AN: Hey everyone, sorry it took so long for me to bring you guys this update, I've just returned from a week long camping event with about 50 of my friends. Well, now that we're getting further into the story, and school is starting up again, my updates may come at a slower rate. I pray that I'm able to keep a steady schedule, though.
Telos - HK Factory
Revan stood motionless, both of his lightsabers ignited. He waited patiently for HK to begin again. In the hours since he had found him, Revan had decided to test HK with a few live fire training sessions. Revan raised his offhand saber in anticipation of HK's attack. Moments later a volley of blaster bolts began flying towards Revan, he deflected many of them easily, and reflected the final bolt back at his droid. HK's mechanical body quickly motioned itself outside of the bolts path.
"Excellent, HK. You seem even more agile than when we were last together." Revan stated as he deactivated his lightsabers simultaneously.
"Explanation: The upgrades you installed in me recently have greatly increased all of my systems. Joyful Statement: With these upgrades I should be able to perform my assassination protocols not only more efficiently, but I should find much greater enjoyment in each and every meatbag I terminate. Oh, my circuits are warming just thinking about it!"
Revan chuckled "I see you still have your cheery, sadistic disposition, HK. Good."
"Statement: I'm pleased you think so, Master. I would be a poor excuse for a droid without it."
"If I may interrupt." stated Zeego as he joined the others. "The factory has successfully produced 300 HK-51 units; they await your commands in the construction chamber."
"Thank you, my friend. HK, relay orders to the droids. They are to begin masquerading as protocol units in the Republic Army, Banking Clan, Galactic Senate, Trade Federation, Techno Union, and the Jedi Order, assuming they can enter undetected."
"Compliant Statement: Your orders will be carried out to the letter, master."
"Excellent, HK. Once you are done, meet us outside the facility. Soon we begin our work in earnest."
"Statement: I shall meet you outside the facility, master." HK turned and began to approach the durasteel doors leading to the construction chamber. Suddenly he halted, and focused his photoreceptors on Zeego "Declaration: I look forward to working with you, neimoidian."
"As do I, HK." replied Zeego with a slight grin.
Revan stood silently, somewhat taken aback by HK's statement. He had never heard HK say such a thing to anyone, not even to him; HK's creator. He decided that it was of little importance, although it would take a great deal of work, the time was approaching for his return to the galaxy, he needed to be focused.
"Zeego, come with me, it's time we moved on." Revan stated as he began making his way toward the exit.
"I guess we had to leave at some point, get back to our quest for galactic peace." Zeego quickly fell into stride with Revan.
"So, where are we headed next?"
"The Rakata created multiple superstations, the Foundry, the Star Forge, and another device that could terraform planets. They had one more, though. Its location was hidden at the Foundry, which I retrieved before I escaped. That is our next destination. A place called the Ark."
"Interesting name. Any chance of something that'll try to kill us?
"Probably."
"I was really hoping to hear 'no' but we just can't get a break."
"Where's the fun in no chance of violence?"
"Good point."
Coruscant - Industrial Sector
Darth Sidious; Lord of the Sith, and a master manipulator. He sat in an elevated chair, his attention focused on a holoimage of the Ebon Hawk. There was something about this ship that puzzled him, he didn't know what it was, but it gave him a bad feeling. Whatever the ship meant, he knew that it threatened the Grand Plan of the Sith. He sensed a great power approaching, something dangerous was stirring. Something the galaxy hadn't seen in millennia. After he felt a disturbance the Force; and a powerful one at that, Sidious knew he had to investigate, and after hours of meditation, the Force gave him a single vision. A vision of this ship, the Ebon Hawk. He sensed that events were occurring out of the Force's original plans, his destiny had changed, and he didn't approve of it. He sensed that the past; both that of the galaxy, and his personally, would eventually strike back at him. His train of thought was suddenly broken, his attention returned to the present when he sensed his apprentice approaching.
"What is your will, Lord Sidious?" Darth Tyranus asked as he knelt before his master.
"Lord Tyranus, there has been a great disturbance in the Force."
Tyranus raised his head "I have felt it."
Sidious began to rise from his chair "We have a new enemy. An unknown force has entered the fold; we cannot have them endangering the Grand Plan."
"I agree, master. What would you have me do?" Sidious could sense Tyranus losing his patience.
"You must find this interloper, and eliminate him." Sidious went to stand before Tyranus, who stood as he approached.
"Where will you have me begin, master?" Asked Tyranus as the two began to walk throughout the building.
"Travel to the Kwymar Sector, begin searching for this ship." Sidious handed Tyranus a holo of the Ebon Hawk.
"It will be done, my lord." Tyranus began to make his way out of the building.
"And remember, that the Dark Side is with you." Sidious watched as Tyranus left him alone. He was a skilled apprentice, very talented in his force abilities. But he always remained calm, refusing to utilize his emotions. Unlike Maul, who possessed great ability to embrace his emotions, yet had underdeveloped his Force talents. What he required was an apprentice with Maul's capacity for anger and hatred, as well as Tyranus' force capabilities. And one day, he would have that very apprentice. Anakin was continuing to grow in skill as a Jedi, as well as continuing to utilize his emotions. With enough encouragement, there was no doubt that one day he would rise to be a Sith Lord. Until that day, Tyranus was a useful placeholder.
After a moment to collect his thoughts, Sidious began to venture further into the building, descending toward the sublevel. Sidious stepped off the turbolift; slowly he began making his way down the dark corridors. He could hear the angered yells as his prisoner rebelled against the torture restraints. He pressed the control panel, and the durasteel door opened with a metallic hiss. A single light dangled from the ceiling, centered over a red and black tattooed Dathomirian Zabrak. Darth Maul. The first apprentice of Sidious, whom he had begun to train under the instruction and guidance of his former master; Darth Plagueis. Somehow Maul had survived being cleaved in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi so long ago. In these many years, Maul had learned patience. It was rather ironic, really. Maul's downfall was somewhat due to his lack of patience, and now. Over 10 years later, his patience helped lead to his downfall again. Maul's capacity for hatred and anger had also increased. Which was something Sidious had not thought was possible. He watched as the Zabrak thrashed about in an attempt to break free of his restraints, when after several moments he stopped, and was simply laying there motionless.
"Why don't you simply kill me." asked Maul?
"Because, your punishment must be more... severe. Besides, I may still have other uses for you." Sidious began to laugh sadistically.
"You killed my kin, what makes you think I would serve you again?"
"You have forgotten your place, Zabrak! I hold the true power. Power you could only dream of having." gloated Sidious.
"Power that would be mine had you not abandoned me on Naboo."
"So naive. You would never have challenged me, I trained you from birth. I could sense it in you, you were too loyal to try and usurp the mantle from me."
"And you think my replacement is strong enough? You think he will challenge you for suprema- ah. I sense the truth in you. You don't plan to fully train him. He's a placeholder, is that right? Yes, he's just something to keep you occupied while you groom your true apprentice for the day you induct him into our order. I sense... Skywalker." Maul continued "You are not as powerful as you think old man. If I can sense your true intent, what do you think Tyranus will learn?"
"Enough of this." Sidious didn't give him another chance to speak before he unleashed a torrent of Sith lightning against his helpless former apprentice. Maul's tormented screams echoed throughout the building.
Republic Cruiser Ascension - Coruscant Orbit
"Captain, a pair of Jedi Knights are requesting permission to dock." stated the comm. officer.
"Have they stated their intent." asked Jeremitt
"They wish to question about a missing ship, they offered no more information than that." Jeremitt's face began to lose color. He knew they were in search of the freighter Lord Sidious had tasked him with capturing. The only thing he wasn't sure of, was if the Jedi had somehow learned of Jeremitt's affiliation with the Sith. Regardless, he needed to remain composed.
"Send docking clearance. I'll meet them in the starboard hangar."
"Yes, Captain."
Before anything more could be said, Jeremitt began making his way to the starboard hangar. The long corridors leading to the main turbolift were filled with troopers making their way to their assigned tasks. Whether they were flight crew making their way to the bridge, or infantry making their way to the flight simulator, training for the day they would have to take on the Seps from the cockpit of a 170. With the Republic gaining ground, however, most of the crew found their time aboard the ship tedious, always accomplishing the same task they did the previous day.
The turbolift doors slowly opened, and Jeremitt continued walking the halls towards the hangar. He entered the required access codes into the terminal, and the durasteel bay doors slowly opened. He made his way into the hangar just in time to see the Jedi Knights open the cockpits of their Jedi Interceptors. As they climbed out of their ships, Jeremitt recognized both of them. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, acting General of the 212th Battalion, and Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, former General of the 501st Legion, only to give up his command, and allow for the 501st to be dispatched throughout the galaxy after his former Padawan left the Jedi Order.
"General Kenobi, how unexpected. Jeremitt Deraak: Commanding Officer of the Ascension, what do you need of me?"
"Fortunately, something other than the war." stated Obi-Wan with a smile "We're investigating a purely Jedi matter, is there somewhere more private we can speak?"
"Of course, General. Please, follow me." Jeremitt led them out of the hangar, and down the long hallways towards his personal quarters. He led them inside and closed the doors behind him.
"These are my private quarters; you make speak freely here, General. The only ones who will know of this conversation are in this room." Jeremitt said, at the same time he activated the audio transmitter. Lord Sidious would be very interested in this information.
"Excellent, as my friend stated, this is a purely Jedi affair, however we do require some assistance on your part." said Anakin
"I will assist you in whatever capacity is needed to the best of my ability, General Skywalker."
"We're investigating a missing starship. It was stolen sometime yesterday. According to the reports, your ship was positioned above the northwest hemisphere of the planet at that time. Did you happen to notice this ship?" Obi-Wan handed him a holo of the Ebon Hawk.
Jeremitt began to tense; he couldn't tell them the truth. Lord Sidious would surely terminate their arrangement. "I'm afraid not, General Kenobi. I have no knowledge of this ship."
"He's lying." stated Anakin "Now, tell us what you know. Please."
Jeremitt remained silent.
"Tell us now!"
"Anakin! Remember, there is no emotion." stated Obi-Wan
Anakin closed his eyes and began taking deep breaths. "There is peace."
"Now then, Captain, I need you to tell us the truth. This mission is imperative to the Jedi Order, now tell us the truth or we will have no choice but to have you court-marshaled."
Jeremitt took a deep breath before speaking. "Very well. We detected the ship fairly early as it broke free of the atmosphere. We dispatched several starfighters to cripple the ship, but it expertly evaded and eliminated each of them. It jumped to lightspeed before entering range of our tractor beam."
"Were you able to determine its destination?" asked Anakin.
"Only partially, it traveled to the Kwymar Sector."
The pair of Jedi began to stand. "Thank you, Captain. You have been most helpful, now if you will excuse us, we have an assignment to complete." stated Obi-Wan.
"I'm glad to be of service, General Kenobi. Shall I see you two to the hangar?"
"That won't be necessary, Captain." stated Anakin.
Jeremitt watched the pair make their way to the hangar on his private terminal. As captain of the Ascension, he had remote access to all the holocams. He heard his holoprojector activate, and turned to see the hooded figure of Darth Sidious looming over him.
"Lord Sidious, you received my transmission, I take it."
"Yes, you were wise to contact me."
"I offer my sincerest apologies, Lord Sidious. I would've told them nothing, but I had to protect my cover."
"You would be of no use to me incarcerated. However, failure cannot be tolerated; I shall be lenient with you. I extend to you one more chance, which is two more than most get."
"I am eternally grateful, my lord."
"I would expect as much."
"May I inquire your plans for the Jedi and the freighter?"
"They shall be eliminated." Sidious cut the transmission before Jeremitt could respond.
Telos: Citadel Station
Revan entered the shuttle bay with HK, and Zeego. The HK-51 units had begun their tasks in the short time since they had left the base, and Revan had his own duties to attend to now that he had access to both the Republic, and the Separatists. He had his information, as well as his sleeper agents. Now, he needed weapons, starships, and people with the courage to use them. As well as funding. The three came closer to the bay containing the Ebon Hawk. Both HK and Revan stopped walking.
"What is it?" asked Zeego.
"I sense a disturbance in the Force. A danger is approaching."
"Statement: My motion sensors have detected a threat, as well as my thermal sensors. Addition: I have also tapped into the stations security cams; an unknown meatbag has gained access to the Ebon Hawk. Statement: Master, he is in possession of a lightsaber." said HK-47.
"You two stay here, cover the door if he tries to escape, I'll handle this." said Revan
"Consider it done, Revan. No one will get passed us." assured Zeego.
Revan entered the hangar. Standing in front of the Hawk was an elderly man. Revan detected the force in him, although it wasn't strong enough to present a challenge with Revan. He chose not to utilize his full power. Not only that, but he also sensed the dark side emanating from him.
"Well, I must be making quite the impression if the Sith are already searching for me." said Revan
"Impressive, the force is strong with you, to be able to sense my true affiliation."
"Or it might be because you are not currently masking your power."
Tyranus was astonished by this man's knowledge. He made note of the dual lightsabers clipped to his belt. However he also sensed his connection to the Force. It was weak compared to others he had felt, he expected that this foe would provide him with little challenge.
"When will the Sith learn? The dark side is not stronger."
"Nor is the light stronger than the dark." replied Dooku.
"Indeed, to truly become a master of the Force, one must learn to walk the line of neutrality."
"I anticipate that our philosophical knowledge of the Force will not lead to the victor of this confrontation, but rather our skills with a lightsaber." stated Dooku as he ignited his lightsaber, and took a dueling salute.
"Very well, before we duel, may I have the satisfaction in knowing your name, lord..." said Revan as he ignited his lightsabers and took his customary stance.
"I am Darth Tyranus, Lord of the Sith."
"And now, Tyranus. You shall fall, as all Sith before you have." boasted Revan.
"Until now, Jedi. The time has come for our revenge." stated Tyranus.
"Not if I have anything to say about it." stated Revan. In that moment, Revan leaped into the air, using the Force to amplify his height and speed. He descended upon Tyranus and went on the offensive. Using his mainhand lightsaber to try and break Tyranus's defenses. While keeping his offhand saber back for his defense. Revan performed the duel with minimal effort, instead of changing forms, mixing techniques; he chose to utilize the Jar'Kai form, also known as the dual saber technique. Although by the current standards, his fighting style would be considered out of date, the form that his opponent was utilizing was archaic, even by Revan's standards. The fight continued, with each strike that Revan attempted, Tyranus parried it, with each blow Tyranus attempted; Revan intercepted it with his blades. Revan decided it was once again time to go on the offensive. Revan locked blades with his opponent once again. He chose to deactivate the blue blade, allowing Tyranus's lightsaber to pass within inches of his face, Revan quickly changed his technique, switching from the Jar'Kai variant of Form VI: the Niman form, to the more aggressive lightsaber dueling technique of Form V: Djem So. He slowly began to overwhelm Tyranus, countering each of his strikes while transitioning between his own attacks. He broke through his defenses, and struck him with a blast of Force energy. Revan leaped high in the air with the intent of carving his blade deep within his opponent, only to witness Tyranus bring his lightsaber in time to block his attack.
"Impressive, you are skilled with a blade, this battle will be a true test of my power." said Tyranus
"You'll find that I'm full of surprises. As are you, it seems. You claim to be a Sith, yet I sense a calmness within you, you haven't fully given yourself to the dark side."
"And you. You claim to be a Jedi, yet I sense the dark side within you. You use your emotions, I can sense you channeling your anger, yet still allowing the Force to flow through you freely. Interesting, I have never encountered someone like you."
"And you never will again." stated Revan.
"Yes, but the truth of the matter is, I've become more powerful than any Jedi."
"I sincerely doubt that."
Revan broke the saber lock and performed a back flip to create some distance between him and Tyranus.
"Let us test that then, shall we?"
Before Revan could respond, Tyranus attempted to catch him off guard with Sith Lightning. Revan raised his gloved hand and intercepted the attack, absorbing the lightning to amplify his next attack. As Tyranus ceased the attack, Revan could sense his full power. It was strong, but not as strong as his own; he could tell that this was not the master. He was fighting the apprentice.
"You are strong, I will not deny that. But not strong enough." said Revan
He unleashed a storm of Sith Lightning upon Tyranus. Who attempted to absorb the attack. However the blast was too powerful, soon he became engulfed in lightning. His elderly screams echoed throughout the hangar bay. Revan began closing the distance between them, continuing his onslaught of Sith Lightning. As he came to stand over Tyranus, he ceased his attack.
Tyranus laid there in immense agony. He turned ant stared at the face of his would be attacker. He seemed familiar to him. Tyranus had seen him someplace before, he couldn't think of where, however.
"How... how is it possible for one to have so much power?" asked Tyranus, his flesh still smoking from the lightning
"Through balance, Tyranus. Through mastery, not of the light or dark. But of the Force itself."
"You are powerful; there is only one who could be stronger. You will no doubt meet him, one day."
"Your master?" asked Revan.
"Yes. Darth Sidious. It was him who sent me here, to my end."
"Your end? No, not your end. I won't kill you. Instead, I extend an offer to you. Join me, become a Master of the Force." Revan proposed.
The Sith Lord stared at him, "I have just tried to take your life, yet now you ask me to stand at your side?"
"Believe me, I still don't trust you," Revan paused, "But, I need all the help I can get. Besides, you failed your assignment, if the Sith are anything like what they used to be, I expect the only fate that awaits you when you go back to your master is death."
Tyranus hesitated. "Very well, I accept your offer, if only as a means of survival."
"You are wise to do so, now I suspect Tyranus was not the name you were born under. May I know it, or do you wish to continue being known as Tyranus."
"Dooku. Count Dooku."
"Welcome, Count Dooku. Now that you have joined me, you must learn the truth of me."
"Then tell me, who are you?"
"You would not believe me, I must show you."
Before Dooku could respond, Revan connected his mind to Dooku's. The truth of who he was began to flood into Dooku's mind, just as it had with Zeego. After he was finished, Revan broke the connection. Dooku stood completely still, a look of exasperation on his face.
"Impossible."
"Nothing is impossible with the Force."
"I must know. How?"
"A technique that has been lost to many, known as Fold Space."
"I have heard of it, it makes sense now."
"What?" asked Revan.
"My master and I recently felt a great disturbance in the Force. At first we were unsure of what it was, and he still is. Now I realize that it was your arrival." Dooku kneeled. "Regardless, I kneel before you, Revan. I pledge myself to your Order. I will serve you faithfully, Master."
"Excellent, I welcome you, Count Dooku. You are the first of this era to join the Revanchists."
"Thank you, Revan."
"Now then, I believe introductions are in order, but we can get to that later. For now, we have business to at-"
Revan was cut off by his holocom. He activated it, and an image of HK-47 utilizing his blaster rifle came into focus.
"Declaration: Master, we have been discovered. The Jedi have found us."
"What? Where is Zeego?"
Zeego came into view. "I'm here, Revan. But given this standoff, I'm not sure how long before that changes. We could use some of your assistance. Time to show some of that "Master of the Force" stuff."
"I'm on my way." Revan deactivated the holocommunicator and turned to Dooku. "Are you strong enough to fight?"
"Not in this state, I will need bacta and a lot of it before I am fit for combat."
"I have a better idea." Revan knelt before Dooku and began to channel the Force. Within moments, Dooku could feel his tired limbs begin to rejuvenate. The damage done to his nervous system, as well as the burns caused by the lightning slowly disappeared.
"Interesting, I did not think it possible for such a complex healing technique to be performed when the dark side also holds influence." said Dooku as he rose to his feet.
"The Force is a mystery to many. It is not always clear why such things are possible. Perhaps because we have need of them." said Revan
Dooku retrieved his lightsaber from the hangar ground, and the pair began making their way across the hangar towards the main shuttle bay. Revan suspected HK-47 would be able to hold his own against any Jedi or Sith from the past. But this new era possessed too many unknowns for him to leave HK to take them on based solely on his faith in him. Revan needed to assist him. Besides that, perhaps he had located more potential Revanchists. However he would not know for sure until he faced them. However, even at this distance, he could sense a great power emanating from one of them. He also suspected that they had not located him through investigatory means, but rather had followed Count Dooku. Regardless of how they arrived, he had to deal with them now, before they threatened his plans. Plans that even Revan had yet to finish thinking of.
AN: Well, there it is. Chapter 5 is finished. Unfortunately, I am returning to school shortly, and I anticipate being quite busy in the foreseeable future, so it may be awhile before the next update. Remember to review, if there's anything you don't understand, or are curious about regarding the story, feel free to message me. Until next time.
-CaptainCakeless117