Whispers in the Dark

By Arriss

Chapter II – Introductions

In a galaxy far, far away… on a planet located in the wild regions of space, a piercing scream had ripped through the atmosphere at virtually the same time the Emperor had met his death.

It was a woman’s scream – a woman with hair the color of fire and a disposition to match.

The woman’s given name was Mara Jade, although she was also known to a select few by another name – one that induced fear into the hearts of many.

The Emperor’s Hand.

Those who dared cross her bore witness to her ‘merciful’ punishment, yet they never lived to recount the tale.

Yes, Emperor Palpatine was quite thorough in the training of this particular apprentice.

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Mara ran through the forest, sweating profusely, yet determined not to give up. She couldn’t recall how long she had been running nor did she care. She had disciplined herself to maintain a daily regime of exercises and nothing short of her collapsing would hinder that.

At long last she reached the waters edge and without hesitation, ran straight into it and dove in. Her muscular legs pushed her downward, farther and farther, until she saw a glint of gold. With a gleam in her eye, she swam toward the object and plucked it from the large rock then propelled herself toward the surface.

“Ha! Knew I’d find you!” she stated with a sneer then laughed. “I threw you in just to test my resolve in fishing you back out.” Placing the gold necklace around her neck, she swam toward the shore and then walked out of the water. She sat down on a large rock, pulled her boots off and emptied the water out of them and then cast them aside. “CELA!” she suddenly shouted while she gazed at her trinket.

Moments later, a figure came bursting through the trees and collapsed on the ground near Mara’s feet.

“I-I can’t keep up with you, M-Mara,” Cela panted, trying to catch her breath.

“You owe me a life debt, remember? Your life is mine until I indicate otherwise,” Mara snarled then changed her tone and sweetly added, “Don’t I provide you clothing? Food? Shelter? Tsk, tsk, one would think you’re not grateful. Tell me that’s not true.”

Cela had learned to be mindful with what she said to this woman and chose her words with care. “Yes, you are very kind to me. I am very grateful.”

“Good,” Mara purred. “My boots are filthy, go clean them up and set out fresh attire for me.”

“Yes, Mara,” Cela answered rather subdued.

“Oh, and Cela,” Mara said, her tone even and dangerous, “I suggest you learn to keep up with me.”

Cela shivered slightly and it had nothing to do with the cool wind that chilled her sweaty backside. “Yes, Mistress Mara.” Cela picked up the boots and ran toward the ship, happy to be free for the moment.

“Little cad,” Mara mused as she toyed with the medallion on her necklace. “All I have left from you is this,” she sighed. “But not to worry, my mentor, I will avenge you.” Mara stood up and began the leisurely stroll toward her ship, the Conquest.

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Cela Sinatt had been a slave for most of her life and now, at the tender age of sixteen, she wanted nothing more than to escape her current ‘mistress’. Although the penalty if she were caught would be certain, unimaginable death and she wasn’t quite prepared to face such a demise – not yet. She determined she would bide her time and somehow, something would enable her true freedom at last.

“Cela?”

The silver haired girl nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of Mara’s voice as she approached her from behind. There were times that the teenager considered the fact that Mara was part feline, what with the way she could contort her body and her silent, yet graceful, footsteps. “Y-yes?” 

Mara chuckled, knowing she had frightened the girl. “We’ll be leaving soon. I have a rendezvous to keep. Rid yourself of your foul odor and make yourself presentable.”

With a sheepish smile, Cela darted out of Mara’s quarters and was gone.

“Such a good girl.” Mara grinned devilishly then rid herself of her own filthy clothing and walked into the refresher.

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Cela emerged from the refresher feeling invigorated, happy to be clean of the grime that had encased her body. She had learned very quickly that her mistress took her training seriously and when she had the inclination for a particular type of exercise; Mara simply found a suitable place and took advantage of it.

Her ruminations were interrupted as a sudden bleep and a flashing red light on her computer indicated a new message. Instinctively knowing who sent it, she walked over to the terminal and pulled the message up, reading it over quickly. Cela – input these coordinates into the nav computer and engage the hyperdrive. I’ll be in my quarters.

“Hello to you to,” Cela remarked scornfully then scowled as she recognized the coordinates. “Tatooine, oh how exciting.”

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Tatooine – a large sphere consisting of endless seas of sand bundled with unsavory inhabitants that were once governed by Jabba the Hutt, the notorious gangster. Jabba’s ‘disappearance’ had been mysterious to be sure. Some speculated that he was assassinated but no one knew for certain. What they did know and recognize was that another had taken over the immense worm’s territory – someone quite unlike his predecessor.

 

Why Mara would want to go to such a desolate and destitute planet, Cela could only guess. Although, what she knew of her mistress’ background, she surmised Mara would fit right in with such rogues. Cela had only been with Mara for a mere two years, having been reduced as the ante during a sabacc game between Sequ, her former master, and Mara. Sequ had ‘acquired’ Cela from an associate when she was very young and as she grew, he noticed how adept she had become at slight of hand. He took more interest in her, treated her better, and used her in various capacities in his smuggling. If he had thought to utilize her talent during that card game with Mara, she would still be with Sequ. The teenager admitted to herself that he could be a monster with his terrible temper, but he was still preferable to Mara who was nothing but cold and calculating. To her, Cela was no more than someone to use as she pleased.

Being Mara’s slave did have one benefit – she kept the lithe frame of the teenager in grand form. Her legs and arms had grown more muscular, as well as her torso, which displayed her stunning physique when she wore her exercise clothes. In addition, Mara was teaching Cela to be independent and self-assured. However, there was no doubt as to who was in charge.

 

The girl walked over to the small wardrobe she had been afforded, opened the door and gazed into the full-length mirror hanging there. Her deep blue eyes were bright and her silver unbound hair flowed around her shoulders in soft waves. With a sigh, she dropped her towel to the floor, took out fresh clothes, and then got dressed.

“Better get those cords set, or I’ll hear about it,” she said resolutely.

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The Conquest slipped through hyperspace bound for the desert planet. Its sleek obsidian design coalesced with the vast expanse of space and stars, leaving it virtually undetectable.

Mara landed her ship in one of the docking bays in Mos Eisley and implemented all of the security measures. If anyone touched her ship in any way, she would know.

“Watch and learn. Others will trample you if you allow it – don’t let them. You don’t need anyone to hold your hand,” she commented to Cela with a sly sneer while she strapped on her blaster.

“Then –” Cela began then stopped.

“What?” Mara turned, encroaching the girl with a powerful glare.

“N-nothing.”

Mara narrowed the gap between them and was mere millimeters from the girl’s face as she whispered, “I didn’t think so.”

Cela hated those looks, it was as if the woman could project herself into her mind and it scared the girl to no end.

 

They disembarked and walked out of the docking bay. As they stepped into the bright sunlight of midday, a hover-taxi approached them, hoping to earn a fare, but Mara waved it off. She had already decided that walking would be her preferred way of travel as she guided them to their destination through the sandy streets.

A short time later, they entered a small cantina and the duo purposefully strode in. Mara’s eyes quickly scanned the clientele and rested upon a man in a booth, hovering over a drink.

“This way,” she instructed over her shoulder and made her way through the crowd. “Oh, and pick up what you can.”

Understanding, Cela nodded and put her crafty fingers to work as she followed after Mara.

“Hello, Miss Jade,” the man said just as Mara reached the table.

“Greetings, Talon,” Mara replied sharply.

Talon looked up from his drink and espied the pirate woman’s counterpart. “Hello, Cela.”

The teenager blushed and shyly looked away.

“Be a dear and fetch me a drink,” Mara cooed to her servant who immediately obeyed.

“Talking nicely to the help these days? I’m impressed.” Talon raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

“Ha, don’t be. She serves her purpose.”

“She’s a cute little thing. Maybe I need to play sabacc more,” he teased.

Mara rolled her eyes, signaling her impatience. “You wanted to meet – what’s on your mind?”

“Always the businesswoman.” Talon shook his head. “You need to relax more, Mara.”

“Why? So scoundrels like you can cheat me on a deal? I hardly think so.”

“All work and no play…”

“Your point?” she interrupted, growing exasperated.

“Ah, yes, my point…”

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Chapter III – Arrival at Kuryn

Sakoya stepped off the stuffy transport and took a breath of fresh air. A week in a thing like that can dull anyone’s senses, she bitterly thought as she took one last glance at the massive ship. And the additional stopovers didn’t help much. I’m glad to be free of it. She shook her head and a mane of red hair whipped across her face.

“Time to find our accommodations,” she slyly suggested as she sauntered up to her husband.

“Oh, I see someone has a bit of an appetite.” Obi-Wan winked at his bride.

Sakoya wrapped her arms around her husband’s waist. “Perhaps…” She winked. “After that stuffy cabin we had on the transport I could use some fresh air…among other things.”

“Then let us delay no longer.” Obi-Wan smirked as his arms enveloped Sakoya in a tight embrace and whispered in her ear, “The honeymoon suite awaits us, Mrs. Kenobi.”

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Kuryn – a paradise in itself and a frequent vacation area located on the planet of Nevus where beaches stretched up the coast and warm breezes and sunshine were plentiful. The nearby ocean stretched long past what the eye could see and beckoned visitors to its shore. Small shops were abundant in the small city; selling trinkets to take home as mementos, but one place that drew many to its doors was the gallery. Its display of art from all over the galaxy never ceased to fascinate passersby, which in turn, were brought into the shop to browse and usually leave with at least one piece – if not more.

Not far from the heart of the town was an array of hotels, their exteriors all beautifully crafted with columns of stone from an age long since past or chiseled inlay. Each unique on its own and elegantly decorated interiors to match.

 

From the drop-off site of the transport, throngs of people with their own agendas milled around, waiting for transportation to their destinations. Among them, patiently waiting, were the newlyweds. Many smiled at Obi-Wan and Sakoya, for it was obvious the couple was very much in love and a few onlookers offered congratulations.

“Are we that apparent?” Obi-Wan asked in a low tone.

“It appears so, my love,” Sakoya replied, giggling.

Just as the Jedi Master was about to comment further, a series of open-air carriages – drawn by hestans, the purest of white – came strolling down the cobbled street. The long procession flowed past the assembled guests and gently came to a stop not far beyond the two Jedi.

“Aren’t they gorgeous?” Sakoya murmured as she walked up to the nearest animal and placed her hand on its muzzle, carefully avoiding the slightly curved twin horns protruding from its forehead. It craned its long, sleek neck toward her, adoring the attention. Smiling, she gingerly reached up and rubbed beneath the forelock of hair that rested in between its ears. The hestan shook its head slowly and Sakoya moved to its mane of hair, stroking the soft strands.

“Stunning animal,” Obi-Wan replied with a nod of his head. Glancing down, he took notice of the clawed feet, covered in long hair that matched the animal’s gleaming coat.

“Oh, these aren’t just animals,” Sakoya purred, “they’re creatures of grace and intelligence. I remember riding when I was little…” She paused and continued to pet the hestan.

“I never have. Ridden that is.”

Sakoya turned around. “Never?” she exclaimed.

“No,” he said with a shake of his head.

“That, my dear,” she smirked, “is about to change.”

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and groaned. “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”

Obi-Wan held Sakoya’s hand as she stepped up into the carriage and sat down. He then stepped up and sat beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Meanwhile, the driver of their chosen carriage disembarked and picked up the suitcases, placing them on the shelf behind the coach. Once they were securely attached, the driver took his seat and set the carriage into motion.

“Your destination, milord?” the driver inquired.

“Montique Resort.”

“Very well. An excellent choice, milord.”

Sakoya snuggled up to her husband, resting her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest as a sigh of contentment escaped her lips.

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A short ride later, as the carriage pulled up to the entrance of their hotel, the driver announced, “Montique Resort, milord and milady.” Getting down from his perch, the coachman retrieved their luggage and set it down on the duracrete walkway.

Obi-Wan walked up to the gracious man, placed some credits in his hand and said, “Thank you for the hospitality.”

“You are most welcome. Should you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask any of the hotel staff. Enjoy your stay in Kuryn.” The driver then took his seat at the head of the carriage, signaled his team and slowly disappeared down the street.

Before the Jedi Master could pick up their belongings, a bellhop came tumbling out of the resort’s grandiose main doors and stumbled right over their luggage.

Picking himself up off the ground and dusting himself off, the bellhop sheepishly grinned at the couple. “Uh, I’m terribly sorry. I’m pretty new at this and, well, I’m a little clumsy.” His soft light brown eyes practically pleaded for mercy.

*Clumsy, so that’s what he calls it,* Obi-Wan commented to his wife through their mental bond.

*Now you behave, beloved.*

*My apologies, my dear. Anakin must finally be rubbing off on me.*

*That’s what I’m afraid of!* Sakoya chuckled.

“May I take your bags up?” the bellhop inquired.

“I, ah, believe we have it,” Obi-Wan replied.

“Oh,” he said dejectedly.

Sakoya snickered and Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. “On second thought…”

“Oh! Thank you, sir! I-I’ll get these straight away!”

“What’s your name?” Sakoya inquisitively asked.

“G-Garen, ma’am.”

“Nice to meet you, Garen. I’m Sakoya and this is my husband, Obi-Wan.”

Garen nodded to each of them. “A pleasure, ma’am, sir. Follow me, please.”

“Such a softie,” Obi-Wan quietly told his bride.

“You’re one to talk,” Sakoya kidded as they walked arm in arm into the hotel.

 

After Obi-Wan had checked in, Garen led them to their suite on the penthouse level. Stepping aside, he waited patiently for Obi-Wan to input the code on the keypad nestled into the wall next to the door. Accepting the code, the durasteel door slid open and the couple entered, followed by Garen who brought their luggage inside and set it down next to the wall, out of the way. Slightly embarrassed, he nervously swiped his hand through his cropped brown hair. Finally, he held out his gloved hand and smiled meekly at the couple. “If that will be all, sir.”

Obi-Wan tried to hide his smirk but his bride caught it out of the corner of her eye. Shaking her head, she held out her hand and waited for her husband to deposit the credits into it, which Obi-Wan begrudgingly did.

“Thank you, Garen,” she said sweetly as she placed the credits into his palm.

“Ma’am,” he responded with a slight nod of his head and then left the suite.

“Thank goodness for the generosity of friends.” Sakoya sighed, considering the exorbitant amount of credits they would be spending during their honeymoon.

Their suite consisted of two rooms; a spacious main room that included a set of double doors on the far end that led to the balcony outside. Beside these doors was a decorative duraglass desk that included a computer console equipped with a holo-emitter and HoloNet access for the convenience of guests. Additionally, there was an oversized fireplace on the South wall with a median oval shaped mirror above it and windows nearly two meters high on either side. On the opposite wall sat a taupe colored divan accompanied by a small table, crafted from fine Alderaanian wood. Atop the table were sweetly scented native flowers combined with ornamental candles and encased by frosted duraglass.  In between the divan and a matching two-person armchair was a large planter filled with yet another native plant, its tall stem producing a multiple of fan-shaped, long, slender leaves.

Inside the generously spaced bedroom the couple discovered a king sized bed, adorned with several plump pillows and a sage bedspread with sand colored leafy swirls sewn in. Across from the bed was a matching armoire that included a large screen holovid for their viewing pleasure. Also in the room was a sitting area with two plush armchairs, ideal for lounging, that gave a view of the balcony through the twin doors. Another plant, identical to the one in the main room, completed the synchronization of the bedroom’s furnishings.

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“Look at this view, Sakoya! It brings new meaning to the word ‘impressive’,” Obi-Wan shouted.

Sakoya joined her husband outside the double doors that led to the ample-sized balcony off of the main room. From there, the ocean in all its majesty lay before her eyes. Off to the left she could see the craggy cliffs; some containing the caves of unknown depths that she had read about. And the beach – endless white sand that extended as far as the eye could see.

The fresh breeze caught her hair, causing it to flutter out enticingly behind her. Just as she glanced over to her right, she was astonished to see a very special accessory to her room’s amenities.

“Did you know that would be here?” she asked, her voice low and sensuous.

“…Possibly,” he admitted.

Taking up a vast portion of the balcony was a full-sized Jacuzzi for two. The outside covering consisted of a decorative dark wood, accompanied by a short stack of three stairs that curved around a small portion of the spa. In addition, a bench made from the same wood, also wrapped around the outside and was usually used for the plush robes the guests cast upon it before entering the bubbling water. The Jacuzzi itself was made from a marble stone; its blue and white colors swirling through every alluring part of it, inviting guests to partake in its luxuries.

Obi-Wan’s arms encircled his beloved and he nuzzled her ear. “Didn’t you mention something about an appetite that needed to be sated?”

She leaned back into his embrace and smiled. She hadn’t a care in the world other than being in this wondrous place with the man she loved so dearly. “Yes,” she answered demurely, “I did…” As she turned around, her hands slowly made their way up his chest and around his neck, ultimately pulling him closer to her until their lips met in a sultry kiss.

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