Chapter 10: New Assignment

Third Person

After his escape from the Republic Venator-class destroyer Tranquility, General Rommel has been evacuated onto Count Dooku's personal frigate, to await further orders. Meanwhile, on Coruscant, members of the High Jedi council prepare to make their next move against the Separatist threat. In the Jedi Temple, Jedi Knight Skylar prepares herself to meet Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, and Padawan Ahsoka Tano on the Republic destroyer Resolute.

Skylar's POV

It's been awhile since I joined the Jedi Order. It was during the Occupation of Kharthakk that I realized I was force sensitive. Jedi Master Yoda and Windu visited me at my home ever since Mason left to go fight. I tried to persuade him not to go to Kharthakk, and that I might lose him. But he kept reassuring me that he will be alright and that a Jedi is going with him to. I eventually relented seeing how he thought he was doing the right thing.

When I accepted the idea to become a Jedi, I thought that if the occupation continues, I might be sent to fight and I will meet Mason again. Unfortunately, my training was far from complete. During my years as a padawan, I was trained by Master Krell. He was a tough jedi master, and he demanded nothing less than 100%. He would sometimes "motivate" me by calling me the "Spoiled Coruscanti Brat" or "Princess". He would even go as far to beat me if I made a mistake.

Eventually, Master Windu caught on to what Master Krell was doing and spoke to the Jedi Council about Krell's actions towards me. All the members in the council decided to send Krell to Kessel to keep the peace between the prison guards and prisoners. I was glad Krell was gone from here and away from me. I was thus getting trained by Master Aayla Secura. She proved to be the best Jedi Master I have ever had. She taught me many things through lightsaber wielding to philosophy.

During the fifth year of the occupation, I received a holo message. It read 'I am sorry to inform you that Captain Mason Rommel of the Coruscant Volunteers has perished in battle. He will be long remembered'. I couldn't believe it. I started morning for his death. I cried for many hours until Master Secura came to check up on me. She asked what was wrong and I explained to her what happened. I expected her to give me another lecture about the Jedi Code but instead she sat down with me and asked me to meditate with her.

She told me that it's okay to feel love but to never let it control your actions. I didn't understand so she elaborated "The Jedi encourage us to love the people but to never get into any attachments because jealousy leads to fear; fear leads to hate; and hate leads to suffering. After many days of trying to accept my boyfriend's death, I managed to move on and become stronger than I once was as now I was free from all negative emotions that could impact me. By 11:12 AGrS, I became a Jedi Knight. When the war broke out, I trained to hone into my skills and studied how to lead armies for the upcoming battles that will come.

Well, I guess my chance has come seeing now I am on a mission to capture Count Dooku, the instigator of this war as well as Sith Lord. I packed all of my possessions in my quarters and headed towards the command bridge to meet up with Master Obi-wan Kenobi and Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. My robes are a light brown that covers my entire body. My hair is tied back so none of it gets in my eyes.

I entered the command bridge as three Jedi were already coming up with a plan. "Then I will come up with my." "No No No, then you will get yourself into an ambush." "Then how about this, I let myself get captured and you sneak onto the ship. Once we meet up, than we attack Dooku while Ahsoka comes in with the fleet." "I don't know." I coughed a few times. "How about I go with Skywalker seeing how two Jedi Knights is better than one." Master Kenobi scratched his beard a few times before relenting "Very well, but hopefully this works. No matter I am Master Obi-wan Kenobi." "And I am Anakin Skywalker and this is my Padawan Ahsoka Tano." I took the time to remember their names and features. It all seems easy enough. Obi-wan has a sharp, brown beard as well as a brown hair. He has sharp facial features such as his nose and chin, and talks very smoothly. Anakin has more of a roundish face with a small scar on his right eye. Ahsoka is the shorter Togrutan girl. She is kinda cute if you ask me.

I replied "It is nice to meet you, I am Jedi Knight Skylar Noble." I bowed my head in respect and the others bowed back. Obi-wan said "Skylar, are you certain you should take this mission." I nodded my head "Yes Master Kenobi, if we can capture Dooku, by overpowering him through our numbers and skill, than the war will end much sooner." He nodded his head in reluctance. "Very well, Anakin, Skylar...go prepare yourself to get captured." I nodded my head and head towards the main hangar. This is going to be my first, challenging mission.

Rommel's POV

I am currently in my chambers on Count Dooku's personnel frigate. I looked around if something was off. I checked under my bed, closest, or anything that could be bugged. So far I didn't see any. I changed into some new clothes. I decided to go change into my stealth gear to see if it still fits. It consists of black boots, black combat pants, a black cotton sweater, and a black officer's cap. After getting dressed I had nothing else to do so I decided to update my journal.

0645 hours, 15 Zhellday, Vanqour space. I have just escaped from the Republic destroyer, Tranquility with the help of assassin Asajj Ventress as well as Warden Argyus. Warden Argyus has been dealt with swiftly . Despite the brainwashing that is taking its time in killing those Hu'tuuns, I am still honouring the promise I made to my lost friends. Especially you Skylar. I still miss you and hope you are faring well on Coruscant. I wish there was another way to be with you. But every thing I can think of is risking your life for my revenge. I just can't come back until I finish what I started. For Woods, The Volunteers, and for Clan Spaar on Mandalore, they deserved a hero's welcome and death. I am the only one left to take revenge for those that died. I hope I can see you soon. Mason Rommel, signing out."

I turned off the holojournal and sent it to my personal account so that it would be saved somewhere else rather than destroy whatever I had recorded. I layed on my bed, crying. Bringing up all those names brought back bad memories. The torture, the brainwashing, the labour, and all my friends that were butchered in that death camp. It just brought back way too many memories. I decided to rest on my bed.

One Hour Later

I suddenly was woken from bed by an attack siren. I immediately armed myself and rushed to the command centre to evaluate the situation. Once I got there, I noticed two Jedi fighters, one yellow and one light blue. I ordered all fighters to launch and take on the Jedi fighters. Normally, this would scramble the fighters to attack, but these pilots are not moving at all. I ordered a squadron to bring the fighters into the hangar, while the rest land. I ordered troops to surround and capture the Jedi and put them into separate cells.

I made my way down to the detention centre. I opened the first Jedi cell block. I went inside and I saw a young lady in Jedi robes. She is about my height and...shares a similar resemblance to Skylar. She was meditating in her cell, calm, quiet, and unafraid. What has happened when I was away? "Skylar...is that you." I said softly. She opened her eyes in surprised and asked "Who are you and how do you know my name?" I laughed a bit "Skylar, don't you recognize me? It's me, Mason."

Skylar's POV

MASON! No that's impossible, he died in Kharthakk. I questioned the General "What game are you trying to do. If you think I would betray the Republic through your manipulation, you are vastly mistaken." He looked taken aback, his face full of surprise. He then pondered for a minute before snapping his fingers. "Well, I am the real Mason, and I can prove it to you." His eyes devilishly gleaming. I raised one of my eyebrows "Really...prove it." "Well, back on Coruscant, there was this one time I saw you..." I immediately cut in "Okay, Okay I believe you, just stop!" I don't believe it! Mason actually survived, but why did he betray the Republic. I started interrogating him "Why did you betray the Republic? Your home. What happened to you? How did you get that scar?"

He looked back at me with tired eyes "I did what I had to...to ensure your safety, as well as the others. All of this is for the volunteers. It has nothing to do with you." "How does turning your colours ensure the safety of others? The Separatist butcher entire planets without remorse." Mason looked back at me depressed "I can't tell you...I just can't, as much as I would love to, it's just... I don't want you involved with something not related to you." I frowned a bit. My old boyfriend, not trusting me. What happened to you? "How did you get that scar and when?" He looked unsure for a little before relenting "I received this scar...on a prison world Coruscant sent me..." He looked back a bit before finishing his sentence "By the Jedi."

Shock came over me. Why would Coruscant send one of their soldiers, especially my ex-boyfriend, to prison? I don't know what else to say. When I tried to say something, Mason sat down beside me and said "When I was returning home, I planned on surprising you with this." He presented me with a small black box. I slowly opened the top, unsure if it was a trap. As I took off the top, I saw a beautiful diamond ring. I turned to look at him and he smiled. "I had plans, lots of plans...I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life, well until you...became a Jedi." I sensed no deceit in what he said. Everything was true and he does care about me. I shook myself as having emotions could cause me to fall to the darkside.

"I can not accept this, the Jedi code." Mason sighed "Prohibits any attachment, I know, I know." He continued "I just want you to know that I still love you and always will. No matter what." I was stunned. For many years, he didn't see me. For many years, he was imprisoned. For many years, he could of lost hope...and he didn't. He still cares for me. No, no, I can't believe this. He must be trying to manipulate my emotions. I said coldly "Your feeble attempts to persuade me to betray the Republic has failed general. I am of no use to you now. Do your worst." I closed my eyes and waited for the blow. It never came. I opened my eyes to see a shocked Mason.

His eyes were full of sadness and anger. He tried to make words come out of his mouth but it didn't come out. He slowly crawled away from me before struggling to bring himself up. He headed towards the cell door. Before he left, he looked at me one last time, then at the ring. He closed the box with his hand and clenched his fist. His face was full of anger, with a touch of sadness. He looked at me for a second time before closing the door. His only expression was that of sadness. A single tear fell from his eyes before the door was violently shut closed.

Rommel's POV

I left her in the cell. I just can't believe what I heard. She's just so cold. All the warmth, happiness, and cheer... Gone. Everything gone. My girlfriend, Woods, Kerta, and the volunteers. Every last one. As I ran back to my quarters, more tears began to fill up as I remembered my time with her. School, childhood, the dates we've been on, and the time I spent chasing after her...all gone. If only I listened to her. Stayed with her, than none of this would of happen. Now I am forced to fight against my old home and my girlfriend. I swear Krell, Naba Se. When I find you, you will pay for everything you had done to me, my friends, and most importantly my girlfriend.

Obi-wan POV

I slowly made my way to Count Dooku's frigate. I was really fortunate I haven't been spotted yet. I entered through the exhaust port and made my way through to the main hall. I took off my space suit and jetpack and hid it. I quickly scurried my way through the dull corridors to the prison entrance. I quickly followed behind a battle droid just before the doors closed. I slowed my pace and I started sensing two life forms behind a cell door.

I opened it and saw two pirates in the holding cell. "Don't bother to get up, you're not the prisoner I'm looking for." And I immediately shut the door. I went to the next cell. I opened and entered it. I saw no one inside, then I felt a small disturbance in the force. I immediately turned around just when Anakin jumped down. "Oh, it's just you." He said disappointed. I smirked "This is how you thank me for rescuing you? Kind of difficult without your lightsaber." He replied "Thanks." I looked around and frowned "Where is Skylar?" "She was taken to a separate cell on the other side of the ship master...I believe she was being interrogated by the General." We walked out of the cell. "I see...did you managed to locate Dooku before landing in jail." He replied "I know he is on board. Might be able to do something about it if I had my weapon." "It was important for you to arrive without it so your capture would be convincing." "Oh, he would be convinced alright." I rolled my eyes "Let's just bust Skylar out of her prison before we go after Dooku." Anakin nodded and we rushed off to find Skylar.

Skylar's POV

After Mason left me alone, I could hear him running off, away from me. I'm confused. He is the enemy. A pawn of the Sith and yet he still holds on to me dearly. There was no mistaking it. His reaction, his sadness, his tears, and his utter disbelief of my words. He is still in love with me. I don't know if the Jedi have anything that teaches us about these types of situation. It usually teaches us that emotional manipulation seems to be effective to Jedi interrogators. That and pain.

Ugh, I just don't understand. I decided to meditate more to see if I am missing anything from my training. It felt like hours and I couldn't find a thing that can help me with this situation. I tried reaching out to Mason to see if we still had some kind of connection but decided against it. He might detect the connection. I waited in my cell, meditating. I suddenly heard the cell door open. "Skylar, I see you have been adjusting well." I opened my eyes and saw Master Kenobi and Anakin with smiles. I replied "You certainly took your time."

I stood up and saw Master Kenobi with my lightsaber and handed it to me. I took the weapon away from him and attached it to my robes. We walked out of the cell and headed toward the bridge. "Are you okay Skylar?" He said with worry. I raised my eyebrows "Yes...why?" He continued "From what Anakin has told me, you had been interrogated by the General. He also said that the general is very susceptible to anger if you agitate him enough." I nodded "Yes, I was interrogated by him. However, he was not able to get any information from me. He was...confusing master." "Confusing." I elaborated "Mason was my...boyfriend before he was sent to Kharthakk. Before I became a Jedi...he was the nicest man I had ever met and the most caring...now, with his defection to the Separatist, I thought he was trying to manipulate my emotions but he..." Master Kenobi said "He did what." "He looked sad, even regretful for what he is doing...when I thought I made him angry, he didn't strike or torture me...he looked at me with sadness and anger. He was stunned by me and I felt I hurt him more than any lightsaber or blaster would of done. I believe he still loves me master. What do I do?"

"For now we capture Count Dooku and the General. After that, we interrogate them, than we would put them on trial for their crimes against the Republic." I nodded my head. Once this is all over, then you can finally be at peace Mason.

Rommel's POV

I exited my room and headed towards Count Dooku's private quarters near the bridge. The Count ordered me to bring my sidearm as well as an E-5 blaster rifle with me. I made my way to the armory to collect the weapons and left. I reached the doors of his room. I entered and was about to say "Hello Count, you called" but I was interrupted. "General Mason Rommel. I want you to prepare my ship to launch. I will also discuss in the formation of a black operations unit that you will lead." I raised my eyebrows in confusion "Sir?"

"Mason, just do it." So I left him. After a little while, I started preparing for his ship to leave. Suddenly, I saw a Republic destroyer come out of hyperspace and started opening fire. I had most of the droid fighters and bombers launch to attack the destroyer and buy some time for the Count's departure. Just then, I saw the Count appear and I saluted him in. He told me to follow him inside. I went inside and sat behind him. As we were leaving I felt a presence. A presence of someone familiar just don't know what is doing it. I shrugged it off. We immediately left the doomed vessel with the fighter escorts.

I thought we were going home safely, until the presences of flak hitting the rear of the solar sailer. At first it was nothing then I heard an astounding explosion hit something. I believe it to be the engines. We were crashing down to a grayish white planet below. We were dropping down fast. The ship sliced its way through the clouds and as the ship pulled its nose up I braced myself for the coming crash.

Then it hit. The ship started creating a screeching sound until it finally stopped. I got up from my seat as Count Dooku started struggling to get off his. I immediately went over to him and helped him up. Once we got outside, Count Dooku ordered "I want you to place a tracking device on the ship and when you see the Jedi, shoot at them and run towards the cave. I have a plan to trap them." "Right away sir!" I followed my orders as instructed knowing what plan the Count will set up.

Skylar's POV

Few minutes prior to events

We found our way to Count Dooku's quarters and entered. We saw him meditating quietly. We all pulled out our lightsabers. "Surprise, surprise if it isn't Count Dooku." Said Master Kenobi. Dooku replied back "Obi-wan Kenobi and who is this?" I answered "I am Jedi Knight Skylar Noble and you Count are under arrest by the orders of the Galactic Republic." He ignored me " Well I evidently see you freed young Skywalker and Noble. Where might you be if you weren't always around to save him?" I suddenly heard a droid say "Sir, there's a Jedi cruiser attacking." Anakin then says "You're ship is surrounded, Count. Republic troops are boarding as we speak." I prepared myself for his attack "Jedi fools." Then he escapes through a secret door beneath him. "I should have seen that coming." I then saw Anakin jump down and yelled "What are you doing?" He simply replied "Following him." Master Kenobi said "Not that way. We need to cut him off." Anakin yells back "You cut him off. I'll follow him and meet you at the hangar." "Why do I even try?" I look back at Master Kenobi shrugging my shoulders.

We ran as fast as we could to the hangar. Unfortunately, Count Dooku managed to escape but I feel the presence of another person. A presence I haven't felt since...suddenly, I saw Master Kenobi run to a Separatist shuttle and did the same. We waited for a few seconds when Anakin arrived. I said "I thought you were following Dooku?" "I was...I followed him here. Hang on." He called his padawan "Ahsoka, Dooku managed to escape. We're in pursuit, but we could use reinforcements. Follow us in what ships you can round up." She replied "We'll get there as soon as we can." Master Kenobi was shooting at the solar sailor. The more he shoots, the more accurate the shots are getting. Finally the ship got hit in the engines, yet I can't help but feel that someone I know is on board. Anakin commented "That was easy." Master Kenobi said "Lucky for you, I'm an excellent shot." I then said "Well, now those fighters are attacking." Master Kenobi replied "I'm on it." We shot the fighter but it crashed onto our starboard side "Uh, he's getting too close." We descended upon the planet below. "Lucky for you, I'm an excellent pilot." We hit the ground multiple times feeling everything we hit. I fell onto the ground hitting my head. "For all your expertise, this is not a very smooth landing." "And if you'd hit that second fighter, we wouldn't be in this mess."

I got up rubbing the sore area on my head as I got out of the ship. I looked around the surface of the grey planet. Looking for any signs of life. I found a large trail indented on the ground. I followed it with my eyes and saw Count Dooku's solar sailer. I called out to Master Kenobi and Anakin who were still arguing that I found Count Dooku's ship. We approached it cautiously. I pointed at a small beeping device "What's that?" Anakin answers "That's a homing beacon." Master Kenobi continued "Which means the distinguished Count is waiting for help...so he can't be far off." He checked the engines "His engines are damaged. He's not going anywhere." I pulled up my lightsaber and hit the tracking device "Not without his tracking beacon."

Suddenly, we heard shots. Anakin and Master Kenobi brought up there lightsabers as more blasts shot my way. I deflected off many of the blasts while I try to locate the shots. It then suddenly stopped. I used hand signals to signal Master Kenobi and Anakin to move forward towards the hill. Anakin was to my right and Master Kenobi is to my left. When we reached the top, and I saw Mason aiming his blaster at us. I rushed towards him and I swing my lightsaber at him. He sidestepped and grabbed my hand holding my lightsaber. I struggled to release my lightsaber from his grip while I used my other arm to make jabs at him. I suddenly felt something hard poked my chest. I looked down and saw the blaster then looked up to see his face. "I'm sorry Skylar...please forgive me." Then he pulled the trigger and I blacked out.

Rommel's POV

I pulled the trigger effectively stunning her. She suddenly went limp and I turned off her lightsaber. Previously before the encounter, I used live shots. I planned on injuring or killing the Jedi here and lead the remaining to Count Dooku. I was about to pull the trigger until I saw Skylar. I hesitated. I just couldn't bring myself to kill her. No matter what happened, I still remember the good times I had with her and I still love her. So I missed on purpose and lead them towards the cave. I set my blaster on stun, and when Skylar attacks, I wouldn't kill her, and I would be ready.

I slowly dropped her on the floor, her lightsaber in hand. She looks so peaceful when she is asleep. I gave a small smirk of joy that I didn't have to kill her. I turned my attention towards the others and set my blaster to kill, without them noticing. They stare at me. The one on my left looks at me in shock and possibly anger while the one on the right was deeply upset and more tense.

I backed away slowly, blaster still aimed on them. I immediately ran towards the cave to set the trap.

Anakin POV

That man, this General managed to kill a Jedi Knight. Most Separatist Generals would cower away in fear in the sight of facing a Jedi or would have battle droids with him. But He had no battle droids and he showed no fear. Not even the slightest. He also showed no overconfidence in his abilities. Just who is this guy? I think I finally understand why the Jedi Council wants him so bad. This man is a Jedi killer as well as a supreme strategist. He backed away slowly into the cave while I tried to rush him. Suddenly, Obi-wan pulled me back "Anakin!" "What?" "Come here, I think Skylar is still alive." "What, how?"

I go up to her body and checked her pulse. She was still alive! But how. We saw the general shoot her in the chest...he must have stunned her. I looked at Obi-wan and told him to come find the general and Dooku in the cave. He will pay for trying to kill a Jedi.