(Grand Dinning Hall – Command Centre – Coruscant)
"Ah! Where are my manners? This is Lady Quinessa Ventress Vos, a great Nightsister in the making and the most adorable future witch in the Galaxy.", introduced Vader the youngling to his guests. He moved towards the her and picked up eagerly awaiting half Dathomiriran Zabrak, half Kiffar female youngling with his arms. "Oh! By the blessings of the Winged Goddess, you have gotten bigger than the last time I see you." Then he addressed the mother, "... and as you have known her already, but let me introduce her again. This is Lady Asajj Ventress, former Jedi Padawan, former Sith Assassin, former bounty hunter, mother of Quinessa and currently, leader of her new clan of Nightsisters." Quinessa giggled, as Vader tickled her slightly.
"Mama! Vaduh call'd mee Lady!", exclaimed Quinessa in excitement. But Ventress stood there, looking annoyed and shooting blaster shots through her eyes at everybody. Mostly at Vader.
"And little Quin, these are my guests. But, I would like you to meet him. He is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. He was a good friend of your father's."
At the mention of her father, Quinessa jumped out of Vader's arms and walked towards Kenobi, who was looking like he had seen ghosts.
"Well, it was nice little reunion we've got here. I will have leave since I have a lot to do. Lady Ventress, I was about to contact you. Shame, I have to leave now. I assure you that I will make time for our... meeting before you retire for the night. Why don't you reacquaint yourself with Master Kenobi? He's got a new Padawan, became Master and has a child of his own on the way. You two would get along, since little Quin here would love to know about her father from Master Kenobi." At that, Ventress' eyes went supernova with anger and annoyance. "Or you can rest in our luxurious guest house with your daughter."
After that Vader left, marching out. Leaving an eery silence. And not long after that, Ventress took her daughter and left.
(500 Republica – Coruscant)
Padmé returned to her apartment. She was standing at the veranda looking at the Coruscant's night sky. No stars visible, but strangely it was clear. No speeders or other transport except for few important ones. Her eyes gazed upon city below. She realized, without the traffic, she could see more of the city details clearly.
How Coruscant accurately represents the state of the Galaxy?
Vader's words rang in her head. She wondered everyone was glaring at the simple yet glaring sign, but didn't realise it. When she became Senator of Naboo, the war was already in its second year. The Senate was focused on the war. Only on war. Far too much focused on the immediate danger that nobody could see clearly. Corruption and evil left unchecked. Each one of them, including herself, went on wild chases what they perceived as their enemy of the Republic and the Galaxy. With all their minds clouded with fear and suffering, and with their visions not clear enough see past through hidden manipulations and veiled enemies, nobody could have believed that they have unintentionally became the very thing that they sought out to destroy. Planets were being left barren and destroyed regardless of who won. Countless species were brought to their near extinction regardless where their alliance was. Many species totally annihilated and destroyed beyond a chance of recovery because they were deemed not good, useful or even sentient enough to spare additional resources to help them. And while the Galaxy was on fire, they were those who profited from it.
'It's really is a mess...'
She, with all the intent and purposes, wanted to disagree with the Sith, but what could they do.
...you have been utterly defeated...
Her anger rose more higher than any structure in the whole city. She refused to believe that the Republic failed. That democracy failed. That the Jedi failed. That she failed.
...you have been utterly defeated...
Then Padmé thought about the statement. She knew Vader was not whimsical maniac. No, he had a purpose. He controlled everything. From the arrests till now. Even at the dinner. Something told her that it was much more than gloating. Even when he confessed about...
Anakin Skywalker...
The boy who saved her planet. She still remembered the times when she urged Obi-Wan for the updates on the investigation and the pangs of anger on the Jedi when they declared that the search for an initiate was not a priority for them. At least, that was they told her. Also, the fact that they effectively washed off their hands on the helping Bail in search of his daughter. Objectively, they were justified in their decision. They lost one or two initiates every year, and looming dangers of war took precedent. But in her eyes, both cases were gross negligence and brazen indifference. Not just the Jedi, but the whole system.
'But these things can come later. First, think about getting out of this... mess...'
Sometime later, after a comfortable and relaxing bath, she contacted others to convene at her penthouse. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka were already residing there already. They had already checked the residence for surveillance devices. One by one, Bail, Mon and Jan came in. Others decided to rest and regroup. As always, they wanted to just flee and hide for time being. Not that she blamed them.
She offered some tea to them in silence. After a while, she started the conversation.
"We have to assume that we are under watch constantly. Even if we are careful. So please, watch out for what we say or do." Then she looked at Bail Organa, "Bail, no matter how much I express my words of comfort, I know nothing can diminish the loss of Ellya and you grief. I just want you to know that -"
Bail interrupted her. "Padmé, I know. Just know that I have already accepted the fact she is lost to me long time ago. What is more important and vital for us is what to do next." He gestured towards everyone. "We all are in this together. And I am grateful that I have not lost anyone of you. What's happened happened. So, let's focus on the present and future." He paused, "Regretfully, I have to say that we have been beaten. We have to accept that. But remember, we only lost a battle, not the war. With that in mind, I want all of you to give me you honest opinions. What actually happened. We have to analyse everything. Our arrests must have impacted the rest of our organisation severely. We have to make changes. Drastic changes. We have to look at the things more critically, now that things have changed."
Padmé noticed Bail being a little unusual here. There was the confirmation of her daughter's death by the her killer himself to consider, but she felt something more...
"Umm...", Ahsoka grabbed the attention of everyone and waited for their approval before continuing, "Can we discuss the biggest Bantha in the room? Vader." She stood up and started pacing back and forth in contemplation. "Palpatine was never the biggest threat to us. It's Vader. If he is a he or even living being. I am half of mind convinced that he is super-intelligent droid created from some sick Sith alchemy. Still, the way he set up everything. And I thought, Palpatine is... err, was the biggest meany bad Sith manipulator. From the arrests to the trials. Even our rescue attempts. Everything played into his hand. I thought fighting Palpatine would have been tough, even though, we at least knew some about him. But this Vader? What do we actually know about him? Master...", she turned to Obi-Wan, "... while on our way here, you said some serious things about him, which at that time chalked it to you being over-thoughtful and cautious about everything. But now that I seriously think about it, the things we all had on him might be underestimated."
"And when did Vos hooked up with Ventress and got a kid together? Was it before or after his fall?", Ahsoka asked frantically. Her brain shooting curious Force waves throughout her surroundings.
Before Obi-Wan could say anything. Mon joined in, ignoring the last inquiry, "She is right, you know. All the reports and intelligence are evidently scarce. I also thought Vader may have just an Apprentice, a fanatic dark-sider. He literally became the new Emperor and mark my words, the senate and the Galaxy will accept him as such. And more so, we are being blamed for Palpatine's death and will be blamed for any future issues, while he will rise up as a hero in front of the public."
"And the way he murdered Amedda and other Palpatine's cronies, it shows he knows the game and he, definitely, knows how to win it. This begs the question. Why are we still alive? What plans does he have for us?", Padmé chimed in.
Everybody remained silent for few moments, as all they had speculations, but no answers.
"Let's play his game for a while.", said Obi-Wan. Stroking his beard, he continued, "He is the biggest and unknown variable here, right now. We simply don't know anything about him. We need to tread very carefully here."
"What do you suggest? We play along with his schemes and hope for the better?", Mon asked sarcastically. "And don't forget, we have an army of rebels to consider. What about their safety? I know we have been compromised, but somehow we have to do something."
"I am not saying that we don't do anything. We have to also consider that they might have been also compromised. Think, Mon. How did they got such strong and irrefutable evidences from? I trust everyone in this room. We have went through several dire situations. Together. Last thing we need is discourse and distrust among us."
"Then what do you suggest, Master Kenobi?", Dodonna entered into the conversation. "From my understanding, Jedi perceived this new Sith just as an Acolyte or assassin like Ventress and Maul. Padawan Tano and you are Force adepts, unlike us. What does your Jedi instincts tell you? What is his objective? Aside from total domination."
"Well, my friend, I tried to get a read on his mind and Force signature. But I was unsuccessful, unfortunately. Instead, all I got a warning from him through the Force. A very dire warning. Honestly, at that moment, I felt fear. I thought I was ready to face any Sith like Sidious. But Vader... This is different. He is strong. Too strong for my liking. And..."
"And what?", asked Ahsoka eagerly.
"And that you would be foolish too anything stupid like that again."
Everyone stood up immediately at the voice of new female voice in the room. They saw the female redhead Inquisitor leaning against the wall in the dark.
"You know, if he wanted, he would have probed your mind in return, and continued till your brain became a cloudy mush.", said the intruder.
"So, what does he wants? If I may ask, Miss...", asked Obi-Wan with a smile, while calming his nerves. He was greatly disturbed by the fact that he didn't felt her presence, nut he didn't show it.
"Jade. You can address me as Lady Jade. What he wants is none of your business. Right now, at least." Jade came nearer. "But I come bearing very important message from Lord Vader. So listen carefully."
Obi-Wan could see the look of apprehension on faces of his colleagues.
Jade sat on the nearest couch as if she owned it. Next words came out of her mouth eloquently.
"Lord Vader is officially extending his offer of peace treaty with the Rebel Alliance. All the crimes against the Empire will be pardoned except for few rebels whose crime are severe enough to imprison them for many lifetimes. In return, he will be putting a trial of those who are part of the Empire's ruling body and still committed crimes according to the old laws of the your former Republic. These are but one of the steps to come, for bringing peace and stability to the Galactic Empire. Furthermore, he has also chosen Senator Bail Organa as new Supreme Chancellor of the Imperial Senate as a peace offering. In exchange, he wants complete ceasefire from your Alliance. And as for the remannings of Jedi Order, all charged of treason will be levied and no further actions will be taken against them unless they endanger the Empire and its stability in any way. But they will be still exiled in the Outer Rim."
Everyone was stunned on the declaration. The looks of disbelief soon turned to that of suspicion.
Jade shifted in her occupied couch and took a more relaxed and casual posture.
"Of course, you are suspicious, as you all should be. What do you think these terms are? Freebies? Oh heck no. Vader will explain the terms in details later, along with other new terms and conditions. Some are negotiable and some are not. And regarding the position of Chancellor, it would take few months to manage that. Remember, you all are still under trial. But few manipulations and tricks of propaganda machinery, it can be achieved. You all are free to leave the planet to visit your families and... associates. Imperial officers have been sent to all Rebel locations with same terms as I have stated. So, think about it carefully. Vader will rule the Galaxy as he wishes, regardless of your cooperation."
Jade stood and began to leave the residence through the main entrance. But just before exiting.
"Oh, I forgot. Senator Organa, Vader sent his congratulations and best wishes to the House of Organa and you and your wife on the occasion of having a new member in the family."
With that she left.
Ahsoka just could help herself and ask Bail, "What was she talking about?"
"Bail?", Padmé and Obi-Wan asked simultaneously. Everyone saw Bail face as white as if he had seen a ghost. He recomposed himself, which took a while.
"I contacted Breha to reassure about my safety before coming here. She was very relived to see me safe. But more than that, she then told me that few weeks ago, one of her aides and a close friend, Sheltay Retrac and her husband passed away in an accident. They left behind their infant daughter, Winter. Since I was locked away for a month and Breha assumed the worst. She adopted Winter.", Bail told the rest. "I am happy. Really happy. But I was about to tell her about Ellya before that. Now... now, I don't even know how to bring this up with her."
Padmé got to him and hugged him. Obi-Wan had put his hand on Bail's shoulder. For a moment, everyone thought Bail would break down then and there. He managed himself for keep himself composed.
"Let's go home and take a break. Everyone here deserves it. This past month have been hard on everyone. Trust me, I know. Everything we planned and dreamed to achieve have went up in smoke. We need to retreat and regroup. We have to start from ground up again. I don't know what future holds, but let's take a time off. Lie low and minimize all contacts. Right now, we all are liabilities to the Alliance. I will send a single brief message to the Council to inform them about this... development. We need to be more careful and cautious. More than ever."
Obi-Wan said after a while, "Well, my Padawan and I will be going to Naboo with Padmé. After reaching there, I will contact Satine and she will contact other Jedi for me. Bail would going to Alderaan. I suggest Jan go with Mon to her home. Then if he feels safe to go to his home, Mon can provide a quiet passage to his home. For others, let's send them to our other Rebel bases that we abandoned earlier. After lying low for some time, they can reconvene with others. We have just came back from what I would call certain death. Or at least life imprisonment. Safety and security should be our main concern right now."
They all agreed.
(Imperial Villa For Important Guests, Coruscant)
Ventress took little Quin out her bath. Soon after Quin fell asleep on a very comfortable sofa. The Villa was filled with all the luxurious amenities one could ask for. But Ventress was not satisfied. Not one bit. Vader told him that he would meet with her later, but he didn't define what later meant.
She had made sure that she and Quinessa travelled in incognito. But Coruscant was last place where she felt safe. At least when Sidious was still breathing.
When she felt the felt the tremor through the Dark side, through meditation she confirmed Sidious' death. At that moment, she felt relieved after a long time. Since Sidious would have wanted her child, if he got wind of it. She and her sister-in-arms, Silri were in hiding among the filthiest of the filth, one after another. Gangsters and criminals, they could manage that. But not Sidious and his agents. She had not forgotten about his and Dooku's betrayal and massacre of her kind on Dathomir.
Suddenly, she grabbed her dual lightsabers when she felt a presence approaching her.
"Apologies, Lady Ventress. Keep those away. Quin will get scared.", said Vader. And he was not alone as Jade was with him.
"What is she doing here?", spat Ventress.
"Ah, Jade is going to look after little princess while you and I are having our talk in the next room.", replied Vader.
"Make it quick. In case she wakes, I calling both of you. I am not a babysitter.", spat Jade.
"Then, Lady Jade, I would appreciate if you also rest here while watching over her. Dealing with politicians all day long have definitely had an effect on you.", then Vader turned towards Ventress, "If you may, Lady Ventress?". He gestured towards the room next door.
When he and Ventress entered another big room, Vader placed a credit chip and datapad at the table which was located at the centre of the room.
"There is enough credits in that to last a century. Other ones contain relevant data about some other Dathomirians across the Galaxy, along with their personal information. As we already planned, you have to keep this project under wraps until time is right."
"So, you are really serious about this? Creating a Sith order. Legally and openly.", asked Ventress with one eye-brow raised.
"Yes. But they would Sith in name only. Members of this Order will be nothing more than dark-siders except for the few on the top. With you reviving the your Clan and the Inquisitorius working on the Sith order, here on Coruscant, we will be introducing a new face of Force users to the Galaxy."
Ventress stood there for long time watching at the contents laid on the table. Then she spoke, "Are you sure? That he is gone. He could easily fake his death. I know how deceptive Sith magic can get. So, are you sure?"
"I am sure as I can get. But it doesn't matter. In a few months, the Galaxy would get to know Emperor Palpatine as a power-hungry, senile old man who may or may not have dealings with the Sith, who may have also been a Sith Lord like myself. Many of the deeds will be spoken in hushed tones across the Galaxy. My staff will be taking care of that. So, even if, he had some plans in case of his unseen demise, his influence would have been diminished."
Then Vader continued, "Coruscant is still not safe for you at the time. Just today, I had three pitiful attempts on life. But soon, there will be attempts on my staff and people. So, I suggest it would be safe for Quinessa that you take her to Rattatak and start there. I will contact Silri myself and persuade her to leave her current association and join you. I have noticed she has grown attached to her new colleagues, so with proper enticement, she would leave that cesspool of crime and filth behind. That would be all from me. If you want, you can go and see for yourself what remains of Sidious. But now, I have a lot in my hands with... resource management. There is a lot of trash to be taken out. I will make time for Quinessa before you leave for a proper farewell."
With that, Vader started going away. When he was about to exit, he heard Ventress.
"I have still not forgiven you."
Vader stood for a moment. Without turning back, he spoke, "And I don't expect you to." He took a breath, "The moment when my lightsaber went him through him, he stopped being Darth Tactus. Even in his last moments, he was thinking about you and Quinessa. Not the Jedi he slaughtered. Not the younglings he butchered. He destroyed his own home. His own so called family with whom he spent all his life with. Still he was thought about you. Just you two. He didn't wasted his last breath on useless emotions like guilt or shame. He was happy and content. Why do you think is that?"
When he didn't got a reply, he continued.
"Because he knew what was important. What really mattered in the end, to him. He referred of Quinessa as a little sprout of tomorrow. A sprout that would grow into a wonderful tree in the future. A future with hope so bright that it illuminates the whole Galaxy. A new age is coming, Lady Ventress. There will be not only light, but also new shadows. Light and dark, together. Quinessa will be not alone, there will be others too. Some growing in light and some in dark. The Sith have become what their progenitors never intended to be. So have the Jedi, the so-called protectors of the Galaxy. The Galaxy, time and time again, need strict and cruel lessons to be taught to itself. And that's exactly I am intending to do."
After Vader and Jade left, Ventress lifted her little Quin in her arms. She didn't sleep or rest that night. Just watched the skylines of the planet through her window panel, holding her dearest thing in her arms.
AN: Hope you like it. Sorry for delay. Got stuck with personal engagements
I have read all comments and feedback you all gave. But my mind is fried right now. So I would be replying to that in next chapter.
Wait for the next chapter: "A New Age".
I hope you like it and your feedback is most welcome. May the force be with you!