"Aargh!"

Vaylin shouted in anger as lightning emerged from her hands. It was just a quick surge, swiftly reflected off the durasteel wall of her room. After waking up and catching her breath, the woman rushed towards her room, hoping to clean her bed before anyone came in and saw her 'disgrace.' Luckily, it was still early in the morning, and no one had come to check her room yet. She changed her sheets quickly; luckily, there were some spares. Only when that was done, Vaylin could get a shit breather.

Or at least try to. She walked towards the window, hoping that the sight of Zakuul's skyline being blessed by the first rays of dawn would soothe her, but she was utterly wrong. Vaylin still felt her heartbeat increase, felt her hands occasionally shaking, how every muscle in her body grew tense. It was hard to stand, and even occasional outbursts of her power in the form of force lightning did nothing to mitigate this.

She was so weak on this night…So scared and vulnerable like some little girl. It happened to her from time to time; Vaylin never had an easy night, but some were especially vicious, Ike this one. They paralyzed her, forced her to shake and scream in horror, feel like a pathetic, filthy creature…Just like how she felt in Jarak's Sanitarium. An animal that he used for his experiments and personal pleasure.

This time was different, however. Vaylin had never had someone comfort her before. Besides occasional word of reassurance from Arcann when he saw her sleeping bags, she was all alone when it came to those nightmares. She never expected there to be a way to be able to sleep after them, not until waiting for the next night when she will fall into slumber from extreme exhaustion, but Cassian helped…She felt so weak and vulnerable in his arms, just like with Jarak, but she also felt relaxed and safe. Safe…Vaylin couldn't think of the last time she truly felt it. She always expected someone to conspire against her and always on her own powers to crush those malcontents. She never trusted others to protect her, mostly because they only did it out of fear or necessity. Cassian, however, meant it. He wanted to help, and he gifted her a few hours of sweet, undisturbed sleep, and she liked it. Liked to feel weak as long as she was safe…Vaylin clenched her teeth at the realization of how disgustingly pathetic this was. She took a deep breath, trying to hold her desire to scream back. He showed her genuine affection, she liked it and despised liking it. Despised knowing that she wanted more.

Before Vaylin could continue her stream of thought, she heard something. A door behind her opening slowly and someone piquing through the opening. She assumed that her senses were playing a trick on her, but Vaylin turned around nonetheless. All she could see was an armed guard who pointed his blaster at her. The next moments have gone too quickly for Vaylin to react. A violet shard flew across the room and pierced Vaylin's elbow.

"Aargh!"

She felt this suffocating pain once again, just like in Odessen. This was the same substance, the same Voidcaller that forced her to retreat, the anti-force poison. Vaylin fell on her knees, feeling the powers leaving her once again.

"It…It worked!" The guard said with excitement and turned around. "Come on in, it fucking worked!" He entered the room along with another guard; both of them had eyes brimming with disbelief.

"You sure? Maybe she's just stunned…You can't just strip someone like her of her force powers with this! That can't be right!"

"You…BASTARDS!" Vaylin screeched as she rushed to the nearby table and picked up a sharp knife. She knew it was a long and desperate shot, but she had to try nonetheless. Vaylin rushed towards one of the guards and tried to plunge the knife deep into his neck, but he resisted and pushed her aside. "N-No!" Vaylin couldn't resist without the force, not against armed men.

"W-wait, seriously?" The doubting guard said with shock.

"Yeah, see? She can't use the force at all, no more dangerous than a lurker pup like this!"

"Incredible…And that Archon makes more of it?"

"You…" Vaylin interrupted. "You have the Voidcaller, how?!"

"Like we know." The guard that shot her shrugged. "One of Doran's more recent contacts has it…"

"Ah, Doran…" Vaylin thought of that fearful man's face. "Is he with Jadus, too?"

"Jadus? Guess that's his name…"

"Come on." The other guard said. "We are to bring her in, not answer her stupid questions."

"Yeah, I know…"

"I might not have the force, but I'll find ways to hurt you!"

"I wonder how."

"I'll…I'll bite!"

"Very scary." The guard chuckled and approached her.

"You'll pay for this! Hear me? I'll gouge your fucking eyes out and…" Vaylin paused when she saw another silhouette emerge from behind the door, a blue-skinned Sith with a crimson lightsaber in his hand, perfect timing. Their eyes met for a moment, making it clear that he needed a few moments. "I'll turn your brain into mush and drink blood from your skull! I'll…"

The moment Cassian pierced the second guard's chest from behind, the other one turned around with a shocked expression emerging on his gaze. His grasp weakened, allowing Vaylin to push him aside. A push wasn't too strong, but due to the man's fear, it was more than enough to make him fall to his knees and give Cassian the second he needed to finish him off.

"Why do we always cut it so close?" Vaylin said in a sarcastic tone, trying to make her relief.

"Are you alright?" Cassian said as he helped her get up, making Vaylin realize that she would have to rely on him once again, and this time, it wasn't just emotional safety she had to be concerned about.

"Did you know they'll be after us?"

"I did. I was on my way to Doran and noticed some of his men bringing a Voidcaller supply in. They spotted me, but it was too late for them. And you…I take it they got you?"

"Yes," Vaylin said with clenched teeth, once again forced to admit to her vulnerability. "Those audit fuckers came from behind…"

"Damn it," Cassian said with anger; he must have been already thinking about their next move.

"They'll realize that we know soon."

"They probably have already. Someone must have found the bodies…And you screaming about this very loudly didn't help matters."

"Sorry, I guess I should've given in and accepted my fate!" Vaylin scoffed at him.

"What's done is done…I was wondering if we should take the fight to Doran, but that's suicide. You're already out, and one more shot will get me, too."

"So we are running again?"

"Afraid so. They'll block the elevators, so we'll have to find another way." Cassian turned towards the corridor. "And better now than later. Stay close, I'll cover you."

"This is ridiculous…" Vaylin scoffed.

"Don't get feisty; surely you don't want to die at the hands of some goons?"

"No, I don't…I'll kill them all the next time I see them."

"I hope we get that chance, too…Come on, let's find a way out!"

They made their way towards corridors, hoping that it wasn't too late yet. Over the next few minutes, their journey seemed simpler than they expected it to be. The halls were empty, making Vaylin wonder where Doran sent all his men. Were they preparing a trap for them somewhere else, or were they preoccupied with fighting their war? In any other circumstance, Vaylin would prefer it to be the former, so she would have more victims to slaughter, but not without her force powers.

"I think there are some ahead…Hold on for a moment." Cassian warned her before taking a step forward and turning towards an adjacent corridor. There were two guards who pointed their weapons at Cassian, but he was quick to force-choke them and force them above the ground. They resisted for a few seconds, but the Sith snapped their necks before they could scream. At times, Vaylin really appreciated his brutality and ruthlessness…Now that Valkorion was out of his mind, he seemed far from awful, even fun at times.

"Nice work." Vaylin gave him a smile of approval.

"Now, where to go next…I should've taken schematics of this place." Cassian sighed as he looked over multiple corridors within the tower they could try out. However, their reprieve was not long. Vaylin heard steps coming from one of them.

"I think they're onto us…" She whispered, making Cassian take up a defensive stance. She spotted their enemies approaching, and there were multiple of them this time. No less than ten armed men walked through the corridors, each of them holding a blaster that gleamed with violet colors.

"They're here!" One of them shouted and pointed at the duo in the hall, they didn't have enough time to hide. "Let's get them!"

They fired their shots, with numerous purple shards emerging before Cassian and Vaylin's eyes. Luckily, their reflexes were enough to evade by jumping behind the nearest wall, allowing the Voidcaller shards to crash into durasteel. All they could do now was to run, they had no chance of fighting all those men at the same time.

"They're getting away, come on!" Another guard shouted as he beckoned for his allies to follow them. The duo had to think quickly, maneuvering from one corridor to another, until they finally reached a dead end with only a single door in front of them.

"Shit, we need to go back!" Vaylin said, but they could still hear the frequent steps right behind them.

"Too late…Let's get inside, I can hold them off."

The two rushed into the apartment in front of them, a room similar to the ones they spent their night in. The guards were already in the hall, just a few more seconds and they'd reach their targets…

Cassian forced the door shut with his forceful powers before they could reach it. There was no way to lock it, but the invisible barrier he created kept the door static.

"What the…How did he lock the door!?"

"Probably using the force, but he can't hold it forever. Come on, lads, breakthrough!"

They began to push the door with their combined might, making Cassian's hand visibly shake as the Sith clenched his teeth.

"Persistent maggots…"

"Is that your plan? Really?" Vaylin crossed her arms and said in annoyance. "I could've crushed that door into their faces if I had the force!"

"I was hoping there would be a passage to some other room, but…" Cassian shook again as they tried to push through. "Guess there's only one way out left."

"Where? You mean trying to fight them?"

"Remember Asylum?" Cassian said. "How did Arcann survive one very long fall?"

"You're not…"

"Yes, I know, but that's safer than trying to take them out. Even if we kill those ones, there are many more there…I'd better be safe than sorry."

"And me?"

"Get on my back and hold tight."

Vaylin took a deep breath, realizing that this was inevitable. She grabbed Cassian's shoulders, ready to embrace whatever was to come.

"Ready?"

"Yeah…"

With one powerful force push, Cassian tore a hole through the glass before them, opening the gateway. For a moment, Vaylin felt like closing her eyes, but she showed more than enough fear and weakness today; this was more than enough. A few moments of free fall, collision with the spire, a forcefield…She clings to Cassian's back as he slit down the walls, piercing them with his lightsaber, echoes of countless shuttles and the whirling wind scouring through Vaylin's ears.

Then, only descent into the darkness.

…

Most of the time, Raina would enjoy routine. It gave her a sense of normalcy.

Of course, what she would consider a regular pastime was dangerous adventuring to most others. Be it as a spy in the Intelligence, Lieutenant of the Ascendancy, or as a member of the Alliance, service became a daily part of Raina's life. Even now, she sometimes forgot about their situation for a moment, allowing herself to pretend that Odessen was still free and all she was doing was continuing with her routine. Every time she felt the collar around her neck, this illusion vanished. Of course, Atiel told Jadus of Raina's force-sensitivity. To think that she ever trusted that woman…Atiel was not interested in discussions and would not question Jadus's goals and methods. She was his loyal puppet.

The same couldn't be said about Eckard Lokin. Raina's old friend was within Jadus's inner circle, yet she knew that he wasn't doing it out of any dedication to the mysterious fanatic but to repay a debt to Atiel, who saved him from a slow, painful death. Raina understood this very well; the relief he must have felt when he realized that this illness no longer shackled him must have been indescribable. Yet this did not justify him aiding a cause that sought to destroy everything he once stood for. Raina believed Lokin understood it in his mind but perhaps did not want to acknowledge it. This didn't mean there was no chance, however. A key part of an agent's job was to establish connections and relationships. Whether they were real or fake, each one must be beneficial to the task. And the current task at hand was freeing Odessen and driving Jadus away.

Most of the time, Lokin would spend time in Oggurobb's lab, working on whatever Jadus orders him. The Hutt doctor had no choice but to allow Lokin in, but he adamantly refused to help him with his project, entertain his ideas, or share his equipment. Raina respected that.

As for Lokin, he was wholly consumed by his research. The moment Raina came to visit him, she immediately saw the doctor standing in the right section of the lab, the one that Oggurobb must have dedicated to him. There were some syringes and a container no larger than a typical kolto tank. Perhaps it was a kolto tank, though its current contents were anything but. The violet substance emerged inside, slowly growing from a small spot to a cloud that overtook the entire space. Lokin watched without allowing any distractions, although a momentary movement of his googled eyes suggested to Raina that he saw her enter. There was no point in interrupting him; all she could do was watch.

"Yes, yes, just a little longer…" Lokin said with passion as he dedicated himself to the substance. It grew brighter, becoming bright violet; Raina felt it could explode at any time.

And so it did.

The woman looked away for a moment as she heard the explosive sound, and all the colors dissipated moments after.

"No, no, not now!" Lokin said with annoyance. "Not after you've come so close!"

"Can you be quiet for a moment?" Oggurobb's annoyed voice interrupted him. The Hutt was on the opposite side of the lab, desperately trying to ignore his new neighbor.

"Not with this amalgamation being more elusive than a wild Konrath. Every time I think that it might work…" Lokin said before looking at Temple. "Ah, Lieutenant. Come to look at my research?"

"In a way," Raina said as she approached Lokin, leaving Oggurobb to his own devices.

"A shame you had to see my latest fiasco, but I'd never make a successful discovery without a few bumps on the way."

"How's the research?"

"Chaotic, but definitely not stagnant, and that's the key."

"Is that the Voidcaller?" Raina wondered. "I thought Jadus had more than enough."

"He does, but…" Lokin paused for a moment as a sly smile emerged on his face. "Ah, you almost had me there! You are not trying to talk me into giving away Jadus's plans, are you?"

"Call it simple curiosity," Raina said.

"We both served in Intelligence; we know how it works. And I'd rather have us talk like we're off-duty."

"Alright, then, let's do that." Raina took a breath. "Considering how much free time I now have, I've been thinking about what you told me. About your sense of discovery and wanting to uphold your promise to Atiel."

"You won't try to talk me out of it, I hope," Lokin said in a pained tone.

"Don't think I can." The woman sighed. "But I want to understand, at least. Did Jadus tell you to hide the research?"

"Not this particular one, no," Eckard admitted. "I simply needed to make sure."

"So, care to tell me?"

"Hm…I suppose there is no harm in it; soon, everyone will know anyway. I am working to enhance the Voidcaller to make something greater out of it. Something that will not simply limit someone's force connection for a few hours, but cut it off forever." He admitted making Raina pause for a moment. Of course, this could be the only natural progression of this chemical…But why? Didn't Jadus see how dangerous it was? If his enemies took hold of this perfected Voidcaller, they could strip Jadus of his powers. Was he so confident that he wasn't afraid of a single misstep?

"That shouldn't even be possible…"

"Yes, I know it sounds absolutely delusional on paper, but when you think about it, it's not unreasonable. There were examples in history, as few as there are. Vitiate stripped planers of their life and force at their core. There's also been a case of Meetra Surik, who was completely cut out from the force yet was still able to live and breathe. With how far we've already gone, this discovery is inevitable…A shame that Dr. Oggurobb is so averse to taking part in this discovery. He's very principled for a Hutt."

"Can you blame him? He knows that whatever Jadus will do with it, it's no good and will have catastrophic consequences."

"Yes, of course…" Lokin grew quieter. "You're not wrong, I sometimes forget that not everyone is passionate about this as me."

"You're passionate about your promise to Atiel." Raina crossed her hands.

"Why can't it be both? I don't need an extra reason to pursue discovery, but if there is one, all the better." He spoke, still unable to let go of the conflict in his voice. Raina felt the urge to argue more, but it wouldn't end well, not after she tried to approach this conversation in a 'friendlier' manner.

"Do you just not care about the consequences?" The woman raised an eyebrow. "What Jadus will do with this?"

"I have some ideas, but my guess is as good as yours."

"He told you nothing at all?"

"No…I doubt anyone else really knows except maybe Atiel."

Before Raina could ask anything else, she heard Oggurobb's voice.

"As if one talker wasn't bad enough…I'm trying to focus here. Focus and not think about this prison your superiors forced me into."

"As if you'd ever leave your lab…" Lokin sighed.

Raina wondered if this was her cue to leave, but not before she heard someone entering the lab, immediately catching the undivided attention of everyone inside. Lana walked forward, looking tired and defeated, a state that became all the more common for her after the takeover. But it wasn't her presence that shocked Raina; it was the one-eyed man beside her. Jadus himself was here, casually walking into the lab.

"Here…" Lana said. "You can say your part if you want."

"Thank you," Jadus said before eyeing everyone present. "How is the research going, doctor?"

"Better than expected." Lokin announced. "Not quite perfect yet, but the formula is already devised. All I need is to stabilize it to prepare for testing."

"Good, I expect complete and utter dedication," Jadus spoke coldly.

"Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way."

"And you, Raina Temple? Shouldn't you have a business to attend to beyond peering at someone else's research?"

"Forgive her, Archon Jadus. She's just a curious soul," Lokin reassured him.

"Those souls can be more dangerous than they look…Curiosity can lead them to the truth." The man said with distrust before Oggurobb spoke.

"Is there a reason my lab is getting this crowded today?"

"There is," Lana said. "Trust me, I don't like it any more than you do, but my hands are tied."

"I will handle it," Jadus said as he stepped forward, looking directly into Oggurobb's eyes.

"I know why you're here." The Hutt said in a quiet, grim tone. "Want me to help Dr. Lokin and join your Voidcaller research team?"

"Exactly. I'm glad we can get right to the point."

"We can get straight to the answer. No, I'm not going to help you with this degenerate doom device." He said decisively.

"Those are hardly the words that befit a scientist." Jadus shook his head in disappointment. "Have you tried taking after Dr. Lokin? Discovery itself is more than bough for him."

"I'm tempted sometimes…But being tempted is one thing, and becoming your slave is another. It's not like it will make a difference anyway…" Oggurobb sighed. "I'm even surprised you bother asking. Wouldn't you assume that you can torture me into submission?"

"I do not assume; I know that," Jadus responded. "My devices and crew have broken minds far more resilient than yours, and if it truly comes to it, I will not hesitate to send you right into their hands."

"How delightful…"

"But I don't want it to come to that. After all, a brain would be permanently damaged after that. Usually, this is a boon, not an issue, but not with you. I believe you can make a spectacular contribution to our research."

"And I should help you…Why?"

"Because your brilliant mind would be invaluable to the glorious cause."

"Flattery won't get you anywhere…"

"I'm stating facts, no more, no less," Jadus responded coldly. "If by the time I leave this laboratory, you still won't be convinced, I will have to employ force. Instead of such brutal methods, however, I'd rather we come to an agreement; I believe you will understand why what I am doing is necessary."

"Enlighten me, then."

"You are no doubt familiar with the Eternal Family of Zakuul. Valkorion, Arcann, Thexan, Vaylin…They terrorized the galaxy and brought it to its knees. They made entire armies follow them, inspired loyalty, admiration, fear…Do you understand why?"

"I don't need a lesson on recent history."

"Because they were gods among men. The power, the force that they possessed, was matched by none. All those who bowed before them knew that to stand against them would be akin to signing a death warrant. All they could do was wait for another powerful force-user, Cassian Narok, to arise. Only he could rally others behind him and inspire hope that those tyrants could still be defeated. And those without this gift are just fodder for their petty wars, for their struggle for power. The names of the Eternal Family, of the Jedi Grandmaster, of the Alliance commander…All of those names will persist for centuries to come, much like that of Marka Ragnos, Tulak Hord, and Revan, while the names of Kaliyo, Torian Cadera, and Fideltin Rusk will become ashes. At best, they will get a small footnote for the sacrifices they made, but even that is unlikely. All that will remain is oblivion and deterioration of their memory. Force-wi elders write history, and you are but pawns."

"Is that supposed to move me? I know how it is to live knowing that the glory days are long behind you…Once, Hutts were a proud Empire, now we're just a crime syndicate. Toborro and his allies tried to restore those days, but it need with more humiliation."

"And why did it end like this?"

"Because of Republic and Empire…"

"Indeed. And at their core, Jedi and Sith. Those who would never allow others to build their own society and break the bonds they install upon them. Those who could simply crush your neck…" Jadus raised his hand, making Oggurobb cough in pain as he struggled to breathe. Raina watched in silence as chills ran down her spine. Jadus behaved in a cold and emotionless manner, reflected by his aura of darkness. The purest manifestation of the dark side that Raina ever felt, enough to make even the strongest souls tremble. "…like this." Jadus finished before letting the scientist go.

"Is that…A threat?"

"A demonstration of what I can do, and I'm far from the strongest force-wielded. Imagine how many lives will thrive if you free them from the yoke of those drunk on the force. They are the poison. Voidcaller the antidote."

"That makes you poison, too." Oggurobb scoffed. "Why would you, of all people, want to stop force-users and strip them of their power?"

"Does it matter when I propose a mutually beneficial partnership?"

"Mutual? What do I get out of this?"

"Fame, thrill of discovery, and knowledge that many will be immensely grateful to you in the coming future, as ephemeral as this knowledge will be," Jadus explained, making Oggurobb look down with shame that emerged in his eyes.

"Something tells me that you're engineering a cataclysm that will make Makeb's earthquakes look like a mild inconvenience."

"Cataclysms can have unexpected positive consequences. This Alliance's existence is only due to a similar 'cataclysm.' Either way, let me remind you of what will happen if you refuse to help us. I will take you to my crew. They will find ways to make you obey. Even if it means completely subjugating your mind, separating it from your body, and turning it towards a pitiful, powerless state of existence. You will not even be able to feel the satisfaction of your discovery, only calculations, the results of which will never be yours to enjoy. It will require more work and effort on our part, but the outcome is inevitable. You could either accept it and build yourself a future in a changed galaxy, or you can painfully perish amidst the ruins of the old one. The choice is yours."

"I…" Oggurobb said quietly, feigning uncertainty, but Raina felt that he already made a decision, as painful as it was. "I applaud you Jadus, you have a talent for putting others in impossible situations."

"That is not an answer."

"I don't intend on dying amidst the ruins just yet…I will aid your research."