Disclaimer-I do not own Naruto or Overlord, or any other game or manga, which I used while writing this...unfortunately.
Note: found a good cover image for my fic, all rights reserved.
Darth Jeviso.
Chapter III.
Onderon. Rebels meeting point.
"Separatists overcome with numbers, we will teach you, how repels their forces effectively." said Anakin.
"And to make it clear: we are not here to fight your battles for you, we are here to teach you, how to fight effectively." interfered Obi – Wan.
Rebels looked at each other and nodded.
"Captain Rex." said Anakin.
Rex stepped forward to console. "I will tell you, how 501st deal with the junkheads, but first I need volunteers to carry ammo and supplies from our landing point." said Rex.
"Without questions." replied Saw.
"Good" said Rex. "Follow me."
While rebels followed him Ahsoka called one of them.
"Lux!"
Young rebel turned to face togruta.
"It's good to see you again" she said.
"You too, Ahsoka." replied Lux.
"I never thought that you are part of rebel faction."
"Onderon is my home and my mother was our voice in the Senate."
"And strong voice you have." said Steela, who came from the right side of them. "Just like his mother."
"What about your opinion about joining Republic?" asked Ahsoka.
"It's still haven't changed, when we will reclaim Onderon, I will not become a part of Republic." said Lux.
"What's truly matters is teamwork like it was on Carlac."
"Carlac?" asked Steela "What happened on Carlac?"
"Thanks to Ahsoka, I'm here on Onderon and not with Death Watch." replied Max.
"Em.. he means…" started Ahsoka.
"She saved me from a terrible mistake." said Lux.
He went to the crowd of soldiers leaving Ahsoka and Steela alone.
"Looks like he has high opinion about you." said Steela.
"Maybe…" said Ahsoka.
"It's better not be biased." said Steela menacingly.
Several minutes later.
"Driver in first slot, controls tank, guns and front blasters." lectured the rebels Ahsoka. "Commander in upper slot operates tower and main gun. You need to destroy both parts, or tank will be operational."
She nodded to Rex, who acted immediately, he climbed to the first slot opened it, threw a grenade to it, than he used a main gun to get to the upper one and threw a grenade in it. Electrical charge turned giant war machine into pile of junk metal.
"Everybody divide in groups of two and train to deal with tanks." commanded Anakin. He threw bombs to Lax and Saw.
"I will take the upper one." said Lax, pushing Saw with his elbow.
"Dream on." replied Saw, pushing him back.
When Rex gave a signal, Saw pushed Lax to the back and charged to the tank first, while Lax followed him. Saw started to open the first slot while Lax climbed up, but main gun bended down and he fell from it, right on the Saw. Both rebels rolled in dust. Lax get up first and gave his hand to Saw.
"Sorry." he said. Saw pushed his hand aside and said: "You are good for nothing soldier, Lax."
"They are more interested in fighting with themselves than with droids." commented Obi – Wan.
"It will take time." replied Anakin.
"Take only the smartest and most skilled. In this fight time is no ally of us." said Obi – Wan.
Meanwhile…
On the great stone bridge two transports for droids drove, while near an outpost one of the battle droids instructed three scout droids.
"Unknown ship got into atmosphere in sector S- 11 and didn't register, rebels may operate there. Check it."
Droids disappeared in jungles, following their orders.
Meanwhile with rebels.
"Move!" screamed Rex "Act like a soldier, like a real one."
"Faster Donan! You can do it Has!" sort of cheered Saw. "You can do better."
He turned his head and saw Lax with Steela. He growled and walked to them.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
"Yes." said Lax, rising to his feet. "I'm alright."
Saw crossed his armed on his chest. "Are you sure? We could have died over there."
"I'm ready!" replied Lax.
Naruto appeared between them like a jinn from the bottle. "Enough of this! If you continue like this you better give up right now." But two hot heads didn't listen, their struggle continued. Lax was more level – headed, but Saw was stronger and had more endurance. As if it wasn't enough, tensions between Ahsoka and Steela started to rise.
Steela hit a droid head from her sniper rifle.
"Good aim and powerful hit." commented Anakin.
"Target that doesn't move is one thing, but what if we raise a difficulty a little?" said Ahsoka while levitating heads with Force.
Next shoot hit them as easily as before.
"Piece of a cake." commented Steela.
"Continue your training." said Anakin. "You need to stay sharp for coming battles."
Steel once again raised her sniper rifle.
"What the… Droids! To arms!" her cry and first droids, who appeared from the jungle made rebels grab their weapons.
Rebels easily destroyed battle droids, finally combined skills of Saw and brains of Lax brought them victory.
Finally Obi – Wan, Anakin and Rex left leaving Ahsoka with rebels and most importantly… with Jeviso. While Ahsoka was upset with relationship of Steela and Lax, young Sith was happy to help, Ahsoka was a cute girl and force – sensitive like him. They talked and found out that they had a lot in common. Slowly their relationship blossomed into something more and young Ahsoka at first time found, that unlimited stamina can be used not only in training. Still everything was new to her and she was rather shy in their relationship.
Jeviso on the other hand often told one thing about this mission "I had enough money to buy anything in known Galaxy, but fucking Ahsoka in the ass, while she gives her report to Jedi Council and doing it in such a way that they never suspected it, that's truly priceless."
Other Jedi tolerated his presence at this mission because he was the best medic in the area and they didn't want to risk the mission and Ahsoka's life by doing something to him. While rebels became bolder and more successful in their operations, Jeviso seek the object of his desire: his ancestor's lightsaber. He knew that sword was in hands of new king of Onderon, fool used it as simple decoration, attachment to his belt!
Just thinking about this… this sacrilege made his blood boil. Jeviso made a deep breath and looked at the reason of his irritation, rebel leaders, Ahsoka and old king.
"I will not tell you anything." finally said he, "I'm starting to feel myself as a father of the bunch of two – year old kids. Saw!" his stern commanding voice made Saw to nearly jump. "Who gave you permission to get out on your own? If it wasn't for you, we would have got old man out of the prison without any causalities. And now I need to push a lot of buttons to get new equipment to deal with their strategic forces. Okay you know what? Get out. Ahsoka... stay, I need to talk with you."
"Yes?"
"We need to stall for time, Hondo will get us needed weapons, can you do it?"
"Don't worry Jeviso, I will deal with anything they will throw at me."
"Yeah… take care." said Jeviso, turning his back to Ahsoka. "I'm such a terrible Sith, caring about someone and other stuff…"
Later, when he remembered everything that happened, he would understand that their victory was sheer miracle. If Hondo would not come in time all of them would have been buried under the soil of Onderon's jungles. However their victory came with a price: due to Saw's impatience they lost Steela. So while Jeviso stood in secure hideout in front of bound Sanjay Rash, lightsaber of his ancestor was now in his hands, he smiled under his helmet and with help of the Force he activated it. Bright puple blade sprung from the hilt of lightsaber. Naruto smile grew wider, he absolutely needed to test this perfect weapon.
Screams of Rash couldn't be heard, Jeviso always made his hideouts soundproof.
Months later.
Jeviso stood on board of his greatest trophy Grievous' flagship Malevolence, a worthy warship for a worthy captain. He always wanted to see Greivous' face when he reported about the loss of the prize warship from Confederacy's fleet. He looked through the reports of his spies, growing activity of Confederacy near his friend's planet was… troublesome at least. He also found out that Confederacy's scientists works on some sort of hyperspace tunnel.
What bothered him was that Dooku supervised this project personally, either he like all good Sith wanted to further expand his domain or… there was more in it. Thinking about motives of his colleague from the Dark Side, he ordered his troops to send their vessel to Florrum.
Meanwhile.
Dealing with a bunch of younglings, while they were supposed to create their lightsabers was a hard task, children are thought to be flowers of life, but at least one time Ahsoka wanted to send them back to their sender. She knew that this mission was supposed to be nothing like her favorite battle ones, but she wanted at least a bit of action.
And she got a lot of it. Action and Danger came in form of two words: Hondo Ohnaka. And everything started really great.
She looked at younglings and remembered how she herself crafted her sword.
Petro a young human youngling was first to complete his sword, instantly he started to play with it.
"With this sword I will challenge master Kenobi and kill general Grievous." said he, while swinging deactivated hilt. Others just smiled and laughed at such a bold claim. Meanwhile professor Huyang stretched his metal arms, asking Petro to give him his sword. After careful examination he said:
"With this sword you can kill only yourself, you put energy transmitter in wrong place, if you tried to activate it, you will die from explosion and only your crystal would remain. Repeat the process, but this time, follow the instruction."
At this moment ship shook from the first strike. Hondo's pirates attacked the ship trying to take the priceless lightsaber crystals. Ahsoka managed to repel them, but by a fluke she was stuck on the pirate's ship.
"I'm really sorry to do this little Jedi, but I have no other way, but to turn you into my profit." that was the last words she heard before the darkness consumed her. So now she found herself on the fucking tank, trying to get away from pirate's head quarters and get younglings to safety. After the plan failed she once again was bound and prepared for transportation. She looked at the grim landscape of Florrum and thought that only miracle could save them now.
Suddenly the tank stopped. One of the pirates took binoculars to his eyes. "What the…. there is droids everywhere!"
"That means, that general Kenobi lost his fight and this sector is under separatist control." said Ahsoka.
Suddenly a stream of air pushed them to the ground. Black spaceship landed near them. From opened door figure in dark robes jumped before them. Ahsoka gasped and blushed, very familiar helmet with T – shaped visor and scaly armor…
"L – lord Jeviso." said one of the pirates. "We have a gift for you. Padawan and younglings."
"So let me rephrase…" Naruto slowly walked to the pirate. "You captured my dear friend, her charges and then, when it became really hot you decided to sell my own friend to me? It's rare for Sith to have friends, we often look at them as some kind of property, but do you know what will happen to a fool, who dared to raise his hand upon something that is precious to said Sith?"
"Something painful?"
"Yes. Like pulling out your bones, while you are still alive and without painkillers."
He turned his head to Ahsoka and younglings. With a slight move of his hand handshakes fell to the ground.
"Padawan Tano, who is he?" asked Ganodi.
Ahsoka patted her. "An old friend of mine. Our relationship is complicated…"
"Why?" asked Petro.
"Because I'm Sith." said Jeviso.
"What?!"
"Don't scream little ones, droids will hear."
"Do you have a plan? Maybe we can use your ship?" asked Ahsoka.
"If you have nothing against leaving this pile of osik on my laps and leaving your charges behind then yes." replied Jeviso.
"Then?"
"We need to get out my old pal Hondo, he always has a spare ship." said Jeviso.
"How can we trust him, he is a Sith!" shouted Petro.
"You are still alive brat, isn't it?" parried Jeviso.
"And he already worked with us." said Ahsoka. "If several Master Jedi failed in their task of submitting him, do you really think that you will do better?"
Younglings now looked at him with more respect, Naruto didn't know why it mattered, but he felt a small tingle of pride. "We will get Hondo out of his prison get the ship and then say goodbye to this crappy planet."
Meanwhile.
"Boss! Boss! Trouble!" one of the pirated charged into the room and instantly died from the blaster bolt. Hondo made a sip of wine, while massive figure with arms crossed behind it's back.
"General Grievous I presume." said Hondo.
"Let's get to the business." said Grievous, using his legs to climb on the Hondo's table. He grabbed Hondo and threw him to the center of the room. A holo – projection of the Count Dooku appeared before pirate.
"Hondo."
"Count Dooku. It's good to see you."
"Last time we saw each other I was your prisoner. Now you are mine and this sector is under control of separatists."
"What does this mean?"
"This means that your fleet will be disassembled and your weapons will be taken from you, you will be stripped of your property and submit to Confederacy."
"Hey, it's unfair! Who works like that?"
"Get him away."
Meanwhile, Naruto and others slowly made their way to Hondo's keep they used tank and R2D2 as distraction. Hondo struggled in his shackles when door exploded. "Ahsoka, my dear friend." said the captured pirate.
"Hondo… trust me, if I didn't need to get out from that piece of mud that you call a planet."
"Yes I knew that you will not help good ol' Hondo, just because of your good will." said Hondo. "But I'm out of the ships."
"Yeah? And we heard that you always have a back – up plan." said Petro.
Hondo glared at pirates. "Perhaps… and perhaps a certain someone should know, when he should speak about my resources! But, all you have is a bunch of brats, who themselves need your care."
At this moment Huyang interrupted. "Excuse me, but I saw thousands upon thousands of Jedi's younglings and those are one of the best."
"Perhaps, then show me your blades, prove me that you are prepared to battle."
One by one, younglings showed Hondo their blades, all except one. Katooni.
"I still haven't finished my blade, I do everything right, but… it's just not working."
"Don't think about it as different parts." Everybody turned to Jeviso. "It's whole, and you must feel it properly connected."
"Yes! Complete it! Seeing Jedi finishing her sword… it will be my price. Price for my help."
While Katooni completed her sword, Hondo sheered on the sidelines. "Yes! Yes! It's beautiful!"
Finally her crystal took it's place in the center of the sword, and then she grabbed it. And blue blade cut off Hondo's shackles.
"Why all this circus?" asked Ahsoka.
"You know me Ahsoka. Even if I'm a pirate, I try to not involve children in my business."
"And where was that rule when you attacked us?"
"It was yesterday, now I care for children, let's go and free my boys."
Meanwhile.
General Grievous arrived to the work place of his droids. He got the holo – link from his belt. An image of one of the droids appeared.
"Model 00M87 is reporting for duty, general sir, prison block is under attack by little Jedi."
"What?! What kind of nonsense are you blabbering? What kind of Jedi?!"
"Little, twice as little as usual ones, they are freeing the captives and… ARGHH!"
Grievous looked how Zatt cut off the legs of the droids and Petro beheaded him. He saw the glimpse of his eyes before transmission was cut off.
"Prepare our weapons." commanded Grievous. "Bring the roof upon their heads." When tanks bombarded prison block Ahsoka and the captives engaged the droids. Ahsoka used her two blades and acrobatic moves to deal with droids, meanwhile pirates led by Jeviso and Hondo slowly cut their way through junkheads. Younglings used their little height and teamwork to deal with their opponents.
Hondo and several other pirates jumped on the speeders, Katooni followed him.
"I will cover you." she said.
"Good. I feel much easier." said Hondo.
Meanwhile Grievous tried to organize his forces outside, when speeders and heavy transport flew past him.
"You think you can escape?! I will find you and gut you right on the place, twerps!" screamed cyborg while he jumped on his own speeder and race in the wastelands started. Hondo lead the group into the canyons where he hid his fleet in secret hideout, general Grievous followed them and several tanks followed him also.
Hondo and raiders went to right while transport with Ahsoka, Jeviso and others get to the left side. Grievous using his advantage in speed get closer, and after cutting the distance short enough he used his speeder as battering – ram to get Jedi on earth. In dust that had risen from the fall of two transports Grievous moved unseen using his spider form. So when he appeared from the sand and once again stood on his two legs, he was rather terrifying sight for younglings.
Grievous slowly walked to them, when he held his hands behind his back, Naruto noticed that general looked like giant bird. Like a giant carnivorous bird.
"Little Jedi… So many lives… So many swords for my collection." and his bloodthirsty mood, just had worsen the similarity. Dark Shadow landed between Jedi and cyborg.
"General… It's been a while."
"Whelp! You will pay for my humiliation!"
"Your "humiliation" came from your own foolishness and carelessness! Who would make such a giant holes in security systems of the ship that is considered a prized weapon of your army? Certainly not me! I turned "Malevolence" into my personal fortress. Try to take it back you worthless pail of junk metal!"
With loud battle roar Grievous jumped into the air and attacked with his four blades, but they pierced only sand, Jeviso leaped behind.
"Padawan Tano, shouldn't we help him?" asked Ganodi.
"No."
"Why?" asked Petro. "Grievous armed with four blades and…"
"And none of us are skilled enough to fight with him on equal grounds; we will only distract Jeviso. By the way…" she and younglings looked how second blade emerged from the Jeviso's lightsaber's hilt and blocked two strikes coming from the left side, while other red blade blocked two from the right.
"Do you know interesting thing about my blade, Grievous?" asked Jeviso.
"No, but tell me I like specially customized trophies in my collection." replied Grievous.
"It conducts only one type of the Force… Mine!" Electric surge had violently struck Grievous, it was powerful enough to force him to his knees. "YES! Taste it! That's what you want! Power! Unlimited! Unstoppable! POWER!"
Force lightning pushed Grievous far away from their position and out of the reach of Naruto's lightning, but not too far for "Slave – I" guns. Grievous hid his head between his knees trying to hide from the bombarding. He crawled away, trying to get to safety and only arrival of heavy artillery saved him from humiliating death in dunes of Florrum.
Meanwhile on Slave – I.
"Did we get him?" asked Petro.
"I doubt it." replied Naruto. "He is too stubborn to die from something like that. But he will remember us and he will search for us. We should be cautious." he turned the visor of his helmet to Hondo. "Get us to Kenobi's position Hondo, with a bit of diplomacy we may be able to get something from this situation."
When they landed on Kenobi's battle cruiser Hondo tried to persuade him that it was a rescue mission all along.
"… and fuel isn't cheap either." Hondo ended his monologue, while Obi – Wan smiled and asked "And destroyed ship that belonged to the Order was part of the mission too?"
"AGH, I just saved a bunch of kids and here is my thanks… no good deed will be unpunished after all. I will send you bill." Hondo walked to his ship, when Katooni caught a glimpse of his eye, he nodded to youngling and she nodded back.
"Well." said general Kenobi, igniting his lightsaber. "Let me personally greet you as full – fledged members of the Jedi Order." following his example Ahsoka and younglings put their blades in circle formation. From Jeviso's side it looked like Republic's symbol.
"Kenobi it's good that you are caring about young generation but I have some news for you, which you must get to Jedi Council…"
"Interesting." said Kenobi after he heard about information that Jeviso acquired. "Are you sure in your source?"
"Absolutely." said Jeviso. "I fear that they will try to expand their territory through this or use it as some sort of teleportation device for instant attacks, it will cut their army expenses tremendously and increase Republic's even more."
"Hmm. Council will hear about it." said Kenobi.
"Take care." said Naruto.
Both felt, how Force moved against them and while nobody saw, they gripped the hilts of their lightsabers trying to calm themselves.
Several weeks later. Unknown location.
With a hissing sound lightsaber cut through the safe's lock. "Look, brother. We are rich." said a massive zabrak in dark armor.
"Money is just one of the means to expand our influence, apprentice." replied Maul. "We will act according to my plan."
"We are brothers; there shouldn't be inequality between us."
"There can be only two, Master and his Apprentice. I'm the Master and you are my apprentice."
Savage just activated his lightsaber.
"So be it." said Maul.
His attacks were too fast and unpredictable for Savage to parry, Maul easily overpowered his much clumsier brother.
He held his blade near his throat and asked: "Well?"
"Master." replied Savage.
"Excellent. Now, apprentice, Sith always ruled through deception, dividing and conquering their enemies, but here is our problem: we lack recourses human and technological alike, though we have enough money from our last adventure, I want more. We will need organization to take our rightful place as rulers of this galaxy."
"What do we need, Master?"
"Criminals, pirates, mercenaries everyone who is wants to kill and maim under our banners. And I know where we can find our first recruits, we are going to Florrum."
Maul's plan was simple: divide and conquer, he let pirates capture their ship, than through his mastery of the Force submitted them and gave them a choice: follow him and be rich or die.
He prepared for anything or at least he thought so…
To become a Pirate King, he needed to just kill Hondo. So Kenobi's presence on the planet was unpredictable yet so pleasant surprise. He hissed, feeling, how Dark Side reacted to his rage filling his body with power. He felt pain, fear and anger from warriors across the battlefield.
He landed on the carcass of the space ship.
"Kenobi!" he said it with strange near excited state, in his mind he already tasted the blood of his enemy, the blood of the one, who ripped him of his fate being the Dark Lord of the Sith, the next ultimate ruler of this Galaxy.
Metal carcass was rather unfortunate choice of the ground for Obi – Wan, Maul on the other hand felt himself very good. His metal claws gave him an upper hand in their duel, unnatural flexibility and balance gave Maul better chances, he slowly pushed Obi – Wan back, while behind him his brother battled Adi Gallia, Savage tried to hit her legs but she leaped in the air and landed near one of the carcasses' of the space ships, Savage didn't waste any time, he rammed her with his horns and stabbed her with lightsaber to be sure.
"No!" screamed Kenobi using the Force to summon her sword. Armed with two swords, he was still no match for combined power of two brothers, they slowly pushed him to the Hondo's last position, but eventually they stopped before blocked doors.
"Hey Kenobi, where is the other Jedi, who was with you?"
Obi – Wan just moved his head.
"What?! They can kill one of yours? Agh! And what are you going to do against them I want to ask? You are alone now, your chances diminished."
"I will fight." said Kenobi "And I will get their attention on myself. Use the time well."
Jedi went into dark corridors of the Hondo's sanctuary, he felt the presence of two Sith and activated his lightsabers to battle his foes. However Sith were strong and only thing that Obi – Wan could do is survive long enough until Savage Oppress will make a mistake, witch happened eventually. During the battle Kenobi hit Savage's knee to get him off balance, in his last try he managed to do it.
With cracking sound Savage's knee bended in unnatural direction and zabrak fell with his hand being right on the line of one of Kenobi's swords.
Thus Maul understood that time for tactical retreat is now and run with his brother's body, but their escape was startled by pirates who turned on them.
He managed to get them to their ship and start the engines. "Return to your senses brother, we need to get out of here!"
"Too tired… Too wounded… Nothing will help…"
"Use the force and detach the capsule when I say you!" seeing that Savage was still in prostration, Maul raised his voice. "Believe me, apprentice!"
Hondo prepared rocket launcher to deal with two Sith. Perfect hit get them back to earth but no bodies were found.
Kenobi returned to Jedi Order, with grieve news of Master Gallia's death. Hondo was counting the profit and Jeviso found out about what happened while he was dinning with his new "friend" a very interesting chiss by the name Thraun, who he found on unpopulated planet. He was a source of very interesting information, not only he was a great tactician, but also one of the few people who saw a true Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidius.
In him Naruto found not only a capable ally but also a friend, who for his return to civilization promised to serve him. Jeviso needed somebody like him and letting man of such caliber go to waste… Jeviso would sooner cut off his own arm.
Their partnership promised to be long and fruitful, because at this point Jeviso thought about expanding his business, droid armies, which were made in secret on Tatooine in ancient temple built by Darth Revan, gave him so much needed numbers. Also his spies on Mustafar found remains of ancient ship and body of the droid in amazing state
After seeing holo – projection, Naruto had found similarities of said droid and the ones on Tatooine from secret factory very suspicious. His suspect was right, his spies found remains of HK – 47, the one who served his ancestor Darth Revan.
So while he upgraded and repaired HK's body he talked with him about his plans.
"Question: so me… Master, what are your plans for this model."
"What are we doing better than anything HK?"
"Statement: we are killers, therefore we kill."
"No HK, we are survivors. Therefore we survive… somehow."
"Question: than what about killing."
"We are doing it to raise our spirits HK! That's all, the more the better."
"Statement: you are very cruel person, Master, I like that in you."
"Prepare yourself HK, rising activity of criminal lords is very suspicious, are you prepared to get couple or another hundred of meatbags on your count?"
"Joyful statement: always."
Yet Naruto's plans were nearly destroyed by the rise of the Shadow Collective, their organized forces were too much for Naruto's armies, while Thraun created tactics, Naruto tried to get them out of the situation where they had gotten.
While time passed his spies gave him valuable information: Pre Vizsla, leader of the Secret Mandolorians was slain, since one of his spies worked in the morgue, he found out that he was beheaded… by lightsaber. That alone was suspicious.
Mandolorian was arrogant but his skills in swordsmanship were equal to a Jedi Master, only someone with Force on his side could defeat him.
Since Mandalore was a neutral territory it was a lone fighter, Jedi are rare guests in that sector, which lead him to the thoughts about zabrak brothers. Bodies weren't found afterall and Savage Opress was publically put in jail by Pre Vizsla.
His spies also reported that not all forces joined the side officially led by Prime Minister. Bo – Katan Kryze, sister to the Duchess of the Mandalore and most trusted Lieutenant of Pre Vizsla alongside her Nite Owls and her young nephew Korkie Kryze and his followers lead the rebel forces.
He wrote a message to one of his subordinates, this Bo – Katan sounded promising, he already wanted to meet her.
"Lord Jeviso." Traun always perfect looking and calm like a statue. "Where are we going?"
"Mandolorian sector. If everything goes as planned we will have a stronghold soon."
Several days later. Mandolorian high security prison.
"There was a time when we weren't enemies."
"Maybe it's time to remember those golden days?" were first words from Bo – Katan to her sister, who she didn't see in a long time, she despised her for her political decisions but also respected her for being tough when needed and of course she loved her as sister.
"We need to get away, transport waits us near the gate."
She led her sister to the elevator, but sudden appearance of the guard turned their escape into firefight in prison elevator, to Commander's delight there was only five guards, who quickly fell under her shots.
Escaping from city's guard was much more problematic, transport was too slow and didn't have a lot of durability, soon it crashed, but Satin managed to send the message to Obi – Wan Kenobi, she prepared herself to be captured again when something unusual happened enemy's soldier grabbed their throats like they tried to stop some invisible arm that slowly choked the life out of them.
One by one they fell to the ground and in heavy silence Satin heard the sound of heavy steps. She turned to see the figure in dark robes, scaly mandolorian – like armor and black mandolorian helmet.
"Who are you?" asked Satin.
"Satin!" she turned to see her sister. "It's good to see that you are al… Who is that?!" Bo – Katan had instantly changed her tone, when she saw Jeviso and pointed her gun at him.
"Wait." said Satin, staying before her sister's and her soldiers' guns trying to protect her savior "He saved me!"
"I bet to have something in return you ca…"
"You are right, Bo – Katan Kryze." grim voice of Satin's savior sent shivers down redhead's spine. "I have a deal for you, but it can wait." He slowly went to the wall and moved it with the Force. "Let's speak in more secured place."
Later sitting in one of the hideouts of Darth Jeviso, mandolorians listened to his story.
"As you already understood Shadow Collective has many powerful enemies, but while it is as organized as it is now, none of them can unite and destroy this union. And alone… Shadow Collective is more powerful than any. That's why I have proposition: Shadow's Collective power is a source of their weakness, if we can remove Darth Maul, all that he achieved shall fall like a house of cards. His followers will fight and kill each other, while duchess and her family will return to power."
"And what will you gain from this?" asked Bo – Katan.
"You will need a military after this. Citizens will not feel themselves safe after war had come to their homes, I want a position of commander of your forces."
"No outsider shall ever rule Mandolore!" screamed Bo – Katan.
"You misheard me, I never said anything about ruling Mandolore, I asked for a high position in your army."
"He is right sister." said Satin. "We can always make his position with no political power, and you will be his opposition."
Bo – Katan sighed "I suppose this can suffice, but I'm looking at you…"
"Yes, yes, yes. Let's return to business, Maul already used you for what he wanted."
""And he wanted?" asked Korkie, who finally got a chance to ask something.
"Obi? Why?" asked Satin.
"When you cut somebody in half it usually get the cut one really angry."
Bo – Katan, laughed. "That's was him? I will give him a bear next time I see him, even if he is a Jedi."
"This can wait, Maul is our main goal. He will lure Kenobi somewhere he can duel and kill him. Maul is very predictable when it comes to his archenemy."
"And what now?" asked Satin.
"Now you gather your forces, and we are going to my Headquarters." replied Jeviso.
Obi – Wan Kenobi knew that his plan was full of holes, after all getting into enemy's territory in old nearly falling apart transport was not good plan. Especially if you are dealing with a race of warriors, who don't like outsiders, especially Jedi.
Obi – Wan used a guard's armor to get into the prison. "Hey newbie!" He felt how shiver run down his spine, but still he decided to play along.
"Get this to cell 5462, where duchess is it's time for supper." guard showed him plates with food.
Trying to not arose suspicious Obi – Wan took one of the plates and slowly went to the cell. He entered it but it was empty, suddenly door closed behind him. Last thing he heard before darkness consumed him was cracking of electricity.
He returned to his senses in large room on the black long carpet, he slowly raised his head, mandolorians stood in the throne room all around and he was certain it was a throne room, because on said throne sat Darth Maul himself.
"Kenobi!" he stood up from his throne. "What a pleasant surprise!" Maul's metal boot met Obi – Wan's chin. "Don't get up I know that I'm that incredible." He returned to his throne. "I always thought how I will make you suffer Kenobi, not kill no, I want you suffer as much as I did. But then… Bitch managed to run away, when her escape was nearly written on pieces of paper and given to every soldier under my command. She received help. After all when six people have necks broken at the same time, it's either miracle or a work of the Sith. Imagine my surprise, when I heard about Jedi with red blade clad in dark robes, who helped you on Onderon. So…" he moved forward and his yellow eyes started to burn with unholy flame.
"I have two questions: who he is? And where can I find him?"
Kenobi didn't reply. "Well, get him to his cell. We will speak again after I will have that cute little duchess in my disposal, maybe when I slowly cut her flesh from her body, he will reconsider."
With Jeviso, Bo – Katan and Nite Owls.
"Everyone remembers his or her role?" asked Jeviso.
"Yes, and what about you?" asked Bo – Katan.
"I have a meeting near that strange wall with strange Jedi bas –relieves."
"I don't believe that I'm saying this, but… good luck."
"Thanks."
With Maul.
He felt a rising darkness, this overwhelming presence he felt only from one person. He returned to reality when he heard a snapping sound of the breaking necks than two guards fell near the doors. Large doors slowly opened and like a part of darkness that he truly was, Darth Sidius appeared.
Maul instantly kneeled before the elder Sith.
"Master." said he with respect in his voice.
"I was most impressed that you managed to survive with your injuries." said Darth Sidius.
"I used your training, Master. And I have built all this, in hopes of returning to your side." Sidius moved his gaze from kneeling form of Maul to massive figure of Savage.
"How unfortunate, that you are attempting to deceive me."
"Master?" Siduis turned his back to brothers. "You have become… a rival!" he instantly turned and pushed them into the windows with Force Push. Brothers tried to resist, but Sidius was too strong for them. Zabraks just helplessly felt how glass shuttered behind their backs.
Sidius laughed and lessened his force. Maul and Savage instantly got to their feet and ignited their lightsabers. With a grace and skill of experienced magician, Sidius got two lightsabers from his sleeves. Maul nodded to his brother and they charged at him.
Sidius was old, but he was stronger, had more and moved so quick that it looked like he danced on the floor, like a mad artist he left fire scratches whenever he went. He easily prevented attacks from Maul and Savage like he knew where they will strike before they even thought about it.
Sidius blocked Savage and Maul's attacks blocking them with his lightsabers in different directions, he smiled and laughed, Dark Side was boiling within him, there is nothing better for a Sith to kill a bunch of enemies wannabes.
Meanwhile Darth Jeviso looked and analyzed his opponent's style of fighting, Sidius was without a doubt a Master, his swordsmanship already surpassed the "art" point and get very close to "legendary" one. He looked how Sidius easily reflected all attacks aimed at him. He also presumed that secret of his unnatural speed was usage of the Force, but it was a bit different from the one he had learnt on Korriban. He thought about combining secrets of the ancient and modern Sith.
Meanwhile Sidius and Zabraks slowly moved their fight to balcony. Maul followed him, he jumped to the barrier and while Sidius focused on Maul, Savage used his prized "horn ram" move.
Sidius made a salt in the air and used Force to pull brothers with him all three landed near the entrance to the palace. Savage raised his sword and stabbed it into the ground where Sidius was seconds before. Savage instantly activated second blade to protect himself from being beheaded by Sidius' two blades.
But Siduis was also forced to move one of his blades to block Maul's attack, he once again get away from their lock but this time he pushed Maul into the wall hard enough for him to lose his consciousness.
Savage Raised from his position and faced Sidius alone, but his clumsy attacks were no much for Sith's speed. He easily dodged them, not even activating his lightsabers. Finally he blocked his attack with lightsabers and kicked Savage into the knee. Sidius jumped over kneeling zabrak and took his blades in reverse grip. He once again used Force Step and impaled Savage on them. That was what Maul saw when he returned to his senses.
"Brother!" screamed Maul.
Sidius pushed Savage's body into the air, while Maul run and jumped down to his brother's body.
"Brother, I'm such an unworthy apprentice, I'm not like you and never was…" dark magic left his body and Savage Oppress died.
"Remember the one and only rule of the Sith: There can only be Two; Master and Apprentice, and you are no longer my apprentice you have been replaced!" mocked him Sidius.
Rage raised Maul from his knees; with it he ignited his darksaber and engaged his former Master in ferocious duel. But even with all his rage Maul was no match for Darth Sidius.
"M – mercy! I beg… have mercy."
"There shall be no mercy." said Sidius, while using Force Lightning on his apprentice. "But don't worry I have plans for you." said Sidius raising power of his lightning.
"Such a maniac." thought Naruto.
"He just likes his work." replied Kurama.
"Doesn't matter. I will not reveal myself today."
Naruto returned to his and Mandolorian forces. Bo – Katan get to him. "Maul?" asked she.
"He will not bother us." replied Jeviso.
"Good, than we once again will size the power." she said.
"You had forgotten about Prime Minister."
Bo – Katan cursed under her breath.
"I think it's time for tactical retreat, what do you think Red?"
Bo – Katan raised her hand signaling her Nite Owls to retreat. Jeviso stretched his arm to Bo – Katan, redhead raise her brow.
"Come on let this Sith be a gentleman at least once." Redhead smiled and took his arm. "I hate you and your kind Jeviso, but you have your style."
All in all in Mandolorian Sector started civil war. Prime Minister maybe wasn't a warrior but he knew, how to play dirty, while Nite Owls recruited mandolorians all over the sector and brought different warrior clans to their cause, Jeviso seek ancient arsenals and shipyards left by his ancestor, "just to be sure", as ghost once said.
Young Sith was really thankful for this act of his famous ancestor. Without shipyards he couldn't continue his plans, but now… He had several planets filled with junk metal in Mandolorian Sector, using said metal he could start building his fleet, but he still needed to start from something.
Hence why he was in such situation…
"Are you sure that you want to do it?" asked Thraun.
"Statement: that's a bad idea master."
"I know what I'm doing." replied Jeviso. "That's why I asked you for help. Through this ritual I may find the location of "Katana Fleet", we need this ship, but for this to work I need somebody to look over me so I wouldn't die from blood loss." Said Naruto while he laid on massive stone altar and different packs with blood were attached to him. "HK, medical droids?"
"Statement: check."
"Thraun."
"I'm ready." said chiss showing ritual dagger and syringe with medicine.
"Good. Than syringe first."
Weeks later.
Naruto managed to return to his duties only after a week of rest, with his regeneration it was truly a show of how much close to the death he was. But it was worth it: Traun already get the "Katana fleet" to their base, dreadnoughts were stationed near tactical points, in other words shipyards where the first Star Destroyers were built.
Naruto smiled. Star Destroyers. His Star Destroyers. He liked the sound of these words.
Right now he went to the meeting of high commanders. Naruto, soon – to – be appointed admiral Thraun, Duchess Satin and Bo – Katan Kryze.
He sat on his seat and greeted his fellow consul members.
"Good to see you all. Today we are starting the discussion about our future." said Naruto.
"Future?" asked Satin.
"Recent events on Mandolore showed us that we need fleet and army, if we need to stay neutral."
"I agree." said Bo – Katan.
"Bo!" cried Satin.
"Auntie." started Korkie. "He is right. We need army and fleet, we cannot stay neutral when war came to us."
"But…"
"Satin, don't make me say it, but return of the military forces were one of my conditions. This is not the topic of our negotiation. I want to create an Alliance of sorts."
"Alliance?" repeated Satin.
"Yes, Alliance of Independent Systems. We will unite every neutral system. And our motto will be: "If you want peace, be ready for war."
"That's good actually." commented Thraun.
"Yes, we also have several problems: first of all fleet, while we have "Katana Fleet" we still need more massive ships like Star Destroyers and admiral Thraun needs his flagship, since I will not give up my "Malevolence." started Naruto. "While we managed to get a lot of Mandolorians on our side, they are good as raiders, not as regular forces, therefore we lack in ground forces and in trainers, who can raise the level of our men. Therefore the main problem right now is human resources. Any questions? Than on next meeting try to tell me how we shall deal with this problem."
He rose from his seat and went to the exit. "While I will go to Coruscant and try to get us new agents and allies."
Coruscant. Jedi Temple.
Naruto stood near his ship and looked at Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker. Recent events, that had happened while he was fighting with death for his life after the ritual, had shaken young Ahsoka's fortitude in being with Jedi Order. He looked, how she walked away, leaving her teacher alone, but she still was raising her head high.
"Hey sexy girl, need a taxi?" Ahsoka turned her head to see him, she could bet that he was smiling under his black helmet. "Jeviso? What are you doing here?"
"I came as fast as I heard about your… condition, sorry that I came too late. I haven't really high opinion about your master, but it raised tremendously after what happened to you."
"It hurts me to leave like this, but I need this." replied Ahsoka while bowing her head.
"Well, I need a trustful and skillful agent, somebody like you."
"For what?"
"I need to stop the civil war in Mandolorian Sector. And also find out what Separatists need that strange project for."
"The Star Gate program? Jedi Consul decided to wait and learn."
"They always decide to wait, and even when they are not right they are not apologizing for their mistakes. What did they use this time, "Hardship card"?"
"Yes, "better Jedi than before, you are now" chuckled Ahsoka.
"Good ol' green dwarf."
"Yep."
"So what do you think?"
"About your plan? I'm in. But I don't have my blades."
"Those ones." Like a magician he got them nearly from thin air. "Just remember, Jedi isn't someone who lives in that big Temple over there, like being a Sith it's a way of living."
Ahsoka followed him to his shuttle "By the way, I took your old friend too."
"Old friend?"
"Hey blackie, where are my blades?"
"No…" groaned Ahsoka. "Not her."
"Ahsoka." said none other than Asajj Ventress, who sat in front of Ahsoka with her legs crossed.
"Yes." interrupted Naruto. "And we must get out from Coruscant, before Jedi will found that I bribed nearly all prison guards."
Unknown time later.
War with Prime Minister continued. Their "stabs" via squads of Mandolorian raiders became normal occurrence in recent time. Their war led to "secret" conflicts between Jeviso's and Prime Minister's spies and diversions organized by them.
Meanwhile Satin negotiated with other neutral leaders. They were open for dialog but Satin's status was rather… troubling obstacle.
Jeviso needed army and soon the chance came by. Strange activities in Republic army got his attention. Clone killing a Jedi… Something like that doesn't happen often. Right now both Republic and Separatist forces seek answers and the one responsible for this situation.
Unfortunately because of Master Shaak Ti's exile, Kaminoans managed to clear nearly all leads, while Jedi Overseer was absent, Master Secura couldn't combine all leads into one clear evidence.
Rumors about it being virus started to spread and it reached the ears of Tarkin. His hatred for Jedi, lead him to betrayal. He conspired with one of the Separatist generals and through the bribing and forged evidence he framed one of the Jedi generals, also he also managed to persuade the Senate that Clones that came in contact with the virus host, who by his words was Rex, should be eliminated. Generals managed to protect their clone troopers, but Rex most recent contacts were doomed, beside his fellow clone troopers from his squad he came in contact with 501st Legion.
They weren't so excited when Republic commanders said them that they should be utilized. Doubts that grew in clones because of Jango Fett's genes finally reached their boiling point. Under the lead of framed general they rebelled against Republic, and after they took several Star Destroyers they escaped, but the price was high, Jedi who was with them received a shot to his chest and Republic commanders thought that without serious medical aid, which he cannot receive on Star Destroyer.
The story of Anakin Skywalker was ended by shot of unknown soldier.
Or so everyone thought.
"Master! Master!"
Familiar voice… I remember it from somewhere… So tired…
"Sire, we need you."
That one I know too… But… my head…
"Raise up you good for nothing boy!"
That was… I know him… JEVISO!
Anakin opened his eyes, his world was now red, he saw Rex, Ahsoka… Jeviso and even Ventress were here. He slowly walked forward and heavy footsteps were heard around dark room.
"What has happened." asked Anakin, looking at his arms clad in dark gloves. He didn't recognize his voice.
"You got a blaster shot to your mid – section. You nearly lost your lungs. Were it not for your Force powers you would be dead already. I managed to repair your body through the use of Sith Alchemy. I created this armored suit, so you would manage to continue fighting." said Jeviso.
"So what should I do?" asked Anakin.
"Anakin Skywalker will be officially dead for a while." he gave him a new lightsaber. Anakin activated it and red blade emerged from the hilt. "From now you will be known as Darth Vader. General of The Neutral Alliance armies."
Clone troopers, after psychological therapy, started to train mandolorian fighters and new recruits from other sectors. Meanwhile Prime Minister managed to pull Maul out of his captivity. His most trusted commandos Gar Saxon and Rook Kast, managed to get him out of prison, with help of Prime Minister.
Unfortunately for the latter it was the last thing he had done. Several days later he was struck down by Darth Jeviso after the siege of the palace on Mandalore. Duchess Satin once again became the ruler of Mandolore, and Bo – Katan became commander of Mandolorian Forces, Thraun commanded fleet, Vader was commander of the ground forces and Jeviso was Minister of Espionage and Counterespionage.
While Maul faced Grievous and lost, he fled for guidance to Mother Talzin, who gave him Night Brothers. Due to risky tactics he managed to capture general Grievous and count Dooku. But because of Jedi intervention both managed to escape. During the battle Maul killed Master Teplee, but fled due to combined forces Aayala, Windu and Kenobi.
In his final confrontation with his former master Maul was forced to fled, while Mother Talzin confronted Sidius. She died in their duel. While Maul stayed on his base in Mandolorian Sector, That was his mistake, Jeviso instantly found out about his appearance. Vader's Fist was sent to deal with his threat. Maul's forces were thin, since the betrayal of criminal elements. Only Death Watch remained. Vader found only empty base in strange ruins, He instantly warned Jeviso about results of his search.
Naruto instantly recognized the similarity between the ruins on this base and ruins from the Separatist's project.
Day later.
"Okay, here is what we have: Maul escaped. His base located in strange ruins, the same where Dooku's private project is situated…"
BAM!
Ahsoka rushed into conference room, breathing harshly.
"Esteemed Council, Jedi Order was banished from Republic!"