Off-planet intro: shadows in the mirror

[Nefertari Sovint]

Pitch black...certainly not the most comfortable surrounding when one wakes up in a different place than they fell asleep in.

Nefertari felt the cold stone floor under her. The last thing she remembered was a sunny day on Ossus.

Where am I? She thought, getting up and rubbing her head

Also, Nefertari felt a bit lighter. Had she lost her equipment in what she could only assume was a fall?
Channeling the force through her, a small ball of fire conjured in the air, bathing the room in a dim light. On the floor nearby were two lightsabers. One which resembled a katana's hilt, and another with a scalloped handgrip.

When Nefertari picked one of the weapons up, she observed a carving which bore the name "Khkare Sovint"

The young countess would recognize that name anywhere. The first Earl of Rosedge. She was in her family's tomb on Chandrila.

Nefertari extinguished the pyrokinetic fireball and ignited the Jedi weapon she had picked up. The green light from the blade guided her to the corner, where the tsuba of her lightsaber was caught on carved stone leaf bordering a flatsculp. Probably another one of Nefertari's ancestors.

Of course, when she saw the writing, Nefertari lost her strength and fell backwards in confusion. A loud crash echoed through the tomb as she knocked a statue over.

The writing couldn't be true, and yet there it was, two words which had confused and slightly frightened the Jedi
Below the image on the flatsculp were inscribed the words

NEFERTARI SOVINT​

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

"Child, why have you come to this place?"

Nefertari looked around for the source of this new voice. Oddly enough, it sounded familiar. As though this was the voice of a friend she'd known for a long time.

Nef decided to reply. Since there was nobody else around, it was highly unlikely she would be written off as insane.
"This...cannot be real. I have not yet become one with the force."

"No, you are still among the living. And I assure you this place is quite real"

Soon the tomb was illuminated with the glow of a force ghost, and Nef found herself face to face with the spirit of a deceased woman probably about fifty years older than herself.

"The force is strong in you, young one. What might your name be?"

Nefertari felt uneasy. First, she had no idea how she got here. Then she'd found a spot in her family's tomb sealed and marked with her name. Something was almost certainly out of place.
"M-I-I am Nefertari Sovint, Countess of Rosedge"
Not everybody liked the Jedi, much less it seemed Nef. Thus, her title of peerage was used in place of "Jedi Knight"

[member="Mirror Nefertari Sovint"]​

 

[Mirror Nefertari Sovint]

"Odd,that happens to be my name. And yet my feelings say you speak truthfully."
The elder Nefertari floated through her counterpart. The flatsculp moved aside, revealing a small room.
"Please step inside, young one. I sense the emperor's surveillance nearby.
Both women entered the small chamber, and the stone sulp was placed back over the entrance.

"Neffy, you have left the galaxy you know far behind. Where you have Chaos, this galaxy has order. However, this order comes at quite a drastic cost. Will you hear my words?"

[member="Nefertari Sovint"]​

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

Nefertari nodded, ignoring the fact that this ghost just called her Neffy.
"Given the current state of things, I dare say I should do both of us a favor and pay attention."

On the top of a pedestal sat a set of robes, riddled with blast marks, and a lightsaber hilt on either side of that.

Picking one hilt up, Nef remarked
"This highly resembles my first lightsaber."

[member="Mirror Nefertari Sovint"]​

 

[Mirror Nefertari Sovint]

"Thank you" I replied when my Counterpart nodded

I couldn't help but let a chuckle loose when she almost immediately picked up a weapon of mine
"That would be my first lightsaber. I found some information about the Jedi hidden in the imperial palace."

When this younger version of myself looked slightly baffled, I explained
"In this universe, events went quite different. The Jedi and Sith were destroyed long ago. I lived the normal life of an imperial noble, and eventually married one of the high blood men. The prince was quite a good man, and even supported me in my defiance once we both found out that the empire was one lie on top of another."

Through the force, I was able to solidly rest my hand on the younger woman's shoulder.
"There have been plans of rebellion going around for some time now, and they are now coming true. I would like you to help bring down the empire on my behalf, and on behalf of free thought."

[member="Nefertari Sovint"]​

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

"Free thought?" Nef asked

"Indeed. More and more of the masses are turning in those they know to the Department for Re-education for breaking the laws forbidding bad opinions towards the empire and the emperor himself, even in your thoughts.

"Ghostly me, I can scarcely tell you how utterly insane that sounds. However, if Master Skywalker brought down an empire, why not us?"

[member="Mirror Nefertari Sovint"]​

 

[Mirror Nefertari Sovint]

"In that case, let us become a thorn in the side of my good for nothing relative. With your help, we just might free the peoples' minds from the empire's control."
I handed a new necklace to my new ally, one with the seal of the imperial family
"Wearing that symbol you have is more than likely to get you in trouble with the drones patrolling the streets. This jewelry might even help you on our quest."

[member="Nefertari Sovint"]​

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

A dainty gold medallion on a colorful silken cord...simple, but seeing as this was supposed to serve as a sort of signet, it didn't seem out of place that it belonged to the woman who was at one time the fourth most powerful person in this twisted galaxy.

And I thought the Netherworld was crazy...

The other hilt caught Nefertari's eye. All along the handgrip, there were holes. A crystal served as a sort of pommel, the metal was obviously bronze or a similar alloy since the centuries had turned it green. On top of that was electrum decoration.
"What a curious weapon"

"Do you like it? There's a flute built into it. I've heard some people call it Jiyuseigi, but my name for it has always been Zen'yuken. Take it with you, hide it well, and use it if you need."

Nef picked the musical armament up and struck a pose, levitating it in the air

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0SY690DFkY​

​

You got Zen'yuken!​

This legendary lightsaber was once secretly wielded by your ghostly counterpart. She now passes it to you.​

[member="Mirror Nefertari Sovint"] couldn't help but laugh

 

[Mirror Nefertari Sovint]

I laughed at my friend's antics as she picked up the weapon

"From here, you must get to Cormalum. You will need to find the way on your own, but I shall assist you when it comes time to get in touch with the rebellion. Until then, may the force be with you."

[member="Nefertari Sovint"]​

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

May the force be with you...it had been a good while since Nefertari had heard that refreshing phrase.

"May the force be with you as well, my friend. Let's set this twisted empire right."

The force ghost smiled and faded, leaving Nefertari alone in the tomb once more.

Nef walked to the entrance, exited the tomb, and sealed it back up. Walking along the path through the woods, she came upon a severely run down Rosedge. It was neither the slight restoration nor the thriving village Nefertari knew. The only up and running part of it was the main drag. Along this street were a few houses, a couple shops, and a tiny police station. This had clearly become a minimalist place, forgotten by most of society.

Something small and furry tapped on Nef's leg. When she looked down, there was a Squall. Nefertari had always loved these animals, even owning a plush one in her childhood. The Jedi sat down by a tree and stroked the friendly creature as it muched a berry from a nearby bush. Funny how things which bring back memories of a simpler time bring comfort to a shaken individual.

"Cute little thing, ain't 'e?" a voice asked

Nef quickly hid the outlawed weapons in the bush as an old man walked up, wearing the uniform of a policeman.
"Indeed. I've always loved squalls." she replied "I must make haste to Cormalum, though. Could you direct me to the nearest spaceport?

"Per'aps. Call it me intuition, but you seem lost. Would ye mind coming with me?"

Flarg. I cannot be getting arrested this soon...I haven't even done anything yet!
First she shows up in a nightmarish world, now she was thinking expletives she'd scolded [member="Zak Dymo"] about for saying in the presence of somebody important.

To put it bluntly; today is not a good day.

Nefertari complied and went with the police officer, leaving four illegal weapons behind.

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

A metal ball was inside the police station, a droid to be exact.
"What sort of droid is that?"

"What is that?! That there is a Citizen Advice Drone. Doesn't get much use in a village like this one, but it's good to have around. You are a curious lass...CAD, would you tell me who this young woman is and where she ought ta be?"

The small droid whirred into action, scattering a few flyers which were obviously aimed at the younger demographics. Each one had a typical message, but with a dash of Imperial propaganda...Okay, much more than a dash.

"Would you mind directing me to the nearest spaceport? I am in haste."

"Citizen, please calm yourself." said the CAD, beginning a scan of Nefertari
"Scan complete. I can find no illegal items on her, and she is physically healthy. Identifying.

What happened then was unexpected
"Error. Error. Reboot required"

The droid shut down and clunked onto the desk. The display read "Rebooting, glory to Emperor Vorticus."

"Confounded machine" the old policeman grumbled, giving the dormant droid a good thump "While yer busy booting, why don't ya let me see that error report?"

"Every match I find is closed for various reasons"

"Show yer closest"

Every passing moment was weirding Nefertari out even more. She needed to get to the Imperial capital as soon as possible.

A hologram of Nef, or rather her ghostly counterpart, was projected.
"Name: Classified, Age: Classified, Sex: Female, Species: Human, Social Status: Classified, Education: Classified, Marital Status: Married, Spouse: Classified, Current Status: Deceased."

"Thanks, CAD, glory to the empire."
He turned to Nef
"Mind explaining yerself, Missy?"

Nef popped a capsule of concentrated stim tea in her mouth
"I know this is a long shot, but what if I said your match is most likely correct?"

"Explain, citizen."

"My name is Nefertari Sovint. If I had to guess, the file says I am somewhere in my 70s. As for social status, I am either a Princess or a criminal. My spouse is a prince of the empire."

"Some of the information is even classified to me, but what you say is correct. My memory says you asked directions to the spaceport; from here, proceed south for 34.459 kilometers, turn west, proceed 4.441 kilometers, turn south, enter Nayli spaceport."

"Thank you, both of you. I shall be on my way, then."

"Hold up there, young princess. I got something I want ya to have."
The police officer handed a white backpack to Nefertari, his wrinkled hand shaking a bit.
"I were a peacekeeper many years ago. I want ya to have what's left o' me gear."

Throwing the straps over her shoulders, Nefertari bowed to the old man and the strange droid and left saying "May the force be with you"

When Nefertari was out of earshot, the public servant stated "Well that's one more bit of clutter cleared up."

"The DfR will want to know about this. Sending report."

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

Nefertari carefully disassembled both her main lightsaber and what was pretty much an exact copy of her padawan saber. After placing the pieces in separate pouches in the backpack, she turned to the other two laser swords.

Both antique, both of mysterious construction.
First came the lightsaber she'd found in the dune sea on Tatooine. It had only been taken apart once to clean the desert sand out of it. It had taken a good while then. Luckily for Nefertari, it took about half the time now.

The hair on the back of Nef's neck stood on end, somebody was coming.

Quickly Nef grabbed Zen'yuken and ran. A total of 39 kilometers stood between her and getting off this twisted version of her homeworld and to an...even more twisted version of...probably Coruscant. That much closer to contacting the budding rebellion and helping to rip the lies of this empire to shreds.

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

The star Chandrila began to sink below the horizon. Under cover of darkness, Nefertari picked up the pace.

She had hidden herself from agents of the empire during the day, and there were about twelve kilometers left until she reached Nayli. The Jedi took a ration from the backpack; it was disgusting, but gave her some added energy and nutrients.

Putting the hood of her cloak up, the Stranger in a strange galaxy headed off into the darkness of the night.


As the night turned back to day, Nef force leapt into a big tree and caught a few Zs, hidden from the empire's view.

A voice spoke in her dream, Nefertari recognized it, but couldn't remember the identity upon her awakening.
All the Jedi could remember is she might have to become allies with those who might otherwise be her enemies, and that she must bring down the emperor.

This dream was followed by a nightmare of this Vorticus and Nef in a scene from a history holovid she'd seen as a youngling.

"Now, young Sovint...you will die"

Nefertari sprang awake, hitting her head on a branch.

"OW!"

"What was that?"

"It came from that tree"

Damn.

Nefertari dove out of the tree, directing force at the ground below, slowing her momentum and shoving the imperials aside.

Nef then ran off towards the city of Nayli.

After evading the boys in blue for a bit, Nef entered the spaceport canteen.

 

[Nefertari Sovint]

Like any spaceport canteen, this one was packed. Now all Nefertari had to do is find a vessel going to Cormalum.

Nefertari began her search, which didn't take too long. About ten minutes in, a human child tugged on her raiment.
"My master says you're pretty. He wants to meet you."

The kid pointed over to a booth where a Zeltron pilot was sitting

Nefertari remembered her last awkward encounter with a Zeltron, but decided to give it a try.

"Don't see many pretty ones around here. The name's Lareih, I'm captain of the Blue milk thistle . You a local, sweetie?"

aaaaannnd already this pilot was trying to romance Nefertari.
"Kind of. I am looking for passage to Cormalum."

"You alright with landing in the Black hole district?"

"I do not see a reason to be uneasy about it."

"You've got guts, lady. I'll be getting my shipment loaded up. Little Danny here'll show you to the docking bay when I call for him."

Lareih left, soon to be followed by armed police. Nef guessed they were looking for her, and she subconsciously reconstructed one of the lightsabers in her backpack.

"Let's go" Nefertari whispered to the boy, tucking Zen'yuken into the bag.

The call for Danny and "our gorgeous passenger" came while they were in the corridor.

"We're in docking bay V-39. Master always like living large, his dream is to surpass the wealth of the emperor."

By the time they had reached the docking bay, Nefertari and Danny had become good friends.

They approached the loading ramp of the blue milk thistle, from behind came an amplified command
"In the name of Emperor Vorticus, surrender!"

It was time for Nef to express her distaste of the empire
"I shall not surrender to such a fool as the emperor!"

"OPEN FIRE!"

In a split second, the kid was rushing up the loading ramp, and two hilts whipped out of the backpack; igniting in teal and pink.

The ship took off and flew low as Nef deflected the blaster bolts from the public servants' pistols, carefully trying to NOT hit them.

When the ramp drew near, Nefertari jumped in and extinguished her weapons. The ship closed and blasted out of the atmosphere.


"Great job sticking it to the man!"
Lareih was now shirtless, and his bicep bore a tattoo of what Nef recognized as the symbol of the rebel alliance. The Jedi had stumbled upon a couple allies. Sure she was wanted by the empire, but that's why she used her lightsabers in the first place: What else did she have to lose by breaking the imperial laws? Heck, she was supposed to be dead!


The three against the empire were on their way through space toward the black hole district of Cormalum. What would await them next?

THE END​