Kashyyyk - Mid Rim
3rd person POV...
Amidst the vast expanse of stars located in the Andromeda galaxy's Mid Rim is the jungle planet of Kashyyyk. The planet was rather unique when compared with most in the galaxy, boasting a great expanse of tropical forests and lakes across its surface, which host an even greater abundance of life forms. The most notable of these species, one which Kashyyyk is most known for, were the Wookiees.
And the Galactic Empire has long had a great use for Wookiees.
Entering the planet's orbit is a small fleet of Star Destroyers, pointed like daggers at the Wookiee's homeworld. Slow yet ominous and foreboding, the main hangar of the lead Star Destroyer unloads a large convoy of Imperial ships ranging from gunships, troop transports, and others that hold more than an entire platoon of Imperial stormtroopers and scout walkers.
The troopers and personnel within the dropships remain tense and alert as they wait sightlessly for their touchdown on Kashyyyk's surface. Standing at the head of a column inside one transport is the aged, but no less effective, Clone Commander Cody.
The trees which filled the vast forests of Kashyyyk were more often than not immense specimens of legend, towering higher than even the skyscrapers of Coruscant. As such, these massive trees also provided the perfect method of travel for those who knew how to use them.
Perched on one branch at least a dozen meters across are two wookiees and one human. The human couldn't see much in the fading light of the sunset, but the lack of light proved no trouble for the keen eyesight of her wookiee companions. One of the wookiees, who had purely brown hair, tenses up a little and growls suddenly, which his two companions take notice of.
"You see something, Choyyssyk?" the human asks.
Choyyssyk growls in confirmation and points it out to the others, making the other wookiee growl when they spot the same thing while the human pulls out her binoculars. She looks in the direction the two wookiees were focused on and becomes grim.
"Looks like a lot more than they've sent before," she observes uneasily. "We must really be getting to them."
The two wookiees voice their agreement with her assessment, and the human keeps following the direction that the Imperial convoy is headed.
"Wait a second... Katarra, isn't that area part of Sector 7?" she asks.
Katarra follows the path the Imperials are taking and growls in confirmation.
"Huh. They're either really bold, stupid, or desperate," she scoffs in amusement.
Katarra rumbles in agreement but Choyyssyk growls back at them in annoyance.
"You're right. We should probably report back," she acknowledges. "If they're taking that route, they've gotta be up to something."
Choyyssyk voices his agreement and barks an order to them, which she and Katarra nod back in reply. The rebel soldier climbs up on Katarra's back while the wookiee grabs a vine and jumps off whilst Choyyssyk keeps watch with narrowed eyes, gripping his bowcaster tightly in hand.
At the edge of a vast expanse of dark forest and vegetation the Imperial convoy deposits its load of troopers and vehicles. At least a thousand total troopers were present, lining up and standing at formation while the scout walkers take charge up front, their floodlights illuminating the otherwise black environment. One of the gunships touches down and Commander Cody steps out and looks over the assembled force. A stormtrooper with a cyan pauldron walks up to him and salutes, to which Cody responds with a firm nod of acknowledgement.
"Sir," the trooper greets.
"Lieutenant Pius," Cody acknowledges.
"Our troops are in position and awaiting your orders," he states.
"Good. We'll depart in just a moment, so be on guard," Cody tells him.
Lieutenant Pius nods in acknowledgement and salutes him once more before heading back to his position at the head of a platoon. Cody watches him go with a stern gaze before his communicator starts to beep, and he lets out a sigh. He accepts the call and a small hologram of General Kahdah appears. The blonde-haired hard-faced general stares up at Cody expectantly.
"Are your troops ready, Commander?" he questions.
"Yes sir. We've just landed," Cody confirms.
"Good. Take your platoon through the trees and smoke these animals out," Kahdah orders.
Cody doesn't answer right away, however, which Kahdah takes notice of.
"Is there a problem?" he demands.
"I'm concerned about this route, sir," Cody admits.
"I've already inspected it," Kahdah states. "It takes us straight to their camp."
"I understand, general, but one section of this forest is dangerous," he replies with concern. "Reports say that even the natives don't dare traverse through it."
"Which is why we will take it," Kahdah replies with an irritated frown.
"But, sir, any who have gone there never made it out," Cody tries to explain. "What if—"
"Are you suggesting we pull back?" the general growls at him.
"No—" he starts to say.
"The Empire controls everything, Commander. Without fear," Kahdah states firmly. "Do not make the mistake of showing fear about a forest filled with nothing but a few… animals! They're primitives! Do you know what kind of appearance such fear would give us?"
Cody withholds a frustrated sigh and begrudgingly nods his head in acknowledgement of the general's point.
"Yes, general," he says.
"Then proceed, Commander Cody. No excuses," Kahdah orders him.
"Yes, sir," Cody replies.
General Kahdah ends the transmission and Cody stands there for a few moments in frustration at the whole ordeal. After a few moments, however, he puts away his communicator and moves forward to the front of the assembly, looking out over all of the troopers and personnel under his command.
"Alright soldiers, let's move in! We have our orders to march through the forest and take the rebel holdout!" Cody declares. "Be on the lookout for any activity, and contact me the moment you spot something. Understood?"
"Yes, Commander!" everyone shouts in acknowledgement.
Cody nods back in satisfaction and waves them forward with his blaster. The assembled army quickly separate and split off into their assigned platoons and lieutenant commanders. The plan is to pass through the forest and assault the rebels in waves from multiple directions to both overwhelm and cut off their escape path. As they're moving forward, however, Cody can't help but feel like something is going to go horribly wrong.
Bright headlights from scout walkers and troop transports illuminate the otherwise pitch black forest. Transports equipped with powerful saw blades lead the way to carve a path, followed by scout walkers, then the platoon of soldiers, which are followed by more walkers and transports. Lieutenant Pius leads the platoon, stern and focused yet also enthusiastic as well. The farther they advanced through the forest the dark it seemed to become, though the light from their vehicles served the Imperial force well.
On their path through the forest the platoon eventually reached a small glade that was empty of trees, except for one that was gnarled and twisted looking in the center. Strangely enough the powerful lights that they were using suddenly seemed incapable of shining farther than a few meters ahead, confusing Pius a little bit. He shrugs it off though, reckoning it to be just a case of fog. Kashyyyk was a very strange place after all, as it was dark out.
Unbeknownst to the Imperial forces, the cause of their poor lighting is actually not a result of natural fog.
A faint but chilling wind blows through the glade. The trees and branches creak and groan, sounding as though they were moaning. Darkness exudes from the twisted tree in the center of the clearing, smothering the strong artificial lights.
Something moves amongst the darkness.
Something sinister.
Something angry.
The lead platoon of Imperials continues their trek through the forest like normal when all of a sudden a distant explosion echoes through the foliage, putting the entire platoon on high alert.
"What was that?!" one trooper exclaims.
"Everyone, hold! Keep your eyes sharp!" Cody shouts. "Where did that come from Sergeant?"
"Just east of us, Commander!" the Sergeant reports.
Cody whips his head around to look in that direction, though of course can't see anything. However he can hear a few more explosions, smaller than the first, sounding off in the distance. He brings a hand up to his helmet and opens up his comlink.
"Lieutenant Pius, report!" he orders.
There's no answer at first, but he can easily hear a lot of screaming and blaster fire. Not a good sign.
"NO– HE– P–!" one voice cries out.
"Lieutenant, respond!" Cody exclaims, more urgent.
"We're being attacked by—" Pius's voice filters through.
He's cut off by more blaster shots and screams, making Cody's heart race with panic. Then a bloodcurdling scream rages through the comlink, making his heart stop at recognizing it to be Pius.
"No! NO! AHH—"
The transmission then cuts out into static.
"Lieutenant? Lieutenant!" Cody shouts anxiously. "Pius!"
But there's nothing.
Rivers of blood pool into the landscape, watering the black grass. One mangled corpse of a stormtrooper lies in the middle of the clearing, their head twisted around backwards whilst also missing a leg. Something slithers around the trooper's remaining leg and drags them into the darkness, never to be seen again. Wreckage of what's left of the scout walkers and troop transports litters the forest floor.
A low wail echoes through the forest and the trees creak and groan in a mixture of grief and rage, though for now the forest's vengeance has been satisfied.
The Weeping Tree remains in the center of the glade as it always has for the last 18 years. No creature, not even tarentateks, would dare venture into this part of the Shadowlands, as they have violently learned to steer clear of this tree. For this tree was furious.
For now, however, it falls back to sleep.
There's a flash of red light against green.
A man in dark armor cuts down the warrior with a green blade.
"I am your fear."
A woman cries in agony over the loss of her beloved.
A lost soul wanders the darkened forest.
An army crosses through the land of shadows.
The agonized cry tears itself into the army.
The Commander he knew faces a choice in his heart.
He cannot go on.
Temple Island, Ahch-To - Unknown Regions
Jarik POV...
I shoot up out of bed with a gasp and take a few moments to breathe in and out. My heart is pounding in my chest and I reach a hand up to place it there, feeling the rapid beating. As I breathe more slowly my heartbeat also slows down, calming my nerves. Off to the side I can see Ahsoka seated on a stool with her legs crossed, hands resting on her knees, and eyes closed. As soon as I've calmed down, however, she opens her eyes and looks at me in concern.
"Another vision?" she asks.
I rub my neck with a faint groan of discomfort and nod in acknowledgement.
"Yes… and I don't think it's one we can ignore," I tell her.
"Is it ever?" she points out.
"Not really," I scoff in agreement. "If we ever could, that would be a first. I know how much you like firsts."
"Because they're so memorable!" she states in agreement.
We both share a short chuckle at that, but soon enough the amusement fades back into seriousness.
"Where were you in your vision?" Ahsoka asks me.
I shrug my shoulders.
"All I can say is it was a large forest," I answer, unsure.
I pause real quick as I think back on one of the more clear details at the end of the vision.
"Cody was there," I add grimly.
Her eyes narrow and we share a know gaze with each other. I've been keeping track of Imperial reports more thoroughly than usual these past few weeks, and one thing has always stuck out to me in particular.
Ahsoka voices both our thoughts out loud.
"… Kashyyyk," she states.
Shadowlands, Kashyyyk - Mid Rim
3rd person POV...
A ragged and wild looking figure rushes through the dark trees of the forest, chittering to himself anxiously. He easily traverses through rough terrain that would otherwise be far more difficult for the average togruta.
"She's struck again, again, again!" he murmurs to himself. "She's not happy they're here! What am I supposed to do?!"
He suddenly pauses in his tracks and looks around him, sensing something is following him. He listens to the forest for almost a minute, waiting, standing still, patiently. After a long while of hearing nothing he finally whirls around with a great yell and thrusts his hands forward. Stalking him and about the leap for the kill was a predatory katarn, which had been following him for some time. However, the katarn would not get the first strike on its prey as it's suddenly thrown back by a wild Force push, yelping in surprise and frustration.
The togruta pulls out sharp pike from its sheath on his back and brandishes it with another cry, charging at the katarn. The reptomammal snarls and swipes at him with a clawed foot but the togruta deftly evades its strike and retaliates by jabbing his pike forward, roaring all the while. He stabs the predator through its shoulder and the katarn yelps in pain, quickly backing away while the togruta rips out his weapon. Blood gushes from the wound and the togruta roars at the katarn yet again, brandishing his weapon. Injured, the reptomammal has no choice but to retreat.
With the threat of becoming prey now gone for the moment the togruta whirls around and returns to his original contemplation, resuming his run through the forest to get back to his hideout.
"An entire group, gone! Why would they go near the Weeping Tree? No one ever goes there!" he mutters frantically. "How am I supposed to stop it?"
Eventually he reaches his hideout, a small room carved out of the gigantic roots at the base of a tree. He opens to loosely installed door and lets it slam shut behind him. The room is smothered in darkness for a few moments, but light bursts forth by the light of a fiery oil lamp. The togruta paces around the room, pondering what to do.
"I could go to the wookiees, but... no no, no they wouldn't help. They're afraid too. Who wouldn't be?" he murmurs out loud. "No, no no, they won't help. I need something else. A Jedi?"
He pauses to contemplate before shaking it off.
"No, no there's no Jedi. The dark mask killed them all. He's the reason she's... like this," he continues, pausing for a moment to shut his eyes tight so that tears don't drip down. "No, but it wasn't the dark mask that turned her into this, it was... it was..."
The togruta pauses, his face scrunched up as he tries to think.
"Who was it? Come on, Ty, think, there was another one...!" he whispers anxiously. "A... a dark... one..."
Imperial Palace, Coruscant - Core Worlds
The Emperor of the galaxy sits upon his throne while focused on a being of his great interest. He couldn't deny to himself that his apprentice had a keen sense of mind when it came to choosing this new Hand for him. He required someone who could match and then rise above the skills of one of his greatest missed opportunities in the universe, and so far Vader's selection has been of sound judgement. Though she may not be able to defeat Mara Jade quite yet, she is well on her way of doing so.
"Tell me, Shira, do you know what you are?" the Emperor inquires his new Hand.
The red-haired teenager kneels before his throne, her head bowed in respect to her master.
"Your servant, Emperor," Shira answers.
"More than that, child," he responds.
She pauses for a moment before answering.
"...I am the Emperor's Hand," she says.
"Precisely," Palpatine nods in satisfaction. "Servants will follow the bidding of their master, but they will make mistakes. They are always expendable. As for a Hand… they do not serve the master. They are one with him. A Hand shall do whatever it is the master desires, without error."
His yellow eyes gleam a bit bright as he regards Shira, who gives no visual indication of her thoughts about his explanation. But he can sense her thoughts quite easily.
"You understand this, don't you?" he whispers.
"Yes I do, my Emperor. My will is yours," she defers to him without hesitation.
"So it is," Palpatine smiles in content. "Now… there is something you must do. I have felt a strong presence in the Force emanating from Kashyyyk."
"Is it a Jedi?" she asks quickly.
Shira's stone-faced mask breaks just slightly out of eagerness, and the Emperor smiles in amusement.
"Perhaps," he remarks.
"Then allow me to hunt them down, my Emperor, at your will," she requests.
"Let this be a test for you, Lumiya. You were chosen by me to serve as the equal of Mara Jade Shan," the Emperor states firmly, scowling briefly at the name. "If you wish to prove a worthy Hand for me, then you must accomplish the task which I have set out for you."
"I will not disappoint you," she assures him.
"I hope not. For I shall be observing your efforts," he replies.
The door at the entrance of the throne room then opens, allowing Darth Vader to stride through. The Dark Lord of the Sith marches with purpose, though Palpatine doesn't fail to notice the slight falter in his step when he catches sight of Shira, and he smiles to himself.
"Ah, Lord Vader. Excellent," he greets with a thin smile. "You may go now, Shira."
Shira nods her head once and turns on her heel, walking at a formal pace down the steps. She glances at Vader as they move past each other, but the Sith Lord gives her no acknowledgement. She soon exits the throne room through the doorway while Vader bows to one knee before the Emperor's throne. Darth Sidious regards him in silence for a few moments and then takes out something hidden in his robe.
"Tell me, my friend, do you know what this is?" he inquires.
Vader looks up to see the Emperor holding up a small device for him to see. He frowns upon analyzing it, taking note of the circular shape and intricately crafted symbols on its metal surface, along with the blue gem placed in the middle.
"I do not, Master," he admits.
"I am not surprised. For it is an ancient relic, one that even ancient Sith scholars have no documentation of, though my own Master theorized the existence of it," Sidious replies, his gaze focused on the device in his hand. "Fortunately, following the late Minister Hyden's untimely demise, his scholars uncovered clues that hint to what this, 'Star compass,' is meant for."
"And what is that?" Vader asks, curious.
The Emperor smiles.
"The key to discovering the birthplace of the Jedi Order," he reveals. "The planet called Ahch-To."
Vader widens his eyes in astonishment, which quickly turns to cruel satisfaction. At last he now has a direct path to destroying his enemy, just as he foresaw he will. He recalls what he saw in his vision, in which he saw himself putting his crimson blade through the Jedi's heart.
"The planet that Shan is hiding on?" Vader says eagerly.
"Indeed, my apprentice," the Emperor replies, though lacking a smile. "I know you are most eager to destroy him yourself, but you must be patient. Unlocking the secrets of this compass will take... time."
He fixes his servant with a cold gaze, his yellow eyes gleaming.
"Until then, you must prove to me that you are capable. Should you failed to kill him again, I will be forced to assign someone else," Sidious warns him.
Vader's thoughts turn toward some of the many servants the Emperor has at his disposal, the highest among them being Shira. He boils with rage at the thought of another seizing the victory that belongs to him, but quenches it in the presence of his master, submissively bowing his head.
"Yes, Master," he begrudgingly agrees.
"Good," the Emperor nods in approval, smiling once more. "But be assured, Lord Vader. It is no longer a matter of if we will find him... but when."
His laugh echoes throughout the throne room.
Author's Note: Hello there everyone! It is SO good to be back! And I'm glad to present to you the first chapter of Legacy of Jarik Shan V6: Children of the Force! Already an interesting premise, hopefully. But I'm so excited to get to work. I've had a long time to prepare for V6 whenever I had breaks from missionary work (I super loved being a missionary btw, show those guys some love!) and as a result just about every story arc in V6 is planned out and prepared.
Hope you guys enjoy, and once again thanks for all of those who love and support my stories! Y'all are incredible!