Chapter 5

We stand across from one another for a moment. I know that time is not on my side, especially since Kota has been expecting Vader and would have brought this entire facility down just to stop the Sith Lord...

Still, I doubt that is even possible, especially since Vader have survived his own assassination attempts.

But I'm going to have to reason with him.

"Listen, Kota," I start off by saying, "I have been sent here by Lord Vader to kill you..." this earns a scoff from him, "but I am not going to do so."

Kota's scowl never leaves his face, but I do see a soft arch of the eyebrow from the man. "The Dark Side surrounds you and I have no doubt that you have butchered plenty of my soldiers to get here. Now you want to make friends?"

"Incorrect, they would require some time in medical, but are mainly uninjured," I state matter of factly, a slight smirk across my lips which I hope is reassuring.

Kota frowns. "You are foolish if you believe I'll fall for that, boy."

I consider all of my options. I know I have to tell the Jedi something. An idea strikes me. Risky as it may be, the existence of the Death Star being well known can be used by Organa and Mothma later - two people who the Jedi definitely knows of at the very least.

"I can prove it. The Emperor is crafting together a super weapon," I explain, "a space station that can be used to exterminate entire planets."

Now, the man's face becomes shock, all color draining from his face. "The Empire is really planning such things?"

I bite down on a quippy comment, for it can irritate the Jedi enough to make him lash out at me.

I take my knowledge I have so far which seems to be EU centered for so far. Palpatine and Vader knew or at the very least suspect that Bail Organa was among the Rebellion. Tarkin only took matters in his own hands, and there is no doubt that Sidious would have severely punished him had the man made it off the Death Star.

"What else is new?" I ask instead, despite a bit of mirth in my voice.

Kota's face becomes contemplative as his lightsaber rings at his side. "And you're an secret agent of Vader, boy, who knows of this?"

"Yes," I say. "As of yesterday, I realize what the Empire truly was."

A soft nudge in the Force causes me to have to resist putting my hand on my forehead. I realize what this is. A Force probe, and I haven't been ready for that, despite how Vader had a tendency to penetrate through Starkiller's mind throughout his Sith training. Sidious most likely did the same with Vader plenty of times...

The Jedi is soft yet firm in discovering what type of specimen I am. And after recalling this, I give him permission to see only parts of my memories; the one who grew up. The Jedi accepts this, still the peacekeeper through and through.

After what feels like hours..

"Well, Starkiller," the man makes use of my title, "I can sense no deception from you. But how would you explain this to Vader?"

"Yes, he trusts me to carry out his missions," I reply.

"Well..." Kota deactivate his lightsaber, and I'm actually surprised. Given he didn't seem like he'd wanted to fight the original Starkiller in the game, I shouldn't be.

"Maybe you can be a double agent," he suggests at last.

I have to resist from doubling over, not expecting that. "A double agent? If Vader discovers even a bit of my deception-"

"He would kill you, I know, but he has poured much of his training into you to give up too soon," Kota responds simply, shrugging. "He may attempt to sway you back to him. When the Jedi gathers up we can use them against him and the Emperor."

Right, like killing Sidious would be easy, adding onto the many complications that came afterwards, 'specially in the EU.

"You can do much more damage to the Empire from within," Kota says without care, shrugging. "I would relocate my men so we can overthrow that monster and the Emperor."

I frown at the thought of what could happen to Vader. He was my favorite character, and despite the countless damage he has done to the galaxy, the man can be pitied. He has to care about Starkiller, at least somewhat. He had been one of the most sympathetic individual in this galaxy.

"He could be redeemed," I argue with a slight frown. That will be a whole other debacle.

Now, Kota almost doubles over, looking at me like I'm insane. "You want to try to redeem him? He slaughtered the Jedi and killed millions of innocent beings. You think as his pawn you can reach him?"

"Yes," I reply. "The Jedi way preaches forgiveness and peace. Imagine someone like Vader in the rebellion, making strikes out at the Empire, and stopping Sidious."

Kota's frown is piercing against my soul. "How can you be so certain?"

I inform him after a moment of hesitation. "Vader is in fact the once great Anakin Skywalker."

Kota's body goes rigid as he regards me with shocked eyes. "Skywalker?!"

"Yes, he was groomed since the age of nine by Sidious and manipulated to become his apprentice," I state, wondering what would the Jedi do with this information.

"How did he got trapped in the suit?" Kota inquires, frowning as he put his hand over his chin in thought. "Skywalker was said to be the best of us all. It was also said that he died in the Jedi Temple albeit the cause of death was unknown. He died loyal to the Republic..." and he seems to realize slowly about how it makes sense.

"Kenobi did leave him to burn on Mustafar at the end of the Clone Wars after chopping off his limbs in battle," I declare grimly.

"How do you know all this?" Kota demands, all the while trying to wrap his mind around this. "Kenobi and Skywalker was close friends. They would have never fought-"

I do become sad at the thought of Anakin in the prequels and how he will never be the same if I can turn him, even if the man is reunited with his children. His wife had been the light of his life, and her death driven him over the deep end far more than before. Kenobi meant a lot to him at one point as well, and their bond may not be able to be reforged.

But still...

"Their bond was shattered throughout the war. Palpatine knew what to tell Anakin when he was at his most vulnerable. He'd feeded upon his ego and use this to twist him to the Dark Side. I am not the first to admit that Vader deserves to pay for his crimes but can you imagine, Kota, how you would have felt being manipulated by a friend since you were a child?"

"No, no I cannot," Kota admits, looking down in thought, even though the emotion akin to disgust and contempt is still across his expression. "Are you certain Skywalker can be brought back to the light?"

"Revan, Ajunta Pall, Bastila Shan," I remind with a slight shrug. "They have all been redeemed."

Kota's head tilts back up and he rightfully reminds me. "Revan wasn't participately by choice."

"Ah, you know your history. Impressive." I chuckle shyly. "For about if he can be redeemed, it will take time. In the meantime, you have to be dead with your soldiers. I can reunite you with your fellow Jedi." Kota is interested. "Kazdan Paratus is on Raxus Prime, and Shaak Ti is on Felucia along with her apprentice, Maris Brood."

I wonder what consequences there would be if Kota goes after his fellow Jedi like I plan. If the Jedi can keep his head down, maybe Vader would find other ways to "test" me while this secret army rises.

I smirk. "Organa knows who Vader truly is. If you see him again, I imagine you're going to yell at him in person for leaving out that." I pointedly leave out any mentions of Luke and Leia's Force sensitivity.

Kota sneers. "Oh yes, I would have words with Bail about not telling me that."

"Now, your lightsaber," I hold out my hand, and the Jedi looks at it for a moment, before tossing the hilt into my direction.

"I do hope that you are not attempting to deceive me to lure the Jedi together for your master to overthrow, boy," he say.

I roll my eyes. "Please, you have read my memories. You might as well recover your forces and go into hiding. I do not wish to be killed by Vader because of your ambition. Now give me your fucking com call and let's get out of here."

Kota scoffs, follow my instructions, and murmurs something about youngsters and their impatience as he exits. I didn't pay attention to really anything he has to say, for I have more things to worry about.

I frown as I summon random amounts of Force energy when I sense the man is no longer in range. I have to make this look convincing after all for Juno and Vader's spies when they inevitably come for a confirmation of the Jedi's demise.

Kota most likely is smart enough to do his part so very little can be salvaged.

After the facility starts trembling, I allow it to descend before waiting a few seconds to ignite both lightsabers and lunging to the glass window, cutting it into shards.

"Juno!" I tap into my comlink. "JUNO!" I repeat. "I HAVE DEALT WITH KOTA AND NOW I NEED YOUR HELP!"

I breathe for a second as I'm still slightly afraid of heights before giving into the now familiar touch of the Force and jumping out.

Fortunately, the Rogue Shadow is coming to my direction, gliding below me and catching me.

The Force breaks my landing as I land on top of the ship, and I breathe in relief as well as finding something about her haste attractive.

A mischievous thought shoots through me.

Atta girl.

Juno has proven herself already in this short time, and the woman will be fun to unravel for sure.

I make my way inside of the ship and walk into the private chambers. Suffice to say, falling through the air did take a toll on me, and I hope that damn Jedi doesn't make me regret not running off.

After all, I may not be able to rely on the events that happened to the original Starkiller when Kota have made his intent to go after his fellow Jedi clear.

I grin as the door opens, and Juno walks in. I sense her concern and fear of my condition but she has better dignity than to show such emotions.

"Are you okay?" Juno asks me, towering over me.

"If you consider killing the Jedi and falling out of the facility as okay, I sure am." I reply sarcastically, aware of my pants suddenly growing tighter.

"How did that happen to you?" Juno asks, a bit of a snarky smirk on her lips.

"The Jedi pulled some punches before his death," I reply as sharply as possible.

It took a few hours for us to get to Nar Shaddaa, and I have no doubt it would take just as long for us to return to Vader. I'll get some shut eye...

No need to rush however...

"Well, I am going back to the cockpit. Someone has to fly this ship."

I look at her and stroke her cheek. "You look tired. Stay with me, Juno."

"Stay with you?" Juno asks rhetorically. "Why?"

I smirk as I sense the thoughts going through her mind. "As much as you believe I am doing this because I want to kriff you, Juno, I think this is the only room on the ship and I doubt you want to stay in that chair."

"There are other beds," Juno replies meekly.

I let out a small huff as I stay up and move to her. "I'm only trying to be a gentleman."

Juno's lip quirks. "I highly doubt Lord Vader taught you that."

"I'm not a droid," I reply with a slight shrug. "I know you find me appealing, Juno, admit it."

By now, I push up against Juno, having her pushed back against the wall.

"You... but I can't..." Juno responds, lip shivering.

"Vader wouldn't have to know," I reply assuringly. "You don't need to hide from me. You can't deny it. Surely you want someone to be married to someday. Have a legacy of your own. The Imperial life isn't for you."

Juno shivers.

"You're trembling. Come on, Juno, admit it-"

Juno does start saying: "I find you appealing but..."

I put my finger on her lip, shushing her. "I'm not going to force myself onto you, Juno, I saw a good woman when we met back on that Star Destroyer."

I remove her cap and along with her hair tie, allowing her hair to fall down around her. I push my clothed inner thigh against her, and she lets out a small moan.

"Please," she pleads, and I can sense she is uncertain of rather she wants me to continue or to let her go. "I have never been with another man before," she continues when I make no further advances. "Are you-"

I have been leaning against her, about to kiss her.

At that moment, PROXY walks in. "Master, Lord Vader is demanding a progress report."

Fuck the Sith and their ways sometimes.

I release her, turns around, and walk away, giving PROXY a slight glare:

"Thanks, PROXY, thank you very much."

The droid obviously didn't catch the bite in my tone, "Gladly, master."

Much as I find my favorite pilot adorable, leaving Vader waiting is not on my to do list.

And given Kota's amazing idea about me serving as a double agent and my dumbass actually agreeing to the suicidal plan, shit is going to hit the fan soon.

I'll need to get something on Vader shortly.