...There Was Pain

[Jeron Verity]

[Pt2]


Weeks had went by since Jeron's Sith Master had began training him, and everyday it was more torture. Some days it just felt more like exercise, like when he began in militaries or the Republic, she had him running around the ship to improve his focus with Force Speed. Other times he was made to Force Persuade fellow soldiers, and because it was for her amusement, she forced him to persuade fellow soldiers and officers to do stupid things. Unfortunately, sometimes, she forced him to make them kill themselves. These were his core Force Powers, and would probably be the only ones he would ever learn. But just because his training was at its peak, didn't mean the torture was over. Today, Jeron would wake up to a horror he wishes would never happen.


Jeron was called to the Sith Masters quarters once more, the only thing he could think of was that she either wanted him to blow off some more steam, or make him play fetch up and down the ship. Or, actually, sometimes they were the same. Either way, Jeron had no idea what he was going to walk into. He didn't bother knocking, he didn't respect her, and it wasn't like they had a Master and Apprentice relationship anyway. As he opened the door and took a step inside, he saw her facing away from the door. If she was looking out the viewport, or simply in thought, he didn't know, he didn't care. "You ordered my presence, Sith?" he said out loud, the door closing automatically behind him. "Remember all those times I said you would come to show me respect?" she said in a sultry, yet evil tone. "I've said it so many times I feel like a broken record," she slowly turned around, holding a device in her hand and staring at it, her other hand tapping her lip. Jeron tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, slightly curious about what quality this device had while she spoke, "Yes, and?" "Today, you will complete a mission, and I won't listen to your complaints. Because now I have exactly what you can't say no to, anymore." Jeron squinted his eyes as he looked harder at the device. As she noticed his curious interest, she smiled, activating it. It was a small holo projector, showing a few people, tied up. As he just began to realize who they were, suddenly a Stormtrooper activated an electric switch, causing electricity to flow through their bodies and just before they screamed, she shut it off. But that didn't quiet Jeron. He yelled in shock, unable to move. "Where did you find them? What are you doing to them??" They were his youngest siblings. Not children, but younger in comparison. "They are just like you, right, Jeron? Energy Vampires? Don't worry, they'll be fine! As long as you complete your new mission.

 

[Jeron Verity]

An anger swelled up inside of him as he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, but... he couldn't... he couldn't do anything, at all. "What, what is it you need me to do that requires the torture of my family?" Today was the day that Jeron would swear to hunt her down and tear her throat open if he was ever given the chance, but it was doubtful it would ever be possible. "Consider today a reunion day, Jeron. Because today, I need you to destroy a Rebellion Outpost. It's special because... it seems when I picked up these ones, we didn't get your Sister." Jeron's eyes widened as his head slowly shook left and right, thinking 'no... please' "Now, she has information on us and what we're doing. I need you to kill her." Jeron's heart sank deep at those last words, it felt like a choke hold on his throat, but he couldn't move. She snapped her fingers, "Wake up, and agree. Do you respect me now? Or do I need to show your family some more attentio--" "No, no! Don't, don't do that- I-- I'll do it. Alright?" He shook himself to overcome what she just told him to do, "I'll kill my sister, but don't... Don't make me kill anymore, not my family, I -- I can't. You just, don't understand. You're destroying me, I can not keep my composure."

The Sith Master watched Jeron speak, pretty upset that her weapon was breaking down from over use. But she wasn't finished, she needed him in working condition. She slowly took a few steps over to him with a frown, while he hung his head low. "Look at me," she said, waiting a moment, before reaching up to tilt his chin so he would look at her. "What." They stared at each other for a moment before she made her decision. "I'll make it better," she said softly, the hand that tilted his chin reached up to his forehead. His eyes would look up to watch her hand, her fingers coming together as she rubbed his head. Using the force ability she had, Memory Rubbing, she used it to wipe a large portion of his emotional attachment to things, and a good number of the murders he committed, keeping the strong ones. Jeron blinked a few times, falling into a daze, barely realizing what she was doing.

 

[Jeron Verity]

Jeron took a stuttered breath as he relaxed, getting his bearings back. "Now, accept my orders. When you return, we will figure out what will be done to your siblings. I will not harm them unless you fail." An emotionless face looked down at her from what was once Jeron's expression that was so full of compassion, "...What did you--" "Sshhh," she whispered, putting her fingers on his lips, "I made everything better. You'll no longer degrade. Now, accept my orders like I said." Jeron felt confused. It wasn't that he won't accept her orders, it's just that... feeling. The... feeling to feel, for his Sister. It almost felt gone. He remembered that he cared about his sister, that he loved her, that he'd do anything to protect her. He remembered that, but he didn't feel it anymore. "I... I, accept. I will... destroy the Rebel Outpost, and kill my sister who has joined the Rebels." His eyes slowly wandered to staring at the womans eyes. still almost clueless.

"Good, Jeron," She said in a light tone, "Now, off you go." She pulled away from him, turning around to head towards her bed, leaning over and sliding onto it to relax. "Don't return until she's disposed of." "Yes, Sith Master." and that was it, Jeron turned obediently and exited her room. He went on his way to his personal ship, radioing to his men for them to prepare to leave on a mission. They were always mission ready, they just needed to be called into action.

 

[Jeron Verity]

Once aboard his Star Destroyer, he made his way to the Bridge. Just as soon as he arrived, he began giving orders to his soldiers and bridge officers. All personnel were to be mission ready, and a course set for the coordinates given to him by his Sith Master. His escort vessels stayed with his main ship and also prepared themselves, following along with his orders as they were broadcasted to them. Once he arrived to his Bridge, he gave the command to jump. "If I may ask, sir, what is the mission we are under taking?" the captain of the vessel asked. There was no secret, and Jeron wasn't a vile man, so he had no problems discussing matters with the Captain. "We are heading out to destroy a Rebel Base, and I also have some personal matters there that I need to take care of," he said as he leaned against the holoprojector, picturing in his mind how the battle would proceed.

"Personal matters, sir?"

"Yes, private matters, Captain. Please, ensure the men are at their stations, we will be jumping into weapons fire, especially if the escorts reach the location first."

"Yes sir, sorry sir. I will check on the men at once."

After discussing the mission with the Captain, Jeron looked back at the projector, sighing as he went into thought.

 

[Jeron Verity]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc9ROflLY1c[/youtube]​

Jeron leaned there, thinking of the past. But it boggled his mind, he remembered his entire family, his siblings, his loved ones. But for the moment, his sister meant... nothing to him. He remembered how much he loved her, the feeling he had when he would see her each time, but he didn't feel that anymore, he couldn't feel it... He clenched a fist as he kept trying to think, trying to feel, as he was on a mission to kill her, he remembered everything... but he felt nothing. Most soldiers and officers had taken a short break while they waited for the jump to complete, still taking a short while to get to their destination. But Jeron, all he did was stand there at the holoprojector. At first he was thinking battle strategies, but now he had become furious by the fact that he had these memories, but no attachment to them.

"Sir," the Captain spoke up to him, alerting Jeron to his attention. "What, what is it Captain?" Jeron asked, snapping out of his daze and taking a breath. His body was in a slowed state, but now he was fully alert. "We are minutes away from the destination you gave us. Fighters and bombers are at the ready, ship weapons are primed, the escorts say they are ready, in fact they'll be there before us by mere standard seconds." Jeron straightened his uniform and nodded, "Alright, I'll be taking a shuttle down with some Troopers. Prepare for a ground assault; I was told this base was fairly new, so there aren't many established defenses." The Captain agreed and saluted Jeron, leaving him to his business to prepare fighter and troop coordination along with a small fleet battle -- or anything that might be waiting for them.

 

[Jeron Verity]

The ships dropped out, and immediately the space between Jeron's ships and the planet lit up with laser fire. The alarm began sounding as they took fire, but their shields were prepared. The fighters began launching and Jeron was securing himself in the shuttles seating. "Sir, we'll be escorted by fighters, along with other transports. We'll be launching as soon as you're ready, there are only a couple frigates in defense." One of the pilots of the shuttle spoke up, turning from his seat to look back at Jeron and the Stormtroopers. Jeron grinned as he heard there were only a few frigates, no doubt there was a Medium Transport somewhere... typical Rebels. "Go ahead, Pilot," Jeron ordered, fastening himself securely in the seat. "Let's get this over with so we can all get a drink sooner rather than later, yes?" The Stormtroopers shook their fist in agreement and the pilot saluted as he turned back to coordinate take off procedures with his co-pilot. After most of the fighters had launched, the transports soon exited as well, heading for the planet.

The Stard Destroyer alone was giving the killing blows to the frigates, while the escorts kept pounding what shields they had left. It was just too much fire power to repel, so much coming in at once. Part of Jeron's fleet came from the Clone Wars, which had to go through severe upgrades, but combined with the Empire's additions, Jeron's fleet was small but powerful. Jeron could see one of the frigates crippling in on itself from the Pilots position, the bouts of anti-fighter weaponry against the shuttles slowing as the frigates fell, but they'd pick up a little more once they entered the atmosphere. There was as told; little defenses protecting the base. It is unknown if this was a hospital base, a staging area, or other, but the only thing that mattered was its destruction. The Bombers swooped in ahead of the shuttle, taking out what anti-fighter defenses they had on the ground, and fields of Imperial TIE's on the few Rebel fighters trying their hardest to do... just about anything. Minimal casualties just entering the planets atmosphere -- the Rebels were stubborn and relentless, but they didn't have enough to protect themselves.

 

[Jeron Verity]

"Sir, get ready," the pilot spoke up. "Designated target has been located, we'll be dropping as close as we can." Jeron nodded to the pilot and looked to the rest of the soldiers, in turn they all began checking their weapons, armor, and ammunition, preparing to exit the craft. Jeron unfastened himself as the Stormtroopers did as well, grabbing onto an overhead bar as he stood up, facing the exit ramp. The landing was relatively smooth, as before they landed they circled around a moment, other troopers landing and securing the area, far less opposition in the area. Jeron could feel the craft slowing to the ground, bracing itself to touch down, "Go, go, go!" the pilot shouted as the ramp lowered. The Troopers quickly filed out to form a safe zone for Jeron to exit and cover him as he slowly stepped out, looking around.

"Sir, the target is located in the structure just west of here," an squad leader from another group came up to him, "we're prepared to lead you there. Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'll have your squad cover me, and my squad will take up the rooftops around us to cover us from above. Go on, lead." Jeron ordered, following his men to the location where he would meet his sister. He drew his blaster as they started to head out, taking cover occasionally when a sneaky and stubborn rebel popped out to try and pop off some bucket heads. "Is there anyone else in the area, Trooper?" Jeron asked before they reached the structure. But the Trooper avoided the question, "The single target requested is just ahead sir, that's all I have for you. We believe they are the bases' leader."

 

[Jeron Verity]

As they reached the compound, Jeron gave orders for the men to secure the area, and cover the exit. It didn't matter if there was one person or an army inside, Jeron would call for reinforcements if he needed them, but this was a private matter that he wanted to handle privately. The Troopers took their proper positions, some hunkered down on rooftops, some in defensive positions around the exit, accepting his orders. Once everything was in order, Jeron gripped his blaster as he stood for a moment, staring at the compound in thought... the same thoughts he had while aboard his ship. "Sir, are you alright?" The squad leader spoke up, trying to get Jeron's attention. He snapped back to reality, "Yes, pay attention to the area, Trooper, I have this handled. I'll call you if I need your support." Jeron ordered, pulling his blaster to his side to holster it. The Trooper stared for a moment until giving a stare, facing back to watch his position; it was probably out of disappointment, but the squad leader didn't voice his opinion, he just followed his orders. Jeron then proceeded into the compound to look for 'the target,' which just thinking that way made him want to feel disgust, but as soon as it connected with his sister... it didn't matter.

 

[Jeron Verity]

As he walked inside, he proceeded deeper into the compound. Weapons, datapads, crates and resources scattered all about. It seems the place was quickly deserted... just left behind in the start of the battle. "Commander Verity, there's heavy resistance in the structures just beyond your position, what are your orders?" The comms buzzed on, an Officer speaking up and requesting the next order. Jeron paused a moment, "that should be simple to handle, have our bombers take out the structures. We don't need survivors for this mission, this was their secret base... or one of them at least." He spoke into his comm set. "The Bombers returned to the ship to reload their payloads, Commander. Should I order the Troopers engaging them to hold their position until the Bombers return?" "Yes, we don't need to send Troopers into the Pit, just hold them off until we can get rid of most of the resistance and then move in," he continued, venturing into the compound after pausing, "simple tactics, don't call me for simple tactics." "Understood Commander, good luck." and the comms were silent again.

Then Jeron came to an open room, and there was someone standing at a holoprojector with a couple soldiers. They turned and ordered Jeron to halt, the individual turning to see Jeron. The individual became ecstatic and seemed like they were going to shout something, but stopped as they saw the uniform Jeron was wearing.

Jeron brushed the dust and sand from the planet off his uniform and tucked it down before giving the person a full look. "Good evening, Sister"

 

[Jeron Verity]

The woman became frightened, taking a step back, but she couldn't retreat. Jeron quickly, with his Force Speed, ran to one of the Rebel Soldiers and grabbing them with his increased strength, tearing their helmet off before his bestial face took over, biting into their neck and draining the soldier of their Force -- entirely. The other Rebel Soldier fell back in complete terror, almost losing their balance. His sister, however, was in complete shock and nearly frozen by what her brother was doing. Jeron dropped the Rebel Soldier he drained, and quickly sped over to the other one, doing the same; tearing their helmet off and draining them until they were dead. When he was finished with the Rebel Soldiers, he pulled a cloth from his uniform to wipe his bloodied mouth and wipe some of the blood from his uniform. "So, tell me," he started to speak as he finished up cleaning his uniform, turning to his sister, "When did you join the Rebels, dear sister?"

"What... why are you doing this, Jeron?" she asked worriedly. "What, killing an imminent threat?"

"No! Why are you here and... are you with..."

"The Galactic Empire? You should know, if you're with the Rebels, I wouldn't be here, personally, just to destroy this little base you tried to raise."

His sister shook her head, her eyes widened. "Why are you killing everyone, Jeron? What have they done to you?"

"I hope you understand, sister," he continued, approaching her slowly until he was against her. "They have our siblings, and you became an imminent threat to them."

"You... you've been gone so long, Jeron. I... I tried looking for you and the others, what has happened?"

"I told them, everything. And since they now know about you, and what we are, you've given them a dent that can not be fixed."

She shook her head once more, taking a step back, but Jeron grabbed her, his bestial eyes showing themselves as his fangs became pronounced. "They've changed you brother..." she reached a hand up to his chest strugglingly. And with that touch, his chest suddenly felt hollow and he gasped, now able to realizing what was going on. "S-sister... I'm..." The effect the Sith Master had on him began to take more of an effect, pushing him over the edge as he was trying to fight it... and remember the feelings he had for his sister. His jaw opened as he was prepared to bite her, but he was trying to resist it. "If I don't, they'll ... Sister, help me. I am being forced to kill millions as they hold our family at blaster range. I..." His Sister gave a hushing sound as she was still contrained, "No... Brother, it's okay. Shhhh... I joined the Rebels to find you and the others. But they are safe because of you. It's okay."

"No, no it is not okay it's..."

"Sshhhh...." she tried to calm him. And at that moment his squad rushed in, "Commander, did you deactivate your comms? Are you-- Commander what's going on?" The Squad leader chimed in, the entire squad now witness to whatever he chose to do.

 

[Jeron Verity]

Jeron stared at his sister for a moment as he tightened up, the stress and emotions beginning to hit him full force as she squeezed her arms. "Comman--" "I've-got-it, I've... got this handled. Just, a moment."

"Comman-"

"I said I've got it!" he yelled, the pain coursing through his body as he stared into his sisters eyes with his changed eyes. His sister was nearly panting, so afraid, but she nodded to him, mouthing 'it will be okay.' It was a tense moment between them, but he knew now he couldn't back away. He couldn't let her free, the squad would have to report it. He couldn't kill his squad, as the squad outside would know. He'd have to kill all of the squads nearby and formulate some plot, but it was too risky. Any word that reached back to his Sith Master with the smallest hint of a traitor or betrayal, the rest of his brothers and sisters would be submitted to cruel torture until their will gave out. But Jeron had to fight, he needed to save one value of his being, otherwise there'd be no reason for him to keep going. He closed his mouth and gritted his teeth, with one of his hands releasing his grip and reaching into his uniform to grab a weapon, a small sword, which seemed to be ornamental.

She looked down to see it, and she thought it was a much more pleasant way to go than being at the mercy of feeling her very life drain from her and dying in his arms, watching him as the life was pulled from her eyes in some kind of sick embrace that she couldn't pull away from. "Do it, Jeron... get it over with." Jeron's lips around his gritted teeth began to turn into a frown as he tensed up once again as he slowly shook his head, slowly moving the sword point to her chest. By this time she was tearing up, but she was almost holding her breath, "I said Do It!" And with that, Jeron gasped, his clenched teeth releasing as he thrusted the sword into her chest. He watched her exhale suddenly as they stared at each other. As she slowly faded away, he held onto her, kneeling there where they stood ever so slowly to lay her on the ground.

 

[Jeron Verity]

The squad slowly began to approach, trying to make sure their Commander was okay. The Squad leader came up beside him, but still a step or two behind him. "Commander, are you alright?" And at that moment, explosions could be heard just outside, the ground shifting a bit. A notion that the Bombers were hitting the entrenched soldiers in the structures nearby. "Commander Verity, the base is just about under our control. The resistance was few and far bet-" "Just give me a moment will you? Go order for the shuttle so we can leave. I need you on a different shuttle, however, a round trip will be fine. But I need to take this woman back as proof that I have killed her. I want the shuttle with just her and I." The squad leader turned to look at the rest of the Troopers, slowly shaking his head as he gave the hand motion to the others, telling them to head through the exit. "When you're ready sir, we'll be outside."

Jeron stared at his sister as his bestial eyes went away and he closed his mouth, slowly reaching over to close his sisters eyes. The deed was done, and the rest of his family was safe, now he just wanted to go home. But not his new home... his old home, and sleep. But he would have to settle for his personal quarters and his Imperial bed. He slowly stood, pushing up on one of his knees as he cradled his sister in his arms, the sword still in her chest. He turned and proceeded back to the exit. All that was left was to report to the Sith Master, and see if she had more for him. If? To see what else she had for him. He had broken a part of the barrier she had on his mind, but the rest that she took was still lost to him.

 

[Jeron Verity]

-----​

Eventually Jeron returned after a few days, the small rebel base had nothing much to it. It turns out it was only a refuge for wounded from the war... which made Jeron indirectly a mass murderer of those who could not defend himself. Later after he had arrived on board his ship and made the order to head back to their own base, where the Sith Master was, he was also informed that within the heavily defended structures that he ordered be bombed also had remnants of his other family members -- Energy Vampires, which his sister wouldn't have recruited, they had to be part of the family... who had the most protection. At least he found out why a couple buildings were randomly reinforced. For this, he shut out his emotions, or he may have had something similar to a panic attack, he could hardly swallow the pain of what he had done. Finally, he was at his Sith Mistress' quarters, he prayed for just one break, just one breath... or else he might go insane. But now it was easier than before to regain his composure... though he hated the fact.

Before he knocked on her door, she ordered him to come inside from behind the door. Perhaps he had enough Force energy within him that he could easily be sensed, while otherwise he was near hidden with such low power. He sighed and proceeded inside, cracking his neck as he idly stared over at the woman who now commanded him as if he had a leash. "The deed is done, Mistress."

"Good, I also heard there were some unexpected extra kills by your order?" She asked, probably poking at him accidentally killing more of his family... or were they put there on purpose? His sister said she hadn't had any contact with the rest of the family... no, she wouldn't have!

"Wait... why were they there? My sister hadn't been in contact with the others since you captured them!" Jeron got frustrated, raising his voice.

"Calm down, calm down Jeron, we don't need the whole ship hearing our private conversation. And I mean it was just your brothers and sisters."

"They were my family, and I killed them because of you! This whole time it was just your plan to fool me into killing my own family, so what, I wouldn't have any attachments? Well you made a mistake, you have nothing over me now, and I'm not afraid of death..."

"I think you'll be afraid of one more thing, and he's a little upset now that you sai--"

Suddenly she was cut off as her comms chirped up, "Commander, commander! We have a problem!" in the background screams and yells could be heard along with a 'brother!' being shouted. "He's breaking his restraints, do we kill him?"

"No, don't kill him! I'll handle it!"

"What's going on??" Jeron demanded. "It's your younger brother..." she said, "I was training him but he's even more stubborn than you, a little arrogant, too. Now he heard that you went and killed your family!"

Suddenly blaster fire could be heard over the comms until an explosion killed the transmission signal, he was going on a rampage, a murder spree. "Don't get any second thoughts, Jeron. He's not leaving that facility any time soon, but you have to go stop him."

"What do you mean stop him? My younger brother is the fiercest of us all! How do you expect me to stop him?"

"I don't know, but the facility is always ready to be consumed in fire, so I can still kill him. But I want the facility safe, Jeron. I have important research going on there, you need to stop your brother."

"I guess if I die I can't be threatened that my family will be killed anymore, fine. And here I was hoping to rest just once."

"Oh no, Jeron... I know you are too weak to fight your brother. There's something else I'm going to teach you before you leave, but we have to be quick, alright? Grab a drink from my little bar, it's going to be worse than your last sessions."