The Drought - Episode V: Ketuari

 

Location: Coruscant - Kerrington Penthouse

Time: 13:22:04 

Era: 1,000 years before A New Hope

“You’re a PRINCESS?!” Kira shouts clearly amazed by this newfound discovery. “I’ve never met a PRINCESS before! You don’t even look like a princess! Where do you keep all of your dresses and tiaras?!” Kira begins to hop up and down as if about to pee her pants from excitement. SJ blinks at Kira and then averts her gaze to the front doors of the penthouse. 

“Not technically. That title was taken from me and I literally just told you that I don’t want you to freak out, Kira. First impressions are important to my parents and if we want a place to stay while we’re here that isn’t going to cost an arm and a leg…” SJ crosses her arms and sighs softly. “You can’t squeal everytime something about royalty comes up.” SJ tilts her head looking for assurance from Kira.

“You’re parents? Oh my goodness… They’re-” SJ slaps her hand over Kira’s mouth to stop her from finishing that sentence. The bounty hunter simply nods at the padawan and then looks at Jake and Caithe. 

“Please… For the love of all that has ever existed… Act normal.” SJ furrows her worried brows and knocks on the front door. Just a few seconds later, a twi’lek with bright purple skin clothed in long white and golden robes opens the door. 

“I am sorry. King and Queen Kerrington are not-” The Twi’lek stops as Kira gasps at the mere mention of a king and queen. She shifts her glance to SJ and then takes a gasp of air for herself. “Lady Kerrington!” The Twi’lek curtsies before the bounty hunter. 

“You don’t need to curtsy for me anymore, Ti’dala.” SJ smirks hugging the purple woman tightly. The others watch as the warm hug is exchanged before a large lizard creature known as a Nudj wobbles into the doorway. The creature’s hide-like skin is a brilliant purple shade and there is a large white circular birthmark around her left eye. Tiny shimmering white spots trail down the back of the three foot long lizard. 

“Uh… Is this one of mother’s new prospects?” SJ glances over to Ti’dala curiously. The Twi’lek nods and picks the lizard up letting it wrap around her neck where it hangs like a glorified necklace. 

“Ah, yes. This is Domino. She’s very friendly. Loves meeting new people.” Ti’dala chuckles softly. “Your mother is trying to tap into her connection to The Force.” The Twi’lek nods, rubbing the creature’s head.

“She’s Force-sensitive?” Kira arches a brow at the lizard. Domino stares right back into Kira’s eyes before her forked tongue sneaks out to wiggle around playfully. 

“She is… And that tongue action meant hello.” The Twi’lek giggles at the creature. “She possesses a very uncommon ability that even the Jedi and Sith have found a rarity of,” Ti’dala explains. The white spots on the lizard’s back glow brightly before the creature vanishes leaving behind a purple glitter cloud that quickly dissipates into the air. A similar cloud of glitter erupts on Jake’s shoulders as Domino appears around him. 

“Incredible… Force teleportation. I’ve read about this back when I studied in the temple but I had never thought I’d live long enough to see someone with it… Nevermind a lizard.” Caithe exclaims, admiring the creature.

“Ah, she is a Nudj, not a lizard,” Ti’dala says, correcting the woman. Jake blinks as Domino makes herself comfortable on his neck. 

“She is a lot lighter than she looks.” Jake laughs nervously as he reaches his hand up to pet her. “She doesn’t bite, does she?”

“No, never! Nudj are very docile creatures by nature and their communion with the Force often reinforces that docility. I assure you that you are safe.” She smiles with a nod.

“So where are my parents?” SJ asks, placing her hands on her hips and letting out a long sigh as she asks the dreaded question. Ti’dala gestures for the group to follow her into the penthouse. Every wall is a bright iridescent shade of white that screams wealth. The borders of just about every inch of the penthouse are golden. The Kerrington emblem of a dove with outstretched wings and a sword through its chest hang on almost every wall. 

The hallways in this large penthouse seem just about endless when the group gets to the top of a circular staircase that leads into a large living area with a high dome roof made of painted glass creating a colorful mosaic design. As the doors swing open automatically, a man and a woman stand in the center of the room. The 6’3 slender woman’s long brown hair reaches down to below her knees and a golden crown encrusted with opal sits atop her head. The crown’s gems line the base of the item and a small glowing white gem is held in the center. Her piercing green eyes shift to SJ and her happy demeanor dims. The queen’s long white, purple, and golden dress flows ever so elegantly onto the floor and carries a six foot matching train behind.

The man she stood with follows closely after her. He wears a beautifully tailored white, black, and gold suit with an ornate vest over it encrusted with opal similar to those on the queen’s crown. The man’s hair is white as snow and his eyes are a breathtaking shade of blue. He seems incredibly pleased to see SJ as his smile continues to grow the closer he gets to her. The crown atop his head is forged from silver and holds a glowing white gem similar to the queen’s own. 

“Queen Thalyssra Kerrington and King Llane Kerrington…” Ti’dala announces the pair before offering them a perfect curtsy. Everyone but SJ proceeds to bow and curtsy before the royalty. The queen finally stops upon reaching just inches from SJ. The woman towers over the 5’2 bounty hunter and just about everyone in the room.

“Why have you returned, Sarah Jeanne?” The queen states, her icy stare glued only to SJ as if anyone else in the room had stopped existing. The King seems to stand behind her in a state of docility, offering the occasional friendly smile to SJ’s friends.

“That isn’t my name… I asked you to start calling me SJ, mother.” SJ grits her teeth, returning the same cold stare to her mother. The tension within the room could easily be cut with a lightsaber. “My friends and I need a place to-” SJ begins and is immediately cut off by the shrill voice of the beautiful queen. 

“No.” The queen snaps angrily. “You have no place among us anymore.” She scorns the bounty hunter and as her nostrils flare, you could almost imagine flames coming from her nose like the ruthless dragon of a woman this is. “Do not call me mother. You have lost that privilege.” She snarls, shifting her glance from SJ to Ti’dala.

“Nice to see that your stone cold heart hasn’t changed a bit. You should know that my friends are all Force-sensitive.” SJ crosses her arms as if offering a bargaining chip. The queen’s eyes begin to travel between SJ’s companions taking note of their lightsabers, attire, and most importantly Kira’s markings. The queen seems to be focused on Kira’s forearms when the padawan uncomfortably lowers her sleeves to hide the markings. 

“Ti’dala.” The queen glances over to the Twi’lek. “Clean four of our finest guest rooms and inform your brother that he will be preparing supper for six tonight.” Thalyssra commands, gesturing to the door. The Twi’lek nods and scurries off downstairs. 

“Thank-” SJ begins to extend her gratitude towards her mother but isn’t surprised when the woman cuts her off.

“This is not for you. Understand that well.” She remarks, sharing a glare with her daughter. The queen extends a hand to her left, giving a small black chip to the king. “Take them to the Shopping District, dear. I expect them in the finest attire our credits can afford.” The queen remarks before walking away from the group without another word.

“Oh!” The king exclaims whilst looking to the group of friends with a happy smile on his face. “Oh, this will be grand fun! Why don’t you all go and settle in while I get our speeder ready?” He asks, gesturing to the door behind them. SJ returns the warm smile to her father and leans forward planting a kiss on his forehead. 

“Thank you, dad… I’m sorry that you have to live with… that.” SJ sighs, looking back in the direction her mother had gone in. Llane waves a hand in dismissal at his daughter before lightly placing his hand on her cheek. 

“You know that I love your mother very much, dearie,” the man exclaims, hugging SJ tightly. Llane lifts SJ’s hand up to his face and plants a gentle kiss on the back of her hand before once again smiling at all of her friends. “Please make yourselves at home. I will send Ti’dala for you when the speeder is ready.” The king says before taking his own departure. The group turns and heads down the stairs following in SJ’s lead.

“Hey, Caithe… Can we talk about what happened back at The Library? I still can’t remember anything…” Kira says softly as they walk through the halls. 

“Neither can I.” Jake turns his head back to glance at Kira. “The strangest part is that I can remember everything so vividly up until The Librarian pulled that rope…” Jake sighs softly as he scratches his head.

“Dreamdust will do that.” SJ remarks, leading the group to a circular room with four doors leading to large guest rooms, each with a view over the city. Each door is already labeled with the name of each guest. “Makes your mind fuzzy but the memories will eventually come back to you. I will warn you though… Dreamdust has a notable reputation for giving a little more than bargained for the first time around.” SJ explains, walking into the doorway of her guest room before spinning around to look back at the group. “Most people have pretty bad nightmares their first time. You might get some fragments of what happened in your dream over the next few days. Just remember that they aren’t real.” SJ remarks, closing her door.

“I’m going to find a place to stash my lightsaber.” Jake adds before waltzing off into his room. 

“Caithe… You got us out of there. What happened in The Library?” Kira asks, following Caithe into her guest room. Caithe seems very distraught and unable to focus. As the woman steps into the room the first thing that draws her attention is the speeders flying by her window.

“I told you… I don’t remember, Kira. My mind is still fuzzy from the Dreamdust.” She says, taking a seat on her bed. Kira proceeds to take a seat beside her and shakes her head.

“But you were the first to wake up… That part shouldn’t be fuzzy. You carried three unconscious people out of the labyrinth of hallways that make up the Academy and somehow dealt with The Librarian. I don’t understand how you’ve just forgotten.” Kira lies back on the bed and bites her lower lip as she stares up at the painted ceiling.

“I’m sorry, Kira. I wish I remembered more… But I don’t.” The woman exclaims, turning her head back to Kira. “But the moment I begin to recollect those memories, I promise to tell you.” Caithe nods at Kira and pats her bed as Jake shows up in the doorway.

“Oh, you want me to…?” Jake begins to ask but an inviting wave from Caithe is all he needs. The man walks over to the bed and sits down beside Kira. “Caithe, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” Jake tilts his head looking over to the woman curiously.

“Well… Ask away, Jake. Unless this is about The Library again…” She says, narrowing her eyes on him. The man shakes his head and looks between Kira and Caithe.

“I…” Jake scratches his head awkwardly. “I don’t know how to really ask this but…” He sighs softly as Domino suddenly explodes into a purple glitter cloud, vanishing from his neck. Ti’dala walks into the doorway before the Nudj appears on her shoulders accompanied by a second glitter cloud.

“The king is ready for departure at once! Come along, we must make haste before Tiakia’s closes for the evening!” The Twi’lek smiles, waiting at the door as SJ joins the group.

“We can talk later.” Jake nods, not seeming to mind the interruption whatsoever. Kira lightly rubs Jake’s back before getting up to her feet and following Ti’dala as the others trail behind. The group arrives to see three speeders with two seats each. Each speeder is clearly worth millions of credits and have been forged to catch the eye. Llane is already sitting in the gold and white speeder to the left of the hangar. 

“Darling, would you care to come with your father?” The king smiles over the side of the hovercraft, gesturing for SJ to join him. The bounty hunter chuckles softly and nods, climbing into the speeder and then looking back to her friends. 

“Just pick a speeder out and the droid will follow us.” SJ nods, pointing back to the T7 astromechs installed into the front of each speeder. The father and daughter’s speeder gently lifts off of the floor and hovers slowly while it exits the hangar.

“Why don’t you two go together? I’ll ride with Ti’dala.” Caithe offers, gesturing to the purple speeder. Kira and Jake don’t hesitate before jumping into the speeder together to start playing with all of the fancy controls. 

“Oh dear… Please don’t break anything!” Ti’dala shouts as their speeder exits the hangar. The two women climb into the green speeder as it lifts off and follows the other speeders towards Tiakia’s. Ti’dala turns her head to Caithe and looks her over before looking back out of the windshield. 

“I know what you’re doing and I’m going to have to ask you to stop.” Caithe glances to the side as the Twi’lek offers a shocked face.

“What are you talking about?” Ti’dala asks, her tendrils wobbling as she tilts her head to the side.

“Don’t play dumb with me. Your queen is obsessed with Force-sensitives. It only makes sense that you’re gifted. However, I don’t appreciate you constantly trying to read my thoughts. It is becoming exhausting to ward your attempts off.” Caithe remarks, her eyes wandering around the city as they pass between buildings that reach up and touch the sky. Domino squeaks loudly before bursting into a purple glitter cloud.

“You are stronger than you appear… Most are unable to ward off my abilities…” The Twi’lek glares at Caithe angrily. “You’re lying about something… Something very important to your friends.” Ti’dala says, slowly lifting her hand up towards Caithe. “Let me in…” The Twi’lek whispers, placing her hand on Caithe’s temple. Caithe immediately reaches up and grasps the Twi’lek’s hand in a brutal manner. She snaps Ti’dala’s hand backwards until her fingers touch her forearm and the mind-reader lets out a loud shriek.

“If you ever touch me again… If you ever try to read my thoughts again… and if you ever tell anyone of what just transpired between us…” Caithe lifts her arm up and uses the Force to lift Ti’dala out of her seat and over the side of the speeder. “I will give you far more to worry about than a swift death.” She snarls as Ti’dala tries to let a scream out, but the Force choke prevents her from doing so. Caithe slowly brings the Twi’lek back into the speeder and the remainder of the car ride is a deathly silence.

Jake and Kira’s trip is off to a quiet start before they both begin to speak at once resulting in the most sincere of awkward altercations. “I’m sorry.” They both blurt out.

“I didn’t mean to blow up on you like that on the ship… I was so angry… I just lost control for a second and I had to let some frustration out. It wasn’t entirely directed towards you…” Kira admits, leaning over to rest her head on Jake’s shoulder.

“I called you naïve. That was uncalled for and I’m sorry.” He says, glancing over to Kira nervously. “But that isn’t exactly why I was apologizing. I took this without telling you.” Jake says, pulling Caithe’s journal from his robes and handing it to the girl. Kira doesn’t look angry or upset but is surprised by what he had done. A purple glitter cloud poofs over Jake’s shoulders as Domino nuzzles her way around his neck. “Oh, hey…” Jake pats the Nudj.

“Oh… But why?” Kira tilts her head as she pulls her backpack around, shoving the journal back inside. 

“Back on Tython… When you handed me the journal some of the ink got onto my skin. I didn’t really think anything of it at first… But then I realized that those early entries were written over six years ago. SJ and Effie helped me out but-” Jake is cut off by Kira’s sheer impatience.

“What are you trying to say, Jake?” She asks, almost unsure if she truly wanted to hear what he had to say.

“This entire journal was written a week ago… I think Caithe has been lying to you.” Jake explains, scratching the back of his neck. “I’m sorry… I just thought you should know,” he says.

“Thank you…” Kira sighs softly, holding onto Jake’s arm. “I think you’re the one person in my life right now who isn’t lying to me. But…” Kira sits back upright in her seat. “You’re right. Caithe has been lying about a lot of things. But I know she would never hurt me, Jake. She wouldn’t hurt any of us. I have to trust that eventually she will be able to tell me what is happening but for now… I think it’s best that I let her hold onto those secrets.” Kira says, glancing back at the green speeder behind them. She offers a friendly wave to Caithe which is quickly returned.

“You remind me of my mother… She was always so patient and saw five steps ahead of everyone else. I don’t know how she did it. I don’t know how you do… I would have confronted her a long time ago if this had anything to do with me.” Jake adds as the speeder makes a sharp turn to the right.

“Life is too short to rush through, Jake. Besides… making assumptions is usually what lands me in messes.” Kira chuckles, looking up to the gold and white speeder leading the pack. Llane flips on the radio and classical jazz quietly plays in the background.

“I hope you know that I never wanted you to leave home, Sar-” The man stops himself and shakes his head, clearly disappointed in his actions. “I apologize, I am still getting used to calling you SJ.” The king remarks, holding out a small blue chunk of taffy to the woman.

“Tepasi taffy? I can’t believe you remembered…” SJ takes the candy gratefully and shoves it into her mouth, savoring the nostalgic flavors that brought her back to the emissary trips her father would take her on to beautiful worlds like Yavin IV and Naboo. “I know you didn’t want me to go, dad… But Thalyssra was just… She’s so cruel, father. The way she speaks and treats people… She’s-” SJ stops as her father waves his hand in a request to interject.

“I know that you are angry at your mother… But darling she is your mother. You will both reconcile one day. I know you will, dear.” The king remarks with a warm smile on his face. He leans over and wraps his daughter under his arm. 

    “Dad… This needs to stop. You worship the ground that she walks on and she treats you like dirt… I love you so much… I really do. But when I was growing up, I had nobody to stand up for me. I had nobody who would speak against her when she was so… awful.” SJ explains, holding her father’s hand tightly. “And I want to forgive you but you won’t even acknowledge that you turned a blind eye to so much of my childhood trauma.”

    “SJ…” Llane says, but has no chance to continue as SJ gives him no measure.

    “Please stop making excuses, dad! I love you so much because you have such a kind heart and a compassionate soul… And it's because of you that I have those qualities… But you are a weak man. You are the weakest man that I have ever come to know. You hide in her shadow and cower when she’s angry. You have gone to measures that no man should ever have to in order to please a woman that has never cracked a smile in her life. I just…” SJ wipes the tears from her eyes before looking to her father who has also begun crying. “I just want you to be happy for once. I want you to do things for yourself instead of wasting your energy for her.” SJ sighs, slumping back into her seat.

    “You… You’re right, SJ.” He says, gripping onto the wheel. “I am so sorry… You are right… But I can’t.” He frowns looking over to SJ. “I love her. I love her more than I love being King… More than I love our fortune… Our comfort…” He explains as the speeder lowers to a platform outside of a large high-end designer shop with glowing letters arched over the top reading Tiakia’s Couture.

“More than you love me…” SJ mutters as she hops out of the speeder. The king frowns at SJ and shakes his head at her.

“That is simply untrue, SJ… Here.” The man tosses the small black credits chip to SJ. “There is no limit on your expenses… Call for me when you are ready to leave. I think I need some time to think.” He remarks, driving off as the rest of the group exits their speeders and joins SJ at the front steps. 

  “Where is Ti’dala?” SJ arches a brow, looking back to see the Twi’lek sitting in the speeder still.

“She said that she isn’t feeling well. Wanted to sit this one out.” Caithe shrugs, gesturing to the front door as a seven foot tall Chiss man stands in the entrance. 

“What the heck is that thing?” Kira blinks at the Chiss standing atop the steps. Before today, Kira’s exposure to anything besides humans was limited.

“He’s Chiss, now try not to ask questions and remember that it’s rude to stare,” SJ remarks.

“Good day.” The deep blue skinned man smiles as he descends the steps and walks up to SJ. “Wait… No… It can’t be!” The man’s red eyes brighten with excitement as he wraps SJ in a hug, lifting the 5’2 woman off the ground as if she were a child’s doll. “Oh, I would recognize those green eyes anywhere!” The man says with glee as he spins around, letting SJ down as she begins to swat at him with her hands.

“Hey, let me go!” She shouts as she’s placed on the floor. “Who do you think you are?! You can’t just pick people up like that!” SJ shouts at the man with her fists clenched tightly.

“You really don’t recognize me?” The Chiss asks, a frown growing on his face as SJ looks the man over again. 

“Wait… Zatun?” SJ tilts her head at the Chiss man. She reaches up standing on her toes to put her hand on his cheek. “Zatun…” She smiles, hugging the man tightly and nuzzling her head into his chest. “It’s been so long… How are you?”

“I can’t complain!” Zatun chuckles and gestures back to the clothing shop. “Tiakia and I opened this place a few months after you left. We weren’t expecting it but a few of the senators have taken an exceptional liking to Tiakia’s designs. Mother did always say that she got the brains and I got the brawn though…” The man chuckles, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

“Is Tiakia here? I haven’t seen her since she was four feet tall.” SJ chuckles, looking back and gesturing for her friends to follow as Zatun walks them up the steps. As they walk into the room, beauty takes over.

The size of the room alone is incredible. A large winding golden etched staircase borders black granite steps that lead up four stories. The first floor looks to be filled with the most expensive items in the shop and are displayed like museum exhibits. Each uniquely individual item has a placard with a name and description. A sign beside the stairs labels the first floor as Premier, the second as Formal, the third as Royalty, and the fourth is Elite. 

A 6’7 woman with very similar attributes to Zatun walks up to the group and bows her head. She shares the same black hair as her brother but carries herself in a significantly more confident manner. The woman’s long black robes are tethered with white ribbons that drape down from her elbows and a black circlet hovers over her head. 

“Everyone, this is Zatun and Tiakia. They were my two closest friends - and my favorite set of twins - growing up. Zat and Tia, this is Kira, Jake, and Caithe.” Kira gestures to them each respectively and then motions to the Nudj around Jake’s neck. “That’s Domino, one of my mom’s pets.” 

“Wonderful to meet you all,” Tiakia smiles. The group exchanges greetings and handshakes before Tiakia returns to her work and Zatun escorts the group to the second floor. 

“You’re not staying with that witch, are you?” Zatun asks in reference to SJ’s mother. SJ nods with a dramatic sigh as the group walks into a small gold and black room. A large sofa sits in the center across from a fitting room door. “You could have come to me, SJ. We would have taken you in a heartbeat. All of you.” He gestures to her friends.

“I know you would have. But I can’t burden you with any of that. Not after what my mother did to you and your sister… I think it’s just best if we keep our distance from each other. I just…” SJ trails off, her eyes glued to the floor. The Chiss man places his hand gently under the bounty hunter’s chin and lifts her face up to look at her. 

“As you wish, my lady,” he says with a smile. “But hopefully not too much distance.” He adds a wink for extra measure before a Miraluka woman with grey hair and tanned olive skin walks into the room. Her eyes are covered - like all Miraluka - with a red silk blindfold decorated with green gems dangling from the golden embroidery lining the covering. “This is Zulit. She is the expert who designed the technology we use here. I am going to leave you all in her very capable hands and when you are finished, I will see you downstairs.” The man nods before taking his leave.

“Hello! My name is Zulit and I will be your guide today. When you walked through the front doors of Tiakia’s, each of you were individually scanned and assessed for height, weight, and various other bodily measurements that will aid us in finding the perfect fit for you. Now all I will require from each of you is a desired color palette. Shall we begin with you, dear?” Zulit gestures to Jake.

“Colors? I get to… pick my clothes?” He looks down at the Republic uniform in disgust but smiles brightly when Domino looks up at him. “Do you have a palette that would sort of compliment her? She hangs around me a lot…” Jake says trying to avoid blushing too much from his excitement. He chuckles softly looking up at the woman and then to his friends who seem to be delighted in his more content demeanor.

“A lovely outfit to compliment a lovely Nudj! Purple, lavender, and black will make a fine palette for you and your little friend.” The Miraluka chuckles softly. “And you, love?” She gestures to Caithe.

“Well… It’s been awhile since I’ve dressed up but… I think I’ll go with a suit of some-” The woman stops and grunts in pain, raising her hands to her temples. The pain only lasts a few seconds before she recuperates, still looking mortified from whatever it was that she had seen. “I’m sorry… I… I think I’m going to wear a dress instead. Do you have anything in gold?” Caithe asks, still trying to catch her breath. Kira stares at Caithe with worry in her eyes. 

“Yes we do. Would you like a glass of water, madame?” The Miraluka asks, tilting her head at Caithe. She waves in a droid carrying a tray of four glasses of water. SJ and Caithe both take a glass while Jake and Kira refuse. The four sit down on the sofa as the guide continues. “Your turn! What palette are we considering?” The woman asks, looking in SJ’s direction. 

“Green and gold for me.” SJ offers a simple smile and then looks to Kira as she’s the only one left.

“What will it be for you, love?” The Miraluka asks, facing Kira’s general direction. Kira slouches back and scratches her chin. “Blue and white… With a splash of yellow!” Kira smiles, looking to her left as a droid enters the room carrying a large black box. The droid enters the fitting room and places the box down before exiting with a friendly robotic wave. 

“Jake, you will be first! We have taken the liberty of designing three outfits for each of you. It is the Tiakia guarantee that ensures one of these three outfits will be the perfect look for you!” The Miraluka gestures to the fitting room. Jake hops up to his feet and waltzes into the room before momentarily returning in a primarily green suit with black, purple, and gold accents. 

“Looking good!” Kira shouts accompanied by a cat call from SJ. Caithe shakes her head shooing him back into the room. 

“Try on another one… Too much green!” Caithe wags a finger at him. The man walks back into the fitting room to try on another while SJ lets out a dramatic gasp.

“How dare you? There is no such thing as too much green!” The bounty hunter exclaims, clearly disappointed in Caithe’s lack of taste. After a few moments, Jake walks back out from the fitting room in a lavender vest, a purple jacket with black accents and gold buttons, and a matching black pair of well cared for dress pants. 

“Wow…” Caithe exclaims looking to the other girls for approval. Kira excitedly stands up and starts clapping while SJ gives the outfit a satisfied smirk.

“You pull it off so well!” Kira squeals, nodding. “That’s the one!” She gestures to the suit. Jake looks to the Miraluka and nods at her. 

“It’s a perfect fit too. How much is it?” He asks curiously. The woman lifts her wristwatch up activating a hologram that she flips through. 

“Ten thousand…” She begins slowly enough for Jake to quickly interject before she can get another word out.

“Ten thousand credits?! That’s insane! For a suit?!” Jake exclaims, looking over to the group.

“For the jacket…” The Miraluka tilts her head at the man. “It’s ten thousand for the jacket… I wasn’t finished.” She looks over to SJ curiously. 

“Jake, calm down. Ten thousand credits is what my mother spends in ten minutes. Remember that this is their treat. Make it count.” SJ nods gesturing to the suit. “We’ll take it. Pack that up, please.” She gestures to the fitting room for Jake to remove the clothes.

After Jake finishes changing back into his casual wear, Domino rejoins him on the couch. “Alright. One down, three to go! Caithe, you will be next.” The Miraluka woman says as the droid exchanges the large black box for another. Caithe gets up from her seat and walks into the fitting room. 

“Something tells me that Caithe and Ti’dala aren’t getting along.” SJ remarks quietly enough for only Kira to hear. Kira arches her brow and scoots closer.

“Why do you say that? Did something happen?” Kira tilts her head and glances to the fitting room to make sure Caithe wasn’t about to interrupt. 

“Ti’dala used to take me shopping all the time. She loves it more than anything. She’s also able to use the Force to read the minds of others and since Caithe is such a secretive person…” SJ trails off as Caithe walks out of the fitting room. The 6’2 woman stands tall in a glittering pair of 2” heels. Her dress forks into an outward curve that ends in a sharp blade shape pointing at her neck as if to draw attention to her upper body and face. The golden dress shimmers downward and has a long slit from the top of the left thigh draping downward revealing her entire left leg. 

“What do you think? Too much?” She asks, spinning around slowly in the outfit. Kira seems mesmerized by all of the glitter and sparkles on the dress. Domino squeaks excitedly and vanishes into a puff of purple glitter before appearing at Caithe’s feet. The Nudj looks up at the woman and lets out an insanely loud belch that erupts with purple glitter. When the cloud of sparkles finally vanishes, Domino is nestled back around Jake’s neck and a glittery purple flame pattern has been thrown onto Caithe’s dress.

“Oh my goodness… It’s beautiful.” Kira’s jaw drops as she admires the dress. 

“You can do that?” Jake blinks at Domino curiously. “That’s kind of cool… You could be a little designer one day.” Jake chuckles patting Domino’s head. 

“I… I love it!” Caithe exclaims, twirling around. The Miraluka looks very pleased that Caithe likes the dress because even if she hadn’t they would be buying it for the damages anyways!

The droid once again exchanges the boxes after Caithe is finished getting changed into her casuals. SJ jumps up and walks into the room, fully knowing what she desired to wear already. “The bigger the dress you wear…” SJ shouts from inside of the fitting room as the sound of weapons and supplies clank around echo in accordance. “The more you can hide underneath it.” SJ walks out of the fitting room in a very large dress that looks like it was made for a princess. The corset and the drapes are a lovely dark shade of green while the ruffles peeking out of the centered slit of the dress and the massive bow and train behind the dress are a glittering gold color. 

“I don’t need a second opinion, I’m going to take this one.” SJ nods at the Miraluka and lifts the bottom of her dress up to reveal all of her weapons have been placed securely between the masses of tulle beneath her dress. The Miraluka nods before SJ goes back into the room and changes her clothes. 

After the last box exchange, Kira walks into the fitting room and moments later walks back out in a bright yellow mermaid style gown covered in white polka dots. SJ shakes her head violently. “If you wear that to dinner, my mother will burn you alive in it,” she laughs nervously. “She really hates the color yellow…” SJ scratches her head, pushing her hair out of her eyes. 

“Alright, alright. I’ve got another one that I really like. But your mom really sucks.” Kira frowns walking back into the fitting room. It only takes a few moments before Kira returns in a beautiful gown with a navy blue skirt, a white corset, and a yellow sash cinching her waist tightly. The final piece is a high collar that rises to her ears and shares the same bright white color as her corset.

“More yellow?” SJ crosses her arms. She waves a hand in dismissal and chuckles softly. “Meh. I enjoy seeing her get all worked up,” SJ exclaims.

“No offense or anything… But I don’t care about what your mom likes or wants. If we weren’t in such a classy venue, I would use some words that I’m not very proud of to describe her…” Kira shrugs, fastening her bright yellow sash and posing for the group.

“I love it!” Caithe claps excitedly. Kira performs a small dance for her friends before returning to the fitting room to change out of those clothes. As the group gathers back on the couch, the Miraluka leaves to charge them for their clothes.  Zatun steps into the door and smiles at the friends. “Hello again. Glad to see that you all found what you were looking for. I’d like to show you all something.” He gestures for them to follow. The group arrives at an elevator and upon stepping in, Zatun presses the fourth floor button. A small pad lights up on the elevator before he places his hand over it. The pad scans his hand before the elevator rises to the top floor and the doors swing open. 

A short Togruta woman with light pink skin and playful white markings around her eyes seems to be using the Force to play with a small blue kyber crystal floating in the air. Her long green and white tendrils flop around as she looks over to the visitors. With a gasp, the adorable 4’11 Togruta skips over to the group like a schoolgirl. 

“Yooooo! What’s up dudes!?” She exclaims with a thick Tatooine dialect. Her blue eyes glitter in complement to the blue headband she wears tightly over her forehead. “Nobody ever comes up here… Are these Elites, Zezz’atun’pauskosee?” She asks curiously.

“What language was that?” Kira tilts her head at the woman, studying the crystal that she’s playing with.

“That’s his name, silly! Zatun is just a nickname. You’ve gotta meet more Chiss… Zezz’atun’pauskosee is one of the easier ones to say, man!” The Togruta giggles, taking Kira’s hand and pulling her further into the large black room. The walls, ceiling, and floor are all a shiny black metallic finish and white fluorescent lights glow throughout the room creating a very chic appearance. 

“Kerrington is but the rest are not Elite… But they are very close friends. I know that they see more battle than most of our other customers so I’d like for you to put a box together for each of them. A full box.” Zatun nods at the woman before turning around and walking back towards the elevator. SJ turns to follow after him but he waves her off. “I’ll be back, I promise. Let Thialia take care of you for a few moments. You’ll enjoy what’s being offered.” He smirks as the elevator descends.

Thialia takes the group to a large black wall displaying about twenty kyber crystals in all different colors. “Kyber crystals…? And so many… Where did you get all of these and how have they not been taken from you?” Caithe asks inquisitively, raising her brow. 

“We trade ‘em and trade ‘em. The Elite club is reserved for our highest payin’ folks like the Kerringtons and a bunch of our allies like the few Grey Jedi buyers we’ve got. Secrecy is our number one rule. You each get to choose a crystal for your box but let's make it snappy because we’ve got a lot to do!” She exclaims.

Caithe steps forward and tilts her head at a vibrant golden crystal sitting on the top shelf. She reaches her hand up and the crystal floats down to her, settling in her palm. “It’s… beautiful.” She smiles, holding the crystal up as its glow reflects with the golden glow of her eyes.

Jake holds out his hand palm up and a lavender crystal with a pure white center floats over to him resting in his palm. “Two colors… It feels so powerful.” Jake studies the crystal closely as the Togruta chuckles softly.

“We only provide the very best to the Elite, sir.” The Togruta smirks at Jake, taking a few steps closer to him. She gently takes the crystal from his hand and places it over his heart. The woman looks into his eyes as the room stirs to silence. “Do you feel that?” She asks as a small thumping sound comes from the crystal.

“It feels like… a heartbeat.” Jake says, mesmerized by the Togruta’s beauty. Thialia places the humming crystal back into his hand and walks back over to the wall. 

“Our crystals are some of the most powerful that you will find across the galaxy.” She smiles, gesturing to Kira. “See one you like?”

“I’m not sure if I’m ready for one…” Kira sighs, her eyes glued to a yellow crystal with a white center. 

“Well I am! Do you have a step ladder?” The 5’2 bounty hunter steps forward pointing at the white crystal on the top shelf. Thialia lifts her hand up causing the white crystal to float down to SJ landing in her hands. “Oh hey… Thanks, lady!” SJ chuckles as Kira lifts her hands up using the Force to bring a crystal to herself. The yellow and white crystal rests in her hands as she looks over to Caithe.

“You don’t have to build a lightsaber, you know. You can wear it as a necklace… Until you’re ready.” She suggests, trying to convince her to accept the gracious gift. “Okay…” She nods, looking to Thialia. “I’ll take it,” Kira smiles warmly.

“Very good! Follow me!” The Togruta exclaims, leading the group to four large black boxes. “You may place your crystals into your boxes with the rest of the goods that Zatun has put together for you.” She smiles as the four put the crystals into their boxes, each gasping at the contents within and excitedly closing them up. 

“We’ll get these sent over to the Kerrington penthouse for you. Do you have any questions for me before Zatun comes to collect you?” She asks, looking between the four. 

    While Jake, Caithe, and SJ all shake their heads and walk back to the elevator where they are greeted by Zatun, Kira tilts her head at the Togruta and smiles. “What are you?” Kira asks curiously.

    “You’ve never seen a Togruta before?” Thialia asks with a tilted head and a brow arched so high that it could touch the ceiling.

    “I haven’t seen a lot of things before…” Kira scratches her head awkwardly. “You’re very pretty.” She adds with a nervous giggle.

    “You are too, cupcake.” The Togruta winks at the nervous girl before turning around and walking back to her desk. Kira walks back over to join her friends before the elevator delivers them back to the first floor where Tiakia waves them off for the evening. After SJ makes a call to her father, she stays atop of the steps with Zatun while the rest of the group waits at the bottom.

    “Zat… I never meant to hurt you by leaving. I hope you know that. It’s just that… After everything my mother put you and your sister through…” SJ begins to say but is cut off by the Chiss.

    “Everything your mother did was her own actions. Not yours. You had no part in the experimentations, SJ. You can’t blame yourself for that.” Zatun frowns, lifting his hand up to SJ’s cheek to wipe a tear forming in her eye.

    “She only did it to hurt me… You know that. I just… If it wasn’t for that…” SJ trails off beginning to cry when Zatun pulls her close, wrapping his long arms around her. 

    “If it wasn’t for your mother… We would be together.” He says, running his hand through her hair. “But she is your mother and because of that…” He smiles as he backs away and stares down at her. “Because of my love for you, I will wait. I will wait until we are able to be together. We made that promise to each other over fifteen years ago and I will never break it.” He chuckles softly, wiping her cheeks clean from tears. 

    The sound of speeders pulling up echoes loudly as the king returns. As the rest of the group enters their speeders, SJ hugs the Chiss one last time. “I will be back… I don’t know when… But I’ll be back for you.” She smiles through her sadness and descends down the steps as Zatun watches her board the speeder. 

    Tiakia stands in the doorway behind her brother as the speeders take off. She turns around and walks towards the elevator, pressing the fourth floor button and scanning her hand as required. When she steps out, Thialia is sitting at her desk with her legs up. 

    “You were right. It’s her.” Thialia holds up a hologram board with Kira’s face on it. Tiakia grunts lowly and walks to the center of the room, stomping on one of the tiles with her shoe. The platform slides to the right and a small holographic projector rises, flashing on and revealing a hologram conference with Darth Malevolence. 

    “Darth Malevolence…” Tiakia bows before the Sith Lord showing her utmost respect. “It seems that your suspicions were correct. Your daughter has arrived in Coruscant with a group of allies. We’ve planted trackers on each of them. They are staying in the Kerrington Penthouse.” Tiakia explains to the Darth.

    “Very good work, apprentice. You have aided the Empire in ways that you could never imagine. In return, I will personally see to it that the queen Kerrington suffers for the crimes that she has committed against you and your brother.” Malevolence grins wickedly at the newfound advancement. “I will be arriving this evening. See to it that your brother finds out nothing about this. I would hate to see him lose his head.” Malevolence threatens before the hologram shuts off. The floor slides over and Thialia sits in an upright and proper position as Zatun walks into the room. 

    “Hey. Everything okay up here? I thought I heard someone talking louder than usual.” He looks over to Tiakia curiously.

    “Oh, Tia and I were just discussing when we’re going to retrieve the shipment of black kyber crystals.” Thialia smiles at the man, gesturing to the wall. “They’re such a hit in the Winter months.” She giggles softly.

    Meanwhile back at the Kerrington Penthouse, Caithe and Kira stand in the hallway between the four guest rooms fully dressed in their gowns. As Jake walks out of his room, the ladies both look over to him. Kira lets out a loud cat call.

    “Hey, what was it that you wanted to ask me earlier?” Caithe asks as Jake fixes his collar nervously. “Oh yeah… I almost forgot about that.” He chuckles nervously as his eyes trail up Caithe’s dress. “I was wondering… if maybe you could…” He trails off and runs a hand through his hair.

    “Please just say it, we’ve been waiting in anticipation all day long.” SJ says walking out of her room in her giant ballroom dress. 

    “I want you to train me with Kira.” He blurts out becoming red in the face. “I never finished my training with the Sith and… I want to finish… Just… I want to be trained in neutrality.” He admits, hoping that she wouldn’t shoot down the request.

    Caithe hugs Jake tightly and nods at him. “Of course I will train you. I would be honored.” She rustles his hair with her hand.

    “Aw man! I just styled that…” He frowns at her and goes to walk back into his room.

    “Oh no you don’t!” Kira grabs his hand and starts leading him down the hallway. “We’ve gotta get to dinner. We can’t be late!” She says as they walk into the living area which has now been set up with a long table. The feast prepared upon the table is incredible. The king and queen stand up in their usual attire to greet their guests. 

    “Please be seated.” The queen says, gesturing to the seats. After everyone has taken their seats, the queen puts on a convincing smile and raises her glass. “To the Force.” She chuckles softly, taking a swig of the alcohol. Everyone but SJ raises their glasses to the toast. “So tell me… Which temple did you come from, dear?” The queen looks to Kira curiously.

    “Thalyssra… Please stop. This is not the time or place.” The king said in a sheepish tone. The queen turns her head to the man, almost taken off guard by his outspokenness. 

“Excuse me? I don’t think I heard you correctly…” Her icy stare begins to pierce the king’s own eyes. “Repeat yourself.” She raps her fingers on the table furiously.

“I-” The king looks to SJ with disappointment on his face. “I apologize, my queen. I forgot my place for a moment.” The man says, clearly defeated. 

“Yes… I believe you have. You can eat your supper with the droids tonight.” She hisses, dismissing him with her hand towards the kitchen.

“Hey! Stop talking to him like that! That is your husband. Where is your respect, lady?!” Caithe shouts from across the table, standing up and knocking her chair back. 

“You would raise your voice at the person who has given you shelter?” The queen sucks her tongue loudly as she stands up from her chair. “Know who it is that you speak to. I am queen Thalyssra Kerrington of Althyron. You are nothing.” The queen says as her train follows behind. The giant woman stops feet from Caithe. “Kneel.” The queen commands of the Grey Jedi.

“I would rather die by fire than kneel before a creature as vile as yourself.” Caithe hisses at the woman, drawing her lightsaber. The white saber flashes on and the queen doesn’t flinch. 

“Guards… Remove her.” The queen shouts loudly as boots echo down the hall. The doors to the living area swing open as black smoke begins to pour into the room. Effie’s severed head comes flying into the room landing onto the empty dinner platter on the table. 

“Oh, hello master! I was beginning to miss you!” Effie says happily to SJ. The Echani with white hair and chalk skin falls down the stairs out of the smoke, a lightsaber wound through her chest and exiting out of her back. Tiakia and Thialia both step out of the smoke in very different attire than what they had worn earlier. They both wear similar black robes to what Jake had originally worn. Thialia has painted over the white markings on her face with charcoal  and the eyes of the women glow with a dim yellow hue. Darth Malevolence steps in between the two and grins at the queen. The entire group gets up from their seats and weapons are drawn. Kira backs into the table, completely petrified and unarmed. 

“What’s wrong, Thalyssra? I thought you would be happier to see me. We’ve done so much grand work together… I’ve been meaning to tell you that your prototype of the Faij Cannon worked perfectly on so many planets in the Outer Rim.” Malevolence grins as she descends the steps. “Our engineers have perfected it beyond anything you could have imagined it would be…” She places her hand over her heart and bows her head sympathetically to the queen. “Thank you for your work. The Empire will always remember the work you’ve done.” She remarks before lifting her hand and snapping the queen’s neck in one swift whip of her wrist.

Thialia lifts a blaster and aims it at Caithe, firing towards her waist. Caithe attempts to deflect the blue orb from the blaster but it phases through her saber and collides into her stomach sending her flying back. “Caithe, my love… How I have missed you.” Malevolence pouts before looking to Kira. 

“Don’t… don’t let her shoot you with that!” Caithe slowly gets back up. Caithe waves her hand at Thialia but nothing happens. “Same thing as Tython…” Caithe says softly, looking up at Malevolence. “Why are you doing this?” She asks. 

“Oh you know very well why I am doing this, Caithe. I want my daughter back. You stole her from me.” Malevolence cries out in an almost emotionally maternal tone. Kira looks between the two in confusion. 

“Caithe… You told me that you found me… That you left a note so that my mother could come and get me… Was none of that true?” Kira asks. Caithe avoids looking at Kira entirely. “Caithe! Did you take me from her…?” Kira asks, looking to the woman with tears in her eyes. 

“Kira… There is more to the story than what she is telling you… You have to believe me.” Caithe explains, walking towards Kira. 

“No… Get away from me.” Kira flicks her hand forward, flinging Caithe back into the wall. The Grey Jedi slowly stands up, not entirely hurt by the impact. “You keep lying to me… How can I possibly trust you? All you ever do is lie… Jake was right. The entire journal was a lie, wasn’t it? It was all a ploy to trick me.” Kira says hysterically as rivers of tears pour from her eyes. 

“She has been lying to you for far longer than you know, Kira.” Malevolence holds her hand out to the girl. “I have never lied to you. I will never lie to you. I am your mother.” She says, pursing her lips as she watches Kira closely.

“I…” Kira looks back at her friends. She begins to walk towards the Sith Lord before Jake steps forward. 

“Kira, don’t… I know what she is saying… makes sense… But you don’t want to go with her. You don’t know what it’s like…” Jake says, hoping to convince her to stay.

Malevolence lifts her hand up and uses a mind trick on Kira causing her to see the illusion of peace. “Come. I will protect you.” The Sith Lord holds her hand out to the girl. As Kira walks towards Malevolence in this illusion, Thialia and Tiakia ignite their dual black lightsabers and charge towards the group. Tiakia jumps onto Jake’s chest and sucker punches him before he uses the Force to launch her upward through the glass roof. Thialia leaps onto Llane and throws him against the far wall before SJ tackles the woman, pulling her lightsaber out. As SJ raises her saber and is sitting over Thialia, Tiakia drops back through the glass ceiling and lands on top of SJ impaling her through the back with both of her sabers.

Thialia and Tiakia both charge towards Jake. The women leap over him like acrobats at the circus, flipping through the air. Tiakia lands just in front of him and Thialia lands behind. The two both bring their sabers down on him. Jake uses the Force to push Tiakia forward and swings his saber backward severing Thialia’s left arm at the bicep. He raises his saber to finish her when Tiakia throws her saber forward into his back. Jake’s body crumples to the ground before Tiakia nonchalantly uses the Force to choke the life out of Llane Kerrington.

Malevolence herself takes a deadly stride up to Caithe and uses the Force to lift her up and slam her into the wall over and over as her manic laughter fills the room. She finally drops Caithe’s lifeless body when nearly every bone in her body has been shattered like glass.

“Master?” Effie asks looking down at SJ’s corpse. “Master… It is not a very good time for you to be napping. I would suggest waking up immediately!” The droid says before Tiakia drives her saber through the machine’s severed head cutting her clean in half. “Ma- Ma- Master…” The droid cries out as it essentially dies.

Kira finally takes Malevolence’s hand and looks back to see all of her friends happily sitting down at the table wishing her a farewell. She offers a smile and a friendly wave as the euphoria of the illusion washes over her. Tiakia and Thialia take their places by Malevolence’s side as the four ascend the steps. 

Just before they walk out of the door, Kira looks back once more and catches a glimpse through the illusion. “What…” Kira looks over to Malevolence. She begins to feel the deceit within her mind and uses the Force to push Malevolence out. The grim reality sets in as Kira slowly walks down the steps. 

“You didn’t need them, Kira. They were weak. They were making you weak. Now you will be able to unlock your true potential… At my side. Your mother.” Malevolence says loudly. Kira drops to her knees and begins to scream as if her heart had just been ripped out of her chest. Kira’s eyes begin to glow white as she continues screaming. The glass windows and ceiling shatter around the Penthouse violently and the Sith Lord and her apprentices fall to their knees as their ears begin bleeding in eruptions of pain. Kira’s markings begin to glow with a vibrant yellow and white hue beginning from the top of her neck slowly spreading to her ankles until the entire front half of her body is glowing like a holy relic. Her hair begins to float weightlessly as Kira is lifted into the air by the Force. She slowly spins around to face the Sith. Malevolence is filled with fear as she sees the glowing runes and her glowing eyes. 

When the screaming finally stops, Malevolence and her apprentices rise to their feet. “What… is she?” Tiakia asks softly. 

“My… creation.” Malevolence grins wickedly at the floating woman. Kira’s tears seem to lift from her face as if gravity around her had vanished. She no longer seems sad or angry but rather in a space of tranquility. 

“Ketuari.” Kira says in a voice that is not her own but rather the voices of thousands at once. A white and yellow blast of energy explodes from Kira sending the Sith flying out of the Penthouse. Thialia is impaled in the blast by one of the speeder’s antennas.  Malevolence stands up, barely recuperating from the blast and helps Tiakia to her feet.

 “We must go now… She is far more powerful than I had anticipated… We will move forward with the advancements to the weapon…” Malevolence says as the two limp off to their shuttle.

Kira’s body slowly turns around and faces her friends before six runes on her skin glow more brightly than the rest. Golden tendrils of energy extend outward and crawl to each of the bodies on the floor. The tendrils pick the bodies up and cover them in a white light before placing them back onto the ground. After all of the tendrils return to her body, Kira’s runes slowly stop glowing and she falls to the ground, almost unconscious. 

As she drifts between the state of consciousness and unconsciousness, she can hear something beside her. “Kira!” Jake yells before she can feel his hands turn her over. “What happened to her?!” Caithe shouts as Kira hears her footsteps become closer. “What happened to us?” SJ asks before gasping and letting out quiet sobs after seeing Effie’s remains.

“I think… She saved us.” The queen’s voice echoes along with the king’s pained groans in Kira’s head as she drifts off into a deep deep slumber.

Zatun Full Name: Zezz'atun'pauskosee

(Zezz-Ah-Toon-Pow-Skah-See)