The Commandant and the Grand Inquisitor pt. 3

Commandant Aira-ty Nokta strode into the Imperial Ballroom, alone and unescorted. That by itself would have drawn attention as the Commandant of the Storm Commandos rarely went anywhere with at the very least her faithful retainer Captain Jesp. Coupled with the elegant red dress she wore there was little doubt that she stole the eyes of numerous guests. Her presence was accompanied by a fair share of whispering. She'd been in absence from the annual ball for five years. Initially to hide her daughter's presence from her father, and then the last year to hide her second pregnancy. Now that the girls' father not only knew of their presence but had proven that he could be entrusted with their secret, Aira-ty no longer had reason to avoid him or these events which she despised. However this gathering of the Imperial notables gave her one very important thing. A chance to see the man she both feared and loved.
As she mingled with the fawning guests and answered the questions as to her whereabouts, the rumors had been as varied as her being dead, or that she had fallen out of favor with the Emperor and been exiled. There was even one that had said she was in open rebellion. That perhaps was the most ludicrous, though not for the reasons most would assume. She would never willingly endanger the lives of her children or her men in such a manner. She might hate what she had become under the Empire, but she cherished those two things, her daughters and her men, above all others. She skirted the perimeter of the ball, declining the advances of wayward moffs and military officers with a warning glare and a few curt words as to where they could place said advances. She was dressed for one man, and one man only. He, and none other, would be graced with her company this evening.
She spied the Emperor and his entourage as they made their entrance, everyone bowed or cowered or whichever best suited their position within the Imperial hierarchy. Aira-ty did neither, her eyes focused on the man in the black robes with platinum hair and deep blue eyes walking besides and just behind the Emperor. The Grand Inquisitor. She also noticed something strange, while all the usual courtiers and hangers on were about the Emperor, there was no sign of either Darth Tyranus or Skywalker. That was unusual. They, along with the Grand Inquisitor, always entered together with the Emperor. Her eyes caught the gaze of the Grand Inquisitor and she felt her heart flutter as his mind touched hers. It was a violation she had no way of stopping, but since their last meeting a year ago, she'd come to accept it as a part of their relationship rather than an unwanted intrusion.
She began to make her way towards the Emperor and his gathering. The Grand Inquisitor made the necessary greetings before excusing himself. Aira-ty felt a chilling sense of pride as he walked towards her, his eyes fixated on hers. There was power there, unbridled and unchecked, along with raw unadulterated desire. She knew that beneath that desire was love, and that neither of them could ever show it. The power of his want for her threatened to overwhelm her after a year without its presence. Since his initial visit and the discovery of their daughter, he had not returned again. She understood why, it was dangerous enough for people to see them together at these gatherings. However at least here the excuse of their public lives allowed them to interact. She smiled slightly as the crowd made way around him, parting before his presence lest they earn his ire. It was never safe for anyone to garner the attention of the Grand Inquisitor, save perhaps herself.
As he reached her, he made a bow to her, taking her gloved hand in his and kissing the back of it, causing Aira-ty's face to flush slightly.
“Commandant, it is good to see you well.” he said as he stood up and released her hand. “I had feared that you would not be in attendance this year yet again.”
The words were respectfully cordial and suggestive of her absence, to many it would sound as a reprimand, but Aira-ty heard the hidden meaning beneath the cool cordial tone.
“I am glad I was able to attend.” she replied.
He smiled, the expression sinister on his features.
“May I be the first to celebrate your return to the court and beg the indulgence of a dance?”
There were hushed whispers from the onlookers as Aira-ty extended her hand to him and he took it. No doubt some remembered the incident five years previously where they had done the same and such had been followed by her absence for those fives years. No doubt they were wondering what this could mean for her rather than him. Anyone the Grand Inquisitor paid more than a passing notice to was someone typically avoided. Aira-ty smiled haltingly and held out her hand once more, allowing him to take it and guide her through the surprised crowd and onto the dance floor as the music commenced. Aira-ty turned away from him and allowed him to place his hands on her hips as they began. Her body tingled with excitement as she felt his fingers glide across the fabric. As they walked across the floor her mind went to very intimate places and she felt his presence taking dark amusement from her thoughts.
She spun from him, letting him catch her arm at the elbow as she leaned back and was pulled up once more, her chest pressing against his as she glared at him.
“Don't mock me.” she growled.
“You've been practicing.” he noted with a hint of mirth.
She allowed herself a warning smile. “I wanted to give you something to remember.”
He twirled her, catching her back in his arms as she intentionally pressed herself against him as she reached up and ran her hands through his hair. The pair of them continued like this, oblivious to the stares they were garnering from the crowd. For them in that moment there was only they two and none other as they engaged in their foreplay, a promise for what was to come later. The dance concluded and they both joined in the polite applause. Another darkly robed figure stepped out of the crowd and made a vestigial bow to the Grand Inquisitor.
“An exquisite display my lord.” Inquisitor Jerec said, the band over his empty eyes giving him an eerie presence as he turned sightlessly towards Aira-ty. “Commandant, you are as good a dancer as you are a fighter. Perhaps I may make use of those skills one day.”
Aira-ty's eyes narrowed as she inclined her head towards the Inquisitor. “I live to serve the Empire.”
Jerec returned her nod, how the hell did he know she'd moved at all? Kriffing Force sensitives.
“As do we all,” he turned back to the Grand Inquisitor. “My lord, the Emperor requests your presence in his private sanctum.”
The Grand Inquisitor nodded. “Of course, I would not keep the Emperor waiting.”
“Will the Commandant be attending?” Jerec inquired curiously.
Aira-ty looked at the Grand Inquisitor for a moment before looping her arm through his.
“Yes, I believe I shall if that is acceptable to the Emperor.”
“I'm sure his Majesty will be delighted by your presence.” Jerec said with a wicked smile. “Your will surely bring life to such grim proceedings.”
You may regret this. The Grand Inquisitor cautioned her silently. Once you have seen this, you will be noticed.
Aira-ty tensed. She wanted the Grand Inquisitor to warm the sudden chill running through her but he made no attempt to as they walked with Jerec through the crowd. Throughout the ballroom others were making their excuses and following suit. They were all darksiders she realized. Not Sith like the Emperor and Darth Tyranus, merely their flunkies. She looked up at the Grand Inquisitor and mound mirth in the notion of him being anyone's flunky.
More than you realize. he stated simply within her thoughts.
She frowned but said nothing more as they passed by the crimson robed Imperial Guard at the back of the ballroom and into a concealed passageway with all the rest. They came out in what appeared to be a private throne room with the Emperor's bent and crooked form sitting at its head. The sides were lined with dozens of men and women in various states of dress. There were the black robes of the Inquisitors, Prophets, and other darkside adepts as welll as a scattering of uniformed military personnel. Aira-ty shivered, suddenly wishing she had declined the invitation to attend. She broke away from the Grand Inquisitor as he strode forwards to join the Emperor, kneeling before him in supplication before taking his place at his side.
Aira-ty decided to fall in with the Grand Inquisitor's inquisitors, feeling that she was safest among that den of snakes. At least they were his den of snakes!
Watch, he commanded. Say and do nothing until I come for you.
She rankled under his command but felt the concern in his words. Whatever it was she was about to witness it was something that most were not privy to. She would have to watch her step here. As the last of the figures joined their fellows all eyes turned to the Emperor.
“Where are Lord Tyranus and Skywalker?” the wrinkled man inquired darkly, his voice resonating throughout the grim chamber.
“I do not know my Emperor.” the Grand Inquisitor replied. “I have not seen them this evening.”
“I see, that is most troubling.” the Emperor continued.
At the word 'troubling' an uncomfortable ripple ran through the audience. Aira-ty felt it, the unease that single word brought forth. No one wanted to be present during a 'troubling' moment for the Emperor.
“We're here.” came a dark, mechanical voice from the rear of the chamber.
Aira-ty turned to see something come sailing through the door, it landed on the floor and rolled for a few meters before coming to a stop. She gasped as Darth Tyranus' dead eyes stared up at her from is severed head. There was a ripple of murmurs as all eyes turned to the doorway and the dark figure standing there. Anakin Skywalker strode forwards, his towering form encased in black armor with the death's head helmet and billowing black cape behind him as he strode forwards to meet the Emperor. Aira-ty didn't know the whole story, but she knew that Master Kenobi had injured him so badly that he'd been forced to become as much machine as man. Secretly, she applauded the long dead Jedi Master for the deed. Too bad he hadn't finished it.
Mind your thoughts. the Grand Inquisitor cautioned. Mine is not the only prying mind here.
Aira-ty disciplined herself as he directed, watching as Skywalker knelt before the Emperor.
“I have bested the Dark Lord of the Sith.” he said in his booming mechanical tone. “I am his better.”
“So you are, welcome Skywalker to my side.” the Emperor chuckled. “Arise, Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith.”
The cybernetic giant rose and pointed at the Grand Inquisitor imperiously.
“I will take your place as well Grand Inquisitor.”
Aira-ty felt her heart clench. Skywalker—Vader—was challenging the Grand Inquisitor publicly in front of all these witnesses? How confident was he that he could win that he was willing to do such? Better yet, was the father of her children to be struck down before they ever saw him again? That thought alone sent chills through her body. The Grand Inquisitor frightened her, and he was no doubt one of the blackest monsters here, but she loved him if she was honest with herself and she did not wish for harm to come to him.
“You have no claim to my position.” the Grand Inquisitor said simply. “And no right to challenge it.” he smiled coolly. “You lack the finesse, Lord Vader.”
There were a few dark chuckles amongst the inquisitors, apparently they agreed with their master's assessment of the newly minted Dark Lord.
“Will you face me coward?” Darth Vader demanded. “Or cower behind the Emperor's robes?”
The Grand Inquisitor chuckled in apparent amusement. “I have no need to face you. My position and power is not in question here.”
“Fight for me.” the Emperor said solemnly. “Please.”
The Grand Inquisitor bowed respectfully. “As the Emperor wishes.” he swept his robe over his shoulder and dropped his hand down to the double-bladed saber at his hip. “If you insist I teach the Dark Lord a lesson in humility,” he stepped down from the Emperor's dais. “I will gladly do so.”
Lord Vader brought his crimson blade to life and readied it against the Grand Inquisitor.
“Your powers are weak, you have no chance against my strength.”
The Grand Inquisitor nodded as he stood before the towering Dark Lord. “You are correct. Compared to you, my power is as nothing.” he smiled cruelly. “But raw power is meaningless without the will to use it.” and with that, the Grand Inquisitor vanished into thin air.
Darth Vader swung his blade at the place where his opponent had stood but a moment before, turning and whirling in his cape as he searched around him for the Grand Inquisitor.
“Fight me coward.” the Dark Lord commanded.
“I have no need to.” the Grand Inquisitor replied calmly. “You have already lost, your mind is mine.”
Vader swung at nothing, Aira-ty watched as he continued to do so.
“Face me!” the Dark Lord roared in frustration.
“Face yourself.” the Grand Inquisitor replied.
There was a collective gasp as several Force ghosts appeared around Darth Vader. Aira-ty recognized Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, Master Yoda, and there was even one of Anakin Skywalker himself among others she did not know. What was the Grand Inquisitor doing?
Darth Vader snarled in anger, charging his opponents and attacking them blindly. He struck them down, one after the other, but not before they'd slashed his armor in several sparking displays. Phantoms or not, their blades were real Aira-ty realized. She shivered, putting her arms around herself to stave off the chill of fear coursing through her as she watched the Grand Inquisitor dissect the newly minted Dark Lord of the Sith. It took only a moment more for Vader to be cut down to size and left staggering and wheezing through his respirator. Then the Grand Inquisitor reappeared before him. His saberstaff ignited, the amber blades contrasting starkly against Darth Vader's own red.
“Do you yield, or do you wish to suffer further humiliation?” the Grand Inquisitor inquired in a disturbingly calm voice as he examined his opponent.
“Never.” snarled Darth Vader. “I will take the Inquisitorius from you.”
The Grand Inquisitor chuckled, the sound cold and mirthless.
“What a quaint idea, when you can barely stand against mere phantoms.”
“I will best you.” Darth Vader assured him, getting to his feet and holding his blade ready.
“My lord, you are injured, and your mind is in my grasp. You have no recourse. Yield before you do yourself further harm.”
“NEVER!” roared Darth Vader, raising his saber and coming forwards.
Aira-ty was convinced that the Grand Inquisitor was about to be cut in half, but oddly none of the inquisitors around her seemed at all concerned for their master. She wondered if they knew something she did not, or were merely indifferent to who sat at the top of their heap. Her answer came a moment later as the Dark Lord of the Sith swung clean through the Grand Inquisitor, who walked forwards into the blade. He let it and Darth Vader pass through himself harmlessly. He then drove his own blade deep into Vader's back, driving it the whole way through him so that it came out his stomach. The Dark Lord howled in pain and collapsed before the Emperor, kneeling on his knees looking down at the amber blade stuck through him. The Grand Inquisitor turned and bowed to the Emperor who was applauding the performance with a merry laugh.
“Finish him Master Kahan, finish him and take your place as the Dark Lord of the Sith.”
The Grand Inquisitor shook his head, standing respectfully before the Emperor as he placed a hand on Darth Vader's shoulder.
“I will not your Majesty. He is far too valuable an asset to waste over a simple matter like this. You have already lost one valuable lieutenant this day, I will not deprive you of a second.”
Aira-ty looked at Tyranus' severed head and shuddered. She wished that the Grand Inquisitor would simply take Vader's head. He was a mad dog that needed to be put down.
“As you wish.” the Emperor said with a wave of his hand. “You may take your place by my side Master Kahan, rise Darth Vader, you too may stand by my side.”
As the humiliated Dark Lord of the Sith stood, the Grand Inquisitor put a hand on his shoulder and spoke warningly to him.
“Remember your place at the Emperor's side, and we shall never have to decide the end of this combat.”
With that, the Grand Inquisitor swept from the chamber with the rest of the inquisitors behind him, Aira-ty falling in with the crowd and leaving the chamber as hurriedly as she could. Darth Vader was staring through his malevolent helmet at the Grand Inquisitor and she knew in that moment that a powerful enmity had been forged here. She wondered which of the Emperor's monsters she feared more, the rabid dog or the ruthless viper.
I know which one you will share your bed with.
Aira-ty tensed and felt a flash of anger at his presumption. She knew however that he was right. Hours later the point was proven as she walked into the Grand Inquisitor's chambers and found him sitting expectantly at a table set for two. He stood up and came to great her. She watched him guardedly as he approached, he spread his hands wide, showing that he did not bear a weapon. Not that he was any less dangerous, the lightstaff was perhaps his least dangerous weapon!
“You look very beautiful.” he said simply.
She nodded. “I wanted to make an impression.”
“I'm afraid that I may have spoiled the evening.” he replied. “My display was far more dramatic.”
“You humiliated him instead of killing him, why?”
“Because if I become Darth Kahan, the Dark Lord of the Sith and Grand Inquisitor, I will wield far too much power for the Emperor to suffer me long. As the Grand Inquisitor, my position is to support the Emperor, merely as a dark Jedi, rather than a rival Sith.”
“So you were saving your own skin when you cut him down.” she said.
He nodded. “Schemes within schemes. I knew that if Skywalker emerged from his challenge of Tyranus alive that I would have to put him in his place. He is far too power hungry to see the threat he would pose to the Emperor for anything else to happen.”
Aira-ty shivered, thinking of the man standing before her. How could she love this monster?
“You do not, you love the man.” he said simply, taking her hand and guiding her to the table. “Come, let us eat.”
They ate in silence, Aira-ty saying nothing even as the Grand Inquisitor's mind ran through hers, sharing his thoughts with her and allowing her to see the webs within webs upon whose center he rested quietly like a massive spider, ever watchful for those that might disturb his dark skein. When the meal and wine were both finished, Aira-ty stood to leave. After seeing so much of the Grand Inquisitor tonight she did not feel that she could stay in his company any longer. He crossed to her then and took her in his arms, she pushed back against him, looking away uncertainly. Then he pressed his lips to hers and she surrendered to the unbidden desire of her body and heart as he stripped the elegant red dress from her, letting it fall to the floor in a rippling wave of fabric, bearing her body to his fingers and lips.
She let herself be guided by her dread lover into the fresher where they both stepped naked into the swirling steam and the sound of the water drowned out their pleasure as their bodies pressed and ground against each other hungrily. After an hour of lovemaking, they lay twined together upon his bed, she laying against his chest as he stroked her long green hair. She held up a small holoprojector and showed him the pictures of their daughters. Jaeriel was five now, and spoke nonstop of her father to her little sister, the year old Ay-lana.
“She looks like you.” Kahan murmured, reaching up and touching the hologram tenderly.
Aira-ty nodded. “But she has your disposition...she's calm and gentle.”
He snorted. “You know as well as I do that is not what I am.”
She rolled over and looked at him intently. “You were once, you know that.”
He reached behind her head and pulled her into a gentle kiss. She held onto that kiss, letting it remind her of happier times. She let him roll her over, spreading her legs and running her fingers through his platinum hair as he kissed her flesh and let the pleasure overwhelm her.