Star Wars: Darth Nyx (Book 1)

Ch1: A New Beginning

As I step onto the bridge, everyone tenses but I ignore them all until I'm seated in my chair. Now feeling a bit better, I motion for them all to get back to work.

Me: So, what's the status?

Before anyone can respond, a certain Mandalorian stomps over.

Shae: You couldn't call?

Me: For?

Shae: I was...

Her voice cuts off as if she's just realised what she's saying but while I don't push the issue, I do make certain she knows I'm fully aware of why she stopped speaking.

Avril: Ehem. Forgive the interruption. To answer your inquiry, we're currently a mere jump away from reentering galactic space. However, while it is still too early to be certain, it seems we were trapped for far longer than we'd thought.

Me: How so?

Avril: We've picked up transmissions from various ships, all sporting a date and time that shouldn't be remotely possible.

Me: Is the Empire still intact?

Avril: Unfortunately, there's no way to tell without reentering the galaxy.

Ignoring her, I reach out with the force to see if I can sense my comrades but apart from those in the other vessels apart of my flotilla, there are no other signs of life. The Dark Side of the force, whilst somewhat familiar, also feels different. It's almost foreign.

Me: What of the fleet?

Avril: All ships report no damage or loss of crew. 

Me: and Kailey?

Avril: There's still no news. It seems her ship didn't enter the singularity with us as we'd hoped.

Pain rips through my being upon hearing that but I just about maintain my calm, enough to issue an order.

Me: Chart a course for the nearest inhabited planet.

Avril: Understood. 

Standing, I make my way off the bridge and back to my quarters where I fall to the ground shortly after closing the door. Leaning against it for support, tears begin spilling forth as I slowly drift to sleep.

<->

I awaken to the sweet singing of Kailey's voice. My head's resting on something soft, that something proving to be her lap once I open my eyes. Looking up, I find her staring off into the distance but even through the dim light I can see the bandages where once a lightsaber pierced clean through her chest.

Kailey: Are you going to keep staring at my chest?

I close my eyes, pretending to sleep but a sharp jab in my side soon forces me up and off her lap.

Kailey: You could have slept in your bed, you know.

Me: I-

Kailey: I'm okay, really. They've already checked me and said I'll make a full recovery.

My words fail me as I try putting my thoughts into words.

Kailey: Hey...don't cry. You can't let them see their fearless, ruthless Darth crying over a simple flesh wound. 

Unable to contain myself any further, I pull her into a hug, much to her dismay. Even as she cries out that I'm doing more harm than good, I refuse to let go, just happy to hold her in my arms once more.