Beyond - Legends Exile From Tesserone

I'll say! Definitely did not see that coming!

 

Independent Systems
Enroute to Deep Space
The Twelve


Safira opened her eyes and glanced around her cabin.

Something was wrong.

The vibrations of the attack craft moving through hyperspace had been neutralized. The engines had been killed. She immediately slipped into her armor and grabbed a vibro-staff as she headed out the door. She prowled the corridors, senses heightened, as she headed toward the main hangar of the ship. Lights flickered and then went completely dark as the ship hung lifeless in space. Distant sounds of battle could be heard as well as screams from those who were fighting to survive in their final moments.

Then silence.

Safira stepped over a blast door and into the hangar. The mag con field of the ventral hangar bay shone bright in her eyes obscuring her vision
of the hangar and who else might be calling it home. Her eyes fell in dismay as the dismembered, cauterized, bodies of the Heraat strike force lay strewn about the hangar bay in various poses of death. No one was alive. No one was breathing.

She was the last survivor.

"Welcome," a voice whispered all around her, "I hope you've enjoyed my apprentice's handiwork."

"Who are you?" Safira asked, "Show yourself!"

A cloaked figure emerged from the far end of the hangar. He drew down his hood and illuminated the room with a small flick of his hand casting light upon the dead. He sneered ever so slightly as he examined Safira with a tilt of his head.

"My name is Tel Adain. I'm sure you've heard of me. In fact, if my sources were correct, you were sent here to kill me. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen today. I see you're a strong warrior," he said, "you would've been a worthy addition. As you can see your master's personal disciples have been executed. Cut down by my strongest apprentice."

"You haven't fought me!" Safira challenged.

"My dear," Adain replied with a wry smile, "I don't fight anyone unless its absolutely necessary."

"You're a coward!" Safira yelled.

"Name calling won't get you very far," Adain replied, "and besides I don't want you to be rude to my apprentice."

Safira looked behind her only to see the face of a beautiful young woman staring back at her.



"Her name is Grace. She is my loyal apprentice. She cannot be turned. She cannot be broken. She is mine. And now you, like so many before you, shall know what it means to die by her hand," Adain said.

"I do not fear death," Safira defiantly said.

"No, I suspect not," Adain replied, "but you will submit to me before the end. That I can assure you."

"Strike me down!" Safira ordered.

"I'm afraid the death I have in mind for you is not physical," Adain teased, "but emotional and mental. When you leave these chambers and report back to your master you shall answer only to me. Leave us, Grace, that is all."

Grace bowed slightly and disappeared into the shadows.

"I'll never turn," Safira said.

Adain cracked his knuckles and then called upon the Force. He lifted Safira off her feet and smiled in a way that only he could enjoy what was to come. Safira fought and struggled but it was useless to resist.

"Now let's begin, shall we?" Adain asked.

***

One Hour Later

Safira awoke face down on the hangar floor. She was covered in sweat, blood, and her body ached all over. Her mind felt shattered. Her soul felt torn asunder. All she could do was stare with an open eye at the flooring and the distant walls of the hangar.

She felt a damp towel applied to her forehead and cheeks. A vain effort to keep her pain level down. She couldn't move. She was helpless as she was rolled over by her caretaker. She would've widened her expression if she'd been able as her eyes rested on the face of Grace Vehn.

"You're not the first one to be broken," Grace said as she gently wiped blood off Safira's face, "he does that to everyone he recruits. It's his way of assuring loyalty."

"How many of you are there?" Safira asked finding her voice.

"Twelve," Grace replied, "Twelve Disciples of Adain."

"Taaya was the only one in the galaxy with twelve disciples," Safira replied, "before you killed them all."

"I didn't kill them," Grace replied, "and where do you think Taaya acquired the Twelve?"

"She's always had them," Safira said.

Grace shook her head, "You're wrong. Master Adain hand picked each child. Chose them for a special purpose. Just like he chose me. When the time was right he sent them to Taaya as part of a peace offering so that his dark work could continue. Taaya broke the agreement when she reached out to Eleanor Vehn and in turn began to suspect who took her sister's life."

"Then who were those bodies I saw in the hangar?" Safira questioned.

"Those who have done Adain wrong," Grace replied as she helped Safira to her feet. "If you must know the Twelve are safe. We must go."

"Where are we going?" Safira asked.

"To see someone who has broken their word," Grace replied, "someone who has broken the truce."

"Why are telling me this?" Safira asked.

"Because we are going to kill Taaya Heraat," Grace said as she marched toward a nearby shuttle, "and you're going to strike the killing blow."

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

That's an interesting way of spreading influence! I guess this means I should return that birthday gift that Adain sent me. I guess it has some strings attached.

 

Nime, Roon
Presidential Suite



President Thaddeus Karr surveyed the cityscape of Nime from the presidential suite as he quietly sipped at a small glass of Bakuran whiskey. He enjoyed the unique flavor and burn of the whiskey as it slid down his throat. He wasn't the greatest fan of the Republic but he wasn't blind to the fact that the Republic, and Bakura in particular, possessed some of the greatest whiskey in the galaxy. The irony of the moment didn't escape him.

The Republic and the Federation had experienced something of a freeze in trade relations with the more conservative, and hawkish,Thaddeus taking office. Thaddeus wanted the trade deficit with the Republic narrowed. He also campaigned aggressively on an anti illegal sentient being platform all the while engaging the Federation military in highly questionable activities in the independent systems who had yet to swear any monetary allegiance or subservience to the Federation.

The surplus the Federation so robustly enjoyed under President Eleanor Vehn and to a lesser extent William Ypres was beginning to dwindle. Unemployment was ticking up and the manufacturing sector was hurting as a bitter war of words erupted between the Federation president and the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic over trade. The resulting trade battles, no one wanted to quite call it a war, greatly affected consumer confidence in the market and began to slowly hit consumer's wallets as goods and services gradually became less and less affordable.

Thaddeus shrugged a great deal of the criticism of his administration onto the media. He blamed them for spinning stories that went against what he determined was truth. Frequently he'd interrupt questions during media sessions and hand pick out journalists that viewed him, and his administration, in a favorable light. He declared anything he didn't like to hear as fake news, as lies.This off the wall criticism of the media, coupled with an attack on civil rights across the board, drew large protests in more liberal parts of the Federation.

Every so often, and far too often for most Federation citizens, blood would be shed between extremist groups on both sides of the political divide. Police were hopelessly inept to stop the violence. There were calls for civility, calls for love, calls for unity, but these fell on the deaf ears of the Karr administration as it carried forward with its own personal agenda. An agenda born of reshaping the Federation into a government to be feared and forcibly respected. An agenda with one thing on its mind: a new order for the galaxy.

Mid term elections were coming up and Thaddeus' party was struggling to win crucial sectors of government. The Federation Senate was narrowly led by Thaddeus' party but so much rode on these upcoming elections. As a result Thaddeus had taken to the streets of the Federation and proclaimed his support for candidates that could help maintain the balance of power in his direction. The elections were still days away but the pressure was mounting. The opposition had put up one hell of a fight. Now they were up in arms over his most recent policy of moving the Federation military to the borders to stem the tide of illegal beings, and goods, from entering Federation territory. All this after reports surfaced of a migrant convoy fleeing persecution and violence in their home territory undertook the arduous journey to Federation space seeking asylum within the Federation's borders.

"Damn fine whiskey," Thaddeus said, "damn fine whiskey. It really is a great time to be a Federation citizen. We've accomplished great things in my first year since taking office. Great things. I understand you were hauled in by a Federation patrol after a prolonged tour in the independent systems. Very heroic. Very brave. I'm grateful for your service."

"Thank you, Mr. President," John Norden, Federation Intelligence officer, said as he cleared his throat, "but I didn't come here to talk about my career. I came here to talk about a growing threat to Federation security in the independent systems. Her name is Taaya Heraat. She's the older sister of Rayna Heraat and her forces are slowly making their way to our borders as I speak."

"Is she really a threat? Surely she knows that if she messed with our military its going to end very badly for her. Very badly," Thaddeus said.

"Things aren't so simple, Mr. President," John said, "the Federation military doesn't have the capacity to conduct a long campaign. It wasn't built for prolonged war. Her forces are battle hardened, experienced, and they mean to do us harm."

"She should know better than to test me," Thaddeus said, "or this administration. My one goal is to make sure that the Federation is safe and secure. Taaya Heraat is a thug. If she as much points one weapon in our direction she will regret her decision. That's my final warning."

"She already has weapons embedded within the Federation," John said, "they've infiltrated our government. They've tampered with our elections. They've gotten access to secure systems forcing us to have to scramble to protect sensitive data. The war has come to you, Mr. President, whether you like it or not."

Thaddeus rubbed his chin. He thought of his daughter Addison. She'd gone off and married Austin Vehn. The kid didn't really have any money to his name. Nothing of note, anyways. His other daughter, Liberty, was now mayor of Nar Shaddaa and pushing for some liberal change that could only end in disaster. His son, Gryffyn, was serving a two year sentence for embezzlement of campaign finances, another nasty battle that had nearly claimed his presidency before it even began.

"Wars are a funny thing, John," Thaddeus said, "they're costly and they're expensive. Lots of people die. They're a waste of time, money, and resources. Did you know that I inherited my finances from my father? Course not all of the wealth that I have is his, I mean, I did build an empire before I became President. This was all on Druckenwell, mind you. A world filled with the seediest corporate scum you'll ever come across. Bitter rivalries. Bitter words. Everyone is angry. Very angry. Sometimes that anger is for good and sometimes its for evil. Take for example the Ypres family. Upstarts, really, in comparison to my wealth, and yet Kaitlyn Ypres died for beliefs and Corrie served meals and gave provisions to our forces during the Civil War. Wars are a terrible thing."

"Mr. President," John pushed, "you must do something. Taaya Heraat's armada will be on our borders within a couple of days."

"I've moved the military to the borders," Thaddeus replied, "that's more than enough for now. Our great and successful military can do anything, defeat anyone, and so if there's a war it will be on her, not me. Do you understand? Now, do you have anything else to discuss with me?"

"No," John said feeling deflated, "no I don't."

Thaddeus poured himself another glass of whiskey. "This really is the best damn whiskey I've ever had."

***

John Norden left the presidential suite feeling deflated, feeling tired. He'd lost his footing with Thaddeus. He'd understimated his resolve to get absolutely nothing accomplished. He tapped in a secret combination on his comlink and within seconds was connected to his true master.

"He won't budge," John said, "he won't fight."

"How unfortunate," Adain said on the other end, "then I suppose we need to give him a reason to do just that."

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

If Thaddeus isn't smart enough to know that wars have a way of unifying a nation around a leader, then he deserves to be subject to the manipulations of Adain. (Okay, so nobody deserves that, but still. )

 

OOC: A few steps closer to Shadows of Tesserone

Invictus
Enroute to Federation Space

"Who authorized the launch to hyperspace?" Taaya demanded as she prowled the bridge looking for answers. She'd been knee deep in a history lesson with Carley explaining her rich family heritage and the legacy of the Heraat clan when she felt the Invictus lurch forward into hyperspace.

"We're locked out of our own systems. The ship is flying itself!" Her executive officer cried out.

"Impossible," Taaya replied, "there are only two people who have access codes to this ship. Myself and..."

Safira, Taaya thought, you've been turned.

"What's our destination?" Taaya asked.

"Roon," the executive officer replied.

Frak, Taaya thought, that puts us squarely in the middle of Federation space and right into the hands of one of the best navies in the Outer Rim. We aren't built to trade blows with the Federation. Not yet, anyways.

"Find a way to get a signal out to the Federation. I want them to know we're coming," Taaya said, "and I want an armed escort to meet me outside the bridge in five. Tell them to set their weapons to kill."

***

One Hour Earlier

Safira slipped past the two guards she'd killed and into the heart of the Invictus: the navicomputer.

She quickly slipped her data card into the corresponding port and watched as her software began to install. The transaction was quick and painless and within minutes she'd reprogrammed the capital ship's navicomputer to plot a course into the very heart of Federation space. Her orders from Adain had been clear: kill Taaya Heraat.

This was the best thing she could come up with on such short notice. Taaya was heavily protected by armed body guards at all times. A product of her fighting a vicious clan war to assert her independence and strength in her youth. She never went anywhere without an armed escort. Besides, Safira remembered, Taaya was an adept hand to hand fighter and had been professionally trained in the art of Teras Kasi.

There was another reason for this choice. It was Safira's own way of resisting the power of Tel Adain. She had been turned, she could feel the inner conflict, but part of her refused to be subjugated. She decided as she made her way back to the Invictus after being tortured by Adain that Taaya's death would be one that she could just as easily escape from in the event things went south.

Alarms sounded throughout the ship.

Safira felt a chill slip down her spine.

She'd been discovered.

***

Current Time
Bowels of the Invictus
Navicomputer

"You three," Taaya ordered her personal guard, "stay here. No matter what you hear do not enter that room under penalty of death!"

Taaya, carrying a vibro-staff, slipped through the blast doors into the darkened room and waited. Her breathing slowed to a crawl and her heart rate dipped into a near state of sleep. Time seemed to slow. Every sound, every change in the room temperature or atmosphere, brought with it a curious glance and the slightest amount of attention.

It was time to kill.

"Come out," Taaya called to her subordinate.

Safira emerged from behind the navicomputer with her own weapon. Her hand was trembling but the look in her eyes was manic, possessed. She was ready to die to end the misery, shame, and dishonor of having been turned by Adain.

Taaya struck first and quickly disarmed Safira following up the disarmament with a sweep of Safira's legs bringing her to her knees. Taaya loomed over Safira grabbing a hold of her hair and wrenching her head back to look into her eyes.

"You were turned," Taaya hissed, "you know the penalty and the fate that await you."

"I do," Safira said closing her eyes, "a thousand apologies, Commander. May the shame and the threat of eternal damnation carry me to the afterlife."

"Before you die," Taaya said, "tell me what you know of Adain."

"He is powerful in the Dark Side of the Force," Safira said, "and he has informants throughout the galaxy. He acquired the Twelve and made them his own. Our ship was ripped out of hyperspace near a planet called Tarhassan. I believe this is his home base. He turned me because I was weak."

"Safira," Taaya whispered, "you are not weak. He turned you because he views me as a threat. He was trying to kill me. You know more than anyone its going to take more than that to take me out. Your death is required because you are compromised."

"There's one more thing," Safira said, "he wears a cloak. It's tattered, old, but seems to give him great power. When he broke me I saw images of a world where a great battle was fought between Jedi and Sith. I saw the remnants of the Almanian Empire, the Republic, old heroes from times long gone. I saw the death of a great Sith Lord who also wore this cloak. It was as if Adain was showing me his lineage, his heritage, his birth right."

"Obroa Skai," Taaya said, "Adain was showing you the Battle of Obroa Skai. The final battle of the Neo Sith War in 218 ABY. He was showing you this because he has acquired the most powerful weapon a Dark Jedi could ever hope to have: the cloak of the Sith Lord Deran. What once was rumor and legend has become true. Adain is now as evil as they come."

Safira screamed and clutched at her head. Taaya stepped back and settled into a combat position in case Safira struck out. "He's reading my mind. He's looking for you! Kill me, Taaya! Strike me down!"

"You shall be remembered in the stories of my people," Taaya said as she readied herself to strike the final blow.

"It has been my honor to serve you all these years," Safira replied.

Taaya brought her staff down and cut cleanly through Safira's neck ending her life in one blow.

She left the room and headed back up to the bridge where she met Carley who stared at Taaya in shock.

"What happened?" Carley asked.

"I had to kill an old friend," Taaya replied, "someone who had been turned."

"I see we're headed back to Federation space," Carley pointed out, "why?"

Taaya wiped the blood from her face with a towel provided to her by a subordinate and replied, "Adain wants to start a war between the Federation and the Heraat clan."

"That would be devastating for both sides," Carley pointed out.

"Which is precisely why I'm going to stop it," Taaya replied.

"How? The navicomputer is locked," Carley said.

"By reuniting you with your adoptive family," Taaya said.

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

That's better than my idea, which was to blow up the hyperdrive. Taaya's makes more sense.

 

Roon
Perimeters of the system

Six Druckenwellian Interdictors, a small part of the Fifth Federation Fleet, waited patiently in the depths of space just inside the Federation border. Their gravity well generators were spooled up and ready to pounce as hyperspace sensors just beyond the border indicated a sizeable fleet coming directly for them. The cruisers were under strict orders not to open fire on the incoming fleet for purposes of striking a diplomatic solution and avoiding a potential shooting war.

A couple squadrons of fighters patrolled the perimeter of the hyperspace lane as Taayas' fleet emerged from that place between the stars. Immediately the cruisers under Taaya's command stopped their forward momentum, ripped out of hyperspace, like fruit from a tree. Almost just as immediate as the complete stop of forward momentum came the fierce communications that flew between the two fleets and then silence.


After a long while a lone shuttle departed the belly of the Invictus bound for the Federation flagship Rowena, named after Eleanor Vehn's grandmother, and quietly slipped inside the Federation ship's hangar under tight fighter escort. A squadron of Federation marines waited at the mouth of the shuttle as steam flew in every direction obscuring, for a second, the departure of those who'd ridden the shuttle over.

Carley Vehn was the first one down the ramp. She warily eyed up the Federation marines before her eyes settled on the imposing figure of Eleanor Vehn, leader of the Vehn family. Her eyes immediately fell to the hangar deck floor in shame. The memories of her last night on Roon still fresh in her mind. She'd changed a bit since running away from her adoptive parents and she still wrestled with the knowledge that Taaya Heraat was her aunt, her blood relative.


"Step aside," Eleanor commanded, "I want a clear line of fire to take her down."


Carley did just that and looked back up the ramp as Taaya Heraat descended with her personal escort. She'd never seen Taaya look so strong, so confident, so powerful, as she did in this moment. Every movement was calculated. Every direction of her eyes had a power to them as she stood a mere meter away from Eleanor Vehn, a breath from starting a fresh war that neither side truly wanted.


"Eleanor," Taaya said with a slight nod of her head.


"Taaya," Eleanor replied returning the gesture.


"We have much to discuss," Taaya said.


"Indeed we do. Come with me," Eleanor replied as the pair walked in silence to a turbolift which took them directly to a beautiful conference room.


Carley watched them leave and wondered how everything would turn out going forward. She knew that Taaya wasn't directly in conflict with the Federation yet but seeing Eleanor made her wonder what this meeting was all about. She was about to head back up the ramp when she came face to face with Kurt and Victoria, her adoptive parents.


"Carley," Victoria said opening her arms for an embrace, "I've missed you so much. Your father and I love you. Please, please, don't run away."


Carley shook as she recalled the words that were spoken between them on the very last night before she'd fled Roon. Before she'd become an exile from Tesserone. Before her life had changed forever.


"I won't run away if you tell me the truth," Carley said.


"Absolutely, I promise," Kurt replied, "just let us explain."


"Please," Victoria pleaded.


"Go on," Carley replied, "I've got nowhere else to go right now."



***

Conference Room
Federation Flagship
Rowena


"That was quite the entrance," Eleanor pointed out.


"I thought you'd like that one," Taaya replied, "it's good to see you again."


"You too, Gabrielle," Eleanor replied, "or should I call you by your real name?"


"I should've told you the truth," Taaya admitted, "all those years ago. We've had quite the journey, you and I. Coruscant to the independent systems and now here on the borders of Federation space."


"Karr is ruining the Federation. Everything I worked hard to build, and William Ypres to expand, he is destroying. Civil liberties are being curbed everyday. Our relations with our neighbors are catastrophically suffering. Our people are crying out for true leadership. Change is needed,"Eleanor pointed out.


"You want a war. You want violent change. Frak, Eleanor, didn't the Centrality war teach you anything?" Taaya challenged.


"It taught me that too many cooks in the kitchen leads to an unfortunate series of events," Eleanor replied, "this is different. This time everything is different."


"Because of your daughter?" Taaya asked.


Eleanor looked away.


"Is that why you want me to potentially destroy the Federation? To recover your daughter? There must be a better way. There has to be a better way," Taaya said.


"There is no other way!" Eleanor shouted pounding the desk. Her mug filled with tea bounced off the table and slammed into a thousand pieces on the floor below.


Taaya didn't respond.


"I have tried everything," Eleanor said as tears came to her eyes, "everything to find my daughter. Everything to bring her home. I know now she is alive. I know that Master Adain has her in his clutches but I don't know why. I don't know why he wants to make me suffer. The only way I can see Grace again is to potentially draw Adain out of the shadows. Bring him into the light especially if he views the Federation as weak and in the thralls of another war."


"How many innocent people have to die for your selfish desires," Taaya said, "how many, Eleanor? Thousands, millions, even billions?"


"A war would've happened anyway," Eleanor pointed out, "you were on a collision course with Nime. Karr would've used you as a propaganda piece to conquer the independent systems. To create a Roon Federation that stretches all the way to the Corporate Sector. Your little fiefdom would've been vanquished in a heartbeat. I pulled some serious strings to get your fleet into Federation space. Your fleet, combined with mine, can make some serious strides against Karr and Adain."


"You have a point," Taaya replied, "we're fighting the same enemy. Different sides of the same coin."


"Will you help me? Will you help me as you did before all those years on Coruscant?" Eleanor asked.


"I'll help you but I believe an all out war is a mistake. That doesn't mean, however, that alternative forms of violence are off the table. You and I want to bring them both down. I suggest we have them turn on one another," Taaya suggested.

"Go on, I'm listening," Eleanor replied as the two began to scheme.

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

For some reason, this post wound up provoking the most thoughts of any of this entire storyline:

• I somehow forgot that Taaya was Gabrielle Senne...even though I know see you told us this quite a while ago.
  
• You know, if Taaya had actually wanted to invade the Federation, she should have done business with some unscrupulous Bakurans who would sell her HIMS technology. Not that I know any unscrupulous Bakurans...
• A Federation that went all the way to the Corporate Sector might one day include the Corporate Sector if I remember some of Eleanor's covert plans well.
• I just now realized there's a greater affinity between Taaya and the Queen Mother than I thought.

 

Nar Shaddaa

"Welcome to the Vertical City, Eleanor. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Addison asked as she came around her desk at the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers facility located at New Vertica and embraced her sister in law in a fierce hug.


"Business, unfortunately," Eleanor replied.


"I hope you don't mind I wanted Liberty to sit in on this meeting," Addison said as she gestured to her younger sister sitting nearby.


"I don't mind one bit. In fact, I think its great that you're both here as what I'm going to discuss won't be easy for either of you," Eleanor said giving a slight nod of her head to Liberty.


"Go on," Addison prompted.


"It's about your father," Eleanor said.


"What has he done now?" Liberty asked shifting uncomfortably in her seat.


"Please tell me he isn't using you to generate support for his policies," Addison said.


"Quite the contrary," Eleanor replied, "I don't know how to say this but here goes. Your father is slowly destroying the Federation. Ties with the Republic are highly strained. I receive daily transmissions from the Supreme Chancellor's office begging me to return to my posting as Director of Foreign Affairs. The people are protesting in the streets against the high cost of living, the unlivable wages, the unspeakable hatreds, all giving rise to an environment that breeds prejudice and bigotry."


Addison and Liberty looked at one another and shared understanding.


"Should you tell her or should I?" Liberty asked Addison.


"Go on," Addison said, "it'll sound better coming from you."


Liberty leaned forward and said, "What I'm about to say stays here between the three of us. Addison and I know that my father is destroying the very foundation of a government that is built upon the backs of your family. We've been working, this past year, on stemming his influence beyond Roon. We've diverted shipments away from his pet projects to areas of high need. We've attempted to block his personal finances in such a way that they show up as computer glitches in the system. We have formed a resistance."

"You have?" Eleanor asked.

"A resistance with one goal in mind. To return the heir to her throne," Addison said.

"And how do you intend to do that?" Eleanor asked.

"We have our ways," Liberty said, "but we need assurances from you. A guarantee, if you like."

"What kind of assurances?" Eleanor replied.

"The kind that could potentially go unpunished," Liberty replied.

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

Break out the yellow vests!

 

Deep Inside Federation Space

"You need to go with them," Taaya said as she nodded in the direction of Kurt and Victoria Vehn.

"I don't want to leave you. There's still so much to do," Carley replied.

"Sweet girl," Taaya said gently stroking Carley's cheek, "some battles I must fight alone."

"What if something happens to you?" Carley asked.

"Then know that I died with my head held high and for a cause worth dying for," Taaya replied.

"You're the only family I have left!" Carley cried out.

Taaya looked up at Kurt and Victoria. She knew that Carley hadn't fully forgiven them for not telling her the truth of her parentage. She could see that Carley's words had hurt Victoria and taken Kurt back by surprise. She gave them a look of understanding and then returned her gaze to her niece.

"No," Taaya replied, "I'm not the only family you have left. You have Kurt. You have Victoria. You will always have the Vehn's. They adopted you. They raised you. They love you. Your mother would want you to live with them if she were alive. They are a good family. Go, go now."

"I'll miss you," Carley said as she rushed to embrace Taaya, "I'll miss you so frakking much."

Taaya buried her face in Carley's hair and kissed her on the forehead, "And I will miss you, Carley Vehn. Go and don't look back. Not now, not ever."

Taaya could barely hold back tears as she watched Carley leave her embrace and head into the arms of her adoptive family. For a long while she thought she was all that was left of the Heraat clan. She was thankful to be proven wrong. The trio boarded a shuttle which took them back home to Roon. She watched the shuttle leave with a twinge of regret for not fighting harder to keep Carley with her but was quickly reminded why she'd agreed to Carley's release.

A war was coming. A war unlike any the Federation had seen before.

***



Two Weeks Later
Tesserone, Roon


"Please don't go," Victoria gently said as Carley knelt down and reexamined her camping gear.

"I need to go," Carley replied, "not because of what you did but because of what I did. That night I left I accidentally killed my friend. I still haven't come to grips with all that. I don't know if I ever will. I need to leave to go find myself. I figured the mountains around South Fork are the best option right now. I need answers, Victoria. Answers I can't get here."

"If you're going into the woods please take this," Kurt Vehn said as he handed Carley a worn pocket knife, "that belonged to me during my forestry days. It helped get me out of a few binds.

Carley accepted the knife and slipped it inside her coat pocket. She figured it would come in handy and she was so tired of fighting her adoptive parents. She'd come to realize they loved her and she loved them. She'd also come to realize that she needed to find herself. She figured the rugged wilderness beyond the logging town of South Fork would give her the answers she was seeking.

"Keep in touch," Victoria said as Carley slung her gear across her shoulder and prepared to head out the door of the family home in Nunurra.

Carley stopped at the door, tears in her eyes, and fiercely hugged Victoria, "I promise you I will."

"We love you, Carley," Kurt said as he also hugged her.

"I love you too," Carley replied, "and thank you. Thank you for everything."

Carley Vehn began her first step in a journey that would take her to new adventures and experiences.

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

OOC: Time for this story to transition to its end game with Shadows of Tesserone.....buckle up.

 

OOC: Getting closer to the end game. This story was always meant to be a bridge to Shadows of Tesserone. It may be short but believe me it shall end oh so sweetly...

Six Months Later
Tesserone, Roon

"Weeks of protests, strikes, uncontrolled rioting in Nime and the surrounding cities. The middle class is saying enough is enough. The local Roonian economy is borderline grinding to a halt. Industry has stalled, daily maintenance has fallen by the wayside, and our limited tourist industry is virtually non existent. All the while President Karr amasses more and more power and control to his name. He's shoved aside the Senate and personally handpicked commanders and men for the home brigades who carry out his ruthless suppression of Roon. The rest of the planets in the Federation have pulled away fearing collapse. The people cry out for a hero. They cry out for justice," Liberty Karr said with fervor as she stated her case to Eleanor Vehn.

"I understand your concerns," Eleanor replied, "but the time to move against your father is not now. My forces aren't fully ready."

"Will it take bloodshed to persuade you to enter the fight?" Liberty challenged.

"I will not openly challenge Karr and cause a civil war. There will be a democratic process," Eleanor said, "keep in mind I have more than the Federation to think about. I have family on Bakura, I have strong ties to the Republic. If I make a move against Karr's presidency, against his leadership, than what does that say about me? They will label me a tyrant. They will label me a dictator. All of this, no matter how bad it is, will come crashing down but it will be on my terms, Liberty. My terms."

"Eleanor," Austin said speaking up for the first time during this meeting, "the longer you wait the more our family will suffer. You must act now. You must act before Federation citizens openly revolt on their terms."

"Don't you think I know the costs?" Eleanor shot back at her younger brother, "Don't you think I understand what is at stake here? Right now I could call upon the strength of the Fifth Fleet and rain hellfire down upon Nime but that would absolutely delegitimize my rise to power. The people must ask for me and they will and when they do I shall be ready."

"Have you heard any news from Taaya?" Liberty asked.

"She left Federation space months ago. I haven't heard or seen anything of her in some time," Eleanor admitted, "and I'm afraid her interests have changed. Where once she might've been a steadfast ally there exists between us a cool separation. It was as if we had never agreed to take up arms against your father."

"Surely you can mend any wounds," Liberty pressed.

"I'm afraid this time my magic has run out," Eleanor replied folding her arms across her chest, "along with my influence."

***

South Fork, Roon

"What a wonderful time to come to South Fork! You are truly a hearty people. A hard working people. My initiatives have helped you by creating more jobs by removing the sanctions that once prevented you from logging this great land. Now the forests of Roon are yours to do as you see fit. Cut down, utilize our resources, for a greater tomorrow!" Karr stated raising his fist in the air.

Instead of cheers, instead of whistling and support, Karr was greeted by boos and curses. The crowds surged against the thin security cordon as Karr's protective service detail ushered him off stage. Karr caught a glimpse of heavily armed soldiers using batons and riot gear against the crowds to suppress the dissidents. One soldier even drew his weapon and fired into the crowd causing pandemonium and outrage as a civilian collapsed to the ground in a pool of blood.

The violence continued without remorse or regret.

"They really like me," Karr enthused as his shuttle took off from South Fork, "the people. They really like me."

He'd made the same speech in Nime, in Nunurra, in Tawntoom, and in the smaller towns. It was his way of connecting with the public. His way of connecting with those who'd elected him on a campaign of change and making Roon a leader in the Eastern Outer Rim. The speeches were to rally support for his cause. A cause he felt was just. A cause he felt was right. A cause he used to hammer down his opponents.

His rule would last for decades.

***

Independent Systems
Tarhassan

"Rise, my young apprentice," Tel Adain said in a calming tone as he looked down upon the most promising candidate of his assassin school: Grace Vehn.

"I await your command, Master," Grace responded.

"It is time," Adain whispered, "time to change the course of galactic history. I am charging you with a special assignment."

"The target?" Grace asked.

"Thaddeus Karr," Adain replied with a smile, "depart at once and only report once you are successful."

"As you wish, my master," Grace replied as she gathered her kit and prepared to leave.

She was ready.

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

Now that last bit gets truly interesting. How far off time-wise are we at this point? Are we really approaching the convergence?!?!

 

I never gave a specific start date for Shadows of Tesserone for a couple of reasons. At this point, with the material I have left, its not that far off.....

 

OOC: End Game Time....



Nime Spaceport
Roon

"Welcome to Nime. Home of the Roon Federation. We hope you enjoy your stay and have a pleasant journey wherever your travels may take you. Goodbye," came the slightly upbeat voice over the shuttle intercom system.

Grace Vehn took her eyes away from the in flight magazine and looked out the window as the other shuttle occupants began to disembark. The spaceport was an enormous hub of activity as hoversleds overladen with baggage, ground crew personnel, and support vehicles sifted in and around the bigger shuttle liners to their destinations. The entire choreography of the moment seemed like an elaborate dance of sentient beings and materiel. It was, after all, completely planned.

Just like your mission Grace thought as she stood and prepared to leave the shuttle. She reached into the overhead bin and grabbed her carry on luggage. The bag was long, cylindrical, and contained a musical instrument which could be converted into a sharpshooter's rifle. Her cover story was simple. She was here from the independent systems to perform with the Nime Symphony as a guest musician for the opera Crimson Dawn which was to be performed in several days time.

Such a fitting title for what is to come Grace reflected as she gave a curt nod to the flight attendant on her way out of the shuttle.

Grace approached Federation Customs and handed over her identification. A part of her tensed as the Federation customs officer spent a decent amount of time scanning the documents for authenticity as well as waiting for his systems to procure a result.

"Here for business or pleasure?" the customs officer asked.

"Both," Grace replied.

"Annabelle Cairn, musician," the customs officer said reading Grace's cover name.

"That's me," Grace replied.

"Over here, please. Bag inspection," the customs officer replied in a dry manner handing Grace's identification back to her.

Grace walked behind the booth to a nearby scanner. She wasn't about to give this Federation lackey the time of day much less lead him to think she was hiding something in plain sight.

"Place your bag here," the customs officer said indicating with his finger toward a nearby scanner.

Grace complied and watched as the scanner cleared her bag. The customs officer then opened it and examined the musical instrument. He frowned slightly as he looked down the barrel of the wind instrument and grunted, "Rifling? What's this thing do? Shoot slugs?"

"Something like that," Grace replied as she controlled a barely perceptible smile. "I've found the grooves in the barrel help maintain pitch control during more difficult pieces."

"Huh. Welcome to the Roon Federation," the customs officer grunted as he finished his inspection of the bag, "and good luck with your concert."

"Thank you," Grace replied, "I'll need all the luck I can get."

Grace was soon outside the terminal breathing in Roon air for the first time since she was a little girl. It smelled fresh, crisp, and untainted. Nothing like Nar Shaddaa or Druckenwell or even Coruscant. This was her very first journey into the heart of the Roon Federation. Adain had been training her for years to conduct a mission deep in the heart of enemy territory. He'd placed his trust and faith in her to carry out what had to be done. She didn't have any qualms about taking lives. That part of her had been drilled out of her mind.

She spotted her preferred mode of transportation not very far away. They called them motorcycles. Two wheelers. Harbingers of risk and death. For this mission, for today, that was exactly what she needed to do her job. Grace slung her carry on luggage over her shoulder and hopped on the nearest bike. She ignited the engine and heard the engine roar with delight.

It was time.

Time to kill.

***

Presidential Motorcade
Nime

"Come on, step on it!" President Thaddeus Karr said, "we're running late to my final speech in Nunurra!"

"Highway out of town is blocked, sir," the driver responded.

"Find a way around it," Thaddeus complained as he folded his arms across his chest.

"Yes sir," the driver replied as attempted to pick a different route.

Thaddeus sighed. He'd grown frustrated with the inefficiencies of government. The pomp. The circumstance. Being president was nothing like running Karr Pharmaceuticals. Nothing like running his private corporation or taking his private shuttle from place to place. No, Roon was too old to upgrade its core technologies. Roon was, to put it bluntly, too quaint for his tastes. He'd be greatful for when his presidency finally ended.

"Traffic is clearing up, sir, shall I stay the course?" the driver asked.

"Fine, fine, go on ahead," Karr grumbled, "not like we're going to make up time magically or anything."

The limousine sped on ahead with full motorcade escort. Karr noticed the police officers forming the motorcade were awfully close to his limousine. Was that usual? He wasn't sure. He did know it was traditional for the president to have a protective service detail wherever he went.

The limousine accelerated briefly before coming to a screeching halt.

"What is frakking going on?" Karr asked.

"Road block, security is checking it out," the driver explained.

Karr heard a tap on his window. He looked up through the tinted transparisteel and saw one of his protective services agents with a motorcycle helmet looking down at him. Karr rolled the window down.

"What's going on up there?" Karr asked.

The protective service agent raised the visor on the helmet. Karr saw the hauntingly beautiful eyes of a woman staring back at him.

"Do I know you?" Karr asked.

The woman reached into her jacket, pulled out a pistol, and shot President Thaddeus Karr twice in the head.

"You do now," the woman replied as she sped away from the rapidly converging security forces who had no idea how this had happened. Within minutes the entire system was in lockdown as the Roon Federation entered into uncharted territory. Per Federation law, rapid elections were held as the people celebrated in the streets that their unpopular president was dead.

Tradition was a hell of a thing.

[hr[/hr]

Downtown Nime
Parking Garage 24B
Roon
Two Hours Later

"That was one hell of a job you pulled out there," the firstwoman said to another.

"It was professionally done. They won't be able to find me," the second woman replied.

"Adain would be proud of you," the first woman said.

"I didn't do it for him," the second woman replied.

"Then who did you do it for?" the first woman asked.

"My sister who was a victim of Karr's foreign policies," the second woman added, "do you have my reward?"

"Right here," the first woman said, "but you can only look."

"Why is that?" the second woman questioned.

"Because you've served your purpose and I no longer need you around," the first woman replied before firing several blaster bolts into the chest of the second woman.

"Why?" the second woman asked as her life began to leave her, "we had a deal."

"You made a deal with the wrong people. You should've stayed with Eleanor. This is how assassinations are perfected. The assassin is killed by a third party leaving no trace behind of who was truly behind the plot. Welcome to my world, Taaya Heraat," Grace Vehn sneered as she stood over Taaya in her final moments.

"Eleanor will find out about this," Taaya choked out, "and then you'll pay."

"Let her find out," Grace replied, "she's the one I've been after all along. With Thaddeus Karr dead, thanks to you, the people will have no choice but to re elect Eleanor Vehn as President of the Roon Federation. In honor of her re election they'll throw a performance for her by the Nime Symphony. I'll strike and fulfill my destiny by Master Adain's side. Together we will bring a new order to the eastern Outer Rim."

"Using what army?" Taaya asked.

Grace smiled and replied, "Your army, your fleet, everything is now ours."

Taaya's eyes narrowed in rage but her life force was quickly fading. All she could do was lie motionless on the durracrete and hear the horrible news and feel the horrible realization that she had failed. Her sister, her clan, and most importantly, herself.

"Time to meet your Maker, Taaya," Grace sneered as she raised her blaster one final time and pulled the killing shot.

It was time to hide.

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

Taaya was one tough being if it took her that long to die! Too bad she didn't have equally tough evaluations of the beings she partnered with.

 

Tesserone, Roon

"My father has fallen," Liberty Karr stated in a holographic transmission to the Vehn family who'd gathered in the great room of Tesserone at Liberty's request.

Eleanor didn't respond at first. She shot a look to her brother, Austin, who didn't make eye contact with her as he processed the news. Addison leaned against his shoulder in a strange mixture of mourning and relief. Nearby, Oisin and Verity stood sipping tea in a reflective manner while Jack Vehn, dressed in military fatigues for another tour with the Phantoms, stared pensively out a nearby window. Eleanor's husband, Rowan, hardly looked up from a book he was reading.

"The Roon Federation is going to need a leader to rebuild what Karr has torn down," Austin pointed out, "and it won't take much. Fortunately we're at peace with our surrounding systems and the bigger galactic powers. Now is a good time to forge a new path forward."

Eleanor felt the energy shift toward her. "What?" Eleanor asked.

"You're the logical person to step back into the presidency," Liberty said via hologram, "the people are holding a referendum as we speak. If you're elected, by law, you must serve."

"And if I refuse?" Eleanor challenged.

"Then you will set the Federation back in its search for legitimacy and place amongst the galactic powers," Addison replied.

"Eleanor," Verity said speaking up for the first time, "it's only one term. The people are granting emergency powers. One term. Then you're done. You can come home. We will be fine here. Roon needs you. It's always needed you. Make it known this is your last time in office."

"You have more experience now than when you last did this rodeo," Oisin pointed out, "and as your mother said it's best to be up front and honest with the people and with yourself."

Eleanor looked away. She hadn't wanted to be dragged back into the circus. That was the entire reason she'd left in the first place. She felt, in some ways, like history was repeating itself. She'd done this with the old RTO. Now the Federation was calling her back into service. It was not the same as getting the band back together again. She'd changed, the Federation had changed, and so had the galaxy to which she'd grown accustomed.

"Eleanor," Libery said, "there's more. Taaya Heraat was found shot to death in a parking garage in Nime. The murder weapon that took my father's life was with her and all the evidence points to her direct involvement. Whomever killed her was a professional. The shots were well placed, intentional. There's something greater going on here. If you do ascend to the presidency make sure your security detail is fully briefed. I don't want this assassin turning their gun on you."

"Taaya," Eleanor said as she brought her hand up to her face to cover her eyes. To give herself time to think.

The two hadn't been the best of friends but their working relationship had assured a peaceful relationship between the independent systems and the Federation. Now she was dead. Her efforts to restore the Eastern Centrality peacefully had failed as her death now all but assured there would only be one Centrality led by its western counterpart. Her fall also meant that the Corporate Sector Authority could once more assert its influence in independent system affairs which was a direct challenge to the Federation's own political interests.

"What could possibly lead her to take on Thaddeus alone? What trouble did she get herself into?" Eleanor wondered.

"We don't know," Liberty said, "and that might be a better question for Federation Intelligence."

"Thank you Liberty. I'll make my decision known soon," Eleanor said as the hologram winked out.

"I'd like a minute alone with my wife," Rowan said as the family nodded and moved out of the room.

"Yes?" Eleanor asked.

"Listen carefully because I'm only going to say this once," Rowan said as the pair talked about Eleanor's future.

***

Nime Nightly News
Roon

"President Eleanor Vehn has just been sworn in for an unprecedented emergency term as President of the Roon Federation. In the wake of the Thaddeus Karr assassination the Federation has invoked a lesser known clause in the Federation charter which the people voted on last night. I'm told her cabinet consists of many who served with her years ago with one noteworthy addition at security advisor: John Norden. John Norden, son of Eleanor's bodyguard Robert Norden during her youth on Naboo, has spent years with Federation intelligence on tough assignments...."

***

Personal Quarters
Nime, Roon

John Norden double checked that no one was outside his door and that his transmission was secure. He keyed in a passcode and then submitted fingerprints and retinal identification.

"Transmission secure," the computer informed John.

John knelt before the holoemitter as the towering form of Master Tel Adain stood over him.

"My thirteenth apprentice," Adain stated, "is everything prepared for our glorious task?"

"Everything is prepared, my lord," John said, "and Eleanor has no idea of our plans nor will she."

"Good, good," Adain replied, "make sure Eleanor and her security forces don't focus too much on her daughter. I want this strike to be cleaner than the last. I'm sending one of the twelve to assist her in this mission. Help give her cover and hopefully return her to me. You've done well, John. Your patience will be rewarded. Go, and carry forth your mission."

"At once, Master Adain," John replied as the hologram winked out.

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

The Thirteen are so shadowy I never remember who's in them or not. Did we know Norden was?

 

Yes, in Shadows of Tesserone, it is revealed that John Norden is the 13th member of Adain's personal assassin group. He was exiled to be a mole in the Federation government. So, most of the time, if anyone re-reads Shadows, I only talk about the Twelve. That's because the Thirteenth member is in fact a double agent. There are maybe one or two more posts left in this story, folks, so buckle up. Remember, I have to sync this up with Shadows which starts off with a bang....

 

Conclusion:

OOC: First off, thank you both for following this story. Your comments, your likes, and even your dislikes (oh please tell me there were some!) were greatly appreciated. Secondly, this musical selection is well known but its a slight variation done by another artist on a well known theme from "Lost". This is, after all, my farewell for many of these characters I've created. Chronologically you'll always have Shadows of Tesserone to enjoy. For me, it will be awhile before I return to this timeline and expand on the adventures of Grace Vehn and the younger generation.

This is my final post in Exile from Tesserone. The time gap between Fields and Shadows has officially been closed. You'll notice a smidgen of discrepancies if you go read Shadows again with my intro. I felt that it was a good time to tie the two stories together. This story was short but sometimes those are the best.

I am contemplating returning to Dreams of Tesserone to follow the journey of Airen Vehn through the Galactic Civil War.
Thank you, dear friends.

Stay tuned and now the finale.



Tesserone, Roon

Eleanor leaned against the desk in her grandfather's study and lowered her head in exhaustion. She'd been chosen to succeed Thaddeus Karr as President of the Roon Federation. The old weight of responsibility fell heavy upon her shoulders as did the stress that came with governing the economic union. The outcome was predictable. The outcome was almost certainly guaranteed.

There'd been the usual congratulatory remarks from other heads of state around the galaxy. Bakura, her relatives, had once again applauded her most recent political victory if even they were astonished at the Federation's tumultuous political scene. The Supreme Chancellor of the Republic also chimed in to recognize Eleanor's political victory and promised to work with the Federation to finalize a free trade pact that would span generations. Queen Ione Sylleste, Eleanor's successor on Naboo, had paid her respects as well and given sage advice that would help carry Eleanor forward through challenging times.

Eleanor couldn't help but feel thankful to be given another opportunity to run the Federation. She'd immediately addressed the people and helped turn back the tide of potential rebellion. She'd worked with the unions and the corporations to come to a clear and concise economic path forward. She'd also replaced the Director of Foreign Affairs with former president William Ypres who even in his older age could still command respect in a room full of foreign dignitaries.

The galaxy, the Federation, was on the mend.

One thing that could not be mended was the deep rift in Eleanor's heart. She ached to see her daughter, Grace, even though by now she was practically an adult. There were so many memories, so many experiences, that hadn't been made. That natural mother daughter bond was fragmented and destroyed. Eleanor wondered if they'd ever reunite and what that reunion might look like and she hoped wherever Grace was that she was safe and sound.

She pounded the table in anger and frustration. Today was the anniversary of the day that Grace was taken from her. She'd failed as a parent. She'd allowed her daughter to be taken away from her and never returned. All because her priorities had been on politics, on keeping the government together, at the cost of losing her family. This wasn't the way life was supposed to be. This wasn't the way it was supposed to turn out.

"Eleanor?" Rowan said entering the study.

"Yes?" Eleanor replied not looking up.

"I have something for you," Rowan whispered as he gently spun Eleanor around to face him and presented her with tickets to the Nime Symphony. "I hear they're performing all the old classics."

"Rowan," Eleanor replied and drew Rowan in for a kiss.

"You want to go?" Rowan asked.

"Absolutely," Eleanor replied, "I wouldn't miss this show for anything."

"I love you," Rowan said.

"I love you too," Eleanor replied as the pair walked hand in hand out of the study to get ready for what was to be a memorable night indeed.

***

Almania

"Gently," Carley Vehn instructed as she helped the surviving members of Taaya Heraat's clan place Taaya's body on the funeral pyre.

Carley quietly moved a few strands of Taaya's hair away from her face and helped fold Taaya's arms together in supplication of the gods. Carley admired her work as she stepped away as the funeral ceremony began. There was weeping, there was grief, and calls of revenge. Taaya's people wanted answers for the death of their leader. Sadly, they would have none.

Carley felt a tear slip down her face as the pyre was ignited in flame. The chanting of the religious order nearby almost drowned out the immolation of her aunt. It was in this moment that Carley Vehn felt truly alone. Her mother, Rayna, had been killed on Tund by sinister forces and now Taaya had fallen victim to them as well.

Security footage from the parking garage on Roon showed similar footage to what had transpired on Tund months ago. A woman, an assassin, taking the life of Taaya on cold blooded murder. That same woman had been shown to have killed Rayna on Tund. The connection was clear. There was no mistaking the woman's identity. She was an operative of Master Adain.

"We commit her body and soul to the afterlife," the Head Priest called out, "as Taaya Heraat, the last of her clan, passes to the hall of her people. So too does the final heir to the Heraat clan pass as well. The passing of an age."

Carley knelt down before the pyre and said a small prayer in the words of the Heraat clan's native tongue. A wave of grief washed over her as Taaya was consumed in fire and smoke. This was the end of Taaya Heraat's journey. The great leader was gone. Assassinated.

Carley was quiet for a long while. She stood thinking and then felt a sudden surge of strength empower her as a realization dawned upon her. A realization that would change everything. A realization that would have profound impact on her own life as well as those who would look to her for guidance.

"No," Carley said as she stood and addressed the assembled people, "the Heraat clan is not gone. The Heraat clan is not passing from this time. I am the Heraat clan. I am Rayna Heraat's daughter, proven by blood, chosen by Taaya, to succeed in their footsteps. I promise you now, before the Maker, and before our great leader Taaya, that I shall lead us to prosperity and strength. Our armies may have been taken. Our fleets may have been pirated. We shall overcome, we shall take back what is rightfully ours, and we shall make the forces of Master Tel Adain pay for what they did!"

The mood of the funeral changed as people nodded and agreed. It became less a moment of grief and more a moment of rallying. The people knelt, in turn, before their new leader as the ashes of their old went up into the sky.

"For Taaya!" Carley yelled.

"For Taaya!" The people responded.

"I am the new Commander!" Carley announced.

"We live to serve you," came the response.

A new era was born.

***

New Vertica,
Nar Shaddaa

"I sold the rest of Karr Pharma to our greatest rivals," Addison admitted, "and I don't regret a damn thing about it."

"How fitting. Father would've been totally against the idea. We're that much richer," Liberty replied holding up a glass of champagne and clinking it against her Addisons.

"Indeed we are," Addison said as she returned the gesture, "and all the wiser because the Karr name now has respect again. A name that can now rebuild what as broken."

"Tell me, sister," Liberty said with a smile, "what kind of empire shall we build? The kind that lasts a thousand years?"

Addison shook her head, "I have to aim small. As general manager of the Nar Shaddaa Smuggler I can't be seen to be too involved in political affairs. Besides, a thousand years has been done. Let's go into uncharted territory. Let's be bold."

"Well you and I have a great deal of money to spend," Liberty replied.

"And I can think of no better place to spend it than on the Valor Foundation," Addison said as her eyes lit up.

"We could change the lives of millions of youth," Liberty pointed out, "and I think we have enough money now to open a second location on Druckenwell. The socio-economic divide has never been greater."

"When should we begin?" Addison asked

"Immediately," Liberty said as the pair began to plan their future together as well as the future of the Valor Foundation.

A foundation that now had funding for decades secured off the rich investments of Karr Pharmaceuticals.

***

Trian
Trianii Space

Jack Vehn slung his military duffel over his shoulder and disembarked the unmarked transport with an air of trepidation. He'd never been posted on his own before deep in the heart of Corporate Sector Authority. Even though Trian was technically independent the threat of CSA invasion was ever so real. The humidity and warmth of the jungle world of Trian hit him hard in the nose as he greeted the representative of the Trianii people. His cover story was clear: work with the Trianii Homeland Project to help them recover historical evidence of their people while conducting reconnaissance on CSA elements in the system and if necessary establish a connection to Master Adain.

Adain, ever elusive, had been nearly impossible to track down. The Phantoms had hunted him for years and chased one wild rumor after the next on a mission that was cripplingly expensive and quietly funded by Eleanor Vehn. Jack knew the stakes and knew the parameters. As he adjusted to life with the Trianii people who'd secured their independence by treaty from the Corporate Sector he couldn't help but feel that chasing Adain and his minions was an exercise in futility.

I've been mothballed to Trian Jack thought as the days and weeks went on and on.

At night he would look up at the stars, so crystal clear, and wonder about his future with the Phantoms. He'd never been one to kill for sport and hadn't been one to want to do the job for money. Unlike the others his motivations for during spec ops work were pure. His motivations were clear in his mind. He was serving Eleanor and by extension his cousin, Grace, and one day he would find her and bring her home to her mother.

One day.

***
Presidential Opera House
Nime, Roon

John Norden looked over his shoulder to double check that he hadn't been followed. His tail was clear. He carried a musical instrument case backstage. Finally he came to a catwalk overlooking the stage and with a commanding view of the presidential suite. He knew that Grace would have no difficulty making her shot from here. She was the best assassin that Adain had ever trained. The most loyal. The most deadly.

John quietly knelt down on the steel framed catwalk and placed the musical instrument against a nearby railing. Part of him was tempted to open up the case to view the murder weapon but he held back for fear of changing the outcome. He knew, deep down, that he would play his part to perfection. He had a role, after all. He would be right next to Eleanor when the action went down.

John had dreamed of seeing Eleanor killed before his eyes from the very first moment he met her. She was so manipulative. So ambitious. So good at what she did it made him sick to his stomach. The way she curried favor with the people. The way she held the Federation and other governments to a higher standard. It was time for her to go. Make way for the future. Make way for Master Tel Adain.

John despised working for Eleanor and hated her because she'd run his father, Robert, into the ground despite years of loyal service. His father's pension was hardly adequate compensation for the personal sacrifice he'd have to make to keep Eleanor safe. His father hadn't been around much as a child, too consumed and too loyal, to Eleanor to prioritize spending time with his family. John resented that and knew that had his father been given every opportunity to be home he would have been. John's parents had gotten a divorce because of the strain of the job. Everything was Eleanor's fault. Everything.

John quietly tapped the musical instrument case and whispered, "For you, Dad."

He quickly made his way out of the opera house and toward his rendezvous with Eleanor Vehn and destiny.

***

Tarhassan

Master Tel Adain opened his eyes slowly pulling himself away from his deep ruminations. He could feel the darkness swirling around his young cadre of warriors and in particular his most promising pupil, Grace. He could also feel that she was beginning to develop a conflict in relation to this mission. He'd trained the emotion out of her but he could not untrain the natural bond between a child and their parent.

He knew assigning Grace the task of killing her mother could prove risky. He knew that the years of conditioning could all come crumbling down the instant Grace looked down the scope of her slugthrower. The rewards, however, outweighed the risks.

Eleanor's time was coming to a close and his was rising. Years of hiding, years of pulling the political strings of the Eastern Outer Rim, were finally coming to fruition. He could taste victory and it was sweet. The Centrality war had served its purpose to divide the Corporate Setor and the Roon Federation. The inability of the Republic to sign a free trade agreement with the Federation had been part of his machinations as well as senators loyal to him had purposefully stalled and delayed voting time and time again. Then there had been the death of Rayna and Taaya Heraat who'd been mere puppets in his grand schemes of galactic domination.

The galaxy was being made whole again. Soon he would be able to leave his prison, leave this planet, and step forth ushering in a new era of darkness. He wouldn't be stopped. He wouldn't be deterred. He wouldn't rest until every single Vehn was dead. He'd already readied the Twelve to carry out their deadly attacks on the extended Vehn family. The end was near.

Master Tel Adain closed his eyes and fought back his true identity. An identity which he'd kept secret for all these many years. An identity that not even his most faithful disciple knew about. He reached up and quietly touched a device implanted just behind his ear. The Cerulean Jedi suddenly shape shifted and reverted to his true form, his human form. A form that wasn't even male at all.

She looked into a nearby mirror. She recognized that face. A face that had known love and kindness once. A face that had served the galaxy well during her time. A face that had been slowly corrupted by the darkness inside and the darkness imposed upon her by others. A darkness that had festered and grown for a very long time locked away in her mind and soul.

"Good to see you, Your Highness," former Queen of the Naboo Camilla Quorro whispered as she bowed to herself in the mirror.

Camilla Quorro, the last living hereditary monarch of Naboo and member of the Quorro family, had been declared certifiably insane by Naboo's doctors in the 260s. She'd been locked away by her husband Liam Vehn and isolated for years unti one day she escaped and fled deep into the independent systems. There on such forbidding planets as Tarhassan and Mustafar she learned the ways of the darkside and ultimately made her way to the battlefields of Obroa Skai where she recovered the cloak of the Sith Lord Deran from underneath the great memorial commemorating the battle. The cloak was a powerful Sith object still heavily coated in the dark side of the Force and chock full of dark Force knowledge.

Camilla then met a Jedi Master named Tel Adain, who was a Cerulean from the Jedi Order of Ossus, and killed him during a meeting in which she expressed interest in handing over the Sith Lord Deran's cloak to the Jedi for safekeeping. Camilla, using technology from Wild Space, assimilated Tel Adain's physical appearance and made it her own. She became Master Tel Adain and used his clout and influence to apprehend thirteen youths of Nabooan royalty who were descendents of families who'd defied or betrayed the Quorro's during their time. One of whom was the daughter of a former queen and her most advanced apprentice, Grace Vehn.

"Kneel for our Queen!" The Twelve roared from behind Camilla.

All Twelve knelt before her and lowered their heads. "Long live the Queen!"

"Rise, my dearest disciples," Camilla said, "we have so much work to do and so very little time."

***

Presidential Opera House
Nime, Roon

Grace entered the Presidential Opera House looking absolutely stunning. Heads turned as she made her way up the grand staircase and through corridors that would take her backstage. She walked with confidence, with poise, with purpose, and with murderous intent. She was not about to be stopped. She was not about to be deterred. The mission was before her. Adain's wil be done.

Grace climbed a ladder and clambered onto the catwalk quickly spotting her musical case. Her eyes surveyed the rapidly filling auditorium as well as the cast members gathering far below her for their assigned roles. So many people but there was only one person who mattered now. One person that needed to have their life ended so that the galaxy could heal from decades of strife. One person who was ruining it for everyone.

Grace spotted her target settling down into her seat in the presidential box office. She recognized her immediately. Eleanor Vehn. She tilted her head slightly as she studied her prey. She seemed so warm, so outgoing, so familiar, and altogether non threatening. For a moment she nearly hesitated and wondered if she'd be able to complete the mission at hand. The thoughts of doubt were pushed out of her mind as a holographic transmission sprang into view from the holoemitter on her rifle.

"Are you in position?" Master Tel Adain said in his booming Cerulean voice.

"I am," Grace replied.

"Are you prepared to take a life? Especially hers?" Adain pressed.

"Always, my lord," Grace replied.

"Then show no mercy," Adain said, "daughter of Eleanor Vehn. My exile from Tesserone."

"As you wish, Master Adain," Grace replied with a bow of her head.

The transmission winked out of existence. Time for the show to begin.

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." Grace whispered recalling a line from a story her mother used to tell her many years ago.

She reached down and unlocked the case containing the rifle.

It was time.




THE END

Tag: @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

You know, one day I'd like to hear what Clan Heraat got up to under its new leadership. That would be very interesting! Don't think it deserves its own story--just a passing mention in another.