoka smiled and nodded, "Always," Hera returned the smile and was about to bid Ahsoka good luck and farewell, when she spoke again, "By the way, how's Jacen doing these days?"

Hera started, her eyes growing distant, but she smiled nonetheless, "He's doing great, his teachers say he's making lots of friends in his preschool group… just wish…"

Ahsoka's face fell as she saw tears brimming in her friend's eyes, "Hera, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up…"

"No, its fine," Hera replied, wiping the tears away, she didn't speak for a while and the silence stretched before them, until Hera finally found her voice. "I miss him, and I know a lot of the students here do too, especially Ezra." Hera's eyes drifted to a holo-frame, which showed her and a human man with dark hair, cut short, but with a ponytail at the back and wearing an orange shirt with grey trousers, standing in front of a spectacular Earth vista – the Grand Canyon, Hera believed it was called – "But it's been three years now, the wound's healed… mostly."

Ahsoka nodded, "Okay… but still, if you need anything, even if its just a shoulder to cry on, give me a call, I'm always here for you."

Hera nodded, "Thanks Ahsoka."

With that, they bid each other farewell, and Hera, after a brief glance at the holo-frame one more time, carried on with her work.

]|[

Normandy, Neutral Space, April 19th, 6:00 pm

"You sure you don't want back up for this one?" Garrus asked as Ahsoka prepped for her mission.

"We've been over this Garrus," Ahsoka sighed, "This mission is top secret, the more people know the details the greater the chances something could leak out."

Garrus shook his head, "Yea well I don't like that we're so close to Hegemony space, after what happened last year, if you get caught…"

Ahsoka placed a hand on the Turians shoulder, "I appreciate the concern Garrus but seriously, I'll be fine… after all, it's a simple recon mission, get in, have a look around, get out."

Garrus chuckled as he dislodged Ahsoka's hand, "Yea, and when have our missions ever gone that smoothly?"

Ahsoka thought about it for a moment before shrugging her shoulders, "Touché."

"The Commander will be fine," came EDI's voice over the intercom, "The shuttles have been outfitted with new stealth upgrades which will help her avoid detection, not to mention she is an expert at covert infiltration."

"Thank you EDI," Ahsoka replied, with a wry grin at Garrus.

Garrus merely shook his head and sighed resignedly, "There's no talking you out of this, is there?"

"Nope," Ahsoka responded, as she checked her weapon loadout one last time, before Garrus' hand came into her view. She glanced up at him, to see him smiling, she returned it, and grasped his outstretched arm.

"Just stay frosty out there Shepard, a lot of people would be very upset if you didn't come back, myself included."

Ahsoka nodded, "Always have and always will Garrus, take care of things while I'm away, should only be a couple of days."

Garrus nodded at that, before releasing Ahsoka's arm and watching as she picked up the last of her equipment, before boarding the shuttle. He gave her a salute as the doors sealed shut, which she returned.

Once the door was shut, Ahsoka sat herself in the pilot's seat, and started the shuttle's systems. As well as the upgrade to the stealth systems, the shuttles had brand new hyperdrives as well, with luck, she'd be in the Voron system before tomorrow morning, which would give her at least two days to complete her objectives, before she would have to leave to avoid the patrols. As Ahsoka glided the shuttle smoothly out of the Normandy armoury, her thoughts drifted to Lark and Piper. Ahsoka had never considered herself the mentor type, but the last year had proved her wrong, she was looking forward to seeing the two of them again, she knew both were destined for great things.

]|[

Voron Manufactories, Planet Voron, April 21st, 10:00 am

Repton leant against the railing at the back of the area they were being shown, bored out of his skull, black hawk stood beside him. Things were proceeding slowly, as had been expected the military had not been keen on this inspection, and many nobles involved with the military were trying to drag the process out to deter Telvos from completing it.

Fools, if only you knew how stubborn our beloved Emperor really is.

Suddenly, Repton saw Black Hawk straighten, before bowing low. He turned his head to see Telvos approaching. Despite Repton's distaste for his brother-in-law, he couldn't help but pity him right now, his fellow Gorvan looked exhausted.

Repton quickly followed suit with a respectful bow, "Your Majesty, how might I be of service?"

Telvos nodded to Repton, then waved Black Hawk and his personal guards away. Black Hawk obeyed without question, the guards were more reluctant, but after a stern glare from Telvos, they backed away.

"Just checking in to see what the locals make of all this?" Telvos stated, once they were alone.

Repton chuckled, "Their surprised for sure, doubt they ever expected this kind of attention, they've been plying me with a list of grievances and… respectful requests since I informed them of the situation, and asked for their input."

Telvos leant on the railing next to Repton and gestured for Repton to join him, "Anything feasible?"

Repton leant on the railing himself, nodding, "A few proposals sound promising, I'll go over them tonight and put forth the best in my morning report."

Telvos nodded, "Good," he then hung his head, groaning, "Gods I never realised just how trying this would be."

Repton chuckled, "Trying to strangle you with red tape are they brother?"

Telvos chuckled himself here, "Yes, that alone should be a treasonable offense," the two got a good laugh out of that, before Telvos turned serious, "Honestly, I'm glad you're here."

Repton raised an eyebrow at Telvos, "How so, brother?"

"I can feel eyes on me Repton…" Telvos whispered, "Not all of them malicious, but certainly judgemental… their searching for weakness, waiting to see me stumble and fall… perhaps Crispina was right, perhaps I should have left this in someone else's hands."

Repton felt a small flutter of panic at Telvos' words, worried that if Telvos returned to Bogaton they'd lose their opportunity. Remaining as calm as possible, he spoke, "Perhaps she was, but what's done is done, to turn back now would also be a show of weakness and you know we can't have that."

Telvos gave Repton a wry smile, "I can't tell if you're trying to butter me up, or insult me there?"

Repton bowed his head to Telvos, "Merely advice, your Majesty… to turn back now would undo what has already been accomplished, better to see this through to the end than risk it failing."

Telvos smiled here and stood up straight again, "Agreed," he then turned to Repton, and placed a hand on his shoulder, "You really have changed a lot in the last year brother, humility suits you."

Repton smiled here, "What is the human saying, 'What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger'?" they both got a laugh out of that, "I've learned from my mistake, and like my father before me, now see that my best course of action is to serve the Hegemony, to the best of my ability."

Telvos gripped Repton's shoulder tighter at that, "You've no idea how happy it makes me to hear that, to know that my decision to spare you was the right one."

Repton bowed low once again, "A fact I shall forever be grateful for."

Telvos nodded, smiling, as the two parted and an aide came up to them, "Your Majesty, we're ready to continue."

Telvos gave a wry grin, "No rest for the wicked, eh?" Repton smiled back, "We'll talk later tonight brother, over dinner, I want to discuss the Hegemony's future, and how we can better it, together."

Repton nodded, bringing his hand to his chest in salute, "I would be most honoured, your Majesty."

As Telvos moved off Repton returned to the railing, staring off across the manufactory floor. As he did he spotted an out of place figure, tall, and wearing a hood. Repton peered closer just as the figure turned, he saw a flash of orange and white. Frowning he glanced in the direction the figure was looking, his eyes falling on Telvos as the manufactory administrator began the next phase of the inspection. Repton turned back to the figure, only to find they were gone. Repton felt his blood pounding in his ears.

This is it!

Suddenly, Repton turned, "TELVOS!" he shouted, moving away from the railing, arm outstretched towards Telvos.

A look of confusion crossed Telvos' face at Repton's cry as he and the inspection party turned to him… before the wall across from Telvos was torn asunder and a ball of fire engulfed the area, causing debris to come crashing down and sending all within the general area sprawling, ears ringing.

When Repton came to, it was to see Black Hawk kneeling over him, "Master!" Black Hawk cried.

Repton grabbed a hold of him, "Black Hawk, the culprit left in that direction," he growled, pointing to where he'd seen the mystery figure, "Find them, NOW!"

Black Hawk nodded and took off without hesitation. Once he was gone, Repton got groggily to his feet, alarms were going off all around him, fires were burning, and the anti-fire system had yet to kick in. Repton looked to where he'd last seen Telvos, only to now see a pile of debris there. Repton rushed towards it, pushing aside others who were getting to their feet and calling out, "Find Telvos, find the Emperor, now damm it NOW!"

The others responded to his authority and began searching, Repton climbed to the top of the debris, looking around, then spotted movement below him. He scrambled down the opposite side of the pile, until he reached the shifting metal sheet, he pulled it aside, and there was Telvos, badly burned, legs mangled, but alive.

Now that won't do, that won't do at all.

Repton could hear the search around him, but so far no one was following him into the depression, so he had time. He smiled down at Telvos who was reaching out for him, mumbling something Repton couldn't make out, but was likely a plea for help. "Oh, brother dear… look at what's happened to you," Repton began. A look of confusion crossed Telvos' features, "Wounded, helpless, no guards to protect you," Repton continued, his smile growing ever wider.

Fear now began to creep into Telvos' eyes and it was intoxicating to Repton, "You know I really am grateful to you," Repton said, as he carefully positioned some nearby debris above Telvos. "Your naivete is why I'm still alive," Telvos was now shaking his head, begging. Repton merely chuckled, "You really should have listened to your wife though," Repton's grin now became malicious, "A whole year I've had to put up with licking your boots, waiting for this opportunity."

"Brother… ple-please… don't…" Telvos begged weakly.

Repton now chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of your wife, son, and the Hegemony for you." Telvos was now struggling, trying to rise to his feet, or call out, but his injuries prevented him, as Repton leaned in and whispered in Telvos' ear.

"Long, Live, the King!"

With those final words, Repton dislodged the small pile of debris he'd built with his tail, which came down on Telvos' head, crushing it, ending his life instantly.

Repton waited a good ten seconds, using the time to position himself to look like he was digging through the debris, before, "HELP, SOMEONE HELP ME, I'VE FOUND HIM!"

The response was instant, Hegemony soldiers crested the surrounding debris and flocked to Repton, helping him unbury Telvos' dead body. As word began to spread of Telvos' death, Repton felt the intoxicating feeling of victory flooding his veins.

That's one down… three more to go, and my revenge will be complete!


DUN DUN DAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Hope you folks like cliff-hangers.

Next update will be for my Korra story, so stay tuned, don't forget to leave a review, as always constructive criticism is welcome, and I'll see you all next time.