Star Wars: Heroes Lost

[Swordmaster]

This is the second part of my "Star Wars: Heroes" trilogy, the first being found here. Don't read on if you plan to read Heroes Rising.





In this one, which takes place three months after Heroes Rising, I intend to explore why Luke Allen fell to the Dark Side, how Jimmy has reacted to the death of his beloved Kala, how Tom is reacting to Darth Brutos, and I also plan to make Justin, Colin, and Sev more important.

On that note...

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Heroes Lost[/FONT]



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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Three months after the Battle of Ariu, the galaxy remains in a state of total war. The SITH ONSLAUGHT, led by Sith Lord's DARTH DRAKOS and DARTH BRUTOS, has become even ruthless in its campaign to conquer the galaxy and forge a new Sith Empire. ​

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Disheartened by the loss of Jedi Master KALA SILPHOS, the GALACTIC UNION ARMY struggles to halt the Sith's movements, but fare poorly in their valiant efforts. [/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]As the battle for galactic supremacy continues, Darth Brutos travels to the War Spire OMNISCENTRIX to oversee the development of the Sith's new special weapons project...[/FONT]​

[/FONT]

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]One[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The stars were sparkling particularly bright that day, Darth Brutos couldn't help noticing as he flew his Sith Interceptor, Darkshot, towards the Sith War Spire Omniscentrix. As he approached, the communications channel pinged, and arrogant, high-pitched voice came from Darkshot's speakers. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“This is Commander Gur Kuison. Identify yourself immediately or we will open fire on your vessel.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos fought back the urge to roll his eyes. Clearly, the crew of the Omniscentrix had never seen his Interceptor before, and there were clearly no Sith Acolytes aboard the Spire to sense his presence. He would have to change that. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Unidentified vessel, this is your last chance to identify yourself,” Commander Kuison's voice repeated over the speaker. As he prepared a response, Brutos reached out with the Force and entered the War Spire's bridge. There, he sensed the agitation of Commander Kuison, the curiosity of all the other officers on board, and the sense of loyalty hardwired into the Sith Soldiers. However, he could sense no fear, and this pleased him. Fear of the unknown was irrational, and he could not have irrational men serve under him and Darth Drakos. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As he sensed Omniscentrix prepare to open fire, he keyed the ship's comm. “This is Darth Brutos. Prepare to receive me in whatever docking bay you see fit.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos felt a subtle shift in emotion come from the commander; his anger had given way to fear. “Of...of course, Lord Brutos. Docking Bay Three is free, you can land there.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That will do,” Brutos said. “I will arrive momentarily.” With that, he keyed the comm off and let out a breath. Though he enjoyed the power bequeathed to him by Darth Drakos, he wasn't fond of performing menial tasks such as the one he was on at the moment. He would much rather be hunting down Katana Team, particularly Tom. Their duel had surprised Brutos, and he was eager to see just how far Tom would go.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos flew into Docking Bay Three, as Commander Kuison had said. When he leaped out, he found most of the crew waiting for him, saluting. Commander Kuison stood at the center, also saluting. All wore the standard gray, green, and red of the Sith Navy. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I assume these men do not have important duties they should be doing, Commander?” Brutos inquired as he strode to towards Kuison, who paled. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well, no...”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Before you complete that sentence, Commander,” Brutos interjected, “Keep in mind that I will know if you are lying to me or not.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I was just under the impression that you would want to be welcomed, Lord Brutos,” Kuison stammered. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I am not an egomaniac, Commander,” Brutos said in an icy tone. “Back to your stations,” he said to the crew. Then he turned back to Kuison. “Walk with me, Commander.”[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Kuison did as he was told. “Forgive me, Lord Brutos, but why have you come? I was unaware that there was an inspection planned, otherwise...”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“This is not an inspection,” Brutos said. “Lord Drakos sent me to inquire about the status of the special weapons project.” Brutos stopped in mid-step, then considered his words. “So I suppose this[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] is[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] an inspection, after all.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We are ahead of schedule, Lord,” Kuison said, his tone excited. “Would you like to see the laboratory?”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It wouldn't be much of an inspection if I didn't, now would it, Commander?” Brutos asked rhetorically. Kuison let out a forced laugh and led Brutos to an elevator, in which the ride was spent in silence. Finally, the ride ceased, and before Kuison could say anything, Brutos walked ahead, his black cape flowing behind him. He approached a railing and looked down, where he saw hundreds of ten-foot tall cylinders that reminded him of bacta tanks. In each of these tanks was a man, suspended in a green-yellow fluid. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Describe the process to me, Commander,” Brutos said, enhancing his words subtly with the Force so Kuison would leave nothing out. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“As you know, Lord Brutos, these soldiers have already been physically enhanced courtesy of the Indoctrination process. The tanks they are in are effectively doubling their strength, speed, stamina, and dexterity. Also, their intelligence is being increased. ” Kuison sounded positively giddy. “It is doubtful that the Galactic Union Army will be able to defeat them.” [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What of their connection to the Sith A.I.?” Brutos asked. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“There is a new A.I. in the works, one that will allow these Super Soldiers to coordinate among themselves, and not be concerned with the regular troops.” [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Excellent,” Brutos said. “Our master will be pleased. You've done well, Commander, very well.”[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Thank you, my Lord,” Kuison said, bowing. “Would you care to go to the bridge and examine my crew at work.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos really had no desire to do so, but this came with his duties, and he always honored his duty. “Very well.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The two took another long elevator ride to the bridge, and on the way Brutos sensed the fear throughout the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Omniscentrix.[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] It amused him, slightly. In reality, so long as the crew did their work, remained loyal, and generally didn't anger him, they had nothing to fear. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The elevator door opened, and this time Brutos let Kuison exit first. As Brutos followed, the crew looked at him in awe, which overshadowed their fear. Good. For the next few minutes, he proceeded to observe the crew, and found them to be competent. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You run a good ship, Commander,” he told Kuison. “I will make sure to tell Lord Drakos of this, as well as your fine work on the Super Soldiers.” He only had the intention of telling Darth Drakos the second part, but he lied about the first part to appease Kuison. Happy officers made for good officers, he found. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Thank you, Lord Brutos,” Kuison said. “Shall I escort you back to your Interceptor?”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“If you wish,” Brutos said, walking quickly. Kuison had to run to keep up with him. The commander summoned the elevator, but before it arrived Brutos sensed feelings of anger on the bridge. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Excuse me, Commander,” he said before going to sate his curiosity. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]When he arrived on the bridge, he saw two lieutenants having a conversation. One of them, a short woman with red hair, was pink in the face. “What gives Darth Brutos the right to come in here like he owns the place, demanding inspections and all that?”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Darth Drakos,” the other lieutenant, a bald man, said harshly. “And you're bordering on treason, Infon. You should just stay quiet and do your duty, like the rest of us.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The woman, Infon, rolled her eyes. “The rest of the crew doesn't matter. They're all busy looking at him like he's some kind of God, while I see him for what he really is: a little kid with some neat tricks.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Is that all I am?” Brutos asked Infon from behind her. She turned, and before she could try to get out of this Brutos summoned the Force and lifted her into the air, squeezing her throat. She held onto her throat and gasped for air for minutes and then, to Brutos' satisfaction, she finally went limp and died. He dropped her body to the ground and turned to face Commander Kuison, who stared at him, white with fear. “You might want to remove that,” Brutos said, and then walked past Kuison without looking back.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darth Brutos sat in his Interceptor, thinking. He didn't have to pilot, as the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darkshot [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]was well into hyperspace. Instead, he was thinking on his actions aboard the[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] Omniscentrix.[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] For some reason, Lieutenant Infon's remarks had gotten to him. Even if they hadn't, of course, he would have punished her, perhaps with a dose of Force Lightning. But the fact that he killed her troubled him. Not the actual act, of course. No, he had killed enough so that he no longer felt remorse when it came to killing, but only when he had to. He was no sadist. Brutos brought up a mental image of her and stared at it, trying to discover why he killed her. Then it hit him.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]She had red hair. Like Tom. That was it. Brutos attacked her not because of what she'd said, but because she'd reminded him of Tom. Mentally, he chided himself. He couldn't get emotional, that was not the Way of the Sith. He sighed and examined his reflection in the cockpit. His black hair was still cropped short, his goatee was well-managed, and his eyes still burned the color of sulfur. He certainly looked like a Sith. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Past his reflection, Brutos noticed the stars still twinkling, and was inexorably drawn to the past, to a long forgotten memory. Or so he thought.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He was Luke Allen again. He was back on Earth, in a park, running around on the jungle gym. He looked no older than five. Chasing him was young Tom, whose hair was redder back then. They ran around, laughing. Finally, Tom caught up with Luke and grabbed him. “You're it!” he squealed happily before running off in the opposite direction. Laughing, Luke followed him.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos rubbed his head, and the memory faded, for which he was glad. Being reminded of his previous life disgusted him, as he was better now then he ever was as a normal person. He knew this, and Darth Brutos repeated this to himself continuously even after he dropped from hyperspace. [/FONT][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Two[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Across the reaches of space, on the Galactic Union flagship The Warhammer, Tom Waters awoke with a gasp. Sitting up on his bed, he ran his hand through his red hair and reflected on the dream. He was five years old again, and he was back on Earth. The sky was cloudless, and the sun was shining. He'd seen his younger self chasing a younger Luke Allen, laughing as they played tag. Throughout the dream, he'd felt a darker presence, but he'd paid it no mind. For the first time in three months, Tom thought about his old friend and didn't feel sadness. He felt nostalgia. More importantly, he felt happiness. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]His astromech droid, R6-D4, moaned quietly. “I'm fine, R6. Thanks.” Tom opened his drawer with the Force and summoned his lightsaber to his hand and turned it on, just to make sure it worked. After the Battle of Ariu, he felt you couldn't be too cautious anymore. Satisfied, he shut it down and put it away. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]R6 beeped an inquiry. “No, I don't think I'll be going back to sleep. My minds too busy, if you know what I mean.” R6 whistled a response. “Yes, I know you're a droid and think much faster than normal humans, but...” Tom stopped when he sensed something was wrong. Focusing on the source of this disturbance, Tom traced it back to Jimmy's bunk. His friend was having another nightmare. Tom sighed and lay back down. Though he probably wouldn't fall asleep again, he could think of nothing else to do. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Meanwhile, Jimmy Cricchio lay in bed, asleep but shaking. In his dream, he saw nothing, but heard Kala Silphos' voice calling out, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“JIMMY! JIMMY!” [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He tried looking around, but couldn't reach her. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“KALA!” he cried out as he sat up. After realizing he'd just had a dream, he fell back on his bed. But he knew it wasn't a dream. Kala, a Twi'lek Jedi with whom he'd fallen in love with, was really dead. And he couldn't do a thing to stop it. He looked in the mirror. His brown hair was wet with sweat, which also glistened on his toned physique. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Grunting in frustration, he got up, threw a shirt on, and walked to the gym. There, he started practicing martial arts, focused entirely on the next move, nothing more. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]After a half-hour alone, a voice from the doorway asked, “Want some company?” Jimmy turned to see Tom standing there, smiling awkwardly. He hadn't even sensed him approach, that's how much he was into the workout. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Not really,” Jimmy said, resuming his punching and kicking. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Like that'll stop me,” Tom said, walking in. “I can sense that your troubled, could feel it even in my bunk. Talk to me, Jim.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy stopped and turned to Tom. “Listen, Tom...I just want to be alone. Can you understand that?”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Not really,” Tom said. Jimmy was about to explode at him, but then Tom added, “But I can respect it. See you in the morning, Jimmy.” Tom walked out of the room, and Jimmy mentally followed him into his bunk, ensuring that he was there to stay. He was. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy tried to resume his workout, but found he couldn't focus. Instead, he entered a Jedi meditation trance. As he focused on the eddies and currents of the Force, he heard a voice whisper, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Jimmy...” [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]His eyes snapped open. “Kala?” [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]There was no response back.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * *[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]In his bunk, Colin Schloth was disassembling and reassembling his sniper rifle. This was an exercise he did when he needed to think. And right now, he really needed to think. Though he was fortunate enough not to have enough Force-sensitivity that he could read emotions, he could tell when his friends were upset or troubled. At the moment, both Tom and Jimmy were really troubled, though he couldn't place the reason why. Blowing a loose strand of blonde hair out of place, he continued his work.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]A knock came from his door. “Come on in, Justin,” he called. Justin Rosenbaum, tall, thin yet muscular, walked in and jumped onto Colin's bunk.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“How'd you know it was me?” he demanded,[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I heard your footsteps. You tend to make a loud sound with your left foot when you walk,” Colin explained. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You know, I've always wondered what that sound was,” Justin said. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What's up?” Colin asked, still working on his sniper. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Nothing much,” Justin said in a tone indicating something was up. “I really, really, hate having a bunk next to the gym, though.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“And why is that?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Tom and Jimmy were in there, talking loudly about Jimmy and his feelings,” Justin said, barely keeping the contempt from his voice. “You know, I don't get why Jimmy's so choked up about Kala's death. He'd only been with her for a little while, a month at most. Yet he's acting like he'd known her forever.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Clearly you've never been in love,” Colin muttered. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You'd be correct there, buddy,” Justin replied. “Still, this is affecting his performance. Remember the Tatooine [FONT=Times New Roman, serif]mission? He nearly froze when he saw another green-skinned Twi'lek.” Justin chuckled. “And then it turned out to be a guy!” Justin looked at Colin to laugh with him, but Colin just stared at him coldly.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Let him mourn, Justin,” Colin said. “And drop it.”[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin held his hands up. “Fine, fine.” He thought for a minute, then said, “Now what about Tom? While he hasn't been nearly as bad as Jimmy, he's become almost obsessed with finding Luke. Every mission we go on, he has to fly over the whole planet in an attempt to sense him.” [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Maybe he's upset because he's lost his best friend?” Colin suggested. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What a wimp,” Justin snorted. “As far as I'm concerned, Luke Allen's dead...so whenever we next see Darth Brutos, he's just another kill.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Tom thinks he can be brought back to the light,” Colin said quietly. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Say what now?” Justin asked.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“A few days after Kala's funeral, me and him had a long talk about everything that had happened. Jimmy was still at the beginnings of his depression, so we talked a little about that. But mainly, we talked about how Luke became Darth Brutos. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Now, I'm not a Jedi, and I never claimed to know anything about the Force. But Tom is one, a damn good one, and he told me everything he felt from Luke during their duel. He said he felt three things: determination, cold anger, and hatred. For some reason, [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke now hates Tom most of all. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Tom told me that, when missions died down, he was going to ask Sev if he could go travelling, and see if he could find out why Luke fell. So that way, he would know how to redeem him, and bring his old friend back.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin was speechless. Colin sighed. “Unfortunately, the missions have been piling up. We barely get a day of rest as it is, now. This past week has been the calmest it's been in a long while.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yeah,” Justin said, still processing what Colin had told him about Tom and Luke. “It's been kinda boring, really. I want to get back to action.”[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You would,” Colin said, and resumed work on his rifle.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]On the bridge of[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] The Warhammer,[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] General Sev Meston examined a data chip that was being held in his palm. He looked to the Intelligence agent who'd given it to him. “Good job, Ganner. Go get rested up. You've earned it.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Ganner, a short man with long white-blonde hair, nodded. “Sir,” he said briskly, then walked away. When the man was gone, Sev sat in his command chair and plugged the chip into a receptacle. The data it possessed came forth in a holographic projection, and as Sev studied it, his eyes widened. “By the Force,” he whispered.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sir?” a young, wide-eyed sergeant asked him. Sev was startled; he hadn't even seen the young man. “Is everything all right, sir?”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]
“[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]No, sergeant,” Sev said. “I don't think so.” He pressed a button on his chair. “This is General Meston to Katana Team and all soldiers: report to the meeting room in three hours. I believe we have a situation.” To himself, he muttered, “Kala, I really wish you were here right now...”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Three[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Katana Team walked into the meeting room together. Tom and Jimmy were dressed in their Jedi robes, while Colin and Justin wore their uniforms. They were among the last to walk in, and their late arrival drew ire from some of the older soldiers. In particular, Hav Ondrolo, a soldier in his late twenties with long brown hair and arrogant gray eyes took issue with the four. “Oh, look who finally decided to show up.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The meeting hasn't even started yet,” Colin said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well, yeah, but everyone got here extra early. Except for you.” Hav looked at them, no hint of kindness in his eyes. “You know, I hate how you four have become Meston's favorites over the past few months.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Take issue with the general, not us,” Tom said, fighting his frustration and taking careful note of his surroundings. Justin looked like he was really in the mood for a fight, his hand hovering over the pistol strapped to his leg; Colin, he could sense, didn't want to fight, but would if provoked; and Jimmy, well, he didn't seem to be thinking much of anything. Tom had regularly checked in on him last night, and his mind had been more troubled than usual. It worried him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Hav chuckled. “Hiding behind the general, are you?” He snorted. “You know, sometimes I wonder if the Sith don't have the right idea. At least their honest about their feelings.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Careful, schutta,” Justin said. “That's treason talk, that is.” He gripped his blaster by the handle. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Who's gonna know?” Hav asked, his voice calm.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We'll know,” Colin said. “So will everyone in the room.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“These guys know that we need every man we can get,” Hav said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“And as for you? Well, I'm not too worried about you.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What about me?” Sev said as he walked in. Hav turned, and Tom sensed that he was suddenly very afraid. He smiled, content. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Hav saluted, his arm wobbling only slightly. “Sir, I...”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Save it, Ondrolo, I heard the whole thing!” Sev snapped. “You're relieved of duty. Next time we're on Shavaar, you're off[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] Warhammer.[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]”[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sir!” Hav began to protest, but Jimmy waved his hand, and he fell silent. Everyone looked at Jimmy, confused. This was the first action he'd taken since he'd walked in, and he hadn't given any sign that he knew that the conversation was taking place.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“He was intruding on my thoughts,” Jimmy said, as if that explained everything. To Katana Team and Sev, it did. To the rest of the soldiers on board, it didn't, but they accepted it, lest they feel the [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]wrath of Jimmy Cricchio.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Thank you, Jimmy,” Sev coughed. He locked eyes with Hav. “To your quarters.” Hav stared at him, anger radiating off of him as if from a furnace, and then he walked away in a huff, walking past Katana Team with a glare that plainly read, “I WANT YOU DEAD.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“So nice to be loved,” Justin remarked. Colin snickered, and Katana Team took seats by the holoprojector in the center of the room. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“So,” Sev started. “As you have probably guessed, there is a serious problem, otherwise I wouldn't have called you in here so early. Thanks to Intelligence Agent Ganner, we have received data on a new Sith Special Weapons project, one that could turn the tide of the war in their favor.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I thought we were already losing the war,” Justin said brazenly.
[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev was visibly irritated. “Well, this would make our defeat [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]inevitable.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What is it?” Tom asked. “A new Centerpoint Station? Another Death Star?” His eyes widened. “They haven't brought back the Sun Crushers, have they?” [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Thankfully, no,” Sev said, and Tom could sense his surprise at Tom knowing all of these weapons of mass chaos. “This is not a technology based weapon or, really, a weapon at all.” He took out a data chip and plugged it into the holoprojector. Instantly, data readouts appeared, showing plans for the growth of super soldiers. [/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Aren't their soldiers already enhanced?” Colin asked. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Through their armor, yes,” Sev replied. “But these are being grown in test tubes, for lack of a better term, to be faster and stronger than the normal soldier. If these are allowed to fully mature, the Galactic Union is doomed.”
[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'm guessing there's a mission coming up, isn't there?” Justin asked. He sounded eager. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Not just a mission: a full blown campaign,” Sev said. “The data chip says that these Super Soldiers are being developed on a Sith War Spire called the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Omniscentrix.[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] We need to destroy that space station. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The campaign will consist of two separate but equally important parts: the first part is an external assault. The [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Warhammer [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]and squadrons of starfighters will bombard the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Omniscentrix [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]from the outside. I have a feeling this won't destroy the station, but it will provide a distraction so that the mission's second part, the part which the entire mission consists of.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Katana team, under the cover of fire from the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Warhammer, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]you will fly into one of the docking bays. From there, you have three objectives: one, the core of the ship must be rigged with explosives. Two, in case the explosives placed in the core don't go off, you must place mines in the lab where the Super Soldiers are being developed. And thirdly, you must download the data on the Super Soldier program so that the Union can study it.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sir,” Colin inquired. “Isn't it likely that the Sith have their data backed up on other War Spires?”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Very,” Sev agreed. “But at least this way, we can counter it with super soldiers of our own.” Sev let out a breath. “The [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Omniscentrix [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]is orbiting over the Commenor system. We enter hyperspace in thirty minutes, and it will take a few hours to get there. Be ready in four. Dismissed.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As the other soldiers left, Katana Team held back. “Is Hav going to be tried for treason?” Colin asked Sev.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No,” Sev said with a noticeable amount of regret. “Technically, he didn't commit a crime. The only reason I can remove him from the army is because I feel he would be a liability in battle.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Maybe he'll join the Sith,” Justin said. “At least then I could kill him under justification that he was the enemy.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom laughed, then looked over at Jimmy. Aside from silencing Hav, he'd done nothing the entire meeting. “Hey Jimmy,” he said. “You heard the mission right?” He nodded. “And you understand it?”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy glared at Tom. “I'm not deaf, you know. Board the[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] Omniscentrix,[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] download data, and blow the station up. Not really all that complicated.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I don't know,” Colin said. “I have a feeling that this is more complicated then it seems.”
[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What are you suggesting, Colin?” Sev asked. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Nothing, sir,” Colin said. “All I'm saying is, I have a bad feeling about this.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin clapped him on the shoulder. “Don't worry about it. We've never failed a mission before. And I don't know about you, but I'm not starting now.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * *[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As Katana Team spoke with Sev, and the rest of the army was preparing in their own unique way, Ganner opened up a private channel on the HoloNet and sent a transmission out. Within seconds, the face of Darth Brutos appeared. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It is done,” Darth Brutos said. It was not a question.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yes, my lord,” Ganner said. “General Meston acted exactly as you said he would. And, as you predicted, he is sending Katana Team to blow up the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Omniscentrix.[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Very good,” Brutos said.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Lord,” Ganner said. “I must ask: why are you deliberately sabotaging the Sith War effort? I was under the impression that these new soldiers would be a great asset.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You are incorrect in the assumption that I am sabotaging the war effort, Ganner,” Brutos said. “I have no intention of letting Katana Team succeed in their efforts. It's just a ruse to get them nearby so I don't have to go hunting for them.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Ah,” Ganner said. “You're genius is unmatched, Lord Brutos.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Spare me the flattery, Ganner,” Brutos said, rolling his eyes. “You are being compensated for your efforts, do not insult me by trying to get paid more through unsubtle flattery. It won't help you at all.” With that, he cut the connection.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Ganner fell back on his bed, his heart beating. Dealing with the Dark Lord of the Sith always put him on edge, and this was no exception. Still, in the end, it was worth it. He lay on his bed, and slept well. [/FONT][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Four[/FONT]​

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Warhammer [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]dropped from hyperspace, a shuttle left the gigantic warship and flew towards the green and black tower hovering over Commenor. Tom turned to the team. “All right, we're here. Let's go over the plan one more time: Justin and I will set the ship's reactor to blow.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin chimed in. “Meanwhile, Jimmy will cover me as I download data from the laboratory terminal before setting it to blow.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sounds pretty simple,” Justin said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“So did Ariu,” Jimmy said bitterly. Katana Team flew in silence for a moment, and, always hating silence, Justin commed Sev. Pressed a button and commed Sev.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You'll be covering us, right General?” he asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Of course,” Sev's voice said from Justin's arm. “Just make sure your mission goes smoothly. No more dead heroes. That's an order.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Understood,” Justin said, and then shut off the comm. He looked at his friends; Colin, much like Justin, was wearing the segmented battle armor of the Galactic Union army, colored navy blue and gray. Slung across his back was his sniper rifle, customized to his liking. On his shin, he wore a pistol; the same model of which Justin owned two. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom was doing some weird sort of Jedi breathing exercise, and Jimmy was lot in his own world yet again. Both wore the standardized Jedi robes: brown cloaks over white tunics. Their lightsabers were clinged to their belts, and Justin really wished he could use one someday. Alas, he doubt he would, but he was happy with the rifle he had. Saved his hide many times, it did. [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The shuttle they rode in was a stolen Sith model, complete with identification codes. Right now, Tom's droid R6-D4 was piloting the ship, and it was a pretty smooth ride. When the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Omniscentrix [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]asked for the codes, R6 sent them over, and they were permitted to land in docking bay number six. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As they approached, Tom spoke to Jimmy. “Do you feel it, Jimmy? The Dark Side is strong here.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Are you really that surprised?” Colin asked. “I mean, this [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]is [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]a Sith ship.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy shook his head, his expression dark. “No, Tom's right. I can sense at least fifty Sith Acolytes on board.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom shook his head, and Justin knew why. Though both were talented Jedi, Jimmy had a more potent command of the Force. Tom, however, made this up by being an excellent swordsman. Even Justin, who insulted his friends at every oppurtunity, could admit this. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The ship bumped slightly as they landed. As they prepared to get off, Tom went over to R6. “Stay here,” he told him. “And comm us if you hear of any trouble.” R6 beeped an affirmative, and Tom patted his dome. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“How many people are out there, Jimmy?” Colin asked. Jimmy's [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]face became one of concentration. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“About six,” he replied. “No soldiers.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Good,” Justin said. “Should be easy to avoid.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Katana Team walked out slowly, quietly, and approached a nearby terminal attached to a wall. Colin approached it. “We'll need a map,” he stated. The others couldn't argue. They watched as Colin's fingers became nothing more than blurs, and within minutes each member of the team had a map uploaded to their armbands. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Examining his map, Jimmy said, “It would appear that the lab is south of here. We'll need an elevator to get there. Come, Colin.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]With that said, Jimmy began walking south. Giving Justin and Tom a look of mixed frustration and sadness, Colin followed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What's Jimmy feeling?” Justin asked Tom. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“He's determined,” Tom replied. “I think he's focusing on the mission so he won't think of Kala. Smart move, I think.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yeah,” Justin agreed, checking his map. “The core's North of here. We should [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]move. I don't want to be on a Sith ship too long, even if it does mean killing.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom nodded, ignoring the quip about killing. The two went towards a nearby corridor, where they met a patrol of six Sith soldiers and two Sith Acolytes. The soldiers immediately and simultaneously aimed their rifles at the two, while the Acolytes ignited their lightsabers. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Can you handle the soldiers?” Tom asked, unclipping his lightsaber and activating it. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Wouldn't be much of a soldier if I couldn't!” Justin yelled, taking out both blaster pistols and firing. Grinning, Tom leaped into battle as well.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin's first shots hit a soldier square in the head, killing him. One of the soldiers tried to sneak an attack on him, but Justin ducked and stabbed him in the chest with his vibroblade, hitting the spot in between the armor panels. Another Sith tried to take advantage of this, but Justin shot him in the head. With three remaining, Justin rolled backwards to give some space between the Sith and him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Wanting to end this, he put his pistols back into their holsters and whipped out his rifle. Setting it to automatic fire mode, all he did was hold down the trigger, and in a flash of red, the three Sith Soldiers were nothing more than smoking corpses. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom, meanwhile, was engaged in a furious two-on-one duel. Justin couldn't see what was going on, they were moving so fast. All he could make out was random streaks of red and blue. Justin tried looking through the scope to get a clear shot to help his friend, but he couldn't see anything. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As it turned out, Tom didn't need his help. Just as Justin thought he had a clear shot, the duel had ended, and Tom stood over the now dead Acolytes, holding both his lightsaber and a red one that Justin could only assume belonged to one of the other duelists. When Justin took a further look at the Acolyte corpses, he saw one was missing an arm and the other a head. Impressed, Justin stared at the [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jedi. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Nice job,” he said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Kicking one of the bodies out of the way, Tom threw the Sith lightsaber to the ground. “Thanks,” he said, flexing his hand and looking at the dead soldiers. “You didn't do so badly yourself.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Thanks,” Justin said. “They're tenacious, I'll give them that.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Same with the Acolytes,” Tom said. “One's a good fight, but two?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sorry I couldn't help,” Justin said. “Didn't want to shoot you.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Don't you mean, “Didn't want to shoot you when it meant you could have died?” Tom asked, smirking. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That,” Justin replied. “Now let's move, Colin and Jimmy are probably half-way done by now.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As it turned out, Justin was right. When Jimmy and Colin had arrived at the lab, they had been stopped only for a brief moment by the horrors of the soldiers being modified in tanks. Jimmy could feel the physical pain that they were going through, and it made him feel sick to his stomach. “Let's get this over with,” he said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin ran to the giant computer terminal at the far end of the room, and began downloading all data to a chip given to him by Sev. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“How long will this take?” Jimmy asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Fifteen minutes,” Colin said. Upon seeing the frustrated look on Jimmy's face, he exclaimed, “It's a lot of data!” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Fine,” Jimmy growled. “I've got work to do, anyway.” He ignited his lightsaber, a blade of brilliant green, and tossed it around the lab, guiding it with the Force so that it only hit his targets, those being the tanks with the poor souls indoctrinated into the Sith war machine. He waved his hands around, and his lightsaber followed, shattering the tanks. Jimmy felt their life force draining away, but could do nothing for them. He hated not being to help people. It reminded him of how he'd failed to help Kala. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Stand tall. You're saving them, not killing them. You're providing a great act of mercy. Stand tall.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Once more, Kala's voice echoed in his head, but he figured it was just a rationalization his brain had created. He hated his brain. Then again, without it, he wouldn't have been able to sense the squad of soldiers coming for him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We're about to have company,” he told his teammate. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Cover me,” Colin said. “I'm downloading info on Sith worlds. The fact that it's so easily decrypted disturbs me.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I live to serve,” Jimmy said. Lightsaber in hand, he ran towards the squad of Sith, which consisted of twenty-two soldiers. Though Colin was busy downloading the data, he did see, out of the corner of his eye, completely destroying the soldiers. Not only did he slice and stab them with his lightsaber, but he threw them into walls, threw them into each other, and threw his lightsaber at them. Despite his efforts, though, one Sith managed to get past him and ran for Colin, just as the download was complete. Grinning, he unleashed his sidearm and shot the trooper dead in the face without even looking. The soldier fell to the ground with a thud. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin looked at Jimmy, who was almost done defeating the squad. However, a soldier who'd lost his legs used his arms to crawl towards a vibroblade. Colin, not wanting to distract Jimmy, took out his sniper rifle and shot the soldier square in between the eyes. Jimmy looked at the now-dead legless soldier curiously, then, with a final stroke, ended the life of the last trooper. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We good here?” Jimmy asked Colin as he ran up to him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We're good,” Colin said, pocketing the data chip. “Let's go.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As they ran out, Jimmy felt a darker presence approaching the Omniscentrix, fast. His eyes widened, and using the Force he stopped Colin. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What is it?” Colin asked, indignant at having the Force used on him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Someone's approaching the ship, someone very dark, and very powerful,” Jimmy said. He keyed his comm. “Tom, it's Jimmy. I think we have a problem...”[/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Five[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Aboard the Warhammer, Sev stood on the bridge, barking out commands. “Focus all fire towards the top of the Spire! Get those fighters scrambled!”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As he saw his starfighters enter the fray, he noticed a foreign 'fighter appear. It resembled Tom and Jimmy's starfighters, save for the fact that it was entirely black. Instead of attacking either side, however, this mystery fighter flew straight towards the Omniscentrix. With a start, Sev realized who it was and almost ran towards his comm terminal. He keyed in the code for Katana Team and said, “Katana, it's Sev. Darth Brutos is en route to the Omniscentrix. Repeat, Darth Brutos is closing in on your position. Hurry up. Meston out.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Some would think Sev had done his part by alerting Katana Team to the presence of the Sith Lord, but not him. “Concentrate all fire on that black starfighter!” [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sir, what about the Was Spire?” an ensign asked.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The starfighter is the more immediate threat, now do as ordered!” he bellowed. To himself, he whispered, “Come on, kids, hurry up.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Katana Team met at docking bay six, and each separate group reported their success. That was when Sev's message got through to them. When he heard that Darth Brutos was coming for them, Tom's fist clenched. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We should hurry,” Colin said. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You guys go,” Tom said. “I'll stay here.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What are you, dense?” Justin said, bewildered. “You're on a Sith ship that's filled with, here's a shock, SITH SOLDIERS! Add that to the fact that the ship's about to blow, and you're as good as dead.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I need to get to Luke,” Tom said evenly. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I agree with Tom,” Jimmy said suddenly. “He needs to pay for what he's done.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom looked at Jimmy. “You know I'm not going after him for revenge, Jimmy. I'm going after him to save him.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy glared at Tom, but Colin cut him off. “I understand what you're feeling, Tom, but now's not the time. Remember what Sev said? No more dead heroes? Well, Justin's right. Stay here, and you'll be dead.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom sighed, giving in. He could sense a legion of Sith Soldiers coming close to them as they spoke. “Ever the voice of reason. Fine, you guys win. Let's go.” He commed R6. “Get the shuttle ready, buddy. We're on our way.” R6 whistled an affirmative, and so Katana Team left. Tom sensed a noticeable amount of reluctance [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]in Jimmy, but his fellow Jedi followed anyway. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Once aboard the shuttle, Tom said to R6, “Punch it.” [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]And then they were gone of the Sith Spire, and, Tom felt, his last chance of reaching out to his old friend.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darth Brutos snarled. Inside the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darkshot[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif], he was getting irritated at the constant blaster fire directed at him. He could and did dodge it easily, but doing so prevented him from entering the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Omniscentrix, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]where Tom was. The whole purpose of his feeding the information about the Super Soldiers to the Galactic Union was so that he and Tom could have a rematch. If it was all for naught, his anger would [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]be boundless.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]And his Master's wrath would be fierce.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Growling, he called upon the dark side and started to fire upon every ship that got in his way, be it Union or Sith. The Force warned him of a missile trailing him, launched from the Union's giant warship, so he rolled out of the way and saw the missile collide with a Union starfighter. He grinned ruthlessly as he felt the life aboard that ship fade away.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The attacks on him ceased. Clearly they'd gotten the message: Do not challenge Darth Brutos.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Now that he could concentrate, he searched through the Force for Tom's location aboard the ship, and found it close to docking bay six. He piloted [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darkshot [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]there, only for a shuttle to shoot out of it before he could get to close. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]For the first time in a long time, Darth Brutos was aimless. His efforts to get to Tom had been in vain, and because of his actions the Galactic Union likely not only knew how to replicate the Super Soldier process, but also other valuable information. In a rare fit of uncontrolled anger, Brutos yelled and pounded his fist on his dashboard. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]After regaining control of himself, he prepared to dock aboard the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Omniscentrix, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]so that he could properly reprimand Commander Kuison and his crew for letting Katana Team retrieve whatever data they'd gotten and, worst of all, escape alive with it. However, just as he was about to enter, the Force warned him of a great danger in there. Though he was powerful and skillful in ways to survive, he doubted he'd be able to escape the danger posed aboard the ship. It was for this reason he decided to go after the Union's flagship. Perhaps if he was able to board it, this day would not be a total failure after all. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]It seemed as if the Force was out to get him. Just as he got within range of the vessel, it entered lightspeed and vanished. He didn't even think to try and get a lock on their hyperspace coordinates. A nova of rage exploded within him as he realized one simple, unavoidable truth: [/FONT]He had been defeated. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]For the Sith Lord, this was almost impossible to admit. There was no way this could get any worse, he felt. Right as he took some small solace in that, he felt fear and desperation come from the Omniscentrix, just as the War Spire exploded, and the lives aboard it became nothing but a memory.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos trembled with rage. Once more, Tom had bested him. As he was about to curse his master's name, and curse the Force, he realized that to do so would be fruitless. Pointless expressions of anger would do nothing for him. But if he conserved his anger, held it close to himself, and released it on Tom when they next met, that would be a beautiful thing to behold.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Calming himself, Brutos plugged in the coordinates for Korriban. The stars became streaks of light, and soon the Sith Lord was gone. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]In the vast nothingness of hyperspace, the Warhammer drifted. Aboard the ship, Katana Team reported back to Sev.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Mission accomplished,” Justin said with satisfaction, motioning for Colin to give Sev the chip. Sev accepted it with the eagerness of a small child. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“This will prove most helpful,” Sev said. “Come, let's take a look at it.” The general led them to the meeting room, where Katana Team took their seats. When they were all situated, Sev plugged the chip in. Instantly, the data appeared in a hologram. It showed the incredibly painful process that would have turned the Sith Soldiers into the 'Super Soldiers', as well as a step-by-step listing of the treatments. Aside from that, it showed that the Omniscentrix was not the only facility developing these Super Soldiers: it was one out of five, with the War Spires Arbiter, Exactor, Sentry, and Thundershock being the others. Coordinates for these War Spires were also given.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Good work, Colin,” Sev said. “With this, I think we can put a severe dent in the Sith's war effort. And good work to you three, too, of course.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom and Justin accepted the praise, but Jimmy just sat there, deep in thought. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What's bugging you now, Jimmy?” Colin asked. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“There were no alarms,” he muttered. “No warning from the Force, and yet somehow Sith squadrons knew [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]exactly [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]where to find us. Do you find that weird at all?”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You're saying that someone on board betrayed us?” Sev asked. Jimmy nodded. “But who? Hav Ondrolo?”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy shook his head. “He's still unable to speak. No, it's someone...” He closed his eyes, and Tom felt him asking the Force for guidance. “It's a Non-human...a Bothan...”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev's eyes narrowed. “Ganner,” he hissed. “The one who gave us the information about this in the first place.” He sprinted towards Ganner's room, with Katana Team trailing behind him. When they got to Ganner's room, they saw the Bothan typing away furiously on his terminal. When he heard the door open, he stiffened and turned. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Ah, General Meston. And Katana Team. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Ganner said smoothly. Jimmy had to give him credit: his voice betrayed none of the fear that he felt. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You set us up,” Sev growled. “You told the Sith that we were going to try and destroy their Super Soldier program. Why?”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I assure you, these accusations are ridiculous, sir,” Ganner said, his speech faltering slightly. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy felt that Sev was about to run to Ganner and push him against the wall. He beat him to it and Force Pushed him against the wall, pinning him there with the Force as well. He approached him calmly.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Jimmy!” Tom gasped. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Let me do this, Tom,” Jimmy said through gritted teeth. He walked so close to Ganner that he could see his eyes. “Tell us everything,” he said, oddly soothingly, his voice enhanced with a hint of the Force. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“But I[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] know[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] nothing,” Ganner said, his voice pleading. “Please...let [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]me go...”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“If you stop lying, I will,” Jimmy said, the Force echoing in his words.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Ganner's voice became calm now. “Darth Brutos came to me with [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]information regarding the Sith Super Soldier program. I was paid three hundred thousand credits to do this job. When I asked the Dark Lord why he was doing this, he gave me no answer. He did say, however, that he knew that Katana Team would be sent. That's all I can tell you.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy sensed he was telling the truth, so he levitated him carefully to the bed. “Thank you,” he said before turning to the others. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“He was trying to lure us into a trap,” Justin said. “Bastard!”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom had figured that out, but was more concerned with Jimmy. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Though his intentions were good, his methods were...unorthodox for a Jedi. It disturbed him. He knew, though, that talking to Jimmy about it would be pointless. This saddened him.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Everyone looked to Sev, who looked grim. “So what's next, [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]General?” Colin asked him tensely. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We go to Coruscant,” Sev said. “We need to inform President Haled about the information we gathered from the chip. That way, he can authorize a full-scale assault, and maybe, just maybe, we can end this war sooner than we thought.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Six[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]In an underground chamber of the Sith Castle on Korriban, Darth Brutos stood before three Sith Acolytes, shirtless and armed only with his lightsaber. The Acolytes didn't so much as wince upon seeing the scars that were traced across his entire torso. He held his lightsaber, a newly constructed single-bladed variant, firmly in his hands. The Acolytes (a human female, a Duro male, and a Muun whose gender Brutos wasn't sure) gripped each of their lightsabers similarly. Brutos had selected them because they were among the best that the Sith Academy had to offer, and he needed to practice so that his considerably skills did not dull. Brutos had instructed them to try and kill him, and warned that he would respond in kind. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]They agreed to his terms, and Brutos respected this, so much that he would see to it that their deaths would be quick, clean, and honorable.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Sith Lord switched his lightsaber on, and the Acolytes saw this as their cue to begin. The Duro took the initiative and leaped over to Brutos, followed by the Muun. The Muun sliced at Brutos' legs, while the Duro made an attempt to sever Brutos' head. Neither option appealed to him, so Brutos caught the Muun's hand while he kicked the Duro's face, sending the alien onto his back. With that threat taken care of, Brutos turned to the Muun, who tried to use the Force to shove Brutos off of him, but he was weak in comparison to the Dark Lord, who absorbed the blow and used the added strength given to him to snap the Muun's wrist. Without a word, Brutos brought his blade around in an arc, and slashed the Muun across the chest, ending his life. One down, two to go. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Duro called his deceased peer's lightsaber to his hand, and ran towards Brutos, slashing wildly. Brutos was easily able to dodge these wild, erratic motions and blocked the parallel vertical slashes coming towards him with a horizontal defense. Having had experience wielding two blades, he knew how easy it was to let the blades control you instead of the opposite. This is how he knew to take advantage of it. He shoved the Duro off of him, dodged an attack on his head from both sabers by rolling, and stabbed the Duro in the chest without even looking. Just one more. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos looked around, searching for the female. With his own eyes he could not see her, as she used the shadows to hide. Knowing that eyes could be deceived, Brutos searched through the Force and was momentarily stunned to find that he couldn't sense her. He concluded that she was masking her Force presence, effectively making her invisible. For Brutos, however, this wasn't a problem. He commanded many more Force abilities than the sensing power. He threw his lightsaber and telekinetically maneuvered it around the room while he also hurled lightning from both hands, each in a separate direction. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Within seconds, the Acolyte fell from the ceiling, writhing in agony [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]from the lightning which, Brutos thought dryly, wasn't even an eighth of its full power. If this was the future of the Sith, they were in trouble. Brutos stopped shooting the electricity, but still the woman screamed. Feeling it best to end her agony, he called his saber back to his hand and stabbed her clean in the chest. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Her screams stopped. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos let out a breath and placed his lightsaber back on his belt. Having mentally timed himself, he found that this particular session had taken one point four minutes. Not his best. At all. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“So, you've resorted to killing Acolyte's now, have you?” a soft female voice chided from the doorway. Brutos growled. He knew who it was even before he turned to face her. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Hello, Eva,” Brutos said to the woman, who walked in. She wore Sith armor much like his own, only hers was much more form fitting. Her brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her narrow golden eyes matched her lightly tanned skin well. Brutos, who had in his former life been enamored with females, knew her to be physically attractive, but her good looks masked her icy heart well.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Deception is the way of the Sith, after all. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I find it very funny that you have to resort to killing Acolytes to get over your failures, Brutos,” Eva laughed unpleasantly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos carefully placed his armor on, quiet the whole time. When he was finished, he said, “I've dealt with your jibes before because I found them amusing. But now, I'm not in the mood, so I'll warn you: do not mess with me.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You'll do what, oh mighty Sith Lord?” Eva said mockingly, striding towards him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You answered your own question, my dear Eva: I'm a Sith Lord. My word is second only to Lord Drakos', and I'm sure he wouldn't disagree to me sending you on a mission to, let's say Kashyyyk. The Wookie's have such a distaste for Sith, I hear.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Eva, who was a head shorter than Brutos, laugh her mocking laugh yet again. “Oh, Brutos. Who says you'll be the apprentice of Master Drakos forever?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I say it!” Brutos hissed, grabbing her arm. “You'd best remember to treat me with respect from now on.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Eva had stopped smiling, but it hadn't entirely faded from her eyes. “Of course, my Lord. I've only come to tell you that Lord Drakos wishes your presence immediately.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos released her. “Why did you not tell me right away?!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Because seeing you rant when you think you're right is always an enjoyable experience.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos growled and stormed off towards the throne room, thoughts of killing Eva in painful and unorthodox ways running through his mind. Ever since he'd arrived, Eva had been a thorn in his side, upset because he, a “noob,” became apprentice to Darth Drakos over her. Her anger was at least slightly rational, as she had been training for a decade while Brutos had been knighted about two years into his training. But this was due to his amazing, and inherent, command of the Force. She couldn't...shouldn't...blame him for that. But she did, and at every oppurtunity she tried to undermine him. At first he'd found it an enjoyable exercise, but now he found it irksome, especially since the war was his only real concern. Everything else was irrelevant.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darth Brutos finally made his way to his master's throne room, and was caught off guard by the presence of Eva, and the sight of her kneeling before Lord Drakos' throne. For one, he wondered how'd she gotten there so fast. Secondly, he wondered why she was present at a meeting between Master and Apprentice. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Hand on his saber hilt, Brutos approached his master and got down [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]on his knees. “What would you have of me, my master?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Your cries of forgiveness would be a suitable beginning, I think,” Lord Drakos said calmly, before he shot purple and black flame at Brutos. Brutos flew back, putting aside the pain. For all of his training, his master had never taught him the secret to the Sith Flame ability. None of the texts he'd searched made mention of it, either. The pain of the flame not only burned his skin, but sapped him of his strength. Brutos could sense that his master thought nothing of this, and that Eva enjoyed it. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Finally, the assault stopped. Brutos, in great pain, still managed to walk back towards the throne and kneel beside Eva once again. He barely noticed his armor smoking. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You alerted the Union to our Super Soldier program!” The Chiss Sith Master said, his red eyes flaring. “You gave them the data, and because of this we lost five hundred enhanced soldiers.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Two thousand remain, Lord Drakos,” Brutos said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It was still a heavy loss, brought on by your arrogance,” Drakos said shortly. “Your desire for a rematch against your old friend blinded you to the possibility that Katana Team would succeed in their mission. You yourself have admitted that they are undeniably skilled. What do you have to say to that?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]A number of things raced through Brutos' mind, all ending with him standing triumphantly over Drakos' corpse. Out loud, he said, “Nothing, my lord. I beg your forgiveness.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Drakos snorted. “Forgiveness is earned, Lord Brutos. And it takes much to earn it from me.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What would you have me do?” Brutos asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darth Drakos considered for a moment. “The Jedi. Tom and Jimmy. Hunt them down and bring them to me, indoctrinated. They could prove valuable.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“My lord,” Eva said. “I must protest. Darth Brutos has proven that he puts himself above the concerns of the Sith. For him to be given a mission of this magnitude, one that he actually wants...”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos glared at Eva. “Careful, Eva.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Drakos raised a hand. “Enough. I am more than aware of everything, past and present, my command entails. However...Eva, you are to do this as well. The person who brings me the Jedi, will be my apprentice. The other will be left to the apprentices mercy.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos stared at his Drakos, mouth slightly agape. He had thought himself irreplacable. This was, of course, hubris, though he was unaware. He could say nothing but, “As you command, Master.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Eva's glee was evident. “Your will be done, Lord Drakos.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Sith Master nodded. “Leave me,” Drakos said. “I must meditate.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The two Sith rose and walked out of the room, their enmity evident to any who passed them. “This shall be fun, don't you think?” Eva said with a grin.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Very,” Brutos snarled, already imagining the ways her life would end. That would be a glorious day, indeed. [/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Seven[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Aboard the Warhammer, Katana Team hovered in the meeting room, talking. Each of them, even Jimmy, was anxious about going to Coruscant. “We're meeting the President!” the Jedi had exclaimed. He pulled up some HoloNet research on Rona Haled, put it on the holoprojector, and by reading it, they learned many things. Before she had been elected President, she'd been an agent of the law, cracking down on corruption in both the Senate and business. She was known as hard on those who brought others harm, but was warm and compassionate to those who deserve it. She reminded Jimmy of Kala. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As the four continued to read up on the President, R6 rolled in, followed by Sev. The red-and-black astromech was beeping wildly.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What's going on with the tin can?” Justin asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom shrugged. “He just keeps saying he has an important message for Jimmy and me.” R6 beeped an affirmative. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“He wouldn't stop beeping unless I let him come here,” Sev said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Don't worry about it,” Tom said. “Play it, R6.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]R6 whistled, and a ten-inch hologram of Kala appeared. Colin noticed Jimmy tense, and Tom sensed it. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Kala hologram smiled sadly. “If you're seeing this, it means that something has happened on Ariu to cause my incapacitation or, more likely, my death. I'm recording this on R6 so that you have some semblance of guidance one last time.” The hologram sighed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Tom, Jimmy, I've taught you all I can. You've become fine Jedi, but , and I hoped this wouldn't be the case, the truth is that you two are not trained enough to take on the Sith. This is my fault, since I didn't know enough to pass on to you. But you are not without options: my former Master, Bale Danvek, left the Jedi Order before the war began. For this reason, he has survived their hunt. Last I heard, he was in exile on the planet Forshran. Seek him out there.” She paused, and Jimmy could make out a slight tear sliding down her cheek. He was trembling. “Jimmy...I love you. Never forget.” She winked out.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No!” Jimmy whispered. A tear fell down the bridge of his nose. He turned to Sev. “Drop from hyperspace. We have to go.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev shook his head. “Jimmy, I sympathize with your desire to honor Kala's last wish, but the information we have will turn the tide of the war. I can't spend time dropping you and Tom off at Forshran.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy was thinking of a way to counter that logic, but Tom stepped in. “Then stay out of hyperspace long enough for me and Jimmy to prep our starfighters. We'll go on our own.” He turned to Justin and [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin and smiled coyly. “You guys can handle yourselves, right?”
​

[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No sweat,” Colin said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Not like we need you two anyway,” Justin muttered, arms folded. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev tapped his chin, then nodded. “Fine. I trust Kala's judgment. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Besides, if this can help stop the Sith, then more power to you. Just be careful. You two are important to the war and, though they probably won't admit it, your friends.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You're right,” Justin said. “I won't admit it.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I will,” Colin said. “Be careful, you guys.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy wasn't exactly happy, but he was satisfied. “We will. Let's move, Tom. May the Force be with you, guys.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What he said,” Tom agreed as he followed Jimmy to the hangar [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]bay. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]It took about a half hour for flight preparations to clear, so Tom and Jimmy spent that time packing and gathering gear. Jimmy brought only his lightsaber, while Tom brought his lightsaber, food rations, and some mini-mines. “Just in case.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]When the two Jedi Starfighters were ready to depart, Sev said, [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“When you get to Forshran, you two will be on your own. It's right on the edge of the Outer Rim, so communications between us will be limited. That said, if anything goes wrong, try to contact us.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Right,” Tom said. “Ready, Jim?”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Ready,” Jimmy said, iron in his voice. He was determined once more, this time to make Kala proud. He keyed the starfighters ignition and he and Tom flew out of the[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] Warhammer,[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] and entered hyperspace, a blur of stars. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He wouldn't let Kala down. Not again.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Eight[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Warhammer dropped from hyperspace, and Justin and Colin got their first look at the capital of the Galactic Union, Coruscant. A gigantic planet-wide city, Coruscant had been the capital of every major government since the Old Republic. Some things never change. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev, now in his dress uniform, approached the two soldiers. “We won't be cleared to land for another three hours, give or take. You can spend the next two doing whatever you want, so long as it's not dangerous.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Wanna spar?” Justin asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin chuckled. Leave it to Justin to always want to fight. Still, he needed to keep his fighting skills sharp. “Why not?” The two walked to the gym and removed their belts, guns, armor, and undershirts. The only thing they wore was their pants and their boots. Both were well-muscled, but Justin was leaner while Colin was more imposing, size-wise. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]They got into battle-ready poses, and wordlessly both began at the same time. Justin dove to tackle Colin, but the latter side-stepped and kneed him in the stomach. Justin flew back, and when he stood yet again, he smirked. Colin took the initiative this time and ran towards his friend. As he went to punch him, Justin slapped the fist aside and punched Colin in the stomach twice, causing Colin to let a surprised gasp. From this point on, the match became more of a grapple, each tripping the other or countering the others moves. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]After this went on for a while, Justin held up his hand, a signal for Colin to stop. Colin did so, but still expected Justin to attack him. Sure enough, he made one last tackle at him, but Colin was able to kick him off. He landed against the wall with a loud THUD. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Getting up and rubbing his head, Justin said, “Heh. You're pretty good.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You, too,” Colin said. Then he sneered. “You fight dirty, though.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Only way to survive, my friend,” Justin said. “Do you think the Sith will fight fair?” When Colin didn't answer, Justin shook his head. “War is dirty, and it isn't fun.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Says the person who enjoys killing,” Colin said, a hint of derision in his tone.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I have to,” Justin said. “I think on some level we all have to. Otherwise, how could we live with ourselves, with what we've done?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin contemplated. “It is strange,” he said. “I don't like killing, but...it's easy. Everyone always said that killing for the first time is incredibly hard but, when I first did it...it was easy. I didn't like it, but it was easy.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin nodded, knowing full well what his friend was saying.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * *[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Aboard the cloaked War Spire Venomous, Darth Brutos watched the Warhammer float slowly towards Coruscant. He reached out with his feelings, searching for Tom and Jimmy's distinct presences. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]However, he could find no sign of them; all he felt was the tense presence of Colin and the always-irritated presence of Justin. This confused him. Why would Katana Team separate at this key time? [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Dark Lord probed around mentally, trying to search for answers in the minds of those aboard the Warhammer, but the mental shielding Kala Silphos had given them still held. Shame. He considered ordering an attack on the Union vessel, and boarding it to interrogate the crew to discover where Tom and Jimmy were. But then he thought better of it; they were above the Galactic Union capital, and even though his talents were considerable, he could not take down an entire armada, though the fight would be a close one. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Instead, Brutos walked over to his terminal and keyed in a secure comm frequency. A Hutt appeared on the screen, holding a headless rodent in one hand. Brutos suspected with disgust that the head was in the Hutt's stomach. “<Ah, Darth Brutos! What can the Coalition do for you?”> The Hutt spoke in Huttese. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Speak in Basic, Rax,” Brutos said shortly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Of course, Lord Brutos,” Rax the Hutt said. “My question stands though, how can I help you?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You were the one who supplied my master with information on the Jedi of the Galactic Union, were you not?” Brutos asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That is correct,” Rax said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Good,” Brutos said. “Then you are well-equipped to assist us here. Do you know of any mercenaries of exceptional skill?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Hmm. There is one, right here on Nar Shaada. One of the best I've ever worked with. He goes by the name of Nomac, though I'm certain this is not his real name. He is quite good at getting the job done, no witnesses.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The type of man I require,” Brutos said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Would you like me to retrieve him?” Rax asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos nodded, and Rax yelled to someone off-screen. For minutes, Brutos waited, meditating. He found himself in an area of white nothingness, staring at his younger self, who looked on him in shame and anger. Before he could speak to this apparition, a deep, gravelly voice broke Brutos' concentration. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“How can I serve you?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos looked at the screen to find the voice belonging to a dark-[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]skinned male, whose face was horribly scarred. He stared at the Dark Lord unflinchingly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Nomac?”Brutos asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yes, Lord Brutos.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Very good,” Brutos said, forgetting about the apparition instantly. “I have a task for you. It's very dangerous, but you'll be well rewarded...”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Nine[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The two Jedi Starfighters exited hyperspace, and their Jedi pilots got their first view of Forshran. It was a green planet, much like Dantooine, but the physical similarities were the only similarities.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom observed the planet out of his cockpit, and was taking in the sights when his ship-to-ship comm beeped. “Yeah, Jim?” he asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You feel it?” he asked seriously.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Feel what?” Tom asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The planet,” Jimmy said, exasperated. “It's troubled, disturbed. Not at all like Dantooine, which is tranquil.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Which is why we trained there,” Tom stated. “You think Kala was wrong, and this Bale character isn't here?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No,” Jimmy said. “This place is perfect for a Jedi to hide, don't you think? It's on the edge of nowhere, and it's impossible to sense anyone specific there.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom marveled at Jimmy's reasoning. As he ran through his friends words mentally, he found he made sense. “So we've got to search an entire planet for one Jedi Master who's probably adept at hiding himself. Not so hard.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Right,” Jimmy said. “Ready to land?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom was, and he took the initiative to do so. Jimmy followed, and they entered the atmosphere and found a nearby dock. After ensuring that it was safe to exit, the Jedi placed each of their fighters into lockdown mode and leaped out. A snivelly looking human male approached them, and Tom wrinkled his nose when he got close to them. He smelled horrible. From the uniform, he could tell that the man was a dock officer.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Greetings and welcome to Forshran,” the dock officer said in a nasally voice. “Unfortunately, we don't have you listed on our landing schedule today, so there's a fee of five hundred credits.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Before Tom could express his outrage at the ridiculous price, Jimmy waved his hand and said, in a detached voice, “We don't need to [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]pay the docking fee.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The officer's eyes glazed over, and he said in an equally detached tone, “You don't have to pay the docking fee.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Good,” Jimmy said, and he walked out of the docking bay. Tom followed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We can't use the Force for personal gain, Jimmy! That was one of our first lessons!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Do you have five hundred credits on you?” Jimmy asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well, no...but...”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Then shut up.” Jimmy emphasized this by prodding Tom with the Force. Tom did so. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]For the next half-hour, the two walked in silence, passing only trees. Finally, they got to a cliff that overlooked a small town, filled with life. Tom was reminded of Mos Eisley of Tatooine. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sense any Sith?” Tom asked Jimmy. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I sense anger, frustration, sadness, and apathy coming from the people there,” Jimmy said grimly. “But Sith specifically? No. What I sense is worse, because at least the Sith have a purpose, corrupt as it [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]may be. These people...are aimless, save for a few.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Our mission is to find Bale Danvek, and learn from him,” Tom said. “We're not here to save the people from themselves. Not today.”
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Kala would have,” Jimmy said softly, but as Tom had already leaped off the cliff, he didn't hear him. With a resigned sigh, he followed, and landed directly next to Tom. Together, they walked into the cantina.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The cantina was filled with drunkards. The smell of booze hovered over the air, and Tom used a Jedi respiration technique to make sure it didn't overwhelm him. A quick glance at Jimmy told him his friend was doing the same. Once his olfactory sense was cleared, he approached the barkeep, who at the moment was wiping the table. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What can I get you?” the skinny man asked without looking up.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Information,” Tom asked. “Me and my friend are looking for someone.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Still not looking up, the barkeep shook his head. “Sorry friend, don't deal in that anymore. Feel free to ask around the bar, though. Assuming there's someone sober enough to answer you, you might get lucky. Heh.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Thanks,” Tom said sarcastically before going off to ask around. Jimmy, however, hung around. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Can I get a Juma Juice?” he asked quietly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Now the barkeep looked up, his expression amused. “Don't suppose I can interest you in anything stronger, can I?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Maybe some other time,” Jimmy said. Shrugging, the barkeep went on to serve Jimmy his juice, which Jimmy drank while observing the clientèle. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom, however, was taking a more proactive approach to finding the Jedi Master. He took a hard look at everyone, but stopped when he realized he didn't know what Bale Danvek even looked like. Giving up, he went back to Jimmy. “Nothing,” he said. “What about you?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The people here are too drunk for me to enter their minds,” Jimmy said, sipping his Juma Juice. “So looks like we'll have to travel the planet. Come on, let's see if we can rent some speeders.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As they went to leave, a hard female voice said, “Jedi.” Tom and Jimmy turned to find a human woman standing behind them, looking at them accusingly. Her black hair was shoulder length, her green eyes narrow and cold. Tom noticed she had a blaster strapped to her leg. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yes, we're Jedi,” Jimmy said. “What of it?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The woman laughed unpleasantly. “Oh, I don't know! Come on, have you seen the state that the planet's in? The Sith attacked here, and we've limped on ever since. Barely.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom's heart was beating fast. “The Sith attacked? Why?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The woman held up her arms. “Something about a Jedi Master here. They didn't ask for surrender, but merely bombed the whole planet without hesitation. You probably saw the planet from above right? Saw how it's green? [/FONT]It used to be pink. Now everything's fragged, all because of one Jedi.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The bar was tense now. Even the drunks were paying attention. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“When was this?” Jimmy asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Going on five years,” the woman said, her eyes still cold. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We weren't here five years ago, we didn't even know about the war!” Tom said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It doesn't matter,” she said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Why didn't the Union help?” Jimmy asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Because they took their sweet time getting her,” she said, her whole body trembling, her pink skin paling. “But it was too late. The Sith were already gone. You see, after they bombed us, they came down to the surface and picked up any survivors to be recruited into their army. My brother was one of them.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom and Jimmy looked at each other, each feeling sympathy for the woman. Tom, especially, who could tell that if she wasn't so angry she'd be rather beautiful. “What's your name?” he asked her.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Seras Windgate,” she said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well, Seras,” Tom began. “I am sorry for what happened to your brother. And your planet, for that matter. But you should focus your rage on the Sith, not Jedi. I can call in a Union ship, you can leave here, as can anyone. Join the Army, and you can have your justice.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras spat. “You think I want to join you? Were you even listening to what I was saying? I hate you! Now get out of here before I do something you'll regret.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom looked at Jimmy, who nodded. “As you wish,” he said, and with a wave of their cloaks, the two Jedi left. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]After that, the cantina went back to its usual business. The woman, Seras, sat down in the corner and began sobbing. A man saw this and, after talking to a few of his friends, made way to make the Jedi pay for causing Seras Windgate to cry. As they left, a shadow detached itself from the back wall and followed them out, with them being none the wiser.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well, that wasn't one of my better experiences,” Tom said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You could have handled it better,” Jimmy said. “You saw she was upset, but you offered her a job in the Army!” He paused, then added sadly, “You like her.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What?” Tom asked. “Me? No way, I only just met her!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Even I can see that she's attractive,” Jimmy said. “But I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up. We've got bigger problems to deal with, like find Bale Danvek so he can teach us how to avenge Kala's death!”
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Jimmy...” Tom said warningly.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“And end the war, of course,” Jimmy said somewhat convincingly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Then he stopped walking, and Tom was about to ask why when he sensed what had likely caused Jimmy to stop. There was a group of about five behind them, with the intent to kill. Slowly, the two friends turned to face them. “What can we do for you?” Jimmy asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You hurt Seras Windgate,” a man said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I didn't touch her!” Tom exclaimed.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You still hurt her,” the man said. “Now be prepared to reap the consequences.” He raised his hand, and he and his friends raised their blasters. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Rolling their eyes, Tom and Jimmy called their lightsabers to their hands, and blades of green and blue emerged. As they got into defensive positions, the group began to open fire, and Tom was briefly reminded of his skirmish with the Hawk Bat swoop gang all those years ago. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Before the blaster bolts could leave their respective blasters, Tom and Jimmy felt a shift in the Force, and were briefly blinded by a white flash. When their sight returned, they saw the five or six men lying on the ground, unconscious but alive. In between the Jedi and the group was a man with slicked back brown hair streaked with gray. He wore gray robes, and, most importantly, he had great strength in the Force. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The man who had assisted them now turned to Tom and Jimmy, his brown eyes piercing them. “And you are?” he asked, his voice soft but hoarse. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Tom Waters.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Jimmy Cricchio.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The man nodded. “So it is you, then. I was....I had a vision you would come here, I just didn't know when. It would seem that time is now.” He nodded to himself. “Very well. Come with me to my home, there is much to discuss.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The man began to walk briskly, but Tom and Jimmy remained where they stood. When he realized he wasn't being followed, he looked back at the two, a confused look on his face. “Are you coming?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Once we know who you are,” Jimmy said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I thought you'd be able to put the pieces together,” he said. “I'm [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale Danvek. Your new Master.” [/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Ten[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Inside an abandoned building on Coruscant, the mercenary called Nomac prepared to do his job. He carefully put his combat armor on, and then slipped on his jet pack. Lastly, he thrice checked his weapons to ensure they were in proper working order. To his satisfaction, they were. He grinned, revealing yellow teeth, and flew out of the building.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]It was time to earn his payment.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]<General Meston?> the Sullustan secretary said in his native tongue. <The President will see you and your men now.>[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev thanked the Sullustan and motioned for Justin and Colin to follow him into President Haled's chambers. When they got in, both were awed by it's great size. Colin looked around and saw many antiquities from ancient cultures, and there were a variety of them. He saw an ancient vibro-spear right next to an antique vase showing the beauty of life. The dichotomy astounded him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The three men approached the desk of President Haled. The Mon Cal observed them through her large, unblinking eyes. “Ah, General Meston,” she said, her voice warm. “And Lieutenant's Rosenbaum and Schloth, I presume? Welcome.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, President Haled,” Sev said. “The need was dire.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yes, I got as much from your communications,” Haled said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Before we get into serious talk, can I interest any of you in a drink, [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]or some food?” Everyone declined, though Justin did so half-heartedly. “Very well then. Let's begin.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev took a deep breath. “As you know, we received intelligence that the Sith Armada was preparing a new weapons project: a type of super soldier. We later found out that we were given this intelligence by Darth Brutos, in an attempt to capture Katana Team. We did not yet know this, so Katana Team was sent in to destroy the Sith War Spire Omniscentrix. They did this job exceedingly well, and through the data Lieutenant Schloth stole, we've discovered there are four other Sith War Spire's that are engaging in the creation of these Super Soldiers.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev handed President Haled the data, and she plugged it into her personal terminal. Though her expression was unreadable to a human, even Colin could tell that she was surprised. “This is...very good, General. If we hadn't learned about this, we would have been crushed. Now, we can counter with our own super soldiers.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'm sure you'll modify the process to be less painful for them,” Colin said.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Colin!” Sev said harshly. “Speak when spoken to!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Haled held up a hand. “It's fine, General. You have my word that, once we get this underway, the transformation will be as comfortable as possible. Our top scientists will be on it.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin let out a sigh of relief. It would seem that the President had a good head on her shoulders. He was glad of that. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Haled nodded at Colin then turned back to Sev. “So, what do you propose, General?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Marriage,” Justin muttered. Colin elbowed him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev didn't notice this. “I need your authorization for a simultaneous attack on all of the War Spires that are preparing these soldiers. If we strike them all at once, they won't know what hit them.” He smiled. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Haled leaned back in her chair and thought Sev's plan over. As she considered it, Colin did too. It was a sound plan, though there would probably be a large loss of life. But would the pay-off be worth it? Justin's words on Ariu came back to him. “The greater good...,” he whispered. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What?” Justin asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Nothing.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Haled leaned forward. “The plan is risky, but if done right, as I'm sure it will be in your capable hands, it will be a key victory in this war. Very well, General. Authori-”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The President's words were cut short by a flash grenade, followed by the sound of repeating blaster fire.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]When the three could see again, the President's office was all but destroyed, and the President herself slumped back in her seat, dead. Behind her hovered an armored black-skinned man, grinning with yellow teeth. He held the data chip in his hand, and laughed as he crushed it. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“NO!” Sev screamed, reaching for his blaster but forgetting that it had been taken when they walked in. Justin, never being much for rules, ripped off the left sleeve of his dress uniform and revealed an wrist-mounted missile launcher. He pressed a button and watched as three homing rockets went after the murderer. Snarling, the killer flew away, and the rockets followed. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“They won't get him,” Justin said angrily. “They only have a short range, and even if they didn't, I doubt they could keep up with him. You saw how fast he left.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin nodded, but Sev ignored him, instead choosing to go to the President's side. “Rest easy, mother,” he whispered, a tear falling down his cheek.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin and Colin looked at each other, confused. [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Mother?![/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * *[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]In the [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darkshot, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darth Brutos sensed the death of President Rona Haled and grinned. He commed the merc called Nomac, who, after three minutes, appeared, perspiration on his brow. “Apologies, Lord Brutos. I was dodging three homing rockets launched by one of the soldiers with the President. They still live, but the President is not among them.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I know,” Brutos said. “You've done well. And I'd like to keep you on retainer for the Sith Army. You've done better than our best soldiers ever have. I assure you, the payment will be substantial.” [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Nomac smirked. “I would be honored, my lord.” [/FONT][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Eleven[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy and Tom followed Master Danvek to his hut, which was located deep in the forests of Forshran. R6 now joined them, as Tom had signaled him to come using his armband. As the droid was part of the team, he deserved to know everything Tom and Jimmy did. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale Danvek's hut was modestly sized on the outside, and the inside wasn't much different. He had few possessions: there was a fireplace, a couch, a closet, a 'fresher, and not much else. “Welcome to my home,” he said. “Can I offer either of you some refreshments?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy and Tom both said no. Bale nodded, and poured himself some ale. After taking a long drink from it, he smacked his lips and sighed. “Very well, then.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'm assuming you know that Kala Silphos sent us to you for training,” Jimmy said coolly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I am aware of that fact, yes,” Bale said carefully.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Did you know she's dead?” Jimmy asked accusingly.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale drank. “I did and do.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Do you think you could have stopped that if you'd remained in the Order?” Jimmy said, coming close to yelling. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Jimmy...,” Tom said, wondering where his friends sudden anger was coming from. “This isn't an interrogation. We're here to learn from him, remember? You yourself said that if Kala trusted him, we could trust him.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy turned and glared at Tom, looking ready to throw a punch. Then his shoulders sagged. “You're right. I'm sorry, Master Danvek.” He bowed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It's fine, Jimmy,” Bale said soothingly. “I understand what it's like to lose someone we love.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“How'd you know I loved her?” Jimmy snapped. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale considered his words as R6 hummed quietly. “It's easy to tell, the way you talk about her, the way you think my presence could have saved her.” He sighed. “The truth is, I didn't abandon the Order. I was expelled from it.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom looked at Bale sharply. “What? Why?!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale set his glass down on the table. “I told you I'd lost a loved one. My wife, Krista, was that loved one. She was also a Jedi, and she served on the Jedi High Council with me. One day, she was sent to Taanab to negotiate a truce between to rival companies. Just when it seemed that she'd gotten to them, a corporate assassin hired by one of the companies took a shot at the other companies' head. Krista pushed him out of the way, only to take the shot herself.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You're saying this awfully calmly,” Jimmy said, and Tom sensed his simmering anger. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale smiled. “Well, in the years it's been since her death, I've come to accept it. But when it first happened, I was angry beyond measure. I went to Taanab on my own mission, unauthorized by the Council, and took revenge on the killer. I decapitated him out of hate. Briefly, I'd gone to the dark side. For that, the Council removed me from their ranks, expelled me from the Order, and demanded my lightsaber. I could not object. I was...am...ashamed of my actions.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Kala, back then only just a recently knighted Jedi, was quite upset. After all, I was her master. She wanted to come with me as I travelled the stars, but I told her she had a greater destiny. She accepted this reluctantly, and that was the last I saw of her alive.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Now, though I no longer had my lightsaber, I still had the Force, and I used my talents as a Jedi Master to assist those who needed it across the galaxy. As I did this, I was able to balance the darkness and light within myself, achieving a new sense of enlightenment. It is because of this I can use techniques such as lightning without fear of falling. Powers aren't inherently what's dark; how you use them can be.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Eventually, I came to Forshran, thinking there could be some measure of peace for me here. Unfortunately, the Sith discovered my presence at the start of their war, and demanded me to surrender myself. I was prepared to, but they only gave me five minutes before scorching the planet. Because of this, they now hate me, and this is why I hide in seclusion. I protect them still, of course, but when I'm done flash their memories so they no longer remember who it was that saved them.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom nodded, impressed. He felt that Bale Danvek would make an excellent teacher. He looked over at Jimmy, who nodded his approval, though his anger was still present. “So you're going to teach us?” Tom asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale nodded. “By the time I'm done with you, you'll be better than before. Not to say that Kala didn't do a good job on you beforehand, but I didn't teach her everything I knew back then, and I've learned some new tricks since.” He smiled briefly, then grew serious. Tom sensed a determination in him on par with Jimmy's desire for vengeance. “Before we begin, I must first examine you.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We're not gonna have to take our robes off, are we?” Tom asked, half-joking. Bale, however, was all business.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No. I am going to use the Force and learn about you: your character, your power, your potential, all of that,” Bale explained. “It will help me teach you better.” He looked from Jimmy to Tom. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Jimmy first.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy hesitated for a brief moment, then walked to Bale and [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]kneeled in front of him. “What do I have to do, Master?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Clear your mind,” Bale said, his voice becoming distant. Jimmy did so, and Bale said, “This may feel a little odd...” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale and Jimmy began breathing in sync, which Tom watched in surprise. He could feel the calmness between the two. Then, just like that, it ended. Jimmy blinked, as did Bale. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You have great inherent Force power, with little room for growth,” the Jedi Master said. “But this is hindered by the hatred in your heart, the desire for vengeance against the Sith. Greater than this, though, is your love for Kala, and your grief that she's gone and that you could do nothing to stop it.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy was trembling now. “Yes,” he said between his teeth.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Let your pain burn out, Jimmy,” Bale said sadly. “Miss Kala, mourn her, but don't let her death control you. Otherwise, you're damned to the Dark Side's grasp.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy looked both angry and confused, but Bale ignored this, instead focusing his attention on Tom. “You next, Tom.” Tom confidently walked over to Bale and kneeled in front of him. Before being told to, he cleared his mind. Bale ignored this, and directly entered his mind. Tom felt tranquility wash over him and then saw and felt the major moments of his life. He saw the revelation that Luke was Darth Brutos, felt the pain it caused. He felt the joy of becoming a Jedi, and recalled the power he felt after his awakening. He saw these and more, and then like a flash, they were gone. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom began to take in the scene around him again, and he found [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale gaping at him. “Well?” he asked the Jedi Master.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You have great power, like Jimmy, but your potential is...unlimited. You also possess a great desire to redeem your friend, who happens to be the Dark Lord of the Sith. That's your main goal in being here and, while noble, you place that above everything else, including the war. And your power...this is...interesting.” [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom was somewhat disturbed by Bale's comments, but remained focused on his master, who stood up and stared at them. “Now [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]then, are you ready to begin?”[/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Eleven[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As Darkshot travelled through hyperspace, Darth Brutos sat back and entered a state of meditation. Generally, the Sith, and his master especially, frowned upon meditation, as they believed it to be a weak technique of the Jedi. Brutos, however, found it useful for clearing the mind, so that whenever he set out on a task he could do so without fear of something inside of him preventing him from doing so.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]And so Brutos closed his eyes, emptied his mind, and let out a large breath. Darkshot no longer existed, as far as the Sith Lord was concerned. His mind travelled through space and time, feeling the currents and eddies of the Force. Once he felt prepared, he opened his eyes and found that he was in a place describable only as white-ness. “What is this?” he whispered, concerned.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Why are you doing this?” a small voice asked from behind him. He turned, and saw a little kid with short, curly hair and big brown eyes staring at him curiously.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]It was a younger Luke Allen. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What are you doing here? What's going on?” Brutos hissed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You're in your mind,” Luke said, sounding more mature than someone who looked around five years old should. “You called on the Force to help you think, and so it has. You came here to face me.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Why would I want to talk to you, anyway?” Brutos asked, pacing. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He knew that if he wanted to, he could awaken from his trance. But he was, he had to admit, curious as to what “Luke” had to say. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Because, deep down, you know what I'm about to say is right,” Luke said matter-of-factly. He began to age, and when he next spoke he looked ten years old. “You despise what you've done. You loathe the fact that you're little-more than a servant to a tyrant. Worst of all, you hate yourself.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos laughed unpleasantly. “I don't hate myself. I hate the Galactic Union. I hate Eva. I hate Drakos. I hate Katana Team. But most of all, I hate you!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke, now looking as Brutos had at fifteen, smirked. “So you think.” Then he grew serious. “Why do you hate our friends? Justin, okay, I can see where some resentment might come from there, but Colin? Jimmy? Tom? What'd they ever do to you? They were all great friends, Tom especially. Why do you hate them so much?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“If you were really part of me, you'd know the answer to that,” Brutos said quietly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That's not an answer, though,” Luke said. Now he looked like what Brutos would were he not a Sith and back on Earth. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos turned to his counterpart, charcoal eyes practically glowing. “You know what? You're right. How's this for an answer?!” He reached for the hilt of his lightsaber, but it wasn't there.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Looking for this?” Luke asked, twirling the hilt on his finger. He threw it up in the air, and it never landed. Brutos snarled. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I don't need that to kill you!” he screamed as he dove for Luke. Brutos' hands wrapped themselves around his throat, but Luke offered no resistance. He didn't scream, nor struggle. He just stared into Brutos' eyes, and did so until he faded away.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]In a burst of light, Brutos found himself back on Darkshot. He was sweating profusely, and his heart was pounding against his chest. Breathing heavily, he exited hyperspace and found himself floating alone amongst the stars. He found it fitting, because he knew he was destined to be alone. Surprisingly, he found himself...not sad at this news, but affected by it nonetheless. He was alone.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darth Brutos would just have to accept it.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * *[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]On Korriban, in his private chambers, Darth Drakos sensed that Darth Brutos was perturbed by something. This in turn disturbed Drakos. Normally, Brutos was undisturbed by anything, accepted everything as it came. This quality made him a perfect tool. And though he hated Brutos, to deny his incredible talent, not to mention his usefulness, would be foolhardy. Darth Drakos was no fool. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He went to his terminal and called Brutos. When he answered, Drakos saw that he was in his starfighter. This did not surprise him; he was, after all, on a mission to capture the Jedi of Katana Team. What did surprise him was that his apprentice was sweating. Also surprising were the state of his apprentice's eyes; they were no longer the red-and-yellow that showed that one was fully enamored in the Dark Side. Rather, they were a sad brown. Drakos frowned.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What is your will, Master?” Brutos asked, his voice still strong despite his outward appearance. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I sensed you were troubled, Lord Brutos,” Drakos said, with feigned concern. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It is nothing, my Master,” Brutos said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Drakos continued frowning. “Are you certain?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Of course I am!” Brutos snapped. His eyes began to change back to their charcoal tint, causing Drakos to grin. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“As you say,” Drakos said. “Now, have you had any luck with the Jedi Tom and Jimmy?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“None, my Lord, though I did plot the death of President Haled,” Brutos said.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Drakos nodded. “Yes, I felt that. This will certainly be of help to us. You have done well, Lord Brutos.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos inclined his head. “Thank you, my Master.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Now, continue your search,” Drakos continued. “I must have the Jedi in my grasp!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Your will be done, Lord Drakos,” Brutos said, ending the comm. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“My will indeed,” Drakos mused. Then he commed the one called Eva, who, much like Brutos, was in her starfighter. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Lord Drakos!” she said, bowing. “What do you will?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Nothing as of now,” Drakos said, his red eyes glimmering. “I am just curious as to your progress on the Jedi.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Eva grinned. “I believe I've tracked them to the planet Forshran. An anonymous tip from a bartender there gave me this information.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]She sighed. “Unfortunately, our hyperdrive is damaged, so a jump that would have taken a few days is now going to take us a few weeks.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Drakos pursed his blue lips together. “Very well, Eva. Keep me posted.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yes, my Lord.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Eva's face disappeared from the screen, and Drakos was left to brood on the fact that he might soon have a new apprentice.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Treachery is the way of the Sith.
[/FONT]
​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Twelve[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Days later, Colin and Justin were back aboard the Warhammer with Sev, who was clearly depressed. They'd spent the past sixty-seven hours dealing with the politicians in the Senate, who were in an [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]uproar over the President of the Galactic Union's assassination. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Frag me,” Justin said. “I'm never dealing with politicians again.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Can you believe they thought that we killed her?” Colin asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I could,” Sev growled. “The Senate never wanted this war to begin with. Not for any good reason, like the preservation of life. No, they were worried about the cost. But since the power to declare war belonged to President Haled, she declared it to preserve peace.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You speak fondly of her,” Colin said. “And not from one leader to another. It was something deeper.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You called her your mother,” Justin added. “And unless I'm mistaken, Mon Calamari can't produce human children. Correct me if I'm wrong.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev didn't smile, or smirk, or show any signs that he was amused. “No, you're right. She's not my biological mother, but my adoptive one.” He let out a breath, then began to tell his life story.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I never knew my real parents. My earliest memories are of the orphanage, where I spent most of my childhood. It was at that orphanage that I met Kala, defending her from bullies. See, she was the only non-human in the place. Since I couldn't stand for that, I protected her, and that's how we became close. Kala was five, I was seventeen.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It was during one of the instances I was protecting Kala that I met Haled. She believed I demonstrated a large amount of courage and honor, and offered to adopt me. I was flattered, but I couldn't leave Kala. Haled said she'd take Kala with her, too. And that was that. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We moved into Haled's residence, and I personally felt right at home immediately. Back then, she was a general, much like I am now. She saw great leadership potential in Kala and me, and taught us everything she knew of strategy and combat. During our second year of living there, Kala began displaying unusual hunches that always turned out to be correct. Haled believed this to be a sign of Force-sensitivity, and brought in a Jedi to test her. Sure enough, Kala passed the tests, and was whisked off to the temple to train to be a Jedi. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Meanwhile, as I grew older, I began to work out. When I came of age, I enlisted in the army, which Haled approved of. We fought together during the Vector War, and her actions during that time earned her the presidency. As it turned out, that war was a ruse by the Sith so we'd be weakened by the time they made their move. It was only because of Haled's shrewd political and military mind that we made it this far.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev showed no outward signs of sadness, but his voice wavered. “Rona Haled took me in when no one else would. She had devoted her life to protecting the Union and it cost her her life. You'll forgive me if I...take time to grieve.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin and Justin looked at each other sadly. Unsure of what to do, Justin walked away. Colin, however, stayed. “Sev,” he said gently. “I know you're upset. I wish I could help you, but I can't. I do know something, though: you need to stay strong. You were Haled's protege, you're the only one fit enough to protect the Union.” He looked Sev in the eyes. “You're our only hope.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev averted his gaze from Colin's, then looked back and nodded. “You'll help me, though?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin grinned. “Of course. In fact, I have a plan right now.” He pressed the comm key on his armband. “Justin, get in here.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin walked back in, five minutes after Colin summoned him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sorry. Had to use the 'fresher.” He looked at Sev. “You all right, sir?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yeah,” he replied. “Thanks.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Should I start explaining?” Colin asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Explaining what?” Justin asked, confused. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Colin has a plan,” Sev said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh,” Justin said. He sat down. “By all means, begin.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well,” Colin began. “We need to get to the one who killed Haled. It's pretty obvious that the Sith are behind all this, but the one who killed her didn't wear Sith colors. I'm guessing mercenary. And who controls most, if not all, mercenaries in this part of the galaxy.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev's eyes shone. “The Coalition.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Exactly,” Colin continued. “So we have to go to Nar Shaada, and we'll likely have to fight our way through their headquarters.”
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Fight you say?” Justin asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yeah,” Colin said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We're going after the largest crime syndicate in the galaxy,” Sev said. “Things will definitely get ugly.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin smirked. “I'm counting on it.” [/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Thirteen[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Again!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom and Jimmy, wearing nothing but their trousers and boots, jumped towards each other once more, each with the intent to disable. This was yet another of Bale's lessons: the only weapon needed is the Force. Tom and Jimmy were to use the Force to determine the others next action, and respond in kind. This was a long forgotten power known as Battle Precognition, and Bale felt that it would help the two young Jedi in their battle against the Sith. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom aimed a kick high at Jimmy's head, but Jimmy slapped the kick aside and aimed a chop at Tom's neck. He countered by grabbing the hand before it could make contact, but Jimmy punched Tom with his free hand. Tom side-stepped, and threw Jimmy to the ground. Jimmy, sneering, sat up, spit out his blood, and leaped at Tom again. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Enough,” Bale said, holding up a hand. Jimmy froze in mid-air, and Bale lowered him to a standing position. He let out a breath and nodded at Tom, who returned the nod. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You've learned well,” Bale said. “Battle Precognition usually takes years of discipline to learn. I'm impressed that both of you have achieved near-mastery of it so quickly.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom grinned at Jimmy, who merely nodded. He was determined to learn everything he could, so that Kala would be avenged. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Unfortunately for him, Bale had only taught them passive powers, and not the offensive ones such as Force lightning that Jimmy needed to know.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What's next, Master?” Jimmy asked eagerly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale studied Jimmy's earnest face and frowned. “Next,” he began cautiously, [/FONT]“I will teach you the ability to absorb external sources of energy. This is one of the more useful abilities I know. Your body becomes a conductor, and with concentration energy can be channeled into it. With it, you can absorb blaster bolts, and even manipulate Force lightning.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]That is what Jimmy wanted to hear. “How does one go about using this power?” he asked. Tom looked at his friend, worried. Over the past few weeks, Jimmy had become almost desperate in his desire for new powers. He sensed a dark kernel in his heart, waiting to grow and take root. It scared him, but it provided him a good distraction from Luke, and it gave him the motivation needed to become a Master: he didn't want to see Jimmy fall like Luke had. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale looked at Tom, who looked back at his master. Tom knew that Bale was as concerned for Jimmy as he was, and was worried what this quest for power would do to him. Tom nodded, thinking that knowing this power wouldn't hurt Jimmy. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“All right,” Bale said. “Empty your mind. Allow the Force to glow within you. Remember, we are luminous beings, not creatures of matter.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy and Tom did so, and Bale summoned a blaster to his hand. He set it on low, just in case his students couldn't use the power just yet. “Feel the warmth inside of you, nurture it.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He aimed his blaster at Jimmy, who tensed, sensing it. The apprentice allowed his body to become a conduit, and as he heard the blaster fire, he opened himself to the Force. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As the blaster bolt hit his chest, he began to feel warmer, stronger. Jimmy grinned: he'd been successful. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom, however, wasn't so lucky. He was able to lessen the impact of it, but it still hurt. “Ow!” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Guess you'll need to practice that,” Bale said. “Or you're just not strong in that area of the Force.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Maybe,” Tom said. “I prefer a lightsaber, to be honest.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You wouldn't if you could feel the power coursing through you,” Jimmy said, grinning. “It's insane.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yes...,” Bale said quietly. He couldn't hold it in any longer. “Jimmy, we need to talk.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Why waste time with inaction?” Jimmy hissed. “We could be [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]learning new ways to defeat the Sith instead!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That's exactly why,” Tom said, surprising Bale with his intuition. “Jimmy, you're my friend, but you've become obsessed with [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]revenge. Not something Jedi deal in.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy snorted. “You're obsessed with bringing Luke back. At least my desires are actually possible.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom felt a wave of anger, but pushed it down. Bale sensed this, so he replied, “But Tom's motives are pure, and would benefit the galaxy. What you're doing would only serve to make yourself feel better.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy looked at the two, and Tom felt a shiver run up his spine. All the anger, pain, and frustration Jimmy had been holding in since Kala died was bubbling to the surface. Tom mentally prepared himself for an attack.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Don't lecture me,” Jimmy growled. “You don't know the pain I'm going through.” He turned to Bale. “She was your apprentice! [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]You're not upset at all!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale looked at Jimmy, unwavering. Tom could tell that he knew something Jimmy didn't. Why he wouldn't tell him is anyone's guess.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy's rage grew. “I think you're holding us back, because you're afraid that we'll fall to the dark side. What you don't get is that by holding me back, you're making me angry. And isn't anger part of the dark side?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Thanks to his new precognitive talents, Tom knew that Jimmy was going to attempt a Force Push at Bale, so he leaped between the two. Tom knew Bale could handle Jimmy more than adequately, but he didn't trust him well enough not to cause him serious harm. As Jimmy launched his attack, Tom countered with his own Force Push, and the two pushed against each other, Jimmy eventually getting the other hand. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You see, Tom?” Jimmy asked. “Don't make me angry.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Look at what you're doing,” Tom said. “This isn't like you. Kala would be ashamed of what you've become.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]That second of hesitation that Tom's words brought was all that Tom needed to overpower Jimmy. His push knocked Jimmy to the ground, and he was prepared for more should the need arise.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy rose up, furious. He raised his hand, and his lightsaber flew out of Bale's house. Tom was prepared to summon his own, but the Force told him that was unnecessary. He saw Jimmy angrily throw his lightsaber to the ground and dismantle it with the Force. The once majestic weapon was now nothing but a pile of scraps. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I've had enough,” he said. “No more Jedi, no more Sith, no more Force. You're on your own.” With that said, he walked away. Tom went to go after him, but Bale froze him in place until he was out of sight.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]When he was mobile again, Tom turned to Bale angrily. “What was that for? I could have reasoned with him!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I don't think he wanted to be reasoned with,” Bale said regretfully. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“If he wants to come back to us, he can. But he needs to follow his own path.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom nodded. His Master's words made sense. “I assume you'll still train me?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'll train as long as you're willing,” Bale said sagely. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Then let's continue,” Tom said. “Anything you're willing to teach, I'm willing to learn.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale thought for a moment. “I do have a lesson that I was uncomfortable teaching with Jimmy here, but now that he's gone...”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'm ready, Master,” Tom insisted.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale inclined his head. “Very well, then. It is my personal belief that, while there is indeed a light and dark side of the Force, powers aren't innately light or dark. The actions define how they work.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You'll be teaching me powers which have been associated with the Dark Side,” Tom said intuitively.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yes,” Bale said, once more impressed. “Assuming you think you're ready for it.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh I am,” Tom said. “More than ready.”
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]R6 moaned softly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Very well, then,” Bale said. “Meditate, focus on the darkness within you, and try to balance it with the light. I will know when you are prepared to [FONT=Times New Roman, serif]learn what I have to teach.”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom nodded and sat down, cross legged, and did as his master instructed: he prepared to fight an internal war. [/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Fourteen[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Thanks to her stealth training, Seras Windgate was skilled enough not to be seen by Jimmy, who was walking away from the older Jedi's hut. Ever since she'd learned where they were, she'd spent her days watching them, seeing if she could learn their weaknesses so she could stop them from bringing more harm to Forshran. But from what she could tell, that wasn't their intention. They were learning skills so that they could stop the Sith. It didn't condone letting her planet suffer, but the fact that they were seeking to atone for it was something.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]She was curious, though, as to why Jimmy was leaving. She decided to follow him from the camp, and when they were far enough from the hut he said, “I know you are there.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“How?” she asked, emerging from the bushes.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I was a Jedi,” he said shortly. “I could sense you easily. So could [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom and Bale, if they were trying to.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras forgot about that talent of theirs. “Right.” She went over his words in her head. “Wait, what do you mean [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]were [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]a Jedi?”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The former Jedi turned, and Seras saw his eyes were red. “It doesn't concern you. All you need to know is that, if you see me, you should leave me in peace.” Ending it at that, he turned to walk away. Seras just stood there. Eventually, he turned back and said, just loud enough to be heard, “By the way, Seras. I know you're angry that Bale, you know, the Jedi who the Sith came here for, didn't give himself up. I know what the desire for revenge is like. But you need to know that they didn't give him enough time to get to them. I think they came here with every intent to destroy your planet.” He breathed quietly. “Just consider that your anger may be misplaced.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He continued on his walk, and didn't turn back anymore. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]For the first time in years, Seras Windgate was confused. And she hated that. Disgusted, she began the long trek back to town, keeping her distance from Jimmy. Though she wasn't Force-sensitive, she knew that he was deeply upset at something, as well as angry. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras ran her hand through her hair and thought back to watching the two train. In particular, she was enamored with Tom. While watching him she had seen a desire for justice. She thought back to Jimmy's words, about how Bale wasn't given enough time by the Sith to turn himself in. Now that she thought about it, the Sith were the types to do something like that. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras considered going to talk with Tom, then decided against it. It wasn't the time, or the place. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Aboard a War Spire, Eva paced. Not out of concern or fear, but out of boredom. She'd come here because she needed a squadron of soldiers to take with her on her journey to Forshran. Despite her considerable talents, she doubted she'd be able to take on two powerful Jedi on her own. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As she continued to wait for the soldiers to prepare, her comlink beeped. She picked up, and a tiny holo of Darth Brutos appeared. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Inwardly, she was disgusted. The “Sith Lord” still irritated her, and had done so ever since they'd first encountered one another. Still, she had to show him some measure of deference. “What can I do for you, Darth Brutos?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh, I'm just checking on my rival,” Brutos said, smirking that irksome smirk of his. “How goes your hunt?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Eva debated telling him about Forshran. On the one hand, it might take him down a peg. On the other, he might be nearby and take her glory for himself. It was worth the risk, she decided. “I've found them,” she said gleefully. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos' face was priceless. His smirk had vanished, and Eva could even sense his anger. Taste it, even. It was delicious. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You what?” Brutos growled. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Found them,” Eva repeated. “I'm actually getting ready right now to go after them.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Where?!” Brutos snapped.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh, that's my little secret,” Eva said, ending the conversation and smiling. It felt good to be ahead of the cretin for once, very good indeed. When they next met, Eva knew there would be words between them, and that conversation would end with Brutos' head severed from the rest of his body. She looked forward to that.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Her comlink beeped again, and she expected it to be Brutos, still angered. When she saw it was Darth Drakos, however, she said, “My lord.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Eva,” Drakos drawled. “Have you captured the Jedi yet?' [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No, my lord,” Eva said. “I've stopped at the War Spire Thundershock so that I could gather some troops. Then I will make my move.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Thundershock, you say?” Drakos said. “That is one of the War Spire's containing our Super Soldiers. I have just spoken with Commander Nion, and he's said that the Super Soldier's are prepared for battle. I assume this is the same for all War Spires.” The Sith Lord paused. “Bring a team of perhaps five of these soldiers with you, along with your squadron of normal troopers. I would like to see how they fare in combat, and I can think of no better test.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It will be done, my lord,” Eva said.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I know it will.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darth Drakos' hologram dissipated, and Eva was once more alone. She smiled. She had the Dark Lord's support, and was about to teach Brutos a lesson. Then a thought occurred to her, one that morphed her smile into a frown: what if Brutos found her with the Jedi, and subsequently took them for his own? He was a resourceful man, she wouldn't put it past him. There was only one way to ensure that wouldn't happen.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Eva would have to kill the Jedi.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]It would be quite easy to cover up: they wouldn't stop attacking her, so she had no choice but to put them down. Simple, but effective. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Even though they wouldn't have been converted to join Drakos' army, they would be removed as a threat. That was good. Her frown changed into a smile. Yes, she would kill the Jedi, though maybe she'd have some fun with them first...[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Inside [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darkshot, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darth Brutos was seething with rage. He'd gone to Kashyyyk and found nothing (though the Wookie's hadn't been as helpful as they could have been); he'd flown over all of Telos, attempting to sense Tom and Jimmy, to no avail; Tatooine had given him no new information. Yet somehow, Eva, the would-be usurper, had found them and was preparing to go after them. There had to be a way to stop her from winning. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos brooded, and called upon the Force to assist him. With it's help, he was able to determine any of Eva's possible actions, and then further determine her most likely one: in each of them, he saw her invading a planet, though he couldn't identify it. In one vision, she saw Tom cut her and her soldiers (which included the Super Soldiers, as well as three Dark Jedi) down because she'd given her presence away. Another vision showed her burning the planet, killing Tom and the entire population. A third vision showed her incapacitating Tom and taking him to Ziost, where she tortured him and then killed him. The final vision showed her and Tom dueling to a stalemate, with Tom turning to the Dark Side, and him and Eva becoming lover's and overthrowing Drakos and himself. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos' eyes snapped open. He knew which of the vision's was true. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He checked his fuel, and swore when he saw he was near-empty. He would stop by the nearest War Spire, refuel, and then end Eva's pathetic life.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]And save your friend, too, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]a small voice said in his mind. He ignored it. [/FONT][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Fifteen[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin and Sev sat atop a building on Nar Shadaa, across from the castle that belonged to Rax the Hutt, head of the Coalition. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Doesn't look like much of a castle,” Justin had said. “Just a really big building.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Hopefully that means it's got the security of a big building, and not a castle,” Sev said. “I'd hate to go against the entire Coalition.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We probably won't have to,” Colin's voice said. Justin and Sev looked around, but couldn't see him. Justin activated his infrared eye and used it to locate Colin, who stood behind him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh stop being invisible and just tell us what you saw,” Justin demanded, exasperated.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You're no fun,” Colin said, becoming visible. “All right. There's five snipers on the roof, ready to take out any unauthorized guests. I can easily take care of them.” Justin and Sev nodded, so Colin continued. “I hacked into a terminal, and from there hacked into the security cameras inside Rax's castle. He's located on the thirty-second floor, along with most, if not all of his mercenaries.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Was the one who killed President Haled there?” Sev asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Couldn't tell,” Colin said apologetically. “Even if he isn't, though, we'll find out where he is from Rax.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Wait wait wait,” Justin interjected. “You say that Rax is on the thirty-second floor. That's fine and all, but is there anything between us and Rax.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin consulted his armband. “A battalion of old battle droids.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Ooo!” Justin said excitedly. “I like that.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The trio checked their guns, ensuring they were in working order. Colin disassembled his sniper, then reassembled it to better serve the mission. He took a long vibroblade, strapped it to his back, and attached two pistols to his legs. Never hurt to be prepared.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin, in Colin's mind, went slightly overboard. He had a bandoleer of various grenades around his shoulders, with his battle rifle attached to his back. He also had a vibroknife attached to his belt, along with two pistols. When he saw Colin's shocked look, he was confused. “What?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev went for the simple approach: a battle rifle and a pistol. With all of Justin's armaments, he believed he shouldn't need more than that. Colin agreed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We all ready?” he asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin and Sev nodded and got their grappling guns ready. Colin readied his rifle at the edge of the roof, aiming at the sniper sentries who knew nothing of the fate that awaited them. He was about to take a deep breath to ready himself, but the air was so putrid here that he merely mentally centered himself. His mind now empty, his finger hovered over the trigger, sentry one of five in his sights. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin's finger pressed the trigger once, twice, five times. Each of those shots was a head shot, and each of those shots were fatal. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“We're good,” he said. He took out his grappling gun and attached it to the Coalition fortress, copying Sev and Justin. As one, they jumped off and swung to the rooftop, landing silently. Justin went to the corpses of each sniper and took their blaster gas ammo. “You never know,” was his only explanation. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin dismissed him and walked towards the door. He tried opening it. “Locked,” he hissed, already searching for a terminal. There was none. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin took out one of his pistols and prepared to shoot it, then stopped. His mechanical eye was focused on it. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What're you waiting for?” Sev asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The door's magnetized,” Justin said, studying it. “If I shoot it, it will bounce back and likely kill one of us. I'm not risking that.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“How mature of you,” Colin remarked, somewhat surprised. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Don't get used to it,” Justin said, approaching it and removing one of the grenades from his bandoleer. “This oughta do the trick. Stand back.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin and Sev complied. Justin set the grenade, ran beside the other two, and watched the explosion destroy the door. “Beautiful,” he commented. “Let's go.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As they made their way through the castle of Rax the Hutt, Colin said, “Guess my reading's were wrong. Haven't seen a droid yet at all.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Shame,” Justin said slyly. “I was looking forward to seeing Sev show us why he was a general. It definitely wasn't his planning skills, otherwise we wouldn't have planned the whole damn operation.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev glared. “Keep in mind I'm still your superior officer, soldier. I let you two plan the mission because it was your idea. If you need reminding, I'd be more than happy to oblige.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev said the words so coldly that Justin was flustered, briefly. “Sir, yes sir,” he stammered. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That's what I thought,” Sev said, and Colin thought he saw the general smirk. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin consulted his armband. “We're right near the elevator. We just cross through the next room and...”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]His words trailed off as they entered the large, stadium sized room, [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]which happened to be filled with battle droids, guns aimed at them. “Guess my little explosion told them I was here,” Justin said, unslinging his rifle.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You think?” Colin asked, removing his pistols. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You want to see why I'm a general?” Sev snarled. “Fine.” The man charged into battle, driven by one purpose: destroy them all. Colin and Justin looked at each other and, realizing his purpose was the only way to survive, joined the fray. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The air smelt of blaster fire as three soldiers of the Galactic Union battled one hundred and thirty-seven battle droids. Thanks to their chemically enhanced speed, they were able to weave in and out of some blaster fire while returning some in kind, but it was still an exhausting battle. They shot, stabbed, punched, kicked, anything they could to inflict damage on the droid army. Finally, they were the last ones standing, though they weren't unharmed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]All of their armor was damaged and smoking. Colin's left arm was completely burned. Justin got the least damage: his non-mechanical eye was destroyed thanks to a well-placed shot, but he displayed no outward signs of the pain he was feeling. Sev's left leg was rendered as good as useless. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin looked at Justin, winced upon seeing his eye, then turned to Sev. “At least we're alive.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Not for long,” Justin growled, sounding defeated. Sev and Colin looked where their ally was looking, and saw a gigantic droid with a chain-gun arm emerge from the elevator. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What do you say, guys?” Sev asked. “Go out in a blaze of glory?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No better way to die,” Justin said through clenched teeth. He aimed his rifle at the droid. Nodding, and accepting of their fates, Colin and Sev did the same. The droid opened fire at Justin, and for Colin time seemed to slow. As if controlled by a puppeteer, he took his pistols and shot the blaster bolts with his own. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He was shocked. He'd no idea he could do such a thing. The droid was confused, and looked at its chain-gun, scanning it to ensure it was in working order. This gave them all the time they needed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Cover me!” Justin yelled. Sev and Colin did as requested, while watching, amazed, as Justin leaped and threw most of his grenades on top of the droid. He landed beside it, then rolled out of the way. Explosions rippled across the droids body, and its charred husk fell to the ground, sparking. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]After staying on guard for a few minutes, the three stopped and fell to the ground. “Ow,” Justin said, out of breath.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Should we just give this up, sir?” Colin asked Sev. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No,” Sev said. “We've gotten this far, and the next time we attempt [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]something like this, their defenses might be more fortified. We see this mission through to the very end.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Good,” Justin said, standing and helping Sev and Colin up. He ran his hand over his destroyed eye. “I'd like to get revenge on that slimy Hutt.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You and me both,” Colin said, massaging his limp arm.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You men are ready to die, correct?” Sev asked. “Because that's likely what we're walking into: death.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Justin snorted. “Please, we've walked into death lots of times. But just in case...” He walked to the chain gun, appropriated it for his use, then lifted it. “Couldn't hurt, could it?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sev smiled. “I suppose not.” He limped to the elevator. “Let's go.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin and Justin walked to the elevator, slower than usual. When they arrived, Sev keyed in for the elevator to go to floor thirty-two, and they began a slow descent. They were all just grateful there was no elevator music. When they were on floor thirty-five, Justin readied the chain gun, and Colin readied his pistol. Sev just waited. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]When the doors opened, the three walked into a dark room, unable to see. “I have a-” Colin began.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Don't say it,” Justin warned. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Whenever someone says, 'I have a bad feeling about this', something bad tends to happen,” Justin explained. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You know you just said it, right?” Sev said darkly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]<A large mistake,> a voice chimed in in Huttese. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The lights suddenly turned on, and the three found themselves surrounded by a hundred or more mercenaries of various species, all pointing blasters at them. Rax sat in front of them, as slimy as Justin had thought he would be. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh frag me,” Justin said. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Sixteen[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom's eyes snapped open, and he hurled lightning at one of the targets that Bale had set up. Then another, and then another. Each time his lightning struck true, and his hands no longer burned as they had the first time he had conjured it. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Good,” Bale commended. “You don't feel the Dark Side attempting to take hold of you, correct?”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yeah,” Tom said. “I'm in complete control of my actions.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Then you are ready for this last power,” Bale said. He sat on the ground and motioned for Tom to join him. The apprentice did so. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“This is possibly one of the, if not the most dangerous powers a Force-user can call upon: the Force Flame. It is, like lightning, primarily used by Darksider's, but it will give you an edge in battle that the Sith wouldn't expect.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“How do I use it?” Bale asked. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It's actually quite simple. What you need to do is focus on the anger within you, as it lies within all of us, accept it, and channel it into a weapon.” [/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh yeah,” Tom said dryly. “Easy.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“It is,” Bale insisted. “If you're willing. I sense your anger. You keep it hidden well, but if you don't accept it, it will one day consume you. As it almost did me.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom thought on his Master's words, then nodded. “Fine, then.” He closed his eyes, controlled his breathing, and reflected on his anger. He was angry at Jimmy for leaving; he was angry at the Sith for existing; he was angry at Justin for seemingly not taking the war seriously; he was angry at Seras for not trusting him; worst of all, he was angry at Luke for not seeing the light. All of these thoughts, these feelings, ran through his mind, and he welcomed them as old friends. The Jedi called upon the Force for assistance, and his arm began to feel warm, and then his hand grew hot. Tom opened his eyes and saw a white-blue flame in his hand, which he threw at the last target.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale grinned. “Very good.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Jedi Master was about to speak, but then he felt something. “I sense a disturbance in the Force.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I feel it also, Master,” Tom said, wiping the sweat off his brow and frowning.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]From the bushes, Seras Windgate emerged, out of breath. Tom and Bale could sense her desperation and anger. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What do you want, Seras?” Tom asked. “I don't want to fight with you.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No, Tom,” Bale said gravely. “You sense her pain. Something is wrong.” [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom reached out with his senses, and found that the planet was under attack by the Sith! He looked over at Bale, whose expression was hard. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The Sith...they just landed and began attacking the main part of spaceport...” Seras' voice was pained. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That's where their attacks are focused,” Bale said, eyes closed. “The rest of the planet isn't being bothered at all.” He sounded confused. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Please,” Seras begged. “I need your help.” [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * *[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom looked at her, and instead of the angry look Seras was expecting, she instead received a sad, almost pitying look. He turned to the older Jedi. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I have to help,” he said.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I wasn't planning on stopping you,” Bale said. “I'll remain here, see if I can do anything to impede their progress. Mess with their heads, perhaps.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Right,” Tom said. Seras' eyes followed him into the hut, and she pretended not to notice when he came back, dressed in his robes and lightsaber in hand. “Lead the way, Seras.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“All right,” Seras said, smiling slightly. She and Tom walked towards her landspeeder. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Tom!” Bale called. “May the Force be with you.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“And you, Master,” Tom said, and then he and Seras disappeared into the bushes. They navigated in silence, and when they got into her landspeeder, he asked, “If I'm going to be at my best, I need information.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras told him everything she knew. “There were their regular soldiers, of course. Two of their Acolytes. And then there were five or so of these black soldiers, who moved faster than anything I'd [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]ever seen.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sith Super Soldiers,” Tom muttered. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What?” Seras asked, starting the vehicle. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Before I came to Forshran, my team and I went on a mission to [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]collect some Sith data. The data we retrieved told us that the Sith were working on a new Super Soldier project, one that would help to end the war in their favor. The non-Jedi members of my team were going to stage an assault on the War Spires where the soldiers were being produced, but I guess that didn't pan out.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Could they be dead?” Seras asked.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No,” Tom said harshly. “I would have felt it.” Possibly realizing he snapped at her, he said, “I'm sorry. It's just...Jimmy and I usually worked together, and I have a feeling I might need his help here.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I looked for him, but he wasn't anywhere in spaceport,” Seras explained. “I didn't have time to look for him, so I went looking for you.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Why is that?” Tom asked. “I thought you hated Jedi.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras bit her lip. “I spoke to Jimmy briefly after he left you and Bale. He...kinda showed me how ridiculous I was being. So I'm sor-”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Apologize later,” Tom interrupted. “We're here.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras looked at the spaceport and was horrified at what she saw. Corpses of men, women and children littered the ground, and the cantina was on fire, along with many of the trees. Sith starfighters flew low to the ground, enhancing the damage that the ground troops were causing. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Beside her, Seras heard Tom snarl, and out of the corner of her eye she saw him leap into into action, a blade of white-blue light emerging from his hand. He charged towards the Sith soldiers, and it was the most awesome spectacle of skill Seras had ever witnessed. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Sith soldiers were immediately alerted to Tom's presence, and began to open fire. Tom, a whirlwind of blue energy, deflected these bolts at the troops, and redirected them back at their chests, killing them. After that, he lifted up their blaster rifles with the Force, crushed them, and threw them at another group of soldiers harassing a family. This startled them, but their armor prevented them from being knocked out. Tom seemed unfazed by this, however. He rolled to them and threw his lightsaber at them, and in one arc all of the soldiers were decapitated. The saber returned to its master, and Seras could have sworn Tom let out a triumphant, “Heh.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras heard the sound of two lightsabers activating, and Tom turned, his own blade ready. The woman saw two black blurs run past her landspeeder, and before she knew it Tom was engaged in a two-on-one battle against some of the Sith Acolytes. She got out her blaster and prepared to jump out of her speeder and help, but Tom shouted, “I can handle this! Stay where you are!”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras didn't like being ordered around, so she got out anyway. “I can help!”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Pushing the two Sith away, he screamed, “NO YOU CAN'T!” and pushed her back into the landspeeder. Angered, she went to get up but found she couldn't. He'd frozen her in her seat. She could move her head, but couldn't move the rest of the body. The Jedi had frozen her. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]To protect her. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]All Seras could do was watch as Tom held-off the two Sith, who seemed to be growing desperate. Their moves were getting sloppier, and their Force moves seemed to be doing little against Tom, who didn't seem to be tiring at all. He swung his blade in a wide arc, which the Sith dodged. Then Tom did something that surprised them all: he put his saber away.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Sith were confused, but only briefly. They ran at him, blades held high. Tom held his hands out, and Seras expected him to push them back. So she, along with the Sith, were surprised when he shot lightning from his hands, sending the Sith flying and killing them. Seras saw smoke rising from their corpses. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom examined his hands. “Hmm,” he murmured. He walked towards Seras, then stopped when the five Super Soldiers appeared, holding vibroblades in one hand and blasters in the other.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Hello there,” Tom said, reactivating his lightsaber. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The target,” one said.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“She wants him alive,” said another.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Incapacitate, but don't kill,” a third said.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“As ordered.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras thought they sounded rather like droids, but they moved more organically than a droid ever could. One flipped over Tom, and tried to stab him with his vibroblade. Tom parried, and what happened next was too fast for Seras' unaltered eyes to see. All she knew was that one minute, Tom was engaged in a furious battle with five Sith. The next, they lay dead, and he seemed unharmed. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras smiled. It was over. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Help...,” a weak voice said. She looked to see a little girl, bloody, trying to get up. She was surrounded by the bodies of others who [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras thought were her friends. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Tom!” she called. “There's a little girl who needs help here!”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom let out a breath, nodded, and walked towards the girl. Seras relaxed and waited. Now that that was done with, she didn't know what would happen. Then she heard a beeping, and saw that the armor of all the dead soldiers was beeping. She looked to Tom, who looked scared, and she realized why: the armor was going to self-destruct.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]In an instant, Tom leaped over Seras and to the girl's side. As the beeping grew faster, he pushed Seras out of the speeder and out of the armor's radius. She landed just as the armor exploded. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“NO!” she shouted, not just for the girl's sake, but for Tom. She ran to the fire, but then she slowed when she saw what was happening. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As the fire dissipated, Tom appeared in the center of the inferno, alive, holding the girl. The fire swirled [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]around [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]him, and his eyes glowed an eerie white-blue. Wordlessly, he walked towards her, and the flames separated to let him pass. He handed the girl to Seras, who accepted her, open-mouthed. “That was amazing,” she said. “Thank you.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom's eyes returned to their natural color, and he suddenly appeared much more tired. “Don't thank me. I was just doing my responsibility.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You proved me wrong, though,” she said. “And I need to apologize.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You don't have to apologize, either.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I do,” Seras implored. “I'm sor-”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]She was cut off yet again by an attack on Tom. Lightning crackled across his body, and he screamed in agonizing pain until he fell unconscious. As he fell, his assailant appeared. A woman, who would be attractive if not for the cruel look in her eyes. A group of Sith Acolytes was with her. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That was easier than I thought,” the woman said, sounding slightly disappointed. “Oh well.” She turned to one of the Acolytes. “Load him onto the shuttle, then prep it for Ziost.” [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As the Acolyte did so, Seras cried out in objection. “You can't!” It was now that the Sith woman seemed to notice her. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh, but I can,” the woman said. She studied her, then smiled wickedly. “In fact, I should thank you.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Why?” Seras growled. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Because you're how I found this place,” the woman explained. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“When you confronted Tom and Jimmy about being Jedi, the local bartender overheard you and informed me. That led me straight here.” Seras paled, and the woman laughed, then stopped. “Sadly, I cannot find Jimmy. He seems to be absent from the Force. But no matter, Tom is more than enough to please my Master. However...” She turned to the other Acolytes. “I sense another Force presence in the woods. It's not Jimmy, so find it and eliminate it.”[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yes, Mistress Eva,” they said before disappearing into the green.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'll stop you,” Seras said.[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The woman (Eva) smiled. “Will you now?” She drew two lightsabers, twin blades of crimson, and held them to Seras' neck. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'll let you live, but only because you led me here. But if you interfere again, I won't be so merciful. Do you understand?”[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras wouldn't speak, so she just stared coolly at the Sith Woman. [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'll take that as a yes, then,” Eva said, before hitting Seras with the butt of her saber hilt, sending her into a world of blackness.[/FONT][/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Seventeen[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Inside Rax's fortress, Colin, Justin, and Sev were still surrounded by the mercenaries under Rax's employ.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]<I assure you,> Rax said. <Your death will be painful. And slow.>[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Is that supposed to comfort us?” Justin asked, keeping his blasters pointed at the two closest mercenaries. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]<No,> Rax said. <I just like saying that.>[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Rax went off on a rant about how he was better than everyone and everything, about how the Galactic Union was fighting a losing battle and how he was going to become an elite member of the new Sith Empire. With each word spoken Colin grew more and more irritated, until finally he'd had enough. Time slowed for him once again, and though he didn't know how it'd happened, he didn't particularly care at the moment. In one fluid motion, he dropped his pistol, used his good arm to grab the vibroknife strapped to his leg, and threw it at the Hutt, who was still talking. Time returned to normal for Colin, and Rax's words were now garbled. Eventually, they stopped, and ooze dripped from his mouth. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The mercs gasped. Murmurs of “Rax is dead,” and “The blonde one killed the Overlord!” spread around the room like wildfire. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Don't you think you could have gone about that a bit more diplomatically?” Sev asked, eyeing the mercs carefully. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I was caught up in the moment,” Colin said, his tone pleading. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yeah, well, now we definitely are going to die,” Justin snapped. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh yeah, like we weren't beforehand,” Colin retorted. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Enough!” Sev bellowed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As the three prepared to fight to the death (for what seemed the millionth time in the past hour), they were unprepared for what happened next. One of the mercs, a Barabel, pushed past the others and prepared to shoot Colin in the face, only to be shot dead by another merc. The three watched the corpse fall.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well,” Justin said, breaking the silence. “That was unexpected.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Tell me about it,” Colin said, turning to the merc who had saved him. “Not to seem ungrateful, but...why did you save me?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The merc, a Elomin, said in its native tongue, <You killed Rax, the leader of the Coalition. Because of our bylaws, you're now leader of the Coalition.> He kneeled, and the other mercenaries followed suit. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]<We are at your disposal, Overlord.>[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin's mouth hung open, and Justin was able to summarize what [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]everyone was thinking in three simple words.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well...that's interesting.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * *[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Inside Darkshot's cockpit, Brutos was alerted to a severe change in the Force. He sensed an enormous surge of power, one that lasted a few minutes before being snuffed out by a dark energy. It didn't take a genius to figure out what that was. “Tom and Eva,” he snarled. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Clearing his mind, he worked on forming a picture of what had possibly occurred. Something had obviously happened that caused Tom to summon the Force more powerfully than he had ever before. Eva was most likely behind it, as she was the one who had defeated Tom, though it was unlikely to have occurred in a straight duel. Though Eva was, Brutos had to admit, capable, Tom was leagues ahead of her. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos called upon his anger and hate to fuel him, and using this power he sensed the two in the Forshran system. Unhesitatingly, he keyed in the hyperspace coordinates, activated the sublight engines, and went to locate the insufferable Sith woman, and his old Jedi friend.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * *[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Back in Nar Shaddaa, in the castle that was now Colin's, the three soldiers were getting their wounds treated by the top of the line medical droids. Colin was beginning to regain feeling in his left arm, and Sev was able to walk around on his own for brief distances. Justin's eye, however, was too damaged to be repaired. Rather than get a synthetic or mechanical replacement, he opted to wear an eyepatch instead. When asked why, he explained, “It looks cool.” Sev walked away from that conversation confused.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Meanwhile, Colin stood with the Elomin mercenary who had saved him in front of a large terminal. “You know that we're no longer working with the Sith.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I figured as much, Overlord,” the alien replied.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Call me Colin,” he said. “Titles make my skin crawl.”
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Very well,” the Elomin said. “You can call me Rhett.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You know, Rhett,” Colin said. “You're pretty well-mannered for a merc.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Rhett shrugged. “Unlike some of my co-workers, I don't kill unless I need to. My past makes me frown on such things.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin sensed he didn't wish to talk about it, so he didn't push the subject. Instead, he asked, “What do you know about the merc who was hired to kill President Haled?” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Rhett thought for a minute. “I don't exactly know who he is. But the [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]main terminal has a record of every transmission ever made.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'll call it up,” Colin said. He pressed in a series of commands, and when he was done Luke's Dark Side-warped face appeared. He paused the record and brought over Justin and Sev. When they arrived, he played it.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Through this, they learned that Brutos had called upon the Coalition to kill Rona Haled so that the Union would be fractured, making the war easier to win. Sev was visibly affected by this. Rax then said he would be sending one of his best, Nomac. Rhett went rigid. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What do you know about him?” Colin repeated.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“He's merciless, and cares nothing about others or even credits. He does it for the thrill of the kill.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That rhymes,” Justin muttered. No one heard him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Can we find him?” Colin asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Rhett laughed. “Colin, you're now the head of the Coalition, the crime syndicate in the galaxy. Well, former crime syndicate,” he added hastily. “You can call him back here.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“And then we can kill him,” Sev said.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yes,” Rhett said. “In any number of elaborate ways. Shall I show you how to summon him, Colin?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Please,” Colin said.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Rhett pressed a series of commands, and the dark-skinned face of the one called Nomac appeared. “Rhett? This channel is reserved for Rax. What are you doing using it?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“The Overlord asked me to do it,” Rhett said. It wasn't a lie. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Would you argue with his wish?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Nomac looked displeased. “No,” he growled. “What does he want?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“He asks that you return to the castle immediately. There's a job so important he won't risk delivering it to you any other way than in person.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Nomac nodded, baring his yellow teeth in a grin. “A job, you say? I'll be there in one day, give or take.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Don't be late,” Rhett warned. “Otherwise the Overlord's wrath will be severe.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Nomac ended the transmission at that. “Well,” Rhett continued. “More severe than it would have been beforehand.” He turned to Colin. “Shall we prepare?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Colin nodded, and looked over Nar Shaddaa's cityscape from his new throne room. That would take him a little while to get used to. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]As he looked down at the people in this wretched city, he knew, instinctively, that this was only the beginning.[/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Eighteen[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Inside of his cockpit, Jimmy was apparently sleeping. In reality, he had used the Force to put him in a coma-like state, so that he wouldn't be bothered with thoughts of his anger, his failure, or Kala. He also wouldn't be bothered by any of the occurrences of the outside world, and anyone actively searching for his Force presence would be unable to sense him. Jimmy Cricchio was as good as dead. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]At least, that's what he wanted to be. Despite being unable to be bothered by dreams or thoughts, the Force presented to him a vision of fire, with Tom burning inside of it. That was enough to shake him out of his coma-state. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Once awakened, Jimmy's eyesight was at first blurred, but it quickly regained focus, and he immediately sensed much pain on the planet, but it was only relegated to one region. The same region where Tom was training, except now he couldn't sense the Jedi's presence. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy let out a slow, rattling breath. He had a headache. On one hand, Tom was his good friend and teammate, and he would give his life up for him in an instant. On the other hand, though, Jimmy wasn't sure he could save his friend. His anger had temporarily gotten the best of him, and because of it he feared what would happen if he called on his powers once more. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]You shouldn't fear yourself, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]a voice that Jimmy knew all to well said, a voice that Jimmy heard with his ears and his heart, seemingly. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Kala?&#8221; he asked breathlessly. He looked around, almost eagerly. Sure enough, she appeared from the forest behind Jimmy, slightly transparent and glowing blue. Aside from the transparency and the glowing, she looked as she had in life: a green skinned Twi'lek in the robes of a Jedi. Except now she was more powerful than she had ever been in life.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Kala approached Jimmy, and he walked over to her in a daze. &#8220;I was wondering if you would choose to become a spirit,&#8221; he said, smiling.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]She returned his smile, sadly. &#8220;I'm sorry I kept you waiting, but I felt I had to wait until the right time to appear to you.&#8221; Her smile vanished. &#8220;Frankly, I'm disappointed in you, Jimmy. You're a Jedi Knight, and you're thinking of abandoning Tom to death? What's wrong with you?&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy held his head low. &#8220;I don't want to fail him like I failed you.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Kala placed her ethereal hand on Jimmy's cheek, and he looked up. &#8220;You didn't fail me. It was me, and only me, who chose to sacrifice myself, so that you would live. So that the[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] Union[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] would live. You can't blame yourself for that.&#8221;[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy leaned on his foot. &#8220;I guess I was being pretty stupid.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Yeah,&#8221; Kala said, smiling.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;I don't suppose you can tell me what's going on?&#8221; Jimmy asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;I can't interfere.&#8221; She moved to stroke his hair, and he actually felt it. It was the happiest he'd felt in a long while. &#8220;But you'll figure it out. I have faith in you.&#8221; [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Thanks,&#8221; Jimmy said, then added, &#8220;I miss you.&#8221; [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;I know,&#8221; Kala said, looking sad. &#8220;But I'm always with you.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;I realize that now,&#8221; Jimmy said, then looked up, determined. &#8220;And I need to save Tom, but I can't sense him. This isn't good.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;No it's not,&#8221; Kala agreed, and Jimmy wished she could tell him [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]what was going on. &#8220;But the Force will be with you. Always.&#8221; [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]And then she was gone. &#8220;I love you,&#8221; Jimmy whispered.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]I love you, too.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Smiling warmly, for what felt like the first time in a long time, Jimmy entered his starfighter and lifts off into the sky, intent on rescuing his friend. And though he didn't know it yet, by accepting his responsibility, and learning to accept loss, he had become a Jedi Master. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Flying over the northern region of Forshran, the Jedi was horrified at what he was seeing. Though whatever had occurred was over, the ramifications of it were still being felt. Rescue workers were cleaning up the corpses of men, women, children, and animals. The sight sickened him, but it did not hurt his concentration. He continually tried to sense the distinct Force presence of Tom, to no avail. After an hour with no results, he decided to try to sense for Bale, and with some effort sensed him, though his presence was weak. With a jolt Jimmy realized that his old Master was dying.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Alarmed, Jimmy landed his starfighter at the edge of the forest and ran to Bale's hut, using the Force to enhance his speed. When he arrived there, he found R6-D4 beeping wildly, and Seras Windgate was cradling Bale Danvek in her arms, looking sad. He was fading fast.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Master!&#8221; he called out, running to Bale's side. &#8220;What happened?&#8221; [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Bale struggled to speak, and failed. Seras looked up to Jimmy, eyes weary, and explained for him. &#8220;The Sith happened. They came back here for you and Tom, but only found Tom. They took him, and then came here to kill Bale. They succeeded at that, too.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy felt a cold chill run up his spine. The Sith had come? He was upset at himself once again for letting his anger get the best of him. &#8220;You said they got Tom. Did they kill him?&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;No, he was alive,&#8221; Seras said. &#8220;The woman Sith, who looked like the head of the invasion, said she was going to torture him, and then kill him.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy's eyes flashed. &#8220;Did this Sith say where she was taking him?&#8221;
Seras rubbed her head. &#8220;She did, right before she knocked me out. My memory's all...fuzzy. I can't remember.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]R6 beeped, which Jimmy understood. &#8220;You saw it happen?&#8221; he asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Apparently,&#8221; Seras said. &#8220;He woke me up with a little shock. He recorded the whole thing.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Why didn't you try to save Tom?&#8221; Jimmy asked irritably.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]R6 whistled indignantly. &#8220;Right,&#8221; Jimmy said. &#8220;Sorry. Forgot that Astromech's don't exactly have the best combat qualities. You did what you could. Please show me the Sith woman's speech.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]R6 moaned, his expression for bitterness, but still forced a projection of a woman dressed in Sith robes before the three. She mentioned how she was going to torture Tom on the ancient Sith planet Ziost. He heard one of the soldiers call her by the name 'Eva.' When she was done speaking, R6 ended it. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;That gives me my destination,&#8221; Jimmy said. &#8220;Seras and R6, stay here and treat Master Danvek. Save him.&#8221; Even as he said those words, he knew they wouldn't be able to. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;No,&#8221; Bale said, his voice hoarse. &#8220;It's too late for me now. To be honest, I welcome it. This world...has become so cruel, lately. I long for simpler times.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;But you can guide us. Guide the Union!&#8221; Jimmy pleaded.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;That's your responsibility, now. I know it, and you know it, just as Kala knew it.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy looked questioningly at Bale. &#8220;Kala?&#8221; [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;She came to me, as a spirit, and asked me to train you and Tom, as a last request. She knew you two to be the Galactic Union's only hope. And so do I. But you need to save your friend. Because if you don't, a fate worse than death awaits him. I have seen it.&#8221; He reached out with his hand and, with considerable effort, called a lightsaber to his hand. &#8220;I know you destroyed yours, so take this to assist you.&#8221; It now hovered before Jimmy, who accepted it. Bale smiled weakly. &#8220;May the Force be with you.&#8221; [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]And then his body faded away, leaving only his clothes behind. Jimmy held his head in silent reverence for a few moments. When he was done, he stood up and went into Bale's hut, much to Seras' confusion. When he emerged, he was wearing a fresh set of Jedi robes. &#8220;Bale had told Tom and me about these during training. Figured it'd be good to wear them.&#8221; [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras nodded, then said, &#8220;How long will it take us to get going?&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy cocked his head. &#8220;Who's we?&#8221; [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;I'm coming with you to help save Tom. You had to have realized that,&#8221; Seras said matter-of-factly.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Oh no,&#8221; Jimmy said. &#8220;Seras, Ziost is a Sith stronghold. There's likely to be at least a thousand Sith soldiers and Acolytes there.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;So you'll need all the help you can get,&#8221; Seras said, smirking. When [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy stared at her coldly, she became serious. &#8220;You heard Eva. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]That Sithspawn learned that you and Tom were here because of me. I need to make this right.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy, at that point, realized that the young woman was seeking atonement, just as he was. He nodded. &#8220;Fine. But I'm in charge, do you understand?&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Fine,&#8221; Seras said, smiling slightly.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Jimmy turned for his starfighter, and Seras followed, with R6 trailing right behind them, whistling mournfully for his Master.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Aboard the War Spire Thundershock, Darth Brutos fumed, walking past crewmen, and using the Force to throw aside any who would get in his way. He was on a mission: find out where Eva was headed. The Force had led him here, and it was certain that the commanding officer of this vessel would know where she was headed. He found him on the observation platform. Feeling the presence behind him, he turned, a shadow of fear passing over his face. &#8220;Lord Brutos? An unexpected honor! What can I do for you?&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;There was a Sith Acolyte here by the name of Eva,&#8221; Brutos said, his voice icy. &#8220;I would like to know where she was headed.&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;I'm sorry, but I do not know, my lord,&#8221; the commander said, beginning to sweat.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;You're lying!&#8221; Brutos bellowed, and lifted the commander up telekinetically, choking him in the process. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;She...told me not to tell you,&#8221; the commander wheezed. &#8220;She said she'd kill me!&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Did she now?&#8221; Brutos hissed, intrigued. &#8220;So you[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] do[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] know where [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]she went.&#8221; Brutos had known this from the beginning, but this was just some more confirmation. Keeping the Force tight around the commander's throat, Brutos lowered him to eye level and invaded his mind, where the coordinates for a planet appeared, as well as a mental image of the planet. And a name. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;Forshran?&#8221; Brutos muttered. &#8220;Why would the Jedi be there?&#8221;[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;She didn't say,&#8221; the commander coughed. His face was turning purple. Brutos took notice of this only in passing.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]&#8220;You've served the Sith well,&#8221; Brutos said, before throwing him onto the deck. He did not stand back up. To the nearest crewman, he said, &#8220;Put the coordinates for the planet Forshran onto my starfighters navigational computer. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The fear in the man's eyes was unmistakable. &#8220;Yes, my lord.&#8221; He scurried off. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos walked off the deck without any further interruptions, his anger palpable, his desire to crush Eva in his bare hands driving him. [/FONT]

​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Nineteen[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom awoke in a dark, desolate chamber. The air surrounding him was dry, and the young Jedi found it hard to breathe. He could see only what was directly in front of him, and even that only a little bit. Whether that was due to the darkness or injuries, he couldn't say. All he knew was that his body was in so much pain that he was practically numb, but he could still feel. Unfortunately.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well well, it looks like our little Jedi is awake,” a cold female voice purred. Tom looked up, but couldn't make out the details of the figure who the voice belonged to. Somehow, she knew that, so she waved her hand. Instantly, lights came on, nearly blinding him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom's vision was blurry, but he could make out the basics of this woman: brown hair tied back in a ponytail; very good physical condition; icy gray eyes. Tom found her very attractive, then sensed the darkness within her that killed that feeling in an instant. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Who are you?” he asked, his voice not higher than a whisper. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You can call me Eva,” the woman said sweetly. “And I'm going to kill you.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Well, at least you're honest about it,” Tom said, surprised he could joke. “Did Luke put you up to this?”
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Luke?” Eva sounded genuinely puzzled, and it was only after probing Tom's mind that she discovered his meaning. “Oh, you mean that insolent excuse for a Sith Lord Darth Brutos. No, I did this on my own. You see, I hate him, more than I hate your pathetic Galactic Union. I don't know why my Master, the esteemed Darth Drakos, chose him to be his apprentice over me, but he did. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Recently, he set each of us against each other, like akk dogs, to see who could bring him to him, converted to the ways of the Dark [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Side.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Then why are you gonna kill me?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Because Brutos wants you alive,” she replied simply. “And, as much as I loathe him, he does have some skill. If he catches you with me, he may take you for his own, and upstage me in front of Lord Drakos. This I cannot allow.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sorry to be such a problem,” Tom growled. “Please tell me this is going to be quick.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Sorry to disappoint,” Eva said pointedly, lifting her hand to reveal a vibrowhip. “But you can't blame me for wanting to have some fun, now can you?” She smiled. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]And then the pain began. Lash after lash struck Tom's body, each one leaving deep, bloody gashes. Not long after she started though, Eva ended it, and Tom let out a sigh of relief. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh, don't think we're done, my dear Tom,” Eva cooed. “We're just getting started.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]His screams echoed throughout the planet, and beyond. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]On Forshran, Darth Brutos held a bartender high in the air with his bare hands, squeezing the life out of him. “Where were they going?”
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“They didn't say!” the bartender screamed. “Please let me go!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Brutos was about to torture the man with lightning, but a scream echoed in his mind. “Tom...” he muttered. Focusing on the echoes point of origin, he was both pleased and alarmed to discover its location. “Ziost. Eva, you...”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Without another word, Brutos dropped the still living bartender and used the Force to lend himself speed, running towards his starfighter as fast as possible.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Aboard Jimmy's starfighter, a disturbance in the Force reached out to him in the form of a painful scream.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Tom!” Jimmy gasped, clutching his chest in pain. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What is it?” Seras asked, concerned. “Is he alive?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Barely,” Jimmy said. “How much longer until we get there?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Seras glanced at the terminal. “Five hours,” she said grimly.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Damn,” Jimmy snarled. He closed his eyes, and reached out to [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]him. Hang in there, buddy. We're coming. I promise.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * * [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom heard his friends words distantly, but heard them all the same. He allowed himself a small smile, revealing bloody teeth. He looked up at Eva, who was eyeing him with a malicious gaze.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“That's all for today,” she said. “We'll continue tomorrow. Until then, sleep well, young Jedi. It will be worse tomorrow.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I can't wait,” Tom said bitterly. Eva laughed, and then left, leaving Tom alone in darkness. He let his head hang. The torture had gone on for a mere hour, yet it had felt so much longer. Though he had no mirror, he had a good idea of what he looked like: bantha poodoo. Knowing that the next round of torture would likely kill him, he entered a healing trance, so that he could withstand the torture long enough to escape. He couldn't die. Not yet. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The Force entered his body, and he began to feel a slight tickling sensation as he surrendered himself to the necessary trance that would enable his body to heal. But instead of the black bubble of nothingness he usually found himself in, he instead was on(?) a desert world, the sand gold. Surrounding him were large pyramid-like structures, marked with statues of fearsome men and women. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The heat surrounded him, permeated him. It was almost as bad here as it was on Tatooine. He felt an itch on his nose, and tried to scratch it, curious when he found that he couldn't. He spit sand from his mouth. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Against his will, he stood up and called out. “Hello?” Tom was shocked to hear the words coming from his mouth were not in his voice, but in the voice of Luke. He realized that he was in a vision, and that he could do nothing to control it. All he could do was sit back and watch events play out. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He (Luke) began to walk around, feeling cold despite the intense heat. Something was strange about this place, and he couldn't shake off the feeling he was being watched. Sick of feeling cold, he approached one of the pyramids, but when he came close to the entrance two shadows detached themselves from the wall to face him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Who are you?” one asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What are you doing in the Valley of the Dark Lords?” queried the other.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]While Luke thought of a suitable answer, he looked over the shadows. They were both humans, wearing black and dark gray robes. Their skin was pale, almost as pale as Tom's, and their eyes were cruel. From their belts hung silver cylinders. “I'm Luke,” he said after he saw them coming forward, likely to attack him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What are you doing here?” he was asked again.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I don't know,” he said honestly. “I just woke up here.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The two shadows looked at each other, clearly not convinced. “I [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]sense no lies from him. He is telling us the truth.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“But the Force burns strongly within him. He may be a Jedi spy. Lord Drakos believes that a scant few are still out there. He may be one of them.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Thoughts raced through Luke's head. The Force? Valley of the Dark Lords? What is this, Star Wars? I've gotta be dreaming. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Hey, if you can point me back to...”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Silence!” both hissed in unison. “What do we do about him?” one [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]asked. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Bring him to the chamber,” a third voice said. This voice was cultured, sophisticated, yet unmistakably evil. Luke turned to see a large, black cloaked figure, glowing red eyes studying him from under his hood. Before Luke could say anything, he felt electricity surge around him, and found himself losing the will to stay alive, let alone conscious. Darkness was the next thing he saw. [/FONT]​

 

[Swordmaster]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]After what seemed an eternity in the dark, Luke found himself in a dark, desolate chamber. The air was dry, and it was difficult to breathe. He was attached to the wall by glowing blue manacles, and was face-to-face with the red-eyed man. “Hello,” the man said.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“What am I doing here? What is this place?” Luke asked, his voice hoarse.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“This is the planet Ziost,” the man said. “I am Darth Drakos, Lord of the Sith.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke's confusion was evident. He had clearly thought the Sith to be nothing but fiction. “What's going on?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Darth Drakos' narrowed. “You are confused. Perhaps rightly so. Very well, a short explanation will be given. As you know, I lead the Sith, and we are, at the moment, fighting a war against the main governing body in the galaxy, the Galactic Union. It is a corrupt institution, and I have seen the galaxy's destruction within the next two decades unless a new government takes its place.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“And you're that government?” Luke asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Very good, boy,” Drakos said. “Yes, I know that under my leadership, the galaxy will be safe and secure.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke took a long breath. “I don't know how...but I can feel you. I guess maybe sense you. You're strong, stronger than anything I've seen, but it's dark, cold. Scary.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Drakos laughed. “That is the Dark Side you feel, boy. You will learn [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]to accept it and embrace it soon enough.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke took a moment to register those words. “What? What am I doing here?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I thought you were intelligent,” Drakos sneered. “The Force blazes within you, Lucas Allen. Glows brighter than any power I have yet witnessed. Under my guidance, you can learn to harness it, and you can rule the galaxy at my side.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke tried to spit, but his mouth was too dry. “Sorry, but I'm well aware of the Sith. You are, for lack of a better term, evil. You look out only for yourselves, and no one else. I can't be a part of that.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Drakos cocked his hooded head to the side. “Really.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]And then fire engulfed Luke for another eternity. When it ceased, Luke looked older, with prominent whiskers running along the side of his face. Tom guessed that it had been a few days since Drakos had launched his fiery assault at Luke, who looked terrible. His eyes were sunken, his face burned. He stared up at the Dark Lord with utter hatred. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I can sense your anger, young one,” Drakos said. “I relish it. Use it to break free. Kill me!”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I'm considering it,” Luke scowled. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Do it!” Drakos urged. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke looked like he was about to attempt to, but then caught himself. “No,” he said, almost as if promising himself. “I won't let you win.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Won't let me?” Drakos chuckled. His hands became claw-like, and lightning was hurled at Luke, who screamed in agony. This time, the blue-white of the lightning enveloped him, and when it was over, Luke now had a fully grown beard, and his eyes were blazing with [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]hatred at Drakos, who now had a woman standing next to him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Shall I get the poisons ready, my Lord?” she asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“No, Eva,” Drakos said. “If he is to join us...and he will...it will be willingly.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“You think so?” Luke asked. “I doubt it.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Oh really? And what of your friends?” Drakos asked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke looked startled. “My...my friends...? They're here?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Yeah,” Eva said. “The ones you know as Tom and Jimmy are training to be Jedi, and Colin and Justin are now soldiers in the Union army.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“So...so they'll come to save me!” Luke said. The hope in his voice made Tom mentally wince sadly. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“I doubt that,” Drakos said, placing a hand on Luke's forehead. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Visions played across his mind, as if they were a movie. All showed his friends training, and even having fun. “They don't seem that concerned with you at all, do they?”[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“They just don't know I'm here!” Luke exclaimed, though he didn't sound convinced. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Would you bet your life on that?” Drakos inquired, before turning and leaving. Eva gave him a demonic grin before following her Master, leaving Luke alone in the dark. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The scene shifted, and Luke's beard was now extended down to his chest. He looked focused, when suddenly he let out a roar, one filled with pain, anguish, and pure animal hatred. The force of it caused the manacles holding him to break, setting him free. After gathering his strength, he moved faster than he ever had. When he got to a large steel door, he instinctively reached out with his hand, sending it flying. When he ran through that doorway, he found himself encircled by Sith Acolytes, with their lightsabers pointed at his direction. He paid them no mind: his target was in the center of them. If he died taking him out, so be it. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He jumped higher than any human he'd ever known and landed on top of Darth Drakos. Or, rather, the projection of the Sith that the real Darth Drakos had created. As soon as Luke had his hands wrapped around his throat, “Drakos” disappeared, and was replaced by the sound of clapping.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Bravo,” Drakos said, with Eva at his side. “By showing that you were willing to destroy me, not out of justice, but revenge, you've proven yourself worthy.” [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Of what?” Luke sneered. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Becoming my apprentice.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke and Eva both gaped at him. “But my Lord,” Eva protested. “I've served you since the beginning...”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“And you don't have a fifth of the power he possesses!” Drakos snapped. He turned to Luke, and removed his hood, revealing deep blue skin, hair, and glowing red eyes. He smiled benignly. “What do you say, Luke? Become my apprentice. Rule the galaxy at my side, and avenge yourself on the friends that you know, deep down, abandoned you.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke stared at the Sith Lord, clearly conflicted. If he had doubts about joining, they would be eradicated with Drakos' next words. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]“Join me, and in time you will gain enough power to destroy me.”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Luke, breathing hard, looked at all the Sith surrounding him, lightsabers ready, and became aware of the other option that was offered to him. Resigned to his destiny, he bowed down on one knee and said, “What would you have of your apprentice, my Master?”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]He looked up, and his face was not that of the kind, funny teenager he'd once been. It was that of the Sith Lord, Darth Brutos.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]* * *[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Tom's eyes opened, and he silently mourned for his lost friend, for he knew there was no chance for Luke Allen to be saved. [/FONT]​