Chapter 13

Separatist Refining Facility, Mustafar, the Mustafar System

"Megalon failed to distract the Titans," Dooku said angrily, seemingly talking to no one in particular.

"We will admit," a deep, gravelly voice said from inside his mind, "it was a mistake to send the Titan of Cowardice to distract the Titans."

"However," another voice said, this one cold and calculating, "it still paid off, in the end. Another Titan has been incarnated, a Titan of Usurpation. This will be be a most valuable addition for our next move."

"And that is?" Dooku asked.

"An attack," yet another voice said, dripping with bloodthirst. "An invasion, actually, of the most valuable planet you have ever had in your possession."

"However, it was taken from you," the gravelly voice added. "Stolen by not one, not two, but four Jedi scum. With this planet's history, not only will this invasion put these Jedi to shame..."

"It will be so humiliating to the Republic when we succeed," the cold voice finished.

The Count stroked his beard, considering the proposition that the voices had. He grinned at the thought of the Republic being shaken with pro-Separatist riots.

"What is the planet's name?" he asked.

Suddenly, in front of him, a pair of yellow eyes materialized, radiating pure evil and sheer fearlessness. Another pair appeared to the first pair's left, these ones bearing the expression of sociopathic calculation. Yet another pair appeared to their right, bearing the look of eagerness to join the battle.

The eyes glowed with a brilliance akin to a star's as they spoke.

"Ryloth."


Jedi Council Chambers, the Jedi Temple, Coruscant, the Coruscant System

"We agree," Master Windu said. "We sensed Skywalker's anger at Master Tiri's verdict, and his subsequent rage upon learning of Tiri's immunity."

"With this knowledge, we have decided to remove Tiri from Skywalker's responsibility," Master Fisto added.

"Thank you, Masters," Kenobi said, bowing in gratitude. "But who will take responsibility of Tiri now?"

"I will," Windu answered. "I have had many favorable encounters with Master Tiri. He will not be alone in his exploits."

"Very good."

A loud beeping was heard, the pattern and intensity telling the Council that it was an emergency. Yoda used the Force to activate the holoprojector. The hologram showed the figure of clone trooper Waxer.

"What is the emergency, Captain Waxer?" Kenobi asked.

"Master Kenobi!" the trooper replied. "The Separatists are entering the atmosphere! They are trying to invade Ryloth again!"

"Oh, dear," Kenobi exclaimed. "How big is the invasion force?"

"Enormous!" Waxer responded. "The Conqueror is with them!"

A loud booming sound was heard when he finished speaking, followed by vicious, animalistic screaming.

"Captain," Windu said, "what is happening?"

"A giant monster just erupted from the ground!" he yelled. "It's like a bird, but with blade arms and a visor for an eye!"

The Jedi Masters all shared looks of concern and realization.

"Hold tight, Waxer," Kenobi commanded. "We'll be there before too long."

The hologram faded, leaving the Council alone once again.

"It's Gigan," Fisto said. "The Separatists have found a way to speak with the Titans."

"A problem, this is," Yoda added. "Master Tiri's assistance, we require."

"Master Tiri?" Windu called, activating the holo-communicator. "We need to speak. It's an emergency."

The hologram showed the form of Tiri, sitting in a pilot's seat, with Ahsoka Tano standing behind him.

"Tano?" Fisto was confused, like the other Masters. "What are you doing?"

"We are going to Kelor," she replied. "Sorry for not requesting permission beforehand, but there is an issue that needs to be addressed."

"Ahsoka," Kenobi chided, "you better not be going rogue."

"No, Master Kenobi. We believe that Mothra has chosen me to be her champion."

"Champion?" Windu asked. "I don't understand."

"There is a prophecy on Kelor," Tiri explained. "A prophecy that Mothra will choose an underling as her champion. Ahsoka has a tattoo on her cheek, one she never had done."

The Council was silent for a bit, sharing looks that told each other their opinions. Eventually, Master Windu spoke.

"Very well," he said. "We will allow you to go to Kelor. However, we advise against making such rash decisions in the future."

"Understood, Master Windu," Tano replied, before fading into nothingness.

"A prophecy?" Kenobi wondered aloud. "I hope it doesn't interfere with current matters."