Chapter Text
Aryelle Thrace
I should have been horrified at the carnage in the Eternal Throne room, but I was numb. Lana, Koth, Senya and… Theron all lay dead, but I felt nothing except the drive to sit the throne. I stood before it and Valkorion whispered in my ear:
You are ready.
I turned to take my place, only to feel the blade of a lightsaber run me through and to hear Vaylin’s laughter.
I woke with a start from the nightmare, and was relieved to see Lana standing there, alive and well.
“Aryelle?”
“Another nightmare about the Eternal Throne,” I told her, “You were all dead and I didn’t care, Lana. Even seeing Theron…” I shook myself. “Before I could take the throne, Vaylin stabbed me in the back.”
Lana reached out to squeeze my shoulder, “Vaylin’s gone, and Valkorion will be soon.”
“I hope so,” I replied. “Any luck with the holocron?”
“I’ve been studying it since we escaped Nathema,” she said, “the relic’s purpose is still a mystery to me, but its power is undeniable. If it can protect you from Valkorion…”
Do you really believe that dusty old trinket can protect you? the late Eternal Emperor interrupted.
I sighed, not wanting to deal with Valkorion in a fit of temper, “Call it insurance, Valkorion.”
You still do not trust me, even after all I have done, he said, I saved you from Vaylin, preserved your life in your carbonite prison, and shared my power with you.
“As I said, it’s insurance. You’ve played nice thus far, and if you continue to do so, we’ll be just fine,” There was durasteel in my voice this time when I spoke. I’d reach my limit with his demands and was about to reach for the holocron when he said:
Take the throne, Aryelle, we have come too far and sacrificed too much to turn on each other now.
I shook again myself as I found Lana staring at me.
“I felt his presence… How do you stand it?”
“This isn’t the first time he’s been in my mind,” I said tamping down on my anger, “I think that’s why he’s being so accommodating this time around.”
“True, but I’ll feel more at ease once we’ve found a way to remove him once and for all.”
“I think the holocron is it, and we both know he’s going to try something once the throne’s in reach.”
“A safe assumption.”
“Commander to the bridge.” Koth said over the intercom.
I looked at Lana, and asked a question I wouldn’t allow anyone other than Theron to hear:
“Do you think I can do this?”
She watched me for a moment then nodded, “I believe in you, Aryelle. You were born to do this.”
“People keep saying things like that to me, Lana,” I replied. “At this point I wish I’d been born to herd nerfs.”
She laughed, and then said, “Your crew is waiting.”
I nodded, and led the way out of the small berthing compartment.
Theron Shan
We all turned as Aryelle and Lana entered the bridge. I didn’t need the Force to know what she was thinking. I just gave her a small smile and focused on how much I cared for her. Wanting her to have that support now we were headed into this last battle.
“This is it people,” Aryelle said, “the day we finally secure the Eternal Throne and end this madness for good.” She looked us all over and continued, “Unfortunately, with Vaylin’s death, the Fleet has reverted to its basic programming. They’re bombarding every planet within reach, including Zakuul.”
“They’ve also blockaded the planet, making it impossible to get to the Spire,” Lana added.
“Arcann, you know the Fleet best,” Aryelle said, “how do we break the blockade?”
He shook his head, “You don’t. The Eternal Fleet was built on technology beyond anything in the Alliance’s arsenal.”
“Except my favorite warship,” Koth said as he walked over to the shield controls. “Those new upgrades? If I can throw enough power to the shields, we’ll crack that blockade.”
“Okay, we’ve got a plan,” I said while mentally adding: sort of, “when do we hit Zakuul?”
Koth punched in a couple of commands then took the pilot seat. He throttled back on the hyper drive lever and said:
“Now.”
The planet came into view suddenly, and as we watched, ships pounded the Spire with everything they had. It was amazing anything was still standing. A squadron of ships stood apart from the rest, generating some sort of force field around the throne room, which meant we couldn’t simply dock with the Spire.
“Taking her in, shields up,” Koth told us as two squadrons of ships turned in our direction, “been nice knowing you, Commander.”
“Break that blockade!” Aryelle replied, leaning over his shoulder.
I’m not going to try to describe what happened. All that mattered was that the Gravestone cleared us an avenue of approach to the planet.
The crew headed for their battle stations when I caught up with Aryelle. There was no way for a shuttle to get through, so she’d be using one of the escape pods. It’d be a rough ride, but it’d get her down to the surface fast.
And safe… I hope.
“Aryelle?”
She turned to look at me with a small smile. “We’re not saying goodbye, Theron.”
“We aren’t… it’s just… Whatever happens down there, I want you to know… I love you,” I told her.
Her smile grew warmer. She’d always known how I felt. Couldn’t have been any other way with this bond, but there was something about finally saying it that made it all real.
“I love you too, Theron,” she replied as she pressed her hand over my heart. I leaned in, snaking an arm around her waist to pull her close, and kissed her with everything I had.
“You’re going to look great sitting on that throne,” I said in a hoarse voice as we stepped back.
“I’ll feel better knowing you’ll be at my side,” she replied softly.
“Always,” I told her as Senya and Arcann walked up. I looked at the older woman and said, “take care of her for me.”
“We will, Theron,” she said, “you have my word.”
That’s all I could ask.
Aryelle Thrace
As soon as I felt the familiar sensation I wanted to groan. I could guess what Valkorion was about to say, considering how close we were to the throne. And who was at my side.
Do not underestimate the temptation of the Eternal Throne, he said as he appeared at my side.
“Believe me, I have no intention of underestimating its temptation on anyone,” I replied wearily, “but Arcann and Senya fought by my side on Odessen against Vaylin. They’ve earned my trust.”
You and your foolish empathy.
I tapped my right temple and smiled sweetly at the late Emperor, “no, I just know them better than you do. Force bonds are useful things, aren’t they?”
Even bonds can be deceived, he snapped and disappeared as we reached the upper levels of the Spire.
Arcann looked at me with concern, “Was that him?”
I felt Senya go still as I nodded. “He thinks I shouldn’t trust you. Either of you.”
“Do you?” Senya asked quietly as we reached the door to the throne room.
“I trust both of you with my life,” I replied handing the holocron from Nathema to Arcann. “I want you to hold this for me.”
“What is it?”
“Supposedly, it’s the key to defeating your father once and for all,” I said, “If something happens to me, use it.”
“But Valkorion is so strong,” he protested.
“You’re stronger than he ever was,” I told Arcann. “You’ve found the strength to admit when you were wrong, and then to try and make things right.”
Arcann’s eyes widened for a moment, then he ducked his head and opened the door to the throne room for me. I saw Senya smile out of the corner of my eye and I stopped and squeezed Arcann’s shoulder. “You’re a good man, Arcann Tirall,” I said.
“And you are the Empress Zakuul needs,” he replied as he bowed low, “your throne awaits.”
I managed to suppress the automatic but I don’t want to be Empress somehow. I wouldn’t say I was reconciled by a long shot, but this is what I had to do.
Our boots made a hollow clacking sound as we walked up the aisle to the throne. That was the only sound other than the humming of the force field that the Eternal Fleet ships were projecting. I swallowed as I mounted the dais and settled on the throne itself. For a moment, nothing happened, but as I tried to rise a crackle of energy surged through me. It reached up, following the intricate workings behind the throne and shot into space. I fought to be still, to not scream, and then it was over.
I looked down at Arcann and Senya who were smiling at me. The Fleet had gone quiet, we’d done it.
Well done, Valkorion congratulated me as time stopped once more, after years of strife you have become Empress of Zakuul, Commander of the Fleet and Heir to the Eternal Throne.
“So why do I have a bad feeling about this?” I asked him, bracing for a fight.
Because now it is time for you to kneel!
NO! I shouted as I fought to stay upright, but it was hard. Then I felt something snap and I was elsewhere.
I’d been some place like this before, when I’d been imprisoned in carbonite. Another dream then…
“You persist, but I shouldn’t be surprised I suppose,” Valkorion said to me amused as he stood before a warped version of the Eternal Throne, “I did my work well, forging you into a being worthy of the Eternal Throne. I did prepare for this eventuality however.” He waved a hand and Vaylin appeared. “When you struck Vaylin down, I consumed her essence, and now her spirit is mine to control!”
“Not so fast, Valkorion!” I said as I pulled out a psychic version of the holocron, “be free, Vaylin!”
The spirit glowed, and then smiled. “I feel all tingly, and I’m not the only one,” she said as a man appeared beside her.
“Arcann?” I said, not trying to hide my surprise.
The former Emperor smiled at me, “I won’t let you face him alone, Commander.”
“Vaylin!” Valkorion shouted, “kill the brother who betrayed you and the Outlander who stole your life away!”
“I think not,” she replied, “I’m going to enjoy watching you squirm, Father!”
“It’s over, Valkorion,” I told him, holding up the holocron, “your time is ended.”
“No!” he yelled as lightening spat from his fingers and the holocron disintegrated. “conjure a hundred holocrons, an arsenal of supposed superweapons, but you will not stop me.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” I said as I advanced on him unafraid. “You’ve forgotten one little thing. This is my mind, and my rules and I say: kneel before the Dragon of Zakuul!”
The old man staggered backwards as if struck and Vaylin began to laugh as she ignited her lightsaber and advanced on him.
“That’s right, Father, kneel before the Dragon of Zakuul!”
“It’s over, Father,” Arcann added gently, “let go.”
Valkorion turned toward the throne only to be blocked by another.
“Senya,” he whispered, and I once again had to wonder if he really did love her in a warped and twisted way. But look in her eyes was anything but loving. There was disdain there, with a healthy dose of hatred to keep it company.
“You’ve turned your back on this family for the last time,” she said as she struck at him with her lightsaber.
“What need does a god have for a family?!?” he roared and surged up. “before I graced you with my presence, you were nothing but motes of filth. Drowning in the chaos of the void.” He turned on me and advanced, “and you: a lone Jedi hunting me without aim or purpose…”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Valkorion,” I said, as my lightsaber slashed downward, “my purpose is what it’s always been: to destroy you.” He screamed and lunged at me and I drove my saber forward right through his chest. “This time you stay dead!” I yelled as I felt the bond between us shatter…
I felt hands steadying me as I opened my eyes. I was sitting on the Eternal Throne with both Arcann and Senya watching me with concern.
“You did it,” Arcann said with more than a little awe.
I shook my head and looked at him and Senya both. “We did it, Arcann. All four of us.”
“What of Vaylin?” Senya asked quietly.
“I felt her become one with the Force,” I replied, “whatever else, she’s at peace now, I think.”
“Good,” Senya said, shaking herself. “I suppose the question now is what’s next?”
“The galaxy needs a leader, Commander, if it ever hopes to recover.” Arcann told me, his eyes worried.
I took a deep breath and tried to center myself. I didn’t want this, but what I wanted didn’t matter. Arcann was right, and I was the only one who could control the Throne.
“Senya,” I said, “open a system wide link. It’s time for Zakuul to meet its new Empress.”
Theron Shan
I was with Lana and Koth on the bridge when it happened. The Fleet had gone quiet but there was no word from Aryelle, and I’d started to pace.
“I’m sure she’s fine, Theron,” Lana said, but I heard it in her voice. She didn’t believe it any more than I did. I was about to open my mouth to tell her that when the pain split my skull. I went down to my knees, fighting to stay conscious as I heard Koth yelling for a medic.
I’d never felt anything like this before, but I fought back, shoving myself to my feet even as I looked at Lana, who was fighting the same battle I was.
And then it was over.
I took a deep breath and reached for the bond. It was still there, still as strong as ever. Ary was alive.
“That was Valkorion,” Lana breathed. “She did it. Valkorion’s gone.”
“Wait,” Koth said, “you’re saying that Valkorion…”
“….is truly dead, yes” she replied, “are you all right, Theron?”
“Yeah, though I’ll be better once I know she’s okay.”
“You may be about to get your wish,” Koth said as the com panel beeped, “we’re getting a system wide transmission originating from the Spire.”
“Put it through!” I said and watched as a hologram of Aryelle Thrace appeared.
“People of the galaxy, the war is over. The Eternal Fleet has been pacified, and today marks a new beginning for the Eternal Empire,” she said from where she stood before the Throne. “As Empress, I intend to call a convocation of the leadership of all the worlds in the Empire in order to frame a document that will be the basis for a new government. One in which every citizen of Zakuul has a voice, and everyone is equal under the law, including the Empress.” She paused for a moment as if waiting for some kind of response then continued to lay out her intentions for Zakuul, the Fleet and her hope of bringing peace to the galaxy.
“That’s my girl,” I murmured as she finished and the com shut down.
“She’s serious about this new government, isn’t she?” Koth asked, “I mean I know she never wanted to be Empress but…”
“You can take the woman out of the Republic, but you can’t take the Republic out of the woman,” I said with a laugh.
“Which means her first instinct will be to default to a some kind of democratic form of government,” Lana added neutrally.
“Koth, get a shuttle ready,” I said, “I think we should congratulate the Empress in person.”
“I can’t wait to get back to Odessen,” Aryelle said as we walked into the private office she’d coopted for herself. “I realize we’re going to have to move operations here to the Spire, but for right now, I just want to go home.”
“I can understand that,” I replied as I slipped my arm around her waist. She rested her head on my shoulder.
“You’re set on this course, Aryelle?” Lana asked, “Zakuul might not be the best place for an experiment in democracy.”
“You don’t believe Zakuulan society can handle democracy?” Senya replied, looking a little murderous.
“I believe that Valkorion kept things centralized for so long that making major changes to the character of Zakuul may sabotage the very system we’ve sought to stabilize,” Lana told her.
“She’s got a point, Senya,” Koth said from the doorway.
“Enough!” I said. “We’re not going to solve this tonight, and it’s been a long day, especially for some of us, so why don’t we head back to the Gravestone? We can worry about any political crisis that comes up when it comes up.”
“What Theron said,” Aryelle muttered. “Look, I’m too tired to argue the merits of democracy right now. I’ve been running since Nathema, and I’d like to have one night of peace in my own bed, please.”
I hugged her tighter as I looked at the four-other people in the room. “Let’s go home.”
Aryelle Thrace
The moment Theron and I were alone in the quarters aboard the Gravestone, everything finally caught up with me. I started to shake, and I buried my face in his shoulder. He pulled me close and just held me as I wept for everything I’d lost over the past six years.
“Shhh….” He whispered to me. “It’s finally over. You’re free.”
“Am I?”
He looked confused for a second, “we’re talking about you getting rid of Valkorion, right?”
“I suppose,” I said. “I just don’t feel all that free.”
He nodded, “It’ll take time. That’s okay.”
“And are you okay?”
“You mean with you being Empress?”
“Yes.”
He looked at me serious for a moment then kissed the crown of my head. “I love you, your Majesty. Does that tell you anything?”
I nodded, “I love you too, Theron. Always.”
He laid me down on the bed then crawled in next to me. “Get some rest, Ary, because I’m betting fifty credits we won’t get any once we get back to Odessen.”
I murmured a curse as I snuggled into him. “You’re probably right, and Indo did say something about planning a party for my ascension to the throne, stars help us.”
“Even more reason to get some rest,” he said as he kissed me again, this time lightly on the lips.
“Yes, sir,” I muttered barely hanging on to consciousness.
“That’s my girl.”