Happy May 4th!
General Maraxus: Hello readers, I'm back with another chapter and I hope you enjoy it. I do not own Star Wars nor its characters but I claim my OCs.
Lilandra: It's nice to see you've got back into the swing of things. Though you should really update some of your other stories as well.
General: I've just had so much drive for this story I haven't had any notions towards others, for now. Before we begin I'd like to reply to the review posted about Malek as the Emperor and how it should be a more Force adept Sith. While yes as we have seen in the Old Republic and with Palpatine the Emperor is usually more reliant on immense Force powers than fighting skills. My reasons behind making Malek the Emperor are:
Most of the Council was wiped out before the Emperor himself fell. Decimus, Hadra, Acheron, Baras took the Council down to 8 members (Darth Howl is listed as a member but his Sphere isn't mentioned). The remaining members Ravage, Nox, Zharrid, Vowrawn, Marr, Mortis, Rictus and Howl (Please correct me if I've got names mixed up) were the only members when Malgus made his attempt for power.
Zharrid was considered inferior by the Council and openly ridiculed so she would not be granted the throne. Darth Nox, as an alien, would not get the Council's support. Vowrawn was a political figure who enjoyed rivalry with the other members but never showed a desire for greater power so it seems unlikely he'd want the throne.
Marr served as the most senior member and the most suitable candidate in my opinion, but he was near the end of his life and his duty was to make certain the Sith ways of backstabbing and power games did not endanger the Empire, being promoted to Emperor for a short while would leave his position open to someone with less patriotic ideals than himself.
Since the Council would not agree on appointing another member above themselves it would appear logical they would select the last Emperor chosen Sith who had proven himself a fighter chosen by the Emperor himself during the war rather than someone who played the political games and would turn on the Council once on the throne.
If anyone wishes to discuss my theory and provide more insight into it feel free.
Lilandra: Alright then, on with the chapter.
(CORELLIA/IMPERIAL UNDERGROUND FACILITY)
The Reapers tried not to flinch as they watched Corbin writhing on the floor in agony while Jaesa blasted him with lightning from her hands and a snarl on her face.
"You dare to return in failure." She raised her hands to levitate the human and slammed him into the wall beside the rest of the team, "One Jedi! One filthy Jedi and you couldn't even destroy her!"
None of the others had been punished for the failed mission. It seemed Jaesa was content to let one suffer for all of them. Suffering the wrath of the Emperor's Wrath, one Imperial soldier remarked to another, rather ironic.
When at last Jaesa took a deep breath and relented in her torture of Corbin the Reaper took his place in line with the others despite several large cuts on his face and a powerful pain coursing through his organs.
"In case I was not clear last time." The Emperor's apprentice paced before them, "This team was assembled to be a force that would eliminate any Republic threat to our beloved Emperor. I will not tolerate any mistakes, am I clear?"
"Yes Wrath" The team replied.
Jaesa closed her eyes calmingly, "From this point forth you will be my personal team. I shall assume direct control of the Reapers and lead any major operations. Go and rest, I shall summon you later to discuss your next mission."
The Reapers had barely left the room than Major Quinn entered, "Ah there you are. Our latest intelligence indicates that Havoc Squad have arrived on Corellia. I believe they will be making an attempt on this facility before long. The bomb is at seventy-three percent completion. Your orders?"
Jaesa strolled over to him with a growing smirk on her face, "Make certain there is one route left vulnerable to enemy units. I want them to be forced to use that access and bottleneck into my trap."
(DROMUND KAAS ORBIT/REDEEMER/ CONFERENCE ROOM)
Arianna stood by the projector on her personal starship as she received word that the plan had moved to its next step.
Devised by Empress Vette it had been arranged through Keeper and Zhara that the underworld crime lord would lure Cipher out of his fortress in Imperial Intelligence and draw him to his remote space station in space where he couldn't escape that easily upon Arianna's arrival to clear the air.
"Yeah Zhara just left the station." Vette folded her arms, "He's in his study for now. I'd suggest you get moving. I'll authorise your arrival with the Minister of Intelligence. Good luck."
"Thank you, Vette." Arianna smiled, "Andronikos, set a course."
(CORELLIA/UNDERGROUND IMPERIAL FACILITY)
Smoke rushed into the cavern and Imperial troops sprinted across the floor to take up positions with their weapons trained on the doorway.
Beeping filled the air, followed by five thermal detonators sailing across the cavern and exploding behind the Imperial soldiers, sending many of them flying and diverting the attention of the rest.
Lasers filled the air as the fearsome team of Havoc Squad charged into the cavern with weapons loaded and firing rapidly at the Imperials.
Standing on a platform, watching her men get cut down, Jaesa folded her arms.
Leading the assault was the legendary Commander Progdin, a human with a large mini gun spraying shots everywhere around the cavern, cutting down troops and droids at will. His eyes had already spotted her on her platform though he made no attempt to engage her directly.
Joining the Commander was a large assault droid that had been very verbal in its desire to kill any Imperials upon encounter. Its large missile launchers were decimating the cover her troops tried to use, causing most of them to be caught in the explosions.
The rest comprised of a female human, a Cathar a Gand and a Weequay. Working with perfect unity they quickly decimated the infantry troops and gathered in the centre of the cavern with their weapons trained on her.
"Wrath." Progdin greeted, "Your reputation precedes you."
"Commander Progdin, Havoc Squad." Jaesa smiled, "It will be a pleasure to destroy you."
The large droid raised its arm and declared, "All Imperial scum will fall beneath the Republic's finest. Surrender or be terminated."
Jaesa ignited her newly constructed double bladed lightsaber. Two midnight black blades of energy glowed dangerously as she twirled the weapon in an intimidating display of her skills, "My master wishes your deaths. I will obey him without question."
"You're outnumbered and outgunned." Progdin reasoned, "Surrender with your honour intact."
Jaesa cackled menacingly and it echoed around the cavern, "You fools, did you really think it would be so easy to defeat me? Reapers!"
The five members of her team appeared in the doorway behind Havoc Squad, forcing the Cathar, woman, and Gand to turn and assess the new threat.
"I want their heads." Jaesa ordered, "At arms."
Corbin and Garrock ignited their lightsabers while Roxlyn and D3X drew their weapons, Anya used her implants to assume control of a reserve storage of combat droids that unfolded into attack positions with their blasters aimed at the Republic team as a generator activated a shield around her.
"I offer you the same chance." Jaesa jumped down from her platform, "Surrender or die."
Progdin glanced back at his team and they all nodded.
"Take 'em!" Progdin opened fire at Jaesa. She jumped aside to avoid it as the fight kicked off.
(DEEP SPACE/IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE STATION CIPHER)
Redeemer landed in the hanger bay, it had been cleared to land by the Minster of Intelligence, but not by the head of Intelligence, Cipher Nine.
Emerging to find a reception of Intelligence operatives and the Minister himself Arianna smiled as she descended the ramp of her ship.
"Darth Nox," the Minister bowed his head respectfully, "It is an unexpected pleasure to welcome you aboard the Cipher. I must inform you however that our original instructions were to not grant you access, only the Empress's orders granted you clearance."
"I am aware Cipher Nine has been elevated above you in the eyes of the Sith, yet still retains his rank in the Imperial community." Arianna marched across the hanger bay with the Minister at her side and Xalek and Ashara behind them, "I am here to set things straight with him."
"I assure you he is not going to be happy with you arriving without permission."
"I am on the Dark Council as well. I am his equal; therefore I do not need his permission to do anything."
The hallways were remarkably empty save for a few operatives walking in pairs deep in discussion, which they stopped upon sighting Arianna.
"You must forgive them. Intelligence is not in the habit of talking about confidential matters in the presence of any outsider." The Minister summoned the turbolift, "The majority of operatives and analysts are on Dromund Kaas. Only higher ranking members are permitted here, we find it makes it easier to maintain security."Arianna turned to Ashara and Xalek as the lift ascended, "I want you both to stand guard outside the room; if Cipher tries to kill me or run I want you to intervene, other than that do nothing."
"Yes, mistress." They replied.
The lift opened to face a single door at the end of a hallway. The hallway itself was guarded by two solid lines of HK-51 assassin droids with their weapons trained on the arrivals.
"Identify." One of them droned.
"Minister of Intelligence, escorting Darth Nox of the Dark Council and her apprentices." He enunciated clearly.
The droids lifted their weapons a little higher, "Orders from Cipher Nine dictate no other Dark Council member may approach the archive. Leave at once."
"Can you relay a message to the Cipher?" Arianna asked, "Am I authorised to send him a message?"
The droids were silent until a different one holstered its rifle and stepped forward, "What is your message?"
"Oceans of Tatooine"
The Minister and Ashara looked at her quizzically but she simply turned and strode back into the lift, "Come on. We'll wait for his response."
(IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE STATION/ARCHIVE)
Behind that closed door was a large archive of all gathered information, and the Star Cabal's codex containing information on everyone and everything in the galaxy, and it was the exclusive property of Cipher Nine.
Currently the human had abandoned his uniform jacket and rolled up his sleeves as he was sitting on the floor reading an ancient text taken from the vaults of a Sith temple on Korriban. Being the leader of Intelligence and a close ally of the Emperor had given him the authority to gather any piece of information the Empire had. His personal archive contained more information than most people even thought existed.
To protect his trove he had installed multiple security features around the archive. On the third and fourth floor there were multiple empty servers on a closed system. If anyone tried to access a terminal anywhere in the archive without proper authorization all information would be transferred to the servers and an alarm would sound, activating his personal security droids.
It was difficult to comprehend but he found he was addicted to information; a side effect of his job and the chips implanted in his brain that allowed him to hold millions of files in his brain without suffering any damage. Now he devoured any new piece of information that was placed in his archive. Were someone to examine his brain and access the chips they'd have every valuable piece of information in the known universe.
"I could be an information broker." He mused, "Hiding in the shadows with information on everyone. The Shadow Broker… no, I prefer Cipher Nine."
"Master."
He looked up from the text at the assassin droid, "Yes?"
"Darth Nox has a message for you."
Cipher carefully put the text back in its casing and slid it into the drawer, "What is it?"
"Oceans of Tatooine."
He mentally accessed his memory files and opened the Tatooine folder, navigated through to Darth Nox and opened the file labelled 'Oceans of Tatooine'. Seconds later a video file started playing in his head.
(FLASHBACK)
"I see them." He adjusted his scope, "I count a lot of Sand People."
"That's it." Arianna stood up and brushed sand from her robes, "I want that artefact."
He centred his crosshairs on the closest hostile, "Are you going to tell me what this is about?"
"Not just yet, suffice to say I need to get through that camp, get the artefact, and get out. Can you handle that?"
He smiled, "Just as long as you don't forget about me when you rule the galaxy."
She rolled her eyes, "Come on."
Cipher moved closer to the camp and set up his sniper rifle to give him a clearer view of more targets while Arianna and her newest companion, a pirate called Andronikos, advanced towards it.
He fired several shots and dropped a few of the Sand People, causing the others to start shrieking angrily and begin running for him, only to be cut down in an ambush by the pirate's blasters and Arianna's lightning.
"Cover me!" she shouted, "I'm going to move into the camp."
Cipher rose from his position and ran forward while holstering his rifle and drawing a pistol. The camp was smaller than anticipated and had fewer savages to deal with. At the head of the charge Arianna was swinging her lightsaber with one hand and firing bolts with the other while her pirate friend was on a ledge raining shots down on the melee fighters before they could get close.
Cipher hurried down the sand banks as the last few Sand People turned tail and fled from their futile attempt. He watched as Arianna and Andronikos conversed and she agreed to let the pirate join her team.
"Everything sorted then?" he called, "Did you get your artefact?"
She held it up proudly, "Mission accomplished."
A searing pain ignited in his back and Cipher felt his muscles seize as he fell face first into the sand and everything went black.
When he awoke he found Arianna looking down at him with concern all over her face.
"Cipher." She smiled, "It's okay, I've got you stabilised. Your crew are on their way with more medical equipment to make sure."
He opened his mouth, "What happened?"
"One of those savages shot you in the back. Your armour shielding saved your life but it still done plenty of damage to your spine. I killed the animal and tried a healing, though I'm no expert so we got you into shelter and sent out a signal for medical aid."
"Thank you." He winced, "Lying on the sand isn't as enjoyable as most beaches would have you believe."
"Oceans of Tatooine, all comprised of sand." Arianna lay down beside him as they simply waited.
He gingerly moved a hand and felt her hold it, "You know I love you Aria."
"I know, Cipher." She whispered, "But I can never return the feelings. I hope we will still be close friends."
He smiled, "Always."
(END FLASHBACK)
The video ended and Cipher emerged from his trance.
"Contact Darth Nox." He told the droid, "Have her escorted to the archive outer door."
"Yes master."
(CORELLIA/IMPERIAL UNDERGROUND FACILITY)
The battle was downright brutal. So far there had been no fatalities though the Republic droid had lost an arm when part of the ceiling caved in on it and many people were suffering from bruises, cuts and exhaustion.
Jaesa and Progdin had settled into hand to hand combat and it was turning out to be a close fight. Where she had speed and flexibility he had strength and endurance. She on the other hand was not prepared to fight cleanly.
"Die Republic scum." She growled and brought her leg straight up to kick him in the chin, snapping his head back. As he stepped back to recover she summoned the power within her and channelled it into her raised hand. The human lifted off the ground and started clutching at his throat.
"Commander!" the Cathar cried and brought his weapon to bear on Jaesa, just before D3X tackled him to the ground.
"Help him out." The female trooper called out as she rolled to avoid a spray of fire from Roxlyn's flamethrower.
"Protect the Wrath." Anya declared over all combatants and stood in front of Jaesa with her portable shield generator activated to defend while her superior continued slowly, and sadistically, choking the life from Progdin.
Unfortunately for the Republic team they were too busy trying to stay alive against their own opponents to help. Aric, the Cathar, had lost his cannon when D3X tackled him and now the two were in a vibro-sword duel near the remnants of computer consoles, Tanno, the Weequay, was trying to hold Corbin off with his rifle, but the Sith had conjured a powerful shield around himself and was now throwing chunks of rubble at his opponent, Elara was standing in the centre of the room firing up at Roxlyn who was rocketing around on her jetpack, and occasionally launching retaliatory fire of her own, forcing the Republic woman to take evasive moves. The last two fighters were Yuun, the Gand, and Garrock and it was just about over as the tech specialist was no match for a fully armoured double bladed lightsaber wielding Sith pureblood. With a sizzling sound Garrock sliced through the Gand's head and watched the creature collapse in a dead heap.
Jaesa smirked coldly as she clenched her fist. Progdin's neck crunched inwards and his head was separated from the body and into Jaesa's hands.
Down to four the Republic still fought on, until the large war droid finally exploded after suffering a direct converged attack by Jaesa, Garrock, and Anya.
"Surrender," Jaesa ordered as her team ceased engaging and fell back to stand at her side, "Your commander is dead, your mission has failed, oh, and my reinforcements have arrived."
Echoing footsteps signalled the arrival of an Imperial squad led by Major Malavai Quinn and they spread around the room, taking aim at the remnants of Havoc Squad.
"In the name of the Empire, you are now our prisoners." Quinn declared, "Surrender and we may be merciful."
Looking rather suspicious Aric glared at Jaesa, who was still holding Progdin's head, "There is no mercy."
"None." She smiled as her hands played with Progdin's hair.
Elara went for her gun, a bolt from D3X's rifle drilled her in the head and she sank to the floor.
"Execute them my Reapers." Jaesa ordered.
"With pleasure." Garrock, Corbin, Roxlyn, and D3X advanced on Aric and Tanno. Despite a valiant attempt to fight back they were brutally cut down and joined the rest of their team on the floor.
"Have the bodies collected." Quinn took charge and ordered his troops, "We'll broadcast their corpses for the Republic to see. Gather all weapons and equipment; salvage what you can of this facility." He bowed to Jaesa, "Awaiting your orders, Wrath."
She used the Force to pull him across the room and into her arms and kissed him full on the lips while tossing Progdin's head to D3X.
Roxlyn's mouth dropped and Corbin whistled as they watched Quinn looking rather startled, but not unhappy with what just happened.
"Return to the station." Jaesa pulled herself away from Quinn and looked at her Reapers, "Rest and recover, we'll be going after the two Jedi next."
The Reapers bowed and left the cavern as Jaesa and Quinn resumed kissing.
"He's one lucky son of the Empire." Roxlyn wrapped an arm around Corbin's shoulder, "Hey, since she's getting some from him does that mean we're allowed to get it on?"
Corbin looked thoughtful, "I don't know, that part wasn't covered in the signing up contract."
"You are allowed to engage in sexual interactions." Anya told them in her usual stern voice, "However, it must not be done in any part of the station except your quarters and it cannot be done when you have other duties to attend to."
"Do we have other duties to attend to?" Roxlyn asked.
"Not at the present." Anya admitted.
Roxlyn and Corbin shared a grin.
(IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE STATION)
Arianna stood alone in the hallway watching the doorway as it slid open and a squad of assassin droids emerged, followed by Cipher Nine.
The human had certainly seen better days. His eyes were bloodshot and tired looking and the electro motors on his left arm were clearly bothering him, though not as much as his chest as he paused and coughed violently.
"Cipher Nine." She stepped forward to offer him a hand, but stopped as the droids lifted their weapons instantly, "He needs help you pieces of scrap."
Cipher Nine lifted his head as the coughing fit subsided and gestured his guards lower their weapons, "You wanted to talk, come inside."
Arianna followed the human inside, trying not to feel trapped as the droids marched behind them and the door slid shut.
Inside there was a small room with a large table and a lift that led down into the archive. Cipher sat at the table and indicated a seat to her.
"I still remember that day." She lowered into the seat as the droids took positions around the room, "We were so close, closer than I ever thought I could be with an Imperial human."
"But not close enough." His voice had a bitterness she never heard before, "I spent so long trying to please you, to make you see how I loved you."
Arianna reached across the table, ignoring the droids as they snapped their weapons into firing stance, and grasped his hand, "Cipher?"
He closed his eyes briefly before meeting hers and smiled, "Well I must admit I have moved on."
"You have?" she blinked in surprise, "Who?"
He blushed slightly, "Zhara, the smuggler I converted to the Empire. We've agreed on a relationship."
"What about the rest of your lovers?" Arianna asked interestedly, "Kaliyo, Raina, Ki…Scorpio?"
Cipher shrugged, "They understand. Scorpio has been requesting to take my place in order to 'better understand organic mating'" he air quoted.
Arianna laughed, "So does that mean you don't hate me anymore?"
He rose from his seat and moved around the table with his arms out, "Hug?"
With a smile on her face she stood and embraced the human, "Just don't tell anyone I all but got down on my knees to beg your forgiveness, it would ruin my reputation as a heartless monster."
"Your secret is safe with me Arianna." He promised, "Just I trust you with my name."
She patted his cheek as they stepped apart, "Goodbye C-"
"Urgent message from the Emperor." One of the droids interrupted, "All Dark Council members report to Dromund Kaas Citadel for meeting."
(DROMUND KAAS/KAAS CITY/CITADEL/DARK COUNCIL CHAMBER)
A full meeting had been ordered and now the chamber was completely occupied.
Sitting on a throne at one end of the chamber was I, Emperor Malek. At the base of the steps leading to my throne stood my bodyguard Broonmark and the Emperor's Wrath herself, Jaesa.
Sitting on their own seats of power were the members of the council, each in charge of a different aspect of my empire, or Spheres of Influence as they were called.
Darth Nox, Arianna, was in charge of Ancient Knowledge which centred on researching our Sith predecessors and their artefacts that provided new opportunities.
Darth Marr commanded Defence of the Empire, overseeing the internal power struggles did not threaten the united and driven force at my command, nor any outside attempts to bring it down.
Cipher Nine had stepped in to assume control of Imperial Intelligence, even though he was not the highest ranking member of that division of spies and assassins and saboteurs, but I trusted him and his superiors insisted he was a suitable candidate. His appointment however had angered the other Sith, it was likely he would need to be replaced shortly.
Darth Vowrawn, one of the few Sith I could trust for helping me defeat Baras, controlled Production and Logistics, as a result the Ministry of Logistics reported to him directly about troop deployment and creation of our droid forces.
Darth Acheron had fallen on Corellia at the hands of the Republic's Heroes. As a result we had no head of Biotic Science which was the Sphere that oversaw our medical and cybernetic enhancements to repair, or modify, our members and troops.
Taking Darth Decimus's place as head of Military Strategy was still being determined since his recent defeat on Corellia was proving a disaster to remedy.
Darth Mortis's Sphere was Laws and Justice, the rules and regulations governing our Empire and all worlds we conquered. Though considering Sith didn't play by the rules in their power struggles he had likely had a hand in assisting Ravage in trying to eliminate Arianna.
Darth Ravage's replacement was being contended by his own powerbase to appoint a worthy replacement to lead the Sphere of Expansion and Diplomacy which focused on increasing Imperial territory and diplomacy with other planets to bring them to our side.
Stepping in to replace Darth Baras as leader of Military Offence was being considered going to Darth Arho, though at this point we needed council members who didn't try to manipulate us all for their own gains.
Darth Hadra, like two other members, had fallen on Corellia at the hands of the Republic's Heroes. Her replacement was being contested between two promising candidates Darth Gravus, a human, and a Falleen known as Darth Karrid though her being Darth Malgus's apprentice had put serious doubts on her right to the seat.
Darth Arak commanded Sith Philosophy and oversaw the teachings of the Sith Code to all newest additions to our Order.
Darth Rictus was ruled as Keeper of Mysteries, no-one knew exactly what his Sphere done but it had yielded important revelations about the Force which led to greater and more complex experiments for our empire.
"I have called you here to put to rest any rumours about the newest addition to my empire." I declared, "Under my orders a collection of Sith, Imperials, and suitable outsiders, have been united into a collective known as the Reapers. They answer to the Wrath and myself only. They will have total authority to commandeer resources from any member of the Empire if it is needed for their missions. The Wrath is the leader of this group so any issues will be directed to her."
Jaesa's sinister grin even unsettled Arianna. It had long been suspected that her conversion to the dark side had unbalanced her mind. Now she practically terrorised the Empire in her quest to eliminate any traitors or enemy agents that threatened her master. This recent decision to give her a team of agents would only prove to help her path of terror.
"Under her command they have already eliminated the Republic team known as Havoc Squad that brought about the death of General Rakton and aided in the death of both Darth Decimus and Darth Lachris. They will now proceed to eliminate the other two so-called 'Heroes of the Republic'. I am ordering you all here and now to assist them in whatever matters they require of you."
Each of the members bowed their head in turn and promised to support the Reapers and their mission, though several did not seem to relish the idea that a new wing of the Emperor's personal powerbase had authority over them.
"May I ask, Emperor," Darth Rictus bowed his head respectfully, "Once the Republic's heroes have been defeated, what shall become of your Reapers?"
At a gesture from me, Jaesa stepped into the centre of the room.
"With the finest of the Republic eliminated we shall begin a wave of terror against the Republic." She clasped her hands behind her back as she paced, "The Reapers will not stop at simply disheartening the Republic. We will make it bleed, we will make it burn, we will launch strikes and massacres until the people cry out for surrender to end the deaths and destruction. Until our Emperor is the ruler of the entire galaxy the Reapers will not rest."
Cipher Nine rose and turned to salute me, "Long live the Emperor."
The other Council members followed suit as they bowed to me, "Long live the Emperor."
The rest of the meeting consisted of reports from their respective Spheres. All in all the Empire was doing well in its mission to finish the total oppression of Corellia since the deaths of Havoc Squad left the Republic military without a forward position in Empire territory.
"We must now address the Sphere of Technology." I gestured to the empty seat, "With Darth Mekhis's death a new member is required. There are two candidates that have been recommended. Darth Gravus, and Darth Karrid."
Rictus and Mortis scoffed at the mention of Karrid. It was well known they were allies of Ravage and his 'human supremacy' views; they had been most angered when word got out that Arianna had survived the duel and he did not.
"Gravus is a much worthier choice." Rictus declared, "His actions in this war are vastly superior to that alien's."
Arianna glared at him, "You forget Karrid's remarkable victories with the Ascendant Spear against the Republic."
"This is not going to be another tiresome battle between humans and non-humans." I told them both, "We are going to come to an agreement and once it is made there are to be no repercussions for it."
"Karrid is the apprentice of a traitor and has no control of her anger." Mortis calmly added, "Gravus is much more capable."
Darth Marr lifted a hand slightly and pointed at the holoprojector in the centre of the room. Two holograms appeared, one of each candidate, "While Gravus has certainly proved his abilities Karrid's technological skills are vastly superior, not to mention the power she wields through her ship."
I looked at Cipher Nine, "What does Intelligence have to say?"
He rested his chin on his fist, braced against his chair arm, "Karrid is prone to outbursts of anger it is true, but her loyalty is without question. Were we to appoint her on the Council more aliens would see opportunity in siding with the Empire."
"Inferior species have no right to be on this Council!" Rictus got to his feet, "It is bad enough we have one but you want to add a second!"
A hum filled the air and all eyes turned to Jaesa as she advanced on Rictus with her double bladed lightsaber ignited.
"The Emperor told you this would not be a debate about species." She glared, "Beg his forgiveness or die."
Feeling humiliated Rictus turned and bowed to me, "My apologies, Emperor Malek."
"That will be all, apprentice." I gestured calmingly at Jaesa and she deactivated her weapon, "I will meet with you each individually to hear your thoughts on the matter and your vote."
When at last the meeting drew to a close and everyone, save for Jaesa and Broonmark, had left, I descended the steps and walked over to my apprentice, "I am impressed with your success over Havoc Squad. Make certain that the two Jedi Masters soon follow."
She bowed deeply, "Yes, my master."
We left the chamber to find Quinn waiting patiently outside with a datapad in his hands.
"My Emperor," he bowed his head to me respectfully, "I have an update for the Wrath."
I smiled at Jaesa, "Go with Quinn and hear his report. I shall be travelling to Hoth to motivate the troops on that frozen planet."
She bowed her head and accompanied Quinn as they disappeared through the hallways of the Citadel while I contacted my personal hanger bay.
"Have my ship prepared for take-off." I ordered, "I want all pre-flight checks done by the time I arrive."
(DROMUND KAAS/ SPACEPORT)
Harbinger ascended into the skies and into orbit then angled in space before Anya engaged the hyperdrive and the ship blasted into hyperspace.
"The Emperor is pleased with our success." Jaesa told the group as they assembled in the conference room of the ship, "Major Quinn has also reported that three new candidates will be joining the Reapers."
Her team nodded.
"Now we must focus on eliminating Riala. You have already encountered her and witnessed her power for yourself. But we shall have greater power and numbers than we did before. She will be no match for us."
Roxlyn raised a finger uncertainly, "Um, how exactly are we going to deal with her? Last time we tried an ambush it didn't exactly work out."
"Once we arrive at the station and meet the others we shall have the full plan." Jaesa glanced at Anya, "I want all details cleared up by the time we dock."
The Imperial operative bowed her head, "Yes Wrath."
As the ship emerged from hyperspace and approached the station a voice spoke over the communication channel.
"This is Agent Raxathin. Please transmit clearance code."
"Code transmitting." Anya pressed a switch, "Assemble in the docking bay."
"Code confirmed, welcome back."
The ship smoothly glided into the hanger bay and landed while the hanger doors sealed shut. Upon lowering the ramp the Reapers found three figures walking across the floor towards them.
A male Chiss in an Imperial uniform was in the centre. Save for three scars over the right side of his face he actually seemed unremarkable, but then again operatives tried to remain inconspicuous.
Standing beside the Chiss was a tall Trandoshan in full body armour matching the Reaper's colour scheme. His brown scaled skin had patches of implants grafted into it and strapped to his back was a long jagged vibrosword while a blaster was holstered on his waist.
On the agent's other side was a rather familiar Imperial face.
"Malavai?" Jaesa stopped in her tracks, "What are you doing here?"
He stood rigidly to attention, "I have been reassigned to the Reapers. I will serve as both medic and assist in planning operations. I am at your service."
"Like he wasn't before?" Roxlyn whispered to Corbin and they grinned.
"Welcome back." The Chiss bowed his head slightly, "I am Agent Raxathin, Imperial Intelligence recommended me to your team. I will serve as weapons support and oversee the armoury is kept fully supplied."
The Trandoshan stepped forward and peered down at Jaesa, to which she raised an eyebrow, "Yes?"
"May the Scorekeeper favour our many victories." He declared, "It will be a great honour to join you in battle."
She smiled at him, "And who are?"
"I am Skalask." He replied, "On Hoth my clan pledged our loyalty to your empire after your Emperor defeated our leader in combat."
"My master is indeed a great warrior." Jaesa gestured and the group made its way towards the lifts, "There is none in the galaxy that can compete against him."
(HOTH)
I took a deep breath as Broonmark and I trudged through the snow, "Ah, fresh air."
The Talz looked down at me, "You do not feel the chill?"
"Oh yes." I confirmed, "It's freezing out here, but at the same time it's rather refreshing to get outdoors and get some exercise."
Broonmark scanned the area, "Are you certain it was wise to leave guards at base?"
"I need to do some fighting to stay in shape." I spotted a pack of nexu circling the body of a recently killed tauntaun, "Looks like I found it."
My crimson blades sprang out in anticipation while Broonmark drew his vibrosword. The sound of my lightsabers hum drew the nexu's attention and they turned to us.
"Let's do this." I twirled my weapons as I charged at the pack.
The surprise of a single small target rushing them obviously surprised the nexu and they scattered as I let out a roar of aggression before jumping through the air and slamming both blades into one of the beasts' heads.
As it slumped to the ground the pack regrouped and growled fiercely, deciding that I was here to steal their prey, or that I was invading their territory. Either way there was one response. They charged.
(REAPER STATION)
"We have our target, we have our orders." Jaesa looked around at her team, "Any questions?"
Major Quinn spoke up, "If I may make a suggestion?"
"Of course." She stepped aside as he moved to the front of the screen.
"While we know a great deal about this Jedi's accomplishments and her power, we do not know her. Rather than resorting to lure and attack we need to focus on what influences her and use that to our advantage." Quinn clasped his hands behind his back, "You say when you first encountered her even after many attempts she still wished to resolve the matter peacefully and did not fight until you had engaged her. I believe we can use her desire for peace to bring about her destruction."
The Reapers silently contemplated his words until Garrock and Corbin stood up.
"Peace is a lie." Garrock recited.
"There is only passion." Corbin continued.
"Make her see peace is never going to happen." Anya rose to her feet, "Corrupt her Jedi beliefs with war and its catastrophes."
Raxathin clapped his hands together, "Jedi struggle to resist the allure of power and temptations, but this Jedi has put all her dark into the belief of maintaining the peace, if she cannot find peace in a situation…"
"Then all her dark side gets let loose." Roxlyn finished as she punched the air, "She'd go insane."
"Then all we have to do is finish off the husk of a body while her mind fights itself." Jaesa kissed Quinn on the cheek, "Perfect."
"I'll gather the equipment." Raxathin strode to the lift, "Dex, Anya, Skalask assist me."
As the droid, Imperial woman and Trandoshan left the conference room Jaesa turned to the bounty hunter, "Roxlyn, you and Quinn prepare the ship for departure. Garrock and Corbin," she turned to the two Sith, "you will accompany me for a joint meditation. In order to defeat the Jedi's mind we will need great power from our own."
The two Sith nodded and the last of the Reapers left the room.
(HOTH)
"I hope Vette likes it." I remarked as we lowly climbed the hill, pulling a line of pelts behind us, "A nice new fur coat."
Broonmark glanced at me, "Mistress will be happy with gift from Sith master."
"Well that's what I'm hoping." I stopped for a moment to look back down the hill and realised how surreal this was. I was the Emperor of the Sith Empire, climbing a hill on Hoth with a half dozen pelts of nexu fur and talking to a Talz warrior about getting my former slave, now wife, a coat.
"Problems, Sith master?" Broonmark asked.
"No, no, just reflecting." I stretched before resuming my trek, "Come on, there's a nice hot drink waiting for us back at the base."
The snow erupted around us a dozen Talz emerged with their rifles trained on us.
"This could be problematic." I muttered, "My lightsabers need recharged."
Broonmark drew his sword, "I will defend you master."
The Talz ambushers didn't seem overly keen to fight, it was obvious from their constant fidgeting and hat all heads turned to their leader who had a vibrosword in his hands.
"I can still fight." I whispered.
Broonmark activated his stealth cloak and one of the enemies found itself getting stabbed through the chest.
The Talz leader issued orders to his squad and turned to me.
"Bring it on." I raised my fists.
(HARBINGER/ MEDITATION CHAMBER)
An unusual addition to the ship's layout, but one specifically requested by the Wrath herself. A room for Sith Reapers only to gather and prepare themselves for whatever ordeal they were about to face, in this case a trial to overcome the mind of a great Jedi. It consisted of a circular floor with a red pyramid in the centre of the room to which the Sith knelt around. As they meditated the pyramid glowed slightly to signify their combined energy was transferring into the artefact.
None of the others tried to spy on their teammates, instead they gathered in the conference room to consider the physical factors that would be important in the upcoming battle.
"We know the Jedi has a team of loyal supporters." Quinn conjured holograms of each, "Our mission objectives may be to eliminate them and weaken the Jedi's defence."
The first enlarged hologram was a young human female in Jedi robes and carried a double bladed lightsaber, "This female is also Jedi, her record indicates she is a combat professional and will likely engage in direct attacks. Her name is Nadia Grell. Originally not accepted by the Order because of some reason behind her abilities, but was taken on by Riala as an apprentice. She will most certainly be a threat to our mission."
Following on from her was the Trandoshan that had accompanied Riala at the Organa party.
"Qyzen Fess, capable warrior in hand combat and serves as the Jedi's bodyguard as it were. He will be a problem, which is why we have our own solution."
Skalask hissed eagerly, "He will be no match; his points will greatly improve my standing with the Scorekeeper."
Next on the list was a male Twi'lek carrying a blaster rifle.
"Zenith. Prefers ranged combat rather than a fight, likely will not be as strong in close quarters."
D3X made what sounded like a sinister chuckle, "This organic will be eliminated without complication."
The other Reapers exchanged glances as the assassin droid stopped laughing, "Save the theatrics for the enemy." Quinn told the droid.
"Affirmative." It snapped to attention.
"The appointed medic of the team, save Riala is this human." Quinn enlarged a hologram of a male human with a large beard and moustache, "Theran Cedrex, his expertise may be insignificant next to my own but it will still prove beneficial to remove him from aiding his allies."
The final hologram was another male human dressed in Republic light armour, "Lieutenant Iresso. Officer, recon and special operations, led his men with great expertise during the failed invasion of Dubrillion. While he does not match against a Jedi or Sith his combat strategies are something to take note of."
"Thank you for briefing the others." Jaesa strode over, grabbed Quinn's head between her hands and kissed him fiercely, ignoring the onlookers.
"Should we give them some privacy?" Roxlyn asked as Corbin and Garrock arrived.
"No." Jaesa pulled away from Quinn, the latter looking dazed, "We have finished our meditation. Where is the Jedi located?"
Anya cleared her throat, "Last reports indicate she has moved to a medical station to help injured troops."
Jaesa's fast growing smile sent chills through everyone, "Open a communication link, and get me Darth Karrid."
General: Well, it looks like Jaesa has officially lost it. Oh and Darth Karrid is going to appear, I'm a fan of her work.
Lilandra: Using highly advanced Force and cybernetic abilities to merge herself with her ship which makes it almost invincible?
General: Yes, her path of destruction against the Republic makes her a useful addition to the Empire.
Lilandra: You're scared of her.
General: Terrified. She was the apprentice of Darth Malgus after all. Anyway, please review readers and May the 4th be with you.
Lilandra facepalms.