Not long into her journey she had felt the anxiousness of Keekay echo across the force. She had felt his uncertainty, his irritation, his anger and his fear. It made her sick in a way that disconcerted her. She wanted him to be ok. This emotion could be classified as "love" and love was a dangerous thing for a Sith. Though its power was incredible its repercussions could also be just as incredible in a very bad way.
Love was passion and it could unleash the core emotions to the fullest allowing an individual to drink in massive gulps from the force, but it was also intoxicating. It would blind the drinker without him or her even aware of it. This same action happened to her Master and he paid for it with his life. This same action happened to her predecessor, the Emperors Wrath and both Him and his lover paid for it in blood. Darth Malgus himself loved an alien; however he was wise enough to dispose of her. Should she do the same with Keekay?
Venna reached out to the force extending her thoughts and feelings out to Lord Quauhtli and ordering him to go to Keekay's aid. She also left him a vision of his death at her hand if he should fail to succeed. Then she sent a message to her ship to send a message to Deva should Quauhtli fail. Then she returned to her present situation.
Venna and the HK droids had searched the academy for nearly a day. She was now surviving on the force to nourish and provide the necessary energy and sustenance for her body. They had cut their way through hundreds of the reanimated dead. When they finally reached the basement of the academy which was six stories deep into the planet. They had been greeted with the staring and glowing eyes of many creatures within the pitch blackness. When the subordinate HK unit managed to get a dim glow from the internal lights of the basement by rigging up some blasters they had passed to the circuitry. They realized they were in the underground arena that just so happened to hold multiple predators that had also been infected. Among them where two bull Rancors, all of which had suffered the same fate as the academy's sentient occupants.
They had barely made it out of the arena alive or operational. Though Venna could have easily launched herself into the fray and begin making short work of the monstrosities. There was too much of a risk that the saliva, or bacteria, or whatever more that the creatures had on them could infect her and she wouldn't risk that. Only her and her Commander made it into a hidden tunnel complex within the Rancor's den. The subordinate unit had perished in the gaping maw of one of the two bull Rancor's.
Now Venna and the Commander were walking through the very thin claustrophobic ice tunnel that seemed to spiral steeply upwards towards the surface. The ice went progressively from near pitch black to brightly lit when they had continued to walk for some distance in the brightly lit section of the ice tunnel she decided to shove her lightsaber in the side of the spiral staircase. After she cut open a door size hole she kicked it out only to watch it drop a good 35 meters to the ground. When she looked around at the scene she realized she was inside the cliff that supported the upper levels of the academy. But she was on the outside of the academy beside the academy's tower that was embedded into the cliff face.
Then she heard more screams and shrieks as the creatures saw her. She looked down and saw that they had exited the academy through the main entrance she had originally cut her way through and hundreds of the things began making their way towards her standing in the narrow doorway in the cliff 35 meters from the ground. She rolled her eyes. These things were starting to grade on her nerves. They weren't worthy foes that tested her metal. They were mindless automaton who could only think of feasting on any living thing. "Obvious statement: It would appear the meatbags have discovered our location." Venna turned to the Commander. "You don't say?" "Response: Yes Master, yes I do say." Venna clenched her teeth underneath her mask. She was of the mind to grab the droid and kick it off the edge. But the droid was lucky that it had served her well in the past.
Instead Venna ignored the droid and the walking dead that began to climb in one massive moving organism and continued up the spiral staircase. When they reached the top she didn't bother sealing the door, instead she walked to the edge and looked over. She guessed the entire cliff face was around 90 meters from the edge to the ground surface, and its entire face was covered in moving corpses that were climbing with impeccable speed as if gravity held no meaning to them. "Droid, witness the power of a true Sith Lord." she said before stepping back 4ft from the cliff edge.
Venna clipped her saber to her belt then took a strong sturdy horse stance with her legs spread wide. She held her arms out to her sides at an angle aimed towards the sky, gathering the Darkside within her. The Commander walked to the edge quickly while she stood frozen in place. It stared at her then down the cliff face. "Skeptical statement: Not that this isn't impressive but our enemy will be on top of us in .08 seconds." Then the droid stepped behind her again removing its repeating blaster rifle and aiming for the first creature that began to pull itself up over the edge. Its skinless fingers digging deep into the snow as its bald eyes and saliva oozing mouth stared with great interest at the two.
Then Venna turned her arms downward with her fingers aimed at the snow and thrust down expanding her fingers. From where she stood and to the cliff edge, multiple cracks began to echo in succession through the cliff face. They sent snow soaring into the air as a thick massive tare began to divide through the cliff edge. She then turned her hands around so her palms faced the edge then pushed forward. In obedience the cliff edge shoved itself away from the main body tumbling with disastrous effects. The effect of the solid ice crumbling down into massive ice boulders was so loud that she could barely hear the monsters screaming and howling until they were effectively buried under mountains of ice.
Venna looked down at the new cliff face she had created at the edge of her toes. She surveyed the new landscape that was rough and full of rocky ice boulders. It looked similar to a giant knife taking a tree branch and flaying off a deep stretch of wood. After some of the boulders had rolled into a position where they would rest undisturbed for years there was nothing but silence and there was no sign of their pursuers. The Commander stepped forward to her left flank. "Statement: You meatbags known as Sith continue to impress me, this is not something easily done, Master." "Your adulation is not sought after, droid." She turned away from the edge and faced the tip of the academy tower that stood above the cliff's surface a few meters and was within walking distance. "Power is what I require and power is what I smell."
Saysha and Threnton had felt something had gone wrong and had rushed as fast as they could to catch up to Oomi. When they did eventually reach the edge of the forest, a massive tree had fallen recently and they could sense Oomi's lightsaber underneath the hundreds of branches. Keekay however was nowhere in sight. Saysha walked up to the tree knowing it was impossible to lift it or discover the fate of her friend and previous Padawan. "Keekay did this! How could he have defeated Oomi?!" Threnton demanded losing some of his self-control.
"I warned her to not get divided. Keekay is experienced in war, he knows tactics. He doesn't have to use the force to read an opponent he simply reads their body language, behaviors, emotions and terrain. He knows himself and the moment he knows his enemy is the moment he is most dangerous." Saysha explained.
As she was explaining, Saysha and Threnton both heard the leaves and branches rustling until a aquamarine lightsaber cut its way through the many branches followed by a force push that sent the severed branches scattering out from the tree. Saysha and Threnton looked at the newly made hole to discover Oomi crawling out from under the tree. Both of the Masters were astonished.
"He's good." Was all she said as she coughed then brushed off dust, leaves and small twigs from her armor and tan tunic. "W-how did, explain?" Threnton stuttered with stunned surprise all over his face just like Saysha. "I guess by some fluke of luck, the tree's branches where too big and actually ended up saving my life. I suppose the force still wants me alive." Saysha smiled warmly and placed a hand on the Knights shoulder. "I'm glad we still have you. What happened?" Oomi explained everything and how he discovered the weakness in the technique she was using and got rid of her quickly. "I shouldn't have stuck with one technique the entire duel. I should have switch between styles. I won't make that mistake with him the next time." "Let us be grateful you have a next time." Threnton replied. "Next time don't get ahead of us." He further rebuked. Oomi nodded, "It was my intention that stalling him would allow you both to catch up." "I share Saysha's gratitude that your humble intention didn't send your good intentions to join the force." Threnton replied sharply before walking to the edge of the bog.
The small bodies of water scattered throughout the marshland glittered in the green moonlight. It gave them an almost eerie tone. "I assume he went through this." Oomi said as her and Saysha walked up beside Threnton. "Marshland is concerning to say the least. Its bodies of water can vary between inches, feet and meters. If its deep and you fall in, setting aside aquatic predators, you may not be able to get out due to limited visibility because of the dirty water. The edge of the ground that hovers feet above the surface may only be inches from you but if you can't see it, it's no different than yards away. At night it will be nearly impossible for either of us to help each other because the water will blind us to your location and if you haven't realized we cannot sense anything through the force in this bog. If we are going to go in we need to be very weary of these factors." Saysha explained.
Threnton gave a curt nod of understanding. "I'll lead the way. This Keekay is not going to get away because of some bog he cowardly ran into." Threnton said with his stoic image enlarging all of a sudden. "Stay close and follow my every step." Saysha followed suit and Oomi followed Saysha.
Deva checked her ammunition. She was wearing the armor that Imperial troops had used on Makeb but instead of the common Imperial insignia it bore her Dark Lords insignia and was black as the Dark Lord whom she served. It also showed 52 Republic symbols on the helmet, chest plate, forearm plates and thigh plates. All representing important kills she had made on behalf of Venna. Beside her inside the shuttle was a squadron of her best Special Forces operatives. They too bore the insignia of Darth Venna and had a series of Republic symbols marking their kills. In all there were only six operatives, Deva, Cup, Cutface, Skinner, Jade and HK-52.
HK-52 was the nanny droid she had brought back from Coruscant. Deva had modified it with mostly components from an HK-51 while adding in components she herself had designed. Along with bringing it up to Imperial standards, she took it above and beyond. She advanced its fighting tactics, upgraded and moved the two cannons to its upper set of arms, then did the same to the two repeating blaster rifles only moving them to its lower set of arms. In its chest cavity was a high velocity artillery piece that held one canister that would cause devastation when two pieces within where connected then launched. In the droids thigh were two vibrodaggers that could also be used in close quarters combat should it become necessary.
The HK-52's best weapon however was designed solely around killing force-users. It was a sniper rifle designed around a projectile bullet made from lightsaber resistant material. The droid would assemble the sniper rifle by detaching its lower left forearm from the elbow. Then she would attach it to the open palm of the upper right arm. Both hand, forearm and arm components would reconfigure themselves until they were able to connect via interlocking mechanisms. The barrels would then resize with mathematical precession to the bullet's size. Then she would detach her lower right forearm and connect it with the same process to the lower left forearm which was already connected to the upper right forearm. After reconfiguration all plates that covered the components would pull up to her right shoulder blade, over her head, parts of her back and half way down the gun that looked just as any other gun. The plates, acted as armor but also as protection from the elements while she took her shot. When setup, she steadied the gun with her free remaining hand and was clear to take the shot.
"Boss, what's the mission specs now?" Cup asked. She looked at their largest member. "Hold on." Deva replied as she made her way to the cockpit of the Imperial shuttle. They were just entering the green planet's atmosphere. "Scan for sentient." She ordered. Deva then turned about and headed back to the shuttles troop compartment. "Darth Venna wants us to find a Padawan and bring him safely to Dromund Kaas. Not as a prisoner but as her future apprentice, so unless any of you have a death wish I would be careful what you say to him. She told me to expect Lord Quauhtli's arrival but she has her doubts, we are her insurance. This is a recovery operation people, bystanders don't matter so long as the Padawan is safely rescued, am I understood?" "Understood," came the loyal response.
"Captain, I'm detecting cities full of sentient life signs however, four are coming upon a small town. Three are chasing one and the ones got distance on them. Shall I set a course?" Deva nodded. "Fast as you can pilot." Deva tied her hair up into a bundle then secured her helmet. "Pilot, open both hatches." She ordered as she clipped a safety chain to her belt. Grabbing her sniper rifle she steadily leaned out the hatchway as it opened. In the foggy morning light she could barely see a small figure darting through the bog. She switched her snipers vision through the many different spectrums until she was able to get a clear view of a young long haired man who was running through the marsh with desperate speed. Turning to the other side she could easily see three Jedi pursuers.
"Pilot, take us down to the solo target." Deva ordered. "I can do that Captain, but I can also guarantee you those Jedi will be on top of us faster than I can pull out. I've seen it time and time again." Deva pursed her lips as she tried to figure out what to do. "Squad up!" Deva shouted through the gusts of wind. The squad unbuckled and obeyed. "Pilot, take us to the town and drop us off. Then I want you to harass the Jedi from a safe distance until they make it to the town then circle above and wait for my signal." "Acknowledged Captain," came the disciplined reply.
The shuttle descended down into the main streets of the city and the squad exited the shuttle. The moment everyone was out it rose into the sky to carry out its orders. The entire squad had gotten into a circle with everyone's backs facing the center. They all had their guns out as they scanned the small shacks and buildings. "Orders?" Skinner asked. "Move throughout the town and gather the civilians out onto the center of the street. Stay in two's Jade, you're with me." Deva ordered. "Yes Captain." Jade replied.
Keekay was hiking through the marsh at a steady jog when he saw an Imperial shuttle fly overhead at a high altitude. His heart jumped at the thought of rescue so he began to sprint to where he thought the shuttle was going. He didn't want to activate his saber to grab the pilots attention cause it would also give away his position to the Jedi but he also knew that the sight of an Imperial shuttle would get them to hustle more so anyway.
As the sun began to shine, it removed the fog and Keekay could see in the distance three Jedi sprinting towards him. Looking closer he realized he hadn't killed the Knight as he had thought and Saysha was among the three pursuing him. He wasn't stunned they had caught up to him in the night. He had gotten off track and given them the time they needed to gain on him. He had led them to a town without even being aware of it. But with luck he would find a speeder that would whisk him away to the Imperial shuttles location and leave the Jedi to watch his cloud of dust. Of course that would be the ideal situation.
But as he was coming to the top of the large hill that the town stood on top of, the Imperial shuttle took off into the sky from what appeared to have been a nearby location. Keekay stared at the shuttle with mouth gaping open. Presuming that Quauhtli had touched down, looked around and decided to leave with assumptions of Keekay's demise or capture. Keekay, let his anger seethe. "You, piece of… Ooo I hope the Jedi kill you." He growled to himself as he began to come upon the town.
When he reached the top he was surprised to find a squad of four Imperial troops standing around a group of civilians that had their hands tied behind them and were sitting on the ground. Keekay's hope began to rise. As he drew nearer one of the troopers walked towards him stopping in front of him and giving a crisp salute. "Hello Padawan, we're here to rescue you." A woman's voice said from under her helmet. Keekay leaned to the side just enough to see over her shoulder. "You are aware you only have four troopers and that there are three highly skilled Jedi gaining on our position. One of which I'm positive is a Jedi Master." "Matter of fact I have a total of five troopers under my command." She replied with confidence. Keekay's hopes came crashing down with as much force as an Imperial cruiser crashing into the face of a planet.
Keekay turned around to see the shuttle was strafing the three Jedi from an altitude they were unable to reach. This only delayed them as they evaded each strafe and drew nearer. "We are so screwed," he mumbled. The woman removed her helmet putting it on her belt, and to Keekay's surprise, when he looked at her, was stunned to find out that it was the same woman that had abducted him. "That's right big boy, this isn't my first time. I know how to handle Jedi. But I'll need your help." Keekay raised an eyebrow with curiosity.
"The shuttle's coming for a strafing run, divide, stay close and watch your footing!" Threnton yelled out to his party members as he narrowly avoided the shuttles first strafe. Saysha and Oomi divided and began avoiding the assault. When the three Jedi eventually reached the edge of the town, the shuttle broke off its assault leaving them to finally come face to face with their objective as well as a few Imperial troops.
Threnton was sprinting towards them as he activated his lightsaber followed by Saysha and Oomi. As he was about to launch himself into the enemy and begin unleashing pain on them, one of the troops stepped out. "Stop!" She yelled as she held something that looked like a dead man's switch in her hand as well as her other hand up to grab their attention. Threnton, Saysha and Oomi came to a stop a few feet in front of her. Keekay was behind her among the other troopers watching the new situation unravel.
"Surrender the Padawan and we will allow you and your squad to leave alive." Threnton ordered. "My Lord has ordered me to take him back I will not allow you to take him." "Imperial, obviously you have never faced a Jedi. Give us the Padawan and you live. Refuse to and you along with your squad will die here on the streets of this backwater world." Threnton replied. "Let me give you a counter offer. I have a team of two hidden within one of these buildings with another detonator that is also connected to the same explosive device that this one is connected to. The Padawan is shrouding their location with the illusion of multiples as well as multiple explosives. This is what's going to happen; our shuttle is going to come retrieve us. We are going to leave. Our detonators range will expire at a certain distance and will become inoperative in which case you and your Jedi buddies, may rescue the civilians safely."
All three Jedi reached out with the force to verify if she was telling the truth which she was. The Imperial officer walked over to one of the civilians and removed her blaster then put a steaming hole in his head. He slumped over lifeless as his companion and children cried in agony over his body. "This is my resolve, don't try me." The Jedi flinched as the innocent life was snuffed out. She said with detached coldness in her voice.
"Keekay, what has happened to you?! Why are you doing this? There's a poison inside you child, come with me, let me help, let the Jedi help you!" Saysha pleaded with him around the Imperial woman as the shuttle came to a high hover above them then dropped a rope down. Keekay simply looked at her expressionless then began to climb up the rope followed by the Imperials. "We have to do something. We can't even be sure there really are explosives." Saysha sharply said under her breath. "Exactly, we can't be sure, If you have any idea's please don't hold back, I'm up for suggestions." Threnton replied. "We may not be able to do anything now, but I can place a tracking device on their shuttle when everyone's aboard to do something later. I've done it before with Blink." Oomi said stepping up beside Saysha. They both looked at her. "Do it."
Once the shuttle had filled its compartment with its original occupants it took off putting the Jedi and the planet behind them once and for all. All the troopers removed their helmet and placed them between their feet. Keekay turned his head to speak to Deva beside him. "It would appear I owe you an apology Captain. You're much more cunning than I gave you credit for. Thanks for the save." She returned his look. "Do you remember the first time we met?" She asked ignoring his statement of gratitude. "Aboard the Republic cruiser where my first Master, Master Val'tesh, was killed so many years ago, you infiltrated the Republic no?" She nodded. "Do you remember what I told you right before we were rescued?" Keekay shook his head. "I told you that the path you were on was a good one. I meant following the ideals of the Jedi. What that one Jedi said about how there is a poison inside you, is true. You're infected and you don't even realize it." She said expressionless.
Keekay raised an eyebrow. "How can you say that? You're the one who abducted me. You're the one who has stocked me before. And you're the one who has served the Empire all your life! As well as loyally if not gleefully. You didn't have to kill that civilian back there you did it cause you enjoyed it!" Keekay exclaimed with a raised voice. She was still detached and cold as ice. "I haven't said anything that implies I'm not infected as well, nor that I wish not to be infected. I'm merely pointing out the fact that you're infected too." "What's your point then?" He asked irritated. "Are you sure I really saved you?" "What does it matter to you?" He asked with venom in his voice. She stared deep into his bright silver eyes that seemed to glow in the dimly lit compartment. Deva leaned towards him closely as if whispering a highly intimate sentence. "If I wanted you to know, I'd let you know." She replied with a sly grin.