Chapter 42: Calm before the Storm
The old fear was back.
Temmin Tagge couldn't deny it. It had been with him since he was a small boy, and remained even now that he was a man.
The half-blood shook his head.
She was here now; he could sense her presence. He…he should have been on the landing field, waiting for her, but he had not been sure, the fear had kept him here.
His eyes narrowed.
Damn it, he thought angrily.
What kind of a son am I?
Even now, he remembered his childhood so clearly, or rather, the treatment of those that should have loved him. His mother's family had been disgusted with him from the start, not for anything he did, but for what he was.
They saw him a symbol of his mother's weakness, that she had laid with a Sith, and he had been a result, a stain on the honor of House Tagge.
His mother had never cared for that, she had defended him many times, even when she didn't know he was listening. As she had with her own life, she had chosen her own path, but that didn't mean that Temm didn't know what was being said, how others looked at him.
Yes, he had known the whole time.
His mother had kept him close during his early years, did her best to shield him from the looks and opinions of others. She was one of the most well-regarded bio-chemists in the Republic, a war hero, and a skilled healer. Most cultivated her favor; she was a self-made woman in the Republic. She could have just as easily taken a posting at her family's mining operation, but had chosen to stand alone.
He was proud of that now, knowing what she had done, and how much she had done to shield him from the slanders of others. As a small child, no one dared to speak about him, not in the ear shot of his mother, but that didn't mean he didn't hear things, and sense the feeling behind those words.
As he had grown older, and it was no longer acceptable for him to remain so close to her, she had taken him to his grandfather's, so that he might learn more about his father, and the people that he had come from.
He had learned, but during that time, he wondered, and feared, that his mother would grow used to him being gone, that she would realize that he was dragging her down, that she, would come to agree with her family, that he was a stain on her honor, and should be cast aside, and forgotten.
It was an old fear, a child's fear, and it had never really gone away.
He had tried to be better, that was why he had asked to be trained in the way of the Jedi. He had wanted to prove that he was more than his blood. That he was not simply a half-blooded bastard boy, but a warrior, and a hero that his family could be proud of, that he was worthy of the name of Tagge, and the legacy of his Vokai warrior ancestors.
He had tried to be a hero, and that had led him to the Survivors, and then Avaryss had come…then…Zay had come.
Everything had fallen apart after that.
His time with the pirates, he felt no shame for that, or his relationship with Switch. In fact, he was most eager to introduce her to his mother, but that would have to wait. Switch had been called away by one of Coop's daughters, and had not yet returned, meaning he would have to face his mother alone.
Again, the old fear taunted him.
In that moment, he would rather face the Sith Emperor himself. This was…
He shook his head.
No.
This was stupid!
He was not a frightened little boy anymore, and this was his mother…
…she still loved him…
…he was a part of her.
Wasn't he?
He ground his teeth, even as he tried to meditate, to find the calm center that the Jedi had taught him.
Shyra had warned him that his mother had been hurt during the fall of Survivor base. That, despite those injuries still fought on, he was proud of that, but…
What would she say? How could he explain what had happened, what he had become?
He was not entirely sure how.
With those questions, the old fears had returned…with a vengeance.
After Survivor Base, when he thought her dead, it had been easy to dismiss the old fear. He got lost in his life as a pirate, and the whirl of life on Death. When Shyra had told him that his mother still lived…he…he was grateful, but…
He felt a degree of shame as well.
What if she didn't understand? What if she came to think that what he had done was proof that he was a stain on their family, that his actions these last few years proved everything their human family said about him?
He…he had no answer to that.
He tried not to dwell on that. What would happen, would happen. He simply had to accept, his teachings had prepared him to be a Jedi, even though he had not finished that training.
He tried to remember the first line of the Jedi code.
There was no emotion, there was peace.
He took a deep breath, it was not easy to find that peace, not for one of Sith blood, he…
"Temmin?"
Her voice was soft, and it heralded her arrival, the familiar sense in the Force, the first one he had truly known.
He opened his eyes to find her standing there. His heart nearly breaking at what he saw.
She was greyer than he remembered, and he could see the metal fingers of her left hand. She leaned heavily on a cane, yet her eyes, so familiar, were wide and hopeful.
He rose from his meditations, towering over her, where once she had stood far above him.
He stood before her, facing her, and found he had no words.
What could he say?
What could possibly be said to make this better…less awkward?
He…he didn't know.
She stepped forward, he came thumping gently on the floor. He took a step and fell to his knees. He bowed his head in shame.
He should have been there for her.
He…he should have known she was alive.
She sobbed as she stepped forward, putting her arms around him. He could sense her anger at the distance of the last few years, but he could also feel the sense of gratitude.
He was still alive.
Her boy was still alive.
His head rested on her shoulder, in that brief moment, he was not the Jedi or warrior he had become…
…in that moment, he was that small boy again, afraid that his mother had stopped loving him.
"Sorry," he sobbed into her shoulder.
"I'm…soooo…sorry!"
No words passed between mother and son; no words were really needed.
"My boy," she whimpered, "You…you're alive!"
He wasn't sure how long they stayed like that, he…he had never been happier.
Her arms were around his neck, his large hands just encircling her waist.
He…he had not done anything like this since he was a child, simply let his mother hold him.
He had tried to step away from such things when he tried to become a Jedi, and now…
…now here he was.
The fear fell away, as she held him, as it had so many times when he was a child.
He was in no hurry to step away from that, not after what had happened on Death, on the destruction he had seen over the last few years.
For this moment, he simply wanted to be her son.
He felt another presence approaching this one cool and determined.
He sniffed and started to pull away, rising to his feet once more.
"What is it, Temm?" his mother asked.
"We have business," he said wiping his eyes, and glaring.
Damn it.
Could people not let them enjoy a few moments of peace.
"I was told that I could find you hear, Dr. Tagge."
Temmin glared.
"Were in the middle of something, Miss Valenthyne."
Tara Valenthyne shrugged. Her blue and black uniform reminding him of the protectors of her home world, protectors who had betrayed their people, whether they meant to, or not.
He was not sure he liked that.
She bowed respectfully.
'My apologies to you both, but Coop wants everyone in the main hall, some important announcement, he says."
Temmin's eyes narrowed.
An important announcement, huh?
He understood with all that they had to face they had little time to waste on frivolities, but as a family man, he assumed that Coop understood that people needed time to reconnect with those they feared lost.
He probably did, the half-blood realized, maybe that was why he sent Valenthyne here. The changes the woman had gone through.
Temmin didn't know what to make of that. He could sense the pain that she had suffered, pain she had subjected herself to in gaining the abilities of her people's sworn protectors. She was supposedly able to keep up with a Jedi when it came to combat, he had not seen that yet, but he wasn't sure if such a boast was accurate.
The woman had gained power, but he couldn't help but ask, what price did she pay for gaining it…?
…and would that price affect them all before all was said and done?
Valenthyne turned to his mother.
"Glad that you are here, doc. We have a little mystery for you to look at. Fallenstar captured one of Avaryss' minions, a creature we have never seen before. He thinks it was created by Sith alchemy."
His mother turned, her eyes lighting up, her curiosity peaked.
"Alchemy? Something that Avaryss did?"
"We think so. Princess Bayla believes the creature used to be a Bann noble."
"Hm," Temmin's mother said, he could almost imagine the wheels turning in her head.
As a scientist, the works of Sith alchemy had always fascinated his mother, she had seen the results of it during her time on the Survivors. The empire had not been above altering things and throwing them against their enemies. What Avaryss had created was just another such weapon, and his mother had spent a great amount her of career trying to understand such things, and their creation, on a scientific standpoint.
"You need to be careful, mom," he warned, "These things are dangerous. Deceitful and ruthless, Zay used them when she attacked the world I was living on."
His mother looked his way, nodding.
"Interesting, I…I will need to speak with you later about this Temm, and speak with Her Highness as well. If these are some new weapons, we may need to find a vulnerability for it quickly. I can start work immediately."
Temmin almost rolled his eyes.
He was proud of his mother's dedication to duty, but…
She developed a kind of tunnel vision when granted a new scientific challenge, he had seen it many times as a boy.
In that, somethings never changed.
"After Coop's announcement," Tara said, "He said wanted all of us present, it must be something big."
"Of course, of course," Roxanna Tagge said, "After the announcement."
She rushed to follow Tara Valenthyne leaving Temm with a hint of a scowl on his face.
His mother paused; she looked back.
"Are you coming?"
Yeah, sure, I…"
"Temm?"
"What?"
His mother gave him a pained look.
"I missed you. I…I just want you to know that."
That softened his scowl someone.
"I missed you too, mom."
She smiled.
"We will need to talk, later."
He nodded.
Yes.
That would be good.
He fell in step beside her, slowing to her pace, given her bad leg and cane.
He looked at her, feeling…if not at peace…content.
He was glad she was alive, that they were both alive.
I missed you, mom, he thought.
I love you.
IOI
They were among some of the last to arrive.
Temmin looked out over the gathering, Coop's people, not to mention a few alliance soldiers, people that had arrived with his mom, and Colonel Locke. Erbba had taken up position near one of the servant's entrances, the Hutt chatting with Rufo, what a Hutt and a Wookie had to talk about, he couldn't guess. Dunc Joyce leaned against one of the back walls, idly flipping a vibro-knife in her right hand.
Rix Hunt was back on his feet, something he was glad to see, the sniper had been injured during the attack on Death. Kort Antilles was talking to him, but the soldier was waving him off. Hunt had never liked being poked and prodded, and standing not far from him…he…
OH!
Temmin's eyes widened.
He was surprised to find Kalo Nord here as well, though he looked far different without his long coat and goggles, in fact, he looked a bit like Cooper, clad in a black body suit, and short cape.
Temm was surprised not to see any guards around him, considering what had happened on Jomark, but from the way he was moving, not to mention the slightly glazed look, it was clear that the bounty hunter was still under the affect of suppressors, the drugs slowing his connection to his emotions, and from there, the Force.
The half-blood kept his eyes on him, just in case, and he was not the only one. Both Zhar and Tara Valenthyne had noticed him too, noticed him, and now held him under their cool gaze.
Temm was glad for that, Quire Cooper, the current Kalo Nord, was something of a savage. Heh had tried to kill the Survivors over Lehon, and attacked on Jomark, given that history, it was wise to keep him under a close watch. He should be treated carefully.
Princess Bayla said he could be trusted, within reason, but that didn't mean much.
Temmin knew how devasting betrayal at the wrong time could be.
He spotted his grandsire speaking with Zhar, Shyra's new apprentice, the boy seemed enthralled by whatever tale the old one was telling him. Temmin could understand, he had spent many hours hearing his grandsire's tales as a child.
Princess Bayla arrived next, with Master Merrit in tow. They were followed closely by Colonel Locke and Shyra Viel. Temm nodded to his former teacher as Coop finally arrived, at his side were two beautiful Zeltron women. Women whose appearance was literally almost night and day. One was dressed in long black pants, and a gold waist coat, a matching black jacket. Her blue-black hair pulled into an intense bun. The one next to her was clad in a shiny golden dress, cut low in front and off the shoulders, her blue back hair flowed freely down her back. A mischievous smile graced her pretty mouth.
Coop's daughters, Adira and Fyni respectively.
The three stood on a small dais, the Smuggler chieftain holding up a microphone.
"Friends and allies," he began, "Welcome to Traevis."
The various soldiers, hunters and Jedi turned; all eyes were settled on Gabe Cooper.
The old smuggler grinned.
"Well," he began, "We all know why we're all here, what we are going to try and accomplish. We are all here, to try and save the future…"
He chuckled.
"But for tonight, my family and I…would like for you all to focus on the present."
He turned the microphone to his eldest daughter, the more intensely dressed one.
"I'm Adira Cooper, this is my facility, and I bid you all welcome."
They all nodded in greetings, murmuring.
The Zeltron gave them a sad smile.
"My father has explained what has come to pass, the events that have brought you all here. You have all suffered, both pain and loss. The loss of homes, and friends…we cannot undo that loss, and we would not even try, but what we can do, is offer our hospitality, and a chance to find sanctuary, sanctuary…and rest."
The young Zeltron took the microphone from her sister. She grinned.
"Rest is good, a bit of fun is better. An army runs not just on courage, but morale as well. We ask you all to enjoy this evening. There will be time to jump back into the shadows, to bring light to the enemy, but for tonight, we want you to remember what it is you are fighting for. Life and light good people, and that…is something we can help you with."
Fyni clapped her hands, and as one, the servants came.
Temmin blinked.
They wheeled out trays of food and drinks. Curtains were pulled back revealing a band, and gambling tables. Music began to play sweetly.
Temmin chuckled.
He should have guessed.
Coop had married a Zeltron, and Zeltrons had one cure for what ailed them.
When things were at their darkest Zeltrons threw a party!
Everyone looked around, some seemed surprised, but all smiled as they saw what was on offer.
Cooper took the mic from his daughter.
"For one night, lets forget about the fight, for tonight…enjoy yourself, brave souls. For tonight the drinks are on us!"
Some of the new Survivors cheered.
Even Temmin smiled.
He had not really relaxed since he sensed Zay on Death.
He…he wasn't sure if he remembered how.
"Hey there handsome!"
He turned, and his jaw hit the floor.
He…
"Switch?!" he gasped, "Um…WOW!"
The girl blushed.
"I take it that you like it? It was Fyni's idea, she thought…well…she told me that we were having a party, and thought I should look my best."
He nodded dumbly.
He…he couldn't help it.
He was speechless.
Switch was…a vision.
The gown was a deep blue, and fit her like a second skin. She had used only a bit of make-up, but it showed off her natural beauty.
His mouth went dry.
She…she…
As he had said.
WOW!
"Temmin?"
He blinked and swallowed, remembering that his mother was standing right next to him, and from the smirk on her face.
Well, he realized with a nervous chuckled.
He knew that he would have to introduce his mother to Switch sooner rather than later.
He coughed, and wished he had a drink.
"Mom…uh…yes…um…I would like to introduce you to someone. This…this is Switch…I…I mean Juno. Her given name is Juno…Switch is a nickname, she…she is…"
Switch stepped up, and saved him.
"Missus Tagge, is it?"
"Doctor Tagge," his mother corrected, "And you…?"
"Um…hi," the girl began, "I'm Juno, as your son said, Juno Carniss. I…um…I guess that I'm your son's…well…his girlfriend, I guess."
Roxi Tagge gave her son an arched look.
"Girlfriend?"
He blinked, suddenly tongue tied. He…
"Miss Juno is a most superior woman, Roxanna."
Gnar had approached, likely noticing how badly his grandson was doing.
The old pureblood smiled.
"In fact, I see much of you, in this one," he added, "I believe that Rhazhar would have approved."
Temmin's mother looked at the girl with an evaluating gaze.
"That is high praise, my dear. Gnar is not known for sweetening his opinions."
"The General is too kind," Switch said.
"Merely pragmatic, my dear," he said, his eyes turning to Temmin.
"The son of my son has chosen well, this time, Roxanna. You will see, I'm sure."
Temm looked between his mother and his…lover.
Both were smiling.
"I think we are going to need to talk," Roxanna said.
"I guess so," Switch replied, "Temm was never very open about his past, but he always spoke highly of you."
"Really," Roxi said with a smile, "That is new, he never really talked much about me with others. I remember this one time. He…"
Temmin's eyes widened, he could only imagine what his mother was about to say.
"Mom."
She laughed.
"I will tell you all about it later, my dear," she promised, turning to Gnar.
"It is good to see you again, General."
And you as well, Roxanna. Shall we get a drink?"
She nodded, and let the old pureblood lead her off.
Temmin breathed a sigh of relief.
He…he…
Kark!
He was not sure what he was going to say.
"She seems nice," Switch said popping up on her toes and kissing him.
Temm gave her a humble grin.
Yeah, he thought.
He supposed she was.
IOI
"I'm going to have to thank Coop for this, "Colonel Locke said, grabbing a drink from a passing tray.
Shyra nodded.
"We could all use a little down time, once the operations against Avaryss get going, there likely won't be time for much else."
The old sniper nodded.
"I won't stay long," she said looking around at the other guests, many helping themselves to food, and more than a few already dancing.
She smiled.
"The last thing a soldier wants to see is a commanding officer at a party. They deserve a chance to unwind."
Shyra nodded.
"WE could all use that," she agreed.
Locke nodded, still holding Krys Capistan's sketchbook to her heart.
"After Jomark, and Death, and the loss of Master Vey, we need this."
"You could use this too," the Jedi said.
The colonel shook her head.
"My partying days with the troops ended a long time ago, but you should try to have fun."
Shyra shrugged.
"You could use a bit of diversion yourself, Colonel."
The other woman shrugged.
" I will find it," she promised, "In my own way."
The Jedi wasn't sure what to make of that, but scanned the room. Pleased to see that most of their group was willing to take up Coop's offer.
Bayla had already pulled Merrit out onto the dance floor, she was leading him a slow dance, but slowly, her old friend was beginning to loosen up. Temmin and Switch had joined him, and even Gnar was out there, dancing respectfully with Roxi, despite her bad leg.
Looking out for someone he viewed as family, as a daughter.
Speaking of family.
She frowned as Coop approached Kalo Nord, the bounty hunter dismissed him, even though it was clear the old man wanted to talk. He left the room, followed by two of Coop's people that had been assigned to watch him.
Shyra frowned.
She was still not sure what it was that Bayla Istillo had over the guy, he had agreed to help them, but she still refused to say why. Kalo was certainly not volunteering anything.
Shyra turned back to Locke.
"I have an idea of how to insert us onto Bantoon. I will need to borrow Polearm and Wolf Squadrons to make it work, but…"
"Stop," Locke said.
Shyra snorted.
"But…"
"No buts," the soldier said, motioning across the room.
"Hey Kort, dance with this girl, please. She needs to forget about business for a bit."
Shyra turned as her lover arrived, that silly smirk she loved on his face.
"It is a sacrifice, Colonel," he said, "But I will be brave and try to do my best."
Shyra turned away.
"Colonel. We really need…"
"You need a bit of a break too, Shyra. Let Kort show you a good time, tonight. The storm is coming for all of us, lets do our best to enjoy the calm before, hm?"
Shyra said no more, she let her lover pull her out onto the dance floor.
She shook her head.
"I feel silly," she growled.
"Why?" the good doctor asked her.
"We have so much to do, and…"
"And it will keep for tonight, Shy," he leaned in and kissed her cheek, a kiss that ran down her neck.
She shivered; a growl of desire escaped her. When she looked at him again, his own eyes flared with desire…promise.
She gave him a toothy grin.
A calm before the storm, Locke had called it.
Maybe she was right.
She lay her head against her lover's shoulder, enjoying his warmth, and the smell of him. She opened her eyes briefly. Seeing Dunc showing some martial arts move to Zhar, while Erbba and Rufo stayed close to the food tables.
She shook her head.
They would have to go back to war soon. Avaryss would not give them long to rest, but for now…
…now, in this place, they were safe.
For now…the dark lord's reach was far away.
IOI
Rix Hunt had slipped out of the party, he…he still wasn't feeling well.
He pulled at his collar, he felt hot, hot and itchy, irritable, too. He was unable to completely kill the anger that was building in him.
An anger that he knew shouldn't be there, but could not deny its existence.
He growled low beneath his breath.
It had been with him since that creature had bit him back on Death. It had felt strange, a heat in his blood, that was now spreading, and when it reached his heart, something had changed.
Something…glorious!
He was joined by two of Cooper's men, two who had been injured during the Sith attack on Jomark. They had also been bitten, and now like him were part of this.
They…were now his brothers.
They shared what he was feeling, in fact, they were now sharing the same dreams.
They looked at each other, feeling more relaxed now that they were back together.
We are pack hunters, Hunt thought, we belong together.
Hunt didn't know their names, and didn't need to, they were one now, or would be soon…
Once they had freed their brother from his cell. He knew the full orders that the mistress had given them, he would tell them what they needed to do.
Hunt scratched at his arm; he had not allowed the medical droids to examine him too closely.
If they had, they might have seen.
His skin was flaking off, and where it wasn't it was changing color, becoming a lovely shade of purple, and the hair on his arms were thickening, turning into fur….
Plus, at night he was dreaming about her, the master of his people, the master of all the hunters.
HE was dreaming of Darth Avaryss.
He could not quite hear her words, but they were becoming clearer and clearer each night.
He had never met her, but felt a kinship to her, and the more his body continued to change the stronger that sense of kinship became.
The two next to him understood, they were changing too.
The Survivors were back.
Avaryss would not like that.
It fell to them, her hunters, to stop them.
He had tried to resist what he was feeling, but his resistance was all but gone now, now…he finally understood.
He needed to contact the dark lord, his mistress. She needed to be warned about the threat growing here.
These fools would ruin everything, the glorious future of his race.
Bayla Istillo would have to be brought to heel too, his mistress would like that.
He wanted so bad to please her.
He was even coming up with a plan on how to do it. Coop had everything they needed. Even a hypercomm that they could use to contact the mistress. Of course, they needed to be careful, and they needed help.
A few more bites on the right people would swell their ranks and hurt the enemy. Humans were not like them, he no longer saw himself as human. They were weak, and soon, the hunters would be strong again, then, they would be able to hold out until Avaryss got here, as soon as they contacted her.
Hunt smiled.
Once that thought would have sounded insane, now, it was the most natural thought in the galaxy.
He giggled and his new brothers joined in, not the laugh of humans, but the bleating giggle of the hunters.
He had been lonely as a human, a soldier with only his duty, now… he had found so much more.
He…had found Avaryss!
He had the beginning of the plan; he would sleep on it tonight…
…and in his sleep his master would come, sooth his mind, and speed up the change, and soon…
…all would be right with the galaxy.