Standing on the balcony of his apartment , Nox stared up through the afternoon sky of the city planet Coruscant , Face blank as he stared across the stars.

The force rippled , Whilst said ripples would usually by simply ignored by a regular person . Nox had spent a great deal of time learning to decipher the origins of these ripples .

He let a small smile slip onto his face as he stared at the maw cluster , The orange light of his eyes twinkled in the shadows that began to stretch over the city .

' Nice try Mourning , But you're not strong enough to leave just yet ... ' Nox mocked internally as he turned his head back to the room at his back , Hearing a chime from his desk as he received a holo call ' Just you wait ... just you wait '


Dooku stared at the two bounty hunters before him with a raised eyebrow , One he had asked for , one he had not , yet they both stood .

Prax , Underneath his helm noticed the stern look on his employer's face , Tracing the look to the towering golden droid at his side , Which wore a red cape and had a sinister look to it.

Grabbing the hilt of his blaster , Prax prepared to open fire on the droid yet noticed a small staying motion made by dooku , Ordering him to remain still unless given reason to fire .

" Who are you , what is your purpose for being here " Dooku asked as the droid took half a step forward , It's towering height looming over everyone present .

" My benefactor has sent me here to assist you , And to collect assurances " The deep droning voice of the horrific droid stated as dooku tilted his head in thought slightly .

" Then you can return to once you came , We do not need your assistance " Dooku motioned to Prax , Who drew his pistol and aimed it at the back of HK's head .

However , Quicker than Prax could react , HK whirled , slapping the bounty hunters hand away before its massive golden hand wound around Prax's neck , Lifting the man from the ground by the neck as he flailed about in his grip.

" You mistake my words count , My benefactors orders stand above all , I will be here to offer my services " HK spoke as he turned back to face dooku , Simply tossing the bounty hunter in his grip to the side as the count looked apon the droid in new light.

' This droid is ... tainted heavily by the Darkside ' Dooku observed as he felt the whispering crawl that bled from the droids presence .

" And who is this benefactor of yours , And what is their goal " Dooku asked as the Prax coughed to the side , Rubbing his neck .

" My benefactors identity is irrelevant at this time , You must simply know they know they have a great interest in the current events taking place , And the dark reaper itself " At the droids admission , Dooku became guarded as the droid spoke.

" I will not allow you to take the dark reaper " Dooku spoke , A finality to his tone .

" I apologise for the misunderstanding , I do not want the dark reaper , Instead , I would like to analyse it... and it's core " HK spoke as it waved a hand absentmindedly.

" You want the blueprints " Dooku surmised , Correctly stating its intentions.

" Yes ... a safeguard against the potential destruction of the dark reaper , Allowing the chance for it to exist once more " HK reasoned whilst dooku frowned .

" I assure you , The dark reaper will not be destroyed , Not when I am here along with my army , Not since it is almost ready to be fired " Dooku spoke , He annoyed tone very clear.

" The republic is already converging on our location, They will be arriving within the next two hours , Their sole purpose is to destroy the reaper , I along with my benefactor would very much like to eliminate the chances that the reaper be lost entirely " The droid spoke , And dooku couldn't help but accept the droids sound logic , Releasing a small tsk as he turned away from the droid .

" If I am to allow this studying of the reaper and it's core , What assurances do I have that you won't turn it against us " Dooku spoke as he arranged the droid patrol as to prepare for the incoming republic armies .

" You have none , But your armies are robotic , And you and Prax are the only organics present in the city , What worries would you have , No ... My orders are not to rise against you , Simply to study it " HK spoke as dooku sighed .

" Very well ... you and Prax will be assigned to guard the reaper , But I would like a method to keep in contact with you after this endeavour , And a chance to meet this benefactor of yours " Dooku asked as he turned back and approached the droid , Staring up at its golden plating .

" I have been permitted to give you a method of contact , I am not permitted to grant an audience to my master as of yet , That would be at their discretion" HK replied as he handed a Holo chip to the count who accepted it and pocketed it into his robes.

" Very well , Now go , I must plan for the battle " Dooku dismissed them , Glancing at Prax , The message to monitor the droid very clear who accepted the none spoken order before following after the droid .


1 Hour later - Coruscant - Kaldani spires


Nox sat at his desk as he stared at the blueprints that had appeared before him , One being the dark reaper and the other being the force harvester itself .

" Very good HK , You may keep guard of the reaper as ordered , However ,If things prove less than favourable , Depart and return to narr shadaa " Nox ordered over the Holo as the droid gave a bow .

" As you wish , My master " HK finished before the Holo cut off , Nox sitting back into his chair with a sigh .

Shortly thereafter, Another call came through , This one being from the commander of the apartments current standing at the landing pad .

" Yes " Nox answered as the commander appeared .

" Senator Amidala has arrived " The knight captain relayed as Nox grinned slightly.

" Very well , Allow her in " Nox shut down the Holo once more , Standing from his chair as he moved to the cabinet at the side of the room , Taking a bottle of wine and two glasses before he sat them down on the small circular table at the centre of the two couches of two couches .

Hearing the door open , Nox turned to the young woman who entered , She looked sad but a smile made its way to her face as Nox have her a kind look .

" Hello Padme , Please have a seat " Nox motioned to the chair as the young woman indeed took a seat on one of the couches ,Choosing to lay down instead of sit as she leant on her elbow , Letting the look of a dignified senator slip as she layed her head apon her arm .

Taking a seat himself , Nox poured the blood red wine into the glasses as he pushed one towards the woman and pulled the other two his lips before drinking .

He knew the look on her face , And he knew the reason .

" It's taking its toll isn't it ... the war " Obrunik spoke as he lowered his glass to the table and flattened the fabric of his pants .

" Why ... why can't they just see reason and put aside their differences , Can't they see this war is plunging the galaxy into darkness , Death ... " Padme all but cried out as her voice echoed out of the room and down the hallways.

" Because the powers that be do not wish for peace . The owners of the droid armies wish for the profit and the promises that come with winning the war , Whilst the republic stews in its fear , And so uses the clones to wage war , Their greed at the forefront of their minds with their fear , They too want profit out of this war , And are using it to further their own gains " Nox reasoned as he took up his glass once more and took from the beverage .

" It's ... it's " Tears streamed down Padme's face as she wept onto the fabric of the couch .

" It's unfair ... the civilians caught in the crossfire suffer even now , And neither side cares as they focus solely on the other " Nox continued as Padme twitched even more .

" I want it to end " Padme whispered as Nox nodded solemnly , Feigning sadness as his face contorted to show what he wished .

" You're a lone voice amongst thousands , There are precious few like you , And the raging sea of democracy cries louder for war " Nox watched the woman intently as she became quiet and listened , Waiting for him to finish As she waited to speak .

" What can I do " Padme whispered as she slowly sat up , The makeup she had on her face long gone as the bags under her eyes were clear to see " What can I do to save them "

" Without turning against the senate and it's republic ... you need to be louder than them , Gather allies , Rally the populous , Gather support , Not only from the republic but the separatists too , You need the galaxy to sing for peace ,You need to force the ones who wage war into peace , For they won't stop on their own volition " Nox answered , And the woman listened intently , Eyes downcast as she stared down at the drink she took into her hands .

" What should I start with " Padme raised her eyes , The sheer desperation in her gaze clear as she wished for his wisdom .

" Your closest allies , Those you trust , You need to find those that have the same views as you , You need those you can rely on where no-one else will support you , Only with them could you start to change the hearts of those that look to you " Nox guided the woman with a careful hand , Stewing the internal flames that raged within her to what he needed of her .

" I understand " Padme proceeded to drink from her glass as she tipped it back as she swallowed the drink whole .

" Will you ... " Padme slumped as she looked at him with her glistening wet eyes " Will you support me through this endeavour "

" Padme , I have supported you since your young youth as your time as queen , And continue to do so through these turbulent times . And I will continue to do so through your hardest trials " Nox spoke to the woman who visibly sagged in relief " You need not worry , I hold no ties for the senate but through yourself , You have my allegiance as you always have "

" I ... Thank you " Padme smiled slightly as she slowly layed back down onto the couch and breathed a deep sigh " You have no idea how much that eases my worries "

" It is of no consequence milady , Now tell me , What else ails you " Nox continued so smile kindly as the woman reached for her drink and took another sip .

" Where do I even begin " Padme relented as she curled up , The afternoon breeze of of Coruscant sending small shivers down her spine , Yet the alcohol warmed her slightly .

" From the start I'd imagine " Nox chuckled as the woman gave him a half hearted side glare before she smiled herself and indeed conceded , Starting with her worries which would soon evolve into more personal problems she wished to vent about .

They spoke for hours as Nox occasionally offered his two cents , But let Padme continue through the night where she eventually fell asleep on the couch , The affects of her drink allowing her the ease of which she slept .

Nox got a spare blanket and gently slid it over the cold woman who hummed , Gladly accepting the warmth .

" Thanks dear " Padme mumbled out in her inebriated state whilst Nox chuckled , Standing tall before slowly making his way back to his desk where he began to review some newer documents that he had received earlier .


IOKATH - HIDDEN SHIPYARD - NEAR SKYVA'S LAB


Legions of construction droids flooded to and from the vast Dyson sphere of Iokath and into the star of Coruscant , Whilst the ship was still a husk of what it once was they had restored power to the vessel and had finally reconstructed the control room , In said control room , Vaylin stood as she watched the thousands of droids work on restoring the vessel .

" Generator three has been restored and is now operating at twenty percent power " As if to confirm the sentence from Scorpio , The computer systems within the control bridge lit up , Consoles whirling to life as sirens blared for a single moment before vents released a puff of dust throughout the room .

" Hull integrity is at fifteen percent , Projected readings predict it should be able to operate under its own weight by the end of the next quarter " Scorpio announced as a massive beam of compressed steel was brought from a nearby construction yard and flown into the chassis of the vessel .

" What about the new upgrades " Vaylin asked as she clasped her hands behind her back .

" The star generator is currently under construction , And the Skytrooper production facilities are currently being integrated into the infrastructure of the ship , Meanwhile , Your meditation chamber has been completed and is ready for your use " Scorpio announced as a Holo of the Skytrooper factories was displayed , A bare bones skeletal structure shown as droids worked with slowly constructing it .

" I see , Very well , I shall retire to my chamber for the time being " Vaylin turned away and began to walk through the bowels of the vessel .

Patches of light peeled through the broke corridors of the ship , Passing shadows of droids on the outside of the ship shining through .

She walked along the gangway , Dropping through an empty elevator shaft where she landed several levels lower with a small huff .

Now , Barely any light shon in the shadowed corridor before her , This was to be her own portion of the ship , Her room , Her meditation chambers and her own hanger access .

But it hadn't been anywhere near completed yet , The only room completed was the meditation chamber that she made her way towards , Using the light from hanging construction lights that illuminated the corridor , Cables running to and from the lights as they drew power from one of the generators.

Using the light to tiptoe around holes In the floor , Vaylin finally made her way into the meditation chamber which glowed with a deep crimson light .

Removing the cowl of her robes , She sat herself infront of the monolith provided by her lover , Bowing her head as she crossed her legs and held her arms together .

Slowly , She began to draw apon the force , Which proceeded to flood her very being as her eyes became alight with emerald light .

Beginning to levitate from the ground , Vaylin let out a warm breath that became mist in the freezing room .

' You are my child ' A deep sinister voice resonated from behind the woman as her eyes snapped open , The meditation chamber gone , Now being located within the throne room of Zakuul ' My greatest of weapons '

' Father ... ' Vaylin thought as she regarded the white haired man that came to stand before her .

' So why do you play as a simple consort , Why don't you take your birth right and rule as my heir ' The vision of valkorion hissed as he circled Vaylin , His face a firm scowl ' You can rule the galaxy , Yet you choose to be second best '

' I am not you father ... I do not have the same wishes that you did ' Vaylin sneered at valkorion as the spirit stopped and scowled at her .

' Then you are no child of mine , You're a failure , An aberration of my goals , You are nothing but a flailing , Whiling girl fluttering her lashes at something pretty ' Valkorion hissed as he turned his back on his daughter .

' I stopped being your daughter when I cast off the shackles you forced apon me ... no ... I choose my own path now ... monster ' Vaylin retorted as she closed her eyes once more before opening them to find the illusion of valkorion gone .

Now instead of being in the eternal throne room , She found herself laying on a large bed of pillows and glistening blankets of soft fabric .

She wasn't alone however as another woman lay on the opposite side of the bed someone she couldn't make the features of , And inbetween them we're four children , Two girls and two boys .

The girls cackled as they played with eachother and the smaller boy , The boy older than the other three stared with a small smile at his younger siblings and took time giving them equal attention .

" Mother " One of the girls turned to face Vaylin as she froze and stared at the eyes of the girl .

She still had a decent amount of baby fat on her face but her vibrant blue eyes stared up at her , Blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders until it rested half way down her back . She hadn't yet acquired all of her teeth as she held her arms out to Vaylin .

" Hold me " The girl demanded as she leapt into Vaylin's arms while the woman froze as she found the girls arms wrapped around her neck .

The girl cackled wildly as Vaylin gently wound her arms around the small child , Feeling through the force that this was her own , And out of the corner of her eye , She could see the amused look of the eldest boy , Said boy had pitch black hair and glowing molten orbs , Looking very much like the man who held her heart and her own features .

' This is ... nice ' Vaylin thought as she felt the girl in her arms stop moving and her breathing level out , Showing she was most definitely asleep .

She herself felt her eyes grow heavy , As she was forced out of the vision she slowly laid down under the smile of the boy she knew to be her son .

She wasn't aware how long she had been meditating as she simply basked in the dark that enveloped her , The small smile on her face telling of her current mood as she still felt that warmth of the tiny arms around her neck .

' My path is my own , I choose what I want ... and I know what I want ' Vaylin repeated in her own head as she brought the memories of the vision to the forefront of her mind .

' I know what I want ... and I will get it ' Vaylin thought in almost desperation .

' Then take it ' A deep warbled voice startled her from her thoughts as she was ejected from her meditation and flopped onto the ground .

Slowly picking herself up from the ground , Vaylin coughed , Very much wandering why she had been so forcefully ejected from her meditations .

Sitting up , Vaylin drew herself to her feet and leant against the wall as she regained her breath.

" Scorpio , Set up a gate to coruscant " Vaylin groaned as she stumbled and began to walk through the exit of the meditation chamber .


CORUSCANT


" Very good HK , You've done an exemplary job " Nox stared at the complete blueprints of the dark reaper and the force harvester.

" My master , What are your next orders " HK asked over call as Nox continued to stare at the hologram .

" Anakin Skywalker is enroute is he not " Nox asked as he sat back in his chair , Keeping up a silencing illusion he had cast apon the sleeping Padme to ensure she was unable to hear what was being discussed .

" Yes my lord , He has acquired a TX-130 saber class fighter tank and is currently enroute to my position , I believe he intends to destroy the dark reaper and thwart the separatists plans " HK informed his master as Nox fingered at his chin while sitting back .

" I see ... let him destroy it , But I want you to rest his current abilities in the process , See how much he's grown " Nox instructed as the droid accepted the new mission parameters .

" As you wish my master " The droid knelt as the Holo cut off ,Leaving Nox staring at the dark reaper blueprints in the dark of his office .


THULE


Anakin Skywalker guided the TX through the towering streets of the ancient city , Using the tank to flatten any droid that tried to halt his path whilst firing the cannon at the larger units .

" Come on " Anakin grunted as he stared at the Sith temple ahead , Urging the tank to speed up as he watched violet lights begin to pick up over the opposite side of the temple .

However he was intercepted by Prax piloting a dreadnaught battle tank , Said bounty hunter firing a series of concussion missiles at Anakin's tank .

" SHIT " Anakin cursed as the tank was tossed to the side as he tried to avoid the missiles .

" Mother fucker " Anakin cursed as he turned to face the hunter in his tank , Immediately opening fire on the other as he forced the tank he was using to reverse and duck behind a stone pillar as another concussion missile impacted the stone .

Flying to the right , Anakin kept the turrets aimed on his opponent , A volley of laser fire being exchanged between the two as Anakin used the stone pillars as cover .

The systems hummed infront of him as he sat in the dimly lit cockpit , The targetting computer displaying the world outside the tank .

Pulling on the control stick , The tank reversed and would around another pillar , Anakin's fingers straying to a side computer as he switched from torrents to arming the rocket launchers .

Seemingly growing annoyed at Anakin's tactics , Prax rammed on of the pillars with the tank , Cracking the stone as it shook and began to crumble .

' Okay , Let's see what this thing can do ' The missile pods primed as the targeting computer locked on target .


Standing atop the Sith temple , HK's lenses remained trained as he recorded the exchange between Prax and Anakin . Meanwhile he sent a continuous feed to his master for the man to analyse .

The droids head tilted to the side however as he watched the tank Prax was using be destroyed by a barrage of missiles , Said separatist tank exploding violently as it dropped to the ground , The repulsors destroyed .

" How disappointing " HK primed his jetpack as Anakin left the scene , Not caring for Prax's state of being .

Crouching down , HK activated his jetpack and leapt , Jets of Fire erupting from his back as he ascended .

He landed with a solid thud as the ground cratered underneath his metallic feet , Standing infront of the burning wreckage of the dreadnought tank .

Approaching the tank , HK grasped the warped chassis of the tank , His augmented body tearing the chassis asunder before tossing it to the side .

Laying , His skin fused to the chair . Prax breathed in and out heavily , His armour melted in some places whilst his face was scarred with heavy burns .

" He...LP ... me " Prax whispered as HK analysed the state of the man .

Taking half a step forward , HK leant down to the man .

" Please " Prax reached forward , Yet gave a garbled cry as HK sunk his fist into the man's chest .

" Your performance was... wanting " HK slowly removed his blood caked fist from the dying mans chest , For good measure he grasped the man be the side of the head and twisted . Forcibly Seperating the mans head from his body before placing the head to the side .

Standing back up , HK turned to face the direction of the Dark reaper , Where over the dark horizon he could see flashes of light .

Quickly , Synth skin erupted over his body , The mechanical body parts shortening and shifting as he disguised himself as a non assuming rattataki , His jetpack was still visible , Yet it looked like it was fused to armour rather than being apart of his being .

Hefting his vibro blade into his shoulder , The rattataki looking HK beginning to fly in the direction of Anakin and the Dark reaper .


Anakin sighed as a final rocket released from the TX-130 and impacted the unshielded harvester , Causing a chain reaction of explosions that rocket the entire dark reaper .

Shrapnel exploded in all directions as the reaper slammed into the ground , Sending shockwaves through the area .

The young man sighed as he felt the influence of the harvester slowly dissipate .

Grabbing his communicator , Anakin went to tell Obi-Wan about the good news , However was caught off guard by the hand that blasted through the ceiling cap and wrapped around his collar , Hoisting him from his seat as he was tore from the tank and tossed across the wet stone of the Sith temple .

The young man groaned as he rolled himself onto his back , Droplets of rain landing on his face as his eyes flickered towards the tank .

Standing atop the tank appeared to be a brown skinned rattataki , Wearing golden armour with a jetpack and holding some odd kind of rifle in his left hand whilst in his right was a massive vibro blade .

' Great ... another bounty hunter ' Anakin wheezed as he dragged himself to his feet , Fumbling for the lightsaber on his hip as he ignited the blade and pointed it infront of himself .


' Let's see what you've got ... ' HK hastily raised his rifle in his left hand and immediately fired apon the teen , Three bolts of plasma blasting from the muzzle and almost immediately was apon Anakin's position .

Luckily the boy was gifted , As he raised his blade into the incoming path of the lasers , Deflecting them away from himself as they slammed into the ground at his side .

' Atleast he has his Jedi reflexes ... ' HK thought as he holstered his blaster and slung it over his back and hefted his Vibro blade .

' Let the tests begin ' HK leapt to the sky as he hefted his blade , Descending from above as he prepared to crush Anakin .

Diving to the side , Anakin avoided being crushed under HK as the droids blade cratered the ground .

Swinging his blade , Anakin tried to slice at HK , Yet even with his blade pointed downwards and stuck in the ground , HK forced his blade to intercept as the blade carved through the stone below and struck against the lightsaber .

HK could see the surprise on Anakin's face as his lightsaber sung against the blade of his of weapon , The lightsaber sending Sparks in all directions as it failed to cut through the metal of the vibro blade .


' What the hell ' Anakin thought as his senses flared , The young man leaping back as HK suddenly broke their lock as swung diagonally upwards to the right .

' How much does that thing weigh and how strong is this guy ' Anakin jumped forward as he made a stab at the rattataki's stomach .

Yet was surprised as the alien contorted , His blade passing by its chest before it punched out at Anakin's chest , Forcing them to part as he bounced back two metres .

Rising back up , HK hefted his blade as the two began to circle eachother .

" I don't know who you are , But you would be wise to surrender " Anakin taunted as he watched the alien scowl .

" Surrender is illogical , When chance of loss is negligible" HK retorted with a raspy voice .

" Che " Anakin disregarded before he bounced on the heels of his feet before leaping at HK .

Swinging his blade to intercept , Anakin's blade caught in the laser on the back of HK's blade .

Ramping things up , Anakin swiped left , Right and back again , Danced around the rattataki and stabbed at the Aliens back .

Yet HK was just as if not currently more capable , As he defended with his weapon slashing from side to side as the lightsaber hissed at the collision of their weapons .

And as Anakin rounded to his back , HK traced him with his sensors .

And as Anakin made a stab for his back , HK accepted the blade as he jumped back into the weapon , Felling it pierce his lower abdomen before he body slammed Anakin with his weight .

' Appears to practice form V intensively , shows some training in IV , Training in other forms remains to be determined ' HK mused as he turned to face the young man who slowly rose from the ground , HK covering the burning hole in the synth skin in his chest that hade passed by all of his systems .

" Return to your feet , We are not done here " HK ordered as he stalked around Anakin who quickly made his way to his feet .

With a howl , Anakin whirled on HK his hand splayed infront of him as he unleashed a force push on the droid .

Reacting in time , HK stabbed his blade into the ground and activated his jetpack , The jets of the HK roaring as he weathered the push .

The droid kept its eyes on the Jedi it was facing , Even as his blade began to be forced to cut through the ground , As he slid back despite the roaring of his jetpack .

It appeared to become a battle of attrition as Anakin began to shudder slightly , His sole goal being dislodging his opponent from the ground .

Yet the droid remained , And much to Anakin's horror , He failed to notice the change of his enemies feet , As they became metallic and clawed , Digging into the stone below as HK forced himself forward against the force push.

' What in the world is this guy ' Anakin watched as the rattataki took a second step forward .

He felt his energy began to leave him , Fatigue beginning to set in As the afteraffects of staving off the affects of the dark reaper and prolonged combat with this individual began to take their affects .

Yet his desperation increased as he watched , From the aliens left gauntlet , A blade slowly ejected from the wrist and began to glow a bright orange colour .

It was clear what the alien intended to do as it took a fourth step .

' No ... No... I ... This isn't how this ends ' His fear mounted and took over all reason , And the force responded , Rushing to his limbs as it fed into the force push .

The ground cratered around the force push as it slammed into the rattataki , Immediately dislodging the alien from the ground and sending it flying backwards and out of the immediate vicinity .

Immediately, Anakin dropped to his knees , Not feeling his target anywhere nearby .

Breathing heavily the young man pressed his forehead to the ground .

Yet he became alert when he heard rushed footsteps and reluctantly he grabbed his lightsaber , ignited the blade and sprung to his feet , pointing it at the newly arrived .

Yet as he saw who it was , he relaxed and let his arm fall , Slumping as he looked at his master Obi-Wan Kenobi .

" Looks like you've been through hell " Obi-Wan quipped as Anakin dropped to the ground once more .

" Feels like it " Anakin rasped as his Jedi master took a seat at his side .

" The droids are pulling out , Count dooku fled just before the reaper was destroyed " Obi-Wan informed his apprentice , Noticing the young man still peering off in the direction of a carved trench in the earth.

" What happened here " Obi-Wan asked as Anakin motioned in the direction he was looking .

" A bounty hunter tried to kill me , Took me by surprise " Anakin omitted as Obi-Wan rubbed his chin .

" You'll need to provide a description of this bounty hunter , Hopefully we can cut them off before they get off world " Obi-Wan instructed as Anakin proceeded to do as asked.


Standing at the top of the temple , HK stared down at Anakin and Obi-Wan as others , Clones , Began to arrive on the scene .

" Your orders " HK asked over call , Fully prepared to engage with everyone present if ordered to do so .

Slowly the synth skin over his body began to dissolve and be sucked back into its compartments , The droid returning to its full height .

" Pull out , I'm already analysing the footage you've provided , You've done well . If the count is to contact you ... play along ... for now " Nox ordered over call as the droid primed the jetpack and leapt from the tower and flew off towards the direction he landed his cruiser .


CORUSCANT


' He's surely gifted ... but , What the fuck have these Jedi been doing ' Nox scowled as he watched the video clip HK had made when he was being assaulted by Anakin's force push ' He's nowhere near at the level he should be at by now '

' Do you wish to interfere ' Aloysius in the back head , Yet Nox shook his head .

' No ... let the Jedi have their chosen one ... I have other goals , If he becomes a problem ... then he'll be dealt with all the same ... but at this rate ... I doubt it ' Nox responded as he shut off the hologram as it displayed HK leaping from the tower and fleeing the scene .

Leaning back in his chair , Nox stretched hearing the door to his office open as Vaylin stepped inside .

" Ahh there you are , I was wandering when you were going to arrive " Nox quipped as the woman approached .

" Padme was here " Vaylin enquired as she circled the desk slowly .

" She wished to converse about the current state of the war , She was moved into the guest room about half an hour ago " Nox soothed the woman as she turned his chair and began to straddle him in his seat .

" Anything else " Vaylin purred as she began to unclip his shirt .

" No ... nothing else , Why " Nox smirked as he watched Vaylin become distracted as she began to focus on forcefully undressing him .

Yet as he looked over the woman , His head snapped to the side as he stared downward , Seeing into the mid distance as he squinted slightly.

" What " Vaylin inquired as she noticed his sudden attention diversion , Seeing as he became amused at something as his face slowly turned to face hers .

" Oh ... nothing . I just think it's a wonderful thing when plans come to fruition " Nox hinted as Vaylin raised an eyebrow .

" ... do tell " Vaylin tried to pry from her lover as she returned to her previous efforts of removing his clothing .

" You'll see " Nox brushed off her questions and wound his hands around her waist , His continued amusement still clear as he felt his shirt leave his body .


RUUL


Vas'lucis sat at the controls of his vessel as he awaited permission to land , His left hand stroking the head of one of his summa as it gently floated next to his seat . The other rested comfortably in his copilots seat , Happily resting as they trusted in Vas to take care of them .

" You have permission to land " Sora Bulq answered , Being the leader of renegade Jedi it was his job to make sure that those that followed him were safe " Coordinates have been provided , We shall meet you there "

" Thank you " Vas replied as he urged the ship forward towards the planet before him .

Approaching the planet , Vas studied the group's of life he felt below as the ship entered the atmosphere .

He felt the Jedi below , Whilst many felt somewhat planted in the light , Whilst one however , Much to his curiosity was not .

" Very curious "


Mira stood tall as she watched the approaching vessel drop the the skies and fly straight towards her location , The dark green ship streaking across the horizon like a small blip that rapidly grew in size .

The near human Jedi had black hair and wore brown wrappings and robes , She was the apprentice of master Sora Bulq even before she had invoked her rite of denial and refused to join the war effort .

The ship , Now much larger , Rotated as it's thrusters maneuvered around the vessel to face downwards as it Slowly began to descend lower to the ground .

Landing with a hiss , The ship's landing gear released a whine as the ramp into the vessel lowered .

Making her way over to the ship , Mira watched a lone individual from within the ship .

The young man walking down the ramp , Garbed in brown robes with pale under wrappings .

" I apologise for my sudden arrival , I had set a random jump in the Navi computer and wound up in this system by accident " Vas bowed low to the knighted Jedi who regarded the man whom looked to be of similar age to her " I am Knight Vas'lucis"

" I am Knight Mira " Mira bowed in turn as she analysed Vas , The teen holding a small yet kind smile on his face .

" It is a pleasure to meet you Knight Mira , Again I apologise for the strange arrival , I just felt like ... " Vas squinted slightly as Mira nodded .

" It was supposed to happen " Mira offered as Vas took on a large smile .

" Exactly " Vas nodded as the fellow knight took on a small understanding smile .

" Then it must be the will of the force " Mira mused as she beckoned for Vas to follow her .

" I hope so , I wouldn't want to be a bother " Vas feigns as the girl shakes her head and leads Vas out of the area , Intent on taking Vas towards the meeting place that would be being used for the meeting Jedi the next day.

Stepping from the hanger , Vas paused and stared out at the open plains , Small trees littered here and there , But it was the life that rose from all around .

" Can I please ... have a moment " Vas stopped Mira as the girl turned to face him in curiosity.

" I'm sorry I just ... " Vas slowly lowered to his knees .

" Please take as much time as you need " Mira accepted as Vas shrugged off his over robe and crossed his legs on the ground .

Deciding to watch this new addition , Mira sat on the ground nearby as she watched Vas as his straightened his back .

Several minutes passed in complete silence as Mira watched .

She was about to open her mouth to say something , Knowing her master would be keen to see them sooner rather than later , Especially with the master of the Jedi order arriving on the morrow .

But as she opened her mouth to say something, She froze .

White embers of light began to peel from Vas as he began to levitate from the ground , His colour palette inverting as his hair became a glowing white colour whilst his skin became orange and eery , From what she could see even his eyes glowed an emerald green .

His robes rippled from him as they too took on this bright white colour , But it was what she felt that enraptured her attention .

Life , Pure white light and oneness resonated from the man infront of her as she could very easily see the browned grass around him became a vibrant green whilst seeds sprouted and new fauna quickly formed around and under his position .

She promptly shut herself up and any reservations she might have had , Rather choosing to instead take this chance to meditate with what she could see was obviously a prodigy and paragon of the light , She would sooner lob off her arm than miss the chance to learn from one with such oneness with the force .

And so , She moved to the front of Vas and knelt down . Crossing her legs over eachother as she placed her palms to her knees.

Breathing in deeply , Mira let out a slow breath as she focused solely on the force and the beacon infront of her , Quickly losing herself as she dropped into the ministrations and waves of the force .

What came from the sensation would give her a new prospective and enlightenment of which she would never have imagined .


Hours passed , Day turned to night before night turned to day once more.

Yet neither of them budged , Mira's face twisted as sweat pooled down her face , Yet Vas remained unflinching . Even as large grasses continued to grow and rise above his position , they never once disturbed him ,

" Beautiful" K'Kruhk murmured as he arrived on the scene , Having been sent by Tarn after Mira had not reported anything or returned for nearly eighteen hours , And Jedi master Mace Windu was scheduled to arrive for their meeting within the next hour or so.

As much as he wanted to simply watched and perhaps partake in what was occuring , The Individual the at accompanied him was resolute in their path .

Sian Jeisel slowly came forward , Parting the grasses that had rapidly grown from the individual .

Yet as she approached , Vas's eyes opened and he slowly turned to look at the woman with slowly blinking eyes .

" Greetings " Vas's opening words seemed to snap Mira out of her meditation as she shuddered and took in a deep breath .

" I apologise for the disturbance but Mira is required back at the compound " Sian explained as she looked towards the clearly thinking Mira .

" I apologise for taking up so much of her time , Would it at all he possible to accompany you back to this compound " Vas smiled kindly as he slowly unwound his legs and allowed for his feet to touch the ground , Ending his levitating at that moment .

" It is of no issue , Infact you have been invited to accompany Mira whilst we converse with the master of the order , We will discuss what is to happen further with your predicament after our meeting with the master " Sian explained as Vas brushed off his robes and gently stepped out from the now towering grasses , Standing well over his own height .

" That is an acceptable course of action , I will happily accompany Mira here to this compound of yours , Whatever you wish for in the meantime , I will be happily to provide " Vas helped the still reeling Mira from the ground , Gently offering his hand of which she gently accepted , Refusing to meet his eyes in the process .

" Then please , This way " Sian motioned over her shoulder towards a nearby structure that peeked over the dunes .

" Of course , I will follow your lead " Vas gave a small nod as the Jedi master approved before turning away and beginning to guide them back , Whilst K'Kruhk looked at the young man in open curiosity.


BULQ ESTATE


They arrived within the hour , The afternoon skies beginning to dim as the sun began to lower over the horizon .

Vas looked at the old stone building , Bronze coloured droids mingling about as they dutifully but slowly repaired the massive structure .

Much to the dissident Jedi members curiosity, Mira hadn't spoke much of anything as she followed behind Sian and K'Kruhk.

Marching up a stone stairway that lead to the main building , Vas observed the estate around him .

Ferns and trees lined the walkway , It was peaceful , Yet Vas couldn't help but sense the lingering whisps of the Darkside that permeated area , No doubt from the dark one that walked amounts their ranks .

' I should find them , Whoever they are , Before they do too much damage ' Vas thought as they walked through a stone archway and into the main building.

" I must apologise , This Is where we must split paths , I alongside my counterpart K'Kruhk here must prepare for the meeting , We leave you in Mira's care for the time being " Sian turned to face them as Vas gave a small smile .

" It's no problem , Really . I am more than happy to accompany Mira here , Afterall my presence wasn't foretold nor am I selfish enough to halt this business you have ,Please ... continue on " Vas bid them well as the Jedi master's quickly departed to prepare.

Yet the small smile on Vas's face slowly dipped as he focussed on the downcast girl at his side .

" Are you okay " Vas asked as he turned to the forlorn girl .

" I ... yes ... sorry I just have alot on my mind . Would you ... like to accompany me to the moon garden " Mira asked , Desperation almost clear in her gaze as she trembled slightly .

" It shouldn't be a problem " Vas agreed as Mira smiled softly before she began to guide him through the estate towards the moon garden .

Motes of light peeled through cracks in the stone around them , Showing the building was currently in a bad state even as they exited the building into an enclosed garden .

Once more , Vas looked to Mira as the girl stepped off of the paved stone path and onto the finely strimmed grasses below .

Following the woman , Vas watched as she crouched down to a flower and gently stroked the petals .

" You seem sad " Vas crouched down beside the woman he had only met that day before .

" I'm just ... distracted " Mira slowly announced as Vas studied her mannerisms momentarily .

He was about to ask what was plaguing her but stopped as she slumped and turned to face him with a small frown .

"what would you do , If you ... knew when you and were going to die " Mira looked downwards at the flower she was crouched before .

" If it was my destiny ... Then there isn't much I could do against it ... isn't there " Vas fully sat down as he regarded the woman " If I was to die ... I would hope that the others I've left behind would be able to live safe and fullfilling lives without me . Infact ... I'd do my best to ensure it "

Mira refused to look away from the white flower as it glowed in the dark that was now spreading across the horizon .

" It's what you saw during your meditation... wasn't it " Vas asked before he received a nod from Mira .

Slowly , Mira stood back up , Steeling her eyes as she turned to face a nearby cliff face .

" If you'll excuse me , I have to do something really quickly " Mira began a slow walk back through the way they came " It was nice meeting you "

' I see ' Vas thought as he placed his hands on the ground and forced himself back to his feet .

Closing his eyes , He could feel everything nearby , From where Mira was as she rushed from the estate in clear distress to the individuals half a kilometre away , There was nothing that he couldn't feel .

And so as his eyes opened , His eyes gained a determine glint as he felt not just one , But two dark presences , The one that was already here was nearby a far stronger light side orientated individual.

The second , Apparently younger from what he could feel , Was about to converge on their location no doubt with nefarious intentions.

" Very well then " Vas saw no better opportunity than this to get into the good graces of the Jedi that were present , Of which would surely further his mission .

With a small smile , Vas vanished with a small breeze after a blinding white light overtook everything in the moon garden , Leaving it bare of anything save for the fauna within .


She was firm and resolute as she stood atop a pile of rocks , Even as he lips quivered slightly and tears threatened to spill from her eyes .

She grabbed the hilt of her lightsaber , Hitting the switch as the green blade of her saber sprung to life.

Down below , Her master sora engaged the woman . She wasn't the best in lightsaber combat , Infact by her own admission ,Her skills were abysmal . Yet she was prepared to meet her fate , Destiny was calling for her , And she would come to meet it.

' As long as he lives... my life was not spent in vein ' Mira thought as she crouched down , Pulling a boulder from the ground with the force and sending it sailing at the pale woman , All the while she leapt into the air to engage .


Sora fell back as his blade was knocked to the side , The pale assassin jumping and kicking him in the stomach as he was launched back .

Leaping up , The assassin raised her lightsabers overhead and made to slam down and end the jedi's life .

Reaching the apex of her leap , The woman widened her eyes and crossed her arms infront of herself , Bracing as a massive boulder slammed into her position , Sending her flying back into the ground .

Landing on her feet , The assassin looked at the new arrival as Sora became rigid behind the new arrival .

Infront of him stood a humanoid girl who held her lightsaber infront of her , She physically shook all over yet she regarded the assassin with a glare .

" Stay back " Mira croaked as the assassin brought both her lightsabers to bare .

" Stay back Mira , You're no match for her " Sora yelled out as he tried to drag himself back to his feet . And he was right.

Yet his old apprentice winced but remained and met the assassin in the middle as the pale woman swiped both blades to the right.

" Pathetic " The pale woman hissed as she stabbed forward with her right blade , Being narrowly deflected before she whirled around clockwise , Swiping her right blade as she came around as it was blocked .

This proved the old apprentice's lack of combat proficiency as the Assassin brought her left blade around , Bringing it upwards as it slashed at the apprentice's chest , Carving a gash in her stomach upwards and across her right breast.

Mira gasped as she dropped her lightsaber to the ground and fell back , Hands moving to clutch at her wound even as Sora cried out .

" NO , PLEASE LET HER LIVE " Sora yelled out as the assassin grinned wickedly , Raising her right hand as she pointed her blade downwards towards the crying humanoids .

" No survivors " She stabbed forward , And the blade squealed and shook as it struck an impenetrable surface.

The pale skinned assassin looked shocked as her blade failed to pierce the palm of whomever stopped her from killing the girl .

And as she tracked her new opponents hand up his arm , She found a rather unamused glare pinning her with emerald green eyes .

" Your name , Assassin " Vas ground out as his other hand outstretched , His Single bladed saber flying from his hip and into his hand where an orange blade screamed to life .

" Asajj ventress " She replied as Vas nudged her blade away , Forcing the dathomerian to stumble back as Vas held his blade in his hand and pointed it at the woman.

" Well met , Now I must encourage you surrender " Vas attempted to voice the woman's choices , Yet she grasped the the twin hilts of her weapon , And with a hiss , She burst forward and stabbed forward .

Yet she was taken by surprise once more as a second blade lit in Vas's other hand , A double bladed saber that whirled in his grip as he sliced upwards and knocked her blades upwards before she could react .

This allowed him the chance to use the force on the still laying Mira who shivered , Lifting her with his mind as he sent her backwards whilst he maintained the assassin's attention by leaping at her with his single bladed and double bladed weapons .

As he landed , His right blade crossed with hers as he blocked a swipe at his abdomen .

The assassin's other blade came from the opposite direction , Yet was stopped by one of his double bladed sabers blades .

And try as she might to bring her sabers together , He was able to halt her from doing so , She strained yet he remained firm .

" You don't have do to this . I know , I can feel it , You're better than this " Vas reasoned as the assassin's eyes became a glare .

She yelled out as she jumped back and clasped her fists together , Sending a force push at Vas as she landed in a small crouch .

He crouched down low and anchored himself , And as the push hit him , His hair was blown around and his robes went mad , Yet he remained as he weathered the blast .

Asajj hissed as she tightened the grip on her sabers and leapt , Following closely behind the residual end of the push .

Stabbing forward , Asajj was as impressed as she was annoyed as her opponent let go and allowed the force push to drag him back a few feet rather than be stabbed by her weapon as she thrust forward .

" Ventress , Please . Lower your weapon , Allow us to take you in . You don't have to do this " Vas tried to plead as asajj scowled .

" DIE " Asajj yelled out as she crossed the distance as swiped her right saber right .

Vas leant back as it sailed by and ducked to the right as she stabbed with her other blade .

Clipping his double blade saber to his belt , He slashed upwards with his single blade saber , Sending his attackers left arm away as he reached up with his left hand and grasped her right arm .

With her arm locked in place , He pulled her down , Rising as he slammed his forehead into her chin .

With a grunt she shook her head , While Vas used the chance to drop flat against the ground , Slide under the bald womans dark blue dress all the while forcibly contorting her due to his grip on her arm.

As she was forced to bend over , her arm down between her leg , Vas let go of her arm and swiped her legs out from under her with a sweeping right leg .

She fell over onto her back with a grunt , and froze as she heard and quickly saw the blade pointed at her neck .

" You're full of openings . You're good , You have skill . But you cannot rely simply apon that . You must have skill and experience, Of which you sorely lack compared to me " Vas spoke as his eyes twisted , Feeling another presence approach " Now please ... surrender "

" Good job " Sora approached , Yet it was that moment that ventress struck , Raising her hands and sending Vas back with a push as she contorted , jumping to her feet and jumping away to make her escape .

" No matter " Vas grunted as he turned to face the direction of Mira .

Passing by the weequay , Vas eyed the man out of the corner of his eye .

' What's your game' Vas thought as the man followed close behind as Vas leant down , Hooking his arms under Mira before he lifted with a grunt and turned to walk .

" Let's get her to the estate , then we can talk about what's going on " Sora announced as he took the lead " Follow this path and it will lead you to the estate , I'll be there shortly "

" Thank you , I'll see you shortly " Vas gave a short nod before continuing to walk up the winding rock path , Eyes hardening as he left the vicinity of the dark Jedi .

Looking down to the woman who was now unconscious in his arms , Vas scowled .

' Something is amiss here ... I need to find out what's going on ' Vas thought as he ascended the stairway of the estate.

' I need to find the master of the order '

With a solid goal in mind , Vas set Mira down and connected with the force , Channelling it through his body and towards his hands , Using it to heal Mira whilst he thought .

Slowly but surely , The girl's breathing levelled out . Whilst most of the gash in her stomach healed , There was still a large scar that remained .

And as he noticed his healing was doing no more for the girl , He stopped . Propping her head up with a pillow before he rose and looked around .

' Now to find the master' Vas thought as he gripped the hilt of his Saber and left the room to find his target , Locking the door behind him to ensure Atleast a miniscule amount of safety of the girl before it shut behind him and denied him access ,Now it would only be her who could allow anyone entry .

' Time for a hunt '


IOKATH - Skyva's lab


The elderly citizens of Zakuul stood side by side , Wearing fine white sheets but bare to the rest of the world .

They ignored the cold of the white tile at the bases of their feet.

Some were supported by canes , Others had prosthetics , But all were well past their primes and exiting their twilight years.

Standing around the entrances of the room , The newly developed Skytrooper units , Designed by Skyva herself , Looking more streamlined and thinner whilst they kept their impressive defence .

Their helmets were closer to that of the battle master combat medic armour that bounty hunters would wear during the old times . The screens were pitch black and showed nothing within.

On the backs of the Skytrooper units , Glowing red disks were inserted into their backs , A shield projector that created a dome of energy around the droids , Constantly drawing energy from the sky troopers , The same shield projector that Kanya had tested several weeks ago .

These droids were all black and compact to the size of an athletic human male of six foot in height .

An full black bodysuit of armour hid their systems from the world , yet their presence was none the less intimidating as they stood silently and never moved .

But the elderly citizens of Zakuul didn't fear these new Skytrooper prototypes , The elderly simply stood waiting .

And they didn't have to wait long as the main entryway to the laboratory opened , The droid Skyva stepping through , Towering over everyone within .

" Greetings ... I am Skyva . I will be conducting your tests today , Are you ready " Skyva approached with her hands clasped behind her back , Being traced by the elderly that stood firm as her towering form approached .

" We are all ready to do our duty for Zakuul " An elderly male , An old zakuulan soldier stood resolute , Representing the peoples around him as they all agreed , Such was their duty as members of their glorious empire .

" Then let us begin " They were honoured , As a Holo of their emperor appeared at Skyva's side , The man that ruled them giving them a small smile as whatever restlessness that had begun to build in the elderly was quickly soothed at his kind smile " I am proud of each and every one of you "


CHAPTER END


I am thinking of doing artwork pertaining to certain elements of the story , Such as a visual representation of the characters present like Nox and his different armours , Kanya , a to scale visual representation of the subjugation and it's hidden armaments on full display and even Nox's fortress on Nathema.

I don't know where I'll post these but it's been going around my head for a while , Any suggestions of where I should post these would be appreciated .


IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS OR IDEAS THEY WOULD LIKE TO SHARE , PLEASE POST A REVIEW OR PM ME , ILL DO MY BEST TO ACCOMMODATE .

AS ALWAYS THIS CHAPTER IS LIABLE TI CHANGE IN THE FUTURE

CHEERS