#OC: Veresia

[lesabear]

5.10 Livestream

(Per Dulfy):

Companion Returns: Doc, Nadia, Jaesa, Khem Val

The Murder Buddies are reunited at last

[lesabear]

OC recruitment meme, Veresia, all odd numbered questions

15  was in my previous reply but here goes!

1. Would they be recruitable? 

Realistically the answer would be no unless it was in vanilla (i.e. before she’s an overpowered member of the Sith Dark Council). But since that’s a boring answer let’s say…yes but with limitations (no Sith or Imperial Agents. And it’d be very difficult to recruit her as a Jedi). And she’d be horribly elitist and love to mention how she’d be way more successful than your character the entire time.

3. When would you recruit them? Vanilla story? an Expac? Post KOTET? 

Vanilla makes the most sense - that way she wouldn’t be as powerful both with the Force and in general, and wouldn’t have the support structure behind her she does at the end of Vanilla.

Post Vanilla she could have a similar thing as Ayrs - striking back at Zakuul on her on or possibly alongside him after losing the initial war. She doesn’t really fit well into the post-Zakuul story, for a variety of reasons.

5. What would their recruitment mission be?

Vanilla recruitment…hmm. I guess something along the lines of her being an escaped slave and so is wanted by the Empire or something. Not a great fit in that regard.

KOTFE/KOTET recruitment would be similar to Ayrs - stories of a lone Sith terrorizing Zakuulan civilians and military alike and not too concerned about a bodycount. Maybe her and Lana know each other from the war or something, to prompt Lana to suggest recruitment.

7. Would there be a character they don’t like? Would that cause you to choose sides? 

She would absolutely detest any ardently pro-Empire, pro-Sith or pro-Jedi characters or companions. She would be disgusted with self-centered characters like Skadge or Vik or OCs (especially smugglers). She would not get along with the likes of Tharan or Doc…to be honest I think she’d probably dislike most of the companions and the feeling would likely be mutual.

She’s probably not a great fit with a companion crew in general given her uh personality quirks and personal opinions. Of my OCs she’d probably be okay-ish with Amurri (sans Skadge) or Ayrs after some therapy and/or during KOTFE/KOTET when he becomes a little less strictly Good morality wise.

9. What would they say if you clicked on them? 

“Do that again and you won’t live long enough to regret it”, “Have you ever heard the sound of a person fried to a crisp by Force Lightning?”, “How far I have fallen to be associated with the likes of you.”

Also probably some threats to kill you.

11. What weapon(s) would they have?

A lightsaber (her father’s, if recruited late enough in the story) and the Force. She’s primarily a caster though.

13. What gifts do they Love? Like? What would they say when you gave them a gift?

Love:

Cultural artifacts - “There is always so much more to learn!” or “Knowledge is power”

Military - “Though our paths diverged it is like nothing has changed.”

Like:

Trophy - “I suppose this will have to do until my enemies’ heads can be mounted.”

Weapon - “Nothing compared to the Force, but this shall do.”

For other types she would sound mostly annoyed and like you were wasting her time. Especially courting gifts.

17. What letter’s would they send post vanillia class story/SOR/KOTFE

If recruited during the Vanilla story/she isn’t on the Council her letter(s) would probably thank the PC for giving her the chance to escape. Her KOTFE era letter would probably reflect her growing independence and desire for vengeance on Zakuul.

Canon Veresia’s letter would be short, condescending and mostly focus on how you should be the one working for her and that if you had been the war would have been over much sooner/more efficiently. It would also probably criticize your robe fashion if you are a Jedi.

If Ayrs was recruited too, you’d get a follow up message from him apologizing for her letter.

[lesabear]

15 and 16 for Veresia and Amitia

15. What do they say when they heal you? What do they say when they are attacking?

Veresia (healing): “I suppose I will help you survive this”, “Avoiding being hit is a better strategy”, “This would be much easier with a Dashade instead of you.”

Veresia (attacking): “The Force flows through me”, “No mercy for those that oppose me”, “You have made a grievous mistake. It shall be your last.”

Amitia (healing): “Don’t worry, I’ve got you!”, “Hang on, I’ll patch you up!”, “I guess I should have paid more attention in Healing class at the Temple”

Amitia (attacking): “I do what I must”, “You’re lucky T7 isn’t here!”,  “You’re making me late for Game of Sith”

[lesabear]

Write Veresia -Down time with Koth

“Well this is awkward,” Vortena said with a wry smile as he took the last available seat - next to me.

“Quite,” I replied coolly. “Though you could remedy that quite easily by leaving.”

He threw his hands up in a defensive gesture. “Hey now, I’m not looking for a fight.”

“You’re smart enough to recognize you’d lose. Good for you.” I feigned a yawn and attempted to stare a hole in the wall. across the room. “It would have been difficult to avoid causing permanent damage.”

“I see why they call you the Dark Lady,” he quipped. “I’d hoped that name was just for show”

“I do not do things ‘for show’,” I shot back. “A lesson the forces of Zakuul have learned many times now.” His expression darkened. I do enjoy striking where one is most vulnerable. “But do not worry, Vortena. I know you have chosen the right side of this conflict and have no sympathy for all those servants of Arcann and Vaylin we have killed.”

“Y-you,” the man sputtered helplessly. “They may have made mistakes, but they were also people. Just like you and me.”

“Some of them, perhaps.” I shrugged. “They certainly died like any other people, at least.”

“You’re a terrible person.”

I sighed, wondering what Amitia saw in the man. “Your observational skills are astounding. Perhaps you could use them to decide whether you’d prefer to leave now, or after I’ve introduced you to some Force Lightning.” I offered him a sharp smile.

“Alright then. I can take a hint.” He gave me a dirty look, before pushing himself up from the chair and lumbering away.

When he was a safe distance away, I turned to face the man sitting on the other side of me, grinning broadly as I extended a hand. “I’ll take your extra rations credit now.”

Rennow sighed loudly. “I should have known better than to rely on Koth’s good nature.”

Khem chuckled from behind us. “You were foolish to doubt the Little Sith. She has a personality that can alienate anyone.”

I chose to ignore that comment and began planning my next scheme instead.

[lesabear]

☀️-Veresia and/or 🎵-Ayrs

Veresia’s first Jedi is technically her dad. The first Jedi she meets when she’s older than a child would be Quorian Dorjis which I’ve written in my long fic - the post can be found on the swtor forums here

As for Ayrs:

♬  OC’s reaction to having to be on Hoth or Ilum.

Maker save me, I hate this planet. So damned cold and not a damn thing interesting enough to justify it. I hope Sergeant Yuun’s gadget is worth it.

“I swear that either the Maker has a nasty sense of humor, or General Garza’s nursing a hell of a grudge against me.” I sighed and peered back at the Imperial positions through my macrobinoculars. “With my luck it’s probably both.”

“And I thought 4X was the paranoid one,” Aric snarked. I thought I heard Elara giggle over the comm channel, but I knew she’d never betray me like that.

“At least he’s got a more pleasant personality than you,” I shot back before shivering again. “Plus he knows how to respect the chain of command.”

“Oh, now you’re worried about respecting the chain of command. I must have been confused from all the times you’ve carefully danced around orders or been coy with Garza during a briefing.”

“You must have also been confused when you started talking, because I don’t remember asking to hear your voice.”

Jorgan chuckled to himself, then went back to calibrating his rifle.

“Perhaps you would be in a better mood if you’d properly reviewed the material on Hoth I provided prior to our arrival in the system. At the very least, you would be more comfortable.” I detected a hint of amusement in Elara’s voice.

“I did read the material, thank you very much. You do see the special sealant to protect against exposure, right?”

She poked my armor near my waist. “And the enhanced insulation I mentioned later on in the material?”

“I mean, it was a lot to read. I had to get everything ready for the mission.” I glanced in her direction, but it was pretty hard to read her expression through an armored helmet. “I tried my best, okay.”

“Mmhmm.” Her voice softened slightly. “When we get back to Aurek Base, we’ll make sure we take care of it.”

I squeezed her hand. “Thanks El-Lieutenant.”

Jorgan coughed loudly. And rudely. “Now I understand why you mentioned your pre-mission routine doesn’t involve polishing your rifle any more.”

“Just shut up, Jorgan.”

He laughed again, but for once he listened. The channel went quiet, and I was left with nothing but the sound of the wind whistling past our position. I shivered through the next couple of minutes.

“Any word from 4X or Vik, Lieutenant?”

“No, Sir.” Elara sounded slightly concerned, like she always did when Vik was involved. “They may be too close to the Imperial position to communicate, though.”

“Maybe. Maker knows what those two might be -”

A loud explosion interrupted me, rocking the Imperial position. Before I could fully process it, a second and then a third one followed, creating a massive fireball that tore through the encampment, destroying it entirely.

“I believe I’ve located our missing squad members,” Elara said drily.

There was a loud braying sound from our right. I turned and saw 4X next to Vik, who was riding one of those damned tauntaun things.

“Sir! I am pleased to report that we were able to locate a fatal flaw in the defenses of that Imperial encampment and were able to exploit it to our full advantage. No longer will these tyrants and enemies of freedom terrorize the denizens of this world!”

I gestured at the snow-covered expanse around us. “Does it look like the denizens of this world felt oppressed, 4X?”

The droid looked around. “Well, I suppose not, Sir, but -”

“Then keep quiet and go get the speeders ready. We were trying to find a stealthy way into the area, but that’s out of the question now.” The droid saluted and walked off. “And Vik?”

The Weequay was grinning like the idiot he was. “What’s up, boss?”

“You’re on latrine duty once we’re back at Aurek.” His grin disappeared. “Now get off that Maker-damned creature and help pack this stuff up.

As we packed our gear for the movie forward, Vik sidled up next to me. “Say, boss. You were joking about the latrine duty, right?”

On second thought maybe I don’t need the Maker to save me. Better to end it all than to be stuck here, with him.

[lesabear]

Also/alternatively: Ayrs, Veresia, Amitia, Amurri, Mina, and Teela

Oh, going after my OCs and you left out my 2 nastiest OCs to make it harder.

Push off a cliff: Teela - the odd OC/one out, sorry Teela. She’d probably have some wacky plan to get out of it though (like using Corso as a cushion or parachute).

Kiss: Mina - She’s actually one of my nicer characters so I don’t want her flying off a cliff or like being set on fire. I thought about making her my roommate but I could end up dead so this is probably safer. Probably.

Marry: Ayrs: I mean, I modeled him after my boyfriend and several of my video game crushes so….

Set on fire: Amurri. It was self-defense, I swear. probably wouldn’t work. Probably I end up dead.

Wrap a blanket around: Veresia - Poor girl needs some therapy and time away from the whole “Kill everyone to get revenge” thing she’s got going on.

Be roommates with: Amitia. We could watch Zeena Jedi Warrior Princess/Xena together and write bad fanfic while making fun of Doc. Bonus: She could use her Jedi powers to help me do stuff. We also both like ice cream, which is important if you’re going to live with someone.

[lesabear]

12 for Veresia

12. What have you found to be most difficult about creating art for your OC (any form of art: writing, drawing, edits, etc.)?

Definitely her tone of voice/conversation. Her whole plan is to infiltrate the Sith from within and so she talks in a very formal, even unnatural, way to come across as higher status/more intimidating. As I mentioned in my previous post, I also had her start thinking that way too. And it gets really annoying trying to remember that when writing her, since it is a lot more effort than, say, Ayrs or Amitia’s very casual/natural way of thinking/talking - Veresia uses different words, sentence structure, etc..

[lesabear]

16 & 17 for Veresia :)

16. What is something about your OC  can make you cry?

In a general sense, probably her self-destructiveness. It’s something I can’t directly relate to but have been guilty of in the past myself.

She doesn’t have to do what she does. There’s nothing forcing her to stay in the Empire and try to bring down the Sith/get revenge on them - she knows her brother is serving the Republic and would be thrilled (to put it mildly) to reunite with her. She has family on Kuat, and her father was a respected Jedi. But she can’t let go of that hate and as understandable and sympathetic as that is that’s also slowly destroying her and her chances of having a life she can appreciate outside of the grim satisfaction she gets from killing Sith.

But her story is kind of sad in general - her Jedi father that she was really close to dies when she’s barely a teenage and then a few years after that her family and friends (apart from distant relatives) are basically all killed. She’s captured and sold into slavery until the Imperials realize she can use the Force, and at that point all she can really really think of is making everyone else feel the same pain she did and does. Even the small happy/normal moments she gets (like with Quorian or even occasionally talking to Khem) really only remind her of what she lost and make her feel guilty.

17. Is there some element you regret adding to your OC or their story? 

I actually excised most of it but I was going to have Veresia have feelings for Kory (the nice initiate who gets killed on Korriban). It was really poorly thought out and would have just been for cheap drama, which is why I cut it short after some brief hints, but it’s still there in the older posts.

At times I wish I’d also kept her external voice distinct from her internal one. It might have been interesting hearing her speak/think as a Jedi-trained girl from a farm planet than the same overly-complicated/formal tone she uses when talking. Oh well :/

[lesabear]

24, 27, and 36 for Veresia? :)

24. If they could be part of another group, what would it be? You can choice from Old Republic, Expanded Universe, or Cinematic Universe. 

She’d probably rather just be home/with her family than part of any group. Otherwise….serving with Revan/Malak against the Mandalorians, probably - she’s not fond of people who sit on the side and let bad things happen and is….flexible….about her methods and tactics when in action. A more LS Veresia (or one without her tragic backstory) would probably be okay with the Jedi Order in those random eras where the writers let them be more normal human beings.

27. Do they have any regrets? 

She probably does regret some of the deaths she’s caused, although more in a general sense than any particular one (after all - she only kills people that deserve it!). Apart from that, I think she has some regrets about getting involved with the Jedi Quorian Dorjis - both because it “distracts” her and because she knows he’d never approve of her methods. And deep down she probably regrets devoting herself to destroying the Sith/Empire rather than just going to find her brother - but she can’t really admit that to herself since she prefers deluding herself.

36. Accept Valkorion’s offer to submit or naw?

If submitting was more of a “I’m playing along for now but it’s all a ruse” she might have done that -.she’d definitely think her time evading detection in the Empire would mean she was capable of pretending to be loyal to Valkorion too. But since it isn’t she rejected him from the outset

[lesabear]

46, 48, 54 for Veresia

46. Did they kill or arrest any of the companions? If so why? 

She killed Skadge - she’s not exactly a very forgiving person, least of all for someone like him. Given the limited knowledge she had about him (i.e. she wouldn’t know exactly how awful he is) I could see her arresting him too, but I doubt she’d have cared about bringing him in alive. She also rejected Xalek (I can’t remember if she killed or imprisoned him), as she did not trust him and did not trust he would not continue murdering/doing Sith things if she let him go.

48. SCORPIO’s betrayal? What are their feelings on that? 

Veresia saw it coming from a mile away and regretted her stupidity in not being more careful, though that was in part because she was trying to be a team player when leading the Alliance (especially w/regards to working with her inner circle and not doing things on her own/without a coherent plan like she used to). She softens a bit when she hears SCORPIO explain her motivations, as they touch on much of what drives Veresia too.

54. What did they do with Saresh? 

Killed her, without much of a second thought. As mentioned above, she isn’t a forgiving person. And given the treatment of her (dead, in this universe) brother’s wife and best friend, she’d have extra motivation even beyond what goes on in game.

[lesabear]

Second Chances

A/N: Set in KotFE with Veresia as Outlander, just after the 5.2 Iokath content (no story spoilers, though). Not fic!canon, but an anon asked and I liked the idea so...

My thanks to @brightephemera, @sillymonkey71 and @pedanticsoothsayer for their assistance.

Set behind a read more since it’s about 3000 words. You can also read it at http://archiveofourown.org/works/10331813 if that’s easier

"Thank you, Supreme Commander Malcom, but no. I have never been one for celebratory drinks or occasions.” I smiled slightly as I smoothed my robes. “I was also hoping to speak with Captain Dorne. Alone.”

“Of course. I’ll see you on the battlefield, then.” Malcom struggled for a moment, his eyes shifting between his aide and a spot on the wall slightly to the side of my head. “War makes for strange bedfellows.”

I nodded. “That it does.” Now for the more difficult conversation. To think that once I would have been excited for it.

Captain Dorne watched me with a steely expression that did not betray the sense of unease beneath her calm exterior I sensed through the Force. I did not blame her – close encounters with any Sith were something a rational being would find intimidating at best and fatal at worst, let alone when that Sith was a member of the Dark Council. Former member, soon enough. I doubt the Empire will look kindly upon my decision.  

I attempted to ease the tension by offering a smile, but she only flinched at the sight.

 Another tactic, then.

“Captain Dorne, if you would please join me.” I gestured toward the small conference table in the center of the room. “I was hoping we could get to know one another before we return to the Alliance, since we will be working together.”

The captain nodded hesitantly, and took a seat on the bench directly across from me. I decided it was not worth pressing the issue – not yet, at least. It would take longer, but allowing her to be more at ease would make the entire process that much easier.

 You are the one my brother decided to build a life and future with. You are the one who knew him best, and knew him as I only did as a child. You have no idea what you meant to me before I ever met you. You have no idea how much I want to know you, to understand what you were to him and what he was to you.

But learning more about Captain Elara Dorne would not be sufficient. I wanted – needed - her to teach me about the kind of person that she was, to hear the story from her mouth unfiltered and not influenced by her knowledge of who I was and knowing what I would want to hear. I wanted to fully understand why my brother had come to love her, so I could better understand the man that Ayrs had become. And perhaps then I could know if there was a place for me now…or if I was neither Jedi nor Sith, not Republic nor Sith…but rather lost somewhere in the vast in between.

“I understand you were born in the Empire,” I began shakily. “And that most of your family remains there.”

Something dangerous flashed in her eyes. Fool. She took that for a threat against her family. “That is correct. I left Imperial service several years ago before defecting and have served with the Republic ever since.”

I scrambled to salvage the situation. “I do not blame you for your choice. The Empire is not what it claims to be; perhaps it never was. And no one should be forced to be complicit in its crimes.”

“As you say.” Her eyes remained narrow, her brow furrowed. It was clear I had blundered. “Was there anything else in my service record you wished to know? I have a great deal to do before we leave.”

“Yes, in fact. I am interested in your time with Havoc Squad.” I leaned forward, to emphasize that it was more than a mere request. “Quite interested.”

This time her composure was insufficient to hide a clearly pained expression, and her sorrow radiated through the Force. She forced another smile. “Of course. I served for several years, both as executive officer and later as the unit’s commander. Following the end of hostilities with Zakuul, Chancellor Saresh decided she no longer wished for me to continue in that role. Supreme Commander Malcom had me transferred to his personal staff.” She did not ask if I was interested in further detail this time, though to be fair I was only interested in one matter. Enough time-wasting. It is time to get to the heart of the matter.

“Your former commander in Havoc Squad was one Ayrs Martell, correct?”

Captain Dorne struggled for a moment. “Major Martell, yes. I served with him for over four years. He was the commander of Havoc Squad before I was.”

“Tell me about him.” I sensed her turmoil and recognized I needed to soften the blow, though I also was perilously close to tipping my hand. “Please.”

“May I ask why?” The woman’s lip trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.

“Of course you may ask.” I spoke carefully, attempting to ensure I did not let my own guard down even as I sought a way past hers. “I would regularly hear about his exploits , as well as those of your squad. I admired him, in my own way.” Not a lie – truly – but also not enough of the truth to betray you. Good. “I am always interested in learning more about those I have studied.”  

“Of course.” She swallowed hard, choosing her words just as I had mine. “He was one of the most capable soldiers I ever had the privilege of serving with, and a fine leader in every respect. The galaxy would do well to have more soldiers like him.”

This is not what I want to know. He was my brother, not some soldier to be remembered like any other. I did not care about his medals or service – I could have gleaned that from the Intelligence reports I had been provided with. I frowned slightly – I would have to push further.

“And what sort of man was he?” I leaned forward, and attempted to soften my voice. To her credit, Dorne did not recoil or react. “The survivors of Ziost declared him a hero, which says much for his character. But does it say everything that should be said?”

“I would assume your intelligence sources could provide a complete psychological profile,” she replied carefully.

“True. But they would not tell me what I wish to know.” I looked her squarely in the eyes, not flinching or reacting when she locked her gaze on me. “I was hoping that his wid - wife could.”

“I – I do not speak about that. Not with those close to me, let alone a member of the Dark Council.” I noticed her voice was uneven and felt a pang of pity stab me in the heart. I did not wish to do this, but I had no other alternative. “Perhaps you can indulge your curiosity with someone else.”

“I am sorry to trouble you in this way. Believe me when I say I do not wish to cause you undue pain…but I would ask you to humor my request.” I could simply reveal the truth behind why I must know, not quite yet. I wanted to hear her speak, first. “We have all lost so many people close to us during this war and the one before it and the one before that. It is important we do not forget them.”

“I have not forgotten him. I will never forget him.” Captain Dorne practically spat the words out at me, stabbing my heart with each angry syllable. “My husband was among the few in the Republic who saw me as a person and not a potential traitor or intelligence resource or an enemy that happened to be wearing the correct uniform. You can rest assured that I remember that every moment I am able.”

 Ayrs always had a good heart. Even if that sometimes hurt him.

“What else do you remember of him?” I prodded, as gently as I could.

“What would you have me say?” Dorne’s green eyes were watering. “That he was the sort of man that would do a thousand annoying things to ensure I would not have to do one? That he was a friendly face and a sympathetic ear when I needed them the most? Or that he would have made a wonderful father had your Emperor’s servants from Zakuul not killed him?” Her accusatory stare unnerved me, even though Vitiate had never been anything but my enemy. “He was a good man with a kind heart, and the kind of person that could make you feel as though nothing in the galaxy mattered to him but you. He did not have to tell me he loved me for me to know. He did not have to say or do anything to make me smile. That is what I remember of him.” She glared at me with anger I had rarely seen before. “Does that satisfy your curiosity?”

“Your son is well?” The Intelligence reports rarely mentioned Artann Martell. No doubt a young boy did not interest the agents as much as a defector from the Emperor. Even Commander Dorne’s supplements had lacked detail about my nephew.

The change in subject caught her off guard. “He is doing as well as one could hope for.” She moved to stand up, clearly tired of my questioning. I would have to end the charade soon.

“And with a mother sworn to a duty that keeps her far from home.”

Something flashed in her eyes, but she suppressed it quickly. “My husband’s family takes care of him when I am away. Unfortunately, the Republic’s demands do not always conform to a parent’s schedule.”

“Too true. Fortunately, Kuat is as good a place as any for a young child to grow up.” Her green eyes flashed again, this time with suspicion. I pre-empted her by leaning forward. “Tell me. What do you know of your husband’s death?”

Dorne’s composure nearly broke. “I realize that you are a valuable ally to the Republic but – “

“Please.” I reached out a hand and gently placed it on one of hers. Curiously, she did not recoil from the gesture. “You will understand.”

She took several deep breaths before continuing. When she did, her voice was rather weak “It was before the war truly broke out, on a world named Ord Cestus that neither side particularly cared about. The coalition forces attempted to hold against the forces we later learned were from Zakuul, but were forced to evacuate. Ayrs - my husband - remained behind to protect the last transports.”

“He died protecting others.” I noted. “He died a hero.”

“I never wanted him to be a hero,” she replied bitterly. “I wanted him to come home.” She removed her hand from mine and wiped away unbidden tears from her eyes. “If you’ll excuse me – “

“I lost someone on Ord Cestus, too.” I felt strangely detached about what I was saying. “My brother was among the coalition forces there. It is strange to think such a small, insignificant, place could be quite the opposite to us both.”

Dorne looked at me warily, no doubt attempting to decipher my intent. “I am sorry for your loss.”

“As I am for yours.” I swallowed hard – I had been unfair to her. Grossly unfair. It was time to put that right. “If you’ll indulge me, I would like to tell you about my brother. It is only fair after what I have put you through.”

She began to protest, but thought better of it.

“My brother and I grew up on a world that I would now be bored with, given all I have seen and done. He was several years older than me, but never let that stop him from playing games with me or ensuring that I could enjoy being a child even as my father drilled me on the responsibilities of being a Force user. He was the kind of brother anyone would be lucky to have.”

“I did not realize Sith childhoods could be so normal,” she said quietly.

“I was not born a Sith. I was forced to become one.” I corrected gently. “My life was destroyed in a single afternoon, when my home was destroyed and I was spirited away to a life of slavery in the Empire…which led to the Sith discovering me. My big brother was not there – he was away at his school. I blamed him sometimes, but I am glad he was not there. He could not have saved me then. He would only have died alongside so many we loved and cared for.”

Her expression suggested a hint of suspicion, but not comprehension. Truth be told, it was both unnerving and exhilarating to lay bare all that had haunted me for these years.

“I did not see my brother for many years. He became a soldier, following in our mother’s footsteps and honoring his faith as well. I watched from afar as best I could, using Imperial Intelligence and other resources to avoid causing him difficulties. I watched his career rise with pride, even as my own path often proved to be something quite different than I would have ever wanted. There were few times I did not wish I could have had him there with me. But I persevered. And so did he.”

Calm. My heart was pounding, its beat as ominous as our final moments together had been. I released her hand from mine as I reached the breaking point.

“We had not seen each other for years when fate – or the Force – brought us together again. And when we saw each other that day, it was as if we had never parted. It was as if we had never left that farm on Ithaca.”

Elara’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly twice upon hearing my homeworld’s name. I felt my nails dig into my palm as I continued the tale.

“He was commanding the rear guard at the coalition headquarters. We fled the main compound together, covering the retreat.” The nails dug deeper. “One of the final two transports left with barely half of its seating filled, and there was not nearly enough room for those of us left behind to fit in the other. I wanted to remain, alongside his soldiers and mine, but he was the same man that he had been before. Always the big brother. Always looking out for his little sister, even when she was too stupid and stubborn to look out for herself.” My vision grew blurry as I remembered those frantic final moments; the blaster bolts flying in every direction and the screams of the dying as the ominous hum of the enemy’s lightsabers grew nearer. “He said ‘Remember me. Remember us.’ As if I could forget my brother or what he had done.”

I dared not look at her. Instead, I focused on my right hand, which were bleeding from how deeply my nails were digging.

“When we returned to the combined fleet, Darth Marr himself took me aside to tell me how my brother had died bravely. That he had died a hero. It took all of my composure not to spit in his face. I did not want Ayrs to die a hero. I wanted my big brother back.” Elara’s hand was on the table. I took it in mine again; she did not seem to mind as she stared at the table and trembled. “But I understood where a man like Marr never could. And I resolved to remember my brother for what he was, and to let go with everything we missed. I wish I could say I succeeded, but Ayrs was never someone I could replace.”

“It’s you. Veresia.” She said softly, her reddened eyes searching my face for something they did not appear to find. “He…he never stopped talking about you; about how you would find a way to survive whatever the galaxy threw your way. I sometimes wondered if it was his way of assuaging his own guilt. But he was always sure he would see you again.” Her voice trailed off as her eyes became slightly unfocused.

“And he did. He always found a way.” I smiled slightly, unsure of whether I should continue. “He told me about you as well, before I left Ord Cestus. He was like a schoolboy gushing about his first crush. I knew then that you were something more than the person I had read about in those reports. You meant everything to him, which in turn meant everything to me.”

She did not say anything.

“He had a message for you. One I should have given a long time ago.” I paused, swallowing hard. “He said to tell you that he was sorry that he left you, and that he loved you even more than you ever realized.” I paused again to allow us both a moment. “And he told me that he would have gladly given up an eternity in the Maker’s grace for another moment with you.”

How I wish that had been possible. But death does not come only for the wicked or the deserving.

Elara did not seem to be in a position to say anything.

I was not well-equipped to deal with such situations – not after spending so many years among the Sith - but I could make an attempt. I would make an attempt.  I rose from my chair and slid onto the bench next to her, awkwardly resting my left arm on back and my hand on her shoulder. I felt her rest her head on my shoulder as she sobbed softly.

“I was not there for Ayrs when he needed me the most. But I am here for you and your son, now and until the last of my days.” It was difficult saying such things. It had been so long since I had meant them. “You are my family.”

[lesabear]

Table for Two

One last gust of wind followed us into the restaurant as the door slid shut behind us, lifting several of the unsecured pamphlets on the front desk into the air and depositing them on the floor in front of us. The woman at the desk ambled toward the papers before nearly running into my companion. In shocked silence, she gawked up at him, unconsciously backing away as she did so.

“Oculus, party of two.” I kept my voice even; the highest rated dining establishment in Nar Shaddaa’s Red Light District was hardly the place to create an incident. I only hoped my companion would also recognize the value in discretion.

“Uh, yes. Of course, yes.” The Mirialan’s eyes flicked across the display in front of her. I saw a list of names flashing across the screen and wondered for a moment if any were ones I would need to take note of. “I see right here.” She waved a waiter over and offered a rather unconvincing smile. “Please, let me live – I mean let Arcann’t take you to your table.”

The waiter paled. I grinned toothily, enjoying the moment even as a voice inside me told me that I should not. A man with as silly a name as Arcann’t deserves to be toyed with.

“Of course. I appreciate all you have done for me.”

“For us,” the deep voice rumbled from behind me.

The waiter – Arcann’t – strode toward an empty table toward the rear of the establishment. His steps were swift and measured, as if he were in control of his emotions, but he could not hide his fear from the Force. It was amusing – or would have been, had it not been for my unfortunate choice in dinner companions.

“This was a mistake, Little Sith. You were a fool for believing a Jedi would love you.” He paused as we arrived at our table. For a moment, I wondered if he would hold the chair out for me, until I remembered that he was a murderous monster and not a proper dinner date. “You are an even greater fool for bringing me to this place.”

“Who is the true fool, Khem?” I arched an eyebrow at him. “The fool or the Dashade that follows her?”

The brute scowled at me and then at his chair; it was far too small to support him. The waiter standing beside him found it within himself to become even more pale. This time, I could not refrain from laughing.

“This is no laughing matter, Little Sith,” he hissed through clenched fangs. “You were embarrassed by your Jedi lover refusing to join you for Darth Valentine’s Day. Now you repay my service by seeking to humiliate me to soothe your hurt feelings.”

I snorted but said nothing as Arcann’t warily returned to the area carrying a comically large chair. Two members of the kitchen staff trailed behind him carrying baskets filled with bread, no doubt hoping he would be too full to consume any of them or their guests by the end of the meal. Khem glanced in their direction and huffed with laughter as he began digging into our – rather, his – bread.

“This has nothing to do with Darth Valentine’s Day, Khem. I merely thought you might enjoy a meal outside the ship that did not consist of a Force-user.” I glanced to my right, at a woman who was paying our conversation entirely too much attention. “Or a nosy eavesdropper.”

She swallowed hard and slid her chair further away.

“I am no fool, Little Sith.” Khem jabbed a claw at me as a tiny chunk of half-eaten bread flew out of his mouth and landed on the floor next to our table. “You wished to spend a romantic evening with your Jedi lover and he rejected you.”

“He is merely an unwitting source of intelligence, not my lover.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

“That is not what it sounded like when you last encountered him,” he replied coldly, though I detected a certain hint of malicious glee in his voice. “You spoke of not knowing the Jedi could use the Force for such things. And then you did more than speak when – “

“Enough!” I pounded my fist on the table, drawing more unwanted attention. “If you do not wish to be sociable, you may return to the ship.”

Before Khem could respond, there was a loud groan from his chair before it collapsed into several wooden splinters. The Dashade hit the ground with a large thud and glared up at me with hateful eyes. The sound of a muffled laugh from across the room distracted, him though.

“Silence, mortals! I am Khem Val, servant of Tulak Hord, devourer of the rebels at Yn and Chabosh, consumer of the Dromund system. And I am hungry."

“Oh Khem.” I sighed softly. “I can’t take you anywhere.”

[lesabear]

Reckoning

A/N: Scrapped ending for my intended KotFE fic

-------------------------

I strode forward, brown robes swishing quietly as I carefully navigated around the bodies of Zakuul Knights sprawled across the corridor. I closed my eyes and I neared the end of the hall, cleansing my mind of all distractions, and to set aside the sorrows of that which we had lost along the way. We would have time to mourn – and celebrate – but only later, after our task was complete.

Still, I would feel a good deal better with Khem by my side.

The doors opened with a muted hiss, and I stepped through them into the remains of the throne room. Debris littered the ground alongside still more bodies. The Eternal Throne itself sat on its platform. Behind it the Eternal Fleet clashed with the combined might of the Republic and Empire, leaving the sky colored by explosions and lasers of all sizes and colors.

The man that sat on the throne was not the same that we had first seen those years before when he led the armies of the Eternal Empire against the rest of the galaxy. The healing ritual on Voss had purged Amitia of Vitiate’s parasitic presence, only for it to escape into his son. Arcann had escaped us then, but it was clear that his possession was not going well. His flesh was even paler than it once had been, and the scars we had given him were not healing. A dark emptiness resonated from him in the Force, painful and terrible all at once.

“Ah, so our final guest has arrived.” He spoke in the deep, mocking, tone of Vitiate. “Your friends would have been rather boring to deal with. Especially the one they call the Hero of Tython. She was always too foolish and naïve to understand what I was hoping to accomplish.”

“I see your megalomania survived the change in bodies,” I replied as I surveyed the rest of the scene. Amitia stood opposite the man, flanked on either side by Kira and Ashara. “I do hope I did not keep you waiting for too long. I imagine possessing a decaying host must present some challenges.”

“Your humor does you no favors,” he snapped. “You are such a disappointment. I would have thought you more willing to see the truth after Nathema and then Voss.”

“I have always seen it, Vitiate. You may change names and bodies. You may sweeten your evil with sweet words and seemingly sound advice. But you cannot hide what you really are.” I shrugged my shoulders and let my robes fall to the floor. “You are a monster. And you will fall.”

“How droll.” Arcann’s body rose from the throne, its movements robotic and unnatural. “Your cheap parlor trick may have worked on Voss, but it has no power here.”

“There is more to the Force than power,” Amitia interjected.

“The Jedi Order’s brute wishes to educate me on the Force.” Vitiate chuckled, more to himself than any of us. “You have never been anything but a blunt instrument that others have taken advantage of. You are hardly one to claim an understanding of the Force and how it works.”

“We don’t need to understand the Force to know that you need to be stopped,” Kira shot back. I wondered why the venom in her voice felt so personal. “We’re going to end this right here and right now.”

Vitiate chuckled. “Your ignorance is amusing.”

I stepped forward to take my place next to Amitia, who glanced over at me and smiled slightly. “Your death will be amusing as well, Vitiate.”

“Ah, the mindless tool speaks again.” Vitiate turned his malevolent glare against me. “All these years you have served alongside the others, never understanding your true role in the galaxy.”

“You are a fool.” I took a breath to control my anger. “This is my role. This is where I belong, this is what I was meant to do, and these are my friends and comrades that I will fight beside. We will bring you to justice, for all that you have destroyed and for all that we have lost. For the lives you have stolen and the futures you have ended.”

Even for you, Khem. For so long you were all I had with me except for impotent rage. You deserved a more honorable end.

“Such a limited perspective. I offer the galaxy more than any Republic or Empire ever could.” He shook his head sadly. “Someone with such experience and knowledge of the Force should not be so blind, Oculus.”

“That is not my name.”

“It is what your fellow Sith call you,” he mused. “But I can indulge you in your final moments. My vision for the galaxy does not require me to be entirely heartless.”

“I am Oculus no more. I never was, though I did not realize it until now.” I smiled slightly. “It is important to remember who you really are, and to never forget it. I wasted so many years living a life that was not mine, and be someone that I was not, but no longer." My smile twisted slightly. "I am Veresia Martell. I am the daughter of Montclair and Valeria, murdered because of your ‘vision’ and the sister of Diomedes and Alyssia, dead at the hands of your followers. I will not allow any others to suffer as I have.”

“What you call yourself does not concern me and what you presume to do is of no interest to me, Sith.” He sounded almost bored. Fortunately, I was not here to amuse him.

“You are wrong yet again, Vitiate.” I smiled again. “I am Sith no longer.” No more voices or spirits in my head. No more sleepless nights full of regret and anger. I have my brother back, and a new family to call my own. My path is clear, my heart free. I drew my lightsaber from my belt. Though it had been designed for someone else, the weapon felt right; an extension of myself. Perhaps it is. It is all that remains of what I once was and that reminds me of what I might still be. “I will never be a Jedi like my father, but I will honor his commitment to justice by ending you."

Amitia smiled. “Your time is come, Vitiate.”

"So be it." He no longer sounded quite as bored...or as confident.

Our lightsabers activated in unison.

[lesabear]

Veresia/Quorian - 4, 14, 20, 21

A/N: Quorian is the Jedi imprisoned on Korriban that you can either straightforwardly help or mislead into thinking you are helping him. Veresia feels sorry for him and helps him escape to honor her father (a Jedi) and things get complicated once they meet again. Khem is not amused by their relationship.

4. Who wakes the other one up with kisses?

Hmm. Neither would regularly do that. Maybe Veresia if she was feeling particularly vulnerable or let her guard down a bit, since she tries to pretend she’s not as attached as she really is even with Quorian himself.

14. Who kills the spiders?

Veresia didn’t learn how to cast Force Lightning to let spiders live.

20. Who is dominant/ Who is submissive?

Veresia’s the more dominant - she’s the Sith (in her own way), he’s the Jedi. She’s the angry, emotional one while he’s pretty calm and understated (though I’ve made him a bit more roguish in my fics). Plus she once found an interesting ancient tome which went into considerable detail about alternative uses of lightsaber hilts.

21. Who has an obsession (over anything)?

Veresia is obsessed with destroying the people and institutions that she holds responsible for destroying her life - the Sith and Imperials that empower them. Quorian is mildly obsessed with “saving” Veresia as best he can. This is not a particularly healthy mix.

[lesabear]

1-5, all of them!

I’m going to focus on the main fic characters, if you don’t mind - both so the answers are more interesting and so my arm doesn’t fall off from so much typing ;)

1. What is their alignment?

I’m going to use DnD alignments since I think they’re a bit more useful than “LS1″ or whatever.

Olympia is Lawful Good - she follows the rules/Jedi Code and does the right thing. If push comes to shove, she favors Good over Lawful.

Amitia is on the border between Lawful and Neutral Good - similar to Olympia but more willing to bend the rules.

Ayrs is pretty much Neutral Good to the core. He doesn’t go out of his way to break the rules but he doesn’t allow them to constrain his actions, either.

Mina is Chaotic Good, though her work as an agent sometimes pushes her toward Chaotic Neutral, though she doesn’t really like doing morally ambiguous things.

Amurri is True Neutral, bordering on Neutral Evil at times (given how bloody her vengeance is), with occasional Good moments.

Veresia is all over the place but definitely Chaotic. Depending on her mood and the situation, she might be Good, Evil or anywhere in between.

Malicineve is a mix of Neutral and Chaotic Evil, though she starts becoming more Neutral Evil and occasionally True Neutral depending on where in the story she is.

2. Empire or Republic?

Ayrs, Amitia and Olympia are all loyal to the Republic and/or Jedi.

Mina is a Republic-aligned agent - she’s a double agent but more motivated by disgust with the Empire than Republic patriotism. She’s also still loyal to the Ascendancy, though she considers the Imperial alliance a mistake.

Veresia is anti-Empire, and only somewhat pro-Republic (if the Empire was gone she’d find herself without a purpose and have a hard time adjusting to “normal” life).

Amurri is vaguely anti-Empire but mostly in the sense that she wants revenge against Mandalore and those in the Empire that support him.

Malicineve is vaguely pro-Empire, though her motivations aren’t really patriotic or anything, it’s just the Empire is the only society she can really function in.

3. Do they fit in with their faction or were they sort of born into it?

Amitia and Olympia were both born into Republic civilian families before joining the Jedi. They both fit well, though Amitia has some issues with the Jedi Council due to disagreements in philosophy and planning.

Ayrs and Veresia are the children of a Jedi Knight and a Republic veteran from the Great Galactic War; the latter was descended from a family that had served the Republic military for generations. So - Ayrs was basically born into the Republic on both sides, while Veresia was torn from that and forced into the Empire (which, as mentioned, she wants to destroy).

Malicineve was basically born into life as an Imperial and a Sith - her father made her his “project”, hoping she would rise high and fast enough to raise his status in Sith society. His actions are largely responsible for how she turned out.

Amurri was a loyal member of Clan Ordo that fought on the losing side of the Crusaders’ Schism, so basically born into it too.

Mina was assigned to support Imperial Intelligence by the Chiss Ascendancy as part of an officer exchange program. Her experiences have deeply upset and scarred her, which leads her to throw in with Ardun Kothe.

4. What is their homeworld?

Olympia was born on Mirial; her parents still live there.

Amitia was born on Corellia; her parents and siblings still live there.

Malicineve was born on Dromund Kaas. Her family is dead or scattered across the Empire.

Ayrs and Veresia were born on Ithaca, which was attacked and devastated by an Imperial-backed force several years prior to the beginning of the class story. Their remaining family (mom’s side) is mostly on Kuat.

Mina was born on Csilla; her family is still there.

Amurri was born in space, on board her parents’ ship. She grew up on Onderon, though.

5. What planet do they now call home? Either where their stronghold is or where you headcanon they live at.

Olympia would probably consider Tython home given her position on the Council and strong ties to the Jedi Order. She wouldn’t live there, though, as it’d be unfair to ask Felix to do so.

Amitia still considers Corellia home - it’s where her family is and she’s a Khoury just as much as she’s a Jedi.

Ayrs still considers Ithaca home, sort of. He’d probably think first of “wherever Havoc is”, since Elara and Jorgan (especially) are basically his family now.

Mina still considers Csilla home, as the Empire has proven to be more terrible than she imagined. She hasn’t gone back because she wants to make the galaxy a better place…and a certain Imperial ensign has caught her eye.

Amurri’s home is where the job is, maybe her ship - she’s only really close to Mako, though.

Malicineve was answered elsewhere - pasting from my other answer: This is a bit tricky. Until the point of Makeb or so, she’d still consider Dromund Kaas as her home, albeit one she does not care to visit and has no real attachment to. After that, she would consider her ship home, as it’s where she lives the vast majority of the time and allows her to escape everything that has shaped her. In an unguarded moment, she would admit it’s also the only place where someone she could reasonably claim cares about her (Vette) is. In my “Knights of” AU, her home would be wherever the fight against the Eternal Empire is.

[lesabear]

8-11 for Veresia?

8. How do they feel about the opposite faction?

Very conflicted. She’s very positive and protective of certain aspects of her past (she cares deeply about Ayrs and follows his exploits) but she’s also very bitter about what she sees as the Republic’s inability and/or refusal to stand up to the Empire and blames it for what happened to her and her homeworld. As she adventures as a Sith, she does favor the Republic and seeks to avoid doing any unnecessary harm beyond what she needs to maintain her cover. She’d like to see it run by more “vigorous” leadership, although she comes to regret that once Saresh really goes wild.

She’s not a fan of the Jedi for similar reasons, even though her father was one. They’re too weak and indecisive and concerned with their Code to do what they should. That doesn’t mean she’s hostile or aggressive toward them, though. And she’s not above, you know, sleeping with one. Or developing feelings for him.

9. How do they feel about the Force and the orders that use it?

Young Veresia was trained to respect the Force by her father. Her time spent as a slave and now as a Sith have changed her views - the Force is a tool to fight for the people that can’t fight for themselves, something that usually means using it to kill Sith, Imperials and others that prey upon the weak. She does sometimes revert back to her unofficial Jedi training - using healing trances and meditation when appropriate - but those moments become rarer as time goes on.

As mentioned above - she sees the Jedi (as an institution) as being too rigid and moralizing to do what is needed to truly protect the galaxy. She absolutely hates the Sith - her one overarching motivation is to destroy the Sith and their Empire as revenge for what they’ve done to the galaxy.

10. What is their specialization class? Was there a reason they picked that discipline?

She’s a corruption/healing sorcerer. It’s a compromise between her desire to inflict pain on her enemies and her desire to protect those she thinks need it, plus it allows her to fight from afar, since her lightsaber skills are lacking (and melee combat is Khem’s forte).

11. Do they have a favorite color crystal they like to use? What color?

She uses a red crystal to fit in, but would use a blue crystal to honor her father if possible. In my (now scrapped) fic version of the last two expansions, she reclaims her father’s lightsaber for that reason.