Grievous's Lair
Knight vs Hunter
Continuing on
...
Titles are just words. It is the person beneath it that matters.
….
Mandalore was an absolute success. With the exception of Dooku veering his ugly head, the trip bore fruit of gods. Senators Ariim and Dale, now identified to be brother and sister, were cleared of all charges against them and were allowed to return to their political duties. On occasion, however, the two will sneak away to meet up and reconnect. As expected, a handful of Senators resented the truth of enemy senators fraternizing. A shame for them the yays outweighed their nays. So long as government secrets weren't divulged, the two were permitted to see one another on as many occassions as the war would allow them. Both understood the toll the war took on their relationship. And when the moment calls for it, they will be pitted against one another and will have to remain objective. They prayed more than anyone that their rekindling wasn't a mistake.
On another positive note, a six year long mystery was finally solved and Tanya's relationship with Satine was reignited. Duke Arvhan's murder was deemed as a mercy killing. A failing heart plaguing an aging man. By coercion of his principles Jango hid the truth from Satine. Why break her heart on top of the stresses of being groomed to be Duchess? For six years Tanya carried her father's pain, driven ragged in her desperation to prove his innocence. A heavy burden lifted from Tanya's shoulders that day. She wasn't able to remember the last time she felt so at peace. It was...nice. Taking revenge? The notion made her stomach churn. All because of Windu. Hopefully Jango was at peace now that the mystery was solved. Too bad fate despised small victories.
About a week after the Mandalore debacle, reports came in from Jedi Master Luminara Unduli, and Ahsoka. With the help of Ventress, and a separatist in sheep's clothing, Gunray's escaped custody - again - and vanished without a trace. Again. This news aggravated the Jedi. Gunray has caused too much damage as it is. In custody and out of it. Either a grip was fastened that will not falter, or more drastic measures to subdue Gunray must be taken. Very few prayed the situation would not lead to the latter.
As fate would have it, Gunray could not remain in hiding for long. Not while escaping justice in a republic ship. He must have been slipping. Getting tired from all the running he's done. A positioning device tucked in the ship's computer sent out a long range signal, alerting the republic to where Gunray sought refuge. Kit Fisto, accompanied by Tanya, tracked the signal to a remote system. The hunt for Gunray was underway. And this time he wasn't going to get away.
...
Fisto eased the controls, guiding the fighter to a smooth hover. The hyperdrive rings hugged the wing tips firmly. Wishing to confirm the Intel, he double checked that the location he, Tanya, and Astromech R6 was precisely where the beacon was transmitting from. Space can be unforgiving when one is lost. Planets are worse.
Tanya gazed at the vast void of space surrounding them. The glow of the two neighbor planets and their moon cast an awe inspiring glow in the voided darkness. She pressed her forehead to the glass. She could feel the cool, pleasing weather of the planet.
R6 beeped very sarcastically at Fisto. Haughtily stating that the vacuum of space they were sucked to was the epitome of nowhere. Fisto tilted his head back, chuckling, "I know we're in the middle of nowhere, R6. But that is the beacon we're looking for."
"Not that I'm complaining," Tanya remarked warily, "But given previous experiences, this is waay too easy." It took practically three - no, five - trips to Hell and back to locate Gunray. A simple beacon slip was too...simple. Fatigue from running might play a role. But Gunray has proven to be smart in tactical retreats. "Not only that, but my dad taught me if your hijacked ship is in the middle of nowhere, you better go elsewhere."
"Wise words. A shame our current mission forbids such a maneuver." Fisto replied with a grin. "If the Viceroy is here, this may be the last chance we have at apprehending him."
Tanya knit her brow, growling at her control panel. Something else was bothering her. Locating Gunray in the middle of nowhere twice is no coincidence. Someone like him doesn't seclude himself on backwater planets without ulterior motives. Least of all after Frii-Caah. Stranger still, "I don't sense him." She whispered. "Then again this skill of mine is sharp as a bowling ball."
Fisto gently cupped her chin, guiding her to meet his hypnotic jet black orbs. "I trust your skill more than my lightsaber." A light violet blush heated her sky blue cheeks. "Now, for the sake of closure," He snaked his fingers up her chin, "Let us confer with outer rim command of our descent." Tanya's head bobbed wordlessly. Fisto winked and turned to R6. Tanya puffed her hair, slumping exasperatedly. Men with accents. She grumbled mentally. "R6, contact outer rim command."
R6 acknowledged the request. A hatch on his head opened, sprouting a miniature satellite. R6 pinpointed the outer rim command's signal tower and patched Fisto through. Tanya hung over Fisto's chair. Hologram's of Ahsoka and Luminara materialized.
"Hey Soka. How's escorting?" Tanya teased.
"Boring." Ahsoka shrugged. "How's politics?"
"Tiring."
"Wanna trade?"
"Master's or jobs?" The two girls laughed. This is the first time they've gotten to see one another in a week. They missed joking around.
"Master Luminara," Fisto interrupted the touching reunion to get to business, "I have tracked the location of our stolen ship to the Vassek system."
"So has your old Padawan, Nahdar Vebb." Luminara reported with a pleased tone. "He's already on the surface." Tanya's ears bounced. Old Padawan?
"It will be GREAT to see Nahdar again!" The outburst of joy caught Tanya off guard.
"I'll transmit the coordinates for the rendezvous point." Ahsoka confirmed. Her expression saddened. "And Master Fisto, sorry we lost that slimy double dealer!"
Tanya clicked her tongue, wagging a disapproving finger, "Such bad language." Ahsoka shrugged. What could she say? Going after Gunray was becoming tedious.
"Don't worry, Ahsoka. We'll catch Gunray yet." He winked a promise.
"Good hunting." Ahsoka wished playfully. She bowed and with that the feed was cut.
"So do all the masters have old Padawans?" Tanya's tail wagged intriguingly.
"A few. Yes. Mace had three before you."
"Really?" Tanya grew excited. "Where are they now?"
"That is a story for another time." Fisto dropped the hyperdrive ring. The power faded, leaving it dead in space. "Let us focus on our target." Tanya pouted, crossing her feet and pressing them to Fisto's seat. Stupid loop.
R6 remotely dove the ship to the surface, smoothly breaking through the planet's orbit. An ocean of fog swallowed the ship. Were a hand present it wouldn't be seen. Tanya's breath hitched nervously. Fisto shared her apprehension. Narrowly - by a hair - R6 evaded a moss covered rock ledge, submerging the ship deep within a canyon. Lake water was crystal clear compared to the bank. Luckily for the Jedi, R6 located the rendezvous point. He carefully landed the ship on a smooth land of rock.
The cockpit opened. A musty, thick wave of air wafted to the Amphibious Jedi faces. There was a hint of humidity. Fisto and Tanya choked on the air for a brief second. The two climbed out onto the rock. Nothing but fog, fog, and more fog in every direction. A disturbing sense of isolation sank in. Fisto took a moment to reorient his dizzy head. The atmosphere was too thick. Likely due to the fog. Fisto closed his eyes, allowing for his body to adapt and adept Tanya slowed her breathing. Her lungs adjusted to the thickness.
R6 bleeped his concerns. "Well we can't see anything either." Fisto jested. Tanys grabbed a pair of binoculars. She set it to the highest setting. Five feet was all she was granted. "You'll be fine R6. Just keep a look out for us." Fisto moseyed down the rocky path. Tanya pet R6 and joined the master.
"Are we sure leaving R6 alone is a good idea?" Tanya knew she must have sounded like a worrywart. The fog bank - or whatever was hidden within it - left her uneasy. An impending doom looming. And sorrow. Hopeless sorrow. Death.
"R6 will be fine. And look. Here is our rendezvous." He gestured to a trio of clones and a cloaked figure. Fisto unleashed a howling fit of gleeful laughter. "NAHDAR!" The figure whirled around and bowed. A snout protruded the cloak. "Congratulations on passing the trials! I am sorry the war prevented me from seeing your training through to the end."
"You were missed, master," Nahdar removed his cloak, revealing a young Mon Calamari, "But it is an honor to be finally serve beside you as a Knight." He raised a curious brow at noticing Tanya. "And who might this youngling be?" He asked as if Tanya shouldn't be there.
Fisto placed a proud hand on her shoulder, "This is Jedi Master, Mace Windu's, Padawan. Tanya Fett." Nahdar's bulging fish eyes lidded halfway with scornful disapproval. Tanya resisted a enticed smirk begging her cheeks to stretch. The burn of his glare stung. It only excited her further. "Tanya." Tanya shook out of her trance. "Meet Nahdar Vebb. Newly dubbed Jedi Knight."
Tanya bowed respectfully, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nahdar."
"Jedi Knight Vebb, if you please." Nahdar folded his hands behind his back. Tanya resisted rolling her eyes. He wouldn't be the first Jedi to be obsessed with titles. Too bad Tanya cares little for titles stamped to unworthy hosts. "And I know of you, Bounty Hunter! Try not to get in the way!"
Tanya's famous smirk broke through. She chuckled at the Knight, incurring his already thinning patience. "So long as you don't get in mine, Vebb." She emphasized his name mockingly.
"That's Knight!"
Tanya crossed her arms, "We'll see if you truly earned that title."
"Now, now," Fisto chuckled, edging the two apart, "Put those sharp tongues away. We have a mission to complete."
"General," One of Nahdar's troops beckoned, "We pinpointed the beacon's location to the south end of the gorge."
"Then let's have a look." Fisto proposed.
"Allow me to show you the way." Nahdar spun on his heels. He raised his arms. The cloak fell off his shoulders. With a swift sweep of his arms outward the fog parted like the seas. Tanya gaped in awe. A monstrous fortress emerged. A daunting, industrial door invading the path.
"Charming." Fisto remarked.
Nahdar proudly stuck his chest out. Tanya remained speechless. "Easily impressed by a simple display, Hunter."
"Your parlor trick is not my concern." She knit her brow, studying the opposition. A stone carved fortress nestled amid the thickest batch of fog. Years of moss littered grass clinging to the sides. Then the door. A marvelous constructed of iron and steel. Clearly used to keep unwanted guests from entering. "A fortress smack dab in the middle of nowhere. Deja vu."
"Oh?" Fisto urged her to continue.
"My master and I came across a similar situation on Frii-Caah. The Viceroy made a nice home for himself."
Fisto massaged his chin pensively. "Perhaps he has done so again."
"With only a week and little contact for support?" Nahdar argued incredulously.
"It doesn't take much to turn a place into a hideout." Tanya assured the brash Knight. "All you need is food, water, a scanner to keep track of news, radar, and an escape plan."
"Of course you would know that, wouldn't you?" Nahdar derided disdainfully.
"I would." Tanya strutted to Nahdar, swaying her hips. She roughly pinched his cheek, "How do you think I outsmarted the Council for 10 years?" She snapped then slapped the cheek, proceeding for the door.
Nahdar growled in humiliation. He massaged his throbbing cheek. Fisto's hand to his shoulder assuaged the anger. "You will earn respect by giving it."
"I deserve respect!" Nahdar snapped. "I am a Knight! She is a lowly Padawan Hunter! I should not have to respect her!"
"Then you will meet opposition the entire venture." Fisto went after Tanya. "Let's not keep the Viceroy waiting!" He announced to the crew. Nahdar hissed under his breath, but followed his master all the same.
"Niner! Bell! Look after the ship!" The Clone Commander ordered.
Approaching the monstrous door, Fisto became cautious. So quiet was the surrounding area. An eerie calmness coasted the dense fog. Upon further study, Fisto fortified his guard.
"No guards. Very suspicious." He hummed.
"I don't even see a guard dog or bird." Tanya scanned.
"It appears heavily sealed." Nahdar assessed.
One of the clones tossed a grenade up and down, "We specialize at making entrances."
Nahdar drew his saber. "This will make less noise."
"Yes. Let's let whoever lives here know someone broke in!" Tanya scolded sarcastically, massaging her forehead. "That'll make our job SO much easier!" The clones cleared their throats embarrassingly. The grenades were returned to their holster.
"I thought I warned you not to get in the way!" Nahdar reprimanded.
"Forgive me if I don't want the Viceroy catching on to us." She replied, continuing to study the door.
"Then what do you suggest?" Nahdar dared her.
"It's a door, Vebb. A 43 foot, military grade," She lightly tapped the door, "Five foot thick DOOR!" She moved in. The radiating defiance agitated Nahdar. "LOOK FOR A DOOR KNOB!"
Nahdar smashed his nose to hers, "WHAT DOOR KNOB? Once again you are nothing but a hindrance! A non washable stain!"
A knife blade touched his neck. Nahdar froze. The four clones aimed other blasters. Nahdar's neck bounced the knife as he swallowed. His spiney fingers shook going toward his light saber. His fingers grapsed air. Tanya sniggered darkly. She waved his saber mockingly. Nahdar felt himself shrink. Tanya pressed her thumb to the body, pushing the blade length further to his skin. The pupil's narrowed tightly. The Adam's Apple throbbed, bending. "The virgin stare of he who never met death." She recited void of emotion. The knife broke the skin.
"ENOUGH!" Fisto ripped them apart. Tanya spat at the ground at his feet. Nahdar diverted his glare at a rock. "Tanya. Adding water to fuel is more wise than fire." Tanya sighed in defeat. Windu said that all the time. It meant, assuage the tension. "Nahdar!" Nahdar flinched. "Do not be so quick to dismiss advice. Remember what I taught you. A good leader can lead. But a great leader must know when to follow." Nahdar bit his lip. "That said," Fisto studied the door, "A second look usually pays off." Clearly there were no conventional doorknobs. Perhaps a trigger mechanism. Fisto glided over to the stone tiles neatly embedded in the wall. Out place yet innocuous to unfamiliar eyes. Grooves carved in the stones to the left and right of one caught his attention. "What's this?" He pressed the stone. Rather than the whole mound side part, smaller doors were opened by old style cranks. A dank, murky stench curdled Tanya's nose. A dark, ominous corridor lit by dim, buzzing lanterns flickered in and out of sight.
"Charming." Tanya purred. Fisto bowed.
The clones flicked on the flashlights of their helmets. Fluorescent, grey white, orbs uniformly woven in pipes stood out in the darkness. Deep set rust literal lay bled from the crevices. The pipes were coated in grown mold. A glazy, moist substance stuck to the Jedi and Clones boots as they made their way inside. Cracklings rotted the ceiling, weakening the shelter little by little.
"You said the Viceroy remodeled his old hideout." Fisto recalled a report Windu, Luminara, and Anakin submitted on what they discovered on Frii-Caah.
"New carpets, walls, years worth of food."
"All indications of a prolonged stay." Fisto ran two fingers over the grimy floor. He ground a liquid paste with his thumb. "Yet there are no signs he's even attempted to repeat his renovations."
"Perhaps he isn't planning to stay." Nahdar suggested.
"My thoughts exactly."
"You've done this before." Tanya chortled.
"You are not the only one with a unique past." He winked, sauntering bravely into the darkness.
"Ooh, my kitty curiosity is purring." Tanya skipped behind him, tail wagging and ears bouncing. Nahdar growled revoltingly trailing after her. The clones armed their blasters, covering the rear. Tanya rubbernecked, batting her pleading, mischievous gaze for answers. "Care to share." Her him echoed off the rusted walls.
Fisto chuckled charmingly, "At later time, perhaps. Right now I need you to focus." He stressed a brow. Tanya nodded and trained her senses. The stubby whiskers of her ears vibrated. Chills rolled down her neck, spreading to her shoulders, and sickening her stomach.
"Not that I doubt your wisdom, Master." Nahdar shoved past Tanya, creating a barricade between her and his master. Tanya shook her head, then proceeded to search. "Why are we relying solely on this Padawan's unrefined skill? We can locate the Viceroy easily by way of the beacon."
"Ah, but I did not say focus on the Viceroy, did I?"
"Then...what-"
"Tanya possesses a talent for sensing emotions and those connected to them. The Viceroy - or someone aiding him," Fisto hinted strongly, "She will be able to tell us."
"Hmph. Unlikely."
"Despair." Nahdar and Fisto turned to her. Eyes closed to the prying attention, Tanya waved her ears up and down. Hollow breaths of air tickled her ear. Hushed moans. An frightening veil draped to her shoulders. "Despair bleeds from the walls. Echoes through the corridors." She opened her eyes grimly, biting her lip, "Despair and sorrow built this structure. But other than that, there is nobody here."
"What do you mean nobody?" Fisto questioned doubtfully. He'd be lying if he stated he wasn't starting to believe Nahdar about her skills being unrefined.
"As I said," Nahdar grinned pompously in her face, "Unrefined and in the way."
Tanya plastered a hand to his face and moved him. He tripped. The wall knocked him in the side of the head. The clones winced. That had to have hurt. "Master, I swear to you, no one's here. Besides us. I can't explain the beacon, but I am confident about the vacancy." Tanya pleaded for the master to believe her. To trust her like he said he does. His lack of faith disturbed her.
"Hmm..." Fisto raised his head to the ceiling. He held high faith in Tanya. But there were some doubts. "I sense something is here. Tanya, did you know humanoid beings are not the only ones with emotion?" Tanya didn't understand.
"Scanners at negative, General." The Clone Commander, Fil, reported, agreeing with Tanya's earlier assessment.
RRRAAGGGHHH... A demonic shriek shook the hall. The Jedi and Clones closely herded together, facing all directions. "Well THAT was something!" Ross remarked.
"Then I stand corrected." Tanya grasped her saber. Where did that roar come from? In front? Below? Above? It was impossible to tell.
Fisto continued to lead the march. Whatever they just heard needed to be neglected. For the moment. The beacon the Viceroy carried was just around the next corner. A light cascaded the dark corridor. There was a room just up ahead. Taking care to avoid the light, Fisto and half the clone troupe stalked the shadows to the left. Nahdar, Tanya, and the rest of the clones took the right. They pressed their backs to the wall. Up a small flight of stairs, five battle droids surrounded a chair.
"All droids stay on guard!" The Viceroy's voice commanded beyond a chair. Finally, they found him. "Be ready for anything."
"Roger, roger." The droids responded.
Fisto nodded. Keeping to the walls as best as they could, the group stalked into the next small room. The walls did not indent enough to keep to the shadows. "Double shifts for everyone!"
"Uh, Viceroy." One of the droids tried to speak.
"You must protect me at all costs!"
"Uhh, Viceroy!" The droid beckoned more urgently. Fisto, Nahdar, and Tanya strolled in, smirking boldly. "The Jedi ARE HERE!"
"I know they're near." The Viceroy ignored the nervous growing Droid's plight. "Once those Jedi catch my trail they never leave me alone." The Jedi ignited their sabers.
"THEY'RE RIGHT BEHIND YOU!" A droid cowered behind its arm and blaster.
"WHAT?! WHERE?!" The Viceroy's voice cracked.
"Right here!" Fisto lifted a hand. The droids flew into the air. Scrawny legs and arms thrashing wildly. The droids whined desperately to be freed. The blasters hit the floor.
"NO! DO SOMETHING YOU FOOLS!"
"WE CAN'T!"
"A shame, that is!" Tanya licked her lips.
Fisto yanked the droids behind the Viceroy, slamming them hard. Tiny scraps of metal broke off. Nahdar and Tanya over eagerly charged. The droids barely managed to get to their feet. An orange saber pierced one back to chest and sliced up. Tanya smiled, twirled her saber and sliced the head of one more. Nahdar sliced his saber, running past one droid. Cutting another in half at the hip, the droid behind him fell to pieces. Saber burns melting the armor. He cut the very last droid right down the middle. When the droid collapsed, Nahdar used the force, weighing it unbearably upon the droid, and dismantled it further. Tanya blinked, mouth gaped in frightened awe.
"I did not forget to teach you restraint. Did I, my old Padawan?" Fisto scolded the young knight gently with a stern tone.
"I am sorry, master. I got...carried away." His remorse reminded Tanya how sorry she felt when she allowed her power to control her. It still does from time to time.
"Those who have power should restrain themselves from using it!" Nahdar bowed his head. Tanya curled her tail to her leg and drooped her ears, sinking under guilt.
"LIEUTENANT!" The Viceroy howled. "Did you get them?"
"No!" Nahdar raised a hand, "But we have you, Viceroy!" Nahdar forced the chair around. A hologram of Gunray occupied the chair. Fisto and Tanya staggered shockingly.
"YOU HAVE NOTHING, JEDI FOOLS!" Gunray laughed in their faces. "I WELCOME YOU TO YOUR DOOM!" The Hologram flicked off.
Tanya stamped her foot growling as she ripped at her hair. "Jkifat faoso ev jxak! Visbad jed ev u raksx!"
Nahdar was absolutely flabbergasted. "I'm not the only one getting carried away."
Tanya punched the wall, disregarding the sudden bursting blood vessels. "Timrujj ujjxeco! XO dootj ke rihd ad oawxk badtj ev Hell! YOW!"
Fiso yanked her ear. "Tanya, I am sure your master told you about your language." He scolded calmly, ignoring Tanya's whimpering.
"FILTERS! USE FILTERS!" Fisto released her. Tanya dropped to the fatal position, cradling the sore ear.
Nahdar picked up a chip sized component. "The tracking beacon. They knew we were coming."
"Forgive my doubt, Tanya." Fisto apologized. "I should have known Gunray was not here. At the first sight of us he would have run screaming like the coward he is!" Fisto's famous patience was wearing thinner than paper. Duped by Gunray. How insulting. Tanya wouldn't hold it against him. A master is not invulnerable to mistakes.
A communication began to patch through where Gunray was presumed to be sitting. The nauseating figure of Count Dooku took form in the projection.
"I hate today." Tanya announced aghast. "I honest and for truly HATE today!" She bared her fangs.
Dooku chuckled, adoring Tanya blatantly defiant insult. "That is one of your many attributes I favor, Tanya. You're honest." Tanya shuddered. She was going to throw up.
"Yet one more attribute you do not possess." Fisto hissed. "Only compensated by your knack for unexpected appearances."
"I apologize for the deception, Master Jedi. A true shame you came all this way to be frustrated." Sincerity oozed from the Count like venom from fangs. "However, since the Viceroy is unavailable for capture, allow me to offer you an 'alternative prize'." A menacing smirk crawled to his ear.
"We don't want your prizes, you decrepit old croon!" Tanya seethed his name. She's had enough surprises from him to last five lives. Fisto was surprised.
"Do not be so quick to dismiss me, Tanya. Have I disappointed you, yet?" He quizzed slyly. Tanya furrowed her brow with a growl. Nahdar became curious. The collective pixels dissipated, returning Dooku to his solitude on the opposite side of the rim. A red button on the chair blinked repeatedly, begging to be pressed.
"This has GOT to be a trap." Craig stressed.
"Of course it's a trap! Dooku's part of this mess!" Tanya howled.
Nahdar stroked the small tendril on his chin. "You and the Count seem very familiar. Old friends?"
Were Nahdar not born ignorant Tanya would take great pleasure in striking him for that insult. "HARDLY! The old croon is my stalker!" Nahdar blinked deadpanned. "So what do you think he meant by alternative prize?"
"It looks like Dooku is trying to catch someone. And we are the bait." Fisto proclaimed forebodingly.
"But who has the trap been set to catch?" Nahdar quizzed the mystery, enjoying the small twinge of excitement. "Shall we find out?" He reached over and pressed the button.
A door parted in the wall to the left, revealing another daunting hallway. As usual Fisto took the lead. Nahdar, Tanya, and the clones kept close to him. A sensation of impending doom gripped the Jedi. To blindly walk down a path revealed to them by Dooku invited their deaths. The alternative prize may not even be inside the bleak bastion. Not that they had any other choice. The way they came was barred during their chat with the Count. The only option was to stay on guard and proceed.
The corridor was pleasantly short. No traps, prying eyes, or secret boobytraps. Not that that lessened the paranoia. The corridor brought the troupe to another door. When it opened, a statue of a warrior - a sickle sword in hand, a severed head held in display in the other - startled them on entry. A Kaleesh. Bandages wound tightly to emaciated arms. Warriors garb, misconstrued as a desert bandits choice of attire, adorned the wastrel man. The Jedi and Clones proceeded onward, walking through another door. It was a type of sanctuary. This time two statues greeted them. The same Kaleesh, but with mechanical enhancements. One statue had mechanical arms pulling at a tube plunged in his chest. The other had the same arms, added with a mask.
"It appears to be some sort of shrine for that warrior." Fisto concluded.
"Urgh…" Tanya shivered, hugging her shoulders.
"What?" Nahdar worried.
"That despair…It's thick here." Tanya's knees quaked. Her voice rasped, " On top of that...the purest form of hatred just dropped on me."
"Purest form?"
"Self loathing."
The way she said that made Nahdar want to puke he was so frightened. "So whoever lives here hates himself?"
"So much…" She glanced in the direction of one of the statues, too terrified to look them in the face, "He ripped himself apart to become something else."
"You believe we're after this warrior." Fisto assumed gravely. Tanya grasped her head. A powerful migraine stunned her momentarily. She shook it off, giving Fisto cause to press on. "Let's continue. We must locate an exit."
Fisto found a third door. Nahdar clenched his fins to fists, preparing himself for whatever horror awaited. Tanya forced herself to follow. Thinking what lied beyond that door she stopped suddenly. Lance bumped into her. Tanya apologized, but that dor terrified her. When Fisto opened that door, Tanya was not the only one tempted to scream in abject horror.
Mechanical legs dangling like lifeless windchimes. Steel plated torsos uniformly aligned. Two pronged arms con joined. Then a mask...shaped to a face which plagued the minds of every Jedi unfortunate enough to meet him on the battle field. The face of a monster famous for his massacre of Jedi and all who get in his way.
"This is the Lair of General Grievous!" Fisto panicked.
Tanya collapsed to her knees. Her eyes were wide, jaw shaking as her breath hitched in her throat. Every nerve went numb. the last speck of hair stood on end. Her chest and stomach constricted. The blank sockets of the mask just gazing at her. The General's disgust gold eyes taunting her. Tanya brought her fists up, took a deep breath, and roared as loud as she could, "I-HATE-TODAY!"
To be continued