| Ben Harvill Dark Ages: Sigma IV Prologue The blast doors sealed shut. Made of the latest and most advanced technologies using only the toughest of materials, it was proven to shut out any and all projectile weapons, and theoretically believed to block even a great Jedi Master. The overlord backed away from the door switch quickly, inspecting the entrance to make sure he had sealed it on his enemies. There came the sound of blasters and then silence. After a few moments, the overlord heaved a sigh of relief and was about to open the door when FLASH! A beam of bright light of a purple hue appeared in the middle of the door, outshining even the hot metal slowly melting around it. Then came a second beam of the same hue, off to the right of the first. Then the two points slowly came and melded into one point. A loud crashing noise was heard and the door was flung back to the opposite wall, bent in the middle and still burning where the lights had cut. Out of the debris shone out the two lights of purple, each held apart from the other. Then also came two lights of orange, yet these were as one line with a space in-between. Then as the dust settled, two figures stood prominent. The male, wielding the orange bo-like lightsaber looked around quickly, assessing everything within the room. The female, a cat-like girl wielding the duel purple lightsabers, let out a small laugh. “If this is all you have to offer, kind sir, I’m afraid we’ll just have to take you in.” And with that she jumped forward towards the overlord and the small array of guards he possessed. “Watch out!” Shouted the male, then raised his arm. The laser turrets within the room all sparked and overloaded, causing small explosions everywhere in the room. The girl paid no heed though, as she came and easily unarmed every person in the room and was soon found with the overlord on his knees, one lightsaber at his throat and the other pointed at the room in general. “What a fine mess this is,” he muttered lightly under his breath. The girl only laughed, then knocked him out one blow. “M’Lady, we dare wait no more.” “I will not leave my country!” “M’Lady, if we do not leave soon, we will surely be taken captive, and if that happens, then there is no hope for the people. Please, you must flee!” “…Alright. I shall go. But I shant be long. I will come back with help for us. For all of us. Be brave, my love.” With a swift kiss, the lady left the back door towards her personal hanger, while her loyal man looked after her before he slowly turned and drew his own saber. “I shall not fail thee, m’Lady.” “So it is come to this.” “Yes, my Lord. We will soon have complete control of the planet. It is only a matter of time before we find the Queen and make her sub-“ “I know all of what is going on. You forget once more who I am.” “Uh, well, no sir. I did not. Forgive, my Lord, but I am still unused to serving a man of such power and status. “Well, I can easily cure that.” The dark cloaked man turned to face the standing general, his face hidden by his hood except for a small portion of his chin, revealing part of a hideous scaring trailing up into the darkness. “But I’d rather hold on to you for a time longer. You have served well, and you have not yet fulfilled all of the purposes I foresee of you. But do not worry. You shall die soon enough.” And with that he laughed loudly, a strange red orb glowing from where the creature’s forehead should reside. Chapter 1 “Well that was a pretty easy job.” Deltina, a Tybaltian, about the age of 20, walked next to her companion, a human male of relatively the same age. The girl walked the same as a human and held many of the same characteristics, except for the light coat of fur covering her entire body, the whiskers on her face, and the grace with which she moved. Her eyes were a strange yellow and her hands and feet, unbound, contained retractable claws. Small though they were, they were still sharp enough to rip out a man’s innards. She wore little in the way of clothing, only a small, brown leather skirt with a belt knife and a few survival supplies hanging from it, as well as two small hilts, one on either side of the belt, and a small tube-top-like item above her waist, also of a beige leather. Her hair was of a brunette color, although darker than the tanish hue of her fur. She stood only 5’3”, yet she seemed to stand only a few inches when prowling, or at least double her height when aroused in anger or fury. But today she sauntered easily alongside her friend, seemingly not having a care in the world. The male seemed to be entirely different. Standing a large 6’3”, Arbinger, an albino male, also held yellow eyes, but his hair was white as the purest of angels, as was his skin. He wore long gray cargo style pants, baggy to give him the look of having more meat than he really had, since he had practically none. In contrast, we wore a tight fitting long-sleeve of a dark blue color, reaching up to the base of his neck and his wrists. Quite unlike the swaggering figure beside, he moved about almost in a creepish fashion, almost as if expecting an attack and ready to hide at any moment. His eyes, though, told an entirely different story, one of a man quite capable of killing any soul who crossed him wrong, yet wise enough to restrain himself. In one of his pockets lay a larger hilt than either of the one the girl carried, yet of the same make and style. “It could have gone horribly wrong if I hadn’t checked that room for traps and the like. They would have pierced you full of tiny little laser holes and you might have fallen to pieces.” Arbinger replied. He darted his eyes to a man moving on the road next to him, and watched him pass with empty hands. “You really should learn to be less reckless.” “And you need to learn how to be less paranoid. Look at you! You’re always expecting some kind of trouble to just pop up and bite us in the ass.” The pair walked into a bar on the backside of town, plain and simple, if dirty and grotesque. “And besides, if I was less reckless, we’d both be paranoid freaks, and that would get us nowhere.” She sat down on a barstool. “A whiskey and wine, finest brand you got of wine, strongest whiskey. Now look, we both came out alive and 10,000 credits richer, so would you stop complaining.” “One of these days, Deltina, I might not be there to blast all those turrets away. What will you do then?” He reached for the wine glass and sipped it. “Amontillado. Poe’s finest,” he muttered. He was quite the connoisseur of wine. “Look,” she suddenly got very serious, “don’t say stuff like that, a’ight? You’re not gonna be gone one day. You always watch my butt from being bit, and that won’t change. You hear me?” Arbinger only gave a small grunt, his universal reply to most everything, from the price of bread to the death of his own mother. “Just don’t always expect me to pull your ass out of the fire. I’d like to be able to be the one who has some fun now and then, too,” and with this he gave a slight smile and took another sip of his wine. “Synthetic Amontillado. Nothing worth the price.” He drained his glass with one shot. “But let’s finish our argument somewhere less…public. We are here for a reason, and that wouldn’t be bickering amongst ourselves. I got one guy who’s looking for some help, but he’s only just somewhat new to this. Too easy to work over, and probably some foolish pipe dream that would get us killed.” Arbinger and Deltina, two masters of the lightsaber and Force, also had another identity, one much more known to the world. They were the ShadowLight Jedi, mercenaries with the powers of Jedi, and were often without want of a job. Someone always tried to give them a job the minute they set foot on any planet, but they knew there was better business to be had. Much more fitting work for two Jedi Masters. “There’s also a much more discrete guy. Dangerous work is my guess, and pays enough. Probably our best bet. You see anything?” “Nothing of import,” she replied, scanning the room with too open of eyes. “Of course, we could always scope out some of the other bars or the street. Might offer better.” “Perhaps. But then again, maybe we should-” he stopped suddenly, mid-grab for his second glass of wine. Deltina downed her shot fast and looked at him. “What? What is it?” Then she turned and faced the direction of his stare, and gasped slightly. Before them stood a man dressed in red. Royal red. He bore the signia of the ancient House of Rocknai. A very rich house residing on the planet Sigma IV. Any and all of its members were rarely seen outside the planet, much less this far in the civilized galaxy, even more surprising to find one on Coruscant. His red robe covered an equally red vest and pants, both of strange design and make. Seemingly made of silk and wool at the same time, the garments appeared to take on the form of its surroundings, though having hard times with the walls of the bar. Arbinger stood to meet him and met him at slightly eye level to look into blue eyes of the noble. His hair was under a golden cap that seemed to resemble some cloth replica of a large crown. His face was smooth and tanned darkly. Sun was never a problem on Sigma IV. His eyes held a sort of piercing look, one that saw deep into a man’s heart and read his every thought, word, and deed. “My name is Kahama du Rocknai, Prince of Sigma IV and ruler of the Arbwignia province.” His head gave a slight bend. Very slight. “I came to ask for your assistance in some business matters. I would find it wise you come and join me.” Arbinger returned the prince’s piercing blue gaze with his own yellow stare. The prince gave a disgusted grunt and turned to walk away, muttering something under his breath and fully expecting his new ‘servants’ to follow. Deltina stood to whisper in Arbinger’s ears. “He looks really good, but he just called us ignoramus sons of a goatless mother. I assume that’s an insult.” “Quite an insult at that. Much worse than what you could think of.” With that, they both walked out, Deltina with her swagger, and Arbinger with something of a saunter, easily strolling along. He rarely did this and only did when he expected serious trouble. Deltina’s eyes were the only things that gave away her easy-going presence. They followed Kahama down a dark, dank alley. Quite surprised at this new turn, they walked to the end and found the prince standing with two very large men of enormous stature, both wielding laser axes with two pistols behind their belts. One was held loosely in Rocknai’s hand, but he was poised to pull it up and fire quite quickly. He knew what he was about. “Glad you could keep up. I try to keep a quick pace.” Deltina let out a stifled grunt of amusement and contempt. The prince glared at her for a second before beginning to address Arbinger. “I’ve heard you are the two finest warriors for hire,” the insinuation of their merit was not hidden from Arbinger, yet Deltina beamed openly, “and I wish to hire you for a very special and dangerous job. If you wish to leave, you must leave now. What I am about to tell you are some of the secrets of my House, and if you betray them, well, let’s just say these men know what to do about Jedi.” The grunts chuckled briefly before resuming their stone countenances. “Jedi can take care of themselves,” replied Arbinger. “How much are you willing to pay?” “I am offering 500 million credits to the ones who complete my task. Interested?” “Add three more zeros to that and you have a deal.” The prince stared openly at Arbinger’s cool reply. “Thr-Thr-Three more zeros! That makes it 500 billion credits!” “Well, if you’re finished your sputtering, we have other clients to attend to. Good day.” They turned to leave and began walking. “Are you sure about this?” Deltina whispered. “I mean, 500 million can easily cover us for some time, but pushing like that and we won’t find a job anywhere.” “He’ll pay,” he replied coolly. They soon reached the end of the alley and began to turn right before one of the guards came running up. “The prince will offer half of what you ask and no more. A very generous offer, would you not agree?” Arbinger only stared at the man coolly for a few seconds before brushing past him to return to the prince. “What do you ask of us?” “Ah, a business man, I see.” The prince rubbed his hands together eagerly, excitedly. “Well, kind sir, please, allow me to accommodate you within the confines of my ship first, where we may discuss matter in a more civilized environment.” Looking around at the dingy surroundings, the prince then led through a small door behind him. The short passage led to a large personal spaceport, housing one cruiser, very similar to the Star Destroyer model the Empire of old used. Deltina stood slightly more erect and alert. Her parents had been killed by the Empire, orphaning her at the doorstep of a family friend, who soon led her to be a Jedi. The ramp opened to admit the five passengers, and within minutes, the ship was rising into the air and shooting off into space. Chapter 2 The interior of the ship was more spacious than the exterior allowed. There were many large rooms during their tour of the ship, duly named Soleil du Ciel, Sun of the Sky. And rightly so. Most of the interior was made of gold, including the seats. The Jedi were led into a huge ballroom, also adorned of gold with a marble floor. Adorned with paintings dating back to even such artists as van Gough, sculptures from the great Michelangelo, and even modern works from all sorts of races and species. The prince knew how to throw a party, providing there was need or want of one. The prince turned back and smiled at Deltina. “Perhaps you will be so kind as to grace me with a dance someday.” Deltina flushed slightly, and Arbinger stiffened just as much. He was very protective of his little sister, even if they were only work partners and of different species. After traveling through a few more rooms, they were led to a smaller room, one not adorned with any gold or metal of any kind. It was simpler, made of just fine silk. Kahama took a seat on a highly elaborate silk throne, while the Jedi took places opposite him on a small couch. The prince sat much higher than his two guests, and still his two guards loomed over all of them. “Welcome to my personal hosting chambers. This is only where I entertain my most important guests. Wine, champagne? Whatever you wish, you may have.” “Hmm…. Whatever I wish…Alright then. I’ll take your finest glass of real Amontillado. I’m amazed some bars can at least get half the taste right in their synthetic, but I haven’t had true in some time. And I have a taste for it right now,” said Arbinger, fully expecting nothing of the sort. “Well, if Wine-Boy here’s gonna have his Amotidalo or whatever, then just give me some hard liquor. Toughest you got,” Deltina squirmed to try and find a comfortable position on the couch, which seemed to lack any sense of padding. “A very fine taste,” the prince replied, only looking at the albino. He clapped his hands twice, lightly, and a droid came in bearing what was asked along with a glass of champagne. “I always had more of a taste for champagne than wine. Leaves stain on neither breath nor teeth.” The prince hefted his glass and the droid glided over to give the guests their own drinks. Deltina downed hers in one shot and her eyes widened in surprise. “Wow!” she managed to cough out. “Strong.” Arbinger sipped at his own drink, and his own eyes widened slightly. “You truly do grant whatever we ask. My compliments.” He lifted his glass in toast and took another sip of the Amontillado. He sighed contently for a second before resuming his business manner. “So, what have you called us for?” “Again, straight to business. No small talk? Shame. Well, this is your last chance to back out if you wish. No? Then allow me to proceed. “About three generations ago, my great-grandfather, Torma du Rocknai, led the army du Ciel against the Empire, trying to preserve our lands from invasion and destruction. Unfortunately, he failed and was captured by a small scouting party. Brought before the Emperor himself, Torma tried to bargain his way out of execution. He bent to the will of the Empire and promised mass amounts gold, silver, mythril, and power crystals, those that make up your lightsabers. The Emperor agreed to this, and our people became enslaved, forced to mine all that was promised. My great-grandfather was murdered by his own subjects, and soon the Empire was destroyed by the Rebellion. Unfortunately, the remains of the once almighty Empire were never driven out, and little pockets still remain in the forests of my planet. They still mine, but they now mine for a different purpose. Along with his promise for materials, Torma also passed on an ancient secret known only to the royal family. Deep within the forests of Sigma IV lies an ancient temple. A Jedi temple, one said to contain massive power. It is said that with that power, one who does not even have the slightest affinity for the Force, even one who is ‘allergic’, can become imbued with such powers not even the great Yoda could comprehend. And one who already has a high affinity? Infinite power. Infinite wisdom. Infinite life. These pockets try to find this temple, yet I do not yet know what they wish to do once they find this power.” “’Once they find’? You sound as though they are very close to this,” stated Arbinger. The prince nodded in acknowledgement. “Yes. It would seem so. A very large pack of the Remnant has found the entrance to some ancient ruins, bearing the mark of the Old Republic. The rest of the forces are converging on their position. I assume you can figure out my request, ah oui?” Arbinger only returned the calculating stare of the prince. “Actually, if you could define your request, life would be just that much simpler.” Deltina had a way of lacking in matters requiring subtly, yet sometimes it was more of a blessing than a curse. “After all, even if we can figure out your request, if you tell us, you won’t be able to bend to the contract to a smaller fee or none at all.” Definitely a blessing. The prince sighed and smiled slightly. “Very perceptive. And here I thought the albino was the one who knew what he was about. Very well. I shall state my conditions. Firstly, I want you to eliminate all of the occupation on my planet. Your best bet would be to destroy those at the temple and then kill the packs as they arrive. Your second task is to let no one touch the power in the temple. And third and final, you are to secure the power and then notify me once the area is cleared and secured. For your troubles, you will be compensated with,” and here the prince coughed and muttered a bit, “250 billion credits. As well transportation back to Coruscant. Succeed, and you will be welcome guests at my home for life. Fail me, and the Remnant will be the least of your worries. You already have accepted my terms, so unless you wish to try and bargain and lose your heads, I suggest you return to your quarters and relax until we arrive in the next few hours. Enjoy.” And with that the prince set down his empty glass and swaggered off to his own quarters. The two bodyguards took their places near the door. The duo set down their own glasses and walked out into the ballroom on their way back to their rooms. “So,” said Deltina, once she was sure her voice wouldn’t echo far enough back for the guards to hear, “what do you think of the grand Kahama and his plans? Sounds like fun don’t it? And this power? He’d never know if we took for ourselves right? We could easily become so powerfully we wouldn’t need any more jobs. We could rule the universe!” “While what you say could prove true, Deltina,” Arbinger muttered in reply, “I do believe the prince wants that position for himself. And he has us in quite the predicament. If we were to try and back out of the deal, we would have to kill everyone on this ship and become wanted criminals, both by the galaxy and particularly Sigma IV. And of course, the Empire will almost assuredly find that power. And then, if we complete all out tasks set before us and take the power for our own, he will surely know. And we have no other ride home unless we steal one. So, this is quite the sticky situation. Any ideas?” “I already stated what I want.” “And I am inclined to agree with a few points. We will complete our quest as asked, and we will collect full payment, and we will even claim that power for ourselves. Of course, in doing so, you’ll have to be less reckless, more paranoid, and without seeming so. Think you’re up to the challenge?” “Of course I am! When ain’t I?” They never saw the camera behind them. Chapter 3 Arbinger and Deltina walked out of the Soleil du Ciel and into the private spaceport of the Rocknai family, connected directly to the private chambers of Kahama. The gleaming steel of the port was that of every port in the galaxy, except this shone with an inhuman shine of tireless work and effort. “The finest androids money can buy,” the prince said as he saw Deltina look around in somewhat startled wonder. The man wore a blue cloak today, with matching breeches and vest. Adorned with just simple rubies, he was still able to swagger as if he owned the palace, which, in reality, he did. “Please, follow me to my more…accommodating chambers. I would like to ask your advice for something.” Deltina skipped up past the prince to the door as Arbinger slowly stalked towards them. “Come on, Arby!” Deltina yelled. “See! No lasers!” And with that both she and the prince waltzed into the next room, and Deltina stopped and made a small squeak within her throat. Arbinger hurried his pace slightly, reaching into his pocket for his saber. “Arby…Arby look at this…” Deltina slowly pointed all across the room. The prince only smirked and walked towards his bed. His 15-foot square bed, containing double mattresses and silk sheets. The four-post bed stood close to 20-feet tall, and was located with the headboard against the right-hand wall. On its left stood a dresser level with the bed, made of pure Yavin forest oak, a very rare breed of tree. On the bed’s right stood a grand wardrobe of the same wood. Three shelves high, it was neatly packed and probably stock-full of more of the prince’s finest silks. On the opposite wall, or rather against the opposite wall, lay a 64” holographic table projector, capable of projecting a full-scale battle spanning half the galaxy in full, 3-dimensional color. On the far wall, across the door, lay two very large leather couches with a coffee table made of native Sigma IV wood, surrounded on either end by two small holographic chess games. Upon the walls lay magnificent paintings, some stretching to what would seem to be the early years of da Vinci and Michelangelo. The prince took a seat on the spacious bed. “So, you like?” Kahama’s mouth quirked into a small smile of superiority. Deltina could only nod, her mouth still gaping wide, while Arbinger only returned Rocknai’s smile with a cold stare of his own. “May I offer you a drink? Perhaps some lunch? We have much to do before the day is out.” “Like what, if I may be so bold to ask,” Arbinger slowly walked to one of the couches, examining the room with his eyes, still suspicious of any traps. Deltina still stood dumfounded in the doorway. “Well, I’d first like to give you a tour of the palace and then the city. Arbwignia certainly isn’t as grand as Coruscant, but I’m sure you’ll find it accommodating enough. And then, I’d like to ask your opinions on a ball I’ll be hosting tomorrow evening. In celebration of the founding of Sigma IV. I’m sure your…experiences…can add a certain flair which none of us could imagine.” At the mention of a ball, Deltina shut her mouth in a loud clack and start bouncing around the room. “Ooh! A ball! A ball! Can we go Arby? Please!” she whined as she was bouncing at Arbinger’s feet. “We can get all dressed up and meet some rich people! It’ll be fun! Please!” Arbinger sat in silent thought before acquiescing to her plea. “So long as you do nothing foolish,” and by that he meant no stealing, “then I suppose it is alright if we attend the honorable” he stressed that slightly “Prince Rocknai’s ball. That is, of course, if we can find proper attire for the evening.” “That shalnt be a problem. I’ll have my personal dresser outfit you in the finest money can buy. But please, before we begin our tour, would you like something to eat?” Kahama smiled ostentatiously at Deltina. After their extensive tour of the palace, through dining rooms, ballrooms, and entertaining rooms, they left to the city of Arbwignia. The city was much less polished than the palace, but it still looked better than most of the higher places of Coruscant. The trio, along with Rocknai’s bodyguards from the ship, traveled down the main street. Arbinger and Deltina were looking around, she with enthusiasm, he with plans of ambush and attack. They were only shown a small portion of what they had seen from one of the balconies of the palace. The cleanest streets, serving only the finest of the city’s inhabitants. There were breweries, meat shops, dairies, rarities, and almost anything one could dream of. “As you can see, Arbwignia is quite well off. We are easily able to provide for the entire province as well as make plenty of money off trade. If there is anything that you desire, please, just ask, and it shall be given unto thee.” Kahama again gave Deltina that sleazy smile, but she paid little attention as she stopped and stared into a dressmaker’s window. “Oh! Ohohohoh! Arby! Arby I want this one!” She jabbed her finger into the window several times at a gold low-neck dress, embroidered with blue sapphires and red rubies along the bosom and down the sleeves. It was slit up one side to the knee with silver thread up the slit. “Oh please! It’s so beautiful and I‘ll just be a hit with everybody and please!” Arbinger was about to nod before he looked over at the prince. “You said you’re paying for all of this?” “Why yes I am.” “Then you may have it Deltina.” She squealed with delight and bolted into the store and started jabbering at the clerk for the dress. Kahama emitted a chuckle and followed after. Arbinger took a spot leaning against the corner of the store and an alley. “Please, sir. Are you the Jedi everyone is talking about?” Arbinger turned on his heel and had his lightsaber’s hilt next to the speaker’s face, ready to just activate it and let it puncture a hole in the cloaked face. “Who are you?” He held his lightsaber steady. “There is no time for names. Please, I wish your help. If you are of a good heart, I shall meet you again tonight, behind the palace in the garden. I’ll find you.” She began to reach for the hand that held her throat, but Arbinger let go and she scampered off into the alley. He turned back around and saw Deltina and Kahama walking out of the store laughing and smiling. “Oh yes! Quite a fine story. In fact, once I-” the prince was cut off as Deltina ran to Arbinger. “Isn’t it just beautiful! I’ll bet you’ll drop dead once you see me in it!” She smiled very slyly and then grabbed his hand. “But come on! We still have to buy you something!” “That’s quite alright.” Arbinger slipped out of her grasp. “If you don’t mind, I think I’d like to tour the city alone. I’m sure I’ll be fine, unless Your Highness believes his protection necessary?” Kahama chuckled again. “No, it is quite alright. I’m sure you can find your way back. Come, Deltina, let us get you fitted perfectly for tomorrow night’s ball. A lady requires much preparation for such an event, but I know for a fact you’ll require much less time, as beautiful as you are now.” Arbinger tensed slightly at the prince’s last, but they had already turned away and began walking back to the palace, Deltina’s arm linked in his. Arbinger had to shake his head before he could move on. Deltina always liked to flirt with a man at least once during a job, and as long as she didn’t get herself hurt, it was not his place to interfere. He walked along the main street until he found a decent sized side street, into which he turned and began to look for a bar of sorts. Work was always easy to find on any planet, if you looked in the right place. Every place he saw seemed to serve only folk of the upper crust. Able to pay, yes, but most likely willing to pay and without want of a mercenary, and if they did, it wouldn’t be worth his time. Arbinger then turned onto a dingy alley and saw one bar situated in the middle of the short path. The Diluted Wine it was called, with its holographic sign showing a cup of water and wine pouring into one glass, the two flows intertwined. Other than that, it wreaked of old beer and sour tempers. Definitely a place of business. Arbinger waltzed into the bar, and all music and chatter stopped. The musicians turned with their horns towards the door, the patrons with their glasses. All of the eyes held a glare of uncertainly, most added with hate and scorn. Arbinger glanced around before taking an empty bar stool isolated from anybody by two stools. As he sat down, the music resumed and the talk slowly gained speed. “Strongest ya got. Clean glass.” Arbinger followed the bartender’s movements until he was satisfied, then took the glass in one hand and began to raise it to his lips before a large fist hit the bar. “We don’t take kindly to your folk ‘round here.” The offender was a three-eyed Gran, wearing their traditional black garb. “Why don’t you just get out of here!” “And exactly what do you mean by ‘your kind’?” “You know what I mean, Jedi.” The name echoed in the air and the tension thickened. “Now get out and don’t look back!” “I don’t want any trouble. Why don’t you just sit back down and mind your manners.” “Nobody wants any trouble, so get out of he-” An orange bar speared out of the midriff of the Gran. A few of the crowd gasp and the rest backed away as Arbinger sheathed his lightsaber and took his first sip of the glass that was still in his hand. Again, the music resumed its playing as the body was carried away by two of his former comrades. “So, bartender,” Arbinger whispered at the shocked bartender, “you heard any good business offers lately?” “Well, um, I’ve heard someone speaking after what you’re already hired for. And also,” here his voice lowered, “I’ve heard something about the rightful heir to the throne and usurping the prince. Strange rumors. Best kept quiet round these parts. You didn’t hear it from me.” The bartender turned away from Arbinger as he finished his drink. He set down some credits, both for the drink and the information, and walked out the door, heading back towards the palace. Perhaps there really was a reason he didn’t take too well to Rocknai. Chapter 4 “Well then! I must say you look ravishing in that dress Deltina!” Kahama sat on the edge of his bed as some of his maids were hemming and sewing up her new dress for the ball. “The gold adds such a color to your eyes and makes you even more beautiful than I thought any woman could equal, much less surpass.” His unctuous smile for her was tainted by a slight gleam of lust in his eyes that Deltina missed. “Why thank you dear!” She added a small hand flip to emphasize her joking. “I am quite inclined to agree. No man will be able to find me resistible in this.” The prince stood up and made a formal bow in front of her. “If I may so bold as to ask, my Lady Deltina, but would you be so kind as to grace a lowly man such as myself with but a simple dance.” He reached for her hand and gave it a light kiss just as Arbinger glided in the room. Kahama looked up quickly and stood straight just as fast. “Master Arbinger! What a pleasant surprise! I hope you haven’t gone and purchased anything to wear for this evening. No? Grand! I had a few of my best tailors fit you a tuxedo. I found black to be you color, as the gracious Lady Deltina agreed. Made of the finest silk available, garments equal to my own. Please, if you would be so kind as to step into the other room and try what’s on the hanger, I’m sure you’ll be most impressed.” Arbinger grunted and turned aside to the room the prince had pointed out. Inside laid the tux just as Kahama had said. There were three hangers, one holding a pair of black silk pants that fit Arbinger’s thin form perfectly. The second held a white undershirt and a white dress shirt and a black tux coat, all which fit snugly except for the coat, which left some room in the shoulders for movement. And upon the third lay a black cloak and top hat. Arbinger looked at himself in the mirror after he had donned all of the garments, then scoffed at himself and changed back into his original close and reached for the doorknob. But then he stopped, and then reached for the cloak and threw it over himself. He looked at himself in the mirror again, and smiled slightly, and walked out into the other room. Deltina turned around and looked him up and down thoughtfully, but Rocknai was not as approving. “I slave over those clothes for you, and you refuse to wear everything but the cloak!” “Actually, I believe it was your servants who slaved, not you. I’ll have to reward them handsomely for this wonderful cloak. I couldn’t have chosen better myself. Now, if you’ll all excuse me,” he made his best leg for his partner, his host, and all of the maids, “I’m going to grab a bite to eat and relax until the ball. Enjoy.” And with that he waltzed right out of the room, wrapping dignity around himself like a king, outdoing any gesture the prince had made. “He always surprises me,” Deltina muttered with a smile. She turned from the door and looked at the prince. “My Lord, if you would be so kind as to excuse me, I think I’ll be joining young Arbinger for a bite,” she smiled. “See-ya later!” And with that she lifted her dress and bolted after Arbinger, who stood just outside the door waiting for her. “Nice timing. Almost better than that dress.” “Thanks. I thought it was quite beautiful,” she said as she gazed adoringly down at her dress. “But anyway, what are the plans for tonight? Pull some crazy stunt to grab everything and go? We almost didn’t make it out last time.” “Yes, I remember that,” he muttered as he fingered an old scar on his right palm. “But no. Nothing grand tonight. You’re to just enjoy the dance and not get into any trouble. And be wary of that prince.” “Ok ok. I won’t get into any trouble and I’ll watch my own ass tonight. But what about you? You look like you got somethin’ goin’ down tonight! Maybe a lady friend?” She nudged her friend in the gut with her elbow, a sly grin on her face. Arbinger chuckled at her own words. “Yes, in fact. I do have a lady to meet. But you’re not to tell anyone. I’ll see you upon the morrow, fair Lady.” Again, he made a bow and slipped into the kitchens, asking after pie as Deltina left to go do her hair. “And so it is with my greatest pleasure that I am able to welcome our two guests into our hearts and home on this grand feast day of our founding!” Applause answered Kahama du Rocknai’s opening speech and greeting for the ball. “Please, dance and drink to your hearts’ content!” With that he stood down and swaggered towards two noblewomen of young age. “Quite a speaker, that one,” Arbinger grumbled into his drink. He had taken a seat at the bar after his name had been announced and a spotlight shone on him. He disliked public appearance almost as much as the public. He sat on a golden barstool in the golden ballroom of the Soleil du Ciel with his head down in his drink, trying to avoid any prying eyes. He was wearing his normal attire of gray cargo and dark blue shirt, but also encompassing his new cloak. It had never occurred to him that Rocknai might actually announce their presence. Arbinger saw him and Deltina’s presence as a blight on society, but it appeared everybody more than welcomed and accepted their attendance and status. At every passerby who even so much as looked as if he or she would like to sit anywhere near the albino deserved a harsh glare and a low snarl. Being known had always thrown a damper on his mood, and sometimes interfered with his plans. Deltina, on the other hand, took the whole thing in stride. She smiled at every person that she saw and engaged in all manner of conversations, ranging from simple foodstuffs to the politics of Coruscant. Very few people had ever seen a Tybaltian before, and most of the men not tied down by either age or matrimony tried to win her favor by drink and ask for at least one of the many dances for the night. Wearing her new golden dress she had found the other day, she also wore some fine jewelry, handpicked by the prince himself, such as blue sapphires, red rubies, and green emeralds. She had silver ribbon tied through her short hair as well as a few more gems, and wore sparkling white gloves reaching her elbows. With little make-up on, she radiated a beautiful glow that said she knew she was beautiful and proud of it. Her high-heeled shoes added a swaying to her hips as she glided over to Arbinger’s side. “Well well well. How’s the poor boy feeling? I thought you had a date tonight?” She stared at him with a playful light in her eye, trying to get some sort of emotion other than sullen anger out of him. “I wouldn’t speak of that too loudly if I were you, Deltina,” he stressed her name to try and show her he was in no mood for a change, “because some people might take an interest there. And besides, I thought you had better men to hang about than a poor soul such as myself.” He took a quick sip of his wine before sliding a glance at her, looking up and down approvingly, if trying not to seem so. She giggled slightly, full aware of his look. “Oh, poor baby!” she plopped down on the stool next to him. “Suck it up kid. We each have our priorities. So go find your lady friend and I’m going to entertain myself a bit,” she said the last few words with a smile aimed at the advancing prince. Arbinger scowled heavily at the form, then drained his glass in one shot and stalked away from the pair towards the exit door. That prince was getting to be a bigger pain by the second. Arbinger quickly regained his composure as he stood just outside the ship. Wandering around angry might get the fool killed. He could already have been marked and followed this very second. Damn the prince and his foolhardiness. Arbinger quickly flowed out the back door of the hangar out into the palace gardens and he began to wander, searching out the woman he had met previously. As he began his search, he quickly realized he was letting anger reign again, so he used a small bit of the Force, none detectable except from a very close range, and he melted into the shadows, losing all body and form. He was able to glide everywhere in the dark until he was behind the woman. Slowly, he rematerialized and slipped a hand over the woman’s mouth, sshing her before he released. “Where did you come from? There is no way here without me seeing you!” she fumbled out over her surprise. “There are things I can do that would amaze you, and some that would haunt you until the end of your days. Do not question my presence. I am here as you asked. Now you must answer my questions. Who are you and what do you want?” Arbinger held a tight rein on his anger, yet some of it still seeped out with the way he bit off his words. “Well, I guess I do owe you that much.” The figure removed her hood and revealed the smooth face of a young woman, not much older than Arbinger. Her blue eyes were full of dignity, wisdom and compassion, and her pretty face told of much hardship. Her raven black hair hung into her hood, probably reaching to the middle of her back if allowed to hang freely. “My name is Jeona de la Rocknai, Queen of Sigma IV and Arbwignia and rightful heir to the throne. I am here to ask your assistance in reclaiming my place and title.” She stared almost defiantly into Arbinger’s eyes, daring him to question her title and refuse her claim. He only chuckled softly to himself before replying. “So, what the bartender says is true. But what does that make Kahama? Are you related? Or does he just act as a Rocknai?” “Kahama was the advisor to the throne, and to my father, Torkana du Rocknai. He held the position for only a short while, after the death of the former advisor and close friend of my father, Kijama. Kahama did not find it fitting for him to be just a simple advisor and decided he would usurp the throne through his own influence and power. He was able to twist information before it reached my father’s ears and used that to position armies to strike at friends and make treaties between hated enemies. He then murdered my father by poison and was going to kill me with a knife. Thankfully, my maid, Genegoa, was able to bundle me out of the palace before he was able to make the attempt. I haven’t seen her since, and that was ten years ago. He now rules under the name of my House and aligns himself with my hated enemies. Please, I beg of your assistance,” she laid a hand on his arm, a pleading and desperate look in her eyes. The would-be Jedi stared into them with a cold, calculating stare. “I am a man of honor, my Queen,” she sighed slightly with relief and relaxed muscles she didn’t realize she had tensed, “but I am also a man of money and purpose. What do you have to offer me?” Jeona sighed, this time in despair. “I’m afraid I have no money to offer you. All the funds I receive go straight to the Resistance. All I can offer you is our undying gratitude and perhaps some money in the future. Please. I know my offer is weak and my position precarious, but you must help us. For the sake of this planet and my people. Please.” She rested her other hand on his arm and put her face close to his. Arbinger remained silent for a few moments. “…Alright.” He pulled out his lightsaber and held the hilt in both of his hands, palms extended to the Queen. “By all that is right and fair, and as my word and honor as a Jedi, I pledge my loyalty and service to your Majesty, Queen Jeona de la Rocknai, until you are seated again upon the throne.” He moved his right hand to his heart and gripped one edge of his lightsaber in his left. The Queen, startled by this, soon followed his example. “By my word and honor, I, Queen Jeona de la Rocknai, do accept your pledge and hereby swear to keep you, your family, and all those you hold dear, safe until you leave my service.” Arbinger quickly placed his lightsaber back in its rightful place. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I thank you with all my heart, Arbinger of the ShadowLight Jedi.” And with that she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before departing swiftly into the shadows. Arbinger stayed where he had knelt for only a few seconds before cracking a small smile and a quick chuckle before he melted again into the shadows. The bows of the violins moved in an angry fashion, straining to follow a pumping beat set by the basses. The ladies all moved about quickly, holding their skirts with one hand and their partners’ with the other. The men and women who sat on the sidelines all held their focus on one couple in particular. Kahama held the maiden’s hand as Deltina swirled about vigorously, her skirts all aflutter yet her feet as light as a feather. Soon all but the musicians stopped their own activities to gaze upon the graceful duo, all on their feet, hands a blur as the applause followed the silence of the music and the floor. The patrons soon resumed their own dances as the music came to a slow waltz. “Oh wow! That was fun!” exclaimed Deltina as she pulled her gloves back to their original place. The prince stood, panting slightly, with an ear cocked to listen to the music before he made a graceful bow. “Would the fair Lady be so kind as to grace me with a dance?” Deltina nodded and reached for Kahama’s outstretched hand. “If you don’t mind, good sir, may I cut in?” The figure had just appeared beside the prince and made a better leg than him, one more of humility than of acknowledging an equal. The man stood up and held out one hand, top hat slightly to one side. “Arbinger!” the prince hissed with venom in his voice. “No, I’m afraid that’s-” “Yes, of course good sir. You don’t mind, do you my Lord?” And with that Deltina slipped her hand in Arbinger’s and the two glided out into the middle of the dance floor, where he held her hand and hip, she the same. The prince stared after them, nearly fuming in place. “Done already? I thought you could keep a woman entertained for much longer…” Deltina laughed coyly at her partner, yet he only smiled slightly before replying. “I can of course, but I’m afraid she ran off before I could properly accommodate. But I do have good news,” The two danced gracefully, Arbinger relating all of the events that encompassed all the business matters in their meeting. “Wow. So, we really are in a pickle aren’t we?” The music finished the slow waltz. “Yes we are. But we’ll manage, as always,” he replied before falling silent and listening to an announcement from the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for Ladies’ Choice! Each Lady please select your partner and meet out on the dance floor for one of our smoother selections of the night. Enjoy…” The announcer fell back into the crowd to be chosen by one of the many ladies around. “I guess it’s time for your dance with the prince then…” Deltina turned to see what caused Arbinger’s glum stare. The prince was striding confidently forward, fending off all manner of ladies, his oily smile transfixed on Deltina. She harrumphed loudly than turned back to Arbinger. “If my Lord would be so kind,” she placed out a hand, and Arbinger took hers in his as the two resumed the dancing positions they were in before. Arbinger was able to wink at the prince in a triumphant manner before he looked down at his friend. “Nicely done. I like your style kid. But, about our new position. I think that we should continue with our plans as they are for the time being. It presents the best opportunity to help Jeona and finish our job here. We’ll revise as we need to.” Deltina only nodded in reply before smiling sarcastically exasperatedly. “Is everything always about business with you? I swear, if I knew any better, I’d call you an ass. Can you not once think that maybe I didn’t ask you to dance just to discuss matters, and that just perhaps I wanted to come here to pretty myself up for you? What do you think of that?” Arbinger looked at Deltina before a few moments before a confused light came to his eyes. Deltina grumbled something under her breath and shook her head before he could get in a reply. “Well, in truth, no. I didn’t think that. I’m afraid business is my motivation. Usually. I actually thought you might like the prince, and the only reason I agreed to come here was to watch you. I don’t trust him, nor like him, and I would be highly displease if you were seeing him,” Deltina looked up into her partner’s eyes with a new light in them. She then leaned forward hesitantly before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. Arbinger looked down at her for a few moments before she shook her ahead again. “You’re such a wool-headed oaf, Arby,” Arbinger looked down at the top of her head and was about to bend down until she let go of him. “Well, thank you my Lord. I’m afraid I must now offer the prince his dance. Goodnight,” and she glided off, her head held high in a dignified and hurt manner. Chapter 5 “Stupid oaf. Wouldn’t know a woman even if she sat on him,” Deltina grumbled into her liquor. After she had just made her own advances to him, practically throwing herself at him, in her opinion, and he had just stood there as if nothing had happened. Nothing! “Why can’t men be simpler and less troublesome?” She downed her shot of tequila in one quick drink before standing up and stalking towards the exit doors. “M’Lady, what has ailed you on this fine night of celebration in your honor?” Rocknai swept in beside her and matched her stride for stride to the door, a look of sympathy and concern on his face. Deltina was about to roughly cast him aside when the sight of her friend chatting with another woman caught the edge of her eye. “It’s nothing, really. Thank you Kahama,” Deltina mumbled as she forced a few tears from her eyes. The prince elegantly stepped in front of her. “Nothing? It must something, quite a something to make you cry. Come, we shall adjourn to my apartments and you can tell me all about it.” Deltina smiled softly and linked her arm in his and the two strolled off towards the exit. Arbinger stood in the middle of a group of finely dressed woman, all pressing in on him with questions. “Exactly what’s it like being a Jedi?” “Can I become a Jedi? Can you sense the Force in me?” “How many adventures have you been on?” “Do you have a girlfriend?” Arbinger all but shoved the women to the floor as he strode out of their circle. “Ladies, please, I’m afraid I can’t answer all of your questions, as I have an important conversation with,” he scanned the room quickly and soon saw both the prince and Deltina walking out of the ball like two lovers on a stroll, “with the prince. If you’ll be so kind as to excuse me.” He turned about and left the simpering nobility at his back as he took large strides to catch up to his partner and anathema. Arbinger quickly followed the two outside into the darkness of the spaceport. Afraid he might be seen or smelled by Deltina, he vanished into the shadows to stalk them. As he flowed silently behind them, he caught snippets of their conversation. “Ah, don’t let the bugger bother you, Deltina. He’s a hired hand, and a man besides. You can’t expect too much out of him.” The prince walked with purpose and panache, holding onto Deltina’s arm without seeming to notice anything but the owner. “And besides, why would you want a dirty, disgusting man like that, when you could have me?” his voice lowered as he ended his statement. Arbinger chuckled once with sarcastic mirth, or would have if he had any shape. His intuition had always served him well in the past, and now it was telling him to rip the scoundrel in two. “Why thank you,” Deltina giggled softly. She scanned the room behind her quickly. She had been sure she had felt something move. “But Arby is such a dear to me, and I can’t just abandon him. He’s like my family.” “Yes, you’re family. And I consider us friends. But,” he clicked the door softly behind him,” I’d like us to have something more.” He drew from his sleeve a remote control. He pushed a small black button and a gas mask appeared beside him. “What do you think of that?” Deltina looked slightly confused at first before putting her back up, readying for some form of attack. She instinctively reached for her lightsabers, but she had left them in her room, across the hall from where she stood now. “Well, Kahama. Actually, I’m afraid the answer is ‘no’. I like you and all, but I’d rather not. After all, you’re,” she waved her hand up and down as if showing him an obvious fact, “human.” Kahama scowled at this. “Well,” he slid the gas mask on, “have it your way.” He quickly pushed a yellow button on the control and vapors of green gas came shooting out of the vents. Deltina looked around frantically and began using the Force to try and keep the fumes from her, but there were too many coming too fast. She soon started to wobble on her feet and throwing out her arm, fumbling for support. “Hey… What is this…schuff?” Her speech began to come slow and slurred. “Why, it’s laughing gas. Or a form of it. You see, you now have almost no control over your body or your actions. So I can have you as mine.” Kahama scowled viciously as he threw the girl onto his bed, then turning off the gas. “You should have said yes. I much prefer someone more…wiling.” He took off his gas mask and leapt on the bed after Deltina. “Stop right there!” Kahama froze where he lay, looking around quickly to see the voice. “Who’s there? How dare you intrude in my chambers! Show yourself!” Kahama stood up on the bed, searching left and right quickly, the remote held steadily in his hand. WHOOSH! Vroom. Two orange shafts of light emanated from the corner of the room. “And how dare you take advantage of her. I don’t care what consequences there are. I’ll cut you down where you stand.” Kahama turned quickly and pointed his remote at Arbinger. “I’m afraid not. You see, if you take one step, all I have to do is push this button and you’ll-” he gasped as the remote flew from his hand across the room. “How foolish do you think I am, Rocknai? I know who you are, what you are, and what you’ve done. So I shall strike you down here and now!” Arbinger flung himself at the prince, saber held high for a quick slash, one across the torso, the other across his neck. He roared and as he was about to strike, he froze midair and started floating upwards. “I’m afraid I must stop you there, Kowachi.” Arbinger’s eyes widened at this name. “For you see, we still have need of the prince.” The voiceless entity chuckled with mirth. “But I will make a bargain with you, Kowachi. If you come willingly to me, I’ll spare the girl. Kahama has no power here, so I can assure you there will be no interference.” The prince was about to yell in rage but was thrown against the wall with a loud THUD! that echoed in the room. He slid slowly down from his position into a rumbled heap of mass and bone. “But, if I must use more force, I’ll kill the girl in front of your eyes. As you can see, I’m quite well capable of it.” Deltina’s head began to rise, and her body followed. She looked at Arbinger with a misty gaze. “Hey…buddy! Look where we are! In zhe sky…” she fell silent as something held her mouth shut. “All I have to do is turn her a little bit this way,” her head turned to the right, her body remaining where it was in the air, “and soon she won’t have anything holding up that pretty little head of hers. See?” Her head turned farther to the right, she trying to shout out some cry of pain. “What do you say?” Arbinger stared, horrified, at her state. He ground his teeth slowly, and then acquiesced. “Alright, put the girl down and make sure no harm should come to her. I’ll come willingly, brethren.” The voice laughed manically as Arbinger’s last sight was Deltina’s form being lowered slowly to the bed. Deltina slowly opened her eyes to see a bright, white light shining down her. She tried to open them farther than the crack she had made but her head throbbed violently with the effort. She moved her head slightly to one side and hissed with pain. She moved her fingers and was rewarded with blinding pain and very little movement. “Hey! She’s awake!” The nurse came and stood over her, blocking out the blinding light. “Deltina? How do you feel?” She tried to answer and only got a small sound out her mouth before she realized it was no use. “Yes. Yes of course. That makes sense. You and the prince had a rough night last night.” Deltina tried to bring back memories of the previous night. All she could recall was walking with the prince to his room and then arguing about something before everything went fuzzy. “Not sure what happened, but we’ll get to the bottom of this. The prince will tell us everything in due time.” Deltina tried to recall what happened to the prince before the thought struck her like lightning. She tried to sit up quickly and cried out in pain. “Something the matter, sweetie? Don’t worry, the prince is all right. He’s just in the other room. Took quite a nasty hit to the head…” Deltina let the orderly prattle on about what she willed, her mind running as fast as it possibly could in her shocked and slowed state. She remembered hearing a sickening thud and then looking at Arbinger, a voice talking over everything. She didn’t remember what it was talking about, or what was going on, but she had a sudden feeling Arby had been kidnapped. Or dead. Tears started to leak from her eyes as she silently began considering the fatal possibilities. “Finally, Kowachi, I can have my revenge!” A cloaked figure stood before the chained Jedi, his arms and legs spread out as far as possible and locked tight to keep him from moving. The cave was dark and dank, not more than six and a half feet tall. The passage leading into the small section was a tiny slit, barely allowing anyone of any build through. There was no light or sound that came from there. Water dripped slowly from a stalactite onto a small puddle on the floor. Arbinger gently rattled the chains to find there was very little slack and no way of breaking them. He lifted his head and stared contemptuously into the hood of his captor. “So, Sith, you have found me. Now why don’t you tell me your name, as custom states.” The hood only chuckled. “Yes. Custom would make that very true. So, I shall abide by the laws you broke, Kowachi.” The stranger lifted his hands to the cowl of his hood and slowly pulled it back, revealing a thin and pale face with a horrible red eye on his forehead. “My name is Darth Malic, apprentice to the once great Darth Sojun. And I am here to claim your head for treachery to the order of the Sith and the death of our master, Darth Sojun.” Chapter 6 Arbinger looked into the face of Malic with cold calculating eyes. He reexamined everything he had just heard, trying to find any flaw in the stranger’s pronouncement. “I am not responsible for the death Sojun,” he said flatly “Really? And what proof do you have of that, brethren?” He inched forward slowly towards his captive. “You see, you are most likely his killer. After all, it was you who left the Sith. And it was you who was seen with Sojun last. And it was YOU who abandoned him to his death! Do not deny it! I know it was you! I can read your soul!” Malic’s face was pressed close to Arbinger’s, spittle flying from his lips, his third eye radiating a dangerous blood red. Arbinger chuckled in spite of himself. “You fool. I know you cannot read my soul. No Sith has ever been able to do that. And I know you know nothing of my relation to the Sith, nor do you know who saw Sojun last. Just because you suspect I was the last person to be seen with this Sojun does not mean I was the last person to see him.” “You were last seen on Yavin heading into the swamps with Sojun! And you were the only one who came out of there. So you must have done it!” Malic quivered with rage as he shouted accusations at Arbinger, and slapped him across the face as he laughed. “Answer me! Or I will have your head!” “You’ll have my head either way. That much I do know for a fact. So what should I tell you, Sith? Shall I fabricate some fancy story full of fire-breathing dragons and mystical fairies? Or maybe something like a great lightsaber battle? Or just some sneak attack, a quick knife in the back…” Arbinger kept a cold face, yet his eyes sparkled with amusement, and, if examined closely enough, contempt. “I can tell you whatever you’d like to hear. Ask away.” Malic slapped Arbinger hard across the face, yet all he did was turn his head back to the middle and continue to stare at his captor. “I will not be denied, Kowachi!” Malic raised his hand as if again to slap him. Yet he hesitated, then slowly lowered his hand, trying to regain his self-control. “I know you are, or at least were, a member of the Sith. One of the most esteemed breed, at that. You were the candidate for Sojun’s position as High Lord of the Sith. I know he trained you for years, ever since you were a small boy. I should know. I was the one to find you and bring him there. Now tell me! What happened on Yavin?” His red eye slowly grew brighter and more intense throughout his tirade, and now it seemed almost to overtake him. Malic seemed not to notice, although the area around it pulsed quickly, almost with the same hate as its owner. “I know nothing of this Sojun you speak of. I have never been to Yavin. I’ve heard it’s not very habitable anyway, so why would any self-respecting soul travel there. And finally, my name is not Kowachi. It’s Arbinger.” A quick bolt of lightning coming from Malic’s fingertips forced a surprised grunt from Arbinger. “Kowachi, do not play games with me. I know exactly who you are. I just want to know what happened, my brother,” his voiced was layered with false kindness, obviously forced. “My name is Arbinger.” Another bolt, this one lasting but a second longer, laced from Malic hand. “You are Kowachi. Or should I prove it to you?” He reached quickly to Arbinger’s side and rip off part of his shirt, revealing a tattoo all in black. It was that of an oval-shaped ring covered in steel spikes. A dragon was wrapped around it, bleeding from where its body had been punctured by the barbs, yet it still radiated a presence of command and death. The Black Dragon of the Sith had been etched permanently on Arbinger’s side. Arbinger turned his head quickly to stare down at his exposed skin, then slowly turned his head back to face Malic. “I gave up that life long ago. Kowachi is dead. He died the day I left Sojun to rot in the swamps of Yavin. I would not be a creature of blackness, and I refused to serve and obey such a villain.” “Pity,” Malic replied, “You could have been such a star among us. You would have won out. You would have become the greatest leader of all the Sith. You would have led us in our destruction of the Jedi! But,” he reached slowly for the Dragon, “it appears you are now just a lowly, pitiful excuse for a human. Betrayal does not ride well with anyone, especially when you betray the Sith. People become afraid. They can only imagine what kind of horror would befall a renegade Sith. You no longer hold any place in the world. So I shall ease your passing to hell. As soon as I learn everything I want.” He placed his hand on the Dragon and closed his eyes as if in meditation. Arbinger flinched slightly and Malic opened his eyes and smiled triumphantly. “That should just about do it. I’m sure you know exactly what I’ve done to you, so prepare to tell me the truth.” It was indeed true that Arbinger knew exactly what Malic had just done to him. Any member of the Sith learned this after receiving the Dragon. Any member of the Sith could channel some of the Force into the tattoo and the bearer was forced to tell the truth. It was only used in court situations, but Arbinger decided Malic had put him on trial. “What is your name?” “Ar-” he flinched as if shocked lightly before changing his answer. “Kowachi.” Malic chuckled softly. “Yes. That is right. And what organization did you belong to for most of your life and then betrayed?” “The Sith.” “Who was your master when you were an apprentice?” “Sojun.” “And what happened to him?” Arbinger sat in silent for a few moments before answering. “I don’t know.” Malic waited silently for a second delivering a violent bolt of lightning. “What happened to Sojun?” “I don’t know,” was the cold reply. Malic shot more lightning at him. “What happened to Sojun?” “I don’t know.” Malic began to fire more lightning into him, bolts arcing from every finger. He stopped suddenly though, a queasy look crossing his face. “You don’t know…” he stared off into space, his visions of destroying the High Lord by assassination came crashing down. “How can you not know? Did you kill him?” “I did not kill Sojun.” Malic felt his legs begin to lose their strength before he summoned up more hate. “Then what happened on the last day you saw him?” “We journeyed to Yavin by space fighter. We traveled into the swamps quite a ways when we landed and camped in a cave overnight while a storm raged around us. I left him after the storm had finished, a few hours before dawn. I stole the fighter and left the planet. I did not realize he had died until the Dragon glowed red hot with the desire of revenge. If I were ever able to remove this, I’d probably find a burn scar from that day.” Malic’s eye was gray with deadness, all his hate drained from his body. “So, brethren. You did not kill Sojun. And you do not know who did,” he did not phrase that in a question. “And now I do not know who will ever know.” He looked at Arbinger coldly. “I have no right to your head on a platter, as I was hoping. But it seems that I can still skin you for treason. But that will have to wait. You still have a purpose to serve.” It only took a moment before realization dawned on Arbinger’s face, but Malic failed to notice, lost in his own reverie. “Deltina will arrive soon enough to break the seal. Then you can die together.” He gave one final look at he chained renegade and left, cloak swirling behind him. His cold laughter echoed in the cave for a few seconds before the only sound came to be the water dripping. Arbinger sighed as he felt Forbidden leave his side. The interview had been a close call, and he had only barely been able to sidestep Malic’s questions. With a little more probing, his wrath would have been given a target. One that struck close to the ShadowLight’s heart. |