Star Wars: Shadowbound Chapter 13 - Healing Apprentice, Council Bamboozled, Senator’s Spine & Hutt Execution 

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"If anyone else is secretly nobility, heir to a throne, or descended from some ancient house, now would be an excellent time to mention it."

Arenval glanced at each of them before focusing on Beldorion again. 

“I am curious how this might serve our cause, Jedi Tython. When I left for the Jedi Temple many years ago, the Hestilic kajidic already had scarcely any notable members or businesses remaining.”

Arenval worked the holotable controls, bringing up information on the most powerful kajidics. "This changes a few things for us, Beldorion. We are no longer struggling to earn recognition from the Hutts. We no longer need to fight for the Hutts to recognize you. Your rise will instead be about reclaiming your rightful place on the Hutt Council, as a descendant of its founder."

"I do like the sound of that more," Aayla muttered. 

"I agree. This will give legitimacy to Knight Beldorion's actions," Komari added. 

Arenval didn't move his head, but he did glance towards Komari. This was the first time the dark Jedi had shown a positive reaction to anything Aayla said. 

"But we still need justification to kill Gardulla." Arenval brought up the details of Gardulla's trade empire. "Somehow, we need her to infringe on Beldorion's territory, so we can accuse her of expansionism and retaliate. Then we let the whole mess grow out of proportion until an all-out strike seems inevitable."

“Gardulla is notorious for gambling,” Komari said, staring at Arenval zealously. “It has already taken most of her wealth from her. I can ensure word of the bait reaches her. But it must be something irresistible, enough that she would dare offend a Hutt touched by the Force.”

"I agree," Aayla muttered. 

Arenval looked between the two women, taken aback by their sudden show of comradeship. But he wasn't one to question it. 

"Then the bait needs to be worth the gamble. Lucrative enough that she puts everything on the table. But first, Beldorion needs an entrance, and I believe the Zygerrians can provide one." Arenval turned to Alfred. "Wasn't I invited to the new senator's inauguration party on Thesme?"

"You are, Master Tython. As the owner of Tython Tech, they are hopeful of your presence at the party, as it will further strengthen the new senator's prospects of bringing investment to the sector," the protocol droid explained.

Arenval nodded. "And I've heard they have a Zygerrian problem? Then I suppose Bel and I should go separately. I’ll be there to expand Tython Tech, and Bel, as the rising hegemon of a sector ripe for slave trade. We promise nothing and simply draw the Zygerrians to Zoraster and let them walk into their own slaughter. Bel can declare war afterward, giving our future anti-piracy activities legitimacy without damaging his supposed Hutt standing with the Council."

"What about Altor 14? We have begun installing habitats there," Shmi inquired. 

"Altor 14 will serve as my hidden base, assuming I can keep it secret. Dods will remain Beldorion's capital, where people can thrive without suffering and find plenty of work. Altor 14 will become a factory world for my shipyards and whatever else we'll need as we grow. Holding an entire sector won't exactly be simple."

Aware of the future Star Destroyers, Arenval wanted to increase the size of his fleet first. He already had the designs for the Fury-Class Imperial interceptor. Their 100-meter size and heavy armament were perfect for his use. In the future, with a few capital ships, he'd have the entire sector under his firm grip.

"The rest of you stay here on Dodz, in case someone decides to test our defenses." Arenval shut down the holotable. "Aayla, prepare a wide-range holo transmission to every Tython Tech ship nearby. Once Bel makes his move, we make certain the news travels far. All the way to Coruscant. And Bel, forgo the Jedi robes."

Beldorion said nothing, but there sure was an audible grumble for a moment.

One by one, they began leaving, following his instructions. He personally needed little to no preparation since his attire was never-changing, just a set of black Jedi robes. Maybe with a cloak this time. 

"My Master." 

Everyone was gone. All but Komari, as she approached him from the side. 

Used to it now, he smiled. "Is there something, Komari?"

Arenval had to admit his suspicion was correct. Komari didn’t seem as stiff and angry anymore. Not at all times, at least. Now, she had a more approachable presence in the Force. Yet, it didn't reduce the overzealousness. 

"My Master, I have been meditating, just as you commanded me. And I have realised there are questions with answers I cannot ignore. To have them, I must speak with Dooku one day."

Arenval nodded, keeping his satisfaction buried beneath a solemn expression. "Then we should do that. After Gardulla is dealt with, we'll have enough time to speak with Master Dooku."

"I am grateful, my Master." 

Arenval gave her a reassuring nod and patted her shoulder. But as he did that, a thought came to mind. 

Since it's proven to be working. 

"Let's go now, Komari."

"To where, Master?"

"To my room. I will teach you a few new Dark Side techniques. Once we’re done, you may rest with me as well." He said it carefully, unable to bring himself to put those last words more directly.

Still, Komari clearly understood him as her face beamed. Perhaps this was one of the only few things that could get Komari this visibly excited. 

"As you command, my Master." 

####

Jedi Temple, Coruscant

After a long flight from the edge of the galaxy, Obi-Wan finally returned to Coruscant with Anakin. As expected, the first matter was deciding Anakin's punishment. In the end, his young Padawan was awarded enforced meditation training 3 hours daily for a month. 

It may seem like nothing to many Jedi, but Obi-Wan knew this was no less than a death sentence to Anakin. 

After those things were dealt with, he was summoned by the High Council, not even given the chance to rest. He tried to make himself presentable in the turbolift, brushing his hair with his fingers and fixing the creases of his Jedi robes. 

When the turbolift arrived at the top of the spire, the door to the council chamber was already opened for him. He walked right inside and stood at the center of the large marble floor. Glancing at the Masters, he noticed Master Shaak Ti and Master Ki-Adi-Mundi were present via holo. 

"Masters." Obi-Wan bowed his head. 

"You may begin with your report, Knight Kenobi," Master Windu said. 

Obi-Wan wasted no time. "Arenval Tython was indeed the source of the disturbance. He confessed it himself. The reason behind it is, unfortunately, a long story, and one I'm sure you'll all be eager to hear. But first, Master Yoda, may I ask if you remember a Hutt Jedi named Beldorion?"

"I do. Become a Knight, he did. But lost somewhere out there, he was. Never found again."

"Well, Arenval found him." Obi-Wan folded his arms. "The Hutt-Jedi had fallen to the Dark Side on Nam Chorios. Aren said the planet had sentient Tsil crystals that magnified connection with the Force. Even the slightest of Force-wielding there caused Force storms."

"Did he use the crystals to defeat the Beldorion?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked. 

"No, actually, quite the opposite, Masters. Arenval defeated the Hutt by himself, without any help. Unfortunately, he also discovered that the planet is home to an extremely dangerous parasite..."

Obi-Wan went on and told the story of the drochs that drank life energy and couldn't be detected by any means; healing only made them stronger. In some cases, drochs could gain sentience if they lived long enough. 

"After defeating the Hutt, he joined hands with the Tsil. He allowed his body to be turned into a focal point for the Tsil across the planet to launch a unified attack on all drochs. It was extremely dangerous, but Arenval successfully connected with the sentient species across the entire planet. It was the source of the disturbance we all felt."

At the end of that part of the report, the entire High Council fell into silence. 

Some looked at each other's faces, trying to understand how it must have happened. How painful it must have been to abuse one's body to channel the Force on a scale large enough to shroud an entire planet. 

"Saved the galaxy from a dangerous plague, Arenval did," Yoda remarked.

"I believe he did, Master," Obi-Wan said. "As I understand it, only the Jedi could have fought this plague. But against the population of an entire galaxy, there are simply too few of us. Trillions would have died despite everything we could do."

"The Council will not forget former Padawan Tython's contribution." Master Windu noted. "What happened to the Force-sensitive Hutt afterwards?"

"That is the most curious part. I could sense no trace of the Dark Side in Knight Beldorion. Padawan Secura told me that Aren had taught her an ability called Force Light, which she used to banish the Dark Side from Beldorion and bring him back to the light. Even so, he has chosen to remain with Arenval."

The members of the Council gave each other curious looks. 

"Force Light?" Master Shaak Ti asked thoughtfully. "Master Yaddle could wield it, as I recall. But how did Arenval learn it, and how was he able to teach Padawan Secura?"

Obi-Wan shook his head. "I could not learn this. Padawan Secura said she received a holocron from Arenval. None are missing from the vaults. Checking them was the first thing I did after I returned."

"What else? How did the former Padawan Tython seem to you? In the Force?" Master Plo Koon inquired. 

"Bright. Somehow, he managed to bring Beldorion back from the Dark Side, and I could see a definite change for the better in Komari Vosa. I also sparred with Arenval personally to gauge his training. He showed unusual mastery of Dark Side abilities like Force Choke, Force Blast, Force Barrier, along with a mind-clouding technique he devised himself. For all of that, I did not sense the Dark Side holding any control over him."

"And what did you conclude from that spar?" Master Windu asked. 

Obi-Wan smiled wryly. "I won't pretend otherwise. There was a moment during our spar when, had it been anything more serious, I would not be standing here. It was his own new ability, and I admit, it caught me completely by surprise. 

“He kept pressing me, wearing me down while hardly tiring himself. It ended in a stalemate. By skill alone, I'd place him one step behind me, and only for lack of experience. Give him that, and I expect he'll surpass quite a few."

By few, he did mean the members of the Council, but he couldn't say that right to their faces.

And he could see some of the Masters shifting in their seats. A Dark Side user free out there in the galaxy, growing at a pace never witnessed before. It had to be a hard fact to accept. Yet, there was no law against the use of the Dark Side, or even being a Sith. 

Though Obi-Wan noticed a satisfied smile on Master Yoda's face. Even Master Shaak Ti and Master Plo Koon gave affirmative nods, as if satisfied by the report. 

"Anything else?"

"I almost forgot. Arenval has somehow gotten his hands on an ancient battle cruiser. I've never seen the model before, so I sent an image to Master Jocasta Nu..." Obi-Wan felt a vibration in his pocket and took out the small holotab. "Ah, she found it. Apparently, it's... a Harrower-class Dreadnought, used over four thousand years ago by... the Sith Empire."

Oh, Aren. Why do you make it so tough for me?

####

Thesme, Thesme Sector, 

Thesme was not close. In fact, it was on the northern arm of the Outer Rim, while his Zoraster sector was at the eastern edge below Hutt Space. It wasn't really a place of much importance, nor did it hold a noteworthy future as far as Arenval remembered. 

All he knew was that Thesme was eventually assimilated into the Bright Jewel Oversector. 

Travelling in the Scimitar was faster, however. It was just him and Alfred onboard, while Beldorion took a different ship. Not the Dominator, of course. They weren't going to conquer a planet. 

After days of traveling, he flew the ship down to Thesme, the capital of the sector by the same name. It was a dull, industrial world with nothing noteworthy. It wasn't that rich either, and there was pollution in the atmosphere that lit the sky orange. 

He flew towards the designated landing pad near the planet's statehouse. It was a large dome-shaped structure surrounded by tall buildings. It wasn't an ecumenopolis, however, so he could see the ground. 

"Tell me about the senator, Alfred." 

The protocol droid seated behind him soon spoke. "Senator Silya Shessaun is a human female, sir, and considered short by the standards of her species. She comes from a working-class family and was recognised as a child prodigy, prompting her early introduction to politics. She has devoted herself to the causes of the poor and underprivileged. 

“My records indicate a possible acquaintance with Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo, established during a summit on Alderaan. The Senator is currently twenty years old and the first person of working-class origin from her planet to reach such a position. She is humble, deliberate in her speech, and measured in her conduct."

"A coward, then?" Arenval asked, flicking switches on the console as the ship landed. "She's afraid to speak plainly for fear of trouble? Afraid to challenge the powerful because she fears retaliation?"

"I do not have enough data to reach that conclusion, Sir."

"Trust me, Alfred. I've seen her kind before. Grew up with little self-confidence, never learned to think highly of herself. Reached the Senate through talent alone, and now the Jawas around her are trying to take everything she's worth."

"Apologise, Master Tython. But you have spent your whole life in the Temple. Where did you learn this?"

Arenval removed the seatbelt and got up. "I'm more than just the Temple, Alfred. Let's go. I want to meet this prodigy. If she's worth investing in, I suppose I can lend her my spine."

"A savior, then? I daresay the title suits you rather well, Master Tython." Alfred followed.

Arenval walked down from the ramp and met with the guide assigned to him. He was humanoid, perhaps a mix of something; he couldn't tell. He didn't ask since the man was a low-ranking clerk. 

"Arenval Tython, owner of Tython Tech." 

The clerk, looking bored, looked up from the large holotab. Slowly, the confusion changed to startle. "Ah… By Tython Tech, do you mean…"

The clerk raised the holotab. It was a larger model with a fourteen-inch screen and came with a pen. It was perfect for clerks, assistants, and secretaries. And sure enough, behind it was a tiny logo of Tython Tech, shaped like a stylized T. 

Arenval nodded. "That's right. Was I not expected?"

The clerk shook his head quickly. "Uh, no… I mean, sir. So many corporations were invited, but less than a quarter of them accepted the invitation, and they all sent a low-ranking representative. You're the first owner."

Arenval nodded. It was understandable. Thesme was so unimportant that nobody cared. It was just one of the dull Outer Rim sectors. 

"In that case, keep my arrival to yourself. It would be troublesome if everyone tried to meet me on a night meant to celebrate the young senator. For your honesty, I'll see that you receive the latest executive holotab."

For a moment, the clerk was silent. But slowly, a nod formed, getting stronger. "Of course, Sir. Please, this way."

####

"Such a wonderful gathering, Senator."

"I'm sure you will bring prosperity to the sector, Senator."

"We have high hopes, Senator."

Silya Shessaun always responded with a simple, diplomatic smile, carrying a drink in one hand as she roamed the gathering hall on the evening meant to celebrate her. Nearly everyone around her was much taller than her, and she didn’t like it when they spoke to her like she was a fool. 

She was not a fool. It was the opposite. She had been born gifted with higher intelligence than most from her species. It allowed her to maneuver the political landscape of Thesme, and it was also what helped her become a senator. 

Yet, those around her constantly seemed to forget it. She heard them all, and saw through words. They all wanted something from her. Either her vote in the Senate or her approval over some matter in the sector. 

It was suffocating to be there. But she had to maintain decorum. In her traditional blue attire, she greeted all the guests. It was her job, and it wasn't her first time. At least she had her assistant with her, who whispered the names of the guests before she met them. 

"Of course, Governor. We will discuss this matter soon."

Not just the corporations; the governors of planetary governments across the sector treated her the same way. Simply because she was young, so many of them would just assume that she understood nothing. 

But it wasn't always bad. It helped her too when the others underestimated her. 

Hm? 

That was when she noticed a man in the distance. She sipped her drink slowly and tried to remember if she knew him. A dirty blonde-haired human, rather tall, dressed in all-black robes and… 

Is that a lightsaber?

"Are we expecting any Jedi?" She asked her assistant. 

"No, Senator. The guest list does not mention any."

Curiosity got the better of Silya, and she began walking towards the man, greeting guests on the way. Her attention was on him, however. A Munn and a Neimoidian were talking to him; she could see it in their body language, the way the two beings were smiling and reacting. It was the same way they talked to her. Taking her for a fool, trying to extract whatever benefit they could. 

Yet while she usually played along, the man clearly had no patience for it. He stood with arms crossed, visibly annoyed. Eyes burning yellow, and his robes made him seem quite large, even for the Munn and the Neimoidian. 

As she began to approach him, she noticed how he sent the two men away and turned towards her. She did what she always did, and started overanalysing everything in her mind. He looked young, perhaps the same age as her. But he had a strong body, she could tell by his frame. 

"Greetings, Senator." 

She stopped right in front of him before she knew it. Something happened then; she couldn't tell what. He extended his hand to her, and without thinking, she gave it to him and watched him bend and plant a kiss on the back of her hand. 

It was too late. She diplomatically pulled her hand. "I'm just a Senator, not the queen to receive such a greeting."

"Apologies, Senator. After seeing you, I couldn't help but find you no less charming than a queen."

Silya blushed; her blue eyes went wide in shock. She felt her heart skip a beat, and her body turned hotter. Never in her life before had she experienced something like this. But due to her intelligence, she could immediately tell what was happening. 

No, gather yourself, Silya. He's only flirting with me to take advantage. 

Quickly, she gathered herself, forced the blush to vanish, and focused her eyes to look serious. She took a few sips of her drink before looking back up at him. 

He's so tall. 

Once again, she took a sip to erase all the thoughts unrelated to her status as a senator. Instead, she chose to shift the topic. 

"I was not aware that a Jedi was visiting."

Again, the man gave her a smile. 

"I'm not a Jedi, Senator. I was trained as one, but I left the Order over ideological differences. And I'm not here as a Force wielder either. I was invited."

"Invited?" She asked curiously. 

"I'm the owner of Tython Tech, Senator. My corporation were invited, so I figured that included me."

"Tython Tech?" A voice came from behind her. She realised it was her assistant speaking. "You are the owner of Tython Tech?"

"I am, as well as the creator of that holotab in your hand."

Silya looked back at the holotab in her assistant's hands for a moment. Then she looked back at the tall man. "A Jedi owns Tython Tech?"

"I was still a Jedi when I founded it. That is no longer the case. Arenval Tython, at your service, Senator."

For a moment, Silya couldn't hold back her expression. Her mouth fell open slightly while her eyes went round. It started to make sense why that Neimodian and Munn were acting like that. And in her own mind, it made her feel relieved. 

This was someone with higher intelligence just like her. For someone as young as him to build a corporation with a product reach that spanned an entire galaxy must not have been an easy task. 

"Greetings… Arenval Tython." She greeted him with a faint, respectful tilt of her head. "I notice you haven't taken a drink. Are you perhaps still keeping to your Jedi vows?"

"Not at all. I was about to, until two money-grubbing sorts decided to pester me."

"..."

It took everything for Silya not to laugh at that. That description really fit them well. 

“Then perhaps I can recommend something.” Silya slipped into her senatorial manner, though her voice remained warmer now that she felt some connection with the man. “I believe you were raised on Coruscant. Out here in the Outer Rim, with so many different species, gatherings like this usually serve drinks for all sorts of tastes. Something a Neimoidian enjoys may not suit a human palate.”

"Of course. We don't come out of larvae, after all." 

She pursed her lips, trying not to laugh at the man's words. "Here, try this. It's made from a flower native to Thesme."

"Flower of Thesme recommending me another flower? How can I refuse?"

"..."

Don't blush. Why am I blushing?

She looked down at her glass. It was the right drink, toned down, and she wasn't even halfway done, so it was certainly not that.

After that, she guided the man towards the nearest table so they could sit and talk calmly. But it was right when they had sat down that an attendant arrived with a tray of appetizers. 

"I’ll take one."

Before the attendant could place the small plate on the table, she watched Arenval Tython's hand shift gently. The plate hovered in the air and soon landed before him. 

"T-That… Was that the Force?"

Silya had never met a Jedi before. And seeing the Force being wielded by someone was a distant dream of hers. 

"Of course." 

"Senator, how—"

To her annoyance, a governor from one of the systems under her came to her table just then. She had already greeted him before, but the man kept pestering her about some meeting he wanted to have right away. 

Once again, before she could speak, she watched Arenval Tython wave his hand and speak. 

"You seem busy, Senator. I will find you tomorrow."

"You seem busy, Senator. I will find you tomorrow."

Her brows creased seeing the governor repeat Arenval Tython’s words and then leave. 

"That…"

"It's called a Jedi mind trick. I'm only supposed to use it when necessary, but I think meeting you counts as an important matter. Isn't that right, Senator?"

This time, she forgot to hold back the blush. She stared at his face; he was a handsome man, with a strange rough edge to him. The way he spoke and carried himself was filled with so much confidence that she envied him and also felt drawn towards it. He seemed like a person she wanted to be. 

Yet, perhaps it was her curse. Her prodigy brain refused to let her feel the moment. Her thoughts quickly warned her, questioning this man's intentions. 

"And what is this important matter?" She inquired, expecting something like wanting to set up a factory, special access to hyperspace routes in her sector. 

She prepared herself for something utterly greedy. That was her belief as a politician who had seen the inner workings of the Senate. 

But nothing could have prepared her for what came next. 

"Senator, I absolutely despise slavery."

Silya's jaw tightened. She hated it as well. Of course, she did. But what could she do about it? It was a widespread issue across the Outer Rim. But something told her Arenval Tython's scorn went further than hers. She could almost feel it in her burning eyes.  

“For that reason, Senator. I’m asking for your permission to hunt down the slavers in your sector.”

Cough!

Silya nearly choked on her spit, and quickly downed her entire drink in a single gulp. She raised her hand towards him, quickly took another glass from a nearby attendant, and downed it as well. 

“Let us continue this discussion in my office, Jedi Tython.”

"Lead the way, Senator."

####

Beldorion arrived at the party as a Hutt should. 

He was carried atop a palanquin. However, he refused to allow sentients to do it, so he had six massive droids do it. He used the Force to calm his thoughts, as he felt ashamed of doing what once Beldorion the Splendid did under the influence of the dark side. 

He wasn’t invited, but he still came, and nobody could refuse him. He was a Hutt, after all, and he had arrived in a CR90 corvette, a decent ship for someone claiming to be a Hutt with influence. Of course, the ship was colored differently now. 

As soon as Beldorion was inside the hall, he could hear the loud murmurs. He noticed the senator leaving with Arenval, however, and told himself to work as hard as Jedi Tython was doing. 

Of course, he only spoke Huttese. 

Beldorion already knew that anyone who approached him wasn’t going to be a good person. Most certainly bounty hunters, pirates, smugglers, and of course, vile slavers. 

Yet, before anyone could approach, he chose to display what was unique about him. He grunted in Huttese and waved his meaty, mighty, muscular arm towards an attendant's tray. 

Woosh!

The entire tray flew from the attendant's hands and landed right in front of him on the raised platform at the droids’ shoulders. 

"F-Force?"

"A Hutt using the Force?"

Some recognized what he did. And once the word spread, people started to approach him. 

"L-Lord?"

"Beldorion the Dread!" Beldorion declared in a booming voice, amplified by the Force. Oh, how ashamed he felt. But Jedi Tython had given him this epithet. And it did suit a Hutt with Force abilities. 

"Ah, Lord Beldorion of…"

"Hegemon of Zoraster sector, liberator of Dodz!" One of the droids spoke. 

"Lord Beldorion, mee am tuta doe trade federation…"

"Mee'm do wee shahnit. Mee can..."

"Can jee-jee trade…"

"Choy? Do u trade noleeya…"

"Kava many…"

Immediately, dozens of voices came, asking him questions about trade, slavery, smuggling, and planets open for 'business' in his sector. They all spoke Huttese, of course. 

"Mee am nopa unko che trade…"

Beldorion quickly shut them down, however. Now was not the time to discuss trade. He first had to wait, make sure they were drunk, and then wait for the real targets to approach him in private. 

Where has Jedi Tython gone?

Yet, Beldorion found this humiliating. To act like a crime lord was against his very nature now, and reminded him of centuries of sin. 

Perhaps this is my salvation.

####

Arenval could tell from the moment he saw her what kind of person Senator Silya Shessaun was. Her five-foot height made her seem so harmless and easy to underestimate. But he saw it in her eyes; she had the hunger to prove herself. She walked in a measured way and spoke the same way. He could tell by her emotional state how tense she was. 

And now, an hour into their meeting in her private office, he could tell how relaxed she had become as she poured her heart out into a long, anti-slavery speech. Of course, the six glasses of drinks she had consumed helped. 

He wasn't very drunk, however, just a little tipsy. 

“How could theyyy?” she grumbled, pacing unsteadily back and forth before the massive window behind her desk. “I asked them, I asked them to increase the defence budget, and they said there’s nooo need. How can there be no need? Do they not know the madness the Zygerrians caused? Fiiive systems!”

Arenval was still seated, watching her move with very animated hands. He couldn't help but find this beautiful. Despite her short stature and lack of self-confidence, she tried her best to stand for what she believed in. And she was very intelligent. 

She herself was beautiful. Her hair was blonder than his; her skin was flawless, pale and smooth like a doll. Her eyes were bright blue, full of life and the thirst of ambition. A permanent, drunk blush rested on her cheeks. 

This was the true Silya Shessaun behind that mask of politics. 

Already, he had discussed the matters with her. She didn't mind what he did with the slavers as long as he ended their tyranny. She wasn't so blind as to think the Republic would bother putting them through a trial. Of course, he convinced her by telling her how Nute Gunray was still a free man. 

After that, he even discussed installing his new Holonet infrastructure in the sector as long as he got some tax breaks at the initial stage. He made sure to keep the terms respectful enough that she didn't see him negatively. 

After all the business talk was done, drinks and some snacks came, and now there he was, listening to Silya complain about the galaxy. 

“How could the Senate let these corporations have a vooote? They represent noo one. They represent nooothing but their ooown interests!”

Thud!

She nearly stumbled against her table. 

Arenval jumped over the table itself to her rear and caught her by the shoulders. That earned him a chuckle from her as she turned to face him, her soft hands pressed on his chest while her blushing face gazed up at him. 

But her smile soon faded into a sorrowful frown. "Areeen... do I... do I truuuly deserve to be a senator? I... I'm so weak. So weak. All I can do is... say the right things at the right time. That's all I dooo. I'm not strong like you."

And there it was. Her insecurities. 

Arenval offered her a warm smile and pressed a hand on her shoulder. He'd already decided to help her stand. "Being capable of this kind of introspection already puts you ahead of most senators. Orn Free Taa represents Ryloth and the Twi'leks, but have you ever seen him actively trying to end the slavery of his people?"

She nodded, and suddenly grabbed his hand from her shoulder and snuggled her face into it. "Senator Taa is corrupt."

"And yet, he remains a senator. That should tell you how deep the rot runs in the Senate. If you want to keep Thesme safe, I’ll gladly be your sword and shield, purging slavers and pirates alike. I’ll soon establish a security branch within Tython Tech. You can legally approve it as a security provider for the sector. I will also try to increase employment through my future production plans."

"Arennn... why... why're you being so niiiice to me?"

Arenval had long since stopped denying his emotions, which made ignoring his body's reaction to her closeness difficult, his palm feeling the warmth and softness of her cheek. "There is darkness in me, Silya. It only makes the light easier to recognize. You're a kind person, and if I allow that kindness to be wasted, what use is my ability to wield the Force?"

He couldn’t tell her everything. That all his actions were to prepare for the coming war and Palpatine's rise. But his intentions for her were true. He genuinely planned to help her grow into a senator with a powerful voice. 

Silya nuzzled her face further into his palm, her other arm wrapped around his midsection. She just reached his chest as she was. 

Arenval drew a deep breath. "Let's get you to your room, Silya."

He offered her an arm, and she quickly wrapped her hand around it, walking beside him with a smile on her lips. He didn’t know where her room was, so he let her guide him. 

"You knowww, Aren... I've never shown this side of me to anyone. Not even my parents. My whole life, everyone had such high expectations of me, and I... I was always so scared that if they saw me this... this vulnerable... they would be disappointed in me."

"I understand you, Silya, more than you might think. At the Jedi Temple, a defect in my connection to the Force kept me from using the light side as others did. So I relied on the dark, restrained it, suppressed it, until I had all the warmth of a rock. I feared showing emotion would disappoint the Masters."

"Hm?" Silya leaned forward while walking and looked up at his face. "You're not expressionless."

"It's a recent change. I'm learning to be myself again. That's why I left the Jedi Order, to understand the Force in a way that fits who I am."

"It... it musht've been so haaard..."

"It was, though I have friends now. I think you would like them as well." He replied, only then realizing they'd stopped at a door.

Silya pressed the buttons on the console and the door hissed open. 

Arenval let her remove her arm and step inside. "I will meet you again soon with a formal agreement, Silya."

He turned around to leave. 

"Aren…"

But he felt his sleeve tugged, and his left arm pulled back. He turned to look, and found Silya holding onto it, looking down shyly. 

"Aren… don't go?"

He calmed his thoughts. His body and emotions told him to step inside. It took some conscious effort to stop himself. "I don't think you want a scandal this early, Silya."

"I want... this niiiight to last longer. I just... I liked being myself, Aren. I... I've never felt this before in my whole life. This free... this... this..."

Woosh!

Arenval jumped inside; the door closed behind him. He’d heard someone walking towards them in that lobby. But Silya was already wrapped in his arms, her cheek flat against his chest. 

"Silya, you're drunk." He reasoned. 

"I knooow... and that's what makes me feel free. For once, my mind isn't... isn't calculating every little thing. For once, I'm just living right now. And right now... what I want is…"

She looked up, eyes sparkling. The headscarf of her gown slid back to reveal her ruffled blonde hair. 

“You.”

"Then let's make it a memorable one."

Arenval captured her cheeks with both hands, his palms so big they nearly swallowed her face. He bent down as she rose onto her toes, the height difference forcing her to stretch just to meet him.

He closed his eyes the same moment she did and felt her lips for the first time. Warm, soft, and trembling against his own. The faint shiver that ran through them told him everything; this was almost certainly her first kiss.

He kept it gentle. He had no real experience either, so there was no spit, no tongue, nothing but the slow, passionate rub of lips against lips. It was Silya who broke the restraint first, her tongue probing out shyly yet with sudden force, and he parted for her without hesitation.

But her stature made the angle difficult. Even as her toes strained, the kiss turned awkward and urgent as she tried to press closer.

Without breaking the kiss, he reached down, found her pert, soft hips under the gown, and lifted her off the floor. Her weight was almost nothing in his arms, yet the plush give of her body against his chest was warm. The loose hem of her gown let her thighs part naturally around him as he held her up.

Silya instantly wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed harder, fingers combing frantically through his hair, truly living in the moment instead of overthinking it.

Soft, wet slurps grew louder. He let the kiss linger, giving her every second to feel the intensity of it.

“Ummmm…” The soft hum vibrated against his mouth as she melted further.

Finally, Arenval answered, pressing his tongue back into her. It was wetter, more insistent, and she drank it greedily, sucking on it like she needed to wet her throat gone dry from nerves.

It went on until both of them were breathless, chests rising hard against each other.

Arenval broke the kiss, still holding her. "Is this your first time, Silya?"

Silya nodded timidly, cheeks flushed.

“Then let’s take this slow.” He carried her to the simple square bed and laid her down with care. He step back and started to disrobe himself. First the cloak slid from his shoulders, then the robes, revealing his chest and the cut of abs forged from sparring endlessly.

He noticed Silya’s gaze locked on him with obvious heat, and it stayed locked even as it drifted lower. So he gave her the full view, slowly pushing his trousers and underwear down together until his cock sprang free. Swollen already and clearly throbbing, the head flushed purple and traced with blue veins.

"T-That willl… go in me?"

Arenval held back the chuckle and crawled onto the bed completely nude. “It will… if we go gently.”

First he leaned down and pushed the hem of her blue gown up, tucking the fabric high so her fair legs were bare. Smooth and shining softly in the low light. He kissed her dainty shin, lips moving slowly, teasing her shivering body.

Further up, he kissed her knees. Higher still, he kissed the soft insides of her thighs like she was a trophy he intended to savor, giving her the full Dark Lord seduction he reckoned she deserved.

Finally, he parted her legs. Soft, lithe, and smooth, revealing the plain white cloth of her underwear.

"Mmmm… It's…"

“Shhh…” Arenval whispered, already leaning down with his face between her doughy thighs. He licked along the thin bridge of fabric, drenching it thoroughly with his spit. Tongue pressing over the cloth, stroking her sensitive pink skin.

"Ah!" She was extremely sensitive there. 

He kept licking, taking his time, being thorough, until her legs started to shake around his head. She was already close to the edge.

Right when he felt her teetering, trembling nonstop, he pulled the soaked bridge of cloth aside and dragged his tongue in one long, deep lick over her bright-pink, puffy tight pussy.

"Aaaaaah! It feels like… burning… inside me!"

"Then let it burn, Silya."

He pulled his face back just as she came undone. Her short frame arched hard off the bed, thighs clamping around his head before flying open again, legs trembling uncontrollably. A hot, clear rush of her slick squirted across his chest and neck. Her hips jerked in helpless little spasms, chasing the last waves even as shame flooded her face and she clapped both hands over her eyes.

"I'm… sorry."

“Hey.” Arenval moved up between her legs, leaning down until his body covered her completely. He caught her wrists, gently but firmly pushed her hands apart, and pinned them above her head against the mattress. “It was beautiful. And it’s normal.”

He kissed her lips while one hand slid down and pushed the hem of her gown higher. She lifted her hips to help him, and with a single pull he stripped the blue fabric up and off her body entirely, leaving her bare except for the soaked white panties.

He sat back on his knees and took in the sight. Her succulent breasts were small, just enough to fill a palm, nipples a delicate cherry pink. Her belly was slim and soft, hips flaring in an athletic curve that suited her petite frame perfectly.

Finally, he hooked his fingers into the sides of her panties and drew them down her legs, tossing them aside. He licked his dry lips, tongue still tasting like her.

"I’ll start slow." Arenval scooted in close between her spread thighs. His flushed shaft lay there on her belly, the swollen crown already reaching close to her navel. Even just the bulging shaft was large enough to hide her entire entrance when he rested it there.

He clenched his jaw. He knew she was going to be tighter than anything he had ever felt, and that was just one woman. 

He pressed the blunt cockhead against her drenched petals, smearing himself in her virgin nectar

"Aaaaaah!" The moment he pressed the tip, Silya cried out. 

Arenval eased back, then pushed forward again, giving her only the fat head, stretching her open. Watching as the pink rose bloomed for the first time.

"Mmmmmmh!" Silya moaned, fingers flying up to his chest and dragging down, leaving long scratches across the hard muscle.

Then Arenval felt it, the thin resistance giving way with a soft, sudden give. Her body recoiled instinctively, hips twitching, but he followed the motion and sank a few more inches into the scalding heat.

Tears gathered at the corners of Silya’s eyes, yet an almost dizzy happiness bloomed right alongside the sting. She had believed she would never know this, never find a man she truly wanted, never want to open herself in bed for anyone.

She had feared there was no such person in the galaxy. She had feared her whole life would be spent as a lonely prodigy, utterly untouched.

But now… feeling Arenval Tython, Jedi, gifted, and somehow hers in this moment. She only felt happiness, even as the stretch burned, tore her open.

"Mmmm… more."

At her soft, squirming request, Arenval planted his full weight onto her, his much taller body blanketing her completely. He kissed her lips and started to move.

His hips worked in rhythm, feeding her more of his length inch by inch. With his belly pressed to hers, he could feel the faint bulge of his cock moving inside her lithe body. Her walls fluttered and clenched in protest, fighting the invasion, but he kept pressing forward, claiming every bit of space she had.

He carved himself into her. When he finally bottomed out, his flesh saber nudged a deep, unyielding wall. There was simply no more room left inside her. He was buried to the hilt, her stretched pussy lips kissing the base of his shaft.

It was so warm, so snug, so fucking tight that he squeezed his eyes shut, wrapped both arms around her head, and kissed her harder than he had ever kissed anyone in his life.

His emotions exploded, dark desires and fleshly greed surging up and trying to drown every careful thought. He fought to keep control, to stay gentle with her, but his hips refused the order, snapping forward on their own.

Plap! Plap!

He started fucking her with his whole length, burying every thick inch inside her petite body in deep, heavy strokes.

"Aaaaaah! So… much… I… Aren!" 

Silya came hard again. Her body seizing under him, inner walls twitching and gushing around the cock that splayed her pussy wide.

Yet Arenval didn't stop. He wouldn’t stop; he couldn’t even think of stopping yet. Harder, harder, he kept rutting mindlessly. The wet slap of his hips against her spread louder with every thrust.

She came again. A broken cry tore from her throat as clear nectar flooded out around his merciless cock.

He rolled her onto her side without pulling out and fucked her sideways. One of her slim legs hooked high over his arm so he could watch his boneless flesh disappear into her cunt stretched open, snug.

She came again. Toes curling, fingers clawing at the sheets.

He sat back, pulled her onto his lap, and drove up into her. Her body bounced on his thick shaft while his hands nearly spanned her entire slim waist, fingertips sinking into her cloud-like flesh as he moved her body.

She came again. Head thrown back, a breathless silent cry to the heavens.

Arenval’s mind went blank. Sex was all he could feel, the tight, soaking heat of her body, the way her tight, fresh cunt milked him. He was lost in pure, animalistic delight. A tiny curve formed at the corner of his lips, uncontrolled indulgence creeping out from the depths.

"Aaaaah… Aren… I can't… I'm… so tired!"

Plap! Squelch! Plap!

He had her on her hands and knees, balls-deep, her puffy petals stretched into a glossy ring around his cock and covered in her froth.

"Oooooooh! I… need to rest!"

Suddenly her voice cut through the haze, and he paused. He looked down. Her body was a wreck, blonde hair tangled and damp, dark hickeys scattered from the side of her neck down her back, across both asscheeks, the insides of her thighs, and everywhere across her front. Marks he had left without even remembering.

I did this? 

Arenval stared, stunned. He couldn’t remember half of it. He had been so completely lost in utter bliss.

But he wasn’t finished. He was right on the edge.

"Lie prone… I’ll be done… soon."

"Alright… Aren." Silya squirmed, but still obedient. She settled onto her belly for him.

Arenval started drilling again, one arm easily circling her slim waist while the other braced a hand beside her. He watched, mesmerized, as her freshly claimed pink petals clung and dragged along his shaft with every stroke, gliding over his sensitive veins.

And then she shattered again.

Her muscles knotted up, a tremor ripping through her from core to fingertips. Her cunt clamped down in rapid spasms, flooding his cock with a fresh gush of hot juices that forced its way out in messy, clear spurts. Her mind gave out completely, and she went limp on the sheets, blacked out, pussy still twitching around him, clenching with each breath.

Arenval was right there with her, tumbling over the edge. 

He slammed all the way in, buried to the root, and erupted. Thick, heavy ropes of cream blasted deep into her, flooding her overstretched cunt until it had nowhere left to go and spurted out around his shaft. His body jolted with every jet, hips jerking involuntarily as his balls tightened and emptied everything he had into her soaking little sheath.

Pump after pump, he felt his batter leave him in thick, endless waves until there was nothing left. And with the last heavy throb, his mind cleared completely. No dark thoughts, no restless emotions.

"I…"

Arenval felt his cock slowly soften inside her. 

Carefully, he sat back on his knees and looked down at the absolute mess between her thighs, thick rose-tinted white globs already leaking from her pussy, glistening cream that coated her folds and the insides of her legs.

Yet as he knelt there, breathing hard, he felt utterly clear-headed.

It works. Just like with Komari. 

He looked around the room, spotted a low lounge against the wall, and rose. He rushed over, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes.

#####

Silya Shessaun woke up feeling sore all over. So tired that every muscle in her body revolted against her command to move. The situation between her legs was better left ignored. Yet, she felt utterly fresh in her mind. 

As if years' worth of tension had been released in a single night. Her shoulders were relaxed, and as she sat, she noticed marks all over her body, from her breasts to her belly, her thighs, and even her arms. 

Just remembering the last night gave her goosebumps. 

She rubbed her face and fixed her hair back. Not finding Arenval on the bed, she guessed he must have left. 

"Ugh… he probably thinks I’m too easy now."

She let her body fall backwards with a kick of her feet. But then she turned to the side and froze. No, Arenval hadn't left; he was seated on the lounge with legs crossed, just the black cape on his body that covered him. 

At first, she turned red in shame of what she just said. But seeing him not moving, she got off the bed, quickly put on a simple sleeping gown, and walked over to him. She didn't touch him and just looked at him from every direction. 

After making sure he was alive and just unresponsive, she leaned in and stared at his face from up close, talking to herself.

"He's handsome, at least."

She tried to be slow and pushed the cloak off his shoulders, getting a clear view of his chest. 

"And he looks strong."

Her gaze kept going down, at the lap that was still hidden. She made the decision to not look any further. "I thought Jedi don't make physical relations."

"I'm not a Jedi anymore, Silya."

"..."

Silya staggered back, now actually red. "You… You could hear me?"

"I was only meditating, Silya. That ended when you decided to inspect my chest."

"I… It was the wind. I didn't push the cloak."

"Wind in a room? Very well, the wind it was." He rose from the seat, towering. "Any regrets about last night?"

Silya frowned. "Regrets? Why would I regret something I chose to take part in? Perhaps it was a bit much for my first time, but it was memorable, and I'm glad it was with someone like you."

"And why is that?"

She wet her lips, seeing him come closer. "Because… I used to think I would never find someone who interested me enough to make me feel ready to take this step, to experience my first time."

She felt his one hand caress her face, tuck her hair behind her ear, while the other hand snaked behind her. 

"Well, I'm glad you feel that way, Silya. I must admit, after the activities, I felt unusually clearheaded. And it inspired me. I made considerable progress learning a Force technique called Tutaminis."

"Really?" Silya exclaimed, genuinely excited. "What does it do?"

"Let's just say, I can deflect incoming blaster bolts, stop them with my hand, or any energy-based projectile. It's a wide field of study." 

Silya felt a sense of awe. She kept her expression composed, though she could not hide the excitement she felt listening to him speak of the Force and what it could do. To her, there was something magical about it.

"I'm glad I could help," she said with a small smirk. "And now, when my fellow female senators start discussing bedroom activities, at least I won't be left with nothing to say."

"Senators talk about sex?"

She awkwardly looked up at him. "Not all of them. But some certainly do in private gatherings, and proudly at that. I never understood why. Though... I think I can see why now."

"Well, there's no reason it has to be a one-time thing. We'll be working closely from now on, after all."

No longer drunk, her mind tried to steer her thoughts towards questioning what he hoped to receive in return. However, she forced those thoughts away as strongly as she could. 

"I suppose only time will tell. I have nothing against the idea, but I can't be the one seeking it. I have too many responsibilities." 

But then she felt both his palms rest on her cheeks. She looked into his unusual yellow eyes. 

"Silya, sometimes it's alright to be a little selfish. That is something I’ve learned after years of locking away my own emotions. Now, I must take leave, Senator."

Silya watched Arenval remove the cloak. She didn’t look away as he put on his trousers, and then the rest of the robes. Finally, she looked outside herself first, making sure there was nobody, and then sent him out. 

Once alone, she rushed into the shower, preferring water over the sonic one. However, as she removed her robes and stood under the water, she got a clear look at her body in the surrounding mirrors. 

"Oh!"

Her neck was covered in dark marks. Her shoulders as well, then her breasts; so many of them were around her sore nipples. Her belly as well, all the way to her ankles. But then she turned around, and her brows shot up. 

"That's… a bit much."

Her entire back was dotted with the same dark marks, all the way from her nape to her hips to her calves. 

Yet, she failed to wipe that smile off her face. It was truly a memorable night. 

####

2 Weeks Later, 

Zoraster, Zoraster Sector,

"Treksh, are you sure about this?"

"I’ve dealt with Hutts before, Rokan. They love slavery, trust me. We'll go down, snatch a few slaves, pay the Jedi Hutt, and leave. That's how they all run their business. Slavery makes them rich."

Treksh and Rokan were both Zygerrians. Their species' traditional occupation was slavery. Their entire culture was based around it. Though their past empire had fallen, they still heavily participated in it. 

Their crew had ten members, and they used a YV-865 Aurore-class freighter.

"Shouldn't we take permission from the Hutt first?" Rokan asked.

"He's new, not one of those Tatooine crime lords. If this Beldorion wants money, he'll have to take whatever he can get his hands on."

Beep! Beep!

All of a sudden, the alarm systems on their ship started blaring.

"Fuck! A ship's exiting hyperspace! It's a big one!" Rokan shouted. 

"Calm down, it's probably a trad—"

Snap!

But then, with a flash of light, a massive ship with a split down the middle emerged. It was armed, heavily fucking armed. And all its guns were aimed at them; their ship systems were screaming. 

"No! Treksh! They got us in the tractor beam!" 

"Is it the Republic?"

####

Dominator, 

Orbit of Zoraster,

"Must I do this, Jedi Tython?" Beldorion asked. 

Honestly, Arenval felt extremely pitiful for this Jedi Hutt. The creature had actually turned towards the light now, and wanted to be kind in order to repent for his crimes. But what Arenval needed was a ruthless Hutt, even if it was all an act.

"Consider it an act. Like we're filming a holovid," he said.

"We actually are," Aayla spoke from the side, guiding a droid to record the holovid. The entire hall had been converted to look like a Hutt's lair, with a nice throne-like slab. This was going to be Beldorion's introduction to the Galaxy.

Arenval gave the Twi'lek a look, choosing to tease her. "We're still short one dancing Twi'lek, by the way."

"Why? Want me to play the role?" She asked back, winking. 

"No, I think this is fine." He realized she was actually serious and changed the subject. "We want Bel seen as a powerful, militaristic Hutt. Not a fat slug drowning in excess."

"What do we plan to do with the slavers?" Shmi inquired as she entered the hall. Behind her were a few droids dressed like humans to act as the crowd in the corners. 

Arenval frowned and noticed everyone looking at him. Even Beldorion from the throne. 

"What do you mean? It's an execution. We kill them, film it, then let the holovid spread across the galaxy."

A/N: We already got plans for Fury-class Imperial interceptor, and now harrower-class dreadnought. We've got medium-sized and big-sized covered. What small-sized ship should Arenval get next?

Combined, these three types will make up Arenval's future fleet.