The Name's Kallus, Alexsandr Kallus Part Four
A.N: Timeline setting: Directly after part 3
Kallus groaned as his vision began to return, his body awakening itself from the unexpected sleep it had been forced into. Whatever had been in the gas was clearly high grade in nature, as it had rendered both him and Zeb unconscious in a matter of seconds.
Glancing around the room he was now in, Kallus couldn't help but gasp lightly. The walls were a dark ominous grey, with pulsating red sections of light that screamed Sith.
It didn't take a genius to figure out where he had been taken, and it turned out all the intel he had gathered was correct.
He was in a Sith shrine.
"Karabast!" Kallus muttered under his breath, continuing to survey the room around him. It wasn't a jail cell, but his wrists were restrained by a pair of cuffs, limiting his movement.
Not that he could escape if he wanted to. A squad of Stormtroopers were also present in the room, led by the Deathtrooper they had seen earlier, who was currently glaring directly at Kallus. In said Deathtrooper's hands was Zeb's bow rifle, something that Kallus knew would make the Lasat angry.
Moving his gaze away from the troopers, Kallus spotted another pair of individuals in the room.
Mas Amedda and the Royal Guard stood with their backs to him, surveying something on what appeared to be a holotable, quietly discussing what Kallus assumed was their master plan. He couldn't pick the voices up completely, partly because of the distance between them, and partly because of the effect of the gas upon him. It would take a while for his senses to return to normal. In the meantime he would have to make do.
Another groan came from beside him in that moment, and Kallus turned his head to spot Zeb regaining consciousness, pushing himself up off the floor and onto his knees in the process. His hands too were cuffed, something which the Lasat obviously did not take too well, as he released a series of growls as he tried to force the cuffs off.
Kallus gritted his teeth in anticipation. No doubt the noise Zeb was making would attract the attention of their captors.
"Zeb! Be quiet!" Kallus tried to whisper over to the angry Lasat, who ignored him.
"Well well, it appears our most honoured guests are awake." The modulated voice of the Royal Guard sounded out, full of both mirth and sarcasm, if Kallus was reading it right.
Zeb seemed to relent in that moment, realizing the predicament they were in, and turned to surveying the room just as Kallus had done earlier.
But right now Kallus' focus was not on Zeb, but rather on the Roya Guard who was marching up towards them. It didn't escape Kallus' notice that Amedda instead remained in back staring down at the holotable, clearly not interested in what was about to happen.
The Royal Guard however was now directly before him, crouching down so they were eye level, before the guard's gauntlet armoured hand came up to harshly grasp Kallus' face.
"Hey, get off of him you sleemo!" Zeb called out in anger, again trying to force his way out of the cuffs he had on.
The response from the Royal Guard was a simple yet vicious laugh, one that chilled Kallus directly to the bones.
But again, there was something familiar in it, he just couldn't place what it was.
"So, you got me. What now?" Kallus couldn't help but quip, trying to get a rise out of the guard. If he could cause a slip up in their interrogation tactics, then maybe he and Zeb could do something that would help them.
The guard continued to harshly turn Kallus' face from side to side, as if inspecting something.
Then they responded.
"I can't stand a man who has the most ridiculous looking sideburns in existence. What are you trying to prove Alexsandr?"
The tone of the voice was somewhat light, as if the person were familiar with him.
As if they had already met and were friends.
"Who are you?" Kallus responded, curiosity getting the better of him.
The guard moved back from Kallus, returning to their full height before turning around, facing away from the human and Lasat.
"Who indeed? I'm honestly surprised you haven't figured it all out yet Kallus. After all, it is all there in the name." The guard' voice turned into one of dark humour, as if they were about to reveal some humungous secret that would change everything.
And what did they mean by 'it was all there in the name'? Kallus' mind went into overdrive trying to figure it out. What was he missing?
"What are you talking about?" It was Zeb that demanded answers this time, his voice gruff and full of what Kallus could only describe as hatred.
The guard's helmeted face shifted between Kallus and Zeb several times, as if enjoying the tense moment between them before answering.
"I did tell you the codename was stupidly obvious, and yet neither of you caught it. The 'Red Lady' ring any bells?"
A wash of dread and horror flooded over Kallus. He did know someone who went by that codename! But it couldn't be? She was their ally… wasn't she?
"No!" Kallus gasped in surprise, watching as the guard lifted their hands up to grasp their helmet, before giving it a sharp pull, removing it and exposing their face.
Kallus felt himself sag slightly where he was sitting in despair at the face he recognized.
Now that she was unmasked, and quite obviously the enemy, Kallus didn't think that Nota looked like a particularly nice person anymore. Gone was the gentle nature of her when they had met, and the young go-hung attitude she had was instantly replaced by one of a dark grim nature. Her face had a sharp harsh curvature to it, one that would incite fear into the hearts of even the bravest of people.
She had been right. She was a master of disguise, and he had fallen for it.
"Oh you have got to be kidding me! See Kallus, this is what happens when you try and get yourself a girlfriend!" Zeb's outburst was one of anger, not directly at Kallus but rather Nota, who smirked down at Zeb maliciously.
It was an incredibly discomforting look on her face. It made Kallus feel sick.
"You know I have to agree with your friend there Kallus. How gullible do you need to be to fall for my ways?" Nota replied, her voice taunting, as if she had rehearsed this part.
It occurred to Kallus that this was probably not the first time she had done something like this.
"Why Nota? Why are you serving the Emperor?" Kallus called out, pulling once on his cuffs in a futile attempt to escape. Right now he wanted nothing more than to wrap his hands around her neck.
Kallus couldn't help but wonder briefly if exposure to the Sith shrine was having some sort of detrimental effect on him, even if he wasn't force sensitive.
"It's as I said Kallus, I value loyalty. The Emperor took me in, offered me a place within his elite and asked for nothing more than my service to him. And unlike you, even in death I will loyally serve him!" Nota spat, aggression in her tone as she neared Kallus again, a dark fire in her eyes, one that reminded Kallus of the various Inquisitor's he had encountered in the past.
"But why? The Emperor was a deplorable man. He enslaved people. Ordered the murder of children. And yet you work for him!" Kallus shouted out, attracting the attention of both Amedda and the Stormtroopers in the room in the process.
Nota's facial expression did not change, her face betraying no remorse or repent.
"All true, but he did what he did for the safety of the many. Under his rule the galaxy has prospered, coming into a new age of technological and sociological advancement. Advancement that your little rebellion would seek to undo, all to restore a broken republic that was dying long before Palpatine came to power!"
The statement, whilst clearly one spoken with zeal and loyalty, did hold some truths, Kallus had to admit. The old republic had been doomed, and Palpatine had done great things for the galaxy during his time. That was part of why he had loyally served the empire had first.
But then, as time had passed by, Kallus had begun to see the truth. Inquisitors kidnapping children, torturing people and breaking them for information!
Infighting amongst the imperial leadership!
Enslavement and persecution of non-humans!
Building a planet destroying doomsday weapon!
All of those screamed tyrant.
So yes, Palpatine had done some good for the galaxy, repairing the damage done by the Clone War.
But all of that had been a front for his more malicious schemes, one that involved his plans for galactic domination, regardless of the consequences. The galaxy might not have known it at first, but in the end they had all been the Emperor's slave, whether they knew it or not.
"The Empire murdered millions, all for the sake of control! And you stand with them! You're disgusting!" Zeb snidely boomed out, jumping to his feet in an attempt to rush Nota, who launched her first out to counter. The blow connected with the Lasat's face, sending him sprawling to the floor.
Nota seemed to almost growl in response to Zeb's attempted assault, before turning to the Deathtrooper and his men.
"Captain, would you kindly take Captain Orrelios out back for a minute. I wish to speak to Kallus in private, without his smelly friend interfering."
The Deathtrooper nodded his head in response, gesturing to three of his men who scooped up Zeb and begun to march him out.
All Kallus could do was watch in despair as his friend was led away.
And then it got worse.
"On second thoughts Captain, I figure we don't need the Lasat. Dispose of him out back!"
"NO! ZEB!" Kallus couldn't help himself, jumping to his feet and attempting to rush over to where Zeb was, looking horrified at the situation.
Once again Nota stepped in however, delivering a sharp kick to Kallus' stomach, sending the Fulcrum agent sprawling to the floor in agony.
When he managed to subdue the pain long enough to look up, Kallus could not see Zeb anywhere in sight.
Instead, his vision became obstructed by the gleaming red armour of the Royal Guard he now knew the identity of, a sinister smirk on her face.
"Now Agent Kallus, you and I are going to have a little talk!"
So this was it. This was how he went out. Not fighting for the rebellion. Not saving someone's life. Not doing his duty.
Instead, it would be by blaster squad.
"This sucks!" Zeb couldn't help but quip sarcastically as he was led down a hallway of the Sith shrine, towards what he assumed would be his death. Around him, three Stormtroopers escorted him, ensuring he wasn't about to break free.
And there, in front of him leading the way was the Deathtrooper, who currently held Zeb's bow rifle in his hands.
Having such a weapon was one of the highest honour in Lasat society. Rumours had been spoken by his people in the past of them being based off of ancient weapons from eons past. Zeb never paid that rumour too much mind. Sure, he understood and respected what it meant to have a bow rifle these days, but in the end it was a tool for him to use.
A tool that now looked like was going to be his own executioner.
"This is the last time I help Kallus on one of his stupid spy missions!" Zeb snarled again, speaking to himself. He doubted the troopers were listening to him. Besides, if he was about to die, he would do so being an annoyance on their eardrums.
"I suspect that is a lie Captain Orrelios." The modulated voice of the Deathtrooper called out from in front, surprising not only Zeb but his trooper escort as well.
And then, with an unexpected and shocking grace, the Deathtrooper span on his heels, bow rifle aimed directly at Zeb.
Sighing to himself, the Lasat closed his eyes and accepted his fate.
And then three shots echoed through the hallway.
Kallus found himself knocked to the floor from the impact of another punch to his face. Nota was not letting up, and she was clearly enjoying it.
"Kallus, come now my friend, it is easy. Tell me where the rebel base is located and I'll spare you. You can retake your place in the empire. Just tell me what I want to know!" Nota's voice was harsh and dark, and her plea for him to tell the truth so she could spare him was obviously a lie. If he did tell her, she would kill him anyway.
All he could do was stall until an opportunity arose.
"Fine fine. I'll tell you." Kallus replied, coughing up particles of blood from his mouth.
Nota seemed to rear back in glee, as if about to be told some great secret. Gesturing with her clenched fist to Kallus, the ex ISB agent replied.
"It's on Atollon ok."
PUNCH!
"LIAR! We know the rebel base on that planet was destroyed! Just tell me the truth Kallus!" Nota's voice picked up, an almost inhuman scream coming out of it as she unleashed another sharp punch to Kallus' gut, sending him sprawling backwards some more. Kallus knew that if she kept this up, either he would have several broken bones, or he could very well be dead.
Either was a better alternative to telling the truth in his eyes. He was not about to sell out his friends anytime soon.
"Oh, right, oops. Guess I forgot about that huh?" Kallus replied when he had recovered, smirking up at Nota through bloodied teeth.
The Zeltron's face turned into a dark sneer as she reared a fist back again, evidently planning on punching him in the face once again.
That was until Mas Amedda intervened.
"I don't think your technique is working my lady. Perhaps a different method."
Amedda's voice was sarcastic, and clearly held no love for Nota, and judging from the way Nota rolled her eyes dramatically, the feeling was mutual.
Nonetheless, the Zeltron woman did relent, stepping back from Kallus' beaten form and moving to join Amedda, who had now approached, datapad in his hand.
When it was clear that Nota had finished her interrogation, Amedda stepped in.
"If you won't give up the location of the rebel base then we will have to force it out of you. The Acolytes of the Beyond are very interested in capturing a certain Togruta woman that you know well. If you tell us where she is, we will spare you."
Zeb had fully expected to die. He had expected to feel the slam of three hot blaster bolts burn his body, fired by his own rifle.
However, despite hearing the shots that would have been his last being fired, he did not feel their impact.
So the question was, what had happened?
Slowly opening one eye, and then another, Zeb spotted the forms of the three Stormtroopers on the floor unmoving, with blaster bolt shots having gone clean through their helmets.
The only one left standing was the Deathtrooper, who had lowered Zeb's bow rifle to his side and was inspecting the kills.
"Um, thanks I guess." Zeb spoke, completely and uttered confused. Why had the Deathtrooper helped him? Come to think of it he had had a lot of weird encounters with Deathtroopers as of late.
"You are welcome Captain Orrelios." The Deathtrooper responded moving over to the Lasat and undoing the handcuffs in the process.
When said handcuffs dropped to the floor, Zeb allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief as he rotated his wrists, getting the numb feeling that had been coursing through them out out, allowing his blood to circulate once more.
"I did warn you not to trust someone you didn't know." The Deathtrooper spoke again, his voice clearly frustrated, despite the modulation.
Zeb raised an eye ridge at that comment. No Deathtrooper had ever said such a thing to him, even if it obviously clear that he and Kallus shouldn't have trusted Nota at all.
"I don't understand? Who are you?" Zeb inquired, glancing back down at the corpses of the Stormtroopers. Clearly whoever this Deathtrooper was was no friend of the empire.
It was then that the Deathtrooper seemingly sighed, before reaching up to take off his helmet.
Zeb expected to come face to face with either the pale white or dark black of human skin as the trooper took off his helmet, so when the first colour he spotted was blue Zeb was even more confused.
And then the figure opened his eyes, the bright red pupils shining brightly in the dim light of the Sith shrine's hallways.
"I did say I was in disguise Captain Orrelios."
Zeb couldn't help it as his jaw dropped open, surprise flooding his system.
"Thrawn?!"
"Yes." Was all the Grand Admiral said in reply, his voice as calm as ever.
It shouldn't have really been a surprise that the Acolytes were searching for Ahsoka. If the rumours were true that they worshipped both Vader and the Emperor as gods, then they would no doubt view Ahsoka as the one that killed their deities.
And thus would no doubt be out for revenge against her.
Assuming he survived today, Kallus would make sure she was warned about what could be coming her way. She deserved some peace after all, not being chased around the galaxy by some power crazy cultists.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Kallus chose to response, keeping his voice steady, trying not to betray any emotions.
Amedda seemed convinced, noting something down on his datapad before glancing towards Nota, who had calmed down now.
"Unfortunate then." Amedda spoke before returning to his position next to the holotable, leaving Kallus alone again with Nota.
The Zeltron woman leaned in close, surveying Kallus' damaged facial features from her assault, before speaking.
"The hypocrisy is not lost on me you know. Kidnapping children is not the nicest thing in the universe, but it is a necessity."
Her statement was odd, and her voice calm and gentle again, similar to how it had been when they had first met.
It occurred to him that she was probably trying to make him let his guard down again, as she had in the past.
Hopefully he could use that to his advantage. No one fooled him more than once.
"Why is it a necessity?" Kallus inquired, his own voice soft, as if he was under her sway. Truthfully it was a façade, but hopefully she didn't know that.
"The children. We're not exactly kidnapping them, but rather rescuing them. If we don't, the Jedi will take them from their families and enslave them. But with us they have a chance. A chance to be who they are destined to be." Nota's voice seemed convinced at her own statement. As if she believed that what was happening to the children was for their own good.
And to some extent, Kallus understood. The Jedi of old had taken children away, be on their own freedom of choice. But they had also stripped them of everything that made up their past. They had essentially become drones for a high council.
When Kallus had asked Kanan about the Jedi of old, even he had admitted that there were issues with how they behaved. The blind Jedi seemed most devout in changing that.
It was honestly a funny day when the blind Jedi was the one who could see the clearest.
"Rescuing them? You're corrupting them!" Kallus spat in reply, allowing his anger to come across. It was bad enough targeting innocents. Targeting children however… that was beyond unacceptable.
"Corrupting them? Maybe we are. The acolytes have no force sensitives among their ranks, and they will need them to combat the Jedi. Their leader sees an army of loyal force sensitives by their side. A new Inquisitorius, completely loyal to the Emperor and Vader, even in death." Nota continued, stepping back from Kallus and gesturing around the room, as if giving a sermon to a group of loyal followers.
"That doesn't explain why you helped me infiltrate this place though. What are you really up to Nota?" Kallus inquired, his mind doing leaps and jumps to try and figure out the truth. Nota had been in league with his targets all along. Hell she had been his target.
And yet she had helped him. Why was that?
In response, Nota cackled, a terrifying sound coming from her.
"Don't flatter yourself Kallus. As I said, I'm all about loyalty, and you are one of the biggest traitors to the empire there is. When the opportunity to destroy you came along, I took it. Besides, I like to play with my food before eating it!"
The mental image that came to Kallus' mind caused him to shudder. There was no questioning Nota's ability to worm her way into people's mind, to make them think she was on their side.
That alone made her incredibly dangerous. Just how many had fallen victim to the same techniques in the past?
"I managed to acquire this disguise relatively easily. With it I was able to infiltrate this secret base and learn the majority of the plans of Amedda and the one you call 'Nota'. I tried to warn you not to trust her. Clearly it did not work." Thrawn spoke as he handed the bow rifle over to Zeb, before bending down to pick up a blaster from the troopers he had just shot.
"Yeah I got your message, not that it could have been anymore cryptic. You give the Jedi a run for their credits!" Zeb replied, venting his frustration at the situation. Here he was, rescued by Thrawn of all people. Meanwhile, who knew what was happening to Kallus?
Returning to his full height, which was still slightly shorter than Zeb, Thrawn's facial expression took on what looked like despair.
"Yes I should have guessed you would not have been able to decipher my clue. Perhaps you should study art in your spare time. I could recommend a very good art gallery on Pantora for you?"
Zeb had to refrain from snarling at the Chiss for his comment. They may now be allies, reluctant allies that was, but the animosity that lingered between them was still present, and would no doubt be present for a long time.
Truth be told the only person in the entirety of the rebellion that Thrawn seemed to get along with and want to work with was Hera, not that that was too much of a surprise to Zeb. The two seemed to have a mutual respect for one another. Leaders in a time of great conflict, even if they had been on opposite sides.
"Maybe later Thrawn. Do you know where these guys are keeping the kids they have kidnapped?" Zeb brushed off his discomfort, gripping his bow rifle tightly in his hands. He was prepped and ready for a fight. He needed something to punch at very least.
"Unfortunately not. From what I have seen the children have been moved to covert facilities across the galaxy. The locations of which are contained on a data drive that is currently in possession of the Royal Guard." Thrawn replied, his voice grim yet full of the cold calculation that he was known for.
"Karabast. That complicates things then." Zeb replied, trying to formulate a plan in his head. Sure, he could just rush on in, bow staff engaged and attempt to muscle his way to victory. But he had seen what Royal Guards could do. They were formidable foes, akin to Inquisitors in a way. He doubted he would honestly stand much of a chance against Nota himself.
That meant he would need another solution.
"Indeed it does Captain, so we will have to work in tandem if we are to not only save Agent Kallus, but acquire the data we need." Thrawn replied, his glowing red eyes locking onto Zeb's green ones. There was no hidden motive in them. Thrawn was being genuine.
"So what's the plan then?"
"So what, all of this, luring me here and allowing me access is part of some kriffed up revenge plan, all because I chose to help the rebellion?!" Kallus couldn't help the anger in his voice. He had honestly thought that Nota was a friend, not some imperial lunatic.
Clearly she didn't take the abrasive way he spoke too kindly.
"You'd never understand Kallus! I'm better than you in every respect. At least I know where my loyalties lie. Tell me, how long will it be before you abandon the rebels?" The Zeltron spat, her teeth bared in an obvious threat.
"I'm loyal to my friends. To Zeb, to Hera, to Ahsoka, to everyone who had lived under the oppressive tyranny of the man you and your friends hold up on some pedestal. You disgust me Nota!" Kallus sneered, watching her reaction carefully. Sure, it may get him another beating, but it may also create an opening for him. There were only two other Stormtroopers in the room, and Kallus was certain that Amedda would not put up much of a fight.
The jibe at Nota clearly worked as anticipated as Kallus saw her fist clench. The woman reared her arm back, aiming a punch for Kallus' face.
And then the door opened, and in walked the Deathtrooper from before, helmet on his face.
Spotting this, Nota took a deep breath before turning to the trooper, a dark smirk on her face.
"Have you disposed of the Lasat?"
The Deathtrooper glanced at Nota first, then over at Amedda, before shifting his gaze to Kallus.
And then the Deathtrooper removed his helmet, and Kallus couldn't help but gasp at the familiar sight of blue skin and red eyes.
Clearly both Nota and Amedda were equally shocked.
And then Thrawn spoke, his voice full of smugness.
"I'm afraid there has been a change of plans my lady."
A savage yet familiar roar echoed down the hallway behind Thrawn, and within seconds Zeb came barrelling into the room, his bow staff ignited, ends sparking with fluorescent electrical energy.
Out of the corner of his eye Kallus spotted the two Stormtroopers raise their blasters, clearly intent on gunning down the Lasat approaching with terrifying speed before he could cause any damage.
Kallus was about to shout out in alarm and warn Zeb when a second unexpected event occurred. The sound of a blaster discharging twice echoed through the room, and the two troopers dropped to the floor dead. Glancing in the direction the shots had originated from, Kallus' eye widened at the sight of Thrawn, blaster in his hand.
Kallus' attention was then shifted away from the Chiss, who himself was now moving towards Mas Amedda, calling for him to put his hands up, and instead shifted to focus on the duel that had erupted in the room between Zeb and Nota. The Lasat's bow staff clashed with the force pike Nota was wielding, energy crackling against itself from both weapons.
Both combatants entered into a dance of sorts, trying to both evade their opponent, whilst trying to land a detrimental blow in the process. Zeb's face was one of determination, mixed with rage and anger. His fur bristled as he fought, another sign of the growing hatred inside of him.
Nota's expression couldn't have been more different. Even now she had a smug look on her face, a dark twisted smile that indicated that she was actually enjoying this fight. An expression that looked both enthralled, and yet at the same time bored.
It was clear to Kallus in that moment that Nota was leagues ahead of Zeb in terms of combat. Yes, he had all the training of a Lasat Honour Guard, and he was about as formidable and durable as a wookiee.
But Nota was a royal guard, armed with a weapon nearly as rare as a lightsaber. And she was trained to use it proficiently.
Kallus watched as he struggled to push himself up as Zeb continued to swing his staff, attempting to catch Nota's legs and trip her. The Zeltron woman merely laughed at his attempt, twisting her own force pike in her hands to counter, jabbing forward with it to catch Zeb's side, resulting in a burst of energy shocking the Lasat.
The breach in his defences only seemed to anger Zeb more, a theory supported by the deep growl the Lasat gave out, before barging forward with his shoulder blade. The Lasat crashed into Nota's armoured figure, forcing her to stumble backwards from the impact and out of the duel for a moment.
But the Zeltron woman was quick to counter, evading back another step out of reach of a swing from Zeb, before lifting one end of the force pike she used into the air.
Moments later, Kallus watched as Zeb was suddenly suspended in mid-air, the same yellow energy that permeated from Nota's force pike flashing around Zeb's body, causing the Lasat to groan in pain as he was immobilised.
Despite his current state, Kallus reacted swiftly, reaching down to pick up a discarded blaster from one of the fallen troopers, before letting off a shot towards Nota.
The Zeltron was too preoccupied with her duel with Zeb that by the time she heard the blaster fire there was no chance of evasion. The bolt slammed into her midsection, scorching the armour she wore and burning the skin underneath. It was not a lethal blow, but one that would force her to back off.
And back off she did, not even sparing a glance towards Kallus or even the now captured Mas Amedda. Instead, she simply took off, disappearing down another hallway into the darkness of the Sith shrine.
It was obvious that she was attempting to make a break for it!
And Kallus had no intention of letting her get away.
"Kallus!" The voice of Zeb called out from beside him. The Lasat was now free of his immobilisation, though clearly strained from it. Instead, the former honour guard held out his bow staff, gesturing for Kallus to take it.
The Fulcrum agent did without hesitation, before taking off in pursuit of Nota.
As Kallus went in pursuit of the Royal Guard, Zeb's attention was drawn to the discussion that was going on behind him.
Or more like the interrogation.
"Mas Amedda, you have evaded us for far too long. Tell me, where can I find it?" Thrawn all but spat, gesturing with his blaster towards Amedda, who seemed to back away in fear.
"I'll never tell you turncoat. Palpatine should never have trusted an outsider such as yourself. You are a traitor!" Amedda spat in return, attempting to make a break for it, only to be intercepted by Zeb, who now wore a gruff smirk on his face.
The Lasat grasped hold of Amedda roughly, spinning him and forcing him to face Thrawn, who looked livid, whilst restraining his hands behind his back.
"Get your hands off me you hairy beast!" Amedda yelled, his face becoming one that showed disgust. Zeb didn't take it personally. After all, in Lasat culture, fur was a symbol of respect and honour.
"I won't ask you again Amedda! Where is the Emperor's lab?" Thrawn actually yelled, something that honestly shocked Zeb. The Chiss Grand Admiral had always been an eerily calm individual, who it felt like always had complete control of every situation no matter how dire. The fact that he was clearly quite outraged by something, clearly whatever this lab was, suggested that it was very bad.
"I'd answer the question if I were you. A pissed Chiss is not easy to beat." Zeb quipped sarcastically, enjoying the way Mas Amedda squirmed in his arms.
Amedda seemed to contemplate his situation, and if Zeb didn't know any better he'd swear he was about to reveal all.
Across from him Thrawn waited on edge, blaster barrel pointed at Amedda's chest.
"I know next to nothing. The Acolytes of the Beyond only ever spoke of a salvation, one were they return their gods to the living world from the depths of the beyond. They did speak of a plot however, to capture those that vanquished their gods. They believe that through ritualistic sacrifice, they will restore the gods to flesh form. But that is all I know I swear!"
Mas Amedda's tone was chaotic at best, one that revealed fear and horror at his predicament, but also what seemed to be disgust. Not for Zeb or Thrawn, but for whatever this plan he spoke of was.
What Zeb was certain about was that Amedda was telling the truth. It was there in his stance, in his fear, in his voice. The way he seemed panicked and looking for a way out.
And whilst Zeb would never say it aloud, it was there in his scent.
Lasat had very good noses.
Clearly Thrawn also believed him.
"Then I thank you for your cooperation Grand Vizier, and have no further questions for you."
Zeb was about to release Amedda when Thrawn's next action caught them both by surprise. As the Chiss finished speaking he fired his blaster once, the shot burning a hole directly into Amedda's chest, who slumped to the ground dead.
Zeb could only stare down at the corpse for a few moments, his mouth open in shock.
He wasn't mad that Amedda was dead. He would have killed him if Thrawn didn't.
What did matter was that Thrawn had taken the shot in the first place.
"Karabast! You could have hit me as well!"
"Do not worry Captain Orrelios. I have perfected such shots before. You were in no danger at any point."
As Kallus rounded another corner in the maze that was the Sith shrine, a single blaster bolt sailed past his head, forcing him to cover behind a pair of crates. He was now in a large open area, one strewn with various boxes and containers.
And there, hidden behind a crate not too dissimilar from his was Nota, her gleaming red armour a dead giveaway of her location.
"You could have had everything Kallus! We could have worked together if only we'd met sooner. Imagine, us taking down the rebellion together. They'd never knew what hit them. But instead, you chose to side with those terrorists! You became everything you once swore you'd protect the galaxy from."
Nota's anger was clear, both from her speech and from the barrage of blaster bolts that came Kallus' way after she was finished.
Gripping Zeb's bow rifle in his hands, Kallus darted between a pair of containers, firing a volley of his own shots over at Nota, who skilfully avoided them.
"I swore to destroy those who threatened innocent lives. But it turned out that it was the empire that was doing that, not the rebellion!" Kallus yelled in return, peaking his head round the container slightly in hopes of gaining a line of sight on Nota.
"And what about people like Saw Gerrera? The ones who advocate radicalism in the name of victory. The ones who willingly sacrifice some for the many?" How can you say the rebellion protects the masses when you have people like him around?!" Nota spat from somewhere, her voice carrying in the large room. It was becoming clear that this would not be a traditional standoff.
Kallus would have to be on guard.
"Saw was an extremist, but he sacrificed himself for the entire galaxy. His intentions were pure, but his actions were extreme. Even he admitted that towards the end." Kallus yelled back, hoping to draw Nota towards him. She was wounded, as was he. If he could get close to her, he may be able to overpower her.
After all, she was the one that was shot.
"So that makes it all ok does it? He meant well! Well so do I Kallus, it's just a shame you won't be around to see it!"
With speed unmatched, Kallus heard movement from behind a pair of nearby crates, followed by the form of Nota vaulting over the top, force pike in hand, energy crackling from its end, barrelling towards him.
As Nota swung her staff, Kallus ducked, allowing the end to pass right over him. As it did, he engaged the bow staff's own melee function, before twisting the weapon in a horizontal manoeuvre, one end smashing into the burn mark on Nota's armour.
The blow to the already wounded part of her, followed by the brief jolt of electrical energy that ran through her body knocked her down and out of the fight, her pike falling out of arms reach.
And so she lay, on her back looking up into the eyes of Kallus, who stared down with remorse.
Her eyes showed no fear, only resignation on her part. She knew she had failed, and she was prepared to accept the consequences.
"So now what Agent?" Was all she said, as if taunting him to attack again.
Kallus considered it. Part of him wanted to kill her. To remove such a threat to him and his friends for good. After all that was part of the mission.
He chose again it however. That would have been the old Kallus. The one who commanded his troops to exterminate the Lasat on Lasan.
He was a different person now. He knew what mercy was, thanks to his friends.
And he was certain that Nota would have much more to tell him.
Closing up the bow staff back into rifle form, Kallus bent down to Nota's level, looking her in the eyes, before extracting a pair of cuffs he had for emergencies, and placing them on her wrists.
Several hours passed, and Thrawn had predictably disappeared without a trace. He had spoken briefly about some sort of plan of the Emperor's he had been looking into, and that he would be in contact when he found out more.
Kallus was fine with that. The less he had to deal with the Chiss the better.
Still, he made for a formidable ally in the direst of times. Were it not for his intervention through disguise, both Kallus and Zeb would have been left to the 'tender' mercy of Nota and Amedda.
And now Amedda was dead, and Nota…
Nota was currently being escorted towards a U-wing, flanked on either side by a pair of rebel troopers.
Apparently, shortly after his call with Ahsoka, said Togruta had informed Cassian of what was going on, who had then in turn taken it upon himself to rush to the rescue with a small band of rebels.
He had arrived late of course, but just in time to see Kallus' victory.
"We'll lock her up and interrogate her. Hopefully she will be more cooperative than that damn Terrelian we have back at base." Cassian spoke, his face grim as Nota passed by him and Kallus.
The Zeltron stopped for a moment, seemingly unfazed by the guards around her, and turned to Kallus.
The former ISB agent was surprised by her expression. Gone was the malicious smirk that had coated her face during their confrontation. Instead it was replaced by one that was more familiar. The warm comforting look she had when they had first met.
The look that had lured him in, and allowed her to deceive him.
She really was a master of disguise.
Just when he thought she would look and leave. Nota spoke, her words coming across not as a threat, but more of warning.
"The Acolytes already know where she is."
And with that the red Zeltron turned and left, willingly heading towards what was certain to be a life in a cell.
Kallus had to admit that he pitied her a bit. She had great potential.
Potential that had been taken and corrupted by the Emperor.
He only hoped that in time she would realize that, and become a better person for it.
"What about that data drive I got from her?" Kallus inquired. When he had cuffed Nota, he had discovered a heavily encrypted data drive on her body, one he had promptly confiscated. If what Thrawn had told Zeb was true, the drive had the locations of facilities holding the children that had been captured.
"K-2's already decrypting it. I'll forward whatever he finds to you Kallus. Good work today buddy."
And then it was Cassian's turn to depart, turning from where he had been standing with Kallus and lightly jogging towards his U-wing.
Kallus watched as the ship ascended into the skies above Coruscant, before it disappeared into orbit.
He may not have succeeded in his mission today, but he had made progress.
That was what mattered.
"So… what do we do in the meantime huh? Hit the nightclubs for some fun? Oh wait, you'd probably somehow end up flirting with an imperial spy again huh?" Zeb's voice came from behind, causing Kallus to turn, a broad smile on his face from the teasing of his friend.
"I think I've learned my lesson Zeb. Perhaps some food. I hear there's some good grub around here." Kallus replied, gesturing outwards towards the city around him.
Coruscant really was a marvel of a place. A city spanning an entire planet, not to the mention the areas deep below the surface.
It was, culturally, a melting pot.
"Ah why not. Who knows, maybe the 'rebellion's hottest man' can find us something fun to do for once?" Zeb replied, chuckling deeply as he spoke, causing Kallus to groan at the comment.
"You're never going to let me forget about that are you?" Kallus continued, leading the way down the steps of the former Jedi temple.
"Never my friend. Never."
The End
Alexsandr Kallus will return in: "The Inquisitor who tried to kill me!"
Author's thoughts
So, first things first, I'm very sorry for how long it took for this part to come out. Between personal issues, writers block, and not being at my laptop for a bit I've been struggling to write. So yeah, sorry.
Still, I hope this chapter makes up for it. I know it seems like everything sort fo concludes rather quickly, but it was meant to. This section of the story has been told, and now you know what both Kallus and Zeb will be up to for a while. Can't just have them doing nothing right?
In regards to Nota, I'm sure some of you will be both surprised and confused by the sudden reveal that she was a bad guy, and feel like it kinda came out of left field a bit. However, I will say that I always planned for her to be the villain, and that I had left clues throughout this arc to hint that she was the bad guy. Some were clearly sniffed out, others were not. I guess you were all too busy either focusing on who the hell the Deathtrooper was, who were too enamoured by Nota like Kallus was.
That being said, I will go through the clues for you all now to prove my point:
1. So the big clue is the one that Nota herself points out in this chapter. Her codename is the 'Red Lady', and Royal Guard armour is red.
2. The second clue comes from the third chapter where Kallus and Nota listen to the conversation between the Royal Guard and Mas Amedda. Amedda comments on the Royal Guard's creed. In this case it alluds to the fact that the guard is not human, but rather a humanoid looking species, such as a Zeltron.
3. The third clue is when Kallus' and Zeb's U-wing mysteriously has an explosive device in it... moments after Nota paid them a visit.
4. The fourth and final clue is the most discreet however, and it comes right at the start when we first meet Nota. Throughout this story she goes by a shortened version of her real name, which is Notandum Levium, which is a Latin phrase. When translated into English, Notandum Levium means 'untrustworthy'.
So yeah, she was planned on being the baddie from the word go. Hope you like the twist.
As for what Thrawn is up too... wait and see. He had his own mission.
Next one shot will be dealing with Ahsoka encountering the Acolytes of the Beyond. I wonder what will happen?
Now, make sure you stay around after my responses to your comments for some news on my new story, which will come out soon.
Travis Middleton: Glad you enjoyed the Kallus/Zeb partnership. Those two are awesome working together. News on my new story comes after this part.
As for my opinion on 'Star Wars Resistance'... I like the idea and am interested in what Filoni and team will do, however I am waiting to see what the style of animation looks like. Out of all the styles I cannot stand anything that looks like anime as it hurts my eyes. (weird right?) If it is similar to Forces of Destiny then that is fine, but if it full blown anime or inspired like that (such as the whole squinty eyes to show emotion, or mouths that only open up and down then I'm gonna have a hard time watching it.)
Cranky Paws: Well done calling the identity of the Royal Guard. I worked hard to both hide it and hint at it. Glad you figured it out.
Chopper is borderline evil with what he does. I dread to think of the images.
Depa Billaba you say... you might be onto something. :)
Jayson-Master Of Storm: Glad you enjoyed it despite the cliffhanger. Hopefully this part was just as good.
OC's are risky. I only hope Nota was a good enough one for people to follow.
Chiara Polairix Edelstein: Glad you enjoyed the action chapter. Hopefully this one was just as good.
My new story will hopefully be good. Only time will tell. :)
Story Writer173: Depa Billaba will indeed be appearing in my new story. Yay. :)
Mysterious Guest one: Glad you enjoyed the cliffhanger. Hopefully this makes up for it.
The Royal Guard was used for that exact reason. They don't do anything in the films, so I wanted them to here.
And now... news on my new AU story
So, the next one shot will be the last for a while, as I have said.
But don't fret, because when I upload the next one shot, I will also be uploading the first chapter of my newest story at the same time.
The story will be a completely new and seperate AU to this one, and will be found under the normal 'Star Wars' heading on fanfiction, rather than the rebels one. Either search there, or simply use my profile instead to find it.
I'm very excited to share this new adventure with you, and I hope you like how it goes.
And before I sign off, it's only right that I give you a brief description, as well as a title to this story right? So, here it goes:
'When Ahsoka Tano left the Jedi order, she had nothing. No food, no money, no place to live. That was until the most powerful politician in the galaxy came to her to offer her something. A job."
Coming soon, Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker and Sheev Palpatine star in: 'Agent of the Chancellor'.