AN: So… I said I wasn't going to update for 4 weeks. But I hadn't realized that Star Wars Day was this week! So Enjoy the Bonus chapter and the conclusion of The Phantom Menace.

If you usually skip to the newest chapter, you might have to go back. I did two massive updates this week.

Updated chapter titles to make it a little easier to navigate.

Star Trek: The Next Gamer

Episode 5.8: Battle for Naboo

The journey up from the bowels of Coruscant wasn't nearly as harrowing as the trip down had been. Unfortunately, they couldn't just use the teleporters to get around everywhere, Tyson had no desire to leave the Oberth on the lower levels of Coruscant. He had to store the ship in his Inventory, forcing the group to find other methods of ascending. This was easily done when the Gamer produced a Multi-Troop Transport, coopted from the Trade Federation from his Inventory. The Multi-Troop Transport was well-armored and had weapons. None of the denizens of Coruscant's lower levels dared harass it on its trip upward.

When they reached the upper levels, Tyson navigated the craft to the same platform where they'd initially battled Palpatine. The Naboo starliner was no longer present. Tyson's group disembarked the MTT and Tyson stored the transport, resummoning the Oberth. Again the Federation ship looked huge compared to the landing pad and other nearby ships. Tyson instructed Lore and Visas to stay with the ship. Lore had proven his usefulness as the 'guy in the chair' with his earlier performance. As for Visas, Tyson didn't want the Miriluka anywhere near the Jedi Temple. The corruption of the Dark Side was easily visible in his Force Sight and would be detected by the more attuned members of the Jedi Council. He left his new companions to guard the unconscious, incapacitated senator so that he could spend some time with T'Pol. This was a whole new universe for her, she should at least get a small chance to enjoy it.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

The lights of Coruscant's skyline sparkled like a blanket of stars as Tyson led T'Pol onto the terrace of a high-rise restaurant. The bustling cityscape hummed in the background, providing a sense of life and energy to the scene. Tyson looked into T'Pol's eyes, "I thought you might appreciate the view," he said softly, gesturing to the sprawling city below.

T'Pol's gaze followed his gesture, her expression remaining neutral as she replied, "It is indeed a remarkable sight, Tyson. The architecture and urban planning of Coruscant are quite impressive."

The pair took their seats at a small, intimate table adorned with glowing candles that flickered gently. As they settled in, Tyson couldn't help but notice how the candlelight highlighted T'Pol's features, giving her an ethereal glow.

"I hope you find the food to your liking," Tyson said, glancing at the menu. "I know that Vulcan cuisine can be quite specific."

T'Pol offered a slight nod. "I appreciate your consideration. Your cooking has been more than sufficient. However, as you know, I am capable of adapting to a variety of culinary experiences."

Their meal arrived, an array of dishes from across a galaxy, unfamiliar to both their palettes. As they ate, Tyson found himself captivated by the subtle nuances in T'Pol's demeanor. Though her face remained stoic, he could sense the undercurrent of emotion that she suppressed. Tyson reached across the table and gently placed his hand over T'Pol's. "I'm grateful for this time we have together, T'Pol. Thank you for answering my call, and coming when I needed you."

T'Pol looked into his eyes, her own dark orbs betraying a hint of warmth. "I, too, appreciate our moments together, Tyson. They provide a unique opportunity for us to share our thoughts, experiences, and perspectives."

As the evening wore on, they continued to engage in quiet conversation. Though T'Pol's words were measured, Tyson could feel the strength of the bond they shared. Eventually, the time came for them to leave the restaurant and return to their duties. As they stood on the terrace one last time, gazing out at the shimmering lights of Coruscant, Tyson wrapped his arm around T'Pol and pulled her close.

"Thank you for tonight, T'Pol," he whispered.

T'Pol tilted her head, her expression softening ever so slightly as she replied, "It has been an enlightening experience, Tyson. I, too, am grateful for this new world you've shown me."

With those words, they shared a tender, lingering kiss before turning away from the dazzling cityscape and stepping back into the world that awaited them.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Tyson unloaded the still-unconscious form of Senator Palpatine. The built-in repulsors of his custom biobed eased the transport to the Jedi Temple. T'Pol was left behind on the Oberth, to assist Lore in keeping a transporter lock on both Tyson and Palpatine.

Tyson stood before the Jedi High Council. His body still bore the scars of battle; Palpatine impaled his shield generator, searing a wound through his side. Luckily, no vital organs were hit. The wound would heal when Tyson next slept. He would have to mend the armor where the Sith's lightsaber slid between the Beskar plates.

The council members sat in judgment, their faces cold and stern as they grilled him on the events that had transpired.

"Explain to us, Padawan, why you pursued Palpatine after he was exposed and fled," demanded one council member, his voice sharp with accusation.

"I pursued Palpatine because I believed that he still posed a threat," Tyson responded. "Even though he had been exposed and his plans foiled, I knew that he was still capable of causing great harm. He gained too much information as a Senator to leave in the wind. I believed he was weakened after the battle and that it would be the best opportunity to capture him. I thought it was my duty as a Jedi to protect the galaxy from all who would seek to harm it."

Mace Windu responded, "Your duty as a Jedi is to uphold the principles of the Order, not to act on your own sense of morality. Those decisions are reserved for Jedi Masters, not Padawan. You could have alerted the proper authorities and worked within the system to bring him to justice. We cannot condone such reckless behavior."

The doors to the chamber opened allowing Tyson's Master, Arren Kae, to enter.

"Masters. I gave my Padawan leave to pursue the Senator."

"Without consulting the council?" Windu asked accusingly.

Arren Kae held her ground. "At the time, I believed it was a reasonable action. I know you've sensed it, the shadow of the Dark Side clouding our vision. When the hidden threat reveals itself, you do not allow it to slink back into the shadows." she said. "And as his Master, I trusted Tyson to do what was necessary to stop him."

"But at what cost, Arren?" asked another council member. "Your untrained Padawan's pursuit of Palpatine led to a Sith temple and the touch of the Dark Side lingers upon him."

Arren Kae remained resolute. "I stand by my decision," she said. "Palpatine was a dangerous adversary. He was cunning enough to evade notice by this council but powerful enough to withstand an assault by a master Jedi, two Padawan, and bounty hunters. He has not been trained by Jedi but Tyson is resourceful, and skilled in many areas, and do his results not speak for themselves? As for the corruption of the Dark Side, he stands before you, you can sense its foulness upon him. But it has not taken root, he resisted its temptation, and you can surely sense that as well. He should be commended, not punished. There are masters who would have fallen if they went through the same experience, but here he stands before you, untrained and untainted."

The council members exchanged uneasy glances, clearly troubled by Arren Kae's words. "Your decision has put the Jedi Order in a difficult position, Arren," said Windu. "The Senate is demanding we return Palpatine. They claim that we are detaining him unlawfully."

"I understand the council's concerns, but I acted in what I believed was the best interest of the Republic and do not believe we should release Palpatine to the Senate. He has too many connections among the politicians," she asserted.

There was visible dissent among the council. Some scowled at Master Arren's frank statement, while others nodded in agreement.

"How did a padawan manage to defeat a Sith? Perhaps they're not the great threat the stories and histories make them out to be." asked one Council member whom Tyson wasn't familiar with.

"And what of the use of the severing strikes?" asked another, his tone accusatory. "Do you not believe that such violence is beneath a Jedi?

"I'm highly skilled in melee combat. Even without extensive training in the lightsaber, I was able to use the blade efficiently, relying on my previous experience with swords. But I couldn't match Palpatine's ability to use the Dark Side of the Force. I resorted to deactivating my lightsaber mid-swing, passing through Palpatine's defenses before reactivating it to land a critical strike to defeat him." Tyson responded, ensuring to keep his voice even.

Yoda spoke up before Tyson could continue, his wise voice carrying throughout the chamber. "Trakata, a dangerous technique it is," Yoda said, his voice low and measured. "Powerful, but not without risks." He looked at Tyson with a grave expression. "The Force, a weapon it is not, and use it for violence, a Jedi must not. Only as a last resort, in defense of the innocent, can such actions be justified." Yoda paused, his eyes fixed on Tyson. "To lose oneself in violence and anger, Trakata leads, a path to the Dark Side it is."

Windu nodded in agreement. "This council has forbidden such methods," he said. "But we understand that in times of great danger, we must sometimes make difficult choices. The council will consider all you've told us and you will be informed of our decision. If you wish to leave the evidence recorded by your droid, we will take its information into consideration for our judgment. Stay within the walls of the Jedi Temple until you're called before the council again. Master Arren, Padawan Tyson, you are dismissed."

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Master Kae led Tyson down the dimly lit corridors of the temple, her footsteps echoing softly against the smooth stone floor. As they entered her private room, Tyson took a moment to look around. The space was modest, with only a few pieces of furniture scattered about, but it was well-kept and tidy.

As they entered, Tyson asked if he could use some of his equipment, and Kae responded with a wry smile. "Of course," she said, "Use whatever tools you need."

Tyson nodded in thanks and set to work, pulling out an engineering station from his Inventory, and beginning to tinker with some of his gear. As he worked, his master watched him with a curious expression. "You seem quite skilled with your equipment," she said, her tone veiled. "What is it that you are working on?"

Tyson continued to work as he informed his master, the trivial engineering checks hardly requiring his notice. "I used the parts from a destroyer droid to make a shield generator I could use in battle," he said. "It hasn't been effective really, both versions were destroyed in lightsaber battles but offered spots of protection. I like to be prepared for anything."

She nodded in understanding, her senses fixed on Tyson's hands as he worked. "Preparation is key," she said. "Without it, I believe you'd be dead, down in that temple. Always use all the tools at your disposal. Never forget that. I despise droids, but you've used them to great effect, along with the Force and your skills."

They lapsed into silence as Tyson continued his work, the sound of his tools echoing softly against the walls. Arren watched him for a while longer, her expression thoughtful. "Tyson," she said finally, breaking the silence. "I see you have embraced some of the darker aspects of the Force."

She looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and pride. "Trakata, Cho Mok, and Mou Kei. And I could sense through our bond when you channeled your emotions to increase the strength of your strikes. Powerful techniques, to be sure. But they come at a great cost."

Master Kae paused, her empty eyes fixed on her padawan. "To wield the Force in such a way, one must be willing to embrace the darkness within. Your victory over the Sith Lord is impressive, Tyson. But be careful not to let your power consume you. For the darkness within can be a dangerous ally, one that can lead to destruction and despair." Kae sighed, her expression softening. "The path of a Jedi is not an easy one, Tyson. But to truly understand the Force, one must embrace both the light and the dark. To find balance, one must learn to control both aspects of the Force. Your power is great, but so too is the temptation of the Dark Side. Stay true to yourself, and remember the lessons of the past. For the Force is a powerful ally, but also a dangerous one."

"Thank you for your advice master. I will continue to seek balance with the Force and meditate upon your words." The Gamer stored the engineering station and knelt to meditate. With his eyes closed, he addressed the notifications that had been awaiting his attention.

Senator Sheev Palpatine (Darth Sidious) Defeated!
25,000 exp (126,800/271,000)

Side Quest Objectives Updated!
Finish The Job.
Senator Palpatine has been outed as a Sith. He fled into the depths of Coruscant, but your pursuit was successful. You defeated the Sith and returned him to the Jedi Temple. Await the decision of the Jedi High Council.

Bonus Objective
Kill Palpatine
Reward:
Force Power: Sith Alchemy

Completed Rewards:
10,000,000 Energy Credits
+3 All Attributes
Force Power: Art of the Small
Collect Y/N?

Force Power Evolution!
Force Concealment - Art of the Small
Art of the Small
You shrink your Force presence to that of a single atom. Using the Force in this manner allows for an unprecedented degree of stealth as well as other unusual applications.
1. Use Art of the Small to make it harder for the enemy to see you. You may choose to make a Use the Force check in place of a Stealth check.
2. Use Art of the Small to hide your presence in the force, make a Use the Force check. Compare the result to the target's Will defense. If the check result equals or exceeds the target's Will defense, the target takes a -5 penalty on attack rolls against you. If they are Force Sensitive, the target cannot detect your force presence.
3. Use Art of the Small to heal another using the force. Spend one Force Point. The target heals hit points equal to 4x their level. Make a Use the Force check, if the value exceeds the hit points healed, do not spend a Force Point. Instead of healing, you can choose to reduce a Negative Status Effect by one stage or remove a Negative Status Effect if it has no stages.

Perk Synergy!
Art of the Small - Power Eater
Art of the Small allows the absorption of qualities from any part of a creature. Power Eater is no longer limited to just bodily fluids.

Tyson felt the rush that came with each attribute increasing. He felt healthier, and more sturdy, as his maximum hit points increased to eight-hundred ten. Along with the increased wisdom came a deepening in his connection to the Force. Combined with his rapid increase in Use The Force skill, he now had access to twenty-four Force Points, a significant increase compared to the three he had when he first arrived on Naboo.

Tyson entered meditation and activated Art of the Small for the first time. Master Kae spoke softly as he did so, "The Art of the Small," she said slowly, "It is a power of great subtlety and finesse, one that requires mastery of the Force and an understanding of the nature of reality itself."

Tyson listened in rapt fascination as his master spoke, her voice was laced with admiration. "Art of the Small requires understanding the true nature of the Force. It grants the ability to bend reality to your will, to change the very fabric of existence itself. Shame, so few Jedi have the strong connection with the Force necessary to access that power. And of the few who do, manipulating the Force in such a way goes against the Jedi's teaching. Art of the Small is strongly centered in the Light Side, but the disparity between the Order's stance and the power's nature cause some to disregard the power, while others fall to the Dark Side."

Tyson basked in the afterglow of his success, feeling a sense of invincibility wash over him. He'd taken down one of the strongest Sith Lords of all time and earned most of his money back doing so. Not to mention the massive increase in strength he'd gained during the pursuit. But the Gamer still had obstacles to overcome, overshadowing his recent successes. The fact that the side quest hadn't been completed indicated the Jedi High Council would not rule in his favor.

More ominous was the Sith Drawback he'd gained. Tyson had a theory about the Drawback, but needed more information to confirm it. "Master Kae," he began, "When Master Qui-Gon was seeking knowledge of the Sith in the archives, you seemed to be the most knowledgeable. I have a question, do you know of the Rule of Two? What does it mean for the Sith?"

Master Kae regarded him with a cold, calculating gaze, her eyes fixed on him with suspicion.

"The Rule of Two," she said slowly, her voice low. "It is the way of the Sith, the path to true power."

Tyson nodded, "But why limit the number of Sith?" he asked. "Why not seek to recruit as many as possible?"

Arren Kae's lips twisted into a wry smile, a glint of malice in her expression. "Because power is not meant to be shared," she said. "For the Sith, it is a journey towards true mastery. And only through the crucible of battle can one truly rise to greatness. Darth Bane started the Rule of Two. He decreed that there would be only two Sith at one time, a Master and an Apprentice. A Master to hold and embody the knowledge and power, and an Apprentice to desire it. Guaranteeing that when the Apprentice becomes powerful enough, they would strike down their teacher, proving their worth and inheriting the title of Master. "

Tyson's mind raced with the implications of her words. They lined up with his metaknowledge, but he had one last question, "Master, was the Rule of Two just a philosophy, or was there more to it?"

"So astute for a padawan." Kae's eyes glittered, flecks of silver dancing as she started to explain the twisted, dark power of Darth Bane. "Darth Bane was a true master of the Sith. He knew that the path to power lay not in numbers, but in the strength of a single individual. But it was not enough," she continued, a hint of malice slipping into her voice. "Bane knew that true power lay in the transfer of knowledge and power. So he devised a new method. He knew of a ritual, Essence Transfer, which allowed one to use the Dark Side to transfer their essence into another body. Using his knowledge of Sith Sorcery, he altered the ritual into one that would allow the master to pass on their knowledge, and their power to their chosen apprentice upon their death. The ritual was self-sustaining, it did not require the Master or Apprentice to have knowledge of Sith Sorcery, though they would inherit it."

Tyson's mind raced with the implications of Master Kae's words. The Gamer felt a cold, creeping sensation in the pit of his stomach as she spoke, a sense of unease and foreboding. "I have battled several Sith, what does this mean for the Rule of Two?"

Kae regarded him with a cold, piercing gaze, her eyes fixed on his with a fierce intensity. "The power of the Dark Side once concentrated within a single being, and a second lesser has been diluted. While the Senator was strong, I doubt he was the true master. But, with more Sith defeated, those who remain become stronger as the power of the Dark Side becomes more concentrated within them."

Tyson scowled in thought as Arren Kae continued, "Yes, now you see. If Palpatine had been the only Sith, you would have been struck down with ease. As you become stronger, so shall your enemies. With each struck down, the next becomes a greater challenge." the tension eased from her voice as she spoke to Tyson gently, "Rest now, Padawan. You'll need your strength for the trials ahead."

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

You have slept in a bed. All Hit and Force Points recovered and negative status effects were removed.

Master Kae and Tyson emerged from her spartan quarters, steeling themselves for what lay ahead. They walked through the austere halls of the Jedi Temple, the weight of the impending council meeting heavy on their minds. As they entered the council chambers, Kae's Force Sight swept over the gathered Jedi Masters. Yoda and Windu regarded them with stern expressions, their tone laced with a sense of gravity and purpose.

"Senator Palpatine's fate, we have decided," Yoda said, "For his crimes, he must be held accountable."

Arren Kae regarded the diminutive Jedi Master with a piercing gaze, her voice laced with a sense of indignation. "The Senate is a corrupt body," she said. "They will never give him a fair trial. He will be free to continue scheming and corrupting the Republic without end."

Windu regarded Master Kae with a stern expression, his tone firm and uncompromising. "The Jedi Council has decided," he said. "Palpatine will be turned over to the Senate for trial. That is our decision, and it is final."

Tyson's eyes narrowed as a sense of anger and frustration welled up inside him. How could a man be tried by a governing body that he was a high-standing member of? The Senate was a corrupt institution, one that could never truly dispense justice. But he knew that he could not directly go against the will of the Council.

Master Arren nodded her assent. "Very well," she said. "But know this, Jedi Council. The path ahead is fraught with danger. We must be prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The Sith have revealed themselves and this inaction could lead to their rise."

Tyson's anger increased with Windu's next declaration that he would be confined to the temple. "But what about Naboo? There was still the Sith that attacked Qui-Gon on Tatooine." The Gamer explained, "We know that Sith wasn't Palpatine. He was here on Coruscant. The planet is still under siege, and the Queen is still in danger," he protested. "Surely I could be of use there."

Yoda regarded him with a stern expression, his voice firm and uncompromising. "Confined to the temple, you must remain," he said. "For your own safety, and to ensure stray from the Light you do not. There are always two, a master and an apprentice. Which Palpatine was, a question for this council is."

Windu added, "The Senate continues to debate the state of Naboo in committee. The Jedi will not interfere unless instructed, and only once the matter is decided. Master Qui-Gon is continuing the ensure the safety of the Queen. He and his Padawan are enough to handle this other mysterious Sith."

Tyson knew what would happen if he didn't do something to assist. Qui-Gon would die without his interference. But trying to argue that point with the Jedi High Council would be fruitless. He had no choice but to accept their judgment for the moment.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

The pair returned to Master Kae's room in silence, The Gamer deep in contemplation. Once they were alone in the closed room, Tyson asked, "Master, the last time I made a reckless decision you supported me so long as I accepted the consequences. I'm having rebellious thoughts again. Although this time, I know you disagree with the decision of the Council, would you support me in changing their decision?"

Arren Kae regarded Tyson, not speaking for a moment before answering his question with one of her own. "You seek my support in changing the decision of the council?" she asked. "You must understand that the council's decisions are not to be taken lightly. They are the wisest and most powerful of the Jedi, and their judgment is beyond question."

Tyson regarded his master with a sense of apprehension, unsure of how she would react to his request. But, he sensed a slight hint of mockery in her statement. "But master, surely you can see the urgency of the situation. Naboo is in peril, and I know that I could be of use in the conflict."

Master Kae regarded Tyson with a sense of skepticism, "Perhaps there may be another way," she said. "It is true that the council's decision is final, you must remain here in the Temple, and Senator Palpatine will be turned over by the Jedi to the Senate. But if somehow the Jedi believed that you were here, and should something tragic befall the Senator before he reached his allies, then perhaps it would merely be the Will of the Force."

That was all Master Arren would speak on it, but Tyson could read between the lines. Go, but make it look like he was still here in a way that they would never notice the difference. Don't get caught, and get to Palpatine before he makes it to the Senate. Tyson could do this.

The Gamer retrieved the engineering station from his Inventory and got to work. Several times he needed to flip-flop stations; the Industrial Replicator he'd taken from Soong's lab barely fit inside Master Arren's room, so he would create the parts needed and then construct or modify them with the engineering station. The materials needed were greater than what the microfusion reactors produced naturally, forcing him to use Energy Credits to cover their creation. The Gamer spent without worry due to his large windfall and the time crunch he was on.

Energy Credits: 328,120,603

He was very familiar with the process of creating stand-alone holo-emitters. He'd spent his time doing so for his quarters in the Enterprise, and did so again, now for Master Arren's room. An hour of work and 55k EC turned her room into a holodeck. He used the data from HALO, to create an accurate holo-rendition of himself, down to his speech patterns and combat ability.

Tapping his Computers skill, the Gamer created a program that would allow his holo-projection to imitate his abilities. Pulling items from his Inventory would be easy for the holodeck, it would need to pull more from its replicator functioning if it expected the item to leave the room. There were many Holo-programs that were dedicated to fighting, Tyson chose one and added the recordings from HALO so that his holographic doppelganger could mimic his lightsaber technique if required. He even programmed some Force abilities. Telekinesis was easy enough for the holodeck to mimic, given everything in the room was created by the holoprojectors.

Once he finished programming his holographic duplicate, Tyson worked on a second side project, this one far more delicate than his holodeck conversion. He needed to create a miniature holo-projector, something that could be worn inconspicuously. He pulled his inspiration from the mini Molecular Synthesizers found in Soong androids. He had scans of both the full-size version from the lab, and the miniature ones that lined Soong-type android's exoskeleton. Using those scans, he tried to extrapolate a similar modification to a holo-projector. Basically, he took the miniaturization and simplification methods used in Molecular Synthesizers and tried to do the same with a holoprojector.

Engineering Check (DC:50) = 43 Major Failure!
Engineering Check (DC:50) = 45 Failure!
Engineering Check (DC:50) = 55 Success!
Engineering Skill Increased! (37)

Energy Credits: 328,090,603

His first two attempts were failures. Back on the Enterprise when Tyson failed at Engineering tasks, he would keep working at it in attempts to salvage the supplies. That was back earlier in his arrival, when every credit mattered, and he couldn't afford to not do his best. But now, Tyson didn't bother trying to salvage them. The time wasted would be greater than the cost of replicating new materials.

The Gamer found success on his third attempt. The holo-emitter was scaled down to the size of a stopwatch; the kind used and worn around the necks of track coaches across the world. A small chain was attached allowing him to wear the strange-looking device as a necklace.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Tyson activated the holodeck program while engaging Art of the Small. He bowed to Master Kae. The Gamer was not visible to the Jedi thanks to the holoprojectors creating a blanket illusion around the woman. But her Force Sight and their shared bond left her aware of the deception, a small smirk revealing her sentiment.

Tyson engaged his holo-necklace. The device projected a small holographic field, minuscule compared to what the emitters in Arren's room were capable of. But it was enough to project a pair of false images. The first around itself, disguising it as an indistinct necklace. The second, creating a small holographic field around its wearer's face. This holographic field would change the wearer's facial features. It could be set to a desired appearance or be randomized using a generic template. It didn't hide Tyson's height, but he would be unrecognizable to normal sight.

The Gamer strolled through the corridors of the temple, trying to appear nonchalant, despite the knowledge that he was taking a great risk. The council would be livid if they knew of his actions, but he could not help himself. Too many outcomes depended on his upcoming actions. As he made his way through the temple, his thoughts turned to the disabled Sith Lord. Palpatine was weakened and vulnerable, this was his last chance to finish the Sith for good.

Use The Force Check {Sense Force} (DC:29) = 41 Major Success!
-1 FP (23/24)
Use The Force Skill Increased! (28)

Through the Force, Tyson found the room where Palpatine was being held. He could sense the Sith Lord's presence, even from a distance, his dark aura permeating the very air around him. Taking a deep breath, Tyson entered the room, his lightsaber in hand, but it's blade disengaged.

Palpatine laid in bed with his eyes closed. Tyson's Vulcan hearing picked up on the Senator's shallow breathing, belying his weakened state. For a moment, Tyson hesitated, not expecting the sorry state of the Sith Lord. Palpatine hadn't even registered his presence in the room, let alone his Force presence masked by Art of the Small.

Tyson had exposed him to Carbon Monoxide, transported him into the vacuum of space, and removed both of the Senator's arms and legs. And The Gamer still was not underestimating the Sith's power. But now, he realized that Palpatine was truly defeated. Without outside help, the Sith Lord wouldn't recover. Tyson had hoped for this outcome but prepared for other eventualities. Now, he wouldn't let the opportunity pass.

Before Tyson was pulled into the Star Trek Universe by Q, he was well-traveled, for an American. While he hadn't visited other worlds, he did travel to many different continents on Earth. One vacation he took was to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. It was a beautiful island with its black sand beaches, but it was one of the stops on that trip that stood out to him. They visited the island's equivalent to botanical gardens, filled with beautiful, colorful blooms. On the tour, the guide pointed out Ricinus Communis, an oversized shrub with tropical-looking leaves and bizarre seed pods that were overshadowed by the unique red flowers it produced. Why does this matter? Those seed pods contained 'castor beans', seeds that are highly toxic. Ricin was one of the deadliest natural poisons on Earth, estimated as 6,000 times more poisonous than cyanide and 12,000 times more poisonous than rattlesnake venom.

Replicators couldn't create living objects, so the castor seed it made wouldn't grow if Tyson planted it, but it still contained the same level of toxins. Four of the seeds were enough to kill an adult, Tyson created a dozen and ground them up. Liquid from castor beans only contained trace amounts of the toxin, he'd need the powder instead. The castor powder was spread into some cornbread he'd prepared back on the Enterprise. His Cooking skill treated adding the toxin like any other additive, ensuring the fantastic taste of the cornbread would be preserved.

The disguised gamer approached the Sith's bedside. Mustering as much compassion as he could he spoke, "Senator it's time for your meal. It won't be long now, soon you'll be transported to the Senate and your allies will ensure the best medical care possible."

Social Check {Deception} (DC:38) = 41 Success!

Tyson gently raised Palpatine's head and slowly helped him eat the slice of cornbread. He eased The Senator's back into a comfortable position as he finished. The Gamer went uninterrupted as he made his way out of the Jedi Temple. Smiling at the thought of killing a Sith Lord with cornbread.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

The Oberth ascended into orbit under Lore's expert guidance. Tyson instructed the android to find an area without any traffic, a surprisingly difficult task around the busy ecumenopolis. Tyson pulled out the Trade Federation Landing Craft and the group transported over so the Gamer could store the Oberth. He retrieved an astromech droid from one of his N-1s to have it plot a course for Naboo. Lore and T'Pol followed the bullet-shaped droid to learn what they could about how hyperspace navigation worked.

The android and Vulcan went off to learn hyperspace science, leaving Tyson with Visas. His thoughts were mired with regret over leaving her out of the fight against Palpatine. Tyson knew that she wouldn't have stood a chance against the Sith Lord's. A quick check of her stats revealed she would've needed a critical hit to breach Palpatine's defenses. She would've been a liability, not an asset in the fight. But he couldn't shake the feeling that he had let her down, that he had somehow failed her.

"Visas," he began in a soft voice, "I wanted to apologize for leaving you out of the fights. I needed to test my skills against the Apprentices before facing the Sith Lord. I know that you're a skilled fighter, but I had to take every advantage I had available. Then, with that gas circulating through the temple, I knew that you would not have survived."

Visas looked up at him through the Force. He was even brighter now than when he defeated her. "I understand, you did what you had to do to protect me, and I appreciate that. You don't have to apologize, Tyson. I know that you had your reasons. And besides, I should be the one apologizing to you. I pledged my life to you, and was too weak to stand beside you when it matters most," she added, a hint of teasing pushed through her depressed tone, "You did manage to win the fight without me."

Tyson chuckled, the tension between them dissipating. "Yeah, I guess I did. But I couldn't have won the battle without you. Your healing saved my life."

"Thank you for your kind words, Tyson. I'm glad that I could be of help. Your actions show that you care for others, even when it puts you in danger. That selflessness is...rare and admirable." Visas's smile turned softer, and Tyson felt his heart skip a beat. "I have spent so long in darkness, but being near you brings a glimmer of light into my world."

They stood there for a moment, their hands still touching, and Tyson felt a warmth spreading through his chest. Visas whispered, but Tyson heard her clearly, "I feel your touch. It is...difficult to explain, but I am grateful for it. I feel safe when I'm near you. Your strength is like a shield, protecting me from the dangers of the galaxy."

For now, he was content to stand there with her, knowing that they had each other's backs. Plans would need to be made, but they had this moment together.

The group sat at various consoles in the command center. Tyson had only spent enough time in this section of the ship to disable the droids when he'd first descended to Naboo. There wasn't a dedicated meeting space on the ship, and the layout of the command center was utilitarian and somewhat cramped as tt was designed for droids. But with just the four of them, it sufficed.

Tyson took the lead in a confident voice as he explained the three-pronged attack the Naboo forces would be executing. He relied on his memories of The Phantom Menace's climax as he had no idea what was happening in the Naboo system currently. "All their pilots will engage the Trade Federation ships in space. The goal will be to take out their ability to coordinate their forces and disrupt their supply lines. If the command ship is destroyed, the ground forces will be disabled."

Lore nodded, his fingers tapping on a console as he analyzed the information they had on the Trade Federation's pre-programmed tactics and fleet formations. "Understood. If we're to engage, we'll focus our firepower on their communications arrays. Without those, they'll be blind."

"Good ideas, but hopefully it won't come to that." Lore looked at him questioningly, so The Gamer continued, "We are outnumbered and outgunned. Our direct actions will make little difference in the space battle. We don't have any ships powerful enough to be impactful. We'll focus on the other fronts. The main reason we're arriving in a Trade Federation Landing Craft is to get past the blockade unnoticed and unharassed."

Tyson turned to Visas. "You and I will join the assault on the palace itself. We know that's where the Queen and Jedi will be, so likely that's where the other Sith will be. The hope is, with our assistance, the assault will be done quickly and efficiently." Tyson continued smiling at Visas, "Be prepared to engage in lightsaber combat with the Sith. That assassin from Tatooine was highly skilled and will make another appearance." Visas nodded, her expression firm.

Tyson turned to Lore, "Lore, you will be responsible for the third front. The Gungans have amassed to create a distraction, drawing the droid army's attention away from the assault on the capital. "

Lore raised an eyebrow. "The Gungans? You're trusting them to not mess this up?"

Tyson smiled. "I see you've been browsing the database. They're more capable than they seem. And they know the terrain outside the cities better than anyone. With a little help, they should be able to keep the droids busy long enough for us to gain the upper hand."

Tyson explained Lore's role, "Your role is important, perhaps the most important. You wanted to lead our AI troops, this will prove your worthiness. When we land, I want you to integrate our droid battalion into the Trade Federation's forces. Once the battle is joined, have them attack the other droids. Hopefully, it'll cause enough chaos within their ranks to swing the tide of battle.

Tyson paused in his explanation, and his voice grew cold. "I also have a secondary target for you." HALO projected a holographic image of a Gungan. "I want this Gungan dead. If you can, make it look like he was just another casualty of the battle."

"T'Pol, you'll monitor the battle and communications. Last time we were on Naboo, the Trade Federation initiated a communications blackout. If you can, find a way to bypass their jamming signals, decipher their communication signal, or even better, find a way to block their signals. If they can't send orders to the droids on the surface, their invasion will be stopped dead. Otherwise, assist Lore with designating targets for our troops, calling enemy troop adjustments, and monitoring our lifesigns."

The four of them looked at each other, a sense of determination settling over them. They knew that the Battle of Naboo would be one of the toughest fights they had faced yet, but they were ready for it.

"Alright," Tyson said, clapping his hands together. "Let's get to work. We have a war to win."

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

The C-9979 made it into the Naboo system and faced the Trade Federation blockade. The space battle hadn't yet begun, there were no explosions or visible far-off laser blasts. Tyson had pulled a few of the reprogrammed B-1s from his Inventory to handle communications and piloting of the ship while in the system. Lore was a good pilot, maybe too good. The Gamer thought it was better to shoot for authenticity than efficiency. The communication certification was quick and less stressful than Tyson anticipated. He worried about dangers in space. Tyson was confident in his ability to survive in combat, but onboard ships was a different story. Especially this under-armored, under-armed, slow, landing craft. Thankfully they were given clearance to enter orbit and began descending to the planet.

The ship's sensors, while generations behind the Federation's, were precise enough to detect the Gungan army gathering outside Theed. The droid army was moving from the city to meet them on the battlefield. Lore directed the Landing Craft for the outskirts of the Trade Federation side of the battle.

The Gamer handed out a few items and did something he had been hesitant to do in the past, he formed a Party. Previously, he'd only formed a party to demonstrate his powers. This was the first time he utilized the ability in the way that it was intended. The Trade Federation's communication blackout was still in effect on Naboo. Once they left the landing craft, there was no way for them to communicate with each other. Except for the Party chat, which transcended normal scientific means. On Coruscant, the communication between Tyson and Lore had been key for defeating Palpatine, and without the Party System, they'd lose that advantage. A large-scale battle with separate targets and objectives was a good opportunity to test it.

Party Formed!
Exp Share Set: Power Leveling - Experience will be distributed to lowest level members of the party until levels are equal.
Loot Setting: Master Loot

Tyson (Leader) - 810/810
Lore - 310/310
Visas Marr - 237/237
T'Pol - 138/138

The Landing Craft touched down in the grassy plains outside Theed. Their droid battalion quickly unloaded, moving to join the Trade Federation forces. One lone Multi-Troop Transport headed back toward the city with Tyson and Visas onboard. Tyson pushed the speed of the MTT, raising the normally hovering vessel into the sky so he wouldn't have to worry about maneuvering through the tight city streets. Their destination was the palace, and to execute Tyson's plan, they needed to arrive as soon as possible.

The Trade Federation army slithered out from the besieged city of Theed, the columns of battle droids all moving in sync like the legs of a centipede. The once resplendent capital suffocated under the crushing grip of the invaders. The air was heavy with the scent of fear and the acrid scent of hundreds of repulsors activated on the droid's vehicles. A cacophony of mechanical growls and soulless murmurs echoed through the empty streets as the droid army, a force of unfeeling steel, abandoned the city. Theed's denizens cowered in their homes. Their hearts beat heavy with despair, so loud they could barely hear the oft muttered, "Roger, Roger." of the droid army's exodus. The droids' relentless march carried them across the lush grassland, their metal feet gouging deep scars into the pristine earth. In their wake, the land was left trampled, a ruined mockery of the beauty and nature that once thrived there.

The Gungan army stood resolute in the face of their lifeless opponents. Their eyes were full of hope they could hold against their unfeeling enemy. On the plains of Naboo, they prepared for a battle that would decide the fate of their world. As the two armies drew nearer, the air crackled with tension and dread. The earth trembled under the combined weight of the marching droids and the pounding of the Gungans' heavy beasts. The face-off began; the silence that had once enshrouded the land was restored, but it was short-lived. The Gungan shield generators hauled by the massive beasts were engaged, the energy firing into the sky where it met others and solidified into forcefield spheres large enough to protect the entire army.

The droid army released their first salvo, and the shield held. Again and again, they fired, but the shields were powered by plasma from the planet's core, strong enough to withstand the droid's siege. The droids were left with no choice but to move inside the forcefield and engage the Gungans in a close-range battle. The city of Theed, once a beacon of peace and prosperity, was about to become a grim battleground, a monument to the merciless cruelty of the Trade Federation and the unyielding bravery of the Gungans.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

The once pristine landscape became blasted and cratered by the Trade Federation's tyranny. The Gungan army, though steadfast, was a shivering force in the face of the overwhelming numbers of the droid enemy.

In the shadows of the Battle for Naboo, a presence weaved its tendrils through the ranks of the droid army. Lore's unnatural intellect lurked at the heart of the invasion. The android had managed to infiltrate the Tyson's battalion into the droid forces of the Trade Federation. Each one of these usurped droids bore the invisible mark of Federation transponder codes. In the makeshift command center, Lore's yellow, mechanical eyes flickered and dilated. A wire ran from the side of the android's head, connecting to the C-9979's command relay, his consciousness expanding and embracing the infected droids. Their very essence melded with his own, imbuing them with his will. As the droid forces marched in lockstep toward the Gungan army, Lore's control hovered over their synthetic minds. His positronic brain hummed with power, the droids now an extension of his own will.

The first barrage was released by the Trade Federation artillery, and Lore waited. The droid army marched forward, into the forcefield and engaged the Gungans, and Lore waited. The battlefield became a visceral tapestry of violence, and still, Lore waited. The Gungan forces, once resolute, found themselves besieged by an enemy unlike any they had faced before. Just as it seemed the droids would tear through their ranks, T'Pol affirmatively stated, "Now." and Lore acted.

His mind was a vortex of command and control, pushing his positronic brain to its limit. Soong-Type androids had a maximum capability of 60 trillion calculations per second. With only a few thousand reprogrammed droids in their forces, the Soong-type android was capable of complete control of every single one of them. But his control was far beyond the simple commands passed by the Trade Federation's communication signal. Lore was able to exert direct control over all the forces, simultaneously. The simple targeting systems of the droid's original programming were quadrupled in accuracy by Lore's additional processing power. Every shot aimed and every footstep placed was Lore.

In practical terms, every time one of Lore's droids fired on a Trade Federation-controlled B-1 battle droid, it hit and destroyed its target. The tide of the battle shifted immediately. Thousands of droids were destroyed with each volley of fire. If given enough time, perhaps the Trade Federation communication officers could have isolated the droids that had the blocked communication ports, or isolated the Federation signal T'Pol was piggy-backing on their own. But at this rate, the battle wouldn't last that long.

The Gungans who'd almost been overwhelmed by the relentless droid assault, began to reform their lines. Their drained spirits began to rise as the mechanical horrors they faced now fought among themselves.

Lore reveled in the carnage, but never lost sight of his secondary target. He'd sent some probing shots at the Gungan Tyson had singled out, but it was wily. Evading the blaster bolts with a clumsiness that was borderline beautiful in its deception. And a deception it was. Lore dedicated a portion of his vast processing ability to analyzing the creature's movements. Every one of its dodges was calculated, but made in such a way as to appear accidental. The android had an Armored Assault Tank target the Gungan between volleys. The Gungan's mount was killed, but the Gungan itself managed to fall off in time to avoid injury. Lore increased the pressure on the Gungan, forcing it to use more and more outlandish methods of avoiding damage. It was forced to dive and dodge, pick up an energy shield, and stumble through a varied tumbling routine. All the while the creature screamed and acted like it was a fool on the battlefield.

Then Lore changed tactics. He used two dozen droids, alternating firing patterns, and randomizing the interval at which the droids fired. It created a steady stream of blaster fire upon the Gungan from random directions. The creature had no opportunity to adapt because there was no commonality in the attack sequences. The random movements that allowed the creature to dodge were somewhat mitigated by the random pattern of the attacks. But still the blasters failed to make contact. Tyson had warned Lore that the Gungan had some form of extrasensory perception that would assist it in avoiding blaster bolts. So, Lore doubled the number of attacking droids, then doubled it again. The Gungan was forced to pick up a second energy shield from a downed comrade.

And slowly, its facade shifted. The clumsiness of his movements was replaced by swift blocks and sure footing. Soon the once-clumsy Gungan was a steadfast warrior with dual-wielded shields. An unbreakable wall among the Gungan forces.

With his target's true abilities revealed, Lore added another layer to his assault. Four AATs fired in a spread pattern at the Gungan; immediately releasing their shots, nano-seconds later Lore adjusted and had four others fire based on the minute adjustments in the Gungan's body posture. And again, and again, and again. 2 dozen shots in less than a second, each modified based on the movements of their target, and none scored a direct hit. But the Gungan wasn't unscathed. It had taken indirect damage from several of the blasts. The Gungan lost one of its shields in the barrage and its clothing was beginning to look ragged. It dropped all pretenses of its deception and sped off the battlefield, running toward the city at a speed that shouldn't have been possible.

Lore hungered to pursue his fleeing prey. He requested T'Pol take over control of their droid forces. The odds of victory were within their margin of error, freeing him from his obligations as droid army puppet master. He reached up and disconnected himself from the interface. The android moved to the nearest Single Trooper Aerial Platform and used the sensor data fed by HALO to pursue the Gungan into the city.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Darth Maul prowled the cavernous lower level of the palace of Theed. The air charged with the lingering sparks of plasma, a fitting atmosphere for the arrival of the Sith Lord. His blood-red face, a symmetrical visage of fury and tattoos, was a stark contrast to the cold, sterile environment that surrounded him. As Maul approached the hangar door, his predatory senses tingled with anticipation. He could feel the presence of the Jedi Master and his Padawan on the other side, their pitiful attempts at shielding their anticipation only serving to heighten his bloodlust. Maul was the shadow of death looming over them, and he rejoiced in the knowledge that he would be the instrument of their demise.

Before he could open the door and unleash his fury upon the unsuspecting Jedi, however, the unmistakable hum of a lightsaber engaging filled the air. Maul's eyes, burning with the fires of hatred, darted toward the source of the sound to behold a strange duo. A tall man in Mandalorian armor and his Miraluka companion approached from the darkness.

Tyson and Visas were an imposing pair, his size, and gleaming armor contrasting her enigmatic appearance. Their red lightsabers burned with the same unnatural flame that flickered within Maul's own weapon, casting a sinister glow upon their concealed features.

Make no mistake, Tyson's lightsaber was now red. His other weapons, including the blue lightsaber were stored in the Inventory, replaced with the masterpiece crafted by Senator Palpatine.

Darth Sidious's Lightsaber
Legendary
2d8 Energy Damage

The Dark Side emanated from the weapon like a palpable miasma, making it clear to Maul who the weapon's previous owner was. The Zabrak paused, his grip tightening around the hilt of his double-bladed lightsaber. Although their weapons were like his own, their motives remained unclear, and he would not allow potential threats to hinder his mission.

He bared his teeth, allowing a snarl to escape his lips as he questioned their presence. "Who are you, and why have you come here?" Maul's voice was like a knife, cutting through the air. The darkness within him seemed to swell, filling the corridor with an oppressive sense of doom.

Visas Marr's sightless gaze locked upon Maul, replied cryptically, "We have heard whispers of your strength."

Maul regarded them with suspicion, the tendrils of malice that surrounded his heart tightening their grip. Though their words rang true, he would not be swayed by simple flattery. If they sought to join him, they would have to prove their worth.

"The Jedi on the other side of this door are my prey," he hissed, his voice dripping with menace. "Prove your allegiance and your strength. Only then will I consider you worthy of the honor of fighting at my side."

Tyson lifted his head, the Sith's appearance mirrored in his flawless armor. He used Observe on Maul and compared it to his companion.

Darth Maul (Level 15)
{Zabrak Sith Apprentice}
Defenses: Reflex: 35 (37 v lightsaber), Fortitude: 31, Will: 31; Block
Hit Points: 456
Force Points: 6
Lightsaber: +20 (2d8+12) and (2d8+12)
Force Power (Use the Force +13): Battle Strike, Dark Rage, Force Grip, Force Slam, Mind Trick, Move Object
Force Techniques: Force Power Mastery (Battle Strike), Improved Move Light Object, Improved Sense Force, Improved Sense Surroundings
Lightsaber Forms: Jar'Kai, Juyo, Niman

Visas Marr (Level 9)
{Miraluka Sith Apprentice}
Defenses: Reflex: 26, Fortitude: 23, Will: 24
HP: 237
Lightsaber: +15 attack, 2d8+5 Damage
Double Attack: Visas can make a second attack in a round at a -5 penalty
Force Power (Use the Force +16): Force Grip, Force Lightning, Move Object, Rebuke, Vital Transfer, Wound
Lightsaber Forms: Shii-Cho, Ataru, Shien

"Do you recognize my weapon? My strength has already been proven, it is not us that shall be tested... It is you."

With that challenge issued, Darth Maul engaged his lightsaber. The Sith's eyes blazed with fury as he channeled his rage into his fighting style. The dark side of the Force surged within him, empowering his strikes and lending him fearsome strength. Tyson sensed Maul channeling his emotions and did the same.

Tyson Used Dark Rage!
-1 FP (23/24)

Perk Activated: Q and You

The omnipotent being popped into the corner of Tyson's view. He raised his hand and snapped. The Force thrummed, and Tyson heard it. Words echoed through the Force as if a choir began to sing inside the room,

"Korah Matah… Korah Rahtahmah!"

Q waved his hands like a conductor, and then the strings began.

Maul charged the duo. It took a moment for the Zabrak to close the gap so Tyson looked over his Observe details for a weakness he could exploit. Maul's ability to Use the Force was much weaker than Palpatine's, but his skills with a lightsaber were comparable. He had access to Lightsaber Forms Tyson wasn't familiar with, but The Gamer saw a glaring weakness. Maul didn't have the Deflect talent and wouldn't be able to fend off ranged attacks while on the offensive. Tyson equipped his Vulcan Phaser in his left hand and raised his lightsaber to block Maul's attack.

Tyson v. Maul: Phaser = Success, 30 Damage (426/456)
Use the Force Skill Increased! (27)

Tyson was only able to make a single attack because of his last-second equipping of his phaser but still managed to block both Maul's strikes. As he expected, Maul was unable to block his phaser bolt, allowing it to do minor damage to the Sith.

Maul v. Tyson: Lightsaber = Absorbed.
Tyson v. Maul: Phaser = Success, 30 Damage (396/456)
Use the Force Skill Increased! (28)
Visas Marr's Lightsaber skill Increased!

Darth Maul circled his opponents, his double-bladed lightsaber emitting a low, menacing hum. Tyson gripped his red lightsaber in one hand and a phaser in the other. Beside him, Visas Marr, former Sith apprentice and now an ally, wielded her own red blade.

As Maul lunged at Tyson, his shield generator activated in time to save him from the thrust. The red blade of Maul's lightsaber struck the barrier with a screeching hiss, the deadly energy absorbed by the shield. An electric charge crackled in the air, but Tyson remained unharmed. The Sith's eyes narrowed in anger at the forcefield. The assassin believed relying on such tools to be the tricks of cowards. He swiftly changed his target, slashing at Tyson's exposed flank. Tyson's reflexes were like lightning, his lightsaber meeting the Sith's blade in a shower of sparks. The two red blades clashed with a cacophony of sound, locked in a deadly dance. Maul's relentless assault demanded every ounce of Tyson's focus, leaving Visas to seize her opportunity to attack. She lunged at Maul, her lightsaber slicing through the air. But the Sith's fluid movements ensured Visas' first strike met only air as Maul gracefully sidestepped her attack. Undeterred, she tried again, this time feinting to the left before swinging her blade in a wide arc, aimed at Maul's head. But once more, her blade found nothing but air. The Sith's dark laughter echoed through the chamber.

Tyson seized the momentary distraction to disengage from his clash with Maul and swung his lightsaber in a powerful overhead strike. But the Sith was like a shadow, slipping away from the blow with supernatural speed. He leveled his phaser at Maul, his finger tightening on the trigger. A bright flash of energy erupted from the weapon, and this time, there was no escape for the Sith. The beam struck Maul in the torso, searing through his dark robes and scorching his flesh. The acrid smell of burnt skin filled the air as Maul staggered backward, his snarl of pain and fury barely audible over the hum of the lightsabers.

Maul's eyes blazed with hatred as he assessed the damage, the wound searing with an intensity that would have crippled a lesser being. With a hiss of pure malice, he adjusted his grip on his double-bladed weapon and prepared to continue the battle. His enemies had scored a rare hit, but the duel was far from over.

Visas v. Maul: Lightsaber = Success, 24 Damage (372/456)
Use the Force Skill Increased! (30)

Tyson's resonance with the Force was growing quickly as he relied on the cosmic power to proficiently block Maul's strikes. However The Gamer was having difficulties landing a hit on the swift Sith. Maul dodged every swing of Tyson's blade, and even evaded his phaser blasts without having to rely on his lightsaber to deflect. With his attention completely on Tyson, Maul failed to evade a probing strike from the Miraluka he'd ignored.

Maul v. Tyson: Lightsaber = Absorbed.
Tyson v. Maul: Phaser = Success, 30 Damage (366/456)
Maul v. Tyson: Lightsaber = Absorbed.
Tyson v. Maul: Phaser = Success, 30 Damage (336/456)
Maul v. Tyson: Lightsaber = Absorbed, 24 Damage.
Tyson v. Maul: Lightsaber = Success, 38 Damage (298/456)
Tyson v. Maul: Lightsaber = Success, 17 Damage (281/456)
Maul v. Visas: Force Slam = Success, 18 Damage (219/237), knocked prone.
Maul v. Visas (Attack Of Opportunity: Lightsaber = Blocked by Tyson
-1 FP (22/24)
Use the Force Skill Increased! (33)

The battle raged on within the massive Nubian chamber. Darth Maul pressed his attack relentlessly, his double-bladed lightsaber sweeping through the air in a lethal dance. Tyson parried each blow with his red lightsaber, his offhand phaser at the ready. Beside him, Visas Marr struggled to land a hit on their elusive foe, her own red blade slicing through the air in desperate arcs.

Maul struck at Tyson with a powerful downward swing, but the Gamer managed to block the blow just in time. In retaliation, Maul spun and swung his lightsaber at Tyson from the opposite side, but again the shield flared to life, preventing the lightsaber's plasma from burning him. Meanwhile, Visas tried to strike at Maul, only to be evaded once more. Another attempt, a low sweep aimed at the Sith's legs, met with similar failure.

Tyson pressed his attack, his lightsaber a crimson blur, but Maul's speed and agility kept him just out of reach. Two swift strikes were met with the same result - failure. With a snarl of frustration, Tyson leveled his phaser and fired again. This time, the beam found its mark, and Maul staggered backward. The Sith retaliated with a series of vicious strikes. Tyson's shield generator absorbed the first, while his lightsaber caught the second, the blades locked in a shower of sparks. Visas took advantage of the momentary distraction and swung her blade at Maul, but the Sith evaded her attacks with infuriating ease.

Tyson's resolve remained unbroken after two more unsuccessful attempts to strike Maul with his lightsaber, which were followed by another phaser shot finding its mark. Tyson's connection to the Force seemed to strengthen with each passing moment, his skill increasing as the duel raged on.

Maul struck back, his double-bladed weapon whirling like a deadly cyclone. Tyson's shield generator again absorbed the first blow, while his lightsaber met the second with a resounding clash. Visas continued to struggle, her efforts to land a hit on the Sith met only with failure. But then, in a moment of clarity, Tyson found an opening. With a swift and powerful strike, he slashed at Maul, his red blade biting into the Sith's flesh. The blow was followed by another successful strike, further weakening the Sith assassin. Yet, Tyson's next two attempts - one with his lightsaber, another with his phaser - were fruitless, the Sith evading each attack with supernatural evasions.

Maul allowed his rage to boil over. The Sith called upon the dark side of the Force, slamming both Tyson and Visas with an invisible wave of power. Tyson's strong connection to the Force, and incredible Fortitude, managed to resist the attack, while Visas was not so fortunate. She was hurled to the ground, taking damage from the vicious use of the Force, and left prone. Seizing the opportunity, Maul lunged at the fallen Visas, his lightsaber poised to deliver a fatal blow. But Tyson was there, his own blade intercepting the Sith's weapon and saving his ally from certain death.

Tyson v. Maul: Lightsaber = Success, 23 Damage (196/456)
Tyson v. Maul: Phaser = Success, 30 Damage (166/456)
Maul v. Tyson: Force Slam = Success, 18 Damage (642/660), knocked prone
Maul v. Visas: Force Slam = Success, 18 Damage (201/237), knocked prone
Use the Force Skill Increased! (34)

Maul's double-bladed lightsaber cut through the air like a lethal whirlwind, seeking to bring his enemies to their knees. Tyson, however, proved to be an able adversary. With quick reflexes and guidance from the Force, he managed to block Maul's furious blows, his red blade a barrier against the Sith's onslaught. Visas attempted to strike at Maul. Heer swings were met with failure, the Sith's agility and cunning allowing him to evade her attacks, but left him vulnerable to Tyson pressing his assault. His lightsaber struck true, carving a searing wound across Maul's torso. Despite the success of his strike, Tyson's subsequent attack failed to find its mark. Maul was a whirlwind of blades as he continued his relentless advance. The sith was halted as Tyson leveled his phaser and fired once more, the beam struck the Sith, searing through his dark robes yet again.

For the second time during the fight, Maul drew on the power of the dark side. An invisible wave of Force energy slammed into both Tyson and Visas, sending them crashing to the ground. The impact left them reeling and prone on the cold, unforgiving floor.

As Tyson struggled to regain his footing, he felt his connection to the Force grow stronger. His skill and understanding of the mystical energy seemed to deepen as the battle wore on, giving him hope in the face of the Sith's onslaught.

Even with his enemies momentarily incapacitated, Maul didn't press the attack. His rage hadn't blinded him to the fact that he was losing the battle of attrition. His body was marred with phaser burns and gashes from the lightsabers slipping through his guard. He needed to find a new strategy and fled down a corridor, the red force fields giving way before his dash. The narrow confines would force his two opponents into enclosed spaces, allowing him to pick them off one by one. Tyson spent an instant contemplating the Force as his connection deepened, making him slow to rise. Visas, quicker to her feet, chased after the Zabrak down the narrow corridor.

Darth Maul was trapped in the last forcefield 'box'. Visas had two force fields between herself and the Sith. Tyson was so far behind, he never made it into the corridor. He was trapped in the large main area. The force fields on Maul's side would open first, allowing him access to Visas before Tyson could rejoin the fight.

The Gamer had deja vu. He knew how this would turn out if he didn't do something. It was the same setup that occurred in the movie… Visas would engage Maul and be completely outclassed. She had an advantage that Qui-Gon hadn't had in the movie, her shield generator. It might protect her, but a lucky shot would leave her at the Sith's mercy. Tyson had lost two shield generators already to lightsabers after all.

Tyson thought quickly. He'd approached this battle like a Jedi, using the Force and his Lightsaber, but those weren't the only tools he had. Master Arren's words echoed through his head.

Always use all the tools at your disposal. Never forget that. I despise droids, but you've used them to great effect, along with the Force and your skills.

How could he keep Visas safe?

The Force wouldn't save her any more than it saved Qui-Gon in the movie.

What skills could he use?

The clock was ticking, the Forcefields would start shifting in moments…
The Forcefields!
Engineering!

Tyson Used the Force to rip the cover from the access panel and quickly analyzed the interface and control mechanisms. His Engineering skill was so high that it trivialized shifting the wires to control the forcefield sequence. Even a -20 Rushed penalty to the difficulty check was well within Tyson's skill's ability.

The forcefield separating Maul from the vertical tunnel at the end of the corridor had opened. However, the two red force fields separating Visas and the Sith remained in place. Tyson disengaged all the remaining force fields between himself and Visas, allowing his companion to safely rejoin him.

Maul paced back and forth like the caged animal he was. The increased aggressiveness from his rage was still coursing through his veins. Tyson locked the forcefield sequence. He took his time strolling up to the barrier between him and Darth Maul.

Since the Sith was trapped, unable to bypass the forcefield to attack him and Visas, Tyson decided it was the perfect time to monolog. "When I first arrived here, I received a lesson from the Jedi. Those two that you were hunting. It feels like a long time ago, but it couldn't have been more than a few days. Anyway, they had been sent here as diplomats. Surprisingly, they were experts on the politics and economics surrounding the dispute between the Trade Federation and the Naboo. The heart of the two faction's dispute was the previously-settled deal regarding the profits from distributing plasma." Tyson took a breath before continuing, "You see, the core of Naboo is made of plasma instead of molten or solid metals..."

"Get to the point," Maul growled in interruption.

The Gamer just smiled at Maul's frustration. "Patience, I'm almost there. As I was saying, they mine plasma from the core of the planet. That hole behind you, the one that seems to go down and down endlessly. What do you think that tunnel is?"

Tyson paused for dramatic effect. "Why do you think there were so many force fields separating this area? Just to create a dramatic pause in the battle, and allow you to separate me and my companion so you could battle us individually?"

Tyson shook his head, "No. You're trapped in a plasma shunt. This is where the core plasma is brought to the surface. The force fields are here to prevent the superheated plasma from escaping into the palace and the rest of Theed." The Gamer then asked, "What do you think would happen if I engaged the plasma flow while you were still in there?"

Maul stopped pacing as the realization hit him. Even through all the man's tattoos Tyson saw the color drain from his face.

Tyson offered his ultimatum. "You fought valiantly. I defeated your master, and I've defeated you. Before we fought, you offered me a chance to prove my worthiness to join you. I respect that. And now I will make you the same offer. You've proven yourself a strong warrior and duellist. Join me and spare yourself a horrendous, pointless, death."

Social Check [Demand Surrender] (DC: 36) = 48 Major Success!
Social Skill Increased! (34)

Maul stared Tyson in the eyes, but he didn't argue or shout. His rage bled away as he dropped to one knee, "What is your bidding?"

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Theed, the majestic capital of Naboo, was shadowed by the ravages of war. On its streets a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolded. Lore gripped the controls of his borrowed Single Trooper Aerial Platform with a steel grip, his eyes locked on his elusive target: Jar Jar Binks.

All pretense of clumsiness was gone from Binks as he weaved through the maze of buildings. The Force propelled his speed to match that of the vehicle pursuing him. The air was thick with the acrid scent of battle, and sizzled with the tension of the high-stakes chase. Lore's positronic brain analyzed every twist and turn of Binks' flight path, anticipating his every move. The relentless pursuit carried them through the city's haunted alleyways and abandoned squares, his STAP humming with power as it sliced through the air.

With a sudden burst of speed, Lore lost sight of the elusive Gungan. His eyes briefly flicked to the telemetry information being fed by HALO, the droid allowing him to maintain pursuit of his target.

Jar Jar Binks's instincts had been honed by years of subterfuge and survival. The Gungan sensed the imminent threat posed by the android. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the dark power of the Force, sending a wave of debris hurtling toward his pursuer. Undeterred, Lore deftly maneuvered his STAP, dodging the onslaught of rubble with a precision only possible due to his mechanical nature. His focus never wavered, and his pursuit never faltered as he closed in on his prey. The chase reached a fever pitch as they tore through the heart of Theed.

Suddenly, Jar Jar, weakened from the battle and channeling the Force for so long, veered sharply into a narrow passage. Lore's android reflexes were pushed to their limits, his STAP skimming the walls with a shower of sparks. As they emerged from the passage, Lore seized the moment, his fingers dancing across the STAP's controls, unleashing a barrage of laser fire in Binks' direction. The air was filled with the smell of scorched metal as the bolts honed on their mark. Binks raised his remaining shield in a desperate bid to weather the bolts. The android's eyes stayed locked on the figure of Binks as his vehicle's blaster continued to fire as it hovered over the war-torn pavement.

Through the obscuring smoke of the blaster fire, Lore saw his target raise his hand, gesturing in his direction. His lightning-fast positronic processor allowed him to recognize the Gungan using Telekinesis, grasping his vehicle. Reacting at speeds beyond what any normal being would've been able to, Lore grabbed his borrowed weapon from Tyson, and leapt off the STAP before Jar Jar tossed it into a nearby building. The resulting explosion from the STAP was ignored by both as their eyes never left each other.

The two combatants stood in front of a beautiful marble monument and sputtering fountain in the main square of Theed. Jar Jar stood tall with his purple energy shield held to his side. He reached behind his back and grabbed a handle that had been attached by a sling harness. The handle was identical in style to the Gungan javelins. It was a sharp, menacing C-shaped hilt constructed with metals and carved from the fantastic coral the Gungans used to create their structures. The coral had been sculpted and molded into a smooth coating and engraved with arcane symbols. The ends of the 'C' shaped hilt extended outward and were wrapped in some form of leather.

Lore noted that the javelin was a poor weapon, missing both of the pointy ends. That was until the Gungan engaged the emitter on the blade. Long, purple, plasma spear tines extended from both ends of the weapon. The android noted that the energy it emitted was different from that of the blade Tyson had allowed him to analyze. He couldn't be certain, but its color matched that of the shield he wielded, leading Lore to believe it used a Gungan version of a plasma emitter.

Lore would not be shown up by a Gungan. The android brandished his weapon, one loaned by Tyson. The Gamer had allowed Lore to analyze the contained plasma weapons, he dubbed lightsabers, but the android was unsuited to use them. Apparently, the organics he traveled with had a similar extrasensory ability which allowed them to safely wield the weapons. Lore had no such abilities; his supreme calculating capacity would allow him to mimic their proficiency, but without the time to create an independent program, the processing power required would be inefficient. So, Tyson gave Lore another of his weapons. This weapon was one Lore was familiar with, it was the same weapon that Tyson had used against him on the Enterprise. The android now wielded the Legendary Ligonian Guardian Staff. Tyson reassured the android that the weapon would hold up against plasma blades, a theory that would now be tested.

Lore v. Binks: Staff = Success, 81 Damage (345/426)
Lore v. Binks: Staff = Success, 81 Damage (264/426)
Binks v. Lore: Lightjavelin = Absorb, 7 Damage (303/310)

The air crackled with anticipation as Lore and Darth Jar Jar Binks faced off amidst the empty square of the great city. Lore, the cunning android, gripped his staff which seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy that bespoke its terrifying power. Jar Jar Binks, brandished his weapon, more akin to a saberstaff, a sinister fusion of Sith craftsmanship and the lethal beauty of a Gungan javelin.

Lore's face was impassive as he lunged forward, his staff a blur of motion as it whistled through the air. The force of his strike, guided by the unyielding accuracy of his positronic brain, found its mark with devastating precision, slamming into the Gungan with the ferocity of a thunderbolt. Binks was caught off guard by the android's brutal assault. The Gungan was sent reeling from the impact. The air was filled with the sickening crunch of bone as Lore's staff found its target once more, its deadly dance a symphony of pain and fury. But the Binks was not so easily defeated. His alien eyes were twin pools of malice that burned with a ferocity that belied the agony that wracked his form. With a snarl of defiance, he gathered his strength, his lightsaber-javelin pulsing with a sinister energy. Binks struck back with all the cunning of a wounded predator. His lightsaber-javelin, an extension of his formidable power, slashed through the shield that sprang up around the android, biting into the android's metallic flesh with a hiss of burning bioplast. Though the damage was minor, with the strike serving as a grim reminder that the android wasn't invincible.

Lore v. Binks: Staff = Success, 81 Damage (183/426)
Lore v. Binks: Staff = Success, 81 Damage (102/426)
Binks v. Lore: Force Slam = Success, 0 Damage (303/310)

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting Theed in a crimson shroud as Lore and Darth Jar Jar continued their duel. Lore's cold eyes bore into the Gungan with a merciless focus, unbroken by the chaos that surrounded them. The android's attacks revealed the true form of Darth Jar Jar. It was a twisted mockery of the once-benign creature he had been. His skin was gray and mottled giving him the appearance of an evil leper. The Gungan Sith clung to his lightsaber-javelin with a desperate resolve. The weapon's violet energy licked the air like the tongue of a hungry serpent, was the only barrier between him and the oblivion that beckoned from the depths of Lore's soulless gaze. The android's staff was a blur as it cleaved through the air. The force of his strike, fueled by the servos and magical energy of the staff, slammed into the Gungan with a cataclysmic fury that sent shockwaves rippling through the Sith's form. Binks staggered from the force of the blow, his body battered and bruised from the relentless onslaught. The ground beneath him seemed to shudder in sympathy as Lore's staff found its mark yet again.

But the Jar Jar Binks was not a creature easily vanquished. His eyes blazed with a defiance that could not be quenched. Gathering the remnants of his strength, he raised his lightsaber-javelin, its purple energy lashed out at his android nemesis, his weapon carving an arc through the twilight. But his strike, weakened by the relentless tide of pain and exhaustion that threatened to consume him, missed its mark, the deadly blade carving nothing but empty air.

The twilight deepened; the last vestiges of daylight were swallowed by the encroaching darkness. Lore stalked his wounded prey. Jar Jar Binks, his once-comical, loping form now twisted to reveal the extent of his Dark Side corruption. Lore struck like a bolt of lightning, the force of his blow, guided by the cold, calculating fury of his positronic mind, slammed into the Gungan with a violence that shook the very foundations of the monument above them.

The Sith's body wracked with agony and his spirit teetered on the brink of despair, seeming to crumble beneath the strike. But even in the face of annihilation, the Sith clung to the power that had sustained him, the dark embrace of the Force was his last, desperate refuge. Summoning the final remnants of his strength, Binks unleashed a torrent of dark energy. The invisible wave slammed into Lore, lifting the android from his feet and hurling him against the unyielding ground with a sickening crash. But the android's exterior was replicated from the hardest alloys and remained unscathed. Though the ground beneath him was shattered by the impact, Lore's form was undamaged. As Lore struggled to regain his footing, Binks recognized the futility of his struggle. His eyes, filled with the bitter knowledge of his own defeat, searched for an escape. Seizing the moment, the Gungan called upon the Force to propel him from the battlefield, his lightsaber-javelin carving a desperate path as he again retreated. Fleeing was Darth Bink's best option, and if the unyielding android pursued, he'd seek an ally in his rival apprentice.

Lore watched as his quarry vanished into the night. Though his fight had been won, the battle was far from over, and as he stood amidst the ruined central square of Theed, the android knew that there was more to be done. He patched into HALO's data and within milliseconds knew the course of the battle on the plains, and the direction of Bink's flight. "Lore to Tyson."

Tyson stood over the kneeling form of Maul. The air around them hung heavy with the weight of the Sith's defeat. "Rise," Tyson commanded, his voice a cold whisper that seemed to carry the promise of power and the threat of destruction. Maul obeyed, his eyes never leaving the helmet of his new companion. As Maul stood, Tyson received a communication from Lore, the sinister android who had become an unlikely ally.

"Binks has fled," Lore's voice crackled, the mechanical edge barely disguised. "He's heading directly for your location."

A slow smile curved Tyson's lip. "Good work," he replied, "Head back to the landing craft, do what you can to coordinate the remainder of our forces. Ensure the Gungan's victory."

As the communication faded, Tyson turned his gaze to Maul. "Are you familiar with the Gungan, Jar Jar Binks?"

"The fool." Maul replied. "He is another apprentice under Darth Sidious."

"Ready yourself," Tyson instructed, "The final battle approaches, and we shall claim our victory. Worry not of your former master, he isn't long for this world. Leave the Gungan to me."

With those words, Tyson headed for the entrance to the palace. Though doubt crept into the Gamer's thoughts. He never received a notification for completing the quest to kill Palpatine.

Jar Jar Binks (Level 18)
{Gungan Sith Apprentice}
HP: 102/426
Defenses: Reflex: 30, Fortitude: 25, Will: 27; Elusive Target, Unreadable, Uncanny Instincts, Block
Lightjavelin: +13 attack, 3d8+11 Damage
Force Powers (Use the Force +14): Force Grip, Surge, Force Concealment, Mind Trick

Jar Jar Binks stumbled, beaten and bruised. His body was a tapestry of pain bearing the scars of his desperate flight from the relentless android who pursued him. With the last vestiges of his strength, he began to ascend the palace steps, seeking refuge in the company of the battle-hungry Zabrak he had come to know as Maul. Though they were not allies, bound together only by the tenuous thread of their mutual desire for power, the Sith's thirst for combat would surely draw him to the android as a worthy opponent.

But as Jar Jar climbed the steps, his breath coming in ragged gasps and his body trembling with exhaustion, he felt the air around him tremble, and before he could react, he was torn from his feet, the invisible tendrils of the Force flinging him against the base of a regal statue.

Held there, suspended above the ground by the implacable grip of an unseen hand, Jar Jar found himself face to face with Tyson, the traveler who'd arrived with the Jedi and had been interfering with his plans ever since. The Gungan's limbs, heavy with the weight of his defeat, refused to obey his desperate commands, leaving him helpless against the force that held him captive.

Use the Force {Telekinesis} (DC:32) = 46 Major Success!

"Submit," Tyson demanded.

Social Check [Demand Surrender] (DC: 32) = 44 Major Success!

As he approached the captive Gungan, the air around him seemed to tremble with the power of the command in his voice. In the face of such power, Jar Jar's defiance crumbled. With what little movement he was allowed, he bowed his head, acknowledging the supremacy of the one who had bested him.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Tyson's imposing form cast a shadow that seemed to swallow the fading light as he surveyed the motley group that had sworn their allegiance to him. Jar Jar Binks, Visas, and Maul, each with their own dark past and ambitions, had bound their fates to his, forging an alliance born of desperation and their desire for power.

As the wind whispered through the empty streets of Theed, Tyson set his sights on their next destination: the Trade Federation command ship. It was there that they would find the heart of the enemy, and it was there that they would strike their final, decisive blow.

"Take us to your ship," Tyson commanded Maul. Then spoke of the comms, "Lore, please join us at your convenience."

Tyson had ships of his own, but Maul's was better suited for their current mission. Maul worked with the Trade Federation, they'd allow him access to their command ship. More importantly, there was a battle in progress. Maul's ship, the Scimitar, or Sith Infiltrator, had a cloaking device that would allow them to reach the capital ship without being attacked. When Lore arrived, they boarded Maul's ship, a sleek, sinister vessel.

Side Quest Complete!
Finish The Job

Bonus Objective 2
Kill Palpatine
Reward:
Force Power: Sith Alchemy
Sith Alchemy
You have learned the alchemical arts of the ancient Sith Lords and can create objects and creatures that are filled with the power of The Dark Side.

Tyson breathed a sigh of relief. Palpatine was dead! And he got the second bonus to boot. It took far longer than he expected, but the threat of Darth Sidious, the future Emperor Palpatine, was gone for good.

As the engines roared to life, Tyson sat in the co-pilot seat. Maul engaged the cloak and spent the trip instructing Tyson on the basics of piloting.

Apt-Pupil {Pilot} (DC:15) = 18, 14, 4, 4
Pilot Skill Increased! (2)

In the vacuum of space, the inky darkness was broken by the chaos of the Battle of Naboo. The sleek, predatory form of Darth Maul's stealth ship, Scimitar, cut through the void like a phantom, leaving no trail in its wake. Its destination: the Trade Federation command ship. Though the battle was chaotic, avoiding the mainstay of the fighting was an easy first piloting task for the Gamer. The Scimitar silently docked with the colossal vessel. The air within the docking bay lacked the expected tension of a space battle, thanks to the artificial nature of all the Trade Federation's combatants.

A group of hooded figures disembarked from the Scimitar, their footsteps echoed through the silence like the somber tolling of a death knell. Darth Maul kept his face hidden beneath the shadow of his hood. The Zabrak led the procession, the weight of his malevolence palpable with each stride.

The leaders of the Trade Federation feared the Sith Lord and allowed him access to their command center immediately. Their faces twisted with fear, at the arrival of the mysterious entourage. The Neimoidians' bug-like eyes darted nervously between one another, betraying their uncertainty and trepidation. As the hooded retinue approached, a Trade Federation representative stepped forward in a feeble attempt at diplomacy. But their words were cut short by the swift, brutal arc of Maul's lightsaber, cleaving through the air and finding its mark in the torso of the lower dignitary. The man's eyes went wide with shock before his body crumpled to the floor, the stench of seared flesh and the sound of his dying gasps filling the air.

Tyson, stepping forward from the shadows, revealed himself as Maul's companion. His eyes burned with an intensity that could only be described as otherworldly, and his voice was like a blade that cut through the silence.

"Surrender, now," Tyson demanded.

His words echo throughout the chamber, leaving no room for argument. The Trade Federation leaders' faces paled and their limbs shook. Their fear overwhelmed them, it was all they could do just to nod in submission. His mastery of the Force had grown to the point that he could dominate Sith, these insensitive bugs were nothing before his might.

With the Trade Federation leaders neutralized and their command center firmly under control, Tyson surveyed the room with an air of cold authority. The faint hum of the command center's countless displays and consoles provided an eerie soundtrack to their victory. It was time to solidify their newfound power by taking control of the Trade Federation's vast and formidable forces. Turning to his ally, Tyson's voice was firm. "Lore, I want you to assume command of all the Trade Federation forces. Recall them immediately and ensure they follow our directives from this point forward."

Lore's eyes gleamed with a calculating intelligence as he approached the primary console. His fingers moved with the machine-like precision only capable of Soong-type androids, tapping into the intricate network that connected every droid and ship within the Trade Federation's ranks. The android's positronic brain allowed him to process the vast amount of information and commands with ease, and within moments, he had complete control over their forces. As the recall order spread throughout the system, the Trade Federation's droids and ships began to disengage from their current tasks, their movements now guided by Lore's unyielding grip. A steady stream of data filled the console's display, confirming the swift and efficient response to the new commands.

Tyson watched the scene unfold with satisfaction, knowing that the Trade Federation's might was now at their disposal. The remaining Trade Federation officers and leaders watched on, their faces etched with shock and despair, could only watch helplessly as their once-great army was usurped in a single, ruthless stroke.

"Lore, I'll leave you in command here. Binks, confine the Trade Federation delegates to their quarters until they can receive a proper trial for their crimes. Everyone else with me, we're heading back to the surface to ensure the safety of the Queen."

As the Scimitar touched down, the first of the Trade federation landing craft took off, returning to the command ship. Tyson landed near T'Pol and stored the C-9979 and what was left of their original usurped droid forces.

3 - Multi-Troop Transports.
7 - Platoon Attack Crafts.
8 - Armored Assault Tanks.
322 - B1 Battle Droids.
7 - Droideka.

After the fight with Palpatine tearing through his forces, and the just-finished battle, the Gamer was left with a fraction of what he started with. "T'Pol, can you send a message to the palace, asking for a meeting with the queen as soon as possible. And get the troop numbers from Lore, I'm wondering how big our army has grown."

"Awaiting response from the palace. Lore reports the Trade Federation army only lost around two of their ten divisions. Remaining battle droids number around 170 Thousand, with proportional numbers of vehicles and crafts."

Tyson fist pumped. "Great news. Good work everyone. I'm going to meditate. Inform me when we've heard from the queen."

Darth Maul Defeated!
+13,000 exp (301,800/397,000)

Jar Jar Binks Defeated!
+20,000 exp (301,800/397,000)

Droid Forces Defeated (Click to Expand)
+2,400,000 exp (301,800/397,000)

Total Experience = 2,433,000 Exp!
Power Leveling Experience Split.
T'Pol has reached level 11! (359,000/397,000)
Visas Marr has reached level 11! (359,000/397,000)

Tyson slipped away, seeking solace in the confines of the Scimitar. He could feel the weight of recent events pressing down on him, and he yearned for the clarity and focus that meditation provided. In the dimly lit chamber, Tyson settled into a meditative posture, allowing himself to be enveloped by the soothing darkness. As he let his breathing slow and his thoughts still, he reached out to the Force, feeling the familiar tendrils of energy that connected him to all living things. It was then that he felt it - the unmistakable presence of his master, Arren Kay, reaching out to him through their Force bond. The connection between them shimmered like a beacon in the void, and Tyson opened himself up to the communication.

"Tyson," Arren's voice echoed through the bond, her tone tinged with a hint of disdain. "The Jedi Council has uncovered your deception. They have discovered the hologram and now hold you accountable for the death of Palpatine. Two Jedi High Council members have been dispatched to retrieve you."

The news struck Tyson like a physical blow, and he fought to maintain his composure. A High Council member would be a challenge, but two? Drawing on the strength of his connection with Arren Kay, Tyson replied, "Master, I understand the gravity of the situation. What would you have me do?"

Arren's response was cryptic but purposeful. "You must steel yourself, Tyson. The Council is relentless in their pursuit of what they perceive as justice. Be prepared for their arrival, and remember that the Force is not so black and white as they would have you believe."

Drawback Evolved!
The Rule of 2… 3, 4? - Hunted by the Light and Dark
You've uncovered the Sith and they've been hunting you ever since. But now, you're wanted by the Jedi for the murder of a Galactic Senator. Until all the Sith are defeated, they'll be pursuing you. If they aren't, the Jedi will be.

With a final surge of reassurance from his master, Tyson broke the connection and emerged from his meditation, his resolve hardened. As he rose from the floor of the Scimitar, his thoughts turned to the impending confrontation with the Jedi Council.

When Tyson entered the cockpit, T'Pol addressed him immediately, "I was about to rouse you, I have bad news."

The Gamer responded, "I've already been informed that the Jedi council is sending a master after me."

Maul perked up at that revelation. The desire to test himself against another Jedi was plainly written on his face. But Tyson's thoughts grew darker as T'Pol continued, her voice monotone, "My apologies, I was unaware. I have an update regarding Lore and the droid army. Lore stopped responding to my communications a few minutes ago. Sensors reveal that all Trade Federation crafts docked with the Luchrehulk-class battleship, the command ship you recently returned from. It appears that after successfully securing the droid army, Lore has decided to, for lack of a better term, 'steal' it. He has entered hyperspace with the entire force."

Lore has left the Party.

There was silence.

For a moment, Tyson was stunned. Then, anger bubbled up inside him. He began mumbling, the cold fury evident in his voice, "What kind of asshole leaves a droid army under the command of a treacherous android? I can't believe I left him alone on that ship with fucking Jar Jar Binks!"

The Gamer began pacing back and forth, still cursing to himself, "It's one thing to have an enemy stab you in the back, but when its someone you thought was an ally, it's a whole new level of betrayal."

T'Pol remained calm, her eyes showing a hint of empathy. "Indeed. It seems we must now factor this unexpected development into our plans."

Frustrated, Tyson ranted, "I knew we couldn't trust him entirely, but I never thought he'd just snatch the entire army and run! I can't help but wonder if this was his intention all along. Was he just biding his time, waiting for the perfect movement to betray us?"

T'Pol's lips quirked ever so slightly, attempting to soothe Tyson. "That is most likely the case, Tyson. It is an unfortunate turn of events, but we have overcome great obstacles before."

With a sigh, Tyson conceded, "You're right, T'Pol. We'll find a way to deal with this. But I swear, I'm going to erase all traces of him from that positronic brain and use it for something useful."

Nodding in understanding, T'Pol replied, "I shall keep that in mind."

And so, with their droid army soaring through hyperspace under the command of a rogue android, Tyson sat to Use the Force to find them.

Use the Force {Sense Surroundings} (DC:30) = 47 Major Success!

Tyson walked over to the hyperspace charts and began unconsciously entering coordinates. The Gamer wasn't aware of the destination, he was merely guided by where the Force told him Lore would be located. He intended to order T'Pol and Maul to set a course when his Vulcan lover interrupted him once again.

"Tyson, we have company. There are two individuals outside requesting that you turn yourself over to the Jedi Council."

"Fucking, fantastic. Maul, Visas, ready yourselves please."

Tyson steeled himself as he stepped out of the Scimitar, his boots clicking on the metal gangplank. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, he was prepared for a confrontation with the likes of Mace Windu or Yoda. As he emerged into the open, Tyson surveyed the scene before him, and he released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

These two were not the titans of the Jedi Order he had expected, but formidable in their own right. He didn't recognize either of them, but Hello Nurse! Shenanigans must've been afoot. Depa Billaba, a breathtaking beauty that appeared to be of Indian or South Asian descent, exuded a serene and regal presence. Clad in traditional Jedi robes that clung to her form like a second skin, accentuating her curves and hugging her body in all the right places. Her dark, lustrous hair cascaded down her back, framing her exquisite face like a work of art. Her eyes were a mesmerizing shade of green, framed by an ornate golden headdress that bore the symbol of her home world. Her lips, a luscious shade of rose, curved into a knowing smile as she sensed Tyson's eyes upon her.

Depa Billaba (Lvl 16)
{Human Jedi Master}
Defenses: R: 30, F: 30, W: 35; Block, Deflect
Hit Points: 426
Force Points: 15
Melee: Lightsaber +19 (2d8+10) with Rapid Strike
Force Power (Use the Force +15): Assured Strike, Battle Strike, Enlighten, Farseeing, Force Slam, Force Track, Mind Trick, Move Object, Rebuke, Surge, Swift Flank, Tempered Aggression
Force Techniques: Double Attack (Lightsabers), Rapid Strike, Triple Attack (Lightsabers), Whirlwind Attack Improved Sense Surroundings
Lightsaber Forms: Soresu, Juyo, Vaapad

Next to her stood Adi Gallia, an elegant Tholothian with strikingly unique features. The most striking of which was the head-cones that adorned her scalp, each wrapped in a deep red headdress, accentuating her fierce, piercing eyes. Tyson had no idea who played her in the movies, but standing before him was a young brown-skinned beauty. Her lithe form was draped in the robes of a Jedi Master, the fabric pooling around her feet in a way that hinted at her readiness for battle.

Adi Gallia (Lvl 15)
{Tholothian Jedi Master}
Defenses: R: 32, F: 29, W: 31; Block, Deflect, Elusive Dogfighter, Vehicular Combat
Hit Points: 363
Force Points: 6
Melee: Lightsaber +15 (2d8+7) with Rapid Strike
Force Power (Use the Force +15): Barrier of Blades, Battle Strike, Farseeing, Force Lightning (Taint of the Dark Side), Force Shield, Force Slam, Force Thrust, Move Object, Prescience, Repulse, Shien Deflection, Surge (2)
Starship Maneuvers (Pilot +15): Afterburn (2), Corellian Slip, Counter, Evasive Action (2), Intercept, Tallon Roll
Force Techniques: Double Attack (Lightsabers), Focused Attack, Improved Rapid Strike, Rapid Strike, Eyes of the Force, Quiet the Mind, Training Remote, Vo'ren's Third Cadence, Multitarget Power
Lightsaber Forms: Shien

Tyson felt a slight pang of unease as he beheld the formidable pair. Glancing at their stats, he thought he had a decent chance to defeat them, especially if he called Visas and Maul in as backup. But with Lore's recent betrayal, he hesitated to trust another whose loyalty hadn't been cemented. He had hoped to completely avoid conflict with members of the Jedi Council, but it seemed fate had other plans. As he approached the Jedi Council members, Tyson knew that he had to tread carefully. This encounter could either end in bloodshed or a peaceful resolution.

Tyson stood before Depa Billaba and Adi Gallia, their gazes locked on him with an unwavering intensity. He could sense their determination to carry out the Council's orders, to bring him to face the consequences of his actions. But for Tyson there was another pressing matter at hand: his stolen droid army.

With a deep breath, Tyson found the calm center within himself, focusing on the task at hand. "Masters Billaba and Gallia," he began, his voice steady and resonant. "I understand that the Council demands my surrender, and I am willing to comply." He paused, letting his words sink in as he locked eyes with the two Jedi Masters. "However," he continued, "I ask that you hear me out first. There is a rogue Trade Federation army, commandeered by the treacherous android Lore, that poses a significant threat to the Republic."

As Tyson spoke, he subtly reached out with the Force, gently nudging their minds, employing the Mind Trick. He wove his words carefully, hoping to win them over without resorting to brute force. "I propose that we join forces to deal with this imminent threat, and then I will willingly face the Council's judgment."

Use the Force {Mind Trick} (DC:35) = 43 Major Success!
-2 FP (22/24)
Increased Reputation with Depa Billaba (Dubious - Apprehensive)
Increased Reputation with Adi Gallia (Dubious - Apprehensive)
Use the Force skill increased! (35)

He could feel the mental defenses of the two Jedi Masters wavering, the tendrils of the Force slipping through and guiding their thoughts. A flicker of doubt, of uncertainty, crossed their faces, as they weighed his words.

After a tense moment, Depa Billaba inclined her head, her voice measured and thoughtful. "Your words carry weight, Tyson. This rogue army cannot be ignored. We will join you in this endeavor, and once the threat is neutralized, we expect your full cooperation with the Council."

Adi Gallia nodded her agreement, her gaze never leaving Tyson's face. "We trust you understand the gravity of the situation and that you will not attempt to deceive us as you did in the Jedi Temple."

Tyson allowed himself a small, grateful nod. "I understand, Masters. Thank you for your wisdom and trust. Together, we will put an end to this threat and bring balance back to the Force."

With the agreement reached, the Jedi followed Tyson into the ship, their uneasy alliance preparing to embark on their mission.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Tyson and the Jedi entered the Scimitar. But as they crossed into the ship, the world seemed to halt in its tracks. Time itself stood still, frozen in place as if the universe had taken a collective breath.

Perk Activated: Q and You

And then, with a flourish, Q appeared.

Grinning like a mischievous deity, he spread his arms wide, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Congratulations, Tyson!" Q exclaimed, his voice echoing through the frozen chamber. "You've put on quite the show, but I'm afraid it's time for the curtain to close."

Tyson's eyes narrowed, his frustration with Q's interference evident. "Q, you can't just end this. We still have to capture Lore and put a stop to the rogue Trade Federation army."

Q shook his head, his expression mockingly sympathetic. "Oh, Tyson, Tyson, Tyson. You see, Lore wasn't part of this episode. You introduced him, and your objectives have been completed. So, it's over."

Refusing to accept defeat, Tyson attempted to reason with the capricious entity. "You don't have to end this now, Q. A final climactic battle between the droid army and a group of Jedi and Sith. It'll be epic, I promise. Please, let us continue our mission."

Q's smile turned into a smirk as he regarded Tyson with a mixture of amusement and pity. "My dear boy, I'm not here to play savior. This episode was about you, and you've had your moment in the spotlight. You should've kept your pet android on a tighter leash. It's time for you to accept the finale."

Tyson clenched his fists, anger and frustration boiling beneath the surface, but he knew better than to lash out. Instead, he took a deep breath, gathering his composure. "Fine, Q. But I'll remember this."

Q's expression remained unchanged, his eyes glittering with mischief. "Oh, Tyson, you do have a flair for the dramatic." With a snap of his fingers, Q vanished and everything was engulfed in blinding white light.

Tyson and T'Pol found themselves in the cockpit of the Scimitar, the grassland battlefield and background capital city replaced with the void of space and the looming form of the Enterprise-D.

Tyson opened the coms, "Enterprise, this is Ensign Tyson requesting docking in Main Shuttlebay."

Riker responded after the Enterprise scanned the unknown vessel. "Acknowledged Ensign Tyson, you're cleared for docking. Welcome back. Be prepared for debriefing."

Unique Quest Complete!
The Phantom Menace
Rewards:
+1 Level

Bonus Rewards:
Companion Gem (Arren Kay)
Companion Gem (Visas Marr)
Companion Gem (Darth Maul)
Companion Gem (Depa Billaba)
Companion Gem (Adi Gallia)

Heart of Naboo
Legendary
You held back the droid army, defeated the Sith, and deposed the Trade Federation leaders. In return, you've been given this gem. This unique power source is a condensed plasma spark from the core of Naboo, encased small globe, reminiscent of the Gungans' power source.

Palpatine's Blueprints
You exposed, apprehended, and killed Sheev Palpatine, Darth Sidious. Doing so you prevented his rise as Emperor. Here you have what looks to be a holocron, which will only respond to you or those you authorize. Instead of being filled with secrets of the Force, it's filled with blueprints and schematics. From both Death Stars, to Shadow Droids, to World Devastators, to the Galaxy Gun, every one of the Emperor's secret weapons have their designs stored here. It even contains blueprints for devices based on objects he had or would have acquired, like the Darksaber and his Legendary Phrick Lightsaber.

Instant Dungeon Evolved!
Ghosts - Force Ghosts - Valley of the Dark Lords (Korriban) - System Lord (Korriban)
Your unlocked Ghost ID evolved into Force Ghosts when you entered the Star Wars Galaxy. By encountering a long-dead Sith Lord, it evolved into the Valley of the Dark Lords granting access to the planet Korriban. By defeating a galactic power, and controlling an army (albeit briefly) capable of controlling a star system, you've established yourself as a major player and earned some territory of your own. You've been given control of Korriban itself. You're now the proud owner of an entire Star System and all that entails in the eyes of all relevant authorities. The Korriban system can be accessed through the ID. However, the system is a static system that exists in both the Star Wars and Star Trek universes, and any applicable galaxies you visit in the future.

System Feature Unlocked!
Galaxy Map
The Holy Grail of all commanders, this here is a complete map of the galaxy detailing every system you have information on. Owning a star system is useless if you can't find it. This map auto-updates as you receive information and is accessible from your HUD. This is a real time map that shows everything going on at once, every ship movement and every base can be found here with systems in place to help you find exactly what you want. It will allow you to find individual people if your Technology, Mental, or Force Powers will allow you to do so. Naturally this updates to each new setting you go to.

Perk Acquired!
Duel of the Fates
You won the duel for Anakin's fate; Maul was defeated, Qui-Gon survived to train Anakin, and his mother freed from slavery, escaping her fated death at the hands of the sand people. Battles and wars are rarely, if ever, decided by the outcome of two opposing generals dueling. You gain the ability to initiate these duels with any opponent you or your forces may face, with them unable to refuse. Both you and the opposing side may designate a champion to a designated neutral location, preferable in between both armies, alongside any spectators. After reaching the location the duel will commence and if/when your side wins it causes a moral shock for the enemy armies with word and details of the loss somehow managing to reach them all.

AN: Also realized I didn't do anything for First Contact Day last month, shame on me as this is primarily a Star Trek story… So you can check my profile for the first chapter of the mirror-Tyson story! When I was writing the arc after this one I kept thinking about the Cardassian Border Wars. They were still happening during early TNG but mostly quiet. I put it to the back of my mind because there'd be more Cardassians closer to DS9. But then I was editing the mirror-Tyson scene. Originally I wrote it like Luke on Dagobah, but then I thought 'Dark Reflection' = Mirror Universe. Maybe it fits… Warning: It's a mirror universe story with all that entails. It won't be for everyone. I'm shooting for 50k words in the first arc and if it's popular i'll pick it up as a second fic.

s/14228850/1/Star-Trek-TMG-The-Mirror-Gamer

How did I do with The Phantom Menace? Was the use of Lore and Darth Jar Jar satisfying? I really enjoyed the theories and ideas in the reviews. Thanks for that!

Going forward chapters are more mixed between Star Wars and Star Trek stuff.

Tyson
Title: Ensign, Padawan

Race: Human Hybrid
Level: 12 (126,800/397,000)

Energy Credits: 328,120,603

Hit Points: 810/810
Force Points: 2 + (Use the Force skill/5)*2 + Wisdom Modifier (6*2) = 22/24

Strength: 28
Dexterity: 17
Constitution: 27
Intelligence: 20
Wisdom: 23
Charisma: 16

Armor: Reflex: 10+11+3=24
Fortitude: 10+11+8+5=34
Will: 10+11+6=27 (37 v Force)

Luck: 1

Unspent Attribute Points: 2

Traits: Vulcan Senses, Strength, Metabolism
Half-Betazoid Sense
Klingon Constitution
Gaze Sense
Gills, Nonliving, Hard to Injure
Sneaky, Deceptive, Longevity (1200 yrs.)
Demand Surrender

Status Effects:
'Telepathic Bond (T'Pol)'
'Force Bond (Arren Kae, Visas Marr)'

Skills: Observe: Lvl 13
Meditation: Lvl 2
Engineering: Lvl 37
Computers: Lvl 36
Physical Science: Lvl 31
Martial Arts: Lvl 32
Athletics: Lvl 20
Medicine: Lvl 32
Social: Lvl 34
Cooking: Lvl 32
Energy Weapons: Lvl 18
Melee Weapons: Lvl 20
Stealth: Lvl 21
Perform: Lvl 21
Thievery: Lvl 2
Use The Force: Lvl 35
Lightsabers: Lvl 12
Piloting: Lvl 2

Force Powers:
Sense Force, Force Sight
Art of the Small, Mind Trick
Force Resistance
Telekinesis
Battle Strike
Dark Rage, Sith Alchemy

Lightsaber Technique:
Forms: Shii-Cho, Trakata
Talents: Block, Deflect, Double Attack, Multiattack Proficiency (2)

Language Skills:
Cetacean: Lvl 5
Klingon: Lvl 2
Vulcan: Lvl 5
Ligonian: Lvl 5
Huttese: Lvl 4

Perks:
'Out of Nowhere'
'The Anti-Worf Effect'
'Universal Translator'
'Culinary Visualization'
'Your Hands Clean'
'Grand Theft Starship'
'Spreading Love'
'Power Eater'
'Apt Pupil'
'Master with your Hands'
'Binding Foods'
'Direct Control Disruption'
'Aesthetic Damage'
'Speedy Promotions'
'Legendary Theif'
'Force Vergence'

Drawbacks:
'Q and U'
'Hunted by the Light and Dark'

Systems:
Korriban