SithLore

[Continued from A Longing]

The holographic Doren nodded thoughtfully at the Grand Inquisitor's archival request, and assented willingly, "Of course- I will requisition the necessary terminals and databases prior to your arrival- you will have whatever resources are needed to track them down". The governor paused and tapped a half-frozen thumb against his lip. He was quiet for a few moments, then added, "In return, please forward the information for your transport to my office. Upon landing at the northern spaceport, I can have an automated shuttlecraft standing by to bring you to my facilities". Vassyl nodded again, content with this plan, and flashed his old comrade a reassuring smile, "I am confident we can accomplish your task and offer comfortable respite at the same time. Until then, take care Your Eminence".

With that, a salute, and a flash as the wobbly image fizzled out...


***Jaemus System, Obtrexta Sector, Grid Coordinates K-4***

***Lake District, Northern Continent***

True to his word, the governor's personal vehicle was idling outside the Grand Inquisitor's chosen docking bay as promised. Travelling at a swift but comfortable speed, Vassyl VIP guest reached the edge of Lake Providence in just under an hour. Upon reaching the parking platform, the Dathomiri was instantly greeted by her host's own ASP-series loader droid, which silently but courteously handled any luggage she might have brought along. If there was any surprise, it was a lone figure that seemed to be traipsing back in forth in front of the antique hotel which shared its name with the surrounding lake. Minute inspection would quickly reveal a familiar face: Doren Vassyl, clad in a simple white linen top, and an airy pair of brown trousers.

Rather than sword or blaster or imperial sigil, he was armed only with a simple pair of gardener's shears. Normally, the governor, and occasional hotelier, was happy to let his droid staff handle the hedges that clung to the sides of the main building. He was, however, very fussy about the front façade leading into the lobby, and often took it upon himself to prune the bushes himself. It was this task that had occupied him when the Grand Inquisitor came to call, but he did not loathe it. However briefly, here, in this place, at this time, he was merely Doren Vassyl, no strings or titles, no handle on galactic events or the fate of the masses. Indeed, for the time being, his only disposition was to offer comfort to a cherished ally, and provide what support was in his means to give.

When the green-thumbed governor spotted his most important visitor, he offered a crisp salute, held it for a few moments, and shook it out into a friendly wave. "I figured my own presence here wouldn't prove to be a major security risk", he explained once the Grand Inquisitor approached the front entrance, taking a moment to wipe the sweat off his brow, "We've caught a lucky spell of heat- its usually much colder this time of year". Clasping the sheers to his belt, Doren swept a welcoming hand toward the front door, "Might I have the honor of giving you a tour of the interior? Or perhaps you're tired from your journey, in which case I can show you directly to your room". Vassyl waited patiently for Her Ladyship's reply. Whatever might be needed, he was humbly at her service...

Played to Wrecked by Imagine Dragons

Perhaps it was simply a shell getting into the vehicle, she had gotten into several vehicles over the years so this was no different. However she was quiet, eerily so, it was not a quiet thought as was usually the case, it was almost as if she was simply not there. This was not normal to be absent of taking in her surroundings in great detail. It was simply so bad that even when he spoke it didn't register that he was physically in front of her. It took for him to ask. "Might I have the honor of giving you a tour of the interior? Or perhaps you're tired from your journey, in which case I can show you directly to your room". Before her mind finally snapped back into place. Perhaps she was tired, but it wasn't from the journey. "Room, is fine." She said softly. Perhaps another red flag for anyone that knew her, she loved to know her surroundings at all times in case she needed to. With her simply turning such a thing down was also not normal.

After she was escorted to the room she simply went inside and sat on the bed. Once again she seemed to be gone from her body, disconnected from everything around her. She didn't even close the door or check the room, things she was usually on top of at all times. Blankly simply sitting on the edge of the bed, there was no movement no words, nothing.

Much to Doren's continued shock, the Grand Inquisitor seemed to be even more glacial than usual on arrival: he hadn't thought it possible. Still, it was only when they had seated themselves on the bed and cast that hollow, vacant glance that the depths of their emotional decay became apparent to the off-duty Jaeman. The challenge that lay ahead of Vassyl as a host could not be more clear, or more important. For the time being, he left his silent guest with a remote to summon droid assistance if and when it was required, and promised to return after allowing them suitable time to 'settle in'.

The captain-turned-governor whittled away an hour or so, first handling documents in his office and then making a cursory inspection of the dining hall. He had thought to wait and check back on Her Eminence closer to supper, but changed his mind when a light shower began to pelt the large windows of the west wing with fresh rain. While Doren wasn't sure if Her Ladyship cared much for tea, he was determined to use the weather as an excuse to call upon them sooner rather than later. Assembling a robust tray of drinking vessels, various blends, auxiliary caf, and a few cakes, Vassyl returned to the Grand Inquisitor's door and announced himself.

Awaiting a response, or else letting enough time pass to assume he was not intruding, the amateur hotelier entered and set the caffeinated menagerie down on a small table near the middle of the room. "I thought you might like something hot to drink", Vassyl explained in a light and friendly tone, "The temperature can shift without warning in the northern districts–". He paused to occupy a chair an appropriate distance from his guest, and added softly, "I also find a fresh brew always helps me to relax after a long journey– and refocus the mind when it becomes muddled like this weather we're having".

Before Doren reappeared she slowly removed her helmet, casually casting it to the ground before resuming her gaze at the wall. When he entered she didn't move or flinch.
"I thought you might like something hot to drink. The temperature can shift without warning in the northern districts–". He paused. "I also find a fresh brew always helps me to relax after a long journey– and refocus the mind when it becomes muddled like this weather we're having". Perhaps what he said triggered her, her eyes turned a violet hue as her head turned to Doren. "DO NOT TELL ME ABOUT THE WEATHER!" She yelled in anger. It was perhaps the worst subject to bring up right now. He was lucky she didn't do anything else. She began to calm down. "I can't be a prisoner anymore, I can't..." She said softly. She was tired of the game, she wanted her freedom. Kota wanted to go home, but she knew Csillia was not an option.

"I don't want to be hunted anymore, I'm tired of the Imperial council stuck in their mind set, I'm tired of running..."she stopped, the list could continue. Kota was old and the scars the Imperials had caused were deep. "What's the point of me being the Inquisitor, when I get nothing from the Empire?" She asked. Her eyes remained the violet hue, she was still angry.

So unaccustomed was Doren to the Grand Inquisitor raising her voice that he nearly sent his teacup and its contents onto the floor. Sheepishly, he straightened up, and recomposed himself with a quiet breath before pivoting appropriately. "You are certainly deserving of more", the off-duty governor began, "As I recall, you offered your services to the Empress for the purpose of protecting certain loved ones. I know those guarantees have and will continue to be honored, and that the sacrifices you have made have hardly been in vain". Vassyl exhaled and rubbed at his left shoulder, "It's absurd that you have to hide your face– the throne owes you many times over".

Doren cautiously ventured a small smile in Kota's general direction, "I myself, and even the Lord Regent, would have been killed on no less than three occasions were it not for your timely intervention". He paused, and placed both hands on his knees, "Respectfully, Your Eminence, at this time, I believe the ruling council and the moffs have bigger concerns than an enemy that vanished some years ago". Vassyl met his companion's violet gaze in earnest, adding, "This new crusade against the Sith has absorbed all of their intention and greed– I suspect the only thing on their mind now is winning– and profiting from the conflict".

The governor paused and took a sip of his tea, holding up a finger to delay any cross-examination by Kota before continuing on, "When you forged your original agreement with the Empire, Argus Kraiov was a humble admiral, I was a nameless officer, and Prazutis still fought on the side of our enemies–". A wry smile flashed across the young Jaeman's face, "The lattermost is now supreme executor of the military in all but name, the Lord Regent now intercedes directly on the Empress' behalf in all things– and while my sector would normally be forgettable, this new Sith war affords even me a certain political clout".

Doren exhaled softly, and drove home his point, "That is to say: if you desire a formal pardon for any past crimes, a blank slate, a no-strings retirement from military service– any or all of these things, those of us that call you ally and friend are in a position to make it so". Vassyl looked at Kota with serious intention, and concluded, "So please, tell me– how can we help? What are your demands? I promise I will do everything in my power to make them a reality"...

Promises of clemency, she could have sworn this had been promised long ago. However she simply didn't remember anymore. "Some people can never rise above the scars time have caused. I doubt that moffs will change their tune." She said. Kota paused as she calmed down, she looked at him. "Home, safety, everything that I've always wanted. I can't get that if I'm always hunted, I think it's time Doren, time to end the game of cat and mouse." She said. Kota simply had one thing on her mind and she was willing to pay for it.

Kota's latest comments caught Vassyl somewhat off-guard. The young Jaeman raised an eyebrow in turn, half from surprise and half from skepticism. What times he had heard the Grand Inquisitor make even a remotely political remark were truly few and far between. Doren had not been a moff for long, but he felt his grasp on the government organs was perhaps more informed. Then again, he was here to listen, and offer aid. Her Ladyship's relationship with the Empire stretched back further than the former captain had been alive. And if, after all he had laid out, she still feared the wrath of the ruling council, then that had to be taken at face value.

Exhaling softly, Vassyl returned his mug to the beverage tray, and placed both hands on his knees. Looking forward at the Grand Inquisitor with all due attention, he looked his gaze on hers, and entreated, "What would you ask of me? Or rather- how can I be of assistance? If it is within my power to affect your liberation, I shall gladly do so"...

She eyed Vassyl, it had been a long time, most anyone she knew was dead or hiding, and people she considered friends...pauses in thought. She didn't know anyone who was a friend anymore. "Thank you for being a good friend, no matter the out come of what I am going to do." She said as she offered her hand. It was a once in a lifetime occurrence where she offered her friendship.

Kota was preparing for the end of her life, she was going to walk to the council, and reclaim herself one way or another. She was fully prepared to go live in the prison she had built as she was supposed to be. However it wouldn't be till the council knew their previous Grand Inquisitor was the very thing they hated. She would make sure they would go down with her. If she was to live in prison so be it, she was already living in one.

The Grand Inquisitor's gesture, while simple, spoke volumes, and instantly rendered Doren speechless. Nonetheless, Vassyl could not help but smile, and gingerly reciprocated, boldly going so far to lightly clasp his free hand over the Dathomiri's wrist to express the depth of his sincerity. "It has been, and continues to be a true privilege", the Jaeman answered with a nod, "And as your friend, I shall bring all that I can to bear, and will stand at your side to the very, very end– you have my word". Vassyl did not blame Her Eminence– or rather, his friend for their uncertainty. The Empire's political engine was a vile thing indeed, with no quarter or solace for companions much less friends.

It was, however, a terrific engine for making enemies. And where there were enemies, allies, even the most unlikely, could always be found…