Revan's Heir: Age of the Empire

Chapter Six

Following a week of torture and interrogation, Qi'ra's resolve remained unchanging. For all Thrawn's efforts, she refused to reveal any substantive information regarding the Crimson Dawn. The effects of the torment were not lost to her, however. As each day passed, her body grew weaker, as Thrawn had ordered that she be given just enough food and water to keep her alive. With no progress being made, Allana had decided to take it upon herself to attempt a different approach.

Using her code cylinder to deactivate the security outside Qi'ra's cell, she entered with a tray of food and a cup of water. Qi'ra was laying in the cot, turning her head slightly toward the door.

"Are you here to torture me further?"

"No," Allana said gently. "I thought you might still be hungry."

Qi'ra watched suspiciously as she brought the tray of food and sat beside her. Allana sat it down, nudging it slightly in her direction. Qi'ra starred at it longingly for a moment before turning away in defiance.

"I don't need your pity," she mumbled.

"I don't pity you," Allana said indignantly. "Your actions brought you here."

"My actions? Is the Imperial really claiming the moral high ground?"

"You can't expect to break the law and not face repercussions."

"Torture is what you call 'repercussions'? Can you explain to me how traveling through confined space warrants torture?" Qi'ra leaned forward intently.

"The torture is because you refuse to give us the information we need," Allana countered, holding her gaze. "It could all be over if you just told us what we want to know." Qi'ra smirked, shaking her head.

"Typical Imperial arrogance. You assume that you are the only force in the galaxy worth fearing." Her face became grave, falling into a deep somberness that echoed through her voice. "You cannot begin to imagine the horrors I would face if I ever uttered a word of what I know."

"You would be safe here," Allana assured her. "You would be under our protection, and you may even receive clemency in exchange for giving us information."

"Nothing in this universe could save me from him."

"From who? Just tell me, Qi'ra."

Her eyes whetted as she bit down on her lip, shaking her head vigorously.

"I can't. He would find me. Nothing could stop him."

Before Allana could press further, the sound of the emergency alarm sounded through the hall. She looked to Qi'ra, who seemed unmoved. She did not flinch as the ear-piercing wail echoed through the metal hallways.

"That wouldn't have anything to do with you, would it?"

"I couldn't say," Qi'ra whispered.

Burning hatred and immense melancholy suddenly overwhelmed Allana. A tortured soul had embedded itself amongst those stationed on board the Chimaera. It was strong with the Force, angry, and dangerous. Allana jumped to her feet and ran outside the cell, making sure to secure the cell door closed behind her. She ran down the corridor, turning the corner toward the end of the cell block. The orange lights flickered, and she was reminded of her encounter with the simian warriors on board Qi'ra's ship.

She froze at the sight of a tall shadow in front of her. As the lights flashed, she could make out minor details. Horns jutted from his head, and his eyes were blazing yellow. He was still, his eyes piercing through her where she stood. She drew her blaster, though she knew it would be of little use against the opponent before her. The main lights overhead turned on, exposing the Zabrak in full. Intricate patterns of red and black comprised his skin, while a black hood was draped over his shoulders. His bare chest was exposed, with tattered pants and heavy boots covering his lower half.