Phantoms - Part 2
"So. You have failed me, Lord Maul," Sidious sneered. He sat, cloaked and at rest in a large chair in his office. It was a private residence with a view of Coruscant. The balcony he had given Maul this assignment just beyond the wide window. Maul stood now, hands clasped together in front of him, just… waiting. He could not brace himself, or show emotion or apprehension in any capacity. Instead he just waited there. For the wrath. The anger. For his punishment. Master Sidious was not merciful. Never merciful. Maul knew that. He had but to say the wrong thing, make any mistake and he would be swiftly dealt with. So it was as a child. He learned to fight, to destroy. Learned to give no mercy. But he also learned to strategise, and learned some politics. Learned star charts, mechanical skills… learned how to speak in a way that would not offend his master's ears. So many lessons and he had absorbed them all. So rarely he made mistakes anymore and yet…
"Yes Master," was all he said. Explanations were excuses, Master Sidious had told him again and again. There was nothing a Sith could not do if he wished it so, therefore any failures were unacceptable and the reason didn't matter. A failure was a failure.
"You believe you would have defeated this Jedi?" he asks and Maul replies at once.
"Yes, Master," it's almost a default response at this point, "he has not faced anyone like me, I could feel him beginning to tire."
"Good." That was it? That was all Sidious had to say? Maul was still for a few moments. It was never a good idea to interrupt his Master while he was in deep thought but the silence had grown unbearable.
"I believe they will bring the Queen here," There was a very long pause and Maul began to wonder if Sidious was deliberately ignoring him.
"Yes," the cloaked Sith Master said finally. "In fact she is already here. The Jedi deem her under their protection."
"I will find them, Master," Maul said with conviction, but Sidious held up a hand.
"No, not here." Sidious waved a hand dismissively, "I already have a plan," he seemed rather pleased with himself. Indeed, Maul had not seen him so pleased in a long time.
He was dismissed, to train further, and wait for the next order. Await the punishment. It had to be coming. Perhaps his master was waiting too. Same as he had as a child. Until he forgot about it… dropped his guard. Then his Master would strike. It was inevitable.
Still, to know the Jedi he had pursued were here too, he dared not to cross his Master's orders this time, not like he had with the Twi'lek Padawan. This was a far more grave situation. Patience now felt agonising, having been free to chase the Jedi and now to be leashed again! It was agony! Though he knew what he must do. The Sith Lord began to meditate; to focus on that impatience, the frustration, he turned it into deeper rage, spreading the heat through his body, making him ever stronger in the Dark Side.
It was some time later when his Master called for him again. The sputtering Neimoidians assured they were in control of the Queen's home planet, that there was no risk. Though the Jedi escaped them easily before. Sidious informed the snivelling idiots that Maul would join them. They pretended to be pleased, but Maul could see the fear in their bulbous eyes. It took a great matter of self-control not to smirk at them.
"We must capture the Queen, it should not be difficult, even for these simpering fools," Sidious told him before he left. "But you Lord Maul, you must kill the Jedi. Do not fail me again."
Naboo was so alien to him. It was peaceful. Green. A planet dedicated to art, philosophy, learning and politics. Dull. Useless. They had no armies and were weak to invaders. They should have expected something like this from the beginning. They had no defences and expected the rest of the galaxy to just… leave them alone? So foolish. Maul found himself confused by this place. Confused and derisive.
Nute Gunray and his men squirmed on seeing him. He rarely spoke, and had no need, instead he stood, his presence far larger than his true height that they felt dwarfed in comparison. They would bow to his will or be left trampled in his wake. They flinched as Maul had stormed into the Queen's chambers as he arrived, almost daring them to protest. He claimed them as his quarters and he could tell at once Gunray was displeased… it didn't matter. The room itself was luxurious, comfortable. He had no care for such a thing though he did stop to observe the place when he was alone. A brief thought flickered through his mind… bringing her to such a place might be- no. He could not afford to think of it. There was too much to do. And the Neimoidians, cowards and fools. The fear… they were ripe with it, it rolled off any of them in waves anytime Maul was near. They hushed as he passed and all but tripped over themselves to escape when he looked in their direction. He looked in their direction often. There saw something a little satisfying, taking the throne from the Trade Federation leader with naught but a fierce stare. They would know whom they served or they would be crushed beneath the boots of the Sith.
It was somewhat precarious; the Jedi having discovered him and lived, his Master had instructed the zabrak to tread carefully. Maul was still itching for a proper fight. One that would remain in the Sith Archives for generations. So that Apprentices after him might look on and learn from it. The old battles in the time of the Old Republic were still known even now. Maul desired to be one of the names held in the same regard. A legend. He was capable of it. He knew he was. He just needed the chance.
Now, he might get one. The Jedi were to return to Naboo, and his Master needed the Queen captured. He could not fail this time. The Neimodians were so simple minded. Greedy. His Master's plan was far more than one pathetic planet, though Maul did not know everything. He had heard something about a 'Chosen One' though Maul was not quite sure what it meant. A deep sense of dread formed in his gut at having overheard it… though he did not understand why. What did it mean? And what did it matter?
Still, there was no time to dwell on such a thing, he was to deal with these Trade Federation fools. Nute Gunray and his whimpering minions. They think they are in control but they know nothing. This planet is nothing more than a cog in a finely tuned machine his master has built. The cogs turn according to plan whether these little beings succeed or not. However, Maul was not like them. He stood at his Master's side. A perfectly trained weapon. A fellow Sith and powerful warrior. There is nothing he could not do with the power of a Sith. Still, listening to their squabbling was giving him a headache, the time he did have to spend in their presence was dull, irritating. He was sure he would prefer to be training right now.
His mind flickered back to the vision. Seeing his… his friend… so cold, alone, bruised, bloodied and broken. Where was she? What was happening to her? He took a breath, calming himself once more, he must not let his emotions control him. It was not the Sith way. He used them, but was not used by them. He was in control.
The first evening had him exploring the palace a little, under the guise of security. Well it was partly true, he wanted to know all the locations someone might infiltrate or hide. But he also wanted to see it up close. As though seeing the polished stone and ostentatious decor might reveal something to him. By the time he retired to his new chamber, he was even more frustrated. None of it made sense. Were they weak because they relied on such luxuries? He himself had had an entire room only slightly bigger than the bed itself and that had been enough hadn't it? Seeing all this was so excessive. The Sith shrugged off his cloak and laid it on the chaise lounge before sitting on the edge of the bed itself. He jerked slightly and his eyes widened in alarm as the mattress gave so much. It was much softer than he anticipated, he hadn't expected to sink into it so much. He stilled for a moment before relaxing. Surely no one could sleep on this? But he did need rest, he needed to ensure nothing could distract him as he awaited the Jedi's return. He removed his boots and gloves, he took the moment to run a hand over the fabric. Soft, light, and no itch or discomfort. It was wholly pleasant to the touch. Everything in the room was for luxury, comfort or beauty. It was senseless. He would admit -if only to himself- that he liked the feeling of the soft sheets however.
"It's almost ridiculous isn't it?" Zaiya's voice broke into the memory again and he turned to see her, sitting on the other side of the bed and running her hands over the plush bedding, "that some have so much and others none at all?"
"It is the nature of the galaxy," he replied simply.
"Yes… it's just… interesting," she mused, shifting to slide across the bed to lay down. "I wonder if they deserve it," Instinctively he moved to lay back beside her, propped up on the pillows.
"I do not think it matters, the strong take, and the weak suffer," he said.
"Hmm," she touched her face in thought and his eyes strayed to her gloves. He wanted to see her hands. "True enough. I wonder then if it is our turn to have such things…?"
His yellow eyes searched her face, "Do you like this?" he gestured to the room.
"It's not to my taste but… I think it would be nice to have a place that is private and my own," she said quietly.
"How modest," he scoffed, smirking. She looked up to meet his gaze.
"Oh? Should I wish to be a Queen and all it entails?" she made a broad sweeping gesture to the chamber. He looked at her. What might she look like in an ornate gown? Delicate and elegant, commanding with naught but a word or a look. A crown on her head and seated on a throne. Maul nearly shivered. He rather liked that thought.
"Perhaps you should," he replied in a rasp. The smile on her lips faded to a look of awe. He would never tire of that expression. If she were Queen… What did that make him? She always called him a Prince of Dathomir. Perhaps he ought to be a King?
What a silly thought. He'd not had such luxuries in a long time. How different his life was now, compared to the moment this memory stemmed from. Still, a small smile crept across his lips. He began to wonder if he might grow used to such accommodations. If maybe… they did deserve it.
It was not long before his master called for him again, and warned him of the Jedi's return to Naboo. He must be ready.
"Yes, my Master," he said, and the power surged in him.
Finally.
Now he could strike. He could face the Knight again. This time he would not fail. There would be no escaping his wrath. He would face these Jedi. And he would destroy them.
Maul moved quickly through the palace, once a slow curious exploration. But no longer. He had a purpose. And he knew the way The plan he was a part of would change the history of the galaxy forever and he would be a part of it. He would stand at his Master's side. One day he would succeed his Master, take his place, then he would be free to reveal his Apprentice… How he longed for such a day.
There was a commotion in the palace and everyone was on high alert, but Maul was still. He listened and he waited. This was the only place they could exit. He had his orders. Kill the Jedi, and capture the Queen. He was buzzing with anticipation even though he was perfectly still, almost meditating, focusing his rage, his power. All honed to a precise point. Today was the day he had waited for all his life. Today he was revealed from the shadows, and he was ready. Today he killed a Jedi Knight.
The doors opened.
Maul's head rose. He stared ahead with a fierce look, staring through his brow as he faced his opponent. The group before him were afraid. Good, they were wise to fear a nightmare made flesh. The foolish Jedi sent the Queen away. No matter, he could find her easily enough later. The Jedi Master - Qui-Gon Jinn, his Master had said, and the Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. The names mattered little, they would be dead soon, but he had committed them to memory He would be known as the Sith that killed them.
The three removed their outer robes, not just for practicality but also a sign of respect to the duel. That it would take some effort. To leave one's robe on sent the message of disrespect for one's opponent, as though it would not take long to defeat them. Maul had been told that the equivalent in other cultures was a bow before the battle. He too would respect tradition. This was a duel that he had waited his life to fight. There was honour in this. Not only would he best the Padawan, something he had already proved he could do, but now he faces and would destroy a Master. Yes, this Master Jedi would die by his hand. Master Sidious would praise him and he would be able to walk forward, stand by his Master's side as they dominated the galaxy.
The battle was fierce. He paid little attention to the ships departing the hangar, or where the Queen had gone. It didn't matter. Maul's focus was the Jedi. He had to kill them, to destroy them. Those were his orders and nothing else mattered. He was rigid and unyielding and he would not fail again. He led the Jedi back, and while he was swift and strong, facing both Padawan and Knight was indeed challenging. He relished it. Revelled in the moment. The Jedi were fools to think they would walk away. He controlled the tide of battle, leading them further from the hangar and into a power station connected through the halls of the palace.
It was here, in one of the circular sections of the refinery, having passed through the ray shield barriers that he cornered the Master, Qui-Gon Jinn and fought him alone. He didn't have long, but it was long enough. The Padawan Kenobi was anxious… he was afraid. And he had reason. The barest grin had Maul's mouth curl in a snarl as he delivered the killing blow. The scream from the other Jedi was delicious.
How are you with your emotions now, Jedi? Maul thought. So high and mighty, so above such things… but now… now he falls so quickly. His emotions of pain and sorrow… losing his great mentor. Oh how Maul enjoyed this. The Jedi unbalanced and lost to grief. He would use this. There was nothing to stop him now. He would destroy this Padawan, it would be all too easy. He had bested a Knight! What could this pathetic apprentice do to him? Perhaps it was a little indulgent. Toying with the Jedi awhile. Pushing back, making the battle last a little longer. And when he had him in that pit… oh it was too thrilling not to gloat. The slow walk as he caught his breath, kicking the saber aside and off the edge of the pit. He had no weapon, nowhere to go… The human dangled, holding some little nozzle on the side of the durasteel wall. Maul almost laughed. It was pathetic. He slashed his saber along the edge, sending sparks raining down on the Jedi. It was only a matter of time until he dropped or tried to climb up… and it was then the Jedi would die. Oh this was perfect. All he had to do was wait. He had won. He was the better warrior. Killed the master and now the Padawan too would perish.
'Do not toy with him… please master, kill him and-' Maul heard it… that voice again. He looked up sharply. There she was. She looked weaker than before but, it was her. His eyes widened for a moment. 'Master!' she cried without speaking. A warning- and his eyes flicked down to the Jedi just as he leapt. For a moment he was disoriented. What was the Jedi doing?! Too late… he had forgotten the Knight's lightsaber. And it was this that the Jedi called Obi-Wan Kenobi used to cut Maul at the waist. Confusion flooded his mind, followed by blinding pain as he fell. He heard a scream, and the last thing he saw was a flash of a pale figure reaching for him. Idly his arm rose as if to take it… but he was falling too fast.
The memory faded to black.
When the darkness rose, Maul and Zaiya were in the dreamspace, their shared consciousness, and she had not been able to place it at first, until she had seen into his mind. It was a brief moment in the memory, but this was a recreation of the Queen's chambers on Naboo. She looked around, spotting Maul through the doors and on a little balcony. He seemed to be observing the scenery. Though only a hazy memory, the sunset was still beautiful. However Zaiya was unable to appreciate it and her steps were heavy as she approached.
"It was my fault…" she whispered. Her eyes wide and staring at the floor. Maul turned and even in this place she could feel the heat from his body.
"Did you deliberately contact me?" he asked, his voice a rasp. His emotions were unstable after having just relived one of the worst moments of his life, she could feel them through the Force or whatever this connection of theirs was.
"I had no idea when you could see me or when you could not," she admitted. "I didn't know you would hear me…"
"Why did you call to me?"
"I had a sense of dread, a sinking feeling I'd had for days."
"You have a gift of foresight," he said quietly, turning to face her.
"Apparently so," she replied, though she could not see his face, her eyes glued to the floor. There was a pause.
"This is not the only thing that bothers you," he deduced and reached out, slowly tilting her chin up so she would look him in the eye. Her expression was pained, worried and yet she was also angry. Angry that it had to be that moment he had to hear her, angry that she'd had to witness it again… and enraged at the Jedi that had done it. Worse still, she was angry with herself. She knew that face.
"No, sire," she admitted and his lips pressed together slightly.
"What is it?" he asked.
"The Jedi… his name is Obi-Wan Kenobi," she said slowly. Maul lowered his hand, his body tensing.
"Yes," he replied, a sneer evident in his voice, disgust in his eyes, "how-" but he stopped, realisation dawning on his features. "You've seen him." It was not a question. Zaiya nodded. "Where." he hissed, his eyes focused on her intensely.
"He was here. On Kamino."
Notes:
Happy Star Wars Day!
The second half of Phantoms is here for your reading pleasure and I hope you like it! Zaiya finally knows for certain who Kenobi is! Oh dear! Will it cause complications going forward? We shall have to wait and see! I hope you all are well and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! As always I love the feedback and comments I have been getting so thank you thank you for those! I love them!
Next time Zaiya has a chance to patch things up a little more with the ARC and Commander Troopers.
So I shall see you all on Monday and until then - May The Fourth Be With You!
