Hapes…

One month ago…

If there was ever a political catastrophe that could take place on Hapes, it was now happening. The Fountain Palace was placed on high alert as sirens roared loudly and the sounds of marching guards echoed down every corridor. First Fleet was recalled to Hapes and remained in orbit at battle ready as power was now being temporarily transferred to the Prime Minister, Sierra Vallisere.

The Queen Mother was believed dead. Her chambers were riddled with blood stains yet no body was found. What added to the mystery was when her immediate family was notified of the incident, they too were no where to be found. The entire Royal Family was gone. Some of their estates showed signs of a conflict while others showed no indication at all of any wrong doing.

The Ministry of Intelligence was already investigating the matter and had sent in agents. The ministry was also the ones who urged that emergency power be given to the Prime Minister until an heir could be located or a new successor was named. That would at least keep some sense of a centralized leadership in tact after such chaos.

The Ambassador to the Commonwealth was informed of the matter so she could give what details they had to their allies. There were also assurances that their treaty would remain in tact through any regime change. It was a proactive response knowing full well that would be one of the first questions asked.

Once the Prime Minister arrived at the palace, she was immediately updated on the investigation. “I want Minister Khians to oversee every part of this investigation personally. I will require daily reports. Dismissed.” It was a rather odd order to place the Minister of Intelligence in charge of the matter, but it was of extreme importance to the central security of Hapes to learn who had a hand in this. Rival noble houses were already being questions along with allied ones. Nobody would be left out.

Present day…

After two weeks, the mystery of the Queen Mother’s disappearance, and the disappearances of her heirs, remained unsolved. Interests then shifted to naming the family that would claim the throne of Hapes. After another two weeks, only two noble houses remained. House Vallisere and House Valenta. Both families held rivalries with the other and were now engaged in heated arguments over succession.

Princess Ishara Valenta and her sister were called by their mother to Hapes. Their mother, Lady Trishelle Valenta, was given quarter inside the Fountain Palace and had asked her daughters to join her there. It was not the usual request. This had an aura of extreme importance.

Ishara entered her mother’s chambers with her sister next to her. Both young women curtsied and lowered their heads. “You summoned us, mother?”

“Yes, please…” Trishelle walked up and embraced each of her girls. “Things here have grown complicated and it is important I know where each of you are at all times.”

Ishara’s smile wiped away as she listened. “What is it, mother?”

“I have learned from several of my contacts within the Ministry of Intelligence that they believe they have discovered who is responsible for recent events.” Trishelle sat down and let out a sigh. “The problem now is how do you accuse House Vallisere for the possible murder of the Royal Family when they are about to claim our throne.” Trishelle saw the looks her girls were giving her. “It’s only been a month and already the people have lost interest in such things. They only demand a new Queen Mother and have forgotten about finding a possible murderer.”

“If they have proof, the law demands they bring it forth.”

Trishelle shook her head with a smirk. “House Vallisere has held many key positions in government. Many are with the Ministry of Intelligence itself. They are in the perfect position to protect themselves from any legal actions.”

Trishelle stood up and straightened the wrinkles from her gown. “The problem I have is I do not believe the findings. I believe they are being set up so they can be removed, much like the Royal Family was. It’s too convenient and we must be careful. The conspirators may approach us to join them to become their new puppets or… we may be their next target.”

Hypocrisy was the riposte to devote to the world of a monarch. To belie was to exert the advantage, and on Hapes, lying was as natural as breathing. No matter whom you were.

Unless you were perhaps among those sparse few who could not tell a falsehood if their very life depended on it. Tishara had tried, with heavy conviction. With such insistence, because without lies, Tishara Valenta believed she was not being prudent.

Since she could not dare tell a lie, younger sister of Ishara often said so very little, riddled in silence with shame. A victim of torturous insecurity, she lacked the confidence one absolutely needed to move up in the world.

As it just so happened, this lack of self assuredness, often times, kept her from also telling the truth. To not be able to differentiate between the truth and a lie, well, that left poor Tishara with nothing but what was left in the middle.

A place that no one person would dare delegate one’s self to belong.

*************************************

One upon a day, not a month ago, but give or take a few days in proceeding toward a month, Tishara came to a strange sight. All there, wherever there was, flowing in a row, were some very tiny threads. Dark in color, but the exact color remained but a mystery to Trishelle’s daughter. Not at all reflecting at the time, on just what had driven her to pick up, what were really, some insignificant threads, Tishara encompassed every last one. She put them in her jewelry box, and put that box inside her top dresser drawer. Not at all secretly out of the way, nor out precisely for display.

Not of the hierarchy, Tishara would presumably be overlooked, such the world around her should believe without much sway. After all, she was but just a girl. A loner, but never, ever, a sinner.

Tishara could not tell a lie, nor could she tell the truth.

.. And so it was, that a month later, that Tishara should stand beside her mother, and her sister, while her silly little insignificant threads remained in her pretty little jewelry box.

Those threads were merely only threads of a possible killer.

A possible killer, fit only for a possible Queen Mother.

“Mother…” Ishara thought to herself briefly until sharing the idea that came to mind. “I believe if we had better insight into those around us, we could learn who may be deceiving us. As in the days of the Old Republic, when something of this magnitude occurred, a request was sent to the Jedi to conduct the investigation.”

Trishelle’s eyes narrowed. “Ishara, Hapan politics have never been a place for a Jedi.”

“We are clearly not the same Hapes we once were. We need to learn who abducted or murdered our Queen Mother and her family. To allow those responsible to claim the throne would not be prudent. It could damage the relationship we have built with the Commonwealth and even go further beyond that.”

Trishelle knew her daughter was correct, but openly having a JedI conduct an independent investigation posed problems. “How do you propose we keep our Jedi’s identity hidden?”

Ishara smirked. “I can always use a new handmaiden to attend to me.”

“So you suggest a female?”

“Of course. As my handmaiden, I could send her on errands throughout the palace. This would put her in direct contact with many of those who are listed as suspects. Through her intuition, she could sense any ill intentions.”

Trishelle thought to herself for a moment as she gazed back and forth at both Ishara and Tishara. “Make the request, Ishara.”

Ishara bowed her head and headed to the door, motioning for Tishara to follow.

“One more thing, my daughter.” Trishelle rose from her seat and looked seriously at Ishara. “You will make this request on your own behalf. I will not be named in the request. I should be treated as any other suspect in the palace.”

Ishara nodded, though she was mildly confused. She ten stepped out into the hallway and closed the door behind her. Several minutes later, she was in her own chambers with Tishara and Lady Anika, her mother’s senior most handmaiden. She was also the woman who educated Ishara and Tishara since they were very young. Anika was very educated and would be the one who would draw up the formal request to the Jedi.

It took several hours before the document had been prepared. Ishara signed her name to it before she applied her family seal to the rolled up parchment. Handing it to Anika, the handmaiden left to deliver the request personally. No one aside from her could be trusted with such an important task. A task which demanded the utmost secrecy.

Anika wore common clothing as she boarded the transport that would take her off world and to the expanse of space beyond the Hapes Cluster. The journey would be long, but the importance of it would far outweigh any inconvenience.

Star Home…

In Orbit of Hapes…

It had been many years since House Darkholme had cleansed the Relephon Moons of the supposed rebellion that had sparked there. Several noble bloodlines had been cleansed of the realm including the very house that had orchestrated the events that had taken place there. The now dead Queen Mother herself had given House Darkholme special recognition for their loyalty and service, even with several being given quarter within the magnificent Star Home.

Star Home was one of the wonders of the galaxy. It was an elegant palace which gracefully glided among the stars. It’s bright and sparkling lights were a beacon to any ship visiting Hapes, being a showcase to both the power and beauty of the planet below. For generations it had been the crowning jewel of the Queen Mothers and to the Hapan people it was a proud symbol of Hapan splendor.

Lady Cecilia Darkholme had been elevated to the title of Stewardess to the Throne of Star Home where she was left in command when the Queen Mother was absent. Upon her disappearance, Lady Cecilia’s position has become mildly elevated being that she was treated much like the Queen Mother herself while there. Her daughter, Princess Tasha Darkholme, was her sole heir and would eventually inherit the position. After their victory during the Relephon Moons Campaign, the title was bestowed to House Darkholme as one which would be inherited through birthright.

Cecilia stared out from the Celestial Throne Room which was centrally located upon the highest spire of Star Home. It was a picturesque setting with the throne sitting in the center of the round room where it was surrounded entirely by glass that overlooked the expanse of stars making up the Hapes Cluster. It was designed well making the Queen Mother appear as if she not only ruled the Hapes Consortium, but the whole of the galaxy itself.

“My Lady, the banners you desired have arrived as commanded.”

Cecilia slowly looked over her shoulder at the handmaiden addressing her.

“What is your command for them?”

A smile slowly etched its way across Cecilia’s face as she turned around and glanced over the room. “I want them replaced. All of them.” Cecilia waved her hand around the room at the Royal Banners now adorning the Celestial Throne Room. “The Darkholme banners will hang proudly until a new Queen Mother is named.” Now Cecilia’s smile turned dark. “A Queen Mother from House Darkholme.”

The handmaiden curtsied. “Yes, My Lady.” Her head remained low as she slowly backed away before taking her leave and seeing to her mistress’ command.

Princess Tasha had entered shortly after the handmaiden had left. She gracefully entered the throne room and curtsied before approaching her mother. “You asked for me, mother?”

“Indeed I did, Tasha…” Cecilia took slow steps as she approached the central throne where she paused and traced her fingers along the back of the chair as if studying its features by touch. “Change is coming, dearest Tasha. Change which will affect your future role here.” After circling the throne, Cecilia finally sat down with a smug look upon her face. “I have grown weary of the squabbling going on between House Valenta and House Vallisere to the point I am nauseated when I hear their very names. Their houses both are convinced that they are the only two families left who are vying for the throne.” Cecilia glided her hands up and down the armrests of the throne before her brow raised as she glanced up at Tasha. “How can they think such when I have already taken it?”

Just after Cecilia had finished, servants entered carrying the banners. Tasha watched as they cut down those already hanging and began to replace them with those of House Darkholme. As they worked, Cecilia merely watched, amused by her own boldness.

“Mother, is this not too soon?”

Cecilia made a fist with her right hand and pounded the arm rest. “No!” Her answer echoed inside the round chamber until it slowly subsided. Cecilia then calmly continued. “Star Home is mine. It always has been, and it always shall be. There was a reason our family was given the honor of this position. It was recognition for our loyalty to the crown. Now that loyalty will once again be recognized by the people of Hapes as I make our noble claim. WE were the ones who silenced the Relephon Moons. WE were the ones who offered no clemency to the rebels. By MY command they were put to the gallows and it will be MY command that will become that of Hapes Consortium.”

Stepping down from the throne, Cecilia gently placed her hands upon Tasha’s cheeks and spoke softly to her. “You will become Crown Princess of the Hapes Consortium. You will ultimately become Queen when I am gone. Our family, our bloodline, will rule over the Hapes Consortium and bring upon a new age for our people and it shall be glorious.”

Ambition was no shortage for Cecilia. As Tasha began to smile, so too would ambition fill her daughter’s soul.

The Present.

Bonadan
Bonadan Trade hall - Executor Vinda's private office








"Lupercus?"



Vinda grunted in recognition as the name was mentioned...


"Certainly crossed my mind" the Executor said in reply with a half-smile...

Achinta nodded slowly, and then frowned as he ventured further...

"Would he really be so ruthlessly vindictive as to wipe out his entire family just to get back at you?"

Vinda took a heavy drag on his cigarra as he contemplated his Wiley bodyguard's words...

It was true there was no love lost between the two men, Vinda had somehow become a thorn in the Sith's side, more than once, and as such had become a source of much anger and focus of hatred from the dark lord.

He held a high regard for Dakkon Darksword, (whom he also considered a friend) and was worried at the man's disappearance, let alone what ramifications it might spell out for the Hapan people, and of course the Commonwealth.

But surely even Lupercus would not massacre his entire family, not when it didn't really gain him anything.

Even with the animosity he felt at them and of course Vinda.

No, it wasn't Lupercus's style, the removal of House Darksword had been too.... quick and clean, almost clinical in its efficiency, if all intelligence reports were to be believed.

Vinda had no doubt that if Lupercus had wanted to prove a point by killing his family, he would have done it in the most public and gruesome way he could have dreamt up.

Say what you liked about the Sith, but he knew how to get attention.

This was something , or someone else...

The bottom line is, the Cluster was a hotbed of competing noble houses, with the Crown the ultimate prize.

The Cluster's integration into the Commonwealth had not changed this fact one bit.

Still, the Commonwealth now had a headache on its hands, and answers were needed fast, they needed to know what had happened, and why.

Moreover where in the hell had the family disappeared too?

Were they even still alive?

The prime suspects surely had to be those who would gain most from the Darksword's removal, and so all eyes fell to the most powerful of the houses.

Contacts that had been established long ago were primed, and intelligence was gathering information, Section was in overdrive tracking down possible leads.

However, this was not made easy by the lock-down of the system, the Hapans in reaction to recent events had effectively closed down traffic in or out, without special dispensation.

Emergency procedures.

From a still reeling government.


They needed someone on Hapes, someone not bogged down by its internal politics.


Vinda's thoughts were interrupted by the chime of his desk-comms, and the familiar voice of his secretary, Zara..


"Yes? go ahead Zara"


"Mr Vinda, you have a visitor asking for a private meeting, she refuses to meet with anyone else..."

Vinda frowned slightly, he wasn't in the mood for anything distracting right now, but before he could answer, Zara followed up, and something in her voice made Vinda stop and listen..

"She has with her a document , and the seal is recognised"

"What seal?"

"Hapan Sir, Noble House Valenta"


Vinda glanced up at his right hand , and the two men exchanged a look between them, he turned back to the comms and spoke...


"Send her in"

Anika walked in slowly while carefully carrying the document her mistress had entrusted with her within her arms. She cradled it as if it were a delicate child until she had reached Vinda’s desk. Politely the woman bowed, lowering her head as she handed the parchment over. “Thank you for seeing me, Mister Vinda. I bring this to you on behalf of House Valenta. Please consider the request with the utmost importance.”

Glancing up, Anika watched as Vinda unrolled the parchment and began reading it…


Most Honored Sir,

I write to you in the most darkest of times for the Hapan people. By now I am certain you have received news that our beloved Queen Mother has disappeared and is feared dead along with the rest of her noble house. Hapes is in disarray and we have begun and era if uncertainty.

Suspects tot his most heinous of crimes are everywhere and not just those who hide in shadows. House Vallisere has been named a chief suspect in this crime yet I fear the accusation against them is false. I also believe it to be a ploy to sway attention solely upon them so the true perpetrator(s) can secure their positions.

Investigations are being conducted but I doubt their intentions. I find that, in the best interest of the Hapan people, an investigation be conducted by the Jedi as they are unbiased in our affairs and are experienced in such investigations. I also fear for the loves of my daughters and the mere presence of a Jedi could possibly calm the moods of those at court.

I have learned over the years you are a man of honor, Mister Vinda. I have valued the friendship we have built and I find myself offering to you a level of trust in this matter. Whomever you send shall be given every courtesy and comfort they deserve and will be the personal guest of House Valenta.

With Sincerest Appreciation,

Lady Trishelle Valenta


After noticing Vinda had finished, Anika leaned forward. “Please, Mister Vinda. Any help you could offer would be appreciated by the Hapan people” She paused briefly, giving Vinda time to contemplate. She then stood up straight and bowed. “What answer shall I give my mistress upon my return?”

Bonadan



The ex-corporate magnate, turned politician carefully placed the parchment upon the desk before him and seemed to take a moment before standing up himself and straightening his suit.

Before he spoke, he threw a knowing glance towards his bodyguard , Achinta, as he addressed his visitor, the girl who had introduced herself simply as Anika...

As his eyes met hers he studied them for any hint of falsehood or deception, and slowly reached out with the Force to help ascertain any hidden ulterior motives, reading Anika like a book, he found none.

Still he was somewhat amazed that such an important task had fallen to one so...

...young.

Something about that unsettled him.

But he did not break his gaze...

"Assure Lady Valenta, we are just as shocked and angered as the Hapan people at what has taken place, and will do everything in our powers to ensure the safe return of the Queen Mother and her people, and to get to the bottom of whoever is responsible for this outrage!

However, Anika, please understand that while we do have known Jedi who reside within the Commonwealth, they are independent , and as such scattered throughout the galaxy, the Jedi order as you might know it was effectively disbanded, and they do tend to be somewhat..."

He paused for a moment as if trying to find the appropriate word or phrase...

"Mysterious, about their destinations and sporadic in their movements, which makes them difficult to track down, especially if they do not wish to be"

As Anika seemed to visibly tense at these words, he spoke further, as if to reassure her...

"We do have people we can contact and we shall do all we can to do so, but you have to be prepared to face the possibility that they are currently no Jedi on Bonadan, and if that is the case then it may well be several days before we can even find or reach them, let alone however long it might take for them to get here or to Hapes.
And as you are aware , the longer we wait, the less chance we have of finding whoever is behind this...

Forgive me Anika but there are no known Jedi currently on Bonadan"

He sighed deeply, leaving this thought to hang heavily in the air...


It was Achinta who broke the heavy silence...



Vinda snapped his head round sharply to face Achinta with a glare thrown of such ferocity that Anika felt herself wince.



"Actually there is ...one" The Android stated, matter of factly.

Elsewhere...




Natalya powered up the rugged , dusty rocky pathway, without slowing her pace, pumping one foot after another, regulating her breathing, keeping her rhythm like clockwork.

Bonadan. A planet dedicated to heavy industry and commerce, was not really her first choice as a place to go jogging or sight-seeing. However, far out from any of the major cities , despite many years of extensive Vinda-Corp rehabilitation , there were still rolling desert plains, and some impressive gorges and valleys, past scars of Empire sponsored strip mining, which damn near killed the planet.

Natalya had only just recently discovered these areas and had started to take great pleasure in exploring the tough, unpopulated, mountainous terrain, finding it to provide an excellent training ground of sorts.

Ideal for getting away from the incessant noise and bustle of the city, away from any distractions.

The young Jedi had found, running in particular, helped focus and clear her head, her thoughts replaced instead by the beat of her feet upon the sandy ground underfoot.

Her pace only interrupted briefly now and then by an unexpected rocky protrusion or crevasse.

As she ran, the Force seemed to connect from the ground up to her feet, only to flow through her entire body and then back out in front of her, warning her, guiding her, and assisting her movements, Natalya gave herself to it willingly.

It was becoming easier now, and in its purest form, she found herself at peace within it.

Ever-so often, Nat would demand more of herself, push herself a little bit more, to see how far she could go.

Today was one of those days.

Up ahead, the young Jedi knew from a quick scan she had performed earlier, she was approaching a wide chasm, one far too wide for any normal person to jump across safely, fifteen to twenty metres across in fact, along with a drop of two to three hundred feet...

It was her intention to clear it today, and she had been gearing herself up to it, starting small, and working her way up. Jumping over fissures and cracks each bigger than the next, using the Force to propel her just that little bit further.

Despite only wearing just a light tee-shirt , fitted jogging pants, and trainers, Natalya was already drenched in sweat, and not just from the physical exertion , Bonadan's sun had reached its zenith, and was now at its hottest, and as Nat rounded the final bend , she began to feel the sun searing her back...

The lessons of her Jedi Master Leia began to echo within Natalya's thoughts...


Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.


Her words playing out inside her mind, like a mantra...

Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect.

As if following her rhythm, over and over...

Jedi respect all life, in any form.

As the pathway gradually opened up to the top of the plateau, Natalya lifted her head and narrowed her eyes to get a better view of the impending gorge slowly being revealed to her .

Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.

Furrowing her brow from concentration, Nat assessed the distance and dug into her reserve, her heart beating faster as her pace began to increase,

Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.

Soon enough the edge of the gaping chasm could just be seen, and as Natalya drew upon the Force to assist her running , her eyes glowed brightly , but her focus remained fixed upon the other side...

Visualizing herself leaping across, and how many strides it would take to do so, her movements became blurred as she embraced the Force and braced herself for the crucial, critical moment....

Natalya took a deep breath and felt her heart pound as she began to mentally count down the remaining three strides left...


one...


two...


The young Jedi stretched and flexed her body forward calling upon every ounce of energy she could muster and began to launch herself forward...


A sharp chime, and a sudden vibration from her wrist broke her concentration , interrupting her thoughts, and automatically without thinking Natalya took her eyes off the ravine and instead glanced down at her silver bracelet.

She cursed.

Loudly.


As she lost her footing and fell over the edge.


Her hands and feet dug into rock and sand alike as they scrambled to gain any kind of purchase against the loose layers that seemed to just crumble into dust within her hand...

In full fledged panic , Nat grasped and clawed her way down the sheer cliff face, her speed and momentum eventually knocking her sideways into a rocky outcrop, she gasped out in pain, but somehow instinctively managed to grasp onto it and hung there for a moment , winded..

Almost by accident she glanced down, and caught sight of the distant bottom of the ravine floor hundreds of feet below her , and in reaction hugged the rock for dear life. Slowly she began to climb back up, with each handful of rock sending dust and pebbles tumbling downwards.

Steadily, and messily Nat made her way back to the cliff edge, losing a hand-hold here and there, but managing to cling on with the other until she heaved herself back up and over it. She backed away from the edge instinctively and when she was sure she was safe..collapsed on her back, and lay there for a moment in the baking sun, trying to catch her breath.

Her bracelet chimed again, and for a split second Nat felt like Force-throwing it into the ravine...

Still breathless, she answered the Comms hail.

"Y..Yes..."

The familiar voice of Achinta rang through...

"Catch you at a bad time?"

She sighed wearily and rubbed her now heavily bruised and scratched leg and half laughed and half winced as she responded...

"Achinta...." She replied.. "...You have no idea"

The HRD continued non-plussed...

"Your Father needs to see you, I'm picking you up personally"

A frown spread across her brow...

"is everything all right?" She asked, concerned...

"that remains to be seen, but time is limited and I shall fill you in en-route..."

Puzzled, Natalya's reply was instant...

"en-route to where?"

"Hapes" He answered ominously, and with that, the connection was cut.

She mouthed his reply to herself , as if trying to make more sense if it.

Now even more confused, Natalya gingerly got to her feet and dusted herself down, grimacing slightly as the various aches and pains from her failed attempt started to make themselves noticed.

She glowered back at the ravine...

...and muttered herself a silent promise.


Next time...

Along the Lorell Trade Route…

Three Hapan Battle Dragons slowly edged there way through the Lorelli Reach with one slightly ahead of the other two. Housed hunters, one could assume, since the Hapes Cluster was now on the edge of a cliff, ready to fall into a dark chasm of turmoil with noble houses battling each other for supremacy. Even now much of the Hapan Royal Fleet was at the verge of splitting up. Fortunately Lady Trishelle Valenta had managed to keep the leading fleet admirals to maintain the integrity of the military.

So much was happening in such a small span of time. House Darkholme had entered the race for power and seemed to have a commanding lead. Star Home had a small military detachment of its own which was now under the direct command of Lady Cecilia Darkholme and her daughter, Princess Tasha Darkholme. It was Tasha who was now in command of the three Battle Dragons edging their way slowly through the cluster.

Each of the three ships were running intensive scans of the Lorelli Reach. House Darkholme had received an intelligence report that House Valenta had sought out help outside of the cluster. Taking power would have been far easier had matter not left outside Hapan borders.

“Transmission coming in, Princess.”

Tasha waved her hand as she sat in the command chair of the HRS Defiant. “Put it through, Commander.”

In front of Tasha, the blue image of her mother’s holographic image appeared, making Tasha rise from her seat only to kneel before her. “My daughter, I require a report of your patrols.”

Tasha glanced up. “We continue to intercept any vessel traveling along the Lorell Trade Route. We have questioned those on board each ship and inspected their cargo. We have found nothing so far, but I promise you, we will. If any representative or delegation enters Hapan space I will personally bring them to you, mother.”

Cecilia remained silent, staring off into the distance. “I am dispatching two more Battle Dragons to you. We now know Lady Trishelle Valenta sent a dispatch to Seth Vinda. I want whomever he is sending brought to me so they can see I am now the rightful ruler of the Hapes Consortium. Then, we can have them help us eliminate House Valisere and House Valenta after I promise them it will stabilize our region.”

“I will, mother. I swear it.”

Cecilia finally looked down at her daughter. “I have no doubt that you will, Tasha.” Cecilia’s image began to flash and disappeared.

Tasha stood up and motioned to her command crew. “Send word we will be receiving two more ships. I want us all spread out so nothing gets past us.”

Back at Star Home, Cecilia was growing impatient as she looked out at the planet Hapes through her main view port in the throne room. Several of her advisors were near her and were visibly nervous. “Vinda will not let us manage our own internal matters for long. We are too valuable to his government and protecting us in the past has cost them. We need to move more quickly.”

Cecilia’s eyes narrowed as she spun around. “Time is up for our rival houses. I want Lady Trishelle Valenta taken into custody for being a suspect in the death of the Queen Mother. Her daughters will be placed under house arrest and confined to the palace.” Everyone in the room grew anxious and worried over Cecilia’s blatant takeover. “I also want those among House Vallisere arrested. They are the chief suspects in the assassination and it is my belief they worked with House Valenta to have the Royal Family eliminated completely.”

Glancing around, Ceclia stomped her foot. “DO IT NOW! MOVE!” All her advisors began to shuffle and rush from the throne room. Cecilia turned back around to look back down at Hapes. “Time is up, Trishelle… time is up.”

Hapes…

The Fountain Palace…

Trishelle had Ishara’s arm as she pulled her through the palace and into the lower levels. “Move, Ishara! There is no time to protest!” Ishara was still offering a struggle, but reluctantly going along with her mother. The sound of troops landing on the palace grounds began to shake the ground. “Cecilia’s coup has begun. I need to get you off Hapes immediately and get you to safety.” Trishelle brought Ishara to where a small pod was sitting and proceeded to push her inside the cockpit.

“What about Tishara?”

“Your sister will be safe. This pod will launch you to the opposite side of Hapes. There will be a bag waiting for you. Change your clothes and follow the instructions, Ishara. Get as far away from Hapes as you can and get out of the cluster. From there, get to Bonadan and hopefully you’ll get some help.”

“Mother, I…”

Trishelle silenced her daughter. “Ishara, you will uncover the truth. When you do, things will be set right. Now go…” Trishelle kissed her daughter on the forehead before she closed the glass dome over her. The launch sequence started and the pod shot into a small tunnel and out of view. “May the Goddees be with you, my daughter.”

Trishelle sealed off the secret entrance to the evacuation pod and returned to the upper levels of the palace. As she walked down the main hallway of the palace, she saw Tishara walking towards her rather quickly. It was then a barrage of guards barged in, grabbing Trishelle. “You are being taken in to custody by order of Lady Cecilia Darkholme.”

“I will go calmly, Captain.”

Tishara was struggling as to guards took her by the arms. “You are confined to quarters.”

“Tishara!” Trishelle got her daughter’s attention. “Do as they say. Everything will be okay.” She offered her a smile just as the captain received a report that Ishara had not been located. “Where is Princess Ishara?”

Trishelle smiled as an amused and sarcastic smile crept across her face. “On holiday.”

Elsewhere…

Ishara was pressed back in her seat as the pod shot through the tunnel at break neck speeds. Behind her was a series of small explosions, sealing the tunnel incase she were to be pursued.

The pod began to brake and came to a sudden stop inside a small room that was dimply illuminated. There, sitting on the stone floor, was the luggage bag. Ishara stumbled as she got out of the pod, still dizzy from traveling at such high speeds. She knelt down beside the began before she opened it. Inside was a set of black clothes consisting of a tank top and leather pants with boots to match. There was also a black leather jacket. On top of the folded clothes sat a small holographic projector.

Setting the projector aside, Ishara activated it as she removed her gown to change into the clothing in the bag. The image if her mother came into view.

“By now, Ishara, you are far away from the palace. Inside this bag you will find clothes which I need you change into. There will be a pouch containing forged credentials that will get you safely off Hapes. Up the stairs is a small hangar where a ship is waiting for you. It is a small Gotric 720 Freighter which is fully equipped for you. It is a fast ship that will get you safely our of the Hapes Cluster.”

Ishara stood up as she now glanced at a metal box inside the bag. When she opened it, she saw a belt with a blaster pistol in its holster. She began to put it on as the recording continued.

“There are weapons for you. A blaster pistol and several small explosives. Use them only if you need them, Ishara. Protect yourself.

The ship is already programmed with a secret route to get you through the Transitory Mists. If you are followed, and you probably will be, the ship can release charges that will affect the mist so the corridor you are in will collapse. Only use them if you must, Ishara. This corridor is your way back in as I know Cecilia is watching every trade route entering the Hapes Cluster.”

Ishara stood up, placing the pouch containing her forged identity inside her leather jacket.

“Be careful, Ishara. Get to Bonadan.”

The image of her mother disappeared bringing an uneasy silence to the small pod bay. Ishara gave one last glance behind her at the empty pod before she ran up the stairs and into the small hangar. There, sitting quietly, was the black freighter her mother said would be there. Ishara quickly walked up the ramp and started up the engines. Above her, massive hangar doors opened to reveal the bright sky of Hapes above.

As the engines lit up, the freighter lifted off and shot up into the Hapan sky.