The Finale Part III of III: The Final Chapter

Rania Temple straightened her uniform uncertainly, she was nervous, reasonably nervous. This was the first time she had ever met the Director of Imperial Intelligence alone since becoming an official Cipher Agent.

Just call her Cipher Ten.

After taking a minute to compose herself she walked into the Director's office to see that she was not alone with him. Sitting in a chair next to the Director's desk, was the Emperor.

And just when she had gotten herself under control.

"Y-y-your Grace," she stammered, bowing exactly 90 degrees in front of him.

The tattooed Emperor smiled. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Cipher Ten. Please sit down, make yourself comfortable."

He waved his hand and a chair slid behind her from the corner of the office.

"At ease Agent" The director said from behind his desk. encouraging her to sit down.

She sat down, but besides the fact that she was physically in a chair it was no different from her standing position.

"Now Agent, your superior Cipher Nine has personally reccomended you for this mission, and if I may be frank, this kind of mission only happens once in a career. That is why the Emperor himself is here. The details of this mission will be held between the three of us and only us."

"I appreciate Cipher Nine's reccomendation and will try my best to live up to it."

The Emperor snickered "You were correct my friend, she is eager."

"Now Agent, this is an undercover mission, placing you directly into enemy territory. It will be a long term infiltration. It could be decades before you return."

She shrugged "Whatever it takes to best serve the Empire."

"I like your attitude Agent."

Raina bowed her head "Thank you your Grace."

"Now you will of course completely have to disregard your identity, you will need to practice speaking without your accent and we'll have to set up a complete new identity, backstory, family, perhaps even some cosmetic changes to your appearance."

Raina nodded, checking all those points off in her head. "Director? May I ask a question?"

"Of course Agent."

"What organization am I infiltrating?"

The Emperor and Imperial Intelligence Director both exchanged looks before the Emperor answered.

"Agent, you will be infiltrating the Jedi Order."

"So my brother crossed the Empire? Cheers! He was always a fool anyway, Empress you may have just done me the greatest possible favor."

Vette sighed and took a cautious sip of the drink one of Bo'No the Hutt's slaves had offered her. She winced at the taste, thinking that she'd probably get more enjoyment drinking starship fuel.

"So are you saying we have a deal then?"

"Well well I wouldn't say that yet. What exactly does the Empire want out of this business agreement?"

"We're not asking for much Bo'No. Basically what we want of the Cartel is for you to make the Republic's life as annoying as possible."

The Hutt roared in laughter. Vette never liked the way Hutts laughed, and from the painted on expression of pleasantness on his face she could tell Arrryyn didn't like it either.

She liked her husband's apprentices. Although she and Jaesa had not gotten along at first, they had become closer over time and now Vette counted the psychotic former Jedi as a close friend. She had adored Saria like a sister and her death couple with Julius' kidnapping had been crippling. Arrryyn was very interesting for a Wookiee, great to have in a fight and amusing in a dark sarcastic kind of way just like her. The only one who Vette hadn't really gotten to know yet was Kira Carsen, so she was still reasonably reserved around her.

"Although after seeing the way my brother was killed I would be wise not to refuse wouldn't I?" the Hutt mused, staring directly at Arrryyn.

"Say the word and I can do a repeat performance." the Wookiee muttered under his breath and even though Vette elbowed him in the ribs she and Vector both couldn't help but giggle a bit.

Either the Hutt didn't understand Shyrriwook or he didn't hear Arrryyn because he ignored the jab.

"Your terms are nice little Empress and I don't see the Republic winning this war. I'd like to be on the winning side so I agree to your deal."

Vette smiled, her best charming smile that members of all species adored. "We appreciate your business. My husband will be in contact soon."

Xalek trotted off the shuttle when it reached Korriban's surface and almost tripped over a very upset Ashara.

"I don't like this."

The Kaleesh rolled his eyes and pulled the Togruta over to a corner of the landing pad where the troops couldn't see.

"You are Sith now" he warned.

"Children Xalek! Little kids!"

"Do you believe in the lessons our Master has taught us?"

"Wha...? I...Of course I do!"

"Do you agree that the Jedi Order has flawed ideals?"

"...Yes..."

"Wouldn't you wish for these children to learn what you and I have learned?"

She thought about that one for a moment. "Yes."

His eyes bored into her "And are you or are you not the Head of this Academy as appointed by the Emperor himself?"

She just nodded lamely.

"Then teach them! I bring you students to teach! To show the true nature of the Force! Think you can do that?"

"Yes" she whispered quietly.

"Good. Very good. Now let's go."

Xalek didn't talk much but when he did, he did not mince words.

Sahesri hated meetings like this. The Grand Moff Council was his latest project to reform. Like the Dark Council before he had begun his reformations, the Moffs had been allowed to run without a leash for too long.

Unacceptable.

"I hate ass kissing" Casia mused as she stared out the window of the shuttle.

"You think there's going to be ass kissing?"

Casia turned to face him and smirked.

"We're Sith. There's always going to be ass kissing.

"Look at what the Empire has come to! Taking orders from aliens and former slaves! You are no Emperor of mine!"

It only took a blink from Sahesri and the Moff who had been berating him for the entirety of the meeting, fell to the ground, his head burst open like a melon.

"Now, can we return to business please?"

Alot of ass kissing followed.

Jaesa hadn't returned to Alderaan for some time. Not since she had left her homeworld with Master Karr. It was strange to be here. But, her Master had asked her to go and check on an Imperial contact, make sure he was performing to their expectations.

Before Sahesri had come to power, the Empire had removed their visible forces from Alderaan but continued to back certain houses from behind the scenes. And Jaesa had decided that it would be a good leanring experience for Odelio, even though he was young and would not receive proper Sith training until he was older, it was never too early to learn your way around politics.

The young boy walked beside her, his new pet nexu trailing on his other side. He had dressed in a simple black and purple tunic with a black cloak wrapped around him, it was winter on Alderaan so he held his cloak close to his body.

"Is this where you grew up?" he asked.

"Yes" she replied, taking the boy's hand in hers. "What do you think of it?"

The five year old's nose wrinkled "Everyone keeps looking at Ayala. I'm trying to convince her not to cause a scene."

She laughed and looked down at the nexu kit, since they had found her in the forests of Dromund Kaas, she had realized that Odelio could connect with animals through the Force. He could hear the nexu's thoughts in a way. That is how he had found his pet, he had experienced dreams of a young animal alone in the forest and asked Jaesa to help him find it. After a day long search, they had found the orphan nexu and took her in.

"Did you miss it here?" the boy asked.

"My, you are asking alot of questions today."

"But Casia said that asking questions means you have a curious mind and a curious mind is the greatest asset one can ask for."

Jaesa grinned, that sounded liker fiance alright.

"No I don't miss it. Do you miss Kashyyyk?"

Odelio thought for a moment "I miss the Wookiees. I didn't like living in the garrison but when my Mommy and Daddy would send me to the Wookiee village that was always when I had the most fun."

"Maybe, we'll accompany Lord Arrryyn and The Emperor to Kashyyyk one day and you can show me the village." she said with a wink.

He grinned "Can we? That would be amazing!"

"We'll see...now come on, we're here. You and Ayala stay behind me okay?"

"Okay" he said, slipping behind her.

They walked into the office of one Duke Kendoh Thul. Sahesri had warned Jaesa that although the man was not to be trusted, he was loyal to the Empire almost to a fault. But every figurehead needed a little bit of...motivation.

"Duke Kendoh, it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

"Ahhh, Jaesa Wilsaam! Your reputations preceeds you. Please, please, make yourself comfortable. Who is this?"

"This is my ward. Odelio, say hello to Duke Kendoh."

"Hello my lord" Odelio said with a slight bow of his head.

"Such a polite boy. That is rare amongst today's youth. You will get far in life with such manners young man."

The boy said nothing but continued to pet Ayala's head.

"Now our forces have pinned back The Organas and the Ulgos. But they have resorted to guerrila tactics to attack our outposts and bases of operations. They have Republic forces aiding them. We may not be able to hold our bases for much longer."

"And what do you plan to do about that Duke?"

"Lord Wilsaam, we are of course prepared to do whatever is neccesary. But we will need more help from the Em-"

Before he could finish his sentence he was lifted off of his chair, grabbing fitfully at his crushing windpipe.

"Duke Kendoh, are you trying to tell me that you can't come with a solution to this problem on your own in the position that my Master put you in?"

"N-n-no-m...my lord...I...ap-appreciate all t-the E-emperor has done for m-m-me."

Jaesa released her hold and the nobleman fell to the ground gasping for breath. Jaesa knelt down before him.

"Now Duke you will have more assistance from the Empire only on the basis that we need Alderaan. But you cannot always come to us like a child begging for help. Remember that. The Empire does not sufferincompetence kindly."

She stood up and kicked the Duke right in the ribs, her boot making a resounding crack.

"Let's go" Jaesa said to Odelio and the boy fell into step behind her.

It wasn't until they were outside the Thul Palace that Jaesa said anything more.

"Do you understand why I had to hurt him?"

Odelio thought for a moment "I'm not sure."

"People are motivated in different ways. Some need credits, others need promises of wealth and others need to be motivated through pain."

"Why pain?"

Jaesa shrugged "Some people need control over them. Someone to show them who is in charge. Everyone is different though, one day you'll be able to figure this out in the people you encounter. Do you understand now?"

"I think so."

Jaesa smiled and ruffled the boy's hair, "Good."

"You are a genius my love."

Vette grinned "You know you could really get to a girl's ego with all those compliments."

Sahesri gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. "Wouldn't want that. Hey Augustus, can you get Daddy that datapad?"

The infant gurgled happily and the datapad on Sahesri's desk floated to him through the Force.

"He gets better and better at that everyday" Vette said watching her son proudly.

"He has strength in his blood. I remember when I was a baby and I would knock down my sister Alavari's blocks."

"You never told me your sister's name before."

Sahesri smiled sadly "Alavari and Caedus was my brother."

Vette walked over to her husband and sat on his lap. "We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

He shook his head "It's just their names right? My father was Maksil and my mother was Cyrna."

"Maksil and Cyrna and their children Alavari, Caedus and Sahesri." She let the names settle on her lips and smiled. "How perfect."

"And now there's Sahesri, C'ena, Augustus and Julius." He wrapped his arm around her. "Even though we're split up from him. He's still a part of us yes?"

"Yeah" she agreed with a nod and quickly brought their lips together.

He pressed a hand to her slightly swollen stomach.

"And this baby is a part of us...a part of them too."

"I always liked the look of the dress uniform" Kira said as she adjusted Kex's jacket. "So classically handsome."

"Yeah?" he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "You clean up pretty well yourself Carsen."

She grinned and twirled around, her shimmery black gown accentuating all the curves of her slim body.

He smiled and pulled her close. "I'm afraid I'm going to need to inspect the troops." he growled, and trailed down her neck with his tongue.

She sighed and closed her eyes happily. "Knock it off you! We're going to be late."

"I don't care" he whispered and continued his ministrations.

"I know you don't silly but we have reputations remember?"

"Fuck that, let me fuck you."

"Kex..." she warned.

"Ugh fine. But mark my words, I will get yout of that dress Carsen."

She gave him one final kiss "You're on Agent."

Jaesa couldn't help but stare at herself in the mirror. She was so used to dressing more for function than for beauty. Even on the rare occasions that she got herself all done up, it was almost impossible to recognize herself.

But a wedding dress? Astounding.

"You look great" Vette said with a grin and helped her to fix her hair.

"You think so?" Jaesa asked nervously, Force she was a powerful Sith Lord but she was nervous on her wedding day? Who would have thought?

"Vette, I need to tell you something."

"Ok" the twi'lek Empress said absentmindedly as she continued to help Jaesa with her makeup.

"Vette...I...I know I haven't always been the easiest person to get along with."

"That is an understatement."

"Listen! It's my wedding day and I'm trying to be heartfelt!"

Vette chuckled and sat down across from her "Ok, you have my full attention."

"I know things between us haven't always been the greatest but I just want you to know that I really appreciate you. You've really helped me to be a better person."

Vette felt tears spring to her eyes. "Jaesa you bitch, you're going to ruin my makeup."

The girls both laughed and couldn't help themselves. They hugged and it was a nice moment, a great and needed one between two young women thrown into war too early for their time.

"Jaesa I have something I need to tell you too." Vette said, dabbing away the tears from her eyes.

"What?"

"I'm pregnant."

Jaesa's eyes widened "Pregnant? How...how far along?"

"Not far. Sahe and I just found out."

Jaesa grinned and hugged her friend "Congratulations."

"Thank you Jaesa."

Before they could say any more there was a knock "Come in."

"Darling you look beautiful" Parvin Wilsaam said, tears coming to her eyes. But then she noticed Vette. "Your...your Grace, I'm sorry. I did not see you there."

"It's quite alright." Vette said warmly "And please, call me Vette. Jaesa is a part of our family, so that means you and your husband are as well."

She checked her watch "Jaesa, I'll leave you alonw with your parents okay? See you out there." She winked and politely left her alone.

"How is she?" Sahesri asked when she sat down next to him, Arrryyn, Pierce and Quinn.

"Reasonably nervous but she looks amazing."

For the wedding of two Sith it was unbelievably romantic. A short and simple ceremony but it conveyed everything. Vette couldn't help but shed a tear or two and she just happened to glance in Quinn's direction to see that he was bawling like a baby.

She pulled Sahesri's arm to get him close to her. "Do you see Quinn right now?"

"Yes I do. Trust me, this is emotional blackmail to be used at a later date. Just like the time we got Siqueya to attack him in the middle of the night."

She squeezed his hand "I knew I loved you for that devious mind of yours."

He grinned and squeezed her hand back.

"Now I now pronounce Lord Jaesa Wilsaam and Lord Casia Kallig married under Imperial law. You may now seal this union with a kiss."

As Casia and Jaesa indulged in their wedding kiss, Vette and Sahesri exchanged a quick peck and Sahesri placed his hand protectively around her belly. Behind them, an Imperial Agent kissed his favorite Sith apprentice's forehead and muttered the four words she had been dying to hear someone say to her.

"I love you Kira."

There was hope in the Empire. Hope that they could acheive, that they could love, they could be happy. They weren't monsters. They were people like any other, with dreams, responsibilities, flaws and perfect moments. As Casia, Jaesa and Odelio smiling happily, a true united family. Sahesri knew there would be hope for them yet.

I will not allow this, this moment to be destroyed. I will not allow this Empire to fall.

On the war-torn planet of Ord Mantell, the Miralan Jedi Knight Siri Talai was summoned to a small and crowded cantina. Her associate, Master Jarec Kaedan was already waiting for her.

"Where's the girl?"

He pointed "She's waiting over there. I told her to be ready to go."

The Jedi made their way through the packed cantina to a corner booth where a girl in a simple black jacket, white shirt and black pants was sitting waiting for them.

"Maia. I'd like you to meet my associate, Jedi Knight Talai. She'll be coming to back to Tython with us."

The young woman looked up and smiled shyly. "Hello."

Yes Siri could feel it. This young woman definitely was sensitive to the Force but it was untrained. Even though the Jedi didn't like to take adults into their ranks, this was a war. They needed all the support they could get.

"You'll love Tython Maia, there's nowhere else like it in the Galaxy."

The girl's brown eyes lit up "I can't wait to go! When do we leave?"

Master Kaedan smiled warmly "Right away, are you ready?"

Maia grinned "I've never been more ready for anything Master Jedi."

As the three walked to the door together, Siri couldn't help but muse aloud "I have a feeling Maia that your future with us will be a bright one."