Star Wars: The Sith Resurrection Part VIII: Wrath of the Empire

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Please."

 

Alriana paused for a moment and then walked in. She stopped when she saw some of the bloody areas on his shoulder.

 

"Are...you all right Tavaryn?" She asked quietly as she walked in. She couldn't help but be worried about him, he had fought a dark jedi for her so the least she could do was help him treat his wounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Very well. Come aboard, and Lord Pestilus will speak with you when he is available."

 

Varith sighed in relief as the message came in. It seemed as if he had finally found some allies or at least someone who shared his hatred for the jedi. He turned his ship toward the Oblivion and headed for one of the docking bays before cracking a rare smile.

 

Someone who hates the jedi as much as I do...this should prove interesting.

[JediMaster12]

"Are...you all right Tavaryn?"

 

Tavaryn pushed the already soaked pad onto his shoulder and turned around trying to hide the bruises, thinking that was what prompted her query. He replied a little fast, "It looks worse than what it really is."

 

He moved to be closer to the supply of gauze pads he had brought out. When he was close enough, he tossed the bloody one aside on the table and slapped another one on. He took a look at Alriana and saw the look of concern on her face. He explained, "Sniper shot hit me. Through and through and a lot of dirt from the grenades. Been using disinfectant but looks like I'm going to have to use the herb paste from home and that is ten times worse." He pointed to a cabinet. "Paste is in there. Look for a brown bottle with my name on it." He leaned against the counter in a semi sitting position.

[Alkonium]

"Well, when you first told me about it, I didn't think it was appropriate for me to get one as well, since I'm not Avalonian, and let's just say Caelos made a compelling argument." Kalla explained. "Considering what it represents, it seems only appropriate for me to have one as well, regardless of what I said before."

[JediMaster12]

"I see," Tonatius replied thoughtfully. He knew that Kalla respected other cultures well enough to know what was appropriate and what was not. He got his promise mark because of the extent of his feelings for her. There was no one else.

 

The fact that Kalla wanted one for him touched him. He replied, "If it is what you want then I will support it. If you have questions you can always ask me." He smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

 

"Please get a room," Taryn said. He was standing with the others next to a herd of stallions. They were faster than draigons and it was a miracle that Caelos could get that many. "If you're finished, we should get going."

 

Tonatius gave a half hearted glare at Taryn and turned back to Kalla. "Talk later?"

[Tysyacha]

Andorra waited for Tonatius and Kalla to finish their private conversation. Her battle clothing was absolutely soaked from the water-bending training, and she wished she had a second set. Nevertheless, she wouldn't let a relatively minor thing such as drenched battle garb get in her way. "If we're ready to move out, where are we going?" She glanced around. "Also, where's Chetyrnadtsat'?"

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Paste is in there. Look for a brown bottle with my name on it."

 

Alriana walked over to the cabinet and grabbed the bottle before pausing. "You know Tavaryn...I could take a look at your shoulder wound and see if I can heal it. I had a bit of experience with the healing arts when I was in exile. At least you wouldn't have to use that paste."

 

 

 

 

"Any info will be most welcome. The station bordering our system should be able to help with repairs. From there it is a quick shuttle flight to Avalon. We'll provide escort."

 

Koral nodded and began transferring the data to the Ebon Hawk. "I'm transmitting the data now. Before It was destroyed, the RSS Enterprise managed to discover a weakness in the vessels. When they fire their main weapons their shields are greatly weakened by the power required for the blast."

[JediMaster12]

Taryn held out Andorra's sword, handle pointed towards her. "You know cousin, I always thought Jedi were notorious for losing their lightsabers. You think I wouldn't forget your sword though I nearly carted you off from the river now would you?" He almost sounded wounded when he said it.

 

**********

 

Tavaryn was in two minds. The benefit was that he wouldn't have to curse in front of her when it stung and worked its healing properties. His pride though was a sticking point but he knew better. He was more nervous at the thought of her touching him and what he would do.

 

Realizing he was applying more pressure than necessary to his shoulder, he released it slowly. Keeping the pad on, he replied, "Um. I've never had Jedi healing before. Old habit with the paste."

 

It was feeble at best and Tavaryn felt like a berated child. He then said softly, "You are welcome to try," and angled his body so she could reach.

[Tysyacha]

Andorra lowered her eyes. "Of course. I'm so sorry, Taryn. I'm just so sad and overwhelmed right now that I seem to have lost track of my sanity along with my sword!" As she took it, her gaze hardened. "However, now that I know Chetyrnadtsat' is safely in my hands again, it's time to go slaughter some Sith." Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "Where to next?"

[JediMaster12]

Caelos replied, "We are heading to the keep at Stone Bend. Your mother is there coordinating with warriors. We must bring word of Lord Tristian." He then swung up on one of the stallions, barebacked.

 

Not resisting a challenge, Taryn and Tonatius swung up on the same manner. As it turned out, there were not enough for everyone to have their own. Tonatius extended his arm out to Kalla to help her get up behind him. He said in a teasing manner, "I don't bite moi chroi."

 

Taryn said to Andorra, "No harm done cousin. Battle can put anyone on edge. Saddle up and show your bride what you can do on a stallion."

 

The last remaining stallion Caelos designated to Jareth. He said, "You shadow member of the Republic. That one is yours. We must fly now." He then turned his beast around and started heading down the dirt road.

 

"Yes," Taryn replied as he took off after him.

 

**********

 

Jun-la read the data that the Ackbar had sent. She commed back as the station came in sight, "You think you can send this to the Republic fleet and Admiral Belina?"

 

((I've been waiting for a response to Haruka's questions. I thought Alkonium was the captain of the Katarn))

[Chevron 7 locke]

"You are welcome to try,"

 

Alriana smiled and put her hands on Tavaryn's shoulder wound and began to work on his shoulder by focusing her considerable force energy on Tavaryn's wound. She could already see improvment in it as she worked on it. Some of the skin was begining to heal and the flow of blood had stopped.

 

"Hold on..." She said quietly as she worked. "I think I'm almost done. It seems that I can heal the outside and that should stop the pain for awhile but you should check and see if there is any internal damage."

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn has removed the guaze to let Alriana work on his shoulder. When she touched his shoulder, it took considerable strength not to shy away. Quit it, he inwardly berated himself, You've faced worse and you're scared of a woman's touch? If it could be a vocal dialogue, it would have made for a great comedy on the HoloNet. He forgot about his embarassment as he felt the pain lessen as she healed the wound.

 

"I think I'm almost done. It seems that I can heal the outside and that should stop the pain for awhile but you should check and see if there is any internal damage."

 

Tavaryn wordlessly reached with his good arm into a nearby drawer and pulled out a handheld scanner. He expertly activated the device and held it near his injured shoulder. When it beeped, he looked at the screen. He repled in equally soft tones, "It's clean." He put the device on the table and gently rotated his arm. It was a sight better but he needed more time for it to completely heal. "Thank you," he said so softly that it was like a whisper. He then asked tentaively, "Do you mind using the scanner on my ribs? I heard them crack but then it could have been my insides frying." He held out the handheld to Alriana, "Works if you scan from the back."

[Alkonium]

(No, I've had nothing to do with the Katarn)

 

Avalon

 

"Wouldn't mind if you did." Kalla said to Tonatius, and joined him on their stallion. "Who else is en route so far?"

 

Already saddled up, Lenatha called to her wife, "Come on, I've already got one for us."

 

Oblivion

 

"Lady Inferna, what is the meaning of this? Your orders were to join in me reporting to the Council!" Darth Pestilus exclaimed, clearly not impressed with his apprentice.

 

"And I would have, were it not for the intrusion of this Cathar." Inferna explained. "He was present at the attack, has no love for the Jedi or the Republic, and shows great prowess both in lightsaber combat and with the Force."

 

"I see." Pestilus commented, turning to Varith, as if to size him up. "Prove yourself."

[Chevron 7 locke]

Katarn

 

"Captain enemy ships are heavily damaged. Should we send boarding parties to obtaiin surrender?"

 

The captain was about to respond when both of the ships suddenly disappeared. It appeared that they had cloaking devices.

 

"Forget about the enemy ships. I have a feeling that they have already escaped. Instead I want you to hail the Ackbar and see if they need any help, Then I want you to lead engineering and security teams to the Ackbar and offer any assistance if necessary. Prepare all grounds troops for possible enemy forces on the surface."

 

 

 

 

 

Medbay

 

"Do you mind using the scanner on my ribs? I heard them crack but then it could have been my insides frying."

 

Alriana nodded and then began working the scanner. "It doesn't look as if you have serious damage to your ribs, they are a bit bruised however. Other then that your injuries don't seem that severe. It looks like that dark jedi didn't do as much damage as he thought he did."

 

She smiled. "If I were a doctor I would suggest that you take a vacation after all of this is done."

 

 

 

Ackbar

 

You think you can send this to the Republic fleet and Admiral Belina?"

 

"As soon as we find Admiral Belina I fully intend to show her the data, however she was down on the planet during the attack and although we were in contact with her earlier we recently lost contact as well. I can however send this message out on a securied frequency to Republic fleet command."

 

 

 

 

Sith Warship

 

"Prove yourself."

 

Varith put his hand down by his lightsaber which was hooked to his belt and bowed to the sith before igniting his lightsaber and saluting him.

 

"How do you wish for me to prove myself? I can destroy any target you wish to send me against...or perhaps I could give you information about the jedi. I was a member of the order until they...wronged me."

 

Varith smiled. "Or perhaps I can slay a jedi for you to prove myself."

[JediMaster12]

"If anything your father and Tiye will be joining us but covering our flank," Tonatius replied. "Hang on."

 

With a tap of his boots, he sent the stallion galloping after his twin. It wouldn't take then long to reach Stone Bend. With a smile, he urged the stallion faster until it caught up with his brother and held a neck in neck pace.

 

**********

 

Lady Governor Starlighter looked at the gathering of warriors. Many were coming from the other cities and villages and the tribes were heading out to meet them. She hoped her daughter was well as she looked over the troops with Belina. She said to the admiral, "We received a hail from the Wayfarer that they are coming and requesting permission to land. I gave them the order. You should try to make contact with the Ackbar."

 

**********

 

Haruka nodded at the captain and replied, "Aye sir." He sent out a comm to the Ackbar, "Katarn to Ackbar, do you read?"

 

**********

 

"As soon as we find Admiral Belina I fully intend to show her the data, however she was down on the planet during the attack and although we were in contact with her earlier we recently lost contact as well. I can however send this message out on a securied frequency to Republic fleet command."

 

Jun-la replied, "Admiral Belina was on the surface of Avalon. With the enemy ships gone, comm frequencies should be clear. Hail again."

 

**********

 

"It doesn't look as if you have serious damage to your ribs, they are a bit bruised however. Other then that your injuries don't seem that severe. It looks like that dark jedi didn't do as much damage as he thought he did."

 

Tavaryn frowned a bit at that statement. He was relieved that it wasn't serious like the time on Geonosis where he actually broke a few ribs. His thoughts though were consumed by the dark Jedi. He replied, "He did call me a worthy opponent but that was only after I decided to tap into my powers."

 

He reached for his flight jacket, ignoring the tattered remains of his shirt and put the jacket on. At least it hid the bruises.

 

"If I were a doctor I would suggest that you take a vacation after all of this is done."

 

Tavaryn returned the smile with one of his own and replied, "Only if the company is pleasant."

[Chevron 7 locke]

Ackbar

 

"Admiral Belina was on the surface of Avalon. With the enemy ships gone, comm frequencies should be clear. Hail again."

 

Koral opened a comnlink to the surface. "Admiral Belina...this is science officer Koral. As of now the second wave of troops should be landing on Avalon's surface within minutes, do you have any orders?"

 

Belina's voice came back over the comn. "Have them land at the following coordinates and tell them to be ready." Belina gave off a quick series of coordinates and koral nodded as a second transmission came in.

 

"Katarn to Ackbar, do you read?"

 

Koral answered back. "Katarn...this is the Ackbar What is your status? Were you damaged by the enemy ships?"

 

 

 

 

 

"Only if the company is pleasant."

 

"I was thinking the same thing. I was actually thinking about exploring Avalon when we first entered the system. This was before the attack. If I get permission to...I was wondering if you would like to join me."

[Alkonium]

Oblivion

 

"Simple knowledge will not save you in a fight, but any thug can kill." Pestilus explained. "Tell me everything, and then, if you can best my apprentice in combat, you will have earned your place. If not, you will die."

 

"Excuse me? I was the one who destroyed the Enterprise!" Inferna retorted, knowing exactly what the Dark Lord had in mind.

 

"And in doing so, alerted the Republic to a critical weakness in our ships, forcing us to withdraw prematurely, and potentially compromising the entire plan!" Pestilus pointed out.

[JediMaster12]

Haruka was glad to get a response. He replied, "Status is green Ackbar. Do you require assistance? We are going to send troops to the surface."

 

**********

 

Tavaryn smiled at Alriana. "Always," he replied, "and I would like to show you something there as well." On impulse, he fingered her hair again gently. "You'll like it. It is the true meaning of serenity, at least I think."

 

Meanwhile, Tariq had been listening to the comm chatter and contacted Koral, "Wayfarer to Ackbar. Where are our coordinates?"

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Tell me everything, and then, if you can best my apprentice in combat, you will have earned your place. If not, you will die."

 

Varith looked over at Darth Inferna and then at her Master and nodded. "Very well...There are two codes needed to get into the temple after it is locked down for the night and there are four codes to get in after the temple has been locked down due to either an emergency or enemy attack. The two codes needed to get in after dark are Fierra-32 beta and Delta-362 gamma. I know three of the codes to get in after lockdown and I am in the process of getting the fourth code.

 

"There are two secret entrances that can be used to enter the temple from the lower levels of coruscant that the jedi are unaware of.

 

 

He turned back to look over at Inferna. "If you wish for me to tell you more in front of your apprentice then I will...if not...then tell me."

 

 

 

"Status is green Ackbar. Do you require assistance? We are going to send troops to the surface."

 

"Negative Katarn. We're about to dock with a station for repairs. As for the troops...begin sending them down as quickly as you can. I think they are needed at a place known as stone bend. I could be wrong though."

 

 

 

"You'll like it. It is the true meaning of serenity, at least I think."

 

Alriana smiled. "I look forward to seeing it with you. I would like to ask you a question however...what does the word moi chroi mean? I hope you don't take offense to me not knowing what it means."

 

 

 

 

"Wayfarer to Ackbar. Where are our coordinates?"

 

Koral opened up another comnlink, this one to the wayfarer. "I believe all troops are being sent to the location known as Stone Bend. I may be mistaken though."

[JediMaster12]

Tariq was puzzled at the name but orders were orders. "Roger that Ackbar. Heading there now." He adjusted the ship's heading to the location.

 

It was a sight to behold. It was a stone structure that was imposing, like a castle. There were other ships that had landed including the ship of that Mandalorian Avalonian that he met. Though he felt a bit disappointed in that there seemed so few. He glided the ship down and looked for a place to land.

 

**********

 

"Negative Katarn. We're about to dock with a station for repairs. As for the troops...begin sending them down as quickly as you can. I think they are needed at a place known as stone bend. I could be wrong though."

 

Haruka grinned and replied, "You are correct Ackbar. It is a stronghold and gathering point. We'll send ground troops there now. Welcome back."

 

Haruka was grinning widely that Stone Bend was still standing. He got together a bunch of troops and ordered them to be ready to drop to the location. He informed the captain, "Sir, Ackbar reports secure at dock and ground troops are ready for drop. Do I have your orders to proceed?"

 

**********

 

what does the word moi chroi mean? I hope you don't take offense to me not knowing what it means.

 

"No offense at all," Tavaryn replied, "I often forget that not every sentient knows of the language of the three rivers." He thought for a moment how to explain to her what the word meant and that when it was spoken, it was from the heart. Deciding to grab the kataran bull by the horns, he explained, "The word moi chroi is an endearment and means, literally, 'my heart' and is only spoken if it is truly meant for it comes from the heart." He watched her to see her reaction.

 

**********

 

Lady Governor Starlighter smiled and hugged Selene with the same vigor as she gave her. She introduced her to Admiral Belina, "Admiral, this is Selene Ordo and she leads the clans on Amshrey. She will supply weapons arms, and troops for the assault."

 

"You have a good tactician on the Ackbar Admiral. Good head and the ship's in good shape from the space attack," Selene reported, not one to mince words. "Well I'll go report in and if you see that Shinigami, send him my way." She smiled and turned to leave and join her men and some of the Bushida warriors who were arming themselves.

 

"Always was blunt," the governor explained. She then saw something in the distance coming towards the keep. She peered and could make out stallions heading their way. She recognized two of them clearly and excused herself to run out to greet them.

 

Caelos was the first to greet as he jumped down just before the stallion came to a halt. "My Lady. Lord Tristan sent us ahead to inform you that they are coming."

 

"Good. Arm yourself young one and prepare for battle." The governor then turned her attention to her daughter and daughter-in law. "Lenatha, Andorra, I am glad that you both are alright. Where are your cousins?"

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Sir, Ackbar reports secure at dock and ground troops are ready for drop. Do I have your orders to proceed?"

 

"Yes. Begin launching dropships and tell them that the enemy may have unknown weapons. From what I heard, the enemy ships had powerful weapons and the ground troops may have them as well."

 

 

 

 

 

"The word moi chroi is an endearment and means, literally, 'my heart' and is only spoken if it is truly meant for it comes from the heart."

 

Alriana paused for a moment and slowly looked at Tavaryn. "Tavaryn...I...That was what I wanted to talk to you about after the battle on the surface. I...I...have been struggling to understand my feelings for nearly two years. And now...that I know what it means...I think I understand."

 

Alriana gently gripped his hand and slowly pulled Tavaryn closer to her and bowed her head. "I'm sorry...Tavaryn...for taking so long to understand my feelings."

 

 

 

 

"Admiral, this is Selene Ordo and she leads the clans on Amshrey. She will supply weapons arms, and troops for the assault."

 

Belina was about to speak when the first wave of dropships from the Ackbar appeared in the sky. She smiled. "It looks like my troops are just about ready to land."

 

She turned to the Lady Governor and smiled at her. "I can assure you that the men and woman under my command will glady help drive the sith away. I will instruct the leader of the first wave to report to Lady Selene for further orders.

[JediMaster12]

"Roger that sir. Do you wish for me to go as well?" Haruka asked. It was a long shot but if the Ackbar had sent troops, more likely Tavaryn would be on the surface. He much would like to see him again as well as his Jedi companion. He held his breath as he issued the command codes for the troops to drop to the surface.

 

**********

 

"I'm sorry...Tavaryn...for taking so long to understand my feelings."

 

Tavaryn looked at her hand gripping his. Her touch was gentle as was her voice. He tried to look at her in the face but her head was bowed. Using his other hand, he gently gripped her chin between his first finger and thumb and lifted her head so she could look at him. He replied gently, "You have nothing to be sorry for. You asked for time and space and I was willing to give it to you. I didn't want you to hurt anymore. I would rather be hurt than you, moi chroi."

 

All hands, we are coming in for landing.

 

Tavaryn heard the comm and inwardly sighed. So much to say and yet duty above all else. He gently rubbed her chin as if to erase his touch, remembering how she reacted when he first touched her that way. It had hurt then and he felt like an idiot for not seeing it before and he still regretted it. He still harbored the nasty little thought that he was the cause of her needing to be on her own and for her remembering past hurts. He stopped rubbing her chin and with gentleness he gave her a chaste kiss on her forehead and said softly, "Don't be sorry moi chroi. We can talk later."

[Tysyacha]

Riding with Lenatha, Andorra at last felt safe. This day was far more exciting, and terrifying, than she ever would have imagined. However, all thoughts of death and danger were washed away as she tickled the base of Lena's head-tails with her fingers. They responded, twitching excitedly, and as for Lenatha? She wasn't complaining...

 

"Let's hope we both survive long enough to see our marriage last," Andorra whispered.

[Chevron 7 locke]

Katarn

 

"Roger that sir. Do you wish for me to go as well?"

 

"I want you to lead the troops down there actually. Once your down there I want you to report to whoever is in charge of the Ackbar's troops and await further orders from them."

 

 

 

"Don't be sorry moi chroi. We can talk later."

 

Alriana smiled at Tavaryn as the dropship finally hit the ground and the hatch opened and the troops began pouring out. Alriana smiled at Tavaryn again. "Don't worry Tavaryn, I'm sure that both of us will come out of this more or less unharmed. I'm going to look for Admiral Belina and Admiral Garja and report to them."

 

She quickly ran out and began searching for the Admirals. After a very short search she saw them. She quickly ran over to them.

 

"Admiral Belina and Admiral Garja. Security/Tactical officer Alriana reporting in. The Ackbar is currently docked at a station near the edge of the Avalon system and is currently undergoing repairs. What are your orders ma'am?"

 

"Report to Lady Selene Ordo. I believe that she'll have orders for you and the troops."

[Alkonium]

(Tysy, JM12 skipped ahead to Andorra and Lenatha meeting up with Governor Starlighter)

 

Oblivion

 

"Tell me now. Otherwise, if my apprentice is able to kill you, I will have learned nothing, but it won't come to that, will it?" Pestilus replied, showing little to no confidence in the abilities of his current apprentice.

[JediMaster12]

"Right here, Lady Governor," Taryn shouted as he brought his stallion up close. He was followed by Tonatius and Kalla on their stallion.

 

Andorra's mother greeted them, "It is good to see you all. Now that we have word Lord Tristian is ready, we can proceed. Andorra, you, Taryn and Tonatius will join General Sayrn over by the river and I think Kalla and Lenatha should go as well. Lenatha and Kalla, General Sayrn needs people skilled with a blade, are you both up to the task?"

 

**********

 

"Aye sir," Haruka replied. He turned to leave the bridge and head to the dropship. It was a short drop and he was on the ground quicker than he could execute a 180 in a fighter. He ordered his men to follow in search of the leading authority.

 

Along the way, he spotted someone that looked familiar. Smiling he walked up to him and said, "Didn't expect to see you again after we parted ways."

 

**********

 

Tavaryn watched Alriana leave still feeling the touch of her hand in his before sighing and zipping up his flight jacket. He picked up his sword and lightsaber and attached them to their places on his belt and headed out of the ship. He took a moment to look over the landscape, ignoring the damaged city of Tyan-yu and instead taking in the scent and feeling of Avalon.

 

He was interrupted when a familiar voice interrupts, "Didn't expect to see you again after we parted ways."

 

Tavaryn smiled and replied, "Been awhile Haruka. I take it things have been going well?"

 

Haruka replied, "Yes sir Lt." He grinned knowing that Tavaryn outranked him.

 

"I agree Ensign," Tavaryn replied with the same humor. "I am reporting in to Belina. You and your men follow mine."

 

"Yes sir."

 

Tavaryn led his men and Haruka's to where Admiral Belina was and said, "Special Weapons instructor Tavaryn Onashi reporting for duty ma'am."

 

"Security officer for the Katarn, reporting in," Haruka added in.

 

**********

 

Selene spotted Alriana and walked right up to her and said, "Glad you could join us Jedi. I hope you are ready for some action. How's your Shinigami?" She had asked the question with a knowing look.