[Fic] The True Teachings IV: Fate of the Future

[igyman]

Here it is, the fourth and final part of the trilogy!

 

The True Teachings saga is at an end. Enjoy the extra long, action-packed finale of the series.

[Diego Varen]

I'm looking foward to it. When will the first Chapter come out? Tonight? Tomorrow? Saturday? I hope it is your longest.

[igyman]

Fate of the Future

 

Prologue

 

''If there's a bright center to the universe, you're on the planet that it's farthest from.''

– Luke Skywalker

 

Time passes. For six months Ralik and his army lay hidden in their planet-sized factory. Their fleet slowly growing larger and the time for action was approaching. The Sith Empire was still unaware of the actual threat that Ralik and his followers posed and every attempt of Darth Krayt's agents to track Ralik down has been in vain. The factory and the terrifying growing fleet remained hidden. So did the cloning facility and as the number of ships grew, so did the number of soldiers. Ralik stood on the observation port in the Lenari factory and as he gazed upon the darkness of space he knew that the time of destiny approaches.

 

*******

 

Raxus Prime. Four days later. The garbage pit of the galaxy. With its poisonous surface and millions of different disgusting smells it was the last place anyone would willingly visit. The sole purpose of this planet is to be an enormous junkyard. It has no cities, only Industrial facilities and toxic pools. The only thing close enough to a city is the residential quarter of the facility, where workers lived, if it could be called living.

 

The planet did have a small spaceport, which was the cleanest and thus the bussiest part of the planet. The only part where you could see crowds on the streets. The dimmed yellow lights uncloaked the cloud of smoke that was all over the atmosphere. Various exausts from the Industrial facilities, no doubt. Maybe even from the toxic pools. The Raxus sun lit up the orange-red sky that stretched across the horizon as the people moved in the crowd, unaware of the events that were bound to unfold.

 

''Do you see him?'' Gann asked over the comlink device.

 

''Not yet.'' Forn replied.

 

''Where is he? We've been waiting here for hours!'' Gann said nervously.

 

''He'll show up. He has to, we just have to be patient.'' Forn calmed him down.

 

''Damn junkyard planet! I won't be able to shake off the smell for weeks.'' Gann cursed.

 

''I hear ya, but we are here to do a job and we can't leave until its done. You know this order came directly from Darth Krayt.''

 

''Yeah, I know. What I don't know is what would this Sith Lord we're after be doing on this planet and why, if he's so dangerous, did Krayt not send his Hands to take care of him.'' Gann wondered out loud.

 

''Maybe he's not that dangerous after all.''

 

''Let's hope not. The sooner we-- wait a minute.''

 

''What is it?'' Forn asked with a dose of excitement.

 

''I think I see him, look to your left.'' Gann said as he adjusted the targeting reticule on his sniper rifle.

 

''I'll be...'' Forn said, ''I think our target has showed himself at last.''

 

''It was about time, too. A few more minutes and my sense of smell would have been permanently ruined.''

 

Indeed it seemed so. In the crowd of Jawas and humans walked a figure with a red hood and leggings and black torso armor. The description matched. He even had an amphistaff in the right hand. It was him. The assassins were sure of it. He was walking rather slowly from the food store and it appeared he was going towards the spaceport exit. This was the best chance they were going to get. The only chance. It was much better to shoot him in a crowd and use the following panic and disarray to flee the scene unnoticed. Yes, the plan sounded perfect.

 

''Where are you going?'' Gann asked rhetorically while he was following the target through his scope.

 

''We should take him out now, before he escapes.'' Forn warned.

 

''We will, in a minute. All right, do you have him?'' Gann asked over the comlink.

 

''Oh, yeah.'' Forn confirmed as he zoomed in on the target's head.

 

''You want him?'' Gann asked, keeping the target in his sights.

 

''Sure, I'll take him...'' Gann never heard the end of Forn's sentence, just a sharp sound of something hitting someone.

 

''Forn? Forn, you there?'' He asked into the comlink. ''What the hell is going on?''

 

Gann quickly turned his scope towards the roof of the building Forn was on, but he didn't see his colleague there. Instead all he got to see was a strange rusty-red droid aiming a rifle back at him. Gann could see the droid pulling the trigger and then, before he knew it, he was dead just as his partner was. The rusty-red droid put down Forn's rifle next to his lifeless body and walked away from the scene.

[igyman]

Here ya go. Enjoy the prologue and stay tuned because as the plot develops the chapters become longer.

[Diego Varen]

Good Prologue. Well done. I have to admit, you've improved as this Saga has gone on. I look foward to the first Chapter.

[igyman]

Chapter I

 

''...do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor.''

– Yoda

Two days later. Coruscant, the former capital of the Old Republic, the First Galactic Empire, the New Republic, the Yuuzhan Vong, the Gallactic Alliance and now the capital of the new Sith Empire. Yes, this planet has had its share of transition and battles throughout history, but, as its residents will learn, the time of peace has not come yet.

 

The sun was setting over the city-planet, turning the sky yellow. Life went on as normal as it could under the iron rule of the New Sith Order and the Sith themselves have turned most of their attention from hunting Jedi and Imperial Knights to hunting a dark and phantasmic threat, with very little, or more often no success at all.

 

Darth Maladi, the Devaronian Sith woman, the head of Sith Intelligence was due for another report to the Emperor. As she entered the Throne room of the new Imperial Palace, she noticed the others were already there, waiting only for her. She saw Darth Krayt, sitting on his throne, next to him, on the right was his second in command, Darth Wyyrlok, on each side of the throne was one of the two Hands – on the left was Darth Nihl, the Nagai warrior, and on the right Darth Talon, the female Twi'Lek. Darth Stryfe, the head of Sith security forces and the most brutal of Darth Krayt's followers was also there, standing a few meters in front of the throne and waiting.

 

''Darth Maladi'', Krayt said, ''it was about time you arrived.''

 

''I apologize, my lord, some late minute reports came in and I wanted to take a quick look at them.'' Maladi said submissively.

 

''Approach.'' Krayt said with a terrifying tone.

 

Maladi obeyed and slowly approached the throne. She stood next to Darth Stryfe and bowed down in respect for her master.

 

''So, tell me, what do the reports say?'' Krayt asked, again in a deep and terrifying tone.

 

''The operation on Raxus Prime was a failure. Our agents were killed by an unknown perpetrator two days ago.'' Maladi said as she rose back to a standing position.

 

''Two days ago? And why did it take you this long to tell me?''

 

''The bodies were hidden, my lord, our agents found them earlier today.''

 

''Interesting. This is the third time in the last month.'' Krayt admitted.

 

''Yes. It seems that every time our agents get close to this target they get themselves killed.'' Maladi confirmed.

 

''And a very interesting choice of locations it was indeed. Gamorr, Chandrila and now Raxus Prime.'' Krayt noted.

 

''What do you think he was doing in all those places, my lord?'' Maladi asked.

 

''Well, it is your job to find that out, Maladi. And I want you to get on it as soon as you return to your post. Stop sending assassins after him, but notify our men to immediately report, if they see him and be sure to tell them not to engage, only follow. As for the bounty we offered... rise it for a thousand credits. Who knows, perhaps the bounty hunters can do our job for us and even if they can't, they'll be a big enough nuisance to slow his efforts down.''

 

''Yes, my lord.''

 

''Now, Darth Stryfe, have you made any progress in solving the recent murders of our agents here on Coruscant?'' Krayt turned his attention to the second of the two servants he summoned.

 

''Unfortunately not, my lord'', Stryfe said, ''All we know is that both murders happened yesterday and that both victims died in an... unusual death.''

 

''Unusual? What do you mean?'' Krayt asked.

 

''One of the victims, Darth Asphyxus, choked to death and the other, Darth Smyte, appears to have walked under a trash compactor. Needless to say that there wasn't much of a body left after that. We identified him by DNA tests.''

 

''Unortodox indeed'', Krayt acknowledged, ''Keep me informed. I sense there is more to these deaths than meets the eye.''

 

''Yes, my lord.'' Stryfe said.

 

''Go now, leave me. You too, my Hands.'' Krayt ordered.

 

''We obey, lord Krayt.'' The four Sith Lords said and left the room.

 

Wyyrlok waited a few minutes after the four left the throne room to address his master. Krayt managed to live for a century thanks to periodical stasis and numerous healing meditations. He managed to become the Emperor, to defeat his enemies or drive them into hiding, but besides it all he fought another battle, a battle known only to him and his second in command, Wyyrlok. Darth Krayt, the Sith Emperor was slowly dying from an unknown disease.

 

''How are you feeling, my lord?'' Wyyrlok asked.

 

''Fine, for the moment, but the disease is winning, I can feel it.''

 

''Perhaps you should perform another healing meditation, my lord.'' Wyyrlok suggested.

 

''Perhaps I should, but that is only a temporary solution and I need a permanent one. How goes our search for the Jedi that can heal back the dead?''

 

''Our agents lost track of him, some time ago. The last report was very interesting, it said that the Jedi we seek is the last of the Skywalker line and it said that he has reestablished contact with his fellow Jedi.''

 

''The last of the Skywalkers. It fits perfectly, the Skywalker family was always strong in the Force. Where is he now?''

 

''We don't know, my lord. He was last seen on Muunilist, but our agents lost him there.'' Wyyrlok reported with caution.

 

''Keep looking Wyyrlok, it is imperative that we find him and capture him.''

 

''Yes, my lord.''

 

In the meantime, Darth Maladi returned to the headquarters of Sith Intelligence and relayed Darth Krayt's orders. Darth Stryfe, on the other hand, decided to go back to one of the crime scenes and take another look. Night had fallen and the city lights were the only thing that enabled people to see. Stryfe was a big and tough looking human male, with long black hair. He was, like most of these new Sith painted in red and black Sith tattoos. He entered an alley, meaning to take a shortcut to the crime scene when he heard a voice behind him.

 

''Darth Stryfe.'' The dark voice called.

 

Stryfe quickly turned around, but nobody was there.

 

''Darth Stryfe.'' The voice sounded again and again it seemed to come from behind.

 

''Who's there!?'' Stryfe shouted in anger as he turned around again.

 

''Your time has come, Darth Stryfe.'' The voice sounded again.

 

Stryfe turned to see a figure with a red hood hiding most of the face, a Vonduun crab armor with a strange golden hexagonal insignia on the chest and a red dress-like clothing over the legs, hiding the rest of the armor. The only thing that was sure was that the figure was a male.

 

''Who are you and how dare you follow me?'' Stryfe demanded.

 

''Such anger and arrogance from someone so patethic.'' The figure said.

 

''How dare you, whelp?!'' Stryfe shouted and charged toward the male figure only to be stopped and held paralysed in place a meter in front of him.

 

''The time of you pretenders is over. The time of Truth is at hand.'' The figure said.

 

''What are you babbling about!?'' Stryfe shouted, ''Release me and I may show you mercy!''

 

''How patethic. You call yourself ''strife'', as if you could ever produce something like that between enemies. You are just a simple brute, but do not worry. Your life will end according to your name, in strife with the rest of your Order.''

 

The figure vanished. Stryfe left the alley and instead of going to the crime scene, he went to the headquarters of the Sith security forces. He knew where he wanted to go, but his legs were taking him somewhere else. When the guards asked him to identify himself, Stryfe simply ignited his lightsaber and charged at them. The guards thought that he has either gone mad, or that he has betrayed the Sith Order. They attacked and so Stryfe's life was ended.

[RC-1162]

Here it is, the fourth and final part of the quadrilogy!

 

fixed!

 

awesome prolgue, iggy. you have progressed a lot since your first fic. me likey. cant wait for the first chap.

[The_Catto]

Yeah! The next part. Great start Igy, i like where its going already , cant wait for Chap 2

[Diego Varen]

Good Chapter igyman. I'm looking foward to Chapter II.

[igyman]

Chapter II

 

''We don't have to win, we only have to fight.''

– Mace Windu

The sun rose on the Imperial world of Bastion. The only world still unconquered by the Sith. The only world whose location is unknown to the rest of the galaxy. Darth Talon, one of Krayt's Hands almost found its location six months ago by trying to follow Marasiah Fel, the daughter of the legitimate Emperor Roan Fel, but Marasiah managed to cover her tracks and preserve the secrecy of Bastion's location.

 

Her father, Roan Fel, was a fully trained Imperial Knight and he was, at the moment, the only person with enough tactical genius and with enough courage to oppose the Sith. During these seven and a half years he and the remaining Imperial Knights, as well as the few companies of soldiers still loyal to him were doing their best to retake the galaxy away from the grasp of Darth Krayt, unfortunately their best wasn't good enough. They have managed to put some disarray into the Outer Rim systems with their guerrilla attacks, but they haven't in fact managed to retake even one system from the Sith.

 

The walls of the Emperor's Bastion retreat shined on the rising sun. The compound had once been a place where members of the royal family would come to rest, relax and think in peace, but now it had become the Imperial base of operations. Fel called it a temporary headquarters, but in reality it was more permanent than he would believe.

 

Due to these troubled times the Imperial knights and the military somewhat lacked in tradition, but they still showed the proper amount of respect to their Emperor. Every pointless custom was suspened, only some basic courtesy could be spared. Courtesy like reporting to the Emperor in the audience chamber of his retreat.

 

The audience chamber was about ten meters wide and about twelve meters long, not even half the size of the throne room of the Imperial Palace on Coruscant, but it did the job well enough. The throne itself was a lot simpler than the one on Coruscant, but Fel didn't mind. Deep inside he knew that things like those are the least of his concerns. The main goal was to reclaim his Empire. The need for luxury could wait.

 

A squadron of troops has just returned from an attack on one of the Outer Rim Sith strongholds and the squadron leader, Imperial Knight Sigel Dare immediately came to report their progress. Sigel was a cold woman with a high sense of duty and an even higher resentment towards the Sith. She wore the traditional Imperial Knight uniform, just like every other Imperial Knight did, the Red Armor over the black fibersuit with the Imperial insignia on the left shoulder pad and a dark brown cape on the back. Her goldish brown hair was fairly long, but she wore a unique hairdue that hid the actual length of her hair.

 

She approached the Emperor and bowed down as a sign of respect. The bow lasted about two or three seconds and then she rose. Besides Roan Fel himself, there were four more Imperial Knights in the room, one of them was Antares Draco, the leader of the Imperial Knights and Fel's most devoted bodyguard. He would give his life for the Emperor, if the need arose.

 

''Commander Sigel'' Fel said, ''How did your attack go?''

 

''It wasn't a complete success, your majesty, but we did some damage.''

 

''And our troops?'' Fel asked with genuine care.

 

''No losses on our part, your majesty.'' Sigel replied.

 

''Excellent. And the damage to the Sith base?'' Fel asked with even more concern.

 

''We've managed to destroy their communications array and their food storage.''

 

''Is that all?'' Fel asked with slight disappointment.

 

''No, your majesty.'' Sigel said, ''We've also crippled their TIE fighter population and did some minor damage on their weapon emplacements.''

 

''The repairs will no doubt keep them busy for some time.'' Fel pointed out.

 

''Yes, your majesty.'' Sigel agreed.

 

''Which is why I want you to launch another surprise attack tomorrow, first thing in the morning.'' Fel added with a dose of strictness in his voice.

 

''Tomorrow morning?'' Sigel asked in astonishment.

 

''You heard me, Commander.'' Fel confirmed, ''First thing tomorrow morning.''

 

''Yes, your majesty.'' She admitted defeat.

 

''Now go and have some rest.'' Fel's attitude changed, ''You and your troops have the rest of the day off. I want you well rested for tomorrow.''

 

''Yes, your majesty. Thank you.'' Sigel did a quick bow and left.

 

Draco had carefully listened to the entire conversation, but he didn't even think of saying a word while Sigel was still there. Now that she left he thought about it alright. Fel glanced at him from the corner of his eye. Draco glanced back then looked away.

 

''I can sense that something's on your mind, Antares.'' Fel finally broke the awkward silence.

 

''Well, if I may be honest, your majesty...'' Draco started.

 

''You may.'' Fel confirmed with a dose of humor.

 

''... I'm not sure where these attacks are leading. This hit and run tactics is becoming tiresome and it shows little actual success.'' Draco finished.

 

''And you would rather we sent a team straight to Coruscant to assassinate Krayt.''

 

''Something like that, yes.'' Draco admitted.

 

''One day, perhaps, but not yet.'' Fel said calmly.

 

''But how will that attack tomorrow benefit our cause?'' Draco asked cautiously.

 

''That base is the only one the Sith have on that entire planet. If it is destroyed, we'll have a chance at bolsting our own ranks with people who express the desire to join us.'' Fel explained.

 

''I see. And if the people are too afraid of the Sith to join us?''

 

''Then we'll have to deal with it. Its their choice after all.'' Fel said.

 

''I don't know, your majesty. Something's not right and I don't like it.'' Draco said.

 

''We will deal with every consequence in its proper time.''

[Diego Varen]

Another good Chapter igyman. I'm looking foward to the next Chapter. I also like the quotes from various Star Wars films.

[igyman]

I thought they'd be a nice touch, but they aren't all from films, some are from books.

Anyway, here's some info on these three characters:

Sigel Dare

Antares Draco

Roan Fel

[igyman]

Chapter III

 

''The Force is strong with this one.''

– Darth Vader

Ossus. The planet had its share of wars and destruction. It has been destroyed twice now. The second time, more recently, by the Sith forces who were lead by Darth Nihl, one of Krayt's Hands. Among many other Jedi that died that day was Kol Skywalker, leading member of the last Jedi Council and the father of Cade Skywalker. It was that day, the day of the Massacre of Ossus, that almost drove Cade to the Dark Side, when he brought back his Master, Wolf Sazen from the edge of death using the Force. It was that day, seven and a half years ago that made Cade turn away from his legacy and pursue a career among pirates, smugglers and bounty hunters. He remembered it as if it happened yesterday.

 

During his time with the bounty hunters he ran into a Jedi, a Bothan Jedi named Hosk Tre'lyis. Cade refused it at first, didn't want to hear anything Tre'lyis had to say, didn't want to have anything with the Jedi, except to collect bounty the Sith put on them, but in the end he changed his mind, made the right choice, or rather decided to give Jedi a second chance and parted ways with his two bounty hunter comrades as friendly as he could.

 

After the Massacre of Ossus, seven years ago, the surviving Jedi scattered throughout the galaxy. They chose places where few would think to look, just like the Jedi Masters of old during the aftermath of the Jedi Civil War. The only difference was that this time there was no Republic and the Sith were controlling the galaxy. The Sith had agents everywhere and the Jedi rarely dared to gather on populated worlds, lest they be tracked down by Krayt's minions.

 

After the return of Cade Skywalker into the Jedi Order, or at least what remained of the Order, some of the remaining Jedi gathered at their ruined and abandoned Academy on Ossus. Cade's old master Wolf Sazen was proven right. A Skywalker was needed to gather the Jedi, but Cade himself was not a Jedi yet. He missed seven years of training and it was necessary to fill as many holes as possible and in the shortest possible time.

 

So Cade trained and trained, under the watchful eye of Master Sazen, the one-armed Zabrak. He lost his arm fighting Darth Nihl the day Ossus fell, but it didn't affect his skill with the lightsaber, or his skill in the Force. If nothing, it made him stronger and more careful. The only thing that scared Sazen was that Cade could fall to the Dark Side. It scared him ever since Cade brought him back to life by tapping into the Dark Side of the Force and Sazen would do his best to prevent it from happening. He would pass on all his knowledge and wisdom to his apprentice.

 

''Good, Cade, very good.'' Sazen said, ''Soon you will master the Shii Cho form of lightsaber combat perfectly.''

 

''What can I say Sazen. I'm a fast learner.'' Cade said loosely, the years spent amongst pirates and bounty hunters impacted on his behaviour.

 

''That may very well be true, but don't get too overconfident and don't let pride and arrogance cloud your judgement. That is the path to the Dark Side.'' Sazen said caringly.

 

''Right. You know, this is the fourth time in the last hour that you've lectured me on the dangers of the Dark Side.'' Cade said smugly.

 

''Yes, I did. It is a very important lesson to be learned.'' The Zabrak confirmed.

 

''You are becoming boring, Sazen. We both know why are you repeating it so much.''

 

''Is that so? Well, I'm glad that you know and I hope that you realize what danger you put yourself in... put everybody else in...''

 

''When I brought you back to life.'' Cade finished the sentence for him.

 

''Yes, exactly. So, do you understand?'' Sazen asked, slightly annoyed by Cade's attitude.

 

''I understand what you are afraid of, but I don't agree with you.'' Cade said, ''I think it is a gift. Imagine how many lives I can save with that power! Imagine what I could accomplish!''

 

''This is precisely what I was warning you about, Cade! You are letting your anger and your pride control you! Fight it, you must control them and keep them in check.'' Sazen bursted out.

 

''Now who's in danger of falling to the Dark Side?'' Cade asked sarcastically, ''Don't worry Sazen, I won't let my anger control me.''

 

''I certainly hope so, Cade.'' Sazen said calmly, ''For your sake and for everybody else's.''

 

It was almost nightfall and Shado Vao was coming to call Sazen and Skywalker for dinner. Shado is a Twi'Lek Jedi with great talent and potential and Cade's old friend. Seven years ago Shado was a mere Padawan, just as Cade was, but now he was a Jedi Knight. His sister, Astraal Vao, on the other hand decided that her place was with the Imperial Mission and was now a close companion of Princess Marasiah Fel. Shado entered the courtyard just to witness the end of Cade's and Sazen's argument.

 

''Am I interrupting something?'' He asked.

 

''Nothing. Nothing at all.'' Cade replied, ''What's up, Shado?''

 

''Well, it's almost dinner time, so I came to get the two of you.'' Shado said.

 

''We're coming.'' Sazen said as calmly as he could, ''I hope you will seriously consider what I have said, Cade.'' Sazen said as he walked out of the courtyard and back into the Academy.

 

''Sure, Sazen.'' Cade said, ''Sure.''

[Diego Varen]

Another good Chapter igyman. I'm looking foward to more.

[igyman]

Chapter IV

 

''You know, between his howling and you blasting everything in sight, it's a wonder the whole station doesn't know we're here.''

– Luke Skywalker

Socorro. A planet in the Outer Rim, one of many not-so-hospitable planets in the galaxy. Its terrain is primarily composed of deserts, mountains and volcanic ground. Not a pleasant place, but its inhabitants didn't mind the planet's hot climate. They were proud of their home, such as it was. On a historical note, Socorro was the homeworld of Lando Calrissian, a General of the New Republic, on a more recent note the planet held the headquarters of Rav's bounty hunter organization.

 

Rav was of the Feeorin species, he used to be a pirate, but gave it up to start a bounty hunting business. He was recognizable for his blue skin, a cross-like scar over his left eye and a mechanical claw-like right leg. He's the pirate that found Cade Skywalker after the Massacre of Ossus and picked him up with his ship. Rav was a smart and calculating individual who knew how to get what he wanted from people and who knew how to make people do what he wanted. That is how he managed to keep Skywalker performing special favors for him, since Cade had a spice addiction. Unfortunately for Rav, the Bothan Jedi Tre'lyis recognized the problem and used the Force to heal Cade from his addiction, allowing him to end his dealings with Rav. Rav was upset, but he wasn't going to make a bad situation worse by showing force, so he cut his losses and ended his arrangement with Cade in the friendliest way possible.

 

Rav wasn't a bad guy, though he wasn't anywhere near being honest, but he took care of his people. This was one of those days when he had to make another demonstration of his authority.

 

Cade's former bounty hunter partners and shipmates, the pink skinned Zeltron woman, Deliah Blue and the human man, Jariah Syn were on their way to Rav's office for an urgent meeting.

 

''What do you think this is all about?'' Syn asked.

 

''I have no idea, but Rav sounded pretty serious over the com. This must be something big.'' Blue answered. She was as confused as her colleague.

 

''I don't like it. Things have been getting more dangerous lately for people in our line of business.'' Syn pointed out.

 

''You said it. Ever since Cade left we haven't had a decent bounty.'' Deliah Blue never did get over Skywalker's departure. She had a thing for him, she wasn't sure how serious it was, but she regretted not getting the chance to know him better.

 

''Cade. There we go again. Cade betrayed us, Deliah. He was a frakking Jedi! He was a Jedi and he didn't bother to tell us!'' Syn had an inexplicable loathing towards the Jedi, which is why he didn't take Cade's reason for resigning too well.

 

''Betrayed us? No, I don't look at it that way. He was just being smart.'' Blue pointed out, ''He was protecting himself. And us, for that matter. If he revealed his past to us every bounty hunter in the galaxy, or every other scum that had a beef with Cade for that matter, would have come swarming down on all of us.'' Blue said.

 

''Perhaps, but that's no excuse! We trusted him, he was our captain, but apparently he didn't trust us.'' Syn said, in reality he was thinking ''He didn't trust me!''

 

''Oh, get over it, Syn!'' Blue said, ''You just have issues against the Jedi and you couldn't stand that your captain used to be one!''

 

''Hmpf.'' Syn frowned, ''Right.'' He said nervously, ''And what about Rav?''

 

''What about him?'' Blue asked rhetorically.

 

''Rav saved Cade's life in the first place and Cade didn't have the courtesy to tell him about his past.'' Syn demanded.

 

''Oh, come on! Rav knew all about Cade, he had to. Rav is always at least one step in front of everybody else. Why do you think he fed Cade's spice addiction?''

 

They were at the entrance to Rav's office by now. The argument was heating up, voices were becoming louder. Rav could hear them from the inside and he decided that he has had enough.

 

''Am I interrupting something?'' Rav asked sarcastically as he appeared at the door.

 

''No, Rav, we were just...'' Syn started.

 

''You were alerting half of the city block that you were here.'' Rav finished for him.

''Sorry, Rav.'' Blue said.

 

''Forget it. Now, get in, we have urgent matters to attend to.''

 

Rav's office was a lot cleaner than the rest of the building in which it was housed. It wasn't very large, just two tables and some chairs, as well as a state of the art computer terminal in the back. The lights were dimmed, creating the atmosphere found only in descriptions of the offices of sleezy private investigators in the local holonovels. It was early evening. Rav sat behind his terminal and Syn and Blue stood behind him.

 

''So what was so urgent, Rav?'' Blue finally asked.

 

''Things are getting ugly. Between last night's attack on the Sith base and the death of every bounty hunter I send after that Sith bounty it isn't safe for us on Socorro as it used to be.'' Rav explained.

 

''So what are we going to do about it?'' Syn asked.

 

''I have a bad feeling that when those Imperial Knights take over the planet the first thing they're gonna do is come down on smuggling and bounty hunting businesses, which is why I've decided that we should get the hell out of here as soon as tonight.''

 

''And where are we going?'' Syn was curious.

 

''In a few minutes I'm going to have a talk with Queen Jool. If all goes well, we will be heading for Coruscant.''

 

''Queen Jool? You know better than to deal with a Hutt. Are things really that bad, Rav?'' Blue asked.

 

''We won't be working for her, but we do need her permission to operate there. She is the leading crime lord on the Capital.'' Rav said reluctantly.

 

''Maybe we should try to find Cade.'' Blue suggested, ''I don't think he'd refuse to help us out after all we've been through.''

 

''Yeah, right.'' Syn countered, ''Haven't we been over this already?''

 

''Stop it! Both of you.'' Rav decided to put an end to it, ''If we had more time, Deliah, I'd agree with you, but we don't know where he went and we don't have the time to look for him, so we will take what we can get. Understood?''

 

''Yeah.'' She said unwillingly.

 

The terminal beeped, signaling that there's an incoming transmission. Rav pressed the ''accept'' button and an ugly face of a green skinned Hutt with a cybernetic eye appeared on the screen.

[Diego Varen]

Good Chapter igy. Is the green Hutt by any chance, the one from ED's picture in his Sig? I'm looking foward to more.

[igyman]

Yup, that's the one. I'll edit in the links to the characters later.

[Diego Varen]

Yup, that's the one. I'll edit in the links to the characters later.

 

That Hutt is a catastrophe to Star Wars.

[igyman]

You said it and I'll expand by saying that the Legacy comics are a catastrophy to Star Wars. I'm just trying to make something out of a very shallow story and characters.

 

Anyway, here are the links to the Legacy characters from this chapter:

Rav

Deliah Blue

Jariah Syn

Queen Jool

[igyman]

Chapter V

 

''I will do whatever necessary to protect those who depend on me. No more. But no less.''

– Grand Admiral Thrawn

 

Night had fallen on Bastion and everyone at the Emperor's retreat, except for the guards were fast asleep. Well, almost everyone. Imperial Knight Sigel Dare was staring through the mansion windows at the city beneath them. Thinking. In just a little under seven hours she would be launching a second attack at the Sith stronghold on Socorro, she knew that she needed to be well rested for the job, but she just couldn't make herself go to sleep.

 

Bastion's night sky was actually quite a sight. The sky was clearer than on any other planet and you could see almost every star that could be seen on that side of the planet. Sigel was looking at only one star out of the entire flock. Sokor, the sun of Socorro. In a way she was preparing herself for tomorrow's battle, concentrating, using every Knight skill she had to clear her mind.

 

''You too?'' She heard a male voice come from behind her.

 

She turned around to see who it was and saw Antares Draco, leader of the Imperial Knights standing in full uniform only a few steps behind her. The first thing she thought was how could she not have sensed him coming. It worried her. She didn't want something like that happening in the middle of tomorrow's battle.

 

''Couldn't sleep.'' She finally answered.

 

''Me neither, so I decided to take a walk around the mansion to clear my head.'' Draco said.

 

''Same here.'' She added with a friendly tone.

 

''You're worried about tomorrow. I can sense it.'' Draco said.

 

''Yes. Yes, I am.'' Dare confirmed, ''Whatever damage we did last night, it wasn't enough. Their weapon emplacements are almost intact and tomorrow we have to go there again.''

 

''You'll succeed. You shouldn't worry so much, Emperor Fel has confidence in you as do the rest of the Imperial Knights, as do your troops. You can do it.'' Draco said.

 

''I certainly hope so, Antares.'' She said, calmer now, ''So what's your excuse for being awake at this hour?''

 

''This whole unfortunate situation and our position in it.'' He admitted.

 

''I'm not exactly happy about it either, but we will not surrender and in the end the Empire will be ours again.'' Dare returned the favor.

 

''Yes, I know that, but with the tactics we are using now we'll all be in our sixties when we finally defeat the Sith. We need a more direct approach.'' Draco insisted.

 

''Ah, so that's what's bothering you.'' Sigel said, ''Trust in the Emperor's judgement, he knows what he's doing.''

 

''I certainly hope he does. I'd give my life for him, but sometimes he just makes me wonder.'' Draco said.

 

''Perhaps it is his way of testing our loyalty.'' Sigel suggested cooly.

 

''Perhaps you are right. Come on, we've wasted enough of our sleep time and you do have an assault to lead in the morning.'' Draco said.

 

''True. Good night.'' She said as she walked away from the window.

 

''May the Force be with you.'' Draco said.

 

Sigel returned to her room, but she didn't go straight to bed. She continued her observation through the window in her room. The lights of the city that lay below them were glowing brightly. It was an evening of celebration. One of many customs of the locals. Sigel stretched out with the Force and could almost hear the music on the streets and the cheering of the people. She couldn't understand how they could be so relaxed in the midst of war. She tried though.

 

Perhaps it was because of the fact that Bastion's location was a well guarded secret, maybe it was because there were no incidents on the planet itself, or maybe it was because Bastion was the most fortified planet in this entire galaxy. The people knew it, knew it all too well and it made them feel safe and confident. Perhaps a little too confident and relaxed for Sigel's taste. They obviously didn't realize the seriousness of the situation in which they were in and didn't think anything, or anyone could penetrate Bastion's defenses.

 

Who knows? Perhaps they were right not to worry. Perhaps Bastion really is untouchable, but Sigel couldn't believe that. Not after everything she'd seen. The destruction, the violence, the darkness. The galaxy just didn't feel the same anymore. It felt dark, somehow and it wasn't just because of the Sith. That's what worried her the most. The thought of losing touch with everything around her.

 

Draco was right. Something had to be done. Something drastic. And it would begin with tomorrow's attack. The orders were to simply crush the Sith compound to the ground, but then again, sneak attack tactics weren't one of Fel's stronger sides. He was a good politician and a good military commander, but his expertise lay more in organising large battles, nothing like this one. That is why Sigel decided to modify those orders a little bit. She would destroy the base, but she would first send techs and slicers to take the Sith database apart and pull any useful information it might hold.

 

She turned her gaze back into the sky and the star Sokor. She stared at it for a few more minutes, or at least it felt like minutes to her. She glanced at her chronometer and it showed that morning was only four hours away. Time to get some sleep. As much as was possible. The Sith will not fight with any less determinance just because she didn't get enough beauty sleep.

[Diego Varen]

Good Chapter igyman. I'm looking foward to more. I have a question.

 

PS. If I do another Jedi Knight Fic, could I use the Quote thing at the beginning? (With credit to you of course).

[igyman]

Of course you can and I don't think there's any reason to credit me, but I won't complain if you do.

[igyman]

Chapter VI

 

''Your chances come in two shapes. Slim, and fat.''

– Mace Windu

 

''As I'm sure you can understand, we would keep most of the profits and give you a certain percentage.'' Rav said. The negotiations were taking forever. The Hutt drove a hard bargain, but Rav drove a harder one.

 

(''You have a lot of guts, Feeorin, to talk to me like that.'') Queen Jool said. Like the rest of the Hutts, she understood Galactic Basic, but spoke only in Huttese.

 

''I beg your pardon, I believe I was appropriately polite and respectful.'' Rav countered, as if offended.

 

(''You know what I mean.'') The slimy, green skinned Hutt muttered, (''You offer me some small percentage, as if I'm some patethic lowlife. It's a disgrace, an informant gets a bigger cut than what you're offering me.'')

 

''We're all lowlives. Jool, you arrogant slug.'' Rav thought. ''Well, why don't you make a suggestion and I'm sure we can work out a mutually benefitial arrangement.'' He suggested.

 

(''I want fifty percent of your earnings, Rav.'') Jool said bluntly, (''That's how much it costs to be under my protection, to work on my turf and to live on my turf.'')

 

''Thirty percent.'' Rav said.

 

(''Fourty and not one less.'') Jool said.

 

''Thirty five.'' Rav countered, ''How about it?''

 

(''Hah, hah, hah! You're brave, bounty hunter.'') Jool laughed, (''Very well, thirty five percent it is.'')

 

''Then it's settled.'' Rav concluded, ''We'll leave in an hour and will be on Coruscant as early as tomorrow.''

 

(''Drop by my cantina, Rik's. To... work out the details. I'll be seeing you.'') Queen Jool said and ended transmission.

 

Jariah Syn and Deliah Blue were standing right behind Rav the whole time. They never said a word during the negotiations, but Rav knew they weren't thrilled with the arrangement.

 

''Thirty five percent! Rav, we're being ripped-off!'' Syn bursted out finally.

 

''Ah, there it is.'' Rav expected this, ''It's a necessity. We won't be working for her for the rest of our lives, it's only temporary. Until we find a better deal.'' Rav tried to calm the situation.

 

''I don't like it, Rav.'' Blue added, ''I think Jool is up to something, I could feel it in her voice.''

 

''Maybe she is, but we're not exactly bantha herders. We can handle whatever she tries to throw at us. And there's always the possibility that she is on the level.'' He answered.

 

''I still think we should find Cade. I don't think he'd refuse to help us out.'' Blue insisted.

 

''You're never gonna drop it, are you?'' Syn interfered, ''Sober up, Deliah! He's gone with those Jedi. He ain't coming back!''

 

''No, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't help us if we went to him.'' She countered fiercely.

 

A thunder-like sound in the distance made them pause. For a moment everything was silent as a grave. A minute, or two. Then another thunder in the distance. And another and another. Explosions.

 

It was morning already and the Imperial forces launched their second attack against the Sith base. It took the three bounty hunters awhile to realize what was happening and when they did the only surprise they felt was that the second attack happened so soon after the first one. It was time to leave. Rav knew it, Syn knew it and even Deliah knew it.

 

''We're running out of time, so let's cut this short.'' Rav said finally, ''Do you have any idea where Cade might be?''

 

''Not really, but where can a Jedi be, if he wants to train? He must be at one of their Academies.'' She answered.

 

''Uh-huh. You know you're only guessing?'' Rav asked sarcastically.

 

''Maybe, but I think it's better than working for Jool and since we know that the Sith are using the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, we can rule out that place, which leaves Yavin IV and Ossus.''

 

''And you'd be willing to bet your life that he's on one of those planets?'' Rav said.

 

''I would.'' She answered confidently.

 

''Fine.'' Rav said reluctantly, ''Go then and check it out. Me and Syn, however, are going to Coruscant. We'll honor our arrangement with Jool and wait for you there.''

 

''Alright, if that's how you want it, but be careful. I'd bet my hydrospanner that Jool isn't completely on the level with us.''

 

Rav nodded and the three ran out of his office and straight into Rav's hidden hangar. Deliah took the shuttle while Rav and Syn took the Mynock, the ship once used by Cade, Deliah and Syn. They snuck off the planet on its other side and went their separate ways.

[Diego Varen]

Another good Chapter igyman. Well done.

[The_Catto]

Hey Igy, havent been on the net lately due to busyness and stuff. But yeah, just read the chapters, and once again. Great work, i'm enjoying reading it and can't wait for the next chap