Yup, its a treble. praise the gods for giving me the motivation and the time to do this, otherwise it would've been a serious problem. Anywhoooo, I hope y'all enjoy the sci-fi update, next it's the fantasy update and we'll see how that goes.
INTO THE STORYYYYY
Dooku approached the Dias. He wore his usual imperious uniform, and on either side of him stood the new and improved BX series commando droids, their black carapaces were covered in licks of new Navy paint and their usually dull white photoreceptors were bloody crimson.
They stood guard on either side of the count as he stood at the parliamentary dais. In front of the good Count stood the rest of the Separatist parliament, they were bickering and cursing each other arguing about the current problems that plagued the separatist cause.
Right now. It was the missing Senator Mina Bonteri. In the last parliamentary meeting, she had brought forward an option that there could be peace between the Separatists and the republic as well as the fact that she may have been working to such an end.
Dooku cleared his throat, drawing an end to the pounding arguments within the parliament.
"My people. My friends and Subjects. As you all realise the Great Senator Mina Bonterri has gone missing. However, I believe I have a sound reasoning to tell why she may have gone missing." At his words Naruto marched out dressed smartly in a soldier's uniform.
There were many whispers as the councillors looked over the supposed Privateer, Naruto ignored all the stares and whispers as he placed a holo projector in the centre of the room and stepped back. The projector activated with a hum and the display began.
The video showed the Republic assault on a space station, Republic troopers and some jedi murdered civilians and separatists alike. Then they saw Mina bonterri, the torture that was put upon her. Bones were broken and she was beaten as the Republic troopers surrounded her. These were not the vaunted clone troopers, more so they were the violent thugs who followed some of the more Radical republic commanders.
It was safe to say that the entirety of the separatist council was horrified and disgusted by the treatment of the beloved separatist Senator. Once the footage was complete, it was remotely cut off allowing the Count to speak over it.
"Now imagine my shock when I see this. Those barbaric fools tortured one of our most beloved senators. How dare they!" this began to rile up the Senate as they began to push for a retaliation.
"Calm yourselves. We cannot act out of sorts now. We must wait and gather our strengths before striking the foe."
A single delicate hand raised; this drew Dooku's eyes to the delegation from Zyggeria. The Cat like people were one of the main ones to benefit from joining the Separatists. Their slaving empire had been a great boon for the Separatist industrial model.
"Yes Ambassador? What is your request?"
"I would request if you could send one of your hands or possibly a large fleet to safeguard the Main Zyggerian trade route. We only request this due to heightened Republic patrol ships which seem to be littering our trade routes." the Zyggerian requested as she then moved back.
Dooku looked down at his son, who in answer to the unasked question simply nodded. "Very well. I will deploy one of my greatest commanders to safeguard your people. Do not worry, My son will not fail." At his words Naruto stepped forward and bowed before turning on his heel and leaving the parliament building.
He moved towards the shuttle bay. As he did so he tapped his comms. It beeped once before being answered by Ranni.
"Lord Naruto, do we have an assignment?" the always inquisitive AI asked.
"Yes. prepare the ship, tell the rest of the fleet to meet us at Dathomir. Have the droid companies prepped and ready for assignment." He spoke as he walked.
The people of Serenno parted as the Count's son walked through the crowds towards the planet's space port. It wasn't just due to his powerful presence but also due to the two massive Sangheili that marched either side of him their black eyes warded off any who stared too long.
After only half an hour and a quick jaunt through the atmosphere Naruto was back on the bridge of The Shadow of Intent. The warship jolted slightly as the crew moved around the bridge.
The fleet that would be meeting them at Dathomir would be large but slow moving. This would prove a slight disadvantage against the Republic, but Naruto was sure he could manage.
Before Naruto stood members of his personal command retinue, most were holograms bar the few who were stationed aboard the Flagship.
"My brothers and Sisters in arms. We have been assigned with defending the Zyggerian system from the dogs of the Republic. We will be forming up around Dathomir and moving onto Zyggeria in force." Those around him nodded and offered words of acceptance.
A datapad slipped out into Naruto's hand and he began to tap away. "I'm sending you all your assignments once we reach Zyggeria. We'll be splitting into three fleets and defending each outer world that leads to the Zyggerian system. Commander Farsight."
At the call of his name one of the Holograms shifted, leaning forwards. The Hologram showed an almost human alien; however the lack of nose and almost completely hairless features showed him to be distinctly non-human. Where his nose should've been a thin yet deep cavity rested there.
"Yes Master Naruto." His voice was heavily accented yet understandable galactic basic.
"You and the enclave forces will hold position in the Raxus System. Defend the Hyperspace lanes, ensure that any Republic forces that try to come through that pass are bloodied." Farsight nodded, one of his eyes flicked to one side tagging a data slate.
Naruto continued, giving differing assignments to all 8 of his sub-commanders. He would spread them across the entire sector, ensuring that any ships that made their way to Zyggeria would be destroyed or held up long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
It was a quick stop when they arrived at Dathomir. Naruto had picked up a contingent of Nightsisters alongside the rest of his soldiers. He had also visited Sev'erance, she still hadn't woken up and every extra day she spent in that coma was an extra one his rage gathered. then after a quick refuel they had jumped immediately for Zyggeria.
The fleet that had jumped with him was massive, easily being formed up of 500 ships without including the support ships. As they pass through the differing systems specific task forces would drop out of Hyperspace, only delivering small signals when it was their time to leave.
After only a couple hours of travel the central fleet broke away from those heading towards Erri and Bonodan. The still enormous fleet moved towards Zyggeria the orbital traffic which awaited entry into the slave yards shifted away in both fear and apprehension seeing the large Separatist battlefleet.
The holotable on the bridge of Naruto's flagship lit up. With a single hand wave Ranni allowed for its activation.
A tall feline looking humanoid appeared before the bridge crew and Naruto. The feminine figure bowed deeply; she wore the oddly coloured uniform of the Zyggerian defence forces.
"Welcome Lord Naruto. We of the Zyggerian defence forces welcome you to our great Kingdom. Queen Scintel is awaiting you at the Capital. Here are the Co-ordinates." Her voice was attractive and slurred with a slight accent. There was a moment of quiet as they awaited the Co-ordinates.
One of the Sangheili bridge crew tapped a screen. "Co-Ordinates received sir." Naruto nodded as the women disappeared from the holotable.
"Prepare the landing ships. Have the Nexu and Valya start preparing the landing craft." With his orders given Naruto stood and left the bridge, the members of the Melophori accompanying him in lockstep. They marched through the ship towards the hangar where the large landing craft awaited them.
There waiting Naruto were three companies of men Sangheili and brutes. All were armed and armoured, behind them multiple tanks and other armoured vehicles were being prepared for landing.
A single Human officer stood in front of the large group of soldiers. He saluted as Naruto approached; Naruto returned the salute as he moved to roughly inspect the troops. The Officer followed him as Naruto made his way around the soldiers.
"Major, Have the droids been loaded?" he asked.
"Yes sir. Two regiments of droids have been loaded aboard the shuttles as well as another 3 regiments being loaded aboard the other ships. Droids and droid vehicles have all been prepared for landing around the Capital and other major cities." His response quick and crisp.
Naruto nodded. "you'll be accompanying me to the Capital, that's where we will set up our major security areas." The Major nodded and wrote some things down on his data slate.
"What about the slaves?" he asked his voice portraying no emotion.
"Unless they riot, we have no authority over what the Zyggerians do with them as long as it doesn't interfere with our job. Do you have a problem with that Major?" Naruto side eyed him dangerously. But he didn't have to worry.
"Hell no sir. I was asking to redefine what our plan of action is." Naruto nodded.
"Good. Now start the embarkation process we land in two." The man saluted and began to shout orders as Naruto left the Hangar bay, the Melophori as always following in tow.
On Zyggeria
Anakin's eyes widened somewhat as he saw a massive warship break atmosphere over the capital. Unlike any of the slave ships this thing was gigantic yet sleek looking, he could see some of the guns on it but for it to be a warship it was severely lacking in fire power.
He turned as he heard a curse come from Rex. The clone had a pair of Macrobinoculars that he was looking at the ship through. "Sir you might want to take a look at this."
He passed Anakin the visors and the jedi looked through them. One of the concerning things were the crests imprinted on the hull. The easily visible symbol of the Separatists sat proudly but above it sat a crest Anakin didn't know too well.
"What's that symbol above the sep one?" he asked.
Rather than Rex however it was Obi Wan who answered. "that's the symbol of House Dooku." His voice was grave.
"So, The good count is here then?" Anakin asked, pointing out the obvious but Obi Wan shook his head.
"No. it doesn't make sense for him to be here in person, not to mention I have only seen that warship a handful of times before and I think we both know who's it is." Anakin's eyes widened.
"If its him we need to get Ahsoka out of there now. He'd recognise her without a doubt."
"I don't disagree Anakin, however we need to find the captured Togruta's as well. Let me try get a message out to the council and see if we can scrounge up a fleet to get in." Anakin shook his head.
"There's no time." At best they'd have to send a quick reaction force and even then, if there was one ship there would be a fleet waiting for them.
"I'll do it anyways." Obi Wan began to scan through the commlinks trying his best to get a signal through.
Anakin and Rex watched the ships closely from their position, they saw almost a dozen if not more large transports fall from the giant hangars of the massive battleship.
"How many clankers do you think those things can hold." Anakin asked. His curiosity getting the better of him. Rex seemed to think for a moment.
"Not sure, but surely too many." They continued to watch as the large ships landed.
Massive bay doors swung open on the ship almost akin to the mouth of a large whale. Anakin's eyes widened in horror as he saw the metallic behemoths that exited. He recognised them almost immediately.
The massive rust-coloured droids marched down in lockstep, from their high viewpoint they watched as the other dropships unloaded more of the horrific droids. They were easily as tall if not a bit taller than the infamous B2 super battle droids. From what they could see most of the droids carried large blaster rifles, whilst others carried heavier blaster cannons.
Some of the Zyggerians came out to meet the rust-coloured legions who took no notice of their watchers.
One of the droids, one who had a white crest rather than the rust coloured one and looked to be an officer lifted an arm, then started to march forwards into the city. They could feel the ground vibrating with the marches of the droids.
"How many?" Anakin asked his clone Captain who in return shrugged.
"Easily in the thousands. But what do you recognise about them." Rex asked back, his eyebrows raised.
"they're the same ones who attacked Recross Star station." They had only seen a small scrap of the footage, but the damage that the droids had done had been horrible. They'd massacred everyone on the Star station.
"Well from the little footage we saw its them. But who is commanding them." As Anakin spoke three large gunships landed. Their massive eagle like wings folding as their landing gear touched the grey landing pad.
They watched as Queen Scintel sat on a palanquin just before the start of the landing pad, she had easily a hundred guards with her alongside her prime minister.
Anakin watched as one of the gunships opened. And out walked someone Anakin knew too well.
"Ah kriff."
On the landing pad
The doors to the gunship opened. First out of the ship came the Melophori, their ebon armour seemed to suck in the light as they marched off the ship, they formed an arrowhead as they awaited their commander.
Queen Scintel watched in curiosity, she'd seen these soldiers before of course as had other nobles across the Separatist cause; however, she had never had them on her planet before. It was truly quite the sight.
Then Naruto came, he was dressed in the grey-blue uniform of the confederate navy the symbols of his house prominent on his uniform. He stood tall but compared to his soldiers he looked to be the same height as any small human.
Behind him came a small number of Nightsisters, faces covered but their weapons clearly visible. Naruto marched off the shuttle and began moving towards the Queen, his eyes were a yellowy-red and seemed to spew a well contained hatred, yet she could also see a hint of boredom.
"Your Majesty. I am the Viscount Naruto Dooku, heir apparent to the Planetary system of Serenno and its surrounding systems. I am honoured that you would ask for my armies to defend your Kingdom." Naruto spoke with a surly tone; he stood a respectful distance from the queen who stood to greet her guest.
She was quite a bit shorter than him, but by the force was she vaguely beautiful. She looked roughly feline like many of their species did, but it wasn't as bad as some of the ugly freks Naruto had seen from this dust ball.
"I welcome you to Zyggeria Viscount. I am Queen Miraj Scintel and We are happy that you could commit your forces to our protection. As a token of gratitude, we of the Zyggerian nobility offer you a gift."
She gestured to the figure that knelt beside her throne. This one looked tall and slender, their skin was a dark greyish blue and they were lightly furred. Long black hair was braided back ending in a long almost snake like braid which wrapped around its shoulders.
Its ears were longer than that of a human and seemed to flick and move with the conversation. The queen yanked at the chain that was at her side, pulling the slave forwards and to its feet.
Naruto's shock as somewhat evident as the being stood over him, he recognised it as a female of whatever species it was, its more effeminate figure pointing to this. Naruto looked into her catlike eyes and thoroughly enjoyed what he saw there, he saw a great hatred almost all consuming yet at the same time as she gazed upon him, he could feel her curiosity.
"A curious being. What is she?" Naruto asked as he continued to stare at the giant amber eyes that stared back at him.
"She Is a member of an old once thought extinct species known as the Na'vi. One of the slave traders brought her to me and I had no use for her. Not to mention one of such a rare species are quite expensive." Miraj grinned slyly as she offered the chains to Naruto.
He took the chains lightly, the Na'vi stared at him. Her pupils were tight and seemed to be scanning his face. She was just a bit shorter than Atriox, who seemed thoroughly disinterested with the native that stood before them.
"What's her name?"
"We're not completely sure. But from what we found they call her Nakani, but you can call her whatever you want." Naruto nodded at her words.
"I thank you for this amazing gift... Sister superior?" Naruto looked behind him as one of the Night sisters stepped forwards.
"Could you take Nakani to the flagship please and have her cleaned up and given clothes. I'll be back to the ship shortly." The Sister bowed and took the chain, although she held it relatively lightly.
"Come with me young one, we'll look after you." Naruto watched them as they left, Nakani practically stared him down as she walked past.
The queen looked somewhat miffed as Naruto had ignored her in favour of the slave she had gifted him. But she shook it off, she'd get his attention soon enough.
"Now. Would you like to accompany me to the palace so you can set up?" Naruto nodded, with a single hand signal the Melophori surrounded them as they began the medium length walk towards the palace.
The heavily armoured droids marched through the streets of the city getting looks of awe and fear in equal measure, the normal peacekeepers and Zyggerian soldiers felt wholly out of place as the droids began to set up command centres within the different districts of the massive city.
Anakin watched in slight trepidation as one of those command posts were set up right on their street, just a couple hundred metres down the road. He and rex watched as the species known as the Sangheili and the droid's moved equipment into the now vacant building.
They had thrown out the previous occupants under martial law.
Anakin allowed himself a sigh of relief – "Thank the force we don't have to get anywhere near that palace, its way too defended now, and their commander knows what we look like." There was a long pause before Obi wan spoke.
"Anakin. The queen requested your presence there tomorrow don't you remember? And Ahsoka is still there. Were going to have to get into the beast's lair."
Anakin could only face palm.
The very next day
Anakin and Obi Wan walked into the palace under guard, their disguises allowed them to blend in with some efficiency. As they walked in, all the former Zyggerian guards that had filled the halls had been replaced.
Some remained in very specific areas but apart from that it seemed the entire palace guard had been replaced with the more dangerous members of the Melophori. The brutes sniffed as they walked past.
Jedi could feel the eyes upon them as their thankfully Zyggerian guards led them to where the Queen sat. She was seated upon her throne, thankfully Ahsoka had been moved from the cage in the throne room, although unhelpfully she had been moved without them being able to find out where she had been taken to.
They looked at each other wearily before approaching the monarch, to their slight trepidation Naruto stood to her left, not close enough to seem like a servant but just enough that should any action be taken against the queen he could intervene. Beside him and slightly hidden by the shadows was one of the Massive brutes, one that Obi wan recognised from their last engagement.
Anakin's eyes beneath his helmet locked onto the form of the Prime minister as he stepped forwards.
"My queen, this man says he brings word of the Death of the much-hated Denturri." He said before allowing Anakin the floor.
"My name is lars Quell your majesty." Anakin said as he stepped forwards projecting his voice over the room.
"I bring news that I and I alone killed the much reviled and hated Bruno Denturri, and it was I that ripped the slave I sent ahead of myself from his very grip." Anakin went on to say.
Miraj looked somewhat enraptured by the story and by the man himself. Naruto was less so.
He stared at the man. His eyes narrowed; something didn't feel right. His voice was familiar. And the helmet which usually sat comfortably on a Zyggerian head seemed somewhat askew.
"Ranni are you there?" Naruto muttered to himself.
"Right here Lord, what do you wish of me?" her cheery voice entered his ear through the Comm he wore.
"Run an analysis of this voice and speech structure. Run it against all backgrounds." His orders were clear, he didn't think this man was who he said he as.
"One moment." Naruto watched as he continued to speak, lathering the queen with honeyed compliments.
Just as he was about to launch into another spiel Naruto cut him off, stepping forwards. The light click of his armoured boots on the tile of the floor was echoed by the silence of the room.
"excuse me. I may have missed it the first time but what did you say your name was?" A vile smirk tore its way across his face, his sulphur yellow yet also blood crimson eyes almost seemed to shine with a supernatural light.
"Lars Quell my lord." Anakin ground out; his teeth were practically a steel trap as he spoke.
"Oh really." Naruto stepped down off the platform that they had been upon.
"Lord Dooku. What is the meaning of this? I invited the CIS to protect my planet not interrogate my subjects."
Naruto turned his malevolent gaze upon the standing queen, she flinched but regained herself as he stared.
"these two are enemies to the state of the CIS. War criminals and Generals of the Grand army of the Galactic Republic." As he spoke Atriox tore the masks away from their faces. Anakin thought his head was going to be torn from his body from the force.
"As enemies of the state they will be taken to my Capital ship for transport back to Serenno-" "I demand you HALT." The queen cut through Naruto's demand with a shout.
Zyggerian royal guard began to make themselves known, around a hundred of them appeared near or within the throne room. They somewhat outnumbered his forces, but Naruto cared for that little.
Naruto grinned; it wasn't a nice grin. "Very well. We'll leave them in your capable hands." Atriox stepped back, the heavy growls only getting louder as Naruto turned and left the throne room.
The Prime minister looked between the Queen and the now leaving Separatist General.
"My queen?" the Minister hesitantly called. The queen barely looked at him as she stared at Anakin.
"Leave us Atoi." She said back softly as she continued to star at the bound Anakin.
He left quickly, two of the guard following him as he disappeared through the same door that had been opened earlier.
Much later.
Atoi couldn't find Naruto, he had his guards and messengers searching the entire city. They couldn't find a lick of the Baron and heir to Serenno. He'd sent a messenger to the massive warship that squatted over the city, but nothing had come back.
He feared his messenger was dead.
He approached his office and paused. The Guards who were usually found outside were missing. Even during a guard change there would still be someone there. He focused a bit more and realised that the door was slightly ajar.
Atoi withdrew a pistol from the holster on his hip and slowly approached the door. He cursed the guards who should've been nearby him but continued into the room slowly pushing the door. He began to raise the pistol, but a voice and a growl stopped him.
"I wouldn't if I was you. A Jiralhanae can kill a man before he gets a meaningful shot off."
Aboard the Shadow of intent.
The Nightsisters as a whole looked after the new arrival, breaking the blue felinids chains and allowing her to stand free for the first time in a long time. She looked around at the pale skinned ladies who walked around her and helped to bath her.
Somehow, she could understand the vague suggestions of what the Nightsisters were saying and after a couple moments in the bath they clothed her in the robes of their order. Then the Nightsister superior sat before the felinids, her greenish eyes bored into the yellow ones of the Na'vi.
She was kind faced and offered the Na'vi a large juicy fruit. The blue felinids ate it without a second thought devouring that fruit and the subsequent two others that were offered. Then the Nightsister spoke.
"Can you understand me?"
The Na'vi nodded.
"What's your name?" she asked slowly.
the Na'vi choked out a word. "Na…. Nakani." the sister nodded, producing a calming almost motherly aura.
"Very well Nakani, would you like to join the Coven? We can give you a family and a loving mother." Nakani seemed to think on it for a moment.
"No…. slave?" the Sister Superior shook her head. "No slave. You will be a sister and family."
"What about Nar…narto." The sister chuckled; it was a melodic sound that almost transfixed the Na'vi.
"He is a great brother of ours, cherished and loved. He will love you all the same if you decide to join us, I promise you." Her words seemed to sway the larger felinid. She slowly crept towards the sister, who extended an arm to her.
Nakani took the hand, her own large fingers wrapping around the smaller hand.
"Now then," she began. "Let us get you some proper acolyte robes and I'll have someone inform our brother that he has a new sister."
thank you all for reading. now remember, fuck Vshred. Fuck the rule of embers and praise be to Neptune.