-Chapter 2: Keep It Up-

Location: Ryloth

"Fear is the perennial motivator."

Mere months after deployment on Christophsis, Count Dooku contacted Scipio and gave him new orders regarding his soldier: he was to be dispatched immediately to Ryloth and join Separatist forces in a final attack on a mixed band of Republic forces and Twi'lek rebels. Scipio was more than pleased as he readied his soldier. After relaying the orders, Scipio added,

"I want you to use your pistols more frequently this time. This will be a true firefight, not behind the scenes like last time." His soldier nodded. Looking into the blood-red eye pieces of his helmet, Scipio placed a hand on the soldier's shoulder. "Do us proud and soon you will lead armies instead of backing them. You are destined for great things, now show them that you are!" The solider nodded in acceptance and walked into the shuttle that would transport him to the Twi'lek homeworld. Scipio watched for the second time as his experiment left for distant battlefields, more pride than fear swelling within him this time.

Upon reaching Ryloth, the soldier learned he was to be sent to Wat Tambor, his new commander. Just like Loathsom, he would receive any orders directly from him. The Skakoan Emir was the representative of the Techno Union on the Separatist Council and a figure of authority within the Techno Union itself.

One might say, the soldier was about to meet his boss.

His shuttle landed in the occupied capital of Lessu and was greeted by a tactical droid upon disembarking. The droid escorted him straight to his new commander inside the palace. Tambor was bent over a holo-table, examining the layout of a terrain map along with his tactical droid, TA-175. Tambor was known for devising new plans to help the Separatists gain a technological advantage in battle, his brilliance knew few limits. Or so the soldier had been told. Informed of his new arrival, the tall Skakoan stood up and looked to the soldier, who stood waiting in the doorway.

"So, you are Doctor Scipio's creation?" He mused, black eyes looking the soldier over. "He is a reputable scientist, definitely one of the Techno Union's finest." The soldier nodded. "But now we shall see how true his word is." Tambor beckoned the soldier forward. He did so, approaching the holo-table. "Republic and Twi'lek Resistance forces have been cornered here, in this valley." Tambor stated, pointing to a red dot on the terrain map. "My droids have held them at bay, but we need one final push to end this. Then the entire planet will be completely under our control." Tambor returned his gaze to the soldier. "I believe you know what I want you to do." The soldier nodded again in understanding. "You shall depart immediately, I'm sending in some additional tanks to bolster our forces. Fight with them, do not support them or lead them." The soldier gave a quick nod. But Tambor had one more piece of information, "You should know, the commanders of this unit are Jedi General Ima-Gun Di and Clone Captain Keeli. See to it they are destroyed." A Jedi? Tambor was giving him the opportunity to fight a Jedi? Beneath his helmet, the soldier smirked in eagerness. Looks like his wish back in the tower of Christophsis was about to come true...


The soldier hitched a ride on one of the tanks heading to the battlefield. As the drove, he took in his surroundings, slowly memorizing common details and consistent patterns in the terrain of the planet. The planet of Ryloth did not spin on its axis like most other worlds, but remained static in orbiting its star, leaving one side of the world always facing the sun and the other side in perpetual darkness. A thin band in the middle between the two extremes was the only habitable area on the entire world, becoming the home for all species who lived on the planet. The landscape was almost as erratic as the planet's two extremes; rocks and flat, dusty plateaus would give way to lush plains of grass. The soldier marveled at the terrain, noting how difficult it would be to have his blue jacket blend in if he were to hide. Perhaps he could find some very large rocks...

The squad of tanks arrived in the valley behind a large company of battle droids. Reinforcements for the main column, hopefully enough firepower to drive the Republic forces to retreat. The soldier dismounted and sought out the droid commander; a simple B1 unit with identifying yellow markings.

"So, you're the new guy, huh?" The droid acknowledged him as he arrived. The solider nodded and saluted. "Well, I like someone who can follow orders. I hope you can too." He nodded again. "Not much of talker, huh? Oh well, better than 'roger roger' half the time." The commander began to move on, directing tanks towards the battlefield. "Emir Tambor told me about your capabilities. I want you on the forward lines where the toughest fighting is. The Twi'leks have fled so it's just the Republic forces now. If you can take out their leadership, do so." The droid added. The soldier nodded and quickly took off, sprinting alongside the tanks, eager for battle. "Boy does he move fast." The droid commander commented, watching him leave. "Sometimes I wish we could move like that." He said to a fellow battle droid.

"Roger roger." Came the reply.

The soldier moved quickly, skirting the main battle droid reinforcements and raced alongside them, heading further into the valley. As he moved, he considered his strategy. This was a gun battle, possibly involving some close-quarters action with Clone troopers. Scipio had instructed him not to worry about who saw him this time. The soldier assumed this was because his opponents were so few, any witnesses would receive a quick death soon enough. The sounds of gunfire resounded in the distance. His destination was close at hand. The solider was aware his superiors would appraise and evaluate his progress, he began thinking about putting on a show for them. A full display of his powers would surely sway the decisions of those who commanded his use.

Maybe even more so when he killed the Jedi general.

The battle droids began to break up, running to various positions around the trapped Republic forces as they reinforced their own lines. But the soldier was more than ready to do his part, forming his own plan of attack as he raced up on the front lines. If the droid was true and the Twi'leks were gone, he should have a much easier time worrying about only Clones. Perhaps he should eliminate their leaders first, gain the advantage early. Leaping over a boulder, the soldier jumped into the fray, drawing one of his knives. A Clone just a few feet away became his first victim as he lunged forward and drove his knife through the thin visor of the helmet. The Clone fell dead as flecks of blood splattered the inside of his helmet. Withdrawing his blade, the soldier turned and stabbed another Clone in the collar, driving his knife between sections of white armor. As the Clone cried out in pain and staggered back, the soldier pivoted their bodies and grabbed his opponent's, turning the Clone into a human shield. Drawing one of his sidearms and holding the knife buried in his victim, the soldier pushed forward as he opened fire on the enemies around him. His aim was impressive, quickly gunning down a Clone on his right with a well-aimed round to the head before pointing straight ahead and killing two more Clones in quick succession. Dragging his Clone victim with him the soldier advanced past the bodies of offlined droids, storming the Republic's forward position as blaster fire from the droids behind flew past him. In the distance, the soldier saw the flashing blue blade of his Jedi opponent. He did not know much about this Ima-Gun Di, his history or fighting style. When the inevitable confrontation came, the soldier would very much have to think on his feet.

Any mistake could mean his death.

Withdrawing his knife and slitting the neck of the Clone in his grasp, the Separatist soldier dropped the body and charged ahead. The Nikto Jedi master saw him coming and readied his weapon as the soldier jumped up and landed right before him.

"And who might you be?" The Jedi asked, ignoring the clamor of battle for a moment. "I can't say we've met." The soldier said nothing as he simply unsheathed his second knife, twirling it around in his hand. Ima stared into the crimson visor, sizing up his opponent. "Very well knife-fighter. But I should warn you, you are foolish to challenge me." Master Di cautioned as he struck first with a swipe of his blade. The soldier spun around, sidestepping the attack. Seeing his opponent to be more than an amateur, Ima readied himself as the soldier rushed in. Swiping at the Jedi with his knives, the soldier quickly began to learn Ima's form as he attacked. The Jedi leveled his blade as the soldier's knives crashed into it. Di was amazed when the weapons were not destroyed. "Phrik?" He breathed, expressing a mixture of fascination and shock. The soldier quickly struck again, but Ima parried. Learning as he fought, the soldier calculated a new angle of attack. Moving quickly and striking rapidly, the soldier kept the Jedi focused long enough so that his sweeping foot came as a surprise. Armored boot connecting with the Jedi's knee, the soldier capitalized on his surprise attack by flinging a knife forward and burying it in his opponent's thigh. Ima grunted in pain as his hand quickly clutched the blade lodged in him. Pain occupying his mind, the Nikto Jedi failed to realize he had opened himself up for a final blow.

Tossing his knife from his left hand to his right, the soldier charged forward and delivered a hard rising knee to the Jedi's face. The hard blow knocked Ima onto his back, momentarily stunning him. But a moment was all the soldier needed as he dropped down atop his foe, bringing his knife down hard and stabbing through the Jedi's robes, piercing his heart. Gasping suddenly, the Jedi looked up into the twin red optics of his killer, blood staining his robes as the light faded form his eyes. The dying Jedi gasped his last breath, hand loosening his lightsaber hilt, letting it rest on the ground as Ima's head fell back and he breathed his last.

The soldier had killed his first Jedi.

Pulling his knives free from the body, the soldier stood up in triumph as he looked down on his dead foe.

"General!" He heard a cry to his left. Whipping around and ready to attack, the soldier faced off against a Clone bearing a shoulder pauldron and sporting brown markings.

It was Captain Keeli.

"I don't know who you think you are, seppie, but you just made a big mistake!" The Clone thundered as he surged forward, twin DC-17's aimed at the Separatist. Quickly planning the best way to end this fight, the soldier ducked low and sprinted towards his next opponent. Blaster fire flying past just inches above him, barely missing. But the soldier continued on, lunging forward as he drove his shoulder into the Clone, knocking the wind from the Captain's lungs. The knife in his right hand was quickly lodged in Keeli's abdomen, forcing the Clone to gasp in pain. Spinning around the blade in his left hand, the soldier drove it forward and rammed the blade through Keeli's chin. The Clone immediately froze, body twitching as he dropped his weapons. Blood streamed down the blade and coated the soldier's gloved hand as he held the knife in place a moment longer. Pulling back and free of the Clone, blood spraying from both wounds, the captain fell over dead and hit the ground as the soldier moved to let the body do so.

He had killed his first Clone commander.

Pride and confidence rushing through him, the soldier attacked the Republic lines from behind, felling more Clones as the leaderless forces began to dwindle. He felt empowered, he felt invincible. These Clones were nothing to him, he had just killed a Jedi! The Republic forces continued to decrease, now under attack from two fronts. Either they were picked off by droids or were cut down by this new menace. As the last Clone fell dead the soldier sheathed his bloody knives and surveyed the field of bodies around him as droids moved in to claim the region. The battle was over, the Separatists had won.

And he felt very victorious indeed.


The edges of his boots were covered in dirt and dust, blood splattered across his hands and jacket, red visor seemingly ablaze as he returned triumphant from battle. It was in this state of appearance that the soldier returned to Wat Tambor. Bringing news of total control over the planet of Ryloth, the soldier made his way through the palace on his way to his commander. Battle droids cast curious glances in his direction as the soldier walked proudly onward. No longer was he a simple experiment. After killing a Jedi and helping in the decimation of an entire Republic force, the soldier was beginning to earn a name for himself. He walked with an air of decisiveness, seemingly ready to move and act at a moment's notice. Upon arriving at his destination, the tall Skakoan looked up as he entered the briefing room. One look at his attire told the whole story.

"I shall congratulate you on your victory, and for overcoming the Jedi." The Emir greeted him. "Not many Separatists can say they have achieved such a feat." The soldier nodded in understanding. Tambor moved on to more immediate business. "For your next assignment, I have need of your services as an enforcer. I am personally travelling to nearby villages as we confiscate their wealth. Your, shall we say, terrifying look will be most effective in helping the natives cooperate." Tambor made to leave, the soldier obediently following right behind him. They left the palace and climbed aboard a personal skiff, traveling amidst a column of cargo haulers, tanks and battle droids. The soldier stood alongside Emir Tambor as they moved out. "My tactical droid informed me of your actions." Tambor informed him. "Your abilities as a single unit are most impressive. Quick thinking, masterful skill, you boast a great many qualities that make you more than an average soldier. Scipio must be proud." The soldier nodded. High praise from the foreman of the Techno Union was something not easily accomplished. Hopefully he had proven himself to the Emir. Perhaps this next assignment would further prove his capabilities. Only this time, Tambor would be able to see for himself. Time passed as they rode out, away from the capital. The grassy plains passing by underneath them as a column of dedicated Separatist might moved out across the land. The soldier began to consider the implications of winning the last battle. No doubt the Republic would learn of this loss and send greater reinforcements. He was certain and entire army would be on Ryloth's door at some point. Imagine, an entire army for him to attack! Maybe even more Jedi to be slaughtered...

The convoy came upon the first village in their hunt, a series of cave formations that doubled as dwellings for the Twi'lek people. The soldier had hoped news of the Resistance's retreat had reached here. The more fear the better. A band of male Twi'leks approached the column, a group of curious women and children forming behind them. The soldier briefly noted the array of colors sported by the Twi'leks. Their pigmentation variants put them on a similar level with Togrutas. A group of battle droids formed up into a protective square as Wat Tambor dismounted, the soldier following behind him. Stepping forward, past the droids, Tambor addressed the crowd.

"I am Emir Tambor. Your planet is now under the total control of the Confederacy of Independent Systems." He announced. "As your new leaders, any items of value are to be confiscated for the glory of the new Separatist government. You will submit to our rule or face terrible sufferings." He added in a mildly threatening tone. The soldier mulled over Tambor's words. Maybe not the best coercion tactic, as intimidation should come later. Initial threats only serve to build up a rebellious resolve. But terror will put them in their place. One of the male Twi'leks, a blue skinned one, stepped forward, glaring at the Skakoan.

"What right do you have to invade our world and then demand of us our resources? We do not want you here and you shall not have any of our possessions!" He firmly stated.

"You would rather see your people suffer than simply obey what I have said?" Tambor inquired, bemused.

"We are a strong people. No matter what you do to us, we will live on!" The Twi'lek declared.

"Then we shall see how your people fare in the face of extreme hostility." Tambor raised his arm, droids arming their weapons and aiming them at the crowd of villagers. The soldier reached for one of his sidearms but did not draw it just yet. Seeing the action of the droids, the Twi'lek stepped back. But as the soldier watched him, he saw a slight move of the male's arm, reaching for a small, crude knife behind him. Drawing his own knife the soldier charged forward, pushing past battle droids as the Twi'lek revealed his weapon. But as he moved to strike Tambor, the soldier plunged his own knife into one of the Twi'lek's lekku. Knowing how much of an extension of the brain these 'head tails' were, the soldier assumed he could drive the Twi'lek into a near brain-dead state by severely wounding one of the appendages.

He assumed correctly.

The Twi'lek gasped as the knife disappeared into his flesh, spearing through his lekku and spraying blood. Dropping his crude weapon, the villager twitched in pain, eyes rolling back. The other villagers behind him recoiled in fear at the vicious attack. Giving his knife a harsh twist the soldier pulled it free, nearly cutting off the lekku in the process. Blood splashed on the ground as the Twi'lek collapsed. Turning to face the scared villagers, the soldier twirled his bloody knife in his hand before sheathing it and crossing his arms in a menacing manner. Wat Tambor, who had been observing the scene before him, looked out on the frightened crowd. "Would anyone else like to challenge us?" He asked. None answered, not even the Twi'lek men looked brave. Seeing no more resistance, the Emir turned to the droid commander. "Move in and take everything of value." He ordered. The droid saluted and relayed the order to his fellow battle droids, who instantly moved to comply. As the soldier watched them move out, Twi'lek's scrambling for hiding places while the men sought to protect their families, he felt a hand on his shoulder as Wat Tambor stepped beside him. Turning to his commander, he saw the Skakoan give an him an appreciative look. Well, as much of a look as he could give behind that respirator. "Well done." He said simply. The soldier gave a quick, understanding nod. "Assist the droids, ensure the natives cooperate." Tambor ordered, moving his hands behind his back as he prepared to watch the scene before him. Uncrossing his arms, the soldier advanced forward, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to enforce the will of the CIS.


After filling what treasures they could find into one of the haulers, the Separatists departed. From there they raided two more settlements before returning to Lessu. In all honesty, the soldier found the mission to be of only minor value. Enforcing the rule of the Separatists through fear was one thing, but to bolster Tambor's greed was another. He did as he was told, regardless of his own opinion. Tambor was pleased with the soldier's efforts and asked the Separatist Council for the soldier's continued presence as Separatist control was solidified on Ryloth. The Council agreed and informed Scipio, who was more than pleased. Tambor instructed the soldier to oversee more pillaging operations or, as Tambor called them, 'treasury acquisition ventures'. The soldier performed his duties and exercised few limits when it came to dealing with the uncooperative. He soon earned the fear of the locals, becoming known for protecting the pillaging battle droids with deadly force. Life did not matter to him. Women and children were not exempt from his cold, efficient ways of killing. Any man who lashed out certainly bore the brunt of his violence, but he wouldn't hesitate to cut down a female or a child if need be. When a female Twi'lek attacked a battle droid, the soldier had drawn his sidearm and fired a pair of shots as a simple warning. But when the female attacked him instead, the soldier ended her life with three rounds to the abdomen. Twi'leks shrunk away from his appearance as his form soon became associated with death. Through the soldier's efforts and his own machinations, Wat Tambor controlled Ryloth with an iron fist, mercilessly starving the population and forcing them to bend to his will. With the resistance on the run and the ever-present threat of this soldier, the Twi'leks had no choice but to submit to their tyrannical rulers. The plight of this people soon reached the Republic, who immediately dispatched a force to stop them.

But first, they had to breach the orbital blockade.

The soldier had his doubts about the capabilities of Captain Mar Tuuk, the Neimodian commanding the fleet over Ryloth. He had mixed feelings about the coming attackers, part of him wanted the Republic to break through just so he could slaughter his opponents. The other part of him wished for Ryloth to remain under Separatist control and for more worlds to follow. He had enjoyed exercising Separatist authority over the planet and he didn't mind if there were other worlds for him to help subjugate.

But then the Republic broke through. And when the soldier discovered how they did it, he was astonished. Such bold tactics and reckless efforts... he needed to find out more about who was commanding this fleet. Tambor received a communication from Count Dooku asking that the soldier be returned to Scipio. Should Ryloth fall they did not want a valuable asset to be lost. The soldier was frustrated when he heard the news. In his mind, Ryloth would not be lost if he was on the planet. Removing him from the field of battle was the worst choice Scipio could've made.

But he left anyway. The same shuttle that brought him here, to the site of his first Jedi kill and major victory over the Republic, transported him back to the lab where he was created. Upon arrival, Scipio did not need to see through the soldier's shining helmet and red optics to know he was annoyed. His body language told him everything.

"You're not ready, my boy." The doctor gently told him. "There are still some enhancements left for me to administer, some proper training I need you to endure before you can take on the likes of Kenobi and Skywalker." To the soldier, that did not seem like a good excuse. He had killed a Jedi and a Clone leader on Ryloth, inspired fear in the hearts of the Twi'leks. What was he possibly missing? Scipio seemed to read his mind. "Emir Tambor told me about your exploits. Don't let the pride of killing one Jedi go to your head, boy. None of them are the same, especially Skywalker. Seldom does he play by the rules of engagement. You'll have to be far more intimidating before you can take him on." Placing an arm on the soldier's shoulder, he guided him back inside the compound. It was time to review his escapades and continue improving on his skills.

Shortly after his departure, Ryloth fell back into Republic control. Wat Tambor was captured by Mace Windu. As the Republic moved out to rid the planet of their enemies, they came across villagers who spoke of a terrible Separatist, ruthless and violent, who was unlike any of the others. They said he killed without hesitation, no one was safe from him.

But, knowing the penchants Separatists had for being violent, Republic forces simply shrugged off the accounts.