Fane watched in dismay as the dreadnought fired. Then realised it was firing at Awgro’s ships. He looked at the others, puzzled.
‘The dreadnought’s hailing us,’ said Mrs. Holt.
Fane walked to the station where Void stood as he took the incoming call. A familiar male Rattataki face appeared.
‘Fane! Lord Void. I’m glad to see you in one piece.’
‘Vax?’ Talyc walked up to the station.
‘Our sources told us there would be an attack at Manaan. I’m glad we got here in time to save your necks, again.’ Vax smiled.
‘Vax,’ said Fane, ‘we appreciate the assistance. I owe you once again for aiding me.’
Vax waved a hand dismissively. ‘I brought some friends, given the alliance, it was an easy sway.’
‘Thank you!’ said Talyc.
Vax seemed to hesitate. Fane could see the unease in his eyes. ‘I’m glad you’re alive, Fane.’
‘Yes, yes,’ said Lady Gofaylia, walking over to stand next to Vax, ‘we’ll take over from here. We heard you had many injured onboard and few medical supplies. Now get going, this victory is the Empire’s.’
‘We’ll keep you informed if we manage to capture Awgro,’ said Vax.
They chimed out.
‘Well you heard him, hyperspace time, to the Crypt,’ said Nriwe. ‘And maybe we can heal the Sphere while we’re there.’
Shadie nodded. ‘Awgro is likely going to get away, but we can let Lady Gofaylia take this one for us. We’ll owe her, but I rather that than becoming flotsam.’
The ship lurched a final time, as starfighters still streaked laserfire at them, before the ship went into hyperspace.
Brenum entered the coordinates for the Crypt.
Knarf walked to Storimbu. ‘So are Vax’s sources…?’
‘I have Protectors everywhere,’ said Storimbu, a small smile curling on the edge of his mouth. ‘After recent events, I’m probably not welcome in Imperial Space much anymore, but Protectors are there. There are many even Shadie doesn’t know of, all awaiting my commands to know where to be next to protect the Force.’
‘Remind me never to get on your bad side,’ said Talyc.
Storimbu chuckled. ‘I’m here to protect you, aren’t I?’
* * *
Shadie let out a sigh of relief. She walked to Storimbu and sat next to him. He closed his datapad.
‘The others have secured my ship. It’s in good hands.’
‘That’s good to hear.’ Shadie smiled in sympathy. ‘Awgro really did a number on you, didn’t he?’
‘So Talyc tells me, word for word.’
Shadie let out a small laugh. ‘I’m a Kandera.’ She sobered. ‘Thanks for helping us, I’m glad Awgro didn’t kill you after all.’
‘That’s what I keep telling him,’ said Kafter.
‘He wouldn’t have gotten a word from me regarding your whereabouts,’ said Storimbu. ‘I’m sorry if my associations caused you… What I mean to say is, I still feel responsible.’
‘You’re not to blame, Storimbu,’ Shadie reassured him. ‘You couldn’t have guessed Maranna’s actions.’
‘If you were so confidant Awgro was bluffing,’ said Nriwe, crossing her arms, ‘why couldn’t Mrs. Mother-of-the-son-of-our-enemy just zip it?’
‘Are we certain he was trying to get Storm to talk?’ asked Kafter. ‘Think about it.’
‘It’s one thing for him to suspect Maranna might have the information,’ said Talyc, ‘but trying to kill you to get her to talk? You’d have to be…’ He trailed off.
Everyone looked at Storimbu.
‘But we’re not,’ Storimbu said carefully.
‘Ah, I’ve seen the way you two look at each other,’ said Drashdae.
‘I’ve merely been observing her from afar in order to protect her, and we’ve enjoyed chit-chats on occasion.’
‘More like admiring,’ said Kafter.
Shadie raised her brows at Storimbu.
‘Fine, I’ve enjoyed her company, but I’ve always reminded myself that she is our enemy,’ Storimbu admitted.
‘Seems like you’re a bit more than that to her, though,’ said Shadie.
‘When we first met,’ said Storimbu, ‘I welcomed her to our faction, wanted her to join, and our paths crossed briefly. I was taken by her then, something in her Force aura, a great passion seeking to be expressed. But she seeks to be saved, and I can see how she would view me as she once viewed Relsor.’
‘And what about you?’ Shadie asked gently. ‘How do you view her?’
‘I refuse to explore the thoughts I once explored.’ Storimbu downcast his eyes.
‘You two obviously have history,’ said Nriwe.
‘She chose her faction when she joined the True Sith instead of the Followers of Kromus,’ said Storimbu. ‘I’d be a fool to think she wouldn’t discard the Protectors in the same manner. Besides, I’m dedicated to protecting the Force.’ He took a deep breath. ‘When Kromus died the second time, many of us took initiative, but it was me to whom the others looked for guidance, and over time, I became the new leader. I…we have found our new purpose; I will not let those who still view me as their leader down.’
‘You are not just viewed as any leader,’ said Shadie. ‘Perhaps you follow my cause, but you are the leader of the Protectors of the Force. I won’t take that title away from you.’
‘Then more of a reason to uphold it!’
Shadie felt a pinch at her wound and she looked at the small gash on her hand.
‘I wish I could regenerate like Fane and Void can, this thing still stings. It’s annoying, but I’ve healed from worse wounds.’
She noticed Void staring at her, eyes wide. He rushed towards her and took her hand abruptly.
‘What’s this?’
‘Uh, it’s just a small gash. It’s already healing, that’s how minor it is.’
‘When did this happen?’ asked Void, sounding frantic.
‘While we were escaping the Reformed Sith,’ said Shadie. ‘One of them had a vibroknife. Void, what’s the matter?’
‘This is not good.’
The others gathered around them as the ship went into hyperspace.
‘You think the blade had poison?’
‘No, but now Awgro has your blood.’ Void looked as grave as he sounded.
Everyone remained silent for what seemed like a long time.
‘Void,’ said Knarf, his voice a mix of warning and apprehension, ‘did you ever teach Awgro how to perform Sith alchemy?’
‘No, but I knew where to search to find what I needed and hence so did he. Who knows what rituals he’ll use your blood for.’
‘You don’t think…he can…clone me or anything?’ asked Shadie, worried all of a sudden. She looked at her hand, feeling unsure.
Void shook his head. ‘It isn’t enough blood for it. Just, if you sense anything strange at all, you must tell us immediately.’
Shadie nodded, then looked back at the gash. Fear overcame her like a sudden wave washing over her. She must have gone pale because Knarf was by her side, holding her face in an instant.
‘It’s okay, my love, whatever happens, we’ll be protected. I won’t let any harm come to you.’
Shadie smiled, looking deep into her husband’s brown eyes. He was handsome and his voice was tender and reassuring. She placed a hand on his face and kissed him gently.
‘And we too will ensure your protection,’ said Storimbu, gently placing a hand on her arm. ‘Whatever happens.’
‘Thanks, I appreciate that.’
* * *
The submersible ship came out of hyperspace and Brenum steered it to dock at the Crypt. Fane took it all in, feeling relieved to be back to himself, or at least mostly himself.
‘Now, this is a privilege that you know the location of this place,’ said Void to Mrs. Holt. ‘Very few are allowed to have the coordinates. We do not want this leaking and it is not part of the deal with you or with Czerka Corporation. My companions are willing to trust you, while I would prefer we wiped any records of this place from your navicomputer.’
‘I’m still waiting for the rest of my beskar,’ Mrs. Holt said, dismissing Void’s unvoiced threat. ‘It wasn’t part of my deal to get myself nearly killed and be involved with Jedi and Sith.’
‘Former Sith. Jedi and Mandalorians,’ breathed Void. He narrowed his gaze. Mrs. Holt stood from her seat. Void placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her. ‘Where do you think you are going?’
‘To stretch my legs. I’m going with you to meet this Jedi Master friend of yours and to finalise the deal for the rest of my submersibles. The station has been compromised. Czerka Corporation will expect any damage and losses to be…compensated.’
Void followed close behind her.
‘He really doesn’t like that woman, does he?’ said Fane.
‘Nope!’ said Talyc. He looked down. ‘You haven’t let go of my hand since you regained your memory.’
Fane smiled. ‘I don’t want either of us to disappear or leave each other’s sight.’
‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to borrow your husband to finalise our agreement and contract,’ said Mrs. Holt, her tone apologetic.
‘Of course,’ said Talyc. ‘You may speak freely in front of Fane.’
They stepped out of the ship, descending.
‘Mommy!’ shouted Thera, hurrying towards her mother and giving her a great hug. ‘Uncle Fane! You’re back, you’re safe!’
‘That I am, for the most part.’ Fane crouched, letting go of Talyc’s hand. He noticed Mrs. Holt ushering Talyc aside. Talyc raised his brows; Fane chuckled. ‘How’s my favourite little Twi’lek?’
Thera gave Fane a kiss on his cheek. ‘I want you to meet my new friend!’
Fane looked past her to see a young Chiss boy, just a couple of years younger than Thera, red eyes gleaming and reflecting maturity for his age. Fane tensed up.
‘You are Fane,’ he said. Fane nodded. ‘Thera’s told me a lot about you. So did mama.’
‘What he means is he heard both good and bad things about you,’ said Thera.
‘Thera,’ the boy complained, ‘I don’t want him thinking I hate him.’
‘Wait, you don’t?’
The boy walked closer. ‘Mama said you killed papa because he was sick. Jedi Master Lian explained that the galaxy needs to be protected and the Force needs to exist. I know papa was making it sick. So you killed him. Now papa can be part of the Force instead of destroying it. Mama didn’t understand that.’ The boy studied Fane for a moment. ‘I listen to the Force. It speaks to me.’
‘So I’ve heard,’ said Fane. ‘I’m told I have the two of you to thank for finding me through the Force.’
Thera nodded proudly, grinning from ear to ear, teeth glistening in the light of the shimmering luminous bulbs.
‘I hope you aren’t angry at me for what I had to do to save the galaxy,’ said Fane. ‘I’m sorry it came to what it came to. I’m sorry I killed your father.’
The young Chiss nodded. ‘I need to ask you something.’ The boy hesitated. ‘Is your lightsaber really the same colour as Thera’s skin?’
Fane laughed. ‘Want to see for yourself?’ He stood and ignited his lightsaber, twirling it to show off to the children.
‘Whoa! It really is!’
‘Told you!’ said Thera.
Fane powered off his weapon, as the children ran off to join the others. He felt a soft slender hand take his.
‘Shadie,’ he said. ‘I’m glad to be back.’
‘So am I,’ she said. ‘I was worried. I trusted, but, it’s been a long time.’ Shadie patted Fane’s head gently and then walked back to the others.
Fane watched as Shadie, Knarf, Brenum and Trylia ushered the Sphere out of the ship as the hangar opened downwards. Mrs. Holt pressed a few other keys in her datapad and the hangar door stopped. They lifted the Sphere into the air and guided it along the long and wide hall into the far dark reaches of the Crypt and placed it in its resting place at the far end of the grand hall from where many corridors stretched out. There were still many unexplored areas in the place, but Fane was familiar enough to feel at home.
Then they all walked down to the main chamber. When they entered, they were met with loud voices arguing, which died down the moment they entered. All faces turned to Fane.
‘Hi?’ He hesitated. ‘What’s the entire Jedi Council doing here?’ he asked.
‘Fane,’ said Lian, approaching. ‘I know this may come as a shock to you, but–’
‘It’s okay, my memory is back.’
Lian sighed in relief, lifting his gaze, eyes widening, and he took Fane into an embrace. Fane appreciated the warm hug from his Force-bond partner.
‘That is such a relief to hear. It’ll make this so much simpler now.’ The Twi’lek smiled. ‘What about your Force abilities?’
Fane shook his head. ‘Still nothing. I feel a slight pulse where I once felt the immensity of the Force around me. The…’ he lowered his voice to a whisper, ‘Holocron has helped, I think, and,’ he spoke louder again, ‘my connection to the Crypt allows me to feel something, but I’m going to have to relearn to use the Force, retrain and find a way to…expectorate my abilities.’
‘Expectorate?’ laughed Knarf. ‘You been coughing lately?’
‘Tssss!’ Shadie grabbed her husband and led him to the side.
‘Good,’ said Lian. He turned to the Council members. ‘You heard him. As I suspected, not all is lost.’ Lian turned back to him, his face grave. ‘I have called the Council here to petition for something that should have been granted a long time ago. I have asked them to retroactively grant you the title of Jedi Master.’
Fane’s gaze widened, tears forming in his eyes momentarily. He blinked them back.
‘You believe that I am ready? That I am worthy?’ Fane asked. Lian nodded. ‘Of all people, to hear you say it, it means so much to me, Lian. Given everything we’ve lived…’
‘And everything we’ve lived is precisely why you should have been made master the moment you defeated Relsor. It’s been over two years now, it’s high time you got the recognition and trust from the Council you deserve.’
Fane looked at the Council members, but not all their faces were as merry as Lian’s.
‘I sense something is amiss?’ he said, glancing from Council member to Council member.
‘Fane, you began as a Jedi, and then you turned to the dark side and killed your master,’ said Master Herl’unik. ‘The Jedi Order takes such things very seriously.’
‘But I’ve proven myself since then, no?’
‘We’ve given you a lot of liberties,’ continued the Grand Master, ‘and we cannot allow one who broke the trust of the Order on a whim to become a master.’
‘Speak for yourself, Grand Master,’ said Quar’zun, ‘but I believe that the Saviour of the Galaxy, the Saviour of the Force, deserves more than to be continually reprimanded for a mistake he made years ago when he was still young and immature.’
‘We granted Shadie the title of Master, even if I was opposed to it,’ an elderly woman with a silky voice said. ‘Why not Fane too?’
‘Shadie turned from the dark side to find the light,’ said another member, a male Kaleesh. ‘Fane did the opposite, he found the dark side.’
‘And then he saved my life,’ said Shadie. ‘I trained him; he has saved countless lives since. He nearly died defeating Relsor, and would have, had it not been for his connection to Lian and the Crypt. Fane is deserving.’
‘Fane has always served the Force and put it as part of his main priorities,’ said Talyc.
‘We know very well what Fane’s main priority is, Clan Leader Kandera,’ another Council member said. Fane didn’t miss the insinuation.
He noticed Nriwe slipping out with the children, giving him a sympathetic smile on her way out. Renvir stopped at the doorway.
‘Papa told me the Jedi Council was weak because they fear power. Fane is powerful. He did what others could not, but the title does not matter or change what has been done or what is.’
‘The boy is right,’ said Brenum. ‘You heard it from Relsor’s son. Fane doesn’t need a title to be powerful; he doesn’t even need the Force. He is who he is today and even Awgro couldn’t take that away from him.’
‘Can we at least have a vote?’ asked Trylia, nodding in agreement.
There were many agreeing and others disapproving of the idea. The arguing escalated a little as the children and Nriwe left the room.
‘I’m with Brenum,’ said Master Quar’zun. ‘I just don’t see why we should fear such power. Power on our side is exactly what we need to win any war. The Force is a powerful ally; Fane has served the light side for years. If he has passion and has served the dark side too, it has only made him stronger, so strong he saved the entire galaxy. I do not fear the dark side nor his or its power.’
‘Love can be very powerful indeed,’ said Master Shargall, ‘but it can leave one vulnerable and hurt if one loses that love.’ She shook her head. ‘We cannot risk the disadvantages that that may one day cause, were Fane to lose Talyc. If he has not mastered his emotions, he cannot be a Jedi master.’
‘I disagree!’ said Quar’zun.
‘Fane has proven much,’ said Master Herl’unik, ‘but Master Shargall is correct to point out that he must master his emotions better before we appoint him a new title. Perhaps after some time and some trials. Fane has grown much. It is true as Quar’zun says, we should not fear his power.’
The arguing went on, with some voices escalating, others trying to calm the others.
Fane slipped out of the room and leaned against the wall. A few moments later, Shadie found him.
‘Hey! Are you all right?’ she asked.
‘I don’t know. I’m overwhelmed.’
‘What do you want? Do you want to be a Jedi Master?’
‘I want the Jedi Order to recognise me for who I am today, to stop reprimanding me and judging me based on what I did in the past. I want them to accept me and to forgive me as Lian has.’
Shadie tugged Fane’s arm. They re-entered the room. Fane cleared his throat loudly and the room fell silent.
‘Look, I don’t want what I did in the past to hang over me forever. Many of us have moved past it. Though it appears, many of you have not. If you can’t accept me or stop judging me, then I don’t want you. I serve the Force, and I would love to be a Jedi Master. But above everything else, I just want you to recognise me for who I am today, to accept me, to appreciate me. If the Jedi Order does not want me, the Protectors of the Force will have me, the Mandalorians will have me.’
Master Herl’unik gave Fane a sympathetic smile.
‘Whether I am a master here or anywhere else,’ Fane continued, conviction in his voice and feeling empowered, ‘I still am who I am, I still am the one who defeated Relsor, the one who fell to the dark side to learn the importance of the light, gaining the connection with Lian I needed in order to be able to defeat Relsor in the first place.’
Lian nodded, pride for Fane on his face.
‘Would you rather my fall had never happened, and then for me to fail in the face of total annihilation?’ Fane glared at every member of the Jedi Council who opposed him being granted the new title. ‘I don’t care what you decide anymore, but just let me know once you’ve decided because it’ll change some of my scheduled plans. Thanks!’
Fane sighed and moved to the door. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need some time on my own.’ He started out, then looked back, holding out his hand. ‘Talyc, you coming?’
Talyc bounded up and took Fane’s hand. They exited. Fane heard Shadie address the council as murmurs erupted into arguing again. The door closed behind them.
‘I thought…when you said alone…’ started Talyc.
‘I said I didn’t want to let you out of my sight,’ Fane reminded him, smiling.
They walked up and entered the large far room where there now was a garden. The luminous bulbs’ lights dimmed.
‘Lian used the Force to train the bulbs to mimic Tython’s solar cycle,’ said Talyc. ‘Look, it’s evening.’
They sat down on a patch of moss by a large rock.
‘I wish I could use the Force to slide that door shut,’ said Fane.
‘Hang on!’ Talyc took his helmet. ‘Knarf? Can you get the garden door shut?’
‘You don’t have to ask twice,’ said Knarf.
The door slid shut.
Talyc smiled at Fane and took him in his arms. ‘I missed you so much! I was so worried. I’m not going to let anything happen to you again.’
Fane laughed. ‘The luck we’ve had, fat chance at that, but as long as I have you by my side, I don’t care where I am, what I do, if I’m a master or not. I’ll let the Council argue, but, right now, all that doesn’t matter to me.’
Talyc kissed Fane’s forehead. He laced his hand in his.
‘It feels weird, you know, not having the Force,’ said Fane. ‘I’m really going to need to retrain.’
‘Fane, anything you need at all, just say the word, and I’ll do it, however I can help.’
Fane looked at Talyc’s tender face and put his hand on his face.
‘I just want to make love to you,’ he said. He had felt it earlier, but now he felt his arousal mount, and he wanted his husband now.
Talyc smiled. ‘Then allow me to ensure the energies of our love compensate for the lack of Force feeling, and I promise to provide an extra amount.’
Fane laughed, pressing his lips to Talyc’s. ‘Let’s make sure we compensate for our interrupted private celebration after our wedding.’ He bit his lip seductively. ‘And for all the time I was away.’
‘Affirmative!’
Fane’s heart leapt as his body tingled with desire.
Talyc smiled widely as he engulfed Fane into his arms, and Fane, although somewhat subdued by the lack of Force sensitivity, felt the energies of their love elate him as he made love to his husband.
“Connections in the Force” is written by Celinka Serre (2023).
Disclaimer: The Characters in this Fan-Fiction are new and have original names. The story is an original written work. The story is derivative and consistent of Fan-Fiction since it borrows the franchise world of Star Wars. Certain jargon and places, or concepts mentioned, along with the SW Old Republic universe belong to Lucasfilm Ltd. and Disney. No characters or story lines from the films are used. No story lines or characters from the games or books are used. A handful of characters from the games may be referenced, but are not the main focus in this fanfic story. This fan-fiction story falls under Fair Use.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
You might also enjoy other SWTOR fanfics, Dragon Age Fan-Fiction short stories, Mass Effect Fan-Fiction, or Stardust Destinies the High Fantasy Fiction series.
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