Coruscant - Kaldani spires
...
The world below was forever changing , Even now , as Nox stood apon the balcony overlooking the metropolis , He could feel it , The eb and flow of life below . People trying in vain to attempt to rebuild some semblance of the lives they had before the planet was laid to seige by the troglodytes.
Leaning over with a calculating gaze , glowing orange eyes peering over the night , Staring from the jedi temple to the senate itself .
" Hm " Orange eyes narrowed in thought " Not yet ... yes ... not yet "
Small pillars of smoke ascended to the skies in the distance , small outcrops of the previous events still wreaking havoc and yet to be stomped out by emergency services .
Less than 40 percent of coruscants original populous remained on world , Many having fled the system entirely after the troglodyte invasion . Taking the chance to use the emergency transports to flee the world .
His hands were interlaced , Thumbs tapping against his pointer fingers whilst he mused , Pondered over what he must do .
A chime drew his attention , The dark lord looking over his shoulder , Past the crimson curtains that blew in the gentle wind and towards his obsidian desk , Where a hologram appeared , One of a very important droid from his empire .
" Milord ... it is ready " Scorpio announced , As nox paused , giving out a small chuckle several seconds later .
" Good ... send it to vaylin ... lets reintroduce the mandalorian faction " Nox mused , Smiling to himself slightly , Yet apon noticing Scorpio seemed to be lingering around , His face scrunched up slightly " Is there something the matter Scorpio "
" There are two things milord " The synthetic voice of the droid carried throughout the room , It's tone bringing up the eternal emperor up short.
" What is it " Nox asked , Pushing from the balcony and returning to his 9ffice after closing the balcony door.
" I believe I have traced the origins of the entity attacking the lower levels of zakuul . The recovered expedition logs we found following the venators path has given us a vague idea of where the thing comes from . I am currently tracing it further . I still advise against direct retaliation on your part milord , Should you be infected ... all hope is lost " Scorpio expressed the beginning of her argument against nox , The emperor rolling his eyes as he pulled back the chair to his desk and sat down .
" I'll give you three days more to handle this situation Scorpio, I won't let our people fall simply because of the small risk I become infected " Nox replied , Pulling up the files for the now completed and ready to deploy star of coruscant.
" Then I will endeavour to handle it before your time limit has been reached ... milord . In other news , A chiss by the name of Mitth'raw'nuruodo has been requesting an urgent audience... I believe it has something to do with several covers actions enacted by the heads of the ruling houses "
" Hm " Nox paused , Leaning back into his chair with a raised eyebrow " What are these actions you're talking about "
" It is of my belief that several members of the ruling families are in the midst of attempting to garner the attention of the republic , to bring us into the limelight and force us out of chiss territory " Scorpio sent through a file containing the data and evidence to back up her claims .
" I see " Nox rubbed his chin as he studied the documents " Contact Mitth'raw'nuruodo immediately , I wish to see what he has to say before I act "
...
The republic fleet dropped out of hyperspace over the world , several ships leaving the hangers enmasse , Mainly a republic gunship Spearing directly towards the jedi temple .
" Is there general going to be alright " Forks asked , Standing beside skywalker whilst a bacta tank sat between the two , Kanya being held within as they gave her emergency transport to the jedo temple .
" We don't know ... The temple will do all they can to heal her " Obi-Wan was the one to respond , Seeing anakin was absolutely not in the state to speak, Instead he was looking down into the frosted glass of the bacta tank , His organic hand gently caressing the tank .
He could sense anakin's inner turmoil clear through the force , Even with padme in another ship being taken to the republic 500 , The young man was in clear distress .
" Anakin " Obi-Wan gently placed a hand on his apprentices shoulder , The teen turning to look at himnwith wide , Uncertain eyes.
" She's going to be okay " Obi-Wan soothed the young man , Anakin gulping slowly but none the less accepting his masters words .
In another gunship , Following behind anakins shuttle , Vas , Mace and yoda stood within ,Alone ... pondering .
" A grand failure , On my part this was , Failed I have ... to capture dooku " Yoda spoke slowly, Sadly ... the demeanour withdrawn as he looked up at Mace and vas .
" No ... master ... " Vas shook his head " Unforeseen circumstances prevented us from acting at our fullest ability... rather than blame ourselves for our failure , Let us learn from our mistakes , And perform accordingly the next time such a chance presents itself "
" Hm ... very wise you are ... " Yoda smiled slightly , nonetheless agreeing with the new jedi masters words .
" I find myself rather troubled by the events that unfolded on yavin ... those ..
Things ... you fought it vas ... what's your say on it " Mace asked , Looking to see the young man's wisdom on something many of them thought seldom possible .
" I can confidently say that the thing was indeed a spirit of the deceased exar kun , Having many a power and memory of the original. It wasn't merely an illusion of the darkside . It spoke of its own accomplishments, boasted about them even. However it displayed several abilities I am sure exar kun never displayed during his life ... however I will have to see the archives before making a proper judgement. ... but I am also sure ... he wasn't the only one there ... " Vas responded , Causing great consternation to appear on Mace's face , With the brown skinned man nodding as he listened .
" Agree I do ... fought one I did , Briefly... Powerful it was ... Testing it was ... fear I do , Had it acted against us during our assault ... failed we would have... " Yoda warned , The three jedi thinking deeply about the previous incursion , They were troubled, But found soluce in the fact they could rely on eachother.
" After delving into the archives , u will Commune with the force about this matter , In the room of a thousand fountains " Vas looked to Mace and yoda , Both nodding .
" Join you we will , This mystery , Solved it must be " Yoda spoke up with Mace voicing his agreement.
" In the meantime , Consider yavin hospitable ground we should , Travel to the world , Stopped ... traffic should be "
" Agreed " Vas and Mace agreed with yodas accessment.
...
" Milord " Mitth'raw'nuruodo bowed deeply before the sovereign that ruled his peoples territory , Regarding the figure with great respect .
" It is of my understanding you're going against the wishes of your rulers by coming directly to me ... Tell me what is going on " Nox stood tall in the hologram , His arms crossed behind his back , the glare his hologram sent down towards the chiss , Enabling the man to study the emperor's features with a great deal of care , Committing it to memory .
" Milord we must act quickly . The houses are planning to betray you , They've charted and calculated the routes your fleet takes through the system , They intend to commandeer a small fleet of your ships , and they intend to take these vessels to the republic and present them as proof that they're being occupied " The chiss commander quickly explained , Studying noxs reactions intently , And found himself pleased by the stone cold countenance of the sith ruler .
" When are they going to he enacting this plan of theirs " Nox asked , Deeply troubled by the hubris of the heads of houses.
" During the next patrol in sixty five hours " Mitth'raw'nuruodo announced .
" Very good , You've done a very good thing bringing this to my attention . I'll ensure you're rewarded , And worry not , Only those involved will be punished for what is to come... I ... want you to participate in the raid on my ships " Nox instructed , Earning an eager nod from the chiss .
" I am sure I can convince them of my sincerity " The chiss agreed , With nox Inclining his head slightly.
" Very good , Scorpio will be in contact shortly before the raid , Prepare yourself " Nox cut the call , Turning to the other entity appearing via hologram .
" Do you have a plan " Nox asked , The droid replying in the Affirmative.
" Then I'll leave the rest to you... In the meantime ... I have things to do " Nox cut off the second call , Grunting before drumming his hands on the shining surface of his desk .
" The kiss of Izax warms you " vague memories , whispers of another perspective rose to the surface of his mind as he thought over what to do .
' and lights your eternal flame ' A feminine voice responded , Somewhere deep from within the cortex of memory, Whispers of a long lost loves happier times .
" Senya " Nox chuckled , The soul housed within mute and inert to the world , Yet her the whispers of what she had once been rose to the surface for but a moment before going dormant once more .
' It is clear now that anakin will not make a very good apprentice , His is headstrong , Too dependent and refuses to compromise . He is selfish and cannot commit himself to do what must be done ... his status as the chosen one is perilous and marred with uncertainty ... not to mention the whispers of his coming path ... it is unfortunate but i must cut my losses when i need to ' Nearly twenty years of plans down the drawing, Wasted be ause the boy simply isn't what nox seeks ' An Unforeseen set of events ... but nothing that I can't come back from '
' Anakin will not make a prime apprentice ... But perhaps ... let me see ... yes ... I see now ' Nox slowly rose from his desk , Turning to the jedi temple in the distance with a calculating gaze .
' Its time a paid a visit to ashaa '
...
IOKATH - RESTRICTED SECTOR
...
With a hum , The circular chamber nox found himself In stirred to life . There were no doors to the chamber , Rather it was an isolated room with smooth walls and a singular tube situated at the centre with neon blue liquid floated within .
This was the updated housing unit of ashaa , The mother machine . It was housed in a matrix above the room , And whilst the room looked bare of anything , Instead everything was stalled in the walls roof and ceiling ,Ready to pop out at a moments notice.
" Greetings my child... what can I do for you "a hologram of ashaa stepped into existence within the chamber , Walking towards her greatest creation with something akin to love in her eyes .
" I would like for you to prepare for a procedure , I will be bringing you a tissue sample , And a blood sample ... You'll have enough for five specimens ... But I want one unaltered specimen to be produced ... a perfect genetic copy of the original " Nox asked , The construct looking to him in confusion as it tried to foresee and predict exactly what nox was asking it to clone .
" How much time will you give me with the allocated resources " Ashaa asked , Walking around the chamber as she studied equipment housed within the walls , Said walls humming slightly as they began to run diagnostics .
" You will have an unlimited amount of time ... However the unaltered specimen will be the first produced " Nox replied, Noticing that ashaa seemed to be mightily pleased by his response .
" I do believe I can facilitate your order ... Next time you return my child ... I shall be ready to begin operation " The mother machine turned to nox , It's rakatan eyes peering at his with an expecting gaze .
" Thank you ... mother " Nox vanished from the chamber , Leaving the machine to pucker and chuckle in delight. The systems around humming to life as nox prepared to implement a fail-safe plan he had .
...
JEDI TEMPLE -48 HOURS LATER
...
" Troubling this is ... very troubling " Yoda rubbed his ears , Comforting himself as the council sat gathered .
" Preposterous , These blasphemous claims should not be humoured " Ki adi mundi cut everyone off before they could continue , With Vas raising an eyebrow towards the jedi master with a pinched expression on his face .
" Master ... I am afraid that what we want and what reality presents to us is unfortunately seldom the same " Vas replied , Turning to the coughing plo koon .
" Positive you are about such occurances " Plo koon asked , Which vas turned back to master yoda .
" It is of both my own and master yodas experience that these ... things do indeed exist " He slid his hands into his white robes , Some of the council turning to yoda , With the small jedi nodding in confirmation .
" A pair of robes ... before me it appeared to be . An illusion at first I thought it was . Wrong I was ... uncertain of its identity I am ... but powerful , And dangerous was this entity ... lucky I was , mischievous this entity was , Impede me it did not wish to ... But I am sure , Had intended to stop me ... lost I would have " Yoda warned , The council looking at the grandmaster with disbelieving eyes .
" What about this other spirit ... and the spirit that anakin reportedly encountered " Kit fisto asked , The aquatic alien looking towards vas and yoda with wide eyes .
" I personally encountered what I have confirmed to be the residual spirit of exar kun , However he has shown to possess several more powerful abilities he did not possess during life " Vas explained , Bringing up a hologram of the long dead sith . The council studied the hologram closely , With yoda and Mace exchanging glances .
" Yes that is indeed the man that appeared " Mace frowned as he spoke .
" If this spirit was so powerful ... how did you drive it into such a state of fleeing " Ki adi asked , With the council looking at him for his answer .
" Due to the nature if its being, I surmised that I may only have been able to interact with it through the force , I made use of a powerful burst of electric judgement ... he fled immediately after " Vas answered , Giving the detailed explanation of how the interaction between himself and exar went " I have a belief that these entities are profoundly weakened to any expression of the light side of the force. However , much like the spirit that master yoda encountered ,some spirits appear to be more. .. resistant to our expressions of the force than others "
" I agree with your beliefs , In such a state they are in , It would be difficult to engage them in any physical altercation . However , I must ask , You say that they differ in power depending on whom is encountered , Please explain " Plo koon asked as Vas turned to the council member kel dor .
" Of course master " The hologram of exar kun was pocketed by vas lucis not a moment later , With the boy crossing his arms behind his back as he began to explain.
" It is reported in the archives that exar kun was an exceptionally powerful jedi during his time in the temple . But what I encountered atop his temple on yavin was significantly more powerful than he was reported to be , However what I sensed implied that the spirit seemed ... diminished somewhat , Weaker than he should have been. On the other hand , The spirit encountered by skywalker also displayed several powers we have seldom seen , The identity of the spirit is unknown , however , it's possession if ventress appears to have boosted her powers significantly past what he had previously felt , Enough so that we were able to detect her from our location on world as attested by master windu and yoda " Mace leant forward with the other council members turning to face the man .
" Indeed , Her presence grew tenfold , Enough to completely smother our senses in their general location. If not significantly altered by the being that possessed her ... " Mace offered his words , Agreeing and complimenting vas's research .
" And then there was the final spirit encountered " Vas peered directly at the grand master , The green creatures ears flattening against its head " Master yoda , At any point during or after encountering the creature did its presence wane at all "
Troubled , The grand master thought back to yavin, What he encountered and the feeling of it " It did not , Far away from its location I went , Yet wane in influence its power did not "
" I believe it is simple to classify the power of these spirits as such , Exar kun , Whilst powerful is significantly weaker than the other two , So much so that his presence seemed to be smothered somewhat by the other spirits present ... The other two are simpler to quantify , The being that possessed ventress was indeed powerful , But itself appeared to pale considerably compared to the one encountered by the grand master ... "
" A hypothesise about this , Do you have " Yoda asked as vas nodded .
" I do , It is of my belief that these spirits power is either directly comparative to their power in life , It is widely known that exar kun was amidst of a ritual at the time of his death , Boosting his power , That may potentially be why he appears more power currently than during his life " Vas explained , Bringing up an artwork detailed by one of the long dead jedi masters which showed an illustration of exar kuns ritual .
" Whomever thus spirits were in life , Appearing to be incredibly powerful , Potentially more powerful than any jedi within our order currently , And their current power appears to support such theories " Vas continued before turning off the second holo .
" Indeed , If we are to find out how to ... rid the galaxy of these beings , We need to find out how they are formed, do you have any ideas master vas " Kit fisto asked as vas came to look deeply troubled , Brows knitting .
" I ... am unsure ... I would have to do further research on these beings before being able to properly come up with a hypothesis on how they are formed" Vas shook his head , With the council looking between eachother with piercing yet calculating gazes .
" Master vas lucis , Please allow us to discuss with eachother our thoughts on this matter , Meet with you after I will " Mace smiled kindly towards vas lucis , The young man bowing deeply.
" May the force be with you masters " The council bid him well before turning away and marching from the council chambers .
...
" Master " Shai called for him as soon as he exited the council chambers , Her countenance smiling up at him as he too regarded her with a small kindly smile .
" There you are , I was about to come and collect you ... " Vas reached out and ruffled the girls pale blonde hair " How goes your training "
" It is going well master , master sin drallig is very astute when it comes to his teachings " shai complemented the older male whilst he smiled and nodded along .
" I see , Come , Let us test how far your studies have come " Vas crossed his arms behind his back as shai began to lead him towards the nearest training room in sheer excitement.
...
WITH VAYLIN
...
She observed the council of neutral systems , Men and women of different worlds , Each united under a united purpose , The desire for freedom for their worlds . The desire to stay out of conflict ... how things would never be that way under the change of the CIS and the republic .
" We cannot lower ourselves to their standards , if we were to do that , Agression without reason than what good is our movement " Satine snarled at vaylins side , The duchess biting out at a pale looking man.
" And what do you think milady " Kin Robb asked , Turning ever curious eyes towards the woman in the room with the most presence . The brown skinned woman would no doubt be of great interest to Nox , As she represented Taris...his home world .
' my love ... what would you like me to do with this woman ' Vaylin asked , Staring out , Appearing to be in deep thought .
' Establish a meeting ... I would like to talk to the woman ... but in the meantime ... your ship is enroute ' Vaylin smirked slightly ... a new path for the conversation at hand to go presenting itself .
" I am sorry duchess... but there are things I have learnt during my travels ... seen during my days throughout the galaxy , Under the charge of the ways of the republic " Vaylin made a resigned look , Drawing everyone's attention as she put on her little show .
" The republic cares not for its worlds , Only what it can take and sell , It only serves to line the pockets of its leaders . Everyday , Billions across the galaxy die by the hands of the corrupt leaders of the republic " Vaylin clenched her fists .
" You know this satine ... As soon as mandalore couldn't provide anything to the republic ... It's value was lost, they may not outright say it , But what place does mandalore truly have within the republic other than being a background system nobody truly remembers apart from its history " She cursed , Satine slowly Inclining her head but still listening.
" And then there's the CIS ... it should have been a better counterpart to the republic . But it's run by corporations with nothing but the thoughts of overthrowing the republic and taking its place as the galactic superpower, They act like they care better ... yes ... but they don't " Vaylin sneered , Walking around the table to the balcony that overlooked the mandalorian city .
" I detest violence ... Death is not something anybody should have the right to metres out , But the republic and the CIS speak no other languages. They will not take us seriously unless we show we can stand up for our ideals ... Satine ... " Vaylin turned to face the duchess of mandalore entirely .
" The jedi ... When they negotiate with anyone ... are they free of their weapons ... or is there the underlying threat always present in the mind of those that stand against them " Vaylin showed her lightsaber , The hilt hovering over her hand , Whilst the woman she spoke to winced .
" The jedi always have their weapons present yes " Satine slumped slightly , Looking deep into vaylins eyes with a deep , Searching look.
' My dear ... the formation is apon us ' Vaylin sent her thoughts across the galaxy , Only moments later to perceive her lovers presence appearing in the room directly behind the duchess.
' Finish it ... I'll make the duchess more ... maleable ' The shade that was her lover stretched his hand over the duchesses head , Mind raping the woman subtly so nobody would notice what was going on .
" The desire to abstain from violence is a perfect ideal , A great one to have ... but it is just that ... an ideal ... One seldom found in galaxy , Instead ... alongside the desire to abstain from violence ... we need might . The might to prove that our words matter " Vaylin began , Spreading her hands wide .
" Systems stay with the republic or the CIS because they fear retaliation. But what if we could protect them . Save them ... Tell me , Kin ... how many times has taris been sacked , Destroyed because nobody was there to protect it in it's time of need " She looked at Robb, Seeing the woman's lips twist slightly but nod none the less .
" How many worlds here have suffered simply because nobody could protect them . Nobody they could rely on to have their backs . We are alone in this , the weakest in this war , And nobody listens to our voices even now ,But we don't have to be " Vaylin watched as Nox pressed his power into the minds of everyone present , Their thoughts being urged to listen to the woman making her presentation before them .
" What do you propose " Kin asked , Looking to the post girl of their movement with wide , Searching , Pleading eyes .
" How can we show the galaxy we mean business without any means to do so ... We need power . We need might . And we can get it , We don't ever need to back down again when we show the galaxy how serious we are . So we do this on two fronts " She brought out a holopuck , Where a hologram of an absolutely massive ship appeared .
" I ... will personally stop every war front of the galaxy , I will show the might of the neutral systems ... This war will stop wherever we make our mark "
" This is my ship ..." She placed the holopuck down on the table , Drawing many startled gasps from everyone present at the sheer size of the vessel .
" What in the name of all that is holy is that "
" A dreadnaught with the ability to draw both factions to the negotiations table ...with this vessel. We can emact our ideals ... With the armies we can raise , We can save the neutral systems. With this ... we can make them listen " Vaylin smiled kindly at satine , The woman leaning back into her chair in deep thought, As was everybody else .
" satine ... I know you detest violence ... and so do I... which is why , the fleet we will raise will be an absolute last resort ... only should when all else has failed should we make them listen . We will start this peacefully ... and we will end this peacefully . But it is better to be prepared than be caught without any alternatives ... isn't it " Vaylin urged the duchess whom ultimately sighed , The woman nodding her head .
" We will do this your way then ... But only as a very last resort ... No blood shall be shed by our hands " Satine pointed her hand at the table , Drawing the holopuck closer to her ... " Where did you get this ship "
" You already know " Satine squinted but nodded none the less .
" There is a more ... radical faction of mandalorians I am sure would love to throw themselves into their support of you... They're on the moon of Concordia. .. I wish for you to go see them " Satine stood up , The council of neutral systems watching the woman as she stood before vaylin , Gently handing off the holopuck to the lady " When can we expect your ships arrival "
" Within the hour " Vaylin responded , Of which satine gave a sad smile .
' So this is what we must do '
" I leave you in charge of what remains of the more violent mandalorian factions ... I hope I can trust you with this... with their future . They may be radical ... but they are still my people ... and ... I wish to speak to your benefactor about acquiring more vessels "
" I'll see what I can do "
...
Entering the training room , Shai and vas became aware of another duo currently engaging eachother , One appearing more aggressive than usual whilst the other was sympathetic and rather worried.
" Greetings master kenobi ,knight skywalker " Vas walked into the chamber whilst shai came to his side , Her demeanour becoming significantly more subdued now that they weren't alone .
" Master lucis " Kenobi greeted alongside skywalker , The younger of the duo doing his best to hide his recent frustrations from the man whom he was directly comparing himself to recently .
" Would you two mind perhaps a joint training session , Young shai here was attempting to build on her repertoire of dueling knowledge... and from a master or seresu and djem so , I think she would have much to learn "
" I believe we would be more than willing to humour you , Right anakin " Kenobi smiled down at shai , The small freckle on her right cheek dipping slightly as she frowned for a second before smiling slightly.
" I thank you for your time ... sorry for the inconvenience " Shai raised her head as kenobi chuckled and he too ruffled her hair.
" A very kind young lady you are " Kenobi looked towards anakin as vas watched " Whom would you like to see first , I myself am a master of seresu as your master has expressed "
Shai looked between her master , Kenobi and anakin , The knight of the group seeming uncomfortable but nonetheless willing to participate.
" I would like to see you first master kenobi " Shai asked as the jedi master stroked his beard .
" Of course " Skywalker walked to the side of vas as shai traded place with him , The girl taking place next to kenobi as he brought out his saber and took his opening stance .
" You seem frustrated skywalker " Vas looked to the younger boy , Feeling his anger through the force in literal waves that radiated from him in directions " What troubles you so "
Anakin turned to the jedi master , Ready to stave of his offer of assistance , But the kindly smile of the young man drew him up short , Disarming the near hostile response he had as he quite literally felt the anger he had scouring through his being be ripped from his body .
It was near unnatural , what anger he had felt was long lost , Affording him a measure of clarity and serenity he hadn't felt since yavin .
" Its ... it's my sister " He didn't know why he was opening up , Speaking his mind , Yet the words simply fled his mouth before he could stop them .
" Lady kanya ... right " He moved with anakin to the side of the room where they sat on the benches traditionally used for resting between duels " I heard about what occured when you encountered ventress , What happened to kanya in your words "
Vas watched kenobi begin to go through the opening katas of the form. Explaining the basics of the form as shai stumbled along in following the master , Yet he remained calm and understanding as he guided her slopping steps with a generous hand , All the while he looked at anakin at his side as the young man tried to fathom his thoughts and put then to words .
" I ... was too weak . To close minded ... I wanted nothing more than to ... stop ventress . I ... " Anakin paused , Lips quivering as he looked at vas unsure , Yet the beating of his heart slowed significantly at the understanding smile on the other man's face .
" You became hyper focussed , clouded ... everything around you bleeding away as you focussed all your thoughts on your target " Vas finished , All teh while anakin looked ashamed , But couldn't say anything else as the man got it spot on " You were angry weren't you , it gave you focus ... power ... and you listened didn't you "
The boy drew in on himself , Refusing to meet his eyes , Ready to meet a scathing retort by the jedi master about centring himself in the light " Yes "
" I see ... hmph hah " Anakin looked strangely at vas as he heard the young man laugh slightly " Sorry ... it just sounds so familiar to me "
" Master " Anakin asked as vas stood , Motioning for anakin to follow him onto the the dueling grounds .
" It is to my understanding that you are more guided by your emotions than others " Vas stopped anoin from speaking by raising his hand " That is not a bad thing skywalker , It means you are more honest, Open and attune to how you truly feel , You are simply more expressive than others around you ... and I understand that "
" Master kenobi ... is it alright if I take anakin around the temple , The air in here is ... stuffy " Vas asked , The jedi master looking at anakin and vas with a raised eyebrow.
" Be my guest , I will find you when I am finished guiding young shai " Kenobi acquiesced, thinking vas may be able to potentially get anakin to open up more than himself .
" I shouldn't be more than ten minutes , We will be back shortly " shai smiles and nods before vas turned and walked out of the training room with anakin .
Entering the corridor next to the training rooms , Anakin and vas walked down the hallway with a slow gait .
" Anakin ... what made you so angry ... what occured between ventress and yourself that made you so mad ... you were angry , But what ... lead you to that " Vas asked as they cane to stand before a large archway window that looked over coruscant .
" She ... threatened the people I care about ... I... I know it was wrong to react such a way ... I know master and I'm sorry " Anakin began but stopped when vas took a hold of his shoulder .
" No anakin , Do not apologise for protecting what you care about. You are not some unfeeling machine ... you're a person " Anakin calmed considerably at the masters words , Brow softening .
" Then what can I do ... when ... I just get so angry , I can't think about anything else " Anakin slumped as vas leant against the archway window .
" Right now we don't have time to properly go over what you can do , rather some advice ... for the time we have today you won't be able to control your emotions without a long process of time and growth. Something only you can do . But you're scared of the harm others can bring to what you cate about aren't you " Vas asked , With anakin listening and nodding along .
" Then find a way to either protect then from the pain they could go through ... like ... trusting in your sister to help you protect what you care about. And if you're unable to do that during the unfolding events ... then learn the ways you can defend .. to undo the damage that can be done "
" The force is capable of a great many things ... it affords those under its power great knowledge and power ... the power to do anything ... anything you want... " Anakin perked up at Vas's words , Looking at the jedi master with great interest .
" Like what master ... "
" Like ... i heard master yaddle , When she was alive ... was greatly proficient in giving life... healing ... exciting the force through another individual enough to heal wounds " Vas explained , Showing his hand to anakin as he gripped his fingers and twisted , Until a sickening crunch was heard , Anakin looking wide eyed as Vas's fingers became mangled and twisted .
" MASTER " Anakin cried out, Watching as vas shook his head with a small smile .
" Watch skywalker " Vas urged , Calming anakin down as they both stared at his hand .
And before anakins eyes , And to his senses , The force grew heavy, Loosing the corridor they were in as many of the jedi in the temple calmed as a great light flooded nearby .
The fingers , Infront of anakins eyes began to move , Shift on their own as the dents began to smooth out . Cracking and letting out other unpleasant noises .
They bent at odd angles , Shifting away from eachother , Slapping around and shifting before they ultimately came back to their original orientation , bare of any damage they had previously suffered , By all intents and purposes completely normal .
Anakin was left completely bewildered , looking apon the hand with wide and concerned eyes.
" All our lives we are taught to trust in the force ... but many seldom dive into just what the force can do for am individual... a lack of understanding... a lack of knowledge " He spoke , Subtly guiding anakin along as the young man raised his eyes to look directly at vas.
" Master .. where did you learn such things " There was a light behind the boys eyes , A certain drive ... a desire not entirely derived from the light side or dakrsides of the force , A natural desire of any being that felt ... that wanted ... the drive for more, To be more.
" many often give little thought into the teachings afforded to the during their padawan and knight years , Focussing on mundane things without taking a true understanding on what is taught... many simply come away with the abilities such as force push and pull ... but that is merely the surface of what altering through the force can do ... Force healing specifically , Especially for people at the initial levels of its understanding... can only do so through mediation until they have a proper grasp apon what healing through the force is ... infact later today I was going to go over healing with shai during our meditations ... you're more than welcome to join us ... I think atleast initially properly understanding would he beneficial to you " Vas offered , With analin squinting slightly in thought before fervently nodding at the suggestion.
" Ill be there " Anakin of course knew of this technique , His shame however was evident , On a mission to aarongar , He was unable to utilise the technique to heal a fellow jedi by the name of Bhat Jul ..it left him greatly frustrated , And even now the technique alluded him ... but maybe under the guidance of someone whom obviously knew of the technique and how to properly utilise it to its fullest extent ... maybe ... just maybe be could make it up for being so weak in the past ... when he failed to save the boy .
' I'll do it jul ... just watch ' He followed vas back to the room with Obi-Wan and shai , looking to vas in a new light , Yet the shame in the back of his mind remained , And his drive for knowledge and power was greater than ever.
...
" We're back " Nox greeted kenobi and shai , His apprentice stopping her katas as she rushed to her master .
" Master ... master kenobi really is as knowledgeable as you said he was ... do you think it'll suit me if I use it " Shai asked as she looked up at her master with wide eyes and a broad smile , He hands at her side as she leant to towards him on the tips of her toes .
" I think you'll become a very powerful practitioner should you truly put your heart to it . However it is completely up to you which form you focus on ... " Vas supported the young girl , Gesturing to kenobi with a smile on his face whilst she gave it some thought.
" Master ... what form do you use " Shai asked , Having never actually been able to depict just what form he used during combat .
" Well... I don't actually use a traditional form. I use three , All derived from one . I've Pioneered a form derived from form two , With parts of form one , Three and four layered ontop ... but the basis of my form is form two... makashi " Vas gave his knowledge freely " What splits this form I use into two different subgroups is the approach you come into the combat with "
" I see why the council places faith in your abilities. It takes a very long time for a knight or master to come into understanding of the forms and create their own expression ... you are indeed very knowledgeable... may I hear about your forms " Kenobi asked , Genuinely wishing to know about the young man's knowledge, It always intrigued him just what the other jedi could coke up with , Every jedi had their own styles and flare when it came to lightsaber combat .
" Of course master kenobi ... " Vas rose and pulled out his saber , Igniting the orange saber as he pointed the tip of the blade at the ground.
" As I've already explained it's base form is makashi ... but the approach you intend to take in your engagement depicts which of the two subgroups of my form one will be performing "
" The first ... I call it the way of asseveration ... it is for a quick... decisive victory against your opponent or multiple opponents , The more opponents you face in this form the more dangerous it is for your opponents as the chances of survival for your opponents dips considerably with the more opponents you face " Vas explained as he took the opening stance of tulak hord , However his expertise had allowed him to alter tulak hords form , Altering it and ultimately creating a new form derived from tulak hords own .
He went through a series of quick slashes at seemingly random thrusts all directed towards the chest of an invisible foe , Obi-Wan imagined an invisible for at the end of Vas'lucis's blade , And couldn't help but be impressed by the slashes and jabs that would no doubt bypass an opponents defences with ease and perform and lay grievous wounds apon your foe .
" No doubt the danger comes from your need to lay low one opponent to move onto the next , The chances of ones survival depends on the amount of foes you face , As the more there are , The less effort you can afford to afford to refrain from laying heavy damage to your opponent. This form is designed for laying the maximum amount of damage you can do within the least amount of time possible ... I see ... a very dangerous form ... what is the second iteration " Kenobi didn't wish to see the form in action , It's premise was dangerous , But he understood the necessity of such a form especially during these hard times .
" The second iteration ... " Vas pulled out his second saber , Having both blades ignited as he took an altered stance of his first form , With his double bladed saber extended before his body whilst he pointed his single bladed saber pointed through the open zone to his right not guarded by his double blade .
" The form of distraction... madr to distract and counter a foe or multiple foes , Draw their attention as you wear down their defences . Intended to draw out and tire your opponent down before you can put then down at the decisive opportunity " kenobi and anakinwatched vas go through a series of twirls with the sabers , A steadfast defence followed by a series of blistering fast strikes that would tear through an opponents defences .
" I see ... these are very insightful forms you make use of , perhaps you could show us " Kenobi gestured to the sparring ring , Where vas inclined his head , Shrugging off his robes as he stepped into the ring.
" Will you be my opponent master kenobi " Vas asked but recieved a negative shake of the head from kenobi .
" Unfortunately not this time ... anakin however " Anakin stepped into the ring , Pulling out his own saber as he took his djem so stance , Pointing his saber upwards in Vas'lucis direction .
" I'll use style one ... then style two... you'll see the differences shai " Vas disengaged his double blade saber , Focussing on a one handed stance as he held his saber aloft at his side similar to his great ancestor hord .
The leapt at eachother , And before kenobis eyes , He watched vas lucis tear through anakins heavy strikes either ease , Batting his heavy downward thrust to the side , Whilst he angled his blade to the side before making a decisive thrust directly into anakins open stomach .
Had they been using their sabers on their usual settings , He had no doubt that anakin would have been severed in half at the waist with next to no hope of survival.
Four strokes of the blade , That how many movements it took to get through and stop anakin . One upwards to catch anakins downward strike , Two to allow his blade to slide away to the side , The third afforded vas the ability to curve his balde down and under analins arms , And the forth was a severing sweep that would have ended anakin in a single decisive move .
Four moves , Quicker than anakin had any hope of defending , Four moves kenobi wasn't sure could be blocked by soresu . Infact the jedi master was entirely sure that the form was a cold counter measure to soresu , while soresu would wear down an opponent with its impenetrable defence. Whatever form vas used was made to use the minimum amount of effort to inflict the maximum amount of damage through some of the most decisive movements kenobi had witnessed , Like the user's blade was guided by the force itself .
Anakin winced as he lay on the ground , Readily accepted vas's outstretched hand , Wincing slightly as vas pressed his hand to the knights abdomen.
" Sorry anakin I didn't mean to cut so deeply " The stinging anakin experienced flared momentarily , His wound bleeding slightly as the wound was red raw .
What none of them noticed however was the genetic material he had pulled from anakins abdomen , Pulling out two sliders within the sleeves of his robes and inserting the gathered genetic material before they could be compromised by external stimuli .
' Perfect ' His long sleeves hid everything he had done , As he brought his sleeves together , Crossing them infront of himself as he made use of sleight of hand to hide the slides of genetic material deeper into the folds of the insides of his robes .
" Perbaps that should be all for today " Vas unfolded his sleeves , Looking at the shallow burn in anakins robes with a worried face " I'm sorry anakin ... I didn't mean to injury you "
" No no it's okay .. it's my fault for underestimating you... " He winced as he touched the wound slightly .
" Here " Vas gestured anakin over the young man approaching as vas placed his right pointer finger against anakins stomach .
The group present watched with bated breaths as the wound closed itself before their eyes , Anakins and shais eyes shining in excitement despite the waning pain anakin felt .
A measure of pleasure rose throughout the knights body , As the wound faded from view entirely as if it had never existed .
' I got what I needed ' Vas gently scratched at his chest where the slides of anakins genetic material were now housed , All the while looking towards the knight whomnwas looking at his stomach .
" Whilst I am sorry for not being so very mindful of my blade , I do hope you'll still join us during our meditations " Kenobi raised an eyebrow at Vas's words , Sure that anakin would not have readily agreed to simply meditate , But he digressed .
" I'll definitely be there ... master " Now kwnobi was genuinely surprised , Not only was anakin not angry at being accidentally wounded during the small duel , He seemed genuinely interested in the meditations offered by vas .
Kenobi couldn't help the sense of pride he felt seeing anakin at that moment , Reaching out and gently placing a hand on anakins shoudler .
" Mind if I join " Kenobi asked , Genuinely wanting nothing more than to share in a moment he and anakin could truly connect with , Something they wouldn't forget .
" Of course master kenobi ... I would be more than happy to have you there ... " Vas perked up as he spotted someone leaning on the doorframe to the training room , One Mace windu looking apon them with an appraising glance .
" Ah if you'll excuse us , I believe I might take anakin to the medi wing just incase " Kenobi knew when Mace wished to talk with vas privately , Something he was willing to give , Whatever attention the council afforded to vas was for their knowledge only .
" May the force be with you master kenobi , Knight skywalker " The duo offered their own words before walking past Mace, Greeting the man and departing away from the scene .
However before shai and vas approache Mace, Vas turned to shai , Leaning down as he placed his hand in her shoudler .
" How would you like to attend an event with me layer tonight " Vas asked as his shai quickened her pace to keep up with her masters long stride.
" What do I wear " She asked as vas appeared to think , Rubbing his chin .
" Why don't we go buy you something to wear for the occasion " Shai preened under the attention she garnered from her master .
" Okay " Vas rose back from his crouched position, Urging shai to follow him as he approached Mace whom had patiently waited for the master and apprentice to finish their quiet conversation .
" I apologise for keeping you master windu " Vas bowed deeply to windu , Whom only gave a chuckle in response .
" Its nothing to fret over my friend .. why don't you walk with me ... the council has some ideas it would liek to run by you ... you too young shai " Mace turned from the doorway , Motioning over his shoulder for vas and shai to follow .
" Of course master "
...
Galactic Opera house - Later that night
...
They arrived subtly in a level below the main entryway, With Lana and nox stepping off of the shuttle .
Nox wore his royal carapace, The armour of the eternal dragon , His hair drawn back with several jewels placed on his face for ornate value .
Lana herself wore a white grey dress with an exposed back and sides , golden jewellery on her nose and forehead . Crystalline earings hung from her ears whilst the eye-liner she wore illuminated her glowing yellow eyes.
She was beautiful and nox couldn't help but stare at the woman he loved slack jawed , Grumbling about the events they were forced to attend .
Said event being am effort of the republic to draw scion into their clutches , their hope in wooing Lana to give a good report back to the rulers of scion , Or get the rulers of scion themselves to come to coruscant.
Unfortunately for the republic , Lana would be the only one attending as the representative of scion , Displaying how fickle the power the republics favour was to the rulers of scion .
In their eyes , It would solidify the need the republic would have for scion . Rather than the other way round . With the ruling party nit present , It would set a precedent that that republic would have to go out of its way to draw the rulers of scion closer , Raising its status of importance as it couldn't simply be cowed with invitations and good words. Make the enemy come to you, Works well in both friendly and hostile negotiations . Make them give you the power of the situation . If the republic wanted anything, It would have to come to them , Give them all the cards .
Nox would instead be attending with padme as a bus associate ... where he would watch the higher ups interact with Lana from a distance and gauge just how to move forward .
They wouldn't gave any ides he was the ruling party of scion , Nor that he was present ... just as he wanted .
" I'll split off with you here dear ... " Nox grabbed Lana and gently laid a kiss on the woman's lips , The two of then sinking into eachother for several moments before Splitting apart .
" If you need anything I shall be nearby " Nox whispered , Running a hand through her hair as she looked at him with nothing but love and adoration .
" I won't fail you " Lana whispered in turn as the ships doors slid open to reveal the waiting party which had arrived at the hanger . Yet they hadn't seen nox , As he had vanished from the scene as soon as the doors had hissed , Vanishing to the surface levels in an instant before anyone present could see .
" Lady beniko ... It is my express pleasure to have you attend " Palpatine greeted , Smiling kindly at the woman whom gracefully stepped down from the zakuulan shuttle , Holding her dress up as she stepped down .
" It is my pleasure to attend , Unfortunately the royal family was unable to attend , Unfortunately they had a prior engagement that held them up , I'm sure you understand " Lana explained as the chancellor gave a kindly understanding smile .
" Unfortunate but understandable ... will you join me as my guest for the night milady " Palpatine probed , Wishing to converse with the lady about a great many things .
" Of course chancellor, I would love to " Lana crossed her hands behind her back just as nox did, With herself and sidious turning and walking away not moments later , Sinking deep into conversations within moments .
...
Appearing within the main arrival port of the galactic Opera house, Nox quickly dissapeared into the gathered crowds , None noticing him simply stepping into existence as he began to walk towards where he sensed padme to be .
The area was loud , With hundreds of senators and high lifers bustling between eachother , With music playing overhead and waitresses moving between the bustling group .
' Out ... of my way ' The force subtly moved from nox , Sinking into the minds of any individuals Infront of him , Casuing them to subtly move out of his way as he marched across the venue towards a certain group of senators standing with eachother .
' The jedi are here , No doubt to get in on the events taking place , Making their presence known as a major player of the war ... how pretentious ' Nox mused , Eyes dancing towards a group of jedi playing politics , He made sure to keep as many people between himself and the group of jedi as possible .
" Excuse me " Nox stepped past a small girl , Petting her on the head before continuing on , Finally coming to a stop behind the group of senators .
" Hpmph " Nox cleared his throat , Drawing the attention of the group of senators, Specifically the woman speaking to an alderanian man , Her hair done up in a bun whilst she wore a royal purple dress .
The group turned their attention to the man. Where he regarded them with a kindly smile .
" Hello ... " Padme's eyes widened as Mon mothma and bail organa looked at the man confused .
" I'm sorry... can we ... help you " An itch , A sort of headache came over bail organa , Squinting slightly as he was overcome with a sense of deja vu .
" Obrunik I'm glad you could make it " Padme smiled , Rushing to Nox's side as she wound her arm around his own , Looking up at him with a pleasant smile of her face covered in make-up to extenuate her features .
" I'm glad to see you in good health padme ... I was worried about you , Luckily my faith in kanya and anakin.wasnt miss placed " Nox accepted her arm around his own , Stepping towards the group of senators who looked apon the duo with great confusion .
" They were quite capable during my rescue ... I'm just glad the whole fiasco is over " The senator shook her head , Whilst nox became Keenly aware of the arrival of palpatine and Lana, And the apparent unease at which the jedi held themselves with as the jedi watched Lana being near the chancellor .
" Padme why don't you introduce us to your ... friend here " Mon asked as she looked over nox , Picking out the obviously very expensive garments that doubled as armour , The ornate jewels on his face whilst his eyes glowed with ethereal light. He was royalty ... or dawn near close to it , She'd bet her bottom dollar that the man padme was standing with was of great importance .
Bail however remained silent , The more he looked at the man the more the vague sense of seeing the man somewhere grated at the back of his mind.
" This is obrunik ... I'm sorry I thought you had already met " Padme brought nox forward " He gave me a great deal of help during my tenure as queen ... and continues to help naboo to this day with... supplies "
Mon didn't miss the subtle way padme danced around just what nox provided for naboo , She looked at bail , And felt her brow rise at the consternated look on the alderanian senators face .
" Ah bail ... it's been some time since we met , Though you do look much more ... filled out compared to when we last met ... I almost didn't recognise you my boy " And with Nox's words , whatever haze that had overcome bail fled momentarily , Eyes widening in clarity as he all but bowed deeply to nox .
" Your majesty it is a pleasure to see you again . I'm sorry I didn't recognise you I don't know ow what came over me " Bail rose at noxs bidding, Accepting the extended hand offered by nox .
" Its of no consequence ... it happens my friend... Though I am glad to see you in such good health ... And you must be Mon mothma ... padme has told me much about you " Those iridescent blue eyes turned face Mon, The woman shuttering slightly as his full being came to bare apon her ... the woman shuffling uncomfortable under his intense gaze .
" It is my pleasure your majesty ... I am honoured to be in your presence " Mon curtseyed as nox chuckled .
" Come now none of that , We're all friends here " shaking his head , bail came forward in agreement , Taking charge of the conversation to save Mon from any further embarrassment.
" Where is your ... what was her title ... ah yes ... where is the high justice ... should she not be here with you " Bail asked good naturedly , Padme being happy to he silent as nox conversed , Her eyes meeting with mons own as the chandrillan woman raised an eyebrow .
Shaking her head with a small smile playing on her lips, Padme gently squeezed noxs arm subconsciously " She couldn't join us unfortunately, Her duties are keeping her busy. Had she had the choice I'm sure she would have joined us "
" A shame ... though I must say , It had been some years since we last spoke , You haven't aged a day ... " Bail complimented , Raising an eyebrow as he gave nox an appraising glance up and down.
" Good genetics ... just as I said back then " Nox chuckled as bail parted his lips slightly .
" Ah yes I remember now ... you did say that didn't you " Bail took a drink from a waitress walking by , Taking a small sip as Mon did the same " A drink "
" I already have my own " Trie to his words , Bail and Mon spotted a drink in his hand they weren't entire sure was there beforehand , The concoction glowing with near blue light as the beverage swirled around the rim on the drink .
" I can't say I've seen that drink before ... " Bail , Even with his extensive knowledge of high end wines and other beverages , Couldn't for the life of him ever remember seeing the beverage .
" It is a beverage specifically concocted by the servants of my palace ... I would be surprised if you were able to find any on the market . Due to benefits afforded by my ... lineage ... We are rather resistant to any forms of negative external stimuli such as alcohol or other things such as poisons ... so servants concoct a certain beverage for my family members to consume... it is unfortunately... lethal ... for other species and humans to consume " Nox explained , Bail and Mon looking at the beverage with great interest , Padme herself looked to nox wit a curious eyebrow , Of course she knew for the drink but the lore behind it was rather interesting to her .
" If you don't mind me asking , How does one's family gain such benefits ... I've never encountered such things before " Mon asked , She could faintly smell the essence of vanilla wafting from the brim of the drink . It was rather pleasant to her .
" Selective breeding and modifications of the genetic structure afford special gifts ... it's like breeding certain traits into livestock ... a couple of these benefits are ... longevity ... another is a resistance to most toxins and poisons " Nox explained , Bluffing in his explanation as he alone was the only one in his bloodline to be afforded such abilities... however he did believe that such gifts would be transferred to his children , Ashaa had confirmed so on several occasions . His children would live long .. very long lives according to the machine .. she had even requested a strand of his genetic structure to understand and attempt to replicate such things in her experiments . Afterall he was the progenitor of his bloodlines unique abilities... so they did exist ... just not so far back. He wasn't lying... from a certain point of view .
" You say you have an extended lifespan ... and from what I've seen you haven't aged a day since I last saw you ... may I ask how old you are " Bail asked , A Sinking suspicion rising in the back of his mind as he stared intently at the man's features .
Both Mon mothma and padme waited for noxs asker , Intent on hearing the asker despite the amount of noise around them .
" I won't give you an exact answer ... I will say I am past my forties however " Mon mothma wanted to call bullshit on noxs words , To her he didn't look a day past his twenties, Younger if she squinted. Infact when he ahd first appeared she had thought padme was the older of the two .
Padme squinted slightly , Staring at the side of noxs head , Taking a moment to truly scrutinise his features, Every pore of skin , Every hair , And every angle on his face .
' He truly hasn't aged a day since I met him over ten years ago ' Padme stumbled slightly as she came to the realisation that he indeed hadn't, For as long as she had known him , For literal years he had looked exactly as she had always known him to be ' Just how youthful can someone he ... '
Nox mea while was not really paying attention to answering the senators , Giving vague answers that they none the less gobbled up with great intensity . He however was paying attention to the republic senators huddling around Lana, His wife looking rather uncomfortable with all the prodding and questions sent her way by those vying for her favour .
' Do you need me love ' Nox asked from across the room , With Lana turning subtly in his direction .
' I will be alright love ' Lana responded , Turning to answer palpatine as she refocussed her efforts , Steeling herself to continue .
Before they knew it half an hour had passed , the groups of senators forming their own cliques , All the while nox stood with padme , Watching over Lana from a distance.
It eventually came time for the guests to start moving towards the main events , With palpatine heading up the stairs first with Lana and several plants that were chosen to get closer to Lana.
Nox walked alongside padme and bail , The alderanian senator asking about mundane things about the zakuulan emprie , His interest peaked as he wished to build a closer relationship with nox .
Mon was much the same , The apparent wealth nox held was easily evident , but she chose to watch and gauge the man , He had so far shown to be a well meaning and kind individual , Someone she could see herself remaining in contact with and building a functional working relationship with .
They made sure to keep together as they all moved to the theatre , The ornate carpeted stairs below sagging underfoot as waitresses rushed past them .
The horde of senators and high lifers individuals all made sure to keep seperate to eachother , And shortly there after , As they passed by several rooms for the specific individuals present , Said individuals broke off from the horde and into their allocated booths .
They and their way to the twleth floor , With well over half the senators around them still passing by , However he , padme , Bail and Mon stopped before their personal booth .
" Here we are " Mon lead them inside their booth , Making sure to take care as nox looked to the amphitheatre within .
Down below , Stands filled with persons circled the stage at the centre if the room , Red carpet lay between each of the stands , Waitresses walking to and from as people shuffled into and out , Climbing the stands to take their seats .
Up above the stands was the ring of booths that they sat within, Running around the room in a circular formation . All around the room higher and higher were more booths, Each one catered to the individual , Keeping no compromise to the experience of every group present .
Sitting down on the corner of the booth with padme taking the seat directly at his side , Nox regarded the woman with an appraising eye, Her face flushing slightly as she caught him casting glances over her . Directly to padmes other side, Mon mothma sat down with bail taking the far seat of the booth .
Looking away from padme , Nox cast a glance to a lower booth , Where he could see Lana sitting with mas ameda and sly Moore, Next to palpatine himself as the man seemed to be trying to gain an understanding on Lana's knowledge of the force.
' Always looking for an apprentice huh ' Nox turned away to look at the centre stage where a group of Mon cala were setting up their performance , With a large orb of water beginning to form thanks to the repulsors .
" This reminds me of some of the performances back home " Nox said softly , Placing his arms against the armrests of the chair, Watching the Mon cala below waltzed in , The group of women walking towards the stage with long red costumes that streamed across the floor behind them .
Silence overcame everyone present as the actresses below as ended the stage from all sides , Waving around as they stepped into the orb of water , Swimming up in sync before the orb began to float up and become suspended at the centre of the chamber .
A round of applause circulated around the Opera house as deep sinister tones began to play around the room , The orb fo water rippling and shifting under the repulsors and musc echoing around the chamber .
Even from where he was sat , Nox could see the discomfort the jedi party was placed in , Shifting in dissomfort as they apparently weren't very fond of the music being played .
The actors performed a series of manuveours , Circling and swimming around eachother to get another round if applause from the watching audience .
The lights if the opera house dimmed drastically casting long shadows as the booths became hard to properly see in , With the orb of water at the centre of the chamber being lit up to illuminate the dancers .
Padme herself cast a glance at nox , finally confirming without a shadow of a doubt that his eyes did infact glow in the dark subtly .
' Its odd ... I never truly noticed ' Nox turned to face her , Her eyes catching a sort of trail his eyes lift , A trail of light that smeared and followed his irises, it was kind of captivating .She couldn't turn away , as his pupils dilated and narrowed every couple of seconds as they adjusted to the light around them .
" How does the installations " Nox asked in a Hushed tone , Padme leaning her arms on the armrest much like nox was doing a she leant closer so the two could speak , Mon and bail instead began conversing , With Mon leaning over to bail as they conversed about mundane things .
" they've gone well , The structures they've been installed into hide them well , The general populous is completely unaware of their existence ... and the royal guard has been trained thoroughly in their operation ... I am more than confident we won't have any incidents like we did again " Padme responded , Her soft voice carrying between the two even as Mon tried and failed to hear the conversation the two were having .
" I would ... like to modify our agreement, I require I larger portion of plasma to be imported , would the queen be amendable to that " Nox asked , His burning eyes turning to padme to see her answer .
" I am sure the Queen would not be opposed, I will personally present to her the new deal " Padme replied , Earning a small thankful nod from nox .
Their conversation was halted as the door to their booth opened , A waitress entering the chamber and presenting those present with more beverages for them to enjoy .
" Thank you " Nox accepted a drink off the tray with a grateful smile, the woman left a few moments later , Sashaying away and out of the room .
It was that moment that Nox's senses twinged , A warning from the force of impending danger .
' Its ... close ... very close ... but ... not yet ... the district ... no ... the Opera house ...soon ... during ... no after the performance ... when most of the senators are due to leave ' Nox deciphered the cryptic warning afforded to him from the force ' CIS ... no ... assassins ... bounty hunters '
The warnings from the force wanes as he deciphered its cries , before rerutning to its usual eb and flow as nox cast a glance at lamanacross the opera house .
' Lana ... leave the opera house as soon as the performance comes to an end... preferable shortly before hand if possible ' Nox warned , The woman responding with a quick positive before returning to her conversation with the chancellor.
" This performance. . What do you know about it " Nox asked Mon mothma , Leaning over as padme sat back to give him an unobstructed view , All the while she toyed with the glass in her hand in thought.
" Its doesn't have a name yet , The composer is stringing along several performances in trying to bridge together a new performance .. these are his old works we are currently seeing. He is supposedly creating a new performance ... I am actually excited to see it " Mothma explained , Taking occasional sips from her drink as she explained .
" Perhaps I should hire him to orchestrate some works for my home ... he seems rather ... talented " Nox thought out loud , Turning back to the performance in deep thought.
Again a warning through the force swept over him , Just as he spotted palpatine perceiving the same threat , The man seemingly adjusting himself as the force washed over the chamber . The jedi on the other hand were components the wiser to the waves passing over them , Casuing nox to raise an eyebrow in their direction .
' Their ability to sense the force really is diminished... how ... amusing ' nox chuckled slightly, Feeling padme gently stroke his arm as she stared at him , Having heard his small laugh .
" I'll have the new agreement drawn up and presented to you shortly " Nox adjusted himself .
" I'll be waiting " Padme responded , Scratching at her chin slightly as a haze began to settle over her mind, The affects of the alcohol beginning to take effect as her words slurred slightly , Her eyes squinting as she felt a warmth run up and down her spine .
" Hurah " Padme shuddered slightly, Sinking into her chair as the other senators did the same, All except nox himself who regarded them with an amused snort .
" Getting relaxed there huh " Nox laughed , The woman nodding slowly at his words as she tried to focus on the performance .
Slowly ... but surely , The events of the play began to blur together , Their conversations bleeding away until there wasn't much to talk about but focussing on the actors .
And before long , they found themselves walking back out of the opera house towards the landing pad some distance away .
It was at that moment that nox capitalised on his chance to acquire the resources he needed for his experiments .
They met in the corridor of the opera house , Their shoulders colliding as the group of senators stumbled over eachother at the sudden collision.
The smaller of the two jedi picked herself up from the ground , Pale blonde hair splashing around as she regarded nox with silent fury .
Gently he reached down , Grabbing the girls hand and lifting her to her feet before Rubbing her hair humorously. She swatted his hand away as he regarded Vas'lucis.
" I'm so sorry for barging into your apprentice and yourself master jedi " Nox took the DNA sample out of Vas'lucis's hand , securing it for what he needed as he interacted with himself .
It was interesting as always looking apon himself from two different perspectives , And the force thrummed with harmony as he resonated with his own power , Connecting and entwining as energy rippled between his two bodies.
" Its nothing master jedi , Don't let me keep you up " Nox pat himself , His other body on the shoudler as vas nodded to him , padme watching the two interact , Completely missing the exchange of valuable resources .
Of course he could have simply sent the DNA sample to himself through the force . But he didn't want to risk Alerting anyone to his actions, And to do so within the heart of the jedi temple had the potential to draw attention from either yoda or someone else uniquely attuned to the force , Especially with Mace being so close since the council meeting.
" All's well ends well " Nox slid the DNA sample deep into his carapace, storing it away where it would be sage from whatever was to come .
" Now then " Nox watched the back of Vas'lucis walk off , His left hand coiling around padmes waist as he turned to the woman whom looked between himself and Vas'lucis.
" How rude " Padme commented, Following nox along as he guided her and the other senators towards the two arcing landing pads that overlooked the uscuru district below .
They passed by many a elite persons , With nox Chuckling as they made their way down to the VIP section of the landing pad , Where they sat themselves down at a pair of counches situated directly against the edge of the landing pad, Where bail and Mon sat with their backs to the safety railing that guarded them from Plummeting to their deaths . Sat in between them was a stone table made of black material and golden markings, And on thr opposite side with their back to the venue , Padme and nox took their seats , Overlooking the city from the direction they were sat .
Padme's eyes tracked a rising pillar of smoke , Sniffling slightly as she drew the attention of her friends .
" Its ... so horrible isn't it " Padme expressed her grief, Gesturing towards the near abandoned surface of coruscant with a saddened gaze .
" It was traumatic , So much death... so much ... just Wrong " Mon agreed , She hadn't been on world personally , But the broadcasts and refugees off world had cast a solemn picture to the rest of the galaxy.
" I saw ... so many people dying , All I could do was watch as hundreds of people were crushed by a venator ... " Padme sobbed , With nox reaching across the gently rub circles on the woman's back , His face solemn as she expressed her grief to the group .
Nox in the meantime , As the three senators spoke , watched as Lana's shuttle departed the opera house , Diving away from the establishment, disappearing into the cityscape of the uscuru district .
That must have been the signal , With Lana away from the opera house and safe , away from any danger and chance of alienating scion . Now that she was sage must have been the perfect moment to strike. As the final warning of the force came not a minute later.
The warning that came was the loudest he had felt , His eyes widening as everything slowed down .
The air pressure immediately changed around him , As his head snapped to the side where one of the chairs in the far side of the venue appeared to be in the midst of exploding.
Time crawled to a stop , His thought process exploding into action as he cast his eyes back to padme , Mon mothma and bail .
He watched the shockwave of hot air send the hair on padmes and mons face flying violently .
He saw the nearest people to the explosion be consumed by the fireball , Turning to ash in an instant as the explosion slowly passed towards their direction .
' Welp ... can't have them dying now ' He turned to face his group of senators , Watching their eyes widen as they began ti slowly shield themselves, Their actions a crawl before his eyes .
" Alright ' He stepped infront of padme , Feeling the heat on the back of his head , Slowly her eyes tracked up to him in surprised as he stepped between herself and the explosion . He gripped the table sat between himself and the senators, And before their gaze , Tore it upwards, spinning and holding it steadfast as the explosion resumed its speed .
Their ears popped , As the fireball washed over their position , The table offered little protection , But it was enough, Even as noxs fingers cooked as they were eaten by the flames of the fire , Skin turning black as he held the table tight .
A final shockwave hit them , Sending them flying back , Mon and bail crashed into the ground behind the table , The flame washing over head as the couches saved them .
Padme and nox weren't so lucky , As they were sent flying over the railing due to their proximity .
' Shit ' He turned to face the senator, Reaching for the woman as his right hand caught, Catching her within his grip even as they flew from the lobby of the opera house , Over the edge to the maintenance level below .
" AHHHHHHHHHH " Padme screamed as she fell , arms flailing wide , Not noticing nox drawing her close to him with the force , Catching her hand with his own .
Her screams were silenced as her body came to a jarring halt , As small flecks of fire ate at her hair , She opened her eyes to see nox above her .
" Don't let go " Nox held her fingers with his right hand , Locking her hand into his own , All the while his left hand was locked in place around the walkway of the maintenance walkways below the main lawyer of thr operahouse above .
Her gaze caught the fireball passing overhead , Illuminating everything around the maintenance level with orange light as metal fragments and other bits and pieces flew by on fire .
" Don't let me go " Padme cried out as she tried to grab a hold onto noxs hand with her dangling right arm , However she wasn't able to get a grip , Her finger slipping as the flaking burnt flesh on noxs fingers gave way slightly.
" Padme ... PADME " Nox drew the senators attention , Even as the walkway he was holding onto shuddered as another heatwave passed by .
The senator looked up at him with wide fearful eyes , Her make-up smudged as tears streamed down her face .
" Its going to be okay ... okay " Nox ignored the rattling of the railing he was holding onto , He could simply fold space around them , Whisking them to safety , But that wouldn't do anything positive , Rather it would raise questions he wasn't ready to answer .
" I'm going to swing you up ... alright " Nox yelled down , The woman peering deeply at him as she struggled and swayed in the open air .
" Please don't drop me " Padme cried out , As a speeder once more rushed by below , Seemingly running from the scene as the high life individuals within chose to escape rather than help .
" I'm not going to drop you alright... just ... get ready , On three " Nox locked his grip around the woman's fingers , The blackened flesh on his hands crumbling slightly, As his armour shifted as he was getting ready to swing them back up .
" One ... " She whimpered as her right hand flailed around for more grip , Whilst nox began to shift his weight back and forward , The railing above twisting slightly.
" Two " They swung back and forward , Rising higher as nox used his superior near superhuman strength to swing them further and further .
" Three " Nox heaved , the muscles in his arms tensing , As his back squared and chest contorted . He swung the woman wide and upwards , Her scream echoing around as she became vertical to the air , Upside down before she slammed Into the railing with a heavy grunt .
"There we go " Nox pulled himself up , charred fingers Curling around the railing as he flexed his arms and simply pulled himself up onto and over the railing to safety .
He landed with a grunt, Ignoring the carnage going on overhead as padme was a hot mess at his feet , Shaking heavily as she lay on the ground .
' And with this event the republic will be focussed back on the war with the CIS , No doubt your plan all along palpatine ...well done' Nox chuckled, looking down at his charred fingers , Flexing then slightly as they crumbled .
" Come on " Nox leant down , Scooping the shaken senator up until his arms , pulling her close as he began to walk along the maintenance panels along their length towards the opera houses access hatches.
" Your hands ... " Padme spoke up as she saw the blackened digits curled around her slender form , Pupils dilating as they flaked further , revealing the red raw skin below .
" Will be fine " Nox dismissed her worries with nary a thought " Let's get out of here "
...
PADME APARTMENT
...
" Thank you padme , But it's really nothing to worry about " Nox accepted the fact that the woman before him was intent on helping him through his injuries , despite the fact she knew he would easily heal she seemed intent on helping . Thus she was winding a soft white antiseptic fabric around each individual finger he had . She took great care to spread each finger , Her delicate fingers tightening the fabric gently .
The make-up on her face had been wiped off when they returned to her apartment , the purple dress she had previously worn had been replaced by a simple like nightgown that hung around her shoulders.
Hung around her neck was the juniper necklace gifted to her some years ago by anakin.
' How ... cute ... it makes me sick ' Nox smiled slightly , Reaching forward to gently caressing the necklace hung around the woman's neck , She shuddered slightly as the fabric around his fingers brushed her skin , But he ignored it in favour of admiring anakins work .
' Its well done for sure ... the work of a child but well done ' Nox nodded and let it fall back to the woman's neck just as she finished wrapping up his right hand .
" Thank you padme " Nox flexed his hands , It was uncomfortable, Forcing your body to stop healing . He could have healed his wounds in the instant thanks to his superior healing , But again ... too many questions , Too little gained for doing so , So he let his fingers burn in an effort to further his agenda .
" Its the least I could do ... " She held his hand , Face contorting in sadness as her supple lips dipped into a frown.
" I'm sorry " She said after several beats of silence. Looking up at him with wife an innocent eyes .
Sliding his hand out of padmes own , Nox shook his head , Smiling gently before rising and walking towards the open balcony .
" You have nothing to apologise for padme ... I only did what anyone would if they could . Take care of anakin for me would you ... " Padme watched him approach the edge of the balcony , His hands becoming crossed behind his back as he clenched his fingers , Subtly healing them without the senators notice " He's a good boy... it saddens me I must keep my distance for his benefit "
" Of course ... " Padme whispered , The man before her Inclining his head slightly as a shuttle approached the balcony , Roaring over the nightlife before coming to a halt infront of the apartment " I'll inform the Queen of your new trade agreement "
" I'll bring it to you in ... let's say ... five days from now ... there is some business I must attend to " Nox turned to the woman , As the bay doors to the shuttle opened , Revealing an exasperated Lana beniko whom stood with her arms crossed and a less than pleased expression on her face.
" I was waiting for you , Thank you for taking care of my idiot padme " Lana reached down and wrenched her husband into the shuttle bay , Giving a kindly smile to padme before fussing over the man she loved .
" Anytime mistress beniko ... until next time " Padme came to stand on the edge of the balcony , As the shuttle began to slowly recede away fron the balconies edge .
" May the force serve you padme ... Now let's get out of here you daft fool ... the authorities will be here to get padmes statement soon " Padme watched Lana grill nox as the bay doors shut , The ship suddenly dropping down , Dissapearing into the traffic below as the pilots Masterfully avoided any unwelcome gazes .
" The senate has unanimously agreed to redouble their efforts in the war ... It was found out to be an attack on the opera house orchestrated by the CIS " Lana leant on the wall of the shuttle , As nox grunted .
" It was sidious , his plans fall apart if the senate isn't focussed on the war ... so why not blow a couple of them up to refocus their hate and fear on the CIS " Nox shrugged , Pulling out the slides of anakins genetic material .
" Whats that " Lana asked , Coming up to her husbands side to see the two plastic slides , One containing blood and the other a sample of flesh .
" I can't trust fate to handle what must be done ... so I'll take matters into my own hands ... regardless of if the chosen one succeeds or fails ... I will succeed ... either as myself ... or a backup chosen one " Nox clutched the genetic samples tightly , Turning to Lana " What did palpatine want "
" He wished to create a business agreement that would allow the republic to acquire some of our weapons and munitions ... I told him I would speak to the royal family about such a business trade ... he seems very ... interested ... in our wares ... I believe he wants to keep us close ... very close for our technology " Lana explained , nox pondering as he rubbed his free hand on his chin .
" I see ... make it a very favourable agreement for us , I wouldn't want to make things too easy for sidious now would I... Now dear " Nox grabbed Lana by the back and drew her close , Kissing her gently " I'm glad you're safe ... I'll return to coruscant in five days ... "
" I'll he waiting " She looked up into his glowing eyes , Smiling as she savoured the taste of his lips , Watching, Unblinking as the man burst into a cloud of purple smoke and light before her very eyes , Dispersing into motes of light into the thin air between them .
...
IOKATH- MOTHER MACHINE FACILITY
...
" MOTHER " Nox bellowed as he appeared in the hidden cylindrical chamber, The hologram of the rakatan woman appearing before him .
" Ah my son ... I was beginning to wander when you would arrive " Ashaa greeted , Looking nox over with her bulging bug like eyes" You seem pleased my child "
" Of course I am , I got exactly what you need for the project " He produced the two plastic slides containing anakins genetic material .
" Oh good , very good " Ashaa manuveoured a pair of robotic arms that came from the ceiling , Pulling towards noxs hand, Ready to accept the genetic slides .
Before his gaze , The samples were sucked into the robotic limb , Followed immediately after by the churning of robotic machinery hidden behind the walls of the room .
" I'll begin replicating the genetic material as we speak... by the creators , The midichlorian count within these blood cells is ... I've never seen such potent blood " The machine exclaimed in genuine surprise " Good news milord ... the cells are still viable , They're replicating as we speak . With a careful hand , I am no doubt sure that a perfect specimen can be created "
" Remember ... ashaa ... one completely unaltered specimen first, i want its mind subdued so it shall be easy to ... inhabit . Then you can experiment with the samples " Nox instructed , The machine already doing exactly as asked .
" Of course my child ... I would never go against your words " At the centre of the chamber where the lone containment unit sat , Mechanical limbs sunkninto the tank of fluid , Where an embryo was already constructed by the mother machine .
" Introducing sample " Nox walked over to the vat , Looking intently at its centre whilst another limb with a needle for a head dove to the embryo containment unit .
He watched the needle pierce the embryo through a screen that enlarged the process so he could observe , The constructed cells fusing with the artificial embryo , Successfully inseminating the embryo with no difficulties .
Several seconds passed of complete silence , The mother machine running through several sequences before her holo appeared beside nox .
" Congratulations milord , For all intents and purposes ... it is a viable specimen .. it just needs to grow " Ashaa explained as a large wall of holograms appeared before the two, Displaying the embryo and the multiplying cells within.
" How long will this take " Nox asked , Crossing his arms as he circled the wall of holograms.
" With my expertise in artificial aging and the resources I have available... but to he careful to ensure maximum compatibility... I would estimate two years " Ashaa explained , Earning a small but grateful nod from her greatest creation.
" Consider this facility on lockdown ... your work is of the utmost importance , Anything you will be granted ... I leave the rest to you mother " Nox vanished a moment later , Allowing the machine to focus wholly on its work .
...
Three days later , Zakuul
...
A layer of smoke seperated the lower levels of the spire from the rest of the city , Artificially created by the powers that be to hide the events taking place below the canopy of smoke.
Evacuations had taken place over forty eight hours before hand , A legion of skytroopers lined the lowers levels closest to the smoke canopy , a literal wall of skytroopers were suspended over the skies , each one having their weapons pointed straight down into the smoke .
Their sensors scanned down , Ready to fire within a moments notice .
Suddenly , Several tens of shuttles tore through the smoke , Churning the distilled air violently as the vessels tore through the lower levels , Carrying scores of surviving knights and evacuees .
Leaping from a shuttle to an overarching balcony where Scorpio stood , Nihilus came to a landing with a solid thud , His robes torn and damaged , He huffed as the force barrier he had maintained for literal hours finally broke down around him , The ancient sith leaning precariously on a bench .
" We need to evacuate ... we've exhausted all our resources ... " Luciel spoke through dry wheezes , Tearing his death mask from his face before coughing black smoke from his mouth .
The droid that ran the eternal empire watched the shuttles rise high into the spire , Careening the wounded directly to the knight base In the far off distance .
" All shuttles accounted for " Scorpio stated neutrally , As four other titanic droids floated down into the ranks of the skytrooper units .
Skyva , Esne and aivela floated down like foreign deities of steel , Their forms releasing hums of energy as they linked up with the skytrooper army .
They watched the disturbed smoke below as it began to settle , Yet they maintained their distance from the layer .
" There " Scorpio announced , As as one the skytrooper army pointed their weapons directly at the lowest visible floor through the smoke .
A railing gave way as a blackened hand grabbed its surface , Tearing the safety rails clear from their place as one by one , Black shapes of various sizes clawed their way up .
The first to stand apon the lowest level looked up , Only to be burned away by a bolt of red light from esne , Falling back into the smoke below .
Esne lowered her hand as it smoked , Calculating lenses narrowing slightly as she watched three , Seven , nineteen black forms crawl up from the abyss below .
" Fire " Scorpio announced as the numbers to reach the base level reached over sixty within seconds .
A screech of energy clapped across the area , As one , The skytrooper army and the iokath God droids let loose their armament into the crawling chaos below .
Rain of red fell apon the black ooze , Burning away one , Fifty , Three hundred in less than thirty seconds.
But much like the previous days , Scorpio felt what she could only equate to be frustration as the constructs of black ooze refused to stay down, Their numbers rising no matter how many of the blasted infected they took out .
The bodies the ooze had inhabited had long since turned to ash , Instead it was seemingly abandoning such useless practices , instead it simply multiplied itself and made constructs from the black ooze , Rising higher and higher through the lower levels as it learnt and adapted to the situation .
" There it is " Scorpio announced , As from within the literal waves if black ooze constructs, A creature much more defined than others clawed its way up from the clouds , Screeching high up at the skytrooper army, Ignoring the rain of red bolts completely , All damage it sustained was simply remaired , As thirteen tendrils burst from the things back to draw and connect to the other constructs around it , Continuously healing it as it rose to stand on its hunched legs .
" I'm detecting the mass is just beyond the canopy ... Prepare to evacuate " Scorpio announced as a third of the skytroopers above turned and amended into the skies ready to start issuing the orders to evacuate to the ignorant masses above.
" We'll start evacuating the more ... important resources " Aivela , Esne and skyva rose and flew away , Heading towards the very top tot he tower where the more important things such as the emperor's vaults were.
" I must inform the emperor of my failure to stop this creature " Scorpio began , But halted any further conversation with the watching Luciel as a third being joined then in their observation deck.
" There is no need ... I'm already aware , I felt it when it broke the canopy " Nox spoke with a guttural growl , having the hour where the deadline he had given Scorpio to sort the mess be reached .
" I am deeply apologetic for my failure milord " Sorpio announced , luciel dropping to his knees whilst nox walked to the edge of the balcony, Immediately catching the gaze of the apparent central consciousness of the mass of ooze below .
" Leave ... I'll deal with this now " Nox wouldn't let any argument be brokered , Stepping off the balcony and Plummeting to the base level below .
He landed gently a good ten metres from the bodies of ooze standing before him . A literal mass of black bodies of all shapes and sizes standing from left to right as far as they eye could see .
" I've been waiting for you , seaeching , And now youve come to me " Stepping out of the fog , The avian of ooze appeared , Stepping out with a lumbering gait , Over the tops of the lesser forms , Its body rippling violently with each step it took .
It's demented mouth , Now located on the avian chest with its gnarled and twisted teeth moved , side to side as the lips of the mouth tried to form several words in odd languages , But came out garbled and twisted as nox inclined his head in understanding .
Behind the avian ooze , A group of zombie knights stepped out , Slow and uneven , their armours caked with their own blood and viscera . At their head was an exarch , The only one that hadn't been fast enough to annihilate their body .The exarch came to a stop beside the avian , The knights coming up behind them .
And behind that were the hord of regular converted zombies closed like a mass of water , All at once behind the marching knights.
" So I have ... " Nox Raised his right arm , Inspecting it momentarily , The cortosis weave body suit beneath his robes stretching with his movements " You know I wasn't expecting you here , of all places ... What do you expect to gain through invading MY empire "
" Do I need a reason other than want " The creature " So I have ... " Nox Raised his right arm , Inspecting it momentaril , Its mouth clacking together unevenly as more and more zombies appeared .
" Your parents wouldn't be very happy about you being here you know that right " That seemed to agitate the ooze somewhat , As the avian rippled violently for a moment before it powered itself.
" What would you know insignificant human " The ooze bit with nox Smirking violently behind his helmet , His arms spreading wide .
" Mnggal-mnggal ..Unrestrained growth... devourer .. Hunger , Feeding without measure ... Isn't that what your name means ... " Nox mocked , Calling memories the ooze had long since forgotten " That's what you said to your mother after your little riddles to rile her up "
" You couldn't possibly know of that " The avian took a measured step back as Nox slowly removed his helmet , The helmet fading away as soon as it left his face.
" What was it you preached that day " Nox laughed , His own mouth twisting and shifting as his voice box contorted .
" a devourer whose appetite is never sated. Am I not this ... Will I not swallow up you and my hoary siblings as delicacies before the grand feast of all the blood-drenched worlds in all the blood-drenched universe until there isnaught else but Mnggal-Mnggal ... And then shall I have none left to devour but myself as another who did as such, eating his own tail, endlessly. For that is the way of theworlds…" The words came out a direct mocking copy of the Mnggal-mnggals own voice , The creature growing further agitated at noxs mocking .
" Isn't it funny, The only creature you put any semblance of trust in sent you to a world without food to feast apon ... Tell me , About how had you hungered of Mugg fallow " Nox laughed as the force grew heavier with every word he spoke .
The avian roared , Bursting into Mnggal-mnggal's truest expression of itself.
Eighteen tentacles burst from the avian , eighteen eyes and eighteen legs erupted on its central mass . A mouth of spikey prongs erupted with a guttural roar as the horde of zombies sprinted at Nox .
Yet with a simple mocking wave of his hand , A pulse of white light overcame the senses of everything present.
As white hot death burned everything away in a single movement, The light died down a second later , Yet nothing but the twisted amalgamation of mocking death remained , Its zombie horde not even particles of ash where they had been burned away at the release of pure energy .
The truest expression of the Mnggal-mnggal turned to look at the now bleached land behind him , Steel beams wrent under the pressure exerted by nox , The fog burned away to reveal the lower levels below which were red hot under the heat nox had pressed apon it .
In an instant the army it had worked to make of the last couple of days simply burned away under Nox's will .
" I understand now ... " Its voices came out at once , As it's eyes turned back to nox.
" You are a brood of similarly like my mother and uncles ... You will be MY FEAST " The tentacles launched Mnggal-mnggal at Nox .
It rose on its eighteen legs , Tentacles spreading out far and wide around nox " How you know such things "
" Then you understand nothing " Nox responded meeting the creature half way before they vanished from Zakuul entirely .
The world now entirely free of the ooze of the Mnggal-mnggal .
Not moments after taking the mnggal-mnggal away , Scorpio returned with the skytrooper legion , Coming to a Grinding halt to obersevt eh glowing metal where the ooze had been .
" Scan everything , Burn anything that remains away " Scorpio ordered . Looking up towards the skies , Through the stars of the galaxy where their emperor was detected across the galaxy not moments .
" Mobilise the fleet , we are going to its source "
...
Chapter complete
...
THIS CHAPTER IS LIABLE TO EDITING AND CHANGE IN THE FUTURE .
...
I am aware that satine would never curry favour of developing a functioning army for mandalor . But twisting her own views and words against her , And with direct mind control from nox , As long as one's force of will is greater than another , Than you can dominate the minds of the weaker with laughable ease . Just as nox did during the meeting of neutral systems , Breaking their minds , contorting and twisting their thoughts to further his goals.
I don't know if many of my readers know this , But I hope many of you understand . Reading other fancitions and fan battles. It annoys me greatly to see contrived tactics by the reader to further a ridiculous goal . Such as weakening a busted character enough so that other characters whom have no business fighting them come away with the win .
Among the most ridiculous of these I read somewhere years ago was, sage of six paths, Boosted ten tails naruto was beaten by the team RWBY thanks to the power of whatever the fuck . I hate reading fics like that and won't be doing that in my work . If someone has no business fighting let alone winning against someone due to sheer difference in power , They won't be winning , No plot armour , no making sure your favourite character wins through plot convenience. If someone is supposed to die .. they will die in that moment unless I have already planned their deaths in the future .
Now let me answer come of your questions .
1. A reader has asked does nox not think anyone will figure out he is playing all sides.
The answer, Nox is not directly interacting with anyone of either side of the war except for padme and greivous . He is moving through proxies . Such as having HK and Exar kun interact with dooku. Or Lana beniko being planted in the senate to get closer to sidious and other important people's. Vas lucis being the one to communicate directly with the jedi , And vaylin being sent to the mandalorian faction . As such , No one knows nox exists apart from padme and greivous , Neither of which will say anything to anyone out of self interest .
But ... there will be a plot point about this later where ... something... happens.
2. Ragnos possessing ventress was indeed not apart of noxs plan , this too will be a plot point sooner rather than later .
We should also remember noxs proficiency with the force ability known as force blank , where the force is used by a user to completely remove the memories of their presence from one's mind . Someone under the affects if force blank won't even be able to see the person standing directly infront of them , Any memories of the user fade away until they person might as well not exist to the person affected. We have seen the affects of this in kanya , Anakin and bail organa in this story so far .
3. Nox does indeed care for kanya and anakin , Seeing them as not only long term projects but as he progeny. He doesn't understand what love is so the concept if foreign for him . He feels deep love for Lana, But his understanding of the notion of love is something he cannot grasp as of yet , He is learning , Which is why he was confused by his own reaction to kanya and anakin being in danger . One cannot quantity something they don't understand.
So yes , He is deeply in love with Lana, Bordering on possessiveness and obsession. He also loves anakin and kanya as his own children , And this will also be a plot point down the line.
He is a controlled rage , An inferno hidden bekieth the surface away from all . He does have a certain control of himself , but his ego also plays into how he perceives himself . He perceives himself under his control , As a God above others so why would he worry about the woes of the weaker . Which is why he is so deeply confused about his love for Lana, Kanya , Vaylin and anakin . But he doesn't refute it , He embraces it , Such as embracing his love with Lana.
Do remember he is a narcissist , A psychopath with several other issues . What he perceives and what is reality might not always be the same.
Do also remember that sidious , Vitiate and nox were all made around the same template in stars media, They all have a remarkable similarity . The were originally designed to be the same characters with minor differences .
4. Another thing , To nox , Zakuul and the empire are just a means to an end . The empire is not something he intends to rule , Instead he plans to rule from the shadows through his children . As he plans to live forever , He wouldn't want to trouble himself with the day to day issues of ruling the empire , Instead he intends to leave it for his progeny.
Nox doesn't want to rule the galaxy per se , he more wants to be the thing at the top , to have all things acknowledge his excellence, To be the saviour in their eyes , The ultimate being with no challenger . as such personal power is his goal , he wants everyone in the galaxy , No ... all galaxies to to acknowledge him as the best , The penultimate existence.
To properly understand what I'm saying I think you should reread the fanfiction and study some of noxs more ... zealous moments.
I hope I answered your questions adequately. If you have anymore , Please feel free to ask , I will answer them during the end of the next chapter
until next time
