Star Wars: The Sith Resurrection Part V: The Threefold War

[JediMaster12]

"AValon's always been important cousin," Tonatius replied. He shook his head slightly from the residual pain. It was more like a dull ache now. "The Explorers came from Miako and out of curiousity mingled with the people here. The Force came too."

 

"I read this," Andros cut in giving Tonatius time to rest his head, "The saying goes that Avalon is where the Force began which explains why the high percentage of Force sensitives and users. Kind of also explains about our guests though they are different."

 

"Miako was considered a fairy tale world to explain our origins," Tonatius grunted.

 

"Indeed. Regardless, we must consider that there is something larger than our known galaxy," Andros replied. "Did you see anything?"

 

**********

 

Jun-la blocked the blow and with enough power behind her sent a mini shockwave at the enemy. Though her head was pounding, she managed to not hit her companions. "One cannot see what lies ahead when sun is gone and moon is dead."

 

*********

 

"His kind prefer death to talking Master Jedi," Tavaryn said. He was playing with one of the weapons they had confiscated from the Death Guard. "Sort of like that principle of better to die in battle than be taken prisoner."

[CommanderQ]

Konig lifted his head for a moment as one of his captors spoke.

 

The man seemed to be playing around with Bevorin's knife, and Konig's anger twinged, and his expression tightened and his veins bulged as he tried to withhold from attacking.

 

He needed to wait for the right moment.

 

He looked again at the man holding Bevorin's knife, and he lifted his head higher.

 

And spat the man in the eye.

 

There was no way he could escape from here, but he would in no way cooperate. They were indeed a scum to the Empire, and Konig silently vowed not to rest until he avenged his good comrade, Bevorin.

 

 

 

 

Garrick leaped back as the Jedi blocked the Sith attack. He now owed one to both the Jedi and Tiye. Mandalorians never forgot a favor, and always paid back greatly in gratitude.

 

 

Garrick then moved off and began to circle the Sith.

 

"You are a good fighter, but the you have taken the wrong path on the Way of the Warrior. You are tainted, and your motives are evil, as is your sword. This will doom you. Evil soul. Evil sword."

 

Garrick prepared for another attack.

[Alkonium]

"So your mythology says." Kalla quietly muttered. The Force began at the beginning of the universe, and expanded with it, and mistaking a more advanced race for gods wasn't that uncommon. "An extragalactic threat?" She inquired, realising how high the stakes were. The last time an extragalactic race had attempted an invasion of the galaxy, they had laid waste to countless planets, killed trillions of people, and changed the shape of the galaxy forever. They had even reduced Coruscant to a foetid jungle world, taking decades to rebuild. And yet they were the Republic's allies in the Great Droid War and the Resurrection War.

 

"Trust me, Taravyn, I know how Death Guards think." Komad commented. "You have already suffered the shame of defeat. You have no honour left to lose, nor will you ever have another chance to regain it. You're as good as dead to Darth Virul. Your only chance to redeem yourself is to give us what we want. On what planet is Lord Virul holding the Governor of Avalon?" He confrontationally told the Death Guard, acting as intimidating as possible.

[CommanderQ]

Konig turned his head to the...thing called Komad Kaltas. Imperial indoctrination marked such alien hybrids as...inferiors. The Empire hates aliens, though they recruited a few to the cause, this made no difference, as those aliens had proven...useful.

 

But Konig would not cooperate.

 

He saw that Kaltas was trying to make himself imposing. A common tactic, but to one trained like Konig, this showed his captor's true nature, in this case, a coward.

 

"I am not defeated. Though you think I am a prisoner, this is in no way over. I have no shame. Only my sense of duty, and that always prevails. You will fear Lord Virul, and he will make you pay. Your Governor is as good as dead."

 

Konig chuckled on the last line. He may be captured now, but the mission was still on, and he would never stop hunting.

[JediMaster12]

"Told you," Tavaryn replied a bored tone in his voice. He looked bored but his body was ever alert. It was his way of fooling his enemies into thinking that he was not what he claimed to be. "He thinks that by issuing scary things from his womprat mouth he can scare us into backing off."

 

Andros gave a firm squeeze on Tavaryn's shoulder. He said in Avalonian, "The Death Guard you don't mess with. They are difficult to kill and only are called for one thing."

 

"I know brother," Tavaryn replied in his tribesman tongue. It was the tongue their mother had taught them both. Andros had bare memories of her teaching him. "Still he makes things difficult so why not be difficult back?"

 

Andros gave a a slight shake of his head. He said in Basic, "Apparently he thinks the hunt is still on. Extreme methods are too soft on his kind."

 

**********

 

Tonatius shook his head clear. The buzzing had reduced enough for him to answer Kalla, "As I said, an explanation. It also puts into perspective the use of the name Explorer for my people. As to the extragalactic threat, there are dark places in the other galaxies where darkness gathers.

 

"Dark places exist if only to keep the light in balance but when collective darkness unites, it can be devastating."

[Alkonium]

"There would be both light and dark there, as there is light and dark here. The Yuuzhan Vong came from another galaxy, but from that same galaxy came Zonama Sekot. One malevolent, one benevolent, and the Yuuzhan Vong aren't even our enemy anymore. They're our allies in this war, as they were in the Great Droid War and the Resurrection War. Still, there was nothing the Republic could do to prepare for their invasion, and they nearly won." Kalla replied, trying to get an idea of what an attack from outside the galaxy would be like.

 

"Your attack has failed, and one way or another, we will find and rescue the governor. If you won't help us, then you can just rot in your cell for all we care. We've made sure you won't get out." Komad replied, leaving for the communications array. Remembering the frequency on Greea's communicator, he sent a secure transmission to her. "Dear, what's your status? What planet are you on, and have you located the governor yet." He tried to be quiet about it, as far as he knew, she could be sneaking around a New Imperial Base.

[CommanderQ]

Konig lifted his head again, "The attack has no failed as you think. The Governor is finished, and so is the Rodian. You will see."

 

Konig sighed and tilted his head back down, continuing to be uncooperative.

[JediMaster12]

Finally clear at last, Tonatius looked up and replied, "Try to imagine something much worse. The very core of hatred, violence, darkness...all the things that make up what the Jedi call the Dark Side. The Blood King as we call him isn't just a man, if you could truly call him that. Naga Sadow was one of his many minions."

 

"And where did he come from?" Andros was curious.

 

"Legends say that he is from the dark reaches in the realm of Miako's existence," Tonatius replied shrugging his shoulders as if he didn't believe it. "All I know is that there are stories of the Guardian defeating him in battle four thousand years ago here on Amshrey."

 

**********

 

Greea knew the buzzing was her husband. She couldn't afford to speak though. Instead she sent a beep code to indicate that she was alright. She then sent the coordinates that were locked in the ship's navicomputer. She crawled through the ventilation shaft reaching out to find the governor.

 

**********

 

"Your Jedi probably knows she will fail which is why she's being rude," Tyrannus said almost lackadasical, "Either that or she is setting a trap or stealing the governor right from under our noses."

 

At that moment a grunt sounded from the hall. In shuffled in Karaka looking as ugly as ever as he eyed the two masters with contempt. He stood before them but didn't salute nor bow.

 

Tyrannus said, "And look at what we have here. It's Karaka. Please tell us what news you bring."

 

Karaka growled a bit and said, "They have arrived."

 

**********

 

Tavaryn listened to what Komad said before saying, "Rotting in a cell is too good for him. He is a crude and loyal thing. Not the kind of thing to make him loosen that tongue of his."

[Alkonium]

"We don't kill our prisoners." Komad replied, slightly reprimanding Taravyn, but not really paying attention. Instead, he walked over to the map room, and entered the coordinates in. It didn't take him long to recognise the planet projected in front of him. "Bastion." He commented. It was Roan's home planet, and now a New Imperial Stronghold. "Andorra, it's Komad. I think we finally have a lead on where the New Empire is holding your mother captive." He sent to Andorra, figured she'd want to know.

 

"Well, that's good news for a change." Kalla commented, over hearing her father's message to Andorra

[CommanderQ]

Konig chuckled, "By the time you find her, she will be dead. You know it, I know it. You've lost...."

 

He knew that once his usefulness had expired, they would kill him, unless Jedi were as weak as expected. He only had a few minutes. He had come prepared though. Death Gaurds were specially equipped and trined for this.

 

During training, each Gaurd had a lockpick surgically placed underneath a certain part of the skin. He only had to rub away at the right point, and he'd have his escape.

 

He began trying in one area.

[JediMaster12]

"Oh I know the Jedi do not believe in killing their prisoners. No one deserves execution no matter what their crimes," Tavaryn replied, "He is lucky that you dare show him mercy." He turned to see his niece walk in with his nephew. He said, "I guess we should bring back the people."

 

"Indeed," replied Jun-la as she entered. It had been a struggle with Wrath but they sent him packing and she was trailed by Tiye, Tahl, Tulre and the people from Miako. "Good news but a fool's folly if we go in unprepared."

 

*********

 

Tonatius and Andros heard Jun-la over the comm. Each felt joy for their own reasons as they listened. It was Andros who said, "Yes Father. From what Tonatius saw, the place we must go is a dangerous place."

[CommanderQ]

The fight had been quick, as the Sith had fled not too long after the beginning. It went well, so to say, though Durrel and Garrick wished they could've finished the job. But now, if the Jedi allowed them, they would interrogate the Black Stormtrooper. Garrick and Durrel both knew some nasty ways to make someone talk.

 

The rest of the battalion had been left outside, to further defend the perimeter, only Garrick and Durrel had followed Tiye and her friends.

 

Durrel moved inside quickly, past the group, but Garrick had something to say to Tiye. He felt a need too, seeing as she and her Jedi friend had saved is life, two...three times? Either way, he owed them his gratitude.

 

He tapped Tiye on the shoulder.

 

He sighed and let out a nervous breath, he wasn't all that used to doing things like this.

 

"Umm...Tiye, I just felt a need to thank you and your Jedi friend for saving me a couple of times. It got rather close, so if you two weren't there, I'd probably be either severly wounded or dead. So...thank you."

 

He turned to leave, but stopped midstep.

 

"And for what it is worth....if you need anything done, let me know. I owe you."

 

He continued after Durrel.

[Tysyacha]

"Bastion." Andorra sighed. "Another word for a stronghold, a stronghold in this neverending war. At least now we know where my mother is, and I'd rather die than see her murdered or a slave to the Dark Side." She turned to Kalla. "My dear," she said, "if it comes to the choice of whether my mother or I shall live, let it be Mother. She is far more important to Avalon than I am--than...we are." She took Kalla's hand. "I fear that in this final battle, in its final stages, one or more of us is going to have to make a sacrifice for the greater good. I treasure you, and always will, no matter what."

[Cyborg Ninja]

Wrath had to leave the fight. Fortunately he was able to jump to a ledge and climb away from them. There was no way he could take all of them, especially at the circumstances he was in. He continued moving away from the battle before attempting any communication with Lord Virul. He wanted to know what Virul wanted him to do before he made a move.

 

"Lord Virul, the Death Guards did not kill the jedi. The troops have been taken out and I was forced to retreat. I could not fight all of those jedi plus the mandalorians myself. What should we do now?"

[Alkonium]

"I know a Jedi's supposed to push their own feelings aside when need be, but I just don't want to lose you, Andorra. I ... I love you. No other man or woman has ever made me feel the way I feel about you." Kalla replied. "I think we should return to the enclave."

 

"We'll need all our strength if we want to attack Bastion. It's times like this I wish we still had Gamma Squad." Komad commented. "Gather what ships and troops we can."

 

Our attack on Amshrey has failed, and the Jedi will most likely take the fight to us. Return to Bastion immediately, you'll be needed in the defense. Virul sent back to Wrath. His plan seemed to be falling apart in front of him. No matter, he still had the Governor.

[JediMaster12]

"What of your famous Rogue Squadron?" Tavaryn asked, "I heard they were among the best." He had heard much but he still fellt very much the outsider having been the only one of his siblings to grow up completely with Avalonian teachings. He also had known their mother the longest.

 

Andros, aware of his youngest brother's feelings, added, "Alkéa still does have influence within the fleet and there are plenty of Aztlan pilots willing to fly with."

 

"We also would need a battle plan for infiltration," Riyusaan entered as suddenly as he had left. "This place you want to go is a place of constant flux. Powers sift and rebalance according to the individual. Much like what you call a struggle with the dark side."

 

*********

 

Tiye heard the thanks and faced teh Mandalorian. She held out her hand to grasp his wrist. It was the manner of her people and a signifier of respect. "A warrior salutes another."

 

********

 

"You're right in that we shuld return. I sense nothing down there," Andros said to his sister.

 

"Indeed and I think we should have some say, particularly you cousin, on the battle plan to rescue Master Starlighter's sister." Tonatius had stood and extended his hand to Andorra to help her to her feet. "We're in this together. We are family," he said in Avalonian.

[Alkonium]

"It's in the Braxant Sector, the heart of the New Empire. Someone close to me was from there, and his murder got the galaxy into this mess. Some say it's the most fortified planet in the galaxy." Komad explained. "We must be cautious." Suddenly, the holographic map of the galaxy in the centre of the room shifted to a map of the northern hinterlands, with a blinking dot in the middle. It must have been his children, the governor's daughter, and Tonatius. "We'll have too send a ship for them when we leave." He added.

 

"They're probably preparing to leave, so we might be able to save time by getting them to pick us up on their way out." Kalla pointed out, activating the homing beacon on her communicator.

[CommanderQ]

Garrick looked down at Tiye's outstretched hand. He knew what this was, as the Mandalorians did something similar. He took her wrist and gave it a firm squeeze. He then brought a hand forward and grabbed her shoulder. He leaned forward.

 

"Mandokarla, su'cuy."

 

It was a Mando'a sign of pure respect and acceptance. She had earned it.

 

He then let go and nodded a sort've 'goodbye,' as he went back to join Durrel who was viewing the Death Gaurd.

 

It was a strange feeling, but Garrick was beginning to like Tiye, he didn't know if the feelings were mutual, but he'd address that under better circumstances.

 

He stood next to Durrel and observed the Death Gaurd, thinking on what they would use to make him talk.

 

 

 

 

Admiral Velerc peered through the viewport at the Mandalorian fleet. The battle was in a stalemate, something Velerc hated.

 

A Deck Officer approached him.

 

"Grand Admiral Velerc, I regret to inform you that Task Force Blue has failed in it's attempt to eliminate Komad Kaltas and the Avalonian contingent. All troops have been evacuated, and the Death Gaurds are still unaccounted for, presumed dead."

 

Velerc let out a long sigh, barely containing his anger.

 

He looked down at the message panel before him, the one that he had just read.

 

 

"Darth Virul has just sent an order for full retreat for the protection of Bastion. We are to rejoin the rest of the Imperial Fleet. Give out the orders, Lieutenant, we are to retreat."

 

The Lieutenant saluted sadly and walked away to commence his orders.

 

Velerc sat down in a nearby chair and began assessing his next battle strategy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admiral Barek's expression went from serious to joyous as he noticed the Super-Star Destroyer break for hyper-space.

 

He stood and announced to the command crew.

 

"VODE! WE HAVE DEFEATED THE SCUM! MIR'SHUIB DE'KALA!"

 

The Command Crew erupted into clapping and cheers.

 

Barek smiled and let out a breath of relief.

 

He looked to one of the nearby officers.

 

"Mr. Gal'uik, prepare the ship for Orbital Support. Open all Comm Channels and prepare for further orders from the surface."

 

The man nodded and went about his work as the others cheered and embraced at their victory.

 

Barek sat back and basked in the joy of his crew.

[Tysyacha]

En route to Bastion, Andorra snuck away for a moment of quiet...contemplation. So far, she had not sensed that her attack on Lord Virul had worked. Perhaps it was time for a second application of the vibrations that made your heart seize up and your lungs clench in pure terror. However, if they were too strong or came too quickly, Virul would surely notice and put a stop to the mysterious assaults through the Force. Thus, the Avalonian maiden meditated in silence, willing herself to face her fears...

 

One, one thousand, two, one thousand, three, one thousand, four, one thousand--There. She herself felt the echo of the vibrations she was channeling in her deep state of sublustrum. If Virul didn't feel this, he was no longer a sentient being. Andorra looked up and found that she was lying flat on her back! How had the attack been so strong as to knock her completely backward and supine? She stood up and made a few adjustments to her sonic resonator. Activated, it would make droids explode and organic beings dash for cover, their hands clapped over their bleeding ears! Helmets would be no good against the frequencies she meant to employ now...

[Alkonium]

"I don't think that sonic resonator is the best weapon for you to use, Andorra. The blast radius is too broad, and it doesn't discriminate between friend or foe. You're even liable to harm yourself with it." Komad pointed out. "Treating my daughter well? And don't worry, we'll get your mother out of there safely, and you'll be back to Avalon in no time."

 

Virul felt the vibrations, and sent his own message back through them. I gave you a simple task, Avalonian. All you had to do was use the transmitter Wrath left with you to send me the details of Avalon's defences. Perhaps I should claim your body instead as punishment. I much prefer a younger host."

[Cyborg Ninja]

With his stolen ship destroyed, Wrath would have to claim another. Fortunately for him, there was a lone TIE Interceptor. It was probably left there by one of the stormtroopers. Wrath got inside and started it up. The Interceptor took off and exited Amshrey's atmosphere. As he set the coordinates for Bastion, a question popped into mind. He had survived several stabs from that mandalorian and walked off like it was nothing. His skin had a strange texture and he could feel it move around whenever he got hit.

 

"Lord Virul during the battle I took several stabs from the warriors but I was perfectly fine. It was as if I healed myself. I thought I was human, and I don't recall humans being able to heal themselves; what am I?" Wrath asked through the force.

[JediMaster12]

You will not have her," a voice echoed through to Virul, You may not care for life but it is central to the being of our people. When threatened, the defenses rally.Jun-la's brow puckered in a deep frown as she struggled to maintain her intrusion. She had suspected something wasn't right with her Tante's adopted daughter and she was determined to find out what.

 

Finding her reason, she sent a reassuring message to Andorra, Don't worry. Fear made you act and it shows the deep devotion to the one who chose you as her daughter.

 

Matton had stayed with Jun-la through the whole thing and watched as she struggled through her abilities. He had seen some strange things in his lifetime and the discovery that he knew her ancestor was a complete suprise. Then again she didn't act that way when she told him. At first he figured it was some sort of Jedi thing but now he wasn't sure. Perhaps it was the Force at work and she could sense out the complex relationships of everyone.

 

He watched her and when she satrted to struggle, he placed his hand in hers and just held it firmly and gently. He admitted then and there that he cared about her greatly. Her brother seemed okay with it since he just grinned knowingly every chance he got. Right now he was there for her ad she seemed to know it for even though her eyes were closed, her fingers wrapped around his hand.

 

*********

 

Tonatius had went in search of his cousin and found her with the sonic device. He said in Avalonian, "A good weapon but bad choice especially since we have sensitive hearing." It was a friendly reminder that Avalonian hearing could be damaged irreparably by sonic devices if not exercised with caution.

 

He saw Master Komad and switched to Basic, "We have the same goal. If you let us im cousin, we can help."

 

"I agree," Ken-lui said stepping out of the shadows," Yet I suspect a unique talent you ave. Perhaps while we wait to arrive, you would consider learning it?" He waited for Andorra's answer.

 

*********

 

Greea managed to lay a trap or two but it would take a bumbling idiot like Karaka to stumble into it. Still it would buy some time until help arrives. In the mean time, she managed to fine the governor. Through the vents she whispered, "Are you alright sister of Starlighter?"

 

Karaka was beside himself as he beseeched Virul, "Let me return the favor to the Avalonians. They may have the Maiko wretches to help but my hordesmen can take care of them."

[Tysyacha]

"Yes," Andorra replied, her body shaking all over, "but first, I must tell you..." She relayed the message she had gotten from Lord Virul. "I'm sorry, I didn't know, I thought it would be enough, but it seems that Virul is far stronger than I thought!" She slipped the sonic resonator back into her belt. "He wanted me to betray you, to betray my mother. He wanted me to use the transmitter that one of his minions left with me to send the details of Avalon's defenses. I wouldn't do it, so now he wants me." She took a deep breath. "Virul wants to use me as a host, to inhabit me."

 

Her jaw stiffened into a cold line of determination. "But he can't have any of us."

[JediMaster12]

"He won't cousin," Tonatius replied. "He may have that ability but so does the Blood King and even then his means are not absolute."

 

"Indeed not. Now I see where your talents lay. In the mind," Ken-Lui said. "You are right though that this Virul will not have that which is dear to you. You are much stronger than what he assumes you to be." He then looked at Tonatius and Komad and said, "All of you he underestimates."

[Alkonium]

"You don't have much time, Master Jedi. I fear he has the information he needs and there is nothing to stop him now." The governor whispered through the vents, hoping the Jedi could hear her.

 

"I think you underestimate yourself as well, Andorra." Komad commented. "Kalla wouldn't hold you in such high regard if you didn't deserve it. I'll scout ahead in my X-38 and do what I can. My wife is down there already, she could do with some help."

 

You are not human. You are one of the last of a dying race known as Gen'Dai. They are long lived, and nothing short of incineration can kill them. You were conditioned to believe your were human because we felt you would be too dangerous if you know the truth. Virul explained to Wrath. Of course, Wrath was still his pawn. He could sense that much.