That's fair. Dude I agree, I think there should be other priorities too. The romances are cool, but I'm much more in love with the overall storyline. But it's just rude and makes me angree to see all the hate, when all people did was ask a question, not based off their demands like people wanna believe, but based off of what Bioware/EA claimed they were gonna do. Don't be a hypocrite. If you're not gonna do it, then just suck it up and say your not gonna do it and prepare for some blacklash and rightly so because you as a company choose to take a very public stance on a very serious issue.

From Merriam Webster Dictionary: Substantial - considerable in importance, value, degree, amount, or extent. - Now in that context take for example the SW romance with Quinn. I will not spoil it here, but in that context in relationship to the SW Storyline and what happens, that's hugely substantial. Take for example the Jedi Consular relationship with Nadia - that romance could largely effect the future JC storyline especially considering the Jedi Code, making said relationship very substantial to the overall storyline. It all depends on where Bioware takes it. See? Seriously we could do this all night, not the point. And dude I'm really not understanding why you're even in the conversation, no offense, because the fact ish its been a substantial() amount of time since ANYTHING was said about the promised SGA content thus why this thread exists. You're right, the last thing they said was, 'its coming." then there were whispers about it coming out with Makeb, and now maybe not, so, hence people just wanna know. That's all. Is BioWare too broke to do it? Or will it take longer? 2014? What? That's all people wanna know. In one of those developer QAs or Press Releases, or whatever, somebody just needs to say something about it. Dats all. Again, super easy.

I am totally real. Its part of the story and huge part for some classes - the Sith Warrior relationship with Quinn comes to mind. That's serious. But we can argue all day on the word substantial trust me I was a debater, I can do it. Wanna go? Secondly, I never claimed they were being unfriendly. I claimed they were being silent which they are. And as has been said like a bazillion times now, but what the hey, lets say it again; from a production standpoint everybody gets that. Nobody is FORCING them to do this. All people want is an ANSWER. Yes, or no? What's the update? That's all that's being asked. See? Super easy.

And once you finish your class storyline you never hear from anyone again either so you could call the class storyline just as substantial as the romance aspect of it by that argument. The solution to all this is so freaking simple I don't get all the mocking/anger (unless it's against your religion in which case you should just stop being a part of the discussion and live and let live but n-e-way). Bioware/EA publicly has made a big to do about them being LGBT friendly. Fact. They did this, not the players. They promised said community inclusion of certain content. They have provided no updates on said content and said community simply wants to know what's up. You can't claim your all buddy buddy with said group, then ignore a promise, and then expect people not to ask. It's really simple. If they promised us Makeb and Storyline expansion, then stopped talking about it and all they did was add new cartel packs every six weeks, we'd all be pissed off too. It's the same freaking concept. Whatever your opinion of the romances are, they added them. That was Bioware/EA's choice so they are part of the story. Those choices only fit one group. IF Bioware/EA is going to continue to claim they are XZY they should support both groups and they deserve to be taken to town to prove it. Yes, I for one would very much like them to fix bugs first, but since like the Foundry for example is still fraking buggy I think we can all agree fixing bugs is rather low on the priority list. So, they could at least add in the options they promised from day one. Or just say they're not. Whatever, all people want is an answer. I fail to see why that mounts so much opposition. Good Hunting and May the Force be With You.

While this is a fair point to make entirely from a production point of view, it really misses the point of the whole SGR argument. If you're not going to do it - say so. If you are going to do it - when? It's that simple. For Bioware who has in many of its games (DoA, Mass Effect, etc) offered SGR content, and for them to claim they are so friendly to the LGBT Community and then not to do it in SW is mind boggling and utterly rude. But setting that aside completely the biggest issue (from what I've read) that the LGBT community has at this point is the silence on the matter. Sweeping it under the rug is just not the way to go about this and while they may be a small part of the gaming population I would not doubt their willingness to get very loud on some very public platforms and they have every right too. Which could be very bad for Bioware, considering how they as a company like to be viewed by the LGBT Community. Provide an update, no matter what it is, but don't ignore it. Again, it's that simple.

If it makes you feel any better we're going to loose a few more characters before this story is done

And now I know what I want for Christmas

[super busy weekend so a short installment. I will have a very lengthy one for you guys on Friday ] The Consular Location Classified "Xerrin stop, you are not yourself!" My double edged blade clashed violently against Xerrin's singular one. Whatever the Voss had done to her had made her stronger, much stronger. "You are a traitor to the Jedi order," she said in a flat tone. Damn. She would need healing and a great deal of it. I broke away from her attack, taking a quick step backwards to put some distance between. Our blades hummed in the silence of the cave. I doubted I could use any of my force abilities here; there was a void, a cold sucking energy that acted like a shield against the force. I would have to defeat her with my martial skill alone. Xerrin was a patient fighter. She gave me reprieve long enough to remove my Jedi robe. No sooner had it touched the ground and I'd adjusted my grip on the hilt of my saber then her quick footwork brought her back into my space. I danced back, deflecting her blade, spinning mine to try to take her hand. I detested purposefully trying to harm her but I had no choice. Nothing I attempted couldn't be repaired and I knew when her mind returned she'd thank me for it. Of course, my attack didn't work. Her blade was like the spokes of a wheel in its quick circular attacks, the perfect stance to defend and exploit the movement of my double edge blade. Once more she got in too close for comfort, but before I could dance out of the way her first caught my face. I stumbled at the incredible impact of her strike, heard her blade hiss towards my neck and went with my own momentum to somersault across the floor away from her. I came to my feet and she was there, barely getting my saber up in time to stop hers from punching a hole through my chest. "Don't let them use you this way Xerrin," I gasped. The air was thick and heavy in this cavern. It did not bode well for a prolonged match of endurance. Sweat threatened to block my vision as I arched my body away from her swinging point at my mid section. I backed up another step, breathing hard. "Fight it," I implored her. "You're stronger than this." I might as well have been talking to the Emperor. She didn't stop, in fact her motions became faster and I had no choice but to engage. It was a deadly if not elegant dance as my footwork took me one step in, another out, the constant hum of our blades a mantra that was interrupted every time they collided. She had me entirely on the defensive something I knew I had to change quickly if I wanted to survive. But whereas I was tiring, the blocking of the force seeming to drain my energy with every parry, she moved like she was a machine. The breaks in our rhythm came from me, and she'd only give me a second before she attacked again. She held her saber one handed, slamming it in one perfect back and forth arc against my own. Her next strike slid off my blade, the point of her saber honing in on my shoulder. I quickly spun around, twirling my blade around me to protect me from the vulnerable position such a move left me in. But as soon as I rounded to face her again, her foot caught me in the stomach, her saber arched high to drive right into my head anticipating I would double over. Instead I took the hit, ignoring the pain, the loss of breath, snapped my blade up to deflect her strike and sent the opposite point across her thigh. She blanched, stumbling. Instead of pressing the attack I was forced to break and gasp in a breath. She recovered far too quickly. What had they done to her, I silently questioned as our blades collided again. My concern for her mind was a luxury at the moment I couldn't hang onto though. She moved like she had no injury, whereas my muscles ached and strained to keep up with the pace of our deadly dance. Her next strike sliced my saber in half. In the next heartbeat I felt the hot burning sensation of my right hand being severed. Ironic that she would complete a move I'd tried moments ago. My harsh sound of pain ripped free as I dropped to one knee. Grim determination on her face, Xerrin towered over me. I stared up at her. "Don't do this. You know what it will do Laresa. What it will do you. You've got to fight it." Voss magic is powerful. Too powerful. My words were a fool's errand. But, I felt no sense of defeat. My children had escaped and that had been my primary purpose for coming here. I felt confident they would find a way off this planet and get back to Laresa. Hopefully in enough time to stop any more bloodshed. I closed my eyes and prepared for the inevitable. I would have liked to reach out to Nadia, Laresa too but I doubted they could feel it. Still, I tired regardless, in the hope that my love for them would be strong enough. "I'm sorry, Elliah," Xerrin said quietly. Her words had barely died on the cavern air when her saber pierced my heart. http://www.themindofdcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/interview-divider.png The Sith Fury Class Imperial Interceptor The Crystal Vanguard The image of Elliah is what brought me awake. When my eye snapped open though it was not his face I saw but Reide's. "Welcome back," she said and I could hear the relief in her tone. I shared her sentiment, it was a great weight off my heart she was all right. Quickly, the events that had transpired before my injury had robbed me of consciousness came flooding back. I sat up with a slight a wince. My injury was still sore, but it was nothing a few more kolto injections wouldn't heal. "Update?" I asked, swinging out of the med bay bed I was currently in. "The same dead ******es we found on your ship attacked Lancoro at a Cantina on Coruscant. They killed Mako and took him. Vette's here, apparently the same happened on Vanceto's ship." This news did not bode well for my temperament. I felt my anger quickly surge, covering a mothers fear. With great control I tempered it back. "Veltana?"` "We don't know. I haven't been able to get **** information from Drummond Kaas." I nodded. That was information I could gather after I'd spoken to Vette about what had transpired on Vanceto's ship. "Elliah?" I asked as I slid on my Sith robe. "Nadia sent me a message that he went to meet with Gaden-Ko. That was about twelve hours ago though. She hasn't heard from him since." "The Voss?" I frowned and Reide nodded. "Do we know why he contacted Elliah?" "Nadia claims he didn't say," Reide said. Before we could discuss anything further Vette appeared in Med Bay. She looked like she'd just come from battle, and I could feel the fear and worry that emanated from her. "We've got an incoming transmission," Vette said. Nodding, I quickly followed her out of med bay. I had noticed that both Jaesa and Pierce were in Kolto tanks but I would inquire about their status later. Reide behind me, I followed Vette into the main hold of my ship and stood in front of my holo-terminal. I quickly pressed the button to receive the incoming transmission. I wish I hadn't. The first thing that played was a recorded video and my fury mounted with each passing second I watched Elliah fight Xerrin. And then I watched him die. A violent hiss parted my lips, my hands bunching to fists at my sides. The video stopped and Xerrin's image appeared. "Your children have shared Elliah's fate. Out of respect, I will not make you watch their deaths," Xerrin said. I couldn't feel them. I couldn't feel them. There was nothing where they should be which meant she was telling the truth. The next sound that left my mouth was one of pure anguish. I didn't even know I had fallen to one knee. Reide moved in front of me, shielding me, blocking me from Xerrin's gaze. "Why Xerrin?" I heard her ask. "The Sith Empire is a disease on the galaxy. Your oppression cannot be continued." "Who the frak do you think you're talking to? Since when are we the Sith Empire?" Reide all but shouted. "You share it's ideals. You have no love of law, democracy or peace." Xerrin had killed them. After everything I'd done to atone for my sins, after sharing the battlefield with me against the Emperor, she'd betrayed me as well as any Sith. Better in fact. And my children, oh gods my children, those precious, precious lives had suffer the consequence. As the reality of it all came crashing down on me, my heart simply shattered. I have never felt the darkside of the force as strongly as I did in those moments; my agony channeled so very quickly into hate. I surged to my feet, violently shoving Reide out of the way and slammed my hands on the terminal. "Then I will solve your problem," I hissed. "I will burn every city, every planet that swears allegiance to your Jedi, your Republic," I spat, the names a venom on my tongue. "And you Jedi will suffer greatly before I allow you to die." "Then you leave me no choice," Xerrin said. "No," I snarled. "You had a choice. Now every second you live is a gift." I killed the connection with the lightening that suddenly burst from my fingers. Never had I been able to conjure its power before. But I felt so much different now. Reide backed up a step, not scared, shocked. "Laresa-" "Don't." "Laresa..." She came closer to me and I held out my hand to stop her. Except she wasn't afraid of me, even though now she should be. Regardless, she wrapped her arms around me tightly. For just a second I sunk into her. I let her hold my weight and let something inside of me quietly die. There was no trace of weakness in my tone when I said, "Enough." Reide pulled away, and nodded once at me. She was my only blood family. All that I had left. And I realized with a cold bitterness that if I had listened to her in the beginning, if I'd given up my foolish quest to earn back the affection of a Jedi - Elliah, my children, perhaps even Quinn, none of them would be dead. It didn't matter what I'd done, Xerrin saw me as nothing but a Sith. I had embraced the darkside and yet I'd still fought it. No more. It was time I became what I truly was. Reide deserved to know I was worthy to lead what was left of my family and my children would have vengeance. I whirled to lock my gaze on Vette. "If you are not prepared to serve a Sith Lord get off my ship." I could feel Vette's volatile emotions. She was by turns devastated and furious. She took a step forward, meeting my gaze evenly. "I loved him," she said quietly. "He knew but... he deserved to hear it from me." Once I had shielded Vette from the darker nature of revenge. Now, I wanted her to embrace it. "Stand with me. We will avenge him together. I will not let her get away with this." "I know you won't," Vette said sincerely. She stepped next to me. Ready. I nodded once, pleased. "Reide, find Gaden-Ko. I wish to know what he told Elliah. Vette, take us to Drummond Kaas. It is time the Wrath took her rightful place as head of the Empire."

LOL You totally should!

The Juggernaut Location Classified "Brother? Brother wake up." I smacked Lancoro on the cheek. He didn't move. Frowning, I did it again, this time much harder. He came awake with a start, tried to throw an instinct fist in my direction but ended up only grimacing in great pain. Tana caught his head as he slumped back down to the floor. I took him by the face, staring into his eyes. "You're going to be all right," I swore. We all were. I didn't know how, but I was going to get us out of here. "Mako..." Lancoro gasped out. My brows drew together. I glanced at Tana and she shook her head. I had had heard the same, though nothing had been confirmed. They could be lying to us. Briefly I worried about Vette. I don't know what had transpired on my ship after we'd been attacked - or rather after I had been knocked unconsciousness. My temper flared, my anger and hate building hotly. I tempered them back and focused on the utter agony on my brothers face. It wasn't from the pain of his injury. "We don't know, Lancoro." "Don't lie to me!" He croaked out. Tana sighed. "We heard them say she didn't make it. But they could be lying, Lan." Lancoro made the most agonized sound a man could make. Tana held him close and my heart bled for my brother. Out of all of us, he deserved happiness the most. The fools that had done this would pay dearly. I surged to my feet - I could not offer my brother any comfort, his pain was feeding my anger. So I focused my attention on our cell. I tested the strength of the bars that kept us caged. They would hold. The cell itself was unspectacular. There was literally nothing but rock walls. No bed, not even something for us to relieve ourselves in. Either they didn't care - or they didn't intend to keep us here very long. Ours appeared to be the only cell in whatever cave we were in. The space in front of us was lit by torches, and showed a wide circular ring. It reminded me of the kind the Hutt's liked to use for their different beast fights. Pausing my search I tried to reach out to mother, or father, even Vette. There was nothing - just a cold empty void. Either my connection to the force was being fraked with, or they were dead. The latter thought left a bitter taste in my mouth but my instinct told me something else was at play here. I knew a nefarious plot as well any Sith. Good, I thought. I did so enjoy killing those who deserved it. And then I got the surprise of my life when Aunt Xerrin was suddenly in front of my cell. Tana spoke the words my shock robbed me of. "Aunt Xerrin? What are you doing here?" "Join the Republic," she said flatly. My brow arched sharply. "You're not here to free us?" She gazed at me with her goggle covered eyes, a traditional covering most Miraluka's wore to cover their empty eye sockets. "If you join the republic, no harm will come to you. Resist and you'll force my hand." Had we been betrayed by the Jedi? Was she the one to do this? My anger surged again. "We will do no such thing. Release us at once." "Then you leave me no choice. Remove Vanceto from the cell." "Aunt Xerrin what you doing!?" Tana shouted. I put a staying hand towards Tana, and went without fight (for the moment) when two more masked men took hold of me. I was shoved violently into the center of the ring. I quickly gained my footing, meeting the unreadable expression of Aunt Xerrin just as she tossed a lightsaber in my direction. I caught the handle easily. "Do you mean to fight me, Aunt Xerrin?" "I will spare you, if you will join us." I did not know what part Aunt Xerrin had played in our capture, and I no longer cared. My hate seethed around me, but even that felt different here. I brought the blade to life, the sound as calming as any mantra. "Then we fight!" I attacked. http://www.themindofdcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/interview-divider.png The Bounty Hunter Location Classified My chest was still on fire. I knew I'd be useless in a fight but I couldn't stay on my back while Vanceto fought Aunt Xerrin. "Tana, help me up," I rasped out. Tana wasn't even half my size but she was strong. She helped me get to my feet and I gripped the bars, watching. My brother was really fraking good with a lightsaber. But he wasn't as powerful a Sith as mom was, not yet anyway. And I wasn't sure who else could have brought Xerrin down, so I was really fraking scared. "Tana he can't beat her," I said. "You don't know that," she hissed, but her worry was betrayed in her tone. "We've got to do something." That feeling of helplessness was driving me insane with each second that ticked by, each hiss of lightsabers colliding in one powerful sequence after the next. She was backing him up and I'd seen enough fights to know when it was just a matter of time. I'd already lost Mako - a thought I couldn't even focus on right then because if I did I was going to come apart at the seams. I couldn't lose my brother too, but we were stuck in this cell and I couldn't get out! "AUNT XERRIN STOP! PLEASE!" I didn't give a frak I was begging. What the chaos was wrong with her? Why was she even here? Where was here? And why the hell couldn't I feel mom? Was she dead too? That thought was like another weight on my heart, crushing me into the ground and robbing me of the ability to breathe. It took about two minutes for my worst fears to become realized. Xerrin broke his guard, knocked the saber from his hand and drove him to the ground. I knew her next strike was going to land in his heart. In fact I was so sure of it I screamed out - "VANCETO! NO!" At first I was confused when the death blow never came. I could tell Vanceto was as well, and then we realized that my father had come out of stealth and blocked Xerrin's blade with his own. A second later we heard an explosion in the hallway and someone shout - "This aint your party!" "Vanceto get them, and get out!" Elliah shouted and kicked Xerrin away from the cells, away from us, and back into the wall. "I will not father! I will fight with you!" Vanceto brought up his blade again ready to charge at Xerrin. In all ours years I have never seen my father actually angry. Displeased sure, but never actually showing a temper. He sure as frak looked about as scary as mom did in a fit of pure rage when he shouted back. "I said now! Get them and get out!" Vanceto's brow twisted, but he whirled around and charged over to our cell. Tana scooted quickly back to my side to support my weight again as Vanceto used the lightsaber to cut through the metal. I kept trading glances down the hallway where I could hear the sound of blaster fire and back at Dad who was locked in a furious fight with Xerrin. They both moved so fast I could barely keep up. "We can't leave him," I hissed to Vanceto. I could tell Vanceto didn't want too either. Dad must have sensed our hesitation because we heard him shout. "GO!" "We must brother. Tana, clear the way." Vanceto tossed her the lightsaber and took my weight. I hated being so helpless, but there wasn't much I could do about it. Vanceto slung me over his shoulder and we charged down the hallway. We could see Kaliyo, one of Tana's friends and crew members waiting near the entrance to the cavern. "Let's go, let's go!" She shouted. "How the hell did you get here?" I heard Tana ask. "Questions later, let's move!" When we burst into the daylight I would have recognized this planet anywhere - we were on Voss. "What the frak?" I muttered. "Long story and we don't have all of it. Let's just hope we make it back to the shuttle." Kaliyo tossed Tana a blaster and we scurried off. From my vantage I could see the mouth opening of the cave. I kept hoping any second Dad would pop out of it. But eventually we rounded a corner and I lost sight of it. I never saw my father again.

Chapter 3: A Plan In Motion Location Classified Tana was pacing like a caged tiger in her cell. Her head was still pounding, but at least she'd stopped the cut on her forehead from bleeding. She had been in Imperial Intelligence headquarters - or rather Sith Intelligence as Darth Jadus had renamed it. She'd just been promoted to Grand Moff of the new S.I. - a well played game that had put her family in an excellent position to get rid of the bantha**** crazy Jadus and take it all over themselves. Then, the explosion had occurred. The Citadel next to them was in shambles and the resulting destruction had nearly torn apart the IA building too. That was the last thing she remembered though. When she'd woken up, she'd been here. And she had no frakking idea where "here" was. Tana had very minimal force abilities but she'd always been able to get a sense of her family. Her mother most of all. She felt none of that here. There was nothing, just a void, like they were all dead. She was trying really hard not to dwell on that thought though and instead focus on her training. Before she could get started in that regard, voices in the hallway alleviated at least some of her fears. "I am a Sith Lord! I will destroy you!" Vanceto growled. "What did you do to my brother?!" "Stop your yapping. His wife took the worst of it." Tana's brows pinched together. She went to the cells bars. Vanceto was being held by two masked men. His face was cut and bruised and look he flat out pissed. Tana backed up as they came to her cell door and before she could even attempt to attack the two guards, something drove her back into the wall, keeping her pinned there. Vanceto was thrown in. Another pair was dragging a passed out Lancoro and they tossed him inside just carelessly. When the cell door closed she could move again. Both she and Vanceto rushed to Lancoro's side. Tana examined the wound on his chest. It wasn't fatal, he'd been lucky. He still needed medical attention though. "Are you all right, sister?" Vanceto asked. "Not even close to it. What the frak is going on?" Vanceto shook his head. "I do not know, but we must find out. And quickly." http://www.themindofdcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/interview-divider.png The Smuggler Corellian XS Light Freighter The Obsidian I was standing in front of my holo terminal. Akaavi, Bodwar, Gus, and Andro stood behind me as the slimey li'll informant did was he was good at, passing on information. The Black Sun had been one of the most notorious gangs on Coruscant. Like most of the underworld, they now reported to me. "Nobody could get a good look at the assassins, they're faces were covered." "So they attacked the Cantina, took Lancoro, left and you didn't see where they were going?" "I trailed them to the spaceport. The shuttle they got on was unidentified and I couldn't get close enough to drop a tracking device." I growled in frustration and resisted the urge to pace. "What about his wife, Mako?" "She took one through the heart. It punched through her and hit him. She didn't have a chance." I winced. I shared Larea's opinion of Mako but that didn't mean it was okay for a family member to get mowed down like that. Plus, I could only imagine the agony Lancoro was going through - that boy had loved her something fierce. "Frak. All right. You tell all our sources I need to know whose behind this and I need to know yesterday. " "You got it Captain." As I switched off the connection a loud beeping sound resonated through the ship. The locator we had running had found Larea's ship. I ran into the cockpit, Andro hot on my heels. When I got in the small familiar space I could clearly see my sisters Interceptor floating like an abandoned cargo vessel. I frowned and sat down at the controls. "Bio-signatures?" Andro asked quietly. Tempering down my fear I ran a quick scan. There were three of them, faint, but alive. I released a hard breath I didn't even realize I was holding. "There's some fraking good news at least. Tell the crew to get ready to board."

[At this point you should know the story contains mild spoilers to class/companion story lines but here's another warning just in case] Tython Makeshift Outpost Outskirts of the Former Jedi Temple "We've been played for fools!" Elliah frowned. "Calm down Master Kaedan." "Calm down?" Kaedan glared at Elliah, shoving an accusing finger at him. "This is your fault. Your Sith wife did this!" Normally, Elliah's patience was limitless. Yet today, many things were off balance and silently repeating the Jedi Mantra wasn't helping. His temper exposed itself when he smacked Kaedan's hand out of his face. "You don't know that and your senseless accusations aren't helping." "Master Tosh is right. Darth Jinobie is a suspect given her disregard for both Sith and Jedi but she made it clear her last meeting she wouldn't harm Master Xerrin. I sensed the truth in those words." The holo image of Grand Master Satele said. Kaedan glared at Elliah for another moment, then began pacing. The temple was nothing but rubble. They were standing inside a makeshift tent a few clicks away. "But the timing is too convenient," Kaeden said, "And now with those idiotic troopers forcing the war-" "Would you have allowed the Empire to manufacture the Gauntlet?" Elliah asked him. "It could have been handled with more tactic!" Kaedan declared. Elliah resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Kaedan saying anyone lacked tact simply exposed his hypocrisy. "It is a dark day. But we must channel our emotions. I will remain here to advise the Senate. Master Tosh, Master Kaedan, you must get to the bottom of these attacks. With both the Empire and Republic suffering the blow of today, perhaps there is still time to renegotiate peace." "What's done is done. I say we finish what we started thousands of years ago and drive the Sith to extinction. That's the only way we'll be safe." Elliah refused to tolerate anymore of his warmongering. "Excuse me." Leaving Satele to deal with the over-zealous hypocrite, Elliah stepped quickly of the tent. He'd only gotten a few steps when his holocom rang. Quickly he answered it hoping it was Laresa, or one of their children. Instead, the image of Gaden-Ko appeared. "Gaden? Something wrong?" "Much, Elliah. Can you meet me aboard my ship?" "Of course. See you soon." http://www.themindofdcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/interview-divider.png Elliah sat next to the Voss, Gaden-Ko. Gaden was an old friend and ally from the brief time he'd spent on Voss during his search for the First Son. A deeply troubled expression covered Elliah's face. "How can this be? Don't you as mystics use the force for your visions?" Gaden shook his head. "It's not from the force that true Voss mystics get their power. Jedi and Sith have always believed the force was the only type of living energy that could be tapped into. That's not true, there are many, the force is but one of them." Elliah paused considering this. It was possible. If for example emotions like fear and love were a separate energetic entity that one could use to strengthen or weaken the force itself, then it stood to reason that what Gaden-Ko was telling him was correct. "The plan is flawed then," Elliah said after a moment. "Even if they do succeed in destroying the force itself, surely Jedi and Sith would learn to adapt, to change." Gaden-Ko slowly nodded. "It is possible, but consider how long it would take your people to do so." Elliah frowned. He couldn't argue that. Many of the Jedi Masters were staunch traditionalists. In a way so were the Sith. To reteach themselves to draw upon something other than the force might take decades, even centuries. And the Voss intended to wipe them all out well before that. "I must get to my children first. If Laresa believes them dead, there will be no stopping her rage," Elliah said. Gaden-Ko nodded. "I will take you there." Elliah touched his shoulder. "You put yourself at great risk." "You saved my life. We are friends. I understand the Voss displeasure with both the Republic and Empire wishing to manipulate us to their own ends, but I cannot support this course of action. Mystics see many possible outcomes and what they have forseen is but one. I have seen another." Elliah quirked a brow at him. "Oh?" "Together, your Laresa and Master Xerrin could unite Empire and Republic as never before. How do you call it - live and let live?" There was much truth in Gaden's words. As a Sith, Laresa could command great respect and fear. Reide had killed the Voidwolf, and taken control of the underworld when she'd gotten rid of Rogan the Butcher which left another piece of the puzzle controlled. Lancoro was poised to become the next Mandalore. Veltana a Moff, the head of Imperial Intelligence. Vanceto, the face of the Sith race to lead his people. And he and Xerrin along with former Supreme Chancellor Janus could have made moves on the republic side to cement a treaty that would truly be lasting, not the mockery that the Treaty of Coruscant was. Together, as a family they could have done it. Perhaps they still could. Elliah snapped back into focus and nodded at Gaden. "Then we must waste no time."

Chapter 2: An Enemy Revealed Tython Kalikori Village "Doctor Kimble? Doctor Kimble can you hear me?" Doc came awake with a start and immediately grabbed his head. "Easy, easy. You have a concussion," Elliah placed a hand on his shoulder, steadying him. It was barely any kind of organized chaos around them. The Twi'lik village was nearly completely destroyed. Survivors rushed around trying to help the wounded or put out fires. Nadia stood with a group, using the force to get debris off of others trapped inside one of the buildings. "Where's... where's Xerrin?" Doc looked around quickly, fear punching him in the gut. "I was hoping you could tell me. You saw nothing before the explosion?" Elliah canted his head at him. "No. Nothing. What the hell happened Elliah?" Doc already knew it was bad, but now he knew it was really bad because in all the years he'd known Elliah, he'd never seen the grave expression that came over his face. "The Jedi temple is destroyed. Most of the Jedi Council has been killed." "What? What the hell is going on? Who did this?" "We don't know. Not yet. Can you stand?" Doc nodded and with Elliah's help climbed to his feet. "Where the hell could she be, Elliah? Can't you use the force to find her?" Elliah frowned deeply. "I've tried. I've reached for Laresa too. My connection to them is... blocked." Doc couldn't breathe. He was going to throw up. "What do you mean it's blocked? Does that mean they're dead?" "It may." Elliah said quietly, honestly. "But I sense something else at play here." "Oh gods..." Doc fell back down to the ground. "She was going too.... we were going too... " "I know. We both took our leave of the Jedi Order." Elliah reached down and pulled Doc back to his feet. "Don't lose hope yet, Doctor. There are those that need your help. I must find Laresa, and my children and discover what has transpired here." "I'm going with you," Doc said determinedly. Elliah put a staying hand on his shoulder. "Help them Doctor. Please. When I know more I'll find you. You have my word." http://www.themindofdcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/interview-divider.png The Jedi Location Classified "It is time to wake up now Master Jedi." Slowly I opened my eyes. It took another moment for my vision to clear and when it did, I could not contain my surprise. There was a Voss standing in front of me. He wore the traditional robes of a mystic, but I had never seen him before. I slowly dragged my gaze around the room, quickly recognizing the architecture. Was I on Voss? How had I gotten here? Why was I here? I looked back at the mystic who watched me with cold patience. "Who are you?" I asked. "For too long the Empire and Republic have tried to sway us to your cause," he paced in a neat little line in front of me while he spoke. "Outsiders bring destruction and death to our doors. The mystics have spoken and it has been decided. You will both fall, and Voss will survive." "I have met your mystics, I-" He stopped pacing and met my gaze with a chilling sincerity. "Never would the Voss allow an Outsider to meet the real Mystics." He wasn't lying, I could feel it, and slowly the enormity of the situation bore down on me. The Voss had been an extremely difficult people to negotiate with. As an enemy the Voss would be a greater threat than the Sith. "The Emperor has been defeated. This conflict will soon end. Peace is coming-" "The Empire declared open war on the Republic. As it should." What? When had we gone to war? Was that why Master Satele had gone to Coruscant and not been there when I'd given my resignation to the Jedi Council? "Let me go, let me go back and try and stop this-" "You could," The Voss slowly nodded and began his methodical pacing again. "Together you would have bridged gaps. The bond of your family is powerful. But, still Outsiders would be on Voss, corrupting our ways. War would come again." I had never been a fan of our presence on Voss, but the Empire had been here so we'd had little choice. Now the consequences of those actions was rearing their ugly head tenfold, and I realized the implications of what this mystic was telling me. It was unheard of for a Sith and a Jedi to be as close as Laresa and I would be again as we repaired the divide between us and we'd been well on our way. Apparently, together, we might have stopped the war that suddenly had come. But now this Voss was going to try to prevent that just to keep both the Empire and Republic off their planet. I couldn't say I didn't understand, but they were going about this all wrong. "You don't have to do this. If you let me go, I will convince the republic to leave Voss in peace. Laresa could force the Empire's hand as well, she's powerful enough. We'd leave you alone-" "You do not see. Mystics see. Mystic's see destruction, unless the Force is destroyed." I went very still. "I don't understand." "You may not. Either way, you are to be used." I tested the strength of my binds and realized with some frustration I wouldn't be able to break them. Pulling my gaze from the Voss in front of me, I swept my vision around the room again, taking much more careful stock now. In the corner was another Voss, his head bowed, his eyes closed, clearly meditating and powerfully. A black and purple cloud surrounded him. It's effects were strange... blocking. I couldn't reach out to Laresa, Reide, or Elliah. There was nothing. As if they were... dead. I jerked my gaze back to my captor. "Where is my sister? What have you done to her?" He ignored my question but continued speaking. "The first of the puzzle was complete. We took additional steps to even the sides. Now we will pit you against each other, and the destruction will cripple both. It will give us time to destroy the source of your power, this Force. You will all die easier as mortals. Then Voss will have peace." How in the world could they destroy the force? It was impossible. Wasn't it? And why would they tell me this? Why give me so much information unless- "Your thoughts betray you. We will not be your death. She will." Pit you against each other. Xerrin's gaze narrowed. "I will not harm my sister. You know that." "You will not be yourself. But none will know it." "You don't have that power. Stop this please. There is another way. We can have peace without-" "The outsider speaks lies. It is usual. You know there can be no peace. Not between Sith and Jedi, Empire and Republic. There is one way." That cold feeling of finality was closing in on me. No matter what I said this Voss wasn't going to listen. Not to me. "You cannot make me harm her. Your plan is for nothing." "Outsiders do not know the extent of our power. We made sure of it." My captor backed up a step. Two more Voss appeared on either side of me as if they had materialized from the shadows. "Now Master Jedi, you will obey us." "Never-" Something dark flew from the fingertips of the Voss and slammed into my skull. It was impossible not too - I screamed.

Fury Class Imperial Interceptor The Savage Sigil Vanceto propped a shoulder in the archway. Vette stood in the cargo hold, a clipboard in her hand, taking inventory. She was humming to herself, something distinctly Twi'lek. She did not notice his presence and Vanceto took full advantage of it. A smile softened the hard, Sith like features of his face as he folded his arms over his chest and drew his dark brown eyes over her. She must have finally felt his stare because she abruptly stopped singing and whirled around. Vanceto merely grinned at her. "Hello." She shot him a heat less glare. "Don't sneak up on me like that." "I wasn't sneaking," he said easily. She was beautiful. He loved her. He needed to tell her at once. "Vette-" "Don't look at me like that either." She quickly turned around again. Vanceto quirked an amused brow. He uncoiled from the door, coming slowly towards her. Stalking her. "Why can't I?" "Because. We're friends. Drinking buddies. Your mom is one of my closest friends and I don't think she'd approve of anything else. Plus, you're a Sith Lord. I'm nothing special." He took hold of her, abruptly turned her to face him with his hands on her arms and pressed his mouth against hers. She was shocked and stiff against him for the first few seconds. He softened his hold, drew his arms around her and slowly pulled her closer to him. That did it. Her fingers gripped the front of his robe, bunching it in her grasp, and her quick, witty little mouth became the most passionate thing he'd ever tasted in his life. He cupped his fingers around the back of her neck, tilting his head and deepened his kiss. Eventually he broke away, his breath as heavy as hers. Vette still had her eyes closed. Despite the fact that she was flushed and warm, she still tried to change the subject. "Y-You fought really well yesterday. You looked... powerful. Laresa would have been proud to see it." Her words filled him with pride. He did not diverge from his current path though. "Marry me, Vette?" He asked quietly. Her eyes shot open. "What?" "I will have you know, there are only two women I will kneel before." Vanceto dropped down, looking up at her. Her eyes were huge. "Marry me." "Stop that. Get up. What are you doing?" Vette hissed at him. "I'm proposing. And if you don't say yes, I will kiss you until you do." She blushed furiously. "Van..." "I love you Vette. And you love me. Say yes." She proved his words with the expression that moved across her face. But before she could give him an answer, his ship was attacked. http://www.themindofdcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/interview-divider.png The Bounty Hunter Coruscant Silent Sun Cantina Mako was standing in front of the bar. I was crowded behind her, her back against my chest, my arms resting on the edge of the bar on either side of her, hemming her in the way she liked. She curled a hand around my arm, occasionally moving to the music that was playing. The place was loud tonight, they were partying like the Emperor was dead, because he was. That wasn't why we were there though. Agent Izak had information on Mako's parents. Before we'd left Tython, Aunt Xerrin had told Mako to meet Izak here so, before I stole my wife away on our well deserved honeymoon we made the pit stop. "Where do you want to go after this?" I asked her. "Anywhere but republic or empire space. Let's go find an abandoned planet with a beach or something," Mako tilted her head back against my chest to look up at me. "Only if you promise to sun bathe in the nude," I grinned lecherously down at her. She blushed and I broke into laughter. "Deal," she said. "I love you." I kissed her forehead, pulling my arm from the bar so I could wrap it around her. "Love you too. Want to dance Mrs. Jinobie?" "I'd love t-" I never even sensed it coming and I should have. In retrospect it was something I would never forgive myself for. I'd find out later the sniper wasn't even targeting Mako, she was just in the way. They were after me. The blast from the rifle punched a hole right through Mako and slammed into me. The crowd screamed and I would have too but I was knocked flat on my back. Mako collapsed on top of me. She was limp, unmoving. I couldn't even move, a hot burning pain rocked through my system, spreading like a wildfire through my lungs and across my chest. "Mako..." I gasped. She wasn't moving. "MAKO!" Nothing. There was panic, chaos all around us. I tried to reach for her but I couldn't move and consciousness was rapidly being taken from me. I tried to say her name again, to do fraking something but the last thing I saw was a masked face standing over me. Then, nothing.

Thanks Earthmama! It's good to be back in the world of Fan Fiction. Loosely everyone can expect to read new sections on Mondays and Fridays.

Back up!

All right peeples, Legacy Wars is back! For this story as I did in part 1 I write in multiple points of view. If I'm going for first person of a particular character I'll put their title above each section. No title means its third person. I like experimenting with different things. Secondly, as I did with part 1, there will be an *ahem* adult version (no black screens) up on my website, you'll find the link in my sig tag. Third, I tend to write very organically, story develops itself as I write it. This presents the challenge of carrying things I started which can be fun. Basically I'm telling you this because as it stands right now this story is turning out to be very dark. Attachments to characters could be bad for your emotional health. You've been warned. As always your feedback and constructive criticism is encouraged. http://www.themindofdcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/interview-divider.png Legacy Wars: Death of The Force 24 hrs after the attack on Tython and the Death of The Emperor Chapter 1: What the Frak? The Smuggler Port Nowhere Cantina "Who kicked your ***?" My grin would have been wider, but I still had one hell of a bruise from my fight with Mekethia. I turned my head, meeting the cocky, affectionate grin of Andronikos Revel. "Who busted you out of Imperial prison? Oh wait, that was me." I looked away from him so I could knock back my drink, but my amusement was the same. Some men were useful. Some were booty calls. And then there was Andro. I refused to call him Nikki, stupid frakking nickname. "You bringing up ancient history to change the subject?" He sat down next to me as the bartender refilled my glass. "I heard about what went down on Tython. Why didn't you call me?" "It was a family matter." "I'm not family?" "Nope." I hid my smile in the quick sip I took. He got so close I could feel his breath on my face. "********." I slowly turned my head towards his. Our noses touched. "You get a room or are we doing it right here?" "Wouldn't be the first time. You sure you up for it?" Concern flickered in his eyes. "I don't like being gentle." This time I let him see my smile. Dusted my mouth over his. "You couldn't break me if you tried." "Don't say I didn't warn you." He didn't give a damn if I put my drink down or not. Luckily I knew him well enough that I did, just in time for him to toss me carelessly over his shoulder. The movement irritated the frak out of the knick I'd gotten in my side but I didn't particularly care about the pain. He'd make up for it. -Black Screen- Sheer instinct woke me up despite how comfortable I was. I was sprawled across Andro's bare chest, his arm around me, his warm hand on my back and in about ten seconds something was going to go wrong. "Reide-" "I know." We were already out of bed and on the floor when the door to the room was knocked open and a hail of blaster fire from the assault droid rained down into the mattress. We both pulled our blasters from underneath the bed and fired back, ripping the big metal machine apart. The droid collapsed with a hiss and lots of sparks. We'd no sooner gotten to our feet then an explosion rocked the floating space port. "What the frak?!" I growled and started throwing on my clothes. Andro was doing the same. "What trouble are you in now Ria?" "Me? You sure this isn't about you Pirate Boy?" "I'm not the one out killing Emperors!" He had a point. I threw on my jacket, turned on my cybernetic ear implant and connected to the holonet. Andro was at the door, firing at something in the hallway. I pulled my second blaster from the nightstand as another explosion hit, nearly knocking me off my feet. "This isn't how I intended to spend the night." Andro growled and shot someone else. Considering his temper, it might not have been one of the bad guys. "Yeah me either." I joined him in the doorway peeking to see if the coast was clear. "You bring your ship?" "Not this time. Riding with you. Let's go." We were jogging down a corridor towards the hanger bay when the news cast came through my implant. I ground to a halt. Andro bumped into my back. "What's wrong?" It wasn't the shock that was keeping me immobile it was the implications of it. "The... Citadel and Jedi Temple are gone. They exploded." "What?!" Had Xerrin and Elliah been in the temple? Where had Laresa's kids been? And if we were getting attacked, then Laresa- "We gotta move." "You're the one that stopped." We raced through the spaceport. I had no idea who sent the droids that were inside killing everyone and at the moment I didn't care. I knew we needed to know, but I had to get to my sister first. I may or may not have loved Andro a little more when I got to the hanger door and realized that he had a data core from one of the droids we'd blasted apart on the way here in his hand. "I'm flying," he said. "Yeah, okay." Sarcasm dripped from my voice as we both raced to the cockpit. The who was a better pilot was an argument we had frequently. "You need to call your crew and find your sister. You can't do that if your flying." I grit my teeth together. "Fine. But you better not get a scratch on her!" I quickly changed course, halting in front of my holo terminal and put in the call to Laresa's ship. "C'mon, c'mon, pick up." http://www.themindofdcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/interview-divider.png The Jedi Tython Kalikori Village I was standing in the forest, a few clicks from the Twi'lek settlement. I had close friends there, and a place to stay when I needed privacy. Several years ago I had taken half a dozen young Padawans in need of real combat training and left with them with a young, but capable Twi'lek Captain to protect their settlement and people from the flesh raiders while the rest of the Jedi slowly removed those that could not be rehabilitated to live in peace. It had helped repair the bond between the Jedi and Twi'leks that shared Tython. But, I wasn't thinking about that particular accomplishment just now. I was recalling what Laresa had said to me just a short day ago. A smile hovered. Wait until I told her that I'd decided to take her advice. "Hey gorgeous. You wanted to see me?" I slowly turned, letting my miraluka gaze rest on Doc. He looked tired, but content. He'd spent the better part of the last twelve hours in med bay, helping tend to the Jedi that had been hurt during the fight. He was one of the best combat doctors I'd ever had the honor of witnessing in action. He was playfully arrogant, had relentless ambition and I silently hoped, still in love with me. I watched his gaze lower and something akin to curiosity take over his face when he saw that the lightsaber I usually carried was nowhere to be found. "Xerrin? What's wrong?" "You gave me a speech," I said softly. "Before you asked me to marry you." Doc went very, very still. I barely heard him when he finally said, "I did." "Will you say it again?" "Xerrin-" I took another step closer and laid a gentle hand on his chest. "Please." At first he said nothing and I quickly blocked out my sight completely. I didn't want to watch his emotions flare around him while he made his decision. I held perfectly still, waiting. Hoping... "All right. You win. Here's the deal. I'm good-looking, smart, and charming. I'm a top flight medical specialist who does charity work. I've completely stopped looking at other women, which should be physically impossible. Bottom line..." he stopped. "I love you," Xerrin finished for him. Doc's face twisted. His hands came up and closed around my shoulders, as if he was uncertain whether to push me away or pull me closer. "What are you doing Xerrin?" "I'm not a Jedi anymore," I said quietly. I could hear the shock in his voice. "What? Why?" "I've spent the better part of my life putting duty before family. I have no regrets about that. I am honored and humbled to have been able to accomplish what I have as a Jedi Master," I lifted my hand and touched his cheek. "But, now I think I'd like a change." "That better be spending the better part of the rest of your life with me." I slowly smiled. "If you wouldn't mind asking me again." I unblocked my sight so I could see him now, and would have laughed at the expression on his face except he'd chosen that moment to kiss me. Something he had not done in a very, very long time. I wound my arms around his neck, holding him closer. He drew away far too soon. "Xerrin-" "Yes," I brushed my nose against his and smiled against his mouth. "Yes." Doc hadn't been able to respond, an explosion rocked the forest and caught us, flinging Doc and I violently backwards. The impact of my landing stole my breath and sent debilitating pain ricocheting through me. I tried to use the force to hang onto consciousness but it wasn't working. My ears were ringing, my limbs were not responding, and even my miraluka sight was hazy, leaving me unable to focus on anything with any clarity. I heard someone call out to me, but it was too late. I was swallowed into darkness. http://www.themindofdcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/interview-divider.png The Sith Fury Class Imperial Interceptor The Crystal Vanguard I paced in a thin line in the main hold of my ship. General Pierce was standing in front of the holo terminal trying to active the locator beacons on my children's ships. "Where are they General Pierce?" I couldn't feel them. I couldn't feel any of them and there could only be one reason for that. But before Pierce could confirm my fears Assassins appeared. I don't how they got onto my ship, or who they were working for but they were everywhere. I felt the blade of a knife back stab me. Their mistake was that they missed my heart. My rage exploded, enveloping me in the raw power of the dark side and I didn't bother controlling it. I wouldn't be able to recall the fight, not the details of it, only that I heard my crew shooting, heard them fighting around me but that was a very faint backdrop to the screams as I dealt death to every single fool that tried to attack me. When the last one fell, the rush of adrenaline faded and I collapsed to one knee. Jaesa was down. So was Pierce. I didn't know if they were dead or alive. I heard one of the Assassins groan and jerked my gaze to his body. Sticking out my shaking hand I used the force to yank him to me. I put my hand around his throat and squeezed. "Who..." I gasped out. He said nothing and my anger surged again. It gave me the strength to roar into his face. "WHO!" "Xerrin," he choked out. That couldn't be right. He couldn't possibly be telling me- I tightened my grip. "My sister did not send you," I growled. "Yes... yes... not... who you think...please..." My rage became so great without a second thought I crushed his windpipe with the strength of my hand alone. Xerrin couldn't have. It was impossible- I collapsed.

Hey all. So I know Harbinger is not an RP Server. But since I've invested quite a bit of time into my legacy here I'm wondering if there are any other souls hanging on that server that would like to start an RP Guild. I've got a crap ton of RP experience and some other skills to make me a good admin which I would like to combine with someone who is super knowledgeable about all the end game content for Flashpoints, Raids etc. Looking for a causal laid back vibe, with some PVP thrown in the mix when we feel like it PM me if interested. I'm looking to hook it up for both republic/empire side since Legacy = We are Family!

Hey all. So, I'm on Harbinger which I know is not an RP Server. But since I've invested quite a bit of time into my legacy there I'm wondering if there are any other souls hanging on that server that would like to start an RP Guild. I've got a crap ton of RP experience and some other skills to make me a good admin which I would like to combine with someone who knows the game inside and for all the fun Raid, HM FP, content etc. Know I should probably post this on the Harbinger boards but figured I'd start here first. PM me if interested. Looking to hook it up for both republic/empire side since Legacy = We are Family!

What's good all. So here's the deal, looking for a mostly adult (at least 25+) FUN LOVING, causal guild. I've got a lvl 50 BH Mercenary I PVP with, a lvl 50 sith maraduer I want to start doing hard mode flashing points, operations etc with and a bunch of alts I'm leveling. Not looking for one those guilds that bash you the second you make a mistake. If you aint having fun, you're just silly. At the same time, I will do my due diligence for operations and always open to learning how to be a better pvper. I have vent and all that good stuff. Hollah here and I'll shout at you in game.

Yay! I ended up re-writing this ending and I do like it much better. I have some ideas for a part 2 but it'll be a while. I've got another actual novel to write that I'm waaay past due on. But, this was insanely fun, stress free writing, and I'm really glad ya'll liked it

Epilogue (The Sith) Fury Class Imperial Interceptor The Crystal Vanguard I stood next to Malavai’s coffin. The lid was closed, his body encased inside. I smoothed my hand over the wood, memories ripening my emotion. “I regret nothing Malavai,” I said quietly. “Not one moment of it. I suspect, no matter how much it hurt neither did you.” I dropped my hand and stepped back, reaching behind me to press the button. The belt drew the coffin through the chamber, and a second later shot it out into the cold, infinite beauty of space. “May the force be with you Malavai,” I whispered, watching him until the darkness had claimed him and I could no longer see. Lingering in my emotions a moment more, I finally drew them under control went back to the main hold of my ship. No sooner had I gotten there then I felt it. It hit me so strongly my hand flew to my heart, my other bracing me on the wall. What? No. No. “My Lord,” Pierces urgent voice. “There’s been some kind of attack,” his voice carried his disbelief. “Both the Citadel on Dromund Kaas and the Jedi Temple on Tython have exploded.” The vicious hand of dread squeezed my heart, robbing me of my breath. “Find my family, General Pierce. Now.” Except despite my order I knew where they were. And I knew we were too late. The End (for now)

Chapter 46 - Jinobie FTW (The Bounty Hunter) Tython Forests around the Jedi Temple It had been one of the most intense battles of my life. My knee was sore again, I had about a dozen little aches and pains and a splitting headache, and I couldn’t stop grinning. “The Emperor is dead.” Kept ringing through my mind. When the Emperors Flagship had exploded in the sky above us, the battlefield had changed in that instant. Confirmation that that lunatic was dead had surged everyone into greater action. The fight had been over minutes after that moment. I could still hear the faint cries of celebration. I walked past the dark red uniforms that had fallen, my blasters pointed down at them, making sure they were dead. There were the bodies of Jedi too, and pieces of broken droids, but those were a lot fewer than all the pretty red uniforms. Mako had gone into the temple to assist the wounded in Med Bay. Dad was coordinating the return of the HK’s that survived the battle back onto our transport ship. Master Kaedan stood next to Dad, watching it all with an overly suspicious eye as if he expected us to attack any minute. Couldn’t say I blamed them for being cautious but because I knew we weren’t going to attack them it was pretty funny to watch. I finished my final sweep and twirled my blasters before I holstered them. Tana and Vanceto walked up to me. Tana sipping from a bottle with a ripped off label. She handed it to me and I took a healthy swig of it. “Mom and Aunt Reide’s shuttle hasn’t landed yet,” Tana said, worrying her lower lip with her teeth. “They made it right?” I paused, frowning lightly. “I didn’t feel anything. Did you Vanceto?” Vanceto took a moment and I could tell he was using the darkside of the force. Finally he shook his head. “I can’t feel her, but I don’t think she’s dead.” “You know what, if Dad’s worried I’ll be worried,” I said motioning over at him. That seemed to pacify my sister and brother both. “So what’s next?” Tana asked pointedly. “I’m taking a real honeymoon,” I said, handing the bottle back to her. “I’m getting married,” Vanceto said. “To Vette.” I quirked a brow at him. “You ask her yet?” “No,” Vanceto admitted grinning wolfishly. “But her yes, is all but certain.” “I will laugh at you forever if she turns you down,” I said honestly. I would. “You’re both a bunch of girls.” Tana rolled her eyes at us. Vanceto and I turned to look directly at Tana. “Lancoro, I’m sensing a disturbance from our sister.” I nodded gravely. “It’s called hater-aid.” Tana punched me, and slapped Vanceto. We grinned at her. “Keep yourselves out of trouble,” she shoved the bottle she was drinking from at me, grinned faintly at us, and walked off. Vanceto and I watched her depart. “I’m glad she doesn’t have a boyfriend,” he said after a moment. “I’d kill the punk,” I nodded in agreement. Vanceto grinned darkly. “Slowly though.” “Meh, if he didn’t mouth off too much, maybe.” My brother chuckled and touched my shoulder. “Enjoy your honeymoon Lancoro.” “Good luck with Vette.” I smiled at his departure and took another swig from the bottle. *** (The Sith) Tython Ruins of Kaleth Xerrin stood at the bottom of the ramp. How we had managed to escape the Emperors ship before it had exploded I would credit to Reide’s incredible ability with a starship. On Xerrin’s request we had landed deep into the forest, north of the Ruins. “You can’t come back with me,” Xerrin said quietly. “If Mekethia had standing orders to blow that ship, I don’t trust they’ll let you leave.” “I’m pretty sure Resa and I could take them,” Reide said, despite the exhaustion on her still bloody face. The look Xerrin gave her was one of scolding, but her expression reminded me very much of the way she would look upon Reide and I when were children. It brought the faint smile to my mouth. Even so, I had to ask, “Tell me sister, are you concerned for your republic friends, or have you remembered the bonds of family again?” Xerrin stepped into me, hugging me tightly. I returned her embrace, despite the pain it caused. She did the same to Reide and though she tried to look indifferent to it, I could tell Reide was not unaffected by it. Xerrin stepped back, gave us a last lingering glance then turned, walking away. Reide watched her for a moment, then retreated back into the ship. I took a single step forward. “Xerrin?” Xerrin paused and glanced over her shoulder at me. “Hmm?” “Tell Elliah I want a divorce.” Xerrin quirked an amused, curious brow. “I don’t love him. Not the way the Nadia does,” I said quietly. Xerrin paused and I could tell by the expression on her face her thoughts had strayed to someone that was not Elliah. “It’s worth it Xerrin,” I said, the shadow of a smile touching my mouth. “But you already knew that.” She smiled back at me, and with another word walked away. “We leavin this ugly planet or what?” Reide shouted. I laughed and winced at the same time. “Oh, shut up. I’m coming.”

Chapter 45 - Death Becomes Some of Us Part 2 The Smuggler Emperor’s Flagship The Bridge Electricity sparked as Mekethia frakking body slammed me into the control panel. Metal buttons and levers jammed into my back, in a dozen places and they all hurt like hell. She drew back her fist to hit me and I put my forearms up blocking her strike then used the force to knock her back away from me. I got to my feet just as she came at me again, and we were locked in, sweat and blood jumping from our skin with every sharp motion. She got me right across the cheek, and I kicked her knee out. We danced around each other again, and then she rammed into me, catching me around the waist and we flipped over the railing, toppling a short distance to land on the floor in a heap. I felt her fists pounding frantically into my side, punishing my kidneys and I head butted the ***** to get her to stop, then flipped her off of me. I got to my feet with a wince. “Sure don’t teach you much at that trooper academy do they?” When Mekethia whirled around she had a blaster in her hand. It would figure. She didn’t hesitate to squeeze the trigger and I dove but the first blast gave me a nice flesh wound right across the ribs and nicked my favorite jacket, making me briefly consider smothering her with it. I somersaulted forward, dove behind a long table, used the force to call my blaster to my hand and then I popped right up. Her blast struck me clean through the shoulder, mine went right through her big, dumb, head. I was breathing hard, and I would have smiled when her body dropped lifeless to the floor but the muscles in my face were a little beaten up and didn’t feel like it. “That’s what you get, cheatin, *****.” I did shout over to her, and sunk back onto the table, wincing. Then, I heard an explosion. The force of it rocked through the whole ship and I almost lost my footing. If we survived this, when we got planet side I was going to shoot every single Trooper I saw. The Sith Emperor’s Flagship Throne Room “Laresa get up. Get up.” Pain rocked through my system. Calling upon the darkside of the force to help me take back control of my motor functions I shoved my helmet off with a sharp growl. My eye implant had short circuited under his attack, I could see nothing from it. I could feel the warmth of my own blood leaking from my ear and I suspected that implant had suffered the same fate. “Get. Up.” My sister’s voice snapped through the fog. I jerked my head up just in time to see the Emperor disappear, then reappear in front of her, kick her knee out and drive his hand into her chest, her back crashing into the ground at his feet. Growling. I leaped at the Emperor again, landing next to him, the force of it knocking him backwards. And then I attacked him, using his own hatred to enhance mine, letting every single emotion I’d ever held in check explode, filling my thoughts with the memory of Kazrin’s death, of Malavai’s, a mothers fear at letting her children go into battle, a sisters rage watching her family harmed, all of it because of this lunatics quest for planet destroying power. Xerrin was at my side in the next breath and I do not know what drove her passion but I could feel the force of it, different than mine, but no less powerful. We moved like one person, a vicious dance of pure focused power. Lightside. Darkside. The Emperor tried to use the force, Xerrin pushed back. I disappeared, then reappeared behind him but he snapped the lightsaber behind his back, blocking my strike, brought it round his body to catch Xerrin’s and simultaneously back kicked, forcing me to jump backwards and giving him the chance to flip to the side out from between the two of us. But I gave him no pause. I used the force to rip up the metal floor as if I was still a Jedi Consular and sent it hurtling towards him. He used the force to catch the debris with one hand, and quickly brought up his saber hand so his blade sparked against Xerrin’s with angry hiss. He thrust the metal back at me and engaged Xerrin in a fast and vicious sequence. I flipped over the debris and flung my lightsaber at the Emperor mid air. He kicked Xerrin’s saber hand away, twisted to deflect my lightsaber back at me, and Xerrin shot her hand out to force push him. The timing was perfect. It only sent him back an inch, but I had landed behind him and I jammed my lightsaber forward forcing it into his back. A vicious sense of triumph shot through me and I pushed harder, shoving my blade deeper into him. His form tensed and I thought for a split second he just might break free but Xerrin stepped into him and thrust her saber into his chest, just above mine. He glared at her in furious defiance, but could do nothing as the life force rapidly fled his body. “I. Am. Eternal,” he whispered. I stepped closer to him, my chin at his shoulder, my mouth near his ear. “Every time you find a body, we’re just going to kill it,” I whispered. “Count on that.” We pulled our sabers from his form simultaneously and he fell to his knees. I walked around him, standing next to my sister, watching with cold satisfaction as his body toppled over. Dead. The rush of victory after such a well fought battle was a delicious feeling. I basked in it in my own way, Xerrin in hers for several silent moments. Then she handed me back my lightsaber and stuck out her hand to call back her own from the Emperors dead fingers. I placed both blades on my utility belt, wincing. “Med droid?” Xerrin smiled faintly. “I know a doctor.” I arched an amused brow at her. Before she could say anything else though, alarms started going off. A second later an explosion rocked the ship and the force of it knocked my sister and I off balance. “What the frak?” I muttered. “Time to go,” Xerrin said. I agreed. Despite my bodies violent protesting, we ran out of the throne room and I literally bumped into Reide in the hallway. She looked as beat up as we were. “Gotta go, frakking republic put bombs on the ship.” “What!?” Just by Xerrin’s tone, I could tell she had not been privy to Havoc Squads orders. “Be mad about it later, let’s go, let’s go.” Reide sprinted down the corridor and we were right behind her. I’d like to say it was easy going but every time an explosion hit, the ship tilted and knocked us off our feet. I suspected we were cheating death by mere seconds, and reveled in the rush of it. “Where’s Mekethia, Reide?” Xerrin shouted her question just as we arrived in the landing bay. Reide didn’t answer until we were on the ship and she was high tailing it straight for the cockpit. “Whaddya think happened to her? And for the frakking record I didn’t start it!” Reide finally snapped. “Get that door closed and hang on!” Xerrin hesitated on the ramp. I touched her shoulder. “She chose her own path, Xerrin. We must go.” Xerrin looked back at me. She hesitated another second, then nodded and climbed aboard. As another explosion sounded around us, I knew it would be a miracle if we didn’t share Mekethia’s fate.

Chapter 45 – Death Becomes Some of Us Part 1 (The Sith) Emperor’s Flagship Throne Room Knowing how to use your opponent’s weapon, their fighting style, all assisted evening the score during a battle. The Emperor had added to his advantage over us with his whip. It was not a weapon either I or Xerrin faced with regularity and he was deadly with it. My first attack was the reason for the burning pain in the back of my shoulder, his whip having caught me on a spin and ripped through my armor to slice open the skin beneath it. He cracked the whip at Xerrin, a vicious arc that forced her to roll out of the way. He used the force to rock the whip back quicker than it should have moved towards me and he was fast enough to sneak past my guard, snapping the tip against my helmet. The strike sent a sharp jolt of electricity through the metal and I blanched, stumbling backwards but forced roared at him, taking him back just a step. He rolled the whip around his body, catching Xerrin before she could get close and wrapped the energy coils around her lightsaber, yanking it out of her hand. Now he was just pissing me off. I slide quickly forward, the front of my boot clipping him. He dropped, and I was on my feet, my lightsaber poised to ram into his chest, but he was faster. He shot his hand out and a blast of lightening crashed into me, knocking me backwards. Mid flight, I managed to throw one of my lightsabers to my sister, and then I crashed to the ground, pain rocketing through my system. I could smell the smoke coming off my armor, and though my body protested I forced myself up to my hands and knees, a good start. The Emperor had abandoned the whip and was using Xerrin’s own lightsaber to block and counter her attacks. It was brilliant, so very fast, lethal movements from the both of them but for my sister it wasn’t enough. He forced her back a step, she lost her footing and he thrust his saber past hers, the point jabbing her shoulder. Her sharp sound of pain brought me to my feet, pure rage sending me forward faster. Before he could take the kill shot my saber was underneath his, catching the blow, twisting my body to whip my heavy boot across his cheek, the murderous sound that flew from my mouth giving more power to my strike. The force of it made him spin mid air before he hit the ground. Breathing hard I offered a quick hand down at my sister, keeping my eyes on the Emperors rising frame. “Don’t tell me you’re tired." **** The Smuggler Emperors Flagship Bridge I stuck my boot on the back of the Dark Guard’s neck and pulled the trigger, my blaster making a mess of his head. Mekethia was standing on the bridge at the controls. “Take the rest of the team and plant the explosives,” she ordered what was left of her Havoc squad. I quirked a brow at her, slowly walking closer. “What explosives?” “Set the detonator for three minutes. Don’t wait for me. Take one of the Shuttles and go when you’re done,” she said to Sergeant Dorne or something, pointedly ignoring me. As her lackeys went skittering off I got right in her face. “What explosives, Mekethia?” “The Republic cannot trust the fate of the Emperor to just the Jedi. They had a chance once and they failed. I’m here to see that doesn’t happen again.” Fraking Republic. Can’t say I was surprised. “With or without your Sith sister?” Mekethia’s eyes narrowed. “Darth Jinobie is an acceptable causality. She wouldn’t have been allowed to leave Tython anyway-” I punched her right into her stupid mouth. It knocked her back a step, and split her lip open. “You’re the one that killed Quinn aren’t yah?” Mekethia straightened, wiping the blood from her mouth. “I don’t know why he stopped her from killing me, but I was well versed in Captain Malavai’s Quinn record. He’s responsible for the slaughter of hundreds of republic troops. His death was a republic victory.” Every syllable that flew out of her mouth was like a log on my temper. I took off my gun belt, dropping it to the ground and came right at her, fists swinging. “You’ve hurt her for the last time, you frakking *****.” “She deserves worse for what she did to Kazrin!” Mekethia growled and surged forward to meet me, blocking my strikes and trying to land her own. I blocked her incoming fists, one right after the other, caught her next swing and rammed my fist into her throat, then again across her jaw, letting her arm go so I could have the satisfaction of watching her drop to a knee. “Get up *****,” I said to her. “We’re not even close to done.” *** The Jedi Emperor’s Flagship Throne Room I got to my feet with a wince. “I slipped,” I said indignantly. “Indeed,” I could hear the amusement in Laresa’s tone. It bled away as the Emperor came at us again, fury literally radiating off him. It was powerful; his rage. I could feel it hovering around me like a fog, trying to blur my thoughts, probing at my fears, heightening the pain of the battle with every movement I made. I clung to the lightside of the force, willed it stronger around me like a force field as we engaged. We’d begun driving him backwards and for the first time since the battle started I felt the faint hope of triumph leaking through. But then his movements became so fast they were almost a blur. He back kicked Laresa away from him, spun into me and got close enough that he could punch my injured shoulder. The pain forced the sound of my mouth, his next strike took the saber out of my hand. I shot my palm up to use the force, but he shot a stream of lightening back at me. I’d felt his before, this sense of almost… panic at the sheer power behind his command of the darkside. My brow drew together, my teeth gritting as I pushed back. Just when I thought I couldn’t hold it another minute Laresa attacked him, drawing his attention away. I collapsed to one knee, drawing in a heavy breath and quickly called Laresa’s lightsaber back to my hand. The hilt had just touched my palm when I saw him break through Laresa’s guard, kicking the saber out of her hand. She blocked his next strike with solely the force, but he shoved his other hand into her chest and drove lightening into her, the force of it drilling her into the ground. What exploded inside of me in that moment I had not felt in a very, very, long time. It was not so much the unquenchable desire to harm him as it was to protect her. I was on my feet in the next breath, running, and then I slide in front of my sister, right into the blast, catching it with my lightsaber. I glared at this menace, the force of my sudden passion pushing the lightening right back at him. “Get. Away. From. Her.”