Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi knight and protector of all freedom in the Galaxy, fearless guardian of the light side and respected member of the revered Jedi order, is a little nervous. In fact, he is more than a little nervous. He is, for lack of a better word, terrified.
Those who know him causally would probably assume everything to be fine, especially by the way he is carrying himself down the grand hall of the temple, with his face held high and his arms swinging confidently by his sides. But of course, it is all little more than a ruse. A ruse that Obi-Wan almost believes himself, but a ruse nonetheless.
He spots the small figure of master Yoda approaching between two of the tall columns that hold up the large entrance, and reluctantly slows his death-march to meet with him. Not that he doesn't like talking to the old master, quite the contrary, Obi-Wan often turns Yoda for advice, but right he is a little too anxious to find his current task.
"Master Yoda" he says politely in greeting, trying his very beset to appear in control.
The ancient master smiles warmly at Obi-Wan, and it's immediately obvious with the twinkle in his eyes that Yoda knows very well how he is feeling. It only makes Obi-Wan more on edge, how many other people have noticed his frayed nerves?
"Nervous, you are, Knight Kenobi, hmm?"
Obi-Wan can't help it when his façade falls away momentarily at Yoda's words. The Jedi master's eyes look between Obi-Wans, he chuckles softly as his gaze turns towards the outside world. Yoda seems rather at ease for such a situation, in fact Obi-Wan is certain the Yoda is actually enjoying himself. Force knows how, when the life of another sentient being is being placed within his hands.
"Master, if I may be honest, I'm not as sure as the council is on my abilities in this… area" He says awkwardly as they walk towards the entrance, forcing himself to take smaller steps as he keeps in line with Yoda's, slow, almost sleepy pace.
"A strong Jedi, you are Obi-Wan. Capable of this responsibility, I know you are." Yoda says with certainty as he hobbles along beside him.
He can only hope the grand master is right, after all, who is he to disobey the council? The soft yellow glow of the setting sun pours from the great entrance gates ahead of them. He catches sight of his new… responsibility waiting for them with crossed arms by the large gates.
'Deep breaths Kenobi' he tells himself. He should trust in the grand masters judgment. Every Jedi does this, so it can't be that difficult, right? All he has to do is be mindful of his emotions, and pass on his knowledge and wisdom to the next generation. But then again, what if he fails in that regard? What if he just so happens to be the worst teacher in the entire order and his new protégés future education is all but ruined? After all, he has never taught anyone before, how can he know if it's something he is capable of?
As they approach, Obi-Wan does everything within his power to plaster a welcoming smile upon his face. But it quickly crumbles into a disconcerted frown when he notices the girl's age. She is way to you for this. In fact, he has never seen anyone so young with a braid before. So young, that he is just about ready to turn to master Yoda and exclaim that she needs a few more years, or at the very least a more experienced master, when Yoda suddenly seems to de-age by about a hundred years and moves at near light-speed over to the girl before he can say anything in protest.
"Ready for your first mission with your master, I hope you are young padawan" Yoda tells the girl with a broad smile as Obi-Wan reaches them.
Now that he can see her up close, he recognizes her as a Togruta, with warm orange skin and white markings on her youthful face. The girl, to her credit, doesn't seem the slightest bit anxious.
"Of course, master Yoda" She says respectfully, but Obi-Wan doesn't miss the excited tone in her voice, or the cheeky smile playing on her lips.
Then she turns to Obi-Wan, and instead of bowing, (which would be the appropriate thing to do) she puts her hands on her hips and tilts her head at him.
"Master Kenobi, my name is Ahsoka Tano, it's an honor to be your' new apprentice"
From that smirk, Obi-Wan can already tell that this isn't going to be as easy as he hoped.
Vader can't help but stare out at the endless forest of skyscrapers spanning out in front of him. Thousands upon thousands of speeders zip in between them in long lines or air traffic, though from here, they almost looks like long lines of busy ants.
He doesn't know why he is here, in the works of the Coruscant; the place that is (or at least once was) the center of industry on the planet. But he is sure Dooku has some reason for bringing him here, if only his master would actually tell him what's going on. Apparently sixteen is way too young to be trusted with such valuable information.
Actually, (despite the fact the he is undoubtedly going to learn why they are here in the very near future) if he had somehow managed to gain such intimate knowledge on their way here who knows what might have happened. The end of existence as they know it? The galaxy falling apart? The eternal suffering of every being to have been born ever? Or worst of all, his masters surprise being ruined? Vader scoffs as he thinks. Sixteen is practically an adult; the fact that Dooku is withholding information from him is an insult.
The doors behind him open and he turns to see a rusted protocol droid shuffle out and into the main floor of the abandoned factory. Vader can't help but cringe at the beings poor apparel; it's obvious that this one was left behind when this place was closed.
"Master Dooku will see you know" the droid states politely before shuffling away.
He sighs with relief, even speaking to his master is better than waiting out here with nothing to do for another hour. Yet, Vader's eyes harden as he walks into a cramped makeshift headquarters. It's cold and metal just like everything else in the works. Steam hisses out of an exhaust port on the wall, it sinks down to join the white mist gathering on the grated floor. Grime and rust stains the moody room, and a strong smell of chemicals fills his nose.
A blood-red holographic map of Coruscants Dacho district floats upon the large central holo-projector that serves as the only light in the room. But Vader doesn't need light to sense his master's scornful presence. Dooku steps around the table. The mist runs from his dark robes, flying carelessly into the air for a few seconds before falling in defeat once more.
"Master" Vader says in mock respect as Dooku faces him. He feels nothing but contempt for his mentor, but whether Dooku is aware of his apprentice's bitter submission or not is unclear.
"Darth Vader, you are finally ready to be put to use" The count says, his tone unusually neutral, his face hidden behind a drooping cowl.
"Yes , master" he replies curtly, electing to ignore the use of the word 'finally' in Dookus previous statement.
There is long silence, Dooku remains still like a forgotten statue in the darkness. Vader can feel his master's presence brush against his, causing bile to gather in his throat. Dooku will not gain entry to his mind. He fights against his masters attempted invasion of his privacy, and pushes the foreign presence away. All the while allowing his hatred to fuel his powers. The signature recedes when he bites back, and Vader has to resist the urge to give chase. Neither men give voice to the Vader's silent mutiny, yet he is sure he can see Dooku's form straighten.
"Darth Sidious may believe you are fit for war, but I am unconvinced" Dooku growls, and though his master is shielding his thoughts just as much as Vader, he can feel a hatred just as strong as his own in Dookus tone.
"You will be meeting with one of Sidious's operatives in the Grungeon block. He will fill you in on your mission's parameters" Dooku says as he lifts a up a small pad with the force and sends it floating towards Vader. He catches the pad as it comes into reach, and then turns it on to see that it's the map of the Dacho district floating in the center of the room.
Vader's eyes lift to meet Dookus. He doesn't need an operative babysitting him on whatever this mission will be, Dooku knows it. He knows it. Dooku is just toying with him, trying to frustrate him by forcing him to work with someone who will undoubtedly be far below his skill level.
"Prove yourself Vader, and perhaps I will consider allowing you to undertake more… independent operations" Dooku states, as if reading his apprentices thoughts.
"Yes, master" Vader states as he suppresses a scowl. He bows, then exits the room. Leaving behind his master before the man can say another word against him.
Dooku's presence vanishes as if it had never even existed when the auto-doors slide closed behind him. Vader too gathers the dark side around him, having it shield his presence. Coruscant is home to the Jedi and their cursed temple, master Sidious would be most displeased if they were to discover his presence. He pulls his long hood over his head in order to hide his yellow eyes, then proceeds quickly to the hangar.
B2 is waiting for him at the foot of his speeder. Its once rusted frame is now polished and well maintained. Any unnecessary features striped from the droids internal systems and replaced with many surprises one wouldn't expect from a super battle droid. Yet in spite of Vader's best efforts, B2 stiffly clanks over to him with as much grace as a rabid bantha.
"Take this" he grunts as he passes B2 the map. Then he jumps into his speeder to begin the power up sequence. B2 holds the datapad to its eyes for a few seconds, then unceremoniously crushes it in its hands before dropping the broken pad to the floor carelessly.
"Download of: 'Dacho district map code' complete" it hums as it drops into the passenger seat of Vader's speeder. B2's voice chip only allows for the droid to speak in one deep, monotone tone. Yet Vader is sure he can hear a hint of excitement in the way the droid speaks. His droid reaches into its lower chest and pulls out a long, custom made cord that it plugs into the speeder. Within seconds the entire map of dacho district is being displayed on the speeders control console.
"Grungeon block" Vader mutters to himself as he looks for the quickest way to reach his destination.
"Mission parameters consist of no adult supervision." B2 drones, but despite the fact that his droid seems completely unable to ask questions, and can do little else but make statements and shout 'error!', Vader can tell what B2 is trying to say.
"No, he's just letting me drive there on my own. We'll be helping one of the chancellor's operatives do… something." he huffs. Vader knows for a fact that he would have been completely capable of carrying out his own mission's years ago. Even master Sidious says that Dooku is holding him back.
Thoroughly annoyed, Vader sets his speeder into motion with several sharp flicks to the controls. It floats up into the air within the grimy hangar, then bursts through the entry and out into the smog-filled air beyond. Plumes of fume and dust from long abandoned factories still rise into the sky, despite the best efforts of local authorities to clean up the works' heavily polluted streets. He dips the speeder down to fly below the traffic lanes above the district, choosing instead to zip between the disheveled ruins that once towered triumphantly into the sky.
This is his first real mission, an opportunity he has been waiting for for years. It's his first real chance to prove himself. He is finally away from Dooku and his stupid pompous accent. There is nothing around but the sky, the speeder, and himself, but he still isn't pleased.
In fact, he feels nothing else but anger. Perhaps he should be content that he feels this way. After all, it's all a Sith is supposed to feel; anger and ambition. Yet some sort of nagging sensation in the back of his mind craves for more. Although he has no idea what more he wants. Power, maybe? Recognition of his strength? Probably.
Dooku always underestimates him, and it's infuriating. If the Count had his way Vader would spend his whole life locked away on Serenno. Thankfully master Sidious put in a good word for him and now he is here, doing this mission. Still, just because Sidious wants him in the field, that doesn't mean Dooku isn't going to make him do something completely embarrassing and unjustly menial.
"This had better not end up as some sort of errand mission, B2"
For Darth Maul, there is nothing but pain. Always. Always. Always.
It never leaves, never submits, and never relents.
It follows him like a sick pup.
Even now, as he stands by his ship, with his arms crossed and his brow furrowed, the pain remains. A pain that goes so much deeper than the simple-minded suffering that burns against his lower body. It's a pain that gnaws at his mind, pulls at his conscience, nags at his every waking moment; the pain of failure.
A failure he is reminded of every time he looks into his masters mocking eyes.
He clenches his teeth at the thought, forcing all of his rage back into the cage he has created for it in his mind. Safely locking it away until it's needed.
And it will be needed, very soon.
Through the smog he spots a speeder heading this way. There is no doubt in his mind that it's Dooku's 'operative', but by now it's clear from the force that this person is really another agent of the dark side, not another force-blind fool. Yet a fool nonetheless, because if he can use the force then he is a threat, and threats die by his hand every day.
The shiny speeder lands not too far away, he narrows his eyes as an acne-covered boy jumps out. He is wearing long black robes and has burning golden eyes that match his scruffy hair. This operative is young, too young.
Another way for his master to mock him, no doubt. Forcing him to work with a child, or rather, babysit a child for this mission.
The boy approaches him, along with some sort of remodeled battle droid, and Maul steps forward, straightening to his full height to glare down at the kid. Who looks back at him with eyes full of arrogance. Arrogance is weakness, yet this one wears it as though it's a medal.
"You're master Sidious's operative" The boy states, with a voice that's cracking in preparation for adulthood.
Such a fool. How can this one look the world as though he owns it when he doesn't even own himself? He can't even bare to look at those eyes full undeserved pride any more. The boy knows nothing, he deserves nothing.
With a hardened glare, he turns back to his ship and marches up the ramp, not bothering to wait for the boy to follow. He can just as easily complete this mission without him.
"Wait!" He hears from outside as he strides towards the cockpit. Maul keeps walking, simple cries wont draw his attention.
Just as he sits down in the pilot's seat the boy bursts in. Not bothering to so much as acknowledge him, he powers up the ship and gets ready to take off.
"Who are you?" the boy asks, still standing at the entryway like a coward.
"My name is irrelevant"
The engine's wailing rises with the ship as he pushes her into the air. The deep red pollution dies away into navy-blue as they reach the atmosphere. He pushes the throttle forward, demanding the ships energy as they break through the hold of the planet. The engines roar with power, daring the atmosphere to keep them trapped for any longer. The planet submits, releasing them into the deep black of outer space.
He codes in their destination into the navi-computer, then angles the ship towards their hyper lane route.
"My master said you would tell me what the mission is" The boy says at last, for one so arrogant, he takes his time before speaking.
No answer escapes his mouth. He will be the one who dictates what is and isn't spoken of, not this youngling. The boy can wait. If he is wise, he will be patient. After all, patience is one of the great strengths of all hunters. Patience to wait for their prey to make a mistake. The arrogant one may be young, but there is no doubt that he is one of Sidious's dark trainees, meaning that they are far from friends. If they are not friends, they're enemies. And an enemy can only ever be one of two things; the hunter, or the hunted. And he knows which one he is.
The boy seems to take the hint, he makes an annoyed grunt, before turning and leaving the cockpit. Good, he hates company anyway.
This will be his first mission since his failure. His master seems to have given him a second chance, one he does not intend to waste. The pain will always remain, but it can only make him stronger. Soon, no one will stand in his way, not even Sidious. He has trained his entire life to inherit the title of master, and no pain or failure will stop him. It's time to prove himself.
Greetings dear readers, I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter :D
But before we move forward I would like clear some things up, I just want to give you all some background information on the universe this is set in, because I have changed some of the facts from cannon that I can't really explain in the story.
First of all, Sidious apprenticed Dooku far earlier, because I'm pretty sure he was still a jedi when Anakin was five. But, typical of me, I forgot to inform you of this, but thankfully Irena Devereau (if that's not how your' username is spelled I'm so sorry) reminded me to say something :D
Also Ashoka Tano and Anakin are closer in age. I would say that there is about three-fourish years between them in this story. Rather than the six year age gap that there is in the canon universe. So, Ahsoka was born a little earlier than she was in cannon.
Oh and I also want to state that I based this version of Darth Maul off the one in the Phantom Menace. While I loved the way they portrayed him in the clone wars cartoon, I made the decision to disregard their rendition of him. This is mainly because he seemed a lot more silent and broody in the movies and that suits this story a lot better than the more talkative version of Maul in the cartoons.
AND I LOVE MAUL SO MUCH I JUST HAD TO MAKE HIM PART OF THE STORY! I CAN'T WAIT TO WRITE MORE OF HIM EEEEEEEEEE!
Ahem, Anyhoo I think that just about sums up everything I have to say for now, thanks for reading!
