Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Well let's begin a new chapter folks.
(Start Naboo)
It was morning on Naboo, the sun had risen into the sky as Obi-wan and Anakin escorted Dr. Vindi into the Separatist shuttle that would've been used in his escape. With them was Yaga and Yuvel's party from ARKs. Klara opted to stay behind to do one last check in case things had gone wrong as well as tend to the injured. It had been a long day and evening before and they were all just happy that it was over at long last.
Turning to his former master, Anakin began to speak. "That was close." He stated as they were all in agreement on this. "If that virus had escaped, everyone on Naboo would have been dead and caused an intergalactic incident." Anakin said as he knew that Yaga and Klara were both members of the Council of Six and more than that they were the voice of ARKs to the Republic.
"Oh well." Obi-wan stated with some mocking disappointment. "Just another boring day saving the Galaxy." He added and in turn Yaga laughed a bit in response to that.
"Nice one, Kenobi." Yaga chuckled as he smiled to Obi-Wan.
As Yuvel walked he then stopped as something was bothering him. Ever since they woke up in the fleet it was noted that every Player here had lost their Dark Blast ability. Many of them were greatly annoyed by it since they had worked on those abilities for some time. Even Yuvel was annoyed by such turn of events and had to take time to cool off from it.
Reggie had always used the Elder form while Yuvel tend to rely on the Luther form. On the opposing gender aspect Zurna always went with Gemini while Laura always tended to rely on the Apprentice form. He wondered if there was some way to reclaim them but it would be too risky for them to test it. For all it was worth they may just end up becoming new hosts for the Dark Falz the blasts came from. It was a risk they could not afford to make thus the logical choice was to let it be for now. Still all that power beyond their reach was an annoyance but one that could be accepted by them. After all such a dark power may make them be seen as an enemy by the Republic instead of allies.
"Hey you doing ok buddy?" Reggie asked as he looked to Yuvel with some concern.
"Yeah… just thinking is all." Yuvel said to which Reggie figured it must be important for his old friend to be oddly quiet like this.
"About?" Reggie asked honestly curios as to what Yuvel was thinking about right now.
"Several recent stuff." Yuvel said, which was his way of saying to let it be since it wasn't very important without having all the facts first.
Reggie in turn opted to leave it be for the time being but opted to approach it at a later date once things calmed down some. Still Reggie sure did wonder if he will ever find love again with a Cast Body as his only means of communication with the galaxy.
Just then Anakin cut in getting everyone's attention. "Ok let's get this Sleemo back to Theed so we can help Padme clean up down there." Anakin said as he was ready to finish this mission once and for all.
"I couldn't agree more." Laura said adjusting her glasses a bit before Reggie pushed Vindi to the ship.
(Meanwhile back at the lab)
Back in a room inside the bunker, one of the Clone bomb squad members noticed something wrong with the bomb nearby. He in turn brought it up to the Nabooian Ambassador's attention. "Senator, you should see this. It's one of the virus bombs." The Clone said as he presented the bomb in question to Padme who was splitting her time helping where she could and showing Klara a thing or two about the Republics political method.
Padme looked at it and in turn began to grow concerned from what she saw or in this case didn't see. "It looks like the chamber that holds the virus is missing." She said and in turn it did not leave a good thought in anyone's head.
"A droid must've taken it." The Clone concluded and in turn Klara was wide eyed by this.
"Well sound the Alarm NOW!" Klara called out as she knew how bad this could get if the Virus gets out of here. In turn the closest clone trooper went and pressed the button to activate the alarm while those in the room relayed the message that one of the virus vials were missing and looked for any surviving droid that might have it.
Padme nodded in approval to Klara and her initiative to take action over a brew situation. It was right to the point and Padme was actually going to order the Clones something similar. Still all of them shared similar thoughts if that virus gets out a whole lot of people are going to die.
(Later in the Corridors)
In a corridor leading to the bomb room were a pair of Clone Troopers. "How could droids have gotten a hold of the virus containers?" One of the two Clones asked to his brother.
"I don't know, but I don't want to be around when they set it off." The second Clone replied and while the duo they walked passed the small LEP servant Droid-icon who pressed his tiny frame against the shadowed wall.
The two clones entered the bomb containment room while they continued their search for the droid that took the missing vial. "We've already taken the virus containers out of these bombs." The first one said as they continued their search.
"Well we're gonna have to check 'em again." The second clone trooper said, adamant on their mission. They were, however, unaware of the small LED droid heading to one of the deactivated bombs.
(Back on the Surface)
Back at the surface, Anakin, Obi-wan, and the ARKs Operatives heard the alarm going off. This caused the psychotic doctor to chuckle, understanding the meaning behind the alarm. Yuvel and his party as well as Yaga all grew worried when they heard this.
"The virus has been liberated. You are doomed, young Jedi, along with the rest of this planet." The mad doctor told them as he looked to those who had captured him.
(Back in the Bomb Room)
The Droid slipped the virus container into the bomb, alerting the two Clone Troopers in the room to its presence.
"Hey, you!" The First clone called when he saw the droid making its move.
The Droid looked calmly at the two Clones pressed it's digit to the button to activate the bomb.
"Get away from that!" The second clone shouted, even as the two tried to rush at the droid and stop the bomb. But alas it was too late the bomb went off and released the Virus in the laboratory. The resulting explosion was felt all over the lab as well as the swamp above the lab.
(The Surface)
"What was that?" Anakin asked with concern when the explosion was felt.
"Trouble." Yuvel said as he looked to the lab before glaring at the Scientist.
"What did you do?" Reggie asked as the doctor laughed at the victory for the Separatist alliance.
(With Ahsoka and Klara)
Klara had joined up with Ahsoka to search for the bomb despite certain peoples objections. As the two girls looked they had felt the explosion go off and in turn heard the new alarm for the Virus leak. Captain Rex looked at his group and said, "Virus leak. We need to get to the safe room, come on!"
Thus they ran, hurrying to the safe room before the doors around them to closed, sealing the virus from contaminating the rooms. AS they ran even Klara found herself afraid of what could happen. She was never exposed to this virus before and in her worry she was afraid her Photons might just cause the Virus to undergo some sort of horrifying mutation. She wasn't a scientist but she knew how new Virus tend to affect those who had never been affected by it before.
At the group ran they saw one last room still opened for them to enter into. "There's the safe room!" Rex called, seeing the large room they were looking for as the doors began to close.
"No chance!" A clone cried, afraid of being infected by the deadly disease.
"Come on!" Klara called out and in turn knew they had to move fast.
"Hurry the doors are closing!" Rex called out as he and two other Clones got to the doors and proceeded to hold them open as best they could.
"Don't worry!" Ahsoka called out as she acted fast and in turn used the Force to hold the door open. When they saw that the door had indeed stopped Ahsoka held it as best she could. "Get inside Captain!" Ahsoka ordered and thus Klara jumped in last.
"Ahsoka come on!" Klara called out as she looked to the Captain hoping she could be fast enough. With the virus getting closer, Ahsoka let her hold on the doors go and used the Force to jump through the gap before it slammed shut preventing the virus from coming in.
(Back on the Surface)
As they all felt the explosion Anakin opted to call in his Apprentice to figure out what had just happened down in the lab. "Ahsoka, what is going on down there?" Anakin asked as he was worried for both Ahsoka and Padme.
"The Droids released the virus, but we managed to seal the lab." Ahsoka reported back as she was a bit winded.
"What about Klara!?" Yaga said as he grabbed Anakin's hand and forced it to his mouth.
"Hey!?" Anakin yelped as he didn't appreciate that.
"I'm right here dunderhead!" Klara called out as being a member of the Council of Six she knew how this would go politically if she was offed by this deadly virus.
Anakin then took his arm back once Yaga got his answer over Klara's health. "And Padme?" Anakin asked, keeping his worry from being noticed.
"Haven't heard from her since the bomb." Ahsoka replied apologetically to her mentor. In turn Anakin looked down clearly worried for the Senator of Naboo's fate.
"Anakin, can you hear me? Anakin?" Padme's voice came from his wrist comm.
"Padme, I'm here. Are you all right?" Anakin asked, keeping his voice even to hold back the relief he felt at hearing Padme's voice. The distant cries of Jar-Jar screaming were heard. He seemed to be in a hurry to look for something as they spoke to each other.
"Yes, for the time being." She answered before explaining the situation. "Jar-Jar and I were in a safety chamber when the alarm went off. We're wearing protective suits." Padme said to which put a bit more relief in the General.
Anakin sighed before explaining what was going on. "The virus is loose, but Ahsoka has sealed off the entire facility." Anakin explained knowing full well how this could go bad.
"Yes, but any remaining droids would try to break out." Padme reminded. Even though they got rid of the majority of the droid forces around the base, some of the Droids could still be functional. "I'll do what I can to stop them. I cannot let that virus escape." Padme said warning those who would listen to her.
Once Padme ended the communication Yaga began to grow worried even panicking to this information. "This is bad, this is real bad. Like this is super bad." Yaga worried as he began to paste around which didn't help anyone's nerves. "The others are going to kill me when they find out." Yaga said acting like a teenager who knows his parents will punish him for a huge screw up if and when they find out about the problem in question.
"Calm yourself Yaga we'll figure this out." Obi-Wan assured the ARKs Member of the Council of Six.
"Yeah ok got it, calm down stay calm." Yaga said but clearly with how jittery he was getting it wasn't working for him.
Just then Anakin had his Lightsaber on Vindi ready to interrogate him. "Where's the Antidote, Vindi?" Anakin demanded as he glared down upon the mad doctor.
In response Vindi laughed as he looked to them. "You mistake my role, Jedi." Vindi said before looking straight at them. "My job was to manufacture a plague, not to cure it." Vindi said only for Yaga to bust out his gauntlets and punched the wall next to Vindi denting it. Everyone was surprised by the sudden 180 Yaga had just pulled.
"Hey dummy think for a second what if you got yourself infected before you finished the virus. That is just pure dumb luck." Yaga said as he glared at Vindi. "Now here's our demand you're either going to jail or going to make a cure your call bro." Yaga said as he knew Vindi was more valuable to them alive right now.
Of course Vindi took pleasure in this as he looked to the group. "Yes, kill me now and spare these old bones the Blue Shadow's dire embrace, because once the first droid breaks out of that laboratory, all Naboo is doomed!" Vindi announced as he went about his monologue like some cliché TV villain.
It seems Anakin and Yaga are both tempted to send Vindi to an early grave so it fell to Obi-Wan to calm him down. "Anakin, the fastest way to save Senator Amidala, Ahsoka, and Klara is to get Vindi back to the Capital and find an actual antidote." Obi-Wan said as he looked to the group.
"He's right." Yuvel said as he was no biochemist and this was way beyond any of their paygrade. "If we waste any more time that's less time we have to save any of them who are down there." Yuvel added to which they were all in agreement on right now.
"Come on let's load this jerk up and head out." Reggie said as he was ready to go and hopefully find an antidote so they can save the Galaxy from the Blue Shadow Virus.
(Back in the Secret Underground Lab)
"No! No! No!" A clone Trooper called out as alarms were blaring in the isolation room they were in.
"What's wrong?" Klara asked and thus the Trooper had the answer to that important question.
"Some of the Virus got in, we didn't close the doors fast enough." The Trooper said surprising those who were here as even Klara was shocked to hear this information.
"Wait so that means we're all infected the virus now?!" Klara asked shocked and even horrified to hear this information.
"I'm afraid so." Ahsoka confirmed as Klara then fell down with her back against the wall horrified over what she had just been told here.
"I never thought I'd go out like this." Klara said shocked and even scared over what came next for her.
"Klara don't worry I'm sure Master Skywalker and Master Kenobi will get us out of this situation." Ahsoka said as she was hopeful that they would come out of this. "And even if they don't I'm sure ARKs has some of the best medical staff on hand to help us." Ahsoka said and thus that did cheer Klara up some.
"Yeah, yeah you're right if the Jedi and the Republic can't help us then I'm sure that our doctors back on ARKs can do it." Klara said and in turn Rex came in knowing what their mission here was now.
"We may be dead men, but we can still stop those droids." Rex said as he knew their chances were slim. Klara then looked to her sealed weapon as she knew what it was. A Cosmogenic arms she and the other members of the Council of Six happened upon them once they headed off said Council. They didn't know from where they came from or who the weapons were connected to. But regardless of any of that they had already proven invaluable in their journey through the stars upon their waking.
Klara's Cosmogenic arm Eve's power was unique it can locate, channel, absorb, contain and do just about anything energy related. In theory Klara can use Eve to channel the Photons in the air to gather knowledge and if need be use those same Photons to create things. But the Cosmogenic arm named, Eve the Virgin, was much like the famous Clarissa the White in that it can absorb and seal even Dark Falz energies into one's self. It was useful but at the same time deadly if Klara were to use it on something that can cause her body harm. It was why she was hesitant to use it on such things and even more so why she was debating on using it against the Blue Shadow Virus to save everyone's lives. She didn't know if it would work and she feared what it would eventually do to the girl. Regardless Rex was right they had to take down those droids or else all of Naboo was going to become a wasteland of sickly death.
Just then Ahsoka's communicator went off and from it Padme was heard from the device. "Is anyone out there? Can anyone hear…?" Padme began until Ahsoka spoke up cutting her off.
"Senator Amidala we're trapped in the safe room at the end of complex, "B." Ahsoka explained as Klara looked ready to bust out now.
"We'll be right there. Are you contaminated?" Padme asked with concern for the group there.
Just then Klara heard coughing and looked over to the source where she and Ahsoka in turn saw two Clone Troopers hacking and coughing showing early signs of infection. "I'm afraid so." Ahsoka confessed knowing they were in some deep shit now while the Clones coughed.
"We're going to die aren't we?" Klara asked with concern over that fate that was currently coming their way. She was scared and rightfully so after all when she woke up on the ARK's Ship and ended up becoming one of its six leaders she was damn well sure she didn't sign up for any of this going on. Her only hope no was for the others to make it back with an antidote to cure all those infected. But if not… well she Klara would have to take one for the team here. It wasn't going to be pretty but all options need to be on the table for this crisis.
(Later back at the city of Theed)
The ARK's Operatives and Jedi arrived in the Separatist Transport ship in the Theed hanger. The Jedi, Anakin and Obi-Wan, were escorting Vindi off the ship in cuffs. As they got him to Captain Typho the man glared at the mad Doctor standing before him.
"Dr. Vindi, you'll pay for you treachery." He said while glaring at the mad doctor. "Take him away." He ordered and in turn the two guards began to take Vindi away to be properly processed.
"Now we'll need to find an antidote." Obi-Wan said as he looked to the group.
"Well I'm open to suggestions." Reggie said as he crossed his arms hoping an answer would show up for them.
"I think I've found an answer for you." Captain Typho said as he looked to the group.
"Well don't keep us in suspense let's see it." Zurna said as they had to save Klara and the others who are still down in the lab.
(Later)
The group entered the lab in which they had scanned the droids memories prior with Captain Typho leading them in. "So you think you found the cure?" Anakin asked hoping they had found a cure for the Blue Shadow Virus.
"Possibly. A little known extract made from the Reeksa root, a weed like vine found only on Iego, the world of a thousand moons, deep in Separatist-controlled space." Captain Typho said as he presented the image of the possible miracle plant in question and explaining its information. The planet in question was shown as Yaga was surprised by this while Zurna was intrigued by it.
"Let's go." Anakin said ready to save some lives as he punched his right fist into his left arm ready to move out.
"Yeah! Klara and our new friends is down there we need to save them!" Yaga called out as he punched his fists together in full agreement with Anakin to save some lives.
At least until Zurna stepped in on this taking Anakin's hand on this. "General Skywalker, you need to be cautious in a." Zurna began but Anakin in turn cut her off.
"There's no time for caution, my Padawan's down there and so is Padme." Anakin spat as he wanted to save them. Obi-wan, who held a hand up to stop his friend from walking away noticed his words and thought he felt something in those words through the Force. Evan Yaga and the ARK's operatives with him were a tad bit worried about him here. Anakin realized his mistake and corrected himself. "I mean Senator Amidala." Anakin said as Zurna and Yaga both noted he was hiding something about all of this.
"I applaud your courage your courage, General Skywalker, but its suicide." Captain Typho said looking at the Jedi and the members of ARK's. "Once we contain the virus we can send troops." Typho said but it seems some were in disagreement on this.
"And risk losing the lives of the people down there who we're trying to save as well?" Yaga asked almost accusingly as he wasn't going to risk losing Klara. "Sorry but I don't think so buddy." Yaga said as he in turn nodded to the ARK's agents with him.
"Yaga's right, Obi-wan and I can handle it." Anakin said, heading back to the Royal Palace's hanger.
"I concur, Anakin." Obi-wan agreed, walking after his former Padawan.
"Well I'm coming with and bringing these guys along." Yaga said as he surprise the two and the ARK's operatives with him. "Don't look so stunned I got a stake in this also and that's Klara." Yaga said showing he cared for the girl who served as his equal on the Council of Six.
(Later In Space)
The group had boarded the Twilight ready to head out as Yaga was in the cockpit with the ARK's operatives accompanying him. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife as even Yaga and Reggie were oddly silent from the tension they felt. At the seats, Obi-wan looked to Anakin and in turn went about attempting to ease the worry in his friend, "Padme and Ahsoka will be fine." Obi-Wan assured him as he looked to his friend and former Padawan.
"They will be if we succeed." Anakin said. He punched in the coordinates to Iego.
"Yeah we'll save them." Yuvel said as he stepped up as even Yaga agreed on their intention.
"Couldn't have said it better myself." Yaga praised as he smiled at Yuvel and his hope. Anakin in turn smiled a bit just as he began entering Hyperspace. The group got ready and in turn felt the odd sensation of entering Hyperspace.
(Back at the Swamp Lab)
Padme and Jar-Jar were seen sneaking passed two battle Droids who were patrolling the halls. As they walked they were discussing their current predicament with the halls filled with the blue toxic gas of the Blue Shadow Virus permuting the air of the hidden lab.
"All the doors are locked." One of the droids complained as they passed by. "How are we going to get out?" The same droid asked as they went about their patrol of the labs halls.
"It's not our problem." The second one said in a calm tone for a Droid.
"Boy, that's a relief." The battle Droid said as they went about unaware of Padme and Jar-Jar sneaking behind them. Eventually they got to the door to the safe room Ahsoka, Klara, and the Clone Troopers were current hiding in.
(Meanwhile inside the Safe Room)
The group was gathered as some of the Clones were coughing as they all knew it was going to get worse. Klara was of course scared about this but tried her best to hold a brave front regardless of that. Ahsoka sensing this through the Force went back to her communicator. "Senator Amidala where are you?" Ahsoka asked as she knew they needed to get out of here if they wish to stop the Droids from releasing the deadly virus.
(Back outside the safe room)
Once Padme got the message she and Jar-Jar got to the room. "We're right outside your safety room." Padme said into her communicator.
"Padme can you get the door open?" Klara was heard when Ahsoka yelped before Klara's voice was heard.
Hearing this Padme knew they had to get them out of here. "Go ahead, Jar-jar." Padme said nodding to the Gungan. Hearing this Jar-Jar pressed the button and opened the door with a loud buzzing sound being heard.
Once the door opened the Virus smoke entered in full with Padme and Jar-Jar entering the room. Padme walked over to the doomed group as Klara looked like she didn't want to die here not like this. This look on one so young broke Padme's heart for it was never a good thing to see one whom was young like this die at a young age. From what she knew Klara worked her hardest and was recognized for it enough to join as a member of the Council of Six with ARK's.
It reminded Padme of herself in that vein light and the difference was Klara did it all on her own without someone to mentor her like Padme did. As Padme stood before the two she could only do so much to try and comfort them for what may be their shared fates. "I'm sorry Ahsoka Klara." Padme said as she looked to the two offering a comforting hand to the two.
"Don't worry about us, Senator." Ahsoka said before Klara spoke up.
"Yeah we still have a job to do… and if worse comes to worse…" Klara began as she looked away a bit. "I have a way to stop all of us from dying." Klara said being vague about this as best she could. At least so if and when it comes down to it they won't try to stop her. It was ARK's job to protect others no matter the cost to the ARK's operative in question.
"There aren't very many droids left." Padme said confirming this after she and Jar-Jar had snuck their way to the group. "We still have some heading to the south Entrance." Padme said knowing they had to stop the Droids from escaping.
"As long as we're able, we'll help you destroy those Droids before they breach the compound." Ahsoka began before Klara stepped up with her Eve currently sealed once more.
"Jedi, Clone, and ARK's." Klara said as she was ready to move out and kick some ass while Rex offered to Padme a blaster rifle.
"You take the North corridor, and we'll take the south." Padme said ready to fight while taking the rifle in hand.
(Later with Padme's group)
Padme, Klara, Jar-Jar, and a group of Clones were walking carefully through the halls trying to find the Droids in this area. "The Droids are close." Padme said directing her attention to the Clones, Jar-Jar, and Klara. "I can hear them cutting through the wall." Padme said as she focused back on her path.
Eventually they found the Droids in question while hiding behind the walls. Once they were ready they moved out and began attacking. Klara restricted herself to wind, Ice, and Thunder based attacks from her techniques. The combined force made quick work of the opposing mechanical foes. As they were taking out the Droids one lone Droid began to climb the ladder as fast as it could.
From another hall behind the Droids Ahsoka, Rex, and One Clone Trooper came down and took out the droid trying to run. As they all began to regroup at the hatch they had their rifles pointed up the hole to stop the droid in question. Klara of course had her rod pointed up to take the Droid out as well.
"Stop!" Rex ordered the Droid.
"Don't open that hatch!" Padme added until Klara spoke up.
"Seriously you'll just regret it!" Klara said knowing how this was going to play out.
"Ha!" The Droid scoffed at the three down below him. "Too late!" The Droid said before he tried to fire the hatch open. Instead all he did was cause the laser to bounce around the hatch ending the droids life before it fell down on the ground. Its blaster landed on its head despite it being dead as Klara had to say it.
"Well we did try to warn him." Klara said as she looked to the others with her.
(Later with the retrieval group)
The shuttle carrying the Jedi and ARK's operatives entered the system as they approached the planet. "There it is, Iego." Obi-wan said, snapping the group to attention as they in turn looked upon the wreckage floating around them in horror.
"What do you make of this?" Anakin asked, seeing the many destroyed starships and their deceased pilots or occupants.
"It looks like a graveyard of ships." Obi-wan observed, watching as the debris and corpses flew passed them.
"These poor people." Laura said as she was horrified at what she saw. "What could have possibly done this to all of them." Laura said wondering how this tragedy could have even happened.
"You're guess is good as mine, my friend." Obi-wan said as Anakin flew them past the debris of ships and the poor victims floating about.
Just then Yaga felt something off and looked outside trying to find it. "What's wrong boss man?" Reggie asked as he looked to Yaga with concern over how he acted.
"Not sure, for a second I felt something." Yaga said as he eased back but knew something was out here.
"I felt it too." Yuvel confirmed feeling that there was something out there watching them.
(Outside)
As the ship made its way through the Ship Graveyard on one of the asteroid's movement was seen. As it looked it saw the ship flying through and glaring at it. The creature in question sensed something strong on the ship and in turn clenched its massive fists ready to take it on. In turn it began jumping between asteroids to make its way to where the ship was going. In turn it didn't take long for this creature to see the target was none other than Iego.
(Later on the Planet Iego)
The ship began its approached to a city that used the steep walls of the numerous mountains to keep from the planet's surface. As they began to land Anakin and Yuvel both saw an army of Droids approach there ship. Seeing this Anakin sprang into action and undid his seatbelts. "Let's go." Anakin said as he got up ready to fight off the Battle Droids out there.
"Time to kick some ass!" Yaga said as he went with Anakin to fight the Droids, get the root, and save some lives on Naboo.
"Wait a minute." Laura said as she noted that the Droids seemed to have been put together from different variants or parts from other droids, given their asymmetrical appearance. In turn it didn't take long for Laura to put the pieces together and in turn so did Obi-Wan.
"Anakin wait!" Obi-Wans said as Reggie and Yuvel went outside to stop Anakin from doing something impulsive on the planet.
(Outside)
Once Anakin and Yaga was outside the duo saw all the Droids approaching them. "Oh boy." Yaga said as he then took a battle stance.
"Welcome to Iego." The Droids greeted as they approached the group.
Thinking it was an attack Anakin ignited his lightsaber and charged while Yaga who had his gauntlets out and equipped roared out in challenge. "General Skywalker, Yaga wait!" Laura called out as she stood in front of Yuvel and Reggie.
Regardless the duo charged in and began their assault on the Droids before them. Anakin began hacking and slashing through the Droids while Yaga was punching and bashing through the many battle droids here. After the hot headed duo had taken down what felt like enough droids, the two began to notice that the droids weren't fighting back here.
"What the?" Yaga asked as he began to notice what the others had probably noticed. The duo saw that the droids parts were mismatched on their bodies, seemingly put together by someone just to make them useful. A few of the droid's heads were backwards with a speaker at the top of their backwards heads, some had different droid head all together on them.
"Congratulations, you both had together mercilessly destroyed seventeen defenseless droids without suffering a scratch." Obi-Wan said as he approached the two just before one of the droid's began to malfunction in its speaking before it fell, revealing its cut from Anakin's lightsaber.
"Eighteen, actually." Anakin corrected taking into account for the newly fallen Droids. That was until it was followed by another who currently had a hole through its chest curtesy of Yaga.
"Um Nineteen seem accurate." Yaga said as he looked to the group.
"No offense big boss but that doesn't make it any better." Reggie said as he gave Yaga a scolding look here.
"Agreed." Yuvel said wondering how this one impulsive hotheaded knucklehead made it as a member of the Council of Six.
"The venerable Jaybo Hood requested an audience." A droid told them much to the groups surprised and confusion on this.
In fact the whole group looked at each other, confused as to who this Jaybo Hood guy was. "Jaybo?" They all repeated the name as they looked to each other.
"Hey! Do you have any idea how long it took me to repurpose those droids?" A young voice asked, the droids parted so that the voice's owner walked passed them. Jaybo was actually a young boy with brown hair fair skin, brown boots and cloth around his shirt that was adorn by many tools while in his hand was a Droid captain's head.
"You're Jaybo?" Anakin asked, surprised at this kid managed to repurpose all of these Battle Droids here.
"Well do you?" Jaybo asked, angrily, ignoring the Jedi's question.
"I apologize for our friend's rather rash behavior." Obi-wan told the boy, who walked away from the two Jedi.
"Yeah sorry kid I thought they wanted to shoot at us." Yaga said scratching his head sheepishly in response here.
"Nine months, man. It took me nine months. How'd you like it if I destroyed your big droid there?" Jaybo said as he gestured to Reggie.
"Kid I'm a CAST not a Droid!" Reggie said getting offended at being called a Droid like he wasn't alive.
"Oh yeah what's the difference?" Jaybo asked as Reggie was half tempted to teach this kid a lesson on manners.
"The Difference is that the CAST are sentient from the get go and Droids have to develop some sentience but are still bound by their programming." Reggie explained as simply as he could declining the temptation to throttle this kid.
"Sure keep telling yourself that." Jaybo said as Reggie in turn had to be held back by Yuvel, Zurna, and Laura while the kid went to two Vulture Droids who had a hammock between them. Not long after the trio got Reggie to calm down Jaybo then proceeded to clap his hands for his servant droids to fan and sway his hammock. Another droid came with a plate of fruit for Jaybo to eat from. One of droids with his head backwards turned a knob on his torso, playing a tropical tune for Jaybo's enjoyment.
The group shared another look as they approached the amassed droids. Meanwhile Yuvel had moved Reggie to the back of the group just in case the kid set him off again.
"How'd a kid like you come by this many Battle droids, anyway?" Anakin asked, examining one of them up close.
"Simple, when the Separatists took off, they left all this junk behind." Jaybo explained which actually made some sense… but why did the Separatists leave this planet to fast?
"Hey you haven't come across any other CAST have you?" Reggie asked as he looked to the kid before them.
"You mean from what you are? No." Jaybo said looking at Reggie, like a collector looking at a new prize, "I'd love to try and get those lady looking droids to work to serve me like the many other droids that I got in the warehouse over there." Jaybo said as Reggie was reaching for one of his guns only for Zurna to calmly make him lower Reggie's gun arm. Of course even though he didn't have a face the rage in his eyes promised that kid nothing but pain if he makes another crack at CAST being simple machines.
The disrespectful attitude towards their ally made the Jedi narrow their eyes. The boy only saw mechanical beings like Reggie and his kind as nothing but machines. "So you programmed them to serve you." Obi-wan surmised, looking at all of the droids and the boy whom was commanding them all.
Anakin however deduced how Jaybo did it, interested as well as trying to defuse the situation spoke up. "Looks like you used a… macro protocol to wipe them all simultaneously. Impressive." Anakin said as he saw that Jaybo had a gift for Droid work here.
Taking notice to this Jaybo was the next to be impressed here. "I see you know your droids." Jaybo praised as he observed the group. He then saw the weapons hanging off the belts of Anakin and Obi-Wan and figured out exactly who and what the duo before him were. "You're Jedi, aren't you? Want me to show you how I did it?" Jaybo offered as he wondered if the same protocol can work on Reggie as well.
"Perhaps another time. What we need now is Reeksa root." Obi-Wan said as they had a mission to focus on. "Do you know where we can find some?" Obi-wan asked hoping the native here can lead the way to their desired prize.
"Here, there, everywhere." Jaybo said as he laid back on his hammock and let the Vulture droids swing him.
"Look kid we don't have time for games. Where's the root?" Yuvel demanded as he knew they needed to get the Root now. He was in turn stopped by Obi-Wan as Reggie in turn decided to play the old Good Cop Bad Cop or at least try to.
"What my friend means is that we are in a bit of hurry and we really need that rare root since it's only found on this particular planet." Reggie said as he knew the Root was native to this planet and they currently needed it to deal with a growing crisis right now.
"Hey, I'm not talking to you, droid. I'm talking to your masters. So just stand there and look intimidating like a good droid." Jaybo snapped at Reggie and in turn the large CAST finally snapped.
"THAT'S IT SCREW IT!" Reggie yelled surprising them all only to have his friends dog pile him to stop him. "LET ME AT HIM I'LL RING HIS LITTLE NECK!" Reggie yelled as a lot of CAST have been the target of offensive comments being called Droids. And considering earlier he had to impersonate a battle Droid didn't help his mood.
"Reggie! Reggie stop! Stop!" Yuvel called out trying to calm Reggie down.
"He's just a kid Reggie let it go!" Laura added while trying to stop him from hurting him.
"He's not worth it, Reggie!" Zurna added as Yaga joined in on pulling him away from the conversation with Jaybo.
"You arrogant little..." Anakin began, but was stopped by Obi-wan while Yaga used his strength to hold the CAST back.
"Please don't insult our large friend. He doesn't like being called a droid." Obi-Wan said but alas it fell to deft ears.
"Ha, like droids have feelings." Jaybo said feeling like this conversation had no meaning.
"I'm not a droid you arrogant little brat!" Reggie began as he shot up to his feet clearly ticked off with this little punk. "I'm a CAST C-A-S-T CAST!" He yelled as he in turn stormed off before he ended up hurting the kid. As he walked by he shot another Droids adding the total to 20 destroyed Battle Droids that Jaybo had reprogrammed.
Artoo of course followed behind to talk to him hopefully to help him calm down. Meanwhile the Jedi and ARKs operatives decided to continue the conversation on their desired prize. "So about that root." Yuvel began but it seems the kid wasn't forthcoming about the information. "Like Reggie said we're in a rush and we really need that Root." Yuvel said hoping to convince the kid to tell the group where the root was located.
"Not anymore you're not." Jaybo said as he relaxed in his hammock without a single care in the whole galaxy.
"Look, you little." Anakin began but was cut off by Jaybo.
"The System is haunted, cursed; whatever." Jaybo said as he listed off why Anakin and Obi-Wan can't leave anymore. "Anyway, Jedi or not, no one gets off this rock alive, not past Drol." Jaybo explained as the Jedi and ARK's Operatives listened to this story.
"DROL?!" One of the Droids yelled panicked when the name was mentioned.
"Drol?" Obi-Wan asked with concern.
"Yeah, Drol the Phantom Ruler of Iego." Jaybo confirmed as he grabbed a random fruit and held it in his hand. "He destroys anything that leaves the planet." Jaybo explained as he explained the story. "Fifty of the best Star Pilots in the Galaxy have tried." Jaybo said before he ate the fruit he was holding. "Fifty tried, fifty died." Jaybo said as he spat out the core of the fruit.
"So that explains the ruined ships." Yuvel said as that answered one question but just opened more.
"Think it may be Falspawn?" Laura asked as Yaga had to think on it.
"Maybe… or maybe we may have found one of our unaccounted Dark Falz." Yaga said as he knew if this was the case then that also meant they may need to be ready for space battles against eldritch space monsters.
"First things first we'll have to deal with this Drol later." Anakin said as they had an objective and that was the plant after that they can go tackle Drol.
(Meanwhile back on Naboo in the Secret Lab)
Rollers were seen coming down the hall as the group continued to clean house on the Droids. The group was forced to stop as the Droids uncurled and had their shields up. They then proceeded to open fire on the group forcing Klara to put up a Shield for them with her sealed Rod. Once this was done Ahsoka charged in with the Clones and Padme firing on the Rollers in question. Ahsoka and Klara were both starting to show signs of the Blue Shadows Infection of them. The skin around their eyes began to discolor with the rest of their skin slowly following suit.
As Ahsoka jumped between the walls she landed on one of the Rollers and deactivated her saber. Once she got the blade through the shield she proceeded to ignite it once more. Alas it seems the clumsy one got a blaster and took aim. "This-a help." Jar-Jar said and thus Klara and Padme were wide eyed to this.
"Jar-Jar no!" Padme called out and tried to stop him. But alas he was too late as the blast caused Ahsoka to misstep a bit. Luckily the Droid was dealt with and in turn Klara got its partner. She charged in and then calmly and slowly put her Rod through its shield before firing off an explosive Technique in its face destroying it with ease.
Once this was done the group all heard the sound of decompression from Padme and thus went wide eyed to this. "Senator/Padme!" Ahsoka and Klara both called out and ran over to the downed Senator of Naboo.
"Senator, your suit's been compromised." A Clone Trooper said as Padme was about to become another casualty of this Plagues airborne strain. Padme gasped when she saw this as Ahsoka and Padme saw what had just happened.
"I'm so sorry." Ahsoka said as she looked to Padme who took off her helmet seeing as it was useless for her now.
"We should have been faster." Klara said and thus Padme knew this was a risk they all took.
"Don't blame yourselves. These things tend to happen in a war zone." Padme said knowing full well that Ahsoka and Klara may feel at fault for what had happened.
(Back with the Group Iego)
Yaga, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Laura, Zurna, Yuvel, and a returned Reggie were seen climbing down the mountain side getting to where the target plant was located. As they were climbing down Jaybo stayed behind as he looked down on them. Obi-Wan seeing this as he looked up grew suspicious to this.
"Are you coming?" Obi-Wan asked as he looked up to Jaybo.
"You gotta be kidding." Jaybo responded as they continued to climb. "No way, I'm going down there." Jaybo added as he looked down to the group. Jaybo saying this began to raise concerns among the group about what was down there.
"Well that doesn't sound concerning." Yuvel said his voice dripping with sarcasm there.
"You trying to tell us something?" Anakin asked, looking up as he carefully climbs down.
"Don't worry, it's simple." Jaybo began as he went about explaining things for them. "Follow the vines to the bottom, dig up the roots, but don't touch the vines." Jaybo explained and in turn Yaga had to ask the One Million Mesta Question for them.
"Ok mind explaining why to us off world folks?" Yaga asked as he continued to climb down.
"Because the plants don't like it, and they have big, sharp teeth." Jaybo replied, loud enough for both the Jedi and the ARK's operatives to hear the farther they climbed from them.
"Teeth? This is getting better by the minute." Anakin commented as he kept climbing.
"And watch out for the flying Xandu." Jaybo added at the end and in turn Zurna sighed to this in some annoyance.
"I know I'm going to regret this but what the heck is a Xandu?" Zurna asked as the Deuman girl was concerned over this information.
"I'm not sure." Obi-wan replied, never having heard of such a creature before. Just then the wall that Anakin was climbing began rumbling before some kind of humanoid/bat creature flew out. When it came out Anakin ended up losing his grip and grabbing the creature by its leg causing it to fly about in a panic.
"I'm guessing that's a Xandu." Yaga said as he saw the creature flying around. The Xandu had a large head with fanged mouth, six eyes, and large protruding ears that could pick up signals of prey from a distance. Its body appeared somewhat humanoid in that it had a torso, with two thin arm and leg appendages. From the back of the arms were two wings which provided it with the ability to fly. There were two more wing-like formations protruding from each leg. These "wings" did not appear to be critical to the Xandu's ability to fly. They would probably be used for snatching prey in their talons, and dash it against rocks.
As the Xandu flew around it was clearly not able to fly correctly with the extra weight on it. That was until Anakin had an idea. "Master jump on!" Anakin called out and in turn Obi-Wan saw what Anakin was thinking. Thus in turn Obi-Wan jumped and grabbed the other leg of the Xandu balancing it out and making their descent to the ground faster.
"Dammit." Yaga cursed and in turn Yuvel had an idea.
Yuvel waited for Obi-Wan and Anakin to be outside hearing range to voice his idea. "Hey guys remember the New Genesis Update for PSO2?" Yuvel asked and thus they all agreed.
"You thinking of doing a Photon Glide?" Yaga asked as he looked to the human Hunter.
"You know it." Yuvel said and in turn they were in agreement on this.
"Well we only live once." Reggie said and in turn they all got ready to try it. In turn they jumped off and began to focus on the Photons in the air. Soon their feet began to glow and thus one by one they began to glide down with Photons keeping them afloat. As they all did this the group was surprised by this as even Yaga was surprised.
"Shit it worked." Yaga said as he saw their luck was turning around for them.
"Yeah it did." Laura said as she was surprised as were the others.
"Come on!" Yuvel said as they in turn made their way to the ground to get the root for the Virus antidote.
(Back in the Naboo Lab)
Two Battle Droids were seen at another hatch as one kept watch while the other was cutting their way through to release the airborne plague. As they worked one of them began to climb up the ladder for a progress report from its fellow Droid. "How are you doing up there?" The one who climbed asked as it looked to its twin.
"I'm almost through." He said as he was just a few layers away from completing their mission here.
Just then the combined group of Republic troops and one ARK's Operative came down a path and saw the two droids. "There they are!" Ahsoka called out as she glared at them. In turn Ahsoka charged in with Klara close behind her. It was then Klara took the lead and pointed her rod at the Droids chest before firing a fireball through it destroying the droid with ease. Once Klara did this Ahsoka used the Force to pull the second Droid down before igniting her saber and slicing it in two.
Once the deeds were done the two began to grow dizzy and stumbled causing them to catch the ladder to keep themselves standing upright. The two groaned heavily as it was clear the virus was beginning to take its toll on the two.
"Ahsoka Klara!" Padme called out as she ran over to the two concerned for them both.
"I'm alright." Ahsoka said as she regained herself.
"Yeah let's just focus on clearing the remaining Droids out of this lab." Klara said focusing on the more important task at hand. "Assuming those weren't the last of them." Klara added knowing full well this was an important task to do.
"She's right we still have a job to finish up." Ahsoka said knowing full well if they didn't ensure the bunker was secure then they would run the risk of this deadly Virus getting out and infecting all of Naboo. But they could only hope that they can make it out of this because as it stands the longer the others take to find an antidote the less likely are their chances of survival. All that can be held was hope that they would be able to make it out of this alive. But as Darkness roams and causes chaos and bring forth evil Light shall appear to combat evil and bring forth order.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here we go another finished chapter. Funny story originally I intended for this to be one chapter but I had begun to overshoot how long the chapter is so I ended up with two completed chapters instead of one. Anyway I hope you all enjoyed this and will leave a reviews for me before you all leave so until them I will say to all my reader's ja-ne.