"Wake up, Numa," a beautiful young purple twi'lek said to Jules Roy who was ten years old. Jules moaned as she reluctantly opened her eyes to see her sister dressed in fine silk and a full face of makeup. She was prepared to perform her dance routine for the Imperial Officials that were stationed at the palace and ruling over Ryloth. The two of them had been living in the palace as slaves for nearly a year.
"What is it Feza," Jules sat up rubbing her eyes, focusing on her older sister. Fezana Roy was only six years older than Jules, but had to grow up quickly in the last year. Especially since now she was the only thing her little sister had left. Both their parents had been publicly executed for speaking out against Ryloth's Occupation and willingness to serve the Empire. Luckily for the two young twi'leks, Fezana Roy was keen for her age and had secured positions for them in the palace as slaves to the Imperial Occupation Minster to avoid being sent offworld to a labor camp. Unluckily for Feza, her remarkable beauty, even for twi'lek standards, had her position as a dancer for entertainment. She feared that as her sister grew older she would face the same degrading fate.
"Come," Feza said, pulling her sister from bed and handing her a fully packed backpack.
"Where are we going?" Jules said, slipping on her shoes.
"Listen to me Julava," She said frantically. "You must leave this place. I've packed you food and water for two days. Go through the canyon away from the capital and find passage away from this hell."
"Feza," Jules, confused by her sister's orders, felt her heart drop as her sister secured a handful of credits into her jacket pocket and embraced her tightly. "What about you?"
"My fate is sealed I'm afraid, Ma sareen" Feza said, placing Jules's lekkus in front of her shoulders gently. "But I won't have my sister suffer as I do. Promise me Julava, if you make it out, don't look back. Strike down all who dare to oppress our kind or anyone for that matter."
"FEZANA!" called the matron twi'lek who was in charge of all the slave dancers. "What are you doing?! You were supposed to be on the main floor ten minutes ago."
"Coming!" Feza answered as she held back tears. "Go numa. It will bring me strength to endure these Imperial kungs knowing you are free."
"Fezana! Now!" the matron called. Feza stood and rushed off to the main throne room. Jules watched her sister leave the slave quarters with a feeling of dread. The two of them had not been separated since the day they were orphaned and she wasn't about to leave her only family behind.
Jules made her way to the throne room using the servant's passageway she knew well. Usually if she finished her work early she would sneak into the throne room to watch her sister dance for the Imperial Minister and the other high ranking Ryloth officials. Jules despised them, especially the twi'leks that were more than happy to serve the Empire by enslaving their own. Feza had no idea Jules had seen her perform and would have been mortified to find her sister had seen the things she had to do to appease those in power. Jules though tired to focus on her sister's strength and grit to survive. With every movement of her body she bought one more day of life for them.
But today was different. As Jules watched from safety a level up, she was mortified to see the throne room had been transformed into a small fighting pit. The dancers had been encaged with a young rancor chasing them for wagers.
RWAR!
The dancers scattered trying to dodge the beast in the small confined area as the Imperial Governing Parties laughed from the safety of their seats.
"This is more entertaining than podracing," one shouted.
"I bet forty credits on the green tailhead!" another yelled.
Jules wanted to scream but was paralyzed as she saw Fezana trip over her dancing costume and fall to the ground. She turned holding up her arms across her face as the Rancor mauled her to death.
"AH!" Jules sat up in her bed reaching for her blaster. She panted and realized she was alone in her apartment on Chandrila. It was only a nightmare. She rose and made her way to the bathroom to wash her face hoping the cold water would calm her. She looked up into the mirror and saw how tired she looked. She had done remarkably well since the New Republic had been instituted across the galaxy. She had helped hunt down warlords and other high ranking officials after Endor. Even though it was a long shot, she had hoped in the hunt she would have found some of the officials that were present the day her sister had perished. But truthfully she knew she would never find them all. She was too young and had no names to go off. So for her, every imperial she came across shared the responsibility of her sister's death. She adjusted her lekkus in front of her shoulders as her sister once did. She smiled and spoke to her reflection in the mirror, "Strike them down."
After showering and dressing in her New Republic Officer Uniform, she walked through the Chandrilla capital with poise. She had been stationed there for nearly a year taking charge of prisoner transfers awaiting trial for high war crimes. She took pride in her new position and had developed a reputation throughout the New Republic Defense Forces as someone not to be messed with. Though nothing beat the satisfaction she got when hunting down an ex-imperial and bringing them to justice. Only there was something she didn't want anyone to know: she had a secret.
Months earlier many of the warlords and high ranking imperial officers were being granted plea deals if they supplied the New Republic with valuable information on other fugitive officials as well as other assets such as bases and weaponry that would aid the Republic in rebuilding the government. Jules was infuriated with the decision, especially when it came to the Imperial Minister of Ryloth. She found this unacceptable and took matters into her own hands. Jules made contact with the slavers guild and funneled the old minister to a fate she felt more deserving of his crimes. It was easier than she expected. No one had followed up on if the minister had made it to his designated location of home arrest, which gave Jules the green light to continue delivering justice whenever she felt it necessary. Her count was up to two dozen now, but she needed to be careful. Especially now that one of her closest friends was around more often– Lee Tersu.
"Prisa, look who it is, it's your Auntie Jules," Lee said, holding Prisa's hand as she walked through the city steadily with her father. She was now three years old and beginning to show her personality: spunky and observant.
"Don't call me that," Jules said, annoyed as she saw her old comrade lift his child up into his arms. She found herself resentful of the fact that her once fierce partner was merely a stay at home father while his wife took center stage in the political ring. Rya was doing well as a senator and had commissioned a large amount of bills and laws that helped Lothal continue to rebuild and stabilize its economy. "I'm not family."
"The hell you are," Lee corrected and smiled. Jules sighed and looked at Prisa reluctantly. "What's with you? You look as though you drank spoiled blue milk this morning."
"Just busy. I don't have time to mosey about like you," Jules replied sharply.
"You spend a day with this one and you'll see there's not a dull moment," Lee smiled, letting Prisa down.
He had to admit his life had taken a turn. He was enjoying life in Chandrila as much as he could but it was no comparison to life on the farm. They had been in the Galactic Capital for two years now and Rya had become one of the popular senators among the citizens. The downside was with her growing success the less time she had at home. Lee was glad he was able to be Prisa's sole caretaker but worried Rya was missing out on key moments with their daughter. Fortunately Prisa was an easy child and was still young enough not to notice Rya's absence.
"Oh I bet," Jules remarked. "She must be easier than Denz was during the war."
"I agree with you on that," Lee laughed. He was uneasy about Denz who was now spending more and more time with his wife. "You should see him these days."
"Lee," Jules said with concern in her voice. "Is this what you pictured after the war?"
"I suppose," Lee said, not fully convinced of his own answer. "I mean I guess I never took into account the reconstruction of the government or being away from Lothal again."
"Then why are you?" Jules pressed. "Didn't you get your family farm back?"
"Yeah that's a whole other story," Lee vaguely said and he thought of Lenore. There was a perk of being in the Galactic Capital. He had been dropping in and out of Republic Surveillance a few times a week to chit chat with former soldiers while at the same time using their system to see if there had been any trace of Lenore being tracked or arrested.
"Ever consider working with me?" Jules offered. "Defense Forces could use a seasoned fighter like you to strategy and help hunt down these Imps that think they can evade justice."
"My fighting days are over," Lee said. "Besides, I'd rather Prisa was raised by one of her parents and not a stranger."
"Honestly, you seem like a stranger yourself," Jules confessed as Lee looked at her surprised and offended. "Lee Tersu, the boy from Tarkintown turned freedom fighter, one of the top Rebel Intelligence Agents who fought in the battle of Scarrif, Yavin, Hoth, and Endor, now merely a stay at home husband playing nurse droid."
"Hey now!" Lee yelled. "The war is over Jules. It's time to lay down the blaster and enjoy life. Live a little. Find some peace or what else were we fighting for?"
"Vengeance," Jules said coldly, taking a step closer to look into his eyes. "You yourself know it's not over. The way these politicians are treating ex-imperials for any shred of information is unforgivable. Half of them will never see a day of true justice. I didn't fight all this way to see imps slip through the cracks to regroup and rise again."
"Neither did I," Lee admitted. He knew Jules had a point, and from overhearing conversations between Rya and Denz, knew the Republic was ignoring the consequences of their actions in the long run.
"I know you love being a father, Lee. It suits you, really. But the Republic could use you,"Jules said calmly. It was nice to see not all her common sense had been lost to revenge.
"I get where you're coming from," Lee admitted. "But Prisa is not going to need me the way she does forever….I don't want to miss out on it the way my parents did with me and…"
Lee stopped himself. He had never told Jules about Lenore and with her hatred for Imperials he knew it would be unwise to reveal the secret to his old partner.
"You and?" she repeated, realizing there was something Lee was hiding. Did he have a sibling? Had he lost them just as she had lost her sister? "I'm sorry you old loth-rat. I didn't mean to go so hard on you. I just hate seeing your sacrifice go to waste. If you change your mind, I'm only a call away."
She hugged Lee tightly hoping it wouldn't be long before he called and followed in her footsteps. She waved at Prisa before departing and continued down to the Defense Forces Headquarters when a strange thought entered her mind.
Prisa…..Prisa…where have I heard that name before?
Lee made his way back to their apartment in the capital. It was modest in comparison to the other senators' homes. Denz had wanted to make the transition to city life as smooth as possible for Tersu's. Little did he know that Lee was no stranger to capital life. He and Lenore had been born in the capital of Lothal.
The first year of his parents' marriage was bliss. His father Riv had several bids for business contracts with the Imperial Capital Departments and hoped that one would change the young couple's fortune. Riv never felt the Empire's presence in Lothal was oppressive in the beginning. On the contrary he saw it as a blessing for jobs and security, which had been non-existent during the Old Republic. His mother Prisa, being a true Lothalite at heart, knew the Empire, despite all its promises, was not to be trusted.
In less than a year, the hardship of living in the capital set in. The Tersu's debt had grown and none of Riv's business bids had been picked up. Prisa was lonely in the capital, but the arrival of Lee and Lenore changed everything. Once the twins were a year old, she decided they would go back to the farm.
Lee placed Prisa down in her room for a nap and pulled a blanket over her. She wiggled her nose and gave into slumber. He smiled, kissed her forehead, and walked out to their balcony to watch the sun lower in the late afternoon. It was nothing compared to the suns on Lothal. As the noise of the traffic grew, Lee sighed wondering if Jules was right. Was he wasting his sacrifice? Was his focus on being a parent so narrow he was blind to what was going on around him? He thought of Cassian Andor's last words to him:
"You're a good fighter, Tersu, but you need to look up from your blaster once in a while and see the big picture."
As Lee wondered what he could do about his family's current situation, Rya and Denz arrived at the apartment. He could see the look of worry on Rya's face. It was an expression he hadn't seen since the war. He slowly entered the living room as the two looked at him.
"What is it?" Lee asked as Denz poured three strong drinks for the trio.
"I told you I wanted to be upfront about everything in the first place," Rya raised her voice in frustration as she took a sip of her drink. "The people deserve to know who they're electing. And now look at the predicament we're in."
"If you had disclosed every ounce of information about yourself Ry you would have never been elected, not to mention your privacy would have been shot to the Sarlacc Pit."
"What's going on?" Lee repeated, annoyed he was being ignored.
"Cain Ato is after Ry's senate seat," Denz said, taking a large sip from his glass.
"That's not unexpected. Election is next year, right?" Lee acknowledged.
"Yes but–" Denz started but was cut off by Rya.
"They know," Rya said disappointed. Lee looked at his wife who sounded defeated."I am the niece of Governor Pryce."
"And for that you'll lose your position?" Lee asked, confused.
"People are associating anyone with Imperial ties to be unreliable and unfit for office. Especially with all the new plea deals being made with ex-officials," Denz added.
"But that's ridiculous. Mon Mothma herself was an imperial senator," Lee replied.
"Yes and she's fending off these purists with everything she's got with ease," Denz explained. "But Rya is different. She's not the chancellor, she is a senator from the Outer Rim. They're painting her as some spoiled imperial legacy that jumped at the chance to reclaim power for the Pryce's. I just hope they don't keep digging and find out your long lost sister was a stormtrooper. That will surely put an end to all this."
"Would that be so bad?" Lee asked. He watched his wife lost deep in thought. He wanted to know what she was thinking. He asked softly. "Rya, what do you want to do?"
"I want to get ready for the festival tonight," she deflected. "Toja is set to arrive in an hour. I'll get Prisa up."
"I just put her down," Lee said. "Besides with everything going on, are you sure the Restoration Festival is the place you want to be? Wouldn't you rather stay in tonight?" Lee suggested.
"It's Restoration Day. An important day to show solidarity for the rebuilding of the New Republic," Denz interjected. "If anything she has to go. It would only add to the budding scandal if she skips it."
"I appreciate you looking out for Rya's political career, Denz, but I want to talk to my wife, alone," Lee said sternly. Denz looked to Rya for confirmation. Rya nodded as Denz shook his head, downed his drink. and left."Rya?"
"Can you believe it," Rya said, pouring the rest of her drink down the sink. She was never one who enjoyed alcohol but she had learned to tolerate it as it was part of senators' social habits. "I finally got Toja to see the doctor. Hopefully they can figure out why he has that wheeze and cough and treat it."
"Is this how it's going to be?" Lee asked. "Anything doing with your career Denz just takes full charge while you leave me in the dark?"
"I'm not leaving you in the dark," she defended. "Denz just understands these matters with a different lens."
"We met after an Imperial Policies for intergalactic taxations class," Lee reminded her. "I have a good understanding as well as a decent point of view."
"That class is still a mouthful to say," Rya smiled. "I know you do. And I know you're frustrated I haven't been around lately. This political ring is nothing like I imagine. Denz has helped me a great deal with all his contacts and arrangements."
"I bet," Lee rolled his eyes.
"I didn't want to bring you into all the chaos. Especially after everything you've already been through."
"That's a politician's reasoning if I've ever heard one," Lee griped.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rya asked, offended.
"Means I'm your husband," Lee yelled out of frustration. "Your troubles are my troubles. But it seems you've forgotten that. I may not wear fancy capes or flatter these snakes who haven't seen a shred of blasterfire, but I'm here for you."
"I know!" Rya snapped.
"Yeah it sure doesn't show," Lee sarcastically said. "Maybe you realize you picked the wrong guy for the part. If Denz is what you want, by all means go to him. But you are missing Prisa's early years, and that is something I won't stand for. It's unforgivable!"
Lee turned to head toward their bedroom when a glass smashed against the wall. He had hit a nerve. Rya had thrown her empty glass toward him and missed. If she wanted to hit him she could have but she wanted his attention. She approached him with anger in her eyes.
"Unforgivable?" Rya repeated. "I have loved you everyday since the day we met. Don't you doubt me Lee Tersu. What's unforgivable is the fact that you abandoned me to finish a war. Well the war isn't over. I'm fighting the tail end of it and I won't go down without a fight!"
She caught hold of herself as the doorbell rang. Lee walked over and opened the door to find Toja dressed and ready for the festivities of the night.
"I'm a bit early," Toja said as Lee greeted him. "I can come back later."
"Nonsense Toja," Rya said, composing herself. "I was just about to get dressed and get Prisa up."
She walked away wiping her face clean of tears. She was embarrassed. She knew she had lost her temper and was taking her frustration out on Lee. This was not who she wanted to be. Something needed to change. She was just at a loss on how to do it.
"Everything alright? Rya said you finally went to the doctor," Lee asked Toja finally breaking the silence as they waited for Rya to get ready.
"Nevermind that now my boy," Toja said. "What's the trouble here? I could hear you two from clear down the hall."
"Nothing," Lee lied until Toja gave him a look. "Political troubles."
"Hopefully nothing too serious," Toja remarked.
"I don't think so," Lee said hopefully. "It'll pass. Hopefully the festival will help relieve some tensions."
"One can only hope," Toja said, as Rya emerged from Prisa's room dressed beautifully with Prisa in her arms. She had braided their hair in the same fashion, a crown. It was the same as the day Lee had met her at the university. Rya hoped styling her hair would signal a truce between the two of them, but Lee was never good at picking up subtle hints. He was always too busy keeping his eye on the target, and at the moment his goal was to get his family back to Lothal, back to the farm, and away from the Galactic capital. He knew in his heart his family would splinter if he didn't.
