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

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Admiral Prepare the Akbar to leave dock. We will join you in battle. Veleric has other masters besides his own will."

 

Belina's eyes narrowed slightly at Jun-la giving her orders but then instantly put it behind her. This was not the time for a petty conflict between her and Jun-la.

 

She walked onto the bridge and began issuing orders.

 

"Helm, Move us away from the station and prep the hyperdrive engines in case we have to retreat. Tactical, Bring all weapons online and raise shields."

 

"Admiral. I'm picking up five Star Destroyers dropping out of Hyperspace. Three of them are Pellaeon class destroyers. They have republic markings ma'am."

 

"Signal them to take up pattern 01 sigma around us. That way if anyone gets in trouble we can easily cover them. Alert all ships of the situation."

 

That won't be the last. There are at least twelve support crusers and at least five more Star Destroyers on the way. And possibly another MC104 class cruser will be on the way. I think I'll hold that one in reserve.

[Tysyacha]

As the board was reset, Andirrul thought to ask a question of Tyrannus:

 

"It is true that my vision is clouded. It is also true that war is almost alien to me, even after all this time. You have fought in many more battles than I. Tell me: what is the key to victory, especially when one's enemies are strong? It is no challenge to fight weaklings and win, but to fight them and lose? That I cannot have. The Jedi are strong, tactically and strategically, and yet their philosophy opens them to mercy. Weakness. How can I exploit this advantage?"

[Alkonium]

"Certainly. Let me just prep my X-38." Komad replied, leaving for the hangar. On his way there, he was stopped by Iyav. "Can we talk?" He asked Komad. "About what?" Komad asked. "Us." Iyav replied, to which Komad raised a brow slightly. "We hardly know eachother." Komad commented. "And yet, you've shown more interest in me that any other man on the station ever has." Iyav responded. "Fair enough. I can see your disillusionment with working here, but I can also see your potential for so much more." Komad conceded. "I know who are, and I must say, men like you are very hard to come by, and I'm not talking about your species. You've never killed a Sith, despite besting so many in combat, and your influence has turned the tide of countless battles." Iyav told him. "You're a good man, Iyav, but I simply don't know. I lost my wife a year ago, and every other man or woman I've been involved with has been killed in their prime by the Sith. Some didn't ever make it to your age. I don't want the same thing to happen to you." Komad explained. "Together, we can make sure it doesn't." Iyav replied. "I'm leaving, but I'll be back. Will you wait for me?" Komad asked. "Yes. I'd like that." Iyav replied. Then, just before Komad got back on his way to the hangar, Iyav kissed him on the lips, saying "I'll see you when you get back."

[JediMaster12]

Tyrannus made his opening move. It was the start to a complicated plan that was not well known and he wanted to see if she would pick up what he was attempting. He answered, "Jedi mercy is a weakness and strength. Virul was stupid to think otherwise."

 

When he finished, he looked up at the girl. He noticed her look and gave a slow smile, "The key to victory lies in how well you can read a person. If anything sentients are predictable though they like to think they are random at times. Sad really. Good opponents can read into the moves being played. They see always three to four steps ahead."

 

***********

 

"No need for that brother," Alkéa replied, "The extra ship I refer to is waiting in dock. It is all prepped to fly."

 

Jun-la smiled as she turned away and headed towards the small ship where Matton was waiting. She spoke into the comm, "Admiral, you have control of the fleet for the Republic. I suggest being circumspect where we are going."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Admiral, you have control of the fleet for the Republic. I suggest being circumspect where we are going."

 

Belina nodded.

 

"Rest assured I will be. Before I go anywhere though, I need to stop Admiral Velerc. Knowing him, he'll probably attempt to kill me and then destroy the station."

 

Belina's voice cooled.

 

"Besides...I have some personal unfinished business with Grand Admiral Velerc."

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la recognized the seeds of revenge. This war had sown much of that dark crop. Gently she said, "He will be where we are going. The station will not need our protection. We may be furthest from the Republic but we are not helpless."

 

As she spoke, a squad that seemed to appear out of nowhere flew past the windows. They were the legendary ghost riders that her people spoke of. Technically it was a story about spirits but with the development of stealth technology, the squads formed gave a good lift to the story.

 

"We will rally three clicks away from the station and prepare for lightspeed," Jun-la added, "We will wait for you."

 

**********

 

Tavaryn looked around the tractor beam controls. He listened with his head cocked. He said out loud, "We are changing course. That means the fleet is going to the planet."

[Alkonium]

Kalla couldn't help but smile after seeing the exchange between her father and that man. "I'm happy for him. He needs someone." She commented, looking to Tonatius for his opinion.

 

"If it's all the same to you, I'll stick to my old X-38." Komad replied, continuing on his way to hangar. "That ship and I have been through a lot together." His mood definitely seemed to be improving. Arriving at the hangar, he stepped into his fighter and started checking over the systems. "Fully fuelled, and everything seems to be in working order." He commented. "Ready for another go at it?" He then asked it, anthropomorphising it to some degree.

[JediMaster12]

"Master Komad is happy. Perhaps we will all find some measure of peace," Tonatius agreed. He noticed that Jun-la was heading towards her ship followed closely by Andros. He gave a slight tug on her arm. "Perhaps we stay with Master Jun-la for the time being. We may reach our goal that way."

 

His logic was sound and he only hoped that Kalla would see what he was hinting at.

 

**********

 

Alkéa nodded, "Very well brother. Don't be afraid of the stealth ships and Tulre will be on an old, OLD ship. One that actually helped the family out long ago." She grinned as she said it before turning to her husband and giving him a warm embrace. They would be separated yet again in battle but they were in each other's thoughts.

 

She said to Reyvan, "In my thoughts you are."

 

Tulre nodded and waited for his father to start moving. It seemed as they got closer and closer to battle, the old man started to pick up considerably. It was as if he knew something were going to happen. He spoke in Avalonian, "Are you alright Father."

 

Andros replied, "The time is now my son. This will decide where we stand as a Republic." He then took strong and sure steps towards the ship that had stayed with the family for centuries. It had been refurbished to be kept running but it was still what it was in its hey day. He said, "The Ebon Hawk, good times in this ship."

 

"Aye Father."

[CommanderQ]

Velerc wasn't surprised when he heard about the discovery of the dead storm commandoes. Things seem to spiral out of control when Jedi were involved. Was it the force? No...such a preposterous thing couldn't exist....at least, not to Velerc.

 

He leaned forward in his command chair, his entourage of Bridge Officers all standing around him.

 

"Hmm...it seems we can't get rid of these Jedi, and Garja has managed to survive....and they will undoubtedly try to escape."

 

One of his Lieutenants nodded.

 

What Velerc said next completely surprised the other officers.

 

"Well, we won't stop them...so, open the tractor beams and provide them a ship, it doesn't matter...."

 

After a few seconds of silence, the Imperial Officers caught on to what they're Admiral meant. By allowing someone to see the massive Imperial fleet, fear would ripple through the ranks of the Republic. Velerc's name would add that much more effect...and the fact that he was going to avenge Bastion, and the thousands slaughtered mercilessly by the Republic.

 

Velerc stood.

 

"Prepare the fleet, we assault Huntau Station in the next 48 hours. Our fleet is large enough to pulverize what Republic ships are there...still, I want an advanced Spec Ops squad on the Station when we get there, to take hostages...if things go bad. Also, we need a point ship to count off how many Republic ships have assembled. Obviously, they've taken note of us.....to your work, dismissed."

 

Velerc sat again, stroking his mustache and thinking deep thoughts. Most of these thoughts were centered on his past, something he had not though about since...well, not for awhile. Those were times that were bright...very bright indeed, and filled with peace.

 

He shook his head, he couldn't lose his focus now. The Grand Admiral stood and paced back and forth on the Bridge.

 

The fleet then began the jump into hyperspace.

 

 

 

 

Barek stood behind Admiral Belina, patiently observing the fleet assemble by the Akbar. He himself was awaiting the arrival of the Mandalorian forces...and their massive capital ship, Keyev.

 

He looked to Belina, "Well, Admiral, what do you expect of your rival, Velerc?"

[Alkonium]

Noticing the ancient ship, Kalla said, "My grandfather once had a ship by that name, but I suppose that's the original over there." She then followed Tonatius over to Jun-la's ship. "I take it we're with the strike team going after Andirrul?" She asked.

 

"As you in mine." Reyvan replied, joining his apprentice at Jun-la's ship.

 

"I'm ready for take-off down here. Just give me the all-clear." Komad sent from his X-38 to his sister.

[Tysyacha]

This time, she was ready. This time, the Force showed her clear pathways to Tyrannus' men, and especially his king. What had changed? For one thing, she sensed that her time of respite and reflection was coming to an end. Good. The sooner she was through with that wretch Tonatius and his lesser Jedi ilk--via her skorost' techniques and the like--the sooner she could either capture Kalla Kaltas or duel and defeat her.

 

Kill her. There was that possibility--and, indeed, if Kalla was as strong as Andirrul suspected she was, that might be the only possibility at the end of the battle. Sith killed. They had no compunctions about it. It was the Jedi who never executed their prisoners, no matter what their crimes, and that made them weak. If they would have been strong, they would have killed Revan, Exar Kun, Darth Traya, all the way up to Palpatine and Lord Vader. As it was, there was still that longing for mercy in the hearts of the Jedi, and taking mercy on one's enemies was a fool's gambit. It was like playing for a draw in dejarik instead of delivering checkmate when you clearly saw it.

 

"I'm ready, Kalla," she whispered softly. "I'm waiting for you, precious one."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Well, Admiral, what do you expect of your rival, Velerc?"

 

Belina looked outside the viewport and sighed heavily.

 

"I expect him to fight to the death if it comes down to it. The Grand Admiral is a dangerous opponet, I can tell you that from personal experience. The one time I fought him was the most difficult battle I ever fought."

 

She turned to the Mandalorian with a curious expression on her face.

 

"Tell me...What happens if a father were to abandon his family? Would he be stripped of his honor and his armor or what?."

[CommanderQ]

"I expect him to fight to the death if it comes down to it. The Grand Admiral is a dangerous opponet, I can tell you that from personal experience. The one time I fought him was the most difficult battle I ever fought."

 

Barek nodded at this. He'd had his experiences with fanatics like that, and they all died, like most fanatics. But another thing about fanatics, was that when cornered, and perhaps dying, they're no longer filled with zeal, that is usually when a Mandalorian boot was stuck into their face.

 

"Tell me...What happens if a father were to abandon his family? Would he be stripped of his honor and his armor or what?."

 

Barek shuddered at what she said. Family was extremely important in Mandalorian culture....it was even more important then war, or the chain of command, family always came first.

 

"Well...it depends, if a Father simply abandoned his family without disowning them, then he was branded a Hu'tuun, a traitor or coward, and exiled or executed. Now, if a Father disowned his family, then he would simply be cast out and treated like an outcast...but if his family disowned him...well, the list goes on. Usually, we don't have many problems with a Father abandoning his family."

 

The question struck the Mandalorian as odd, and he shifted his position to face Belina more.

 

"If you do not mind me wondering, why do you ask?"

[Chevron 7 locke]

"If you do not mind me wondering, why do you ask?"

 

Belina shifted slightly so she was staring directly at the Mandalorian.

 

"My father ran out on his family. I'm not even sure he knew my mother was pregnant before he left. But I do know one thing:"

 

Her voice cracked slightly at the memories that were now forcing their way to the top of her head.

 

"My mother was part of a republic passenger convoy that was being escorted during the first year of the war. A small sith battle group dropped in on them and destroyed them to the last. There were no survivors among any of the crews."

 

"I later learned that my father was commanding the fleet that destroyed the convoy. My father...killed my mother, possibly without even realizing it."

 

Belina shook her head slightly and chuckled slightly.

 

"What kind of father do you think he is? Someone who runs out on his family?"

[CommanderQ]

"My mother was part of a republic passenger convoy that was being escorted during the first year of the war. A small sith battle group dropped in on them and destroyed them to the last. There were no survivors. I learned that my father was commanding the fleet that destroyed the convoy. My father...killed my mother without even realizing it."

 

Barek shuddered even more after hearing the unfortunate story. To kill one's own family without realizing it was horrible.

 

"I'm....I'm sorry...it must've been terrible for you to realize this...do you know who you're Father is? Where were you when it happened?"

[Chevron 7 locke]

"I'm....I'm sorry...it must've been terrible for you to realize this...do you know who you're Father is? Where were you when it happened?"

 

Belina chuckled a bit darkly at the second question Barek asked. She had been doing what she was best at: Blowing up enemy ships.

 

"I was out on a mission. We had heard rumors that there was a sith base in a remote sector where they were developing weapons. The rumor was only half true: there was a sith base, but it was just a small, automated communications base. It wasn't even supposed to be online we later found out."

 

Belina chuckled again and then looked out the window at the stars that were shining brightly against the backdrop of space.

 

"Do you really want to know who my father is Barek? Do you really want to know what kind of man could run out on his family like mine did?"

[CommanderQ]

"Do you really want to know who my father is Barek? Do you really want to know what kind of man could run out on his family like mine did?"

 

The way she said the question seemed dark, and almost out of character for her, but then again, Barek had only known her for only about an hour.

 

"If it does not pain you to say so, then yes, I would like to know."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"If it does not pain you to say so, then yes, I would like to know."

 

Belina nodded at him.

 

"Alright. But understand this: I'm trusting you not to repeat a word of what I'm about to tell you to anyone. If you do, I don't think I'd ever be able to trust you again."

 

She leaned in very close to him before uttering the four words she had used as a curse in many tough situations.

 

"Grand Admiral Khorzan Velerc," she whispered.

[CommanderQ]

"Grand Admiral Khorzan Velerc."

 

Barek's mouth dropped open, and needless to say, he was greatly surprised.

 

He was silent for a few moments, taking it in.

 

"Well...I certainly see whose genes you received......I'm sorry, I will not tell anyone. Not a word."

 

She is the Grand Admiral's daughter? This war is becoming more personal then Garrick could've ever thought....

 

Another question came to mind.

 

"Does Velerc know this? Have you two ever met?"

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Well...I certainly see whose genes you received......I'm sorry, I will not tell anyone. Not a word."

 

Belina nodded.

 

"Thank you."

 

"Does Velerc know this? Have you two ever met?"

 

She shook her head slowly.

 

"We've met in battle numerous time. But we've never opened communications with each other. All he knows about me is that I'm one of the few real threats to him on the battlefield."

 

She looked over his set of Mandalorian armor.

 

"Now...so we get off this topic...Is there anyway I could get a set of that armor?"

 

Star Destroyer

 

Alriana watched as the Tractor beams went offline and the security fields began to go down. She felt a lurch as a the ship entered hyperspace.

 

Hmmmm...If we can get to the docking bay we could steal a ship and get out of here. They can't fire weapons in hyperspace so all we need is the ship.

 

"Ready to leave? All we need is a fast ship and we can get off this ship."

 

Garja nodded.

 

"I agree. I think I've worn out my welcome with the Grand Admiral. I'd like to join a different navy, one that does not kill Admirals when they show the slightest bit of sympathy for a prisoner."

 

Alriana turned to him and smiled slightly.

 

"I...never thanked you properly for saving me back there. I'm sure I would have died if not for you."

 

Garja bowed.

 

"I couldn't allow him to continue Miss. Not all of us imperials are like him and Admiral Velerc, some of us are decent people."

[CommanderQ]

"We've met in battle numerous time. But we've never opened communications with each other. All he knows about me is that I'm one of the few real threats to him on the battlefield."

 

Barek nodded, responding with a respectful silence.

 

"Now...so we get off this topic...Is there anyway I could get a set of that armor?"

 

He couldn't help but chuckle, "I think you'd have to be Mandalorian to do that."

 

His smile faded a little, as he realized how quickly he closed the door to the option of armor.

 

Trying not to disappoint her, he came up with an idea.

 

"....But I know a few people, several excellent beskar smiths...if you'd like some armor, I could talk to them, and we could get a set specially made for you."

 

He hoped it had lightened up the situation.

[Chevron 7 locke]

"....But I know a few people, several excellent beskar smiths...if you'd like some armor, I could talk to them, and we could get a set specially made for you."

 

Belina ingnored the fact that he had gotten off topic concerning the discussion.

 

"I wouldn't mind a set of green and black Mandalorian armor," Belina joked before she had a sudden thought concerning the upcoming battle.

 

"Are you planning on assisting me in the upcoming battle against Admiral Velerc? Knowing the Grand Admiral's strategies he's most likely bringing in a larger force of ships then I can handle."

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn nodded. He said, "With a ship like this, the hangar bay would be below us. There should be some small ships there. I doubt any of you want to share an escape pod." He was willing to be patient with the Jedi since she ignored him while going about her work.

 

He turned to eht now defunct Imperial and said, "You know few people I knwo managed to turn from the Imperial way but had a hard time of it. What do you intend to do when all is said and done?

 

**********

 

"A 4000 year old ship still intact after all these years," Jun-la confirmed. She patted the hull fondly. "Goes to show that my people live long."

 

"Indeed," Andros replied. By the time he made it to the ship, his step was lighter. itwas as if he found a renewed sense of purpose. He walked up the ramp to go to one of the bays in the ship.

 

Jun-la shook her head with a smile on her face as her brother moved beside her. Tulre said, "He's ready for one last battle. I better go. I'm hooking up with Rogue Squadron in a ghostrider."

 

"Go with the Force," Jun-la replied.

 

Tonatius watched brother and sister say their goodbyes. He remembered long ago how he said the same thing to his twin when he went to be with their mother. On an impulse he took Kalla's hand and gently squeezed it. After releasing it, he said, "We better get on board. I suspect we'd be a greater help in the turrets."

 

*********

 

"Roger that brother," Alkéa replied as she finished strapping herself into her fighter. "We have one more joining us."

 

"Ready to go Rogue Leader," Tulre's voice came over the comm.

 

"Alrighty then. Rally off the Akbar's bow and prepare for lightspeed." Alkéa activated her ship and guidede it out the docking bay. She headed towards the prearranged coordinates to make the jump into hyperspace. "All wings report in."

 

*********

 

Tyrannus watched Andirrul make her move. She was doing better and she was getting the point of his instruction. When his turn came, he executed a move that took her king. He replied, "You are close. You have the basics my pretty and I sense that you wish to direct this towards a former lover. the ones who betrayed you perhaps?"

[Chevron 7 locke]

"You know few people I know managed to turn from the Imperial way but had a hard time of it. What do you intend to do when all is said and done?"

 

Garja nodded as Alriana continued her work, making sure the tractor beam emitters would stay offline no matter what.

 

"I intend to take Admiral Belina up on her offer. During one of our more recent battles she offered me a place in the Republic fleet during a break in the fighting. I intend to take her up on that offer...I could learn many things from her if given the chance."

 

Alriana turned toward them with a smile on her face.

 

"Tractor Emitters are offline for good, and if they decide to power up weapons they'll get a nasty surpise. I tied their weapons into their engines. If they power up weapons it'll draw power from the engines instead of the ship's auxillary power systems."

 

She pointed toward the lift.

 

"Now...shall we go?"

[Tysyacha]

"Undoubtedly," Andirrul replied, smiling at Tyrannus in that sly way she had so perfected as Dark Lady of the Sith. "I sense it will take more than skill and speed to defeat Tonatius and Kalla. Of course, the former will be only a prequel to the latter--unless they fight together." A pause. "Tell me: How have you dealt with betrayals in the past, notwithstanding mine when I attempted to have you assassinated? How did you execute your revenge? Slowly or quickly? Were your opponents as consumed with hate for you as you were for them?"

 

Questions, questions! Andirrul felt like a five-year-old again, to say the least!