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Star Wars AU The Triumph of Darth Plagueis: Episode Eleven – Clones Wars Part 2 Shadow of the Past
By
Celgress
"Sometimes tears say all there is to say. Sometimes your first scars won't ever fade away."
"Sometimes we don't learn from our mistakes."
End Where I Begin (2014) – The Script
Dooku's Lair
"What!?" roared the holographic image of Darth Plagueis. Count Dooku shrunk back. Dooku had never seen his usually calm and calculating master so upset. Plagueis' furry was indeed a terrible sight to be behold. "Lord Tyranus how did this happen!?" The hologram of Plagueis demanded as it paced both and forth.
"San Hill was returning from a CIS sponsored financial conference on the remote world of Cydos III when his transport was intercepted by a Republican battle cruiser" Dooku explained with a gulp.
"Why wasn't the transport provided with adequate security against such an attack. Why was it plying contest space unescorted?" the hologram of Plagueis asked.
"I apologize for my oversight master. I truly believed such precautions were unwarranted. The flight plan of the transport was through an area of little strategic value. The probability of it encountering any enemy vessels seemed remote, at best" Dooku explained bowing low before the hologram of the supreme dark lord.
"Obviously your assumptions were incorrect Tyranus" the holographic Plagueis chided. "Fortunately I have recently learned where the Republican forces are holding San Hill until such time as he can safely be shipped to Coruscant for trial."
"Wonderful my master" Dooku said clasping his hands together. "I will send Avengia (Ventress). Her training could use more hands on experience."
"No you must send Maul" the hologram of Plagueis retorted.
"Master I object. Maul's behavior has been extremely erratic as of late. Is he really the best candidate?"
"How dare you question my decisions Tyranus! Need I remind you why I am the Grand Master of our Order!?"
"A thousand pardons my master" Dooku said bowing even lower, if possible, before the image of Plagueis. "I simply cannot fathom why Maul is the best candidate for this mission. His unfocused rage has already cost our cause dearly. His last four independent missions were all failures. His obsession with obtaining revenge against Jedi Knight Obi-wan Kenobi has blinded him."
"I knew Tyranus, which is precisely why Maul is perfect for this mission. Obi-wan Kenobi along with Anakin Skywalker & Ahsoka Tano, even as we speak are being sent to help secure San Hill at the Republic detention facility in the upper atmosphere of Bespin, order Maul there immediately."
"What mission objectives should I give him master?"
"Evade the Republican forces, retrieve San Hill by any means necessary. Failing a successful retrieval terminate San Hill. No matter what happens San Hill cannot be permitted to stand trial before a Republican court, he knows far too much."
"Thy will be done my master" Dooku said as the hologram vanished. Getting up from his kneeling position Dooku frowned. He certainly did not relish the prospect of passing Plagueis's orders onto the night brother. Maul had become increasingly belligerent in recent months.
Darth Maul sat on the floor mediating in his small private chamber. It was one of the few luxuries Maul allowed himself. Although he could have just about any room he desired here in Tyranus' compound on the moon Kohlma, he chose the smallest one available. Aside for a sleeping mat & pajamas, which was currently rolled up and leaning against a corner, the room was devoid of personals belongings. Maul preferred the minimalist approach. Feeling a familiar presence in the Force Maul broke his light trance. Opening his Sith yellow eyes he looked towards the non-automated door.
"Enter."
Opening the door Dooku stood in the entryway. The older Sith made no attempt to enter Maul's inner sanctum. "Lord Maul I trust you are well?"
Maul dismissively waved a black gloved hand at Dooku.
Ignoring the flippant gesture Dooku continued. "San Hill has been captured by the Republic. He is being held in a Republic detention facility in the upper atmosphere of Bespin. Master Plagueis has assigned you to retrieve, or failing that, terminate San Hill."
"I will depart for Bespin immediately. I will not fail Master Plagueis" Maul declared snapping to his feet.
"One last thing Master Plagueis felt you should be made aware of Lord Maul."
"What would that be Lord Tyranus?"
"Obi-wan Kenobi has been assigned by the Republic…."
"Kenobi will be there?!" Mauled screamed. His outburst reverberated through the Force causing the entire structure to briefly shake. Cracks snaked through the walls of the chamber.
"Yes he will, along with Skywalker and Tano" Dooku confirmed brushing a thin layer of dust & debris off his cape covered shoulders. "No doubt Kenobi's presence is why Master Plagueis picked you for this assignment. Master Plagueis is giving you a great gift an opportunity few receive, the possibility of achieving vengeance. Cherish this event Lord Maul. It is one few beings ever experience. You may kill Kenobi as you wish, but remember Skywalker & Tano must remain unmolested. Our master has plans for them both, great plans. Angering him by permanently damaging, or worse yet slaying either, would prove most unwise. "
"I do not care about Tano or Skywalker, or even the personal welfare of San Hill" Maul said his face contoured with anger. "All I care about is repaying Kenobi. I want to make him suffer, as I have suffered! Only then will I consider granting him the sweet release of death."
"Vengeance is a fine goal. However do not allow the pursuit of it to cloud your judgement Lord Maul. Remember one of the key tenants of our Order; 'a true Sith controls his or her anger is not be controlled by it." Do not allow your vendetta against Kenobi to overwhelm you, or suffer the fate of the fallen you will."
"Kenobi will not best me. I will die before I let that happen again Lord Tyranus."
"The true question you must answer is, will you best yourself?"
Bespin several days later
Obi-wan, Anakin & Ahsoka had arrived at the Republican detention facility without incident. The clone commander Spencer who was in charge of facility security was convinced CIS forces would attempt retrieval of San Hill at any moment. As a result of the commander's attitude the entire staff of the facility was on edge.
For his part San Hill was completely uncooperative. The Muun refused to answer even the most basic questions. He wouldn't even confirm his identity! About the only time he would become talkative was during meals. The Muun often complained about both the nature and selection of the cuisine. Sand Hill stated his sensitive digestive system was being impacted adversely by the low quality of the food. At one point he even accused the Republic chefs of committing war crimes by serving their prisoners such 'substandard sustenance'. It was only the timely intervention of Obi-wan and Anakin which prevented Spencer from physically assaulting the unruly prisoner.
After nearly a standard week spent guarding the Muun Jedi Master Mace Windu informed the three Jedi that San Hill would be transferred to Crousant. There the he would stand trial before the full Senate. A Republican cruiser would transport San Hill and the three Jedi to Crousant. Barring anything unforeseen the cruiser should arrive within the next five standard solar days. The next two days passed peacefully, aside from San Hill's incessant complaining about food quality.
The three Jedi were resting in their assigned communal quarters where Spencer informed them an unidentified stealth craft of some sort had docked with the station. Spencer suspected it was part of his long feared Separatist attack to free San Hill. Obi-wan was off his bunk and out the door before Ahsoka and Anakin had fully stirred. By the time the Jedi had reached the control room main power had failed. Using the Force to open the now unresponsive automated doors the Jedi found the control room in a state of panic.
"Commander Spencer what is the situation?" Obi-wan asked.
"General Kenobi someone or something has infiltrated the facility via the secondary airlock" explained the frantic Spencer. "I've lost contact with the group of troopers I sent to investigate. I'm going down there myself."
"Is that wise Commander Spencer? If something happens to you who will be in charge of station security?" Anakin asked from where he stood by Ahsoka. His arms crossed over his chest.
"It is a risk I'm willing to take" Spencer retorted. "The security of this station is my primary responsibility. I must stop this intruder from breaching the dentition block. Knight Skywalker this is a minor holding facility. We are no equipped to handle such a security breach. The only reason a high profile prisoner like San Hill was placed here is because Bespin happened to be the closest planet to where he was captured which has a holding area of any sort. With all due respect Knight Skywalker if the matter concerns you so much you are welcome to take responsibility for the security in my absence if you wish." Spencer along with the other remaining clone troops then followed Obi-wan out of the detention block leaving a speechless Anakin and a snickering Ahsoka behind.
"Its' been awhile Kenobi" Darth Maul said after using the Force to knock out the clone troops, including Spencer, by slamming them hard against walls of the corridor outside the secondary docking bay.
"Indeed it has" Obi-wan said sizing up his opponent. "I was surprised when I learned you survived our duel on Naboo."
"Unlike your Master Qui-Gon Jinn" Maul said with a chuckle. "Tell me Kenobi how did it feel?"
"How did what feel?" Obi-wan asked squeezing his hands into fists, knowing full well what Maul meant.
"When I killed your Master right in front of your eyes, knowing there was nothing you could do to stop me."
Releasing his anger into the Force Obi-wan decided what his best course of action would be. "No doubt the same way you felt when I chopped you in half" Obi-wan replied with a smile.
"Arrrrgh!" screamed Maul igniting his single crimson lightsaber. He lunged towards Obi-wan his eyes filled with murderous intent.
Obi-wan leapt forward blocking Maul's vicious flurry of attacks with his own freshly activated lightsaber. Obi-wan grudgingly admitted that Maul's saber technique had vastly improved since their last meeting. While powerful and unpredictable before Maul's style had been erratic and unpolished. Now Maul's style while still power based was far more focused and disciplined.
Back and forth, up and down the corridor the two combatants went. Maul was determined he'd defeat Obi-wan no matter what it might take. When Obi-wan began pressing the advantage Maul actually started flinging the unconscious bodies of the clone troops at Obi-wan! This tactic had the desired effect knocking Obi-wan off his game. Soon Maul was pressing his newly acquired advantage home.
"Once I cripple you, as you crippled me, Kenobi. I will take care of your Jedi cohorts. Imagine how you'll feel after I kill your precious former padawan Skywalker and his own padawan Tano knowing there is nothing you can do to prevent it, just like when I slaughtered your beloved Master" Maul taunted Obi-wan leaning in close as their blades locked.
"Never" Obi-wan said defiantly. "I will never let you harm them!" Obi-wan kicked Maul in the stomach breaking the blade lock.
The two then engaged in another flurry of lightsaber combat. Obi-wan fought with a furry he didn't know he possessed. Maul's threat against Anakin and Ahsoka galvanized Obi-wan's resistance. Neither combatant noticed that the clone commander Spencer had recovered somewhat. Propping himself up on one elbow Spencer took aim. Maul and Obi-wan had locked blades again each pushing for advantage neither willing to concede the advantage to the other, when a shot rang out. Maul's yellow eyes rolled back into his head. His strength suddenly slackened. Maul fell backwards a large, smoking hole in the middle of his chest. Recovering from his initial state of shock at the sudden, unexpected demise of his adversary Obi-wan rushed to Spencer's side.
"M-Make s-sure the prisoner reaches, reaches Coruscant, promise me" Spencer sputtered out gripping Obi-wan's robe. "Promise me General Kenobi."
"I promise you Spencer. I will make sure San Hill stands trial for his crimes."
"T-Thank y,,, you" Spencer said releasing his grip on Obi-wan's robe before sinking to the floor dead.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha" laughed the sinister voice of Dart Maul. "You think you've won, you haven't."
Obi-wan turned glaring at the critically injured Sith Lord who was now slumped against the adjacent wall. Using the Force to prolong his ebbing life Maul grinned at his hated enemy. "Before I came on this mission I implanted a powerful explosive device into my artificial lower half. The triggering mechanism is synchronised with my vitals. Once I die the device activates, then you all die. Farwell Obi-wan, I'll save a seat for you in Hell!"
Using the Force Obi-wan dashed down the corridor in record time. He tore into the detention block, his face pale with dread. Anakin and Ahsoka eyed the older jedi with concern.
"Master Obi-wan what is wrong?" Ahsoka asked.
"Get to the fighter, we are leaving now!" Obi-wan yelled.
"Why Master, what has happened what is wrong?" Anakin demanded.
"There is no time follow my orders, go now!"
"What about him?" Ahsoka asked thumbing at San Hill.
"Does anyone know the security code?" Anakin said.
Obi-wan ran over and shorted out the control panel with his lightsaber which knocked down the security field immediately. Obi-wan then grabbed San Hill, amongst protests from the latter. All three Jedi raced down the hallway.
Meanwhile inside the station Darth Maul's laughter resounded through the deserted hallways even as the shadows engulfed him forever. "To the last, I grapple with thee Kenobi. From Hell's heart I stab at thee. With my final breath I spit in thee face, for hate's sake."
Reaching their star fighter the three the Jedi disengaged the docking ring and escaped the station just as it was rocked by a massive explosion! The small vessel was caught in the shockwave like leaf in a gale. The star fighter was tossed this way and that. The destruction of the station had caused a chain reaction which had ignited the atmosphere of Bespin! The firestorm damaged the hyperdrive of the star fighter. The crippled craft slowly limped away from the gas giant sending out a distress call on all frequencies.
Two days out of Bespin the star fighter was intercepted by another, much larger, vessel unfortunately for the Jedi it wasn't a Republican ship. In the cockpit of the damaged star fighter loomed the massive underbelly of the CIS flagship Malevolence! Before the Jedi could take any action the star fighter was caught in a powerful tractor beam. The evil countenance of General Grievous then filled their view screen.
"General Kenobi fancy meeting you out here."
"General Grievous to what do I owe the pleasure?" Obi-wan asked sarcastically.
"Surrender San Hill to us immediately or die, the choice is yours' Jedi slime. I await your answer."
After discussing their options, which were non-existence, with his comrades Obi-wan reluctantly released San Hill into the custody of Grievous. "Thank you for your cooperation Jedi filth." Grievous said with a mock bow. The Malevolence then shot several turbo laser blasts across the bow of the star fighter further damaging the already impaired vessel, much to the chagrin of Obi-wan, before entering hyperspace.
"Just one of those weeks, huh master?" Anakin said patting Obi-wan on the shoulder.
To Be Continued