Chapter 6

Vince stared across the room at Luke who stood tall his hand awaiting to draw his weapon. The Jedi Knight promised to train Luke and train him he would. He was not going to be easy on him that's for such. "Ok Skywalker, what did Obi-Wan teach you?"

"Just the basics of how to defend myself with a lightsaber really." Luke admitted sheepishly.

No surprise, which such a short time training under Obi-Wan he figured that would happen. "Well then Luke I'm gonna continue that training and show you how to properly use a lightsaber to block blaster fire and duel. However, as useful as the lightsaber is, there is a time and place for it. In the Old Republic Jedi strictly used lightsabers. They were, and still are, a symbol of the Jed Order. Though that doesn't mean a blaster can come in handy. Now since your learning how to block were gonna continue that till you have mastered it. Then I will teach you how to duel. Let's get started." Waving his hand casually the remotes came to life and began floating around Skywalker there stun blots aimed at him. Luke responded by igniting his blue lightsaber. Now was time to see how good Luke was. "Alright Skywalker, your training starts now."

Luke stood stall his weapon in front ready to block shots fired at him. The swishing movement of one remotes alerted him and his blue eyes flickered to the left to see one fire at him. Turning his hands he moved his lightsaber into the path of the shot blocking it. Another shot rang out forcing to the right. No time to block he ducked under and swung at the remote slicing it in half. Then he swung at the middle one that moved out of the way just in time and fired a quick burst of three shots at its target which were easily blocked.

Vince was impressed, Luke learned quickly, just like his father. However, this wouldn't be the end of the training. He activated five more remotes. "Remember, the Force is a Jedi's ally. It will assist you in battle."

Listening to his words Luke calling on the Force to aid him. Sure enough when he did he could see the attacks happen before they occurred and swung his saber at each remote dispatching them one by one till none were left. Luke was, to his surprise, panting with a bit of sweat on his brow. So this was the power of the Force? It seemed easy to wield and it made him so powerful!

"Luke!"

He was brought from his though by a stern look form Vince. He shut off his weapon and looked away. "Sorry master, I got a little arrogant."

"And that arrogance will lead you down the dark path as it did to Obi-Wan's apprentice. His pride and arrogance for more power lead him to become a servant of evil! Do not make that say mistake otherwise your goal to be a Jedi, like Anakin, will fail. How would he feel if he knew his son fell to the dark side?" He paused watching the ashamed look form on Luke's face. He softened his tone and expression then continued. "Luke, I'm only warning you to learn to be more patience and let go of that arrogances. To be a Jedi is to be calm. At peace. Passive. If you were alive in the Old Republic they would refuse to train you because you were too old. A Jedi's life would started as babies or toddlers." He wasn't surprised at Luke's shock that showed upon on his face. "Nevertheless, with my training. Whatever age you are, you'll become a great Jedi."

"Vi—I mean Master, you sure know a lot. You sure you're not a master?"

Vince laughed. "I'm teaching you what my master taught me, Skywalker. Now get ready for another set and remember, a Jedi's defends. Never attacks." And like before remotes activated and attacked Luke. Vince watched once more starting at Luke's progress. Truly, he was the son of Anakin Skywalker. His training was incredible. Just a few rounds at blocking shots and he was already a master at it. Even he hadn't mastered that so quickly. Anakin would be truly be proud of him. However, he could still sense recklessness in him. A thing for adventure. Jedi did not crave such things. Though he was still young and had much to see within the galaxy.

Once the last droid was beaten Vince gave an applause. "Well done, Skywalker. Truly have I never seen anyone progress so quickly like that. Now, before I teach you lightsaber dueling. I want to get you into physical shape. As a Jedi, you need to be fast and flexible. So here's the deal; I want you to do 100 pushups while hand standing, and," He panted two little boxes onto before the young man. "To use the Force to life these boxes then stack them. Now don't give me that face my master had me do the same exercise." Vince tried to hold back the amused smirk that was slowing creeping its way into his face at Luke's reaction "Well you won't get them done just standing there. Start those exercises." Then the elder Jedi dropped to the floor into a cross legged sitting position and began to meditate.

"93….94….95…96"

Luke was counting in his head as he grew closer and closer to his last pushup. This exercise was madness! He was sweating profoundly, his heart was beating rapidly, and he felt as if his lungs would burst. Not just that but keeping the boxes floating in the air was becoming very hard to concentrate on. But he had to keep going he was almost…there…

"97…98…99…100!"

He did it! He completed his final pushup now all he had to do stack the boxes…Luke felt his arms shaking preparing to give way! No, not yet! He had to stack those boxes…he concentrated on the boxes starting at them long and hard. He set the first down and guided the second toward its. It hovered over the first then gently lowered it till it landed on the first one. Finally after the tiring work Luke collapsed onto the floor his body covered from head to toe in sweat his heart beating rapidly and breathing heavily. He looked to Vince and saw he was still sitting like that. Geez, how could he sit like that for so long? Before he could answer Vince opened his green eyes and rose to his feet.

"Excellent job on those pushups, Luke. Now, 100 squads and flips."

Before Luke could reply the Jedi closed his eyes once more and continued meditating. He sighed tiredly and continued the exercises. Did Vince's master really make him do these? Did his father do this type of training? His drifted off onto his father.

Anakin Skywalker, the father he never knew. Why had his uncle lied to him? He said he was a navigator on a spice freighter nor did he tell him his name. Come to think of it, even Ben didn't tell him his name. Why? Why did they refuse to tell him? It was just a name. It wasn't like he was going to have a heart attack from it!

It was almost as if they were keeping something from him. All he knew was that he was the best pilot, a great warrior, and good friend to Ben till Vader murdered him. In fact when he asked how his father died he remembered seeing hesitation on Ben's face. Could it be that he was afraid to tell him Vader killed him? These only raised more questions about his father. Hopefully Vince would give them to him. Completing the last flip he turned to Vince and asked him. "Vince, you said you knew my father. My uncle never spoke of him and Ben said he was an amazing person."

Vince opened his green eyes and looked to the young man. "What did he say of Anakin?"

"He was the best starpilot in the galaxy, a cunning warrior, and a good friend."

Good friend…only after he became a Jedi Knight. He still remembered the disobedient brat he was as a padawan! Always disobeying Obi-Wan's orders and arguing with him! It was after become a Knight did he truly become "good friends" with Obi-Wan. Though he was right about Skywalker being the best pilot within the Order and a great warrior. He fought in many battles and dueled Dooku many times as well till eventually killing him at Coruscant. Well it wouldn't hurt to tell the boy a little more but he had to be careful on his words. He didn't want him to know Obi-Wan trained him. If so then he could possible figure out Darth Vader is Anakin and that would shatter the boy's heart to know who Anakin had become.

He threw those negative thoughts aside and placed a smile on his face. "He sure was. Anakin was, if not, one of the most powerful Jedi in the Order. I remember the team Kenobi and Skywalker were always on adventures across the galaxy with Skywalker's student Ahsoka."

Ahsoka Tano; young, strong, and brave. The Togruta was skilled and an excellent Jedi till she was framed for bombing the Temple by the real bomber, Barriss Offee. This action, along with being exiled and not trusted by Council made her leave the Order. This had been the final straw for Vince to lose faith within the Council. This was proof enough of how far the Council had fallen.

"My father had a student of his own? Ahsoka, she must have been something." Luke's excitement was rising once more. So this was how his father had been. He truly was an amazing person. It was shame he never saw what he looked like.

"She was," Vince said a sad smile on his face remember the old days. "She and Skywalker were a great team. Put those two with Master Kenobi and they were an unstoppable team. In fact…I remember in one battle Skywalker destroyed an entire warships from the inside with his fighter. He was that good of a pilot and nobody could best him. Then there was the Battle of Thyferra."

"What happened there?" Luke asked eager to know the events of the famous Clone Wars.

Vince had to hold his laughter in at the boy's excitement. He was asking for war stories from the old General. Well this would give the boy some insight on what the war was like. "I think I'll tell you how he saved me. Two months had passed since the Battle of Thyferra started and in that time the Republic drove the CIS into the forests. I remember it like it was yesterday. Your father, was supposed to arrive reinforcements. I was in command of my troops and…

BOOM!

Lighting flashed along the sky and thunder roared above! Rain pelted the Republic army that chugged through the forest in search for Confederate droids. This siege had gone on far too long for the General Silverton's liking and wanted to end it now. That unfortunately wouldn't happen. Not until General Skywalker arrived with reinforcements to help drive the remaining CIS out of the system. General Silverton couldn't do so with so little forces.

The siege had taken heavy losses to his troops. Intel had been wrong, again. They said the CIS had minimal defense, they were wrong. It was a whole fleet blockading the planet with an entire army defending the valleys, plains, forests of Thyferra. Casualties were high from breaching the blockade and they grew higher when the ground battle commenced. Before any ground invasion did commence recons were deploy to search for enemy positions and bombard CIS positions in secluded areas. It softened up there defense but there were still a lot of droids waiting to be turned into scrap metal.

In two months battles raged across the beautiful green world. Droids and clones fell in combat filling the landscape with corpse and scrap metal and dogfights filled the skies. By the end of the second month a 5th of Vince forces were left leaving him with few soldiers and supplies. It had gotten worse when the battle went into a stalemate. Battle lines were drawn and both generals were counting on reinforcements. Whoever got there first would decide the outcome of the battle.

At the moment Vince and his remaining troops of the 101st Star Corps were holding position within the forest to the north waiting for any signs of a counter attack. So far nothing. They, like Vince, were possibly waiting for the weather to clear so the mud and rain wouldn't slow them down. Should an attack occur Vince and his men would have to stay in their trenches and hold position best they could. Air support couldn't help due to the weather conditions and heavy vehicles couldn't get through these dense woods. They'd have to go around or fight on open fields. The worst was the battlefield, they were in a forest in the middle of a storm! Any minute a tree could be struck by lighting and start a forest fire. Or worst, his men would be struck my lighting!

At that moment Commander Flash appeared. "General! Scouts report an attack is imminent! The Separatist are gearing up. Shall I get the men ready?"

"Do so, Flash! If they want war will give it to them!" Vince ordered over the sound of rain.

"Yes sir. Battle positons! Move it! Get in positon and pick your targets!" Flash ordered rushing to foxholes. He grabbed his DL-15 rifle and readied it. "Come on men, on your feet and up to the front! You, get to the rear line and establish connection with them!"

As the clones prepared for the attack Vince stood tall, arms crossed, hair wet, and clothes soaked. He could hear the marching of the droids they were getting closer. And the only defense Vince had was infantry, turrets, trenches, and artillery. Said artillery was in a clearing near their position waiting for orders.

"Here they come!"

Sure enough a whole army of droids came marching forward. It looked like they were pulling out all the infantry types for this battle! Battle droids, super battle droids, dwarf spider droids, crab droids, destroyer droids, and octuptarra combat tri-droid. So it was a battle of infantry huh? Well it was time to see who the better was. "Don't fire till there in rage. Commander, bring in the big guns! Pound them to dust!"

As soon as the order was given a barrage of artillery began raining down upon the advancing droids who at this point began a full scale charge firing wildly at the entrenched clones following there program to destroy the enemy!

Vince jumped into the trenches and a DC-15 blaster and returned fire. He wasn't going to stand in the open and deflect blaster shots like an idiot! Better to stay in cover and use a blaster. The enemy seem to not quiet! More and more kept coming! It seemed they were determined to overrun there position with overwhelming numbers. And it was doing a damn good job at that! Clones were falling left and right every minute. But for every solider ten droids were blown to pieces. It was the artillery support that gave the Republic the advantage in this battle.

"Beat them back! Hold steady, boys! Let none pass!" The Jedi encouraged his men. Doing what he could to boost their morale. "Once we win this battle will have them on the run and celebrate our victory! Keep firing! FIGHT!"

A great roar of battle cry's filled the air followed by the clapping of thunder! The Clones would die for their General! They would not let these walking clankers get through their defense! They would hold the line! They would win! They-

BANG!

A large projectile soared over the trenches blasting trees to pieces! Then another came following after. To their shock and terror a wave of armored assault tanks came smashing through the trees guns blasting whatever was in front of them.

"Focus on the infantry. Concentrate rockets on those tanks! Mash there hull open! Order artillery to adjust fire on those tanks, now!" This battle seemed to never end. The droids kept coming and sooner or later one of these opposing armies would retreat. Vince would not let his men be the ones retreating. The artillery was doing work but those damn tanks keep coming and were ripping his troops to shred. Dirty and wood were sent flying in all directions! He spotted an AAT coming forward its top cannon baring down on him. Knowing what it was going to do he ordered his men to take cover which they obeyed without question!

The projectile impacted right in front of the trench sending dirt all over Vince and the clones. Damn it, they were losing troops, running low on power and being overrun! Where was Skywalker!? If he didn't show they'd be all dead by nightfall!

The cocking of a blaster alerted the Jedi! He saw a battle droid aiming at him. Not wasting time he using the force to blast it high into the sky! Now they had no choice but resort to close quarters! Picking the blaster up he began firing on the droids that were closet to the trenches. He could see some tanks destroyed but like before more were coming! It was hopeless the droids were overrunning there positons and-

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ground before him erupted with explosions sending dirt and droids flying. The attacks came from above fired by green lasers.

Green lasers!?

He looked to the sky and to his surprise and relief a grey and yellow painted Eta-2 Actis-class interceptor zoom overhead! He recognized the Jedi Starfighters. The pilot had guts flying through this storm. One wrong move and he could be sent crashing into the trees. Nevertheless, he was grateful to him. Said pilot was Anakin Skywalker and he had finally arrived with reinforcements!

"Vince, hope I'm not late."

Vince felt an amused smile cross his lip and answered the Chosen One. "Better late than never. Boy, I'm glad you arrived when you did. However, you should return to your warship the weather is too dangerous for air support."

"Don't worry, Vince. I'm not staying for long. I just needed to pinpoint the enemy's position. Alright Ahsoka, bring in the big guns!"

Big guns? As the fighter retreated back into the clouds the roar of turbolaser fire was heard and soon enough an orbital bombardment came falling down upon the droids decimating hundreds and scorching the earth in blackness!

"All troops, push them back!" Flash bellowed returning fire on the droids after bashing a droid's head off with the butt of his rifle.

With the sight of reinforcement arriving there morale skyrocketed and began counter attacking! Wave upon waves of droids were being cut down by blaster fire, artillery, and orbital strikes. Now the droids were being overwhelmed by the sheer force of firepower.

"With the arrival of Skywalker, he saved our lives and turned the battle around. With his reinforcements we commenced a full scale offense and won the battle. It wasn't easy but we did it."

Luke was in awe at the amazement of the battle. "But what about my father? What else did he do?"

"Many crazy but lifesaving actions like destroying an AAT with only his lightsaber and defeating a wave of droids while defending wounded soldiers.

"Wow."

"Yeah, wow. I once was able to do such feats but I am old and must rely on the Force's aid." Silence fell between the Jedi with the only sound being the ocean lapping against the floating city.

"So, shall we continue training?"

Vince smiled and nodded. "Well Skywalker, it's time to give you a rundown of lightsaber combat." He grabbed his weapon and held it before Anakin's son. "The lightsaber is a symbol of a Jedi. It is a weapon to defend and to kill. The Jedi way is to defend never attack. However, there are times were we have no choice but to take lives. But ONLY in defense. There were seven forms of lightsaber combat in the Old Order; I Shii-Cho, II Makashi, III Soresu, IV Ataru, V Shien / Djem So, VI Niman, VII Juyo / Vaapad. Obi-Wan used Form III while your father used Form V. I use the II Form with elements of III and IV mixed in. Each form was made to overcome the flaws of the precious one. So here's what will do." He ignited his green blade and gave the Form II salute and open stance. "I want you to attack me and show what you know. Attack now. Attack. Slowly."

Luke drew his father's weapon and lunged at the elder Jedi. There blades clashing making sparks fly.

"Good. Keep going attack slowly. Slow, slow, good. There we go."

The two Jedi moved slowly for their weapons to clash. Luke swung right and Vince defended parrying to the left. These were slow basic moves to show what Luke needed to know whenever he used the weapon.

"You are a quick learner, just like your father. Now then…" He tinkered with his weapon setting the power to stun mode. "Attack me with what you know. Show this old man what you can do." He waited till Luke figured how to decrease the weapons power and then he launched into a flurry attacks. He was fast but Vince was faster!

He brought his blade up in a graceful swing parrying the blue blade away. He took two steps back continuing to defend against the fast powerful strikes sent at him. It was obviously Skywalker was unitizing Ataru with Djem So. Vince had no skill in Djem So but he could assist him in mastering Soresu and Ataru, but Djem So he'd have to learn on his own. Refocusing on the spar he blocked, parried, and dodged Luke's nonstop assault. He really was like Anakin, fast learner and powerful in the Force. The elder Jedi continued his defense up tiring out Luke. He could see him panting and sweating. He still need more training till he was ready to face Vader.

He blocked an overhead strike keeping eyes on Luke. "Not bad, boy. My turn." He pushed Luke's attack away and send a force push at him sending him rolling across the floor then charged the surprised Rebel commander who rolled out of the way from a fast swing. Vince wasn't done however. He launched into a flurry of slashes, thrust, and jabs forcing Skywalker to continuously dodge and frantically block.

Vince's skills were a blur of green to Luke. He was so fast the poor boy was having difficulty defending himself. He tried to attack only to get his weapon parried by a powerful swing knocking Luke's weapon frim his hand and sending him tumbling to the ground. He tried to rise but was halted by the tip of the green blade pointed at his neck. Luke trembled and looked to Vince. His green eyes bored into his blue.

"Yield."

Luke rose his hands in surrender. So this was the skill of a Jedi Knight. Vince was incredible, even in his old age he had bested him. Or was it his plan to make Luke tier himself out with his attacks? All Luke knew was that he couldn't win against such skill, not yet at least. If he was this good then how powerful was Vader? Was he better than Vince? He obviously had to be. Obi-Wan's former pupil had killed his master and hunted down hundreds of Jedi after the Clone Wars bringing them to near extinction.

Vince deactivated his blade and helped Luke to his feet. "You're skilled Luke, just like your father. However, you are reckless in your attacks. You use power and speed so it's obviously your using Ataru and Djem So. I can teach you Form's III and IV. Form V you'll have learn yourself. It requires much physical strength for it to be used. Power is the principle meaning for Djem So. Practice these skills and you will become a great Jedi."

Luke nodded and retrieved his saber via calling it back to him with the Force. "Master Vince, is the dark side stronger?"

Vince gave him a calm stare then replied. "No. Neither are stronger. However, those who follow the dark side chose the quicker path to become stronger and become consumed by its evil ways. The path to the light is long and hard but is worth the training. You become calm, patience, and at peace. Jedi are the guardians of the galaxy, Luke. What separates us from the Sith is that we protect the defenseless and represent good. The Sith are evil and kill for pleasure and show their dominance. Just like what the Emperor and Vader do."

"Did the Jedi fight the Sith?"

"Oh they did but that was long, long ago. Thousands of years ago, there were hundreds of Sith fighting the Jedi. Till one named Darth Bane made the Rule of Two; master and apprentice. No more, no less. There are others who study the dark side but are not true Sith. These are Dark Jedi."

"There fallen Jedi who follow the dark side?"

"Correct. They betray the Jedi way for knowledge and power like Jedi who become Sith."

Suddenly at that moment a Rebel trooper walked in saluting the two Jedi. "Commander Skywalker, your needed in the briefing room. Rouge Squadron's been given a mission."

Vince nodded. "Thank you trooper, lead him there. Luke, practice what I said and when we train again show me the progress you've achieved. I'll see you when you return. May the Force be with you."

"And may the Force be with you as well." Luke replied and departed to take command of the Rouges.

Once alone Vince activated more remote droids and prepared himself. He, like Luke, had to train continuously. Yoda said, a Jedi's training never ceases and in these dark times he would need all the skills he could gain. Calling on the Force the Jedi began a series of dodges from the remotes attacks. Left, right, duck, jump, roll! All were executed perfectly! Dived into another roll he dodged a shot aimed for his head. When going out of the roll he swung his arm out grabbing the remote with the Force and flinging it into another causing them to explode on impact! He bent his body as far back as he couple narrowly dodging more blaster fire. He threw his other hand out and sent a blast of Force energy at the target launching it into the wall and smashing it to pieces. Then he clapped his hands together and the last four remaining remotes were all pulled together and like the once before exploded into pieces.

The doors opened once more and when he looked behind he saw Leia walk in. "Ah, greetings your highness." He said bowing to the young woman.

"Please there's no need for formality, Master Silverton."

A bemused smile crossed the elder Jedi's face. "Master? I'm no Master, your highness. I'm just a very old Jedi Knight who has been in hiding for nineteen years and you're a princess."

Leia couldn't help but smile at his words. "Even so, you are a great warrior of the Clone Wars and fought in many battles. Your suggestion to have Mon Calamari as a base of operations has greatly helped the Alliance."

Vince shrugged. "Well, Mon Calamari was already allied with the Rebellion so why not settle here? With all the defenses in place to protect the planet it would take the Empire a long time to reclaim the system. Speaking of defenses. What news of Hoth?"

"Work is still under construction and we received news of capturing Ion Cannons and two planetary shield generators in separate raids. We will set up one of the Ion Cannons and shield generators on Hoth as soon as possible."

Vince beamed with joy. "Good very good. What about the other Ion Cannons?"

"Those will be put to use Mon Calamari, Bulwark and other planets."

"Bulwark? Nobody told me we had a base there."

"We don't, it's a safe world for those connected to the Alliance can live freely from the Empire. Also, I didn't come here to just say hello. Mon Mothma requests you for something important."

This wasn't a surprise to the Jedi. He was a general within High Command now. So he followed the young woman to where Mon Mothma was. When they arrived they found the Chief of State sitting in her chair.

"Mon Mothma." He said bowing to her. "What can I do for the Alliance?"

"It's not for us. It's for you. One of our outposts received this message." Mon Mothma brought forth a holoprojector and activated it showing a man in his mid-40s.

"Greetings, my name is Joe and I'm a sympathizer of the Rebellion. I have an important datapad with the locations of remaining Jedi who have survived the rise of the Empire. It must be given to the Jedi, and only the Jedi who is to come alone to the plant Teth. I have given the coordinate for a secret meeting to where he may be given the datapad. I will await his reply."

Vince was shocked at this information. This man, Joe, had info on Jedi surviving Order 66!? This was excellent news. If he obtained that it he could rescue more Jedi, convince them to join the Rebellion and help Luke's training. The planet chosen for the meeting concerned him. "Isn't Teth in the Empire's control?"

"Yes but Intel says it's minimal, just a garrison force to guard the people. I'm sure all will go well in this meeting." Mon Mothma reassured.

The former senator made it sound like a walk in the park but that didn't convince the Jedi. He had to be on guard should anything happen. If Intel was right then the Imperials wouldn't noticed a thing about this meeting. And this was valuable information that he needed. With his mind made he departed to the hanger and travel to Teth to meet Joe.

Vince sat quietly in the scanner seat looking over its readings. Intel was right; all scanners showed was a small Empire force on the planet. He didn't see any at the meeting site so all was well. The jungle planet was deep within the Wild Space region of the galaxy and the battleground in the Clone Wars. It was now occupied by the Empire and the meeting site for the Jedi Knight.

Still why choose Teth? There were hundreds of other remote planets to choose from? Surely Alzoc III or even Tatooine could have been chosen, but Teth? This single thought couldn't stop the Jedi from having a bad feeling. Bad as it was he still had to meet with Joe and get that datapad.

The stolen Lambda shuttle sored through the skies toward the coordinates to the meeting place, the old B'omarr Monastery atop the mesa were the ground Battle of Teth took place in the Clone Wars. The shuttle continued on course toward its destination and sure enough the old monastery was in sight. It flew over the mesa before setting down on the large front space before the building. Vince departed from the shuttle to meet with Joe. Hopefully this wouldn't take long.

He was displeased that Joe wasn't out here waiting for him. He crossed his arms and waited for him. "Jedi!" Vince looked up wear the voice came from and saw Joe waving at him from the balcony two stories up. "I shall exchange it when you arrive up here." He heard him say then disappear into the shadows. Vince frowned this was going to be a hassle. He scanned the building searching for anything suspicious. He could sense something off. However, he couldn't pinpoint it. Staying on guard he used the Force to jump his way up to the balcony.

Arriving on the balcony he entered the hall and found it empty. Now he knew there was something going on. Something was wrong…very wrong. Suddenly the sound of a neck snapping alerted him followed by approaching footsteps and that was followed by…

SNAP HISSSSS

…the activation of a lightsaber!

Vince narrowed his eyes and turned around grabbing his lightsaber as he did so. The Jedi Knight came face to face with a woman. A Nightsister. Pale skin, sharp black nails, long black hair, and yellow eye. She worse a scarlet robe over black battle armor and in her hand was a red lightsaber.

"Welcome to Teth." Her voice was eerie and menacing. "I am Inquisitor Zenobia and I've been waiting for you, Jedi Knight Vince Silverton."

Vince ignited his weapon and brought it forth in defense. A trap! An unexpected trap at that! And he so foolishly feel for it! Worst was that this was an Inquisitor. Those obviously must be Darksiders who follow Palpatine's Empire. This wasn't good at all. It was at least better than Vader but still not good. "You used Joe to lure me here." It wasn't a question.

The Inquisitor allowed a sinister smile to show. "No, my dear Jedi. He was no sympathizer of the Rebellion. He was an agent of the Empire and he has outlived his purpose for my plan. He sent that message so you're Rebellion would discover it and lure you here to the Teth. As for the datapad it's empty. There are no Jedi left. Only you. You were so foolishly to believe that message. Now that you are here I can kill you." As soon as she said that the sound of rock launches being fired came from below followed by a loud explosion! The Lambda shuttle had been destroyed and now the Jedi was stranded with no way to escape. She was his to kill now. "I'll make sure to give you an honorable death, Jedi." She removed her cloak and attacked!

Vince jumped back and ignited his weapon blocking the fast swing aimed to cut him to pieces. He quickly glanced to the destroyed shuttle seeing the cockpit blown to piece with the rest in flames. He'd have to win this battle, call for help, and hope it arrives. Either that or make his way to Inner Teth, the old capital of the planet, and find a ship there and get back to the Alliance. Problem was there was no way to escape the mesa. There were no stairs nor elevators that led down to the jungle floor. There was also the problem the Imperial presence here. If he defeated the Inquisitor and ran for it he'd have to deal with perusing Imperial forces.

And to make matters worse; this was Vince first really duel against a servant of the dark side! He never dueled against General Grievous, or Dooku, or Asajj, or any of the other of the dark acolytes serving Dooku. He only had training duels with other Jedi. This was a duel to the death and he had to be careful!

The elder Jedi stepped back and brought his saber up once more blocking a slash from the left then again from the right which also was blocked. Again and again the Inquisitor attacked nearly hitting him everytime. She was stronger than he expected and from the aggressive attacks she poured onto him she was clearly using Form VII. Juyo, the last and most aggressive of the forms was fueled by raw emotion giving way to powerful attacks. Few Jedi used it but it was a favorite to those who followed the dark side. If she hit him at the right speed and angle she could break his defense and kill him. All he could do was hold out till she exhausted all her energy and counter attack as he had done to Luke in training.

Learning elements of Form's III and IV with his mastery of Form II gave him, as his master had described "graceful and deadly" advantages over an opponent. He'd keep on the defense with swordplay of Form's II and III and once they had exhausted all there energy he'd go on the attack with Form's II and IV gaining him victory. No wonder Dooku favored Form II so much. It was the most centered on lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. Combined it with the defense of Form III and it was impossible to break through. The same with Form IV and it was a nonstop assault of chops, slashes, thrust, jabs, and light cuts all mixed together. Now he'd have to put it to the test and hope he survived this battle.

He moved his head to the side dodging a thrust from his saber. Seeing the mistake she made he swung his blade down upon her hoping to end this now! His hopes were crushes when she blasted him off his feet with the Force. Damn Darksiders and there underhand tactics! He glanced to see her charge forward! He had to time this right if it was to work. He waited patiently for her to close the distance. Closer…closer….As soon as she was on top of him he unleashed a powerful two handed force push at her slamming her into the ceiling and giving him time to jump to his feet just as he landing back down on hers a deep frown upon her face.

"Very impressive. The last Jedi I faced tried so desperately to beat him. He was nothing to what you are. Your skills are commendable, but they will not save you in the end!" She attacked again doubled her focus on killing him! She swung left, blocked. She swung right, blocked! Two handed downward strike, also blocked! She grit her teeth in fury! Nothing was working! No matter what angle she attacked from his blade would always be there to intercept hers or he'd simply dodge!

Damn Jedi! Why wouldn't he stay still and die!? She tired another thrust attack that was dodged and in her attempt to stab him she lunged a little too far and went right back him! She was wide open to him from the back! Refusing to allow herself to be struck down so easily she swiftly turned her upper body to face him and swinging her blade. Though missing like before it still forced her opponent to fall back and give her distance to recover her footing and face him once more.

She frowned deeply. He was strong that she could tell. His skills with a blade were not to be underestimated too. His swordplay and foot work were a combination of Forms II and III giving him a powerful defense. Nevertheless, this Jedi, like all the others who faced her, would die!

She charged him again doubling her speed in the Force. Let's see if he can dodge this! When she was in range she twirled through the air spinning her blade wildly slicing away at everything in her path! It was flurry of red and green clashing together. She had near hits on him but missed like always. Still she was displeased by this. How the hell was this old man able to keep up with her? There was no way he could be this fast without the aid of the Force!

The Force…

Suddenly a plan began forming within her mind. This would work. She charged again predicting he would be ready for her which he was. She lunged through the air preforming a somersault. As soon as she completed it she released a powerful blast of the Force upon him. Sending him flying down the hall!

At last she had gotten a hit on him. Not physically but was still able to deal damage to her prey. Now she could finish him. Without giving him time to recover she rushed forward and swung her blade at the down Jedi. Now he would die.

Unfortunately, her blade met air and she received a swift kick to her feet knocking her off balance and onto the floor. She raised her blade in defense from a counterattack by the Jedi. Parrying the blade away she rolled away to gain distance and jump back to her feet just as the Jedi did. They locked eyes and dashed at one another. There movements were fast and accurate!

Makashi against Juyo.

Vince spun away and attacked again grazing his opponent's blade with a trust which turned into a deadly lock of blades each battling for superiority. "Geez you're no pushover."

"I have skills that you could never achieve, old man."

Vince smirked at her words. "Skills like these!?" And before she could answer or react he threw his left hand forward unleashing a powerful Force Push at point blank range! He heard her screams of surprise and furry as she was sent flying through the air and roll across the floor. That had to hurt! Taking this chance he dashed out the balcony he came through wasting no time to check if she was unconscious or not. He had to get out of here and fast! He quickly grabbed his communicator and opened communications to the Alliance.

"Mayday, mayday! This is General Silverton, the meeting was a trap set by the Empire! Need immediate evac now! Hello, anyone read me? Hello!?"

No words came through only static. They were jamming his transmissions. This wasn't good at all! Looks like he was gonna have to do this the hard way! Stowing his comlink away he refocused his efforts on getting off the mesa.

"Blast him!"

The Jedi swore as a hail of blaster fire came flying toward him fired by the very same stormtroopers who destroyed the shuttle. .He couldn't waste time with these goons! He had other matters to attend too! He sent another Force blast knocking them away and allowing him to make a run for the edge with more blaster fire following him! Once he reached it he leaped forward and started free falling!

Down….down….down he fell the eyes stinging, heart beating, and hair flying wildly as he deceased toward the ground. This was the only way he'd get off that death trap since there was no ship, or elevator, or stairs for him to use as an escape. Suddenly to his surprise a shot zoomed past him! He glanced behind and to his shock the stormtroopers were following him! They were falling and shooting at him! What the hell were they thinking!? They he realized why they were doing this. Strapped to their backs were jetpacks! They were going to kill him and then use those blasted items to give themselves a soft landing! This day was getting worse every minute!

With no choice but to fight he spun his body to face them and started deflecting shot after shot aimed at him. Many shots missed but few grazed his armor leaving scorches upon it. He switched hands, holding his saber in his left, and drew his DL-18 and returned fire forcing the troops to scatter and giving him time to glance over his shoulder. He was getting closer to the ground. If he could keep them scatter he could land without killing himself. Deactivating his saber and clipping it to belt he started to rapidly firing his pistol in all directions keeping the press up on those Imperials. He even managed to wound one in the shoulder.

Another glance and he could see the ground now. Twisting his body to face the jungle floor he counted down the seconds remaining before initiating his plan. 5 seconds…almost….almost there….now! Holstering his gun he threw his hands forward calling upon the Force to decrease his speed and allow him to position himself right side up and land safely upon the Teth's earth. Looking back to the skies he frowned seeing the troops continue their chase. Refusing to let them have their way he took off into the jungle in hopes of losing them! Looking back he saw them land one by one by the usages of their jetpacks and continue pursuing him!

Zenobia awake to blurriness anger coursing through her veins! She had lost her prey! Fooled by a surprise attack and had lost him! This Jedi truly was not one to underestimate! Blinking to clear her vision she saw a stormtrooper squad rushing toward her a medic following behind. She jumped to her feet and marched over demanding answers. "Where is the Jedi!?"

"Escaped, ma'am! Jettroopers are in pursuit as we speak."

Zenobia narrowed her eyes. There was no way that Jedi could get off the mesa, unless he did something insane to find a way down into the jungle. "Double the search! Deploy TIE squads. Set weapons to stun, I want him alive and brought to me!"

"Yes, my lord. Do you require medical attention?"

"All I require is the capture of that Jedi. That is all I care for, trooper. Now do as I ordered." The Inquisitor hissed.

All the troops departed save for the officer. "My Lord, forgive me for saying, but do you believe will catch him?" His tone was calm and filled with curiosity.

Zenobia turned to the officer her red eyes staring at his brown. "If not now, then the next time. He will not elude me forever. Has General Mortem, redeployed the blockade guarding Teth?"

"Yes, mistress. He shall not escape. He's miles away from the cities and he won't escape the patrols you've sent out. I only hope those they don't disobey orders and kill him."

"They will do no such thing." Zenobia countered with a wave of her hand. "Those droids have orders to wound, not kill." The Inquisitor strolled through the halls followed by the officer while soldiers rushed past to their stations. She gave orders to turn the palace into a fortress to use against any Rebel attack that could occur.

"My lord, I hope you haven't forgotten but there are resistant fighters here on Teth."

"And you forgot that Rebel Cell was crushed days ago by my hand." A sadistic look filled her eye as he remembered the joy of killing the Teth Rebels. None escaped her wrath. Not a single one. They had been a nuisance to the Imperial garrison here and the incompetent Moff couldn't do a thing to stop them. So to make up for his failure she eradicate those Rebel vermin on her own, then killed him and installed new Moff to control the system. They were pathetic. Just a band of people with guns harassing the Empire. Now they were no more. Gone. Erased from the planet and galaxy. The sound of TIE's zooming over caught her attention. Good with air superiority there was no place for that Jedi to hide!

Vince ducked his head as a stun blot came flying over! "Sithspit!" He swore dodging stun shots left and right, ducking and dodging using the trees for cover! Those damn jumptroopers wouldn't give up! There jetpacks were allowing them air advantage to fire on him and give them a clear view of where he was! If this kept up he'd be stunned and captured and killed by Zenobia! He had to keep running! He had to lose them!

Another shot whizzed by his head. This was getting annoying. He spun around and grabbed two of the troopers by the Force and flung at each other. The two stormtroopers collided and exploded into a fiery ball. Before he could do it to the others a loud screeching sound was coming from behind!

"Oh no!"

Glancing over his shoulder and his eyes went wide. A TIE fighter was coming in fast and its weapons were locked onto him! The Jedi dived out of the way in time narrowly dodging the TIE unleashed its blaster cannons upon him! The jumptroopers followed suit flying in different directions to avoid friendly fire. The forest floor was lit up by green lasers exploding trees and kicking up dirt!

Vince scrambled to his feet not looking back to see if he was still being followed. Wonderful. Just wonderful. Now he had infantry and a fighter trying to kill him! He had to lose them now otherwise he'd never get back to the Rebellion!

He could hear the TIE coming back around for another attack run. He ran as fast as his legs could take him. The ion engines of the TIE indicated it was getting closer and closer by the second. He sent a quick glance to check and saw the fighter was extremely close to the surface. The edge of its wings brushing against the tree tops. It was not gonna let him get away that easily. These Imperial's would not let their prey go. And he would not give up so easily.

Vince dodged to the left making the TIE lose its lock on him. This pilot was determined to kill him. He continued running not daring to pause for breath to allow the enemy to catch up to him. Speaking of which, he noticed those troopers with jetpacks had ceased there case of him. He must have lost them when the TIE fighter attacked. Nevertheless, he had to be aware for anything.

Suddenly he heard a loud sound, not a blaster, or a TIE, but a…

BOOM!

His thoughts were interrupted when an explosion erupted behind him sending the old Jedi flying into a tree. It hurt a lot. He growled in pain from impacting the tree. Had he not been wearing the armor he was no doubt would have been in much worse pain, or have a broken back. He tried to move but felt pain within his side! He looked to where he felt the pain and sure enough there sticking into his left rib was a piece of shrapnel. He had no time to remove it. He had to get away. Shaking his head to clear his vison he trying to get up and run but was stopped. Stormtroopers surrounded him, there E-11's aimed at him. One trooper, who obviously had been the one to send him flying, was holding a rocket launcher and reloading it.

He laid his head against the tree. Damn it, he was cornered and wounded. There was no way he could fight them like this. Not in this positon and with so many weapons aimed at him. The Jedi was screwed and he knew it.

"Well Jedi, it looks like you've finally been captured." The Imperial officer gloated arrogantly. "Surrender so we don't have to stun you and carry you back."

Vince frowned. Stun him? It was clearly the Inquisitor had given them exact orders for him to be killed by her and nobody else. Then he snorted at that piece of information. These Inquisitors sure made it there priority to kill Jedi. It was there task after all.

He stayed silent pondering what he should do. His wound would prevent him from moving quick enough to use the Force to push his enemies away from him. Even if he could, he'd have a difficult time running with shrapnel stabbing into his rib. If he surrender, they could possible treat his injury and load him onto a transport which he could then steal and escape the system on. Before so he'd need to retrieve his weapons. Before he could answer the officer spoke again.

"On second thought….men prepare to fire."

"But sir, Lady Zenobia said to bring him to her."

The officer glared at the trooper. "Are you questioning my orders, trooper? If we kill him now then this damn Jedi won't cause a hassle to us through the rest of the war. We can tell the Inquisitor he killed himself. She doesn't need to know." The officer stepped forward and drew his pistol and aimed it at the Jedi. At this close range there was no way he could miss. The Jedi was his to kill and once dead he would gloat to his fellow Imperials that it was he who killed him. "Farewell, Jedi."

Vince stared at the weapon aimed at his face. He didn't panic or react to it. He just stared at the tip of the barrel calm as a clam within the water. The Imperials though he was waiting for death to take him. He wasn't doing no such thing. No, he was concentrating on all the weapons surrounding him. Had he not been wounded this little trick his master showed him would be a lot easier to use. However, due to the condition he was in right now it would drastically drain him of his energy but he had to do it. There was no try. Yoda always said do or do not. And he would do this. He COULD do this!

The Imperial officer pulled the trigger but no sound came from it. He pulled it again and to his surprise found the weapon's safety had been set. Before he could ponder on how that happened the power cell for his pistol suddenly ejected making his eyes go wide as dinner plates. It wasn't just his weapon but his soldier's as well! Every stormtrooper found there weapon suddenly on safety mode and there ammo cartridge ejecting out of the weapon.

The officer dropped his pistol and backed away in fear at the Jedi. This had to be his doing! He was using that thing! That magic power Darth Vader and the Inquisitors were doing! "R-Reload your weapons and kill him!" He shouted fear filled his tone.

"Sir! It-it's stuck! The safety won't come off!" Bellowed a soldier who tried desperately to release the safety to his weapon.

"Mine too!"

"Then bash his head in!" Cried the officer once more taking another step back at the power the Jedi was displaying. As soon as he said that he felt something smack his head and soon all went to darkness. What had hit the officer was a stormtroopers E-11 that, like the others, went flying out of his grip and smash into the heads of their fellow squad members who fell unconscious from the impact.

Vince released his concentrating of the Force and panting for air. He had exhausted more energy than he expected. His brow was sweaty, his hands were shaking, his breathing was ragged, and his wound hurt a lot. Nevertheless, he had done escaped death. Now all he had to do was get this wound taken care of before reinforcements arrived and keep moving. He grabbed the edge of the shrapnel and with a mighty tug pulled it from his armor. He bit his tough to suppress a scream of pain. He glared angrily at the sharp piece of metal covered in blood.

Unfortunately for him, the Jedi had no knowledge of Force healing techniques. And he had not brought medical supplies with him, nor did he suspect any medics were with this enemy patrol he encountered. He was gonna have to do this the old fashion way. The painful way. Grabbing his lightsaber he ignited the blade and fiddling with the dials on his weapon shortened its length to a dagger. He narrowed his eyes and with steady hands lowered the weapon to his wound.

Pain! Agonizing pain shot through his body as the hot green blade touched his skin! Gritted his teeth together and growled. He channeled his pain He refused to scream less someone would hear him. He channeled his pain into anger and that anger was released into the force. Immediately pulling the blade away he checked the wound. The lightsaber had done its job; the wound was cauterized. His blood would no longer seep out nor would he be infected, if the shrapnel had not already delivered any into the system by now. Nevertheless, his wound was treated and now he could continue onward. Still, it hurt a lot. In all his years, not once had he ever been hit by a blaster bolt or struck by a lightsaber. That is until now. However, it was bound to happen someday and today had been that day; the trap set on Teth.

Deactivating the weapon he rose to his feet and stretched his body. He had to get moving again and find shelter. The sun was setting and the Empire would no doubt double their search for him. He had one goal now; survive and escape back to the Alliance. If he was going to survive he'd need to borrow some equipment and said equipment was laying all around him. He gave thorough search on each of the bodies, snagging the utility belt that was the fullest He checked through it making sure it would aid in his survival. Grappling hooks, water packs, thermal detonator, power cells. All these and other useful items were contained within the belt. Clasping the belt around his waist he took an E-11 for extra firepower and jogged off into night.

It's a trap! Vince is trapped and Zenobia has begun her hunt for him. Also i'm gonna be adding flashbacks from time to time to show Vince from the Clone Wars.

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