" So this is what it's come too " Nox sneered as he held his lightsaber towards the republic forces , the miralukan barsenthor named Letha .
Across the battlefield , Letha bowed her head lightly , a pained expression making its way onto her face .
" Master are you okay " Nadia grell asked as Letha shook her head in negative .
" We must tread carefully in this , I fear the republic has made a mistake in attacking the eternal empires forces here , this shouldn't be our fight " The barsenthor mumbled , Having prefered peace over violence .
And now the empire and republic had been pushed off of Iokath by the eternal fleet , The higher ups hadn't liked that and were pushing back .
Thus the barsenthor had been called into aid the battle against the eternal empires forces since the hero of tython was on a seperate mission to aid a corellian senator from being assassinated .
Looking over the group of eight Jedi behind her , Letha sent her calming presence out throughout her forces , bolstering them in , Removing their worries and fear and replacing it with newfound hope and determination .
" Here goes nothing " Nadia quipped as Letha nodded .
" FORWARD " Letha yelled as the republic units began to move forward to being the assault on the eternal empire forces and Iokath droids .
Nox leant over the Holo table , Gazing at the republic forces moving throughout his cities .
" I've isolated their communication systems , They won't be asking for help " Scorpio announced as she appeared at Nox's side .
" It appears the barsenthor is leading them " Lana relayed as she came in with a pair of binoculars and took her place at the table .
" I hoped they wouldn't try it , But it appears they've truly changed " Theron Shan mumbled sadly as he added his own recon to the Holo showing the republic base , Their vehicles and forces .
" Cut them off , Strangle their forces , Capture as many as you can , Eliminate the rest " Nox ordered as two exarchs bowed and went to take charge of the knights of Zakuul while sky trooper units were beginning to be deployed throughout their factories .
" And what will you be doing , Love " Lana asked as Nox brought the hood to his robes over his head as he began to walk to the exit .
" I have a barsenthor to submit , I will give further orders from the field " Nox ordered as he left through the sliding doors , Black robes billowing behind him as he leapt from the balcony .
" I don't like this " Raxon remarked , The commander of havoc squad walked slowly with aric jorgan and the rest of havoc unit through the bowls of Iokath , The dark hallways creaking throughout the tunnels .
" Shouldn't there be power in these parts " Aric asked aloud as he held up his flash light on his blaster .
They kept walking as the hallways soon began being bathed in a red light from the ceiling .
" Commander , Moveme" The havoc squad technician didn't get to finish her sentence as the door they were walking through slammed shut on her , Flattening her under her own armour , Blood spraying out of her body and amour onto the ground surrounding the door .
Her death was so abrupt the rest of havoc unit look on in shock before Raxon ran forward in a panic , Attempting to pry the doors open with his hands , Aric running forward in an attempt to help .
Slowly the doors were pried open as the rest of havoc squad joined to help their technician , Only for the doors to open themselves , Leaving the deceased technician to fall to the ground in a crumbled heap .
" This ... This shouldn't have happened " A zabrak gunner removed his helmet and picked up the body of his lover .
" That ... is your fault " Havoc squad turned to the far end of the hallway .
Raxon growling as he spied a familiar blonde haired sith , Her yellow eyes burning like twin rivers of molten gold under the red light as she lit her red bladed weapon .
" Lana , You did that " Raxon growled as he charged his weapon while nine sky trooper units came around the corner next to Lana .
" I might've " Lana retorted as she began to advance with the skytrooper units while two more knights joined the pending fight .
" Prepare for a retreat " Raxon whispered as he prepared to engage and draw the siths attention .
Letha surged forward with her green lightsaber as she leapt over a knight , Slashing at the knights back as he was slammed down by a piece of catwalk from Nadia grell .
" Where the hell did they come from " Nadia yelled out as she ducked a beheading strike from another knight before sweeping his legs out from under him .
Raising her hand , Letha levitated the knight before slamming him into the far wall , Rendering the knight Unconcious with his comrade .
"Should we eliminate them master " Another jedi knight asked a blue skinned mikkian holding a blue lightsaber to a zakuulan knight he had taken by surprise with another Jedi .
" No , They're our prisoners , There is no need to kill them , they're unarmed " Letha soothed as a group of troopers came forward and began to imprison the knights .
" Ma'am we've lost contact with havoc squad , We've sent units to find out what's happened but we have reports of forces engaging with eternal empires forces , however it appears long range communications are being disrupted " A commander reported as Letha nodded and made to move her units deeper into Iokath .
After several minutes of walking , The walkway opened up into city streets , However the republic troopers stopped in horror of what they contained .
Republic troopers were strewn throughout , Limbs removed , Others hanging from being skewered on pylons or fences .
Others had been turned to husks and shriveled , While select groups had been melted within their own armours , Brain matter leaking out as scorch marks scarred the lands .
" What could have done this " The republic commander blanched as they moved throughout the streets , Crouching down to inspect another commander but removing her helmet .
Crying out as he fell back , The woman's face had been turned to charcoal , eyes exploded from her skull as mucus dropped from her ears .
"He did " Letha responded as she took on her opening stance , The rest of the company finally noticing the lone robed figure standing at the other end of the street .
" On his own " Nadia asked wearily as she activated her own pale blue weapon and taking her place at her master's side .
" Everyone incapable of protecting yourself from his force based attacks , Move to higher ground and provide covering fire " Letha ordered as the republic troopers ran to fullfil her orders .
The other seven Jedi Knights all lined up beside Letha as she once more imbued them with her battle meditation .
" Be on guard at all times , Be ready for anything , He's an opponent we can't take lightly " Letha advised as Nox slowly began to walk forward , Hooded robes obscuring the mask of Aloysius kallig while he activated his red bladed lightsaber .
Letha took a step forward as she gulped as three more Nox's appeared beside the first from black mist .
The world around the Jedi turning black as all the could see was Nox approaching .
unintelligible whispers assaulted the Jedi assault force as shadows crawled up their bodies , Some of the knights crying out in pain . Flashes of war torn world's , Their comrades deaths or their own mutilation flashed rapidly in their minds .
" SHAKE IT OFF , THESE ARE MERELY ILLUSIONS , HE'S USING YOUR FEAR AGAINST YOU " Letha yelled out to her fellow Jedi as some managed to shake off the illusion while others had to be assisted , However one had succumbed to a rather sadistic mental assault , Collapsing to his knees as he was rendered a mumbling mess as tears ran down his cheeks .
Letha winced at the fallen Jedi Knight , Wishing him well as she kept her focus on the approaching Nox and his spectres .
" You shouldn't be here " A spectre sneered as they moved .
" We have our orders , Please ,Surrender , No more have to lose their lives today " Letha plead as Nox shook his head .
" All you had to do was peacefully leave , I expected the empire to be the one to do this , But the republic , And you " Nox sneered as lightning wrapped around his lightsaber " No ... no surrender ,Only dead and prisoners "
Nox swung his lightsaber as the lightning leapt from his lightsaber , Singeing the ground as it came out in a cresent wave that swept over the group like an unstoppable tidal wave .
Letha ran forward as she raised her lightsaber , However she was unprepared for the power behind the wave , Being forced to use both hands on her weapon and anchor herself down with the force , The other knights did the same as they all managed to protect themselves , Other the the already incapacitated knight whom was incinerated by the wave .
" What happens now ... is your own doing " Nox mocked before he and his three shades surged forward to engage the jedi task force .
The real Nox engaged Letha and Nadia grell while his shades seperated the rest of the Jedi Knights .
Slamming his lightsaber into Nadia's while he pushed the barsenthor back , Reaching under Nadia's guard , Nox slammed her in the neck with his fist before she began to choke violently , Knocking her lightsaber away before he pivoted and slammed his boot into the side of her head , Propelling her across the ground where she tumbled and rolled to a stop , The apprentice taking precious few moments as she tried to recover .
Moving his attention back to the barsenthor , Nox stopped an incoming boulder before sending it back at Letha , The boulder being reduced to ash between the two force users force pushes .
Leaping at the Jedi master , Nox's right arm was coated in lightning as he attempted to grab the miralukan by the face , only for the master to duck away from the swipe , Contort her body as low as possible to avoid a slash that would have seperated her in two had she been standing and attempt to strike Nox's leg .
Nox smirked as he reached down and grabbed her lightsaber mid swing using tutaminus and pulled her forward before slamming his knee against her nose , Blood spraying from her nose as he made to slice her head from the rest of her body .
Nox was pushed forward by a blaster bolt , Missing his swipe as he sneered and turned to face the republic troopers now situated on a terrace above .
With Nadia and Letha recovering , Nox motioned his hands upwards before making a gripping motion and pulling them downwards towards his own chest .
Letha looked up as she heard metal screeching and warping as she ran forward in preparation , the terrace Collapsing from it's supports with the republic troopers screaming as the were dragged downwards by gravity .
Letha raised her hands and caught as many troopers as possible , Saving them at the last possible second while Nox himself , In letha's distraction burst forward with an application of force speed , Appearing behind a knight engaged with a shade , Nox swinging and taking the knight by surprise , The top half of the blonde knight boys head seperating , leaving everything from his eyes above missing , before the knight collapsed in a gargling heap as Nox sneered at the useless deceased knight.
" You can't save them , So why fight " Nox mocked as his third shade went to assist another engaging with two knights and a gifted Padawan .
" Hope , For what's right " Letha retorted as Nadia swung her lightsaber , Nox blocking while Letha rushed forward and swung at Nox's abdomen .
Imbuing his muscle with the force , Nox knocked Nadia's lightsaber to the side , Leaving her wide eyed and open , And with a blur , Grabbed her by the front of her garb and placing her between himself and the approaching Jedi master .
Letha stopped her sprint as Nox raised Nadia from the ground and propelled her at Letha .
Nox followed behind the careening apprentice as Letha caught the young girl .
Placing Nadia on the ground and checking over her , Letha's head wrung in warning from the force .
However she was too late , A gasp escaped form the lips of Nadia and soon to be Letha as Nox skewered the two on his weapon through their stomachs.
" What happens now ... is your own doing " Nox sneered as he deactivated his lightsaber and turned to the republic troopers and knights , His shades disappearing into puddles of black tar like material , Lightning sparking in his hands .
Nox gargled incomprihensibly as he surged his hands forward , Ozone burning as the torrent of lightning speared at the republic forces with a terrible roar .
The republic troopers stood no chances as their armours melted , Their flesh flaked and organs melted , Soon to turn to ash entirely under the intensity of the Sith's hate filled Lightning .
The knights fared little better , The battle with the shades , Affected by the illusions and their moral low , They wavered under the intense barrage .
The first of the five remaining knights to fail screeched in agony , Eyes exploding before collapsing , Soon to be ragdolled by the lightning that splattered his corpse against the back wall .
The second and third had their lightsabers fail on them , the lightning forcing their hearts to stop and explode inside their chests as they collapsed .
The last two fared batter as they slid across the ground , Fending against the unholy assault .
Nox stopped his assault however as Letha attempted to skewer the Sorcerer , Flipping away as he silently observed the Jedi master , The Jedi master appeared to be Healed from her wounds and an mid process of battling himself and saving the Unconcious Nadia behind her .
" Impressive , But useless none the less " Nox sneered as he drew apon his hatred , His loathing for the Jedi and the rest of the galaxy , his pain and anguish , Drawing apon his most painful memories as he prepared to unleash his attack at the barsenthor .
Thinking this would be another barrage of regular lightning , Letha raised her weapon , But was caught entirely unprepared at what was to come .
The cone of lightning to fork from Nox's fingers scorched the air , The ground and anything in between , The force screeched in agony at the torrent of red lightning .
As the lightning reached the barsenthor , The initial assault forced her back several feet as she slid , Her lightsaber wavering as her arms shook .
With her lightsaber wavering , Nox ramped up the intensity of his blast , The lightning now assaulting everything Infront of him as it spread over the lands behind the barsenthor and her apprentice being protected by her master .
Anything behind started to melt , Iokath and republic forces lost their lives as the lightning blast surged and washed over all .
And still the barsenthor stood , Arms shaking as she leant her head back as far from her own lightsaber as possible , The fountain of her lightsaber turning against her as she struggled to stop her own weapon .
The eery glow of Nox's eyes , Visible through the lenses of his mask casting his hatred onto those he held in contempt , Held the barsenthor with contempt as he willed her to die .
Her hair burnt under the blade of her own weapon , Her desperation clearly visible on her face as she was assaulted by the hatred , His masterfully controlled emotions assaulting her , The unlimited well of his anger , His loathing and hatred was felt by her , Withering at her , tearing at her resolve and her very soul .
And in the end , She was powerless before the entity ahead of her , Her lightsaber failed and exploded in her grasp , Her screams echoes over the land as she was struck by the assault of hatred , Her connection to the force weakening with each strike to singe her body .
And by the time she collapsed , Was reduced to a shadow of who she was beforehand , Flesh scorched , Hair nearly entirely burnt from her body , and worst of all , Her connection tot he force was shattered ,It could potentially be healed but it would never be what it once was .
Her apprentice sustaining critical injuries , Unconcious as she lay behind her master .
And like a vengeful god , Nox approached , Looking down at the two barely surviving Jedi , The two surviving knights had collapsed to their knees in surrender as he all but ignored them .
Letha looked up with wheezing breaths as Nox removed his mask , Black locks sliding from within his mask as his molten yellow eyes pinned her to the ground , The miralukan able to perceive the hatred washing off of her once comrade .
" Please ... let her live " Letha barely breathed as Nox knelt down to her , Running a hand over her now scarred head , The burning flesh hot under his touch .
" You have nothing to worry about , You shall both live ... as my charges "
With Nox's words , Letha's vision bled to black as she was rendered unconscious .
Nox stood up and re-equipped his mask , Knights of Zakuul approaching and awaiting orders .
" Stabilise them , Then imprison them on my flagship " Nox ordered before leaving to finish the rest of the battle's raging across the surface of Iokath .
THE PRESENT
Nox opened his eyes to the dimly lit room of his office , Pulling back from the veil of the force as he let his visions fade .
The sounds of speeders and other vehicles flying by in the distance brought his attention to the balcony before he looked towards one of the four relics held within their cases .
With a twist of his hand , The broken handle within the case disappearing , And with a grasping motion the shattered sword hilt appeared within his grasp .
The hilt of the shattered war blade still bleeding the dark arcane energies which he had once twisted the force with in ancient times .
He couldn't help the smirk that came to his face , Remembering and relishing the pure black blade with lime green energies bleeding from the middle of the blade with runic inscriptions running down the flat of the blade , Plunging the weapon through the chest of his enemies as he consumed their life force , Their screams running through his mind , Their suffering and torment felt even after the thousands of years which had passed .
Running what little remained of the blade itself across the open palm of his hand , The blade seperating the flesh of his palm , Tearing through the muscle until it impact the bone within .
With a small smirk , Nox removed the weapon , Blood gushing down the length of his arm as he held it up .
Nox ignored this as the hilt once more vanished from his other hand , Appearing situated once more on the padding within the display case as if it was never disturbed .
Laying back into his chair , Nox relished the pain he was afforded for a few moments before the gash apon his palm rapidly knitted itself back together .
With a sigh Nox let his arm drop to the side , The only hint of the gash ever existing being the drying blood coating his palm and arm .
With a hiss the door to the room opened and in walked Vaylin , Her hair down beside her head as she wore a black gown , Small smile on her lips as she regarded his with molten golden eyes .
Slowly she approached before reaching down , Grabbing his arm before guiding him towards his room .
No words were exchanged as Nox let himself be guided by the woman whom loved him .
The knights remained in their positions , Dutifully guarding their emperor as he passed .
Turning a corner , The door to his room opened as Vaylin brought him to his bed before gently pushing him down .
" Let's forget about our troubles for abit " Vaylin purred as she shrugged her gown off and lowered herself onto her lover .
THE NEXT DAY
The sun rose over the kaldani spires along with the rest of the city district of coruscant , The senate was full of activity , Crime ran amok in the undercity as always while many masters and knights were up and doing their duties within the Jedi temple .
Kanya looked down at Anakin as he sat with the rest of his clan within one of the many training rooms within the temple , The clan locally known as the bear clan which was often guided by master Yoda himself .
Leaning on the railing to observe , She watched as the group of younglings rose from the ground and pulled out their sabers under Yoda's keen eye .
Watching proudly as Anakin excelled in his training , Blocking and deflecting and bolts sent his way from the combat remote .
However her smile soon began to shrink as her brow knitted , Watching as many other initiates withdrew , Whispers beginning to be traded between each of the children , Whispers of the chosen one or slave were caught in her ears .
The force became awash in her anger at his treatment , Her roiling emotions palpable in the force as Yoda stumbled for a second along with his ears drooping .
" You might begin to scare the knights if you get any angier " The voice of Qui-gon announced his arrival as she turned to look at him slightly from the railing .
" Why don't you stop it " Kanya asked with a barely with held sneer as the railing warped under her grip .
" They're children , It's a sad fact but they'll learn eventually " Qui-gon attempted to sooth as Kanya shook her head .
" So one child is the target of all their insecurities , Is there always a target " Kanya asked , Growling under her breath as Qui-gon looked down towards the training , many do the initiates taking on a second attempt against the training remotes .
" Many of the children grew up here , they don't understand the outside world , Anakin in something new to them , They must adjust as he must adjust as well , But yes ... there are the occasional ostracised , As there are with any group " Qui-gon replied as Kanya shook her head to try and sooth her building wrath .
" There shouldn't be , For the reputation the Jedi have , I would've thought even the initiates would be better , Isn't this part of what it means to be a jedi " Kanya retorted as Qui-gon nodded .
" There is no ignorance , There is knowledge , Wasn't that a part of your code , they seem pretty ignorant to me " Kanya picked at the code as Qui-gon raised an eyebrow .
" You know the Jedi code " Qui-gon asked as Kanya nodded .
" Of course , It's common knowledge " Kanya replied without answering further , Causing Qui-gon to ponder her words , easily seeing her deflection .
" He misses you , you know " Qui-gon stated to which Kanya nodded.
" I know ... and I ... we miss him too ... but it's best for him to be here " Kanya replied , In all honesty she didn't know why father couldn't train Anakin himself , But she had faith in him , And if he saw anakin's future here she wouldn't question it unless absolutely necessary .
Feeling her vision waver , Kanya turned her head to the far end of the corridor , Spying what appeared to be a person spying her from around the wall in a manner that showed inexperience . What drew her curiosity however was the fact they were garbed in the robes of a tusken raider .
" Is that a tusken raider " Kanya asked as Qui-gon looked and spied the boy Watching them .
" Ahh I believe the is Jedi master ki-adi-mundi's new apprentice asharad hett . his father was a Jedi but left to be a tusken , He was recently found after his father's death " Qui-gon told Kanya as the girl gazed towards the red lenses of the teens mask " I hope you don't hold it against him "
" It is not my place to judge someone based on how they were raised nor for what they believe in " Kanya replied as she placed her attention back on Anakin .
" Ahh it appears they're wrapping up their practice " Qui-gon announced as Kanya watched that indeed Yoda was finishing their training for the moment .
" The if you'll excuse me , I have a little brother to cheer up " Kanya abruptly turned as departed , Her dark robes obscuring her legs as she passed the tusken Jedi , Making eye contact for a moments , Eyes connecting with lenses before she continued on down the stairs .
Qui-gon watched her leave with a small frown before he himself leant over the railing .
" knight Obi-Wan was right , she does have a temper " dooku slowly walked up behind Qui-gon after Kanya's departure.
" oh yes I've seen it before , it's a shame we didn't find her when she was younger , We're too late ... far too late " Qui-gon told dooku , Watching Kanya approach Yoda Anakin .
" I can sense her anger , I believe everyone can " Dooku ran a finger through his beard as he spied the woman " I can also sense she isn't tethered to the light , Do you have any idea why "
" She was raised under another order of force sensitive beings , Apparently they use the force for justice ... thats almost all we know about them and the council is curious " Qui-gon told dooku as the aged man watched Kanya place her hand on anakin's shoulder and guide him away .
" Truly ... and we haven't attempted to make contact with them " Dooku asked as Qui-gon shook his head " Are you sure they aren't aligned with those closer to the Sith "
" It is plausible , but I don't believe so , The council wants to know more before they attempt to make contact , and decide what they should do about this ... other order , We don't even know where they reside " Qui-gon replied as dooku nodded .
" But that's not what worries you " Dooku implied as Qui-gon sighed .
" Their mother holds a rather low amount of midichlorion cells , But they're both higher than anyone ever recorded , Albeit Anakin has more , But not by much , I believe him to be the prophesied chosen one , To being balance to the force " Qui-gon informed dooku as the man looked troubled .
" let us take this to more comfortable arrangements where we can discuss properly " Dooku instructed as he lead Qui-gon away for a long needed conversation between master and apprentice .
WITH HK-51 - ORD MANTELL
Slinging his rifle onto his back , HK felt the stolen freighter enter the atmosphere .
" We touchdown in two minutes " Aurra called from the cockpit as she guided the ship towards a landing platform .
The golden form of HK checked over his munitions for all of his weapons before walking towards the cockpit , Entering and watching as the ship rapidly approached the ground .
SURFACE
Aurra watched HK as the droid used it's scomp link within its wrist to track their target .
Over the last few weeks , Aurra had seen the ruthless efficiency at which the droid hunted , It's lack of care and willingness to cause bodily harm to not only its target but any that got in its way , Organic or not .
' The perfect hunter in the making ' Aurra thought as HK perked up , Retracted his scomp link and turned to her .
" The targets most recent location has been found " HK told Aurra as she smirked at his efficiency .
" What are you waiting for sugar , Let's get going " Aurra purred as the droid turned and made to leave the hanger they landed in .
" Affirmation , We have a target to hunt " HK replied as the doors closed shut behind the duo .
Spying the settlement they found themselves in , HK took note of the common species and residents , The local fauna and layout of the planets settlements .
" So where do we start " Aurra asked as HK began to move through the streets .
" There is a presence of pirates situated on the planet , A common meeting place appears to be a bar a short distance away , We can ... persuade them to give us our queries location " HK informed the Peruvian as she nodded , Quickly lookout towards a reflective surface and altering her outfit slightly , Adjusting her breasts in the form fitting outfit and tightening it slightly around the rest of her body .
" Question , Why do you do that " HK asked as he waited for Aurra to finish .
" Most men can't resist a pretty face " Aurra told the droid as it tilted its head slightly .
" Affirmation , from my own previous encounters it would appear there is some merit to your tactic , please wait here a moment " HK finished before walking back towards the hanger they came from before disappearing from view .
Aurra sighed as she rubbed her brow , Leaning against the wall as she sides to humour the droid and waited for it to return .
" Hello there " Aurra ignored the chirpy voice to appear at her side , Waiting for HK to return .
" Excuse me " The teenage voice waved Infront of Aurra , A teenage twilek with a doe eyed look leaping Infront of Aurra .
" I said excuse me " The twilek pouted as she folded her arms under her bust , A rather skimpy short shirt and tight fitting shorts covering the smooth supple skin of the exotic creature .
" Beat it kid I don't have time for you " The Peruvian dismissed as the twilek smirked .
" Confirmation, Alteration success " The wind left aurra's lungs as she turned to the now expressionless droid , The same doe eyed look still on its face .
" HK is that you " Aurra asked as she ran her hand along the twileks stomach , Shaking her head as she felt what she perceived to be real flesh under her fingers .
" Affirmative " The twilek's eyes shone deep red as HKs Sinister voice escaped the teens mouth .
" What the " Aurra began as she stared at the twilek woman she found herself across from " How did you do that "
" As an assassination unit , I am competent in infiltration , stealth , Counter intelligence , combat and acting , My master reconstructed my body into a more ... capable model , Able to take on the form of any I wish to impersonate through alterations to my chassis , sophisticated holographics alongside the simulated feeling of skin through contact with any part of me and pheromones ejected from my form " HK told the Peruvian in a high pitch female voice of a young woman with a partial accent who stopped and stared at the droid in genuine surprise and what appeared to be partial fear .
" Just abit capable " Aurra mumbled as she and HK began to walk once more , the Peruvian now taller than the altered droid , However she had no doubt that the droid could still crush her neck with two of its fingers " Why a twilek "
" I have taken this particular form due to the tastes of many individuals I have encountered in the past , An exotic form meant to attract the eye of those we seek , Supple features suggest an adequate mate for any who are looking " HK told the woman who squinted slightly , Taking note of the eyes they were attracting due to the droid taking on such an appearance .
" Let's get going before we draw alittle too much attention " Aurra whispered as HK took her hand , Bounced on the spot and ran towards the bar . The Peruvian still surprised at the authentic feeling of the hand touching her .
" Let's get going " The soft voice to escape the disguised droid throwing her for a loop as they trudged through the mud of Ord mantell .
" The droid makes a better woman than I do " Aurra pouted as she watched droid drink an alcoholic beverage from the bar tender , Tapping EHR feet against the ground and shaking her hands next to her head and releasing a high pitched squeal .
" Its Soo good " The twilek look alike purred before taking another sip .
" Damn " The Peruvian heard a blue theelin mutter as the man gazed towards the HK unit , Taking a swig of his drink , Standing and making his way to the droid sitting at the bar .
Aurra practically gnashed her teeth together at the attention the droid was drawing , easily affecting the denizens of the bar , Having already rejected three men who had approached her .
" What's it about that ... thing that draws them to her " Aurra uttered as she heard a chuckle from an older woman .
" Its innocence dear , I think these bad boys want a nice sweet good girl to come home to , To love them and treat them good , Half the men here are desperate , She's perfect for them " An aged female phindian told Aurra who sighed and sank into her seat , Fingering her lightsaber from her time before a bounty hunter under the table .
" Yours is a face I didn't expect to see again " Aurra perked up as she spied a weequay male enter the bar followed by six of his men .
" Hondo you son of a bitch what are you doing here " Aurra smiled as the weequay sat across from her , Spreading out into the cheer and slinking down .
" Why else , I have business here , Money to make " Hondo cheered as Aurra nodded before Hondo yelled out for two drinks .
" What a coincidence I am too " Aurra replied as Hondo handed her the second drink , Looking towards HK whom was now surrounded by hondo's men who were interested in bedding the twilek before downing her drink .
" you don't say , How about we double those profits , I've seen how effective you are , We work together , I get my money and you can take whatever you want " Hondo propositioned as Aurra thought on it .
" What are you after " Aurra asked as Hondo leant forward .
" Some guy named sill stole some ... supplies from me , Gotta get it back " Hondo answered while Aurra couldn't believe her luck , the very target they were after was also being hunted down by Hondo , Whom she thought would have a good idea of where the slime ball was .
With a small chuckle , Aurra let loose a small whistle , The twilek at the bar swivelling to her direction before bumbling past hondo's troop and placing herself down next to her .
" And who's this " Hondo asked as he overlooked the innocent looking twilek .
" This is my partner , She'll help us " Aurra ran a hand down the innocent twileks lekku as the twilek purred under her touch .
" If you say so , Now why don't we get down to business , MEN ... I SMELL CREDITS " Hondo cheered as he marched out of the bar with his men in toe .
" Is there something wrong with her " Hondo whispered to Aurra as they sat in the large land speeder , Looking at The twilek disguised HK unit .
Aurra herself shook her head as the men still tried to get the droids attention .
" Just let it be , She'll be back to ... normal soon " Aurra replied as her hair flew behind her head from the wind around them " How far are we "
" We'll be arriving shortly " Hondo replied as as he lifted his blaster and quickly began to inspect it .
Aurra began to inspect her own rifle as she discreetly observed the HK unit sitting in silence .
' Odd ' aurra thought as the HK unit turned to look at her in the guise of the twilek , Peering at her before silently turning back to facing the bunker far ahead they were about to breach.
With the speeder approaching rapidly , The thugs alongside Hondo and Aurra prepared for the assault .
" May i borrow your lightsaber " HK asked into eh twileks voice as Aurra turned to the droid .
" I expect it back " Aurra replied as she handed the disguised droid her lightsaber , A raised eyebrow at why it would ask for such a thing but trusting it enough to return her possession .
" Naturally " The droid stood and took on a leaping position as they rapidly approached their target .
Taking aim with her rifle , Aurra fire at the first target she spied with her rifle , Sinking the bolt into the man's head before taking aim at the second target leasing up the hill of the bunker .
Blaster fire soon followed as the six remaining enemies stood outside and took fire apon them .
Activating aurra's blood red lightsaber , Swinging the lightsaber , Striking any bolts that veered in it's direction , the bolts being either rebound or striking the rocks beside the speeder .
By the time they reached the bunker , Three out of the remaining six targets had been reduced to three , Slowing the appended to a stop , Hondo and his men took cover behind the speeder whilst the disguised HK unit leapt into the air , In a surprising show of agility , Somersaulting through the air before landing on its feet before speeding across the ground , Body low as it sprinted at its nearest target .
Aurra and Hondo wanted with raised eyebrows as the unit leapt to the side , Dodging a bolt before swinging and swiping through the first targets stomach , Seperating the thug in half before leaping at the second , The ground below the limber twilek exploding away from the small figures footing .
And with a second leap into the air , The twilek perform a corkscrew mid air over the second opponent , Becoming and essential turbine as she passed , Rendering the second thug deceased before the twilek hit the ground in a solid thud before simply tossing the lightsaber through the final targets chest .
" You've got one hell of a partner " Hondo chuckled as his men cheered at the twileks success , Holding the weapons over their heads and firing in cheers while the twilek approached .
" Why don't we check out inside " The twilek smiled as the men clambered to go with her as she turned and strode to the bunker built into the face of a mountain .
With the entrance cleared , Aurra , HK and Hondo began to explore the bunker with his men , The distinct lack of personnel within the facility raising the Peruvian's suspicions .
With everyone meeting back in the central chamber , Hondo motioned for his men to stop while the bounty hunter strode forward .
" Is this good enough " Hondo asked out loud as the Peruvian stopped and turned .
" excuse me " Aurra asked , Noticing Hondo's gaze upwards , And with the following of his sight laid eyes on their target . A large sickly green houk with beedy eyes .
" You double crossed us " Aurra growled as the twilek stood still and silent , Gazing at the wall in silence .
" Hey , He paid us enough to keep any bounty hunter off his tail , Nothing personal it's just business " Hondo replied as he held his blaster at them " You can just leave "
Knowing the droid no longer held a weapon , She hefted her weapon and pointed right at hondo's head .
" Just business " Aurra growled before pulling the trigger , Hondo himself barely dodging while his men opened fire , Aurra and HK taking cover behind two large crates situated against the wall .
" DEAL WITH IS HONDO OR YOU WON'T BE GETTING YOUR PAY " The houk yelled out as Hondo growled , Motioning his men forward .
" I'm sorry , you're hot but money is my love " Hondo mumbled under breath as two of his men took their chances and ran forward .
The men were caught off guard as they found their neck grasped by the unholy grip of the little twilek , Lifted from their feet before being slammed into the ground , Their heads exploding under the pressure before HK began to use one of their bodies as a meat shield , Coming out of cover and beginning to march at the pirate crew with a blaster in its other hand .
With each step the twilek took , Hondo grew more desperate as his men began to focus fire on their now dead comrade , Burning through his clothing and eventual skin , Stomach falling out alongside the rest of his organs as he began to melt .
" Fuck it " Hondo growled as he grabbed one of his larger men , Taking the rocket launcher from the less than intelligent man's back , taking aim before firing apon the small approaching woman .
aurra lowered her rifle as she observed the large cloud of smoke and fire obscuring the twilek .
" Don't be dead " She muttered while Hondo fell back , His men looking sombre while the houk cheered internally .
The sound of a scrape drew the pirate crews attention however , The warped and twisted growl flowing from the dark smoke followed by the glow of two demonic eyes .
Hondo watched the eyes rise to a level taller than even he stood as his men began to panic and open fire at whatever was obscured within the smoke .
The first to die was to hondo's immediate right as the skull for their comrade shot from the smoke and struck the human pirate in the face , Cratering the man's face inward as his brain matter burst from his ears .
The horror to step from the smoke caused Hondo to shiver slightly as the droid burst forward , Clearing the distance between it and his group within half a second , The blaster bolts that hit it were shrugged off as they were absorbed into its chassis .
With a kick to another weequay's chest , The man was folded in half and crushed under foot while the last two of the pirates had their heads torn from their bodies by a swipe of HK's hand .
With a beating heart , Hondo dropped his blaster to the ground , Sinking to his knees as HK approached .
" Let him live , We've got our target " HK looked up at the houk , Aurra standing behind the beast with her blaster to his head while Hondo let loose a breath He didn't know he was holding and fell onto his back .
" Gal ... I think I love you " Hondo mumbled as he breathed in and out , Before being hefted up onto the hulking droids shoulder .
" Now then , we got a bounty to pay , Don't resist or you'll be promoted to deceased via my friend down there " Aurra whispered as the guided the houk out of the overseers office via the corridor she had arrived through in the fiasco .
" Let's go " Aurra stated as they took both Hondo and sill back towards the spaceport .
WITH NOX AND VAYLIN - IOKATH - DAYS LATER
Vaylin stood next to Nox as they stood in the elevator , Heading down towards the arena , His sith cultist helm held under his left arm .
" Are you prepared " Nox asked as he looked to Vaylin who nodded and fumbled her lightsaber .
" Very good " Nox smiled lightly as the lightsaber hissed open " Let's get this started , Nox stated as he placed the helmet over his head and walked towards the centre of the arena .
" Remember what happened with Kanya " Nox offered as he activated his screaming weapon and swung it a few times.
" Don't worry , I'm not some weak child coming into her power " Vaylin replied as she activated her yellow bladed weapon , Lightning sparking around the black tattoos on her arms .
" Begin " Nox uttered as lightning surged across the blade before he swung the blade , The arc of lightning surging from the blade in the same manner it did long ago , Scorching the ground and tearing and losses panels from the place while there were sent flying away .
Leaping over the arc of lightning with a somersault , Nimbly landing on her feet she surged forward , speeding towards her opponent who took on his opening stance , Lightsaber in his right hand pointed away from his body towards the ground .
As vaylin was apon she opponent , She jabbed at Nox's stomach knowing her wouldn't be harmed by such a feeble attack .
Her intuition was proven right as he dodged to the right , Swiping his lightsaber up , Knocking her lightsaber away before bringing his own weapon down to slice her in half .
Vaylin herself widened her eyes , Barely managing to contort herself out of the blades path and away from Nox by a foot .
Nox himself jabbed forward slightly without overextending ,Vaylin blocking the jab before pushing it to her right .
Nox , before Vaylin could comprehend , Reached under her arm , Pulling it forward and out of the joint before sliding his hand to encapture vaylin's own, Squeezing her hand with his inhuman strength as a loud crunch was audible to the ears forcing her to let go of her lightsaber as she held her tongue not to scream at the pain , All of this before being jabbed in the stomach by Nox's palm knocking the breath out of her and forcing her to slide across the ground .
" Focus Vaylin " Nox instructed as he and Vaylin began to move in a circle " If you feel pain, Embrace it , Enslave it "
Rolling up the sleeves to her outift , revealing the intricate black tattoos on her arms , Vaylin made use of the force healing techniques she knew to rejuvenate her crushed hand , Popping assaulting her ears as her joints realigned themselves .
" Good " Nox complimented as Vaylin smiled slightly before leaning forward , Pulling her weapon back into her hand through the force , the weapon activating with a snap hiss .
She took a few moments to collect herself before using her right foot to propel herself at her opponent , Her lightsaber facing the ground as it tore across the ground .
Nox himself waited for Vaylin to re-engage in their duel , Re-entering his lightsaber stance as the woman who held feelings for him ran towards him .
As she neared , Vaylin snapped her arm up , Lightsaber carving up wards in a diagonal arc as she leant toward his , Nox himself evaded by leaning to the right at a sixty degree angle while stepping past her , Curving around her while he slammed his leg against vaylin's forward right let , Taking it out from under her as she lost her balance and crumbled to the ground .
" You need to be more fluid , You're rigid , You need to observe your opponent , Open yourself to the force , Let it guide you , See what you're opponent will do and prepare for it " Nox once more instructed as he allowed Vaylin to rise to her feet once more .
" Are you ready to take this seriously " Nox asked as the woman across from him breathed heavily " Use everything that you've learnt , Control yourself , Become your own master , Control your power , Break the boundaries you've placed apon yourself , do all this and only then will you be the master of your own fate "
Slowing her breathing , Clutching her lightsaber as her arms shook .
" I... " Vaylin clenched her teeth as her shaking became more violent .
" I am ... " Nox reactivated his lightsaber , Drawing apon the force as he lowered and prepared himself .
" I have no boundaries " Vaylin bit as her molten gold eyes melted away as an intense purple light shone in their place .
" Then prove it " Nox provoked as his own eyes shifted to star flecked black , The silhouette of a purple iris shimmering , attempting to surface and unleash the unseen terror he truly was swimming beneath the surface , He however bit down apon the sheer world shattering power that threatened to wash over everything around him , And in doing so the shimmering intense purple iris's faded away into the black eyes of the entity they belonged to .
" I will " Vaylin spat as she crouched before shooting forward in a blur , Leaving an afterimage in her place as she appeared Infront of Nox .
Nox beheld Vaylin with another small smile as she swiped down at his shoulder , Whilst at the same time Nox brought his lightsaber up into a block .
Their lightsabers clashed in a violent light for a single second before Vaylin whirled around Nox , The air parting violently at the velocity at which she moved .
With the smile never faltering , Nox blocked her severing strike by spinning , His features a complete blur to anyone who would have seen while moving his forearm into the path of the Saber .
As Vaylin's lightsaber struck his guarding forearm , Almost instantaneously her lightsaber fizzled and spat as the blade receded .
" Did it slip your mind my under armour incorporates a body wide cortosis weave , You're not piercing it with your lightsaber " Nox told the woman who scowled , Before she curled in on herself to let out a colosseum shaking scream .
Nox shook his head for a split second as his senses cleared , Only to find himself on the receiving end of a particularly potent force push from the high justice .
Keeping his smirk , Nox let himself be carried off his feet as the force push slammed into him , The emperor being carried to the far side of the Colosseum before being sent through into one of the buildings many hallways .
Vaylin lowered her arms as she continued to draw the force to her aid , Knowing very well this duel was by no means anywhere near ended .
" Gooooood " A Sinister voice , Barely recognisable as it grated against the inside of Vaylin's ears , The Sinister undertone chilling her as black mist like material bled from the hole she had made in the wall .
Nox stepped through the the hole in the wall as he shook shards of steel from his body .
" Very good " Nox chuckled as Vaylin shook her head , The mist coalesced around Nox and began to form into eight tendril like formations of eldritch like proportions from the cloud that surrounded the entity using the horrific ability , Coalescing over the man's shoulder blades all the way down to the small of his back and along the backs of Nox's Arms until they finished at the tips of his fingers , Covering the ancient entity like a third layer of armour .
With an unnoticed twitch of Nox's pointer finger , The tendrils burst forward in unprecedented speed , many slamming into the ground , Leaving trenches as they gouged through the steel or rebound off each other in an attempt to ensnare Vaylin.
With the tendrils nearly reaching her , Vaylin , In a panic raised her hand and released a force push at the incoming attack .
The two attacks met in the middle , The tendrils slapping into the force push as the push washed over and forced the tendrils to veer off course for a few moments .
Nox continued to chuckle as with a simple mental command , The tendrils altered their course to be back on target , Seperating in the air to surround the female .
Vaylin sprung backward into a series of flips , Narrowly avoiding the tendrils that slammed into her previous position , Puncturing the ground , She was not safe however as one of the eight tendrils elongated to an impossible degree , Burrowing through the steel floor before bursting through the ground behind Vaylin , Distracting the woman as the tendril's end sharpened and attempted to spear the woman .
With her attention drawn one of the remain seven tendrils , Instead of pulling itself from the ground simply seperated itself from what was left in the surface in the steel before moving in a wide arc to swipe the woman .
With widening eyes , Vaylin snapped her arms outward , A pale shield erecting around her as the first impacted the front of the shield and digging into the ground while the second one bat her to the side , The woman sliding across the ground but otherwise unharmed .
" You're doing good , Keep it up " Nox announced while the eight black tendrils slowly slithered back to surround Nox like spider legs .
Calming herself as a wave of malevolent energy washed over her , Vaylin's arms became covered in whitish blue lightning , Erupting from her finger tips as her hatred permeated the surrounding atmosphere , Using her raw emotion to fuel her attacks .
Raising her hands as the lightning slowly became more and more violent within her hands , a bluish shield materialised around the woman as her lightning began to surge from her body and surround her in a vortex of horrid energy , Tearing the ground around her asunder , The steel slabs circling her as both protection and a method of attack .
" Show me your resolve , Show me how much you've grown " Nox whispered as he watched Vaylin's force maelstrom expand , Washing over him as he stood and weathered what was to come , Watching as the maelstrom stopped as it covered the surface of the colosseum .
With a large portion of the colosseum now swirling around the woman , She willed the panels to fly at her opponent .
Nox crossed his arms over his chest , The black mist like material on the back of his arms joining together Infront of him while the serpentine like tendrils crossover over each other Infront of the emperor to protect him from the incoming projectiles .
Vaylin watched with bated breaths as the metal slabs were eradicated by simply touching the serpentine extremities .
" Better not let those touch me " Vaylin uttered as the lightning within the colosseum intensified tenfold , The forefront of her hatred , Sadness and anguish rolling off of her in waves .
Arcs of lightning struck at Nox and his summoned dark side tendrils , Attempting to fry him and his defence under the hate manifest .
" There are few things you shouldn't ever do to a sorcerer such as myself , Using lightning let alone heating the molecules in the air is a bad idea , Let me show you " It came out a simple low words , But carried enough to reach vaylin's ears .
And with another flick of Nox's fingers , The atmosphere was lit ablaze in a colossal explosion that ruptured the surface for miles .
Anyone with a viewport currently aboard the Subjugation flying over the surface of Iokath were drawn to the flash , Knights feeling the combatants through the force.
As the explosion settled , Vaylin coughed as her shield fell , The woman collapsing to the only non scorched place in the colosseum .
Nox's armour sizzled after redirecting the heat away from himself , The serpentine tendrils hovering in a sedated manor next to their creator .
" What ... did you do " Vaylin asked as she welcomed the oxygen that flooded the colosseum .
" With your storm going on around us , It was easier and far quicker to make than it usually world be , with your lightning causing the molecules within the air to react , I used this to rapidly force them to rupture and generate heat , And with the sheer size of the storm , Resulted in alot of fuel , And a very big bomb at my disposal " Nox told the woman whom once more dragged herself to her feet , Absorbing the knowledge offered to her and committing it to memory .
" As impressive as always ... but I'm ... not done yet " Vaylin bolted to her feet as a dark sphere of hatred manifest appeared before her before forcing the bolt to surge at it's target .
" So you know Sutta Chwituskask huh " Nox commented as he outstretched him hand to absorb the attack with tutaminus .
Whilst absorbing the attack , Nox redirected his focus to Vaylin , Observing her as he watched her reach out and grasp something with the force .
" What's your play " Nox wandered as he waited to see the result of her actions , The woman now grasping with both hands while dragged them towards her chest .
" Witness me " Vaylin mumbled as she faced her palms towards the ground before she let go of whatever she was holding , Quickly grasping the floor around her , Warping the charred steel into a dome to surround herself with , And within that she once more erected a force shield to project herself .
Squinting from side to side , Nox noticed no difference in his surroundings .
" So that only leaves " Nox thought aloud as he looked up and chuckled at what he could see .
Far up above , on the far side of the colossal dyson sphere , A portion of the far surface was falling in his direction .
And since Iokath was a massive dyson sphere surrounding a star , the construct was a titan in size , Many times the size of a planet or even a great deal of stars .
Since Iokath was the birthplace of the eternal fleet , It also doubled as the shipyard in-charge of constructing more of the dangerous vessels .
These vessels , Which were in the middle of their construction , Were vaylin's targets , Who herself was now shielding herself through the a multi layered force shield .
" So that's your play huh " Nox observed as Vaylin used sheets from around the colosseum to create another layer of shielding around her , fusing the sheets together through her use of the force in her bid for protection .
" A good move , But no quite enough " Nox mumbled as he raised his hands outwards with red lightning beginning to spark along his appendages .
" Interesting , Artificial atmosphere monitoring systems indicate anomalies around the colosseum , Begin analysis " Scorpio regarded as she stared at the corresponding location from the bridge of the subjugation which hovered and observed form afar as black clouds began to materialise around the colosseum .
Arms raised to the side as he slowly began to levitate off of the ground .
Nox observed the incoming five ships as they tumbled towards his position .
With a guttoral growl resonating within his throat , Lightning forked from his hands and struck the clouds .
These same clouds violently churning as they began to circle the colosseum , Lightning appearing from within the storm clouds as the bursts exploded violently .
With the guidance of Nox , The clouds began to rise and contort in an impossible degree .
Lightning still leaping from his fingers , The howling of the winds and screech of lightning assaulted his ears as he looked up through the eye of the storm .
As the first of the falling ships entered the black tunnel of clouds .
Increasing the intensity of the lightning , Nox watch in satisfaction as the first ship was torn apart by the vortex Nox created .
The first ship began to contort and shift under the barrage of lightning , Pieces being torn from the vessel .
And with a particularly violent burst of lightning , Singeing through the plating of the ship before being split in half , Explosions throughout the vessel signified it's end as the vessel blew up in a colossal eruption of energy as shrapnel splintered the surroundings .
Scorpio watched as the black cloud like vortex twisted and turned to swallow the second , third and forth ship followed by the fifth.
As the fifth ship was swallowed , Scorpio watched with interest as the maw of the great cloud twisted and collapsed into itself at its end .
" Magnificent " Scorpio remarked as she watched the first ship explode , Visible from the outside as it's silhouette Shon for a scant few seconds .
Armoured plates fell to the ground surrounding Nox as what remained of the first ship showered the surroundings as the remaining four ships were assaulted by the storm .
' Now ' Nox thought as the vortex grew exponentially more powerful , Tearing the remaining ships asunder within moments , The lightning so powerful the erratic bursts tore straight the the hull , Melting the vessels before exploding after a few small moments of exposure to the suddenly exponentially more powerful force storm .
It took moments , moments to tear the fleet vessels apart in their entirety as what remained fell were either destroyed afterwards or fell to the ground harmlessly around Nox.
Lowering his arms as he slowly fell to the ground , The vortex around the colosseum bleeding away into whisps of energy after mere moments .
With shards and shrapnel still falling from the sky , Impacting his force shield and harmless bouncing off , Nox made his way to the bunkered Vaylin .
Reaching out with a grasping motion before pulling his arm back , A hole being torn from the side of the shell as Vaylin was torn from within , Flying through the air before halting to a stop Infront of Nox , Her movements restricted as her arms were bound to her side .
" I believe I win " Nox announced as Vaylin , Exhausted and out of options slowly nodded , being dropped Vaylin onto the the ground harmlessly , Coughing and hacking as she lay " You did good , And in time , You'll only get more powerful"
" I could've done ... more " Vaylin replied slowly as she rose from the ground as she welcomed her breath.
" You could have yes , But you might have failed or been injured by your own abilities , You've only now obtained a new grasp of how to use the force , Caution is the best course of action . Now come , We must depart for naboo immediately " Nox offered a hand to the woman whom accepted it with a small smile , His words of advice readily accepted as he guided her through the fallen debris surrounding them .
" Scorpio , Send out construction droids to clean up this mess " Nox ordered as droids spewed from within the bowels of Iokath to fix the mess the duo made .
TATOOINE - DAYS LATER
HK-51 stood Infront of the guild bondsman with his final query .
" How'd it go " The man asked as two goons came forward to collect the prize .
" Our target was originally on manaan , However after we arrived he fled planet to ord mantell where we followed him and detained him " Aurra relayed as the droid stood behind her , The pirate that accompanied them shifting slightly as he made himself as small as possible .
" None the less you aquired your fifth and final target , And I take it you vouch for him " The bondsman asked as aurra nodded " Then come forward "
" You must take the initiation test , A final hunt to say , Usually we would out you against something that'll rough you up , However Aurra speaks highly off you and we've heard word of an ... adversary making a ruskus around a very small towns out in the desert , Kill it , bring its heart to us and you'll pass " The bondsman announced as he handed HK the location to head to , the droid silently leaving while Aurra remained behind .
" You know what it is don't you " Aurra asked as the bondsman slowly looked at her .
" I might " He replied as Aurra leant forward , Showing a reasonable amount of flesh to the man .
" And " Aurra ran a hand along the man's arm as he gulped .
" Its ahh ... a krayt dragon " Aurra stood back up as she looked at the man with a troubled expression .
" Oh ... I see , Well we'll just wait here then " Aurra sat at the bar with Hondo .
" You aren't going to help or something " The bondsman asked as Aurra shook her head .
" I doubt we'd help much , Probably only get in the way , he'll be back soon I bet " Aurra chuckled as she was handled a drink , The bondsman simply letting out a tsk before turning away .
WITH NOX
Guiding the X-70 B through the atmosphere of Naboo , Vaylin lay comfortably on his bed within his quarters , Covered in nothing but his blanket as she slept .
Nox looked over the grassy plains of the peaceful planet , Flying low close to the ground as the grass parted under the ships flight path .
Looking over the plains , Nox was awarded the sight of a herd of large creatures with tiny heads fleeing from the flying vessel .
" What am I looking at " Nox asked out loud as his ships AI pinged and relayed an answer .
" Shaak , Native species of naboo , A bulbous mammalian creature with four legs and large blubber stores , Slow moving and generally harmless , Used by native farmers for meat and other useful resources " The female AI announced as Nox squinted .
Raising his eyebrows and parting his lips slightly , Nox leant forward on the control stick as the ship descended .
" Ahhhhh " Acting oblivious as a series of thuds were heard against the ships outer plating for a few moments before ascending back up to a minimum of twenty metres from the ground , A small smile playing on his lips as he continued onto theed while whistling a small tune .
Padme calmed herself as she sat in her throne , Listening to the council argue with each other as she drummed her hands against the armrest of her seat .
" Your majesty " Panaka whispered to Padme as she turned her head slightly .
" There is a ship of unknown design approaching , They're requesting permission to land " Panaka whispered as Padme smiled slightly .
" They have my permission to land , These are our guests after all " Padme replied in hushed tones as panaka nodded and relayed the queen's request .
" Understood " Panaka quickly excused himself and went to personally meet the arriving guests .
Appearing once more as the dignified emperor of Zakuul , Rather than an unstoppable force of nature with the temperament to fit , once more wearing the white emperor's mantle which once belonged to Valkorion before being remade and refitted for himself .
Nox's pitch black star flecked eyes shifted from black to white pupils with molten yellow iris's before the yellow shifted to its almost glowing blue with his hair slowly shifting itself into a more styled position .
" Better " Nox uttered as he turned from the mirror to look at the still sleeping Vaylin , Nox walked over and knelt down to the woman before running a hand through her hair .
" Rest well " Nox whispered before rising to his feet once more , Vaylin's lone right eye opening before she wet her lips and smiled .
" Come back soon " Vaylin blabbered out before immediately falling back into her sleep filled state as Nox chuckled and exited his quarters .
Panaka eyed the ship wearily , A make he'd never seen before , The obviously very expensive ship obviously had an armament equipped , Especially with its forward facing cannons embedded in the end of its wings .
Attempting to scan the ship proved to be a mistake as his cybernetics began to surge and malfunction before he stopped in his attempted task .
" What the hell was that " Panaka whispered as he held his head , Knowing very well that whatever had happened , Had originated from the ship .
Hearing the hissing of the ships ramp , Panaka attempted to compose himself as the ramp stopped lowering , Soon followed by the echoing footsteps of a lone individual descending the ramp .
The man descending the ramp made Panaka stand taller , The commanding presence alone bleeding from the man made Panaka almost refuse to meet the man's eye .
Panaka however was no push over as he barely hid his gulp as he made eye contact with the approaching individual , The almost unnatural eyes of the man scanning him , Observing everything he was all in the few seconds it took for the man to approach .
" Greetings your majesty , Allow me to introduce myself I am " Panaka began as he knelt to the man whom held his arms behind his back
" Captain Panaka of the nabuuian royal forces " The deep voice from the young man silencing Panaka .
" Its a pleasure , Now rise " The voice all but commanded as Panaka readily obeyed without question " You're as sufficient as I've been told , I am glad "
" I m honoured ser , Her majesty has asked my to accompany you to the throne room " Panaka informed as Nox nodded .
" That is acceptable , I believe it would be unwise to keep her majesty waiting , Shall we " Nox extended his arm as panaka nodded and began to lead the foreign emperor towards his queen .
Panaka observed the man beside him as the duo walked , Watching him peer occasionally at an artwork on the wall or some of the magnificent architecture that was the building itself .
The man never once seemed surprised , Not a twitch of his features , Set into a focussed look with tight features . The only tell he was interested in anything was the fact his gaze would linger on a certain object for a few moments before moving on .
Walking by a group of guards , Nox looked over each and every man and woman within the span of half a second before continuing on .
" Your guards have been taught well , But their armament leaves alittle to be desired " Nox opened as panaka once more regarded the man before lowering his head slightly .
" Before recently , There was barely any need for any armed forces , Our people are a peaceful lot , Our forces were more of a precaution against a small threat rather than fight against an invasion " Panaka stated , Observing as Nox's face contorted slightly , Right brow twitching and a flaring of the nostrils .
" Yes , An unfortunate event your people shouldn't have been subject to " The twitch of Nox's lip brought Panaka to the belief that the event greatly angered the man before him .
" But your majesty , Should we not be here for this meeting " The outspoken governer sio bibble tried to argue at the queen's dismissal , Looking towards the rest of the council as few of them nodded in agreement .
Hela Brandes stood next to her seat as sio voices his opinion , Watching the young queen intently as the young woman's face contorted slightly .
" This is not up for discussion governer , This is a personal meeting , The council is not needed " Padme replied as she put her foot down , Now allowing herself to be influenced by the others within the room .
" But your majesty , Would you not need us incase something important comes forward " Ruto graven pushed as Padme turned her scowl towards him .
" I am not changing my stance on this , Now leave me , I must prepare " Padme finished as she rose from her chair , Her word signifying the end of the small argument that had taken place .
" Forgive us your majesty , Please , Call for us if you need " Hela bowed , Motioning for the rest for the council to leave before she followed .
With the departure of the council , Padme stood beside the large paned window , Looking out towards the grassy planes below .
She didn't know how long she stood there for , Stuck within her own thoughts and worries , But after some time had passed , The main door opened , Causing Padme to turn to the entrance , Seeing Panaka guiding the ever familiar Nox towards her .
" Your majesty we have arrived " Panaka bowed as Padme smiled kindly at the captain .
" Thank you Panaka , And thank you your majesty for agreeing to this meeting " Padme bowed lightly to Nox as the man nodded slightly in response .
" Its my pleasure " Nox replied as Padme motioned towards one of the vacant seats within the room .
" Again , Thank you Panaka , Now please leave us " Padme dismissed the man as Nox Pat his shoulder while walking forward towards the seat nearest Padme's own .
" As you wish " Panaka stood and departed the room , Making sure to close the door as he left , Padme herself sighed , Rubbing her brow as she turned as took her seat once more .
" Long day " Nox observed as he sat comfortably into the fabric of his chair .
" Quite , It seems that whatever I try to do , I'm met with opposition and the process is just ... drawn out " Padme replied as Nox squinted at the young queen's words.
" They think you're young ... too young to make decisions of a magnitude that would change the planet on a large degree . Any ideas you make , They either can't see the benefits or mad they couldn't come up with said ideas themselves , That is ... atleast my experience with governmental bodies " Nox told the young queen who herself took on a troubled expression but saw the wisdom non the less .
" I guess you're right , That is why this meeting will not have their thoughts and opinions , Their hubris impeding our progress " Padme replied heatedly as Nox smirked , Sitting alittle straighter in his seat .
" Colour me Impressed your majesty . Doing what must be done regardless of your obstacles " Nox chuckled as Padme sunk into her chair , embarrassed at her small outburst " Now , Let's get down to business "
" Yes , Let's " Padme agreed as Nox sat up , Padme herself bringing out a data pad , Scrolling through the information held within with a solemn look .
" This ... this is my request " Nox took the datapad with a straight face as he read over the contents .
" just glossing over the details here , Point one , Incase of planetary or interplanetary foreign occupation , Threat to occupying monarch and or civilian , Insurgency , coupe d'etat , Eternal forces can be called apon and allowed to neutralize threatening forces and ensure the safety of all native personnel " Nox read out as he made eye contact with the solemn looking queen .
" I should say , Depending on the situation , Different approaches such as a covert operation or a full on occupation should the situation call for it may be needed , Do you accept this " Nox asked the teen as he looked at her , His gaze pinning the girl to her chair under the intensity of his eyes .
" Yes " Came her reply , Quick but resolute in her answer , ever firm in her beliefs she just hoped that whomever came next understood the actions she was taking today , For their people and their future society .
" Good , I can understand the weight on your shoulders , Having to make decisions that will have a lasting affect on not only your future , But the future of your people . But I can tell you now , The decision youre making is the right one " Nox consoled the young girl as she closed her eyes , Taking a deep breath as she listened .
" Hey , It's going to be okay " Nox leant forward as he noticed the fragile state of the queen , Gently cupping her hand small hand with his own and putting a kind look on his features while calming and comforting her through the force " You ready to continue "
Nodding her head , Steadying her breathing once more , Nox himself sat back into his chair and looked at the rest of what was held on the datapad .
" Okay , Now onto this second point "
TATOOINE
HK slammed down onto the heated rock of a large mountain overlooking what remained of a small settlement . His jetpack simmering as it slowly cooled down .
His eyes scanned the dunes below tracks left by the local tuskens and several other predator species .
" There you are , Prepare to be hunted " The HK unit quipped as he knelt down onto one knee , receptors tracing the unnatural shifts into he dunes due to the subterranean movements of his prey .
With the trail analysed , HK once more took to the skies as he ascended into the sky , Following the tracks in hopes of finding his target .
" Prepare to be eliminated you lowly lifeform "