Exterior: Kiros, Togrutan city, daytime.
Starkiller, Ahsoka, Anakin, Visas, Qui-Gon, Revan, Obi-Wan, Etain, and a division of Mandalorian troops landed on the planet, to find the dead bodies of several Republic troops, CIS clankers, Zygerrians, Sith and Imperials.
Sensing a presence from a building that'd collapsed, Marek instinctually cleared the debris with the Force, revealing the unconscious form of Eno Cordova whom he carefully moved away from the building, "Man down!"
Wasting no time, Kix and Etain rushed over and tended to their new patient.
Addressing Obi-Wan via holocall, the Zygerrian slaver, Darts D'nar said, "Master Kenobi, come to the tower.
We will discuss surrender," then the call abruptly ended as the holocom flew into Anakin's hand.
As he crushed the holocom, Anakin angrily growled, "Zygerrian scum!" with his facial expression full of hatred, "I'll handle that slaver."
"Calm down, Anakin!" chorused everyone within earshot.
"I urge you to restore your calmness, walker of the skies," chimed in Visas as she placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder, "please, do not give in to or embrace your anger.
It only leads to more suffering, and that suffering will be your own."
Present company could tell Skywalker was royally pissed, though he began to take deep breaths as he looked at Visas, trying to recenter himself as he released his feelings into the Force.
After Anakin took a few moments to calm himself, Visas stepped back from him.
Qui-Gon told his former Padawan, "Ani, I need you and Ahsoka to find the missing Togruta colonists,"
Visas chimed in, "Master Jinn, they are not here, or on this planet.
I do not see them through the Force, nor can I sense them."
"Thank you for your insight, my friend."
"If I have any further insight, I will not hesitate to share it."
As a little droid hopped over to him, Galen knelt down and removed his helmet, "BD? Hey, buddy, what're you doing here?"
BD-1 beeped his answer.
"You came with Cordova, Trilla and Xiaan?"
BD beeped dejectedly.
"Do you know where the latter two were taken?"
The little droid shook its head, then beeped.
"You disarmed the bombs all by yourself?" mused Galen, with a smile, "great job, BD." making the little droid chirp happily.
"Without further delay, I must meet with the ruffian," stated Obi-Wan.
Starkiller warned Kenobi, "Don't you dare do a fake surrender."
"I wouldn't need to, he has no cards to play."
"A false surrender? That's a child's tactic." scoffed Revan, "and an unnecessary war crime."
"Malachor V says hello there." quipped Kenobi.
"You weren't there! You could never understand the necessity of mine or Meetra's actions!" snapped Revan who exhaled, "Or what it cost us… What it cost her."
Suddenly, Darts found himself pulled out a window, and slammed to the ground by Anakin who ignited a purple blade, "Where are the colonists!
Tell us now, and you might live!"
Darts smugly replied, "My Queen is going to bring back the royal slave auction, as in the days before the Jedi.
We're even going to have two female Jedi for sale."
Turning his foul gaze to Tano, Darts began, "The fun I could have with you, little bit- agh," but a gloved hand caught him by the throat.
Starkiller nonchalantly snapped Darts's neck with one hand, dropping the vermin to the ground.
Turning to Etain, Marek ordered, "Take Cordova to the medical frigate, and oversee over his recovery."
"Yes, Mand'alor."
"After he's sorted out, go spend some time with your family," advised Marek, "I'm sure they miss you, and you've more than earned some R and R."
"Thank you, Galen."
Later.
Interior: change rooms.
While choosing disguises, Galen advised, "Obi, shave the beard and cut your hair.
You'll be too easily recognised by the almost trademarked beard alone."
Trimming his own hair a bit, Anakin added, "He's right, it's too distinguished."
Grabbing a shaver and scissors, Obi-Wan conceded, "I see your point."
Searching for someone through the Force as he closed his eyes, Marek thought, "I made a promise to you, I just hope I'm not too late to make good on it."
Obi-Wan, Hunter and Rex wore bounty hunter gear, and Anakin wore Zygerrian armour.
Galen wore black armour consisting of a high metal collar, pauldrons, vambraces, gauntlets, flexible armour plated cuirass, girdle, armorweave bodysuit, and a ragged ankle-length battle-skirt.
His sharply-tipped T-bar visored helmet bore a pair of metallic grey blade-like stripes descending from the top of the faceplate.
He carried a purple hued and black cored saberstaff, the hilt of which was as long as a standard lightsaber.
Visas wore a black and maroon bikini top, short skirt, shoes, bracelets, a necklace, veil, and a blindfold.
Ahsoka wore a turquoise, single-shouldered crop top with a knee high skirt, arm bracers, gold jewellery, a headdress, and a shrouded cloak.
Noticing a new lightsaber, Ani asked his friend, "Where'd you get that?"
In a distorted voice, Starkiller answered, "I'm always building new ones, Ani."
"Kriffing hell, I thought I'd have outgrown that by now.
I'm not that kid from Tatooine anymore."
"You outgrew the 'little,' part of 'little Ani,'.
And some species with limited vocabulary may have trouble saying Anakin."
"Well, when you put it like that, I guess it's fine."
"Just make sure Mando'ade don't think there's two N's, or your nickname will translate to 'all I,'." advised Galen, "implying selfishness."
"Am I selfish?"
"Your original desire to never have any Padawan was selfish."
"Yet I still accepted the one I was given, of my own free will."
"Which showed more maturity than most will give you credit for."
Ahsoka indicated to Galen, "Why am I playing the part of the slave when my beloved gets to be a Dark Lord?"
"Visas is the slave," corrected Starkiller as he turned to his cyar'ika, "you're playing one of the Princesses of Shili, 'Soka."
"Are you sure it's a good idea to bring her?"
"I asked the same about Anakin."
"It's my Master's decision to bring me, and he's made it, Ahsoka Tano," Visas chimed in, "additionally, my subservient and submissive nature makes me the most authentic for the role of a slave."
"Didn't he free you, ages ago?"
"He did, but I will always regard him as my Master."
Skywalker sighed, "I can tell I'm going to struggle emotionally during this mission."
"If there is any way I may help you through your struggle, I will, Walker of the skies." assured Visas, "Perhaps by confronting our past and aiding those suffering as we did, we will be healed."
"We'll see, and thanks."
Ahsoka asked, "Who's playing my captor?"
"Me." answered Starkiller.
Anakin chuckled, "Good luck taming our feisty little Snips, she's quite the wild one.
Many have tried to break her, and none succeeded."
"You don't tame or break her, you spend time with, treat her well, respect her, and bond with her.
Over time, she'll get used to you, and grow familiar with your scent.
But do not provoke her under any circumstances."
"Hey! I'm not a wild animal or a pet!" indignantly interjected Tano, offended.
"Sorry, Soka," Galen apologised.
"I was talking to Anakin." clarified Tano.
"I thought I was the one in trouble since I said more than him."
"Well, he started it,"
"Still, I was out of line.
I'm very sorry for being so disrespectful, ner cyare Soka'ika."
"I like it when you call me that, Starguy." Tano sighed, "also, apology accepted."
Maris and Barriss appeared, in metal bikini tops with matching skin-tight pants and golden bracers, the latter in more decorative headwear.
As did Shaak Ti in a skimpy yet elegant black outfit which left her arms, midriff, and most of her legs bare, and showed a generous amount of cleavage.
A crown-like headdress kept her lekku comfortably behind her back, and a ceremonial belt and sash hung comfortably from her waist.
Ti was also concealed by a shrouded cloak.
Confused, Anakin asked, "What're you doing here?"
Offee elaborated, "We were sent to join you."
Ti added, "My cover is one of the Queens of Shili whom Galen's alter ego has caught, since Ahsoka is playing one of its Princesses."
Galen nodded, "Makes sense, but I have no idea what I'll have to do to maintain cover, so preemptive apology just in case."
"Just do what you need to with, or to me, to maintain cover, and make it convincing."
"Also, let's make sure NOT to get caught or killed.
We've already learnt t'ad Jetii are MIA.
Another handful being caught or slain will make the Order look weak and embolden our enemies.
Plus, the troop morale would be greatly affected."
"That goes without saying, Galen." sighed Ti.
"Speaking of things that go without saying: I'm going to remind the galaxy why I'm called the 'Starkiller,' if I lose even one member of this squad.
Or if they've hurt or killed our missing friends."
"Be mindful of how far you take that," advised Shaak Ti.
"I'll limit any bloodshed to the ones responsible.
I'm not going to destroy a planet, or something."
"I know you better than to worry about that, sweetie."
"Just stay close to me, and I'll protect you, Shaak," lightly said Galen.
"I'm perfectly capable of protecting myself, thank you very much."
"Yes, that's why I've been rescuing you since before I joined the Order." teasingly reminded the Mandalorian.
"Galen, you were six, that time." sighed Shaak, "and you know the circumstances."
"Which makes it so much more embarrassing for you.
A random child saving a Jetii Master."
"I'm warning you, Galen Marek, change the subject, or I'll bite you." threatened Ti, baring her fangs.
"Then I hope I taste good," quipped Galen.
"You should know I take my steak rare," snarled Ti.
"And how do you like your sausages?" Marek casually asked, making the present company erupt into laughter.
Rolling her eyes whilst her lekku blushed, Ti punched Galen's shoulder, "Do you even know what you just said?"
"We were talking about cooking, weren't we?" asked Galen, obliviously.
After a brief pause, Shaak nodded, "Yes… yes, we were."
As he entered, Revan asked, "Mind if I join you?"
Noticing Revan wore his near trademark attire and the mask, Obi-Wan sighed, "Force help us all, you're reprising your role of Darth Revan, aren't you?"
"Galen's going undercover as a Sith, and they often come in sets of two."
"Some people believed you were the Dark Lord even before you joined the Mandalorian wars."
"And many others believed I was a spirit of vengeance."
"I take it you did nothing to convince them otherwise?"
"Superstition, deception and theatricality are powerful weapons of psychological warfare."
Later.
Exterior: Zygerria, capital city, streets.
The 8 Force adepts, the HKs, and the two clones disembarked from the Rogue Shadow.
Rex, Hunter, and Obi-Wan split from the others to go find the colonists.
Exploring with her companions, Ahsoka groaned in disgust, "Ugh, how can a civilization this advanced still practice slavery?"
"It makes them wealthy and powerful at the expense of others.
Before the Hutts bought my mother, she was sold in a market just like this." replied Skywalker.
Hearing a nearby slaver about to whip a Twi'lek slave girl who'd fallen over, Visas grabbed their arm, lifted them into the air, and threw them onto their back, "You would be unwise to do that, vermin."
Backing away as they got to their feet, the slaver snarled, "Ah, you dare touch me? You little sk-" but was cut-off as their throat constricted.
Force choking the scum to death, the blind seer discarded them like the trash they were.
With a small smile, Starkiller praised, "Nicely done, my faithful servant."
Visas bowed her head with a returned smile, "I thank you for your praise, my Lord."
As guards rushed over, one looked at the handful of strange figures, "What have we here? Who are you?"
Anakin replied, "We've come for an audience with the Queen."
"Then you have an invitation?
We can't just let anyone in to speak with her majesty."
"We need no invitation," growled Lord Starkiller, "we go where we choose, and speak to whomever we wish, however we wish."
Anakin added, "We bring news the Queen will be eager to hear… about Bruno Denturri."
A security probe ordered, "Cease all hostilities.
They're to be escorted to the Queen, immediately."
Seeing the lightsabers, one of the guards exclaimed, "Jedi!"
"Call me that again and you'll drown in your own blood." threatened Starkiller.
"Jedi," repeated the guard before Starkiller used the Force to flood their lungs with their own blood.
The pitiful guard coughed up blood before dropping to the ground.
Looming over the corpse, Starkiller snarled, "I warned you."
Onlookers were taken aback by the display of brutality.
"You're overdoing it," telepathically said Revan, to Galen.
"I got carried away, sorry about that," apologised Galen, through his Force-bond to his companions.
"A little warning if there's a next time so I can look away, please." telepathically requested Barriss, "and that didn't change how I feel about you."
"I've seen worse on Dathomir," telepathically shrugged Maris.
Interior: Zygerria, capital city, palace, audience chamber.
As Starkiller, Revan, Shaak, Barriss, Maris, Visas, Ahsoka, the HKs and Anakin were escorted in, a guard said, "I present Lars Quell.
And Darth Revan and Darth Starkiller, the Dark Lords of the Sith."
Startled at the sight of the two Sith Lords, Miraj Scintel turned her gaze to Anakin, "You are the ones who claim to be acquainted with Bruno Denturri?
Did he fail to mention my immense hatred of him?"
"We never said we knew him," dismissed Revan, "you assume much."
HK-47 turned toward then snapped the neck of the vile Atai Molec who reached for a blaster, "Statement: the meatbag has been silenced."
Surprised, Miraj asked, "What do you mean?"
Hk-47 responded, "Answer: the meatbag 'Bruno Denturri,' is dead, his screams were pitiful."
"Indeed?"
HK-47's eyes glowed before he played an audio recording, "Statement: I do so enjoy putting down filthy meatbags like you."
Starkiller nonchalantly pulled off Shaak and Ahsoka's cloaks, "The spoils of war,"
Pulling away, Ahsoka panicked, "Stay back, demon!" before unintentionally tripping backwards, only to be caught by the HKs.
Then she was lifted to her feet by the droids, who released her from their firm grips.
Baring her fangs with a predatory scowl as she grabbed a nearby steak knife, Ti growled, "If you touch me again, I'll bite you."
As Ti moved to strike, Lord Starkiller froze her in place with the Force, "You're cute when you're threatening, your Majesty," as he ordered, "now stand down, or you know what'll happen," and released her.
Putting the knife on a table, Ti bowed her head in submission, "Forgive me, I forgot my place, my Lord."
As he spanked TI's ass, making her quietly gasp, Galen flirtatiously ordered, "You've been a very naughty slave girl.
Now put those lavender lips of yours to good use, and make it up to me."
"As you desire, Master." complied Shaak as she removed Galen's helmet and deeply kissed him whilst bringing his hands to her firm breasts which he gently fondled, then closely embraced him.
Ahsoka and the 'slaves,' looked away in embarrassment with a deep blush, except the blind seer.
Skywalker and Revan glanced at each other.
"Disgusted statement: ugh, meatbag displays of affection and intimacy." complained HK-47.
Parting lips with the radiant red Togruta, Starkiller gently stroked her sensitive lekku, "Good girl, now, if you behave yourself, I may reward you in a more pleasant manner, later tonight."
As her entire body shuddered in pleasure, Shaak Ti softly moaned, "Mmm, kriff, that feels so good, please do that more.
And I would be honoured to join you, my Lord and Master."
"You should be." stated Starkiller as they stepped back from each other and his hands retreated.
Telepathically, Shaak asked Marek, "Did you just imply you were going to bed me?"
"That's how you interpreted it."
"That's how everyone interpreted it, you cheeky boy.
Especially since you were caressing my lekku.
The act of which usually requires a very deep and personal bond of love and trust, which you have."
"If I'm a cheeky boy, that makes you a very naughty girl for asking for more."
"Touche, and did that have to happen in front of an audience?"
"The Force has a twisted sense of humour." telepathically stated Starkiller as he donned his helm, "and it could've been worse, like in the middle of that arena we saw, or caught on camera."
"Fair point."
Miraj approached and inspected Tano who swiftly slapped her hand away and glared, "Don't you dare touch me!"
"Such spunk. It seems she fears Lord Starkiller, but not me in the slightest.
This one's certainly of fine stock, and quite a beautiful female, as is the older one." said Miraj who asked, "What is your price for this young one?"
"Caution: that is an unwise assumption, meatbag." chimed in HK-55.
Fiercely, Ahsoka interjected, "You can't do this to me!
I'm the Princess of Shili! You'll let us go, or you'll regret it!
You're going to be in so much trouble when the Jedi find out!" before Shaak placed a calming hand on her shoulder, looked into her eyes and shook her head.
HK-47 mused, "Fond recollection: ah, Jedi, I've killed so many of them for my Masters."
"Know your place, girl," reprimanded Revan who threatened, "Or would you two like to see more of your world burn?"
Starkiller coldly added, "We could always turn your precious Shili into another Malachor V."
Lowering her head in submission with a tear trickling down her cheek, Tano apologised, "No! Please don't! I'm sorry, my… my Master." before Ti comfortingly hugged her.
Glaring into Miraj's eyes through his mask, Lord Starkiller hissed, "She's not for sale, she is mine, and mine alone,"
Miraj looked at Starkiller's companions, "I see my Lord has interesting tastes in his women.
And can it be? A Miraluka?
My, my, she's quite a rare and beautiful specimen.
Her skin looks so soft… and smooth."
"Don't get any ideas," growled Starkiller, "they're not for sale either."
As Miraj looked up and down Visas' figure, then went to lay a hand on the blind seer who warned, "Do not lay so much as a finger on me, and keep your eyes up.
Else, my Master will make you suffer," before quietly gasping as Starkiller nonchalantly spanked her.
"I make the threats, not you." snarled Starkiller, "remember your place, slave."
"Of course, my beloved Master.
I spoke out of turn, please forgive me,"
"You can make amends when we're alone,"
Visas bowed her head in submission, "As you desire, my Master."
"Miraluka, how did you know I was looking at you?" inquired Scintel, bewildered, "you're blind."
Nonchalantly, Visas lowered her veil and blindfold, revealing empty, pitch black, eye sockets, "As blind as the bat in the dead of the night."
Scared half to death, Scintel whimpered in fright, stepped back, and covered her mouth in horror.
Relishing Miraj's reaction, Visas inhaled deeply, "Your fear is intoxicating. Yes, be afraid. Be very afraid."
"You've made your point," stated Starkiller.
Visas donned her blindfold and veil, "Thank you for allowing me to make it, my Master."
"It was my pleasure."
"Not as much pleasure as I'll give you later, my love," quipped Visas.
"I look forward to that."
Scintel regained her composure with her right hand too close to the Zabrak who suddenly bit it, making her yelp in pain, and back away.
Smirking, Ahsoka quipped, "Careful, she'll bite your neck and drink your blood next,"
"You little sk-" began Miraj, but was cut-off mid-sentence as Ti suddenly punched her face, knocking her onto her royal ass, silencing her words.
Revan praised, "Nice right hook, your majesty."
Ti nodded to the ancient Jedi, "Thank you, Lord Revan."
Getting to her feet and rubbing where she'd been hit, Miraj circled and inspected Barriss, with eyes only, "Hmm, she is quite a pretty prize.
But I am surprised you allow some of your slaves to be armed."
"They serve multiple purposes."
"Interesting."
Barriss turned her gaze to Starkiller, "My Master, may we have the privilege of seeing your handsome face?"
As he unmasked and the Mirialan longingly gazed into his eyes, Starkiller nodded, "You may, as can my other slaves, and the Togrutan Royals."
Ahsoka, playing along, began, "If you think I'm going to kiss you, I-" then Starkiller gestured with his hand, "will be happy to, Master,"
Snips, along with Shaak, Barriss, Visas and Maris, deeply kissed Galen.
Anakin raised an eyebrow, and thought, "And I thought I was popular with the ladies."
To himself, Revan thought, "Did he actually use a mind trick on her, or was that rehearsed?"
"If I knew you were such a good kisser, I wouldn't have tried to object, my Lord," said Tano, to Starkiller.
"Now you know for next time, so be a good girl and do as you're told."
"Yes, sir."
As she walked in, a slim, petite Cathar woman brought them some food and refreshments.
Starkiller accepted a chalice, "And what's your name?"
"Master, I'm no-one of value," said the Cathar, sadly, as she looked to the ground, "I'm nothing, I'm worthless."
"Speech is forbidden to you, skug!" hissed Miraj whose throat constricted as Starkiller lightly gripped her with the Force, not particularly surprising anyone.
"Not to me, you're not," Starkiller told the Cathar, "You are a living being, and you are more valuable than the wench you serve.
Now, please look me in the eyes and tell me your name.
I wish to hear it."
Her eyes lit up with a friendly smile as she felt his sincerity, "My name is Selina."
It was her. He'd found her, and she felt something familiar she couldn't quite place.
Starkiller smoothly said, "A beautiful name for a beautiful young woman." making the Cathar blush.
"Thank you, Master." stammered Selina, "Is there anything you desire from me?"
"I desire you."
As she was released from the Force choke, Miraj caught her breath, "You may have her, my Lord. She is my gift to you," whilst failing to hide her fear.
Standing imposingly, HK-47 looked at the Miraj, "Amused question: did you really believe you had a choice, meatbag?"
Starkiller turned to Selina who hugged him tightly whilst a tear ran down her cheek as he shattered the shock collar around her neck.
Gently returning the embrace, he assured her, "You're with me now, and I will take care of you.
This scum will never hurt you again."
"Thank you, my new Master."
With Daesha at his hip, and a small entourage of acolytes, Drakkon, who'd appeared, asked, "Aww, isn't this sweet?"
As the Cathar backed away, Starkiller turned, "Hello, brother." much to the surprise of nearly everyone in the room.
The twins shook hands, triggering Galen's psychometry which didn't affect him.
"Nice outfit, but I liked the other one better," mused Drakkon, "and you owe me a lightsaber after stealing my last one."
"I stole nothing from you," dismissed Galen, "I returned what you stole from our mother's grave.
It's back where it belongs," and Cay nodded in approval.
Pulling Drakkon aside before making sure no-one was within earshot, Galen quietly asked, "Why're you here?"
"I could ask you the same, 'Darth Starkiller,'."
"You're not getting in my way or blowing my cover.
And I'm not letting your Empire get their hands on the Togruta colonists."
"This may come as a surprise, but I don't want them to get the Togrutas, or anyone else the Zygerrians are holding, either."
"That is a surprise considering I found dead Sith forces on Kiros."
"They weren't from my personal forces, that I can assure you."
"Then we have the same goal, apparently." muttered Starkiller who suggested, "So, team up?"
Reluctant, Cay agreed, "If the Emperor finds out, it's going to be a problem for me."
"A bigger problem than me?"
"Good point, Dark Council member slayer."
"I'm looking for two women, a human and a Twi'lek.
They were last seen on Kiros."
"They're here on Zygerria.
I was going to buy them for myself."
"If anything happens to the people I love: I'll destroy the ones responsible." warned Starkiller, "and someday soon, the Emperor will face justice for everything he's done."
"I hope you can back that up."
"Aren't you going to introduce me to your girlfriend?" asked Galen, discreetly gesturing to Daesha.
"I will when you introduce me to yours, or do you have a little harem?"
"Maybe we can do introductions when we're on neutral ground?"
"Agreed." exhaled Cay before the twins noticed their companions conversing, "Republic and Imperials having a nice chat?
That's a first in this war."
"Speaking of chats, we're going to discuss what's happened to each other and where we've been, at some point."
"Whatever, I guess we owe each other that much, brother."
"So you admit I am your brother?"
"Our old man wouldn't want us to disown each other.
He paid me a visit after our last meeting."
Later.
Exterior: Zygerria, capital city, palace, grounds.
While walking with the HKs, Drakkon, Starkiller, Revan and Anakin, Miraj stated, "Slavery is the natural order of things.
The weak deserve nothing more than to kneel before the strong."
Starkiller glared into her eyes, through his mask, "Then you belong on your knees, so kneel before me."
"I must've misheard, for a moment I thought you tried to give me a command."
"Legions have risen and fallen against the power of the darkness.
I've burnt Kingdoms and Empires to the ground.
Slain world killers, and endured the deaths of star systems.
Your pitiful little excuse for a kingdom is an archaic joke."
"Are you threatening me, Lord Starkiller?" asked an internally terrified Miraj.
"I don't make threats, I make promises, and foretell that which may yet come to pass." answered the Mandalorian before a battalion of the most elite royal guards attacked him, only to be slaughtered within the blink of an eye by the twins and the HKs.
Later.
Interior: Zygerria, capital city, auction arena.
As the auction began, the auctioneer said, "Your Highness, Zygerrians, and guests from a thousand worlds, our auction begins with slaves of unmatched quality and impossible quantity, I give you Togruta from the Kiros System!"
Ahsoka gasped, "Oh, no!"
As Miraj went to slap Tano, Drakkon lifted her into the air with a Force choke, and threw her back into her seat, "Bad kitty, she's not yours to discipline." before the young Togruta gave him a small smile of appreciation, and Shaak gave him a slight nod.
"This handsome sample represents no less than 50,000 beings.
Note the compliance.
Virtually untrained in combat.
There will be no rebellion from these slaves." continued the auctioneer as a clearly malnourished Governor Roshti was shoved into the arena and fell to the ground.
Unimpressed, Drakkon, via PA, asked, "Is this a bad joke? Untrained in combat?
He can barely stand, let alone work, or fight.
Where did you even find him? Dying in a gutter?"
Anakin asked Miraj, "So, where does one keep that many slaves without anyone noticing?
Doubt it's the spice mines of Kessel, that's the Pykes' territory.
Not that there's anything left of it after the Mandalorians got to it."
"All will be revealed in time."
With a smug grin, Ahsoka quipped, "Spoken like a stripper to an impatient audience." making some present company from all sides laugh at the look on Scintel's face.
Blushing in embarrassment, a taken aback Miraj replied, "You have quite the tongue, snippy, feisty Princess."
Ahsoka smirked, "It's part of my charm, and my Lord Starkiller finds it amusing."
"Ah, so he is your Master."
"It was the only way to stop his Sith faction's massacres against my people.
The Queen and I sacrificed ourselves to save our people.
We let him take us as one of the terms of ceasing hostilities.
Would you do the same for your people?"
"Pawns are meant to be sacrificed."
"You're a heartless schutta." scoffed Daesha.
"Before we begin the auction, I would welcome two special guests: Xiaan Amersu and Trilla Suduri: Jedi Knights!" announced Miraj as a shackled Xiaan and Trilla, who'd been changed into metal slave bikinis, were marched into the arena by guards while a disguised Obi-Wan, Quinlan Vos, Hunter and Rex observed.
Miraj gloated, "My friends, my good friends, do not fear the Jedi."
Drakkon scoffed, "Fear isn't the Jedi way, you ignorant worm."
"They're no different from others we've forced into submission," continued Miraj.
"I was thinking the same thing about you," interjected Revan, earning some mixed reactions.
Miraj kept going, "Every Jedi has become a slave to the Republic."
Interjecting, Amersu called out, "You are a slave to your insecurity and your desperate need to feel superior.
To your need for validation."
Miraj felt her throat constrict as she was lifted into the air by Starkiller's Force grip, alarming and terrifying many onlookers.
Starkiller snarled, "The Emperor may hold the patience of stone, but I don't.
Now get on with it," and dropped her to the floor, then snapped the necks of a dozen scum with the Force.
There was a blur of violet light cutting off Miraj's clothes, leaving her naked, as Visas extinguished her blades.
As Miraj got to her knees, Starkiller used the Force to keep her in place, "Your so-called Queen's on her knees, where she belongs.
After all, like she says, the weak deserve nothing more than to kneel before the strong." whilst the cameras got good angles.
"How dare you? I am Queen Miraj Scintel of Zygerria!"
"I am Darth Starkiller! Lord of Vengeance!" announced Starkiller, "now on your knees, and all hail the return of Darth Revan!
The true Dark Lord of the Sith!"
As the Revanchist imposingly loomed over the balcony with his arms folded, most of the crowd, thanks to a discreet mind touch, fell to their knees and chanted, "All hail Lord Revan!"
Drakkon's companions looked at their Master.
One of the acolytes whispered to Drakkon, "What the hell?"
"Go with it," whispered Drakkon.
"As you wish."
With a smirk behind his mask, Drakkon thought, "If I didn't know he was a Jedi, he could've had me convinced.
He's putting on a good show, so I'll have to up my game.
I can't let a Jedi be more intimidating than me."
Nervous, Trilla quietly said to Xiaan, "I have a bad feeling about this."
"It'll be ok, just trust the will of the Force."
"I trust Galen more than the Force's will."
"That may be your downfall."
"The Force's been too loud to hear its will, with all the deaths caused by the war.
But what I can hear is his voice in the middle of it, telling me we'll be okay."
"Do you trust him that much?"
"He's always there for the people he cares about… for those he loves.
He will come."
Starkiller stood over the Zygerrian Queen, "You are in no position to demand anything, you mewling quim.
Slaves don't give orders, they obey them.
I might consider lifting my spell if you beg me to.
And address me as your Master."
Outraged, Scintel questioned, "What? How dare you!?" before being hit by a small dose of electricity then having her mind invaded, making her scream in pain.
"Say it you mewling quim." growled Darth Starkiller as he waved his hand and commanded, "be a good slave, submit and beg your Masters for mercy.
You will always do as you're told.
You are an obedient slave, incapable of defiance."
All too easily broken, Miraj gave a blank look, "Please, my Master, I beg of you to have mercy upon me.
I surrender to and will do anything for you, Master."
Present slaves, dissidents and ex-slaves felt great satisfaction, seeing the Queen so pathetic, helpless and weak.
Smirking behind his helmet, Drakkon asked, "Now, do you see the error of your ways, you pathetic worm?
You thought you had power.
But in the face of true power, you were the first to break."
Trembling, Miraj looked at Starkiller who lifted the stasis.
Trilla called out, "Looks like the slaver's now the slave!" and gave a mischievous grin before the Force drew her gaze to Galen, whose warm presence she recognised.
As she got to her feet, Miraj recklessly handed Trilla and Xiaan's lightsabers to Anakin, "Teach the Jedi their place."
"Looks like my rightful place is standing over you whilst you beg me for mercy," teased Trilla, taking a page out of the books of certain sassy friends.
"Trilla?" asked Xiaan, "you realise you may have just turned this auction into our execution?"
"That's not going to happen," telepathically replied Suduri, "didn't you notice the name of the one standing next to Revan? He called himself Starkiller."
Xiaan's eyes widened as she sensed far more power than she thought possible from Galen, "He's grown so strong, but is he friend or foe?"
"He's on our side, and he always will be."
Telepathically, Galen asked Trilla, "Are you okay? Did they hurt either of you?"
"So far we're okay, but they did torture us and try processing us like their typical slaves.
They thought it'd be all too easy to break us, especially since Xiaan's a Twi'lek."
"I'm going to dispense Mandalorian justice upon those responsible.
Any objections?"
"None."
Sending Skywalker and one of his acolytes down to the arena, Drakkon told the Queen, "I think I'll put you on sale.
It's a royal slave auction after all.
The merchandise should be royalty.
Now be a good little slave and dance for us."
"As you wish, Master Drakkon." obeyed Miraj, unable to stop herself.
Everyone present had mixed thoughts as the feared Queen Miraj had been reduced to a compliant slave before their eyes.
As the acolyte and Anakin, at the same time, suddenly cut free the captive Jedis, R2 launched lightsabers out of a compartment.
Using the Force, Starkiller caused the city's power grid to fail, freeing every slave, hostage, inmate and prisoner on the planet from their bonds, collars, cages, etc.
Then freed every droid from their restraining bolts.
Now free whilst chaos ensued, Xiaan and Trilla sprung into action with their friends.
Holding her shoto lightsaber to Miraj's throat after binding her, shock-collaring her, and gagging her with Daesha's help, Ahsoka smirked, "Hope you brought an umbrella, because it's about to start raining clones."
With a series of sonic booms, a fleet of Starhawks, Venators, Acclamators, and Mandalorian cruisers arrived whilst deploying gunships, Mandalorians, Basilisks, and clone troopers of various classes and divisions.
Barriss, Visas, Shaak and Maris drew their weapons and joined the fight.
As did dozens of guild bounty hunters and mercs who more or less sided with the Jedi out of hatred for slavers and so they could collect on multiple bounties easier.
Vos maintained his cover and continued his mission.
Several platoons of disguised shadow troopers revealed themselves to assist the Jedi, as did a division of Mandalorians.
The small number of forces Drakkon brought with him fought alongside the Republic and Mando forces, which they had mixed feelings about.
Hondo and his crew took advantage of the chaos to liberate valuable goods, rescue some of their own crew, free slaves, and help the Jedi.
Leaping gracefully into the centre of the arena with a repulse during his landing, Starkiller, followed by Drakkon and Revan, slew several thousands of hostiles while disarming all of the present guards with barely a flick of the wrist.
Then Starkiller cast a chain of lightning, incinerating a garrison's worth of guards which horrified surviving onlookers.
"Show-off!" called Drakkon whilst cutting down several guards before he, Revan and Starkiller staged a duel against the Jedi Masters.
With her forces slain by a vengeful masses, mercenaries, soldiers, scoundrels, Jedi, Sith, and rogues, Miraj and several hundred crime figures were either arrested or killed.
Selina turned to Galen, "My people are held on Kadavo with the Togruta from Kiros and other species."
"We will free your people," vowed Starkiller.
"Thank you, my Master."
"I told you, on Dxun, that I'd find you again and rescue you.
I've finally made good on my promise."
As her eyes widened upon remembering as he tapped her temple, freeing her from her conditioning, Selina tightly hugged him, "Kane."
"Galen… Galen Marek."
"I like that name even better."
With his woman by his side, Drakkon removed his helmet, "I must return to the Imperial capital, Dromund Kaas."
Galen implored, "Cay, you could come with me, and turn your back on the Sith.
You could help us destroy the Emperor."
Cay shook his head, "You don't understand my place within the Empire, or its politics."
"Enlighten me."
"I have a higher rank in its government than most ever will.
I can't just walk away from all of my responsibilities and influence.
I'm more useful where I am."
"My offer stands, if you change your mind."
"Don't hold your breath.
It's the Empire that needs to change, not my mind.
Change must come from within."
"Careful, my Lord, you almost sound like a Jedi Knight when you say things like that." teased Galen.
"Coming from the Jedi who made such a convincing Sith Lord." countered Cay.
"Tried it once, didn't work out."
"Did you kill your Sith Master? Because that would make you a Sith Lord."
"He wasn't my Master, he took advantage of my having amnesia.
And I killed him to protect someone I love."
"You're both a Jedi and Sith, whether you accept it or not."
Revan questioned the Grand Inquisitor, "Have you ever seen the Emperor?"
"Once," said Cay who held out a hologram, "You know who this is, no doubt, Lord Revan."
"Tenebrae of Nathema."
"What's Nathema? I've never heard of it."
"It was Darth Vitiate's home planet.
Now it's a husk of a world, dead in the Force and every sense of the word."
"Where is it?" asked Cay before the Force whispered to him.
Drakkon's lead acolyte asked, "My Lord, do we fight these Jedi and Republic scum now?"
"Today showed us the Republic and the Jedi can work alongside us Sith and Imperials, when we have a common goal.
I will bring this development to the Council's attention."
"Are you showing them mercy because your brother is here?"
"Our objective is complete," dismissed Drakkon, "And this world has no tactical or economic value."
"Apologies, my Lord."
"Get to your ships, and rendezvous with the fleet." ordered Drakkon before he and his remaining forces departed.
Arms folded, Xiaan turned to Galen, "You always were one for theatrics.
You had us worried for a moment."
"Then I played the part well."
"You're far more powerful than I remember."
"I get that a lot."
"I see the rumours are true.
Revan has returned."
"I broke him out of prison."
"And I'm sure the Council loved that."
Trilla asked, "Who was that Sith with you?"
"My long lost twin brother," answered Galen, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, but seriously, you guys scared me half to death." admitted Trilla, "especially with that outfit and by teaming up with a Sith."
"Sorry about that, and for taking so long to come to the rescue."
"Make it up to me with a kiss," insisted Trilla who launched herself into Galen's arms before he gently kissed her.
Tano rolled her eyes, "If I had a credit for every time a pretty girl kissed you, I'd be richer than Dooku, Starguy."
"It's not my fault," shrugged Galen.
"True. Also, it was really weird and a bit uncomfortable seeing you getting flirty and frisky, and talking dirty with Shaak.
She's my mother, for kriff's sake,"
"I know that feeling of awkwardness all too well."
"Right, now I feel silly for bringing it up, after the countless times you've probably endured similar osik as Aayla's Padawan."
"Don't feel bad, I'm glad that you shared your feelings with me.
Communication is important in any relationship, cyare."
"While we're at it then, I don't mind sharing you as a partner, but keep the circle small."
"Agreed."
Turning to Suduri, Obi-Wan inquired, "How did you two get captured in the first place?"
Trilla sighed, "It was all my fault, I should've been stronger, and done more.
If I was more powerful, if I acted sooner, I could have-"
"Don't do that to yourself, Trill'ika, it wasn't your fault.
Let it go." replied Galen, "Don't dwell on the past, learn from it.
We all make mistakes, and we all fail."
"But-"
"Accepting and learning from our failures is how we grow."
"Thank you, Galen." gratefully appreciated Suduri.
Revan turned to Kenobi, "You trained him well."
"I was more like a glorified supervisor, but thank you.
And you convinced Anakin to change his blade colour?"
"I told him to accept that both the light and dark are part of him, but they don't define him.
I convinced him to embrace what makes him unique.
To be true to himself and not hide his true nature.
He willed the crystal blue to hide his dark side from everyone."
Soon thereafter.
Interior: Hyperspace.
Interior: Jedi cruiser, the Resolute.
Going over a plan, Starkiller said, "I'll take my crew to Kadavo before the rest of you come."
Back in their usual gear, Barriss, Xiaan, Trilla, Visas, Ahsoka and Maris nodded, "Agreed,"
Skyguy added, "I'm coming too."
Turning to the Cathar whom he healed of some scars and trauma using the Force, Starkiller said, "Selina, wait on the cruiser.
We'll be back soon, and you'll be safe here."
"Yes, Master."
"You don't have to call me that, you're free."
Gesturing for her to come over, Starkiller asked, "Juno, can you please take care of Selina while I'm gone?"
Eclipse nodded, "Of course, Mandalore." and smiled at the young Cathar, "let's get you something to eat and a medical assessment."
"Alright."
Exterior: Space, Zygerria.
Interior: Super star destroyer, Darth Drakkon's flagship, observation deck.
One of the Admirals informed, "My Lord, the assets have been evacuated and the fleet's in position."
Observing a massive Imperial fleet's formation, Drakkon ordered, "Destroy this pathetic planet.
I want this broadcast for the entire galaxy to see.
The cleansing of Zygerria will serve as a warning to non-Imperial slavers."
"Yes, my Lord," obliged the Admiral who relayed the order, "Glory to the Empire."
"This is for you, Daesha." thought Drakkon who watched the orbital onslaught with a satisfied smirk.
Later.
Exterior: Kadavo, slave processing facility.
As the Rogue Shadow landed, Galen ordered, "Proxy, R2, T3 and T7, jam their scanners and transmissions.
Hack their systems and disable their defences."
"Yes, Master." replied Proxy.
As he opened the front door of the facility, Keeper Agruss floated out in his hover chair, "State your b-"
With HK-55 next to him, HK-47 looked at the Zygerrians, "Innocent question: Master, may we have the pleasure of terminating these meatbags?
We'd so very much like to."
Galen nodded, "With prejudice set to maximum."
Both HKs immediately fired upon the keeper and several guards, "Quip: hasta la vista, meatbags."
Ahsoka muttered, "Psychopaths."
Interior: Kadavo, slave processing facility
The Jedi along with several Mandos and clone Commandos, Inferno Squad, and a handful of Mandalorian Knights confronted the guards, and freed thousands upon thousands of slaves, of a diverse variety of species, from their bonds.
"It's Mand'alor!" called one of the youngest prisoners, "the Mandalorians are here to save us!"
Another prisoner asked, "Are those the Mandalorian Knights?"
"The Republic is here!"
The light of hope surged into the Togruta, Wookie, Zabrak, Human, Mirialan, Lasat, Jawa, Weequay, Twi'lek, Cathar, Rodian, Pantoran, Chiss, Sith, Cerean, Ugnaught, Bith, Duro, Tholothian, Kiffar, Sullustan, Bothan and clone prisoners who rose up against their captors.
When the battle ended, Galen asked, "Is everyone alright?
Does anyone need medical attention?" before the prisoners split into two groups to tell who was wounded and who wasn't, and many had near fatal injuries.
Wasting no time, Galen used his legendary mastery of Force healing to fully heal more than half of the people in the facility.
Having never seen such a feat in the healing arts, everyone present was in awe.
When he was finished, a fatigued Galen used the Force to replenish his energy.
Turning his gaze to see 500 hundred or so Sith prisoners, men, women and children, Galen realised they were afraid of him, "It's okay, I'm here to help."
A Sith pureblood asked, "Why would we believe or trust that you're here to save us, Jedi?
Your Republic tried to wipe us out."
"The Old Republic and Jedi Order have been destroyed and reformed several times since then.
I'm not asking for your trust.
I just want to help as many people as I can."
As he entered the room by himself, Drakkon asked, "You beat me here?" and took off his helmet, "and now you know why I was on Zygerria."
Removing his own helmet, Galen shrugged, "I had a head start since I don't answer to the politicians, brother."
"As a member of the Dark Council, I give my word that my forces will reduce hostilities as a gesture of good will.
As thanks for your rescue and return of Imperial citizens, I will return any and all Republic, Mandalorian and Jedi prisoners in my custody."
"Thank you, and mention all this to the Dark Council.
If our two societies see each other's noble sides, we could resolve this conflict and restore peace."
"We both know peace is a lie."
"Depends how you define peace."
"Sith and Mandalorians both have war as part of their culture.
What kind of Mandalorian wants peace?"
"To an extent, conflict is necessary to keep the galaxy's governments strong and for societal growth.
Technological and medical advancements are made during war.
Those advancements help the economy.
But not destroying worlds or taking more resources from them than they can afford to provide.
Not at the expense of the people you're fighting for."
"That's diplomatic."
"Leaving a world's resources depleted and its people in poverty, unable to even afford the basics, isn't how to conduct war.
Or keep your economy and government intact."
"That's the first thing I took action against when I joined the Dark Council.
There's more to us Sith than bloodthirsty butchers with red blades.
Not all of us are solely wielders of the dark side.
And some of us just follow orders like good soldiers.
Most don't question our Emperor.
He's been alive for so long they think he's the wisest man in the universe."
"It's every citizen's duty to challenge and question their leader, to keep them honest," interjected Tano, "And hold them accountable if they're not.
And following orders is one thing, but you have to know when an order is wrong."
"That's easier said than done with The Emperor.
The most powerful Sith Lord in the Empire."
"Key phrase: in the Empire.
Not necessarily the most powerful Sith Lord in the galaxy, for better or worse."
"Maybe so, but honesty without an ulterior motive is a rarity amongst the Sith."
"Which is why the Dark Council should be keeping their eye on him.
You're the Grand Inquisitor and a Dark Council member.
If the Emperor's deemed unfit or to be acting against the Empire's interests, isn't it your job to take him out?"
"Or die trying, more likely." muttered Cay.
As Cay turned to leave, Galen, whose helmet had been recording since he'd arrived, extended a hand, "Thank you." before the twins shook hands.
"May the Force be with you." farewelled Cay.
As the Sith departed whilst everyone got to evacuation ships, Galen felt a disturbance in the Force before his com received a message.
From the cockpit of a scout ship, a pilot informed, "Sir, an Imperial fleet's orbitally bombarded and destroyed Zygerria."
"Was it Grand Inquisitor Drakkon's fleet?"
"Affirmative, my Lord."
"So that's why I beat him here despite him being the one to leave first.
He pulled a Malak."
Exterior: Hyperspace.
Interior: Drakkon's flagship, observation deck.
"Nathema," thought Cay, "what am I going to find there?
Do I want to know?"
"My Lord, the prisoners you've approved the release of have been returned to their people, unharmed." informed an Inquisitor.
"Good."
"If I may ask, my Lord, why did we do this?"
"Mandalore returned some of our own.
This makes us even."
"Understood, my Lord."
"Is it? He may be blood, but we have no relationship.
He's been dead in my eyes for over 20 years.
I have no attachment to him to cloud my judgement."
"Of course, my Lord."
Mando'a translations.
Mand'alor - sole ruler of the Mandalorians.
Mando'ade - Mandalorians.
Soka'ika - little Soka.
Cyare - beloved.
Ner - my.
Jetii - Jedi.
T'ad - two.
Osik - crap.
Trill'ika - Little Trilla.