Hyperdimension Neptunia - Across the Multiverse
A HyperDimension Neptunia Fanfiction by Dumbrarere1
Chapter 6 - Bastion of the Jedi
Arfoire was overlooking the wreck of Jose Carter's fighter aircraft, outside Aurelius' capital of Griswall. The Basilicom towered in the distance, and despite the bleak outlook, the world seemed at peace. She, however, came for the matter of the dark entity at the behest of the Guildmaster. As she investigated, she could not shake the feeling she was being watched, and thus kept her head on a swivel.
"What a miserable place… The negativity in this one area is oppressive…" she muttered to herself. The CFA-44 Nosferatu that Jose Carter flew into battle three years ago was a complete wreck. Nothing could be gained by salvaging it. Three years of exposure to the elements, and parts of it have almost been obscured by moss and vegetation. Looking around, it was easy to tell how something evil has made - or would have made - the wreck its home. Arfoire shoved the thought aside and remained focused. She looked around every corner of the wrecked stealth fighter, and finally found what she was looking for.
"These… These must be the fragments of that Dark Entity that I was told about… The presence from them feels… familiar…" she muttered to herself.
"Hello again, Arfoire." one of the entity fragments spoke. The voice was indeed familiar to Arfoire, and it shook her to the core. It was the True Goddess, whom she and the Quartet fought long before the Console War.
"No…" Arfoire muttered in fear and anger.
"Oh, yes. I thank you for carrying my power, and showing the people of Gamindustri the cost of their betrayal. Soon, I will return, and Gamindustri will know fear once again." the True Goddess spoke again. "You are free to join me, of course. I already have one champion spreading the word of my return to the people of the multiverse, and gathering the strength needed for me to rise again." she continued.
"Join you?! No! I'd rather see Gamindustri burn before it submits to a tyrant!" Arfoire spouted in disgust at the thought of joining evil once again.
"That's the plan. But suit yourself. You will be swept away in the tides of destruction with all the rest." the True Goddess finally said, before the entity fragments disappeared entirely.
"Rei, you psychotic bitch…" Arfoire swore, contacting Nepgear and Histoire.
"What seems to be the matter, Arfoire?" Nepgear asked as she responded to the call.
"I need to speak to Histoire right away." Arfoire replied.
"What the goodness? Histoire is busy lecturing the new Auxiliary CPU. Whatever could it be that's causing you to worry so much?" Nepgear asked her in shock.
"Trouble is brewing. The fears that she and I share about this incident are coming true, and it's worse than we thought." Arfoire replied quickly.
"Understood. I'll let her know immediately." Nepgear
The portal opens above a rather alien, earthlike landscape, and Andrew and Neptune fell right through.
"NOT AGAAAAAIIIN!" they screamed as they fell out of the sky towards a woodland area below. They fell for a few short minutes before something stopped them mere meters from the ground, allowing them to land on their feet.
"You guys okay?" a human male no older than his twenties asked.
"Yeah- yeah, we're alright. I really need to practice opening those portals more intimately, so that we can stop falling out of the sky." Andrew replied. "I'm Andrew Hawker. This is my wife, Neptune. Who might you be?" he introduced.
"I'm… Asmund." the man replied, raising an eyebrow. "Excuse me… Portals? Man and wife? Is this some kind of weird game?" he asked.
"We're not particularly from this dimension. You see, Neptune is a type of goddess from Gamindustri called a CPU. I'm her paladin-knight, and thus have CPU-like abilities as well." Andrew explained. Asmund tried to parse the information in his mind, and it was easy to tell he was extremely confused. That was when Andrew noticed a pair of creatures run out of a cave behind the young man and point blasters at him. "Look out!" he shouted as he summoned his sword and dashed in, slaying the attackers while their guard was down.
"Not bad… I have to admit, I've only seen that kind of reaction from a full-fledged Jedi Knight." Asmund mused. "I might need your help. You see, these Flesh Raiders have been using this tunnel to attack fellow Padawans here in this valley. I've been asked by one of the watchers to seal it." he continued.
"Flesh Raiders? Eww." Neptune squealed, not getting the idea of what was being said.
"Their name isn't literal, Neptune. They're a tribal species native to Tython, territorial and violent without reason." Asmund corrected with a chuckle. "Normally, they don't have the knowledge or skill to wield blasters, but they've been particularly ravenous as of late." He continued.
"You think it's possible that someone is empowering them from behind the scenes?" Andrew asked.
"It's a definite possibility. The Force is capable of a lot of things." Asmund replied.
"The what now?" Neptune asked, curious.
"The Jedi Masters can tell you more. Anyways we should hurry." Asmund said as he led the duo into the cave.
"Stop struggling, Padawan. Your life was over the moment you set foot here." a voice said as it echoed through the cave. Asmund, Andrew and Neptune ran up quietly, to see a dark jedi standing over a padawan who looked to be in trouble.
"You are a Jedi. Why would you kill me?" the Padawan asked, confused and scared.
"Because the order must evolve. And you are weak." the dark jedi replied.
"What's going on here?" Andrew asked as the three of them approached.
"This man looks like a Jedi. But something is wrong with him." the Padawan said, looking at the three of them.
"Hmm… You three are… dangerous. You killed my soldiers." the Dark Jedi said as he gazed on Asmund and the CPUs.
"Those Flesh Raiders were your soldiers?" Andrew asked.
"He commands the Flesh Raiders attacking us." the Padawan said.
"Not attacking… Cleansing…" the Dark Jedi said as two other Flesh Raiders approached and flanked him. "And we've only just begun…" he continued.
"Lay down your weapons. I don't want to hurt you." Asmund said, attempting to deescalate the situation.
"The old order is dead! Long live the New Order!" the Dark Jedi declared as he took out a lightsaber. Andrew and Neptune quickly summoned their weapons, while Asmund took out his training saber.
"Keep him busy, Asmund!" Andrew shouted, running to the back and slaying both of the Flesh Raiders, before attacking the Dark Jedi directly. The attacker quickly used Force Wave to knock them off balance, but Andrew and Neptune recovered almost instantly, before dealing the final blow. "And that takes care of that." he said as he despawned his weapon.
"That was amazing! I thought we were dead!" the Padawan shouted.
"You two alright? What happened here?" a Jedi Master asked as he ran in, before looking at Andrew and Neptune. "And who are these two?" he asked.
"This Jedi attacked us, Master Orgus. He was sick… Confused… But these three stepped in and put a stop to it." the Padawan said, explaining everything.
"Thank the Force that you're both safe." Master Orgus said, addressing the two Padawans. He turned to Andrew and Neptune. "And that you two were able to aid in stopping a potentially dangerous individual." he said, kneeling down to check the identity of the now-deceased Dark Jedi. "This man's no Jedi… At least, not one of us." he continued.
"He organized the attack on the training grounds. Called the Flesh Raiders his 'soldiers'." Asmund said.
"I warned the Council these natives aren't mindless beasts. This is proof." Master Orgus replied. He went down to pick up the lightsaber that the Dark Jedi had on hand. "This lightsaber… There's something familiar about it. Strange." he mused as he mulled over the weapon. Then he went to address Asmund and the two CPUs. "You three held off all these attackers with only a practice saber and a pair of swords. Impressive." he said.
"I followed my instincts. That's all. These two… well, it's a complicated matter." Asmund replied.
"Your instincts served you well. As for these two, Master Satele would like to hear of their exploits, and how they came to get here." Master Orgus replied, before walking to the tunnel. "This battle is over. But we cannot have any more Flesh Raiders coming through." he continued. He reached out through the Force, and the ground trembled around him. Soon enough, the tunnel collapsed. "That should hold them back for now." he said.
"Wowzers… That was amazing!" Neptune exclaimed in awe.
"Such is the power of the Force. Though you may not feel it, is always there, and always ready to aid you in your time of need." Master Orgus said.
"I am injured, Master Orgus. Are the training grounds safe for travel?" The Padawan asked.
"Not yet. I'll get you to a medcenter." Master Orgus replied, before turning his attention to Asmund and the CPUs once again. "You three seem alright to travel alone. Report to the Jedi Council." he said.
"Are you sure? I don't feel safe about leaving while the attack is continuing." Asmund said.
"We have Jedi Knights rooting out the last attackers. You're needed elsewhere. Besides, as I said, Master Satele should know about your mysterious companions. Follow the path leading out of this valley. You'll find the Jedi Temple through the mountain pass. See you there." Master Orgus replied, providing directions to the Jedi Temple on Tython, before leaving with the injured padawan.
Asmund led Andrew and Neptune through the mountain pass and to the Jedi Temple. Outside, he was contacted by none other than Master Satele.
"Padawan. I am Satele Shan, leader of the Jedi Council. I'd like to speak privately with you before we meet with the others." she said.
"You have my full attention, Master. What do you need?" Asmund asked. Neptune shivered slightly at the word 'master', due to what she went through three years prior, but made no comment due to the context.
"This isn't a discussion for a comm channel. Come to my meditation room in the Temple. We'll talk there." Master Satele said in response.
"Will do, Master." Asmund said as the link was closed. They entered the temple and made their way to her meditation chamber. They entered to see the Grand Master in deep meditation, only leaving said meditation at the sight of the three heroes.
"Greetings, Padawan. The temple is already buzzing with accounts of your heroism in the training grounds." Master Satele said as she stood up. "Master Orgus tells me you battled Flesh Raiders, and a Force User armed with a lightsaber. Your… mysterious companions deserve some credit as well." she continued. "It must have been a disturbing confrontation. Are you three alright?" she finished, asking.
"I'll be okay. Don't worry about me." Asmund said.
"It's nothing Neptune and I are unfamiliar with, though the circumstances weren't idea…" Andrew said.
"I admire your composures… but have you truly searched your feelings about this, Padawan? Taking a life affects the Living Force, and the person who does the killing. This is why Jedi enter battle calmly, with reason. Emotions like fear and anger lead to the Dark Side. As the Jedi code teaches us: 'There is no emotion. There is peace.' Remember those words when times are darkest." Satele asked, showing concern for the three of them. "Now then. I'd like to speak to your companions privately. Take this. The code is a source of strength, but some backup never hurts. I'll see you soon in the council chambers." she continued, handing Asmund something. With a bow of the head in respect, Asmund took his leave.
"What would you like to speak to us about, Master Satele?" Andrew asked.
"Several eyewitnesses saw a portal open up in the sky at what was guessed to be fairly high altitude, followed by the two of you falling from it. Some Jedi Knights suspected witchcraft or use of Dark Side techniques gone wrong, but I don't see either of those. Given the peculiar nature of your arrival, I'd like to hear the account of what happened from your side of the story." Master Satele said. Neptune figured she should stay quiet for the moment and let her husband explain everything.
"It's a long and frankly complicated story, so bear with me…" Andrew said, before going on to explain what was going on.
"...I see. So you two are CPUs from another dimension, and you came here to help friends in your home dimension that are in dire need and stop a potentially cataclysmic crisis before it can start… And you say the peculiar circumstances of your arrival here is due to only meager experience in manipulating interdimensional gateways... It's certainly a lot to think about." Master Satele pondered.
"Yeah. We've done a lot to get here." Andrew said.
"This conversation is best continued with the other Masters of our order. Come. We must convene with the Jedi Council." Master Satele said as she walked to the council chambers, beckoning Andrew and Neptune to follow. The Council Chambers weren't too far from Master Satele's meditation chamber. When they entered, two Masters were on holocomms, and the rest were present in person. By the looks of things, it looked like Asmund was going to be involved in this meeting as well, as he was already talking with the Masters currently present.
"Ah, and here's the other two individuals who fought the Dark Jedi in the cave." Master Orgus said as Neptune and Andrew arrived with Master Satele.
"I searched the temple archives. This Force user leading the Flesh Raiders never received Jedi training." Master Kiwiiks said.
"That doesn't quite explain where he got his rather admirable command of the Force. Are we sure he wasn't trained in secret by one of the other Masters?" Master Kaeden asked.
"Doubtful, since the Dark Side was in the man before he faded." Master Orgus countered.
"Then the Sith have found us. Shouldn't we get ready for them?" Master Kiwiiks' apprentice, Kira Carsen, asked in concern.
"Calm yourself, Padawan. We can't be certain of anything, yet." Master Orgus said, ending the bickering of the Council while the meeting continued.
"But we've all sensed a growing darkness. Perhaps it's finally revealed itself." Master Kiwiiks countered.
"Whoever the rogue Jedi was, they were muttering something about the 'end of the Jedi' followed by the 'rise of a new order' prior to attacking us. It's safe to say it's a darkness that I'm all too familiar with." Andrew said, adding his voice to the discussion.
"Well, that brightened up the room…" Kira scoffed.
"Everyone, this is Andrew Hawker and Neptune. They aided the Padawan you're all familiar with, under peculiar and startling circumstances." Master Satele said as she introduced the duo.
"This is Master Kiwiiks and her extremely vocal padawan, Kira. With us are Master Kaeden, Master Traless, Master Bakarn, and Master Fane. The other Masters are transmitting from distant worlds. Master Satele and I, you're already familiar with." Master Orgus introduced.
"It's unfortunate our numbers are scattered." Master Bakarn said with disdain.
"Indeed, and I must agree with Master Kiwiiks and her apprentice. The temple's safety is unexpectedly threatened. The Flesh Raiders were disorganized primitives before today." Master Satele said as she took her seat amongst the rest of the council.
"The level of military cohesion that the Flesh Raiders exhibited is disturbing. The fact that they were able to carry blasters was even more so. And I suspect that the Force user we fought in the cave wasn't acting alone. We should get to the bottom of it, before what happened in the training grounds happens to the temple itself." Andrew said, voicing his concern.
"Much of Tython remains unexplored, and we have few resources to spare." Master Satele countered.
"I'll handle it… with the help of my new Padawan." Master Orgus declared as he looked towards Asmund.
"Orgus… You haven't taken a Padawan since Coruscant…" Master Fane said in shock.
"The Force is strong in him. Stronger than I've seen in decades." Master Orgus said.
"I can think of no finer Master to complete this Padawan's training." Master Satele said.
"It will be a privilege." Asmund said, bowing his head curtly.
"Don't get too excited. You're in for some hard work." Master Orgus said in response.
"Before we adjourn this meeting, there is the matter of this Padawan's two companions, and the nature of their sudden and… frankly unconventional arrival to Tython." Master Satele said as she stood up.
"Ah, yes… Several students and watchers told me that they saw a hole in the sky open up before these two fell through it, as we're all aware." Master Bakarn said.
"I don't particularly trust them, though they have my thanks for helping to deal with the Flesh Raiders attacking the training grounds." Master Traless said.
"In regards to their unusual arrival, they've provided me an equally unusual testimony. Apparently, they're extradimensional deities, searching for something called a Sharicite Fragment in order to save some friends of theirs and prevent some kind of cataclysmic event in their home dimension." Master Satele said.
"Preposterous! The mere thought in itself is impossible!" Master Kaeden shouted out in an unexpected fury.
"Master Kaeden, remember the code." Master Kiwiiks said calmly, trying to quell Master Kaeden's anger. He took deep breaths as he sat back down.
"You're right, my apologies… There is no passion, there is peace…" he said quietly.
"While I do agree with Master Kaeden's- outburst… to some degree, I can only say that it does explain the odd, divine aura radiating from the two of them, and the fact that the bizarre event I felt before I arrived at the cave… the one everyone saw… makes more sense than mere 'witchcraft' or 'sith sorcery'." Master Orgus said calmly, looking at the situation from both angles.
"Master Orgus, what exactly are you saying? Perhaps they're lying to us for one reason or another." Kira asked, suggesting that Andrew and Neptune were trying to deceive everyone.
"Naaaw, why would we do that?" Neptune asked childishly, yet with honesty.
"I do believe them. Sometimes, you need to see something to believe it, and modern science alone cannot always explain it. That was how our predecessors came to learn about and understand the Force millennia ago. The divine aura these two individuals have… it's impossible in itself, yet it is there right in front of us." Master Kiwiiks said.
"I have to agree with Master Kiwiiks on this. If it proves true, then perhaps the Force brought them here for a reason." Master Bakarn said as he thought about it.
"What do you think about all this, Padawan?" Master Orgus asked, addressing Asmund.
"When they first told me of this, I was skeptical and extremely confused myself. I wasn't ready to believe them until I saw their perception and skill in battle, which were akin to a fully fledged Jedi Knight." Asmund said.
"Indeed. I sense you speak truthfully." Master Kiwiiks says.
"I'd like to see this 'Sharicite' before we can draw any conclusions." Master Kaeden said, still skeptical. It was Neptune's turn this time to summon Planeptune's Sharicite, and it glowed brilliantly for all to see.
"So this is the 'Sharicite'... It's beautiful, and powerful… like the Kyber Crystals routinely found in Force sensitive caves…" Kira said in awe.
"I see no reason for believing in them to harm our order's teachings, and there's no chance of them to be lying to us with cheap tricks. Tell me, Andrew Hawker, how many Fragments have you found thus far?" Master Satele asked, addressing Andrew.
"We've found two, Master Satele, in two separate dimensions." Andrew replied.
"One Fragment per dimension isn't much. It would be wise to aid these two CPUs in their quest, and in return they may aid us in our woes and endeavors as well. Perhaps they may find more than one scattered about the Galaxy." Master Satele said.
"Agreed. Andrew, Neptune, I'd like you to accompany me and my Padawan for the time being." Master Orgus suggested.
"As you wish, Master Orgus." Andrew replied.
"Padawan, you'll find supplies in my chambers downstairs. Go equip yourself. The CPUs and I will meet you there." Master Orgus said, addressing Asmund. The young Padawan bowed in respect, before leaving for Master Orgus' chambers. "If you're to understand the current state of affairs in the galaxy, as well as where the Order stands, you must learn about recent events, starting with the Sith Empire's return nearly forty years ago." Master Orgus said.
"When do we begin?" Andrew asked.
"'Now' would be the appropriate answer, but since we don't have the time at the present moment to access the Jedi Archives for a long trawl for the history of our galaxy, a datapad will have to be provided to you regarding said history." Master Orgus said.
"Thanks, Master Orgus but, I think my N-Gear will suffice…" Andrew said as he summoned his N-Gear. Master Orgus was able to interlink his Datapad with it and transferred necessary data to it.
"That should be enough. You can connect your device to a standard Republic Public Information Terminal if you need more information or want to catch up on recent news. Anyways, I think we gave my Padawan enough time, we should meet up with him." he said as he disconnected his Datapad from Andrew's N-Gear. As the device was put away, Andrew and Neptune followed him down to his chambers.
Asmund was just finishing up equipping himself when Andrew, Neptune and Master Orgus walked in.
"Oh, blast those Council meetings. I'll die of old age before my colleagues ran out of things to say…" Master Orgus muttered.
"You're telling me. I can't remember the last time I had such an earful from anyone aside from Histy." Neptune groaned in response.
"Don't let Histoire hear you say that, Nep." Andrew warned.
"I'd rather do something about problems than discuss them." Asmund said.
"I can say that discussion is the better part of action, as discretion is the better part of valor." Andrew reminded.
"The CPU is right. There are times when talking is exactly what's needed." Master Orgus said. "This situation has come to you fast. You're braving dangers many Jedi never face. And the problem the CPUs face complicates it further. I wouldn't blame you for having questions. This may be the only time to ask them." he continued.
"I get the impression you haven't trained a Padawan in years. Why did you ask to train me?" Asmund asked. Andrew raised an eyebrow, but was rather curious about the answer himself.
"As Jedi, you learn to trust your instincts. When I met you and the CPUs in that cave, my instincts told me that I was meant to train you. I don't know why, or for what purpose, but the Living Force has brought us together for a reason." Master Orgus explained.
"Wait… You think the Force is alive? That it wants something from us?" Andrew asked, still not clear on what the Force actually was.
"The Force is an energy that gives a Jedi his power. It surrounds us, brings the galaxy together, and it has a will of its own. When one person helps another, the person doing the helping feels good about themselves. When one person kills another, they feel regret, guilt, sadness, or at worst, a twisted sense of joy or accomplishment. Both extremes, whether good or evil, affect the Living Force. For most people, it's barely a measurable whisper, though there are individuals like my Padawan here that we consider to be 'Force-Sensitive'. 'Want' is too strong a word, though. Let's just say that we will all accomplish more together than by ourselves." Master Orgus explained.
"I understand. So, since we currently have a clear goal, what's our first step?" Andrew asked.
"There's a group of Twi'lek Pilgrims on Tython. They've been fighting the Flesh Raiders for months. The Republic asked us to deny those Twi'leks aid because they've settled here illegally… but frankly we need them." Master Orgus explained.
"How are they violating the law?" Asmund asked.
"When Tython was first rediscovered, the Twi'leks petitioned the Senate to settle here. Their claim was denied, of course, being too dangerous, but they came anyway. They have a settlement in the mountains. That's your next stop. Establish a base camp and meet with the Matriarch. Find out everything the Twi'leks know about Flesh Raiders." Master Orgus explained.
"Any word on the Twi'lek leader?" Asmund asked.
"Word is, she's not our biggest fan. You may have to convince her otherwise. I'll join you soon. May the Force be with you." Master Orgus said, before ending the conversation. Andrew nodded and followed Asmund and Neptune out of the room.
It was a long trek, since the Republic Taxi Service didn't service the Twi'lek settlement, but they were able to arrive within a half hour. They then entered the quarters of the Matriarch.
"Greetings, Matriarch. Master Orgus Din sent us to help you fight the Flesh Raiders." Asmund announced.
"So the Jedi finally deign to recognize my peoples' suffering. How noble. Nothing to do with the attack on your training grounds, I'm sure." The Twi'lek Matriarch, Sumari, replied in a crass attitude.
"We didn't realize how great a threat the Flesh Raiders had become. Nobody ever expects a race of primitive natives to pick up a blaster and instantly know how to use it." Andrew said, using his diplomatic skills to help Asmund.
"And now you seek help from the people you once ignored." Sumari said, still bitter.
"Please. Any help you can provide us, be it men, information or anything of the sort, could benefit the both of us." Andrew said.
"My scouts have tracked the Flesh Raiders for months. Watched them grow in strength. We will share what we have discovered, but only if you agree to protect my people. We… We suffer..." Sumari replied in a less bitter tone, but looking rather pale.
"Mother, you need rest. Let me carry this burden for you." the Matriarch's daughter, Ranna, said soothingly.
"The Matriarch appears sick. Does she need a doctor?" Asmund asked.
"Thank you, but we have our own healers." Ranna replied.
"This is my daughter, Ranna Tao'Ven. She and Scout Chief Moorint will speak for me. I must attend to…..other matters..." Sumari said.
"Rest well, Matriarch…" Andrew said quietly.
"Personally, I don't care why you've come. As long as you destroy the Flesh Raiders. Ever since they got their new weapons and gear, they hunt us like animals." Moorint said in a rather sour tone focused on the Flesh Raiders.
"What intelligence can you provide us?" Andrew asked him.
"The enemy has a camp in the valley nearby. My scouts say the Flesh Raiders store their weapons and other tech in a cave." Moorint reported.
"Removing their technology will help weaken the Flesh Raiders, but destroying said technology is too wasteful… Perhaps if we capture their weapons and munitions for the people here, it'll help even the odds." Andrew mused.
"Good idea. The people here have the will to defend their homes, they just lack the means. Capturing those weapons will give them that means." Ranna interjected.
"This conversation is pointless unless you can get inside that cave. You'll need one of their leaders' access keys." Moorint countered.
"Find the Flesh Raider technology and do what you can. Good luck, Master Jedi." Ranna said, wishing the three of them luck. Asmund left with Andrew and Neptune in tow, and took a non-automated speeder to wherever it was that they were headed. They stopped right in front of a cave with piles of scrap strewn about. As they got out, a band of Flesh Raiders ambushed them. Asmund took out his practice saber and attacked, while Andrew and Neptune quickly summoned their swords as they went to work on the Flesh Raiders.
"There's so many of them…" Neptune swore, slicing one apart that got too close. Andrew stabbed one in the face, before beheading another. Though they were doing their best to avoid a needless slaughter, gathering the weapons and supplies for the Twi'leks, as well as thinning the Flesh Raiders' numbers, was a key objective until they could find out who the mastermind was. They fought their way to the end of the tunnel, finding a Flesh Raider Warmaster standing guard.
"Ah, the high ranking officer." Andrew mused as it took out a vibroblade, before charging in unexpectedly. Andrew parried the attack and went to disarm the Flesh Raider. He'd succeed, but it pissed it off greatly, and it went to work on him in hand-to-hand combat. That was when Neptune stepped in and put an end to the fight, allowing Andrew to collect the access key. "Thanks, Nep." he said.
"No problem, sweetie." Neptune responded. Andrew looked at a particular gate, before using the access key to gain entry. That was when the door opened, revealing a plethora of arms, munitions, armor, and other tech.
"That is a lot of weapons and tech…" Andrew said in shock.
"Once they have all this, the Twi'leks can defend themselves." Asmund said.
"How do you think they got all this? It's an armory's worth of munitions." Andrew asked.
"I don't know, but at least it's enough that the Flesh Raiders and whoever is leading their attacks will regret not having it. And I know the Twi'leks will be thankful." Asmund said. That was when an Astromech Droid rolled up to Asmund, beeping and chirping away.
"Uhh… what?" Neptune asked, completely confused.
"Tell me the whole story, and more slowly this time." Asmund said to the droid. It began to chirp once again, beeping away. Andrew and Neptune were more than confused, but somehow Asmund understood what it was saying.
"What made the Flesh Raiders bring you back here?" Asmund asked. The droid began beeping again.
"What is it saying?" Andrew asked.
"The droid is saying it was captured by the Flesh Raiders, and managed to get a holorecording of a meeting." Asmund replied.
"This might be the breakthrough we need. Alright, then. Let's see it." Andrew responded. The droid began to play the holorecording, showing the Flesh Raider Warmaster and Dark Jedi from before, talking with some unknown individual.
"Teach our soldiers how to use these weapons. Train them on the Twi'lek invaders." the individual said.
"When will we strike against the Jedi?" the Dark Jedi asked.
"Patience, Callef. The Jedi will fall once our army reaches full strength." the individual replied, identifying the Dark Jedi. That was when the holorecording came to an end, before the droid began beeping once more.
"I never understood the need for restraining bolts, anyway…" Asmund said as he went to remove the droid's restraining bolt.
"What does this unit identify itself as? And how can you understand that noise?" Andrew asked.
"Understanding astromech droid speech is difficult at first, but it gets easier with knowledge, patience and practice." Asmund replied towards Andrew, before looking to the droid. "What's your name, little buddy?" he asked.
"Unit identity = T7-01. T7 = fully capable Astromech Droid." T7 beeped.
"He said he is T7-01." Asmund said.
"Well then, T7. I'd say you have our thanks. That holorecording will be valuable indeed." Andrew said as he looked down at T7. With their objective complete, they were off.
With the supplies loaded up, they quickly returned to the Matriarch, to find a grieving Twi'lek, declaring his hatred for the Flesh Raiders in front of Ranna and Master Orgus.
"She died in my arms… You should have seen what those filth DID TO HER!" the Twi'lek said violently.
"I'm sorry, Saylew. We all share your loss." Ranna said mournfully.
"For every one of us the Flesh Raiders butcher, we should kill ten! No, a HUNDRED!" Saylew shouted.
"Will that restore your loved one to life?" Master Orgus asked, warning Saylew against mass murder and revenge.
"DON'T LECTURE ME, JEDI! My wife is dead! Our people, slaughtered! Where were you, then?!" Saylew snapped.
"Calm yourself, Saylew. We were out capturing the Flesh Raiders' weapons tech so that you may be able to defend yourselves. It is unfortunate we could not return in time to help stop the attack." Andrew said calmly.
"Finally… ONE of you who understands. Give me those weapons! We'll hunt down the Flesh Raiders! We'll have retribution!" Saylew shouted, his anger still raging out of control.
"And what good would that do? You'll be having even worse casualties by chasing revenge, rather than consolidating and strengthening your defense." Andrew warned.
"IS MY GRIEF A JOKE TO YOU?!" Saylew shouted.
"No, it is not. But your wife wouldn't want you dying for revenge. Take some time to come to terms with your grief. We'll handle the Flesh Raiders." Andrew suggested.
"I promise we'll stop these attacks, Saylew." Ranna said. With that, Saylew walked away angrily.
"Well done, you two. He may not feel better, but at least he'll stay out of trouble. And your words were very much Jedi-like, Andrew. I am impressed." Master Orgus mused.
"Thank you, Master Orgus." Andrew said with a nod.
"People wonder why Jedi aren't allowed to marry or have families. They don't see how having attachments always leads to suffering." Master Orgus said as he paced a bit, stopping in front of Asmund.
"Woah woah, that's not cool... Not allowed to marry or have families?" Neptune asked, confused and a tad angry.
"You'll have to excuse her, Master Orgus… She has a carefree way of speaking her mind." Andrew said, apologizing. "That said, I cannot see why that would be a problem, if a Jedi were to marry and learn to control their emotions in times of loss, or make sacrifices for the betterment of themselves and their adherence to the light." he continued.
"A good observation, and counter-argument. There are rare and notable exceptions in our order when that sort of situation happened. The most notable was the marriage between the Jedi Knights Revan and Bastila Shan at the close of the Jedi Civil War about three hundred years ago. Bastila had a child, and her lineage can be traced all the way to Master Satele. It is the difficulty of maintaining a relationship as a Jedi and not falling prey to your emotions, however, that forbids us from making these relationships in the first place." Master Orgus explained. "Passion and emotions can destroy a person… and a Jedi destroyed by passion become something terrible." he continued.
"T7 = salutes Master Orgus. / T7 reconnaissance report = ready for delivery." T7 chirped.
"Ah, that beeping reminds me. This droid, T7-01, was captured by Flesh Raiders. During its time in their hands, he took a holorecording of the Dark Jedi from before and another individual who seems to be our mastermind. You might want to have a look at what he's got." Andrew said.
"Have you? Finally, some progress. Go ahead and talk to Ranna. I think her people are ready to help us, thanks to you." Master Orgus said. Andrew, Asmund and Neptune went to speak to Ranna as instructed.
"Ranna. Master Orgus said to speak with you." Asmund said politely as they approached her.
"With the weapons and technology you brought from the Flesh Raiders, my people can defend themselves. You risked your lives to help us. My people haven't had a champion in some time." Ranna exclaimed.
"It's no biggie. Neptune and I help people out all the time." Andrew replied with a smile.
"And we promised to share our knowledge in return for that help." Ranna said as Moorint walked up.
"Scouts report that the Flesh Raider forces are gathering in strength. They already control the mountains around us. And now they're invading the ruins of Kaleth. My men spotted them at the remains of an ancient shrine, close to your Jedi Temple." Moorint said.
"The closer they get to the Temple, the worse things get. What do we know about Kaleth?" Andrew asked. Master Orgus heard the question and answered promptly.
"Kaleth was a great city of Force users. Its ruins hold powers we still don't understand." he said.
"The Flesh Raiders are looking for something there." Moorint said.
"If their leader and the mastermind behind all this is looking for something in those ruins, it can't be good." Andrew said.
"Whatever it is, we can't let them find it. Drive back those Flesh Raiders immediately. I'll have to take this droid back to the council. That hooded figure in the holo… our potential mastermind… I know his voice. The situation is worse than we thought." Master Orgus said. "Do whatever it takes to push the Flesh Raiders out of Kaleth. I'll send you reinforcements as soon as possible." he continued.
"Understood." Andrew said.
"Understood." Asmund repeated.
"Righto!" Neptune said cheerfully.
"If you see that hooded figure from the holo, do not engage him. Now get going." Master Orgus said.
The drive to Kaleth seemed rather long, but they made it fairly soon. There wasn't much resistance from the Flesh Raiders, and so the three of them began their attack. The enemy fell one by one, before they stopped in front of a rather brutish Flesh Raider.
"Jeehd-ay… Seee-peee-yuh…" it howled.
"Excuse me… did you say 'Jedi' and 'CPU'?" Asmund asked. The Flesh Raider laughed, before reaching out through the Force and attacking them.
"Woah, what the hell?" Andrew asked as he recovered.
"I was not expecting a Flesh Raider to use the Force…" Asmund said as he grabbed his practice saber. Andrew and Neptune summoned their swords as well. That was when the Flesh Raider called on reinforcements.
"Kill Jeehd-ay! Kill Seee-peee-yuh!" the Flesh Raider ordered. The other Flesh Raiders that reinforced him charged in, surrounding the three of them.
"Talk about annoying!" Neptune groaned as she went and attacked one of the Flesh Raiders.
"We've got to get out of this trap." Andrew said as he kicked a Flesh Raider that was too close, before stabbing it in the gut. The Force using Flesh Raider was proving a difficult target at best. "Asmund. We've gotta take out the one using the Force." he said. Asmund nodded and changed his focus to the Flesh Raider Ravager Chieftain. Andrew followed suit after killing another regular Flesh Raider as Neptune got the rest. Soon enough the trap was broken, and the leader was all that was left. With it focused on Asmund, Andrew drew the killing blow.
"That was not expected… Now I'm going to have to watch out against these Flesh Raiders more…" Asmund said as Master Kiwiiks and Kira arrived to check out the situation.
"Master Orgus sent us. We came as quickly as we could." Master Kiwiiks declared.
"A bit late, but we appreciate it all the same…" Andrew said with a sigh. "That Flesh Raider was able to use the Force it seems… Called us 'Jedi' and 'CPU'." Andrew reported.
"That's troubling. If Flesh Raiders are learning the ways of the Force, it won't be on the side of light." Master Kiwiiks said in concern.
"You three sure made short work of this bunch. You ever leave survivors?" Kira asked.
"When was the last time you fought someone trying to kill you?" Asmund asked.
"Besides my Master? Eh… few months." Kira replied.
"This is no laughing matter, Padawans." Master Kiwiiks said scoldingly, as she knelt down and retrieved a strange device from the Flesh Raider. "This Flesh Raider carried a holocron, a repository of knowledge created by a Force user. Thousands of years old, from the looks of it." she explained. "Master Orgus was right. These natives are more advanced than we realized. They're learning how to fight us." she continued.
"Master Orgus believes he knows who's behind it." Asmund suggested.
"I gathered as much, but he had no time to explain while sending us here. I wish we could stay and see this through, but Master Satele has ordered us to Coruscant on a special mission." Master Kiwiiks said.
"All those bad feelings the Council's been having? She thinks the Republic capital is the source." Kira added.
"I'm sorry to have to leave you, but the danger is passed. These surveillance monitors will keep watch on Kaleth. Place them around the ruins. The temple can then monitor any future incursions by our enemies." Master Kiwiiks said as she handed them several sensors.
"Maybe we'll get lucky and find their leader." Andrew replied at the mention of the monitors.
"May the Force be with you, Padawan. And you as well, CPUs." Master Kiwiiks finally said, bobbing her head, before departing.
"Well, let's get busy placing the monitors… no telling how long we're going to be here…" Andrew said with a sigh.
Asmund was just finishing up installing the last of the monitors when he got a holocall. He answered it, to find it was Master Orgus contacting him.
"I'm here, Master. What is it?" he asked.
"I'm on my way back to the Twi'lek settlement. Meet me there as soon as you can." Master Orgus said.
"We're already on our way." Asmund replied.
"Meet me at the Matriarch's compound. Orgus out." Master Orgus said as he ended the holocall. With their orders, they quickly made their way to the Twi'lek settlement and into the Matriarch's compound, where Master Orgus was working on T7. "Master Kiwiiks told me what you found in Kaleth. A Flesh Raider who used the Force. She thought he was learning things from an old holocron. I wish that were true." he said.
"We feel you may have found the identity of the mastermind behind the Flesh Raider attacks." Andrew said.
"The Dark Jedi who attacked you when you first arrived? His lightsaber had a familiar aspect. This holorecording confirmed my suspicions. The hooded figure in that recording is named Bengel Morr. He was my Padawan, but he never completed his training. He was in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant when the Sith destroyed it." Master Orgus explained.
"He waited a long time to reveal himself." Asmund mused.
"Still don't understand why he just disappeared. Doesn't make sense. Bengel was strong in the Force, and the most gentle being I've ever known. For him to turn against the Jedi… he has to be stopped." Master Orgus said. Andrew noticed the Jedi Master was fighting back anger and disappointment, in both Bengel and himself. Then Ranna returned.
"Apologies for keeping you waiting. Our Matriarch - my mother - is dying." Ranna announced with sorrow.
"I'm so sorry, Ranna. Maybe you should be at her side." Andrew said with a sigh at hearing this woman's sorrow.
"You're kind, but… My mother wants me here. My scouts have identified a Flesh Raider command base in the mountains. It's protected by an energy shield." Ranna said, before going through the details of her report.
"Oh, that's just low…" Neptune groaned.
"An energy shield would have to have some sort of power source, otherwise it'd be little more than an overbuilt paperweight." Andrew said intuitively.
"The shield's power generator is located on a different mountain, in a well-guarded cave network." Ranna said.
"That command base is probably coordinating all the attacks in the region. I need to get inside there." Master Orgus said, before turning to Asmund and the two CPUs. "You three up for knocking out the power generator?" he asked.
"Count me in." Andrew replied.
"When have I ever let you down?" Asmund asked.
"First time for everything… not that I'm worried." Master Orgus said.
"Important secondary mission = perform high level scan of enemy forces. Mountain paths = too dangerous for T7." T7 beeped.
"Hmm… See if you can give the droid an opening to gather more intelligence." Master Orgus said.
"T7 = give Jedi head start. Follow when path is clear." T7 beeped again.
"That energy shield is your top priority. Knock it out as fast as you can." Master Orgus said. With that, everyone departed.
The entrance to the cave was deep in Flesh Raider territory, and they had to get past a number of Flesh Raiders without alerting the horde. It seemed hard, but they'd managed to do it without much trouble. Once inside, it was a matter of getting to the generator and shutting it down. The cave itself was swarming with Flesh Raiders, and they weren't going to be able to get to the generator without alerting them.
"Well, this seems to be getting fairly repetitive." Andrew groaned at the sight of the Flesh Raiders they had to fight through.
"Best to get it over with." Asmund said, basically agreeing with him. They each got their weapons out and started fighting away at the enemy. Thankfully, they caught the Flesh Raiders off guard, and got to the generator controls and shut them down. That was when Bengel Morr contacted them.
"Hmm… You must be the Padawan and CPUs that slaughter my people. Your misguided attacks change nothing. Your time is over." he said.
"You must be Bengel Morr. Master Orgus is looking for you." Asmund said.
"Orgus won't find me. I'll find him. You three executed my apprentice Callef. I can feel his death on you. I spent years training him. He was a good man, a principled man. You proud of yourself?" Bengel asked caustically.
"We only killed him because he didn't give us a choice. If he didn't attack that Padawan unarmed, we wouldn't have intervened." Andrew said, trying to set the record straight.
"I gave Callef too much responsibility too soon. His impatience for justice was his only failure. Every so-called Jedi on Tython is going to die. That's a promise." Bengel said, more caustically than earlier.
"That's a promise you can't keep, Bengel. Why are you doing this?" Andrew asked.
"The entire Jedi Order is weak. They've done nothing to stop the Sith Empire's advances. I don't know why you CPUs bother protecting them." Bengel snarled.
"How do you even know they're CPUs?" Asmund asked.
"That is none of your concern. I cannot defeat the Sith until the Jedi are strong again. You people diminish the Force with your very existence. Enjoy this little victory. It's your last." Bengel said right before he cut transmission.
"That can't be good." Andrew said.
"We should get back to the Twi'lek settlement, and speak with Ranna and Master Orgus." Asmund suggested.
"Good move." Andrew replied.
They returned to the Matriarch's compound to see Ranna there, but not Master Orgus.
"I shut down the energy shield. Any word on Master Orgus' mission?" Asmund asked.
"No… My mother- she found peace during her absence. I am now Matriarch." Ranna said mournfully.
"You have our sympathies, Ranna. But your people are in good hands." Asmund said.
"Before he left, Master Orgus told me, 'There is no death, there is the force'. He believes our essence lives on and merges with the Force. I hope that's true." Ranna said, reciting the last part of the Jedi Code. That was when a fellow Twi'lek rushed in.
"Matriarch! Flesh Raiders broke through our defenses! They did something to our crop fields!" she reported.
"Slow down, ma'am. Explain to us what happened." Andrew said, trying to calm the Twi'lek down.
"The Flesh Raiders got to our crops, and dropped strange machines in the soil. When a scout approached one, he collapsed with sickness. He crawled away from the device and began to recover, but there are many more machines still out there." the female Twi'lek explained.
"Andrew, you warn the people away from the fields. Neptune, stay here and help guard the Matriarch. I'll get rid of these things." Asmund said. Andrew nodded running off to do as requested. A crowd was gathering in front of the fields when Andrew and Asmund approached.
"Everyone, back away from the fields." Andrew shouted in warning.
"And let our crops die? How do you expect us to survive without food?!" a Twi'lek asked angrily.
"The Jedi will handle the fields. You need to maintain a safe distance until the situation improves." Andrew countered. Without a word, the crowd dispersed and stepped away from the field as Asmund got to work. It was a few tense moments, but he got the toxin generators disabled and disposed of, allowing the fields to return to normal. Andrew breathed a sigh of relief at his success. They returned to the Twi'lek Matriarch victorious once again.
"I've destroyed the machines poisoning your crops." Asmund reported.
"I saw how you suffered out there, and how your friend handled crowd control. What you both did was more than brave… It was heroic." Ranna said in amazement. "Please… Take a token of my people's honor. I'm sorry it can't be more." she continued, offering something in reward to Asmund.
"I'm sure you can find a better use for it elsewhere." he declined.
"You've done more than any outsider ever has. Why would you face death again and again for people you barely know?" Ranna asked.
"The life of a CPU, and that of a Jedi, is sacrifice. Neptune and I have defended people for a few years now." Andrew replied.
"You serve your ideals well. Even if you don't believe in accepting rewards, I insist you take this one." Ranna said as she handed something to Asmund, which he took with her insistence. "I should go inform everyone that the danger is over… Excuse me." she said, before leaving. Just afterwards, Asmund's Holocommunicator beeped. Asmund quickly answered.
"Finally put the Flesh Raider base out of commission. How are things on your end?" Master Orgus asked.
"Bengel Morr contacted us while we were disabling the generator. He said he was doing all this to destroy the Sith." Andrew replied.
"Then he's not Sith himself, good. If I can get to him, reason with him…" Master Orgus said, going off on a tangent. He caught himself just after. "At the Flesh Raider base, I found coordinates to a number of secret camps, too many to send only Jedi Masters. One camp is in the ruins of Upper Kaleth. That patrol you fought earlier was based there. Now's your chance to finish them off." he continued.
"What if we run into your old Padawan? Asmund asked.
"If you see Bengel, retreat and contact me immediately. Be careful in those ruins. We haven't explored them all. Contact me when your mission's complete. May the Force be with you." Master Orgus replied, ending the holocall.
Once they got to where they needed to go, they ran into a wounded Jedi.
"Padawan, turn back. Leave this place, leave me. I am dying. Flesh Raiders in this ruin. More powerful than we have seen." the wounded Jedi warned.
"That's why we're here. Master Orgus sent us to drive them back." Andrew said.
"No. These Flesh Raiders control the Force." the Jedi said, kneeling down in pain. "Surveillance monitors picked up Flesh Raiders entering this ruin. Came to investigate. Shouldn't have come alone. This place- Strong in the Dark Side. Flesh Raiders channel their hatred here… feed on the Darkness…" he continued.
"Not again… Why'd the Author have to make this part of the plot?" Neptune complained, noting she's going to have to go up against more Force using Flesh Raiders.
"Well, we faced one Force wielding Flesh Raider before, we now know what to expect." Andrew countered, though he wasn't sure why he understood the alien dialect, before turning to the injured Jedi. "There's an alien commanding the Flesh Raiders. Is he here?" he asked.
"Don't know… Everything grows dark… can't see…" the Jedi groaned, before he collapsed. "Turn back… The enemy is too strong… They have my lightsaber…" he said, before he finally passed.
"If they have the Jedi's lightsaber, then we have to go in and get it. A Force wielding Flesh Raider is one thing. One with a lightsaber is something else." Andrew said, looking into the cave.
"Agreed. Let's go." Asmund said. The three of them ran in and cut down a number of Flesh Raiders in their path, until they got to the one with the lightsaber, which proved to be a tough opponent. Neptune rushed in with Cross Combination, which threw their opponent off. Andrew followed her in with Dimension Blitz, leaving it wide open to a final blow from Asmund. The lightsaber rolled out of the dead Flesh Raider's hand, and Asmund picked it up. With the lightsaber in hand, they contacted Master Orgus.
"The Flesh Raider camp is out of commission, Master, but they were all Force users. They killed a Jedi named Laotah. His body is in these ruins. What should I do?" Asmund asked.
"We'll reclaim our fallen later. I just got a distress call from the Twi'lek settlement. They've spotted Bengel Morr. Our forces are spread out dealing with the secret camps. We're the only ones who can handle this. I'm on my way to the settlement, meet me there." Master Orgus said, before the call ended.
"Why do I feel suddenly like this is a trap?" Andrew asked.
"Only one way to find out, I suppose…" Asmund replied with a sigh.
They returned to the Matriarch's compound, and met with the new Matriarch.
"We got your distress call. We came as soon as we could." Andrew said.
"We didn't send out a distress call. Things have been quiet since you left." Ranna responded.
"Huh? Quiet, but… wait… Where's Master Orgus?" Andrew asked, looking around.
"T7 = scanning area, stand by… Confirmed: Master Orgus = not in settlement + not answering holocom." T7 reported.
"Something isn't right… Master Orgus should have gotten here ahead of us." Asmund said, very suspicious.
"Maybe he just got caught in traffic." Neptune suggested childishly.
"T7 = Contact Jedi Temple?" T7 asked.
"I'm sure it's a misunderstanding. Your Master will turn up." Ranna said. "Why don't you stay a while? You must be exhausted." she offered.
"That's easy for you to say, Matriarch. I hate to be the one throwing accusations, but your behavior right now is off." Andrew said with a deadpan expression.
"He's got a point. You're acting like you're trying to hide some-" Asmund began, before being interrupted by a stun attack that knocked him out cold. Next was an ion pulse that disabled T7.
"Woah woah woah!" Neptune exclaimed as the sudden attack came. Then Moorint ran in.
"What the hell is going on here?!" Andrew shouted as he and Neptune were held at gunpoint.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
-And so the SWTOR portion of the story begins. Grab your popcorn, readers, because it's a LONG few chapters of writing.
-I originally intended to finish off Tython in one chapter, but it was already getting too long, and I have set a 10,000 word limit on the length of chapters. You'll have to settle for an ending here, to be picked up in the next chapter.
-I have a lot planned for this portion of the story. More will come at a later date.
That's about it. Cya!