Star Wars: Darth Nyx (Book 1)

Ch6: Mother - Daughter

We've all gathered before the Imperial Citadel as the last transports land, deploying the final remnants of my army. A strong perimeter has already been established around the entirety of Kaas City as work begins on restoring the city's defence network but the outlook for such being a success is grim at best. From a mere glance, it is easy to tell that the city has been in this state of disrepair for centuries. It'd be nothing short of a miracle if any of these platforms still work, never mind any other asset.

Despite this, there is much cause for celebration. We've not only begun the process of reclaiming our homeland but we've also found Darth Hadra.

Hadra: I suppose everyone's already discovered that we're years into the future?

Me: It's not that bad. It gives us a chance to start afresh. 

Hadra: Will you be able to move on without her?

Me: Hmmm?

Hadra: Kailey-

The word strikes me like a knife through the heart and yet even as my feet wobble, I force myself to keep the smile plastered on my face. 

Me: I-I must.

She doesn't respond, though a look of pity flashes across her eyes before being replaced with something much warmer. 

Hadra: Come here.

Unable to resist, I throw myself into her arms. We're off to the side so no one will see us unless looking for us. I let it all out, crying myself to sleep.

Some time has passed when I finally wake, finding my head resting in Hadra's lap as she gently strokes my hair. Laughing to myself, I comment on how weird our relationship is given the context of our Empire and she wholeheartedly agrees. We're still laughing with each other when Avril clears her throat and salutes us both.

Hadra: Admiral...

Avril: Forgive the-

Hadra: Please, forego the formalities. We're alone and you've been caring for my daughter for quite some time now. The least you can do is pretend to be our family's friend.

Avril seems taken aback by her words which only causes me to laugh even harder. Still, she does relax a little before addressing us again.

Avril: I am pleased to announce that our forces have cleared the last of the sewers beneath the city. Initial scans show no unsanctioned signs of life. Additionally, the Citadel has been prepared for your use.

Hadra: The Citadel...I suppose you'll be taking the Emperor's throne now, hmm?

She pokes me in my side causing me to jump out of her lap but when I turn to face her, I find her curtsying with a smirk across her face.

Hadra: My Empress.

I playfully swat at her but she uses the force to stop my hand before moving out of the way.

Hadra: It's fitting. Empress Nyx. I can be the Empress' mother...Avril you can-

Me: Empress of a single-star system?

Hadra: Well it goes without saying that we'd expand our borders. Take back Korriban as well before-

Me: You haven't even fully recovered and you're already thinking of war.

Hadra: I am Sith.

Me: I thought you said you were the Empress' mother?

Hadra: Can't I be both?

Avril: Shall I send some parties out to gather intel once we've finished settling?

Hadra: Yes!

Me: No!

We both look at each other before I relent with a sigh.

Me: Fine but that smuggler. Have him go too.

Avril: Are you certain, sir?

I glare her way and she hastily salutes before excusing herself. Watching her leave in a hurry, Hadra laughs again stating that this brings back memories but instead of paying her words any mind, I return my head to its resting place on her lap.

We remain in silence for some time before I turn to look up at her only to find her already looking down at me.

Me: Are you serious about me becoming Empress?

Hadra: Of course. I don't want the position. I think it's about time I sit back and relax, don't you?

Me: But why me?

Hadra: Who else?

Me: An empire already exists...

Hadra: Do you want to follow someone else's orders?

...

...

Me: No...

Hadra: Then, my little Empress is what you'll become.

Me: Your little Empress?

Hadra: Empress or no, you'll always be my baby girl.

I laugh at her cheesiness, even as she teases me by tugging at my cheeks like I'm a child.

Me: I missed this.

Hadra: As did I. When I came to and found that you were all gone, it broke me. I came to Dromund Kaas hoping to find even the slightest bit of evidence to suggest that you were here and I wasn't all alone but-

She cuts off and as depression creeps across her features, I sit up and pull her into a hug.

Me: Shhh...I'm here now. We're together, always.

She laughs, even as her hands pull me closer.

Hadra: Decimus would roll in his grave if he saw us like this.

Unable to hold in my own laughter, I join her in laughing our worries away. No matter what, I know she'll always be there for me and I, her. What we have...I won't let anyone take it from us. Never.