A Long Time ago…..
In a Galaxy far far away….
Star Wars the Old Republic
4000 years before the rise of Palpatine and Darth Vader, The GALACTIC REPUBLIC is under siege by a vast SITH EMPIRE. Back from hiding in unknown regions of space for nearly 400 years, they arrive to reclaim their galaxy and take vengeance on the Republic and the Jedi who banished them into isolation all those years ago.
The planet MORDAN'MORAR is a vital strategic stronghold for the Empire's efforts against the Republic. Both sides are competing to gain hold of the planet, for it allows access to hyperspace routes that go deep into Republic or Imperial space.
The Empire's best Cipher Agent, SOPHY'A, has been sent to negotiate a deal between The Empire and the ruling House on Mordan'Morar. Her orders are to convince them to allow the Empire to use their Hyperspace routes, and eliminate them if necessary…
Chapter one: Noble Negotiations and Its Negations
The Shuttle exited hyperspace in a fury of blue and flew towards the planet surface. Sophy'a maneuvered the ship onto the landing platform of the Royal estate on Mordan'Morar, a world with a bright yellow sun beaming behind vibrant mountains and rows of grassy plains. The palace itself was built upon the highest mountain in the range, and under it was a small but growing village. Sophy'a began to power down the shuttle and made her way to the exit. A Man stood outside on the landing platform. He wore plain cloths and kept his hair short and neat, his hands moved out from behind his back and put moved them outwards. "
Ah Agent, Welcome to the Castle of House Duke DeAlde of Mordan'Morar!" The Man said as Sophy'a walked out of the shuttle,
"Agents of the Glorious Empire are always welcome within our walls! My Name is Servant Kale, Come; let me give you the tour and acquaint you with our lovely traditions!" Sophy'a rolled her Red eyes and proceeded to follow Kale around the castle.
A duo of servants walked past her, eyeing her oddly with a hint of anger. Meanwhile she almost dozed off as the man showed her grand paintings and statues of men she's never heard of... These Noble types are so Daft, she thought as she noticed a window lock in the meeting room about to come apart due to neglect, The Duke must have spent the money meant for repairs to buy a grand crystal idol or something.
"And here," Kale said, "Is the Grand Crystal idol of Our Beloved…" Sophy'a groaned internally and produced to not pay attention to Kale for the remainder of the tour.
"Here are your quarters, Miss Agent, if you require anything, just yell and I shall arrive in haste! enjoy your stay in Castle DeAlde!" Kale scurried down the hallway and into another room.
What a Waste of time that was, she Thought. I'm here for a job, not a bloody History lesson.
Sophy'a walked into the room; it was a lavish dorm with a Den, bedroom, bathroom, and a lovely view of the town below. The room was scattered with some kind of fancy object that showed off the Wealth of the castle. Sophy'a removed her gear on the couch. Opening her bag, she pulled out a small device and started scanning the room with it. The Device picked up a strange object located in one of the Magnificent Vases located in the Den.
There, she thought.
She grabbed the vase and reached into it, and from it a Listening device emerged. She put the device back into the vase, opened the nearby window, and casually tossed the vase outside. After waiting a few seconds to hear it satisfyingly smash onto the Ground, she undressed and walked into the Santi-steam to quickly wash off.
While she was scrubbing herself, her mind drifted to her mission. She was to somehow gain Duke DeAlde's support in the War Effort against the Republic. Sophy'a knew that Duke DeAlde loved his Lavish luxurious lifestyle,
perhaps that could be exploited, she though.
She turned off the Santi-Steam and quickly dried herself off. She looked outside; the sun was setting between the Mordan'Morar Mountains. Good time to sleep, she thought. She dressed in simple black clothing and laid herself on the bed.
One Day, Sophy'a thought, this war is going to end, and one side is going to win. She adjusted herself; staring straight at the ceiling.
And that Side is going to be mine. Sophy'a turned off the lights and began to drift off.
She was shaken out of it with a small beeping noise coming from a vase that sat on her Nightstand. Sophy'a took a look inside, then, very angrily, sent the vase flying out into the cold Mordan'Morar night.
"Welcome Cipher! You're right on time!" Duke DeAlde said as he greeted Sophy'a.
"I Trust you've found my humble little castle in my corner of the galaxy to your liking. I mean, of course you did, I am the richest man in the System." Sophy'a decided she was going to eliminate this man the first moment he wasn't needed.
"Oh the Accommodations were absolutely lovely Sir Duke."
The Duke looked over back to her, "For you, DeAlde will be enough." The Duke Winked.
Sophy'a fought the urge to spill what she ate for breakfast onto the rug. She cleared her throat, "Shall we begin Negotiations, DeAlde?"
DeAlde smiled, "Why of Course! Onwards!"
DeAlde lead Sophy'a to the meeting room. "I must say, my dear, your species is quite unusual among our world, please forgive any rudeness my servants may provide, they are loyal… but not bright." The Duke rambled on.
I'm used to it, Sophy'a thought, but she said nothing in response.
DeAlde led Sophy'a to the same meeting room she had passed by earlier. Sophy'a noticed a grand painting on the wall with two figures holding swords, there was a plaque under it, Duel of Kings.
"Would you like Refreshments?" the Duke said.
Sophy'a said nothing.
"DROID, Bring me and my Guest two cups of our Freshest Nectar Immediately!" The droid shuffled off into a doorway. The Duke, after waiting for the droids to return with their drinks, turned on a giant Hologram in the middle of the table. It displayed Mordan'Morar and several other planets in the orbit of the systems sun.
"Now let us…" His Sentence was interrupted by the doors slamming open. In the Doors place was a young man with shaggy blond hair and freckled cheeks, a cross looks on his face. "Father!" the man said, "How dare you allow an Imperial in our doors!? Her kind is a mockery of freedom!" The Child Declared, then he looked over to Sophy'a, with fury in his eyes. "And she's an Alien nonetheless! Look at her odd blue skin! She could never understand our ways!"
Duke DeAlde stood up, "Agent, meet my brash arrogant son, Lord Erwin of House DeAlde, my second in command. He should be in his room doing his studies, instead of rudely interrupting me in my negotiations! Guards, remove Lord Erwin from this room!" the two guard droids picked up the boy by his arms, and as he screamed in complaint, and removed him from the room.
Good riddance. Sophy'a saw the anger remove itself from Duke DeAlde.
"Apologies Agent, he gets his recklessness from his mother. Our House sees the potential in what your Empire would provide for me with my considerably strong vantage point against the republic, proceed with your offer…"
Now I remember why I'm not a politician, Sophy'a said as she cracked her knuckles, The Meetings are boring. She walked down the stone hallway, her boots clicking across the cold stone. She began to head back to her suite.
At least on the bright side, Sophy'a thought, that ruler will soon be clay in my hands. She continued the walk around the lavish palace. She did have to admit, it was rather lavishing. Walking around a corner, she noticed a pool with bubbling hot water that no being seemed to be enjoying. This may be a job, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy myself. Smiling maliciously, Sophy'a's mind drifted off as she began to familiarize herself with the pool
***Later that evening***
Sophy'a was sound asleep when they came for her. Palace guards in Special Forces armor invaded her room.
"You're Under Arrest!" The guards said as they ripped her out of bed and onto the floor, and began beating her, trying to attach binders around her wrist. She tried to fight back, but the guards had the advantage.
In the midst of the Chaos, she overheard a young voice cry out, "Yes, that's her! That's the Alien that murdered our Great lord and my father! Take her away!" She blacked out soon after as one of the guards hit her over the head.
Chapter 2: The King is dead, long live the king.
Sophy'a awoke with her arms and legs chained to a cold stone floor. A Throbbing pain resided within her head and ribs. She struggled to get free, but the chains wouldn't budge.
"Don't Struggle, creature" Sophy'a looked up and saw Lord Ewin standing with her in the, looking down on her with a malicious smile.
Ugh Sophy'a didn't say a word. She knew how to resist interrogations. She noticed the guards outside her cell wore Republic Insignias…interesting…
"you're lucky, you know you would've been beaten to death by our superior Human strength had I not stopped the guards who locked you up."
Sophy'a said nothing and looked down to the stone floor. Lord Erwin stopped pacing and crouched down.
"Your Hyperspace lanes that you so preciously want won't be yours, but instead in the hands of the Republic, the people who will fill the rest of the Galaxy with light, you failed scum."
Sophy'a said nothing.
"You can drop the act, Imperial dog, they may treat you like your nothing in an Imperial Prison, but I assure you, our Republic prisons…"
he moved a few fingers to Sophy'a's chin,
"can treat their prisons quite…quite well…"
Sophy'a decided enough was enough, and head-butted the Human. Lord Erwin was knocked back, utterly shocked. Sophy'a saw him move a hand up to his nose, seeing blood pouring out of it. Sophy'a smirked and whispered, "How's that for Superior?"
The lord was furious. "GUARDS," Erwin called, "Give her no food for the rest of the day!"
he looked back at Sophy'a, "Ill wipe that smile off your face soon enough, Imperial scum! I'll make sure your empire burns!"
Sophy'a continued to smirk as she looked down onto the stone floor. Lord Erwin quickly walked out of her cell and furiously stomped out of the cell block. Then all of a sudden Erwin came back, this time pressing his face to the cell bars, "And Never swim in MY pool again!" he jogged off again to Maker knows where. Sophy'a couldn't help but chuckle. "HEY, quiet you Imperial Alien!" The Republic guard yelled from his post. Sophy'a didn't say a word and begun to plan her escape.
She waited until the nightly guard change. Tonight there was simply a young man posted to guarding her cell. She slowly tried to reach into her bracelet, using her two fingers; she grabbed the tiny lock pick she kept in there.
So incompetent, they didn't even bother to take off my armor. She quietly unchained her hand.
"Hey, human, you think you're so tough?" Sophy'a said in a calm voice, trying to taunt the guard.
The guard looked back to her. "Quiet Alien", there was a hint of anger there, good.
"In Imperial Prisons, the guards would prove their might by beating prisoners; it truly tests your prowess, why don't you prove yourself to me, Republic scum, if you have the courage to do so?" Sophy'a continued. The Guard looked back at her with anger in his eyes, "I SAID quite alien!" Sophy'a smirked; "Make Me."
the guard then quickly fumbled around with his key and opened the cell. "You Son of an Alien nerf herder" the guard grumbled as he entered the cell.
He raised a hand to strike, but Sophy'a was faster. She quickly used her unchained hand and punched the guard's groin; the guard yelled in pain, and then was knocked out as Sophy'a smacked his head into the prison wall. Sophy'a grabbed the guard's key card and walked out of the cell, dusting off her shoulder.
Her prison was located in one of the castles turrets. She tried swiping her card in to the door, but the door would not accept her card. Confused, Sophy'a tried again. Damnit. She looked around the room, frustrated. Her eyes stopped at the window.
She thought for a bit, and then proceeded to smash the window open. She looked to the right, then the left. There, the Meeting room. She could see the broken window fraying in the cold wind. There was a small layer of brick that outlined the wall, just big enough for Sophy'a to walk on if she was careful. The Meeting room had a balcony as well. Sophy'a then climbed out of the window, carefully trying to hug onto the brick wall. The Meeting room was a level under her, so she'd have to jump. She didn't dare look down as she carefully slid across the small bricks, her hair was flying in the cold winds and the only light she had was the moonlight. She continued to shuffle down the side of the castle, nearly slipping due to the light layer of ice that glazed the bricks. She got within jumping distance of the meeting room balcony. Sophy'a looked up, took a deep breath, and then she jumped. She landed on the balcony with a grunt. Relieved, she took another deep breath, she had made it.
Breaking the already broken lock on the window, she crawled into the room, a light warm breeze greeting her nicely after being blown over with frost. The Holocomunicator on the Desk…Walking over to the table, she opened the Hologram and entered in an emergency signal, calling for all nearby Imperial ships to accept her call. There!
"Imperial Cruiser Majesty of Flame to Mysterious Distress call," An Imperial accent greeted her on the other line,"this is a private channel for emergencies only. State your business."
Sophy'a quickly responded,"Majesty of Flame, This is Cipher Nine of Imperial intelligence, My Mission was complicated by Republic Interference, I require assistance."
A Pause,
"Cipher nine, this is Darth Marr of the Dark Council, we are en route to assist you, My Flagship, Majesty of Flame, will be on Mordan'Morar in an estimated travel time-" Static, "-standard day, do try to keep yourself alive until then…Marr out."
Just as the channel was cut off, the Door slammed open. "Hey! What are you doing?!" Erwin said as he raised his blaster pistol towards Sophy'a. "Give me one good reason I shouldn't shoot you right now, Imperial Scum."
Sophy'a's mind raced in an attempt to save her life, she raised her hands, and then her eyes caught sight of a certain item on the wall. "I request the Duel of the Kings!" Sophy'a said in haste. Lord Erwin looked shocked, "Outsiders cannot participate in such an ancient ritual."
"Yes, they can, milord." Servant Kale said as he snuck into the room. "Outsiders may partake in the Duel of the Kings, so long as they have proved worthy, and I believe this young lady has proven herself by breaking out of your prison."
Lord Erwin's face was now in utter disbelief. "Damnit Kale I'll have you beheaded for this! But, tradition is tradition. Very well alien, the Duel will be at sunrise, then, Former Servant Kale will be executed for treason. Be gone to your quarters!" Erwin lowered his weapon and walked out.
Sophy'a breathed a sigh of relief. "He's arrogant but skilled, Miss Agent," Kale said from the door, "be prepared, it is to the death."
Chapter 3: the Final Duel
The Sun rose above the White capped mountains. Lord Erwin stood in the center of the Arena courtyard; built atop of the castles throne room. Sophy'a was escorted by Servant Kale and nearly a dozen Republic soldiers. The Sun warmed Sophy'a's face as she walked to the center.
Servant Kale scurried over to where they were. Bowing formally, He handed Erwin a small cylinder, he grabbed it then hit a button on it, reveling a green blade.
A lightsaber.
Bowing again, Kale handed Sophy'a a short worn sword with engravings on the blade. She looked at Erwin and raised her eyebrows. At least now it's an even fight. She took the sword. She felt the grip, and then flipped the sword around, just as they taught me at the Academy.
"May the best Man win, Imperial Dog." Erwin backed a bit and swung his Lightsaber, showing off its green blade.
"Make Ready!" Servant Kale announced, his voice booming across the valley.
"Go!"
Erwin spared no time and automatically swung for Sophy'a's neck. Sophy'a dodged quickly then surprised her Opponent with a quick slash to his arm. Blocking, Erwin twirled around and attempts a strike on Sophy'a. Sophy'a dodged and stepped back into a defensive stance. Lord Erwin slowly walked up to her and bashed at her twice, the second hit made Sophy'a stumble back. Strang, another slash approached Sophy'a from above; she only barely managed to block it, continuing to retreat back. Lord Erwin assumed a taunting pose and together they walked in a circle, eyeing to see whoever will make the next blow. Sophy'a, seeing an opening, decided to slash at him. She swings the sword to a sideward attack, which Lord Erwin blocks with one hand with ease.
"You lack form. Grace. Imperial training will not save you here." Erwin sets up a fury of the slashes, which all made Sophy'a stumble back, unable to withstand Erwin's powerful attacks. She fell to the ground. Erwin laughed as he began to turn his back on Sophy'a, trying to get cheers from the soldiers that stood watch. Now's my chance, come here you bastard. Sophy'a got up quickly and kicked the back of Erwin's Knee, bringing him down to one foot. She brought the sword high for a swing to the neck. Suddenly she was forced back on to the ground, she looked up to see Erwin stand and put the lightsaber to her neck as he stood over her, the sun her eyes and wind howling in the distance. "The Force is my Ally today, good triumphs yet again!" He arrogantly said, all Sophy'a could do was stare. He used the force, damn cheater.
She winced, prepared for her end.
The Screech of Starfighters began to fill the air, and then she heard a few soldiers screaming. Gunshots flew off from the ground. Erwin and Sophy'a looked up to see what the soldiers were shooting at.
Oh Strang….
an Imperial Capital Cruiser drifted in low orbit menacing on the night side of the planet. Sith fighters began shooting the castle and dropships began to trickle out soldiers into the Castle and the village. The castle began to crumble and shake.
Sophy'a used that opportunity to roll out of the way of the Erwin's lightsaber and sprinted to a Soldier. She stabbed him in the back of the throat and stole his rifle, then snuck down to cover. By the time she took cover behind a piece of rubble that fell from the starship bombing, two dropships came down and dropped off Imperial troopers, which stormed the dueling arena.
The Republic soldiers retreated behind Lord Erwin, who was blocking all the shots taken towards him.
Sophy'a joined her comrades in the cover and picked off the Republic Soldiers, one by one, with clean shots to the head. Screams of pain from the Imperial soldier and Republic soldier's explosions filled the air. Sophy'a felt the smoke in her lungs. As the battle raged on, Sophy'a heard a third shuttle land on the dueling arena.
It was a Sith Fury class Interceptor.
Lightsaber in hand, Darth Marr walked down from the landing ramp. He walked menacingly towards the makeshift front lines, fighting and defending alongside his troops.
Lord Erwin then sprinted from his Soldiers position, eager to take down Darth Marr, cutting any soldier in his way. From the safety of her Trench, she saw Darth Marr and Lord Erwin's lightsabers clash in a brilliant fury of green and red.
It didn't last long however. Darth Marr grabbed Lord Erwin's hand, he dropped his lightsaber, screaming in pain as the Sith crushed the bone. The Sith made a quick stab into Erwin's Abdomen, watching his eyes widen in the pain and realization.
"Charge men! Burn their Mongrel hides!" Darth Marr yelled as he led his troops towards the republic's position.
Sophy'a naturally joined them in the charge.
She stopped, for she was about to step over Lord Erwin, who was still squirming to get his lightsaber. As the Soldiers charged, Sophy'a stopped and looked down. Pathetic. With her foot, she rolled the lightsaber far from his reach.
She kneeled down, Erwin met her eyes. "Im…im…possible..." Erwin said with his last few breaths. "Good...Always triumphs..over…evil…aliens…like…you."
Sophy'a turned her head to the side. "Good? Is that why you killed your father?"
Erwin coughed again, blood spitting out his mouth. "it…it was….necessary…"
Sophy'a's anger grew.
"You were blind to the evil and corruption swarming within your order, you were prideful…and arrogant. Maybe one day you will understand." Sophy'a stood up, and stepped on Lord Erwin's throat with her boot, crushing his windpipe.
Then again, maybe not.
Sophy'a sat on the rubble, patching her wounds up from the battle.
Ahh she poured medical alcohol over a scar on her shoulder. Must've been from the duel.
Imperial troopers were piling up the bodies of their dead comrades. She looked over and saw Darth Marr Pacing in front of a line of Civilians, all with their hands over their heads. Imperial soldiers stood behind them.
Sophy'a patched up her wound then walked over to the line of Civilians.
"Good thing to call us, Agent," Darth Marr said, not turning his attention away from the prisoners. "Now we will be able to push our advance into the core, and I shall lead the charge." Sophy'a nodded and looked down to the prisoners, noticing Servant Kale.
He's still alive… "What are you going to do to them?"
Darth Marr thought for a bit.
It'd be a big waste if he killed off all these people.
"They will stay here and reinforce the Empire's position here on this world. You shall stay here as well Agent, as a representative of the empire. The castle is yours as your embassy." Sophy'a nodded.
"This planet is now run by the Imperial Military." Marr said to the prisoners. "You're only options are to obey or perish. Now, go to your comrades, tell them to begin rebuilding! Off with you all!" The soldiers unchained the prisoners, who soon scurried off to the lower levels of the palace. "The fleet will be here in moments. I have business to attend to on my ship, there are reports of a Republic fleet massing in a nearby system, and I must make sure they are not an issue. Enjoy your stay on the planet, Agent." Marr walked off with a squad of troops to his Shuttle.
Sophy'a saluted as the ship rose off towards the Capital ship, still in low orbit. Someone tapped on her shoulder, with lightning speed; she turned around and found Servant Kale standing behind her, the look of happiness in his eyes.
"You saved me for execution. Tradition states I serve you until the end of my life, as I did with my previous master."
Kale Kneeled down.
"I swear my life to you, Mistress, for all of the sun and moon passes, I shall remain loyal until-"
he was cut off my Sophy'a. "Yes yes kale Get up. I get it, get up."
Kale rose, a fade of red appeared on his cheeks. "My Apologies Miss, now how might I-"
Sophy'a rolled her eyes again, 'Kale, go make sure my castle is in proper shape." Kale nodded and swiftly walked away.
Sophy'a smiled and walked over to the edge of the roof and looked down on the Village, smoke still rising from its structures. Mission Accomplished, with a few...minor setbacks. She put her hands behind her back.
Hmm… I needed a Vacation anyway, that pool may have not received too much damage in the battle… plus I'm filthy. Sophy'a then turned and hastily walked towards the exit, eager for her skin to feel the water's cold embrace.
The End