Author's Note: Dearest readers, I wish you well in all of your adventures! I know "The Frozen Force" does not update as frequently, but your patience for quality chapters is always appreciated. Life's been quite busy between work and drafting my upcoming, original book series! Still, this story will continue whenever and however it can. I hope you enjoy Chapter: 140!
~ Sparks
ADVISORY:The following chapter contains sensitive material relating to: Police brutality, implied sexual abuse, violence, murder, and suicidal thoughts. Remember to practice self care before, during, and after reading.
This chapter is dedicated to the waywards. You are not alone. No matter how long it's been and how lost you feel, it's never too late to rebuild. Be it big or small, you are one decision away from changing your life.
Chapter: 141 Awakenings (Part II)
THIRTY-ONE YEARS AGO
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
The Galactic Senate chambers were always alive with change. At least, some change amid daily political bickering. But for those who truly cared for the Republic, what could be more rewarding than the fight? To clutch your ideas in one hand and hurl them into a sea of doubt with the other. Such was the Republic dream. At least for Dia Veritaz.
The teen had lost track of how many times she'd looked over her dress. Her fingers had brushed against its vibrant, seafoam fabric intermittently between speeches. Her eyes were bright...her hands fresh to carry a new legacy of prosperity. Too long had she sat back in her pod, simply taking in the words of other senators. Dia was tired of holding back, and had been building her confidence in every private practice session. Waiting for a moment to speak, her heart plunged when she finally sent her pod gliding forward.
Political squabbles turned to mild-mannered whispers as Dia hovered to the chamber's center. Camera droids zoomed over as all eyes fell to Dia. Clearing her throat, she thought on her sacrifices to reach the title of senator. And with a proud chest, she spoke.
"My fellow senators," Dia began. "While I acknowledge the frustration felt by my peers, we must focus on truth." She might've been a fledgling, but her voice was commanding and sincere. "Supreme Chancellor Valorum's Taxation Bill is meant to strengthen our Republic, not tear it apart." Dia's brows furrowed as her comments were met with anticipated murmurs. Still she pressed on. "We must redirect our focus to the future, not our present. We-"
"Child," a Mon Calamari senator interrupted. The term stung, leaving a bitter taste in Dia's mouth. But she practiced patience and opted to listen. "The chancellor's taxation of hyperspace lanes and alternative routes is crippling profits. Not just for one planet, but for every world aligned with the Republic."
"With all due respect," Dia replied. "Sacrifices must be made for the greater good. All taxes contribute to a stronger system, and help the chancellor to fund security measures for-"
"And what would you know of sacrifice?" a Gran brought his pod closer. All three of his eyes narrowed on her as he continued. "Miss-"
"Senator." Dia corrected. "Senator Dia Veritaz of Corellia."
The Gran found it difficult to withhold his impatience. "Senator Veritaz-" he spoke with horrid and nasally spite. "In case you haven't noticed, this is an official chamber of legislation. Not whatever academy you pranced out of. For every action you think you can frivolously waste, an even greater consequence will come forth. Chancellor Valorum knows precisely what he's doing with these taxes, so abandon your futile 'hope of security'."
Dia couldn't help but clench a fist over her elder's comments. She tried hiding it under her platform's dashboard. Her sweat only doubled as more senators sided with the Gran. "I just-" Dia stammered. "If we-..." Her frantic eyes fell on the central platform where Chancellor Valorum and his aides stood in silence. "The Chancellor would-" Her confidence was faltering. Any hope of being rescued by Valorum never came as the chamber continued to deride her. "I-"
"You what, child?" the Mon Calamari practically scolded. "You know nothing of what you speak of."
"I-" Dia shut her eyes tightly as pressure got the best of her. "I withdraw my statement," she sighed and backed her platform from the center. It was as if Dia had never existed, as the proceedings carried on as normal. Her words had become forgotten echoes in a chamber of deaf ears and bold voices. And like those sounds, time became a blur to her. Dia dropped into her seat and dissociated for the rest of the senate session.
She stayed in that platform long after all had come to a close. Dia was motionless, still clenching that paling fist until a voice called to her. "Senator Veritaz," was all Valorum had to say to have Dia snapping out of her daze. She spun with frightened eyes and a hurried bow.
"Chancellor!" she greeted. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to help. I will get better facts to back up my statement next time."
Although he was the Supreme Chancellor, Finis Valorum seemed to be a man of few words. His pale complexion only glowed under the hallway lights as his blue gaze fell upon Dia. He glanced about, waiting until they were fully alone in the corridor. "You're right," he said, throwing Dia off entirely.
She knitted her brows and stumbled up to him. "I don't understand," Dia professed.
"These taxations are to strengthen our Republic," he continued. "Without a grand army to defend the Core Worlds, it is up to us to fund means of security." Valorum sighed. "But not many are willing to see the bigger picture. They'd rather complain about the current sacrifices instead of safeguarding our future. If we don't build our tomorrow today, this Republic will truly fail."
"But-" Dia replied. "If I was right, why didn't you defend my point? With respect of course, chancellor."
Valorum paused and looked over the empty chamber. He'd stood in its center enough times to memorize the seats of vocal senators. "Because there was no point. Never argue with those who are committed to hating you."
"But then how do you make them see that you're right?" Dia asked.
"You speak up when the time is right."
"And...how do you know when that is?"
Valorum simpered. "You may be wise beyond your years, Senator Veritaz. But you still have much to learn about politics. When the time comes, you'll just know. The words will flow and you'll have the courage to hold true to them. Even now, I know my taxations are hated. But the Republic I believe in...my Republic, will be one of patriots willing to defend truth."
"I...think I get it," Dia sighed. "I'll always stand by you, chancellor."
"That support is seen," Valorum assured. "I promise you that. Good day, Senator Veritaz. Tomorrow is another chance."
As Valorum departed with his staff, Dia recomposed herself and grabbed her briefcase from the platform. As she started to head out, she felt eyes on her. Turning quickly, she observed a pudgy Sullustan and lanky human at his side. "Can I help you?" she inquired.
"As a matter of fact," the human answered. "I believe you can. I am Senator Bertz."
The Sullustan eagerly snatched Dia's hand and pressed his salivating jowls together for a kiss. "Please, call me Detro."
"We represent Valorum's Ethics Committee," Bertz explained. "We couldn't help but find ourselves truly moved by your defense of the chancellor. We'd love to have you onboard."
"I don't know," Dia murmured and clutched her briefcase for comfort. "I should really get the lay of the land before I commit."
"Oh babygirl," Detro teased. "That type of talk is why the other senators ate you alive in there."
While Dia was taken aback by his wording, curiosity got the best of her. Bertz caught on to her penisivity and pressed again. "The Ethics Committee would be...honored to have you. Stop fending for yourself in a team sport. You need allies, and we can help you actually stand a chance."
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
The pain of her rejection in the senate chamber had taken its toll on her. Unwilling to experience such a challenge again, she let fear get the best of her. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try."
"That's the spirit!" Bertz rejoiced and put an arm around her. "You're going to be astounded by the opportunities you just opened for yourself."
"Yes," Detro gurgled. The Sullustan's hungry eyes scanned Dia from top to bottom. He didn't even attempt self control as his stubby fingers caressed her cheek. "We're gonna make good use of that pretty face."
PRESENT DAY
Dia jolted up from her heap of couch pillows, unsure of what time...let alone one day it was. Her heart raced as a layer of cold sweat lay against her temples. As she scrubbed her groggy eyes, she tried calming down.
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
With each breath, Dia inhaling all she had become and exhaled all that never was.
- ACCESSING IMPERIAL NETWORK -
ISBCO: ISB Central Office to Imperial High Command.
IHC: This is High Command. Proceed.
ISBCO: We have a situation. Clearance Code:66.
Thirty minutes earlier...
Time had stopped for Tiana Roze. The height of her emotions had come crashing down in a mighty wave...along with Agent Byra. The mighty surge of energy she'd felt had fled her body as quickly as it had arrived, and she was left feeling dizzied and confused. Her heartbeat was louder than ever, quaking her body as she stared at the shattered apartment window. Her classmates seemed as shocked as she was, even loosening their grips on the alleged suspects until they broke free. Tiana's mouth dried as a thousand thoughts sped through. She staggered back against the apartment's doorframe, as a single instinct dominated all others: Run.
She bolted and immediately tumbled into the hallway. Comm chatter was crackling and chiming from all around as Tiana made for the stairwell. It mattered not what had happened or why she'd done so, logic triumphed within. She'd killed an ISB agent, and that alone was enough to get her detained. The means of murder were their own mystery, but her motives would be enough to keep her locked away. All Tiana could do was keep running. Keep finding any door or window or crevasse to squeeze herself through. Tiana continued down the stairs until she heard plastoid boots ascending.
"Agent down!" a trooper reported over comms. "We need backup-"
Thinking quickly, Tiana ripped off any traceable devices and tossed them to the ground. Unable to continue downstairs, she picked a random hallway to dash down. The stormtroopers were getting louder as she nervously pulled at her bun. The creak of a door had Tiana's eyes darting towards it. A family of curious Twi'leks proved to be her salvation as Tiana barged in. While she'd managed to find an escape through their room, the sound of slamming into their door alerted the troopers.
"Down there!" one hollered.
The rest of his shouts were blanketed by the hollering family as Tiana hurriedly made for the nearest window. Out of options, she forced it open and vaulted outside. Tiana's adrenaline teetered as a heavy gust immediately brushed against her. Biting back a scream, she clung to the fire escape and rushed down.
The Twi'lek family was still shouting in their native tongue as the stormtroopers charged in. While several secured each room, one soldier made her way to the breezy window. Sunlight streaked against her dark lenses as she peered at the street below. Her head twitched when she barely eyed Tiana disappearing into the alley. The mere glimpse of her Imperial Academy jacket was enough to have her taken aback for a moment. "All units be advised," the trooper called in. "Suspect is an Imperial cadet. Locking down the area now."
As the troopers returned to the initial crime scene, they found that the family had fled. However, Tiana's fellow classmates were shaken over what they'd experienced. "Cadets?" the stormtrooper inquired. "What happened here?" While Ganam was still trying to comprehend what he'd seen, Ledrau's lips trembled a series of mutters. The trooper focused on him, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Boy?" she asked. "What did you see?"
"Sh-...sh-sh-" was all Ledrau could hiss out.
Impatient, the trooper shook the cadet. "Out with it!" she barked. "What happened to the agent?"
"She threw her!" Ledrau snapped, bringing a great silence upon the room.
The trooper tilted her head. "Threw her? Some...kid just...threw a-"
"She used-" Ledrau swallowed hard, still trying to believe his own memories. "She used her hands. Without even touching her." His eyes widened in terror as the trooper's grip loosened in realization.
Thirty minutes later...
Sirens blared from the capital barracks as Captain Phoebus was first to respond. His scarlet pauldron matched the warning lights flashing overhead as he readily clutched his helmet.
"Sir!" There was that rookie, Benton, again. Somehow managing to screech louder than any alarm. "Reporting for duty, sir!"
Phoebus put his helmet on, mostly to shroud any look of discontent. "At ease, Benton. Gather the others and let's figure out what the hell's going on."
Phoebus' squad linked up and marched to the barracks' command post for briefing. A rotating hologram of the Imperial cog rotated before them and the ensuing voice had everyone straightening their posture. "Imperial High Command to all military units stationed on Coruscant. This is a planetwide alert. An ISB agent has been killed by an extremely dangerous individual." Phoebus raised a brow beneath his helmet as class images of a cadet appeared. "Cadet Tiana Roze. Eyewitnesses report that she used a lethal ability to murder the agent in cold blood. This ability has been inherited from the treacherous Jedi Order. If this individual leaves Coruscant alive, she will invoke unspeakable damage to the Empire. Our priority is to save as many lives as possible before she has a chance to disappear. Squad commanders, search your designated districts. Find and eliminate the suspect by all and any means. High Command out."
Phoebus could feel the tension rising among his fellow soldiers. And yet for as dire as the situation appeared, he found himself questioning the briefing. Could some teenager really pose the galaxy-ending threat that IHC described? He had little time to contemplate such ruminations, as his squad and all of Coruscant was counting on him. "You heard the 'big voice'," Phoebus jested and clasped his E-11 rifle. "It's going to be a long night and we've got a lot of ground to cover in our sector. Squad, on me."
For Dia Veritaz, an uneventful night in Coruscant had become the best kind of night. She roamed Starwave's quiet rotunda and observed the vibrant cityscape. No matter how many years had passed, it felt like Coruscant would always produce an endless flow of skylane traffic. Seeing so many headlights zip by was as calming as it was entrancing. They'd be the perfect sight to drink her sorrows away to. Rummaging through her cabinet of half-finished misery, Dia settled on the most-filled bottle. Dia hadn't even made it to her couch yet and she could already feel Valki's disappointed, beady-eyed gaze on her. Spotting him in her peripherals was enough to have her rolling her eyes. She focused on the inviting, amber-colored deliciousness in her bottle. Smirking, she sprawled out on the couch and prepared to guzzle it straight. But before she could go bottoms up, a sharp call came from her communicator.
Dia's nails furiously clinked against the bottle. She wrung its neck as if it were the caller's before answering. "I already told you, Sofi-" she grumbled. "The credits are safe. All transferred to my account."
"I need you to go live," Sofi blurted, caring not for Dia's gripe.
"Wait, what?"
"You heard me," Sofi snapped. "I need you to broadcast, so stop wasting time."
Dia knitted her brows and cautiously sat up, leaning into her device. "About...what?"
"The Empire's issuing a planetwide manhunt," Sofi answered.
"Here?" Dia stammered as her tired eyes widened.
"You do have brain cells," Sofi scoffed. "Yes here! I'll transmit everything to you from the police report. This is that public distraction I was telling you about," Sofi rejoiced. "You'll seal the deal with this announcement, keep all eyes focused on this manhunt and boom. We walk away with fat pockets. I'm needed at a banquet tonight, but I trust that you can handle it from here."
Without so much as a goodbye, Sofi cut her transmission. Before Dia could utter a snide remark, a sudden chime came to her personal datapad. She swiped to open the file, and narrowed her eyes on images of Tiana Roze. "All this for a kriffing kid?" Dia mumbled. "She's the same age I was when..."
Tiana had lost track of how far she'd ran let alone where. She'd barely given herself a moment to catch her breath nor look back to check for pursuers. If so much as a sliver of white flashed in her peripherals, she was ducking into a different alley. Tiana's chest ached from how fast she'd been running. Any attempt to slow her breathing was met with a rapid burst of hasty coughs. Sweat had her academy jacket clinging to her arms as she stumbled forward. The echo of a far off siren made Tiana duck into the nearest crowd. As she bumped between grumbling bystanders, Tiana found herself still coming back to her senses. Focusing on each step across the duracrete sidewalk helped ground her for a m moment. Only then did her breaths slow as she focused within.
Okay...okay, she thought. Where am I? Her head swiveled amid the bustling crowd as she tried to peer behind the heads of such bulky beings. If I can just find a sign...or checkpoint of some kind. An assortment of beeps rang out from across the way, prompting Tiana to weave her way out of the grungy horde. Shadows yielded to a plethora of strobing datascreens in a store window, beckoning bystanders over like moths to a flame. For as much as Tiana knew she should stay hidden, curiosity had gotten the best of her. Squeezing her head between heavy cloaks and scaly arms, she looked at the updated bulletins.
Tiana's reality only seemed to become more and more surreal. Images wouldn't lie, and yet her mind couldn't splice fact from fiction. To see her name on multiple screens not for some accolade...but as a wanted fugitive. The sinking, itching sensation returned to her body as she found herself frozen in place. A Besalisk's strident bellow snapped her free of the trance.
"Hey!" he hollered, his waddle gurgling. While his two right arms flailed for authorities, his left ones pointed down to Tiana. "It's...It's her!"
This boisterous bystander had heads swiveling as Tiana was light on her feet once more. Shouts and hollers echoed throughout the street while she sprinted for another alleyway. She knew better than to seek help from those out for themselves. And she knew she'd be hopeless without evidence to the contrary. Luckily for her, the denizens were willing to be vocal, but unwilling to give any form of chase. Tiana descended down a rusted stairwell and tucked herself behind a pair of trashcans. Any tooka cats calling them home fled once she barreled behind them.
Tiana caught her breath, trying her best not to throw up through the undercity's musty aroma. Once she leveled out, she observed a poorly-maintained sign beyond the cans. A holobooth, Tiana realized and cautiously emerged from cover. After a triple check for pursuers, she quickly hunched into the booth and input a set frequency. Her eyes were constantly checking corners as the booth proceeded to dial. "Come on," Tiana whispered under her breath. "Please pick up. Please. Please. Plea-" She gasped as a hologram started to project. The emitter might've been damaged, but Tiana could make out lopsided image of her worried mother.
"Ti-" was all her mother could utter before Tiana started yammering.
"Mama! It's all wrong! I don't know where to go or what to do!"
"They're saying you killed a-"
"I've been running ever since and I-"
"What happened out there-"
"I didn't...I didn't!"
"Stop!" her mother snapped, bringing Tiana to a hasty silence. This stern command was enough to have the elder's hands shaking. "Baby-" she spoke much calmer. "...Just tell the truth. Please."
Though parched beyond compare, Tiana swallowed the rising lump in her throat. "I-...I don't know what happened, Mama. I was just...It-" She steadied herself with a deep, shaky breath.
"Is it true?" her mother asserted. "Did you...kill an Imperial officer?"
Her heart denied anything of the sort while her head cautiously nodded. "It was an accident," Tiana whispered as her eyes swelled with tears. The mere act of her mother putting a hand over her mouth was enough to have Tiana rushing to explain herself. "I swear, Mama. I would never-...I could never."
"But you did," her mother replied as Tiana's blood ran cold. "Tiana, you have to turn yourself in."
"I can't do that," Tiana professed, thinking of how Byra had beaten that man during the interrogation. The images were still fresh as she winced at them.
"If you've done nothing wrong, then you have nothing to fear," her mother insisted. "Your father would want you to do the right thing. Serve your Empire."
Her final phrase left a bitter taste in Tiana's mouth, as she thought over how much the Empire had turned on her in a matter of hours. She was speechless, traversing between fright and disbelief. All she could do was shake her head and blanket her mother in despair. "Mama," she pleaded. "I didn't-" Her mother stepped away from the projector. "Ma-Mama? What are you-"
"I'm sorry, Tiana. But this is for your own good," was all she could faintly hear her mother saying as a comlink chimed. "Get me Coruscant security. I need a holo-trace."
"No!" Tiana impulsively screamed while shutting off the monitor. Her heart quaked as she hobbled through the shadows. Exhaustion was catching up, reducing Tiana to a series of whimpers. As she dropped to her knees, her teary eyes listed across multiple dark alleys. With her own mother siding with her puruers, Tiana entered a state of shock. For all of her ambition and dedication, she had nothing to show for it in crisis. For the first time in her life, Tiana was truly aimless.
Apart from her broadcasts, Starwave had often been a domain of silence for Dia. Yet now the quiet had become deafening as her antsy self paced the office. She could still feel Valki's stare. No matter how many times she'd glared right back, the Selkath refused to yield. Fed up with his irritation and unwilling to receive another scolding from Sofi, Dia relented. Dropping into her seat, she glared at the comm device placed before her. And as she prepared to go live, she took one final glance at Valki. Stoic and statuesque, the Selkath's face spoke volumes without a single word being uttered.
You always had a choice.
Dia sneered at the thought, swallowed hard, and proceeded with her broadcast. She turned her mind off as she turned the transmitter on. Losing herself in its numbing buzz, she let the words flee her lips. "Good evening Coruscant-" Dia began, struggling to get a full breath in. "We've got a crisis in our city, and only our combined efforts can restore order." Dia's brows furrowed, struggling to press on. As if every single word was a laborious push to even speak. She clasped her datapad and stared down at Tiana's report. "There's-" she stifled. "There's a fugitive in our midst. A traitor to-...to-..." Dia clenched up, well aware that she was still live. Valki took a step towards her as the datapad rattled in her hand.
I love this city, Dia snarked as time slowed within. What a kriffing lie. Coruscant had eaten her alive and spit out whatever husk of a soul remained. Gone was whatever bright-eyed, eager senator stepped in to lend her voice to the Republic. She was a stray. Twisted and perveted by those around her. The possessive hands of Detro and Bertz still left their marks, long after she'd ended them. She still recalled every corrupt law she'd pushed into existence. How she'd taken out her self-hatred on a slave girl...and poisoned the only Jedi to ever fully trust her. The way she'd carved into her arms, wishing for death. Living on the streets, her hands stained with blood. Murdering a senator, just so she could end up as a voice in the Empire's echo chamber. What even was the difference? Dia had always been powerless, letting the scum of the galaxy have their filthy way with her.
"A traitor," Dia stammered again, struggling to persist.
Echoes of her past came forth. The likes of which she'd abandoned for decades.
"When the time comes, you'll just know," Chancellor Valorum had said. "The words will flow and you'll have the courage to hold true to them." Dia gulped as his words kept flowing. "But the Republic I believe in...my Republic, will be one of patriots willing to defend truth."
It was as if her mind was being torn in two, lost between freedom and submission. She tried raising her hand to focus more on the datapad. But this only made her sleeve fall as she glimpsed one of her faded scars. Glaring at her wrist, Dia found herself sinking to a cold, darkened place. She was no stranger to its shadowy embrace as she sat alone within. Only this time, a gentle hand found hers in the blackness. It was fuller, matching her skin tone as a seafoam sleeve caught her gaze. Dia looked up...and found her younger self staring back.
Shame filled Dia over anything. The mere sight of her unscathed, untouched youth had her averting her gaze. "I'm sorry," Dia whispered into the shadows. "I destroyed us."
Yet the young woman didn't yield, instead tightening her grip. This endearing pull persisted until Dia found it in her to look up again. Her younger self was solemn yet dutiful as she spoke up. "I'm still you," the youth said. "And you're still me."
With a mighty heave, Dia's younger persona pulled her off of the ground.
Dia's tired eyes glared at the communicator as it buzzed on standby. She could already see the holocom blipping in her peripherals, Sofi frustratedly calling to find out what the holdup was. Dia let herself breathe and...with a furious scowl, swatted the holocom off her desk. Even Valki flinched as it cracked against the nearby wall.
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
Gathering her courage, Dia continued her broadcast. "This is wrong," she declared without a moment more of hesitation. "All of this is wrong. I have lived in this city for most of my life. People marvel over Coruscant's buildings and spaceports, but none of that matters. None of that is even possible without its people. A people I've watched fall apart over the years. As I did." Anger built up in Dia as she willed herself to continue. "Coruscant was built on the backs of hard-working citizens who'd traveled the stars to be here. The same diverse people we have now forced into the undercity for being alien. No different than the ousting of our Jedi Order." Dia thought deeply on Elsa and continued. "The true guardians of peace and justice. And the worst part is...we all know it's wrong. We go about our days with this sinking feeling, that if we just keep our heads down...someone else will say something. Surely someone else will do something." Dia took a moment to glance at Valki, knowing her words had already doomed them. "No one else is coming," she continued. "We all have a choice to make. Too long have we left things unquestioned. We've forsaken truth in the name of perceived security. Now, the Empire will have you believe a child is a threat to us all. If you see Tiana Roze, you let her go. You help her out and you help her get as far away from here as possible. The Coruscant I loved was full of free thinkers and heroes. People willing to do the right thing no matter what. Are you one of them?"
Dia felt drained for mere seconds as the broadcast ended. In a surprising twist, she found herself breathing easier...as if she'd unloaded years of pent up fury. Even if no one listening took her seriously, that speech was exactly what she needed to tell herself.
"Miss," Valki uttered in shock. While he'd hoped the best for her, seeing Dia go through with a traitorous broadcast had him awestruck. "Are you...alright?" he checked in.
"Never better," Dia scoffed as she rifled through her drawers.
"What are you-"
Dia flailed a finger at her wide windows. "Somewhere out there is a terrified kid. After that broadcast and the target I just painted on my back, every Imperial in this city will be coming to silence me. I'm gonna buy this Tiana kid as much time as I can to put this place behind her."
"We will," Valki insisted.
"No," Dia immediately countered. "Just because I'm off the deep end doesn't mean you have to come with me. You have a life, Valki. Live it well and-"
"Do you know what has become of my Manaan?" Valki spoke more sternly than he ever had. "Truly?" Dia's pause was brief as he answered his own words. "Polluted. Ravaged and ruined by the Empire. My people are a dwindling, scattered sort. Our fate is uncertain, but when I take a stand with you...I stand for them. My choice."
Out of time to debate and also moved by his words, Dia gave him a swift nod. "So be it," she said and tossed him a datapad. "I need you to start a download for me." Dia kept rummaging through her desk until a familiar grip met her fingertips. Valki's lobes quivered as Dia withdrew a DL-44 heavy blaster. She reaquainted herself with the pistol's weight and checked its laser charges.
"Is there another one?" Valki inquired. "For me? I can shoot too."
"Trust me," Dia assured. "They'll be guns available soon enough. Now get away from the windows." Dia ushered him deeper into the station and initiated lockdown procedures.
The alleyway filled with slowed, heavy breaths as Tiana hobbled out. Keeping to the shadows, she listened for sirens in the distance. But as she traveled further through the alleys. she found herself overwhelmed by the potent stench of fuselage. Rushing ahead, Tiana peered around the corner to see a spaceport across the street. While it wasn't as expansive as an upper city port, this ramshackle collection of platforms was still used for trade shipments. Rows of crates lined the stretch of duracrete just beyond the fencing. Mustering her courage, Tiana formulated a new plan. All she had to do was make it aboard one of the shadowy ships in that port. If she could stow herself away in one of their cargo holds, she could get to a safer location offworld. Rushing across the street, Tiana found her strength to climb the fence. While she'd expected to use the acadamy's obstacle course training for combat as an officer, she'd embrace the skill nonetheless. Tiana was almost over the fence when stormtrooper voices made her lose her footing.
"Move to next sector!" a captain barked as his troopers spread along the street and spaceport. "I want this area swept and locked down!" Having caught herself at the last second, Tiana was able to ease her drop. What she didn't count on was the substantial distance in the dark. Tiana's stomach dropped with the thud her boots made against the pavement. She scrambled to get behind several crates as a spotlight swayed over the fence.
"What was that?" a trooper called out.
"On me," the captain ordered while taking a detachment with him.
Tiana's heart thundered at the sound of stormtroopers entering the premises. The very soldiers she'd once dreamt of commanding were now combing the area for her. Her breaths were quickening again as Tiana wondered if she could make it to a ship across the way. She was so close, but she had to keep her desperation reeled in as the troopers continued their search.
Tiana lightened her steps, shifting along the crates while keeping an eye on the searchlights. She waited for them to drift away, then continued crouching her way across. As one of the lights returned, Tiana was quick to press herself against another shipment. She held her breath, remaining absolutely still as the light swayed above her. "All clear here," a trooper called in. "Moving to west side."
The rogue cadet refused to budge until the troopers footsteps were long gone. Only then did she slip out from cover, round the corner, and find herself staring down the barrel of a blaster. She could barely make out the E-11, as its searchlight flashed directly in her face. Vague blurs of stormtrooper armor emerged as the legs stepped forward. Once Tiana's eyes adjusted, she saw the trooper's daunting helmet...and scarlet cauldron. Recognizing the rank of captain only put more fear in Tiana's heart. All she could do was raise her hands in surrender as the captain advanced.
His helmet titled slightly, as if observing Tiana's trajectory. Captain Phoebus had an always been a loyal servant. Whether it was as a mercenary in his youth, or into the Imperial military now...he'd always made sure to remain diligent. But if the report he read was true, and Tiana was associated with the Jedi Order...
"Please-" was all Tiana could whisper until she realized Phoebus was lowering his blaster.
Phoebus owed his life to a Jedi. Even while he'd fought to defeat her, that young blonde had used the Force to pull him to safety. While he figured that Jedi had likely been wiped out with the rest of the Order, the experience still gave him pause. If Tiana was being hunted for possessing the same ability that saved him, something was amiss. And as he thought on Dia Veritaz's shocking broadcast, he let her words sink in.
The Coruscant I ever loved was full of free thinkers and heroes. People willing to do the right thing no matter what. Are you one of them?"
Phoebus lowered his rifle entirely and placed a call via his helmet. "All units, this sector is clear."
"Sir?" a trooper was quick to respond. "I haven't finished sweeping the west-"
"I said we're clear, Benton." Phoebus asserted. "Continue down the street." He cut the call and continued on his way, as if nothing happened.
Tiana's soul had practically left her body and was slowly returning. "Thank you," she spoke with the breath she'd been holding.
Phoebus didn't respond, not wishing to attract more attention while simultaneously trying to make sense of his choice. There was no going back on letting an Imperial fugitive get away. He could only hope his intuition was correct. Another incoming call startled him as he was quick to answer.
"Captain!" Sofi snarled into comms. Her voice was as strident as it was faulty. "Where are you?"
"Searching for the-"
"I don't care," Sofi snapped. "As my personal protection unit, I need you to go to Starwave. Now."
"Ma'am?" Phoebus queried.
"Don't act like you didn't hear that...heinous broadcast. Dia Veritaz is a traitor to our Empire and I want her dead!"
For as important of a station as it had become to the Empire, Starwave was barely witnessed in person. It served as a haven for Coruscant's trusted voice, but was truly an example of societal negligence. People merely assumed it would be this heavily fortified station like its predecessor, Starpoint. Instead, it was just an ordinary broadcasting tower. One which many stormtroopers were seeing for the first time. Their gunships circled the outer platform as teams poured out. to secure a perimeter. Phoebus couldn't help but shake his head as he disembarked.
A city on high alert for a child, he thought. Now what seems like an entire military operation for one arrest? How skittish the Empire has become.
"Perimeter secured, sir!" Benton hollered as Phoebus set him at ease.
"Very good," the captain answered. "Keep the area locked down." Retrieving a loudhailer from a gunship, he raised it to his helmet and spoke up. "Dia Veritaz!" the loud hailer amplified his voice as searchlights scoured the tower. "We have Starpoint surrounded. Come out with your hands up!" The ensuing silence carried on much too long as he spoke again. "Make this easier on yourself," Phoebus persisted. While his orders had been to kill her, he didn't see any reason for his troops to pass beyond apprehension. "Dia!"
His demands echoed into the night sky as Benton primed his rifle. "Let me take point on this, captain. I'm ready."
Phoebus sighed, wishing Dia had just surrendered. Still, he gave the go-ahead as Benton led a group into the tower. "Hey," Phoebus added before they proceeded further. "Set to stun." Benton reluctantly agreed and proceeded within. Phoebus took a deep breath, and followed the searchlights as they scanned Starpoint. "I doubt she's still here," he spoke over comms. "You don't give a speech like that and stay put."
"She still could've left something behind," Benton called back. He and several troopers cleared each floor, slowly making their way to the apex. "All this space for one lady?" he snarked. "Maybe she lost her mind." His group reached the broadcasting office and shined their lights across the couches. "Think you're right, sir." Benton reported. "The tower's abandoned. We're gonna need a forensics team to-" The last sight Benton would ever see would be that of a pistol amid the cluster of tossed couch pillows.
Static shrieked in Phoebus' helmet as his head darted towards the apex. A blast of red flashed across the dark windows, and a terrible boom rattled the glass. "Benton!" Phoebus shouted. "What's going on up-"
"Contact!" A trooper took over comms. "TK-407 is down!"
"I need eyes!" Another shouted. "Target is moving-"
More shots rang out as the first trooper shouted. "Multiple men down! We need backup now!"
"Kriff," Phoebus cursed and dropped his loudhailer. "All units-" he commanded while clutching his blaster. "On me!"
Back in the apex, scarlet bolts were tearing through wallpaper and furniture. A stormtrooper panicked, unloading several rounds into a statue. As she did so, Dia emerged from the hall and fired two shots into his back. Lunging quickly, she scavenged an E-11 and tossed it to Valki. "That was only round one," she panted. "Back up and get ready."
Pressing their backs against wall towards her office, the duo steadied their shaking hands. Dia had already bruised herself while diving through the dark, but adrenaline was keeping her afloat. Glancing over at Valki, they listened as more troopers ascended from the stairwell. "Left side," she warned. "Wait for them to find the bodies."
The troopers entered, immediately shining their lights towards the scorched carpeting. Benton was sprawled out amid the fallen troopers, his helmet partially blasted off to reveal his burnt face. As they were caught off guard by groaning and wounded troopers, Dia pressed her attack. She and Valki opened fire, downing more foes as they poured down the hallway.
"Keep them pinned!" Dia shouted over the blasterfire. "Don't let them get through!" With her and Valki's combined shots, they'd created a choke point in the hallway.
It didn't take long for any Coruscanti near Starwave to start spreading news about a gunfight. The rising situation became so intense, that Sofi could no longer sit idly by. Any attempts to call Captain Phoebus were futile, and she decided to take matters into her own hands. Buckling in to one of her luxury speeders, Sofi accelerated towards Starwave.
The hallway's laserfire had become so copious, that such blood-red strobe was disorienting. Stray shots tore through the carpet and exploded through ceiling panels. Gone was any attempt of arrest as the troopers pushed up by all means. Betwixt the bloodshed, a silver sphere rolled to Dia's feet. With a brief gasp, she hurriedly kicked the thermal detonator down the hall. The ensuing explosion ravaged the lounge and sent troopers tumbling in multiple directions.
"Stay here!" Dia yelled to Valki. "Cover me!" He fired a spray of lasers as she dashed into the smoke. With limited time as lasers zipped overhead, Dia managed to scavenge two utility belts from dead troopers. As she ran back, Valki's shots could only cover so much...as a laser burned into Dia's upper arm. She growled with pain, dropping one of the belts on impulse. Unable to go back for it, she fell back behind the wall and started unclipping laser cartridges.
"Miss Dia!" Valki worried.
"I'm fine," she grunted and tossed him a cartridge. "One for you. One for me. Make them count!" The duo hastily reloaded and returned fire. Any stormtroopers advancing on the hallway joined the pile of corpses amassing in the center. Others had banded together to create a barricade out of cushions and corpses. They were slowly pushing up on the office, forcing Dia to double up on shots. While many of her heavy pistol's blasts pierced the cushions to no avail, the occasional armored body would collapse from behind it. Progress had slowed, but Dia couldn't deny that it was only a matter of time. The ceaseless blasterfire had caused an alarming amount of smoke to gather in the hall. While Dia inevitably broke out into a coughing fit, Valki was falling over entirely. The aquatic selkath wasn't meant for such harsh conditions, yet still he gathered his courage to keep shooting.
Determined to protect Valki, Dia left cover to fire into the barricade again. Her shots burnt portions of the fabric as the enemy drew nearer. One shot, she told herself. One more...well-placed shot will set the whole thing ablaze. Holding what breath she could and squinting her burning eyes, Dia aimed her pistol at the barricade...and pulled the trigger.
For as cacophonous as the room had become, Dia...and her enemies...heard the click of her empty pistol. Time froze as some of the stormtroopers emerged from cover and pushed their attack.
"Miss Dia!" Valki yelled and lunged from his side of the wall. The troopers opened fire as Dia found herself unscathed. Within seconds, the stocky Selkath had thrown himself in front of her. Smoke whisped from the shots in his back as he dropped to his knees.
"No!" Dia brayed, rage filling her veins. As any sliver of light left Valki's beady eyes, he used his last ounce of strength to reach out to her. Dia felt metal prod against her, as she realized he'd brought over his E-11. With fury surging within, Dia scooped up the rifle and fired without hesitation. Her shot didn't miss, turning the barricade into an inferno. While one of the troopers behind it rolled to put out the flames, the rest backed away to regroup.
Dia staggered back, her adrenaline wearing thin. Her arm burned as her focus returned to Valki's body. "Gah-" was all she could croak as she fell back against the wall. She shut her eyes tightly, letting tears roll down her cheeks. The E-11 clacked in her shaking hands as she checked the cartridges. With six blasts left, she thought about how many troopers were still gathering back in the lounge. And for a brief moment, Dia started to turn the weapon on herself. Yet an impulse stopped her. Holding on to her anger, Dia hugged the weapon instead. Death should've claimed her so many times before. By her own hands and those she'd trespassed against. In the name of all she'd served and seen: No more. If this was to be her end...she was going to take as many of those Imperial bastards with her as she could.
Swiftly peeking from cover, Dia fired her first shot.
. . . . .
Frustration festered within as she missed, and two blasts met their mark on a trooper.
. . . .
. . .
Dia was so focused on the hallway...so full of anger...that she didn't notice the silhouette forming in the office window behind her. Phoebus kept a firm grip on his ascension cable as he swung in and smashed through the glass. The burst had Dia spinning directly into a kick from Phoebus. The captain made every second count and lunged as she tumbled. Dia was still dazed when she felt Phoebus' heel again, this time pinning her to the wall. Keeping his rifle primed, he aimed down at her and kicked her weapon away. "Stay down," he commanded, never once taking his aim off of her. "All units stand down," he ordered. "Suspect neutralized."
Whatever smoke had built up in Starwave billowed out through the smashed window. While Phoebus could commit to his decisions, he felt the seething glares of his subordinates beneath their helmets. Dia was to be killed, especially after she'd murdered so many of their fellow soldiers. Dia was left to stand at attention in her own office, burning and beaten. Her tired eyes listed across the room, ultimately settling on Valki's body. She took her time staring into his inky, lifeless pools. Up until a set of boots stomped their way up the stairwell. The echo was dreadful, and accompanied by a symphony of grumbling.
Sofi Pru had arrived, as flustered as she was panicked. Once she found the troopers' staging area, she bolted for it and cared little for the carnage. She nonchalantly stepped over the assortment of trooper corpses, treading them as the nothings they were in her heart. She immediately took to scolding Phoebus as he stood tall. "What part of 'I want her dead' did you not understand?" she growled. Only then did Sofi gesture to the bodies she'd carelessly tromped over. "How many of our city's finest are dead because of her?"
While Phoebus stayed unfazed, his troops were hoping he'd provide a lengthy justification. Instead, he gestured to the prisoner and said, "She's in custody. Surely High Command will want her for questioning."
"I don't give a shit what your leadership wants. As far as I'm concerned, you answer to me. I'm a senator, damn it!"
Dia couldn't help but faintly smirk through her ailments. Seeing Sofi so frantic to cling to power after years of manipulation. Knowing exactly why she was so afraid."
Sofi noticed her former partner's smugness and stepped towards her. "You." There was venom in the senator's tone as she flashed a wild stare. "Where do you get the gall- Where do-...After everything I sacrificed to put your trashy self in power again. If you had a death wish, you'd have been better off throwing yourself off of Starwave. ISB torture will have you begging to die!"
Dia didn't stumble, nor did she wince at Sofi's jeers. She gave pause, eased her breaths, and looked her dead in the eye. "I didn't see justice. I looked for someone else to raise a finger to stop this madness. I've been searching for some...hero to end it all. And then-" Dia sucked her teeth as the thought struck her. "I finally realized...no one was going to save me. So I did."
Sofi's face scrunched, repulsed by Dia's audacity. Her adversary didn't budge as fear got the best of her. No one was executing her only liability. No amount of caked on eyeliner could hide her twitching eyes as they darted around the room. Sofi twisted Dia's words. And in her own, demented reasoning, she too chose to save herself. She swiftly reached into her purse, and a powered up charge sounded.
All Phoebus had to see was the glint of a personal firearm to have him lunging for Sofi. By the time he was reaching for her arm, she was already taking aim.
With a hasty breath, Dia shouted "For Valorum's Republic!"
The words burst from her lips as a crimson bolt pierced her chest. The sting of such a fiery blast scorched Dia from the inside out. Falling back from the shot, she crashed into her vase, spilling soil across the office floor.
"Let go of me!" Sofi screeched as Phoebus restrained her. He twisted her wrist until the pistol fell.
In that instant, a chime rang out in the office. A stormtrooper quickly investigated, and plucked a datapad from one of the drawers.
DOWNLOAD COMPLETE
He craned his neck with intrigue as the files flashed across his lenses. "Captain!" he called and spun the pad around. A list of links and public recipients had been added to a mass forwarding. The likes of which contained the location and details of funds Sofi had stolen throughout her campaign.
"What?" the disheveled senator snapped. "What is it?"
Phoebus had seen enough. "Sofi Pru..." he cleared his throat. "By order of the Galactic Empire, you are under arrest for embezzlement."
"What did she do?" Sofi hissed and stared at Dia's body. "What did she say? Whatever it is, she's lying! I would never-" Phoebus yanked her up as she continued to kick and scream. "I'm innocent! You can't arrest me! No! NO!"
Sofi's irate screams echoed down to Dia's ringing ears. Her panic had settled and her heart rate was slowing. The pain in Dia's chest faded as she focused on a single strand of color in shattered vase. Amid the desolate soil, was a single seed. And from it sprung lone flower, its blue leaves pressed but alive. Dia fixated on that blueblossom, choosing to make it her last sight. Her lips curved into a faint grin as a final breath parted from them. As her head fell back, a gentle tear fled her motionless eye. It mattered not how long ago it had been planted, nor how many had denied its possibility. It grew. And if one flower could make it under all that darkness, maybe that was enough.
Tiana had lost all ability to keep her emotions under control. Being so close to a means of escape had her hyperventilating. She sprinted up a smaller ship's ramp and hoped its controls were simple. The academy curriculum had only covered a set number of spacecraft, none of which looked like this bulky vessel. Her heart skipped a beat when the pilot's seat squeaked loudly. Her gaze worriedly zipped across the dashboard as she tried to make sense of the controls. While Tiana had been able to find the flight gear, she had no idea how to start the ship.
"No," she whispered to herself, unable to find a primary ignition switch. "No no no." As Tiana checked over the dashboard again, she froze upon seeing a reflection in the fuel display. Swallowing hard, Tiana slowly turned to see a grizzly spacer hunched in the ship's corridor. Out of options, all she could do was plead. "I just...want to leave. Please."
The man's stare hardened as he observed the frightened cadet. As he slowly recognized who she was, echoes of Dia's broadcast repeated in his mind. "We all have a choice to make," he spoke gruffly. "Left nob," he explained. "Crank it twice and press down."
Tiana cautiously followed his orders and reached for the nob. The cranks were heavier than anticipated, and pressing down made her yelp as the ship powered up. She turned back to the man, who was already exiting his own ship.
Too stunned to even utter a thank you. Too mystified to comprehend it all. All Tiana could do was continue takeoff procedures and soar into the night sky. With each passing moment of putting her city behind her, Tiana let herself breathe. Still as lost and aimless, she input the furthest coordinates she knew...and made the jump to lightspeed.
Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this chapter of "The Frozen Force." I'll see you next time for Chapter: 141 - By the Force.
Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with you
~ Sparks