Chapter 166: The Lawless
Morality separates heroes from villains.
Recap: Neutral star systems in peril. Darth Maul and Savage Opress command the planet Mandalore through the puppet Prime Minister Almec while they expand their criminal enterprise. With the Death Watch removed from power and the Jedi unaware of the villainous plot, nothing stands in the way of Darth Maul's vision for a vast criminal empire. We now find Duchess Satine imprisoned as her few remaining loyal subjects make a desperate attempt to rescue her.
In the past few days, Mandalore had undergone many things. One being that Pre Vizsla has decided to join forces with Maul and Savage after they had been rescued drifting in space. They organized a crime syndicate to help the Mandalorian gain power and overthrow Duchess Satine. It worked as they pretended that Death Watch were heroes, stopping the criminals from invading Mandalore. They used Satine's pacifist ideals to their advantage and turned the people to their side; they managed to lock her up, and after being betrayed by Pre Vizsla, Maul challenged him for the right to control Mandalore.
After fierce combat resulting in the Sith killing the warrior, he now had total control of the planet and instituted the corrupt former Prime Minister Almec as their new puppet. Now the former ruler of Mandalore was being held in her own prison with no way to contact help.
"What do you want, you traitor?" asked Satine as she heard the door to her cell open; she turned over to see the Mandalorian walking in.
The guard stood there as a blaster shot was fired. Soon the warrior fell down to reveal the person behind them and who was responsible for shooting them.
"We'll never betray you, Auntie Satine. I'm here to rescue you."
"Korkie," said Satine as she saw her nephew, who was now much older than he was during the adventure with Twilight and Ahsoka during the corruption of Prime Minister Almec. The woman hugged her nephew.
"Freeze! Hold it there," said a Death Watch member, aiming his blaster at the pair who put their hands up.
Soon the guard was shot down. Satine and Korkie turned to see another Mandalorian approach them.
"Death Watch," said Satine as the person removed their helmet and showed their face. "Bo. It's been a long time."
"It's okay, Auntie. She's on our side now."
"Why are you helping now?" asked Satine.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," responded Bo-Katan.
"There was a time when we weren't enemies. Perhaps that time has come again. Come on. Let's go." Satine suggested they leave before the guards discovered what happened.
They made their way to a landing pad where former members of Death Watch who didn't accept Maul as their leader were all gathered as they surveyed the area.
"It's all clear. Come on."
"We need to contact the Jedi Council. Korkie, give me your comlink," said Satine to her nephew.
"It won't be any good unless we get outside the city. All of the frequencies are jammed," the young man told his aunt.
"You are all taking a terrible risk by helping me."
"Nothing we haven't done before. Right, Auntie?"
"Let's get going," stated Bo-Katan as a speeder appeared.
The former Duchess got in as they all got on their respective hoverbikes and zoomed away. As they traveled through the city, some Death Watch members who had decided to side with Maul noticed them. They leaped off the building and activated their jetpacks as they chased after them. They began to open fire as it got their attention.
"Take 'em out," instructed Bo to some of her men as they cut off their jetpacks to zoom backward and engage the warriors. "Get the Duchess clear," she instructed Korkie before engaging one of the warriors approaching her.
She tangled with the warrior before throwing him into a building as her other men managed to shake off their chasers, and all zoomed forward to catch up. As they were about to escape freely, more Death Watch members appeared from turning the corner and began to open fire. Some managed to land shots on the speeder with Satine in as they approached the city's exit and crashed.
"The transmission is still blocked," said Satine as she and her nephew got out, allowing the others to cover them as they had to get even more outward to get a signal.
"You're clear," said Korkie to his aunt as he turned and bent down to protect her while she attempted to get a message to the Jedi.
"This is a message for Obi-Wan Kenobi. I've lost Mandalore. My people have been massacred." said Satine as she was sending her message. At that moment, a Death Watch member had dropped down silently behind Korkie, who was busy looking in front of him. The young man didn't notice the person until he turned his head around, but by then, it was too late as he was punched and went down. The warrior then turned to see Satine attempting to get help as he began to approach her.
"Obi-Wan, I need your help," was the last thing Satine said as two more Death Watch members dropped down and surrounded her. The Duchess put her hands up.
On the planet Corscucant, in the Jedi Temple's communications room, Master Yoda, Master Mundi, Master Luna, and her apprentice Jedi Knight Storm were all gathered. It seems the Jedi Council had picked up the message that Satine was trying to send; Luna was looking to talk to her fellow Jedi Master brethen about her student when they got the notification. After hearing it several times, they decided to call for Obi-wan. The Jedi Master was shown as the doors opened to reveal him arriving.
"You summoned me, Masters?" said Obi-wan.
The Jedi Master approached the table as Master Mundi pushed a button. The hologram of Satine came up as the message she sent was played.
"This is a message for Obi-Wan Kenobi. I've lost Mandalore. My people have been massacred, and Almec is now the prime minister. I can't explain everything now, but Almec has the support of the crime families. Obi-Wan, I need your help."
The hologram ended as Satine's full message was received by the Jedi Master she harbored feelings for. The final image was Satine surrounded by Death Watch members; all throughout listening to the message, the Jedi Master showed signs of emotions.
"Your thoughts on this, Master Kenobi," asked Yoda.
"Satine has been at odds with the Death Watch for years. And according to a report from Padawan Tano, and Jedi Knight Twilight, they're no longer in league with the Separatists. If there was a takeover on Mandalore, it was most likely an independent act caused by the Death Watch alone." said the Jedi Master as he gave the others his thoughts.
"Without involvement from the Separatists, this is an internal affair for the Mandalorians," stated Master Mundi.
"I'm afraid we cannot help," said Luna as the Jedi couldn't assist the former Duchess, even if she were in trouble. It would go against their rules of not being involved with business that wasn't theirs.
"We cannot just hand Mandalore over to these crime families and let Satine become a martyr," responded Obi-wan.
"I'm afraid her decision to keep Mandalore neutral makes this situation difficult," said Master Mundi.
"Understand your feelings, I do, Obi-Wan. But to take action, support from the Republic Senate we will need," stated Yoda as he reminded Kenobi that they couldn't act without the approval of the Senate or whatever they decided on the matter.
"You know what the Senate will decide. They will not send aid to a neutral system," said Obi-wan, as he knew what the people in the Senate would say on a matter such as this.
"At this time, nothing more can we do," stated Yoda as, that made Obi-wan look disappointed, knowing he badly wanted to help his friend and the woman he still harbored feelings for.
On Mandalore, the Prime Minister spoke with Maul as he informed the Sith of what happened with Satine attempting to break out and escape.
"Satine's accomplices have escaped, including the renegade Death Watch soldiers. But we will find them. The Duchess appears to have contacted the Jedi just as anticipated."
"Good. You have done well," said Maul to Prime Minister Almec.
"What of the people?"
"You are the legitimate prime minister. Mandalore is a sovereign planet, and you will maintain its neutrality."
"And what of the Jedi?"
"Because of Mandalore's neutrality, the Jedi have no jurisdiction here. If Kenobi comes to rescue his friend, he will have to come alone," said the Sith as he was looking forward to meeting his archrival.
A ship was shown exiting from hyperspace as it made its way to the planet Mandalore. It headed for the city as inside was Obi-wan, though the ship wasn't holding up well with all the sounds it made, indicating it needed some work. The Jedi Master managed to land the craft successfully as he sighed before sparks flew, and a small fire started on the control panel.
"Anakin, that's the last time I borrowed a ship from you," said Obi-wan as he grabbed the helmet on the panel and put it on.
The disguised Jedi Master passed someone else in disguise as they began to put out the small fire before it could get any worse. The ramp extended as the Jedi Master exited.
"You better get your ship looked at," said a Mandalorian, seeing how bad it was.
"Oh, it's my friend's ship. He told me it was perfectly fine. Terribly sorry about that." apologized the disguised Jedi Master as pieces of the ship fell around him.
"Do you have a landing permit?" asked the guard.
"Um, I think I left it in the ship. Come with me, and I'll get it," instructed Obi-wan as he and the guard walked up the ramp and into the ship.
A dull thud was heard as Obi-wan walked down the ramp, taking the guard's uniform to blend in. The Jedi Master kept a watchful eye out of his surroundings while putting on the helmet. At the top of the ramp was the other person with the Jedi Master as they pulled off their helmet to reveal it was Storm.
The young Jedi Knight looked at the unconscious guard and began to drag him away to avoid detection. While doing that, he began to recall just how he got here.
(Flashback)
"You're coming to me for help?" said Storm, looking at Obi-wan with a surprised and confused expression. "That's a first."
"You know as well I do that Satine needs our help. We owe her that much."
"I don't know, Obi-wan. I can't disobey direct orders from Luna. And I can't go against the council's wishes of getting involved with stuff that isn't my business." said the Jedi Knight as he approached a window and stared out of it intensely.
"I wouldn't come to you if I wasn't desperate. If anything happens, I'll take full responsibility. I'll say I forced you to accompany me." stated the Jedi Master as he crossed his arms, assuring the Jedi Knight that he would cover him from Luna's wrath and berating him for disobeying her.
Storm merely sighed as he continued to look out the window.
(End of Flashback)
The boy sighed as he stepped out of the ramp and looked about. He noticed where Obi-wan was and put on his pilot's helmet.
"Let's just hope we all make it out alive," muttered the Jedi as he returned to work on the ship while waiting for him.
As the disguised Jedi Master was heading past the entrance, watching him from above was Bo-Katan as she noticed him. One of her allies looked to take him out, but she halted them. The Jedi Master got on a transport and then began to head into the city.
The prison was shown as it housed the former Duchess. A guard was shown walking along the halls as he approached a cell door and unlocked it.
"Here to do more of your master's bidding?" said Satine, her back turned to the guard.
"I do my own bidding," said Kenobi as he removed his helmet to reveal himself.
"Obi-Wan," smiled Satine as it warmed her heart to see the Jedi she loved coming to her rescue. She hugged the Jedi Master as the man smiled before she broke the embrace. "Are you alone?"
"Yes. The Jedi Council and Galactic Senate will be of no help to us here," stated the Jedi Master as he grabbed her hand and led her away.
"I trust you have an escape plan, then?"
"As always, my dear," responded the Jedi as he put on his helmet.
The two got on the elevator as the doors closed, only for them to up again. Standing there was another guard as Obi-wan quickly grabbed Satine to show he was transporting her. The guard got on the elevator as the doors closed. For a while, nothing was said as everyone stood in the elevator. The guard then turned his head to address Obi-wan.
"There's no record of a prisoner transfer here."
"The orders came from upstairs," responded the disguised Jedi.
Silence returned as they all turned to face forward.
"What's the authorization code?" asked the guard as he turned to look at Kenobi.
"Oh, um..." stuttered the Jedi Master as he rubbed his neck.
The door opened as the guard before Obi-wan fell to the ground. The pair quickly approached a speeder as they got on.
"Hey, you! Stop!" shouted a guard as he saw the pair leaving. "It's the Duchess. She's getting away." the guard was talking to his comlink to inform everyone.
The Jedi and former Duchess managed to make it to the city's exit; they came to a grinding halt as behind them were more speeders shooting at them. They got off and broke toward the shuttle as Obi-wan used the blaster on his armor to provide coverfire. They made it onto the ramp, which was fully functioning and quickly closed.
"What happened out there?" asked Storm as he rolled out from under the console he was working on when he heard the sound of gunshots.
Obi-wan quickly approached the console as he was pushing some buttons. He noticed the button to activate the ship's guns as it crackled, showing it wasn't fully repaired. Storm was working on that when he heard the two burst in. He slammed the button several times as the guns eventually popped out and began to fire.
The guns took out some of the Mandalorians, shooting at them. At that moment, a speeder carrying Savage and Maul appeared as the latter merely looked at the shuttle the guards were firing at.
"So I'm guessing it went alright, huh?" said Storm as he sat at another console.
"No time to explain. We have to contact my sister for help. She'll send reinforcements." responded Satine.
"You have a sister?" said Storm as that fact caught him completely by surprise that Satine had a sibling.
"Who's your sister?" asked Obi-wan, curious as she had never told him this.
The ship was now ascending as they were looking to escape. Maul was walking with Savage as he gave a nod to some Mandalorians. Two of them aimed their jetpacks up as they fired missiles. The rockets honed in on the ship, and just as it turned to use its thrusters to escape, it was hit. The ship began to have tons of alarms go off.
"Brace yourself!" shouted Obi-wan as they'd been hit. "Let's get out of here."
They all quickly reached the exit as the ship spun out of control. The Jedi Master and Jedi Knight grabbed the ends of the ramp and held on. However, the momentum of the ship going down sent Satine flying as Obi-wan quickly grabbed her, and she clung to him. Yet, the Jedi Master couldn't hold on as he was sent flying. All three were flung as they hit the ground below, just as the ship crashed and exploded. All around them laid rubble as Obi-wan grunted; he noticed Satine under a piece of metal and put his hand out to use the Force to lift it off her.
As the Jedi Master approached his feet, he noticed a figure walking through the smoke. Soon it became clear who it was as the Jedi Master gasped.
"No. It can't be," said Obi-wan as he couldn't believe his eyes.
The Jedi Master stumbled to his feet and turned on his lightsaber. Only for Maul to put his hand out and bring the Jedi Master into his clutches as he held him up high and made Obi-wan drop his lightsaber.
"We meet again, Kenobi. Welcome to my world," taunted the Sith to his archrival.
Savage had picked up the unconscious Satine on his shoulder. Maul threw Obi-wan into the arms of some Mandalorians.
"Take them back to the palace," stated the Sith as they began to lead the Jedi Master and former Duchess away.
Passing by with tons of Mandalorians having their blasters aimed at him was Storm. The Jedi Knight knew better than to fight back as he complied with the guards and began walking away. Obi-wan's little rescue plan to save Satine quickly went south.
The two Jedi were in the palace's throne room as they stood. The doors opened from the side as Maul came through, accompanied by Savage and a few more guards.
"Isn't that the guy you sliced in half over a decade ago?" whispered Storm as he saw the Sith for the first time.
"Unfortunately, yes," responded the Jedi Master.
"How the hell did he survive that?" wondered the Jedi Knight as Maul sat on the throne and addressed his archrival.
"Your noble flaw is a weakness shared by you. And your Duchess. You should have chosen the dark side, Master Jedi," said Maul as he got up and began to walk toward Obi-wan. At the same time, Satine, who was next to the throne, was lifted into the air as she clutched her throat. "Your emotions betray you. Your fear, and yes, your anger. Let your anger deepen your hatred."
"Don't listen to him, Obi..." said Satine as she struggled to speak.
"Quiet," responded Maul, keeping his grip on her.
The Jedi Master took a deep breath as he didn't allow Maul's mind games to get to him.
"You can kill me, but you will never destroy me. It takes strength to resist the dark side. Only the weak embrace it." responded Kenobi to his archrival.
"It is more powerful than you know," responded Maul.
"And those who oppose it are more powerful than you'll ever be," said Obi-wan as that got under Maul's skin, who snarled at what his archrival said. "I know where you're from. I've been to your village. I know the decision to join the dark side wasn't yours. The Nightsisters made it for you."
"Silence! You think you know me? It was I who languished for years thinking of nothing but you. Nothing but this moment. And now, the perfect tool for my vengeance is in front of us." stated Maul as he turned on the Darksaber he had acquired. "I never planned on killing you. But I will make you share my pain, Kenobi!"
The Sith moved his hand forward as Satine moved, and in one swift motion, Maul impaled her.
"No!" said Storm while Obi-wan was stunned.
The Sith smiled as he turned off the Darksaber, and Satine fell to the floor.
"Satine."
The Jedi Master bent down to hold the former Duchess in his arms as he looked at her. All the while, Maul returned to sit on the throne as he smiled, knowing he had made his archrival suffer again. Knowing he allowed Kenobi to experience his pain, which made him happy. The Jedi Master was looking at the woman he loved who was dying in his arms. The former Duchess looked at the person she loved before turning her head to address Storm for a moment.
"Tell her... before it's too late," said Satine to the Jedi Knight. Storm knew what she meant as he put his head down and nodded as she turned to address the love of her life. "Remember, my dear Obi-Wan... I've loved you always. I always will." said Satine as she felt her last moments starting to come. She caressed the Jedi Master's face as Obi-wan looked sad. And with her final breath, Satine closed her eyes.
The Jedi Master was holding the love of his life dead in his arms. And just like that, Maul took away another important person in Obi-wan's life for the second time. This made the Sith smile joyfully, knowing he got some slice of revenge and peace, making Kenobi suffer.
"Do we kill him now, brother?" asked Savage.
"No. Imprison him below. Let him drown in his misery." stated Maul, wanting to make Obi-wan suffer even more. "Take him and his friends to their cell to rot."
The guards holding Storm began to lead the Jedi Knight away. While another pair approached Obi-wan and picked him off the ground from holding Satine, and began to lead him away.
Meanwhile, on Coruscant, the Chancellor was shown facing his window. His eyes closed as if to indicate he was concentrating and sensing something.
"You summoned me, Chancellor?" stated Mas Amedda.
"Prepare my ship," responded Palpatine.
Storm was shown inside a cell as the boy leaned against the wall with crossed arms. While he may have appeared alone, the boy was talking with the voice in his head.
You fool, how much longer will you sulk? The Duchess had nothing to do with you. She was Obi-wan's priority, so why do you think about her?
"Because she was a friend. She did so much for her people and planet. I must at least honor that."
Yes, and her neutrality decision led to her downfall. Choosing not to side with anybody cost her her life. Had she accepted the Republic's help, we would have gotten here much faster, and perhaps, she would still be alive. You can't expect peace without violence. I should know. Ultimately, the decision to not get involved is why she's gone now.
"Hmm."
You must accept the fact that what came to pass was fate.
"How is it fate? It can't be," stated Storm.
Control yourself. Though Satine's death was at the hands of wicked ones, a fate is still a fate. Accept it and move on. Let go.
"I can't just let it go. How can I let go of a friend's death? How can I just move on with my life like it never happened? How can I!" said the boy.
Because it's necessary.
"Aw, bullshit!"
That's exactly what your Master and everybody else, including your pal, Obi-wan Kenobi said when they evaluated your test. You don't know how to let go. You need to master that. You will never be the expectation that your Master is expecting of you. Since day one, she's been grooming you so you can stand by her side on the Council and replace her one day. But you're letting your emotions get the best of you. A Jedi's only purpose is to show compassion. Compassion, that's it. Not concern. Not vengeance. And most certainly, not love. You will always fail those around you because you can't let go.
The Jedi Knight was about to respond when he heard something. A small ticking was heard when one of the walls of his cell exploded. He looked away as standing there was a Mandalorian; however, from the looks of things, it seemed the person was there to help the boy.
Outside the prison, Obi-wan was currently being transported to his cell. However, Bo-Katan watched from behind a pillar as she witnessed the Jedi Master. She signaled to one of her comrades as they fired at one of the guards.
"Ah! It's the rebels!" shouted one of the guards.
The guard that was fired at was tagged with small explosions. Obi-wan noticed it when he turned around to spot the rebels. The Jedi Master quickly kicked him away as he fell onto his hands and knees, and the explosion occurred. Bo-Katan then made her move as she was able to disarm two of the guards and take them down. Before delivering a scorpion-like kick to the guard's helmet, they grabbed their arm to fire the grappling hook and attach it to the remaining guard. On her right arm appeared a small blade that slotted out as she spun around and slashed at the jetpack. It began to take off as the two guards connected by the grappling hook crashed into a nearby building, resulting in an explosion.
"Sorry, I don't believe we've met. You are?" asked Obi-wan as he was helped up by the female Mandalorian.
"Bo-Katan. I'm here to rescue you. That's all you need to know. Your friend is already safe."
"Sounds good to me," said the Jedi Master as he chose not to question the woman any further. He retrieved his lightsaber from the woman as she used it to cut off his binds.
"You ever used one of these before?" asked Bo as she presented the Jedi Master with a jetpack she got from the down guard by her feet.
"No, but in this case, I'm a fast learner," responded the Jedi Master as he turned around so that she could strap on the jetpack.
"Let's go," said Bo to her comrades as they all took off.
At that moment, a shuttle was shown appearing out of hyperspace. Two Mandalorian guards saw the ship touch down as the ramp extended out. They aimed their guns at the entrance, and a moment later, a figure dressed in a sinister robe and hood was shown walking down.
"Halt!" shouted one of the guards.
With just a wave of a finger, the two guards began to choke as the figure kept walking past them. He wasn't even lifting a finger as he approached a speeder and started it up while the guards were still choking. Soon it started up, and it headed into the city as the doors closed behind him and the guards dropped.
Obi-wan and Bo headed toward the city's exit to get the Jedi Master away. A group was currently pursuing them as they reached one of the gateways and dropped down to stand their ground. The Jedi turned on his lightsaber while the rebel Mandalorians fired at the group chasing them. Both sides suffered losses as one of the rebels aimed their jetpacks to fire a rocket. It was avoided by the others but created a smokescreen when it hit, allowing Bo and her comrades to take advantage. Obi-wan made it to the other door at the end of the hall as it began to open. The Jedi Master had to close his eyes due to the sudden light piercing through as it slowly opened; however, what he saw when it was fully open shocked him. In front of him was a massive fight with explosions, gunfire, and total destruction. The complete chaos of Mandalore, the home of his now-deceased love, was in the very state she had worked so hard to avoid. It was... the takeover of Mandalore.
"Maul must really want you dead," said Bo calmly as she looked about to see how much carnage was happening, all for just a simple Jedi.
"You have no idea," said Obi-wan knowing how much his archrival hated him.
They all began to run across the battlefield. Meanwhile, Maul and Savage were in the throne room. The former was sitting on the throne as he had his head down.
"Hmm, I sense a presence. A presence I haven't felt since... Master," said Maul as he looked up with shock.
The two guards by the door were lifted high above as they choked, causing Maul to stand up and look at the door. Soon they opened, and walking in was none other than Darth Sidious, Maul's former Master when he was his apprentice. The ultimate Sith Lord walked toward his former apprentice as the two guards high above dropped to the floor without him lifting a finger.
"Master," said Maul as he bowed before the great villain.
"I am most impressed to see you have survived your injuries," responded Darth Sidious.
"I used your training, Master. And I have built all this in hopes of returning to your side."
"Hmm. How unfortunate that you are attempting to deceive me," said the Sith Lord as he turned his back to his former apprentice after seeing Savage.
"Master?" said Maul in disbelief.
"You have become a rival!" shouted Darth Sidious as he thrust his hand out and flung Maul and Savage high into the windows above the throne.
Both grunted as they felt the power of the Sith Lord, who began to laugh sinisterly. They fell to the ground as they got to their feet, and both brothers turned on their lightsabers. In the blink of an eye, the great villain laughed before not one but two lightsabers appeared in each of his hands as he turned them on and laughed. With a nod from Maul, both brothers began to engage with the great Sith Lord as he ducked and twirled and stood his ground with ease between both brothers. He easily blocked both attacks from each side and overpowered them while standing in the middle as he cackled, feeling the destruction happening outside, giving him power along with the Dark Side of the Force.
The battle happening on the streets of Mandolare had reached new heights. More explosions occurred as tons of individuals were shown dropping to the ground. Obi-wan and Bo made it to the ship the Jedi would use to escape; he started going up the ramp while she remained at the bottom and was firing at any targets in her sight.
"Go back to your Republic and tell them what has happened," said the woman.
"That would likely lead to a Republic invasion of Mandalore," stated the Jedi Master.
"Yes, and Maul will die. But Mandalore will survive. We always survive. Now go." said the female Mandalorian, knowing that they were known to be survivors and learning to survive was like an instinct to them.
As Obi-wan looked to enter a ship, something crossed his mind as he looked back at the woman.
"Your Satine's sister, aren't you?" said the Jedi Master.
While he couldn't see her face, what he said was true. After hearing Kenobi say that, Bo had a softened expression. She knew her sister had died at the hands of Maul, and she wished they had managed to reconnect before she passed away despite their different issues.
"I'm so sorry," said Obi-wan, offering his condolences to the sister of his love and apologizing that he couldn't save her in time.
With that, the Jedi Master entered as the ramp closed behind him, leaving Satine's sister to march into battle. Storm was in the cockpit after Bo's men rescued him. With a push of the lever, the ship they were on began to hover and flew away from the departing scene as the conquest of Mandalore raged on.
The fight between Darth Sidious and the two brothers still happened at the palace. They had made their way onto the balcony as Sidious went for a swipe, causing Maul to backflip out of danger. The Sith Lord cackled while looking at his former apprentice when he sensed danger. He turned to see Savage charging at him with his head down as he let himself get hit and used the momentum to fling back and roll when he was falling; he stuck his hands out to pull both brothers with him as they were all falling off the side of the palace.
They all landed on the palace's steps as the Sith Lord was in between both brothers again. Savage positioned his lightsaber upright and ignited one of the sides to pop out to block both lightsabers from Sidious before the great Sith Lord turned his arm to block his other side from Maul's attempted attack. He pushed both back and went for a double downward strike on Maul, who moved back, and Sidious quickly angled one of his blades back to block Savage without looking. He turned to look at the brute before leaning back to avoid a kick from Maul as he sensed that and didn't panic before spinning about to face both brothers.
They all flipped again as Sidious was between the pair, with Maul at the top of the stairs and Savage at the bottom. Maul went for a strike as Sidious did a standing backflip to not only kick Savage away but avoid and put some distance between him and his former apprentice. He quickly thrust his hands out, sending Maul into a column, who fell to the floor.
The Sith Lord turned as Savage was getting back up. The brute charged at him and went to stab as Sidious merely flipped over with his lightsabers turned off. He sidestepped some more swings casually before turning them on in a beat and blocking Savage's latest attack. The Sith Lord pushed the brute back and made a spinning lunge with his lightsaber as it was blocked and began to reverse around the brute to attack as he did his best to block them.
Maul was shown coming to as he saw his brother and former Master dueling. The Sith Lord delivered a roundhouse kick that stunned the brute as he turned to face Maul. And with a sinister laugh and smile turned his two lightsabers back and stabbed them into Savage.
"Brother," said Maul when he saw his former Master impale him.
The Sith Lord retracted his lightsabers and thrust his hand to send the brute flying. Maul ran past his former Master and leaped off the edge as he landed in the courtyard where Savage's body was. Maul began to approach Savage as he held his hand. The wounds inflicted by Darth Sidious were shown as the Nightsister magic that was used to make him look like he was exiting his body in a green mist.
"Brother, I am an unworthy apprentice. I'm not like you. I never was." said Savage with his dying breath as he returned to his normal appearance, the green mist going around and through Maul as he looked at his fallen brother.
Sidious cackled from above as he looked at his former apprentice.
"Remember, the first and only reality of the Sith: There can only be two. And you are no longer my apprentice. You have been replaced." stated the Sith Lord, as he had no use for Maul, nor did he have a place in the new vision that he was working to create.
Maul growled as he turned to see his former Master jump down and ignite both of his lightsabers. Maul also turned on his, along with the Darksaber that he had. The two began engaging in fierce and tight combat, swinging both blades. Darth Sidious delivered a kick to Maul, and he recovered by doing a backflip to gain some distance and avoid an attack. They continued to go at it as Maul instinctively went for a low sweep, causing Sidious to jump, but he caught him with a kick when he was getting up.
The two charged at each other as they clashed blades, with Maul towering over his former Master. However, that quickly changed as Darth Sidious was powering back as was shown turning his lightsabers to be angled downward while still clashing with Maul. They broke apart as Darth Sidious twirled the lightsaber in his right hand before lifting it up and using the Force to lift Maul into the air before slamming him down. He threw him into the palace door before waving his hand and returning to the ground before him.
Maul grunted as he got to lean on an elbow and look at his former Master, staring him down.
"Have mercy. Please. Please!" pleaded Maul to Sidious.
"There is no mercy," said the great Sith Lord before he shot Force Lightning from his fingertips and began electrocuting Maul. The former apprentice screamed in pain. "Do not worry. I'm not going to kill you. I have other uses for you." said the great Sith Lord as he smiled and continued to torture Maul. The only thing heard was the screams as they echoed into the night.
After returning home, Obi-wan informed the Jedi Council of what had happened. Hearing the news of the Mandalore and Satine put a grave look on the Council. Thankfully, Storm was able to avoid Luna's wrath as Kenobi took most of the blame like he said he would, but seeing how Satine's death meant so many things, all the Jedi Masters were now focusing on what their next move should be regarding Mandalore.
The teen was in his quarters as he was sitting on the edge of his bed. In his hands was the necklace Twilight had given him for his birthday when he rubbed it in between. The boy lifted the accessory and looked at it.
Tell her. Before it's too late.
The Jedi Knight recalled the words that Satine told him before she died. He knew what she meant. He knew she knew.
"I'll try," responded the boy as he pressed his forehead against the necklace and closed his eyes. "May the Force be with you, Satine. Gone but not forgotten."
Author's Note: Here is one of people's favorite episodes. Heavy on the feeling, filled with tons of action. And to truly cement how Maul is Obi-wan's rival then taking another person from his life that he deeply cares about away from him. That's twice he's done it. And the conquest of Mandalore sets many things in motion for future things that happen down the line. Things are vastly getting closer and closer to the ultimate end goalof the war.