Fortress Vader, Mustafar - Atravis sector
The Emperor's visit lasted for only a few hours, but for Vader it felt like an eternity. The Fortress is meant to be his personal stronghold, a place for him to harness his rage and focus on what he desires most, yet all he felt like now was a prisoner—his own Fortress, turned into his prison... it was wrong.
He was questioned and doubted throughout the entirety of his stay, particularly by that cyber-organic wretch, Cylo, who Palpatine permits as his own servant for whatever obscene reason he came up with. The fool knew nothing of the Force: in fact his only inclination to it was disdain. Surely Palpatine is aware of that? Unless he is and is merely brought him to agitate the Dark Lord. If he weren't under Palpatine's protection he would gladly strangle him on the spot.
As for Lumiya... the girl is a prideful lackey. She believes herself to be Vader's equal, but she is a fool. After her failure against Mara Jade on Kashyyyk she isn't even worth paying attention to.
The Emperor on the other hand was indeed quite serious in his concern regarding current events. The only other time Vader has seen him so tightly wound was shortly after Shan's strike against him on Coruscant, as well as Shan's exposé of the Emperor as the Sith Lord who orchestrated the Clone Wars. The moment Palpatine picked up on the reason for his... distracting activities with the Bright Star... he demanded answers.
Torture by Force lightning was somewhat common for Vader, yet no less painful. His only solace is in the fact that he managed to keep the true nature of the Bright Star's function hidden from the Emperor. If he learned he was attempting to revive Padmé... even he couldn't imagine the punishment that might've followed.
"I expect you understand now, Lord Vader, the seriousness of this matter."
Vader is pulled out of his thoughts as the Emperor addresses him. Like earlier, he's marching alongside his Sith Master, only this time moving back to his shuttle for his departure, thank the Force.
"I understand that ISB operatives are a poor choice when it comes to waging war," Vader remarks with disdain.
He's not surprised Palpatine wants him to take charge of Mandalore. Gideon was given a simple task and yet still has not succeeded.
"Marshal Gideon's cunning has won him many victories," Palpatine briefly narrows his eyes at Vader. "But perhaps you are right. You will succeed where Gideon has failed, or else you will pay the price."
Vader doesn't give any visible reaction, but the Emperor's comment had him bristling with anger and indignation.
"I will always succeed, my Master," he states.
"A bold claim," the Emperor sneers. "What is your assessment, Dr. Cylo?"
"Lord Vader's previous incursions with Mandalorians leave me skeptical of his abilities," Cylo states, almost immediately.
"Your calculations mean nothing in comparison to the Force," Vader scathingly retorts.
Cylo isn't phased or intimidated in the slightest.
"Mysticism is merely a construct of those who do not understand the laws of the universe," he responds in an emotionless tone. "Cast aside the beliefs of your archaic religion and all you can claim is enhanced strength and skill with a blade, which you should thank your cybernetics for."
Vader growls within his throat—hurting his damaged vocal cords, which only serves to anger him more—and turns around while lifting a hand towards Cylo to show him just how worthless his machinery is next to the Force.
"Enough."
Palpatine's order is spoken calmly, yet with a severe sternness which has Vader halt in his movements almost instantly. He continues to glare at Cylo for a few seconds longer, the doctor's impassive attitude only agitating him more before he finally turns away. He tries his best to ignore the scathing glare he's certain the Emperor is sending his way.
The Emperor was indeed furious but maintained his deadly calm discipline—Sidious could understand Vader's frustration easily enough since he does feel the same way about Cylo's sheer disregard for the Force, and therefore insults Palpatine's very nature as the Dark Lord of the Sith and Emperor of the galaxy. However, he has something Vader does not: perspective. Cylo may be agitating, but he is a very useful tool and one of the best available to him since the loss of Doctor Hemlock.
"You will eliminate this Mandalorian menace in its entirety," Sidious instructs Vader. "You will not hesitate in doing so. Or you will be replaced. Am I clear, Lord Vader?"
"Yes, my Master."
"Good. I shall await news of your victory."
Vader comes to a stop while Palpatine and his two servants continue onward into the Emperor's shuttle, followed by his Imperial Royal guards. The entry ramp closes behind them and Vader observes in silence as the shuttle lifts off and departs from the Fortress, escorted into the upper atmosphere by several TIE Fighters.
The Sith Lord stands in silence for some time, fuming within his thoughts whilst Imperial personnel clear out of the hangar with the Emperor now gone while Vaneé slowly walks up to his master.
"Send word to General Tagge: the Executor is to be ready for immediate departure," Vader orders.
"At once, my Lord," Vaneé bows in acknowledgement.
Isle of Berk, Ahch-To - Unknown Regions
The group of Asgardian warriors gather on a flatter section of the ground near the top of the staircase leading to the Great Hall; assembled below them on the stairs and surrounding village streets is the majority of the Hooligan tribe, every Viking eager to look upon their gods for as long as possible before their departure. The family of Jedi, as well as Stoick, Hiccup, and the chief's trusted advisors are with them also to bid them farewell.
"It has been an honor to fight by your side," Sif tells the Jedi, placing a fist over her chest.
"Likewise. Thank you," Ahsoka bows her head in reply.
"You honor my tribe with your presence, my Lords and Lady," Stoick says in a respectful manner. "May the stars usher a swift recovery to the Allfather."
"Odin will certainly recover, chieftain," Thor states in reply.
Stoick nods with a wide smile on his face. Meanwhile, Loki takes a moment to inspect Ahsoka and Jarik with a critical gaze, his hands held behind his back.
"It is strange, leaving this relic in the care of mortals," he remarks quietly. "I hope the Allfather's trust does not go unfounded."
His tone is polite and courteous, but the seeking gaze in his eyes leaves the Jedi somewhat unsettled. The raven-haired prince is frighteningly difficult to read, even more so through the Force, but something about him just seems off.
"It won't. You can be sure of that," Jarik states.
Loki's expression gives nothing away.
"We'll see."
Jarik doesn't have much time to worry about the unsettling response before Fandral strolls up to him with a charming smile.
"Until our next meeting, Master Jedi! We must cross blades again sometime!" he declares joyfully.
"Ah, forget the blades!" Volstagg scoffs dismissively, and Fandral frowns. "I'd kill to have witnessed them storming Notron like a berserker!"
Overhearing his friend's comment Thor scoffs as well.
"Heh, that is quite the story!" he chuckles.
Jarik rolls his eyes, not sure if he's genuine or not, and moves back with everyone else as the Asgardians group together.
"Farewell, my valiant Vikings!" Thor cries.
The crowd respond with loud cheers and pumping of fists into the air when Thor raises Mjolnir over his head. A pillar of rainbow light then shoots down from the heavens and the Asgardians are whisked away into the Bifrost, which vanishes soon after leaving no trace other than a circle of runes burned into the ground.
After a short time Ahsoka catches sight of Stoick still staring up at the sky with a look of awe, and yet behind it he seems almost melancholy in a way.
"Stoick?" she asks.
"I thought I'd seen it all when my son showed up with a Night Fury in that arena," he murmurs quietly, shaking his head. "Now... we've fought alongside the gods themselves. What else am I to do now?"
Stoick's inner turmoil surprises the Jedi somewhat, though it's not too surprising either. The chieftain has spent his entire life leading his people through countless struggles, all while holding onto his faith in his gods. Suddenly, those gods appear on his doorstep and he helps them battle an enemy of immense power, and now he just feels so... small.
As someone who's spent years worrying about a foe or threat beyond the scope of his power to handle, Jarik has an idea of how he might be feeling.
"Don't think so vast," Jarik advises him. "Some of the best moments in life are found in the little things."
Stoick looks over at him and ponders the advice for a moment.
"I see," he nods.
Jarik smiles at him and Stoick inclines his head in response before marching away. Meanwhile Ahsoka heaves a sigh and Jarik turns to look at her with concern.
"You okay?" he asks.
She rubs her forehead a bit and takes another deep breath.
"I'm exhausted," she admits.
The events of the last couple of weeks have finally caught up to her, it seems, wracking both her body and spirit with subtle aches and pains. Jarik realizes instantly and nods in understanding, moving to support her. She's used a great deal of energy lately and needs to recover.
"Okay. Let's get you home, then."
Imperial Kyber refinery, Eadu - Outer Rim Territories
Dark and stormy skies, from which rain fell and lightning flashed, were a constant across the whole planet. It made for a useful place to establish facilities which people didn't want to be found. It also made for an often miserable experience when it came to unloading cargo shipments in the rain.
Fortunately he didn't have to worry about that part, his job is simply to fly the shuttle, but he still felt sorry for the workers getting drenched in the cold storm.
He quietly observes as the last of the cargo shipment is unloaded from the shuttle and lets out a weary sigh. His shift is far from over, and he still has several more flights to make here before he can hope to receive a break.
Just as he's about to climb back up from the shuttle's cargo bay and into the cockpit area an older man with graying hair marches up to him. While somewhat confused, he stands to attention the moment he recognizes him as the lead scientist of the facility.
"Is this everything?" the man inquires.
"Yes, sir," he nods in confirmation. "Everything that was listed in the manifest is here."
He hands over his datapad to the lead scientist who inspects the list for a few seconds, though he already knew by heart what these shipments contained. He looks back up at the young pilot, who shifts nervously on his feet.
"What's your name, pilot?" he asks.
"Rook, sir. Bodhi Rook."
The scientist observes Bodhi for a moment longer before offering him a gentle smile, handing the datapad back to him.
"Thank you, Bodhi. That'll be all."
Bodhi nods, accepting the datapad, and retreats back into the shuttle while the scientist follows a few workers as they transport the final crate. He shivers from the cold as he passes through the rain but is soon back underneath the safety of a roof only to be instantly met by a familiar face, albeit not quite the friendliest anymore. The second man, dressed in a white Imperial officers uniform and adorning a cape of the same whiteness, carries himself the same way he always has: stern, calculating, and with the expectancy that his presence commands respect.
"Trouble with your cargo shipments, Galen?" the Imperial director asks him.
"Not at all, Krennic. They're diligent workers," Galen answers.
Krennic gives the faintest shrug and nod in response, his expression appearing thoughtful.
"Hm. Much like yourself, I would say," he remarks. "I shudder to imagine how this project would have progressed without you."
Galen's expression remains neutral, though his body tenses up a little bit. It may be possible that Krennic viewed his remark as a genuine compliment, but for Galen it was anything but.
"You would've figured something out, I'm sure," he simply replies.
"Certainly," Krennic smiles in agreement. "But who am I to take all the credit from you, huh? After all you've sacrificed for this research..."
Krennic gestures toward the cargo which is being unloaded from the crates and taken deeper into the facility for further study: the cargo itself is dozens of pure kyber crystals.
"...you're the one who deserves it. Not I."
He places a hand on Galen's shoulder in a complimentary gesture with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. Galen can only look upon the crystals with shame in his heart.
"You honor me, Krennic. As always," he finally says.
Krennic smiles more genuinely, oblivious to his companion's inner turmoil.
"Well, I must be off," he says. "There are a great many things to attend to."
Giving another clap on Galen's shoulder in farewell the Imperial Director marches off to another landing pad nearby and is quickly accompanied by two Death Troopers. Galen's impassive expression is replaced with a more defiant one as he watches him leave.
"Safe travels, Director," he murmurs.
Raven's Peak, Eriadu - Outer Rim Territories
The base's tower stretches above the cloud layer, serving as a constant and not-so-subtle reminder that the Empire's might is always above everyone else's. Even after the terrorist attack against it done very early on into the Empire's reign, it still stood unopposed. It's a frequent base of operations for Grand Moff Tarkin, given the fact that it exists on his very homeworld. Everyone on the planet knew that his word was law here.
"...I should not need to make myself any clearer about the consequences for failure, captain," Tarkin was saying to a subordinate.
"Yes, Governor," the Imperial captain apprehensively nods his head in acknowledgement.
The Grand Moff dismissively gestures for him to get out of his sight and the captain wastes no time in doing so as another officer approaches him.
"Governor Tarkin."
"What is it?"
"Emperor Palpatine wishes to make contact with you at once," the officer informs him.
Tarkin frowned in surprise and a bit of caution; nobody had the Emperor's trust more than he when it came to matters of governance, and so he rarely received calls. For Palpatine to do so means something serious has come up.
"Direct his call to my office," Tarkin orders.
"Yes, sir."
Once arriving at his office Tarkin sits down at his desk and presses a few buttons to accept an incoming transmission request. The lights in the room dim somewhat and a large hologram of the Emperor's hooded visage appears in front of him.
"Governor Tarkin," he addresses in a gravelly voice.
"My Emperor," Tarkin inclines his head in respect. "How may I be of service?"
"I require from you the same thing I require of Vader: progress."
Tarkin looks up at Palpatine and visibly frowns.
"In what way?" he questions. "The Outer Rim is a chaotic environment, as you're no doubt aware. I've taken great care in the last several weeks to snuff out any and all hints of rebellious activity."
The corner of Palpatine's mouth curls upward into a small smirk, though there is no friendliness or good humor in it. Just anger.
"Lothal would suggest otherwise."
Tarkin's expression grows tense as the Emperor's comment not only has him start to worry about his well-being—it's obvious Palpatine is not in a good mood—but also hurts his pride.
"I assure you, I do not intend to let—"
"Our enemies have grown in number, Governor Tarkin," Palpatine interrupts with a growl. "Not just among the rebels. Do you understand my meaning?"
Tarkin can't muster a response to that. Of course he's aware that the enemies of the Empire are more than just troublesome pests—Jarik Shan alone is a nightmare to contain—but what other enemies beyond the Rebellion could possibly be a threat to the Empire?
As someone who knows almost everything that goes on in the Empire, it bothers him to imagine that knowledge is being kept from him... even if the Emperor himself is the one keeping secrets.
"What is the latest word on Project Stardust?" Palpatine then questions.
With the topic of discussion back to something he's more familiar with handling, Tarkin sports a look of clear disdain as he answers.
"Director Krennic, as you know, has become tiresome," he scoffs with contempt. "He claims the work remains strong, yet whenever I demand updates, time and again he offers nothing but delays and excuses."
The Emperor's glowing yellow eyes narrow in displeasure.
"The Death Star is needed. More than ever."
"I understand, my Emperor," Tarkin assures him.
"Then make certain that he does as well, Governor," Palpatine states.
Tarkin readily bows his head in acknowledgement, more than eager for another opportunity to get on Krennic's case regarding the future of Stardust; the more Krennic displeases him, the more he's able to assert his control and authority over the greatest superweapon the universe has ever known.
The Emperor's holographic image vanishes and Tarkin lifts his head with a smile on his face, pressing a button on his desk to open another communication line.
"Captain."
"Yes, Governor?" an officer's voice replies.
"Prepare my shuttle for an immediate departure to Scarif. But do NOT inform Director Krennic of my visit," he orders.
"At once, sir."
Temple Island, Ahch-To - Unknown Regions
Clicks and whirs are audible inside the stone hut as Jarik carefully closes up the metal orb, sealing away the glowing purple light of the Power Stone inside of it. Once it's closed he catches it in his hand with a sigh while Ahsoka watches from her bed.
"That'll be helpful," she comments.
Jarik nods in agreement and sets the Orb down on the desk.
"Yeah, I hate having to worry about blowing myself up because I accidentally touched a rock," he replies.
"That'd be an underwhelming end to the great Jarik Shan," she smiles in amusement and he scoffs.
"Yeah, real embarrassing."
He moves over and carefully sits down on the edge of their bed. He tenderly takes Ahsoka's hand with his own and looks down at her.
"Are you comfortable?" he asks.
"I'm fine, thanks," she replies in appreciation.
"You've used a lot of energy since last time," he points out in concern. "I hope it wasn't too much."
"We needed it."
Jarik sighs but concedes her point with a simple nod. Without their dyad or her powers from Morai, they might not have been able to the Weeping Tree on Kashyyyk, though it wouldn't be impossible; against Gorr they definitely would've died if not for her Celestial power. They could still wield the Infinity Stone, but even with the Staff the effort would likely prove too great of a strain on their bodies without Morai's influence.
Odin spoke truthfully when he said mortals were capable of doing things beyond even the gods. However, that did not mean every mortal was made to accomplish such things. Being one of the few caught up in such positions is something Jarik all too often wishes he could change.
"What would you say is your ideal place to live?"
Ahsoka's question pulls Jarik out of his thoughts and he looks at her in confusion.
"What?"
"Do you have a favorite climate?" she asks. "Landscape? House?"
He lifts an eyebrow, perplexed, but decides to humor her anyways. As soon as he starts to think about the question he realizes it isn't really something he's allowed himself time to think about before. There's never been a time of peace to afford thinking about a simple life long term, and when there was a time of peace he was still training to become a Jedi and therefore wouldn't have given it any thought then.
What would he want if given the choice to lead a simple life and have a home without the worry of a war brewing on the horizon?
"Somewhere quiet," he says quietly. "Mountains are nice. A good forest doesn't hurt either."
"Plenty of both on Shili," Ahsoka replies.
He smiles down at her.
"Maybe we should go sometime. Take a trip down memory lane," he suggests.
"That would be nice," she smiles back.
The two sit in silence for a long while after that, simply content to be in one another's company. Eventually, Ahsoka's eyes close and across their bond Jarik senses her spirit likewise fall into slumber as well. Jarik lets go of her hand and stands up to gently pull the bed cover up to her chest, then caresses her cheek for a moment.
"Sleep well, cyare," he murmurs, kissing her forehead.
After stepping outside into the evening light of the twin suns, Jarik finds his two daughters and Zenna in the main courtyard. While the dragon is sound asleep Mara is still trying to keep Talia entertained with a few toys, though their attention shifts over to Jarik once they notice his approach.
"Where's mama?" Talia immediately asks with a frown.
"She's sleeping," he answers, sitting down next to them. "She's just very tired from the last few days."
"When is she waking up?" the girl then asks.
"Once she's well rested."
"Will it take a..." Mara pauses with a frown, unsure of how to ask the question without worrying Talia. "...uh, sleep is good, right?"
Jarik manages a faint smile to reassure her.
"It is, yes. Especially undisturbed," he says.
"Ok," Mara nods.
"What's... un-dee-stuurb?" Talia frowns in confusion.
Jarik looks down at the girl with a fond, albeit tired, gaze. She's already extremely smart for her young age, but she is still learning. Even with the Force it's not always easy to get a sense of just how much she does or doesn't understand.
"How are my two kiddos doing?" he asks instead to change the topic.
Mara raises a curious eyebrow but decides to roll with it.
"Well enough, I guess," she shrugs, becoming a bit sheepish. "I don't think R5's very happy with me. He's been losing his mind about the ship."
"Not that I blame him," he gives her a look.
"Sorry, dad, it was a spur of the moment thing," she apologizes. "I didn't realize those things could... well, y'know."
Once again she chooses her words carefully so as to not spook Talia with the mention of Gorr or his Berserkers. Jarik sighs in understanding.
"I suppose."
"Zenna's hurt too," Talia says.
She looks over at the slumbering dragon who has bandages around her neck, belly, and her left leg. Though it will take time, all of her wounds will eventually heal, though the two broken spikes of her crown will remain a permanent reminder of her vicious fight with the Black Berserkers.
"Will she be ok?" the little girl asks in a quiet voice.
"You bet! She's a fighter, just like me!" Mara exclaims with bravado.
It seems to help somewhat, though the little girl isn't entirely convinced and simply nods her head in response.
"Ok."
Jarik observes his youngest daughter a bit glumly, recognizing that she's still trying to process everything that's happened the last few days. Being in any life-threatening scenario as an adult is bad enough, not even including the horror of such a monstrous being like Gorr. But for a little girl at Talia's age... It's unthinkable.
It seems he and Mara could relate fairly well then, given the events which placed both where they are today.
He looks out at the horizon and takes a deep breath to clear the thoughts from his head. One of the two sun's is below the horizon now while the other glows vibrant orange.
"Alright kiddo, let's get you ready for bed," he tells Talia, standing up.
Talia suddenly starts to panic and pulls back.
"No! Don't wanna!" she exclaims.
"It's getting late, you know the rules," he reminds her.
"No! NO!" she cries loudly. "I DON'T WANT TO!"
"Woah!" Mara pulls back in surprise.
Jarik's expression falls in dismay and understanding.
"Talia..."
"No...!" she whimpers, pleading even.
Jarik slowly crouches down to be more at eye level with her.
"Talia, come here..." he says gently.
He beckons her over and after a few seconds she anxiously steps closer to him.
"What's wrong, ad'ika?"
She's holding her hands together in front of her, fidgeting nervously and looking around as though something might jump out at her at any moment.
"W-what if the monsters get me...?" she fearfully asks.
"They won't get you here," he assures her.
"But... but what if they come back...?"
"They're gone," he insists. "Mama made sure of that."
"So did Dad!" Mara adds for emphasis.
Talia looks between them both before lunging at Jarik for a hug after he opens his arms to her, holding onto him tightly and burying her face into his shoulder.
"I'm scared...!" she whimpers.
"I'm here, Talia. We're all here. You're safe with us. Nothing will ever touch you here," Jarik comforts her, rubbing her back to soothe her. "Did you know that I used to have nightmares when I was your age?"
He holds her back slightly to see her face, and she sniffs her nose a little bit.
"Like the monsters?" she asks.
"Yes. I was scared of the dark, just like you," he tells her. "But you want to know how I stopped getting scared?"
"How?" she furrows her brow.
A heavy pang of nostalgia passes over him as Jarik recalls the memories of his youth, back when he used to have nightmares of Maul. It's hard to remember now, given it was so long ago, but what he does remember with clarity is what Qui-Gon said to try and help him.
"I started looking for the light," he says with a small smile. "Every dark tunnel has a light shining at the end of it, and that light will come to you. You just have to reach for it."
Talia sniffs and wipes her nose again but the words seem to calm her down somewhat.
"Can I sleep with you and mama?" she asks.
"Of course, ad'ika," he replies.
Jarik hugs her again before standing up, holding Talia in his arms. Mara, though happy and relieved that Talia doesn't seem to be panicking anymore, can't help but feel a little bit awkward too.
"I guess I'll... check on Zenna," she says.
"Thank you, Mara," Jarik tells her.
Mara shrugs and smiles sheepishly.
"Y-yeah, no problem," she replies, then waves at Talia. "I'll see you tomorrow, Talia!"
Talia timidly gives a small wave back before Jarik takes her inside.
Although deep in her slumber Ahsoka still possesses some measure of awareness around her through the Force, especially over her bond with Jarik.
A small smile graces her as she senses the exchange with her family.
Alliance command camp, Mandalore - Outer Rim Territories
Serving her people as Mand'alor is both a privilege and a burden. There is no greater honor in Mandalorian culture, especially as the first to carry both the Darksaber and the Mask of Mandalore in over a thousand years.
The responsibility that comes with her title, however, is far from easy. In giving her their support, every single Mandalorian entrusts their very lives to her. She has a duty to honor that trust and ensure that she leads her people to victory in this war, so that Mandalore can finally be free. If she fails again, as she already has before, then she dooms them all to a life of servitude and enslavement at the hands of this despicable Empire.
Bo-Katan stands around the holotable with all the clan leaders to study a map of the planet, which zooms in on a few key sectors of interest. Some who aren't physically present are still able to attend through a hologram.
"...while our siege is still ongoing, I'm confident that Ronion will be retaken within the next dozen rotations," Rayka Vizla finishes her report.
"That's good news, Rayka," Bo-Katan nods, pleased at the news. "The sooner we can claim a city, the better our chances of freeing Mandalore."
"Assuming that Gideon isn't able to send additional reinforcements," Rik Farr comments in a gruff voice.
"That's why your campaign is essential," she replies. "Once they have Ronion, Vizla and Rook can assist you in taking Keldabe. After that, we move on to Sundari and finish this."
"Indeed," Fenn Rau nods in agreement.
Raman Sohl studies the map with a furrowed brow, unease and concern clearly etched onto his gaze.
"Something about this just... doesn't seem right. We haven't come across the Gedyc's in some time," he says.
"Or the Saxon's," Ursa Wren adds before shaking her head. "I wouldn't worry much though. They carry themselves dishonorably, and without Tiber they are lost sheep. Cowardness is the least of their faults."
"But the Gedyc's? For all his faults, Lorka never turned away from an opportunity to fight on the battlefield," Raman argues.
Rau and a few of the other leaders frown in acknowledgement of his point. Bo-Katan ponders it with a begrudging sense of concern.
"You're not wrong. I haven't heard any news about Kast either," she admits with a troubled sigh. "But whatever the case it doesn't change our strategy."
Raman concedes her point with a begrudging nod of acknowledgement when his comlink starts to beep. He frowns and takes a step away from the meeting to answer the call.
"This is Sohl."
"Dad... we've got trouble," Crassus's voice answers.
Raman notes the urgent tone in his voice and narrows his eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asks.
"HK detected an Imperial vessel that just arrived in orbit. We went out to check it and..."
"And?"
"It's the Executor."
Raman widens his eyes in alarm and is silent for a few seconds. Flashes of the battle on Dxun, with the looming shadow of the Executor overhead, flash through his mind.
That can't be true. What in the pits would that Sithspawn be doing here?
"Check again," he orders.
"We did," Crassus replies, clearly uneasy. "It's him."
"Dank farrik," Raman growls.
A chill runs through Raman and he shuts his eyes tightly in an attempt to steel his nerves. He sees the flash of a red lightsaber in his mind as an armored terror cuts through Mandalorians left and right. The other leaders watch him with concern.
"Get yourselves back here, now," Raman orders before ending the call.
"What's wrong?" Ursa asks him.
"Reinforcements for the Empire?" Farr questions.
"Worse," Raman replies. "Crassus just confirmed the Executor is in orbit."
Those who knew about the Executor reacted with alarm. Bo-Katan narrows her eyes and tries to think, feeling that she's heard of the ship from somewhere. An uneasy feeling enters her mind at the possibilities, none of them good.
"Who...?" she starts to ask.
"Vader," Raman confirms.
A few expletives are said amongst the Mandalorian leaders at the name, having heard well enough about the being who led the slaughter against Clan Ordo on Dxun.
Bo-Katan tries to maintain a stern facade, but beneath it she's nearly close to panicking. Having a ruined and disgraced Sith on Mandalore was bad enough: if not for Ahsoka she would've had no chance of freeing her people from Maul's rule, as much as it pains her to admit. But Darth Vader is an entirely different beast that stands in a league of his own.
Even with her beskar and the Darksaber, what chance does she have?
Sundari - Mandalore
The immense bulk of the Executor hangs ominously over the capital city, obscuring the whole of the dome in its shadow. A shuttle drops out of the Executor with a TIE escort to transport its passenger to Gideon's Star Destroyer. Once on board, Vader marches up to the command center and is greeted by the ISB Marshal upon his entry.
Gideon, having been unnerved upon learning Vader was dispatched to Mandalore, steeled himself and made sure to maintain a calm and confident demeanor before the Emperor's enforcer.
"Lord Vader, this is an unexpected honor," he greets respectfully.
"It is indeed unexpected, but it is no honor," Vader immediately retorts, and the Marshal grimaces. "The Emperor's patience has run out with your failure to eliminate the Mandalorian threat."
"I understand, my Lord," he replies.
He's heard well enough the rumors about officers who displeased Lord Vader, and had no intention of being added to that list.
"These Mandalorians are more cunning than I imagined," he continues to say.
"Then I ask why you are attempting to combat them with mere cunning?" Vader demands. "The Emperor's directive was clear: wipe them all out."
"I did not forget, my Lord, I only—"
Gideon is halted when an invisible force starts to apply pressure to his throat. He widens his eyes and reaches up in a futile effort to pry away a hand which isn't there.
"I was sent here to take charge of this campaign, not hear excuses," the Dark Lord growls. "You will follow my direction, Marshal, or you will be relieved of duty. Is that clear?"
He releases Gideon who stumbles forward with a pained gasp, coughing a few times before he recovers.
"Y-yes, Lord Vader," he nods quickly.
"Good. Now tell me everything which has occurred here. Spare no detail."
Temple Island, Ahch-To - Unknown Regions
The twin suns rose up that morning to a relatively cloudy day. The Caretakers began their dutiful task of maintaining the island's infrastructure, as always, while the resident Jedi family eats breakfast. Mara tosses a few buckets of fish Zenna's way which the dragon immediately scarfs down in moments. Talia watches the sight with wide eyes.
"She's so hungry!" she exclaims.
"She's gonna need all of it to heal," Mara tells her. "Nobody gets healthy on an empty stomach."
Zenna chirps as if voicing her agreement, and Jarik smiles from his seat at the table. He moves to take another bite of his food when R5 rolls up to him and beeps a message. Jarik listens, a frown crossing his face, before he reluctantly gets up from his seat.
"Where are you going Daddy?" Talia asks, noticing him stand.
"I've got a call to make. I'll be right back," he replies.
Mara glances at him in faint worry but doesn't say anything and Jarik follows R5 down the trail to the Knight Hawk. Once there he enters the ship and goes to the comlink station to accept the call. A little less than a minute later the caller responds and a hologram of Garm Bel Iblis appears in front of him.
"Senator," Jarik greets calmly, albeit with slight surprise.
"Jarik," Garm replies in acknowledgement. "I apologize for contacting you so unexpectedly, but we've just received news about Mandalore that you need to be aware of."
Jarik frowns, picking up on the urgent tone in his voice.
"What happened?"
"Our spies have reported the recent addition of the Super Star Destroyer, Executor, in Mandalore's atmosphere," he reveals.
Alarm rushes through the Jedi Master, followed by fear over the safety of the Mandalorian Alliance and his family.
"Have you heard anything from the Mandalorians?" he asks.
"Not yet. But my intel suggests the Emperor has been making rather bold decisions in recent weeks, and he's been making a lot of them. The Executor showing up over Mandalore is not a good sign," Garm says grimly.
"No, it's not," Jarik readily agrees. "If Vader's there, it's because the Emperor wants them gone."
Garm nods, having reached the same conclusion. Jarik crosses his arms and ponders their next move.
"We have to send them support," he states.
"I doubt my colleagues will agree."
"Not even after Kashyyyk?" Jarik scowls in disbelief.
"It's not the same," Garm shakes his head. "The main objective on Kashyyyk was delivering supplies, not sending troops to war—against Darth Vader himself, no less. Believe me, I want nothing more, but the others will not agree to support a fight which, by all reasoning, cannot be won."
Jarik shakes his head and heaves a sigh of frustration. Perhaps his judgment is somewhat clouded considering the familial ties to Mandalore, but surely the Rebellion can do far more than what High Command believes themselves capable of. They're far too timid.
"I'll go then," he decides.
"Alone?!" Garm replies in astonishment.
"If Vader means to wipe out the Mandalorians, I'm the best shot they have of survival."
"And what if he kills you?" he demands. "What is the Rebellion to do then?"
"If the Alliance crumbles because of my death, then that justifies every claim Saw makes," Jarik irritably retorts, and Garm scowls in begrudging agreement. "Either way, I have no intention of leaving my family to die."
Garm purses his lips in frustration but withholds any further argument he might have.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Shan."
Jarik bitterly nods his head.
"Me too."
Trudging his way back to the village, Jarik's expression is rather grim when Mara and Talia catch sight of him.
"What's up Dad?" Mara asks.
"That's a loaded question," he remarks.
Mara narrows her eyes, taking notice of his lackluster response and grim demeanor.
"What happened?"
"Vader's on Mandalore," he explains. "They need help."
Mara widens her eyes in alarm at the news. Talia frowns, looking between the two in an attempt to figure out what's going on.
"So what's the plan?" Mara then asks.
Jarik gives her a dry look and she immediately recognizes the meaning behind it, responding with a groan.
"Come on..."
"You're staying until Ahsoka's awake," he states, leaving no room for argument.
"Why not have Cera come over?" she still tries anyway.
"Only when absolutely necessary, so don't use her as an excuse!" he snaps, making her fall silent real fast, and he sighs in apology. "After the fiasco we just dealt with, Talia's going to need one of us around."
Mara glumly nods in response.
"Then why are you leaving?" she then asks.
"Huh?" Talia reacts with alarm.
"I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have to," he answers. "And I'm most certainly not sending you to fight Vader alone."
The thought of Jarik leaving brings Talia back into a state of panic and she rushes up to him with tears in her eyes, grabbing hold of his legs.
"But you can't go! Why do you have to go!?" she protests.
Jarik kneels down to hug her.
"I'm sorry Talia, but there are people in danger; people who are family to me," he explains sadly. "I have to help them."
"I don't want you to go!" she cries.
"It won't be for long, ad'ika," he tells her in reply. "Your mom and sister are here with you, and I fully intend on coming back."
Talia sniffs her nose and looks up at him with pleading eyes.
"Promise?"
A heavy pang cuts through his heart as he relives his childhood yet again through Talia. He prays to the Force that this will not end with the same type of result as the last time. He refuses to let that happen.
"I promise."
Mando'a Translations:
Ad'ika - little one, son, daughter, of any age
Cyare - beloved