Author's Note: I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori, her family and my other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 6: Cloak of Darkness
Viceroy Gunray captured!
Senator Padme Amidala has scored a victory against the Separatist alliance on the remote world of Rodia, securing the arrest of diabolical confederate leader Nute Gunray.
The Jedi council has dispatched Master Luminara Unduli, Anakin Skywalker's Padawan Ahsoka and Obi-Wan Kenobi's Padawan Nadia to escort the Viceroy to Coruscant under heavy guard.
Once there, he will face trial for his many war crimes.
Ahsoka and Nadia were guarding Viceroy Gunray with a few clone troopers at their side.
"Captain, have you made contact with the cruiser?"Master Luminara asked.
"Yes, General."the clone trooper answered. "We'll patch you through now."
The clone trooper pressed a button and a screen of Captain Argyus and his Senate Commandos soldiers appeared.
"Jedi cruiser Tranquility, this is General Luminara Unduli requesting permission to land."Master Luminara declared.
"You're clear, General."Captain Argyus replied. "We await your prisoner's arrival."
"Thank you, Captain Argyus."Master Luminara said. "I look forward to delivering him to you."
"I am a man of great wealth, and I can be very generous to my allies."Viceroy Gunray stated.
"That is a very tempting offer, Viceroy."Commander Gree said as he took out prisoner cuffs. "In the meantime, I have a gift for you."
Ahsoka and Nadia went up to General Luminara.
"Finally."Ahsoka commented. "It's been such a boring trip."
"Yeah."Nadia replied with a slight frown. "All of this waiting is tiring."
Afterwards in the Star Destroyer...
Master Luminara, Ahsoka and Nadia were walking in the hallways followed by Commander Gree and Viceroy Gunray, who's hands were cuffed.
"This is an outrageous miscarriage of justice."Viceroy Gunray growled. "I demand my litigator."
"Keep moving."Commander Gree stated.
The Jedi Master and the two girls were greeted by Captain Argyus and his men.
"Greetings, General."Captain Argyus said. "We have the brig all ready for this traitor."
"Very good, Captain."Master Luminara responded. "Commander Gree, let's get under way."
"Right away, ma'am."Commander Gree answered and looked at Viceroy Gunray. "Let's move."
Commander Gree and the Senate Commandos took Viceroy Gunray away.
Nadia glanced at Ahsoka.
"The Senate Commandos?"Nadia asked in surprise. "How does a money-grubbing worm like Gunray rate all this security?"
"I don't know, Dia."Ahsoka answered. "He doesn't look that dangerous."
"Don't let your overconfidence give Gunray another advantage, Padawan Tano and Padawan Aomori."Master Luminara warned. "Even now, his allies may be conspiring against us."
Nadia narrowed her eyes at the Senate Commandos in suspicion for a moment, having a strange feeing before following Master Luminara and Ahsoka.
Elsewhere in a Separatist Ship...
Count Dooku was talking with Darth Sidious via hologram.
"Gunray's capture could be a serious threat to us, my friend."Darth Sidious informed strictly. "The Viceroy will not last long under Jedi interrogation."
"I have already put a plan into action, my Lord."Count Dooku said. "My best agent, Asajj Ventress, will infiltrate the Jedi ship and either free Gunray or silence him."
"Ventress?"Darth Sidious hissed."You are putting a great deal of faith in an operative who has merely failed us in the past."
"She is a gifted Assassin."Count Dooku assured. "You have my word, she will complete her mission to the letter."
"Very well."Darth Sidious answered."You may proceed but if she fails us again, I will kill her."
Then the hologram of the Sith Lord disappeared as Asajj Ventress came into the control room.
"Master."Asajj greeted.
"There is no margin for error this time, Ventress."Count Dooku declared. "You must prove yourself worthy of being my apprentice or Lord Sidious will kill you."
"I am worth and won't be killed by your Master, as you two shall see."Asajj vowed.
Back in the Tranquility...
Captain Argyus walked up to Commander Gree.
"How goes the interrogation?"Captain Argyus asked. "Has the Viceroy cracked?"
"Not yet."Commander Gree answered. "Neimoidians are a slippery lot, but the Jedi will wear him down."
In a prison cell, Master Luminara was talking with Viceroy Gunray and the two Padawans were with her.
"Your thoughts betray you, Viceroy."Master Luminara stated. "I can sense your concern and fear that you will lose the wealth and the power that the War has given you."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."Viceroy Gunray stated nervously.
"You hide a great many things like the names of your secret allies and the locations of their bases."Master Luminara admitted.
"I am an innocent pawn in all of this."Viceroy Gunray lied.
Both Nadia and Ahsoka were beginning to lose their tempers.
"If you're merely a pawn, then why are you protecting Darth Sidious and your Separatist friends?"Master Luminara asked.
"I'm not protecting him."Viceroy Gunray answered. "I know nothing because he betrayed me to the Republic during the Invasion of Naboo like Count Dooku said to Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Ahsoka and Nadia activated their lightsabers and pointed them at Viceroy Gunray.
"Liar! Liar!"Ahsoka hissed. "We're tired of all this whinging!"
"Tell us what we want to know right now!"Nadia threatened. "Otherwise, we will gut you like a rokarian dirt fish!"
Master Luminara brought the two girls away.
"Padawans, terror is not a weapon the Jedi use."Master Luminara scowled strictly.
"We weren't serious."Ahsoka whispered.
"But it is the only way he'll talk is if he's scared enough."Nadia stated quietly.
"Perhaps I was too hasty."Viceroy Gunray retorted. "Let us negotiate."
Master Luminara, Ahsoka and Nadia looked at each other.
Suddenly, the Tranquillity started to shake.
Commander Gree took out his comlink.
"Captain, status report."Commander Gree ordered.
"Droid fighters incoming."Captain Argyus reported. "They've brought boarding ships."
"Green company, prepare to repel the enemy."Commander Gree ordered.
In space, Separatists ships were now attacking the Tranquillity.
The Tranquillity started fighting back against the Separatists fighter ships with its cannons.
The clone troopers ran to the hall to get their guns.
Then super battle droids came into the area and started firing at them.
Meanwhile...
"Green Leader to Commander Gree, super battle droids have breached our hull."A clone trooper reported. "They're headed for the detention level. We need reinforcements."
Then the transmission went off as Master Luminara brought her attention on Commander Gree.
"Commander, I'll need your assistance."Master Luminara ordered.
Ahsoka and Nadia began following the Jedi Master.
"Let's go."Ahsoka insisted.
"You'll need our help, Master Unduli."Nadia assumed.
Master Luminara glanced at Ahsoka and Nadia.
"You two will stay here with Captain Argyus."Master Luminara instructed. "Guard the Viceroy."
Both Ahsoka and Nadia bowed at Master Luminara.
"As you wish, Master."Ahsoka replied.
Nadia frowned. "Okay."
Ahsoka and Nadia watched as Master Luminara and Commander Gree walked away, leaving then with Captain Argyus to guard Viceroy Gunray.
"It appears you are in no position to negotiate after all, Padawans."Viceroy Gunray informed. "Perhaps after my rescue-"
"Rescue?"Ahsoka asked.
"Maybe they're here to make sure you won't talk."Nadia stated with a smug smile.
A nervous look appeared on Viceroy Gunray's face.
In the Hallway...
Commander Gree, a squad of Clone Troopers and Master Luminara started fighting with the battle droids.
In Another Part of the Star Destroyer...
Asajj was sneaking in the engine room of the ship.
Back in the hallway...
Master Luminara and Commander Gree finished taking down the battle droids.
"There."Commander Gree remarked. "Looks like the last of them, General."
"Yes, Commander, but I sense our troubles are not over."Master Luminara stated as she deactivated her green lightsaber.
Back in the Detention Level...
Ahsoka, Nadia and two Senate Commando soldiers were guarding Viceroy Gunray.
"Sounds like your rescue didn't work out after all."Ahsoka complemented.
"I am ready to discuss our bargain again."Viceroy Gunray said.
"Padawan Tano, Padawan Aomori, may I have a word?"Captain Argyus said.
"Certainly, Captain."Ahsoka answered.
Nadia looked at Viceroy Gunray.
"If we leave, you won't go anywhere, will you?"Nadia questioned.
"Very funny."Viceroy Gunray muttered.
"I've got the all clear so the enemy has been repelled."Captain Argyus stated.
"And their attempt to free Gunray has failed?"Ahsoka asked.
"Hold on. That doesn't make any sense."Nadia responded with a frown. "We should've heard from Master Unduli or Commander Gree of this."
Both Ahsoka and Nadia became alarmed when they heard rattling from the top.
Asajj landed in and knocked out the two Senate Commando soldiers.
Ahsoka and Nadia activated their lightsabers at seeing the Sith Assassin.
"Well, look who it is."Nadia replied with sarcasm.
"If it isn't Count Dooku's whiny helpless baby Nightsister."Ahsoka insulted.
"If it isn't Skywalker's filthy obnoxious little pet and Kenobi's maleficent impudent street rat."Asajj muttered.
"How nice of you to remember us."Ahsoka scoffed.
"We'll tell you what."Nadia said with a smirk. "We'll give you a merciful death, Ventress."
Then the two girls started fighting the Sith Assassin.
In the Hallway...
Master Luminara suddenly felt a disturbance in the Force, sensing Ahsoka and Nadia were in danger.
"The Padawans."Master Luminara murmured with worry.
Master Luminara headed off to check on Ahsoka and Nadia.
"Come on."Commander Gree ordered.
Commander Gree and his clone troopers began following after the Jedi Master.
Meanwhile…
Ahsoka and Nadia continued fighting against Asajj.
"Shoot her now!"Nadia ordered.
Captain Argyus and his men blasted at Ventress, only to get knocked out the Sith Assassin.
Asajj locked her lightsabers with Ahsoka and Nadia.
"Skywalker and Kenobi aren't here to save you both now."Asajj commented.
"Good thing we don't need saving!"Ahsoka stated.
"Because we can handle ourselves!"Nadia growled.
Viceroy Gunray called out to the Sith Assassin.
"Over here!"Viceroy Gunray insisted. "Open this door and I'll buy you a planet!"
Asajj ran to the prison cell as Ahsoka and Nadia followed after her.
However, Ahsoka and Nadia got thrown in Viceroy Gunray's cell by Asajj.
"Yes, yes, such delicious irony."Viceroy Gunray sneered and smirked at the two girls. "How do you like your room now, younglings?"
Both Ahsoka and Nadia angrily slashed their lightsabers in the hologram cage.
Then Master Luminara came running to the scene.
"Halt, assassin!"Luminara demanded while holding her lightsaber.
Ventress activated her lightsabers as Master Luminara used the Force to free Ahsoka and Nadia.
Master Luminara and the two girls started fighting with the Sith assassin.
Then Commander Cree and the group of clone troopers showed up.
"Surrender."Master Luminara ordered.
Asajj simply deactivated her lightsabers.
Unfortunately, the assassin detonated the charges causing the ship to rock.
Luckily, Master Luminara's timely arrival prevented Ventress from rescuing Viceroy Gunray.
Then Asajj flee down the elevator shaft.
"What are we waiting for?"Ahsoka asked.
Ahsoka got ready to go down the elevator with Nadia in tow.
But then Nadia grabbed Ahsoka just as a broken elevator came by.
"Thanks."Ahsoka said in appreciation.
"So now what?"Nadia asked.
"Everything's running haywire such as the doors and lifts."Captain Argyus stated. "The communication's down and propulsion's dead. She's crippled the entire ship."
"Our attacker has come for Gunray."Master Luminara exclaimed. "Stay here and guard him, I'll confront her myself."
"Master Unduli, with all due respect, but Ventress is too powerful for any one Jedi to fight alone unless it's Anakin or a Master on the Council."Nadia warned.
"Let us help you."Ahsoka insisted.
"I'm more than capable of dealing with a lone Sith Assassin armed with undisciplined fighting skills."Master Luminara assured.
"But/Huh?"Ahsoka and Nadia said in unison.
"Stay here and keep a clear head."Master Luminara ordered.
The Jedi Master then went down the elevator.
Master Luminara went to the level room, where Ventress went and saw a group of clone troopers lifeless bodies on the floor.
She then activated her lightsaber and ran in the hallway.
Gunray was sent back to his prison cell as Ahsoka and Nadia along with Captain Argyus and Commander Gree watched him.
"Master Luminara Unduli may be a Jedi Master, but she has no idea what that bog witch is capable of."Ahsoka retorted as she folded her arms. "No idea."
"What's worse is that she's treating as little children."Nadia scoffed.
Meanwhile...
Luminara walked into the damaged engine room.
Then Ventress came down from the ceiling and started dueling with the Jedi Master.
The Sith Assassin broke a heat pipe with her lightsaber causing one of Luminara's eyes to get damaged.
"We can't let her face that lowlife alone."Ahsoka said.
"Wouldn't we have a better chance of stopping her if we helped?"Nadia asked.
"Sometimes being a good soldier means doing what you think is right."Captain Argyus stated. "That's why we're superior to droids."
Ahsoka and Nadia looked at each other.
Back in the Engine room...
Asajj and Luminara stopped dueling each other.
"Do you think you'll still be able to call on the Force after I've separated your head from your body?"Asajj mocked.
"Even with my vision clouded, I recognise the fighting style of Count Dooku."Master Luminara remarked. "Your version is unrefined, amateurish and sloppy."
A angry look grew on the Sith Assassin's face.
Then Master Luminara and Asajj continued fighting against each other.
Back in the Detention Level...
"We can't disobey a direct order and leave our post, can we?"Ahsoka questioned.
"I wouldn't."Commander Gree stated.
"This so confusing."Nadia scoffed.
"Don't worry."Captain Argyus assured. "We've got this under control, Master Jedi, your friend won't be going anywhere."
"All I know is, I never risk my own skin if I don't have to."Viceroy Gunray admitted.
Captain Argyus, Ahsoka and Nadia glared at Viceroy Gunray.
"What?"Viceroy Gunray asked in confusion.
Ahsoka and Nadia looked at Captain Argyus.
"Watch him closely."Ahsoka instructed.
"You can trust us, Commander."Captain Argyus assured.
Ahsoka and Nadia started running down the hallway.
"Call us if you and Commander Tano need help, Lieutenant Aomori."Commander Gree insisted.
"We promise."Nadia vowed with a smile.
Nadia then ran after Ahsoka.
Back in the damaged Engine Room...
Asajj and Master Luminara continued duelling each other.
They both then summoned the Force only for both of them to get thrown away from each other.
Then the two woman started fighting again.
But then Sith Assassin kicked Master Luminara to the ground bellow.
Asajj then used her lightsabers to slash down a few pipes to fall at the Jedi Master.
But Luminara used the Force to slow down the fall, only to get trapped by the pipes.
"Now you fall, as all Jedi must."Asajj announced grimly.
Asajj then activated her lightsabers.
Just before the Sith Assassin could finish of Master Luminara, Ahsoka and Nadia showed up just in time.
Nadia used the Force to throw the Sith Assassin to a hole as Ahsoka used her lightsaber to free Master Luminara.
"I know, I know."Ahsoka sighed. "You told us to stay."
"Well, as long as you're both here."Master Luminara praised with a smile.
The two girls smiled back at the Jedi Master.
Asajj charged at the trio and started duelling with them.
But then the Sith Assassin jumped to the top to escape from them.
Master Luminara, Ahsoka and Nadia then deactivated their lightsabers.
"We have to find her."Master Luminara declared. "We can't let her get to Gunray."
The Jedi Master and the two girls used the Force to help them jump to the top.
However, they weren't aware that Asajj was secretly watching them before she pressed a button in her bracelet.
Back in the Detention Level...
Captain Argyus's comlink started beeping.
"What's that, Captain?"A super commando solider asked.
"Nothing to worry about."Captain Argyus replied.
But then Captain Argyus used his blaster to take down his own two men.
"What are you doing?!"Commander Gree demanded.
Captain Argyus started firing at Commander Gree, but he quickly hid for cover.
Then Captain Argyus freed Viceroy Gunray from his cell and held him captive.
"No, please don't."Viceroy Gunray begged fearfully.
"Do shut up."Captain Argyus retorted. "Count Dooku's paying me a fortune to deliver your slimy carcass so please try to stay alive."
Back in the damaged Engine Room...
Master Luminara, Ahsoka and Nadia had their lightsabers out and watched carefully, if Ventress came out to attack them.
Then the trio noticed a wall block moving.
Master Luminara removed it and saw the little engine droid.
Nadia helped the little engine droid up and it went away.
Master Luminara and the two girls continued searching.
"Ahsoka and Nadia."Master Luminara spoke up.
"What happened to Padawan Tano and Padawan Aomori?"Ahsoka asked.
"That's what you called us before."Nadia chuckled with a smile.
"This Sith Assassin, I've never faced an adversary like her."Master Luminara admitted quietly. "I should've listened to your advice."
"It's alright, Master Unduli."Nadia assured kindly.
"Master, we never mean to overstep our bounds, but you know your decision and will cause you trouble with the Jedi Council."Ahsoka admitted.
Then Commander Gree contacted Master Luminara.
"General Unduli, we've been betrayed."Commander Gree reported. "Argyus has freed Gunray."
"I've been a fool."Master Luminara admitted.
"Knew there was something off about that guy."Nadia retorted.
"Let's get back there."Ahsoka suggested.
The three Jedi started running to the exit.
But Nadia froze, when she sensed a disturbance and quickly slashed the pipe that was thrown at them from Ventress.
The Sith Assassin came down in front of them and activated her red lightsabers.
"Ready?"Nadia asked.
"We'll take her together."Ahsoka insisted.
Asajj let out a battle cry as she charged at her enemies.
Then the three started dueling with the Sith Assassin as their foe let out an evil laugh.
In the Detention Level...
Commander Gree pointed his blaster at Captain Argyus and Viceroy Gunray as he followed them.
"Stop."Commander Gree growled. "This is your last warning."
"Don't shoot."Viceroy Gunray begged. "I am an innocent pawn."
"He won't shoot."Captain Argyus said. "He doesn't want to damage his prize."
Commander Gree blasted the captain's blaster to the floor.
"Stand down, Captain."Commander Gree stated.
"Come and get me."Captain Argyus threatened.
Captain Argyus then kicked Commander Gree's helmet off, revealing his face.
Then the two men glared at each other.
In the Engine Room...
Luminara, Ahsoka and Nadia continued duelling Asajj.
Back in the Detention Level..
Captain Argyus and Commander Gree started circling each other.
"Why'd you do it, Argyus?"Commander Gree asked.
"A clone like you would never understand."Captain Argyus stated. "I wanted a life with more than empty servitude."
"And for that, you'd betray the Republic?"Commander Gree questioned.
"Like I told the Padawans, sometimes being a good soldier means doing what you think is right."Captain Argyus scoffed.
Commander Gree then knocked Captain Argyus and quickly took the blaster to aim it at him.
"You and I disagree on what makes a good sol-"Commander Gree started.
Viceroy Gunray crept up from behind the clone captain and knocked him out with a blaster.
"You should have taken my offer when you had the chance, clone."Viceroy Gunray said with an evil smirk.
Captain Argyus stood up and pressed his comlink.
Back in the Engine Room...
Master Luminara and the two girls continued dueling with Ventress.
But then the Sith Assassin leaped up and escaped in a air duct.
Ahsoka wanted to go after her, but only to get blasted by one of Ventress's bomb charger and fall off.
"Soka!"Nadia yelled out.
Nadia grabbed her best friend's hand and stopped her from falling from the burning ground bellow.
The raven haired girl was about to slip, but Master Luminara helped bring both girls safely up the bridge.
Meanwhile...
Captain Argyus and Viceroy Gunray ran into a ship and sat down.
"The outer shields are still down."Captain Argyus informed. "The ship is still in turmoil, we're home free."
Then the ship flew off from the Star Destroyer.
In the Hallway...
Master Luminara, Ahsoka and Nadia ran after Ventress, but the Sith Assassin escaped into an escape pod before they could catch her.
The three Jedi watched as a ship and an escape pod flew off.
"Rats."Ahsoka growled.
"My thoughts, exactly."Nadia stated.
Back in the ship...
"As successful a rescue as one could hope for, Viceroy."Captain Argyus sneered. "I will be a legend for this."
"I always had a good feeling about you, Captain."Viceroy Gunray remarked.
Then Ventress came into the room.
"You see, Assassin?"Captain Argyus asked. "Our plan went off without a hitch."
"Our plan?"Asajj asked coldly.
"And I will, of course, make sure your contributions are noted in my report to Count Dooku."Captain Argyus complemented arrogantly.
But then Asajj narrowed her eyes and activated her lightsaber and killed Captain Argyus from behind his seat.
"I'll tell him myself."Asajj stated.
Captain Argyus lifelessly fell on the floor as the Sith Assassin sat down next to Viceroy Gunray.
"Greetings, Viceroy."Asajj greeted.
"I always had a good feeling about you, Assassin."Viceroy Gunray admitted.
A evil smile appeared in Ventress's face.
Back in the Tranquility...
Master Luminara, Ahsoka and Nadia talked with Master Yoda, Obi-Wan and Anakin on a holoprojector in the control room.
"Master Luminara, we're very disappointed that you tried to kill Ventress yourself."Obi-Wan declared."You're right when you should've heeded our Padawans' warnings and your foolishness helped Gunray escape so we're going to have no choice but to suspend your command."
Master Luminara bowed her head in regret for being so obnoxious.
"Yes, Master Kenobi, I understand."Master Luminara responded.
"We're sorry that despicable wealth-worm Gunray got away."Ahsoka apologised.
"I guess this mission wasn't a success."Nadia responded sadly.
"You and Ahsoka will do better next time against Ventress and hopefully kill her, young one."Obi-Wan assured with a smile.
A small smile appeared in Nadia's face.
"Thanks, Master Kenobi."Nadia thanked.
"It's okay, Snips, Kitty."Anakin said with a disapproving look towards Master Luminara."We know you both did your best."
"Master Skywalker."Ahsoka spoke up. "There's a bright side."
"Troubling is the treachery of the Senate Guard Captain Argyus."Master Yoda declared. "Revealed all around us our enemies are."
"I'm not sure all is lost, Master Yoda, because Ahsoka's right when she said there's a bright side."Master Luminara responded. "Gunray and his accomplices stole one of our Republic ships to make their getaway."
"It can be tracked."Anakin assumed.
"Indeed, Master Skywalker."Master Luminara agreed.
"A coward Viceroy Gunray is but powerful allies he has."Master Yoda explained. "Swiftly we must move if we are to recapture him and kill Ventress."
"Master Fisto's fleet was near Ventress and Gunray's position."Master Luminara exclaimed."We've already contacted him to follow the signal."
"Ahsoka, Nadia, Anakin and I will meet you both at the rendezvous point."Obi-Wan informed.
"Yes, Masters."Ahsoka and Nadia replied in unison.
Then the holograms of Obi-Wan, Anakin and Master Yoda disappeared.
Luminara and the two girls started walking in the bridge.
"Master Luminara, I guess this is goodbye for now."Ahsoka suggested.
"It was very nice being with you."Nadia remarked.
"I owe you both my life, Ahsoka, Nadia."Master Luminara declared.
"Protecting a Jedi Master is the role of the Padawan."Ahsoka said kindly.
"That's one of our rules."Nadia chuckled.
"And teaching is usually the role of a Jedi Master."Master Luminara explained. "Master Kenobi and Master Skywalker should be proud of you two. Farewell."
"Thank you, Master Unduli."Ahsoka thanked.
"See you next time."Nadia answered.
Master Luminara glanced at the Commander next to her.
"Commander, let's get under way."Master Luminara ordered.
"Yes, General."the Commander replied. "Ahead full."
Ahsoka and Nadia smiled at each other before walking out the room together to the hangar so they can board their starfighters to meet up with their Masters at their fleet.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter
Feel free to review what you think so far:)