Tondel watched as the three girls, the most notable of the refugees the JSDF had taken in, gathered scales from dead wyverns, he'd brush his fingers through the beard which grew on his face from years of neglect to shave.
He was left to wonder, just what they would do with these scales. For what purpose would one gather them as one might gather the most valuable pelts of ani-
And it was with that he just answered his own question. They had to be valuable. But just... How valuable? He'd wonder this to himself as he'd turn, walking away from the scene and back to the depot his Droids had established.
In the short time the JSDF had even come to learn of the mere existence of the droids, it seemed the droids and the JSDF were, ironically great fits for working with the JSDF. At least the B-1 units were.
The B-2 units on the other hand were... Less amenable to the JSDF. As such Tondel kept them permanently in the Depot itself.
Tondel made his way back to the depot and went to the spot he cordoned off as his own meditation area. He'd sit and would close his eyes, beginning to meditate and feel into the force once more.
He'd rested for a couple hours and only a couple hours as he'd feel through the force, searching once more for that prospective apprentice he'd seen fit for his training.
He could feel her in the force, however... What he heard is what concerned him the most, the fighting, the clashing of steel, swords, the sounds of arrows being let loose. He broke away from his meditation, perturbed, and concerned. But that wasn't all.
There was something new stirring in the force, something... Light. He hadn't felt such a difference before. The planet was a mix of the light and dark, a little more of the latter due to the deeds of those belonging to this world, but.. Something was off.. It wasn't something, it was someone.
Someone else who shouldn't be here. But what worried him the most was the power he felt they wielded. They couldn't be anything less... Than a Jedi.
This thought... Naturally left him unnerved, he couldn't help but now worry for his own future. The implication that now of all times.. There was a jedi on the planet, this was the greatest wrench in his plans, perhaps.
Tondel stood up and once more, brushed his hand over the beard which grew on his face as he'd start out of the Depot as he'd think to himself on the next action to take. Inadvertently he'd find himself walking towards the one singular road out of Alnus.
Stopping before it, he'd hear the sound of engines. Looking to the sky he realised he lost an hour of time. This was... Disappointing.
But he'd stop and watch the vehicles, the same three he recognised come to a halt as he'd walk towards the lead vehicle. He'd see Itami who would roll down his window. "Out for a stroll, Commander?" Itami asked with a smile as he set a device that Tondel could only assume to be a type of communicator on the dash of the vehicle.
"Yes... Thinking, contemplating what I've seen in my meditations." Tondel would say as he'd look into the vehicle. He'd see those three girls. The elf, the... Gothic lolita as Itami put it, and the blue haired girl, and some basic burlap bags in the back of the vehicle.
"Hm... May I join you, Lieutenant?" Tondel asked. Something told him... The force told him, he should.
"Hm.. I don't see why not. You sure those droids of yours will be fine on their own?" Itami would ask, noting the depot behind Tondel.
"They shall be. They obey my orders and the orders of General Yul'Mar.. Who you have already briefly met." Tondel would assure before he'd turn on his heel and head around the back of the lead vehicle. He'd open the doors and would hop in, sitting opposite to the three girls, and he'd notice Kurokawa sitting on their side, and the older NCO of Itami's group. But regardless. He shut the doors with the force and sat down.
The blue haired girl watched with some amazement. The... Gothic lolita also seemed interested in what she had seen. The elf was.. Bewildered on the other hand. Tondel sat and began meditating again. Trying to reach out to the crimson princess, as he started calling her, mentally.
He wondered about the others she had with her when he first met the princess and her group. ...Well... "Met.". Meaning observed, and potentially saved.
Tondel would meditate as the ride went on. He heard everything the princess ordered as well as the older NCO reading the map and giving directions. ...But he focused as much as he could on the Princess.
She was certainly a decent tactician for her age. That much he could tell as he listened. And soon began to smell the smoke, the fire... The death. He wasn't the only one to notice it of course.
"Sir." Kurata said, trying to get Itami's attention.
"What's going on?" Itami would ask, turning his attention towards Kurata.
"A plume of smoke on our 2, Lieutenant." Kurata replied, motioning to the plume of smoke.
Tondel opened his eyes and got up from his seat as Itami got his binoculars, looking through them.
"Hm... Are we to head close to it?" Tondel would ask.
"According to the map, if it's correct. The road we're on will take us right to and through it." Kurata would reply. Itami looked over his shoulder to see Tondel, pondering.. His hand running over the beard on his face as he thought.
"If it's alright with you... I'd like to go ahead and investigate." Tondel would offer, turning his head towards Itami.
"Well. I can't actually stop you but..." Itami would say before opening up a container built into the dash of the vehicle. He'd take out a radio and hand it over to Tondel.
"Hold the button on the side whilst you talk. It's already on our frequency." Itami would say as Tondel took the radio and affixed it to his belt along side his lightsaber.
"Primitive, but it should be useful. I'll radio you if everything is alright. ...If not then.. Well.." Tondel merely shrugged and got out of the back of the vehicle. He'd lift his hood up and would start walking.. As soon as he was a little bit away from the vehicles.. Itami and pretty much everyone in the lead vehicle would watch as Tondel moved with such immense speed, it were like watching a bat out of hell.
"Ho" Itami would say
"Lee." Kurata would say before the old NCO chimed in...
"Crap." The NCO said, Kurokawa would've said something but... The three others just summed up her own feeling on the matter.
"Lieutenant...?" Kurata asked as he'd look towards Itami.
"Yeeeah?" Itami said in reply, sounding nervous as ever.
"What the hell was that?" Kurata asked.
"I don't friggen know, the man's from space, how am I supposed to know what that was, not like he came with instructions or a briefing!" Itami would yell.
"...I think I'm all of a sudden considering retirement." The older NCO said.
"Don't. We still need you." Itami would say with a sigh... He'd then reach for his radio and click it.
"Everyone watch the sky and the ground. We're heading right towards that fire as soon as our volunteer scout radios the go ahead." Itami said over the radio, and Kuribayashi would be the one to reply
"3-2 copies, wilco." Kuribayashi replied. And the whole of the recon team would be sat there, waiting for Tondel.
Speaking of. Tondel stopped using Force Dash about halfway to the city. Walking with his hood up... He could feel the red princess was close by, one of his prospective apprentices...
An hour earlier...
Pina couldn't help but be frustrated with her current situation. ...But frustration wouldn't help in the slightest to what she dealt with. At least.. Not that she knew, it might. Her and her meagre group of knights, along with an impromptu town militia were stuck fighting against a bandit army.
She believed in her heart of hearts when hearing of the city's plight, it were the hated invaders of the other world attacking the city. Of course her surprise wasn't to be imagined when she found it was the previously mentioned bandit army.
Shields she recognised as formerly belonging to lords and vassals the Empire, now arrayed against her, and the people of Italica.
The fight was of course long and hard, an hour it took before the bandits broke off their fight and left. But she knew they would be back, of course they would be.
But as quiet settled on the fields surrounding Italica, Pina would leave the wall, exhaustion, dirt, some light scars and some scuff on her armour as she yelled out for two of the knights she brought with her.
"Nora! Hamilton! Are you alright?!" She'd yell out, hoping for a response.
"Alive and accounted for ma'am!" Pina would hear Hamilton yell out and taking a look she'd see the two, winded, exhausted... Really at their breaking point in this moment.
She'd descend down the stair case off the wall and let out a sigh.
"Well what about me? You didn't even bother to ask if I was injured or not! ..It hurts my feelings." The oldest knight of the group, Grey Co Aldo asked, a smirk on his face, he stood in comparably better shape then Hamilton or Nora.
"After all these years, I know you better than that, Grey." Pina replied as Grey would give her a hearty laugh, he was certainly enjoying himself.
Anyway, Pina would motion for Hamilton to follow her as she'd leave the frontline and head back to the main bastion of the city, where the Countess Formal's mansion resided.
Walking along the streets, Pina could see the defenders were in the same, if not worse shape than the knights themselves.
"...Your majesty, why did we come out here to fight a bunch of crazed bloodthirsty bandits..?" Hamilton would ask as she followed Pina... Pina would stop dead in her tracks of course, this question was about to set her off but... She couldn't be mad at Hamilton.. The situation they all collectively found themselves in, yes. ...But not Hamilton.
"We didn't have a choice! They raised the alarm, letting everyone know they had armed forces trying to storm their walls! I thought it was the army from the other world! We did what we were supposed to, rushed to their defense and what did we find?!" Pina would yell, anger, displeasure, all these things and more written on her face and heard in her voice.
"Soldiers from the other kingdoms and tributaries turned rogue! Everyone needs to listen, we don't have time to lie about, the bandits will be coming back and we have little time, we need to bury the bodies and reinforce our defenses! The rest of my people are coming, but they're still three days away, if we can hold out that long, the order of the rose will avenge all of your fallen!" Pina would yell before she'd continue on her way to the mansion.
She took off her armour, leaving only her usual outfit on under it. After some... Chatting with one of the servants, and a... Particularly flavourless meal. Pina took herself to bed, to rest briefly until the next attack.
She could only think of three things. Why wasn't the army from the other world attacking here? Could they even survive until the rest of her knights got here? ...And lastly. Darth Kriwn... What he said was.. Cryptic but... Everything that went on here, if nothing else did meet the requirements for what would bring her and him together again. She slipped to sleep and dreamt of earlier days.
Earlier days, when the rose knights first were beginning. When Grey first started training them, mere children of nobility, to be warriors, to be knights. Like Pina wanted for them. For herself. Then the day they became an official order. Some years after they first encountered this... Darth Kriwn that saved them from the goblins.
The man that shot lightning from his fingers and wielded a blade of pure crimson light. ...In hind sight, this whole... Knight order was a particularly selfish experiment... But she was proud of what they became. ...She only wished they were here, all of them, right at this moment... If only he was here...
Then reality came back like a train smashing into a semi trailer. Pina was shocked awake by a.. As promised, ice cold bucket of water, by the head maid of the mansion, and right next to her Grey stood.
"The enemy they're here?!" Pina shouted and Grey just let out a sigh.
"No it's not the enemy... It's something else. Someone, else." Grey would say.
Pina would be left taken aback but she'd get changed and dressed before going with Grey to the gate...
Back to the now...
Pina couldn't believe what she saw. She saw.. Him! It had to be him! That cloak, the outfit, the hood! ...He was... A bit shorter than she remembered. ...But then again, she grew so that's probably why.
"I-Is it him, your majesty?" Hamilton asked, looking from over Pina's shoulder. For the first time in a long time, Hamilton was immensely excited. Even after all these years. She recognised it too, the cloak, the clothes, the hood...
"You there! Identify yourself, lower your hood and make yourself known!" Nora would be heard yelling from above.
Of course... Tondel would oblige. He reached up slowly and lowered his hood.
"How you have grown, young man." Tondel would reply, looking up to where Nora stood.
"Y-You?! Y-you came?!" Nora yelled in disbelief.
"Of course." Tondel said with a smile as he'd head towards the gate.
"Might I enter, or have you need of any further proof?!" Tondel asked, loudly.
"Y-...Your sword?" Nora would ask. ...Indeed if he wasn't going to ask, Pina was.
Tondel merely chuckled and opened his cloak, showing the hilt. He'd use the force to pull it from his belt, and ignite it, showing that... Oddly comforting crimson blade. Pina knew without question it was him. There was no doubt. No question in her mind.
Like clockwork, a smaller, man sized door in the gate opened and Pina rushed out. Hamilton followed, Tondel would extinguish the blade, before putting it back to his belt.
"Darth Kriwn. Thank you, thank you so much for coming!" Pina said, loudly as she'd smile, she was the happiest she could ever have been... But the fact that she knew of what Hamilton believed to be his name, astonished her.
"Y-Your majesty, you met him already, in full?" Hamilton asked, confused as she now stood off to the side, between the two.
"Of course. He... Told me." Pina said as she'd look... Flustered for some reason. This man was a hero through and through to the Rose Knights.
"She only learned recently... With all due respect of course. ...I reached out and spoke to her, earlier." Tondel would say as he'd give a smile to Hamilton.
"But... You just got here." Hamilton would point out.
"All in good time, young one. You shall learn as... Your majesty has already learned." Tondel would say, reassuring Hamilton.
"May I ask, why is it now you came..?" Pina would ask, a bit... Questioning as to the timing of everything.
"I felt the strife as I was meditating. ...I decided, in this... Newly changing world. I couldn't risk waiting. ...In my travel I have found people who are also glad to help you, here, and this city... ...I also felt a tremor.. But it is unlike anything you might feel physically... But first, the matters at hand." Tondel would say, motioning to the still burning embers left here and there from earlier.
"Mister Kriwn I-" Pina would say before Tondel interrupted her.
"Darth Kriwn is... My title given to me by my lord. ...My true name is Tondel Ramarr.. Your majesty. However, my lord died long ago... So the learner has become the master. I intend to teach you, and your knights, as my master taught me. ...But the time for that shall come in better days. May I... Reach out to my friends I spoke of. They are close by and able to offer assistance against the threat which you and the people here, face. ...I can only do so much on my own. Primitive, subhuman creatures are one thing. ...It is easy to fight savage creatures, it is the ones on two legs with intelligence that need... Greater effort." Tondel would say as he'd move to walk past Pina, motioning to her to join him, same with Hamilton.
Pina was... Grateful for the offer of help, but... Unnerved at how quickly... Tondel's voice changed from something warm, loving, like an older brother who seeks to pass down his own wisdom to his sibling so they may not have to learn the hard way, themselves, to something... Dark, low, grovely.
Something told her... This man was indeed dangerous. ...But she wasn't in danger. Whether it was the fact he wished to teach her, as Grey had done earlier in their lives. To open their world view to new ways of fighting... She wondered if perhaps... There was a chance she'd have a sword like Tondel's.
Tondel and the two girls would go back into the city through the gate and he'd meet again, Grey.
"Ah. Speaking of aging." Tondel would say with a chuckle.
"So, you do speak." Grey would say, referencing their last meeting where Tondel didn't say a single word. All those years ago.
"I do... I refrained because I was still learning. I'm not from this continent, you see." Tondel would say as a... Well. Relatively convincing excuse.
"I see. Well. I'm glad you're here mister..." Grey would say, leaving room for Tondel to introduce himself.
"Tondel. Tondel Ramarr." Tondel introduced himself.
"Grey Co Aldo. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Grey held his hand out for Tondel to shake. Of course Tondel would shake it in return before turning his attention back to Pina.
"So, your majesty... Would you want me to reach out to my friends?" Tondel would ask, looking directly to Pina.
"Mister Ramarr.. If they are your friends, with how you helped us during our first meeting. I cannot refuse the help." Pina would say with a smile.
"I'll make the arrangements..." Tondel would say, pulling the radio from his belt. Pina and... Everyone else around would seem dumbfounded as Tondel switched to Galactic Basic... Or what the Japanese recognised as English, and radioed to Itami.
He'd let Itami know the city was safe.. But it needed help. And quickly enough Itami with the rest of Third Recon would be on the scene. Much to the surprise of Pina who watched as what she'd describe as horseless iron carriages would ride to the gate.
"T-These are your friends?" Pina would ask, looking down from the wall, as she'd stand next to Tondel, she looked down on the iron carriages with concern.
"They are good natured people. We evacuated a village just a ways away from here." Tondel would say... And then for Pina it clicked. These were those men in green, the ones who with Tondel, fought a flame dragon!
"Y-You, and they, you're the ones who fought that flame dragon!" Pina would yell, with newly refound confidence, she couldn't possibly lose this battle!
"Indeed. ...And they are not the only card I have to play, your majesty. ...We should also perhaps keep my title from them for now." Tondel would say as Itami and Third Recon would be let into the city.
"I see... ...Mister Ramarr, may I ask, what kind of monk, or... Warrior you are?" Pina would ask, looking nervously to to Tondel. She understood well, some would prefer to keep their titles a secret, or just simply unknown. This was usually, in her world for good reason... And she'd learn quickly why he preferred it this way.
"Hm. ...I am, a lord of the Sith. I will tell you, my kind have been brought to near extinction. Both in what we believe. ...And where I come from." Tondel said as he'd watch whilst Third Recon's vehicles rolled into the city.
"I-I see.." Pina said as she'd shift her gaze
"As I have said, I shall teach you, and your knights. There is more to existence, to the magics which you are aware of. There is.. The force.
The force is living, it surrounds us, binds us, it is reality. The force is what a Sith uses to draw on for their power. We are able to raise up even the weakest individual, to become the greatest lord of the Sith. The lowest born, to the highest.
..It is, what is in them. The most powerful of Sith, can be born a slave. And they will know, they will feel it. That their chains may be broken, for the force will set us free. That. Is the first lesson I shall provide, we.. Have much work to do." Tondel said before he'd descend the stairs, leaving the wall.
Tondel found himself mediating between Pina and Itami, in a meeting in the Countess Formal's mansion...
Pina explained the situation in it's full, entirety, the gravity of it all.
Italica was left in the hands of a mere child. One who had neither experience of ruling, nor experience of leading in battle. Everything that brought this city to it's current unfortunate situation, was due to that... Gate.
Whilst one might consider it to be a curse at this point. Tondel, internally felt otherwise. How one mere magical structure, whether the force had created it on this world, or something else. It changed so much, in such a short amount of time.
It not only bridged worlds, galaxies, perhaps dimensions. It brought them tangibly close to each other. He didn't know with sure certainty. ...But he felt, perhaps not only could this gate bring him back to his galaxy. He could open more, wherever he wanted. Corsucant, Naboo... The home planet of that reviled Supreme Chancellor... Or Emperor if he went by that, now. He could bring death to his enemies, he could bring revenge for his planet.
Regardless of everything. It was agreed Itami and his group would take over the defense of the south gate. Tondel of course knew this was... Easily manageable for the JSDF, however, he felt in his heart of hearts, something more was needed... If the army that was terrorising this city was as strong as Pina had made them out to be...
Tondel found himself alone, apparently the others had moved on as he was in thought. So he'd go and find Pina. Heading to that south gate that was mentioned, he found her up on the wall, with Hamilton... Overhearing as he came up the stairs.
"So they're the men in green we've been hearing about, the ones that defeated a flame dragon." Hamilton said, observing the JSDF offloading themselves from their vehicles.
"It does look like they are." Pina confirmed, some uncertainty heard in her voice.
"Are you sure it's safe? Should we let the rest of them inside the walls?" Hamilton would ask, turning her head towards Pina, who stood to her left.
"We're not in a position to be picky with our allies right now." Pina would say, annoyed, but also, somewhat regretful.
"Indeed. You're not." Tondel would say as he'd approach the two.
"L-lord Kri- Lord Ramarr?" Pina would ask, turning to the Sith Lord.
"I believe desperate times... Call for desperate measures. You are justified in asking the Japanese for assistance. ...However. I'd like to offer, more. The situation does not allow for me to start training you and the others of your order... So I wish to offer my assistance in an official capacity, beyond just as a Sith Lord." Tondel would say, putting his right hand to his chest and giving Pina a bow.
"...What do you mean?" She'd ask, uncertain.
"I admittedly... Have not been truthful in my entirety." Tondel would state as he'd turn and step, looking over the outside area of the city, the fields that surrounded it on one side, and the river on the other.
"E-explain yourself then." Pina would say, nervously.
"It is obvious that I come from somewhere more advanced. So I will say, I have nothing to do with the gate you and your people are probably well aware of. ...But I am, also, not of this world, myself." Tondel would say as he'd hear a sword unsheathed, he'd turn to see Hamilton taking a stand for Pina, pointing her sword at Tondel.
Tondel was... Admittedly unphased. He felt Hamilton was unsure, scared. Not terrified, but simply scared. Concerned.
"You stay back!" Hamilton yelled, unexpectedly Pina would pull Hamilton back and give her a look of "Are you stupid?!" before she(Pina) would look to Tondel.
"I come from another galaxy, and I am... Unfortunately here by happenstance beyond my control. The galaxy I come from is embroiled in war. I am the last of my people, the Separatist Alliance fight on against an oppressive regime. ...I am the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Separatist Alliance. ...And my forces are at your disposal, your majesty." Tondel would say as he'd drop slowly to a knee, bowing his head.
"If, you will accept them." Tondel added, closing his eyes.
Hamilton still stood between Tondel and Pina, he could hear the shake of her body as she stood there. Sword in hand, pointed ever still, at him.
"Hamilton, sheathe your sword. Now." Pina would say as she'd let Hamilton go.
Hamilton would... Reluctantly do so, shuffling off to the side like the scared little thing she is...
"Lord Ramarr... Why are you here?" Pina asked, she had to be sure.
"I am here because of the happenstance I mentioned, firstly. ...And because the force lead me here. To teach you and yours, so you may be better warriors." Tondel said, keeping his eyes closed and his head bowed as he sat there on one knee.
"And you... Wish to help protect this city?" Pina would ask as she'd stand, close by Tondel.
"I cannot teach the dead. ...As I have said. My army is at your disposal. I need only call. And they will come." Tondel replied.
Pina remained silent, unsure. Everything was... Simply too much for her. All this new information, the new exposure. She of course remembered the bar story, the men of metal that were mentioned to have been summoned by Tondel. ...Could they truly help her? ...Could he truly help her?
"Please, rise, Lord Ramarr." Pina would say, and Tondel would do so, opening his eyes.
"I... I accept your offer of help. I accept the offer of your... Separatist Alliance, to help defend Italica." Pina would say, now she was essentially barely even a foot away from Tondel. He was... Certainly a bit taller than her, now that she was close to him.
"Thank you. ...I shall make the call." Tondel would say as he'd step back and produce his holographic communicator. He'd turn it on and with what seemed like magic, General Yul'Mar would be stood, projected by the device ontop of it.
"Commander, what aid do you require?" Yul'mar asked in Galactic Basic, of course, he naturally took notice of Pina, being in such close proximity to Tondel she was naturally projected before Yul'Mar.
Of course, Tondel responded in the local language.
"I require a squad of B-2 Super Battle Droids to help defend the city I find myself in, with the Japanese." Tondel would say. ...Pina was fascinated, and a bit terrified. She felt as if she signed a deal with the devil himself. ...Which to be fair. Any deal with a Sith under normal circumstances was just that. But also, to be fair. Tondel wasn't your usual Sith.
"I... See, my lord, may I ask why?" The droid general would reply, also in the local language, having learned it at the behest of Tondel.
"I found those that I wish to teach, however, the situation here, is untenable, the city requires aid in defense. I believe a unit of 12 B-2s will suffice for this task." Tondel would say. ...Yul'Mar would look to Pina, then to Tondel.
"Affirmative." The droid general would reply before cutting the communication.
"W-What was that?" Pina would ask, looking up to Tondel.
"My second in command." Tondel would reply.
"I understand THAT. But, what is it?" Pina asked. Hamilton just remained quiet. She was... A different level of scared, herself.
"Yul'Mar is a droid. An artificial lifeform. Created to assist in the direction and administration of my forces. ..He is among the most advanced of my forces. ...Unlike the force we, of my organisation fight against, we do not use organics in our military. We use only these... Droids, as we call them. An army of metal men." Tondel would explain.
Pina was... Blown away to say the least. This... Again. Was all too much for her to comprehend. ...She began to think though, she could perhaps ask Tondel to use his forces against the invaders from the other world that came through the gate.
Tondel didn't know that Itami was having his own issue. ...He was supposed to be back to Alnus already, with the refugees. ...So on Itami's own part, a plan was coming into motion, on the part of Itami and the JSDF... One that would perhaps put them in competition.
...There was... Of course one glaring problem with that. She hadn't connected the dots yet, that the Japanese, are those invaders.
There was a secondary issue, of course. Tondel had no reason, no desire to betray them, to turn his droid army against the Japanese.
...In fact, it would be much to his detriment to do so. The Japanese presented a new constant of progress, technologically, for this world... And possible assistance in furthering his own goals. Militarily they couldn't. ...But he didn't want them for their military. Their industry, and the industry of their world was another issue.
Tondel understood, the Japanese, their world, are but a tool to elevate him to his own destined place. To build up, and return to his galaxy, and take for himself, revenge for his planet, revenge for his cause.
The cause of the Separatist Alliance, a free galaxy, one free of the Empire, the Republic, whatever it called itself, and whatever the supreme chancellor of that republic called himself, now.
He didn't know if there was a difference between either or, and he certainly didn't care. He knew not, who the Supreme Chancellor, or the Emperor was. He knew not what the Republic became, entirely, but he knew there was an Empire which certainly had to have taken over. ...And he'd destroy it all the same. For not just his cause, but his home, Alderaan.
If he couldn't accomplish this... There was indeed a back up plan. ..He planned to take this world, for his own.
To make this world in Alderaan's image. To use the information he knew, to build his own order. He read in the six years or so that past of Darth Bane, his master was kind enough to impart that knowledge in writing, as well as everything else he could. ...The rest he'd have to discover, on his own.
Or perhaps, he'd have to find something new... But regardless.
As the hour past. A new fear entered the hearts of the citizens of Italica as two droid gunships flew overhead.
Itami and the Third recon team would've taken aim themselves, if they hadn't picked up quickly on what they were... And obviously, who they belonged to.
The droid gunships circled and landed at the eastern gate where Tondel, Pina, and Hamilton met them.
To say Grey and Norma were surprised was... An understatement. And to say they trusted Tondel, even less, was too an understatement.
But they'd understand when everything was explained to them. Tondel was indeed here to help, and these droids as the two male knights would find they were called, are the best help that Tondel could offer for the moment.
Tondel would direct the droids to form a firing line, six droids behind the wall, on the ground, and six droids at the top of the wall, to join the archers, who at this stage weren't... Comfortable to say the least. A newly created tactical droid would be stationed where Pina planned to oversee the battle with Hamilton, Grey, and Norma... Since Tondel was insistent on them staying in reserve.
Of course this wasn't argued on, as all four knew well... Knew, very well just how skilled a fighter Tondel was. And if his... Droids were of any measure of similar skill, they were not to be doubted... Though Pina and the others didn't see any blades on the droids. Nor any sign of... A lightsaber as they came to learn.
Further, the tactical droid provided Tondel with his blaster belt and his sidearm... Tondel left his cloak with the droid as he took his spot in the courtyard, in front of the second line of B-2 super battle droids.
But Tondel would soon be visited by a runner sent by Itami. Kurokawa.
"Mister Ramarr... I have a message for you from Lieutenant Itami." Kurokawa would state as she came up the stairs to the top of the wall, finding Tondel there with his first line of droids.
"Ah.. I see. Is everything alright?" Tondel would ask, an eyebrow raised.
"Yes, yes... But.. You see..." Kurokawa would start... And from there she'd explain what Itami's own plan was. ...Tondel was bemused, and couldn't help but chuckle.
Having the JSDF come in with their own helicopters later to support the defense of the city would certainly give Pina, both, the knowledge that the Japanese were indeed the ones from beyond the gate... And it would also indeed give her good reason to seek peace with the Japanese.
Tondel was comforted, that perhaps, there was now a way for his plan of subterfuge to go on, to corrupt the Rose Knights and Pina to allow the Separatist Alliance to govern the planet instead of the local warlords that fashioned themselves as kings, queens, and emperors...
That was of course until he remembered what he felt those mere hours ago.
There was still the newcomer, the wielder of the light. The Jedi...
"Kurokawa... I have something to ask of you to tell your Lieutenant." Tondel would say as Kurokawa was on her way to leave, stopping in her tracks when she heard what Tondel had said.
"Yes? What is it?" Kurokawa turned and asked, an eyebrow raised.
"I felt a tremor in the force... That which gives me my power. ...There is another force wielder on the planet. ...But this one is trained, and one that is as powerful as my teacher... If not more, for their age. They are a Jedi... And I feel, they are coming. Looking for me. Tell your lieutenant, to spread the word to your people... This Jedi will have a lightsaber.. They often do, and they will pull your machines out of the sky if they are shot at by them. I will attempt to reason with this jedi... But I will offer this advice, if things don't go well... Use the... 12.7mm as you call it. It is true, us force users can deflect blaster bolts from... Say... Battle Droids.. But we can't do much of anything against bullets." Tondel would say...
Kurokawa stood there and... She took in the information which was... Lacklustre in her opinion. ...Force wielders are weak to bullets... No... Really?
Of course it was hard to understand for someone not from Tondel's galaxy and Tondel didn't exactly have the knowledge or wherewithal to give a history lesson on the why of everything.
But in the end this was of course, his own way of having an insurance policy. If he wouldn't see his galaxy... Then neither would this Jedi, whenever they came, and if they decided to take the path of swordsmanship, over words.
As the day drug on, Tondel wouldn't have much of a wait. Kuribayashi would come running and would tell him "someone" was spotted by Rory down the road from the south gate, since he mentioned a "Jedi" was coming. Itami thought to have Kuribayashi come and relay this to him.
"Hm... Any description?" He'd ask, looking down on the shorter woman, starting to appear in contemplation.
"She said, she saw some blue woman..." Kuribayashi said before Tondel interrupted her.
"Protrusions from the back of her head?" Tondel asked, unnerved.
"Yeah, yeah exactly." Kuribayashi said, confirming..
"Jedi general Aayla Secura... One of the fiercest..." Tondel would say trailing off before he'd sigh. ...The clone wars were some odd 20 and then some years ago according to the time he woke up.. She had to be old by now. But she was an actually trained Jedi. Something he hadn't ever fought before.
In his own words. Fighting and slaughtering unintelligent creatures was one thing... Fighting something with intelligence, and trained with a lightsaber and the use of the force?
That was... Something else entirely.
"Thank you, Sergeant Kuribayashi. ...I shall have to go see if I may be able to find this Jedi before the fighting starts." Tondel would say, he'd turn and use the force, tossing his lightsaber up to the command droid who dropped the ball on catching it but... Still it was with the droid now.
He opted to play the "near harmless" card and he made the attempt to shift in his own way... To hide the darkness and present as more... Grey or at least the normal mix of dark and light one could be expected to have.
Naturally he took two Super Battle Droids with him to the South Gate.
He saw there, first hand, how badly damaged that gate was, of course... And he sighed...
He should've gotten more droids, that was the thought at the back of his mind.
"You're really gonna go out there? Without your flashy sword thing? I thought you said these Jedi are evil and all that." Itami would say as he came down off the wall to see Tondel.
"They are... The banality of evil. ...And I'd like to ask something of you. Please keep my title as sith lord, a secret. Don't mention it at all. ...If I can hide that, we have a chance at bringing someone powerful to our side in this affair." Tondel would say as he'd start off, out of the gate.
"Alright! We'll keep it on the down low!" Itami would yell as he'd watch Tondel walk off... Walking as a man with all the confidence in the world.
But in all reality, Tondel was an absolute trainwreck right now. He was surprised, himself at how well he was playing things off.
What was worse, is the realisation of how much of a world of shit he was in if this didn't work.
He knew with absolute certainty he couldn't play sith card. He would have to adopt his strategy... But he also knew it was an inevitability everything would come out. That he was trained by a sith... But perhaps he could play a new role that would allow him to both, live, and seek to train the rose knights.
It would be almost a mile out of the city, down the road when he realised how far he went, before he'd stop and look around... He could feel the immense power.. So close to him.
"General Secura!" Tondel yelled as he'd look around, before he'd look over his shoulder to his droids.
"Don't fire unless aggressed upon." He'd say before turning his attention back to the road before him, and the scenery around him.
"General Secura! ...I know you're here! I come not to fight, but to speak! ...My droids have been ordered to stand down! I know it's just you out there! And I know you have no reason to believe anything I say!" Tondel yelled again.
He'd then take out his blaster and toss it out of reach before looking over his shoulder again.
"Move back down the road, back to the city." Tondel would say to the droids, who in their deep voices gave an affirmative "Roger, roger."
The droids would back down the road, walking backwards as to keep their visual receptors on Tondel.
"General Secura! I am unarmed, my droids are returning back to the city! I'm not sure what else I can do to assure you of my intentions!" Tondel yelled, as he'd outstretch his arms as he'd take a few steps forward, looking around himself for any sign of the Jedi.
He'd hear the sound of horses and would run, diving to get his blaster as what could be described as a scout group of bandits on horses came running his way.
Tondel would take his SE-14 blaster pistol, rolling off the road, the two B2 super battle droids at the gate watched, and began to advance, seeing their commanding officer in trouble.
Of course this was also watched by Itami who had his men get ready to fire on the bandits that seemingly ran forward, disregarding any potential danger...
Tondel would fire his blaster at the bandits.
He'd hit two out of three, the latter's horse tripped and sent the rider flying. Tondel of course got up, scrambling to his feet as he'd keep his blaster held at low ready... He looked around, taking panicked breaths...
It'd been a long time since he was in combat, in true combat, and it showed. Of course he'd hear footsteps running behind him and he'd turn before being knocked over onto his back, his blaster tossed from his hands...
When he looked up, he saw the Twi'lek jedi.. And... She... Certainly didn't age a day from the brief he was given on her during the clone wars. ...HOW?!
"General Secura. ...Over twenty years and you still look the same as when I was briefed on you." Tondel said, looking up to the Rutian jedi.
"Twenty years...?" Aayla would say, wondering just what Tondel was on about...
"You have aged. Commander Ramarr." Aayla said, looking down on the... Relatively hated(by the Republic), separatist commander.
"I assume sending those bandits this way was your doing." Tondel said, not even attempting to resist or get away from the lightsaber that was pointed his way... He'd have to, for the moment, endure the heat.
"Bandits..? ...If that is what they are, yes. What are the Separatists doing on this world?" Aayla would ask, obviously attempting to gain information but... Tondel was, himself puzzled. As far as he was concerned, the war was over... More or less.
"Separatists? General Secura. I am all that's left of the Separatist Alliance in any true, official capacity." Tondel would say, with confidence.
"You? ...You're all that's left?" Aayla asked, she'd almost for a brief moment shift her lightsaber away from the Alderaanian male under her sword.
"I find that hard to believe." She'd assert as the sword went back to pointing just inches away from his throat.
"General, I'm hardly in a position right now to lie. You have your sword to my throat. I find it's a bad idea to lie to someone who holds power over whether you live or die. ...Besides. As I said. Twenty years. The war is over. We lost." Tondel said, slowly becoming nervous as to whether or not he could even pull this off. ...Of course Aayla could feel that, he was speaking the truth.
"The separatists lost. Then why aren't you in jail, and why are your droids coming?" Aayla would ask, her gaze shifted to the approaching B-2s that.. Kept their arms mounted blasters at the ready but admittedly not aiming them... This didn't detract from the fact that she was almost now dismissing what he'd said.
"General Secura. This world isn't in our galaxy. Take my blaster if you wish, and take me prisoner. But my droids won't fire on you. I've given them orders not to. ...If I intended to fight I would've brought more. I have no doubt you're aware of this. ...All I ask is that you allow me to explain everything. And defend this city from those maruaders." Tondel said, giving a nod of his head, motioning to the either dead or knocked out bandits
This... Surprised Aayla to be sure. It immensely surprised her, enough so she drew back her lightsaber and extinguished it.
"This is where Count Dooku sent you, isn't it?" Aayla asked, trying to pry more information as she'd use the force to seize Tondel's blaster pistol...
"No. ...I assure you, it isn't... I'm not here by any particular desire to be here." Tondel would admit...
"Then where are we?" Aayla would ask as she'd hold the blaster pistol in one hand and put her lightsaber on her belt.
"That, I wish I knew. ...I simply know one thing. Neither of us are in our galaxy... Actually, two things. That. And the war has been over for over 20 years." Tondel said as he got up, dusting his clothes off.
"I would argue this is a lie... But..." Aayla would stop herself as she stared at Tondel. "You have... Aged some." She'd continue...
"...I have only, physically aged a few years since the end of the war... Because Count Dooku had me taken to Lotho Minor, and put in Cryo Stasis. I was woken up six or so years ago by my droids. Who kept me there for twenty years. And it was in this time I learned of what transpired since that year. The year the war ended." Tondel said as he'd look to the droids that approached.
"My orders stand, stand down, and don't fire upon the Jedi." He'd say, firmly before turning his attention back to Aayla.
"So.. You speak of this.. Time passing, these twenty or so years. Explain. Now." She'd say, looking up to Tondel.
"Of course... What is the last thing you remember before... Finding yourself here, though, how did you come to be here? I got here six years ago with my ship." Tondel would say as he'd motion the droids to go ahead back to the city, and he'd follow.
Aayla would walk with Tondel, keeping the blaster firmly in her grip.
"I was on Felucia... I heard some creature come my way... My vision went dark, and I woke up in an ancient structure at the foot of some kind of alter. This was a few days ago.. I felt someone strong in the force here on this world, and so I came to seek them out. ...I came here expecting either a Jedi or..." She'd say before she'd stop herself and stare at Tondel...
Tondel himself, stopped and turned to her with an eyebrow raised.
"You. ...I felt you. You are the disturbance I felt." She'd say as her free hand shifted to her lightsaber.
"General Secura, I gave you all my weapons. If you know something about me that I don't, I'd like to hear it." Tondel said, crossing his arms.
Aayla... Couldn't seem to be certain about what was going through her mind at the moment. She felt darkness, immense darkness on the planet. But to her, at the moment, she could feel the force as one would with another jedi or... Something else.
She felt this from Tondel and was... Understandably unnerved, but she couldn't put her finger on it, nor let it show.
"Just... Keep talking." Aayla would say as her fingers left her lightsaber.
"Very well... ...The clone army was turned against the Jedi and the Separatist council was wiped out by a... Lord Vader. ...Who was, last I read in the reports. Second to now... Emperor Palpatine." Tondel said as he'd continue on his way..
Aayla, herself couldn't believe any of this... The clones turned against the jedi? That seemed immensely unlikely.
"I was awoken after..." Tondel stopped in his tracks and Aayla could feel a mix of immense anger and sadness emanate from Tondel. She was... Starting to think, only force sensitives could feel in such ways...
"The Republic, which became an Empire.. Destroyed Alderaan." Tondel said as he just stood there, his fists visibly balling up...
"Destroyed Alderaan..? How?" Aayla asked.
"Some... Battlestation. ...It was on the holonet which my droids recorded and presented to me after I was awoken." Tondel said as he continued on his way towards Italica.
Aayla ceased her line of questioning... But of course more questions came flooding into her mind as the two got to the gates of the city and were met by Itami.
"Mister Ramarr, glad to see you're still alive... You found what you're looking for?" Itami said, looking past Tondel who was just... Silent.
"I am.. Supposing you mean, me." Aayla said, as she'd step past Tondel, of course surprise was worn on her face, and she started to think that Tondel was lying to her.
"Blue alien woman with a french accent, that's a new one.." Itami would idly remark
"Excuse me?" Aayla would ask.
"Sorry, sorry... Look... You and Mister Ramarr are... People we aren't used to seeing. Aliens and all that." Itami would admit, nervously.
"I see... Who are you?" Aayla would ask, looking Itami up and down, more or less somewhat sizing him up.
"Second Lieutenant Youji Itami, of the JSDF." Itami would say, straightening his back up, realising just what was going on.
"JSDF...?" Aayla would say, questioningly as she'd turn to look to Tondel.
"Japanese Self Defence Force. That is what his and his people call themselves.." Tondel would say as he'd continue on his way.
Aayla would follow of course, concerned, confused, and bewildered as she saw how... Dramatically different things here appeared to be.
She of course recognised the vehicles of the JSDF as just that. Primitive vehicles, but the people in the city all had even more primitive weaponry, spears, iron and steel swords, wooden shields... But they were by no means an actual army of any sort. Even by primitive standards.
"So what is your part in this, Commander?" Aayla would ask as she'd follow Tondel.
"I met the JSDF a couple or so days ago. They are strangers in a foreign land. Just as we are, General Secura." Tondel said as he just stared forward whilst he'd walk.
"I see... It is... Unusual to see a man with your background as I've read, not having conquered this planet already." Aayla said, remarking.. This... Was indeed true. Under normal circumstances, Tondel would've conquered this planet, as he'd help done so time and time before, on behalf of the CIS. ...Times were indeed different if he hadn't done so, already.
"I want little of anything from this world. It has nothing I think I can use to get back to our galaxy." Tondel would say... Of course he withheld the information about the gates... But...
"And what of these... JSDF, are they of this world?" Aayla would ask...
"They.. Are not. But they did not come here as I did... Or as you did." Tondel admitted.
"Then how did they get here?" Aayla asked, probing for an answer.
"This world... Has magic. ...They created a gate and invaded the world the JSDF came from." Tondel admitted of course, he'd let out a sigh, before he'd turn to Aayla.
"I don't want to, or think it's wise to... Meddle in what one doesn't understand. Hence why I don't think I... Or... We. Can use it to get back to our galaxy." Tondel said as he'd continue on to the eastern gate
"So then... Why are you here?" ...I mean why are you on this planet, you said your ship is here. Why not see if you can't find any other place." Aayla asked as she followed Tondel.
"Because, this world has everything that I need to survive." Tondel said... Admittedly, yes this was a contradiction, he did just said he doesn't want to meddle in what he doesn't understand but yet he was here.
"I sense conflict in you... And you are contradicting yourself outright." Aayla said, calling him out on his assertions.
"General Secura. The war may be over, but I won't be lectured by someone who fought for a corrupt government that ultimately resulted in the necessity of the CIS formation. ...And I'll hear nothing about "losing faith in the republic". Your supreme chancellor lost faith and wiped the slate clean, turning it into an Empire." Tondel said as he continue on.
That... Took Aayla aback... If what he said was indeed true. Amongst everything else... Ultimately, she didn't want to, or didn't like to admit it... He was indeed right, so she'd go silent as she followed him.
"What are you defending this town from?" Aayla would ask, figuring it was... Best to keep away from the subject of the clone wars and it's apparent end... Amongst other things...
"Bandits. As I said... There's a bandit army that's been sieging the city. An order of knights is on their way but we don't know how long the city can last." Tondel said, the two finally reached the eastern gate, the two B-2s the followed Tondel and Aayla rejoined the ranks as he'd take Aayla to meet with Princess Pina.
Pina was... Of course, bewildered at the sight of the Twi'lek Jedi that followed Tondel.
"L-Lo- ...Commander Ramarr? What.. What is this..?" Pina asked in the local language, Tondel would sigh before he'd switch to the local language, himself.
"She is a Jedi Knight. ...And I have convinced her to help our cause." Tondel would answer.
Aayla was taken aback, hearing this... Strange language.
"What are you saying?" Aayla would ask, looking between Tondel and Pina.
"I've told her, you've decided to help defend the city. ...You're trained with a lightsaber, and you have my blaster. Unless you plan on giving me my blaster so I can help, I'm assuming you're taking command." Tondel said, having switched back to Galactic Basic.
"You are... Putting me in an unexpected position." Aayla would admit as she'd ponder what to do.
Tondel just waited there as Pina, herself was now lost, watching the two talk, and... Just... Unsure of what to even do.
"Unless you want to teach me how to use this, these are your options." He'd say as he'd motion to the tactical droid which brought forth his lightsaber.
Tondel absolutely knew how to use it. He knew form II, the same as Count Dooku... Buuuut Aayla didn't know what and she on reflex reached for her lightsaber.
"Where did you-" She'd ask, in an accusatory tone of voice.
"Count Dooku gifted me this before he sent me off to become a block of ice. If you want it, have it. But I'm sure he had some reason to give it to me." Tondel would say as he'd motion the droid to hand the lightsaber over to Aayla.
As far as things went, for Tondel, in his mind... Things were going just... According... To... Plan. She had to think he truly didn't know what she felt. She had to think he was absolutely ignorant.
"You... Really... Truly aren't aware." Aayla said as she'd let go of her lightsaber and took the sith lightsaber from the tactical droid.
"Aware of...?" Tondel would ask, an eyebrow raised, playing his part he intended just... Right.
"You, are... Somewhat strong in the force. ...Which explains much of your own tactical ability." Aayla would say with immense concern.
"I see.. I suppose you'd know." Tondel said, just giving a dismissive shrug.
"Commander Ramarr. ...I will, help you with this... Endeavour to save this town. However... I expect a full explanation and every piece of evidence to your claims. You may have your blaster back, but I will be keeping this." Aayla would say, she'd rather have Tondel have a blaster than a lightsaber. ...Especially if it was true that he didn't know what it meant to be given such a thing by a sith lord.
"Very well." Tondel held his hand out for his blaster and he'd be given it back. Of course he put it in his holster and turned back to Princess Pina.
"We're ready for whenever these bandits come." Tondel said, switching to the local language.
Aayla of course had more questions... But she felt just how tense things were in the air... The calm before the storm.
All she knew at this moment was two things. She was on a planet that was neither separatist, or republic, and she was stuck here with one of, but admittedly, not the most dangerous commander of the Separatist Alliance.
There had to be a word for this that she couldn't think of at the moment.
To be stuck on the same side as a separatist officer and his droids... Defending a primitive city from other primitives.
This was... Certainly something she'd never imagined either possible, or theoretical.