(Is the upload schedule absolute shit right now? Yes. Am I sorry? No, I been seen some shit. Will it get better? Soon. Very soon. I promise, for real this time, that once school is over, I will get back to having a chapter out at least every two days. Nonetheless, enjoy the chapter! Yes, it's short. It's a transition.)
With Grievous captured, the CIS armada made the jump to hyperspace, abandoning The Malevolence. All of the players there received the notice that their quest was complete when Grievous was captured so presumably that was the reason.
Tyler, Obi Wan, Anakin, Plo Koon, Ahsoka, Yularen, and Padme were standing on the bridge of a cruiser. Before them, in the expanses of space, lay The Malevolence, or at least what's left of it.
Tyler wore a wry smile. "We saved a lot of lives today."
Plo Koon sighed. "Unfortunately, we incurred some losses as well. A lot of guild members went down with their ships."
Tyler shook his head and let out a light chuckle. "The guilds will recover and continue supporting us. I'm curious what their end goal with this superweapon was."
Yularen cleared his throat. "I believe the CIS are making an attempt to level the playing field. While they do have quantity over us, we still possess the better quality."
Obi Wan nodded. "I agree with that but there must be more to it. Sidious wouldn't make a move like this unless he had something big in the works. I worry that regardless of who wins this war, it will not end well."
Tyler sighed and covered his face with his hand. "Unfortunately, I concur with that sentiment. In addition, there's another man behind the CIS war effort."
Obi Wan tilted his head and raised his brow. "And who might that be?"
Tyler grumbled with displeasure as the man's face came into his mind. "There is this investment group known as The Forest Group. They run a Separatist guild that goes by the name Forest. A while back, he tried to take over Limitless but I removed his head from my conference room. Some conflict ensued but they were utterly annihilated. Eric is the name of the asshole that is in charge. He stayed under the radar until the war began and he is now on the same level as Dooku when it comes to influence in the CIS. From the intel briefings I've received, it appears that Eric and Dooku are Sidious' right hands."
Obi Wan, along with the others, were having trouble comprehending this information. "So in short, due to this Eric, capturing Grievous is meaningless. Bloody hell, this can't get any worse."
Plo Koon turned to Tyler curiously. "Is Eric a Sith?"
Tyler laughed. "No, thank god he isn't. His power is through the resources he possesses, not his combat ability. He's just as helpless as those Trade Federation goblins."
Obi Wan sighed in relief. "Well that's good at least. Now that this is solved for now, where are we off to next?"
Padme spoke up. "Now that this is over, I need to head to a few systems to ensure they remain loyal to the Republic."
Tyler raised his brow. "Where is your first stop?"
Padme nodded. "I will be going to the Outer Rim. I have been close to someone there for a long time, he's like an uncle to me."
Tyler smiled. "Please allow me to send an escort to accompany you. Elder Eclipse, come on out."
From the shadows in the corner of the room, a slender man emerged wearing retro reflective fabric that covered his entire body aside from his eyes. As he came into the light, he pulled back his head covering. He had dark eyes and sharp features. His medium length, dark brown hair complemented his look.
Eclipse walked up to Tyler and saluted. "Guild leader."
Tyler smiled. "I have a mission for you. Please escort Senator Amidala on her trip to the outer rim. Ensure her safety and back her up in any negotiations using all of your authority as a guild elder."
Eclipse nodded. "Yes, sir."
Tyler eyed him up and down. "And make sure you wear something nice. We don't want anyone to think we are trying to intimidate them."
Eclipse nodded. "Of course." He walked over and stood behind Padme.
Tyler thought for a moment and then nodded. "Perfect. Now you will be safe on your journey."
Padme rolled her eyes. "I doubt I'll be needing his services but I'll always welcome a Guild Elder of Limitless."
Tyler nodded. "Of course. Well, off you go!" He turned to Obi Wan. "How is Tsuka doing?"
Obi Wan smiled. "He is doing well. Unlike my former padawan, he actually listens to me. His skills with the lightsaber are also leagues ahead of any other padawan. I foresee him becoming a Knight within the year."
Tyler nodded with a smile. "That is great news. Anyways, I must be going. For me, Naboo is my next destination. I will be shipping off in a few days to Ryloth along with Admiral Mcree."
Yularen let on a confused face. "Why are you heading there personally? I'm sure there are other theaters that could use your assistance."
Tyler shook his head. "While that is true, there is something critical that I must attend to. If it is a success… well I'll just let you find out when I make my report to the war council."
Yularen sighed. "Very well. As long as you aren't doing whatever it is you call fun, I'm satisfied. We have a war to win."
Tyler rolled his eyes. "Come on, Admiral. Most of the time, my fun leads to victory."
Yularen could only shake his head. "I shall agree to disagree then."
Tyler laughed. "Aight, Imma head out. May the force be with you."