Years ago - BETWEEN THE BATTLE OF NABOO AND THR START OF THE CLONE WARS . AFTER BATTLING TYPHOJEM FOR THE FIRST TIME
THE MAW - SINKHOLE STATION
" Greetings young disciple " A gotal male introduced himself as Nox entered the corridor of the station.
" It warms me to see another has come to finally see the truth, It matters not where you came from previously, Here all are welcome ... all are cared for "
Nox studied the man's face intently .
' He's ... not actually here , it's a form of possession ' Nox was careful not to force sight on the possessed man , Instead he gave a warm smile and accepted the malnourished man's hand .
" This place ... I just feel ... at home here ... like I was meant to be here ... it's strange isn't it " Nox allowed the goral to guide him into another chamber within the station , Seemingly heading towards some sort of central chamber .
" Those who can understand the truth feel it's call ... It is only natural that you would feel at home at the end of the journey no " Seek ryontarr reasoned with a relaxed face " You're weary ... that's natural , come why don't you meditate with us "
' Ah the trap ' Nox nodded as they entered a central chamber .
Over twenty beings sat together , He could easily tell they were malnourished, And most likely hadn't eaten since their arrival years ago , Sustained only by the force .
Glowing purple light surrounded the chamber , A feeding , Wanting darkness surrounding those that were still meditating .
" Come come ... join us " Seek knelt down and placed his hands on his knees.
' Time to spring a trap ' Nox felt his lip twitch as he took the same kneeling position that seek was doing .
Almost immediately he felt it , For that moment , he allowed himself to lower his mental defences .
Following the instruction of seek , He began.
' One ... two ... three ' He felt the mental probe from beyond the station , Allowing it in under a peaceful guide ' Four '
' Five ... six ... seven ' And he was lulled into the embrace of another.
The infinite passed beyond him in an instant , Years passed in seconds and seconds spanned millennia .
The force sung in harmony , Joy and pleasure around him . All feelings such as fear, pain or rage vanished into oblivion against his will.
" This is " Nox's astral face twitched as he felt whatever it was he was doing ... what was he doing ... where was he .
" No " Black energy filled eyes snapped open.
BEYOND SHADOWS
Clutching his head , Nox rubbed his brow ." How did you do this " Nox looked over his shoulder to see seek looking at him in open bewilderment " To appear like this "
The form of seek dropped to his knees in worship , Pressing his forehead to the ground as nox wandered what he was speaking of.
' What is he' Nox quickly checked the back of his hand , Only to see he had taken on his corporeal form from the outside world ' So what does he see that I'm not getting '
" What is it seek " Nox asked as he walked towards the kneeling man , Ignoring the way the incorporeal shadows stretched, With a thought he moved forward , Not so much as walking but more akin to teleporting where he wanted to go .
" THROUGH THE FORCE EVERYTHING IS SEEN " Seek screamed in deference , Immediately planting his forehead back to the ground " All truths are known , Please my lord , Forgive me for my previous attitude , This one will follow you through the shadows Faithfully .
' I see ... ' Nox squinted and wove illusion into reality apon him , Illusion after illusion wound over his form until his bleeding presence vanished into the shadows, Seek immediately looking up to him in surprise .
" Please seek , Could you guide me through " Nox asked kindly as he reached down towards the man.
" Of course "
'This place is attempting to skew my perception of time ... ' Nox thought as he and seek continued to walk through the glade around them , The trees around them as real as they were in the skydiver galaxy , Yet it was the shadows themselves and the stone path they followed that kept Nox aware , For they were false ... an illusion weaved together to guide him to whatever it wanted him to see .
' I smell ... sulphur ... and the Darkside is condensing ' Nox squinted as they teleported into an ancient arcade of stone and withered trees .
' There ' Nox immediately locked eyes with the source of the Darkside that now overtook all sense of the force around him .
Unfurling his pointer finger , Nox pointed at the source " What is that "
" The font of power , To drink from that is to gain limitless power , One may drink as long as they wish for there is no end to the drink within " Seek explained as Nox appeared before the font of power .
The fountain that was the font of power was as still as the dead , And as Nox leaned over the fountain , His reflection leared back at him .
" The past and the future is open to you , Should you drink " Seek appeared at his side yet stayed a certain distance away from the fountain " It is a great source of dark power "
Long since ignoring the sulphur that burned it's way into his nose , Nox knelt down to the font of power , His hand reaching down to the surface ... yet just before his fingers touched it's surface , He stopped.
" Is it possible to return beyond shadows when I leave " Nox asked as he contemplated drinking at once .
" Once one has entered , Forever will they be welcome " Seek replied as he stared intently at the back of Nox's head .
' Not yet then ' Steeling himself , Nox pulled his hand back from the surface of the font of power and rose back to his feet , Yet he stared down onto the infinite pool of power .
It was calling to him , Lulling him in its promise for Infinite power and endlessness , And so he turned away and faced seek , Fully aware now that things were not as they seemed.
' This nexus is powerful ... impossibly so ' Nox resisted the urge to simply toss himself into the infinite reservoir of dark side energy not three feet behind him , The steam that prickled on his skin as he resisted the urge.
His face scrunched up for a moment , Nox reached into his satchel before pulling out a canister the size of his open palm .
' Ultimate power huh ' Nox grunted and rounded back to face the font , The brown coloured water peering back as he knelt down to the surface .
' Let's see if this works ' Nox watched as the canister was submerged in the waters of pure Darkside energy , Filling the canister to the brim before he sealed it off and slid it back into his satchel .
' If worse comes to worse , I can always return ' Nox thought before rising back to his feet once more and turned back to seek whom had a raised eyebrow .
' Wait ... ' Nox paused as he felt it stir for but a moment , And he whirled back to face the font of power , The creeping yellow fog that lingered behind the fountain now more present than ever.
His eyes danced from left to right as he caught the multitude of eyes in the fog , Shadowed darkness bleeding into shapes of people and faces that vanished seconds later.
' I know you're there mourning ... ' Nox watched the creeping fog reach at his feet , As his eyes locked onto the silhouette of a woman standing in the fog , Her shadow reaching and looming of the fountain ' Or do you prefer abeloth now '
In the obscuring fog , She reached for him , As the sulphuric fog overtook everything around them , They stared at eachother for eternity .
The world vanished around them as they stared .
come .
Nox palmed the waters of the font of power for a moment .
Dear .
Her voice sounded in his ears once more before he shook himself free .
And instant later he was once more in the arcade that housed the font of power , The sulphuric cloud long since gone with the wind as he turned to face a silent seek .
" Did you see that " Nox asked through narrowed eyes ' Time to see where his loyalties lay '
" Of course " Seek replied as he turned to face the font of power " Are you sure you will not drink ... "
" It would serve me no purpose to do so at this moment " Nox replied as he teleported to seeks side " Now ... what else is there to see "
" Knowledge " Now that got Nox's eyebrow to raise as seek turned to guide him towards where this ... Knowledge was .
Two pillars stood before the duo , As two mind walkers stood Infront of the pillars as if to guard them.
' She's already inside ' Nox glared beyond the pillars into what he could make out was some sort of grotto beyond the pillars .
" What's in there " Nox motioned with his head at what was within .
" That my friend , Is the pool of knowledge ... Through it , All events of the past and the future shall be open to you " Seek replied as Nox once more studied the area through the force.
Radiating light bore down apon him .
' A light side nexus ... The counterpart to the font of power '
There was no need to goad him into approaching , He didn't fear abeloth nor her secrets , And so he stepped beyond the pillars into the grotto beyond .
It was brighter than he thought it would be A pool lay at the centre of the grotto , Illuminated by a ray of silvery light that Shon through the ceiling of the grotto .
It didn't take more than a few seconds for Nox to realise abeloth was submerged in the pool of knowledge , Waiting there for him to submerge himself .
He knew she was ignorant to his true nature , And so he came to stand on the she's of the pool , He could see her silhouette just beyond where he stood , Submerged under the infinite waters where she waited.
' I'm not so foolish as these children abeloth ' Nox resisted the urge to smirk as he pulled out a second vial , Kneeling down to the surface , Using the force to manipulate the waters into the vial so he did not need to physically touch the waters.
He knew that if his hand so much as skimmed the surface this time , That abeloth would pounce and attempt to drag him under , And so he used the force to take the waters from the pool of knowledge.
With the vial full , Nox stuffed it back into his satchel , Not once breaking eye contact with the entity submerged in the waters.
' My fate is my own ... I do need to know the future ... because it is what I will be ' Nox rose from kneeling beside the waters, Squaring his back before turning away from the pool of knowledge and beginning to leave the grotto .
Please ...
Abeloth's voice sounded throughout the grotto .
Come back to me
Nox stopped just before the exit of the grotto , Where he turned to face abeloth across the grotto .
Now before him was an infinite well of eternity , A path calf deep that seemed to go on for eternity . At the end of the path stood the apparition .
Nox looked over the edge of the path and saw endless eternity .
' Don't want to fall into that ' Nox thought before he turned to face abeloth whom was standing at the opposite side of the path .
" I will return ... I promise " Nox gave a slight nod of his head much to abeloth's confusion " I will not leave you here to suffer eternity "
Abeloth's confusion turned to genuine surprise and shock as the beyond shadows rippled for but a moment .
Before her very eyes her prey tore himself from her realm , Leaving a open wound of shadow , A tear in reality as large as he was tall that stitched itself back together moments later.
" Who ... Was that " Abeloth seethed at their escape , Vowing to find the one who was able to escape her clutches with such ease.
CENTREPOINT STATION
His body snapped back as he reentered his mortal shell , He didn't waste a single second as seek and the other mind walkers stirred for a moment .
" I don't think so " Nox smirked victoriously , As he vanished from Centrepoint station an instant later , Leaving nothing for the mind walkers to find but an empty spot of where he should have been .
" This ... is a problem " Seek announced in genuine worry.
NATHEMA - THE PALACE , BOTTOM FLOOR
Nox materialised from thin air with a harsh look on his face , He wasted no time as he tore his satchel from his side and planted it on the pedestal at the centre of the chamber .
With great care , Nox pulled out three vials from within the satchel .
He held the first up to his eyes to see murky brown water that literally bled the Darkside .
" The font of power " Nox mused as he could feel it retained the energy it held within beyond shadows. A most dangerous tool for future use .
Placing the vial of the waters of the font of power on the pedestal , Nox looked at the second vial .
" The pool of knowledge " Nox looked at the silvery water with an analytical gaze " With this ... I could know all ... "
He placed the silver water next to the first and looked at the second with great apprehension.
" A sample of eternity ... Waters of the lake of apparitions " Nox held the ethereal waters up to eye level .
He stared at it almost fearfully , He could feel the cosmic force bleeding through the water , Endless eternity that called for him .
Gently he placed the third vial down and stared down at them with great apprehension.
" Yes ... " Nox smirked victoriously As he reached down and made his decision .
THE PRESENT . MONTH . 13.9 .
The battlefield was a charred barren wasteland, Scorched blackened husks of men and droids lay amongst broken structures.
Looming over the battlefield was the untouched city of Isilta , A mid rim world capital city .
The Republic bases were nothing but tombs of metal just the same as the CIS base . Yet the CIS base itself had been torn from the mountainside it was built into and appeared to be simply tossed at the Republic base . Since the CIS base was literally split in two over the Republic base .
HOURS EARLIER
The clones rushed the CIS forces , The armies meeting before the city at the centre of the battlefield .
The walls of the city were bombarded with cannon fire , Explosions ringing out throughout the battlefield whilst fighters roared overhead .
Bombers of both sides annihilated the field as they dropped their payload onto their enemies.
Even from the command post , Rhydart could feel the ground below rattle every couple of seconds due to the shockwaves from the field .
" Master Jedi , The battle droids have driven us to a stand still on all fronts , Your orders " An Ark trooper in white armour with brown stripes asked of his general .
Staring out towards the battlefield , Using force sight to peer towards the enemy forces .
" The CIS appear to be coming at us from a straight front . Send our bombers to loop around the city , I want a strafing run implemented across the front lines of the droid forces " Rhydart ordered as the arc clones looked between eachother .
" General , I believe the enemy forces would be able to counter our offensive once we make this attempt , Any mistakes in this offensive would lead to civilian deaths within the city since our forces would be too close to populated centres " The arc commander offered but was ignored .
" You have your orders , I know what I am doing , I have faith you can pull this off " Rhydart reasoned as the arc trooper clenched his fists in silence , Turned away and left whilst the others relayed their orders to the bombers.
Rhydart wasn't focussing on the battle however , As he looked towards the skies where he could perceive literal waves of the force rippling violently .
He didn't look down as the bombers began to loop around the city .
The only warning came to him as the skies darkened instantly above his head , A wave of Darkside energy dropped onto the battlefield .
Rhydart tossed himself to the ground with haste , Just in time to survive a venator dropping from the skies and slamming into the two opposing armies with a colossal explosion that sent rubble high into the skies .
Vaylin stood on the walls of the city , Lowering her hands as she let go of what remained of the venator , Said starship now buried in the ground .
Hearing laser fire from her left , She watched as a group of six fighters rushed towards the battlefield .
Turning her body to face the bombers , Vaylin raised her hands to the ships , Gripping them through the force before she made a downward movement with her hands , Watching with satisfaction as they were torn from the skies and sent careening into the ranks of the CIS droids on the outskirts of the city .
Now that the skies were clear , Vaylin grabbed at the Saber on her hip , Smiling with excitement as she stepped off of the high overlooking wall and proceeded to drop towards the ground .
She slammed into the ground with the force of a missile , The clones tripping and falling as she collided with the ground .
The smoke that rolled over the battlefield began to flow over Vaylin's location , Giving her the advantage for the moment as the clones circled the location with an uneasy air about them.
The sun barely pierced the smoke from above , Casting looming shadows that stretched far across the grounds .
The unit of clones tentatively approached her landing area , Their blasters aiming into the smoke whilst the sounds of the battle behind them barely registered in their ears against their heavy breaths.
Igniting her Saber , The smoke around her glowed with the light of her weapon as she smirked under the hood of her robes.
The force grew heavy around her for a moment before she began , Leaping through the smoke which trailed behind her as she blitzed the clones .
She appeared before the nearest clone in an instant , Separating him at the waist as she slashed and stabbed through the chest of the second clone .
A flex of her wrist sent the nearby ten clones soaring through the air like ragdolls , Breaking their bodies against their brothers as they collided.
Hefting her Saber , Vaylin sent it flying around her , The blade circling around her twice as it cut through everything around her location .
Droids and clones fell , sliced in half , Dying where they stood before the Saber landed snug in her outstretched hand .
' It's safe to assume I have their attention ' Vaylin thought snugly as she caught a blaster bolt with her open palm , Absorbing it with a satisfied smile as she felt any exhaustion she may have had simply vanish.
The second bolt was intercepted with her Saber , Sent straight into the head of a b1 droid before a third bolt was redirected with a thought.
She blocked behind her back by rotating her wrist , Another after that in the same rotation as more and more clones and droids registered her as the larger threat .
Soon her blade became nothing but a blur of light and motion as she defended her self on all sides , Blaster bolts flying to and from her all around , Bodies falling as she didn't bother guiding the bolts that struck her saber , Rather sending them back the way they came , She simply blocked and let then fly off in random directions where they struck whatever was in the way .
" What's going on over there " Rhydart asked as a commando rushed to his side .
" A rogue Jedi has appeared and is engaging both our and the enemies forces " The commando relayed as the Miralukan immediately grabbed his Saber.
" The situations changed, That is no Jedi " Rhydart rushed from the command centre , Calling the arc troopers to his side .
Her blade was a yellow wall , Appearing as a dome of yellow whilst her arm was nothing but a blur .
She stood atop a pile of clones , Body parts strewn around the ground .
She cackled in glee , Even as parts of her robe had burnt patches , Parts of her skin showing .
Said skin held scorch marks that themselves were slowly healing as she drew sustenance from the force , Using it to heal herself mid battle .
Scraps of metal circled around her , Her mad cackling registering in the helmets of the clones , Only for said clones to be crushed by rotating debris .
A bolt struck her left cheek , Singing skin and scarring the entire left side of her head , Burning her lips away until nothing but exposed teeth remained .
Glee turned rage in an instant , As her left eye was nothing but a hollow black hole in her head.
" AHHHRGH " Vaylin flung her hands out at the battle droids that had disfigured her face , A force push rending the ground and carving a trench clear through the battlefield .
The snarl that crossed her features remained as she whirled on the clones behind her , A barrier forming Infront of her as blasted bolts struck the purple shield.
Whilst absorbing the energy in the bolts , Vaylin felt her skin knit itself back together , Her vision clearing up as her left eye reformed in her socket.
A sigh escaped her mouth as her lips sealed over , A satisfied smile taking place over her face .
' Chaos ' Vaylin mused as she looked towards the nearby mountain ' Can you see me dear ... it's all for you '
Reaching to her sides , Vaylin steeled herself , Clenching her teeth as she made an upwards heaving gesture .
The rest of the battle became chaos , As the battlefield exploded upwards , Massive chunks of stone along with what remained of the venator being tossed into the skies to fall back down onto the terrified clones.
' It's all for you ' Vaylin tore the rest of what remained of her over cloak from her body , Left in nothing but her battle suit .
Leaping ahead , She swung her Saber around , Cutting the first clone in half at the shoulders .
Her feet slid across the ground as she used her off hand to punch through the abdomen of another . Sweeping her blade low through the knees of a third .
She leapt up , Using falling debris as a spring board as she flipped and landed on the helmet of another , The clones helmet crushed underfoot before she planted her right knee on the ground and punched the stone below .
The shockwave that followed sent many into the air , Some vanishing into the obscuring smoke .
" FINALLY " Vaylin cried as she leant back , Blue Saber passing overhead as her brown braided her just touched the ground .
" I've been waiting " Vaylin cooed as her Saber sprung to life once more in her right hand .
" You go no further sith " Rhydart seethed as his arc troopers rushed onto the scene , Their rifles pointed squarely on Vaylin's position.
Seemingly forgotten by the CIS droids , The clones re-engaged with the droids now that their commander was here to deal with Vaylin .
" Won't I " Vaylin taunted as lightning sparked in her left hand , A mad smile coming to her face as she leant forward ready to leap at the battle master .
She was the first to attack , But not how the Jedi expected , As she blitzed the arc troopers and promptly decapitated the eight clones with ease with a single swipe of her blade .
The clones fell to the ground in unison , Their heads rolling to the ground as Vaylin turned back to the Jedi master.
No further words were said as Vaylin rushed the Jedi master , Her blade coming down in an overhead strike that was diverted towards the right by the man's own Saber coming up to bat hers to the side.
" Reagh " Vaylin screamed as she brought her Saber up , the master leaning back whilst she took a step forward and continued on with a third slash .
" The force is my ally sith " Rhydart mused as he side stepped an upwards slash before he thrust towards Vaylin's abdomen.
" Not here it's not " Vaylin ground out as she backhanded the Saber out of her way much to the battle master bafflement.
She slammed her right foot into the ground , Squared her chest and roared.
The ground shook as a haze over came the Jedi master , His vision wavering as his darkside opponent rushed him , Her left hand open as she made to grab at his face.
He narrowly avoided her open palm , As crackling lightning danced between her fingers .
Leaning back , The Miralukan swept his blade up towards her exposed arm , Intent on removing the appendage .
It would have been quick , An instant , Yet the man became weary as Vaylin's arm moved several degrees faster than his own , her arm retracting in an afterimage leaving his blade to pass harmlessly by .
Warnings wrung in his mind at the display of speed , The Jedi master bouncing back several metres in thought as he studied his opponent.
He watched her lax movements , Her uneven balance and apparent bored countenance .
' I had thought her to be an inexperienced young one newly corrupted by the Darkside ' Rhydart frowned as he now gripped his Saber with both hands , Squaring his feet as he lowered his centre of balance .
' But no , I'm dealing with a master in the art of the blade and the Darkside ' He now saw through her facade , As he saw literal waves of dark energies bleed from her into the force .
" You're no fun " Vaylin uttered as she simply pointed her blade towards the battle masters chest .
" I will stop you here sith " Rhydart seethed before he rushed towards Vaylin , Opening the duel up once more .
They became twin blurs of yellow and blue , Dashing away and colliding as they ran between clones and droid units .
An overhead strike was bat to the side , Whilst a thrust towards the jedis chest was sidestepped and parried with a slash at Vaylin's waist .
She caught the jedi's blade hand with the crook of her elbow , Using her speed and weight to spin him as she kicked his knee in .
He fell to the ground in a tumble , Laying on the ground where he narrowly avoided being decapitated by a slash of Vaylin's blade by planting his hand in the ground and pushing himself away with all his might.
Red hot pain shit through his body as he felt a weightlessness of his left arm . A scream tearing from his lips as he cradled the handless stump to his chest .
The sacrifice had been made , His hand for his head , Atleast he was alive.
He held his wounded arm against his stomach whilst making shallow breaths , Slowly grabbing for his Saber which he held out to his side.
' I'm not going to be able to stop this beast ' Rhydart thought as his eyes lowered to the dusted ground for a moment , Several emotions flickering over his features before said eyes quickly flickered towards the command centre in the distance .
He watched a ship rise from the back of the command centre and hurtle itself out of the atmosphere .
' Atleast you will live another day ... I may not be able to finish your training myself ' Rhydart moved his Saber arm behind him , As he surrendered himself to the will of the force . Forgetting the pain of his severed hand in that moment , Giving his sole focus to the woman before him .
He watched the mad smile on her face as she leant her head back slightly . A mad cackle rising for several moments , Drinking in the death and madness around her , Smoke billowing between the two for a moment. For a moment he could perceive the sickly yellow glow of hef eyes , As he tried to picture what her face would look like had he been able to see colour .
His studies were halted as he felt his padawans escape the atmosphere at that moment , and he smiled slightly .
' But I know you'll make an exemplary Jedi , Live long and live well ... may the force be with you ' Rhydart thought and let out a bestial yell , The man taking the initiative as he leapt at the Darksider with everything he had , Blue blade leaving behind a trail of light as he bounced into her open guard.
He stabbed at her stomach , the woman's blade rotating with her wrist as she diverted the stab away .
He wasn't done however as he made use of his wounded arm , Slamming the stub of his arm into her stomach and willing a force push into existence .
The force came to his side in that moment as Vaylin tumbled back a couple of metres .
Rhydart didn't let go of his advantage , Intent on distracting the monster for as long as possible as he leapt high into the air and made to drop into the woman .
He had once more underestimated his opponents potential , As she found her way to her feet like a phantom , Before his very eyes as she left several afterimage with that movement alone , It looked like smearing a wet painting with how quickly she moved .
' May the force be with you ' Rhydart thought once more as he closed his eyes as Vaylin swung , All feeling he felt fleeing him the next instant .
The headless body of the Miralukan fell to the ground , Head flying to her left whilst his body crashed to the right side of her body.
' That was more entertaining than I thought it would be... I should hold back more often ... makes things more fun ' Vaylin knelt down and removed the Saber from the dead man's grip as a memento .
' I think it's time I took my leave ' Vaylin paused as a group of clones surrounded her , No doubt coming to avenge the death of the commanding officer.
' Hm ' Vaylin thought before she had an idea , She rounded with her hands raised to the nearby mountain with the clones opening fire apon her.
The bolts struck her yet she paid them little mind as she absorbed them with the force , All the while she reached out towards the nearby Lucrehulk embedded in the mountain .
And with a mighty wailing screech of metal , It exploded into millions of shards of metal , And chaos reigned supreme .
Nox watched as the lucrehulk peppered the surviving clones in scraps of metal that rained from above , A satisfied smile coming to his face as he momentarily locked eyes with Vaylin from his vantage point on the mountains .
' I leave things to you now ' Nox thought as he turned away and made his way up the walkway of the X-70 B .
" Chart a course for coruscant ... I must meditate " Nox announced as he made his way towards his quarters .
JEDI TEMPLE - Days later
" Please one more time " Plo koon asked as he , Yoda , Mace and vas stood in an isolated chamber for council members .
" Of course master " Vas replied as he held his palms upturned at his side .
The masters gave no reaction as the room became awash in emerald lightning , Said lightning bouncing off of the walls and around the room , Yet it failed to reach the jedi masters whom weren't targeted.
" Feel how do you " Yoda asked as he made to test vas's control . Wadling forward much to mace's alarm .
Said Brown skinned human calming down as a path in the emerald lightning opened to allow the small jedi entry .
They had discussed with Vas his ability to use such , Obscure, Abilities . But knowing he had the know how to use such abilities and to see them actually be performed was another thing .
" At peace grand master . Like I can right the wrongs of the galaxy , Justice" Vas intoned as plo koon gave Mace a subtle nod .
Yoda looked up at Vas with squinting , Searching eyes .
And vas wasn't so sure he liked those eyes on the small creature, Far too knowing. He steeled himself with the knowledge that the small creature was ignorant of his origins . And reaffirmed that knowledge with the knowledge a single application of deadly sight would purge all life from his surroundings .
" The darkside of the force ... feel of it what do you " Yoda asked with a small smile on his face as the emerald lightning around them slowly died down.
" That is a trick master yoda " Vas knelt down infront of the smaller creature , Choosing to cross his legs as yoda chose to do the same , out of the respect plo and Mace did the same as they wished to hear the boys words .
" Say that you do , but why " Yoda asked as he placed his cane on his lap .
" There is no light or darkside of the force " Vas replied as Mace took on a complicated expression at the young man's words .
" There is only the force " Vas raised his right hand as a ball of light appeared , Illuminated in his grasp . It bathed those within the room with radiant warmth and soothed them deeply " In its natural state "
" It binds everything, Flows through us and everything around us . Feeds into and binds life and death together , Through the force anything is possible " Vas stated as the ball of light slowly died down until its unnatural radiance vanished .
" And then " Yoda stared intently as he raised his chin slightly.
In turn vas slowly raised his left hand , The jedi watching with great trepidation as a malevolence overcame everything within the room , An absence of light appearing a few centimetres above the boys open palm , A cold washing over those present .
All present refused to look away from Vas's open palm , As if it was tempting them , Goading then to come to it .
" Corruption. A perversion of the force that is not meant to be . It festers in the minds of all , There is nobody immune to it " Vas explained as Yoda slowly turned to face the boy with narrowed eyes " Whether it be a newborn , Or the grand master of the jedi order ... it exists within all ... What determines who you are ... however "
The ball of dark began to shrink and fade away until it vanished all together .
" Is your ability to ignore its call . To Resist and commit one's self to the will of the force and scathe off its corruption. The temptation will exist always, But it is fickle , It lies and is the destruction of all " Vas lowered his palms to his knees and stared intently at yoda .
" To be jedi , Is to remove the wants and desires the corruption whispers into your ears . To be a vessel against the corruption that should not be , To commit one's self to the will of the force , The force is your ally , And it will treat you well should you have faith " Yoda's satisfied nod eased the hearts of mace and plo Koon , As the Jedi grand master gave a small smile .
" Fear it ... do you " Yoda asked , Pressing the question of the young knight , A searching look the the aliens eyes .
" I do not grand master. To fear something is to give it power of one's self " Vas began as Yoda openly began to smile " I accept that the corruption exists , But I do not allow for such acceptance to allow it to gain control of myself master Yoda . So no ... I do not fear the corruption "
" I'll be " Plo mumbled as mace gave a more than respectful nod in the direction of Vas'lucis.
" How profound " Yoda giggled to himself and gave a slow and accepting nod " A very astute outlook you have there. A Padawan under you , Do well they would"
" I agree " Mace lifted his head slightly as he gave Vas a small smile .
" Agreed " Plo supported as he slowly rose from the ground with the three Jedi masters.
" Masters ... " Vas began as Yoda ushered the young man to his feet .
" Come , A great honour this is " Yoda decreed as he waddled off towards the exit of the room .
" I hope you understand how much of a privilege this is Vas " Mace address him by name as the group fell in toe together.
" To guide the hand of a Padawan into the ways of the force is a great task , They rely on you , Your knowledge and the belief that you hold what is best for their future " Plo announced as they walked towards where the padawans were currently training to be selected .
" I understand masters . I will not fail my Padawan " Vas answered as mace placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
" We know , We believe in you " Mace soothed as Vas have an appreciative smile .
" Thank you , Master "
' Thirteen ... ' She thought as she gripped the hilt of her lightsaber ... her angular face contorting as she stood across from her opponent .
' Thirteen years , Why won't they select me ... I'm better than everyone here ' She seethed , Frowning as her grip tightened .
Her opponent gulped as she began to step forward .
Grinding her teeth , She dashed at the togruta wielding twin sabers .
Her blows came down like hammers as she knocked the fourteen year old girls sabers to the side and kicked her in the stomach , Causing the togruta to slide back whilst she ran towards the alien .
The opponent blocked with one blade horizontally whilst swinging her second blade towards the thirteen year Olds side .
Angling her blade , The human scathed off the Togruta's blade before she grew more frustrated , Shifting her arm to the side to allow herself into the Togruta's guard before she headbutt the alien .
' Everyone else has been selected , Why not me ' She felt tears prick on the corners of her eyes as she began to wail apon the opponent Padawan , Using her superior strength to cause the girl to fall to her knees .
' Am I not good enough ' She thought as the Togruta's arms gave out , Signifying the end of the match between the two .
Her arms fell to the side as the togruta limped off . She simply stared down at the ground for several seconds before a commotion began to occur amongst the other training padawans , As they all looked towards the overseeing balcony above .
" It's the masters " Another Padawan whispered as she too looked up , Nervously adjusting her stance under the searching glances of those above .
But her eyes locked with a single individual above , Drawn into a pair of unblinking almost neon blue eyes that sat apon a rather amused smile .
' Who is that ' She looked up towards the council members , Spotting the man Garbed in white and gold robes , Staring at her with a thousand yard stare that penetrated her very being , A small smile coming to his face .
' That boy has potential ' Vas leant against the observation rail , Staring down at the pits below as he studied the available padawans.
A brown haired boy battled against a blonde boy , Both show casing great strength and prowess as they flipped and maneuvered around the area with great practice .
' He has potential ... but ' Vas scanned his surface thoughts and found a small frown stretching across his face ' Too rigid ... too emotionally stunted for what I want '
His eyes danced across the others below , Scanning each of their thoughts with narrowed eyes .
' I need someone more ... emotional ... More connected to their feelings ... someone easy to guide to what I wish ' Vas put his elbows on the rail as the master's watched him with studying gazes , Analysing every movement the young man made.Within several moments , his eyes turned to face a thirteen year old humanoid girl that bled raw emotion , Her face twisted in consternation and a hint of fear .
" That one " Vas stared into the dojo below , The kind of blonde so pale it almost appeared white , The girl below stared up at him with her lips parted , Apparently surprised at his words .
" Are you sure " Mace asked with a weary tone " She was about to be sent off to the Agri crop due to her age "
" Call it an urge " Vas crossed his hands Infront of his chest and smiled down at the girl two thirds his age.
Yoda gave a pleased chuckle as he shimmied in his hover chair.
" Good , Very good " He , Plo and mace looked down at the blonde girl below " Your new Padawan , She shall be "
" Then I believe I shall be off , My new Padawan awaits me ... Before I go , Do I have a new assignment " Vas asked as mace gave a pleased look .
" I have requested your assistance with a mission on dantooine ... Separatist forces have been reported to be present , I would like to have your assistance in the matter " Mace informed the Jedi Knight who gave a low bow .
" I would be honoured to join you master Windu , I shall meet you at the hanger for our departure " Vas raised himself as mace inclined his head .
" As would I , I shall meet you there , Now I believe ... your Padawan is waiting " Mace remarked as Vas smiled and quickly bid farewell to the masters before rushing away .
" That boy ... " Plo Koon mumbled as Mace looked where Vas had been.
" Will make a great Jedi master ... wouldn't you say the same master Fay" Mace turned his head to see the blonde pointed eared Jedi master come around the corner , Evidently caught in her snooping .
" I concur ... A rather pleasant individual he is " Fay remarked as she thought over what she had learnt about the boy so far .
" I would have requested to be his master ... had he not been officially recognised as a knight " Fay remarked as Yoda let out another chuckle.
" Believe I do , Many had the same thoughts after recent events " Yoda gave a pointed look towards mace as he let out another chuckle .
" Oh is that so " Fay gave an amused smile towards the man whom sighed.
" Indeed " Mace relented and slumped .
All further humour of the situation was lost at the urgent approach of kit fisto , Who rushed towards the gathered Jedi masters with wide and panicked eyes .
" We have reports from isilta ... It's bad " Fisto rasped out , The four masters looking between eachother before the five of them rushed towards the situation room .
WITH VAS
She was nervous, NO, Scratch that ... she was beyond terrified as she fixed her robes , Her hands constantly roaming over the tan cloth that hung from her body . Constantly fixing her damn near white hair as her blue eyes danced around nervously .
Wanting to not appear fearful , She raised her head and stood tall , Squaring her features as she felt that her new master would soon arrive.
Faster than she thought he'd arrive , The door to her room opened to reveal the man that was to be her master .
She felt her breath hitch as he looked at her , His almost glowing blue eyes catching her figure , All of her in his stare .
He approached before circling her , Studying her as she crushed the want to shuffle under his gaze .
' He's so much younger than I thought he'd be ' She thought as he finally came to a stop at her front .
" What is your name girl " He asked in a soft voice as he crossed his arms infront of his stomach .
" My name is Shai Bendahi my master " She bowed to her new master as he gave a smile at her action .
" My name is Vas lucis , It is my pleasure to be your new master " He bowed in turn before they both rose and regarded eachother .
" It is of my understanding that we have a new mission to depart for , Please gather your things , We are to link up with jedi master windu before departing for dantooine " Vas inclined his head as he turned away and made his way to the door " I will be outside until you are ready "
The door opened as he made to step through before he paused for a moment " And please ... there is no need for you to be so nervous , I have selected you to be my padawan ... I do not intend to go back on my selection "
Vas departed with those words , Leaving the girl to slump slightly at his words as she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
WITH MACE
" What is this " Mace asked as they stood around the central table , The holo of a group of individuals kneeling was present as a lone garbed female individual walled behind the kneeling men.
" We have no idea whom this woman is , the holo couldn't catch her face " Kit fisto explained as the woman mumbled on about the clones and the droids invading isilta.
" Your jedi master rhydart was less than amicable in this situation. Ordering a bombing run close to the city walls of isilta , Putting its people in danger. Refusing to see reason , I was forced to stop the dangerous jedi in his tracks " The woman explained as she made a gripping gesture to something off screen , A black coffin sliding into place behind the jedi whilst a bound jedi knight was forced into frame.
" This jedi knight was more ... understanding , seeing a losing battle , She allowed for the surrender of the clones against an unstoppable force once the droids were shut down " The knight knelt beside the coffin with a resigned look , Her face cast down towards the ground .
" I have also captured the leaders of the CIS forces on world , Your ships have been captured and forced to land , All personnel have been rounded up and imprisoned under my command " The woman clasped her hands behind her back and squared her shoulders .
" Isilta will not be cowed into the Republic, Nor will she bend to the confederacy . The gracious leaders of isilta have come up with a proposal , For the exchange of you commanding officers and your soldiers lives , Isilta will remain neutral, All further attempts of conquering Isilta will cease ... Any future aggressions will be met with swift and brutal execution ... We wish remain exempt from your petty wars ... Further negotiations will take place when your representatives arrive " The woman relayed before turning away from screen and vanishing off the holo in one fluid motion.
" When was this received " Mace asked as fay watched the video with a large frown on her face.
" Forty minutes ago. Time stamp puts the holo at forty eight hours old , They waited to send this to us ... no doubt culling the battle before sending anything out to the larger galaxy ... What should we do " Fisto asked as yoda stroked his chin in deep thought .
" Careful we must be ... Dangerous this woman is " Yoda watched the holo that began to repeat itself on mute .
" Another one of Dooku's apprentices " Ki adi Mundi asked over his own holo that stood next to yoda.
" Doubtful this ... unrelated to dooku i believe " Yoda continued to stroke his chin.
" Who should we send to negotiate with this unknown " Shaak Ti asked in concern as she stared at the kneeling holo of the female jedi knight on Isilta .
" Negotiations... should we not send reinforcements... The CIS are a non factor by their own words ... All we have to do is capture the city " Ki adi Mundi spoke up slowly as he offered his own opinion.
" We would be risking the lives of our captured soldiers... not to mention the innocents currently in Isilta " Shaak Ti rebuked as yoda nodded slowly .
" I will go " Plo koon spoke up as his rose from his seat in his holo .
" Our latest offensive has come to an end , My forces are waiting for relocation ... And should our negotiations fail , the one hundred and fourth will prioritise the rescue of our soldiers whilst I engage this unknown " Plo explained as yoda gave a slow nod .
" Acceptable this is ... Await your report we will " Yoda accepted Plo's request , with plo koon disappearing from the room as he moved to relocate the wolf pack .
"I'm bored ... If you can get even a single graze against me , I might let you go " Vaylin mocked as she toyed at her lightsaber with dancing fingers.
The girl crunched her face under Vaylin's oppressive gaze , As her hair hung low , Staring at the lightsaber that had been simply tossed at her feet .
" What ... are you scared, Pitiful ... even your master managed to rally some sort of valiant last stand before I cut him down like the bug he was " Vaylin mocked as she ground her teeth at the girls refusal to budge .
" He begged you know , Cried out that he didn't want to die ... it was interesting hearing his screams as I severed his limbs from his body " The high justice prattled and mocked as she studied the knight below .
" It was kind of pathetic actually , Begging in your final moments ... ugh , Don't you agree ... he was pitiful " Vaylin stopped at the door to the cell for a small moment , And activated her saber to block the blue blade of the jedi knight that had swung at her as soon as her back was turned.
The girls face was wound and contorted in fury , As her teeth gnashed together as she pushed against Vaylin's blade .
" You're a mute ... how ... amusing " Vaylin sneered as she slowly pushed the apprentices blade downwards towards the ground at her right foot , Before rearing her head back and head-butting the knight .
The knight stumbled back in pain , Her face flashing in pain before vaylin thrust her blade at the girls stomach .
The girl barely managed to divert the blade off course , Before dropping to the ground as vaylin made a slash at the girls stomach.
" Well you atleast have some survival instincts huh " Vaylin cooed before simply stepping back to allow the girl to find her feet .
" No wander your master died so easily , If this is the standard they have for their knights " Vaylin blocked a thrust at her stomach by simply batting the saber to the left , Her own left hand snapping out to catch the knights right hand in her grip , Locking the girls saber in place .
" I'm curious , How many of your knights would I be able to engage at once " Vaylin mused as she crushed the girls hand in her grip before sweeping her legs out from under her.
A sick cracking was heard as vaylin still held the girls right arm , The joint snapping in the wrong direction as the girl simply hung by her wrist .
" I don't think you'll be needing this any more " Vaylin pried the girls fingers from her saber .
The girls silent sobs rocked her body as vaylin rolled her eyes .
" oh come on , What's life without a little bit of pain " Vaylin gripped the knights hand with body of her own and tensed her muscles .
" You'll understand what I mean " And with a crunch , Vaylin broke not only the girl wrist , But her allow and shoulder as her arm was wrenched and twisted violently in all directions , Vaylin taking great pleasure in contorting the mangled joint with her great strength .
She didn't care when the arm took on an interesting colour of purple , Nor when bones began to press against the skin nor when they actually punctured the skin and spurted blood on her face .
She laughed maniacally as she gripped the girls face with her left hand , Holding the knights own useless and limp hand Infront of her face before shaking it back and forth as tears streamed down her cheeks .
" Isn't THIS FUN " Vaylin laughed before she took the girls index finger in her mouth and chomped down , Feeling the bone turn to dust in the finger before she shook her head from side to side , The skin and muscle tearing in her mouth before the finger dislodged from the hand .
Spitting the finger out of her mouth , Vaylin wiped her lips with the back of her left hand , Gently stroking the girls left cheek , Smearing blood on her face as vaylin sat herself on the girls leg .
" Oh what I'd do to you if I didn't need you for negotiations ... " Vaylin cooed as she crushed the need to torture the girl .
Soon growing bored , Vaylin gave out a huff before simply dropping the appendage to the ground . Said arm falling to the ground with a wet slap , hanging uselessly at the girls side .
" You jedi really are just no fun when you're not begging for mercy " Vaylin growled before kicking the girl in the side of the head , Knocking her out instantly before a medical probe entered the room.
" Fix her arm before the jedi arrive " Vaylin hissed before calling the knights saber to her grip , Departing the cell with rapid steps.
THE ENDURANCE - LANDING BAY
Vas stood with shai at his side , Doing her best to seem dignified at his side , Yet he could see how her fingers pricked at the loose thread of her robes .
" Shai " Vas brought the girls attention from her running train of thought as her large blue eyes looked up at him , Her near white hair falling at the side of her face as she waited for what he was to say .
" I wish for you to stay by my side for this mission ,I wish to see how you perform " Vas explained with a kind smile as she smiled up at him .
" Of course master " Shai replied as windu made himself known .
" Punctual as always my friend " Mace chuckled as he came to stand before vas and shai " And this is your new padawan I presume "
" Yes master , May I introduce ... Shai Bendahi ... My new apprentice " Vas gently pet the girl on the back as she nervously bowed before the master of the order .
" I am sure, Under your charge she shall become an exemplary member of our order . I look forward to seeing your progress young shai " Mace inclined his head down to the girl respectfully as she bowed .
" I am sure I won't disappoint you master " Shai replied as Mace took on a thoughtful face .
" I am sure you won't, Now my friend ... shall we " Mace motioned for the ramp that lead down towards the endurance which awaited them .
" Of course ... and perhaps we could have a spar in the meantime during our approach to dantooine " Vas mused out loud as Mace smirked .
" I do believe that would be a prudent course of action ... I do after all have to reclaim my position " Mace replied as his fingers stroked across the surface of his saber .
" Would you like to sit in shai , I believe it would be a good learning experience for you " Vas gently placed his hand on thr girls shoulder as she gave a thoughtful nod .
" Of course master ... I would love to " Shai gave a firm nod as they entered the endurance .
" But first I believe we are needed on the bridge " Vas looked to Mace as the man nodded , The trio Departing for the bridge as they passed by clones rushing through the ship .
CSILLA
Nox sat with his left leg crossed over his right on a make shift throne within the house palace , Sat infront of the kneeling heads of the houses of the chiss .
A legion of zakuulan exarchs stood before nox , Separating him from. the chiss like a wall as he regarded the owners of the planet .
His gaze was completely apathetic in nature , Glowing purple eyes pinning the nervous chiss in place .
Releasing a sigh , Nox placed his right hand on the armrest of his throne and leant forward , Bringing his face closer to their positions as he sneered down at them .
" Consider yourselves lucky that my apprentice was able to capture this Vandalor " Nox sneered as he motioned towards the side of the room , Where kanya held Vandalor in an arm lock , Forcing the man forward under Nox's command .
The chiss no doubt knew exactly what he was talking of as they made to speak .
" Milord I "
" SILEENCE " Only to be silenced as nox slammed his right fist into the arm rest , the room shaking as the chandeliers above shook violently as a shock wave crushed the armrest of his chair .
Fear encompassed the gathered leaders as the veins in nox's neck bulged for several seconds.
" I do not care what you were trying to do , You moved into the larger galaxy without my permission , Putting everything I am trying to achieve in danger , You're lucky I am as forgiving as I am , Otherwise I would have turned your system to dust for your transgressions " Nox cooly explained as he gripped vandalor through the force .
" consider yourself lucky fop , That it was your loyalty to your people that permitted you to perform such actions , This will allow you to keep your life ... however you moved against myself, Which cannot be tolerated " Nox waved his arm , The armour vandalor wore falling from his body .
" You had a lover didn't you , Severance I believe ... She enacted a great insult towards my person and my apprentice... Not only engaging my apprentice in combat but her actions resulted in the death of someone dear to me " Nox announced ,Milking the death of shmi for all it was worth as he forced the chiss bounty hunter to kneel before him .
" You shan't worry about her any more , Her transgressions have been punished... " Nox called forward Severance from behind the gathered knights of zakuul .
The woman removed her cloak , Removing the amalgamation of severance and technobeast .
She stood silently and obediently , Her face a mangled mess of machinery that looked towards her lover with complete silence .
" It is unfortunate " Nox remarked as he gently ran a hand down through Severance's hair , The black locks spreading through his fingers as he did so .
" But an example had to he set , Should you perform any further actions behind my back without my permission , This " Nox motioned to severance once more " Will be the end result for your people "
" Csilla will become dust , Your people mindless slaves . You will not have a next generation, A legacy nor free will . Move against me again ... and all that awaits is oblivion " Nox growled as kanya glared out towards the house heads .
" We understand Milord , Any pla s we have will be brought to you from this point onwards " The head of military defence announced as nox gave a pleased nod .
" Very good , There is but one more thing I must do , Your punishment Vandalor " Nox remarked as he pointed a finger at the chiss .
The chiss heads flinched at a sudden explosion of light , Screams wringing out as red lightning erupted from nox's finger .
For longer than a minute Vandalor cried and begged for mercy under the barrage of lightning , Just enough not to kill him as his clothes melted to his body .
Before long , Vandalor grew unresponsive followed by nox allowing the man to simply crumble to the ground .
The chiss nobles shook under the blatant use of such a heretical thing such as the force , Reinforcing the believe they held that he was some kind of aberration from the unknown .
When the aberration turned his eyes back to them , He gave them a harsh glare before leaning back in his makeshift throne.
" Because of your ... lack of trust , I am leaving a confidant in my place. This is Scorpio " Nox motioned to another robed figure. Said figure of Scorpio stepped up to Nox's side , Where she removed the hood of her robes to stare down at the kneeling organics .
" She will be my eyes... and ears in the ascendancy. An attack against her will be seen as an act of war against my empire and will be met with swift retribution " Nox relayed as the yellow lenses analysed everything around her .
" You are permitted to conduct your business as usual , Scorpio will remain to oversee and micro manage things in my absence " The nobles each looked up at Scorpio with suspicious eyes , Plans forming in their minds.
" And I cannot stress this enough ... Should you betray the trust I have placed apon your people once more... I will destroy your civilisation myself " Nox hissed as he rose from the throne, Dismissing everyone present as he looked towards kanya , Urging her to walk with him out of an adjacent corridor as their guards surrounded the two of them on all sides .
The two walked for some time before stopping in what appeared to be some sort of garden. A fountain sat in the centre of the garden .
Arctic shrubs grew around the garden , Robust flowers of a bluish hue sat on dark green near grey stems, It was an exotic look for the garden. definitely different from the gardens they would find on zakuul or iokath .
Approaching the fountain, Nox came to the waters edge to peer Into the small pool below , His face staring down into what he could see was blue crystals giving the water a deep see blue look .
Around both kanya and nox , The exarchs took up posts at all entrances to the garden , Watching anyone that went to and from with great scrutiny .
" You wished to speak to me father " Lanya asked after several moments of Nox's silence , The man taking a small smile before he turned to look at her.
Nox smiled down at kanya as he gently pet her head .
" I'm proud of you kanya , I knew you would succeed the moment I put you up to the task" Nox gently ran his thumb through her hair just as he did when she was a child , The woman's face softening under his undivided attention.
" Its all thanks to you master " Kanya supplied with an almost meek voice as she leant into his touch like a greedy child.
" No , Its not . You've grown into a woman I am glad to call my daughter. You're powerful , Knowledgeable and have a set of values I can only envy ... " Nox gently lowered his hand to his side as he continued to smile down to the woman that came up to the base of his neck.
" And I know ... shmi would be proud of you too. You do her a great justice not just through her memory ... but through your actions " Nox watched as a tear slowly rolled down his daughters face a few moments after he spoke .
" Thank you ... dad " Kanya sniffed as she lowered her face , Tears freely running down her face as she buried her head in the crook of her arm .
Gently he rubbed the base of her neck on her back , Soothing her as he felt her emotions rolling through the force.
' Are you watching shmi ' Nox gently brought the woman in for a hug , His right hand gently running through her hair as all the pent up emotion she had housed for the past months of hunting vandalor surged from her , Resulting I'm her crying into his chest as he held her.
The subjugation loomed over all , Dwarfing the many countless ships around the gargantuan vessel .
The many warships were slowly flying beside the absolute behemoth . Even as the first fleet left the gravity well of csilla .
Crawling along the outer hull of the ship, Izax scampered along the ship , Turning back to csilla with the desire to burn the civilisation to dust .
The droid turned to face one of the nearby warships with a contemplative glance before it turned and moved its way up to the bow of the mighty vessel .
When the ship entered hyperspace , Izax ran through several diagnostics before coming up short as the ship immediately exited hyperspace before a fleet of enemy vessels .
' Receiving target parameters ... confirmed ' Izax slammed it's legs down and magnetised itself to the ships bow , Missile pods on its back opening whilst the omni cannon built into its body began to power up.
' Well this is ... interesting ' Nox rubbed at his chin as he looked towards the very evidently not friendly vessels across the void of space .
' They're not the chiss ... have they mistaken us for the chiss ' Nox grunted with amusement as Scorpio announced that a small fleet of chiss vessels had entered the system .
' Well ... I guess a display of power would be prudent to cow these alien curs ' Nox smiled slightly as he shrugged and crossed his arms behind his back.
" Izax " Nox called out , The droid being connected to the ship itself promptly responding .
" Milord " The droids deep sinister voice spoke over the control bridge.
" Put on a show for our observers ... You are permitted to draw energy from the ship " Nox announced , Receiving an affirmative from the droid as the emperor walked to the front of the bridge to peer at the front of the vessel .
" Divert power from the cannon charge chamber towards Izax ... " Nox spoke to Scorpio as the lights within the bridge began to flicker for several seconds before returning to normal , A green glow beginning to emminate from the front of the vessel, Whisps of green energy rippling from the chest of the massive bug like droid .
" Milord , We're currently near the Crustai system , A do believe the chiss fleet located at the asteroid belt is Picket force two , Commanded by force commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo " Scorpio informed her emperor as the holo display showed the two other fleets within the system .
" Open transmission to Picket force two " Nox ordered as he crossed his arms , Sirens blaring in the background as the first fleet prepared for an offensive.
With a nod from Scorpio, Nox watched the droid turn to the holotable . Within seconds the holo of the two fleets vanished , Replaced by a lone chiss male .
" Mitth'raw'nuruodo , I presume " Nox tapped his right index finger on his elbow as his arms remained crossed .
" Indeed milord , It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance " Mitth'raw'nuruodo replied with the affirmative as he inclined his head slightly .
" The pleasure is mine , Now ... tell me . Who are they " Nox asked as he turned to face the bridge windows of the subjugation to see the fleet that had disturbed their hyperspace jump .
'They used the fact that the subjugation needs to have a corresponding gate to instantly travel across the galaxy ... something out current destination doesn't have ... Sneaky... But ' Nox squinted as he absentmindedly listened to Mitth'raw'nuruodo saying they were supposedly ships from a nearby system rebelling against them .
" I assume they're prepared for war " Nox asked as he began to pace Infront of the holotable , The chiss confirming.
" Scans have come in of the enemy vessels " Scorpio silently announced through his implants , Followed immediately after by the received data , The man squinting as he read the reports.
' I see ... this is a test from the chiss , To see what we're capable of , Verywell I'm game ' Nox felt the sides of his lips twitch , Watching the hologram from the corner of his eyes ' We're you the mastermind '
" Would you like my assistance in eliminating these adversaries , Milord " Mitth'raw'nuruodo pressed , Studying him no doubt .
" No there's no need " Nox shrugged and simply closed his eyes " Izax... destroy them "
Mitth'raw'nuruodo watched , Studied the foreign force that had all but claimed dominion of the unknown regions .
' Every planet , Every system they claim power of , Yet nobody has seen fit to challenge them ... unlikely ' Mitth'raw'nuruodo thought as he pressed his fingers to his chin in thought , Watching from the bridge of his ship as the hundreds of vessels from the first fleet glinted in the distance .
" Izax , Destroy them " Mitth'raw'nuruodo heard and raised his eyebrow ' Izax ... Is that some kind of person or individual '
The answer came a moment later .
" As you wish master " Mitth'raw'nuruodo heard the automated voice , A frown coming onto his face ' A droid then '
" What ... " The chiss at his side gasped drawing the man's attention , Where a display clearly showed a gargantuan droid unit crawling across the hull of the capital ship of their oppressors " Kind of machine is that "
Not twenty seconds later , The bridge glowed with a lime light , As Mitth'raw'nuruodo turned to face the first fleet , Finding himself stumbling for a moment at what he saw .
Mitth'raw'nuruodo watched as a lime beam erupted from the bow of the subjugation , Said single beam spearing towards the ship at the head of the enemy ships .
' Such destructive capabilities ' Mitth'raw'nuruodo frowned as the ship exploded , Followed by the spreading of the beam to the other surrounding vessels ' Within an instant , Tens of ships gone in the blink of an eye '
He clenched his fists and glared , His eyes widening a moment after as three more beams erupted from the chest of the droids , Eviscerating the remainder of the fleet .
Nothing remained but shrapnel floating through the void , Useless ... not worth the time of engaging anything but a single droid.
' If a single one of their droids is capable of this ... then what is the ship itself able to do 'Mitth'raw'nuruodo calmly thought , Despite the situation he saw no need to be pressed or worried , He knew something like this would happen the moment they failed to scan the ship , It was invisible to any kind of scanner they had ... the only they had was a visual of the vessel , otherwise it might as well have not existed at all.
" Did I pass your test " The foreign emperor asked , And Mitth'raw'nuruodo began to sweat , For the droid at the bow of the subjugation was now directly facing his ship ... it's weapons already primed and ready to fire at a moment's notice .
' He knows ' Mitth'raw'nuruodo resigned himself to his fate as he nodded slowly.
" Yes ... I will not apologise for my actions ... I had to see for myself if you were capable of what you said you where . I find you are " He held his head high despite being caught out , He knew grovelling would get him nowhere in this situation .
" You're a smart man . Keep it that way " The emperor grunted , The chiss watching the Holo of the droid as it turned away and marched towards the side of the subjugation and onto its underside where it promptly disappeared into some kind of hanger for it to rest in.
" Milord " Mitth'raw'nuruodo asked unsure of what was to occur.
"Relax , This isn't the first time someone has been sceptical of the power my empire wields ... But just because I have the power to do something ... doesn't mean that I should " Mitth'raw'nuruodo felt his opinion of the man rising with the man's words.
" Sure I could retaliate against against you for this action , But what would I get for that ... the aggression of the chiss . And then a dead system with nothing but scorches planets and floating rubble. That's not how I want to rule " Nox explained with a deceptive smile .
Mitth'raw'nuruodo nodded in thought at the man's words , Taking them to heart as he processed what he knew of the man.
" However " Nox's words cut through the room , As the chiss found himself rising from the ground before being pressed against the ceiling.
" That was you and your people's final chance ... Now I get you may be unaware of what transpired little over an hour ago. But should you or your people perform out of your bounds a single time more ... you will face the full might of the eternal empire . DO NOT TEST MY PATIENCE AGAIN " Without so much as a departing word , the hologram shut off , Followed by the first fleet jumping to hyperspace seconds later .
Falling to the ground , Mitth'raw'nuruodo groaned as he found his way back to his feet , Thoughts running through his mind quicker than anyone would believe.
" Humph " He huffed and smiled slightly.
" I believe we're in good hands " The chiss muttered before finding his way to his seat , Signing into the fabric as he felt a slight amount of pain from his back due to being pressed into the ceiling.
" Now ... all we have to do is probe ourselves valuable to his majesty , And our people's futures will be assured "
" Did you mean it " Scorpio asked as she came up to Nox's side , The emperor staring out of the bridge windows in silence .
" In a way . There are many ways to punish those in power . Ido not need to punish the few for the actions of the many . Rather ... turning the many against the few will be enough. The ascendancy will be within our control by year's end " Nox waved dismissively before turning his head to the side to peer at a coalescing shadow.
" Don't you agree "
Appearing before him , Aloysius walked up to his descendants side to stand shoulder to shoulder with the man.
" Yes ... We cannot be too lenient when it comes to such matters " The pure black spirit spoke , Reminding Nox that he too had to deal with such things.
" I agree ... did you enjoy your trip " Nox asked , Turning to the spirit with an interested stare .
" I did ... the starweird queen is most ... interesting . You should come with me to her Homeworld , There is much we could both learn there ... There is along of secrets there ... long and forgotten " Aloysius explained as Nox gave a small humourous chuckle.
" Very well ... " Walking into the bridge, The figure of C4R0L walked into the room .
The female body walked to Aloysius .
" Ahh your second ... no fourth vessel was it " Aloysius studied the body silently before turning to the main " A fine specimen "
" I don't need to know about your preferences old man . But I will accompany you back , We have much to go over " Aloysius accepted those words ,Turning to C4R0L before they both seemed to shimmer out of existence from the bridge.
" Now then ... where is " Nox pondered before turning to leave the bridge in Scorpio's hands , Choosing to look for kanya instead.
DANTOOINE
The endurance dropped out of hyperspace , The grassy planes that covered the planet painted the world green from where they were .
Standing beside Mace , Both Vas and shai studied the man whom appeared the be in deep thought.
" Our secondary objective is to is to capture the terrorist Zeta Magnus , He was recently found to have been hiding on world some weeks ago ... It is imperative he doesn't escape " Mace announced with utmost seriousness .
" And the confederacy " Vas asked as he linked his ands together , Creating a loop with the sleeves of his robes .
" Will be routed and destroyed ,Their presence must not be allowed to spread ...Lest they corrupt this world " Mace sneered , Vas smiling to himself as he finally figured mace out .
' The jedi's desire to remove themselves from attachment leads them to doing just that . Whether it be their apprentice ... The temple or a particular gift given by their padawans . A Jedi always grows attached ... making them blind ' Vas thought as the three of them left the bridge of the endurance , Getting ready to deploy to the planets surface.
' Plo Koon loves life ... Yoda loves the Jedi . Kenobi loves Skywalker. Skywalker loves Padme . But Mace ... ' Vas walked a couple of paces behind the man , A penetrating gaze leveled to the back of the man's head .
' Mace Windu loves the republic ... and is completely blind to its flaws , It will be his downfall ' Vas gave a small mirthful chuckle , Causing Shai to look up to him in curiosity.
" What is it master " She asked , Her eyes wide with curiosity as the innocence on her face was clear as day .
" Nothing ... You'll find out soon enough " Vas answered mysteriously , Closing his eyes as he openly smiled , Though the reason was morbid indeed.
' War is hell Afterall '
CHAPTER COMPLETE
Finally got this chapter out I apologise it's taken so long to find time to do so.
I will be going over this and the other chapter to this story and editing mistakes and what not as I haven't had much free time to do so recently .
As always , This chapter is liable to change and editing in the future ... forgive me for the long update time , I will attempt to work on the story more often .
I appreciate all the love and support .
Cheers .
NEXT CHAPTER - GEARS OF WAR
