Unknown planet
Ventress was meditating with her Master when she heard a ship land. She opened eyes and saw that it was clearly a Speratist ship. She wondered what they were doing here. Her Master and her came here to meditate and train after he nearly lost his life. That had been a while ago. How long she was unsure. Time didn't mean anything here. Though they were going to join the war soon, she had been hoping for a few more days of peace.
The shuttle opened and a figure in black walked out. They had black battle armour on their shoulder, elbows, hands, knees and feet. A lightsaber hung from their belt. They wore a black hood that hid their face. Their mouth was also covered by a black cloth. When they spoke their voice was clearly being altered.
"Hello," The person said. "I am General Ben Hardeen for the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Are you the Jedi Padawan Ventress?"
"Yes," Vetress said. She didn't trust this person at all. How did he know her name?
"I would like to ask for your help in a mission that will benefit both of us," General Hardeen said.
"And that is?" Ventress asked her suspicion growing.
"A being known as Darth Maul is believed to be alive. I would like your help in tracking down the Nightsisters," Hardeen said.
"Why would we help you with that?" Her Master asked.
"Because that is where I'm from, Master," Ventress explained. "They would be more willing to talk if one of their own is present. That said, how did you know my name, much less where to find me?"
"I have my ways," Hardeen.
"That's not quite what I meant, Ventress," Her Master said. He seemed worried about how Hardeen found them, "Let me rephrase, what benefit does this have to the Jedi and Republic?"
"I seek to eliminate him," Hardeen said. "He is a threat to the CIS, and he could be a threat to the Jedi and Repulic."
"Hmm…" Her Master thought for a moment. He turned to her. "Well, do you want to help?"
Ventress nodded, "Yes Master." This could be fun.
Her master turned to Hardeen, "I am choosing to trust with my Padawan's life."
"I will protect her as if she were my own," Hardeen said.
Her Master raised an eyebrow. He turned back to her, "This will be a solo mission, my Padawan. Trust the Force to lead you."
She bowed, "Yes Master."
They boarded the shuttle and left for Dathomire. When they arrived Ventress used the Force to find the Nightsisters.
"How can the Nightsisters help us?" She asked.
"I was told Maul is their leader's son," Hardeen said.
"Hmm. If that is true then why would they help us?"
Hardeen sighed, "The threat of violence can be a good motivator. Plus I have things to offer as payment."
"Like what?" Ventress asked.
"You ask a lot of questions," Hardeen said.
"Well pardon me for wanting to know what I've gotten myself into," Ventress snarked. She picked something up in the Force. "Here," She pointed.
They landed and were immediately greeted by a group of armed Nightsisters.
"Who are you?" One of them asked.
"I am General Ben Hardeen of the CIS," Hardeen said. "I wish to speak with Mother Talzin."
"I am Jedi Padawan Ventress. I'm just here to make sure you don't kill Hardeen," Ventress shrugged.
"We have no business with the CIS, or the Jedi. Leave!" Another said.
Hardeen slowly reached for a small sack on his belt and opened it. Inside were Kyber Crystals.
"I have brought gifts for Mother Talzin," He said.
"Please hear him out," Vetress asked.
The Nightsisters began to talk amongst themselves. Ventress put her hand on her lightsaber in case they decided to attack.
"Very well. Come." Ventress breathed a sigh of relief.
When they arrived Talzin was waiting for them.
"Mother Talzin, this CIS General wishes to speak to you. The Jedi is here to keep us from killing him. She seems to be from here."
"Very well," Talzin said. "What business do you have with me?"
"First a gift," Hardeen gave her the sack of Kyber Crystals. "I was told you are the mother of the Sith known as Darth Maul."
"Yes. And what about it?" Talzin asked, looking through the colorful crystals.
"Were you aware he is still alive?"
"I am aware."
"I have been ordered to eliminate him for good."
Talzin said nothing.
"I was hoping you would know of a way to find him."
"Why would I help you to kill my son?" Talzin asked.
"It would keep the CIS away from your planet, and I can pay you," Hardeen said. "Just name your price. I will even throw in a copy of Darth Zahnah's holocron."
"And if I don't?"
"The Sith who lead the CIS veiw you as a threat," Was all Hardeen said.
Talzin looked at her followers. Ventress felt concerned for them. They could be wiped out if Mother Talzin refused. She wasn't sure if they could take a Sith.
"I suppose I should have looked for him sooner," Talzin said. "Very well. Money has no use to me. I want exotic plants, animals and mushrooms. Some food as well."
"Done," Hardeen nodded.
"One more thing," Talzin said. "Bring back his body so I might say good-bye."
"Hmm…" Ventress could tell Hardeen was suspicious of this request.
"I will burn his body and scatter his ashes," Talzin promised. "You may watch to ensure I keep my word."
"Very well. I will see what I can do," Hardeen said.
Talzin nodded. She used the Force to create a ball of light. She then sent over to Hardeen.
"This will lead you to him,"
Hardeen accepted it. They left for his shuttle.
"When we arrive you will wait in here," Hardeen ordered.
"No," Ventress said. "I am coming with you to make sure this Sith dies."
"I promised your Master I'd protect you," Hardeen argued.
"I'll keep a safe distance," Ventress assured him.
She was expecting Hardeen to argue more, but instead all he said was, "Fine."
The orb led them to a junkyard on another planet. The shuttle landed. As soon as they left, a red zabrak stormed out from behind some trash. His legs were mechanical and looked like a scorpion. Hardeen lit his blue blade and attacked.
"This must be Maul," Ventress said as she dove behind a garbage pile.
"Yes, and he's completely insane!" Hardeen shouted.
Maul grabbed a pole and activated it. A red blade burst forth. He brought it down hard, but Hardeen blocked the hit. Hardeen side stepped, causing Maul to lose his balance. Hardeen gave Maul a shove with the Force to unbalance him even more.
Ventress felt some anger radiate from Hardeen. Almost like this was personal. He didn't feel dark though. Just who or what was he?
Hardeen picked up some junk with the Force and threw it at Maul. Maul began wildly slicing at the junk. Using the distraction Hardeen jumped and cut off Maul's head. He then severed his body from his legs.
Ventress looked around and found a leftover box. "Hardeen, put the body in here."
Hardeen grabbed Maul and put him in. Ventress found a lid and put it on. Hardeen also grabbed Maul's lightsaber.
The ride back to Dathomire was uneventful. When they got there they unloaded Maul's body. Talzin opened the lid.
"I never should have let Sidious take you," She creased his head. She took out his body and laid it on a funeral pyre she had made. She lit it on fire and Maul began to burn.
"Thank you for keeping your word," she told Hardeen.
Hardeen nodded, "I will have your payment sent you as soon as possible. Let me know if my allies fail to keep my word. I do not trust them."
Talzin smiled, "You are very honest. Almost like a Jedi."
Hardeen shook his head, "I'm no Jedi ma'am."
"I never said you were," Talzin said.
As Maul burned Talzin shed a few tears. Ventress looked at Hardeen and, even though she couldn't see his face, she could have sworn Hardeen had tears in his eyes. Soon there was nothing but ashes. Talzin used the Force to scatter them to the wind.
"Come Ventress," Hardeen said.
"I will wait for my Master here. I want to know more about the Nightsisters," She said. This is where she came from. She was curious.
"Very well," Hardeen began to leave. "Next time we meet, we will likely be enemies."
Ventress smiled. She would have to report this to the Council. They would want to know the CIS has another Force user in their ranks.
Once the shuttle was in hyperspace Obi-wan took off his hood and mask. He breathed a sigh of relief. Maul was truely dead. He could no longer threaten anyone he cared about.
He thought about Talzin saying good-bye to Maul. He wondered if Anakin was able to say good-bye to his own mother before she died.
He closed his eyes. It was his fault Shmi Skywalker was dead. His fault Anakin killed an entire village in his anger.
"Anakin. I'm so sorry. I should have listened. I won't fail you again. You shall never know loss again. I promise."
Obi-wan opened his eyes. Once again there was a speck of yellow. This time it lingered before slowly fading.
A/N: I'm not too familiar with Talzin so let me know if I got her wrong. As for Ventress I have no idea what her Jedi Master was like, or what she was like as a Jedi.