Hyperdimension Neptunia - Across the Multiverse
A HyperDimension Neptunia Fanfiction by Dumbrarere1
Chapter 14 - The Stage Of Apocalypse
As the Endeavor made its approach to Belsavis, Andrew contacted Master Satele.
"Master Satele, we've arrived at Belsavis and are on approach to land. What have you got?" he asked.
"The Empire just launched a surprise attack there. Dangerous prisoners are free from their cells to wreak havoc down on the surface." Master Satele reported.
"Jeez, a full-blown mass breakout. Republic forces on the ground probably have their hands full." Doc said.
"It's a diversion, of course. If they seek to end all life on the planet, how would they do it?" Andrew asked.
"We don't know how the Emperor intends to destroy all life on Belsavis, but we do have one lead. Intelligence indicates a high-ranking Imperial named Executor Krannus recently arrived on world." Master Satele reported.
"Krannus is a pure-blooded Sith, loyal to the Emperor. Whatever the plan is, he's the one tasked with carrying it out. Unlike most Pure-blooded Sith, he was not born with an affinity to the Force. Despite this, he has risen quickly through the Empire's ranks. He's not to be underestimated." Scourge stated, adding on to the information that Master Satele provided.
"Then he's the target. As soon as we're on the ground, we'll immediately start our search." Asmund said.
"Enna Tabord, a member of our Order, is already on the surface looking for Krannus. She'll help you find the Executor, but she isn't strong enough to stop him. That task falls on you." Master Satele said.
"If these are the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy, should we just leave them loose?" Asriel asked, unsure.
"The Republic is more than capable of handling riot control, Asriel. We have the tough job." Sergeant Rusk countered. They felt the ship jostle as they touched the ground at the prison's spaceport.
"Well, we're on the ground. We should get going. We'll report back upon mission success." Andrew said.
"Meet Enna at the coordinates I'm sending you now. May the Force be with you." Master Satele said, before ending communications.
The group left the spaceport and walked to the coordinates, to find Enna not around. Instead, a body lay on the floor, with a Zabrack standing over it.
"Woah, hold on… You're the Jedi and CPUs who were supposed to meet Enna, right?" the Zabrack asked. "I know what this looks like, but I told her to wait for you. She wanted to go outside, scout the area. I warned her, if the Imperials didn't get her, the escaped convicts would. She didn't listen." he continued.
"I want your name and rank, soldier." Andrew demanded.
"I'm not a soldier. Name's Pak Taldine. I work here." Pak said. "Enna heard I know Belsavis better than anyone and asked me to help her. I had no idea what I was signing up for. Now I just want out of this alive." he explained.
"Jedi aren't easy to kill. What happened to Enna?" Asmund asked.
"She crawled back from her scouting mission, wounded and barely alive. Says she escaped from an Imperial patrol. I tried to help her, but I'm not a med-tech." Pak said. "She told me everything she learned out there, right up to her last breath. None of it was good news." he continued.
"Anything related to Executor Krannus? A red-skinned Sith in the Imperial Army." Andrew asked.
"Enna told me the Imperials are entrenched by the main reactor. They were taking orders from a pureblood Sith. They have heavy weapons and a ray shield protecting their position. Nobody's moving them from that reactor any time soon." Pak reported. Andrew and Asmund were unconvinced.
"What's so strategically important about this reactor?" Asmund asked.
"The reactor controls the security gates. The Imperials are sending troops deeper into the prison and making it impossible for us to follow them. You'll never get past those shields before their heavy weapons mow you down. We need a plan." Pak said.
"You know this prison. Any ideas?" Asriel asked.
"Perhaps, if you overload the energy relays feeding the sector's power grid, it could knock out the ray shield. We've got ion charges here. We could plant one at each power relay, detonate them simultaneously, and short out the Imperial defenses." Pak suggested.
"Give us the ion charges, we'll handle the rest. Just… keep an eye on Enna's remains, and make sure they're treated with respect." Andrew said.
"Contact me when all the charges are in place. I'll detonate them from this control room." Pak said as he handed over the ion charges. "Good luck. And uh… watch your back." he added.
The group went to work on placing the ion charges, working quickly to avoid Imperial patrols. They got the last charge in place and contacted Pak.
"Last charge is in place, Pak. Take down that Sith Ray Shield." Andrew instructed.
"Detonating the ion charges… now." Pak said. Sparks rushed up the power relays, before causing them to explode. "That did it. Now comes the fun part. Taking on Sith Heavy Weapons. Good luck. I'll be standing by." he continued. The group rushed over to where the heavy weapons were, and began smashing through their lines. They stopped in front of the person commanding that detachment.
"I've been expecting you. The fool who defied the Emperor's glorious will, and his CPU lackeys." the commander, Colonel Hareth, said.
"We're not his lackeys. We fight as equals." Asriel countered.
"Spare me your words, CPU, I don't have time for them." Hareth taunted. "Do you even understand what you threw away when you turned against him? Do you realize what others would give to serve his bidding?" she asked.
"Yeah, I understand what I threw away. And I'd gladly do it again." Asmund said.
"Typical Jedi ignorance. I suppose I should thank you. You might have become my Emperor's right hand. Usurped my lover's rightful place." Hareth said, before her holo beeped. She answered it, and got a call from Executor Krannus.
"Colonel Hareth. Status report." Krannus ordered.
"The reactor is offline and this area is sealed, Executor. The Jedi is here. Our distraction worked perfectly." Hareth announced.
"You snake!" Asriel swore.
"We both know how this will end. Surrender now, and you'll be treated fairly." Asmund said.
"The strong do not fear death. We embrace it. Soon, all life on this world will be destroyed. You, me, Krannus… all of us will be sacrificed for the Emperor's glory. He will become immortal, all powerful. He will raise up all those who served with true devotion. And together we will rule the galaxy!" Hareth declared.
"The Emperor can't bring you back to life. He's doing all this for his own personal gain. If this is allowed to happen, there won't be another Empire." Andrew countered.
"You refuse to see the truth. I don't have to defeat you all, just slow you down. And you've lost." Hareth said.
"We will meet again at the Emperor's side, my love." Krannus said.
"Let death take us all!" Hareth shouted. She pulled out a pair of blasters, before beginning an attack. Asriel and Andrew attempt to flank her, supported by a grenade from Sergeant Rusk. Kira, Scourge and Asmund kept her busy up front, allowing the pincer attack to succeed. With her surrounded, Asriel and Andrew both take the killing blow.
"Well, these guys are a bunch of fanatic radicals, aren't they?" Andrew asked, wondering what the heck just happened.
"This was anticipated, but not to such a degree. They will likely go to great lengths to ensure the Emperor's plan succeeds." Scourge said.
"Let's get this up and running." Asmund said as he restarted the reactor. That was when he was contacted.
"Thank you for slaying Colonel Hareth. Her death at your hands has surely marked her as one of the chosen." Krannus said. "She will receive a place of honor when the Emperor grants us eternal life." he continued.
"So, this is a "best death" competition, then. And apparently "Death by Jedi" counts as the number one spot." Kira remarked jokingly.
"You've been brainwashed, Krannus. The Emperor has filled your head with false promises so you and your men will throw your lives away for him. He's done this very same thing before, a thousand years ago." Andrew warned.
"I may not feel the Force as your Jedi friend does, CPU, but I know it transcends death. The spirits of ancient Sith linger in their tombs. Dead Jedi Masters guide their former Padawans. I've heard the tales, I know the truth. This delay has cost you. Now, you cannot stop what is to come. The Emperor's will is inevitable." Krannus said, before cutting contact. Asmund contacted Pak soon after.
"Pak, come in. Krannus isn't here, he's already gone deeper into the prison." he reported.
"Maybe we can track him using the prison surveillance systems. Let me see what I can cook up. Republic reinforcements are finally on their way to secure that generator." Pak said as he began to work the surveillance system. "Head back to my position. I'll start searching for Krannus." he added, before cutting contact.
"What have you got for us, Pak?" Andrew asked as he and the group returned to Pak. Sergeant Rusk returned to the Endeavor on accounts of rioting prisoners almost breaking into the spaceport
"I'm picking up lots of chatter on the comm network. Here, listen to this." Pak replied, playing back a snippet of the comms.
"Alert! Alert! This is Doctor Gantrell! Our sector is overrun! We've taken refuge inside one of the containment vaults! This is the only distress call we can send. Can't risk those blood-skinned fiends tracking our signal. Doctor Gantrell out." A Republic researcher cried out, calling for help on the comms in a short, but detailed SOS.
"Blood-skinned fiends?" Asriel asked, slightly creeped out by the description.
"Sounds like he's describing Executor Krannus." Asmund replied.
"Doctor Gantrell and his team were working in the high security wing. Clearance way beyond my position." Pak said.
"Any way we can get to them?" Andrew asked.
"They all have sub-dermal tracking chips, so the Republic can locate them in an emergency. Doctor Gantrell must have figured we'd use the chips to find which vault they're hiding in." Pak said.
"Sounds like that isn't an option anymore." Asriel said.
"The Imperials disabled all the monitoring stations, but if you repair them, I can pinpoint Doctor Gantrell's location." Pak reported.
"I want to find him before Krannus does." Asmund said.
"We still don't know the Imperials' plan to destroy Belsavis, but there must be a reason he's after Doctor Gantrell." Pak said.
"Perhaps Doctor Gantrell holds information vital to the Emperor's current plans. If Krannus is allowed to interrogate him, then it's only a matter of time before the end comes." Scourge surmised.
"My thoughts exactly. We'd better hurry." Kira responded.
"Pak, send us the coordinates to those stations, and we'll handle the rest. The longer we take, the worse our odds get." Andrew said.
"Call me when you get the monitoring stations up and running. I'll use them to locate the doctor." Pak said as he handed over a datapad with the coordinates to the monitoring stations. With that, the group was off. They went to each monitoring station and repaired them, before contacting Pak.
"Pak. We fixed all the monitoring stations. Locate Doctor Gantrell." Asmund announced on the holo.
"On it. Scanning now…" Pak said as he manipulated the monitoring systems. "Found his tracking signal. He and his team are in an underground containment vault. Sending you the coordinates now. I hope you get there before Krannus." Pak said, ending the call.
Somewhere along the mid-rim of Republic Space, a flight of eight FT-6 Pikes left Hyperspace. An Arrow was painted on the nose of these fighters, denoting the squadron as the newly-reformed Arrow Squad.
"Arrow Squad, approaching staging area. All wings, check in." Clyde announced.
"Arrow Two, standing by." Pete announced.
"Arrow Three, standing by." Ryan announced.
"Come now, I hate math! Use TAC names, please!" Clyde interjected.
"Wedge, standing by." Marc announced.
"Cowboy, standing by!" James announced.
"Hawk, standing by." Dmitri announced.
"Fortune Hunter, standing by." Nathan announced.
"Starbuck, standing by." Kara announced.
"Alright, Arrow Squad. This exercise will judge your individual skill and how well you work as a team. Do well, and I'm certain that a lot of good things will come your way. Stand by and await further instructions." Helen said.
"So, we're sitting idle. Of course." Ryan complained.
"Things could be a lot worse, Count. You could be drifting through space waiting for search and rescue." Nathan countered.
"Or sitting in a holding cell for defying orders." Kara said.
"Don't remind me." Ryan shot back.
"That's enough, you guys. Stay focused." Pete said, using his cool-headed judgement to quell their banter. That was when the Excalibur jumped in, before launching about twenty-four target drones out of the hangar bays.
"Friendly cruiser, sighted. They're launching hostile targets, showing up on my HUD." Clyde announced.
"These unmanned target drones will be the targets for your live fire exercises. They have the maneuverability and durability of standard Imperial fighters, but don't be alarmed. They are unarmed and won't shoot back." Helen instructed.
"Doesn't mean you can slack off. In a real dogfight, the Imps will pick you off if you're not careful, so treat these drones as though they were enemy fighters." Marc warned.
"Everyone ready? Begin." Helen announced. Arrow Squad split up and engaged the drones. Clyde was the first to destroy a target drone, taking two out in a single run. Ryan followed suit, gunning down at least three drones that were grouped close together.
"Gambler! On your right!" James shouted. Clyde looked to his right and engaged the drone, taking it out instantly.
"Six targets down in the first minute. Impressive." Helen remarked.
"Watch it, Count, one's easing in behind you." Pete warned.
"Not a problem. I learned a few tricks from Trigger and Wiseman back in my home dimension." Ryan said, before he disabled his inertial dampeners and idled his throttle, allowing his fighter to coast. Instantly, he flipped his FT-6 around, facing retrograde, and engaged the drone trailing him. The target drone exploded, and Ryan reengaged the inertial dampeners, forcing him to open the throttle and fly past the debris.
"Okay. That was equally impressive." Captain Kirk said.
"Indeed. I think I've got a feel for the new squadron's tactics." Helen agreed. Kara and Nathan were the next to show their colors, as they took out eight drones within seconds of each other.
"Fifteen drones down. I like these odds." Marc said.
"If we keep it up, they'll make us honorary citizens." Clyde said jokingly.
"Halt the exercise. I repeat, halt the exercise." Captain Kirk said.
"Give me a break, why host combat exercises if you're just gonna cancel them?" Ryan complained.
"Scanners are picking up hostiles. I count twelve- no, twenty marks, inbound from two two zero by zero two zero. Cross-sections indicate Imperial bombers with fighter escort, possibly from an enemy warship in our AO. We've ID'd the targets on your HUDs. Intercept and destroy, before they get in range of the Excalibur." Captain Kirk reported.
"No time like the present, then. Let's go." Clyde said as he directed the squadron to engage the Imperial fighters.
"This'll be just like fighting with my squadmates back home." James remarked.
"Yeah, but if I had missiles, I wouldn't have to rely on these laser cannons so much." Ryan complained.
"No time for chat. Here they come." Pete said as he broke away from the formation.
"Arrow Squad, engage!" Clyde ordered. The rest of the formation broke off and engaged the bombers, while Kara and Nathan went for the enemy fighters.
"In all my years of service with the Republic, I never expected to be in a fight this hectic since the Sacking of Coruscant." Marc said. He turned around and got behind an Imperial bomber, opening fire. He managed to cripple the starboard engine, and thanks to the tight formation, the bomber careened into another one below it.
"Two for one. Not bad, Wedge." Pete exclaimed.
"Count, form an element. Let's show these Imps what it means to mess with Arrow Squad and the Republic." Clyde ordered.
"Righto." Ryan replied as he formed an element with his new flight lead. They engaged three enemy bombers, each, whilst covering each other's tails.
"Maverick, enemy fighter on your tail!" Dmitri warned. Pete looked behind, spotting the threat, and turned hard to evade. He'd use the tight bomber formation to his advantage, and the eager Imperial pilot slammed into one of the bombers he was escorting.
"Half of the Imperial forces are down. Nice work." Captain Kirk announced.
"Not bad. Not bad at all." Nathan said. He maneuvered behind a flight of fighters and, with the help of Kara, wiped out the rest of the escorts.
"Let's seal the deal!" James exclaimed.
"Target the rest of the enemy bombers. There's only six of them left." Marc said. That's when he and Clyde noticed a Terminus-class Destroyer moving into range.
"Woah…" Clyde said.
"Terminus destroyer, sighted. Be careful." Marc said.
"Wait, wait, we gotta go up against THAT thing?" Ryan asked.
"With only our lasers, it'd be suicide unless we target their hardpoints." Marc countered.
"Excalibur, can you identify the enemy ship?" Pete asked.
"I've seen that ship on holonet reports… It's the Lady of Nightmares' flagship, the Conqueror." Helen interjected.
"That's Kurome's flagship?" Marc asked.
"Hold up… Kurome's the one who shoved us into this dimension. If we kill her, it might bring us back to our homes." James theorized.
"She can't be killed. Not by conventional methods, anyways. All we can hope to do is delay her until the CPUs can intervene." Helen said.
"How do you know all this?" Clyde asked.
"I was informed by the leader of the Jedi Council, Grand Master Satele Shan." Helen replied.
"I was better off fighting Cylons." Kara muttered.
"What are those?" Ryan asked.
"Nothing." Kara replied.
"We cannot survive a direct assault against the Conqueror. We're charging up our turbolasers and calculating an emergency Hyperspace jump to Ord Mantell. Clean up the rest of the bombers and land in the Excalibur's hangar bay as quickly as possible." Captain Kirk said.
"Copy that." Pete said, before engaging two enemy bombers. They quickly fell. Clyde and Ryan, still working together as an element, went for two each, cleaning up the enemy bombers.
"All bombers destroyed. Let's hurry up and land." Clyde said as he quickly led the squadron to the Excalibur's hangar bay, all the while they began taking fire as the Conqueror used its turbolasers as anti fighter artillery.
"Incoming fire!" James shouted.
"Hold steady. If you panic, you'll run into their flak." Pete warned.
"Enemy ship is within firing range. Let's take the heat off of Arrow Squad. All batteries, fire for effect!" Captain Kirk ordered, and the Excalibur's heavy turbolasers began to fire upon the encroaching destroyer. Their shots hit the Conqueror's shields, but they succeeded in drawing enemy fire away from the aces long enough for them to land. Marc landed first, and the rest of the squadron followed. The ship soon lurched forward at full speed. On the bridge, activity was abuzz as they engaged the lone, but highly advanced destroyer.
"Captain, they're closing in fast. At this range, they can overcharge their weapons and tear our shield generators and bridge to shreds. If we hit their engines with our ion cannons, we can disable them long enough to enter Hyperspace." one of Captain Kirk's officers suggested.
"Make it so." Captain Kirk replied.
"All ion cannons, once we pass by them, hit their engines." the officer ordered. The Excalibur zoomed past the Imperial warship, and in flashes of blue, the Excalibur's ion cannons pulsed as they fired upon the Conqueror's engines, stopping it dead in space. The power surges also temporarily rendered the destroyer's guns inert, allowing them enough time to jump for Ord Mantell. And so, in a flash, the battle ended as they entered Hyperspace, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Can all Arrow Squad pilots join me and Admiral Dodonna in the briefing room?" Captain Kirk asked on the comms. He turned to his Executive Officer. "The bridge is yours, Exec." he said.
"Very good, sir." the executive officer said as Captain Kirk left. He, Helen, and the pilots of the newly reformed Arrow Squad met up as ordered.
"Are we in trouble, Captain?" Clyde asked.
"Quite the opposite, actually. Admiral Dodonna and I are deeply impressed by how you handled yourselves in the exercises, and in the Empire's failed attempt to destroy us afterwards." Captain Kirk replied.
"Your efforts are to be commended. You have all certainly worked well together, and proven yourselves worthy of holding the squadron name. And, of course, Blackburn's leadership of the squadron is quite admirable. You will all continue to hold your current positions within Arrow Squad going forward." Helen commented.
"Let me add on to what's said about Blackburn… and simply say that he is one hell of a pilot." Captain Kirk said. He smirked when he saw Clyde mouthing the words "one hell of a pilot" to himself with a smile.
"We're glad to have you all with us. And we expect this level of performance from you, going forward. Understood?" Helen asked.
"Understood, ma'am." Clyde responded. The other pilots were in agreement as well.
"Good. Consider the squadron's assignment to the Excalibur permanent, effective immediately. You'll be given your own prep room and support crew. You've earned it!" Helen said.
"The Excalibur will continue to act as an Early Warning and Control System for Arrow Squad and any other squadrons assigned to her. Listen to our advice and you can do a lot of miraculous things." Captain Kirk said. "Now, then. As we are on our way to Ord Mantell, my chief security officer will show you to your quarters, and the locations of the mess hall and the cantina. I ask that you be respectful to the crew, and to your fellow pilots. If any issues arise, or someone tries to start a fight, alert security as soon as possible. Also, I ask you to follow orders, not get drunk while on duty, and not speak ill of the Republic or what it stands for. Are we clear?" Captain Kirk asked.
"Yes, sir." Clyde replied. The rest of the squadron, of course, was in agreement.
"Good. Dismissed." Captain Kirk said with a salute. The pilots saluted in response, before leaving to be escorted to their new quarters.
Back on Belsavis, Asmund and the group arrived at the underground containment vault to find a number of researchers being held at gunpoint.
"You're fast. But not fast enough. Executor Krannus is gone." an Imperial officer, Commander Rayfel, said snidely.
"Let me guess. Another crazy Imperial?" Kira asked.
"Looks that way." Asriel replied.
"You blessed Colonel Hareth with a glorious death. We're grateful." Rayfel said.
"Glorious, huh? Not for an honorable death?" Andrew asked.
"I guess Krannus infected his entire battalion with this madness…" Asmund muttered.
"You mock what you do not understand…" Rayfel snarled.
"Oh we understand plenty. And we will still stop you." Asriel said as he activated HDD, summoning the Trinity Blade.
"Don't play us for fools, CPU." Rayfel said as he drew his pistol on two unarmed researchers. "Like the Emperor, we draw power from the suffering and death of others." he continued, before pulling the trigger on the helpless researchers before him. As the innocent men's lives were snuffed out, his essence was absorbed by Rayfel.
"You've made your point. There's no need to kill any more hostages. If you will allow us, we are willing to negotiate for their release." Andrew said.
"Don't waste your breath. These scientists aren't are not hostages. They are fuel to feed us as we strike you down!" Rayfel countered.
"No turning back, I suppose. If this is what you want, then we will strike you down, first." Asriel said, before using Shocker Breaker against the two Imperials in the back who were ready to kill the other scientists. Kira ran in and rushed Rayfel, keeping him busy long enough for the rest of the scientists to seek refuge until the fight was over. That was when Asmund weakened him with Force Choke, stopping when he was thoroughly subdued so as not to kill him outright. That was when two Republic soldiers arrived to detain the Imperial.
"You may think you've won this, Jedi. But that is where you're wrong. This is a hollow victory. Soon, all of Belsavis will be extinguished, feeding our Emperor's power and will, to shape the galaxy in his own image. In the end, only we have won this battle." Rayfel snarled.
"We won't kill you, soldier. But you're lucky that you are already within the prison walls. You're going to be in for a long sentence." Andrew said, looking to the two troopers. "Take him away, make sure he gets a proper cell." he instructed as the troopers took Rayfel into custody.
"If you hadn't come here… We owe you our lives." one of the researchers said. That's when Asmund's holo beeped.
"That was amazing! Those Imperials never stood a chance!" Pak said over the holo.
"Pak? How did you see that?" Asriel asked as he returned to his normal form.
"Saw the whole fight on the security holo. Pretty incredible, and I've seen some good fights." Pak said.
"Pak-... We don't have time for compliments. We need to find out where Executor Krannus went." Andrew said.
"Krannus is what the Imperials call their leader. He took Doctor Gantrell." the researcher reported.
"Took him? His tracking chip says he's right there." Pak said in confusion.
"The Sith carved it out of the doctor's skin and threw it in the corner. He screamed the whole time." the researcher said.
"In order to do that, he'd had to have prior knowledge. Either one of you told him, or Krannus has spies on Belsavis." Kira guessed.
"What kind of monster butchers a helpless prisoner like that?' Asmund asked.
"Hello, the kind who plans to destroy a planet?" Asriel asked.
"You have to find Doctor Gantrell! Our project is too important to fall into enemy hands!" the researcher begged.
"We'll find him, but we need you to work with us. Where did they go?" Andrew asked.
"The Imperials demanded access to the prison's power core, but those levels are sealed. There's only one key to the core, and we secure it inside the main research vault. Only Doctor Gantrell can open it." the researcher said.
"That's all we needed to know. Send us coordinates, and we'll get him to safety." Asmund said.
"Wait… there's more. Our team created advanced warfare prototypes by combining Republic and Rakatan technology." the researcher said
"Rakatan? What's that?" Asriel asked, understandably confused.
"The Rakata were an ancient alien race that once ruled the galaxy more than twenty thousand years ago, with technology so advanced that, even now, we barely understand it. A key example of their technology is the Star Forge, an ancient, malleable and adaptable superfactory in the Rakatan home system of Lehon. The same one the Republic destroyed at the end of the Jedi Civil War three hundred years ago." the researcher explained.
"I see. So, these weapons… what can you tell us about what happened?" Andrew asked.
"When the Empire attacked, we hid the weapons in one of the vaults near the Republic settlement. If the prisoners find them…" the researcher said.
"I think we can spare a few minutes to keep deadly weapons out of criminal hands." Asmund said.
"You'll be saving thousands of people." Pak said.
"As bad as that sounds… Krannus is worse." Kira said.
"We don't have time to go running around for these weapons. We need to deal with Executor Krannus, now." Scourge countered.
"A sith- You can't seriously be listening to him, can you?" the researcher asked, shocked about Lord Scourge's presence.
"Both the weapons and Executor Krannus are equally important right now. If we divide into two teams, we can hit both of them simultaneously." Andrew suggested.
"That could be enough to send the Empire packing, and give our troops time and manpower to get this mass breakout under control without having to deal with mass casualties. Glad to know that at least some of the Sith are on our side." Pak said.
"Dividing our forces is a foolhardy effort. It could cost us the galaxy." Scourge warned.
"Not if we're smart about it. You, Asmund, Kira will handle the weapons, while Asriel and I deal with Krannus. If we don't quite catch him when we get to Doctor Gantrell, we can meet in the middle prior to our final assault on Krannus' forces." Andrew countered.
"I like that idea. Maybe we should recommend you for Jedi High Council the next time we're on Tython." Kira joked.
"We don't have much time. If we're going to do this, we should hurry." Asriel said.
"Then let's get to it. We'll get through this if we trust in ourselves and in each other." Andrew said as the group split up.
While Asmund, Kira and Scourge dealt with the weapons, Andrew and Asriel fought their way to Doctor Gantrell, even stopping a bombing along the volcanic rift aimed at triggering a supervolcanic eruption. They made it to Doctor Gantrell's location to see him under attack by some kind of creature.
"What is that creature?" Asriel asked
"I don't know, but it's pretty terrifying. It looks tough." Andrew replied. "Let's see how it fares against a CPU." he said as they activated HDD. The bright flashes caught Doctor Gantrell's attention, and the creature's. The terentatek charged at the new arrivals, but the two CPUs teamed up against the massive creature. In only a short amount of time, the terentatek was felled, and the two CPUs despawned their weapons.
"You alright, Doctor?" Andrew asked.
"By the stars! That beast was about to eat me alive! Thank you for coming to my aid!" Doctor Gantrell exclaimed. Asmund, Kira and Scourge ran in to see them alright. Doctor Gantrell looked to Lord Scourge, unsure of what to make of his presence.
"It's okay, Doctor Gantrell. Lord Scourge is with us. We're tracking Executor Krannus in an effort to kill him and prevent life on Belsavis from being extinguished. Any information you can give us will be helpful." Andrew explained.
"First he carved out my tracking chip! Then he forced me to give him the codes for the security vault!" Doctor Gantrell panicked.
"Calm yourself, Doctor Gantrell. Take deep breaths, tell us where he went." Asmund said as he walked up to him.
"He took the key to the prison's power core. He intends to destroy it! Do you have any idea what that means?" Doctor Gantrell asked.
"Not quite. Mind enlightening us?" Asriel asked.
"The consequences if he succeeds are unfathomable! The power core derives energy from Hyperspace itself. A detonation will send shockwaves at lightspeed. Belsavis' destruction is only the beginning. The shockwaves will consume this entire system, and the ones adjacent to it! Trillions will die!" Doctor Gantrell explained.
"Krannus can't be too far ahead. We'll stop him, no matter what it takes." Andrew said.
"Please don't leave me… Seal me in one of the vaults until the Republic regains control." Doctor Gantrell begged.
"We won't leave you in harm's way, doctor." Asmund said as he led Doctor Gantrell to an empty vault, sealing him in. He'd contact Pak about Doctor Gantrell, before leading the group to the power core.
The group stopped in front of the power core, seeing Executor Krannus and his men setting up explosive devices all around the core. Krannus spotted them, and had what was left of his battalion surround them. They were outnumbered and outgunned.
"You're too late. The detonite charges are in place. Even you won't be able to stop them all in time." Krannus said snidely.
"You sorely underestimate what we CPUs are capable of, Krannus. All your distractions and dirty tricks can't stop us. This ends now!" Andrew said, still in HDD.
"We're all going to die here. The difference is, I'll live again." Krannus said.
"Hasn't Kurome told you? We cannot die by normal means. We're basically immortal." Andrew countered.
"Oh, I know… But your Jedi friends aren't. And the Emperor is smiling on me... To smite them, and his traitorous Wrath, from the face of the galaxy as it marches forth into delusion. Stars will run black! Planets and communities will burn, and only ashes will remain! And we, the true Sith, shall rise once more!" Krannus said. Asmund and Kira looked around, seeing them completely surrounded. That was when a smoke grenade popped, and Republic commandos rushed in, taking out the Imperial forces. Asmund and Kira activated their lightsabers and attacked actively, whilst Scourge acted in support with Force attacks. The CPUs summoned their weapons and engaged the Imperials as well, clearing them out rather quickly. All that remained was Krannus and the numerous detonite charges set to turn the power core into a giant Hyperspace bomb.
"It's over, Krannus. Don't be a fool. Surrender." Asmund said.
"For the Emperor's glory!" Krannus said gleefully as he took out a thermal detonator and primed it.
"Grenade! Move!" Andrew shouted, directing everyone to move away from the blast zone. They were lucky as the detonator killed Krannus, but didn't cause a chain reaction that detonated all of the explosives.
"Disarm those explosives, on the double!" the leader of the special forces team instructed, and his men quickly set to work disabling the detonite charges. Asmund and Kira assisted, and the bombs were completely rendered inert. Andrew and Asriel collapsed in relief as they left HDD.
"You two okay?" Kira asked.
"Yeah, we're alright." Andrew said as he got back to his feet, helping Asriel next.
"That was cutting it close. It's got my fur standing on end, again." Asriel said. The Sharicite Fragment appeared before them as usual, and Andrew and Asriel collected it.
"Jedi. CPUs. Colonel Bartaph wishes to speak to you back in the colony." the leader of the special forces team, a Duros named Sergeant Bedd, reported.
"Colonel Bartaph?" Asmund asked.
"The officer in charge of Belsavis. She's brought a battalion of soldiers to regain control of the prison." Sergeant Bedd said.
"What does she wish to speak with us about?" Andrew asked.
"She mentioned a Zabrak named Pak Taldine." Sergeant Bedd replied.
"Any details?" Andrew asked.
"Just that she wanted to speak in person." Sergeant Bedd said.
"This'll be anything, if not interesting. Tell her we're on her way." Asmund said, before leading the group back to the prison.
Back at the prison colony, as smoke and and blaster fire began to die down, the group approached Colonel Bartaph.
"Colonel Bartaph. We were told you wanted to speak with us?" Andrew said.
"First, let me express my gratitude. Your actions have saved many Republic soldiers and personnel." Colonel Bartaph said.
"We're always glad to help the Republic army." Asmund said. Scourge was mildly unamused, but relished the praise.
"Some of my superiors don't trust your order, nor do they trust the CPUs. They'll have to revise their opinions after this." Colonel Bartaph said. "I won't waste your time, but there's something I need you all to clear up for me." she added. That was when Pak Taldine showed up, escorted by two Republic troopers. Andrew was confused and less than impressed. "My forces have apprehended this prisoner during the riots. I need to know why one of the galaxy's worst criminals was helping you." Colonel Bartaph asked inquisitively.
"There must be some mistake… Pak is one of the guards, not an inmate." Asriel said.
"Sorry, kiddo, but… it's true. I came here a decade ago as a prisoner, and I deserved it. I did things you don't want to know about." Pak admitted shamefully.
"You?" Andrew asked.
"Being on Belsavis, surrounded by scum just like me… it opened my eyes. Even if I could never leave here, I could still change. It took years, but I did it. The warden made me an honorary guard. Said I'd earned it." Pak said.
"You worked hard to turn your life around, and he rewarded you for it. It's proof that nobody is beyond redemption. They just need to be willing to accept it." Asmund said.
"I'm trying to make up for the terrible things I've done. The warden gave me that chance." Pak said.
"So you claim. Unfortunately, we have no evidence to support your story. And with the warden dead, he cannot testify and confirm whether or not it was true. It's possible the records were destroyed in all the chaos. However, it's equally possible you're lying." Colonel Bartaph said.
"I believe him, Colonel. Not only did he help us save countless lives on Belsavis and bordering systems from something that would have turned this prison into one giant Hyperspace bomb, he also helped us stop a crazed, fanatical Imperial Executor and his entire battalion. I'd say he's earned his freedom." Andrew said. Colonel Bartaph looked somewhat disgusted at the thought of letting him go, but considered the fact that an Imperial plot to destroy Belsavis was foiled.
"Are you… sure, CPU?" she asked.
"I don't see why not. He sought redemption after his mistakes, and ended up helping us to save the Republic. We couldn't have completed this mission without his help. I agree with my friend, he should be let go." Asmund replied.
"I'm not authorized to let Pak leave Belsavis, but I'll send a recommendation to those who are, and let them know what he has done for the Republic and the Jedi. In the meantime, I can see that he is restored to his guard status." Colonel Bartaph said, before dismissing the two soldiers.
"This means everything to me. Thank you all." Pak said. "If and when I am allowed to leave Belsavis, I will seek counseling as I enter a normal life, and reconcile with the society I harmed in my past." he added.
"I'm sure you'll find they'll accept you with open arms, Pak. Now, report back to your post, and do me proud." Colonel Bartaph said with a warm smile. Pak nodded, before taking his leave. "First, I had to deal with the release of people born in prison when they themselves have done nothing to deserve being locked up for their parents' crimes, then the issue of people smuggling Quesh Venom to the Black Sun, and now this mess… It's good you were all here." Bartaph added with a sigh.
"You look like you could use some R and R." Andrew said.
"You and me both, CPU." Colonel Bartaph agreed. "The battle for Belsavis is just about over, and with Pak's help, we hope to round up the rest of the inmates, restore order to the prison and get day-to-day operations back on track. You should return to your ship and report back to Master Satele, I can handle the rest from here." Colonel Bartaph said.
"Of course, Colonel. We wish you well." Andrew said.
As the Endeavor left the planet, Andrew contacted Master Satele.
"Master Satele. Executor Krannus is dead, and his followers are either dead as well, or in custody on Belsavis. The planet is safe." he reported.
"The galaxy is in your debt once again, but I fear this is far from over." Master Satele said.
"The Emperor would never devote all his resources to a single planet. We need to find his other targets." Scourge said.
"There is a rumor of high-ranking Sith gathering on an Imperial space station, allegedly on the Emperor's orders. One of our best scouts volunteered to investigate, and has disappeared. Other than that, Masters Kiwiiks, Kaeden and Revan are still working hard to find other targets." Master Satele reported.
"Sneaking into enemy territory is dangerous… Who is this scout?" Asmund asked.
"He's the one Kira was found with on Mygeeto." Master Satele replied.
"Nodru? What'd he get himself into?" Kira asked.
"Nodru volunteered to go in Jomar's stead, saying he feared that he might be at risk of falling to the Dark Side if he saw what was ahead of him. He attempted to infiltrate the Imperial space station where the Sith are meeting and hasn't checked in since." Master Satele replied.
"A bit foolish of him to go alone, but… maybe the Force told him to. He might be onto something." Asmund remarked.
"If the Emperor is involved, this may reveal his plans." Asriel suspected.
"This is worth pursuing." Scourge admitted.
"We don't have a whole lot of time to help Nodru, so let's be quick." Andrew said.
"I'm sending the coordinates to the space station, but I have no advice for getting inside." Master Satele said.
"Leave that to me." Lord Scourge said.
"Very well. May the Force be with you." Master Satele said, before cutting contact. T7 input the coordinates into the navicomputer, before bringing the Endeavor into Hyperspace. They would arrive at the coordinates soon after, being contacted by starbase control.
"This is station Korriban's Flame to unidentified vessel. You have violated Imperial space. Submit your security clearance or be destroyed." the Imperial ordered over the holo.
"Transmitting clearance code, now." Scourge said as he transmitted the clearance codes.
"Stand by while I-... uhm… we're so pleased you're here, Grand Moff. You'll find our security airtight." the Imperial said.
"That is unlikely." Lord Scourge said.
"I've uh… cleared a docking bay for you. Please proceed with your landing, sir." the Imperial said, before cutting contact.
"Grand Moff?" Andrew asked.
"For the moment, they believe I am Grand Moff Resh. But, the ruse will not hold. Prepare to kill everyone." Lord Scourge warned.
"If we have to. I'd rather avoid needless slaughter, if it can be helped." Asmund said.
"While I'd like to entertain that option, we may not have a choice." Scourge countered.
"Lord Scourge might be right. We've probably earned death marks in the Empire for a variety of reasons, including - and I quote - "Betraying the Emperor"." Andrew said.
"Well said." Scourge replied.
"However, if we run into any of the other members of your former strike team, Asmund, I'm willing to give mercy and compassion a try, so long as it doesn't get us killed." Andrew said. The ship shuddered as it landed in the hangar bay. "Well, looks like it's time to get busy. Sergeant Rusk, Doc, stay here and guard the ship. The rest of us will go say hello." he instructed. They disembarked the Endeavor to find the hangar swarming with Imperial Honor Guard expecting Grand Moff Resh. Upon seeing the Jedi and CPUs, they pointed their weapons at the intruders, and the fight began soon after. Asmund and Kira quickly used the Force to knock them down, while Asriel finished them off with Star Blazing. They then fought their way through the station, until they ran into what looked like Leeha Narezz and Nodru.
"The Jedi, CPUs and the Wrath that betrayed the Emperor. Right on time. You're all practically droids." Leeha said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Andrew asked.
"I knew if I applied the right stimulus, you couldn't resist coming here." Leeha replied.
"You okay, Nodru?" Kira asked.
"Yeah, I'm alright, but… Leeha… Something's wrong with her. She tried to trick Jomar into coming, but I came instead." Nodru replied.
"I see. She's still under the Emperor's influence." Andrew said, looking to her.
"Jomar was chasing proof you had fallen to the Dark Side. When your Sith Pureblood friend came in his stead, he fell into my trap like a greedy child. You were all just as easy." Leeha said.
"But- Why sacrifice the honor guard? Why all those Imperial soldiers?" Asriel asked.
"Why else than to sell the deception? Credits, starships, Imperial lives, they're all meaningless to the Emperor. And he's only just begun." Leeha said.
"Listen to me, Leeha. The Emperor is dominating your mind. You can resist his will." Asmund said.
"Don't hurt her. Jomar listened to me when I explained my vision to him and asked that she is not to be harmed. She doesn't know what she's doing." Nodru said.
"Poor boy… You think he loves me. What he and I shared on Tython in secret is only a shadow of true passion." Leeha said.
"It's not too late for you, Leeha. Remember your compassion." Asriel said.
"Compassion is for the weak. Nodru had the option to surrender… but you don't." Leeha said as she drew her lightsaber. Andrew and Asriel were forced to activate HDD in self defense.
"We will not kill you, Leeha. There is value in mercy." Asriel said, as Asmund, Kira and Lord Scourge activate their lightsabers as well.
"You remember the Meedees? I gave my little droid friends a few upgrades you might enjoy. Briefly." Leeha said as the Meedees approached from the shadows. One shot from one of them startled Asmund.
"Disruptors!" Kira shouted as she ducked underneath a disruptor round.
"Say what?!" Andrew asked.
"One hit from that, and it'll be the most agonizing thing you've ever felt." Kira warned.
"Kira, on me. We'll deal with the Meedees!" Asmund said as he went for one of the Meedees. Kira joined him, attacking the other. That left Scourge, Andrew and Asriel free to deal with Leeha. One by one, the Meedees were reduced to scrap, and then one good smack from Asriel knocked Leeha back to her senses.
"Stop… Stop, STOP! I… Where are we?" Leeha asked, confused and a little afraid.
"It's okay, Leeha. You're going to be alright." Asriel said as he despawned the Trinity Blade, before leaving HDD.
"Asriel? Wh- where's Neptune?" Leeha asked.
"Neptune is currently with the Jedi Order for healing, after what happened." Asmund replied as he deactivated his lightsaber.
"That poor girl… How did we get here?" Leeha asked
"You've been under the Emperor's control. You tried to lure Jomar here, tortured Nodru, and tried to kill Asmund." Andrew said.
"No… That's not possible, I… No!" Leeha said, not believing what she just heard, but also knowing deep down that it was the truth. She felt ashamed.
"It'll be okay, Leeha. What you did in your time of darkness was not your fault." Asmund said, quoting the words Master Orgus said to him on the Emperor's Fortress.
"I can… feel the Emperor's presence… He hates you… He hates, Scourge, he hates the CPUs… The things he made me do…" Leeha said, clearly afraid of herself and of the Emperor.
"Come home to Tython, Leeha. Master Satele can help you." Nodru said, offering a hand to his fellow Jedi Knight. He turned to Asmund after helping Leeha to her feet. "I have no right to ask you of anything, but… Perhaps it's for the best that the relationship between Leeha and Jomar remain a secret." he requested.
"If she and Jomar wish to come forward later and seek guidance on how to control their darker emotions while in this relationship, I won't stop them. Until then, their secret is safe with us." Asmund said.
"Thank you… I- I'm sorry for all of this." Nodru said.
"It's okay, Nodru. There's nothing to apologize for." Kira said.
"You're right." Nodru said. "My mission wasn't a total failure. While Leeha was still under the Emperor's control, I overheard her giving orders to a high-ranking Sith Lord. I couldn't hear the details, but I know someone named Lord Fulminiss went on a secret mission to the planet Voss." he continued.
"Lord Fulminiss? The Emperor isn't taking any chances with Voss." Lord Scourge muttered.
"Then we have our next target. Thanks for the help, Nodru." Andrew said. Nodru bobbed his head in response.
"My ship's engines and stabilizers were damaged by Imperial soldiers armed with rocket launchers, shortly before I was captured. I don't suppose you can give us a ride to Tython?" he asked towards Asmund.
"There's plenty of room on the Endeavor. Go ahead and grab your stuff, we'll wait for you." Asmund replied. Nodru nodded, before heading to his ship to grab some personal effects. He then joined everyone on the Endeavor with Leeha. As they left the hangar bay, Andrew contacted Master Satele.
"Master Satele, we've rescued Nodru and found Leeha Narezz. She's been under the Emperor's influence and needs your help. We're on our way to Tython with them now." he reported. "What's more, we've learned of our next target. It seems a Sith named Lord Fulminiss is on his way to the planet Voss." he continued.
"That is disturbing news. Voss was discovered only recently. Its society is dangerously unbalanced. The people worship an elite group of Force-users, known as the Mystics. They rule with absolute authority. Despite our best efforts, Voss' government rejects the Jedi Code." Master Satele said.
"The Emperor has always taken a great interest in that world. At first, I thought he sought to conquer it, but clearly he intends its destruction." Lord Scourge said.
"Why would the Emperor seek to destroy an entire planet?" Nodru asked.
"It's- a long story. Regardless we have to intervene and stop the planet's destruction." Kira said.
"Once you arrive to drop off Nodru and Leeha Narezz, go to Voss. Find Lord Fulminiss and stop his plans." Master Satele said. "Also, and you'll be delighted to hear this, Andrew… Neptune has made amazing progress in her healing. She will rejoin you once you arrive." she reported.
"Glad to hear. I can't wait to see her again." Andrew said. "Before we end the call and enter Hyperspace, I only have to say that Nodru has proven himself an able Jedi thus far. I'd like to recommend that the council consider his promotion to the rank of Jedi Knight." he added.
"Given the circumstances, I can only be too happy to accept that recommendation. We will convene and discuss it soon. For now, return to your mission. May the Force be with you all." Master Satele replied, before ending the holocall.
"Heh. You sure know how to pull some strings." Kira remarked.
"Master Satele did mention the circumstances. I might be ready to undertake the Jedi Trials." Nodru said.
"Sometimes, I doubt I'll ever understand you Jedi…" Scourge muttered.
The Endeavor left Hyperspace above Tython, and T7 quickly brought the ship in to land. Nodru took Leeha to Jomar and the rest of the Jedi for healing. Neptune, being quite a bit like her old self, slammed into Andrew in a tackle hug the moment she saw him, causing a few chuckles from Asriel, Asmund and Kira.
"I missed you!" Neptune said slyly.
"I missed you, too, Nep." Andrew replied.
"Glad to have you back on board, Neptune." Asmund said.
"We don't have much time to stick around on Tython, Nep. Come on board, and I'll explain what's happened." Andrew said, getting back to his feet. He led her up the boarding ramp, and once everyone was airborne with the boarding ramp closed and sealed, they were off once again, heading to the stars.
"Kurome. How goes your mission along the Mid Rim?" Denzion asked as the various Imperial warships slowly formed around the Eclipse.
"It was a failure, unfortunately. This "Arrow Squad" was incredibly talented and aggressive, as they've killed off a number of my fighter and bomber wings. They may be as big an obstacle to the Emperor's plans as the Jedi and his CPU companions." Kurome replied.
"Asmund and the CPUs? Weren't they still on the Emperor's Fortress?" Denzion's Exec asked, more than confused.
"You'd think so, but about a week after their capture, Asmund broke free of the Emperor's will, broke the CPUs out along with the rest of his companions, and escaped unharmed. All with the help of the Emperor's traitorous Wrath, Lord Scourge." Kurome countered. The Exec had little more to say on the matter, being completely shocked.
"This was not unexpected. I'd always figured that he was strong enough to resist the Emperor's will. Does it seem like they will interfere with his plans?" Denzion asked.
"Our sources on Belsavis say they've already begun doing so. Executor Krannus was killed, and his followers are dead or captured. This was before our spies were discovered by a few SIS agents posing as prisoners on the planet." Kurome reported. "There's more, of course. They managed to break the Emperor's hold on the Jedi Leeha Narezz on the station Korriban's Flame. They're getting to be quite an eyesore." she added.
"The Force and the Shares are driving them to a final confrontation with the Emperor. If he cannot send this galaxy into the whirlpool of delusion, as you so eloquently put it, then we may have to be the ones to do so. Slowly, and painfully." Denzion said.
"Easier said than done at this point, I'm afraid. They will kill the Emperor, that much is certain, but it falls on us to kill the Jedi Order and their CPU friends outside of this dimension. They cannot be allowed to live." Kurome said. "I'm dropping out of Hyperspace above Dathomir soon. My engineers got the Hyperdrive working after the Ion Cannon fire we took from that battle, but we may need extensive repairs before the Conqueror is battle ready again." she continued.
"Very well. I shall await your arrival, Kurome. Lord Denzion, out." Denzion said, before he cut contact. He then left his Exec in charge of the bridge while he went to his chambers.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Another chapter shy of the 10k words I usually put into each chapter. Focusing on fanfiction has been rather difficult as of late, I'm afraid.
Only a couple more worlds in the galaxy left before the ultimate showdown between our heroes and the Sith Emperor.
We get to see Arrow Squad in action, and simulations aren't the only training and exercise method used in this case, as we see proper target drones used for live fire exercises.
As promised in the chapter The Maelstrom Nebula, Quesh is mentioned in the story to keep it connected to the original SWTOR overall storyline.
The chapter title is a direct reference to Ace Combat Zero, and is fitting for the chaos going around on Belsavis.
That's all folks! Keep on Nepping!