Chapter 12
(Abregado-rae, Abregado system, sometime after meeting in palace)
Two fleets of durasteel, clashed upon one another as mass waves of Moff aligned Imperial class warships launched a brutal yet vitally important assault upon the unsuspecting forces that had lingered above the planet that was the center of imperial worry at the current time. The local defensive fleet was complimented with four Stardestroyers, a vast and expendable fleet of forty Tartan patrol cruisers, with an array of twenty more Victory and Acclamator mixed in to the Imperial loyalists. However the Moff strike force was under the direct command of a Moff by the name of Grayeg Wintozzen. Not a well known Moff in his own right, but under his command had been allotted over seventy Imperial vessels to aid him in his task of conquering Abregado-rae in totality. A compliment of ten Stardestroyers as well as ten Broadside-class cruisers that dealt heavy damage from afar, the rest of the Moff fleet was comprised of all Victory and Acclamator class ships, followed by at least three Interdictors that prevented any form of retreat by the Imperial loyalists.
It was when the loyalist fleet had been reduced to but ten ship, and only one Stardestroyer that defeat seemed imminent. However the arrival of three additional Imperial fleets under the command of an admiral named Merris Nolik was an event that struck utter terror into the Moff forces who had to speedily turn all their vessels around to face their enemy which now had well over a hundred ships, and their own Interdictor compliment. The maneuvers that were required of the Moff fleet to engage from their rear and front were difficult and they had already sustained heavy damage from the battle that had lasted hours on end. TIE fighters and interceptors looked like frenzies of insects dancing about one another and attempting to blast each other into particles. At the loss of ten more ships for the loyalists and tens of thousands dead from the space engagement, the loyalists attained victory via obliteration of all Moff forces. Nolik was informed of enemy forces already deployed across the surface of Abregado-rae, and ordered all shuttles to make for the planet below for reinforcements. However, much to the shock of the loyalists a much larger Moff force suddenly jumped in from Hyperspace. There were hundreds of them. Many outdated Clone Wars era Republic warships, but they were complimented by a proper Imperial fleet, led by seven Stardestroyers. It was suddenly the Imperial loyalists that found themselves once more on the defensive and all transports were halted as the two massive fleets engaged. A hastily complied report and call for aid was sent out by Nolik to Imperial Center. As for once in the lives of all Imperial loyalists at Abregado-rae everyone was hoping, or even praying that Lord Vader would come and put an end to these Moffs. They would have to wait a while longer however, and every moment that went by the situation at Abregado-rae grew more dire.
(Coruscant, Imperial Senate Building)
Lord Vader marched with haste towards his goal whom he could sense not too far from where he landed his shuttle, and ever shadowing him, but two steps behind him was a cloaked figure that is his apprentice who remained silent, but ever wary of his surroundings. The halls while ever still looking ornate in its decor, were utterly bereft of politicians. Only Stormtroopers were seen by the dark lord so far as they marched in packs of five up and down the halls seemingly searching, but seeming lost themselves. If Vader could have he would have laughed, but the Sith lord did not make it a habit to laugh, and so he pressed forward.
In time he came upon a set of doors that he knew led to a gathering hall; one of the biggest in the whole building too, and it was being guarded by four troopers, and two of Kuns Massassi warriors whom bowed their heads to him when he approached. "I need to speak with your master, Massassi." Vader declared coming to a halt before what would have been an imposing alien warrior had Vader not been sure he was not the more imposing of the two present.
"He awaits behind these walls, good lord." The Massassi retorted in Basic that seemed to slither forth as if he were of some reptilian descent, but Vader did not dwell as he nodded and proceeded forth without another word with Starkiller in tow.
The moment he opened the two ornate doors a bustling of people and chattering hit him. Vader noticed Kun was standing on a balcony that was connected to, two marble staircases, and surrounding him were at least four more Massassi including the leader whom he had met on Yavin IV all those weeks back. The leader, or Mattizz, was whispering to his master before Kun noticed Vader and grinningly waved him over. There was one other man besides kun standing before what Vader assumed was a large crowd as his vision was obstructed by a pillar lined wall. Vader recognized it as Crueya Vandron, the head of ISB, and he held in his hand a datapad and was looking it over extensively. As Vader got close to the small group his line of sight became clear and indeed the whole of the gathering hall was jam-packed with senators, and politicians from across the whole of the galaxy, both Moff and Imperial space.
Ignoring the crowd, Vader approached and stopped before Kun and Vandron with Starkiller silently behind him. "Welcome lord Vader, to my humble gathering of gentlemen from across the stars!" Kun greeted rather loudly, and suddenly a hush befell the crowd as all took notice of the hulking dark lord. All three Sith lords and the Massassi could practically drink in the fear pouring off of them, and all enjoyed the utter dread, but sadly now was not the time to enjoy such leisure's as scaring politicians.
"I have meant to speak with you lord Kun. The Emperor has already assigned me to deal with the situation concerning Abregado-rae." Vader informed Kun as he crossed his arms across his chest. However, before Kun could retort Vader fixed his dark and unseen gaze upon Crueya who stood looking over the crowd as if he did not notice the dark lord, and was typing into his datapad.
"Do tell, director Vandron, why are you here?" Vader asked and Kun stepped aside to allow the two to more directly speak.
Vandron jerked his head towards Vader with an indiscernible look upon his face. "My lord Vader, it is good to see you are well and about. No doubt about to strike terror into the hearts of these pathetic Moffs." He greeted very coolly. "I am here merely to condense vast imperial records of both ISB and Intelligence here for lord Kun, to aid him in weeding out those among the politicians below that need re-education, or removal from status, or maybe removal from life as a whole." Vandron said in a matter of fact tone, and turned to kun and held out a datapad to him. "This will be all you'll need my lord. All level one names are to be re-educated, level two names are to be imprisoned or executed at your digression, level threes are to be released while reminded of their loyalties, and level fours are all politicians from Moff territories, and well the Emperor wanted me to rely the fact that he would be most pleased if you liquidated them for him." Crueya said with an ever so small smile upon his features. "If that will be all, I bid you a lovely day lord Kun, lord Vader." Crueya departed after bowing humbly before the two lords, leaving only them, Starkiller, and a Massassi guard left on the balcony.
"So, lord Vader, what brings you here amongst the real trash of the universe?" Kun asked as he pocketed the datapad and once more faced his counterpart. Vader gave a slight shrug. "I would not be here had I not felt it necessary. I need to hear affirmations in person as to our course of action now." Vader replied and Kun chuckled while folding his own arms. "No need to worry my lord Vader. All is proceeding as planned, and I do believe that you are much to thank for that." Kun ecstatically retorted. "As to what I need to do, well I will be handling these fools below me, and after that I think I will have a fine dinner, relax, sleep, and so on and so forth." Nonchalantly as possible Kun replied, and it irritated Vader to a great degree.
"This is not a joking matter Kun. There is far too much at stake to play games!" Vader angrily replied a little too loudly, but none would think Vader and Kun were speaking about betrayal. Kun put his hands up in defense. "very well lord Vader, very well. You must forgive me as I forget you are not one to take things in stride. I am trying to keep calm in our situation lord Vader. If I did not wind down I would be in utter paranoia. Perhaps you are indeed wound too tight as of late and need to rest." Exar suggested with a smirk, and Vader waved his observation off.
"Enough, I have come to report to you that the Emperor is amassing for you a fleet to send you on a campaign in this war. No doubt you are more than willing to oblige him." Vader stated not asked, and Kun shrugged this time.
"Sure, that's not a problem at all. I just need to handle things here, get my fleet from Alderaan back here to Coruscant, and then I am all set to appease the old mans wishes." Vader interjected himself before Kun could continue. "My master is already attempting to plant the seeds of distrust and rivalry between us in not so subtle ways Kun. Should we not seem to become more hostile towards one another I believe he will begin to suspect and our plans will be for nothing." To this Kun took a moment and went into thought.
"Well, we shall have to play the ego, and muscle flexing games when we are both in his company. It is a trivial matter really lord Vader. Sidious is smart I do not deny this, nor do I deny his power or his intelligence, but with what has happened recently he is far too caught up in trying to hold what's left of his Empire together that I think he will give us enough space for the next few months until we start winning the war for him of course." Exar theorized and Vader nodded. "nonetheless, I believe that it is far safer to add an extra layer of caution upon our own senses in the coming weeks as he will be looking for any signs or hints of dissent between us. He will be seeking to destroy one or both of us, and that is where you acolytes will come in." Kun cocked a brow in what seemed to be amusement.
"Ah yes the acolytes. Well that will be a rude awakening for him. Sure I will train those he wants me to in as menial ways as possible. While I will be conducting my own recruitment drive for true students." Vader crossed his arms once more in annoyance.
"When were you going to let me in on you plan to grow your own private Sith army?" Kun waved him off once more however. "Please lord Vader I was going to inform you. You already knew that I was to begin training those the Emperor wishes me to in the coming weeks. So if you need anyone given a few lessons in the arts of the dark side then all you have to do is tell me, and I will be sure to put them on the important list, and not the list of ignorance." While not fully pleased Vader accepted Kuns response and swiftly dropped the subject as he turned to Starkiller.
"This is my apprentice Kun. He has been of course, in operation across the galaxy taking care of our Moff problems and inflaming the situation as we saw fit. I believe I clued you in on some of this information some weeks ago." Kun nodded as the cloaked teen bowed his head low, and greeted him by simply saying, "lord Kun." to which Exar nodded his own greetings back. "He is known as Starkiller, and he is one of my best agents on top of being my apprentice. I will not be needing his services for now, but I do not want to leave him alone and unproductive while I am dealing with Abregado-rae." Vader informed in his usual monotone/baritone voice. "I will require you to keep him occupied with whatever tasks you may need doing while I am away, until we can explain his existence to my master without too much suspicion arising." To this Kun nodded and waved Vader off once more.
"Not a problem my lord Vader. I am sure I can have him be productive towards the ultimate cause. After all there is still a lot of killing that needs doing all over the galaxy. Well, even if I can't get an assassination lined up while you are gone, I am sure I can keep him quite occupied nonetheless." Vader gave a curt nod and was pleased that Kun did not object. Though Vader was still a bit uneasy at leaving his apprentice with kun, he had to remember they both had no choice but to trust in each other for the time being.
"Excellent then. In that case I have but one last subject I need to speak with you about Kun." Vader replied and Exar cocked his neck to the side awaiting Vader to speak. However the all black garbed Sith looked at his apprentice then back to Kun before saying, "In private." To which Starkiller slightly jumped and moved some feet away and made himself busy with looking over the still fearful but now more chatty senators below.
"I have not forgotten Kun that I was promised something of great value to myself, and I have returned and we are for once in the same room, on the same world in weeks. I am beginning to think you have given nothing but empty promises." Vader darkly implied and Kun put a hand to his chest in mock offense.
"Why lord Vader, you wound me with such thoughts!" Exar exclaimed, all the while a grin upon his face.
"Not to worry lord Vader I have been a busy Sith. All the materials I require for this very intricate and obtuse endeavor of yours have been gathered to me save one thing." Vader sounded as if he growled in frustration before he barked, "And what may that be Kun? My patience wears thin." Exar made a hand gesture that told Vader to lower his voice as he looked about the room and saw only two Massassi were watching them, but that was probably due to the fact that they were protective of their master.
"Sith alchemy is a lost art in these times Vader. I would not expect you to understand how such small, trivial, and all round odd things are so important when toying with the lost arts of the force. That being said I am acquiring a pure genetic sample of yours that meets my specifications." Vader was not impressed however as he grew more frustrated and Kun could feel as much through the force.
"If what you require is a genetic sample I could have easily given you some of my own blood." Vader retorted once more. Only Exar shook his head in return. "That would not have worked lord Vader. If it were that simple any hack who could use the force would be healing all manners of things by now. Just look at the Emperor. If all it took was a little blood sample he could be as young and sprightly looking and feeling as ever." Kun vehemently retorted. "This is a genetic sample that deals not with the scientific aspects of the force as you are used to. Alchemy deals very much in the mystical and magical realms that the force operates within. There are certain rules, and certain rituals that need to be taken in order to achieve an optimum and desired end. Transmutation of one substance into another is a power draining and yet empowering experience all at once. It requires absolute patience as well." Again with vehemence Exar said.
"Your current genetic sample holds the essence of what you are now within the force. The essence of what you were would be far harder to obtain even by you. I however, acquired just what I needed to make this work. A genetic sample pure in essence of what you are. With this last piece, which I might add is on its way as we speak, I will be more than able to fix you up, and then in due time the Emperor will be all yours." While satiated by Kun's answer Vader still raised his brow line in intrigue behind his mask.
"Then tell me Kun, how did you acquire said material and from where? I do not make it a habit of leaving pieces of myself or my past strewn about the cosmos." Vader declared pointedly. Expecting Kun to just tell him Vader was surprised when Kun visibly relaxed, crossed his arms, and smiled. "Now if I told you that lord Vader there would be no surprise now would there? Trust me when I say that if I told you how I acquired this material you would not be all too pleased and it would hurt both of us and our cause. For now trust that I will reveal to you how and when after the healing process has been completed. Until then my lips are sealed on the matter." Kun said with finality and stood tall and to his full height as if to show lord Vader he was ready to rebuke any objection the all black clad Vader could form. Seeing that however only caused Vader more irritation, but lessened his will to continue on arguing with his 'ally,' on the matter.
"I grow tired of your riddles, your secrets, and your unwillingness to cooperate on matters that concern both of us Kun. I shall expect all secrets to be laid bare to me soon enough. I promise you that I shall not forget anytime soon either." To that Kun bowed his head.
"All will be made clear in due time lord Vader. Until then let us both begin the process of winning this galaxy, and when you return from Abregado-rae not only will I uphold my promise to heal your body, but I shall placate and ease your mind concerning my, 'secrets,' as well." With that Vader gave his own curt nod and turned on his heel with a grand wave of his cloak he marched out of the building and made his way back to the Exactor, and to make ready his fleet for battle at Abregado-rae.
Exar now left alone smiled to himself and really congratulated himself on being able to keep the hulking Vader from blowing up on him. 'I will no doubt have to keep him clam many a times in the coming times. Vader can be…temperamental to say the least.' Kun thought with an internal laugh. However, he quickly remembered Vader's apprentice and turned to see the younger man hunched over a railing looking bored while he scanned the massive cluster of senators; whom have calmed ever since Vader left a few moments ago. 'Let us see how Vader does in the training department.' Now that Exar got a better look at the boy he began to realize that he was indeed younger than he first thought. No more than at fourteen or thirteen at the most, and based on the reports he had read about the assassins actions against the Moffs, Kun had to hand it to the boy that he was deadly and efficient even at so young an age.
Upon sensing the dark lords approach, Starkiller whisked to his side to look up at the man whom his master left him under. "Well I have heard nothing but promising things about you, Starkiller." Exar greeted with his arms folded and a passive look on his face as he seemingly was still scrutinizing the boy. It made Starkiller a tad uncomfortable but he did not flinch. "My master has told me that I am to work for and do as you command within the limits as to what he himself would order. I will not do anything you command that directly conflicts with my masters interests." Starkiller declared pointedly raising his chin upwards in preemptive defiance to Exar Kun's authority. A grin appeared on the ancient Sith lords face however.
"Excellent then." He declared with an enthused clap of his hands together. Making Starkiller raise a brow in mild confusion to the odd behavior for a man that his master claimed was a Sith. 'He is far too happy indeed.' Starkiller thought.
"No need to be so defensive or confrontational young Starkiller. Though I suspect I will not put you at ease with such words. I and your master are allies of mutuality. There is one Sith to which we both agree needs toppling, and until that time I shall make no moves upon your master. And really," Kun continued with his grin widening still, "If I wanted to subvert your master I am sure I would not use his own apprentice to do so." Exar said as he leaned in towards the boy and winked. While still finding the man odd, Starkiller decided it was best to nod and say no more on the matter as to not upset the man and thus his master in the end. "I am, then at your service until my master requests me once more." Starkiller declared and gave a deep bow. Kun seemed delighted in turn.
"Good! I have an apprentice of my own you see, and I believe I said something about him to your master, or maybe I inferred I had an apprentice…" Kun trailed off as he tried to remember his past conversations with Vader. "Ah well, nonetheless I have one that I think is about a year or two older than you. He is on his way back here to Coruscant you see, and I believe that you two will have to get to know one another a bit more personally seeing as both of you will be commanding armies at so young!" With delight the dark lord informed.
"As such I will give the both of you some pointers and see how your commanding skills are once he arrives. He will also be traveling someone that I highly suspect will be a part of Lord Vader's life for years to come. So maybe the three of you can get to know one another and work together early. Call it a head start to your imminent requirement to work together." A lot of info being thrown upon him made Starkiller mentally reel a little but he got the majority of what the Sith lord was saying anyways.
"As you command lord Kun." He replied hoping that his response was good enough for the Sith, and luckily for him it seemed so, as Kun nodded in satisfaction.
"Now, how about you and I have a little fun?" Exar asked and Starkiller cocked a brow. "What do you mean by fun?" Kun grinned widely.
"Well what we have before us are a mixture of scum, dirt, and pocketed politicians. I need to clean up a good deal of them for the Empires sake, and I was wondering if you would enjoy perhaps helping me root out a few that need examples made out of them here and now?" To that prospect Starkiller gave the senators, whom seemed oblivious to what he and Kun were discussing, a look over. At the idea of scaring and eliminating these people whom his master hated Starkiller gave a small smile. "I would be happy to help out there lord Kun." With that Exar smiled and gave a satisfied nod. As the two Sith began sifting through director Vandron's datapad, the senators down below hadn't the slightest clue they were about to bare witness to horror, and purge before their very eyes.
(Staredestroyer Scorcher, en route to Imperial Center/Coruscant)
It had been several days since Viathan had made his offer to the princess Leia Organa of her beloved Alderaan to join him in coming to Imperial Center to undergo further training in the force and to become an integral part of building the Empire into something better than what it was. The departure of the pair as well as many Imperials was received with mixed reaction by Alderaanians. At the sight of Viathan and the Imperials finally pulling out of the palace was welcomed as was the departure of all non-garrisoned army forces, but the announcement via Imperial channels that princess Leia was joining them on their return to imperial Center stunned all Alderaanians.
The Aldera Palace staff pleaded with their princess not to leave but she explained that she had to go in order to try and fix the galaxy her own way. She did not explicitly say the "treason," of her father was the reason for her leaving, but the gossip was already there that it was bail Organa's actions that made the planet's princess abandon them, or so they saw it as. She bid them all farewell, stating that she loved and would returned to Alderaan in good time on her own, and that she would never abandon her ideals on a democratic future for not just Alderaan but all sentient life. So the princess of Alderaan departed with her friend the Sith acolyte Viathan. The hardest thing for her to do before leaving was to say goodbye to her best of friends Winter, whom despite disagreeing with her leaving wished her the best of luck, and hope Leia would come back soon. Leia promised to, and now it had been several days.
She and Viathan were in a secluded part of the Scorcher, a sparring room of some sort or open area gym. He was sitting on the floor with his legs under him, his eyes were closed and he was deep in meditation. Leia sat opposite with her legs crossed on the floor. Only every now and again she would sigh from irritation. 'This is utterly useless.' She thought. "You're not relaxing." Viathan said to her from across the floor his eyes still closed and his black cloak covering his face. "Stop reading my emotions, and or thoughts already, and furthermore when I agreed to learn about the force I did not think it entailed sitting around and getting 'at one with myself.'" She said in a mock tone as the prospect bored her to near tears. Viathan gave a curt laugh. "While I find your sentiment familiar to me I learned that even Sith must learn to focus themselves if they are to be at optimum levels, and efficiency. Though in fairness this meditating stuff is more of a Jedi thing." he consented, and she huffed and crossed her arms. "I cant stand just sitting around and not doing anything! I want to learn new things now and as quickly as possible if I am ever to be able to change anything." Once more Viathan laughed very lowly and this time he looked toward her and finally ended his own attempts at meditating.
"For someone so highly believing in democracy as a system you sure are impatient milady." He said as he rose to a stand, and offered her hand, which she graciously took and came to a stand as well. She however gave him an annoyed look. "Democracy is one thing Viathan, but it's a whole other thing having to wait and learn all these powers and abilities I know you wield at such slow a pace. How am I ever to face the Emperor, who might I add, you have so pleasantly informed me is even more powerful a Sith than Vader, if I am still unable to just meditate?!" A question Viathan had a hard time answering in his own regard, but for himself he knew he had to trust more in his master than his own power. "I cannot really answer your question princess. I myself leave the eventual end of my…I mean the Emperor to my master or even lord Vader." Viathan said as he almost slipped and called Palpatine master once again much to his own annoyance. Luckily Leia did not seemed fazed by the near slip of the tongue.
"Well that may be fine for you Viathan, but I will need to do more then just hope others take care of my enemies. I need to be ready at all times to confront said enemies. Either by argument, or more direct confrontation." Once more Viathan found the princess quite humorous and gave a chuckle. "Forgive me milady I do not mean to demean you by laughing, but I honestly never expected such levels of impatience, or confrontation from you." She rolled her eyes to that.
"Well trust me, I can fight if and when the time calls for it, verbally or otherwise my Imperial friend, and don't you forget that." She said pointedly but she had a small smile on her face and in play Viathan threw his hands up in mock surrender. "I shall remember that indeed, I swear milady." She gave a chuckle, and the two decided afterwards to get some lightsaber practice done.
While still nowhere near as good as Viathan was, he conceded that she was getting better and better. Though she often times accused him of lying to make her feel better, Viathan could in all honesty feel her abilities becoming more attuned, more fixed, and far more precise. Not to mention her presence within the force was not something to be ignored. Daily did that grow more powerful, and it was raw power, raw and unchecked. Which was why these meditations were so important to Viathan. He dared not risk her becoming too powerful and strong in the force and unable to lessen her own presence and allow his old master to sense her. However he was hoping that perhaps Kun could help her out in that way. Until then he would do his best, and hoped that neither of his ex-master or present one would ever have to get involved in teaching her much. It was odd for him that he should care so much for the protection of another, but he would do as he could and hope for the best.
As the pair were about to grab their sabers Viathan's comlink sounded off, and he answered it with mild but hidden annoyance. "This is Viathan. What is it?" He asked and a quick reply from admiral Refflet was returned. "Forgive the interruption sir, but we will be existing hyperspace within ten minutes, and I wanted to inform you that a shuttle has been prepared for yourself, and the princess." Feeling a tad embarrassed with himself over his irritation with the good admiral Viathan nodded to himself. "Thank you admiral, your competence is highly noted for future reference." To that Viathan and Leia heard Refflet clear his throat with what they presumed was delighted embarrassment. "Th…thank you sir. I am most grateful for your recognition and compliments. Refflet out." He ended the transmission and Viathan pocketed his comlink.
Sending a regretful look towards Leia, Viathan shrugged. "I suppose we wont get much done in…under nine minutes now will we?" She gave a small laugh and shook her head. "No I think we have exhausted all the time we had left…" She trailed off as a look suddenly crossed her face.
"A credit for your thoughts?" Viathan asked as he came to stand closer to her. She waved him off, but still answered. "I…guess I am just nervous about going to Imperial Center without anyone from Alderaan escorting me, and especially without my fath…I mean Bail." She informed Viathan, as he took note that as of late she took to calling Bail Organa by his name and not by 'father,' as of late. He placed a hand on her shoulder in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. "Don't worry. I will escort you, and keep you company until you become more comfortable down there. I think you'll get used to and eventually like it on Coruscant milady." She noted his gesture and smiled back. "Thanks, and it's Leia remember, not milady or princess." She reminded, and Viathan once more bowed deeply. "Forgive my inability to drop my proper addressing of persons mila…er Leia." Almost slipping up again he said and she laughed once more, in turn putting him in a better mood as well. After chuckling himself Viathan jerked his head towards the door.
"Shall we head to the docking bay? After all I we didn't train today so I think no one is too unruly or unpreventable yet." Nodding in agreement Leia and Viathan made for the docking bay just as the Scorcher and the rest of the detachment of the 68th Imperial fleet entered into space just outside Coruscant's orbit. Just a few miles from the grand Imperial fleet of Lord Vader, and just a few hundred miles from Exar kun, Emperor Palpatine and the great city world itself.
Authors Note: Quite wordy again but I hope by now you guys like the plot development of this war. I want to thank both badkidoh and pedrorocamora102
for making their thoughts and input known to me as it made my day and helped me to get this chapter out. Once again forgive or point out any and all typos, or leave a review and make my day, and or week while you're at it! :D Please enjoy! P.S to anyone who is a little shocked by how quickly the imperial fleet reached Abregado-rae I will say that the fleets were redirected from nearby, and that the Core is really fast to travel between so, an hour or two is the norm in my book.