The Power of the Dark Side (Month 6, 24BBY)

The city was not small as they began the 2 mile trek toward it. They were in a series of shallow ravines that obviously held water, perhaps a river at one time long ago. R2 kept pace with them as the two Jedi moved along the windy path. It was dark and though then could hear small animals, none appeared threatening and so they ignored them. Once they finally made it up a slope they paused to look out over the city. Thousands of lights glittered in the night and the sky was very clear above them. The planet had 3 moons, one pale, one red and one a pale green. Zavian shifted and put his arms around Kaia from behind. When she turned to look at him he kissed her quite passionately. It was a pretty spectacular view after all. “And I love you Kaia Aldari,” He whispered. “Always,” he murmured into her mouth as he kissed her one last time.

The city was massive with air cars, high rises, roads and holo signs that advertised all sorts of different things. And it was fairly loud with all of the people, vehicles and city noise. Zavian hailed a shuttle and it landed near them on the side of the street they were on. It was a Dressellian who drove the shuttle and he wore brown clothes with an orange vest.

“Ah, newcomers to Albrion? Where can I take you?” He said in his odd language though they both knew how to speak it. R2 was sucked up by a large magnet that was designed for Droids as they spoke.

“We’re looking for the Capitol, we have an appointment with Senator Esu Rotsino, we’re ambassadors from Coruscant,” he said as he calmly placed his hands inside of his robe sleeves as he settled back into his seat. The driver looked back at them and scowled. “Coruscant? You do realize, we’re part of the separatists now? I think maybe I dont wanna take you anywhere, get outta my cab!” The man said just as Zavian waved his hand.

“We’re Esu’s friends,” He said and the driver’s expression changed. “Your Esu’s friends,” He repeated and Zavian waved his hand again. “You want to take us to her now,” He said. “I’ll...take you to her now,” the driver replied then turned around and the shuttle lurched up into the sky.

Kaia and Zavian walked in silence as they made their way towards the city. It was dark and quiet except for the occasional animal sound. As they came to the top of a slope overlooking the city they paused to take in the view. Kaia felt Zavian’s arms around her waist. She looked up at him and closed her eyes as he kissed her. She kissed him back and wished the moment could last forever. As their lips parted she looked into his eyes for a moment before they separated and moved down the hill towards the city.

The city was large and loud and bustling. Zavian hailed a driver and Kaia sat next to him. She was quiet as Zavian spoke to the driver and told him where they wanted to go. When he mentioned they were from Courscant the driver became angry, but with a Jedi mind trick or two he agreed to take them to the capitol. Kaia looked around her as they took off into the sky. She liked to be aware of her surroundings at all times. She began to wonder how the Senator might react to their presence, but hoped Zavian’s relationship with her would ease any difficulties.

As the shuttle flew just beyond the lights and the high rises were more lights though much more spread out than those of the city. THey indicated vast spaces do to how far apart they were and though it was dark they could tell that those were farming fields. The fields went on and on until their eyes could no longer make them out. The North side of the city was somewhat desolate but the south side was lush and green with farming.

The shuttle ascended above most of the other traffic and the capitol building was just ahead. It was higher than most of the other high rises and large though it thinned near the top. The driver took them to a skywalk landing pad. Two men dressed in what looked like blue leather armor or uniform came toward them as the shuttle stopped. They had sidearms on their hips.

Zavian got out first as R2 was released and slowly let down to the pad. “Uh...this is a restricted landing pad, only authorized personnel may use this pad,” the guard said. Once again Zavian waved his hand.

“We are authorized to be here,” He said. The guards seemed to relax. “You are authorized to be here,” the guard said. Zavian waved his hand once more. “You’d like to escort us inside,” he said. “We’ll escort you inside,” the man said and they shifted to allow them to accompany them. As long as the suggestions were reasonable, the mind tricks often worked well. Before long they were inside the building.

The floors were mostly carpeted in a blue and red pattern. The walls were a glossy gray. The ceiling with its fanciful lights was more ornate and fairly high above them. The hallway was fairly wide with doors that obviously led to rooms, possibly a lounge, security room or offices. “We need to speak to Senator Esu Rotsino, we have an appointment,” Zavian said and the guards nodded and continued to lead them down the hall. R2 trailed after them. They passed a larger square chamber that had hallways leading out of each side. There was a bluish protocol droid there and R2 squeaked and warbled at it. It looked over at the R2 unit as they passed but said nothing. Once again R2 clicked and whirred. “Yes, very rude,” Zavian said softly as the guards turned and led them down another hall. The dark feeling was getting stronger. The Sith was not very far away and they were getting closer to them.

Kaia could tell which building was the capitol as they neared it. It stood out among the other buildings and had a presence to it. The driver flew over to a landing pad where two guards stood. As Zavian "negotiated" with the guards, Kaia paid the driver with their credits. Even though they had used a Jedi mind trick to get him to take them here, he deserved to be paid.

The guards "agreed" to escort them inside and Kaia walked beside Zavian. Kaia's senses were on full alert as they entered the building. Her eyes glanced continuously around her. She could feel that the Sith were not very far away and were getting closer to them. She glanced at zavian and prepared herself to quickly remove her lightsaber.

Zavian reached back and lifted his hood and covered his head and face. He nodded for Kaia to do the same as the guards took another turn and stopped at the elevators. “Top Floor,” the one guard said and when the elevator door opened he moved inside and used a blue key card in the elevator then came back out again. Zavian, Kaia and R2 got into the elevator and the door closed.

When it opened, it opened up into a very large open room. The ceiling was vaulted and there was a wide balcony outside of the massive windows all around the room. In daytime it would be easy to see that this room would gather in alot of light. But since it was night it was rather dark and almost menacing looking. The ambient lights were red and blue. The room was lavishly decored with the recessed seating area to the right. To the left was a large, fancy table and chairs for executive meetings. Zavian felt that the Sith were close and the dark side of the force was strong with them. There were also two guards that turned toward them. As soon as they saw the two Jedi enter they drew their weapons.

Zavian saw Kaia bring up her lightsaber as the two men fired at them. Zavian only raised up his hand. They both fired, the one on the left at Kaia, the one on the right at Zavian. Zavian somehow blocked the blaster bolts only using the force. He took several shots then pulled the weapon from the guard’s hands and caught it.

They saw Esu who was already standing. SHe appeared to have been talking to someone via commlink. She was dressed in a very nice dress of blue and black that definitely seemed to show off her assets. Esu was a fairly tall woman in her middling 40s. She had long, wavy black hair and pale blue eyes. Her skin was also pale and nearly flawless and her age did nothing to lessen her beauty.

Kaia pulled up her hood around her face and stood next to Zavian in the elevator. As the elevator reached the top floor and the doors opened, Kaia glanced around the large, open room before stepping out. Like Zavian, she could sense that the Sith were very close. Kaia's quick glance of the room determined that there was a woman and two guards. As the guards drew their weapons to fire, Kaia pulled out her lightsaber and activated it. It glowed a dark blue and hummed with power. She easily deflected the guard's shots and then, like Zavian, used the Force to pull the weapon from his hands. Now that the guards were unarmed Kaia looked at the woman. She could only assume that it was Esu. She was a beautiful woman. Older than herself, but younger than Zavian. Since Zavian knew the woman she decided to allow him to speak first.

Esu started at the short combat that happened so close to her just then. When the guards were disarmed and she saw the lightsaber come out she ended her call and took a step toward them. “Stand down,” she said in a very authoritative voice. Her guards looked at one another then did as she asked. They stepped back and resumed their stances when they had first come into the large room. Zavian lowered his hood. When Esu saw him her stance changed and she put her right hand on her shapely hip and bent one leg just so so it shifted her dress.

“Zavian Aldari,” She said with a smile. “I never thought I’d ever see you again,” She said. “Hello...Esu, I did not think we would either. You’re...looking well,” he said. “This is Kaia...Kaldera,” he said. “We’ve been sent by…” He began but Esu cut him off.

“Oh I think I know who sent you. A fools errand, I have no intention of going back to the republic. Not me, not my people and not our food,” she said. Zavian came in further as he tried to pinpoint the where the Sith were. Was it just one? He couldn’t be certain but he didn’t see them. R2 chirped and squaked and shifted on his struts from side to side as if something had upset him. ‘There is a dampening field interfering with my sensors!’ He said.

Esu just shrugged. “I have important conversations, I cant have eavesdroppers now can I? Come in won’t you? I was going to have a drink? Would you and your...friend, like a drink?” She asked. Esu took a good look at Kaia then and noted how beautiful the younger woman was. “I don’t see why not,” Zavian said as Esu moved to the mini bar and began to make the 3 drinks.

“I’ve heard of you, Kaia Kaldera. There are…’people’ that would very much like to meet you,” she said. Esu ofcourse knew that the Sith were sponsoring this separation from the republic. She was completely bought and paid for by them. She wasn’t doing this for her people or for honor or to negotiate for better trade prices. She was doing it for a very large sum of money. She frowned with her back to the Jedi as she made the drinks. She and Zavian had spent time together. It wasn’t love ofcourse but she did consider him a friend. Now what was she going to do? She did not want them to be killed. She turned back holding the drinks and her smile returned.

Kaia saw Esu carefully look her over. Kaia did not flinch and glanced at Zavian as he introduced her using her maiden name. She couldn't be entirely certain why he had done that. Was it because he still had feelings for this woman? Or was it because he did not want word getting back to the Council about their marriage. Kaia held her tongue and said nothing. Kaia could sense that the Sith were near but, like Zavian, she could not figure out exactly where they were. It was then that R2 indicated that there was a dampening field interfering with his sensors. It was possible the same thing was preventing Zavian and herself from locating the Sith.

She watched Esu as she walked over to the mini bar and began to prepare three drinks. She wasn't entirely surprised that Esu had heard about her. Her family were Sith after all. "I'm sure that there are, but I have no intention of meeting them," Kaia responded.

Esu presented the drinks. The glasses were ornate crystal with a dark liquid and a single ice cube. She moved back to get hers then rejoined them. “Would you have a seat?” She asked and gestured to the long table. Zavian did not move toward the table but he did take a sip of the drink. It was a very fine whiskey but he didn’t know from where. It had a smoky flavor.

“Esu, this is a very serious situation you’re in. The Chancellor has called for your arrest,” Zavian said. Esu smiled as she took a sip of her drink.

“I’m sure he has,” She said with a chuckle. “Thousands of systems have stepped away Zavian and more will follow. The republic is nothing more than a puppet regime and the Jedi are apart of that. I didn’t figure you as a lap dog Zavian. You were a man the last time we met,” she said almost angrily. ‘Please just go!’ She thought and tried to relay that to them with her eyes. Zavian frowned at her and shifted over to the table to set his glass down. He turned back toward her quickly.

“What happened to you Esu, do you realize how many people are starving right now? THat used to matter to you,” he said. “Coruscant can rot Zavian! I’ve served for years. YEARS! And what do I have to show for it? The only thing that comes from the republic are demands for more. More, more MORE! Never a thank you or a just reward. Just more demands,” she said.

“Everyone needs food, no one is chaining you to your post here. If you need a break, step down, no one will stop you. Don’t you care anymore?” He asked. “Ofcourse I do, I’m not a monster Zavian. But I...I can’t go back,” she said. “I’m...sorry,” she said sadly.

Kaia took her drink, but she just barely sipped from it. She knew she did not have a tolerance for alcohol so she needed to be careful. She remained near Zavian and did not sit down. She wanted to remain standing in case they were attacked. She looked at Esu and could sense that this woman did not want to hurt them. She did not know her at all, but she doubted that she was doing this for the reasons she was stating. Something about this didn't seem right to Kaia.

"How much have you been paid to do this?" she finally said, taking a stab in the dark as to the true reason Esu was doing this.

Esu’s eyes shifted and looked sharply at Kaia. For just an instant her cheeks colored. She lowered her drink. “What does it matter? I will not be going back with you,” she said. “I’m...sorry...Zavian,” she said finally as two red lightsabers suddenly came to life out on the balcony behind her. Esu stepped back away from the Jedi and Kaia heard movement as well behind her and knew what it was. Those 2 guards had pulled out more weapons from somewhere. As both she and Zavian drew out their lightsabers They both deflected the blaster bolts. The guards held smaller hand pistols but they were obviously just as deadly as their larger blasters that had been taken from them. The two guards fired as fast as they could and the two Jedi had to use their lightsabers quickly and move more than before to avoid them. And then the guards stopped firing and their eyes looked horrified.

When Zavian turned back Esu fell to her knees. She had been shot or had caught one of the deflections from their lightsabers. She dropped her glass and looked down at the burn hole in her chest. Zavian wanted to go to her but the two Sith on the balcony were waiting. After Kaia told the guards to go Zavian shrugged out of his Jedi robe.

“I had a feeling you’d be here Darth Maul,” Zavian said as he and Kaia stepped toward the large, open doorwall. The two Sith were robed in all black and they shrugged off their black robes. Zavian’s green lightsaber and Kaia’s dark blue one shined brightly in the darkness. Maul had a dark red lightsaber and the man next to him just had a regular red one. Kaia felt she knew the Sith across from her. He had shoulder length black hair and deep blue eyes. He looked alot like her father. It was Kevan.

Kaia's lightsaber moved incredibly fast as she deflected the blaster shots by the guards. She knew where each shot was going to be before it was even fired. Before long the guards stopped firing and their eyes widened in horror as they looked past Kaia and Zavian to something behind them. Kaia looked back behind her and saw Esu. She had a blaster wound in her chest. There was nothing Kaia could do to help her. Her focus was on the two Sith that remained. Like Zavian, she shrugged out of her robe and then stepped with her husband through the large, open doorwall out onto the balcony. The one called Darth Maul had a red and black face and a dark red lightsaber. The other Sith had a regular red lightsaber, but there was something about him that immediately struck Kaia. She could sense that she knew him. As she looked at his face she realized that he looked like her father. In that moment she knew who he was...he was her twin brother, Kevan.

"So, we finally meet," she said to him.

Kevan stood ready to fight but he lowered his lightsaber. The air was still warm and the breezed had seemed to be much stronger up here. There were several balconies, one every few floors it seemed.

“You’re not my sister, you’re just a Jedi I have to kill,” Kevan said with a scowl. Inside though, the conflict between who he was and who ‘she’ was began to build. Darth Maul looked calmly at Zavian. “Esu’s death will not look good upon the Jedi. And history is written by the victors,” He said then attacked Zavian.

Kevan attacked Kaia, red lightsaber against blue. He had quick wrists and strong arms and his footwork was impeccable. Kaia’s movements were just as fast and though she was not quite as strong she had an ability to anticipate her opponents very well. Kevan’s strikes met her saber or missed her altogether. The two Jedi were in full defense though as the Sith attacked them all out.

It didn’t take long for Zavian to realize that Maul was the better swordsman. Evenso he knew Kaia likely could best the man she fought. The two pairs began to step apart as the fighting progressed. Zavian was older than Maul but he was bolstered by the force. He flipped over Maul’s slice then parried his return stroke from behind. He leaned back to avoid another swing then turned and faced him again with another parry. Their blades met and Maul’s grinned darkly at him. He knew he was better as well.

Kevan threw himself into the duel. He focused upon Kaia and allowed his hatred of the Jedi to give him more speed. As he parried her saber he backhanded her across the face hard. The blow sent Kaia up against the low railing and sparks flew as his next blow hit the railing next to her.

Kaia heard Kevan's words, but she could sense that inside he was conflicted. She felt that perhaps she could use that to her advantage in this fight. Kevan attacked first and Kaia quickly defended herself. Beside her, she heard Darth Maul attack Zavian. Kevan was stronger than Kaia, but she was just as quick as he was and was able to better anticipate his attacks. Kaia glanced over at Zavian and knew that Darth Maul was the better swordsman. She just hoped that he would be able to hold out long enough for her to be able to help him. Zavian was strong in the Force and she knew he could use that to his advantage.

Kaia easily held her own against Kevan, but when he backhanded her across the face she was force backward a few steps and hit the low railing behind her. She moved just in time to avoid Kevan's attack and his lightsaber hit the railing next to her. She kicked him hard in the chest and then leapt and flipped over him so she was behind him. She then began to lead the attack as he defended himself.

In a flurry of quick strikes Kaia attacked. Kevan had not been ready for the blur of her blue lightsaber in his vision. She came from the left then the right then struck at his legs. Back and back she forced him and a mistep brought Kevan down to one knee. He nearly fell altogether. Her blue lightsaber was close to his face and she saw a sheen of sweat on his forehead. SHe noticed that she was actually breathing hard as well. Kevan turned off his lightsaber.

Behind them in the background Maul and Zavian continued to fight. Maul tried to force push Zavian off the balcony but Zavian resisted the push and kicked Maul in the face. Maul fell onto his back but as Zavian came at him he kipped up and leaped over him. Zavian twisted and their fight continued.

“Father told me that you did not want to be apart of our family. We shared the same womb Kaia. How could you just stay away after you learned the truth?” Kevan asked.

Kaia moved almost supernaturally quick. She was accurate in all of her strikes and struck hard. She could see Kevan suddenly struggling to defend himself. He mis-stepped and was forced down onto one knee. He was just barely able to hold back her lightsaber. In its glow Kaia could see that Kevan was actually sweating and breathing hard. When he turned his off she pulled hers back slightly, although she kept it on. Near her, Zavian continued to fight Darth Maul. She wanted to go to him, but what Kevan said to her made her want to respond.

"I am not a Sith. I will never be a Sith. The only person I truly consider my family is my husband."

Kevan looked troubled by what Kaia said. And he was troubled. “Do you know what’s it been like to feel as if something was always missing? Like half of myself was always out there...somewhere else. We were born together Kaia. And I want my sister back,” he said. “Please...come with me, let us be a complete family,” Kevan pleaded.

Kaia looked at Kevan for a long moment and then shook her head. "No." She stepped back and switched off her lightsaber. While she wasn't going to join him, she would no longer attack him. She would defend herself if necessary, but she would not be the first to strike.

Suddenly from above the balcony 2 air cars appeared. They glided in from the side. “You there on the balcony, this is the Albrion militia. You are not authorized to be here, if you do not leave you will be fired upon!” A voice said. As Kaia glanced at the air cars Kevan’s hate for Zavian surged. ‘He’ was the only thing keeping Kaia away from him. He and his family. Using an ancient technique he threw his lightsaber right at Zavian. Kaia reacted to the movement by re-activating her lightsaber but Kevan’s turned on and spun and over and right toward Zavian. Zavian felt it coming but he was in the middle of parrying Maul’s swing. Maul saw it coming as well and he decided to finish Zavian once and for all. Just as Zavian ducked back Maul snatched the lightsaber mid spin then attacked Zavian. As Zavian blocked his right hand, Maul stabbed at him with his left. Kevan’s lightsaber pierced into Zavian’s chest. As Zavian grunted Maul pulled the lightsaber out of him and took a step back.

“This is your last warning!” The voice from the air cars said. Kevan grinned at Kaia as Zavian fell.

Kaia saw Kevan throw his lightsaber towards Zavian. She had turned hers on again and moved to deflect it, but it was too late. She turned and watched in horror as Darth Maul grabbed Kevan's lightsaber and then stabbed Zavian in the chest with it.

"NO!" she screamed before rushing over to her husband's side. She didn't hear the militia's warnings. She dropped down onto her knees beside Zavian and cradled his head as tears began to slip down her cheeks. "No...please don't leave me," she begged. "I need you. Please don't leave me alone."

As Kevan stood Maul tossed him back his lightsaber. He looked as if he wanted to kill Kaia as well but Kevan moved in front of him. “We need to go!” He said sharply as the two air cars shifted to bring their guns to bare. Maul snarled but he moved to the balcony and jumped down. Kevan took one last look at Kaia and then followed him.

Zavian was still aware but he knew he was fading quickly. He heard Kaia’s voice and felt the moisture of her tears on his face. His brow furled as he felt another wave of pain. He knew he was dying. He had seen this happen already. “You will...never...be...alone Kaia. The force...is always...your ally,” He said. R2 had rolled up and when the droid saw what happened he whirred worriedly. And then he clicked and warbled. ‘Albrion guards have called down the elevator’ It said.

“I will always with you Kaia,” Zavian said as he took one last look at her. “So...beautiful,” he said in a whisper as he took some of her red hair into his fingers. He smiled up at her and then his eyes closed and he went limp in her arms. As she continued to hold him though his body slowly just faded away. The only thing left in her arms were his clothes and belt. His lightsaber was nearby.

“You, on the balcony! This is your last warning!” The air car said. There was only one now, the other one peeled off to chase the Sith.

Kaia felt a wave of anguish and pain come over her. It was almost too much for her to bear. She had never felt more alone than she had in the moment when he disappeared. Her heart ached and she felt as if it would shatter into a million pieces. She continued to kneel there for a moment before she heard the warning. She slowly picked up Zavian's lightsaber and felt a wave of anger come over her. Her brother had helped kill the man she loved. Her feeling of anger and loss was so strong in that moment that it would be felt by Master Yoda himself.

She looked over at R2. "Let's go," she said and then jumped down from the balcony. R2 was able to follow her using his rocket boosters. Kaia jumped from balcony to balcony and used her lightsaber to deflect blaster shots from the air car. She eventually made it down onto the street and because it was so busy she faded into the crowd. She found a place for R2 and herself to hide for a while and then used several Jedi mind tricks to convince a driver to take R2 and herself to the edge of the city. One of the mind tricks concealed her true identity in case a description of herself had gone out to the citizens. Once he got them to the edge of the city she paid him and then she and R2 started back towards the ship. Her mind and heart felt numb over what had happened. Zavian was gone. She didn't want to believe it. She wanted to believe when she got back to the ship she would find him there waiting for her, but she knew in her heart that he wasn't. He was gone.

She boarded the empty ship and quickly started up the engines. She needed to get off the planet. She already knew she would not return to Courscant. She wanted to find Darth Maul and her brother. She wanted to make them pay for what they had done to Zavian.

As Yoda meditated he reached out with the force. He sat in his usual spot in the Jedi Temple meditation chamber. A sudden wave of pain and sorrow hit him just as Master Windu came into the room to meditate himself. He saw Kaia and Zavian fighting and then Zavian fell. He must have had a terrible expression on his face because Mace spoke up.

“Is everything alright?” He asked. Yoda opened his eyes and his expression was grim. “Kaia is in pain...horrible pain. I believe Master Zavian is dead,” Yoda said. Mace’s brow furled and he looked down at the floor.

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As she sat back in the pilot’s chair the ship streamed along in hyperspace. It had been nearly 12 hours since Zavian’s death and his lightsaber was there on the wall in its holder. This ship had been Zavian’s. The ship, the fearlessly loyal Astromech that was recharging in the corner. Even her. She had been his too and she looked down at her hand that held the wedding ring she had put on his finger. He chose her, trained her and loved her. And he was hers as well. In every way a man could belong to a woman he belonged to her. As she wallowed in her sorrow the commlink began to blink.

When she activated the message it was Mace WIndu once more.

“”Kaia, We are deeply sorry for the loss of Zavian. The authorities on Albrion Major have said that 2 Jedi were involved in the murder of their leader, Esu Rotsino. We know you and Zavian fought Sith there and we also know if Eso Rotsino was killed, it was not by your hand. That said you’ve been ordered to return to the Jedi Temple immediately. We need to know your account of what happened,” he said and then the transmission ended.

Kaia did have a big lead though on where to find Maul or at least, the Sith. Raxus was the separatist capital.

Over the past 12 hours Kaia had become focused on one thing and one thing alone...finding Darth Maul. She had not slept or eaten anything. Every time she closed her eyes images of her twin brother's lightsaber being thrust into Zavian's chest came back to her. R2 seemed worried about her, but could do little more than beep and chirp his concern.

While R2 was charging, Kaia received a message from Mace Windu. She watched the message and when the transmission ended she sat there for a long moment. She erased the message and did not respond back. She had no intention of returning to the Jedi Temple.

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Almost 72 hours had passed since the Jedi Council had learned about the death of Master Zavian. There was no word from Kaia and the council was becoming worried. Kaia's parentage was known and there was a fear that if the Sith got their hands on her that they might be able to turn her to the Dark Side. She was vulnerable right now...extremely vulnerable. If they turned her she would be a powerful force against the Jedi. They could not allow that to happen.

An emergency council meeting had been called to discuss what to do. There was some argument amongst the council members until Adi Gallia stood up. Everyone became quiet to let her speak.

"Kaia must be brought back to the Jedi Temple. We cannot allow the Sith to get their hands on her, or for her to turn. Since she is not responding to us, let us hire someone who will go out and find her and bring her back."