House of Jade: Lou #1

The evening breeze whispered through the scorched homestead, she'd come to trade for food as she always had but now the air was carrying with it the remnants of a violent fire that had recently erupted. Smoke mingled with the scent of scorched metal and smoldering crates, creating an eerie atmosphere of destruction and chaos. Amongst the wreckage, Lou, her face etched with age and wisdom, stood silently, her heart heavy with the weight of memories.

The scene shifted, transporting Lou to a time long ago. She was younger, vibrant, and known by another name—Agent Lyra Stormrider, a field intelligence agent, and a damn good one. Sweat trickled down her brow as she cautiously navigated the dimly lit corridors of a dock warehouse...on some remote planet. Her senses were heightened, alert to the danger lurking around every corner.

A glimmer of movement caught her attention, and she instinctively pressed herself against the cold metal wall, blending into the shadows. From the darkness emerged Rogue, a figure cloaked in malice and shadows. His reputation as an assassin preceded him, his loyalty now belonging to the Hutts. Lou's heart quickened as she recognized the face of the man she had crossed paths with years before...one that she had admired.

The stale air of the dimly lit dock warehouse seemed to hold its breath as she locked eyes with Rogue, her former ally turned ruthless assassin. Tension crackled in the air, their shared history fueling the intensity of their impending clash. Without a word spoken, they descended into a deadly dance of skill and determination.

Rogue lunged at her, his deadly intentions clear in his cold, calculating eyes. Lou's training kicked in, her body moving with the precision of a predator. She managed to evade his initial strike, but the encounter turned into a desperate struggle for survival. Their weapons clashed, each strike resonating with the weight of their intertwined past. His black-clad figure weaved through the shadows like a phantom, his every step calculated and precise. She met his assault with equal measures of agility and focus. Her years of training as a field intelligence agent had honed her reflexes, allowing her to anticipate his strikes with razor-sharp accuracy.

Each blow resonating through the warehouse. Lou's blaster, an extension of her being, spat bolts of energy in calculated bursts, while Rogue's vibroblade sliced through the air with lethal precision. The echoes of their clash reverberated through the cavernous space, mixing with the symphony of metal meeting metal. Jade deftly maneuvered, her lithe form twisting and spinning to evade Rogue's deadly strikes. She relied on her agility and intelligence, seeking the perfect opportunity to exploit his vulnerabilities. With a swift kick, she disarmed him momentarily, creating a fraction of a second that she seized with unwavering determination.

Drawing upon her unwavering resolve, the woman unleashed a flurry of blows, her fists moving in a blur. Each strike was aimed at crippling her adversary, exploiting weaknesses she had gleaned from their past encounters. She aimed for his exposed joints, his vital pressure points, her strikes imbued with a fierce determination to survive. But Rogue was no ordinary adversary. He countered her assault with a ruthless efficiency, his movements fluid and precise. His vibroblade danced with deadly grace, his strikes intended to maim and incapacitate. And, Lou's evasive maneuvers were pushed to their limits, her body a testament to her training and resilience.

As the fight escalated, adrenaline coursed through her veins, fueling her determination to emerge victorious. She parried and dodged, never allowing herself to succumb to fatigue or doubt. The warehouse became an arena of clashing wills, each combatant locked in a deadly struggle for dominance.

Finally, in a moment of sublime opportunity, Jade seized her chance. As Rogue's guard momentarily faltered, she exploited the opening, her blaster finding its target with uncanny accuracy. The shot echoed through the warehouse, a brief respite of silence amid the chaos.

Rogue staggered, his mask marred by the searing energy of the blaster bolt. Pain etched across his face. The assassin stumbled backward, his body falling into the murky waters below. Jade, battered and shaken, believed her enemy to be vanquished, his existence swallowed by the unforgiving depths.

Time dissolved, and the present returned with a vengeance. Lou, now a secluded isolationist in her twilight years, felt a chilling premonition ripple through her. The tranquil life she had built, surrounded by her far-flung neighbors, offered a fragile sense of security that was about to be shattered. Her eyes widened as she beheld the charred remnants of her neighbor's homestead, a somber reminder of the darkness that now loomed over her once peaceful existence -- she'd seen this killing style before.

As the flames licked the sky, Jade's heart sank, knowing that Rogue had returned from the depths of oblivion to exact his revenge. Her neighbors, a kind-hearted farmer, his loving wife, and their innocent daughter, had fallen victim to his merciless wrath. Their bodies, grotesquely displayed amidst the ashen ruins, served as a macabre warning.

She sought the ground, chasing a small glimmer...etched to this metal piece were initials...initials to a name she knew instantly; her heart sank to her stomach, and the rage followed.

Haunted by her past and driven by instinct, Seraphina knew she had to act swiftly. She set out on a treacherous journey, following the fragmented clues left by Rogue in the wreckage. Her heart heavy with regret and determination, she knew who his next target would be.

The passage of time had brought forth a storm that threatened to engulf everything. Her resolve steeled, she embarked on a perilous quest to protect what she had secretly cradled for so long from the relentless shadows of retribution that lurked just beyond the horizon.

The rain-soaked streets of Coruscant glistened under the neon lights, casting an ethereal glow upon the bustling cityscape. Lou, determined to track down her old nemesis, Rogue, and protect her loved ones, navigated the labyrinthine alleys that teemed with life and danger. She left her simple dwelling on the remote planet behind, venturing into the heart of the metropolis to seek aid and information.

Her footsteps echoed against the wet pavement as she approached a dilapidated warehouse, known to be the headquarters of a notorious gang led by a ruthless figure known simply as Vex. The gang's reputation preceded them, their criminal activities casting a shadow over the city's underbelly. Jade had come prepared, armed with information and a bargaining chip that could tip the scales in her favor.

Pushing open the heavy door, she entered the dimly lit warehouse, the air thick with a blend of cigarette smoke and apprehension. Eyes glinted in the darkness, their gaze fixated on the uninvited guest; aliens and humanoids alike. Vex, a hulking figure with a scarred scarred face, rose from his seat at the head of a long table, his cronies flanking him.

"Well, well, look who decided to pay us a visit," Vex sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Seems you've forgotten about the debt you owe us, Lou..."

The older woman met his gaze, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of defiance and calculation. "I haven't forgotten, Vex. I'm old but my memory is still tight. In fact, I'm here to settle it. But I bring with me valuable information, information that could benefit us both."

A murmur of interest rippled through the room, the gang members exchanging glances and leaning in closer. Vex gestured for her to continue, his curiosity piqued.

"I have knowledge of a black market smuggling ring that operates within the core systems," She began, her voice low and laced with intrigue. "They deal in rare artifacts, forbidden technology, and secret routes. I can provide you with the names of key players, their hideouts, and even a few precious Jedi trinkets."

Vex's eyes gleamed with avarice, his greed momentarily overpowering his hostility. "And what do you want in return for this information?"

A wry smile curved Lou's lips, her mind calculating the game she was playing. "I seek the whereabouts of a high-profile person, an investor who holds great influence. His name is Johannes Inkari, and he possesses access to valuable information that could benefit both of us."

The gang leader's expression hardened, suspicion replacing his momentary fascination. "Why should we help you find this person? What's in it for us?"

The cold woman's voice remained steady, her gaze unwavering. "Because Johannes has crossed me, and I aim to settle the score. Help me find him, and you'll get yours.."

Vex leaned back, considering her words. The complexity of the situation was not lost on him, the allure of Jedi trinkets and valuable information mingling with the potential for future gains.

"What guarantee do we have that you won't leave us empty-handed?" he growled, his suspicion evident.

Lou reached into her cloak and retrieved a small data chip, its surface gleaming with encrypted secrets. "Consider this a token of trust," she said, placing the chip on the table. "This contains detailed information on the inner workings of the black market smuggling ring, including their leaders, routes, and hidden stashes. It's a treasure trove of intelligence that could greatly benefit your operations."

Vex's eyes narrowed as he studied the data chip, his fingers itching to uncover its hidden secrets. He glanced at his cohorts, silent communication passing between them. After a tense moment, he finally nodded.

"Very well," he said, his voice tinged with reluctant acceptance. "We have a deal. We'll help you find Inkari, and in return, you'll provide us with the information we need to dismantle the black market."

Her heart quickened with a mixture of relief and anticipation. The fragile alliance had been forged, their fates entwined in a dangerous dance of trust and betrayal. As she left the warehouse, rain cascading down around her, she knew that her journey had only just begun.

"Follow through, and you'll also get those trinkets." she added.

The secrets encoded within the data chip held the key to unraveling the dark underbelly of the black market, but they also held the power to reshape her own destiny. With each step she took through the rain-soaked streets of Coruscant, Lou embarked on a perilous path, where allies and enemies blurred, and the line between justice and revenge became increasingly blurred.

The hunt for Johannes Inkari and the imminent threat of Rogue's vengeance loomed ever closer. Jade, armed with her wits, determination, and a fragile alliance with the gang led by Vex, ventured deeper into the shadows of Coruscant, ready to face the perils that awaited her and protect her loved ones from the clutches of her past.

Days had passed since Lou struck her fragile alliance with Vex and his gang, each moment filled with anticipation and the weight of her purpose. The rain-soaked streets of Coruscant whispered secrets, as if echoing the turmoil within her. Her every move was shadowed by the impending threat of Rogue's revenge, a storm on the horizon that threatened to consume her.

In the dimly lit room of her temporary safehouse, Jade's comlink buzzed, piercing the silence. She answered the call, the voice of Vex crackling through the static.

"Hag, I've got something for you," Vex's gravelly voice murmured. "Word on the street is that Inkari, the man you're after, is hosting a grand opening event to one of his upscale apartment complexes next week. He'll be revealing the new project, surrounded by that influential, upscale lot from across the galaxy."

A flicker of anticipation danced in Lou's eyes. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for, a chance to confront Inkari and gain his attention. She knew she had to act swiftly and decisively.

"Tell me more," she demanded, her voice laced with determination.

Vex continued, relaying the details of the event, including its location, security measures, and the prominent guests who were expected to attend. She absorbed the information, her mind already formulating a plan.

Under the cover of an alias, she arrived at the opulent venue on the night of the opening. The grand hall buzzed with a symphony of elegant chatter, the air thick with the mingling scents of expensive perfumes and fine cuisine. Johannes Inkari held court among the wealthy elites, his every move calculated and refined.

Lou, cloaked in an elegant enough gown that concealed her true identity, made her way through the crowd with purpose. She observed Inkari from afar, assessing the opportunity that lay before her. The time had come to make her presence known.

She had made a substantial donation to the cause prior to opening day, catching the attention of the board, event organizers and earning a moment of Inkari's undivided attention; he knew she had to be the one from the reports. Her heart raced as she approached him, her steps deliberate and confident.

"Johannes Inkari," she spoke in a hushed tone, her voice infused with a subtle authority. "We need to speak in private."

The Hapan male regarded her with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, his eyes narrowing as he studied her face. "And who might you be?"

She allowed a flicker of a smile to play at the corners of her lips, a hint of mystery in her gaze.

Lou, under the guise of Lady Aurelia Veradine, a commercial investor, had successfully gained Johannes' attention and piqued his curiosity. The alias she adopted for the event served its purpose, cloaking her true identity and allowing her to maneuver undetected through the corridors of power.

As the night progressed, Lady Aurelia Veradine discreetly guided her mark to a private room away from prying eyes. They left behind the opulent grand hall, with its glittering chandeliers and swirling symphony of high society, and entered a secluded study adorned with rare artifacts and illuminated by the soft glow of antique lamps. The transition was marked by a change in ambiance. The air became heavy with anticipation, the atmosphere charged with tension and secrecy. The room exuded an aura of privilege and privilege alone, a stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of the event outside its walls.

Once inside, Lady Aurelia Veradine closed the door behind them, enveloping the chamber in an intimate silence. She turned to face the former Chumeda, her eyes steady and unwavering.

"I understand your skepticism, Johannes," she began, her voice carrying a blend of conviction and vulnerability. "But I assure you, the truth I bear is as weighty as the stars themselves."

Inkari, visibly shaken by the revelations thus far, regarded Lady Aurelia Veradine with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. He took a moment to collect himself before responding.

"Tell me, then," he said, his voice laced with cautious hope. "What is so urgent that you claim we need to speak in private?"

Lady Aurelia Veradine stepped closer, her eyes locking with Johannes's as she began to unveil the tangled web of secrets that had shaped their lives.

"As Loudomi, I was once an intelligence agent," she revealed, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. "But in the process, I had to make sacrifices. One of those sacrifices was leaving my daughter behind, to protect her from the dangers that consumed my life. Romi."

His expression softened, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. He had glimpsed the shadows that had haunted Romi's past, the absence of a mother figure that she had come to accept.

"But why contact me, of all people? What is all this?" He asked, his voice filled with both curiosity and apprehension.

Lady Aurelia Veradine took a deep breath, steeling herself for the revelation that lay ahead. "Because, you hold the key to reconnecting our fractured family. You married my daughter, Romi Jade, and together you have forged a life I can only dream of witnessing."

The Hapan Prince's eyes widened, the weight of the truth sinking in. The realization of the woman standing before him, the mother of his wife, was a seismic shift in his perception of the world.

"I never knew," he whispered, his voice laden with a mix of remorse and yearning. "Romi believed she was abandoned, that her birth parents had no part in her life. She has carried that burden for years."

The room seemed to hold its breath, suspended in a fragile moment of possibility. Lady Aurelia Veradine and Johannes Inkari stood as two souls on the precipice of change, their lives intertwined by a shared secret and the promise of redemption. But, as he listened intently, his gaze shifting between Lady Aurelia Veradine's eyes and the weight of the words she spoke. He was torn between hope and skepticism, caught in the turmoil of conflicting emotions.

Lou's mind raced with possibilities as she considered her next move. She had her target right where she wanted him, vulnerable and desperate to protect his reputation, business, and family. She knew that she could exploit this situation to her advantage to move the needle forward.

Taking a deep breath, Lou looked Johannes squarely in the eyes. "Inkari, let me be clear. If you refuse to agree to a meeting with Romi and grant me the stake in your company I asked for with my donation, I will unleash a narrative that will shatter your world. I have information that can expose the true source of the money I donated, credits that originated from the black market ring on Coruscant."

His eyes widened in shock and disbelief. He had always prided himself on running an honest business, completely unaware of the tainted origins of the credits Jade had brought into his world.

"You... you wouldn't dare," he stammered, his voice laced with a mix of fear and defiance.

Her lips curled into a cold smile. "Oh, I assure you, I would. I have meticulously documented the transactions, the flow of those credits into your accounts. Imagine the scandal, the disgrace that would befall you if the truth were revealed. Your reputation would crumble, your business would be in ruins."

Inkari's face paled, his earlier skepticism replaced by a growing realization of the depths of Lou's resolve. He weighed the options in his mind, torn between protecting his own interests and ensuring the safety and happiness of his wife, Romi. "You leave me no choice," Johannes finally conceded, his voice tinged with resignation. "I will arrange the supervised meeting and grant you a stake in my company. But I swear, if you betray me, if you expose my family to harm, there will be consequences."

Lou nodded, a sense of triumph filling her being. She had achieved her objective, leveraging her knowledge and manipulation to secure the opportunity to reconnect with her daughter.

As they stepped into a secluded room away from the prying eyes of the upscale event, the atmosphere shifted. The air felt heavy with tension, the anticipation of the meeting with Romi hanging palpably between them.

Lou knew that this was only the beginning of a delicate dance, a chance to mend the broken bonds of family and unearth the truths buried beneath years of separation. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but she was prepared to do whatever it took to bring her family back together, even if it meant resorting to manipulation and deception.

With resolve in her eyes and determination in her heart, she braced herself for the upcoming meeting, aware that the stakes were higher than ever before. The stage was set for a pivotal moment, where secrets would be laid bare, alliances would be tested, and the fragile threads of family would be woven back together or torn apart forever.

To be continued...

As the imposing doors of the Inkari estate swung open, Lou found herself stepping into a world of opulence and privilege. The air was thick with a sense of grandeur, befitting the residence of a renowned Jedi Master and her husband. Lou's eyes darted around the lavish surroundings, taking in the intricate decorations and the subtle echoes of power that emanated from every corner of the estate.

Johannes led the older woman through the sprawling corridors, their footsteps muffled by plush carpets. The atmosphere was tense, as both of them understood the gravity of the impending meeting. Lou had been yearning for this moment, to be face-to-face with her daughter once again. Yet, doubts and fears gnawed at her heart, uncertain of how Romi would react to her sudden reappearance.

Finally, they reached a spacious drawing room adorned with elegant furnishings and ornate artwork. It exuded an air of tranquility, a haven shielded from the chaos of the outside world. Lou's gaze drifted to a holographic portrait on the wall—a captured moment of Romi and Johannes, their smiles brimming with happiness. It struck her deeply, a poignant reminder of the love she had lost.

Johannes took a step back, leaving Lou alone in the room. He gave her a nod of encouragement, his eyes conveying both curiosity and caution. With a deep breath, she steeled herself for the reunion.

A beat.

The door opened once again, and Romi entered the room, her presence commanding and serene. Lou's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her daughter, the embodiment of strength and purpose...what she lacked. But behind the veil of composed exterior, Lou sensed a flicker of confusion in Romi's eyes.

"Romi," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "It's been...so long."

Romi's expression hardened, a mixture of disbelief and guardedness. "Who are you?"

A knot tightened in the older woman's stomach, realizing that Romi had no recollection of her. She had been erased from her daughter's life, her existence reduced to whispers and faded memories; it was her fault. Gathering her composure, Lou summoned every ounce of maternal love she nearly forgot she possessed.

"I am...Lou," she declared, her voice filled with raw emotion. "I'm your mother..."

Romi's gaze locked with Lou's's, her eyes searching for answers. Conflicting emotions danced across her face—doubt, skepticism, and a hint of longing. Loudomi knew that she had to tread carefully, to reveal just enough to pique Romi's curiosity without overwhelming her with the weight of the truth.

"I understand if you have doubts," She continued, her voice gentle yet resolute. "But there is something I need to tell you. Your sibling, my second child, is in danger. An enemy from my past, has returned and seeks revenge. He won't hesitate to target those closest to me."

Romi's eyes widened, and Lou knew she had touched upon a nerve.

"Why should I believe you?" Romi's voice wavered, a mix of vulnerability and determination. "And what do you expect me to even do?"

Lou's voice hardened as she revealed her hidden cards, determined to win Romi's cooperation. "I have resources, information that can aid us in finding and stopping Rogue. But I can't do it alone. I need your help, Romi. You're a Jedi. Together, we can protect our family."

The meeting between both women had left an undeniable tension lingering in the air. Romi was cautious, her Jedi instincts honed to detect deception, yet she couldn't sense a significant amount of falsehood from Lou. It left her torn between skepticism and a flicker of hope, a glimmer of the mother-daughter connection she had longed for.

Time passed, and the Inkari estate became a haven of tentative unity. Lou's presence had become a constant, the bridge between the past and the present. Days turned into weeks, and she persisted in her visits to the Inkari estate. Romi observed her every move, her weariness apparent in her furrowed brow and guarded posture. Lou, on the other hand, wore a mask of patience and determination, never faltering in her efforts to win over her daughter.

During those visits, Lou devoted her time to Cortana, the innocent and impressionable young girl who had accepted her as a grandmother without question. She played games, shared stories, and showered her with affection, exploiting the bond between them to gain favor with Romi and Johannes.

But Romi remained steadfast, her doubts etched deep within her. She had grown accustomed to a life without her birth parents, believing them to be long gone. The sudden reappearance of Lou stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her—anger, confusion, and a longing for answers. She couldn't fully trust the woman who claimed to be her mother, but the absence of blatant deception left her wrestling with conflicted feelings.

One fateful evening, as the sun dipped below the Coruscant skyline, the older woman sat with Romi and Johannes in the tranquil gardens of their estate. The air was heavy with unspoken tension, the weight of untold truths hanging between them.

Romi broke the silence, her voice laced with weariness. "Uh-Lou, I appreciate your concern for our safety, but I can't bring myself to believe everything you've told us. It's too much, too sudden."

Lou's eyes softened, her gaze filled with a mixture of understanding and sadness. "I know it's difficult to accept, Romi. But I wouldn't suddenly thrust all of this on you and your family if I didn't know this danger to be true. I've lived a life shrouded in shadows, I know, and Rogue, well he's a manifestation of those shadows. He's after my loved ones, including someone you've never known—a sibling you never had the chance to grow up with."

Romi's breath hitched at the revelation, her heart pounding in her chest. She exchanged a quick glance with Johannes, their unspoken connection reaching out for support. "How can we even be certain you're telling the truth? You'd have me risk everything based on mere words."

A flicker of determination ignited in Lou's eyes, and she reached into a hidden pocket within her cloak. Slowly, she withdrew a holodisk, the surface gleaming with hidden memories and forgotten promises; she was prepared for this moment.

"This holodisk contains evidence, Romi. It holds the key to the truth about your sister, about the danger that lurks in the shadows. I can't force you to believe me, but I implore you to watch it. It's a piece of our shared history, a glimpse into a life that could have been."

Romi hesitated, her hand outstretched to accept the holodisk. Uncertainty mingled with curiosity, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. She glanced at Johannes, seeking solace in their shared decision. Together, they nodded, silently agreeing to take this leap of faith.

As Romi activated the holodisk, holographic images materialized before them—a younger Lou cradling a baby in her arms, their eyes filled with love and sorrow. Scenes of a life left behind, of choices made and sacrifices endured, unfolded before their eyes. Romi knew deep down it wasn't her she was cradling, and she knew the embrace of a mother...

The weight of the revelation settled upon them, a burden of truth and responsibility. Romi's gaze met Lou's, "I'll help you sort this out...and then we'll part ways."

Johannes nodded, and she pushed away from the table.

And so, united by the shared knowledge of a sibling in peril, Lou had successfully ignited a flame within their hearts, a flame that would guide them through the darkness and toward the elusive redemption they sought...or rather she sought.

To be continued…