Episode 22 – Invasion of Thule
Invasion! In an effort to prevent the Sith Empire from rebuilding an Ancient Sith Superweapon, the Republic and their Mandalorian allies have launched an invasion of the planet Thule! With the shield protecting Thule now deactivated, the Republic has begun its invasion of the Sith planet! Jedi Knight Kento Marek now leads the glorious 501st Legion and a contingent of Mandalorian Supercommandos in securing a foothold on the planet!
Thule's surface, Republic Forward Command Post…
Blaster fire filled the air as 501st Stormtroopers and Mandalorian soldiers fired at approaching Sith Forces, the Republic making use of combat speeders, assault tanks, and Mandalorian Kad class fighter tanks and Canderous Assault Tanks in dealing with the Sith's own compliments of combat walkers. Republic transports were still landing, deploying ground troops and vehicles. In the distance was the capital city of Kessia. Kento and Venku were on the front lines, the two working together to deal with the Sith troops.
"These guys just don't know when to quit!" Kento yelled with a smirk. Venku said nothing as he blasted a Sith Trooper in the chest. Kento's comlink started beeping, forcing the Jedi to fall back behind the lines long enough to answer the transmission. He managed to get to the forward command post and pulled out a holotransmitter from his pocket which immediately showed an image of Anakin Skywalker.
"General, what is your status?" Anakin asked.
"We're keeping the pressure on the Sith. We've got the landing zone clear for you if you're interested in coming down and joining the party." Kento said, occasionally glancing towards the front lines.
"Good. Await my arrival General. I am on my way." Anakin said before ending the transmission. Kento then heard the familiar sound of the Twilight II's engines and looked up to see said yacht fly overhead, coming around and heading for the landing zone. Kento and Venku both hurried to where the yacht started to touch down, arriving at it in time for the boarding ramp to lower, allowing several 501st Stormtroopers to emerge, followed shortly by the towering visage of Anakin Skywalker himself. When Anakin saw Kento, he paused, staring at him for a second as Kento had humorously dropped to one knee in a bow.
"What are you doing, General?" Anakin asked, Kento looking up with a smirk.
"Just trying to add some levity to the situation." Kento replied, rising to his feet.
"I am assuming command of the ground forces. We must have a path clear to Kessia as soon as possible." Anakin said as Kento nodded understandingly.
"If it wasn't for the fact that the Sith have a deflector shield set up over the city, I'd suggest an orbital bombardment but like I said: deflector shield." Kento said as Anakin surveyed the surroundings.
"Deflector Shields can easily be bypassed, perhaps not in the way we prefer but bypassed nonetheless. Mand'alor Fett is on his way here as we speak and General Veers is on his way as well with something that should help us increase our forward momentum." Anakin said, earning a curious look from Kento.
"I didn't know Veers was coming." Kento said as Anakin glanced his way for a second.
"I ordered him to join us. Felucia is under Republic control and the Sith have withdrawn fully from the system. When he arrives, we will need to focus on entering the city." Anakin said as Venku cleared his throat.
"How exactly are we going to do that?" Venku asked.
"The bulk of the Sith's ground forces are being diverted here, leaving the city itself considerably weakened. When Veers and Fett arrive, Veers will be assuming command of the main forces here while we take a contingent of elite troops and slip around so that we can enter the city from behind." Anakin said as Kento smirked.
"Gotta hand it to you, Master. You know how to do this." Kento said as they heard the droning of Slave I's engines coupled with the sounds of several larger vessels as they approached the landing zone. Slave I touched down nearby while four large cargo barges touched down just behind the front lines. Anakin's holotransmitter started beeping, the towering Jedi pulling the transmitter from one of the pouches on his belt and activating it, revealing General Maximillian Veers in old Imperial Armor Commander uniform.
"Lord Skywalker. Thunder Brigade has arrived and is ready to deploy." Veers reported.
"Begin the attack, General. May the Force be with you." Anakin said as Veers stood at attention and saluted with a smile before ending the transmission.
"What's in those old barges?" Kento asked just as the barges started to lift off again, leaving behind four fully functional AT-ATs with blue 501st markings and the Republic Starbird emblazoned on the sides. The walkers immediately started moving forward, opening fire at the Sith forces.
"Wha-…where did those AT-ATs come from?!" Kento yelped as Boba Fett approached, several of his personal guard behind him.
"Probably leftovers from the last war." Fett commented as Anakin gave a slight nod.
"The Republic has held onto them in case they could be used again in the future. With those walkers deployed, the Sith will likely throw everything they have at destroying them which gives us the perfect opportunity to execute our infiltration plan. Are your men prepared, Mand'alor?" Anakin asked as Fett gave a nod.
"We're ready." Fett replied.
"Good. Come, Kento. It's time to go." Anakin said as he, Kento, Venku, Fett, and a contingent of 501st Stormtroopers and Mandalorian Supercommandos headed for a group of gunships that were landed nearby. Some of the gunships had been modified for cargo transport and had several smaller combat vehicles, including a few Kad Fighter Tanks loaded up and ready. The gunships took to the sky as soon as they were aboard, flying west as they started to circle around the city. As they flew, Kento watched the main battle with an impressed smirk. The addition of the AT-ATs had caused quite a stir amongst the Sith, and the old Imperial Walkers were blasting their way through the Sith lines, smashing through them with ease.
"To think, my dad humiliated Veers by ripping the heads off those things during the Rebellion." Kento said, not taking his eyes off the walkers.
"Don't get any ideas." Anakin commented.
Meanwhile in orbit…
The battle in space was still raging. Most of the Sith fleet had been decimated by the Republic and Mandalorian forces but there were still at least four Sith Destroyers left but even they were being pounded by the Republic ships. On the bridge of the Lusankya, Galen's was still using his battle meditation, standing at the holotable showing a tactical overlay of the ground battle below. He suddenly opened his eyes with a start, sensing a disturbance in the Force, rushing towards the front of the bridge.
"Hard to port! Hard to port!" Galen ordered.
"Sir?!" One of the bridge officers asked in alarm as Galen slid to a stop just as a Sith Destroyer dropped out of hyperspace perilously close to the Lusankya. Galen quickly stretched out with the Force and pushed the ship away, straining as the Destroyer's bottom hull scraped against the top hull of the Lusankya, the Super Star Destroyer shaking as the two ships collided. After several seconds of the two ships scraping together, Galen stopped pushing, catching his breath.
"Report!" Galen ordered.
"Moderate damage to top hull sir! We've lost eighteen turbolaser battery groups!" the Lusankya's Captain reported.
"Sir, more Sith ships are dropping out of Hyperspace! It's an entire fleet!" another officer reported.
"Concentrate fire on the nearest Destroyer! Give it some encouragement to respect our personal space! Reorganize the fleet to form defensive perimeters over the landing zone! We can't let them disrupt the invasion!" Galen ordered as he headed for the communications system.
"Lusankya to Squadron Leader!" Galen said into the comms.
"Farm Boy here! There's fighters all over the place!" Luke replied.
"Sith have got the drop on us! Second wave is inbound! Lusankya to Grey Squadron!" Galen said into the comms.
"Grey Leader here! We're already airborne and on course to intercept!" Jaina replied.
"Concentrate fire on any bombers you spot and order your bombers to concentrate on knocking out the enemy shields! Cruisers will do the rest!" Galen ordered.
"On it!" Jaina replied, Galen already heading back towards the holotable. One of the Admirals standing at the table was looking disconcerted by the turn of events.
"Sir, I may be wrong, but I think it's possible that we may have-." "Walked into a trap, I'm getting that feeling myself." Galen said before taking a calming breath and closing his eyes, resuming his battle meditation, but as he did, he sensed a disturbance in the Force, something that caused him to furrow his brow.
"Strange." Galen said softly.
"General?" the Admiral asked, worriedly.
"I sense a disturbance in the Force. My battle meditation is being disrupted." Galen said, his eyes still closed. Then for a split second, he saw the image of a figure, clad in a black gown, a mask that resembled a human face only white like snow. Only the eyes of the mask gave any clear view of the person inside but their eyes were shut, the figure knelt in a meditative position. Galen opened his eyes, a determined glare on his face.
"So that's their angle." Galen said as he turned and headed for the turbolift.
"General?" the Admiral asked.
"I'll be in the Meditation chamber. I leave the battle in your hands Admiral." Galen said, the turbolift doors closing behind him. Soon he entered the meditation chamber, the chamber doors closing down around him, Galen kneeling in a meditative posture, focusing all of his energy to his Battle Meditation. As he did, he saw the figure again only this time they were kneeling together, facing each other across a plain of stars, a red fog lingering around the figure below its knees while a blue fog hovered near Galen's own. The two were seeing each other through the Force.
"I don't think I've had the pleasure." Galen said to the figure. The figure opened its eyes, a pair of red and yellow eyes, tainted by the Dark Side of the Force.
"Galen Marek, Founder of the Rebellion, Grand General of the New Republic, former apprentice of Darth Vader." The figure replied, a woman judging by the voice and dress.
"You have the advantage of me." Galen said.
"And that is how it shall remain. My Master does not wish for me to speak with you." The figure said as Galen narrowed his gaze.
"I've sensed your presence before somewhere. It is different but recognizable." Galen said before sensing smugness from the figure.
"We have never met before now, Jedi." The figure said but Galen wasn't convinced.
"No…we have…but it wasn't you that I met." Galen said.
"You are mistaken." She replied.
"Perhaps but I doubt it. But stay away from my former Master. If I learn that you have gone near him, and I will know if you have, I will hunt you down." Galen said, earning a coy glare from the figure.
"You're bluffing. You talk like a Sith but your intentions lie upon the path of the Jedi." The figure said but Galen glared at her.
"I might be a Jedi, but I was raised to be a Sith. I found the path of redemption long ago but one thing I've learned about being a leader in charge of a war. I know how to make a convincing bluff. In this case however, it is no bluff. I know how you exist and intend to make sure that you cease to do so. You're nothing but an abomination created through Sith techniques. You're nothing more than a sentient terentatek." Galen said as the figure glared at him angrily.
…
Back on the surface, Anakin, Kento, Boba, and Venku were charging through the streets of Kessia, the Sith troopers in the city having been caught off guard by the surprise attack from the rear as 501sts and Mandalorians came running towards them, a few attack vehicles providing extra fire support. Anakin was stalking through the street, deflecting blaster fire as he went, not breaking his stride. A pair of Sith Strike Walkers started to approach but the former Dark Lord merely stopped, raising his empty left hand towards one, lifting it up and then slamming it into the other, destroying both in one move.
"Osik! Remind me not to cross him anytime soon!" Venku commented while he and Kento fought their way through the street, keeping ahead of the steadily advancing Republic forces. They weren't facing much resistance compared to the front lines on the opposite side of the city as most of the Sith forces had been drawn out, away from the rear. As they neared an ancient intersection, Anakin saw something approaching that made him stop and motion to halt. It was a Sith Dominator Walker, just beginning to round a corner.
"Kento!" Anakin yelled, beckoning his former apprentice. Kento saw the walker and knew immediately what to do.
"On it!" Kento replied, leaping up onto the rooftops of the nearby buildings.
"Mando'ad! Naur te Dar'Jetii!" Boba yelled, Venku and four other Mandalorians immediately jetpacking up after Kento as he ran across the rooftops, quickly approaching the corner as the walker continued it's march towards Anakin and the rest of his forces. On the back of the walker was an observation platform with three Dark Jedi stood upon it. One saw Kento approaching and leapt towards him, Kento and the Dark Jedi quickly entering into a lightsaber duel as the other two Dark Jedi leapt down to fight Anakin, sliding down the side of the walker before leaping high into the air, bringing their lightsabers around to attack the Chosen One but one of them was shot in midair by Boba Fett and the other was swiftly sliced in two by Anakin before even touching the ground. Venku and the other four Mandalorians on the roof had gotten past Kento and the Dark Jedi, landing on the walker and opening the top hatch, one of the Mandalorians throwing a bandoleer of live detonators into the hatch before the four rocketed away on their jetpacks, the walker suddenly beginning to stall, the forward viewport of the walker suddenly billowing with flames and the forward hatch falling forward. Kento was still dealing with the Dark Jedi on the roof but managed to dodge a swing before throwing the Dark Jedi backwards with the force, launching him off the roof and into the hatch of the burning walker, immolating the Dark Jedi inside of it. Kento then leapt down from the roof, landing in a roll and popping up next to Anakin as Venku and his squad landed behind him. They then continued forward, moving towards a ruined part of the city, still scarred by the Clone Wars almost fifty years earlier as a ruined AAT sat pinned under the rubble of a collapsed building, the remains of battle droids, and the empty armor of long dead clone troopers were strewn about the streets. The Sith Troopers seemed to have vanished the further along they went, a thought which didn't sit well with Fett.
"The di'kuts are likely waiting in ambush." Fett mumbled to his men who nodded back, some of them breaking off in different directions. As they crept through the city, Kento could sense a strange feeling of nostalgia within his former Master.
"Something up?" Kento asked.
"I remember this place." Anakin replied.
"Oh yeah, I'd forgotten you were here during the Clone Wars." Kento replied.
"I was only a Padawan then." Anakin reminisced softly.
"When you left here, you were but a learner, now you are the Master." Kento said, deliberately mocking Anakin who quietly glared at him but said nothing. They would occasionally see flashes of red light and the sound of blaster fire coming from some of the buildings as the Mandalorians cleared them of Sith Troops.
"Something troubles you, Kento." Anakin said as Kento arched a curious eyebrow.
"How'd you-…yeah something is bothering me. I keep sensing a presence that I've felt before, a presence that I know is impossible." Kento said as they walked.
"The Dark Side is strong here in this city, Kento. Be mindful of your feelings." Anakin said, Kento nodding.
"I am, but there's something else. Why did you want me to be at your side during this stage of the invasion?" Kento asked curiously.
"Do I need to explain my methods to you, my apprentice?" Anakin asked.
"No but I'd like you to anyway." Kento replied.
"There are only three Jedi that I am aware of that can withstand the effects of the Dark Reaper should it become active. Myself, your father, and you. I taught the ability to each of my apprentices, Jedi and Sith alike." Anakin explained as Kento looked at him suspiciously.
"Each of your apprentices?" Kento asked.
"Ahsoka included." Anakin replied in a soft tone, implying sadness at the reminder of his fallen Padawan.
"Which probably explains how she knows about this place." Boba added before motioning to halt. Before them was a large ceremonially decorated plaza with towering pillars with the banners of the Sith Empire hanging from them. Beyond the plaza was a large domed structure that partially resembled the Senate building on Coruscant.
"That's it. That is the Dark Reaper." Anakin said as they looked at the structure.
"That's the Reaper? It's huge!" Kento commented.
"And the Death Star wasn't?" Venku asked.
"How should I know? I wasn't even a concept when the Death Stars blew." Kento replied.
"We're supposed to destroy that thing? Just the few of us?" Venku asked.
"We didn't bring enough explosives for a job this scope." Fett added.
"Well consider we don't necessarily have to destroy it, just disable it, keep it from functioning. We can do the actual destroying afterwards." Kento said as Anakin gave a nod.
"That is the intent." Anakin said but Kento suddenly furrowed his brow, stepping forward.
"I sense something. Something wrong." Kento said as Anakin stepped past him.
"Mandalor, take your men and evacuate immediately." Anakin said but Fett stood his ground.
"This whole damn thing was a trap, wasn't it?" Fett asked.
"It would seem that way." Venku mumbled.
"I bet the attack on Rhen Var was meant to direct us towards Thule. They meant to lure us into this trap from the beginning. So now we've walked right into it. What do we do now?" Kento asked as Anakin turned towards him.
"Spring the trap." He replied simply before turning back and continuing his walk towards the city, one of the fighter tanks following along after him. Kento quickly leapt onto the back of the tank, riding crouched down on the roof. Fett and Venku stood watching them leave, the rest of the Mandalorians and the 501st lingering behind.
"Orders, Mand'alor?" Venku asked.
"We do as Skywalker says. We leave." Fett replied as he turned away from the plaza.
"Sir?" Venku asked, surprised.
"If Skywalker meant for us to help him destroy that thing, he'd have told us so. He just needed us to get him this far. He and Marek can take it from here." Fett replied, motioning for his men to follow.
"Seems kind of a waste." Venku said, following behind his leader.
"Not really. I think Skywalker actually did us a favor. Something Skywalker told me before the fight." Fett replied.
"Forgive my insolence, Mand'alor, but what is it?" Venku asked before Fett raised his fist, motioning to stop, surveying the emptied city before him.
"Skywalker brought us here because he knew there was a more worthy foe for us to fight, here in the city." Boba said before raising his blaster rifle and firing a shot towards the roof of a nearby building. To the Mandalorians' surprise, the shot struck something, causing a black armored figure to topple from the roof. The figure was clad in black armor that strongly resembled Mandalorian armor but had an orange trident like symbol on the shoulder pads. The Mandalorians recognized this symbol immediately.
"The Kyr'tsad." Boba hissed with suppressed anger, surprising the other Mandalorians.
"Death Watch? But they've been gone since the sacking of Sundari during the Clone Wars. I thought they died out long ago." Venku said but Boba knew better.
"Clearly, not." Boba said before firing another shot, but his shots missed their mark, the sound of a war horn being blown from nearby. Suddenly numerous black armored soldiers burst out of elaborate hiding places in the walls, floor, and ceilings of various buildings, all bearing the mark of the splinter sect of Mandalorians.
"Mando'ad! OYE!" Fett yelled, as the Mandalorians opened fire on the Death Watch soldiers, some of the soldiers getting into literal fist fights and knife fights with their foes. For the Mandalorians, this was a blood match. Venku was firing at an approaching Death Watchman when he noticed another approaching, pulling a combat knife as it came towards him. Venku quickly spun towards him, taking off on his jetpack, the other two activating their own and giving chase. The fight was taking place both on the ground and in the air, the Mandalorians versus the Death Watch as the 501st held position, unsure of who to fire at. After a few seconds of watching the fight, Commander Delta, the clone commander of the 501st, stepped forward, raising his blaster towards one of the Death Watch soldiers and firing at him, gunning him down.
"Come on men! The blood of Mandalore flows through our veins as much as theirs! For Mandalore and for the Republic!" Delta ordered as the 501st let out a battle cry, charging forward and joining the Mandalorians in battle. As Venku flew through the air, he had to dodge blaster fire from the two Death Watchmen behind him. He didn't have a chance to fight back with his blaster as he kept having to dodge their blaster fire. He then felt a strange warm yet comforting sensation wash over him, a feeling he had known once but he didn't know where he had sensed it before. He turned and flew towards a nearby rooftop, landing on his feet in a skid, turning to face the two Death Watchmen as they landed, unsure of what Venku would do. Venku calmly holstered his rifle before unclipping the two lightsabers from his belt, activating them, startling the two Death Watchmen. The two suddenly opened fire but Kento started charging towards them, bobbing and weaving around their blaster fire, the lightsabers flashing as he charged. He finally reached them, decapitating one with a single swing before turning and slicing the other in two down the center. He put away the lightsabers and picked up one of their blasters again, quickly stepping towards the edge of the roof and jumping, his jetpack activating, taking him into the air.
…
Anakin and Kento were still moving towards the Dark Reaper, Kento now walking at his Master's side as the fighter tank followed behind them. As they approached, they suddenly sensed a presence in the Dark Side of the Force. They then heard a cracking sound from nearby and soon noticed one of the pillars lining the plaza was starting to fall towards them. Anakin quietly raised his hand towards the pillar, the pillar's descent towards them suddenly stopping and then violently being tossed aside where it shattered into large pieces on the ground.
"Someone's trying to tell us to get lost, it would seem." Kento said as they reached the large courtyard where the Reaper sat but that wasn't what they were looking at. Before them stood a single hooded figure, the figure glaring at them both with the red and yellow eyes of the Sith.
"It can't be." Kento said with a dark glare towards the figure who quietly pulled back the hood, revealing the montrals and lekku of a Togruta but with a leathery mask grafted over her nose and mouth. Kento recognized her immediately.
"You?!" he asked, activating his lightsaber.
"Marek." Darth Vandal hissed as she activated her double bladed lightsaber. Anakin quietly activated his lightsaber, Master and Apprentice ready to fight the Sith Lord. The fighter tank behind them quickly pulled back and away from the inevitable fight.
"We will take her together." Anakin said as Kento narrowed his eyes towards the Sith. Vandal suddenly launched towards them both with a loud screech of fury, the two Jedi quickly blocking her attack. Their lightsabers flashed, Vandal going for Anakin but he blocked her attacks with surprising speed and agility afforded to Anakin by his newer cybernetics and modified armor. Vandal was furious, drawing on the Dark Side as she continued her assault, the two Jedi being more than a match for her. She let out a growl, continuing her attack, the fight beginning to move towards the base of the Dark Reaper.
In orbit…
The situation was no better than it was earlier, with an entire Sith Fleet having arrived, catching the Republic fleet off guard. Galen's Battle Meditation was being negated by the unknown Sith's own Battle Meditation, the forces of both sides left to their own merits and abilities to fight. Luke was still in his X-Wing, chasing Sith Bombers as they headed for one of the Mandaloran's Keldabe Battleships, blasting it into pieces. He then sensed an oddly familiar presence in the Force behind him. He looked behind him and saw a Sith Heavy Fighter with red racing stripes flying after him. Luke turned back towards the front, guiding his X-Wing around towards one of the Sith Cruisers.
"R2! Divert power to the deflectors, double back!" Luke ordered, R2, beeping in confusion.
"I know what I'm doing and trust me, I don't think the guy behind us is gonna be easy to shake!" Luke said as he led the Sith on a chase, weaving in between turbolaser batteries, perilously close to one of the destroyer's engine exhausts, flying so low near the surface of the destroyer's hull that they nearly scraped against each other but the Sith Fighter would not give up the chase. R2 was now beeping in alarm.
"There's something about this guy. Something I don't like." Luke replied as the Sith fired at him, narrowly missing Luke's X-Wing.
"That was too close." Luke said, as they passed an exploding Sith Cruiser.
"R2! Prepare to cut the engines on my mark!" Luke ordered, R2 confirming the order. Luke brought the X-Wing around towards one of the Republic's Nebulon-B Frigates, flying beneath the neck at an angle.
"NOW!" Luke ordered. Instantly the X-Wing's engines cut out, the Sith fighter flying past, nearly colliding with the X-Wing. Luke immediately reengaged the engines, the X-Wing taking off again, now pursuing the Sith Fighter.
"Force is strong with this one." Luke said softly as the Sith Fighter tried to ditch him but Luke wouldn't budge, continuing to remain on his tail. Luke was trying to get a target lock but the fighter kept moving, refusing to remain still. Finally Luke was forced to resort to firing wildly but the Sith Fighter masterfully dodged them. The Sith Fighter then turned, heading towards the Lusankya, specifically heading towards one of its hangar bays. The bay was meant for orbit-to-ground transports for deploying ground forces and was currently empty save for only a handful of small transports and about a dozen personnel.
"He's going to land!" Luke exclaimed as the Sith Fighter fired at the shield generator protecting the hangar from the vacuum of space, the shield collapsing. Luke quickly closed the X-Wing's S-Foils, watching as the emergency bulkheads started slamming into place, sealing off the hangar from space. Luke just barely managed to slip his X-Wing in before the bulkheads slammed completely shut, bringing the fighter in for an emergency landing, the fighter slamming down hard, breaking the forward landing strut in two. Luke looked and saw that the Sith fighter had landed safely inside but the cockpit hadn't opened. Security personnel were rushing to the hangar as the cockpit to Luke's X-Wing opened, R2 rising from the droid socket and activating his boosters, hovering down onto the hangar floor, Luke landing on the floor next to him, tossing his helmet and flight gloves into the cockpit before stepping towards the Sith Fighter. Luke had his lightsaber in hand, ready for anything. He knew the pilot wasn't dead as he sensed a clear presence in the Force coming from it. He then saw the cockpit of the fighter start to open, it's occupant rising and calmly stepping out of the fighter. Luke recognized the pilot by his mask and belt of stolen lightsabers, all taken from Jedi he had killed. Luke immediately activated his lightsaber.
"Everyone clear the deck! Now! Seal it off!" Luke ordered, R2 and the security teams quickly exiting the hangar, following the Grand Master's orders. The pilot looked towards Luke, the Jedi Grand Master standing ready.
"Darth Stalker, I presume." Luke said as Stalker glared at him.
"Skywalker. At last, we meet. I've been anxious to meet you." Stalker said as he pulled only a single lightsaber from his belt, activating it as it gave off a vile hiss. Luke said nothing.
"Hard to believe that you are the reason he turned away from the Dark Side. You and that sister of yours. I can see why the son and daughter of Skywalker now both sit in such prestigious positions." Stalker said as he reached around with his free hand, undoing the locks on the back of his helmet that had been engaged for space flight.
"Who are you? What is your connection with my Father? One of his former apprentices like your Master?" Luke asked but Stalker only scoffed.
"No…" Stalker said as he removed his helmet, revealing his youthful face as he gave a dark smile towards Luke. Luke's eyes widened, recognizing him instantly from forty year old holograms.
"I am your father." Stalker said. Luke was stunned. Stalker was the spitting image of a young Anakin Skywalker.
"No…no, it's not true, it's impossible!" Luke said, absolutely stunned by the revelation. Stalker merely tossed his helmet into the cockpit of his fighter.
"I may not be the exact person who sired you but we have the same genes." Stalker said, stepping towards Luke.
"So you're another clone." Luke said as Stalker shrugged slightly.
"I'll admit, I was born from a cloning vat. But unlike the original, I've been training my whole life as a Sith Lord." Stalker said as Luke glared at him.
"Stalker." Luke answered simply but Stalker glared at him.
"That name, means nothing to me. It was the name I was given as an Apprentice. I have not yet earned the right to use my true name. A name you know very well, Skywalker." Stalker said as Luke took a breath, realizing what it was he was facing.
"I can assume you mean to call yourself after my father?" Luke asked as Stalker smiled darkly, giving him a nod.
"You stand before the Crown Prince of the Sith Empire: Darth Vader." Stalker said, raising his left hand towards Luke and unleashing a sudden flurry of Force Lightning but Luke quickly caught the bolts with his empty left hand before casting the lightning back at Stalker who deflected the volts towards the ceiling. He tried launching more at Skywalker but Luke retaliated with his own force lightning.
"Impressive, most impressive." Stalker complimented, twirling his lightsaber before lunging in, the two Jedi engaging in a vicious lightsaber duel in the hangar. Luke and Stalker were moving at high speed, Luke's skill with a lightsaber almost equaling Stalker's which matched Anakin's own in his prime. Luke ducked a swing and leapt backwards, onto the back of his crashed X-Wing, standing on one of the engines. Stalker merely snarled as he lowered his lightsaber, his hair starting to flutter slightly as he started ripping fixtures and loose objects from around the hangar, throwing them towards Luke who either cut through them or deflected them with the force. Stalker then grabbed hold of a parked combat speeder nearby, lifting up into the air and throwing it at Luke who quickly leapt clear, just before the speeder smashed into his X-Wing, both vehicles exploding. Luke landed in a tuck-n-roll, popping back up on his feet and turning just in time to see Stalker leap through the flames, charging towards him, lightsaber raised. Luke quickly blocked the attack, with his lightsaber, the two beginning to exchange lightning fast blows.
From a control room overlooking the hangar, R2 rolled up to the window, looking out for a moment before plugging into a droid interface, activating a cargo crane overhead and directing it to pick up the Sith Fighter, carrying it over towards where Luke and Stalker were fighting, the Grand Master managing to hold his own against the clone of his father. The two locked lightsabers, glaring at each other as they tried to overpower each other when they heard the crane stop overhead, both looking up before leaping out of the way just as the Sith Fighter was dropped down towards them. Before Luke could recover, Stalker had used the Force to throw the fighter towards Luke. Luke just barely managed to dodge the airborne fighter and was subsequently hit by an airborne metal beam that had been dislodged, the beam pinning him to the ground, Stalker keeping the beam on him with the Force as he approached.
"You are beaten. It is useless to resist, Luke." Stalker said before hearing something land behind him.
"Hello there." A voice behind him said. Stalker spun around just in time for a gloved hand to be thrust into his face, a powerful force push launching him clear across the hangar. Luke looked just as the beam was ripped off of him by Galen Marek.
"Nice timing." Luke said as Galen helped him up.
"Don't mention it." Galen said as the two Jedi looked towards Stalker as he climbed to his feet. Stalker proceeded to unclip one of the lightsabers at his side, activating a second blade before charging towards the two, landing in front of them and suddenly using the Force to launch them both backwards before leaping into the air and landing in the cockpit of his fighter, deactivating his lightsabers and clipping them to his belt, picking up his helmet and sitting down in the pilot's seat, the fighter powering up. Galen and Luke both climbed to their feet and started rushing towards Stalker as his fighter took off, hovering into the air and turning towards them, opening fire with a few shots of its laser cannons, forcing them to leap out of the way, giving Stalker the opportunity to turn his fighter towards the bulkheads, firing a concussion missile that blew a hole into the doors large enough for his fighter to slip through and escape the Lusankya, Galen and Luke fighting against the powerful suction of space before R2 activated an emergency forcefield, normalizing the pressure. Galen and Luke both looked towards the hole in the bulkheads sealing the hangar, climbing to their feet. Neither said a word as they turned to look at each other before quickly turning and running for the turbolifts.
…
Back on the surface, Anakin and Kento were still battling Vandal but had now entered the superstructure of the Dark Reaper. The superstructure was little more than a launch pad with retractable support columns and access catwalks to allow for easy access to the construction areas. The Reaper itself was above them, the bottom of it was a flat surface with a single domed section in the center and four retractable turrets mounted on the bottom. Kento and Anakin were managing to hold their own against Vandal, the Dark Lady proving just as tenacious as she had been in the fight over Mustafar mere months ago. Vandal managed to block an attack from Kento, delivering a swift kick to the stomach, knocking him back as she turned her attention to Anakin, the former Dark Lord easily holding her off with only one hand on his lightsaber while Kento leapt to his feet. Vandal quickly leapt back and onto a turbolift that carried her up to one of the catwalks, the Sith Lady, using the force to lift several tools and pieces of equipment into the air and throw them down at the two Jedi. Anakin and Kento quickly dodged or cut through the equipment before Anakin quickly threw his lightsaber, the blue blade spinning wildly towards the catwalk before slicing it clear of one of the support pillars, causing it to bend downward, Vandal quickly scrambling up the catwalk onto a part that was more stable, turning back just in time for Kento to bound off the side of one of the support columns and land on the catwalk near her, the two continuing their duel as Anakin turned his attention towards the Dark Reaper itself, moving towards a large lift structure in the center beneath the weapon. Vandal noticed his efforts and attempted to intercept but Kento prevented her from doing so, the younger Jedi Knight blocking her path and pushing her back with a powerful force push. Vandal quickly knelt down, digging her bladed fingers into the catwalk, the blades cutting through the metal plating beneath her, slowing her down to a stop as she glared at Kento before charging towards him, her lightsaber raised. She swung at Kento but he leapt back, turning and running towards a control tower meant to oversee segments of the construction, Vandal followed him while Anakin continued towards the center, using the Force to throw a switch that caused alarms to start going off. Alarms and flashing lights started blaring through the construction area, the metal columns and supports slowly beginning to sink and retract down towards the ground along with the walls surrounding the site while the Reaper itself remained in place overhead.
The Reaper, a black metal dome shaped machine remained hovering in the sky overhead. Anakin turned and motioned to the fighter tank that had been waiting patiently outside the area, the tank suddenly speeding towards him, its guns aimed up at the Reaper, firing at it as it moved. The Reaper's turrets suddenly activated, extending downward and pointing towards Anakin and Kento, bolts of strange lightning starting to surge at random beneath it while Anakin raised his comlink.
"This is General Skywalker to all Republic Forces! The Reaper is active! Repeat! The Dark Reaper is active! All forces withdraw immediately!" Anakin ordered as the fighter tank came to a stop near him, the back hatch opening and revealing R4-M9 and R4-K5, operating the tank themselves. Anakin climbed into the tank, taking the controls and moving the tank away while the turrets opened fire on him.
…
Outside the plaza, the Mandalorians and 501sts were still engaging the Death Watch in the streets of Kessia, Commander Delta receiving Anakin's orders over the comlinks.
"The Reaper's active! Retreat!" Delta yelled, the 501sts quickly rushing towards the edge of the city, lightning bolts arcing from the Dark Reaper as it started to slowly begin to move away from its position in the construction yard. Fett noticed this too and put a hand to his helmet comlink.
"Mando'ad! Ba'slan shev'la!" Boba ordered, the Mandalorians turning and taking off, jetpacking away from the scene along with a few straggler Sith Troopers and Death Watchmen who had gotten similar retreat orders. As the Reaper drew closer, Fett glanced back to see a pair of Sith Troopers chasing after them when suddenly bolts of lightning from the Reaper struck them, the two falling to the ground, their life force sucked into the machine. The Mandalorians and 501sts managed to make it to the gunships and take off, making sure none of the Sith and Death Watchmen were following or had boarded their craft…at least not alive. As they flew away from the city, Fett and Venku looked out the doors towards the city, watching as the Dark Reaper loomed over it, moving on its own.
"How do we stop that thing Mand'alor? Droids?" Venku asked as Fett's ID scanner rolled down over his eye.
"We don't. We leave this one to Skywalker." Fett replied as he zoomed on a single Kad Fighter Tank zooming through Kessia.
…
Back in the plaza, Kento and Vandal were continuing their duel on the ground as Anakin raced past in his fighter tank, firing at the cannons beneath the Reaper while bolts of lightning from the Reaper struck around him, unable to harm the Jedi Master.
"Your Master is a fool, Marek! He's activated the Reaper! You're doomed now! We now have the ultimate power in the universe!" Vandal hissed but Kento glared at her.
"He knows what he's doing! He's the one who destroyed the Reaper the last time during the Clone Wars! If anyone can do it, it's the Hero with no Fear!" Kento retorted. Vandal only growled in anger as the two continued to clash. Meanwhile Anakin was racing ahead of the Reaper, the tank turning on its repulsor drives to spin towards the Reaper while moving backwards, firing at the Reaper's four massive turrets, drawing their fire, bolts of lightning continuing to strike around him while he dodged a hail of heavy purple blaster fire, a single shot being enough to level an entire building. Finally the cannon fire from his tank destroyed one of the turrets, the turret exploding and falling to the ground. Anakin's masterful piloting skills enabled him to keep ahead of the Reaper's cannon fire, racing the fighter tank down a vacant street while the droids controlled the back mounted E-Web turret which offered a continuous stream of fire towards the Reaper, keeping the guns trained on Anakin.
Anakin spotted an intersection blocked by debris ahead, one of the streets leading back towards the Reaper just beyond it. He quickly pressed a button on the control sticks, firing a concussion missile towards the debris, the debris exploding and allowing Anakin to power slide the tank into the intersection and down the street towards the Reaper. He proceeded to lock onto the next turret and fired a pair of concussion missiles from the tank, the missiles smashing into the turret, destroying it. He proceeded to do the same for the third turret, destroying it with another pair of concussion missiles. There was now only one turret left on the Reaper which was still trying to destroy Anakin but to no avail. Anakin's tank ramped off a collapsed building, flying back into the construction yard, Anakin weaving past the sunken construction supports as he destroyed the fourth and final turret with the tank's cannons. Kento and Vandal both saw the turret explode directly overhead, chunks of flaming debris falling down towards them. Vandal and Kento both quickly turned and ran in the same direction, taking swings at each other as they ran. Overhead, the large domed section beneath the Reaper began to open up, revealing a large spinning round mechanical orb: the Force Harvester, the power source of the Dark Reaper. Vandal's eyes widened in surprise as she saw the Harvester exposed.
"No! He cannot destroy the Dark Reaper!" Vandal yelled as she turned and started running towards Anakin's tank but Kento stopped and turned to chase after her. Anakin was locking onto the Harvester, waiting for the target lock. He got the lock just as Vandal reared back her lightsaber to throw it at one of the concussion missiles on the side of the tank.
"I have you now." Anakin said, firing two missiles straight at the core, Vandal throwing her lightsaber in an attempt to intercept them but the lightsaber was suddenly knocked away with the force. She watched, helplessly, as the missiles smashed into the harvester, the machine exploding in a ball of flames, explosions beginning to rip through the Dark Reaper, the Reaper groaning and beginning to crash. Vandal's eyes were widened in horror as she saw it collapsing. She quickly sensed Kento approaching behind her and reached out to try and grab her lightsaber with the force but Kento was too close. She turned, hand raised defensively, but Kento sliced her arm off above the elbow before coming back and stabbing her through the stomach., a look of shock and surprise on her face as Kento glared at her, anger clear on his face as he deactivated his lightsaber, Vandal's own lightsaber clattering to the ground next to her. She started to fall forward onto her knees but Kento caught her, picking her up and carrying her towards Anakin's tank as it waited nearby, carrying her onto the tank and calling her lightsaber to his hand, the Reaper continuing to explode overhead.
"Let's go!" Kento said as the tank's back hatch closed. Anakin quietly turned the speeder towards the entrance plaza, gunning the engines as the Reaper started to lose altitude, crashing into the construction site behind them. Outside the city, the Republic Forces saw the exploding Reaper and were cheering in victory as the death machine continued to collapse into the city, a chain reaction ripping it apart from the inside. Anakin's fighter tank exited the city just as the Reaper crashed completely into the ground.
Meanwhile in orbit…
Galen, Luke, and R2 watched amongst the cheering bridge crew of the Lusankya as a live holofeed of the dying Reaper was broadcast to the fleet. Galen then raised his hands.
"Alright people! We're not out of the woods yet! We've still got these Sith to deal with!" Galen yelled, the crew quickly turning back to their stations.
"We're outnumbered now Galen and battle meditation is out. I assume you planned for this." Luke said as Galen smiled at him.
"Hey, it's me." Galen said before turning towards the admiral.
"Admiral, transmit code Wampa Ilum Naboo on all long range frequencies!" Galen ordered, the Admiral saluting and rushing to one of the consoles. Less than a minute later, a fleet of Republic Ships dropped out of hyperspace, opening fire on the Sith Forces, a certain beat up old freighter leading the new fighters.
"YEE-HOO!" Han cheered over the comms, Chewbacca at his side as the Falcon's guns opened fire. On the bridge of a Home One-type Mon Calamari Cruiser, General Crix Madine stood at the tactical display.
"General Marek, General Madine, Republic Third Fleet reporting sir!" Crix said into the comms.
"Glad you could make it, Crix! Let's kick these Sith Squatters out of here!" Galen said before closing his eyes, returning to his battle meditation. On the bridge of the Sith Flagship, the unknown Sith Lady was still knelt in a meditative pose as Darth Stalker entered the bridge, reaffixing his helmet on his head as he stormed onto the bridge.
"It's over. Order the fleet to disengage and make for the homeworld." Stalker said in a low tone, his displeasure at their defeat clear in his voice. The Dark Lady raised her head, opening her eyes in anger before rising to her feet and turning towards Stalker who stood with his arms crossed over his chest.
"How did the Republic get the upper hand?" the Sith asked.
"We underestimated Starkiller. The Empress will not be pleased but things have proceeded exactly as I planned." Stalker said with an air of satisfaction.
"Lady Vandal?" the Sith woman asked curiously, looking up at Stalker, his natural height making him tower over her.
"I sense that Skywalker and the son of Starkiller have dealt with her, as I hoped they would." Stalker said as he turned towards the turbolifts, their Destroyer jumping into hyperspace.
"Then that leaves another opening amongst the Hands." The Sith said as Stalker glanced at her.
"You will be her new Hand, my apprentice. Then it will only be a matter of time before make our move." Stalker said as the turbolift doors closed behind them.
"And then you shall be the new Emperor, and finally claim your birthright, my Master." The Sith woman said as Stalker removed his mask, looking at the Sith woman.
"You have done well, Lady Anjo. Very well indeed." Stalker said with a dark smile.
Back on Thule's surface…
Anakin had stopped the tank, he and Kento standing outside of it on the outskirts of the city, the dying Vandal lying on the tank's entry ramp, looking towards the city.
"How…how can this be?" she asked weakly, watching the smoke and red glow of fire as it consumed the Dark Reaper and the city around it. She turned her gaze towards Anakin, who stood nearby, looking away from her and towards the city while Kento sat on a rock nearby, watching her with a condemning glare.
"Ashla Tano…" Anakin said, surprising the fallen Sith Lady, "…that was your name, wasn't it?"
"Tano?" Kento asked, confused and surprised, as Anakin turned towards Vandal.
"You are Ahsoka's sister." Anakin said as Vandal glanced away.
"Ashla Tano died long ago. She died along with the rest of the Jedi of the old Jedi Order and the Old Republic." Vandal said, tears beginning to well up.
"No Vandal, she's alive, but only if you'll let her live. You once knew the peace of the Light Side. You can know it again. Let go of your hatred, let go of your hate. Join me Ashla, and together, we can save your sister. Together we can save Ahsoka." Anakin begged, holding out his hand for her, practically begging her to take it, Kento watching in quiet curiosity. Vandal looked at his hand in surprise, absolutely stunned by Anakin's mercy.
"Why? Why are you showing me mercy? I put you in that suit again, didn't I? You should be the one to finish me." She said weakly as Anakin knelt down next to her.
"No, Ashla. I cannot hate you for that. I have lived in this suit for most of my life. It is a reminder of my past, to keep me on the path of the Jedi, to remind me of everything I lost, to remind me of everything and everyone that I continue to live for, even when they themselves cannot." Anakin said as Vandal's eyes showed nothing but awe at the compassion she was receiving, tears beginning to stream down her scarred face. She started to weakly reach for Anakin's hand, Anakin taking hold of it. Despite the cybernetics of their hands, her eyes widened as she felt a strange yet comforting sensation.
"Warm…I feel…warm." She said as her head slowly fell back against the ramp, her body suddenly vanishing, leaving only her clothes and cybernetics behind, much to Kento's surprise. Anakin was left holding an ownerless cybernetic hand, the former Dark Lord lowered his head to quietly mourn her. Kento stood watching with quiet confusion, not fully understanding his Master's behavior. He then sensed a presence in the force, hearing a child laughing behind him. Kento turned and saw what looked like a Togruta youngling in a Jedi's robes, running along towards a crowd of approaching people, all dressed in Jedi robes. As they drew closer, Kento realized what he was seeing. Anakin rose to his feet, amazed at the sight himself. The Togruta turned towards Anakin with a smile, taking the hand of one of the Jedi who removed his hood. Kento didn't recognize the Jedi but Anakin did.
"Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked. Obi-Wan smiled at Anakin, the rest of the Jedi behind him, gathering around the youngling but all looking towards him. Anakin recognized them as the spirits of Jedi of the old order, most of whom he had personally killed or helped kill as Vader, all of them smiling warmly at him. Anakin himself was stunned by the smiles he was receiving from the spirits of the Jedi.
"Remember that the simplest gesture of kindness can fill a galaxy with hope." Ashla's spirit said as Anakin dropped to his knees, he himself realizing what this meant: Forgiveness. Anakin then felt a warm hand upon his shoulder, on his skin, in spite of his armor. He looked up and saw the spirit of Padme Amidala, smiling at him proudly before she and the rest of the spirits disappeared, returning to the Force. Anakin was silent, looking towards the sky, the cheers of the celebrating Republic and Mandalorian forces being carried across the wind.
Later, on board the Lusankya…
Galen and Boba Fett were walking together towards the boarding ramp of the Slave I.
"We detected ships bearing Death Watch transponders leaving the system when the call to retreat was given but pursuing them into Sith Space would not be a wise course of action in my opinion. We will continue to monitor for any more future Death Watch incursions and will keep you and the people of Mandalore informed of any sightings." Galen said as Fett gave a nod.
"I'll admit, I was skeptical of you at first. After all it was because of you I spent some time in the Sarlacc." Fett said.
"At the time, we were enemies, but now I'd like to think that, at the very least, we can tolerate each other." Galen said as Fett looked at him.
"I still don't like Jedi. Some wounds will never heal. I still hold a Jedi responsible for my father's death…but on the other hand, if he hadn't gotten involved with the Sith, he might not have gotten himself killed. I like to think he knew the risks getting involved." Fett said as Galen gave a nod.
"As I see it, the Sith have caused more tragedy to the Mandalorian people than good." Galen said.
"Possibly. Then again the Jedi and the Mandalorians have always been at odds throughout history. I suppose now's as good a time as any to try something different." Boba said, extending a hand which Galen shook.
"Whether you believe in it or not, may the force be with you Boba Fett, and your people." Galen said as Boba gave a nod.
"Haat, Ijaa, Haa'it." He said before placing his helmet on his head and heading for the Slave I, glancing at Ailyn as she stood nearby, her arms crossed over her chest, giving him a subtle nod of respect. Fett nodded back before climbing onto his ship. Ailyn watched as the Slave I roared to life and took off, flying out of the hangar to rejoin the Mandalorian fleet.
…
Kento was seated in the main hold of the Mynock, sitting at the Dejarik table, lost in thought.
"I thought I might find you in here." Jaina said as she walked in, putting a hand on the top of the table.
"I've not been anywhere else." He replied, absently.
"What's wrong? You seem troubled." Jaina said as Kento shrugged.
"I trained under Master Skywalker most of my life. He's always carried the shadow of Vader with him. I always wondered what would happen should he meet a true Sith Lord. Twice now, I've seen him in the presence of a Sith Lord and instead of doing what I think he should do, he does the opposite." Kento explained as Jaina sat down next to him.
"He remembers what it was like as Vader. Every life he's ever taken weighs upon his heart. He doesn't see an enemy when he sees someone who has fallen to the Dark Side, he sees himself. He sees Vader. And he remembers what it was like for him. He wants nothing more than to save them, to bring them to the light and it pains him when he sees someone fall to the Dark Side and die in its grip." Jaina said, Kento running a hand over his head with a sigh.
"But even when it's the Sith responsible for putting him back in his Vader suit?" Kento asked.
"To be honest, I don't think he was ever really out of that suit. He always wore it, even when his body had been repaired to the point that he could live largely without it." Jaina said as Kento shook his head slightly.
"I guess…even after all these years as his apprentice, I guess I don't know him as well as I should." He said before getting up, headed for his bunk, leaving Jaina to watch him depart.
"I think you do. I just don't think you agree with it." She said softly.
…
Galen, Luke, X2, and R2 stood around a conference table where holograms of the Jedi Council and Leia were seated. Anakin was the only one absent from the meeting.
"You're sure? You're sure Stalker is a clone of Master Skywalker?" Kyp asked as Luke and Galen both nodded.
"We've compared security footage from the Lusankya against images taken of Master Skywalker from during the Clone Wars. They're a match on a physical level." Galen replied.
"And his presence in the Force was identical to my father's presence during his time as Vader." Luke added.
"This is troubling. If this Darth Stalker is a clone of Skywalker, and just as skilled, then he will be a formidable foe indeed. Even the old Jedi Council recognized his power as a Jedi, calling him one of the best swordsmen and pilots in the Order. And if Anakin is still the one referred to in the prophesies as the Chosen One…" K'Kruhk stated, lost in thought.
"Perhaps Stalker's claim to be the Crown Prince of the Sith Empire isn't idle Sith bravado after all. He might actually have a legitimate claim to the throne." Tionne pondered.
"I still can't fathom it though. A second Darth Vader…the first was bad enough but at least he found redemption. This one though…I'm not sure what to make of it." Mara added, clearly ill at ease by the concept.
"How is father taking it, Luke?" Leia asked.
"He doesn't know. We haven't told him yet. He was acting strange when he returned from the surface. I didn't sense anything wrong but I sensed a sort of peace about him. I'm hesitant to mention Stalker to him although I imagine he has a suspicion already." Luke replied.
"We did manage to kill one of the Sith Lords in the fight though. Darth Vandal, the Sith Lord Kento and Skywalker encountered over Mustafar before the war broke out. We thought she had been killed but she managed to survive. According to Kento though, we've confirmed her demise." X2 added.
"Vandal? That was the one Skywalker identified as Ahsoka Tano's younger sister, right? Ashla Tano." K'Kruhk asked as T'ra gave a sad frown.
"The youngling from the Bear Clan? Such a shame. I remember seeing her in the temple on Coruscant before the Clone Wars began." T'ra commented.
"According to my father though, she didn't die as Vandal. Apparently he managed to convince her to turn back to the Jedi before she became one with the Force. She died as Ashla Tano." Luke said with a small smile.
"He never ceases to surprise me. The man who used to be the most feared man in the galaxy second only to the Emperor, managing to persuade a hardened Sith Lord to turn away from the Dark Side. Incredible." Mara said with a proud smile.
"Indeed it is." X2 commented, the rest of the Council and Leia nodding in agreement.
"There is one more thing that should be mentioned. During the second half of the battle, I sensed a presence. A new Sith Lord, one we haven't identified yet. This Sith Lord was able to use battle meditation which, in opposition to my own, rendered it useless to us both. I don't know who this Sith Lord is, but I have an inkling and I pray even that inkling is wrong. One thing is certain. I'm positive that this Sith Lord is yet another clone." Galen said, a disconcerted look on his face.
"Understood. We'll need to remain wary of this new Sith Lord." Luke said.
"Still, I'd say this was yet another successful Starkiller Operation. Well done as usual, Galen." Kyle complimented.
"I wouldn't go putting it in the history holos yet. This war is far from over." Galen said, Luke nodding in agreement.
"We've only stopped one Sith plan to score an early victory. Ahsoka is still out there, plotting and scheming the Republic's demise and that Clone Ship is still out there. All we can do is keep up the fight, and make sure that we are ready for whatever comes our way." Luke said the council and Leia giving nods of agreement.
"Indeed. What is to become of the Dark Reaper itself?" Leia asked.
"We're breaking it up and launching its pieces into the star Thule, where it can never be used again by anyone who would seek to use it." Galen replied.
"We've already fired the first piece into the star. The remains of the Force Harvester, the Reaper's power source." X2 added.
"Now that's what I call a successful end to a Starkiller Operation. It always seems to revolve around the destruction of Sith Superweapons. I mean first was the Death Star, then the second Death Star, then the Galaxy Gun, the Tarkin, the Eclipse Star Destroyers, several-others-I-forget-the-names-of, and now the Dark Reaper." Kam said but X2 shook his head.
"No, the Liberation of Coruscant was credited as a Starkiller Operation. No superweapons involved in that one." X2 commented.
"Still, this victory should boost the Republic's morale, and in war, every victory counts." Galen said.
"I do worry what Empress Akul has planned next for the Republic." Leia said.
"As do I, but we must remember that the Force is with us…always." Galen said as he looked out the window towards the stars.
Meanwhile on the Sith Capital World…
Darth Akul sat in her throne, her fingers digging into the arms of her throne, leaving scratch marks against the metal surface.
"On top of the loss of the Dark Reaper, I regret to report that your sister, Lady Vandal, Princess and heir to the Imperial Throne, was killed in battle. Killed by the son of Starkiller." Darth Stalker reported as he knelt at the base of the steps leading up to the throne, his helmet off. Behind him stood the other Hands, Darth Sheelal, Darth Talzin, and Darth Fenrir, along with Stalker's apprentice, Anjo, N-K Necrosis, and Admiral Daala. They soon sensed the force becoming turbulent around them, some of the wall fixtures rattling from Akul's anger.
"It seems my trust in my sister was ill placed. Clearly her anger wasn't enough to defeat the son of Starkiller." Akul spat tersely as she rose to her feet. She looked them over for a moment before glaring at Stalker.
"It would seem that now there is only one obstacle in your path to achieving the throne, my son. But you are not ready for it yet." Akul said as Stalker glared up at her, a look of anger on his face. He started to reach for his lightsaber but heard the activation of other lightsabers behind him, sensing that Sheelal, Talzin, and Fenrir were not willing to yield to his ascension to the throne, showing their support for the Empress. Necrosis had his lightsabers active as well, although this was part of his programming to be loyal to the Empress. Daala stood to the side, quietly observing the goings on while Anjo did the same. Stalker finally backed down, his hand moving away from his lightsaber, causing Akul to smile slightly.
"I will grant you a single concession, my son. Your own apprentice, Lady Anjo, has proven her worth to the Empire with her actions in the battle at Thule. Negating Starkiller's battle meditation with her own is impressive. Do you believe she is ready to be named as a Dark Lord of the Sith?" Akul asked as Stalker gave a dark smile.
"Yes, my master. She is ready." Stalker replied.
"Very well." Akul said, looking to Anjo who approached and knelt next to Stalker, facing the throne.
"Hence forth, you are elevated to the level of Empress's Hand, an acknowledged Dark Lord of the Sith and trusted leader of the Empire. Hence forth you shall be known as Darth Anjo." Akul said as Anjo bowed her head to the Empress, looking at Stalker from the corner of her eye while Stalker looked back at her from the corner of his as Anjo replied…
"I live to serve, my Master."
End Episode 22.
End Season 1.
I own Darth Anjo.
This concludes Season 1 of the Shadow Wars. Season 2 will be along soon enough and will explore more of the ongoing war between the Republic and the Sith Empire. Featuring new faces, new places, and much more.
Be sure to check in often so you don't miss the Season 2 premiere! (Or you can just subscribe, hint-hint.)
So until then…
Keep R&Ring…
…and May the Force be with You…
STT