Chapter 17: Another Premonition

Disclaimer: Disney owns Star Wars, I only own my Ocs.

Last Paragons

Alexandra sits in the cargo bay of the Forgotten Star listening to Tulak Hord's hologram about harnessing the power of the dark side of the Force. She thought about what Kenta said to her yesterday, he said it was possible to wield both sides of the Force but difficult to pull off. Leon disagreed saying he did all the time. Then again part of it was him boasting his ego. A part of her wonders if it's possible to wield both sides of the Force simultaneously during combat.

The hologram of Tulak Hord speaks about Sith magic and how he was able to master it, conjuring spells one can only dream of.

It said, "The dark side leads to abilities easier to use than the light side the pathetic Jedi cling to with dogmatic views. One such ability is an advanced version of Force lightning called chain lightning. With this ability, a skilled user can shock multiple targets at once making it useful for wiping out your enemies quickly. However it requires greater discipline and concentration on the user's part. Another use of Force lightning is grounding it onto your lightsaber without having to worry about it shorting out the blade. This has two benefits. The first is making the lightsaber more lethal and the second being when the duelist finds him or herself in a blade lock, they can thrust the lightning onto the enemy, stunning them and leaving open to follow-up strikes." He demonstrates it with Alexandra studying carefully before standing, igniting her lightsaber and grounds lightning onto it and goes through the sequence with some difficulty given the way Tulak Hord used unorthodox methods instead of the more traditional lightsaber techniques. However, she applauds the ancient Sith Lord's creativity.

The final sequence throws Alexandra off but with more practice she'll get the hang of it. Switching off the holocron, Alexandra returns it to her room then sits in the commons with a cup of Jeru Tea Leliana showed how to properly brew. She remembers Violet saying it provides a calming effect on the drinker, help sooth the nerves. Something the young Sith apprentice needs given how between her training and waging war against the Empire had placed a lot of stress on everybody including her. She sips the tea slowly, remembering the last time she drank it too fast, she had become drowsy and eventually resulted in her passing out.

She reflects on the vision she had last night, she saw a slim man leading death troopers in search for Jedi survivors. She next watched the man kill the Jedi without remorse or hesitation. She mentally asks herself if the man was a threat they'll face soon or down the road. She hopes it's the latter because they aren't ready to face a threat.

The 19-year old experienced another vision earlier this morning except it was different.

It revolved around the shadowy figure torturing Leliana demanding her where the others are. The smuggler response was a gesture that transcended any language and tell him to go to hell. Despite that, the figure continued torturing her threatening her friends will die. Again the smuggler refused, using some colorful language and promised if he killed her, the fool would have written his death sentence. The moment the shadowy figure drew his lightsaber Alexandra tried to reach Leliana but couldn't move like some invisible entity kept her in place. The figure asked one more time where the others were, Leliana refuses to give him their whereabouts. To persuade her, he shocks Leliana with Force lightning at moderate intensity. The smuggler screamed in pain but didn't break, fighting it. He warned if Leliana continued resisting the pain would only get worse. The smuggler scoffed saying this was nothing compared to other times. The figure told her he will interrogate the others until they broke or delivered them to the Emperor for execution. Leliana gave him the double bird. Nodding, the assailent increased the output of his Force lightning, reaching lethal levels. Leliana's final words were the Empire would fall by her friends' hands. After that her body became a charred husk. Alexandra screamed Leliana's name in rage and sorrow.

The young Sith shot up panting heavily and heart racing. She even felt her arms shaking, she saw Leliana sleeping next to her. The young Sith vowed to protect her even though Leliana proved she was hard to take down.

During breakfast the others could see her acting out of character or withdrawn, Alexandra stated it was just a nightmare. She hated lying but she couldn't tell them about the vision. In her heart, Alexandra prayed it was a just a vision. Kenta told her the Force granted one visions but half the time, they were just possible events.

Following lunch, Alexandra sits in the cargo bay with her Sith Masters and Leon while Leliana flies the ship to whatever Imperial occupied world Leon wants to hit next.

Kenta said, "Do you remember the fourth line of the Sith Code 'Through power, I gain victory'?" Seeing their student nod he furthered, "There's more to it than proving your power is superior. Forming alliances with others can mean the difference between victory and defeat. However, you must be wary around your allies including shady ones. Keep them at arms-length."

Alexandra asked, "What do you mean, Master?"

Yuna clarified, "He means you shouldn't trust completely. You may never know if they'll betray you."

Leon suggested, "Like a Sith." The others ignore his attempt at provoking them, the fact remained that he had experienced betrayal more than anyone here.

Alec said, "Trust your instincts, apprentice. They can save you especially if you think you're about to be stabbed in the back. Do you understand what we're telling you?"

Alexandra nodded, "In other words if they aren't someone close to you, you must be on guard in case they side with your enemy."

Kenta nodded, "That is correct."

Leon said, "Educational as this is, can we go back to wrecking Imperial property? Keeps my boredom at bay. You won't like it when I'm bored."

Alexandra asked, "Why? You act obnoxious when bored?"

The ex-Jedi pointed at her, "Ding, ding, ding, ding, we have a winner! Obnoxious enough to drive you crazy."

Alexandra proposed, "I say we take the day off of making the Empire's life miserable."

Yuna asked, "How do we do that?"

Violet walked over to them, "Pardon if I'm interrupting but I recommend we head to Tython located in the outer rim. It's peaceful and great place to explore."

Leon mumbled, "Tython. The birthplace of the Jedi Order." He remembers during his time with the Jedi Order Tython was possibly the only planet untouched by the Clone Wars. It's as if some entity forbid the Republic and CIS from spreading their war on the planet.

Alexandra has fond memories of Tython. It was the first planet she visited with Leliana and where she obtained the ancient lightsaber. She decided to keep it as a souvenir. The scenery, the peaceful atmosphere, the wildlife, it brings a smile to the young Sith's face.

Kenta said, "I agree with the droid. Tython would be an excellent place to relax for a change. Flying through the stars makes you wanna remember what walking on solid ground feels like."

Alec nodded, "I'm with Kenta. It'll relieve us of stress."

Leon snorted, "Wrecking Imperial property is good stress relief to me."

Yuna asked him, "Oh? At the expense of everything else around you? Have you lost your sanity?"

The ex-Jedi answered, "Fighting a war does that to you, beautiful."

Yuna said, "Kenta, Alec and I fought in a war too."

Leon laughed, "Ha! Yours wasn't orchestrated by a Sith Lord, manipulating it while gaining more executive powers by the day. The same man I came close to defeating. I will defeat the Emperor, watching the life fade as I wrap my hands around his wrinkly neck. It'll be justice. Justice not just for me but for the blood he's spilled even if he never actively did it. Billions of lives were lost because of him!"

Kenta nodded, "Then it's settled. Next stop, Tython." Yuna walks to the cockpit telling Leliana what their destination is.

The smuggler smiled, "Tython. A fond memory that planet is." In no time, they reach the planet touching down in a field. She shuts off the engines.

The others walk down the ramp, taking in the scenery when Leliana discovers Alexandra hasn't parted with them. Wondering what's keeping her, Leliana investigates.

'Hmm, not in the commons. She isn't in the cargo area, not my room. So that leaves only her room.' The smuggler thought as she searched.

Reaching the door she asked, "Alex, you there? It's me, Leliana." She got no answer, "I'm coming in." The door slides open indicating Alexandra forgot to lock it.

Standing there is the young Sith with her back to the smuggler. When she sees Alexandra remove the armor weave from her shoulders, Leliana's eyes widen at the scars on her back. It's like someone decided to make her a human chopping board.

Leliana asked, "Alex?"

The young Sith jumped at the voice and covered her chest before turning her head, "Leliana. Don't scare me like that."

Leliana walks over genuine concern etched on her face, she carefully runs a hand over the scars. These weren't the result of her training. No, these were older.

She asked, "How did you get these?"

Alexandra turned her head, her voice quieter, "It's something I don't want to talk about, Leliana."

Leliana said, "Did your uncle do this?"

Alexandra yelled, "Please, Leliana, drop it! I don't want to talk about it!" She quickly realized what she did, "I'm sorry. These scars are something I refuse to talk about."

Leliana shook her head, "No, it's my fault for bringing it up. I won't do it again." She gently turned the girl around, "Remember, I'm here for you."

The young Sith hugged her, "Thank you, Leliana." Lifting her face, they gaze into each others' eyes, Alexandra's blue ones expressing vulnerability and fear. Their faces move closer and kiss, Alexandra wraps her arms around the smuggler's neck while Leliana's secure on the slightly younger girl's upper back and waist. They stay there. Leliana feels those scars are partially the reason her love was self-conscious around the smuggler.

Breaking the kiss, Alexandra lays her head on Leliana's chest, shaking as memories of her abduction struggle to reach the surface. She clenches Leliana's flak jacket, fighting to shut that memory down. Leliana whispers soothing words hoping to calm her down. If her uncle dares showing his face, Leliana will put a blaster to his head.

The smuggler told her love, "I'll let you finish changing." She gave Alexandra a soft kiss, "I won't let him harm you." Breaking the hold, Leliana turns her back to give Alexandra the chance to finish changing clothes.

After a few minutes Alexandra said, "I'm done." Turning around, Leliana sees her wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and blue jeans secured by her belt, lightsaber dangling from it and boots half concealed by the pant legs.

They step out of the Forgotten Star joining the others.

Yuna smiled, "That breeze feels nice. I've forgotten what peace feels like. No battalion of Imperial troopers, no Empire, just peace."

Alec said, "So this is where the Jedi Order was born."

Alexandra walked over, "That was my first reaction when Leliana brought me here, Yuna." A dragonfly-like insect buzzed in front of her, "The wildlife, the atmosphere, the scenery, it really helps calm the nerves. Especially in these dark times."

Leon scoffed, "As long as the Emperor lives, peace won't return. He promises to bring order and stability to the galaxy. Bah! Nothing but Sith lies! All the more reason I dream of choking the life out of him. Add to it, the reason I don't trust them."

Yuna asked him, "Aren't we proving you wrong, Leon?"

Leon's personality did a 180 as he smiled somewhat, "I guess you, Kenta, Alec and Alexandra are making an exception. For now, at least. The Sith are known for deceit and manipulating others to suit their aims then cast them aside like garbage."

Alec said, "Unlike our predecessors, we don't see others as tools to discard once they no longer have any use. We follow our own code. We embrace the light side just not in the same fanatic way your Jedi Order did."

Leon replied, "They sat in their chairs of the council chamber debating on what to do while a war raged. They should have been out there fighting on the front line, only then would they understand what the Jedi Order was originally meant to be. I fought for the order, for the Republic, for people I didn't even know. I fought, bled and nearly died putting myself through more than even the masters did."

Yuna frowned, "Too bad not all of the galaxy sees it that way. They saw the Jedi as abductors, taking any child strong in the Force without their parents' permission. If the child didn't want to join the Order, that representative should respect the parents' wish. They also shouldn't forbid their members from attachments including friendship. What's wrong with attachments? Oh yeah, they felt attachment would leave one vulnerable to the dark side of the Force."

The ex-Jedi agreed, "That's what I don't get about the Order's teachings and philosphy. They believe by repressing emotion the Jedi would resist the call of the dark side. Remaining calm helps but everyone has their breaking point and snaps. Some even called on the dark side in times of need or because they felt it got things done. I never believed abilities were inherently good or evil. Nor did I believe attachments left you susceptible to the dark side. As the Clone War raged, my trust with the Jedi Order was tested. I began seeing the Order's flaws and made me realize they were wrong. Attachment makes you stronger not weaker. My love for Ahsoka kept me going, besting Dooku and General Grievous." A pained expression formed on Leon's face, "Then close to the war's end, the Jedi Order did something I could never forgive. There was a bombing and the council felt Ahsoka was the culprit and thus banished her from the Order. That pissed me off to no end. I knew Ahsoka would never do something like that. I sought to prove her innocence, even go as far battling multiple members of the Council, Plo Koon, Kit Fisto, Ayala Secura, Obi-Wan, Saesee Tii, the Order's Battlemaster Cin Drallig and Mace Windu. They were all defeated. The true culprit was Barriss Offee and Ahsoka was offered rejoining the Jedi Order but she refused, saying her trust with the Jedi Order was shattered beyond repair. That was the last straw for me. I left the Order as well but not before telling them I'll continue to fight."

Leliana looks at the ex-Jedi with sympathy.

Leon clenched his fist, "Then Order 66 happened. I was on Kashyyyk when it started. Sensing other Jedi being killed by their clone troopers through the Force, I ran as fast as I could to save Luminara Unduli. I was too late as the clone troopers accompanying Luminara gunned her down. Enraged I killed the troopers but Luminara died in my arms. She was like a mother to me during my time with the Jedi Order. I came to the realization Palpatine orchestrated the war. I know killing is the last resort to the Jedi but he had to be stopped. I journeyed back to Coruscant with some clone troopers who fought under my command named Titan Squad. We fought through clone troopers as I raced toward Palpatine's office. After entering it, I held nothing back. His taunts only fueled my desire to kill him. I came close to beating him."

Yuna asked, "You did?"

The ex-Jedi answered, "Absolutely. And would've succeeded had I not been for the interference from the Royal Guard. I spent the next three years hunting the Emperor. Luck alone has saved his pathetic life. However, each day brings me one step closer to ending that old fossil's life." He shook his head, "But enough of that. We're here to enjoy the day off. Although I prefer wrecking Imperial property."

Leliana said, "Come on, don't be so tense all the time, Leon. You need to unwind every now and then. Unless you want to go gray early."

Leon admitted, "I guess spending one day of not giving the Empire a headache won't hurt."

Leliana smiled, "That's the spirit."

Kenta noticed his student's change of attire, "Why are you wearing that and not your armor?"

Alexandra replied, "I wanted to wear something different, Master. Wearing armor 24/7 is uncomfortable to me."

Yuna asked, "What if we're attacked?"

Leon waved it off, "Oh, relax, beautiful. There's nothing here that would make the Empire waste their time." They explore the planet, enjoying the breathtaking scenery for a change.

The group eventually finds the Jedi temple on Tython, this one is far older than the temple on Coruscant. Parts of the interior had cracks or dust settling, normal effects from the passing of several millennia

Alec said, "Huh, the Jedi built their temple on other planets. If I had to venture a guess, this one is little over ten thousand years old and from the looks of it the sight of a major battle in the distant past." Leliana follows Alexandra around the temple looking for any souvenirs.

They come across the remains of the council chamber. Leliana spots a cylinder object at the feet of the middle chair, immediately recongizing it as a lightsaber hilt. Walking up to it the smuggler picks the hilt up examining it. The design was different from the modern designs she saw, it had a heavy-duty design meant for prolonged combat and four pronged blade guard. The hilt itself had rust on it and some parts were missing, thus unable to work. Shrugging, Leliana feels it'll make a nice souvenir. She feels a sense of deja vu hit her. Alexandra acquired the same thing when she brought the girl to Tython.

Yuna sits on a flat rock, arms placed behind her for balance. The fiery red-haired Sith Warrior stares at the mountains in the foreground smiling as the gentle breeze blew her hair, her fellow Sith flank her. Alec has his arms crossed while Kenta's are behind his back.

She commented, "This feels nice for a change, able to unwind instead of attacking Imperial targets day after day. Had I known Tython existed back when the Brotherhood of Darkness ruled I would have journeyed here. This place allows you to forget about your troubles for a few minutes." She heard Kenta sigh, "You okay?"

Kenta said, "Thinking about Lora."

Yuna asked, "That Twi'lek you loved?"

The older Sith Warrior nodded, "Yeah. She would have loved this."

Alec told him, "She wouldn't want you be sad, Kenta. I'm certain Lora would want you to continue living in her memory." Elsewhere, Leon watches a hologram video of Luminara Unduli teaching the padawan version of him about Jedi history.

He misses the Mirialan, seeing her as the mother figure during his time with the Jedi Order.

She gave Leon advice or wisdom when he needed it. Luminara also listened to him express his disagreements with the Order's philosphy about not embracing emotions. He still vividly remembered sensing Order 66 taking place while fighting on Kashyyk. Sensing Luminara was in danger, he ran over as fast as he could but when he reached her location the female Mirialan was shot by the clone troopers under her command. He slaughtered the clones but Luminara died in his arms. After discovering it was Palpatine behind the whole war, he made it his mission to kill the man once he cornered Palpatine so he won't escape.

His anger rises when he saw Anakin, now Darth Vader, slaughter the Jedi he grew up with. All the times they fought side by side and the conversations Leon had with him. He also saw his former friend kneel in front of the newly anointed Emperor. He remembers what the hologram of Darth Sidious said to his pupil.

"You have done well, my new apprentice. Now, Lord Vader, go and bring peace to the Empire."

Leon sneered, "All they're doing is bring pain and suffering to the galaxy. We felt their wrath, now they're gonna feel mine!"

A voice said, "Don't let your anger consume you, Leon." The former Jedi rapidly looks in all directions, attempting to pinpoint where the voice came from.

Suddenly the Force ghost of Luminara appears in front of him.

Leon whispered, "Luminara."

The female Mirialan told him, "Letting your anger consume isn't the Jedi way."

A pained expression formed on Leon's face, "I quit being a Jedi after the Council accused Ahsoka of the bombing incident. Haven't been for four years."

Luminara furthered, "I know you never followed the Jedi Code one hundred percent but even you know not letting your emotions get the better of you."

Leon nodded, "I'm aware of that, Luminara. But suppressing emotions would make us no different from droids, who can't express them. Besides even the most disciplined Jedi can take so much until they snap. I feel this is what caused the Lost Twenty. They felt frustrated that our Order didn't do more, actively resolve problems instead of debating. If they did this, the galaxy might have seen the Jedi Order in a more positive way. Also waiting for orders by the Senate also smeared the Order's image."

The deceased Mirialan smiled, "You never hesitated to voice your opinion. That showed you were different from the others."

Leon smiled as well, albeit a sad one, "Yeah. It's a shame virtually no one else shared my views. I feel the only two people who did were Ahsoka and Padme." Tears formed in his eyes, "I miss you, Luminara. You were the mother figure I had during my time with the Order. You always gave me advice or scolded me if I did something wrong. However, I knew you believed in me."

Luminara nodded, "Yes, I did. You would have made an excellent Jedi Master. Even one day a Grand Master."

Leon said, "I'm more of a man of action than politics. That crap never suited me. The Senate never did anything to solve problems, all they did was squabble with each other. I rather let actions do the talking." A brief prideful smile appeared, "That's what made me so awesome during the war. I was looking forward to some R&R after it ended but then..."

Luminara stated, "Order 66 happened."

The former Jedi clenched his fist, "Yes. The initiation of the Great Jedi Purge as the Emperor calls it. I sensed through the Force many Jedi brethren killed by the clone troopers who fought alongside them. I never imagined Sidious would be behind everything including the war. We had a Sith Lord in front of us this whole time and yet we couldn't sense him. Even worse, we fell for his facade thinking he wanted the best for the Republic when in fact it just served as a mean to achieve absolute power, which he ultimately succeeded in. He is the true criminal. Every day I dream of wrapping my hands around his throat, watching in glee as the life fades in his yellow eyes." Luminara sees behind those icy blue eyes was a man who lost everything.

She told him, "You shouldn't shut out your new friends out, Leon. They can help you cope with your grief."

Leon said, "Making the Emperor's life a living hell helps me cope. Let him experience the suffering he inflicted. My new friends are Sith and you can't trust them."

Luminara disagreed, "No matter how many Imperials you kill, it won't make the pain stop. Looks can be deceiving. These Sith you find yourself with may surprise you. Give them a chance."

The former Jedi said, "I want to but I can't."

The fading ghost told him, "You are strong, Leon but you need friends in your life again. Only then will you heal. May the Force be with you." She disappears completely.

Leon called out to her, "Wait!" She was gone, he looked at the ground, "Have friends in my life again." Kenta, Alec and Yuna watch the local wildlife.

Yuna suddenly said, "Kenta, sit down."

Kenta asked, "What for?"

The redhead said, "Please." The older Sith Warrior sits and feels Yuna embrace him from behind, her arms coming around his neck and resting over his chest while laying her chin on his shoulder.

Kenta said, "Yuna..."

The redhead smiled, "Nice view, isn't it?"

Kenta nodded, "It sure is."

Yuna said, "Do you think our apprentice is coming along nicely?"

Alec provided the answer, "She is. Alexandra possesses a drive I've never seen. She wants revenge but also wants to prove that Sith aren't evil monsters the Jedi label us to be. I think our student desires an era where both Orders can co-exist in peace, not war."

Kenta said, "I wouldn't put it past me if she wanted to start her own Sith Empire."

Alec hummed, "Our apprentice? A Sith Empress? That has a nice ring to it. She could lead it through peace, strength and tolerance. She'd prove our Order can be seen as strength not just for oneself but for others as well, not oppression."

Yuna smiled, "That's something I want to see. Perhaps the Jedi Order, should it ever return, will learn to co-exist with our Order." Alexandra finds an old Jedi holocron while Leliana traces the Sith's body with her eyes.

In the smuggler's opinion, Alexandra was perfect. She has it all. Beauty, intelligence, power and sexiness few can match save for her Twi'lek friend Emmara. Her mind ventures to the time she met the young Wolf.

The CIS invaded Corellia, raiding warehouses for supplies to fuel the Goliath Project. She remembers hearing Alexandra running down an alleyway, scared and separated from her parents. She along with Ahsoka vowed they'll protect her until they could find her parents. When her and Ahsoka were boxed in, Alexandra saved them in a display of courage. That moment on, Leliana fell in love with Alexandra.

Alexandra asked, "You okay, Leliana?"

The smuggler blinked, "What?"

The young Sith apprentice told her, "You were staring at me."

Leliana said, "Just reminiscing the time I first met you." She walked up to her, "And how you captured my heart without knowing it just like a Sith. Manipulating me like that." Alexandra knows Leliana was joking on the last part.

Alexandra smiled nervously, "I'm not the first person you loved or flirted with."

Leliana nodded, "True. Cynthia, Ahsoka, Emmara, they're all pretty. However, yours surpasses them by huge margins. You are perfect in my eyes."

Alexandra asked, "How can I be perfect?"

Leliana titled her head, "What is there that isn't? You got the brains, beauty and power." She runs her hand up and down Alexandra's arm, gliding it along like a ghost making the young Sith shiver.

Seizing the opportunity, Leliana plants her lips against her lover's wrapping her arms around Alexandra's waist then explores her body feeling the ridges of her strong back they next venture down to her butt, feeling the firm, toned cheeks.

'Her Sith training does have its perks.' Leliana thought to herself.

Alexandra moans at the sensation hitting her. Despite the weak attempts of trying to push Leliana away she finds herself beginning to enjoy it, clenching the back of Leliana's flak jacket.

Breaking the kiss for air, Leliana said, "I'm sorry. You're just so beautiful I can't control myself. I might become addicted to you."

Alexandra blushed, "I don't know how to respond to that." Leliana kisses her again, holding the young Sith in a grip she can't escape from. The kiss lasts a minute before Leliana pulls away. She remembers the previous time she did this to Alexandra before they were interrupted. Twice.

She decides to save it for another time.

Backing up she told the young Sith apprentice, "Come on, let's explore this temple more." Leon watches the local wildlife go about their daily business, remembering to a time where he fought in the Clone Wars but had comrades by his side. Jedi he grew up with at the temple, some he respected more than others.

Thinking about his new comrades Leon wonders if he can truly trust Kenta, Yuna and Alec. They are Sith, that much is clear but they said they aren't like the Sith he's familiar with. They say they follow the light side of the Force but don't embrace with die-hard mentality like the Jedi Order did. Can they along with Alexandra and Leliana heal three years of anger, pain and paranoia Leon has? He was no fool. He knows trust is important and requires time to build. It's also easy to destroy.

A mournful expression formed on his face, "Luminara, Coins, Edge. Sidious, the next time we meet I will make you wish you never executed Order 66!" His holocommunicator beeped prompting him to answer, "Yes?"

A projection of Leliana appeared, "Are you okay? You simply vanished the moment you stepped off the ship."

Leon said, "I'm fine, Leliana. Needed time to myself."

Leliana placed her hands on her hips, tilting to one side, "You need companionship, Leon. I'm worried about you."

Leon sighed, "Once the Emperor is dead, I can relax." Before Leliana can say another word, the ex-Jedi ends the transmission clipping the holocommunicator to his belt.

Tears suddenly run down his cheeks as memories of his comrades dying play in his mind and him feeling powerless to save them.

The day goes by relatively quick without them noticing and the planet's sun sets. As usual Leon cooks up a delicious meal that earns him praise as well as boosting his ego. Later that night Alexandra rests on her bed wearing a blue nightgown. Her brows scrunch up as her dream turns from pleasant to troubling.

Leliana fights against the shadowy figure evading its strikes. From the way the smuggler's breathing, they have been going at it for hours.

The figure commented, "You are strong, young one but won't last much longer. Why don't spare yourself the pain and tell me where your friends are."

Leliana sneered, "Not on your life, hut'unn! I'm not telling you anything!"

The opponent said, "You underestimate me. I wield a power you can't comprehend."

Leliana mocked, "You underestimate the power of the dark side. Blah, blah, blah, I've heard the speech before and I bested a Sith Lord. Count Dooku posed more of a threat than you."

The shadowy figure told her, "The man was old but powerful."

Leliana said, "But I still beat him. That shows the Force is overrated." Grabbing a flashbang the smuggler throws it at her opponent.

The weapon explodes producing a bright flash of light and loud explosion. The figure hears his ears ringing but the lenses of its mask filters out the flash and freezes Leliana in place with the Force. The smuggler struggles to reach her blaster.

The figure said, "Last chance, smuggler. Where are your friends?"

Leliana spat in his face, "Go to hell!"

Her opponent shook his head, "Pity. The Emperor won't be happy I killed you but you left no choice." He ignites his lightsaber, red blade humming to life. He pulls his arm back.

Leliana said, "Alex, I love you." The figure dives his blade through Leliana as the young woman clenches her teeth as searing hot pain hits. Looking down she sees the lightsaber piercing her chest where the heart is. Her last movement is giving the shadowy figure the double bird, in each of her hands a grenade going off a second later.

Alexandra shoots up, sweat drenching her forehead. Stepping off the bed she walks to the bathroom, turning the faucet on Alexandra splashes water onto her face. Drying her face with a towel on the rack, the young Sith apprentice turns off the faucet and stares at her reflection in the mirror.

She told herself, "Just a dream, just a dream, just a dream." Returning to her bed she lies down to sleep when she heard the door panel to her room beep, walking over to it she pressed answer button, "Who is it?"

Leliana said, "It's me, Alex. Can I come in?"

Alexandra replied, "One moment, please." She presses the unlock button on the panel, unlocking the door allowing Leliana entry.

She moves to the side to let Leliana enter her room and the closes behind her locking it again.

Leliana asked, "You okay? You've been distant as of late. Was it from what I said earlier?"

Alexandra shook her head, "No, it's not that. Just thinking about my parents." That's half a lie. Her parents have been on her mind but she hides the real reason for her strange behavior.

Leliana hugged her, "They were good people, Alex. I could tell. Otherwise they wouldn't have allowed me to take you places."

Alexandra said, "But that was after you saved and kept me safe until I was reunited with them."

The smuggler nodded, "That too. What were you doing?"

Alexandra answered, "Just about to sleep when you came over."

Leliana offered, "Mind if I join? You could use some company. Don't worry, everyone's asleep. I won't have to worry about people tinkering with my ship." She leads her love to the bed and gently pushes Alexandra onto her back.

Leliana steps back, removing her boots followed by shrugging off her flack jacket, her leggings go next with her blasters attached to her belt, her short top is the last to go leaving the smuggler in her black underwear and the kaiburr crystal dangling from her necklace. She climbs on top of Alexandra and cups her cheeks before kissing her. It was a sweet, tender one. Breaking it she gently caresses Alexandra's cheeks with her thumbs staring into her blue eyes. She wanted to comfort the young Sith apprentice, let her know she'll be there for Alexandra.

She said, "I love you, Alex. Nothing, not even the Emperor could keep me from you. I can't imagine a life without you."

Alexandra wrapped her arms around Leliana's waist, "I can't either. You're everything to me."

Leliana smiled warmly, "And you to me." She rested her head on Alexandra's chest, "Laying here with you alone brings joy to my heart." She feels the young Sith rub her back gently bringing a content smile to the smuggler's face.

Alexandra uses the Force to bring the covers over them.

In his office on Coruscant, Emperor Palpatine contemplates over the trouble Leon and his ragtag of rebels are causing to his growing Empire. His spies and Mara have been keeping him informed of where they went. Several Inquisitors and Dark Jedi have fallen to Leon and his friends. He knows his apprentice Darth Vader can't be everywhere at once. He also knows sending more loyal servants after his enemies would only result in their deaths.

Vader knelt before the Emperor, "What is thy bidding, my master?"

Sidious told his apprentice, "It seems our trouble makers are more formidable than originally thought. They have caused damage to our bases, disrupting our goal of bringing peace to the galaxy. Several Dark Jedi and Inquisitors are dead because of them. If they spread lies about what I'm doing, the galaxy will fall into chaos again. We can't let that happen, Lord Vader. I'm aware you cannot be everywhere at once and my Hand can't either. Therefore, I feel the time has come to unleash my most loyal servant after you."

Vader asked, "Are you certain, Master? He just returned from a mission and may need rest."

The Emperor shook his head, "Nonsense, my apprentice. He's received cybernetic enhancements and augmentation just like I did for you. He will be well-suited for the task ahead. Go and inform him of his next assignment. If need be, you two will work together to complete the mission. Do not fail me, Lord Vader. You know how I respond to failure, don't you?"

Vader bowed his head, "All too well, my master. I shall leave at once. We'll bring these fools to justice."

The Emperor nodded with a sinister grin, "Indeed, my friend. Show them the price for defying me." He watches his student leave the office and swirls around in his chair to stare out the office window.

'Having more than two Sith at a time is a violation of the Rule set by Darth Bane a millennium ago. I have no doubt Vader and my faithful assassin will correct this.' He thought.

Vader walks through the corridors of the lower floors.

He said, "You, my master will acknowledge me as your successor. Even if it means breaking the Rule of Two. That black-haired girl and the Empire will be mine!" He reaches the doors to the assassin and waves his hand to open it.

A/N: Chapter 17 done.

My attempt of doing a chapter of no battles, just an R&R chapter if you want to call it that.

The group on Tython, the birthplace of the Jedi Order.

Here we got to see the pain and regret Leon hides behind his flirty persona, as shown by his interaction with the Force ghost of Luminara Unduli

Not much else to say.

Read and review.

Stay tuned for chapter 18.

Vader 23A