The Scribe's Apprentice

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Dusk had fallen, the sun riding low on the horizon.

In the library of House Losstarot, Loklorien s'Ilancy sat brooding in a darkened corner. She was nestled deep into one of the many large chairs that could be found about the cavernous room.

Teagan, happily coloring and scribbling in a drawing book, sat oblivious at her mother's feet.

Staring ahead, her eye remained unfocused. Even when her daughter tugged at the loose flowing over-skirt that draped over the front of the chair, s'Il was slow to respond. It took three pulls and two calls for the elder Lupine to finally drag herself from her stupor, and when she did, she leaned forward slightly, affording a better view of her daughter's face.

"Yes?"

She stared at the girl's face, a muted expression that held none of the brightness that it once had, and she forced a smile.

In sharp contrast to her mother, Teagan was the very definition of happiness and joy. She beamed with pride, a light in her eyes that s'Il sorely wished for in her own self. But now, looking at the girl, she could only see the trickery wrought upon her by the Sith, Decepis. Dan. One and the same. It was a raw wound that cut her to her core, to look upon her own daughter.

"I drew a picture for Daddy."

The girl lifted her book up to set on s'Il's lap, displaying her most recent piece of art. It was a crayon drawing of s'Il, Tak, and Dan standing together with green scribbles to both sides; no doubt meant to be the overgrown foliage that could be found outside."

"That's very pretty, baby."

"Do you think he'll like it?"

Blinking, s'Il stared a moment longer at the simple drawing. It was such an innocent portrayal. She reached out to brush back bangs from Teagan's eyes.

"Of course he will."

A smile at that. To be so ignorant of what had so recently transpired; to continue going on about life as if there was nothing wrong in the galaxy.

"I hope so." Teagan let out a heavy sigh and eyed her handiwork. "I worked hard on it."

For a few moments s'Il did nothing but stare at the drawing, but it wasn't long before she closed the book and set it on the arm of the chair. Leaning forward a little more, she took her daughter up and into her lap. The girl burrowed into her chest as s'Il encircled her in a somewhat distant embrace.

Yet, despite it all, the elder Lupine rested her cheek atop Teagan's head.

"Dama loves you so very much," she whispered.

"No matter what."

[General Dan]

Dan strode into the room, a sense of self-assuredness about him as he admired the view from a window. Glancing back at his lover and child, he smiled at each.

"So, I take it you escorted Mr. Laprovik back on his way then?"

It was as if the facade had never been lifted, but it had. It came on and off like a glove.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il let out a resigned sigh as Teagan squirmed in her lap, sliding to the ground. Her eye swept up to the Sith, taking in the satisfied glow about him. He'd finally gotten what he wanted.

"I did."

She kept her gaze on him, but found herself unable to return the smile he gave.

"He wished to thank us for our hospitality."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Tak grinned wildly in return to Daddy's smile, and grabbed her book before skipping toward him. Slowing to a stop beside him, she made quick work of opening up her book and presenting it up to him so he could see.

"I drew this for you."

[General Dan]

"You did?"

Dan dropped to his haunches, examining the drawing she'd made. He smiled widely, scooping the little girl in an embrace.

"Well that is wonderful! My little artist! So much talent in this family!"

Over Tak's shoulder, Dan looked at s'Il and smiled yet again.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her first instinct was to simply scowl back, but the Lupine resisted the urge. Instead she allowed a thin-lipped grimace. He was enjoying himself immensely, that much was easy to see.

Presently her pained look changed to a smile as well, as s'Il watched Teagan pull away from Dan. It wouldn't do for their daughter to see displeasure, and the elder Lupine was loathe to show her true feeling to any but the Sith just yet. And even if she tried, it would only be pulled from her with force. It was quickly becoming more than apparent that Dan got what he wanted. Even if he had to wait for years, he was never denied.

Rising then, s'Il stood stiffly for a short time before approaching the two.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

As Dama came close, Tak beamed wide. Daddy looked so happy; they were a family, and they were in a real home together! A sudden thought, and the little Lupine clutched her drawing book close while rushing to where she'd left her crayons.

Gathering them up, she walked as fast as she could for the arching doorway that led out of the library.

"I'm gonna go show Rasmuss now!"

A last smile was given to Dama and Daddy, and then she disappeared through the door.

[General Dan]

Dan watched the girl leave, and turned to s'Il, his eyes yellowing again as the inflection of his voice turned decidedly malevolent.

"I have established communication with the Alliance command network. We're ready to begin turning the tide in our favor. Soon, our enemies on both sides will kneel at our feet."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Moving to stand beside him, s'Il clasped her hands in front of her as she stared out the window before them.

" 'Our enemies'?"

She pursed her lips.

"I have a feeling that they are your enemies, not mine."

A single eyebrow tikked upward as she gave him a sideways look.

"Is this some belated revenge for the freighter that Zem and I found you aboard so long ago?"

[Darth Decepis]

A laugh.

"You think in such small terms. The galaxy will always be your enemy. You must either break it under your domination or it will destroy you. I have spent a great many years preventing such a fate."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

That tugged at her curiosities, and the Lupine turned to partially face him more fully. He'd dropped the charade now that it was just the two of them, and she stared long into those horrid yellow eyes.

"How many years."

[Darth Decepis]

"The dark side of the force empowers those who wield it to unnatural means."

Decepis began his response cryptically.

"Even death itself is an adversary capable of being defeated."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She frowned. Looking at the Sith, she scrutinized his features. And while the lines of age had deepened since the first encounter on Hoth, he looked relatively unchanged. Not unlike herself to a degree.

Very well then. For how long have you bested death."

[Darth Decepis]

Decepis smiled.

"Do you recall your early education in the Academy?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"I recall enough."

This was getting tiresome, and s'Il squared her shoulders back, her stance shifting minutely into one of defiance, and she lifted her chin. Her posture did not last long however, and she turned once more to the window.

"I have a fair enough idea that you've been about for a decent amount of time."

A thought occurred to her then, and she stole another glance at him.

"Are you so old as to have seen this world before my people died... ?"

[Darth Decepis]

"Considerably so."

Again, he faced the window.

"Old enough to see Darth Bane in the flesh."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Ears tikking back, the Lupine let her gaze fall to the floor. For all of his boasting and pride, of knowing the Sith Lords of ages past, of existing during the time of her own extinct race...

"I feel I must applaud your ability to triumph over the natural progression of life," she remarked with a healthy amount of derision.

[Darth Decepis]

"Your feeble defiance against what you covet is unbecoming. You have felt impotent against the ravages of time all of your life."

Decepis glowered at her as he pointed accusingly.

"The last of Lupines, flickering out in the dark like a weak candle without a legacy beyond forlorn books in a corner of the galaxy seen by no one."

He smiled.

"You desire this power as well."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"I have a legacy," she countered doggedly while brushing his hand away.

"Possibly not what you envision such a thing to be, but I am satisfied.

"Only it is a shame that it was you who gave her to me. You don't deserve her."

[Darth Decepis]

"Your legacy is at my side. Only with me will you be powerful enough to keep her truly safe from those who may seek her undoing."

He smiled.

"Even now, you can feel hatred. Good. It will give you power the likes of which you have only imagined using."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"There is hatred, yes."

It was an admission that even still she was ashamed of. What he spoke of was the truth; she felt the darkness tightening its' hold upon her inner being, weaving its' ugly tendrils throughout her.

"But... "

She set her jaw.

"... there is also still love."

[Darth Decepis]

"Without hatred as your weapon, you will find that your enemies will tear apart everything you love."

He reached forward, brushing a hand against her face.

"The fear of loss drives you onward, relentlessly. Do you think that even if the Alliance wins, that the Jedi would ever be comfortable in your presence? They fear who you are, and what you are."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She stared at him. Felt his hand against her cheek. The Lupine did not flinch at his touch however. Was what he spoke of true? Surely not; she would have felt such fear; or had she become so atrophied? She'd been unable to see through the Sith's deceptions for decades... perhaps he was right.

Pulling in a deep breath, s'Il stared at him with a vacant expression.

"But why. Why would they fear?"

[Darth Decepis]

"You are a Lupine who has overcome the aversion to the Force. The potential to spell their undoing is practically palpable. They would rather control you and keep you close than for you to do what you like. They cannot handle the alternative.

They fear you. They fear our daughter."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

At that she gave a light hrumph before turning back to the window.

"It isn't anything that I overcame. The Losstarot have never been chained by the madness. We were made to exist beyond that hindrance. Townsend Loveloxx was a fool who allowed his paranoia to create an imperfect being. Melkhiah Losstarot simply... corrected that mistake."

The mention of their child made her frown in thought.

"Teagan is a halfbreed. She hasn't yet changed, but that time will come at some point. That much I know for certain.

"The same cannot be said about whether she is Force sensitive, however."

[Darth Decepis]

The corners of Decepis's mouth turned upwards.

"I have forseen it. She will indeed become powerful before our eyes."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"And have you forseen what will happen when she discovers the truth?"

The little girl had only just recently admitted to making her father tell her the story of what'd happened to s'Il's eye while the elder Lupine was on Coruscant.

"I don't think that a bantha burger will fix that problem so easily as it had your storytelling."

[Darth Decepis]

"Teagan's innocence must be sacrificed eventually. To become what she must, she will learn to hate both of us. And that hatred will make her powerful."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

The Lupine stiffened at the words he spoke, and her shoulders squared back. A seething sidelong look, and she very nearly bared her teeth at him.

"I will not be hated by my own daughter."

[Darth Decepis]

"It is too late to avoid that."

Decepis returned to the vantage of his window.

"Already it is undone. You have made your decision and she is the manifestation of your weakness borne into fruit."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She was helpless, backed into a corner that she'd unwittingly run in to. She hated herself for falling into such a trap. She hated fate for the hand that it had given her.

"Is it not enough that I am with you now," she hissed angrily.

"I look at her and I see your lies. My failures. But through all of that I still love her, and she is still mine."

[Darth Decepis]

"She is mine!"

Decepis asserted forcefully.

"Or, will you assume the mantle of my desire and become that which you know you can become?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Biting back a retort, s'Il bowed her head.

"You are my everything," she repeated, "... that much I now know to be true. I am with you now, and will be forever. Whatever your desires are I will obey them.

"But I beg you, spare her. Just this once curb your avarice... for our child's sake."

[Darth Decepis]

Decepis smiled.

"Give yourself of faith and deed completely to my command, and she will avoid your fate."

It was an ultimatum, and the only bargain that the Sith would extend to her.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

It was the only way. To save her daughter, her own life was forfeit. A cruel thing, but if she did anything less Teagan would be doomed to a life of hate and fear.

Slowly, her hand moved to the side, and she intertwined her fingers with his own as they stood side by side.

All of the nightmares he had haunted her with rushed back, each one pulsating like beacons, foretelling this day, and she gripped his hand tightly, eyes closed as she let out a defeated whisper.

"Master."

[Darth Decepis]

"Become my apprentice, Loklorien. Fall to your knees and receive your new name."

Within his jacket, Decepis retrieved a familiar serpent-headed weapon.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

There was no hesitation now. The die had been cast, and it had fallen in his favor. All that mattered now was the safety of her daughter, and for that the Lupine would do anything.

She knelt at his feet, emotions numb and pushed beyond a precipice into a bottomless well of nothing.

Rocking back slightly, s'Il stared up at the Sith. Her eyes were dry; there were no more tears.

[Darth Decepis]

SNAP-HISS!

The crimson-colored blade thrummed in the air as it was guided deftly over each of s'Ilancy's shoulders.

"Rise, Darth Acera."

[Darth Acera]

Obeying wordlessly, she slowly rose to her feet. The Lupine felt no different than she had moments before, but in her heart she knew that what had just happened only strengthened her connection to the Sith Lord. He knew her fears and desires, had shared her bed, and now he held dominion over not only herself but what she held most dear to her.

Her eye tracked to the serpent hilt of his sabre. The very same that had taken her right eye and left her with a reminding scar of what the future would hold. That much she now recognized.

Darth Acera. Her name. And in that moment she asked the one question that had burned within her since first realizing that it was her, and not Zem, that was so desired.

"Why me... ?"

[Darth Decepis]

"You were the only choice. Boundless energy, but yet a restlessness that was difficult for the Jedi to deal with. Why do you think they gave you to Master Windu?"

Decepis smiled at that.

"It was only a matter of time. And now, you can realize your full potential, unencumbered by men of small vision."

[Darth Acera]

A simple nod. But his words drew her back to her years at the academy, her time with Master Windu. Perhaps he was right? But none of that mattered now; she was at his side. His patience and cunning had brought her to where she was now, and it was out of love and devotion to Teagan that she made her decision.

Teagan.

"What will you do with my daughter?"

[Darth Decepis]

"Take her to a surrogate and have her wait for us."

Yellow eyes taking a faraway look, he continued.

"In time, when our tasks are under way, we will return to her."

[Darth Acera]

The Lupine considered that, and turning to once more stand by his side, she gave a blank stare to the darkened landscape beyond the window. The sun had fully set, and night was upon them.

But who? Who could she possibly send the girl to?

Lips parting then, s'Il - Acera - remembered Zem's intentions to visit. She would send Teagan with the old Jedi.

[Darth Decepis]

"I have already instructed the commander of the Dauntless to move to our coordinates. Arrangements are already in place for us to directly control the battle group."

Withered hand tightening on the deactivated saber, Decepis moved toward a small holoprojector and pulled up some schematics.

"We can strike quickly into two star systems for decisive Alliance victories, cementing loyalty to us. You, in the meantime, will sow the seeds for the destruction of our dissent within the Alliance. We must have no fifth column to oppose us."

[Darth Acera]

Her gaze hardened; not out of disgust, but more a sense of growing disbelief.

"Do you mean to begin another Purge then?"

[Darth Decepis]

A look of bemusement took over Decepis.

"What shall we do with those who oppose us, other than to destroy them? They lack the vision and the dedication to task to ever allow for our final victory. If they don't submit, they are useless to us."

[Darth Acera]

"The Jedi that I have met... they fight with the Alliance to overcome the Empire. Is that not what you wish for? To have the Alliance topple what the Emperor built, and then fill that void?"

She stared at him, doing her best to decipher those yellow eyes.

"But if it is control you want, why did you not simply step in after Vader killed Palpatine?"

[Darth Decepis]

Decepis dismissed the notion.

"Palpatine's sycophants were too well entrenched. I would be discovered if I made a premature move."

He smiled.

"By that time, it was too late for the Empire. Whatever good will had been gained was long squandered. The ashes of Palpatine's reign will suffer insurrection forever. To crush it, you must come from outside."

[Darth Acera]

Digesting his words, Acera looked to the side. She considered all that he'd said, approaching the problem from the vantage that he had, and inwardly agreed that yes, he had been correct to cast his lot in with the Rebels. While in such formative and young years, the Sith would be able to shape it however he saw fit.

"Such forward thinking."

Moving to stand beside him, the Lupine reached up to lightly rub at her forehead, along the upper edge of her scar.

"The freighter that we found you on; was that a part of your plan as well?"

[Darth Decepis]

"Every aspect of our encounter was deliberate and premeditated."

The Sith seemed to savor the revelation being at last put into the open.

"Destiny is one part ethereal and one part the slave of ambition."

[Darth Acera]

Falling silent, she let her memories take her back to those first few weeks at House Richter with the refugees. At the time she had not paid Dan much mind, except for when he'd made his decleration to oppose the Empire.

Those seemingly insignificant times when he'd found ways to spend his time with her alone and without Zem around. His approach had been so subtle; so unassuming. So innocent.

She remembered the way he'd acted when talking of Nena. Yes, she remembered the name; remembered everything.

"You are a convincing widower."

[Darth Decepis]

"Deception is a central art of the dark side. An art that you will learn, in time."

Deactivating the holomap, Decepis looked skyward.

"The Dauntless will be arriving shortly."

[Darth Acera]

At that, Acera followed his gaze.

"Zem will be aboard, you know. He'll want to see us... and Teagan."

Perhaps it was satisfying in a way, to know that their daughter was so fond of the old Jedi. It would make her task that much easier when the time came.

"Your little girl will be excited to see him. She's almost inseperable from him when he's about."

Words spoken to provoke, she smiled to herself.

[General Dan]

Turning away for a moment, the Sith faced s'Ilancy again with a different face.

"Then we should do our best to make it a cordial greeting."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Frowning ever so slightly, she looked upon Decepis... Dan. To see the face that she had for so long trusted and loved as nothing more than a mask was disconcerting, but she nevertheless bowed her head in the first growing stages of respect to her new master. This was what the Force had willed for her; this life was what she was meant to have.

Without thinking, the Lupine reached a hand out to his face, and her fingers traveled over the now softened lines. She felt familiar contours, familiar features. As if the man she thought she had known for so long had never changed.

"Out of all the faces that you have come to me with, this one hurts the most."

She turned away from him, her eye sweeping to the doorway that led from the library. She would need to find Teagan.

"It is also the one that I still love."

[General Dan]

"Let your love turn into avarice. Envy that which you can never have."

Dan's eyes yellowed for but a moment.

"My young Apprentice."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

The rebuke was enough to give her pause, but only for a moment as she started for the arching doorway. Stopping with her hand on the gilded handle, she glared over her shoulder at him.

She felt scorned; turned away.

"If that is so, then I can only imagine the envy you have for the heirs that you will not have."

[General Dan]

Dan smiled.

"In time, you'll understand perfectly. Coveting is the pursuit which makes you strong."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

The Lupine pulled in a breath, long and ponderous. It seemed that the Sith had taken into account everything; every action that was to be made. Her resistance had been a mere waiting game for him, and she recognized the futility of her past refusals. But she still had to wonder whether or not he had planned on siring a child in all of this.

"And what is it you covet... ?"

[General Dan]

Knowingly, Dan nodded.

"The question is, what don't I covet? To desire is to feel alive."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A hrumph, and s'Il left him alone in the library. Let him plot and scheme against the galaxy for now; she would return to him soon enough.

Finding Teagan had been an easy enough task. The girl had gone off to her own room after presumably showing her artwork to the Colonel.

Catching sight of her mother standing in the doorway, Tak grinned widely as she scrambled to her feet. Smiling at her daughter, the Lupine swept her up.

"Zem will be here soon, you know."

"Really?!"

Such excitement. Such innocence. In some ways Decepis was right; their daughter would lose both parents in a short time. She would be left alone. But, at least she would be safe. She would be with the man that should've been her father. s'Il held tightly to her daughter, knowing that their time together was so shortlived.

"Yes."



* * *


As she strode into the library once more, s'Il released Teagan's hand, allowing the little Lupine to rush towards her father in overjoyed excitement.

"Zem is coming!"

[General Dan]

"Is he now?"

Dan lit up at the sight of Teagan bounding to him, and knelt down to catch her.

"That's a wonderful surprise, isn't it?"

He squeezed her close as a sight caught his attention from outside. It was the familiar shape of a Verpine shuttlecraft, no doubt dispatched from the Dauntless to meet them.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il too had seen the shuttle, but remained quiet. A ghostly smile pulled at the corners of her mouth as she watched the Sith interact with his daughter. Far from the terribly malevolent individual he truly was, she couldn't help but begin to admire the charade he played so convincingly.

Idly she wondered - albeit briefly - whether he felt anything for the girl he'd fathered. Perhaps she would ask him at some point in the future, but now was not the time for that.

s'Il ambled closer to the two, and as Teagan looked up at her, she gestured to the window. The shuttle's lights could be seen coming closer.

"There's his shuttle there, coming in."

Suddenly snapping her head toward the window, the little Lupine gave an overjoyed yelp before disengaging from Dan, and standing to watch for only a moment, she bolted for the door.

"I'm gonna go meet him!"

s'Il let her go. It hadn't taken the girl long to become familiar with the layout of the more habitable portions of the manor. Watching as Teagan ran from the library, the Lupine smiled in spite of her new lot in life. She took Dan's hand in her own as the two began their own slower pace from the library out to the landing pad.

"Let us begin this, then."

[General Dan]

"Remember that Zem Vymes will stop at nothing to destroy our family if he discovers our true nature."

Dan looked at s'Il, knowing that this truism among many lies she would understand.

"He must not be trusted."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She nodded.

"I understand."

And indeed she did. Though he had spent so long isolating himself from the Force, s'Il knew that Zem was a Jedi at his core.

A face, from deep in her memory, sprang to life then. A face wreathed in smiles, yet at the very end had become torn and sorrowful. Tam Jeneel. She'd not thought of the dead Jedi in so long. She understood now the inner turmoil and pain that had afflicted him before he'd taken his own life. It made her shame the choice she'd made, but in the end her sacrifice would ensure the safety of Teagan. That much she could only hope for.

She felt a pang of regret then, quelling the thought rapidly.

[Zem Vymes]

Zem stepped out onto the grass of a world he'd once visited long ago. He inhaled the clean air, and closed his eyes.

"Nothing's changed."

Yet, he could feel something intangibly different. Something beyond his reach. Little Teagan came bounding up, and Zem caught her mid stride.

"Hey you."

He mussed her as he greeted her, not sure what to make of his errand call. Last he'd known, s'Il and Dan were moving to Schwartzweld on what was more or less a permanent basis. Now? It seemed like plans had changed.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Taken up into his arms, Tak giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck in an enthusiastic hug.

"Hey!"

Leaning back, she stared wide eyed and giddy, then reached her hands up to run little fingers through his hair.

"You brushed your hair," she grinned.

[Zem Vymes]

"Did I?"

A hand reached up to his head and felt about. It was relatively neat.

"Huh. Must've just fell that way I guess."

He gave her an easy smile, cracked against the age lines on his face as he eased her down, reaching to hold her hand.

"How's your folks?"

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

"They're great. They talk lots, and I've been spending time with Rasmuss. He's kinda weird, but I don't mind anymore."

She gripped his hand tightly as they walked.

"I wish you woulda come with us when we first got here, but I guess that's ok. You're here now, and I know Dama and Daddy will be happy to see you.

"How long are you gonna stay?"

[Zem Vymes]

So she didn't know. Zem thought about that question.

"Well, that depends on your dama and your daddy, so we'll ask them about that, whaddya say?"

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

"Yeah!"

Catching sight of both mother and father, Teagan let go of Zem's hand. Skipping along, she was easily swept up by Dama, who was also smiling.

Almost out of breath, she twisted in Dama's arms so that she could watch Zem catch up.

"How long can Zem stay? Can he stay for a whole week??"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A smile at her daughter's enthusiasm, and s'Il held her closely, delivering a kiss to the girl's forehead before turning her eye to Zem. Behind the mask of welcoming she put forth, a simmering, slow burning agony had begun. So this would be it.

"We'll see. That's up to your Daddy though."

[Zem Vymes]

"I gotta say, I was surprised to hear from you guys so soon after you arrived."

Zem walked with all three back to the manor.

"Was there a change of plans?"

[General Dan]

"Well, s'Il and I have been talking."

Dan broke the news in an easy fashion.

"We just can't in good conscience abandon the cause, even as much as we want to have time to ourselves."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A nod in agreement, the Lupine shifted Teagan to her other hip as they continued on. To her however, Dan's words seemed to only ring true for him. She, on the other hand, had no qualms about abandoning the rebels so that she could live alone. That she had done it before - on Cathar - was testament enough to that fact. She was more concerned with simply being left alone; Zem knew that all too well.

It made her worry for her master's plan.

[Zem Vymes]

Zem looked quizzically at Dan, and then on s'Il.

"Well, that's a hell of a change in a few days. "

It was bittersweet. Zem wanted s'Il near him and was intent on protecting her, but he also wanted her to be happy. He wondered exactly how she felt on the issue.

"Not saying that we won't take you back in a second, I just want to be sure this is what you want."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

What you want.

A gentle smile was given to Zem, and the Lupine slowly set Teagan to the ground as they passed through an arched doorway that would lead deeper into the manor. The little girl was quick to move over beside the old Jedi, and she reached up to happily take his hand in hers as they kept on.

"It is."

Such a blatant lie. It hurt to hear those words leave her mouth.

[Zem Vymes]

Zem studied her face, but aside from a brief moment to think, she seemed sincere. He was already sure this was Dan's idea, however.

"Well, I've got some boys with strong backs on the shuttle who can lend a hand with carrying whatever you need. We still kept the light on for you. Same quarters and everything."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Taken by surprise, the little Lupine stopped up short. They were gonna be leaving??

"But we just got here!"

She looked up at each face, disappointed. They were supposed to stay here, on Schwartzweld!

"I wanna stay here, not go away and leave."

[General Dan]

Dan picked Tak up and held her close.

"I understand sweety. I want that too. We've got just a few more bad people to take care of, and then we'll do exactly that."

He could tell she was disappointed, and he placed a hand to her cheek.

"I'll make it all up to you in ways you can't imagine. I promise."

Dan gave a reassuring smile to his daughter.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Moving a little closer to Dan and Teagan, s'Il placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You'll get to see Zem more often, and I bet Sanis and Cirr, too."

The little girl seemed to think about that, and eventually nodded. It was easy to see that she was still a small bit upset at the thought of leaving.

[Zem Vymes]

Teagan's reaction was all that Zem needed to know on how sudden this was. They hadn't even told her. He hated to see her so visibly disappointed.

"Well at least I'll have somebody to keep me company."

He reassured the girl and looked at s'Il to see if she needed anything.

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

It wasn't much, but Dama was right - she'd get to see Zem and Sanis and Cirr. Still though, she couldn't help but sulk. Propped up in Daddy's arms, Tak grumpily leaned forward to rest her head against his shoulder, eyes on Zem as they walked through the manor.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

It was brief; a split second of sadness as s'Il looked away from Teagan to the direction they were going. Blinking away the sight of her daughter still very much upset, the Lupine let her hand fall from Dan's shoulder.

She could sense Zem's eyes on her, and the muscles of her jaw clenched momentarily.

[Zem Vymes]

"Well, lemme get started with some of the study books. Mind helpin' me out s'Il?"

He wanted to get a moment to her alone to sort out some of this. Dan understood his move for some privacy and continued on with Tak, continuing to soothe her. When they were gone, Zem looked at s'Il, not sure exactly where to begin.

"How'd this come up?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

How could she even begin to start? For a few short seconds she watched Dan continue making his way down the hallway, Teagan still in his arms and staring back over his shoulder. With a sharp intake of breath, s'Il finally turned to Zem. There was no way for her to know whether or not they were truly alone. And Dan keeping their daughter while she and Zem spoke did not sit well with her.

Finally, she blinked, and her eye went up to the older Jedi's face. A shrug.

"He's been with the Alliance for so long now. I don't think he completely realized what it would be like to step away from everything."

[Zem Vymes]

"What do you feel about this? Really?"

Zem had Dan pegged as a lifer, and that was his thing. He knew s'Il better than that.

"I can't guarantee that victory is around the corner or even down the road. This is still a long haul, Lok. You know that."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"I know."

Her voice was only slightly exasperated, and she let her gaze drop to the ground.

"It's just, it's not so simple anymore."

Still staring downward, she lowered her voice to a whisper.

"If I asked you to leave; to go to Cloud City and take Teagan with you, would you?"

[Zem Vymes]

"To Cloud City?"

Zem seem perplexed.

"To the Jedi? Why?"

The Jedi had no idea exactly what was going on, other than to be sure that there was more to this than he knew.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"Because... "

She couldn't bring herself to speak of the Sith; not just yet. But, the Lupine stepped forward then, and her hands felt along the front neckline of his tunic until they'd traveled upward to his face. With her fingertips gently traversing his aged features, she angled her head upward and met her lips with his in a short kiss.

"... because she should've been yours; not his. He cheated you from what rightfully belonged to you.""

[Zem Vymes]

Zem felt alarm bells of conflict coming from her. His hand curled around hers and squeezed.

"We've known each other a long time, you and I. There's nothing we can't tell each other. I don't know what keeps you coming up short. I won't push the matter."

He nodded his head reluctantly.

"I'll do as you ask. I just ask that sooner rather than later, you can be honest with me. Honest with yourself."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her resolve crumbled then, and the Lupine leaned into him, burying her face in his chest.

"I'm doing this so that she'll be safe. So that the both of you will be safe."

Raw emotion showed out from behind the mask that she had previously worn, and she finally pushed herself away, standing up straighter. Something else was showing through however. Something that existed in tandem with her over-taxed psyche.

Something dark, and very familiar.

[Zem Vymes]

"Keep us safe?"

Zem's brow furrowed.

"Safe from whom?"

His eyes tracked outside. What did she mean?

"From Dan?"

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Bounding up behind Dama, Tak let out a long sigh as she moved to stand next to her mother.

"Daddy said to come help you since he didn't need any help packing."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Now was her chance; if she didn't take it now, the Lupine would never be given another.

Without a second thought she scooped her daughter up, and grabbing Zem by the arm, she pulled them back in the direction of the shuttle he'd brought down from the Dauntless.

Teagan, not expecting the sudden action, squeaked a little as her Dama plucked her up without any trouble.

She had to get them to the shuttle before Dan could stop her.

[Zem Vymes]

She wasn't going to say a word, but the urgency of the issue spurred Zem into action, and he hustled along toward the shuttle. Dan was nowhere to be seen.

He paused. Turned, and looked back.

"Come with us!"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Pushing Teagan into his arms, s'Il shook her head adamantly. If she did that, the Sith would only resume his pursuit, and she suspected that he would not stop until she was dead. And if she died, then her daughter would be forfeit. No. She had to stay. It was too late for her anyhow; she'd already pledged herself to Decepis.

"If I stay with him she will be safe, and he won't do anything to her."

Teagan, taken by surprise, suddenly clutched at her mother. Her eyes were wide as it began to dawn on her that Dama was making Zem take her away. She cried out, and s'Il quickly stifled the girl's cry with a hand over her mouth.

Moving in close, she rested her head against Teagan's.

"Go with Zem; he'll keep you safe."

[Teagan s'Ilancy]

Tak breathed in and out quickly, confused. Why was Dama giving her to Zem? Panic gripped her at the thought of being taken away from Dama and Daddy, and she gripped Dama tightly.

"I want Daddy... "

[Zem Vymes]

Zem squeezed the girl and held her close.

"Shhh, lets do what your Dama says alright? Come with me."

He looked to s'Il, his eyes reflecting the sadness of understanding. At last, he understood exactly what had transpired. He too had seen those sad eyes before in Tam Jeneel.

"I'll return for you. Eventually."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"It's too late for that," she whispered.

A last, sorrowful kiss to Zem's cheek, and s'Il swept a hand over her daughter's face.

"Dama loves you so very much."

The girl gave a cry, reaching out to s'Il as the elder Lupine backed away. It was heart-wrenching, and she openly wept at the sight of her daughter in Zem's arms, reaching for her; begging her not to leave.

[Zem Vymes]

Steeling his resolve, Zem turned his back on s'Il, and headed back to the shuttlecraft. The rebel pilot greeted him with a nod.

"Headed back to the Dauntless, sir?"

Zem secured Tak's seat, then his own.

"Negative. New course. Take us to Bespin."

The pilot nodded, and slowly, the shuttle began to lift off.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She watched as the shuttle lifted up from the ground. Her eye clouded with a mix of emotions that played openly across her features. Now it was just herself and Dan; he'd not be able to go back on his word with their daughter spirited away; given to Zem.

The Lupine turned slowly, unable to watch the shuttle as it ascended higher.

[Darth Decepis]

In the study, yellow eyes watched the departing shuttle. A poisoned scowl set upon Darth Decepis's visage. His apprentice had barely been named and she had already met him with treachery.

She would be taught a bitter lesson for this.

[Darth Acera]

Gone now were the lies, the falsehoods. There was guilt, but with the departure of both Zem and Teagan, she felt more at ease with herself.

Acera retreated back into the manor. She knew that what she'd done would bring down a terrible punishment upon her head, and making her way to the study, the Lupine stopped in the open doorway. Her master's back was to her, and she folded her hands in front of her. There was no doubt in her mind that he'd watched the shuttle leave with his daughter.

With head held high, she spoke with a firm voice.

"She is with a surrogate, as you wished."

[Darth Decepis]

"As I wish..."

Yellow eyes turned to glare upon Acera.

"...you have immediately defied my will!"

With a snarl, hands contorted and lashed a scathing burst of lightning, throwing the Master's Apprentice against the wall.

"Zem Vymes now knows you are in duress. Your weakness has made a fool of you!"

[Darth Acera]

She hit the wall, a painful yelp escaping her lips as tendrils of lightning scored across her body. She would take his punishment without making any excuse for herself.

Acera cried out once more as she hit the ground, and she curled into herself. It was the price she would pay.

The attack stopped, and she lay unmoving, her breathing rapid and the acrid smell of ozone filling her sensitive nostrils.

[Darth Decepis]

"We will have to right this problem immediately."

Decepis watched Acera slowly recover from his punishment.

"I will inform the Alliance command to arrest Vymes, as an Imperial collaborator."

[Darth Acera]

She stirred at that, staggering up to her feet as she rocked forward in his direction. Her voice, cracked and strained, held a tone of pleading.

"You can't do that!"

She stumbled, still feeling the aftereffects of his barrage. Gritting her teeth, Acera pressed on.

[Darth Decepis]

Another wave of lightning cascaded over her and threw her back.

"I can and will! This is due to your incompetence! Blame nobody but yourself!"

He pondered the next hypothetical.

"Teagan can be left to another surrogate. Perhaps Eluna Thals."

[Darth Acera]

She hit the ground on her back, writhing as agonizing pain fired through her body.

The lightning ceased once more, and she sucked in deep lungfuls of air. What more could she do but pray? She blindly reached out through the Force, thoughts seeking the old Jedi.

Flee...

Her eye was on her master however.

"I will do anything for my child to keep her safe," she growled, "... even if that means keeping her own father away."

[Darth Decepis]

"Obey my commands."

The Sith Master stood above her.

"If you disobey me again, I will find another who will obey."

The other was unsaid, but obvious.

"Give yourself to me completely, and I will show you true power."

[Darth Acera]

His threat was enough to stop her short, and Acera was still for a short moment, her eye locked on his own horrid yellow gaze. He would do as he said he would; that much she knew to be true.

Getting to her knees, she once more rose to her feet before Decepis.

Acera bowed her head.

"Yes, Master."

[Darth Decepis]

"Good."

Eyes lingering on Acera, Decepis punched a nearby comm. His voice changed to a familiar tone.

"This is Dan, bring down the second shuttle. We're ready to depart."

"Yes sir. At once."

"Has Vymes returned to the ship?"

"Negative sir. He has directed the shuttle to other coordinates."

Decepis glared at Acera.

[Darth Acera]

A cautionary step back, but otherwise she remained steadfast.

Her voice was low.

"He goes to Cloud City at my request."

[Darth Decepis]

It was a bold move. The sanctuary world of the Jedi was one place where the Alliance could not completely assert themselves. The war movement needed the Jedi, for now.

"It seems that your cunning has bought Zem Vymes some time. Know that is all it has bought him."

He watched as a second shuttle landed.

"I will be watching Vymes. If he leaves Cloud City, he will be dealt with."

Shooting back a glance at Acera, he continued.

"You should kill him."

[Darth Acera]

Only a nod was given to him as she stood quietly, then a defeated voice.

"As you command."

So they were to go back to the Dauntless. She remembered Karrnage; the Imperial had kept mostly to himself, perfectly content to hole himself away in some nook with more books than he could possibly read in a lifetime.

"The Imperial... Karrnage... "

The reason she'd brought him with her - to discover why she'd been able to have a child - repulsed her now. She wanted no more now that her fate had been so brutally decided.

[Darth Decepis]

"He is of no use to us. Kill him."

Decepis dispensed Karrnage's fate flippantly as he prepared to present himself for the Rebel shuttle.

[Darth Acera]

"I would ask to be allowed a curiosity," she blurted out suddenly.

Watching her master from over the top of her eye, the Lupine went on.

"I wish to change him."

[General Dan]

Dan waved her off.

"Whatever you want. It doesn't matter. Just get rid of him."

Karrnage was never more than an idle curiosity anyway.

[Darth Acera]

She needed nothing further from him, and turned to leave the study. Her stride was purposeful as she made her way through the hallways and corridors of the manor. As she walked, the Lupine began to peel off the layers of clothing she wore, dropping them in her wake.

The normal blue of her eye slowly began to change, and it wasn't long before she allowed the full change to take her over. It was a smooth transition, muscles and tendons reshaping of a changing skeleton. Her face narrowed, teeth growing to vicious points, and as she let herself fall forward, massive paws stopped her descent. A whiplike tail grew long, its' poisoned barb at the end moving to and fro.

The great white vornskr stood tall, trotting down the rest of the way to where the Colonel had chosen to make his room.

The door was open, and slowing, the beast eased herself to a stop in the doorway. Karrnage was facing away from her, unaware of her silent appearance, and as she lowered herself to her haunches, Acera watched him as he read through what seemed like four books at once. He was utterly engrossed in his studies.

The vornskr let out a hurrrf then, and wrapped her tail around the front of her paws.

[Colonel Karrnage]

"Yes?"

Karrnage spoke to the sound of weight on wooden floorboards, but the sound that came back was not from humanoid lips. Carefully, he closed his nearest book and set it aside, turning to look at the beast in front of him.

"An unexpected change of attire, madam."

Karrnage gulped, not sure of the nature of the visit suddenly.

[Darth Acera]

Another whurffle, and the vornskr blinked; a slow action. Her one tawny eye remained fixated on Karrnage as she wondered where best to penetrate his skin. She'd never done such a thing before; never been given such an honor. To change another had been seen as the act of bestowing the ultimate gift, and was something revered by both parties involved.

She moved then, rising to all four paws and coming the rest of the way into his room. It was spacious, and allowed him whatever he needed.

Using the Force, the Lupine closed the door behind her, and it shut with a sense of finality.

A split second later, Acera moved. Like a snake uncoiling upon its' prey, the beast leapt at Karrnage, barreling into him and sending both to the ground. A sudden pain, like he'd been stung, flared up in his side as they fell. The vornskr stood over him, her paws on either side of his head and her muzzle inches from his face.

[Colonel Karrnage]

"Aaaaagh!"

The sudden movement had surprised Karrnage, but even if it didn't, he would have been defenseless. The introduction of the barbed tail brought a sharp string of ragged breaths as the Imperial's eyes dialated. Perspiring, he watched the beast stand above him as he slowly began to succumb to the effects of the Lupine's sting.

Eyes rolling into his head, he passed out.

[Darth Acera]

She watched him pass away into unconsciousness, and slowly, the Lupine stepped away to his side. She regretted having to leave him; it would've been such a wonderful thing to see how he took to the transformation. But, that was not to be. She had to stay with Decepis.

Her reversion back into human form was smooth and easy, and Acera crouched down beside Karrnage. She felt his brow; warming steadily. So fascinating... she watched him closely with intent written on her features, but her time was quickly running out.

Rising, the Lupine carefully pulled at Karrnage, partially lifting him up so that she could place him on his bed. It was the least she could do. She would be back, that much she knew. And if he survived, he would be waiting for her. He would be hers.

As quietly as she'd come in, Acera left without a sound.

She stopped only briefly to clothe herself once more, and the twin sabre gauntlet that she had not worn in so long once again found its' way onto her arm. There was nothing else that needed to be gathered; if they were to return back to Dan's quarters aboard the Dauntless, then there was simply no need.

Her master would provide for her. She only need obey him. And obey she would.