21 / Nightmother
Tanalorr
"Merrin."
"Cal?"
"Teelo's compass is a fake, don't let them escape."
"I see them now, they will not leave this planet alive."
The Nightsister weaved her way through the people gathered in the markets, her eyes fixed on the Mirialukan she could see at the docks. She thought it was strange they had not yet left, and from where she was she could see them talking to the Dockmaster. Her brows furrowed in confusion as she saw them stop one of the dock workers and direct them somewhere with urgency. She slowed her approach, sensing that something wasn't quite right. The Dockmaster soon left them, rushing off towards Pyloon's and leaving Teelo standing alone. Merrin saw her opportunity and made her approach cautiously.
"Teelo."
They turned at the sound of her voice and she stopped several metres away from them. They didn't seem surprised to see her. In fact, their gaze met hers almost like they were expecting her.
"Merrin..."
She watched their every move closely, unable to read their expression.
"What have you done?"
They took a tentative step towards her and she instinctively shifted her stance, her right hand hovering over the dagger on her hip. They halted their movements as her eyes warned them not to come closer. They held their hands up in a non-threatening gesture.
"I know how this looks," They said. "But I swear to you, I didn't do this. I don't know why, but someone is setting me up."
Merrin looked them up and down.
"You expect me to believe that?"
"I'm still here, aren't I? If I had done this, I would be long gone by now and you know it."
She did know it. She knew there were a few things about this that didn't add up. And she knew Teelo, or at least she thought she did, and she hadn't thought them capable of such treachery. But what Cal had seen was throwing her off, making her doubt what she knew.
"Who? Who would set you up?" She asked.
"I don't know for sure, but I can guess."
"Then guess."
They looked at her very seriously, just the hint of anger in their features.
"Who has full access to our resources, knows all of our protocols, can come and go from Tanalorr freely and has spent the last year getting closer to me, specifically?"
Merrin's eyes widened as it dawned on her.
"Maven."
Teelo nodded once and Merrin hesitated a moment before she activated her commlink.
"Cal?"
Nothing. Nothing but static on the line.
"Sithspit!" She cursed.
"Something's jamming the frequency." Teelo stated.
"The Empire is coming; Cal will be on his way to the Temple to inform the Council."
Now Teelo's eyes widened as they realised the same thing she had, that Cal would be trapped in the Temple with Maven, and if she was the traitor...
"Wait, Merrin!" They rushed forward to stop her before she could teleport away. "If the Empire is on their way, we need to prepare our defenses and get people onto the ships now. Cal can handle Maven."
"He does not know," She argued. "And Kata is with him."
She saw them hesitate at that.
"It's too late now," They shook their head. "Gidun and Horos are with them and if something's wrong, we'll know. But the Empire could be here any second, we don't have time to debate this."
She knew they were right, but she couldn't think rationally knowing Cal and Kata might be in danger. She still didn't know if Teelo was telling the truth, but for reasons she didn't fully understand, she believed them. She looked into their blue eyes and saw no signs of deception. She couldn't explain what was happening, but one thing she knew for sure was that they were no traitor.
"Round up the people in the Square, start ferrying them to the ships. I will find Greez."
"You got it." They nodded.
The two of them separated and Merrin teleported into Pyloon's Saloon, startling the living hell out of Greez when she appeared in his kitchen.
"Dank farrick, Merrin, you tryna give an old man a heart attack?!" He demanded.
"The Empire has a compass, they are on their way," She got straight to the point. "We need to get our people out of here, now."
She saw Greez's brain take a second to catch up and then his face was all business.
"Whaddaya need from me?"
"Get to the Mantis, prepare it for take-off."
"You got it."
She led him out of Pyloon's and saw people already making their way around to the docks. She could see the confusion and fear on their faces as they passed by her. Suddenly she saw Mosey approaching with questions in her eyes and it gave her an idea.
"Merrin, what's goin' on?" She asked.
"We are about to be under attack," She said in a low voice so the people around wouldn't overhear. "I need you to escort Greez to the Mantis, defend him and the ship with your life."
"I can do that."
"Merrin—" Greez started to protest.
"Go with her, Greez, there is no time. I will catch up with you soon."
She watched them go for a moment, hoping there was enough time for them to reach the ship. Her eyes flicked towards Teelo as she saw them approaching through the markets.
"Did you find Greez?" They asked.
"He is heading to the Mantis as we speak."
"We need to clear out Pyloon's, make sure that—"
Teelo stopped mid-sentence and gasped, swaying unsteadily, a hand flying to their forehead. She was about to ask them what was wrong when she felt it, too. A sudden overwhelming wave of dread washed over her, stronger than anything she had felt before. She knew it wasn't a coincidence.
"Oh, no..." Teelo whispered.
Their eyes looked to the sky above and Merrin followed their gaze to see a great shadow looming over them as a Star Destroyer jumped into orbit very close. She was momentarily stunned by fear and disbelief until she heard the screams of panic begin to erupt around her as Haven instantly devolved into chaos. She stared at the great metal beast floating in the sky and her hand instinctively rose to rest on her stomach. She had a sudden, terrifying realisation that she could die here; that the child growing inside her could die here before they'd ever lived. She had never feared death, but in that moment, she was afraid.
Only the distinctive screeching of approaching TIE-fighters pulled her from her distraction. She heard Teelo ignite their lightsaber and she pulled one of her daggers from its sheath, using her Magick to restore its spear form. She tried to put everything from her mind for now and focus, knowing it was her best chance of survival, of helping others to survive. The TIE-fighters began to veer right as they approached the surface and their green lasers fired on the docks. Several explosions went off where they hit, shaking the ground beneath her feet.
"They're targeting the ships," Teelo shouted over the noise. "We have to stop them!"
"Come on!"
The two of them rushed towards the docks, pushing through the crowds of people fleeing the destruction. As they drew close, they saw at least three ships either destroyed or burning and already so many dead nearby. They looked up as they heard the second wave of TIE-fighters approaching fast.
"Merrin, get me up there!" Teelo pointed their saber towards them.
The Nightsister pulled a small bottle from her belt and popped the cork with her teeth, emptying the green glowing substance inside in a circular pattern, creating a portal.
"Go!"
Teelo jumped through without hesitation and she kept her eyes on them as they flew through the sky on the current of Magick. She curled her fingers, moving her hands to create an exit portal for them in line with the closest ship. They were thrown directly into its path and they cut through one of its wings with their lightsaber, sending the TIE-fighter spinning out of control to collide with the cliffs in the ravine below. She saw the Jedi use their power to rush at the next one with blinding speed and slice it clean in half. They went into freefall and she caught them with another portal. The two of them repeated this dance until it was clear and Merrin guided Teelo back to the docks. They rolled as they landed quite gracefully, agile as they were.
"Why aren't the defenses active?" They panted.
Merrin was wondering that herself, but just as she was about to answer, lights around them began to flash red and the emergency sirens blared. She looked up to see the perimeter defense turrets emerge from the top of the cliffs at last and begin to shoot down the TIE-fighters.
"That will hold them back for now." She said.
"We need to get these fires under control." Teelo replied.
"I will handle that."
Both of them looked up as they heard ships flying overhead. Imperial troop carriers flew by them, lowering to land on the other side of Santari's Peak. Very shortly after, she saw Anchorites holding blasters running up the path towards the South Gate and four Padawans follow behind them with sabers drawn.
"They're trying to surround us," Teelo said. "If the gates don't hold, they'll swarm us."
"Merrin!"
She and Teelo turned at the voice and she saw Master Horos sprinting towards them. The Twi'lek's face turned from relief when he saw her to fear and anger when he saw Teelo next to her. He ignited his green saber and lunged at them.
"Traitor!"
Teelo got their saber up just in time to defend themself. Their weapons clashed, but they were stronger than him and pushed him back easily.
"Lyle, wait!" They pleaded.
Merrin rushed in, putting herself between the two Jedi and forcing Master Horos to halt his attack. She held out her hand to him to stop him.
"Stop, it was not them!"
She saw the confusion cross his face as his eyes darted between them. She held her ground, hearing Teelo deactivate their weapon behind her.
"Merrin you don't understand," He began to protest. "We've been betrayed—"
"I know," She held his gaze evenly. "But we were wrong, it was not Teelo. If it were, they would have left us to die."
"How can you be sure of that?" He doubted.
"We do not have time for this," She stepped forward. "Where is Cal?"
Master Horos looked between Teelo and her again before relaxing his aggressive stance.
"He's headed to the Square to coordinate the defense."
"Is Kata with him?"
"Yes."
Merrin was relieved to hear this at least, to know they were both alive, for now.
"Go to the markets, gather the people there and direct them to the ships," She instructed. "Teelo will head to Pyloon's and I will stay here to secure the docks."
Master Horos hesitated a moment longer with a distrustful look at Teelo before he finally turned and headed for the markets to do as she asked. She heard Teelo sigh in relief behind her and she turned to them.
"Are you alright?" She asked.
"Yes."
"Then move."
They nodded and headed for Pyloon's, leaving her alone. Her head lifted towards the skies as a loud clap of thunder sounded. Dark clouds were gathering above and she felt the first icy droplet hit her face as Tanalorr unleashed her fury from the heavens. She turned and began to douse the fires, Dathomiri Magick being, as it had turned out, just as useful for putting out fires as it was for igniting them. The heat and exertion were causing her to sweat, but she focused on her task. It didn't take long with the help of the rain before the flames were contained. Very soon, people began to move her way and Master Horos wasn't far behind them.
"Stormtroopers are moving up the path to the Square," He informed her. "Cal has sent several Padawans to defend the gates, but they won't hold for long."
"Then we must move swiftly, get these people onto the ships. The defense turrets are keeping the TIE-fighters back for now."
"Sister Taske has already sent pilots to the hangar."
"Good. We must focus our efforts on the evacuation."
Another group of civilians rounded the corner and Teelo joined them. Merrin saw Master Horos eyeing them, but he didn't say anything.
"Pyloon's is almost clear," They panted. "Padawans are evacuating civilians to the docks."
"Good," Merrin replied. "Cal has sent forces to hold the gates and our fighters will soon be in the air, which leaves the ground defense to us."
"Perfect, I'm itchin' to kill some Stormtroopers." They smirked.
"If Cal's defense in the Square doesn't hold, they'll fan out and hit the markets and the Archive first." Master Horos observed.
"And if the East and South Gates don't hold, they'll hit the living quarters first then converge on the Square." Teelo added.
"Then we should prepare to meet the enemy on the ground at the Square," Merrin instructed. "The living quarters and the Archive should be emptied from the evacuation by the time they breach the gates."
"Agreed." Master Horos nodded.
"With the troops flooding the central path, we're cut off from the Mantis," Teelo pointed out. "We'll need that path cleared to reach it."
"We must head to the Square now and help the Jedi there to defend it."
"Copy that." Teelo nodded in agreement.
"May the Force be with you." Master Horos said.
"And you." Teelo returned, exchanging a look with him.
Teelo took off towards the markets and Merrin followed them. She hadn't had a moment to stop since this nightmare began, and she knew she couldn't afford to now. She couldn't stop to take in all the horror that was happening around them as people panicked, screamed and ran past them towards the docks. She couldn't stop to think about the people who'd been killed as the TIE-fighters attacked the ships, their bodies laying on the ground burning. She couldn't stop to think of the Jedi defending the Square now and whether their defenses would hold. There was no time to stop and think about any of it. She had to stay focused; their defenses had to hold, no matter the cost. Their people were counting on them to hold.
"Nightsister! Master Niteva!"
A Padawan, a teenage boy with brown hair, called out to them as he approached. He was holding the hand of a red-haired Youngling.
"Corr, what is it?" Teelo addressed him.
"Have you seen Master Horos?" He asked.
"He is at the docks," Merrin told him. "Why are you here?"
"Master Kestis sent me to ferry the Younglings to the docks, they're trapped inside the Temple with Master Gidun. He's gone with Kata to help them, but without him, the other Padawans won't be able to hold the Square for long."
Merrin looked down at the red-haired girl who was clinging to Corr's arm. Her face was terrified and wet with tears and small, broken sobs were leaving her mouth. For a brief moment, the Nightsister was overwhelmed with the horror this child was being exposed to. A horror she knew would stay with her for the rest of her life, if she even survived.
"Get to the docks, find Master Horos," Teelo instructed. "We'll handle the Square."
"Yes, Master!"
The Padawan took off running with the Youngling in tow and Merrin watched them go for a moment, hoping that they would make it. She exchanged a look with Teelo before they hurried on.
Stormtroopers were already swarming the Square by the time they reached it, overwhelming the Jedi that were left, and Cal and Kata were nowhere in sight. Merrin and Teelo drew their weapons and rushed forward to engage the enemy. They slashed their way through the troopers with ease, though great their numbers were, they were both seasoned warriors. Merrin tried not to allow herself to be distracted wondering why Cal and Kata hadn't yet returned from the Temple. When it was over and the last of their enemies lay dead at their feet, Teelo made their way over to Merrin.
"You ok?" They asked, then frowned. "They got you."
The Nightsister pressed a finger to her neck, not having noticed the sting until that moment. There was fresh blood on her fingertip as she pulled it away.
"It's nothing, I am fine."
"Master Niteva!"
Merrin turned to see an older Padawan approaching with a group of civilians behind him.
"Redarr, where's Pollus?" Teelo asked him.
"They're dead. The docks are chaos, Master Horos is doing what he can, but there was nowhere for these people to go."
"Get them up to the Mantis while the bridge is still clear, move!"
"Yes, Master!"
Redarr sprinted over the bridge with the civilians in tow and Merrin thought to count them as they passed – six. She saw the fear on their faces as they followed the young Jedi and she prayed that Mosey and Greez were safe. Movement caught the Nightsister's eye as more troop carriers landed on the cliffs near Haven's Edge and she turned to see Stormtroopers beginning to pour in on either side of the mountain.
"Teelo."
She heard the Mirialukan approach, stopping as they saw what she had.
"The gates have fallen." They confirmed her fears.
"Then we must make our stand here."
She readied her spear and stood her ground, preparing to face the enemy that was rushing towards them from all sides. Though they were limited in how many could come through the gates at once, she knew there would be thousands of them. Her thoughts turned again to the life inside her, the life she already felt such a strong instinct to protect. She heard Teelo activate their weapon behind her.
"You have my back, Jedi?"
She turned her head to look at them, seeing them do the same as they stood behind her, preparing to face the troops about to make their way across the bridge.
"To the end, Nightsister."
She nodded once at them and turned back towards her adversaries, the Padawans beginning to gather around, preparing to face their fate. But she would not die here today, she refused to die here. Merrin reached into her belt pouch and pulled a broken orb from it, the object beginning to glow green as she held it in her hand, Magick flowing through her as she chanted the ancient words.
"Choono slalem denni tay'lori olee-ay..."
She opened her eyes, seeing the twitching movement on the ground. The onslaught of Stormtroopers slowed as the bodies of their fellows began to rise to their feet all around her. She had not attempted a resurrection spell of this magnitude since Dathomir. She could feel the Magick weaken her, but she stood strong, flicking her wrists as she motioned her minions forward.
"Vashe!"
The resurrected Imperial troops charged at their still-living kin, the latter beginning to turn and retreat, screaming in fear. Her Magicked minions tore through them and she could feel the Padawans around her hesitating, some of them glancing at her in disbelief or fear.
"Courage, young Jedi," She shouted in an effort to inspire them. "Fear not the Darkness!"
The Padawans only hesitated for a moment longer before two of them charged forward with bloodthirsty cries and the rest followed. They slashed and sliced their way through the few that had survived the horde and Merrin turned to assist Teelo with those coming from the bridge. She whipped around just in time to see them dash behind a Purge Trooper and take his head off, pushing the body into two other troopers in front of it, sending them all over the cliff's edge. She saw more Stormtroopers begin to surround them and she reached out to tether them all to the ground. Teelo didn't hesitate, throwing their double-bladed saber in a circle around them, cutting through each of them before the weapon returned to their hand.
She assisted them and the other Padawans to deal with the rest of the wave coming across the bridge, the two of them then moving into the markets to take out the ones that had gotten past them. There were already so many bodies piling on the ground and half of the stalls had been set aflame. There was death and fear and fire and destruction everywhere Merrin looked. She was no stranger to the Empire and its merciless treatment of those who opposed them, but this was different. It was her home that was being desecrated, her people that were dying... just like on Dathomir. Her sisters had not survived that massacre, but she would do whatever she must to ensure her family's survival now.
"Merrin!"
The Nightsister's head whipped around at the sound of Kata's voice and she saw her purple lightsaber and her long dark hair as she descended the steps into the square with BD-1 perched on her shoulder.
"Kata!"
Merrin sheathed her weapons and ran to her, feeling the joy swell in her heart at seeing her alive and unharmed, but also immediately alarmed to see that Cal was not with her. She gripped Kata's face in her hands gently.
"brrwap!"
"Are you alright?"
"No," Kata's voice was shaking and her face was panicked. "I mean, yes, I'm fine, but—"
"Where's Cal?" Teelo asked as they approached.
Merrin saw Kata look up at them, confusion colouring her features. She knew there was no time to explain to her what she knew, why Teelo was still there. They would have to fill her in later when their lives were not in imminent danger.
"You're still here..."
"brrloop?"
"Kata, where is he?" They repeated.
Merrin stared at Kata in anticipation, also wondering as to Cal's whereabouts.
"In the Temple... Vader..."
Teelo's eyes shot up towards the Temple and Merrin's gaze followed theirs. A sudden pit formed in her stomach as she understood that Cal intended to face Vader alone. He would never survive, and she had a feeling he knew it.
"You two, get to Greez, get people on the ships and get as far away from Tanalorr as you can," Teelo instructed. "Don't wait for us."
They tried to leave, but Kata grabbed their arm to stop them.
"Teelo, no, he'll just kill you too!" She pleaded.
"I'm sorry, Kata, but I cannot leave Cal to face Vader alone," They rested their hand against her cheek and stared intensely into her eyes. "Have courage, young Jedi; you are the future."
They turned towards the Nightsister.
"Merrin—"
"Go, Teelo," She jerked her head. "Save him."
They nodded once at her then stood and began to back away.
"May the Force be with you!"
"No, Teelo!" Kata yelled.
"Kata, listen to me!" Merrin shouted, forcing Kata to face her. "Cal cannot survive Vader alone, but together they may stand a chance. If we do not get everyone onto the ships and leave now, we will all die."
Kata's brown eyes darted between hers in panic. Eventually, she saw the Padawan accept her words, trying to calm herself before she nodded.
"Ok."
Merrin turned as she heard the sound of marching feet approaching from the bridge.
"Ready yourself, Jedi, they are coming."
The two Nightsisters turned to face the enemy, and Merrin could see Kata wiping the tears from her face. They both looked up as a troop carrier flew by and dropped two unfortunate Purge Troopers in their path.
"I'll take the left one, you take the right." Merrin instructed.
Kata moved off to the right and Merrin squared off with the other, turning her spear in her hand. She sensed his initial attack coming and dodged to the side, connecting her spear with his electrostaff and forcing his weapon to the floor. She elbowed his helmet, hearing a grunt from him at the strike, and pushed him back with the Force. She teleported behind him, stopping his momentum by driving the tip of her spear through the back of his throat. She heard his gurgles as he choked on his own blood and she returned her weapon, dropping his body to the ground. She looked over at Kata, whose adversary also lay at her feet, the young Jedi unharmed.
"Greez? Can you hear me?"
Merrin pressed a finger to her ear, but all she could hear was static.
"It's no good, they're still jamming us," Kata approached her. "Where is he?"
"With the Mantis, awaiting more evacuees, Mosey and Redarr are with him."
"boo-wee-oop!"
Kata seemed to ponder for a moment and Merrin could see the other Padawans dealing with the last few Stormtroopers. There had been less in this wave, but she knew more would come soon. A group of civilians were running towards them through the markets, having likely been sent by Master Horos or one of the Padawans assisting him.
"Get this group to the Mantis," Kata pointed toward them with her saber. "I heard something over this way, I'm gonna check it out."
Before Merrin could respond, she turned and headed back towards the steps, and Merrin called after her to be careful. She did not know where the child was going, but she seemed to have an objective in mind as she sprinted around to the West side of Santari's Peak. She tried not to worry for her safety and focused on getting the civilians across the bridge as quickly as possible before the next wave approached. She led them up the path towards Haven's Edge, knowing she would need to hurry, but also needing to check on the Mantis and make sure it was secure. She breathed a sigh of relief as she rounded the corner and saw Mosey and Redarr defending the ship from a few stray Stormtroopers, Greez standing on the landing ramp with blasters in all four of his hands. Teelo's ship was still there as well, and she was relieved this area was so well-hidden.
"Merrin," Greez waddled over as he spotted her. "Oh, thank the stars! Are you alright?"
"I am fine, Greez." She assured him.
"Are these our passengers?" Mosey asked.
"Yes."
The Nightsister motioned the people behind her forward, doing a head count as they passed her towards the ship – nine.
"There will be more coming."
"Send 'em our way, we'll be ready." Mosey nodded.
"Thank you."
"Merrin!" Greez called. "You make it back here in one piece, ya hear?"
The Nightsister nodded at him, and without wasting another word, she teleported back to the ridge, ensuring the path was clear before she teleported again into the square. She was surprised to find Kata looking for her, and even more surprised to see who she was holding.
"Kata..."
The Padawan approached, her hands trembling as she handed the baby in her arms to Merrin.
"Nells is dead. Get him to the ship, please."
Merrin stared at Kata for a moment, the young woman's face withdrawn and her hands stained with blood. It took her far too long to realise that the infant she now held in her arm was Nells' newborn son. She glanced down at little Porro, his mother's lightsaber resting atop his small body, bloody fingerprints marking its silver surface. She looked at the baby as he cried, feeling the incredible weight of his life in her hands. He was so small, so helpless...
"You have to come with us now." She gripped Kata's shoulder with her free hand.
"I can't."
Kata's eyes were determined as she looked up at her and Merrin was about to ask her what she meant when the loud explosion of one of their fighters being blown from the sky cut her off. She and Kata took cover, Merrin shielding the defenseless infant in her arms as the debris fell to the ground around them.
"I have to get my Papa's fighter in the air," Kata shouted. "Our defenses are down, we'll never get the ships out of here in one piece unless we clear out those TIE-fighters!"
"You cannot fight them all on your own, Kata!"
"I can! I have to, it's our only chance! Do you have your compass?"
"Yes."
"When you're clear, transmit the data to the other ships and lead them through the Abyss."
"Only if you promise you will be right behind us."
"Do you trust me?"
Merrin hesitated, wanting to protest, wanting to convince her that this was reckless, dangerous. But she knew there was nothing she could say to dissuade her once her course of action was decided – the child was far too headstrong and stubborn, a quality she shared with Cal.
"Of course I do, Kata."
Kata placed her hand on Merrin's neck and looked into her eyes.
"I'll be right behind you."
Merrin hesitated before she nodded once at her and Kata threw her arm around her in an embrace. Merrin returned it as best she could with the baby in her arm, then she pulled away to look at her face, committing her features to memory, like it was the last time she would ever see it.
"Do not die." She instructed.
"You either."
"Go."
Merrin teleported back up to Haven's Edge, startling Mosey with her sudden appearance. Confusion settled on the human's face as she approached and handed the baby to her.
"Get him on the ship, keep him safe."
Mosey took him without protest and nodded at Merrin, turning to take him to the Mantis. Merrin and Redarr's eyes met, seeing the sadness and fear she felt reflected in his gaze, before she teleported back to the Square. She still couldn't see the next wave of troopers preparing to descend the path and she was suddenly concerned at what they were planning. The Square was deserted of life and eerily quiet save for the distant sounds of battle, so she teleported again to the docks. It was decidedly more chaotic here – there were people rushing into the ships and still rounding the corner from Pyloon's. Two more ships were burning now, but it seemed that at least five were still intact. Merrin approached Master Horos where the Twi'lek stood at the centre of the chaos.
"Merrin, thank the Force you're alright!"
"The Square is secure, for now," She informed him. "But I fear the worst is yet to come if we do not get our people out of here."
"I need more time to get them on the ships."
"I can take some of them with me to the Mantis. Kata is going to secure the airspace and cover our departure."
"She's taking the TIE-fighters on solo?" He questioned.
"Yes, she is the best pilot we have now," Merrin pointed out, though secretly she still thought Kata's plan was insane. "Our communications are being jammed, but we should still be able to transmit the compass data from the Mantis to the other ships."
"Leading the way through the Abyss for us."
"Precisely. Make haste and be ready to depart on our signal. When you see the Mantis take off, have the convoy follow and we will jump through the Abyss together."
"We'll be ready, you have my word."
She nodded at him, then pulled as many people as she knew the Mantis could still carry from the crowd and instructed them to follow her. She led them through the burning markets, across the empty Square and over the bridge towards the ascent to Haven's Edge. A familiar screeching sound approached as they were most of the way across the bridge and she looked up to see a TIE-fighter heading straight for them. Just as she was about to warn the group, the enemy fighter was shot down by red lasers and a lone Z-95 sailed overhead. Merrin smiled at the ship as it passed them, knowing who was piloting it.
She got the group to the Mantis safely and counted them as they piled onboard. Including her, Mosey, Redarr, Greez and Porro, that made thirty-two. A loud rumble sounded from the direction of Haven, causing the rock beneath her feet to vibrate. She furrowed her brows, knowing that rumble was made by an explosion, but not being able to see anything from where she stood. She hesitated before she boarded the ship and headed straight for the cockpit.
"Merrin," Greez turned in the pilot's seat. "Where're the others?"
"Kata has taken a fighter and is clearing the skies for our retreat. Cal and Teelo are in the Temple keeping Vader occupied."
"Vader...?" He murmured.
"The Mantis cannot carry any more people and Master Horos is almost done loading the rest onto the ships that are left. Be ready to take off as soon as we are clear."
"Wait, but, Cal and Teelo—" He started to protest.
"We are leaving the Rogue behind for them, but they have yet to emerge from the Temple. We cannot wait for them."
Greez's expression was despondent at her words and her face softened.
"Greez," She got his attention. "We must get these people away from Tanalorr – they are counting on us. Cal and Teelo are playing their part, now we must play ours."
He contemplated for a moment before he finally nodded.
"Yeah, ok."
Greez prepped the ship for take-off while Merrin watched the monitors, seeing blip after blip drop from the radar. Her eyes darted over the screen, able to see the pattern of Kata's movements as she destroyed the enemy ships, until at last they all disappeared.
"We are clear, take off." She instructed.
Greez wordlessly pulled the ship up and Merrin saw Kata's Z-95 fly past them as they turned towards the mountain. She whispered a silent prayer for the young Jedi, then returned her attention to the monitors, seeing the signatures of six friendly ships following behind them. She pulled her Abyss compass from her belt and placed it atop the controls.
"The other ships are behind us, I will transmit the compass data to them."
"Merrin..."
The Nightsister looked up as Greez said her name and she saw what he was looking at; two large ships were passing over Santari's Peak. Huge explosions went off as the bombs they dropped made contact with the mountain, the shockwave jolting the ship as it reached them. Their mouths fell open in horror as they watched the east side of the mountain begin to collapse. Merrin's immediate thoughts were not for those still on the ground below who would be crushed by the landslide, was not for any who would now be trapped in the Southern Expanse with no way to escape. Her immediate thoughts were for Cal and Teelo, who were likely still inside, with Vader. She looked up at the ships that were now passing over them.
"We have to move, Greez." She choked out.
Greez pushed the throttle forwards and Merrin checked the monitors to make sure the other ships were still following, then she began to transmit the compass' signal to them. They made a hasty turn towards the Abyss, the Star Destroyer closest to them now in full view. Her eyes widened as she saw and heard a wave of TIE-fighters rapidly approaching their convoy. They pulled into range far too quickly and opened fire. They heard the explosion and Merrin looked down at the screen to see the signal from one of the cargo ships behind them disappear.
At last, the compass' data was done transmitting and the Nightsister wasted no time punching in the coordinates and throwing the hyperdrive lever. Not a word was spoken between them for the agonising minutes they were travelling through the Abyss. She didn't take her eyes off the monitors the whole time, hoping against hope that everyone that was left would make it through. After what felt like an eternity, they dropped out of hyperspace on the other side. She waited with bated breath as each of the five ships that were behind them appeared on the sensors, only exhaling once Kata's fighter finally showed up last.
"They're through." She informed Greez.
"The Reach..."
Merrin looked up to see the Star Destroyer orbiting Koboh. She realised the Empire must've attacked Rambler's Reach at the same time they'd attacked Tanalorr. From what they could see of the smoke on the planet's surface, it seemed like it was already over. Merrin knew they could not linger here, she reached over and gripped Greez's shoulder, getting his attention.
"We must make the jump now, Captain."
"Ri-right." He stuttered.
Greez punched in the coordinates and Merrin waited as the other ships jumped away one by one, the Z-95 the last one remaining. She realised Kata must have been waiting for them as they were the ones with passengers. She hesitated a moment before she pulled the lever, plunging the Mantis into hyperspace once more.
Neither she nor Greez spoke for a long time, both of them in shock from the events that had unfolded. Merrin's mind was reeling from the last few hours, everything had happened so quickly and there hadn't been time to process any of it. Now that there was at last a moment of quiet, she felt it catching up with her; the shock and the horror of it all. She rose from the co-pilot's chair slowly and began to cross the cockpit towards the door, but halfway there, her chest started to feel tight, like she couldn't breathe. She had a terrible feeling in the pit of her stomach and she suddenly felt faint. She stumbled and threw her arm out to catch herself on the wall. Greez noticed and got up from his seat.
"Merrin? You ok?" He asked, concern in his voice.
"I do not know."
"Here, siddown."
Greez guided her down into the passenger seat and she hunched over, gripping her stomach. She felt hot and cold at the same time and felt as though she might be sick. She couldn't tell if it was simply her symptoms, all of the fighting taking its toll on her body, or the mental toll of the destruction of Tanalorr, the loss of the people she'd known, or the realisation she'd had that Cal and Teelo may not have survived. She suspected it may be all of them at once, feeling it all come crashing down on her now. She felt like every inch of her skin was being pricked with hot needles. This could not be happening, not again…
"I do not feel good." She admitted finally.
"Are you hurt?"
"No, Greez..." She looked up at the Latero and without really deciding to, she told him the truth. "... I am pregnant."
The shock and disbelief that crossed his face would have been amusing to her under normal circumstances, but these were far from normal circumstances.
"You... you're..." He muttered, unable to string words together.
She guessed he must have been connecting the dots in his own brain that she currently was, the horror of their new reality sinking in. If she had told him the news but a few hours ago, it would have been cause to celebrate. But now, given what they had both just seen and been through, now it was almost a nightmare.
"Does Cal know?" He finally managed to ask.
Merrin looked up at him. She had wanted to tell Cal, tried to tell him, but the events of that day had interfered. She wished she had told him sooner, but there was no point in wishing that now.
"You are the first to know." Merrin told him.
"Well, I guess I should be honoured, but... are you gonna be ok?"
Merrin didn't know how to answer his question. She was hardly concerned with herself in that moment, though perhaps she should have been. She looked into Greez's dark eyes and felt a stray tear slide down her cheek, her despair getting the better of her even through the shock.
"Hey..." Greez's voice softened as he took Merrin's hands. "I'm sure Cal wasn't in the Temple when it blew. The kid's a survivor, he'll turn up, you'll see."
The Nightsister did not trust herself to speak, so she simply nodded in response. She appreciated his reassurances, and she hoped against hope that he was right. She could not shake the awful, sinking feeling in her gut, but she knew she must hold on to the hope that Cal was alive until he either found them, or they learned otherwise. She had to hold onto it, for the sake of her sanity. Teelo, too, and Kata – wherever she was, Merrin hoped she was safe and that they would find each other.
"So what do we do now?" Greez asked.
Merrin's eyes wandered as she thought on it. What do they do now? It was a question she wasn't sure had one definitive answer. With Tanalorr gone, nowhere in the Galaxy would be safe for them. The people on that ship were depending on them now, and all of them would be reeling from this loss as much as they were. She didn't know what the right thing to do was, what the best option was, but perhaps there was one place they could go…
"We need to get everyone somewhere safe," She replied. "And I can only think of one place the Empire may not think to look for us."
Greez raised his bushy eyebrows expectantly.
"Dathomir."
The look on Greez's face was not an excited one. Merrin knew his disdain for Dathomir all too well, but there was nowhere else as familiar, as remote, or as dangerous to go. Which was the entire point – dangerous meant the Empire might stay away.
"Are you sure?" Greez asked.
"I do not see another choice, Greez. Dathomir is my home and I know it well, we can hide them there and regroup until we find the others."
"Ok, then, Dathomir it is."
He returned to his chair and Merrin stayed seated, staring at the floor. She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, trying not to let her fear overtake her. She still had a job to do and she was responsible for every life on the Mantis, including the life within her. She rested her hand on her stomach gently, as if in comfort, then after a moment she stood and steeled herself to face their passengers.
Dathomir
Clearing the path up to the ruins had been no easy feat, and ferrying the other survivors up there was an even greater challenge, but Merrin persisted with the help of Greez, Mosey and Redarr. The ruins of the ancient Nightsister Temple were familiar to her, but she knew how foreign and frightening it would seem to those who now rested in its shelter. It was strange to her as well, to see a place that was once sacred to her people filled with outsiders. But these were her people now, and she knew this was the safest place for them, perhaps the only safe place left in the Galaxy. The irony was not lost on her.
She conversed in a low voice with Mosey and Redarr, trying to coordinate the defense of their position, but she was distracted looking at the people all around her. So many miserable faces, the energy in the room heavy with defeat and sorrow. Every person in that room, including her, had lost their home, friends, family. She felt the sorrow inside as she thought of her family, wondered where they were now, if they were even alive...
"I'm scared."
Merrin turned as she heard the whisper from a little girl sitting nearby and the woman beside her shushed her quietly. The Nightsister made her way over to them and knelt down before the child. She knew her face, but not her name. She wasn't a Youngling, just a frightened child.
"You don't have to be afraid," She assured her softly. "I grew up here, with my sisters. They are gone now, but their spirits watch over this place. They will protect us, there is nothing to fear."
The little girl smiled at Merrin shyly and she returned a warm one. The child's mother looked up at her and mouthed 'thank you'. Merrin nodded at her, then left the two of them alone.
She found herself wandering through the ruins slowly, taking in the Temple's ancient wonder as though she were seeing it for the first time. It had been almost a year since she had last returned home; the last time she had come here was with Cal. It was on that visit that she had retrieved the pendant she gave to Kata for her recent birthday. She thought about them now and her heart ached.
She eventually stopped as she made her way into the Nightsisters' shrine. This was a sacred place to her, a place where she once prayed with her sisters. She could feel them still – their energy surrounded her, bound her to this place. She knelt down on the uneven floor and closed her eyes, allowing herself to connect with those energies, hearing their whispers.
"Sisters, Mother..." Her soft voice echoed in the small space. "I hope you can forgive me for bringing these strangers into our home. A great horror has befallen them. They have suffered, as you did. They have lost, as you were lost..."
She opened her eyes, looking up at the statue before her.
"It is my duty to protect them, to keep them safe from those who would seek to harm them. I humbly beseech you to provide them your shelter and protection in this their hour of need. And for Cal and Kata and Teelo, wherever they are in this Galaxy, watch over them, help to guide them here."
She was silent for a moment, feeling the emotion threatening to spill from her eyes again.
"Please, if you still hold any affection for me as your Sister, please keep my family safe. I cannot lose them the way I lost you, not now... not when..."
The traitorous tears began to slip down her cheeks and she clutched at her stomach, feeling the despair grip her. She had never felt so alone, even in the days she had spent on Dathomir after her Sisters were killed, she had never truly felt alone, for they had been with her. Since then, she had been surrounded by people who had opened her eyes and brought so much good into her life. And now, in an instant, that had been taken from her again. She could not bear to go through it a second time.
"I beg of you, lend me your strength so that I may keep my people safe, so that I may keep my child safe. Protect us so that I may one day pass to them what you have entrusted to me."
The Nightsister sat in silence for a long moment, collecting herself. She reached out with her feelings, sensing the souls of her fallen Sisters surrounding her, enveloping her. She breathed a heavy sigh as she felt their reply not in words, but in the inexplicable comfort she felt. And somehow, even through her sorrow, she felt the smallest spark of hope.