Hyperdimension Neptunia - Across the Multiverse
A HyperDimension Neptunia Fanfiction by Dumbrarere1
Chapter 10 - A Villain Appears
Asmund led the group past the large number of Imperials at the factory, towards the place the coordinates pointed to. Once inside, they knew they had no choice but to fight their way through Imperials and Power Guards, forcing the CPUs to once again activate HDD.
"You shouldn't have come. He'll make me hurt you. He already forced me to give up my fellow agents. Now they're all dead." a scratchy, electronic voice said sorrowfully.
"Agent Galen? What happened to you?" Kira asked.
"When I resist… the pain… he always wins…" Agent Galen said, almost crying.
"Agent Galen, you helped us tremendously on Coruscant, led us to so many victories against Lord Tarnis' deception. Let us help you." Andrew said.
"Too late… he's here…" Agent Galen said, almost panicking. On the holoterminal, Lord Sadic appeared once more.
"Nothing more irritating than a Jedi and a bunch of CPUs who just won't die. Your constant interruptions must end." the Sith declared.
"You're a monster… One bent on sadistic pleasures at the expense of hundreds of tortured souls, unlike my kind. Let Agent Galen go." Asriel ordered.
"That is where we're at a crossroads, CPU. Your former ally will be your executioner. The new Agent Galen's power is matched only by his obedience." Lord Sadic countered.
"My goodness… That Sith turned Galen into a Power Guard…" Neptune said, horrified.
"Face me yourself! Or are you scared that you'll wind up like Tarnis?" Asmund asked, teetering on anger and disgust.
"Tarnis was a child, like you. Beneath me." Lord Sadic said spitefully, before turning to Agent Galen. "Galen. Destroy my enemy." he ordered.
"No. I'd rather die." Agent Galen said, his willpower strong enough to fight back.
"Control factor Six initiated." Lord Sadic said as he manipulated a remote control device. Galen screamed in agony as the implants began to override his neural network. "Neural override complete. Launching elimination protocol. Target: Jedi and CPUs." the Sith said.
"I told you. He always wins." Galen said, defeated, as his own body acted as though it were a puppet. Andrew saw him draw a blaster on them.
"We will do what we must." Neptune said, determined to free him from Lord Sadic's control. The battle began soon after, Mark 1 Power Guards running in to support Galen's attacks. Asriel used fire magic to keep the Mark 1s at bay, before he rushed in and destroyed them. Andrew, Neptune, Kira and Asmund focused on Galen, doing their best not to kill him. Eventually the battle ended when Galen collapsed in pain, his willpower breaking Lord Sadic's control.
"Stop… I'm… I'm in control." Galen said. "All that damage you did finally spread to the neural overrides. Only temporarily, though. I can already feel my systems repairing themselves." he continued.
"Tell us how to free you from the Sith's control." Andrew said.
"Can't remove the machines without killing me. But… I don't matter anymore. The Sith- Lord Sadic, has the Republic's Mark 3 Power Guards, and prototypes of Darth Angral's terrifying modification to the program: the Shadow Guards. All of them, cybernetically enhanced supersoldiers armed with advanced weapons. Sadic plans to build hundreds more, all controlled by him. An invincible army to conquer Nar Shaddaa." Galen said.
"The Sith could make thousands… millions of Power Guards. He could conquer the entire Republic within hours…" Asmund said.
"Sadic's building his army in Shadow Town, an Imperial-controlled sector. Nastiest people on Nar Shaddaa, and that's saying a lot. I'll give you the coordinates-" Agent Galen said, before he gripped his head in agonizing pain once again. "Neural overrides restarting. There's nothing else to do! KILL ME!" he begged.
"No, there must be a way to free you. Give us time to defeat Sadic." Asmund said.
"Free me? From this?" Agent Galen asked.
"Even if we can't undo what's been done to your body, we can at least ensure that that Lord Sadic can't control you." Andrew interjected.
"Even without Sadic controlling me, I won't live like this." Agent Galen said, begging for death.
"Hold on, Galen. We need to face Sadic together. We're the only people who can bring him to justice for what he's done. Are you with me?" Asmund said, showing compassion for his friend.
"Don't know how long I can resist his commands, but I'll try. Safer if we don't travel together. I'll meet you inside Sadic's base in Shadow Town. Hurry. We don't have much time." Agent Galen said.
Everyone arrived in Shadow Town. Like before they snuck their way past the army of Sith and into Lord Sadic's base, where they had to fight their way through yet more Power Guards, Mark 2s this time. They made it to Lord Sadic.
"You're strong to have made it this far. But not strong enough." the Sith said in a scratchy, monotonous voice similar to what Galen had.
"You've gotta be kidding me. Lord Sadic became a Power Guard?" Asriel asked.
"Remarkable technology. So versatile. I just calculated seventeen ways to end your life." Lord Sadic said.
"Calculate all you want, Lord Sadic, the Force and the power of the CPUs is with us." Asmund countered.
"We've proven time and time again that we cannot be beaten. Are you so sure that the hastily-inserted modifications are enough?" Andrew asked.
"A shame you'll never understand what true power feels like. Perhaps I'll add you to my army after all. Darth Angral would appreciate that." Lord Sadic said.
"No. We'll kill you, first." Agent Galen said as he walked in.
"Agent Galen. Still functional. Let me rectify that. Control Factor Ten initiated" Lord Sadic said, sending a wave of pain through Agent Galen. "Obey me. Or I'll tear your mind apart." the Sith said.
"Agent Galen, you've got to resist. He has no power over you." Andrew said.
"I have all the power! I AM power!" Lord Sadic declared sadistically. Galen struggled to fight back, almost failing twice, before his willpower won.
"No. Not anymore. Never again." the he said as he pointed his gun at Lord Sadic. He'd take a shot, weakening the Sith. "I'm with you Jedi. Let's finish this." He said, and the battle began. Asmund and Asriel teamed up with Agent Galen against Lord Sadic, while Andrew, Neptune and Kira faced off against the two Shadow Guard prototypes. The Shadow Guards cloaked, trying to catch the Jedi and CPUs off guard, but Kira used her instincts and used Force Repulse, knocking the Shadow Guards down and damaging the cloaking systems grafted to their bodies. With them exposed, Neptune and Andrew dealt the final blow. Asriel, meanwhile, used every trick he had, from fire magic to Star Blazing, to keep Lord Sadic from getting the upper hand. The Sith was proving to be a major obstacle and a difficult opponent with the Power Guard enhancements done to him. Agent Galen finally fired the killing shot that ended Lord Sadic's life, and his control over him. As expected, a Sharicite Fragment appeared, and Andrew and Neptune collected it. That was when Special Agent Tander walked in.
"Don't look so surprised. It's our job to follow people." the acting Bureau Chief said.
"How-" Asriel asked.
"Agent Diyaz planted a tracker on you back at headquarters." Special Agent Tander said.
"Standard operating procedure. No offense intended." Agent Diyaz said.
"None taken. In fact, I'd say it worked out in our favor." Asmund said.
"Would've been here sooner, but getting into Imperial territory without a lightsaber is complicated." Special Agent Tander said.
"Glad we don't have to hold this base by ourselves." Andrew said with a light chuckle.
"We won't be staying long." Special Agent Tander said. "This is Blackstar Squad, Republic Special Forces. General Var Suthra pulled in a favor with General Garza, got them here quick. We're demolishing this location; make sure the enemy can't recover anything useful." he continued.
"Good… I'll die with this place…" Galen said.
"Galen? You've… changed…" Special Agent Tander said in horror at the sight of Agent Galen as a Power Guard.
"I'm dangerous. I should be destroyed." Agent Galen said.
"But you're in full control, now. Your actions are your own. Inside, you're the same man you've always been. A hero of the Republic." Asmund sid.
"The SIS looks after its own, Galen. We'll help you." Special Agent Tander said.
"Just get me out of here." Agent Galen said.
"Lieutenant. Prep this man for extraction." Special Agent Tander ordered one of the Blackstar Squad members.
"Sir, I've located the Power Guard files, including notes on how the Sith controlled them. Orders?" Agent Diyaz asked.
"Darth Angral probably has a copy of the data files on his flagship, where he's building the Shadow Guards, but... destroy them. All of them. This technology must never again fall into the wrong hands." Andrew said.
"I disagree completely, but I've learned better than to argue with you. You should check in with General Var Suthra, we'll be right behind you. Just need to plant the incendiary charges. I'd say it's been a pleasure, but… goodbye." Special Agent Tander said.
"We've narrowly escaped a major disaster, General. We defeated one of Darth Angral's apprentices and destroyed all data files pertaining to the Power Guard project… but a copy of those files led to a terrifying modification of the project and a lot of good men died to get this far." Andrew said, reporting to General Var Suthra at the holoterminal on the Endeavor.
"Chief Riken and his agents are a terrible loss. What happened to Galen… well, at least he's alive." Var Suthra said. "Just heard from Special Agent Tander. They've eradicated the last remaining traces of the Power Guard project, including the main lab. Thank you for destroying those files. Approving that project was the biggest mistake of my career." he continued.
"Never let fear compromise your ideals. Learn from this mistake so that it doesn't happen again." Asmund said.
"If only it were that simple." Var Suthra countered with a look of shame. "The Republic's position on Nar Shaddaa remains precarious at best. Better for everyone if this operation remains classified. I'm sealing all records of what happened here. You, me and the SIS are the only ones that know the full story." Var Suthra said.
"Keeping secrets got people killed. The reason they died can't stay hidden." Asmund countered.
"I'll file a full report with my superiors and hope they don't drum me out of the service." Var Suthra said begrudgingly. He took a minute to compose himself again. "I know you're probably exhausted, but the enemy hasn't given up. Neither can we. While you were out and about, I got reports of something promising. A major tactical advantage has opened up, but you have to act quickly." he continued.
"What sort of advantage?" Andrew asked.
"One of Darth Angral's closest advisors, Admiral Hacklin, asked us for asylum. He wants to defect." Var Suthra reported.
"Hacklin was with Angral when he interrogated me on the Republic Orbital Station above Ord Mantell. They seemed chummy. What changed?" Kira asked, a bit suspicious.
"Not sure, but the admiral's on the run. There are unconfirmed reports Hacklin's earned a death mark." Var Suthra said.
"One of Darth Angral's top men turned traitor? It's too convenient." Asmund said.
"Hate to say it, but Asmund has a point. This could be a trap." Asriel said.
"I agree with them. Something doesn't feel right. If we're going to do this, I must recommend caution." Andrew added.
"Hacklin wouldn't be the first high-ranking Imperial to switch sides. Until we know otherwise, we have to believe this is real." Var Suthra countered. "Kira obviously made an impression on the admiral at Ord Mantell, says he'll only surrender to her." he continued.
"I have a bad feeling about this…" Kira muttered.
"Me too, Kira… We can't just ignore the signs. Something big, and something nasty, may be awaiting us." Andrew said.
"No time to negotiate. Admiral Hacklin is expecting all of you, and nobody else. Told him to wait at an old asteroid mining facility within the Vergesso Asteroid Belt. I'm uploading the coordinates now." Var Suthra said.
"We'll bring the admiral in safely." Asmund said.
"Be careful out there." Var Suthra said, closing the transmission.
"Well, there's no point in arguing… Teeseven, set a course to the provided coordinates." Andrew said, instructing T7 to take over control of the ship. The Endeavor lifted up and zoom climbed to Orbit, before entering hyperspace.
The Endeavor left hyperspace at the outer edge of the asteroid belt, before T7 guided the ship in to the abandoned mining facility's coordinates. A decently large Imperial warship orbited just within their view range, and a sense of foreboding befell everyone.
"I don't like this… Keep an eye on the scanners." Andrew said, once again urging caution.
"T7 = approaching docking bay. T7's circuits = tingling." T7 chirped.
"Keep it steady, Teeseven." Asmund said. Slowly but surely, the Endeavor landed in the hangar of the abandoned mining facility. The loading ramp lowered, and the group got off, finding the place empty.
"Hmm… Not sure where Admiral Hacklin is…" Andrew said. "Something feels very wrong here… Stay on guard." he warned. The group cautiously walked through the station to an awaiting shuttle, to find Admiral Hacklin nowhere in sight, but instead two individuals. One of them was the person that was described to Andrew and Neptune by Sans.
"Greetings. I am Valis. Your quick response is most appreciated." Valis said. "Please forgive the deception. Admiral Hacklin remains Darth Angral's faithful servant. His name simply made this meeting convenient." he explained.
"You and your husband are to be commended for making it this far, Neptune." the second person said.
"You must be Kurome Ankokuboshi. Sans warned us about you." Andrew said, addressing the female.
"And so he did. He suspected my involvement in the Shadow Puppets attacking the last world. I have to give the bonehead credit, he is certainly smarter than he looks." Kurome said as a fiendish smirk grew across her face.
"The man with her is a sith! Kill him!" Kira exclaimed as she drew her lightsaber.
"Now, really. Is that any way to treat your family?" Valis asked.
"A rift between brother and sister? What's going on?" Asmund asked.
"Your Padawan isn't who you think. She's no Jedi. She's a Child of the Emperor, like Valis. And it's time she return to her father's warm embrace." Kurome said.
"I've never heard of any "Emperor's Children." Who are you people?" Asmund asked.
"The chosen ones. Selected at birth to serve our father's great glory. A distinction we should wear with pride. Don't deny your true lineage." Valis said smugly.
"I'm not a Sith. Don't let him turn you all against me." Kira begged.
"We won't, Kira." Asriel said.
"Family or not, we refuse to be held up any longer, and we certainly won't hand Kira over to you. We're leaving." Andrew said.
"Now, now, is that how you treat your host?" Valis asked. "If you hadn't been paying attention, that Terminus Destroyer outside the station, the Conqueror, is the flagship of the Lady of Nightmares here. Retrofitted to be the fastest and most deadly of her class. Even if you could outrun her, you'd be spacedust by the time you're out of the hangar bay." he continued. Andrew grumbled.
"We have no quarrel, Jedi. Let Kira come home. The Emperor wills it." Valis said.
"Andrew already told you. We will not hand Kira over, family or not. She's my Padawan." Asmund interjected.
"There's no escaping your destiny, Kira. Thanks to your brush with Darth Angral, the Emperor knows you're alive and where to find you." Kurome said, before filling Kira's head with images of a life alongside her 'brother', sowing the seeds for the Emperor's control.
"Hey! what are you doing to her?!" Asriel demanded.
"Don't get involved, young Dreemurr. The Emperor's will is not something that can be broken so easily, and the world must march forth into the whirlpool of delusion. Unless you want me to turn your dreams into nightmares, I'd suggest you back off and let his will be done." Kurome said, attempting to terrify Asriel as she drew her sword.
"Wait… That sword…" Andrew said, chills running down his spine.
"Oh this thing? It's the blade favored by the late crime lord Jose Carter." Kurome declared. Neptune saw it and struggled to hold back dark memories.
"Asmund, I don't think Neptune is able to think straight." Asriel warned.
"What's so special about that blade?" Asmund asked.
"Oh, I'll tell you. Later." Kurome said.
"No matter where you go, father sees you. He sees you right now… and he wants you back." Valis said.
"I'd rather die than see him again." Kira declared as she ignited her lightsaber.
"Hmm… I'd hoped to have had a little more fun. How dreadful." Kurome said, dissatisfied. "Valis. If the Child won't return to her father willingly, then I leave it to you to take her by force. I am required elsewhere." she said.
"Of course, milady." Valis said as he ignited his lightsaber, before running into battle. Andrew and Asriel activated HDD, and Asmund ignited his lightsaber. During the battle, Kurome boarded the shuttle and returned to her flagship. "So be it, sister." Valis said as he pushed Kira away with the Force. Asriel went in and sent a wave of rainbow-colored share energy towards the Child of the Emperor, knocking him over, but he recovered rather quickly. Andrew used Slash Wave, following up with Dimension Blitz. Neptune recovered from her episode and activated HDD, before going all out with Neptune Break. Asmund and Kira teamed up and finally overpowered the foe, ending his life.
"We've wasted too much time already. We should get going." Andrew said.
"Agreed. Let's go." Asmund said as they ran to the ship.
Kurome returned to the bridge of the Conqueror, to be met with an unamusing and irritating report.
"Milady, scans report a launch from hangar bay seventeen. The ship's ID matches that of the Endeavor." Kurome's exec reported.
"So Valis wasn't a match for them after all… Charge the weapons and launch all active fighters. We'll do what he could not." Kurome ordered. The Klaxons blared as the crew was ordered to battlestations. Mark IV Supremacy Starfighters launched from the Conqueror's hangar bay, while the destroyer's weapons powered up simultaneously.
The Endeavor rushed out of the hangar bay of the abandoned station to see the Conqueror in hot pursuit.
"They're trailing us!" Kira yelled.
"Fighters = incoming. Crew = not safe." T7 said.
"Keep her steady, Asmund. Teeseven, power up the gun turrets and shields." Andrew instructed.
"Wha- where are you going?" Neptune asked.
"To give the Empire a taste of their own medicine." Andrew said, going to the dorsal gun turret as T7-01 powered it up. The Endeavor's shields went up soon after. Asmund took a hard right turn to avoid one of the larger asteroids.
"Fighters coming up on our six." Asmund reported.
"I see them." Andrew replied, turning the gun to target the fighters. Asriel was incredibly nervous as Asmund flew the ship erratically, avoiding asteroids and incoming fire from fighters and the destroyer behind them. One fighter got too close, too soon, and Andrew opened up on it. Laser fire rippled across space and into the solar panels and Strike Foils of the Imperial fighter, and it burst into flames before crashing into a nearby asteroid. Turbolaser fire from the Conqueror's main batteries narrowly missed the ship by inches, but struck asteroids in the process. Asmund, attempting to draw himself away from the Conqueror, performed a half Split-S, before rolling 90 degrees to starboard and pulling up. That was when the main swarm of fighters came in.
"Watch yourself, they're coming in hard and fast." Kira warned on the comms. Andrew began to sweat as he concentrated. The Endeavor shuddered as one of the fighters strafed the central hull, the laser shots absorbed by the particle and deflector shields. Andrew led his target and pulled the trigger. Laser fire ripped into his target's port engine and stabilizer, and it slammed into another fighter that got too close.
"Yeah! Two for one!" Andrew exclaimed.
"Good shot, but don't get cocky." Asmund said. That's when another fighter overshot the Endeavor, and Asmund cleared it out with the Defender-class Light Corvette's main armament of heavy laser cannons.
"Watch your left, Raven Two!" one of the Imperial pilots called on comms.
"Focus fire on the dorsal turret. Kill the gunner and we can tear them apart." another pilot ordered.
"Gorgon Three, you're in firing range! Pull out!" another pilot called out.
"I can't hold any longer! Ejec-" one pilot called out, before his fighter fell prey to the Endeavor's gun turret.
"Milady, twenty-two percent of the active fighter compliment has been destroyed. At the rate they're going, they'll be out of the asteroid field and out of range of our main guns in two minutes." Kurome's Warfare Officer reported. Kurome responded with a look of displeasure.
"If they leave this asteroid field, they'll enter Hyperspace and be out of our grasp." Kurome finally said after a few minutes.
"What are our orders?" her exec asked.
"We can't let them escape, no matter the cost. If war is coming, we need our Emperor's victory to be absolute. Set deflectors to double front and transfer power to engines. With any luck, we can catch them before they make the jump." Kurome ordered.
"Right away, milady." her exec replied, carrying out her orders. The ship lurched as it accelerated, but it was no match for the incredible speed the Endeavor had. Kurome knew this, and just had to keep her target in range of the turbolasers for as long as possible.
"Heads up, the Conqueror just increased speed. Looks like they intend to keep us within range of their main batteries." Andrew reported.
"Kurome isn't giving up, is she?" Kira asked.
"Seems not. Teeseven has coordinates for Tython punched in. We just gotta get clear of this asteroid field." Asmund said. Two fighters teamed up for a combined strike on the dorsal turret, but Andrew was quick on the trigger. He opted to aim between both fighters simultaneously when they got close enough to each other, and soon, laser fire lanced forward, clipping both of his targets in one salvo. The pilots miscalculated their evasive maneuvers and slammed right into each other in a spectacular fireball.
"Boom!" Andrew exclaimed. If one could look at him, he was having a bit of fun teasing the Imperial fighter pilots, taunting them and either shooting them down or forcing them to make fatal mistakes. One fighter attempted to pull a poorly-timed cobra maneuver, exposing his underbelly. Andrew opened fire, destroying the microreactor and sending the target plummeting into a nearby asteroid. In a panic, one of the more rookie Imperial pilots clipped a veteran with laser fire, destroying another fighter with friendly fire. Andrew shot the rookie afterwards, and they met a similar fate.
"Thirty seconds to hyperspace." Kira reported.
"Let's wrap this up." Andrew said as he turned his head, looking for other fighters. Three much heavier fighters attempted a rocket attack on the ship's engines, but Andrew, having been doing this for the past two minutes, opened fire on them. First the leader of the group, then the one in the middle, then the one in the rear. All three Imperial heavy fighters attempting the rocket attack went down in a ball of flame. Soon enough, the Endeavor cleared the Vergesso Asteroid Field, and the ship entered hyperspace.
"The Endeavor is no longer on our scanners, milady. They've entered hyperspace." the exec reported. Kurome clenched her fists, before going to stare out the viewport and into the asteroid field where the pilots of her fighter compliment, rookies and aces alike, lay in floating debris. Needless to say, she was incredibly irate at their failure to stop the Jedi and CPUs from escaping. "M-milady?" her exec asked again nervously. Kurome filled the exec with dark and nightmarish visions as punishment for his failure, but otherwise chose to spare him.
"Set all systems to normal, recall our remaining fighters, and set course for Endor. We've done what we can here." Kurome ordered. As she requested, the active shields shut down and the engines returned to normal power, before the remaining fighters returned to the hangar bays. Then, on her command, the Conqueror cleared the asteroids and leaped into hyperspace.
While in Hyperspace, the group met in the meeting room, where they discussed what happened. Andrew was obviously shakey, but euphoric of their victory after the space battle.
"Thanks for sticking by me. I know this was a big shock, but I can explain." Kira said.
"Please do, Kira. Jeez, my nerves are still rattled from that nonsense." Asriel said. He was somewhat jittery, his white fur standing on end.
"My parents were Sith, but the Emperor is not my father. "Child of the Emperor" is just a title. I was taken from my parents when I was a baby. Raised in the Sith Academy with others like Valis. It was… brutal." Kira said.
"I can only imagine the pain you must have endured." Asmund said.
"Pain became normal. There were worse things. Every so often, the other Children were taken to see our "father." They came back different. Nobody ever remembered meeting the Emperor. One day, I realized I couldn't remember anything from the past week. They were doing the same to me." Kira said.
"I'm starting to understand. You escaped the Sith, didn't you?" Andrew asked.
"Nobody treats me like a droid and gets away with it. It wasn't just me who escaped, though. It was me and this Sith Pureblood, named Nodru, who wasn't picked to be a Child of the Emperor. He had a different viewpoint than many Sith, which ultimately led to him facing three months of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his Master to… awaken the rage from within him. We were both still children back then, small enough to stow away in a supply container ship leaving Imperial space. We couldn't trust anyone else but each other. Nodru had street smarts, learned economics, and got whatever money he could to help us survive and avoid the Empire. We were practically glued to each other. Things were complicated quickly when his rather abusive master looked for us on Mygeeto, but a sympathetic Lurmen family took us in and helped us hide. About a month later, we were found by Master Kiwiiks, who brought us to the Jedi. Changed our lives." Kira explained.
"Did you tell Master Kiwiiks about your past?" Asmund asked.
"No? How would I even begin? "By the way, I was born a Sith. Is that a problem?" Always knew sooner or later I'd have to come clean. Just hoped I could prove myself as a Jedi first. Now the Emperor knows where I am, the Sith will never stop hunting us." Kira said.
"We'll protect you, no matter what it takes." Asmund said.
"So what happened to your friend, Nodru?" Andrew asked.
"Nodru was taken in for spiritual, mental and physical healing, before he became the Padawan of Master Yuon Par. He's a bit of an outcast, but he continues to prove himself an able and capable Jedi, as I've been told." Kira said. "You know… I'm done hiding my past. It's time I tell Master Kiwiiks, the Jedi Council, everyone. No more secrets." she continued.
"Good thing we're on our way to Tython, then." Neptune said.
"We should probably let the general know he's not getting his admiral." Kira suggested, and they all went to the holoterminal. Asmund contacted General Var Suthra the moment the ship dropped out of hyperspace.
"Endeavor, what's the situation?" Var Suthra asked.
"The admiral was never there, General. It was a trap." Asmund said. "What's more is that the Lady of Nightmares that the CPUs have been warned about - a rogue CPU named Kurome Ankokuboshi - and a Sith named Valis ambushed us. We killed Valis, but Kurome managed to escape. She tried to kill us on our way out of the abandoned mining facility using her flagship, the Conqueror, and its complement of fighters. If it weren't for Andrew's quick thinking and sharp gunnery skills, we probably wouldn't have made it out alive." he continued, explaining the whole mess.
"Blast… We'd heard rumors of the Lady of Nightmares from Watcher One and Ironfist, but this is the first time that we've had confirmation of her role in the Empire's war effort. And you say she's a rogue CPU? May the Force help us all… I'm sorry for putting you in harms way on a lie. It won't happen again." Var Suthra apologized. "I'm afraid there's more bad news. Your Jedi Masters both missed their last two comm checks." he reported.
"That isn't like Master Kiwiiks. What planet did you send her to?" Kira asked.
"Tatooine. Master Orgus went to Alderaan. I need you to find out what's happened to them and our weapon labs." Var Suthra said.
"Understood, General. But first, we need to consult with the Jedi Council on an important matter." Asmund said
"More important than saving the galaxy from Darth Angral? I'd like to know what that is." Var Suthra said, somewhat disappointed.
"The Sith are after my Padawan. It's a long story. This matter also happens to include a full report on Kurome Ankokuboshi." Asmund replied.
"Alright, but we have no time to waste. Finish this business quickly. May the Force be with us all. Var Suthra out." Var Suthra said. From the way he raised his voice, Andrew could tell he was getting rather irritated. Andrew instructed T7 to land the Endeavor at the Jedi Temple's hangar bay.
"Let's get this over with. Master Kiwiiks and Master Orgus need our help." Kira said.
"Alright. Teeseven is making the landing approach to the Jedi Temple." Andrew said.
"Fun. No time to get my wits together, I suppose." Kira said jokingly.
The group arrived in the Council Chambers to see Master Satele alone.
"Master Satele. Our mission has become much more complicated. Masters Kiwiiks and Orgus have disappeared." Andrew reported.
"I assume you're going out to find the missing Masters?" Master Satele asked.
"Of course. We're heading out to Tatooine and Alderaan to find them. However, there are two matters that need to be addressed quickly." Andrew replied.
"We have little time to waste, then. Name these urgent matters so I can assemble the council." Master Satele said.
"First thing, Kira has something to say. Kira?" Asmund said.
"I was born on Dromund Kaas. My parents were Sith. There's more, obviously." Kira said with full honesty, relieved as to how easily she spoke of it. Master Satele was slightly disturbed to hear the news.
"I should hope so… And the other matter?" Master Satele asked.
"A rogue CPU who has been hampering mine and Neptune's efforts to gather the Sharicite Fragments, and who we are finding to be responsible for the attack on the other CPUs and CPU Candidates in Gamindustri, showed herself to us not too long ago. She goes by the moniker 'Lady of Nightmares' but her real name is Kurome Ankokuboshi. She appears to be aiding the Sith and has hired Darth Malgus' apprentice, Denzion, as an agent, as told to us by a Sith we engaged during the attack on the Republic transport Esseles." Andre replied.
"A rogue CPU responsible for the attack on the fallen CPUs and CPU Candidates in Gamindustri, aiding the Sith… That is disturbing news." Master Satele mumbled, thinking out loud. "Give me time to assemble the council. Most of us are still offworld…" she said after a bit of thinking, before going to the holoterminal in the center of the desk, asking for the assembly of the Council. What little council members could assemble were there soon enough, and Kira had been explaining her story for the past fifteen minutes.
"...and then my Master convinced me to come here and tell you. That's pretty much everything." Kira said.
"We've heard rumors about these Children of the Emperor before, but this finally confirms their existence." Master Bakarn said.
"Troubling that we never sensed the truth about Kira when Master Kiwiiks brought her to us." Master Braga said over holo.
"That makes her especially dangerous. She can't be allowed to remain free." Master Kaeden said.
"Kira's master should have a voice in this. What do you recommend?" Master Satele asked.
"The situation doesn't require a reaction. I just thought you should know the truth." Asmund said.
"And now that we know, we can't ignore the threat she represents for our entire order. To allow her to remain a Padawan? To become a Jedi Knight? It's inconceivable" Master Kaeden countered, more controlled than his outburst upon first learning about Andrew and Neptune's status as CPUs.
"Is it? Did we not first learn of the Children of the Emperor from a Sith turned to the light?" Master Braga asked.
"Master Braga speaks the truth. No one is beyond redemption." Master Bakarn said.
"It was natural to fear our reaction, considering your upbringing. What's important now is that you leave your past behind and devote yourself to the Jedi. Can you do that?" Master Satele asked.
"I've been trying to ever since Master Kiwiiks found Nodru and I on Mygeeto." Kira replied.
"Kira's a good Padawan. I trust her with my life." Asmund said.
"There you have it. I need no further proof of Kira's loyalty." Master Braga said.
"Agreed, and I believe the best course of action is to simply leave Kira where she is." Master Satele said.
"This is a mistake. If Master Kiwiiks were here, she'd tell you the same." Master Kaeden said.
"Now, let's be fair here. Isn't Nodru, the apprentice of Master Yuon Par, a Sith Pureblood?" Andrew asked.
"What?!" Master Kaeden exclaimed, shocked at the news.
"We all knew of this, but were unable to relay the information to you, Master Kaeden. Nodru rejected the Dark Side during early childhood and held compassion and responsibility instead of anger and power, and suffered for it. He and Kira were inseparable up until the two of them were taken in by Master Kiwiiks and accepted into the Jedi Order. If a Sith Pureblood can reject the Sith teachings and find comfort and healing in the Jedi Code, then a former Child of the Emperor is no exception." Master Bakarn informed.
"Fine. But don't come to me when the decision backfires on us all." Master Kaeden said begrudgingly.
"There is one more matter, that CPU Purple Heart and her husband have brought forward." Master Satele said. Andrew went through the process of relaying the information to the council. Master Bakarn was the first to parse all of it in the meeting.
"A rogue CPU, you say? With the ability to manipulate nightmares and hallucinations… And apparently responsible for the attack on your friends back in Gamindustri… This is disturbing news, indeed." he said.
"If Kurome is assisting the Empire and taking on Darth Malgus' apprentice as her agent in the galaxy, it's a bad omen for the Jedi Order and the Republic. How do we respond to this?" Master Braga asked.
"The odds of winning anything against a CPU, even a rogue one, are impossibly astronomical. This 'Lady of Nightmares' will only serve as the order's doom if we don't have a plan." Master Kaeden said.
"Andrew Hawker, you and your wife have dealt with her manipulations in the previous dimensions, and know first hand the extent of her powers. How should we respond?" Master Satele asked.
"Kurome's power is unpredictable and highly dangerous. Add on to the fact that a CPU cannot be killed by conventional methods, without Negative Energy that can negate our share energy. It would be in the Jedi Order's best interest not to engage her if it can be helped, and to let us handle her instead." Andrew recommended.
"So just leave her be, is that it?" Master Kaeden asked, unhappy with the response.
"As opposed to running in and dying in a pointless battle? She can use her ability to manipulate reality and nightmares against us and achieve victory against even the strongest of Jedi Masters. All we can do is fight a hopeless delaying action until the CPUs arrive. But I suspect that if Negative Energy can counter Share Energy, then conversely, Share Energy can counter Negative Energy." Master Bakarn said.
"I agree with Andrew Hawker, and with the brilliant observation from Master Bakarn. Caution and careful planning are our best options in this case, lest we throw our lives away. You did well in bringing all of this to us, but you should return to your mission." Master Satele said.
"Of course, Master Satele." Andrew said in return.
"May the Force be with you on Tatooine and Alderaan." Master Satele said, wishing the group well. They emergency council meeting was adjourned, and Asmund and the Others returned to the Endeavor, taking to the skies once more.
"Don't think I noticed the risk you took by standing up for me. I never felt this close to Master Kiwiiks. Your support was… special." Kira said.
"Any time. I'm just glad we're still a team." Asmund said.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Ready when you are, Master." Kira said.
The Endeavor left Hyperspace above the desert world of Tatooine, and T7 guided the ship in and landed at Anchorhead Spaceport.
"General. We're at Tatooine. Has Master Kiwiiks reported in?" Andrew asked after contacting General Var Suthra.
"Last we heard, Master Kiwiiks secured our weapons research facility. She's missed every comm check since then. Enemy action is the most likely scenario, but on Tatooine, anything can happen." Var Suthra said.
"What do we know about Tatooine?" Asriel asked.
"Well, it's hot… dry… insanely humid, and a great, big ball of sand and dusty craigs. And home to some nasty locals" Kira said.
"So a planet-wide desert. Fantastic. I always wanted sand in my fur." Asriel said sarcastically.
"If it's so dangerous, why pick it for your weapons facility?" Asmund asked.
"Why not? The harsh deserts make exploration very uncommon, even impossible. Perfect to hide a place from anyone who doesn't have the exact coordinates to the facility." Andrew countered.
"Doctor Godera will brief you on the weapons project. Godera?" Var Suthra said, handing the holocall over to Doctor Godera.
"The research facility on Tatooine has created a device codenamed the "Shock Drum."" Doctor Godera informed.
"By the sound of it, I take it that the Shock Drum is a seismic weapon of some kind?" Andrew asked.
"A what?" Neptune asked, confused.
"An earthquake generator, Neptune." Andrew explained.
"Quite so. The weapon discharges massive ultrasonic vibrations into the ground that turn into localized, powerful seismic waves. These seismic waves damage fortified positions, quite literally softening them up. The vibrations will cripple people if they're close enough, but there's a downside to this. As the seismic waves propagate, they eventually disrupt the planetary core. At critical mass, the core explodes." Doctor Godera responded.
"You invented a potentially planet-killing weapon?"Asriel asked in shock.
"Such a destructive weapon has no place in the Republic arsenal." Asmund noted.
"We only recently discovered its full capabilities. I banned further testing. However there's a fully operational Shock Drum prototype at the research lab. If Darth Angral has captured it, the results will be catastrophic. There's no word from the facility or Master Kiwiiks, so we have to assume the worst." Var Suthra said.
"I sense Master Kiwiiks through the Force, but it's faint. I think she's dying…" Kira reported.
"There may still be time to save her." Asmund said.
"What is the extent of Imperial resources that we are dealing with?" Andrew asked
"Watcher One has a report on what we're up against." Var Suthra said, before stepping back. Watcher One took the screen, and it was noted that he was in full Republic SIS uniform.
"Greetings, Jedi. CPUs." Watcher One began. "I crunched some data based on memory and predictions of Darth Angral's movements. You'll be up against standard Imperial Military, with few Imperial Shock Troopers. They're being led by Angral's Sith Apprentice, Lord Praven." he announced.
"What do we know about this Lord Praven?" Asmund asked.
"Lord Praven is a hard one to read. Unpredictable, and an expert duelist, like you. Unlike most Sith, however, he derives strength from honor and fair play in combat, rather than through sheer anger. I wouldn't be surprised if you manage to turn him to the Jedi fairly easily, once everything on Tatooine is said and done." Watcher One said.
"How'd a Sith with a Jedi-like mind end up assigned to capture a WMD for a mad Sith Lord?" Andrew asked.
"Based on what I've heard since Darth Angral began his war against the Republic, Lord Praven has been inwardly dead set against the idea of using such a weapon, as it doesn't coincide with his viewpoints, but still follows orders. It won't be long, though, before he decides to betray Angral for the sake of his morals." Watcher One said. "The majority of the enemy may be standard Imperial Military, but don't let your guard down. Those assigned to this planet are trained to use the desert to their advantage. Keep your eyes peeled and watch out for anything." he continued, before stepping out of the way. Var Suthra returned soon after.
"Much of Tatooine is lawless, more so than Nar Shaddaa. You will not have any Republic contacts there to help you. You're on your own." Var Suthra said.
"Whaaa? Why not?" Neptune whined.
"Sorry, Neptune. SIS isn't risking any more good men after their operations on Nar Shaddaa collapsed." Var Suthra apologized. "Our facility is in a remote part of the desert. I'm transmitting the coordinates." he continued.
"Coordinates received. We're on our way." Andrew announced.
"Good luck. Var Suthra out." Var Suthra said, wishing the group well.
The group, having taken speeder bikes, ran out to the coordinates to find the research base overrun with Tusken Raiders, who attacked without provocation and destroyed the bikes. Andrew and Neptune quickly leaped in and retaliated. Between them, they killed fifteen of the Tuskens, while Asmund, Kira and Asriel finished them off. Only a sealed door blocked their way, and Asmund used the Force to open it, surprising those inside.
"Jedi? Five of them? See, Brrik, I told you help would come!" a woman declared.
"Two Jedi and three CPUs, actually." Andrew corrected.
"Not sure what CPUs are." the woman said. "Anyways, thank you for saving our little family." she said.
"Glad to help. Do you people work at this facility?" Asmund asked.
"Hare'en saving Brrik's clan after we losing home to Sand People. Brrik swearing to repay kindness working on Shock Drum." the Jawa known as Brrik said.
"Eh?" Neptune asked, confused.
"Did anyone get that?" Asriel asked.
"Brrik said he was thankful of me for saving his clan after his home was destroyed by the Tusken Raiders, and vowed to repay my kindness by helping with the Shock Drum. Speaking of, have you come to protect it like Master Kiwiiks?" the woman asked.
"What happened to her?" Kira asked.
"She defended us against Imperial soldiers led by a Sith. She fought bravely, but the Sith was stronger." the woman announced sadly.
"The former Imperial Spymaster did tell us about Lord Praven, the Sith assigned to capture the Shock Drum. He didn't kill her, did he?" Andrew asked.
"I assumed he was going to kill us all. Instead, he captured Master Kiwiiks alive and ignored us." the woman announced.
"Not ignoring! Scary man destroying Brrik's droids! Taking Brrik many hours rebuilding!" Brrik ranted.
"The Sith destroyed your droids, but didn't harm us. He said we were no threat-that we didn't deserve to die." the woman countered.
"I've never known a Sith to show mercy, but then again, it does sound like Lord Praven." Asmund mused.
"It was almost like the idea of killing us insulted him. He wasn't kind, but I certainly won't describe him as cruel. The Sith- Lord Praven you say?- Took Master Kiwiiks and the Shock Drum prototype into the desert. Brrik and I were attempting to restore power to the facility and track them down when the Sand People attacked." the woman explained.
"So, who are you, Ma'am?" Andrew asked.
"I'm Felicia Hare'en, seismologist and physicist with the University of Curamelle, a prestigious university who's campus is attached to the Corulag Military Academy." Hare'en responded.
"Of course, Miss Hare'en. These Sand People won't be a problem anymore, but we need to find that weapon. Can you help?" Asmund asked.
"This facility can pick up the Shock Drum's locator beacon, but not until we restore power. The Imperials knocked out all of the generators during their attack. If you reactivate them, we can find Lord Praven, Master Kiwiiks, and the Shock Drum." Hare'en said.
"Send us the coordinates to those generators, we'll handle the rest." Andrew said.
"Will do. Watch out for more of those Tusken Raiders. And good luck." Hare'en said. The group went out into the desert via speeders left by the research team and headed to all of the generators, reactivating them one by one, before returning.
"We've returned. It was a lot simpler than we first anticipated." Andrew said.
"Facility power is back online, but… I'm afraid that's the only good news I have." Hare'en said.
"Don't tell me the 'but' is going to be huge…" Neptune said.
"Afraid it is. I just detected the Shock Drum's locator beacon. The weapon's been activated. If we don't shut it down, the device's seismic waves will soon reach critical mass." Hare'en warned.
"Then that means we don't have much time before Tatooine is destroyed. Where is the beacon's signal?" Andrew asked.
"Pinpointing the Shock Drum's exact location from here is impossible. The seismic vibrations disrupt our sensors." Hare'en said.
"Don't give me that. You're a seismologist. Think outside the box." Andrew countered.
"Huh? Outside the box?" Hare'en asked.
"Think of it like any other natural seismic event. Earthquakes several magnitudes more powerful and wider range. You know full well that every earthquake has an epicenter. What would your first instinct be?" Andrew asked.
"Hmm… Of course! I'd connect to seismometers and triangulate the epicenter!" Hare'en declared enthusiastically.
"Find the epicenter, and we find the Shock Drum." Asmund interjected, understanding Andrew's line of thinking.
"Take these seismometers, and place one at each of these three sets of coordinates, then give me the signal." Hare'en said as she handed three small seismic sensors to Andrew, who took them.
"Alright. We'll handle this." Andrew said.
"I feel Master Kiwiiks reaching out to me. Something terrible is happening to her." Kira said.
"Then the sooner we leave, the better. We'll save her." Andrew replied, before the group once again left for the desert. They traveled to each of the coordinates and placed a seismometer, hoping to scan a wide area several square kilometers across. With the last seismometer in place, Asmund contacted Hare'en.
"We've placed the seismometers. Do you have a fix on the Shock Drum?" he asked.
"Collecting the data now… triangulating… Ah! No wonder the sensors couldn't find it." Hare'en exclaimed.
"What sort of news have you got us?" Andrew asked.
"It's beneath an abandoned mining complex. I'm sending the coordinates and the Shock Drum's deactivation code." Hare'en said.
"Thank you, Felicia. This may come as a shock, no pun intended, but be prepared for the possibility that we have to destroy the Shock Drum if the Imperials changed the deactivation code or tampered with the controls." Andrew said in warning.
"I understand. Working on the Shock Drum was like raising a child from birth. It'll be hard to see it destroyed, but if there's no choice, we leave it in your hands. Everything depends on you, now, but we'll be here if you need anything." Hare'en said.
"We're all going to get out of this one, but don't take too many risks. If the seismic waves reach the complex, evacuate." Andrew said.
"Understood. I hope we see you again. Hare'en out." Hare'en said, before closing transmission. An unauthorized call was pulled up soon after, and Lord Praven popped up on the holo.
"Greetings, Jedi. Greetings, CPUs. I am Lord Praven. My master seeks retribution for his son's death. I was ordered to give it to him." Lord Praven said.
"If all you want is to kill us, why destroy Tatooine?" Andrew asked.
"When my Master learned you were here, he demanded the Shock Drum be activated. He'll destroy the entire world. I know you've located the weapon, but that won't be enough. Captain Salvio ordered his Imperial Shock Troopers to bypass and sever the controls at my Master's command, therefore eliminating the chance of shutting the weapon down." Lord Praven said. "Had I realized that my Master's lust for vengeance had gone too far, I opted to place explosives on the Shock Drum and destroy it before the seismic waves reach critical mass, but I cannot detonate them myself without my Master knowing. So I've left it up to a challenge. Come and face me. If I win, I've done my duty. If you win, you get the detonator. Whatever the outcome, we will battle with honor. I await you at these coordinates." he continued.
The group went to the coordinates provided by Lord Praven, finding him overlooking a cliff face.
"I sense your power. Faith and the Force have pushed you against impossible odds, time and time again. Now I understand why Tarnis was no match for you." Lord Praven said. "His death was my failure. I should have trained him better.
"The other Sith we fought were full of hatred and arrogance. In you, I sense… regret." Asmund said, realizing that Watcher One's report was correct.
"My family is true Sith. My passions are only integrity and honor. I welcome the end of your kind. The Jedi's obsession my people's extermination must end." Lord Praven said as he ignited his lightsaber, addressing Asmund. The three CPUs activated HDD as per usual. "Your lust for revenge will destroy this galaxy." he continued.
"Whatever you were told about us is a lie. CPUs and Jedi do not actively seek revenge. We only act and do what is necessary to ensure peace, and if the option stood, we'd gladly lay down our arms to preserve that peace." Asmund corrected.
"I'd like to believe that. But I know better." Lord Praven said. "Come, let us end this. Die well, Jedi." he continued, addressing Asmund personally, before beginning his attack. Asriel jumped in and parried with the Trinity Blade, keeping the opponent off balance. Asmund ignited his lightsaber and joined the fight, using all of his martial skill and strength in the Force. Lord Praven found he could not best either Asriel or Asmund, and soon found himself at their mercy. "Such skill… So much power… Impressive." he said, defeated. "You could kill me. Why hesitate?" he asked.
"Watcher One told us much about you, how you derive strength from honor and fair play in combat instead of anger and hate. You could have killed the seismologist and those Jawas at the Shock Drum facility, but you spared them. And you openly defied Darth Angral's wishes by placing explosives on the Shock Drum, knowing your Master's thirst for vengeance was at the point of madness. There's more Jedi in you than you realize." Asmund said.
"I see… Darth Angral wanted you to die in failure, regardless of the outcome. Which is why he ordered Captain Salvio to tamper with the controls and prevent any sort of deactivation. But I will not tarnish my honor any longer by serving a man who is driven by petty vengeance and teeters on insanity. You've earned better. The detonator is yours." Lord Praven said, handing the detonator over to Asmund.
"You've done the right thing, Lord Praven. We're proud of you." Andrew said with a calm smile as he deactivated HDD.
"Darth Angral ordered that Master Kiwiiks suffer greatly before her death. I wish I had disobeyed that order as well. I left her incapacitated next to the Shock Drum, when I noticed the controls being tampered with. It was when I left that I first began to realize his insanity." Lord Praven explained. "The seismic waves will eventually tear her apart, but there is still time. If you hurry, you can still save her." he continued.
"You may serve the Empire, but we won't kill you. You don't deserve it." Asriel said, despawning the Trinity Blade before leaving HDD.
"Then honor demands I surrender to my Master. He will do what you cannot." Lord Praven said.
"Jedi are taught to see all possibilities, no matter how remote or impossible they seem. I see one where you live on with honor. Commit yourself to the path of light. Become a Jedi." Asmund said.
"Me? A Jedi? Impossible. Your order would never accept me." Lord Praven scoffed.
"Jedi believe in compassion and forgiveness. Not hate." Asmund said.
"Accepting a sworn enemy into one's ranks without fear… That is strength." Lord Praven said.
"Facing your fears and learning to let go takes courage. That is true strength." Andrew said.
"Of course. There is wisdom in those words. I accept your offer." Lord Praven said. "I'm too wounded to aid you, but i will surrender to your people. Now hurry. Save Master Kiwiiks. Save this planet." he explained. Asmund contacted Hare'en and let her know about the tampering of the controls. She said about a Sand Demon at the mine where the Shock Drum was, before cutting contact. Asmund led the group to the Shock Drum's location.
The group finally made it to the abandoned mining complex, where they faced the Sand Demon. The CPUs once again entered HDD, and this time teamed up for Asriel's group attack, aptly named Trinity Strike. With the Sand Demon defeated, they ran to the Shock Drum.
"GNnnnrrr! The pressure here- is intense!" Andrew groaned, suffering from the seismic waves.
"I can't- go on!" Neptune cried, before being forced back. Andrew pushed on ahead alone, before dragging Master Kiwiiks away from the Shock Drum. The further he got from the seismic weapon, the easier things got as the pressure got lower and lower. Eventually, he got Master Kiwiiks away from the Shock Drum, before he collapsed on all fours, gasping for breath as his CPU form dropped out on him.
"Quiet, finally… I can breathe again. I've been down here for so long." Master Kiwiiks said.
"The pressure in there… it's extreme…" Andrew said.
"Asriel, help Master Kiwiiks out of here. I've got my husband." Neptune said, picking Andrew up and carrying him out bridal-style. Asriel helped Master Kiwiiks to her feet, and led Asmund and Kira out of the abandoned mine, and outside, where Asmund hit the detonator. As the explosives went up, the seismic waves began to dissipate, and eventually cease. The seismic pressure began to drop to normal levels as well. Andrew looked weak, but he was regaining strength.
"Kira… Asmund… You're both changed. What has happened?" Master Kiwiiks asked weakly.
"Rest easy, Master Kiwiiks. You're safe now." Kira said. Neptune and Asriel left HDD soon after.
"Who- are you?" Master Kiwiiks asked wearily, looking at Asriel.
"This is Asriel Dreemurr, prince of a peaceful and compassionate race of monsters we rescued from underground in the previous dimension, and Planeptune's Auxiliary CPU." Neptune explained.
"Auxiliary CPU?" Master Kiwiiks asked, curious about the young boy.
"His true form was unstable, so I did a share transfer on him with his permission." Andrew explained, wiping sweat off his forehead.
"I see. That must have taken courage to do. It couldn't have been easy." Master Kiwiiks said.
"It wasn't, but it worked out for the better. Histoire left him in mine and Neptune's care while he continues to train and learn. Much like how a Padawan is assigned to a Master." Andrew said.
"Mmm… I think I understand. Well, you have my thanks, Asriel." Master Kiwiiks said, nodding. Asriel smiled in response to the Togruta's gesture.
"So, how did you survive?" Kira asked.
"I only survived that weapon by withdrawing into a deep trance. The Force itself became my armor." Master Kiwiiks said.
"That can't have been easy…" Andrew said.
"Sustaining the trance cost me greatly. My strength is a fraction of what it was." Master Kiwiiks said.
"What you did was miraculous." Asriel said.
"As was what you, Andrew and Neptune did. Thank you all." Master Kiwiiks said.
"We'll handle things from here. Go get some rest." Asmund said.
"You all faced terrible dangers to help me. I will not forget that. A question, though. What of the Sith who did all this?" Master Kiwiiks asked.
"Lord Praven is on his way to the Jedi Order on Asmund's suggestion. He's surrendering himself to the will of the council." Andrew explained.
"As I would have done. He may be Sith, but he was by no means evil. He will be a great Jedi." Master Kiwiiks said.
"Master uh… Maybe I should tell you something." Kira said. She went on to explain her origins.
"I see. So much about you is now clear to me, Kira. It is good that you had forsaken the teachings that were being forced upon you. You are a strong, capable young woman, as your Sith friend Nodru is a strong, capable young man. You and he will one day become great Jedi." Master Kiwiiks said, reassuring Kira. That was when Hare'en ran up to the group.
"If you'd seen what she has accomplished, you'd be proud." Asmund said.
"Here you are. I was coming to help when sensors indicated critical structural damage and complete shutdown of the Shock Drum. You did it." she said. The Sharicite, as expected, appeared before them. Andrew and Neptune collected it.
"My friends. The danger is not yet passed. Even with the Shock Drum destroyed and another Sharicite Fragment collected, the threat Darth Angral poses to the Republic is great." Master Kiwiiks said, turning to Asmund, Kira and the CPUs. "We'll meet again on Tython. May the Force be with you." she said.
The group returned to the Endeavor and went off into space, and Andrew contacted General Var Suthra.
"General, doctor, good news. Master Kiwiiks and Seismologist Felicia Hare'en are safe. The Shock Drum is destroyed." he announced.
"Destroyed? Blast! I wanted to inspect that prototype! Such a promising design!" Doctor Godera complained.
"A design that only promised fractured rocks that marked the graveyards of trillions of people across the Republic, if Darth Angral got his hands on it. Honestly, I'm glad it's gone." Watcher One countered.
"You and me both, Watcher One." Var Suthra agreed. "And as you expected, I've just received a report from one of my cruisers in the area. A Pure-blooded Sith named Praven surrendered to it. He mentioned your names. Anything I should know, Asmund?" continued.
"He was one of Darth Angral's apprentices, but he's joining our side. I promised we wouldn't hurt him." Asmund replied.
"You keep finding new ways to impress me. I'll order my people to hand the Sith over to the Jedi Council. They'll know what to do." Var Suthra said. "Let's hope your mission to Alderaan goes as well as it did here. Var Suthra out." he continued, before ending the holocall. Soon enough, the Endeavor entered hyperspace, on course for Alderaan.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
-This took a bit to do as I have been adding live streams on Twitch to my daily platter. Anyone interested in watching these streams can contact me at Nep-Nep#1708. I will provide a link in DMs to the discord I have set up for my live streams.
-The Shock Drum has been redefined as a seismic weapon, rather than an ultrasonic one. This is in reference to the Eastwind Device in ArmA 3's "The East Wind" and "Apex Protocol" campaigns.
-The so-called "Vergesso Asteroids Skirmish" seen in this chapter is a reference to the escape from Tatooine from A New Hope. I intend to reference the canon and movies more as the story progresses through Star Wars The Old Republic.
That's about it. Cya all later.