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

[Cyborg Ninja]

Wrath hoped that she would not deny his proposal

 

"How does Dar fit into all of this? Your brother is rather uncooperative with Lord Virul. Its gotten so bad that Lord Virul plans on killing him if he doesn't learn his place. Personally I have no problem with him but Lord Virul is quite upset. If somehting isn't done he will be killed."

[Alkonium]

"That's the idea." Komad replied, unaware that the Mandalorians had begun their attack.

 

Kalla activated her lightsaber as soon as the Mandalorians opened fire, and attempted to deflect as much of the blaster fire as possible. Mandalorians fighting Mandalorians? This doesn't make sense. She thought.

[CommanderQ]

Durrel attached his bayonet as he yelled the war cry of his clan. His troops followed suite and attached theirs. Suddenly, Durrel noticed a lightsaber spring from the mass of Republic troops.

 

Durrel thought quickly and shouted, "MANDALORIANS! We have Jedi here! Capture and question!!! Activate shields!!"

 

The Mandalorian commandoes temporarily slowed their charge to activate small blue shields on their wrist launchers. These shields could stop and disable a lightsaber on contact. The fight was on.

 

 

Garrick nodded at Komad's wisdom and he now respected the Jedi and his captors. He still smiled to himself, happy as he watched his captor's, oblivious to the attack, continue their questioning.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la had seen the Mandalorians and leapt high onto a branch of a tree. She let out a strange udulation that echoed throughout the forest. She then shouted something that was unintelligible to her padawan any who didn't know the various dialects of Avalon.

 

Out of nowhere hundreds of Shreyites and Avalonian warriors bounded out of the forest to attack. Tahl shouted for the Republic soldiers and the Belosian warriors to attack. He waited until Jun-la had jumped down before saying, "I suggest you go deep into the heart."

 

Jun-la acknowledged with a slight nod as she deflected blaster fire. She called a Shreyite to her accompanied by one of Tiye's warriors. She spoke to them and they nodded. She then spoke to Andros who looked torn at what he was to do. Only a firm, "Go!" from his master told him to move.

 

Andros made his way to his sister and said, "We are to follow the Shreyite and the Avalonian into the forest.We need to take Andorra out."

 

**********

 

Andros didn't move as he studied the prisoner. He knew the Mandalorians would attack. He had went over this scenario with the Republic commanders and they were on stand by on the far side of the planet. As they were talking, they were coming out and targeting the enemy ships.

 

When Komad activated his lightsaber, he waved his hand for him to back down. He said, "This sullen creature wouldn't be able to find shou even if it stared him in the face. Bloodlust clouds the mind as does vengeance. Perhaps our transport would like to take him and interrogate him?"

 

Tiye took a step forward and added, "Or perhaps it is cockiness that he feels that his own troops are attempting an ill fated rescue?"

 

**********

 

Greea replied to the intruder, "My brother made his choice. Since then it is his own. I have no part."

[CommanderQ]

Garrick stared at his captors.

 

"Interrogating me will not get you any where. I'm a Mandalorian, one of the best, therefore your little force-tricks won't help, that and I've been trained to resist torture. Not that you would use that form of interrogation due to your morale standards. My people have no qualms on that subject."

 

Garrick knew that his men had been discovered, and were probably trying to rescue him. But knowing Barek, this special detachment of troops could have another reason for coming, something else that will equally help the clans.

 

Garrick glared at the Mandalorian women, "You should know very well that a mission for a Mando'a is never ill-fated. The mission will be accomplished, no matter what. You as a Mandalorian should know that."

 

Garrick tensed a bit and stood straight-backed in his chair as he looked at Komad's lightsaber.

 

 

 

Durrel grabbed the nearest Republic soldier's throat, and tried his best to rip out the man's trachea. He nearly succeeded, either way the soldier was dead. Durrel adjusted fire onto the oncoming wave of native soldiers. He dropped several with a few rounds and fitted his rifle with an incendiary grenade.

 

"Mandalorians! Defensive circle, prepare for a slow advance!'

 

The other Mandalorians took cover in the rocks and trees and began a slow advance, going into hand-to-hand combat with the natives. The Mandalorian super-commandoes were by far the superior soldiers. They held the line well.

 

Durrel saw that a small group of Avalonians, possibly, were moving the Jedi away from the fighting. Durrel knew he wouldn't et go of his prey so easily. He motioned for a squad of Jet-Troopers to follow him. The 6 soldiers got into position behind Durrel. Durrel activated his jetpack, and he and the other soldiers rocketed toward their target.

[Cyborg Ninja]

Wrath surprisingly smiled at her response.

 

"So you would rather have him die than be given the chance to save him? That's rather cold for a jedi master."

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la knew that they would be followed. Leaping high and in great bounds that would even suprise a Jedi Master, she landed in front of the advancing troops. She was joined by her brother and Matton and Tonatius. She had grabbed a sling shot of a contraption and had started shooting with it. They were fist sized marble shots that required great strength to sling it. The first she aimed at the leader and fired the marble ball. She then ignited her saber to deflect the blaster fire.

 

One of the Mandalorians was coming at them with a jet pack. Taking a leap she jumped and kicked the Mandalorian square in the chest. Little did she know that it was reminescent of her grandfather on Kamino. She shouted at the enemy, "You dare to force your way onto this world?"

 

**********

 

Tiye was amused at the response. She replied, "Why do you insist on calling all of us Mandalorian? Amshrey holds many secrets but you seem to labor under false impressions."

 

"I wouldn't concentrate on the weapon if I were you," Alkéa suddenly said. She had decided to follow Andros' lead and observed the prisoner. It actually worked since she was able to notice that he was calculating his odds.

 

Andros hid his pride at her astuteness. He had to maintain a calm front and make his move now. "Perhaps we should leave now," Andros replied as he advanced towards the prisoner. To Tiye he said, "You better check the seals."

 

Tiye nodded and left. Andros meanwhile took out a pair of cuff binders and handed them to Komad. He said, "He shouldn't be trouble while you put those on him. Preferrably behind his back." His other hand had taken hold of his lightsaber but he left it hooked. His body relaxed to a casual expression.

 

**********

 

"He made his choice. Even when one never stopped trying he made his choice. Hard to listen when insistent upon own way is he," Greea replied mimicking Yoda's turn of expression. She had seen holocrons of the master and heard his voice. She was sorry that Andros had to watch him die with Luke Skywalker.

[CommanderQ]

Durrel's jetpack failed with the impact of his opponents kick. He fell down and landed on a rock.

 

"Di'kut mi'jihil! We come for our own reasons, warrior, do not assume we come for this world, Jedi! We'd burn it to ashes before setting foot here, IF we wanted it!"

 

Durrel leaped forward, turning on his small blue shield and aimed his flamethrower at his enemy.

 

"We will find what we seek and take what we want! Seri mhi Manda! We swear!"

 

Durrel dropped into a combat stance and awaited the Jedi's next move, knowing that he would disable the lightsaber with a simple block. The prey would be caught.

 

 

 

 

Garrick stood quickly before Komad made a move.

 

"IF YOU ARE NOT MANDALORIANS, THEN WHAT ARE YOU!?" He shouted.

 

He stared at the binders, anticipating the fear of captivity, he knew he wouldn't go without a fight. Yet, there was something strange about going along with this group of people, something oddly felt good about them. Perhaps something could be gained through working with them, but Garrick couldn't work with them if he were a prisoner. Once he escaped, he knew he'd plan the "Grand Crusade" with Barek. This was simply a hinderance in the grand scheme of things, Garrick knew it.

[Cyborg Ninja]

Did she just mimic Yoda? Wrath was caught off guard by that. Still the problem remained that she would not assist him in stopping Dar nor could he capture her at the moment.

 

"Well the problem remains master jedi what to do here. Neither one of us wants to die, you wanting to be with your children and me not wanting a slow, painful death. So what do you propose happens now?"

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la twirled her saber and deactivated it. She pulled out Sanglumina and held it downward. She said, "Burn to ashes before the invasion? Cheap cowardly act." It was her warrior blood that spoke and not her Jedi half. Her father said that she was like his mother, one foot Avalonian and one foot Jedi and the two often at odds with each other.

 

"You see me as prey, Mandalorian. Perhaps you should see as a warrior." With a deft move, Jun-la lift kicked a blade that had been lying on the ground towards the Mandalorian. "Defend yourself," she said and held Sanglumina up in the respectful gesture of acknowledging the opponent.

 

**********

 

Andros looked impassive betraying no surprise at the outburst from the prisoner. He then cocked his head as if to think. He said, "You fear us. Why?" He had asked it in a rhetorical question before changing the subject, "My world is where the Force began. Your people called mine Ghost Fighters for some reason. Perhaps it was how we moved. I do not know but I am sure your histories would tell you that." Then to Komad he nodded, "We should take him."

[CommanderQ]

Durrel caught the blade and glared at the Jedi. He twirled it several times before settling into the ancient Mandalorian style of Ven'char, or vengeance.

 

"You do not speak as Jedi, I sense you have the blood of a warrior. Therefore, I will think of you as one, at the price of giving you an honorable death."

 

He charged forward, swinging his blade towards her face. This movement only the first of the style.

 

 

 

Garrick was mentally stunned for a second. How would they recognize fear? thought Garrick, but then he reminded himself they were Jedi.

 

"I would remember the tale of the "Ghost Fighters." You made quite an impression, but we also regarded you as weaklings for not using your power in the proper way. For that, the many clans held your people in disregard. I offer you reprieve if you join the glorious clans in our Grand Crusade."

 

Garrick knew that the answer wouldn't be good, but this could at least delay his conversion into full captivity. The fear still hung in the back of his head, a fear that could destroy planets to protect itself. He tried his best to keep this from his captors, but he also knew that it was to no avail.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la brought Sanglumina up and it clanged hard with the blade she handed the Mandalorian. She could feel the vibration of the power behind the swing and no doubt could the Mandalorian. She said, "Death is the next part of the journey but life is the greatest adventure of all." She then countered with the Three Rivers Cut. It was a basic move taught to beginners but capable of dealing deadly cuts.

 

Sanglumina had been forged from the rarest of metals to fall from the sky. It's cut was like a cold fire if you were caught in its wake. It chilled the blood and burned like fire thus its name which in basic meant 'Bloodfire.' Jun-la had trained all her life with that sword. She executed her move and said, "Three rivers move in swift currents as does blood."

 

**********

 

"Thought we were weaklings or was naivete?" Andros countered, "Of course that was the name you gave use. The name that all the Republic knows of us is Explorer.

 

"We are explorers which is probably why your people thought us weaklings. Now I urge you to stand up and let my companion do his job." By this time Andros had his lightsaber in hand and held it up till the end was pointed at the prisoner. With a smooth motion he activated it and watched coolly as the blade extended till it was a hair's width from the prisoner's nose. "I insist."

[CommanderQ]

Durrel stried his best to block the Three Rivers attack, but one attack slipped down his blade and cut off the top of his index finger. The pain was unusualy, not a burning pain, but cold, a searing pain it would seem.

 

"The blade was named accordingly, as was the attack. Still, I will stem that tide as to prevent death."

 

Durrel hopped backward onto his left foot and lunged forward, launching the second phase of his attack, a simple parry and attack. But the attack was merely a fake and he would quickly move the blade into another swing attack on the opposite side of his opponents head.

 

"Vengeance strikes hard when it is in the right hands," he said.

 

 

 

 

Garrick's eyes narrowed at the lightsaber that was barely an inch from his helmet. He would spit on it had he not been wearing his helmet, but he could do nothing. His cortosis armor could protect him from one Jedi, but 2, or 3, no, he couldn't defeat them all, despite his status as top warrior.

 

"I know my bounds, and I know what is right, "growled Garrick, "I will comply, explorer. You will find me a most unpleasant guest."

 

If looks could kill, Komad would've been dead with the glare that Garrick gave him. Garrick knew that he would have to face the fear of captivity, and still try his best for the Manda. He shunted aside the fear in his mind and allowed Komad to approach.

[Alkonium]

As they made their way through the forest, Andorra asked the group, "Where are you taking me? Offworld? My mother and I were brought here because they thought we'd be safe." She was starting to doubt whether anywhere in the system was safe. "She has a point. It might be better if we take her deeper into Republic space." Kalla suggested, especially concerned for Andorra's safety.

 

Komad quickly but the binders around Garrick's wrists, stating, "I've dealt with plenty of people less pleasant than you. You're better than most in that respect, actually." He was fully aware of how the Mandalorian would respond to the realisation that his attempts at being bothersome were ineffective.

[CommanderQ]

"Hmmm, that's a nice compliment," said Garrick.

 

He slipped his hands carefully around the binders to get more comfortable.

 

"But you should know very well not to judge the enemy by their first attack, something far worse always comes next."

 

He smiled and nodded as he awaited their answer.

[JediMaster12]

The Shreyite began to jabber at Kalla. It was the Belosian who translated, "We are taking you somewhere safe. The Daughter of the Heart suggested that we go on. We are going to the Shreyite village deep in the forest."

 

"Sounds good to me Sis," Andros replied looking at his sister.

 

**********

 

Jun-la knew that she had made the Mandalorian angry by slicing off his finger. She also knew that he would try something else. As he moved to strike, she backflipped away looking like the graceful dancers of geisha and geima. She replied, "Anger drives a body but more energy is wasted."

 

She raised Sanglumina into a defensive position. She didn't mind if she had a cut or two. Her Shi-Cho masters said that one cannot understand a weapon's personality if they had not suffered a wound at its hands. She did mind however dying on account and willed her mind to survival.

 

*********

 

Greea knew what the intruder was trying to do. She refused to be put into a compromising position with someone she didn't trust. She replied, "You leave and I leave and we each search." She knew that she would have to seek Dar out as much as it would pain her to do so. Yet she could not let this intruder have his way with him. He was her brother after all.

 

**********

 

Andros gave a wry grin before lowering his lightsaber and switching it off. He said, "Glad you decided to see some reason."

 

By this time, Tiye had returned and said, "We are clear."

 

Andros motioned to Komad and said, "Follow me." He then turned and followed Tiye who led the way to where a stack of crates was. He tapped the wall gently and muttered something in archaic Avalonian. The stack of crates swung outward to reveal a stairway. He looked at the Mandalorian and Komad and said, "Amshrey hold many secrets and reveal what and when she wants."

[CommanderQ]

Durrel leaped forward to continue after the Jedi.

 

"Your words are obviously that of a Jetti. I think you just say these words for the sound, though. You have raw strength, something most Jedi lack, something you can use to the advantage. You must have much anger as well."

 

He lunged forward, parrying her blade to the side in an effort to get in a stab.

 

 

 

Garrick couldn't help but chuckle when he saw the crates move to reveal a stairway. This is almst like a holovid! thought Garrick.

 

They walked slowly down the stairs. The area was rather cramped and Garrick tried his best to finger the cuffs on his hands. He knew that if he could get free, these close-quarters could provide ample cover while he nuetralized his captors.

 

"Many secrets indeed, you are definately prepared. Let's see how far you get, though. Mandalorians never give up and never forget. You will soon understand the meaning of vengeance."

 

Garrick slipped a small piece of a metal out of his glove. He began slowly and quietly to pick at the lock in his binders. At the same time, he silently thanked his captors for not doing a thorough check.

[JediMaster12]

Andros grinned and said, "Surely you must appreciate that of which exists inn ancient times as much as I appreciate a man who tries to escape by picking his binders. THough I must say that in these tight quarters it must be difficult." He gently gripped the right wrist of the prisoner.

 

Tiye had to marvel at Andros' astuteness when it came to prisoners and interrogation. She had heard that he had been a prisoner of war at one point and had to escape with a deafened connection to the Force or something of that nature. She highly suspected that he was playing along with the prisoner just because he himself did something similar years ago. She led the way to what appeared to be a docking bay with a small herd of katarans. She asked the prisoner, "How well do you ride?"

[CommanderQ]

Garrick would've bonked his head on the wall had he not been being forced through te doorway. How do they know these things?!!! he thought.

 

He immediatley reminded himself, Jedi....di'kut! Garrick resigned himself and admitted that he was out of tricks in the bag. For now.

 

The group walked outside the door, and the first thing Garrick saw didn't bring back the happiest of memories. He knew they'd be riding on those creatures before it was announced by the Mandalorian\or something-or-other women.

 

"Last time I rode anything like that was...well...a long time ago. Not a very pleasant experience, either. Heh, I hope it's like riding a Basalisk War droid...."

 

The memory that Garrick had was when he was a young boy, maybe not 8 years old. His brother, Barek, had playfully tricked Garrick into a race on top of a rather aggressive and large lizard. Garrick didn't know the name of this creature, but he remembered how uncomfortable the creature rode without a saddle. Garrick visibly winced at the memory.

 

"Oh...boy.." Garrick said to himself.

[Alkonium]

(@JM12: Happy Birthday!)

"As long as the Mandalorians can't find it." Kalla commented, following the Shreyites' lead. She quickly made her way over to Andorra and explained to her what was happening. "The Shreyites are taking us to one of their villages deep in the forest." She said.

 

"You should try riding a Boga on Utapau." Komad commented. "That's a challenge, especially when you're short a hand." After losing his hand on Rhen Var, he and Greea had gone to Utapau and they had to ride one to travel from the docks to the medical facility.

[JediMaster12]

The Shreyite jabbered in his native tongue and the Belosian translated, "He takes his duty seriously. He wants to help the governor and he wants to know if you can climb."

 

It sounded strange but warriors didn't play around when matters of survival were at hand. The Belosian didn't look confused but rather like he thought the responses practical.

 

*********

 

"Remember that," Alkéa said quietly. "Can you ride again?"

[CommanderQ]

Garrick looked at the creatures and listened to Komad.

 

"That must've been interesting, quite an adventure indeed. Something you would've been honored for in my clan. Unlike my brother, I took to facing off against beasts instead of riding them. That skill will not help me here, but riding may be easy, I hope."

 

Garrick sighed and tried to look at the binders behind his back.

 

Well, this will be fun, thought Garrick, Look Ma! No hands! The thought made him chuckle again.

[Alkonium]

"Of course, although a Boga's a lot bigger. Should be easier." Komad replied, mounting the Katarn. Though, Utapau was a very different planet from Amshrey. Here, there was much more wide open spaces.

 

"Certainly." Kalla replied, looking to Andorra for her answer. "Well enough for this." She told the Belosian. "How far, exactly?" Kalla then asked.

[CommanderQ]

Ahh, wide open spaces, I might just get an oppurtunity to escape there, or at least get spotted by my men... thought Garrick. He listened closely to his captor's conversation, all the while trying his best to plan something to get out of his binders and escape.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la simply leapt away. Like the younglings of the Old Republic, she had been taught not to use fancy moves since that wasted energy. Rather she was taught to wear down an opponent. She was actually glad for a challenge such as this. The last serious fight she had was when Tahiri challenged her and she was eight ir nine and Tahiri was an adult. It was sparring yes but they fought as if it mattered greatly.

 

Jun-la replied, "The Force began with us. Then we began to explore." She moved fast and deliberate.

 

*********

 

Andros said, "Mount up." He then took the prisoner and threw him up on the kataran's back. The beast gave a low mooing as he settled the prisoner in. From the depths of a pocket on his belt, he produced an electromagnetic chain and fastened it around the arms and legs before fastening it around the kataran's neck.

 

He patted the beast gently and murmured a watery sound. The beast mooed in appreciation. Aloud he said, "Can't have you wandering off especially since the brush will hide us from anyone."

 

He then took the lead rein and mounted the beast he was to ride. Since they were short a beast, he pulled Alkéa behind him. The backs of the beast were bare. It was a tradition that Avalonians learned to ride without a saddle. A test of ability since took a lot to maneuver a beast like the kataran. He then nodded to Tiye.

 

Tiye then gave a similar watery shrrr and the beasts began to move. They followed in the insitnctual pattern of a herd.

 

*********

 

The Shreyite jabbered. The Belosian translated, "Wait here."

 

The Shreyite then gave a funny whistle that echoed. Some more Shreyites then appeared and motioned for the party to follow. They led the way to a lift that was cleverly hidden. They beckoned and jabbered.

 

The Belosian cocked his ear to listen. He then translated, "This is the first leg. The rest is climbing. Hop in."