Chapter 16

Dro'godda Base

"Milady, I didn't mean to tell him things," the young Falleen female choked as she fell to her knees. Her hands were desperately trying to free the invisible hands that were around her slender neck. "Pleassse," she begged, her voice forced and barely above a hoarse whisper, "I didn't tell him who you wer—" Isalil never finished, instead her oxygen starved and fear filled bulging eyes rolled back and she fell dead to the floor.

Erida released her Force-grip on the dead woman's throat and quietly, but dangerously, said, "I don't care what you didn't tell him, my sweet Isalil, it's that you told him anything at all." Then she hissed to the Defel guards that stood by her entrance, "Guards, take this out of here. Now." The guards wasted no time complying.

Suddenly, the hypercomm demanded attention. Erida rubbed her forehead and turned toward the young girl who had been standing silently behind her during the entire exchange. "Beth." She didn't even need to give the entire command, the girl was already moving to the comm station.

Beth entered the receive code and instantly the blue tinged image of Pader Barrett appeared over the plate. Beth's face was impassive as she said in way of greeting but the disdain was indisputable, "Admiral Barrett."

Erida watched as Pader looked upon his unknown daughter and commanded, "I need to speak to your Master."

"She is otherwise occupied," the girl's demeanor had changed quite a great deal since Erida killed her pet. The girl had something to finally despise and Erida had been using that hate and anger to improve the girl's skill. However, Erida sometimes regretted that it was she who had become the object of her daughter's hate. Although, that could prove dangerous, and she should know because she hated her master.

"I don't care what she is doing, Miss Doglan, I need to talk to your mother."

Erida actually smiled at that, sometimes, although extremely rare, she wished Pader was Force-sensitive. He had more than enough contempt to go around.

Beth simply responded to his outburst impassively, "You forget yourself, Admiral. I do not take orders from the likes of you."

Erida mused at that and was happy to feel the ire in the girl; she really did dislike Pader for some reason.

However, the slight, nearly non-existing smile vanished with Pader's next words, "You will get your mother now. And you will take orders from me, if for no other reason than the fact that I am your father."

Erida felt Beth's sudden shock and instant bewilderment. It was time to take over the conversation. She calmly moved into the cam and said, "Pader. What news of Naboo?"

But Beth was suddenly filling Erida's sense with anxious energy. Pader never had a chance to answer the question as Beth bellowed, "That pathetic piranha beetle is my father?"

Pader looked at the girl and snickered, "Who were you expecting, princess? Kyp Durron? Ben Skywalker? Or maybe you were expecting someone like Jagged Fel?" He laughed at her wounded expression and added, "Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, daughter."

"I will never accept you as my father. You are a failure and a disposable pawn," Beth spat at the image.

Erida who at first was going to put a stop at the exchange smiled instead. So, the secret is out and from the sound of it neither one of them have any feeling outside of disgust toward each other. Perfect.

Pader tired of the insults turned toward Erida and smiled but it was a cold, heartless one, "So, Lina, you didn't think I'd figured it out, did you? I often wondered why you were so willing to have that affair with me. When I met up with you a few years later and found that you had a daughter, who incredibly looks a lot like I did at a similar age, it wasn't hard to figure out that you needed a sperm donor."

She laughed and said, "Oh, Pader, you were and are more useful to me than that." Then she became deadly serious, held out her hand and watched as Pader grabbed at his throat. It was time to put her puppet back in his place. "But you need to remember who is in charge. And who gives the orders."

Pader stared at the holocam and sputtered disbelievingly, "Erida?" He fell to his knees and finally he choked, "How?"

Eventually, not really wanting to kill him but to teach him a lesson like she had that stooge, Foust, she released the grip and in a venomous voice said, "Now, Admiral Barrett, you will remember who you are dealing with. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

Pader rubbed his throat while he gasped for breath, but he didn't get off his knees. He nodded and whispered hoarsely, acquiescently, "Yes, milady."

"Good." She turned from the image but knew she was still in the cam's view. With her back to him she asked, "Now, you will answer my original question. What is the news from Naboo? And is everything set on Corellia?"

She sensed Pader's hesitation and turned to look over her shoulder at him. His frightened expression was all the answer she needed. She turned angrily back to him, "You failed. Again."

He swallowed and winced at the pain it caused him from where she had nearly crushed his windpipe and esophagus, or maybe he winced in apprehension of what her response would be. Either way he finally said, "The strike team was prevented from performing the assassination."

She fumed but remained calm as she asked, "The Jedi?"

He looked at her and she could nearly palpate his fear, "Alive," Pader swallowed again and quickly added, "Although, Valin Horn is still unconscious."

"Unconscious isn't dead, Barrett. And Durron is still alive and well. She is a thorn in my side. I needed the queen, Durron and Horn dead. Did I not make myself clear?"

He nodded, "Yes, milady. But I told you killing them would be difficult."

She glared at him and nearly reached out across time and space to touch the Force again and finish him off. But she stopped herself before she gave into the temptation. Unfortunately, she needed Pader Barrett more than she was even willing to admit to herself. He was the key to her plot against the Chief-of-State. Such a big key she nearly dreaded his answer to her next question, "And Corellia?"

He seemed to breathe easier as he replied, "Everything is set. CorSec will be busy figuring out who murdered their director while we make our escape with Syal." He was arrogant enough then to allow a small chilling smile. "It's much easier when it will be me doing the killing this time. Myri will never know what hit her."

Again, that evil gleam in his eyes and again Erida wondered who or what made Pader Barrett one of the most heartless men she had ever known—a man so willing to kill his own family for the promise of power. No, she took it back, she was suddenly glad Pader couldn't touch the Force. The galaxy wasn't big enough for two students of Darth Sidious.

However, she also needed his niece, the queen of Naboo, gone. Her plan was to make sure someone secretly on her payroll was placed on the thrown. Elections were easy to rig and swing, but she needed that snot nosed brat out of office. And then there was the issue of Horn and Durron. There were three Jedi Knights that were a real problem for her, the third one was Doran Tainer but he was willingly doing her bidding at the moment and would be taken care shortly. Horn, another master of disguise and infiltration, had always been a pain. He and his wife had impeded more than one of her plans. She had taken care of Veila Horn, but her husband had slipped through her fingers yet again. Durron was just an all around nuisance. She had prevented twenty-five assassinations in the past four years all of them directly or indirectly ordered by Erida.

Finally, she said so quietly she almost wondered if he heard her but the fear in his eyes told her that he did, "I will not tolerate one more failure, Admiral. The next time I will kill you." And with that said she severed the connection.

Now it was time to move on to the next order of business—the Fels and the Jedi infiltrators. But as she turned, she found Beth standing behind her with a look in her eyes that would have caused anyone else to shudder. The girl held her lightsaber and Erida noticed her gripping it with white knuckles. Suddenly, Erida knew it was time to move her apprentice to the next step. She smiled inwardly at the hatred radiating from her, but at least it wasn't all directed at her mother, Beth found a new object to hate—her father.

X

Cleven Fel glanced over at his wife and briefly met her concerned red glowing eyes; they held the gaze for several minutes until the guard behind Cleven shoved him to move faster down the blinding white tunnel-like corridor.

"Keep moving, Chiss scum," said the indignant voice that spoke through a voice synthesizer of a black mask. Cleven couldn't even tell for sure if the being was human or just a humanoid.

However, he swallowed the sudden anger, and picked up his pace. He had no idea where he was headed, but he definitely didn't have a good feeling about it. It was the first time he had been outside of his cell and the first time he had seen Florin for over a month. He stole another glance at her and realized now sallow and drawn her face looked. Captivity hadn't treated the proud Chiss woman well. He had tried to touch her when he first saw her but was quickly rough-housed back into line where his guards wanted him. He was incapable of fighting. His hands and feet were restrained in stun cuffs. His only wish was that he could touch her, if only briefly. He only wanted to know that she was alright. He had missed her. And he needed to beg her forgiveness.

He had done well at tricking the Falleen guard Isalil into giving him bits and pieces of information that he passed on to the Jedi over the specialized spy commlink they had left for him. He wondered if Florin had been as successful at getting her guards to talk. But then he considered what he had to do to get his guard to leave him tib-bits of information and he suddenly hoped she hadn't the need to lower herself to that extent. Cleven didn't know if he'd ever be able to completely tell his wife what had transpired between him and Isalil. He hadn't had sex with the Falleen whose pheromones nearly drove him crazy every time she entered the small room that served as his cell; but he had came too close too many times for comfort and the last time he nearly caved. Sure, she gave him some really good information. Information about the Boss and her network of underlings on planets as far flung as Naboo, Ryloth, Yelsia and Tatooine and most disturbing was that she seemed to have a heavy interest in Corellia. But no amount of information was worth hurting the only woman he'd ever love.

He hadn't seen Isalil since, but then he assumed she was possibly annoyed at his rejection. It took every once of decency to fight the overwhelming response she garnered from him. But in the end he did. He didn't like remembering the incident and refused to let his mind wonder on the details of the lustful blood rush that forced him to kiss the reptilian alien and nearly rip her clothing away. However, he still remembered her words to him that she was becoming enamored with him, which only made her alluring chemicals all the more potentate. Glancing again at Florin, he shuddered at the memory.

However, just then the group stopped before elaborately engraved doors that depicted some sort of mythical monster devouring what looked like stars or suns. Suddenly, Cleven shuddered again as he felt very cold all of a sudden. Most cultures had borrowed or incorporated the ancient legend of the star dragon, and the Chiss were no different. He instantly knew he was about to meet the head of the dragon—the Dro'godda.

X

Cassie was wracking her brain trying to figure out where things had gone wrong for them and because she couldn't determine it, she was becoming extremely agitated. She and Doran rendezvous with Trepidation near the Dro'godda controlled planet of Ansion as they had been instructed. The Folly had been unloaded of its precious cargo and they had been expecting to be allowed to take the freighter and head back to Ord Montell and await further instruction.

However, that wasn't what happened. They had been detained and thrown into a detention cell. Sure, they could have easily escaped, but that would have only guaranteed a blown cover. At the time, the detention could have simply been a way for Dro'godda to assure that the cargo was the one the smugglers were sent to obtain. Doran's exclamation did make some sense to her, but she still had felt uneasy and she knew that he did as well.

They spent several days in the detention cell and really had no clear idea where they were, but Doran said that he had a feeling they were going back to the base in the Unknown Regions. Eventually, they were brought from the cell and led bound to a surprisingly new, fast and expensive Claster-class shuttle. Several moments later they entered the containment field of the asteroid base and landed in the hanger.

Cassie was shocked to see that it was filled with several hundred fighters. Old Eta-5's, newer Eta-6's, Stealth-X's, she even saw a few old A-wings, E-wings, Ties, Chiss Clawcraft, and Phantom-X's. It looked like the Dro'godda was preparing for a war. Techs were working on several of the ships and suddenly she realized they were modifying them by installing the cloaking devices. Cassie swallowed hard as she realized that if anyone was killed by the surprise attack of these craft, it would indirectly be her and Doran's fault. They had delivered those devices.

They were then led through the bright tunnel-like corridors in complete silence. She stole a glance at her uncle and was struck by his complete impassive expression and the feeling of total calm he projected. She wondered if he sensed what she was—a soul crushing darkness, which they were being lead towards. Odd, Cassie thought, they hadn't felt it when they were here a few weeks ago.

Suddenly, Cassie's heart began to pound as she remembered Bail's vision. Could this be it? No, it can't be, she mentally shook herself, they didn't even have their sabers. But then she remembered something else—the future is always in motion.

She glanced back at Doran and he must have felt her sudden fear. In her head she heard the Jedi Master's warning, Find calm, Cassie. Stay focused and calm.

But Bail's vision—she began to send back to him.

No, Cassie, we don't know that. Stay calm. The impression of firmness of the silent words was as much a command as a reassurance.

They turned down another corridor and soon found themselves before a massive set of carved doors with the depiction of the star dragon on them. Cassie glanced at Doran one more time and he meant her gaze. She felt him pull the Force around him to find that deep calm that seemed to be his specialty. But before she looked away, she felt his deep love he held for her as his only niece. She had always been close to her aunt and uncle, and she wrapped his love for her around her fear-stricken heart. She sent him her love and took a deep calming breath just as the doors opened.

The room was oddly lit with reddish light and it took her eyes a moment to adjust to the dimness. Her attention was immediately drawn to the thrown-like command chair that was facing a massive galaxy map that laminated the black wall before them.

Then Cassie turned her head after feeling a sudden spike of shock and subtle fear in the Force and saw the Fels off to the left. However, Cleven and Florin's faces betrayed nothing as they were restrained by four black armored guards. Cassie began to assess other details, trying to determine if they could get out of this. The Jedi were being held by six guards and there were at least six other guards in the room. The odds weren't good. Then she remembered something Meri Durron always said when things got sticky, I may not be completely Corellian, but I have enough in me to say: never tell me the odds. But she didn't feel much comfort in her friend's bravado. She swallowed hard against the dryness of her throat and against the cold fear that seemed to be consuming her.

She actually startled when she heard the silky, husky disembodied voice coming from the thrown. "Dro'godda is an ancient myth that tells of a mighty dragon that travels the galaxy devouring the weak stars and breathing out new and stronger ones." With that the chair turned on its repulsar, revealing a dark robed woman. Cassie guessed she was in her early forties and she had long red hair and icy blue eyes, which sent a shiver down her spine. The woman smiled, but it was cold, humorless, the kind produced by madness. "However, in a few weeks the myth will become reality."

Cassie saw movement from the side and noticed another darkly clad figure come forth. She was surprised to see a young teenage girl come to stand slightly behind the woman. She was wearing a black lightsaber hilt attached to her belt.

Doran said, "So, just who exactly are you?"

She cynically chuckled, "Ahh—Master Tainer. I am Erida, Dark Lady of the Sith."

"There are no Sith," Doran replied deadpan and completely in control.

Erida continued her cold smile and raised a russet brow, "No Sith. I'm terribly afraid Master Skywalker has been greatly misinformed. His father Vader and Emperor Palpatine were not the last of the Sith. Although, my Master had not been fully trained when her Masters were killed, she found a way to become fully trained and eventually found and apprenticed me. And now I'm the Master."

Surprisingly, Cassie heard the clipped accented voice of Florin ask, "Who was your master?"

The Sith turned her attention to the Fels, as if just noticing them, "She was best known as Lumiya."

"That can't be correct," Cassie finally spoke for the first time, "she's dead."

Erida laughed and it almost sounded genuine, "Yes, she is dead, but that unfortunate event wasn't until after she trained me, as is Sith tradition." Finally, as if tiring of a game, she asked Doran, "Master Jedi, did you really think you, or any pitiful Jedi, could really infiltrate Dro'godda?"

"We got further than anyone else," Cassie pointed out.

Again that heartless, crackling laugh, "Oh, Master Tainer, your niece has spirit, I'll grant her that." Then she said to Cassie, "That is because, young Cassie, I allowed you to get that far," Cassie felt her stomach clench with the look the other gave her, "Your family is quite adapt in walking into traps." There was a pause then she added, almost thoughtfully, "You know, you look very much like your mother. I do hope she became one with the Force."

Cassie felt the blinding grief that the thought of her mother's death always brought to her mind and heart. The thought that this monster was responsible for, not only the murder of her mother, but the attempts on her father, brother and Bail during the same botched mission, and most recently her father again and her friend Anakah, was enough to send her anger into action. She took a step forward but was quickly brought to her knees by an electrical shock from the staff one of the guards behind her was carrying, causing her to cry out at the sharp searing pain between her shoulder blades. The smell of burnt fabric filled the air.

"Cassie—" Doran called out with concern but Cassie's howl of both pain and frustration drowned him out.

"You!" she growled. "You are responsible for her death!" she seethed as she struggled against the restraints.

The woman sardonically leered, "Oh, yes, Knight Horn, I take full responsibility." Then she raised an eyebrow and continued in the sardonic tone, "Emmm—you do seem to be having difficulty with your fear and anger—your hate. I was under the impression Jedi could control their emotions better. You disappoint me."

"What are you going to do with us?" Cleven spoke up, but his voice barely registered in Cassie's brain.

She felt the blinding white loss all over again and she could taste the lust for revenge. But somewhere she fought to control it. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She knew she was powerless to fight this witch now. She would only succeed in getting herself and most likely them all killed. She needed to find some calm and peace. She began focusing on the pain she felt, both the physical from the electrical shock and burn, and the mental anguish she felt over the loss of her mother. Her mother had taught her this, but until now she never really used it. It was a skill Tahiri herself had come up with and was a mix of Jedi skills and Yuuzhan Vong precepts. The goal was to use the pain as a focusing method to find the clarity needed to strengthen one's resolve and one's power.

Slowly, Cassie began to find calmness and finally the heart wrenching fear and grief began to ebb away, being released with each exhaled breath along with her pain. Cassie then stood up which drew the attention back to her.

"Well, I'm impressed, Knight Horn," Erida stood and walked toward her. "That is a nice trick."

"My mother was as much Yuuzhan Vong as she was human," Cassie spat. "And I was her Apprentice."

Erida gazed at Cassie for a long moment as if appraising her. She felt the Sith's mental probes but she used the increased power in the Force to increase the strength of her shields. No one could get past her shields. Finally, Erida said as she turned away, "Yes, you were your mother's apprentice." Her words puzzled Cassie but Cleven's voice sounded again.

"Lady Erida, what are you going to do with us?" Cassie was actually impressed with the Chiss' ability to bury their emotions. Either that or they were taking this as any well trained soldier does any battle not of their choosing, with quiet determination.

The Sith looked at the Chiss captain and smiled, "Captain Fel, I'm sure you will be pleased. For, soon we will be having a little family reunion of sorts."

"What do you mean," Cleven asked warily.

Erida laughed and as she sat back down on the chair, her thrown, she began to rotate to look up at the map, "The dragon is hungry. It is time to feed. But you," she turned her head and looked at the four prisoners, "will be my guests and can watch. Feel honored, because I don't often take in guests, but I may still have a use for you; therefore, you are safe for the time being. Guards take them to their cells and make sure the ysalamari are placed. We wouldn't want our Jedi visitors getting any ideas."

Cassie then felt the hands of two guards on her shoulders roughly turning her and pushing her toward the door. However, she felt only cold as if she was on a freezing planet in the dead of winter. The only thought being, Please, sweet Force be with us. We need you.

X

"You have something to say, Daughter?" Erida didn't even turn toward Beth; she was engrossed in the map as the doors closed.

Beth looked at her mother and seethed accusingly, "You want to replace me with the Jedi Knight as your apprentice."

Erida slowly turned to meet her daughter's green eyes, standing she said, "What gives you that impression?"

"Because you think I'm inadequate. Isn't that why you killed my whisperkit? Why you refuse to allow me anything that I may find enjoyment in? Love? Because I didn't hate enough. Because I'm not angry enough. Well, Mother dearest, I hate and I'm angry. And I will not be replaced." With that the girl spun on her heel and headed toward the back entrance of the sanctum.

Erida almost stopped her but she didn't. She smiled instead. Some competition never hurt anyone.

May the best one win.

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