Disclaimer-I do not own Naruto or Star Wars, 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 VIII.
Citadel. Councilor Tevos' chambers.
Recent days were hard for asari councilor, so when her second 0 in – command Irissa entered her cabinet, she wasn't surprised to find Tevos buried under documents, snoring right on her table.
She sighed, she knew that Tevos needed rest as much as she, but recent events were too dangerous too ignore. First strange geth activity, then loss of all contacts with Omega, station was silent for several weeks.
This didn't bode well for asari. Irissa places her hand on Tevos' shoulder and shook her.
"Hey. Wake up."
Tevos growled and stretched her limbs before opening her eyes.
"Irissa? What are you doing here?" asked Tevos.
"Hmph! My question exactly. What are you doing, while our colonies suffer?!" asked Irissa.
Tevos growled. Irissa already asked her about situation with Omega, she really hated when Irissa used that excuse to cover illegal trade, which asari profited from.
"Colonies… Colonies! If you are so bothered by colonies' fates, where were you when nearly all border colonies when silent one by one. And there is no our colonies in Terminus Systems, of course our people live there but colonies belong to salarians and humans. Just say it as it is: you are worried because of the losses we suffered from lost trade roots."
"That's why you were sent to Citadel, Tevos. You speak too freely and too much." scowled Irissa.
"I know. So, how much?"
Irissa massaged her temples. "Billions and we still continue to lose credits. We need to do something about it."
"What? We can't send our fleet there. Danger of geth invasion is much more powerful than we predicted, we need our forces here and we can't risk the war with Terminus Systems. And I can't even send somebody there." replied Tevos.
"What about this human Spectre, Shepard? I heard she really got on your nerves, sending her somewhere away on suicide mission like this…"
"Will deal with all my problems. But she cannot leave Citadel." sighed Tevos.
"Shit! Is there anything you could do?"
"Council approved."
"Fuck! What had that bitch done, so Council was forced to respond so harshly?"
Tevos sighed. "Officially it was a vacation, after it Spectre would once again follow Saren."
"And unofficially?"
"Unofficially Shepard is too hard to control, her path was filled with destruction, of course with destruction of Rachnee Queen only Sparatus was displeased and it was because Shepard is human. But putting Matriarch Benezia in coma?"
"Are you serious?!" cried Irissa. "How human managed to defeat the matriarch?"
"I don't know. But I heard that Shiala, Benezia's old student was with them, maybe she managed to surpass her old master. It seems more reasonable than human defeating asari in biotic duel."
"It still didn't decide our problem. We need to find what happened with Omega Station. Maybe it's… them."
Tevos raised her head. "Collectioners? Hmm, yes it seems like their strategy and all those reports about strange warriors with unknown technology."
"See?! That's wgy we need to send somebody!"
"Who? Irassa Specters don't grow on trees. Except Shepard they are all on the missions. I wanted to send Tela but…"
"But what?" impatiently asked Irissa.
"I send her to check on our border colonies. She still didn't return."
Irissa sighed. "So all we can do is wait?"
"Yes." Tevos turned her head to the window in her cabinet, she looked over beautiful scenery of Citadel and returned her gaze to Irissa. "Until the situation with Saren will not be dealt with."
Asari space. CIS fleet.
Darth Maul sliced another training droid with his darksaber. It was good to stand on his own legs once again and feel other needed… appendages. Head of another droid fell to his legs. Once he was apprentice to most powerful person in the Galaxy.
But his fate was stolen from him, by a Jedi. Kenobi. Maul hissed angrily slicing another robot to pieces. This name still haunted him. Reasons of his nightmares, of his failures. He supposed to lead armies of his Master against Jedi. But he was disposed of, after his loss. Like a trash.
His Master decided to replace him. With a Dark Jedi no less. That… imposter wasn't even raised as Sith, it was no surprise for Maul that he slowly lost positions in war. The only reason that let CIS exist as independent country, was Tarkin's betrayal.
"Only because he found and published the secret documents Republic was forced to recognize CIS as something that was not part of Republic anymore. This forced Palpatine's hand he managed to usurp the power through machinations and became the Emperor. Hence there was no Republic only Galactical Empire. Palpatine wanted to use it as reason to attack CIS, something like: "It was Republic, who recognized you. We are Galatical Empire! We don't compromise."
Unfortunately Senators still had enough power to protest against it and as hard it was for Palpatine to admit it: they we right. Republic needed a time out in this war, fortunately as well as CIS. But Emperor will not be Emperor, if he hadn't some backup plan. He ordered his warriors to provoke and attack Cis Soldiers on the borders. Captains received orders to pose themselves as pirates and ravage border worlds.
Same orders received CIS forces. Dooku was a good student.
Last droid fell to the floor in three didn't like the position he was in even a tiny bit, sure he had returned his flesh once again, but he was raised for battles, for war. He hoped that Emperor will attack Confederacy and he will be send to help Dooku. Chances were low though, Dooku already had new champion, some warrior from backwater planet, like Anakin Skywalker.
Chances that Dooku will ask for his aid were miniscule. War in this Galaxy was… pathetic at best. Asari, who they fought recently didn't even know how to fight properly. They reminded him a bit about divided Mandolorian clans, but Mandalorians knew what was discipline and how to be kickass even when your enemy outnumbered you ten to one.
Asari on the other side were viewed by him as some some strange mix between twi'lecks and some warrior Force – sensitive culture. Only in recent years per cent of stripper populace slowly raised wile warriors' diminished.
They were an easy prey for him and his Death Watch, therefore they were unworthy of his time.
"My Lord." Maul turned to see Rook Kast, one of his lieutenants. "Lady Geisti wants to see you." Geisti… Maul sighed, she was another reason why he didn't like it here. Of course she was part of the group that managed to return him his real legs, but she tried to get into his pants from the moment his motor functions returned completely.
She was strange, at least to Maul's Force senses aside from him and Griecous every organic being in army saw her as epitome of sexiness. Maul was a bit wary about her apprentice: Barriss Offee. Girl, and she was still a girl in Maul's eyes was rather unstable. He felt an inner turmoil in her. He didn't know why and to tell the truth he didn't care about the girl, but if she will snap in wrong moment she could be dangerous. So zabrak always had his darksabre in hand when he was near her or her Master.
Geisti's lab was one of his least favorite places. He hated it even more than junkyard planet where he spent last ten years of his life. Unlike junkyard Geisti's lab was at least clean. But this strange smell of antiseptic associated with death in Maul's mind.
"Ah! Maul! Here you are my dear hunk of a zabrak!" tattooed twi'leck appeared suddenly as always, Maul always wanted to know how she managed to hid herself in such… limited space, where everything was colored white while she wore a dark leather outfit. Very tight black leather outfit.
Maul shook his head, damn witch always messing with his head and senses. "Geisti." Maul's voice reminded twi'leck the growl of an angry predator, she made a step backwards raising her arms showing her good intentions.
"Easy there Maul, easy there. I'm just found an interesting fact about those asari. Follow me." Maul followed twi'leck to one of her secret entrances. She pushed a section of the wall and secret door opened before them
"And I always wondered, how do you managed to appear and disappear like some toy, which jumps from the box."
"Yes. I can imagine this. Anyway… I found this interesting specimen while I was on reckon mission from Count Dooku." Before them was naked asari, who floated in glass tank. She didn't differ from any other asari that Maul met till this moment.
"Her name is Morinth. She is an asari with very rare genetic illness, among her people she is called Ardat – Yakshi. It's rather strange thing, her condition is a genetic mutation caused by her race's unique way of breeding and the poor state of the Force in this region. As I managed to find out from asari prisoners Ardat – Yakshi overcharge the nervous systems of their partner during the mating. It also empowers them a bit."
She went closer to the tank. "What they didn't know is that Ardat – Yaksi are Force – sensitive."
"Maul raised his brow. "Force – sensitive?"
"Yes, their connections to the Force changed drastically. Ardat – Yakshi don't only overcharge the nervous system, they seek the Force to repair connection. Ardat – Yakshi suck the Force from their mates and because in this Galaxy people only have enough to live…"
"They die during the mating." ended Maul. "So you want me to mate with her or what?"
"No." she put her hand on the tank enjoying the sight of beautiful naked body. "I already mated with her. My force powers were enough to restore her connection and seethe her hunger for Force." She smiled it must be truly frightening. "To reach the Force only for a brief seconds and to get what rightfully yours again you must kill and kill, and kill. What a miserable existence."
"So why did you restore her connection? I doubt that was out of pure sympathy?" asked Maul.
"Of course no. At first I just wanted to fuck. I didn't even knew, who she was."
"So if it wasn't connected to the force you could have died? Talk about idiot's luck." replied Maul.
"I know. But I didn't just repair her connection, she can now mate only with me, only I and my Force can give her pleasure she is so used to."
"I don't even know how to call it, some sort of sex addiction or on the contrary psychological castration." Maul crossed his hands on his chest.
"Oh! Big boy knows big words?"
"Cut the crap." huffed Maul "Tell me what you want from me… and my warriors. That's why you need me isn't it?
Geisti smiled. "Yes. You see there is more than one Ardat – Yakshi out there. I need them."
"Yeah? And why should I help you?" asked Maul.
"Because you will need all the power and allies you can get, when you will fight against Dooku… or the Emperor." replied sly twi'leck.
"And what will prevent you from killing or betraying me, hm, Geisti? Actually… nothing, I was raised in times of Rule of Two, you predate this rule, so when you asked me for alliance you forgot one thing. Only two Dark Lords and among the two of us none will be happy with second place and you already have the apprentice." He turned away from her and slowly went to the exit. "I will not help you but I will not mess with your work either." These were his last words before he get out of the lab.
Neutral Alliance space. Super Star Destroyer "Executioner".
Darth Vader looked into the depth of cosmos from the main deck of his flagship. Recent fights between CIS and Empire gave the civilians reasons to fear for the worst. That's why notorious Sith Lord was slowly getting closer to the borders. Or it was official reason.
Protection of the border was very important thing. But Darth Vader got to the borders because of another, more personal reasons. His wife Padme informed him that in Senate slowly grew the opposition against the Emperor.
Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, Garm Bel Iblis… and many others. Padme feared for their safety. Thus he was told about their secret meeting. His wife, observed by doctors approved by Darth Jeviso himself would soon give birth to their child.
And Vader wanted to return home as soon as possible. He needed to represent his wife on that fucking meeting. And either get some sense in the heads of those politicians or just… His left arm grabbed his right. "Calm down, Anakin. Calm Down. It would be troublesome if you kill them." Thought he to himself.
Anakin had nothing against senators. But Vader… he was whole another story. Since Vader was unknown by anyone, Anakin could use his secret persona to get rid of some steam. Anakin knew that Galaxy was imperfect, but Vader didn't know the word "compromise".
Anakin's hatred to slavers resulted in his bloody rampage. His secret visits to Tatoone – in genocide of sand people. Everything wouldn't be so bad, if Vader could understand that there were much more ways to stop what he hated and without the use of violence.
But Vader didn't knew or knew and didn't care. Vader hayed politicians, they let ordinary people suffer while they become richer from their misery. Vader needed all his resistance to not kill them when he will meet them, fact that they are people, who branded him as traitor to Republic, didn't help either.
Unfortunately Vader wasn't the only one who was sent to the border. "Black Hound" and it's notorious captain were getting closer any minute. In torture chambers Antinnis slowly cut the skin from the back of the screaming human. He took the cut skin and placed it on the table near his instruments.
Antinnis was cruel and impatient man. But he knew how to do his work he already found the name of the planet. But he wanted to know who he will face, so… tortures continued.
Meanwhile Minato informed by his spies also set his course to the planet where senators decided to sart the formation of their opposition.
While all that happened Bail Organa massaged his temples trying to ease his headache. Everything was as before. Even here senators bickered and couldn't agree with each other. First of all they couldn't decide, who will be their leader. Mon Mothma and Garm had nearly an equal number of supporters and none of them wished to back off.
Argument slowly became more dangerous with each passing minute. However they were saved, figuratively speaking, by the body of the guard, which smashed through the door. Soldiers in white armor followed soon behind.
Bail raised his arms, all senators left their guards before entering the Meeting Chamber. It was pointless to resist the armed and more powerful opponent. Bail sighed, it looked like their rebellion was crushed even before being formed.
Dark figure slowly walked among the troopers, Antinnis smiled looking over frightened senators, he really enjoyed this part of his work. Unfortunately for him his fun wasn't long termed. There were three ways, which led to Meeting Chamber, Antinnis came from one. When he reached the senators second doors burst open, revealing Minato and his droid army.
"Fuck." muttered Antinnis, igniting his lightsaber. "Just what I needed."
"Don't let them take or kill senators. Count Dooku needs them alive." ordered Minato, also igniting his double – edged yellow lightsaber. "Take care of the troopers. Leave Antinnis to me."
Both of them slowly walked to each other while battle ravaged on around them, they were both experienced warriors and neither wanted to lose, but Minato was more patient and with each step closer, Antinnis' rage took a better hold of him. His metal arm clenched his lightsaber with unnatural power. He stopped and took a battle stance.
"Ah! Here you are, my good Inquisitor. Tell me, how is your eye and arm?"
Antinnis just growled. "Will be better after I will gut you open, Namikaze!" However both warriors jumped backwards as leftovers of the third door hit the places where they stood before. Waves of warriors in Mandolorian armors stormed in.
"Well, well, well. I was preparing myself for a meeting with tricky politicians, but found that Christmas came early. Two top agents of CIS and Empire!" Darth Vader ignited his sword. "I will greatly enjoy cutting you to pieces."
Vader blocked the stroke from Antinnis and send Minato into nearby wall. Usually the strength of his metal arm gave him advantage over his opponents, but Antinnis also lost his arm and had a metal one instead. So Vader changed the tactics, he hit his opponent into his metal eye, where Antinnis nerves were still healing after surgery.
Inquisitor roared from anger and pain, he felt like Vader put a nail into his brain. Pain was too much and he fell to his knees. Fortunately for him, Vader's attention swept to Minato, who tried to attack him from the back.
"Two blades will not do you any good. Blades like this intimidate only novice Jedi. I'm Darth Vader and you are just another arrogant fool, who will be crushed by my hand." said Vader blocking another strike from Minato.
Yellow Flash made a salt and landed right on the table where senators just minutes before discussed their alliance. He stood in full height, looking over the Meeting Chamber that turned into battlefield. As battle raged on Minato noticed that his forces were nearly destroyed. Of course he still had a lot of droids but he presumed that Vader came here with more than one ship, while he and Antinnis, who certainly sneaked in just like him, had only their private ships.
So he did the only thing that was possible and wise in his situation.
"All CIS forces! Immediate retreat! I repeat: immediate retreat!" screamed Minato into his comm – link, running to the exit. Vader meanwhile returned his attention to Antinnis. Inquisitor stood on his shaky legs trying to calm himself. Because of pain he was still disorientated, his vision blurry and because of constant screaming in Force he couldn't focus.
Force Push got him into the wall, then he felt a burning pain in his right shoulder. He turned his head to see Vader's lightsaber in it. Glowed hand grabbed the handle a second later and pushed the sword deeper in wound. Pinned to the wall like a bug in collection of some entomologist, Antinnis felt himself helpless and powerless.
Vader was too strong for him to take on when he was fully healed, now nearly destroyed he was doomed for sure.
"Commander!" Antinnis felt how lightsaber left his flesh. He fell to the floor completely drained. Vader reflected back blaster shoots from the trooper, who tried to save Antinnis and sliced him in two. His attempt to behead inquisitor was once again stopped by Empire soldiers, not caring about their losses they managed to get Dark Lord away from Inquisitor before escaping with him.
Vader killed the last fool, who dared to stop him and looked around. Antinnis and Minato managed to get away, but good chunk of their forces lied on the floors of the chamber. Antinnis was hurt so bad that without some really good or even miraculous medical treatment he will die soon.
"Lord Vader." Sith turned his head to one of the officers. "We secured and captured all the senators. What shall we do with them?"
"Get them to my ship." said Vader deactivating his lightsaber.
"This is unacceptable!" screamed Mon Mothma, sitting behind the table in one rooms on the Vader's personal flagship. "We are Empire's senators you can't hold us captive! What are you, some kind of terrorist?"
"And you passed the border of Neutral Alliance illegally. I can return you all for Emperor and tell him everything. To hide the fact of his forces being on our territory without permission of Generals, he will silence you and do nothing against us."
Vader put a holo – disk before them. "Now listen and listen good." Before everyone appeared a holographic image of Padme Amidala.
"Bail, Mon Mothma, Garm. It's good to see you." Looking at their overstressed faces she sighed. "Please, tell me did nothing foolish." Uneasy silence was her answer. "You did, didn't you?"
"Padme." started Bail. "You must understand…"
"She understands you perfectly well, senator." interrupted him Vader. "Because of your foolishness and lack of common sense you put everything and everyone in danger."
Mon Mothma scowled. "Padme, I don't know, who this man is, but…"
"But he is speaking the truth." said Padme. "And everything I wanted to say: are you out of your mind?! Emperor needed you out of the picture, and you just gave him the means to do so."
"But Padme…"
"No buts! Listen, if you manage to not angerthe Emperor for a while, you can use loophole in law about personal security forces to start the Rebellion."
"What do you mean, Padme?" asked Bail.
"I mean that you can use the law and gather rebels in your private forces."
"But they will need military training and all, who can give it serve the Emperor or aren't trustworthy enough." said Iblis.
"Lord Vader already agreed to train them. In secret of course." replied Padme.
"Padme, this brute…" instantly exploded Mon Mothma, but silenced as hand in dark glove touched her shoulder.
"I found your lack of faith… most disturbing."
There were no disagreements after this fraise.
Malevolence. With Jeviso and gang.
Jeviso once again looked over the documents and reports. His forces took control over Omega, but conflicts with locals were still often.
Naruto really hated this universe. His soldiers had no problems dealing with ugly mugs like batarians, krogans and vorcha, after all they were notorious criminals, soldiers didn't even need to think with batarians – their culture was based on slavery, so they were natural enemies to clone troopers, who were created to uphold the laws of Republic and freedom – loving Mandolorians. On the other hand shooting into quarians, who came to Omega during their Piligrimage or asari, whose only problems were social malfunction of their own race and wrong decisions made during puberty period, such orders could start riots in his forces and Jeviso didn't need something like that.
He also was very upset with Analytical Department. His oh so great scientists were so amazed with range of enemy's ships, that they didn't even ask themselves about reasons, they were too used to automatic target capture to think about something else. Locals used optics to fire into his ships. There systems tracked enemy's zero element to lock the target, so navigation and target systems didn't see his ships.
Analytical Department was saved only because Jeviso had more pressing matters, like telling Liara that her mother is in coma, or deactivation and destruction of Mass Relays, another reason was lack of personnel, Jeviso simply couldn't get replacement to current Analytical Department.
Still he made a very clear hint to the head of said Department about consequences of his another failure.
With silent knocking sergeant Ar'alani went inside his cabinet. Jeviso continued to look over the reports, while she sat in front of him and started hers.
"My Lord, most population of krogans, vorcha and batarians are destroyed. Our soldiers and medics help civilians, who suffered during the conflict. Ninety per cents of the Omega are under our control, it's reconstruction into shipyard finished for thirty three per cents."
"Good." Jeviso rose up from his seat and looked at the screen, which was behind his working place, so Ar'alani saw only his back now. "What about the Queen?"
Ar'alani gritted her teeth, she didn't like former Queen of Omega and it was mutual. Aria still remembered, who wanted to torture her.
"She… cooperates, but stopped wasting her time trying to seduce some members of our personnel."
Naruto raised a brow. That was unusual, he thought that she will not stop her efforts, seduction was greatest skill and weapon of her species and in hands of Matriarch like her…
"Why?"
"I told her that we use special blockaders."
"Are we?"
"Some of us." smiled Ar'alani. "They are too damn good in what they do."
Nin'Qwei. Unknown location.
He looked at the giant statues in Valley of the End. Monument to colossal struggle that happened here. Monument to rivalry. To friendship. To hatred.
But he didn't care about such things, no, he cared about something necessary, like hatred, but he didn't care about emotions of others', only his power, only his hatred mattered. Others were simply beneath him. Why? Because he was Uchiha Sasuke. And all that he wanted was his brother's death. From his hands.
Yet, no matter how detached from anything and anyone he wanted to be, he always returned to this Valley, starting from the day he first saw those giant statues, till current time, he cannot get rid of the feeling that something was off, amiss.
That while he stood here, there should be somebody else. Someone like him. Yet different altogether. It doesn't matter how much he tried to forget, his thoughts always returned to that day when he and others were sent to capture Master Shaak Ti. Sakura and Ino betrayed her, gave Konaha's forces her location. They were superior in numbers, they outclassed their opponents. Nothing should had went wrong.
Yet it did.
He was like black hurricane with rage of demon king, unstoppable, tireless, mercless. His sensei died first decapitated, Yondaime lost his hand, others – just pride. They paid great price for arrogance. But even if part of him understood this another darker, greedier part whispered to him that such power should belong to him, Uchiha Elite!
But deep inside somewhere in darkest corner of his soul, which existence Sasuke will deny, he feared the masked warrior and that deep hidden fear will play a critical role in his fate.
Imperial palace. Galactic Empire. Coruscant.
Sasuke wasn't the only one who was coward deep inside his soul. Palpatine was coward too. He feared his Master and to take his place he poisoned him and sliced his throat while he was asleep. Fighting openly wasn't his style, so he decided to use more backstabbing tactics.
Palpatine also feared death and he spent a lot of time trying to hide from it. He also wanted power only for himself. Even apprentice was just a way to force his will upon others.
He was abomination, he corrupted the way of the Sith, which thought to be incorruptible, because of it's dark nature.
Palpatine feared death, Sith do not fear anything, Palpatine wanted absolute power only for himself, but without him it was pointless, he had no vision, and when Sith die only his vision remains, his will per se, through it they live and feared eternally. Darth Bane or Vindictus maybe dead, but their visions, their teachings turned them into dark legends, it made them… eternal.
Palpatine didn't want something like that. He feared his end he wanted to forever to be ideal of Dark Side's supreme rule.
He knew that many before him tried to do so, like them he didn't care. But those, who were before cared. Palpatine never faced his teacher in battle. He never proved his superiority like Sith Lords before him. He killed his teacher while he was asleep and Palpatine's hands were shaking violently, while he did it. He feared that old Muun will wake up and turn him into dust for his treachery.
Cowards sat on the Dark Throne before, but they were quickly eliminated by more ambitious and brave apprentices. System worked and ghosts of Korriban seen no reason to interfere.
It was before Sidious. They foresaw that his actions may lead to destruction of the Galaxy and even if they didn't, Galaxy will suffer for hundreds upon hundreds of years.
They asked the Force and it answered. Jeviso was his answer, he was all that Palpatine wasn't, that's why Emperor wanted to destroy him so much, usually when some youth clothed him- or herself into dark robes he used and killed them. But when Jeviso appeared…
Palpatine realized somewhere on instinct level that games were over, it was either him or Jeviso, no third option.
So while he stood and listened to screams of another fool, who dared to oppose him, with his spy n- senator from "rebellious" group, he didn't care about political mess, which he was informed about, no. He thought about Darth Jeviso. He was behind every loss in recent times.
He will find out how to deal with him. And there was only one place where he could find his answer.
Korriban.
Several days later. Emperor's special shuttle. Surface of Korriban.
Figure in dark robes slowly walked on the red sands of Korriban. His direction were ancient tombs of Sith Lords, where he once heard the secrets of immortality and now he hoped to find solution to his problems in these ancient spirits' minds.
Emperor was really pissed. Not only he needed secretly get away from Coruscant, but get to Korriban too. It wasn't an easy task. But here from his point of view was the only place where he might found the answer to his questions.
Finally he reached the entrance to the dungeon. Once great, this place slowly turned into nothing but pile of dust and stones. But Palpatine new that the true treasure waits under the earth.
He slowly walked down the stone stairway. Nothing but sound of his own footsteps can be heard in silence of the tomb. Palpatine went to the place that only he knew about. Or at least so he hoped.
They already waited for him. Usually he spent a lot of time trying to get to them while they were beyond the borders of Life. Spirits of the Sith Lords smiled on him with very sinister smiles.
"Great Lords of the past." Palpatine never liked honorifics at least if they weren't used in his presence. "I came here to ask you…"
"About young Jeviso." came the voice from his back. "When I created the Rule of Two, I never thought that somebody like you will become the Sith Lord. You are unstable coward, unfit to rule and lead. Why do you think that we will tell you anything?"
Palpatine slowly turned to face his opponent. Even after death he was as terrifying as he was in life, Darth Bane creator of the Rule of Two looked in the eyes of Palpatine. And it was the first moment in his life when he felt that some technology support like at least lightsaber will be really good, right now.
Usually Palpatine despised the technology. He felt that it was just cheap imitation of what the Force could do. But as was already said, he really missed his lightsaber. He really slacked of in his training, when he became the Emperor he rarely used the sword, preferring to send his agents to the battlefields, than doing what was needed himself.
Well, he always was like that. Palpatine dodged another lightning from ancient Sith Lord. Sword of course was nearly useless with such opponents, but he at least could block the lightning more efficiently.
"Enough of this childish games." with the voice of new speaker Bane stopped his assault on the Sidius. There were several things that Sidius despised. Women and Sith Lords, who are more powerful than him, spirit before him was both those things.
XoXaan one of the first Sith Lords, who left the Jedi order to create something else. Something that later shall be known as Order of the Sith.
"Sidius, you came here seeking knowledge that can help you slay Darth Jeviso. But what if we say, that he does it with our approval?"
"What?" Sidius didn't believe his own. "I AM the Sith Lord, the Master! You cannot do something like this!"
"You are coward and weakling, who feared his own teacher so much, that you cannot even oppose him openly! Cowardice is one thing, but fear and weakness never will be tolerated in Sith Order!" replied XoXaan.
"I fear nothing and nobody!" screamed Sidius.
"Sidius…" this old raspy voice sent chills down his spine. "Try to not lie at least once in your miserable life."
Sidius once again slowly turned. He stood before him same as he remembered him, covered from head to toe in black robes, tall and imposing as always.
"You…"
"Yes, it's just me your old fool of a Master. It's really cold here beyond the border of Life, Just remember I still wait for you… and for our eventual confrontation."
Sidius slowly backed away.
"See, you are coward you are weakling Sidius. You are unfit to be the Sith Lord, but you still can ask us one question. Chose wisely, you can ask it anytime, but after this, you will be our enemy."
Sidius smiled. "I need just one thing: tell me how to deal with Darth Jeviso?"
XoXaan stretched her arm forward mist slowly circled her arm and turned into a small figure in her palm.
"Find this boy, as your apprentice he may stand a chance."
"Where?"
Her arm touched his temple. "Nin'Qwei. Fire country. Konoha."
"How did you lie to him?" asked Bane.
"I didn't lie. As his so - called "fated rival" he stands a chance against Jeviso… one to hundred. Still better than others. Than complete zeros."
Nin'Qwei. Valley of the End.
Sasuke once again was on his usual place. Recently, after Kakashi's death he came here more and spend much more time than usual her. He did what he usually did. Stood in the center and looked at the stars. All his life he waited for something. Like there was something amiss in it. Like one true enemy among imposters.
So when dark ship landed in the Valley he slowly went to it. To his Fate. To his Battle. To Darth Jeviso. To his one and true Enemy.
Secret facility on Coruscant. Sometime later.
Palpatine smiled. His apprentice was really a true sith, worthy to stand by his side. Sasuke learned the ways of the Dark Side really fast, with Sith Lightning being his most favored weapon. Usualy he fought in his own unique style of lightsaber combat. He attacked holding it in reverse grip. Specially modified Shien – style made him really dangerous opponent. Being also master of Juyo and Soresu, Palpatine believed him to be the natural enemy of somebody who relies on heavy and complex style needed to efficiently wield the dual – bladed lightsaber that Jeviso used.
However even Palpatine was forced to acknowledge that to wield something like Jeviso's weapon, Jedi or Sith needed to learn at least four styles and judging by his prowess in battle, he learned more.
Sasuke grew fat in terms of strength, but Jeviso wasn't stopping either. He needed something to make his new apprentice stronger. After all he needed just one lucky strike to deal with brat. But Sasuke's progress was dual edged blade, with his powers grew his arrogance. And thirst for power and fame.
Palpatine already sensed that his apprentice thought himself much better Emperor than his old Master. Palpatine hid his hands into the sleeves of his robes, feeling the cold metal of his lightsabers.
Maybe the young Sith needed the lesson in obedience and discipline, which he didn't focus on, since Jeviso was more pressing matter.
Palpatine turned to his apprentice.
Yes, this will do just fine.
A bit later.
Sasuke was very ambitious young man. He wanted to know everything that his Master knew, then he will use it on his enemies. And eventually to steal his Master's throne. In his mind it was natural: he will bleed him dry of knowledge as he wanted to do with Fourth and Konoha, all to become the superior being.
However Susuke was smartest only in his own mind. To Sidius his intentions were as clear as day. And he acted like true Sith.
He appeared before Sasuke right when he was on training grounds, tall menacing figure of impending doom. Sidius slowly relaxed his hands and two lightsabers shoot from the sleeves of his dark robe. Two red blades crossed before Sidius in red light his cruel smile looked even more sinister.
Sasuke quickly understood that he was in really deep shit, so without any doubt he took his blade into reverse grip and prepared himself.
Several minutes later a well – beaten Sasuke stood before Sidius. Two red blades crossed before young Uchiha's throat. Sidius slowly started to move them down, forcing Sasuke to move with them, moments later Sasuke stood on his knees.
"This, my little apprentice… is a proper position before your Master. Remember little Sasuke, yopu will be in this position for most time in your life." Sith Lord deactivated his lightsabers. "However you are prepared for a long – termed mission." Sidius turned his back on his apprentice. "Your armor await you in your chambers, details of the mission are on the datapad, also there."
Sasuke stood up and went to his chambers in complete silence.
Five minutes later. In Sasuke's chambers.
Clad in Sith Stalker's Armor, Sasuke sat on his bed. All his planning… All his schemes… All for nothing. Sasuke looked at grey helmet in his arms and thought about his position. He was a student and potential successor for one of the most terrifying beings in the Galaxy.
But his desire for more and jealousy over position and power of his master left him here… With petty assassination missions.
Sasuke stood up and placed his helmet upon his head. He will be the Emperor. In his future Sasuke saw a mount made of bodies… Siduis… Jeviso… Minato… hundreds of those, who were against him. With throne upon this mountain and him on this throne.
Terminus systems. Malevolence. Naruto's personal chambers.
Young Sith Lord switched the picture on the datapad. He was preoccupied with Geth problem. Something bothered him in this problem. When AI once decided that organical life is his enemy, it will not stop until it destroys every living thing.
But Geth do not attack organics first, they only defend and for three hundred years they never left their space. He thought that if he managed to logically state his position he managed to acquire powerful ally. He also needed to decide what to do with Attican Traverse.
His spies reported to him that CIS forces in Outer Council Space recently activated and slowly got closer to Asari Republics and Thessia. Their fleets still didn't react, they guarded Thessia and Citadel from the asari's side.
Turians also prepared their fleets since Saren's betrayal. He expected asari's fleets to be decimated or forced to flee in one week. They were already beyond saving, ignoring CIS forces on their territory. His spies in Empire reported to him that Emperor focused the might of several fleets in unkown location. Reports of them missing in other systems stated this.
This meant just one thing: Empire found another Gates and prepared to invade this Galaxy. With Sidius' xenophobia and same behavior in Alliance's higher echelons meant that Sidius, of course if he played his cards right and if Naruto let him, will have a future stronghold in form of Systems Alliance.
Knowing how old Sith operates Naruto presumed that he will need slaves. Without wookie he will need other physically strong species to work for his cause. And batharians, who he couldn't use in any other way, will be a perfect fit.
After CIS and Empire will establish their strongholds their new prey will be Turians and Salarians. And then, eventually they will clash. Or they will invade the Attican Traverse. Their options were limited. But either way, sooner or later they will face him and his forces.
So he needed to deal with his two loopholes in his defense: Geth and Collectors. Collectors were more pressing than Geth. Their only exit was on his territory. Also his ships had a bit of a problem with Mass Relays. To safely travel through them ship needed so – called "core". And even if sometimes using Mass Relays were easier, his forces needed specially created "cores", because the biggest ones were made only for dreadnoughts.
And his ships exceeded them in size. Hence, why he ordered deactivation and destruction of all Mass Relays. Of course he just reprogrammed several of near the borders to let his unwanted guests in and not let them out of his systems.
Imperial Palce. Coruscant.
Sasuke, clad in Sith Stalker armor with helmet in his arms, kneeled before his Master. Sidius looked at his apprentice. Cold and calculated, just like he needed.
"I see you finally saw a reason… good." Sidius took a short pause. "Today will be a very special day for you. Today you will forget your name given to you before and you will rise anew." He activated his lightsaber. He placed it above Sasuke's right shoulder and then moved the blade to left.
"Rise my apprentice. Rise newly christened Sith. Rise Darth Sarrai." Sidius moved to his throne and sat on it while Sasuke stood in front of him.
"Your mission is simple Sarrai, yet long. You must go through the gate and infiltrate one certain organization. As your predecessors already found, our gates are located on the territory of Systems Alliance. With my political view idea of humanity's superiority will find a wide approval in their society. When the time will be right I will take hos… diplomatically persuade our future allies to become the part of Empire."
"That's really great." said Sasuke. "But where I come in?"
"In their space there is very powerful organization known as "Cerberus". You must infiltrate it at deal with the leader or sabotage their work, or just give our fleet information, whatever. You true purpose is to use them against other enemies. Let them believe that we have weakness and if our forces here will be defeated, with captured technologies and infrastructures, humanity, led by "Cerberus" will become the true rulers of the Galaxy."
"And in truth?"
"In truth, I will use them to rally all, who oppose me and crush them in one swift attack. Their leaders are preferable to be taken alive. Their very painful, public execution will crush any deceit." smirked Sidius.
Sasuke nodded put his helmet on and left the hidden throne room. Sidius continued to smirk. Sarrai. Assassin. Sasuke fit in this category perfectly, with his blind pursue of power he will always be a pawn of true rulers of this Universe, who always hide in shadows.
Later with Sasuke.
Sasuke knew that to get attention from somebody like "Cerberus" he needed to be two things: professional and outlaw. So he decided to become an assassin. Very soon he became famous as "unseen killer", so it was a matter of time, until "Cerberus" will contact him.
He laid on the top of skyscraper clad in his stalker armor, with sniper rifle in his hands.
Clack. Clack. Clack.
Pair of elegant legs clad in black high – heeled boots stopped near him.
"You are…"
"The one, who you are seeking out miss Lawson." Sasuke's voice distorted by his mask was really intimidating. "Wait a minute, my goal has finally reached his destination." Sasuke gently pulled the trigger and rose up.
"We need to go." said he to Lawson. "Follow me."
Miranda was usually very untruthful to people like this… assassin. But Illusive Man wished him as one of their operatives, no buts, no declines. So Miranda followed strange mercenary, who in her opinion looked really scary.
"…son. Miss Lawson."
Miranda shook her head. She was too deep in thought to hear the possible candidate.
"I said, that you can proceed with what you came here for." They were in little dark room with only one window, near which mercenary stood. "Security forces will not wait for us."
Miranda nodded. "On behave of my organization's leader The Illusive Man, I offer you a place as our operative."
"Yes."
"Just like this?"
"As you can see I'm not in really good position right now. Maybe need a little change."
Much later. One of "Cerberus" secret facilities. With Miranda.
"What do you think of him?" hologram of Illusive Man, looked right into Miranda's eyes.
"Calm, calculated. Can use nearly all forms of weapons, very good in hand – to – hand combat. Asked a blade similar to the one, that usually uses Leng, so it's safe to assume that he is good with it too."
"And…"
"We cannot find anything about him. It's like he just appeared magically from thin air. Sire, why did you take this obvious spy into our ranks." asked Miranda.
Illusive Man breathed out the cloud of smoke. "There is an ancient saying Miranda: keep you friends close and your enemies even closer. I do not doubt that he is a potential enemy. I just want to use his talents for a while, before disposing of him."
With Sasuke.
When he prepared to infiltrate the "Cerberus" he left the lightsabers in safe vault in his personal ship, ship itself was hidden on big asteroid.
"Well, well, well. Who do we have here?" smug voice behind his back made Sasuke turn his head. Man clad in dark armor with blade behind his belt.
"Kai Leng, I presume."
"Well, looks like my fame runs before me." smirked Leng.
"The fame of being deranged murderer and psychopath? Because that is the only things I heard about you."
Leng gritted his teeth. "You know nothing, mercenary! You maybe famous, but you prefer the weapon of cowards. You may portray yourself as strong and confident warrior but inreallity you are spineless weakling."
"Really? Maybe now shall come part where you cannot let such a weakling like me to serve in such a great organization as "Cerberus"?" asked Sasuke.
"Yes. Let me see that this blade on your blade isn't just for looks."
Sasuke instantly took his blade in reverse grip. Too fast for Kai Leng to notice.
"So where can we fight?"
When his blade clashed with Sasuke's, Leng quickly understood that he was way over his head. Sasuke strikes were powerful and swift, Leng was quickly forced to defensive position. Even Kai Leng wasn't prideful enough to gloat in position he soon will be. Under Sasuke's boot.
Of course nobody could see it, but Sasuke greatlt enjoyed his playtime with Kai Leng. After his training under Sidius, Sasuke slowly got a lot of disturbing characteristics of his teacher. But eventually this game became boring. Sasuke kicked his opponent to the knee and while Leng tried to collect himself hit him with the hilt of his sword to the head.
Lang fell like bag filled with potatoes. Sasuke on the other hand sheathed his sword and exited the training room. He established his position and secured it. If Illusive man truly so disliked to get rid of valuable assets then Sasuke will play along and try to be one.
Several days later Alliance Space.
Sarrai breathed in and breathed out, he looked into the optics of his sniper rifle. His mission was easy, at least for him. Shoot his target into the head and get away. However, fate had another plans.
CIS needed somebody to be their dissident in unknown new galaxy. Tyrannus usually sent Ventress for such kind of mission. But because of his treason he lost her and Grievous wasn't suited for such kind of mission. He didn't trust Maul nor Geisti enough to send them.
Then he found him. Tyrranus heard only rumors about his existence, a reclusive assassin, who had no interest in money, he only wished that he will be never seen or heard again. But he came to him seeking the eyes of special person as payment.
This strange master of twin bladed combat quickly became the best agent of Dooku.
He acted on count's orders or on his own. Nobody knew had he the Force sensitiveness or not, but he somehow knew where he could find his prey. He looked for Sasuke. Uchiha never expected him to appear. Twin blades nearly cut off his head.
Sasuke prepared his lightsaber to combat his enemy. He expected that his lightsaber will easily cut the blades in halves, but blades didn't cut.
Their duel however was rudely interrupted by security forces, which fired from rocket launcher into their position. Assassin and Sarrai gracefully landed in opposite directions. Hordes of security personnel divided them and Sasuke was forced to flee.
Several hours later.
"What was that?" asked Miranda's hologram. While Sasuke still in his helmet, but without chest plate took care of his wounds.
"Crack in my ribs is from rocket launcher, cuts from unknown assassin."
"Unknown assassin?" asked Miranda.
"Yes, due to his actions I was forced to flee, I presume he wanted to kill the target first, fortunately I managed to deal with target first."
"Yes. Fortunately." said Miranda. "Recover, take care of yourself. Illusive Man will take care of the rest.
Miranda pushed the button deactivating the transmission.
"You were right. He is a good investment." said she.
"I'm always right." said TIM, who said on his trademark chair behind Miranda. "Even in situation like this, he managed to kill the target."
"He is still unknown. We don't know his name, his face, heck, with all that armor I just recently was assured that he is a man."
Illusive Man breathed out the cloud of smoke. "He will serve our purpose well, and Miranda…"
"Yes Sire?"
"Try to not put a control chip in him, if he ever receives medical treatment from "Cerberus", I have more than enough enemies, I don't need another one."
"I will try sire, but no promises."
CIS Command Center. Training grounds.
"Yes. Like this. Good. Now to first position." Geisti readied her spear, while Morinth, already covered in tattoos, took a battle stance.
Geisti attack her from above, using the length of the shaft to make Morinth move in directions needed to Geisti. Morinth knew this and expected something like this. Skilled warrior usually block it or step backwards, to better judge the situation and prepare for attacks and counter attacks.
Morinth didn't do something like this, she slid on her knees letting the red blade go above her and stabbed her blade forward. Good attempt. If Force Push didn't pressed her in the floor, she could had managed to wound her Master.
Twi'leck smiled. "Good, very good Morinth, you are progressing fast, that's good for your own survival."
"Thank you Master." Morinth rose to her feet. "But I'm a bit curious about our current position."
Geisti sighed. "I knew that this day would come. Ask me."
Morinth sat, her legs crossed, in front of her Master. "First question: Neutral Alliance."
"What about them?" asked Geisti sitting in front of her disciple in same position.
"They are Sith and I heard that our usual enemies are Jedi."
Geisti sighed. "Situation is rather unusual. Empire is led by Sith, Confederacy of Independence Systems is led by Sith and neutral Alliance is led by Sith. Jedi are banished. I will not be surprised if later some historians will call this Sith Civil War. If such thing is possible, Sith are opportunistic culture, which rise through fall of others, it's normal for us to fight each other."
"And what about Jedi?"
"What about them?"
"Will they not try to deal with that situation?"
"They were exiled from Republic, now Empire, they are enemies of the CIS and only Alliance will not destroy them on sight, they have no men and no fleets, their power is only in numbers of acolytes. They will not play a major role in the Galaxy's politics for a long time."
"So…"
"If you are so interested in hunting Jedi, you need to get to Admiral Trench's fleet, he is the one responsible for finding and dealing with Jedi. But I presume that Count Dooku will gather most of our forces and sent them here, since treaties and politics will prevent CIS and Empire from clashing in Old Galaxy. Of course you can start your search only after your Ascension.."
"And here?"
"Senators look at this space as new colonies, new profit. I'm sorry but I think that for a while independence will be just a dream for this Galaxy."
Morinth sighed. "I don't really care… Ardat – Yakshi are outlaws anyway. But… to think that yesterday rulers will be defeat, that asari will soon become a mere slaves and turians' war machine will be crushed like an insect… I think my head spins."
"I understand you… but this is the truth."
"You said something about Ascension. What is that?" Morinth still herself not right when she discussed the subject of turning her Galaxy into a Senat's business property.
"You already passed the pain of gaining Sith tattoos, the only one test remains for you. Be one with us, your skin will become red, and you will turn into true sith."
"So the greatest trial is ahead of me?"
"Most painful, yes. But greatest? No. Morinth you have a great future among us, but even greater hardships await you." she made a pause. "Also about your mother… Since you are not dangerous anymore and your descendants will be normal. I will need her alive and unarmed, to you know… research."
Morinth smiled. "I will find her and bring her to you as soon as possible."
"Geisti smiled in return. "Then it will be your test after Ascension, before you leave me to find the Jedi and deal with them."
Nin'Qwei. Jedi Temple. Several days ago.
Since her daughter and Hinata decided to follow their friend Korra to Republic City, Kushina trained non – stop. Her talks with Shaak Ti helped her a bit, but she understood that she could deal with her problem through only one way.
She took her things and prepared for a long travel.
"Going somewhere?' asked Shaak Ti, who noticed her preparations.
"Yes, while my children are away I need to do something."
"What?"
"At first I will go to Uzu. I wasn't there for a while, maybe I will find something there and the graves of my kin need care."
"Well, just take care of yourself Kushina. I have a bad feeling about this."
Now, several days later she understood why she was worried. Hiruzen told her that the remains of her kin was taken care of. She knew that she shouldn't trust his words anymore, still finding so many bones on the shore was really hard for her. Many still had their hair, so fortunately for her very few had red hair.
With a sigh Kushina slowly started her sad work. After burying the remains of her kin, she continued her path to the center of the island.
Everything changed since she was here the last time, from homes and temples only ruins remained. Suddenly Kushina stopped. Something was wrong. Kushina kneeled. In front of her were traces of somebody's feet, fresh ones. It looks like somebody managed to get here and decided to find something for his or her own gain.
Kushina didn't even think that somebody survived, there were survivors, yes, but they hid as good as it was possible and as far from Uzu as they managed to get. Kushina went to the nearby trees. She will find the grave robbers and deal with them accordingly.
She found them nearly instantly. Blank masks, symbols of Konoha, Root. First one died from his broken neck, courtesy of Kushina, another had his throat split. Other died from being suffocated or impaled by Kushina's chains. Finally Kushina was left one – on – one with their commander.
She looked at her green eyes and thought if she stayed in Konoha, maybe she would have stood in her place? But, "what if's", didn't bother Kushina anymore, dead spirits of her kin whispered in her ears through the Force, there were no place for doubt in her heart.
She smiled at her soon to be prey.
"From mind fucker to grave robber? Really a jump in carrier hierarchy, Ino."
"Lady Kushina…" paled the blonde.
"I don't understand… You betrayed Shaak Ti, tried to rob the graves of my kin… And my daughter even considered you a friend."
"Y – your kin?"
"Ah… yes, they took it from your education system. You stand in Uzushiogakure, where my clan once resided. In second war we were betrayed by Konoha and left to die."
"And now you want vengeance? Through my dead body!" screamed Ino activating her two blades, yellow and green ones.
Kushina shook her head. "You may have been taught by Shaak Ti, but…" she activated her own blade. "So been I." ended her speech Kushina, taking Soresu stance.
Ino attacked raising her swords above her head and Kushina easily blocked her blades with her own. Ino's furious and fast attacks were easily blocked or evaded by Kushina. Kushina's blade fell from above and Ino barely managed to block it with her owns.
Kushina pulled more strength into her attack and Ino slowly started to lose her position. "Your defense…" Kushina kneed Ino into her gut. "Is full of holes."
Ino moaned but still gripped her blades. "Also…" Kushina get her other arm from behind her back. "You lack focus." Force Wave pressed Ino into the nearby ruins of some unknown building. When Wave crushed into her, she lost her blades and they spinning stabbed into the ground.
Ino coughed the blood out of her mouth. She was on her hands and knees trying to get up after Kushina's attack, when the red head placed her feet on Ino's back and pressed, she easily forced her to the ground.
Kushina used telekinetic abilities to summon Ino's blades. Then she stubbed them near her neck.
"Try to return and don't forget to tell them where I am. I wish them to come. I wish them to die… by my hands."
Kushina left Ino there, broken and blooded and returned to burying her people.
Konoha didn't bother her for several weeks.
First attack happened in Wave. Once again, by Root.
Week before attack. Danzo's headquarters.
One eyed warhawk looked how his new weapons were created in massive amounts. They lacked materials to create lightsabers, but blueprints of other weapons that were used for training, after a bit of modernizing and empowering were produced for his forces.
Danzo used one of them. With such weapons Konoha surely will become the greatest village of all, maybe soon it will become the only one. Under his rule, as it supposed to be.
Warhawk smiled to his thoughts, he let himself dream about power and greatness.
But before that heneeded to kill several people.
Wave. With Kushina.
She waited for them. She prepared for their eventual assault and now they fought on her rules. She had chosen a great bridge that connected Wave and land of Fire as her battlefield. She knew that since bridge was of strategic value, Root Shinobi will think twice before destroying it.
Unlike Kushina.
Rage bottled up within her being begged for release, and Root shinobi will be unfortunate souls, who will perish under it.
However they also prepared to face her, New weapons managed to stop her lightsaber at least for awhile. Usually in Shinobi world even one second of hesitation can cost you your life. On the other hand Root operatives faced the Legend.
Kushina didn't hesitate she cut off what she can, arms, legs, heads. Her blade turned into hissing cloud of light. It was impossible for them to escape, to late they understood that it wasn't them, who trapped her. She trapped them and she didn't need hostagies.
Kushina send a lot of heads to Konoha that day. She really liked that ninja – postmen never ask the questions.
Jane Shepard and the others. Several weeks ago.
"…fuck!" ended her speech Ashley, reloading her gun. "If we continue like this I will be out of ammo soon. If they are like this here, then what's happening on salarians' positions? Tali, girl, can you finally turn off those flying cans?"
"Bosh'tet, do you think it's so easy to hack geth sitting under their gunfire?" quarian angrily hissed something on her language, something that young girls like her shouldn't speak, (Counting that their team already took a part in small "war" with geth, rachni, mercenaries, pirates and terrorists, many young members managed to learn a lot of… bad things… (Well Jane had never argued about erotic massage that made Shiala.) Girls were the first victims of said process.) continued to push the buttons on her omni – tool.
"I don't want to interrupt your really interesting speech." said Garrus killing another geth from his sniper rifle. "But several minutes later we will have a really good chances to die before our time."
Jane pushed away another foot soldier with her biotics. "Shiala, now!"
"yes Commander." Energies of Shepard's field and Shiala's energy bolt contacted and exploded destroying all geth near them.
"I destroyed their connaction, but soon they will deal with my virus and reconnect." screamed Tali.
"Good job girl." said Ashley unloading her rocket launcher in nearby fuel barrels.
"How did I get into such situation?" asked Garrus putting another bullet in his sniper rifle with sorrow clearly heard in his voice.
"Okay you got you share of fun, now to work, this building will not explode itself." Jane, after making sure that there is nobody around raised the protecting glass of her helmet and cleared the blood from her nose, it was too many biotic fights today and between half of your squad dead and head in pain, she had always chosen the last.
"How are you?" asked Shiala with concern in her voice.
"Had been worse." answered Jane. "Second, fourth! Report the situation"
"This is second." reported the gruff and loud voice of Wrex. "No causalities and we managed to hold our position still, but there is too many of them Shepard, and their numbers are growing."
After that there was only silence.
"Fourth answer me! Kaiden, fuck you, report!"
"We cleared our position." replied one of the soldiers from Kaiden's group, Jason if Jane remembered right. "Enemy's resistance is overwhelming, we suffer heavy losses, Lieutenant is heavily wounded unconscious. Enemy is trying another siege right now, Fuck it krogans! We need reinforcements!"
"Wrex, take all who you have and go help Kaiden, geth are trying to get to us through his position."
"Got it. I'm on way."
"Those frogs are done for." commented Ashley. "They are tough, but against them are krogans who don't fear death and fight till they are mortal wounded. I don't think that they will live long enough to see reinforcements."
"There is no other choice." said Shepard. There was one more thing the Jane hated in life more than bureaucrats. And it was the losses in her team. She already lost several men while they hold the geth and something told her that it weren't the last ones.
Remaining distance to Saren's lab was nearly without a problem, several krogans who get a bullet from Garrus' rifle weren't such a great danger.
The insides of the labs on the other hand… Only Shepard, who got through theTorphan, saw something as bad. Nobody tried to think, how bad felt herself young Tali, who was raised on Migrating fleet where helping each other was needed for existence.
Hundreds of bodies, laid on tables, floated in tubes or were just connected to strange machines. Most of them were krogans, but there were also human, salrian, batarian and even several asari bodies.
Shiala slowly went to one of the victims' bodies. Young asari, once beautiful, now missed one eye, several inner organs were pulled out, on her skull she saw scars from lobotomy. Former apprentice of Benezia covered her eyes and raised her pistol. Shoot pierced the silence that reigned after they entered the lab.
Shepard knew what she needed to do, she looked at Garrus, who nodded and they raised their guns together. There were once again shooting sounds.
"Let's go." Shepard knew that Shial needed time, she saw the same on Torphan, but like there they had no time.
"She was just a girl in eyes of our people, Jane." red haired woman just gripped her shoulder, she couldn't help her more in their position.
Cages with half mad prisoners, who tried to kill them with their bare arms,, cloning facilities, experimental labs… They were really surprised, when after smashing another doors they found themselves in nice looking hall with asari – secretary.
She tried to speak something about Saren, indoctrination and enslavement… Before Shiala, whose eyes blazed with biotic energy turned her into black stain on the wall.
"Hey!" screamed Shepard.
"What!?" with her eyes still blazing she turned to them "Got something against it?"
"Hell yea, I got! I just readied this new "executioner" model of the pistol with exploding bullets and you already killed her, do you know how hard is to find something really deserving of death in this galaxy? I mean execution with all flashy effects and not some gunfight? No? Really hard. Because most of the bad guys will not give you the time to get this pretty thing!"
Shiala hugged her tightly and whispered to her ear. 'When we will be alone on the ship I will sjow you a lot of pretty things."
"Mmm… Okay. Hey where are you looking at?" screamed shepard to her crewmates, who looked in any other direction aside her and Shiala.
"We are checking for an ambush, Commander." replied Garrus.
"Agh, whatever. We need to move on."
After another gunfight with cloned krogans, squad find a Beacon. Unscratched. Working. Beacon. And SHepard started to think. Either somebody of higher existence didn't love her or something else. She couldn't explode this base anymore, destruction of the Beacon will not be forgiven even if she is the SPECTRE and destroying the only proof about following war that those idiots will believe was rather… idiotic.
Beacon could gave her answers to all her questions. And she stepped closer.
This time her visions were much more clear. Was it her previous experience or something else she didn't know. And she didn't care. Beacon did its work burning the primal information right into her brain. It gave her coordinates of Ilos. All that she needed. The only thing left to do was give it to higher officers.
She returned to her senses befor the beacon on cold metal floor. Shiala already took off her helmet and tried to help her.
Shepard smiled a bit remembering how they got to this, at first she took her to find more information about Benezia and not leave a potential enemy behind. Then talks… and after one of them Jane found that Shiala was really flexible and gentle.
Several days later she lived in one room with her.
Shepard returned to her senses when after Ashley's words.
"If they have a squids like this then what is the size of their beer cups?" asked Ashley looking at the hologram of giant squid like creature.
"You are not Saren." stated the cold mechanical voice.
"Hm, some VI? It's rather strangely looking for something, that must operate this base." commented Garrus.
"Pitiful creatures of blood and bone. You touch my mind in your barbarism, without evn slightly chance of understanding." continued hologram.
"VI – squid with egomania… This is rather cool…" said Ashley. "Not the situation we are in, but the originality of such idea…"
"I'm a being so far away from your current evolution position, that you cannot even hope to understand. I'm beyond your pitiful minds. I'm "Sovereign"!" Ashley tried to not comment on this, as the whole squad. Even Shiala, who still didn't leave Shepard shook her head.
"This isn't geth or ship…" with loud clicking sound last piece of the puzzle got on his place. "It's the Reaper."
"Reaper? Protheans called us like this. We do not care, all in all we are eternal, we will always remain. We are we."
"If this is the Reaper, it must be older than fifty thousand years, how it still function?" asked Shiala.
"Organic life is nothing but unusual mutation. You will perish, we are eternal. We are higher existence! The epitome of evolution! Your death is unavoidable."
"Forget what I said about coolness, this idea is an epic fail." said Ashley. Others nodded grimly.
'Why did you destroy protheans?" asked Shepard.
"Cycle cannot be broken." replied Sovereign.
"Cycle?" asked Garrus.
"Cycle repeats itself during the history of this galaxy. Organical civilization rise, then on highest pike of their evolution we destroy it. Protheans weren't first, We created Citadel. We made Mass Relays. You exist through our will. And you will die because we want it." said Sovereign.
"This is a trap! One big, fucking trap!" whispered Shiala gripping her weapon tightly.
"Who created you?" asked Shepard.
"We don't have the beginning. We will not have an end. We are limitless and eternal." replied Sovereign. "When you will cease to exist we will remain."
"And how may of you exist?" asked Shepard. She knew the answer, but still asked…
"We are uncountable. But I lost a lot of time speaking with you, all of this speeches are fruitless as your future is. I'm a vanguard of your destruction. I'm harbinger of your despair. I'm Sovereign. That all you should know before your pitiful and inevitable end." hologram disappeared.
Building started to shake, in that moment communicator spoke with Joker's voice.
"Cap you have a problem, really big one."
"What new mutant killers attacked from the depths of the water?" Jane was seriously not in the mood. She finaly saw how deep in shit was entire galaxy. She really didn't like the depth.
"That giant ship just turned and flew in your direction on full speed!"