Chapter 15: A Premonition
Disclaimer: Disney owns Star Wars, I only own my Ocs.
Last Paragons
The crew of the Forgotten Star walk through the town section of the planet they're on, Taurus A. It turns out this planet was one of ten planets of the Taurus star system located in the mid rim.
Taurus A is the only planet that fulfills the requirements for life to exist, the other nine either have temperature extremes or were gas planets. Whatever the case, the neighboring spheres were visible in the sky both day and night.
The parent star was still relatively young on the stellar timescale, shining a bright white color.
It's currently three minutes past noon as the group ventures through the town until Leon finds a grocery store. He parts ways to head inside, pushing a cart through the aisles making a mental list of what they need.
Outside the store, Leliana watches Alexandra's Sith Masters looking at exotic fruits or plants.
Alexandra leans against the wall, arms crossed while waiting for Leon to finish shopping. She can hear a few by-standers wolf whistle at her causing the young Sith apprentice to roll her eyes. Leliana catches the by-standers looking at Alexandra with lustful eyes, she gives them a smile that looks innocent when it actually promises pain if they touch Alexandra.
Soon the ex-Jedi emerges holding sacks of groceries.
He said, "I got everything we need, let's head back now." They start heading to the Forgotten Star when Alexandra feels someone touch her butt, she lets out an involuntary shriek. She whips around throwing a roundhouse kick that almost takes the perpetrator's head off. It was a young Human male.
The young Sith ordered, "Don't you ever touch me again, you damn pervert! If you do, all that'll be left of you is ash." The Human male stands to run but then Leliana puts him in a Mandalorian sleeper hold.
She declared, "That just was not smart. The only person who gets to touch Alex is me, no one else! You got that? Let this be a reminder." Releasing the hold and pulling the man up, Leliana extends the pervert's arm and slams her forearm on the man's elbow, snapping the joint with a sickening pop. The man screams loudly before he passes out from the excruciating pain.
Leon scoffed at the sight, "I thought I was supposed to be the violent."
Leliana looked at him, "No one touches my girl." The smuggler drops the man letting a citizen call an ambulance. The group walks back to the Forgotten Ship so Leon can fill the fridge with the newly bought groceries.
Alana's Stardestroyer exits out of hyperspace reaching the capital planet Coruscant. Alana gives the order to initiate re-entry. The massive star ship begins entering the planet's atmosphere, flames of re-entry cover the ship's bow. The super-heated gases being thrown off create a spectacular light show for the bridge personnel.
One commented, "Wow, it's like a blast furnace." Alana agrees with him. They've seen it many times but it never ceases to amaze.
The fiery sheath surrounding the Stardestroyer peaks in brightness then slowly dissipates. The towering skyscrapers of the Imperial Capital comes into view as the Stardestroyer strengthens itself and flies toward its landing site. The ground personnel hear the vessel approaching and watch it slowly touch down. The engines wind down.
A recently promoted Imperial officer waits for the owner to come out. He picks up the sound of gears turning, the ramp lowers. Soon Alana emerges walking down the ramp and onto the ground.
The officer greeted, "Alana, this is unexpected."
Alana crossed her arms, "You may dispense with the pleasantries, officer. I'm here by Lord Vader's order to sort through Jedi prisoners to determine which one would make a nice addition to the Shadow Guard."
The Imperial officer gestured with his arm, "Of course, ma'am. Please, follow me." The two enter the detention center where a group of Jedi are being held prisoner. Their arms are suspended above their heads cuffed, the feet were cuffed in a similar matter, the outer robes are nowhere to be found, their lightsabers are held by the guards and to ensure the Jedi captives don't try anything, the guards placed inhibiting collars preventing them from using the Force to escape.
Alana asked her escort, "How are they holding up?"
The Imperial officer replied, "Fairly well, surprisingly. They haven't eaten for a week in show of defiance. The third to the left, that Rodian padawan had to be taken to the infirmary a few times because of dehydration."
Alana stared at the group with a calculating gaze, "But everybody has their breaking point no matter how disciplined. I sense their anger, though two of them are closer to the brink. That is good. It tells me they have the potential to become newest members of the Shadow Guard. But first, I'll have to test them. Only the strong thrive while the weak perish, such is the way of life." Turning to the guard she commanded, "Release them."
The guard gave her a questioning look, "Pardon?"
The female Shadow Guard ordered with authority, "I said release them. I want to test them!" She gives off the malevolent power that is the dark side of the Force, the guard shivers at the cold fury radiating off of Alana. He nods and reaches for the remote on his belt that controls the cuffs.
He presses the red button to unlock the restraints, the Jedi captives collapse to all fours. The guard then presses a blue button under the red one to remove the inhibiting collars. The Jedi feel their connection to the Force returning.
The prisoners' vision are so distorted they fail to witness their lightsabers floating in front of them in offering. Flasks full of life-giving water hover next to the lightsabers, the Jedi captives grab the flasks downing the water in fast gulps. They pant after they finish.
Alana said, "You four have been given the chance to live if you pass one test. The test is simple. All you have to do is defeat me in a lightsaber duel. Should you fail, well, you die. What's it gonna be, Jedi?"
A young Rodian Jedi Knight spat, "You're on, Imperial scum! Your emperor will pay for what he did!"
Alana laughed, "He'd mop the floor with you for his own amusement. He is the dark side incarnate for a reason."
The Rodian shot back, "His overconfidence is his weakness."
Alana scoffed, "Your faith in your antique Order is yours! You have a dogmatic narrow of the galaxy. You Jedi thought everything can be resolved peacefully. It doesn't work that way. Your arrogance was a cancer that needed to be purged. The Emperor and Vader saw to that through Order Sixty-Six. Your kind is practically extinct now and rightfully so. What a fall from grace. This is real life, bug eyes! Get your asses moving to the arena if you want a chance to live." She violently shoved them out, "And don't try anything while heading there or you'll die early." The Jedi glare at the Shadow Guard who raises her hand conjuring Force lightning.
The journey to the arena only takes five minutes and Alana stands opposite of them. She watches them ignite their lightsabers, blue and green blades spring to life and she ignites her purple blade, entering the Makashi opening stance. The Jedi captives run toward the waiting Shadow Guard, a Zabrak padawan yells at her.
Alexandra returns to the Forgotten Star with her friends. The Sith apprentice still has doubts about Leon's fighting experience.
Leon titled his head, "You don't believe I took on a battalion all by myself?"
Alexandra said, "Yes."
The ex-Jedi nodded, "There are three things no one should ever do. One of those three is question my combat capabilities. Alright, I'll prove you wrong." He pointed at her Sith Masters, "By challenging you three losers using strictly unarmed combat, no Force powers or lightsabers. Unless you're scared." Like he expected, they take the bait.
Kenta popped his knuckles, "You're on. Don't underestimate us. Let's take it outside don't want to wreck Leliana's ship."
Leon shrugged, "The only thing that's going to get wrecked is you three but fine by me." Alexandra follows them out with Leliana close behind.
The ex-Jedi pops his neck then hops to get the blood flowing. He gives the "bring it" sign.
Kenta rushes cocking his fist and thrusts it forward, Leon sidesteps grabbing the outstretch arm and flips Kenta over. Landing on his back the Sith Warrior kicks his foot up that his opponent blocks. Sensing an attack coming from his right Leon spins on the heel of his boot thwarting it and throws a Force empowered kick to Alec's chest. The second Sith Warrior back flips onto his feet but doesn't move making Leon wonder what he's planning. He sees a smirk appear on Alec's face, icy blue eyes widen as he feels Yuna tackle him to the ground.
Recovering Leon laughed, "Oh, so you're that kind of person, eh? Never took you as the dominant type." Yuna blushes.
Leon flips onto his back and somehow gets to his feet pulling the redhead up with him then proposes he takes her out for a date.
The Sith Warrior blushes harder, this allows the young man to grab Yuna, spinning her around and tossing her into her companions.
Leon let out a fake yawn, "Come on, I'm getting bored. You won't like it when I'm bored." The fight continues for another thirty minutes with the Sith trio landing a few lucky shots, either by luck or Leon allows them. However, the ex-Jedi is in control of the fight.
Kenta and Yuna are overwhelmed by Leon's barrage of punches striking pressure points, the two Sith eventually collapse after he strikes a nerve that controlled movement of limbs, effective immobilizing them for a while but Alec refuses to fall. Leon can't tell if it's pride or something else keeping the Sith Warrior going.
Their fists connect, eyes locking. Leon throws him a grin before he abruptly pulls his back making Alec stumble forward. He feels Leon about to launch another attack so he brings his arms up to block a punch but it is a feint the ex-Jedi devised. He throws an uppercut launching the Sith back. Alec's body falls to the ground and the Sith Warrior gets back up. He runs at Leon ignoring his taunts and twirls around, locking his arms around Leon's waist. With a strong pull Alec nails three German suplexes and stands. Leon gets up on wobbly legs still dazed when Alec's fist connects with his face. Leon barrel rolls on the rocky ground kicking up dust.
A taunting grin formed on Leon's face, "That is some serious spirit, Sith. I'll give you that." The grin vanished and his voice lowered, "But I'm afraid you're not going to win this." The grin returned, "But hey keep trying."
Alec said, "I killed the person responsible for starting me down this path I still follow. Unlike your target who still eludes you." The grin disappears from Leon's face, making Alec grin.
Leon's gaze shifted, "Now that wasn't very smart." He senses Leon gather Force energy and speeds toward Alec, the Sith Warrior does the same. The only thing the spectators hear are shock waves generated by the hits.
Alec grabs hold of his opponent's arm and with a roar flips Leon overhead and onto his back. However, Leon secures a grip on the challenger's arm pulling him past the ex-Jedi placing him in a cross arm-bar submission hold. Fighting through the pain, Alec first rolls onto his belly then plants his feet on the ground, placing his free hand on the arm Leon has Alec lifts him up then back down until the ex-Jedi releases his hold. Alec doesn't get a reprieve because Leon rams into the Sith Warrior via spear. Straddling the Sith, Leon throws punches at Alec's face forcing him to cover up. Alec wraps a hand around Leon's throat in an iron grip making Leon do the same, the Sith grabs the wrist of the hand around his throat, unintentionally using the dark side to boost his strength. Alec head butts Leon causing the ex-Jedi to stumble backwards holding his forehead. Alec returns to his feet.
Leliana sees a look of concern appear on Alexandra's face.
She said, "This wasn't supposed to happen. This was meant to be a three on one sparring match not a fight to the death. One of them will end up badly injured if this keeps going." The smuggler intervenes.
Leliana fired a shot between the two combatants, "Okay, that's enough. As captain of the ship, I am ordering you two to stand down." She noticed them glaring at each other, "Now!"
Alec said to Leon, "We'll finish this another time."
Leon scoffed, "Indeed, Sith loser."
Alec narrowed his electric blue eyes, "I have a name, you know? It's Alec Sunrider."
Leon stared blankly at him, "I'm well aware what your name is. I just don't care." He slapped on the shoulder, "Don't feel bad about the loss, good fight, time to go wash up." Alec looks at where hit his shoulder.
Twirling to face Alexandra he smiled, "Well, beautiful does that prove just how awesome I am?" The look of concern is replaced with confusion.
First Leon goes from a flirty, failed romantic type of person to a serious, confident warrior and back again. Alexandra wonders which is the real Leon.
Sparing herself the headache she felt coming the Sith apprentice crossed her arms, "Okay, you impressed me enough to resolve some doubts about your combat experience but you still have some ways to fully convince, Leon."
Leon shrugged, "I like a challenge."
Walking over to her Sith Masters Alexandra asked them, "You three okay?" Alec shoulders Kenta's arm, helping the man stand while Leliana helps Yuna.
Staring at the retreating forms Alexandra can't help shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen soon. Shaking her head she feels meditation will help rid herself of this uneasy feeling.
Sitting down the young Sith apprentice crosses her legs, hands resting on her knees and closes her eyes, initiating the process.
Alexandra hovers above waves gently crashing into shandy shores of a beach. The clear sky, the warm sun and cool breeze provide a calming atmosphere. She can already feel it taking effect, soothing her trouble mind. For some time, it remains that way until Alexandra's face scrunches as she feels a dark feeling creep up transforming the peaceful scenery into one of desolation.
Fires rage fiercely and black smoke fills the sky. Below her was a small group of Imperial troopers standing 6'5" tall and covered head to toe in black body armor instead of the white body armor. The two death troopers standing in the front carried E-11D blaster rifles while the third aimed a DLT-19D heavy blaster rifle.
Leading them, accompanied by a pair of red Royal Guards, wasn't Darth Vader as the figure was slimmer and shorter than the Sith Lord. The armor was more sleek and not as bulky nor did the figure need a respirator to breath. To further distinguish from Vader, the figure's lightsaber was of elegant design given the shape of the hilt but she couldn't determine the color except for the red blade.
The figure leads his squad through a village in search of Jedi survivors. He silently points at a house commanding one of the Royal Guards to search it.
The red-clad man busts through the door scaring the occupants. The Royal Guard looks around, opening himself to the Force in search of his objective. He detects the Jedi in the backyard, planting flowers. The Royal Guard grabs the target's collar and drags him out of the house. He next throws him to the ground. The figure crouches down to his prey's eye level. Alexandra can't hear what he's saying but she's sure the man was taunting the Jedi. She then witnesses the figure asking his target where other Jedi are. The discovered Jedi refuses to tell him and the figure shakes his head and the other Royal Guard drags out the Jedi's supposedly family and the death troopers take aim. Alexandra's eyes widen in horrifying realization. The Jedi is being forced to make a difficult choice. He either tells the invading Imperials where his Jedi brothers and sisters are or he'll watch his family be killed in front of him. He tells them where they are and behind his mask a cold smile forms on the figure's face, ordering the death troopers to kill the Jedi's family, stunning the Jedi. He tells the fool he won't fall for his lie. He moves to intervene but the Royal Guards hold him in place.
Alexandra stands in front of the mother and her daughter, using herself as a shield. She tells them to stop. However, the death troopers don't hear and open fire. The plasma bolts pass through her without harming the young Sith apprentice. She watches in horror as the two are gunned down. A snap-hiss draws her attention. Whipping around, Alexandra sees the figure raising its lightsaber preparing to strike the Jedi down. The Sith apprentice moves to intercept but she won't budge as if some invisible entity froze her on the spot. She watches as the Jedi is struck down without mercy. The mysterious entity turns its head at her direction, its masked face boring holes into her. Then everything goes black.
Alexandra's eyes snap open as she lets out quick breathes. She rises to her feet quickly turning in all directions, sensing if that figure she just saw is near. To her relief it's nowhere to be found.
She asked herself, "Was that an event about to happen or somewhere down the road? I pray it's the latter because none of us are prepared for it at the moment." Back on Coruscant, Alana cuts down the Zabrak padawan, leaving only the Human male Jedi Knight. What started as a group of four was now down to one.
The Jedi Knight's use of Niman is deflected or parried by Alana's Makashi. The Shadow Guard dances around her opponent's blade toying with the weakened man. Alana knows full well she can end his life whenever she wishes. With subtle movement of her wrist, Alana rips the Jedi Knight's green lightsaber out of his hands and strangles him with the Force.
She said, "You are defeated, Jedi. You have outlasted the others that tells me your will to survive is pretty high. You will make an excellent addition to the Shadow Guard." She next released the humbled man, "Swear your undying loyalty to the Emperor. If you do, you will live to see the next day." A familiar mechanical breathing announces the arrival of Alana's teacher. Turning around she kneels bowing her head, a lesson that was drilled into her head by the Dark Lord.
Vader gestured with his hand, "Rise, Alana." The Shadow Guard did as he commanded and the Sith directed his gaze at the Jedi Knight, "He is the only survivor."
Alana nodded, "Yes, my lord. The other three didn't put up much of a fight but this man did. He has a fire that caught my interest. He's teetering close to the dark side, Lord Vader. All he needs is that little push. Should I do the honors?"
Vader turned to look at his Shadow Guard, "No, I'll do it myself. You did your part." Fear runs down the Jedi Knight's spine as he stares into the soulless black lenses of Vader's mask.
Alana stands back allowing the Dark Lord to initiate the Jedi Knight's conversion.
Vader said to the humbled man, "Your precious Jedi Order is no more, your fellow Jedi have abandoned you. There is only one way for you to survive. Swear loyalty to the Emperor. With the power of the dark side at your side nothing can stop you. If you resist I'll destroy you." The Dark Lord can feel the Jedi wrestle with anger, his fractured will failing. If the Jedi Knight accepts Vader's offer, there's no turning back. On the other hand, if he refuses the Sith Lord will kill him.
He made his decision, bowing to Vader, "My destiny lies forever with the Empire. I will do everything you or the Emperor command, my lord."
Vader commanded, "Rise." The now former Jedi follows the Dark Lord's command.
Alana ordered a nearby stormtrooper, "TK-345, come."
The trooper walked up, "Yes, ma'am?"
She ordered, "Take this man to the infirmary to have his injuries treated and make sure he eats. I don't want our newest member of the Shadow Guard be nothing but skin and bones."
The stormtrooper nodded, "It will be done." He leads the malnourished man out of the arena.
After they passed through the door Alana returned her gaze to Vader, "Do you want me to continue my hunt for that black-haired girl you're interested in, my lord?"
The Dark Lord replied, "We'll do this subtly. With a bounty placed on their heads, our little ragtag group of rebels will be on high alert. I'll have our spies observe follow them for now. You stay here to ensure the new recruit of the Shadow Guard recovers smoothly. Am I understood, Alana?"
She nodded, "Yes, my lord. One hundred percent."
Vader said, "Very well. You are dismissed." The Shadow Guard bows one more time and departs, Vader watches her go.
Outside of the building, Alana reaches into her pocket for a locket with the center having a piece of obsidian rock serving as decoration for the rather plain looking item. Opening it she stares at the picture of her as a small girl with her parents smiling at the camera. Behind the visor of her masked helmet, her eyes quiver as emotions she struggled for years to repress emerge. Alana leans against the wall choking back sobs that want to escape her. The sad expression changes into one of anger, the Shadow Guard cursing herself to let this moment of emotional lapse hit her. She refuses to let the past haunt her. Placing the locket back inside her pocket of her leggings the Shadow Guard observes a Stardestroyer slowly gain altitude.
A/N: Chapter 15 done.
Alexandra still had doubts about Leon's combat experience thus prompting the ex-Jedi to prove himself by defeating her three Sith Masters.
She next had a premonition. What could it mean?
The Shadow Guard has been added to the ranks. What will that mean to the group?
The Taurus star system in the story has no relation to the Taurus constellation.
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Stay tuned for chapter 16.
Vader 23A