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

AzureAngel2
earlybird-obi-wan
WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

Good writing week, here is the next part. Again, Thanks for reading.

Chapter 22 Part 3

*** Four Standard Weeks Later

Life seemed to be standing still within the Furious Rancor since the Dark Lord was brought aboard for treatment. A purple and blue haze materialized from the darkness. A faint dull sounding chant like noise began to occur, and the haze started to encircle the medical capsule. The body beneath the blanket moved ever so slightly as the inexplicable energy came closer to engulfing it. From that slightest of movements, a finger moved. Next the fingers clenched into a fist, then the fist slammed the capsule, and then the Dark Lord of the Sith rose from his slumber while the mist disappeared.

Darth Nephros roared like a monster as he awoke to a dark room that was only illuminated by small lights from the machines that had been keeping him alive. The Dark Side, the need for vengeance, and the hate that had festered within his heart had awoken him. It had all brought him back. The physical pain from the wounds that Nephros had suffered were not a hindrance, they were a reminder of the cost of failure. Images flashed across his eyes. He saw Cyrax, Lorn Nyeb, the Jedi, and Nephros saw her. He had destroyed a crucial element to Cyrax’s plan and had almost defeated the Jedi Grand Master, but he was caught by surprise by the Sword of the Jedi, Darius Baron.

Thoughts of Vikka then invaded Nephros’ mind. He recalled that she had attempted to save him, or had she? Nephros wondered whether she had tried to help him or distract him so that the Jedi Master could land a killing blow. He dismissed the thought though. Vikka showed an incredible inner strength by helping him in front of the Jedi Order. Perhaps there was something there to nurture and pursue. Perhaps. As much as Nephros was determined to re-enter the fray and destroy Cyrax and the Jedi for their treachery, he could not stop thinking about Vikka. Did he love her, or did she represent a past that he still held on to? No, he had fallen for her. Her strength and her belief in him made her irresistible. She saw his darkest acts, she saw everything sinister within him, and there was not anything about him that she could not relate to. He wanted to see her.

Darth Nephros felt a dark presence and the mist returned to the medical bay. The haze encircled him and he was suddenly lifted off of the table only to be dropped onto the floor. Nephros began to experience a constant intense pain in his chest. It felt as if the building pressure was going to cause his heart to jump out of his chest. Unintelligible whispers could be heard and Nephros became disoriented and confused as he lay on the floor in only modest wraps. His wounds were still dressed with patches made of bacta and kolto. There was still pain originating from the wound that Darius had inflicted on him. As such, Nephros was in no condition to defend himself from this presence. He started to bleed again.

This mist rose and this time it started to penetrate Nephros and consume him. The strangest feeling had come over him. He felt that his power was weakened significantly. Nephros looked within himself and felt that the Dark Side of the Force was only whispering to him now. It was not raging and burning him up from the inside. He had become deafened to it. Suddenly the mist had a presence associated with it that Nephros recognized. Tulak Hord had taken his abilities from him.

The mist had formed a face that Nephros remembered all too well. The ancient Sith Lord Tulak Hord had revealed himself after so much had happened. Nephros suspected that the spectre had come to reprimand him for his failures. The phantasm kept his apprentice in the air and began to choke the life out of Nephros. The power and darkness of the Dark Side surrounded Nephros like never before and he attempted to call the Dark Side to him so he could fight back. He was powerless. Finally the invisible grip released him and the mist dissipated. Sounds started to emanate from the dark corners of the room again.

“Miscreant.” The apparition said. “Foolish boy.”
“Hord,” Nephros began to say before he was struck by forks of purple Force Lightning.
“You will address me as ‘Master.’ You have failed, and worse you have allowed the Jedi to live. Your descent into darkness was supposed to make you powerful enough to engage and destroy the Jedi and all pretenders. I have seen you grow weak Nephros. You are weary and lost.”
“I know Master. Remnants of my past have forsaken me. Why have you taken my power? My connection to the Force has been muted.”
“The legacy of the Sith is to destroy the Jedi and endure with the strongest of our kind. There is another that is proving himself worthy of the mantle of Sith. He even carries a Dark Side relic from the past. A weapon that can only be destroyed with the Force.” Hord said.
“No master, he is a false god and a pretender.” Nephros replied. “Let me show you that your investment in me has not been in vain.”
“Your connection to the Jedi woman makes you weak.”
“The Force has brought us together, I am still uncertain of her part.” Nephros understood that he needed to speak these half-truths so he could survive this encounter. He became angered by the Hord’s words and he suddenly wanted to take on his own master.
“She would be a powerful ally Lord Nephros. Bring her before me, and her transformation will be an inevitability.
“She will not turn Master, I am certain of that much.”
“Are you? I will correct your mistakes, and show you how far you are from being a true Sith.”

Nephros collected himself from off the ground, and checked his wounds for damage. The damning words from Hord still rang in his mind. The ancient Sith had somehow eradicated his connection to the Force and Hord believed that Vikka would be a powerful Sith. Nephros knew that she would never turn though. She had dark thoughts and her actions straddled the line of the Force, but she would never forsake the Jedi to become a Sith. It did seem however, that Vikka wanted to pursue her feelings for him judging by her actions at the Fobosi Medical Centre. The ancient Dark Lord had warned Nephros that any relationship with Vikka would be suicidal, but Nephros continued to be captivated by her. He may have even fallen in love with her. For the first time since he was a child, Nephros felt confusion and worst of all, fear. Fear and love.

After a sani-steam Nephros put on a clean tunic and new black robes. He looked on the floor at the bloodied garments that he wore during the Fobosi attack. They reminded him that he needed to be diligent and more focused. To regain his powers and defeat his enemies, Nephros needed the Dark Side of the Force to flow freely, and without hesitation. All doubt had to be removed from his mind as to complete his self-appointed mission. However, Nephros’ plans of vengeance had just been complicated by Hord’s removal of his Force connection. He was suddenly clear on what he had to do first.

Nephros’ encounter with Tulak Hord had shown that he was not free to make his own choices. This situation went totally against his reasoning for even becoming a Sith Lord, and embracing the Dark Side of the Force. Nephros refused to believe that he was tied to any being, and if his movements were shackled, that was a sign of failure in his eyes. Nephros was not a failure, he was no one’s errand boy, and he believed that he would die to defend that belief. He was at a precipice, and he had to free himself from any and all restraints. He also needed to understand what Cyrax’s new weapon was. Sith relics were devastatingly powerful and from what he could recall from his studies, Exar Kun had amulets that surged with mythic power and they almost won him a war against the Jedi.

Nephros needed to go to Korriban, face his ancient master, and destroy him. Leaving Coruscant now was a difficult decision, but he needed to free himself, gain more knowledge, and most of all restore his power. Leaving Vikka behind was also lingering on Nephros’ mind and the thought of her dying while he was gone pained him. Nevertheless, he was doing this for himself and in some ways for her as well. If they were ever to have a chance to be together, Cyrax had to be defeated. Even then, Nephros had doubts begin to creep into his mind. Perhaps the Jedi could defeat Cyrax but Vikka was his main concern. Against either the Jedi or Cyrax, Nephros had to free himself of Tulak Hord’s manipulations. Nephros would return to destroy either survivor, he swore it.

The Furious Rancor’s twin ion engines ignited and brought the ship above the Coruscanti skyline. Plumes of smoke rose from all the damage that had been incurred to the surface and Nephros could not help but think about Vikka. Their bond was closed and he hoped to at least find that she had survived the Fobosi site attacks. He had realized that weeks had passed while he was recovering from his wounds and injuries. Perhaps Vikka thought him dead. Nephros hoped she had survived.

When the ship exited the atmosphere and entered space cloaked from scanners, Nephros saw a different scene in orbit. When he had arrived to Coruscant there was a raging battle, now all was quiet. Debris fields hung as a reminder of the battle like a graveyard of vessels. Most noticeable was the massive debris field where the Super Star Destroyer Tiber, and the orbital battle station Shield had collided. All that was left of the Tiber and Shield were lifeless husks left aflame from the massive collision and the subsequent explosions. The other orbital stations Sword and the Hanger were decimated from the battle, but Cyrax already had teams rebuilding them as he understood their strategic importance to the planet’s defence systems.

Nephros took the Rancor into hyperspace and quickly accessed Darth Erebus’ information network to show his informants that he was still operating. Of course they did not know who they were working for, however they understood they still needed to provide accurate intelligence information. Nephros needed to understand the full extent of how much of a grip Cyrax had on the planet in the weeks that he was unconscious. What he found was that Cyrax had moved quickly in securing the planet itself and that pockets of some resistance had been dealt with severely. Lorn Nyeb had led the assaults with his twisted Jedi, Dark Jedi. “Fools.” Nephros said to himself.

Cyrax had used the politicians that he owned to rally support to his cause within the Senate ranks. The building itself was damaged, but the government communicated via the holo-net and to no one’s surprise there was little opposition from the senators that were against Cyrax. He had publically condemned and then executed a number of the senators that had done rejected hi coup. With senators falling in line with his regime; it meant that the systems they represented had also done so. Cyrax still had the biggest fleet in the galaxy, and the Hapans and Corellians struck individual treaties to keep their navies for protection only. The core systems had acknowledged Cyrax as the new Emperor and that was all he needed immediately. With the core system’s resources he could rebuild his military and then launch campaigns to acquire control of the mid and outer rims systems that he felt were necessary.


There was no mention of the Jedi in Nephros’ reports which meant that Vikka had gone into hiding with the remnants of her Order as he could still feel her presence in the Force. Lorn Nyeb had not found any Jedi since Coruscant had fallen, however, he had not begun to search the planet’s lower levels. If the Jedi were hiding in the planet’s seedier levels and there was no searches for them being conducted, it meant that Cyrax and Nyeb were not prepared to deal with Coruscant’s criminal underground yet. However, it was clear that the new Emperor had every intention of eliminating all that opposed him, Jedi or otherwise.

 

“She would be a powerful ally Lord Nephros. Bring her before me, and her transformation will be an inevitability.
“She will not turn Master, I am certain of that much.”
“Are you? I will correct your mistakes, and show you how far you are from being a true Sith.”

Always this ally thing with sith. I hope Nephros will realize the madness of that plan. Before it is too late for Vikka to survive!

 

Yikes, the turmoil and conflict Nephros is undergoing about Vikka. Crucial actions and decisions lie ahead.

 

Nephros and Vikka; I hope Nephros will see that the Jedi path is the right one

 

I'm not going to lie, I thought that was pretty cliche when I wrote it, but I needed an out for Nephros who believe's he's become weak.

Yes, decisions are coming and it gets a lot more interesting...

We'll see early.

I'll have another part up this weekend. Thank you as always Ladies.

 

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
AzureAngel2
earlybird-obi-wan

Here is the next part. Enjoy. Calm before the storm.

Chapter 23 Part 1 – Hidden CSF and Jedi bunker – The Works District - Coruscant

Darius Baron sat alongside the medical capsule that held his dear friend and mentor. Master Joy had not moved or made a sound since the remaining CSF troops and Jedi had fallen back to their hidden bunker that doubled as a water treatment facility in the Works District. A remaining Jedi healer and a CSF field surgeon had put Master Joy in a medically induced coma. The battles with the two Lords of the Sith had exhausted Joy, broken two of her ribs, broken her right clavicle, and she had suffered serious burns to her abdomen where Cyrax had stabbed her. Joy’s situation was critical as was the position of their resistance against Cyrax.

In the weeks after the battle at the Fobosi Medical Centre, Darius was nominated by the Jedi to take over as Grand Master. It was a position that he took with a heavy heart and great reluctance as he hoped that Joy would recover to take her rightful place. Sadly, there was no way to know if or when she would ever wake up. Furthermore, even if she did awaken, there was still the question of her condition and ability to lead. She had not improved as much as the medical staff thought she would in the past three weeks. Darius could sense her presence in the Force but not much else.

Knights Trip Vrand and the Wookiee Keytar had become Darius’ lieutenants. They had shown good judgement, and bravery during the invasion. More importantly, he felt he could trust them. Conversely, Knight Gratua was having difficulty regaining the trust of her Jedi companions and the CSF troops. Her decision to help Darth Nephros escape after he was struck by Darius, had widened the rift further between herself and Trip. At times Trip had ignored Vikka for three weeks and when he did speak to her, he scolded Vikka with lectures, and he patronized her relentlessly. Out of some sense of remorse, she did not fight back. However, she had not apologized for her actions either. Vikka reinforced her position that she felt Nephros still had a part to play in future events.

The Jedi and CSF’s position was not ideal but as long as they all remained hidden there was still room to maneuver on Coruscant. Darius had dispatched scouting parties to assess the situation on the planet. He and Trip, led the teams that were made up of Jedi and CSF troops. What they found was tight security and a surprising number of CSF officers turning over to Cyrax’s rule. Senators had implored the remaining CSF officers to follow Cyrax’s regime and enforce the law as always. Many agreed as they were beings with families that needed to survive. The new emperor had gone on the holo-net again and assured citizens that if they did not resist, life would return to normal. The only difference would be simply that their taxes would go to a new government.

However, as citizens began to fall in-line, Cyrax’s makeshift security forces enforced strict curfews and limited movement within the city centres. Thousands of fresh battle droids swept the surface to maintain order. The sky lanes above Coruscant were sparsely travelled now as only essential travel was authorized. Food and water sources were now under Cyrax’s control and he rationed supplies accordingly to every citizen that stepped forward and declared allegiance to him. Even those citizens that were more affluent found little use for their wealth unless they did not turn over most of it to the new regime. Cyrax of course told his citizens that these measures were only temporary until his new government could impose new regulations.

From Darius’ scouting missions he learned that small pockets of resistance fighters had emerged and were hidden all over the planet. The acting Grand Master did not attempt to recruit these groups straight away as he feared that Cyrax could have planted spies within them to find the Jedi and the CSF. The Jedi Order were branded traitors to the new regime and some of Darius’ men that had been caught were executed onsite and in public. The Jedi were being painted as a disgrace in the public and now that Cyrax had destroyed the Jedi-Imperial Act, Force users came forward to him. They thought him a defender of their rights and a liberator. Cyrax had declared that he would open an academy for those Force users that would serve him. He used no titles of Jedi or Sith, he simply called it the League of the Force. From what Darius could tell, the Jedi Knights among his group remained loyal to Master Joy and to him. Those Jedi that had defected to Cyrax’s group of fallen knights remained and were given teaching positions with the League of the Force’s new academy.

Darius had few resources off planet and the highest ranking CSF officer he had with him was a Field Captain. Fleet Admiral Dalporte was being held as a traitor and he was set to be executed by the new regime. Higher ranking CSF officers could rally more of the groups on Coruscant and more importantly help Darius verify if they were trustworthy. Someone like Dalporte could make connections with the Imperial Fleet that had fled Coruscant and possibly rally the Hapans and the Corellians. Even though these scenarios were all hypothetical, they were the only plans that Darius, Trip, and Keytar thought could work to save the planet.

Darius’ scouts had found that the Imperial Detention Centre had remained intact and Cyrax was using it. A plan started to take shape amongst Darius, Trip, and Keytar to free Dalporte and any other political prisoners. It would alert Cyrax to their presence, but having the Fleet Admiral would rally many beings against Cyrax, and give them a much needed victory for everyone’s morale. Darius understood that they needed to work in the shadows to achieve their goal and rescue the Admiral. Cyrax wouldn’t think that the Jedi would attempt something so brazen given their position, but it was just crazy enough that it might work.

Darius had wanted to lead the mission himself, but after discussing it with Trip and Keytar, they felt that he should remain behind in the event anything went wrong with the mission. Darius was the only one to bring up using Vikka in the conversation, as he knew that her ability would be invaluable on a mission such as this one.

“Absolutely not Master Baron.” Trip said with an angry tone.
“Master Trip, despite what you may think, Vikka is an invaluable member of the Jedi Order. I realize you have been hurt because of her choices but you are putting yourself in front of the safety of the entire galaxy!” Darius said with an obvious edge in his voice.
“Her recent actions only show that we can’t trust her judgement. What if Nephros returns and she goes and joins him?”
“If Vikka was going to betray us, she would have done so three weeks ago at the Fobosi battle.”
“Master Baron is right Trip.” Keytar offered. “I don’t sense the Dark Side within her. I’m sorry to say that her relationship with the Sith Lord does not seem to be one of a master and an apprentice.”
“No!” Trip responded while putting his forearm to the Wookiee’s throat. “She can’t. She wouldn’t. I..I…” Trip lowered his arm and bowed his head like he had lost a battle. “I’m sorry Keytar. I’m sorry Master Baron.”
“I understand Trip.” Darius said trying to comfort Trip with a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. “Vikka is still with us, but her path is her own. You must now forge your own.”
“I know. I know.” Trip collected himself. “I won’t fail you Master Baron.”
“Collect Vikka and the CSF spec ops squad we have here and make the preparations for the mission. Gentlemen, come home safe and bring back the Admiral.”
“Yes Master.” Trip and Keytar said in unison.

Trip walked away towards the barracks leaving Keytar and Darius together. “Keytar. Keep an eye on them. We’re at too critical a point to have this plan fall apart.”
“Of course Master. Trip will be fine. He understands the stakes.”
“We can only hope Vikka does as well.”

***

Senate Building – Coruscant

A shuttle landed on an uncharacteristically empty senate landing platform. Rows of battle droid troopers led by mercenary commanders waited for the ship’s landing ramp to open. When it did, Cyrax and Lorn Nyeb walked down and passed the welcoming entourage. The Lords of the Sith were followed by their honour guard, which consisted of their fallen Jedi and their newly appointed shock troopers called, Black Company. Cyrax and Nyeb continued by the personnel that they had left to defend the senators that stayed on Coruscant after the invasion. There was one particular office that Cyrax was interested in visiting. The fact that these particular senators had stayed behind was a sign to Cyrax that they were amendable to his plans for the new galactic empire.

Cyrax strode into the Corellian senator’s main office. He bypassed the administrators and security personnel and he left Black Company outside the office to make certain that there would be no disturbances. The Corellian senator named Vonn, was a large man that had the look of experience in his eyes and the scars on his face to match. He looked over the two men that had invaded his office. Both of them had regal looks about their clothing with Cyrax the more luxurious looking of the two. His black clothes had red and purple trim in certain spots and his outfit was covered by a flowing black cape made of an expensive fabric with a metallic sheen. Nyeb was the simpler looking of the two but he also wore impressive black garments that looked of high quality and taste. Both men, the Corellian had noticed, also had an accessory that was very rare. Cyrax and Nyeb both carried lightsabres on their belts.

The Corellian senator had similar attire to that of Lorn Nyeb, simple, yet elegant, but in blues and dark greens. He rose from his desk and bowed his head to his guests. “Emperor Cyrax, welcome. How can I help you?” Senator Vonn asked.
“This is a merely an expedition for information Senator.” Cyrax replied. “I am pleased that you remained in the capital.”
“My apartment structure was not damaged in the attack my Lord. There was no need to leave.” Senator Vonn said. “It was important that I personally witnessed any regime change.”
“Why is that important Senator?” Nyeb said from behind Cyrax. “Were you making sure you could flatter the winning side?”
“I am here to make certain my people are well represented in the politics of the galaxy.” Vonn responded.
“Yes I understand that notion Senator.” Cyrax replied. “That is what I mean to understand. Where do the allegiances of your government lie? With me? The recently toppled line of emperors? Or are you classifying yourselves as independents?”
“There hasn’t been a formal announcement my Lord from the government.”
“Perhaps you can relay a message to the Corellians for me?”
“Of course my Lord.” Vonn answered Cyrax.
“With the destruction of Fondor and their orbital shipyards, the empire will need a ship supplier. I intend to ramp up military production and those contracts will be very lucrative.” Cyrax said while smiling.
“I’m sure the government will be pleased that you thought of our facilities.”
“I know they will. However Senator Vonn, do not forget to inform them that the new empire will require the Corellian fleet to guard Coruscant, immediately.” Cyrax said in a lower tone.
“The fleet is protecting our home world my Lord. Sending our modest fleet here would leave us exposed to anyone.” The Senator said with concern.
“The negotiation is over Senator.” Cyrax said. “The cost of joining me is destroying everyone else. There are rumors that the old empire has amassed their remaining ships in the Hapan Consortium. Do you have any intelligence reports that refer to this illegal action Senator?”
Nyeb handed the senator a data pad. “No, I haven’t heard anything like this My Lord.” Vonn replied.
“The once mighty Cor-Sec is not what it used to be Senator.” Nyeb said. “Or don’t they tell you anything for fear that you might reveal state secrets?”
“Now, now my apprentice. That’s enough.” Cyrax stopped Nyeb before turning to Senator Vonn. “I require the Corellian Fleet and I would appreciate regular updates from Cor-Sec to augment the few remnants of the CSF intelligence group I have. Make it happen Senator and I will make Corellia one of the richest systems in the galaxy. If you don’t however, I will send my fleet and ravage Corellia’s surface like I did to Fondor. Do you understand?”
“Of course my Lord.” Vonn replied.

As Cyrax and Nyeb were leaving the office, Nyeb stopped as he looked at a holo-image on the wall. The image was of a much younger Senator standing with a group of soldiers. One of the soldiers had caught Nyeb’s eye. He could swear that the solider was Darth Nephros. He had the same body type and the same facial features. This person wasn’t corrupted by the Dark Side in the image, but Nyeb was almost certain. “Who is this person Senator?” Nyeb asked.

“That was a Spec Ops Cor-Sec Squad I was a part of.” Vonn replied as he moved closer to the image. “Most of them died. The man you’re pointing at was Marcus Dal Colle. He was an amazing solider. A little reckless but he was effective.”

Nyeb motioned to Cyrax and now the image had caught his eye as well. Cyrax smiled at the thought of Nephros being a Cor-Sec agent gone to the Dark Side. He was even more content that Nephros was dead. Cyrax walked out of the room and started the procession back towards his shuttle. He had done what he needed to and he felt certain that the Corellians would now join their military strength to his. He cared little for a dead Sith. Now was the time that Cyrax had to solidify his power and make allies out of systems that he deemed crucial to the survival of his regime. If the remaining ships of the old empire were to return to Coruscant, he wanted to be prepared with a response that would crush his enemies quickly and decisively.


***

 

Wow, that is amazing about Nephros. And Darius - he is a stalwart defender.

 

Nephros could again turn. Corellians are quite independent.
Darius has good plans

 

Wow, I get dizzy from so much turning back and forth, but I like a thriller like story this way.

 

Darius is one of my favorite characters. It's time for him to step up.

I hope that's a good thing about the back and forth. Kisses?

I'll have something up this weekend. Thank You Ladies. You're all the best.

 

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
AzureAngel2
earlybird-obi-wan

Here is the next part. Enjoy.

Chapter 23 Part 2

Imperial Detention Centre – Coruscant

Darkest night had fallen on Coruscant and the customarily busy sky lanes were limited to essential services and military operations only. Cyrax had numerous droid patrols that controlled sky lane traffic all over the planet. The new emperor had promised the citizens of Coruscant a normal way of life as soon as possible. However, with the fugitive Jedi still a threat to his rule, Cyrax had called for an extension to the state of emergency that he had implemented when he took over the empire just weeks before.

Three beings dressed in black moved like shadows along an electrified fence outside the Imperial Detention Centre. A man, followed by a woman, and the woman followed by a Wookiee. The sight would have been an odd one except the three beings moved with Force enhanced speed. Their target was a rear entrance where prisoners were transferred in and out of the Imperial prison. It was the least guarded spot within the compound and it was also the spot that had the largest open spaces.

Trip, Keytar, and Vikka had a plan that they had formulated with Master Baron. The plot was to destroy the power conduits near the fence line that fed the building and sneak into the compound before the emergency generators became activated. The protocol for the guards will be to make sure all the prisoners are accounted for. The CSF and Jedi still had their allies within the Imperial system even though they all worked for Cyrax. A guard supervisor had told the Jedi that the prisoners on Dalporte’s cell block had scheduled refresher brakes at that hour and so Fleet Admiral Dalporte will be in transit and thus perfectly placed for an escape. The operation was to turn out the lights and start a confusion that looked as if the prisoners had initiated a riot. During the blackout the Jedi would break the Fleet Admiral out and any other CSF troops before anyone was the wiser.

Trip looked at Keytar while the Wookiee held his thumb over the trigger waiting for the sign to detonate the explosive device. Trip’s chrono hit the exact time and he made his signal to Keytar. The explosion near the fences created a massive shock wave and an orange and yellow fireball lit up the night sky. Vikka ripped opened the fence with her lightsabre and the three Jedi Knights ran across the prison’s open field to the entrance. Keytar destroyed the locks on the large durasteel double doors with his lightsabre while Trip kicked them through with a swift kick. They had to move through a few corridors before arriving to the refresher area.

The ruckus had already begun with the CSF prisoners turning on their droid guards. Guards that were loyal to the Imperial immediately realized what was happening when they saw the Jedi and they began to help with the escape. After a few corridors were cleared of droid guards Trip located Dalporte in the crowd and rushed towards him. When the Fleet Admiral saw Trip he immediately recognized the Jedi Knight and led his fellow CSF prisoners towards the Jedi Knights.

“Welcome Master Jedi.” Dalporte said. “I trust that the explosion outside was you’re doing.”
“Absolutely Admiral. We’re here to break you out and anyone else you’d deem to be an asset to the cause.” Trip replied.

“My personal guards and the prison guards still loyal to the Empire would be ideal. Most of these beings within the cells are criminals that were already here. Cyrax thought I deserved to be placed with the most violent offenders.” Dalporte explained. “My men and I, and anyone else loyal to the Empire are the only ones on this cell block that I’d consider assets.”
“OK, let’s move out then.” Trip urged as he started to walk back the entrance. “Anyone that wants to fight this false Sith Emperor follow us. You can stand, be counted, and fight against out oppressors.

Vikka walked up to Dalporte and his men and handed them a blaster each. The group made their way back to the point where the Jedi had entered the prison. To their surprise the hallway leading to the door was empty even though the power had been restored. Trip stopped the group and went ahead to inspect the door way. He looked outside and caught a glimpse of the battle droid units that had positioned themselves in the prison yard. It was not only the battle droids themselves but also much larger units that walked on four legs and became fighters. The fire power from those three fighter droids was quite possibly too much for the group and as a result, it seemed their escape route was blocked.

Keytar spoke into a comm device and ignited his lightsabre. Vikka and Trip both did the same. They motioned to Dalporte’s personal guards to remain behind them and give them cover fire from the door way. The Jedi Knights ran into the squad of droids with a precise attack that was unspoken but known between the three comrades. Keytar was the largest and most physical member of the group and he leaped at the closest fighter droid and drove his lightsabre through its so called head unit. Vikka had fought into the team of battle droids with the dual heavy blaster units connected to their arms. She was using two sabres in the Jar’Kai combat style. Vikka was accurate and the Force was enhancing her speed. She seemed like she was dancing as she swung her lightsabres around taking droids down at the legs and at their arms with deadly precision.

Trip fought with one strategy alone, which was to survive the day. In the battle, he did not care what enemy was in front of him. He did however stay away from the walking fighter droids as Keytar said he would engage them. Dalporte and his men were picking off the thin battle droids, or as others called them, ‘clankers.’ The number of battle droids was an unexpected hurdle, but the Jedi and their escapees were making headway until three of Cyrax’s fallen Jedi had entered the fray. Two of them attacked Keytar but the Wookiee held them back with his massive lightsabre staff. Vikka engaged the other and Trip tried to make sure that neither of his comrades were shot in the back by droid blaster fire.

The two dark Jedi attacking Keytar were pushing the Wookiee farther back and he was quickly losing space to maneuver. Keytar finally landed a blow that singed one of his attackers on the arm but the strike left him open to an attack by his other enemy. The Twi’lek dark Jedi stepped forward and struck the Wookiee on his side. Keytar roared into night sky as he used a powerful Force push to save himself. He stepped back into his comrades who had formed a triangle of defence.

The triangle however was encircled by the droids and three dark Jedi. The escape attempt seemed like it was about to fail as the Jedi were attempting to fall back into the building for cover after Keytar’s injury.

“We have to fall back into the building.” Trip yelled as he fought back blaster bolts.
“Agreed.” Keytar replied while holding onto his side and also deflecting blaster bolts with his now single bladed lightsabre one handed. “We have support coming soon though.”
“What support?” Vikka asked.

No sooner had Vikka said the words, a CSF gunship dropped into the area and started to clear out the droids with its cannons. The remaining two droid fighters launched from their spots into aerial mode but they were quickly shot down by the gunship. When the escape craft landed, two CSF troops started to lay down cover fire for their people to escape. Trip led the team out towards the gunship. One of the dark Jedi leaped at the gunship but Vikka saw the Twi’lek’s bold move and she fired a blast of Force energy that caught the attack in midair. The Twi’lek was thrown backwards and into his own squads.

After Dalporte, his men, and six defecting prison guards were loaded up onto the gunship and took off to the Works District base where the Jedi and CSF were. Trip motioned to Keytar’s bloodied uniform and the Wookiee simply waved his hand indicating that he was fine. He then looked over at Vikka and simply nodded his head at her. Trip looked over at Dalporte and asked him, “Admiral, are you and your men okay?”

“Yes Master Jedi, we’re all fine. I can’t thank you enough for getting us out.” Dalporte replied.
“You can thank me by rallying whatever CSF and Imperial Navel assets you can find to our side.” Trip responded.
“I will do that as soon as possible. Where is Master Joy commanding from?” Dalporte asked.
The three Jedi looked at each other before Vikka replied. “She fell in battle to Cyrax. He found a Dark Side artifact that has made him even more powerful than before.”
“Master Joy is dead?” Dalporte said with dejection in his voice.
“No she’s alive but she’s in stasis.” Trip answered quickly. “There’s no telling when and if she’ll wake up though.”
“Who is leading the Jedi?” Dalporte asked.
“Master Baron.” Vikka replied.
“That’s good news. I hope…”

Dalporte was cut off as the CSF drop ship was hammered by laser fire. Smoke started to fill the passenger area and the pilot yelled something back towards his passengers. With the sound of the ship’s alarm, the only words that they could make out were ‘landing now.’ Trip assumed the first word was ‘crash.’ In a few moments the ship slammed hard against the ground in a section of the Works District that was still a few kilometers away from the Jedi base. The CSF soldiers created a perimeter around Dalporte and the Jedi ignited their lightsabres outside of them. Three droid fighters soared through the darkened skies only illuminated by their afterburners.

“To our right!” Vikka yelled.
“I see them.” Trip replied.

Smaller transports carrying dozens of battle droids had followed the Jedi team. The crash site was suddenly littered with ‘clankers’ and the Jedi had to defend their group. “We need to thin out their lines before those fighters line up another attack run.” Vikka said.
“We need to keep our defences up Vikka. Stay put.” Trip replied.
“I’ll do it.” Vikka yelled back. “You and Keytar are better than defending anyway.”
“Do not disobey me again Vikka!” Trip demanded. “I have operational command here.”
“Trip, she may have a point.” Keytar interrupted. “We can’t keep this up for very much longer.”

Without a second’s hesitation Vikka threw herself at a group of droids and fired a Force push that sent many of them flying. She enhanced her strength and power with the Force and cleared another five droids. The plan had worked as droids began targeting Vikka and not the group. She was a much harder target to acquire with her speed but Vikka would slow down eventually as well. Vikka’s lightsabre was moving in wide powerful arcs as she tried to collect as many droids as possible with every swing. Trip watched as Vikka’s words had rung true and he began to regret letting his emotions take the better of him. He was still hurt and it was affecting his judgement.

All three Jedi had sensed a disturbance in the Force and the source of it had revealed itself. Lorn Nyeb with three dark Jedi and a squad of mercenaries leaped of a transport. Nyeb raised his hand and the droids that were engaged with the Jedi immediately stopped firing. “Vikka. I am pleased to see the Jedi Order hasn’t run and hidden completely off planet. I was growing bored with my administrative duties.”

“Save the speech Master Nyeb.” Vikka shouted back. “Get down here.”
“Do you really want to die that badly?” Nyeb replied. “Very well, but before I indulge you, I believe you have something that belongs to me.”
“There’s nothing for you here Nyeb.” Trip spoke up as he came to Vikka’s side. “The Admiral is with us now.”

Lorn Nyeb looked upon the situation before him and understood the Jedi would not give up. He had to stamp them out once and for all. If Nyeb’s own machinations were to come to pass, he had to use Cyrax’s forces to stop the Jedi and take Cyrax himself at a later time. However, the Jedi had to be the first piece to fall. Nyeb looked back to his dark Jedi and in unison they attacked. The battle droids had also rejoined the battle and the Jedi were under fire again.

Trip and Keytar retreated back to cover with the CSF troops and Fleet Admiral Dalporte. Vikka and Nyeb had found each other and once again there were no restrictions in their fighting styles. They beat on each other ferociously with overhand slams and various finishing strikes that were meant to end the duel quickly. Nyeb strategically backpedaled and used battle droids that were close to Vikka as projectiles against her. The tactic worked and Vikka was forced to bat them away while Nyeb re-positioned himself closer to her for an attack. Nyeb thrust forward his lightsabre but his attack was just barely parried by his former Padawan learner. Vikka understood Nyeb enough that she had to think two steps ahead. She had to make certain that she was aware of any underhanded manoeuvres that Nyeb was bound to try against her.

Trip and Keytar were beginning to feel fatigue setting in as they were completely on the defensive. The CSF soldiers behind them were picking off droids while the two Jedi were trying to defend against the three dark Jedi. Keytar and his massive double bladed lightsabre had engaged two of the dark Jedi on his own. Each side of his lightsabre held a dark sider at bay and gave the Jedi a little more time. Keytar used a powerful Force push and gave himself an opportunity to concentrate on one opponent. He took full advantage as he spun at the dark Jedi and struck him on the arm and forcing the Twi’lek to drop his lightsabre. Keytar approached for the killing stroke but was intercepted by the third dark Jedi.

All Force users sensed yet another presence approaching the battle. However, this time it was a warrior that represented the light. Darius Baron dropped from a speeder and the Jedi Master immediately attacked the dark Jedi with two lightsabres. The Twi’lek picked up his lightsabre and engaged Darius unsuccessfully. Master Baron struck the dark sider down in short order with a few powerful swipes from his blades. He then cleared many of the battle droids with blasts of the Force energy that cleared a small area. Darius spoke into his wrist comm and in a few seconds two more CSF drop ships came into the battle to pick up the survivors.

Darius made certain that Fleet Admiral Dalporte and his personal guards had been loaded into the first transport. Dalporte nodded with unspoken thanks to Darius as he passed the Jedi Master. Darius moved to Trip and they both went to Keytar who was still in a battle with two dark Jedi. As soon as Keytar saw the reinforcements he retreated into them and the three Jedi stood shoulder to shoulder against the two dark Jedi. The dark warriors did their calculations quickly and retreated even quicker when they saw the Sword of the Jedi staring at them with fire in his eyes.


Master Baron looked around for Vikka and saw her still engaged with Lorn Nyeb. Both of them looked worn down by their duel. Darius looked off Trip and Keytar to the other transport and watched as they obeyed his command. The acting Jedi Grand Master leapt at the chance to help Vikka stop Lorn Nyeb. Darius approached and quickly fired Nyeb backwards with a Force push. Nyeb readjusted his stance and landed on his feet. He looked at Vikka and Master Baron standing together against him and then he looked around for his troops and dark Jedi. Unfortunately for Nyeb he was alone. Master Baron had tipped the scales of this battle in short order.

 

Without a second’s hesitation Vikka threw herself at a group of droids and fired a Force push that sent many of them flying. She enhanced her strength and power with the Force and cleared another five droids. The plan had worked as droids began targeting Vikka and not the group. She was a much harder target to acquire with her speed but Vikka would slow down eventually as well. Vikka’s lightsabre was moving in wide powerful arcs as she tried to collect as many droids as possible with every swing. Trip watched as Vikka’s words had rung true and he began to regret letting his emotions take the better of him. He was still hurt and it was affecting his judgement.

Bold, but necessary move from Vikka. That girl has fire in her!

Master Baron looked around for Vikka and saw her still engaged with Lorn Nyeb. Both of them looked worn down by their duel. Darius looked off Trip and Keytar to the other transport and watched as they obeyed his command. The acting Jedi Grand Master leapt at the chance to help Vikka stop Lorn Nyeb. Darius approached and quickly fired Nyeb backwards with a Force push. Nyeb readjusted his stance and landed on his feet. He looked at Vikka and Master Baron standing together against him and then he looked around for his troops and dark Jedi. Unfortunately for Nyeb he was alone. Master Baron had tipped the scales of this battle in short order.


I hope this duel (of fates) will end well for her.

Ups, lunch break is over. I need to do tooth paste on 12 little tooth brushes and run to aid my colleague!

 

Excellent action showing teamwork and individual strengths.

 

love the action and the freeing of the prisoners

 

I hope everything works itself for you Azure. Come back soon.

Thanks Nyota, The Jedi will need to work together to survive.

Thank you early. It's all part of the plan.

Again, thanks for reading Ladies. I'll have the next installment up this week.

 

Here is the next part. As always, Thank you for reading.

WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
earlybird-obi-wan
AzureAngel2





Chapter 23 Part 3

Nyeb punched a few buttons on a wrist mounted comm. Vikka and Darius exchanged a quick glance as they understood that Nyeb was looking to escape the area. The Jedi pressed their advantage and attacked Nyeb. Darius from one side and Vikka from the other. Nyeb was truly in a fight for his life. Both Jedi were determined to finish Nyeb and it seemed that in these desperate times, they were not concerned whether they killed him or captured him. Nyeb had no illusions of defeating both Master Baron and Vikka, however, he needed to survive long enough for his transport to arrive.

It was obvious that Vikka and Master Baron had not fought together very much. Nyeb noticed that at certain points they were getting into the other’s way. It was the likely reason why Nyeb had survived this long. Nyeb caught Vikka with a Force push that sent her backwards and he struck at Master Baron with ferocity and style. Both of these men were polished swordsman and the skills being displayed were impressive. Unlike Nephros who struck with almost feral strikes of madness, these two men were gentlemen of combat. “Your skills have become most impressive since our battle on Dathomir Master Baron.” Nyeb remarked.

“You unfortunately have regressed Master Nyeb.” Darius replied.
“You mean my so called fall to the dark side? I keep telling all you Jedi that I’m adapting to the landscape. Surely you can sense the Dark Side eclipsing the Light in these times of war. Cyrax has already won.”
“Not as long as I draw breath Nyeb.” Darius said defiantly.
“It’s only a matter of time until we find your hidden base and finish you off. I’d advise you to leave the system and allow us to rule and end this conflict.”

Vikka returned to the two men and said “Us? You really think Cyrax is sharing power?”
“Of course not.” Nyeb replied. “I will bide my time until I can strike and take the empire. I don’t need to be the Dark Lord of the Sith, I simply need the Dark Side to help me destroy you. Look at your new love Nephros. For all his power, where is he now? He’s defeated and lost.”
Vikka took a moment and noticed Darius looking at her. “He’s alive Nyeb. I’ve felt it.” Vikka answered with distain. She did not care anymore about the reactions of others concerning her and Marcus. “He’s going to return, it’s only a matter of time.” Vikka mocked Nyeb with his own line.
“You’ve certainly changed my dear. Not for the better either. I can…”

Without warning Vikka threw herself at Nyeb and made an attempt for his throat. Nyeb thought it a reckless move and he caught Vikka in midair with the Force. He took her by the neck and held her approximately two metres away from himself. Master Baron took a step until Nyeb pointed at him. “Stop there Master Baron. I have her caught and I will crush her if you don’t surrender. I promise you.”

Darius stopped and Vikka struggled with the invisible vice grip on her throat. She became angry with herself after attempting an attack like that without protecting herself from Force attacks. An absorption technique would have fended off Nyeb’s counter. Vikka was in another situation with her life on the line. She concentrated on the Light Side and to her surprise she did not feel as if the Force was responding to her. Vikka drove deeper within herself trying to pull at the strings of the Light. Suddenly in her mind’s eye, crimson eyes looked back at her. Rage and anger radiated from the look and she saw Marcus, Darth Nephros was in a waste land. Sands rising around him until they engulfed him and Vikka could not see him anymore.

The connection was lost and Vikka unexpectedly found a new surge of power within her. It was not one that she had ever pulled on before. It was the darkness within her own heart. Vikka pulled at her throat and finally with a boost from her own dark side she freed herself. She landed on her feet and both Master Baron and Lorn Nyeb stared for a few seconds. Vikka saw concern in Darius’ eyes and pleasure in Nyeb’s. She on the other hand, felt concern but not shame. Shame would have made her seem weak and confused. Vikka was not weak and certainly not confused. Nephros may have awoken something within her, but she remained unwavering in her allegiance to the Jedi. Vikka would help see them through.

Vikka refocused on the situation and glared at Nyeb. Behind her former master a droid dropship emerge and opened fire on her with its cannons. She just barely fought off the blast with her lightsabre. Vikka ducked for cover before the second shot fired. Droids within the ship attacked and pinned down Darius as he was forced to find cover behind some debris. The droid ship was turning to leave the area. Vikka in another action where she was not sure if she was acting bravely or carelessly, stuck out her hands and tried to pull the ship back with the Force. In an impressive display Vikka was stopping the ship from getting away. She reconnected with the Force, in the only way it was responding to her in that moment. Through her inner dark place, in the pit of her soul, she was angry. Angry that Lorn Nyeb was about to escape once again and she would use that anger to pull him back. Vikka screamed at the top of her lungs as the ship began to slowly come back to her.

Trip had already started to make his way to Vikka when he saw her battling Nyeb. At this point he came up beside Vikka. He was about to help her bring the ship back until two more droid ships engaged the Jedi. This time it was Darius Baron who saved his fellow Knights with his lightsabre. “Let it go before more of them arrive!” Darius demanded. “We have Dalporte, Nyeb can be dealt with at another time.”

Vikka waited a few more seconds and released the ship. The three Jedi ran back towards their own transport. Keytar was defending the ship, and when all of the Jedi were aboard the CSF pilot took off for the skies. Before he left the scene he destroyed the droid fighters as to not be followed and made his way to the CSF base.

Darius scanned everyone on board. Keytar and Trip look exhausted but Vikka seemed as if she was angered. Darius put his hand on her shoulder. “That was an amazing display Vikka. However, you need to be conscious of where you’re channeling the Force from.”
“Master, I’m not even sure what that was.” Vikka admitted.
“I’ll tell you where it was from.” Trip interrupted. “Nephros. You’re channeling the Sith Lord.”
The words stung Vikka but she was not about to let Trip speak to her like that. “I know you’re hurt Trip, but I am not falling to the Dark Side.”
“Could have fooled me.” Trip spat back and then moved up to the cockpit.
“I didn’t sense that you were Vikka but you definitely weren’t completely in the Light. I believe you’re evolving your powers to another level.” Darius said “You’re becoming powerful but you must learn control. I will help you. I promise. Now we rest though.”
“Yes Master Baron, and thank you.” Vikka answered with genuine admiration for the Jedi Master.

Vikka felt that Master Baron would be able to understand her. He had seen the world through the lens of the Dark Side when he had followed Cyrax. Master Baron was redeemed and brought back to the Light by Master Sella Jenner and Master Joy. Perhaps he could keep Vikka in the light. The question was did she want to? She enjoyed the power boost and more than that, it connected her to Marcus. Vikka could feel he was a long distance away, but their connection remained strong even though she did not know where he was. With Master Baron’s help, she could think about the balance within her and understand her limitations. Vikka would never betray the Jedi, but the allure of Marcus was becoming a real possibility with the way Trip and a few of the Jedi were treating her. For the first time in a long time, she was simply confused.

***

Fleet Admiral Dalporte stood in the medical area looking at the capsule that held Grand Master Joy. She looked like she was merely sleeping and not fighting for her life with internal injuries. Dalporte looked around at the limited resources that the small band of Jedi Knights and the CSF soldiers were clinging to and he began to understand the concerns and laments that past so called Rebels had had. Dalporte recalled reading a memoir of Mon Mothma, a Rebel leader turned Chief of State of the New Republic. She described her time in the Rebel Alliance as dire from day to day and even after the fateful battle above the forest moon of Endor. With the victory over the Galactic Empire, she was still weary and carried doubts as to the viability of the New Republic. Dalporte found himself in a similar situation having to help free the galaxy from yet another Tyrant using the Dark Side of the Force.

Dalporte’s opinion on Force users varied over time. He was a supporter of the Jedi-Imperial Act because it limited the damage of the Force user. However, there was always a threat of an extraordinary being taking and using their powers for their own personal gain. He could have tolerated a being like Darth Nephros because he had no galactic ambitions, but Cyrax was his deepest fears realized. The Sith’s ambition and power was the very reason for enacting and implementing the Jedi-Imperial Act. Almost three hundred years of peace and prosperity had been undone.

Dalporte head begun questioning the ‘will of the Force’ as the Jedi had kept putting it. Master Joy had believed that Darth Nephros would have been the decisive factor, instead the Jedi had killed him and in the process they had lost their leader. After reading the latest reports from the Holo Net and gaining a better understanding of the political climate, it was time to look past the Jedi and defend themselves against Cyrax’s tyranny. The Jedi had freed him for this very purpose to take command and bring Coruscant back from the brink. Now was the time.

The Fleet Admiral marched into the makeshift communications centre followed by Darius Baron. He opened an encrypted channel that only he knew the clearance code for and on the screen a Hapan male filled the screen. “I need to speak to the queen or whoever is commanding your armed forces please.” Dalporte began. “This is Imperial Fleet Admiral Dalporte.”

“One moment sir.” The Hapan officer said after a brief pause.
“Do you think she’ll scramble her fleet for us?” Darius asked.
“She knows it’s only a matter of time before Cyrax makes his way to them.” Dalporte replied. “He would never leave another fleet unchecked. He already made his move with the Corellians and they’ve basically conceded to Cyrax. I also have a feeling Master Jedi, that she’ll know where the rest of our forces retreated to and who is leading them.”

“Admiral.” A soft and feminine voice said. The picture cleared and the feminine voice became attached to a beautiful Hapan female. “It is good to see you well my friend.”
“Thank you your highness. We can thank the Jedi for that.” Dalporte said while motioning to Master Baron. “I’m relieved to see that you are well.”
“I fear our war may come soon enough Admiral. Cyrax has already sent emissaries here. I called back my senators from Coruscant before he attacked. He wants to discuss terms.”
“He fears your fleet.” Dalporte declared. “He’s weak in these early stages of his rule. Which is why I’m contacting you your highness. We cannot allow him to increase his hold.”
“What about the Senate?” The queen asked.
“They are behind him for now, as there is no other viable choice. However, the mining guilds, financial clans, and agricultural systems have stated through back channels that a return to the old system is more to their benefit. Cyrax’s strength is his military. If we take that, we take it all.”
“And you need our fleet?” The queen said.
“Yes your highness.” Dalporte finally admitted. “Also, if you had any information on the remnants of our fleet and who is leading them?”
“You don’t know?” The Queen asked. “Your ships and your soldiers have been docked here in secret.”
“That is wonderful news your highness. Details have been scarce during my incarceration and information is hard to come by right now for the CSF.”
“Admiral?” The Queen called off screen. “I believe it is your turn to speak.”

The next few seconds were agonizing for Dalporte until they turned into relief when he saw Admiral Taric Raywood’s face. His dear friend who he believed dead was alive.

“Taric! By the Force it is good to see you son.” Dalporte said. “How did you survive the collision between the Tiber and Shield?”
“It’s good to see you too Admiral. I used an escape pod with a faulty comm system to escape. I crashed onto one of our cruisers and was in the med bay up until a few days ago. If you hadn’t contacted us today, I would have reached out sooner or later.” Taric went quiet for second. “I’m sorry about Coruscant Admiral.”
“It isn’t your fault and this is not to the time to worry about such things. We need to take Coruscant back. I’m happy that you’ll be commanding the navy.”
“Commanding?” Taric questioned. “What about you?”
“I’m going to lead the CSF and aid the Jedi as best I can from here.” Dalporte declared. “The surface will be our arena, Coruscant’s orbit will be yours.”
“Of course Admiral. What happened with Sword, is it operational?” Taric asked.
“No, as far as we can tell Cyrax’s fleet hasn’t gotten it totally operational yet.” Dalporte replied.
“Alright Admiral. I’ll mobilize the rest of our fleet and whatever the Hapans can spare as well.” Taric said. “It’s not a full scale assault force but I don’t think Cyrax has a full complement of ships either.
“Excellent. Thank the queen on behalf of Coruscant and remember, do not communicate with Cyrax. There can be no warning of what we’re going to do.”
“Of course. I still have a couple ships being repaired in dry dock, so it may take a week.” Taric explained.
“Understood Taric. Good Luck.” Dalporte said.
“To you as well Admiral, Raywood out.”

The comm closed and Dalporte turned to Darius. “When the fleet arrives Master Baron; that will be the beginning of our final assault. We will take all of our assets on the ground and we will strike at Cyrax’s base.”
“I understand Admiral.” Darius replied. “You are correct that we cannot allow Cyrax to reinforce his navy and ground troops. I only wish that Master Joy was conscious. Having her would tip the scales of the Force more into our favour.”
“Take heart Master Baron.” Dalporte said while putting his hand and Darius’ large shoulder. “We have the Sword of the Jedi.”

“We will endure Admiral. The Jedi always have.”

 

Nice to see the plans forming to defeat Cyrax and Taric alive

 

Terrific strategy and what a boost for morale and the coming conflict to have Raywood participating. Vikka is treading a vanishingly thin line.

 

I always wonder what would have happened if Mace Windu & the other jedi would have arrested Palpatine alive.

Anyway, another exciting update of yours with all the heart can wish for: the eternal conflict between the light & the dark side of the Force, personal suffering, war scenes, intrigues developing...

 

I recall that you liked Taric early. Glad you're happy.

I think that line that is bigger than you think. Nyota.

Glad to have you back Azure. It all goes crazy after this chapter.

__________________

Here is the next part. As always, thank you for reading.

A special welcome to Lady Belligerent Don't be shy, concrit is cool here.

Chapter 24 Part 1 - Hidden CSF and Jedi bunker – Works District - Coruscant

Vikka sat in the darkness of her quarters and was taking advantage of the downtime she had after the strenuous mission to save Admiral Dalporte. She had cleaned herself up and eaten enough to satisfy a hunger she had not felt in sometime. The events of that mission were a new beginning for her. Vikka did not want to feel sorry for Trip anymore, nor would she allow him to chastise her every time she used her baser emotions to augment her abilities in the Force. She knew she would not fall to the Dark Side but her ability to walk the fine line was something that Vikka wanted to embrace, not impede. That was what Marcus understood and perhaps now Master Baron could help her accomplish.

Vikka sat in the quiet of the room and tried to reach out for Marcus again. Her previous attempts had little results in that they only confirmed that the Sith Lord had survived Master Baron’s attempted kill strike. She wanted to talk to him for numerous reasons, she wanted to know why he left, and why had he killed dozens at the Fobosi Medical Centre. Vikka knew that there would probably never be a time when they could be alone again to talk about anything. The bond was the only way and he was not answering her. When she tried to concentrate on Marcus’ presence in the Force, she was met with what she could only describe as black and darkness.

Vikka pushed harder and tried to break the barriers that Marcus had placed between them. The sweat ran down her face as the room become warmer as she tried harder. Vikka began to doubt her ability to read Marcus anymore, perhaps he did not want to speak with her, which would be the worst case scenario. She decided to change tactics and instead of pushing harder she emitted feelings of warmth and caring into their bond. Vikka was then unexpectedly hit with visual flashes of a barren waste land and enormous statues that had been eroded by time. She was overcome with Dark Side energies that crept into her mind which she allowed to flow freely. Finally Vikka felt like she was present in a dark room with Marcus standing in the middle of it. She tried to go to him and Vikka tried to speak but nothing came out of her mouth.

Marcus looked right at Vikka until she realized that he was actually looking past her. He unleashed a powerful storm of Dark Side Lightning that lite up the room. After a few moments she turned around to see what he was looking at. Vikka saw dozens of sickly yellow eyes staring at both of them. Vikka asked herself where Marcus was, why this place, and why was she there but not able to talk to him? The eyes began to approach her and she instinctively reached for her lightsabre. When her hand reached her belt, Vikka found that nothing was there. The eyes had come out of the shadows to reveal their gruesome skeletal bodies. Vikka tried to fire a blast of Force energy but again she was caught powerless. She realized that she was only there as an observer, nothing more.

Vikka concentrated on Marcus and tried to lend him support through the Force as he had done for her. To her surprise, Vikka thought she had felt Marcus accepting her help, and she quickly turned to Marcus who was surrounded by the mindless beasts. He had been engulfed by them but before she lost sight of him, Marcus looked directly at Vikka and this time she knew that he was acknowledging her. Over the bond Vikka unexpectedly saw the image of Marcus kneeling on the ground with Arianna Dern in his arms and then she was abruptly sent back to the dark quiet of her own room.

Vikka wanted to go to him, help him, but he was not anywhere that she recognized in the vision. Understanding Marcus’ history and the vision, it would lead her to believe that he was in a tomb on Korriban or Dromund Kaas possibly. Leaving Coruscant at this stage of the war would short hand the Jedi even further. However, Vikka continued to believe that Marcus would help them defeat Cyrax. Even as Darth Nephros, he never wanted to be an emperor or a ruler. If she could not redeem him to the Light Side of the Force, perhaps she could appeal to his quest for power and dominance of the Force. There was always the possibility that he could turn on the Jedi, but again, Vikka felt a difference within Marcus, she knew it.

The image of Arianna Dern that Marcus wanted Vikka to see remained with her. She was certain that Marcus was trying to tell her something. If there was an exchange between them, Marcus would have known that she was looking for him. Vikka began to think that perhaps Marcus was trying to tell her where he was. If that was the case then the site of Arianna Dern’s death was on Corellia. Vikka was suddenly overcome with emotion at the thought of meeting Marcus where Arianna Dern had died and the place where Darth Nephros was forged. Corellia, it had to be. The Force was drawing them there, it felt right to her.

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by her comm buzzing on her bed. Vikka took the small device and heard the voice of Master Baron. “Vikka, please meet me in the medical bay. Thank you.”

“Of course Master, I’m on my way.” Vikka replied.

***

Darius Baron sat and polished his lightsabre while sitting in front of Master Joy’s medical capsule. He was reflecting on the conversation he had with Admiral Dalporte and the upcoming ‘final assault’ as Dalporte put it. Darius’ own plan to rescue him had payed immediate dividends with the recruitment of the Hapan Consortium and the revelation that Admiral Taric Raywood was still alive. The CSF troops had rallied with two of their leaders returning to join them. There was a quiet understanding that the upcoming battle that they were preparing for would be their last chance to take Coruscant back. For Darius, it was the last chance to rebalance the Force. He felt that if the Jedi lost here, that the Force would be left in darkness for generations.

The Dark Side had eclipsed the Light Side so quickly in the past few weeks, that the scales of power were teetering on the wrong side for the first time in a long time. Or perhaps Darius’ former Sith master had the right of it. Was it a futile effort to keep the Force fully on the Light Side? Was the Dark Side of the Force a necessary evil? Darius immediately dismissed these thoughts and knew that the Jedi had to push on against the Dark Side, mainly Cyrax and Lorn Nyeb. Darth Nephros had not been seen or heard from for some time and Darius believed that he had landed the killing blow. However, the taint of Nephros still lingered in the Force. Darius could not be certain of anything. Was Nephros bidding his time and waiting to take on the weakened winner of this war? Too many questions and not nearly enough answers.

Vikka approached and Darius put the last touches on his now spotless and shiny lightsabre. He looked up at Vikka and smiled. “Please sit Vikka,” Darius motioned to a chair across from him. “I hope you don’t mind that we have our discussion in front of the Grand Master. I feel like conversations held in front of her would help bring her back to us.”
“No Master, no problem at all.” Vikka said as she sat in the chair and crossed her legs. “How is she?”
“The physician and the medical droids feel positive due to the high brain activity that Master Joy is showing. I believe it’s only a matter of time before she wakes up and saves us all from this nightmare.” Darius paused. “That is what I believe. What I think is a different story. I think that we will need to press forward ourselves with the remaining CSF forces and the Imperial Navy remnants.”
“We can win Master Baron.” Vikka said.
“I believe you. However, you think we need help. Your thoughts on Darth Nephros are well known. I feel his taint in the Force, he’s alive. It’s unfathomable that he survived such a grievous wound.”
“He’s a survivor.” Vikka replied.
“Do you believe he would help, or will he help us and then turn on us to fulfill his own mission?”
“I believe he would help us Master. He knows Cyrax is insane and bent on an evil dream.”
“Nephros has those same ‘evil dreams,’ as you call them.” Darius retorted.
“Master Baron I can’t explain what I’m feeling, but the Force is telling me to bring him into the conflict to face our enemies. You saw what Cyrax is capable of when he hurt Master Joy. Can you do everything Master? Can you defeat Cyrax and lead the Order at the same time?”
“Do you believe that the Force is actually telling you to trust a Dark Lord of the Sith?” Darius asked.
“I don’t see him that way.” Vikka countered.
“What do you see him as? Is Trip accurate in that you have romantic feelings for him?” Darius probed cautiously. He knew that Vikka was sensitive about this topic. “Are you bringing him back for the correct reasons?”
“My romantic feelings are my own Master Baron. We need him and I need him. There are questions I have that only he can explain. I think.”
“You can ask me anything you want Vikka.” Darius said in a tender voice.
Vikka noticed the change and felt better about the Jedi Master. “How did you change your ways back to the light? How did Master Jenner and Master Joy redeem you?”
“You still think there is good in him, don’t you?” Darius asked.
“Yes Master, I do.”
“Then that is your answer Vikka. The masters sensed goodness within me and they drew out enough of it for me to take hold of it and turn back to the Light Side. Its pull will always be strong within anyone. However, you must understand I was not as far gone as Darth Nephros. You saw what he did at the Fobosi Medical Centre and how he almost killed Master Joy a dozen times over during their duel.”
“I know the evidence against him is compelling.” Vikka admitted.
“It’s not compelling Vikka, it’s damning.”
“I know where he is.” Vikka said.
The Jedi Master looked into Vikka’s determined eyes and saw truth. Truth, in that she was certain that the Force was guiding her to this decision. “Then go to him.” Darius conceded. “I can see something in you that makes me hopeful that you are correct. But Vikka, if you’re wrong the consequences will be dire for us all.”
“I know Master Baron, but this is something I have to do. For me, for him, and for us all.”

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.

 

Superb and compelling conversation with a lot to think about for Vikka. Darius has some very strong arguments on his side of things.

 

Thanks Lady Belligerent,

I'm happy to hear it.

 

Love how Vikka will help Nephros. A darksider with some light is preferable to have on your side

 

Hope you continue to enjoy it.

I swear I could write Darius forever. Love him as a character. There's so much I can do with him.

I agree early, especially against someone like Cyrax. However, Nephros is not the most stable force.

I'll be updating this week. Thanks all.