Chapter 7: Battle of Kamino
Braga stood in the center of Salvation with his arms crossed watching the production of the modified droid army he was building. Over the months, Braga as well as Nightfall squad had been going in and out of the Outer Rim to claim more Lucrehulk Carriers and Battleships to add to his numbers. Every time they successfully claimed a new Lucrehulk, Braga would move Salvation to a new location on the Outer Rim along with his fleet. Now numbering to five Purgatory Carriers and five Limbo Battleships, Braga was growing concerned about their base constantly moving even with the fully established Zero Omega online and manufacturing sentinels.
"Brother Braga. We will have to seek a planet of our own in the future...and with how our fleet is growing...we will have to find one soon," Zero informed earning a nod from the Forerunner.
Braga's communication for the Jedi beeped gaining the forerunner's attention as he turned to face it completely. Zero faded away while the communication went through revealing Obi-wan, Anakin, Ashoka, and Jedi Master Shaak Ti.
"So this is the Jedi Council's ally Braga of Silence and Power," Shaak Ti commented.
Braga looked at the new Jedi then glanced at Obi-wan.
"I am Jedi Master Shaak Ti," She introduced while bowing her head slightly.
Braga looked at this and unfolded his arms to bow back in respect.
"I am Braga of Silence and Power. If your contacting me then there must be something of need," Braga asked looking back to Obi-wan.
"We have gained intel that there is a coming attack to Kamino. The home world of our troops," Obi-wan answered.
"Just to be safe, we want you to help us in defending it," Shaak Ti added in which Braga closed his eyes in deep thought before eventually nodding his head after a few seconds of silence.
"I am but one. If you wish for me to partake in this defense then I will do what I can," Braga said while opening his eyes. "Send me the coordinates to Kamino and I will meet you there,"
"Coordinates have been sent Braga. We will await your arrival," Obi-wan said before the communication was cut off.
"Coordinates received Brother Braga," Zero notified earning a slight nod from the Forerunner.
"Prepare Lost Faith. We move to Kamino as soon as possible," Braga spoke turning and making his way to the hanger.
On his way, he swayed his hands to see the progress of his fleet Purgatory and Limbo seeing that their exterior was being made to be as dark as night. Seeing the progress nearly done, he swiped left to check the same progress with both the starfighters and troops seeing their colors also being changed to black. A faint smirk grew over his lips before he closed both windows and entered the hanger and made his way into Lost Faith.
-Kamino-
Upon arriving at Kamino near the city that his allies were at, Braga walked off Lost Faith and slowly descended to the port side. As he landed on the ground with his arms crossed Obi-wan blinked his eyes and laughed lightly.
"Braga. We were just talking about you. Welcome to Kamino," Obi-wan said swaying his hand.
Braga looked at Obi-wan before slowly shifting his attention to the building. After he finished scanning his surroundings, he turned his attention to Shaak Ti beginning to scan her form.
"Jedi Shaak Ti," Braga spoke turning his body to face her completely now.
"Braga. You're taller than I expected," Shaak Ti commented.
Braga nodded his head before turning his gaze toward the taller individual that almost matched his height.
"Braga, this is Lama Su, he is responsible for creating our clone army," Obi-wan spoke looking over to the Kaminoan.
"A Life worker," Braga whispered causing Lama Su to tilt his head slowly. "It is what my people call those who make life,"
"Interesting," Lama Su spoke while Braga looked over to Shaak Ti.
"I was informed that Kamino will be under siege by the Separatists soon," Shaak Ti spoke.
"Such is why I am here. Although seeing the blockade, I am not sure why you have called upon me," Braga spoke looking over at Obi-wan.
"Call it a precaution," Obi-wan commented with a chuckle.
"It is good to be ready for the unexpected," Braga complimented before turning to look at the clone troopers marching out of the ships to the city of Kamino. "Where would you wish to place me?"
"From what we have seen so far Braga, you know where to set yourself up...so we will leave that decision up to you," Obi-wan replied.
"Now don't go wandering off," Anakin added while Braga turned back to Skywalker and looked around once more.
"Where is Ahsoka Tano?" Braga asked looking at Anakin.
"She's off on other missions that only she can do. Helping where she can," Anakin answered.
"I see. Then I will see myself to my destination," Braga spoke making his way into the city while Zero scanned his surroundings.
-Hours Later-
Braga waited in the control room with his arms crossed looking at the holoscreen of the planet as well as the blockade. In seconds, the separatist fleet appeared on the map making Braga narrow his eyes at the size shown.
"The separatist fleet is not as big as I expected," Shaak Ti commented while looking at the Separatist fleet. "Commence the attack,"
"A strange tactic," Braga spoke looking at the two fleets while closing his eyes in thought.
"What are your thoughts, Braga?" Obi-wan asked causing the Forerunner to open his eyes and glance at the male Jedi Master.
"There is more coming into play than what we see before us," Braga spoke slowly unfolding his arms. "...and I know little knowledge of the planet itself to be an effective strategist in this defense,"
"I am sure you can think of something when the time comes," Obi-wan commented earning a nod from Braga before he turned and made his way to the exit. "Where are you headed, Braga?"
"Preparing for what might happen," Braga answered as he left the room.
As the battle commenced, Braga had made his way to the center of the city where he looked upon the cloning pods with his hands behind his back. That was until the city shook slightly which gained his attention and continued onward deeper into the city. Time flew by before Braga found himself in the middle of a walkway with clone troopers falling prey to not only droids but also Grievous and Ventress. The two looked upon Braga before glancing at each other as Grievous moved forward.
"This is the one who defeated you in single combat? I do not see what is so special about this one," Grievous commented before pulling out a single lightsaber.
"Trust me. He is someone we cannot underestimate," Ventress warned pulling out both of her lightsabers while glaring at Braga.
"You should take your ally's advice," Braga warned clapping his hands together. "Although I do not know who you are...you still have a heart and as such fall within my creed...how fortunate,"
"I will cut you to shreds!" General Grievous shouted while pulling out a second lightsaber and charging at the Forerunner.
Braga parted his hands to create his energy rod with part of his armor merging with his weapon shifting it into a spear. As Grievous' attack was blocked by Braga's spear, the Forerunner quickly brought his right foot up and kicked the mechanized Kaleesh in the chest launching him backward.
"You should listen to your comrade," Braga warned twirling his spear in his right hand before pointing it at Ventress seeing the lust for power in her eyes as she lunged toward the Forerunner.
Braga brought his left arm forward creating his hard light shield to block Ventress's attack completely before pushing his weight forward to force the assassin back. Just as Braga's shield faded, Grievous charged forward again with four lightsabers prepared this time and forcing Braga to move back from the constant attacks. He knew his armor could take the hits from the lightsabers but wanted to avoid being hit as a means to make a habit out of it. Ventress saw this and quickly moved forward using the force and launching Braga backward. This caught him off guard as his body broke through the frail door behind him and found himself into what seemed to be an empty hangar bay.
"So you do have a limit," Ventress commented while walking beside Grievous who chuckled.
"See. Nothing to worry about at all assassins. Just a lone man going in over his head," Grievous taunted as he started to walk to the left while the assassin made her way to the right.
"...it would be wise to surrender...Braga. I do not see you winning this battle alone," Ventress added with a smirk.
"If that is what you see Ventress...I can only agree with you," Braga admitted sighing heavily.
"Oh? And here..." Ventress was interrupted as Braga rolled his shoulders back.
"So I will take this fight a little more seriously," Braga spoke facing Grievous while giving Ventress her back.
As Braga placed most of his focus on Grievous, the Forerunner raised his left arm making creating the hard light shield once more while bringing the spear on the right having his arm tucked back slightly prepared to thrust forward. General Grievous only scuffed at this before he lunged forward with all four lightsabers coming at the Forerunner from all directions. The next thing Grievous felt was Braga's headlight shield slam into his form and launching him back followed by the Forerunner thrusting his spear into the Kaleesh's right shoulder impaling him into the wall.
Ventress took this chance to lunge at Braga from behind and watched as his head did not move an inch. As her lightsabers descended toward the Forerunner's form, she felt a deep pain in her gut making her look down to see that the butt end of Braga's spear hit the center of her stomach stopping the assassin in her tracks. Braga dropped his hard light shield to take hold of Grievous with his left hand to tear his right arms off and throw the General at Ventress watching as the mechanical Kaleesh crash into the assassin. Both separatist officers crashed into the ground with Braga bringing his hard light shield up again followed by thrusting his spear toward them but missed by a few inches piercing the wall next to the assassin's neck.
"Remember this well, Ventress. You are skilled but never underestimate your opponent no matter who they are. All this time I have been lax in my fights. This fight may have been the only time I put real effort into the battle. If you are not prepared to fight with your life on the line...do not expect to beat me," Braga spoke pulling his spear away and walking back with his spear aimed at them.
"What will you have us do?" Ventress asked panting heavily.
"...what else? To turn you in," Braga answered.
"Why not kill us?" Grievous asked narrowing his eyes.
"I do not kill those weaker than me," Braga answered making Ventress widen her eyes in disbelief and rage.
"I...am not weak..." Ventress replied narrowing her eyes and gritting her teeth.
"...to me you are," Braga answered looking down at Ventress and General Grievous.
Suddenly an assault ship's arm reached in to grab Braga and quickly pull him out of the hanger. Ventress and Grievous took this chance to flee from the hanger and toward a ship that flew by and left the city. As they left, Braga would be standing over the assault ship while holding its core sighing heavily. He watched as the two officers fled before looking back down at the assault ship that took hold of him smirking.
"Zero. Bring Lost Faith to collect any damaged Aqua Droids and these Assault Ships for modifications," Braga commanded before looking back at the fleeing ships. "And keep track of the assassin Ventress,"
"Juggernaut droids have been created Brother Braga...as well as Shadows," Zero notified.
"Shadows?" Braga asked looking forward only to pause and look at the rest of the assault ships that were being destroyed with every passing second. "...we will discuss the Shadows later,"
Zero remained silent as Braga made his way to the hanger where he was pulled from to see a group of Clone Troopers coming out.
"Braga. Where have you been?" One of the troopers asked as the Forerunner walked past him to pick up both lightsabers dropped from General Grievous.
"I was fighting General Grievous and the assassin Ventress," Braga answered glancing at the trooper. "What is the status of the enemy?"
"They are in full retreat. Whatever their purpose was...they did not succeed," The trooper answered earning a nod from Braga.
"Good. Lead me to Obi-wan," Braga spoke looking forward.
"Of course sir," The trooper replied before leading him into and through the city to meet with the Jedi's.
As Braga was lead back to Obi-wan, Anakin, and Shaak Ti, the three Jedi's looked to the towering Forerunner.
"Braga. I've been wondering where you were," Obi-wan said with a smile.
"Yeah. You missed all the fun," Anakin said with a chuckle.
"I was busy," Braga answered looking between Obi-wan and Anakin.
"Really? How many droids did take out?" Anakin asked with his arms crossed.
"...I do not count my kills," Braga answered looking at Anakin who shrugged.
"He was busy fighting General Grievous and Asajj Ventress," Shaak Ti spoke up causing the two Jedi's to look at the female than at Braga.
"And you beat them?" Anakin asked with an impressed nod.
"I did...but before I could capture them... an assault ship a got hold of me and pulled me out of the hanger. Although I dealt with the enemy assault ship, the separatist officers were able to escape my grasp," Braga explained walking over to Obi-wan and handing him the two lightsabers.
"Well, it's a good thing we brought you in, Braga. We're lucky to have you on our side. Hopefully, it stays that way," Obi-wan commented while holding the two lightsabers.
"So long as you remain on your path of light. I will help where I can," Braga replied before making his way to the edge of the city. "I will take my leave for not. If there is any further need of me...you know what to do,"
With that said Braga walked off the edge causing Shaak Ti to make her way and look down to see the towering Forerunner had vanished.
"Yeah, he does that a lot. Does what he was called to do then disappears. You get used to it," Anakin said looking at the two lightsabers.
-Lost Faith-
"Now...about these...Shadows," Braga spoke standing in the bridge with his arms crossed.
"Shadows were Commando Droids modified for missions that require the watch of high-value targets," Zero explained in which Braga narrowed his eyes.
"Show me," Braga spoke causing a screen to appear in front of him explains the Shadows.
BX-Series droid Commandoes modified with energy rods as their only means of combat while also being equipped with Active Camouflage. Their primary function was to act as either guards or spies for special targets. Although the Shadows lacked actual weapons, they make up for it in shared vision as well as the mastery of almost any weapon they can get their hands on provided they are not of forerunner make. Shadows not only had shared vision and weapon mastery but also the system to adapt to certain events if they might happen, making them very independent. Seeing the information, Braga could not help but nod his head impressed at the make of the new droid units.
"These would be more efficient for keeping a watch on certain targets as well as guards for valuable allies," Braga complimented before closing the holo-screen. "Then we will send them to keep an eye on Ventress. How soon can you send them?"
"Just say the word Brother Braga and they will be released to follow after Ventress," Zero replied earning a nod from the Forerunner.
"How many will you send?" Braga asked.
"Three Brother Braga," Zero answered.
"...send them," Braga spoke.
"They have been sent using a separatist escort ship. The Shadows will arrive at Ventress' location in a few seconds. I sent a scout sentinel to keep track of Ventress as well as her activities. Although it is little, the sentinel's main objective is to keep track of her location for such an occasion," Zero informed earning a nod from Braga.
"What of the status of our planet to call our own?" Braga asked closing his eyes.
"We have found no match for now Brother Braga. Our scout sentinels are still searching," Zero answered earning a sigh from Braga.
"It is taking a much longer time than we expected," Braga admitted slightly annoyed but simply shook his head. "No matter. We are not pressed for time,"
"We are not Brother Braga," Zero confirmed.
"Then let us return to Salvation," Braga said as Lost Faith hyper jumped to the unknown region where their mobile sentinel factory flew.
-Time Skip-
Zero's sentinel scout that was watching over Ventress had informed Braga about her life being abandoned by her master Count Dooku. With the message received, Braga narrowed his eyes and was about to leave but came to a stop as Zero flew in front of him.
"I know you wish to recruit this assassin but that would make things very difficult for us," Zero explained making Braga look at the ground then at his friend.
"What do you suggest?" Braga asked crossing his arms.
"Let the Shadows do their job. They were built to protect her from the shadows. Such is the way I created them. Even if they are found out, she will think it is a third party...and not you since they lack the look of the other modified droids. They are not so likely to be connected with us," Zero explained.
"And what of their energy rods? Would that not give them away that they are part of my army?" Braga asked another question earning a sigh from Zero.
"It will not. Although they do have that function, they can only use it as a last resort to protect their target. And only if I deem it so," Zero answered causing Braga to remain silent for a few seconds before finally nodding his head.
"I understand...but I wish to have their visuals at all times. At least until more pressing matters make themselves known," Braga said turning back to the console and walking over to it allowing Zero to open three screens one in each direction showing Ventress fighting Anakin and Obi-wan by herself.
"They are asking permission to assist Ventress in her fight against the Jedi," Zero asked causing Braga to shake his head slowly. "Action denied. Observe,"
Braga continued to watch before Ventress was able to get to her feet and begin to force choke both Anakin and Obi-wan before the flagship was getting attacked. The remaining Separatist ships had focused their fire on their flagship in hopes of killing not only the two Jedi's but also Ventress. These tactics enraged Braga as he tightly gripped his arms before Zero watched his Shadows stay latched to the wall of the hangar bay waiting. As soon as the Jedi's fled from the exploding ship and Ventress entered her own to flee, all three shadows attached themselves to the sides of the cockpit of the ship.
By the time the explosion finished, one of the Shadows was destroyed due to being flung off Ventress ship leaving one badly damaged and the other in perfect shape. When Ventress ship was picked up by scavengers, the two Shadows silently landed on the ground and watched as the four enemies gathered around their target. Braga narrowed his eyes at the four making Zero fly over his shoulder.
"In terms of the creed, the Shadows cannot kill...but as you said before when you fought the two. They can make them unable to do harm so long as they are still alive," Zero advised making Braga stand in silence.
"Is that what they are asking?" Braga asked glancing at Zero who nodded his head. This made the Forerunner think in thought before sighing and nodding his head. "Granted,"
"Permission granted. Follow the creed of the night...if provoked," Zero answered watching as the three screens nod slightly.
"You took quite a beating there. Didn't you, missy?" The blue male Twi'lek said while kneeling in front of Ventress while holding a knife in his right hand. "Which side of the battle were you on?"
Ventress looked at the Twi'lek before facing the ground.
"Aww, not talkative are you?" The Twi'lek asked with a chuckle earning a grumble from Ventress.
"Take me...to Dathomir," Ventress commanded causing the four men to laugh at Ventress.
"Now why would anyone wanna go there. Ain't nothing there but fog and witches," The Twi'lek asked.
"Exactly," Ventress spoke causing one of the men to take aim.
Before the men could fire a single bolt, his gun was knocked out of his hand followed by a metallic fist slamming into his head knocking him out. The second Shadow lunged out of the darkness and knocked the weapons out of the other men before quickly doing a full spiral kick knocking the others out. With most of the threats dealt with, that only left the Twi'lek who stood up confused about what was happening. Now completely in the light, they looked like the normal Commando droids but both being as black as night while their eyes glowed bright blue. One Shadow was damaged due to the explosion revealing its entire left side was missing, aside from its left leg, leaving only its right side completely functional.
"The Separatist?!" The Twi'lek questioned before Ventress used the force the strangle him to death while the two watched her do so.
"What...is the meaning of this? I thought that..." Ventress tried to speak before the intact Shadow placed himself by her side in a means to help her stay standing.
"Save your words for when you are well...Asajj Ventress," The two shadow droids spoke in unison. "We will answer all your questions after you have made a full recovery,"
"Take me...to Dathomir," Ventress repeated before finally passing out.
'Asking for permission to the location of Dathomir Commander Zero,' The Shadows asked.
"Granted," Braga spoke once more.
"Sending coordinates to Dathomir," Zero replied.
'Coordinates received. Making our way to Dathomir,' The Shadows said before the damaged Shadow helped Ventress to the ground while the more intact one went to the cockpit to fly to the assassin's destination.
"You are to go silent until matters have settled," Braga commanded before looking at Braga. "It has been some time since you took lead in a mission Brother Zero. I will leave it in your capable hands. Be sure that Ventress knows that they are only there to protect her...nothing more and nothing less. Do not give her information she does not need to know...yet,"
"I understand Brother Braga. What will you do?" Zero asked looking at The Forerunner.
"I am going to oversee the development of the juggernauts as well as the other modified droids we currently have in our command," Braga spoke turning and leaving the command room.
"You will be taking command of the Shadows Zero?" Omega-Zero asked.
"Yes, I will. How is the production of the assault Sentinels?" Zero asked floating in front of the two screens playing out different scenarios within his mind.
"The production of Assault Sentinels are well in the hundreds Zero. Numbering to a total of two-hundred and fifty-three and counting," Omega-Zero answered.
"Good. How are our scout sentinels?" Zero asked floating over the first two screens to have another appear.
"The scouts have found no new location as of yet," Omega-Zero answered.
"Hmmm, how are our builder sentinels modification going?" Zero asked watching as the screen shifted to the modification of every droid they had.
"It is going steady. With the new Lucrehulk ships arrival, our production has dropped due to the numbers of droids we have to modify but it has been steadily increasing as the modifications have become repetitious," Omega-Zero answered causing the original Zero to nod.
"Excellent," Zero said floating down to focus on the two screens again. "If we cannot find a world to call our own...we will make our own,"
-Dathomir-
As they landed on Dathomir, both Shadows looked at one another before the damaged one nodded its head and drove its right hand into its core crushing it and shutting itself down. Zero watched this as the last Shadow pulled its comrade to the side where it could not be seen and locked its camouflage equipment preventing anyone from stealing it for now. With it being the last of his squad, it made its way to Ventress and picked her up before walking outside to be greeted by ten Dathomirian's surround him.
"We do not like strangers," One of Dathomirian's spoke before creeping up and taking Ventress's lightsabers only to slowly creep back.
"I am no stranger," Ventress spoke groaning in pain while holding her side as the Shadow helped her to her feet and take a step back.
"Prepare to die," The same Dathomirian spoke while placing a blade to Ventress's neck along with three aiming the Shadow.
"Stop," A woman called out halting the actions of the ten Dathomirian's who looked up revealing an older Dathomirian female levitate down and land between Ventress and the Shadow. "She is one of us. Take her to the village,"
This caused the Dathomirian's to whisper to one another before falling dead silent.
"Mother...Talzin..." Ventress whispered before passing out again into the older Dathomirians' arms.
Talzin held Ventress with care before four of the Dathomirian's came along to carry the assassin into the village. As Ventress was being carried into the village, she turned to face the droid who stood quietly and with no fear of what may happen to him.
"And who are you?" Talzin asked narrowing her eyes.
"I am Shadow. The last of my squad," He answered in which Talzin chuckled.
"I am not talking about the slave...but rather the one who controls this lifeless machine," Talzin said bringing her hand to the Shadows head in which it remained unmoved.
[Function change. Control shift]
"I am Zero. Commander of the night, "The Shadow spoke before its eyes turned off only to be replaced with a golden color that took place in its right eye.
"And why have you helped my daughter," Talzin asked raising her head slightly while levitating around the droid with her hands behind her back.
"Someone has an interest with Ventress and chooses to help her as little as possible to make sure she survives and grows," Zero answered.
"Why so little?" Talzin asked coming to stop in front of Shadow.
"As I said. So that she may grow. Warriors do not become great by being babied," Zero answered looking into Talzin's eyes. "And so I shall await her return. By the time she returns I am sure she has questions only I can answer,"
"What will you do in the meantime?" Talzin asked bringing her hands to her sides.
"I will remain here in the shadows," Zero answered in which Talzin thought before sighing.
"Do you not work for Count Dooku?" Talzin asked with a smirk.
"We of the night are allied to the Jedi," Zero answered.
"Then why did you not turn in Ventress?" Talzin asked.
"She is worth to us more than the Jedi would find a use for. We are not ones to let talent go to waste," Zero answered.
"You have saved my daughter's life and as such I will allow it...for now. My daughters will watch over you. If you move even a muscle...they will eliminate you without hesitation," Talzin spoke before turning and leaving into the village.
[Function switch. Control Shift]
The Shadow's eyes blinked for a split second before shifting back to its glowing blue eyes while remaining completely still. His scanner went off revealing four Dathomirian's watching him from a distance with their bows at the ready. Zero sighed in relief at his negotiation and thanked himself that Braga was not in control since negotiations were one of his few weak points against such individuals.
As time passed, The Shadow remained still as he said he would before a mist appeared before him.
"Now. Who are you and why did you help me?" Ventress asked.
"...I was ordered to," The Shadow answered bluntly.
"Who ordered you to protect me?" Ventress questioned slightly louder.
"Not Count Dooku...but someone...or higher power," The Shadow answered.
"...higher power?" Ventress repeated before looking at the ground. "Braga..."
The Shadow remained silent before Ventress raised her head.
"Why did he order you to protect me?" Ventress asked with an interested smirk.
"You have potential...and he is not one to allow such talent to be wasted on a fool like Dooku," The Shadow answered earning a chuckle from Ventress.
"And what are you to do now since I am well enough?" Ventress continued to ask while tilting her head.
"Continue to protect you Ventress...but only if it is necessary," The Shadow answered.
"You will not kill Dooku?" Ventress asked with a raised brow.
"That is not my directive. Your safety is all that matters. If your life is in dire need then I will assist you...provided I am granted that action," The Shadow answered.
"...I see...then wait here...I'll be back to ask more question once I have had my revenge," Ventress spoke making her way to the ship she came in leaving the Shadow to be watched once more.
"I will comply," The Shadow answered before fading into the darkness using his Active Camouflage to remain hidden from both the night sisters as well as others.
/To be continued...