Chapter 49
Days passed in a flurry after the fleet returned to Zonama. Repairs were completed rapidly, mostly due to the limited damage sustained during the last conflict, save for the vessels that were fully lost. In a large plain near to the planetside compound assembles nearly all of the Republic and Sith personnel, organized in neat ranks; the factions are intermingled with each other signifying their cohesion as a unit. A singular figure strides up onto a hill at the head of the mostly flat plain and the sound of simultaneous salutes echoes out across the area. Anhiel stops at the center of the hill, turning about face crisply causing her white cape to flair dramatically. Even in the farthest ranks, the weight of her gaze is palpable in the moments before she spoke. The admiral’s voice carried further than a standard voice, aided by the Force as she honored the fallen, “Comrades, the taste of victory is sweet, though we have lost many of our dearest friends to achieve it.” She pauses, surveying the crowd before setting her features in a stony manner, “But it is my firm belief that such a sacrifice makes our victory far more delectable for our cause was the will of the Force and it found their lives worthy. So today, we honor the fallen. And not just those who fell in our most recent conflict, but all those who have given their lives in service to the Force for they achieved our ultimate goal; Victory, no matter the cost. To that end, I shall depart with our Sith forces and select volunteers to bolster the defenses of Korriban. Those that remain shall be tasked with retrieving the enclave’s council members and any others that are in hiding to bring them here. I sense our time in this conflict is nearing its end and we must look to the longevity of our enclave and its people.” Once more, Anhiel pauses, her features falling somewhat and her voice adopts a slightly saddened tone, “I do not wish to hide out but it has become clear to me that the end is not yet near, nor is it our role to bring about its ultimate conclusion. We shall play our final part then fade away until the Force calls upon us once more. Ad Bellum.” In perfect unison, all gathered forces salute once more and call out, “Ad Victorium!”
Barely two hours pass after the address and issuance of orders until Anhiel finds herself sitting in her planetside quarters reviewing several diagrams on her console. The alchemist and her pet approach the High Admiral’s door, where Thea knocks three times. Without acknowledgement, the door slides open allowing entrance. After crossing the threshold, Thea clears her throat slightly before she speaks, “Ma’am?” Anhiel, who had sensed the other woman’s intentions long before she entered the room, replies without looking up from the console, “Yes Miss Tragonas?” Thea begins with an uncharacteristic lack of confidence “Um… Ma’am, I believe with the severity of the upcoming missions that we should commemorate our time as we may never get the chance to be together again. If just one of us survives this mess then they will at least be able to remember their fallen comrades with a photograph.” Anhiel, slightly annoyed, responds, “We already have holo projections of all our members.” Her cold eyes glance towards Thea and examine her features for a moment before she sighs, “But if you wish to dwell on the past you may choose to do so. Set up the time and place and we will gather for the photograph.” Thea smiles and replies, “I have everyone already in their places, we just need you to take front and center.” Anhiel smirks, then stands and retrieves her white cape to go over her shoulders, “I should have expected as much, Captain Tragonus. Lead the way.” The pair exits the room and Thea leads the way to the landing pad.
At the landing pad everyone has gathered together and are holding small talk when Anhiel and Thea arrive. One of the Sith scientists is standing approximately six meters from the group holding a large bulky item. Its main body is a matte black cube with a shiny silver handle on the right side with a large opaque crystal set in the top of the handle. Anhiel stares at the object before questioning the man, “What exactly is that relic you are holding?” The scientist snaps off a salute before replying, “Ma’am, it is a Graflex three cell analog image replicator. Old Sith technology but if prepared and cured correctly it can produce the most realistic images you have ever seen.” The High Admiral finds her place in the center with Athin to her left and Joash to his left and a spot for Thea beside him. To Anhiels right is Rend, standing to his right is Mirr and HK-47. Kneeling in front of Rend and slightly angled towards the center sits Sun; opposite her kneeling in front Athin is Y’ssane. With enthusiasm, Thea nearly commands, “Smile!” as all gaze towards forward. HK remains expressionless, per usual and Mirr’s expression is hidden behind his helmet, Sun’s equally hidden behind her mask. Joash gruffs before mustering a half smile while Athin, Y’ssane, and Thea smile widely. At the center, Anhiel merely stares forward with her typical intensity, though her feelings within were that of joy due to sharing such a moment with those she now considered family. A bright flash illuminates the group and the photographer moves to immediately examine the preliminary image. Satisfied, he smiles, “Miss Tragonus, things appear to be exquisite. I shall bring you the developed images as soon as able.” Thea nods, excited, then moves to the right and wraps Anhiel in a tight hug. Those present ceased the small talk that had begun and watched silently for only a couple heartbeats though it felt like an eternity. Despite the shock the Grandmaster felt, her face remained neutral until she returned the embrace, offering the slightest of smiles and words so soft only Thea could hear them, “Thank you, friend.”
A handful of hours after the impromptu photo, the typically grouchy older Jedi finds himself in front of Thea’s quarters, hesitating to proceed to the summoning switch. Perplexed by the behavior, Joash questions himself “Why are you so anxious? You old fool.” Just as he moves to press the switch the door before him hisses open. Before he could react, Thea grabs his calloused hand and pulls him into her room, shutting the door behind him. With a devious grin, the alchemist playfully scolds the older man, “If your skull wasn’t so thick the entire enclave could have heard your thoughts! Now what could you have possibly been hesitating at my door for?” A devilish grin creeps across Joash’s face as he replies, “Woman… You really know how to make a man feel welcome. I wish to ask you to spend the afternoon with me at my favorite location.” The grin turns to a smirk before he adds, “I figured you could use a break. I understand the Grandmaster has been running you ragged in your new role.” Thea responds with a fake indignant look before turning and making her way to gather a few items off a small corner table. With a slight glance backwards she asks “Are you courting me, Master Joash?” The Jedi’s title is delivered with a playful attitude attached. Different emotions swirl within the old man as he attempts to maintain his composure to reply cooly, “I would not dare impose such a burden on you, Miss Tragonas. But would you accompany me today? I dare say Athin is stressed enough and any more of my antics at this particular moment will likely break him.”
Her black diamond irises linger on Joash for several moments accompanied by an expression that indicates she is not fully convinced before she smiles and replies “Sure, I will accompany you this afternoon. But before we go, let’s stop by the mess and get a few of my favorite snacks and something for Silous as well.” Hanging on the nearby wall is a plain brown satchel which Thea strides over to and lifts off its hanger. She then begins to grab a few items from her sitting room, some of which bring a confused look to Joash’s face as she places them in the satchel. Her final words finish processing the Jedi’s mind as she nearly finished packing the satchel. Realization causes Joash to stare intently at the small obnoxious creature, causing him to not notice Thea walk in between them and hand the satchel to him. After a moment, he takes the strap and slings it over his shoulder as Thea addresses them both, “Okay you two. Let’s make our way to the mess.” Joash gives the creature one more look before turning to leave the room.
Just after leaving the mess, Silous managed to find a perch on Joash’s shoulder where he snacked on a large purple fruit. A half hour passes when they come to a large rock in the middle of a meadow with rolling green hills. The rock had warmed from the solar rays emitted by the main star of the planetary system. Joash lifts Thea up and places her on the rock before he quickly follows and sits with his legs crossed, waiting patiently as the alchemist removes their refreshments from her satchel. She pulls out a ball made of twine and tosses it to the side, telling Silous, “Run along and play, Silous.” Excited, he leaps from the rock to chase after the ball, leaving the pair alone in relative silence, save for the gentle breeze
Moments pass while they snack quietly until Joash asks a question, “What made you change your mind?” Thea finishes chewing and swallows before she queries inquisitively, “Change my mind about what?” The elder Jedi’s features scrunch as he re-asks his question, “What made you accept the Grandmaster’s offer?” Silence fills the space once more as she ponders where to start. Thea takes a few more bites of her bread and sits up tall with her legs out to one side and bent at the knee, allowing her weight to rest on her hips and outer thigh. Joash reaches into his large hip pouch and retrieves his smoking pipe. With practiced movements, he prepares it as he waits for the story to begin. Thea’s black diamond irises dilate slightly as she reaches into her mind to pick a good starting point.
“It was more of a feeling, initially. When Anhiel and I were linked during the ritual I felt every emotion and memory she possessed. If I had to describe it, I would say it was a paradoxical feeling. She possesses such might, yet she was broken like fragile glass. I could feel her determination to hide in plain sight yet her yearning to be seen and understood; wanting to be known but fearing vulnerability. The immense pressure she is under was placed on my shoulders and if not for her courage and strength it would have buried me in those moments.” Thea exhaled deeply, taking a drink from the flask in her hand before continuing. “Though despite all of that, I felt akin to her in the way she loves her family. That was forefront in what I experienced.” After a moment's pause, Thea turns her eyes directly to meet Joash’s, “Though she will never admit it, her greatest regret is giving you that scar. She may have surpassed you in rank and knowledge of the force, but it is very clear that she considers you the father she never had.” For once, the elder Jedi is speechless, his expression shocked but he is unable to ask how she would know that. “Despite her demeanor most of the time, she cares for those she holds dear more than anything in this galaxy, she merely has a unique way of expressing it. That was when I knew all the things she had been telling me were true. She has a way of breaking through the walls that people place within themselves.” Thea blinks and moves her gaze to the side before adding solemnly, “You should know this all too well, Joash.” Exhaling from a particularly long drag from his pipe, Joash replies, doing his best to mask the lasting impact of the startling revelation Thea had given him, “Ah yes, we are a stubborn crowd. Yet I believe her inner walls of protection are of the highest quality. Are they not?” Thea continues with a slight nod of agreement, “Yes, nearly impossible to penetrate with force. But when invited in you feel lost in her vastness.”
Joash ponders a moment before continuing, “Despite our differences in opinion, I have never known her to misjudge the potential of an individual. For her to make you such an offer, she sees something in you. She sees a value that you may or may not perceive yet. What else has happened, if you don’t mind me asking?” Thea returns her gaze to the man and gives him an appraising look before she continues, “Since she awoke after the ritual she has requested regular meetings with me; nearly twice a standard week. The early sessions were to go over the enchantments and alchemy behind the bracelet. Some sessions were about meditations and accessing the force as I am out of practice. Recently, we have been training and working on my connection with the Force, altering what I thought I knew from my time with the Sith.” Thea sighs and takes a sip from the canteen she had brought then sits quietly for several seconds until she continues, “I, like her, am beginning to heal and understand my place in the universe.” Joash nods and tamps out his pipe as he responds, “I see the similarities. Your wit is damn near on par with her, I must say. This has been wonderful Miss Trogonas and I am flattered you would spend some time indulging a withered old man such as I. Should you be open to it, I would enjoy doing this again with you sometime, if you will have me?” Thea blushes slightly as she leans in to press her lips upon Joash’s. Shocked, the Jedi does not move for what feels like an eternity; decades of training to suppress such emotions swelling within him. But an icy, powerful, yet familiar voice rose within his mind, “Emotions are but tools of the Force. Do not shy away from them. Embrace them for they represent who you are and the more you accept that, the more you shall feel the true Force.” With a slight grin and nod to the non-present master, Joash lifts his arms to embrace the woman beside him, returning the kiss fully. The two embrace one another tightly as they hold their first kiss for many moments until a loud crash startles the couple as Silous leaps from a tree after seeing his master in Joash’s arms. They separate and snicker at the expressions her pet was giving them, Joash giving his nemesis a particularly victorious look. Thea looks at the older man and replies, “I would like that very much, sir.” A pair of repeating beeps interrupts the moment, causing both to reach for their respective datapads. On both screens reads a simple message,
Attention all officers,
The fleet departs in two standard hours. Report to your stations and acknowledge readiness.
Special Commander Joash, the High Admiral requests a ground force deployment strategy prior to arrival at Korriban.
Captain Tragonus, the High Admiral has requested your presence on the bridge of the Shadow Redeemer immediately.
Regards,
Vice-Admiral Virkean
Joash is the first to make a noise as he clears his throat, setting his datapad down. “Well, duty calls it would seem.” He rises to his feet and extends a hand to Thea, which she takes before rising herself. As she came upright, she placed a soft kiss on the elder man’s cheek before turning to gather her satchel and signal to Silous. The small group sets off and Joash opens a com link, “This is Special-Commander Joash. Please send a shuttle to the following coordinates. Captain Tragonus and I must report to the Shadow Redeemer immediately.” The order is acknowledged and Joash cuts the link while the trio continues to walk in the direction of their pick up. In the distance, a shuttle approaches sooner than either had hoped and both sighed as it came to a rest before them. Begrudgingly, they board and strap in, Silous taking a seat in Thea’s lap as the vessel rises from the ground.
On the capital ship orbiting above the planet, Anhiel reviews readiness reports for the forces deploying to Korriban. The Vice-Admiral approaches behind her and clears his throat, “Ma’am, pardon the interruption. Captain Tragonus and Special-Commander Joash are en route. All vessels are signaling readiness to enter hyperspace upon your command.” Anhiel’s eyes continue to dart across the reports for several seconds before she responds, “Commence jumps at your discretion once their shuttle has landed. We need every moment planetside to prepare. We are not bringing a significant number of capital ships to make a difference in a space battle. So we will draw our line on the planet and hold for as long as we can.” Virkean salutes crisply, “As you command, my Lord.
A half hour later, a single shuttle settles onto the deck of the Shadow Redeemer which Thea and Joash disembark from. The pair begin to navigate the long corridors of the capital vessel, heading towards the bridge. As they arrive at the large door, the two guards on either side straighten and salute their superior officers before keying the door open. Joash gives a dismissive wave to the guards while they cross the threshold and stride towards Anhiel. Virkean gives a slight nod as the pair arrives before returning to his duties. Being the one requested, Thea clears her throat and straightens somewhat, “Ma’am, you requested my presence?” The Admiral does not look up from the monitor she was bent over, reviewing, waiting a few moments until the door slides open revealing the grizzled Sith armorer in a neatly pressed uniform. Still without looking up, Anhiel speaks plainly, “Good, you are both here.” She straightens and turns around, folding her hands behind her back while adopting her usual voice of command, “You both shall be returning to Korriban. The Force tells me this will be the bloodiest battle I have ever been a part of and an unknown foe of immeasurable power awaits me; I require the best armor we can manage.”
She turns her gaze to the armorer, “Darth Vyrrid spoke highly of your craftsmanship.” Her left wrist raises up and rotates slowly back and forth as she gazes at the ornate bracelet upon her forearm, “It is my understanding that you fashioned this piece as well. Is that correct?” With a bowed head, the armorer responds, “Yes Ma’am. My Lord requested it personally and I used the finest materials available at the time.” Anhiel nods, “Your skill is apparent and I dare say Miss Tragonus’ skill far exceeds that of the alchemist that worked with you on this piece. I wish for you both to collaborate on a new set of armor fit for the upcoming struggle, though you have limited time to accomplish this task” Piercing eyes drift to lock with the diamond irises of Thea’s, followed by heavily weighted words, “Remember your recent teachings, Miss Tragonus. The Sith do wield great power but it pales in comparison to what you can accomplish should you embrace what I have taught you.” Thea’s face tightens, a rare look of nervousness hovering just on the periphery as she bows, old memories coming to the forefront of her mind, “Yes, m’lord. I shall not fail you.”
From behind, Joash looks on, doing his best to hide the welling emotions when those blue eyes fall upon him. He straightens quickly, clearing his throat, “Ma’am.” With a wave of her hand, she dismisses Thea and the armorer, “Special Commander, all of our Republic ground forces volunteered for this mission. Though I cannot leave our remaining forces without some of these troops so I have allowed half to accompany us. You will have a single brigade of Republic troops and a moderate division of Sith soldiers. Not much when it comes to defending an entire planet so we must pick our placements carefully. The Sith forces planetside already shall share much of the burden, but it falls to us to reinforce strategic positions on the planet.” Joash brings his right fist across his chest and inclines his head, “I understand, Grandmaster. I shall return with a strategy prior to our arrival at Korriban.” Anhiel nods, then states flatly, “Good, now leave me. I must meditate while we are en route.” All present salute or bow before turning to depart the bridge.
The door opens and as they cross the threshold, General Rend steps over in the opposite direction, clad in his gold and amber armor, walking with a purpose that would be foreign to him a year ago. Anhiel faces the young man as he approaches, returning his bow with a slight nod. “Master, I apologize for arriving unannounced but I wished to bid you farewell in person.” An appraising eye evaluates the Knight, “You sound as though this is the last time we shall speak, Rend.” With a deep swallow, he responds, “I have nothing but the utmost confidence in the one who brought me to be someone I thought it was impossible to be. Though I wish it was not your burden alone to bear, Anhiel.” The use of her name alone by her once Padawan was shocking and she grinned while reaching her right hand out to cup the side of his face, “You are the greatest achievement of my life, Rend. Despite my many failures as your master, you have grown to be powerful and wise Jedi. You are what I had wished to have become so many years ago. But that was not the will of the Force; No, I was molded into a weapon to do what must be done. But you are my greatest triumph. A genuine man of compassion, though you still wield determination and power in defense of your comrades.” Anhiel’s voice drops to less than a whisper and in a tongue foreign to Rend “You shall surpass me one day, Rend Vega, and become the Grandmaster that this enclave deserves.” Rend’s head tilts in confusion but no clarity is given by the Grandmaster and she merely exhales deeply before commanding, “I am glad you came, Rend. Return to the planet as we must depart immediately. May the Force be with you.” Rend bows low, “And with you, Grandmaster.” Within the hour, a shuttle bearing Rend departs and the advanced fleet disappears into Hyperspace. Within the armory, Thea and the armorer set to work, laying out several precious materials upon the workstation. On the bridge, Anthin stands on the periphery, watching the woman whom he had grown attached to as the swirl of hyperspace filled the bridge with remarkable light.