#rotbtdf

When you gaze into the abyss

A CR90 corvette dropped out of hyperspace as it neared its destination. This well armed and well manned starship was part of the rebel fleet. Its interior had been modified to serve the role of a prison transport for captured prisoners of war. An abundance of holding cells with ray shielding were housed within and transporting a group of recently captured Imperial officers from the previous raid. But the most dangerous among the Imperial forces within was a member of the dangerous Force wielding Inquisitorious.

An Umbaran female sat in her holding cell with a pair of cuffs around her wrists. She was silent as she glared at her enemy, a Jedi, who’d joined as added security to ensure her smooth transition into holding. Hiccup leaned against the wall opposite her cell as he calmly held her gaze. He kept his attention fixed solely on her, his senses on alert for any change in the Force to ensure she’d didn’t try anything.

A black furred Wookie stood next to him with bowcaster in hand. He’d come along as a bit more added insurance. Though he was sure it wouldn’t be necessary. Regardless his presence was reassuring to the other rebel soldiers.

A rebel officer came up to Hiccup. “We’re coming up on our destination general,” he informed.

Hiccup gave a nod as he pushed off the wall. Outside the ship was coming up on a space station serving as the rebel prison. The station orbited a star and housed many prisoners. The location was kept a closely guarded secret of the Alliance.

As the ship came into dock with the station three armed rebel soldiers came up to Hiccup. Two had blasters in hand and another held a small remote in hand with fingers hovering over the button, ready to activate the cuffs to incapacitate the Inquisitor should she attempt an escape.

Hiccup stepped forward, pressing a button on the control panel outside the cell. The ray shield powered down and Hiccup stood before the Umbaran. “Time to go,” he told her. She glared into his eyes hatefully as Hiccup stared back with a neutral look. She made no effort to move from her spot.

“I’d like to do this as painlessly as possible,” Hiccup requested. He was referring to her cuffs. With a press of a button from the remote they could emit a painful shock both capable of neutralizing or eliminating her. They were also specially designed for Force sensitives, and any attempt to tamper with them would only cause them to tighten while emitting a shock to the wearer.

As a Jedi however it was against Hiccup’s principles to use pain or torture to force compliance. So he’d rather she just cooperate. He held her gaze in silence for a few minute before she finally relented. She stood, but resumed glaring daggers at him. Hiccup could feel the loathing for him practically oozing out of her.

He took a step back as he allowed her to exit the cell. Two of the armed rebels stood to one side while Hiccup, Toothless, and the rebel holding the remote to her cuffs stood at another. Hiccup motioned which way for her to go and they fell into step as they made their way to the docking tube. The two armed rebels led the way with the prisoner following behind and Hiccup at her back. He kept his attention fixed on her, watching for any signs that she may attempt an escape.

As they entered the prison station they were greeted by a contingent of armored prison guards. Standing before them was a blue Twi’lek male. The individual wore a neutral brown uniform with a rank insignia badge he wore above his right pectoral. He was the warden of the facility. The group came up to greet the warden with Hiccup stepping forward and extending his hand to greet him personally.

“Warden,” Hiccup said with a nod.

The warden gave a nod back while clasping hands and giving a firm but brief shake. “Master Jedi,” he said evenly. “I hear you have a special prisoner for me today,” he said as he motioned with his head toward the Umbaran.

“Yes Warden,” Hiccup said as he turned slightly as to keep her in his sight. “I was requested to join in her transport as an added security.”

The Warden gave a hum and nodded in understanding. “Come then. Let’s show our new guest to her quarters,” he said. He turned on his heel and his men split apart to make a path. The Inquisitor was ushered forward as all the rebels formed up around her.

Hiccup walked slightly ahead, feeling more assured by the added escort. He fell into step beside the warden as he began to explain the lengths they’d gone to prepare for their new addition. “When I was informed of the new prisoner I quickly saw to it that the appropriate preparations were made to hold her,” he began.

“We’ve placed her cell away from the general populace. She will remain cuffed at all times. She will be monitored around the clock from the control room. A guard stationed there will have his control panel keyed to her cuffs to neutralize her if necessary”

“If you’re going to have guards on her you’ll need to be careful. Umbarans have a natural ability to influence the minds of others. Being Force sensitive will make her a much greater risk. Any guards interacting with her may pose a danger,” Hiccup chimed in.

“Yes. I’ve already considered this,” the Warden responded evenly. “We’ve repurposed captured KX-series security droids to guard her cell and bring her bidaily meals and subdue her in the event of an attempted escape,” he explained.

Hiccup gave a thoughtful hum, finding this new information satisfactory to relive his unease. The warden went on to explain that an additional shock collar capable of monitoring her vital would be placed on her for added security and to monitor her health. Even if she was a prisoner the alliance tried to be humane.

Hiccup was impressed by the Warden’s thorough planning. He had a hard time picturing even himself escaping with all the countermeasures placed against him. He wouldn’t say it was impossible. For their was always the unforeseen variables, but he was fairly confident that the Inquisitor would stay contained.

“Though if she proves uncooperative, we may have to resort to keeping her in a containment field and supplying her nutrients intravenously. Or perhaps even freezing her in carbonite,” he added.

“I understand,” Hiccup acknowledged right as they came to the Inquisitor’s cell.

As previously mentioned two KX-series droids were standing outside of it and awaiting further orders. The droids had been repainted a dull red, a color more in line with the rebels, and their insignia had been added to replace the Empire’s. The Warden raised a hand up to signal a guard from the control room to power down the ray shield. A moment later the ray shield powered down. One of the guard placed his blaster at the Umbaran’s back to make her step forward. She did so with a growl.

“Collar,” the Warden said. Another guard lowered his weapon reached into a pocket to pull out said item. Hiccup frowned at the sight of it. It was something he generally associated with slavers or pirates. But he could understand the need for precaution.

As the guard stepped forward to collar her she suddenly whipped around with teeth bared and lunged. The guard scrambled back as he reached for his blaster. Every guard did the same as they prepared to put her down if necessary. But the Warden raised a hand to direct them to not fire as she stopped short of Hiccup’s face.

She snarled at him in spite. “You won’t win Jedi,” she spat at him vehemently. Hiccup remained calm, hands at his sides but prepared to grab for his weapons should she try anything.

“You can’t defeat my Emperor. His power is beyond you. The dark side of the Force empowers him. Makes him the most powerful being in the galaxy,” she said with a sneer.

“You can’t win Jedi. No matter how many of us you defeat there will be more. Our numbers are endless. Our cause righteous. And we won’t stop until every last one of you is wiped from every corner of the galaxy,” she whispered with dark fervor.

Hiccup said nothing. There was nothing to say. She believed what she was saying. She was engrossed by the Imperial ideology. She was ensnared by the teachings of the dark side. He doubted anything he could say would sway her mind.

“We’ll see about that,” was all Hiccup could say.

The Inquisitor’s nostrils flared and it looked as if she were going to spew more of her idolatry of the Emperor and his vision, but with a loud groan a heaving hand proceeded to knock the Inquisitor unconscious with one blow. She crumpled to the ground as the black furred Wookie had decided to put an end to her ranting. He growled down at her form, proud and glad to have stifled her venomous tirade.

With the prisoner down the guard lowered his weapon and placed the shock collar around her neck. Two guard then grabbed her by the shoulders before dragging her into the cell. Her cell was a simple rectangular space with a cot jutting from the wall and a vacc tube against another with a small sink. They placed her on the cot before exiting the cell. The Warden raised a hand and the ray shield powered on.

The KX droids took their posts as they stood before the cell and watched the prisoner. The group walked away and after giving their goodbyes they reboarded their vessel to return to base.

But as they flew from the prison the Inquisitor’s words echoed through Hiccup’s mind. He stared out the viewport as he pondered their ultimate enemy before the stars began to stretch and they disappeared into hyperspace.

*******************************************************************************************

Back at the rebel base members of the Alliance High Command were having a meeting. Some were present at the Prime station while others were attending via holoprojections. Joining the meeting via hologram was Toothiana of the Kinnaran people. In addition was the Mon Calamari General, Gill Zanclus. He was a white and black striped Mon Calamari with a robotic prosthetic for a right hand. He was a brilliant military strategist and had been one of the key individuals that led his people to successfully driving the Empire from his world.

Alongside them were various senators and politicians who sided with the Alliance in secret, providing them intel and resources whenever and wherever they could. There were also more commanders and generals that led the various other cells fighting the Empire across the galaxy.

Merida was also in attendance. Beside her was Elsa to represent the Jedi. Nearly all their meetings had at least one of the Jedi in attendance to keep the budding New Order up to date with the happenings of the Alliance.

High Command discussed the various battles and raids launched against the Empire. They discussed their victories and losses. They went over what resources need to be acquired and what needed priority. Future targets and operations were also brought up. This tended to be the general routine of every meeting as a prelude to the more serious discussions.

“I hear an Inquisitor was captured during the last raid on an Imperial facility,” someone finally chimed in. This person was a member of Rebel Intelligence. This was the branch of the rebel forces that oversaw their spy network and analyzed the acquired data before reporting it to the various other divisions.

“Indeed,” Elsa confirmed.

“Were we able to extract any valuable information from her?” the Intelligence officer inquired.

“Unfortunately, she wasn’t very forthcoming,” Elsa said with a shrug.

“I see,” the Intelligence officer said coolly. Elsa arched a brow, sensing he had more to add. “Perhaps there are other ways to get this information,” he offered ambiguously.

Merida and the other member of High Command arched a brow while Elsa dreaded what she guessed might be coming.

“And what might you be suggesting?” Merida prodded.

“All I’m saying is that an Inquisitor is a high ranking Imperial officer. And one who might have access to more valuable intel than the standard stormtrooper,” he continued. “So I believe what she may know may warrant more...forceful avenues to attain it,” he concluded.

Everyone was silent as they took in what he was hinting at. But it was Elsa who finally said the word.

“You mean torture?” Elsa finally asked.

“I’m suggesting we consider it in this situation. Yes,” the Intelligence officer confirmed with a nod.

“We don’t torture our prisoners,” Merida immediately cut in.

There were murmurs of agreement from the others. The Alliance did their best to fight the war as humanely as possible. They tended to avoid operations that may result in civilian casualties, they didn’t execute their prisoners, and they didn’t use or condone the use of torture.

At least most of the Alliance did. But with so many factions there were of course the small cells that would go to any lengths to achieve victory against the Empire. There were cells that executed their captured enemies, tortured their prisoners, that didn’t care for collateral damage and would attack civilian facilities, and would commit any crime to further the Alliance’s cause. But they weren’t condoned by High Command and were considered extremists.

“The Jedi won’t condone it,” Elsa stated firmly.

The Intelligence officer looked down his nose at her in distaste. “Ah yes, I believe torture goes against your Jedi code,” he stated flatly. “A code that failed to stop the rise of the Empire,” he threw out.

Elsa’s nostrils flared but she kept her face and stance neutral with her arm crossed. She squeezed her fists, determined to keep a cool head.

“We must bring this war to a swift and decisive end. People are suffering as we speak. We lose more and more soldiers while our enemies gather and grow. We cannot let his become a war of attrition, or we are sure to lose.”

High Command was silent as he spoke. What he was saying wasn’t untrue. There didn’t seem to be an end in sight to this war and they were severely outmatched in resources and manpower. They’d gained some momentum when the Jedi had joined the fight, alongside the legion of clones they’d managed to free from the Empire’s enslavement. Even now more worlds and people were rising to join their cause.

But it still wasn’t enough to match the what the Empire could throw at them. The Jedi were only three in number. And while they could certainly create miracles in the field they couldn’t be everywhere at once. The clones, while skilled, tenacious, and always ready to fight aged at twice the rate of standard humans. Many were starting to show their age and so it was unlikely they could last another decade of war.

With the addition of the Mandalorians they’d hit a wall. Then there was the fact that their sympathizers in the senate seemed to be dwindling, with rumors of assassinations and disappearances floating about their spy network.

They were being attacked from all sides. Sometimes it seemed like their defeat was imminent. So it could be understood why it was tempting to throw aside the rules of engagement, to stoop to any level and commit any act, no matter how wicked and devious to defeat their enemy.

“We must ask ourselves what we are willing to do to win. And if fighting honorably is truly worth the cost of our defeat?” he pressed.

Elsa stared at him before closing her eyes and taking a breath. She wasn’t particularly fond of the Intelligence division. They tended to hold a view or moral pragmatism that they could use to justify any act, no matter how grievous, to further the rebel cause.

But still...

“We cannot let ourselves become like the Empire,” Elsa finally responded. “How we fight is just as important as what we are fighting for,” she finished.

“We must show the people of the galaxy we will be better. For if we don’t have their trust how can we be expected to serve them in the Empire’s place?” she challenged.

The Intelligence officer was tight lipped at her response and stared in silence.

“So I ask all of you,” she continued as she looked around to all the member of High Command. “Is a victory at any cost worth the galaxy losing their faith in us?” she challenged.

Merida smiled at Elsa. Elsa was truly the diplomat of the Jedi. She had a way with words that her compatriots just didn’t have. This was why she’d taken the path of the Consular.

And why Merida truly come to admire her.

“I agree,” General Gill chimed in resolutely. “I have no intention of becoming like the Empire. We’ll win this war on our terms.”

“Here here,” Toothiana said in agreement.

There was a chorus of agreement and the Intelligence officer back down with a grimace. The meeting continued as they discussed other topics of importance. While they spoke, Merida exchanged a glance with Elsa and gave her an approving nod and a smile.

Elsa met her eyes and gave her a nod back in acknowledgment.

The Alliance would win the war.

But they would win it on their terms.

*******************************************************************************************

Meanwhile, across the galaxy in the Colonies region of space was the planet of Balmorra. It was a planet with a temperate climate, and rich in metal and other resources that made it a suitable place to inhabit and industrialize for trade. Indeed, the planet was covered in factories and assembly lines and actually was one of the primary weapon suppliers to the Empire.

It was in face the main builder for the Imperial AT-ST walkers. Due to this connection to the Empire its government had been left relativily alone, with no Imperial overseer having been assigned and allowing the planet’s governor to oversee the politics of the sector.

Balmorr’a governor, a middle-aged human male, was returning home from a long day at the capital building of Bin Prime. He was eager to rest and put his mind off work, and hopefully even see his wife and child. He was being driven by his personal chauffeur in his private landspeeder while his bodyguard sat beside him quietly.

It wasn’t long before they pulled up to the gate of his residence. They paused at the automated gate as the drive hit the remote to open them. After a moment they opened and the speeder leisurely pulled in and up to his driveway.

The Governor looked out the window to see no lights were one, indicating his family had gone to sleep.   He gave a small sigh in disappointment at not being able to kiss them goodnight. Such was a common occurrence when you were a man with as much importance as him.

His bodyguard exited the speeder first before coming around to open his door, all while keeping an eye out for anything amiss. The Governor stepped out before walking up to his door with his guard in tow. At his front door he was met with his home’s other guards. They exchanged words with him and his bodyguard, giving a brief summary of the day and informing them that his wife and child were safe and sound in his home.

He was happy to hear the news and nodded while thanking them for their service. He relieved his personal guard for the day before stepping into his home and leaving the other guards to patrol the ground and keep a look out for intruders.

He stepped into the entryway of his home and breathed a sigh of relief to have returned to his sanctuary. His oasis from his busy life that took far too much time away from his loved one. He began climbing his stair as he contemplated taking a holiday with his family. So he could get away and reconnect with them.

As he made for his office he stopped by his bedroom and peeked in. He could make out the form of his wife on the bed, asleep and snoring softly. He smiled in satisfaction before continuing down the hall and stopping at his daughter’s door. He peeked in, opening the door slowly and just enough to peer in and see her small form under her blanket with her nightlight on.

He smiled wide in love. She was his pride and joy. The light of his life. He loved her more than he could express. He shut the door as quietly as he could before walking away and finally reaching his study.

He entered before shutting and locking the door behind him. He went to the windows and closed the shutters. Before taking a seat. From his desk he controlled the ceiling light. Dimming them to near darkness while switching on his desk lamp.

He sat in brooding silence, head in hand as he contemplated his life and his decisions. Had he made the right choices? For his family? For his people? For his planet?

While his homeworld enjoyed relative independence from the Empire’s meddling it was only superficial. They were forced to supply and manufacture weapons for the new government, even though his people longed to able to participate in a free and open market. But the Empire wouldn’t allow such a thing.

So his planet had complied and accepted the new status quo. Supplying arms to the oppressive tyranny of their new overlords. For if he didn’t he would be replaced for someone hand picked by the Empire. Who would then be seated in his place to rule his people how he saw fit and he couldn’t allow that.

But he also couldn’t bow and submit to a government that ruled like it did and encouraged the uplifting of human accomplishment, while at the same time dismissing the efforts and contribution of other races.

For how could he look his daughter in the face and tell her she could never be as important as a pure blooded human.  How would he explain to her that nothing she did would ever matter as long as she didn’t look like the Emperor and the majority of the Imperial regime.

He couldn’t. He wouldn’t.

And that’s why he’d contacted the Rebel Alliance.

He started helping them. Passing on intel he obtained from his connections within the Senate. He acquired and liquidated assets as discretely as he could to pass on the funds to the rebel cause. He fed them shipment information so they could intercept weapons and ships. He did anything he could think to do in hopes that they would eventually topple the new government, and hopefully give his daughter a chance to grow up in a society where her accomplishments and efforts were acknowledged just as her human peers were.

But he knew he was doing so at great risk. He felt like it was only a matter of time before his involvement was discovered. He felt like he were constantly being watched. He found himself looking over his shoulder and feeling paranoid nearly all the time. He was plagued by perpetual anxiety that was beginning to affect his health. What’s worse is that he couldn't share his troubles with anyone. If the axe were to come down he wanted it to fall on his head alone. So he held it all within and plastered on a mask of normalcy to even the people closest to him.

He felt his anxiety on the rise again and he took deep breaths to steady his nerved. He pulled open a drawer and reached in to pull out a small glass and a bottle of Noonia fixer. He poured himself a drink before gulping it down. He let it burn down his throat, a momentary distraction as he finally steadied his nerves. He decided to sit for a few more minutes, perhaps have another glass or two, and then join his wife in bed.

Perhaps tomorrow he’d even discuss the possibility of getting away and taking her and their daughter on holiday. Maybe Glee Ansem.

As he contemplated the various possibilities he could take his family his desk lamp began to flicker. He looked to it in confusion as even the low lights overhead grew dimmer and dimmer. Then the lamp light went out altogether. He sat in darkness and he felt for the lamp. He traced his hand up it till he found the switch. He flicked it a few times but nothing happened.

He hummed curiously as he tried it a few more time before it suddenly came back on. Light returned to the room and he was glad to not be in total darkness anymore. But his glee evaporate as he no longer found himself alone.

For sitting casually in the chair across his desk was a person in black who had most certainly not been there moments before.

“Hello Governor,” the mysterious red skinned woman who had materialized in the room with nary a trace greeted quietly. “Might I have a moment of your time?”

The Governor managed to suppress the urge to shout as he stared dumbfounded at the woman sitting across from him. She wore a mask and cowl that concealed her face, but aside from his bewilderment he couldn’t help but be struck by her beauty.

“I know it’s rather late. But I’m afraid the matter I come with is quite important,” she continued.

Finally regaining himself the Governor leaned back in his chair slowly as he assessed her. He could clearly sense that despite her polite tone and relaxed demeanor her intentions were malicious. Slowly he lowered his hands to reach for a drawer where he kept a blaster, trying to do so as discreetly as possible while he held her gaze.

“I’m afraid its past the hours where I meet and discuss work affairs,” he said evenly as his fingers grazed the drawer handle. But before he could make to open it he felt a hard hand grip his shoulder, fingers digging in harshly and a something sharp and metallic press against his throat.

He froze and turned his head slightly to see another woman in red to his left in a similar outfit to the one sitting in front of him. She looked at him with hard yellow eyes that twinkled dangerously in warning should he attempt anything else.

From his periphery on his right he saw another figure casually lean onto his desk, and he turned to see yet another woman. She met his eye, holding no weapons but emitting an aura of deadliness just the same.

“Oh I promise this won’t take long,” the woman in black said in amusement.

The Governor raised his hands to place them on the table and within sight. The woman holding the knife released him and took a step back while the woman to his fight stood up off the table and remained off to the side.

“I suppose I can make an exception. Given the matter is so dire,” he managed calmly.

“Excellent. I was told you were a reasonable man. Though I find that rather delectable given the circumstances.”

“And who may I ask referred you to me? And who might you be?” he inquired, stalling really.

“My name is Heather. And I’m here on behalf of the Emperor,” she revealed.

Dread began to creep in from all around him. He felt his pulse begin to quicken. The atmosphere in the room felt heavy as he felt the urge to flee.

“How did you get past my home’s security measures?” he asked to bide more time. His mind was racing as he tried to think of a way to save himself.

“That’s not important,” she answered dismissively with a wave of her hand. “What you should be asking is why we’re here.”

“Ok. Why are you here?” he asked apprehensively.

Heather smiled darkly beneath her cowl as she looked him squarely in the eye to answer. “We’re here to kill you.”

Ice filled his veins at her answer and his life began to flash before his eyes.

“You see Governor,” Heather continued. “The Empire has discovered that you’ve been conspiring with its enemies. The Emperor can’t have that. So a message has to be sent.”

His heart thundered in his ears as she confirmed his worst fears. It was finally time to answer for his choices. All he’d done had led to this.

“But before I do,” Heather said to snap him back to the moment. She leaned forward in her seat. “I need to know about your contact. Where and how were passing off information?” she inquired.

The Governor blinked before stammering an answer, “I haven’t contacted the rebels. I am loyal to the Empire,” he lied. It was a desperation measure. He knew it.

Heather titled her head as she stared at him. She titled her head before leaning back in her seat. “Ok.” The Governor blinked and tried to hide his disbelief. “Oh don’t misunderstand Governor, I don’t believe you,” she chimed in

His hopes began to dwindle. His last ditch effort crushed.

“You see I just don’t really care. While my sisters and I want the Empire to win it’s in our best interest that it’s not an overwhelming victory,” she explained. “We need the Empire as weak as possible so the Emperor will lower his guard.”

With a pause she rose from her chair and the Governor swallowed down the lump in his throat. “Now then, time to-”

Suddenly the door creaked open and caught everyone’s attention. Heather turned to the side and looked in its direction to find a child standing partway in the room. She rubbed a small fist into sleepy eyes before speaking.

“Daddy? Can I have a glass of water?” she asked. As she rubbed away the vestiges of sleep she finally took notice of the additional individuals in her father’s study. She froze with a squeak, unsure of what she should do.

“Sweetie,” the Governor said as he stood in panic. Heather looked to him and glared a silent warning. “Now...now is not a good time sweetie. Daddy is working,” he said quickly in compliance.

Heather exchanged a glance with her sisters. The one with the knife had concealed it. They looked to her in question, making subtle motions to the girl and awaiting directions. Heather made a hand gesture, telling them to stay their hand.

Heather turned to fully face the girl and she began walking toward her. The Governor panicked and nearly shouted for her to stop. But Heather raised a hand and raised a single finger to silence him. He shut his mouth, watching in horror as his assassin stalked toward his daughter.

Heather stopped before the child. The child was red skinned like herself. But of a paler hue and she had yellow eyes with white hair. She stared bug eyed in fear and trembled as the strange woman bore down on her.

Heather met her eyes before reached her hands up. She pulled down her mask and cowl so the child could see her face. Then she gave her a friendly smile.

“Well hello sweetie. I must say its been quite some time since I’ve seen someone with my skin tone,” she said in a light hearted tone.

The girl was immediately put at ease. She was mesmerized by the woman’s beauty and she just seemed to give off an aura of amiability. Heather’s sisters watched on, knowing full well what was happening. Heather had used her charms on the girl.

“Hello Miss. Are you an Espirion too?” she asked curiously.

Heather chuckled as she squatted down to her level. “No sweetie I’m not Espirion like your mother and you,” she said to make conversation. “I’m hear to see your father,” she told her. She paused to glance over her shoulder and level the Governor with a sickly sweet smile.

“He’s a very important man,” she said with a menacing stare. She looked back to the girl. “You said you wanted some water dear?” she asked.

“Yes,” the girl responded with a nod.

Heather rose before turning to face the Governor. “Let’s go get your daughter some water, Governor.”

He nodded quickly as he slipped around his table. He was careful to avoid bumping the other women, lest he anger them and incur their wrath. He cross the room and toward his child as Heather moved aside. But right as he stepped by her she placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t try anything Governor. Cause if you do I’ll kill her and your wife. You do not want to test me. Understood?” she whispered in threat. ‘

He could tell by her tone that she wasn’t bluffing. “Understood,” he said quietly in response.

With that he took his daughter by the hand and guided her to their kitchen downstairs. He got her a glass and asked her about her day. She responded happily, recounting her lessons and her playtime with her friends. He laughed alongside her as she giggled. Her laugh was music to his ears.

All the while he could feel Heather’s eyes on him and he could see her in his periphery, always nearby. Looming like a dark cloud. Or like death itself, waiting in wings to collect her bounty.

But he pushed it aside. He was determined to enjoy these last few moments with his child. His treasure. His life.

Eventually the child finished her glass and let out a yawn as her drowsiness began to creep up on her. He took her by the hand and led her to her bedroom. He tucked her in and wished her goodnight. He kissed her on the forehead and cheek and she smiled at him. He blinked away tear, knowing it would be the last he’d see.

Then she settled down and shut her eyes before drifting back to sleep. He caressed her cheek lovingly for the last time and stared at her face in adoration.

“Time to go Governor,” Heather cut in.

The Governor closed his eyes and took a breath, preparing to accept his fate. “So it seems,” he said before standing. He walked to the door and met her there. “I’m ready,” he said with a nod.

Heather hummed in response before her eyes shifted to his child. She stepped past him and toward her. In panic he grabbed her wrist. She looked to him with narrowed eyes.

“Please, I did as you asked. She’s just a child. She doesn't know anything,” he pleaded desperately.

Heather stared at him blankly. “Not to worry Governor. We had a deal and I’ll uphold it,” she said. She pulled her wrist free before continuing on and stopping before the sleeping child. She stared at her before reaching her hand out.

“What are you doing?” he whispered, trying to keep voice low.

“Just going to make some...adjustments to her memory,” Heather said. She closed her eyes and a faint green glow emanating from her palm.

The Governor watched in bewilderment as he watched faint green light flicker and dance between the space between his daughter head and Heather’s hand. He didn’t know what he was looking at. But his daughter didn’t seem to be experiencing any discomfort as she remained sound asleep.

Soon Heather withdrew her hand and opened her eyes. She’d used her power to edit the child’s memories. She didn’t need to do much. Just remove her and her sister’s. When she recounted the last moments with her father there would be a fog on her memories that would conceal them from her conscious.

With that she turned to the Governor and returned to him. “Move,” she said. He stepped out of the room and began walking back to his study with Heather in tow.

“Thank you,” he said as he glanced back.

“Don’t thank me. You’re still going to die,” she said lowly. “But your daughter won’t remember us. Her last memories with you will be that you loved her.”

He managed a smile. At least he’d have that.

“Why?” Heather said out of the blue.

He stopped as he reached the door. He looked to her with his hand curled around the knob. He arched a brow in question.

“You and your planet have peace. You’re mostly allowed to govern yourself. You have a wife and child. Now the Empire will put someone else in your place, an Imperial at that. And your wife and daughter are going to lose you. Why do this?” she asked in genuine confusion.

The Governor looked away to consider his answer. Then he looked to his daughter’s door. “For her,” he answered. “In the Empire’s eyes she’ll never be as important or as special as a pure blooded human. I did it for her.”

Heather crossed her arms and stared at him skeptically. “She’s going to hate you,” she responded. He blinked in surprise at her response. “To her it’s going to be like you just disappeared. She’ll never even have said goodbye. Every milestone, you won’t be there. Every achievement, she won’t be able to share it with you.”

The Governor considered her words. Perhaps she was right. Life would be hard on her. She would suffer. She would know pain for many years to come. And it could have all been avoided if he’d made a different choice.

“Hopefully, one day she’ll understand,” he said solemnly.

Heather stared at him before shaking her head. “Fool,” she said under her breath. She wouldn’t consider him anything but.

With that they entered his study. She directed him to sit at his desk. He sat down and straightened up as he prepared to meet his fate.

“I’m ready,” he said.

Heather nodded before drawing a knife from her waist. She placed it at his neck. He closed his eyes in acceptance and waited.

“But…” she suddenly said. He opened his eyes in confusion, wondering what was left to be said. “I still need to know about your contact,” she revealed in a serious tone.

“I...I…” he said as he clenched a fist.

“Proud man,” Heather quipped in amusement. “I could still kill your daughter,” Heather pointed out.

He met her gaze and held it. “But you won’t,” he said, confident he was right.

Heather narrowed her eyes at his response, annoyed he’d called her bluff. But then with a roll of her eyes she sighed, “Well I suppose I did give my word now didn’t I?”

“Still,” she said as she looked him back in the eye. “I don’t need you to tell me anything. So Governor, do me a favor,” she began.

She narrowed his eyes in confusion, searching her face for an indication to what she meant.

“Try not to think about your contact,” she said. Then she just stared at him in silence, eyes to focused on his face yet appearing to be looking at something else entirely.

His mind raced and of course her psychological trick made him think about his contact. He remembered what he’d seen her do with her daughter and knew she must have some kind of power like Jedi. He tried to think of anything else. Anything but his contact with the Alliance.

Then Heather smiled in satisfaction, and he knew he’d failed. “Thank you Governor. You’ve been a great help,” she told him in mock thanks. He looked down in shame while she withdrew her knife. “You can take solace in the fact that you didn’t sell out your allies.”

He let out a defeated breath. He reached to his side and poured himself one glass of his favorite alcohol. He paused and looked up to Heather. “Don’t suppose I can have this one last drink?”

“Go ahead,” Heather allowed with a nod. The Governor smiled and raised it to his lips and began to take slow sips to savor his last worldly vice.

Heather looked to her sister at his left and nodded. She drew a blade and took a step toward the Governor who had just finished his drink.

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On a tall building overlooking the Governor’s mansion the three Nightsisters stood after having slipped out once they’d eliminated their target. They’d left him in his office. His body would be found in the morning, probably by his wife. Heather had cast her magics on the daughter to keep her deep asleep. It’d be the best of her life, the least they could do considering the life she’d have to wake up to the next day.

“We should’ve killed the girl,” one of her sisters said.

Heather kept her gaze on the mansion. “It’s fine. I wiped her memory of us,” she said in rejection.

“We were to send a message. Killer the wife and the child would have-” the other witch began to insist when she was cut off by Heather hand shooting out and wrapping around her throat.

She was forced to her knee as Heather turned to meet her eye. Heather tightened her grip ever so slightly and the other witch shrank back a few steps. “I said it’s fine,” Heather reiterated in a low whisper. Her voice echoed with power to emphasize her words.

The other witches were frozen in fear as they felt her power seep from her. Her powers of the Spirits was the greatest in their clan. Only falling short of the Matriarch herself.

Her tone left no room for further debate. Least not without serious peril.

“Yes Sister,” the kneeling witch choked out.

Satisfied her point had been made Heather released her. She reigned in her power and her sisters took a breath in relief. Heather offered a hand out to the kneeling witch. She accepted it some hesitation before Heather hoisted her to her feet.

With that she turned and began making way back to their transport to return to the Emperor and give her report.

But she felt as if she would remember the red skinned child for some time to come. She’d probably wonder how she’d come to cope with losing a parent so young.

For a story like hers struck Heather far too close to home.

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