Hyperdimension Neptunia - Across the Multiverse
A HyperDimension Neptunia Fanfiction by Dumbrarere1
Chapter 11 - Fate of the Republic
Asmund brought the Endeavor in and landed at the spaceport on Alderaan, gently touching the ground.
"General, we're on Alderaan. Any word from Master Orgus?" Andrew asked.
"Negative. With the chaos there, it's a wonder any messages get through. Alderaan's a warzone." Var Suthra replied over the comms.
"Another civil war?" Andrew asked.
"The Nobles are fighting to decide who's in charge… And whether this world aligns with the Republic or the Empire." Var Suthra said.
"Something tells me that whoever wants to side with the Empire is basically being used as a tool. Such a victory for them would mean a key foothold in Republic territory." Asmund mused.
"When the Republic signed the Treaty of Coruscant, hardliners on Alderaan formally withdrew from the Republic. Unfortunately, some nobles, notably House Thul, took the opportunity to ally with the Empire, while others like House Organa opted to return to the Republic. My people developed the Death Mark weapon to end this conflict with surgical precision." Var Suthra said.
"Extraordinary device. It marks the targets with a microscopic tag. Undetectable. Tracks targets anywhere on the planet. Feed the target's coordinates to a focused-beam laser, and it can kill them from across the continent." Doctor Godera said, bemused at the weapon system.
"Since when is the Republic in the assassination business?" Andrew asked, slightly annoyed.
"If I can save a billion lives by killing one man, I'd gladly pull the trigger." Var Suthra said.
"The Death Mark has one regrettable disadvantage. The targeting device's range is extremely limited. About twenty meters or so. Once a target is marked, however, the laser can hit it from any range." Doctor Godera exclaimed.
"I fear efforts to guard the weapon have failed. Master Orgus' last transmission came from Organa Palace. After that… nothing." Watcher One said.
"Then Organa Palace is the first place to look." Asriel said.
"Count Alde was the last to see Master Orgus. He cofunds the Death Mark project with us. I tried informing the count of your arrival, but communications there have been crippled." Var Suthra said.
"Reports indicate multiple holorelays were destroyed. Standard Imperial battle tactic." Doctor Godera interjected.
"House Organa can't spare the troops to get their holorelays online. Maybe you can help?" Var Suthra asked.
"We'll restore communications and meet Count Alde." Asmund said.
"Transmitting holorelay coordinates. If you get them up and running, it'll tighten House Organa's defenses. You'll find Count Alde at the embassy near Organa Palace. Good luck. Var Suthra out." Var Suthra said.
The group went out and repaired all the holorelays before meeting up with Count Alde.
"Count Alde. We're friends of Master Orgus Din. We're here about the Death Mark project." Asmund said.
"Yes, much gratitude for restoring our communications. You and the CPUs have gained quite a reputation. This is chief of weapons development Aleyna Hark. Aleyna, tell the Jedi what you told me." Count Alde said.
"I worked at the Death Mark research facility. We were conducting routine tests when Imperial forces breached our security doors. There was a… hideous little man with them. A Sith, I think." Aleyna said, recounting what had happened.
"We sent a Jedi Master to protect the facility. Was he there?" Andrew asked.
"He saved my life. Before anyone knew what happened, a single Jedi wiped out all the Imperial troops."Aleyna replied.
"Way to take care of business, Master Orgus." Kira mused
"I'm sorry… but the Jedi… He didn't survive. The Sith was deadly. He'd vanish, then leap into the shadows. He surprised your friend. It was horrible." Aleyna said.
"He was a great Jedi. He taught me well." Asmund said.
"He was your-... I didn't realize." Aleyna said. "When the Jedi fell, the Sith summoned reinforcements. But not Imperials… Killiks." she continued.
"What are those?" Neptune asked.
"Intelligent, man-sized insects living underground. Flesh eaters. Ghastly things." Count Alde explained.
"How did the Sith communicate with them?" Asmund asked.
"Oh, they're highly evolved. That's what makes them deadly." Count Alde replied.
"Those things poured into the facility. Started tearing everyone apart. I ran." Aleyna said.
"There was nothing you could have done. Thank the stars you survived to give us this news." Count Alde said, turning to Asmund and the CPUs. "The Sith now controls the Death Mark. No telling who he's targeted." Count Alde said.
"Then we need to move quickly. We can pick up the Sith's trail at that facility." Asmund said.
"It's blasted dangerous. Killiks in such large numbers? Virtually unstoppable." Count Alde said.
"Clearly you've never seen a Jedi or a CPU in action." Andrew said.
"Wynne Organa is organizing peace talks with the other houses. It's possible the Sith-" Count Alde said, before a streak of light shot down from the heavens, killing him instantly.
"AHH!" Neptune cried as she jumped back in surprise. Andrew ran to Count Alde's body and checked for any vital signs.
"Anything?" Asmund asked. After a while, Andrew gave up, closing the late Count's eyes.
"No vital signs. Count Alde is dead." Andrew said with a sigh.
"That was the Death Mark laser! It killed Count Alde!" Aleyna shouted laying on the ground.
"Happened so fast… I never felt the danger…" Kira said.
"We need to inform General Var Suthra about what happened." Andrew said.
"We have to get out of here! It's not safe! We're all going to die!" Aleyna shouted in a panic. That was when House Organa troops entered to contain the situation.
"The count… You there! Hands up! Men, take their weapons! Lock down this building!" the guard captain ordered.
"Captain, calm yourself. We can explain the situation." Andrew said.
"We didn't kill him. We're here to help." Asmund said.
"Back against the wall. This is your final warning." the guard captain ordered.
"Are you insane? He's a Jedi Knight! He and his friends had nothing to do with it!" Aleyna shouted.
"Count Alde was killed with a Republic weapon captured by the Sith Empire. There's no sign of who did it, but we intend to find out who, secure the weapon, and bring the one responsible to justice. We just need time." Andrew said, trying to explain the situation.
"We'll verify your identities and alibis. If what you say is true, you'll be released." the guard captain said. "Long range communications have been restored. Should only be a few days to sort this out." he continued.
"A few days? The fate of Alderaan, even the entire Republic, hangs in the balance. With the Death Mark in Imperial hands and an insane Sith Lord in possession of a planet-killing superweapon, we may only have a few hours." Asmund spoke up.
"Please. Let the Jedi and the CPUs go. You… you can arrest me. Will that be enough?" Aleyna asked.
"If you are a Jedi we obviously can't stop you from leaving. I'll release you and your companions on your own recognizance. This woman will remain in a secure area until you return." the guard captain said as he stood down.
"We appreciate it. I promise you, you won't regret this." Andrew said.
"Here are the coordinates to the research facility… what's left of it. I hope you find something useful. Good luck, Master Jedi." Aleyna said, before the group took their leave. As they traveled to where the lab was located, Neptune finally spoke up.
"Why is it that everywhere we go, we get guns pointed at our faces?" she whined.
"To be honest, I really don't know." Andrew said.
Above the Forest Moon of Endor, the completion of the Eclipse was mere moments away as the last of the armor plate was being placed. Having taken the better part of two years to build by a mix of droid, deep space and engineering workers. The ship spanned sixteen kilometers long, and was equipped with more turbolasers than most of the Imperial Armada combined. Indeed, it was so large and so powerful that the first Grand Moff himself would have been proud of their achievement, and was considered for taking the mantle as the pride of the Imperial Fleet.
Grand Moff Kilran was brooding in jealousy at Denzion's command of the massive warship, believing its command to only be fitting of the Emperor himself, and voiced his concerns with the Dark Council. His concerns were, of course, shot down by the council - most notably by Darth Acina, who saw an opportunity to strike deep into the Republic while they were still on their knees, with Darth Malgus and his apprentice leading the charge. Even more frustrating was the arrival of the Conqueror from Vergesso, the Lady of Nightmares and one Valis of the "Children of the Emperor" apparently having failed in stopping the CPUs and their Jedi companions.
"Grand Moff." an Imperial lieutenant said with a brisk salute.
"Lieutenant. What have you got me?" Kilran asked stoically.
"Sensors have picked up movement on the edge of our scanners. They're too small to be Republic military. In all likelihood, they're pirates trying to taunt us into a battle and waste resources." the lieutenant reported.
"As I expected, the Republic is oblivious to our work here. But do not take these mere pirates to be pathetic dogs. The reconnaissance data they can accumulate can find their way through the Hutt Cartel and into Republic hands. I want you to step up your patrols and engage them if they get in close enough to be a significant threat." Kilran ordered.
"Of course, sir. There is one additional matter that needs to be attended to." the lieutenant said.
"Alright, let's hear it…" Kilran groaned with a hefty sigh.
"Lord Malgus and Lord Denzion have requested you join them with the Lady of Nightmares on the Eclipse. Lady Acina of the Dark Council is on her way to oversee the ship's launch." the lieutenant said. Kilran wanted to punch a hole straight through the viewport at the mention of Darth Acina, but kept his cool. Without a word, he walked towards the forward hangar bay of the Emperor's Glory and boarded a shuttle to take him to the Eclipse.
Asmund and the group arrived at the Death Mark lab to find it overrun with Killiks.
"Gross…" Neptune said with a shiver, looking at the Killiks and the husks they left.
"We're going to have to fight through all that, aren't we?" Asriel asked.
"Apparently so. A few of them are armed with blasters, so be careful." Andrew said. They fought through the Killiks and secured each room, before they arrived at a locked door. There, a blue lightsaber blade pierced the metal. "Woah! Step back, step back!" he warned. Once the door opened, someone very familiar ran out and almost attacked Asmund. The man was none other than Master Orgus.
"Asmund? Heh… What took you so long?" Master Orgus asked, lowering and deactivating his lightsaber.
"Master Orgus… By the Force. I knew you were alive." Asmund said.
"The Force, and my lightsaber. Needed both this time." Master Orgus said.
"We were told you were killed. It's glad to see they were wrong." Andrew said.
"Who's this… furry kid?" Master Orgus asked about Asriel.
"This is Planeptune's newest Auxiliary CPU, Asriel Dreemurr. He's the prince of a compassionate race of monsters we saved from deep underground in the previous dimension. Kid would have lost his true form, had he not given me permission to perform a Share Transfer on him." Andrew said. "Histoire left him in mine and Neptune's care to train and learn more about what it means to be a CPU." he continued.
"I see. Like Padawan and Master. The kid is very lucky, indeed, to have the two of you teaching him." Master Orgus said.
"You okay, geezer? You look kinda pale…" Neptune asked as she looked at Master Orgus closely.
"I've looked worse, Neptune. I'll be fine." Master Orgus replied honestly. "Blasted Sith almost killed me. Was all I could do to save Doctor Parvux." he continued.
"The enemy left us here as food for the Killiks." Doctor Parvux said.
"Taking down that Killik leader must have been quite the fight. Thing was huge." Master Orgus said.
"Uh… Are you sure you're alright?" Neptune asked, in case Master Orgus was delirious.
"The giant Killik, leading these others… You didn't see it?" Master Orgus asked. That was when a loud thumping could be heard, followed by a loud screeching. The CPUs activated HDD.
"Jeez, it's massive…" Asriel said, preparing for the coming battle.
"If that thing eats us… you're fired." Master Orgus said as he and Asmund ignited their lightsabers. The massive Killik Praetor arrived, before attacking the group. Asriel surprised it with Star Blazing, which was timed with Neptune using Neptune Break. Master Orgus threw his lightsaber like a deadly boomerang, and it cut the legs off. The final blow came when Andrew drove his sword into the base of the neck, and the Killik Praetor fell to the floor.
"You alright, doctor?" Master Orgus asked.
"Don't worry about me. The Death Mark is in enemy hands. You must warn Count Alde." Doctor Parvux said.
"About that… Count Alde was killed by the Death Mark. No idea who tagged him, though…" Asriel said.
"The targeting device was taken to Organa Palace..." Doctor Parvux exclaimed quietly in shock, horrified by the fact that House Organa was being targeted with a Republic weapon.
"Have you met a woman calling herself Aleyna Hark?" Master Orgus asked.
"Now that you mention it, she was the only other person in the room with us when Count Alde was killed." Andrew said, thinking about it.
"You're not suspecting…" Asmund said as he turned to Andrew, stunned.
"She was the only other person close enough to tag Count Alde. But the question is… why?" Asriel asked.
"Aleyna's a spy. She helped the Sith steal the Death Mark, and now she's targeting people with it." Master Orgus said.
"She could've marked dozens of people by now. The weapon's laser can kill them anywhere and at any time." Doctor Parvux said.
"Not if we cut its power. The laser is still tied into the local energy grid, right?" Master Orgus asked.
"Several power stations supply the laser. Deactivating them would take the laser offline… at least temporarily." Doctor Parvux explained.
"That isn't good enough, doctor. If we were tagged as well, we'd need to shut the thing down permanently. Is there a central computer, somewhere?" Andrew asked.
"The Sith took everything with him. We'll have to do this the hard way." Master Orgus said.
"Drat. What an obvious plot gimmick." Neptune complained. Master Orgus and Asmund both blinked in confusion at what she said.
"Uh… 'plot gimmick'?" Asmund asked.
"She's got a habit of breaking the 4th Wall, so to speak." Andrew said. Master Orgus and Asmund both facepalmed simultaneously.
"What?" Neptune asked.
"I'll get Doctor Parvux to safety. You disable the laser's power stations." Master Orgus said, ignoring Neptune.
"I have the coordinates to every station. Deactivate them in the order I've described. Don't leave a single one functional." Doctor Parvux said, giving Asmund the coordinates for the power stations.
"We'll head to the closest Republic-friendly camp. Meet us there. May the Force be with you." Master Orgus said before he and Doctor Parvux took their leave. The group took their leave soon after, and began shutting down the power stations following the coordinates given to them by Doctor Parvux. Lord Nefarid contacted them when the first station went down.
"Well, well. If it isn't the Jedi and the CPUs who killed Tarnis back on Coruscant. I'd rather you didn't shut down my laser's power stations. I need them. I have so many targets waiting to be vaporised. Who's next… the farm girl or the old colonel?" Lord Nefarid asked.
"Even Sith don't murder random people…" Asmund said, his eyebrow twitching.
"You're missing the point. Imagine the terror spreading among Alderaan's people as death rains upon them." Lord Nefarid said.
"Your taunts are meaningless, Sith. If you have even a shred of logic, you'd know that it's easier to face us yourself." Andrew said.
"Oh dear… I'm afraid the farm girl didn't make it. I wonder how long the old colonel will survive. I can kill anyone I like, and there's nothing you can do about it. Have a lovely day." Lord Nefarid said, before cutting communication. Andrew, growing irritated, slashed at the controls.
"Was there really anything to gain from that?" Asmund asked.
"If it keeps the enemy from reactivating these generators, fine by me." Andrew replied.
"Fair." was all that Asmund could say in response. They went to the auxiliary generator and shut it down as well. Lord Nefarid contacted them again.
"Determined to spoil my fun, aren't you? Now I have to set up new power stations where you can't reach." Lord Nefarid said, moderately irritated. "At most, you've bought yourselves a few hours. Proud of yourselves?" he continued.
"Considering a few hours is all that's needed? Yeah. Yeah, we're proud of ourselves." Andrew replied.
"Now it is you who throws pointless taunts." Lord Nefarid said.
"What you were doing is twisted… Even for a Sith." Asmund said, disgusted by Lord Nefarid's actions.
"I enjoy life's simple pleasures. Don't judge me." Lord Nefarid said, cutting contact once more. Like last time, Andrew destroyed the controls, ensuring the Empire could not reactivate the generator. With that done, they went to the Republic outpost and met up with Master Orgus.
"We deactivated the laser's power stations and destroyed their controls, but Darth Angral's apprentice contacted us. Dozens of people are targets of the Death Mark. Not just military personnel, but civilians as well." Asmund said.
"Never seen a Sith who was more full of himself in my life… The bastard actually found joy in his actions." Andrew added, disgusted by what he saw and heard on the holo.
"You know… just once, I wish we could meet some Sith Lord who enjoyed things like bathing under the sun or sharing a sandwich with friends…" Neptune said. As initially confusing as the comment was, Asmund and Master Orgus both knew she was tired of the predictability the Sith were showing.
"We need to end this before he brings that laser back online." Master Orgus said. "This is Wynne Organa, chief negotiator in the peace talks to end this war." he continued, introducing a member of House Organa.
"Aleyna had free run of Organa Palace. Everyone there could be a target, including me." Wynne explained.
"We saw her surrender to the guards when Count Alde was assassinated." Asriel said.
"She never made it to her cell. The guards escorting her were found dead." Wynne countered.
"You're kidding…" Andrew muttered in disbelief.
"However, my spies report a woman matching her description entering House Thul's compound." Wynne said.
"House Thul… Didn't General Var Suthra say they supported the Empire?" Andrew asked.
"Yes, but Duke Thul openly supports the peace process. I thought he was sincere." Wynne said.
"Maybe he is. If Lord Nefarid and Aleyna are targeting those who support the peace process, they can guarantee a way to keep the war going." Andrew suspected.
"That was a possibility I hadn't considered until you mentioned it. If Duke Thul is killed by a Republic secret weapon, the peace process will never recover." Wynne said.
"Hate to say it, but our best bet is to storm in there and stop Aleyna." Master Orgus said.
"We're ready to go when you are, Master." Asmund said.
"You're in charge of recovering the Death Mark from house Thul. I have my own mission. There's only a few places Angral's apprentice could be operating from. We need to narrow down the list of candidates." Master Orgus said.
"How do you plan to do that? Wander around the planet?" Asriel asked.
"Much as I enjoy the weather, no. I'll go where the Force leads me." Master Orgus said. "Our destinies part here, my friends. I'll contact you when I've found our enemy." he continued.
"I hope to hear from both of you when this threat is ended." Wynne said honestly.
"Head for House Thul. May the Force be with you." Master Orgus said.
The group made it to House Thul to see Aleyna trying to dissuade Duke Thul from the peace talks.
"Be reasonable, Duke. Your calls for peace talks are misguided and unnecessary. Lord Nefarid wants what's best for House Thul: unconditional victory." Aleyna said.
"And all that he asks is that I betray Organa…" Duke Thul said, before laying eyes on Asmund and the CPUs. "Who the skies are you?" he asked.
"Someone who's trying to help save your life. The woman you're talking to intends to mark you for death and silence the peace process." Andrew explained.
"Mark me? I don't understand." Duke Thul said.
"It's a trick. Organa sent them to kill you." Aleyna said.
"I assure you, we have no such intent, milord Duke. Lord Nefarid, on the other hand, has other ideas." Asmund said.
"Be warned, I am prepared to kill you. Lord Nefarid trained me to fight a Jedi." Aleyna said. "Guards! Defend the Duke!" she shouted. Asmund and Kira both went after the guards, while the CPUs went for Aleyna. The guards fell first, then Asriel managed to disarm Aleyna.
"If you must kill me, at least tell me why!" Duke Thul exclaimed.
"The Jedi and the CPUs aren't here for you, fool! Not that it matters. No one will escape Lord Nefarid's purge. You're both dead, just like everyone else scrabbling for peace! As the last person marked, Jedi, you will be the first to fall!" Aleyna declared.
"Why wasn't I a target after our first meeting, with Count Alde?" Asmund asked.
"I assumed the Killiks would eat you. A mistake I've now corrected. If you're hoping to remove that mark on you, don't." Aleyna said, before pressing a button that destroyed the targeting device. "I've just rendered the targeting device nonfunctional." she declared.
"Then we've heard enough from you." Duke Thul said, before knocking her out. "Blasted woman has doomed us all. Unless we work together." he continued.
"What strikes me as surprising is that she didn't try tagging me, Neptune or Asriel." Andrew said. "Regardless, if Asmund falls, then it dooms our efforts to recover the Sharicite Fragments. If you have a plan to stop Lord Nefarid, let's hear it." he continued.
"It's simple. Kill him before he kills us." Duke Thul explained.
"A bit too simple, considering we don't even know where to look." Asriel pointed out.
"I knew it would be a good idea to keep tabs on that Sith. Disgusting little men like him are always up to something. He's using a mountain bunker as a base. I'll give you the coordinates. Kill him if you can." Duke Thul said.
"Our best bet is to shut down or destroy the Death Mark technology." Asmund said.
"I'm leaving for the Spaceport. I'll try to outrun the Death Mark laser if I can, in case you fail. But first, this traitor dies." Duke Thul snarled.
"If you want peace on Alderaan, you must first realize that death isn't justice." Asmund said.
"I'll put her in a detention cell until she can be tried and executed." Duke Thul said, relenting. "Go, now. Stop Nefarid. For both our sakes." he continued, before taking his leave. Asmund took the time to contact Master Orgus.
"Master Orgus, the Death Mark targeting device is destroyed, but I was tagged by it. Oddly enough, Aleyna chose not to tag the CPUs." he explained.
"We're on our way to Lord Nefarid's stronghold. Where are you?" Andrew asked.
"Too far to help. I misled you back at the camp." Master Orgus replied, telling the truth.
"Misled? But why?" Andrew asked.
"I haven't been searching for the apprentice. I've been looking for Darth Angral, and I just found his star destroyer. I'm on board now, with a squad of General Garza's special forces." Master Orgus said.
"General Var Suthra was looking for Darth Angral for days without success. How'd you manage that so quickly?" Asmund asked.
"The General doesn't have the Force as his ally like I do. It called, and I followed. The cruiser is at the edge of the system, outside of planetary scanner range. This may be our only shot at stopping him. Just someone to know, just in case." Master Orgus said.
"Don't take any unnecessary risks, Master Orgus. If anyone can stop Darth Angral, it's you." Asmund said.
"You're the finest student I've ever trained, and the CPUs have been a great boon to the Jedi Order. Wish I could have met you all sooner." Master Orgus said with a smile. "Stop Angral's apprentice. Save Alderaan. May the Force be with you. Orgus out." he continued, ending the call. With that, the group left for Lord Nefarid's bunker.
Master Orgus told at least two of the commandos of Fireteam Hailstorm to hang back, so that at least someone was alive to bring back his body in case he'd fallen in battle. He and two other commandos were making their way to the bridge when they were ambushed outside the main concourse by Darth Angral.
"Master Orgus Din. We meet once more." he said as he ignited his lightsaber.
"The pleasure's all mine, Darth Angral." Master Orgus said snidely as he also activated his lightsaber. "I don't suppose you have tea and pastries laying around for a tea party?" he asked, essentially taunting the Sith Lord.
"As witty as I've been told. The Lady of Nightmares said much about you and your student. Poorly prepared taunts will get you nowhere, however. As you can see, you and your special forces are completely surrounded." Darth Angral said. Master Orgus looked around and saw nobody, but felt that he fell into a trap. Then the two commandos with him were suddenly eviscerated by seemingly nothing. Phantoms, hiding in the shadows. "Truly terrifying, the Power Guard project was. My new Shadow Guards, however, can spread more terror and agony than you will ever realize. I was denied a final blow the last time we fought, but this time, there is no escape." he went on to say, a smirk on his face, before taking the first swing. "You will die a failure."
"Can you say the same about my former Padawan?" Master Orgus said, parrying the attack.
"The Force and the Power of Faith are conspiring to bring me into a confrontation with him and the CPUs." Darth Angral said, knocking Master Orgus down.
Asmund and the group reached the heart of Lord Nefarid's bunker, proceeding to a holotable.
"You truly are stubborn ones. Won't be completely satisfied until you've completely inconvenienced me, will you?" Lord Nefarid asked from the shadows.
"Come out from the shadows and face justice." Asmund said.
"My Master is transmitting the most amusing holomessage right now. You really should watch it with me." Lord Nefarid said. The holotable activated, and it was obvious to see that Master Orgus was quickly overpowered by Darth Angral.
"Very careless of you, Orgus Din. Sneaking aboard my vessel, thinking you were following the will of the Force. You see, I called out to you because I wanted you to find me. And now, your fellow Masters, your own Padawan and his friends, and the entire galaxy will watch you die." Darth Angral said.
"It's not too late, Angral… Do the right thing, for once. Surrender." Master Orgus said.
"Pity you didn't bring young Asmund and the CPUs. I could kill you all." Darth Angral said, placing his lightsaber in Master Orgus's face. "Tell me, Jedi. Are you afraid to die?" he asked.
"There is no death. There is only the Force." Master Orgus said.
"If there is no death, then where is my son?!" Darth Angral lashed out, driving his lightsaber straight into the old Jedi Master. Asmund fell to the ground after witnessing his master perish in front of him, feeling the Force Bond fade.
"NO!" Kira shouted.
"Oh my goodness!" Andrew exclaimed.
"You monster!" Asriel shouted.
"And now, I'll finish you. After all, you cannot fight what you cannot see." Lord Nefarid said gleefully.
"The Force and the power of Faith will guide me. You cannot escape." Asmund said, fighting back a torrent of emotions.
"Let's be done with this. I have a long list of people to kill. Oh, and by the way. The Death Mark laser is finally back online. And it's tracking you." Lord Nefarid said, before attacking the group. The CPUs quickly activated HDD and used all their shares to fight back against Lord Nefarid. Asmund did his best to attack while simultaneously dodging the Death Mark laser as it tried to strike from orbit. Asriel, feeling a deep anger and a need for justice, was swift and unpredictable as he focused all of Planeptune's shares into the Trinity Blade. Lord Nefarid did not expect his attacks to be so fierce, and so he retreated to the Shadows. He attempted to assassinate Kira, only to be stopped by Asmund, who used both Force Stasis and Force Lightning against him. Asriel was given a shot to end the battle, and with a powerful share-based attack, he finished the fight fairly quickly. With the Sith dead, the group went to disable the Death Mark targeting computer that was still sending information into orbit. After fighting through some Imperials, Asmund got creative and used the Death Mark itself to destroy the targeting computer, finally silencing the weapon. He then took some time to clear his head, before contacting Wynne Organa.
"The Death Mark's targeting computer has been destroyed. Your people are safe." Asmund said.
"I will inform Organa Palace immediately. We are forever in your debt. Duke Thul sent us the spy Aleyna. She's to stand trial for her crimes. Her testimony will expose the Empire for what it really is. No house will ally with them after this." Wynne said. "Please, forget my abruptness. I am needed elsewhere. This threat is ended, but the war goes on. I hope someday, Alderaan will know lasting peace. Good luck, Master Jedi. Good luck, CPUs." Wynne said, before cutting contact. That's when another call came in.
"This is Captain Trebar of Republic Special Forces, Fireteam Hailstorm. Is this Asmund?" the man asked.
"Indeed it is, Captain. What do you need?" Asmund asked.
"I just wanted to let you know… we've recovered the body of Master Orgus Din. We're bringing it before the Jedi Council on Tython, so that we may have a proper funeral for him. I really am sorry for your loss, Master Jedi." Captain Trebar said mournfully.
"It is as said in the Jedi Code. 'There is no death. There is only the Force'." Asmund said.
"I see. I hope you make it back. Captain Trebar out." Captain Trebar said, ending the holocall. The Sharicite Fragment appeared, and Andrew and Neptune collected it quickly.
"We should head back to the ship, let General Var Suthra know what happened to Master Orgus…" Kira said sorrowfully.
"It'd be wise to attend Master Orgus' funeral, as well, since he did train you." Andrew said.
The Endeavor rose from Alderaan, before taking to the stars. Andrew contacted General Var Suthra to tell him the news.
"General, the Death Mark has been destroyed, and a major crisis has been averted… but I'm afraid the price we paid may have been too high." Andrew reported. "Master Orgus took Fireteam Hailstorm and went after Darth Angral alone… He's fallen in battle." he continued.
"Darth Angral broadcasted Orgus' execution over the holonet. Fireteam Hailstorm reported that they recovered his body. I'm really sorry." General Var Suthra said.
"Orgus taught me everything I know about being a Jedi… He was a good man." Asmund said.
"Darth Angral has no idea what he's brought upon himself." Var Suthra said darkly. The tone sent shivers down Andrew's and Neptune's spine.
"Your Master is dead, but he left us a gift. Somehow, he and Fireteam Hailstorm planted a tracking beacon on Angral's ship without the Sith realizing it. Every time Angral's ship drops out of hyperspace, we know where. Orgus got the last laugh." Watcher One said with some measure of satisfaction.
"A brilliant strategy, but… was it worth it in the end?" Andrew asked.
"Orgus paid the price so others wouldn't have to. We'll alert you when Angral's ship is spotted. For now, return to Tython." Var Suthra said, before closing the channel.
The Endeavor landed back at the Jedi Temple, and Asmund and the CPUs gathered outside the Temple itself to witness Orgus' funeral. The whole of the Twi'lek settlement and the two members of Fireteam Hailstorm were present as well.
"Master Orgus was more than just a Jedi Master. He was a friend. Devoted to the Jedi Code, and honest without end." Master Satele said. "And so, he passes the torch to the next generation of Knights. It is only fitting that Asmund, whom Orgus trained from a mere Padawan, begin the ritual." she said, looking to Asmund, who then set the funeral pyre alight. As they watched Master Orgus' body be burned and cremated, Asmund clenched his fist tightly, a subtle anger coursing through him. With the ceremony at an end, Asmund and the group took their leave. Master Satele later found the young Jedi Knight in his room on the Endeavor, in deep meditation.
"Asmund… mind if I join you?" she asked.
"Of course not, Master Satele." Asmund replied.
"During the funeral, I'd felt a subtle anger within you. Are you alright?" Master Satele asked, concerned for Orgus' former pupil.
"Don't worry about me… I'll be fine…" Asmund said honestly.
"I admire the composure, Asmund, but have you really searched within for what you truly feel?" Master Satele asked, mirroring her line of questioning when she and Asmund first met.
"Master Orgus was… more than just a teacher to me. In some ways, he was like a father. It wasn't just about learning from him… it was sharing secrets, telling stories, building a bond. And then suddenly, it… came crashing down." Asmund explained, telling her what was in his heart and mind.
"The level of honesty required to build such a bond is difficult, Asmund, even amongst Jedi. To build a familial relationship with a teacher or student, or between students, is not uncommon amongst the order... but it can also lead to untold sorrows and great anger, often leading members astray when one falls in battle or succumbs to the Dark Side. Take some time to gather your thoughts, and report to me when you're ready." Master Satele said. That's when Andrew rushed in.
"Asmund. Watcher One needs us on the holoterminal. Darth Angral is on the move, and intelligence reports that the Desolator is about to be tested on a Republic world." he said. He, Asmund and Master Satele rushed over to the holoterminal.
"Asmund, Master Satele. The tracking device has started transmitting from the Uphrades system." Watcher One reported.
"The Uphrades system?" Asriel asked.
"It's an agricultural world that supplies half of Coruscant's food. I'm scrambling the fleet, but you're closer." Var Suthra explained.
"How much time do we have?" Asmund asked.
"Not much at all, so I need you wheels up and in hyperspace ASAP." Var Suthra said.
"We're not equipped to engage a dreadnought, Var Suthra. We're going to need to improvise." Andrew said.
"I'll prepare an emergency council meeting. Asmund, go. You and the CPUs are the only ones who can stop Darth Angral." Master Satele said, before she took her leave. With her off the ship, Asmund took the Endeavor to the Uphrades system.
The Endeavor left Hyperspace to find the planet's atmosphere in flames.
"Where's Angral's ship?" Andrew asked.
"No sign of Angral… but Uphrades… I was here with Master Kiwiiks. It used to be green." Kira noted.
"'Used to be green'? What on earth happened?" Asriel asked.
"I don't know, but perhaps this is what the Desolator can do…" Kira said.
"Are you picking up anything down there, Teeseven?" Andrew asked.
"Sensors detect minimal life signs. Uphrades = dead world." T7 reported. Asmund contacted General Var Suthra.
"General, we've arrived at Uphrades. No sign of Darth Angral, but the planet… you need to see it for yourself." he said.
"Transmitting live feed and sensor readings to you now." Andrew said, doing just that. A bit of time passed before Var Suthra finally spoke.
"Good lord, Uphrades' atmosphere looks like it's on fire! What could have done this?!" he gasped.
"Damage consistent with the designs recovered on Ord Mantell, the Desolator weapon." Doctor Godera said.
"Angral's taken the Planet Prison and turned it into something… horrifying…" Andrew said, looking pale.
"The Desolator borrows technology from all of our advanced warfare projects. Angral's son was quite the genius." Doctor Godera said in praise.
"Uphrades had millions of citizens… whole continents of farmlands…" Var Suthra lamented. "All that life extinguished… The scale of this… it's unthinkable…" he continued.
"I can still feel the echoes left by those that were killed." Asmund said.
"Getting an emergency transmission. It's faint, from the far side of the planet." Kira reported, before putting the transmission on.
"Republic vessel, do you copy? This is the medical frigate Daybreaker! We're under attack! Imperial commandos have boarded us! Help!" the captain called out, before the transmission cut out.
"That was one of ours! The crew may know what happened here." Var Suthra said.
"No more of our people die today! Kira, plot an intercept course!" Asmund said.
"Already done, Master. Strap yourselves in." Kira said, and the Endeavor quickly went to the rescue. After picking off any Imperial fighters, Asmund landed the ship in the Daybreaker's hangar bay, and the crew fanned out to secure it.
"Master Jedi! CPUs! Thank the Force you're all here! The Imperials have taken control of the bridge, and we have men pinned down by the rear medical bay." a Republic soldier said.
"Tell all wounded and doctors to fall back from the lines, and get those still fighting to coordinate their defense. We'll support them and storm the bridge." Asmund said.
"Right away, Master Jedi. Good luck to you all." the soldier said. On the soldier's world, the door opened and the group ran into battle, allowing wounded and field medics to retreat from battle. The sudden arrival Asmund and the CPUs shattered the Imperial offensive, and the Imperial commandos fell back towards the bridge in a hasty retreat. Asmund and the CPUs, leading what soldiers could still fight, chased them down and eventually stormed the bridge, retaking control of the ship.
"That was the last of the Imperials. You're safe now." Andrew said.
"Not a minute too soon. Those commandos weren't taking prisoners." Captain Dal said.
"I still can't believe what happened to Uphrades. When we arrived, an Imperial warship was attacking the planet. I haven't seen anything like it." the chief medical officer, Doctor Senessa, said honestly.
"What can you tell us about the attack?" Andrew asked.
"Uphrades was trapped inside an energy field. Some starships tried to flee, but their engines failed before they could leave the atmosphere." Captain Dal explained.
"No one escaped. Every ship that tried crashed back onto the surface. Then before our eyes, the entire atmosphere lit up in plasma and flame…." Doctor Senessa said.
"The enemy made sure there wouldn't be survivors…" Asmund said.
"All this was done with stolen Republic weapons technology, combined into an Imperial superweapon… the result of Darth Angral's madness… We have to ensure this does not happen again, or there won't be a Republic left to defend." Andrew said, looking outside the viewport at the planet in front of them.
"So, how'd you guys get stuck here?" Asriel asked.
"We tried to run, but Imperial boarding pods overtook us." Captain Dal said.
"And what happened to the Imperial warship?" Andrew asked.
"It jumped to hyperspace. No telling where it is now." Captain Dal said. That was when something beeped. Doctor Senessa turned around and looked at a fresh sensor ping.
"Captain. Look at this…" she said. "Our sensors detect faint life readings on the planet's surface, possible survivors." she said, hopeful.
"Anyone left on that planet is as good as dead." Captain Dal said, defeated.
"If we go down there, we can provide food, water, shelter, medicine. It's our duty." Doctor Senessa said. Captain Dal went up to the viewport, looking out upon Uphrades.
"The energy field surrounding Uphrades will destroy your ship's engines. You won't be able to leave." Kira warned.
"We can't abandon the survivors." Asmund countered.
"We're the only hope those people have. Every second counts." Doctor Senessa said. "Please. He'll listen to you. Talk to him." she begged. Asmund and Andrew both walked up to the captain.
"It's not that I don't want to help… but… I have a family to think about." Captain Dal said.
"Wouldn't you prefer someone from the planet in front of us told their story so that others knew of the atrocities the Sith have unleashed on the galaxy?" Andrew asked.
"This ship carries military-grade kolto packs, battle adrenals, you name it. Talk her out of this crazy idea. You'll have your pick of our supplies." he said, before leading a disgusted Andrew and Asmund back to the terminal.
"I've pinpointed the strongest lifesigns. We can land immediately." Doctor Senessa declared.
"Render aid to anyone you find. I promise, you won't be abandoned down there." Asmund said.
"This is insane! I'm taking an escape pod off this lunatic asylum!" Captain Dal snarled.
"The Republic Navy will have your hide if you abandon your duty." Andrew warned, but Captain Dal ignored it, storming off the bridge.
"My crew can do this without him. Thank you for doing what's right. I'm transmitting the sensor logs of the attack to your ship. Please give them to Republic High Command." Doctor Senessa said, before the console beeped. "You'd better go. People on Uphrades need us." she said. The group returned to the Endeavor, before heading for the stars.
"We've rescued the Daybreaker, General. We have sensor logs of Darth Angral's attack." Andrew reported on the holo. "However, the crew landed on Uphrades to help possible survivors. They're trapped." he added.
"We'll get them back, somehow, but Angral's our first priority." Var Suthra said.
"Transmitting sensor logs, now…" Kira advised.
"My initial analysis indicates the Desolator has a similar flaw to the Planet Prison. The weapon's excessive power requirements demand a lengthy charging period before it can fire." Doctor Godera said.
"Small consolation. Angral's next target will likely be more direct." Var Suthra said.
"The entire Republic should be warned about this." Asmund advised.
"Coruscant should begin food rationing immediately. I'll contact the Galactic Senate and put everyone on-" Var Suthra said, before being interrupted.
"Just picked up Angral's signal again. He's targeting Tython. We're getting an emergency alert from the Jedi Council. Relaying it now." Watcher One reported.
"...under attack from Darth Angral. Launching defense fighters… Angral's star destroyer… deploying… energy field… Our ships can't escape Tython's atmosphere…. We're trapped…" Master Satele reported. Her signal was garbled, but it was enough.
"That explains why Angral left Uphrades so quickly. He's already chosen his next target." Doctor Godera said.
"Hopefully we're not already too late to help. Teeseven, plot an immediate emergency jump to Tython." Andrew said. T7 did as instructed, and the ship went to hyperspace. They left soon after and dodged turbolaser fire from the Harrower Star Destroyer. They took a few rounds, but made it safely inside. "General, we're safely inside. The Endeavor took a few rounds, but is otherwise unharmed." he reported.
"Yes! I knew you could do it! Now to end that Sith for good!" Var Suthra exclaimed.
"Based on the Daybreaker's sensor data, I can estimate with eighty percent certainty that you have a few hours until the weapon fires. A thorough look at the data suggests that three of the Oppressor's four reactors are dedicated to managing power for the Desolator. If you can shut down or damage those reactors, the weapon should cease functioning, and the energy field around the planet should dissipate." Doctor Godera reported.
"Reports from intercepted comm chatter indicate that the Oppressor's complement of Imperial marines are being supplemented by Shadow Guards, that terrifying reimagining of the Republic's Power Guard project. These Shadow Guards are fast and deadly, relying on stealth to attack Jedi Knights from the shadows. However, a good zap of Force Lightning should overload and shut down the stealth field generators grafted to their left arms, making them vulnerable to attack." Watcher One reported.
"Asmund + Kira + CPUs = go to reactors. T7 = interface with warship computers + disrupt security protocols." T7 said.
"General, doctor, Watcher One, my team's moving out. We'll save Tython, or die trying." Asmund declared.
"Don't even think that. I expect all of us, minus the CPUs, to reach a ripe old age. Your signal is breaking up. May the-" Var Suthra said, losing contact soon after. The group fanned out and secured the hangar, like they did on the Daybreaker.
"Angral's jamming our transmissions. He's coming for us…" Kira warned.
"Let him come for us. We fight here to make certain that Master Orgus didn't die in vain." Andrew said. With the hangar secured, the group ran deeper into the ship, taking out Imperial soldiers and officers. They then stopped in front of one of the three reactors, finding the reactor room empty… but something felt wrong.
"Am I the only one getting that sinister, ghostly feeling of being watched?" Neptune asked.
"I sense it too. I don't like this, Asmund." Kira said. A Shadow Guard phased out of stealth for but a minute, within Asmund's peripheral vision.
"Shadow Guards!" Asmund shouted. The CPUs activated HDD and went on the defensive. Asmund, using Force Lightning, forced three of the Shadow Guards in the room to decloak instantly. Kira threw her lightsaber and took them out, but there were still too many Shadow Guards, and they were overwhelmed. That was when Andrew unleashed Meteor Storm to great effect. The Shadow Guards fell, and to nobody's surprise, Andrew's attack damaged the controls of the reactor, forcing it to shut down. Imperial Sentries ran in to try to delay their attacks, only to be killed by Neptune and Kira.
"Well… That was quite the rush…" Andrew muttered, panting.
"I don't think I've ever seen an attack like that. What'd you call it? Meteor Storm?" Asmund asked.
"Yeah. It was a self-taught attack that's been used before on many occasions." Andrew said.
"Disabling one reactor may have given us time, but the sooner we can finish this, the better." Kira said. The group ran to the next two reactors and shut them down, destroying their controls. With the threat over, Asmund led the group to the bridge, where he used his lightsaber to cut through the bridge doors and force them open.
"You will not steal my victory. Not now. I have sacrificed too much for this. I will avenge my son… on you, on the CPUs, and on all the Jedi." Darth Angral declared.
"You're too late, Darth Angral. Your weapon was just rendered inert. You've already failed." Andrew said.
"Then I will drive the Oppressor straight into your Jedi Temple. But first, a loose end must be tied up." Darth Angral countered as he turned around. "I will crush your protege's hopes and dreams, and I will make you and your wife cry out in horror. Today, I forge a new era for the Sith, one where the Jedi are finally extinct, and the CPUs banished from the galaxy." he declared.
"You're one of the most insane Sith Lords I've ever met." Asmund said, before igniting his lightsaber. That was when Kira casually began walking up the stairs to the observation platform, not igniting hers. She turned around to face the group. That was when a voice not belonging to hers spoke.
"Finish this, Angral. I command it." the voice spoke.
"With pleasure, my Master." Darth Angral said. Kira suddenly collapsed to the floor.
"What… what was that? I felt... the Emperor..." she said.
"You are his Child. His eyes, his ears... his weapon to command. The Lady of Nightmares sowed the seeds for this. Come, Child, fight by my side. It's where you belong." Darth Angral said.
"I'd rather jump out an airlock." Kira exclaimed, disgusted at the thought of fighting alongside a Sith Lord who wanted to exterminate the Jedi.
"Fight the Emperor's control, Kira. We believe in you!" Asriel said.
"I feel him in my thoughts. We have to end this fast." Kira said, finally igniting her lightsaber.
"If you will not serve, you will die." Darth Angral said, igniting his lightsaber as well. "For Tarnis…" he declared, before going all out. Asriel parried a strike that would have fatally wounded Asmund, and Andrew got behind him. Darth Angral found himself knocked off balance by the torrent of attacks. He'd throw them down with a wave of Dark Side energy, but Asriel was able to counter it with a Share Wave. He took on Darth Angral alone, blocking, parrying and countering every attack. Andrew was stunned to see the young prince overmatching Darth Angral's power. He'd finally draw the final blow, gravely wounding Darth Angral. That was when the Sith Emperor intervened through Kira.
"The young CPU's skill is impressive. You and your husband have trained him well, Neptune. I was right to trust Kurome in her word." the Emperor said. Darth Angral perished as a result of the group's inability to act due to the Emperor's intervention, as he directed Kira to claim Darth Angral's lightsaber and ignite it, before having her attack Asriel.
"Kira! Try to fight his control!" Asriel shouted.
"There is no point, young prince. Kira is my child, and my will is infinitely more powerful." the Sith Emperor declared.
"Darth Angral is dead, and this warship will soon follow." Andrew said.
"Disappointing. Angral was useful." the Sith Emperor said.
"The battle's already over. Why do you feel the need to keep this up?" Andrew asked.
"This child must learn her place. And so will you, CPU." the Sith Emperor declared.
"Leave Kira alone! If you want to fight, face me in person!" Asmund shouted.
"That is unnecessary. I see futures in you… futures in your CPU companions… futures I will not allow. Your future ends here." the Sith Emperor said, having Kira attack Asmund directly. Andrew and Asriel interceded, parrying a lethal strike before returning the favor. Kira sent a combination of Force Lightning and Force Push against both Asriel and Andrew, knocking them to the ground. Neptune lashed out with Cross Combination, opening the window for Asmund to draw a successful combo on his Padawan.
"It's over, Emperor. Give up now, while you still have a chance." Asmund shouted.
"This Child is unfinished. Weak. I must make her strong." the Emperor said, directing Kira back onto the observation platform. Now you will all die. Even if my Child must die with you." he continued, attempting to unleash the Force in all its fury.
"No… I won't kill for you!" Kira said.
"That's it, Kira! You're doing it!" Neptune shouted.
"You're resisting him! Keep it up!" Asmund shouted.
"The Dark Side has no power over me! I am a Jedi!" Kira shouted. Share Energy from the CPUs and Force energy from Asmund condensed into a metaphorical blade that severed the Emperor's control over her, and in a matter of moments she fell back to the ground. "He's gone… I won. I'm finally free!" she declared.
"Your life is now your own, Kira." Asmund said.
"And I have you to thank, Master. You and the CPUs." Kira said. That was when the Bridge was rocked by an explosion.
"We've gotta get out of here!" Asriel shouted.
"Follow me! We're getting back to the hangar!" Asmund shouted, before speaking to T7 through a communicator in his armor. "Teeseven, power up the Endeavor's engines! We're on our way!" he instructed. Various explosions rocked the ship, and they almost got blown into space by a hull breach, before they made it onto the Endeavor. Asmund took the controls, and they dashed out of the hangar and free of the Oppressor as it exploded above Tython.
"Thank the Force, you're alive. When I saw Angral's star destroyer explode, I feared the worst." Master Satele said over the holoterminal as she contacted them.
"We were lucky. The Force intervened on more than a few occasions on that ship, both before and after we defeated Darth Angral." Andrew said, wiping sweat off his forehead.
"Saving Tython is becoming a habit of yours. More and more, I feel the Force telling me that trusting your words as CPUs was the right course of action. Please, come to the surface. Asmund, bring your Padawan to the council chambers. Andrew, Neptune, bring Asriel as well. We all have much to discuss." Master Satele said.
Back in the Jedi Council chambers, Andrew, Asmund and the rest of the group stood before Master Satele.
"Welcome home. The Jedi Order owes you all a debt of gratitude it can never fully repay." Master Satele said.
"If Jedi and CPUs wore Republic medals, your outfits would be covered in them." Var Suthra said.
"Our only regret is that Master Orgus couldn't join us for this victory." Andrew said.
"I'll honor his legacy to the end of my days." Asmund declared.
"We all will. He was a great teacher and a good friend. We've lost one of our noblest Masters, but in his place stands a Jedi without equal. And you, Kira. I knew you'd remain true to us." Master Satele said.
"The Emperor himself couldn't turn her. We saw it ourselves." Asmund said.
"The Emperor? You didn't think to mention his involvement sooner?" Master Kaeden asked, mildly irritated.
"Let's be fair, we didn't realize just how bad it would get. Regardless, his 'infinite willpower' was overcome by Kira's own willpower, with help from the Force and from the Share Energy radiating from us CPUs." Andrew said.
"The upshot is, I'm a Jedi… And I always will be." Kira said.
"You've earned our trust, Kira. You deserve recognition of that. As leader of this council, it is my pleasure to promote Kira Carsen to the rank of Jedi Knight." Master Satele declared.
"You mean it?" Kira asked, shocked.
"It seems only fair. You did help save the galaxy." Asmund said.
"So this is what it feels like… being respectable…" Kira said.
"Additionally, I'd like to congratulate Asriel Dreemurr, the protege of Andrew Hawker and Neptune. His power and restraint mirror that of a full-fledged Jedi. While all three of the CPUs deserve the same recognition as Asmund and Kira, it's safe to say that if Asriel were a Padawan, he'd be the next one I'd promote to a Jedi Knight." Master Satele said.
"He's learned a lot fairly quickly since first becoming a CPU." Andrew said, rubbing Asriel's head. Asriel chuckled a little bit.
"With your actions today, I bestow upon you all the title, the 'Heroes of Tython." Master Satele declared.
"The threat to Tython is over, but we're getting fresh reports of hostilities all over the galaxy. Another war with the Empire seems inevitable. Watcher One has just received intelligence of Imperial forces massing for an attack on Corellia, Corulag and Byss, and of an armed insurrection against the Empire on Balmorra. Not to mention the multiple references to Kurome and one "Denzion the Merciless", the apprentice of Darth Malgus." Var Suthra said.
"Darth Angral was the spark that lit the flame. Even in failure, he inspired the Sith to violence." Master Kiwiiks said.
"But he also forged our greatest weapons against the darkness. The Force has shown me what lies ahead. The future of many rests on you all. You will decide the fate of the Jedi… the Republic… and the galaxy." Master Kiwiiks said.
"We'll defend the Republic to our dying breaths." Asmund declared.
"May the Force be with you… with all of us." Master Satele said, adjourning the meeting.
Back on the Endeavor, Asmund was pacing about, waiting for Master Satele's communications.
"The Force is with you… now and always." a familiar voice echoed.
"Master Orgus?" Asmund asked.
"His power is growing, only you can stop him. You must go to Tatooine." Master Orgus said.
"Stop who? Why Tatooine?" Asmund asked, finding Master Orgus' message from beyond the grave to be unclear.
"A starship crashed in a desert canyon. Use the Force. Find it…" Master Orgus said.
"Uh… you okay, Asmund?" Neptune asked.
"This is crazy, but… Master Orgus was standing right there… he spoke to me…" Asmund said.
"Okay, add 'hallucinations' to the list, we're officially in the first stage of grief…" Neptune said.
"Actually, Neptune… Master Kiwiiks once told me Jedi, especially powerful Jedi, can live on through the Force after they die. Did he stop by to say hello, Master?" Kira asked.
"Not quite…" Asmund replied.
"Not a social call then… Did he say anything in particular?" Kira asked.
"There's a crashed starship in a canyon on Tatooine. I can almost see it in my head." Asmund said.
"Then hold that thought. Next stop, Tatooine…" Kira said.
The group traveled across the desert to the desert canyon on Tatooine, where the wreckage of a fairly decent sized corvette lay. There were a couple Sith surrounding the wreckage, which was enough of a sign pointing to the significance of what Master Orgus sent them to. They cleared out the Sith, before finding who it was that was there. A Jedi was meditating in the shadow of the wreck.
"I know your faces… the Jedi and CPUs who defeated Darth Angral. The Heroes of Tython." the Jedi, Jomar Chul, exclaimed "My mission was a secret. Nobody knew where I was. How'd you find me?" he asked.
"The spirit of my dead Master, Orgus Din, sent us here. He said you needed help." Asmund said.
"Thank the Force… and your Master. I thought I was dead. Under the circumstances, I think we'd better contact my superiors. I'd almost repaired my holo before the Sith ambushed me…" Jomar said, using his holo.
"Jomar. Where are you?" Master Braga asked.
"Masters… I've completed my mission, but the Sith shot down my vessel over Tatooine. The spirit of Master Orgus Din sent my rescuers. I believe you already know them." Jomar said.
"The Force wants our mission to succeed, Master Satele. This is proof." Master Braga said.
"I knew they were the nexus of our fates, but events are transpiring far faster than I foresaw." Master Satele said.
"You foresaw this? Tell us what's happening." Asmund said.
"This is not the time or place for such revelations." Master Satele said.
"Jomar, a medical shuttle is en route. Before it arrives, give your rescuers the sensor logs you recovered." Master Braga said.
"Bring us those logs immediately. We'll explain everything when you're on Tython." Master Satele said, before the call ended.
"This burden is now yours. Guard it with your life. Go, hurry." Jomar said.
"What's so important about the logs?" Andrew asked.
"I've seen the Empire's home system. Those logs reveal our enemy's defenses. We'll meet again on Tython. May the Force be with you." Jomar explained.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
The Shadow Guards seen on the Oppressor are inspired by the Terror Troopers seen in The Force Unleashed II: menacing, cybernetically enhanced assassins able to strike from the shadows, as per the name.
Kira's insult towards Darth Angral was modified to help maintain the T rating, as one word would have changed the entire context.
Havoc Squad (Named "Fireteam Havoc" in this timeline) is not the only squad in Republic Special Forces.
That's about it. Cya later!