The shuttle touched down in the field, a billow of steam rising from the landing struts as it settled into the dew drenched grass. Pale pink hues painted the early morning sky and those on the ground that had awaited the shuttles arrival bustled about anxiously. A few minutes more passed before the boarding ramp lowered and the passengers disembarked.

A regal procession of Hapan soldiers were the first to exit the ship and an older woman stepped from the gathered crowd to approach the transport. Those present seemed to hold their collective breath as the veiled woman glided down the ramp.

The elder woman bowed deeply. “ On behalf of the Senate and the people I welcome you back to Ut, Most Revered Ereneda.”

Vessana smirked unseen behind the veil. “ Your hospitality warms my heart, Madame Ginalo. I recall there was a time I was not so welcomed.”

Madame Ginalo flinched noticeably and bowed even lower. “ Forgive my past arrogance, Reve-”

She held up a manicured hand, silencing the woman. “ Those were different time, Madame. Now is not the time to look to the past, but onward to the future of the Consortium and of Ut. Do you not agree?”

“ Of course, Highness.”

“ Good.” She brushed passed the woman, trying not to take too much satisfaction from the look on her face when Madame Ginalo hurried to catch up to her. Vessana looked to the large mansion that they approached, a fluttering in her stomach starting at the sight of it.

“ Tell me Madame, when was the last time you left Ut?” Vessana asked as they stepped through a pair of veranda doors and into an immense entrance way. The procession of handmaidens and soldiers followed them inside, the last of the soldiers closing the doors behind him.

Madame Ginalo hesitated, not understanding the purpose of the question from one who already knew the answer. “ I have never left, Highness.”

Sorsha came to stand beside Vessana, helping her to remove the veil from her face and the crown from her head, as the soldiers moved about to position themselves throughout the mansion. Vessana allowed the Madame to see the pleased look on her face before she spoke. “ There’s an entire galaxy out there, Cousin, you should see it some time.”

Her gown furled out as Vessana spun on her heals and started toward an elaborate stairway. “ I assume my room has been prepared as requested?”

Once again Madame Ginalo was scrambling to keep up with the Queen and her entourage. “ Yes, Highness. Though why you would not wish to stay at the Consulate-”

Vessana stopped and glowered at her elder cousin. “You dare question me?”

Looking as though she was about to have a stroke, Ginalo bowed as low as she could on the stairs. “ Forgive me, Erenada!”

Sorsha shook her head with a smile as Vessana laughed. “ Relax, Lurida, I’m only teasing.” They continues climbing the stairs. “I wish to stay here because this is - at least it was - home.”

The black hooded robe and veil kept all but her chocolate brown eyes hidden to those that saw her. With silent steps she moved across the foyer to stand next to the elder woman. <font color=red>" Why do you let her treat you as such, Mother?"</font> She spoke softly, startling Lurida Ginalo.

Lurida took her by the arm, forcibly guiding her away from the stairs before the Queen saw her. <font color=red>" Tevarii! What are you doing here?"</font> She hissed once they had stepped into a side room. <font color=red>" What if she finds out you're here?" </font>

Tevarri chuckled sadistically and removed the veil from her pale face. The once smooth and flawless skin was now puckered and was covered with dark veins. <font color=red>" The Queen will know of our presence soon enough, but not a moment before we are ready. We have hidden ourselves from her and others like her."</font> She faced her mother, the elder woman shuddering and turned away. <font color=red>" Do you have what we need?"</font>

Lurida reached into the folds of her own robe and gave Tevarri a small package. <font color=red>" The Queen will be adressing the senate tomorrow, in the afternoon. That will get you into the building, but it will be up to you to gain access to the Senate Chambers."</font> She seemed to hesitate. <font color=red>" I'm still not sure about this."</font>

<font color=red>" You hate her as much as we do, Mother. Your cousin should not be on the throne, and we will see to rectifying that."

" But what if Dakkon-" </font>

Tevarri glowered at Lurida, silencing her. <font color=red>" Do not concern yourself with such inconcequental details! If that fool of a husband of her's shows up, we will be ready for it. In fact, we hope he does. Kill two birds with one stone as they say.

" Do not fret, Mother dearest, by nightfall tomorrow the Cluster will never be the same again." </font>

After a few moments, Akinyelle Daala, Royal Secretary of State, and Admiral of the Royal Navy of Hapes, entered the mansion followed closely by a small entourage of Royal Guards, flanking both sides of her. She wore her usual attire, a formal dark purple dress, and a dark purple cloak, the heavy hood draped over her head.

Keeping her head tilted toward the ground, she continued to walk, a strange feeling creeping over her body the further she got into the mansion. She'd had an uneasy feeling since they arrived on the planet, but up until now, she had dismissed it as being nervous. Afterall, this was her first mission with the Queen Mother, a woman she had yet to officially meet.

As Akinyelle approached the stairs, her heart began to pound, harder than it had at any other point on her life. She raised her freshly manicured hand to it, gently rubbing it as she proceeded up the stairs, looking around a bit as she did. She saw a woman in the corner, talking to someone with there back turned to the Staircase, but that didn't seem to be much of a threat..... or was it?

Spotting the Queen at the top of the staircase, Akinyelle picked up the pace a bit, afterall, if anyone had plotted an assassination attempt, here would surely be the place.

"Your Majesty." Akinyelle said as she approcached the Queen's entourage from behind. Offering a deep, graceful bow, she continued. "If you would be so kind as to let me lead you to your quarters, I would feel much better, knowing that your security is ensured."

<!--EZCODE UNDERLINE START-->Ut, 2 days before the arrival of the Queen Mother.<!--EZCODE UNDERLINE END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> On almost all of the planets in the galaxy, Royal processions were always noted, them being so rare. But on planets of the Cluster they were more often than not ignored. With such a large number of Royals and nobles coming and going with all the pomp and circumstance of Conquering Emperors and Heroes, the commoners had long since learnt to ignore the processions.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> And just as well...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> This procession was slightly different, though none would have noticed. 30 Black clad men strode in two files along the centre of the road, their long black robes dragging slightly along the ground. In the middle of the file were 4 massive men, barechested with heinous tattoos and scarring covering their bodies. Upon their shoulders sat a black sedan chair, its carrier hidden by thin black drapes, the only sign someone was in there was that a chain came forth from the side, it being attached to a semi crazed man, which occassionally pulled and jingled as the man acted too out of place.

Inside the sedan sat Lupercus Darksword, longtime enemy of Hapes, and killer of thousands of Hapes Citizens. The other men in the procession, slaves excluded, were all Sith, other renegade Hapans just like him and all were masking any traces of the Darkside eminating from the vulgar parade. But there was another Darkside area of activity on Ut, and that was what intrigued him so much about it.

Suddenly, the procession turned down a street and was gone...<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE UNDERLINE START-->Ut, present day.<!--EZCODE UNDERLINE END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> He had been watching her for the entire time she was here, knowing her intent. And now he saw her talking to her mother, planning revenge. But Lupercus was never one to miss out on the action. Slipping silently out of the alcove he was hiding in, he landed close behind Tevarrii. His head moved close to her neck, making obvious sniffing noises.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"I smell Hatred. I smell Revenge. Its like a drug isn't it..."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> His hands slipped onto her hips and he pushed himself into her.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"I just <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> love<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> its taste."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> His tongue snaked out, slipping slowly along her neck, tasting her anger, her hatred. His head drifted back again, savouring the taste.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Tevarrii, you look better than ever..."

Ren watched from the Grandiose cockpit of the shuttle as the Queen Mother disappeared into the Halls of the mansion, tipping his forehead with a little salute as she and her entourage waltzed inside.

<font color=lime>"Good luck, your Higness." ?<font color=white>He chuckled to himself ,<font color=lime>"You're gonna need it."<font color=white>

He walked slowly back to the engineering section towards the rear of the craft. Buzzing open a small door to the crew quarters. The table in the centre of the room was decorated with all of Ren's equipment. His Lightsaber, his blaster rifle, a few photon grenades and a couple of other handy little gadgets. Most would have thought him slightly insane to equip himself so thouroghly o such a routine mission. After all, the Queen was simply returning home.

Ren knew he wouldnt have been assigned to this mission if there wasn't going to be some form of combat involved.For goodness sake, the presence of the Queen's royal guards, coupled with his own presence just seemed like overkill.


The shuttle landing ramp glided open, white jets of coolant spraying in all directions giving seeming to give Ren's white cloak a life of its own as it spiralled in the breeze. His robes covered his head, drooping over most of his face concealing his Identity.

Ren proceeded up the pathway leading to the mansion only to do a 180 turn at the end of the walkway and run off into the trees. The surrounding forest gave Ren some cover. He didnt care much to be at the heart of things, instead opting to watch from afar, observing, planning, then making his move.

<font color=lime>"He was always slow to speak . . . but much quicker to listen."<font color=white> He thought to himself, setting up his surveillence equipment.

Ren huddled up in the niche of a tree, sitting, waiting for something to happen.

" Things haven't changed much, have they Sorsha?" Vessana chuckled as they reached the top of the stairs. " Eleven years and I can still remember where exactly everything is. "

"Your Majesty." Vessana turned to the Mirialan woman that approcached group from behind. "If you would be so kind as to let me lead you to your quarters, I would feel much better, knowing that your security is ensured."

" I am very please that you were able to join us Admiral Daala," she spoke as she brushed a strand of golden hair behind her ear. " But this is my family, and no matter how much we dislike eachother I trust them. Relax,and enjoy your time here."

Sorsha stayed behind as Vessana and the rest of the group continued down the corridor. She stood next to Akinyelle, smiling reassuringly at the woman. " Her Majesty is a little short sighted when it comes to family. But I have never liked Madame Ginalo and do not trust her as far as I could throw her. She has despised the Queen long before she ever took the throne.

" I was the one that convinced the Crowned Prince that you and the others would be needed here. There are many within the Cluster that would rather see the Queen in the ground than on the throne."

Sorsha looked back down the stairs and to the figures that stood in a darkened alcove. " If the Queen will no keep her eyes open to her family's true nature, it would be best if we did. There are other concerns now beside the Queen Mother alone." With one last smile she started after Vessana.

Tevarii sneered at the touch of the man behind her, scowling at him over her shoulder. <font color=red>" We are not amused, Pretender. You were told to stay where you were while we got what was needed."</font>

Her scowl changed to a look of satisfactoin when she noticed the surprised look on her Mother's face. <font color=red>" I-- yo-- Your Highness!"</font> Lurida frantically bowed, the shock at seeing the Crowned Prince fondling her daughter almost too much.

Both Lupercus and Tevarii chuckled. <font color=red>"Oh stop prostrating yourself woman!" </font> Her hand reached up behind her, caressing Lupercus' face with her fingers. <font color=red>" You see, Mother, we are prepared for anything. Our new ally will assist us in getting closer to the Queen than we could have imagined." </font> She stepped away from the Sith. <font color=red>" Leave us, Pretender, but do not go far."</font> Tevarii's hungry eyes lingered on Lupercus as he slithered back into the shadows.

Dark, hatefilled eyes followed the procession that moved out of site at the top of the stairs. <font color=red> " Your reluctance to carry out our plan is noted, Mother. And we warn you now, if you betray us you will feel pains that you could not imagine. What we have planned for her Royal Highness will seem like a warm hug compared to what we will do to you."</font>

All color drained from Madame Ginalo's face as she watched her daughter vanish into the same shadows that the Prince had. How could this be the same little girl she had given birth to? Her innocent daughter was gone, replaced by a creature of evil she did not recognize anymore. For a moment, she felt sorry for Vessana and what was to come.

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> As he disappeared into the shadows once again, an evil grin crossed his face. Climbing out of the building, he melded quickly into the crowd.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> How strange, they still believe me royalty...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Within minutes he was on the rooftops, leaping from building to building, closing in on his troop of Sith, now relaxing in the warehouse they had seized, the bodies of the former owners adding a nice flavour to the places walls and floors.

As he landed on the building, he smiled at the blood-splattered skylight, the glass propped open by the severed head of the warehouses former master.

Dropping through to the ground, his entrance was hailed by the wet slap of the head bouncing off the floor. Barely anyone looked up.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Lupercus, welcome back..."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Lupercus turned, his eyes drifting to the source of the noise.

Darth Talus.

The hologram was obviously displayed from aboard the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> carrion<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, Talus' flagship. Another wicked smile crossed his face as he prepared to relay his news...<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Argh, what a day!<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The Crown Prince collapsed into his bed in the quarters that had been assigned to his wife. She didn't know he was here, nor did most of the other staff on Hapes. He had made sure none of her entourage knew either.

And there he waited for he, sleeping fitfully, something in the back of his head buzzing a warning, one he had no care to remember. He had heard to many warnings recently.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The Rogue Empire, the Justralian Empire, The New Order, Galactic Defence Initiative, The Divine Order, Mon Calamari Republic, New Republic, The Tholatin Republic. Jedi, Sith, Rogue, Shadow.

Why is this happening...<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Slowly his daze fell into sleep, and his cares passed away...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Crystal blue eyes softened when she entered the room that had been prepared for her, a light entering them at the sight of the man asleep on the immense bed. She motioned for the entourage to be silent and Vessana moved to stand beside the bed.

His face was twisted in a worried grimace as he dreamt and he tossed fitfully. She could not know what he was dreaming, but she could feel his anxiety and distress. She bent low over him, kissing him gently on the forehead as she reached out to him with the force.

She sent him pleasant images, memories, a soft lullabye, her love. The nightmares that tormented him faded. Vessanna could feel the worry fade away and his face relaxed as he settled into a peaceful sleep.

" I did not know the Crowned Prince was joining us Highness," Sorsha spoke in a low whisper when she entered the room and stood behind the Queen. " Had I know-"

" Do not fret, Sorsha," Vessana smiled and started for the opened door that led to the sitting room. " And no need to whisper. Dakkon will sleep the rest of the day away."

" He must have been exhausted."

" Yes, and no." A mischievious look entered Vess' eyes. " Dakkon would not sleep were he able to go without. As it is he does not rest as often as he should and wears himself out. He would waste away were I not able to use our bond to entice him to sleep."

The two women stopped in the middle of the room, the rest of the ladies in waiting spreading about their various tasks to prepare for the following day. Vessana shouldered off the ornate robe she wore over her gown, Sorsha taking it from her. " What now, Highness?"

" Now we get to work."



The day rapidly turned into dusk, the hours passing as though they were minutes. The Senate Address had been written and rewritten, then rewritten again. Security from the Ginalo homestead to the Consulate had been taken care of, as had been the security percautions at the Consulate and in the Senate chambers. Already, dozens of holo-cam droids had been set up, ready to broadcast the Address all across Ut as well as the Cluster.

As the sun crept beneath the horizon, a servant was helping the Queen out of her dressing robe and into a steaming bath. Various flower petals littered the surface of the water, their fragrances filling the room. Dozens of candles were places about the bath, theirs the only light. Sorsha entered, carrying a tray of different soaps and oils. She set the tray on the edge of the large tub just as Vessana slipped into the water.

" Dakkon still sleeps?"

" Yes highness," Sorsha lifted a sponge from the tray, only to have Vessana place her hand over hers to stop her.

" You do not need to do that, Sorsha. I would like some time to myself now please."

" Of course," the Aide bowed to the queen, as did the other women in the room, and all exitted.

Finally alone, Vessana removed the pin holding her hair up and let the sun-gold locks cascade over the back of the tub. Time seemed to slow, the soft breeze entering the open window a sharp contrast to the warmth of the water. Outside the sound of falling rain could be heard and with a sigh she closed her eyes and began to relax.

How much time passed, she did not know, but she opened her eyes again when she heard the door open. She smiled in delight as Dakkon entered, striding toward her. " Did you sleep well, Love?"

He did not answer. A dark look filled his face and when he came to stand next to the bathtub he backhanded his fist across her face!

Momentarily stunned she could not fight - or understand - as his hands wrapped around her throat and pushed her beneath the water's surface. Her fingernails dug into the flesh of his wrists, frantically trying to pry his hands from her throat. The water that enveloped her changed to a bright crimson and the darkness that was edging into the corner of her vision was threatening to overwhelm her. Unable to breath or to free herself, she grabbed onto the ledge of the bathtub and tried to pull herself upward against his hold...

The clattering of the tray of soaps and oils brought her out of the dream, her knuckles white as the gripped the ledge of the bathtub. Gasping for breath and shaking like a leaf, she noticed one bottle of oil had fallen into the water turning it a bright red.

Her cheek stung and she reached up with a trembling hand. Her fingers brushed against her lips, the tips coming away with blood...

But it had only been a dream...