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The Darkness Waits


Aurbere

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Chapter 12

 

Nal Hutta- Ardunna the Hutt's Palace- Guest Quarters

 

"Wake Up!" A voice jarred The Harbinger out of her long sleep. "Get up! Come on!"

 

She quickly sat up on the soft bed to see Jadec standing next to the bed. "What?" She groaned, still not fully awake. "What could possibly be wrong, Jadec?" She wasn't exactly a 'morning person.'

 

He backed away, acknowledging the tension she felt. "Calm down, darlin'. Just waking you up to tell you that the final challenge is going to start soon."

 

She sighed and brushed her silver hair back. "Finally!" She exclaimed with relief. "Once that's done I can get off this rock." She got off the bed, grabbing her lightsabers off the table beside the bed. "What am I going to be facing?"

 

Jadec sat down in the wooden chair. "Well, remember what I told you about the final challenge?"

 

"Some sort of beast, yes?" She knew where he was going.

 

"Yeah... except that this year they have something... more, I guess." He sat in silence for a few moments.

 

The Harbinger tapped her foot on the ground. "Don't keep me in suspense!" She almost yelled at him.

 

"Now calm down, darlin'." He said defensively. "I was just about to say that the rules have changed." He exhaled loudly. "Seems the Hutts don't want you to live. They're bringing in the most fearsome and deadly creatures in the galaxy to kill you."

 

She rolled her eyes. The Hutts were obviously afraid of her. More importantly, they were afraid of her father. "The Hutts are afraid that I will win. I don't plan on alleviating those fears."

 

A wide grin appeared on Jadec's face. "That's what I like to hear! Better hurry then." He got up from the chair and opened the door. "After you, my dear." He positioned himself to the side of the door and waved her through.

 

She walked through the doorway, prepared to face the final challenge, and bring her father one step closer to victory.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

The Prism- Prisoner Transfer Center

 

The Assassin and The Shadow descended the boarding ramp of the small transport shuttle into the massive super prison. The black exterior of The Prism masked the shining interior of the main level, but they knew the conditions worsened in the lower levels. Guards escorted prisoners to and from their cells, three Jedi stood guard at the elevator to Solitary Confinement.

 

But that was not their target. To their left, across from the Solitary confinement elevator, was the elevator to the main control center. In there they would find the controls for the Neural Dampeners. Stealthed, the two Twi'leks maneuvered across the Transfer Center. A Rodian Jedi Knight with deep blue skin cut them off, opening the elevator with a wave of his hand. They followed him through, carefully maneuvering behind him.

 

The Assassin wrapped his left arm around the Rodian's neck and activated his lightsaber, plunging the red blade into the Jedi's abdomen. He absorbed the Rodian's life essence as it left his body, feeling invigorated by the young Jedi's life energy. He let out a long, but silent, sigh as he lowered the Jedi to the ground.

 

The Shadow pressed a pale green button to set the elevator to go up to the control center. "You didn't have to do that." He whispered, scolding his brother. "You may have just jeapordized the mission."

 

The Assassin shushed him with a hiss. He knew the mission would not be compromised. He put his deactivated lightsaber on his belt and stood straight, leaning against the right wall.

 

The elevator door opened to the control center, revealing a small room dominated by a large supercomputer. Three technicians manned the computer, with two guards protecting the elevator entrance. The Shadow waved a hand, making the guards forget the elevator had opened.

 

The two Twi'leks quickly exited the elevator and silently stepped towards the supercomputer. The Shadow again waved a hand, making the technicians deactivate the Neural Dampeners. They could feel their powers return to them, their senses expanded, a rush of intense power nearly overwhelmed them.

 

They pushed through the intense pain. The two Twi'leks stood behind two of the technicians. They synchronized their movements, emerged from stealth, and executed the two technicians with their double-bladed lightsabers. Before the guards could respond, The Shadow threw his lightsaber towards them, decapitating the both of them. He then recalled it back, the blade cutting through their waists as it returned. Behind him, The Assassin slammed the last technician against the computer console.

 

The technician squeeled in despair. "Don't kill me! Please!" The man begged for his life. "You don't have to kill me!"

 

The Assassin looked over to The Shadow, pure ecstasy in his eyes. He relished the man's pleas. "Beg more, please." The man began hyperventilating. The Assassin laughed with amusement. "Pathetic. You can die now." He lifted the man up with The Force and collapsed the energy around him. The force of the collapsing energies crushed the poor man, utterly shattering the man's bones. The Assassin dropped the man to the ground, leaving him in a crumpled heap.

 

The Shadow sheathed his blade, concealing it in his black robes. "Was that necessary?" He was not pleased with his brother's actions. He was always far more reserved than his brother.

 

"Shut up." He spat back. "Our mission is over. Now we wait for out master to call us."

 

They stealthed themselves with The Force, vanishing from sight, waiting for their master's call.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

The Prism- Solitary Confinement

 

The Master felt his immense power rush into him. His mind became aware of every nook and cranny of the super prison. Each and every being onboard was known to him. His will spread like a wave of darkness, washing over the super prison and claiming its denizens. His will corrupted them, binding them to his will. They became his slaves, bent to his will.

 

But there was a small group who resisted. Dim lights in the darkness fought his will, resisting his will with everything they could muster. The Master was pleased. He didn't want a total takeover of the prison. He sought to claim the lives of the Jedi that guarded him.

 

He made his new slaves sleeper agents. His will lay dormant in the darkest corners of their minds. When the time was right, these slaves would act. The guards would release him and the many denizens of The Prism, and then the prisoners would swarm the Jedi, joined by the guards.

 

Then The Master would claim The Prism as his new fortress.

Edited by Aurbere
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Chapter 13

 

Nal Hutta- The BattleZone

 

For one last time, The Harbinger stepped into the arena that was The BattleZone, intent on overcoming Ardunna's challenge and finally leaving Hutta. The crowd in the observation stands cheered her on as she made her way to the small mound at the center of the arena. She centered herself, blocking out the incessant cheering and focusing on the next challenger.

 

A loud screeching sound rang throughout the arena as the audio enhancement systems of the ring announcer activated. "Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the final challenge of The BattleZone! We have a very special event for you this year! The Great Argunna has made a change to the challenge our competitor will be facing." He paused for a moment, raising the tension in the crowd as they waited for the announcement. "I have received word that our challenger has kidnapped one of Ardunna's slaves, he has demanded her death!"

 

Death? Of course Ardunna would try that. He was afraid of The Master, and feared servitude to him. They wanted to kill her, but did not realize that her death would only incur The Master's wrath. If they killed her...

 

But how did they know? It was then that she realized that she had been tricked. Grewd had deceived her. He was a puppet of the Hutts, a device to excuse her execution. She would deal with the creature when she finished here.

 

"That's right ladies and gentlemen, you will be witness to the first endurance challenge in The BattleZone! The Great Ardunna has brought in many various creatures that our competitor will have to face, one at a time. She will fight until she dies!"

 

Or until they ran out of monsters.

 

She activated her lightsabers, the pale green from her right, and silver-blue on her left, lit up her face. A large shuttle flew over the arena, and descended down to the arena, stopping just above the ground. Attached to the belly of the shuttle was a large crate. Dust flew up from the ground from under the shuttle, The Harbinger's black robes were buffeted by the air currents. The shuttle dropped the large crate on the ground and quickly took off, leaving the arena.

 

The Harbinger returned her attention to the large crate. It was a very large black crate, its features dominated by white markings and symbols. She did not recognize the symbols, nor did she care. She cared only about what was inside.

 

From inside she heard a creature groan. The crate shook as the creature howled a ferocious and blood-curdling cry. The top of the crate shattered, a large bone-like claw reached out. The claw shredded the rest of the crate, finally revealing its contents: a powerful Rancor.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

The Prism- Solitary Confinement

 

The Soldier felt his power return to him, The Force rushing into him, making him aware of his surroundings completely. He could feel everything in the super-prison, every life-form, every dark corner. He knew that if he had his power return, the The Master had as well.

 

But why had he not escaped? The formidable defenses of this prison were no match for the power The Master could summon, but why did he not escape already? It was mind-boggling to The Soldier. The Master's complicated plans frustrated The Soldier. He had identified several instances in which The Master could have taken absolute control of the galaxy. But he waited!

 

What was the plan? The Soldier was not pleased with the direction that The Master was heading, toying with the Alliance like this. Koros Major sat so close to Coruscant, and yet he refused to attack it. A quick attack with the full force of The Watchers' armada would have been more than enough to capture the planet, thereby beheading the Alliance.

 

The Soldier knew what he had to do. He extended his will to the other Watchers to communicate with them. He knew what he had to do...

 

 

 

Been spelling The Prism wrong throughout the whole story. I edited in the changes.

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

After battling Writer's Block Syndrome, I have returned with Chapter 14. YAY! :D

 

Chapter 14

 

Nal Hutta- The BattleZone

 

The rancor's bony claws wrapped around The Harbinger's petit body, the monster attempting to squeeze the life out of her. She squirmed in the rancor's tight grip, eventually pulling her right arm out of its grasp. She activated her lightsaber, and plunged the green blade into one of the rancor's bony fingers. The rancor howled in pain, spraying her in its disgusting saliva. She carved a deep gash in its finger, forcing it to release her. She pulled her lightsaber out and fell to the ground, landing softly on her feet before quickly backflipping away.

 

The rancor roared at her before charging at her. She activated her off-hand blade, and charged to meet the monster at the center of the arena. The rancor raised an arm to strike, but she leapt over it, catching its head with her green blade. She climbed up to the top of its head and plunged both blades into its head.

 

The rancor howled in pain and reached a claw up to grab her. She released her grip on the green blade and Force Pushed the claw back. She then grabbed ahold of her lightsabers and jumped off his head, dragging the lightsabers down its spine before she dismounted at its tail.

 

The rancor let out one last howl before falling to the ground.

 

She turned to face Ardunna's private observation box, seeing the Hutt dispair over the loss of his rancor. "Do not think you can kill me so easily!" She yelled to him. "Spare yourself The Master's wrath and uphold your part of the deal!"

 

The golden protocol droid that stood next to Ardunna's dias was batted away by Ardunna's fat arms as the Hutt spewed Huttese at The Harbinger. She did not care what he had to say unless he was surrendering.

 

But the sound of an incoming shuttle proved the Hutt's desire to kill her.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

The Prism- Warden's Office

 

Kam Solusar could feel the Darkness rise. Something had changed. At first the Dark Side was in the dark corners of his mind, but now... he felt as if the Dark Side was prepared to swallow him up. He fought the Dark Side with everything he could muster, keeping it at bay through sheer force of will. But he knew that if he had difficulty keeping the Dark Side at bay, the rest of the prison was in danger.

 

Jansil sat at his desk behind him. Kam took a seat in one of the two chairs that sat in front of the desk. "Warden. What is the status of the Neural Dampeners?" There had to be something wrong, this was not just a feeling.

 

Jansil leaned on his desk, typing in something on the small computer that sat at the center of the desk. "Says here that they are offline. But how could that be?"

 

Kam quickly leapt out of his chair. "This prison has been infiltrated. The Master is going to escape!" He ran to the door, but before he could open it, the door controls were destroyed by a blaster bolt. He turned quickly to see Jansil pointing his blaster at him, his eyes black and purple veins spread across his angular face.

 

Jansil fired again, but the bolts were met by Kam's lightsaber. Jansil continued firing at him. Kam deflected each of the bolts so that they would miss Jansil. "What are you doing, Warden?" He asked, but the Warden's response was more blaster fire.

 

Kam blocked each one as he moved closer and closer to Jansil. With a swift strike, he removed the barrel from Jansil's weapon, and then hit him of the right temple with the butt-end of his lightsaber. "What happened to you, Jansil?" He wondered aloud.

 

Kam then came to the conclusion that the rest of The Prism might be experiencing whatever happened to Jansil. He ran up to the door and cut a large hole in the durasteel door. He stepped through the hole to find the rest of the prison locked in battle. Guards and prisoners both assaulted Kam's Jedi comrades and the guard droids that assisted them. The hordes of guards and prisoners, hundreds of them, threatened to overwhelm Kam's allies.

 

He then realized that this was The Master's plan, this was how he was going to escape.

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:eek: Mind control!

 

Dun dun dun! :D

 

But trust me, mind control is childs play compared to the other powers I have planned to bring in. Powers like Deadly Sight, Spear of Midnight Black, Mass Illusions, Force Phantom, and the list goes on.

 

But I thought the mind control was a nice touch. It won't make another appearance though.

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This chapter marks the end of The BattleZone.

 

Chapter 15

 

Nal Hutta- The BattleZone

 

Over an hour of fighting had left The Harbinger drained. The corpses of Ardunna's executioners lay strewn about the arena. Three rancors, several Corellian Slice Hounds, five Mastiff Hounds, and ten Sand Panthers littered the arena. She did not care for the senseless killing that she was forced into, but she had no choice. Her mission was far more important than her feelings, but she could not ignore them. For now, she kept them hidden.

 

She sheathed her lightsabers into the hidden pouches of her black robes. She could hear Ardunna spew his foul language at his henchmen, no doubt displeased over the loss of his beasts. She could feel his despair.

 

The voice amplification systems switched on with a loud whine. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, it seems our criminal has killed all of our executioners." His voice gave the impression that he was as displeased as his slug master.

 

Eyeing Ardunna's private box, she leapt up to it, landing on the Hutt's dias. She quickly pulled out her main-hand lightsaber and pointed the inactive weapon at the Hutt's slime covered belly. "I tire of your games, Hutt!"

 

Ardunna's guards, three Weequay armed with light blaster rifles and covered in bone plate armor, pointed their weapons at her. Ardunna laughed in her face, his intoxicating breath made her gag. But she remained defiant.

 

She lowered her voice. "Honor your debt to my father, or I will spare you his wrath now." She quickly leapt over Ardunna and activated her lightsaber, placing the green blade across the Hutt's massive jowels. "Call them off and surrender to the demands."

 

He flapped his fat arms around in a desperate struggle to escape, but his fat made him fairly immobile. <"Lower your weapons."> He commanded the Weequay guards. <"You win, girl. The Hutt Cartel will honor its agreement with The Great One.">

 

She deactivated her lightsaber and stepped off of the dias and casually walked to the front. "See that you do, Hutt." She said, pointing at him. "My father is gathering his forces. He is preparing to unleash a war that the galaxy has never seen. You would best not disappoint him."

 

She stepped back to the balcony and leapt off of the private box, landing in the center of the arena gracefully. She located the gate from which she entered and headed towards it. She lifted the rusted gate with The Force and entered the wet tunnel.

 

Finally, she could leave this planet.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

The Prism- Prisoner Transfer Center

 

The Prism had been turned into a battlefield. Swarms of prisoners and guards attacked Jedi Knights and assault droids with makeshift weapons and blaster pistols. The swarm of over two hundred prisoners surrounded Kam Solusar and his eight fellow Jedi. The assault droids had already been scrapped by the rogue guards and their allies, left to rust away in a crumpled heap.

 

The swarm closed in more and more, but the Jedi held them back. Kam and his fellow Jedi cut down the prisoners and guards with quick strikes, intent on incapacitating and not killing. The swarming prisoners and guards attacked with reckless abandon, their attacks wild and unguided, allowing Kam and the other Jedi to easily dispatch them.

 

As the swarm continued to close in, Kam fell into The Force, ducking and dodging each attack with ease and retaliating with a precise slash with his lightsaber. The tide was quickly turning with each movement Kam made. But the swarm was unrelenting. Kam had not realized that he and the Jedi had been pushed back to the entrance of the Warden's office.

 

But the battle was nearly over. The swarm had been diminished to a small group of less than twenty prisoners, still attacking as if they were backed by hundreds of allies. Kam ducked under a wild decapitating stroke from an Aqualish prisoner armed with a knife, and sweeped his legs with his lightsaber. Before the prisoner hit the ground, Kam pushed him away with The Force, sending the prisoner into the other prisoners.

 

Kam and his fellow Jedi charged forward, cutting down the rest of the prisoners in quick time. As the last one fell to his blade, Kam released his tension with a deep exhale. They had been victorious, for now. But he sensed that their battle was far from over.

 

His feelings were confirmed when the elevator to Solitary Confinement opened, and out stepped the man who had caused this riot- The Master. And with him, darkness followed.

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[/color]Haven't had the time to read this of late but I finally have, can't wait for the Master to show his stuff!

 

I haven't had much time to post, but I plan to post daily, starting now.

 

 

Chapter 16

 

The Prism- Main Prisoner Transfer Center

 

The Master, garbed in black robes, stepped out of the elevator. The atmosphere of the Transfer Center shifted greatly with his entrance. Overhead lights dimmed and darkness descended upon Kam and his fellow Jedi. Purple mist followed The Master out of the elevator, and spread around the room.

 

Following The Master were his followers interned with him in Solitary Confinement. Kam had studied the repetoire of The Master and his followers. His followers were an assortment of species. A large and heavily muscled human, The Soldier as he was known by, wore barely fitting black robes striped with blood red lines, a female woman resembling a Nightsister from Dathomir, The Beastmaster, was garbed in robes that showed much of her skin.

 

They were followed by a Togruta with blue and white skin, donned in black robes. Her skin would be flawlessly perfect if not for the purple lines that dominated her face, her corruption by The Master was clearly evident. She was followed by a short bald man with cybernetic implants embedded in several locations on his head. He was garbed in the black robes of his master.

 

Last among them was a female human, The Lore-master. She had long flowing black hair, and wore purple robes adorned with several symbols. From looking at her, one would think she was perfectly calm, but Kam felt her inner grief, and her doubt. He could sense doubt in all of them, but The Master was the picture of calm rage.

 

In the center of the Transfer Center, The Master stood before them, an evil look in his eyes. The darkness swirled around him slowly, the purple mist at his feet flowing like a current. He stood in the center of the darkness, the eye of a dark storm. He reached his hand outward, and at his command, the darkness once again descended upon them.

 

Kam could feel it falling upon him and his fellow Jedi. He tried to move, but he found his muscles locked. He tried to speak to his fellow Jedi, but his mouth refused to move. It was as if his whole body was frozen. He could only breathe, and watch as The Master prepared himself to attack.

 

"Can you feel it, Jedi?" He asked them, his voice malevolent, gifted with a hypnotic allure. "You are helpless before me." He laughed softly to himself. "How the tables have turned. Now I am the master of this prison, and you are my prisoners."

 

He turned his head left to his students. "Go to the armory and retrieve our weapons. I shall handle this... personally."

 

The Soldier bowed slightly and motioned for the others to follow him. He used the Force to open a large blast door right of the Solitary Confinement elevator, and the group left them, closing the blast door behind them.

 

The Master returned his attention to Kam and his six Jedi companions. "Now then. It has been a long time since I fully exercised my power. Consider yourselves test subjects as I test the power that millenia of study of the Force has given me!"

 

He lifted his left arm. The darkness that surrounded The Master descended on his left hand, forming itself into a weapon, a two-pronged spear. The black spear, as dark as the night, levitated above his hand. He twisted his wrist and pointed at one of the Jedi, a purple Twi'lek in the tan tunic, typical attire of a Jedi Knight. The spear launched itself with great speed. In a single moment, the spear had traversed across the room and plunged into the Twi'lek, sending him flying into the Warden's Office. As the life left his body, the spear vanished, its darkness returning to The Master.

 

"Ah." The Master let out a long breath. "I can feel your fear, Jedi. You all know that the end is near." He inhaled deeply, the darkness surrounding him billowed. He scanned the group of Jedi. Three female humans, one male Ithorian, one male Togruta, and Kam Solusar. His gaze settled on a red haired female of average height and build. His gaze intensified, his darkness focused solely on her. In moments, her feet burst into flame, the fire quickly engulfing her fully. She was unable to move, unable to scream, and in seconds, she was reduced to a small pile of ash.

 

If the Jedi could do anything, they would, but The Master delighted in their fear, fed on it. He would not let them free of his darkness until their fear had consumed them to the point of hopelessness.

 

The Master drew in the darkness that surrounded them, focusing it in outstreched hands. When he felt that he had accumulated enough power, he unleashed it in a devastating blast of pure dark side energies. The wave of energy collided with the Ithorian and the other two female Jedi. The devastating energy utterly destroyed their bodies, completely disintegrating them. Nothing was left of them.

 

The permeating darkness billowed with its master's delight. The Master stood at the center of the now chaotic storm, drawing in its energies. He then targeted the Togruta. He raised his right hand and focused the dark side. Orange and purple tendrils raced from his fingers and connected with the torso and head of the Togruta, draining his energies and replenishing The Master of his energy... not that he needed it, Kam Solusar's fear was enough. When The Master felt the last of the Togruta's life energy fade away, he ceased his assault.

 

The Master retracted the darkness that prevented Kam, the last of the Jedi, from moving. He then used the Force to call the Togruta's lightsaber to him. He activated the silver-blue blade, taking up the traditional stance of Makashi. "Now Solusar, let us fight."

 

Kam hesitated, but quickly steadied himself and activated his lightsaber.

 

The Master closed distance slowly, the swirling darkness following him. Kam made the first move in haste, raising his lightsaber up and bringing it down in a heavy downward strike. The Master blocked the attack and used his blade to guide the attack to the left. He then brought his elbow up to hit Kam in the chin. He spun away as Kam recovered.

 

The Master closed the distance once again. He made quick strikes to prod at Kam's defenses. He made strikes to Kam's left and right sides with great speed, flourishing with each recoil. His offense was quickly stopped when Kam summoned a powerful Force Push to push The Master back.

 

Kam then took the offensive, charging with his lightsaber raised. He brought his blade down in several heavy two-handed strikes, forcing The Master to fall on his mastery of the third form of Soresu. The Master blocked each attack, backpedaling with each block. He stayed on the defensive, letting Kam believe that he has the upper hand.

 

The battle had quickly moved into the docking bay where a single shuttle was docked. The Master continued to stay on the defensive, blocking and deflecting each heavy strike that Kam made. The Master continued to block, leaving each opening he saw untouched until they reached the landing pad. The Master then struck with a lightning fast strike that caught Kam off-balance. He fell into Juyo and made a series of lightning fast strikes. His blade blurred, moving so fast that it seemed that he was attacking with a dozen weapons, creating a deadly web of blue energy.

 

The speed and ferocity of the attack caused Kam's defense to falter, and with a single final strike he knocked Kam's lightsaber aside. He then brushed his blade against Kam's right leg, forcing him to his knees.

 

The Master stopped his attack. "Do you see it now, Jedi?" The Master studied the pained expression on Kam's face. "You had no hope of defeating me. You have failed, and now you will die."

 

With those words, a red lightsaber was plunged into Kam's back. Emerging from stealth was The Assassin, an evil grin on his face.

 

The Master saw the look of disbelief on Kam's face. "Did you really think I was truly captured? Fool! Your foolishness has handed me my own personal fortress." The sudden realization of this simple fact stunned Kam, and after learning the truth, the valiant Jedi passed on, becoming one with the Force.

 

The Master deactivated his blade. "Excellent work, my student. Now I claim The Prism as my fortress. You have done well, Assassin."

 

The Assassin deactivated his own lightsaber and knelt before his master. "The galaxy darkens with your rise, my master."

 

Indeed it did.

 

 

 

One thing I wanted to convey in this particular chapter was that The Master wants to make people fear him. And that was the main reason for the 'testing' that he did to those poor Jedi. It also shows just how dark The Master has become.

 

Also The Beastmaster is of Nightsister heritage. Her overall history remains, just a few additions have been made. I think I will expand upon that (and other things) after the third installment. So look for a Prequel trilogy (;)).

 

Force Powers shown:

Spear of Midnight Black- originally the spear is invisible, but it has been made real by The Master's darkness.

Deadly Sight- basically killing someone just by looking at them.

Force Devastation or Force Blast- a powerful blast of pure dark side energies.

 

Edited by Aurbere
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Great, now the Master has a space fortress. Nice one Luke. :jawa_wink:

 

Just wait until you see what he does with it! :jawa_evil:

 

Chapter 17

 

Nal Hutta- Jiguuna Spaceport

 

The Harbinger entered the docking bay in which her starship sat. The red exterior of the Defender-class vessel had since rusted, revealing the silver durasteel of the ship's hull. The vessel bore the scars of many engagements, as well as the effects of time. The ship did not have many journeys left, but The Harbinger hoped that her quest was almost done.

 

As she neared the boarding ramp of the ship, movement in the shadows near the landing gears caught her eye. She pulled one of her lightsabers out from her robes and activated it. The green glow illuminated the landing gear, revealing the pitiful creature Grewd.

 

"You!" She shouted at him. She gripped the deformed Evocii with the Force and pulled him out of the shadows. She threw him to the ground and leapt on him, bringing her blade across his throat. "You betrayed me! You tricked me!" She burned with anger at his betrayal.

 

Grewd let out several blood chilling screams as he struggled to escape The Harbinger. "No! Grewd didn't want to. The Hutt made him do it." He whined in a high pitched voice, still struggling to escape.

 

The Harbinger pressed her lightsaber closer to the creature's skin. "What's to stop me from killing you right now?" She raised her lightsaber to kill Grewd.

 

"Because you don't want to." The easily recognizable suave voice of Jadec stopped her just before her lightsaber hit Grewd. He was standing in the entranceway to the docking bay, leaning against door-frame.

 

She quickly stood up, leaving Grewd to flee back to the shadows under the Defender. "What do you know what I want to do?" She yelled at him, still burning with anger.

 

Jadec raised his hands up. "Calm down, darlin'." He slowly approached her. "He can't hurt you, and you know that. Any threat that he posed has passed." He put his hands on her shoulders, brushing her silver hair back.

 

She knew he was right. She switched off her lightsaber and returned it to her robes. She shrugged his hands away. "Fine, but I'm not taking him with me." She calmed herself with a deep breath. She turned back to the Defender and headed towards it, using the Force to open the boarding ramp.

 

She heard Jadec's footsteps behind her. "I'm coming with you." He said in a commanding tone. He stopped behind her.

 

She turned around to face him. "Why?" She did not know why he would want to come with her. "My quest is a dangerous one, and I can't afford the distractions."

 

Jadec shrugged his shoulders. "I've been trying to get off this rock for a while. I guess you're my ticket out of here. Maybe I'll stick around just in case you need backup. I can hold my own in a fight." He said pointing to the two blasters on his belt. "And I'm a pretty good pilot."

 

She sensed that he had no intent on backing down. "Fine." She said under her breath. She resumed walking up the boarding ramp.

 

Jadec followed after her. "So where are we going?"

 

She did not know, but she was going to find out.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

The Prism- Armory

 

The Soldier strapped on a metal leg bracer on his right leg, the silver durasteel shimmering from the bright light of The Prism's armory. The armory was still stocked with heavy weaponry suited for a battlefield. He did not know why, but he did not think heavily on it for he had more important things to worry about.

 

The other Watchers, having collected their lightsabers, were either sitting on low benches against the walls or pacing the large room. The Soldier stood up from his seat on a steel bench and clipped his lightsaber on his belt. "You felt it didn't you?" He asked them rhetorically. "The darkness has shifted... the Jedi are dead." He knew it would be so, Solusar and his group of Jedi defenders were no match for The Master.

 

The Guardian continued to walk slowly around the room, thinking. "Your plan is a foolish one, Soldier." She stopped in front of him. "I doubt even together we could challenge him." She resumed walking around the room until she stopped at the bench The Brain was sitting at. She sat down next to him.

 

The Soldier shook his head. "We can't continue to serve a master that leaves us in the dark! We should have taken over the galaxy by now! Instead we were forced to suffer the indignities of imprisonment." He was almost shouting at them. He was barely able to keep his anger and frustration in check.

 

The Brain nodded in agreement. "Soldier is right. The Master's plan is far more complex than I had anticipated. Being captured was not expected. I believe a regime change is in order, but not until we have control of the galaxy."

 

The Guardian shook her head. "You felt his power. Even when he held back the darkness he is more powerful than any of us. How do you all expect to defeat him?"

 

The Soldier quickly rushed to her. He leaned down until they were face to face, an evil look on his face made her flinch. "We will defeat him." He whispered before he stood back up. "When the Galactic Alliance has been vanquished, The Watchers will strike down their master and take their rightful place as rulers of the galaxy!"

 

*** *** *** ***

 

The Defender- Meditation Chamber

 

The well-lit chamber and fresh scent of recently scrubbed paneling was refreshing to The Harbinger after spending so long in Ardunna's Palace. She sat in the center of the chamber, waiting for The Master's Holocron to activate itself. Jadec stood at the back of the room. The Harbinger let him witness her discussions with her father so that he may learn what her mission is.

 

The Holocron activate, bathing her in its green glow. The Master's image was projected from the device, obscuring Jadec from her vision. "Ah, child, so you were successful?"

 

"Yes, father. I have completed Ardunna's challenge, but I wonder why a galactic competition was my challenge." She still did not know after many hours of meditation on the puzzle.

 

"It is because there was no challenge. Ardunna wished to kill you for reasons unknown to me. Your success is only a testament to your power and lineage."

 

The Harbinger's eyes narrowed. "Lineage?" She knew her father was powerful, but she did not think that being his daughter made her powerful. Unless he was also referring to her mother? "Is this about my mother?" Her mother was a powerful Jedi, but her power wasn't noteworthy in The Harbinger's eyes.

 

"It matters not. Now, we must continue our work."

 

"Wait!" She blurted out. "Did you manage to escape, yet?"

 

The image smiled, no doubt pleased with her concern. "Yes. The Prism is under my control."

 

"Don't you fear retaliation?" She asked, knowing that the Galactic Alliance would not allow The Master to disappear.

 

The image laughed. "It is of no concern. The Prism is more than capable of withstanding an attack. You see, The Prism has been modified to be a battlestation in addition to a prison. During the Clone Wars, The Prism held several valuable Seperatist Council members. At the command of Count Dooku, the cyborg General Grievous led an attack on The Prism using several warships. The Prism survived the attack and forced the fleet to retreat."

 

"How do you know this?" She asked him with curiousity.

 

"Because I was there. I will spare you the details, suffice to say that I defeated General Grievous in battle and forced him to flee. Now, we must return to your mission."

 

She bowed her head low. "Yes, father. What would you have me do?"

 

"With the Hutts under our control we have established a large underworld presence. Now we need an additional military presence."

 

The Harbinger did not understand why. "But your ships were easily defeating Alliance ships in the last war. Why do you need military aid?"

 

"The Alliance was caught flat-footed by my assault. They are now gathering forces in preperation for war. An additional militant force will secure my victory. I am sending you to the Chiss Ascendancy."

 

The Harbinger had studied the Ascendancy before. The Chiss did not take action unless forced to. "I don't think the Chiss are likely to join you."

 

The Master's image nodded in agreement. "Under normal circumstances, but my... ally in the Ascendancy has great political and military pull. He will help you."

 

The Harbinger continued to be amazed by how expansive her father's influence was. Even the Chiss Ascendancy had been infiltrated. "Yes, father. I shall go at once." She expected the image to disappear, but it remained, staring at her.

 

"You cannot hide your feelings from me. Do not forget what you are doing. Failure is not an option." With those parting words, the image vanished and the Holocron's green glow subsided.

 

Jadec stepped into the center of the chamber until he stood next to the Holocron. "Cheery guy." He said sarcastically, staring at the device.

 

The Harbinger got up from her seated position. "Get the ship ready for launch, I want to be off of Nal Hutta as soon as possible." She turned heel and opened the sealed chamber door with The Force.

 

Jadec reached a hand out, but quickly retracted it. "Are you going to be ordering me around all the time?" He heard her chuckle softly as she exited the chamber. "Thought so. What have you gotten yourself into, Jadec?"

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Chapter 18

 

The Prism- Warden's Office

 

The Master had taken great care to remove all that remained of the previous warden of The Prism. He removed the sets of obnoxious artwork that lined the walls, the decorative plants on the desk, and the computer. The Master was in control of The Prism, and he had no need for the pretentiousness of the previous warden.

 

The Master sat on the edge of the desk, The Shadow and Assassin kneeling before him, there lekku draped over their shoulders. "You have done well, students." He slid off the desk to a standing position. "Very well indeed." The Master walked in a circle around them. "Had it not been for the two of you, I would have had greater difficulty escaping."

 

The Shadow and Assassin both kept their heads bowed, but exchanged quick glances. "But you would have escaped eventually?" The Shadow asked.

 

The Master chuckled softly. "Of course, but because you 'rescued' me, I am prepared to reward you handsomely." The Master stopped in front of them. "Tell me what you desire, and it shall be yours."

 

The two Twi'leks remained kneeling. "We only wish to serve... and kill in your name." The Assassin answered.

 

The Master expected that answer. "Good. Then it should please you to know that I intend to give you just that."

 

"Master?" The Shadow queried, curious to know what he meant. "Who shall we kill?"

 

"There are two Jedi in pursuit of The Harbinger. You-" He said as he pointed at them. "Will find them... and kill them." The Master felt elation exude from The Assassin. He often wondered if letting The Assassin loose so often was a good idea, but of course it was. "Now rise. Go forth to Csilla, your quarry will arrive there shortly after you do."

 

The two Twi'leks rose to their feet and, with one last bow, exited the office, skirting past the other Watchers as they entered the room. The other Watchers knelt before their master. The Soldier produced a lightsaber from his sleeve. "Your weapon... my master." There was hesitation in his voice, but The Master paid no attention to it.

 

The Master grabbed the hilt of the lightsaber. It was a slim hilt, lined with spikes at the rim. The butt of the hilt ended with a long spike. It was different from his old lightsaber. The Master had built it as a replacement for the weapon confiscated by the Jedi. "Excellent." He said as he stored it within his blackened robes.

 

The Watchers rose to a standing position. "You have your fortress, now what?" The Guardian asked.

 

The Master had spent a great deal of time planning the nest step of his plan. He had studied the inner workings of The Prism for many years and found that the super-prison was capable of hyperspace travel. He planned to take full advantage of this ability. "We have business with a certain fish-people."

 

*** *** *** ***

 

Defender- Meditation Chamber

 

The Harbinger found hyperspace travel to be long and boring. Despite having a Class 1 hyperdrive, the trip to Csilla was taking far too long. What made matters worse was that her father had not yet told her exactly what she was supposed to do once she got there. She held The Master's Holocron in her lap, waiting for it to activate once again.

 

The door behind her opened and Jadec stepped into the chamber. "We have arrived at Csilla a lot sooner than expected." He knelt down next to her. "So what now?"

 

The Holocron pulsed green. The Harbinger set down in front of her and used the Force to push it to the center of the chamber. The Master's image once again emerged from the device. "You have arrived on Csilla I see." The Harbinger did not bother to ask how he knew, the answer was too obvious. "And who is this?" He said gesturing to Jadec.

 

"He's a friend that I picked up on Hutta." The Harbinger promptly answered. "He can be trusted."

 

"You'd best hope so, for his sake."

 

Jadec tugged on the collar of his tan vest. "Did it suddenly get hotter in here?"

 

The Master paid no attention to the man. "Csilla is a frozen world, very inhospitable, but the Chiss have made it their home. Your contact on Csilla is a Chiss who is currently heading the Chiss Expansionary Defense Force. His name is far to complex for either of us to successfully pronounce, despite my years of study of the Chiss language. You need only refer to him as The Minister. He is the key to securing the Chiss military."

 

The Harbinger shifted slightly. "How can we be sure this Chiss can secure the Ascendancy?"

 

"The Minister is a very influential figure. He will inform you of the situation when you meet with him." The Master's image dissipated back into the Holocron, and its green glow faded.

 

The Harbinger stood up and walked over to the device. She bent over and picked it up, stuffing it in her pocket as she stood back up. "Prepare to land on the planet." She said to Jadec as she studied the Holocron.

 

Jadec sighed. He was obviously not happy about taking orders. "Alright then."

 

The Harbinger would make sure he remembered what her father said.

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Chapter 19

 

Csilla- Csaplar- Chiss Expansionary Defense Forces Headquarters

 

The Harbinger and Jadec sat on a low bench outside of The Minister of CEDF operations' office. Chiss officers and civilians rummaged around the large waiting room, but the two outsiders were The Minister's only visitors. The Chiss Expansionary Defense Force headquarters looked like a fortress from the outside, but the inside was that of a calm corporate office. The Harbinger did not fall for the ploy. The Chiss were naturally a deceptive people. No doubt the full military might of the Ascendancy was lying in wait for something. The CEDF had a policy of firing second, but always remained vigilant.

 

The Harbinger turned her gaze to the left window, peering through the frozen glass to see the outside. The snowy wastes and glaciers looked beautiful from the warmth of the Chiss buildings. The snow on the ground sparkled, reflecting the sunlight slightly. The wind currents picked up loose snow from the ground and carried it into the distance. A rare day, this was. Not often does Csilla see a sunny day.

 

The Harbinger sensed someone approach. She turned away from the window to face a Chiss officer. His blue skin had darkened to a deep blue. His red eyes glowed brightly, as if piercing into her very soul. One thing that made this officer unique was that his hair was grey, unlike the jet black hair of the other Chiss in the room. The Harbinger believed the grey hair to be a sign of aging.

 

"The Minister will see you now, ma'am." The officer told her before walking off to speak with the Chiss secretary.

 

She softly slapped Jadec, who had fallen asleep during the wait, with her right hand. Jadec woke up with a startle. "Wait here." She told him as she got up from the bench. Jadec nodded and leaned his head back against the wall, quickly falling asleep once again.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

The Prism- Command Center

 

The Prism's Command Center acted as a make-shift bridge for The Master. From here he could see the blue streaks of hyperspace dispel as they slowed to a stop. From the large viewport, The Master's target came into view- Mon Calamari. The shipyards of Mon Calamari to be exact. After The Master secured Kuat's allegiance, Mon Calamari served as one of the few large shipyards to provide ships for the Galactic Alliance. The shipyards formed a large ring around the blue marble planet.

 

"Master." The Brain studied the large computer consoles in the Command Center. "I count thirteen Mon Calamari vessels." He paused as he calculated their model. "Five Viscount- class, seven Mediator- class, and one unknown vessel of Mon Calamari design." He transmitted the unknown vessel's image on the large computer monitor.

 

It was a radical departure from traditional Mon Calamari vessels. It exhibited a circular exterior, but what made it different was the large scythe at the front. It was an experimental vessel as The Master had never seen it before.

 

The Master turned his view back to the shipyards. The Mon Calamarian vessels moved to engage the super-prison. "Ignore the ships. Divert all weapons power to the shields and engines. We are going to plunge this prison into that shipyard."

 

The Brain looked up from the monitors. "Master?" Surprised tone. "You just acquired this fortress. Why throw it away?"

 

"Because the Mon Calamari shipyards are a major supplier for the Galactic Alliance. We will use The Prism to destroy them. We lose nothing, the Allaince loses a major asset." The Master was intent on making his takeover as easy as possible. The destruction of the Mon Calamarian shipyards would draw him closer to achieving that goal. "Now, set a course for that shipyard. We will escape on the last shuttle."

 

"Yes, master." He said as he punched in commands on the Command Console.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

Csilla- Csaplar- CEDF Headquarters- The Minister's Office

 

The Harbinger sat down in the cushioned chair of the Minister's office. The Minister seemed to fancy artwork. Mon Calamarian paintings, statues of Echani heroes long passed, and other various works of art decorated his office.

 

The Minister sat across the desk from her. Characteristic of Chiss, he had deep red eyes and jet black hair, and his blue skin exhibited a darkened nature. "So you are The Master's child." His voice was smooth and calm. "When your father told me to expect a visit from his offspring, I must say that I was expecting someone more... intimidating, like your father."

 

The Harbinger felt like he was taunting her, but that impression would be lost on a normal being. The Minister's voice was so smooth and calm, almost alluring. It was similar to her father's voice. "Before we start, what is your name? My father never told me."

 

The Minister reached a hand up to stroke his chin. "My name?" He asked as he shifted in his chair. "Mitth'raw'nuruodo."

 

Mitth'raw'nuruodo? "Thrawn?" She queried.

 

"Yes." He replied. "A clone of Thrawn to be precise. Your father found me in a cloning tank and took me to the Iron Citadel. There he told me what I am, and enlisted me to his cause. He quickly placed me in this position, and my history was obscured from the Ruling families."

 

The Harbinger was dumbstruck. She had studied the legacy of Grand Admiral Thrawn, but never expected to see a living clone of the Grand Admiral. "Amazing!" She exclaimed.

 

'Thrawn' chuckled. "Indeed it is. But back to business. What are you here for? Does The Master have need of my skills?"

 

The Harbinger nodded. "Yes. He has need of the Chiss Ascendancy, and you are apparently the key to this."

 

"Partially." 'Thrawn' pulled open a drawer on his desk and retrieved a red pyramid from the drawer before shutting the it. "This is the real key." He said as he placed the pyramid on the desk.

 

The Harbinger could feel the dark energy exude from the pyramid. It was a Sith Holocron. "A Holocron?"

 

"Yes. The Master gave me this to complete my task. This device contains powerful dark energies, and the teachings of an ancient Sith Emperor. I have used this device's dark power to subtly gain control of a number of the Ruling Families."

 

The Harbinger did not think such a thing was possible for a normal person to do. "How did you accomplish this without being corrupted yourself?"

 

'Thrawn' held the device up to his face, studying it very closely. "I don't know. The Master told me that I would be safe from its effects, but he never told me how."

 

The Harbinger decided to move their conversation forward. "So the Chiss Ascendancy will fight for him?"

 

'Thrawn' set the Holocron back down. "They will fight for me. But, yes, they will fight for The Master."

 

"Excellent. I look forward to working with you when the war begins." Indeed, she wished greatly to see if this clone exhibited the same tactical prowess as the original Grand Admiral.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

Prisoner Transfer Shuttle- Mon Calamari system

 

Gazing through the small viewport of the prisoner transfer shuttle, The Master watched as The Prism drifted towards the Mon Calamari shipyards. The Prism was taking heavy fire from the Mon Calamari vessels, the heavy ion cannons eventually breaking through the prison's shields. Chunks of The Prism began to break away from the structure, but by then it was too late.

 

The Prism collided with the ringed shipyards, exploding in a great ball of fire. The shockwaves could be felt by The Watchers on the shuttle. The explosion rocked the shipyard, destroying a large chunk of the ring and destabilizing the rest of the structure. Several chunks of The Prism and the shipyard were sent into some of the Mon Calamari vessels. Other pieces were caught up in the gravitational field of the blue ocean-world and sent plumetting into the planet.

 

"Excellent work, my friends." The Master said. "Mon Calamari has been neutralized. Brain, take us to our shipyards."

 

The Master intended to finalize the construction of Project Death, and reignite his war.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Chapter 20

 

Csilla- Outskirts of Csaplar

 

Jaina Solo disembarked Kyle Katarn's shuttle, Raven's Claw, into the frigid wastes of Csilla. The cold wind chilled her to the bone. Wisps of snow were kicked up by the winds, sending flakes of snow at her. She had bundled up in heavy duty cold weather gear, but even then the cold got to her.

 

"We couldn't have at least landed in a better spot?" She asked Kyle Katarn, yelling over the howling winds.

 

Kyle exited the Raven's Claw, bundled in the same heavy clothing that she was wearing. "We should be glad the Hutt decided to put a tracker on The Master's agent's shuttle, Jaina." He approached her, his cheeks already red from the cold. "And besides, no one said a Jedi's life was glamorous."

 

Jaina studied their surroundings. The inhospitable homeworld of the Chiss sported massive glaciers and towering spires of solid ice. They had landed in the dead of night, several miles away from the capital city of Csplar.

 

She guessed Kyle wanted to act with discretion. "How long until we reach the city?" She asked.

 

Kyle surveyed the landscape that stood between them and Csaplar. A frozen lake was all that stood between them and Csaplar. "I guess we'll find out." He said in reply. He waved her to follow and they set off to cross the frozen lake.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

Csilla- Outskirts of Csaplar

 

The Assassin and his twin brother, bundled in cold weather equipment, watched the two Jedi depart for the frozen lake. Their quarry moved slowly towards the city of Csaplar, fighting the brisk winds with every step they took. The Assassin signaled The Shadow to move forward. Like shadows in the night, the two Twi'leks followed after them, intent on carrying out The Master's will.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

Hidden Shipyards- Project Death- Hangar 32

 

The Master and The Watchers stepped off of the boarding ramp of the prisoner transfer shuttle and onto the cold durasteel of his mightiest weapon. Project Death's thirty-second hangar was buzzing with activity. Loader droids loaded supplies onto shuttles, astromech droids fueled starfighters, and security droids patrolled the large hangar.

 

The Master's Voice, the Captain of his Guard, approached them. "Master." His voice rumbling. "Project Death is complete, at last." He bowed low.

 

The Master nodded. "Good. Take me to the bridge."

 

The Voice bowed again, and turned heel to escort them to the bridge.

 

They walked the long halls of Project Death. The Master's senses expanded to investigate every nook and cranny of his new flagship. The ship was in perfect condition. Weapons were charged and ready, all systems were online, but what was most intriguing was the forboding darkness that lurked within the mighty vessel.

 

He knew it would be so. He had collected pieces of the ancient Star Forge to meld with the vessel. He had also collected ancient Sith and Rakatan artifacts to store within the might ship's vaults. The darkness that permeated the ship came from the pieces of the Star Forge and the artifacts. The ancient spirits that possessed the Sith artifacts had possessed the ship itself. The Master would reign these spirits in, and dominate them with his will.

 

They entered the bridge, a dark and forboding place. The bridge was empty. No computers, no crew. Only a throne for The Master stood within the bridge. The red lighting of the bridge wrought a sense of unease, giving the bridge a more menacing appearance.

 

The Master strode to the center of the large room and knelt on the floor. "Leave me." He commanded them.

 

When he heard the bridge door close, The Master closed his eyes and meditated. He drew the darkness of the vessel to the bridge, centering it around himself. He battled the Sith spirits. They put up strong resistance, but eventually succumbed to The Master's will.

 

Project Death's darkness now permeated the bridge. Purple mist descended to the floor, nearly concealing the durasteel floor from view. The red lights that illuminated the bridge dimmed as a black haze clouded the atmosphere. The darkness swirled around The Master.

 

He was the master of this ship. He had mastered the ship and death itself. He was immortal. He was death incarnate, and this ship was his herald. His new flagship would be a symbol of his power. The Master would bring a new war, and this ship would be the weapon that would end the Galactic Alliance and the Jedi.

 

His time was close.

 

 

 

The exact specifcations for Project Death (now renamed The Herald of Death) will be released at the beginning of the third installment.

 

The end of this installment is closing in.

 

Edited by Aurbere
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I'm curious to see where this goes. I must admit that the earlier chapters were a tad slow, but the last few chapters proved to be interesting.

 

However, I'm interested to see the Master threatened by something. It seems like everything is going his way, although he has his apprentices plotting against him.

 

I'm also not sure if he's the villain or the protagonist...

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I'm curious to see where this goes. I must admit that the earlier chapters were a tad slow, but the last few chapters proved to be interesting.

 

However, I'm interested to see the Master threatened by something. It seems like everything is going his way, although he has his apprentices plotting against him.

 

I'm also not sure if he's the villain or the protagonist...

 

Considering the state of Post-ROTJ lore, I had to create someone overpowered. Luke being as he is leaves little room for non-OP villains. I had to create someone that wasn't a celestial being, but could be Luke's rival.

 

My thinking on this was 'Since Luke is so powerful, there is no point in making a normal villain.' I had to create someone that posed a real threat to Luke and the galaxy without making a new Abeloth.

 

This installment of the series is the calm before the storm. So it will be slow, but these final three chapters that I am working on will be action packed.

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Considering the state of Post-ROTJ lore, I had to create someone overpowered. Luke being as he is leaves little room for non-OP villains. I had to create someone that wasn't a celestial being, but could be Luke's rival.

 

My thinking on this was 'Since Luke is so powerful, there is no point in making a normal villain.' I had to create someone that posed a real threat to Luke and the galaxy without making a new Abeloth.

That is somewhat true. I'm dealing with a similar issue in my own story, which is set after the YV Wars. Rather than just engage in brinkmanship with the more overpowered characters, however, I'm focusing on developing characters who use nonlinear methods to engage people more powerful than themselves.

 

I see it as more of a mental chess game, where obviously the titans in the Jedi Order; Luke, Jaina, Jacen, etc. could crush their enemies... if only they could find them! It's a little bit of classic cloak and dagger, hitting at the defenseless allies to infuriate the powerful Force users.

 

This installment of the series is the calm before the storm. So it will be slow, but these final three chapters that I am working on will be action packed.

 

Ah, by slow I didn't mean that they lacked action, per se. Rather it was more that the plot developed along fairly straight lines, and I found myself skimming ahead to see if things took a turn. Once it became obvious that a prison escape was planned, it would have been more interesting to see it develop faster, or at least to have other, more complex plot lines develop alongside it so that they created dramatic tension as the escape drew imminent.

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[/color]

That is somewhat true. I'm dealing with a similar issue in my own story, which is set after the YV Wars. Rather than just engage in brinkmanship with the more overpowered characters, however, I'm focusing on developing characters who use nonlinear methods to engage people more powerful than themselves.

 

I see it as more of a mental chess game, where obviously the titans in the Jedi Order; Luke, Jaina, Jacen, etc. could crush their enemies... if only they could find them! It's a little bit of classic cloak and dagger, hitting at the defenseless allies to infuriate the powerful Force users.

 

I really do enjoy cloak and dagger stories, and your story is looking very good.

 

Ah, by slow I didn't mean that they lacked action, per se. Rather it was more that the plot developed along fairly straight lines, and I found myself skimming ahead to see if things took a turn. Once it became obvious that a prison escape was planned, it would have been more interesting to see it develop faster, or at least to have other, more complex plot lines develop alongside it so that they created dramatic tension as the escape drew imminent.

 

Well, if it is tension you want, then that's what I'll give you. However, this installment wasn't meant for tension. It is a set-up for the next installment.

 

 

 

Chapter 21

 

Csilla- Csaplar- Commerce Center

 

Jaina Solo and Kyle Katarn stood in the shadows under an outstretched balcony in the Commerce Center of Csilla's capital city of Csaplar. The capital of Csilla was enclosed in a large shield to protect the city from the cold. The city was well-heated, forcing the two Jedi to remove their cold weather gear and don their traditional Jedi robes.

 

The Commerce Center was deserted. Csaplar had gone dark, waiting for the sun to rise for a new day. The two Jedi took this advantage to scout the city, searching for The Master's agent.

 

Kyle Katarn pointed west toward the towering structure of the spaceport. "Check the spaceport. I'll look around the commerce areas." He whispered to her.

 

Jaina nodded in agreement, and headed west for the spaceport, keeping to the shadows.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

Csilla- Csaplar- Commerce Center

 

The Assassin and his brother stood atop the Main Commerce Building of the Commerce Center. The Shadow leaned over the edge, watching the female Jedi Jaina Solo leave her partner and head for the spaceport.

 

"Good." The Assassin mused. "Defeating them will be much easier now that they have split up." He pointed The Shadow to Jaina Solo. "Take her when you see fit."

 

The Shadow studied her movements, watching her duck into an alleyway at the southwest side of the Commerce Center. "Very well. I'll take her." He leapt off of the Commerce building onto an adjacent roof, running across rooftops to follow Jaina.

 

The Assassin turned his attention to Kyle Katarn. He had heard of the veteran Jedi Master's skills in battle and greatly wished to see if the stories were true. He saw Kyle retreat into an alley at the northern side of the Commerce Center. He moved to follow, using his heightened night vision to keep an eye on Kyle as he followed him on the rooftops.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

Csilla- Csaplar- Spaceport

 

From the shadows of the spaceport, The Shadow studied Jaina Solo as she examined The Master's Defender-class shuttle. He could so easily kill her now, but the stories of her skill made him curious. He felt the urge to satisfy that curiosity. It was too great to ignore. He emerged from the shadows and cast his shroud of darkness off, revealing himself to Jaina Solo's senses.

 

Jaina quickly spun around, activating her blue lightsaber. She brought it in front of herself in defense. "So you're The Master's agent!"

 

The Shadow chuckled as he removed his black cloak. "No. But he has sent me to make sure you don't interrupt his plans." The Shadow gripped his double-bladed lightsaber. "You have been played, Jedi. The Master deceived you. He maneuvered you into a position to remove you."

 

"This may come as a surprise to you, but we expected this!" She said triumphant.

 

The door to the hangar opened, revealing Kyle Katarn. The Jedi Master activated his own blue lightsaber and entered the hangar.

 

The Shadow activated his lightsaber, its blade orange. He felt the presence of his brother as the two Jedi grouped together, lightsabers raised.

 

The Assassin appeared, standing on top of the Defender. He leapt down, activating his red double-bladed lightsaber, prepared to strike them both down. The two Jedi leapt to the side, Jaina landing to his right, Kyle to his left.

 

The Assassin locked his gaze on his brother's eyes. The Shadow saw bloodlust in his brother's eyes. The Assassin was ready for the kill.

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As the Marines I know would say, "Yut, kill!"

 

I'm actually very curious about this duel now, since you as the author have an equal if not greater attachment to the two assassins as to the canon characters. So, plot armor is probably null and void for the time being.

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As the Marines I know would say, "Yut, kill!"

 

I'm actually very curious about this duel now, since you as the author have an equal if not greater attachment to the two assassins as to the canon characters. So, plot armor is probably null and void for the time being.

 

It's gonna be a close one. That's for sure. I've never written a two-on-two duel before, so we shall see how this goes.

 

I'll probably switch perspectives between The Shadow and The Assassin every paragraph.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 22

 

Csilla- Csaplar- Spaceport

 

The Shadow leapt to his brother's side. They stood back to back, facing their Jedi adversaries. The two Twi'leks slowly separated. The Assassin making his way to Kyle Katarn, while The Shadow approached Jaina Solo. The hum of lightsabers was all that could be heard within the Defender's docking zone.

 

The Shadow made a slight feint leftward, bringing his lightsaber to bear from the right. Jaina parried his blow, guiding it down and shoving in to engage The Shadow in tight quarters. She raised her right elbow up and hit The Shadow in the jaw. He quickly stumbled backwards and raised his double-bladed lightsaber to defend.

 

The Assassin made a low slash to Kyle's feet. Kyle leapt over The Assassin, landing behind him. He unleashed a powerful Force Push. The blast sent The Assassin careening into the Defender shuttle. The Assassin landed with a heavy thud, but quickly got up, shaking his head to gather his bearings. He retaliated with a burst of Force Lightning. Kyle blocked the bolts, absorbing them into his lightsaber.

 

The Shadow was pressing an offensive on Jaina Solo. He made quick strikes, alternating ends on his lightsaber with lightning speed. He was forcing Jaina back, but she was still able to block his blows. He continued to force her back, spinning his blade with each exchange to keep her off balance. Their lightsabers clashed briefly. The two is a stand-off until Jaina broke The Shadow's offensive.

 

The Assassin flipped back from a stab by Kyle Katarn. Upon his landing, he quickly sprinted to re-engage. He unleashed a torrent of blows, bringing his lightsaber down in a furious assault. He incorporated a spinning blade technique into his assault. Each blow came with lightning quick speed, followed by another blow from the other end of his lightsaber. The Assassin reached out with the Force, probing Kyle Katarn. He could feel the elder Jedi Master wearing down.

 

The Shadow had fallen back to the defensive. Jaina made heavy strikes, each blow coming in from a different angle. The Shadow backpedalled under the relentless onslaught. He feinted a strike from his frontal blade before bringing his rear blade in for a horizontal strike aimed at Jaina's right arm. In her attempt to block the frontal blade, her right arm was caught by The Shadow's deceptive attack. The blade created a deep gash in her arm, but she continued fighting. With renewed vigor at the success of his attack, The Shadow unleashed a new offensive.

 

The Assassin dodged left, the stab from Kyle's blade catching his left arm, leaving a small burn. Kyle attacked, using the fifth form of lightsaber combat to its fullest. The venerable Jedi Master made heavy downward strikes, followed by an equally powerful horizontal strike. Each strike was intent on destroying The Assassin's lightsaber.

 

The Shadow continued his offensive, using the two ends of his double-bladed lightsaber to make quick strikes. He could see Jaina Solo slowing, each block strained her arm. The Shadow took advantage of her fatigue. He made several quick strikes, each of them vertical upward or downward strikes. The Shadow made two more downward strikes then brought the hilt of his blade up, hitting Jaina in the chin. He then batted her lightsaber aside and sweeped her legs.

 

The Assassin continued to backpedal, letting Kyle wear himself out. As Kyle continued his assault, The Assassin studied the attack for weaknessess. With each strike, Kyle was weakening, suffering from The Assassin's dark power. He used the Force to slowly drain Kyle's energy.

 

The Shadow raised his lightsaber for the killing blow, savoring his victory over the helpless Jedi. As his lightsaber came down to impale her, Jaina used the Force to call her lightsaber to her. In a move too quick for the eye to follow, Jaina sweeped The Shadow's legs and impaled him in the chest with her own lightsaber.

 

The Assassin knocked Kyle back with a Force Push and watched in horror as Jaina Solo killed his brother. "Brother! No!" He shouted, his voice pained as if he had felt the blow. He blocked a slashing strike from Kyle. He broke Kyle's defense and brought his rear blade down to stab Kyle in the knee, the blade barely missing the bone. He pulled his blade out and sent Kyle careening past Jaina with a powerful burst of Force Lightning.

 

"You will pay for that, Jedi!" The Assassin yelled. "I'll kill you!"

 

The Assassin fired a burst of lightning before charging at Jaina Solo. Their lightsaber clashed. The Assassin growled as he pushed through Jaina's weakened defenses and unleashed a flurry of blows. His eyes burned with unmatched anger. His assault was quick. A full offensive was unleashed by The Assassin, with Jaina barely able to keep up.

 

With a sudden feint, The Assassin shoulder charged Jaina, knocking her to the ground.

 

"Now... DIE!" He yelled as he raised his lightsaber. But before he could bring it down, he felt a sudden pain. He looked down and saw a blue lightsaber sticking out of his abdomen. It was Kyle Katarn's lightsaber. He slowly turned his head and saw Kyle on the ground several meters behind him, a look of satisfaction on his face. The Assassin dropped his lightsaber, falling to his knees.

 

The blade retracted from his abdomen and returned to its master. The Assassin fell right, landing on the cold durasteel softly. "I'm sorry, brother." He said as his life ended.

 

*** *** *** ***

 

The Herald of Death- Bridge

 

The Master gripped the armrests of his throne. "Dead..." He said softly to himself. "Impossible."

 

He felt their deaths in The Force. His most trusted of students were dead. The Master was threatened to weep for their passing, but his sadness was overcome with rage. He had considered Jaina Solo insignificant, but the murder of three of his students had made her a serious threat.

 

His attention now turned to his daughter, hoping that she could do what The Assassin and The Shadow could not.

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Jaino Solo, kicking *** and taking names.

 

For clarification's sake, are both the Shadow and Assassin wielding double bladed lightsabers?

 

She definitely did kick butt. :D

 

Shadow has an orange double-bladed lightsaber, Assassin's is a red one.

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As a reflection on the duel itself, overall it worked fairly well, but from paragraph to paragraph, the pacing felt a little bit choppy at times.

 

In a fight, once you've closed with the enemy, it's usually a fight to the finish, disengaging can be extremely difficult unless your adversary also pulls back at the same time. Working unarmed attacks into a lightsaber duel is nice, however I think you used the same elbow strike in the earlier duel with the Master.

 

I did like the quick turn the duel took, although I'm always hesitant to have a character give a "Big No" after their friends are killed. The reaction people usually have is either silence, refusal to accept that they're dead yet, or else they scream expletives at the enemy and just generally get pissed off. Depending on their discipline and training, some people empty their magazines in short order, while more disciplined troops will just fight on. It's after the battle that it really hits you who you've lost.

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As a reflection on the duel itself, overall it worked fairly well, but from paragraph to paragraph, the pacing felt a little bit choppy at times.

 

Yeah, I was afraid of that, but I think it worked well for my first time writing something akin to that.

 

In a fight, once you've closed with the enemy, it's usually a fight to the finish, disengaging can be extremely difficult unless your adversary also pulls back at the same time. Working unarmed attacks into a lightsaber duel is nice, however I think you used the same elbow strike in the earlier duel with the Master.

 

I did didn't I? Taking your comments into consideration, I'll modify each duel slightly.

 

I did like the quick turn the duel took, although I'm always hesitant to have a character give a "Big No" after their friends are killed. The reaction people usually have is either silence, refusal to accept that they're dead yet, or else they scream expletives at the enemy and just generally get pissed off. Depending on their discipline and training, some people empty their magazines in short order, while more disciplined troops will just fight on. It's after the battle that it really hits you who you've lost.

 

Well, the two Twi'leks are twin brothers and share a special bond, so The Shadow's death hit The Assassin pretty hard. The "No" was kind of involuntary.

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