Arcann thought that it would be better for him to continue to rest for a while longer. Allowing himself to be attuned to the endless flow in which he could feel at peace and enjoy his solitude, only occasionally being interrupted by distant echoes. But today, something was different, something that prevented Arcann from proper rest. The Outlander's mind has grown agitated, more turbulent this time, as if something troubled him very deeply. This made the echoes louder, weakened, and interrupted the flow. Resting in chaos like this was simply not an option.
After Arcann awoke, his sight was immediately caught by Vaylin, who still sat on the stone throne. She was unusually silent and barely moved, though Arcann could feel that she wasn't dreaming. For a moment, he wondered if he should try and talk to her; the fear of this attempt ending up with another outburst still weighed heavily on the dark prince. They barely talked since that instance, but perhaps enough time has passed for her to calm down and perhaps be more open to conversation.
Arcann took his chances.
"Good 'morning,' Vaylin."
"Move to the side, big brother, you spoil the view." Those were the kind of words Arcann expected, but at least Vaylin wasn't angry while saying them, just mildly annoyed. "You don't want me to shock you again, do you?"
"If you try this time, I'll be ready." The cyborg responded, but there was much more that he wanted to say. "Vaylin, I…" Arcann had the thoughts emerge in his mind, yet every time he tried to transfer them to words, they collapsed and shattered before anything could be said.
"Forgot how to speak? I could pick out some words for you, but I don't think you'll like them." Vaylin chuckled.
"Forget it." Arcann concealed his emotions, once again allowing his stoic facade to take over. "How does the Outlander fare?"
"I'm glad you asked! He is angry today, almost as angry as when father dearest used to rattle in his mind, I imagine."
"And the cause of it?"
"Apparently, he has to welcome some visitors he'd rather decapitate and toss their bodies into an airlock." Vaylin shrugged.
"I felt that far too often while still holding the throne."
"So did I. Unlike you two, though, I am dedicated enough to act on my impulses," Vaylin said with pride before turning back to Cassian's vision she was attuned to. "But it's different here…Take a look. Seems like this mysterious guest is one of his own kind."
Arcann could see it too…The Sith Lord made his way towards the envoy's ship; in front of him was a Chiss man dressed in the robes of the Ascendancy, colored in white and marking his status as an aristocrat. Arcann had to study different cultures during his time as the Emperor of the galaxy; Chiss was one of them.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, Commander Cassian." He said with a welcoming smile. "Aristocra Saganu, of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Force."
"Let's get to the point," Cassian said in a cold tone, eager to skip the pleasantries. There was something about Saganu that sparked an internal sense of revulsion in the Outlander, a feeling that neither Arcann nor Vaylin could yet explain. "You said you have information on Theron?"
"Information that will benefit us both. Theron Shan is hiding in the Chiss world of Copero. He's receiving aid from Syndic Zenta of House Inrokini in exchange for Alliance secrets. With our help, you can catch them both unaware."
"This sounds awfully convenient." Cassian shook his head. "How do I get the guarantee that you are not simply luring me into a trap?"
"I am here to represent the interests of the Ascendancy, no more, no less, and this opportunity allows us to catch two traitors at once," Saganu said with confidence. "Zenta violated Ascendancy orders when she sheltered Theron-and now she's ignoring our communications. She's gone rogue. She has the backing of House Inrokini, so we can't capture Theron without igniting a political war. But if a strike team were to land and take care of the problem…The Ascendancy will look the other way."
"A reasonable proposition," Arcann commented. "Assuming the Chiss is speaking the truth, of course."
"So you want to use me as a tool for cleaning the house?" Cassian scoffed, barely able to hide his disdain. "You know, I've spent the last year waiting for the Ascendancy emissaries to show up at my doorstep…And somehow, I am not surprised that they only did so when they saw an opportunity to claim. Our people have always been pragmatic to a fault…A shame that it is hardly consistent."
"The Outlander is wise not to trust anyone." Vaylin nodded with approval. "With the amount of power he holds, scum all across the galaxy must be waiting for the opportunity to steal his throne. Maybe, if he has a sense of humor, he'll don shock collars on them and watch them all sizzle. It would be cute."
"But that he would hold his own kin higher standards than others…There's something else going on here." Arcann shook his head.
"With all due respect, Commander…" Saganu took a deep breath. "I sense vitriol in your remarks, and they are neither appropriate nor accurate. You are one of us, Commander, and the Ascendancy respects you and all you have done for the galaxy, and we would all be honored to ally with you."
"I have a hard time believing that they would see a 'filthy and corrupt' being like me in such a way. After all, I never gave in, never rejected my gift of the force."
"So this is what it's all about…" Vaylin grew intrigued.
"Chiss have always viewed force sensitives as impure and even contaminated," Arcann said. "Ancient held traditions don't die easily."
"So they're a species of short-sighted fools, is what you're saying?"
"It's a bit more complicated than that, but think what you will."
"Nothing complicated in plain cowardice." Vaylin declared arrogantly as the scene before them unfolded.
"You are an exception, Commander. You've made the Chiss proud."
"Even if I am any kind of exception, I earned that right in spite of other Chiss attempting to bring me down…I am not going to let go of the past so quickly, Aristocra."
"Your accusations are…I forget myself; we are here to discuss the proposition at hand, not the Ascendancy's policies. If nothing else, perhaps an opportunity to visit your home world will be a good enough motivation for you to aid."
"No, it won't." Cassian cut him off. "I will help, but only because this my only lead on Theron, nothing more."
"I see…That will suffice." Saganu sighed.
"So he had to grow among them, huh?" Vaylin wondered. "How strange is it that I almost feel bad for him?"
"I can't imagine living in a culture that despised something that came so naturally and seamlessly to me. They would try to force me to comply and suppress my gift for years until…"
"Until the moment it inevitably breaks free and annihilates any who try to stand in its way."
"Yes, something along those lines." If there was a matter in which he and his sister agreed, it was the sheer spite of people who tried to hold them back and restrict their potential.
They were about to see how the Outlander treats such people.
…
Even though a part of Arcann wanted to witness further arguments unfold, Cassian and Saganu knew better than to waste time. They set out to Copero immediately, but not before introducing the Outlander to a peculiar individual who served as a representative for the Ascendancy. Raina Temple, a human among the Chiss, is a rare occasion for them to allow an outsider to live on their worlds and serve the Ascendancy. Yet another example of Chiss being rather lenient with their traditions and customs…
Cassian and Raina walked through a town controlled by House Inrokini on their way to Zenta and Theron. Everyone who dared to stand in their way was promptly crushed by the Sith Lord's power and unchained wrath.
"No, choke him harder! Can't you see he's still alive…Yes, now that's better!"
Suffice it to say, his sister enjoyed the show, while Arcann watched for how the Outlander reacted to his surroundings. Saganu mentioned Copero being Cassian's home, and the planet looked quite entrancing with its lush flora and fauna, with no outward reason to dislike it. Yet Cassian didn't feel the same way; his silence and the spiteful frown that his grey mask hid was enough of an indication.
"My lord, may I ask you something?" Raina spoke up as the two got a temporary break from fighting. "I know I'm probably overstepping my authorities, but I couldn't let the thought go since we left Odessen.
"If you're quick about it."
"When you talked to Aristocra Saganu, it seemed to me like you hold a very deep-seated aversion to the Ascendancy and this planet," Raina said with curiosity.
"Perhaps I do, and why does it matter to you?"
"I have spent most of my life with Chiss, yet you are the first one who tries to distance themselves from their kin and culture…And from what I know, you have been this for a while."
"You 'know', do you?" Cassian said with amusement. "I presume Saganu recounted whatever reports on me he could find in some Ascendancy database. Do you really think that makes for a good source?"
"I haven't been given any reason to doubt the Ascendancy during my time with them."
"Consider yourself extremely lucky," Cassian said in an attempt to hold his spite. "Did he tell you my old name by any chance?"
"He didn't focus on those matters…"
"I don't like repeating myself," Cassian said, making Raina sigh and give in.
"Casd'elaos'oattashu." She stated. "You decried that name after leaving the Chiss."
"Correct." Cassian nodded. "And do not say that name again. Tell Saganu to not use it either."
"You really despise your legacy, don't you?"
"If you care so much, then I'll have you know that it was not I who pushed my kin away; they did so themselves." His voice grew quieter with an arising melancholic undertone.
"I was led to believe they gave you a choice."
"A choice between suppressing who I am or staying true to myself and being punished for it is hardly a choice…But enough of that, we have more important matters to attend to."
"As you wish. We're getting close to Zenta's hideout; be ready for some heavy resistance."
"Always."
They continued their battle, leaving both Arcann and Vaylin reflecting on what they had just witnessed.
"Are they afraid of the force? There has to be a reason why they would consider such power 'faulty'…" Vaylin wondered. "Those cowards must realize that if they don't suppress the force sensitives among their people, they will quickly overtake them and make their heads roll. Maybe the Outlander ends up doing that eventually…I can't lie; I'd respect him. That would be some quality entertainment." Vaylin giggled at the thought.
"Being here must awaken many of his memories, and it seems they aren't pleasant…" Arcann spoke quietly and with a shade of sympathy. "His parents must have been like ours in some way."
"Entities who can jump bodies and eat literal planets? An interesting theory, but I'd say you're talking nonsense." Vaylin shook her head. Arcann didn't take her attempts to get a shot at him seriously, especially when she played dumb like this. They both understood exactly what Arcann meant.
"No, they were worse than that…They refused to accept him for who he truly was. Perhaps they were afraid, like mother, or outright despised us, like father, but either way, I doubt he has any kind words in store for them."
"If they are anything like ours, then he should kill them the next time they meet…Assuming he hasn't done that already, which is possible. Sith can be quite fun sometimes; I wouldn't put it past him."
"Perhaps they can reconcile…"
"Oh, not again." Vaylin frowned. "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten that you still have a spot for our treacherous iknayid of a mother. You don't have to remind me."
"Don't you have any fond memories of her at all?" Arcann still hoped that she could change her mind and see the genuine love Senya held for them, as hopeless as it seemed now. "Of our childhood before…Before father took an interest?" He noticed that Vaylin didn't respond immediately, instead turning to the opposite side and burying her gaze in the boundless image of the phantom realm they found themselves in.
"Hm…No, not of her."
"Truly?"
"What, do I need to say it a second time?" Vaylin frowned. "But that doesn't mean that there is nothing worth remembering at all." His sister closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself time to ponder. "Mostly the time I spent with Thexan…And maybe, just maybe, some of the time I've spent with you."
"How generous of you," Arcann responded dryly. "Anything in particular that comes to mind?"
"I think about the times three of us ran away together…You know, how we traveled the swamps and played anywhere we wanted. For other children, it would've been deadly, but with our powers…Oh, it has been sweet." Vaylin said quietly and with a fleeting shadow of warmth in her voice.
"I remember how we 'fought' each other with the sticks we found and imagined those to be lightsabers…And with the fleet casting its shadow onto us, it felt like we were true knights of Zakuul. Thexan and I were great warriors, and you were our beloved princess, the one we'd do everything for…" A small tear fell away from Arcann's eyes. He wanted to relive those moments again, even if they would end up being nothing more than a momentary dream.
"I fought by your side sometimes, too."
"Yes, and your help was most welcome…We had no doubts that the three of us would've been unstoppable when we grew up. In a way, we were, but it came at a cost. A cost too high…"
"Oh, I think I remembered something funny!" Vaylin interrupted his musings. "That one time Thexan accidentally pushed you into the swamps, and that disturbed a nest of iknayid hatchlings."
"I remember that too…" Arcann shuddered to think about all the bites he received that day; it took months for them to fully heal. "Though it was anything but funny."
"No, I guess it wasn't…Definitely not for you. I remember how worried Thexan was. He stayed with you and helped you bandage the wounds while I…"
"You ran off to call mother."
"Yes, I ran very fast that time." Vaylin chuckled. "I think I might have been scared that you'd die…Cute, isn't it?"
"Do you remember what happened when she came?" Arcann continued. "She was angry at us for not listening to us at first, but that anger was fleeting."
"She cried when she saw you in such a state…I might have, too. Don't remember."
"She brought all the necessary medicine and gave me the help I needed, and I felt better after that." Arcann closed his eyes, trying to recapture the feeling of mother's warm touch on his wounded skin, but now and then, nothing could truly replicate it. "She stayed with us until it was dark and helped us with the shelter we began to build. And in the end…She wasn't angry, just happy that all of us were safe. That's what she wanted right until her death…"
"How incredibly tragic." Vaylin shrugged uncaringly.
"Don't you feel any warmth at all when you think about those moments? Any longing for the past? I know you have your reasons to hate Mother, but that was before she let you go, before all of this happened." Arcann tried to soothe her, but Vaylin shook her head.
"If you can still feel like you and that little boy from the past are the same person, more power to you…But I can't. Younger me probably loved her, loved all of those moments you're talking about." Vaylin sighed with slight shame. "Maybe you want me to become…Well, the younger me. I suppose I can even see why. But I will never be able to look at the past through her eyes again." Her voice grew cold and harsh once. "Never, Arcann. If you're at all less delusional than our mother, then you'll accept this." She said before looking away. "Let's get back to "Mr. Brooding Face" and his adventures; at least there is a semblance of fun."
It would be for the best.
…
It did not take long before Cassian and Raina breached Zenta's hideout, slowly but surely reaching the traitor herself. The Chiss woman proved resilient and unyielding, yet she was nothing against the power of a Sith Lord of Cassian's might. Eventually, Zenta was forced on her knees as she revealed the truth about Theron's plan here. Arcann was impressed; Shan seemed like a loyal and trustworthy man at the time. He was an advisor to Cassian, yet now his true talents as a cunning spy showed themselves.
Aristocra contacted Cassian shortly after they subdued Zenta; the story both of them relayed to the Outlander was more than impressive.
"I might have been too harsh on the blueberry people." Vaylin giggled. "Stealing from right under father's nose while you don't even have any connection to the force! That is brave…And insane."
Arcann remained quiet as he watched the events unfold.
"It seems we now have a mutual enemy." Zenta looked up at Cassian. "I've sent you the coordinates to Shan's location. If you hurry, you can stop him."
"One moment, Commander." Saganu interrupted from the holoterminal. "As you know, Syndic Zenta is a traitor to the Chiss. Officially, we can't act on this…But you can. If you dispose of Zenta, you will have the gratitude of the Ascendancy. I may even be able to broker an alliance. I understand that you have your own reservations about the Ascendancy, but I believe it is time for us to mend the broken relationship. Now is the chance."
"You wouldn't dare!" Zenta pleaded.
"I am not the Ascendancy's weapon, Saganu. Perhaps I would've become one; we're events to take another turn…But that is long past us. I will not stoop to doing your dirty work."
"As I expected," Arcann commented.
"He's usually a bit more pragmatic than that." Vaylin shook her head.
"He is eager to defy the Ascendancy at every turn. It's hard to stay true to pragmatism when it is personal."
"You also stand to benefit from her elimination," Raina spoke up before Cassian. "The Syndic bought Alliance secrets. At the very least, her actions warrant imprisonment."
"I did it to help my people keep house Inrokini safe. Would the Alliance not do the same?" The traitor made her case, making Aristocra cross his hands in disappointment.
"If Zenta lives, we have no deal. The choice is yours, Commander." After those words, Cassian contacted the base.
"Lana, send an officer to wipe out any alliance data. And send Zenta back to house Inrokini." This was impressive, even for Arcann. Cassian made a decision that was the antithesis of any king of pragmatism and without any doubt or hesitation at that.
"I…Thank you." Zenta said in a relieved voice; she must have been shocked by such mercy.
"We will both come to regret this," Aristocra said with utter disappointment, but there was little he could do. Vaylin was clearly enamored.
"What a funny look…He will be seething the moment he gets off this terminal." She chuckled. "I'm starting to think the Outlander might actually have style."
"If any of his former Sith associates would know about this, they wouldn't approve." Arcann shook his head. "Mercy goes against their code, no matter the motive behind it."
"From what I know, Sith is all about giving into their emotions, correct?" Vaylin said. "He did something incredibly stupid just to spite and annoy that guy with the cape. And he was very passionate about that…I thought that was the essence of Sith, all in all.
She certainly had an unusual outlook on things, but Arcann caught himself realizing that he couldn't disagree.
…
In the end, Cassian's mission culminated in the way Arcann predicted it would. Theron, whatever his true intentions could be, did not stay behind for long enough to be caught; he probably expected that the Outlander would come for him sooner or later. And, after all, he had allies to fight for him.
Valss, another force-sensitive Chiss, was helping Theron escape, and when the time came, he clashed with the Sith Lord and his ally from the Ascendancy. Arcann felt some conflict in Cassian's soul as if there was a part of him that wanted to reason with Valss and try to talk him down. Cassian understood the struggle of a force-sensitive Chiss far too well, but his thoughts were overtaken by Theron. He escaped yet again, and at this point, the Sith Lord could not hide his shame and fury. Arcann could feel that he was conflicted about Theron; he wanted to believe that this was part of a larger plan, yet if this betrayal was genuine, he couldn't allow himself to hesitate.
Eventually, he struck down Valss, and he returned to Odessen with new information and news, which he shared with Lana and Jac.
"You say he escaped again?" The Jedi said with disappointment. "Shame…If you ever need my help to find him, you need only to ask."
"I can say the same," Lana added. "We will punish him when the time comes."
"No, we can't do that until we know the whole story." Jac shook his head. "I refuse to believe that Theron would betray us, at least not without good reason."
"There can be no good reason."
Before they could start an argument, Cassian interrupted them.
"There is no point in arguing motives. He will tell everything himself once we have finally caught him…And no matter what follows, we can't let him escape."
"Agreed." Lana nodded. "We should be all preparing for his next move."
Arcann and Vaylin watched it with measured curiosity, yet they realized that this was probably the end of today's developments. In the end, this day left Cassian with nothing but sorrow and disappointment, both in regard to Theron and his visit to Copero.
"I was hoping they'd catch him." Vaylin shook her head. "But of course, they had to be slow."
"It's just a matter of time."
"Do you feel a little…Drowsy?" Vaylin wondered. "As if this entire day is sucking the energy out of us."
"Perhaps we grew more attuned to the Outlander's emotions and inner turmoil…We feel what he feels."
"With how much time he spends brooding…That would be a waste." Vaylin sighed and stood from her throne. "Oh, well, I think I'll go take a nap. Wake me up if something actually interesting happens."
"Vaylin…" Arcann spoke up, wondering if now would be a good time to continue their conversation from last time, perhaps even apologize.
"What?" Vaylin said with annoyance, making Arcann realize just how wrong he was.
"Never mind…I wish you a good sleep."
