Star Wars: The Sith Resurrection Part VI: Death to the Sith

[Chevron 7 locke]

"How soon can we be under way?"

 

"Two days at most. Right now the Ackbar needs repairs and it'll take the rest of the fleet at least a day and a half to meet up with us."

 

She looked thoughtful.

 

"We might want to add more ships to the fleet in any case. I think I really ticked off Admiral Velerc by destroying one of his task forces and I can't help but think he might want to come after me."

[JediMaster12]

"Seems that is to be the case with all of us at some point," Jun-la replied with a wry grin. "The closest planet of our system is Amshrey. Tiye will be glad to lend some ships. An interesting combination of Mandalorian and Avalonian design." She then motioned for Andros to go.

 

Andros left, knowing that silently she was asking him to go contact Tulre on Coruscant. He went back to the ship they had traveled in, knowing well that he could have used the communication room. Still he preferred privacy. Once in the hold, he punched in the signal and waited. The one who picked up was one he didn't expect yet he greeted with respect and pleasure.

 

**********

 

"There is no try," Tonatius quoted, "We will save her." He gently touched her face with a light finger. "It will take time to mobilize so we should prepare."

 

**********

 

Tyrannus was surprised at the movement Andirrul did and followed her to the pod. He plugged in the landing coordinates and they descended to the planet below. Once on the surface, he led the way out and they were surrounded by creatures, some withered but all in states of hideousness and ferocity. He said, "Here my pretty is a world that stands between light and darkness, a gateway to all that my people are."

 

Karaka ambled up and gave respectable bows but and even deeper one to the Blood King, who managed to come up behind his two allies. Karaka said, "It is good that you are here. The gateway is almost open."

 

"Excellent," the Blood King replied. He then turned to look mainly at Andirrul. He eyed her for a moment and then asked, "Do you know who else stood where you stand now?"

 

((I was thinking that this would be a place that Revan once journeyed. One that maybe he went to fight and prevent from consuming the Republic.))

[Alkonium]

(Korriban, maybe? The only other planet I can think of that'd fit would be Malachor V, and that's definitely out of the question)

 

Noticing the lightsaber on his belt, Kalla asked, "How good are you with that lightsaber? It might be more useful down there than your sword." She also thought she recognised it, and added, "It's your father's, isn't it?"

 

"The crew of the Enu, along with all of the ships that were in the hangar, also made it to the station, even if the ship itself hasn't. It wouldn't have done us much good anyway. It was refit for undercover surveillance, and not for ship-to-ship combat." Komad added. "They're ready as well."

[JediMaster12]

((Well it is said that Revan went into the Unknown Regions and Traya speaks of dark places in the galaxy. That means that there is more than one. This planet is unnamed unless someone has an idea for it.))

 

Tonatius looked down at his belt and saw the lightsaber that he had carried in addition to his sword. His twin didn't want it and his mother wept every time she saw it. So he took it as a memory but had never used it. His mother and twin preferred the traditional prayers of memory his people offered and his twin served the Jedi as far as he knew. He carried it as a reminder of his lineage. Looking back up at Kalla, he replied, "The lightsaber, a traditional weapon of the Jedi and unique to the Jedi wielding it. Father had a taste for the ocean, a reason why he loved Aztlan much like Mother."

 

He then lifted the lightsaber and held it out. Switching it on, he held it as expertly as he held a blade, examining it. The blade glowed a unique blue, not like the traditional blue crystals Jedi used but one that matched the coloring of the island waters of Aztlan. He gave a couple of turns and on the last turn, deactivated it. He put it back on his belt and said, "Sword or lightsaber, it doesn't matter. The special cortosis alloy my people use have been use for generations and have withstood the heat of a lightsaber. Just because something looks plain doesn't mean that it is useless." They were similar words that Jun-la had given to Andorra. H ecould only hope that Kalla understood as well.

 

**********

 

Andros was happy to see the face of Alkéa on the comm as she answered. She said that she was rallying up Rogue squadron on Coruscant and they would be heading to the station. Andros then said, "I was supposed to let Master Starlighter know of our progress. Is Jedi Tulre there?"

 

At teh same instant, Tulre appeared to the side of Alkéa along with Tiye of Amshrey. Apparently things were on the same page on Coruscant. Tulre asked, "What have you found?"

 

"A region of space full of anomalies and such. The fleet is preparing to move in but Tavaryn cautioned waiting to upgrade the Akbar. Also Master Jun-la suggested that the warriors of Amshrey would be willing to help," Andros replied.

 

"They can do one better," Tiye replied, "After Bastion, Rogue Squadron has been reinforced, some pilots being of the five fleets of Avalon. A gift from teh Lady Governor."

 

"We can have what is left that needs to rally meet us at the station," Alkéa added, "That way we can have our forces massed and ready for assault."

 

"Tell young Komad to hold off until we arrive. I sense that certain events need to be in play before we begin," a voice, that Andros recognized well called forth.

 

Andros nodded in teh affirmative and replied, "I will relay that though I think that Father wanted to call you in personally."

 

"Tell that brother of mine that just because we are not in the action, doesn't mean we are clueless," Alkéa replied with a smile. She glanced at her companions and then added, "We will be on our way."

 

Andros watched as the comm transmission faded and he turned to walk back to where his master and father were. He made it back and said, "Father, I think we will be ready but we are to hold here until Rogue Squadron and Master Starlighter arrive."

[Alkonium]

"Good, we should be ready by then." Komad replied. "We should also have the Enu's crew reassigned to the Star Destroyer's we're sending out there."

 

"Jun-la told Andorra something similar once." Kalla commented. "I think I understand. The weapon is merely an extension of its wielder."

[Tysyacha]

"I am reminded of a Master," Andirrul said, "formerly a Jedi but then Dark Lord of the Sith. It is said that his conquests were unrivaled up until the time of Palpatine. Driven to the Dark Side by his need to protect the Republic, some said, but I know better. He was driven there because he wanted power. Pure power. Selflessness had nothing to do with what Lord Revan truly desired."

 

She closed her eyes and smiled. "It is his power that I seek. In all honesty, I wish that Revan would have possessed me instead of--" She almost doubled over in a sudden paroxysm of pain. When it would not pass, the Dark Lady fell to the only thing that would take her mind off of it: not meditation and deep breathing, as the Jedi were wont to do, but rather wanton slaughter.

 

In a display of ferocity astounding even for a Sith, Andirrul cut down the swarm of hideous and misshapen creatures before her in the span of five seconds even. When she was done, the pain had passed. Virul was sated.

 

"Tell me," she said to Tyrannus. "How do I get Revan in and Virul out?!?"

[JediMaster12]

Tyrannus laughed at her, "Revan is of the light side. All that remains is a taint. Traces left on the worlds and people he has touched, including those of blood descent." He then leaned close to peer at her in the eye, "Why would you want a trace instead of a whole being?"

 

**********

 

Tonatius nodded, "A weapon can define a warrior just as a warrior defines the weapon. Still the choice to kill or maim is the person." He looked at his belt at the sword and lightsaber. He then said, "It's a lesson we are all taught. Jun-la was trying to remind my cousin of that."

 

**********

 

Jun-la nodded and said, "The more we have the better. I sense that what we face will not be what we are used to fighting."

 

Andros looked at his master and for once saw how tired she looked. In some instances she looked old, maybe weary from her journey. He went to a console and begin to monitor fleet movements.

 

Shaking off her tiredness, Jun-la said, "I will go see how the reinforcements are coming. Perhaps you would like to help Master Komad?"

 

**********

 

Tavaryn had heard no word from Alriana. He kept trying to reach her by sending, Reach out. Let me in. He did this even as he approached the Star Destroyer and began to make a move to dock on the ship. He had experience using stealth to clamp on ships and he let experience and instinct guide him. He even had some old codes that he procured at great expense.

 

It wasn't hard to dock. For some reason, fighters were going in and out. He was able to use an old code to fool the dock officer that he was a hired cargo ship. Once inside, he managed to avoid the troops in the hangar and began to make his way through the corridors. He reached out, Guide me Alriana. Tell me where you are.

[Alkonium]

"There's probably something productive we could be doing right now. If nothing else, I think there's combat simulator on the station." Kalla suggested, getting up to find it.

 

"We also need to consider the strike team for boarding the Phantasm. Intel indicates Dark Jedi and mercs, so we'll need Jedi, and our best Guardsmen for the job." Reyvan pointed out.

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius nodded, "All the stations have a training arena. The stories go something like 'Whether by air, sea or land, we charge forth with a sword in our hand.' It will be near the gardens." At the look on Kalla's face, he explained with a slight smile, "Even in battle one must be centered and some actually meditate there as well. Follow me." He then led the way, barely glancing at the signs until they were in a training arena.

 

It was very open with a mat for sparring. Weapons hung on the wall and was shielded like the pagodas on the main planets. Off in a corner, almost hidden was a computer station. It seemed to be guarded by the gardens that flanked the arena. Tonatius stood looking at it and said, "Not exactly typical nor practical but it works."

[Cyborg Ninja]

Wrath eyed the explosion and let out another laugh. His ship took off and within minutes, he and Konig were in space. He was ready to enter the coordinates back to the Phantasm when he sensed the attack of the jedi. He could also sense that he should go elsewhere.

 

"We'll be making our way to Grand Admiral's ship."

 

--------------

 

Kurt looked over to Reyvan.

 

"Master Reyvan, I'd like to be part of the strike team. I was manipulated by imperials and sith to be the perfect soldier. I'd like to show them personally how well I turned out."

[Alkonium]

"You're an excellent fighter, we'd be honoured. My apprentice and I will be leading it." Reyvan replied.

 

"What sort of training? Sparring, or practice droids?" Kalla asked, taking a look at the computer terminal. Odd décor for a training arena. She thought to herself.

 

"Good idea." Komad replied, and followed Jun-la to the staging area.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la led the way to where Avalonian technicians were already at work on the Akbar. They were as agile in envirosuits as they were without them as they bounced with precision to where they needed to go. Without a trace of pride nor arrogance, Jun-la said, "Looks like they took it upon themselves to reinforce the Akbar's armour. It is made of the same materials we use in our own ships. The kind the Imperials have hated. What we need is someone to mointor the power relays and make sure we don't cause a power surge. Can you do that?"

 

**********

 

Tonatius saw Kalla look at the terminal. He explained, "Training remotes but mostly used in holographic simulations." He walked over to the terminal and touched some keys on the console. In a short moment, very accurate holos of Jaden Korr and Revan appeared. They didn't move for they weren't programmed yet but they were as lifelike as can be.

 

Tonatius said, "Go ahead give a touch. They aren't programmed with combat algorithms yet."

[Alkonium]

"Impressive. Most impressive." Kalla commented, taking a good look at the holograms of her ancestors. She noticed that the hologram of Revan included the lighter robes he acquired before he confronted Malak, as well as a fairly accurate image of his face, from his short black hair, to the scar by his eye, and his soul patch under his lip. "What sort of combat routines can they be set with?" She then asked.

[JediMaster12]

"Combat algorithms can be programmed in basic Jedi combat techniques to just about anything depending on species and the individual," Tonatius explained. He then reached over and began tapping the keys on the console. "For instance, Revan was strong in the Force but he was also very skilled with a lightsaber. Katas are his specialty and was an apt pupil of the Guardian's in Bushida." When he was done, the holo of Revan came to life, activating his lightsaber.

 

Still standing in place, he performed a series of katas along with some Force enhanced flips and cartwheels. He then altered to techniques that Avalonians have been seen doing. When he was done, he gave a salute with his lightsaber and deactivated it, standing in his original posture.

 

"He's not programmed to attack. Rather what I showed you is a work in progress. The more complicated ones are designed to think like a real person," Tonatius explained.

[Alkonium]

"Very well. I'll see what I can do down here." Komad replied, sitting down on a nearby chair and keeping an eye on the display.

 

"Wouldn't it make more sense to put programming the Artificial Intelligence before designing the aesthetics?" Kalla inquired. Certain things about Avalon still didn't make too much sense to her.

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius gave a wry grin. It was a question he himself had asked so he decided to give Kalla the same answer, "A fighting style depends very much upon the the aesthetics. Certain body types can perform certain moves better than others." He then tapped some more keys and a warrior appeared that looked vaguely familiar. "To see what I mean, try sparring against this warrior." He activated the hologram.

 

The holo then spoke, "What lesson would you like to learn?"

 

Tonatius replied, "Lesson number one in katas, Kirabaros."

 

"Very well," and in a quick movement, he unsheathed a sword that looked exactly like the one Jun-la carried and held it ready. "First attack."

 

**********

 

"Okay, starting the power flow into the relays. The extra juice will give the Ackbar a little kick. Just make sure it doesn't go over the red," Jun-la said as she activated the consoles.

[Alkonium]

Kalla then activated her lightsaber, holding it in her typical Niman stance, and ready to follow the moves by the hologram.

 

"Understood." Komad replied. Watching the display, he took a look out at the Akbar. It was a beautiful, yet deadly ship. Taking design cues from both the Venator-class Star Destroyer, and the Hammerhead-class cruiser, it was probably the finest ship in the Republic fleet.

[Tysyacha]

"Revan may only be a trace," Andirrul replied, "but one trace of cold, calculating sanity is worth far more than a presence who has lost its mind. Leave me. I must meditate before battle--the true battle. I sense Jedi here, and one is either yearning to kill me or save me. Both will be impossible."

 

Virul hadn't said that. She--Andorra--had. As an Avalonian neophyte, the spoiled daughter of a governor, she'd been a celebrity, yes, but she'd had no real sense of worth apart from her foster mother. She had never truly known battle until the final days before she "killed" Virul, and before that, she'd been a follower. A follower of the Jedi, indeed, but still a follower. Now she was a leader, and a powerful one at that. Tyrannus still had sway over her, but as one of three, how could he not have had influence? She smiled as she thought of him. Someday she'd kill him, but not now. Not when the Jedi threatened to debilitate the Triumvirate before she'd come into her own.

 

Besides, she had to kill Tonatius first. He'd taken her only love: Kalla Kaltas.

 

Andirrul made her way to a cataract, the water glowing red with hidden crystals. Red as blood, and red as the anger in her heart over what had happened. The Jedi were great strategists, and she had to be on her guard.

[JediMaster12]

Tyrannus would have respected her wishes if he had chosen to. This time though, he feltthe desire to follow and keep watch. He knew she harbored the desire to kill him and he had given her every opportunity to do so. It didn't matter for Virul could not best him in any way and the neophyte Avalonian brat knew nothing. Before she left however, he said, "So certain you sense a Jedi? Those touched by war could not be considered Jedi. War leaves scars."

 

**********

 

Tonatius stepped forward and said, "Activate program."

 

The hologram of Kirabaros came to life and instead of the slow movements of showing sword movements, it lunged forward in attack. Tonatius said, "Sparr with him. He will show you the katas."

 

**********

 

Jun-la kept the flow goingand hearing no word from Komad, she left it on. "Power floow at 50%. Increasing to 75%." She activated the console and the surge of energy intensified.

 

**********

 

Alkéa felt more at home behind teh stick of a fighter than anything else. She wove in and out between the Avalonian fleet that had met them at Coruscant. Rogue Squadron, reinforced, followed behind in the same graceful arcs. She said in her comm, "Rogue Leader here. All fighters accounted for."

 

Tulre, on the bridge of an Avalonian vessel, replied, "Proceed with the countdown. All attack groups enter coordinates for the Huntau station."

 

"Acknowledged," the cry came from all the leaders.

 

Some beeping came on Alkéa's console and she read it. She said, "Don't worry about it Two-y. This is just a rendezvous."

 

"All craft prepare to jump into hyperspace on my mark."

 

Alkéa knew what that meant. She replied, "Confirmed," and activated the hyperdrive. The fighters followed in sync as they jumped into hyperspace.

 

Meanwhile Tulre saw the same thing as the larger vessels followe dthe fighters into hyperspace.

[Chevron 7 locke]

((Where is Pahro in all this? I thought she was going to Jaltra.))

 

Belina watched as they continued to "upgrade" her ship and felt a momentary pang of sadness. They were messing with her ship.

 

Her Ship.

 

The ship that she and her crew had totally rebuilt over the space of years of hard work. And now some of that work was now gone.

 

"Let me know before you touch any of the weapon systems. Those have been heavily modified."

 

Belina then left and headed to her quarters.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la looked at Belina with an expression of sympathy and amusement. She stopped her and said, "The Akbar is a good ship. This is to make sure nothign happens drastic to the crew. As for the weapons, the engineers express a wish to add something to your arsenal."

 

Jun-la waited for Belina to answer. She knew the pain she was feeling and that comes with the being in command of a ship. She had been in command of a few herself and in a way a ship was an extension of the person. As if to emphasize this, she added, "She is still the Akbar. It may be different on the outside but what makes its core is the same."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"The Akbar is a good ship. This is to make sure nothign happens drastic to the crew. As for the weapons, the engineers express a wish to add something to your arsenal."

 

Belina stopped and then turned around.

 

"Fine. The weapons will be added only under my direct supervision. My tactical officer and I have spent a lot of time modifying those systems and I don't want them messed up at all."

 

"She is still the Akbar. It may be different on the outside but what makes its core is the same."

 

"...I disagree with you to be honest. You are modifying what makes the Ackbar the Ackbar."

 

Belina then left and entered her quarters, closing the door behind her.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la gave a soft sigh. It was hard for non Avalonians to understand that the weapon is the weapon and that the warrior is from within. She would have stopped but she followed Belina into her quarters and waited until the doors slide shut before saying, "The akbar is but the tool you use. What makes it good are the people that man the stations. I cannot ask you to agree with me, only understand. Where we are going is not like the places this ship has been. If Tavaryn Onashi is correct, then what we face could take what you say makes the Akbar and turn it into scrap."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"The Ackbar is but the tool you use. What makes it good are the people that man the stations. I cannot ask you to agree with me, only understand. Where we are going is not like the places this ship has been. If Tavaryn Onashi is correct, then what we face could take what you say makes the Akbar and turn it into scrap."

 

Belina's voice cooled.

 

"My crew is the best in the fleet. My ship is the best in the fleet. I've fought five Star Destroyers at one time and came out on top."

 

Belina turned away and waved her hand.

 

"Do whatever you feel you can do. But remember this: When the time for fightng comes, I am in command."

[CommanderQ]

Garrick and Barek had been standing quietly behind Admiral Belina as she discussed battle plans. At the same time, they had been assmebling the fleet, checking arrival times, already planning the attack, the glory of a Mandalorians HUD and personal computer installment.

 

"My crew is the best in the fleet. My ship is the best in the fleet. I've fought five Star Destroyers at one time and came out on top. Do whatever you feel you can do. But remember this: When the time for fightng comes, I am in command."

 

Barek chuckled a little too loudly.

 

He looked to Garrick, "If I didn't know she was a Republic Admiral, I'd swear she was of Mandalorian blood..."

 

Garrick nodded, smiling, That's a big compliment coming from Barek, he thought. He patted his brother on his black pauldron and nodded again.

 

"I'll be looking to the Fighter Squadrons...we'll need to get them ready if this offensive will succeed to the expectations we want...so excuse me. I must leave."

 

With that, Garrick turned on his heel and left, leaving Barek the one Mandalorian in the room.

 

 

 

A squad of Storm Commandoes entered the room where Garja was.

 

One of the Commandoes stepped forward.

 

"Admiral Garja...Admiral Velerc has ordered your arrest on charges of treason, assisting the enemy, and mutiny. We have our orders to take you prisoner to where the Grand Admiral can ask your reasons and give you a fair trial. If you resist, deadly force will be used."

 

Two commandoes took the Jedi prisoner out of the hands of Garja's men and began hauling her off towards the Medbay.

 

The lead commando offered some binding-cuffs to Garja.

 

"Please, sir, we don't want to have to fight...."

 

Every trooper there was aware of who Garja was, and didn't want to spill Imperial blood...but just the same, they knew they would if the situation called for it.