Hey folks, Grubkiller here.
Here is part 3 of this revised version of The Dark Times.
We see what some Jedi survivors are up to, and Imperial officers come face to face with Darth Vader for the first time.
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Toola, Ithaqua station warehouse.
Noriah Na was still bundled up in the animal skin that Master Kai Hudorra had found hours before. Her Master had combed through a few more crates and found glow sticks, which illuminated the little room they made for themselves, stacking a couple crates by each other and suspending a large blanket between them to conceal them. Their cold, wet robes were hanging over a set of crates nearby.
Her Master was just getting ready to head out, pulling the blanket up.
"Master, let me go with you." She said as she was just sitting up.
But Kai gestured with one furry hand in a 'no-need' gesture.
"It will be safer if I reconnoiter the situation alone. I'll return as quickly as I can. The clone are looking for two Jedi. They might not notice a solitary freighter pilot looking for cargo to haul."
Kai pulled a hood over his head and left the warehouse, stepping into a crowded street. People walked back and forth, minding their own business. No one wanted any trouble these days, especially with the Clone Troopers who patrolled the streets, looking for Jedi.
Kai then spotted one of the native Whiphids, carrying what looked like fresh game over his shoulders, walking in his direction.
"Pardon me, gentle being," Kai said. "...Can you direct a stranger to the central market?"
"Hurnk!" The Whiphid said in his native tongue as he pointed over his shoulder with his thumb.
Kai nodded his thanks before he walked in the direction of the market, making sure not to make eye contact with the clones.
The central market is similar to most found on any spaceport town. Crowded, busy, flowing with different species from all walks of life. Most of the shopkeepers were natives, and they sold food, clothing, and some even sold blasters.
Mothers carried their children around, temporary visitors like smugglers and traders only came to make very quick supply runs, making b-lines for whatever business met their immediate need, while more permanent visitors/residents lingered about longer.
Here, in addition to anonymity, Kai Hudorra knows he will find things that he and Noriah Na require to make their escape.
It doesn't take him long to find the first item on his list.
A very large Ortolan with colorful, opulant robes was standing in front of one f the market stands, where meat was being sold. He was flanked by a very skinny blue assistant. But Kai noticed that the Ortolan was holding a chain. On the end of that chain was a female Twi'lek teenager, who was folding onto the chain, so that if her master yanked on it, she would only feel the force of it in her hands, and not her neck.
It irked Kai to know that slavery was still practiced in this way. But he couldn't do anything to save her. He couldn't risk drawing attention to himself, and the girl would just be recapture and suffer great consequences.
He could only help himself and Noriah. As such, while the large Ortolan was arguing with the man behind the meat-stand over what price was fair to pay, Kai walked by, using the Force to pull a small sack of credits off of the Ortolan's belt as he walked by.
The Twi'lek girl noticed him, and Kai placed and finger in front of his lips in a 'shush' gesture. The girl smiled.
Kai smiled back, but it immediately faltered. What he did, stealing coins, even from scum who didn't deserve it, went against everything he was taught as a Jedi. But in matters of survival, some teachings had to be overlooked.
The Ortolan noticed his coins were missing, and thusly, he backhanded his assistant. "Idiot! I'm robbed in public, and you don't even notice?!"
"Many apologies, Master."
All the while, the Twi'lek girl smiled innocently.
Hudorra makes his purchases as quickly as he can. Every moment in public was one that could lead to his discovery, and material goods were only half of what he needed. The other half was information, something he and Na needed more than anything.
What is happening in the galaxy? Has their been an unexpected shift in the War? Why had their own troops attacked them?
He walked into a bar.
It was completely crowded. Every table had gamblers playing sabacc, scantily clad girls were sitting promiscuously on men's laps, and some people were just passed out drunk in the seats, or on tables.
Kai Hudorra walked up to the bar counter in the back, and a human woman who was tending the bar smiled sweetly. "What'll it be?"
"Whatever will get me through the night," he said as he placed his stuff on the counter, and dropped a few credits on the counter, which she scooped up. "What's the latest on the war? I've been in the engine room on a spice freighter for the last four days and-"
"Then you haven't heard?" One man asked, as he raised his glass. "The War's over, and we're celebrating, buddy!"
Kai was somewhat elated. "That's great news? So did the Separatists sue for peace?"
"You kiddin'? We kicked their droid behinds!" The patron said, as he flicked some cigarra ashes. "And jes' in the nicka time too. The Jedi tried to - 'hik' - overthrow the Republic."
Kai was taken aback by that information. "But the Jedi led the war to preserve the Republic, not control it." He said as his ale was placed in front of him.
"Either way, who needs them?" A male Anx asked, overhearing the conversation. "The War's over, and I'll drink to that."
"NOBODY MOVE! THIS IS A RAID" Shouted a clone's voice at the bar entrance, causing people to gasp in surprise. "Have your identification ready for examination."
Kai looked over his shoulder and recognized Commander Keller, walking in the bar with a squad of his men.
"Ah, I hate these guys. They give me the creeps." The human patron Kai was talking to said.
Thinking quickly, Kai used the force.
"The War is over. They have no right to hassle innocent citizens."
"That's right, the War is OVER!" The Anx shouted.
"They have no right to hassle innocent citizens!" the human patron said, shaking his fist.
"Yeah, leave us alone." Another alien said.
Seconds later, a brawl began to ensue, as patrons began to shove or punch the clones that had come to check ID. Clones were lifted off of the ground and thrown aside, others were knocked down. Commander Keller and his men began to resort to the use of force. They began to use stun blasters and electro-batons to subdue the mob.
But by the time the clones had neutralized the threat, Kai was long gone, his ale and credits still sitting on the counter.
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New Plympto.
Dass Jennir continued to walk through the dark woods with his small alien... 'companion'.
"Why are you helping me, uh... my name is Dass Jennir, by the way."
"Bomo. Bomo Greenbark. I'll tell you why I'm helping you in a minute. Do you know why your troops attacked you, General?"
"Like I told you, the attack came without warning. My guess is that it must be a defect in the cloning process."
"It must be disconcerting to find yourself alone," Bomo said, "abandoned by those you thought were friends..."
Jennir stopped, and Bomo looked over his shoulder at him before he continued.
"...to have no one to turn to plead your case."
"Okay, I get it. Very subtle," Jennir said sarcastically.
Bomo turned to face the Jedi.
"Oh, you get it? Two days ago, you were leading you clones against us, killing my people. Do you even know why?"
Jennir answered very calmly. "Your people sided with the Separatists-"
"WRONG!" Bomo cut him off, standing at his full height, shoulders back, and arms waving. "As I suspected, you don't know anything. It all goes back to Rikknit eggs. They are... were, New Plympto's only major export. They were our ticket into the Republic, but the Republic refused us representation in the Senate. Then they banned our export of eggs. Our economy was in shambles! The Confederacy offered to buy our Rikknit eggs, and Dooku himself offered us a place in their Senate. What were we supposed to do? It seemed like a good deal... until your clones started invading our planet!"
"I'm sorry. I didn't know." Jennir knelt down in front of him. "Orders came down from the top. The Jedi Council, or the Supreme Chancellor, would tell us where to deploy and what to do, and my troops went. The war got so big, and out of control, so quickly... we thought we were saving something, not destroying it."
Bomo turned away.
"So that's my story. Now, why are you helping me?"
Bomo continued walking. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. The Clones are still here, and they're trying to kill you, and us. That makes us allies... for now. We're getting close to our base. I'm going to risk a flash."
Bomo then opened his mouth, wide open, and the linings in his mouth, and his gums and teeth started to illuminate a brilliant green light, which could signal his people, if they were nearby.
He closed his mouth.
For a few long seconds, nothing happened.
Then about two dozen similar lights shined right in their eyes, temporarily blinding them. Jennir, and even Bomo, had to put his hand in front of his face to keep himself from losing his eyesight.
When the light disappeared and he could see again, Jennir, with his hands raised, found himself and Bomo surrounded by about 20 other locals, all armed with blasters or battle axes, and wearing armor.
Other pointed electro-spears in Jennir's face.
"Good work, Bomo. You've captured a Jedi for us to kill."
Then they all swarmed over the Jedi, trying to bind him, but others argued over what to do with him.
"KILL THE JEDI!" One shouted.
"No, we'll bind him up and torture him for what he's done." Another said.
Jennir fell to the ground, struggling to get free, but while trying not to hurt his... hosts. "Bomo?!"
Bomo tried his best to calm his comrades down. "No, stop! This Jedi is our friend!"
"Oh yeah, since when Bomo?" One of his fellow warriors asked.
As the other Nosaurians began to pin Jennir's limbs to the ground, another voice boomed over all the others. "RELEASE THE JEDI!"
Everyone looked up to see another Nosaurian standing above them. Fairly tall for such a short statured species. He wore ornate dark-blue armor with burgundy robes underneath. His horns were more developed, but some were broken. He was clearly of higher status, and he had clearly seen some action. He was flanked by more warriors, two of whom carried sticks with lamps at the end of them, lighting up the clearing.
Everyone seemed to freeze in his presence, but they still kept the Jedi pinned.
"I said, let the Jedi go!" He ordered again.
"General Rootrock... but sir, he's the enemy." One said.
"He was the enemy. Listen to the daily briefings. You might learn something." Rootrock said, registering a laugh from some of his men. He then turned to Bomo. "So, it's true then?"
Bomo stood up straight at attention. Yes sir, this is Jedi Master Dass Jennir. He's on our side now. Or he could be."
"In any case, General," Jennir spoke up. "I am in no position to bring any harm to you or your troops."
"Obviously," Rootrock said before he waved his hand around in a 'rally-up' gesture. "Let's get this parade back under cover before the clones spot us. And somebody fetch us flagons of nectar. It's going to be a cold night."
Nosaurian camp.
Back at the main camp, Rootrock and Jennir were sitting on either side of a camp fire in the center of camp, in front of the main command tent. It was surrounded by dozens of dome-like tents that were set up around tree trunks.
Nosaurian guards, armed with Separatist weaponry patrolled the perimeter and around the tents in the center.
"So, the Jedi were attacked by their own troops everywhere, not just here on New Plympto?" Jennir asked.
"That's what we've heard," Rootrock said. "News out of Coruscant is that the Jedi tried to overthrow the Republic."
Jennir lowered his cup away from his lips. "That's a lie!"
"I know." Rootrock said. "This war isn't the first time I've encountered Jedi. When I was yonger, I saw one in action against a group of raiders that were terrorizing my village. He pleaded with the raiders to surrender, and they refused. The fight lasted four seconds. Truth be told, I'm glad the Jedi are no longer leading the armies of this so-called Empire..." He said, pouring himself and Jennir another glass of nectar. "And I can sympathize with a former-foe who realized he was fighting for the wrong cause, when he thought they were for the right reasons. But everyone who has fallen in this war believed that they were doing what was right."
Jennir averted his eyes.
He stood up and paced around for a few seconds, before walking up to one of the poles in front of the tent, leaning against it, deep in thought.
"What have we done? It all seems so clear now that we were being manipulated, but how could we have been so foolish? Corruption in the Senate was widely acknowledged and even accepted. That alone should have made us think twice. Instead, we abandoned our principles to fight for a Republic that no longer exists, in name or in spirit. An idea that may have been extinct for years."
Rootrock took a stick and poked the firewood to keep it nice and stoked. "My people have a saying: 'Being brought low is the beginning of wisdom."
"Hah!" Jennir exclaimed in surprised amusement. "The Jedi also have that saying."
"Then it must be true." Rootrock said. "Scout Greenbark explained to you why we joined the Separatists?"
Jennir nodded. "The Republic controlled the planet, but refused you representation. I might have fought under those circumstances myself."
Rootrock stood up and crossed his arms over his chest. "Our plight now is worse now than when you were leading your troops against us. With the Separatists defeated, and their droid armies deactivated, we are vulnerable. We fear reprisals. We could use somebody like you..."
Jennir looked away.
"I know my actions, directly or not, have caused your people pain, General. Part of me wants to help, but I... all of the Jedi, were manipulated before. I don't want the guilt I feel to push me to another wrong decision." Jennir said, causing Rootrock to lower his head, knowing that he might not get the help he wanted. Jennir continued. "I need to return to Coruscant, and try to locate any Jedi survivors, maybe even the Council, and confer with them. I can't help you now, but if you can help me... then I promise that I will try to return... if that is the direction that the force brings me."
Rootrock nodded his head and looked up at Jennir. "Fair enough. I will provide you with a ship."
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Toola, Ithaqua station.
Master Hudorra is all done with his shopping spree, and he is moving quickly down the settlement's snow covered streets. There are less people on the streets now. He knows that Toola's frigid nights, with their biting winds and temperatures that drop well below freezing, will be both a blessing and a curse.
The cold will soon drive the armored clones indoors, which will allow him and Noriah Na to move about freely, provided that they can survive the chill.
He made it back to the warehouse, checked to make sure no one was watching, and opened the door. He stepped in, closed it behind him, and was surprised to see what he saw next.
Padawan Na had been busy, as more crates were opened, and the worst part was, their robes were out in the open, on drying racks, surrounded by heating lamps.
"What are you doings?" He asked.
She looked back, and was elated to see him returned. "Master, you're back! I wasn't able to find anything to eat, but look," she said, gesturing to the lamps with pride. "Heating units. Our robes will be dry within the hour."
Hudorra shook his head and started yanking the robes off of the clothes lines. "Foolish padawan!"
Noriah was confused. "But master-"
"Don't you know that Commander Keller has the entire town looking for us? Jedi robes would mark us instantly!" He exclaimed as he pulled a crate aside, revealing the hole they had cut into the floor to get in in the first place, and dropped their robes into the icy water below.
Noriah lowered her head, in shame.
Hudorra looked at her expression and calmed down and spoke more gently.
"In the packages I brought, you'll find new clothes... and food. It's been so long since you last ate, hasn't it, Noriah Na?"
She turned to the packages. "Thank you, Master. I'll try to do better-" She said before she cut herself off, looking at the contents of the bags. "Blasters... and..." She picked up a green tunic and held it up for her Master to see. "This is a slave's tunic. And it's for a boy!"
"Which reminds me," Hudorra said as he pulled out a large knife. "There's one other thing that I need to do..."
Noriah pulled on her hair, and brushed her hand through it, realizing what he was implying.
"Oh no!" She groaned.
A short while later, Kai Hudoora's assumption is verified. The trooper's have left the snowy streets, and even the hardy Whiphids have retreated from the cold.
Kai and Noriah, the latter of whom was sporting short hair to look less feminine, walked through the snow, without a soul in sight, and they made their way to the base of a large cliffside wall, the top of which housed the settlement's spaceport.
"The spaceport is at the top of this cliff. I've already booked us passage on a ship departing at dawn."
"Well, let's get on the lift," Noriah said, walking towards the elevator. "No sense standing out here in the freezing-"
"No!" Hudorra said, pulling Noriah's arms. "Commander Keller will be monitoring lift activity. We're taking another route to the top."
He then pointed at the wall.
Noriah followed his pointer finger and saw what he had in mind.
A ladder that went all the way to the top of the cliff.
Metal.
And covered in ice.
She gulped hard.
"This isn't happening..." She began to mutter to herself.
Spaceport.
By the time dawn arrives, Na's body - especially her hands - is numb from the cold. But the frozen stretch of hell that they had to climb was finally at an end, and the two disguised Jedi were finally able to make for their destination, avoiding the clone patrols as best as they could.
They got in line to board the transport back to Coruscant.
A clone trooper was analyzing ID and tickets from everyone. And it was soon Kai and Noriah's turn.
"Present your boarding card." The trooper ordered.
"Certainly trooper," Kai said, holding up a blank card in front of the trooper. "I'm sure you'll find that everything is in order."
"Everything... is in order. Proceed."
"I tell you, it's a crime what they charge for passage back to the Core worlds," Master Hudorra said aloud, as if striking a conversation with the trooper, or anyone who'd listen. "And they made me pay full price for the boy. I wanted to check him as baggage, but they refused!"
Noriah was scowling the entire time.
As they walked up onto the ramp into the transport, Noriah struggled to carry all the baggage. "You're enjoying this, aren't you Master?"
"Nonsense. I'm simply playing my part in this charade. It's for your own safety that I do." Master Hudorra said, as they stowed their luggage away. "I warn you again, Padawan, resist your training. It will not serve you well in these dark times."
As they sat down, they saw more clones patrolling the spaceport. Noriah noticed Commander Keller directing another patrol into the city. But just as she was pretty sure that she made eye contact with him, the ship had already taken off, and was making for orbit minutes later.
"Think before you act, and refrain from using the Force." Hudorra continued. "Flee before you fight. But if you must fight, use the blaster I gave you. It is my hope that we will find answers and help on Coruscant, but I suspect our destination may be the most dangerous point in our journey."
As Kai finished his lecture, the ship was in space, and the stars began to elongate, before they were propelled into the blue-white vortex of hyperspace.
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Coruscant, *Redacted* Center for Military Operations.
In the first days following the end of the Clone Wars, rumors abound... rumors of treachery by the Jedi, necessitating their sudden purge from the galaxy.
Certain captains of the newly renamed Imperial Navy have been summoned to Coruscant. No explanation is forthcoming. But given the fate of the Jedi, there are those who answer the summons with some caution.
Dozens of Imperial officers were gathered in a large chamber in the Naval Intelligence Building.
"Ah! Sagoro Autem, the hero of Saleucami, I believe."
Captain Autem smiled when he say his old friend and shook his head. "No, Dodonna, I commanded the fleet at Saleucami, but the real heroes were the Jedi-"
"Who have since been discredited." Dodonna interrupted. "You, and the clones, are now the heroes of Saleucami, just as me and Dallin are the heroes of Rendili. There are no Jedi heroes. That is the new order of things."
"MAKE WAY FOR HIS EXCELLENCY, EMPEROR PALPATINE!" Someone shouted.
A collective gasp goes up from the assembled officers. They had heard of the physical changes as a result of Jedi sorcery, but this was their first chance to witness it. It was also the first time they have seen this black shadow of a man walking with Palpatine, who had a mask that resembled a skull. They were flanked by several of the red-robed Royal Guards.
Palpatine spoke, his voice more raspy and cracked than his once soothing voice from when he was Chancellor.
"Officers of the Imperial Fleet, you will have heard rumors of the Jedi's treachery. I felt that it was important for you to know the truth... from me. You see the ravages inflicted upon my body, proof of the Jedi's betrayal."
"I can't believe that." Someone said.
Everyone in the room looked at one Imperial officer in the front row, standing close to Dodonna and Autem.
The Emperor looked at him with confusion.
The armored figure standing next to him leaned in, his mask hissing in an unsettling manor with every breath. "Captain Jace Dallin, excellency." He then stepped to the edge of the stage, his footsteps booming with every step. "Are you suggesting that the Emperor lies?" The figure asked, his voice booming across the room.
"Perhaps this would be a good time to introduce to you, Lord Vader." Palpatine said. "When he speaks, you can be sure that he speaks for me."
Vader looked directly at Dallin, who could see his own reflection in Vader's mask as he tried to look him in the eye.
"Choose your words carefully, Captain Dallin. Answer my question."
Dallin faltered and averted his eyes slightly, but stood up straighter, as if defiantly. "I only suggest that some terrible mistake has been made. The Jedi I have known have all been honorable individuals-hurrk!"
Dallin stopped mid-sentence, as an invisible force grasped his neck, and began to squeeze.
He was then lifted up into the air for the whole room of shocked officers to see.
Dallin tried to reach for breath, up then he was thrown down, landing head first into the metal floor, his neck breaking with a sickening snap.
The other officers stepped back as he landed. In shock, they all then looked at the Emperor and Vader.
"Are there any others who question the word of the Emperor?"
No one answered.
Vader continued. "As officers of the Imperial Navy, your loyalty is expected... and demanded. Resignations are not permitted at this time. The galaxy remains unstable. You will do your duty, or you will share the late Captain Dallin's fate."
Palpatine spoke next. "Evaluations will be made of your fitness for command, gentlemen. Lord Vader will keep you informed of any necessary... adjustments. Dismissed." He then left, with Vader and his guards at his side, leaving behind a room full of traumatized officers.
As officers began to file out of the room, or break up into small group conversations, Sagoro and Jan stood over Jace, who's body was soon dragged away by disposal droids.
"This is not what I signed up for, Jan! I never planned to make the Navy my life's work. I signed up just for the duration of the War. And the way that Vader character treated Dallin..."
Jan placed his hand on his friend's shoulder as they started to walk out of the room.
"They were looking to make an example, and Jace, unfortunately, gave them a target. I'm sure when things have quieted down, they'll let those of us who want to, leave." Jan said, trying to reassure his friend. "In the meantime, be careful what you say. And to whom."
"Oh, you think?" Sagoro asked, with a hint of sarcasm.
"I'm serious. There are some here who are very certain where their loyalties lie... and it is not to their fellow officers." Jan warned.
And then it hit him. Sagoro looked around at his fellow officers, and the way they shrunk in the presence of Palpatine, and in response to what Vader did to poor Jace Dallin. This was no longer the Republic he had given his life too.
But then again... maybe it never was.
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Well folks, that was part 3 of this story. Hope you enjoyed.
Until next time, this is Grubkiller, over and out.