Disclaimer – all original Star Wars characters in this fanfic (excluding my OC's) are the property of Lucasfilm and Disney.
Chapter 24 "Field Test."
Unknown Regions, The Orbit of Planet Lehon, Star Forge, Droid Factory.
The four ArchKnights were called to the Star Forge so that the Gree and the Rakata could present them their inventions. While Deiven, Dooku, Zai'shira, and Avelon stood before a large door, a female Rakata scientist approached them. "Greetings, ArchKnights," she spoke in basic and bowed her head. "I've asked you here to show you the results of our research."
"It's a good thing we told Cem'lul to teach his people the basic," Zai'shira leaned and whispered to Deiven.
"Heh, yeah," Deiven whispered back. "I didn't want to guess over and over what they were saying to me."
When the large doors opened, twenty tall figures clad in full white armors with attached white capes, marched in a battle formation towards the ArchKnights. All of them had rectangular, blue-colored, transparent shields in their left hands, and long reddish swords in their right hands. Their faces were covered by elegant, fully enclosed armets equipped with yellow-violet plumes.
"Allow me to present, Sentinels," the Rakata announced. "Force-powered battle droids ready to carry out the commands of the Kingdom of the Force."
Dooku stroked his beard and took a good look at them. "They look majestically," he noted. "But what about their fighting capabilities and equipment?"
"Their swords are made of phrik like you suggested, so their weapons are resistant to lightsaber strikes," replied the Rakata. "They have built-in comlinks so they can receive orders without any issues. What's more, every one of them shares its 'mind' with the others, so they don't need to communicate verbally with each other, but all of them are capable of speech. If one thing happens to one of them, the others know it immediately. Their armors are made of durasteel, and their shields are capable of absorbing a lot of damage before shorting out. Overall, the Sentinels can take a decent amount of punishment, but they aren't stupid and will fight smartly. We programmed them with the knowledge of lightsaber combat, so they're fully capable of fighting Jedi and Sith. And since they're powered by the Force, standard means of disabling droids won't work against them. If one of them is severely damaged, it can self-detonate if needed."
"Can they only fight in close range?" Avelon asked.
"Yes," the Rakata nodded. "Their swords are their only weapon, but if they lose it, they can easily wield a different melee weapon if they find it."
"They'll do nicely," Dooku stated.
"I'm glad you find them acceptable," said the Rakata. "Oh, we also found the schematics of an old droid from the ancient Star Forge database, we rebuild it with current Rakata and Gree technology. The resulted droid was very efficient but hard to control."
"What do you mean?" Zai'shira asked.
A sudden volley of blaster shots, which came from the same room as the Sentinels, followed up by a mechanical voice, drew everyone's attention. "Irittated statement: I won't wait any longer! Declarative statement: I'm not that patient."
A black-plated droid with blue-colored photoreceptors passed the Sentinels and approached the ArchKnights, bowing its head. "Salutation: Greetings, ArchKnights. I am HK-X8, an assassin droid of the Kingdom of the Force. Excited statement: I'm so happy to be here!" The droid held a blaster rifle in his hands and had two pistols attached to his hips.
The Rakata sighed and spoke. "Yes, this is HK assassin droid, model X8. The only one with the old personality matrix, unlike the others. We build seven more after we built him, but he destroyed them all. Ehhh, such a waste of resources."
"Strong objection: I refuse to be copied! There can be only on HK model in the galaxy!"
"He has a rather unique personality," noted Zai'shira.
"I like him!" Deiven said with a smile. "Normal droids are so formal and boring. At least he speaks his mind, and he's funny."
"Grateful response: I appreciate you find me to your liking, young Master."
"Young Master?" Deiven arched his ginger eyebrows and looked at the Rakata questionably.
"Since HK is an assassin droid, we programmed him to take orders solely from the ArchKnights," explained the Rakata. "And naturally, HK will never attack a member of the Kingdom of the Force."
"Oh, I see," Deiven nodded. "What can he do?"
"HK-X8 is a technological marvel, created by the combined minds of the Rakata and the Gree species," the Rakata replied while HK straightened up and raised its head proudly. "He exceeds all previous models build many years ago in every possible category, and he knows that. His body is made entirely from phrik, which makes him completely resistant to lightsabers."
"Wait, if the other seven models were also built from phrik, how did he destroy them?" Dooku asked.
"Response: I precise shot through the photoreceptors with a dart that exploded inside their heads did the trick, Master."
"Which brings us to his weapons and equipment," the Rakata continued. "He's able to become completely invisible thanks to personal cloaking device to eliminate targets from the shadows. A built-in hologram projector allows him to disguise himself as any other humanoid droid model known to the galaxy, and since he's able to alter his vocabulator to match the droid's voice, it's almost impossible to see through the ruse. His photoreceptors posses motion and heat sensors, which will allow him to find any target regardless of its stealth abilities, and also are equipped with a high-midichlorian detector. That makes him the natural enemy of any Force-sensitive being in the galaxy. He's capable of impressive speeds, but if he needs to get to a high position or overcome a larger gap, he'll use his rocket propulsion systems incorporated into his calves. He's equipped with a custom-made blaster rifle of our design with a barrel that can extend and change into a sniper rifle for very long-distance combat; a pair of GL-77 blaster pistols; and a retractable wrist blade made from cortosis against lightsaber-wielding enemies. His arms are equipped with dart shooters, mini rocket launchers, flame throwers, and grappling hooks."
"Impressive," Dooku stated.
"He also has a special feature, which can only be activated by an ArchKnight," the female Rakata added. "After saying a specific code, that is heard by HK, his powering system will change from standard to Force-powered one. From that moment, HK will have a Force-signature. His processors will go into overdrive, and his every move and reaction will much faster."
"So it's a Force-powered boost," summarised Zai'shira, and the Rakata nodded. "Exactly."
"Let's test him and the Sentinels," Deiven suddenly proposed. "It will be much better for us to see their skills in action before using them in the war. We could make a move against a crime syndicate."
"Isn't the Kingdom suppose to be a secret?" Avelon asked.
"I mean, we won't attack neither Jedi nor Sith," Deiven pointed out. "We'll use a ship to secretly transport the troops, test them, and then return here without any trails. I'm sure the news would reach Coruscant fairly quickly, and the Jedi Order would surely want to learn more about us, but they won't know from where did we came from."
"Hmmm... I mean, testing the troops would be a good idea, but where would send them?" Dooku asked. "And most importantly, do we have a ship that could pull this off? Unless we use the ship of the Gree."
"Speaking of ships..." the Rakata chimed in and gained the attention of the ArchKnights "...while the warships are still being built, we managed to finish one ship that can be used for this situation."
Unknown Regions, The Orbit of Planet Lehon, Star Forge, Hangar 2E.
The Rakata took the ArchKnights to one of the hangars, where she wanted to show them the new aircraft build for stealth operations. Every hangar in the Star Forge, which opened onto the vacuum of space, was sealed by a blue magnetic shield and had emergency airlock in case the shield failed. When they all entered the hangar, the ArchKnights spotted a silver-colored airship.
"This is the Silent Shadow," the Rakata announced. "A prototype covert operations craft, designed for special missions and diplomatic visits, not very good at the front lines, but perfect for recons and hit and run tactics. Eighty meters long, over ninety meters wide and almost twenty meters height/depth, places it just under corvette-class starships in terms of size. It's entirely powered by the Force, and only Force-users are able to launch it and fly it. Its sleek appearance is designed to pass for a civilian luxury shuttle, despite its array of hidden components. Its bridge is shielded by the forward armor plating and equipped with advanced, precision flight instruments. Its main feature is an advanced stealth field, which makes the Silent Shadow completely invisible to the naked eye and every known scanner. It uses the same Force-concealing technology we used on Lehon, so the ship and all Force-sensitives on board are undetectable by all except those who follow the four aspects of the Force."
"Huh, a luxury stealth ship?" Avelon arched his black eyebrow.
"Yes," the Rakata confirmed. "Its interior features custom wood paneling and cushioned seating. Within the Silent Shadow is a luxurious central lounge with a gaming table and recessed food coolers, as well as a long-range communications holoterminal. Attached to the lounge is a medical bay, behind which was a spacious cargo bay. The Silent Shadow also has a conference room, intended for both briefings and entertainment of potential intelligence sources."
"Can we fit twenty Sentinels along with HK aboard?" Deiven asked.
"Yes," the Rakata nodded. "Despite its size and intended use, its a spacious craft."
"So, where are we planning to fly with our troops?" Dooku asked.
Zai'shira thought for a moment. "Maybe we should head to Kessel," she proposed. "The Pyke Syndicate rules the spice mining, so if we try to destroy their main source of income and free the slaves, they'll be sure to send everything they had against us."
"Okay, how do we start?" Deiven asked.
The next day – Planet Kessel, The Palace of King Yaruba.
Using the Silent Shadow, the four ArchKnights flew to planet Kessel and hovered the ship above the majestic palace without anyone knowing thanks to its stealth field. HK and Zai'shira, who used the personal cloaking device and the Force Cloak, jumped down from the lowered ramp and landed on the balcony of the highest tower. Through the glass, the Togruta spotted the King and his family, who ate at an oblong dinner table, and servants. One guard armed with a long serrated spear stood at each corner of the room for protection.
Zai'shira used the Force and slightly opened the balcony. The guards quickly noticed that. One of them approached the door and thought it wasn't closed properly, and the wind opened it, but he was quickly proved wrong. Zai'shira used the Force to blast the door open, the guard was hit and sent flying on the dinner table.
"Who dares?!" the King demanded and stood up from his seat. He was a human male in his later forties clad in expensive robes. He had blonde hair, blue-colored eyes, and fair skin.
Zai'shira dropped the Force Cloak and entered the room just like HK, who immediately reached for his blaster pistols. Before the three remaining guards could even reach them, the assassin droid fired three times and scored three headshots. The servants screamed as well as the two females, which sat at the table. Zai'shira presumed it was his wife and daughter since both wore high-quality clothes.
Dooku, Avelon, and Deiven jumped down on the balcony as well. All four ArchKnights had their faces covered underneath the hoods, so one would recognize them.
"Who are you?! Do you know who I am?!" King Yaruba demanded, but he quickly silenced when Zai'shira grabbed his throat with the Force and lifted him up.
"We are fully aware who you are, King Yaruba," Zai'shira replied. "You're a ruler of Kessel, who's fully aware that slaves are being worked to death in your spice mines. You also know that the mineral is transformed into a drug and used in criminal operations by groups such as the Pyke Syndicate."
"We're here to put an end to it all," Avelon added as Zai'shira dropped the King, who began to cough and catch his breath. "You... can't... the Republic..."
"Oh, we can," Dooku assured. "And the Republic won't help you. What do you even want to tell the Galactic Senate? That you want help against a mysterious group, which freed the people that worked as slaves in your mines? Slavery is illegal."
A group of guards, who heard the commotion, ran towards the room, but Avelon closed the door with the Force. The guards tried to break the door down but to no avail.
"We'll head to your mines to free the slaves," the Togruta stated. "Buy some droids if you want to keep supplying your buyers. Or not, that's not our problem."
Avelon stooped holding the door with the Force, but when the guards opened it and tried to rush inside, Dooku, Avelon, and Deiven used a Force push against them. All the guards were literally blown away along with the door, and knocked unconscious. "If we learn that you're still mining spice with slaves, we'll be back to kill you," Zai'shira threatened, leaving the King and all other speechless.
All four ArchKnights turned around and left the room through the balcony. The Force users jumped up towards the ramp with the help of the Force while HK used his rocket propulsion systems.
Half an hour later – Planet Kessel, Spice Mining Zone.
The Silent Shadow circled around the mining zone as the ArchKnights, and the troops aboard waited for the Pykes to arrive. "Are you sure they'll come?" Deiven asked uncertainly and impatiently.
"Yep," Zai'shira answered. "The King has no choice if he wants to protect his income. The Pykes will come and in numbers, if the King mentioned that we have the Force."
"By the way, you spoke to the Sentinels, and you instructed them to do something," Avelon said, looking a the young Firrerreo. "Care to tell what if was?"
Deiven grinned. "A surprise!" he replied excitedly. "It will make a large impact on everyone!"
Avelon arched his eyebrows and chuckled. Zai'shira suddenly noticed something in the distance. "They're here!" she pointed at five Sarisa-class gunships that flew towards them. Zai'shira steered the Silent Shadow towards one of the mine pits and activated the stealth field.
Since the Pykes weren't able to find them, they landed their gunships at the landing platforms near the mining pit where they last saw the silver-colored ship. At least forty armed Pykes left their gunships and began to look for them on foot. They descended into the mining pit and searched there.
Zai'shira actually landed the Silent Shadow at the bottom of the pit, and the ArchKnights waited for them there. They lowered the boarding ramp, and the Sentinels began to march out. The slaves, who worked at the mining pit, noticed them, and so did the Pykes. However, everyone around soon heard that the figures, who looked like majestic Knights, began to chant loudly and head straight towards the Pykes.
The dusk of the galaxy comes without the balance,
the wheel of time mercilessly turns.
But then we heard it, a divine voice of our creator,
it spoke to us and showed the proper way.
Almighty Force, we have answered your call,
show us the balance, creator of all.
If you open your mind, you may join us today,
believe in the Force, and it will show you the way.
"You told them to sing?" Avelon looked at Deiven, who nodded and replied. "Since we're already testing the troops and the Republic will know about us, we could send them a proper message. Too bad, we can't make their voices louder."
Zai'shira chuckled. "Heh, well, that will definitely will make an impact," she said. "The slaves will spread the news quickly, and the Republic will learn about the Kingdom of the Force. But luckily for us, they won't know where to look."
The wheels of time kept turning, millennia passed,
without the balance in the whole galaxy.
But then it happened, the Force grew tired of waiting,
and the time was ripe for our move.
Once we were loners, but that's long ago,
now we are members of the Kingdom of the Force.
The time of Jedi and Sith have passed,
the galaxy will be in balance for eternity at last.
The Pykes fired at the Sentinels from the blaster pistols, but their shield absorbed everything, and they marched onward, completely unfazed. It was clear that the Pykes weren't capable of defeating the Sentinels with range weapons of that caliber. The slaves scattered in panic, not wanting to remain between the Pykes and the Sentinels, who broke the formation and dashed forward.
As the Pykes tried to back away, HK suddenly appeared behind them, deactivating his cloaking device, and fired at them with his blaster rifle. The Pykes were attacked from both sides, and their numbers were quickly reduced. When the Sentinels reached the Pykes, they began to mercilessly cut them down. Since their weapons were not energy-based, like lightsabers, blood began to cover the ground along with the cut-off limbs. The Pykes screamed in pain, and some begged for mercy, but their opponents showed none, especially HK, who enjoyed the fight and killing.
"It's clear that blaster-wielding enemies are no match for the Sentinels," Avelon stated. "Too bad there, no Sith or Jedi around."
"Their working just fine," Deiven added. "And HK is having a blast."
When the last Pyke was dead, a grave silence filled the mining pit, the Sentinels and HK turned around and headed back to Silent Shadow while the four ArchKnights left to speak with the slaves, who were shocked at what they just witnessed. The members of the Pyke Syndicate were literally slaughtered by the mysterious group and the droid.
"You're all free people now!" Zai'shira exclaimed. "You can use the ships of the Pykes and fly to either the Republic or your home planets, it's your choice!"
The slaves looked at the four hooded figures dumbfounded. Some looked at the dead Pykes and began to believe what happened. They began to drop the shovels and backpacks with spice. Slowly, they all began to cheer and ran towards the lifts with newfound energy. The dockworkers and the slave overseers were powerless to stop such many slaves at once and were quickly knocked out.
The slaves began to revolt and take over. The ArchKnights were aware that they'll manage to leave Kessel before the Pykes are able to send more men to the planet. The field test went smoothly, and they even managed to free innocent people. They could return to Lehon satisfied.
A few hours later – Coruscant, Republic Executive Building, Supreme Chancellor's Office.
"You wanted to see us, Chancellor," said Master Windu as he entered the office along with Master Yoda.
"Yes, please have a seat," replied Chancellor Palpatine, gesturing towards the seat in front of his desk. When the Jedi Masters sat down, the older human spoke. "Three ships that belonged to the Pyke Syndicate arrived at our spaceport. However, instead of the Pykes, the security found slaves... well, former slaves from the mines of planet Kessel. All the people that were forced to work on Kessel are now free once again. They were freed by a mysterious group that killed the Pykes that tried to stop them."
"That's... good news," Master Windu noted.
"Yes, but I don't know if that group has completely good intentions if it comes to the Republic," Chancellor Palpatine replied tentatively. As a Sith Lord, Palpatine was worried that such a group existed. They could become a nuisance, especially if they wanted to join the Jedi Order. "From what the freed people told the security, their 'troops' looked like armored Knights, and they sang about the Force and the balance. One of the people remembered that they used the name during the song: the Kingdom of the Force. Another one remembered two verses of that song. The time of Jedi and Sith have passed, the galaxy will be in balance for eternity at last."
Master Windu and Master Yoda looked at each other confused. It was the first time they heard about such a group, not to mention it was a group interested in the Force and the balance. "Do you know what that could mean?" Palpatine asked. "I think Force related stuff is your field of expertise."
"We could speculate all we want, but only that group knows the meaning of those words," Master Windu replied. "Is there a way to contact them?"
"I'm afraid no," Palpatine shook his head. "They left without giving the people any useful information. I even contacted King Yaruba to ask him about them, but he didn't answer my calls."
"Hmmm... complicated situation, this is," noted Yoda. "Evil, they seem not. Yet mysterious, they are."
"The Pykes used the spice for drugs, but since the Republic was also receiving shipment from time to time in order to use it for medicine, the Galactic Senate always turned a blind eye," Mace Windu pointed out, crossing his arms over his chest, and leaned back. "However, many seemed to forget that slavery is illegal under one of the Galactic Constitution's best-known clauses, the Right of Sentience."
"That clause only has power in the Republic controlled worlds," replied Palpatine. "Planet Kessel lies outside the Republic territories. We have no authority there. I would say that the Pyke Syndicate controls the planet Kessel even more than the King Yaruba."
"Well, the King has no more slaves, so I would say that's one less problem to deal with," Master Windu stated. "Then again, that group could become a problem or maybe an ally only time will tell. If they're freeing slaves without even expecting something in return, I say we let them as long as they don't intend to butcher every slave owner. Since we can't contact them, the only thing we can do now is to wait for their next move until they decide to contact the Republic or the Jedi Order."
"Hmmm..." Palpatine nodded. "...I understand. Thank you for your help."
When both Jedi Masters left the Chancellors office, Palpatine leaned back on his chair and thought for a moment. While he wanted to send Darth Vundus to find that group and deal with them, he knew that there was no way to find them right now, and his apprentice had more important things to do. Darth Sidious needed to wait. Maybe the situation would resolve itself. When that group would make a move against the Republic, the Jedi would deal with them for him.
Please R&R ;)