NationStates Jolt Archive

Closed thread. Only Coreworlds and Balrooga are invited.



What is power? Is power the ability to take life? No, it is not. A bus can take your life if you step in front of it, but no one thinks it powerful. A bacteria, can cause death. Even time itself can wither your flesh and steal your life from you.

What is power, the ability to control others? No, for Charisma alone can make people bend to your will better than any mind trick.

Is power the ability to create life. No, life can begin with a two drunk teenagers, having one night of fun, or grown in a tube.

True power is virtue. It can never be stolen, or abused. It can never leave you and give you strength when you need it most. Virtue, is truly the greatest power of them all. Virtue can never be stolen, never sold. It is priceless and truly rarer than any gem.
-Darth Sunshine, Revelations of the Mother Vol. 1

The sun rose, over the island. It’s warm rays struck the now calm beach, as Hera ran. The wind was blowing softly, drying her sweat, as her bare feet pounded the white pure sand below. As she ran, the sounds of the waves lapped on the beach. She could smell the air, the salt in the water, the flowers blooming from the near by jungle. The birds sang out, as she ran further, as her white robes passed gracefully through the air.

She could hear her heart beating, as her breaths drew deeper. She was not running for fear, or for her life, but for a ritual, a ritual that began long ago on Miranda, when she was but a student.

As she finished her lap, she ran towards the temple, the towering black mass that covered the center of the island. As she ran, she slowly entered the court yard, where she grabbed a blue towel, and placed it on her neck and face.

“You made good time.” a voice said behind her. The young hybrid turned around. “Thanks.” she said as she took deep breaths.

“I was looking for you at breakfast.” the imposing figure of Atrox replied.

“Never eat, before your run.” Hera replied smiling, “besides we have to go.”

She turned and began to walk towards the center of the court yard. In the center laid her ship, the brownish green color of the Colonial Raptor. She placed her hand on the door and opened the hatch. “It is time.” Hera said.

The dark lord nodded, as he entered the Raptor. The young girl walked up front, and began to flip switches. As she flipped them, the engines came to life and began to roar. “Hang on.” she replied as the raptor took to the sky. She then pushed a few more buttons. “Perpare for jump in five... four...three... two... one... jump. Hera pushed another button, as the ship vanished from the planet below, and appeared before another.


As the raptor reappeared, over the paradise of Issus, the small planet shined against the back drop of it’s sun.

Hera before the security forces could interviene, quickly typed a text message to the ground below. “This is Raptor 112, requesting permission to land. We got the bug. Identity code ***************”

Without a hitch, the ships slowly entered the planet. Flames licked it’s hull as it descended to the planet below. Only God knew what awaited the pair.

“This is Issus Air control, to Raptor 112. You are cleared for landing. Proceed to the designated landing coordinates.”

Hera smiled for a moment, ‘This is Raptor 112, proceeding.”

The small ship slowly descended on the tarmac at the Jedi Temple. She turned around, and with one quick motion placed a pair of hand cuffs on the dark lords wrists. With a wirey smile she winked at Atrox. “Lets go.”

Hera raised her hand to the door, as the ship opened up. With one hand on the colt, the other on her rapier, she walked defiantly next to the dark lord. It was nearly a parade, as she walked him towards the temple, to await what the Council was going to say. She walked past the ANBU, with Vader’s apprentice at her side. She could hear them, in their silence.

“How in the hell did she do that?” they thought. Her mission less than twenty four hours old, and she had complete success.

As they entered, slowly she turned to the council chambers, as the ANBU guards stood like statues. “Knight Agathon with prisoner to see the council. Then turned to the door and with a quick motion unlocked the door. The dark lord had been brought for his fate to be judged, and the Jedi to be judged with him.

(not the best opener but it works)

Atrox looked at the cuffs on his wrists and chuckled to himself. Hera’s wink clearly showed she knew the cuffs would not stand the strength the Sith Lord possessed, not to mention what the suit augmented. Yes, the cuffs would not hold him if he so desired to escape, but that doesn’t mean he should not play along. It would be useful to make the Council think they were before someone helpless for them to show their true faces.

He would judge them based upon their actions.

Atrox carefully maintained several layers of Thoughtshields under a false virtual mind, or Intellect Fortress as it is called by the Ta’Nar. None of their probing thoughts would be able to penetrate the false mind or the empty mind right under it. Yes, his mind was as secure as the treasuries of most nations.

The Dark Lord of the Sith allowed himself to be led by Hera to the Jedi Council.

It was quite rare these days for the Coredian High Council to gather together for one meeting, but today was one of those days.

There was Master Elendil, presiding.

There was Master Emily Rydo.

There was Master Harry Blayden.

There was Master Press Tilton.

There was Master Lowbacca.

There was Emperor Daniel Masaki, yours truly.

There was Master Izumi Curtis.

There was Hokage Tsunade.

There was King Sarinon.

We sat at our seats, looking sternly at the Dark Lord. I, for one, knew we had past personal issues to resolve. Perhaps Atrox would get the feeling that it was as much a trial as it was a chat, because that was our current mood.

"Lord Atrox. This Council has currently charged you with the following: Acts of collaboration with the enemy in time of war, violation of the Alliance you had with us, two billion counts of conspiracy to commit murder, murder in the first degree, disobeying orders during battle and disrespecting the Throne during battle. And of course, falling to the Dark Side and declaring yourself a Dark Lord of the Sith." Master Elendil began coldly and sternly, as if it indeed was a trial. Suddenly, his tone changed slightly, unnoticable to most humans, but those of us who've been around elves long enough knew that it was more a tone of astonishment than 'Death to the Sith'. "But by the will of the Force, you have come before us before us alive and well. By the will of the Force, you have come before us willingly, knowing that we could have destroyed you and ended a threat to the galaxy. The question then becomes not whether you are guilty or innocent, for that is not what we will establish here. The question becomes...Why?"

Add in a spot of confusion from the rest of the Council. Clearly, we haven't expected Atrox to return, for what Sith would allow himself to be judged by the Jedi Council? What Sith would defy the Empire so much? There were so many questions to ask of this engima standing before us. Perhaps we may not be able learn the answers to them all, but we damn well can try...

Tension filled the air, as the council without Hera’s prior knowledge lined up a line of charges against Atrox. She had no idea, not that the council was ever expecting her to suceed. Never in the history of the Jedi as a sith ever agreed to meet with the council.

Hera stood straight up, in front of the Council. Her white robe, draped to her boots, her rapier glistened in the overhead lights, attached to a red sash like belt. She stood still as a statue, as she listened to the words of the council. She felt somewhat disturbed, at the tension, but to make matters worse, Emily Rydo was here and in person. “Where the frak is Athena?” Hera thought to herself, as she moved away from the door and turned to the side. Her small frame tensed up, as she peered to the door.

Hera stayed quiet, like a ghost, as the council presented it’s charges upon Atrox. Then came the question, the simple question before them.

“Masters.” Hera said, quietly, “he is here because you sent me to get him. He came because I asked.” she said. She was sure her words would confuse the jedi even more. "Please is the magic word is it not?" Hera said trying to end their confusion. She lowered her head, for a moment, being truly humble. “Masters, It is not my place to be here.” she said sheepishly to the council. “Should I be dismissed?" she asked, her heart longing to find her baby sister, and make sure she was safe. Sure it was a bit overprotective, but in light of recent events, she knew she could not take any chances.

Atrox turned toward Hera.

"You should consider staying for I believe this will affect you as much as everyone else in this room. You fate is still intertwined with mine it seems.”

He turned back to those who would seek to sit in judgment of him while he really stood judging them by their actions.

“Why would I put myself within the hands of the enemy? What would be so important that I would risk this body? The End of the Children of Bane!”

Atrox paused while the council murmured among themselves.

“Yes, you heard me right. The Children of Bane must come to an end. They are tearing apart this Galaxy and they must be stopped at all costs. The Empire cannot withstand their machinations and manipulations. The galaxy cannot remain true to itself while they are busy preying upon it and each other in their endless quests for immortality. They devour entire worlds in their quests. A good example is Asfaltum.”

“Emperor Paplatine wrecked havoc upon that poor system. I tried to stop him and others.” Here Atrox looked directly at Daniel. “The end results and betrayals upon that planet made me what you see before you today. It is true I Fell, I cannot deny it and it would be a waste of breath to attempt to deny it. I chose to become a Sith instead of remaining a Darksider, forever controlled by my emotions. I control my emotions with my own willpower. I gain strength from that and I do not act out of control. I am not a Baily or a Vader.”

“Vader has taken a new Master, one that is not the Empire. He has turned his back upon the Empire and serves a false lord. It is in the interest of the Empire that the Children of Bane be culled from the galactic family tree.”

Atrox paused again, letting the Jedi before him take in the truth of what he said before continuing.

“I am reestablishing a New Order, one where Force Users cooperate with each other. One who values Honor, Knowledge, and Truth above trickery, murder, and power lust. The Academy’s location will remain a secret but it can be access through Destiny. If you truly seek her out it will find you.”

Tension filled the air, as the council without Hera’s prior knowledge lined up a line of charges against Atrox. She had no idea, not that the council was ever expecting her to suceed. Never in the history of the Jedi as a sith ever agreed to meet with the council.

Hera stood straight up, in front of the Council. Her white robe, draped to her boots, her rapier glistened in the overhead lights, attached to a red sash like belt. She stood still as a statue, as she listened to the words of the council. She felt somewhat disturbed, at the tension, but to make matters worse, Emily Rydo was here and in person. “Where the frak is Athena?” Hera thought to herself, as she moved away from the door and turned to the side. Her small frame tensed up, as she peered to the door.

Hera stayed quiet, like a ghost, as the council presented it’s charges upon Atrox. Then came the question, the simple question before them.

“Masters.” Hera said, quietly, “he is here because you sent me to get him. He came because I asked.” she said. She was sure her words would confuse the jedi even more. "Please is the magic word is it not?" Hera said trying to end their confusion. She lowered her head, for a moment, being truly humble. “Masters, It is not my place to be here.” she said sheepishly to the council. “Should I be dismissed?" she asked, her heart longing to find her baby sister, and make sure she was safe. Sure it was a bit overprotective, but in light of recent events, she knew she could not take any chances.
"No. It's all right, Hera. It does concern you as well as he." Master Rydo smiled softly to her, then turned to Atrox's speech.

Atrox turned toward Hera.

"You should consider staying for I believe this will affect you as much as everyone else in this room. You fate is still intertwined with mine it seems.”

He turned back to those who would seek to sit in judgment of him while he really stood judging them by their actions.

“Why would I put myself within the hands of the enemy? What would be so important that I would risk this body? The End of the Children of Bane!”

Atrox paused while the council murmured among themselves.

“Yes, you heard me right. The Children of Bane must come to an end. They are tearing apart this Galaxy and they must be stopped at all costs. The Empire cannot withstand their machinations and manipulations. The galaxy cannot remain true to itself while they are busy preying upon it and each other in their endless quests for immortality. They devour entire worlds in their quests. A good example is Asfaltum.”

“Emperor Paplatine wrecked havoc upon that poor system. I tried to stop him and others.” Here Atrox looked directly at Daniel. “The end results and betrayals upon that planet made me what you see before you today. It is true I Fell, I cannot deny it and it would be a waste of breath to attempt to deny it. I chose to become a Sith instead of remaining a Darksider, forever controlled by my emotions. I control my emotions with my own willpower. I gain strength from that and I do not act out of control. I am not a Baily or a Vader.”

“Vader has taken a new Master, one that is not the Empire. He has turned his back upon the Empire and serves a false lord. It is in the interest of the Empire that the Children of Bane be culled from the galactic family tree.”

Atrox paused again, letting the Jedi before him take in the truth of what he said before continuing.

“I am reestablishing a New Order, one where Force Users cooperate with each other. One who values Honor, Knowledge, and Truth above trickery, murder, and power lust. The Academy’s location will remain a secret but it can be access through Destiny. If you truly seek her out it will find you.”
The Council suddenly broke out murmuring at these shocking revelations. Through the Force, they could find no lie, no deception in Lord Atrox's words. That made it all the more disturbing given our recent mistakes. Have the Sith become Jedi and the Jedi Sith? Meditate on this, we must.

I, myself, had dreamed of this day, though many would see it as a futile dream. For far too many millenia, the Jedi and the Sith have warred, at terrifying cost. Countless innocents were lost. Hundreds of planets were ravaged, some time and time again. For the first time in many, many years, I saw...hope.

I stood up suddenly. "Lord Atrox...Ba'el. There is something that I must say to you. You Fell...but it was not your fault that you Fell. It was mine. I left you for dead, and I had no excuse to do that to you. For that, and for what I did to you on the Much Ado...I am sorry."

"I know you seek vengeance for that." Then, I did something so crazy that it shocked the Council to death. Well, not really, but they all went white (except for Lowbacca, who's fur ruffled sharply instead). I took my lightsaber off my belt and placed it in my fist, then stretched out my arm, the hilt parallel to the floor. I then stared in Atrox's eyes, showing him nothing but sincerity. "If you wish for my blood to pay for that vengeance...if my apology is not enough...then strike me down."

"Daniel! No!" The Masters shouted in unison, some of them standing up.

I didn't answer them. I just stared at Atrox. My life was in his hands now.

Atrox looked Daniel in the eyes for a few seconds. It was easy to see from the clenched fists there was a great battle going on within the Sith but the hands suddenly relaxed.

“No, personal vengeance will have to take a back seat to the importance The New Order represents. I will not let my desire to ruin the future of my Order. We will have to count the debt unsettled until a later time when both our positions are not needed for the continuation of The New Order.”

Atrox waited a moment to let his words settle with the crowd before continuing.

“Besides, it would be hard to use your saber wearing these.” Atrox lifted his arms, both sets showing the cuffs Hera placed upon them.

“Perhaps I should just dispense with the pretenses, you know these cannot hold me. So I will get rid of them.”

Atrox lowered his arms. The suit liquefied around his forearms and hands, running upwards and letting the now too large cuffs fall to the floor with a twin clatter. Atrox reformed his suit and stood before the Jedi Council unrestrained but made no move for the offered saber. This was too important to waste the opportunity seeking petty revenge.

Atrox picked the two pair of cuffs off the floor and silently handed them back to Hera. They were hers and he wanted to be sure they were returned undamaged to her.

Tumbleweeds found their way into the Council Chambers as I had the distinct feeling that Atrox just ruined my most dramatic moment yet. Damn! And it was so cool!

Ahem. But seriously...

"I see." I even managed a chuckle when he mentioned the useless cuffs. A Sith with a sense of humor? Absurd! Unheard of! And...yet, that's Atrox. "You're indeed sincere in your desire to eliminate Bane's line of the Sith, then. We'll table our vendetta for later."

The rest of the Council blinked at our play of words.

Master Tilton then chuckled. "Don't scare us like that again, Daniel."

The other Masters nodded in relief.

"Now...let's return to business." Master Elendil said, appearing to wave the situation away.

Hera stood silent, as Atrox laid out his plan. His plan was truth, and she believed him, as she had before. This sith, embodied virtues that most modern jedi did not. He embodied temperament, even when most jedi were so fanatical against the sith they were in danger of being as oppressive. He embodied honor, something that was lacking in these halls as of late.

He embodied truth, not the plots and schemes of the Bane order. In fact his new order sounded much more like the Jedi Order of old than anything else, except for one thing. It valued strength.

Hera did not say a word, nor move a muscle, as Daniel decided to grand stand, and Atrox, showing that Hera’s attempts at restraint was nothing, only his own restraint is what mattered. She just watched until the tumbleweeds came in. Hera turned her head, baffled. She had been watching the door, and they were not open. The windows had remained shut, and still these things appeared. Hera shook her head, and could not help herself, “Wow I really am frakked up in the head, is anyone else seeing these tumble weeds?” she asked in earnest.

Shaking her head once more, as they blew through the jedi council, Hera turned to the Jedi masters. “Masters.” she said, keeping a careful watch on those evil tumbleweeds, “Atrox is speaking the truth. On the planet where I found him, he was setting up a new temple, a new academy, for those who fell but did not wish to become the puppets of Vader. There he set up a haven, to temper the darkside, to change it from galactic domination, to self improvement and strength of unity.”

She then looked into Rydo’s eyes, hoping she was not disappointing her. God how she did not want to disappoint Emily, the one person who believed in her, the one who forgave her when no other would. “I know I am the black sheep, and that most of the Jedi believe I am barely better than a sith.” she replied, “But I hope you do trust me on this one issue, if it is the only issue your council ever trusts me on. Atrox’s order can bring down the order of Bane. It has the potential. We need to support him.” she exclaimed.

She then turned to Lowbacca. “Bailey Kipper taught us one thing. We can not let go of people because they fall. If we do they will cause far more damage.”

She then turned to Daniel, “Then again the Jedi are not equipt to deal with darksiders because the Jedi’s usual stance is kill them on sight. Both of these are wrong.” she stated. “You all exiled me when I was haunted by Palpatine. If it was not for Hawkins, God only knows where I would be today, probably the pawn of the man in white, or Palpatine himself.” Hera stated.

She then turned to Atrox, “Perhaps I am over stepping my bounds, but the Darkside is forever as is the light. Let Atrox teach our darksiders. Let him temper them with virtue. Let him teach them to be one not only with the force but with themselves. At least they will not be a danger, or turn into a Bailey, or Nightshade.” she said, as she bowed her head saying her peace.

Atrox only stood. He did not want to say anything that might push the council away from the way things were heading. Hera’s words were very courageous and risky. In any other situation, she would have been accused of heresy and reprimanded. Today, those words are a wisdom that should be considered at the very least. The less Ravers running around, the better it will be for everyone.

Atrox looked at each person sitting at the Council, taking in each as he looked. He used all his skills to determine their disposition based on thoughts they were broadcasting, their body language, the infliction on their words, even the way they glared at Atrox, the personification of everything they viewed as obscene.

The Dark Lord took strength in that, they were afraid of him yet he has done absolutely nothing to warrant it, other than taking down the shields at Konoha. He knew the charges read aloud were all they could come up with and they had absolutely no jurisdiction over him. He could leave the room whenever he wished and he suspected some of them knew it. The fact he chose to remain would lend accreditation to the proposal he brought before them today. It had already been a day to be recorded in the history books. Why not make more for the scholars to write about.

Atrox on the surface appeared to be calm and thoughtful, not very far from the truth. He just wished the Jedi would hurry up with their debate and get things rolling. He had an Academy to run. He had the Children of Bane to eliminate. There were things to do that demanded everyone’s attention. Vader was not going to wait around while we tried to get things moving.

Throughout the silence, the Council spoke through the Force, arguing back and forth about whether to accept Atrox's statements and Hera's pleas. In the end, it came down to three things: my description of an admittedly rosy future where the Jedi and the Sith (at least of Atrox's Order; there's still the ones Palpatine produced out of his wrinkly ass) will no longer fight each other but learn from each other swayed them. Not to mention ending the line of Bane once and for all, which as Elendil pointed out, was our utmost goal when defeating the Empire. And then of course was the practical matter: With Atrox declaring himself to be truthful in his goals, we had one less threat to Coredia to deal with.

Emily smiled to Hera, returning us to reality. "You spoke a great many truths, child. And you have spoken many truths, Lord Atrox."

"Indeed. We have no choice but to accept this." Master Elendil nodded.

The Council, some of them grudgingly, accepted the truth of Lord Atrox's and Hera's statements. In essence, though it was painfully clear that Atrox did not need it, they have put their stamp of approval on the Balroggan Sith Lord's new Order. What a strange galaxy we live in, indeed.

"There is still one small matter, though." I leaned forward. "The Cylons."

The other members of the Council nodded. As the now-closest Balroggan to us, we can now talk face to face about the Cylons, their quest to destroy humanity, and the rumors that surrounded them...rumors of horrible things happening near the bases they set up on our planets...

It was such a sigh of relief, when the council came to it’s verdict. Hera could not help herself as relief came over her body, as the one ton weight on her chest was suddenly removed. She had kept her word to the Dark Lord, as he stuck his neck out for her, she had done the same. How simple it would have been for her exile. How much easier, for the council to remove her existence. Instead for the first time, she felt like a member of the jedi. Like her opinion actually mattered, to more than Emily Rydo.

She turned and nodded her head, as the council came to it’s decision. If they could see past her cloaked head, they would have noticed her beaming with happiness. She could not help herself, under her cloaked face, as she beamed, almost radiating of delight. Soon, if all went well, the billions to die, nay trillions in the sith- jedi war that had lasted for over 25,000 years in total would end. The innocents, the people without the force would no longer suffer under the oppression of the Jedi and the Sith. Soon, peace might reign, although only after a little more blood was spilt. With that in her mind, Hera nodded, and turned back to the wall.

She kept her head down, as her eyes kept careful watch, for any killers, or tumbleweeds. Damn things were spooky as hell. She listened to the council’s words, until her mother was mentioned.... “The Cylons.” Hera’s head shot up at the council, as they began to speak of her parent race.

“What about my mother?” Hera asked, as she winced, knowing exactly what was about to come.

A giddy laugh like a balloon filled with joy popped into the council chambers as a young girl skipped around the Jedi masters. The room was ornate yet simplistic and seethed with the pomposity that was the Jedi code, yet from another perspective it admonished the guilt that they stood accused of from over the centuries.

Various “Jedi” masters were seated around Darth Atrox as they put him on trial for his various ideas and desires he hoped to achieve in the near recent future. Next to him, was Hera of course standing like Truth, in robes of ceremonial white and neutrality.

Truth skipped around some more, weaving and bending between the low soft chairs which they Jedi so coveted. For an order that rejected power, their leaders and members ironically desired it so, even to the extent of political and physical murder of their brethren.

Truth stopped as Daniel spoke up “It seems we live in a strange Galaxy.” She said vigorously at the same time as the emperor. “What do you think Hera? Do you think we live in strange and dangerous times?” Truth asked the colonial as she continued to skip around the chairs once more, this time singing a song which seemed to haunt the very events being decided.

“In a room, a noble room,
Many Jedi fell.
Their motive clear, their hearts sincere,
Upon this we shall dwell.

They searched the stars, oh many stars,
For victory and life.
They looked from star to world and home,
Bringing only strife.

The Empire so brave and bold,
Defended us in might.
Until the Jedi so young but old,
Surrendered and fled the fight.

And so the Jedi fell again,
Oblivious to their sin.
They walked the day, with noble hearts,
Wondering why nobody was in?

The worlds of truth of light and glee,
Shuddered in terror and fright.
The Jedi of the Coredian clan,
Had given up their fight.

And so the Sith rejoiced and said,
Welcome in the night.
For today we say the war is won,
They have given up the fight.

The Galaxy bled and burned,
As Jedi fled the scene.
They knew not what, truth would bring,
The agony, the fright.

And so the number of Sith grew great,
Their order standing tall,
But power, victory, lusts cold signs,
Drew in them all.

And what does Truth say in this,
What sad events will show?
A Galaxy in embers dull,
A war of unknowable toll.

We sing this song, of worlds lament,
And remember their sin.
The Jedi in their ivory tower,
Welcomed this Sith in.

Will those dead ever forgive,
Will those who died cry out?
There is a time when Calamity calls,
When the Jedi and Sith die out.”

“Calamity says hello.” Truth said suddenly breaking from the rhyme. “My brother has asked me to tell you how proud he is of you. But I’m not, I don’t think you know what you’re doing.” The young girl sat down on the cold marble floor ignoring Heras look and started studying the magnificent designs.

“Oh, don’t worry, none of them can see me.” She said tracing her finger over the floor. “None of them can even sense me.” Hera watched as Truth tapped her head with a sneaky glint in her eye. “None of them have a holocron inside them.”

“Your friend Lord Atrox has lain a trap for you all you know. Darth Vader knows where he is, and he knows how to find him, he’s on his way, he’s on his way right now! And loads of people are going to die down here.” Truth turned her head outside a council window and surveyed the regenerating planet as the newly placed civilisation struggled to rebuild. “It would be the end of them you know, another lost world, another fight, another struggle against the Empire. I’m sure they will kill their leaders when they find out that their helping the bad guys?”

“Oh my brother is very proud Hera.” Truth said lovingly. “Trillions are going to die, and the Jedi and Sith will turn mad with rage eventually. This peace is like a toy and Atrox is going to enjoy playing with it.”

Truth got to her small feet and patted down her white, spotless dress like the young madam she is. “So, what are you going to do Hera? Warn them all and let this planet burn along with everyone on it? Or do what Sith do best and betray Atrox giving Vader something else to find?” Truth started skipping again, singing as she went. “Ring a Ring a Rosies, a Pocket full of posies, A TISSUE, A TISSUE, we all fall down.”

Imaginary friend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG986WWJQw)

The girl danced, and laughter filled the room, as the small delusion filled the room. Her laughter and songs filled the air, as she danced and sang her nursery rhymes to the jedi. Hera just laughed, as she kneeled down on the floor. “Strange and dangerous?” she asked out loud, to the young girl. “Times are always like that.” she said as she cocked her head to the left staring at her. “This is something more, it is time for change.

Your brother taught me that, in his holocron, before I learned it’s final lesson, and it vanished with the hot magma of a volcano. The holocron is no more, but you know that don’t you. Then again, you spirits, avatars, or delusions do not really need that do you.” she asked the small girl, who existed only in her mind.

Hera turned her head though back to the little girl once more. "But then again, do you really care if Bane or Atrox wins? After all you have your own goals. You are not the empire, are you?" she asks truth.

As she spoke to the nothingness, as she knew the Jedi and Atrox were probably staring at her. “You see I do not fear them, they know me. They know I whisper to the shadows, that the ghosts of old and new haunt me. They know I see you. They may not understand, or make up reasons for it, but they accept me. As you do.” Hera said smiling once more.

Hera then stood up, staring at the girl, “Come with me” she said as the girl sang her rings around the roseys. “See her,” Hera said pointing at Emily. “She knows me all to well. Maybe I do not know what I am doing, but I do know that the times need this.” Hera said. “Of course the Empire wants to stop this.” Hera replied. “It is a grave threat to the Empire. Vader knows Atrox can win. Vader knows Atrox can destroy the rule of two, and take out the cowardly line of Bane forever. Otherwise Vader would not be so obsessed with this. If the order was to collapse or be impotent to the might of the Empire, he would not rail against it so. Vader knows it will succeed, and like the dinosaurs, Bane’s Order will become extinct.”

She then kneeled down once more. “Of course Vader will attack. It is in his nature. The order of Bane is so predictable. It is quite dull do you not agree. Sure trillions might die, but trillions already have. If things stay the way it is, trillions are sure to die. This war, started and held by the tyrannical nature of the force, playing people like pawns on a chessboard has to stop. You can not kill the players, but you can change the game. Let the game change.” Hera said to Truth. "I do not care about the Jedi or the Sith codes, nor their beliefs. They are ideas, nothing more. I want to protect those who can not protect themselves from the force." Hera said smiling to the girl, knowing the council could hear her every word. Hera did not care, it is who she is.

She leaned down once more to the small girl. Peace began to surround Hera, unlike the love she had felt for Athena, but true peace. Hera smiled as she stood before truth, she became truth. Hera became true to herself, and peace soon followed. "But your nature," Hera said one last time, "Does not take sides. Truth does not care for anything but the truth. Life, death, is the reality. That is what you care about. You do not really care about the empire, after all Truth does not take sides, it is always real." she said beaming with confidence. "I have found you."

“Either my goal will be met, or your brother will rejoice. Either way you should be happy.” Hera said to the girl, as she stood up and stood back in her original position.

The Council stopped speaking about the Cylons when Hera began speaking to thin air. Soon, it was clear she was arguing with a person we could not see, arguing with a person we could not sense. But somehow, he or she was there.

And we knew it. But the question is, was this being an angel or a devil?

From her words, we received an answer, a warning, and of course, sticking up for Atrox and us. From Hera, we learned that Vader is coming and he won't be pleased with Atrox's betrayal. We'll have to prepare for that. From Hera, we learned that this person, whoever he or she is, has taken an interest in the whole Jedi/Sith dichoromy, and it sounded like he or she's become involved in the Empire's dealings in some form. And we learned that Hera herself had an entirely different view of the Jedi and the Sith, one that made Yoda roll in his grave.

"I do not care about the Jedi or the Sith codes, nor their beliefs. They are ideas, nothing more. I want to protect those who can not protect themselves from the force." Hera said smiling to the girl, knowing the council could hear her every word. Hera did not care, it is who she is.

In all our wars. In all our battles, no one has ever stood up for those who are trampled as us elephants fight. The Jedi say they are for the galaxy and the innocent, but they're really there to check the unhindered power of the Sith and I would sadly admit that such power-checking often causes heavy damage. The Sith themselves...well, until Atrox (and hell, I would say Kartion and Banak both has a similar view on things) has always sought to rule over the weak.

Hera...was the first to declare herself truly what the Force wishes us Jedi and Sith would be. And it made Emily cry proud tears. Wiping them, she settled herself. "Hera, dear child. Thank you for those words of wisdom. You are truly a Knight today. But who is this person you speak to? And you mentioned a brother of this person. The Council would also like to know what are these invisible people's business are with Atrox here, as well as us and the Empire."

And did she hear it right? Has she just been Knighted by the Council? When she looked at the rest of them, she would notice them agreeing. Yes. Without pomp or circumstance, without anything fancy, she's just become a Knight of the Coredian Order...

“What is the Force? The force is a godhead that many worship, which has multiple personality disorder. It is not something to be feared, loved, or worshiped. It is mentally ill. How do you bring it into balance? Give it a sedative.”

-Darth Sunshine, “Conversations with the Daughter.”


The world was just the two of them, Truth and the wife of Zeus, as they spoke plainly to each other. Hera, seemed to forget about the spectators in the room, or she showed complete apathy towards them. She did not care who heard what, or what the repercussions were, as truth stood in the room, she revealed her truth.

Was it heresy? Yes, to both the Jedi and the Sith. Then again the only real difference between heresy and orthodoxy was how many people believed it. Then she heard something, something that made her heart wrench. She turned quickly to see Emily Rydo crying. “What have I done?” she asked herself. She could feel the world crashing down around her. As the tears rolled down her face, Hera’s heart fell with them.

“I am so sorry, Emily.” she thought to herself, as she believed she had deeply hurt her mother figure. Hera just looked at her, as Hera’s face grew somber. It would have been better if Daniel struck her down with lightning, then boxing her forever than to see this. Death, hell anything was better to her than hurting Emily Rydo.

Then she sensed it, as the room seemed to change. Not physically, but emotionally. It was not saddness, it was joy. Like a mother watching her daughter getting married to a man she approved of, Emily cried. Hera could not believe what she sensed, until the words came. “Hera, dear child. Thank you for those words of wisdom. You are truly a Knight today.” Emily exclaimed.

Hera stepped back, her mouth ajar. “What the hell just happened?” she asked. Hera looked around, and watched all the jedi agreeing. Even Tsunade, the bitch of Konoha, the butcher of hybrids, agreeing. What crazy dream or delusion was this?

Hera turned to Emily, the only member of the Council Hera cared about. It was obvious, since Emily was the only one Hera ever spoke to when she addressed the council. “I do not understand?” she exclaimed, as her world literally flipped in her mind. “I thought this council, minus yourself could care less if I lived or died?” she asked once more. She then turned to Daniel, “I thought you hated me.” She did not know what to do. She simply sat on the floor, crossing her legs. She did not understand.

Atrox stepped back from Hera, careful not to disturb her while she was in her trance-like state. Her words rang with Wisdom, stating incredible insight. The ideals were what the Sith Lord himself did not voice. Taking the misguided darksiders and teaching them the proper way would remove them as Threats. With proper controls, they would be able to be proper citizens and act in the best interest of everyone. Cooperation with each other instead of strife. Atrox turned to the council after Hera had stopped.

“She truly speaks Wisdom. When she is able, you can send her to my Academy to assist in the instruction of those who are attracted to it. In this way you would be assured there would be another voice of reason behind the ideals. Having a Jedi Knight among the teaching staff would do well to help them obtain mastery over themselves.”

“Unfortunately, she also speaks more words of Wisdom other than this. I will have to be leaving soon to go where my aura is masked from Vader. Surely he would be on his way already although it has not been an hour since I was away from the Academy. I must beg you leave to depart before I draw in the Black Vulture of War to this system. The Time is running short.”

Atrox stepped back from Hera, careful not to disturb her while she was in her trance-like state. Her words rang with Wisdom, stating incredible insight. The ideals were what the Sith Lord himself did not voice. Taking the misguided darksiders and teaching them the proper way would remove them as Threats. With proper controls, they would be able to be proper citizens and act in the best interest of everyone. Cooperation with each other instead of strife. Atrox turned to the council after Hera had stopped.

“She truly speaks Wisdom. When she is able, you can send her to my Academy to assist in the instruction of those who are attracted to it. In this way you would be assured there would be another voice of reason behind the ideals. Having a Jedi Knight among the teaching staff would do well to help them obtain mastery over themselves.”
"Yes. That sounds like a fair idea." Master Elendil nodded. "For now, she will need some relaxation."

“Unfortunately, she also speaks more words of Wisdom other than this. I will have to be leaving soon to go where my aura is masked from Vader. Surely he would be on his way already although it has not been an hour since I was away from the Academy. I must beg you leave to depart before I draw in the Black Vulture of War to this system. The Time is running short.”
"Yes." I nodded. "Go quickly, Lord Atrox. And...well, may the Force be with you."

It was done. The Council adjourned for the day, our minds reeling with the fact that history has just been made. But go quickly, Atrox, for Vader will be fickle and quick to anger!

Atrox gave the Jedi a bow of respect and turned to walk to the doors. He hesitated and looked at Hera still sitting upon the floor.

“Hera, after they let you, please return to my Academy so I can treat you as a proper guest.”

Atrox also sent a telepathic message directly to Hera so only she would “hear” it. Not even her invisible friend would have access to it.

Also, please don’t reveal the location to anyone. IF someone truly needs to find the Academy, Destiny Point will find them. You are the only one outside my nation that knows the location of my hiding place. I trust you to keep it safe.

With that, Atrox turned to the assembled judges.

“I wish I could stay longer and chat more but you know with Him undoubtedly on his way, any minute I wait puts you in danger. We will continue this at a later date, perhaps we can arrange a visit of the academy.”

Atrox walked to the doors and gently opened them using his telekinesis. At the same time he requested his shuttle to depart The Abomination and home in on his location. As he was about to start walking toward the crowd of guards and onlookers, Daniel called out to him to hold up a moment. The look of shock on the faces in the doorway was quite comical.

"Uh...wait!" I jumped out of my seat to walk astride Darth Atrox. Cue more astonishment from my colleagues. "Someone might take a potshot at you if you're not escorted. Besides, we really do need to talk about our...unique situation."

The world, many worlds had changed. Peace between enemies had occurred at an unprecedented level, but all Hera could think about was what the hell just happened.

She finally stood up, after Lord Atrox and Daniel Masaki left, pushing their way through the crowds. Hera did not care about that, she knew all too well of the peace that needed to come. Instead her mind focused more on the latter events, her knighting.

She watched as the council began to leave. She slowly walked up to Emily, and wrapped her arms around her. As she held Emily tight, a tear rolled down her eye.

“Emily.” Hera said, squeezing Emily tightly. “I do not understand.” she said. “Why did this occur, why did they knight me?” she asked Emily. Hera slowly pulled away from Emily, as she looked up to her “mother.” “They resent me, they fear me, and they made me one of them.” Hera said.

"Uh...wait!" I jumped out of my seat to walk astride Darth Atrox. Cue more astonishment from my colleagues. "Someone might take a potshot at you if you're not escorted. Besides, we really do need to talk about our...unique situation."

"Certainly. My ship should be Emerging any moment. You might wish to warn the civil defense so they don’t shoot at it."

Atrox waited for Daniel, his hated foe to catch up to him. He could reach out and easily snap his neck or even trigger the Combat mode in the Kythons composing his suit and infect him.

That would not help cement the foundation of The New Order. It would only hurt it so Atrox remained firmly controlling his emotions, not even letting it show. As far as the crowd gathered outside the doors could tell, the ebon suited Sith Lord was as cordial as any diplomat they have ever seen.

“What was it you wished to talk with me about as I walk to meet my shuttle?”


-----


Over Issus, The Abomination faded into Real Space from T-Space where it was waiting. A single ship left the launch bay and descended to the surface homing in onto the Sith Lord below.

Emily smiled slightly, this confused, confused child certainly needs answers. "My dear Hera. You have just learned the core of Coredian culture. For the great action of bringing Darth Atrox before us alive and well, and for the great words of wisdom we have heard from you, you have earned great respect in the eyes of the Council and indeed, the Order. No longer shall you be feared or resented, but honored. For that, we have no choice but to Knight you as a symbol of what you have achieved."

Hera could not help but to see how amusing this whole situation was. She looked up to Emily and smiled. “Well then, lets go celebrate.” Hera says with a smile. After a couple of years, her Colonial half finally seemed to shine through. Hera turned to Emily, and grabbed her hand, almost dragging the poor old woman with her.

“Come on.” Hera said, as she beamed with happiness. “Lets go out on the town and have a few drinks to celebrate. Afterwards we can pick up Athena.” Hera said smiling, gitty as a school girl. Then she turned around, and looked at Emily, “Unless you do not want to, then that is fine. If you do not want to, I could go out on my own.” she said with a slightly more sober tone of voice.

Emily could only imagine what would happen if Hera was alone and drinking. Imagine the fate of a poor Coredian boy if he hit on her.

"Certainly. My ship should be Emerging any moment. You might wish to warn the civil defense so they don’t shoot at it."

Atrox waited for Daniel, his hated foe to catch up to him. He could reach out and easily snap his neck or even trigger the Combat mode in the Kythons composing his suit and infect him.

That would not help cement the foundation of The New Order. It would only hurt it so Atrox remained firmly controlling his emotions, not even letting it show. As far as the crowd gathered outside the doors could tell, the ebon suited Sith Lord was as cordial as any diplomat they have ever seen.

“What was it you wished to talk with me about as I walk to meet my shuttle?”
"The Cylons, mainly. I'm quite concerned that they'll make another play against either us or the Colonials, considering their past record. And then there's the rumors surrounding their bases..." I shook my head. "Shoving a peace treaty down our throats is one thing. Granting actual peace is something else entirely..."

Luckily for the Abomination, the fact that King Sarinon personally ordered his fleet not to fire on it quite well ensured that peace would say. But there were many trigger-fingers and Atrox would have to move quickly.

Hera could not help but to see how amusing this whole situation was. She looked up to Emily and smiled. “Well then, lets go celebrate.” Hera says with a smile. After a couple of years, her Colonial half finally seemed to shine through. Hera turned to Emily, and grabbed her hand, almost dragging the poor old woman with her.

“Come on.” Hera said, as she beamed with happiness. “Lets go out on the town and have a few drinks to celebrate. Afterwards we can pick up Athena.” Hera said smiling, gitty as a school girl. Then she turned around, and looked at Emily, “Unless you do not want to, then that is fine. If you do not want to, I could go out on my own.” she said with a slightly more sober tone of voice.

Emily could only imagine what would happen if Hera was alone and drinking. Imagine the fate of a poor Coredian boy if he hit on her.
That last reasoning was partially why Emily decided to go to town with Hera. That and she did want to hear about the girl's adventures. Indeed, she's missed Hera for quite a while. "Of course, Hera. Of course!"

“That is an interesting topic. You must look at what you really have with them.”

Atrox and Daniel walked through the crowd talking, the Coredian guards jumping to keep the crowd away as they walked.

“While it doesn’t look like much, you really must understand the Cylons. First, they don’t think like humans. That is the first mistake humanity made, just because they look human, they think different. You must look at the whole situation from their point of view and put yourselves in their shoes. If the Empire had made treaties with you and then betrayed you eventually manipulating you into destroying your own nation, how would you react? Would you have just shook your collective fingers at them and told them they should take a time-out or would you have tried to find some allies and struck back at them when you had the chance? If the allies the Cylons had found were the Abh and the Dornalian, it would sound like the beginning of the GFFA. The Cylons have only done what you have already done; they might have even gotten the idea from your own history books.”

“Would you have stopped and offered the GE the treaty the Cylons have or would you have destroyed the GE itself if you had them basically beaten and could push a single button to end it all for the enemies that had treated you so sorely?”

Atrox paused in his walk to look at Daniel.

“Can you answer that truthfully? Can you divine an answer that would make you feel both righteous and truthful at the same time? No, not even I can divine what might have happened.”

Atrox continues walking and after giving Daniel a few moments to contemplate he began speaking again.

“As things stand, you are the only people the Cylons have spared and have a peaceful treaty with. You are the only humans that can talk to the Cylons without them trying to kill you first. You could open great trading opportunities in the import and export of goods with them. You can arrange an alliance of some sort with them. You can act as a middleman in trade opportunities. You can gain much if you don’t look at the treaty as something rammed down your throat. Look at it as an opportunity. Treat them fair and honestly. Use your diplomatic ties you possess and no other human nation in both galaxies have and interact with them. Show them you can be trusted. Put yourself in their place and do what is right.”

Three hours later, at a popular Issus nightclub.

The electronic music was omnipresent, as the young woman, and the Jedi master sat at a table. The pair must have looked out of place, Emily, noble Emily dressed in her Jedi Master’s robes, sat across from Hera. Hera wore a simple purple t-shirt and black jean pants, and of course was barefoot. How strange they must have looked.

Hera leaned forward and smiled, as she held up her shot glass. She looked at the tequila inside of it, and glanced at Emily. “Herrrre’s to you, Emily, thee bestest of the Jedi.” Hera said slurring her words as she held her glass up, as she slammed down the shot. Quickly she turned over the now empty shot glass, and slammed it down next to seven other ones. Her cheeks full, her face slightly sweating she smiled, as she leaned forward.

She barely swallowed the liquor before she erupted in laughter. “So what have you been doing?” she asked Emily, “God knows how long it has been. Hooow bigg is Attthenaa, now?” Hera asked, as her eyes began to flutter slightly. She held up her hand slightly, and clumsily waved to the bar tender, to bring her another round.

She turned her head to Emily, looking at the glass she had. “You want another?” she asked Emily, “You have barely touched your glass?” she asked the woman who had taken her in and done all but adopted her.

“That is an interesting topic. You must look at what you really have with them.”

Atrox and Daniel walked through the crowd talking, the Coredian guards jumping to keep the crowd away as they walked.

“While it doesn’t look like much, you really must understand the Cylons. First, they don’t think like humans. That is the first mistake humanity made, just because they look human, they think different. You must look at the whole situation from their point of view and put yourselves in their shoes. If the Empire had made treaties with you and then betrayed you eventually manipulating you into destroying your own nation, how would you react? Would you have just shook your collective fingers at them and told them they should take a time-out or would you have tried to find some allies and struck back at them when you had the chance? If the allies the Cylons had found were the Abh and the Dornalian, it would sound like the beginning of the GFFA. The Cylons have only done what you have already done; they might have even gotten the idea from your own history books.”

“Would you have stopped and offered the GE the treaty the Cylons have or would you have destroyed the GE itself if you had them basically beaten and could push a single button to end it all for the enemies that had treated you so sorely?”

Atrox paused in his walk to look at Daniel.

“Can you answer that truthfully? Can you divine an answer that would make you feel both righteous and truthful at the same time? No, not even I can divine what might have happened.”

Atrox continues walking and after giving Daniel a few moments to contemplate he began speaking again.

“As things stand, you are the only people the Cylons have spared and have a peaceful treaty with. You are the only humans that can talk to the Cylons without them trying to kill you first. You could open great trading opportunities in the import and export of goods with them. You can arrange an alliance of some sort with them. You can act as a middleman in trade opportunities. You can gain much if you don’t look at the treaty as something rammed down your throat. Look at it as an opportunity. Treat them fair and honestly. Use your diplomatic ties you possess and no other human nation in both galaxies have and interact with them. Show them you can be trusted. Put yourself in their place and do what is right.”
Well...when he put it this way... "That's good advice, Ba'el. Very good advice. I am simply quite concerned about the anti-Cylon sentiment. It's large here and the Colonials would likely fan the flames. Only our own sentiment towards our AI keep us from going fully down their path."

I sighed. "It's one big clusterfuck. Cylons. Colonials. Remiel. Vader. Even the Woodians and Abh and until now...you. I often wonder how Coredia can ever get out of this alive..."

Three hours later, at a popular Issus nightclub.

The electronic music was omnipresent, as the young woman, and the Jedi master sat at a table. The pair must have looked out of place, Emily, noble Emily dressed in her Jedi Master’s robes, sat across from Hera. Hera wore a simple purple t-shirt and black jean pants, and of course was barefoot. How strange they must have looked.

Hera leaned forward and smiled, as she held up her shot glass. She looked at the tequila inside of it, and glanced at Emily. “Herrrre’s to you, Emily, thee bestest of the Jedi.” Hera said slurring her words as she held her glass up, as she slammed down the shot. Quickly she turned over the now empty shot glass, and slammed it down next to seven other ones. Her cheeks full, her face slightly sweating she smiled, as she leaned forward.

She barely swallowed the liquor before she erupted in laughter. “So what have you been doing?” she asked Emily, “God knows how long it has been. Hooow bigg is Attthenaa, now?” Hera asked, as her eyes began to flutter slightly. She held up her hand slightly, and clumsily waved to the bar tender, to bring her another round.

She turned her head to Emily, looking at the glass she had. “You want another?” she asked Emily, “You have barely touched your glass?” she asked the woman who had taken her in and done all but adopted her.
"I'm not much of a drinker, Hera." Emily said and sipped the wine, then sternly looked at her adopted daughter. So drunk! But at least it was the perfect time for that decision. "Hera. There is something I must give you."

She went through her pockets and pulled out a datacard. "Take this. It's Atrox's bounty. Fifty billion. Since you were the one to bring him back, it is yours."

The bartender walked over. He sat down another shot of Tequila in front of the young woman. “Are you sure you want this?” she asked her sounding concerned. “I really hope you are not driving.” he asked Hera. “If you are, let me call you a cab when you are ready to leave.”

Hera turned her head, as her neck went limp for a second, “Nah I am fine, I am not driving like this all the time.” she replied, as her hand reached for the shot.

The Bartender then looked to Emily, “She is not driving am I correct?” he stated more than asking the jedi master.

“Shhh.” Hera said, “Your voice is too loud.” Hera told the man, even though the music was much louder.

The bartender shook his head, and returned to his station.

As he left, Emily then dropped the bomb shell on Hera. She took the shot, and downed it again, and began to giggle. “That is too funny Emmmillly.” Hera responded. “Jedah do not get paid, hellls I have nevver seeeen cashh since I have beeen on Cooorediaaa.” Hera laughed.

Then Emily handed her the data card. Hera looked down at it, and she could not believe her eyes. “Yous are seriousss.” Hera asked her.

Suddenly, the datacard disappeared back into Emily's pocket. Then she transformed into Stern Jedi Master Mode. "I do believe that you have drunk quite enough. Let's go home."

With that, she had the drinks paid by the Order's treasury, and then took the teenager away from the drinking place. She hailed a taxi and stuffed her inside. After that, well, it was Lecture Time. "You are quite a piece of work, young lady, drinking enough alcohol to drown a bantha! What do you have to say for yourself!?"

"Whaa." Hera said, "Thee niiight is so young." she said in her stupor. "We need do not go." WIth that Emily walked over and lifted her up. "Noo Emily, we are cellebraating." she replied. As EMily lifted Hera up, Hera tried to struggle, but under the conditions she was not fit to take anything on, other than a shower and bed.

The bartender nodded at Emily, with a feint smile, as they walked out. Soon th e taxi appeared, as did the evil stern voice of the Jedi.

Hera leaned against the seat, her body too enebrated to move. Emily's words washed over her.

"I's was celebratting. Diddn't you haave a good time mom?" Hera asked her. Hera was too far gone to lie, or try to manipulate Emily. You know what they say, A drunk person's words are a sober person's thoughts. Hera did not say anything else, during the rest of the car ride. She just slept, a peaceful sleep.

Emily's heart warmed at the sleeping Hera calling her 'mom', but ooh, when she came to, she was going to be in so much trouble! After all, that's what a proper mother would do!

The taxi soon stopped at their apartment and Emily used the Force to carry her all the way up to bed, not wanting to wake her just yet...

Emily’s Apartment
06:13, six hours after the party.

Hera laid like a corpse on her bed. Still wearing the same clothing as last night, her body reeking of alcohol that had permeated through her sweat glands. Although she was bound for trouble, it was a lot less than what could have happened had Emily not been there. She could have driven home, or worse gone home with some stranger. Still though, fate did not have pleasant plans for the “first of God’s generation.”

Emily was a sweet Jedi, the nicest and quietest of them all. Barely noticeable half the time, but when it came to things she cared about, oh she could be vicious. You know what they say about the nice one’s after all.

Emily stood by Hera all night. All night she waited by her side, to make sure she did not end up drowning in her own vomit. Would she have resurrected, sure but then again funerals were so expensive. After all they could not just leave the body sitting there.

As time rolled on, Emily heard the sweet cooing of Athena in the other room. “What was a mother of two hybrids to do.” she probably would have thought, as she walked in the other room. Slowly she picked up Athena. “Whatever you do, do not do what Hera did last night.” Emily whispered to Athena. Emily slowly walked in Hera’s bedroom with Athena. As she did the smell of tequila, and sweat filled her nostrils.

“My gods what is that smell.” the baby thought. “I do not like it, Get me out of here.” the baby continued to think. It was a shame she could not speak, so she spoke in the language of all unhappy babies. “WHAAAAAAAA”

With the cry, Hera roused from her comatose state. “Huh, what is going on?” Hera asked. As she did Emily flicked the lights on. “Wakie, wakie sunshine.” Emily responded, as Athena screamed at her. “WHAAAAA”

Hera reached for her pillow and held it tightly over her head. Today was not going to be a good day.

"Ah, welcome to the world of the living, young one." Emily smiled oddly. "I do hope you are well. You might want to freshen up. The baby doesn't like the smell, it seems."

Hera growled, although it was quite mumbled. SHe held the pillow tighter to her head, til she could barely stand it, but the thoughts and voices persisted. "Seriously girl you reek." came from the mind of the baby. Hera could not take it anymore, "Fine I will change and shower." she said. Hera tried to stand up, but as she did she felt really dizzy. She sat back down on the bed, and tried again.

This time she had success. Her heart was beating in her head, as she walked towards the shower. Her body felt like it weighed 1050 pounds instead of 105. Oh today was going to be one hell of a day.

Fast fowarding time, sorry no shower scene.

An hour later, Hera walked out of her room. She wore a simple blue dress sleeveless. She slowly walked down the hallway, with bags under her eyes. Holding her hand against the wall, Hera finally made it to the living room, before she collapsed on the couch. Half colonial, and half cylon, still this hangover was taking it's toll.

As the resident droid, Varella, was set to work cleaning up Hera's room of the stink, Emily came along with the baby, looking down upon Hera. Suddenly, it was as if she grew taller and Hera smaller. "Well, I hope you learned your lesson about drinking so many tequilas in one sitting. But your punishment is not over. I'm afraid that you're grounded for one week. You are not to go anywhere but the Temple or this apartment, tending to your sister. Is that understood?"

As the resident droid, Varella, was set to work cleaning up Hera's room of the stink, Emily came along with the baby, looking down upon Hera. Suddenly, it was as if she grew taller and Hera smaller. "Well, I hope you learned your lesson about drinking so many tequilas in one sitting. But your punishment is not over. I'm afraid that you're grounded for one week. You are not to go anywhere but the Temple or this apartment, tending to your sister. Is that understood?"

Hera's mind raced back in time, to how this all began. She remembered chatting with Emily, the fun the laughs. Then the first shot, then the second. Soon out of no where it went from the fun and joyous occasion that it had been, and likea light going off everything had changed. Hera pondered what had happened? Did she say something? Did she do something? Did she ... What did I do?" Hera asked out loud.

Her mind continued to backtrack until the event that was truly profound... "Mom." Hera said. She looked at Emily, "I called you mom, didn't I?" she asked in complete sincereity. HEra looked down, "Is that why you are mad at me?" Hera asked really concerned. "Did I offend you, if I did I am sorry, I know you do not have natural kids of your own." she replied.

She then listened to the punishment laid out before her. She could not believe it again. She placed her hands to her head as it felt like the world was slamming into her cramium. "What did I do?" she asked.

"No, I'm not mad at you for calling me Mom. In fact, that makes my heart go aflutter. But you did embarrass yourself in that bar. I still can't believe you actually danced on the table in only your underclothes." Emily sternly said, although inside, she wanted to laugh.

"Is there anything else you wished to speak to me about? I can sense my shuttle approaching so we might not have much time."

"No. Well, I'd say some Jedi platitude about not letting vengeance fester in your heart, but I know you won't heed that." I smiled. We headed out onto the temple gardens. "Well, I suppose this is where we part...until next time. May the Force be with you."

Hera sighed, as she placed her hands on her face, covering it as if she was ashamed. Emily did not lie, or at least she had never been caught in a lie before. So Hera’s natural inclination was to believe her. Also with her head pounding, it was hard to hear the inner voice of Emily over the jack hammer going off inside her head.

Hera turned her gaze up, “Are you serious?” she asked Master Rydo. Hera turned and looked at the stern look on her face. Hera slammed her face into a pillow. Normally Hera was not a shy woman, but the situation is what was different. After years, she finally earned the respect of the Jedi, years of hate and self loathing. Now she wasted it all in a few mere hours.

Hera sighed as she remembered the faces in the crowd. That boy back when she first joined the Academy, who liked her, but was always too scared to say anything. The two girls, who thought of dark and evil thoughts about her. Then there was Rydo. How did Hera embarrass her so. Why could she not remember any of it?

“I am so sorry mom.” Hera said to her, again not thinking. “I did not mean to embarrass you. I know you must be mad, especially the way Coredia is about honor and dishonor. I am sorry.” Hera exclaimed as she pushed her face further into the pillow.

Then Emily smiled as she couldn't hold it anymore. "Calm down, Hera! I'm kidding about the dancing. Let this be a lesson to you about drinking seven shots in one night. A Jedi must learn moderation in all things, even drinking alcohol. And a daughter shouldn't come home stinking of booze and upset her little sister."

"You're still grounded, but this week, we should begin where we left off on your training. You may be a Knight, but a Jedi never stops learning. Your lesson this week shall be of meditation. You've learned how to kill a multitude of ways. Now it is time to learn how to center yourself."

"Oh, and here. Atrox had a bounty on his head. You've earned it." Emily gave the datacard to her. "Fifty billion credits."

Hera pulled her face out of the pillow and stared at Emily. She was more shocked than anything. Emily.... lied. “What in the hell was this world coming to. First the Jedi and the Sith make peace and now Emily lied.” Hera thought as she felt like the world was about to end, and it was not just from the hangover.

Hera just looked up and stared at Emily. Coredians, you can live amongst them all your life and never figure them out. Then Hera listened to Emily’s words about training, meditation. She could not help but to giggle. “Of course Emily, but last time we tried I was attacked over and over again.” she said sounding scared. Hera shuttered to think of real mediation, as her mind flashed backed to the early days of her training. The snakes, the hail, the lightning, watching the death star blow up Konoha, and worse of all the burning of Paradise. She shook with fear. Then Emily broke her concentration.

“50 Billion.” she exclaimed. Hera turned to Emily as she took the card. “You are kidding, I did not do what I did for money. I didn’t even do it for the Jedi, I did it for you.” Hera replied, as she looked to the card. Hera sighed, for a moment.

As she did the world changed around her once more. Alone she stood in the opera house on Kobol. The room was empty, no one around. Yet still she felt a presence. “Rebuild me.”

Hera turned around looking for the voice, but it never showed itself. It only spoke, “Rebuild me.” In a moment, the world returned. Hera placed the card down. “Well then, this money is not mine, I did not do it for money. Let’s use it to rebuild the City of the gods, Olympus. Lets let the people who live in tents have a home.” Hera said smiling to Emily.

It would seem, drunken rampages aside, Hera was becoming very light.

"Yes. But with Hawkins' seal, you need not fear meditation anymore." Emily pointed out, then she listened to the suggestion. "Where is this Olympus?"

Hera turned and smiled. For the first time today she cracked a smile. "It is on Kobol. The birth place of the human race, where supposidly once the gods and humanity lived in peace. At least according to Colonial scripture. THis was of course before the great blaze that scattered the thirteenth tribe from earth, and the twelve Colonies. Before the gods supposidly cursed the planet. But I can hear her call. The Opera house cries to me Emily, it was important once and it wishes to be rebuilt.

The shuttle landed a few meters away, coming to a halt a couple centimeters above the ground and hovered. The side of the shuttle seemed to melt and run down the side of the craft, solidifying into three individually hovering steps. The newly revealed door slid open and waited for Atrox to enter. The Sith Lord turned back to Daniel.

“Isn’t she a beauty? Well, then there is only this left. I will see you again, very soon I feel.”

Atrox extended his hand. The ebon suit liquefied like earlier and retreated up his arm, exposing his hand.

I looked at his hand then figured, what the hell and shook it, to the surprise of many of my citizens. A Jedi? Shaking with a Sith? Many heads exploded. "Perhaps we'll see each other soon. See you around."

And to my surprise, there were several bulbs that snapped pictures of us shaking hands. Many wondered...what the hell was going on?

Hera turned and smiled. For the first time today she cracked a smile. "It is on Kobol. The birth place of the human race, where supposidly once the gods and humanity lived in peace. At least according to Colonial scripture. THis was of course before the great blaze that scattered the thirteenth tribe from earth, and the twelve Colonies. Before the gods supposidly cursed the planet. But I can hear her call. The Opera house cries to me Emily, it was important once and it wishes to be rebuilt.
"Hmm...perhaps...yes. I sense this planet may be important in some way. Use the money for Kobol, then. Perhaps with your brand of sunshine, this place can be reborn." Emily smiled.

After shaking his hand, the black liquid metallic flowed back down the Sith’s arm, covering the insectoid truehand.

“We will meet again.”

Atrox turned and walked over to the shuttle, mounted the three steps, and disappeared into the insides. A moment later the door closed and the steps ran up the side of the craft, reforming the outer hull.

The ship rose into the air without any whoosh of jets or even a high-pitched whine. It rose silently and very quickly into the air until it was just a tiny speck of light. It kept going until that too disappeared.

In orbit, the craft quickly joined the mothership. A few minutes later Atrox was on the bridge.

“Take us home. Make sure we are not traced in any way.”

“Yes Sir. Initiating decoy maneuvers.”

The Abomination called forth a wormhole and entered. The wormhole would lead somewhere in the Milky Way Galaxy. After exiting, another one was opened to the Adromada Galaxy, then to the Apophic Galaxy, and followed by half a dozen other galaxies until it was impossible to trace the final destination of the ship.


Returning to The Call of Destiny (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=551669&page=3)