Whispers in the
Dark
By Arriss
Chapter X – Revelations
In the main room, the new dawn brought sunlight with
it as it filtered through the windows, casting its
warmth throughout the chamber. Fresh flowers
permeated the air and swept through the senses as
Sakoya stretched and began to make some tea for
herself and caf for her husband. While she waited
for the liquid to heat to the desired temperature
she turned on the local holonews and then checked
the computer to see if they had any messages.
“Hmm, a nice, although brief, message from Padmé.
I’m glad everything is well on Coruscant because it
sure is strange here… Ohh, Leia… I hope you know
what you’re doing with that pirate fellow. I know
how debonair some smugglers can be…”
Her musings were interrupted as Obi-Wan entered the
room and walked over to his bride to embrace her.
“You didn’t sleep well, did you?” It was more of a
statement than a question.
Sakoya sighed deeply before answering. “No,
mon aimé,
I didn’t. But then I don’t think you did either.”
“You’re right – too many plaguing questions. The
Force is leading us, but where…I can’t say for
sure.”
__________________________________*****__________________________________
It was midmorning when a knock on their door broke
the two Jedi from their musings. Ever since they had
returned to the resort their thoughts had lingered
on the strange encounters they had experienced since
their arrival to Kuryn.
While Obi-Wan answered the door, Sakoya sat with her
legs tucked under her on the divan, a steaming mug
of tea cupped in her hands, and a look of someone
lost in thought on her face.
“May I help you?” Obi-Wan asked the large man
standing outside his door.
“Pardon my intrusion, but as a matter of fact you
can. If you’ll allow me inside I will explain my
intentions,” the large man replied.
Allowing his Jedi senses to guide him, Obi-Wan
stepped aside and let the man inside, directing him
toward the armchair in the main room.
“I recognize your face, but we haven’t met
formally,” Obi-Wan commented as he sat down on the
divan next to his wife.
“My apologies, Master Kenobi. I am
Vaarn Nurgh,” he said, extending his hand in
greeting. It was fortunate that the armchair was
oversized, for his large frame encompassed it
easily. Vaarn’s clothing was more colorful, red
instead of black, which almost made him more
imposing in stature than when the two Jedi had last
seen him. Scars from numerous battles marred his
bald head and face. His eyes, the color of smoke,
bore into a person, their intense glare intimidating
them. Around his neck was a nondescript collar of
some type, made from a dark, thin strip of flexible
plastex.
Unaffected by their visitor’s appearance, Obi-Wan
shook the offered hand and then said, “Nice to meet
you, Mr. Nurgh. Thank you for your assistance in
getting us to our resort safely.”
“Pah, don’t worry about it,” the man said with a
wave of his hand. “The Festival of Fools can
get to anyone.”
Sakoya too shook his hand. “I get the impression you
would like the favor returned?” she quipped as she
took a sip of her tea.
“Very astute. Of course you are both Jedi,” he
stated with a nod of his head. “I’ll get straight to
the point. Your wife looks very much like someone I
know and I’m hoping you can help me track her down
and bring her to justice.”
“Ohh?” Sakoya’s interest became suddenly piqued.
“Yes,” he continued. “That would explain my interest
in you in the Phantom’s Lock. She’s known as
The Emperor’s Hand and is notorious for
murdering whom she chooses when the mood suits her.”
Obi-Wan sat back and scrutinized their visitor as he
recalled his conversation with Anakin and Padmé.
This ‘man’ was in actuality a Clawdite and his
employer was a scientist of ruthless proportions.
“And what do her activities have to do with you?” he
pressed rather nonchalantly.
“She has murdered colleagues of mine and has eluded
capture. Perhaps the Jedi would succeed where I have
failed.”
“Have these crimes been against citizens of the
Republic?” Sakoya interjected. “Or of those on the
Outer Rim who believe in vigilante laws?”
Vaarn narrowed his eyes, as if annoyed. “Her crimes
have no boundaries. She kills for the pleasure of
it.”
“Does she have a viable name?”
Shifting his gaze from Sakoya, he said, “Aye, Master
Kenobi, I never forget a name. She has many
pseudonyms but I believe her real name is Mara
Jade.”
Sakoya’s face suddenly began to drain of all color
and the cup in her hand began to shake. “M-Mara
J-Jade? A-are you sure?”
“Not completely, but I believe my information is
correct.”
“Are there any records of her activities?” Obi-Wan
pressed. “A file containing her picture and more
descriptive intelligence?”
“Not that I know of,” Vaarn answered. “I can tell
you that she carries the lightsaber of a Jedi and
her mentor was the Emperor himself.”
Trembling uncontrollably, Sakoya hastily put down
her cup of tea and leapt up from the divan,
disappearing into their bedchamber.
“Did I say something wrong?” Vaarn asked innocently.
He had his own ideas about the uncanny resemblance
between the two women but chose to remain silent. He
was tired of trying to track this elusive female and
considering the similarities of the two women…he
hoped the Jedi would do it for him. Only when she
was captured would he finally have his revenge and
such a prospect made him grin inwardly.
Feeling the mixture of emotions emanating from his
beloved in addition to his own confusion, Obi-Wan
was determined to end this meeting as quickly as
possible.
“I understand your frustration, Mr. Nurgh, but we
cannot intervene in a private matter. If you could
provide proof of this woman’s offenses against
citizens of the Republic perhaps something can be
done. The Jedi cannot dispense justice outside their
jurisdiction.”
“I will do what I can to
assist you.” Vaarn nodded and then added, “She’s a
dangerous, ruthless woman and not to be
underestimated.” He stood up and outstretched his
hand once more. “But I have taken enough of your
time. I can be reached at the Maquisic Inn if
you have any questions.”
After they exchanged handshakes, the Jedi Master led
his guest to the door. Once Vaarn was gone, he
walked into the bedchamber and into the arms of his
wife.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
“Mara…” she whispered. “My Mara. Could it be?”
Sakoya gently removed herself from her husband’s
arms and turned toward the open balcony doors. A
cool breeze touched her face but failed to dry the
tears that streaked her cheeks. Wordlessly, she
strode outside and stopped at the edge of the
balcony, her outstretched arms bracing her against
the balustrade.
“No, she died…didn’t she? But he said she looked so
much like me. And the name…”
The Jedi spoke to herself in hushed whispers,
oblivious to anyone around her. “The Emperor’s
Hand? Murderer? How many has she killed? Nooo,
my daughter would never have…” As memories of long
ago swirled in her head a face came into the
forefront – Count Dooku.
“MARA!” she screamed and fell to the floor. She
remained conscious long enough to see Count Dooku
standing over her daughter and to hear her resulting
piercing scream as she lost consciousness.
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“H-he…didn’t…kill her.” Sakoya’s entire body began
to tremble. Her throat tightening of its own
volition not allowing her to speak, her arms and
legs paralyzed, her mind on fire as she fought
against the truth that she didn’t want to know – nor
consider. “Palpatine…” she croaked, “and Dooku…they
raised her, used her,” she paused, “inherent Jedi
abilities to-to…” She couldn’t finish; she couldn’t
fathom what her precious daughter had become. “I
failed…oh, how I failed…” she moaned as a shudder
coursed through her body.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Leaving Sakoya some time to herself, Obi-Wan began
to search through every means accessible to him,
trying to gather information on The Emperor’s
Hand but it was as if this person didn’t exist –
at least in any legal records.
“Time to try another avenue,” he muttered to
himself. Entering the proper codes, Obi-Wan Kenobi
opened a comm channel to someone that would have a
vested interest in the situation.
Obi-Wan checked his chronometer as he waited for an
answer. As the minutes ticked by, he finally saw a
familiar face emerge.
“Yeah, whatdaya want? I’m sleeping!” Xar’ek Tinsir
growled through the holo-emitter.
“Then I would suggest you wake up. You’ll need it,”
Obi-Wan retorted.
“Kenobi, is that you?”
“Yes, and I need you coherent.”
“Something wrong with Sakoya? Is she ok?” Xar’ek was
suddenly worried about his former significant other.
In spite of the numerous passage of time he still
cared very much for her.
The Jedi paused, “You could say that.”
“Quit being cryptic!” Xar’ek snapped. “What’s going
on that you would call me in the dead of night?”
Obi-Wan uttered one phrase and it sent chills down
Xar’ek’s back. “Mara is alive.”
All the color began to slowly drain from Xar’ek
face. “I-I’ll get some caf,” he stammered and
quickly disappeared from view.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Mara Jade sat in her private quarters on board her
ship mulling over the list contained in the datapad
in her lap. Concentrating on the names she reached
out to the Force, trying to gain some kind of
insight, but was greeted with emptiness.
“There’s only one commonality – they’re all rich!”
she grimly stated. “I know Yurrn was hiding
something. Something he found – but what…” she mused
as she began to pace, her hands clasped behind her
back holding the datapad. “I think I need to take a
second look at their merchandise…and earlier than
they expect.” She grinned devilishly and went to
change into more suitable clothing.
“Cela!”
Startled, Cela visibly jumped and nearly spilled the
plate of food she was carrying. “Mistress Mara!” she
exclaimed, “I didn’t hear you.”
Mara chuckled. “Evidently.” She silently admitted
that she found pleasure in scaring the girl. “I’m
going out for a bit. Stay away from my quarters, I’m
running tests on that vial from last night.”
“I wonder what it is? The liquid is such a strange
color,” Cela pondered.
“I’ll know when I return,” Mara snipped. “In the
meantime you stay here and watch the ship.”
“Are you anticipating someone?”
“No, just precautionary. I’ll be back later.”
Cela bowed her head and said, “As you wish. Will you
be carrying a comlink?”
Mara nodded her
accession
and then turned and walked away.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
“Are you more awake now?” the Jedi badgered.
Xar’ek grumbled a bit more and then spat, “Yeah, I
am. What’s this about Mara? Sakoya refuses to even
speak about her.”
“Are your smuggling affiliations still reliable?”
“That depends on who you ask.”
“Now who’s being cryptic?” Obi-Wan retorted.
“If you want me to ask my contacts about Mara, I’ve
already done that.”
Obi-Wan nodded his head. “Yes, but how many years
ago was that?”
Xar’ek narrowed his eyes in annoyance. He wasn’t
particularly fond of this Jedi Master but as long as
Sakoya was involved he would do what he could for
her sake. It still amazed him what she saw in this
stoic old fossil. “True. That was years ago. What
makes you think I could find anything different
now?”
“Apparently she has made a name for herself.”
Giving the Jedi a scrutinizing look, Xar’ek asked,
“What do you mean?”
Obi-Wan leaned back in his chair and simply said,
“She’s also known as The Emperor’s Hand.”
Xar’ek nearly choked on his caf.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Mara basked in the sun’s warmth as she walked along
the white sandy beach. The fresh air lightly touched
her cheeks and fanned out her red hair leaving her
with a sense of tranquility she hadn’t felt before.
Normally, she was ever vigilant and eagerly awaited
to see what greeted her around the next corner.
Relaxation – true relaxation had never come to her.
There was always something that had to be attended
to. But here…in this place she could shed her
inhibitions and just enjoy life.
Silly fool,
she thought to herself. I’m not afforded such
luxuries – not now. I have to avenge my Master and
only when that task is complete can I take a moment
to myself. But I will one day come back here and
relive what I missed.
Her musings had occupied her mind so much that she
surprised herself when she came upon the cave where
she had met with the Uyllt brothers the previous
night.
As she ventured inside she was astonished by the
formations within. Now that daylight was upon her,
she gained a better appreciation of the
stalagmites and stalactites that encompassed the
inside of the cave.
“Simply beautiful,” she murmured, taking care to
watch her step on the slippery rocks and other
protrusions. Cela would have been speechless to hear
her mistress speak so lighthearted, which was one of
Mara’s reasons for going alone. She didn’t need her
servant to see her acting like some awestruck child.
She couldn’t explain it, but the cave fascinated her
and she didn’t wish to share her enthusiasm with
anyone. As she slowly walked, Mara sidled over
toward the cave wall and tentatively reached out,
her fingertips glazing the surface. Her hand pressed
down and began to tingle from the sensation of every
ridge and indentation, each one distinctive from the
other. Her mind – so controlled – began to unravel
like fine fibers of cloth as she drifted back to a
time when the Empire ruled and she knew her place in
the grand scheme…
*Imp! You keep me waiting again!*
The voice resonated sharply in Mara’s mind. She was
allotted only a fraction of time to be tardy for her
lessons and Emperor Palpatine was not a patient man.
Hastily, she put her things away and scurried though
the temple straight to her master.
Nearly out of breath as she raced through the
numerous corridors she plunged up the final
staircase and into the turbolift that would take her
to her final destination. *I’m almost there,
Master,* she mentally linked to the Emperor.
*Almost is not nearly enough,* he chastised.
*I apologize, Master.*
*NO! That is a sign of weakness, but you will be
punished for your carelessness.*
Mara’s eyes widened for she knew what that
punishment would entail.
I wish momma hadn’t died, she privately thought, I
miss her…
As Mara had begun to mature, the Emperor had taught
her to shield herself from other Force users, but
little did he realize she had found a way to shield
herself from him.
The vivid memory of blue lightning encasing her body
burst into Mara’s mind and her body violently shook
as if she were reliving the past. A sudden prick of
pain brought the young woman from her trance-like
state as she blinked her eyes and glanced at her
surroundings, trying to recall where she was. Her
focus shifted to her hand and the pain throbbing
from it. Removing her hand from the wall, she saw
the bloodstain left behind and fresh blood oozing
from her wound.
“Must have punctured myself.” She frowned in
annoyance as she tried to staunch the blood flow
with her other hand. “My Master is displeased that I
haven’t avenged him and is punishing me. Not to
worry, Master, I will make sure the Skywalker’s
suffer as they die.”
__________________________________*****__________________________________
“The Emperor’s Hand?” Xar’ek couldn’t believe
what he was hearing. “Are you out of your mind? My
little Mara? Is this some kind of sick joke,
Kenobi?”
Obi-Wan took a deep breath before replying. He could
hardly believe this himself, how could he ask a
father to as well? “I can assure you this is no
joke. I may have developed a twisted sense of humor
at times thanks to Anakin, but no, I am not being
facetious.”
Xar’ek slumped back into his chair. “No,” he moaned,
“no, it can’t be. That person is…incapable of human
decency. She can’t be my little girl.”
“The little girl you abandoned so many years ago?” a
voice suddenly uttered.
Obi-Wan turned around to see his wife’s red-rimmed
eyes, swollen from crying. Her visage was one of
steely defiance and her pain radiated from her with
an intensity Obi-Wan had never felt from her before.
He reached out to embrace her but she rebuked him
without a word – her impenetrable stance spoke
volumes.
“Sakoya,” Xar’ek began, his voice filled with
remorse.
“STOP!” Sakoya ordered. “Don’t you dare try and give
me any platitudes!” she spat, her voice low and
even. “Long ago I lost a daughter to the forces of
evil and a part of me died. Now I discover that she
may be alive and a ruthless executioner? I almost
wish she were dead rather than hear such news.”
Xar’ek was about to speak but instead bowed his head
and shook it from side to side. Although he didn’t
have the Force as an ally, he could see the pain in
Sakoya’s eyes and the torment that littered her
face. “I’m so sorry, Sakoya. Truly I am.”
Sakoya took a deep breath and reached out to the
Force, hoping to bask herself in its light. Once
more, the tears came streaming down her face as the
mystical energy responded, but her tears of
despondency could not be changed and uplifted.
*How can I… Help me Obi-Wan, you’re my only hope…*
she desperately conveyed through their bond.
Obi-Wan rose from his chair and caught his beloved
as she collapsed into his arms.
“Is she –”
Obi-Wan interrupted Xar’ek mid-sentence. “She’s
exhausted. This revelation, as one might refer to
it, has overwhelmed her. I will attend to her and
contact you later. Kenobi out.”
Xar’ek nodded his head and ended the transmission.
“The honeymoon is over,” Obi-Wan sadly stated.
Scooping his wife into his arms, the Jedi Master
carried her into their bedroom.
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Alliance Ch13
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