Chapter 3 - Chess
The Prior's ship came out of hyperspace, dropping into normal space surrounded by the usual white mist. Within moments this had dispersed leaving just the blackness of space punctuated by the white dots of stars. The world they orbited was one of perpetual oceans with huge cities that either floated upon the surface or remained beneath the turbulent waves. He did not know the name of it, but that was not important – just that it would deal a crushing blow to all who would resist the Ori teachings. This would pave the way - he knew beyond doubt.
Deciding to take a shuttle to the surface instead of just transporting in that was fine on most planets but in small citadels could lead to distractions, unwanted questions – ones he intended to avoid. This mission was paramount. Piloted by a loyal servant the shuttle glided through the atmosphere without so much of a bump of turbulence.
He was awoken from a deep meditation by a gentle hand tapping on his shoulder.
"Prior, we are here."
Rising with poised grace, called the staff to an outstretched hand. As the shuttle door opened automatically he alighted wearily on the ramp, looking at the inclement conditions. The torrential downpour seemed constant, ever since entering the atmosphere, pulling up the hood in the hopes of not getting wet. Not twenty meters away a rising door was visible revealing a light beyond and a silhouette of another xeno.
In fact everything about it was slender, arms, legs, even its long fragile neck upon which rested a small head. It was impossible to tell the gender at distance. To his enhanced senses it seemed vaguely amphibian but his first experience of xenos was in this very galaxy so it was hard to be sure. As he got nearer it towered over him approaching seven feet tall, similar to the hairy xenos on that other planet.
"Greetings we had not expected anyone."
The tones seemed quite solicitous his empathy picking up no deception at all.
"I bring you greetings from the Ori," staff banging on the ground, creating a high pitch tapping sound on the metal, as he walked.
"Are you here to see Prime Minister Lama Su?"
"Later," an answer that brooked no argument, "but I would like to see the clones."
There had been no suggestion that such was the case until he'd seen the bodies on the forest planet. Some of helmets had come off during the slaughter revealing faces that were identical. He had then established telepathic contact with the Ori who had quickly discerned the location. Most corridors were extremely well lit with an almost organic feel to the metal; even containing warmth like living flesh. They had walked numerous such passages, even descending in a lift in which they saw no others.
He could sense hundreds of aliens down below though, easily distinguishing which was clone and which wasn't. It was blasphemy how they were able to duplicate one person, forbidden in scripture. Attitudes would change and all things like this would end. Good riddance, but now he needed to strike a critical blow. Down below through a huge Plexiglas window the clones were visible eating in a huge canteen. It disgusted him that any being would so break the laws of the Ori, a lesson would have to taught.
The staff glowed causing the Kaminoan to cry out in pain, dropping on her knees. Rifling through her thoughts and memories was usually a very painful experience, for the victim but there was no one else in the corridor so her anguish was of no concern. Yes there were dozens of such complexes on this planet alone. Green blood pooled around her face, pouring from her nose and eyes.
The gem inlaid in the staff glowed so brightly she had to shut her eyes, the pain as blinding as the light. Then a circular pulse of light spread outwards covering the planet within a second. It was done. The clones lay on the floor writhing in pain. It took two full minutes by his internal clock for them to stand. A telekinetic burst smashed the flexiglass into shards causing them to look up once more.
"Follow the Gods that freed you from slavery," he announced, "Make your own choices, hallowed are the Ori."
Most appeared confused.
He telepathically contacted the ship to teleport dozens of copies of the Good Book down. It would have been easy to order the clones to follow Origin but anyone else could have issued a telepathic countermand. So let them choose, he knew many would do the sensible thing. Those that did not, well……..
Many seeing a stack of books appear out of thin air regarded its source warily but like many cultures with primitive beliefs whenever gods were mentioned it usually elicited one of two responses; outright incredulity and disbelief, or its opposite – blind obedience.
Many picked up the object and began to read.
In other complexes across the planet various Kaminoans ordered the clones to get back to what they were doing, most flatly refused or worse turned on their creators quite often killing them. Back on the shuttle he smiled, the Ori would soon have a galaxy full of worshippers. Sitting back he waited for those that would challengers that rule.
In the Emperor's throne room a curse echoed, from the lips of one man, albeit one of the most powerful in the galaxy; but – not yet the most puissant. "What is it Lord Vader?" annoyed at the intrusion by his Sith Apprentice, one that if not controlled or killed may soon challenge his dominance.
Yellow irises met Vader's own. "The clones have begun refusing commands many have begun reading from the book the stranger left behind"
"And?"
A report had recently been received from the Kaminoan Prime Minister detailing outright rebellion among the clones and a strange plague spreading among cloners; not to mention the catastrophic failure on Kashyyk. This turn of events he found deeply worrying as though some force was trying to undo his plans of the last millennia.
"The creation of clones has been put back years. What of the Wookies? And the rebellious clones?"
"Leave them."
"Master," he turned to leave this time his gaze did not meet Sidious' at all, showing obeisance.
"Many on Tatooine have also begun reading from the same book,"
"I am aware of this," this time the anger and malice was freely expressed. Pressing a button on his chair ordered two of the Sith Warriors into his chamber immediately.
Over the years he'd killed various force adepts which he had cloned and then subject to Sith Alchemy to ensure complete loyalty similar to the Kaminoans genetic manipulation – but his method was far more thorough. Quite often he also included self destructs so that after forty years or so of life they died for unknown reasons usually some horrible noxious disease thus cementing his hold over them and his continued dominion.
Galen Marek and Mara Jade walked into the throne room, standing briefly in front of Darth Sidious before immediately prostrating themselves. "What is thy bidding my Master," they chimed simultaneously.
"I wish you to go to Kamino." They looked up meeting his eyes waiting for the next command. "Kill the stranger. Let us be done with these games." During public session his voice was normal but in private it was much deeper, carrying the chill of death.
"I should go too."
They looked up at the Sith Lord seeking guidance.
"You will stay here," index finger pointing at Vader. "Leave us."
Both male and female exiting the room as the doors clanged shut behind them. Two guards adorned with red armour and robes stood there, Force pikes at the ready.
"But Master," he interrupted. "I should be the one to…."
The request was never finished as Force Lightning erupted from his left hand striking the Chosen One, smoke rising from robes and burnt flesh. The lesson was clear, obey or be punished.