Hey guys, back at it again. Took a while longer due to college and work and all and my god I am losing my sanity then again…. Never had it to begin with.
So… this chapter will be a bit of a doozy and I would like to remind you all the advent of this being an AU so certain events will play out radically differently.
I had recently conversed with my good friend Jebest and he had given me a genius of an idea that will come in due time cause I don't want no spoilers here.
When it happens kekekeke, you'll love it.
Anywho, let's not dilly dally and just get to it.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day
Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 13: Cloak of Darkness
"Don't worry Captain Rogers." Ahsoka Tano promised light heartedly. "I'll make sure nothing happens to Colonel Rhodes."
"Why do I need a chaperone again?" Rhodey asked, the Air Force pilot and young Jedi Padawan standing within a LAAT Gunship currently en route to a Republic Corvette where their escort mission awaited them. "I'm a few decades older then snips here, you know."
Ahsoka only puffed out her cheeks in annoyance at Rhodey using her master's nickname for her.
"You volunteered for this escort mission, remember? And Ahsoka here along with the other two Jedi are the professionals in this regard." Steve said knowingly from his end of the holo-Comms. "Just keep a level head, Rhodey. You'll be fine."
"Yeah, yeah." Rhodey waved off, the communication ending. "Why do I feel like this is gonna go downhill?"
"Hmmm? What do you mean?" Ahsoka asked in confusion.
"Nothing, nothing." Rhodey waved down. "So aside from the two of us, we're going with two other Jedi?"
"Mhmm." Ahsoka confirmed. "We're not taking any chances with this one."
"Must be some real big wig for three Jedi and allowing an Avenger to go on this little escort mission." Rhodey mused aloud.
"I'd be surprised if the security detail was small." Ahsoka admitted. "Nute Gunray is one of the core leaders of the Confederacy and a huge financial backer for the production of the droid army."
"So we've got someone the CIS will definitely want back." Rhodey stated.
"More than likely." Ahsoka said.
"So then who's coming with us?"
Just as Rhodey asked the question, the Gunship landed with its doors opening to reveal two Jedi Women with identical light green tinted skin both sharing distinct patterns upon different parts of their faces. This made Rhodey assume they were of the same race as even their garments were greatly similar to one another and both held an air of calming patience.
"Greetings, Padawan Ahsoka." The taller of the two spoke with a patient smile. "And you must be Colonel James Rhodes, if I remember correctly."
"That's right, ma'am." Rhodey said respectfully. "I've seen you before but I don't think I ever learned your name."
The Jedi Master only smiled. "I am Master Luminara Unduli. And this, is my Padawan Barriss Offee."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Colonel Rhodes, Padawan Ahsoka." The younger Jedi said with a pleasant smile.
"It's nice to meet you as well." Ahsoka responded in kind.
Their meeting was then cut in by the arrival of a Clone Trooper with green accented markings upon his armor.
"General Luminara." The Clone Trooper spoke professionally. "The crew and ship is prepped and ready for our delivery of the prisoner."
"Glad to hear, Commander Gree." Luminara said with a pleased smile. "Let's see if our guest is feeling chatty before we ship him off."
The assembled group followed Luminara to the holding center of the corvette while the two Padawans hung back from the others and made small talk with one another.
"So how long have you been a Padawan for?" Ahsoka asked the Mirialan Jedi.
"For about two years now." Barriss answered. "Master Luminara has been my instructor since."
"Two years." Ahsoka said to herself. "Wait, Master Luminara was part of the strike force that first went to Geonosis at the start of the war. Did you…?"
"Yes, I did accompany my master along with all the other Jedi to Geonosis." Barriss confirmed, though her expression grew sullen. "I only wish we had not lost so many in the battle."
Ahsoka only frowned, glancing down at the ground feeling a bit dejected at reminding her fellow Padawan at a clearly painful memory.
"I'm sorry." Ahsoka murmured quietly, slightly surprising Barriss who only gave her a calm smile.
"You have nothing to be sorry for." Barriss assured the Togrutan, placing a friendly hand on her shoulder. In turn, Ahsoka smiled back.
"I am curious however." Barriss spoke up after a moment of silence. "You are the Padawan of Master Skywalker, correct?"
Ahsoka nodded in confirmation.
"I have heard from several Jedi that he's a bit of a wild card amongst the order." Barriss stated. "What is it like being his apprentice?"
"It can be a handful." Ahsoka said straight away with a light laugh. "But he's really brave and wise in his own way. He doesn't really lecture me much, not like Master Kenobi."
"He sounds like a strange Jedi Master." Barriss mused to herself.
"He is." Ahsoka cheerily agreed. "But he's taught me a lot in the short time I've been with him and I'm going to keep learning everything I can under him."
Barriss only smiled at her new friend, the two continuing to follow after the others.
During this time, Commander Gree and Luminara took the time to better know Rhodey.
"Colonel Rhodes." Commander Gree said respectfully. "I'm curious to know about something."
"What's that?"
"Is it true that the leader of your team, the Avengers, is led by Captain Steve Rogers?" Gree asked.
"Yup, Cap's the main guy."
"Why would a Captain be leading a Colonel then?" Gree asked in confusion.
"I do admit, I find myself curious about such a matter as well." Luminara stated.
Rhodey hummed thoughtfully, taking a moment to consider there question.
"It's a bit of a long story." Rhodey said after a moment. "If I really look at it, Cap ain't exactly a Captain. At least… I don't think he is anymore after the Second World War back on our home world. It's a really weird, long and funny story. But to sum it up, we follow Cap cause he's the best man for that job. My best friend back on Earth can do the same and even Thor but out of the entire team,. When I really look at it, nobody I think understands it better than Cap. That's why he's in charge."
Commander Gree was silent, thinking on those words as he wasn't exactly sure on how to process them yet Luminara found it quite enlightening and fascinating.
"So merit is a big attribute to him leading your team." Luminara surmised.
"Big time." Rhodey said. "Cap isn't just the best representation of the country we come from but the best of humanity as a whole. Flaws and all."
"You all must regard him highly."
"He's a good man and a good friend."
The positive vibe soon changed upon standing before the prisoner cell that they had arrived at with the Neimoidian on the other side of the door.
Upon seeing him, Rhodey couldn't help but voice his immediate opinion on the Separatist.
"This is the guy we're all so worked up against?" Rhodey said in disappointment. "A breeze could probably knock his ass over."
Commander Gree and several other clones within the vicinity chortled and choked on their laughter upon hearing such a crude yet hilarious description of Nute Gunray.
Ahsoka and Barriss blinked in surprise, sharing a look with one another not really expecting a comment like that.
Luminara surprisingly felt her lips quirk upwards for the briefest of moments while Nute Gunray found himself affronted, glaring at the armored Avenger.
"As unassuming as he may be, Colonel, he is still an important figure within the Separatist Alliance." Luminara stated. "He will provide to be pivotal in bringing this war to an end sooner than later."
"So we just need him to talk then?" Rhodey asked. "Just tell us a few secrets here and there?"
"Somewhat." Luminara said. "We must transfer him to a secure location first before we could interrogate him. There is a strong chance of Dooku sending a sizeable force in retrieving their lost Separatist."
Rhodey gave the Neimoidian a hard stare, very unimpressed with this frail looking individual.
"Or maybe just one." Rhodey remarked under his breath.
Nute Gunray of course was in a less than stellar mood as he was taken from his cell and transported to the cockpit of the ship surrounded by Clones with Rhodey at the back whilst the trio of Jedi led them at the front.
Rhodey continued to observe Gunray, taking stock of the aliens posture and rather slimy demeanor as he seemed to be looking for a way out of this mess in the best way he knew how: bribery.
Being best friends with an overly bombastic billionaire, James Rhodes has had the unfortunate luck of meeting some rather annoying and even outright detestable individuals. Nute Gunray was an easy one to spot.
"I am a man of great wealth." Nute Gunray spoke candidly, in particular to Commander Gree. "And I can be very generous to my allies."
Gree however was having none of it as he clearly showed the disdain and annoyance in his eyes at the Separatist.
"That's a very tempting offer, Viceroy." Gree said mockingly. "But I have a much more immediate proposition for you." The Clone Commander held up a pair of handcuffs adding sarcastically. "Non-negotiable, I'm afraid."
Nute Gunray only grumbled as Gree slapped the cuffs on his wrists.
Meanwhile, Luminara had finished contacting the Venator Tranquility which will be used in assisting their transport of Gunray to Coruscant.
Scene Cut
Count Dooku stood upon the bridge of the flagship dreadnought of the Separatist Alliance, The Invisible Hand.
There he awaited the call from his Sith Master, Darth Sidious in regards of the matter of the captured Nute Gunray.
No sooner did he dwell on those thoughts did Sidious's hologram appear before him.
As customary of every Sith apprentice when in the presence of his master, Dooku kneeled down head ducked as the Sith lord spoke.
"What is thy bidding my Master?" Dooku spoke respectfully.
"A topic that needs no addressing, my apprentice." Sidious plainly stated, getting a nod out of the Count.
"Yes." Dooku said. "The Republic holds Nute Gunray hostage."
"Gunray will not last long under Jedi interrogation." Sidious stated. "He is frivolous and weak willed and his willingness to talk will prove to be detrimental to our war efforts my friend."
"I am aware of such matters, my lord, which is why I have already put a plan into motion." Dooku explained. "I will send my own apprentice, Ventress to board the Jedi ship and rescue or permanently silence the Viceroy."
"Ventress." Sidious repeated the name, not fully on board with the idea. "She has underlying potential yes but you are putting a great deal of faith on an operative who has failed us in the past."
"She is a gifted assassin." Dooku said determinedly. "She will complete this mission to the letter."
"Be that as it may, I will not allow any chances." Sidious said with a firm tone. "Had it been just the Jedi with their clones, I would allow such a notion. However, they are not alone."
"Master?"
"One of the Avengers has been selected in accompanying the three Jedi to Coruscant." Sidious announced. "One who will undoubtedly cause a great deal of trouble for your assassin."
"And who may this Avenger be?" Dooku warily inquired.
Beside his master appeared the Avenger that is given the rather aggressive name as War Machine.
"Colonel James Rhodes, known in the group as War Machine." Sidious said with an underlying bitter tone. "From the brief instances that we've seen of him in action, this man is a force to be reckoned with as his suit lives up to its moniker as a one man war machine. The suit he wears can fire upon multiple enemies at once it seems, gives him flight, a great deal of protection from blaster fire and enhanced strength that completely destroy battle droids. He, like the rest of this growing group of "Heroes" are not to be taken lightly, my friend. For you assassin to succeed, we shall need a proverbial ace in the hole as one would call it."
Dooku briefly contemplated on his master words and news in regards to the mission when realization dawned within his eyes.
"Master, there is perhaps one way we can provide an even playing field for this operation." Dooku said.
Sidious tilted his head down as a means of conveying for Dooku to elaborate.
"My agents have recently discovered an old warrior well versed in combating many foes of great variety, including the Jedi." Dooku explained. "His skills are not to be taken lightly as is his capacity in taking punishment."
"Oh? And you have faith in this new wildcard?"
"More than you would believe, My Master." Dooku declared.
Normally, Sidious would further question his apprentice however there were times where a master must allow his student to go about his own initiatives.
"Very well." Sidious acquiesced. "You may proceed."
The transmission cut off just as Asajj Ventress arrived upon the bridge.
Dooku rose to his feet before turning to the Sith acolyte with a hard stare.
"Master." Ventress greeted the Count.
"Walk with me, Ventress." Dooku instructed. "I have something I must show you."
Dooku walked out from the command bridge with Ventress falling in line behind him.
"There is no margin for error this time, child." Dooku lectured. "However, I have have received complications on this mission which will undoubtedly lead to greater difficulties if not outright failure on your part."
Ventress of course didn't take this to kindly, though remained respectful. "What kind of complications?"
"The Avengers that you had faced on Naboo." Dooku simply said making Ventress blink before reigning in a snarl.
"I was merely unprepared for their capabilities, Master." Asajj quickly argued.
"On that, the two of us can agree on." Dooku surprised Ventress at how he easily sided with her. "Which is why you shall not be conducting your mission alone."
"Excuse me?" Ventress felt slightly insulted at this statement.
Dooku however was having none of it. "You heard me."
The duo soon stood before a door that slides open revealing a rather darkly lit room. Within the room, Ventress could barely make out the silhouette of a large, hulking armored individual that stood within the room all by itself; both figuratively and literally.
"Now, my apprentice, I'd like to introduce you to your new… colleague."
The figure began to walk towards her with measured steps, each footstep making the room shake.
Ventress craned her neck up to the newcomer with a quirked brow, taking note of his size and battle worn armor.
"A bounty hunter?" Ventress said in slight disbelief.
"He is more than any bounty hunter alive today, my apprentice." Dooku said knowingly. "He has a higher Jedi body count -so to speak- then you yourself. Perhaps only Grievous comes close to his numbers."
Hearing this, Ventress looked at this being in a slightly new light both caution and respect. She hated the Jedi outright and any who did the same and even killed some were ok in her book. To an extent of course.
"And does this brute have a name?"
Scene Cut
The Venator Tranquility continued its voyage through space unimpeded for the time being.
Within the ship itself, the Clone troopers and Senate Commando Guards went about their duties whilst the three Jedi, Rhodey, Commander Gree and Captain of the Commando division aboard the ship, Argyus, stood within the detention center of the Venator.
Argyus and Commander Gree stood on the outside of the cell holding Gunray whilst, Luminara, Barriss, Ahsoka and Rhodey were inside interrogating the Neimoidian.
"Your thoughts betray you, Viceroy." Luminara began. "I can feel your concern for losing much in this war."
"I- I have no idea what you're talking about." Gunray nervously rebutted.
"Let's see." Rhodey voiced as he held down his fingers one by one. "Your wealth, for starters. Then your power, which heavily relies on your wealth. And your connections and allies. Also cause of your wealth. Correct me if I'm wrong, Viceroy."
"These are all just fanciful theories on your regard, fool." Gunray angrily said aloud. "I am merely an innocent pawn in all of this."
Rhodey rolled his eyes at the bullshit he was hearing. "Right~"
"If you were a pawn then you would have already told us what "meager" amount of information you could possibly possess." Barriss patiently stated. "Otherwise, there would be no need for this security force."
"So Viceroy." Luminara pressed on. "Who are you protecting?"
"No one." Gunray said weakly. "I know nothing."
Ahsoka had heard enough, slamming her hand down on the table before them.
"LIAR." Ahsoka said aloud, angrily. "Liar, enough with all these annoying lies."
Igniting her lightsaber, Ahsoka leaped forward holding her emerald blade up to Gunray's neck.
"Tell us what we need to know or I will gut you like Rokarian Dirt fish." Ahsoka zealously threatened.
The Viceroy gasped, falling down from his seat while the young Jedi felt a metallic hand upon her shoulder jolting her away from the Neimoidian.
"Whoa~ Ahsoka." Rhodey spoke in an even tone. "May I have a word?"
Blinking, Skywalker's Padawan soon followed Rhodey outside of the cell. Once turning the corner so she no longer saw what happened next with Gunray did she see something quite different.
Gone was the familial feeling the Tortuga Padawan grew fond of from the Avenger. Now before her was that of his official rank of Colonel addressing his subordinate.
"What the hell was that?" Rhodey asked in complete seriousness. "Threatening a prisoner with death? I may have only been with you guys for a few weeks, but I could easily tell that's not something a Jedi would do."
"I wasn't going too really." Ahsoka admitted right away. "I just wanted to scare him into telling us what we wanted to know."
"Listen, I get it trust me I do. But I've seen enough slime balls like that loser that it's not going to fully cut it." Rhodey explained.
"Then what do we do?"
Before Rhodey could answer, the ship began to violently shake with explosions going off in the distance.
Looking at one another, both ran back around the corner to see Luminara and Barriss stepping out from the holding cell.
Commander Gree held up his comm link, contacting the bridge. "Captain, Status report. What's going on out there?"
Up on the Tranquility bridge, the commanding clone officer used the control panel to keep himself on his feet while squadrons of Vulture droids bombarded the ship.
"There's a battalion of Droid fighters attacking, sir." The Captain informed. "And they've brought boarding ships."
Outside the Venator, the Vulture droids harassed the ship keeping the defense guns concentrated on them while clearing a path for the boarding ships.
Half a dozen boarding ships penetrated the main hangar bay with Super Battle Droids immediately dropping in.
Back at the holding cell, Commander Gree gave out the orders to prepare the ships defenses.
Several dozen clones grabbed their weapons and ran to the hangar bay with some clones already fighting against the droids.
They were using the crates scattered about the hangar as cover whilst the firing at the growing wave of Super battle droids.
Not waiting for a better incentive other than the droids in front of them, the clones opened fire upon their enemies.
They knew that super battle droids required more firepower to take down then their lankier and frail counterparts, the B1's, so the current standing officer of the Clone squadron made sure they took down every super in concentrated fires of two or more clones upon one super.
While the method was effective, it did little in stalling the Droids advances as more simply dropped in to replace their fallen comrades.
Several Supers fired off rockets at the cluster of clones hiding amongst the crates.
"EVASIVE MANEUVERS." A Clone shouted aloud with only a few being lucky enough to react in time and roll away.
Unfortunately, a large contingent of Clones were either swallowed up in the inferno caused by the rockets or blown away violently by its shockwave.
The clone captain of this battalion contacted Gree once more.
"Commander Gree, we need reinforcements down here stat. They're ovwerwh-"
THUD
The entire Hangar shook momentarily with the sound of metal boots meeting a metal floor echoing around the vicinity.
Many clones ceasefire momentarily and looked over to the source of the loud sound.
There, standing in a dented portion of the floor beneath it was a massive, armored individual exuding a menacing air as it rose to its full height and surveyed the area around it. Upon spotting the clones, the being suddenly let out a menacing cackle as it stepped forward while flexing its fingers.
"At long last." The being growled out, its voice masculine and threatening. "Mandalorians to fall beneath my boots."
The clones couldn't help but shudder which turned into full blown fear at the burst of speed this large individual possessed.
It flew forward and in a matter of moments held two Clones in its grasp by their necks and slammed them down with great force. Both clones died upon impact.
"OPEN FIRE." The Clone Captain ordered with most of the clones turning their attention upon the armored being who merely laughed in glee at the blaster bolts striking him and bouncing off his form.
"Yes, Mandalorian Clones." the being hissed in delight. "Fight with futility. Do your best to prolong your inevitable Death!"
He ran forward and jumped into the air, landing in the middle of a group of clones.
Grabbing one by his arm, the being swung the poor Clone into several of his brothers. In the midst of the swing, the Clone cried out in agony as he felt his shoulder pop out of his socket before he was thrown into a wall head first. The trooper did not get up.
Not finished with his assault, it booted and punched away several more Clones with each strike being followed by sickening cracks of both armor and bones.
One clone fool heartedly jumped onto the individuals head, wrapping his arms around the neck.
The being simply grabbed the Clone and hefted him up into the air before bringing him down to his knee, breaking the Clones back.
The clone cried out in anguish until he was silenced by a powerful jab to his neck.
Tossing aside the Clone, the armored being rose up once more to face the remaining clones.
"Next?"
All the while, Commander Gree was listening to the Clone Captain in the Hangar.
"Sir, we need reinforcements down here now!" The Clone Captain grunted out, explosions and blaster fire going on in the background. "There's something else here and I don't think it's a new battle droid. It's tearing us apACK."
"Captain." Gree spoke in alarm.
"They need help and they need it now." Rhodey didn't wait in rushing off to the Hangar Bay.
"He is right." Luminara grimly said. "Gree, let's go."
"Right behind you." Ahsoka said determinedly.
"No." Luminara said straight away. "You and Barriss will stay here and guard the Viceroy. For all we know, this could be a diversion in getting us away from the prisoner."
"But-"
"Ahsoka." Barriss spoke up this time. "We must follow the Masters instructions. She along with Gree and Colonel Rhodes will handle this. We must do our duty here."
Ahsoka knew she was outvoted and upon remembering the scolding she had received earlier from Rhodey knew it'd be better to stay put and listen to orders.
Rhodey in the meantime by this point was flying fast through the hallways of the Venator. Along the way, he smashed through several squadrons of Super battle droids, alleviating pressure all around for the Clones to make their way to the Hangar.
All the while, the beast of a being was laying waste to the Clones in utter glee as it killed one after another. It halted momentarily upon hearing one Clone whisper beneath his breath.
"What are you?"
Turning his attention towards a random clone, the massive being spoke. "Who am I? Why I'm the nightmare of Mandalorians -like you lot- and Jedi alike. I am your reckoning. It is time the galaxy remembered the terror that is, Durge."
The now named Durge raised its arms, ready to end this poor Clones life when he was suddenly tackled by an equally armored individual who wrapped his arms around Durge and hefted him up into the air.
Getting a decent height, Rhodey tossed the bounty hunter into a nearby wall before aiming his arms and shoulder mounted minigun at his new enemy.
"Eat this." Rhodey gritted out, unleashing a torrent of lead on Durge.
Durge held up his arms to defend himself. At first he wanted to laugh at the fact that this newcomer appeared to be using slug-throwers against him.
That changed upon feeling a few pierce through his armor. Moving fast, Durge rolled out of the way of the fire yet Rhodey was hot on his trail. The Bounty Hunter quickly grabbed two nearby crates and with ease threw them at Rhodey who fired one away with his Repulsors while the other he ducked down.
"Interesting." Durge muttered, rushing forward.
Rhodey reached behind him with a compartment popping out with a handle extending for him to grab. Pulling it out, Rhodey primed up an electrified baton of sorts and flew at the charging bounty hunter.
Durge threw out his arms and around his arms were red energy spheres.
The two met in a clash with Rhodey striking Durges shielded arms. Every strike however sent out a small torrent of electrical shocks which rattled the bounty hunter.
"Impressive technology." Durge stated. "Perhaps I'll rip you from the armor and take it for myself."
"Yeah, sorry. Only works for me." Rhodey dryly remarked.
"That can change." Durge growled, using his greater strength to shove Rhodey back.
Stumbling, Rhodey barely had enough time to throw his arms up to block the powerful haymaker Durge swung at him.
He was sent flying through the air before crashing into a LAAT gunship, clipping off one of its wings.
"COLONEL." Several Clones that had remained to fend off the Supers ran over to him.
Grunting in pain, Rhodey got back to his feet in time to see Durge had gone.
"Lockdown the ship." Rhodey said in a pained groan. "And stay away from that Bounty Hunter. He'll only kill you if you give him the chance."
"But sir, what if he's after the prisoner?" One of the Clones asked.
"I'm not gonna let soldiers die for nothing, trooper." Rhodey emphatically stated. "Spread the word and tell General Luminara we've got a serious problem on our hands."
"Yes Sir."
Luminara during this time had been with Commander Gree and a group of clones routing out the Super Battle Droids that had managed to get deeper into the Venator.
After destroying the last of the battle droids, Luminara received an immediate call from Rhodey.
"General? General?! Luminara, do you copy?!" Rhodey sounded somewhat frantic. "Luminara we've got a serious problem on the ship."
"What is it, Colonel Rhodes?" Luminara asked, noting his strained panting.
"The Separatists' got a new fighter on their team and he's a real killer." Rhodey informed. "And I mean that in the most literal sense. Calls himself Durge and he's not to be taken lightly. Whatever you do, do not engage him alone."
"Copy that, Colonel." Luminara grimly said. "Commander Gree, notify all Clones and Commandos to be on full alert. Whatever this Durge being may be, tell them to retreat and not engage in combat. Concentrate on delaying and keeping him from the prisoner."
"General Luminara." One of the Clones spoke up urgently. "I've just received word that the Barracks are under attack."
"The barracks?" Commander Gree repeated in utter confusion. "That's nowhere near the holding cells."
"It appears this Durge holds an ulterior motive or may be a distraction of another kind." Luminara said, holding up her wrist comms. "Colonel Rhodes, this Durge you spoke of is in the barracks of the ship."
"On my way there now."
"I shall see you there." Luminara said. "Let's go Commander Gree, the barracks aren't to far from here."
"Yes sir!"
In the barracks, chaos reigned as every Clone within the vicinity fired everything they had at the rampaging bounty hunter who killed and slaughtered without mercy.
Durge grabbed a Clone by its chest and used him as a meat shield as several clones inadvertently killed their brother.
"Inferior Clones." Durge laughed, tossing the body aside.
Suddenly, Durge was struck by a volley of small missiles that engulfed him in a blaze that actually chipped away some of his armor.
He largely remained unaffected by the fires still burning upon him, instead looking to the newly arrived War Machine who had his weapons trailed on him.
"Back for more I see?" Durge taunted.
"Well seeing as how you ran away from our last fight like a coward…" Rhodey left his unfinished statement hanging in hopes of angering the bounty hunter.
"Fool." Durge snarled excitedly. "Not many are as stupid as yourself. They would normally take that chance to flee."
"Yeah well, unlucky for the both of us I'm not what you would consider normal." Rhodey shot back, rolling his shoulders. In response to this gesture, multiple compartments opened all around Rhodey's armor with various missiles, blaster, guns and so on and so forth all pointed at Durge.
Rather than being taken aback with fear, Durge was taken aback with excitement as he took a moment to gauge at Rhodey's form.
Durge proceeded to cackle madly, hunching over in a posture akin to a predator ready to pounce upon its prey.
"Interesting." Durge stated. "Let us see if you satiate my appetite."
"One premium grade-A ass kicking coming up." Rhodey declared just as Durge rocketed forward.
Unleashing a wave of fire on Durge, Rhodey's armor notified him that the bounty hunter wasn't slowing down and would be upon him in a matter of seconds.
Rescinding his weapons back into his armor, War Machine once again wielded his electrified stun baton and with timing on accounts of both himself and his armor smacked his melee weapon into the helmed face of Durge.
Thanks to his armors enhanced strength, Durge was smacked aside but the fighter recovered quickly via a tumble and in a surprise move shot his arm forward.
His arm stretched out, covering the distance between himself and Rhodey and wrapped itself around the Colonels arm who held it up as a means of defending himself.
Rhodey grit his teeth, feeling the strength behind the pull. Taking a moment to glance at the outstretched limb, he saw that it was a mass cluster of what looked like nerves and muscles with no skin tissue or bones to be seen.
Not allowing Durge a chance to gain an advantage over him, Rhodey began repeatedly jabbing his electrified weapon into Durge's arm.
This caused visible spasms on the arm with Durge actually yelling out in pain as the electricity of Rhodey's weapon appeared to be clearly damaging the appendage.
However, Durge did not relent on his grip, only seeming to tighten his hold on Rhodey's arm which in turn made his ensnared opponent fight back more viciously.
The momentary stalemate changed upon Durge's arm being shot at by a volley of blaster fire before his arm was cut from his body via Jedi Luminara's green lightsaber.
Durge didn't even flinch, instead having his concealed eyes bore into the newly arrived Jedi master with Commander Gree and the rest of the clones.
"Nice timing, Luminara." Rhodey greeted, shaking his arm to get the severed arm to fall off.
"Think nothing of it." Luminara took a moment too look at Durge who now was one arm short.
Holding her blade aloft in Durge's direction, Luminara gave him a challenging stare one he did not cower or back down to.
"I am only saying this once, bounty hunter." Luminara said evenly. "Surrender now. You are outmatched."
"Or don't." Gree said with anger, noting the many dead clones in the barracks. "All the more reason to take you down."
Durge wasn't in the least bit deterred, simply holding out his cut arm which had somehow regained its lost limb.
Startled, both Rhodey and Luminara looked down to where that hand had been only to see a barely visible trail of pink fluids leading back to Durge.
"It's been a while since I have fought a Jedi." Durge said with anticipation. "Jedi and Mandalorians for the price of one. I am glad I took up that Sith lords offer."
"Sith lord?" Luminara said warily, having an idea as to whom Durge was referring to.
"Take him down, boys." Gree commanded not wanting for this monster to strike again and take out more of his men.
"No wait!" Rhodey yelled out, yet it was for naught.
The remaining clones and the newly arrived ones all began to fire upon Durge who took it with ease as he moved to counter attack.
Not wanting any Clones to die haphazardly, Rhodey rushed in to join with them with Luminara doing the same.
Durge was a like a typhoon of death, knocking aside Clones left and right while killing any he grabbed.
Getting to Luminara and Rhodey, Durge was merciless in attacking them both.
Luminara kept her distance while Rhodey engaged in close quarter combat.
Durge however was letting his instincts drive his actions, being able to shove Rhodey into Luminara before returning to work on killing the Clones.
"You know, Count Dooku told me about your progenitor." Durge delivered a punch to a clone's head, snapping his neck in the process. "How he was supposed to be the best warrior in the galaxy." He Spartan kicked another into a nearby wall as he severed the clone's spine as a result. "Won some bounty hunter competition." He quickly pulled out his blaster and fired upon a few clones trying to sneak up on him. "To me, I believe Jango Fett was lucky I was taking a dirt nap for sixty years." He then stared down at Commander Gree, who kept his blaster trained at the Bounty Hunter. "Now I'll just have to settle in killing all of his disappointing spawn as compensation."
"You shall do no such thing." Declared Luminara's voice from the side with Durge suddenly feeling an invisible force send him flying away from Gree and into a set of bunks.
"Commander, are you alright?" Luminara was beside her second in command.
"Alive, general. Thanks to you." Gree said appreciatively.
"Let's keep it that way." Rhodey said as he rushed past the two and locked into a small wrestling match with Durge who had already recovered.
Grabbing the larger foes wrists, Rhodey attempted to wrestle Durge to the ground but the bounty hunter proved stronger.
Durge raised his arms up with Rhodey still hanging on. Thinking fast, Rhodey delivered a thruster powered double kick to Durges chest.
The heat from his thrusters coupled with the force of his kicks burnt a hole through Durge's armor, revealing more muscles and nerves.
Luminara took a moment to analyze Durge, witnessing his charred "skin" so to speak heal.
"Gen'Dai." Luminara murmured in disbelief.
"General?" Gree said in confusion.
"Ah, so you are aware of my kind." Durge chuckled sadistically.
"Your kind are a rarity." Luminara stated, keeping her lightsaber trailed on the now identified species. "I had honestly thought you have all died out."
"Oh, we're very much alive." Durge remarked, his entire body begin to bulge. "And this one is here to kill you all."
Durge shot forth his two extendable arms at Rhodey and Luminara with both moving aside.
"Gree, keep your distance." Rhodey yelled out. "It's clear this bastard just wants you guys dead more than anything."
"Copy that sir."
Luminara moved forward to engage, raising her to let out a force push, repelling Durge's arm.
"Why are you doing this, bounty hunter?" Luminara questioned, slashing a metallic fist away. "Are you here for the prisoner?"
"Prisoner?" Durge laughed madly. "I'm not here for that slime ball. That's not why I was hired. That duty belongs to someone else."
"Someone else." Rhodey said aloud.
"The Padawans." Luminara said in alarm.
"Commander, get back to the holding cells, now!" Rhodey ordered, looking to the other Clone survivors. "All of you!"
"Yes sir." Gree and the rest of the Clones shouted, quickly running out of the barracks.
"Where do you think you're going?!" Durge roared in outrage, shooting his arm out to intercept the retreating clones.
He stopped when something metallic pierced through his muscles which was followed by a small explosion, destroying his arm.
Hissing in pain, Durge turned to glare at Rhodey who had his hand raised with one empty slot on his wrist mounted missiles.
"Your fight's with me, freak show." Rhodey declared with Luminara standing by his side.
Durge huffed before beginning to laugh madly once more.
"Fine. I'll just have to settle for slaughtering the two of you for now."
Rhodey on the other hand knew that the Padawans may need assistance right about now.
"Luminara, you go on without me." Rhodey said firmly, keeping his weapons on Durge. "The kids may need your help more than I need yours."
Luminara looked at him in alarm. "Colonel Rhodes, I do not wish to entertain such a thought of leaving you."
"You're not leaving me by myself." Rhodey said, hoping to alleviate some of her concerns. "You're just going to retreat for a bit and making sure the mission doesn't fall apart."
"But Durge…"
"Luminara, your Padawan and Ahsoka need you right now more than I do." Rhodey stated. "I'll be fine down here."
Luminara didn't have time to talk as Durge was on the offensive once more.
Rhodey wrapped his arm around Luminara and flew a good distance from Durge who had crashed through the wall. Landing at the exit to the barracks, Rhodey gently pushed the Mirialan Jedi through the door.
"Go, now!"
"Can you handle him on your own?" Luminara asked worriedly.
"Maybe, for a little while." Rhodey admitted. "But for now, the Padawans need you more than I do."
Luminara wished to stay but the Avenger was clearly resolute in his decision.
She heard metal scraping against one another and turned to see Durge step out from the hole he made.
Clenching her jaw, Luminara shook her head giving one last look to Rhodey who had his eyes squarely on the bounty hunter.
She turned to run while Rhodey jumped into the air to meet Durge head on once more.
Meanwhile, Barriss Offee and Ahsoka Tano were holding back the assassin Asajj Ventress with everything they had.
During Durge's rampage through the ship, all they could do was stand there and listen to multiple Clone troopers calling in for aide only to be silenced a moment later. Ahsoka was beyond frustrated as she wanted to go out and assist the troopers but Barriss held her back to remind her of her duty here.
Which came into use as Ventress made her presence known, immediately attacking the two.
Several of the Senate Commandos were taken out with Argyus and a few left standing trying to support the two Jedi.
Yet it proved difficult as Asajj was more than capable of holding back all of them, utilizing the narrow spaces of the hallways to her advantage.
Ahsoka and Barriss clashed with Ventress, the Sith acolyte easily holding back both Padawans with her crimson lightsabers laughing all the while.
"Once I kill the two of you, perhaps I'll deliver your heads to your masters." Ventress taunted sadistically.
"Whatever you say you bald head harpy." Ahsoka shot back. "I'm amazed Dooku even keeps you around considering how many times you've already lost."
The insult got to Ventress, making her clench her teeth in anger.
Before she could retaliate however, from the corner of her eyes, Ventress saw Clone troopers appearing out from the lift with all their guns trailed on her.
Thinking fast, Asajj called forth the force and harnessed its power before unleashing a powerful force push all around her.
The Jedi, Clones and Senate guards all flew back to the ground giving Ventress the chance to make a quick getaway.
Ahsoka moved to pursue but Barriss quickly grabbed her arm.
"No Ahsoka, we can't pursue. This could be a trap." Barriss said, pulling her fellow Padawan back.
"But we can take her out." Ahsoka argued back.
"Be that as it may, the ship is under Separatist attack and any chance will be taken in achieving their goal of rescuing the Viceroy." Barriss countered, making Ahsoka pause in her actions.
Thinking it over, she knew her fellow padawan was right.
Both tensed suddenly upon seeing the elevator appear only to relax when it was revealed to be Luminara arriving on the floor.
"Master." Barriss greeted.
"Barriss, Ahsoka." Luminara expressed relief. "Are you both alright?"
"We're still standing, Master Unduli." Ahsoka said confidently before taking a moment to look behind her.
"Where's Rhodey?"
With gritted teeth, Luminara answered. "Facing Ventress' partner in this endeavor of ours."
Ahsoka's eyes widened in alarm. "You mean he's facing that crazy enemy that took out so many of our troopers by himself?!"
"He insisted." Luminara said. "He cared more for the well being of the two of you over his own."
"I'm going to help him." Ahsoka said straight away moving to walk past Luminara only for the older Jedi to halt her in her tracks by grabbing her shoulder.
"You will do no such thing." Luminara said strictly. "This Bounty Hunter named Durge is beyond anything you have faced before, Padawan. I had far to many close calls in the short amount of time I face him along with Colonel Rhodes."
"We can't just leave him to fight by himself." Ahsoka argued back heatedly.
"And we shall not." Luminara declared. "Seeing the two of you are safe and sound, I shall be rejoining Colonel Rhodes shortly."
"Alone, Master?" This time, it was Barriss who spoke up clearly nervous at the prospect of her mentor rushing into the jaws of death.
"I must." Luminara stated resolutely.
"Master, forgive me, but I do not believe that would be such a wise move." Barriss openly admitted. "This foe you are about to face once again is clearly one that you shouldn't face alone."
"Please Master Luminara." Ahsoka pleaded. "We can't let you and Rhodey fight that monster alone."
Luminara however wasn't budging so easily. "I need you two to stay here at Gunray's cell. Remember, it is the Separatists' goal in retrieving him at this time."
As she said this, the ship began to shake violently with multiple alarms going off.
"What was that?" A nearby Clone asked aloud.
Commander Gree and Captain Argyus checked over the controls panels, testing out multiple controls.
"Our engines are damaged." Gree reported grimly.
"Lifelines, communications, sensors." Argyus listed off frustratedly. "They've all been damaged. We're barely functioning as is."
Luminara contacted Rhodey, hoping for a response. "Come in Colonel Rhodes, do you copy?"
She received a strained, cheeky response. "Yeah, you needed something Luminara? Kind of in the middle of something?"
"What's happening down on your end?"
"This guy is still a raging asshole in case you're wondering." Rhodey grunted, the sound of gunfire and metal clanging being heard on the other end. "But the whole ship just went through an earthquake… or was it a space-quake. What the hell is going on?"
"It appears there is more than one agent of Dooku aboard this ship." Luminara said anxiously.
"Wonderful." Rhodey gritted out sarcastically. "As if one jackass wasn't enough. How're the girls?"
"They're fine." Luminara announced, gaining a brief sigh of relief from Rhodey.
"Good to hear thaGAH."
"Colonel Rhodes/Rhodey?!" Luminara and Ahsoka yelled out at the same time.
"I'm fine." Rhodey rasped out. "Bastard got a lucky shot in."
"I'm coming to you now." Luminara stated. "Hold on."
Looking to the two Padawans, she ordered them to stay while she herself rushed back off to assist Rhodey.
Over with said Avenger, Rhodey crashed into a wall which made the metal bend to his form with pieces of wires and pipes sticking out.
Vision dazed, it cleared to see Durge running straight at him.
Moving on instinct, Rhodey quickly grabbed a pipe sticking out from the walls and pulled it out.
Just as Durge was within striking distance, Rhodey swung the pipe and bashed it into the Gen'Dai's face.
Not giving the bounty hunter the chance to recover, Rhodey unloaded a wave of lead upon Durge who felt each bullet rip through his now mostly exposed body.
This went on for several moments before Durge stretched his leg out and booted Rhodey back.
The air force pilot flew back and landed on the ground yet he got back to his feet a second later to see Durge retreating.
"Oh no you don't" Rhodey yelled out, chasing after him.
Luminara all the while ran through the corridors of the ship with her lightsaber ignited.
Using the force to guide her path, she was unprepared for the next door in front of her to open up and reveal Durge barreling right in her direction.
Not reacting in time, she was grabbed by Durge and slammed into the wall.
"I'll make this quGACK."
Rhodey tackled Durge off Luminara and tossed him away.
"What are you doing here?!" Rhodey questioned, helping the Jedi master to her feet.
"I am not going to abandon you to facing this monstrosity by yourself." Luminara stated, tone brokering no room for argument.
Rhodey sighed, looking over to see Durge had up and vanished.
"Ah shit, where'd he go?" Rhodey bitingly said aloud.
Luminara instead of answering closed her eyes and reached out with the Force. After several moments, she found the bounty hunter.
"Follow me." She said, running down a corridor with War Machine not far behind her.
Scene Cut.
Pacing back and forth in front of Gunray's cell, Ahsoka was feeling like a nervous wreck. And her Mirialan counterpart merely looked on as she wasn't feeling any better as well.
"Luminara Unduli maybe a Jedi Master, but she doesn't know how troublesome that bog witch is capable of." Ahsoka stated.
"And Colonel Rhodes is facing that bounty hunter." Barriss added in a grim tone. "Despite how skilled he is, he is just one man against what appear to be a literal monster."
"We can't just stand here and do nothing while they risk their lives against those two."
Rubbing her arm, Barriss spoke. "But our orders-"
"Wouldn't they have a better chance in succeeding if we were there with them?"
The Mirialan held her tongue as she didn't know what to say. So many conflicted thoughts and feelings filled her. Compassion for her allies versus her duty for the mission at hand. Pros and cons battled against each other as neither one were letting up.
Seeing this happening, the Senate Commando Leader came up to the padawans and gave his thoughts on the matter. "Sometimes being a good soldier is doing what you think and feel is right. It's why we're superior to droids."
Hearing this seemed to settle some conflict within Barriss while Ahsoka felt some form of relief.
"But… we can't exactly abandon our posts, can we?" Questioned the Tortuga.
With a final bit of push, Commander Gree soon spoke up. "You two go on and help the General and Colonel. I'll stick around and help watch our guest."
The padawan pair looked at each other for the briefest of moments before Barriss spoke in uncertainty. "Are you sure?"
"Positive." Gree then nudged his head. "Now get going. Sooner you two get to them, the sooner the fights will end. Hopefully in our favor."
Seeing no other way around it, the padawan pair nodded as they ran away from the holding cells and let the Force guide them to where they needed to be at this moment.
Scene Cut
It hadn't taken long for Luminara and Rhodey to find the Gen'Dai given the sounds of a slaughter taking place… along with the trail of clone bodies helping them along the way.
Durge stood there within the center of the Hangar bay where the fighting had begun, waiting for their arrival. In his hand was a struggling Clone Trooper that he held by the neck.
He laughed madly upon seeing his two foes arrive before tightening his grip around the poor Clones neck, snapping and killing the trooper in a second
"I figured neither of the two of you wished to fight in such an enclosed space." Durge mockingly said, tossing the Clone to their feet.
Rhodey had a murderous look in his eyes as stared with intense anger at Durge who appeared uncaring of senseless murder he had commited on the way here and in front of them.
Luminara was also glaring heatedly at the bounty hunter with a focused gaze in her eyes.
"You shall pay dearly for the lives you have taken this day, Bounty Hunter." Luminara said fiercely, widening her feet to get into her combat stance.
"I know I'll pay." Durge taunted before glancing at his torso and limbs. "Do you know how much it will cost for me to rebuild that armor set? It was custom made."
"Alright, screw this." Rhodey's armored shoulders popped open missile compartments and fired everything they had.
Durge took the missiles, the flames scorching his flesh yet he remained standing.
Luminara dashed forward, Rhodey flying over her shoulder.
Even taking consecutive blunt force repulsor blasts weren't enough to take him down.
Durge then did a rather strange move where he cocked his hands back by making them fold into his arms.
As they drew closer, Durge released his hands with the two launching forward at the two like cannon balls.
"Ah fuck." Rhodey siad, trying to change his trajectory but was too late as Durges fist slammed into him hard.
Luminara ducked and slid beneath the limb, slashing her lightsaber up cutting through the nerves and muscles severing the arm. Jumping back up, she glanced behind her to see Rhodes was trapped in Durge's other hand and ran to assist him.
However, she felt a warning come from the Force making her turn to see Durge sending the rest of the limb that she had not cut at her.
She quickly began a graceful dance of cutting and slicing through the enlarged limb before making Durge retract his damaged appendage.
Rhodey all the while struggled to get himself free from Durge's grasp when suddenly he found himself let go and falling to the ground.
Thankfully, he was falling feet first so Rhodey landed in a kneeling position with his armor taking the impact.
Rhodey looked up to see the hand that held him fall to the ground before nerves shout out to the rest of Durge to reattach itself to its host.
In front of him stood none other than Barriss Offee and Ahsoka Tano, both holding their lightsabers while facing Durge.
"Barriss!" Luminara said in surprise. "Ahsoka!"
Both Padawans looked to their seniors with sheepish looks.
"I know, I know. You told us to stay back." Ahsoka casually said.
"But we couldn't stand back any longer." Barriss added in while giving a brief 'sorry' shortly afterwards.
Releasing a frustrated but understanding sigh, both Luminara and Rhodey shared an understanding look.
"Well since you two are here." Luminara said as the four readied themselves for the next round against the Gen'Dai bounty hunter who had now regrown his damaged body.
"You know, it's been over a century since I killed a Jedi." Durge stated with a hidden smile. "And now I get to make up for it starting with three today."
"Stay on your toes, you two." Rhodey warned. "This guy is incredible strong and unpredictable."
"Copy that." Ahsoka replied, holding up her lightsaber with Barriss only silently nodding.
All went still and silent for the briefest of moments with the far off sounds of flames and alarms being the only sounds being heard.
Then, in a snap second, the two sides ran forward at each other.
Durge's form pulsated and bulged before he threw out his elongated arms his charging enemies.
All four expertly dodged the attacks, with Luminara and Barriss slicing through the limbs.
Rhodey opted to take to the skies, firing his wrist mounted machine guns.
A few hit Durge yet the hunter rolled out of the way and grabbed a nearby destroyed Starfighter and threw it at the Aviator.
Rhodey flew beneath the fighter and rocketed forward at Durge with the hunter rearing back ready to strike.
At the last second, Rhodey halted in mid-air dropping a small cylinder at the Gen'Dai.
"CLOSE YOUR EYES." Rhodey shouted at his comrades.
Getting into close proximity of Durge, the cylinder exploded in a bright flash of light.
Durge shouted in anger, his eyes blinded.
His healing factor quickly took care of the temporary sightlessness yet he jolted suddenly with his eyesight clearing allowing him to see the azure blade protruding from his chest.
Slowly looking behind him, he saw Barriss Offee clutching her lightsaber impaled through his body.
What the young Jedi did not expect was the Bounty Hunter to begin chuckling lowly.
"Heh~ cute." Durge then turned and smacked the Padawan away like she was nothing. "Like that's never happened before, child."
Stumbling across the floor, Barriss gritted her teeth while her hood fell to the floor. "H-How are you still standing? I hit your spine-"
"Girl, I have little to no bones; much less a central nervous system." Durge said cockily. "You really think after everything I've been through, a lightsaber through the chest would do me in? You truly are naïve."
In a stunning burst of speed, Durge was upon the young Mirialan Jedi and grabbed her by her hair.
Crying out in pain, Barriss, in a vain attempt tried to use her hands to release herself from Durges grasp.
"BARRISS!" Ahsoka cried out.
Holding out her arm, Luminara channeled the force and spoke. "You will let her go this instant."
Tilting his head, Durge released a laugh. "You think a mind trick will work on me? I came here to stomp on you Jedi, and you think I'm some weak-minded thug? News flash, I'm a walking nerve cluster."
"Don't you dare harm her!" Ahsoka yelled out from a vantage point, flipping in the air and slicing his wrist to release her fellow Padawan.
Durge didn't let out an ounce of pain by this; merely chuckled instead. "After a hundred years and you Jedi haven't learned any new tricks." Picking up his severed limb, the muscles and nerves rejoined together. "I can feel your heartbeat from 200 meters away. And you think you can sneak up on me." Seeing Ahsoka pull Barriss away to a safer distance, he charged forward. "You're all outclassed!"
Rhodey abruptly flew down feet first, stomping Durge down.
The bounty hunter growled in genuine anger this time.
"You know, you're proving to be a greater pain in the ass than I thought you'd be." Durge hissed from his position beneath War Machines' boot.
"Thanks." Rhodey quipped, grinding his heel into the Gen'Dais chest. "Gotta have that kind of talent to be an Avenger."
Durge snorted when he puffed his chest up, absorbing Rhodey's foot into his body.
"Shit." Rhodey acted fast, activating his thrusters at full power in order to fly out from Durges grasp.
"Get back here." Durge roared out.
"Hey ugly, don't forget about us!"
Durge whirled round to see the three Jedi women all running at him.
He whipped out his extendable arms, making the ladies jump and dodge with Luminara able to clip his arms several times.
"Nice moves."
Suddenly, a part of Durge's extended arm shot out from the extension and ensnared the Luminara's arm like a cobra with its prey. With applied force, the Jedi Master groaned and hissed from the pain of her arm almost breaking.
"But to me, you're just moving in slow-motion."
"Slow-motion this you Bantha fodder!" Ahsoka exclaimed, cutting through his arm with Barriss' aide freeing Unduli.
The fight would have progressed had it not been for the interruption of Commander Gree over the comms.
"General Luminara." Gree spoke somewhat frantically. "Colonel Rhodes, we've got a situation up here. The Captain Argyus. He's a traitor! He's gotten Gunray free and is on the run right now."
"We've been deceived." Luminara exclaimed.
"It's about damn time." Durge said. "Now that he's gonna be out of the way, the fun can continue."
"Is this all a sick game to you?!" Ahsoka barked angrily.
"Of course it is, whelp." Durge yelled back manically.
Rhodey on the other hand has had enough.
"Alright, you know what." Rhodey held out his hand and called forth a sleek a particularly deadly looking miniature missile. "Fuck it, Eat this. Tank Missile!"
The missile shot out from its slot and pierced through Durge who simply stood there, looking unimpressed.
"Really?" Durge mockingly asked. "Is… that… all…?"
Suddenly, Durge began to shake rapidly and violently expand with portions of his body puffing out only to deflate and another section to do the same until he realized what was about to occur.
"YOU BAST-"
KA-BOOOOM
Durge exploded from within, his chunks flying off in every direction with his bodily fluids splashing onto the Jedi and the Avenger.
"Ugh, Wha ish dat." Ahsoka said squeamishly, tongue sticking out with her hands flailing over it until she began to hack, cough and spit out the contents that managed to get into her mouth.
"I think I could suffice it to say that that was disgusting." Barriss declared, her face scrunching up at the smell emanating from her robes.
"Quite, my young Padawan." Luminara agreed, flicking off the gunk from her body. "Colonel Rhodes. You had such a weapon at your disposal. Why not use it from the start?"
"Cause it's limited." Rhodey explained, shaking his hands with the viscous leftovers of Durge flying off him. "I don't have a lot of those one me and they may not be easy to replace depending on the tech here. Maybe Scott and Hope could make more but for now I'm limited. Only got five more of those left."
A brief lull of silence befell the group with Rhodey clenching his fists in disappointment at the current situation.
"Dammit."
The four soon returned to the bridge of the damaged ship, sending out a signal for aid from nearby Republic forces as the ship had been badly damaged during the entire enemy raid.
After speaking with Yoda, Skywalker and Rogers in order to alleviate their worries on their current status they were all in the medical bay with many other injured clones who were lucky enough to survive the onslaught of Durge.
Luminara only looked at her company dejectedly, berating herself for being unable to stop this senseless violence from claiming the lives of so many of her loyal troopers.
Her thoughts were broken by her Padawans soft voice.
"Master, how badly are you injured?"
"I am still alive and well, my young Padawan." Luminara said appreciatively of her protégé's concern. "Though my arm will need time to heal."
Barriss stared at the arm, hesitantly raising her hands. "Master, if I may. There is a technique I wish to employ that Master T'ra Saa has taught me at the academy."
Brow raised in curiosity at this piece of information, Luminara allowed her Padawan to take her injured arm into her own hand while the other hovered over it.
Exhaling softly, Barriss closed her eyes in concentration calling upon the force to her aid.
Feeling the flow of the Omni-present power sweep through her body and down to her fingertips, Barriss used the gathered energy with a glowing energy emanating from her hand which began to surround Luminara's arm.
Ahsoka and Rhodey, who had been nearby along with Luminara all blinked in utter surprise as Luminara's injuries slowly began to fade away.
After several moments, Barriss stopped when she slumped back.
Ahsoka, who had been nearby managed to get up from bed and keep Barriss standing.
"That was amazing, Barriss." Ahsoka praised in awe. "Since when could you use the Force to heal?"
"It is something I have been practicing for some time during my stays in the temple." Barriss said, slightly more tired than usual. "Master T'ra Saa recognized my capabilities in utilizing this skill and assisted me in developing the power."
Rhodey whistled. "Damn. That's pretty awesome."
Luminara only beamed with pride at her Padawan. "Though this day was harsh, I am proud of you, Barriss. Both of you. The two of you are well on your way to becoming exemplary Jedi."
Barriss and Ahsoka shared looks of happiness at the praise with Rhodey smirking at their child-like air at being complimented.
"General, Colonel."
Both Luminara and Rhodey turned to see Gree standing before the two with his helmet off.
"Commander Gree." Luminara greeted. "I hope you aren't to injured after todays escapades."
"I'm alive and breathing, General." Gree replied. "Which is more than I could say for my brothers."
"I'm sorry, Commander." Luminara said earnestly. "I did not expect such an enemy to attack us."
"You don't have to apologize, General." Gree said calmly. "Next time he comes around, me and Green company will be ready for that bounty hunter scum."
"Next time?" Ahsoka perked up. "What are you talking about next time? Rhodey blew that Durge guy up into pieces."
Gree frowned, holding out his hand with a holo-device resting in his palm.
"About that, Commander." Gree said, activating the device.
What it showed was none other than a reformed Durge standing before an escape pod.
"You've gotta be kidding me." Rhodey bemoaned.
"It appears our enemies are not so easily stamped out as meager battle droids." Luminara grudgingly admitted.
"Who is that guy?" Ahsoka bitterly asked, glaring at the visage of Durge.
"I think that's a question we would all like to know." Barriss answered for her, leaving a rather sullen air over the group after learning just how much this mission had gone south.
Whew, in two days, that's all it took got another one done.
I don't know what it is about this story but me and Jebest got like some kind of mind meld between the two of us cause whenever we work together on Infinite Wars, we churn these chapters out like clockwork.
Anywho, that's right motherfuckers, DURGE IS HERE.
And he's gonna be here for a helluva long time so the Avengers and Jedi now have a much more deadlier enemy then just the Sith and their acolytes.
Oh, I'm gonna have so much fun with Durge.
Originally, I had planned on introducing Durge at a later date in Season 2. Specifically around the time of the Mandalore arc which gives a greater narrative standpoint but honestly throwing him in now will greatly put the Avengers and Jedi on notice of a threat that managed to stand up to three Jedi and an Avenger meaning he's not to be taken lightly.
But for now, I'm done rambling about this chapter that was a breeze after I got my good comrade Jebest to help me out.
So until next time.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.