Beyond - Legends Dark Currents: AU, OC's, 400 ABY Now at Chapter 28 - COMPLETED

Vikka and Darius rose at the same time and Vikka hugged the Jedi Master hard. Darius was uncertain of what to do and so he returned the embrace. Vikka felt better about what she was going to do with the Jedi Master’s blessing. She would have sought out Marcus regardless of what Darius thought, but she felt better that he supported her. Vikka knew Darius would understand what she was going through. Beings that have been on both sides of the Force were few and far between. However, Darius knew their situation called for drastic measures and Marcus could turn the tide, or Nephros could destroy it all around them.

Vikka let go of Darius and gave him a smile before she turned to Master Joy’s medical capsule. She placed a hand on it and softly said to her mentor that she would not fail her or the Jedi Order. Vikka left the room and walked down the hall. A familiar presence filled the Force with feelings of pain, regret, and concern. Trip stood behind Vikka and she stopped and turned to look at him.

“I love you Vikka.” Trip said knowing that she was leaving to find Nephros.
Vikka paused for a moment not knowing what to say. “I’ll see you again.” She said, and then she walked away.


Sometimes I think without attachment there can be no real dedication, no real light...

And that the fight against the darkness happens on a daily basis.

 

Here is the next part. Thank you for reading.

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
AzureAngel2
earlybird-obi-wan

Good to see you again Azure. I totally agree with what you said here.



Chapter 24 Part 2

Valley of the Dark Lords - Korriban

Darth Nephros had landed on Korriban once again. This time he wanted his independence and renew his connection to the Dark side of the Force. One would not do without the other. Nephros wouldn’t allow himself to be thought of as a failure. He did not want to show weakness anymore to anyone. Nephros felt it was foolish to allow his enemies to think that he had given up, when there was so much promise in what he was doing. Mistakes were made but now he would atone for them. Slowly but surely, the dead sleep that he was in would cease and he would return to destroy all of his enemies. There was no plan in motion, no beings were in place, and Nephros vowed that his life would not simply end with a whimper.

Aboard the Furious Rancor all that could be heard was the hum of the hyper drive heading towards Korriban. The fear of losing one’s identity was worse than any physical loss to an opponent in his opinion. Nephros needed to correct that more than anything else. When a person did not believe in themselves, when they thought they were less than nothing, when everyone told them that they were less than nothing; that was the hardest thing to come back from. This was what he was facing, this was what he had to remedy.

The last time he had lost himself and his faith, he discovered Praxis the Archivist to point him in the right direction. Then Nephros found Tulak Hord and he wondered whether he would be welcomed again, for this time his master might not let him leave at all. Tulak Hord might feel that he was weak and pitiful. He had not followed through on all of his promises to himself. Nephros now needed to change that. First though he had to mend himself. He needed to mend his mind and his heart. Nephros had begun to think that only madness and rage had lead him to this point. Inexcusable.

Upon arriving there was little light as darkness had begun to take the sky on the planet. Nephros stood upon the loading ramp and he felt sand and dust swirl in the warm air. Beads of sweat formed almost immediately on his forehead due to the humid and thick air. Nephros moved slowly through the wastes and the ruins of the Sith crypts that were almost completely covered in sand, save for the one that he had entered so long ago. Tulak Hord’s tomb was secured by the stone that Nephros had placed there the last time he was here. It seemed like it had not been disturbed. Nephros walked closer as the cold chill of Dark Side of the Force vibrated quietly in his head. A screech that only the Dark Side monsters known as Hssiss made could be heard approaching him. Now Nephros was worried. He had sparsely used the Force since his injuries and now that his life was in danger there was no choice. Two beasts emerged in front of him and they gazed at him differently from the last time he had encountered the Hssiss. This time they smelled his fear.

Fear was new to Nephros and he had let it run rampant in his very soul these past weeks. It started to dominate and control him. He remembered the accursed words of the Jedi as fear led to anger, anger led to hate, hate led to suffering, and this was all holding true. Except it was not driving him towards the Dark Side it was taking him to his doom. The beast’s great jaws snapped and they seemed to be playing with their prey. They were taunting Nephros and making him squirm between them. He had half a mind to make a run for his ship and use the blaster cannons on the monsters. That would have been the easy way out though. It was not the way of the Sith, or his own way for that matter. What was wrong with him? Why had Nephros not ignited his blade yet? These beasts would have been hacked into pieces by now just weeks before, yet those weeks seemed like eons ago. The Dark Side within him seemed to have a shelf life and now it was expired.

One of the Hssiss finally made a strike for his leg and he had just barely moved it out of the way. The other took the opportunity to strike as well and it had struck him at his torso. The beast had taken a bite out his robes and tunic underneath. Nephros stumbled backwards and took stock of his situation. He was sweating and breathing heavily as he was trying to focus until he finally looked down and saw his lightsabre hanging on his belt. Nephros took it and missed the ignition button with his fumbling thumb. He finally ignited the crimson blade and the familiar snap hiss signaled that the blade had come to life, however, it was shaking in his hands. Nephros looked at the humming blade and if felt odd in his hands. It was if he did not know how to use it anymore. Nephros’ annoyance had finally come a fever pitch. How could he have let it all come to this point? He was useless and retched in own eyes. This state he was in was about destroy him.

The blade was unsteady but thankfully it had created the effect that Nephros knew what he was doing as it made the Hssiss sit back for a few precious moments. They stared at the crimson light expecting him to strike out with it but instead Nephros stood back waiting for them to make the first move. Quickly the Hssiss realized this and one snapped at him again going for his midsection. Nephros swiped hard downwards onto the head of the first Hssiss and the blade cut into the spike on its nose sending it back while the other slashed at him with its razor sharp claws. The attack might have cut him into three pieces had he not made a move to avoid the swipe. ‘Enough playing in the sand’ Nephros thought to himself. Another lash of a claw from the Hssiss came flying. He batted back at it with the lightsabre and caught the arm at the joint sending the limb flying. The roar from the injured beast was deafening and it sent Nephros and the other beast back a few steps. The Hssiss charged at him recklessly and went for the kill by opening its mouth wide for a bite that might have swallowed half of him.

On instinct Nephros thrust the sabre point into the mouth with one hand and with the other he held up the upper jaw saving himself somewhat because some of the Hssiss’ teeth had sunk into his arm causing him a great deal of pain. He grimaced and felt the rush of pain take him like never before. The Force would usually help him absorb his injuries and allow him to continue on without feeling a lot of pain. However, this was a different situation. Somehow his power had been dulled.

Nephros was in danger and he instinctively tried to open the Hssiss’ mouth. He was forced to drop his lightsabre into the beast to get a better handle on its lower jaw. Nephros had a good grip on both ends of the Hssiss’ gapping mouth. His hands started to bleed as he had them placed in and around the rows of razor sharp teeth. Nephros pushed down on both ends prying the mouth open. He was astounded at how the beast had survived a lightsabre being plunged into its throat and now it was fighting him back even fiercer than before. The Hssiss, like Nephros, were in survival mode.

Nephros pushed harder and harder trying to break the Hssiss’ jaw in half. The instinct to survive had suddenly awoken something inside of him. He felt a realization that there was more to him again and he needed to expand on it and embrace it. Nephros felt the Force augment his strength somewhat and his grip became even tighter. He pulled until the straining was lessened by the Dark Side coming to the fore. Nephros hated what had happened to him. He hated that he had to break free of a ghost and that he did not finish what he had started. He hated Cyrax, he hated Lorn Nyeb, and the accursed Jedi.

Nephros’ connection to the Dark Side began to ebb and flow. Not like it had before his injuries, but he began to feel a surge of strength. With that he finally pushed down far enough that the Hssiss’ jaw gave in and broke. Warm blood sprayed upwards and caught Nephros in the face as he violently finished the beast off. This seemed to create another wave of energy within him. He reached into the Hssiss’ mouth and pulled out his lightsabre. Nephros turned to the other Dark Side monster and watched it charge at him. With renewed confidence he fired forks of blue and purple Dark Side lightning from his finger tips and it struck the charging beast which made it curl back somewhat but the monster continued to charge.

Nephros broke off the attack and tried to leap over the Hssiss but it caught his leg and bulled him over. As he tried to roll out of its way, the Hssiss dropped its head and the razor sharp horn caught him on his torso. It sliced through his clothing and right onto his midsection making a long gash along his ribs and back. The new laceration tied into the wound that Darius Baron had afflicted on him and thus his pain was even more severe. Nephros did not cry out nor did he curse the Force because he knew it was his fault for thinking that he was strong enough to kill a Hssiss with a Force power that was weakened.

Nephros stood up slowly and looked as the beast had his blood in its face. The Hssiss was now stalking him again by moving slowly around him. Nephros made a Force aided leap into the air and ignited his lightsabre. On the way down he pointed it directly at the beast’s neck, which was where the scales of its hide had a separation. Nephros had to become lethal and efficient with his moves if he wanted to survive. The crimson blade sunk into the beast’s neck and Nephros started to pull across with one hand and with the other he held onto the beast itself. The Hssiss roared then jerked its body left and right and Nephros was forced to leap off. He hit the ground hard and rolled to a kneeling stance with his blade ready.

The beast mounted one last charge but this time it was wounded and failing. Nephros unleashed the fury of his anger in multiple forks of Dark Side lightning that ravaged the beast’s open wound and exploited its pain. He increased the intensity of his blast and finally the beast fell. He walked towards the monster and looked into its eye and watched as the life was draining away from its body. It was clearly suffering and yet it still managed a roar in defiance. Nephros decided to end the Hssiss’ suffering with his lightsabre and finished it off with another slash of his blade across the gaping wound.

Nephros sunk to his knees exhausted and bleeding as the adrenaline that was running through his body ceased and he tried to slow his heart rate. Why had he fallen this far? How did he let it happen? The anger he felt towards himself gave him the motivation to rise up again. Nephros clipped his lightsabre onto his belt and took a few painful steps towards the tomb of Tulak Hord. He realized that the massive stone was now moved aside and the entrance into the tomb was clear. The tomb had gone from sealed to wide open now. It was times like this that Nephros was in awe of the Force and the ancients like Tulak Hord that could wield it like this. Concern gripped Nephros as he knew that the spirit that haunted that tomb had opened the way for him and now he had to figure out for what purpose?

As Nephros walked towards the Dark Lord’s tomb, Korriban’s hot winds blew softly while kicking up dust stuck to the sweat on his face. His eyes were burning from the exposure and fatigue, and with his torn sleeve he wiped the sweat and dust off his brow. Every step taken was heavy and clumsy as he approached the entrance of the tomb. Nephros examined the area inside and found it exactly the same as when he had been there last. Human remains, survey droid parts, fallen rock, rubble, and debris littered the floor. The hallway led into a large room with the two bridges that crossed a massive chasm. The last time Nephros was here Tuk’ata hounds attacked him the deeper he travelled into the tomb. Nephros was thankful that he did not sense any close by.

He remembered when his senses were so attuned that he could detect most beings, whether they were Force users or not. The violence and anger that used to be deep within him fuelled the Dark Side of the Force to the point that he used to grind his teeth so hard that his gums bled. Yet that coppery tang of blood was so sweet to him because he knew it was a sign that he was on the absolute edge of himself. Nephros would be stretching past his potential and expanding it, increasing his powers with his emotions. Now that seemed so long ago, a different person, a different place. Nephros had to learn from his past mistakes to move forward with more vigour and a renewed sense of self and belief. Distractions had to be kept to a minimum, including the biggest distraction of all, his feelings for Vikka. There were no more words for that unfortunately. Perhaps silence would break his heart but mend his will.

Nephros cared for Vikka though. Nephros hated not being able to be around her. He loved the calm and caring of her eyes, he respected the power brimming within her, and above all else he was fascinated by Vikka’s unrelenting faith in his soul. Despite the worst of his actions she still helped him at the Fobosi site. Nephros had not sensed her for some time and that bothered him. It was not surprising considering the circumstances on Coruscant. The Jedi were most likely fighting for their lives, and Vikka was probably in the middle of it.

Nephros finally arrived to the cavernous room and he could not see anything in the darkness. The smells were familiar but still sickening to his stomach. A tingle on the back of his neck started to catch his attention and when he turned to face it a rush of footsteps and heavy breathing approached him quickly in the darkness. All Nephros could make out were pale yellow eyes. From the shadows two Tuk’ata beasts emerged at full speed. The closest one bowed its head down to ram him with its horns and impale him. Nephros hit the floor to avoid the first one but the second one was on top of him and succeeded in trampling over him and stepping on his chest and arms with its sharp hooves. The Tuk’ata dropped its head and struck him in his abdomen and created a fresh gash which started to bleed immediately.

The Tuk’ata Nephros had avoided was now turning around. The one that had struck him snapped at his face with its teeth. In a fit of rage Nephros took his hands and grabbed the beast from its neck and forced his fingers into its throat. He pulled at the flesh and when his fingers felt hot blood he used Dark Side Lightning to strike at the beast internally. The Tuk’ata started to convulse and the smell of its charred flesh filled his nose giving him an odd pleasure. Nephros watched death enter the Tuk’ata’s eyes and when it stopped fighting him he threw it off.

Nephros propped himself up on his elbow and found the other beast charging again. In the small amount of time Nephros had, he rose to one knee. The beast rammed Nephros and dropped him back dangerously close to the edge if the massive abyss in centre of the cavern’s floor. Without hesitation the monster came in for another attack quickly. Nephros stood and watched its eyes as the beast charged without any regard for its surroundings. At the last moment Nephros used the Force to leap over the Tuk’ata and land behind it. Nephros feel to his knees when he landed and he turned his head to watch the beast go over the edge and fall with a roar that simply faded away.

Nephros tried to stand but fell down as his injuries were beginning to take their toll. He coughed up blood and he started to feel light headed. He put his hand to the fresh wound and he felt the new wounds bleeding. Nephros walked into the burial chamber which was still quiet, dank, and dark. He had half expected to be killed as soon as he had walked into the chamber by Hord. This time there was no stirring in the tomb which he concluded was another bad sign. Perhaps the Dark Lord felt that Nephros was no longer worthy enough to even speak to now.

As he reached out in the Force the Dark Side quietly spoke to him but there was no overwhelming rush of it like the last time he was in this place. Nephros could not feel the Dark Side like he used to but the feeling was becoming much stronger as he started to realize that he was incomplete without it. Nephros was angered with what he had become. He needed to return to his former self, regardless of his personal hardships and problems. He would not feel sorry for himself ever again. Nephros began to sense the whispers of the Dark Side ghosts in the tomb. He basked in the voices as they became roars.

Nephros called out to the Dark Lord Tulak Hord but heard no response. His anger rose even more now as he became frustrated with Hord as he had assumed the essence would appear again, at the very least to insult him about his previous run-ins with the Jedi and his relationship with Vikka. He knew that he could not let her cloud his judgement again. At that moment he sensed that Vikka was trying to contact him over their Force bond. Nephros rejected her at first but he decided that Vikka needed to see what was happening and she needed to understand what she was getting involved with.

Nephros stood in the middle of the room and lashed out with Dark Side Lightning. The explosion filled the chamber with light. He knew now that he had to believe in himself again, he had to believe in his own power, he had to believe he was the Dark Lord again. After he stopped to look at the scorched chamber he felt the essence of his Master return. Tulak Hord came before him and raised a hand. Dozens of the pale yellow eyes emerged again and the mindless walkers swarmed him.

In the crowd, Nephros noticed that the beasts had destroyed his lightsabre. He started thrashing his massive arms around to create space. Nephros fired a tidal wave of Force energy that smashed every walker into the walls of the crypt. Only Nephros and Hord’s phantasm remained and Nephros declared, “I am not yours to command. For now on, I am my own master and I will do whatever I deem appropriate.”

“You are doomed to fail. Your inability to commit to the Sith will lead to your destruction.” Hord replied.
“The Sith are a state of mind.” Nephros said. “I will destroy the pretenders and dominate the Force as I originally planned. Beings can exist under me, but that is where they will stay. Under me.”
“Indecisiveness. It has been a weakness for so many Lords of the Sith. Few have had true commitment to our designs.”
“So be it then. I will use the Dark Side as I see fit. Perhaps a new legacy can be forged.”
“No. You have failed Nephros.” Hord replied. “fail…”

Nephros fired another blast of Force energy and the essence of Hord dissipated. He was left alone now to determine his next steps. He took one more look around the room and spat on the floor in defiance. Darth Nephros was remade.

Darth Nephros exited the tomb of the Ancient Sith Lord Tulak Hord. He heard whispers from long residing ghosts on the breeze that prophesized his return to the galaxy. He felt comfortable with himself again and more importantly he had a purpose. Nephros walked by the corpses of the Dark Side beasts he had to overcome on his way into the tomb. They turned out to be an aid and a guide back to his former self. Without them he would not have been able to summon the fortitude he needed within himself to become the Dark Lord of the Sith again.

As Nephros walked he noticed the ripped and torn rags that hung off of him. His body had been ravaged again and given new scars that held yet another story. He entered the code into the boarding ramp of the Furious Rancor and let it drop to his feet. Nephros boarded and went directly to take a sani steam and clean off the dirt, dust, and grime of Korriban. When he was done he looked into a mirror and saw that the blood red eyes he had developed during the Fobosi Med Centre battle still blazed hot. The Dark Side would never abandon him again.


Nephros put on a fresh black tunic and hooded robe and went to the cockpit to start up the launch cycle and plot his course to Corellia. He needed to collect new weapons at an abandoned Cor-Sec safe house that he kept for his own purposes. After he engaged the autopilot, Nephros returned to his meditation chamber and started to contemplate the past few weeks. All he could see were her eyes and then he knew that he had to deal with Vikka. He was not prepared to speak to her at that moment, even over their Force bond. However, Nephros wanted to see her, he needed to see her. Perhaps he could send a clear message without speaking. A place to meet if it was possible. Nephros used a mental image of the place that Arianna Dern had died in his arms on Corellia. If anything was to happen with Vikka, it would begin where his last love ended. “Soon Cyar'ika.” Nephros said over their bond. “Soon.”

 

Intense action scenes with the dark creatures of Korriban

 

Korriban/ Moraband is a creepy place to go. (I actually based the Holy Crypts of Cunabula in my own story about Isabeau on them as you might have noticed.) You only find the dead and madness there. Plus very, very dark advisers.

Well written as usual!

 

That's what I was going for early. Thank you.

Thanks Azure.

Here is the next part. Please enjoy.



earlybird-obi-wan
AzureAngel2
WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

Chapter 24 Part 3: Imperial Centre – Coruscant

Cyrax examined his screens and was utterly disgusted by what he had seen. The Jedi were bolder than he thought. Freeing Fleet Admiral Dalporte was a brilliant move and he understood why they had sacrificed so much to acquire him. The Admiral was a beacon of hope and an inspiration to the remaining pockets of the resistance against him. The other significant event was the emergence of his former apprentice. Darius Baron had turned the tide of that battle quite easily. Somehow the Jedi kept their numbers up to a point that Cyrax may have underestimated the threat they posed. Cyrax would not make that mistake again. The Jedi’s obvious plan was to mount an assault on Imperial Centre. It was their only play. Cyrax had already begun thinning out security forces in the city and recalling them back to Imperial Centre.

Cyrax felt that Admiral Dalporte’s next move would be recruit the Hapan Consortium into their fold. He was monitoring their comm channels but Cyrax knew that every system government had proficient slicers to create adequate encryption. The Hapans were no different. The queen was cagey and never betrayed what she was thinking the last time they had spoken. She smartly agreed with everything Cyrax had said knowing that Cyrax could not test her until he had Coruscant totally under his control. The Queen was going to help the Jedi with her fleet. It was obvious.

Cyrax did not fear the Jedi. His defeat of Master Joy had left them without their most valuable warrior and their emotional leader. His victory had showed the Jedi that even their most gifted Master was not a match for him. The Dark Side relic that he had found in the Emperor’s vault had augmented his power more than any Jedi could call on the Force. He would show the Jedi the darkness and either give them the gift of rebirth under his new regime or a brutal death if they refused his merciful gesture. In his mind, the Force was aligned with him even though he had suffered this loss to the Jedi.

Cyrax admired the reddish violet trinket around his neck. Every time he touched it he was impressed with the power it emitted. The air became heavier and it seemed to be infused with power. The gem shined a certain way that made Cyrax crane his neck to follow the reflections. At that moment he found that another face was in the reflection. Cyrax strained his eyes and he saw a mask that was made of pale white bone. The person had eyes that were different in colour and significant tattooing on his face. “Krayt” Cyrax said aloud.

Darth Krayt the last Sith Emperor that had ruled almost three centuries before Cyrax himself was speaking to him from the gem. Cyrax looked around the room to make sure he was not asleep or that he was not hallucinating the episode. The power of the Dark Side gem was driving him mad as he was foretold it would by Emperor Vox. Cyrax looked into the gem stone again and he saw the reflection of Darth Krayt once again. “Darth Krayt?”

“Become the One Sith.” The Gem spoke.
“The One Sith?” Cyrax asked. “Like your Order of Sith?”
“Army, Destiny, Legacy.”

The gem went quite again and the reflection looking back at him was that of Cyrax’s own face. Was this a genuine message from the past, or was Cyrax actually falling victim to the gem? He had not examined the gem in great detail before that moment and now he was contacted by a ghost of the past, with a message for the future. Cyrax doubted himself again. Had he truly been blinded by the gem and had this Dark Side artifact blurred the lines between fiction and truth?

Cyrax was startled by approaching footsteps. Lorn Nyeb entered and observed that his master had not even noticed he had come into the room. Cyrax was staring off into space when he was overcome by a feeling.

“Master, the Jedi successfully extracted Fleet Admiral Dalporte and they’ve escaped.” Nyeb said.
“I know. It matters little now.” Cyrax replied still entrenched in thought. “I have had a vision Nyeb. I have seen what I must do in order for us to finally defeat the Jedi.”
“Seen?” Nyeb questioned. He was afraid of the answer Cyrax was about to give him. “Seen where Master?”
“Here,” Cyrax held up the gem. “I have was contacted by a Sith of the past. He told me that we must build an army.”
“We have an army and a navy. What are you talking about Cyrax, who contacted you?” Nyeb asked with annoyance in his voice. Nyeb was always skeptical of the mystical side of the Force. Even when he had his own visions of the future. Lorn Nyeb believed in the ancient saying that the future was always in motion. There was no laid out plans except for what you could make for yourself.
“Do not presume to tell me that I was mistaken Nyeb.” Cyrax shouted. He closed the gap between him and his apprentice. “My powers have intensified tenfold since I acquired the gem. We will infuse our Dark Side acolytes and forge an army of the Force.”

Nyeb looked into Cyrax’s eyes and again noticed how his master’s features had changed since the acquisition of the gem. It was driving Cyrax mad and taking away his ability to reason and strategize. Nyeb sensed an opportunity. If Cyrax was compromised then perhaps he could ascend and finally become Emperor. Nyeb was tired of obeying the orders of another. He was the strategist that brought the Jedi to the Fobosi Medical Centre knowing that they would try to defeat Nephros and Darius Baron had done so. Nyeb was the one that called Cyrax knowing that Master Joy had to be dealt with and that his master was the only one that could defeat the Grand Master of the Jedi and Cyrax did so. Nyeb had manipulated the events of the war and now he could take advantage of his master’s foolishness.

Nyeb used the Force to push Cyrax away and he also attempted to call the Dark Side gem to him with the Force. He was not successful in either attempt but the gem had come free and rolled onto the ground. While Cyrax looked for it, Nyeb drew his lightsabre and went for a killing strike. Cyrax finally understood the seriousness of the situation and ignited his own blade. It was understood between the two that Nyeb was a more accomplished swordsman, but Cyrax had the advantage in the Force. Cyrax parried Nyeb’s initial assault and pushed his apprentice backward. “Do you believe it’s your time Nyeb?”
“You are failing our cause Master. You’ve become deluded and foolish thanks to that gem. The boosts in power are obviously not worth the loss of your damn mind.” Nyeb yelled back. “I will take this coup and finish it. I will rule.”
“Bold words Nyeb.” Cyrax snarled.

The older man launched himself and he was met by Lorn Nyeb’s blade. They exchanged viscous blows until Cyrax broke off his attack. He stepped back and reached his hand out. Nyeb turned his head and saw the gem returning to Cyrax’s hand. The apprentice fired a vid-screen at the gem which knocked it off its trajectory. Nyeb then smashed another vid-screen into the back of Cyrax’s head. Nyeb approached his master slowly as Cyrax stayed on the ground. Nyeb brought his lightsabre over his head to deliver the final blow. Cyrax quickly looked up and with his hand he took Nyeb by the throat. Nyeb was shocked by the power and when he saw the Dark Side gem in Cyrax’s other hand, he understood what had happened.

Cyrax squeezed and Nyeb began to feel the cold darkness take him. He assumed that his betrayal would result in his death. Nyeb thought himself opportunistic and bold but now he had realized the error of underestimating Cyrax yet again. As he struggled for air, Nyeb looked into Cyrax’s eyes. To his surprise, Cyrax began to loosen his grip and he allowed Nyeb to slump to the ground. The master stood over his apprentice and both men locked gazes again. Nyeb rose to his feet and deactivated his lightsabre. “What now?” Nyeb asked.

“You will continue to serve me Nyeb. Your abilities are undeniable and treachery is not surprising. Rest assured I am secure in mind and spirit. We will rule this empire or I will burn it all to the ground.”
“Master, thank you.” Nyeb conceded. “What do you mean though?”

Cyrax looked over his apprentice with his face half covered in shadow. His eyes turned the famous yellow and red of a being consumed by the Dark Side. In a chilling voice that struck Nyeb in his heart, Cyrax said to him. “I will bring it all to ruin before I allow this regime to stunt the growth of Force users again. If the Jedi will not do it, I will. No matter the cost and no matter the consequences.”

***

Hidden CSF and Jedi bunker – Works District - Coruscant

Trip smashed and swiped his lightsabre against a training droid but all he could see was the face of Darth Nephros. He did not fight the feelings within him. The woman he loved did not love him anymore and instead she loved a monster. Vikka was insane in his opinion. She was insane to think that she could redeem the Sith Lord. Nephros’ behaviour was the very definition of evil and Vikka was in love with that creature. No, Trip did not fight his feelings. He was jealous of a Sith Lord. His beloved Vikka had left him for a man that had killed dozens of beings without mercy and wanted to destroy the Jedi Order. It was incomprehensible to Trip and he would not accept the situation.

Trip was obsessed with the idea that he and Vikka were perfect for each other and it was his fault that she had left him. He had driven her away and into the arms of a beast. Trip had maintained the opinion that the Jedi did not need Darth Nephros’ help against Cyrax. Master Joy had maintained that thinking. Now that Darius had taken over leadership of the Jedi he allowed Vikka to leave to find Nephros and to better understand what was happening between her and the Sith Lord. Trip thought it was foolish for Darius to allow a warrior of Vikka’s capabilities to leave them on the eve of the biggest battle of their lives. Trip knew that he was simply looking for someone to blame. He missed her, he was heartbroken, and he was angry.

“That poor droid” A voice came from behind Trip.
“Master Baron, I didn’t see you there.” Trip responded wondering if the Jedi Master had read his mind. “Can I help you with anything?”
“Yes, you can stop sulking.” Darius said.
“Excuse me master?” Trip asked with annoyance in his voice. He even took two steps towards the larger man. “What are you talking about?”
“Your friend Keytar approached me. He is concerned about your behaviour.” Darius responded. “You must not let what Vikka is doing undermine what you will do next.”
“I’m not. I know what I have to do. It’s you who has undermined us all by letting Vikka go to that monster.” Trip snapped back.
“Do you think a distracted Vikka, who is at war with herself, would be beneficial to our cause? She has already demonstrated that she can be unpredictable. If Nephros returned without us knowing what he was going to do, he might destroy us for good.” Darius replied sternly.
“I don’t think…” Trip began before Darius interrupted him.
“That’s right you didn’t think. You’re too busy feeling sorry for yourself.” Darius said. “I am sorry about how things ended with the two of you. I truly am. However, she needs to understand what is happening to her. Like I needed to understand what was happening with me when I turned from the Dark Side. If she is rejected by Nephros, he will not harm her. I truly believe that. She will return to us. If she brings him into our fold, even for this battle alone, we will be better off for it Trip. Understand the bigger picture, please.” Darius put his hand on Trip’s shoulder.
“I understand Master. It’s just so hard.” Trip conceded.
“I know it is Trip. I love a woman and I can’t even tell her for the fear that she would reject me.” Darius admitted. “In fact, I know she would.”
“Master?” Trip questioned.
“Never mind Trip. Leave it alone please.” Darius asked. “We will strike soon, rest up. We need you at your best Knight Vrand.”
“Yes Master Baron. I will, and thank you.” Trip said
“Of course.”


Darius bowed his head and left Trip alone. The Jedi Master had spoken well and true to him. Even if the sting of Vikka leaving him still hurt, Trip had to help the Jedi prevail. All depended on this battle. He could not help but feel that victory would have been easier to handle with Vikka by his side. Trip placed his lightsabre on his belt and wiped his brow with a towel. He tried to use his Force bond to talk to Vikka but like the past few weeks it was closed down. She had moved on and now it was time for Trip Vrand to move on.

 

I hope the Jedi will succeed this time
Wise words from Darius

 

Excellent advice about Vikka.

 

There is always much going on in the work districts of Coruscant. As if the sith like shady and dirty...

 

Thank you early.

Hey NH. Thank you.

I got it backwards in my fic. It's the Jedi hiding away this time and the Sith in the lap of luxury.

I'll update this weekend. Great chapter coming up. as usual, thanks for reading.

 

AzureAngel2
WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
earlybird-obi-wan

Here is all of Chapter 25. I'd like to thank Chyntuck who reviewed and helped me with this chapter. This one is particularly important to me and so I sought some help to make sure this was as close to real as possible. Chyn, thanks so much, I loved the way this turned out. As always, thanks for reading.

Chapter 25 – Coronet City – Corellia – 401 ABY

With the support of Master Baron and against the wishes of Trip, Vikka had left the Jedi to seek out Darth Nephros. She had escaped the chaos on Coruscant as her freighter was given a false signature ID to evade the planetary defences left in the system. More importantly for Vikka, no one was looking for her. Vikka had seen Coruscant’s skyline in flames as she left the planet. It had been weeks since a heavy battle occurred. The last major battle in which Vikka had participated, other than the Jedi helping Fleet Admiral Dalporte escape, was at the Fobosi Medical Centre. Furthermore, pockets of resistance fighter had organized across Coruscant and had kept Cyrax’s roving patrols occupied.

Vikka had already seen the plumes of smoke rising from Imperial City in the visions she shared with Marcus during their battle on Nar Shaddaa. The feeling of seeing the future at that time made her uncomfortable then and seeing it firsthand now was even worse. Since that meeting Vikka and Marcus had shared multiple visions over their bond that were inexplicable at the time. However, as events had unfolded, Vikka was more certain than ever that the Force wanted her to see all of it. The reason was unknown, but she guessed it was so she could fully see the scope of what would transpire. Then Marcus sent her the visions of Arianna Dern’s death, and somehow Vikka was certain that he was showing her where to find him. He wanted to be led to the light.

Before Vikka left the temple, Trip had given her another declaration of his love, but they were words that she could not listen to – not anymore. She did not feel the same anymore and she did not want to make this harder for either of them. Her visions of Marcus through the Force disturbed Trip. The fact that he knew that Vikka and Marcus had a powerful connection like their own used to be, made him understandably upset. Trip feared that Vikka’s brashness and occasional drops into darkness would cause her to gravitate towards the Sith. Trip feared Marcus would use it against her, or worse, Vikka would let him and she would like it.

Vikka replayed Trip’s objections in her mind but she understood that, with what was left of the Jedi Order, they did not have a choice. They needed Marcus’ berserker power to reach Imperial Centre which was heavily fortified. Above all else, Vikka needed to understand her own relationship with Marcus. She felt a great lust for revenge within Marcus. She also felt a greater sadness and an equal amount of rage. Perhaps she was not meant to sense his thoughts fully, but Vikka could not shake the images of Arianna Dern that flashed before her eyes. The privacy of that thought must have haunted Marcus for years and he somehow had shared it with her so they could have this meeting.

Vikka dropped out of hyperspace and entered into Corellia’s atmosphere. She passed through the planetary defences with the same fake signature ID and made her way to Coronet City. This was where Marcus grew up, where he became a man, and where he changed. So much history that it made sense this would be where they would meet. She flew into the residential area that she felt Nephros was in and she let her presence be known in the Force. She did not expect the Sith to communicate with her but she wanted Marcus to know that she was looking for him. Before Vikka could find a public parking pad she heard him over their Force bond.

“What are you doing here Vikka?”
“I need to speak to you, it’s important.”
“I want nothing to do with the Jedi. I will take my revenge and then I will leave the Deep Core for the Outer Rim.”
“No Marcus, you don’t have to do it alone. Walk with us. Please let me know where you are.”
“Find me through the Force or not at all.”
“Fine, Dar Jeti,” she replied in Mandalorian with a grumpy tone in her voice.

As Vikka reached out she easily found Marcus on the roof of the building she had seen in their shared visions. As she looked around the Coronet City background was not familiar. The city was dark as they were rationing energy. With only the moon lighting the darkness just before the dawn, Vikka still made out the massive frame of the Dark Lord standing on the ledge of a building. She landed the ship and went to the loading ramp controls to lower it. As it descended Vikka was greeted by the picture of Darth Nephros looking out into a skyline that was just about to burst and he did not even flinch as she approached from behind him.

“What do you want Vikka?” Nephros said quietly.
“We need your help.”
“The Jedi want the help of a Sith Lord? Have things at your Order deteriorated that much? “
“It’s worse. Cyrax unleashed his artifact and he defeated Master Joy with it after you left.”
“What of your precious Order? Has the fall of your Grand Master left you all in disarray?”
“Master Baron is doing what he can with what he has. We’re grossly out numbered. We only have a few battalions of ground troops and about a two dozen Jedi Knights left. The rest have defected and the younger Padawans and younglings have gone underground. We have the remnants of our fleet coming in and we have help from the Hapans.”
“The Jedi converts have ceased being pawns of the Empire. They know that Force users are the apex species in the galaxy.” Nephros said chillingly. “They are only doing what nature has intended. Your masters stunted your growth and fed you lies. The natural order of things always wins out eventually.”
“You approve of this?” Vikka argued. “It will be the death of millions, chaos and war for decades. We have to stop it on Coruscant.”
“Cyrax is mine.”
“Marcus, you can’t win. He’s too powerful now. You need help.”

Nephros turned quickly and caught Vikka’s eyes. “There is a place inside of myself that I made black some time ago. The only things I lived for were amoral and it made me who I was. I liked it until she came into my life.” Nephros looked back to the striking skyline that had just started to blaze with reds and oranges from the rising sun. “I watched so many of these sunrises with her after enjoying the most passionate nights. She was the rising sun that lit up my darkness. Then the light was snuffed out in this very building beneath us and the darkness returned forever. My heart belongs to the Dark Side now. I want to be the apex of Force users.”

Vikka took a cautious step forward not knowing how Nephros would react. When she felt that he would not harm her, she took his hand into hers. “Any flame, no matter how small, can light the darkness. You just have to allow it to ignite, Marcus.”

Nephros tilted his head downward to look at the way Vikka was holding his hand. For the first time in years he was unsure of how to react. He pondered everything between throttling her neck to kissing her. Vikka was strong, compassionate, especially beautiful like Arianna had been, and she was reaching for him. It was a moment that Nephros did not want to let pass. Vikka's hand was small within his own and her fingertips, grazed his palm. The feeling was electric and the physical contact was so much more vivid than anything he had felt over their Force Bond. However, he knew and understood that he was the Dark Lord of the Sith and there was no room for this. It would become his weakness and eventually destroy him. He let go of her hand and turned away from her.

“Please Marcus if you can’t let go of your hate then all is lost.” Vikka pleaded. “Thousands of citizens are already dead and still dying on Coruscant. You and Cyrax have devastated the Jedi Order when he defeated Master Joy and you killed Master Sarro. Now Cyrax has converted many Jedi Knights to his cause. That just compounds the problems.”
“Master Sarro was a worthy adversary but he wanted to destroy me as much as I him. There was no hiding his anger for the death of his wife’s sister and Master Joy’s defeat was inevitable. Your Jedi are lost Vikka. The faintness of your hearts has led to your ruin.”
“I know Master Baron, Trip, and I can’t do it alone with the few remaining Jedi we have. That’s why we need you. You left the Jedi in chaos and in doing so the whole planet is suffering.”
“That was my path. To make them all pay and they have.” Nephros growled. “Master Baron should also fear for his life. If Cyrax doesn’t defeat his former apprentice, I will have my revenge for his attack on me.”
“To what end, what will you do now? Look for revenge your whole life? It’s a waste of life Marcus.” She roared. “There is still a life for you.”
“What life is that, a fugitive? I’ve done so much wrong that the Jedi would never cancel all of that out,” he questioned dismissively. “Why haven’t you brought me to justice for killing your beloved Jedi Master?”

Vikka paused as she asked herself the same thing. During their battle on Nar Shaddaa she had felt his pain underneath his incredible anger and rage through the Force. She did not pity him; she understood him and his reasons. It was wrong but Vikka could see herself doing it if she lost everything she held dear like Nephros had. Their lives were similar and if the roles were reversed perhaps she would have fallen to the Dark Side of the Force as well. Vikka had already experienced numerous times, where she had treaded the line between light and dark. She could relate to the lure of power that vengeance could provide. Even though his eyes and face were corrupted by the Dark Side, Nephros could not hide his sadness and Vikka felt that it could be focused into something good. She wanted to save him.

“There’s good in you Marcus,” Vikka finally answered. “You’re not evil for the sake of being evil. There is more to you as long as you don’t let the darkness eclipse what’s in your heart.”
“You’re being weak,” Nephros replied.
“No, there is great strength in forgiveness. You have to believe that you can be redeemed.”
“You sound so much like her Vikka.” Nephros was tempted to touch her face just to feel her skin, but he decided against it. “However, your faith is misplaced and you need to realize that the Dark Side anchors me. It is what I am.”
“Marcus, you have to let yourself free of the burden you’ve put upon yourself. You have to let her go. You can preserve the galaxy and your own life by helping us.”
“I care nothing for the galaxy,” Nephros said sternly. “Cyrax has shown to be worthy of his position by defeating the Emperor, Master Joy, and taking Imperial City. However, he also knows that there will be nowhere in the galaxy he can run that I will not hunt him. As for your former master Lorn Nyeb, he was always irrelevant and I am confident that you can end him yourself.”
“Cyrax is different now. Reports from inside the capital say that the Dark Side artifact has corrupted him even more. He’s almost indestructible from what we’ve heard.” Vikka countered. “If we fall the Dark Lord of the Sith will rule the galaxy again.”
“I am the Dark Lord of the Sith,” Nephros countered. He also took exception with Vikka insinuating that she and her Jedi companions could possibly lose. He cared little for the other Jedi, but did not want to see and harm come to Vikka. By her physically reaching out to him, Nephros was suddenly overcome with emotions for her. He wanted to protect her, like he had at the Fobosi battle. He wanted to love her. He surprised himself when he said “We could leave. You could come with me.”

“What? I can’t. The Jedi need me, Trip needs me.” Vikka said. She sounded as if she was trying to convince herself, but suddenly realized that Marcus was now reaching out to her. “I never meant to imply, I just...”
“Your emotions say otherwise,” h
e said. “I am everything the Jedi are not and I offer you not only the keys to unlock your own power, but companionship such as I know it. I know you feel something for me Vikka. I sense it and I can see it in your eyes. It’s the reason you came to seek me out.”
“I won’t deny the intrigue of being with you.” Vikka admitted as she ran her hand up Nephros’ large muscular arm. “But I made a commitment to the Jedi.”
“They lack what I can give. He lacks what I can give you.”
“You lack what I already have!” Vikka replied harshly knowing that she implied that she and Trip were still together. It was a lie, but one that she was holding onto for now.
“How did he feel when you told him you were coming after me? Does he even know you came?”
“He wasn’t happy about it,” she admitted. “He even gave me an ultimatum.”
“That would never happen with me Vikka. I would never shackle or try to restrain you. That is the way of the Jedi and that man you speak of has fallen for all of their flawed wisdom.” Nephros felt the need to differentiate himself from the Jedi. “I’m not saying this as a Sith, I’m saying this as man finally admitting that I love a woman. That woman is you Vikka.”

Vikka looked up at Nephros’ blood red eyes and every time she looked into them she was always overwhelmed by their intensity. She knew that he was right. She was interested and she had always been interested from the first moment she saw him on Nar Shaddaa. Nephros was everything Trip was not. He understood what it meant to lose a family, to be mistreated, to lose a loved one and to survive it all. Oddly, Vikka had more in common with Nephros than she did with Trip. Trip was a Jedi through and through, he believed in controlling one’s emotions and urges. Nephros did not, and neither did Vikka. She believed in doing the right thing, but she was starting to realize that limiting one’s abilities was the wrong way to go. As a Jedi, Vikka had learned this the hard way.

Nephros closed the small distance between them and without even thinking about the vows he made to Tulak Hord years before on Korriban he took Vikka by her hips and pulled her into him. She did not fight him and even welcomed the touch as it had been some time since Trip had made her feel desired like this. Nephros’ body was surprisingly warm to the touch and their inevitable kiss became long and deep. They each moved their hands over each other’s bodies softly and with care. For that moment in time there was no Force, no war, just a passion that electrified both their souls. Nephros moved his lips to Vikka’s neck as she let out a soft moan until she pushed him back.

“No. Please we can’t.”
“You felt it Vikka. Don’t deny it. Think of the life we can have together.”
“It won’t be much of a life if Cyrax is hunting us down with his Imperial Navy.”
“Cyar’ika, you know I care little for empires and emperors,” he said.
Vikka was surprised by the Mandalorian term of endearment. “Please Marcus, we can’t let the Jedi do this alone.” She went into his arms again looking for that same warmth from moments before.
“You won’t be alone if you come with me. You are stronger than you know.”
“I can’t leave my responsibilities behind. I won’t let that man be emperor. I’ll fight. What will you do?”

Vikka moved out of his arms and turned her back to him.

“You’ll turn away a new life without destructive conflicts for the ruins of Coruscant?” he asked.
“I can’t just think about myself Marcus. The galaxy can’t be left in chaos. My conscience won’t allow it. What about yours?”
“My conscience is clear Vikka. The galaxy has taken too much from me.”
“Do you care what happens to me?”
“You know I do.”
“So help us, for me.”
“I will not be baited Vikka,“ she felt him walk away. “As soon as you are not looking, the others will try to destroy me. I’m no fool to trust the noble Jedi.”
“Master Baron said…” Vikka began.
“Master Baron will stab me in the heart again if given the opportunity.” Nephros roared. “Did he allow you to seek me out? Didn’t you think for a second that he wants me out in open to destroy me while I do him the service of killing Cyrax? I would have had more respect for him if he had just told you to say that. Instead we have our own complications and Baron is thinking about the war and taking advantage of our feelings.”
“That’s not true.”
“Isn’t it though Vikka?” Nephros moved closer to her again, so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath on the nape of her neck. “Don’t be naïve my love. Come with me. We will leave it all behind and we can become that which we have seen through the Force. No Dark Side, no Light Side, just our side.”
“You know I can’t just leave them, they’ll die.” Nephros began to walk away again. “Where are you going to go?”
“I will seek out Cyrax and kill him. When I am done, I will leave the fate of the galaxy to you. Goodbye Cyar’ika.”
“Don’t call me that.” Vikka said under her breath. He was already on the other end of the roof by now.
Nephros stopped and looked over his shoulder. "If you reconsider Vikka you know how to find me. After I defeat Cyrax I will kill your Master Baron as well. No one is innocent.”
“Don’t let me be your only hope for happiness!” Vikka called out. But he was already gone.

Vikka waited a moment and when she turned she was alone as suspected. She had once seen a vision of a man that was incredibly powerful and passionately in love with her. When Vikka saw it wasn’t Trip she was certain it was Marcus. Now she had no one. All she had was the fight for their lives and the fight for the soul of the galaxy. Vikka began to argue with herself if she had given up too easily. She had finally reached him and now she was leaving him behind. No, this was not over.

***

Marcus stood in the middle of the room where Arianna had died. Her blood still stained the floors. The chains she hung from were still latched to the ceiling and Nephros took one into his hand and ripped it out. He examined the cold durasteel and again he was greeted by Arianna’s dried up blood. He began to wonder why he was torturing himself by being in this room. Yet he understood that this room was the source of his anger, the bottom layer of his hate, and it would be the motivation to do what he had to do. Darth Nephros would return to Coruscant and destroy the false Sith and the Jedi Master that cowardly stabbed him. He took the chain and wrapped it around his arm. He needed a reminder and Vikka was no longer an option.

Vikka had asked him for his help, but Nephros refused to make himself an easy target for the Jedi. Their code would demand justice be done to him and the Jedi-Imperial Act would sentence him to death. No. Nephros would carry out his vengeance and leave the Core worlds. After defeating Cyrax, Nephros would become a student of the Force and seek out the mysteries of the Sith, the Jedi, and all Force users. It was more of a realization than anything else. If love would not work for him, then his thirst for knowledge would sustain his future.

Nephros walked back to the Furious Rancor slowly. He suddenly became overwhelmed with emotion when he thought about Arianna and now he also thought about Vikka. He slammed his fist on the hull of the ship. The force of the blow made a sound that reverberated some distance away. Nephros was never one to weep, but his heart was heavy with pain. Vikka had rejected him the same as he had rejected her. They had finally shared a powerful moment. He wanted her back.

Just as he summoned the courage
to communicate with her
through their bond, Nephros felt her presence, Vikka had followed him here.

He turned around to find her standing in front of him.

“Why are you doing this to yourself?” Vikka asked Nephros. “Why go down there.”
“I needed it Vikka. It will keep me sharp and on the edge. Where I need to be.” He moved closer to her. “Why did you come back?”
“Because I wanted to see the place where your pain came from and to show you that there is a light in your darkest place. It’s me, damn you.”

Vikka walked up to Nephros and kissed him passionately. He used his hand to cup her face then cleared a few strands of loose hair. This time he would not let her go. Nephros scooped her up into his arms as they maintained the embrace. Vikka said nothing as Nephros led them into the Furious Rancor. The loading ramp opened and Nephros took Vikka to the bed in his quarters. Their kissing became more desperate and their hands started to dispose of their capes, robes, tunics, and boots.

Nephros laid Vikka down and watched as she invited him to lay down beside her. Nephros, who was a man driven by rage and darkness, was now being simply seduced by a woman and her hands. In these moments he could not help but think of Arianna and how she made him feel this way every time she touched him. Now it was Vikka touching him and tracing the numerous scars that ran across his body with her fingers. Nephros could not help but smile as he recalled the scars that Vikka herself had inflicted onto him during their duel on Nar Shaddaa. He took in her body which was so feminine and yet had suffered its own scars. They had both experienced pain in their lives and the proof was laid bare before the other. Now more than ever both lovers were convinced that this moment was destined to happen.

The next hours were lost to time and would forever be remembered by the two of them. There was no worry about the immediate or long term future of the galaxy, it was about enjoying their own moments. Neither of them thought that this moment would ever come, but they both enjoyed it more than anything they had ever experienced or would ever experience again. It was perfect.

Nephros woke up and looked beside him. Vikka was still curled up at his side in the wonderful shape that only a woman could make under bed sheets. She was sleeping peacefully and he remarked to himself that he could watch her forever. He took in the sight of the woman that had given him the most precious gift despite all his faults and questionable acts. Nephros was sure that he loved her. However, now came the question if he should bury his love in order to save them both from the inevitable fate that was coming if they stayed together or if he should ask her again to leave with him. Vikka’s commitment to the Jedi was substantial and Nephros knew she would not give up the Order lightly.

Nephros was uncertain of how to address her when she woke up. She would want him to return to the Jedi with her, but his previous decision had not changed. In his scenario, he would see to Cyrax himself and on his own terms. He felt that after he succeeded against Cyrax and Lorn Nyeb the Jedi would want to hunt him. Vikka would never allow his end game to come to fruition. She would never allow him his revenge against Master Baron for stabbing him. Therefore, the only other scenario was Nephros leaving. If Vikka did not want to come with him, he would leave alone. Nephros would continue the original plan and begin to search for the mysteries of the Force throughout the galaxy.

Vikka began to stir until she turned over and opened her eyes. She saw Nephros sitting on the edge of the bed deep in his own thoughts. “Marcus?” Vikka reached for his shoulder and pulled herself behind him. “What are you doing?”
“I’m thinking about what we have to do next.”
“We have to get dressed and I don’t know, save the galaxy?” Vikka joked.
“Vikka I will not return with you and join the Jedi ranks. That leaves me two options.”
“Marcus, don’t. I –”
“Come with me Vikka. We can leave this war behind and make our own lives.”
“We can’t leave everything likes this. How can you justify leaving so many lives in turmoil?” Vikka asked. “We can set it right with you by our side Marcus.”
Nephros rose from the bed and started to dress himself. “They will try to capture me or kill me Vikka. Even your Master Joy wanted revenge.”
Vikka had avoided speaking about the Fobosi Medical Centre but there was no way to avoid the conversation now. “You killed dozens of innocent medical staff, patients, and virus victims Marcus. No matter your intentions it was murd– ”
“It was mercy!” Nephros interrupted. “They were going to die Vikka. Slowly and painfully.”
“It wasn’t your decision to make.”
“No one else had the courage to make it and it took away a major weapon from Cyrax.”
Vikka had also gotten up and started to dress herself. “Master Joy had her reasons. You killed her husband, her sister, and her niece. Master Sarro was a good man.”
“They all wanted to kill me. I was defending myself against two Dark Siders in Erebus and her daughter.” Nephros paused. “Sarro seemed like a good man but nonetheless, I had to fight him, he would have destroyed me.”
“Fix it all Marcus. Join us and more importantly, join me.”
“They’ll never let us be together Vikka.”
“I can take care of that. Master Baron allowed me to come and get you on our side. That means something.”
“They want to draw me out Vikka. If Cyrax is right about one thing, it is that the Jedi have been complicit in the eradication of Dark Side Force users. Some of those beings weren’t even sure what they were doing and they were arrested for it. The Jedi-Imperial Act is wrong.”
“I’ve give you that Marcus, but everything else Cyrax stands for is wrong,” Vikka said as she came face to face with him again. “We can’t do it without you.”
Nephros felt the truth in Vikka’s voice and took her into his large arms and held her tightly. He sighed heavily, “You won’t be alone. I will deal with Cyrax. It will be my way though. No Jedi interference. Your Order will have enough of a test against Lorn Nyeb, the fallen Jedi, and the Blood Rock mercenaries.”
“I can see there’s no point in arguing this anymore.” Vikka conceded. However, she was content that Nephros had agreed to help the cause. “When will I see you again?”
“In the field Cyar’ika. After we conclude our business, I hope you take my offer. I know we can be happy together.”
“We will be Marcus. One way or another we will be.” Vikka looked up at Nephros and the two shared one final kiss.

Nephros walked Vikka back to the Ulik and watched her go up the loading ramp. He took her hand to bring her back and he placed a lightsabre within it.

“What’s this?” Vikka asked.
“It’s the first blade I made, after my time with Tulak Hord. It’s the most power lightsabre I’ve ever come across. The crystals are Sigil and Qixoni. Very powerful.”
“Are you sure you won’t need it for the battle to come?”
“I have my double bladed sabre. I want you to have this. Take it please.”
“Thank you Marcus.” Vikka kissed him in the cheek and walked up the ramp.

Vikka took off and watched as the figure of Marcus became smaller and smaller in her view port. Vikka did not expect to have such an amazing time with him. Their love had been established and she fully expected Master Baron to allow Marcus into the Jedi Order on some scale so that they could be together. She knew that Trip would be devastated by the sight of her and the redeemed Sith Lord together. The thought of walking within the temple with Darth Nephros made her smile. She wanted it so much. Vikka felt childish, and at the same time she felt a massive sense of relief. Marcus would turn the tide of the war and help the Jedi and Empire win versus Cyrax and his invading forces. She felt vindicated and above all else, in love.

***

Nephros washed and changed his clothes. He sat in the cockpit and replayed the past few hours in his mind. Vikka was an incredible woman. Her eyes had showed an acceptance and an understanding of his rage. Vikka was the one person that he trusted as she had always been honest with him. She was not afraid of bringing up past events and expressing herself on his actions because she could see the man Nephros could become beneath his darkness. However small the light in Nephros might be, Vikka accepted his darkness because it was raw and born from pure anguish. There was good in him and she had found it. However, she would be the only one to see it. The rest would receive the darkness.

On the other hand Nephros would have to be weary of the Jedi after their affairs had been completed. If they were all successful he felt the Jedi would uphold the laws of the Jedi-Imperial Act and attempt to seize him. Nephros had no intention of going to prison or becoming a Jedi. He would destroy the pretender Cyrax and ask Vikka once more to leave with him. If she did not he would leave it all behind. At least that was what he kept telling himself. Nephros wanted Vikka to accept his offer but he had a feeling that her duty would get in her way. He was convinced that the Jedi would not allow him to see her.

Perhaps they would drive Vikka to him. Too many questions, too many possibilities, only one certainty. Nephros would kill Cyrax or die in the attempt. He was still the Dark Lord of the Sith.

 

Very intense chapter here. It was difficult readings it on my mobile phone in the dark, while lying on the bed & my belly. The conflict, the passion. Wow!

 

love Vikka and Nephros together. They should help and both should survive

 

Fantastic to see the progression of attempts at persuasion and the divergent commitments and resolve of each of them to go on a particular path and yet still have room for the other eventually. You write their struggles and decisions most convincingly.

 

Thanks Azure, that's what I was going for.

I"m glad you "love" them together, I was beginning to think you ladies were all going to feel sorry for Trip.

Thanks Nyota. I was really hoping to get this kind of feedback. I wanted their issues to rise to the surface whether they fell into each other or against each other.

There will hopefully be an update by the end of next week hopefully. This is a busy time for me. As always, thank you for reading.

 

Hopefully there will be an update for I will keep looking for it! Kindergarten teachers are known to be patient persons...

 

AzureAngel2
WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
earlybird-obi-wan

Ask and you shall receive Azure.

As always, thank you for reading.

Chapter 26 Part 1– Hyperspace – 400 ABY

Taric Raywood stood on the bridge of one of two Star Destroyers left in the Imperial fleet. It was a repurposed casino yacht but the Hapans had been busy in refitting it with armour, shield generators, weapons, and military grade docking bays. How they had come to acquire such a ship was still a mystery, but at this point the Empire cared little where their fleet came from. The other ship they offered, called the Tenel Ka Djo, was a part of the Hapan fleet’s regular navy.

Taric had to promise the Hapan Queen that he would return Light Bringer without a scratch on it. An impossible task obviously but the Queen and Taric had developed a good rapport with one another that such jokes were common. When she presented the Empire with Light Bringer along with the other dreadnaught, multiple cruisers, freighters, and small fighters, Taric became overwhelmed with the gesture. He wanted to say so much, but the regal Queen hushed him and smiled. She had told him to ‘fight bravely, with conviction, and honour. Above all, don’t lose.’ Taric recalled the statement had immediately lightened the mood. He had to admit, he was in love. Perhaps after the battle, if he survived it, he would try to speak to the Queen again.

Taric had finally been hailed by Fleet Admiral Dalporte to mobilize all Imperial the ships he could muster and bring them to the edge of the Hapans Consortium. With their ships gone, it would give the Hapans plausible deniability in case Cyrax came looking for their fleet. It was a massive gesture and would give Taric and Dalporte the advantage they needed in space with the ability to initiate a surprise attack. They had quality now, while Cyrax’s fleet still contained quantity. This was the time however. There would not be another chance after this attempt to take back Coruscant’s skies. There simply were not any other fleets available. Even mercenary networks had been drained by the conflict. With Taric in the skies and Dalporte and the Jedi on the ground, this was it.

Taric had examined the positioning of Cyrax’s fleet and they were rallied around the barely rebuilt station Sword. The station had weapons but nothing close to the fire power that it was built with. According to the limited intelligence Taric was still receiving, it was mainly a station for refuelling and stocking fighter squadrons now. However, Admiral Wam’kodo had been busy and he understood the value of the station as a central point to lead and that was why Taric assumed that his former colleague would be hold up within the station and not on a ship. Cyrax’s fleet did not have a signature ship like the Tiber or the Light Bringer. He did have a greater number of cruisers and destroyers. Taric planned on being extremely aggressive with his two bigger ships to gain an advantage and cut through Cyrax’s fleet. The time was drawing close.

***

Imperial Centre – Coruscant

An advisor walked through the halls of the Imperial offices and found Cyrax and Lorn Nyeb studying data-pads and holo-vids. “Masters. The Imperial Fleet has been located on the outskirts of Consortium space.”
“Our intelligence was pointing to this already, but fine. So what?” Nyeb responded.
“The Hapans have joined them and they are not there anymore Lord Cyrax.”

Cyrax looked up at the advisor and waved the Twi’lek away. He looked at Nyeb and said “It’s time. Rally everyone and everything. The Jedi are coming.”
“Yes my Lord. We will not fail.” Nyeb reassured him. However, his master seemed to be pondering something else. “What else do you feel?”
“Did you feel it? Did you feel the disturbance in the Force?” Cyrax asked in response.
“Yes, Nephros. He will probably return and when he does, we will crush him.”
“It was Nephros but it was different somehow. I believe there is another element being added to this battle. Your former apprentice has something to do with it.”
“What about Vikka? Nyeb asked.
“She must have brought him back. Your Vikka sought him out and brought him back to Coruscant.”
“Nephros is becoming a Jedi?”
“No. The Dark Side is still with him, but there is something else. Elusive. In the future.” Cyrax looked away and then returned to Nyeb. “You must kill your apprentice Nyeb. She must not be allowed to live beyond this battle.”
“Why Cyrax?”
Cyrax looked on Nyeb with great anger. “Do what I say and do not question me! I do not have to explain every little thing to you right now. Not yet. Just kill the schutta and her lover.”
“Lover?” Nyeb said aloud. “How do you know?”

Cyrax had already left the room with Nyeb remaining to think about what had just been said. The Dark Side crystal had given his master powerful insight and clear vision. Vikka had given herself to Nephros. Nyeb questioned the fallout of such an action. Would the Jedi receive her back into their Order? Was Nephros becoming a Jedi? The future became much more clouded, however, a divided Nephros was a good thing. If the Sith Lord was feeling a conflict within him, it could weaken his power over the Dark Side. Cyrax still seemed to be concerned with something else that Nyeb could not place.

Regardless, Nyeb had to make preparations. He had to rally the remaining fallen Jedi Knights and organize a defensive perimeter around Imperial Centre. Mobile droid tanks had been positioned around the building already which would make any head on attack by the CSF and Jedi difficult. The Jedi would have to use fighter craft or heavy transports to gain a foot hold and Nyeb was certain that they had neither on the planet. Stealth and subterfuge would not help either as Nyeb had planted droid battalions at every entrance into the area. There would be no repeat performance of what had happened during the escape of Fleet Admiral Dalporte.

Nyeb was confident that he and Cyrax were on the cusp of greatness. Something was telling him that he would not die on this world. Nyeb had foreseen it. Now what had Cyrax seen about Vikka and Darth Nephros that made him so concerned?

***

Hidden CSF and Jedi bunker – Works District - Coruscant

Vikka landed the Ulik with little issue as the ship’s forged signature ID still worked. The CSF’s mock hanger bay was full of activity as the CSF was preparing for the attack on Imperial Centre. She noticed that there were droid fighters among the CSF vehicles. Each one had circuit boards hanging from it which made Vikka guess that they were being reprogrammed to fight for the CSF. She had read reports while in hyperspace that Trip had led a team that found a bunker of these fighters close by. It was only a matter of gaining access and slicing the computer that controlled the droids. A wonderful mission that netted them a powerful asset. Along with the remaining CSF dropships, they now had a credible air strike alternative. With the two Navies bringing many more fighters, Coruscant’s skies were about to be lighten up by fire.

Vikka walked through the hanger with little fanfare. It was not until she reached the room where Master Darius Baron and Fleet Admiral Dalporte were planning their attack that someone had noticed that she had arrived. Darius nodded his head and mouthed something to Dalporte. He came up to Vikka and looked into her eyes. She was worried that Darius would see right through her, but all he said was. “It’s good to see you Vikka. I was beginning to worry.”

“I’m fine Master Baron. Mar…I mean Nephros had already planned on taking Cyrax. We’ll have to worry about the rest though.”
“What are his plans?” He said.
“He wasn’t exactly specific. I’m sure we’ll know when Nephros plans on making an entrance.”
“Admiral Dalporte is ready. We’re waiting on these droid fighters getting reprogrammed and then the assault begins. Everyone is on alert.”
“Are you ready Master?” Vikka asked sensing something within Darius. “What’s bothering you?”
Darius looked at Vikka and smiled. “You’re perceptive Vikka. Yes there is something bothering me.”
“Is it Master Joy?”
“It is.” Darius admitted.
“I’ve seen the way you look at her.” Vikka had seen that look in Marcus’ eyes. “You’ve spent every free second you’ve had with her.”
“She’s our leader of course I’m concerned. We need her power, abilities, and leadership.” He said, dodging Vikka’s implications.
“You’ve done a great job Master Baron. Freeing Dalporte was genius and it got us the Hapan Fleet. You’re not giving yourself enough credit. Have you told her how you feel?”
“Of course not. It hasn’t even been a year since she lost her husband. I could never disrespect Master Sarro.”
“I think you’re the only man with his strength Master Baron.”
“Thank you Vikka. When she wakes perhaps I might say something. Probably not though.”
“She probably already knows Master Baron. Women can always tell.” She said with a smile.
“Did you find everything you were looking for when you met with him?” Darius changed the subject.
“More Master. Much more.”

Vikka smiled and turned away from Master Baron. She was pleased that she was not the only one looking for love during this time of war. Master Baron deserved it in her opinion. He had suffered so much. First, Darius had been a Dark Side apprentice and was redeemed into the light, which showed great perseverance and strength. Then the loss of his family when Cyrax destroyed Fondor, the loss of his master, Sella Jenner, and add onto all of that, Cyrax hunting him, at the onset of every battle. Vikka thought Darius should have a chance to be happy. If he could make Master Joy happy, well that was two birds with one stone.

Trip stood in the hallway of the barracks with Keytar. When the Wookiee saw Vikka he saluted Trip and walked away towards her. Keytar left the area in anticipation of the upcoming conversation between Trip and Vikka. She wanted to avoid it but Trip seemed determined to speak to her.

“It’s good to see you Vikka. Are you alright?”
“I’m good Trip.” She answered quickly. “You did a great job getting those droid fighters for us. I read the report, you were great.”
“Thanks. I didn’t know that report got out already.”
“I saw them on the Ulik, they were encrypted files. I suppose any slicer could see them.”
“Not just any slicer. You’re one of the best Vikka.” He said awkwardly.
“It’s easy when you have the pass code.” She smiled. “You were terrific, again.”
“Why is this so hard for us to talk the way we used to Vikka?” Trip broke down, finally revealing what he wanted to say.
“I don’t know what you want me say Trip. I’m sorry for the pain I caused you, I never wanted to hurt you.”
“How did you think running off for a Sith would make me feel?”
“I know you’re hurt Trip, but this isn’t about you.”
“Oh, I’m not hurt anymore, Vikka. I’m way past that. I’m angry now. You’re choices have been careless and…”
“This ends now Trip. Things change, people change, and I’m one of them. If you can’t accept me and you don’t want to be friends, I can understand that. I won’t have you lecture me anymore.”
“Careful Vikka, you’re starting to sound like them.” Trip watched Vikka open her door and before she went in he said, “Is he coming?”
Vikka stopped and gave Trip the most sinister of looks before saying, “Yes Trip he’s coming and he’s bringing all of hell with him.”

***

Darius sat beside Master Joy’s medical capsule. He understood it could be the last time but he could not help it. He had respected her from afar and since he had been working beside her, Darius’ feelings had evolved into something else. Vikka was correct. He still thought that it was best not to reveal his feelings for her if she ever woke up. Darius stood and put his hand on the glass. “We’re going Joy. This will probably be the final battle. I wish you were coming with us because we could use your bravery and leadership. I’m not sure what will happen but I hope to see you again. I’ve sat here for weeks praying to the Force that you would wake up because there are some things that I’ve wanted to say. Perhaps now it’s best left unsaid. Goodbye Joy and may the Force be with you.”

***

Fleet Admiral Dalporte stood on the wing of a droid fighter with Master Baron standing behind him. The Jedi stood off to the side closer to Darius while the CSF stood in formation in front of their Admiral. Dalporte gave another resounding heroic speech that made his soldiers raise their arms in unison. Their solidarity seemed lost on Vikka and Trip at that moment. They knew what had to be done but their relationship was decisively fractured now. Trip wanted to hurt Vikka with his latest criticism but it had the opposite effect. She had turned on him, and perhaps it was Nephros’ influence, perhaps not, but she would not stand for it again.

Vikka was starting to hear Marcus in her mind. They had mutually closed down their Force bond, but she could still hear his words about the Jedi trying to control her. In this case it was Trip’s sermonizing that was wearing thin. There were no more excuses for him. Vikka had done all she could to make Trip feel better and she had realized he had to mend his own heart. She could not do it for him. Vikka had given her heart to another man and she was eager to see where this would lead her. Being with Marcus had already changed her. Vikka felt different already. An insatiable hunger had awoken inside of her. She wanted to see him again, she wanted him again. Marcus was powerful, passionate, and made Vikka feel alive. It was not the Dark Side of the Force, it was love. She was certain of it.

Vikka began to organize her things in preparation for their departure. She took out a black suit that fit close to her body and she left her customary brown Jedi Robes in the closet. Vikka needed some time alone from everyone and to rest her eyes. It was time to refocus on Cyrax, Lorn Nyeb, and the dark Jedi traitors. She began to visualize the battle and saw her former master being her primary concern. As per usual, they would most likely find each other on the battle field as Nyeb’s lust for revenge had always trumped his desire to complete his missions. Vikka needed to take advantage of Nyeb’s lack of focus. She had come close to finally finishing him on the Tiber but fate it seemed had saved Lorn Nyeb again, or at least a squad of Mandalorian commandos had saved him.

Vikka then pictured Marcus and started to guess what he would do. She guessed that he would not use any subtle approaches. Marcus was going to smash through anything that stood in his way. Vikka could not help but think about the aftermath of the battle assuming they all lived through it. She and Marcus were going to have one last confrontation about their futures. Vikka was still leaning towards staying with the Jedi but she began to feel that perhaps her future did not lie with the Order. There was too many hurt feelings and Vikka did not want to have to explain her choices over and over again. If Master Joy woke up, she would no doubt try to sway her away from Marcus. Master Baron had found Marcus to be a practical solution for this upcoming battle. He had no qualms about taking advantage of Marcus’ lust for revenge.


Vikka closed her eyes and saw a small home with a lake in front of it. She had seen the picture in a holo story as a child. That was a beautiful day. She hoped that one day she could be in that vision of the future. The past had too many scars.

 

Loved your Harpan queen. Such fun!

Vikka felt different already. An insatiable hunger had awoken inside of her. She wanted to see him again, she wanted him again. Marcus was powerful, passionate, and made Vikka feel alive. It was not the Dark Side of the Force, it was love. She was certain of it.

And your descriptions of Vikka´s feelings were very well put! Simply loved this update!

 

the final battle and I hope the Jedi will defeat the Sith Cyrax

 

Ah, Darius cares for Joy I hope she recovers and can lend her wisdom and physical strength to the conflict. Hmmm, Vikka is a tangle of emotions and motivations still.

 

Thanks for reading ladies. I will have another update this weekend before I'm off for awhile.

Thank you Azure.

Yes, the final battle. Whichever way it goes, I'll try to make it good.

Yes he does, but Darius is my strong silent type of guy. The exact opposite of me.

 

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
AzureAngel2
earlybird-obi-wan

Here is the next installment. I won't be on much in the next couple of weeks as I'm spending time with my daughter. I will update in early September. Thank you so much for reading.

Chapter 26 Part 2

Cyrax fumbled the Dark Side relic in his fingers. He continued to be mesmerized by its hue and colour. He continued to question the legitimacy of the message from Darth Krayt. Regardless if he had hallucinated the vision or not, he still believed in the message. Growing an army of Force users to do his bidding and fight his wars was the only way to ensure the survival of the Dark Side of the Force. If the Jedi were victorious and reinstated the Jedi-Imperial Act with a new emperor, there would be no telling when the Dark Side of the Force would recover. Perhaps the Jedi would instill yet another New Republic. Such foolishness would doom the galaxy into complacency again.

“Finally.” Cyrax said aloud. Lorn Nyeb entered the room with a fresh black tunic and a black cape.
“Master, they’re here.” Nyeb said.
“I know Nyeb, the Jedi have arrived for their final defeat. Let us end it. Dispatch our knights and alert all stations. I will meet you on the field.”
“Very well Master. What about the battle in space?”
“Wam’kodo has been on alert for days now. Have no fear Nyeb, you will die today or live to see tomorrow. Either way, do not forget your training and your betrayal.” Cyrax rose from his seat and latched his lightsabre onto his belt. He turned back to Nyeb. “Commit to the Dark Side and you will destroy your enemies. Feel the destructive power around you, the dark taint in the Force. It is in you, in me, and in Nephros. He is coming.”
“Do you fear him Master?”
“We all should Nyeb. However, he is mine. My new powers are the only thing that can stop that beast. Nephros wants the mantle of Dark Lord of the Sith. He will have to destroy me in the eye of the storm if he wants it.”

***

“All right everyone, this is it!” Taric Raywood barked out. “It’s time to take back our home and rid ourselves of these traitors. Everyone let’s pull out of hyperspace in three, two, one. Now! Forward shields up.”
“Sir, all ships are out of hyperspace and properly shielded.” An operator warned his Admiral.
“Blow them all to hell, fire everything at the Sword.”

The Imperial Navy, led by the Star Destroyer Light Bringer fired a barrage of turbo laser fire and ion blasts at Wam’kodo’s fleet. Coruscant’s orbit was lit up again by red and green streaks of light. The results were explosions of fire and debris flying everywhere again. Taric waited nervously for the eventual response because he knew Sword would fire its own selection of weapons at them and at his particular ship. No sooner had he thought of it, the response came back quickly and heavily but not how he expected it. Taric watched as he lost a number of smaller frigates and even a destroyer. Wam’kodo was thinning the Imperial Fleet out before he feasted on the larger dreadnaughts.

“Launch all fighter squadrons.” Taric demanded.

Taric’s holo-display looked as if it had been infested by little green insects as he watched his fighters engulf Cyrax’s navy. Taric had instructed his pilots to attack the hanger bays and the shield generators on Wam’kodo’s ships. Limiting their response in any way could help Taric’s pilots win the day. However, getting fighters in that close would open them up to turbo laser fire. Taric felt the risk to his fighters was worth the reward of reducing Wam’kodo’s numbers. This was going to be a battle of attrition and tactics. Thankfully for Taric he had replenished his numbers, but he was facing the best naval tactician in the galaxy.

“Bring Light Bringer to the fore and let’s take those three smaller destroyers down with the port side batteries” Taric commanded.

The Light Bringer veered to starboard while the port side cannons unloaded hundreds of shells in a few seconds on three Blood Rock light destroyers. Two of the mercenary ships exploded within a few seconds of the devastating blasts while the third had a hole in it that practically rendered the ship useless. Though the Light Bringer was a heavy dreadnaught, Taric had no problems using it basically as a battling ram. The Imperial Navy’s smaller ships could now punch through Wam’kodo’s line and start picking off smaller ships.

Taric had noticed that his counterpart had taken the opposite approach and had concentrated all of their fire power on Taric’s other dreadnaught, the Tenel Ka Djo. He quickly commed two ships to support the dreadnaught in hopes of keeping his other spear point available to him. His strategy was to flank Wam’kodo’s forces on the left and force them into a weakened mass of damaged and confused ships. The two dreadnaughts under Taric’s command were essential to his plan. The Light Bringer and the Tenel Ka Djo would in theory bookend Wam’kodo’s forces and devastate their enemy in the middle.

The charge was limited as the battle station Sword devastated numerous ships. One of Taric’s captains had other plans as he had his ship evacuated and set the ship to fire all remaining weapons at Swords stabilizers. The blasts were effective enough that Wam’kodo feared the tactic would work. Ships were repositioned to protect the critical areas which left a hole in Wam’kodo’s left side defences. In its final act of boldness the wayward ship slammed into the southern stabilizer array and suddenly Sword began to tilt. The massive station was becoming uneven as only the northern stabilizers were holding it in orbit.

Ships and fighters began fleeing the station and many were picked off and destroyed by the Imperial Fleet. The fleeing ships were unorganized and were not aware of the enemy’s positions. It was a major victory for Taric and he continued to press his advantage on Wam’kodo’s left flank.

***

“Where am I?”
“Welcome to the other side sister.”
“Sister? Erin?”
“No, Erin is gone. I am Darth Erebus, Dark Mistress of the Sith.”
“I refuse to believe that. I loved my sister then and I still love her now.”
“Oh Joy, you were always so naive and blind. Haven’t you learned yet? You cannot light the darkness for long. Sooner or later the night eventually brings the darkness with it.”
“You can never give in, you can’t believe the Dark Side would have brought peace Erin. I did what I thought was right.”
“You did what father told you to do. He drove it into your mind every day. The Dark Side is evil. In believing it, you and our righteous father sentenced so many to death and so many others to rot in prisons when they did nothing.”
“Father was looking into the future, we avoided another rise of the Sith for decades. We made peace.”
“Did you? Was locking up young adults worth your peace? Does your conscious let you sleep at night? Father wanted to destroy me.”
“Never. Our father loved us.”
“No sweet Joy, he loved you. He saw all that was good in you and invested himself in your training. He detested me because he saw an uncertain future in me. He feared it. He was going to give me up to the Empire. Only by the grace of our mother did I live long enough to escape my fate at father’s hands.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“I hope that whatever hell holds his soul will make his afterlife unbearable forever.”
“He was protecting us all from exactly what has happened.”
“What did you expect Joy? Someone would have started a revolution. I told you, you cannot hold back the Dark Side forever. Like the Jedi, the Sith will never lay dormant forever.”
“Would you have tried to kill me Erin?”
“I would have told you to leave Joy.”
“I would have refused.”
“Then I would have had you destroyed.”
“You would have killed our family? What about your daughter?”
“She died knowing the risks. Nephros is a monster. I saw the danger in his training, I ignored it and paid the ultimate price.”
“I want to make sure no one else has to pay that price. Wait, how are we even speaking like this Erin. Did you come back to the light?”
“Are we even speaking Joy?”

Master Joy’s eyes opened and all she could see was a black sheet with a white dot. She closed her eyes and refocused. When she opened them again, she saw that the black sheet was actually a grey ceiling and the white dot was a lighting fixture. Joy sat up and swung her feet over the side of the bed. A droid came to greet her along with a female Twi’lek nurse and a Bith physician. “Where are the Jedi?” Joy asked.
“They’re gone Master Jedi. They’ve gone to war.”
“I need a comm please.”
“We have to check your vitals Master Jedi. You’ve been unconscious in a coma for a more than a standard month.” The Bith physician replied.
“It’s been a month?” Joy paused with thoughts of Cyrax and Nephros. “What happened at Fobosi?”

The Bith Physician gave Joy a data-pad and explained that Master Darius Baron had given it to him to give to Joy in case she woke up and he was not present to give it to her himself. “Some privacy please.” Joy asked softly.

The Bith and Twi’lek left Joy alone and she activated the data-pad. A holo-image of Darius came to life. “Master Joy, if you’re seeing this then I am very happy that you have awakened from your coma. It also means that we have left you to fight Cyrax for what I think will be our last credible push against his reign. If we fall here. It will be sometime before the Jedi Order can re-establish itself again. I thank the Force that you are still alive to lead the new generation back. May the Force be with you Joy.”

The recording ended and Joy sensed another presence close by “You can come out now.”
“I’m sorry Master Jedi.” The Twi’lek nurse came back into the medical unit. “Master Baron is such a wonderful man. He’s humble, thoughtful, and so caring. He stayed…”
“You know him well?” Joy asked with some surprise in her voice. “You seem to have a little crush.”
“Oh no Master Jedi, I just meant that he’s um...I’m sorry, I’m speaking out of turn.”
“No please it’s alright. He is a good man. You said he stayed. Stayed with where?”
“With you Master Jedi. We spoke often as he sat by your side. He was always here with you when he wasn’t in briefings.”
“Please, call me Joy and thank you for that.”
“He cares for you.” The Twi’lek said while checking Joy’s vitals with a scanner.
“I thought I heard him while I was unconscious. It was the oddest thing. I was present, but I wasn’t. Strange.”
“The Force works in strange ways.”
“I can sense your connection. What is your name?”
“Nima, Master Joy. It means gift. I know of my connection. I think I use it when I’m with my patients. I can feel something when I’m in the moment and fighting for someone’s life. It’s my part to help.”
“Well thank you for your gift Nima.”
“What gift?”
“Information.”

Joy tried to stand but her legs buckled under her. She feared that she was suffering from some atrophy. Nima helped Joy back up onto the bed. “You need rest Master Joy.”

“No, I need to help them.”
“That’s not going to happen Master Jedi.” The Bith physician said as he arrived. “Your injuries are severe and your body won’t be any good in battle. You must rest.”
Joy sat quietly as she held onto Nima’s arm. She had to help Darius and the Jedi this time. This was the end game and Joy had to be a part of the solution. “May I go to a private room?”

“Only if you intend to rest Master Jedi.” The physician said.
“I’ll watch her.” Nima said with a smile.
“Thank You.” Joy replied.

Nima helped Joy to a private room where the Jedi Grand Master got off the hovering bed and sat on the floor. She crossed her legs and closed her eyes. If Joy could not help her Jedi with a lightsabre, then she would help them with the Force the only way she knew how. Battle Meditation was a Force power that was seldom used, but Joy had always kept up the practice. It was a power that Joy felt was her duty to master. Producing a synergy between the Jedi would give them a boost in a large scale conflict such as this. It would also allow her to keep tabs on the battle through the eyes of her Jedi. It seemed appropriate as Darius had watched over her. Joy wanted to protect him, she wanted to protect them all.

“What are you doing?” Master Joy, you can’t possibly…”
“Please Nima. I have to help the Jedi. I will be doing so from here. It’s called Battle Meditation. I can support them with the Force.”
“Are you strong enough for something like this?”
“The Force will sustain me Nima. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll make sure no one disturbs you Master Joy.” Nima said with a smile and wink.
“Thank you.” Joy responded with a smile of her own.
“Take care of Darius please. I would hate to think that he didn’t get to see you again.”
“Of course.”

***

Imperial Square

On a normal day Imperial Square would be full of citizens, various food and knick-knack vendors, and very limited security. Tonight, under a sky that looked like it was on fire, there were two standing armies ready to face one another for the fate of the planet. The quiet was unsettling as neither force had used their aerial assets yet. Darius Baron stood on the front line as did Lorn Nyeb on the other side of the battle field. Each man had their Force wielding warriors behind them. Darius and the Jedi had been buoyed by the emergence of an underground resistance force that formed in the weeks that Coruscant had been occupied. They had ran quick strike missions simply to thin the numbers of Cyrax’s droids.

The overhead battle raging in space could not be seen or heard but Fleet Admiral Dalporte had been getting regular updates from Admiral Taric Raywood. Dalporte had taken up command from a large armoured personnel carrier that patrolled the back line of his forces. There were ten soldiers inside of it, plus Dalporte. So far Taric had reported that he was making progress and advancing on Cyrax’s fleet. The assistance of the Hapan Consortium was vital to the slim advantage Admiral Raywood had earned in space. Dalporte was hopeful that his side would carry the day as two unforeseen assets had come to Coruscant’s aide. All that remained were two Lords of the Sith and the dozens of Dark Jedi. The Jedi Order stood tall as well. Master Baron, Vikka, Trip, and the Keytar had proven to be formidable warriors. It was cause to be hopeful. Yes, Dalporte was hopeful.

Darius looked over at Nyeb and noticed the absence of his former master. Cyrax may have been holding something in reserve for them. There was also something else that he was sensing through the Force. A feeling of calm and assurance came over Darius and the rest of the Jedi Knights. He sensed a presence that warmed his heart and steadied his will. Darius was certain that Master Joy was alive. He wanted to comm the base but he knew his current circumstances would not allow it. However, simply knowing that Joy was awake and apart of the battle made Darius confident. Vikka looked over at Darius with a knowing smile. Vikka felt Joy’s presence as well.

Darius looked over at Vikka, Trip, and Keytar and smiled. “My friends, shall we save the galaxy again?”

“Absolutely.” Trip replied.
“Till the end.” Vikka brought her lightsabre up saying the words that Master Joy had used at the Fobosi battle.
“Till the end.” Darius and Keytar said as they brought their own sabres up.

Finally Trip brought his lightsabre to meet the ones of his comrades. “Till the end.” He said as they would all need each other now more than ever.

***

Cyrax watched his monitors as the Jedi, led by his former apprentice Darius Baron, stood against his ground troops. Lorn Nyeb was a capable field general and should have the advantage over Baron. However, Cyrax had felt a disturbance from both sides of the Force. The Light Side had seemed to be buoyed on this day and the Dark Side was also sending heavy currents through the Force. Cyrax knew who was responsible for that and he fully expected Darth Nephros to enter this battle in some capacity. He knew that Nephros would not stay hidden for very long. If the ripples in the Force were any indication, then Nephros was coming and more powerful than ever.

Cyrax did not fear the Sith Lord because he had the ultimate equalizer. The Sith artifact that he had dubbed the Exar Stone would be Nephros’ undoing. He named it after the ancient Sith Lord Exar Kun who wielded amulets of great power. In Cyrax’s mind, this ancient weapon was the same one that he would use, as Kun did, to bring the galaxy to its knees. Nephros’ raw Force powers were considerable and Cyrax understood that he would most likely not be able to defeat him head to head.

Cyrax gathered his things, turned off the screens in the room, and took the Exar Stone into his hand. He glanced at it one more time and concentrated on the darkness within it. Cyrax could have sworn that he heard something emanate from within it. He began to have visions of fire and Darth Nephros. If he won or lost, Cyrax knew this day would redefine the galaxy.

Cyrax took a lift to the roof of the CSF headquarters and looked out over Imperial Square. This vantage point allowed him to see everything. The smouldering Imperial Palace which he ordered destroyed at the onset of the battle two months ago still produced plumes of smoke. The Jedi Temple in the distance did the same. Cyrax took the bleak and dark weather as a positive sign of darkness eclipsing the light. His rule was destined to happen, his rule was the will of the Force, and Cyrax would not squander this opportunity. He felt that he was born for this.

With a Force enhanced leap, Cyrax fell down twenty floors and landed just behind his armies. The force of the impact made a loud thud and raised a cloud of dust which indicated that it was the sound of duracrete being pulverized under his feet. As if strolling through palatial gardens, Cyrax came beside his apprentice Lorn Nyeb and said something into his ear. The pair began to walk towards the Jedi front line and Cyrax motioned to Darius Baron to do the same with a wave of his hand.

Across the field Darius received the message and turned off his lightsabre and he made his way to meet Cyrax and Nyeb. He motioned to Vikka, Trip, and Keytar to follow and he instructed them to also extinguish their lightsabres. Darius knew that nothing would get resolved by this meeting. He fully expected to be threatened and bullied by his former master. He assumed that Cyrax knew the Jedi would not surrender either. Darius had a simple reason to accommodate Cyrax with this meeting in the field. He wanted to measure his master’s confidence and if his artifact was emanating the same amount of power that it was during their first confrontation. He could still recall Master Joy lying on the ground and being defeated by Cyrax and his amulet.

“Darius,” Cyrax opened. “How many times must we do this dance my apprentice.”
“This will be the last time Master.” Darius responded. “One of us will fall today, the Force has foreseen it.”
“Tell your men to surrender. I will take in the CSF soldiers into Coruscant’s new military. I will take in the Jedi that convert to my League of the Force.”
“That’s cute, is that what you call yourselves now?” Trip said sarcastically.
“Careful Jedi, or I will come for you first.” Cyrax warned. “Darius, you know that you cannot win tonight. Your fleet has been met and stayed. Even with the betrayal of the Hapan Queen. Surrender now.”
“No.” Darius said defiantly as he had had enough of Cyrax’s talk. “Defend yourself Master!”

Tired of the threats and tired of the way the Jedi had been manipulated, Darius ignited his lightsabre and raised it above his head. Cyrax, Lorn Nyeb, and the Jedi did the same. Vikka led Trip and Keytar right at Cyrax and Lorn Nyeb. She wanted to fight Nyeb but Keytar and Trip engaged him and Darius had obviously charged Cyrax. There was no room for personal vendettas in this battle, it was all about survival and living through the night to see a better future.

Cyrax’s newly minted League of the Force followed their leaders into battle and the Jedi did the same. Lightsabres lit up the field as the different colours moved in every direction and smashed against one another over and over again. Every so often a blade would extinguish as its wielder had fallen in the battle. The fallen Jedi fighting their former colleagues made for strange interactions as friends had become foes and loving siblings had become rivals. Cyrax’s change in ideology had brought about the most destructive conflict in the past three hundred years and these Jedi were his pawns and puppets as the Jedi Order had torn itself apart.

***

Both armies started their charge and entrenched themselves in strategic positions. Cyrax’s droid fighters and TIE fighters flew overhead along with the CSF’s dropships and manned fighters, in what became the aerial fight over the surface of the planet. Both sides were fully engaged with one another. Blood Rock mercenaries led the droids and what was left of the CSF soldiers led the Coruscanti resistance warriors.

From inside of his mobile command centre. Dalporte called the droid fighters that Trip and the Jedi had stolen for the CSF into the battle. There was a tactical advantage now that the Fleet Admiral could exploit. He could either use the droids as decoys, or sacrifice them by using them as projectiles after their weapons had been exhausted. His troops had also begun to use civilian speeders that were fitted with makeshift armour and weapons. This gave them manoeuverability against the battle droids on the field. They were crude but helpful vehicles. There was nothing that the CSF could leave behind. If an idea was deemed helpful in anyway, it was used.

 

Nice to see Joy awake. I hope she can help the Jedi to win this final battle

 

Super duper action and yay about Joy! Love and applaud the resolve in the Jedi ranks.

 

Battle Meditation was a Force power that was seldom used, but Joy had always kept up the practice. It was a power that Joy felt was her duty to master. Producing a synergy between the Jedi would give them a boost in a large scale conflict such as this. It would also allow her to keep tabs on the battle through the eyes of her Jedi. It seemed appropriate as Darius had watched over her. Joy wanted to protect him, she wanted to protect them all.

Nice that you have somebody using this rare Force power.

The rest of the update also swept me away!

 

She'll definetely be a boost early.

They'll need that resolve Nyota. It's about to get hairy.

I've always thought that Battle Meditation was an awesome use of the Force. I couldn't resist the use of it with my Grand Master.

Thanks for reading ladies. I'll have an update this week.