Chapter 15: Vulnerability

The first thing Kal noticed was the blinding white light. He looked around and realized he wasn't in the medical bay anymore. He was standing in a room onboard a space station looking out through the magnetic shield at a planet he could never forget. Ziost.

He looked behind him and recognized all the facets of the room he was standing in. He watched as the lights flickered, until they shut off completely and everything went black. When the lights turned on, he was stood right back where he was. Looking back through the magnetic shield, except Kira, Lana, and Theron were with him.

"Well Lana, as much as I love our little excursions, we really need to stop meeting like this," Theron said shaking Lana's hand.

"While I wish it was under better circumstances, it was good to see you again. Be well, Theron Shan."

He gave her a two-finger salute. "You too." Turning towards Kal he said, "Well I'll let you three have a moment. When you get back to Carrick-"

He stopped as an alarm started blaring throughout the station and the lights began to flicker. Theron ran to a console, with Lana right behind him.

"I thought we stopped him!" Theron said loudly as he was looking at a report of the energy readings the planet was giving off.

"Well, we were obviously wrong," responded Lana furiously typing away at a datapad.

Kal tried to open his mouth to speak but found that he couldn't. He couldn't even move his body anymore. He was forced to stand there and watch what he knew was coming. He could see the tip of the wave start on the north side of the planet and start moving south.

"Then we need to figure something else out to stop him," said Theron.

"There is nothing-"

Kira cut Lana off. "Guys… look," she said pointing to Ziost.

They all grew silent as they watched the wave cover the planet. Exterminating everything as it went. The groups eyes widened in surprise. There was a clanging noise as a datapad hit the floor, but no one diverted their attention to the noise.

"That's impossible," muttered Lana to herself.

No one else said anything. They silently stood there watching as the planet was consumed. After the wave had ceased Lana was the first to speak.

"Theron," she said so gently, that it came across as barely more than a whisper. "Check the planet for life signs."

There was the slight sound of the clattering of keys. "There are none," he answered.

"Again... check again…"

"There is none."

"Check again!" she responded angrily.

"I'm telling you there is none!" Theron fired back with just as much anger.

Lana didn't ask him to check again. She stumbled backwards until her legs hit a chair and she fell backwards into it.

"He really did it," she whispered, her eyes never leaving the planet.

The next thing Kal knew the lights went off again and he was in the dark. Suddenly, he realized he could see in this black void. He saw Kira standing there looking distraught. He tried to speak and found that his mouth opened this time, but the words and voice that came out of it were not his.

"Mwahaha. This is just too perfect. Everyone who loved you has left you. And what are you left with now? Nothing."

Kal tried to stop the harsh words coming out of his mouth but found he was unable to. He watched as Kira morphed from a fit of despair to one of rage.

"Ahh I'm sick of you!" she screamed. Kal watched as Kira grabbed her lightsaber and tried to impale him but right before the lightsaber made contact, he realized he was standing behind her.

He saw that she had indeed stabbed something and when he looked, he was surprised to see his face on the other end of her blade.

"Kira… why?" the other him said before collapsing.

He watched Kira hold him closely until his body disappeared from her arms. His mouth opened once again, despite his protests.

"Yet again your temper gets the best of you."

Kira was on her knees openly weeping.

"Please…. make it stop…" she said.

Kal saw a flash of a bright white light headed his way. He felt his mouth open once more but the voice that came out this time was one, he was unfortunately all too familiar with.

"We aren't finished here. I'll be seeing you again."

Kal only had one thought before the light overtook him.

'Valkorion!'


This time, when the bright light receded after opening his eyes, he was in a familiar medical bay. Turning his head to the left he saw the doctor standing there looking over his vitals. Hearing movement the doctor turned towards Kal and gave him an easy smile.

"Welcome back, Commander."

"Thanks." Kal sat up and looked around the room and saw that only the two of them were there. "What time is it? And where's Lana and Kira?"

"Don't worry, you haven't missed the party. You've only been out a few hours." The doctor pulled out some images of Kal's back. Everything looked fine to Kal at least.

"The surgery was a success. You're back to how it was before. Like it never even happened. As for Mistress Beniko and Carsen they just went out for a walk together. They should return soon."

As soon as the doctor said that the medbay door slid open.

"Speak of the devil, Commander." The doctor turned back to looking at their charts.

"I can certainly do that."

"Thanks. It was just, on that star fortress-" Kira stopped when she saw Kal was awake and looking at them.

Kira smiled at him. "Well, hello sleeping beauty," she said as she walked over. Lana went over to the doctor and was going over his case with them.

"Hello yourself beautiful." Kira sat down on his right side of the bed. Grabbing his right hand with her left she intertwined their fingers.

"You know you've been asleep for another five years, right?" Her lips curled in the way they always did whenever she teased him.

Kal rolled his eyes at her. "Not funny."

She gave a light giggle at that. "Not even a little? So, you feeling alright?"

"Feeling better than ever." He lifted his arms and flexed them jokingly.

She grabbed his hand and pulled it back down to her. "Alright alright. No one likes a showoff, tough guy." Saying that though, her words held no venom.

"How are you doing? Everything alright?" he asked her thinking of what he saw while he was unconscious.

"Oh, is this about what Lana and I were talking about as we walked in? It's not a big deal. I just felt like I was weaker than normal on that star fortress. Lana and I are going to spar another day and see if she can give me some pointers."

"Is that all? Nothing else?"

Kira gave him a strange look. "Yeah, that's it. Why?"

Before he could answer he heard Lana speak up. "Thank you doctor. You can have the rest of the night off to enjoy the party."

"Thank you, but I should be here just in case."

"Doctor we have plenty of medical droids who can take care of it should a situation arise. Go have some fun. That's an order."

"Very well." The doctor turned towards Kal. "Commander I present you with a clean bill of health. You're free to go whenever. I'll see you all at the party." The doctor took their leave, leaving the three of them alone.

Kal stood up for the first time, walked over to Lana, and, raising one eyebrow, gave her a look.

"Hello my love. Apologies but I'm not sorry about what I did. You're too stubborn. It would have taken too long to wear you down."

Kal heard Kira chuckling about the stubborn comment. "Pot calling the kettle black don't you think," he said turning to Kira.

"Hey! I am not stubborn." Kal and Lana both gave her a dumbfounded look. "What? Fine… I may be stubborn… but just a little."

Kal turned back to Lana. "I think that's the best we're probably going to get out of her."

"I would agree."

"Hey!" Kira said again but was ignored this time.

"And as for you," he stopped and quickly flicked Lana in her forehead. "There, we're even."

Lana stood there flabbergasted. Kira laughed at her expression.

"Oh, I so wish I had a camera," she said raising her fingers into a mock picture frame. "I need that framed on a wall somewhere."

"Alright I hear we have a party to throw, so we should get started on that don't you think?"

Turning around he and Kira began walking for the exit. Once they were almost there Lana regained her bearings.

"You did not just do that to a Lord of the Sith!" she said coming out of her stupor.

Kal turned around and opened his arms wide but kept walking backwards. "Come on miss Sith Lord," he said teasingly. "There's celebrating to be done." Turning back around the two walked out the door.

"Get back here! We are not done talking about this!" She stomped off after the two of them, all the while muttering "Sith Lord" under her breath.


An hour later the party was in full swing. The music was blasting, the drinks were flowing, and it had been long enough that people had started to climb on top of the tables and begin dancing. Kal, Lana, Theron, and Kira were sitting at the bar. It reminded Kal of the last party they through, except Kira had replaced Koth, at least as far as the seating position was concerned.

The four of them were sipping on their drinks, not intending to go as hard as they did last time. They were reminiscing about old times, regaling each other with tales, some which they had heard before and others which were completely new.

A chant of "Vette! Vette! Vette!" broke out across the bar. Kal turned around in his stool to see what was happening and saw Vette being carried across the top of a crowd of party goers. The sight brought a smile to his face. Vette hadn't told him much but what she did say was enough to discern how terrible of a life she had had up to this point.

Looking around he saw Rusk and Jorgan sitting off in separate corners, nursing a drink, but otherwise not joining in the festivities.

He turned back to the others. "I'll be back in a bit. Don't have too much fun without me." He stood up without waiting for a response and walked over to Rusk.

"You know Rusk, I have to say that if this is your idea of a celebration it's kind of sad."

"Sir," Rusk said rushing to stand but Kal motioned him to stay.

"You don't need to salute me every time we talk Rusk."

"It would be improper of me not to show you the respect you deserve as the Commander of the Alliance."

"Well, I know the Commander, and he would say that it's not a big deal. Not something you need to worry about."

"Very well Sir. I'll try."

"Good. So, party not to your liking?"

"This party leaves us too vulnerable to attack. Those not on duty should be brushing up on their combat techniques, not dancing away."

"Hmm," Kal responded while he looked around the room thinking. "Come with me."

Rusk obeyed without hesitation and followed Kal. He led them over to Major Jorgan.

"Commander," Jorgan said as they approached. He made no motion to stand. He just sat there.

"Jorgan."

The two of them hadn't spoken since the incident in the hangar bay involving Kaliyo.

"Major Jorgan may I present to you Provost Marshall Rusk. Rusk, Major Jorgan," he said motioning between the two of them.

"Pleasure to meet you soldier," said Jorgan.

"Likewise."

"Rusk here served with me for a while back when I worked for the Republic. He's an excellent soldier. After what happened with Havoc…" Kal trailed off. After a few seconds he cleared his throat. "Anyways I was thinking he'd be a perfect recruit for Havoc."

"Sir it would be an honor to join Havoc Squad but what about my Legion?"

"Nothing would change with that. I figure Major Jorgan could drag you along for any missions that Havoc runs but otherwise you're still in full control of the Legion. Also, I figure, since Rusk has experience whipping rift raft into shape, he could take control of the training duties over you. If that's alright with you Jorgan?"

"If you think that's for the best Commander then I have no problem with that."

"Great!" Kal looked around the room at party still raging. "You know if you two wanted to slip out and get some practice in I think the training grounds are probably clear right now."

"You ever run the Shankton Feint?" Rusk asked Jorgan.

"Run it? I used to work with the woman who invented it."

Jorgan stood up from his table. He stopped next to Kal. "Thank you, Commander." He hesitated for a second before he continued. "And about Kaliyo. I understand why you did what you did Commander. I don't fully agree with it, but I understand. Were I in your position… I probably would have made the same call."

Kal was stunned speechless for a second. When he found his voice all he could say was a simple, "Thank you."

Jorgan gave him a nod in return.

"It's why I never liked being higher up the chain of command. When you get orders, you don't have to think about what you're doing or why. You just do it. Being the one who has to make the call… well it never gets any easier does it?"

"No, it doesn't," Kal said seriously.

Jorgan looked back towards Rusk.

"Alright recruit, let's go see if you have what it takes to join Havoc Squad."

Kal caught a bit of what he two of them were talking about as they left.

"I didn't realize the old leader of Havoc Squad invented it."

"Oh yeah. See we were on this mission on Balmoraa and…"

He smiled at being able to bring the two of them together. Turning around he was surprised when he saw Vette standing there with a tray full of drinks.

"I believe we agreed to swap stories Commander," she said with a smirk.


"I'll be back in a bit. Don't have too much fun without me."

Kira watched him walk away over to Rusk.

"What was that about?" asked Theron.

"Oh, probably just his need to save everyone acting up again," commented Lana.

"Another one?" Theron asked as he reached over the counter to grab a bottle.

"I'll take one," responded Kira.

Veeroa walked over to their group and stood next to Lana.

"Miss Beniko," she said with a bow. "I believe we should finalize the agreement of our terms."

Lana put her bottle down on the counter and stood up from her seat.

"I need to take care of this. You two go on without me."

Veeroa and Lana left to find a quiet place to talk.

"And then there were two," commented Theron.

"So there were."

Theron cracked open the top of both bottles and passed her over one.

"Thanks," she said grabbing the bottle from his hand.

They each took a sip and sat the bottles down on the counter. Theron stared down at his bottle, slowly rubbing his thumb along the top of it.

"Feels like forever ago when we uncovered a secret plot of Revan's to destroy the Republic and Empire."

"Heh, back in the good old days yeah."

"Back then was hell for Lana and me. After we were both disgraced and wanted for treason, it wasn't easy. You know the funny thing though? Even after all that we went through, I would take Revan on any day compared to what we're fighting now."

"What? You don't enjoy taking on a sociopathic, genocidal maniac who is intent on achieving immortality and ruling the galaxy? Or how about the sociopathic, genocidal maniac who is intent on killing the previous maniac… and then ruling the galaxy? Or how about the sociopathic, genocidal maniac who is intent on killing everything they run across and then…" Kira paused for a moment. "Does she want to rule the galaxy? I get the feeling she'd rather just set it on fire."

Theron cracked a smile at that.

"I guess we don't get much variety in our line of work do we?"

"No, we don't. But I find that comforting. After all we've beaten every odd before, no reason we won't do the same again."

"We're only betting the galaxy as we know it as collateral." Theron stopped and though for a second. "Huh I guess that really is no different from what we've done before though."

Silence descended upon the two of them. Despite this the two were comfortable enough to sit together in silence, enjoying each other's company.

Theron broke the silence first.

"Do you think it'll ever end?"

"What in particular? The party? Cause if Vette has her way, I think this thing will go on for forever."

"No, I mean this," he said motioning to everything around him. "The fighting, the galaxy ending threats… the Alliance."

Kira was quite as she sat there in contemplation.

"Well, nothing lasts forever. And I believe that one day the fighting, the galaxy ending threats, they will stop. One day I'll be able to put down my saber for the last time and you'll put down your blasters. I have to believe in it."

She paused to take a sip before continuing on.

"One day I want a family, and I don't want my kids terrified for their mommy and daddy because we have to run off to fight some threat that could potentially kill us. Them never knowing if every time we leave is the last time. So yes, I believe it will end because you, me, Lana, Kal, and the rest of the Alliance are going to make sure that no one's kids ever have to worry about if their parents are going to be coming home."

Theron looked at her before he raised his bottle.

"I'll drink to that."


"It was disgusting. I was cleaning Sand Demon Blood out for weeks. Of course, he thought it was hilarious until he realized he didn't like the smell. Then I had to be punished because of that. I mean it was his fault. I didn't ask him to butcher the thing and leave me there sprayed in its guts."

The two shot glasses rang out in harmony as they were synchronously slammed down on the table.

"You still haven't gotten me my heavy machine gun by the way. Where's my Spewie Mark II?" Vette asked with a pout.

"Oh, come on you know I'm good for it."

"I'm seriously beginning to doubt that."

Kal put his hand over his heart.

"You wound me," he said overly dramatic. He took a look at his surroundings and saw everyone enjoying the festivities.

"Well Ms. Full Time Party Planner, I think it's safe to say you've outdone yourself. Never would have guessed the Alliance could use one but you've proven me wrong."

"Commander," Vette said seriously. "Thank you."

"You're welcome but no thanks are necessary."

"No, you don't… I do need to thank you. I never had much choice in my life. Always someone else's property, someone else's… thing to decide what to do with. But working here for you, for this Alliance, it was my choice. And I'm so proud of the work we do here. We're making the galaxy a better place… for everyone. For the first time, I feel like I truly belong. Like I'm where I'm supposed to be."

Vette grabbed another two full shot glasses and handed Kal one. Raising them she said, "So thank you, for letting me stay… and helping me to feel like I belong."

The two said cheers before downing their drinks.

"I'm glad you decided to stick around Vette."

"Me too," she said with a smile.

"And no matter where you end up, know that you'll always have a place here."

"Don't worry Commander, you're not getting rid of me that easily."


"I know it's stupid, oh and don't tell Kal this, but I do wish we could have had the whole big ceremony and everything."

"I feel like that would have gotten you in trouble with the Jedi Order."

Kira rolled her eyes at him.

"Yeah duh. Hence the whole secret marriage thing? I couldn't even get a ring just in case someone might accidentally discover it and our whole secret would be blown apart." She shook her head. "Force, I sound so selfish right now."

Theron overlapped his hand over hers.

"Hey, it's not selfish alright. Wanting things that most people can have doesn't make you selfish. It makes you human, and there's nothing wrong with that. And who knows what's in store for the future. You're not exactly with the order anymore, so why can't you have that big wedding you wanted."

"Because we have much bigger issues to face. Kal has to deal with Arcann, Vaylin, the Eternal Empire, and then the Emperor himself to top it all off. I can't be distracting him with a temper tantrum of mine. There's too much at stake."

"You know if you told him he'd would stop at nothing to make sure you got everything you wanted."

"I know. It's one of the reasons I love him for, but it's that exact reason why he can never know." She gripped his hand and squeezed very hard. Theron could feel that with a little more pressure she might break his hand. "Understood Theron?" she asked with a sickly-sweet smile.

Theron shivered slightly. "I understand."

"Good." She released his hand and had a genuine smile cross her face. "Would hate to have to break that pretty face of yours."

He gulped. "Noted."

"So, what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Where's your special someone?"

Theron laughed at that. "Yeah right. Have you seen me? Disgraced ex-Republic spy, the failed descendant of Revan without access to the Force, why would anyone want to be with me?"

Kira slapped him upside the head. "You Theron Shan need to get it through your head that you are a wonderful person. Being able to use the Force doesn't make someone amazing. It's their character, what they choose to do with their life that make someone amazing. So don't believe for a second that you don't deserve to have someone of your own."

"Hmm," he said taking a sip of his drink, not earnestly believing all the things she said. "Well, it's a moot point anyways. Between trying to take down Arcann and keeping the Alliance running I don't have the time to find someone."

"You never know. The Force has a way of bringing people together. Whether they're here on Odessen or halfway across the galaxy, I think you'll run into them one day."


Darth Imperious was sitting in her cabin onboard her Fury meditating when she had the strangest urge to sneeze.

"Bless you," called out her apprentice Ashara who was leaning against her doorway.

"Thanks," she replied.

"You feeling alright?"

"Yes, I just had the strangest feeling…" She trailed off but then shook her head to bring herself out of her stupor. "Never mind, do you need something?"


Lana was weaving her way through the cantina on her way back to Theron and Kira after finishing up her negotiations with Veeroa. She wouldn't admit it, but she was rather smug with herself at getting Veeroa to agree and stay to help the Alliance indefinitely. A hand reached out and pulled at her but sensing no danger she allowed herself to be pulled.

"Hello there," rang out the voice of her beloved as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Well hello to you too."

"Come dance with me?" he asked cocking his head to one side.

"That's probably not for the best. Dancing isn't one of my fortes and-"

"Come on, just one dance?"

Lana's eyes met Kal's. Staring into them she found herself hard pressed to say no.

"Fine, but just one dance alright?"

Kal flashed her a smile.

"Perfect!"

He grabbed her hand and dragged her along until they found an open patch of floor. Kal started dancing without a care in the world as to who saw him or what they thought. Lana on the other hand was far more reserved and was gently swaying to the beat.

"Oh come on, that is not dancing," he said looking at the way she was moving.

"What? I'm moving."

Kal grabbed her hand and spun her around him.

"Commander," she said sheepishly.

He pulled her back in and dipped her slightly.

"Kal!" she said with a bit more oomph to her voice.

He smirked at her before spinning her off once more to her starting position.

"Now that's dancing."

"You're insufferable," she said once she straitened herself out. "Have you had your fun at my expense?"

"I might want some more later, but for now I'm satisfied."

Lana rolled her eyes at him. "I'm glad I could entertain you," she said sarcastically.

"Did you ever know the last Emperor's Wrath?" Kal asked her abruptly changing the subject.

"Hmm I don't think I ever met him myself, but I do recall hearing about his and his apprentice's death at the hands of Zakuul. Why?"

"I don't really know. He was Vette's old master. The things he did to her were... horrible to say the least. I guess I was just searching for some more insight to him."

"I've heard stories of his exploits. They never painted him in much of a great light but he always got the job done, or so I heard. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help to you."

Kal waved her off. "Don't worry about it, I was just curious. I don't understand how someone could be so… evil," he said for lack of a better term. "And that's the problem. Most of, and I'm not saying all of them, but most of the Sith are evil. They think themselves better then others and don't see them as people. They are just stepping stones on their way to their goal. They aren't remorseful for their actions."

"I admit that to be true. The Sith code is freeing, but most see it as a call to power. But that's not what it's about in my opinion. The entire point of the code is to help you free yourself. Others interpret this to mean that they need to be the most powerful to accomplish this. But power can come in many forms, not just in one's combat prowess. Unfortunately, most Sith think that means they need to be stood on top of the tallest pile of corpses to do so."

"Well I'm glad I have you around to remind me that the Sith aren't all completely evil."

"And I'm glad I have you to show me that the Jedi aren't all fools who blindly follow their code."

Kal gave a light chuckle.

"What a pair we are huh?"

"A perfect match I'd say." She gave him a loving smile which he returned.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I think I need to speak with Theron," she said.

"About what?"

"It is as you said. I may be Sith, but I am not heartless. I believe I owe Theron an apology. It has been a long time coming."

She walked off to find Theron and even though he didn't know exactly what it was about, he felt so proud of her.


"Umm… hello."

Kira and Theron turned around at the voice and saw Vette standing there. She waved awkwardly to the two before she put her hands down. Kira observed how she kept playing with her hands as if she didn't feel comfortable just letting them lie still.

"Uhh hello?" Kira responded. "What's up Vette?"

"Oh I wanted to- well if you're not busy that is, because I don't want to be rude and interrupt you if you're in the middle of something, which you clearly are so maybe I'll just come back later and we can try this again or maybe that would be worse for you then-"

"Vette!" Kira called out to stop her rambling. "Take a breath."

Vette listened to her and took a deep breath.

"Now release."

Which she did.

"Good! Now, let's try this again. What do you want Vette?"

"I was wondering if I could talk to you?"

"I'll just make myself scarce," Theron said standing up from his seat.

"Don't make yourself too scarce," Lana said interrupting their conversation. "I wanted to speak with you."

"Lead the way," answered Theron.

When the two had left Kira noticed that Vette was still standing there, nervously swaying back and forth.

"Do you want to sit down?" Kira asked motioning to the seat Theron had just vacated.

"Oh! Yes! Please!"

Kira reached over the bar once again and pulled up something strong. She filled up a glass with it and then proceeded to fill another one. She slid one over in front of Vette.

"You're way too nervous for this. Drink that."

"Oh, thank you," she said before picking up the glass and downing the entire thing.

When Vette sat the glass down, she noticed the other one Kira had poured out was untouched.

"Are you not going to have yours?"

"This? No this is for you too because you desperately seem like you need it."

"Oh… well thanks… I think."

Vette grabbed the other glass and just as quickly finished off that one.

"Ok I have to ask, why are you so nervous? From what Kal told me you weren't anything like this when the two of you met."

"Well, that was different. He was just a nobody who I was going to work a job with. But now I've gotten to know him, and he let me stay here with the Alliance. I'm ever so grateful to him, and I know how important you are to him. I guess I'm just so nervous because I want to be your friend, but I don't want to mess it up really bad and have you hate me."

Vette's eyes widened in surprise at her declaration and a reddish hue grew on her cheeks.

"Did I just say that aloud? Oh no I've had too much to drink. I'm sorry I didn't mean to… I'm just gonna go before I embarrass myself any further."

Vette tried to rise from her seat, but Kira grabbed her arm and gently pushed her back down.

"Don't worry, you're doing just fine. So why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?"


Lana and Theron found a quiet part of the cantina where the music wasn't quite so loud.

"What did you need to talk about? Is there a security breach?"

"No, nothing that dramatic. I need to… I want to…" Lana found it was surprisingly a lot harder to apologize then she thought it would be. "I owe you an apology."

"Oh… okay?" Theron responded surprised.

"Years ago, when we were on Rishi, I purposefully let you get captured. I thought it was our best shot at getting the information we needed to stop Revan, but I never gave a second thought as to how things might play out for you in that scenario. All the pain they inflicted on you while you were under interrogation is because of me, and for that I'm sorry."

"Lana, it's alright. That was a long time ago and you did what needed to be done. I understand that."

"No, it wasn't alright. I was speaking with Kal, and he reminded me that while I may be Sith, I am not evil. I am willing to do whatever it takes to stop Arcann. I was willing to do whatever it took to stop Revan. But what good does it do you to reach the top if when you get there you are all alone with no one to share it with."

Lana reached her hand out to Theron.

"Theron, you have been a steadfast and loyal ally since the day we met, yet I haven't always returned the favor. I'm sorry, but after all this I would like to still be your friend, if you would have me?"

Theron reached out and grabbed her hand.

"While I don't think the apology was necessary, I thank you for it anyways. And yes, I'd be glad to be your friend. The Commander, Us, the Alliance, we're going to defeat Arcann… together."

"Together," Lana proudly agreed.


Vaylin found herself tossing and turning as visions and memories flooded her mind. She started off reminiscing about better times. Times where she remembered what happiness truly was.

She remembered playing with her mother, practicing combat training in the arena, and her wood-carved toy that she loved.

But then the dreams drew dark.

She was in so much pain. Her torturers were relentless and no matter how much she begged and pleaded for them to stop they never did.

She remembered the pain as they carved their runic tattoos into her skin. The anger she had felt when her hair finally grew back and had lost its blonde hue. The feeling of loneliness that to this day she couldn't rid herself of.

She remembered dissecting creatures while they still lived. Listening to their screams as she stabbed her blade into them.

She remembered being forced to sit and watch as said creatures would mutilate other test subjects that her captives had lost interest in.

Finally, she remembered the Knights dragging her through the entrance of the facility with her father. Looking back, she saw her mother standing there but when she called out for her help she watched as she abandoned her there, not attempting to move.

Vaylin woke with a scream. She saw the bottle of liquor she had opened tipped over on her table, its contents dripping out onto the floor. Feeling her anger rising within her she threw the table against the wall hard. The glass of the bottle shattered sending glass shards flying. Next the table splintered into tiny wooden pieces and lay a broken mess along the floor. It also had left a nasty dent in the wall.

Feeling the anger dissipate Vaylin laid her head back down on the bed. She found herself trying to fall back asleep before the feelings of loneliness could creep back in as they did every night, but once again, she wasn't successful. It was many hours later before exhaustion finally took over her body and she passed out.


Kal awoke with a splitting headache.

'So much for not going hard,' he thought to himself.

The room he was in was dark. Looking around him as best he could, he made out that he was at least back in his room. Feeling a weight pressing down on his right side he saw Kira resting there comfortably.

He noticed however that his left side was entirely free. He looked over and sure enough there was no sign of Lana. Her part of the bed was impressed however, and the blanket had clearly been moved down from its previous position. Kal then noticed a sliver of light coming from underneath the crack of the restroom door.

Just as he noticed this the door opened and the light shone brightly into his eyes. He raised his free hand to cover his eyes until they could adjust. The movement disturbed Kira who began to mumble something in her sleep. However, she merely squeezed her arms, which were around Kal's right arm, tighter before growing quiet once again.

Kal felt the other side of the bed descend as Lana climbed back into her previous spot.

"Sorry my love," she whispered into his ear. "I didn't wake you, did I?"

Looking back to her he was able to make out that she was clad in nothing but a single undergarment covering her lower half. His view was short lived however as she pulled the blanket back over her.

"No, you didn't. Don't worry," he whispered back to her.

"Good." She gave him a kiss on his cheek and then laid her head back down in the crook of his neck. "Now I would get back to sleep if I were you, we do have to get back to work tomorrow."

"Ugh don't remind me."

Kal felt the corners of her lips rise in a smile against his skin.

"No rest for the weary."

"Ain't that the truth."

Lana kissed him one more time, this one along his neck, and whispered a "Good night" to him to which he reciprocated.

Kal relaxed himself back in the bed and felt Lana do the same as they tried to fall back asleep before they had to go back to work.

Strangely though, Kal couldn't shake the feeling that maybe the wicked weren't getting any rest either.


AN: Well, honestly this chapter ended up being a lot longer than I expected and it could have been even longer. I thought about having even more flashbacks in this one and also including Vette and Kira's conversation as they became friends, but I didn't think this chapter needed any more padding.

In case you're wondering we'll be moving back to the main story next time. I think we've done enough side missions for now. Probably have more before the end but the show must go on.

And Vaylin… ahh if anyone deserved a redemption arc it was her. Truly evil from what we see of her but also pragmatic in ways. And her evilness stems from psychological issues inflicted on her by her own crazy father. It all combines to create a character who I find absolutely fascinating and one I wish I would have been able to save in SWTOR. That's what fanfiction is for, I guess. I just hope I can make her redemption feel earned but only time will tell.

That's it from me. Until next time,

Magician

P.S. This story has almost passed over a hundred thousand words and we have over 7,000 views currently. Thank you all so much for your support up until this point. I honestly expected I would have finished this story by the time we reached 100,000 words but it's shaping up to look like the story might not finish until well into 200,000 words. I hope you'll continue to stick around for all of it.

Published 9/6/21