"Normal Speech"
'Mental Thoughts'
*Warning* Sith empire Will do Sith things. Also Ember gets beat up a bit at the end but its for her own good.
(Ember POV)
The soft clatter of cutlery against plates created a gentle rhythm in the warm morning light that filtered through the apartment's windows. Ember sat at the circular dining table, carefully cutting her ration bar substitute, though calling it that felt almost insulting to the real meals they'd been given these past three days. The food here was actual food, with flavors and textures she'd never experienced in her life so far.
'Three days. Had it really only been three days since their world had changed so completely?'
Cherry sat across from her, practically glowing with happiness as she worked her way through what Sera had called "actual breakfast food"—some kind of protein cake with fruit preserves. The younger girl's auburn hair caught the morning light, and her face held an expression of pure joy that Ember realized she'd never seen before their escape. It was remarkable how much Cherry had changed in just three days, transforming from the perpetually anxious child of the laboratory into someone who seemed genuinely... happy.
The memory of their first dinner here still made Ember's chest tighten with emotion. Cherry had taken one bite of the meal Sera had prepared, something called "nerf steak with roasted vegetables" and had simply started crying. Not the silent tears they'd learned to shed in the laboratory, but open, body-shaking sobs that had alarmed everyone at the table. Sera had immediately moved to comfort her, wrapping the small girl in her arms while Cherry stammered through explanations about how it was "real food" and "it tastes like something" and "I never knew food could be warm and soft."
That had been the moment Cherry truly accepted their new situation. Since then, she'd thrown herself into experiencing everything this new life had to offer with an enthusiasm that both warmed and worried Ember. Cherry had spent hours watching the holographic displays, fascinated by the variety of programming available. She'd discovered that the bathroom had unlimited hot water and had taken three showers the first day just because she could. Most importantly, she'd attached herself to Sera with the devotion of someone who'd never experienced unconditional kindness before.
And if Ember was being honest with herself, she was starting to understand Cherry's attachment.
The second day had brought its own revelations. Vex had started to patiently explain Imperial society and customs, helping them understand their new legal status as her wards. She'd shown them how to operate various household systems and had even given them access to the apartment's modest library of holobooks. More significantly, she'd made it clear that they weren't prisoners that they could explore the apartment freely, make their own choices about meals and activities, and ask questions about anything that confused them. That afternoon, Ember had experienced her first breakdown since their escape. The sheer overwhelm of having choices—actual choices—had triggered a panic episode that left her shaking and nauseated on the bathroom floor. It was Vex who had found her there, and instead of showing impatience or disappointment, the tall woman had simply sat beside her and waited.
The third day had been quieter, more settled. Ember had discovered she could use her Force sight to help with household tasks such as sensing when appliances needed attention. Sera had taught Cherry a card game called "sabacc" though she'd modified the rules to be less gambling-focused and more about strategy. Vex had continued their education about the larger galaxy, explaining politics and history in ways that made the sterile lessons the two of them previously had seem like cruel jokes.
But perhaps most importantly, Ember had begun to let herself hope that this might actually be permanent. That this wasn't another test or experiment, but a genuine chance at something she'd never imagined possible.
"Ember?" Vex's voice broke through her reverie, and she realized the others had finished eating while she'd been lost in thought. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Better" Ember replied and was surprised to find she meant it. "Everything still feels... unreal, but good-unreal."
Sera smiled warmly. "That's completely normal. Big changes take time to feel solid."
Vex leaned forward slightly, her pale gray eyes focused but kind. "I wanted to discuss our plans for today, if you're both feeling up to it."
Cherry practically bounced in her seat. "Are we going somewhere?"
"We are" Vex confirmed. "First, we're going to visit the main hospital of the Ministry of Health. I received word yesterday that they've successfully synthesized your medicine in the injection and the inhalable form." She gestured toward the metallic device in Ember's hand. "They want to do a final medical evaluation to ensure the reproduced medications are identical to what you were receiving before."
Ember felt a spike of anxiety that she tried to keep from showing on her face. "Will they... ask questions about where we came from?"
"They'll be curious" Vex admitted. "But they're Imperial medical professionals. They understand that some things are classified as Intelligence matters. And more importantly, they answer to me, not the other way around."
The reassurance in her voice helped settle Ember's nerves. One of the things she'd learned about Vex over the past three days was that the woman said exactly what she meant no hidden meanings or manipulations, just clear honest communication.
"After the medical appointment, we'll do some shopping" Sera added with enthusiasm. "You both need proper clothes that actually fit."
Ember looked down at the borrowed outfit she was wearing. One of Sera's tunics that hung loose around her smaller frame and pants that needed to be held up with a repurposed belt. Cherry was in a similar situation, swimming in clothes that were several sizes too large but were the best they could manage with their limited resources.
"I know it's not ideal" Sera continued, noting their expressions. "But I figured it was better to get you something temporary until we could properly outfit you. Today we'll find clothes that actually belong to you."
"There's one more thing I wanted to discuss" Vex said, her tone becoming slightly more serious. "This is directed more toward Ember than Cherry, since Cherry still has time being so young, but I think it's important to start considering your future."
Ember's pulse quickened. "My future?"
"What you want to do with your life. What kind of work or purpose might interest you." Vex's expression remained patient and encouraging. "I'm not asking for decisions today, or even this week. But I want you to start thinking about it so I can help you prepare and provide opportunities in whatever direction appeals to you."
The question was so far outside Ember's mind that she almost laughed. The concept of choosing her own path was completely alien.
"I... I don't know" she admitted. "I've never thought about having options before."
"That's perfectly fine" Vex assured her. "We'll expose you to different possibilities over time. The Empire offers many opportunities raning from military service, civilian administration, private industry, even academic research. You have unique abilities that could be valuable in many different fields, but more importantly, you have the right to choose what interests you."
Sera reached across the table and gently squeezed Ember's hand. "No pressure at all. The point is just to start paying attention to what catches your interest or what you enjoy doing."
Cherry, who had been listening intently, suddenly piped up. "What about me? Do I get to choose too?"
"Absolutely" Vex replied with a smile. "But you have years to figure it out. For now, your job is to be a kid and learn about the galaxy."
The simple acknowledgment that Cherry was allowed to be a child, something the laboratory had never permitted brought a lump to Ember's throat.
"So" Sera said, standing and beginning to clear the dishes, "everyone ready for an adventure in the big city?"
Cherry jumped up eagerly. "Can we see the big building? The one that looks important?"
"The Citadel?" Vex asked. "We'll probably catch glimpses of it from the transport, though we won't be going inside today."
They finished cleaning up breakfast another novel experience for Ember, and prepared to leave. Vex and Sera were already dressed in what Ember had learned were their "public clothes". Vex in a crisp civilian outfit that somehow still managed to convey authority, and Sera in practical but well-made clothing that allowed for easy movement.
"The transport is in the garage" Vex explained as she gathered her credentials and various official documents. "It's accessed through the back of the apartment."
She led them through a section of the living space Ember hadn't fully explored yet, past what appeared to be a small study and through a door that opened into what could only be described as a private hangar bay. The space was larger than the apartment itself, with a high ceiling and landing platforms designed to accommodate small spacecraft.
Both Ember and Cherry stopped dead at the threshold, staring in amazement at the two ships resting in the bay.
As they reached the entrance to the hangar bay, both Ember and Cherry stopped dead at the threshold, their mouths falling open in silent amazement. The space before them was larger than the apartment itself, with soaring ceilings and specialized landing platforms designed to accommodate multiple spacecraft. But it was the two vessels resting majestically within the bay that truly left them speechless. The first ship immediately drew Ember's attention in the proper lighting of the hangar, its sleek angular design was even more impressive that it drew in her attention. The ship's hull gleamed with a dark metallic finish, its triangular wings and aggressive lines speaking of both speed and power. But it was the second vessel that truly took her breath away, there was no doubt in her mind that it was an advanced ship. Its elongated design that somehow managed to look both elegant and menacing. Its hull was darker than the first ship, with subtle curves and refined lines that spoke of cutting-edge technology disguised as luxury.
"Impressive, aren't they?" Sera said with obvious pride, noticing their stunned expressions. "The Fury there the first one you see is my baby, she's been with me through more adventures than I can count. And Vex's ride is something special it's one of the more advanced ships in the Imperial fleet."
Cherry was practically vibrating with excitement, her eyes wide as she tried to take in both vessels simultaneously. "Are we going to drive one of these? We're going to fly in a real starship?"
Vex chuckled, a warm sound that made her seem less intimidating despite her imposing height. "These are far too large for a simple trip around the city, Cherry. These ships are for when we leave the planet entirely—for traveling between star systems. For local transportation, we use something a bit more... manageable."
It was then that Ember's Force sight caught movement near the tail section of Vex's ship. She turned her head slightly, focusing and spotting them before the others had even begun to move in that direction two objects nestled in an alcove beside the Intelligence vessel's landing gear.
"What are those?" she breathed, excitement coloring her voice for the first time since entering the hangar.
"Speeder Bikes" Vex confirmed, clearly pleased by Ember's perceptiveness. "Much more suitable for navigating Kaas City traffic."
As they rounded the imposing bulk of the ship, the speeder bikes came into view for everyone. They were beautiful machines elegant in their simplicity. Each bike featured the distinctive design that Ember was beginning to see all over the city: clean lines, polished metal surfaces, and subtle red accent lighting that pulsed gently along the sides. The bikes were clearly designed for two passengers, with a larger seat for the pilot and a smaller passenger section behind it, complete with safety restraints and discrete handholds.
Cherry's excitement reached new heights as she practically bounced on her toes. "They're floating! They're floating in the air!"
"These are civilian models" Sera explained as she approached the nearer bike. "Designed for traveling around the city rather than anything else, but they're still fast enough to be exciting. And much safer than the swoop bikes you sometimes see racing through the lower levels."
Vex moved to the second speeder bike, her movements carrying the confidence of someone thoroughly familiar with the technology. "Cherry, would you like to ride with Sera? And Ember, you can come with me. We'll take it slowly while you both get used to the sensation."
The arrangement felt natural Cherry had clearly formed a strong attachment to Sera over the past few days, while Ember found herself drawn to Vex's steady, reassuring presence. Sera helped Cherry climb onto the passenger section of her bike, carefully showing the younger girl where to place her feet and how to grip the specially designed handholds. "The most important thing is to hold on" she explained with a smile. "The bike's stabilizers will keep us steady, but you'll want to lean with me when we turn. Just follow my movements and you'll be fine."
Meanwhile, Vex was providing similar instruction to Ember, though her explanations were more technical. "The passenger seat has its own safety restraint system" she noted, indicating the discrete harness. "But you'll find the handholds more comfortable for maintaining balance. The bike's inertial compensators will smooth out most of the motion, but you'll still feel the acceleration and turning forces."
Ember settled onto the passenger seat behind Vex, marveling at how comfortable the cushioning was and how perfectly the handholds seemed positioned for her grip. The bike itself felt incredibly stable beneath them, with only the slightest sensation of floating to indicate they weren't resting on solid ground.
"Everyone ready?" Sera called out, her hands moving confidently over the bike's control surfaces. "We'll start with a gentle exit from the hangar and work our way up to traffic speeds."
Vex settled into the pilot position in front of Ember, her larger frame providing a sense of security and protection. "Hold on, Ember. This might feel strange at first, but I promise it's perfectly safe."
With a subtle increase in the humming sound from the systems, both bikes began to rise higher off the ground. Ember felt her stomach do a small flip as they ascended, but the sensation was more exhilarating than frightening. Through her Force sight, she could perceive as parts of the bike's systems seemed to light up before turning dark, giving her a partial understanding of how the technology worked.
The hangar's main doors began to flicker before the blue screen shut off, revealing the sprawling cityscape of Kaas City beyond. The view was breathtaking as towering buildings stretching as far the eye could see, their surfaces gleaming with countless lights even in the daytime. Aerial traffic moved in organized streams between the structures.
"Here we go" Sera announced, easing her bike forward toward the opening. "Stay close, Vex."
They glided smoothly out of the hangar and into the open air of the planey. The sensation was unlike anything Ember had ever experienced the combination of forward motion, the slight sway of the bike, and the incredible vista opening up around them created a feeling of absolute freedom that brought tears to her eyes.
Cherry's delighted laughter echoed across the short distance between the bikes as they began to pick up speed, merging into the outer edge of the city's traffic patterns. "This is amazing! We're really flying!"
As they flew over the sprawling metropolis, Ember gripped the handholds tightly, her knuckles white with the unfamiliar sensation of speeding through open air. The city spread out beneath them in all directions revealing a vast tapestry of illuminated towers, aerial highways, and streaming traffic that seemed to match the pulse of her heartbeat.
The wind rushing past them carried the distinctive scents of the city a mixture of ozone from countless vehicles, and something that might have been exotic foods from the various districts they passed over. Ember found herself gradually relaxing into the experience, even leaning forward slightly against Vex's solid presence for stability. The taller woman adjusted her flying to accommodate Ember's movements, maintaining perfect control even as she provided a secure anchor point.
"The Ministry of Health complex is in the government district" Vex called back over the wind noise, her voice carrying easily despite the ambient sounds of traffic. "It's one of the newer buildings designed specifically for efficient medical care and research."
As they continued their flight, Ember marveled at the sheer scale of the city. The laboratory had been her entire world for so long that she'd never conceived of anything like this millions of beings living and working together in a space that seemed to stretch beyond the horizon.
After perhaps fifteen minutes of flight, they began to slow and descend toward a large, gleaming complex that rose from the urban landscape like a monument. The Ministry of Health building was impressive a soaring tower of polished metal and steel that caught and reflected the stormy light of Dromund Kaas's perpetually overcast sky. Landing platforms jutted out from various levels, creating designated parking areas for different types of vehicles.
Vex guided their speeder bike toward one of the mid-level platforms, with Sera following close behind. As they settled onto the designated landing pad with the soft hum of repulsorlifts powering down, Ember felt a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. This would be her first real interaction with Imperial society beyond her new family.
Both girls found their legs unexpectedly unsteady as they dismounted from the bikes. The transition from the smooth motion of flight to solid ground left them slightly off-balance, and they had to grip the nearby safety railings until the sensation passed.
"That's completely normal" Sera assured them with a knowing smile. "Takes a few minutes to get your ground legs back after your first real speeder flight. You both did great."
As they entered the scene was both fascinating and slightly overwhelming. The lobby was filled with a diverse array of species, each presumably seeking medical attention for various ailments. Ember's vision allowed her to sense the general emotional states of the crowd. It surprised her that it was mostly patience mixed with mild anxiety, though there were notes of pain, worry, and hope scattered throughout.
Some patients sat in comfortable-looking chairs arranged in clusters, while others stood in small groups engaged in quiet discussions. A few appeared to have visible injuries ranging from bandaged limbs, supportive braces, or the slightly glazed look that suggested recent treatment with medication. The species diversity was remarkable: she spotted what appeared to be a being with headtails (Twi'leks), several humans, a few beings she couldn't immediately identify, and even what seemed to be a Blue man (Chiss) in the far corner. Droids moved efficiently through the space, their movements precise and purposeful as they attended to various administrative tasks or provided assistance to patients who needed help navigating the facility.
Vex moved confidently toward the reception desk, which notably had no waiting line. The uniformed human male behind the counter immediately straightened as he recognized her approach, his posture shifting to one of respectful attention.
"Captain Korrath" he said with a slight bow of his head. "We've been expecting you. Dr. Thane is prepared to see your party immediately."
"Thank you" Vex replied politely. "These are my wards, as noted in our appointment."
The receptionist's eyes briefly took in Ember and Cherry, his expression neutral but professional. After a moment, he stepped out from behind the desk through a side door, gesturing for them to follow.
As they began walking toward the interior of the building, Ember couldn't help but glance back at the crowded lobby. The question that had been building in her mind finally found voice.
"What about all those people waiting?" she asked quietly, her sense of fairness troubled by the apparent preferential treatment.
It was Sera who answered, her tone matter of fact but not unkind. "Everyone will be seen, and everyone gets healthcare that's one of the Empire's priorities. But rank has its privileges. Vex's position means we can skip some of the administrative delays that civilian patients might face."
"It's not about the quality of care" Vex added, clearly wanting to be sure Ember understood. "A civilian with your condition would receive the same medical attention we're about to get. Maybe except for the gas. The difference is in appointment scheduling and administrative processing. Status can expedite paperwork, but it can't buy better medicine."
Her explanation helped ease some of Ember's discomfort with the situation.
They passed several examination rooms as they walked some with doors closed and the soft murmur of consultations taking place inside, others standing open to reveal clean, well-equipped medical spaces. Occasionally they encountered medical staff in the corridors: doctors wearing crisp white coats, nurses in practical uniforms, and the ever-present medical droids that seemed to handle much of the work.
Finally, their guide stopped at a door marked with the number 47 and gestured them inside. "Dr. Thane will be with you shortly" he informed them before departing with another polite bow toward Vex.
The examination room they entered was larger and more comfortable than the sterile chambers Ember remembered from the laboratory. It featured a standard examination table, several chairs for family members, and various pieces of medical equipment that looked both sophisticated and somehow less threatening than what she was used to. The walls displayed holographic diagrams of different species' anatomies, and there was even a small window offering a view of the city beyond.
"Well" Sera said, settling into one of the chairs, "this is much nicer than most military medical facilities I've been in."
Cherry, meanwhile, had begun to explore the room with characteristic curiosity, examining the various displays and equipment with wide eyes. "Everything's so clean" she observed. "And there are pictures on the walls!"
Ember found herself standing near the window watching the endless flow of traffic outside. The view helped calm her nerves, reminding her that this medical facility was part of a larger, functioning society rather than an isolated laboratory where she had no control over what happened to her. They continued to wait in the examination room for several more minutes, Cherry exploring with boundless curiosity while Ember remained near the window.
Just as Ember was beginning to feel restless, the door chimed softly and slid open. A middle-aged human male entered, wearing the pristine white coat that marked him as a senior medical professional. His demeanor was professional but warm, carrying a datapad and moving with the confident efficiency of someone who had conducted thousands of such examinations.
"Good morning" he said with a genuine smile. "I'm Dr. Thane. You must be Ember and Cherry." His eyes took in both girls with practiced assessment, but his gaze held none of the clinical detachment Ember remembered from the laboratory doctors. "Captain Korrath, Ms. Vance, thank you for bringing them in today."
What followed was unlike any medical examination Ember had ever experienced. Dr. Thane moved through a standard health assessment with gentle efficiency—checking their reflexes, examining their eyes and ears, listening to their hearts and lungs with a medical scanner that hummed softly against their skin. After each test, he tapped notes into his datapad, occasionally making encouraging comments about their responses.
Cherry giggled when the reflex hammer made her leg kick involuntarily, and Dr. Thane chuckled along with her. "That's exactly what we want to see," he assured her. "Your body is working perfectly."
"Both of you are in excellent health" Dr. Thane announced after completing his assessments. "Whatever challenges you've faced in the past, your bodies are responding well to proper nutrition and care. You're on a very positive trajectory."
The simple validation that they were healthy, that they were going to be okay, brought an unexpected lump to Ember's throat. Dr. Thane moved to a corner of the room where Ember noticed a tube system integrated into the wall. He tapped a specific sequence into his datapad, and within moments the system responded with a soft whoosh as a container arrived.
He retrieved two cases from the delivery tube. The first was larger, about the size of a portable toolkit, while the second was smaller and more compact. Both bore the official seals of the Ministry of Health.
Setting the larger case on the examination table, Dr. Thane opened it carefully. Inside, Ember saw familiar vials arranged in protective foam but something was immediately different. Instead of the clear liquid she was accustomed to, the vials now contained a substance with a distinctive reddish hue that seemed to shimmer slightly in the medical lighting.
The second case revealed her metallic devices, which appeared exactly as she remembered them the same cylindrical shape, the same activation seams, the same reassuring weight when Dr. Thane lifted one for inspection.
"Why does the injection liquid look different?" Vex asked, voicing the question that had immediately formed in Ember's mind.
Dr. Thane's expression brightened with professional enthusiasm. "Excellent observation, Captain. Our research team conducted a thorough analysis of the original formulation, and we were able to make a significant improvement." He indicated the red-tinged vials. "The scientists discovered that by adjusting one chemical process in the synthesis, we could extend the medication's effectiveness in Ember's system by approximately thirty percent. The color change is a result of the modified molecular binding process."
He turned to address Ember directly. "This means you need fewer injections overall, and the gaps between treatments can be longer. The chemical change is completely safe we've tested it extensively to ensure compatibility with your unique physiology."
After Dr. Thane completed his documentation and departed with professional courtesy, they gathered their new medical supplies and made their way back through the building's corridors. The elevator ride down several levels gave Ember another opportunity to observe Imperial healthcare in action—medical staff moving efficiently between floors, the soft conversation of patients and families, the general atmosphere of organized care.
At the main reception area, Vex handled the administrative aspects of their visit while Ember watched the continued flow of diverse patients through the lobby. The payment process was brief and appeared to involve some form of Imperial credit system that she didn't fully understand yet.
Stepping outside the Ministry of Health building, Ember was immediately struck by the vibrancy of street-level Kaas City. The view from the landing platform had been impressive, but being on foot among the actual crowds gave her a completely different perspective on Imperial society.
The pedestrian areas were bustling with activity beings of various species moving with purpose through well-maintained walkways and elevated passages. While humans formed the majority of the population, Ember spotted more beings she couldn't immediately identify, and occasionally, the distinctive red skin and bone spurs that marked someone as similar to her. The Sith seemed to move through the crowds with an unconscious authority, others naturally stepping aside to give them space.
As they walked, Sera and Vex began guiding them in a specific direction through the urban maze. "The market district is one of the more interesting parts of the city," Sera explained. "Good for finding clothes that fit, and Cherry will love the variety of shops."
The architecture around them was impressive wide walkways accommodating the foot traffic, while transparent canopies provided protection from the frequent storms. The occasional rumble of thunder overhead reminded Ember of the planet's perpetually turbulent weather.
They had walked perhaps three blocks when Ember's Force sight picked up something concerning ahead. She could sense a gathering crowd of people whose emotional signatures were charged with anger and frustration. The group was growing larger, and their collective energy was becoming increasingly agitated.
"Sera" Vex said quietly, clearly having spotted the same situation with conventional sight. "Protesters."
Sera cursed under her breath, immediately placing protective hands on both Ember's and Cherry's backs. "Let's pick up the pace and take the next cross-street."
But they were already too close. As they drew level with the gathering across the street, Ember could see the crowd clearly—several dozen beings holding signs and chanting slogans. Even being able to read all the signs from the distance, she caught fragments of the angry voices.
"...Treaty of Coruscant..."
"...betrayal of our people..."
"...Sith occupation..."
The protesters were a mix of species, but predominantly human, and their anger was palpable even to someone without Force sensitivity.
"Keep moving" Sera urged, but before they could clear the area completely, the situation escalated.
The distinctive whine of approaching speeders filled the air, and Ember's Force sight detected multiple organized formations moving rapidly toward the protest. A moment later, Imperial police arrived in force armored figures wearing the imposing gear she recognized from when she first met Vex. Their armor was a mixture of metallic gray and black, with red accent lighting that gave them an intimidating appearance. Full helmets with polarized visors concealed their faces, making them appear more like droids than people.
"Citizens, you are participating in an illegal assembly" came an amplified voice from the lead officer, his words distorted by the helmet's speaker system. "Disperse immediately or face arrest."
The protesters, rather than backing down, seemed to grow more defiant. Their chanting became louder, more organized, and several individuals moved to the front of the group with larger signs reading "REMEMBER CORUSCANT" and "TREATY OF SHAME."
Ember watched with growing alarm as the police formed a tactical semi-circle around the protesters, cutting off escape routes with practiced efficiency. The tension in the air was thick enough to taste, and she could sense the fear beginning to mix with the protesters' anger through her Force perception.
"This is your final warning" the police commander announced. "Disperse now."
When the crowd continued their protest, shouting slogans about Imperial betrayal and the humiliation of the Treaty, the police moved forward with swift decisiveness.
"Don't look" Sera said firmly, positioning herself to block the girls' view of the unfolding confrontation. Vex moved to help shield them as well, but Ember's Force sight gave her a perspective that physical barriers couldn't obstruct. She watched as the armored officers waded into the crowd with methodical brutality. The protesters tried to maintain their formation, linking arms and continuing to chant, but the police moved with the efficiency of soldiers rather than peacekeepers.
Shock sticks crackled with electrical energy as they made contact with protesters who refused to move. Bodies fell as the weapons did their work, leaving people convulsing on the ground. Some protesters attempted to run, but the police had positioned themselves strategically to cut off escape routes.
A few protesters tried to fight back throwing signs, pushing against the officers, one even managing to grab a shock stick. But those who resisted faced escalated violence. Ember watched in horror as police batons came down with bone-breaking force, the sickening crack audible even over the shouting. A Twi'lek woman who tried to protect her fallen companion received a shock stick to the chest that left her writhing in agony.
It was over within minutes. The organized protest dissolved into scattered individuals either fleeing the scene or lying stunned and injured on the ground where they'd fallen.
As they hurried away from the scene, Ember could sense the lingering electrical charge in the air from the weapons and the pain radiating from the fallen protesters. The brutality of what she'd witnessed through her Force sight made her stomach churn.
"Keep walking" Vex murmured as they began to descend a set of stairs that led to a lower level of the city. The elevation change finally took the protest out of range of Ember's Force vision, though the memory of what she'd seen remained vivid and disturbing.
After a minute or two of walking in relative silence, the atmosphere began to lighten as they moved further from the incident. Holographic displays caught her advertising for various goods, colorful clothing arrangements, and technological devices she'd never seen before.
Ember found herself following Cherry's example, slowly allowing the new experiences to push the memory of the protest to the back of her mind. The streets here were more commercial, lined with shops and vendors, and the general atmosphere was one of bustling commerce rather than political tension.
They emerged into what could only be described as a massive open-air market. A sprawling bazaar that filled a large plaza surrounded by permanent buildings Countless stalls were arranged in organized rows, their colorful awnings and displays creating a vibrant tapestry of Imperial commercial life. Customers of various species moved between the stalls, examining goods, negotiating prices, and conducting the everyday business of city life.
Interspersed among the temporary vendor stalls were actual storefronts seemingly more upscale establishments housed in actual buildings with windows displaying higher-end merchandise.
"This is amazing" Cherry breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the sheer scale and variety of the marketplace. The sounds were many, vendors calling out their wares, customers haggling over prices, the general hum of conversation in multiple languages.
"Its impressive everytime I see it" Sera agreed, though Ember noticed her eyes still carried some tension from the protest they'd just witnessed. "This is one of the largest civilian markets on Dromund Kaas. You can find almost anything here."
Vex gently took Cherry's hand as the younger girl showed signs of wanting to run off and explore everything at once. "We should split up for efficiency," she suggested. "Cherry needs children's clothing, and Ember needs teenage and adult sizes. They're typically in different sections of the market."
"Good thinking" Sera replied, moving closer to Ember. "I'll take Ember to the adolescent and young adult section, and you can handle Cherry's shopping. We can meet back here in... say, two hours?"
Ember felt a moment of nervousness at the prospect of separating from Vex and Cherry, but Sera's warm presence was reassuring.
"Come on" Sera said with an encouraging smile. "Let's find you some clothes that fit properly. I think you'll enjoy having a real wardrobe for the first time."
As Sera led her down one of the main paths through the market, Ember found herself fascinated by the variety of goods on display. Food vendors offered exotic dishes that filled the air with unfamiliar but appealing aromas. Technology stalls displayed devices whose purposes she could only guess at. Jewelry vendors showcased intricate metalwork that caught and reflected the market's lighting.
They stopped at a few locations that caught Ember's attention—a stall selling what appeared to be personal electronics, another offering small potted plants that she learned were for indoor gardening. Sera was patient with her curiosity, explaining items when asked and allowing her to take in the overwhelming variety of civilian life.
Eventually, they arrived at a more permanent building that housed a clothing store.
"This place should have a good selection in your size range" Sera explained as they entered. "Imperial civilian fashion tends toward the practical, but there's still room for personal expression."
The interior of the store was well-lit and organized, with clothing arranged by size and style. As they began to browse, Ember found herself drawn to certain styles over others. The flowing robes and formal tunics that seemed popular among some Imperial citizens felt too reminiscent of the laboratory's clinical garments. Instead, she was attracted to more fitted, practical clothing that reminded her of what Sera wore.
"I like these"
"Good choice" Sera approved. "Those are nerf-hide denim. holographic Very durable and comfortable. They'll last for years with proper care."
Ember also found herself drawn to fitted shirts and jackets that had a slightly military-inspired cut - not formal uniforms, but civilian clothes that echoed the clean lines and practical design of military gear. The colors were mostly muted grays, browns, dark blues, and blacks.
"You have good instincts" Sera observed as she helped Ember select items to try on. "These styles suit your personality, and they're versatile enough to work whether you're exploring the city or attending more formal events."
___________________________________
Time seemed to move differently in the comfortable rhythm of shopping. As Ember and Sera continued to browse through the clothing store, the bustling atmosphere of Kaas City's market district enveloped them with its vibrant energy. Ember found herself increasingly comfortable using her Force sight to observe the diverse array of people moving through the commercial area. She watched with growing fascination as beings of various species moved past the storefront windows—Each species and person having signatures appearing as distinct and different each one unique and never repeating.
They eventually found their way back to the designated meeting point where they had separated from Vex and Cherry earlier. The small plaza featured a decorative fountain surrounded by benches, providing a comfortable place to wait. The perpetual storm clouds of Dromund Kaas created an atmospheric canopy overhead, with the occasional rumble of thunder providing a dramatic backdrop to the city's daily activities. The lighting had that distinctive quality of eternal twilight that seemed to characterize the Imperial capital.
After perhaps twenty minutes of comfortable conversation and people-watching, Ember's Force sight suddenly detected two familiar signatures approaching through the crowd. Even at a considerable distance, she could distinguish the distinctive patterns of Vex's controlled, steel-like presence and Cherry's much smaller but increasingly confident signature.
"They're coming" Ember announced, her attention focusing on the approaching figures. "About two blocks away, I think."
Sera followed Ember's gaze but couldn't see anything specific in the crowd yet. "Your sister and Vex?"
"Yes. Vex is... she's really tall, so she stands out even in a crowd, and Cherry has a very distinctive way of walking when she's excited about something." Ember smiled slightly. "She's practically bouncing."
As the two figures drew closer, they gradually became visible to conventional sight as well. Vex's impressive seven-foot frame was indeed unmistakable, even in the dense foot traffic of the market district. She moved with the confident stride of someone accustomed to people making way for her, while Cherry practically skipped alongside her, clearly delighted by their shopping expedition. Both were carrying bags similar to Ember and Sera's evidence of a successful shopping trip of their own.
"How did the shopping go?" Sera asked as Vex and Cherry reached their bench.
"Very well" Vex replied with satisfaction. "Cherry now has an entire wardrobe appropriate for her age, plus some items she specifically requested." She gestured to the several bags they were carrying. "And someone discovered a fascination with children's holobooks."
Cherry beamed with excitement. "They have stories about space adventures and different planets! And Vex said I could get as many as I wanted to read!"
Sera laughed at the younger girl's enthusiasm. "That sounds perfect. I think you'll love having your own library."
As they gathered their various bags and prepared to leave the market, Sera pulled out her personal communicator and activated a transportation application. "I'll call an auto-taxi," she announced. "Much easier than trying to manage all these bags on foot."
"What about the speeder bikes?" Cherry asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "The ones we rode to the hospital?"
Vex smiled at the question and shifted her bags to free one hand. She extracted her own communicator and pressed a specific control sequence. "They'll fly back automatically" she explained to Cherry. "Much slower than when we were piloting them, but they're programmed to return to our garage on their own. It's a standard feature for personal vehicles in the city."
Within minutes, an automated taxi descended from the traffic lanes above, settling onto the designated landing pad near their location. The vehicle was sleek and efficient, with a spacious passenger compartment and a substantial cargo area that easily accommodated all their shopping bags.
The flight back to Vex and Sera's apartment building provided another opportunity to see the city from above. The towering structures of Kaas City stretched endlessly in all directions, As they approached their destination, Ember watched with interest as the building's garage shielding lowered automatically to allow their taxi access, then raised again once the vehicle had departed.
"Home sweet home" Sera said with satisfaction as they gathered their bags and stepped out of the taxi.
The garage felt welcoming in its familiarity, though Ember realized with some surprise that she was already beginning to think of this place as "home".
"I think" Vex said as they collected all their packages, "everyone should take some time to unpack and get settled. It's been a full day, and we all deserve some quiet time to process everything."
"That sounds perfect" she agreed, gathering her bags. "Thank you, both of you, for today. For the clothes, for showing me the city, for... all of it."
As they made their way from the garage back into the apartment proper, Ember carried her several bags of new clothing with a sense of anticipation and made sure to climb the stairs carefully, balancing her shopping bags, and made her way down the hallway to her room. The door opened with the soft hiss of automatic systems, revealing the space that had already begun to feel like home. The room was modest but comfortable, with a large window that offered the same spectacular view of Kaas City that had amazed her that first morning.
As she set her bags down on the bed and began the process of unpacking, Ember found herself reflecting on everything that had happened since their escape. The shopping trip had been interesting not just for the experience of choosing her own clothes, but for what she had witnessed in the market district.
She had seen Vex's authority in action when they'd visited the Ministry of Health. The way medical staff had immediately recognized and deferred to her, the efficiency with which their appointment had been handled, the obvious respect that Vex commanded throughout Imperial society. And then there had been the protest incident, the swift brutal efficiency with which Imperial forces had dispersed the demonstrators. As she carefully hung her new clothes in the wardrobe and folded others into the dresser drawers, Ember considered what she had learned about the structure of Imperial society. Vex clearly held significant rank and authority, and that authority had been their salvation.
The more she thought about it, the more certain she became of what she wanted to do with the future that Vex had asked her to consider. The power to protect people like Cherry, to ensure that what had happened to them would never happen to others, to serve something greater than herself while developing the skills to survive in a galaxy that was clearly far more dangerous than she had initially understood.
When the last piece of clothing had been put away and her room was properly organized, Ember took a moment to examine herself in the mirror. She looked different already the new clothes fit properly, making her appear more mature and confident. But more than that, she felt different.
She checked her Force sight to locate Vex within the apartment. The familiar controlled presence was in what she knew was the master bedroom, along with Sera's warmer energy signature. They appeared to be unpacking and organizing their own purchases from the day.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Ember made her way down the hallway to the master bedroom. She paused outside the door for a moment, gathering her courage, then knocked firmly and waited.
The sound of movement came from within, and after a few seconds, the door opened to reveal Sera. The mercenary's expression was curious but welcoming, though clearly surprised to see Ember seeking them out.
"Yes?" Sera asked, her tone gentle but questioning.
"I'm here to talk to Vex" Ember said, trying to keep her voice steady and confident. "I know what I want to do. For my future, I mean."
Sera's eyebrows rose slightly, but she stepped aside and opened the door wider, welcoming Ember into the room. "Of course, come in."
The master bedroom was larger than Ember's room, with the same spectacular view of the city but also additional furnishings that spoke to the occupants' established life together. Vex was standing near the wardrobe, a shirt in her hands, clearly having been engaged in the same unpacking process as Ember.
"Ember" Vex said, turning to face her with that characteristic expression of calm attention. "What can I do for you?"
"I've been thinking about what you asked me earlier" Ember began, moving closer to the center of the room. "About considering my future, what kind of work might interest me." She took a breath, then met Vex's pale gray eyes directly. "I want to be an Imperial Agent. Like you."
The shirt in Vex's hands paused in its journey toward the wardrobe. For a moment, the tall woman's expression was unreadable, then she sighed. Vex carefully placed the shirt to one side and moved to sit on the edge of the bed, patting the space beside her in invitation. "Sit down, Ember. If we're going to have this conversation, we need to have it properly."
Ember settled onto the bed beside her guardian, noting how Sera moved to close the door and then positioned herself nearby, clearly understanding that this was a serious discussion that deserved privacy and attention.
"First" Vex said, her voice carrying the gravity of someone who had lived the reality she was about to describe, "you need to understand exactly what you're asking for. Imperial Intelligence is not just a job it's a way of life that consumes everything you are. Once you join, you can't simply decide to leave if you change your mind."
She leaned forward slightly, her posture emphasizing the importance of her words. "It might not look like it from the outside, Ember, but I'm chained to the Empire just as surely as any slave. My chain is just longer and made of different materials. Imperial Intelligence reports directly to the Dark Council, and when they give orders, refusal isn't really an option. Not speaking of the classified intel that I have learned over the years"
Vex ran a hand through her crimson hair "I jump when they say jump. If they send me on missions, I can't exactly deny them. Yes, I live well, I have authority and respect, but I'm essentially a very well-treated dog for the Empire. The Agent serves at the pleasure of their superiors, often cleaning up the messes created by unhinged Sith Lords."
"Why not consider joining Sera instead?" Vex continued, gesturing toward her partner. "She's a mercenary she has contracts and obligations, but she chooses her clients. She has no masters except the ones she agrees to work for temporarily. Most agents don't get to retire except for the lucky few."
Ember looked between the two women, considering the choice being presented to her. "Are you one of the lucky few?" she asked quietly.
Vex rubbed the back of her neck and she shrugged slightly before answering. "Most likely, yes. I've been doing this for fifteen years, I'm very good at what I do, and I've built up enough leverage and connections that retirement is probably possible eventually."
Ember was quiet for a moment, processing everything Vex had told her. The warnings were clear and honest, painting a picture of service that was far from the glamorous image she might have imagined. But rather than discouraging her, the honesty strengthened her resolve.
"I understand what you're telling me" she said finally, her voice steady. "But I still want to do it. And if I'm going to do it, I might as well learn from the best."
Vex studied her face for a long moment, clearly evaluating the certainty behind her words. Finally, she nodded slowly. "You have a point there" she admitted. "And your unique abilities would certainly be valuable to Intelligence...."
She stood up from the bed, her decision made. "If you're absolutely certain about this path, then we should begin immediately. The sooner you start learning, the better prepared you'll be when it comes time for formal training."
"Right now?" Ember asked, surprised by the immediacy.
"Right now" Vex confirmed. "Follow me downstairs to the workout room. We'll start with the basics such as physical conditioning, situational awareness, basic combat principles." She looked at Sera. "Would you mind staying with Cherry in case she hears anything and gets worried? I don't want her to think something bad is happening."
Sera nodded, understanding. "Of course. Cherry's probably settled in with her new books anyway, but I'll keep an eye on her."
When they reached the first level, Vex led them past the common area where they had spent the evening watching holovision, through a door that Ember had noticed but never explored.
The workout room beyond was impressive and clearly well-used. The space was large enough to accommodate serious training, with high ceilings that gave it an open, airy feel. Most striking was the full-sized boxing ring positioned in the center of the room, its padded ropes and well-maintained mat speaking to regular use. Around the outer edges of the space, various pieces of exercise equipment were arranged.
As they entered the room, Vex immediately began heading toward the boxing ring with purposeful strides. Ember followed, taking in the professional-grade training environment with growing appreciation and mounting anxiety.
"Didn't you say we would start with physical conditioning?" Ember asked, her voice carrying a slight tremor that she hoped wasn't too obvious. The question came out more hesitant than she intended, but she needed to understand what was happening.
Vex paused at the edge of the ring and turned back to face her, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She laughed.
"That was just to get you down here" Vex admitted with obvious amusement. "Physical conditioning can wait. Today we're going to fight, so I can see what skill level you're actually at. Imperial Agents must master the arts of infiltration, seduction, and assassination to advance the Empire's causes, and that requires a foundation of combat capability that needs to be assessed before proper training can begin."
Ember nodded, though she felt her throat constrict slightly as the reality of what was about to happen sank in. "A-alright," she managed, the stutter escaping before she could control it. The nervousness was evident in her voice now, and she felt heat rise in her cheeks as she realized how intimidated she sounded.
Fighting Vex—a woman who stood seven feet tall, had years of experience as an elite operative, and possessed the kind of presence that made hardened Imperials step aside respectfully—suddenly seemed like a monumentally poor decision.
Vex climbed into the ring with easy, practiced movements, ducking smoothly between the ropes and straightening to her full imposing height. The ring somehow made her seem even taller and more formidable than usual. When Ember followed, climbing more cautiously through the ropes, she felt dwarfed by both the space and her opponent.
The moment both of them were in the ring, Ember witnessed a transformation that was both subtle and profound. The caring guardian who had rescued them, the patient woman who had explained the realities of Imperial service with gentle honesty—that person seemed to step back, replaced by something else entirely.
Vex's face became cold and impassive, her expression settling into the kind of professional neutrality that Ember imagined she wore during actual missions. The slight smile that had been present moments before disappeared completely, replaced by the calculating gaze of someone evaluating a potential threat. Her posture shifted subtly but meaningfully, becoming more centered and ready, her hands moving into a relaxed but prepared position.
"The fight starts now" Vex announced, her voice carrying the same cold professionalism as her expression. Without further warning, she began to circle Ember at a slow, measured pace. Ember brought her hands up instinctively, her body falling into what she hoped was a reasonable defensive posture. She had no formal training that she could remember, but something in her muscle memory seemed to respond to the threat she turned to keep facing Vex as the taller woman circled, doing her best to maintain eye contact while trying to watch for incoming attacks. Ember's breathing had become more rapid, her nervousness manifesting in the quick, shallow inhalations of someone whose body was preparing for either fight or flight.
"Show me what you can do" Vex said, her tone carrying the weight of professional assessment. "Don't think about what you should do or what you think I want to see. Just react."
As the words left her lips, Vex's circling brought her closer, and suddenly the theoretical became very real. Without further warning, she stepped forward and launched her first attack a quick jab aimed at Ember's shoulder. Ember's Force sight proved invaluable in that critical moment. Through her unique perception, she could see the attack coming a second or two before it would have been apparent through conventional vision alone. The energy patterns around Vex's arm shifted in preparation for the strike, allowing Ember to see not just where the attack was coming from, She managed to dodge backward, stumbling slightly as she tried to maintain her balance while avoiding the strike the movement clumsy and uncoordinated barely managing not to stumble over her own feet.
Vex pressed forward immediately, not giving Ember time to recover her composure. Another strike came this time a cross aimed at her midsection and again Ember's Force sight provided crucial advance warning.
But knowing an attack was coming and being able to effectively defend against it were very different things. Ember threw her arms up in an instinctive block, but the force of Vex's strike drove through her guard anyway. The blow connected with her ribs despite her attempt to protect herself, and the impact sent her staggering backward several steps, gasping as the air was driven from her lungs.
"In this business" Vex said, her voice carrying the cold authority of professional instruction as she continued her advance, "it doesn't matter if you have natural talent."
She followed up with a combination—a feint toward Ember's head that drew her guard up, followed immediately by a strike toward her exposed side. Ember's Force sight allowed her to track both movements, but her inexperience showed in her response. She tried to react to both attacks simultaneously, leaving her off-balance and vulnerable.
The second strike landed solidly against her ribs, even though she had managed to partially block it. The impact drove her back again, and she could feel the sting of the blow radiating through her torso.
"The only thing that matters" Vex continued, moving forward relentlessly as she spoke, her expression remaining coldly neutral despite the intensity of her words, "is obsession!"
As she emphasized the word, Vex launched another attack this time a straight punch aimed at Ember's face. Despite her Force sight providing warning, Ember's attempt to dodge was too slow and uncoordinated. The blow caught her on the cheek, snapping her head to the side and bringing tears to her eyes from the sharp impact.
"Those who are willing to do anything" Vex pressed on, her voice never wavering from its professional tone even as she continued her assault, "and practice for however long it takes to ensure they complete their objectives and develop the skills necessary to survive in a galaxy that wants them dead."
Vex launched another combination a body shot followed by a hook toward Ember's head. She managed to dodge the first strike completely, slipping to the side as Vex's fist passed through the space where she had been standing.
The momentum of her dodge carried her into position to counter-attack, and without thinking, she threw a wild punch toward Vex's exposed side. The strike was more of a desperate flail than a proper technique but it connected solidly with Vex's ribs, causing the taller woman to grunt slightly in surprise.
For the first time since the fight had begun, Vex smiled. It wasn't the warm expression Ember had grown accustomed to, but rather the predatory grin of a professional who had just seen something interesting.
"Time to pick up the pace" Vex announced, and immediately her entire fighting style shifted into a higher gear.
She began using her legs into the assault, adding an entirely new dimension to the combat that caught Ember completely off-guard. The first kick came from an angle Ember hadn't been watching a quick snap kick that slipped past her guard and caught her solidly in the face.
The impact sent her head snapping backward, and she tasted blood immediately as her lip split against her teeth. The coppery taste filled her mouth as warm liquid began to trickle down her chin. Her vision swam from the force of the blow, both her vision and Force sight were wavering as the accumulated damage began to take its toll.
"I've traveled far in my fifteen years of service" Vex said, her voice maintaining that same cold professional tone even as she pressed her attack relentlessly. "I've fought against Miraluka and their Force sight before."
The words sent a chill down Ember's spine that had nothing to do with physical exhaustion. As her normal vision continued to blur and swim from the mounting impacts, she found herself leaning more heavily on her Force sight to track Vex's movements and anticipate the next attack.
But then something impossible happened.
Just as Vex finished speaking, her outline in Ember's Force sight began to fade and flicker. Within seconds, the familiar energy patterns that had been allowing Ember to track her movements died completely, leaving only an empty space where the seven-foot operative should have been. Where her eyes should have been in Ember's enhanced perception, two points of brilliant light appeared brighter and more intense than anything Ember had ever seen through the Force. Behind that radiance was something that made her blood freeze: pure, predatory bloodlust Strikes came from angles that Ember couldn't predict, combinations that she couldn't see coming until they were already landing.
"By this year's end, before you enter the academy" Vex said, her voice carrying an edge of intensity that spoke to the core of what she was trying to teach, "if you have not given up, you will hate me. But if nothing else, you will love me for the power I have given you."
A devastating combination slipped through Ember's increasingly desperate guard a quick jab followed by a cross that sent her stumbling backward toward the edge of the ring.
"These are the last two lessons you must remember to survive in this job" Vex continued, her eyes still blazing with that terrifying intensity in Ember's compromised Force sight.
What came next happened almost too fast for Ember to process. Vex's leg moved with blinding speed faster than anything Ember had seen throughout the entire fight. The sweep caught her completely off-guard, hooking behind both ankles and lifting her entirely off her feet with devastating efficiency.
Time seemed to slow as Ember found herself suspended in mid-air, completely helpless and vulnerable. Through her fading Force sight and swimming conventional vision, she watched in horror as Vex lifted her other leg high above her head, preparing to bring it down in a devastating axe kick.
The attack was coming straight down toward her exposed torso, and there was nowhere to go, no way to dodge while airborne. Ember managed to bring her arms up just in time, crossing them desperately above her chest in a last-ditch attempt to protect herself from the incoming impact.
The blow landed with the force of a sledgehammer. Even through her blocking arms, the impact drove her down into the ring mat with crushing power. Her back struck the surface with a sickening thud, and the force of the impact was so great that her body actually bounced once before settling.
Pain exploded through her entire torso as the air was driven from her lungs in a violent rush. The taste of blood intensified dramatically, and she found herself spitting crimson onto the mat beside her head. Her vision, both normal and Force-enhanced, flickered dangerously as her consciousness wavered from the devastating combination of impacts.
Every breath was agony. Her arms, which had absorbed the brunt of the axe kick, felt like they might be broken. The accumulated damage from the entire fight crashed over her like a wave, and she lay on the mat gasping and struggling to remain conscious. Ember realized, with crystalline clarity, that this had never been about testing her fighting ability. This had been about showing her exactly what kind of world she was choosing to enter.
As Ember lay gasping and struggling to process what had just happened to her, Vex's voice cut through the haze of pain with the same cold professionalism she had maintained throughout the entire demonstration.
"The second lesson" Vex said, her tone carrying the weight of hard-earned experience and absolute certainty, "is that you always get up. And you never step back."
Through her compromised Force sight, Ember could still see those two blazing points of light where Vex's eyes should be, looking down at her with the calculating assessment of a predator evaluating wounded prey.
Vex crouched down in front of her, close enough that Ember could sense her presence even through her damaged Force sight. When Vex reached out and gently but firmly grasped Ember's face, tilting it upward, all Ember could see through her Force perception were those terrible, brilliant points of light where her eyes should be, still blazing with that controlled bloodlust that spoke of a killer's nature held in check by iron discipline.
"Get up" Vex said, her voice quiet but carrying absolute authority.
Driven by a combination of pain, frustration, defiance, and something deeper that she couldn't name, Ember did something that surprised even herself.
She spat.
Blood and saliva struck Vex directly in the face, the crimson mixture spattering across the veteran operative's features in an act of pure, instinctive rebellion
For a moment, absolute silence filled the workout room. The only sounds were Ember's labored breathing and the soft drip of blood hitting the mat. Vex remained perfectly still, her expression unreadable as the mixture of blood and saliva slowly ran down her face.
Then, slowly, Vex smiled.
It wasn't the predatory grin Ember had seen before, or the warm expression she had grown accustomed to. This was something else entirely—a look of genuine satisfaction mixed with dark anticipation. It was the expression of someone who had just seen exactly what they had hoped to find.
"Good" Vex said, her voice carrying a note of something that might have been pride mixed with promise. "We will make a monster out of you yet."
The words were the last thing Ember heard before Vex's hand moved with that same blurring speed she had demonstrated throughout the fight and darkness consumed her.