A/N: This episode takes place immediately following Episode 8 - Diplomacy
Episode 18 – Assassins
Assassins on Naboo! During the negotiations regarding Naboo's neutrality, Jedi Knight Tenel Ka Djo is nearly assassinated by a group of Anti-Jedi Terrorists from her homeworld of Hapes! Before she can return to confront her attackers, she is summoned to Coruscant by the Supreme Chancellor to discuss the recent assassination attempts! Meanwhile, continuing her quest for vengeance against Anakin Skywalker, Darth Talzin has summoned Bounty Hunters from across the galaxy to offer them the chance of a lifetime!
In the Hypori System…
A small fleet of Sith Destroyers blockaded the planet Hypori, one of the Destroyers sitting further away from the rest of the fleet. It was the Ventress, Darth Talzin's flagship, named after her late mother. On the bridge of the ship, a handful of bounty hunters stood on the bridge, all five of them lined up in a single file row. Among them were IG-88, Aurra Sing, Bossk, and two others: a Duros and a Rodian. Aurra hadn't aged in the slightest since the Clone Wars. The Duros man resembled Cad Bane only without the breathing tubes attached to his head while the Rodian was clad in armor. The Sith personnel regarded the bounty hunters coldly, glaring at them silently as they went about their business. Finally Darth Talzin entered.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you for answering my summons. I imagine you are all wondering as to why you are here." Talzin said simply as she started to walk the line of bounty hunters.
"Good question. You promised us an exclusive offer and you keep us waiting. Our rates are increasing by the second." Sing hissed, earning a glare from Talzin but the Bounty Huntress was unfazed.
"I believe you will find the following targets to be worth the payout in raw materials we are prepared to offer worth your time. The first is this one…" Talzin said as an astromech rolled up and projected a hologram of a young man with raven black hair.
"Jedi Padawan Anakin Solo, the son of the Republic's Chief of State Leia Organa-Solo and the grandson of Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker, formerly Darth Vader. As an enemy of the Sith Empire, he is wanted dead with a reward of five million credits, paid in the form of raw materials of equal or greater value. Proof of the kill must be presented in the form of his lightsaber and a sample of his blood." Talzin explained, the veteran bounty hunters all intrigued and interested by the proposition.
"Five million for a child? That's a big price tag for a mere child." The Cad Bane lookalike said, his voice similar to Bane's but noticeably different.
"That child is a Jedi and not to be taken lightly. Jedi are not easy kills and the fact he's a member of the Solo and Skywalker family makes him twice as likely to be dangerous. Five million is just barely enough for him." Sing commented, Bossk nodding in agreement but remaining silent. Talzin then nodded to the astromech which began projecting a hologram of a one armed woman with long hair.
"The next target will be a little more dangerous but not quite as high a profile target. Princess Tenel Ka Chume Ta' Djo, crown princess and heiress to the throne of the Hapes Consortium. This bounty has been posted at the request of a…silent partner who insists on keeping their involvement anonymous. The reward for Princess Djo's demise is also five million credits, also paid out in raw materials of equal or greater value. Again, proof of her death must consist of her weapon: a unique Rancor tooth lightsaber." Talzin explained.
"Analysis concludes that this target is yet another Jedi." IG-88 stated.
"That is correct. A Jedi Knight more specifically. There is no point in denying that her death would be beneficial to the Sith Empire as it would act as a destabilizing agent to the Hapes Consortium. With their Crown Princess dead, the Hapes Consortium would be thrown into disarray and would leave the door open for the Sith Empire to gain a foothold." Talzin replied.
"Doessss it matter how we kill them?" Bossk asked.
"In both cases, we want the Jedi and the Republic to know they are dead. They need a body for both as proof of the deed. It doesn't need to be an entire body but it needs to be recognizable without a medical droid, so no disintegrations." Talzin instructed as she looked at Sing who crossed her arms over her chest in a smirk.
"Your money, your rules." Aurra replied.
"Our spies report that the targets are on Coruscant. We will keep you informed of their locations with these." Talzin said as a Sith Trooper entered pushing a repulsorlift cart with a series of small holo-transmitters on top. Each of the bounty hunters proceeded to take one of the transmitters.
"Now that you know the details of the bounty, are there any questions?" Talzin asked as a Rodian Bounty Hunter raised his hand.
"What's to stop us from telling the Republic who placed the bounties? Our silence has its price as well." The Rodian said in Huttese as Talzin approached him, her hands on her hips and with a smile on her lips.
"A good question, handsome." She said with a seductive smile as she caressed the back of the Rodian's head with one of her hands, the Rodian smiling slightly in interest before there was a hiss and a red glow, the Rodian suddenly grimacing in pain as Talzin's lightsaber pierced his chest. The rodian proceeded to fall onto his back, dead.
"That should keep the dianoga fed for a short while. Does that, answer the question?" Talzin asked, a pair of Sith Troopers hauling the deceased rodian towards the garbage chute.
"We'll be back to collect our reward." Aurra said with a smirk as she and the other bounty hunters departed. Talzin watched them depart with a dark smile.
…
The Bounty Hunters were nearing the hangar bay when Aurra glanced at the Cad Bane imposter.
"You know I've worked with Cad Bane before, and I know you're not him." Aurra said as the imposter looked at her.
"Wasn't trying to be. Bane was my mentor. He taught me everything I know. The fact that I like his sense of style is irrelevant." The imposter replied.
"Then I suppose that those guns, those gauntlets, and those jet boots are just for show? Because they look awfully like Bane's." Aurra replied. The imposter smirked towards her.
"I needed good equipment, Bane had them handy." The imposter replied, pulling the wide brimmed hat down slightly.
"And you're not fooling usssss. You sssssssmell female." Bossk hissed. The Bane imposter scowled and reached for something on their throat, detaching a small device from their neck that had been hidden beneath the clothing.
"What gave me away?" the imposter asked, with a notably feminine Duros voice, although it was still gravely like Bane's.
"Smell aside, your stance and your mannerisms are clearly female." Aurra replied.
"I calculated a ninety-seven percent probability that your established sex was inconsistent with your own classification. I recognized the harmonic distortions and discrepancies in your vocal tones as being artificially produced. Identify yourself." IG-88 ordered.
"Alright, I'm not Bane's protégé. I'm his niece: Herian Bane." The imposter Bane replied.
"Identity confirmed: Herian Bane, Species: Duros, Sex: Female, wanted on seven systems for grand larceny, murder, identity theft, suspected in the assassination of Senator Govalt of Sullust." IG-88 rattled off.
"Seems I'm getting popular." Herian commented with a smile.
"Take my advice: Instead of trying to steal a reputation, make one instead." Aurra advised as they entered the hangar bay, the bounty hunters heading straight towards their ships. Bossk heading for the Hound's Tooth, IG-88 departing for the IG-2000, Aurra walking towards a rugged and well used Consular-class cruiser adorned with her own markings, and Herian heading towards a customized ARC-170. On the bridge, Talzin watched as the four Bounty Hunters departed the ship, watching as they made the jump to lightspeed, smiling darkly as she placed her hands behind her back.
"Soon you will feel my pain, Skywalker. You will know loss greater than my own." Talzin said before turning in towards the bridge and walking towards the turbolifts.
Meanwhile on Coruscant…
Tenel Ka Djo and former Senator Pooja Naberrie, with their escorts: Able and Sev, entered the office of the Supreme Chancellor and were almost instantly greeted by C-3PO.
"Oh, uh, Mistress Leia, announcing Princess Tenel Ka Djo and Senator Pooja Naberrie." 3PO introduced as the two entered.
"Thank you 3PO. I'm glad the two of you could make it on such short notice." Leia said as Tenel Ka bowed to the Chancellor, Pooja moving over to embrace her cousin in a relieved hug.
"I'm glad you asked us here, Leia." Pooja said as Leia smiled back at her.
"I'm just sorry about Naboo. I had hoped it wouldn't come to a declaration of neutrality. I fear the Sith may try and conquer Naboo through other, less direct, means." Leia said as they sat down, 3PO approaching with a tray of drinks for them, Tenel Ka politely refusing.
"I share your feelings of concern, but for now, Naboo has won its independence. I have every confidence that once this war is over, Naboo will return to the Republic." Pooja said as she sipped her drink.
"I'm sure they will. From what few interactions I've had with Queen Adrina, I believe that assumption is probably correct. Unless Naboo experiences a sudden change in leadership, I believe Naboo will retain a favorable opinion of the Republic." Leia said as Tenel Ka cleared her throat.
"Which brings us to the reason you called us here, Chancellor. I much would like to return to Hapes as soon as possible. I have…personal matters to deal with." Tenel Ka said.
"It's those personal matters that concern me. I've read the reports regarding the attempt on your life. Ni'Korish assassins ambushing and boarding a freighter, killing tens of thousands of innocent civilians just to try and kill you. I don't like it, Tenel Ka, I don't like the lengths that someone is willing to go through to kill you." Leia said as Tenel Ka sighed heavily.
"We are both aware of who the real culprit is and as usual we have no concrete evidence to support any accusations." Tenel Ka said as Leia gave a grim nod.
"She's never tried to have you killed before now has she?" Leia asked.
"Not to my knowledge. There may have been attempts on my life before now that I had either not noticed or had no evidence to suggest her as the mastermind." Tenel Ka explained.
"Pardon my asking, but who exactly are we talking about? One of the Sith?" Pooja asked.
"Worse. My Grandmother." Tenel Ka replied.
"Your own Grandmother is trying to kill you?" Pooja asked, alarmed by the revelation.
"My grandmother is a manipulative woman. She is the former Queen Mother of Hapes and desires nothing but power. When my father married my mother, my mother was made Queen Mother despite my grandmother's objections. Since then, there have been several notable attempts on my mother's life, however my mother is a formidable woman and not easily slain. The recent attempt on my life however might be motivation enough to order the Ni'Korish's destruction." Tenel Ka said as Leia sensed something within the young Princess.
"What's wrong, Tenel Ka? I sense conflict within you." Leia said as Tenel nodded.
"Yes. While I agree that the Ni'Korish are terrorists and should be stopped, as a Jedi I feel hesitant to condemn an entire group for their beliefs." Tenel said.
"But if those beliefs endanger the lives of others and threaten the political stability of your people, then shouldn't you choose the course of action that will bring the most stability?" Leia asked but Tenel sighed.
"If I am to become Queen Mother, I'm afraid I would have to make the move that would show my strength. I would have to, and will be now, urging my mother towards eliminating the Ni'Korish." Tenel said as Leia gave an understanding nod.
"I'm sorry you have to do that but I understand all too well the problem politics play with our morals as Jedi. I've even had to make some decisions that I for one am personally against but for the safety and security of the Republic, I've had to endorse them." Leia explained. The comms on her desk then buzzed. Leia pressed the button, activating a hologram showing her droid secretary.
"Pardon the intrusion, Chancellor, but the delegates from the Jedi Council are here." The droid stated.
"Yes I've been expecting them. Let them in." Leia said, the hologram disappearing. Tenel seemed concerned by the fact that there were Jedi Council members arriving.
"Chancellor, I might be mistaken in regards to their purpose here, but are the Jedi Council here to discuss my situation?" Tenel asked, Leia shaking her head.
"No-no. Actually they're here to bring a proposal before the senate. I've been expecting them since before your arrival." Leia said, sensing the Jedi approaching and rising to her feet along with Tenel and Pooja. The door into the office then opened, allowing Luke, Galen, Anakin Solo, R2-D2, and HK-47 to enter. Sev and Able both saluted when they saw Galen enter.
"Chancellor." Galen greeted as he bowed. Luke also bowed with him but Anakin didn't.
"You got here faster than expected. If it weren't for the fact that Han and Chewy were running supplies to New Alderaan with the Falcon, I'd have thought he brought you personally from Ossus." Leia said to Luke.
"I took my X-Wing. Hadn't taken it out since the evacuation of Yavin." Luke said, approaching Leia, the two siblings briefly embracing in a hug.
"Well that explains a lot." Leia commented.
"Princess Djo, I heard about Naboo and the attempt on your life. Are you alright?" Galen asked as Tenel nodded.
"I am fine, Master Marek. I am anxious to return to Hapes to deal with the matter." Tenel said but Galen wasn't as eager.
"Actually I was hoping you would remain on Coruscant a little longer. I wanted to talk to you personally on the matter. Unfortunately it will have to wait until after the senate meeting. I suppose we best be going, Chancellor." Galen said as Leia gave a nod.
"Now's as good a time as any." Leia said.
"R2, stay with Anakin. It'll be a while and there's no sense in you just sitting in the Senate chambers for hours." Luke said, R2 beeping a confirmation.
"Anakin for the time being I'd like for you to stick with Tenel Ka. Keep her safe." Galen ordered, Anakin glancing towards the Princess who was clearly displeased.
"With respect Master Marek and with no offence towards Anakin, but I do not require additional security." Tenel Ka argued.
"My instincts tell me otherwise. I sense the Dark Side is at work with the recent attempt on your life and I feel that it may still be working to achieve that end. It's only temporary, Princess. Please, just humor us for a while." Galen said as Tenel took a deep breath and gave a nod.
"As you wish, Master Marek." Tenel replied.
"Pooja, I'll be escorting Tenel Ka to Hapes when this is over so Sev and Able will escort you to the Jedi Temple on Ossus." Luke said as Pooja gave a nod.
"Thank you Luke. I look forward to helping in any way I can." Pooja said as Luke smiled and nodded towards her.
"I look forward to having you with us as well. May the force be with you all." Luke said before he, Galen, and Leia departed. R2 then beeped something to 3PO.
"I know what you mean, R2. I don't know how you stand it, being thrust into danger all the time." 3PO moaned.
"I hope that you're able to resolve the matter on Hapes without much trouble, Tenel Ka. My thoughts are with you and your people." Pooja said as Tenel bowed to the Senator.
"It was an honor working with you Senator. May the force be with you." Tenel said as Pooja headed for the door, Able and Sev escorting her out, leaving Tenel with Anakin and the droids.
"Look, for what it's worth, I didn't get asked to escort you." Anakin said, defensively.
"No need to apologize Anakin. I must yield to the Chancellor and to the Jedi Council's decision. I appreciate their concern for my safety but it is unnecessary." Tenel replied.
"Observation: In my experience there is a word for Meatbags of high political importance who underestimate their capability of survival or their importance: Dead." HK-47 commented.
"I'm inclined to agree but I have no desire to argue with a droid. Come Anakin, if you are to escort me, I don't intend to remain in only one place." Tenel said as Anakin shrugged.
"Your call, Princess." Anakin said, HK and R2 following after him.
"Oh, R2, wait for me!" 3PO called as he followed along after them.
Later…
Tenel, Anakin, and the droids had found themselves on an air taxi flying towards one of the various haunts on Coruscant.
"So they were willing to destroy an entire freighter, just to get to you?" Anakin asked, horrified by the lengths the Ni'Korish had gone to in their attempt to kill Tenel on Naboo.
"Indeed. That is why the sooner I can get to Hapes and confront my grandmother, the sooner we can put a stop to the Ni'Korish and end their murder of innocents." Tenel explained.
"I heartily agree, Mistress. I would hate to be the target of those ruffians." 3PO stated, R2 beeping something in response.
"Yes R2, that would be terrifying as well. Although, I don't think gundarks are a common problem on Coruscant." 3PO replied.
"Observation: Master, isn't that the former headquarters of the Jedi Meatbags?" HK asked as Anakin and Tenel looked towards the remains of the old Jedi Temple in the distance. The temple had been destroyed during the attack on Coruscant a few weeks ago, all five of the towers on the building having been toppled and much of the fortress area beneath them having caved in on itself. However the structure was still partially recognizable. Some of the rubble was being cleared away by construction crews and several cargo barges were lining up near the temple remains.
"Yeah, but there's something going on over there." Anakin said as Tenel turned to the pilot droid.
"Driver, take us to the old Jedi Temple." Tenel instructed.
"Right away ma'am." The droid replied, the air taxi turning and flying towards the temple. As they got closer they noticed that the majority of the debris had been cleared away and that the old foundations were being reinforced. The taxi then touched down near where a Toydarian man floated nearby with a lumbering Herglic bodyguard next to him. The green skinned Toydarian noticed the speeder landing nearby and turned to face its passengers as they paid their fair and disembarked. The Toydarian recognized them as Jedi immediately.
"Ah, Jedi! Welcome! Do you bring news about the vote?!" the Toydarian asked, flying over to meet the Jedi.
"Vote? We're just here to see what you're doing." Anakin replied.
"Doing?! We're clearing out the debris of the old temple. We've got the winning bid on the demolition contract." The Toydarian explained, alarming both Jedi.
"Demolition?! This temple is considered sacred by the order! It's stood as a monument for the Jedi who died during Order 66 and the purge for almost thirty years and you're just going to come in and demolish it?!" Anakin asked, outraged.
"Anakin, calm yourself. Why are you demolishing this structure?" Tenel asked.
"We're clearing it out at the request of your own Jedi Order. It's all right here." The Toydarian said, handing a datapad to Tenel who scanned over the contents.
"He's telling the truth. Grand Master Skywalker, Master Marek, and the Chancellor all signed off on this." Tenel replied, not sensing deception.
"But why?" Anakin asked, confused.
"You mentioned something about a vote earlier. Does it have anything to do with the temple?" Tenel asked, handing the datapad back to him.
"The Senate is supposed to vote today on the restoration of the Jedi Temple. The Jedi have already decided on the designs, the company to build it, and everything else. They just need to gain approval from the Senate to allow the building to be constructed on the old grounds. A bunch of old Imperial Red Tape that they need to resolve and the like. Transferal of property back to the Jedi, and a lot of old nonsense. We were contracted to clear the debris so that once the decision's been made, construction can begin as soon as possible." The Toydarian explained as Anakin slapped his own forehead in realization.
"Of course! That's why Master Marek and Uncle Luke were going before the Senate today." Anakin said.
"We apologize for the misunderstanding, sir. We were unaware of the issue. Please, continue your work." Tenel said as the Toydarian tipped his workman's hat with a smile.
"Don't worry Jedi. I personally have great respect for you and your kind. You might not be able to sway my mind with your little mind tricks but you've won my heart with your devotion to the Republic." The Toydarian said as Tenel and Anakin gave a nod.
"May the force be with you, sir." Tenel said as they turned to leave.
"And you as we-." The Toydarian said before a blaster shot rang out, the shot narrowly missing Anakin, passing an inch above his head and piercing the Toydarian in the chest, killing him instantly. The construction workers looked in shock for a moment before turning and running in fear, climbing aboard transports and fleeing.
"What the-?!" Anakin yelped as he and Tenel activated their lightsabers.
"Oh no!" C-3PO yelped. HK-47 raised his blaster and immediately aimed towards the source of the shot.
"Target spotted! Assassination protocols engaging!" HK declared, firing a single charged shot from the blaster, the shot hitting the engine on an incoming air taxi, causing it to start flying into the ground. The sole passenger of the taxi immediately leapt up into the air, activating a pair of rocket boots, enabling the figure to land safely on the ground and open fire with a pair of blaster pistols, the two Jedi quickly deflecting the shots while HK raised his blaster rifle, laying down a continuous stream of blaster fire.
"Let me guess, Ni'Korish assassins?!" Anakin asked as they turned and ran, HK laying down covering fire, pinning Bane down, as they hurried towards the air taxi.
"I don't think so! The Ni'Korish are typically clad in red! This person isn't! I suspect we're dealing with a different sort of assassin!" Tenel replied as they neared their taxi with the intent of escape only for a rocket collide with it, causing it to suddenly explode, the force of the explosion knocking the two over. Bossk hissed with a grin as he swapped out the rocket launcher for a different sort of weapon from the cover of a nearby cargo container. Anakin and Tenel quickly rolled in opposite directions before two blaster shots rang out, striking the ground where they were less than a second ago. They looked up to see a swoop bike fly past, a familiar driver at the controls.
"I know that face! That's Aurra Sing the bounty hunter!" Tenel exclaimed as Aurra came around for another attack, her blaster raised. She was about to fire when a charged blaster shot impacted against her port engine, knocking it out and sending her swoop into a spin. She quickly leapt clear, tumbling towards the ground.
"Threat: Continued attempts on my Master's life will be met with lethal force, Meatbag." HK-47 warned, a personal shield unit activating just seconds before an ion bolt impacted the shield. HK was startled by the shield impact and turned to see IG-88 approaching.
"Identification: IG-88, assassin droid, class four droid, moron." HK said as IG-88 kept an ion blaster trained on HK.
"HK-47, your continued functionality continues to impede my rate of success. Removing you from the equation will greatly increase my rate of success." IG-88 said, HK raising his blaster.
"Statement: Your assumption that my permanent deactivation will improve your overall rate of success is a result of a critical computation error on your part. The truth of the matter is, your rate of success is a result of your own defective construction and programming. Or to put it in terms you can understand: you're too stupid." HK replied as Anakin and Tenel deflected blaster fire unleashed on them from Aurra, Bane, and Bossk. The two assassin droids immediately began firing at one another, running for cover, HK taking cover behind a large stone block. Bossk immediately raised a stun net launcher and fired but the two Jedi leapt clear, causing the blaster fire from the other two bounty hunters to blast a hole in a broken stone wall, revealing R2 and 3PO hiding behind it. 3PO immediately hid behind what was left of the wall. R2 however started rolling quickly towards the temple, beeping something out as he raced.
"You're what?! R2-D2 where are you going?! Come back! Wait for me!" 3PO called as he chased after the astromech.
"I think R2's got a plan!" Anakin exclaimed as he and Tenel backed away from the bounty hunters.
"Agreed!" Tenel replied before they leapt behind the remains of their crashed taxi and using the force to throw it towards their assailants, causing them to scatter and land between HK and IG. HK looked at the taxi for a moment in confusion before turning and running towards his master as the two ran towards the temple ruins. The three quickly caught up to R2 and 3PO as they ran into the ruined structure through a still standing entryway. The moment all three droids were inside, the two Jedi turned towards the entryway and used the force to collapse a large portion of the wall into the entryway, blocking it off before running deeper into the ruins. The four bounty hunters ran up to the entrance and scowled.
"Sssstupid Jedi. They think they can run from ussssss." Bossk hissed as Bane flew up to the top of the debris.
"There's enough room for us to get through! Just climb!" Bane yelled down as the other three looked at each other, Aurra and Bossk both shrugging before Aurra began nimbly climbing the debris. Bossk pulled an ascension cable from his belt and used it to pull himself upward while two panels on IG-88's shoulders opened up, allowing two small pivot mounted ascension cable launchers to lock onto a spot inside and pull the assassin droid up and into the temple, all four bounty hunters meeting up inside.
"Their little diversion only slowed us down. So where did they go?" Bane asked as they looked into the ruined temple.
"Thisssss place feelssss wrong." Bossk hissed.
"It's a mass grave, Bossk. Hundreds, maybe thousands of Jedi died here over forty years ago during Order 66." Aurra said.
"And soon we're going to be adding two more. Let's move." Bane said, the four moving into the temple.
…
Anakin, Tenel, and the droids had found their way into remains of the Room of a Thousand Fountains, water still covering the floor of the room as sunlight pierced through from a hole in the roof which had allowed grass to grow in the dirt. The two Jedi were catching their breath.
"So…assassins?" Anakin asked, Tenel shaking her head.
"No. Bounty Hunters." Tenel replied.
"Difference?" Anakin asked.
"Little." HK replied.
"You appeared to have recognized the droid, HK-47." Tenel said as HK turned towards her.
"Confirmation: Yes, Meatbag, I recognize his design. The droid is known as IG-88 and, like myself although without my trademark finesse, he is an assassin droid." HK explained.
"Great, another assassin droid." Anakin grumbled.
"Declaration: Do not worry Master, I will not allow that busted bucket of bolts that dares call itself an assassin droid and tarnish the reputation I have spent four thousand years creating with every drop of putrid and pusillanimous slime his makers left behind-…" HK ranted angrily, his optics literally glowing red with anger.
"HK!" Anakin snapped.
"Summary: I won't let him harm you, Master." HK said sheepishly.
"What of the other three though? Who are they? You mentioned one was Aurra Sing?" Anakin asked as Tenel nodded.
"Yes. I've only heard of her and seen wanted posters of her. Her reputation is decades in the making. From what little I know, she is a former Jedi and excels at killing them." Tenel explained.
"I recognized one of them as Bossk, the Trandoshan. But the Duros I didn't recognize." Anakin said as Tenel pondered.
"Neither did I. Must be a new bounty hunter that we are so far unaware of. We must treat all four of them with caution." Tenel said as Anakin turned towards R2 and 3PO.
"What about you two, are you alright?" Anakin asked, R2 beeping a worried confirmation.
"I am a little shaken Master Anakin, but I am functional." 3PO replied.
"Good. I doubt the bounty hunters are after you two. Get out of here and find help, 3PO." Anakin said as they began to exit the room, sneaking out into the halls.
"If you insist, Master Anakin. But what about you?" 3PO asked.
"We'll be fine. The bounty hunters are after us and as long as we can keep them occupied, you can run out, get Masters Marek and Skywalker, plus plenty of troops, and bring them back here." Anakin instructed.
"Right, come along R2." 3PO said, R2 beeping a sad reply.
"We'll be fine R2, go on." Anakin said but R2 stubbornly refused.
"What's the matter with him?" Anakin asked, looking to 3PO.
"He claims that he might be of better use to you by remaining here sir. I don't know what he's talking about sir, I think he's gotten the idea of heroics into his head again." 3PO said.
"Actually, I believe R2-D2 might be of some help after all. R2, you still remember your time as Master Anakin Skywalker's droid during the Clone Wars. You probably know the layout of the temple better than any of us." Tenel said to the astromech who beeped a confirmation.
"R2 says he does indeed possess a complete layout of the old Jedi Temple, however he questions its usefulness given its current state." 3PO commented.
"A map, outdated or no, can still be useful. Lead the way R2." Tenel commented as R2 beeped a confirmation, leading the two Jedi and assassin droid deeper into the ruined temple.
"Oh, be brave R2." 3PO said before turning to depart. He paused as he looked around, trying to decide which way to go.
"I wonder which way the exit is." 3PO commented as he started to wander the halls.
…
The Bounty Hunters reached a corridor that branched off into three directions.
"Which way do we go now?" Bane asked in annoyance.
"I sssssmell something down thisssss way." Bossk replied, pointing towards the hall to their right.
"I detect organic lifeforms ninety degrees to my left." IG-88 stated, motioning to the hall to their left.
"We split up then. Eighty-eight you go to the left, Bossk you go right. Bane, you stay here unless they get past either of us." Aurra said as they started heading in different directions.
"Who put you in charge?" Bane asked in annoyance.
"I have more experience hunting Jedi than any of you. I was one. I know how they think. So shut up and follow instructions." Aurra said with a stern glare towards the Duros woman who snarled and growled back at her but followed orders anyway.
…
The two Jedi and two droids snuck quietly down the hall, R2 leading them.
"I can't wait to get out of this place." Anakin mumbled.
"I agree. The Force is strong here. The spirits of slain Jedi still linger here, although I don't sense strictly the Dark Side." Tenel said.
"I agree. There is both light and darkness here." Anakin replied as they reached a corner, quietly peering around it in time to see a tall black figure with glowing red eyes appear from a different hallway, the whirring and clunking of servo motors echoing down the hall.
"Eighty-eight." Anakin whispered, HK raising his blaster.
"Statement: Master, I shall provide a distraction for you. IG-88 and I have what Meatbags would refer to as 'a score to settle.' Please let me carry out some unadulterated violence." HK-47 requested as Anakin rolled his eyes.
"It might help get those bounty hunters off our tail for a while. I'm going to regret this but, go ahead." Anakin said, the Assassin Droid almost instantly leaping out from behind the corner, his blaster raised at the assassin droid.
"Engaging!" HK declared, firing rapidly at the Assassin Droid. IG-88 quickly raised his own blaster and the two droids started exchanging fire, giving the two Jedi and R2 a chance to slip past. IG spotted them running and raised one of his blasters towards them, firing a shot at the ground. The shot hit the ground directly in front of Anakin, weakening it and sending Anakin through a hole in the ground.
"Anakin!" Tenel exclaimed before quickly raising her lightsaber in defense as Aurra came running in from the hall they had just been, firing her blaster pistol rapidly at the one armed Jedi Knight. R2 quickly rolled away at high speed, escaping the fight while Tenel quickly turned and ran through into an old briefing room, Aurra chasing after her, ignoring the fight between the two Assassin droids. IG-88, his targets having fled, immediately turned and ran through an archway towards a flight of stairs leading down, HK following close behind, intent on taking the assassin droid offline permanently.
…
Meanwhile 3PO was still attempting to find an exit but every turn led to a dead end.
"There simply must be a way out of this place. If only I had stayed with Master Solo and the others, perhaps I wouldn't be in this mess." 3PO said to himself as he entered yet another hallway.
"How did I end up in this place? I'm sure R2's to blame for this. He's always getting into trouble." 3PO said as he walked through the hall, reaching a walkway that led back into one of the large foyers of the temple. The foyer seemed brighter compared to the dark and scarcely lit temple.
"Oh, maybe that's a way out. It couldn't hurt to check, could it?" 3PO asked, turning to head towards the walkway. As he stepped out onto the walkway, he felt the floor beneath him beginning to shift.
"I'm not sure this floor is entirely stable. Perhaps I better go ba-AAAAACK!" 3PO yelped as the floor gave way beneath him, dropping the protocol droid at least fifteen feet down to the foyer below. Fortunately 3PO survived the fall in one piece, albeit with his circuits a bit frayed.
"Ah! Oh-oh…oh that was a close one. I'm getting out of here! Just my luck, I only hope Master Anakin is alright, R2 too that overgrown glob of grease." 3PO said worriedly. Suddenly he was hit by a bolt of blue energy, his servos suddenly seizing up before he slumped over, inactive. Bossk let out a hiss as he approached the droid, holstering a droid deactivator pistol.
"Ssssolo's droid. You might come in handy." Bossk hissed as he attached a small device to 3PO's restraining bolt mount on his chestplate, lifting a small device to his scaly mouth.
"Return to your Massssssster." Bossk said into the device before removing the device off of 3PO. He quickly hid behind some debris as 3PO's photoreceptors flickered back on.
"Oh my goodness…what happened? Where is everybody?" 3PO asked, looking around.
"Oh dear, I must get back to Master Anakin. He must be worried about me by now. I can only wonder where he is." 3PO wondered to himself as he turned and started walking back deeper into the temple, Bossk grinning as he began following the protocol droid.
…
Tenel had managed to evade Aurra by running into the old Jedi Archives. She quickly dove into cover, hiding beneath a mound of collapsed holobooks from one of the destroyed shelves. She watched as Aurra ran into the room, looking around cautiously for the Jedi Knight.
"You can stop hiding, Jedi! You're as good as dead! Might as well make your death as quick and painless as possible!" Aurra called into the room, searching for where Tenel might be. Tenel remained silent as she watched Aurra searching around. Aurra then turned towards a pile of holobooks and fired into them, approaching the pile to find nothing under them. The bounty huntress scowled and looked around, her eyes shifting back and forth as she searched. Tenel took notice of her reactions, a look of curiosity on her face. Nearby, a column that had fallen partially through the wall decades ago, fell to the ground with a loud bang. Aurra spun around towards the column with a smirk.
"Now I've got you! You won't get away!" Aurra yelled, running towards the column and running through the hole in the wall. Tenel remained hidden under the pile of holobooks, for fear of Sing using it as an excuse to hide and ambush her but after a while her instincts told her it was safe. She began to climb to her feet, emerging from the pile of holobooks and stepping back towards the wall behind her. As she rested against the wall for a moment, it suddenly gave way, causing her to fall down into a room that was literally sitting at an angle. The room was domed with glass windows surrounding it and a doorway that had long since jammed open. The room was circular with chairs lining the edges, all facing inward. She immediately realized what this room was.
"The Jedi Council Chambers." She whispered. The tower that once held the council chambers had collapsed into the building, the chamber itself landing partially upright albeit largely damaged as parts of the room were dented inwards and two of the old council chairs were dislodged. She looked around at the chamber quietly before sensing a presence in the force nearby.
"Correct, you are." A voice echoed in the chamber. She spun around to see a soft blue glow in one of the smaller chairs before a figure started to appear in them. She recognized the figure almost instantly.
"Master Yoda?" she asked, the phantom nodding with a soft smile.
"Know me, do you?" Yoda's spirit asked almost coyly as Tenel knelt to the ground on one knee in reverence to the great Jedi Master.
"I know of you, Master Yoda. You are a legend among the Jedi of this age, revered as a great Jedi Master of the Old Republic. It is an honor to meet you, albeit in spirit." Tenel said, Yoda chuckling in amusement.
"And Tenel Ka, you are. Been watching you, I have. Afraid for your people, you are." Yoda said, startling Tenel.
"How did you-…" she said, Yoda's ears perking up slightly.
"Sensed your distress, I did. Concerned the Dark Side will take your people, you are. Clouded, their future is." Yoda explained to her.
"What advice can you give me Master? I cannot let the Sith take my people. If I die, it could lead to chaos within the Consortium. My mother could lose her crown, or worse and my grandmother could return to power." Tenel said, Yoda sitting and listening.
"Difficult to see the future is. Hard to see the right path it is. For your people to be saved, very difficult it will be. Tied to your survival, their fate is." Yoda said as Tenel pondered on his words.
"So…if I die, Hapes dies with me?" Tenel asked, almost brought to tears by the thought.
"Always in motion, the future is. The path to save your people, difficult, it will be. Clear, the solution is not. Simple, the solution is not. Become one with the force, and reveal themselves, your enemies will." Yoda explained. Tenel seemed to be heartbroken by the news.
"So…the only way to save Hapes is for me to die and entrust my friends and loved ones to root out my enemies?" Tenel asked as Yoda gave a nod.
"To be a Jedi requires great sacrifice. Clouded your people's future is, but clear, yours is. Your time it is not. Find answers, you must. Find them alone, you must. Where to look, you already know." Yoda said as Tenel began to make sense of his words, a look of realization on her face.
"I think I understand now. I will do as you suggest, Master." Tenel said as she rose to her feet.
"The path ahead, you see now?" Yoda asked with a smile, Tenel nodding.
"Yes Master. Hope is not lost for Hapes. I see its future now and it is bright. Thank you, Master Yoda. May you rest peacefully with the Force." Tenel said but Yoda chuckled.
"Rested I am. Be with you, I will. With you, the force will be." Yoda said as he faded away. Tenel watched him vanish before turning and starting to climb up the debris into the temple.
…
Anakin had been knocked unconscious after falling into the hole. As he came to, he found himself in an old temple dorm. He began to climb to his feet, walking out into the hall. He was alright save for a couple of scratches and bruises and had his lightsaber on hand. As he looked around, he heard a sound coming from down the hall. He quickly hid inside the dorm as he waited but was relieved to hear a familiar whistling sound.
"R2?" he asked curiously, stepping out into the hall. As he did his instincts suddenly alerted him to something else and he quickly activated his lightsaber in time to deflect a series of blaster shots, Bane stepping out of the shadows, firing at him with both blasters, her left gauntlet emitting a series of randomized astromech beep and whistle recordings.
"Got tired of waiting for you to come to me, Jedi!" Bane said as Anakin continued deflecting the blaster shots.
"Who sent you, Bounty Hunters?! Is there a bounty still out on my head or something?!" Anakin asked but Bane remained silent, only grinning as she activated her rocket boots, lifting off into the air while still firing her blasters, strafing around him. One of the deflected blaster bolts struck part of the ceiling, causing a large chunk of the roof to become dislodged and fall between them.
"We keep this up, this place will collapse around our…well my ears!" Anakin yelled but Bane shrugged.
"Doesn't matter as long as I get that lightsaber of yours and there's a body to be found!" Bane replied, still firing before one of her rocket boots were suddenly shot out from beneath her, causing her to lose control and fall to the floor. Anakin looked towards the end of the hall and saw HK-47 standing with his blaster raised. He quickly stepped forward, spinning his entire torso a full one-eighty degrees backwards as IG-88 rounded a corner, firing at the other droid. Anakin quickly ran towards HK, running past Bane but Bane quickly managed to grab his leg, pressing a button on her gauntlet, sending a painful amount of electricity into him, causing him to cry out in pain. HK was helpless to intervene as Anakin dropped to his knees in pain. Bane was about to raise her blaster to finish Anakin off when she was suddenly hit with a powerful jolt of electricity in the middle of her back, knocking her unconscious, revealing R2 standing behind her with his shock arm extended.
"Thanks buddy!" Anakin exclaimed as he leapt to his feet. Anakin then turned towards HK as the two droids exchanged blaster fire, the two ducking in and out of cover as they did but neither gaining any ground. HK then noticed a large statue at the corner near where IG-88 was encamped. HK activated his personal shield emitter and opened fire at the base of the statue, causing it to fall towards the assassin droid. IG quickly spun his head around to see the statue falling and leapt forward over the fallen column he had been using for cover only to get his left arm shot off by HK.
"Error! Does not compute! Obsolete assassin droid model: HK-47 defeating top of the line IG-88! Impossible! Error!" IG-88 spluttered before his right arm and left leg were shot off by HK, causing the droid to topple forward onto its chest plating.
"Correction: I am old but had it ever crossed your processors that I have survived this long for a reason? Query: Does newer mean better? Answer: No. Older means wiser and more experienced and I have four thousand years of experience on you, you useless bucket of bolts!" HK retorted before firing a final shot into IG-88's back, the red glow in 88's optics fading out. HK quietly stared at the assassin droid, reaching down to pick up its blaster rifle. Anakin however was helping R2 weld a pair of crude binders together around Bane's wrists.
"Okay that's two assassins down, two to go." Anakin said as HK approached, holstering his original blaster rifle in a compartment in his leg.
"Statement: Master, we now have the advantage. We outnumber these bounty hunters three to two." HK commented, R2 beeping a reply.
"Fine, four to two. Happy?" HK asked the astromech.
"We need to find Tenel Ka. I hope she's alright. R2, use your sensors, see if you can't find her." Anakin said as they started down the halls, a small sensor dish extending from within R2's dome, spinning around as they went. After a moment's scanning, he came to a stop near a large doorway, beeping a response.
"Something's coming." Anakin said as they stopped at the door, activating his lightsaber in a defensive posture as they waited for the door to open. Finally the door opened, revealing…
"AH! I surrender! Don't shoot!"
"3PO?! What are you doing here?! I told you to find help!" Anakin yelped.
"You did? You did! I'm sorry Master Anakin, I…I seem to be malfunctioning." 3PO replied sheepishly. Suddenly HK raised his blaster and fired a shot that just missed the droid and hit something lurking in the shadows at the opposite end of the hallway 3PO had just come from. They heard a loud animalistic cry of pain as Bossk tumbled out from the shadows, his right arm completely missing, the stump smoldering.
"I think we just figured out why you were malfunctioning." Anakin said as he and HK hurried towards the wounded Trandoshan. Bossk was starting to climb to his feet and was reaching for a blaster when Anakin cleaved his remaining arm off, causing the Trandoshan to cry out in pain again. He then started leveling curses at Anakin in Dosha, before Anakin rolled his eyes and called the bounty hunter's stunner to his hand with the force and shot him.
"Statement: Master, you surprise me. I never thought you would escalate to dismemberment. I am quite pleased with this development." HK complimented.
"Don't get too excited. Trandoshans can regenerate their limbs so it's only a temporary solution. See, look, his limbs are already beginning to grow back." Anakin replied, motioning to the Trandoshan's arms, two tiny limbs beginning to grow at the base of the flesh.
"I am terribly sorry about this Master Anakin. I had no idea the bounty hunter was using me like that." 3PO said but Anakin gave a dismissive wave.
"Forget it 3PO, you didn't know." Anakin said as R2 started beeping excitedly.
"You found her? Where?" Anakin asked the droid.
"Princess Djo is one level below us, however there is another lifeform closing in on her location." 3PO said as Anakin turned and started running, the droids following close behind.
…
Aurra Sing came running into the main entryway of the temple, her blaster in hand. As she entered she stopped as she found Tenel standing in the dead center of the room, her lightsaber active.
"I have been waiting for you, Bounty Hunter." Tenel said, her face emotionless. Aurra smiled and aimed at the Jedi Knight.
"And I've been looking for you. Thought you could get away? You do realize that with the price on your head, there's no point in running. Others will just come for you." Aurra said, Tenel giving a quiet nod.
"I am aware of this." Tenel said, deactivating her lightsaber, tossing it to the ground away from her, confusing Aurra.
"What's this? You're not giving up are you?" Aurra asked as Tenel shrugged, reaching behind her back and holding up a demolition charge that had been left behind by the demolition teams, her thumb centimeters from the primer.
"Actually…I am." Tenel replied, startling Aurra who leapt back in shock.
"Whoa hold on! You're going to-…but you're a Jedi!" Aurra exclaimed, trying to make sense of it all as well as trying to prevent Tenel from letting herself get vaporized considering the conditions of the bounty called for there to be a body.
"As you said, there is a price on my head and so there is no point in running. How much am I worth to you?" Tenel asked.
"Four mill in raw materials." Aurra replied.
"I see. And who posted the bounty?" Tenel asked, Aurra glancing away for a second in thought before looking back at her.
"That is one of the conditions of the bounty. The issuer remains anonymous." Aurra said as Tenel gave a nod.
"And I presume you need a body as well." Tenel said, looking at the charge in her hand. They could hear the sound of transports in the distance, sirens wailing. Apparently Coruscant Security had been summoned by the demolition crew.
"No, not really. So if you're going to blow yourself up, go ahead and do it." Aurra said, crossing her arms over her chest with a smirk, calling Tenel's bluff. At the same time, Anakin, HK, R2, and 3PO emerged onto one of the elevated walkways overlooking the entry area and saw Tenel with the charge in hand.
"Very well." Tenel said, pressing the button on the detonator, the explosive starting to tick and chime the seconds down before detonation.
"TENEL KA!" Anakin exclaimed as he watched this occurring.
"It's too late Anakin! The charge is set! I need you to tell Jacen and my parents something for me!" Tenel yelled to him, a tear running down her cheek. Anakin however leapt down from the walkway, running towards her.
"HK! Do something!" Anakin yelled. HK quickly raised his blaster and fired at Tenel, the shot striking her arm, causing her to drop the explosive, the bomb bouncing and rolling away slightly. Aurra quickly grabbed Tenel's lightsaber and jumped clear, Tenel quickly shoving Anakin away with the force just seconds before the bomb exploded a few feet behind her, sending her flying to the ground, her back partly burned. Anakin quickly ran to Tenel's side, kneeling down to try and help just as Coruscant Security and the Senate Guard ran in, Luke, Galen, and Leia among them. Aurra, saw them enter and ran into the temple, using an ascension line to escape into a hole in the roof.
"After her!" Galen yelled, pointing to the escaping Aurra, the Senate Guard firing at her but the bounty hunter escaped. He then turned to where Anakin, Luke, and Leia all knelt over Tenel's wounded form.
"She's alive, barely. We need to get her to a medical facility, and fast." Luke said as a medic quickly ran in, scanning her. Anakin was knelt down near her head as he heard Tenel whisper something.
"What?" he asked back but received no answer. He then whispered something into Luke's ear, the Grand Master looking at him in surprise for a moment before looking back to the medic.
"It's no good, I'm not getting a pulse, sir." The medic replied, the four Jedi looking at each other in shock.
The following evening…
Luke, Leia, Galen, Anakin, the droids, Tenel's parents: Queen Mother Teneniel Djo and Prince Isolder of Hapes, along with several other Jedi that had come to pay their respects gathered in the ruined Jedi Temple as Kento, Jacen, Jaina, and the Wookiee Jedi Knight Lowbacca, acted as pallbearers for Tenel, carrying her body into the temple towards a pyre that had been set up for her. Tahiri stood with Anakin, the friends watching in silent sadness as their friend's body was placed upon the pyre. Zekk and Raynar Thul were present as well, standing near the Queen Mother and her husband for added protection. Jacen was trying to hide his sadness but his expression belied his true emotions. In a mix of Hapes and Jedi tradition, Tenel's body had been wrapped from head to toe in ceremonial burial cloths for the funeral. They all watched in silence as the four pallbearers ignited their lightsabers and touched the tips of them to the wooden pyre, the wood catching on fire instantly and quickly spreading to consume the body. As the four stepped back, deactivating their lightsabers, no one noticed Jacen's expression; a scowl of anger and fury. As they watched the body burn, Anakin approached the Queen Mother.
"I don't know if it helps, your highness but…before she died, Tenel Ka said something to me. She said: the rancor watches the mountain." Anakin said as the Queen Mother looked at him in quiet surprise.
"The rancor…watches the mountain." Teneniel repeated in a whisper, her face contorted in thought.
"Teneniel?" Isolder asked softly but the Queen Mother said nothing, turning to depart in silent sadness. Later, after the funeral had ended, Kento, Jaina, Lowbacca, Zekk, Raynar, and Tahiri gathered outside of the temple, Jacen storming past.
"Jacen, are you-…-alright?" Jaina asked, cringing slightly as he stormed past them, silently.
"I don't like this. I've never seen him like this." Kento said as Anakin approached.
"What was it you said to the Queen Mother, Anakin?" Zekk asked,
"I just passed along Tenel Ka's dying message: the rancor watches the mountain." Anakin said, confusing the Jedi.
"What does that mean?" Tahiri asked as Luke, Kento, and Leia approached.
"I have no idea." Anakin replied.
"Well someone better see to Jacen. I'm afraid Tenel Ka's passing could have a negative impact on him…they were really close after all." Jaina said as the Jedi Masters looked to one another, Luke and Leia exchanging nods.
"Leave that to us, we'll talk to him." Leia said as the Knights and two Padawans bowed to the Chancellor and the two Masters as they passed by towards the CR90 corvette: The Spirit of Obi-Wan, as it sat nearby.
"Jacen!" Galen called as they caught up to Jacen at the boarding ramp.
"What is it masters?" Jacen asked tersely.
"I could sense your anger all throughout the funeral. You need to calm yourself." Luke said as Jacen sighed heavily.
"I'm trying, Masters but…I don't know why I feel this way. I'm so angry yet I don't know why!" Jacen replied.
"It's because you love her and you never had a chance to tell her." Leia said as Jacen sighed heavily, a tear running down his face.
"Yes." He whispered. The three Masters looked at one another and nodded.
"Then perhaps you should come with us. We have something to show you." Luke said as they led Jacen towards the Rogue Shadow II. The Rogue Shadow II was effectively a newer model of the older one. The new version had previously been Anakin Skywalker's personal transport prior to the attack at Yavin that saw the destruction of the original Rogue Shadow. (A/N: The Force Unleashed II model)
"I don't understand. Why are you dragging me over to see your new ship?" Jacen asked as they stepped into the main hold.
"Because you deserve to know the truth, Jacen." A familiar voice said, causing Jacen to freeze. He spun around to see Tenel alive and well, with PROXY standing nearby to prove it wasn't him. Tenel was wearing a brown Jedi cloak with a hood over her head.
"Tenel? But…how?" Jacen asked, shocked.
"I faked my death. In order to lure out mine and my mother's enemies, I have to make it appear that I am dead. Hapes is in danger of being destroyed from within and the only way to stop them is for me to disappear for a while." Tenel explained.
"But…the body we just burned…" Jacen said, still stunned.
"The body of one of the Sith soldiers that we recovered from the battlefields. We knew that Hapes tradition would require them to be completely shrouded head to toe in burial cloth." Luke explained.
"Whose idea was it to fake your death then?!" Jacen asked.
"It was Tenel Ka's idea. Officially, she's dead and Hapes doesn't have an heir to the throne anymore. She was wounded at the temple but only slightly. Her wounds were not life threatening but in order to fool the scanners, she went into a state of deep meditation which lowered her heart rate to a near deathlike level. We called off attempts to revive her as they quite possibly could have killed her." Luke explained.
"I'm sorry for deceiving you Jacen...I didn't mean to hurt you." Tenel said as Jacen stared at her, a conflicted expression on his face.
"It's the only way to lure out her enemies, to find out who the mastermind is and bring them to justice." Leia said, Jacen still staring at Tenel.
"Jacen please…say something." Tenel begged softly, a look of concern for him on her face, Jacen remaining silent before reaching out and kissing her on the lips, startling her. Luke, Leia, Galen, and PROXY quietly slipped out of the hold, giving the two some privacy.
"Jacen…I-." Tenel said but Jacen interrupted.
"No-no don't say anything. I understand. I'm not angry anymore. I just want to know one thing…where will you go?" Jacen asked, Tenel glancing away.
"I'm going into exile. There are answers that I need to find and I can't very well be seen wandering the Galaxy if I'm supposed to be dead. I will return when the time is right, but I do not know when that will be." Tenel explained.
"Then I'll go with you. You won't be alone, Tenel." Jacen said but Tenel shook her head.
"No, you can't. You need to be out there, keeping up the appearance that you're still affected by my death. If my enemies know of your feelings towards me, they'll be looking to you for emotional confirmation. But you are correct, I won't be alone. I will have someone with me. Someone I met inside the temple is waiting for me at my next destination." Tenel said as Jacen nodded understandingly, reaching for his lightsaber, holding it out to her.
"Then…take my lightsaber with you. I know yours was taken by the bounty hunter Aurra Sing so please…take this." Jacen said as Tenel smiled at him and took his lightsaber.
"I will return it to you when my exile is over. Once I have found the answers I seek, I will return." Tenel said as she clipped the weapon to her belt.
"No. Keep it as a reminder of me." Jacen said as Tenel smiled tearfully at him.
"I don't need a lightsaber to remind me of you." She said softly before leaning in to kiss him on the lips.
Elsewhere…
Former Queen Mother Ta'a Chume walked through the halls of her private residence on Hapes, entering her private bedchamber, closing the door behind her. As she walked to the closet, the lights in the room went out.
"It is done." A voice behind her said, causing her to freeze mid-step.
"The child is dead?" she asked.
"Killed by bounty hunters on Coruscant. The identity of their employers remains unknown as three of the bounty hunters were subdued but 'mysteriously' escaped custody. One, however, escaped and presented us with proof of her annihilation." The voice said, activating a blue lightsaber with a Rancor tooth hilt. Ta'a Chume turned towards the source of the voice, revealing Darth Stalker standing behind her, holding the lightsaber. His helmet was off, allowing his long hair to hang down. Ta'a Chume smiled at him, deactivating the lightsaber in his hand.
"Keep it as a reward. I know how you enjoy collecting those things." She said but Stalker placed the saber on her dresser.
"I also bring word from my Master. We've held up our end of the bargain, it's time for you to hold up yours." Stalker said before circling around her, his hood up over his head.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay? You could become my new consort." Ta'a Chume said but only earned a look of disgust in return from Stalker.
"We will be waiting for you to make your move, Queen Mother. Remember that once you have reassumed the throne of Hapes, you will sever all ties to the Republic and join Hapes under the Sith Empire's banner." Stalker said as Ta'a Chume smiled and gave a sweet nod.
"Why of course. That is what we agreed to." She said, Stalker taking a step towards her, raising his fingers towards her in a pinching motion, causing her to put her hands to her throat in alarm, finding it hard to breathe, however she still could if she took deep breaths.
"I give you this word of warning: if you end up deceiving us, we…will…bury you." Stalker said in a terse whisper before releasing her and turning into the shadows, Ta'a Chume dropping to the ground as air filled her lungs again, the lights flickering back on, with her being the only one still in the room.
Meanwhile…
A StealthX Starfighter entered the atmosphere of Dagobah, touching down on its surface, its sole occupant emerging from the cockpit clad in brown robes with a hood over their head. The fighter's R8 unit attempted to leave the droid socket but the pilot turned towards the droid and with a wave of their hand, the droid was deactivated. The figure approaching an old hovel built into the base of a tree. As the figure approached, she let out a small sigh, looking towards the sky in quiet contemplation. Tenel removed her hood, feeling the force alive all around her. She took a deep breath, a small smile forming on her face as she looked at her new but temporary home.
End Episode 18.