Chapter Nineteen:

Vexa grinned when the ship came into view, anticipation warming her as it grew ever closer. She could sense her acolytes on board, of course; but more importantly, she sensed three brightly burning lights in the Force.

At long last, her patience had paid off! She was about to have three of the Skywalker children in her grasp! Vexa stood steadily as the ship landed mere feet from her, and when the ramp lowered, Vexa strode forward with purpose.

Raythe met her at the top of the ramp, bowing low. "Master. We have the children ready for you in the hold."

"Excellent," Vexa replied, leading the way, with Raythe falling into step behind her. "Were there any complications while you waited?"

"None, Master," Raythe answered, and Vexa sensed his certainty.

"Good to know."

Vexa entered the hold to find two still unconscious twins and the babe, who was just waking since his doses had been far lower due to his smaller size. Vexa didn't need the babe dead, after all. He could still serve a purpose.

Vexa examined the twins first, noting how they looked so… innocent still. Well, that would certainly change, at least for the boy. Vexa had something special planned for Ben, something that built upon the videos of Ignis that the youth had viewed, thanks to Vexa's help.

Vexa looked to the other three acolytes, who all bowed when she first looked upon them.

"Well done, all of you." Vexa praised. "You have made me proud. Now, let's get our new guests situated."

Vexa motioned to the teens to bring the children. Pai grabbed Emry while Raythe took Ben, leaving Caimbre to grab the carrier that Kodai was in. The baby was steadily approaching full wakefulness, and Vexa kept tabs on him. With a few deft strokes of the special device on her wrist, Vexa activated the nanny droid she had prepared to take care of Kodai in her absence. The droid was equipped to meet all of the baby's needs, and would keep Kodai alive.

Vexa led the way into the Sith Temple. She paused before one room, and with a glance at Pai, entered.

"Bring the girl," Vexa commanded, and Pai obeyed.

He set the child on the floor and backed away to await further instructions. Vexa pursed her lips, considering how best to proceed. How to toy with this girl? When Pai shifted a piece of rubble from a small stack near the door, Vexa was struck with inspiration.

"Pai, take Katya and go outside to collect as many large stones as you can carry." Vexa ordered. "Bring them to this room and surround Emry as if she had been in a building collapse."

Pai bowed. "It will be done, Master."

Vexa followed him with her eyes, and when he spoke to Katya, Vexa observed the human girl. Katya hesitated only a second, and then nodded, moving to help Pai as instructed. Vexa, satisfied for now, left the room as well, and indicated for the rest of the acolytes to follow her with their charges.

"Master, may I ask a question?" Caimbre spoke softly.

"Go ahead," Vexa replied.

"Is your plan to leave the baby alone here?" Caimbre inquired gingerly.

"This droid will see to his needs," Vexa responded without hesitation.

"Forgive me, but will that be adequate?"

Vexa stopped and turned, eyeing the teenager with narrowed ocher eyes. "You question your Master?"

Caimbre held up her hands in a gesture of submission. "Please, hear me out, Master. This baby will need a flesh and blood being to also keep an eye on him, no? His needs will be much more than just feedings and diaper changes."

Vexa turned more fully. "If you are worried about the baby's emotional state, then don't. I only need him alive, not well."

Caimbre paled slightly, and Vexa knew the girl had started feeling sorry for the baby, something Vexa wasn't all too keen on. But when Caimbre spoke next, it gave Vexa pause.

"Master, think about it, there's more than just his physical needs. What about other aspects of keeping him here, and his parents away? For example, a droid won't be able to detect if the child tries to use the Force. His parents are two of the most powerful Jedi alive today, so what if he instinctively reaches out to them? They'd be able to follow that, wouldn't they?"

Vexa hadn't considered that, to be honest, and she had to admit that Caimbre made a good point. The baby had no training, only raw power and base instinct. So, if the baby tried to reach out with the Force, he could indeed act as a homing beacon to his parents. Vexa studied Caimbre closer, wondering how it was that the girl had thought of this.

Folding her arms, and striking an ominous pose, Vexa lowered her tone in warning. "Is there something you aren't telling me?"

Caimbre straightened, throwing a glare at Raythe. "The guys were so kind as to leave Kodai's care to my sister and I, so they were unaware of the few times Kodai instinctively used the Force to try finding Luke and Mara. Katya and I have been able to thwart his attempts, but they keep happening. What if he does so while nobody is here to block his probes?"

Vexa blew a breath of air from her nostrils. "So, what do you suggest?"

"I would like to stay with Kodai, Master, and keep tabs on him." Caimbre lowered her head submissively. "But I will defer to your judgement."

She did not like the idea of taking an acolyte from her arsenal, but Vexa had worked too long and hard to have her plans ruined right as they were coming to fruition. She would have to make do without Caimbre. Vexa considered her options, another thought striking her. If Caimbre stayed, she could monitor ALL of the prisoners, not just the baby. That would be a boon, for sure.

Making up her mind, Vexa nodded slowly, deliberately. "Very well, but you are not to try helping any of the prisoners without my say-so. You will only bring them food and water when they sleep. They will not see your face, and you will not help them out of their… predicaments in any way, is that understood?"

Caimbre nodded succinctly. Vexa had always appreciated how well Caimbre and Katya could take direction, and she knew she could trust Caimbre to follow orders. Once Vexa had settled Kodai and the nanny droid into their little room— the nicest one in the Temple, honestly— she turned to Caimbre.

"Return to the ship, and gather all the supplies you will need: food, water, and such." Vexa paused. "Make sure to bring enough provisions to also restock the food and water supply of my two other guests. They've already been here a while, and I need them just as alive as these children."

Caimbre blinked in surprise, but bowed low before leaving.

Vexa looked to Ben, who was still in Raythe's grasp. She took the boy, and then looked to the Yevetha. "Go help Pai and Katya cover Emry with rubble."

Raythe bowed deeply and left swiftly. Vexa gazed upon Ben and then took him to his room, which contained nothing but a pair of chains attached to a bolt high on the wall, and ankle cuffs at the other ends. They were similar to what Ignis had worn whenever he was in Byrec's basement. The irony was not lost on Vexa, and she grinned cruelly as she chained the child by the ankles.

Seeing that he was still out cold, Vexa left him and went to the dungeon where Kida had left Arthalinea and Anya. When she entered, she immediately sensed the deep pain of one girl, and the growing despair of the other. Relishing in these, Vexa breathed deeply as if she were in a sauna.

Moving forward with confidence, Vexa was greeted by the huddled forms of Arthalinea and Anya. Both looked absolutely terrible, but she had to admit that Arthalinea looked far worse than her companion. It was obvious that both girls were dehydrated and starving, though Arthalinea's predicament was fare more dire.

Anya cracked open her eyes, saw Vexa, and straightened with a mild glare. "So… you finally came to see us?"

Her voice wasn't very strong, and Vexa paid her little mind, only enough to make sure she wasn't actually dying… yet. Anya simply needed more food and water. Well, that was coming.

Turning her attention to Arthalinea, Vexa studied her both visually and in the Force. Arthalinea had a high fever, and her leg was useless: the pain radiated from her like light from a star.

Grudgingly, Vexa allowed that the Twilek girl needed medicine, or she would likely perish before Vexa returned for her finale. Sighing, Vexa used her wrist device to hail a medical droid to her location. When it arrived from her shuttle, Vexa pointed to the Twilek.

"Tend to her enough to keep her alive, but that is all. Do nothing to heal her leg, only stop the fever. I just need her alive until I return. She is not to die, or I will take you apart piece-by-piece while you are still activated."

The droid acknowledged and got to work while Anya watched. Vexa eyed Anya in turn as the droid performed its duty.

"So, how are you enjoying my dungeon?" Vexa asked casually.

Anya turned an acidic glare on Vexa. "Where is Ignis?"

"Far from here, I assure you." Vexa waved a dismissive hand. "I have to admit, you trying to find him was cute, but ultimately a waste of time. I mean, really, what did you actually accomplish?"

Vexa watched the girl flinch somewhat, and she smirked maliciously, enjoying this. She then wrinkled her nose in disgust. "I suppose you're going to claim that you love him."

Anya only looked Vexa in the eye, though the Sith Lady noted that the young woman didn't deny the statement. Interesting. Perhaps Vexa could use this new angle as well.

"Why are you so cruel to him?" Anya asked. "What did he ever do to deserve it?"

Vexa flicked her lekku. "Oh, he did nothing. He's just the piece I need to complete my game of dejarik, and I needed him molded to how I wanted him to be. He would be useless to me as a servant of the Light. Hence, I ensured that he grew up in Darkness. The plight with the squid was his own doing. If he had simply obeyed me, he would still have his freedom on that front."

Anya spat at Vexa. "One day, you will get what's coming to you."

Vexa chuckled. "Perhaps, but it won't be by your hand, slave-girl."

Anya looked away, the shame of her servitude obvious, and Vexa relished in the other's pain.

"Oh yes, I know all about your past. I've read enough of Ignis' mind lately to know who you are to him. Which is part of why you're here."

Anya perked up at that, her curiosity evident. "What are you going to do?"

Vexa clucked. "Now now, let's not ruin the surprise. You'll find out when the time is right. Until then, just stay alive, will you?"

"Would you not consider letting me train?" Anya murmured. "I just want to be with Ignis…"

Vexa lifted her brow. "You would turn Dark just to be with Ignis?"

Anya looked away, deflating somewhat. "I… want to be with him… but no."

Vexa snorted, disappointed. "Well then, I guess you'll never be together. I hope you said your goodbyes the last time you saw each other."

Vexa turned as the droid rose to eye-level. "Report."

"The girl will live, but her situation is dire. I was able to stem the fever and pain, but that will only slow things down. She needs serious medical attention to truly survive."

Vexa waved that away. "Will she die anytime soon?"

"Unlikely."

"That's all I need then." Vexa turned. "Leave enough medicine for Anya to administer as needed, and then return to the shuttle."

As the droid did as it had been instructed, Vexa sensed that Emry and Ben were both starting to wake, at last. Deciding she wanted to see Emry's reaction first, Vexa approached the room's door, finding three acolytes standing just outside. Raythe and Pai looked pleased, and Vexa followed their gazes to see a pile of rubble over the female Skywalker twin. Vexa probed it with the Force and found that it had been reinforced by certain protrusions from the walls, and she nodded in satisfaction that Emry would not be crushed. There was just enough rubble to block any of the little light, and yet not enough to block her air. But Emry would not know that when she awoke to find herself buried like she had been in the museum rubble.

"Perfect." Vexa purred happily, waiting with eager anticipation…

About three minutes later, a shaky scream sounded from the pile, and while Katya turned away, Raythe stepped forward eagerly to get a better view. Pai simply stood where he was.

"H-help me!" Emry cried out. "H-help!"

Vexa made no sound, and listened as Emry continued to struggle and emanate fear.

"Mom!" Emry shouted in despair. Then, louder and more plaintively, she cried out for Luke. "Daddy!"

Vexa shut the door after a few more screams from the petrified girl. Turning to the others, she motioned. "Return to your ship and rendezvous with the Dark Mystery."

Raythe and Pai both bowed and moved to obey, but Katya looked confused when Caimbre appeared, laden with enough supplies to last a month. "Caimbre, what are you doing?"

Caimbre looked to Vexa. "Master has granted that I stay to look after things here."

Katya blinked in shock. "What? But…" looking to Vexa timidly, she went on more quietly. "But you hate Korriban."

Caimbre gave Katya a look that Vexa couldn't decipher. "Someone has to stay and make sure all our Master's efforts don't go to waste."

Katya still hesitated. "We've never been apart for a long time."

"Well, there's always a first time." Caimbre placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "Be strong. We'll see each other again soon."

Katya nodded, and squeezed Caimbre's hand before leaving.

Vexa studied the two girls. "You two may be a little… too dependent on each other."

But Caimbre shook her head. "No, Master, she just feels an obligation to look after me, is all. But she'll see by this that we can do things on our own too."

Vexa was admittedly impressed by Caimbre's insight, and she nodded her approval. "You may use the same room as the baby. Remember, you are not to try mending anyone or improve their situation. As for Emry, the one in rubble, you may find a way to slip her morsels of food and water, but that is all. No talking to her, comforting her, anything."

"I understand, Master." Caimbre hesitated, then went on. "Thank you for allowing me this chance to show you I can be useful outside of combat."

Vexa only nodded. "I am going to see Ben, and then I will leave you to it."

00000

When he woke, his head was pounding, and Ben groaned, waiting for the gloom of unconsciousness to give way to full wakefulness. He groggily placed a hand to his forehead, and when he felt how cool to the touch his palm and fingers were, he winced. But at the same time, they sort of felt good against his clammy skin.

Still, he wished he wasn't so cold.

Ben abruptly stilled as something came to him. He was fully aware: able to recognize his cold, yet clammy skin. And Ben was pretty certain that his eyes were open, because he could see the faint glint of light on metal. So, if he was awake, why was it still so dark? Unless it was nighttime.

Thinking that perhaps he had awakened before his alarm clock, Ben shifted to try getting more comfortable. But shifting brought a new realization to his attention: he was not in his bed. No, his bed was warm and soft, while this surface was cold and unyielding like granite. Also, instead of comforting covers, he only had the clothing on his back. And there was definitely no pillow.

Frowning in confusion, Ben sat upright, which caused something heavy and metallic to clink mildly. Only then did Ben recognize the weight of something icy against his ankles, and he looked down. Upon seeing not one, but both ankles sheathed in grey-black metal, Ben's breathing shallowed a little in apprehension.

Raking his mind, which had yet to fully clear, Ben at long last took in his surroundings. He was definitely not at home, but in some sort of room that was barren of anything except himself and his chains, which went up to attach to a hefty bolt high in the wall. The sight of the light— what little there actually was— once more playing off of the braided metal links brought Ben's memory screaming back.

He and his family had been at the theater, watching a holo, and Ben had left to use the refresher. Ben frowned as he tried to think of what else had occurred. Asher had come to the refresher as well, but there had been someone else in the room with them. A teenage male Rishii, and he had done something to Ben.

Lifting a hand, Ben felt his neck where he remembered a pricking sensation. It took him a moment, but Ben found the sight of the injection, and he swallowed with difficulty. So, someone had taken him. But what did a Rishii want with Ben? Unless that boy had been working for someone else.

"Are you enjoying your accommodations?"

Ben froze at the new voice, which was decidedly female, and for some reason a shiver of danger raced up his spine. Ben turned his head slowly, and only then saw a figure standing in the deeper shadows. They were shrouded enough that Ben couldn't see them clearly, but the Force was suddenly warning him of danger.

Ben felt anxiety trying to close his throat, and he did his best to push it back. "Who are you? Where am I?"

"You are my guest, Young Ben," the woman replied genially, though there was an underlying note in her voice that frightened him. And yet… there was something familiar about this voice. "As for the where… well, that doesn't matter right now."

Ben sat upright and stared more intently into the shadows, trying to make out anything else about the woman. Who was this? Ben could think of one person who would love to kidnap him, though he had never met the person attached the to the name. No, he'd seen holos of her, but had never heard her voice…

… or had he?

Ben stilled as a memory flickered to life, one he had tried to bury: that of the voice that had helped him gain access to the videos of Ignis that he'd wanted. The videos of Ignis' treatment at the hands of Doctor Giddalti. Abruptly, Ben knew that the voice from that time, and the one in the room with him now belonged to the same person.

Ben gulped a larger amount of dread, backing away somewhat. Did he dare say her name out loud?

"Hmm, you're almost there, Ben." The woman purred, obviously reading his mind. "Keep going…"

"V-V," Ben's voice faltered, and he tried again, "V-Vexa Wran?"

A soft, but decidedly spooky laugh emanated from the figure in shadow, and Ben felt goosebumps form on his arms. Then she stepped forward so he could clearly see, and Ben's eyes widened at the very real Vexa Wran standing before him. She was looking down on him as if he were a piece of meat, and she the predator.

"Very good, Ben."

He couldn't look away, his gaze held almost unwillingly upon her yellow eyes. Somehow, he found his voice.

"What do you want with me?" Ben paused, recalling how Vexa had initially been after Kodai. Had Ben been the only one taken? "Where are my sister and brother?"

Vexa waved her hand dismissively. "Do not worry about them. If I were you, I would be more concerned with what's about to happen to you."

Ben glared at her, feeling some of his mother's influence leaking through his fear to give him a little courage. "Where are they?"

Vexa shifted one lekku behind her back, considering him with open disdain. "Then again, I suppose you wouldn't really be a Skywalker if you took the selfish route, now, would you?"

Ben intensified his glare, then went to the Force, stretching out with it to see if his siblings were nearby. To his horror, not only did he sense Emry— who was in such a state of panic that it reminded him of when she had been on Orinda— but Ben also sensed Kodai nearby.

"NO!" Ben cried. "You grabbed Kodai too? What do you want with us? With him? He's just a baby!"

Vexa snorted. "I don't care how old he is. And my reasons are my own. Now, are you going to waste time asking me again what I want with you, or should I just proceed?"

Ben hesitated. "Proceed?"

Vexa moved forward, and Ben— motivated once more by fear— shifted away from her.

"You know, your admiration for Ignis seems to have increased since you learned more of his past," Vexa said, still moving slowly forward while Ben shifted back.

Ben tried to shut out the images of Ignis being tortured by the doctor, and he was only partially successful. Reading his mind still, Vexa paused to breathe in like she'd just caught a whiff of something tasty on the air.

"Ah, there they are… the memories…" She even closed her eyes theatrically, a devilish grin snaking across her face before she refocused on Ben. "So much suffering… so many experiments… so little trust or hope remaining in him…"

Ben did his best to close off his mind, pushing the videos out of his thoughts.

Vexa moved forward again and Ben shifted as well, but to his chagrin, his back hit the wall and he had nowhere else to go. Vexa maintained her forward progress until she was mere inches from him, at which point she crouched to meet his eyes.

"You love Ignis, I can sense that. Even after he betrayed you, there's still love." Vexa spat on the ground. "How pathetic. I wonder how much you'll love him when you see a different aspect of Ignis' past?"

Ben frowned. "What aspect?"

Vexa tilted her head condescendingly. "You do recall that he has been my pupil for many years now? And no, he has not been performing the work of a Jedi." She smiled wickedly, reaching for him. "No, Ignis has done many Dark deeds. Would you like to see?"

Ben's eyes widened when he realized her intent. Was she going to show him these incidents? Yes, Ben knew Ignis had been working for Vexa for a long time, but he had been spared the violent details. Ben knew, but he'd been safe in his ignorance of just what Ignis had done. Would he be able to move forward if he knew? Ben was afraid of this, and Vexa was well aware of that.

She meant to drive a rift between Ben and Ignis, one far deeper than what had been created when Ignis had attempted to kidnap Kodai.

"No…" Ben whimpered, even as her pale fingers drifted ever closer. "Please no… I don't want to see that…"

"I know you don't." Vexa remarked heartlessly. "But I need you to."

Before he could blink, her hands were on his temples, and her mind was inside his. With the gentleness of a nail being driven in to wood, the Dark Lady forced a feed of images and scenes upon him.

Ben cried out from the initial pain of the onslaught, and then he balked as image after bloody, violent image assaulted him. Each one was of Ignis in some act or another in the service of his master. Oftentimes Ignis was splattered with blood, and sometimes all Ben could see was the older boy's face.

Then, apparently not satisfied with the simplicity of mere images, Vexa shifted to full-out visions, complete with sounds, smells and sights. Ben screamed and sobbed at the intensity of it, even as he had no choice but to follow what Vexa was showing him.

…Vexa and four of her acolytes swept through a village, cutting down all who were in their path. At the shift of orders, some of the men were rounded up, along with a few women and children. Ignis in particular was a killing machine, his face a mask of concentration while he studiously worked his way through the village. Screams filled the air, as did the death cries of the victims.

When the initial slaughter was over, those who had been rounded up were moved to the village square. The men were tied to a fence, and the women were set before them, most of them wives.

Then, one by one, the women were killed before their husbands. Then, the children were also brought forth so the adults could witness the deaths of the little ones. Ignis, who was performing a sweep of the village per Vexa's orders, found three children huddled in a broken hut, their wide eyes focused on him as he herded them to join their fellows…

…Ignis was interrogating a woman that Vexa had deemed a traitor. Before the young man, the woman sat broken and near death in an unforgiving metal chair. The metallic scent of blood was strong.

"What did you do with the datapad?" Ignis asked, his voice like durasteel.

The woman looked away, and Ignis glared. "Tell me what I want to know and this can end."

She remained resolutely silent and Ignis sighed, bringing an already bloody knife to bear, and using it to dig into a festered wound in her leg. The woman cried out in agony, panting hard until Ignis let up.

"Tell me what I want to know!" Ignis demanded, drawing near to her face.

She glared. "I already… did. I am… innocent!"

Ignis shook his head. "No. We have you on the security feed stealing intelligence. What did you do with it?"

She took a rattling breath. "I've been framed!"

Ignis hesitated for only a moment and then thinned his lips. "You're lying."

He proceeded with the interrogation, torturing the poor woman until Vexa finally ordered him to execute her, which he did…

…Ignis was on the hunt through a vast jungle, working to flush the prey out so Vexa could capture him. He moved like a shadow, making no sound at all, and drawing steadily closer to the man who had slipped free of the hut when Vexa and Ignis had come calling. The man was a deserter, and Vexa did not take kindly to those.

Ignis paused when he caught the sound of haggard breathing as the man stopped to take a break. He no doubt thought he had lost those pursuing him, since he could not hear Ignis' motions. Reaching out with the Force, Ignis sensed the man's position and circled around to come in from ahead of him.

The man did not see or hear Ignis until the youth dropped in front of him like a destroying angel. The man actually screamed and took off back the way he had come, no-doubt realizing that Ignis was an acolyte.

At one point the man actually stopped and held up his hands, pleading earnestly while he shook with fright.

"P-Please, just let me go! Sh-she don' have ta know ya let me go!"

Ignis narrowed dangerous eyes at the man and took aim for his heart with an energy bow. "You should have thought of that when you deserted."

The man gulped and took off running. Ignis let him, even giving the man a three-second head start. Then Ignis raced after him, using the Force to hurl objects into the man's path anytime he tried to swerve left or right. In this steady manner, Ignis drove the traitor right into Vexa's waiting grasp, where he met with a grisly fate…

"Stop!" Ben hollered, shaking heavily and sobbing incessantly. This was too much! Far too much for him!

But Vexa ignored Ben, and all he could do was try not to vomit as she went on.

… Ignis lost control when the other acolyte's taunts went a step too far, and suddenly he was on the other like an acklay on its prey. He cried out in anger, his frustration at being stuck with Vexa and in the life he hated finally boiling over. The second acolyte tried to fight back, but Ignis overpowered him, a sick light in his eyes.

There was only one other acolyte in the room, and they tried to pull Ignis off of the other teenager, but Ignis shoved him away with the Force. By the time Vexa arrived to yank Ignis from the other boy, the victim was in critical condition, and Ignis was breathing erratically.

Vexa hauled him nose-to-nose with her, and Ignis froze, though his chest pumped wildly. Vexa looked torn between pride at Ignis' work, and fury that one of her acolytes was now useless to her…

…Ignis, now in the role of Vexa's Fist, mowing down an entire village of Cathar by himself, sparing only the senator's family. But this was only so he could kill each surviving adult for the Senator to see, and then he brought the girl to Vexa…

…Ignis killing the begging trainee after his squid activation…

…Ignis helping to rip Force-sensitive children from their families to become Vexa's latest pawns in her search to train acolytes, knowing full well that most of them wouldn't survive the process…

…Ignis drenched in yellow blood after battling a pack of creatures Ben had never seen before…

…Ignis trailed the ship, shooting only to disable.

He opened a hailing channel. "Don't make me kill you! Return the items you stole from Lady Wran and I will spare your lives."

"You'll forgive us if we don't believe you!" a grating voice replied, even as Ignis took out their hyperdrive.

"And what choice do you have?" Ignis asked coldly. "You're sitting ducks. Will you return what you stole?"

"Never!" The grating voice snarled, with several grunting agreements in the background. "Ozzo does not run from any threat! We can take you on easily, Runt!"

Ignis shook his head, even though the other couldn't see. "I will not be coming aboard just yet, but you will die if you do not agree to my terms. Surrender the goods, and I will leave you here to call for help. Refuse, and I will do what I have been ordered to do."

There as a slight pause, and then the other snorted. "Do your worst. I do not fear you."

"It's not me you should be afraid of." Ignis returned grimly, shooting a small vial from a specially designed cannon. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

The payload sped across space to pierce the enemy ship's hull. Minutes later, screaming, cursing and even blaster fire came over the still-open line, as the contents of the capsule were unleashed. When all was silent, Ignis activated the gas in the same capsule that would kill what he had unleashed.

When the gas had been given ample time to take effect, Ignis docked with the offending ship. Donning a breather, Ignis went aboard, stepping over the bodies of insects and thieves alike to retrieve Vexa's possessions…

On and on it went, with Ben growing increasingly sicker and more disturbed until, at long last, Vexa released him when Ben finally lost control of his stomach. Just as he vomited, Vexa straightened and stepped clear. Ben threw up until he couldn't any longer, and then dry-heaved a few painful times.

Ben collapsed to the ground, shaking from head to toe as he tried unsuccessfully to push away what he had experienced at Vexa's hands. Tears still tracked heavily down his face, and his breathing was erratic.

Ben whimpered, uncaring that Vexa was highly amused by his antics. That had been the most horrible thing he'd ever experienced! His stomach was knotting incessantly, threatening to make Ben dry-heave once more.

He did his best to not lay in his own bodily fluids, but the scent was not helping. When Vexa stepped closer again, Ben cringed, wondering if round two was about to happen. But she merely crouched again and lifted a lock of his bright red hair from his eyes.

"Now you listen to me. There will be no contacting your parents. Not only will you be unsuccessful, but if you try it, my servant will sense it, and I will leave instructions for her to unleash a beast of this world into this room should you try calling Mommy and Daddy."

Ben swallowed, too afraid of her to lash out. If this was but a taste of what she was willing to do to a child, then Ben had a deeper understanding of why Ignis was so scared of her, and why the young man had done her bidding. And if Ignis was afraid of this woman, then Ben knew he should be as well.

Ignis… so much violence… Ben's complexion paled again, and he nodded, not wanting this woman to hurt him further.

Seemingly satisfied, Vexa rose and left the room, sealing the door shut behind her, and darkening the room further. Ben only then realized that what little light had been in his room had mostly come from the hallway. With the door shut, all light came from a tiny window high in the room, and there didn't seem to be much sunlight.

Whimpering, and refusing to speak, Ben felt himself slipping into a state of shock. And he had no idea how long he would have to stew in the mass of visions and images Vexa had forced upon him. It could be a day, or it could be a week or more.

Either way, the prospect made him shiver with dread.

Dad… Ben thought despairingly, though he did not attempt using the Force.

00000

Luke snapped to full awareness when Ben's utter horror, and Emry's absolute terror slammed into him. He doubled over, his breath coming in short gasps, and a cold sweat breaking out all over his frame. He quivered uncontrollably, and Luke didn't realize that his wife and daughter were home until familiar hands grasped his arms.

"Luke!" Mara was kneeling beside him, her emerald eyes full of concern. "What's wrong?"

Luke shakily reached for her hand and held it, using Mara's presence as an anchor. He spied Shmi standing nearby and Luke closed his eyes.

"Ben and Emry… are not safe, Mara." Luke's voice was hoarse.

Mara stiffened, and she placed a hand under his chin to lift his face. Recognizing her intent, Luke opened his eyes once more and met her gaze.

"Luke, tell me."

He shivered. "I don't know details, Mara, but something's happened to them. I can't locate them, but both are in severe mental and emotional distress."

"And Kodai?" Mara asked tersely.

Luke shook his head. "I don't feel him, I'm sorry Love."

Mara thinned her lips and released him to clench her fists. "When I get my hands on that woman…"

Luke reached over and placed a calming palm over one of her fists. "Mara, we can't sink into thoughts of revenge right now. We must keep our heads clear and in the game."

Mara gritted her teeth for a long minute, and then nodded. "You're right. But I get to take a shot at her when we find her."

"Get in line." Luke growled dangerously.

Shmi shifted uncertainly, and Luke reached a hand to her, which she took.

"I know you are both mad, and I agree, but you're kind of scaring me." Shmi admitted gingerly. "I occasionally see you like this Mom, but Dad… it's rare indeed."

"I am also willing to do what must be done to protect this family," Luke said plainly, though he did cup her cheek in a fatherly manner, meeting her eyes seriously. "Without going to the Dark Side, Shmi. I am angry, but in control."

Shmi accepted this with a nod, and the three of them sat together.

Luke looked to his ladies. "Were you able to find anything?"

"Not much," Mara replied. "The four had docked with a port, but they did not leave a destination when they departed. And apparently, they mind-swiped the officer when they arrived, so never gave a log of where they came from."

Luke considered this information. "There were no traces at the landing site of materials from the landing struts?"

"None that we could find." Mara sighed. "If they always docked with the Dark Mystery, then there wouldn't be traces of anything earthy to find."

"I had an idea, actually," Shmi said, looking between her parents, before dropping her gaze. "Though… it may not even work."

Luke and Mara exchanged a look, and then Luke spoke.

"Go ahead, Sweetie."

Shmi bit her lip, considering, and when she spoke, it was with some degree of reluctance. "I didn't say anything about this before, but I think Ignis and I have… well, developed a sort of twin bond. Maybe I could use that to contact Ignis and ask him for his help."

Mara tilted her head curiously. "A twin bond? How is that possible, when you've only known for a short time, and have been apart?"

Shmi quirked the right side of her mouth into an odd shape, and then sighed softly. "This is what I never said, because I wanted it to be a special thing between just Ignis and I. But… when he helped me out of my funk, we… connected. I swear we did. And then again while he and Ben were in the underlevels, we connected." She was suddenly fervent, eyes shining with resolve. "They weren't long, drawn-out connections, but they were there. I know they were as surely as I know that my connection with both of you exists."

Luke took this in with mixed feelings, but nor did he call Shmi out on her revelation. Though he was curious…

"Why did you want this to only be between the two of you?"

Shmi look him in the eye. "I wanted what you and Aunt Leia have, Dad. Something unique to your twin bond. Of course, I didn't realize at that time that we were twins, but I knew our connection was special nonetheless."

Luke smiled softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I understand, Shmi."

Mara hesitated. "Would Ignis even know of this? Would he know where to find them?"

Luke considered. "If he had known Vexa was coming for our children, he would have warned us when he was freed. Ignis doesn't know of Vexa's activities where we are concerned."

"But he would know where we could begin looking, at least," Shmi remarked, "he could get us started there."

The adults considered, and then shared a look. Finally, both nodded in agreement.

"Alright, let's give it a try." Mara decided. "Would you like us to leave?"

Shmi pursed her lips, grateful for their consideration. "Please. I can do this."

Her parents nodded and left her be. Shmi waited until they were gone before she opened herself to the Force.

00000

Vexa settled into her seat on the shuttle, staring into the studded view of realspace. She had most of the Skywalker children in her grasp. Now for Shmi…

Vexa considered her next move, and delved into the Force. To her surprise, she sensed Shmi stretching out with it… and trying to contact Ignis. Initially Vexa was angry, but then an idea came to her, and she acted swiftly to divert Shmi's attempt to contact Ignis.

Using a technique she'd learned from an ancient Sith Master, Vexa swiftly cloaked her presence and touched Shmi's mind. She used Ignis' voice and a copy of the young man's presence to fool toe girl. Once her illusions were in place, Vexa spoke to Shmi.

Shmi!

Ignis! Wait, you found me?

A little perplexed as to why the girl thought Ignis would seek her out, Vexa paused. Was there something going on with Ignis that she didn't know? Realizing that time was of the essence, Vexa put the issue aside for now, and continued with her hoax.

I did. I was going to contact you with some information to pass along.

What information?

That can wait, what did you need? I sense you're upset.

Shmi sighed. Vexa took my siblings! We can't figure out where the four acolytes who took them went. Can you give us any leads? Did… did you know about the kidnapping?

Vexa kept her amusement carefully concealed, and instead turned on just the right amount of rue to sell her act. No, I didn't. I would have told you in some way. But I can help you. I am being sent on a mission that will take me right past Boz Pity. I know you already know where Vexa's castle is. Can you meet me there?

Yes.

Good. See you soon.

Vexa grinned happily when Shmi pulled away, a sense of triumph about the girl. Yes, the New Republic had gone through Vexa's castle, but her scouts reported that they had cleared out, leaving only a few personnel to guard the place. She was confident that the enemy had not found everything, because Vexa's castle held may secrets that only someone who had lived there for years would know.

But she needed to separate Shmi from her parents…

Pursing her lips, Vexa considered her options, and then hit upon an idea. Mara's contact list that Ben had sifted through was impressive. She could use one of those identities to send Luke and Mara in a different direction…

Vexa used her communications array to contact her top splicer and gave him an order to carry out immediately. With the man's promise to have it done within thirty minutes, Vexa made another call.

When Luke and Mara arrived, they'd be met with some of Vexa's best acolytes and soldiers…

… and an ultimatum.

00000

"Ignis will meet us as Boz Pity?" Mara clarified.

"Yes," Shmi replied, already packing a go-bag.

Mara pursed her lips. "He's taking a big risk awfully soon."

Shmi paused, looking to her oddly. "He can't control when Vexa sends him on a mission, Mom."

Mara hesitated. "Shmi, I trust you, but the bond between yourself and Ignis is rather new. Are you sure…"

"Mom." Shmi cut her off, a little miffed that Mara was second guessing this. "I spoke with him. And before you ask, yes, it was his voice, and it felt like him."

"And why would he…." Mara began to say when her datapad went off. Sighing, she glanced at it, saw that it was urgent and opened the file. She saw the sender, checked the sender's address and then read the script. Her eyes widened. "Luke!"

Her husband appeared moments later, a freshly packed bag in his hands as well. "What is it, Love?"

Mara showed him the datapad. "One of my contacts got wind of a ship adrift for days near Maridun. Apparently, it docked once with a spaceport to gather supplies. Two teenagers came off, one of them a Yevetha, the other a Rishii. Both young males."

Luke straightened. "That matches the description of two of our acolytes."

Mara looked to Shmi, who was staring at her packed bag, a set to her jaw that Mara recognized as disappointment, and even some frustration. Sighing, Mara touched Shmi's arm.

"Shmi…"

The young woman pulled away somewhat. "You're so quick to trust this contact, but not your own daughter?"

Mara winced at Shmi's tone of voice, and when Luke started to speak, Mara mentally asked him to wait. Taking her hint, Luke backed off, but remained ready to assist with the issue if need be.

"You're right," Mara said, stepping forward and lifting Shmi's chin. "I'm hesitant… but not from of a lack of trust." Shmi's eyes lifted to meet Mara's more fully.

"It's because you're the only one of my children who's still safe. I…" Mara's voice faltered, and she had to take a moment to clear her throat. "I don't want to lose you too. I do trust you, but I also know that Vexa isn't done."

Shmi softened, hugging Mara. "You're right, Mom. I'm sorry. I just…" She took a breath. "I wanted to prove to you both that I can still be useful, and that I can contribute."

"Shmi, we've never doubted your ability to do that." Mara murmured. "Even while you were gone, I wished you the best. But I will still be your mother first and foremost." Mara stepped back and gave Shmi a poignant look. "And sometimes, hard as that is, it means allowing my oldest daughter to spread her wings. Why don't you go to Boz Pity and meet with Ignis: your father and I will go to Maridun."

Shmi brightened. "I will meet you once I'm done, and we can share information and make a plan." She looked to Luke, who looked slightly uneasy still. "Dad?"

He looked contemplative, with an edge of worry to his brow, but he shook his head and came forward. "I will agree to this, only if you promise that you will not be doing anything except meeting Ignis and coming straight back home. We may have cleared the castle, but that doesn't mean it's not still dangerous there."

Shmi nodded solemnly. "I'll probably be back before you guys." She hugged both her parents now. "Thank you for still believing in me. I won't let you down, I promise."

They hugged her back, and once everyone was packed, they headed to the hangar bay together. Luke pursed his lips and turned to Shmi.

"Why don't you take Artoo and my X-wing? Your mother and I will take the Nebula."

Shmi inclined her head, and put in a call for Artoo. Once he was there, she ordered him to prep the fighter while she donned her flightsuit. Then she paused as Luke came back down the ramp of his little skiff and approached her.

"Shmi," Luke murmured, taking her hand gently. "I admit I am a little… uneasy about things. I honestly can't say if I am just high-strung after the kidnapping of your siblings, or if it's something else. Please, be careful, and if something doesn't feel right, then pull away."

Shmi squeezed her father's hand. "Dad, I'll be careful, I promise. But Ignis won't hurt me."

Luke closed his eyes. "It's not him I am worried about."

She hesitated, noting Mara join them.

"Do you sense something?" Shmi reluctantly asked.

"Yes, but I am not certain yet what that something is," Luke murmured. "It's an impression that something is coming, but I can't pinpoint anything specific. But with Ben, Emry and Kodai now in Vexa's clutches, it's only a matter of time before things come to a head."

Mara now looked to Luke with concern. "When did this come on?"

"As we were getting ready to leave," Luke replied. "I've been trying to get more of a read on this impression, but I can't."

The threesome stood for a moment, and then Shmi looked to her parents. "Mom, Dad, these are dangerous times. However, if we don't work to change that, then we will be stuck in this cycle forever."

Luke softened. "I know, Sweetie."

Mara and Luke hugged her once more, and with their farewells done, they separated into their respective vehicles.