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 Darth Trion paced about as he awaited Palpatine’s arrival. He gave no more time or attention to inspections or weapons’ training. He was worried and nervous and did little more than pace. James Chalmers, Dark Jedi, gave up trying to speak with the Sith within the first standard day of Samantha’s death. Instead, he occupied himself with chats with his attendant, Ben, and sitting back and watching Trion. Palpatine’s imminent arrival had him both excited and scared, but he hid his feelings far better than his master. Both men were present on the landing pad when the Emperor’s shuttle landed. Both knelt in respect as the robed and hooded figure, leaning more and more heavily on his long staff, came forward, flanked by his guards robed and armoured entirely in red. “Rise, Lord Trion,” a quivered voice dripping the coldness of true evil instructed. “There was a disturbance in the Force recently, Lord Trion, something my orders left unaccountable. Can you explain it?” “Samantha is dead, my Master,” Alvis Kerr, Lord Trion, answered, rising and turning to take a place at Palpatine’s side as he continued to Kerr’s palace. “Dead, Lord Trion? Was she not under your protection?” “Yes, my Master, of course. I fear I indulged her and trusted in her skill too greatly. She liked to test herself and show her skills in battle against similarly trained slaves—one in particular, my Emperor. The salve went against my expressed orders and defeated Samantha with death.” “And you were unable to prevent this?” “I am sorry, Master.” James remained kneeling until all had walked past before standing and following. The prisoner stood in the center of the main room when James entered. The guards assigned to her were backed against one far wall as she stood before the seated Sith. Something, a disagreement of some sort, ended just before James entered and father and daughter stared unflinchingly at one another. As James took a seat, action began. Kerr’s hilt gleamed black and metallic in the light as it flew from his unguarded side and to his hand. No one but Katrina moved as she extended the blade and brought it down in one motion, crossing the room in the same leap. Kerr’s head split in uneven near-halfs starting above one temple and moving to the opposite side of his chin. His eyes were wide but he made no cry or attempt at defence. Palpatine allowed the slaughter and continued to stare at Katrina, waiting. The blade disappeared and Palpatine spoke. “You have done well, removing the possible competition in the form of your half-sister and the fool that was Darth Trion. You may replace him as my apprentice after proving your loyalty to me. You know what I want to know.” “The whereabouts of Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader,” A voice familiar to Chalmers answered. “Yes,” Palpatine hissed. “Do you know where he is?” “I do.” |
