Chapter 55: A Little Light-side Gardening

A/N: It's been a while, my lovely readers. There were some behind the scenes issues that are too much to "'splain" and also too much to "sum up." Thank you for returning. We need to finish this story. Also, I was kind of happy/sad to see that I wasn't the only one with some cool Force ideas cough Force-Dyad cough. Let us continue, shall we? Also, also, want to talk about any of the Star Wars stuff that we've been bombarded with in the last two years? Shoot me a line. (Warning, I liked the idea of Reylo. It gave me romantic space battle wizard tinglies. And I don't hate any of the new movies/shows.)

Songs in order of appearance: Domination ~ Converter, Where is the Edge ~ Within Temptation

"It's good to know Armageddon Battalion is being utilized," I remarked to Vette as we left the facility after Shadow. We had our coordinates and weren't going to waste any time on our task. The less time I had to let my mind wander, the less I could think about... well, you know.

"It is kinda nice, isn't it? Knowing that some of the things we've done are making a difference," she agreed. "It looks like this bunker isn't too far away. A location called Monarch's Green, which is just a few klicks northwest in Axial Park."

We headed in the direction the datapad showed us, reactivating our stealth fields as we carefully made our way through the small skirmishes that dotted the battle-torn area. I really wished we could have used our speeders, but the modified stealth field generators had too limited a range to accommodate a vehicle. When we reached the area called Monarch's Green, Vette tapped me to let me know she needed to pause. We tucked ourselves into a small alcove and uncloaked.

"Do we have a plan to take on these Jedi?" She asked, a bit apprehensive. "I mean, this is a bunker for their special forces. We might run into a whole gaggle of Force-users... or Havoc Squad."

I smiled and shrugged. "We do what we always do - trust each other, and do a hell of a job improvising on the fly. Besides, if Havoc shows up, we may have an ally embedded."

Vette shook her head and smiled slyly. "Alright, most pragmatic of Sith. We use the stealth fields until your dark side leaks all over the Jedi and tips them off?"

"Damn right," I said, hitting the button to stealth again.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my genius best gal-pal and her lovely inventions? Because I do. We managed to get through most of the complex without an occupant batting an eye. All the way to the lift and onto the third floor.

We turned the corner, stepping down into a large communications room. It was brightly lit, with light gray metallic walls. A single female Jedi stood with her back to us at the large planning table in the center. We moved down the stairs silently. We were nearly upon her.

A male, baritone voice rang out from behind and to our left. "Your invasion ends here, Sith. You are completely outnumbered."

I glanced to Vette, sighing, then to the person speaking while deactivating our shields. Strangely, the Jedi that was ahead of us had spun, concern clear on her face that doubled when we appeared suddenly in front of her.

"That was a pretty good run," Vette whispered. "I'm proud."

The speaker's skin was dark, like freshly turned earth. His black hair was closed cropped at the sides, but long enough on top to hint at a natural waviness. Republic troopers and another male Jedi formed a semi-circle at our backs. His lightsaber blade was yellow.

"I'm impressed," I said. "What tipped you off?"

He looked amused. "The lift. One of our people reported a strange "malfunction" a few minutes ago. This place is boring enough, so far from the front-line, that we decided to look into it. Once I got on the same level as you, I could feel your…wrongness."

"Ah," I said, noncommittally. "Darth Baras' spy, identify yourself so you don't die with these Jedi," I intoned.

"Are you suggesting that one of us is an Imperial?" The dark male Jedi asked, incredulity in his voice. "A pathetic trick."

The male Miraluka Jedi he brought along pointed his blue light saber at us. "She's in over her head and makes a desperate play to destabilize us." He had light skin and dirty blonde hair. The mask protecting his eyes looked to be made from some soft lightly tanned leather.

"Be reasonable, Sith. You can't take us all," the dark Jedi said.

Vette snorted softly at that.

"Final warning, my fellow Sith," I said patiently. I glanced around at each person, meeting each stare levelly. "Step forward, or die with these prattling nuisances." I ended at the Jedi at the table.

"Hold," the female Jedi said softly. "I must speak."

I looked to the woman. She was human, light skinned, of middling age, with small laugh lines at the corners of her eyes and mouth. Her brown hair was nearly chestnut, done in a loose double bun on the sides of her head. Her fringe nearly reached her olive-green eyes. She wore a battle outfit. Light brown tunic and pants, dark brown armor; a gold vest and boots completed her ensemble. Vette shifted herself to watch the side I could not see.

"You're becoming a legend among us, my friend." She nodded her head slightly, as if in deference. "I am thankful you've given me a chance to save myself."

"Master Injaye?" The dark Jedi asked, slight alarm in his voice. "You?"

"All these years," Master Injaye said as she stepped forward to stand beside me and Vette, "right under your nose." She sounded smug, her vocal inflections changing. "I was to lead you to your deaths today. Instead, I'll watch my new friend destroy you. I know some of her reputation. This will be entertaining."

I turned slowly around, facing the Republic troopers and Jedi. I reached for my lightsaber hilts, then spun back around, igniting my blades and placing them at a held scissor strike to Injaye's neck. "You're the one I'm here to destroy."

She started slightly, eyes wide in surprise. I heard the Jedi bring up their own lightsabers in alarmist reaction. Vette tensed, but held her ground, blasters still held toward the floor.

"Your work for Baras is over, Injaye. I think I'm going to let these Jedi take you into custody."

Injaye's eyes widened even further. Her mouth set into a grim line. "What? Don't be a fool," she said, tense.

"The tides have turned, Injaye," the Miraluka Jedi said.

"We were on a suicide mission," the dark-skinned Jedi stated, powering off his lightsaber and placing it back on his belt. He raised his left hand and made a forward motion. The troopers and the other Jedi moved to surround Injaye, blasters and rifles held at the ready. "We'd be walking to our deaths if not for you."

I disengaged my lightsabers, turning back to the Jedi behind me. "Glad I could help? I suppose you can proceed with your work. Without Baras' spy, there is no danger."

"Ah, I see," the Jedi said, nodding.

"So, we're proceeding as planned, Master Rubaten?" the Miraluka asked. I could see Injaye grinding her teeth, grimacing.

"That's right, you're up once we've secured our new prisoner. Your mission awaits." He turned his attention back to myself and Vette. He nodded respectfully. "You are a great asset to us. Be well, friend."

I nodded, walking past him. "Don't be too sure of that," I whispered softly. Nodding to Vette, we headed up the stairs, back down the hallway toward the lifts. Once inside, we reactivated our stealth shields and proceeded to leave the same way we came in, mostly undetected.

###

We ran along, backtracking to the same alcove as before, uncloaking so we could make our call to Shadow. I pressed the button and his slim form appeared over my palm.

"My lord, Armageddon Battalion is already on their way to secure the bunker, they will be there in a few minutes. However, there's been an attack on Darth Vowrawn and your crew on the Wild Hunt. They said to patch you through as soon as you called. Doing so now."

His form flickered out, replaced by Pierce's largeness. "Apologies m'lord. The attack was sudden. Unknown assailant, very powerful. On the run now. Taking Vowrawn to a safe house in the Imperial Legislature. He wants you to meet us there."

"Tell me the attacker has been killed," I prompted.

"Way out of our league, my lord. Even with Jaesa and…Quinn. They're probably the only reason we got out in one piece. Almost to the safe house. Signing off now." His form faded.

Our datapads made a small "update" noise simultaneously and we got our coordinates.

"Government District, Capitol Square," Vette said as she looked at the data. "Not too far."

"Let's get our speeders and head that way. I'm overly curious about this powerful opponent."

###

We found our way to the new safe house, passing an impressive battalion of Imperial troops strategically placed within and without. We were nodded in at various checkpoints, finally making our way to the back and Vowrawn's current hidey-hole. This room was being defended by some of the high council guard in their red armor.

"Ah! You made it," Vowrawn greeted us, standing from the chair he had been using. "This is heating up, isn't it?" He chuckled softly. "Baras has taken off the sparring gloves. This assassin was the most lethal to date."

I saw my crew standing off to the side, alongside another group of battle-worn troops. I recognized the spec ops badge on their armor and smiled to myself. The room had been a conference room at one point, now it was lined with various stacks of crates, cartons, and sacks of supplies.

"Please, don't leave anything out," I requested, gesturing him to sit. I waited for him before I took my own chair. "I want to know how it went down."

Vette put her hand on my shoulder, squeezed softly and wandered over to mingle with the others.

"The attack was sudden and vicious," he said in a matter-of-fact tone.

I nodded, "I am sorry I wasn't there to protect you."

He smiled. "As it stands, I was in good hands. There was no panic, no confusion. To a man, your people stared into the face of death and did not flinch." His voice held sincere pride. "They successfully neutralized Baras' agents. Captain Quinn," he spoke Quinn's name a little louder, raising his hand and calling him over, "must be commended. He took on the assailant with no mortal concern."

Quinn stood beside Darth Vowrawn, at attention. "I'm making up for a past indiscretion," he said quietly, looking directly at me. "My commitment to my Lord is unassailable now."

My heart had started to beat a little faster when he had singled out Malavai, a warm tingling starting in my chest. I did my best to keep my face as neutral as possible, pressing my tongue to the roof of my mouth and keeping my teeth together. I breathed out audibly, frowning. "While your actions are exemplary. I won't exonerate you so easily, Captain."

He nodded, the smallest of grimaces down turned his mouth, "I do not blame you, my Lord."

"Ah, you ride your people hard," Vowrawn said, dismissing Quinn. "I can't argue with the results. The endgame is upon us. We must both go on the offensive."

"Until the threat against you is over, we must all be cautious," I counseled.

"Waiting for another attack is suicide," Vowrawn countered. "The last move here on Corellia will take all of us. In a secret lair on this planet, Baras has bound and indentured an ancient Sith spirit. He feeds off this spirit's power, stealing all her visions of the future. Everything he has built has come from her insights."

"Why haven't you acted on this before now?" I was intrigued. Force prophecy was not a common ability.

Vowrawn shook his head. "You don't think I've tried? It is the true reason I am warring here. Baras' defenses have repelled my ever attempt. Only you have the power to break into his lair."

I stared at him, incredulity making my eyebrows raise.

"And only I know the ritual that unlocks the spirit's bonds. Deliver me to her and we will strike the ultimate blow and cripple Baras from within."

"I'm not sure about this, but I'm intrigued," I reluctantly admitted.

"Ah! I like you. You're open-minded and spontaneous, like me. It's what makes the game so exhilarating," Vowrawn said with considerable glee. "If we achieve this, I will walk you into the Dark Council chamber myself. Here. Coordinates. Lead the way. And please be sure that pesky assassin isn't waiting. I will come when you signal."

He removed a small datapad from his belt and offered it to me. I took it, transferred the information to my own and returned his.

"All right. Let's go wake the dead," I said.