A/N: Alrighty, so things are gonna pick up here in this story and I hope you all are ready for it! I won't spoil anything, let's get to it!
(Serenno)
Count Dooku looked to the skies and saw they were darkened by both his fleet and the fleet of General Grievous. The Kaleesh cyborgs' Sheathipede-class shuttle landed outside the palace, and the cyborg butcher himself emerged out of the shuttle, accompanied by two IG-100 MagnaGuards.
"General," Dooku greeted. "I trust that our probe droids have found some trace of Maul and Savage Opress out in the galaxy?"
Coughing, Grievous walked alongside Dooku as the two made their way into the palace. "One planet has revealed the strong presence of Mandalorian warriors who are preparing for war," handing Dooku the footage their probe droid had captured.
"Where was this footage taken?"
"On the swamp moon of Zanbar, it is located in the Outer Rim Territories," Grievous then growled softly. "It would seem Maul has enlisted the aid of these Mandalorians to his side, their armor is painted as Zabrak Nightbrother."
Snorting softly, Dooku remarked. "These Mandalorians are what remains of the Death Watch. They may be small in number, true, but they are not to be underestimated, General," he then gave the Kaleesh cyborg a firm glare. "Lead your troops to Zanbar at once and wipe out those loyal to Maul. Report back to me when it is done, and keep me informed of what else our probe droids discover, anyone associated with the Sith pretenders will meet their end. After Maul and his dim-witted brute of a brother, Savage is isolated, we will crush them like the insects that they are."
"Yes, my lord,"
"Do not underestimate our challengers, General," Dooku snapped sharply. "Our plans for this galaxy hang in the balance. We must move swiftly and strike precisely."
"I assure you, my lord, your faith in me will not be misplaced," Grievous bowed down to Dooku and continued. "Those associated with Maul and his brother will die."
"See to it, General," Dooku then headed back to the palace before continuing. "While you deal with Maul's Mandalorian rabble, I must now work to place a puppet leader in charge of the Galactic Republic, one that I will control to serve the interest of the Separatist cause."
Once Dooku was out of sight, Grievous snarled and whirled around before making his way back to his shuttle and then signaling his fleet. "All ships, prepare to jump into hyperspace. We have been given the task to eliminate a nest of Mandalorian warriors loyal to our Sith pretenders, Maul and Savage Opress," while boarding his shuttle, Grievous contacted the Invisible Hand's ST-series military strategic analysis and tactics droid, Tey-Zuka. "Prepare our troops to be deployed while we are in hyperspace. As soon as we arrive at Zanbar, we will deploy our troops into battle, and I will lead them."
"Yes, General,"
Once his shuttle had docked in the Invisible Hand's hangar deck, Grievous could see his droids preparing for battle and even loading droids in the Multi Troop Transports that were being loaded into the C-9979 landing crafts. While making his way to the bridge of his flagship, Grievous wondered whether Maul and Savage Opress was worth his time and effort, he always judged whether an opponent was worthy of his attention after facing them. However, according to Count Dooku, these two lowly Nightbrothers had killed Darth Sidious, and although Grievous had never seen the full extent of Sidious' power and evil, he knew that the fallen Sith Lord was a force to be reckoned with. And the fact that Maul and Savage Opress killed this powerful being told the Kaleesh cyborg that he was not facing Jedi, but he was facing beings that would do anything to obtain victory. Despite having many advantages over Force wielders, Grievous would heed Dooku's counsel and not underestimate the Nightbrothers who threatened him and Dooku.
He only hoped that by the end of this drudgery, he would have a fight worthy of his skills and that he would obtain these dark warriors' lightsabers. He had always coveted the crimson blades his superiors wielded, and if he could defeat Maul and Savage Opress in combat, then he would have earned the right to wield the weapons of a Sith Lord. But that would have to wait, Grievous knew, first things first, he would need to best the Nightbrothers and their allies before they became far too strong to deal with.
(Coruscant)
In the month that followed the sudden disappearance of Chancellor Palpatine, the Galactic Senate was in a state of panic and disarray; without their leader, the Republic was vulnerable and someone would have to step in to take control whilst the search for Palpatine continued. The Vice Chair, Mas Amedda calmed the masses and assured the senators that all was well and that Palpatine would return to assume his duties. However, despite his best efforts to calm the Senate from taking extreme measures by electing a new Supreme Chancellor, Mas Amedda was also intent on protecting Palpatine's Sith possessions and artifacts that were cloistered away in his office away from the Jedi, who were constantly visiting and sniffing around for anything suspicious or anything that could lead them to Palpatine.
"When was the last time you saw Palpatine?"
Jedi Master Quinlan Vos inquired the blue-skinned Chagrian male, to this, Mas Amedda gave his response. "The day he departed our beloved capital, Master Jedi," speaking smoothly, he continued. "Unfortunately, the Supreme Chancellor did not disclose to me where he was going the day he left Coruscant, however, judging by the tone of his voice, it was a matter of urgent business." The Kiffar male Jedi Master hummed in acknowledgment while touching various objects in Palpatine's office, his abilities of Sense Echo were most impressive, and it allowed him to perceive others' memories when touching objects they had contacted, only heightening his skills as a tracker.
"Is there anything else you wish to discuss, Master Jedi?"
Ignoring Mas Amedda's question, Vos turned his attention to the several statues throughout Palpatine's office which depicted four distinct humanoids, who were in fact the Four Sages. Before the Kiffar male could place his hand on one of the statues, Sly Moore entered the office, interrupting the Jedi Master before he could use his power.
"Excuse the interruption, Master Jedi, but Vice Chair Amedda and I needed to once again calm the Senate, who grow more concerned for the whereabouts of our Supreme Chancellor Palpatine by the day," the Umbaran female Force Adept said smoothly.
Smirking, Vos then nodded before turning to Palpatine's lap dog and winking at him. "Next time, Vice Chair," he then left the office leaving behind two of Palpatine's closest allies in the Senate.
"We cannot hold the Jedi at bay forever. Sooner or later, they will discover that Palpatine is a Sith Lord and seeks to dismantle the Republic from within," Mas Amedda growled once they were both certain Master Vos was gone.
"Yes. And sooner or later the Jedi will probe our minds for knowledge and information," Sly Moore turned to her companion and shook her head. "If the Jedi learn we were in league with a Sith Lord and sought to aid him in dismantling this accursed Republic and wiping out the Jedi Order, we will undoubtedly be executed for high treason."
Letting out a huff of frustration, Mass Amedda narrowed his eyes at the Umbaran. "And what of the Senate?"
"Many remain loyal to Palpatine and await his return, however, many more seek to elect a new Supreme Chancellor and assume power while our master is missing," Sly Moore paced slowly while adding. "I've heard rumors that Senators Amidala and Organa are prime candidates to assume Palpatine's place as Supreme Chancellor and attempt to end the Clone Wars with the Separatists through peaceful methods."
Growling softly, Vice Chair Amedda pursed his lips before nodding softly. "We must secure Palpatine's power in his absence and that the war continues, or else we will both suffer greatly for allowing his seat of power to be usurped by a few vocal senators," looking out the window of their shared master's office, he continued softly. "Should we fail, or of our efforts and sacrifices will have been for nothing."
Unknown to both Mas Amedda and Sly Moore, Quinlan Vos had overheard their entire conversation via a bug he had planted on one of Palpatine's statues. With this knowledge, the Jedi Master exited the Senate Building while contacting the Jedi Council. While entering a DC0052 speeder, Vos was met with holographic images of both Grand Master Yoda and Master Mace Windu.
"Master Vos, what have you discovered?"
While driving his speeder, the Kiffar Jedi Master gave his report. "This past month has told me that Mas Amedda and Sly Moore were going to great lengths to stop the Jedi from discovering Palpatine's whereabouts and his true nature," he then revealed the recording of both Palpatine's allies to his fellow Jedi. "It appears that our leader is in fact a Sith Lord who seeks to dismantle the Republic and destroy the Jedi Order." After replaying the recording he had overheard in Palpatine's office, both Jedi Masters shared a look of grave concern.
"Able were you to learn of Palpatine's location?"
Turning to the holographic image of Yoda, the Kiffar Jedi Master shook his head. "No, not even Amedda and Moore know where he is. But if Palpatine truly is the Sith Lord in control of the Senate—"
"We'll need more concrete proof to accuse Palpatine of his treachery and for attempting to gut the Republic from within, Master Vos," Mace Windu interrupted. "You've done well, but now we must focus our efforts on finding Palpatine, only then will we discover if he truly is the Sith Lord we've been looking for."
"Yes, Master Windu," bowing his head in acknowledgment, Vos then tilted his head. "What would you have of me, in the meantime?"
"Return to the Jedi Temple you shall, Master Vos. Needed you are for a task force we are creating," Yoda replied. "Master Kenobi requested you specifically to join him. Good it will be for him to be with an old friend like you. The loss of Duchess Satine weighs heavy on his heart, be there to be a pillar of support and encouragement you shall."
"Understood, Master Yoda. I'm on my way,"
As Vos ended the transmission with his fellow Jedi, he suddenly sensed a dark presence in the Force, flying right past him. Looking to his right, the Jedi laid eyes on an ebony and crimson-painted Mandalorian Kom'rk-class fighter that was flying in the direction of The Works. The unorthodox Jedi Master considered following that fighter and seeing where it would go, however, he was under strict orders by his fellow Jedi Masters to return to the Jedi Temple.
Whatever or whoever was onboard that ship, Vos had an inkling that it would spell doom for both the Republic and the Jedi Order.
As The Nightbrother touched down within the LiMerge Building, a secret hideout that Darth Sidious had used for many years, and it was within this structure where Maul had trained to be a keen blade for the Sith. Once the ship landed in the hangar, Maul and his brother, Savage Opress disembarked from the customed Kom'rk fighter. Their pilots were ordered to depart and return to Mandalore, once The Nightbrother departed from the hangar, Maul and Savage were alone within the structure which was strong with the dark side of the Force.
"Brother, why are we here?"
Turning to his brother, Maul crossed his arms behind his back and began to tread slowly, Savage was by his side and awaited an explanation. "We are here for many things, my apprentice: knowledge, weapons, and possessions that Sidious will no longer have use of but will serve us well," whilst treading deeper within the hangar, Maul grinned as he laid eyes on The Scimitar, his old Sith Infiltrator starship. "This for example will be our personal starship, brother. It is as we are— fast, deadly, and stealthy. It is one of many treasures we will need in our fight against Dooku and the Jedi."
"What other treasures await us?"
Smirking, Maul urged Savage to follow him. "You will see, brother," he promised, his voice smooth as silk. "Come, let us help ourselves to all that is within and continue your training and our preparations for destroying our enemies."
Heeding his brother and master, Savage followed Maul as they began to pillage everything of value from Sith Holocrons harboring great Force techniques, from riches stashed within, Sith Training Droids that Maul had used to spar with when he was younger were also placed aboard The Scimitar. Time passed and after taking only what was relevant, Maul suddenly reached a section of the building where Sidious would conduct conversations with his many pawns in the Trade Federation, Banking Clan, or anywhere else of import. Finding a datapad, Maul scrolled through it and his eyes widened in shock. The datalog in his hands harbored information about additional Clones being bred on the planet Kamino and to ensure that these newly bred soldiers of the Republic continued to have inhibitor chips implanted inside their heads which would allow them to obey any order that Sidious would give; one of these orders was Clone Protocol 66 which identified all Jedi as traitors to the Galactic Republic, and therefore, subject to summary execution.
"Clones... bred for combat. All part of the plan," while continuing to read the datapad, everything Sidious had told him in years past about patience and how to use the Jedi's ignorance and arrogance to their advantage made more sense.
As Savage joined Maul, the hulking Nightbrother tilted his head in curiosity. "What is it?"
Lowering the datapad and handing it to his brother, Maul chuckled darkly. "When I was still under the apprenticeship of Sidious, I was not fully aware of his plans to eradicate the Jedi, but now..."
"...had Sidious survived, he would turn the Jedi's own army against them!" Savage breathed out in both shock and awe. "The Jedi would be wiped out overnight if this order were to be given by Sidious, he would have ruled the galaxy unchecked and unrivaled."
"Indeed. A pity he did not live to see his plans within plans bear a fine harvest of prosperity," Maul shrugged before continuing. "Perhaps we ourselves can implement this... Protocol 66 when the time is right, perhaps not."
Discarding the datapad, Savage gave his brother a hopeful look. "Is such a thing possible?"
"I know not. If such a thing is possible, perhaps we will find a way," giving their current conversation a dismissive huff, Maul continued. "Regardless, we have what we came for, brother. Let us away."
As the two Nightbrothers boarded The Scimitar and departed the old hideout of Darth Sidious, Maul was suddenly contacted by his underworld contacts Ziton Moj and Lom Pyke. As the holographic images of the Black Sun and Pyke crime lords appeared before Maul and Savage, the red-skinned Zabrak narrowed his eyes at them. "What is it?"
"Lord Maul. Forgive us for interrupting you and your brother, but there is someone who has come to us both and seeks an audience with you,"
"He claims he can be of great use to Crimson Dawn,"
Sneering at both his underworld allies, Maul was at first skeptical, however, he knew that if Crimson Dawn as a whole were to emerge as a solid and powerful third party in the intergalactic conflict, he would need to make more allies.
"Very well. Let us see if this... "someone," is worth my time,"
Both Ziton Moj and Lom Pyke bowed their heads before the holographic image of a near-human appeared before both Nightbrothers. The man bowed his head in greetings. "I had heard of how a red-skinned Nightbrother Zabrak had managed to build a coalition that includes the Black Sun, the Pyke Syndicate, and the Hutt Cartel, combined with the Mandalorians of Death Watch, you have quite a formidable force at your disposal," smiling, the man continued. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Maul. I am Dryden Vos, and I understand that your syndicate... Crimson Dawn, is in need of allies?"
"You have heard correctly, Dryden Vos," Maul confirmed. "Tell me, what do you have to offer me and Crimson Dawn?"
"I not only hold great influence in the criminal underworld, I possess great wealth, but I can help you build Crimson Dawn into a superpower that will be no match for the Republic and the Separatists. I also have in my possession a private army that is among the most ruthless and devious mercenaries in the galaxy, loyal to me. It's no secret that many in the galaxy despise the Jedi and Republic, and are given the right... motivation, I can herd great numbers into your ranks," Dryden crossed his arms behind his back and continued. "I know your Mandalorian loyalists are preparing for war and you have Black Sun and Pyke mercenaries aiding you as well, however, with my assistance, the numbers of your regime will swell."
"That is all you have to offer me, Dryden Vos?"
"No. I also offer my undying loyalty to you. As a man who is loyal to the highest bidder, I can see that your regime has the chance to take root in the galaxy and go unchallenged. You and your brother, while impressive in combat and your abilities in Force, you... lack an ally who can provide you with allies and resources through someone who demands respect through elegance and wording and the ability to convey a future that benefits both parties," Dryden Vos continued. "Perhaps we can discuss a possible alliance in person aboard my yacht, First Light, hmm?"
Although this man was not strong with the Force, Maul could sense that Dryden Vos was strong, cunning, ambitious, and willing to kill anyone in order to obtain power for himself. Perhaps he could serve Crimson Dawn well in one way or another.
"Very well, Dryden Vos, we shall meet in person, but only at a time of my choosing," narrowing his eyes at the near-human, Maul spoke lowly. "You have one opportunity to impress me. Don't disappoint me."
"I look forward to meeting you in person, Lord Maul. You and your brother," Dryden Vos then ended his transmission.
Ziton Moj and Lom Pyke shared a look before turning to both Nightbrothers. "He has sent us coordinates where his yacht, First Light is located, Lord Maul. We're sending you these coordinates now," after receiving Dryden's position, both crime syndicate leaders stood straight before Ziton Moj spoke up. "Is there anything you require of us, Lord Maul?"
"Are your mercenaries and fleets assembled?"
"They are, Lord Maul," Lom Pyke reassured. "However, there is the issue of payment for our men. If we are to engage Count Dooku and his legions of Battle Droids, our men wish to be well compensated for their efforts."
Snarling in disgust, Savage spoke. "My brother has promised your men what they are owed, so long as they are loyal to us and our cause," pointing his metallic finger at the crime bosses, he bore his teeth. "If you simple-minded fools continue to persist on the subject of payment, then you will receive no credits, instead you will have an excruciating death." To make his point, Savage clenched his mechanical fingers, choking both Ziton Moj and Lom Pyke from across the galaxy. As both crime bosses clawed at their throats, Savage growled softly. "Do you understand?"
"Y-Yes, Lo-Lord... Opress!"
Releasing both crime bosses, Savage stood up from his seat in the cockpit and stormed off in a fit of rage. Maul, however, turned to his allies and spoke firmly. "You will await my next transmission. And relay my brother's message to your men," after ending transmission with the crime bosses, Maul activated the autopilot as The Scimitar blended in with Coruscant's traffic. Finding Savage in the back of the ship, Maul crossed his arms behind his back and raised a tattooed eyebrow. "You do not approve of our underworld allies?"
"They are nothing but leeches who seek to bleed us of our wealth. They know nothing of loyalty or the bond of brotherhood!" Savage snarled out like an enraged predator.
Noting the longing in Savage's eyes, Maul stepped closer to his brother and placed a hand on his armored shoulder. "Who do you speak of?"
Savage's rageful demeanor was replaced with melancholy. "We had another brother, he was... our youngest brother. The bond between him and I was unbreakable, until..."
"Until what?"
"I killed him," Savage looked down at his hands before clenching them into fists. "It was to prove my loyalty to the witch, Asajj Ventress." He then spoke softly. "I can still hear his pleading when I try to sleep, the horror in his eyes as I snapped his neck, and... the fear he showed when I was taken away from our village."
Maul had never seen Savage so emotional before, of course, there was still much he didn't know about his brother. He then inquired softly. "What was his name? Our other brother?"
"Feral," Savage's response was like a whisper, there one moment and gone the next.
"Remembering the past can strengthen resolve and embolden the spirit," Maul's firm words were accompanied by his firm grip on Savage's armored shoulder. "As Sith, we draw power from our passions and emotions— fear, anger, hatred, loss. This is what makes us stronger than the Jedi, my brother. You and I harbor much anger, hatred, and loss. Feed on these emotions, do not suppress them." He then continued to impart wisdom to Savage. "Fear. Fear attracts the fearful, the strong, the weak, the innocent, and the corrupt. Fear. Fear is our ally. This one truth is what makes us strong, Savage. Your emotions will serve you well, and under my guidance, your emotions will be a sword that we will plunge into the hearts of our enemies."
"Yes, my master," Savaged said in understanding.
Smiling, Maul gestured to the cockpit. "Come. We go to Zanbar and check up on our Mandalorian troops," the two brothers soon departed Coruscant to prepare for the battles to come and the domination they had planned.
Within the Jedi Temple, Master Obi-Wan was making his way to the main hangar where Anakin and Ahsoka were located. It had taken a month, but finally, the task force which comprised of some of the finest Jedi Knights and Masters and the Grand Army of the Republic's finest were gathered. Despite the grief and regret Obi-Wan felt over the feat of Satine, he wouldn't allow his fear of loss consume him nor would he give into his passions to see Maul dead for killing the woman he loved. He would meditate daily to further seek guidance from the Force and to keep his emotions in check. In truth, mediation had been very difficult over the last month for Obi-Wan, especially since he could see Maul pulling Satine into the Darksaber every time he closed his eyes, and each time this happened, the dark side of the Force would whisper in Obi-Wan's ear, tempting him to give in to his anger and his hatred, but he would not stoop to Maul's level.
"Hey, Kenobi!"
Turning around, the Jedi Master laid eyes on his old friend, Quinlan Vos, the man had a grin that made Obi-Wan groan inwardly. "Vos, if you wish to test my patience, I would advise against it—"
"Relax, old friend, Master Yoda summoned me to join your task force as a... pillar of encouragement and emotional support,"
"Wonderful,"
Obi-Wan's sarcastic remark made Vos chuckle. "Don't worry, I know you're in a tough place emotionally, so I won't give you a hard time. Well, more than usual," Quinlan patted Obi-Wan's back and continued. "You and I go way back, old friend, and I know how much the late Duchess of Mandalore meant to you. If you wanna talk, then... I'm here for you, man."
Smiling at his fellow Jedi Master, Obi-Wan gave a nod in thanks. "Thank you, Quinlan, I will surely take up on your offer when I am ready to talk," the two men soon entered the main hangar where Anakin and Ahsoka joking around. Once the younger Jedi spotted the two approaching masters, they stood straight and smiled. "Anakin," Obi-Wan greeted before raising an eyebrow. "Is everyone gathered?"
"Present and accounted for, Master," Anakin then urged his old master to follow him. "Let me show you who'll be accompanying you to apprehend and arrest Maul and his brother." Several Jedi Masters who were gathered stood at attention as Anakin introduced them. "We have Master's Plo Koon, Kit Fisto, Shaak Ti, and Mace Windu accompanying you. As well as Master Quinlan Vos, myself, and Ahsoka."
Humming to himself, Obi-Wan looked at Master Windu with genuine surprise. "Mace, I admit, I'm surprised that you will be accompanying us to arrest Maul and Savage Opress,"
"Yes, well, given the circumstances, I believe you will need... "heavy hitters", in order to arrest these disgraced Nightbrothers," Mace then continued. "And if their arrest brings us one step closer to peace, then I will gladly ensure that peace is secured."
"Indeed," Obi-Wan looked to Shaak Ti and bowed his head in greetings. "Master Ti, I thank you for joining us on this assignment. Given your interactions with the clones on Kamino, I believe the troopers accompanying us will look to you with high esteem."
Bowing her head in acknowledgment, Shaak Ti remarked softly. "Other Jedi could look after the clones on Kamino. Lives are at stake throughout the galaxy, and we must not lose sight of our duty as peacekeepers,"
"Yes, well, this intergalactic war has certainly put us in quite the predicament," Plo Koon spoke up before turning to Obi-Wan. "Our focus has been diverted, Master Ti speaks the truth, we must show the galaxy that we are still keepers of the peace. That is why I will join you, to protect the people of the galaxy from all who threaten them, whether that be the Separatists or Maul."
"So, what clone units are joining us on this task force, Skywalker?" Kit Fisto inquired.
Smirking at the Nautolan Jedi Master, Anakin whistled for the clones over, and soon each unit was standing at attention before their Jedi superiors. "First, ARC-77, Captain Fordo and his fellow Advanced Recon Commandos. They'll be assigned to Master Windu and his 187th Battalion," the Chosen One then turned to the next clone unit. "Next, we have the Clone Commandos of Delta Squad. They'll be assigned to you, Master. I think you, Cody, and the 212th will love them." Anakin winked at Obi-Wan before turning to the last unit of elite clones that would be accompanying them. "Last but not least, we have Clone Force 99 "The Bad Batch," they're all genetically enhanced and some of the best the GAR has to offer. They'll be assigned to me and the 501st."
"Very well. Thank you, Anakin," Obi-Wan then stepped forward to address his fellow Jedi and clones. "You all know who we are up against. Maul and his brother Savage Opress have assembled the most vicious and feared crime families in the galaxy: Black Sun, the Pyke Syndicate, and the Hutt Cartel. Not only that, but Mandalorians who were once part of Death Watch are now loyal to Maul and his brother and serve as their elite shock troops. It is imperative that we arrest Maul and his brother before they are allowed to expand and amass an army overnight which they will then use to challenge us. Let me assure you that this will not be an easy task, far from it, Maul is a being driven by vengeance, and he wants me to suffer for mutilating him and depriving him of the greatest he believes he was destined for. Some of us may die in our attempts to bring this fiend to justice, but if it means countless star systems and people are spared from his rage and brutality, then I will gladly give my life to ensure the people of this galaxy are safe. Will you stand with me?" The Jedi bowed their heads while clones barked out "Sir, yes sir!" Nodding, Obi-Wan continued. "We will not be alone in this fight, we have an ally in the form of the Mandalorian Resistance, led by Bo-Katan Kryze, sister of the late Duchess Satine. She and her followers are operating from Kryze Castle on Kalevala. I will meet with her and invite her and her Mandalorians to join our cause, with our combined strength, we will bring Maul to justice. And in the act, bring us one step closer to peace."
Obi-Wan was well aware that in order to see this task completed, it would take all of his strength and all his years of training to resist the temptation of the dark side. Many of the Jedi accompanying him were friends, some closer than others, but Obi-Wan had faith in his companions, Jedi, and clones, they were all capable in their own unique way, and the fear of losing them would do them all no good.
There is no emotion, there is peace.
That section of the Jedi Code would be a pillar of support for Obi-Wan in the coming days. And the next time he would lock blades with Maul, he would not give in to hatred, fear, or anger, he would be calm and be the Jedi Master that he is and honor the memory of both Qui-Gon Jinn and Satine by ending Maul's rampage once and for all.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
Even as the elite task force of Jedi and clones boarded their respective Venator-class Star Destroyers and regrouped with their clone battalions, Obi-Wan was prepared to do his duty as a Jedi, because that was how he would honor those who Maul had taken from him.
There is no death, there is the Force.
Despite the small comfort it brought Obi-Wan that his former master and the woman he loved were now one with the Force, he wished they were still of the physical world and by his side. A vain wish, Obi-Wan knew, however, he knew that by doing what was right, he would be honoring their memory.
And that is what he would do.
A/N: I'm going to apply some battle scenes from the Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir comic book into this story in the next chapter and the chapters to come, as well as add my own. I hope you guys are enjoying the book so far, and I would update this story frequently, but I am working on two other stories at the moment, so... yeah. But anyway, you can expect some action in the next chapter as well as some Obi-Wan and Bo-Katan time. Again, I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far and I'll catch you in the next update!
