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

[Alkonium]

Seeing the power meter nearly reach the red, Komad called out to Jun-la. "That's enough. Cut the power feed!"

 

In response, Kalla parried the attack, and then took a swing herself at the hologram, while also paying close attention to the way it attacked.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la nodded and returned to her station. She was in time to hear Komad's warning and with a flick of the Force, she flipped the switch to the off position. "That should be enough power to boost the ship's capacity." She glanced out the window and noted that the workers were near completion.

 

A beep sounded on the comm. It was Andros, "Master I am getting a signal. It's the fleet."

 

"Good." Jun-la then looked at Komad and said, "Your sister is arriving."

 

**********

 

Tonatius did not participate but rather gave out bits of advice. "Be gentle but at the same time be firm."

 

The holo of Kirabaros moved in a graceful arc but his lightsaber was strong as it hit Kalla's with a resounding force.

[Chevron 7 locke]

"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."

 

Garja's mind was quickly begining to calculate the situation he was in.

 

I did say I would defect if he tried to arrest the Jedi and I. It's a shame, I thought he would enjoy learning more of the clone wars and the purge that followed afterwards.

 

Garja could feel the hold-out blaster on the inside of his sleeve and the Thermal detonator which was in one of his pockets.

 

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

 

"Fine. But I will not be leaving with my hands restrained. I'm not some sort of low-life thug after all."

 

I just need to hope the Jedi recovers and notices that I slipped the lightsaber to her before they took her away.

 

Garja then turned and headed toward the cells with the Storm Commandos right behind him.

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn waited until Garja passed before going down the cell blocks. It would take time but he was determined to help Alriana any way that he could. A part of him wanted to know if she knew his mother, what she was like before the Empire. He kept that secret though, recognizing it to be a selfish motive. Again he called, Alriana, can you hear me?

[Chevron 7 locke]

Alriana, can you hear me?

 

Alriana's eye's fluttered open at the sound of the voice in her head.

 

N-Yes...I can hear you...

 

She winced as one of her broken ribs shifted slightly as the storm commandos dragged her along.

 

They...tortured me. But the Admiral...he slipped me my lightsaber.

[Tysyacha]

((Pahro's fate will be revealed in a moment...))

 

Andirrul knelt down by the cataract, meditating as the water, glowing crimson, poured down the jagged rocks. She could tell that Tyrannus was near, mocking her and her efforts. His derision could wait. Right now, she needed to focus on the approaching threat of...Kalla. Yes, Kalla.

 

Hate is for the strong! Love is for the weak! Why can't you hate her?

 

That was Lord Virul, finally making sense. How to respond to his indignation?

 

Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me! Virul had to know that the Sith celebrated attachment. Her passion for the lovely Jedi, who would soon be turned, would be the reward of the sacrifice she'd made at Bastion. Who was weak now? A true weakling would have cowered before Virul--which she hadn't. She'd tried to fight.

 

Mistress? Mistress! Are you there? A woman's voice, falsely ingratiating.

 

Get out of my head, spy! came Andirrul's retort. Leave me be.

 

Is that all you can say, after all I've done for you? An incensed pause. I have tried to lure the Jedi into traps, so that you could break them! I had infiltrated Huntau Station in the guise of a male soldier, all for you! I can't believe your ungratefulness, and your stubborn refusal to notice my love!

 

Your love?! You fool! I will never be yours! Your passion is for naught! What makes you think you could ever compare to her by any stretch of the imagination? You're a sniveling sycophant, and what is more, you have outlived your worth. Your love. Ha! Now you'll see what it has cost you...

 

Reaching out through the Force, Andirrul put pressure on Pahro's skull, enough to crush the tender places between bones and cause it to implode. The fluid in Pahro's brain caused her nerves to drown as it tried to expand and push itself out of her compressing cranium. Thus, her namesake:

 

Utonula. It meant drowned. One more Sith liability forever extinguished.

 

Andirrul felt the Dark Side rise in her. Now she truly had enough strength to fight, having murdered someone without due cause. She could have let the spy live, but Pahro was a loose cannon. Better to eliminate the threat before it became too great. Hate coursed through her veins, and heated triumph.

[Chevron 7 locke]

Alriana's head whipped back and she screamed in pain as she felt her apprentice and her intentions, her hopes and dreams die through the force.

 

She...She was going to betray me...Deliver me to the sith...But they killed her...Killed her. They killed my first apprentice.

 

Her eyes flashed with hatred and rage as she pulled her saber to her hand with the aid of the force and slashed the first storm commando across the stomach and then sent grabbed the other one in a force choke.

 

She narrowed her eyes as she felt a dark presence begin to rise through the force.

 

The admiral...he helped me escape. I need to help him.

 

Alriana slowly turned around and headed for the room where the admiral was being held.

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn nodded as he heard Alriana. He could also hear through the Force the fate of Pahro and srpung into action. He said a silent prayer in a language thought to be forgotten, praying that Pahro may find peace in the next life. He made his way to Alriana's cell and whispered in, "Alriana? Are you all right?"

 

When he didn't hear anything, he said, "I know of Pahro's fate and I am sorry. Betrayal is something hard to live with."

 

*********

 

Tonatius watched Kalla spar. She was good and was learning as she went. He watched until it came to the end. He saw the glimmer in Kirabaros' eye and realized what move he was doing. At that moment, jumped in to help her raise her lightsaber higher. It collided with Kirabaros' blade with resounding force that he could feel it in his arms. The figure of Kirabaros stopped and turned towards his opponent. He raised his blade and gave a salute before deactivating.

 

Tonatius took a breath and said, "Close shave. I forgot that he did that move at the end."

 

**********

 

Tyrannus knew the girl's hatred of him and he knew that it was influenced by Virul. Helping her, he tapped in and listened to her admonish her pet. As added bonus, he gave a pressure of his own that made Pahro's skull become crushed instead of fractured. He said, "My pretty, you have great discipline. Perhaps we have some tea? The Jedi won't be here for some time now."

 

**********

 

They left hyperspace as smoothly as they had entered it. Alkéa looked at the station before her and marvelled at the prowess of the people she thought were aloof. She spoke into her comm, "All wings present?"

 

"All accounted for," Tulre's voice came.

 

Alkéa nodded and grinned. She then sent a signal to the station, "Huntau station this is Rogue leader requesting permission to dock."

[Alkonium]

"I could have blocked that or something. And if not, I'm pretty sure the safety was on." Kalla commented. "Thanks anyway though. Would have left a nasty burn before the blade dissipated. One of the problems with not having sleeves, I suppose, but at least it's easy to move around." Surprisingly, she had rarely been criticised for dressing in a more revealing manner than most Jedi.

 

"Good. With my sister and her squadron here, we should be ready to attack soon." Komad commented, watching from a nearby viewport.

 

"This is Jedi Master Reyvan Skyrider. Permission granted, dear." Reyvan replied, sending the message out to his wife's ship.

[Chevron 7 locke]

Alriana slowly walked behind the unsuspecting Jedi and whispered verly slowly in his ear.

 

"I am not mad because she betrayed me, I am angry because she was my apprentice...and now she is dead. Killed before I could turn her to our side."

 

She slowly stepped over the bodies of the two storm commandos and lightly pressed herself against the jedi until she was nose to nose with him.

 

"The Admiral is being escorted to one of the holding cells. You will rescue him and escort him to a ship and then take him back to the station where I was earlier. He does not serve the sith any longer."

 

Alriana smiled a slightly unstable smile. She was still slightly messed up from the force bond between Pahro and herself being severed so abruptly.

 

"I will take the tractor beams offline."

 

With those parting words, Alriana turned her back and headed deeper and deeper into the ship.

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn had raised his brow at Alriana, amused by the fact that she was trying to use the Force on him. For a man who never did anything unless he wanted to, he was rather suprised at the persistent attempt. He said in reply, "That may work on someone less willfull Alriana. For one strong in the Force, you haven't learned the art of persuasion very well."

 

**********

 

Alkéa smiled when she heard her husband's voice. She replied, "Roger that. Initiating docking procedures." After a moment she said, "No need to be serious darling." It was raw teasing on her part but at times she couldn't stand the seriousness of things. It made people too grim and it reminded her of other times not so pleasant.

 

**********

 

"Safety may have been off but the force of the blow would have been more than a serious burn," Tonatius replied. He raised the sleeve of his tunic to reveal a very nasty gash. it had scarred over but it was very much permanent. "A risk one takes when learning the blade. It doesn't matter what is worn. The risk is there. Take this Jedi," Tonatius tapped some keys and appeared a near carbon copy of Jun-la. This jedi had the three quarter sleeves like some Avalonian tunics but her midriff was exposed and her pants were slightly baggy and the feet were bare. Tonatius explained, "This Jedi fought a fallen one. The risk of serious injury was great but it worked."

 

Tonatius then turned to look at Kalla, "What you wear is a reflection of you. Much like the type of weapon you carry."

[Alkonium]

Thinking about this, Kalla took a good look at her clothes, which differed greatly from typical Jedi apparel. Though made from the same fabric, her tunic was black, sleeveless, and cut at the front to show a bit of cleavage, and instead of pants, she was wearing a matching short skirt. She had always thought the black went well with her green skin. "Well, what do you think it says about me?" She then asked Tonatius. All things considered, there were plenty of Jedi in her family who had dressed in unusual ways.

[Chevron 7 locke]

((Not a good idea to taunt her at this time. She's pretty unpredictable right now due to the force bond being severed. And where did CQ get to?))

 

"That may work on someone less willfull Alriana. For one strong in the Force, you haven't learned the art of persuasion very well."

 

Alriana didn't bother to respond as she continued down the corridor of the star destroyer as she continued her search for the tractor beam emitters.

 

Lift ahead. I could take control of the bridge...but that would be highly risky. I'll leave that as a last resort.

 

She stepped inside the lift and looked for a way to activate it before realizing it was voice activated.

 

"Deck twelve." she said quietly as she deactivated her lightsaber.

 

The doors slid shut in front of her as the lift went in a vauge downward direction.

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius scrutinized much in the same manner as he would if buying a sword. He was quiet for sometime until he said, "Humble in service yet an individual. Valued by my people." To say his true feelings would have been more detrimental to how he viewed his place in the galaxy.

 

**********

 

Tavaryn kept up with Alriana, his step so soft, his boot heel couldn't be heard over the noises of the ship. Something his mother had taught him during the purge years as she called it. Those were the years the remaining Jedi were hunted down by Vader and the Emperor. She fought against the Emperor by encouraging one who knew betrayal to fight against the Empire. The boy died saving his companions but he was at peace and his memory turned into a movement.

 

His memory of those years were seen as a game at times, like playing hide and go seek. Yet he was aware of the danger that he had to live with. His mother did her best to shield him from the worst, teaching him what he needed to survive. That helped him team up with Kyle Katarn and they had been inseparable. He felt a kinship with Alriana and understood what she was thinking. He stood with her in the elevator and said, "Your firend will find a way out on his own. I noticed that when trying to find you."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Your friend will find a way out on his own. I noticed that when trying to find you."

 

Alriana kept her eyes forcused on the door as the Jedi continued to speak to her.

 

"Why do you wish to speak with me so badly? And why will you not let me be?"

 

Alriana turned toward him and her eyes burned with anger"

 

She pulled out her lightsaber while still staring at the man and held it directly in front of her as the door opend to reveal an empty corridor

 

"All I want for now is to be left alone...and yet you people won't leave me be, even for a moment."

 

She looked down at her lightsaber and then deacitvated it with a sigh.

 

"Leave me alone."

[Tysyacha]

Andirrul, reaching out through the Force, had not expected this at all. She had thought that the death of her spy would affect no one greatly. To her surprise, she found a source of grief and rage connected to Pahro Utonula, a heart bound to hers. The Dark Lady of the Sith smiled. Reaching out through the Force, but very gently so as to be almost undetectable, she said:

 

Ah. I feel your anger, feel your hate. My spy is dead, yes, and I killed her. I sense the Light in you, but she was Dark unto her very core. She was planning to deliver you to me. Unfortunately, she miscalculated what the reward would be for doing so. She thought she could replace the one I loved--the one I lost at Bastion. Hardly! Pahro has paid the price for her mistake, and you have, too. You should not have thought to bond with her.

 

Listen. Tell your comrades Andirrul is waiting. The Dark Lady of the Sith is ready for whatever lies ahead. If you would but use the fury you have found in the midst of your sudden grief to fuel you, you would become unstoppable! She leaned back against the stones of the towering cataract, looking at Tyrannus. "Tea would be nice," she said, "and perhaps a little dejarik?"

 

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

 

After her fifth game, Andirrul's head sank into her hands dejectedly.

 

"How come I falter, Tyrannus?" she grumbled. "Every time? You have me outmatched and outwitted, but why? I can't see my mistakes in the midst of the contrasting squares, and the pieces blur until I almost can't distinguish them anymore. This is hopeless. Why can't I see the way to kill your king?"

[CommanderQ]

Velerc wasn't surprised when security clarons began blaring. He knew that storm commandoes often miscalculated threats...and Jedi were no exception.

 

He shook his head, "I doubt Garja will want to explain the Jedi's position now...."

 

The Grand Admiral looked to the Arms sergeant.

 

"Prepare lockdown of all bridge levels...and orders regarding Garja no longer apply...have him shot on sight to set a proper example. In fact, place a standing bounty on the Jedi and Garja, just in case they get out of here..."

 

He hated having to turn on a promising student such as Garja, but he had left him little to no choice. Organization of what fleet was left could only be kept with justice, and killing Garja would fit that bill.

 

Velerc bit his bottom lip and exhaled, pacing slowly up the bridge to the observation deck.

 

 

 

The Storm Commando suddenly picked up his orders on the crowded comm channel.

 

"Eliminate all prisoners. Jedi and Garja, especially, special bonus in order if so."

 

The Commando couldn't believe his ears. Kill an Imperial Admiral? Such things hadn't been committed since the days Darth Vader himself had orchestrated the Purges.

 

He shook his head and raised his rifle, taking aim at Garja's head.

[Chevron 7 locke]

Garja watched through half-closed eyes as the Storm Commando pointed the end of his blaster rifle at his head.

 

I guess the Admiral is not in a forgiving mood today.

 

Garja quickly whipped the hold-out blaster from his sleeve and blasted the trooper directly in the throat and then whipped around and blasted the other two behind him directly in their faces.

 

I need to get out of here. Now. But I refuse to leave without the Jedi. Now...If I were trying to escape, what would be the first system I would sabatoge?

 

Tractor beams.

 

Garja turned around and headed for the tractor beam emitters.

 

 

 

Somewhere on the Star Destroyer

 

Ah. I feel your anger, feel your hate. My spy is dead, yes, and I killed her. I sense the Light in you, but she was Dark unto her very core. She was planning to deliver you to me. Unfortunately, she miscalculated what the reward would be for doing so. She thought she could replace the one I loved--the one I lost at Bastion. Hardly! Pahro has paid the price for her mistake, and you have, too. You should not have thought to bond with her.

 

Listen. Tell your comrades Andirrul is waiting. The Dark Lady of the Sith is ready for whatever lies ahead. If you would but use the fury you have found in the midst of your sudden grief to fuel you, you would become unstoppable!

 

Alriana continued walking as the voice popped into her mind. She narrowed her eyes and reached back through the force, searching for the voice and then finally finding it.

 

There is no emotion...There is peace. There is no ignorance, There is knowledge. I sense that you once followed the light. But instead you tore yourself from it and threw yourself into darkness. I will tell the others your message...but don't be suprised if I pay you a visit before they do.

 

Alriana breathed deeply, Finally begining to come back to her senses after the bond had been shattered.

[Alkonium]

Then, Reyvan's voice came over the comm, "Kalla, you and Tonatius should come back up now; your aunt's squadron has arrived." Then, Kalla said to Tonatius, "Shall we?"

[JediMaster12]

"Like many who lived during the years of Order 66 or were born into them, there are questions that wish to be asked but have not out of fear," Tavaryn replied readily. He looked at Alriana's downcast face and took it in. He then said, "You seek solace when you should be asking questions. The galaxy has changed over the years and I've lived to see it. You haven't yet." His voice was gentle and soothing.

 

***********

 

Tonatius looked at Kalla and gave a slight shrug to his shoulders. He reached over and deactivated the panel. The holo of the Jedi disappeared. He asked, "I wonder if they will regulate us to the rear. Often parents say it is for our own good."

[Chevron 7 locke]

((JM, When can Belina take the Ackbar out?.))

 

"Like many who lived during the years of Order 66 or were born into them, there are questions that wish to be asked but have not out of fear."

 

"Listen to me very carefully. If you have questions, I will answer them. But not now. We are currently stuck on what I suspect is the Flagship of the Imperial fleet. Now: You can either go back to the ship and let me disable the tractor beams, or you can shut up and cover me while I do the deed. Your choice."

 

"You seek solace when you should be asking questions. The galaxy has changed over the years and I've lived to see it. You haven't yet."

 

Alriana's anger continued to grow at this...this boy. This annoying child who wouldn't let her be.

 

I will ask my questions when I see Master Komad again. Once I am off this Star Destroyer I will ask questions about what has happend since I was frozen. But not now.

 

She drew her lightsaber just as a figure ran down the opposite walkway. A figure who motioned her over.

 

The admiral who saved me...I thought he would have died by now.

 

Garja walked down their way and bowed slightly to Alriana and the boy. "Admiral Garja at your service Ma'am. I hereby defect from the Sith fleet and until my actions prove me worthy of trust..."

 

Garja had to think for a moment. There was something about Alriana that was disturbing his regular flow of thoughts.

 

"...Be considered a prisoner of war. I have valuable information for the Galactic republic, and an urgent warning for the one you call Admiral Belina."

[JediMaster12]

Tyrannus looked at her with a scrutinizing gaze. He sat back aways from the board to survey the girl before him. He then said, "Your vision is clouded my pretty." He then hit a button to reset the board, "Dejarik is war. You have not seen war as others have. Even your 'guest' has little notion of war."

 

He then made a sweeping gesture and asked, "Care to try again my pretty?"

 

**********

 

Alkéa walked through the staion followed by Tulre and a rather elderly Andros. Inwardly she thought his age had caught up with him but she didn't say anything. Andros had lived a long time and fought in wars most of his life. She greeted her husband, "Reyvan, the squadron is ready to go. How goes the modifications?"

 

Jun-la had been present with Komad and answered, "The shield and armour modifications are ready. The technicians say we can leave whenever we like. I contacted Admiral Belina to let her know that the ship is ready."

 

"There's something else," Tulre said, "Where we are going, it's not in known space is it?"

 

Jun-la looked at Komad and repleid, "From what my padawan has been able to find, no. Master Komad, has Admiral Belina come up with an entry approach?"

 

**********

 

Tonatius hung back with Kalla. In observation, he said, "Master Andros looks much older than he really is. I guess Bastion." He then looked at Kalla and immediately apologized, "I'm sorry. Careless of me." He then took a step back and looked ready to retreat.

 

**********

 

Tavaryn was amused at being called a boy. His siblings said he still looked like one even though his age put him well past that. He could also sense that Alriana was agitated. Following to meet Admiral Garja, he stayed semi hidden in th ethe shadows listening to the Admiral's intention of defecting. He would abide by that but he didn't trust it fully. Katarn had taught him as much. He said, "I've been on ships like these before. You may be able to take out the tractor beam but to keep them from pursuit, we would have to overload the weapons. Pretty much blow it up from the inside."

 

He then leaned close to whisper into Alriana's ear, "Your description of me is amusing but I can assure you that appearances can be deceiving."

[Chevron 7 locke]

((Alriana never called him a boy, She was thinking of him as a boy but she never called him one.))

 

"I've been on ships like these before. You may be able to take out the tractor beam but to keep them from pursuit, we would have to overload the weapons. Pretty much blow it up from the inside."

 

"I had forgotten about the weapons systems. I say we take out the tractors first and then give the weapons systems our full attention."

 

Garja nodded in agreement and then turned to Tavaryn before bowing.

 

"Admiral Garja, formally of the Imperial fleet. And you are?"

 

Ackbar

 

Belina was in her quarters when her companel began to chirp.

 

"Fleet Commander Belina this is Vice Admiral Xef of the Star Destroyer Hope. We have learned through our spies aboard his ship that Grand Admiral Velerc of the Sith fleet is amassing a large force of ships with the intention of destroying you at all costs. All task forcs within the area are converging on your current location. I repeat: This is Vice Admiral Xe-

 

Belina slammed her hand down on the companel before resting her hands on her head.

 

Looks like I've finally ticked off the old man enough for him to come after me himself. I'll either kill him or take him down with me. After all...I can't leave him alive...not after what he did.

 

Belina opened the ship wide intercom channel and paused for a moment before speaking.

 

"Attention crew of the Ackbar, This is Admiral Belina. I have just learned that our old "friend" Grand Admiral Velerc has decided to pay us a visit with his fleet. I for one do not intend on giving up this sector without a fight."

 

She paused again before speaking.

 

"All hands...Battle Stations."

 

Klaxons began to wail and red lights began to flash as the MC104 Battle cruser prepared for the eventual conflict to come.

[Alkonium]

"She has, but there's something else. They've received word from the Star Destroyer Hope that Velerc's fleet is on its way. Though it will certainly make landing on the planet more difficult, this was hardly unexpected." Komad explained. "With the New Empire's Star Destroyers likely to enter with a single attack column, we decide the best tactic would be to bait them with a small portion of our ships, and then surround them from all sides with the rest."

 

"It's taken its toll on all of us." Kalla commented, wondering how a single battle could have such a profound effect on someone who had fought in so many more before it.

[JediMaster12]

((My bad. Onashi is fairly famous for his escapades with Kyle Katarn))

 

Tavaryn looked at the Imperial but did not fully emerge from the shadow of the corridor. He replied, "Onashi. Tavaryn Onashi. And you must be Garja. Plenty talk about you on lanes." He carefully eyed the corridors looking for any signs of troopers. Something diverted his attention skyward and he listened. He turned and whispered over to Alriana, "We haven't much time."

 

***********

 

Tonatius replied, "With our people, we can live long lives. Master Andros was born the year of Luke Skywalker. Sometimes, when they feel ready, individuals will let their age catch up with them. Sometimes they can die of broken heart." He was thinking of his father and wondered if he had lived, would his mother have died with him. Master Andros' mother lived past the death of her love but in the end she joined the Force because her work was done. He knew his mother loved his father. His brother said that she never left her room when she was in a spell, sitting and staring at the holo of her husband. His face contorted into one of intense thought.

 

**********

 

Jun-la flicked on her comm and said to Belina, "Admiral Prepare the Akbar to leave dock. We will join you in battle. Veleric has other masters besides his own will."

 

Alkéa heard the transmission and said, "Well Brother, I know that there is one Avalonian fighter available. Care to join my squadron?"