A Living Nightmare

Chapter 11: Debrief

“The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities, some consider to be unnatural.”

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LOCATION: FORTRESS INQUISITORIOUS

The darkness enveloped me. My quarters were small, letting the dozens of holo stations reporting on the attack fill the room as I listened in.

“Fifteen thousand confirmed dead in a terror attack on Zalrio Plaza.”

“Authorities have yet to clear the wreckage.”

“An Imperial-owned traffic controller was dropped from low orbit that night.”

“Rogue Jedi Rham Kota boarded and commandeered the station with the help of his own militia—”

The reporting was surprisingly accurate, given that Agent Farrkus had spun the tale that Kota and his Kutters were responsible for the chaos on Vexcron City. Defense turrets were sliced, letting the massive structure descend in a slow yet deadly drop. Seventh Sister played her part, bringing the thrusters back online just enough to avoid a total annihilation of the city. But I knew Vader wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice Imperial lives if it suited him; it was a ruthlessness he had no reason to hide.

I dismissed the news with a wave of my hand, and the projectors flickered off. The local reports were sufficiently twisted to align with what the ISB wanted. I’d finished my own report hours ago, keeping the mention of “Fulcrum” out for now—something I felt best left to a direct conversation. Satisfied, I leaned back into the darkness, reaching out with my senses.

Even beyond the walls of my chamber, the fortress was alive. Flickers of light in the Force—each Imperial a small, radiant point in the darkness, each emotion twisting the color and strength of their aura. I lingered on fear here, resentment there, an anxiety clouding a technician who was likely nearing a promotion or worse. All fed into the dark well within me. Observation had always been my means of meditation, sharpening my senses and deepening my immersion in the Dark Side. It was different for each Inquisitor, and as I would imagine for each Jedi if they were allowed the freedom.

The metallic wrap of a knock echoed in the room, breaking my focus, but I already sensed the familiar presence on the other side.

“Enter,” I said, sitting up as the door hissed open.

The door slid aside to reveal TK-421, now a captain without a squad. He stepped forward, his movements sharp but edged with something I could taste—a familiar, simmering fear he tried to bury.

“Captain,” I greeted, allowing the word to hang between us, a reminder of our last encounter. His life had once hung by a thread, and only Vader’s command had spared him. Now, he served as my aide and pilot—a calculated positioning on Vader's part, one that allowed him to keep an eye on us both.

“Sir,” TK-421 began, his filtered voice steady, masking the tension beneath. “The Grand Inquisitor has summoned you.”

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I nodded, pushing myself off the seat and brushing past him. As we walked down the winding corridors, fellow officers and technicians paused, giving us a wide berth. A few murmured voices filtered through, discussing some door repairs and debris left from a recent "tantrum." Disagreements happened often enough between us Inquisitors, and it comes to blows on the rare occasion. TK-421 kept close behind, his footsteps echoing against the fortress’s metallic floor.

Breaking the silence, I glanced over my shoulder. “So, Captain, have you taken a swim yet?”

His hesitation was almost amusing. “No, sir,” he replied finally, looking straight ahead. “I never learned how to swim.”

“Shame. A clone would have found that embarrassing.” I smirked, and he only gave a stiff nod. His expression remained hidden under his helmet, but I sensed his faint irritation, mingling with the fear he tried to ignore. Letting that awareness wash over me, I smiled and turned my focus forward as we approached the meeting room.

The Grand Inquisitor was already waiting inside, his posture rigid as we entered. TK-421 offered a sharp salute, which the Inquisitor acknowledged with a quick nod before directing his cold yellowed eye gaze at me.

“Leave us,” he ordered. The Captain glanced at me briefly, then stepped back, taking his time to get to the door.

“I am surprised you managed to pull off such a feat, Brother,” the Grand Inquisitor remarked, his tone assessing.

I raised a hand, earning a slight lift of his brow. “The Captain will stay. He’ll be joining me on my next assignment.”

The Inquisitor’s confusion was evident, though he quickly concealed it. “I was unaware of any new assignments,” he replied, his tone hardening as realization dawned. “Lord Vader went over my head again, didn’t he?”

I offered only a thin smile, confirming his suspicions without words.

The debrief began. I recounted my arrival on Nar Shaddaa with Seventh Sister, the infiltration of Kota’s gang, my use of mind tricks to earn a foothold, the moment I was exposed, and the ensuing chaos as Kota’s forces took the station. I left nothing out, though I refrained from mentioning any second thoughts I might have had in the heat of it all.

The Grand Inquisitor’s gaze was unyielding. “And killing fellow Imperials?” he asked, as if assessing my commitment.

I gestured at TK-421. “I’ve killed his squad,” I replied with a smirk, “no different there, just a bit better at it. Even used one as a detonator.” The memory sparked a dark chuckle.

The Inquisitor leaned forward, his tone almost curious. “Your assessment of the Jedi’s skills?”

“Formidable,” I answered honestly. “Had he not been worn from the battle and properly distracted, I doubt I’d have succeeded. I kept my skills hidden, played the fool. He doubted me—and that doubt was his undoing.”

“Very good,” the Inquisitor’s thin smile was approving, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “You are learning.” His gaze sharpened. “But I sense there is something else you wish to report.”

“Does the name ‘Fulcrum’ mean anything to you?” I asked, folding my arms and shifting my weight.

He raised a brow, intrigued. “No. Why?”

I let the question hang a moment. “Kota’s men slipped up, mentioning the name during the attack. Apparently, they acquired the codes they needed from this ‘Fulcrum.’ There’s a spy somewhere in our ranks.”

The Grand Inquisitor’s eyes narrowed, then he nodded. “I will assign Seventh Sister to investigate. For now, it appears Lord Vader has other plans for you.”

I inclined my head and gestured to TK-421. “Let’s go, Captain.”

As we left, I could feel the Grand Inquisitor’s calculating gaze on my back. No doubt he would be watching closely for any sign of further deviation. But for now, I had another mission.

“Prep the ship, Captain,” I ordered as we walked away. “We’re going to Bellassa.”