Twin suns. I’ll always remember the twin suns as they rose over the easterly horizon. For as long as I could consciously recall, I’d sat there, in the dunes behind my house, to watch them spread their warmth over the chill desert. My father would sometimes watch from the window in the kitchen which would be directly above my favorite place. He’d drop a package of rations into my lap, knowing I’d be outside for most of the day. Strange how I never guessed the troubles that dwelled in his mind even as he smiled. Mother had died giving birth to my sister.
I had one brother, older than I was by a scant year or two, and a sister six years younger than I was. Despite the fact that I preferred my solitude, my brother, Ulhume, would always find an excuse to meet up with me.
“Dirae, you shouldn’t be wandering around on your own anyway,” he scolded lightly. I smiled at him patiently and resumed making circles in the sand with my fingers.
“Dear brother, I can perfectly take care of myself and you know that,” I replied, half-concentrating on finishing my small sand drawing. Ulhume sat down and patted his hand over my doodle spot. I sighed and sat back against the tree behind me.
“Father’s worried about you, you know,” he said quietly, serious now. I glanced up at him. “He knows how much faith you put into our bloodline and how proud you are of it; however, he doesn’t want you to do anything out of line.”
“And why would I do anything like that, Ulhume?” I asked sharply, crossing my arms over my chest. Ulhume put his hands up in a gesture of surrender.
“They’re not my words, Dirae. Although I have been noticing the strained looks you’ve been giving that young woman lately,” he told me pointedly. I clicked my tongue and stood up impatiently. Ulhume watched me stalk the dunes.
“She’s a stubborn, little rich girl who doesn’t know how to keep her mouth shut when it should be shut!” I said harshly. Indeed, the haughty daughter of the richest man in Di Espa looked down on me and my family. My family was a race of warriors who thrived on honor, justice, and the rights of all. Sadly, there had been no need for warriors like us ever since the Republic was formed. Because of this, my family had fallen into poverty and this was why Tessla would often mock me.
Ulhume regarded me with pity and shook his head. He got to his feet and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Listen, what she says shouldn’t matter. We both know there’s no work for our family business anymore. Once, there would’ve been but now, with the Republic protecting this part of the galaxy, we have no business fighting against any enemies that come here. Besides, not many people can survive in our harsh climate save for us and a few others.”
I felt frustration build in my body and all at once it was released when I stomped my foot in the sand, sending up a great cloud around my legs. “I don’t care! Isn’t there anything we could do?”
“I couldn’t say, Dirae. We could always ask Father about it,” Ulhume suggested. I nodded curtly and started back towards the house.
* * * *
Father seemed startled by my question. “Why, Dirae, I’m surprised you’ve never heard of the Jedi Knights. I could have sworn I told you everything I knew about warriors.”
“No, I don’t recall anything about these Jedi,” I replied. Father smiled and leaned back in his chair.
“The Jedi are a race of beings with a strong connection to what’s called the Force; they are chosen at very young ages and sent to Coruscant for training at the sacred Jedi Temple there. Each newcomer has a master whom they train under for a certain period of time. After being given the title of Knight, they are sometimes called upon to help with any problems in the galaxy. Even with the Republic there is a need for the Jedi Knights.”
“Have you ever tried to become one?” I asked next. Father sighed and shook his head.
“No. It’s important for one to be strong in the Force in order to be allowed into the Jedi Temple for training. There is no history of our family being strong with the Force.” He stood and walked to the kitchen window to peer out into the desert.
“What about the one who was chosen years and years ago, Father?” I inquired, moving to stand beside him. He looked at me and smiled sadly.
“The Koth clan are very strong in the ways of the Force. His family was not of the standard Zabrakian warrior clans.”
I laid my head on his shoulder and sighed heavily. “What’s going to happen to us? Are we going to remain in poverty forever?” I felt tears brimming against my eyelids. Father held my hands in his tightly and assured me that it was not forever. It certainly felt like forever in my mind.
The sound of my sister, Valdyr, running into the kitchen made us both turn around. Her short black hair was in a tangled mess ( and I knew I’d be the one to comb it out later, screams and all ), her emerald eyes alight with some brightness.
“Papa, Papa!” she cried, throwing herself into my father’s awaiting arms. He hugged her tightly as she continued. “Ulhume! Ulhume has been taken by the Hutt slavedrivers!” I gasped at the news and hurried outside. Father called out behind me as he rushed after me with Valdyr in his arms.
“Dirae! You can’t help him!” Father screamed as I raced towards Di Espa. I felt a push against my brain, urging me forward and quickening my pace. My thoughts sped through my mind, seeming to call out to Ulhume. Ulhume! Gods, where are you?!
* * * *
I screeched to a halt in front of the Di Espa docking towers and hurried inside. A male Twilek dressed in rich blue robes was directing an array of aliens as they loaded up the sleek ship that was to take my brother away from me forever. I grabbed the Twilek’s sleeve roughly and spun him around to face me.
“Return my brother, you desert snake!” I hissed, feeling the same power rising in my body and mind. The Twilek turned to me and removed his arm from my grip harshly.
“I’m sorry, but my master, Jabba, needs more servants and your brother shall serve him well,” he said, smiling like the snake he was. Remembering what I learned abou Twileks, I siezed one of his head-tails and yanked on it forcefully. He screamed in pain and fell to the floor. I dashed past him and hurried aboard the ship to search for Ulhume.
“Ulhume! Ulhume!” I screamed, my words bouncing off of the steel walls to echo back in my face. No one seemed to mind that I was there, obviously believing me to be just another slave. I used this to my advantage. At length, I found my brother inside of a holding dock.
“Dirae! You have to get out of here before the ship leaves!” he cried, clutching at the bars. I clasped my hands over his and shook my head.
“No, I’m getting you out of here!” I clawed at the keypad panel beside the cage. Nothing I inputed would raise the bars and release Ulhume and the other slaves. I slammed my fist against its cold surface in frustration and turned back to Ulhume.
“Please, Dirae, you must get out of here,” Ulhume urged. Tears slid down my cheeks as I fumbled for his hands again. “I’ll be alright. Think of Father and Valdyr. They need you more than I do. Go, hurry out of here before they take you, too.”
“I’ll save you somehow, Ulhume. I swear it!” I said passionately. He smiled and squeezed my hands reassuringly.
“I know you will, Dirae. Now go, sister. E laa yo,” he kissed the top of my hands and stepped back from the bars.
“E laa yo,” I replied and ran out of the holding dock. My tears blurred my vision as I pushed past the assorted aliens that roamed the slave ship. The Twilek I’d encountered previously glared at me as I raced past him. I made a gesture of disrespect his way.
“You’ll get yours, Twilek!” I said loudly. He cursed at me in his native Twileki, shaking his white fist at me. Despite my despair at losing my only brother, I laughed aloud. Somehow, I’d get Ulhume back even if it took me the rest of my normal existance.
* * * *
I found Valdyr perched on our front stoop, clutching a old rag doll that my mother had made her before she died. Her eyes were red from crying. I sat beside her and held her to me.
“Ulhume’s safe, Valdyr. I saw him before they left,” I whispered to her softly, rocking her small body back and forth gently.
“I wish we were rich, like Tessla’s family,” Valdyr muttered, rubbing her eyes with one fist. I stiffened.
“But we are rich, Valdyr. We have each other, we have our lives, and we have our freedom,” I told her softly. Valdyr pulled herself from my arms and stood before me definantly.
“If we’re so free, why was Uhume taken?” she demanded. “And why hasn’t Papa found any work? We’re not rich, Dirae! We’re poor, poor, poor!” With a strangled cry she raced inside the house. I heard her bedroom door slam and Father’s confused words. I buried my face into my hands and wept. Valdyr, even though she was very young, was right in her statements. We were poor, jobless, and not free if slavedrivers could just take us from our families.
After a few moments, I composed myself and stood. Perhaps a little bartering in the market would cheer me up. I straightened my simple brown tunic and dusted my boots free of sand. I’d speak to Father about Ulhume later; right now all I wanted was to feel free.
* * * *
Even at dusk, the marketplace was bustling with life. Mothers held the hands of their children as they milled about the dirt-packed ground, peering at this and that. Inside my tunic, I’d hidden a pouch of money to spend while I was here. I had saved everything I’d found, earned from meager jobs, and from my own father’s foolish generousity. He liked to pretend we weren’t poor and still a clan of powerful warriors. In all actuality, our own clan had diminished rapidly after the Republic was formed and Jedi were permitted to roam our planet helping those who needed it. I recalled one instance when one of those Jedi had approached my father and sister at our house. I had been absent at the time and had heard the story from Valdyr. Apparently, this Jedi Knight had offered Father some extra money. I hated to think of us as poor enough to need an off-worlder to offer us currency.
My attention was diverted when I noticed Tessla and her two younger ( and twice as spoiled ) sisters coming my way. I smirked and pretended not to see them. I poked around at a jeweler’s table, trying very hard not to lash out and hit her for the simple fact that she was wealthy.
“Well if it isn’t Dirae Hoth, the poor little warrior girl!” Tessla’s tone rang of mockery. I heard her sisters snicker at her words. I replaced a necklace on the rack and picked up a string of pearls from Naboo.
“I bet you wish you could afford that,” Tessla said, dangerously close to my ear. “I’m sure it’d look lovely on you, if you had a fine gown to go with it that is.” She plucked the necklace from my hands and held it to her throat. Turning to her impish sisters, she posed and preened with the pearls.
“Aren’t these just lovely on me?” she cooed. I balled up my fists on the table, trying extremely hard not to punch her then and there. One of her sisters pushed me aside and picked up a bracelet. She screwed her pert face up at me and snuck out her tongue. I longed to grab it and wrench it free from her mouth.
“Tessla, I don’t think this wretch bathes!” the imp shrieked, fanning the air before her face. “She reeks of dirty steek!” Beside her, the other sister mimicked the motion and pretended to gag.
“Oh I believe she bathes, Disla, just not in clean water!” Tessla replied before erupting into shrill laughter. Disla joined her sister in the laughter, as did the other one. Without thinking, I grabbed the pearls from Tessla’s neck and put them back on the rack. Tessla ceased her noise and looked at me indignantly.
“Why you awful wretch!” she shrilled, touching her the place where my hand had been. You’d swear someone had just smeared waste on her skin from the way she looked. Her beringed hand swung up to slap me. I caught her wrist neatly and glared into her eyes.
“I am not your slave to beat, Tessla. I’d advise you to keep your distance at this time,” I hissed menacingly. Tessla ripped her wrist free from my grasp, inspected it for filth, and sniffed haughtily.
“No, you may not be, but I hear your brother is,” she said casually. That was it. I grabbed the front of her robes and hauled her to me. I snarled in her face.
“Don’t you dare speak so carelessly about my brother!” I screamed, shaking her violently. Tessla cried for help, clawing at my hands that held her captive. I ignored the blood that her scratching produced as it flowed down my hands to stain her dress. Disla kicked my leg sharply, making me grit my teeth against the pain. The youngest started screaming her head off. I began to notice I’d been drawing a crowd with my display and released Tessla roughly, hurling her against her bratty sisters. I watched as they tumbled into a muddy puddle behind them.
“Now who bathes in filth, rich snob?” I asked, placing my hands on my hips. Tessla shrieked and stood up clumsily. I laughed at her awkwardness and turned to leave.
“You’ll pay for this, Dirae! You hear me? You’ll pay!” Tessla screeched behind me. I waved a careless hand over my shoulder and resumed walking back home. Yes, a visit to the marketplace had cheered me some.
* * * *
The next few days that passed did so without any change. Valdyr still mourned Ulhume’s capture and Father’s health continued to lessen. He remained in bed for longer periods of time, only rising to eat and to use the refresher. I said nothing about the incident with Tessla to either Father or Valdyr, but I knew somehow, word would get back here. The rich stuck together like mynocks to a spaceship; no doubt Tessla had spread more filthy lies about me and my family. And of course, the rest of the respected society believed her.
After supper, I wandered out onto the dunes behind the house to watch the suns set. I leaned against the house, hands behind my back, legs crossed at the ankles. Clouds slid over the suns’ surfaces, causing shadows to pass over the sand. Distant thunder rolled in the west, heralding a rainstorm. I timed the beats and estimated its arrival to be the next morning. It rained so rarely here in the desert this season; we’d lost many of our livestock thanks to the sweltering heat.
I crouched down in the sand and stared at the smooth surface intently. Lately, my mind had been focused on how to get Ulhume back and also how to support my family better. Then I thought about the power I’d felt during my flight to Di Espa. Where had it come from? I stared at my hands, turning them over, and inspecting them for signs of change. Apparently, this...force I’d felt was inside of me wasn’t visible. Suddenly, a notion came to my mind. Father had something about the Force being strong in the Koth clan. I knew the location of the family; I could go to them and inquire about my strange feelings. Surely they’d know something.
“I’m going to the Koth clan family house, Father,” I announced. Father sighed and pressed a hand to his forehead.
“It would be a wasted journey, Dirae, but if you believe something is inside of you, then go. I can take care of myself and Valdyr.” He raised his head to smile at me. I sensed his weariness and began to rethink my decision. Father read the look on my face and assured me everything would be all right. I nodded and turned to leave.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can, Father. Hopefully, they’ll be able to tell me something.” With that, I was gone.
* * * *
The journey to the Koth clan’s house was one that would take me about two days on foot. It didin’t bother me to have to walk for such a long time; I’d always enjoyed taking extremely long walks that led to nowhere. Only this time I had a destination and a purpose. Since the Koth clan was rich in the Force, perhaps they’d be able to tell me if I possessed the same quality. It seemed the only sane reason for my newfound surges of power, especially when I was angry. I already knew that our kind was strong in the mind, stronger than anything. Emotions were tied to the mind, weren’t they? Obviously whatever I’d be feeling at the moment would be reflected and enhanced with this power. The notion excited me and I quickened my pace.
That night, I set up a small shelter and built a fire for warmth and to ward off night predators. I sat down in the sand to poke at the fire with a stick. Endlessly my thoughts wandered from topic to topic, as it normally did when sleep was on the rise. For a few moments, I remained in the sand staring into the flames, then I rose and crawled into my shelter to sleep.
I awoke rather early, before sunrise, and collected my belongings. The fire had survived the night. I stomped it out quickly and left the site. From time to time, I paused to stare up at the sky, at the rapidly ascending storm clouds, and of course, at the suns.
Suddenly, the sound of a steek baying behind me made me turn. I saw the shadowy form approaching me at top speed, the rider tall in the saddle. I squinted in the sunlight, holding my hand above my forehead. As it drew closer I was able to make out the rider to be a man with long silver hair tied back in a single ponytail. He reigned his mount and stopped a few feet from me. He dismounted and walked up to me, a perfect vision of manhood. My hands tightened around the strap of my travel bag.
“Well well well...what have we here?” he said in greeting, coming to a stop and placing one hand on his hip while the other trailed lazily beside his thigh. I smirked and turned away to resume walking. He followed me, keeping easy pace with my footsteps.
“What’s wrong? Can’t you talk?” he teased. I rolled my eyes and shifted my travel bag higher on my shoulder. With luck, he’d get the idea and leave the way he came. “Come on..I don’t bite.” I felt my anger rising, as well as the strange power.
It was when he placed his hand on my shoulder that I spun around and scratched him across the cheek. “Don’t touch me!” I hissed. He ignored the gashes I inflicted on his face and smiled at me.
“Very fiesty, I like that,” he said quietly. “May I at least know your name?”
“No, you may not,” I spat. “Now, please, go back to your business.” I continued walking away from him. He pursued still. Finally, furious beyond belief, I whipped around, and without thinking, thrust my hand out to him. A push like a wave of hot air flashed through me and pressed against his body, sending him backwards. I didn’t stop to think about where the force had come from and quickly dashed away before he could realize what had happened.
* * * *
Hours later, the Koth clan family house rose in the distance. I blew out a breath, relieved to see it finally. I hurried across the dusty roads until I reached the stone-paved streets that led to the huge manor. When I reached the front door, I dusted myself free of sand, sighed deeply, and knocked firmly on the door.
A moment passed before someone opened the door and smiled at me. It was a woman who appeared to be an elder of the clan. Like all of the Koths, she had the tan skin and brownish-black hair. Her eyes were gentle and warm as well. I bowed respectfully to her.
“Greetings. I am Dirae Hoth of the Hoth clan,” I said in way of introduction. Her eyes brightened with recognition.
“The ancient warrior clan?” she asked. I nodded. “Please, come in. The clan has been wondering what had happened to the proud ones.” She gestured for me to enter, which I did, then she closed the door behind me. Much to my surprise the interior of the house wasn’t as rich as I’d expected. The woman who’d let me in offered to take my travel bag. I gave it to her and resumed observing my surroundings. It had a rich quality and then it didn’t. Naturally, the browns and soft beige shades gave off a feeling of warmth and comfort. Yes, indeed this was a fortress of those strong in the mind; everything around me was too soothing not to be.
“Forgive me, Dirae, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Kass-lar, an elder of the clan and mother to Eeth.” Kass-lar smiled at me and gestured for me to follow her. She led me into a large room and permitted me to sit down on a comfy-looking chair. I sat ramrod straight with my hands on my knees and my eyes alert. Kass-lar noted my posture and tilted her head at me. The tingle of power that ran through my mind indicated she was reading my thoughts. Disliking the intrusion, I pushed against her probing with my own mind. This seemed to please her and she left the room.
At length, a man came into the room with Kass-lar and both sat down across from me. The man leaned forward, looking at me intently.
“You give off a strange aura, young Hoth,” he said calmly, templing his fingers before him. “One I have not seen in many, many years.” I felt my posture relax as he continued. “My wife tells me of the power you have inside of you.”
“Yes, it’s very strange to me, sir,” I replied honestly. “My father told me no one in our family had this power. Why do I have it?”
“It is possible that somewhere along the line your genes were altered. Perhaps from your mother,” he told me. I nodded.
“Yes, she was always very wise and mindful,” I said, my voice lowering in the memory of my mother. “Sometimes I swore she could read my mind.”
“Before I continue, my name is Zhirim, Eeth’s father,” Zhirim said. I bowed my head in respect. “Even if you do have a connection with the Force, you are too old to begin training of any kind. I’m sorry if your journey here has been for naught.” With that, he rose and left the room. I blinked, startled by the briefness of this visit. Kass-lar sighed.
“I’m sorry, my dear. I know you wanted to do something for your family,” she said. I stood up stiffly. I stalked past her without a word, retrieved my things, and slammed the door behind me. Wasted isn’t the word for what just happened to me, I thought angrily. Now all I had was a long, grueling trip back home.
* * * *
Upon my return, I was met with terrible news. I found Father in the kitchen weeping heavily. Beside him on the table was Valdyr’s rag doll, dirty and torn in a few places. I rushed to his side and clutched his arm. “Father! Where’s Valdyr? What’s happened?” I demanded.
He placed his hands over mine and spoke brokenly. “They..they took her. They took my baby!” His voice broke and his tears flowed once more. I shook him urgently.
“Who’s they? Where did they take her? Father, speak to me!” My pleading got through to him.
“It was Tessla’s family..they claimed they needed another servant,” he replied in a tight voice. I felt my anger rise to levels I never knew existed. Tessla’s last words to me drifted through my mind, repeating over and over.
”You’ll pay for this, Dirae! You hear me? You’ll pay!”>
I hadn’t taken her seriously then. I didn’t expect her to carry out any threats she might present to me. But to take my sister! My barely old enough to fend for herself younger sister! I rose from my father’s side and started to walk out of the house.
“Dirae, stop! Don’t do anything rash!” Father cried behind me. I ignored him as I slowly stalked towards Di Espa. Tessla and her family would pay for what they’d done. And pay more dearly than they could ever imagine.
* * * *
I entered the marketplace without looking at anyone or anything. My purpose was clear in my mind; the Force inside of me was blazing like a bonfire in the night. Fury, anger, hatred, all of these emotions swelled into a great black cloud that consumed my soul, shutting out any compassion I might’ve once possessed.
The shadow of Tessla’s house loomed ahead, beckoning me ever closer as if it wished for its residents to fall at my hands. I had come for Tessla, no one else, for she had surely demanded another servant of her father and of course, chose my greatest weakness: my family. First my mother, then my brother, and now my sister. I knew what I would do here tonight would indefinately seal my fate and that of my father’s. Yet it no longer mattered; all that mattered to me was taking Tessla out into the street and treating her the same way she had treated me.
I perched outside of the house for a long time, eagerly awaiting Tessla’s arrival. My wait was not a long one. First I saw Valdyr being pushed outside of the house by Tessla, who carried the length of chain that led to the collar around my sister’s small neck. I seethed with rage, my teeth bared in a ferocious snarl. Without thinking I leapt from the tree’s branches and landed before Tessla in an animalistic crouch.
“Oh you filth! Begone with you from my house!” Tessla screamed, ruthlessly pulling back on the chain. Valdyr called for me, her words cut short as the collar dug into her throat.
“Release my sister!” I roared, my hands curled into claws and my limbs ready to pounce. Tessla yanked on the chain again, bringing Valdyr close enough to her to hold her about the neck with one arm.
“Don’t come any closer!” Tessla cried, one hand holding the chain taut enough to almost strangle Valdyr, while the other held Valdyr’s arms down at her sides. Tears rolled down my sister’s dirty cheeks, her whimpers of dispair filling my ears like a mournful song.
“Release her and you shall live, Tessla,” I heard myself growl. “If only for a short time.” Fury washed over my senses, tame at the moment yet strong enough to threaten if necessary.
“You have no power here, Dirae,” Tessla purred, backing away with Valdyr. “Your precious sister is my slave now and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
“I can break your neck,” I answered plainly, rising to full height before her. Valdyr’s face was becoming purple from the lack of air going to her brain. The sight angered me further. I lost control over my conscious mind and sprang at Tessla. In the blink of an eye, Tessla yanked hard on the chain, snapping Valdyr’s neck and killing her. Just as I reached Tessla I snatched up Valdyr’s broken body and placed her aside in lightening-fast motions.
The next few moments were a blur of reds and purples as I felt the darkness fully consume me and erupt from my fingertips to strike at Tessla’s body like a wave of pure energy. It slammed Tessla against a wall and held her there, continually pressing her deeper and deeper into the stone. Her mouth was open in a silent scream as her insides erupted and exploded forth from her middle. Gore splattered my clothes; I paid it no heed. The air crackled with the raw power I possessed, jumping from my body in jagged bolts of light. Even seeing Tessla dead on the ground didn’t ease my hatred and anger. Absently, I raised a hand that was covered in her blood and licked my fingertips free of the serum. Even her blood was rich, I thought to myself wryly.
I turned away from the sight, gathered Valdyr’s body in my arms, and Force-ran from the house.
* * * *
Two weeks later:
“I have to leave, Father. I’m sorry.”
“Go with my blessings, Dirae. You know of the bounty on your head now; I have lost enough of my family, I don’t want to lose you as well.”
We embraced tightly, if briefly, then I left for the docking bay in the city. As I hurried towards the glowing city, I felt the predatory eyes of another watching me from on high. Whatever lay ahead of me now would undoubtedly change my life forever.
END