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Xaash: Get up... Xaash-tâ
" My friends ! Faithful servants of the Empire ! get together !... »
As the rain ceased over peaceful Kaas City, and the roar of thunder faded in the distance, the crowd turned back towards the citadel, and approached the center, not far from the giant abstract statue levitating in its light. There were a lot of people that day. Men, women, children, and aliens of all kinds marched toward the taxi stand, where a towering figure raised its arms toward the dark sky.
" Come closer, children of the Empire ! uttered the great Sith lord. Behind him, a small squad of Imperial soldiers waited in line, hands behind their backs. At his feet, the crowd gathered to hear his words.
" Empire ! I have the honor to announce to you... that the systems of Duro, Nubia, Stokhli, Ghent, Truuine, Barison... as well as Corellia... are now under your protection ! »
The whole city cheered the sith, a few hisses of support were heard here and there, even from the balconies of the neighboring buildings the applause was heard.
In the crowd at the feet of the great figure of the Empire, Xaash, 19, leaned against a lamp post, arms crossed, and admired the man in question. It was the first time she had seen a black council member so close.
" It is your responsibility... to rule these lands... and raise its children to the glory of your Emperor. May their people and their culture bend to your will... or suffer the consequences of their revolts... »
Xaash loved this man. She never knew enough about the Dark Council, although she had read everything she could find in the archives. Knowing how these mighty men pulled the strings of her civilization, made the decisions, and ordered the planetary invasions was a long-itching need for her. She scrutinized everything about the man. His gestures, his breathing, the slightest fluctuations in his voice. He was calm, and no doubt, proud.
" Our culture and history have taught us that the galaxy is vast, merciless, but accessible. Through patience, we take what is our due, and we give back what the Emperor has to give... On every planet, conflict is close at hand, and on every side, the dagger is not far from the back... But, Empire... learns today... that nothing [...] »
As the dark lord continued his speech and inspired thousands, Xaash's hearing clouded. The Imperial monologue continued, but was blurry, muted... The young Sith untied it from the cold pillar and looked around. She knew something was wrong. On his left, a man, a little too patriotic perhaps, howled his happiness and waved his fist in the air. ; behind her, a woman carried her 3-year-old son on her shoulders, and the husband applauded, looking at him proudly ; nearby, a devaronian was coughing ; next to it a mirialan and a twi'lek held hands listening... Xaash looked everywhere but didn't understand. Her senses were on alert, the Force was warning her, and she couldn't ignore it.
" Let's seize the day, people of Kaas City... »
She looked a little further but the crowd was like a wave of fan arms supporting the sith.
" ...and together, under the will of our Emperor... »
His face turned towards the entrance to the city, where latecomers were running to listen to the monologue.
" ...let's make this galaxy... »
On a staircase in the center-east of the square, a man aimed his laser sniper at the speaker.
" ...a m... »
BZIJJEWWWW !!
In a flash, Xaash leapt above the crowd, drew one of his lightsabers, deflected the plasma blast, and landed in the picket behind the Sith Lord.
The panic was brief but instantaneous. At the sound of gunfire, Empire soldiers surrounded the Council member, aimed their rifles at the intruder, and in the distance, one of them shot the gunman in the leg, who collapsed down the stairs. and was quickly brought under control. When the little sith raised her face, one of the soldiers was aiming for her forehead as others descended to control the crowd, and two of them helped the tall black sith to his feet.
" Lord Jadus, you have nothing ? »
The man looked at the soldier, then his metal mask turned to the child on the ground. He waved his hand through and stood in front of Xaash.
" What is your name, my child ? »
The little sith sat up slightly and bowed one knee forward, putting her hood back on.
" Xaash my lord... »
Jadus was silent for a moment, watching the child at his feet, then the assassin, dragged behind him towards the citadel. He waited a while, then offered his hand to his savior. Xaash took her with big round eyes, and got up at her side. The great Dark forced himself out of the Imperial circle of protection, and quieted the crowd with one hand.
" People of Dromund Kaas... do not panic at the mediocre attempts of the few rebels who oppose the Empire. Our reign is eternal ! Long live the Emperor, and long live... my saviour... arise... He turned to her and said proudly, " ...Xaash-tâ ! »
