Hyperdimension Neptunia - Across the Multiverse
A HyperDimension Neptunia Fanfiction by Dumbrarere1
Chapter 9 - The Architect of Annihilation
"So, Asriel." Andrew began.
"Hmm?" Asriel hummed.
"That sword that you used in your HDD form. I remember seeing that somewhere. What was it?" Andrew asked.
"Oh, that thing? It's something Histoire bestowed upon me called the 'Trinity Blade', a Holy Sword of Gamindustri once used by a member of the Heroes Quartet. It scales its strength based on the amount of shares a CPU has, essentially doubling their strength. Or at least that's what she told me." Asriel explained.
"Man, you are one lucky kid." Neptune teased. That was when Asmund entered.
"We'll be leaving hyperspace above Taris soon." he said. The three CPUs stood up and walked to the holoterminal, waiting to contact General Var Suthra. Soon enough, the ship left Hyperspace above the world, before landing at the spaceport. Asmund contacted Var Suthra immediately.
"General. We're on Taris. You seemed pretty worried about this place after Ord Mantell. What's the big mystery you wouldn't reveal?" he asked.
"I apologize for the secrecy, but this involves someone the Empire would love to get its hands on." Var Suthra said.
"Wait… SomeONE? This is a person we're talking about?" Andrew asked.
"Angral's son, Tarnis, was the lead scientist on our advanced warfare projects. But these technologies were all invented by Doctor Nasan Godera. Doctor Godera's a genius. Calculates targeting algorithms in his head for fun." Car Suthra said.
"If he's so special, why wasn't he leading things instead of Tarnis?" Asmund asked.
"Doctor Godera hates the Empire. So much so that he quit in protest when the Republic signed the Treaty of Coruscant. Disappeared completely. We recently discovered he's hiding on Taris, but the swamps, predators, city ruins, and the rakghouls are keeping us from finding him." Var Suthra explained.
"City ruins? There's no civilization here?" Andrew asked.
"Taris used to be an encumenopolis, a city encompassing the entire planet. In population alone, it rivaled Coruscant. But three hundred years ago, there was a conflict between the fallen Jedi Revan and Malak. During the conflict, A Republic Strike Team led by the Jedi Bastila Shan that was sent to Taris aboard the Endar Spire was destroyed just after they left hyperspace. Bastila, Revan and a Republic soldier and pilot named Carth Onasi were stranded on Taris for a few months. In an effort to kill Revan and Bastila, Malak destroyed Taris, laying waste to the entire city. Billions of innocent civilians and entire battalions of Malak's own soldiers were killed." Var Suthra said.
"Did Malak succeed in killing Revan?" Asriel asked.
"Revan, Bastila and Carth escaped Taris' destruction, and Revan eventually killed Malak. Many more died before it was over." Var Suthra said, before going to the now. "The Republic is recolonizing Taris. We have found evidence that Doctor Godera has been hiding on the planet for years. Reconnaissance discovered one of Godera's outposts in the swamp. It's entirely automated, nothing but droids inside. And they're not cooperating. After what you learned on Ord Mantell, you're our best shot at bringing him back." he explained.
"Perhaps we can convince these droids, considering Godera's life might be in danger. We'll bring him back, whatever it takes." Andrew declared.
"I left a small team near the outpost. They'll aid your search. I'll send you the outpost coordinates. Good luck. Var Suthra out." Var Suthra said as he cut contact.
They were walking through the spaceport when they got interrupted by two people.
"Hold a moment, please. Strom." the first guy, Bardo, said.
"Scanning. ID confirmed. These are the guys." the second man, Strom, said as he scanned the IDs of everyone.
"Welcome to Taris, Master Jedi, CPUs. Apologies for the delay, but Governor Saresh requests your help with some… security issues on the reconstruction project." Bardo said.
"Is Governor Saresh the one in charge here?" Asmund asked.
"Yep. "Duly appointed Senatorial Supervisory Governor for Planetary Affairs," if you're feeling long-winded." Strom replied.
"Talk about a mouthful… It makes me dizzy just thinking about it." Neptune groaned.
"Taris is substantially more… hazardous than initial reports had suggested. The specifics aren't common knowledge offworld, but... " Bardo began.
"...But we're trying to rebuild a planet covered with toxic junk and diseased, carnivorous monsters. And it ain't working." Strom finished.
"Ahem. Governor Saresh has plans to alleviate some of these problems, but they require highly skilled individuals to carry out. Individuals like you." Bardo explained.
"And how does the Governor plan to deal with this exactly?" Andrew asked?
"She'll be happy to discuss the details with you in person. I'll let her know you're stopping by." Bardo said.
"Just hear her out. You can make a huge difference here." Strom said.
"Thank you for your time." Bardo said, allowing the group to travel onward. They went to Governor Saresh's office, where she was discussing things with someone.
"I'm sure it would work out if we had the manpower, but we don't. The numbers just aren't on our side." Chief Trig said.
"Success isn't always in the numbers, Chief. We don't need more people, we need the right people." Governor Saresh countered.
"Excuse us for the interruption, but we were told to speak to Governor Saresh?" Asmund asked.
"Bardo and Strom found you after all, good. Thank you all for coming. I'm Governor Saresh." Saresh said as she stood up, approaching the group. "Our goal on Taris is simple. Rebuild everything the Sith destroyed in the Jedi Civil War, and remind the galaxy that the Republic never gives up. But resources are tight, and we have some serious challenges: toxic chemical spills, scavenging pirates and… the wildlife." she continued to explain.
"General Var Suthra mentioned the rakghouls. What sort of creatures are we dealing with?" Andrew asked.
"Diseased, carnivorous mutants created by Sith Alchemy. Highly territorial, highly ravenous, and highly unpredictable. There's thousands of them, maybe even millions. One bad bite can turn a normal human being into one of them, but Jedi Knights have proven incredibly resilient to the Rakghoul Disease in the past. We believe that a Jedi Knight or two and the CPUs can clear out large groups of them without succumbing to infection." Chief Trig explained.
"The rakghouls use tunnels buried in the ruins to attack by surprise and overwhelm our soldiers. Every work crew we send out is decimated. We came here to achieve the greatest reconstruction project in Republic history. Instead, the workers hide in this outpost like frightened children. No more." Governor Saresh said.
"What can we do to push these creatures back and keep your workers safe?" Asmund asked.
"We need to level the field so our security forces can do their job. Chief Trig has a plan." Governor Saresh replied.
"A suicidal plan…" Chief Trig interjected.
"Now now, let's not be pessimistic. You said yourself that we could get the job done with minimal risk." Andrew said. "Let me guess. You want us to collapse the tunnels and neutralize the rakghouls around the exits?" Andrew asked.
"Exactly. I know you're up to the task." Governor Saresh replied.
"Old ventilation shafts still connect a few hubs in the tunnel network to the surface. Drop explosives in enough of them, and the whole thing collapses." Chief Trig said.
"Say no more. We'll get the job done." asmund declared.
"I knew I can count on you. Take these detonite charges, drop them in the tunnels, and hit the detonator. The explosions should be powerful enough to cause the entire tunnel network to collapse." Governor Saresh said as she handed three detonite charges and a remote detonator. With that, the group took their leave, and they went to close off the tunnels the rakghouls used to ambush Republic workers and their security teams. They tossed the three charges in three separate ventilation shafts and hit the detonator, causing the whole tunnel network to collapse. Rakghouls, angered by the explosions, intercepted the group in droves, but Asriel, Neptune and Andrew drove them back with Area of Effect attacks.
"Wow. We worked quick." Kira said.
"Let's get back to Governor Saresh and tell her what we've accomplished." Andrew said.
They returned to Governor Saresh's office to see one of the contractors in an uproar.
"...I don't care what your plan is! We're not sticking around to get eaten alive! Me and my crew are leaving, period!" the man, named Hull, said.
"You can relax, sir. The tunnels that they were using have been completely collapsed, and we killed off a large number of those beasts." Asmund said. "Overcome your fears. Help us save this world for the future." he continued.
"This is insane! We're construction workers! We didn't sign up for this!" Hull lashed out.
"You and your crew can rest assured that we have done our part. The largest threat that the rakghouls created has been neutralized." Andrew said, before turning his gaze to Governor Saresh. "Might I recommend adding automated laser turrets to help support the security crews and contractors working on the project? Every bit of firepower would help keep the men alive, meaning you can focus more resources on sending contractors out, and less on sending soldiers out to guard them." he suggested.
"A good observation and suggestion. While automated turrets are inefficient, they're a good compromise against risking lives by sending more men and women to guard the contractors. I'll discuss the option with my advisors and see what can be done." Governor Saresh responded.
"At least someone makes good suggestions once in a while. Thanks for sticking up for us construction workers, it means a lot to know that there's more than just mercenaries and Republic soldiers watching out for us." Hull said. He bobbed his head in respect, before taking his leave.
"Scouts are already reporting a drastic decrease in rakghoul populations. Thanks to you, the project can finally get moving again. Stay safe, and stay in touch." Governor Saresh said, before allowing the group to leave. It was one problem after another on Taris, and they soon came to see someone complaining about something on their property.
"We've been waiting weeks! And those things are STILL swarming our property while you sorry excuses for defenders of the Republic sun yourself on the base!" the very angry person, Relus Poh, shouted, lashing out at a Republic scout.
"This is a military operation, sir. The planet hasn't been cleared for civilian occupancy." the young scout, a Private, countered.
"My brother didn't mean to be insulting. But for three centuries, our family has dreamt of reclaiming our place on Taris, only to be stopped by those things." Relus' sister, Jaymizu, said calmly.
"We overheard the argument here. What's going on?" Asmund asked.
"Their old estate is off base, so we've got no way to secure it." the Private said.
"Taris is our home! We're not going to wait until the army takes its pick of the planet and throws us the scraps!" Relus exclaimed.
"The Republic validated our records, but some outlaws set up a camp there. They've got security droids all around the perimeter." Jaymizu explained.
"Stay here in the base's security network. We'll set out immediately to sort this out." Andrew said.
"Would you really be willing to take such a risk for us?" Jaymizu asked.
"Your claim seems just." Andrew replied.
"Great. They're all yours. You find anything important, you can fill out a form at HQ." the Private said.
"All we need is to clear those droids and find out who's controlling them. I can handle the rest." Relus said. The group departed, and made it to the estate, where they began to destroy the security droids. With the perimeter cleared, they entered the building.
"Hold. We have no more left with which to defend ourselves. You have left us helpless to the rakghouls and everything that haunts this planet." a Twi'lek female, Achitan, said. "My people are refugees. Survivors of the Sacking of Coruscant. Would you turn us out of yet another home?" she asked.
"Who are you?" Andrew asked.
"My name is Achitan, and you might call me the leader of this colony. We fled here after the war. The lower levels were in shambles. Thousands of people from thousands of species homeless and hurt. The Humans in the Galactic Senate barely slapped on a fresh coat of paint. We came here to start a new life." Achitan explained.
"Hard to believe that Coruscant is still recovering since then. Part of the rebuilding on the Galactic Capital was hampered by corruption in the Senate, which we helped root out." Asmund said.
"Unfortunately, you're living on land that belongs to a Tarisian family who have waited since the planet's destruction to reclaim their home." Andrew interjected.
"How typically human. So many men are here to reclaim this planet who know nothing of its past." Achitan sneered.
"Um… Excuse us?" Asriel asked.
"Ancient Taris was a blight upon the Republic, the black mark on its reputation for freedom." Achitan said.
"As far as I know, Taris was an Outer Rim nothing until Malak blew it up." Asmund said.
"Humans on Taris did as they do on all planets. They seized the surface, claimed Taris' wealth and forced every other species to the lower levels. Every meter of land owned by a Human was probably seized from another species, just as this was seized from my ancestors. " Achitan exclaimed.
"So you're saying… your ancestors were the original land owners of this estate, before racism forced you off… Do you have any proof?" Andrew asked.
"I have their documents. So old they were kept in printed form. Read them yourself if you doubt me." Achitan replied.
"That's all we needed." Andrew said.
"If you have legal claim, why not bring it to the Republic?" Asriel asked, brushing some dirt off the white fur on his head.
"They prefer not to admit Taris' ugly history. Still, we came to start over. I had hoped the new Taris would not be so quickly tainted by the old. If you have any sympathy for our cause, perhaps there is something you can do? We are alone and at the Republic's mercy." Achitan said.
"Don't worry. We'll speak with the supposed landowners and the Republic Military and set the record straight. The documents you have provided are proof enough of your word." Andrew said.
"I thank you for softening your heart to my story. I will tell my people to begin repairs on our droids." Achitan said. The group left and returned to the Republic base camp, and met up with the Poh family and the Private from before.
"Excellent job! We can smell the smoking metal corpses from here!" Relus exclaimed.
"I told him that's not really possible…" Jaymizu said.
"So who are the crooks who set themselves up on our property?! Did you drive them off?!" Relus asked. His arrogance was rather obvious, now that the truth was out.
"I'm afraid, sir, that the property wasn't yours to begin with. We recovered documents from the alien residents, proving that they belonged to them. These 'crooks' as you call them are the original land owners, and their claim is more valid than yours." Andrew said, handing the original deed to the Private in charge.
"The "alien resettlement" was a valid executive order approved by the Republic! This is our land!" Relus snapped.
"There are alien survivors who kept their claim? I'd have thought they never wanted to come back here… I- I read the history. It wasn't right." Jaymizu said calmly.
"It was justified! You can't make us leave because of that!" Relus countered. It was easy to see that Relus' arrogant and selfish viewpoint was at odds with his sister's moral fiber.
"It'll take more than two people to turn this place civilized. Maybe you and they should work together." Asmund suggested.
"I agree, Relus. This isn't our ancestors' estate. This is a frontier. We'll need to grow food, sew clothes, defend ourselves. Wouldn't it be better to ally with these aliens?" Jaymizu asked.
"Sew clothes? Are you out of your mind?" Relus asked.
"Look, I looked over the document, and it is completely authentic. It invalidates your claim to the property. I'm sure HQ and the Senate would agree." the Private said.
"This is an outrage! I'll be sure that the Senate hears of this!" Relus said as he stormed off. Jaymizu looked upset at her brother's actions.
"I can't believe how selfish my own brother is…" she muttered.
"You should get that document to HQ right away, Private. Make sure a copy is sent to the Senate and Governor Saresh, before he tries to get the Republic Military or paid mercenaries to force the aliens off their ancestral home." Andrew said.
"Getting Republic soldiers to help defend the land against incursion from pirates, rakghouls and my brother's wrath would be a great way to improve relations between us and the aliens living on that estate." Jaymizu said.
"Will do. And thank you for sorting this out." the Private replied.
"We need to focus on finding Doctor Godera. The Empire can't be too far behind." Andrew said, looking to Asmund.
The group ran to the outpost to find carbon scoring and no sign of Doctor Godera. The floor was littered with damaged droids and corpses. On the holoterminal was an Imperial Intelligence operative, talking with his assassins, only to be interrupted by Andrew tapping the assassin on the shoulder, before knocking him out cold. The other assassins opened fired, but were quickly cut down as Andrew summoned his blaster and returned fire, hitting them square in the face.
"That's enough bloodshed. Let's be professional about this." the agent said.
"Identify yourself, Imperial." Andrew demanded in a calm manner.
"I'm Watcher One of Imperial Intelligence. Those men you just fought served me." Watcher One explained. Andrew despawned his blaster.
"This place was supposed to be secret. How did you find out about this operation so quickly?" Asmund asked.
"Despite what General Var Suthra believes, I've known about this outpost for some time. Your imminent arrival forced me to take action. My mission is to protect the Empire from Doctor Godera's weapons. I'm afraid I cannot let you have him." Watcher One explained.
"Darth Angral is creating a planet-killing weapon as we speak, using weapons technologies stolen from the Republic. Technologies that were invented by Doctor Godera himself." Andrew said. "What happens if Darth Angral's madness causes him to turn on the Empire once the Republic is defeated? What if, in his madness, he destroys everything the Sith worked hard to achieve in the previous war?" he asked.
"A bold, and honestly true statement, but I do not deal in hypotheticals. I prefer to live in the now. Imperial Intelligence prides itself on accurate threat assessment. I've known you were coming; analyzed your strengths and weaknesses in preparation. Asmund, with the help of you CPUs, defeated the fallen Jedi Bengel Morr, to become a Knight. He's an exemplar of the Jedi Order." Watcher One said.
"How did you know about all this?" Asmund asked.
"Either he can read minds, or he's got spies on Tython." Kira interjected.
"Maybe he's trying to get under our skin and make us paranoid." Asriel suggested.
"Your mental state is immaterial to the situation. As fortune would have it, Doctor Godera will be in my custody shortly. You have already failed." Watcher One said spitefully.
"The Force - and the power of the CPUs - is with me. We will find Doctor Godera. And you, too." Asmund said.
"I see my reinforcements are finally in position." Watcher One said as a bunch of Imperial assassins decloaked around them. Neptune almost freaked out at the sudden and familiar scene. "Terminate them." Watcher One ordered, before closing the com channel.
"Ambush!" Andrew exclaimed as he took his weapon out and went to attack, but not before Asriel used Shocker Breaker, killing a good number of the enemy. Asmund drew the final blow by throwing his lightsaber at the last assassin, killing him.
"Asriel's powers and skills are growing more and more impressive." he said as he retrieved his lightsaber.
"He's also showing the responsibility, as Histoire said. I think he'll be a great CPU." Kira interjected.
"Awww, you guys are making me blush!" Asriel whined. A loud thumping could be heard to their right as a large droid approached.
"Blasted Imps! Death is too good for them!" the droid spoke.
"What's your name?" Andrew asked.
"My designation is RE-M0." RE-M0 introduced. "Thank you for liberating this facility. Good riddance to Imp scum." he continued.
"Remo, huh? Nice to meet you, Remo." Neptune said.
"Are you one of Doctor Godera's droids? What happened here?" Asmund asked.
"Doctor Godera assigned me to this facility. Primary function: enemy surveillance." RE-M0 said.
"Well, the enemy certainly found out about the operation." Asriel said.
"The facility was compromised when Republic cowards arrived on Taris, and again by these Imp scum." RE-M0 explain.
"Why do you call the Republic cowards? These men and women died defending you and this facility from the Empire." Andrew asked.
"Republic cowards surrendered to the Empire many years ago. These deaths do not alter that fact." RE-M0 insisted. Asmund questioned it, but shrugged the thought off.
"Listen, RE-M0. The Sith Lord, Darth Angral, stole weapons technology from Doctor Godera and is using it to create a planet-killing doomsday weapon codenamed 'Desolator'. We believe that, as a result, Doctor Godera's life may be in danger. We need you to help us locate him before Watcher One does." Andrew explained.
"My programming forbids cooperation with non-Godera lifeforms, except under extreme circumstances. That criteria is now met. Watcher One reprogrammed this facility's tracking relays. He traced Doctor Godera's encrypted bioscan to its present location." RE-M0 said.
"Well, if it worked for Watcher One, it'll work for us." Asmund said.
"The Imp scum destroyed the central computer hoping to prevent this. I must repair it while you reset the outdoor tracking relays. I will provide you with the relays' coordinates, but be advised: the outdoors are dangerous." RE-M0 said.
"Leave it to us, Remo." Neptune said confidently.
"Jedi and CPUs were never included in Doctor Godera's "Republic coward" designation. Now I comprehend why. Contact me when all tracking relays are reset. Then we can triangulate Doctor Godera's position. If you encounter any Imp scum, annihilate them. How you handle Republic cowards is at your discretion. Good luck." RE-M0 said honestly. The group went out and started resetting the relays, while RE-M0 went to work on the repairs. It didn't take long at all, as the relays and central computer went up simultaneously. Asmund contacted RE-M0 as soon as they were done.
"I finished resetting all the tracking relays. Is that central computer online?" he asked.
"Affirmative. Triangulating Doctor Godera's coordinates now. This facility has outlived its usefulness, and my programming provides no secondary mission. I am uncertain how to proceed. Serving Republic cowards is unacceptable, but I am not armed to combat Imp scum. Recommendation?" RE-M0 said as he began the process of looking for Doctor Godera.
"Don't go anywhere until I find Doctor Godera." Asmund recommended.
"A prudent course of action. Perhaps I can monitor Imp scum from here… Triangulation complete. Transmitting coordinates to you now…" RE-M0 said as he sent the coordinates.
"Thanks, Remo. We owe you one." Neptune said cheerfully.
"A pleasure. Now, go save Doctor Godera and show Imp scum what it means to mess with a Jedi!" RE-M0 said, before cutting contact.
The group rushed over to the coordinates to find Doctor Godera's assistants under fire.
"A Jedi! We're saved!" one of the assistants, a Rodian named Kulaa, exclaimed. "Please, help. Imperials shot my friend. They want Doctor Godera, they're everywhere!" he pleaded.
"Where's Doctor Godera?" Andrew asked.
"He barricaded himself in the main lab. He can't hold out much longer." Kulaa said.
"Alright. Keep out of sight and protect your friend. We'll get Doctor Godera and everyone else out of this." Asmund said.
"You're the only one who can help! Hurry!" Kulaa said. The group rushed in and attempted to rescue Doctor Godera.
"Stand down, Jedi. I'm afraid we both lose this contest." Watcher One said.
"What do you mean?" Asmund asked.
"Doctor Godera killed himself, rather than be captured. It's a tragic loss." Watcher One said.
"Quite a nice nest of lies you got here." Andrew said. "And I'm certain that you're not the REAL Watcher One." he continued.
"Whatever do you mean? You with your Jedi mind. Unlike the men at the outpost, we're trained to kill Jedi." the man impersonating Watcher One said, trying to maintain his cover.
"The real Watcher One knows what I really am." Andrew said, activating HDD. "And I'm not a Jedi." he said.
"Well… This was not expected…" the man said.
"Good work, Andrew. That perception was spot on." Asmund said.
"Wait! These filthy Imps are lying to you!" RE-M0 said as he rushed in.
"Oddly enough, Andrew Hawker saw right through them." Asmund said.
"I conducted a second bioscan on my master's location, just to be sure." RE-M0 said.
"I thought we destroyed that irritating machine…" the man said, clenching his fist. He didn't realize his voice shifted. He pulled a blaster out and shot RE-M0. Asmund and Kira activated their lightsabers and the battle was on. The man who they thought was Watcher One turned out to be an Imperial Shadow Captain in disguise. Andrew was quick, taking out the Shadow Troopers, before assisting with the Shadow Captain. Andrew knocked the opponent off guard with Dimension Blitz, leaving him wide open for a killing blow from Kira. With the battle over, Andrew knelt down in front of RE-M0 to check for damage.
"Critical damage… Circuits failing… Transmitting my maker's new coordinates to you now. Save him. Do not let my functions end in vain…" RE-M0 begged.
"Your main processor and memory circuits are intact. If there's a way to repair you, I'll find it." Asmund said.
"Filthy Imps… Kill them all!" RE-M0 shouted, just as his systems finally failed.
"Hello again. Your ability to survive is impressive, to say the least." Kulaa said.
"Cut the crap, Watcher One, I know who you really are." Andrew said. Watcher One got out of his alien disguise rather quickly.
"And your perception is equally impressive. Not my finest performance, but serviceable. Do not fear. Doctor Godera is unharmed. I painlessly rendered him unconscious and carried him to safety." Watcher One announced.
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Andrew said.
"We could continue this chase forever, but that would be a waste of resources. I suggest a compromise. Give me time to administer truth serum to Doctor Godera. Once he reveals his secrets, he's yours. We'll both get what we want." Watcher One suggested. Andrew raised an eyebrow at the suggestion.
"Okay. I'll be happy to accept, once your homeworld's sky turns green." Andrew said. Asmund struggled to keep a straight face at the sassy remark.
"Oh please, childish commentary won't get you anywhere. I don't have time for such petty games." Watcher One said. "I will purchase time for interrogating Doctor Godera by offering you something of great personal interest. A Sith assassin is on Taris, preparing to massacre a small Republic settlement. I'll tell you where." he continued.
"And we're supposed to just take your word for it?" Kira asked.
"My deceptions have failed to produce the desired result. Now, I am telling the truth." Watcher One replied.
"Then tell us." Asmund said.
"I can only provide the location. How you stop your enemy is up to you. The Republic colonists have a temporary shelter near some ruins. Sending you the coordinates now… The Sith assassin is noted for being a master of beasts. She likely won't be alone. I advise caution. Good luck, Jedi… CPUs…" Watcher One said, before cutting transmission.
"A Sith Intelligence officer, directing us against a Sith attack, advising caution and wishing us good luck. That is a new one indeed." Kira mused.
"I sensed no deception from him this time around, which is surprising. Perhaps we should help those people." Asmund said.
"Then we'd better hurry." Andrew said.
They ran to the temporary shelter, where they met with the leader of the colony.
"Welcome, Master Jedi. How did our humble settlement earn this honor? Do you need food or water? Anything we have is yours." The leader asked.
"A Sith wants you all dead. We're here to defend you." Asmund said.
"Sith? But why us? We haven't done anything!" the leader exclaimed in confusion.
"Since when do Sith need a reason to kill people?" Kira asked.
"Listen. You need to get your people to safety, as calmly as possible. We'll handle the rest." Andrew said.
"This is horrible! We're not prepared for this!" The leader said on the verge of panic. That's when the ground vibrated, loud thumping suggesting a large beast.
"Then you should not have come back to a world that is not yours." the Sith assassin, Rora Seake, declared. "Taris belongs to the Sith Empire, now and forever! Even my beasts understand that!" she continued.
"So you say, but we stand ready to protect the Republic and its interests." Andrew said, before he, Asriel, and Neptune activated HDD again.
"And the CPUs stand before me as well. How quaint. Before you die, satisfy my curiosity. My mission was secret. How did you know about it?" Rora asked.
"You can't trust your own people. That's why the Empire will fall." Asmund said.
"I'll inform Darth Angral of this security breach. But first thing's first… My pets are ready to play. Are you?" Rora asked.
"Daring a CPU isn't the smartest thing you can do." Asriel said, entering combat stance with the Trinity Blade gleaming from the overhead lights. Rora chuckled as she stepped back twenty paces, before entering a meditative state with a lightning shield around her, rousing her beasts to fight. Andrew and Neptune rushed in, attacking one beast, while Asmund and Kira attacked another. Asriel stayed back, ready to take the Sith head on when her beasts died. It didn't take too long for the first beast to perish, then the second one perished soon after.
"We haven't encountered a creature yet that could stop us. This doesn't have to come to blows, Sith. Surrender." Asriel declared.
"You should feel honored to die at my hand!" Rora shouted. She charged a powerful lightning attack and flung it at the young Auxiliary CPU, sending him flying back and into a wall, but he recovered quickly and leapt back in, blocking a downward slice with the Trinity Blade. He kept parrying the attacks, and managed a successful counter, knocking the Sith down. Rora tried to cut his legs off unsuccessfully, then use a mix of Force Push and Force Lightning as a last ditch effort to kill Asriel, only to be cut down herself, her lightsaber rolling out of her lifeless body and clattering against the metal floor.
"That was impressive, Asriel." Andrew commented.
"What can I say? I'm learning a lot from you two." Asriel replied. As the three CPUs left HDD, the leader of the settlement walked up.
"That Sith and her beasts… If you hadn't been here, they'd have torn us to pieces." the leader remarked. "Our settlement is new. We have fresh supplies. Please, take them." he continued.
"Keep the supplies, sir. Use them to further the settlement's development." Andrew said, turning the reward down.
"My parents told me stories of the Jedi when I was a boy. Now, I see that they're true. I don't know what you three are, but you have my thanks, along with the Master Jedi here." the leader said.
"Glad we did this, but we need to wipe that smug grin off Watcher One's face." Neptune said.
"My thoughts exactly. Shall we?" Kira asked.
The group rushed over to Doctor Godera's location. They found that they were unfortunately a bit too late to stop the interrogation.
"Lord Angral. My interrogation is complete. Transmitting my report to you now." Watcher One announced.
"Your efficiency will be noted. Take Doctor Godera to Dromund Kaas. I have plans for him." Darth Angral replied.
"You never mentioned you were working with Angral." Asmund said as he and the rest of the group walked up.
"What is this? Explain yourself, Watcher!" Darth Angral demanded. It was easy to tell that he was quite furious.
"To ensure mission success, I compromised with the Jedi. He's here for the doctor." Watcher One explained.
"You… compromised? With the Jedi vermin and CPU filth that killed my son?!" Darth Angral snarled. "Perhaps I should be grateful. You spared me the effort of hunting you down." he continued.
"Stop throwing your lackeys at us. If you want to end this, do it in person." Asmund demanded.
"Watcher, bring me this filth alive. I will kill him myself." Darth Angral ordered.
"Respectfully, milord. I am duty-bound to honor our bargain." Watcher One said.
"Don't trifle with me! I want that Jedi! I want those CPUs!" Darth Angral hissed.
"Very well, Lord Angral." Watcher One said, turning to the group as Darth Angral cut the channel.
"So, you're not going to honor the deal after all…" Andrew said.
"I apologize for reneging on the deal, but I have orders. You understand. I recommend you surrender." Watcher One said.
"You don't have to be Darth Angral's puppet, Watcher One. You're more honor-bound than that. Give us Doctor Godera, and seek immunity amongst the Senate and Republic Military while you still can." Andrew suggested.
"We seem to be at an impasse. This is not the ending I would have chosen." Watcher One said as he pulled out a vibroblade, going to attack Asmund directly, but a few parries later, his weapon shattered against Neptune's katana. His guards fell next. "Again, Darth Angral underestimates you. Twenty years, I avoided becoming a casualty of Sith madness. But, an order is an order." the defeated Imperial said.
"Obligations are what shape our lives." Asmund said.
"We're not so different. For some reason, that's a comfort. Perhaps there's more truth to your hypothetical than I had first thought, CPU. Darth Angral's madness may put the Empire in the firing line. Knowing I'd failed, Darth Angral will kill me. There's no going back. Regardless, you are the victor here. How do you wish to proceed?" Watcher One asked.
"If you can show the Republic you are willing to change sides, you can request immunity and protection. You'd be safe from Darth Angral; a free man, rather than the puppet or victim of a vengeance-crazed Sith Lord." Andrew suggested.
"You've been a worthy adversary. Perhaps it is in my best interests to aid the Republic, rather than Darth Angral. I shall wait for you at the Republic spaceport, mention that you sent me." Watcher One said, before he took his leave. The group then found Doctor Godera restrained to an interrogation table.
"Doctor Godera. Are you alright? I'm a Jedi Knight sent by General Var Suthra to rescue you. My friends, CPUs from another dimension, are with me." Asmund asked.
"Var Suthra? That old man never gives up, does he?" Doctor Godera asked. Asmund went to disable the restraining field keeping Doctor Godera stuck to the table. "The Imperials gave me a Class-4 Truth Serum. Don't remember the interrogation, but I fear they may have learned too much." Doctor Godera said.
"Well, Watcher One changed sides, thanks to one of the CPUs. Hopefully it's a good way to repay for what he's done." Kira said. The restraints shut down, and Doctor Godera returned to his feet.
"I suppose you plan to take me back to Coruscant? I left for a good reason, you know." the doctor said, somewhat irritably.
"Circumstances have changed unfortunately. Darth Angral and the Sith Empire are in possession of a planet-killing doomsday weapon called the Desolator, which was created with Republic secret weapons technology that you invented. You're the only chance we have of understanding the technology well enough to put a stop to our mad Sith Lord's plans." Andrew said.
"So I unwittingly created a monster… May the Force help us…" Doctor Godera said, looking a little pale. "This means that, if it hasn't started already, all-out war is imminent. I'm ready to face what's coming. Perhaps it is time I returned. Finish the war and wipe out the Empire for good." he continued, before he took his leave. The Sharicite Fragment appeared where Doctor Godera was standing, and Andrew and Neptune claimed it.
Everyone returned to the spaceport to see Watcher One standing by the way to the Endeavor, flanked by two Republic soldiers and an SIS agent. They were talking with General Var Suthra over the holocom. Doctor Godera was there, too.
"I told you, Agent. My team never fails." Var Suthra exclaimed cheerfully.
"My team came to assist you. We discovered the outpost was destroyed and assumed the worst. Imperial spymaster Watcher One here told us everything about what happened, and how you made him realize that a life serving Darth Angral wasn't a life worth living. I was surprised to see him wanting to change sides." the SIS agent, a Cathar named Fau-Kes, said.
"Unfortunately, the Empire now knows too much. I wish to rectify that error." Watcher One said. "I have complete knowledge of Darth Angral's plans once he gets the Desolator operational. I'd be more than happy to assist the Jedi and his companions, as well as any Republic Military officials, against him." he continued.
"The Empire's spy network will suffer without your guidance, Watcher One. This buys us time. Thank you." Agent Fau-Kes remarked.
"Doctor Godera. You're looking well, all things considered. Ready to come home?" Var Suthra asked.
"Depends. Are you ready to do what's right?" Doctor Godera asked.
"I always was. And our time has finally come." Var Suthra replied. He turned to Agent Fau-Kes. "Agent. Bring Doctor Godera and Watcher One to Coruscant immediately. We'll be needing their skills and information." he ordered, before turning his gaze back to Asmund and the group. "Contact me from your ship. Var Suthra out." Var Suthra ordered, before cutting contact.
"Then this is goodbye. You saved my life. I owe you." Doctor Godera said.
"I'd never have found you without your droid. The Imperials destroyed it, but I was able to salvage the memory core and processor." Asmund said.
"Ah, Remo. One of my favorites. Thank you for salvaging his parts. I look forward to putting him back together." Doctor Godera said.
"That droid's a hero. He deserves a second chance." Andrew said.
"Working on Remo will make the long flight to Coruscant more bearable. Goodbye for now. I'm sure we'll see each other again." Doctor Godera said.
"Thanks again, Jedi. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I look forward to working with you and the CPUs.." Watcher One said with a genuine smile, before leaving with Agent Fau-Kes and Doctor Godera.
"Another happy ending." Kira said quietly.
"Let's get back on the Endeavor and report in." Asmund said.
"Yeah, I need a permanent break from all that rakghoul nonsense." Neptune groaned tiredly.
"You and me both." Asriel said as they boarded their ship.
"General. Doctor Godera and Watcher One are on their way to you." Asmund said over the holocom.
"I can only imagine what the Empire would have done to Doctor Godera had you not been there. And it is good that you convinced the enemy's spymaster to change sides." Var Suthra said.
"What can we say? The CPUs work miracles." Kira said.
"T7 = grateful to have CPUs with Asmund." T7 chirped.
"I'm also told you saved a Republic settlement from a Sith assassin." Var Suthra said.
"You can thank Watcher One for that." Andrew said.
"Interesting. Let's hope there's more to come." Var Suthra said. "Your work here may be done, but this isn't over." he continued.
"Not by a long shot. Next stop, Nar Shaddaa." Asriel said.
"Contact me when you get there. Var Suthra out." Var Suthra said, before ending the holocall. T7 got the ship in the air, and they were on their way to Nar Shaddaa. Once in Hyperspace, they took a moment to rest easy.
"So, Darth Angral finally draws our enemies in…" Denzion mused.
"Of course. It's not ideal, and his insanity may become the downfall of the Sith Empire. His work on upgrading the Republic's Power Guards is astounding, and your spies in his power base report the first Shadow Guards are leaving production very soon." Grand Moff Kilran replied.
"I thought so. But this works to our advantage." Denzion said.
"Milord?" Kilran asked.
"The ship my Master greenlit in low orbit above Endor is nearly complete. I assume you've seen the blueprints?" Denzion asked, smirking.
"Of course, milord. It's an ambitious project that I assume has taken many months. I don't think the Empire nor the Republic has seen a starship of this scale. What was it you called it? The Eclipse? A fitting name for such a massive ship." Kilran mused.
"Indeed. Should this ship rest in orbit above the Republic capital, the sheer size will blot out the sun itself. Turbo lasers will rain down from the skies like fire and brimstone, and the Senate will beg for mercy at mine and Malgus' heel." Denzion said devilishly.
"An ideal plan, sir... But Watcher One reported the presence of a third CPU to Darth Angral before he suddenly went dark, as your spies reported. In all likelihood, the Jedi and CPUs killed him." Kilran said.
"A third? No matter. A war is coming, and we will be the hands that drive the Emperor's Blade across the galaxy." Denzion declared. That's when a servant arrived with a blackened Kyber Crystal.
"Maser, the Lady of Nightmares has finished her modifications to your crystal." the servant said.
"Ah. Finally." Denzion said as he collected the crystal, setting it inside his crossguard lightsaber, before igniting it. Rather than the glaring red that he's familiar with, the blade emitted was a sinister black. He was originally horrified at the look, but the look of horror soon turned into a look of satisfaction. "Unusual… terrifying… and powerful… I cannot wait to see the look on the faces of those Jedi and CPU scum when they see this." he declared.
"I must admit, Denzion, that a black lightsaber blade has never been seen before. I was right to trust your judgement when you brought Kurome to me." Darth Malgus said, having seen the new weapon.
"Of course, Master. Everything's falling into place." Denzion said.
The Endeavor came out of hyperspace above the world of Nar Shaddaa.
"Well, here we are… the Smuggler's Moon." Kira said as they looked upon the world. "Steady as she goes, Asmund." she said as Asmund took control of the landing process.
"Endeavor to Spaceport Control, requesting docking clearance." Andrew said on the holoterminal.
"Docking clearance confirmed for Endeavor, please proceed to Docking Bay Four. Welcome to Nar Shaddaa." the controller said. Asmund guided the ship in to Docking Bay Four as instructed, before letting the landing struts touch the deck. Andrew immediately contacted General Var Suthra.
"General, we've arrived on Nar Shaddaa. Any word from Agent Galen?" he asked.
"Negative. After Taris and Ord Mantell, I fear the worst. I'll warn you now. The project there is… I should have ended it years ago." Var Suthra said.
"Hold on a moment. Exactly what kind of project are we dealing with?" Asmund asked.
"Conversations like this never end well." Kira said grimly.
"After the Empire's victory on Coruscant during the war, people were terrified. We looked weak, helpless. The Senate authorized research into science we had no business exploring- using technology to turn ordinary men into living weapons. The "Power Guard" program was established to create the ultimate soldier, one powerful enough to tackle a Sith head-on." Var Suthra.
"So something akin to the SPARTANs we saw during our war against the Heaven's Bane Crime Syndicate three years ago… The Master Chief was really something." Andrew muttered.
"SPARTANs?" Var Suthra asked.
"Just having idle thoughts based on what we experienced in our home dimension, General. Basically, the SPARTANs were supersoldiers wearing power armor, able to operate efficiently in highly hazardous combat situations." Andrew replied.
"Similar to what the Power Guards were aimed at achieving. I can't say I'm surprised, based on the limited knowledge I have of the Multiverse." Var Suthra said.
"The best defense against a Sith is someone like me." Asmund said.
"The Jedi Order was nearly extinct. The Senate feared you might never recover." Val Suthra said, sighing.
"So, why hold the Power Guard project here?" Asriel asked.
"Nar Shaddaa has the latest in cybernetics, combat adrenals, personal armor, personal shields and weapons. Everything we needed to create the Power Guards, though shielding was left out by choice." Var Suthra said.
"T7 combat upgrades = manufactured on Nar Shaddaa. Finest quality!" T7 beeped.
"There's also a distinct lack of government oversight. You're in Hutt territory, neutral space. Laws are practically nonexistent." Var Suthra warned.
"No wonder they call it the Smuggler's Moon…" Andrew groaned.
"A lot of the refugees from the previous war came here. Some of them took up smuggling, bringing medical supplies and food to besieged worlds, and weapons and armor to resistance groups fighting the Sith Empire. Others took… less reputable paths." Var Suthra said.
"What do we know about the Hutts?" Asmund asked.
"Hutts break laws just breathing. But they let us do business, no questions asked. I placed a single operative in charge of the Power Guard project. Gave him unlimited authority and enough credits to fund the project. The research facility operates in total secrecy, off the grid of standard Republic SIS oversight. Even I don't know where it is." Var Suthra said.
"That complicates things… Agent Galen had the proper clearance to know where the facility is, but since he's gone dark, the option of asking him has gone out the window." Andrew remarked.
"But all of our research facilities were compromised. Somehow the enemy found it." Asmund countered.
"Our operative's name and contact data were in the file stolen from Coruscant. He's disappeared, and Agent Galen vanished trying to find him. I can only assume they're dead or captured." Var Suthra said.
"If they're alive, we'll do what we can. But what about the weapons project?" Asmund asked.
"Our research can die, for all I care." Var Suthra said.
"Fine with me. Technology like this in the wrong hands is a dangerous thing indeed. I mean, what's the alternative? If Angral already has his hands on the Power Guards, he may modify the project to create something truly terrifying." Andrew said.
"Then you'd better act fast, to make sure that does not happen. I need you to coordinate with our SIS branch on Nar Shaddaa. The bureau chief is an Onderonian named Riken. SIS Headquarters is hidden on the Promenade. You'll visit a merchant shop and use a secret turbolift in the back to meet with Riken." Var Suthra said.
"Say no more, General. The Endeavor's crew is mobile." Andrew said.
"Find out what happened to Agent Galen and the operative in charge of the project. May the Force be with you." Var Suthra said, before ending the holocall.
The group arrived to see the SIS HQ in disarray.
"That's the second field agent who's missed a check-in. Our network's under attack." Special Agent Tander said.
"We don't know that." Chief Riken countered.
"We know Agent Galen was captured! He's telling the enemy where to hit us!" Special Agent Tander exclaimed.
"If it makes you feel better, transmit Alert Level Omega to all field agents, see how many respond." Chief Riken instructed. Special Agent Tander went to do as instructed.
"Bureau Chief Riken. General Var Suthra told us to find you." Andrew said.
"The Jedi and CPUs who convinced Watcher One to change sides. Glad to meet you. I'm Bureau Chief Riken." Chief Riken said. "Wish I had better news to report. We're fumbling in the dark right now." he explained.
"It sounds like your agents are in trouble." Asmund said.
"My subordinate's jumping to conclusions. Hazard of the business." Chief Riken said, shrugging it off. "Here's what little I know: Agent Galen came here to secure a top secret operation. Something hidden even from us. He disappeared in the Nikto sector while pursuing a contact. Fortunately, he left a trail we can follow." he explained.
"What information can you provide about the contact?" Asmund asked.
"The General said it was the operative in charge of his project. More than that, I don't know. Galen left coded progress reports at SIS dead-drops all over the Nikto Sector. Unfortunately, that whole area's gone hostile. Had to pull my agents out. If you want those reports, you'll have to find them yourself." Chief Riken explained.
"Thank goodness. For a second, I thought this might be too easy." Kira muttered sarcastically. That was when Special Agent Tander rushed in.
"I sent the Omega Alert. Only half our field agents reported in. I'm telling you, we're compromised! We need to move this headquarters before it's too late!" he exclaimed.
"Hold on, now. The enemy may be trying to flush you into the open, make you easier to pick off." Andrew countered.
"Running and regrouping is better than waiting to die." Tander snapped.
"Evacuating this facility is out of the question. We're safe here, and we still have a mission to complete" Chief Riken countered, turning to the group. "I've marked the locations of Agent Galen's dead-drops. Download his messages to your holo and contact me. I'll decode them. Let's get some answers. Good luck." he explained. The group traveled to the Nikto Sector and began downloading all the encoded messages from the dead-drops. With that accomplished, Asmund contacted Chief Riken.
"Chief Riken? I've downloaded all of Agent Galen's coded messages." he reported.
"Transmitting a decryption signal to your holo. De-scrambling. Hmm… times and locations, standard tracking details… and one priority holo. Playing that back now." Chief Riken said as he messed with the data, playing back an encoded message.
"Found our lead operative. Dead. He'd been tortured. The Power Guard data files are missing. No clues to the main facility's location, but there was evidence of a recruitment center here. The project was using refugees as test subjects. The recruitment center's my best shot at finding the main facility. I'm going in. Leaving the site's coordinates, just in case. Galen out." Agent Galen said in his holorecording.
"Took guts going in there alone." Kira mused.
"Not sure what's worse: The enemy stealing our weapons projects, or us experimenting on refugees." Chief Riken said rather grimly.
"Andrew feared that the Power Guard project may be altered in terrifying ways if it fell into the hands of the enemy. Unfortunately for us, that situation is already happening. We have to get the data back." Asmund said.
"A blind assault is dangerous, but it's your only option. Agent Galen - or whoever got him - holds the key to recovering the Power Guard project. The trail ends at that recruitment center. You need to get inside there and find out what's happened. Good luck. Riken out." Riken said as he cut contact.
The group ran to the recruitment center, finding Imperials already swarming inside. They attacked, quickly clearing the area of enemies. With the recruitment center secure, Asmund freed remaining refugees who were imprisoned by the Empire, and contacted Chief Riken.
"Chief Riken, the recruitment center was overrun with Imperials. No sign of Agent Galen, but I just freed some refugees." he announced.
"Not refugees. Heroes. These people put their lives on the line for victory over the Empire. Name's Vell Narroc. Been recruiting volunteers for the Power Guard project since it started." the man, Vell, explained.
"Those people asked to become test subjects?" Chief Riken asked.
"The Empire stole their homeworlds; destroyed their homes on Coruscant, Alderaan and Corellia. They jumped at the chance for payback. Over the years, hundreds of people volunteered for the Power Guard project. Heroes, all of them." Vell said.
"Not so much, now. These 'heroes' may become puppets of the Empire they signed up to fight against." Andrew said.
"Don't know how the Empire found us, but they control the whole project now." Vell said. His voice was grim and sorrowful, as though horrified to see his work fall into the hands of the enemy he hated with a passion.
"A Republic Agent named Galen came here. What happened to him?" Asmund asked.
"They captured him alive. Their leader wanted him. The Imperials are taking people for "testing" to the main lab. It's in the Red Light Sector, not sure exactly where." Vell said.
"That's one of the busiest parts of Nar Shaddaa. We'll never find the lab." Chief Riken said.
"To be fair, Riken, Andrew's intuition never fails him. Same thing goes for Asmund's and my instincts. I'm sure we can find it somehow, so long as we trust in the Force." Kira countered.
"I've heard it's the only building with a dedicated reactor. Does that help?" Vell asked.
"Absolutely. Contact me in the Red Light Sector. I'll have a plan. Riken out." Chief Riken said as he cut contact.
"I'll get these volunteers to safety. I hope you kill every last one of those Imperials." Vell said truthfully.
"We'd prefer to avoid mass slaughter if we can help it, but we will ensure justice is done." Andrew said.
The group arrived in the Red Light Sector, finding it just like any other red light district anywhere else. The brothels, shady motels, and other places of debauchery made for a perfect place to hide the Power Guard project's labs.
"I'm in the Red Light Sector. You have a plan for finding the main lab?" Asmund asked.
"If the Power Guard facility has a dedicated reactor, it's immune to disruptions affecting the power grid. My team is monitoring energy fluctuations in that sector. All you have to do is cause some fluctuations. Applying a lightsaber to the right conduits should do the trick." Chief Riken said, explaining his plan. "Sending coordinates to key power conduits. Hit them all, and we'll get a fix on that Power Guard main lab. And be careful. The Red Light Sector may look civilized, but it's anything but. Riken out." he said. Following the coordinates, they destroyed the key conduits. With the power grid temporarily disrupted, Asmund contacted Chief Riken.
"Chief Riken, the conduits have been damaged. Has your team detected anything?" he asked.
"Only one building in the sector maintained a steady energy supply when you disrupted those conduits. That has to be the main lab. Sending coordinates now. Aside from Agent Galen and the test subjects, we have no idea what you'll face in there. How will you play this?" Chief Riken said, trying to get an idea on how the group will handle the attack.
"Whatever surprises the enemy has in store, a Jedi is always ready. I'm sure the CPUs will come out on top as well." Asmund said.
"With luck, you'll catch the enemy off guard. You're in for a hell of a fight." Chief Riken said.
"Here goes nothing…" Kira said wearily.
"Contact me when it's done. Riken out." Chief Riken said before ending the holocall.
Everyone rushed to the coordinates, before stopping to allow the CPUs to activate HDD once more. They continued in, finding the Power Guards inactive. On the Holoterminal was Lord Sadic.
"We've been waiting for you, Jedi... CPUs... Darth Angral told me you defeated Watcher One and Inquisitor Ferav. Impressive." the Sith said.
"Explains why you're not here. Scared, huh?" Kira asked.
"You soldiers, lay down your weapons. I promise you'll be treated fairly." Asmund said.
"You killed good men at that recruitment center. Loyal soldiers. The best." Commander Graul spat.
"We don't revel in mass slaughter. We'd have preferred if they surrendered peacefully, but… such is the nature of war." Andrew said honestly with a deep sigh.
"Pitiful CPU. Slaughter a roomful of men and then apologize for it." Commander Graul sneered.
"I promised Commander Graul he could execute you personally. And I left him a few gifts to help." Lord Sadic declared sadistically. That was when the Power Guards went active. "Mark 1 Power Guards. Not as destructive as the ones I possess, nor as stealthy and terrifying as the Shadow Guards coming off the production lines on Darth Angral's flagship, but quick to assemble and quite malleable. It took nothing to wipe their useless minds and program them to serve me." he continued.
"You're a sick man, Sith. Give it up while there are still lives left to save." Andrew shouted.
"Charming. All bark, but no bite. Commander Graul, Kill the Jedi. Capture the CPUs and cut out the Padawan's tongue, then bring them to me." Lord Sadic said. Commander Graul bowed, before he and the Power Guards went on the attack.
"We've no choice. We've got to take them all out." Asriel said.
"Go for the Power Guards. Kira and I will take the Commander." Asmund said. Andrew, Neptune and Asriel were able to destroy the Mark 1 Power Guards without much trouble, while Asmund and Kira defeated Commander Graul. With the battle over, Asmund contacted Chief Riken.
"We're too late, Riken. Darth Angral's apprentice raided the lab. There's nothing left here. I found an encrypted datapad on the Imperial Officer. Looks important." Asmund declared.
"It may have information on where the enemy's moved to. Bring the datapad back to headquarters. My slicers will crack the decryption. We'll have to move fast to stop the enemy. Hurry." Chief Riken said.
Back at the SIS headquarters, Andrew leads the rest of the group in find it under attack by more Power Guards. Andrew, Asriel and Neptune did what they did best, re-entering HDD and engaging them while they had the chance. The Mark 2 was a bit more troublesome than last time. Unfortunately, they were too late. Chief Riken was dead.
"I warned him. I told Riken this base was compromised!" Special Agent Tander shouted, angered and horrified by what he witnessed.
"The Chief's dead… They're all dead… What were those things?" Agent Diyaz asked. His entire body was shaking.
"Power Guards. Like what we encountered at the main lab, but more powerful…" Andrew said as he left HDD. Asriel and Neptune soon followed.
"You kept us out of the loop. Hid the Power Guard facility, never told us about those weapons! We stayed and supported your mission when we should have evacuated! These deaths are on you!" Special Agent Tander snapped.
"It wasn't our call to begin with. If we don't calm ourselves and complete this mission, then more will follow." Andrew countered.
"With Riken dead, I'm Acting Bureau Chief. This mission's over." Special Agent Tander exclaimed.
"So that's it, then? You're going to sacrifice the Republic because you cannot hold it together?" Andrew asked.
"Don't you, of all people, yell at me about sacrificing the Republic!" Special Agent Tander shouted.
"Enough. Darth Angral and his apprentice has the Power Guard project. They've already begun production of a more sinister version, the kind Angral's apprentice called "Shadow Guards." If we fail this mission, we doom the Republic." Andrew said, trying to reason with the Twi'lek.
"Do not push it, CPU! I've had it up to here with this nonsense!" Special Agent Tander snapped.
"Sir, maybe you should sit this out. I'll handle it." Agent Diyaz interjected. Special Agent Tander sighed, wanting to punch the CPU in the face, but decided against it due to it being a bad idea. "Sir… I know you're scared. I am, too. But perhaps the CPU is right. We have to ignore our fear and press on." Agent Diyaz said, calming the Twi'lek.
"Fine, fine… Give the Jedi everything he needs. I'll follow along." Special Agent He'd step back, allowing Agent Diyaz to take command.
"Sorry about Tander. Maybe he's right, Chief Riken did more harm than good by not moving the base elsewhere on Nar Shaddaa. But I believe he didn't realize how big the threat against us truly was until it was too late. Anyways, what's our next step?" the agent asked.
"We have a datapad that needs slicing. Chief Riken asked us to bring it back." Asmund said, handing the datapad over. The SIS agent took the time to decrypt the data, before reporting back.
"Decryption complete. The enemy took everything from the Power Guard lab to a fallback position. I recognize these coordinates, an Imperial-controlled factory on the industrial level." Agent Diyaz reported
"Thank you, Agent." Andrew said, before turning to Special Agent Tander. "Download everything you can from the base's mainframe, and destroy everything else, then evacuate as quickly as possible." he advised.
"Thank you, CPU. You've no idea how much I've waited to hear something like that." Special Agent Tander said.
"Sir, I recommend we inform General Var Suthra. We need immediate reinforcements." Agent Diyaz recommended, before turning back to the group. "I've marked the enemy's fallback position. Good luck." Agent Diyaz said.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
-Replaced Rieeken with Riken, because why not? Creative liberties do make for interesting ideas.
-Unlike in the actual game, I gave Watcher One a new lease on life, so that death is not his only option and it gives the heroes a greater edge.
-Another connection to the previous stories in my Re;Birth 1 timeline. This time, Andrew makes a comparison between the Power Guards and the Halo Univese's SPARTAN program.
-Asriel's CPU weapon, the Trinity Blade, was the result of a few old roleplays on the now-defunct Google+ social media platform. It wasn't as fleshed out as it is now.
That's all that I have. Cya later!