ALIVE
By Serena
A/N: Thanks for the reviews as always. Hope you all enjoy this chapter! :)
This chapter is dedicated to Liam Neeson, who just lost his beloved wife Natasha Richardson. My heart is broken for them.
That night, I had another dream about the mysterious Gon. Frustrated and confused, I poured out all of my fears on him, ranting and raving. "I feel so lost," I admitted with unwanted tears in my eyes. "I don't know what to do… or where to go… or who to trust. Vader wants me to be an Imperial officer, but how can I lead men when I don't even know myself?"
Gon put a comforting, warm hand on my shoulder in a tender motion. I swiped a sleeve under my nose rather ungracefully and then wiped the tears now dripping out of my eyes.
"Young one, everything is going to be all right," he soothed. "You do know yourself. Trust your own instincts. And trust in the Force to guide you."
"How can I trust something that I don't even understand?" I sobbed into his warm cloak. "Vader is trying to teach me about it, but he makes me feel so cold and hateful… then the next minute, I get these warm feelings from him. I don't know what to do, Gon. Tell me what to do."
He squeezed my shoulder and put his other arm around me. For some reason, I was reminded of a father's embrace. But whose?
"Young one," he rumbled, his voice vibrating deeply, "The Force has a light side and a dark side. Unfortunately, Vader is encased in the dark. But you must stay in the light, young one. I know you can. I will be here to help you. Do you trust me?" He pulled back to gaze down at me searchingly.
Slowly, I nodded. "Yes, I do."
He smiled. "Then come. We'll start your lessons with a simple meditation."
By the time I woke up, I felt more at peace than I could remember. I was alone, cold, and in the dark, but for some reason, it didn't bother me as much.
I could do this. I would do this.
Slipping out of bed, I went into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and ran a brush through my short hair that now bobbed slightly towards the front of my face. After that, I padded into the central living area and stared at the uniforms that had been laid out for me. One was that of an Imperial officer, the other was a black jumpsuit accompanied with tall black boots.
Vader was showing the choices – work for the Navy… or work for him.
After a momentary thoughtful pause, I sucked in a deep breath, chose the one that I knew would be best, and left the room to find Vader. Wracking my brain, I managed to remember the way to the bridge, where I immediately searched for Vader or Admiral Piett, the only person I could trust besides Vader. But unfortunately, I didn't see him there; and the other officers were now really staring at me.
This was a mistake.
I turned to leave, feeling awkward and frowned upon, but when a man said, "My lady", I turned. A taller man with an impassive face strode up to me, hands behind his back.
"You were looking for Lord Vader, I assume?"
"Yes," I answered quickly.
"He's in a private meeting right now with the Admiral," the man said. "I've just been summoned right now."
"Oh. Is this a bad time? I'll just talk to him later," I assured him.
His lips twitched ever so slightly upward. "As a matter of fact, my lady, Lord Vader has asked for you himself."
Of course. He must've known somehow that I was looking for him.
I jumped a bit when I heard Vader's deep baritone in my head: Indeed I did, Aisha. Follow the general, and he'll bring you to me. I believe we have much to discuss.
Yes, we do, I said, feeling suddenly nervous.
Oddly enough, I felt a touch of concern emanating from him. Are you… all right?
I didn't know why, but my heart warmed at the question. Yes, I'm fine. For now.
"Miss?" the man was staring at me strangely, and I blinked.
"You… are the general?" I asked.
"General Maximillian Veers, my lady." He nodded shortly. "Now we mustn't keep Lord Vader waiting. He is not a patient man." Without another word, he hurried down the corridor, causing me to break into a jog to keep up with him.
"How long have you been working for Vader, General?" I questioned conversationally as we strode down the corridors.
"A while now, miss."
"Is he… a good leader?"
"He is... efficient," he said.
"Is he a good man?"
Veers frowned. "May I ask the reason for these questions, miss?"
Why is he so hesitant?
"I'm merely curious, General," I replied, watching him carefully.
Veers suddenly halted and pressed the door lock on the side of the door. The doors slid open, revealing a large room with a round table surrounded by mostly empty chairs. However, the first things I noticed as I stepped in behind Veers were that two men sat in chairs – one was Admiral Piett.
The other looked, I had to say it, like a vagabond. His boots were up on the table, his position relaxed, with his arms resting casually behind his head. His hair, long and pulled into a ponytail, was dark tinted with silver, but his rugged face didn't look older than thirty-five. His clothing was less than standard – it was merely a brown vest that didn't cover much of his broad, muscular chest, light brown cargos, and thick leather gloves. His eyes were closed, but when the opened lazily, I saw two bright blue orbs appear. They blinked, focused, and stared sharply at me.
Then, his relaxed position straightened, and now looking wide awake, he proceeded to watch my every move as I stood beside Veers.
Stop staring at me, I thought, annoyed. He was very good-looking, I had to admit; someone I could maybe go for if I weren't so unsure of myself.
Vader stood somewhere in between Piett and the mysterious man. And for some reason, he seemed agitated. When we came in, he turned to us. "General Veers. Aisha." When I felt another hint of warmness, I almost smiled.
Vader was seemingly in a good mood today.
"Jixton," Vader suddenly snapped, glancing down at the stranger. "Boots off the table. Now."
All right… so he was in a good mood toward me today.
The stranger, apparently named Jixton, grinned lazily and slowly, childishly dragged his feet off the table. "Sure thing, Uncle Dee." Shooting me a smirk, he leaned back once more.
Uncle Dee? Vader has a relation?
To my surprise, Veers let out a big sigh and took a seat at the table. Unsure of what to do, I went over and sat next to Piett, staring across at Jixton. Piett, upon seeing me, glanced at me with a small smile. I returned it and looked at Vader.
"Lovely to see you're back, Jixton," Veers said dryly.
"Isn't it, though?" Jixton replied arrogantly. "So, what's with the chick?" He nodded to me.
Vader turned on him, and I just knew that he was glaring furiously at him. But I had a furious glare of my own for the man.
"Call me 'chick' again, Mr. Jixton," I told him in a dangerous and sharp tone, "And I'll personally make sure that you won't ever be having children."
While Vader and the two officers stared at me in disbelief, Jixton let out a burst of laughter. "Spicy thing, ain't ya?"
"You're asking for it, you piece of scum," I snapped, eyes narrowing.
Where is this coming from?
But Jixton only grinned wider. "You know it, babe."
"You dirty, rotten scoundrel!" I hissed, severely irritated by this man's gall. But for some reason, I was actually rather enjoying our conversation.
Scoundrel? Scoundrel? I like the sound of that.
I blinked as a rush of familiar – and unfamiliar emotions bloomed inside me, and I inhaled sharply at the feeling that made me breathless and almost euphoric at the same time. My eyes threatening to flutter shut, a myriad of images flashed in my vision.
Bodies close. Warmth.
Hands touching. Electricity.
Lips caressing. Flame.
Feelings blossoming. Love.
Stang.
In a whoosh, it was gone, leaving me feeling cold and bereft a mere second later. But that voice – it kept coming back, louder and clearer each time. But that didn't help the fact that I didn't know who it was.
Why can't I remember? I thought, pained. Why don't I know who you are?
"You're a spitfire," Jixton laughed, reeling me in back to the present moment.
"You're an idiot," I replied wryly.
"Jixton, that is enough," Vader growled, pointing a gloved finger at him warningly. I sensed another emotion radiating off him. Protectiveness. I'd felt it a few times before from Vader, but this one almost felt like a paternal concern.
Almost a… fatherly concern.
Looking to me, Vader said, "This is Sergeant Wrenga Jixton."
"Call me Jix," Jixton said amiably.
"Absolutely, you brainless bantha," I said with a perfectly serene face. Beside me, I heard Piett cough into his hand to hide a laugh and a smile. Veers merely raised an eyebrow.
"And this is Aisha," Vader said, now sounding a bit amused at my antics. "She is under my charge, Jixton."
"Ooh, peachy," Jix exclaimed, rubbing his gloved hands together. "A new addition to the family." Grinning mischievously at me, he said, "I guess that makes us cousins, huh?"
"You're delusional," I said.
Jix just laughed again. "I like her already, Uncle D. She's just like you - has your charming temper."
"That is enough, Jixton!" Vader growled in a dark tone. But I not only detected anger from him – I sensed a bit of fear as well, which I found curious. What would he have to be afraid of? If anyone, Jix would have reason to be afraid. Vader's patience, I saw, was quickly waning. "I did not come to hear you two bicker like children."
"Hey, if the shoe fits," I broke in.
"You're one to talk," Jix shot back.
I gave him a pitying look and a slow smile. "Yes, I can certainly talk, but at least I can form actual sentences."
Jix's eyes narrowed, but Vader interrupted him before he could say anything in return. "General, Admiral, Jixton has just returned from a mission on Cortec. It appears that the Moff there is not paying the Empire tribute – instead, he is lending money to the enemy. That is our next course."
"Sir," Veers said, shooting me a sideways glance. "What about the prisoner in our holding cell?"
"He knows nothing," Vader rumbled. "It appears that the ship was merely a transport vessel. He is not connected with the Rebellion."
"Then perhaps we should seek… other sources," Veers said.
Why do I get the feeling that I'm missing something important here? I thought suspiciously as I studied Veers carefully. Nothing seemed out of place just while looking at him, and he wasn't staring at me, but something didn't feel right about his tone.
"There are no other sources, general," Vader told him. Again, a hint of warning rang across through clearly in his voice. "Not so far, at least. But continue your search. There may be other vessels nearby."
"Right away, sir." The general nodded obediently and rose to his feet. "Admiral." He nodded to Piett, shot a dry look to Jix, and then lastly gave me a long, strange glance before hurrying out of the room.
I sat back in my seat, biting my lip pensively. That was odd.
After he left, Vader gave some orders to Piett, who shot me another small smile before leaving himself. When the door shut behind him, Vader turned to me and appraised me, pleased.
"So, Aisha," Vader said. "You have made a decision."
I nodded, swallowing. "I have. And I think you already know the answer."
"Yes. You have made a wise choice," he rumbled. "I have a feeling you will do well as my personal agent."
Glancing at Jix, who looked perfectly at ease, I asked, "Why is he still here? Is he… really your nephew?"
Vader scoffed. "Hardly. Jixton here is another agent of mine. More brawn than brains, I'm afraid."
"Hey! I resent that!" Jix said, frowning up at the dark lord.
"You mean you resemble that," I said with a quirky smile. "Try to keep up, Jixton, even though I know it will be hard for you."
Jix glared at me. "Ya know, if I didn't know any better, I'd definitely say you two were really related. It's eerie how much your personalities are alike. And scary."
"Indeed," said Vader in a low voice. Turning to me again, he continued, "Aisha, I have decided that Jixton will assist you in readying yourself for future missions. Despite his lack of respect for his superiors, he does have experience in the field."
"Training? From him?" I said, frowning.
Jix grinned. "That's right, coz. You'll be takin' orders from your ol' cousin Jix."
"She will take orders from me, Jixton," Vader corrected. "As do you."
"But…" I didn't want to say it in front of Jix. Mentally I sent: What about you training me? Was he going to give that up?
We will still continue, Aisha, Vader assured me. Jix will only give you training in other areas. But your training with me is the most vital. Do you understand?
All right, I said uncertainly. I was not entirely sure how I felt about that yet. I certainly didn't want a repeat of last time's episode.
Vader glanced down at Jix and said, "I will leave you two to get started. Do not aggravate me again, Jixton." I heard a hidden warning in his voice that caused Jix to nod in obedience. Once he'd left the room, his cloak sweeping behind him, Jix looked at me and grinned.
"You hungry?"
I couldn't help but smile back. "Famished."
For the first time since my accident, I felt things were looking up.
For now, at least.
Reviews are always appreciated - let me know what you think!
- Serena