The water felt good, she thought as she smoothly glided in the pool. While she swam, her thoughts were on Arcann. In the past few weeks, since she pledged herself to him, she had gone on a few missions already proving the new Emperor, that she was perfectly capable of doing her job without him spying on her. She had to be blind not to notice his strange fascination with her. Everywhere she went, or everything she did was watched with great interest, even when she was not on a mission. Although he kept her as his prisoner, he made sure that she was satisfied while she stayed. Lana was allowed to use many of the facilities within the palace's ground, including the pool that she loved to use from time to time. If it were not for the small implant that the doctors had placed inside her to ensure she stayed with the Empire, she would have felt like this was a nice vacation instead of being a prisoner.

This despicable device was equipped with a lethal dosage of a drug. If she defied his orders and run away, Arcann could activate the device that would slowly but surely kill her within a few weeks. She was also required to wear an earpiece that was connected to his mask. Whenever she was on a mission, he kept in contact with her knowing everything and every move she made. Lana hated the thought of being powerless and being controlled. She wanted nothing more than to rip that wretched thing out of her, but she knew it was pointless unless she wanted to commit suicide. The only person who had the antidote in his possession was standing at the other end of the pool, watching her.

Arcann watched Lana as she swam his way.

Although she was his spy and prisoner, he still wanted to treat her fairly. By allowing her to use the palace's facilities she liked to visit, he hoped that one day, she'd like to stay on her own, without wanting to escape.

Since she pledged herself to him, he had gained more power by utilizing her skills to bring other nations into his Empire. He was amazed by how good she was to accomplish these tasks that others before her had failed. Of course, it was not just her skills that impressed him, but there was another matter that kept coming back to his mind, disturbing his thoughts. It was his undeniable attraction toward her.

Every time he saw her, his pulse started to quicken, and sometimes he had a hard time concentrating when she was close. He knew this was foolish and he should have been just ignoring these feelings, but for some reason, he was unable to do so; even though he tried.

Pulling herself out of the water, Lana approached him. Wearing a red two-piece swimsuit, she looked very pretty, Arcann thought, watching her coming closer. This was the first time he had seen her like this and the view was truly remarkable, he thought with a sly grin measuring her up.

"Good morning." Lana said as she walked to the chair and picked up a towel. "Did you come to join me?" She asked looking at his astonished face.

"Join you?" Arcann asked.

"I've never seen you or your sister using the pool." Lana replied while she dried herself. Then she added. "The water is amazing, you should try it sometime."

Arcann wanted to say that he would have loved to join her, but since he lost his arm and scarred half of his face, he didn't like to come out here, where anyone was able to see him without his mask or his clothes. He felt insecure and avoided places like this like the plague.

"Another mission, I guess?" Lana asked when he didn't reply.

"Not exactly." Arcann said watching her wrapping the towel around her body, covering it up.

With a frown, she looked at him and asked.

"Then why are you here?"

"I came to tell you that I truly appreciate what you have done so far for the Empire." He said. Then he added. "For a token of my appreciation, I have a gift for you."

"A gift?" She asked with disbelief.

"Come." He said gesturing for her to follow him.

From behind the bushes, with contempt, Adraas watched as they walked into the palace. He already knew why Arcann came to collect her and that thought pissed him off even more.

He was well aware of the unsettling attraction between them, more on Arcann's side that he was sure of. The night of Satele's rescue, Adraas was certain Lana would die. However, to his great surprise, she didn't die but became Arcann's spy and right hand and this was just too hard for him to swallow. He wished to get his hands on her and go after Malgus and Satele, but Arcann forbade him to do that. Adraas was getting tired of being treated like he was no one. Thinking back on his life, he always followed the rules of others, which sometimes led him to make difficult choices. He didn't mind going out of his way to achieving his goals, even if it meant to betray those who trusted him. However, the reason he sought out the Eternal Empire was none other but Satele. When he found out where her body was taken, he took the opportunity to become one with the Empire just to be close to her.

His obsession with Satele grew even more over the years. He eagerly waited for the day of the celebration knowing that the Emperor would be gone, and he would finally have the chance to have Satele. Although he helped Arcann to kill his father, he also swore to keep this a secret. Adraas knew if he defied Arcann, it would cause his demise, therefore he never tried to undermine him. But Satele was gone and Lana was taking a place that should have been his, and that made him hate Arcann almost as equally as Malgus.

Every time he thought about that night, he felt like he was going to explode from the anger he felt toward Malgus. That bastard was always in his way. Taking not just the glory of the wars they've fought, but also the woman he wanted for himself. Although he was much older than her now, at age forty-five he still had great stamina and his charming looks. Adraas hoped to father a few children with her and to start a family, that would be powerful enough to take over not just what was left of the Sith Empire, but also everyone else. But his dreams were crushed when Malgus showed up. Feeling annoyed and frustrated about everything, he left the garden and headed toward the place he found within the city that catered to his needs.

There was one girl, who had the look of Satele and that is what he wanted at the moment.

When he arrived, he was greeted as usual by the very attractive Togruta owner.

"Welcome back, Lord Adraas." She chimed gazing at him.

"Is she available?" He asked looking at her smiling face.

"Give me a minute and she'll be yours." She replied taking the credits from him, and then she was walked out of the room.

A few minutes later, she came back and gestured for him to go ahead.

"She is waiting for you, my Lord."

After she escorted him through a narrow, dimly lit corridor, she left him at one of the closed doors marked with a number 3.

"Have fun." She cooed and then she walked away.

Opening the door, he stepped inside the darkened room to see the girl's silhouette standing by the window waiting on him.

As she stepped closer and into the light, his heart rate instantly elevated looking at her.

If it weren't for her deep brown eyes, she would have been a perfect twin of Satele. From her dark hair that was pulled into the small ponytail, to her boots that were identical to Satele's, she looked like a spitting image of her. Even her voice sounded a little bit like Satele's when she spoke.

"My Lord. I'm glad to see you again."

"Come here." He said, beckoning her to come closer.

As she placed her hand into his, he swiftly pulled her closer and embraced her. Gazing into her widened eyes, he slowly traced the curve of her face, and then as he gently rubbed his thumb over her lips, in a hushed tone, he asked.

"Are you going to be my little submissive Jedi today?"

Nodding her head she said. "Yes. Do whatever you wish with me, my Lord."

"Good answer." He said and then he hungrily crushed his lips to hers.

As his tongue invaded her mouth, his mind went to the day on the dreadnought when Satele was lying in his bed, unconscious.

Picking her up, he walked to the bed and placed her down on top of the covers.

Sitting down beside her, he said.

"Close your eyes."

"Okay." She said closing her eyes already knowing what he wanted from her.

For a few seconds, he looked at her, and then he brushed her bangs away from her forehead. Leaning closer, he watched her face as she slowly breathed in and out.

Gently, he kissed her enticing lips sucking her lower lip into his mouth. Then he forced her mouth open and passionately kissed her while his hand slowly traveled down her delicate neck toward the opening of her top.

As his hand slid beneath her top, her body slightly trembled when he started to fondle with her breast.

The soft texture of her skin always made him excited. Feeling her hardened nipple rubbing against his palm gave Adraas great satisfaction. He loved to touch and feel her. With a sudden move, he ripped her top open, exposing her breasts. For a few seconds he gazed at her chest that slowly rose with each breath she took, and then his mouth came down on one of the nipples, sucking it into his mouth and twirling his tongue around it. A small moan left her mouth as he switched from one breast to the other, hungrily devouring her flesh, biting and licking every inch of her.

While he was occupied with her breasts, his hand slowly slid underneath her pants, grabbing onto her private parts, causing her to moan a little louder this time. Feeling her soft moist folds beneath his fingertips made his mind go wild.

Letting her go, he sat back on his heels, and grabbing hold of her boots, he swiftly pulled them off. Then he pulled her pants down, discarding them to the floor. Opening up her legs, he admired her for a few seconds and then placing his finger inside her, he started to tease her by moving his finger in and out, causing her to pant louder and whimper every time he moved.

"You like this don't you?" He asked watching her face that showed great pleasure now.

Nodding her head in agreement, he picked up his pace wanting to feel her muscles tightening around his fingers. He loved watching her reaching her peak. As months passed, he knew exactly what she liked and how she liked it. This pleasurable act gave him true excitement bringing him close to his climax.

A few minutes later a loud scream left her mouth as she came undone. A sly grin appeared on his face and then pulling his fingers out, he placed them into his mouth savoring her enticing taste. Then he leaned closer and ran his tongue over her sex, sucking the swollen bud into his mouth, making her tremble beneath his touch.

"You are so beautiful...Satele." He whispered as he gently blew onto her sex. Then picking her up, he crushed his lips to hers while she embraced him, kissing him back with extreme desire.

Then she broke the kiss and started to kiss his neck and chest until she reached his manhood. Wrapping her lips around him, she started to move her head while Adraas closed his eyes and let out a deep moan, enjoying her soft lips and tongue playing with him.

Then opening his eyes, he looked down and with a hoarse voice, he said.

"Look at me."

While she diligently moved her head, she looked up to meet his gaze. There was a tremendous desire in his eyes watching her pleasing him. She knew exactly what was required of her every time he visited. She had to pretend to be another woman that he had a peculiar fascination with. She didn't mind doing this for him as long as the credits were plenty and as long as he didn't hurt her, which thankfully never happened. He always made sure she was pleased first and the great pleasure he gave her was something she was always looking forward to. She considered him to be one of her best clients.

"Lie back." He said.

As she lay back on the covers, he pulled both of her legs up to his wide shoulders, and with one great thrust, he entered her. Leaning over her and as he started to move his hips, with a wicked smile, he said.

"Close your eyes my little Jedi and beg me."

Closing her eyes, and with a loud whimper, she said.

"Please…Adraas…. please do not stop."

"Oh, I won't stop until I hear you scream again." He said as he kept on going.

Every time his body collided with hers, a great desire rushed through him looking at her body trembling beneath his. Placing his left hand beneath her chin, he forced her head into the pillows while his other hand was holding onto her hips watching her beautiful breasts bouncing as he mercilessly pounded into her, bringing both of them closer to their peak. In his mind this woman was Satele and that's all he needed for him to feel fully satisfied.

"Beg me again." He said breathlessly, feeling his climax was very close now.

"Please...Adraas...make me….ahhhhhhhhhh." She screamed as her orgasm rocked her body simultaneously with his. A low, animalistic growl left his mouth when he reached his peak. Tightly holding onto her, his body shook with great pleasure spilling his seed inside her. Opening his eyes, he amusingly watched her astonished expression, as her body shuddered beneath his from the amazing blissful feeling he had just given her.

"Tell me Satele, am I much better than him?"

With a smile, she replied.

"There is no comparison between you two. You are truly the best...Adraas."

Pulling up one of his eyebrows, he cracked a smile and said.

"I thought so."

Then he lay down beside her and cuddled with her for another hour.

In the palace, after Lana got dressed, she was escorted into the dining room where Arcann and two others were waiting on her.

As soon as she walked in, a wide smile appeared on her face. Rushing to her mother, she fiercely hugged her, and then looking at her father, she beckoned him to come closer. As the three embraced, Arcann silently watched them. He knew how much her family meant to her and he wanted to please her a little by inviting her parents over.

Lana's smile quickly turned into a worried frown as she let go of them.

"Are you prisoners as well?" She asked with a worried tone.

"No my child." Her father replied. "He invited us to visit you."

"He said we could stay as long as we like." Her mother said in a low voice as she caressed Lana's face. Then she added. "We missed you so much."

"I missed you too." Lana replied with a smile. Then her eyes found Arcann's and with a nod, she thanked him for this unexpected but lovely surprise.

Turning to her parents, she asked.

"Does anyone know you're here?"

"We didn't say anything to anyone when we left Dromund Kaas." Lana's father replied.

"We didn't want anyone to know where we were going." This time her mother spoke up.

So, Marr doesn't know about their trip, Lana thought with a frown, wondering when he was going to show up. She was sure he was planning to come back to get her. However, to see her parents here was something she had not counted on. This unexpected surprise was what she needed and she was glad to see them.

As the servants brought the dinner in and placed it on the table, Arcann turned to them and said.

"I hope you have a nice dinner. Enjoy."

"You're not staying?" Lana asked walking up to Arcann.

Gazing into her eyes, he said.

"I usually eat alone." Then he added. "I want you to have a good time with your family."

Placing her hand on his robotic arm, she looked into his eyes and said.

"Thank you."

"No problem." He said looking at her hand resting on his arm.

While Lana had a nice dinner with her family, Arcann was eating in his room alone.

Without his mask, he felt naked and exposed. He was used to eating alone, usually in his room where no one was able to see his deformed face. Lifting the fork to his mouth, he slowly chewed on his dinner thinking about Lana's next mission. There was a planet within the Deep Core where Adraas acquired the drug, that helped to kill his father and also controls Lana as well. He was curious to know what was in it and who made it. However, this time, he wanted to go with her and leave the responsibilities of Zakuul to his sister. Although at times she proved to be a little difficult, still, Vaylin loved Zakuul and its people. She was a strong individual who was perfectly capable of ruling in his place while he was away.

As for Adraas, he wanted to properly introduce him to Vaylin before he left. While she was still in the sanatorium on Nathema, Adraas was already with the Empire helping to conquer others, proving his loyalty to Valkorion and his sons. Although not everyone accepted him. Being an outsider, Adraas had a hard time proving himself worthy in the eyes of the people, but Arcann had faith in him. He was certain Vaylin would be able to work with him without any problems.

He was aware of how dissatisfied Adraas seemed after the ceremony, and he knew how much he disliked Lana, but whatever happened in the past between them needed to be resolved. He wanted to keep both of them around and for that reason, they will have no choice but to work out their differences.

After dinner, he peeled off his clothes and headed to the refresher to take a shower. When he was done, and wrapping a towel around his waist, he approached his closet to get dress, when he heard a knock at the door. He wondered who had the audacity to disturb him at this hour. Walking to the door, he asked.

"Who is it?"

"It's me." Lana's voice was heard on the other side of the door.

Placing his hand on the door panel Arcann asked. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is fine." Lana replied. "I just wanted to thank you." Then she added. "May I come in?"

For a few seconds, Arcann stared at the floor dumbfounded, thinking about what to do. He wasn't sure what she meant by thanking him for bringing her parents here. It might be more than just a verbal way of appreciation.

"That's alright Lana." He said.

"Are you going to open the door, or should I stand out here for the rest of the night?" Lana asked with slight impatience.

The last thing Arcann wanted was for others to wonder about their relationship. He wanted to keep it professional, but he was afraid that if he let her in now, their platonic relationship could turn into something more and he was not prepared for that to happen, at least not at the moment.

Cracking the door open, and making sure his left side was hidden behind the door panel, he looked at her and said.

"I'm glad I made you happy Lana, but it's better if we can talk about this in the morning."

With a frown, she looked at him and asked.

"Why are you doing this?" Then she added. "I know you've been snooping around me for weeks now. I'm really good at what I do, and I know when someone is spying on me."

Her straightforwardness always amused him. She was definitely an interesting person that is why he wanted her to stay. Even though her staying was not for her liking, Arcann wanted to keep her close.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, he opened the door wider and said.

"Come in."

After stepping inside his bedchamber, Lana quickly looked around, and then her eyes landed on Arcann's half-naked body wrapped in a dark towel, leaving her speechless for a moment. Where his left arm was supposed to be, now he had a metal arm connected to his shoulder. From the explosion, his pale flesh had been scarred for life. The explosion had also scarred half of his handsome face, leaving mangled, burned flesh that had never healed up properly, giving him a grotesque look.

"Please don't look at me like that." Arcann said gazing into her eyes.

"You think I find you repulsive?" Lana asked stepping closer. Lightly she ran her fingers over his scarred face, feeling his deformed, uneven skin beneath her fingertips.

"Please don't." He said in a hushed tone pulling away from her touch.

Stepping back, she said.

"You know I want nothing more but to go back to my home planet and live my life with my friends and family. I was not happy to stay here and do your biddings. I hate to feel trapped. But in these short few weeks, I realized something. You are not as bad as I imagined. I think there is plenty of good in you."

"You don't know me, Lana." He replied. "I'm not a good person."

"I think you and I are similar." Lana said and then she added. "I have done some terrible things in my life, which I'm not proud of. But when I see someone like you who has been through a lot, I can relate. It was a very nice gesture from you to bring my parents here. If you were a horrible person, you would have never done something like this."

"I did it because I." He stopped in mid-sentence realizing he almost said something foolish to her.

"Because you like me?" She asked gazing into his eyes.

"I know you don't feel the same." He replied with a bitter tone staring at the floor in front of her boots. "Why would you? I keep you here against your will." With a sigh, he added. "As I said, I'm not a nice person."

"But you kept your promise." Lana replied. "You didn't let Adraas have his way and you left my friends alone, and that means a lot to me."

Then she added. "I truly appreciate that you brought my family here."

"I thought this would make you feel happy." He said with a thin smile.

"Indeed it did." She replied smiling back.

A few awkward seconds had passed when Arcann said.

"So...what are we going to do now?" He asked feeling his pulse quickening looking at her lips.

Placing her hand on the door panel, she looked at him and said.

"I'm going to go now and try to get some sleep." With a mischievous grin, she added. "You should do the same."

As she was about to walk out, suddenly, she turned around and cupped his face into her hands planting a quick kiss on his lips.

"Good night." She said with a meek smile, and then she stepped out of the room, leaving the astonished Arcann alone.

The next few days went by fast. Lana was happy to have some quality time with her family. Then on the third day, Arcann summoned her to the throne room.

Her happiness instantly went sour when she saw Adraas standing in the room with him. Thankfully she hadn't seen him since that night, but to see him again gave her a bitter taste in her mouth.

Walking up to the men, Lana respectfully nodded her head toward Arcann, but ignored Adraas.

Behind his mask, Arcann cracked a small smile looking at Lana. Instead of being dressed, as usual, this morning she looked casual in her sleeveless top and form-fitting pants with knee-high leather boots.

"Lana." Arcann started to say. "I summoned you here today because I want both of you to bury the past and start anew." Saying that he looked at Adraas who slowly measured Lana up with a displeased expression.

With a piercing look Lana looked at Adraas and then she said while addressing Arcann.

"You are asking me the impossible. I could never forgive this monster."

"My Lord." Adraas said. "I told you she is hard to please."

"Lana." Arcann said stepping closer to her. "You must find a way to make this work."

The first thing she wanted to say was why? But she knew if she resists, it would only give her a disadvantage against Adraas and she didn't want to give him this satisfaction. She had to be smart and swallow her pride and give in, at least for now. Your time will come soon, she thought looking at Adraas's smug face. She hated that Arcann put her on the spot, making her do something against her wishes. Looking at him, she said.

"Alright. I forgive him."

"Good choice Lana." Arcann said feeling positive about this. Then he added. "I also wanted to discuss our next mission."

After the meeting, Lana excused herself to retire to her room. She felt annoyed and angry and wanted to stay away from everyone. I'll get you back for this, she swore to herself while she paced in her room. In a few days, they were going on a new mission. She was not happy that Arcann wanted to accompany her, but he was the Emperor and she had to obey him. She didn't understand why he wanted to go with her, but he might have his reasons and she didn't want to question him.

In another wing of the palace, Vaylin was having a great time. With her father's passing, her position as a High Justice was something she had come to love. For the first time in her life, she felt free and this made her happy.

While Zallow lathered her body up in the shower, her thoughts were on the days ahead. Her brother was leaving and she was left in charge for the time being. She couldn't wait to boss everyone around.

"It's going to be marvelous." She said with a wide smile looking at him.

Staying quiet, Ven Zallow chose not to say anything. He definitely didn't want to disagree with her. He did that a few times already causing nothing but agony for himself. She was someone he didn't want to quarrel with. It was always the best option to stay on her good side, and by pleasing her; he also gained some satisfaction as well.

Although she used him for her own needs, never in his life he had this much sexual intercourse before and this was one thing that he enjoyed. His life as a Jedi Master was always just usual. On Coruscant, in the Jedi temple on a daily basis, he taught many of the padawans, including his own apprentice Aryn. Every time he thought about her a great sadness came over him. He had no idea what happened to her or the others. He wished to see Coruscant again, but he knew it was a futile thought. He was trapped here with no chance to leave. The small device that one of the doctors had planted inside him was keeping him here; otherwise, he would have found a way to escape already. After decades of imprisonment, the last thing he wanted to do was to die. Thinking about that he was displayed as a trophy in Valkorion's chamber, made him bitter and frustrated. The vague memory of his capture was still etched into his mind.

He couldn't recall all the details, but he remembered one thing.

It was the cold, menacing eyes of Valkorion.

This was the last thing he saw before the endless darkness took over.

"What are you thinking about?" Vaylin asked looking at his solemn face.

"Your father." He replied gazing into her eyes.

With a grimacing face, she asked.

"Why are you thinking about him?"

"He was the one who tricked me and then trapped me." He replied.

"And I'm glad he did." She said in a flirty tone wrapping her arms around his neck. With a smile, she looked into his eyes and said. "Forget the past and forget your Jedi order. Those are meaningless right now."

"The Jedi order meant everything to me." He said in a hushed tone as she started to nibble at his neck. Then as she started to kiss his chest, he added. "Without them, my life is meaningless."

"Tell me more." She mockingly said lowering herself in front of him.

"I am a." His breath hitched in his throat as she started to play with him. Letting him go, she looked up and said. "Keep talking. I want to hear everything...again."

While she resumed her teasing, holding onto the walls of the shower, Ven Zallow was lost in the amazing sensations again, making his speech slurred and incoherent.

"Please tell Marr that I'm okay and soon I will see all of you again." Lana said to her parents, as they were ready to say goodbye to their daughter.

"Are you planning to come home?" Her mother worriedly asked. "You think he would let you?"

"I'm not sure what he would do, but I have a feeling everything is going to work out just fine." Lana replied with a smile.

"You like him, don't you?" She asked looking at Lana's face.

"Mother." Lana replied with a scolding expression. "You are imagining things."

"I'm old, but not senile yet." Her mother replied with a mischievous grin. Then she added. "I just hope that he'll realize how precious you are and eventually he'll let you go."

"As you see mother, I am treated well." Lana replied, trying to convince her mother that everything was all right.

"We know that." Her father replied. "Still, you are his prisoner doing his biddings."

"Father." Lana said looking at him. "This is not my destiny." With a softer tone, she added. "You worry too much about me. I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself."

"Of course." Her father replied with a tired smile. "Even as a child, you were always an independent person gifted with the power of the Force." Then he added. "We are hoping to see you again."

Swiftly, Lana hugged her parents and then saying goodbye, they took the shuttle that was provided by Arcann and left Zakuul, not realizing there was a hidden bomb within the ship that would go off shortly, ending both of their lives.

Her heart ached to watch them go, but she had no time to be emotional as her thoughts were on the following day when she had to be ready to leave Zakuul again.

That evening before their departure, Arcann was having a meeting with Vaylin and some of his advisers. Standing in the throne room, they all listened to him while he gave his orders. While he talked, Adraas wondered what made him decide to go.

Adraas never bothered to find out who was the supplier. As long as he received what was promised, he didn't care where it came from or who made it. He had no problem getting rid of people he disliked, including his long time friend, Lord Darkspanner, who was his number one supplier. After her death, Adraas couldn't rely on the Revanites anymore. Thankfully, he found another way to get to the drug and that is what he has used for years now. A few times he even toyed with the idea of using it on himself just to see how it would affect him, but in the last second, he always backed out fearing to know the feeling of losing his powers.

While the advisers talked amongst themselves, suddenly the built-in microphone in Arcann's helmet turned on. When Lana was away on a mission, this is how she contacted him or this is how he contacted her. Knowing that she was on Zakuul made him curious about why she turned on the device. He was ready to say something when he heard something that made his heart beat faster. Instantly, his body broke out in a sweat, as his breathing became shallow and rapid.

On the other end of the line, Lana was softly moaning and panting hard as she most likely was pleasuring herself. He intently listened to hear if there was someone else with her. Not hearing anything except her made him relax a bit. However, this little show of hers already piqued his interest and he had a difficult time listening to the others while Lana moaned in his left ear. Feeling frustrated, Arcann clenched his fists and tried to calm himself down, while at the same time he had to answer some of the questions that one of the advisors was asking him. He wanted to turn off the device, but he just couldn't bring himself to do so. It was music to his ears to hear her pleasing herself and suddenly he wished he could get out of here and go to see her.

Why is she doing this to me? He asked himself confused, gazing at the floor. Then a small grin appeared on his face when she moaned his name over and over again.

That's it, he thought feverishly, I have to get out of here NOW!

"Arcann, are you feeling well?" Vaylin asked looking at his brother's troubled expression.

"I just need some fresh air." He said, excusing himself from the meeting.

Swiftly, he left the room and headed toward Lana's bedchamber.

On his way, his mind was in agony. Hearing her breathing become faster and louder, he knew exactly what was happening and he couldn't wait to get to her room when suddenly he was stopped by Adraas.

"My Lord." Adraas said catching up to him. "May I have a few words with you?"

Stopping in his tracks, Arcann switched off the microphone and turned to face him.

"What is that you want to talk about...Adraas?" Arcann asked annoyed.

"I know this might not be the right time to talk to you, but I wanted to know if I can lead the next conquering." Then he added. "The others don't trust me as much as you do, and I know if I had brought this up, they would have opposed me as they had before."

Adraas needed this. He craved for this. His promise to the Chancellor needed to be delivered, and now that he was so close to getting in his favor, he didn't want to let him down.

Looking at him, Arcann said.

"You have been with the Empire for years now, and you have never given me a reason not to trust you. However, I do not solely make this decision. When I'm back, we will talk about this again, I promise."

"Thank you, my Lord." Adraas said bowing his head. "I'm glad to serve you."

As Arcann watched Adraas walking away he switched on the microphone. To his disappointment, the other end of the line was silent. For a few seconds, he stood there contemplating what to do. Shaking his head, he let out a frustrated sigh, and then he turned around and headed back toward his bedchamber, hoping to get a good night's sleep.

"Did you get a good night's sleep?" Lana asked him the next morning as they boarded the ship.

"Did you?" Arcann asked with a mischievous grin looking at her.

With a wide smile, she replied. "I slept like a baby."

Swallowing hard, Arcann said. "I bet you did." Then he asked. "Did you set the coordinates?"

"You bet I did." Lana said with a wink, and then with a solemn voice, she added. "My Lord."

She looked to be in a great mood and Arcann knew very well why. A sudden frustration rushed through his body and he wanted nothing more than to grab her, but that would have been fairly inappropriate and wrong. Especially when they were not alone but accompanied by a dozen of Knights of Zakuul, it would have looked interesting, Arcann amusingly thought, taking the co-pilot seat. Looking at Lana, he said.

"I haven't seen your piloting skills. Show me what you got."

Turning to him, and pulling up one of her eyebrows, she said.

"Make sure you hold on tight, I tend to get rough sometimes."

"You do?" Arcann asked with amazement.

With a sly smile, Lana turned away from him and lifted up the ship leaving Zakuul behind.

Hours after their departure, Lana got up to stretch. Following her into the ship's kitchen, with folded arms, he leaned against the wall and curiously watched her as she raided the fridge.

"I wonder where you put all that food you eat." Arcann asked gazing at her backside.

Without turning around, she said.

"I always work off my extra calories."

"I see." He said, thinking about what she must do to keep in shape. Tearing his eyes away from her, he walked to the table and sat down.

"Are you hungry?" She asked with a mouthful of food.

"Not really." He replied.

Picking up a few things, she shut the fridge door with her leg and then dropped everything on the table in front of Arcann.

Swallowing her food, she said. "There is plenty for both of us here." Then she added. "Don't worry your face won't take my appetite away."

Her bluntness made him laugh. She was just herself and that is what he liked about her.

"What about the others?" He asked laughing.

Getting up, she locked the door and then sitting down beside him, she motioned for him to eat.

Removing his mask, Arcann placed it on the table and then reaching for one of the plates, he took a piece of meat.

While they ate he kept glancing her way.

He couldn't shake off last night's entertainment and he wanted to ask her is she did that on purpose. But he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable if it had actually happened by accident.

"What happened to you?" Lana asked. She was aware of his injury, but she didn't know how it happened.

"You mean my scars?" He asked as he swallowed the meat.

"Hmm-hmm." Lana replied taking another bite out of her food.

"It happened on Korriban." He started to explain. "During the invasion, I was caught off guard when an explosion went off next to me." Saying that his face morphed into a grimacing expression. "Losing my arm and scarring my face was not the hardest but what came after that was something I will never forget."

"What was that?' She asked sucking on her fingers.

With a saddened tone he said. "I killed my brother."

"Why did you do that?" She asked looking at him.

Taking a deep breath, he said. "The hatred I felt toward my father completely took over me. At that moment I was so enraged, I lost control. I was about to cut him in half when my brother stopped me and instead of killing my father, I ended up killing my brother."

As he finished, Lana felt the air trembling around them. If Marr was right and Vitiate was Valkorion, she didn't blame Arcann hating him. However, his great powers were passed down to his children, which Lana was able to sense when he or Vaylin was around. Reaching over, she placed her hand on top of his to calm him down.

"I never had a sister or a brother." She said. "I grew up as the only child." With a small smile, she added. "I was spoiled rotten."

Then as she removed her hand, her face became serious when she continued. "I don't know how you feel because I've never experienced losing a family member, but I've lost friends, some of them were very close to me."

"What about your friend?" Arcann asked. "I believe she meant a lot to you if you risked to show up in my palace uninvited."

"She is a good friend." Lana replied with a smile.

"She must have been very important if my father kept her in his room." Arcann said picking at the plate. Then he added. "I hope she is not going to give me any trouble in the future."

Staying quiet, Lana stuffed more food into her mouth trying to avoid replying.

"And the one who rescued her, is he your friend too?" Arcann asked gazing into her eyes.

Swallowing the food, she replied. "He is her husband."

"Husband?" He asked with confusion. "I thought Jedi were not allowed to marry."

"It's true, but she is not an ordinary Jedi." Lana replied. "She is married to a Sith I used to attend the same academy with."

"A Sith and Jedi married?" He asked with disbelief, and then with a sly smile, he added. "How does this work for them?"

"They make it work." Lana replied putting a piece of bread into her mouth.

"I believe you." Arcann said watching her chewing. "My father never differentiated between the Light or the Dark. For us only the Force exists, everything else is meaningless. Your friend's marriage is the right way to go." Then he added. "Maybe one day you can introduce them to me."

Hearing him Lana nearly choked on her food. Quickly, she reached for her water and while she drank, he said.

"Your parents are very nice people Lana. Especially your mother, she seems very caring."

"Yes, my mother can be a little too protective sometimes." Lana replied, and then she asked. "What about your mother?"

Suddenly, his face became serious.

"My mother is long gone." He said with a flat tone.

"Dead?" Lana inquired.

"I don't know." He replied with a bitter expression. "She could be dead as far as I'm concerned."

"Doesn't seem like you care about her." She said searching his eyes.

"More like she cared too much and then she didn't care at all." He replied feeling a little annoyed about this conversation.

Sensing that he didn't want to talk about this topic any further, Lana was about to get up, when he grabbed her hand and said.

"Lana."

"Yes." She said looking from his hand to his face.

"You are the only one besides my sister who I allow to be this close." Searching her eyes, he added. "Please promise me you will not take liberties with me."

Placing her hand on his, and as she lightly squeezed it, she said.

"I promise."

The rest of the trip went smoothly. When they arrived on Byss, the strange sensation Lana perceived from the planet itself made her tremble. Although the planet looked harmless, it still felt like there was something dark and evil lurking on its surface corrupting everything in its path. She's been in many places before, but this one felt corrupted. Instantly she disliked it.

Standing in front of the ship, Arcann scanned the lush surrounding that covered half of the grassy terrain they landed on.

"What are the coordinates?" Arcann asked turning toward Lana.

Pulling out her datapad, Lana typed in a code. A few seconds later their route was calculated by the system, showing their target location within a mile radius.

"Right here." She said pointing to the blinking red light on the screen.

Signaling to his men to go ahead, Arcann and Lana followed them toward the same location that Malgus and Senya were also heading to from the opposite direction.

As they walked through the grassy terrain, Malgus's mind was on the place they were going to. He couldn't wait to find out who was responsible for making and distributing that wretched drug. Then he looked at Senya quietly walking beside him. After arriving in Dromund Kaas, she immediately became close with Satele, which made Malgus happy. She seemed to be a down to earth person, someone you can reason with. Although Satele was not thrilled about the little lie he had told the Revanites about Revan, but after explaining to them what happened, they welcomed her with open arms.

After the Revanites took back their camp and sentenced the Chagrian to imprisonment, Satele took upon the role of leadership, ensuring everyone knew about Revan and her promise to stay with them until his return.

When it was time for Malgus to leave, Satele wasn't keen on letting him go, but she understood the reason behind the trip.

"You know, you are lucky to have her." Senya said breaking the silence between them.

Looking straight ahead, Malgus replied. "I know."

With a smile, she said. "She is just the perfect balance for you."

"You think?" Malgus asked with a sly grin.

"I know so." Senya replied. "You remind me a little of myself and Valkorion when we were young."

"We do?" Malgus asked looking at her. "How so?"

"You are both powerful and strong and you complement each other perfectly, just like we did." She replied with a smile.

Malgus was about to ask another question when she suddenly stopped and with a frightful expression, she looked at him and said.

"I can't believe this."

"What's wrong?" Malgus asked staring at her.

Holding onto her chest, she looked him in the eyes and with a worried tone, she said.

"He is here."

"Who?" Malgus inquired.

Not far from their location, Arcann also stopped and blankly stared ahead.

Turning around, Lana looked at him and asked.

"What is going on? Why did you stop?"

For a few seconds, he didn't say anything. Then as his eyes found hers, the only thing he said was.

"Mother."

To be continued...