Chapter Four
Plans of the Inquisition
Three Months Later..
Tierra Orphon, otherwise known as First High Knight Tierra, sighed as she watched the scene currently happening in the hangar bay below her office. Below, there was a lesson in the powers of the Dark Side being taught by another of the High Knights, but Tierra never really did care for names.
Until she first saw Keyrinn Skywalker, or as he was known now as Keyrinn Yurano. Keeping his true family name a secret would help him become a powerful Sith warrior in the Inquisition. Or, that was what the Supreme Inquisitor said, but Tierra could see the struggle within the young man and, Sith forbid if she said it out loud, she felt sorry for him.
"With what my mind is setting me up to do, this can only end up going wrong." She told herself as she reviewed the newest set of calibration checks on the Supernova Cannon. According to the reports, the station was functioning, but there was still a few months before the weapon would be efficient enough to be of true use. "Have my personal shuttle waiting for me in an hour." Before waiting for an answer, Tierra exited the room, going to speak to the Supreme Inquisitor.
Three Days Later, Azure..
As Keyrinn Skywalker was lead out of the shuttle, his escort handed him a small data card full of credits and another with a message she had prepared on their trip to the mostly uninhabited world. "You aren't safe with the Inquisition. Those data cards have some money and a message you must have reach Master Jiang and his Jedi disciples. They can train you how you should be trained. The message, once sent, will reach them quickly enough, but it is how long it will take them to come get you. Use those credits wisely, keep enough until you get picked up. Understood?"
Keyrinn nodded. "Yes, ma'am. But, why are you helping me by doing this?"
Tierra thought back to a time when her life wasn't dictated by the Inquisition. "I owed a friend, a long time ago. That's all you need to know. The next time you see me, I will be your enemy, nothing more. Goodbye, Keyrinn." Goodbye, Benny. She thought as she walked back up the ramp and took off, leaving Keyrinn to find his way to the nearest settlement.
Taivas, One Standard Hour Later..
Nick stood by the outer door of the hangar bay, looking out over the Taivas canyons. The visions the Force had shown him since Laurana's arrival at the temple had been full of Keryne, the Mandalorian Jedi he seemed now destined to be with. "Is it a sign that my compulsion to learn whatever I could about the Mandalorians and their culture was preparing me to see that girl? Is a being's heart supposed to take the emotional strain losing the one you love most gives you?" He said, his voice just above a whisper. Suddenly, he had a flash of a town he had delivered provisions to on Azure, and a young man he didn't recognize but he sure could feel his presence. If they didn't get to the boy quick, the Inquisition could have a new weapon against them.
He rushed to the council chambers and was surprised to see the rest of the students present. "Umm.. Did I miss something?"
"No, Master Jiang just summoned us all here," Sariana replies, her voice worried. "Where have you been? I've barely seen you the last three days."
"I know. I've been.. Preoccupied, that's all. Master Jiang, I had a vision just now. A boy, strong in the Force, on Azure. And also I think there's someone on Mandalore who needs our help, as well." He said, scared of what going to Mandalore might mean for the rest of their little family. And he was only avoiding telling Sariana anything about his recent visions because he didn't want to endanger her life or their relationship. "And do you know where my mother is?" The last two and a half months, Dreeana had made Taivas her personal base of operations.
"You already know about the other Skywalker? Then its good you six were all going. I will take Mandalore."
"No. It has to be us. She's expecting a group with someone who speaks Mando'a."
"No one speaks Mando'a anymore," Beckha pointed out. "Not with the Mandalorians extinct as of seven or eight years ago."
"That's not true, actually. I speak Mando'a," The assembled teens all gawked at Nick except for Elliot. "I learned all about their culture when I was little. I found it pretty cool. So I learned the language so I could speak to a Mandalorian more about the culture. But then the Inquisition murdered them all just so there couldn't be a faction of warriors they might not be able to control."
Master Jiang nodded. "Alright, but the Skywalker boy is your first priority. His power may mean the well-being of the Galaxy."
"Yes, master. But then what are we other powerful young Jedi? Chopped tauntaun?"
"Just go. And your mother is in her study. You take off within the hour." Nodding, Nick rushed to find his mother. He couldn't talk to Sariana or any of the young Jedi. They were too close to Sariana as well as him.
"Mother? Can I speak with you in private for a moment?" Nick asked as he entered the room that served as his mother's study.
Dreeana could see the distress on her sons face. "Of course, Nick. What troubles you so?"
"Since we brought Laurana back here from Bespin three months ago, I've been having more and more Force visions. I'm scared of what they foretell, but I can't speak of them with Sariana or Laurana, so I thought maybe I could get your input on them?"
"Please. I'd be happy to have a chance to give my children advice. What are these visions telling you? What are you seeing?"
"I'm seeing a Mandalorian girl, most likely our age, and she's been a driving force in the visions. But, it seems her and I share a similar connection to each other as I have now with Sariana. But, that's also part of why I can't tell her about them. In most of these visions, Sariana is gone from us. I don't know whether she's dead or just not with us here. And it almost destroys me, if it wasn't for the Mandalorian girl." Nick was lying to his mother about not knowing Sariana's fate, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Well she sounds lovely." Dreeana joked, poking at Nick with the end of one of her pens.
"She would, since I know the importance of her standing, being the last Mandalorian alive. But the point is, we're going to Mandalore, leaving in less than an hour. I'm just scared about what might happen because of two beautiful women not only around me as a teenage boy, but who are both interested in dating me. This can't end well, can it?"
Dreeana sighed. "It seems that you're seeing things far in the future, Nick. That being said, you can't worry yourself so much. Life happens, the Force just shows you how in the form of your visions. Just live life and be happy, Nick. As a mother, that's all I want for you."
Nick smiled, chuckling. "Alright, I guess that's fair. I just don't.. I don't want to mess anything else up, that's all. But we're only human, we all make mistakes, right?"
"Yes, we all do. Now go, rescue this gorgeous Mandalorian of yours. Just don't sacrifice the happiness you have for something that may be better just because the chance is in front of you. Promise me, Nick. Anything you do until the time in your visions, you can't break Sariana's heart. That girl has been through too much in her life."
"I promise, mom. I won't do anything truly idiotic to hurt Sariana. You just want to see if this other girl is worthy of me, because you don't know them yet." Dreeana gave him a look. "Hey, Sariana can handle herself, she's just as strong as Laurana. Thanks again, mother. See you when we get back." He called back as he left the room to begin their trip to Azure and then nearby Mandalore.
Mandalore, Ruins..
Keryne lifted her head as she refocused on her current surroundings. She had chosen these ruins to stay out of the weather, and because she could feel the Force in the remaining stone walls. Hours earlier, she had decided to sit and meditate to keep her mind off of her eventual rescue from the dying world. But, every time she closed her eyes and felt herself connect to the Force, she saw more and more of a man she had never met, but she could tell he was a Jedi who knew her native language, for whatever reason.
Some of her visions were purely platonic, especially since he seemed to have a significant other. Others didn't have the girl, but the boy would seem depressed and any attempt Keryne made at getting him to open up wouldn't work. Yet others still she knew something had happened and she found her vision-self kissing the man among other things. Truth be told, she had never really been trained about Force visions, so the many different events scared her a bit. How do I know which are truly meant to be? How do I know what to do, when the time comes? And when the hell are these Jedi coming to get me?! It's been three months. She sighed, thinking to herself.
She suddenly picked her head up, looking towards the sky as she felt a large concentration of Force energy. "They should be here soon, then. It's about time."
Azure, Unknown Village, Several Hours Later..
Keyrinn sat at a small eatery, or what passed as one on this backwater world, chewing on some sort of pastry. He could sense a group of powerful Force-users coming towards the planet, most likely the crew sent to pick him up. But, he also felt a second signature incoming from another direction, but what confused him was that it felt exactly like one of the group.
Azure, Eastern Space..
The shuttle flew casually towards the watery planet. She had her mission, and she didn't plan on failing her master like the other had. She knew about the process that created her, and she knew about the reasons why she had been made in the first place. Now, she was the thirteenth High Knight. She would kill her brother, her original and all their little Jedi friends. Her master needed them out of the way before he could rule the Galaxy under one banner: that of the Inquisition. And no one, not her brother, not the original Laurana, and most definitely not the daughter of her master, would stop her. Looking back in the mirror, the Sith clone of Laurana pounded her fist on the durasteel sink, her yellow eyes glaring dangerously at the reflection she knew wasn't the only one in the galaxy. "Soon, I will be the only Laurana Nekron!" She declared, turning away to put on her battle gear.
Azure, One Standard Hour Later..
Corbyn was the first one down the ramp. "I've heard very few things about this world, you know. Not even the Inquisition's High Archives have much on Azure."
"Not surprising, since Azure is barely a vacation or hiding spot. Time to split up, guys. Search the village for the target and get them to the ship if he's found. I have a very bad feeling about this little rescue op."
Nodding, the group split up into groups. Nick and Sariana, Corbyn and Beckha and Laurana and Elliot. The six walked in different directions, making their way around the small village. Surprisingly, it was harder to pinpoint their target in a small yet strangely densely-populated village. Nick felt an aura of what he could only think of as evil as Sariana and him tried to follow the powerful and elusive Force signature.
An hour later, or as close as they could tell, the six met back at the village center. "How hard can it really be to find one person? There's only about two hundred or so here in town."
"Maybe they don't want to be found." Beckha said.
Nick shook his head. "No, that's not it. There's a dark presence around us as well as the guy we're looking for. The question is why the dark one is hiding themselves?" Suddenly, Nick was thrown into the side of the nearest hut by a Force push, whoever used their abilities to hold Nick in place.
A figure clad in black Sith robes stormed up to Nick, igniting a crimson lightsaber and holding it up to his throat. "I'm right here, Nicklas." Came Laurana's voice.
Nick looked to his sister and shook his head. "You're not Laurana. I saved Laura from becoming like you. Does Inquisitor Jarell always make obedient clones of the Force-sensitives he can't otherwise keep in line?"
"I am what I was meant to be!" Snapped the clone Laurana, pulling her hood off. She looked back at the group and sneered at the real Laurana. "And I will kill you and that pathetic excuse for myself to make that known."
"Well, good luck with that, because I'm not going to do anything about you. Someone else already has that job."
"You dare to mock me! Give me a fucking reason not to cut your head off right fucking now."
"If I did, you'd never realize that that's what you're trying to do. Right, babe?" Nick asked as Sariana came in with a kick delivered to the clone's chest, making her stagger backwards and let Nick drop to the ground.
Both Jedi activated their lightsabers and engaged the clone, deflecting more attacks than delivering them. Sariana blocked one strike and locked the clone's wrists so Nick could get a clean move in, slicing a thin cut on the second Laurana's shoulder. The clone looked at Sariana. "As if my family abandoning me wasn't enough, the only friend I ever had decided to turn against me as well."
"The Laurana I've known and loved as a sister is standing right over there, and no amount of stalling will get you anywhere. Nick, let's send this one someplace fun." Nick only smiled as the couple used their powers together, sending the clone far away from the village so she wouldn't he able to easily track them. One of the people who had stopped to watch the fight stepped towards the young Jedi, brandishing his own lightsaber.
"Thank you for coming to pick me up. Tierra said it wouldn't take long to get me, but I didn't know anything about that monstrously malevolent High Knight." Somehow, hearing the High Knight's name didn't seem off to the group, as they were just happy to survived the unexpected enemy's attack.
"Its no problem, you must be the other Skywalker heir. Come on. As much as I'd love to stay and chat, we have things to do that we might as well not put off for another day."
"What makes this person on Mandalore so important to you?" Sariana asked. "Aren't you surprised at all that a clone of your sister just tried to attack and kill you?"
"Of course I am, but I saw it coming when my visions hadn't changed after Laurana was brought to Taivas. The ones of you and I fighting the Supreme Inquisitor." Sariana looked down. "I don't mean anything by being rude, Saria. I've had so many visions of the future, it scares me. I don't like being the one who knows so much about all our futures and not being able to say anything because of events changing and what that could mean. I hate being distant from you, you know I love you, Sariana. Just, please, let us get today over with?"
"Alright, Nick. I trust you. Just promise me if you see anything you really feel the need to change, I'll be the first you tell the plan to?"
Nick smiled, knowing even then he couldn't tell her that he had learned the details of Sariana's death and wanted nothing more than to stop it from happening. But, that also went against his better judgment, knowing that stopping someone from dying would only bring someone else to death's door. The real problem was, Sariana was supposed to die in only one more month. Nodding to her, he lead the group back to the Force Shadow.
Once on the ship, Sariana found Nick again as the ship began its flight to the nearby Mandalore. "You know, you never answered my question." She told him, hands on her hips. "About this person we're supposed to find on Mandalore. What makes them so important that you hide things from everyone who wants to help you?"
Nick froze. What was he supposed to say? Hey, Sariana, this girl on Mandalore is also going to take the place of my girlfriend after you die in almost a month's time? No, that would destroy her. "She's important to our Jedi order, that's all. I've seen a lot of events that she helps the rest of us out of."
Sariana didn't look completely convinced. "A fourth girl, huh? Is there.. Was there something between you both? In your visions?"
"No, Saria, I promise. She's just an integral part of the team in the future." It hurt Nick that he had to lie about things like this, especially to Sariana. But, while his words were more lie than truth, he was being truthful about the new girl's importance. "When we get back to the temple, I'm going to take you off-world again for a nice date, alright? Get both of our minds off of things."
Sariana smiled, glad Nick was at least making plans. "Okay. That sounds good. Come here for a second." Nick smirked at her as he walked up to her and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "You know, you take on too much of the responsibility for all of us. You have to slow yourself down, Nick, before you burn yourself out. I don't know what I'd do without you. That day on Utupau, as busy as these last four months have been, was the best day of my life, all because I met you."
Nick chuckled. "I know, Saria, that day changed me, too. And you're right, I need to slow down. These visions have been killing my resolve lately, that's all. I know we can handle whatever comes at us, but I just want to make sure we're all safe. Like the Laurana clone. When I realized Laura was with us and not going anywhere, but I was still getting the visions of myself almost being killed by her, I figured your father had done something along the lines of a clone."
Sariana froze when he said 'her father'. She hadn't told him about that, still after almost four months. "How did you.. I never told you I knew who my father was."
Nick cursed. She hadn't told him yet. This was what he had wanted to avoid. "I saw you telling me about it in a vision. I think you were going to in a couple of days. I've been saying my visions are becoming overwhelming. I see so much of the future that I can't just enjoy the present."
"Don't worry, Nick. We'll figure it all out together. I won't let you go through this alone. Maybe you should try to get some sleep while we go to Mandalore? I'll come get you when we're entering the atmosphere." Sariana could hear the fear in his voice and couldn't argue about keeping secrets from her. He needed to really relax, before Nick snapped.
"Yeah. Maybe I will. Thank you, Sariana. The time I spend with you will always be precious to me, just remember that, alright?" Sariana nodded, smiling as she kissed him.
"And everything I do is to make sure we all stay safe, as much as I can at least." Nick smiled as he kissed her back before turning back towards where his room was. Because Sariana was always right, and he definitely needed to relax.
Sariana made her way to the cockpit. "Everything alright with brother dear?" Laurana joked, knowing just as well as anyone that something was really stressing Nick.
"For now. He's not in his normal mindset. He says his visions have been so frequent that he can't focus on the present as he wants to avoid as much conflict as possible."
"He's gotta stop being so damned lucky." Elliot said. "Finding a girl as gorgeous as you who's interested in him, no offense Laura. Then being the obviously more adept at using our abilities, having an awesome lightsaber, and always getting visions now? He's going to break down when he tries stopping something that he knows he can't. And Nick's hiding whatever he knows? He probably already saw one of us dying and now he's hiding in himself to make sure no one dies by knowing what's already foretold."
"Why are you always so cynical about your best friend?" Laurana asked her boyfriend.
"Because he may be smart, but he can be a real idiot just as much. He apparently knew our next move before any of the rest of us. How far into the future has he been seeing lately? He's been focusing on himself the past three months. He knew of an evil clone of you, Laura, and said nothing to us about it. I, for one, would have liked to have been warned before my girlfriend tried to kill me."
"Elliot's got a point, mates." Corbyn said. "Nick knows too much and he doesn't want to talk about it. I can understand why, but we all know he needs to slow down and relax. If nothing else, I'll put him and Sariana on my ship and let them take it wherever they want. As long as you're not seen in Trandoshan space."
"Thanks, Corbyn, but Nick already told me he's taking me out after we get back home. He just needs to learn that he has to live life and not let knowing the future get in his way. Whatever happens, we'll all be there for him." With nods all around, the crew continued with their business.
Mandalore Surface, About Four Standard Hours Later..
"Alright, Nick. You lead us to a planet that's supposed to be uninhabited now, looking for the sole survivor of the Mandalorian Purge, in the middle of the worst dust storm I've ever witnessed." Elliot said, the sandstorm goggles covering his eyes. "This better be fucking worth having sand everywhere."
"Don't worry. She'll have seen the ship come in for landing, or felt us through the Force, by now. Actually, I think I see something walking through the storm."
True enough, a figure walked closer to the group through the dust storm. It stopped, and Nick swore their gaze was locked on him, proven right as a set of Mandalorian armor walked up to him and spoke in Mando'a. "You finally came."
"We had to make a second stop on our way here. Come aboard, its better than out in this storm." Nick turned around, answering her in the Mandalorian language. As the ramp opened, he turned his head back to her. "And I'm sorry I didn't know you were stranded here sooner, or I would have gotten you then."
Keryne followed the rest of the group into the ship and stopped with them as the other all shed their protective clothing. Reaching to the sides of her helmet, she let her somewhat short dark purple-blue hair loose. She locked her electric purple eyes at Nick. "Its about time you showed up," She said in Mando'a. "I expected you all a couple months ago, to be honest."
"Yes, well. Oh, and I'm the only one who speaks Mando'a, so please try to stay speaking basic with the group. With me, alone, its okay. We may need to speak later."
"Will do, captain. Oh, I almost forgot. Its nice to meet you all, and I apologize for making you come out to this shell of a world just to get me," The Mandalorian girl said, speaking in Basic. "My name is Keryne Bridger-Wren, last Mandalorian and I guess now head of Clan Wren."
"Clan Wren? As is Phoenix Squadron Sabine Wren?" Sariana asked, noticing how Keryne kept glancing over at Nick.
"Yeah, she was my grandmother. I inherited the darksaber from her, and my grandfather's lightsaber as well."
"Your grandfather was a Jedi? I thought that went against everything Mandalorians stood for?" Elliot questioned.
"Yes, well with everything they both did as part of Phoenix Squadron, my people were more understanding with their love. So, off to Taivas?" This question caused Nick to look at her, surprise evident on his face.
"How do you know that's where base is?" He asked her.
"Honey, you're not the only one seeing our future," Keryne said in Mando'a, then switched back to Basic. "Its amazing how much information you can find out by analyzing visions."
Nick groaned. Of course she was having visions of the future as well, it reminded him of the shared visions him and Sariana had when they had first met. Nick left the bay to go make sure the ship was good for takeoff. Seeing him leave, Sariana motioned to follow him, but stopped herself. Nick was avoiding her questions, so she would just have to ask the possible source of Nick's avoidance: Keryne.
Sariana waited until the others had all left, leaving her with the young Mandalorian. "I know why you're so worried." Keryne said, sitting on one of the seats on the sides of the cargo bay.
"Really? And how would some lonely little Mandalorian know so much about me?"
"Because of the things we have in common. Nick isn't hiding anything from you, he's just adamant about not wanting things to pass."
"Like what? What is so bad that he can't even talk to his girlfriend about it?" Sariana crossed her arms.
"Things that he'd kill me if he knew I told you. All I can tell you, is to make sure he enjoys the moment. There's a year of time he loses because of you and what the future has planned, and as a friend, I don't want to see him upset."
""Be that as it may, I don't know whether I trust your word or not. Whatever Nick may have said about you, I know he's still hiding something from me. And I'll eventually get it out of him."
"Unfortunately, beautiful, I will be the one to tell you about that. Just gotta have patience. For now." Keryne walked out of the room, turning towards the girls' quarters aboard the ship as if she knew where she was going. Sariana stood where she was, unsure of what to make of Keryne's words.
The Next Standard Day..
Nick opened his eyes, finding Keryne in the doorway of his personal quarters. "Mind if I come in?" She asked in Mando'a.
"Nothing's stopping you. Something on your mind?" He asked back.
"Something like that. You know there's nothing you can do to stop it, right? Sariana will fall at the hands of your evil sister aboard the Supernova Cannon. Its the only event I've seen that never deviates from the original chain of events."
"I know that, and I would appreciate it if you didn't hold that against me. Whether or not I go through the year-long grieving is my choice."
"I know. I just want you to be aware that if you thought me being as forward as I was in whatever you saw of us, I'll be twice as determined."
"How far have you seen into the future? Rough guess."
"I'm not completely sure. Probably about three to five years, maybe more. I've seen some of the battles we fight before Supernova, a lot of the time between that and Jarell's counterstrike, and even more about you personally."
"Well, you seem to be a big part of my life after Supernova, even if Sariana doesn't know it."
"She's suspicious, though. I guess she hasn't had the vision about me telling her that yet."
"I'd think not. She had no idea who were were when I mentioned we needed to come get you."
"Well, she was decidedly chill when she found out, but still. You're really worried about losing her, huh?"
Nick sighed. "Sariana has been with us since we first found out about being Jedi. Its only been a few months but these days despite the visions I can't see myself without her. Knowing the other interested party will be around now only makes me fear the future more."
"I understand. Its hard losing someone you love. And I hope you'll be able to see that I don't want to replace her. In the time I get to know you, I'm sure that I want to be with you because of the love we will share. I have visions I'd rather not come to pass, either you know."
"Like what? What's so bad for you to not want it happening?"
"All I'll say about it is I'm not ready. Thanks for talking, Nick. Try not to shut least of all me out when everything starts going to hell."
"No promises. I'm a right stubborn bastard when I want to be."
"Well, honey, at least talking to me will help you if you need it."
"I know. Thanks, Keryne. And stop calling me honey. We aren't together now, and for some time we won't be."
"Got it. Later, Nick." Keryne left the doorway as the door slid closed behind her. Nick sighed.
"Why is my life difficult? One truly peaceful day, is that too much to ask for?" He asked himself as he fiddled with a few devices he had taken out of storage to try and distract himself from the possible catfight that was sure to happen.
Surprisingly, the rest of the return trip to Taivas went in relative peace, except for Keryne and Sariana seemingly butting heads over hours of holotable games. Upon returning to the temple, Nick went to find Master Jiang while the others helped Keryne settle in. He found the elder Jedi in the council chambers, as seemed normal these days. "Any news from our possible allies?" He asked his mentor.
"The Ssi-ruuk have no love for anyone, but they are considering to help the Opposition. How did your run to Azure and Mandalore pan out?"
"Both newest members of our Gray Jedi order are now being settled in. Master Jiang, when you see something you know you can't change, but everything you feel tells you to stop it, how do you make the right choice?"
"Hmm?" Jiang said, looking at quite possibly his best student. "What brought this on? You usually don't worry so much about your visions."
"Yes, master, I.. I know that. But, since Laurana arrived, there are visions that have affected my ability to be an effective leader to my team. Like on Azure. We encountered a Sith clone of Laurana. And there's other visions that cut me deeply."
Jiang nodded thoughtfully, sighing. "You've seen it too, then? Sariana's death aboard the Supernova Cannon?"
Nick narrowed his eyes. "Yes, I have. Over and over these last three months. Sariana is the closest friend I have, even without us dating. I want to tell her, but.."
"You don't want saving her to endanger your other friends. I know how you feel, young one. Where there is death, there is always death, as my own master once said to me. It takes courage to live with loss such as a loved one, Nick. And from what I know about you, you have more courage than even Jedi I have fought with before the Purges. This isn't about losing her, though, is it? Not really."
Nick chuckled. Of course Jiang knew more than it seemed. "No, not completely. I don't know what to do about Keryne, the Mandalorian we saved. So much of my future has her, and I know there's something between us. I just feel that it's betraying Sariana and her memory by being with her. Especially knowing that despite the two butting heads over me, they become close friends."
Fyaruk put a hand on the young man's shoulder. "Loss is something everyone deals with, Nicklas. We all deal with it differently, and I trust you'll make the right choices. Just know you aren't the only one who wished Sariana could be saved."
"Can't we go ask the cloners? I mean, I know they side with the Inquisition, but I'd use every credit I have to keep her around if its possible. I don't think I've known her long enough."
"As useful as that could be, it wouldn't be the same, just as the clone of Laurana is vastly different from our own. One thing at a time, Nick. Just stay focused. Now, is there anything more this old Jedi can do for you?"
"There was one thing. I told Saria I would take her somewhere for us to relax for a day, try to get my mind off of things and show her that no matter what happens, I'll always remember her and how happy she's made me."
"Go ahead. Even if you all are still technically padawans, I can't stop you as you are all adults. You have two standard days, use them wisely. I hear Zonama Sekot is in the area for a month or so. You have something you need there as well, don't you? And the planet is always bathed in gorgeous weather."
"Yeah, that sounds right. Thank you, master. I hope we still have many months at least before you leave us as well."
"We shall see. The future isn't always set in stone as we may think. But, I have seen quite a bit in the future that I would prefer not to miss," Jiang winked at Nicvk. "Oh, and Pyrell asked for you. Should be in his workshop." Nodding, Nick left the elder Jedi in peace. Jiang smiled as Nick left the council chambers. "You'll figure it out. Hopefully what happens next doesn't surprise you too much."
Thirty minutes or so later, Nick was on his way to Pyrell's workshop two levels below the barracks wings. Entering the cluttered area, he banged on the skull of a dismantled droid. "You asked to see me?" He laughed out as the older Zeltron jumped.
"Blast it, Nick! You could have blown up half the temple!"
"Would be your fault. I told you not to play with explosives while you stay here. Now what did you need me for? I have two days of leave I'd like to get to."
"Rush me, then. Well, all of the ships the Opposition have brought for some of the same upgrades yours and Corbyn's ships have are complete, but I ran into an anomaly with the hyperspace generator I've been developing."
"Don't tell me that. What kind of anomaly?"
"No clue, but I'll keep working on it and get back to you when I know more. Now, shoo. This thermo detonator won't finish designing itself. Oh, and Nick?" Nick turned back towards him from the doorway. "Thank you for this opportunity. If we all survive this war, I'll make it up to you."
"Thanks, Pyrell. But, you helping us is all I need. Whatever others may say, you have a truly courageous heart." With that, Nick left to get the ship ready, as Sariana was no doubt already onboard.
Entering the hangar bay, he was stopped by Keryne. "Yes, princess?" He asked her in Mando'a.
"Don't. You know how I feel about that. But, I had a quick question." Seeing Nick nod his head, the young Mandalorian continued. "Have you seen the moment where we first get together? It seems to be the only event I haven't seen."
"No, I don't think I have, either. I'm sorry I can't really talk right now. I got permission to take Sariana away from all the headaches of Jedi daily life for a bit."
"Oh. Yeah, that's cool. Go then. You two need each other," Keryne turned with a smile on her fascde that his the rest of her statement. Just like I need you..
Soon, Nick and Sariana were flying out of the atmosphere of Taivas, heading towards the coordinates for the living planet, Zonama Sekot. Nick hadn't told Sariana where they were going, instead telling her to get some rest and that it was a surprise.
Sariana lay in bed, trying to rest as she tossed and turned because of the worst Force vision she had ever had..
She was on the Supernova Cannon, along with the others. They were all deflecting blaster bolts and lightsaber strikes as the many lackeys of the Inquisition surrounded them on all sides. Nick saw his evil younger sister and jumped out of the group, followed by Sariana and Keryne, who nodded at Sariana as the three dueled the Sith clone. Nick whispered to her as they deflected Laurana's attacks. "Never forget I love you, whatever happens here."
Sariana nodded. "Of course, and the same to you." Laurana yanked Sariana out of the group, using a Force push to send her down to a catwalk about fifteen feet below the one she'd been knocked from. Her vision was hazy as she saw the other two keep battling new troopers that had appeared as the clone of her best friend dropped to the catwalk she was now on. "It's about time I get you alone, Saria." The clone sneered.
"Don't get things twisted. You aren't my best friend. You're just a cheap copy my father created because the real Laurana chose family over power."
"No, I am the real Laurana, and I'll prove it by killing you here and now." The clone's lightsaber flashed in front of Sariana, dangerously close as she bent backward to avoid it.
Laurana swung again and again, drawing Sariana to her knees. "Not so tough without my brother here to save you, are you?"
"I've accepted what has to happen here, for the good of the galaxy. The Inquisition won't win." Sariana stayed calm, sending her feelings and thoughts to Nick. I love you, Nick. Always.
The clone took her moment as weakness and ran Sariana through with her crimson lightsaber. As Sariana's body collapsed, Keryne appeared and sent Laurana's evil twin flying through the numerous catwalks as the Mandalorian knelt down next to her. "Shit. Sariana, stay with me!" She begged the dying girl.
Sariana coughed up blood, shaking her head. "It's alright, Keryne. I know.. About you and Nick," The surprise was evident on Keryne's face. "I know you can keep him happy. And.. Out of his own head. Don't let him stay depressed, please. He's had months to deal with the fact I would die today. Get him off of here safely, Nick needs you." Keryne nodded, wiping a tear from her eye.
"I will. Nick will be safe. I'll miss you, Saria."
"Me too, Ryn." She coughed up more blood, feeling the last of her life ebb away. "As much as I hated you, especially after finding out, you've been a better friend than I deserve."
"That was jealousy talking. I envied you, wanted to be more like you."
"Don't feel that way. Nick loves you how you are. Now go, before Nick gets himself into more trouble before he finds a way to blow the main reactor. May the Force be with you all." Sariana's eyes became glassy as the girl passed away, making Keryne pick her body up.
"I'll get Nick, but you're not being left here. We'll take you back home and give you a farewell fit for a Jedi." Using her jetpack, Keryne flew the whole way back to the ship, leaving the body of her friend in the cargo bay as she rushed back out to help the others..
.. The ghostly form watched Nick as he sat in silence, tinkering with some piece of machinery. "This better not be what you've been doing since Supernova when you should be out there, fighting the Inquisition."
Nick froze as he turned and faced Sariana's ghost. "Saria? I didn't think you'd be able to even come back." He said in disbelief.
"I had to, Nick. I met your grandfather, he told me you've been in this slump since I died. I know we were in love, but I told you not to get hung up on me. And I told Keryne to go for it, I've seen a lot of the future now that I'm dead, and the only regret I have is not having done half of what I've seen."
Nick sighed, looking down. "I just can't bring myself to love her. I may want to, but I want you back, Saria. First love, you never forget it and I don't want that fact to ruin what Keryne and I potentially have."
"For Sith's sake, go to her! I told her it was okay when I died, now please go be happy. You're not gonna like what happens next. Happiness is the way to help you through the coming months."
Nick nodded, chuckling. "Thanks, Saria. I'm sorry there was nothing I could do to save you that day. We all miss you."
The ghost smiled. "I know, I miss everyone, too. Goodbye, my love. Stay safe." The scene faded as did Sariana's ghost..
Sariana bolted upright, the revelations of the vision hitting her harder than she thought they ever would. Fighting back tears, she went to find Nick. He was still in e cockpit when she entered. "Hey, Saria.." Nick looked and saw the look she was giving him. "Oh no. What did you see?" He asked, fearful of the answer.
"I think you know full well what I just saw." Nick flinched at her tone.
"I see. You saw Supernova, then?" Sariana just nodded. "I couldn't tell you, Saria. We learned when we saved Laurana that not everything we see can be changed."
"I.. I know. I'm not mad at you. I just think you could have told me. Now that I've seen that day, I know what else you're keeping from me, and I realize this trip is to spend some good time together before we're split apart. It hurts, knowing the life I wanted to have with you won't happen because of whatever we fucked up to cause my death being fixed."
"Yeah, that's beyond true. Can we let this trip be a happy time? We don't know how many more times we'll have like this left."
"Yes. I'd like that very much. So, you really weren't going to tell me that you and Keryne had something?"
"And risk you cutting my head off? No, thank you." Nick laughed, Sariana rolling her eyes as the couple continued their trip to Zonama Sekot.
Back on Taivas..
Keryne stood in the training room, several dismantled training droids smoking on the ground around her as Laurana walked in. "I know about you and Nick."
"There's nothing between your brother and I." Keryne said, not trying to cause any problems among her new friends.
"Nick kept me safe, as much as he could, when we were kids. Now, I want to make sure he stays happy, and I've seen the day at Supernova, as well. Nick has seen much more, I bet, but I know about Sariana. And about you bringing her body back to the ship. It means a lot to me that you care for my brother, and to be honest I've seen you keeping him happy, even in some bad times. I've also seen little Saria.."
That caught Keryne by surprise. "Wait, little Saria? What are you talking about?" The young Mandalorian asked Laurana.
"So there is something you and him are unaware of. Good, then I can be the one not surprised when it happens." Laurana laughed as she turned to leave the room. "Oh, and if you need someone to spar against, try one of us instead of the training droids. They turn out to be more fragile."
Keryne stood there, floored by Laurana's words. She had seen something neither her nor Nick had? And how many different meanings could that statement have meant? "Damn it!" She cursed in Mando'a.
Meanwhile, Corbyn and Beckha were on Corbyn's ship, trying to salvage the droid he had told her about months before. Until now, they had been busy training, but Master Jiang had told them training was mainly on hold until Nick and Sariana got back from wherever they had gone. "Corbyn? What do you think Nick knows that we don't?"
The Nubian shrugged. "Hard to tell with Nick, really. He's obviously the most powerful of us all, so I chalk it up to his power showing too much and that's been affecting him. It's good him and Sariana got some time away from here. They may be together, but since they first met they've been caught up in this war, no time to really get to know each other or anything. Why? Scared he saw us all die?"
"A little. I just don't want us all torn apart by all this."
"We won't. Nick may not always know what he's doing, but he's smart enough to get us through it. Remember the raid on Vader's castle on Mustafar?"
"Complete waste of time and heavily guarded by the Imperial Remnant. What the hell caused him to even want to go?"
"Sariana's idea, actually. Vader is her grandfather or something, and he mentioned to her there might be something left there that could help. But, the Inquisition apparently got there first." He shrugged again as Beckha tried to turn the droid on, which backfired and instead almost blew them both up. As the smoke cleared, they both laughed.
Star Destroyer Bane..
Laurana knelt in front of Garruf Jarell, not looking at him. "You have failed me, Laurana."
"I beg your mercy, master. They knew I was coming. I am at fault for not being readily prepared."
"Yes, you are at fault. But, no matter. Soon, those Jedi will wish they had never crossed me. Go and rest. I will call for you when I need you again."
"Yes, my master." The evil Laurana left the room.
Garruf scratched his chin in thought. One more month, and those fools will all perish."
A/N: Two chapters in twenty-four hours. If anyone really cares, Happy Easter! I feel I've gone further down the rabbit hole than I initially wanted, but now I think I'm getting back on track. The main plot is almost finished, surprisingly. At least, the initial story I planned from the groups first Force visions. Which means after the hopefully three-part next arc, most likely only going to be two, I'll have a new arc of more likely filler before I go and close this story and start on Part II of my New Age saga. As always, I hope someone at least leave me some criticism. Writing without any at all makes me lose focus, although amazingly I've kept it up with this story. Hell, maybe I'll just turn this into the entirety of the NA saga instead, I don't know. Next chapter will either be more fluff and filler before the showdown at Supernova Cannon, or the start of the Opposition's assault on the fatally destructive Inquisition base. Until next chapter, May the Force be with you.